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Having a decent shot-stopper in your squad is crucial for FPL managers aiming to maximise their potential

Fantasy Premier League managers usually get excited about which forwards or midfielders to select ahead of the new season with the transfer window open for business and high-profile signings being made left and right.

Full-backs also generate plenty of tactical talk, but goalkeepers tend to be overlooked given the fact their potential for goals and assists is all but nil.

Shot-stoppers do have a crucial role to play in the game, though, with the best ones capable of raking in huge points with clean sheet bonuses – and GOAL is on hand to provide a list of those you will want to consider having in your squads.

Best FPL tips & ultimate game guideHaaland, Kane & the best fantasy football forwardsHere are the best midfielders to pick on FPLWhich defenders are best for fantasy football?Getty ImagesAlisson | Liverpool | £5.5m

Alisson has won the Premier League's Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets on two occasions since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2018 – including in 2021-22.

The Brazilian has been central to the Reds' recent success under Jurgen Klopp, and will surely again be a popular choice for FPL managers that tend to set and forget a first-choice shot-stopper right from the off.

AdvertisementGettyHugo Lloris | Tottenham | £5.5m

Lloris has had his critics during his time at Tottenham, but he was a rock as the last line of defence for Antonio Conte's side towards the back end of the 2021-22 campaign.

He kept a total of 16 Premier League clean sheets as Spurs pipped arch-rivals Arsenal to fourth place, and after finishing as the second-highest scoring goalkeeper in FPL he is likely to be in even higher demand.

GettyEderson | Manchester City | £5.4m

Next up is Manchester City No.1 Ederson, who plays second fiddle to Alisson at international level for Brazil.

Ederson was 21 points behind his compatriot at the top of the FPL scoring charts last term, but he was the one that ended up with a Premier League winners' medal, and could be the best choice between the sticks on FPL in 2022-23 if Man City's domination continues.

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Getty ImagesNick Pope | Newcastle | £5.3m

Pope suffered relegation from the Premier League with Burnley last season, but it quickly became apparent that he would not be dropping down to the Championship.

Newcastle have won the race for the 30-year-old's signature and he is now set to replace Martin Dubravka as Eddie Howe's No.1, with another solid summer signing in the form of Dutch defender Sven Botman in line to lead the defence in front of him.

That pairing could transform the Magpies into one of the top defensive sides in the top-flight, and he represents a solid option for any FPL manager looking to leave a bit of money in the pot for outfield additions.

Vivianne Miedema and Victoria Pelova will be unavailable for the Netherlands' must-win game against Germany, dealing Arsenal a scare in the process.

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Miedema & Pelova leave Dutch campWill miss Netherlands' Olympics play-off with GermanyCould impact Arsenal's WSL title chaseWHAT HAPPENED?

The Netherlands face Germany on Wednesday night in the UEFA Women's Nations League's third-place match. However, it's significance goes way beyond that, with the winner to get UEFA's final place in the Olympic women's football tournament this summer. However, the Dutch will have to do it without Miedema and Pelova after announcing that the pair have left the national team and returned to Arsenal.

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In a brief statement on Tuesday, the Netherlands' national team said: "Vivianne Miedema and Victoria Pelova are not available for next Wednesday's UEFA Women's Nations League Finals match against Germany. Both players have left the Dutch national team selection and are returning to Arsenal."

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The news will also be of concern to Arsenal fans. The Gunners face Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday, looking to get revenge on their local rivals after a first-ever loss to them in December. A win will be vital in keeping their WSL title hopes alive, too, with Arsenal now only three points behind leaders Chelsea. Next Wednesday, the Gunners then have a huge Continental Cup semi-final against Aston Villa. Miedema and Pelova will be huge losses if they are unavailable in a big week.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Pelova leads the Women's Super League in assists this season with five, while Miedema is the division's all-time top goal-scorer having netted 79 times in 101 appearances since signing for Arsenal from Bayern Munich in 2017.

