Category Uncategorized

Lassana Diarra is seeking €65 million in damages for a career restricted by the unlawful transfer system after he won a landmark ruling against FIFA.

Diarra seeks €65m in compensation from FIFALawsuit follows a ruling by the CJEUSeparate mass claim involving over 100,000 playersFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Diarra's legal saga dates back to a bitter dispute with his former club, Lokomotiv Moscow, in 2014. After a disagreement over his salary, Diarra's contract was terminated. Diarra was subsequently ordered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to pay Lokomotiv a staggering €10m for breach of contract. This ruling, combined with FIFA's regulations, created what his lawyers called "unforeseeable and potentially very high financial risks" for any club that wanted to sign him. This legal entanglement effectively halted Diarra's career, as a promising move to Belgian side Sporting Charleroi was cancelled, leaving him unable to play professional football for over a year.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With the backing of the global players’ union, FIFPRO, Diarra took his case to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), arguing that FIFA’s transfer rules unlawfully restricted his right to the “free movement of workers” under EU law. In a landmark verdict, the CJEU sided with Diarra, ruling that FIFA’s regulations created “unforeseeable and potentially very high financial risks” for players. This judgment is a historic moment in sports law, targeting player rights to terminate a contract prematurely—a new frontier that builds upon the groundbreaking 1995 Bosman ruling, which focused on free transfers at the end of a contract.

TELL ME MORE

With the legal principle now established, the case has moved to a new phase: a claim for compensation. Diarra is now seeking €65m (£56m/$76m) in damages from FIFA and the Belgian FA. Backed by the global players' union FIFPRO, Diarra has stressed that his fight is not just for himself. He has spoken out to protect "promising and lesser-known players who don't have the financial and psychological means to face FIFA before real judges." This sentiment has given rise to the "Justice for Players" class-action lawsuit, which is now preparing to claim billions of euros in damages on behalf of an estimated 100,000 footballers who were also affected by FIFA's restrictive rules since 2002.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR DIARRA?

Following FIFA's refusal to reach an amicable settlement, Diarra's case will now return to the Belgian national courts for enforcement. His legal representative, Martin Hissel, expects a ruling within 12 to 15 months. For Diarra, the immediate future is about finally receiving the compensation he believes he is owed for the damage done to his career. However, his lasting legacy is now secured. Like Jean-Marc Bosman before him, Diarra has become a revolutionary figurehead for player rights.

Rasmus Hojlund's reported suitors have flown to England to explore a move for the Manchester United man amid Benjamin Sesko's impending arrival.

Hojlund faces uncertain futureMan Utd close in on Sesko dealDane suitors fly to EnglandFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, AC Milan representatives have flown to London to speak to United about the possibility of signing Hojlund. The report adds that United are interested in sending him out on loan but the Italian giants want a €35 million (£30m) option to buy inserted in a loan deal.

AdvertisementGetty Images/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Hojlund recently stated that he plans to stay at United for the upcoming season, but this may change if Sesko joins from RB Leipzig in the coming days. The Dane is almost certainly going to be second choice to the 6ft 5in striker, so a late summer transfer window move could be on the cards.

DID YOU KNOW?

The report adds that progress has been made on a loan switch for Hojlund, with the 22-year-old seemingly keen on a Serie A return. Although Milan are said to want Hojlund for €35m, United may try and get as much as €50m (£43m) for the ex-Atalanta forward.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

It remains to be seen if Hojlund, who joined United two years ago for a fee worth up to £72m ($96m), will still be at Old Trafford when the summer window shuts in just over three weeks. If Sesko arrives, speculation over a move for the Denmark international will only increase.

Cameron Green will also feature for Western Australia against Queensland

Andrew McGlashan27-Nov-20231:53

Inglis on his century – ‘Nice to get the monkey off the back’

Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne will play in the Sheffield Shield this week following their return from the 2023 ODI World Cup while Cameron Green will also feature as he begins his push to return to the Test side.Carey, who was dropped from the one-day side after the opening game of the World Cup against India, will hope to find some form ahead of the Test series against Pakistan when he faces Victora in Adelaide.It is unlikely the selectors will make a change to the Test side, but Josh Inglis’ white-ball form is putting some pressure on Carey whose returns faded in the latter part of the 2023 Ashes after the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s, although Carey has previously insisted that incident has not been a factor.Related

