Where is Alexander Isak going to be playing his football next season? The Newcastle United striker is one of two attackers embroiled in a huge transfer saga involving the Magpies and Premier League champions Liverpool. It is fair to say that his future is up in the air right now.

A new report from David Ornstein explains that the Reds have contacted Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible move for Hugo Ekitike, also a key target for Liverpool. However, Arne Slot’s side have also made a move for Isak. Newcastle are hoping to keep their number nine and also sign Ektiike.

At this stage, it is too difficult to predict which striker will end up where next season. A recent development could see Newcastle move for a different striker altogether.

The latest on Newcastle’s striker pursuit

It will be fascinating to follow this transfer saga, which does not seem like it will come to a conclusion anytime soon. Perhaps the Magpies will instead look to pursue a new target up front, and have been linked with someone from within the Premier League.

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According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, the North Eastern giants hold a strong interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, and, in the view of Bailey, like the striker ‘an awful lot’.

They are said to be ‘one of several Premier League clubs in talks’ to sign the forward in the 2025 summer window, meaning the competition will be stiff.

Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are also interested in a deal that could see the striker leave for as little as £40m.

Why Wissa would be a good signing

Perhaps it would be wise for Newcastle to untangle themselves from this Isak and Ekitike saga and focus on someone with a fantastic record in the Premier League, instead. Wissa is certainly that guy, and his top-flight numbers speak for themselves.

The 28-year-old has played 137 Premier League games in his career so far, finding the back of the net 45 times and assisting a further 13 goals. The last two seasons have seen the DR Congo international reach double figures for goals.

The 2024/25 campaign was comfortably Wissa’s best in the Premier League. He featured in 35 games for Brentford, scoring 19 times and grabbing five assists, stepping up in the wake of Ivan Toney’s departure. Impressively, the striker contributed to seven goals in the final seven games of the season.

If Isak is to depart St James’ Park this summer, then replacing him will be no mean feat. Last season, former defender-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports the Swede is the “best striker in the Premier League”, talking in December 2024.

Well, the stats from last season make it easy to see why the Liverpool legend spoke so highly of Isak. He bagged 23 goals in 34 Premier League appearances, as well as that crucial strike in the Carabao Cup final triumph over Carragher’s former side.

Finding an heir to the throne of Isak will not be easy, but perhaps Wissa, an “exceptional” striker according to Jamie Redknapp, could be the guy they’re looking for. They are actually noted as statistically similar players, as per FBef from the top flight last season and some of the stats stand out.

Of course, one of the most important stats for strikers is their shooting numbers. The Brentford star averaged 0.21 goals per shot per game last season, slightly pipping Isak, who had 0.2. The pair averaged the same number of goals per shot on target, with 0.46, too. Wissa’s 0.59 goals per game is not too far off Isak’s tally of 0.75.

Wissa and Isak key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Wissa

Isak

Goals

0.59

0.75

Goals per shot

0.21

0.2

Goals per shot on target

0.46

0.46

Goal-creating actions

0.31

0.46

Ball recoveries

2.5

1.88

Aerial duels won

0.93

0.85

Stats from FBref

This could be a steal for Newcastle, at a price of just £40m. Wissa is undoubtedly one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League, and only scored four fewer goals last season than Isak managed.

He has the quality and consistency to become the heir to the Swede’s throne and make the Magpies forget all about signing Ekitike this summer.

Related Elanga's dream CF: Newcastle exploring move for £50m Ekitike alternative

Following the signing of Anthony Elanga, Newcastle are now exploring a move to sign a Premier League striker worth £50m who has a “nose for goals”.

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James Rew completes eighth first-class hundred as Durham toil at Taunton

ECB Reporters Network30-Aug-2024

Archie Vaughan is mobbed after taking his maiden first-class wicket•Harry Trump/Getty Images

Jack Leach claimed three wickets as Somerset built a strong position on the second day of their County Championship match against Durham at Taunton.Somerset began by extending their first-innings score from an overnight 395 for 6 to 492 all out, James Rew dismissed for 103, having set out on 89, and Kasey Aldridge making 44. Callum Parkinson finished with 4 for 136.By the close, Durham had replied with 272 for 6, left-arm spinner Leach taking 3 for 103. Alex Lees hit a solid 59, but it was an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 102 between Brydon Carse (59 not out) and Ben Raine (51 not out), which kept the visitors in the game after they had slumped to 170 for 6.At the age of 20, Rew already his eight first-class centuries to his name, the latest completed with a streaky edged boundary between wicketkeeper and slip off Carse early in the morning session. He had faced 112 balls and hit 12 fours and a six.James Rew celebrates his hundred•Harry Trump/Getty Images