For some, it is about the one that got away. For Stuart Williams, it is about the one moment that did: Marlon Samuels’ dismissal

Firdose Moonda in Cape Town05-Jan-20150:52

‘We’re the best bowling unit in the world’ – Morkel

For some, it is about the one that got away. For Stuart Williams, it is about the one moment that did: Marlon Samuels’ dismissal.”We were building nicely. It was just an awful shot,” Williams said.After declaring himself a cannibal, in spin terms at least, Samuels got hold of Simon Harmer and was playing him comfortably, even with the shot that led to his downfall. He responded to a brief period of being tied down by launching Harmer down the ground but forgot that there was a long-on with legs chasing after it. Dean Elgar is one of the quicker men on the outfield and made good ground to take the catch almost straight down the wicket.That was the catalyst for another collapse – this time seven for 33 – which saw West Indies tumble from a fighting position to a flagging one. “I think we just missed the moment. That’s the moment in the game where everything fell away,” Williams said. “This is international cricket and we just have to seize the moment. You have to respect your opposition at all times and we didn’t do that.”South Africa knew that Samuels’ default position is defiance, which could stretch to disrespect if he is feeling in the mood. They also knew that if they got him out of the away, the rest would fall. “He was one of their stand-out batters so it was important to put him under pressure early on,” Morne Morkel said. “We know him – if he hits, he hits. But [if] he misses, he is out.”Despite that, Samuels remains the highest run-scorer for West Indies in South Africa for a second tour in succession and Williams conceded that he remains the biggest positive for them. “We have some positives like Marlon averaging over 50,” Williams said. “And in the first innings of this game, we bowled out South Africa. We had three run outs. Even though we don’t have a bowler who took five or six wickets, we still worked hard.”The small improvements West Indies made along the way is a good sign for Williams, even though he admitted to frustration with the lower order. “In the first game, South Africa played well and we didn’t. Then, in Port Elizabeth we showed some improvement and then in three-and-a-half days here, we were in the game and we obviously had a competition,” he said. “But our lower order never really fronted up and we spoke about it all along. It’s difficult; it’s stressful but you still have to find a way.”Williams hoped that West Indies would bat out the day and bat until lunch tomorrow to get a lead of “close to 230 or 240.” That, he believed, would have been enough to push for victory. Now, they only have 115 more runs to defend and Williams has promised ” a fight” and that his men would learn from the team they may eventually be beaten by. “They’re not No. 1 in the world by mistake. What I will take from here is consistency, especially in the bowlers. If we can learn from that, we will be on the right track.”

Though South Africa have not recruited a psychologist for this World Cup, the addition of Michael Hussey and his inputs on mindset and technique can help them acclimatise to pressure better