Green, Harris, Renshaw, Bancroft named in PM's XI to face Pakistan

Khawaja, Labuschagne cleared for BBL opening night amid fixture squeeze

Mumbai Indians trade Hardik from Titans and trade Cameron Green to RCB

Having made a half-century in the World Test Championship final against India and another vital fifty in the victory against Englandat Edgbaston, Carey finished the Ashes with scores of 8, 5, 20, 10 and 28.”I don’t feel like one-day and Test cricket overlay,” Carey said last week. “So we’ll wait and see when Test selection comes out, but I’m looking forward to getting out there Tuesday and having a hit with the red ball for the Redbacks and then see what happens.”You never want to get dropped in any format, and unfortunately after the first game I didn’t get back out there, but I thought I held myself around the group pretty well.”Green, meanwhile, faces a battle to win back his Test place after being dropped for the final match of the Ashes. Barring injury he still appears behind Mitchell Marsh in the pecking order for the start of the Pakistan series. After playing Queensland in Brisbane, Green will also feature for the Prime Minister’s XI against Pakistan in Canberra but he won’t be part of the BBL which means he may then get a break from the game unless he is carried as part of the Test squads.Alex Carey will hope for some time at the crease before the Test summer•AFP/Getty Images

“I’m obviously still learning as a cricketer. So I’m not too stressed about selection at the moment,” Green told AAP at the start of the summer. “There’s a lot of cricket, a lot of things can happen with injuries or form.”At the same time, I can use it as in a pretty positive way. I can spend more time in the nets, really trying to get that rhythm of red-ball cricket. If you’re not playing the Test match, you might be able to play another Shield game.”There are obviously a few silver linings you can take out of it and try and improve your skills and just be better for it if you get the chance.”But how many opportunities Green gets for red-ball matches in the latter part of the season remains to be seen as he will likely be part of Australia’s one-day and T20 squads in February and New Zealand for the two Tests which stretch into March. He will then embark on another IPL where he will appear for Royal Challengers Bangalore having been traded by Mumbai Indians.Labuschagne, who had a remarkable return to the ODI side after not making the initial cut for the World Cup followed by a run of events that kept him in the team throughout the tournament, will line up against Green for Queensland as he takes the opportunity for a red-ball hit before the Tests.Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon will complete his Test preparations by playing for New South Wales against Tasmania at the SCG. He has had a managed return from his Ashes-ending calf injury having previously faced Victoria and Western Australia.From the rest of Australia’s likely XI for the opening Test in Perth, the three frontline quicks – Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood – along with Marsh are all being rested after the World Cup. Scott Boland, who will likely feature at some point in a season that features seven Tests, has also been rested as has uncapped Western Australia quick Lance Morris.David Warner is also resting ahead of what will be his final Test series. Steven Smith and Travis Head are still currently with the T20I squad in India.Elsewhere in the final round of the Sheffield Shield before it breaks for the BBL there will be a fascinating head-to-head between Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw at the Gabba with both vying to be Warner’s Test replacement in January. Marcus Harris, who has regularly been Australia’s spare batter over the last 18 months, will be in action against South Australia.

يستعد رودريجو دي بول لاعب إنتر ميامي الأمريكي للظهور بقميص فريقه الجديد لأول مرة منذ انضمامه من صفوف أتلتيكو مدريد هذا الصيف.

وحصل دي بول على التأشيرة الرياضية P-1 وشهادة الانتقال الدولية ITC، مما يؤكد على أنه أصبح متاحًا لمواجهة أطلس اليوم في بطولة كأس الدوريات الأمريكي.

اقرأ أيضاً.. ليونيل ميسي يحقق جائزة جديدة مع إنتر ميامي

وقال دي بول في تصريحات لموقع إنتر ميامي: “ما يدفعني للانضمام لإنتر ميامي هو الرغبة في المنافسة والفوز بالألقاب وكتابة صفحات في تاريخ النادي”.

وأضاف: “إنه ناد يتطور ليصبح عظيماً، ويمتلك تاريخاً عريقاً مما يجعل الكثير من الناس يشجعون هذا الفريق الرائع، لذا أريد أن أكون جزءاً من ذلك، أريد أن أكتب أهم صفحات تاريخ إنتر ميامي”.

