Sri Lanka A struck regularly on either side of a big partnership to restrict West Indies a to 276
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2016 ScorecardFile photo – Vishaul Singh made an impressive start to the tour of Sri Lanka•WICBWest Indies A stumbled on either side of a substantial fourth-wicket partnership between Shamarh Brooks and Vishaul Singh to fold for 276 against the Sri Lanka A team at the Khettarama Stadium.West Indies A were immediately put under pressure after opting to bat, as dropped Test opener Rajendra Chandrika’s poor form continued. He was trapped in front by Lahiru Kumara, who had spearheaded the Sri Lanka Under-19s pace attack on their recent tour to England. Vishaul Singh (96) found himself doing the rescue act twice, coming in at 56 for 3 and putting on 125 for the fourth wicket with his captain Shamarh Brooks, before a second collapse led West Indies to losing three wickets for four runs.Kemar Roach’s unbeaten 45 was the only other notable contribution, as the Sri Lankans didn’t let the batsmen settle. U-19 offspinner Charith Asalanka and allrounder Asela Gunaratne stood out for Sri Lanka A, taking two and three wickets. Chinaman bowler Lakshan Sandakan, who made his Test debut in the recently concluded series against Australia, bowled 28 overs but only managed to pick up one wicket.Sri Lanka A openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera were unbeaten without scoring in the solitary over they faced before stumps.
Pakistan have been fined for maintaining a slow over rate during their victory over England in the fourth Test at The Oval
ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2016Pakistan have been fined for maintaining a slow over rate during their victory over England in the fourth Test at The Oval.Misbah-ul-Haq’s side were found to be one over short, after time allowances were taken into consideration by the umpires and match referee. Misbah accepted the charge and was fined 20% of his match fee, while the Pakistan players were fined 10%.This was Misbah’s first over-rate offence within a 12-month period but the penalty will remain on his record and he could face suspension if Pakistan commit another breach.Pakistan’s win ensured they would share the series 2-2 with England and gives them a chance of being ranked the No. 1 Test side, depending on results in Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
Newcastle United 'will be looking' at Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes this summer as Eddie Howe seeks to strengthen his squad in the summer at St James' Park, according to journalist Keith Downie.
What's the latest transfer news involving Harvey Barnes?
As per Football Insider, Leicester City are set to demand over £50 million for Barnes this summer, regardless of whether they stay in the Premier League or suffer relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
The outlet report that Newcastle United are keen on the 25-year-old, who is also attracting attention from Tottenham Hotspur and a number of clubs in the English top flight.
90min claimed last month that the Magpies were tracking Barnes ahead of the off-season as they plan to 'invest heavily' in squad additions in order for Howe to beef up depth on Tyneside ahead of 2023/24.
Barnes is open to a new challenge and is willing to leave the King Power Stadium and could be joined by teammate James Maddison, who has also attracted interest in his services, namely from Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Downie thinks that Newcastle should be targeting players like Barnes and Maddison as they prepare for next term: “For any of these players, Newcastle must be an appealing place to come right now, with everything you see on matchdays.
“They could be playing Champions League football next season, and the club is on the rise. Without a doubt, those are the sort of players Newcastle will be looking to bring in.
“The biggest challenge is whether they can fit into the wage structure.”
How has Harvey Barnes faired for Leicester City this season?
Barnes, who has been described as almost being a "superstar", has been a rare bright spark for Leicester City this season, though he may not be able to dig them out of their relegation trouble.
In 2022/23, the England international has made 38 appearances in all competitions, registering 12 goals and three assists, as per Transfermarkt.
WhoScored shows that Barnes has been a constant offensive threat for the Foxes this term, managing to take an average of 2.2 shots per match in the Premier League.
Unsurprisingly, his high goal tally means that Barnes, compared to his positional peers, ranks favourably in the metric of non-penalty goals across Europe's top five divisions, as he has achieved 0.40 per 90 minutes over the last 365 days, placing the £35k-a-week ace in the tenth percentile for this statistical curation, as per FBRef.
Newcastle United may need to enter the market for a winger this summer as uncertainty over the future of Allan Saint-Maximin continues and Barnes could fit the bill as a capable replacement.