Firdose Moonda in Melbourne19-Feb-2015After more than two decades of trying to change their fortunes at major tournaments, South Africa have stopped.”We have not had a psychologist with us for the past eight or nine months. I’d like our team to focus on their skills,” Russell Domingo, South Africa’s coach said. “If you get your skills right, you can mentally get yourself into a good space to execute under pressure, not the other way round. You can’t be mentally strong but have bad skills.”Ability is the one area where South Africa well stocked and it is the only aspect of the game that falls within the controllables that Domingo and his sizeable support staff can work with. So that’s what they’re doing.In preparation for India, South Africa have called in their regular consultant Gary Kirsten and Australian World Cup-winner Michael Hussey in addition to the three bowling coaches – Allan Donald, Charl Langeveldt and Claude Henderson – they have on hand. Six specialists might seem excessive but Domingo explained that each of them has a specific responsibility and that helped the team cover more bases.”The most important thing about them is their personalities. They are really good people. They come across really well. They don’t impose in the space. They’re respectful of the space they’re working in, and don’t try to flood players with information” he said. “Hussey is an experienced player; he knows what he would expect from a coach. Gary is an experienced coach. He’s been with the side for a long time and he knows when to give information and when not to give information.”Kirsten and Langeveldt are old friends of the South African set-up and their presence is not considered an intrusion. Both played in it, Kirsten coached in it and they are regulars of the pre-practice football warm-ups. Cries of “Gazza,” as Kirsten attempts a header on goal and “Chico,” as Langeveldt muscles the ball through mid-field are common. It’s like having your friend from high-school at your wedding. You want him to see how far you’ve come and how well you’ve done but you also want him to be there if it all goes wrong.Hussey, however, is different. The mere sight of him in a South African shirt seems unusual but it seems South Africa are hoping for an osmosis of sorts, from one champion to whom they hope will be future champions.”He’s a guy who has won a World Cup as a player. He’s been in pressure situations in Australia. He’s played under these conditions for a long period of time, so his presence alone will serve as a big form of motivation for our players,” Domingo explained. “He’s known as a very thoughtful cricketer. He plans meticulously in his personal game. Hopefully some the things that he’s learnt playing in competitions like this he can pass on to our players – whether it’s in their mental preparations, their tactical strategy when going out to bat under pressure, whether it’s just thinking under certain conditions. I’m not expecting him to help us to get 500 runs in the next ODI we play.”In calling on Hussey, South Africa are working on the mental side of the game, just in a different way and Domingo said they have been doing that over the last seven months. “In every series we’ve played there has been a mention of the World Cup coming and trying to put ourselves under pressure. I think it was against Pakistan where we were ahead in the series after four games and we said, ‘Let’s approach the fifth game as though it is a World Cup quarter-final.’ In subtle ways, putting ourselves under pressure.”Come Sunday, there will be nothing subtle about the pressure on South Africa. The MCG is close to being sold out and the majority of the fans will be supporting the opposition. It is not a final, but six weeks from now, it could be and that’s what South Africa will try and tell themselves as they take on what an Indian journalist called, “cricket’s rockstars, or at least that’s what they think they are.”On a stage that big, South Africa are hoping skills and not luck will win out. Hence the emphasis on the controllables. The players’ families arrived at the start of the week to keep them grounded just when they are at risk from the hype.”Having the families here can only benefit the players,” Domingo said “Instead of just going back to the room and thinking about training, they have to look after their kids and take their wives out to dinner. It’s a good distraction to have.”As good as net sessions instead of crystal-ball gazing.

Despite playing in League Two, it turns out that Wrexham have more Instagram followers than over a third of Premier League clubs.

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Wrexham have 1.1 million Instagram followersSeven PL sides have fewerRed Dragons gunning for promotionWHAT HAPPENED?

A study has shown that Wrexham's official Instagram account has 1.1 million followers, more than seven top-flight sides. Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Sheffield United and Bournemouth all have fewer, while the Welsh club have more followers than Brentford and Luton Town combined. Meanwhile, in the Championship only Leicester City and Southampton can boast more followers.

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Wrexham have surged in popularity since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in early 2021. The Welsh club were in the National League when the Always Sunny stars invested, but the Welcome to Wrexham docuseries, as well as their return to the Football League, has seen the club's social media following sky-rocket.

DID YOU KNOW?

Wrexham can now claim to be the most popular club in Wales. The Red Dragons now have more social media followers than both Swansea City and Cardiff City, both of whom have played in the Premier League within the last decade.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Continued on-field success could see Wrexham's popularity increase further. Phil Parkinsons's side are currently fourth in the table, but only need to finish in the top three to earn promotion to League One. After a 2-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley on Saturday, Wrexham will look to return to winning ways when they host Morecambe next weekend.

Supergiants are all but out of the race for a playoff spot, and a defeat on Saturday would mean certain elimination

The Preview by Nikhil Kalro13-May-2016Match factsSaturday, May 14, 2016
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)4:08

