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The offspinner will play two more Sheffield Shield matches ahead of the India series

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff19-Oct-20241:26

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Nathan Lyon has revealed how he felt it became his duty to keep spin bowling “cool” following the sudden death of Shane Warne.Lyon can join Warne as one of Australia’s top-two wicket-takers in history this season, with five Tests against India and two following that in Sri Lanka.The 36-year-old insists there is no end in sight, eying off the possibility of playing on close to his 40th birthday and the 2027 Ashes series in England.Related

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Lyon said he had not thought about what legacy would be left for future spinners at the end of his career, or who could eventually replace him in the Test team. But he admitted he had felt an extra responsibility to promote the craft since Warne’s passing in 2022, after the legspinner had revived the art in the 1990s and inspired a generation of bowlers.”I do see the responsibility of flying the flag for the spinners around the country, there is no hiding behind that,” Lyon said.  “Especially with the passing of Warnie, I feel like there is a big role for me to ensure that spin stays cool.”I am not cool in any way, but if I can try and promote spin bowling and promote how great it is to be a spin bowler … it’s pretty cool.”Lyon is currently ranked third among all Australian bowlers with 530 career wickets, 33 shy of Glenn McGrath’s final tally of 563.Nathan Lyon will likely have plenty of overs to bowl this season•Getty Images

The spinner’s longevity has been key in Australia’s success in recent years, with Lyon playing 100 straight Tests before a calf injury in last year’s Ashes. But Lyon said it was his father that helped him realise the onus he had to promote spin following Warne’s death.”Just having that conversation and understanding we’re role models in so many different ways to so many different people around the world,” he said.  “And if we can do our little bit to hopefully make people better cricketers or people, we’re doing our job.”Lyon will go head to head with Victoria’s Todd Murphy in the Sheffield Shield this week, while Matthew Kuhnemann is another option to partner him in Sri Lanka.Lyon has also been impressed by legspinnerTanveer Sangha, after playing Shield with him for NSW last week and seeing him out-think Travis Head.”What he can offer for New South Wales and Australia going forward is going to be nothing but amazing,” Lyon said. “I am a big fan of the way he goes about it, he is a class legspinner, he is very confident on his skill set. He’s going to be a superstar of the game. I try and help him get better, and he helps me get better as well.”Lyon, who took eight wickets in the opening Shield game, confirmed he would play one more – against Queensland in Sydney – ahead of the India series which begins on November 22 in Perth.

Leeds United played their first game of pre-season last weekend when they faced Manchester United in what turned out to be a 0-0 draw between the two Premier League sides.

There was a chance to see some new faces, as Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, Jaka Biijol, Lukas Nmecha, and Gabriel Gudmundsson all featured, as well as some old ones.

Jack Harrison has returned from his two-year-long loan spell at Everton and was included in the starting line-up to face the Red Devils, which turned out to be a less-than-popular decision among supporters.

Reporter Graham Smyth claimed that there were boos from the Leeds fans when Harrison touched the ball after just five minutes, and that there were more boos when he was stood over a free-kick ten minutes later.

After the game, Daniel Farke told BBC Sport: “Jack has many Premier League appearances and we would be stupid if we didn’t want to use that. It is a bit tricky if you have a couple of years away but that was a decision before my time.

“Right now he is back with us. He is a great guy, a hard worker and very reliable. It is up to him to win the confidence and trust back.”

Why Leeds should move on from Jack Harrison

Despite Farke opening the door for him to work his way into the team ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, Leeds should be looking to move on from the former Manchester City man.

Ultimately, the Whites need players who can make a big impact at the top end of the pitch to help them avoid an instant relegation back to the Championship next term.

Harrison’s form in the last two seasons in the Premier League for the Toffees does not suggest that he is likely to provide what they are looking for in the final third, as he consistently struggled in front of goal on Merseyside.

The left-footed dud scored three goals and provided three assists in 29 matches in the top-flight for Everton in his first year at Goodison Park, before a dismal return of one goal and zero assists in 34 matches during the 2024/25 campaign.

24/25 Premier League

Jack Harrison

Percentile rank vs wingers

xG

3.52

Top 43%

Goals

1

Bottom 17%

xG on target

1.07

Bottom 24%

Shots on target

7

Bottom 33%

Assists

0

Bottom 3%

Dribble success rate

35%

Bottom 19%

Dispossessed

41 times

Bottom 15%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Harrison had plenty of chances to add to his solitary goal, with 3.52 xG, but underperformed as a finisher for the Toffees.

These statistics do not suggest that he is likely to be the left winger the Whites need to replace Manor Solomon and to lead them to safety in the Premier League, which is why he should be sent packing by a star the club are reportedly keen on signing.

