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One major Celtic transfer target could now be open to moving to Parkhead, according to a new transfer update this week.

Celtic transfer rumours

The Hoops have got back to winning ways in recent weeks following a dip in Scottish Premiership form, with a late win at Motherwell on the weekend followed up by a 7-1 hammering of Dundee on Wednesday evening. Brendan Rodgers’ side still trail rivals Rangers at the top of the table, with the title race looking set to go down to the wire.

Celtic looking to complete “huge” transfer this summer

This comes after a recent £120m boost.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 25, 2024

Despite Rodgers’ focus being on matters on the pitch, it looks as if Celtic chefs already have one eye on the transfer market. Recent reports have even suggested that the Hoops could break their transfer record on one signing this summer, with the funds seemingly ready.

Loanee Adam Idah is believed to be open to a permanent Celtic transfer, whereas Charlton Athletic youngster Patrick Casey is also on the radar.

However, the club’s top target appears to be a new goalkeeper, with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher of real interest. Celtic “would love” to sign the Reds ‘keeper, although previous reports said a deal could be hard to do regarding persuading him to head to Scotland.

Kelleher to Celtic update

Now, in a new update from HITC, Kelleher could be tempted to sign for Celtic due to ‘the prospect of regular first-team football north of the border’. They say that Kelleher is very high on Rodgers' wishlist, with the manager seemingly a big fan, but a deal may cost as much as £15m.

With Joe Hart set to retire at the end of the season, a new first-choice shot-stopper needs to come in, and the club have also watched Ugurcan Cakir of Trabzonspor, as per the report.

Kelleher has been second choice to Allison at Anfield in recent years but has played regularly in domestic cup competitions under Jurgen Klopp. He starred for the Reds against Chelsea in the EL Cup final on Sunday, winning his sixth major honour for Liverpool in the process.

Appearances

38

Clean sheets

14

Goals conceded

45

Trophies

6

Kelleher has also come in for praise from teammate Virgil van Dijk, who said on Sunday: “He should have got it (player of the match). I’m probably one of his biggest fans, I think.

“I have always said he is world class and he stepped up today, again. It’s good to see. He’s a good boy, good goalkeeper and that’s what we need at a club like Liverpool.”

Meanwhile, Klopp also waxed lyrical over Kelleher on the weekend, saying: "Caoimh was unbelievable. Such a mature performance. I say it often: we have the best goalkeeper in the world and the best Number two in the world. I’m so happy for him. Top game."

Therefore, knowing Kelleher could now be tempted to join Celtic is a boost for the Hoops, and a deal could be one to watch over the coming months.

Derbyshire have never been to Finals Day, and yet you sense this is simply part of the motivation

