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Manchester United have certainly splashed the cash over the last few years, although it hasn’t brought them anywhere near the success they experienced under Sir Alex Ferguson.

They have spent around £2bn since their greatest manager of all time retired in 2013, and whilst not every signing has been a success, some have.

The most expensive purchase in that time was Paul Pogba, their club record signing. He cost £89m from Juventus, which was also a world record fee at the time, in 2016. He helped the club lift the Europa League and Carabao Cup, showcasing some spellbinding technical ability.

Now, United might be ready to make another Pogba-esque signing and smash their transfer record again.

Man United target their new Pogba

There have been several reports which suggest United are going to break their transfer record in 2026.

England duo Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are two of the strongest links, both of whom could cost £100m.

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

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However, according to reports in Spain, the Red Devils are ‘prepared to offer’ a club record fee to sign another England international, Jude Bellingham.

It would not be easy to tempt the Real Madrid star away from the Spanish capital, but United are said to be ‘determined to make a statement in the market.’

Indeed, it would be a huge statement from Ruben Amorim’s side if they were to sign Bellingham. It would obviously not be a cheap deal to do, with United reportedly set to lay an astronomical £130m on the table in a bid to bring the Birmingham-born superstar to Old Trafford.

Why signing Bellingham would be such a statement

Few midfielders across the globe are better than Madrid number 5, Bellingham. According to Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes, he is the “best midfielder in the world,” which is high praise indeed but it’s certainly accurate judging by his numbers in recent years.

The 2025/26 campaign has been slower for the Englishman. He missed the beginning with a shoulder injury, and since returning to full fitness, has contributed nine goals and assists in 20 appearances.

It is important to discuss his contributions for Los Blancos throughout his time at the club. Operating all over the pitch, he has found the back of the net on 43 occasions and assisted a further 32 times. His output has been ridiculous, particularly considering he is a midfielder.

His underlying numbers are extraordinary, too. Compared to other midfielders in Europe over the last 365 days, he’s created 1.89 chances and completed 1.75 take-ons per 90 minutes. That places him in the top 9% and 1% of those metrics.

Bellingham key stats in last 365 days

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Goals & assists

0.55

98th

Key passes

1.89

91st

Progressive passes

7.51

92nd

Take-ons completed

1.75

99th

Progressive carries

2.57

91st

Stats from FBref

It is easy to see how the 22-year-old could be United’s new version of Pogba. Not only would the Madrid star cost a club-record fee like the Frenchman, but they would also be joining from two of Europe’s heavyweights, Los Blancos and Juve, in Pogba’s case.

However, they are stylistically similar too. Pogba was also famed for his goalscoring ability from midfield, bagging 39 times in a United shirt. He could score all types of goals, including long-range screamers, poachers’ finishes and headers. That certainly rings true for Bellingham.

Not only that, but the technical brilliance that both possess is a clear similarity. It is not uncommon for both players to be seen dancing away from an opponent when under pressure and away into space, or pulling off an incredible piece of skill to control the ball.

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Someone who links the two players together is Zinedine Zidane, connected to Bellingham via Real Madrid and Pogba via Juve and France. He has lauded both in the past, calling his countryman a player who “knows how to do everything on the field” and said his fellow Los Blancos number five is “a player who does incredible things.”

There is no doubt that £130m is a huge investment, but Bellingham is surely worth that sort of price. He is a dominant, technically gifted goalscoring midfielder, and could well be seen as the second coming of Pogba in that sense. If United can pull this deal off, it would be the coup of the year.

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Scorecard

	Alicia Smith claimed two wickets against Ireland, including Isobel Joyce for a duck © ICC