Leeds chasing deal for new winger

According to Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth, Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao this summer.

The journalist claims that the Championship champions are still chasing a swoop to bring the Brazilian attacker to Elland Road ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Transfer Focus

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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Smyth adds that he has yet to get a call to suggest that the 25-year-old winger is set to sign for Marseille, which has left the door open for Leeds to continue their pursuit of the impressive star.

The latest from Voetbal International is that Marseille are yet to reach an agreement on a transfer fee with Feyenoord, and their final offer for the attacker is due to be submitted on Tuesday.

It had been claimed that the French side were closing in on a deal of around £30m to sign the Eredivisie sensation, but it now remains to be seen how much Roberto De Zerbi’s side are going to offer with their latest approach.

Why Leeds should sign Igor Paixao

Leeds should push to win the race for the £30m-rated star in the coming days because he has the quality on the left flank to send Harrison packing, which may come as good news to any supporters who felt the need to boo the English winger, as harsh as that was, last weekend.

As aforementioned, the Whites and Farke ultimately need quality in the attacking positions and Harrison seems unlikely to provide what they need, whilst Paixao has the potential to be a match-winning player for the club.

His form for Feyenoord in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that the potential is there for him to be a hugely influential figure for Leeds next season, as a winger who can score and create goals at an impressive rate.

The Brazilian star, who was hailed as “explosive” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, racked up 16 goals and ten assists in 34 appearances in the Eredivisie, but he also showcased his quality in the Champions League for anyone doubting the quality of the Dutch top-flight.

24/25 Champions League

Igor Paixao

Percentile rank vs wingers

xG

0.97

Top 46%

Goals

2

Top 35%

xG on target

1.89

Top 28%

xA

1.39

Top 24%

Assists

4

Top 4%

Chances created

20

Top 6%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Paixao registered more assists (four) in the Champions League last season than Harrison has managed (three) in the last two Premier League campaigns combined.

When you add in his 26 goal contributions in the Eredivisie on top of his exceptional performances in Europe’s premier cup competition, the £30m-rated star appears to be a huge upgrade on the English attacker.

This is why Leeds should send Harrison packing by agreeing a deal with Feyenoord for Paixao, who has the quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals to regularly impact matches to win vital points for the team.

Whilst he is unproven in the Premier League, the Brazilian sensation’s form in the Champions League shows that he can perform against the very best teams in Europe, which suggests that he has a good chance of making an impact in one of Europe’s major leagues – the Premier League.

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Therefore, Leeds should allow Harrison to move on, should he find a new club, this summer and attempt to replace him by signing Paixao to improve Farke’s team.

Thomas Frank hasn’t been short of talented attackers during his time as a manager, hoping to attract similar talent during his stint as Tottenham Hotspur boss.

The Dane has overseen the development of the likes of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, with the trio sitting at the top for most Premier League goals scored in the Bees’ history.

Toney left in a big-money deal to move to Saudi Arabia last summer, but Mbeumo is also expected to follow suit, as a £70m deal to join Manchester United appears to be edging closer.

Frank even tried to convince the Cameroonian international to move to North London with him, but the winger stated his desire to move to Ruben Amorim’s side instead.

Such a decision has left the new Lilywhites’ boss with the challenge of landing a new star forward, already making huge waves in the transfer market to potentially land his next big talent in the final third.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attacking talent this summer

Antoine Semenyo was seen as one of Spurs’ biggest targets in this transfer window a couple of weeks ago, with real belief they could land the Ghanaian if they offered £65m for his signature.

However, it looks as though they are set to miss out on a deal to land the Bournemouth star, after he put pen to paper on a new five-year deal, which will see him remain at the Vitality until 2030.

Such a decision has seen other targets being considered, with West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus someone who’s been mentioned nonstop in recent days.

However, CaughtOffside’s latest update has stated the Hammers star has emerged as the Lilywhites’ number one target this summer, despite having a £85m release clause in his current deal.

It also states that the hierarchy are willing to back the manager in his quest within the market, seeing the 24-year-old as a statement signing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, potentially able to negotiate a deal at around the £70m mark.

Why Spurs’s number one target could be Frank’s answer to Bale

Gareth Bale was a player who was responsible for countless moments of magic during his spell as a Spurs player, reaching levels that no supporter could ever have imagined.

The Welshman joined the club from Southampton back in 2007, originally as a left-back, before making the shift up the field into a winger – a decision that would transform his career tenfold.

In his three years at the Lilywhites, operating in a more attacking role, he registered 50 goals and 26 assists, resulting in an £85m transfer to join Spanish giants Real Madrid back in the summer of 2013.