Agarkar: Yusuf has played maturely this season

Big PictureKolkata Knight Riders played previously on Sunday and lost to Gujarat Lions by five wickets. Six days later, they head into their match against Rising Pune Supergiants narrowly clinging on to their top-four spot, and with three of their four remaining games at home, a playoffs berth is theirs to lose.Yusuf Pathan’s return to form has bolstered their middle order. Manish Pandey has recovered from chicken pox. Andre Russell is firing with bat and ball. The chinks in Knight Riders’ armour aren’t vulnerable. However, a big loss will affect their net run rate and hurt them, given the cluttered mid-table.At the other end of the scale, Supergiants have been all but wrestled out of contention for a playoffs spot. A loss on Saturday will exterminate any slim chances they currently have.The difference between the two sides has been the bowling attack. Knight Riders have depth and penetration, which Supergiants have lacked. Injuries and crucial losses at the toss have not helped Supergiants either. Ajinkya Rahane’s consistency has helped set up strong platforms for the end overs, but a lack of middle and lower-order firepower has resulted in sub-par totals. At best, Supergiants can improve their net run rate by winning their three remaining games convincingly and hope for a remote mathematical possibility of sneaking through to the final four.Form guideKolkata Knight Riders: LWWLL (last five matches, most recent first)
Rising Pune Supergiants: LLWLLIn the spotlightRobin Uthappa has been one of Knight Riders’ rocks at the top. Despite not being as consistent this season, his contributions have helped the middle order come into their own. However, his keeping hasn’t been error-free. Sheldon Jackson is the other wicketkeeper in the squad, but making room for him in Knight Riders’ middle order may not be feasible.R Ashwin has not featured in MS Dhoni’s plans against sides that primarily have right-handers in their top order. Knight Riders, however, have two left-handers in Gautam Gambhir and Shakib Al Hasan. How much will Ashwin be required at Eden Gardens’ short boundaries?Team newsShakib’s 49-ball 66 in the previous game, against Gujarat Lions, should help him retain his place. Sunil Narine is likely to return after being sidelined with a finger injury.Kolkata Knight Riders (probable) 1 Gautam Gambhir (capt), 2 Robin Uthappa (wk), 3 Manish Pandey, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Yusuf Pathan, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Piyush Chawla, 9 Brad Hogg/Sunil Narine, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Umesh YadavDespite their four-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Supergiants seem to have found their best XI. M Ashwin has been ruled out of the contest. With the pitch expected to turn, will Dhoni opt for an additional spinner?Rising Pune Supergiants (probable) 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Usman Khawaja, 3 Saurabh Tiwary, 4 MS Dhoni (capt, wk), 5 Thisara Perera, 6 George Bailey, 7 Rajat Bhatia/Ankit Sharma, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Adam Zampa, 10 Ashok Dinda 11 RP SinghPitch and conditionsLions’ seamers made use of a fresh Eden Gardens pitch in the previous game to reduce Knight Riders to 24 for 4. The batting side, however, recovered to post 158 – a score that was comfortably chased. With short boundaries, expect the captain winning the toss to bowl. The weather is expected to remain dry on Saturday.Stats and trivia With 228 runs in 10 games, Yusuf Pathan averages 114 this season and has struck at 160.56 MS Dhoni has been dismissed in his previous four innings. Before that, he had remained unbeaten in 12 of his last 16 innings.

Kansas City Current have dedicated their new press box to the late Grant Wahl, who was a KC native and a trailblazer in American soccer coverage.

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Current set to open new stadium in 2024Dedicate new press box to Grant WahlAmerican journalist passed during 2022 World CupWHAT HAPPENED?

A group gathered at the soon-to-be-open CKPC Stadium on Thursday for the dedication of at the Current's new grounds. The late journalist was beyond an influential figure in American soccer – both men's and women's – but also a dedicated fan of the game, who helped popularize the sport across the world. Wahl's memory will forever be remembered now with the beautiful tribute, to what his brother, Eric Wahl, believes will be a place of 'inspiration' for future journalists.

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Grant passed in Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, suffering an aortic aneurysm during the quarterfinal match between Argentina and Netherlands. Following his passing, U.S. soccer released the following statement: "The entire US soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game and its major protagonists: teams, players, coaches and the many personalities that make soccer unlike any sport.

"Here in the United States, Grant's passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in, and respect for, our beautiful game. "As important, Grant's belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all. "Grant made soccer his life's work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us."

Now, nearly one year later, the Current are dedicating their new home to the brilliant and forever influential Wahl.

WHAT CURRENT CO-OWNERS ANGIE & CHRIS LONG SAID

Speaking to the KC Star, Angie Long said: “His life’s work was growing this game in this country, and I don’t think there’s any more physical manifestation of it than this,” said Long, who attended High School with Wahl. “And for a woman’s team, as well, which he was equally as passionate about.”