Taskin Ahmed’s test date for his reworked action has been set for September 8 at ICC’s accredited centre in Brisbane
Mohammad Isam21-Aug-2016Taskin Ahmed, the Bangladesh fast bowler, was bubbling with “nervous excitement” and wanted to get rid of the word “banned” in front of his name after the date for a reassessment of his bowling action was announced on Saturday.Taskin is set to be tested at ICC’s accredited centre in Brisbane on September 8. He is likely to be joined by left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny, according to the Bangladesh Cricket Board.”This is a burden for me,” Taskin said. “Just like anyone else, I would also like to return to international cricket quickly. If the word ‘banned’ is removed from my life, it would be like every day is .”Taskin worked on remodeling his action, first with former Bangladesh bowling coach Heath Steak and later with his coach Mahbub Ali Zaki between April and June, during Abahani’s Dhaka Premier League campaign. He said he was happy with the progress he had made since being reported for a suspect action during the 2016 World Twenty20 in March-April this year.”I’m thinking about the test while eating and sleeping,” Taskin said. “I feel the same way as one would while hearing the date of the school final exams. You keep preparing, but when you hear the date, you get a little nervous. But I’m happy that a date has been fixed. I am preparing both mentally and physically through my skills.”The 21-year old, who has been tested at the indoor and outdoor facility in front of cameras and experts, credited Zaki, the coaching staff of the national team and his senior team-mates for giving him moral support.Taskin was told at the time of his ban that there was an issue with his slower bouncer. Since then, all his variations have been tested and corrected under the supervision of BCB’s bowling action review committee, which was formed to test bowlers in domestic cricket this season. A mock test was also scheduled for Taskin as part of his programme.”Experts at home are satisfied with my bowling action,” he said. “I am also satisfied. But since it is a test, even one problem found in a delivery can be a major issue. I am training hard and the rest is up to God.”
Burnley will be looking forward to their return to the Premier League this summer and Vincent Kompany will be preparing for the huge challenge ahead of him.
The former Anderlecht boss has been a revelation at Turf Moor since his arrival less than 12 months ago, but the step-up to top-flight football will be a true test of the up-and-coming manager.
The club has already put the wheels in motion to build a squad fit to compete, with the permanent signings of Jordan Beyer and Michael Obafemi so far, but will need to add more depth across the squad to ensure they have enough quality and depth.
In the forward line, Ashley Barnes is set for a move to Norwich City following the expiration of his contract, whilst top scorer Nathan Tella is – as it stands – returning to Southampton after an incredible 19-goal loan stint at Turf Moor.
As a result, bolstering the attacking options will be a priority for Kompany in the summer transfer window, with a consistent and reliable goal-scorer desperately needed to replace Tella’s goal contributions.
One player who has been linked to a Burnley move this summer is Aris Saloniki star Luis Palma, a talented forward who could form a formidable attacking partnership with Anass Zaroury.
Who is Luis Palma?
The 23-year-old has been plying his trade in the Greek top flight and his impressive performances has attracted the attention of a number of clubs in the process.
Burnley will need to compete with Leeds United, Rangers, Anderlecht and Dynamo Kyiv who are also named as potential suitors for the promising player.
Over 29 Greek Super League appearances, Palma has scored 11 goals, registered four assists and four big chances created, as well as averaging 2.1 shots on goal, 1.4 key passes, one successful dribble and 37.5 touches per game, proving that he is a huge presence in front of goal.
luis-palma-burnley-transfer
The Honduran forward – praised for his “brilliant” goal contributions by Spanish agent Paulo Hernandez – not only provides consistent goal contributions but offers great versatility with experience on the left wing, striker role and in attacking midfield.
As a result, Palma could be a fantastic asset to Kompany next season in the attacking threat and combining his hunger for goals with Anass Zaroury’s creativity could cause nightmares for opponents in the top flight.
With that being said, it will be interesting to see how Kompany develops and builds his squad to compete comfortably next season, and the signing of Palma could be a great place to start.
