Lewis Gregory and Craig Overton shared nine wickets between them to secure MCC a sizeable first-innings lead on the second day of their Champion County fixture against Middlesex in Abu Dhabi.
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ESPNcricinfo staff27-Mar-2017
ScorecardLewis Gregory claimed five wickets in a hostile display•Getty Images

Lewis Gregory and Craig Overton reprised the form that helped to carry Somerset to the brink of their maiden Championship title last summer, as they shared nine wickets between them to secure MCC a sizeable first-innings lead on the second day of their Champion County fixture against Middlesex in Abu Dhabi.By the close of play, however, Middlesex had themselves fought back with the ball, reducing MCC to 145 for 7 – an overall lead of 298 – with Harry Podmore leading the line with three wickets.Middlesex had resumed their first innings on 9 for 1 in reply to MCC’s 332 all out, but struggled to make headway against a Somerset-dominated attack, for whom the spinner Jack Leach made the first breakthrough, when Tom Helm was bowled for 15.It was Gregory, however, who did the bulk of the early damage to Middlesex’s prospects, adding three quick wickets to his overnight scalp of Sam Robson to reduce the champions to 68 for 5.Middlesex’s fortunes were boosted by Dawid Malan, who top-scored with 56, and John Simpson, who made 49 in a sixth-wicket stand of 98. But Malan was trapped lbw by Overton, who then had James Franklin caught behind two balls later for a duck.Simpson fell in a similar fashion ten runs later, as Gregory completed his five-wicket haul, and the tail came meekly, with Overton accounting for Podmore and Ravi Patel in consecutive deliveries.With a significant lead of 153 in the bank, MCC were able to take the early losses of Alex Lees and Tom Alsop in their stride, as Podmore trapped both men lbw in the same over, but when Ben Duckett and Joe Clarke were removed in quick succession by James Harris, the score was a dicey 49 for 4.Podmore added his third when Ben Cox fell for 13, but Adam Lyth’s 42 carried the lead past 250, before Gregory and Overton reprised their bowling partnership with some enterprising hitting to ensure MCC finished the day back in command.

Cricket South Africa has regained the right to bid for and host major tournaments, after meeting the government’s transformation criteria

Firdose Moonda09-May-2017Cricket South Africa has regained the right to bid for and host major tournaments, after meeting the government’s transformation criteria. Sports minister Thembelani Nxesi confirmed the lifting of the sanction at the annual Eminent Persons Group (EPG) report handover on Tuesday morning. The EPG report is a yearly assessment by an independent committee on various sports’ commitment to and execution of transformation.After a season in which CSA established transformation targets for the national team – which stipulated that a minimum average of six players of colour including two black Africans should take the field over the course of the season – and exceeded those targets, it was widely expected that the ban, which was imposed last year, would be lifted. Cricket is among two other sports, rugby and netball, which has now satisfied the sports ministry, while athletics remains under sanction.In real terms, the news will only have an immediate effect on rugby, whose administrators are bidding to host the 2023 World Cup. CSA does not have any international events on its calendar for the next six years and CEO Haroon Lorgat told ESPNcricinfo earlier this week that he does not foresee that changing.There was some talk of the ICC organising a World T20 in 2018 and South Africa being considered the front-runner to host it, but there has been no further developments on this. Nonetheless, CSA has been recognised for what the ministry called “improved barometer scores” and could put itself up to host tournaments in the future.

The calm demeanour that Angelo Mathews brings to the Sri Lankan side is what the team – that is going through a major transition – exactly needs