The impressive innings ended off the very next ball when another drive at Carse saw Rew edge to Ashton Turner at slip. Somerset were 417 for 7 and Lewis Gregory soon signalled his intentions by smacking a delivery from Raine over midwicket for six.The skipper brought up 450 and a fifth batting bonus point with a three through the off side off Carse and Aldridge, unbeaten on 12 at the start of play, celebrated the landmark by clearing the ropes off Parkinson.The score after 110 overs was 465 for seven so Durham had to settle for two bowling points. Gregory and Aldridge completed a half-century stand before Aldridge was caught behind attempting to reverse sweep Parkinson.Overton hit his first ball for four and then launched big sixes off successive deliveries from George Drissell before falling to the offspinner attempting another maximum. Gregory had moved to 31 before being last man out in similar fashion, giving Parkinson his fourth wicket.Durham were left with eight overs to bat before lunch and found themselves facing Leach and young offspinner Archie Vaughan before the interval. It was the 18-year-old son of former England captain Michael Vaughan who struck the first blow on debut with the sixth ball of his first-class career, turning a delivery which pitched on leg stump to pin Ben McKinney lbw for 15.At lunch, Durham were 29 for 1. There seemed little prospect of the collapse to come when Lees and Scott Borthwick began the afternoon session with a half-century stand off 67 balls.But Leach was starting to threaten and Borthwick, having moved to 35, edged a back-foot shot to slip where Overton took a sharp low catch to make it 86 for 2. Still, Lees looked untroubled, largely content to milk singles in moving fifty off 101 balls.Jack Leach celebrates after bowling Ashton Turner•Harry Trump/Getty Images

Ollie Robinson made 26 in helping Lees add 42 for the third wicket before falling to an even better Overton catch, diving to his left to clutch the ball one-handed. Boosted by a second wicket, Leach struck again with the total 136 as Turner was bowled by a delivery that turned and clipped off stump.By tea Durham were 150 for 4 and their plight worsened considerably in the first over after the interval. It was bowled by left-arm spinner Lewis Goldsworthy from the River End and saw Overton pouch a third slip catch as Lees pushed forward outside off stump.The last thing Durham needed was a run out, but it happened with the total on 170 as Carse called for a quick single to cover and Bas de Leede failed to beat Tom Abell’s throw to wicketkeeper Rew.With six wickets down, Carse and Ben Raine went on the counter-attack, Raine hitting two sixes in the same Goldsworthy over as the pair put together a half-century partnership off 71 balls.Raine hit Leach over mid-wicket for another six and Carse cleared the ropes at long-on off Vaughan in moving to an 86-ball half century to mark his return to the Durham team after suspension. Raine followed to the same milestone of 94 deliveries just after the century stand had been completed, much to Somerset’s frustration.

Allrounder Kathryn Bryce will be the captain and wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce, her sister, will be the vice-captain for Scotland at the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE.This will be Scotland’s maiden outing at the Women’s T20 World Cup, and their squad is packed with allrounders. The other allrounders, apart from Kathryn, are Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser and Megan McColl.”The make-up and balance of this squad is outstanding,” head coach Craig Wallace said. “We’ve got match-winners from start to finish within it, which I think is the big difference in the evolution of this squad during my short tenure. People have been putting in crucial performances each time they step onto the field, and that runs right the way through the squad.”The Scotland squad for their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup appearance•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Scotland qualified for the tournament after finishing runners-up behind Sri Lanka in the qualifier tournament, also held in the UAE earlier this year. In the run-up to the T20 World Cup, they have produced strong performances in the Netherlands, where they played a tri-series against the hosts and Papua New Guinea.”If you look at the recent Netherlands series, we won five games out of six, and there is a depth in the wider group now, proved by some of those who’ve not been selected but who’ve been pushing and performing all year,” Wallace said. “It was great to be able to argue about players’ cases in a positive sense based on the work they’ve all produced.”In all, thirteen of Scotland’s 15 squad members from the qualifier are part of the T20 World Cup squad. Offspinner Olivia Bell and former captain Abbi Aitken-Drummond, who both impressed in the Netherlands, have also been included.Scotland are in Group B with England, Bangladesh, South Africa and West Indies. They will head to the UAE in mid-September for a training camp before playing two warm-up games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Their opening fixture of the T20 World Cup is against Bangladesh on October 3.Scotland squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Kathryn Bryce (capt), Sarah Bryce (wk, vice-capt), Lorna Jack-Brown, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Abtaha Maqsood, Saskia Horley, Chloe Abel, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Darcey Carter, Ailsa Lister, Hannah Rainey, Rachel Slater, Katherine Fraser, Olivia Bell.