Paul Edwards20-Sep-2019

Edgbaston on the third Friday afternoon in September.A few moments ago Dan Christian was chatting about Nottinghamshire’s second appearance in three years at the Vitality Blast T20 Finals Day. Christian has played for Australia, Barbados Tridents, Brisbane Heat, Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, Multan Sultans, Rising Pune Supergiant, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Trinbago Knight Riders.In a few minutes’ time Moeen Ali will be explaining what it might mean were Worcestershire to retain the trophy on Saturday. Moeen has played for Royal Challengers Bangalore and was in England’s World Cup winning squad.At the moment, though, Billy Godleman is talking about the same occasion. Godleman plays for Derbyshire.Derbyshire have never been to Finals Day.And yet you sense this is simply part of the motivation Godleman enjoys: a chance to tweak a few noses. His eyes are bright with enthusiasm as he talks about it all.”I see it as an opportunity,” he said. “We have no pressure or expectation on us. At the start of the competition no one expected us to get to the quarter-finals let alone a semi-final. So we are happy to go fly under the radar and turn up and play some good cricket on the day.”Godleman makes a good point. Derbyshire needed to win their last three matches in the North Group to qualify for the last eight. They did so. They travelled to Bristol for the quarter-final in which they were expected to lose to Gloucestershire. They won. And tomorrow they will take on Essex in the second semi-final at Edgbaston.One gets the impression that Godleman cannot wait to get stuck in. But he is by no means the only member of Derbyshire’s squad bristling at such a prospect. The Finals Day freshmen have been coached to excellent effect this year by Dominic Cork, another cricketer who relished taking the world’s expectations and depositing them in the nearest incinerator.”Corky played for the club for the majority of his career,” said Godleman. “He knows what it is to be a Derbyshire player: the underdog who has the opportunity to ruffle a few feathers among the bigger counties. That is something we relish.”He’s brought lots of energy and for me as captain he has been incredibly insightful,” he continued. “I’ve been very fortunate to know Corky for a number of years now and he’s one of the finest cricket brains that you could wish to meet. For me to have access to his cricket nous on a one-to-one basis as coach-captain has been very beneficial. Corky is very much about us going out and playing our best cricket with freedom. His view is that cricketers play their best when they have that freedom and that’s what we have tried to create in this campaign.”Plainly it has worked so far and it will be fascinating to see how Derbyshire’s players react when presented with a full-house at Edgbaston and the pressures of the biggest occasion most of them have encountered.”We like to think we have a method and we are just really excited to have the opportunity to play a semi-final and maybe a final as well,” said Godleman. “There’s a range of emotions and everyone’s different. There is a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of excitement, a lot of nerves and a lot of apprehension but what I’ve sensed from the group is that the overriding emotion is the excitement of the opportunity to play in Finals Day.”And should Derbyshire younger players need even more experienced advice tomorrow afternoon, the squad also includes Ravi Rampaul, whom Godleman rates as one of the best bowlers in the tournament, and Darren Stevens, 43-year-old Kent loanee, who this week scored 237 and took seven wickets in that side’s 433-run thrashing of Yorkshire.”Stevo’s on fire,” said Godleman. “Every time he goes out there he gets either a five-fer or a double hundred. He’s another really good cricket man. He hasn’t played as much as we expected or he expected but that’s not to disregard what he’s brought off the field and the way he shares his experience with the guys. That’s been a massive boost for us.”So we are all set up for another Finals Day. Everyone is wondering whether Worcestershire can win back-to-back trophies; or whether Nottinghamshire can rescue their season; or whether Essex can win the first of what may be two pots in a week. Of course Derbyshire can’t do it. No chance.”Please keep taking like that,” Billy Godleman might reply.

Manchester United failed to make any new additions to their squad in January.

A striker was the priority for the month, however, the last two matches have highlighted both a problem and a solution to Erik ten Hag's midfield.

With that in mind, let's take a look at the player United missed out on who could have elevated the side dramatically.

Man United's midfield dilemma

In the last week of the transfer window, reports indicated that the Old Trafford outfit were in talks to sign Morten Hjulmand.

The Danish midfielder only joined Sporting CP in the summer from Lecce, but he has already excelled in his new surroundings. The Portuguese club have slapped a £68m release clause in the player's contract, which ultimately meant that the Red Devils couldn't sign him in the winter.

However, in an alternate reality, the 24-year-old could have been walking onto the Old Trafford pitch against West Ham United on Sunday in place of Casemiro.

The Brazilian returned to the United squad last Sunday against Newport County, and his performance left a lot to be desired. Throughout the game, the 31-year-old was sluggish, wasteful, and completely off the pace, as highlighted by his four fouls and 64% pass accuracy.

Casemiro's performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers this week was slightly better, but his inability to lock down the midfield on his own was glaringly obvious. The former Real Madrid man was dribbled past four times, committed a penalty, and only won five of his 12 ground duels.

How Hjulmand could have unleashed Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo has been United's most consistent performer over the last month or so, and it is clear that Ten Hag has realised just how important he is to the side, as he has played every minute of the last four games after he was substituted at half-time against Nottingham Forest.

The 18-year-old skillset is extremely well-rounded, and he has been utilised as a defensive midfielder mainly since coming into the side. However, his last two matches have indicated that his best role may be slightly further forward as a box-to-box number eight, as he has scored in both of them, including a last-minute winner on Thursday, where he showed the world what he's truly capable of and why he's such a "special" prospect, as per analyst Ben Mattinson.