وواصل: “لطالما لعبت بشغف طوال مسيرتي، وقدمت كل ما في وسعي في كل مباراة، ألتزم بطريقة قد يعتقد البعض أنني قد أكون مجنوناً بعض الشئ لكنها أسلوب حياتي”.

وتابع: “الفوز يجب أن يمنحك فرصة غامرة وأن يسعدك للغاية، والخسارة يجب أن تكون مؤلمة للغاية، لا يمكن أن يكون أمرًا لا تبالي به، لذا عندما تقرر عدم الشعور بهذا الألم، يصعب على خصومك هزيمتك، سنبني عقلية أن نكون أبطالاً بالتأكيد مع مرور الوقت لكنني سأساهم بدوري”.

وأتم دي بول تصريحاته في رسالة للجماهير: “شخصياً، سأكون اللاعب الذي يتوقعونه ويرغبون برؤيته، لاعب ملتزم بالقميص وسأبذل قصارى جهدي لتلبية توقعات النادي والجماهير، خاصة الفريق وهو الأهم بالنسبة لي، كما أود أن أطلب منكم دعمنا لأنه إذا أراد إنتر ميامي أن يكون عظيماً ويصنع تاريخاً فإننا سنحتاج للجماهير بشدة”.

Karun Nair has joined Northamptonshire for their remaining three County Championship games this season. The India batter replaces Sam Whiteman, who has returned to Australia.”I’m really looking forward to joining Northamptonshire and getting to play in the County Championship.” Nair said in a statement. “You hear a lot about county cricket and I know Prithvi [Shaw] really enjoyed his time with the team so it’s exciting to have the opportunity to be involved too.”Hopefully I can make an impact for the team while I’m there, that’s the main thing for me. It’s about doing as much as I can to help the team get some wins in these last three games.”Nair had arrived in the UK on Friday and will link up with the Northamptonshire side ahead of their game against Warwickshire, which begins on Sunday.In December 2016, Nair became only the second Indian, after Virender Sehwag, to score a triple-hundred for India in Test cricket. But he has only played three Tests since and isn’t on India’s radar across formats currently.Nair, though, brings with him vast domestic experience. He has played 85 first-class games and was a key part of Karnataka’s double-treble winning teams. Nair has now decided to move to Vidarbha for the upcoming domestic season.Head coach John Sadler welcomed Nair into the Northamptonshire set-up.”It’s great that we’ve been able to secure Karun to come over for the remainder of the season, he’s really keen to get going.” Sadler said. “He’s a high class batter who’s scored something like 11,000 runs in his career and his first class numbers are particularly special.”Northamptons are bottom of Division One of the County Championship, 26 points from safety, and are in a three-way battle with Middlesex and Kent to avoid relegation.

Gerard Martin remains focused on Barcelona despite being forced out of the Under-21 European Championship due to a major injury in his first match.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Gerard Martin suffers hand injury at U21 Euros
• Confirms commitment to Barcelona amid exit rumours
• Expected to return in time for pre-season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gerard Martin has returned to Barca after sustaining a hand injury during Spain's 3-2 victory over Slovakia in the opening match of the Under-21 European Championship. The 23-year-old dislocated the fifth metacarpal in his right hand and is slated to undergo surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite recent rumours of a potential exit from the Spanish club, Martin confirmed that he remains committed to Barcelona. The left-back stated he is "happy and focused" on the club and believes the coaching staff are satisfied with his progress. His absence from the U21 Euros is a blow to Spain, but he is expected to recover in time for Barcelona's preseason under star manager Hansi Flick.

• WHAT GERARD MARTIN SAID

  Gerard Martin addressed the rumours, telling reporters: “I'm not paying attention to the rumors. I'm happy and focused on Barça, I'm happy with my season. I think the staff is also happy with me, with my growth and what I still have to improve. I'm not thinking about anything other than Barca, so I'm calm."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR GERARD MARTIN?

  Martin will undergo surgery in Barcelona and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks. If recovery proceeds without complications, he is likely to be available for the pre-season training, which is reported to start on July 13. The defender so far aims to compete for a place in Flick's squad amid interest from other clubs.