After the record-breaking exploits of Aneurin Donald, the second day in Cardiff belonged to Glamorgan’s bowlers as Derbyshire were dismissed for 177 and asked to follow on
ECB Reporters Network18-Jul-2016 ScorecardCraig Meschede followed his 66 not out with three wickets•Getty ImagesAfter the record-breaking exploits of Aneurin Donald, the second day in Cardiff belonged to Glamorgan’s bowlers as Derbyshire were dismissed for 177 and asked to follow on. They reached the close on 78 for 1, still trailing by 263.Craig Meschede took three wickets, and Graham Wagg and Andrew Salter picked up two apiece, as Derbyshire conceded a 341-run deficit on first innings. Wagg then claimed another – Harvey Hosein, having been promoted to open after top-scoring with 27 not out – but Derbyshire made a stronger start to their second attempt.Glamorgan had added a further 37 runs to their overnight score and were all out for 518, with Meschede undefeated on 60. Derbyshire seamer Will Davis, in only his fourth first-class game, returned career-best figures of 7 for 146.Hamish Rutherford and Billy Godleman made a rapid start to the Derbyshire reply, striking nine boundaries in the first five overs, and had reached 52 for 0 in ten overs before losing 4 for 19 runs before lunch.Rutherford nicked Meschede to the wicketkeeper and Chesney Hughes was bowled off his pads by the same bowler, before Salter’s offspin deceived Godleman, who was trapped leg-before. The Derbyshire captain was clearly not in agreement with the decision, and kicked the ground in anger, before trudging off to the pavilion. In the final over before lunch, Meschede took his third wicket, when Wayne Madsen tamely chipped a catch to square leg as Derbyshire slipped to 71 for 4.There was no respite from the Glamorgan bowlers, as Graham Wagg bowled an excellent spell, with the ball swinging under cloud cover. Wagg dismissed Neil Broom and Shiv Thakor, both edging through to Mark Wallace, and the Glamorgan wicketkeeper claimed his fourth victim of the innings when Matt Critchley skied a catch, attempting to pull David Lloyd to the boundary. There was little resistance, apart from Hosein, and Derbyshire were soon batting again after the tea interval.Hosein opened the second innings instead of Godleman, who had returned to the team hotel after feeling unwell, and with Rutherford playing every ball on its merit. The openers put on 59 in 27 overs, before Hosein was caught down the leg side by Wallace for 26 from Owen Morgan’s left-arm spin.
Declan Rice has already spoken to England teammate Bukayo Saka about a potential move to Arsenal this summer, journalist Chris Wheatley has revealed.
What's the latest on Declan Rice and Arsenal?
The West Ham United captain looks set to depart East London this summer with a number of top clubs interested in a move, and Arsenal are believed to be the frontrunners for his signature.
Mikel Arteta reportedly sees the £60k-per-week ace as an ideal fit to help his team compete with Manchester City again at the top of the table next season.
The England international is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates, and Wheatley claimed on his YouTube channel that conversations have taken place between him and Saka about a potential move.
"Declan Rice, we know that he is keen on joining Arsenal. He's already spoken with his England teammate Bukayo Saka about the move, asking questions about the club," he stated.
"I do feel that this is a move that Arsenal really want to get done this summer."
Given that there is a high-reported asking price of £120m, as well as interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, this would be a huge transfer for Arsenal if they can pull it off.
Arteta reportedly wants to add more physicality to his midfield, and as Granit Xhaka has been linked with Bayer Leverkusen, additional quality in the area will be worth paying a premium for.
Rice would arrive with plenty of Premier League experience as West Ham's talisman and captain, and at just 24, he could be a key member of the Arsenal side for years to come.
He is well acquainted with Saka, Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White from their time together as England internationals, and he could slot straight into the Arsenal midfield in two positions.
He could either play as the deepest midfielder instead of Thomas Partey or Jorginho, with Martin Odegaard and even Xhaka or another more advanced option ahead of him, or he could replace Xhaka as a number eight ahead of Partey.
Arsenal are reportedly keen on a deal for Moises Caicedo in addition to Rice, and the two could line up together to form a robust and young midfield to help the side raise their level yet again.
Arteta has transformed his team from finishing in fifth place to challenging for the league within a year, and a statement signing like Rice could help them further as they return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years.