Having Hjulmand in the side would allow Mainoo's creative traits to flourish, as well as his ability to affect the game in the final third. The table below Hjulmand's statistics from this Europa League season proves why.

Tackles

2.70

Top 20%

Tackles won

1.72

Top 22%

Tackles (Mid third)

1.72

Top 7%

Interceptions

1.97

Top 11%

Dribblers tackled

1.23

Top 26%

As you can see, Hjulmand is the definition of a "monster" out of possession, as alluded to by journalist Zach Lowy, due to his athleticism and ability to cover ground, unlike Casemiro. The Danish international reads the game brilliantly and mops up in the middle of the pitch, as shown by his interceptions and tackle statistics.

Just by fielding Hjulmand in the starting XI, United would be much more defensively secure in transition, which is where they are currently caught out with Casemiro in the team, and what is preventing the number 37 from pushing on. Therefore, Mainoo could move further forward to provide support to the attacking players while also having the option to drop deeper to get on the ball.

Giving the academy graduate the freedom to express himself anywhere on the field could just see him develop into United's best midfielder since the days of Paul Scholes.

Manchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite – but may have to pay £70 million to sign him.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Branthwaite has breakout season at Everton
• Linked with Manchester United move
• Red Devils agree personal terms with defender

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Times claims this accord is a 'significant step forward' in their bid to secure the services of the 21-year-old. The report adds the Red Devils are yet to agree on a transfer fee but the Toffees value him at £70m ($89.35m) – as they look to ease their financial fair play fears.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 21-year-old is seen as one most highly-rated and in-demand young centre-backs in the Premier League, even though he missed out on England's 26-man squad for the Euros. The report adds that if the 6ft 5in Branthwaite does join the Red Devils, he will earn between £150,000 ($191,493) and £160,000 ($204,000) a week.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The young defender began his career at Carlisle United before signing for Everton in January 2020 on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Following loan spells at Championship side Blackburn Rovers and Eredivisie outfit PSV Eindhoven, the one-time England international has made 54 appearances for the Toffees – 41 of which came last season.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Branthwaite, who is currently enjoying his summer break after missing out on the Three Lions squad for the Euros, may have played his last game for Everton; with United set to push further to get this deal over the line.

The 2023/24 Premier League season has been something of a disaster for Chelsea, as with just over half of the campaign gone, the Blues find themselves in ninth and nine points off the Champions League places, although fourth-place Arsenal have a game in hand.

Mauricio Pochettino has been unable to create a cohesive unit out of the mass influx of players he was handed in the summer, and with FFP reportedly a concern for the club, they could be about to sell fan favourite Conor Gallagher to balance the books.

While this move could open the ownership up to more disdain from the fans, it could also free up the funds for the latest player touted for a move to Stamford Bridge – a player that could easily replace Gallagher.

Chelsea show interest in former youth player turned superstar

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are among several Premier League clubs interested in signing Bayern Munich's outstanding young talent, Jamal Musiala.

The report revealed this information after transfers expert Fabrizio Romano (via Caught Offside) confirmed that Bayern and Musiala are yet to come to an agreement regarding a new deal, as the youngster's current contract is set to expire in 2026.

Two significant obstacles will make this a tough deal to complete for the Pensioners. First is the reported interest of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal; the other obstacle is the price. TEAMtalk reports that Bayern value the former Chelsea youth product at around €100m, which is about £87m.

While it will undoubtedly be difficult for Todd Boehly and Co to get this transfer over the line, the sale of Gallagher could help financially.

How Jamal Musiala compares to Conor Gallagher

Now, if Chelsea do end up selling Gallagher this month, fans would have every right to question the ownership as, after all, the 23-year-old has been one of the few players at the club who can hold his head high this season, and he has been given the captains armband in Reece James' absence due to this.