The election for the next PCB chairman will be held on June 27, with Zaka Ashraf expected to make a comeback as head of cricket in the country.In a press release, Ahmed Shehzad Farooq Rana, the PCB election commissioner and acting chairman, said: “The election of the PCB Chair will be held in a fair and transparent manner whilst adopting due process and ensuring completion of all legal formalities… on Tuesday, 27 June, at the PCB headquarters in Lahore. The election schedule will be issued after receiving nominations from the departments/service organisations.”The PCB’s board will comprise ten members: four regional representatives, four representatives of services organisations and the two members nominated by the patron/prime minister. All board members, including the chairman, will be appointed for three years.Related

• Zaka Ashraf takes a step closer to becoming PCB chairman

• Najam Sethi pulls out of race to be PCB chairman

Earlier this week, Ashraf, along with Supreme Court lawyer Mustafa Ramday, joined the board after being nominated by the prime minister. In Pakistan, a prime minister appointee usually goes on to become the board chairman.This follows Najam Sethi, who was heading the interim management committee that ran the PCB till June 20, withdrawing from the race to become the chairman. The Sethi-led management committee was given the mandate to revive the 2014 PCB constitution and form the board of governors after Ramiz Raja was removed as chairman and the 2019 constitution was scrapped.However, Sethi’s list of nominees for the board stirred a legal complication as four regions – Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Rawalpindi – were named out of the rotation.In the press release, Rana rejected Sethi’s nominations and replaced them with representatives of Larkana, Dera Murad Jamali, Bahawalpur and Hyderabad. The four departments included are National Bank of Pakistan, State Bank of Pakistan, Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited and Sui Southern Gas Company.It was Sethi who had ended Ashraf’s first stint as PCB chairman in 2014. At that time, the pair was involved in a legal battle for the chairmanship, with the position switching hands several times. Eventually, then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif settled the issue by ousting Ashraf and bringing in Sethi.

The allrounder is unlikely to be available to bowl, however, as Australia ponder team balance

Andrew McGlashan04-Feb-2023Australia allrounder Cameron Green has shown encouraging signs in his recovery from a broken finger as he makes a late bid to be fit for the opening Test against India in Nagpur, although it remains highly unlikely that he will be able to bowl.Green got the all-clear to resume training shortly before leaving for the tour and has now begun batting and bowling with a hard ball in the nets. The concern for the management will still be the build-up of his workloads after a month out of action, but before leaving Sydney head coach Andrew McDonald indicated he would be considered as a specialist batter.Related

Who partners Nathan Lyon? Can injury-hit Australia accommodate Cameron Green?

Tireless, incisive Cummins a big threat even on spinning pitches

Australia aware of reverse-swing threat amid spin talk

'Last time we got served a green top' – Smith defends abandoning tour game in India

India vs Australia this century: one classic after the other

“He’s made some significant steps forward in the last couple of days, probably to my surprise, so there’s still an outside chance that everything going well he might be on the team sheet,” McDonald told reporters in Alur on Saturday. “I wouldn’t say he was in discomfort with his bowling, one of the deliveries jarred the bottom of the bat and that can create discomfort for anyone but there’s a little bit of awareness around that finger.”However, with Green still only a very slim chance of being an option with the ball in the first Test, which begins on February 9, it continues to raise the question as to how Australia will balance their side. Against South Africa at the SCG last month, Ashton Agar was recalled to partner Nathan Lyon and while there has been the assumption two frontline spinners will play in Nagpur, captain Pat Cummins was well aware of the potent force Australia’s quicks can be even while they are missing the injured Mitchell Starc.”I wouldn’t say it [two spinners] is a given, it’s very conditions dependent so particularly this first Test, once we get to Nagpur we’ll see,” Cummins said. “I think sometimes talking about a couple of spinners you forget how good a lot of our fast bowlers have been in all conditions. Even some of the SCG wickets, there hasn’t been a lot in them for quick bowlers but the quick bowlers have found a way.”We’ve got plenty of bowling options here – fingerspin, wristspin, left-arm, Starcy when he comes back – so we’ll obviously pick the bowlers we think can take 20 wickets, how we are going to split that up we aren’t 100% sure yet.”If Australia do go with two frontline spinners, Cummins was open to the uncapped offspinner Todd Murphy partnering Lyon, although Australia also have Travis Head’s bowling to call on. Legspinner Mitchell Swepson is the other option in the squad.”It’s a chance. That’s something we’ll have to balance up if we want to go with two spinners,” he said. “Do we want variation, or just two offspinners? So there’s no reason why we can’t go that way. Travis Head is in the side as well and bowls really good offspin. We’ve got plenty of variety to choose from.”On the batting front, McDonald believes that David Warner will be motivated to overturn a mediocre record in India despite speaking of his fatigue after a busy home summer shortly before departing for the trip.”He’s really looking forward to the challenge of India and it’s been well documented that he hasn’t had the series that he would’ve liked here, and it’s always challenging,” McDonald said. “But the way that he’s applying himself in his downtime to really landing on a method to take on the Indian spinners, also the quicks, and to have a successful tour…I think you’ll see him fully invigorated, fully invested and fully recharged for the challenge ahead.”Australia will have another full training session in Bengaluru on Sunday before traveling to Nagpur on Monday.