12 years on from his departure, the club have lacked a real elite-level right-sided attacker, but that could be about to change this summer with a move for Kudus, who possesses some similar traits to the Welshman.

The biggest one is his ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot, subsequently being able to fire the ball into the back of the net – having the ability to hand the fanbase the chance to get off their seats when he’s on the ball.

His underlying stats in 2024/25 are just as impressive, with such figures certainly helping him reach his tally of five goals and four assists across all competitions.

Kudus, who’s been labelled “generational” by journalist Gary Al-Smith, completed 3.2 take-ons per 90 in the Premier League last season, showcasing his ability to drive inside past the opposition.

Kudus’ stats for West Ham in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	32
Goals & assists	8
Shot on target accuracy	28%
Pass accuracy	84%
Take-ons completed	3.2
Carries into final third	2.1
Carries into opposition box	1.5
Fouls won	2.2
Stats via FBref

He also registered 1.5 carries into the opposition box per 90, subsequently able to go round the outside of the full-back before cutting the ball back to a teammate and providing them with the tools for success too.

The Ghanaian’s talents don’t stop there, managing to get 28% of his shots on target, whilst also winning 2.2 fouls per 90, highlighting how much of a threat he poses to the opposition.

If the club can land the West Ham star this summer, it would be a tremendous piece of business, having the opportunity to develop further given the fact he’s just 24 years of age.

Should Kudus manage to get anywhere near the levels produced by Bale in North London, it would be a bargain transfer, subsequently allowing Frank to have his next attacking star in 2025/26.

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“We are getting used to home conditions… even though they are home conditions, we don’t have much experience here,” says Harmanpreet of playing at Chepauk

Sruthi Ravindranath27-Jun-2024India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes playing in Chennai is a “great opportunity” for the side to get used to the conditions, given it could be one of the venues for the Women’s ODI World Cup next year.India’s women’s team last played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk in a Quadrangular series in 2007. They last played a women’s Test here in 1976, and the ground hasn’t hosted any women’s T20Is yet. Since the end of 2022, all women’s internationals in India have either been in Navi Mumbai or Mumbai, till the ODI-leg of the South Africa series was hosted in Bengaluru last week. Following the one-off Test against South Africa starting on Friday in Chennai, India will also be playing three T20Is against them at the same venue.”As a team, it’s a great opportunity for us,” Harmanpreet said on the eve of the Test. “We are getting used to home conditions… even though they are home conditions, we don’t have much experience here. But I think this series will definitely give us a lot of confidence to see how the wicket is going to behave and what combinations we can look for [for the World Cup]. Before the World Cup, with [about] one year left, I think as a team we are taking this opportunity with both hands whenever we are playing home series. It’s a great opportunity to see how the wickets are and how we can improve our skills.”Related

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This will be India’s third Test in seven months. They played back-to-back Tests against England and Australia in December 2023, posting massive wins in both matches. Harmanpreet says playing those two matches has helped the side get rid of “overthinking” while playing in a format.Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur take part in close-catching drills•PTI “In the long format you have to be there [in the middle] for four days. But if you think like that as a player you can overthink. The last time [we played a Test] we only thought about winning the sessions and that really helped us. This time also we will focus on each session. The best thing about Test cricket is you have time to come back. If you lose one session, you always have time to [make up for] things.”That’s the key point which our support staff told us: ‘just focus on each and every session and if you can [break it] down to two to two-and-a-half hours, think about how you’re going to perform as a player’. I think that really helps, [rather] than thinking that it’s a 100 overs [roughly per day] game which makes you overthink. Those little points really helped us win the last two Tests and we just want to continue [to apply] those.”India will be relying on head coach Amol Muzumdar’s red-ball experience heading into the Test, Harmanpreet said. Muzumdar, who played 171 first-class matches in a 20-year-long career, has also played two red-ball matches at Chepauk.”I didn’t have much experience in Test cricket when I got to captain those two Tests,” Harmanpreet said. “Amol sir help me. He has played lot of Test [red-ball] cricket and he has a lot of experience. With his experience, he has helped me with things like how to take decisions on the field. I do have a bit of an idea now.”We don’t have much idea about how Chennai wicket is going to play. We have only seen when the men were playing but women’s cricket is totally different… the pace, the way we bowl and bat, I think we’ll know that only once we take the field tomorrow, see how the pitch behaves and take decisions. The experienced support staff are definitely going to help us.”

Manchester United’s summer could be make or break for manager Ruben Amorim in his spell in charge of the club – needing to make some huge calls on his first-team squad.