However, if the club can use his sale to land a player like Musiala, it would look like a stroke of genius by the board, even if some fans might still be justifiably upset over losing a player who pundit Jamie Carragher described as the club's "best player this season", alongside Cole Palmer.

It seems as if Pochettino would be on board with this plan, though, as during the 2022 World Cup, he described the young German as "one of the best young players in the world" and "a massive talent."

That said, how do the pair stack up to one another when looking at their underlying numbers?

Well, for everything Gallagher has done this year, he finds himself comfortably beaten by the Bayern star – who has seven goals and three assists this season – in practically every relevant metric, bar progressive passes per 90, where he just edges it.

In contrast, the German "genius", as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, produces a more impressive non-penalty expected goals and assist figure per 90; he is far more of a goal threat, he completes significantly more progressive carries per 90, and he is a far more accomplished dribbler than the Englishman as well.

Chelsea could forget about Gallagher by signing £60m "monster"

Chelsea are keen on potentially making a move for a Premier league midfielder

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 14, 2024

Ultimately, Gallagher has been a reliable and important performer for Chelsea this season amid a rapidly changing team, but if selling him is the best way to sign a player the calibre of Musiala, then the club must make the tough decision.

New recruit follows nine wickets on debut last week with unbeaten half-century against Surrey

Jon Culley27-May-2019Aston Villa are back in the Premier League, which will doubtless have raised a cheer or two in the Warwickshire dressing room. There have not been too many so far this season. As things stand, relegation may be their fate. By the time Villa reacquaint themselves with life at the top in early August, we will have a pretty good idea whether they can come up with an alternative ending.There is hope. Three defeats in three matches does not read well but they gave leaders Somerset a decent fight in the last round and they could not be accused of lacking backbone on the opening day against the defending champions. And, of course, they need finish ahead of only one county to stay up.Surrey, with a raft of injuries and three of their squad away with England, have yet to register a win themselves but still present formidable opposition. At times, their seam bowlers were a little erratic after Rory Burns had decided to forego the toss and test Warwickshire’s mettle against Morne Morkel and company, but until the last hour, when profit came from an unlikely source for the home side, there was never a point at which any batsman could feel quite at ease.Warwickshire supporters will not have been unhappy, then, with the application shown by Dom Sibley and Will Rhodes in trying to set down a solid foundation, or by Sam Hain and Adam Hose, who gritted their way through 25 overs in the afternoon. Rob Yates, playing in only his third first-class match at the age of 19, showed he could get his head down too.Yet on a slow pitch the one thing that was missing was momentum. Hain’s 47 took 138 minutes; Hose spent 117 minutes over his 38. Which meant that when Surrey’s bowlers found some momentum of their own in an extended final session following earlier rain, it felt like Warwickshire’s hard work had amounted to not very much.But then Surrey, unexpectedly, let a strong position slip from their grasp. From 186 for 8, Warwickshire closed on 275 for 8, thanks largely to the positive aggression of Liam Norwell and Henry Brookes, who had plainly decided they may as well chance their arm and see where it might take them.In the event, it took Warwickshire into a much healthier position than had earlier looked likely. Norwell, who moved to Edgbaston from Gloucestershire in the winter but missed the start of the season through injury, followed his nine wickets on debut last week with the third half-century of his career.Brookes, meanwhile, gave the full treatment to a couple of very inviting balls from Dean Elgar’s left-arm spin and thereafter confidently advanced to a pleasantly accomplished 35 not out. They have added 89 so far.It all rather took the shine off what was shaping up as the story of the day, a triumphant return to the Championship side for Matt Dunn.The 27-year-old quick was Surrey’s leading wicket-taker in 2014 but thereafter became rather lost amid the simultaneous emergence of so much young talent at The Oval, not least the two Currans. Last season, he barely got a look-in. Indeed, this was his first appearance in 13 months.In his afternoon spell, he served a reminder that he can still land a few punches, dismissing Hain, Hose and Tim Ambrose in the space of 21 balls. In tandem with Ryan Patel, one of the aforementioned golden generation, he reduced Warwickshire from 164 for 3 to 186 for 8 and the day seemed to belong to Surrey. Patel, who made his maiden hundred earlier this season, produced a pearl of a delivery to dismiss Liam Banks, which was then matched by the slip catch Rikki Clarke held to help him remove his namesake, Jeetan.I doubt if Norwell is a Villa supporter. Solihull-born Brookes, on the other hand, might well be. Either way, between them they caught the mood.