Travis Head and Alex Carey will return after the Tests while they have looked beyond the obvious overseas names

Tristan Lavalette13-Dec-2022

Captain Travis Head
Coach Jason GillespieSquad Wes Agar, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Harry Conway, Ryan Gibson, Colin de Grandhomme, Travis Head, Adam Hose, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Rashid Khan, Chris Lynn, Ben Manenti, Harry Nielsen, Matt Short, Peter Siddle, Henry Thornton, Jake WeatheraldIn Cameron Boyce, Colin de Grandhomme, Adam Hose, Chris Lynn, Ben Manenti Out Spencer Johnson, Liam O’Connor, Matthew Renshaw, Liam Scott, Jon Wells, Daniel Worrall, George Garton, Fawad AhmadWhat happened in the draft Unsurprisingly, Strikers held on to star spinner Rashid Khan with their retention card after Melbourne Stars made a bid for him. But there was widespread shock when New Zealand allrounder Colin de Grandhomme’s name was called out but just days later he announced his retirement from international cricket. English batter Adam Hose was Strikers’ final selection after strong performances in the T20 Blast and Hundred.Related

Hales, Warner bring the stardust but local names the key for Sydney Thunder

Zampa, Stoinis, Boult key for Stars in Maxwell's absence

Stump Mic podcast: Going around again with Steve O'Keefe

Last season: The ChallengerStrikers struggled early in the season but importantly collected bonus points, which kept them afloat even after a six-game losing streak. Eventually Strikers hit their straps to squeeze into the finals. With momentum and the return of Travis Head and Alex Carey from international duties, Strikers had thrilling victories at the MCG over Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder to qualify for The Challenger against two-time defending champions Sydney Sixers. In a classic at the SCG, with a spot in the final at stake, Strikers appeared set to defend 168 only for allrounder Hayden Kerr to play an all-time great BBL innings to steal victory for Sixers on the last ball. Strikers agonisingly fell short of the final to end a rollercoaster of a season.International impactAs usual they will miss Test players Head and Carey, but should have them back for a stint after the South Africa Test series. Rashid will only be available for half the season due to signing with the new South Africa T20 league, but de Grandhomme and Hose will be available throughout.Key playerHe may be 38, but veteran quick Peter Siddle remains key for Strikers who are a little thin with their pace stocks. He hasn’t lost a beat with the former Test star the leading wicket taker in last season’s BBL with 30 scalps and he also took the captaincy reins when Head was on international duties. Siddle’s yorkers at the death might be the best in the business and he’s won countless games over the years for Strikers through his composure under pressure. He has been in strong form for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield to prove he’s ageless and primed for another big BBL season.Young player to watchThomas Kelly showed glimpses of his talent last season when the 21-year-old established a permanent place in Strikers’ middle-order. He averaged 21 with a strike rate of 129.7 – modest figures but Kelly produced occasional fireworks to underline his hard-hitting potential. He’s been talked up for some time and Kelly earlier in the year made his first-class debut with South Australia. A BBL breakout is certainly on the cards.