South Africa secured their place in the 2009 Women’s World Cup after overpowering Ireland by seven wickets. South Africa have been a cut above the other teams seen in the tournament and proved too powerful as they knocked off the target with more than 22 overs to spare.”We’re really relieved and very happy to have pulled it off,” captain Cri-Zelda Brits said. “The team haven’t let me down since I’ve taken over the captaincy and we’ve stuck at it and come to the party at this event with the bowling.”The victory was set-up by another impressive bowling performance. Ireland suffered an early setback when Isobel Joyce was caught behind for 0 and the innings never got off the ground. Sunette Loubser produced another miserly spell of offspin and claimed two middle-order scalps while sharp fielding engineered three run outs.Cecelia Joyce fought hard and carried her bat with a determined 43, however the fact it took 143 deliveries show how difficult it was for the Irish.Isobel Joyce caused a few early alarms in South Africa’s chase with two wickets but there wasn’t enough firepower to seriously trouble the home side. Olivia Anderson anchored the innings and the job was finished off in rapid fashion by Annelie Minnie’s breezy 27.Ireland captain Heather Whelan said: “I think everybody is absolutely gutted. We trained so hard for so long for this in order to try to go to the World Cup in Australia but it’s not going to be.”We’re not going to the World Cup but we will battle on and we’ll be here again in four years looking for a place in the World Cup and we expect to make it next time.”
Scorecard
A superb performance from Pakistan’s bowlers, dismissing Netherlands for just 68, handed their team a fine 94-run win and entry into the 2009 World Cup.Pakistan’s meagre total of 162 was set up by their openers, Tasqeen Qadeer and Bismah Maroof, who put on 79 for the opening wicket. But Netherlands’ bowlers hit back, prompting a collapse in which Pakistan lost 9 for 83 in 25 overs. Bismah Maroof top-scored with 45 from 77 balls but, after her and Tasqueen (27), only Sana Javed reached double figures as the lower-order capitulated to Lotte Egging’s medium-pacers.A target of 163, however, proved more than enough. Violet Wattenberg fell to the second ball of Netherlands’ chase, edging Asmavia Iqbal straight to slip, while Helmien Rambaldo was bowled by Qanita Jalil to leave them on 0 for 2. Annemarie Tanke cracked five fours in her brave 41 from 70 balls and Caroline de Fouw remained unbeaten on a defiant 11 (from 44 balls), but there was little else from Netherlands’ lower order who were skittled for 68 in the 32nd over.”It’s an absolutely awesome feeling. I can’t tell you how amazing it feels,” said Urooj Mumtaz, the Pakistan captain. “That was the task we came here to do and I think we pulled off a great win. We are very excited to be going to the World Cup.”Every single girl did their job on and off the field. In fielding, batting and bowling, everybody did their task – it was an absolutely brilliant performance.”Pakistan meet South Africa – who beat Ireland in the other semi-final today – for the tournament’s final on Sunday.5th place play-off semi-finals
In the battle for the remaining places, Scotland overcame Papua New Guinea by four wickets to move into the play-off final and Zimbabwe outclassed Bermuda, who have been embarrassingly out of their depth throughout the tournament, by 125 runs.

Northerns selectors have completed their trials at the Westridge High School in Harare and announced a final squad of 15 players for the five-day Interprovincial tournament at KweKwe which starts on April 24. The squad has a surprise inclusion in the form of the ex-Westerns allrounder Sinikiwe Mpofu who is now playing for Takashinga in Harare after relocating to the capital for journalism studies.Mpofu will join up with her fellow Zimbabwean internationals, Julia Chibhabha, the allrounder Joanna Chanjack, who currently plays for Harare Sports Club, and Crystabel Chatora of Royal Harare.Chiedza Mafunga, the national women’s cricket manager, said on Thursday: “All is set for the one-day cricket showcase in KweKwe with all sides having sent in their team-lists. We are expecting some exciting action as national slots are at stake for the 30-member Zimbabwean provisional squad which is to be announced after the tournament. These 30 players will then go into the initial camp to prepare for the final round of qualifiers for the International Cricket Council Women’s World Cup in Pakistan later in the year.”SquadTsitsi Ali-John, Julia Chibhabha, Joanna Chanjack, Crystabel Chatora, Ruvarashe Chinyemba, Emily Jinjika, Chipo Kamuchedza, Susan Kudzibatira, Precious Marange, Sinikiwe Mpofu and Nonhlahla Nyathi.ReservesNyarai Manyande, Letwin Nyangoni, Evelyn Chisingarambwe and Virginia Nyazero

Division One

Andrew Strauss had less to worry about after finding form at The Rose Bowl © Getty Images