Leeds United are beginning to make moves in the transfer market and are now said to be readying a swoop for one man who has emerged as a January target.

Leeds United January rumours…

Having a squad filled with good depth is important for any side who aspires to gain promotion from the Championship and Leeds will feel no different in that respect as they search for quality reinforcements over the course of this month.

Daniel Farke has already publicly heralded the news that recruitment expert Nick Hammond will be staying on until the summer of 2024 at Elland Road, as he stated late last year:

"He is brilliant. He is key to our success in the recent months by gaining more and more stability for this club. I have great support with Angus and Nick and Gretar in different roles."

Leeds United hold talks over Hellas Verona left-back Josh Doig

He could be set for a change of scenery this month…

BySean Markus Clifford Jan 1, 2024

Spezia goalkeeper Bartomej Dragowski is a target for the Whites in a move that could potentially re-unite the Poland international with his former teammate Ethan Ampadu. The report states that Hull City are also keen on the 26-year-old and indicated that both clubs could soon make contact with the Serie A side to discuss a deal for Dragowski.

Villarreal striker Ben Brereton Diaz is also believed to be on Leeds United's radar according to journalist Ben Jacobs; however, he may be pursued in the summer rather than this month should the Whites gain promotion.

Now, another man who could join Farke's men has emerged and formal talks have now been pencilled in concerning his potential arrival, with the 49ers Enterprises now into their first winter window in charge

Leeds United plan Nathaniel Adjei talks…

According to LUFCFANZONE, Leeds United have scheduled formal discussions over a proposed swoop for Hammarby defender Nathaniel Adjei, who is also attracting interest from Ipswich Town and Millwall, as the outlet explained on social media platform X:

Personal terms and a £4m fee not being a problem is an encouraging development as the Whites look to recruit in the central defensive department, especially when factoring in backline injury concerns involving the likes of Pascal Struijk, Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas. Adjei is capable of filling in at right-back, which could offer some wider added depth.

Labelled a "monster" in the media on X, Adjei made 26 appearances across all competitions in 2023, registering one goal in the process (Adjei statistics – Transfermarkt).

Nathaniel Adjei statistics in 2023 (Sofascore)

Tackles won per game

1.0

Clearances per game

2.7

Accurate passes per game

40.8 (88%)

Touches

59.2

Average match rating

6.84/10

It remains to be seen whether Adjei will end up at Elland Road, though Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises certainly look to be pulling out all the stops to land their man.

Sheffield Wednesday are believed to be interested in signing an "exciting" player currently on the books of a Premier League club, according to journalist Alex Miller.

Sheff Wed survival hopes & transfer news

The Owls made a dire start amid their return to the Championship earlier in the season, with life under Xisco Munoz going disastrously and a swift return to League One looking likely. But Wednesday have been revitalised since the impressive Danny Rohl came in as manager, with survival now feeling more possible by the week.

Related EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

Posts ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Rohl's side have won three of their last five league games, jumping to 22nd place in the table in the process, and they are now only three points adrift of Huddersfield Town directly above them.

While things are going swimmingly for the Owls all of a sudden, there is still plenty of work to do in the relegation fight, and new faces during the January transfer window could give the manager the added depth and quality that he craves.

Wednesday have been linked with a move for Birmingham City striker Scott Hogan, with the 31-year-old struggling for playing time at his current club, only starting nine matches in the Championship so far this season. Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden is also reportedly seen as an ambitious transfer target – one that could bolster Rohl's choices in the middle of the park greatly.

Sheff Wed want Conor Coventry

Taking to X on Friday, Miller claimed that Sheffield Wednesday are keen on the idea of snapping up West Ham ace Conor Coventry this month, though they aren't the favourites to snap him up.