Despite losing the Gabba Test in two days, Dean Elgar is confident South Africa still managed to fire a warning shot against Australia with their strong pace pack.South Africa’s four quicks took 14 Australian wickets in the match, including four in the successful second-innings chase of 34. Had South Africa scored “another 60 runs”, Elgar said, they might have been able to claim the unlikeliest of victories. Still, Elgar believes they’ve shown the Australian line-up what they are made of.”It was to try and open some old scars, to bring in our intensity and maybe get them three or four down so those batters go to Melbourne with maybe less confidence,” Elgar said. “It worked out nicely. The result aside, it was one of the game plans that worked out for us over the last two days. I can’t say there were many.”Related

• Stats – Second-shortest Test since World War II

• Cummins, Head, Starc lead Australia to victory inside two days

• 'Ticking along nicely' – Hazlewood positive about Boxing Day return

• Starc claims No. 300 with a trademark inswinger

• South Africa put their best and their worst on show at Gabba

In particular, the short-ball strategy worked for Kagiso Rabada, who has snapped out of his T20 funk (he was South Africa’s least successful bowler at the T20 World Cup) and got into his role as Test spearhead. He finished the Brisbane Test with eight wickets and is now the leading bowler in Test cricket in 2022, with 45 wickets at 20.04, two ahead of Nathan Lyon.”It gives us confidence,” Elgar said. “He is a massive figure for us, not just in our bowling group but in our 16-man squad. When he puts his hand up like that it’s difficult not to follow.”Among Rabada’s victims was David Warner, whom he removed for a golden duck in the first innings and for 3 in the second. Warner is the only batter Rabada dismissed twice in the match and he has now got rid of him six times in seven Tests. Rabada targeting Warner appeared to be a well-planned tactic to take advantage of a player in a slump. Since his last Test fifty against Pakistan in Lahore, Warner has scored 169 runs in 10 Test innings, and his average in 2022 of 20.61 is the lowest for a calendar year in his Test career.But Elgar said South Africa were not specifically going after him alone. “It’s not just him. It’s all of them. We are always trying to find another way to have an edge over your opposition. If this was a way of getting into their minds further, brilliant. I know a guy like KG is the most feared bowler we have here, purely because of his reputation and record. If he has got that confidence running into the next Test, it’s brilliant for us.”Elgar noted how the rest of the attack respond when Rabada is at his best. “What you find is that really got [Anrich] Nortje fired up as well and he was starting to crank it up even more,” he said. “Hopefully that can inspire our batting unit to get their heads right and to knuckle down and get some performance under their belt for us.”Well documented as South Africa’s weaker suit, their line-up slumped to a new low in Brisbane. They were dismissed for under 200 in both innings to make 2022 the year in which they’ve racked up their most sub-200 scores: eight times. They’ve had a lean World Test Championship run, with only two centuries in the campaign, the least among the competing teams, and they appear to lack both confidence and the ability to apply themselves. Still, Elgar defended their latest blowouts.”The guys in the change-room have played enough cricket to know this was one of those instances where we need to be honest and real about what’s just happened,” he said. “It’s not like our guys were throwing wickets away. We were getting absolutely jaffered out and they bowled properly,” he said. “That’s the way I will be approaching that. Coming into this game, our batters were confident. We prepared well and we played the warm-up game. It’s not like the confidence was low.”With a week between games, Elgar won’t be demanding any extra nets or time with the analyst. “I can’t see us hitting more balls and becoming better cricketers. We have played enough cricket in our personal careers and guys know their games really well, so hitting another 100 or 200 balls is not going to make you a better cricketer,” he said. “I speak from a personal point of view. It’s just one of those games where you failed. I am still confident going into the next one. We will definitely break it down and have chats. I would rather see the guys not do anything until we get to Melbourne. That’s just me.”He also hopes they don’t get too wrapped up in their own heads and enjoy the occasion of being in Australia over the festive season, which no South African team has done since 2008. “Guys need to tap into their mental spaces, which can be the biggest enemy, because you can really withdraw yourself instead of dealing with what’s happened and facing it,” he said.Asked if South Africa would consider changes to their XI, including an extra batter, Elgar said “all options are on the table” but repeated his preference for a six-five split, to accommodate the specialist spinner. “The option of seven-four was a talking point but I like having a specialist spinner. We didn’t even get to day three let alone four or five where the wickets are going to spin so Kesh’s [Keshav Maharaj] role was nullified by the game being over in two days,” he said. “I am still very much a captain who wants a spinner because he gives us a lot of control and allows our seamers to have a break where we can rotate them from one end but all options are open going into the next one.”Elgar confirmed that if South Africa were to include an extra batter, “Theunis de Bruyn is the next batter in”.