Anil Kumble remained coy about Ravi Shastri being overlooked, but was more comfortable talking about his own role in his first press conference as India’s head coach
Sidharth Monga in Bangalore29-Jun-2016The last time Anil Kumble was part of an India camp was at his home ground, M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, in 2008. Two men were under immense pressure to keep their places in the side: Captain Kumble and former captain Sourav Ganguly. Just before the series both had struggled in Sri Lanka: Ganguly had scored 96 runs in six innings, and Kumble had taken eight wickets for 400 runs in three Tests. Just before the home series against Australia, Kumble answered in the negative when asked about retirements. A few days later, Ganguly announced this series was to be his last, and an injured Kumble ended his career even before Ganguly.Eight years later, Kumble and Ganguly have emerged as an unlikely duo shepherding the Indian team from the management perspective. Unlike Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, Ganguly has turned out to be pretty hands-on as a state association president and a member of the cricket advisory committee. Kumble, too, has had a stint as a state association president, actually winning an election, willing to put his reputation on the line by entering the contest. Now Ganguly is believed to have played a key role in getting Kumble as the coach of Indian team.Sitting in the same spot that Ganguly had been in when he uttered words that still resonate – “just one last thing lads, before I leave, I just want to say that this is going to be my last series,” Kumble was asked for his opinion on the way Shastri had been overlooked. Shastri had alleged Ganguly was not even present to interview him when he made his presentation. The underlying suggestion being that the decision had already been made before the interview process.Kumble was a relentless bowler, always at the batsman, but here he did a good impression of leaving this swinging ball alone outside off. “I was the first one to call Ravi after I was chosen as head coach,” Kumble said. “He did a wonderful job with the Indian team. It is not about Anil or Ravi, it is not about the head coach. It is about the players, it is about the team. And from my point of view, whether it is me or Ravi or any Indian, we all want the Indian team to do well. We all want the Indian team to perform at its best. We all believe that there is potential for the Indian team to be the best in all three formats.”And If I’m part of the journey, that’s all I have to say. He congratulated me. I told him it’s a fantastic team, a young team that we have. It could be someone else tomorrow [in place of me]. I’m not permanent in this role. I have an opportunity to make a difference. I have an opportunity to be part of the journey and if I can be part of the journey where we see Indian cricket rise to where we all want it to be, then I think it’s wonderful. I feel privileged, like I already mentioned. And an honour again to be a part of the team.”Kumble was more comfortable and open talking about his own role. At the outset he repeated that he and his support staff were going to be in the background, that his legendary status as a cricketer himself was not going to overpower his team. About his preferred support staff – Sanjay Bangar and Abhay Sharma as batting and fielding coach are temporary appointments for the upcoming West Indies tour – Kumble didn’t reveal much except that he was keen to work with the bowlers himself. A fast-bowling coach couldn’t be ruled out, though.”At this point in time, I thought I can get close to the bowlers, for a start,” Kumble said. “Yes, we are considering options, I don’t want to say what because this is my first trip as coach with the team and I’d like to observe and try and see how the team is shaping up. At this point in time, I thought that with the bowlers, it is the strategy that I can certainly play a part of and that’s something which I am looking at, trying to get closer to the bowlers, understanding what their needs are and then looking at probably bringing in, if you are looking at a fast bowling coach I think is what you are trying to say. There are considerations that I am thinking of but at this point, I don’t know if it will be possible to take someone to the West Indies. If that doesn’t happen, then certainly I am keen to look at the bowlers. I feel that that is certainly an area where I can contribute a lot more.”Kumble was asked what he, as a player, used to look for in a coach. The answer to this was the most definitive in his 20-minute press conference. “As a coach, all I sought was organised preparations for the team and informed inputs to the captain and the team to strategise better. Inclusive of every player. You have to include every player. It’s not about just the 11 who are to play. Also abut the six or seven who are not going to play.”That’s something I sought as a player because it was not always that I played in every team that played for India during my time. I was dropped, I was not chosen for tours. So I understand [what it means to] be the most important member in the team to being dropped. I understand all of that, I understand that communication at such times is very critical. For the coach to pick up the phone and send the message, ‘Don’t worry you are still part of the team.’ That’s what I will look to do. Hopefully I will be able to succeed in telling people who are part of the system that they will always be part of it.”Kumble had earlier remarked it felt a little odd being interviewed by three of his long-time team-mates. Having stepped into the team atmosphere, though, Kumble doesn’t feel odd at all. “Obviously you know the roles and boundaries as a coach,” Kumble said. “Other than that it’s no different. All of us want Indian cricket to be doing really well, and these are exciting times. I feel privileged to be a part of that journey, and in whatever way I can help Indian cricket achieve that. It was no different walking into a meeting room with the entire team, although the faces were different. I’ve played with some of them; I’ve mentored a couple of them in various capacities. To be back in the changing room is always special.”
Liverpool are set to reignite their pursuit of Real Madrid prodigy Aurelien Tchouameni, following recent reports, after Los Blancos beat Jurgen Klopp's side to his signature last summer.
What's the latest on Aurelien Tchouameni's future?
According to a report from 90min, the Reds are interested in signing former target Tchouameni this summer even if a loan deal is the only possibility.
