Newcastle United arguably go into the Tyne-Wear Derby later today as the side expected to come up short.

Eddie Howe’s men have only won one Premier League away contest all season long, with their recent record in the Tyne-Wear Derby not raising the optimism levels, either, with the Magpies losing their last three visits to the Stadium of Light on the trot in league action.

Still, anything can happen in a one-off contest of this magnitude, with the form book going out the window the minute the 2pm kick-off gets underway.

Howe will hope his current batch of Newcastle stars can be seen as heroes come the full-time whistle, with Shola Ameobi still remembered fondly to this day at St James’ Park for all his memorable contributions in the Tyne-Wear Derby as a beloved fan’s favourite.

Ameobi's stunning record against Sunderland

Ameobi was never the most frightening goal machine presence for the Toon, with a respectable 79 goals put away from 398 total appearances, but he always seemed to be a man for the big occasion, especially when Sunderland came to town.

Indeed, from 16 career clashes against the Black Cats, the homegrown Newcastle attacker would manage to power home a clinical seven goals, with two of those coming way back in 2010 when the Chris Hughton-led outfit got the better of their main enemy 5-1.

Only ever on the losing side four times, as well, in the Tyne-Wear Derby, it was clear, whenever he played in the monumental game, that Ameobi knew of the critical importance of the match and what gaining a positive result could do for the Tyneside masses, having been on the books of Newcastle since 1997.

The academy talent turned senior star would even be branded a club “legend” by former boss Alan Pardew after he fired home another strike in the blockbuster showdown in 2012,

Perhaps, another homegrown diamond at Howe’s disposal could be ready to take the same game by storm later today, if he is thrown into the starting XI.

Newcastle's new Ameobi

The Nigerian attacker would first make his senior debut for the Magpies at the turn of the millennium, with Ameobi only 18 years of age when he was chucked into the first team fray versus Chelsea in 2000.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

With how long-standing his career on Tyneside turned out to be, it’s self-evident that he never looked back.

Lewis Miley has also been in and around the first team picture at St James’ Park under Howe from an extremely young age, with the energetic midfielder only 17 years of age himself when he was first handed first team opportunities in 2022.

He has also shown off a goalscoring edge on occasion that makes him even more comparable to Ameobi, as the teenage sensation headed home this effort last time out in the Champions League versus Bayer Leverkusen, from just 30 minutes of action, to gift his team a slender lead.

With a further ten goal contributions coming his way in senior action for Newcastle from 63 appearances, it’s clear that Miley is a talent that could become a well-established part of the Toon jigsaw in time, to reach the same crazy 398 game benchmark set by Ameobi before him.

Newcastle (senior team)

63

5 + 6

Newcastle U18s

32

4 + 3

Newcastle U21s

16

3 + 5

Miley’s energy and drive being added to the starting XI against Sunderland could be key as Newcastle attempt to pick up a rare win in the Derby, with “the next young English superstar”- as pundit Pat Nevin once glowingly labelled him – winning all 100% of his duels back in November in the Premier League against Everton, away from clinching another goal and an assist for his troubles.

Ameobi was, of course, known for always having something up his sleeve to get his team out of trouble on the big occasion with his feared goalscoring record, with Miley hopeful he can be Howe’s secret weapon, too, as a leggy Joelinton likely drops out of the freshness of the Englishman.

An entire team effort will be required for Newcastle to get over the line, but in big games, often a moment of magic can decide a contest, with Miley desperate to be Howe’s own Ameobi later on, if he’s picked.

Howe's "diamond" looks like another Guimaraes in the making at Newcastle

Eddie Howe has now found his next Bruno Guimaraes in the making in this Newcastle United youngster.

ByKelan Sarson 3 days ago

Richarlison took his tally for the season to seven goals in all competitions, per Sofascore, as Tottenham Hotspur beat Brentford 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Brazil international converted from close range after Xavi Simons, who scored the second goal in the match, put it on a plate for the striker with a ball across the box.

Despite a return of six goals and two assists in nine starts in the Premier League for Richarlison, though, the Lilywhites are reportedly looking to add a new striker to their squad in the January transfer window.

Spurs have been linked with an interest in former Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who worked with Thomas Frank at the Gtech, but he is not the only attacker on their radar.

Spurs have strong interest in Spanish striker

The Europa League champions are also looking at a possible move for a number nine who could arrive in North London as the manager’s next version of Toney.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur have a strong interest in signing Porto centre-forward Samu Aghehowa to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

The report claims that the Spain international has a release clause in the region of £70m – a fee that would eclipse Spurs’ club-record fee – and that has attracted interest from Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United.