Manchester United are in a race with Liverpool to sign an “outstanding” £30 million midfielder, according to a new report.

Man Utd make contact for Martinez as INEOS ramp up summer plans

As the transfer window hits the midway point of July, the Red Devils will be disappointed that they have just got one senior signing through the door. The next arrival at Old Trafford appears likely to be Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, despite the fact that the Premier League giants are struggling to agree a fee with the London side.

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Man Utd have finally begun official talks.

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After that, United are still in the market to strengthen their midfield and forward line, and despite Andre Onana still being at the club, they could now be targeting a new goalkeeper. That is because, according to journalist Gaston Edul, United are in talks with Aston Villa over signing Emiliano Martinez.

The Red Devils are said to have advanced their interest in the Argentina goalkeeper but have yet to make a formal offer, with the Villans looking to get around £40 million for their shot-stopper, while United are hoping they can agree a deal in the region of £33 million.

Interest in Martinez comes as questions about the form and fitness of Onana have come into focus. The Cameroon international had a very turbulent 2024/25, and he could be missing at the start of the 2025/26 season after picking up a hamstring injury.

Man Utd join race for Wolves star Andre

As the Red Devils begin talks to sign Martinez, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, relayed by TEAMtalk, Man United have registered their interest in signing Andre from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The report states that as well as United, arch-rivals Liverpool are also interested in signing the Brazilian and, like United, have approached Wolves to make their interest known. It goes on to add that even though Wolves only signed Andre last summer, they would be willing to sell should they receive a fee of £30 million.

The 24-year-old, who has been dubbed “outstanding” by former Wolves player Andy Thompson, joined the Midlands side for a fee of £21 million last summer, meaning the Premier League side would be making a small return should he leave for £30 million in this transfer window.

Apps

33

Starts

31

Passing accuracy per game

37.7 (93%)

Touches

52.2

Big chances created

1

Key passes per game

0.5

Interceptions per game

1.1

Tackles per game

2.8

Clearances per game

0.9

Andre, who has been capped 12 times by Brazil, played 33 times for Wolves in the Premier League last season, 31 of which he started. The midfielder operated at the base of Wolves’ midfield, and his potential arrival at Old Trafford would likely see him replace Casemiro, who looks set to stay at United but may not feature regularly.

Andre is under contract until 2029, so Wolves are under no pressure to sell the midfielder, which makes the reported asking price somewhat of a question mark.

Celtic players are slowly starting to filter back in for pre-season, and they could be joined by yet another new addition sooner rather than later, according to reports.

Celtic's transfer state of play with pre-season already underway

Several Celtic stars were spotted being put through their paces at Lennoxtown earlier this week, and it is anticipated that the bulk of the main group will join before long, but who could accompany them from elsewhere over the coming weeks?

Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan and Benjamin Nygren have already been announced. Fulham youngster Callum Osmand is set to follow the trio to Celtic and has already been spotted at their training base before being officially confirmed as a new asset.

With Greg Taylor out of contract and set to depart, Djurgarden left-back Keita Kosugi is the latest name on the Bhoys’ radar as they plot a replacement for the Scotland international.

Despite some swift moves to bolster their pool of talent, Chris Sutton believes Celtic should be doing more in the transfer market with the Champions League qualifiers around the corner.

He explained: “Unless Celtic are going to start paying silly money, I’d imagine they may have to wait, perhaps even until the end of the window, for some of the key targets.

Celtic in talks to sell international defender for 7-figure loss

Is it the right time for him to leave?

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“But it still feels a little lacking to me at this precise point of proceedings and, at the very least, Rodgers will surely want the majority in his squad for the start of the domestic season.”

Managers will never be content with that they’ve got, there will always be an appetite for as many useful options as possible to offer cover across the pitch.

Either way, Sutton’s wish could now have been granted as Celtic are now on the brink of bringing in a talented central defender.