"Understand Wednesday are admirers of 23yo West Ham midfielder Conor Coventry. Lots of interest in the ROI youth international who could leave this month – Owls not believed to be front-runners at this stage."

Coventry could be a really astute signing by Wednesday if they can strike a deal for him, and the fact that West Ham seem willing to sell him in January does act as a boost for Rohl.

The 23-year-old is currently out on loan at Rotherham United, who sit bottom of the Championship at the moment, but a return to the London Stadium could happen if a permanent move is on the cards.

Coventry is someone who has been hailed as an "exciting talent" by journalist Roshane Thomas in the past, while David Moyes has also praised him, saying:

"He is doing great and we like him a lot. He had a chance to go out in the summer, and he had a couple of good clubs [interested], but we like having him because he’s such a good boy."

Related 3 dream players Sheffield Wednesday could sign in the January transfer window

Sheffield Wednesday could look to strengthen their squad in the transfer window to help their relegation escape.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jan 4, 2024

This outlines the pedigree that Coventry has, considering he has played in the Europa League for the Hammers, and he is someone who could come straight in as an important player, especially with Barry Bannan not getting any younger, and the likes of George Byers and Will Vaulks often in and out of the team through injury.

أدى لاعبو فريق الكرة بـ الزمالك تدريباتهم الجماعية اليوم الأربعاء، وذلك على أرضية ملعب القلعة البيضاء، استعدادًا للموسم الجديد.

ويدخل الزمالك معسكرًا مغلقًا ببرج العرب غداً الخميس ويستمر حتى يوم 6 سبتمبر المقبل، استعداداً للموسم الجديد ومواجهة الشرطة الكيني في بطولة الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

وانتظم حسام أشرف وأحمد محمود ثنائي الفريق في مران اليوم، بعد عودتهما إلى صفوف الفريق عقب انتهاء إعارة أشرف لبلدية المحلة، وانتهاء إعارة محمود للجونة بنهاية الموسم المنقضي.

طالع | بالمواعيد.. الزمالك يخوض 3 وديات عربية استعدادًا للموسم الجديد

بينما حصل محمود عبد الرازق “شيكابالا” قائد الفريق على إذن من الجهاز الفني للفريق بالغياب عن التدريبات اليوم الأربعاء.

وكان الزمالك استأنف تدريباته اليوم على ملعب النادي تحت قيادة البرتغالي جوزيه جوميز وجهازه المعاون.

يذكر، أن الزمالك أنهى مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز، الموسم الماضي في المركز الثالث، وودع بطولة كأس مصر من دور الستة عشر.

Sydney Thunder mastered the art of batting on a slow surface, but were made to sweat by a brilliant 36-ball unbeaten 60 from Ashton Turner, as they scraped through by one run in a nailbiting finish against Perth Scorchers.On a used surface that had already hosted the WBBL’s Sydney derby earlier in the day, Thunder put up 142 in a wonderfully constructed innings. Callum Ferguson provided them with the early impetus with a 30-ball 42 that offset the early advantage conceded through the wicket of Shane Watson, the captain. Jos Buttler held up his end to shield them against a middle-overs slowdown, triggered by the loss of three wickets for 13 runs, to ensure the runs kept trickling in. And Chris Green chimed in with a nine-ball 18 that gave the innings a serious lift.With the possibility of the surface slowing down further in the second innings, little doubt lingered at the halfway stage that this would be a match-winning total. But Turner almost made everyone believe otherwise, launching a stunning late assault that almost turned the tables on the Thunder. With 20 to get off the last over, Turner took Scorchers to the brink, but fell heartbreakingly short, with four required off the last ball.As a result, Scorchers were left languishing at seventh place, with a solitary win after five matches. Thunder’s narrow escape helped them climb two positions to second.Getty Images