Andrew Strauss struck a timely century but Middlesex are still facing an uphill battle to avoid defeat against Hampshire. Strauss’s ton marshaled a much-improved batting display, although with Shane Warne finding his range, a long battle remains. Nic Pothas hard earlier guided Hampshire past 400 with a grafting century and received solid support right down the order. Only one batsman – last-man Billy Taylor – failed to reach double figures.Mark Chilton’s first Championship century of the season guided a strong Lancashire reply to Kent’s 327 at Old Trafford. Chilton played his own, unhurried brand of cricket, content to wait for the bowlers to come to him. Paul Horton, who is facing a crucial year of his career at Lancashire, joined him in a century stand for the fifth wicket to push their team close to a first-innings lead. Sajid Mahmood played his part in wrapping up Kent’s innings, claiming two wickets in the morning session.Following a tough winter with England, Matt Prior swung Sussex’s clash with Yorkshire their way with a superb century. From staring at a likely deficit, Sussex climbed their way to a useful lead of 29. Prior engineered most of the recovery, after Matthew Hoggard had struck early, but he was also indebted to support from Robin Martin-Jenkins and Jason Lewry. Hoggard conceded barely two-an-over as he enjoyed a solid workout ahead of the first Test. Yorkshire were creaking at the close, having already lost Matthew Wood and Jason Gillespie.Warwickshire’s seamers put in another team performance before Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott built a commanding position against Nottinghamshire. Heath Streak and Dougie Brown struck with the new ball as Notts slipped to 36 for 6, with Ian Bell also chipping in. David Alleyne fought back with a half-century but Brown and James Anyon wrapped up the innings and a lead of 91. After Andy Harris struck back, Bell and Trott cemented Warwickshire’s strong position with a stand of 148.

Division Two

Tony Palladino was in the wickets for Essex, but they are in trouble against Leicestershire © Getty Images

Surrey v Gloucestershire. For a full report from Andrew McGlashan at The Oval click here.Essex youngster Tony Palladino took five wickets for nine runs in 31 balls as Leicestershire collapsed from their overnight 392 for 5 to 417 all out. Palladino was rewarded for finding a fuller length after the Essex bowlers had been punished on day one for repeatedly pitching too short. Essex’s top order was then decimated by David Masters and Mohammad Asif as the home side slumped to 29 for 4 in reply. Asif deceived Grant Flower and Mark Pettini with in-swingers before returning later to again wreak havoc. Tim Phillips and Graham Napier put up most resistance in a stand of 78 for the eighth-wicket but part-time spinner Dinesh Mongia broke the stand when Phillips flicked to John Maunders at short-leg. They lost Mark Pettini in their follow-on and are still well behind.Anything Marcus Trescothick can do, Lance Klusener can do better. Klusener’s unbeaten 147 powered Northants to a lead of 191 against Somerset and Bilal Shafayat continued his run-filled start to the season with 101. Klusener’s average for the summer now stands at 335. Dan Cullen bagged five wickets on his Somerset debut, but it was a tough day in the field. Trescothick couldn’t repeat his first-innings performance as he fell before the closeA tight contest is brewing up at Cardiff after Mark Cosgrove launched his Championship career in style for Glamorgan with a run-a-ball century. However, Derbyshire stayed in touch with some vital wickets through Ant Botha and Stefan Jones. Cosgrove gave another example of his much talked of talent, threading 23 fours and a six and adding 106 with Michael Powell, who fell late in the day after reaching his own century, in slightly more sedate fashion.

Martin Snedden: ‘We have slightly different views on how this could work’ © Getty Images