The 40-year-old took the reins back in November, only having the January window to make the changes he requires to the squad that he inherited at Old Trafford.

He’s already landed Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha this summer, costing a fee in the region of £62.5m, but undoubtedly offering a new dimension considering he registered a total of 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League this season.

Such a move is highly unlikely to be their last in the transfer window, with more changes needed in various areas to avoid a repeat of 2024/25, which saw the club finish in 15th place.

With the summer window now open, Amorim has been targeting numerous players to right the wrongs of recent months, looking to help him in his quest to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

United’s front line has been the area that has mainly been of concern to new additions, especially considering the Red Devils scored just 44 times in 38 appearances this season.

The likes of Victor Osimhen, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Moise Kean have all been mentioned as potential targets this summer, but no deals have yet been agreed for any of the targets.

However, attacker Jesus Rodriguez is the latest name that has emerged as a potential target for Amorim’s squad, that’s according to Estadio Deportivo’s latest report.

They claim that they are firmly in the race for the 19-year-old star, who’s registered three goals and one assist in 2024/25, with Aston Villa also interested in his signature.

It also confirms that the Spanish winger has a €35m (£29m) release clause in his deal with Real Betis, potentially offering a cheaper alternative to another summer target.

Why United’s £29m target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

Over the last couple of days, winger Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a key target for United, offering the club an added dimension in the final third alongside Cunha.

The Cameroonian international notched 20 Premier League goals throughout 2024/25, managing to become just one of five players in the division who have achieved such a feat this season.

His subsequent form has led to the Red Devils’ interest, with the 25-year-old stating his desire to make the switch to Old Trafford ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season.

However, if the club are to make a move for Mbeumo this window, they will have to fork out a fee in the region of £70m, that’s after having their opening offer of £55m rejected this week.

Such a figure would be a huge investment, with Amorim able to land a deal for Rodriguez for over half the price should he decide to pursue a move for the teenager.

When comparing their respective stats from this season, the Betis star has managed to outperform Mbeumo in numerous key areas – showcasing why he would be a better addition this window.

Rodriguez, who’s been labelled “ridiculous” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more progressive carries and carries into the final third per 90 – showcasing the threat he possesses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

21

38

Goals scored

2

20

Progressive carries

4.3

3.4

Carries into final third

2.9

1.8

Take-ons completed

2.4

1.3

Pass accuracy

73%

66%

Passes into final third

1.7

1.6

The Spaniard’s talent at driving the opposition doesn’t stop there, completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, subsequently liking to take the ball into forward areas whenever possible.

He’s also completed more passes and more passes into the final third, allowing the likes of Cunha the opportunity to hit the ground running upon his own move to Old Trafford.

Whilst Mbeumo may be the first person on many supporters’ wish lists this summer, his £70m price tag may be slightly too expensive, especially considering the signings needed in other areas.

Such a figure could lead the hierarchy to a move for Rodriguez, offering a cheaper but just as effective option in the final third – having the potential to develop massively over the years ahead given his tender age.

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With their return to the Premier League on the horizon, Leeds United have now reportedly made their first enquiry about signing a Champions League winner for a club-record £40m fee.

Leeds set for crucial summer

As celebrations gradually begin to end around Yorkshire, all eyes will be on the summer transfer window. It’s one that the 49ers simply cannot afford to get wrong and one which must see them spend if they are to keep Leeds in the Premier League at the first time of asking.

For two consecutive seasons now, all three promoted sides have suffered instant relegation from the top flight. Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City failed to learn from Luton Town, Sheffield United and Burnley before suffering themselves as a result. Now, Burnley, Leeds and one other club must avoid following that same path. They must break a concerning trend.

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To do that, the 49ers will need to ensure that Daniel Farke’s side are robust enough for the Premier League. Compared to their style in the Championship, Leeds will have to suffer out of possession if they want to enjoy any success next season, whilst they may need to avoid falling into the trap of adopting the same modern style in possession that could yet earn Southampton an unwanted record.

The transfer window will, of course, play a large part in what happens next at Elland Road. If rumours are anything to go by, then the 49ers are ready to spend too. The likes of Beto have particularly threatened to steal the headlines this week as the Whites look to bolster their frontline.

The Everton forward endured a slow start to life at Goodison Park but has shown his quality under David Moyes. If Leeds want robust then he’d certainly offer that. Meanwhile, in the goalkeeper department, those at Elland Road have set their sights on the opposite end of Merseyside and signing an instant upgrade on Ilian Meslier.

Leeds make first enquiry to sign Kelleher

According to Graeme Bailey for Leeds United News, Leeds have now made their first enquiry about signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, who are reportedly set to demand as much as £40m to sell their goalkeeper this summer.