Trading blowsGiven the wear on the surface already before the start of the game, Shane Watson wasn’t going to risk chasing, and promptly opted to bat first. Although Watson himself couldn’t ride the early phase, characterised by swing both ways, sometimes of the late variety, Buttler and Ferguson validated his decision at the toss.With Watson having toe-ended one that stopped on him a tad back to Jason Behrendorff, Ferguson and Buttler kept the damage to a minimum with a brief burst of boundaries. Ferguson especially showed how well he had sussed out the pace of the surface by waiting for the ball to come onto him and playing really late – characterised by his late cut to Andrew Tye that split backward point and third man. Buttler, in the meantime, had already brought out his innovations that were a handy on this surface if you knew your fields, scooping Behrendorff over fine leg for six, and jabbing Tye for a drive between cover and extra cover. Between overs four and six, the two pinched 30 runs. It meant that by the end of the Powerplay, Thunder were already on the ascendancy.Slow and lowThe passage after the Powerplay brought out the worst of the surface’s two-paced nature. Agar gave away just four singles in his first over, and from there it was slow going for Thunder. The middle overs were replete with balls keeping low, not coming onto the batsmen, and just a general lack of pace that made run-scoring difficult.Though Buttler aimed for the boundary-hitting shots more often, it was Ferguson who ensured the scoring rate didn’t fall to unhealthy levels – he had a dot-ball percentage of 26.6 as opposed to Buttler’s 39. Moreover, the ones and twos were interspersed with timely boundaries.But after a slog sweep over midwicket off Agar, Ferguson was done in by a misbehaving short-of-a-length delivery that snuck through at shin height to clatter into the stumps. Another grubber from Agar in his next over sent Root back in similar fashion, while Sams and Jason Sangha fell trying to clear the boundary as Scorchers looked ready to apply the choke.Buttler’s odditiesJos Buttler likes it when the ball comes onto the bat. But on Wednesday, he delivered on a surface that didn’t afford him that luxury. In fact, a large percentage of Buttler’s boundaries – four out of five – were off slower deliveries.Through the cluster of wickets, Buttler managed to hang in there. It wasn’t as if he didn’t throw his hands at the odd delivery. But the downside of the lack of pace was that mistimed hits didn’t carry to fielders in the deep. Not often does Buttler stay at the crease for 50 balls and end up with a strike-rate hovering around 100. On Wednesday, he raised his fifty off the 50th ball he faced, with a reverse-pull off Coulter-Nile through third man.It was only fitting then that a peculiar innings such as this met a peculiar end. With Jhye Richardson slowing it up and bowling full outside his off-stump, Buttler got down for a reverse sweep and ended up swinging too early. Moreover, he couldn’t control the follow-through of the bat, which smashed into the stumps. Thunder were 115 for 5 with 17 deliveries to go, but Buttler had taken the innings deep enough for Thunder to launch a late surge.Turning it onAs was to be expected, Thunder unleashed their slower bowlers early at the Scorchers. Jonathan Cook and Fawad Ahmed, the legspinners, and Chris Green, the offspinner, had each got at least an over in by the halfway mark in the chase. Thunder had also lost three wickets by then – that would become 54 for 5 seven balls later – and were struggling to find runs.Turner then began reconstructing Scorchers’ innings in the company of William Bosisto, whose 21-ball 23 was a footnote in their unbroken 87-run stand. Turner didn’t go for it right away. He bided his time. But throughout, he turned the strike over – 28 off the 36 balls he faced were scoring deliveries. After 15 overs, Turner was on 15, striking at a run a ball.From there, he zoomed away, pillaging 45 runs off his next 21 balls. A four and a six off Green to close out the 18th over slashed the equation down to 28 off 12. But Turner saved his best for the last, with 20 needed off the final over, bowled by Sams. Off the first four balls of that over, Turner dug a yorker out wide of long-on for a brace, bisected deep midwicket and long-on for a four, toe-ended another couple to long-off, and swiped a full toss past deep square leg for four more. Sams helped Turner’s cause, withering under pressure and sending down two wides in the last over. With six needed off two, Turner mistimed a loft over extra cover, getting only two for it, before Sams held his nerve to smartly deliver a slower ball, asking Turner to use his strength, which he couldn’t to full effect.