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has denied reports that they are delaying the process of fixing dates for their South Africa tour, scheduled to begin in four months. Apparently, the official website of the United Cricket Board of South Africa has blamed NZC for stalling when it came to fixing the dates for the tour.”We’re not stalling,” said Martin Snedden, the NZC chief executive, quoted in The New Zealand Herald. “We have slightly different views on how this could work. The window we have makes it quite difficult and, not surprisingly, a solution that suits New Zealand doesn’t necessarily suit South Africa.”Snedden said that if the problems were not sorted out within a week, he would be meeting Gerald Majola, UCB chief executive, in London. “It has been a difficult issue but it’s not the case that there have been ultimatums,” he said. “We have had quite robust discussions but we do that with a lot of tours.”The problem occurs due to the scheduling of Super Series between Australia and the Rest of the World in October. The proposed three-Test series and five one-day internationals were likely to start around October 10, with warm-up matches coinciding with the Super Series. However, Snedden mentioned that it was unlikely that the tour would go ahead without the players engaged in the Super Series.”The available window has been reduced and we’ve been discussing with South Africa how we can sensibly structure the tour to fit all matches in and not create an unmanageable burden for players.”South Africa have seven players – Mark Boucher, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Andre Nel and Graeme Smith – in the preliminary 30-man squads for the Super Series, whereas New Zealand have only Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum.The official website of South African cricket said, “With the Super Series now in October and South Africa also owing India five one-day internationals, the pressure is on to try and fit these commitments in before South Africa leave for their Australian tour on December 6. The Kiwis have been resisting South Africa’s suggested dates, so there are still assorted scheduling possibilities.”Majola has suggested two alternatives: the Kiwis could play three Tests in South Africa after the Super Series and then return for their five limited-overs matches after the home-and-away series against Australia (March 2006). That would allow South Africa to meet their five-ODI obligation in India in November.Otherwise, New Zealand could cram their three Tests and five ODIs into October and November, with South Africa going to India at the end of the season. “There’s always issues when you split a tour with travel costs,” said Snedden. “It’s a possibility but, to be honest, it’s not something we’ve discussed with them.”

England 281 for 7 (Edwards 102, Newton 65) beat South Africa 162 by 119 runs
ScorecardEngland’s women won the second ODI against South Africa at East London by a handsome 119 runs, to draw level in the five-Test series. After winning the toss and batting first, England breezed along to 281 for 7 in their 50 overs, a total that proved to be well out of the reach of South Africa. None of their batsmen made more than Daleen Terblanche’s 27, as they were bundled out for 162.Laura Newton and Charlotte Edwards gave England the perfect start by taking advantage of some ill-directed bowling from the South African pace attack. They both rattled along to their half-centuries, although on 108, Newton survived a run-out opportunity in the most bizarre fashion imaginable. She was beaten by a direct hit from mid-off and was all set to return to the pavilion, but the bails, which had leapt 5cm in the air, somehow settled back into their grooves, and the umpires had no option but to recall her.Newton eventually fell for 65 (142 for 1), but Edwards was in superb touch and had reached 102 before being clean-bowled by Sune van Zyl. South Africa’s fielding matched their bowlers for waywardness – 19 wides were bowled in the innings, several of which eluded the wicketkeeper Shafeeq Pillay and raced off to the boundary.Lucy Pearson grabbed an early victim in South Africa’s reply, but it was Helen Wardlaw who removed the key wicket of Johmari Logtenberg, who had singlehandedly won the opening game with a hard-hitting 67. But she made just 10 this time around, and South Africa’s momentum died away, as they were eventually bowled out with nearly seven overs to spare.