“We hope this also inspires others to be as unselfish and as honest and to have as much foresight as he did,” added Long. “Because I think when this country didn’t know very much about soccer, Grant did. And when it wasn’t a thing to support female athletes and to really believe in and push for equality in the game, Grant did. He was a leader in so many ways.”

In a press release, Long added: “Grant was one of the first people we consulted with the idea of founding an NWSL team in Kansas City. His grounded advice, deep understanding of the soccer ecosystem, connections and thoughtful suggestions were critical ingredients to our decision to launch a new team on an unprecedented timeframe.”

“Giving us even more conviction around our facilities vision, Grant was particularly drawn to the idea of having the first stadium built for a women’s professional team right in his hometown of Kansas City,” said co-owner and founder Chris Long. “The Kansas City Current will always be grateful to Grant for his pivotal role in the launch of the Club.”

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WHAT WAHL'S FAMILY SAID

In a press release, Wahl's brother Eric said: “Grant and I were born and raised here in Kansas City and our lives were shaped by the sports culture in this region, but more specifically, by those who told those stories through the media. This is a great honor to our family. I hope that those journalists that come through this press box will see Grant’s dedication to telling the personal, challenging and compelling stories of this sport and its athletes, then seek to celebrate and elevate them through stories he would be proud to hear.”

Wahl's wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, added: “My family and I are thankful that my husband Grant Wahl is being recognized in this way. It is my hope that future generations of sports journalists sitting in this press box will be inspired to carry on Grant's legacy: holding those in power to account, advocating for human rights and equity and understanding that ‘stick to sports’ is a false mantra. As Ted Lasso said, ‘Soccer is life’. When sports are divorced from everything else in life, they are gutted of their essence and meaning.”

Kristie Mewis appears to have confirmed that Emma Hayes will be the USWNT’s new head coach despite no official announcement being made as yet.

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Demanding coaching role needs to be filledVarious candidates considered for itProven winner being lured away from ChelseaWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States are in the market for a new manager after parting company with Vlatko Andonovski on the back of a disastrous 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign that saw a global crown surrendered in spectacular fashion by the four-time champions.

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Various candidates have been considered to fill the most demanding of roles, with Hayes emerging as the leading contender due to her remarkable record at WSL side Chelsea. Over the course of 11 years and more than 300 games in west London, Hayes has delivered six Super League titles, five FA Cup wins and a couple of League Cup triumphs.

WHAT THEY SAID

Gotham FC star Mewis is looking forward to seeing what Hayes will bring to the USWNT fold, with the experienced midfielder telling reporters of an imminent appointment that is yet to be confirmed by U.S. Soccer: “She’s an outstanding coach and she has led Chelsea to so many championships and so many wins, and she’s a world respected coach. I'm super excited to see what she can bring to the team. She's exactly what we need and I really just think that she's going to take the team to the next level and, yeah, I’m just excited to see what she brings.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Hayes – who has previously worked in the United States with the Long Island Lady Riders, Iona College, the Chicago Red Stars, Western New York Flash and Washington Freedom – has been at Chelsea since August 2012 and was awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year Honours list for her services to football.

India is set to host a day-night Test during New Zealand’s visit later this year

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Apr-20163:16

Dew factor major hindrance for day-night Tests in India

India is set to host a day-night Test during New Zealand’s visit later this year. Anurag Thakur, the BCCI secretary, said on Thursday that the BCCI would use the pink Kookaburra ball for the Test match.”We have decided that we will play one day-night Test match with pink ball against New Zealand later this year,” Thakur said. “Before that, Duleep Trophy will act as a dress rehearsal for the day-night Test match.”There have been widespread concerns over the pink Kookaburra – particularly its durability and its visibility – and the Adelaide Test last November, the first ever to be played under floodlights, was played on a grassier-than-normal surface to ensure the ball lasted 80 overs. South Africa’s players, including their Test captain AB de Villiers, have expressed their reluctance to play a day-night Test during their 2016-17 tour of Australia.The pink ball is yet to be trialled in India, where dew could be a concern under lights, and Thakur said the Duleep Trophy would serve as a trial run before the Test.”While we have not zeroed in on the venue, there are lots of factors that need to be taken into account,” Thakur said. “Things like dew factor, how the spinners bowl with the pink Kookaburra on Indian pitches. These things we will get an idea [of] during the Duleep Trophy.”Given the need for India’s players to acclimatise to playing with the pink ball, it is expected that all the major names from the Test team will feature in the Duleep Trophy.SG manufactures the red ball normally used in India’s Test matches. Thakur said a pink SG could be a possibility in the future. “We may ask SG to manufacture pink balls later but that has to be of the quality of pink balls that Kookaburra produces.”