With Alisson Becker staying put and Giorgi Mamardashvili on his way from Valencia, the Irishman is heading for the exit door at Anfield, potentially allowing Leeds to take advantage for what would be a club-record transfer fee.

He may be Liverpool’s second-choice, but Kelleher hasn’t exactly seen his opportunities limited in recent seasons with Alisson continuing to struggle on the injury front. Any concerns that he wouldn’t be good enough to step up have quickly been put to bed in that time too, including against Real Madrid when he saved Kylian Mbappe’s penalty in a 2-0 victory back in November.

On a night to remember, Kelleher earned the praise of Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who dubbed his shot-stopper “outstanding”. For £40m, Leeds would be getting themselves a goalkeeper who’s ready to become a No.1 and an impressive one at that, after winning the Champions League, Premier League and domestic trophies throughout an excellent Liverpool tenure.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that a high-earning Man United player would fit right into his first team at the Emirates, according to a report, with sporting director Andrea Berta and co now planning to open transfer talks.

Berta considering deal for Saka alternative at Arsenal

While Berta’s “top priority” is agreeing a contract extension with star winger Bukayo Saka, as per Fabrizio Romano, it has also been reported that the 53-year-old is considering the possibility of bringing in an alternative to the Englishman this summer.

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Saka was a sore miss during his lengthy lay-off due to a hamstring injury, with the £195,000-per-week star finally returning to action this week in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham – scoring their second and playing a crucial role as Arteta’s side grabbed all three points.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

His absence seriously debilitated Arteta, who watched on from the sidelines as Liverpool eventually seized a huge gap at the top of the Premier League table, with Arne Slot’s side now looking certain to win this year’s domestic crown.

According to GiveMeSport, Berta is pondering the transfer of a Saka stand-in who can provide a real quality and an attacking threat when the 23-year-old is unavailable – as Arsenal look to avoid being left short again in another title challenge next term.

We’ve already seen Arsenal repeatedly linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams this week, who’s capable of playing both on the left and right, while some reports believe Berta could land versatile Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.

New targets are likely to emerge before the first summer transfer window on June 1st, and a very surprising name has now come to light.

Mikel Arteta "determined" to sign Antony for Arsenal

According to reports in Spain, £200,000-per-week Man United outcast Antony is now being considered by Berta.

The Brazilian has seriously come into his own since departing Old Trafford on a loan deal to Real Betis, notching four goals and four assists in 12 appearances, including some big performances in Europe which helped the La Liga side to a Conference League quarter-final place.

Antony’s rejuvenated form has caught the eye of Arsenal’s head coach specifically, who is said to be a big admirer of the former Ajax sensation not wanted by Ruben Amorim.

Indeed, it is believed Arteta is “determined” to sign Antony for Arsenal, and sees the 25-year-old as perfect for his system. In response, Berta and Arsenal intend to open swift negotiations and want to secure his signature “as soon as possible”.

Arsenal are also prepared to submit a significant bid for Antony and better any offer made by Betis to keep him permanently. United, meanwhile, think the next window will be a golden opportunity to cut their losses on the forward.

He has transformed into the most dangerous T20 batter in the past 12 months with his aggressive intent and six-hitting ability

Shiva Jayaraman30-Mar-2024Heinrich Klaasen has turned into the six-hitting machine few IPL fans would’ve predicted him to become a year ago. They wouldn’t have seen it coming even when he hit five sixes in a 46-ball 81 on a tricky wicket in Cuttack in 2022. Or when he biffed seven sixes in a 30-ball 69 in Centurion back in 2018. These performances were too sporadic for anyone to sit up and take notice of his striking ability.However, there were early telltale signs in the 2023 SA20 league of what was to come later. In a match against Paar Royals in the SA20, Klaasen clobbered six sixes in just 19 balls. All told, he hit 17 sixes in that season from 221 balls – one every 13 balls. In the 2023 IPL, he improved that rate to one six every 10 balls. And he hasn’t looked back ever since. Klaasen has been constantly turning the dial on his six-hitting game as he has gone from one franchise league to the next. In The Hundred Competition last year, Klaasen hit 17 sixes in 106 balls – on six every 6.2 deliveries on an average. That average came down to one every 5.8 balls in the SA20 league this year. In two matches in the IPL this year, Klaasen has taken just 63 balls to hit 15 sixes. Admittedly, that rate is so extraordinary that it likely to come down as the season progresses. But the progress over the past year is apparent.!function(){“use strict”;window.addEventListener(“message”,(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[“datawrapper-height”]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(“iframe”);for(var t in a.data[“datawrapper-height”])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();