Tottenham are said to have done a lot of background work on the striker, whom they hugely admire, and they would like to snap him up to lead their line.

However, the outlet adds that Porto are set to block a January move for Samu, who is not pushing to leave, which could mean that the Lilywhites have to wait until the summer to do a deal.

Why Spurs should wait to sign Samu Aghehowa

Instead of panicking and signing an alternative centre-forward option in the January transfer window, Spurs should wait until the summer to pursue a deal for the Spanish attacker, because he could be a brilliant addition to the squad as Frank’s new Toney.

The England international, per Transfermarkt, scored 72 goals in 141 matches for Brentford in all competitions for the Danish head coach, whilst acting as the focal point for the team with his physical presence.

Toney won 3.2 or more aerial duels per game, per Sofascore, across all three of his seasons in the Premier League with the Bees, never winning lower than 46% of his aerial contests.

Samu, 6 foot 4, has won 59% of his aerial duels in Liga Portugal and 56% of them in the Europa League this season, after winning 51% in the Portuguese top-flight last term, per Sofascore, which shows that he can offer a similar focal point to Toney in the number nine role.

Samu (Liga Portugal)	24/25	25/26
Appearances	30	11
xG	14.07	5.63
Goals	19	6
Minutes per goal	119	117
Assists	3	1
Aerial duel success rate	51%	59%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, though, the Spanish number nine is a terrific goalscorer to go along with his physical attributes, having scored 25 league goals since the start of last season.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed him as a “clinical” player during the 2024/25 campaign, and that still rings true with his return of six goals from 5.63 xG in the league this term.

Samu, who was described as a “freak of nature” by one analyst on X, has the physical and technical attributes to be Frank’s new Toney, as they are both prolific strikers who can also duel with opposition defenders and provide a focal point for their side.

On top of his similarities to Toney and his impressive record for Porto, the Spain international is also 21 and has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve further, which means that he would be a signing to make an immediate impact, but with scope for it to be a long-term move as well.

Fewer touches than Vicario & 88% duels lost: Spurs flop must now be dropped

One Tottenham Hotspur player may need to be dropped despite yesterday’s win over Brentford.

By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 7, 2025

Therefore, Samu is a player who is worth waiting for. That is why Spurs should stick with Richarlison, who has a decent goal return this season, until next summer before making a move for the Porto marksman, unless a January deal does become viable in the next seven weeks or so.

تحدث ياسين منصور، نائب رئيس مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي، عن كواليس عودته للعمل داخل القلعة الحمراء، ورؤيته لتطوير المنظومة الإدارية والرياضية.

وقال ياسين منصور في تصريحات عبر برنامج “الحكاية”، على قناة “mbc masr”: “سر عودتك للنادي الأهلي؟ هذا حب أو كما يُقال (القلب وما يريد) الحقيقة أنني في الأهلي ربما بدأت مشواري في المجلس مع الكابتن صالح سليم – رحمه الله – ثم مع الكابتن حسن حمدي، ثم رحلت، ثم عدت في شركة الكرة، ثم غادرتها”.

وواصل: “وبعد ما حدث للكابتن الخطيب – بسبب حالته الصحية، نسأل الله أن يشفيه – جاء إلي وتحدثنا، فقلت له: الله، انظر.. إذا كنت ستنزل فأنا سأنزل معك نائبًا، وإذا لم تنزل فسأنزل أنا رئيسًا للنادي الأهلي، لكنني أفضل أن تكون موجودًا كرئيس للنادي”.

وتابع: “لأنني أيضًا لم أكن يومًا نائب رئيس، فأريد أن أرى كيف يسير المكتب التنفيذي، فالنادي الأهلي منظومة رائعة بالفعل، وأنا أرى أن وقت التطوير قد حان، وهذا سبب دخولي النادي، فهناك، في الحقيقة، أمور كثيرة جدًا يمكن القيام بها”.

وباغته الإعلامي عمرو أديب بتعليق: “لازلت تتحدث عن تطوير الأهلي والزمالك ليس قادرًا على الحصول على الأرض”، ليرد عليه نائب رئيس النادي الأهلي ضاحكًا: “هذا موضوعكم أنتم، أما نحن فسنواصل العمل”.