Celtic set to land Hayato Inamura with medical scheduled

According to Sponichi, Celtic are set to land defender Hayato Inamura from Albirex Niigata, and he will travel to Europe to undergo a medical before signing on the dotted line at Parkhead.

The 23-year-old took on his final fixture in current club colours against Machida Zelvia this weekend, and is set to become the ninth Japanese player to join the Hoops once his move is ratified.

Hayato Inamura’s record at Albirex Niigata

Appearances

35

Goals

1

Assists

2

Predominantly a central defender, Inamura is also capable of featuring at left-back and has two years left on his current deal at the Denka Big Swan Stadium. He is considered an impressive talent back home, evidenced by the fact he shares an agent with two of Japan’s top stars in Europe – £20m Arsenal man Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mainz star Kaishū Sano.

Enjoying a productive J League campaign, the Tokyo-born man has won 63 duels and 75% of his tackles and would likely arrive in Glasgow for a nominal fee, although the specifics on that front haven’t yet been confirmed.

Either way, Celtic appear primed to venture back into a market that has been a happy hunting ground in recent years, so there is every chance Inamura will become a shrewd addition with plenty of potential to develop.

Worker played for many years with Central Districts and Auckland, and had a short stint in international cricket between 2015 and 2018

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Aug-2024Former New Zealand batter George Worker has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 34 to take up a “fantastic opportunity” with an investment services firm.”After a fulfilling 17-year journey in professional cricket, I am announcing my retirement from the sport. This decision marks the end of an incredible chapter of my life and the beginning of a new adventure,” Worker, who started his professional career with Central Districts and ended it with Auckland, said. “Throughout the course of my career, I’ve forged some great friendships that will last a lifetime and memories I will cherish forever.”Worker had a short stint in international cricket, playing ten ODIs and two T20Is between 2015 and 2018, in which he scored 272 and 90 runs respectively. It started on a 2015 tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa where, on T20I debut, he won the Player-of-the-Match award for his 38-ball 62 in Harare. An impressive 2017 Ford Trophy, where he scored 659 runs in ten innings for Central Districts while averaging 82.37, put him back on the selectors’ radar. The ODI debut came on that same tour of Africa, and he got a bit of a run in his best format in 2017 when he played in Ireland and at home against West Indies, scoring all his three ODI half-centuries in that span.More recently, Worker earned a call-up to New Zealand’s ODI squad for their home series against New Zealand in March 2022, when Mark Chapman was ruled out with Covid-19, but he did not get an opportunity to add to his 12 international caps.Overall, in 169 List A games, he scored 6721 runs at an average of 43.64 and a strike rate of 79.85 with 18 centuries and 37 half-centuries. His first-class (6400 runs at an average of 29.49) and T20 (3480 runs at a strike rate of 123.57) numbers were less impressive.Worker debuted for Central Districts in the 2007-08 season and represented New Zealand at the Under-19 World Cup soon after. More recently, he played a big part in Auckland Aces’ Ford Trophy 2021-22 title win, topping the overall run-scoring chart with 672 runs in ten innings, averaging 84.00 and hitting four centuries.A part-time left-arm spinner, Worker finished with 58 first-class wickets to go with 60 in List A cricket and 42 in T20s.”Whilst his immense leadership and experience will be sorely missed in the Aces environment, we’re hugely excited for him as he embarks on this next chapter in his career,” Auckland Cricket’s head of performance and talent Evan Jones said. “George will, of course, remain an important part of the Auckland Cricket family, and we look forward to seeing what that may look like in the future.”The immediate future will be far away from cricket.”As I close this chapter, I am excited to embark on the next phase of my life with Forsyth Barr, who have offered me a fantastic opportunity,” Worker said. “I look forward to bringing the same passion and dedication to my new role with them.”