SYDNEY, Jan 5 AAP – Matthew Hayden was tonight fined and severely reprimanded after an ugly incident in which a glass panel in his team’s dressing room door was smashed.Meanwhile, Australian vice-captain and wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist was also reprimanded for swearing as the pressure mounted on the home side to effect a 5-0 clean sweep of the Ashes series.International Cricket Council match referee Wasim Raja fined Hayden 20 per cent of his match fee, estimated to be about $2,200, after the Australian opener was found guilty of breaching the ICC’s code of conduct.He was charged after breaking the glass as he returned to the dressing room following his lbw dismissal for just two in the third over of the home side’s tense fifth Test run chase at the SCG.Raja said the penalty was decided in light of Hayden’s previously clean record.”At the hearing Matthew Hayden admitted the offence and apologised for his action,” Raja said in a statement.Hayden faced a maximum penalty of being fined half his match fee.Speaking about the Hayden incident after play, Australian coach John Buchanan said: “It’s something that’s unfortunate, you don’t want to see that.”The doors were closed and he just tried to get through the door, which he did, but the glass broke in the ensuing entree. But there was no bat throwing or anything like that.”Meanwhile, Gilchrist was charged with showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse after he swore when his appeal for caught behind off batsman Steve Harmison from Brett Lee’s bowling was turned down in England’s second innings.Raja said he warned Gilchrist about his future conduct.”At the hearing Adam Gilchrist admitted swearing and expressed regret at doing so,” Raja said.Gilchrist also faced a maximum penalty of being fined 50 per cent of his match fee.The incidents exemplified the pressure on the Australian team as it attempted to chase down a mammoth target of 452 for victory.Hayden’s dismissal came just two balls after batting partner Justin Langer was dismissed lbw by Andrew Caddick for three when replays clearly showed the ball was going down the leg side.Another sore point in a disastrous day for Australia was an elbow injury to spearhead Jason Gillespie.With the Australian bowling attack already severely undermanned in the absence of Glenn McGrath (side strain) and Shane Warne (dislocated shoulder), Gillespie slipped on some repaired foot marks on the pitch during his follow through while bowling in the second session today.In a bid to break his fall with his left hand, he jarred his left elbow and bowled one more delivery before leaving the field for treatment, unable to finish his 19th over or return to play at all today.X-rays revealed there was no fracture but Buchanan said it appeared Gillespie may have suffered some ligament damage.”He’s getting a final assessment tomorrow and will be available to bat if required,” Buchanan said.Gillespie’s misfortune was likely to mean the injury-prone paceman would sit out some of Australia’s upcoming one-day matches.But Buchanan said he probably would have been sidelined anyway as he was high on the waiting list for a rest.”We’re going to look at that format a little bit, looking at our quick bowlers and who is in need of possibly some rest,” Buchanan said.

Rameez Raja Photo © PCB

With the first phase of the NatWest triangular now over, the Aussies lead with full points from their two games, followed by Pakistan while England complete the frame, at the bottom.Pakistan could have easily been on top of the table, had the upper order batted with a touch more responsibility against Australia and not frittered the game away after having seen through the new ball.

Shoaib Akhtar tears in to bowl Photo © CricInfo

But then, the Pakistanis were, to a great extent bogged down by injuries, first with Wasim Akram sitting out and then Rashid Latif and Shoaib Akhtar breaking down during the game. That really upset their game plan, especially in the crucial latter half.Shoaib Akhtar’s exceptional pace means he does go for a few runs, but he is a wicket-taking bowler. Half his quota of overs remaining unbowled was thus a serious blow. And so was Rashid Latif’s absence from the field. The wicketkeeper plays the role of a pivot, and a dehydrated Rashid, not being able to stand behind the stumps too had its negative impact.Rashid, who played a glorious knock in Pakistan’s comeback, was unfortunately suffering with throat infection, and the antibiotics he’d been taking caused the dehydration.Yet, despite the defeat, there were things to celebrate, some real plus points.

Youhana with a drive on his way to 91 not out Photo © CricInfo

The first was the rearguard action by Yousuf Youhana and Latif. From 86 for six, to fight back and end up with 257 takes some doing, especially against the Australian bowling attack and sharp fielding. Youhana and Latif deserve all credit for a great partnership when all seemed lost – their effort was one of some real guts and character.While Latif had played a few cameos in the Test matches and Youhana was trying to work his way back to form, their stay at the crease and the runs now behind them augurs well for their confidence. More importantly, it brought the team back into the game from a point when it seemed the game would be as one-sided an affair as the ’99 World Cup final between these two teams.It all started with two crucial blows, on rather innocuous deliveries, with Abdur Razzaq and Inzamam perishing in Shane Warne’s first over. While Inzamam was done in by a fit of bravado – perhaps he wanted to put Warne in his place straightaway; Razzaq doesn’t play spin very well in any case. Azhar too seems to have a similar problem. At least that is the impression one gets from the manner in which they start struggling the moment a spinner arrives. Oddly, they alter their game plan, and that is why both got out playing inside the line.