The industrious midfielder was of a vested interest to the club last season and vigorously pursued while he plied his trade for Monaco, before Carlo Ancelotti's Spanish giants secured his signature for €100m (£85m).
The defensive engine has not quite alighted La Liga as might have been hoped and with the thronged Madrid midfield only set to be more brimful with a seismic deal for Jude Bellingham edging towards completion, a short-term move could suit all parties.
Why should Liverpool sign Tchouameni?
With James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain all set to depart from Anfield upon the expiry of their contracts this summer, a score of transfer rumours have been flung across the transfer market like a fusillade of missiles this season.
The script might have been very different if Klopp and co had succeeded in their pursuit for Tchouameni last year, instead reluctant to make an unrehearsed swoop for another midfielder in the latter phases of the summer window and ultimately panicking and signing Arthur from Juventus on a one-year loan deal, a move which, to put it lightly, has not worked out.
Since signing for the Spanish giants, the 23-year-old has played 44 matches across all competitions and has registered four assists, though he is still yet to strike the back of the net himself.
The 22-cap France international, who scored against England in the World Cup quarter-finals, ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for pass completion and interceptions per 90, also among the top 11% for total shots and the top 16% for rate of assists per 90, as per FBref.
Real Madrid midfielderAurelien Tchouameni.
Hailed as "incredible" by Rio Ferdinand, the £212k-per-week machine could emulate Manchester City phenom Rodri's impact on the Premier League, perhaps closing the gulf between Klopp and Pep Guardiola's teams once more.
Tchouameni and the 26-year-old Spaniard are listed the most comparable players to each by FBref, and with the Cityzen gem comfortably inside the pantheon of contemporary holding midfielders after making 201 appearances for his side and winning the whole gamut of domestic honours under his sagely manager's wing, he's not a bad pro to attempt to emulate.
Indeed, Rodri, himself lauded as "incredible" by Gary Neville, ranks among the top 2% of positional peers for pass completion, the top 14% for total shots and the top 19% for rate of assists; with an interesting semblance between the pair, Klopp could indeed find the perfect midfield rock to rekindle the former verve on Merseyside.
It's worth noting that a loan deal for a midfielder who could swiftly cement his name as one of the first on the team sheet, not only fortifies the ranks but creates space to spend freely on further targets, offering the perfect formula for a resurgence back to silver-laden success.
Will Bragg made his second hundred of the season for Glamorgan has his team built a sizable lead against Essex in Cardiff
ECB Reporters Network24-May-2016 ScorecardWill Bragg gave Glamorgan a chance of pushing for victory•Getty ImagesWill Bragg made his second hundred of the season for Glamorgan has his team built a sizable lead against Essex in Cardiff. Glamorgan closed the day on 295 for 3, an advantage of 242 runs, with the game is nicely poised going into the last day with run scoring a struggle on this pitch; the lead Glamorgan have could well be decisive.Having picked up the last Essex wicket after a further 13 runs had been added to their overnight total Glamorgan got off to a poor start with the bat when Jacques Rudolph was dismissed for a 12-ball duck, edging a delivery from David Masters through to the keeper with just two runs on the board.From there it was Glamorgan’s day as Bragg put on 107 for the second wicket with Mark Wallace and 106 for the third wicket with Chris Cooke. Wallace was dismissed for 40 when he attempted to drive Ravi Bopara and only succeeded in edging the ball through to James Foster. Cooke completed his second half-century of the match before he was pinned lbw by a fuller ball from David Masters for 59.Masters was the pick of the Essex bowlers and was the only one who consistently threatened to claim wickets. He gave a particularly torrid time to 19-year-old Aneurin Donald who did well to survive. As it was Donald, the 19-year-old, shared the third significant partnership of the day for Glamorgan with Bragg as the pair put on 80 he was still undefeated at the close on 44.While all of that was happening Bragg remained undefeated and becalmed, finishing the day on 119. With the troubles that Glamorgan have had all season with their top order under-performing this was a vitally important innings that has gone a long way toward putting the home side in a winning position.With self-confessed lack of confidence a problem for Glamorgan how they go about setting up a chase for Essex on the final morning will be interesting. They are unlikely to want to give Essex a sniff of a win and may choose to bat on a while longer than they might otherwise. While scoring has never been straight forward on this surface it doesn’t appear to be deteriorating rapidly. It could be a fascinating finish on the final day.