Azhar Ali said the series win against Zimbabwe boosted the team’s confidence, and also gave him ample belief as captain ahead of the upcoming series against Sri Lanka

Umar Farooq01-Jun-20151:33

Coming to Pakistan was about playing cricket – Whatmore

After leading Pakistan to a 2-0 ODI series win against Zimbabwe, Azhar Ali has said the victory boosted the team’s confidence, and also gave him ample belief as captain ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka. Pakistan, playing their first home series in six years, whitewashed Zimbabwe in the two-match T20 series and also won the ODI series.Azhar, who was appointed ODI captain after the World Cup, had lost his first assignment 0-3 to Bangladesh in April. However, he not only won his first home series as captain but was also the leading run-scorer with 227 runs at 75.66. He also became the first Pakistan captain to make a century in a successful chase in ODIs.”It’s been an exciting and emotional series for many reasons,” Azhar said. “It became important for us, as many of us never played in Pakistan, and winning makes it more significant because it gives you confidence. I know the opponent wasn’t as big but they played good cricket against us and eventually a win is a win and this will definitely help us move forward.”I’m happy that I was able to carry out the responsibility of captaincy very well and score runs as a batsman. I always try to make myself feel as a batsman while batting but obviously there are a lot of things going on in my mind. But I think to be a good batsman, you have to be your own captain first. I always go in with the same sense, which was the reason I was successful in this series.”To develop confidence you have to win and it becomes a habit only when you start winning games consistently. You don’t have to bother who the opponent is but it is the belief that makes you win. So this belief has to build in our players, which is very important.”Since the World Cup, Pakistan have made extensive changes to their squad in a bid to rebuild the side. The transition saw some experienced hands – Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Sami – return to the team, while many youngsters got a chance as well. The experiment was seen as necessary to find the best combination.”These players have been waiting for a long time after performing in the domestic circuit,” Azhar said. “So the idea is to induct them gradually and test their skills at this level. But at the end we have to figure out the best combination by mixing it up with experienced players. We all know that we are facing a tough challenge to qualify for the Champions Trophy so we have to find the right combination in both the bowling and batting departments who can finish the game well.”Pakistan are presently facing a dearth in their bowling resources: Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan and Sohail Khan are all injured, and Saeed Ajmal has been left out of the side. Sami, Hammad Azam and Anwar Ali helped Azhar win the series against Zimbabwe at home but it may not be enough to take on Sri Lanka in their upcoming series.”There are a lot of injuries in our bowling department and I am hopeful that all the players will be available for selection. This will help us find our best combination looking at the conditions in Sri Lanka,” Azhar said. “We are also going through a tough time after the retirement of some senior players but the players coming up are talented enough to be considered. They have the temperament and are performing well but the only thing is to give them an opportunity.”I am optimistic they will blossom, but you can’t notice the result with one or two series, one needs to be given one or two years to establish themselves. Soon we will be able to fight with any team in the world with the same level of competitiveness which is required for modern cricket.”Babar Azam, the 20-year-old batsman, made his debut in the third ODI and scored 54 off 60 balls. His composed innings under pressure, when Pakistan had lost three wickets for 36 runs, helped post a decent target of 296. “The highlight of the series against Zimbabwe was the young batsman Babar Azam who played well under pressure,” Azhar said. “These are the innings that reflect how much potential he has in him. It was a tough innings to play and I am happy that we found players who can perform under this kind of pressure.”