Ricky Ponting on his way to a score of 70 Photo © CricInfo

The Aussies are famous as run chasers, and when Ricky Ponting strikes such a rich vein of form, there’s no stopping them. Waqar didn’t do many things wrong, but he surely erred in not bringing on his spinners, especially Saqlain Mushtaq, a trifle earlier.There’s lot of cricket left in this tournament and it’s too early to predict anything. The way Pakistan has staged a comeback, to win the Old Trafford Test and the first match of the triangular in a convincing fashion, points to the fact that the team is now getting along well. And, with Waqar Younis proving to be an effective leader, they are likely to play some more sparkling cricket.The way I see it, almost two years to date since the ’99 World Cup final, it should be Pakistan and Australia slugging it out at Lord’s, come June 23.The picture for the Pakistanis really looks bright, and reflects from the good notices in the British press, which otherwise in turns, is either hostile or condescending. In quite a few pieces the resurgence of the Pakistan team has been applauded.A major contributing factor in Pakistan’s turnaround has been the spectators. The Pakistani expatriate community has filled the stands in good numbers, and the green and white flags fluttering with some vigour have provided the much-needed fillip to the morale of the team. The spirit and optimism of the spectators has rubbed off on the team and has motivated them to put up a united front and perform well.I hope with the crowds keeping faith in the Pakistanis, they would keep on improving.Ed: Rameez Raja is a former Pakistan opener and captain, a leading commentator on satellite channels and currently covering the England – Pakistan Series followed by the NatWest limited-overs triangular for Sky Television.

Newcastle United are keen on signing Aston Villa youngster Tristan Goodridge, according to Birmingham Live, and he’s even played for the Magpies’ youth team already.

The Lowdown: Targett and Coutinho…

The Magpies have been linked with a number of Villa players in 2022, the first being Matt Targett.

As we know, the left-back is currently on loan at St. James’ Park, with Newcastle reportedly already agreeing a deal over a permanent move for the 26-year-old.

Eddie Howe’s side have also been credited with an interest in Philippe Coutinho, who Villa have the option to sign full time in the summer. Newcastle are reportedly ready to offer the Brazilian a £1m bonus and have started talks over a possible summer swoop.

The Latest: Goodridge’s Newcastle trial

Birmingham Live shared a story on Saturday afternoon, looking at Villa youngster Goodridge.

They revealed that the left-winger has already been on trial with Newcastle and played in a Premier League 2 game against Middlesbrough on Friday evening, with Villa’s rivals keen on making a move permanent.

The Verdict: Makes sense

Goodridge is yet to make a senior appearance for Villa, who seem to be willing to let the teenager depart.

A move away from the Midlands could make sense for all involved, with the 19-year-old looking to break into a first-team squad in years to come.

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That may well not be with Villa, who seem to have Jaden Philogene-Bidace, currently on loan at Stoke City, above Goodridge in the pecking order when it comes to young wide talents.

In other news: Steven Gerrard now wants ‘frustrating’ star sold this summer after storming off – report. 

ScorecardCharlie Shreck and Steve Kirby shared seven wickets as England Lions completed a 30-run victory against a Mumbai Cricket Association XI in a warm-up match. The pair, neither of whom were in the original touring party, ensured the MCA XI fell short of their 261-run target and allowed the Lions to head into their opening Duleep Trophy match in good spirits.The Lions began on 86 for 7 and extended their second innings to 114 before Jonathan Trott was last man out for 34 to hand Dhaval Kulkarni a five-wicket haul. Mumbai were soon in trouble as Liam Plunkett claimed his first wicket of the match and Shreck struck twice with the new ball to leave them tottering on 48 for 3.Hiken Shah (23) and Aditya Tare (39) began to repair the damage with a fourth-wicket stand of 55 before Kirby snared both in the space of five overs. Shreck worked away at the middle order and Adil Rashid, given his first bowl of the match ahead of Monty Panesar who sat out the second innings, collected Kulkarni as the Lions closed in.However, they were made to wait by a feisty last-wicket stand of 42 between 19-year-old Omkar Gurav and Usman Malvi. They chipped away at the target, but just as it was coming into view Kirby returned to remove Gurav for a battling 46.England now travel to Vadodara ahead of their opening Duleep Trophy match, against Central Zone, starting on February 3.