Bhui, Padikkal and Bharat also scored fifties as India D ended the opening day on 306 for 5

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Sep-2024

File photo: Sanju Samson hit form with an unbeaten 89•Sportsfile via Getty Images

Shreyas Iyer bagged his second duck in as many Duleep Trophy games but half-centuries from Sanju Samson, Devdutt Padikkal, KS Bharat and Ricky Bhui helped India D gain the upper hand against India B in Anantapur.Samson stayed unbeaten on 89 off 83 balls at stumps, taking India D to 306 for 5 in 77 overs. He had Saransh Jain for company on 26.After India B had elected to bowl, their bowlers were in for an early toil with Padikkal and Bharat stitching a 105-run stand for the opening wicket in 31.1 overs. Padikkal having scored fifties in both Duleep Trophy games so far added a third during a knock in which he hit eight fours. Bharat, who was promoted up the order, also cashed in stroking 52 off 105 balls with nine fours.Padikkal was the first to depart edging Navdeep Saini through to the wicketkeeper. Bharat followed suit soon after, caught behind off Mukesh Kumar. Nishant Sindhu and Ricky Bhui then added a 53-run stand for the third wicket but when Rahul Chahar struck twice in quick succession, India D found themselves in a spot of bother.The legspinner first had Sindhu caught in the 47th over. In his very next over then, he sent back Iyer for a five-ball duck as India D slipped to 175 for 4.Bhui, fresh from a fourth-innings 113 in the previous match, continued his good form to become the third half-centurion of the innings. But like his other team-mates, he also fell in the fifties with Chahar grabbing his third wicket of the day. Bhui departed for 56 off 87 balls with nine fours.Samson, however, made sure to carry on. He struck ten fours and three sixes in his quick half-century, dominating an unbroken 90-run stand off 109 balls with Jain.For India B, Chahar was the most successful bowler picking up 3 for 60 in 13 overs while Mukesh and Saini chipped with a wicket apiece.

Leeds United are increasingly interested in signing an “underrated” £17 million midfielder this summer, according to a recent report.

Leeds chasing multiple targets

Premier League teams are slowly starting to return to pre-season training, and Daniel Farke will be pleased to already have Jaka Bijol, Lukas Nmecha and Sebastiaan Bornauw a part of his squad, but the German will be hoping his club can get a few more deals over the line this week as preparations for the new campaign get underway.

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Signing a new goalkeeper has become somewhat of a priority for the Yorkshire side, as Illan Meslier’s future at the club looks to be over. Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope have been identified as potential targets for the Whites, something that “excites” former number one Paul Robinson.

However, they are not the only options Leeds are considering, as according to The Guardian, Leeds have held talks to sign Lucas Perri from Olympique Lyon. The shot-stopper could be allowed to leave the French club for a cut-price deal amid their financial turmoil.

Meanwhile, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that the Whites have contacted Torino over a potential deal for Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who could be available for just £17 million.

Stach "considering" Elland Road move as Leeds interest grows

As well as scouring the market for a new goalkeeper, the Premier League newcomers are also in the market for midfield reinforcements, and according to German outlet Kicker, Leeds have been gifted a boost in their pursuit of Anton Stach from TSG Hoffenheim.

The report states his performances for the Bundesliga side last season have caught the attention of several teams across Europe, and while Stach is not open about wanting to leave Hoffenheim, he is “considering” Elland Road.

This comes after Graeme Bailey revealed Leeds’ connections with Red Bull should give them the edge in the Premier League when it comes to signing Stach, who has been dubbed “underrated” in the past.

Bailey said: “He’s on the list, I’m told. Hoffenheim are not keen for him to go. Leeds aren’t the only ones interested, from what I’m told. A very good player, and obviously through Red Bull, Leeds are well-versed on him.

Apps

71

Goals

4

Assists

6

“They’re ahead of many other Premier League teams when it comes to German-based talent. So, it’s not a surprise, you know; it’s not going to be a huge surprise. If there’s a good one, Leeds know all about it.”

Even though Bailey has stated that Hoffenheim are not actively looking to sell Stach this summer, it’s been reported that he could be available for £17 million.

His potential arrival at Elland Road could see him fight Ilia Gruev for a place, who was very important for Farke last season. Competition in the middle of the park is never a bad thing in a long and gruelling season.

Manchester United have now made contact over a deal for a “decisive” forward, who is attracting widespread interest after a fantastic 2024/25 campaign, according to a report.

Man Utd eyeing new forward amid Garnacho uncertainty

Marcus Rashford officially completed to Barcelona on Wednesday, and the England international is unlikely to be the only Man United forward on the move this summer, amid major doubts over Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford.

Earlier this month, it was widely reported that Garnacho had informed the United hierarchy that he wants to leave in the current window, and there is plenty of interest in the Aston Villa international, who is eager to remain in the Premier League.