طالع أيضًا | أبو العلا ينفجر: الزمالك دوره “سنيد” في مسرحية شرعنة البطل الأوحد

وواصل: “طبعًا كرة القدم في مصر – بشكل عام – تشهد حالة من الفوضى، وتواجه مشاكل كبيرة جدًا، فعلى سبيل المثال، النادي الأهلي أنشأ أكثر من شركة، لكن فكرة إنشاء مثلًا شركة الكرة أصبحت منتشرة الآن، ففي الوقت الحالي ريال مدريد يُنشئ شركة كرة”.

ليعلق أديب ساخرًا: “نعم، ريال مدريد يقلد الأهلي” فيرد عليه منصور مازحًا: “نعم، يقلد الأهلي.. هذا هو الواقع، وقد أرسلوا لنا أشخاصًا ليروا التجربة الأهلاوية، وسيصلون قريبًا”.

واختتم: “شركة الكرة أمر بالغ الأهمية، فمن المفترض في أوروبا أن تمثل تذاكر المباريات دخلاً للأندية يتراوح بين 25% و30%، لكن التذاكر هنا لا تمثل 1% حتى من دخل النادي الأهلي، رغم أن التذاكر رخيصة”.

Mikel Arteta has built a squad full of superstars at Arsenal over the last six years.

From William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the back, to Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze in midfield, there is quality everywhere you look.

However, when it comes to the Gunners’ most important player, it’s hard to look past Bukayo Saka.

On top of being an exceptional player, the Englishman has become the face of the club, so fans should be excited about reports linking them to an international star who has been compared not only to Saka but also to Michael Olise.

Arsenal target Saka & Olise hybrid

With the transfer window now less than a month away, Arsenal have unsurprisingly begun to be linked with a host of brilliant players.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

For example, Real Madrid’s £70m Eduardo Camavinga has been touted for a move to the Emirates, as has Nottingham Forest’s monstrous centre-back Murillo.

However, as talented as those two players are, neither one can be compared to Saka nor Olise, unlike Rodrygo.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are once again in the picture for the Madrid star.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Brazilian is now keen to leave the Spanish giants in January, and his camp has been back in talks with several sides, including the Gunners.

However, in addition to convincing the player of the project, the North Londoners will have to offer a fee tempting enough for Madrid, who, according to the report, value their player between £70m and £79m.

Therefore, it would likely be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing for Arsenal, especially since he’s been compared to both Saka and Olise.

How Rodrygo compares to Saka & Olise

So, before getting to his output and other reasons Arsenal should be looking to sign Rodrygo, it’s worth examining these comparisons to Saka and Olise and where they come from.

Well, in this instance, both stem from FBref, with the Bayern Munich star being ranked as the 6th most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Brazilian in Europe’s top five leagues across the last 365 days.

The Englishman, on the other hand, was ranked as the third most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Real Madrid star in the Champions League last season.

You can gain a better understanding of how these conclusions were reached by looking at the underlying numbers in which the wingers rank or ranked, in the case of Saka, closest in.

In the case of the Frenchman, these metrics include things like passes into the final third, successful take-on percentage, carries, ball recoveries and more, all per 90.

Rodrygo & Olise

Statistics per 90

Rodrygo

Olise

Passes into the Final Third

3.33

3.80

Passing Accuracy

83.8%

81.4%

Successful Take-On %

34.4%

37.5%

Ball Recoveries

4.87

4.60

Carries

51.0

59.5

All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season

The metrics that formed the basis of the comparison to the Gunners’ mercurial number seven last season included shots, assists, clearances, successful take-ons, shot-creating actions, and more, all per 90.

In other words, the former Santos gem was contributing in attacking phases for Madrid in the Champions League last year, but also chipped in defensively here and there.

Rodrygo & Saka

Statistics per 90

Rodrygo

Saka

Progressive Passes Received

10.3

10.2

Shots

2.57

2.61

Assists

0.21

0.24

Shot-Creating Actions

3.70

3.67

Clearances

0.72

0.60

Successful Take-Ons

1.8

1.67

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 UCL

With all that said, another reason the North Londoners should be all over this signing, in addition to the comparisons, is the fact that, at his best, the 24-year-old winger can be a reliable source of goals and assists.

For example, since moving to Spain, he has racked up a brilliant tally of 68 goals and 53 assists in 286 appearances, totalling 16599 minutes.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.36 games, or every 137.18 minutes, which is made all the more impressive given that Real arguably are the most high-pressure club in world football, with sky-high standards and expectations.

Moreover, the Osasco-born monster has racked up a sensational tally of 25 goals and 16 assists in 67 Champions League games, which, when considered alongside his two titles in the competition, more than justifies Luka Modrić’s claim that he’s a “world-class superstar.”