Related Romano: Man Utd in contact to sign £100m star, could join in Garnacho swap

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That is according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who said: “Alejandro Garnacho wants to stay in England, and there are only so many options. Chelsea, we know, like him, whilst Tottenham have maintained contact.

“But Aston Villa have emerged as an option, I am told the player has done his homework on the possibility of working with Unai Emery, and he has heard good things.”

Despite already adding Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to his ranks this summer, Ruben Amorim may want to bring in a new winger if Garnacho does depart this summer, and a new target has now entered the frame.

That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which reveals that Man United have now made contact over a deal for Bologna’s Riccardo Orsolini, who is attracting widespread interest after an impressive 2024-25 campaign.

The Italian club are thought to be holding out for a fee of €50m (£43m), meaning a deal would be on the expensive side, and his current employers are hoping Orsolini commits to a new contract, with a new deal currently being worked on.

As such, it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils are able to tempt Bologna into a sale.

"Decisive" Orsolini impressing in the Serie A

The 2024-25 campaign will live long in Bologna fans’ memory, given that they lifted the Italian Cup, and the Italian forward was one of the driving forces behind their success, picking up 22 goal contributions in all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Serie A

30

15

5

Italian Cup

4

2

0

Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano was also full of praise for the Italy international last season, saying: “He has this ability to be solid, decisive, incisive, and there are not many with those characteristics. Having him is a big deal for us.”

As such, Orsolini could be an exciting addition to Amorim’s squad, although it would be a gamble to shell out £43m on the forward, given that he is unproven in the Premier League and Champions League.

Test aspirant Matt Renshaw fell cheaply, but captain Marnus Labuschagne led Queensland’s recovery with a half-century against Western Australia at the WACA. Labuschagne was in superb touch, as he hit 77 off 96 balls and looked in total command until falling lbw to offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli late on day two. It was a major blow in Queensland’s rally, but No. 4 Jack Clayton held firm and finished unbeaten on 52.After toiling in the field for 124.2 overs, openers Renshaw and Usman Khawaja were challenged by accurate new-ball bowling from quicks Matt Kelly and Cameron Gannon. The pitch flattened considerably amid sunny conditions, and represented a golden opportunity for Renshaw, who might be in the frame for a Test recall given the uncertainty over Cameron Green’s back injury.Renshaw started with a gorgeous drive down the ground off Kelly in the first over, but was worked over by Gannon, and edged to third slip. He made just 6 off 24 balls.Labuschagne, with his father watching on in the terraces, was cautious early, before counterattacking Rocchiccioli with quick footwork down the pitch. He combined well with Khawaja, who also pounced on an unusually ragged effort from Rocchiccioli.Gannon, playing against his former team, was the standout of WA’s shorthanded attack missing speedsters Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson, with allrounder Mitchell Marsh playing as a specialist batter. Having starred in WA’s Shield triumph against Tasmania last season, Gannon was relentless, and knocked over Khawaja, who on 31, played a short ball on to his stumps.WA debutant Brody Couch, recruited from Victoria and who has played in Major League Cricket, impressed and bowled a lively first spell before tea. He was the fastest out of WA’s trio of quicks, reaching speeds of 140kph while also bowling the occasional fiery short-pitched delivery. Couch tired late in the day, but did deliver a stinging delivery that hit Labuschagne in the stomach and had him on his haunches.Queensland still have considerable work ahead to close in on WA’s massive first-innings total of 465. WA’s recovery continued on day two when allrounder Cooper Connolly and Gannon batted for almost the entire first session. Connolly powered to his half-century off 64 balls, and was matched by Gannon, a useful middle-order batter for his local club team. Labuschagne reverted to funky fields for Queensland, but to no avail, as Gannon notched his second half-century in first-class cricket.After making his international debut during Australia’s tour of the UK, Connolly has been earmarked for a big summer, and might be a smokey for the Test tour of Sri Lanka early next year.Justifying his selection ahead of veteran Ashton Turner, Connolly unleashed powerful strokes to reach lunch on 79 not out. Having made 90 in his first-class debut in last season’s Shield final, Connolly’s bid for a maiden ton was cut short when he holed out to Renshaw in the first over after the interval.After a standout performance on day one, fringe Test quick Michael Neser only bowled three overs on day two. He finished with 5 for 68 from 25 overs, and completed a stunning athletic catch on the boundary to wrap WA’s innings up. Part-timers Labuschagne and Renshaw claimed two wickets apiece before having contrasting fortunes with the bat.