Ultimately, while it won’t be easy, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Rodrygo in January, as he could be a totally game-changing addition to Arteta’s squad.

Related Playing better than Saka: Arsenal ready to pay club-record fee for £132m star

The Arsenal target has been having a better campaign than Bukayo Saka this year.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 3, 2025

Leeds United pulled off an impressive victory to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Daniel Farke’s side beat Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road to pick up a huge three points.

It was the perfect start for the Whites in front of a packed-out home crowd. After an intense first five minutes or so where they dominated, Leeds broke the deadlock.

It came from a corner, with defender Jaka Bijol making a brilliant run to the front post and emphatically heading home.

Chelsea didn’t really threaten much and eventually paid the price. Leeds doubled their lead right on the stroke of half-time, through a brilliant strike by Ao Tanaka.

The Whites won the ball back on the edge of the visitors’ penalty area, with Jayden Bogle finding Tanaka in space. The Japanese international fired home a strike from range to put them 2-0 up.

Chelsea did pull one back with just 50 minutes on the clock, thanks to substitute Pedro Neto at the back post. Yet, Leeds managed to keep them at bay, and with 18 minutes to go, capitalised on a defensive error to secure all three points.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored their third, a goal which capped off a brilliant performance.

Calvert-Lewin’s stats vs. Chelsea

Calvert-Lewin’s goalscoring form has begun to improve in recent games. He bagged against Manchester City last weekend, and again against Chelsea on Wednesday night, although that strike was certainly easier.

It was a mistake from Blues defender Tosin Adarabioyo which led to the goal, with the centre-back playing a sloppy pass to Robert Sanchez.

The Spaniard was immediately under pressure, with the ball crocheting off his body and into the path of Calvert-Lewin, who tapped home from two yards out.

However, it was not just his goal which impressed about the former Everton striker’s performance.

He was a nuisance throughout for the Chelsea defence, with Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post awarding him a 9/10 rating, explaining that he ‘brought others into play’ superbly.

Indeed, the statistics back up what was a superb showing from Calvert-Lewin. He only had 37 touches but made an impact with most of those, winning an impressive 11 duels, managing three shots and, of course, bagging Leeds’ third goal.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, the Whites’ number nine was not the only one of their players to stand out against Chelsea.

Leeds’ other standout player vs. Chelsea

It was a huge win for Leeds on Wednesday night, which took a huge effort across the board. One of the best players was midfielder Anton Stach, who ran the game in midfield and was impressive defensively, too.

The numbers from the game reflect a controlled midfield performance from Leeds’ summer signing. He had 50 touches and completed 19 out of 24 passes, creating a superb four chances, one of which teed up Tanaka for his goal.

Off the ball, Stach made four recoveries and won three duels.

Touches

50

Passes completed

19/24

Chances created

4

Ball recoveries

4

Duels won

3

Clearances

3

Assists

1

The 27-year-old German was a “revelation” in the centre of the park, according to journalist Adonis Storr. That is something Smyth seemed to agree with, also giving him a 9/10 rating post-match, calling that showing his ‘best Leeds performance’.

Indeed, it is easy to see why Smyth is of that opinion. For the German to put in a showing like that against a side competing in the Champions League and that are pushing Arsenal at the top of the Premier League is a colossal effort.

He was everywhere against one of the strongest sides in the top flight, and the chances he created added that creative spark in the final third. He played a huge role in Leeds’ attacking play, which ultimately helped get them over the line.

Stach proved why he could be considered an undroppable member of this Leeds side. This was a much-needed win, and he was right at the heart of it.

Calvert-Lewin’s goals recently have been key, but Stach’s performance in midfield is exactly what is needed for them to beat the drop.

Leeds summer signing has been their biggest waste of time since Augustin

This summer signing has been Leeds United’s biggest waste of time since the signing of Jean-Kevin Augustin.

ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Nos bastidores do Beira-Rio, a saída de Andrés D’Alessandro do cargo de diretor esportivo, anunciada na noite de terça-feira (9), não chegou a ser lamentada. O fim de mais um ciclo do ídolo colorado na avenida Padre Cacique é, acima de tudo, o retrato de um desgaste interno que se transformou incontornável diante da falta de entrega de resultados. O Lance! conta o que sabe sobre o pedido de demissão do ex-camisa 10 do Internacional.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasInternacionalAbel Braga revela cirurgia 15 dias antes de voltar ao InternacionalInternacional11/12/2025InternacionalPresidente do Internacional corre contra o tempo para fazer anúnciosInternacional11/12/2025InternacionalOrçamento do Internacional prevê superávit para 2026Internacional11/12/2025

➡️Tudo sobre o Colorado agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Internacional

Bastidores da saída de D’Alessandro

O pedido do campeão da Libertadores de 2010 ao presidente alvirrubro para não permanecer foi desencadeado por outro movimento do cartola. Pouco antes, Alessandro Barcellos havia demitido o diretor executivo André Mazzuco. Ao se reunir com o cartola, D’Alessandro disse que, dessa forma, preferia não continuar no clube.

Barcellos não fez força para manter o argentino, aceitando de bate-pronto sua posição. A avaliação nos corredores do Beira-Rio sobre a performance de D’Ale no cargo ficou clara. De acordo com o que ouviu o Lance!, pouco consideraram o trabalho do ídolo bem-sucedido na função.

continua após a publicidade

Sua principal missão era manter o vestiário mobilizado, ser ponte permanente entre jogadores, comissão técnica e direção. Nada disso aconteceu de forma satisfatória. Principalmente no primeiro quesito, já que o time esteve desmotivado em boa parte da temporada. Soma-se a isso, contratações indicadas por ele fracassaram.

Desgaste acentuado na última semana

Todo esse cenário gerou um desgaste, que foi acentuado na última semana, quando D’Alessandro procurou rádios de Porto Alegre para motivar a torcida para o jogo contra o Bragantino. Entre dirigentes e até jogadores, o movimento foi visto como uma forma de “limpar” sua imagem junto aos fãs.

continua após a publicidade

A decisão de romper com D’Ale, principalmente por conta da sua imagem, não estava amadurecida dentro do Conselho de Gestão, onde parte dos integrantes viam seu trabalho com insuficiente. A decisão do argentino de não permanecer com a saída de Mazzuco facilitou.

A consequência mais imediata dessa ruptura pode recai sobre a permanência de Abel Braga. Cotado para assumir um cargo no Departamento de Futebol, o ex-técnico tinha em Mazzuco e, principalmente, em D’Alessandro, nomes de confiança, tanto que havia manifestado desejo de trabalhar com o camisa 10 no Inter.

Tudo sobre

Futebol NacionalInternacional

Pakistan’s senior batters made light work of chasing down the target of 289 set by Sri Lanka

Andrew Fidel Fernando14-Nov-2025

Babar Azam broke his century drought•Associated Press

Babar Azam hit his first international century in more than two years, as Pakistan’s senior batters made light work of chasing down the target of 289. Sri Lanka’s middle order had dragged the total to 288 for 8 after they’d lost early wickets. But on a flat Rawalpindi track, they never looked like defending their score, particularly after their opening bowlers were wayward. Pakistan got home with 10 balls to spare, and eight wickets at their disposal. They have now won the series 2-0, with one match to play.Babar’s 102 not out off 119 – his 20th ODI ton – was not only significant for ending his international century drought (his last hundred had been in May 2023), but for equaling Saeed Anwar’s record for most ODI hundreds for Pakistan. He had two ultra productive regions – through cover and midwicket. Those areas brought him 61 of his runs, and six of his eight fours. He was never seriously tested in this innings, however. Sri Lanka had played one bowler too few, and their seamers were having an off day in any case. At no phase in the innings did the required rate threaten to get out of hand.Though that century is the big news, all four of Pakistan’s top order batters played important innings. Saim Ayub set the chase off rapidly with his 33 off 25 balls, before Fakhar Zaman’s 78 off 93 helped consolidate that start. Babar put on a 100-run stand with Zaman, before Mohammad Rizwan joined him at the crease for an unbeaten 112-run affair. Rizwan finished with 52 not out off 51 balls.Related

Stats – Babar ends 83-innings wait, equals Saeed Anwar's mark

Babar after ending century wait: 'You work out who your true allies are'

Sri Lanka were poor in the first 20 overs of both innings. Having been put into bat, they were 90 for 3 in the 20th over, before that scoreline worsened to 98 for 4. Some spunk was shown by the likes of Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, and Wanindu Hasaranga, who all made scores between 37 and 54 – Liyanage the only Sri Lanka batter to make a half-century. Although Hasaranga put in another excellent batting effort to elevate Sri Lanka’s death overs performance, 289 always seemed eminently gettable.It felt even more gettable when Sri Lanka’s opening bowlers were wayward with the new ball. Asitha Fernando went at 10 an over in the powerplay. Pramod Madushan – playing his first international in 18 months, conceded 19 runs in his first two overs. After eight overs, during which Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka went to a Plan B that also didn’t work out, Pakistan were 73 for no loss.Saim Ayub made 33 off 25•AFP/Getty Images

On the kind of cold evening in which Sri Lanka’s fielders tend not to do well, the catching was even worse than the bowling. Asitha Fernando dropped Zaman on 21 in the seventh over – a simple chance at long off. Two overs later, Zaman was dropped again at long off, this time by Liyanage, who had to make some ground to get there. Zaman would be dropped again on 78, but would be dismissed the next ball.Babar too had a close call on 5, when he chipped one back to Madushan who couldn’t hold on in his follow-through. He was slow to start with, making 12 off his first 22 balls. But when he drove Madushan crisply down the ground for four in the 16th over, he began to find his rhythm, particularly against the seam bowlers. With even the experienced pairing of Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando struggling to bowl consistent lines, Pakistan’s batters found their progress fairly smooth.Sri Lanka’s top wicket-taker from Tuesday – Wanindu Hasaranga – also appeared to be struggling with a back complaint, and exited the field at least twice to receive treatment. With the seamers leaking so many runs, Pakistan’s batters could afford to see Hasaranga off safely.There were points in Zaman’s innings, particularly after he crossed 50, when he struggled to find boundaries. But even when Sri Lanka squeezed, they could never do so for long. Babar and Rizwan’s progress to the target was almost frictionless in the last 15 overs of the game.Earlier in the game, it had been legspinner Abrar Ahmed who imposed himself. Sri Lanka’s openers had begun brightly but lost Pathum Nissanka to a heedless third run, before Abrar had Kamil Mishara stumped. He also had Kusal Mendis pull him straight to short midwicket, and soon after trapped Asalanka in front of the stumps. He was Pakistan’s best bowler, with 3 for 41. Haris Rauf also finished with three wickets, taking two of those at the death.

Cricket Australia XI 341 (Blackford 86, Wyllie 71, Harvey 52, Potts 3-49) and 235 for 2 (Inglis 125*, Harvey 58) beat England Lions 299 (Gay 78, Maladay 3-47, Sinfield 3-87) and 273 (Kellaway 59, Anderson 3-42) by eight wicketsAmid intrigue over what Australia may do with their batting order for the rest of the Ashes, Josh Inglis hammered a rapid century for a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions to signal that he would be option should the selectors opt for significant change.Travis Head’s remarkable century in Perth after being elevated to open due to Usman Khawaja’s back spasms has prompted talk about whether that should be a permanent move which would likely spell the end of Khawaja’s career and create a vacancy in the middle order.Related

• Marsh set for surprise Shield return with an eye on the Ashes

• Renshaw keeps name in Test frame with third century

• Khawaja's back issues to be examined as Australia float flexible batting order

That would appear an unlikely prospect, at least for the Gabba, with the indications being that Khawaja will be selected if he recovers.However, should a spot become vacant anywhere in the order Inglis’ versatility would make him a candidate. He was part of the squad for the first Test but was released to play for the CA XI at Lilac Hill after having a disjointed lead-up to the Ashes.A calf injury prevented him from playing the ODIs against India and he struggled in the T20Is before making 4 and 28 in his one Sheffield Shield outing for Western Australia.On Monday, he flayed an unbeaten 125 from 107 balls with 15 fours and two sixes as the CA XI charged down a target of 232 in 45 overs, not dissimilar to the Head-inspired performance a couple of days ago.Inglis made a century on Test debut, against Sri Lanka in Galle, when his prowess against spin saw him play as a specialist batter in the middle order. He then filled in at No. 4 when Steven Smith missed the first Test against West Indies with a finger injury.Should Khawaja not be fit for Brisbane, or the selectors do make the call to drop him, Beau Webster would also be in the frame having missed out on the first Test when Cameron Green returned to No. 6. Mitchell Marsh is another who may be considered. He is expected make his Sheffield Shield return for Western Australia in a game against Victoria at the MCG which also starts on December 4.The CA XI was largely a development side due to the ongoing round of Sheffield Shield matches but did also feature Jhye Richardson who sent down 20 wicketless overs in the game as he returns from shoulder surgery. Australia’s selectors are hoping he could be an option later in the Test series and he is expected to feature for Australia A when they face the Lions concurrently to the Gabba Test.The Lions side featured Matthew Potts, Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell from the England Test squad.