Andrew McGlashan11-Jun-2017Amid Danushka Gunathilaka’s blazing recall, Kusal Mendis’ elegance, Kusal Perera’s hamstring injury and Asela Gunaratne’s match-clinching cameo, his went a little unnoticed. Angelo Mathews was steadfast in Sri Lanka’s superbly-paced chase against India, a reassuring presence for an innings that could still have gone wrong despite the excellence around him.Without their captain, Sri Lanka are a shadow of a team. Most sides have a player whose absence alters their dynamic significantly, but few to the extent of Mathews with this rebuilding Sri Lanka side. It often feels as though his hamstrings, and various other parts of his body, are held together by medical tape, painkillers and sheer bloody-mindedness. All available means need to be taken to keep him on the field; if the bowling has to go by the wayside as a consequence, that would be a small price to pay.The match against India was his first ODI for 10 months, leg injuries of various descriptions keeping him sidelined since the series against Australia. Prior to that he had tried to keep a brittle side afloat against the emerging power of England, and earlier in 2016 he had almost hauled Sri Lanka over the line on one leg in the World T20 group match against the same opposition.In Sri Lanka’s opening game of the Champions Trophy against South Africa, they made a thundering start to the run chase through Niroshan Dickwella and Upul Tharanga, but there was a callowness – and often headlessness – about what followed. Against India there was a chance that the chase could have been knocked off course after the back-to-back run outs of Gunathilaka and Mendis. But Mathews strode in, calmed any tensions and, by and large, allowed his partners to do the fun stuff – an audacious flick over fine leg against Umesh Yadav being an exception.The last three years have taken Mathews’ one-day batting to new heights. Since the start of 2014, his average from 61 matches is 50.08; in the 91 games before that it had been 34.17. He became captain in early 2013 and though there was never a period that could be classed as a slump, it took a little time to marry the two roles together.”Even though I’m the captain of the team, I’ve always tried to contribute as a batter, a bowler and on the field because I’m another player when I get onto the field,” Mathews said. “So my contribution is also very important to the team. I try my very best to try and concentrate on what I have to do rather than thinking about the captaincy and too many other things happening. So I’ve always focused on what I have to do and the job at hand.”I’ve worked extremely hard, just like the others. It’s just, I think through my experience I’m learning the game a bit more now. I’m slowly understanding the game a little bit better than what I used to. I’m learning every day.”Mathews has had to make up for a gaping hole in Sri Lanka’s middle order after the retirement of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene•AFP

He is also having to nurse the side through a period of era-defining change. One-by-one the trio of batting heavyweights – Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan – have moved aside. Of the players that made Sri Lanka one of the powerhouse one-day sides, only Lasith Malinga from the original troop remains and he is a slower, lumbering, creaking version who may not have many more miles in the legs.It is a long-term process to fill those positions. In Kusal Mendis they have one who, with a fair wind, can have a superb career and Gunathilaka appears to have something worth persevering with (you wonder if there was no space in the original squad for him) but consistency could still be some way away.”As I always say, it’s very easy to captain a side when you have the Sangakkaras, Mahelas, Malingas, all these guys, and the challenge began really after they retired. Lasith is obviously still with us, but Sangakkara and Mahela, when they retired, it created a lot of vacuum in the team, and we had to sort of pursue with the younger players and give them confidence,” Mathews said.”It’s not easy – when you lose a few games here and there, it’s never easy. The pressure is on. It’s just that you’ve got to try and deal with the pressures or try and stick with them, give them a lot of confidence. Yes, we know the talent that we have in the dressing room. It’s just that we need to try and stay positive with them and give them a lot of opportunities and give them a longer run being consistent with them. We obviously will see more results in the future.”The run chase against India offered some encouragement for the rebuilding process this Sri Lanka side are going through. But there remains one man who holds it all together, and will need to do so for some time to come.

ESPNcricinfo previews the third T20I between England and South Africa at Cardiff

The Preview by Alan Gardner24-Jun-2017

Match Facts

June 25, 2017
Start time 2.30pm local (1330 GMT)Andile Phehlukwayo sealed South Africa’s dramatic win in Taunton to level the series•Getty Images

Big Picture

If the character and fortitude of the tourists were at all in question after their thumping in the first T20 (not to mention a dismal Champions Trophy), South Africa delivered an emphatic riposte in Taunton. Jason Roy’s dismissal for obstructing the field took the focus but the real story was of a tenacious fightback, inspired by a fired-up Chris Morris, to level the series at 1-1.England had appeared to be cruising to another comprehensive win, with Roy and Jonny Bairstow putting on a century stand for the second wicket – but, from needing 50 off 39 balls, they instead stuttered down a dead end as South Africa silenced a boisterous crowd enjoying their first sight of an England men’s international since 1983.AB de Villiers, South Africa’s stand-in captain, had demanded a response and his bowlers delivered, as Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo and Dane Paterson successfully tied down a succession of new batsmen. Morris spoke afterwards of fronting up to justify wearing the shirt and his impassioned intervention as the match appeared to be slipping away may just have turned South Africa’s tour around.England could take plenty from the debut performance of Tom Curran, Roy’s return to form – his 67 ended a run of 10 international innings without a fifty – and the continued run-harvesting of Bairstow, but Eoin Morgan will have been disappointed to see another clutch moment go the opposition’s way. Liam Livingstone, another debutant, suffered a difficult baptism and he will hope to get a chance to prove his talent in the decider at Cardiff.There may not be much tangible resting on the final match – and England are set to bring in a couple more new faces having previously indicated they will blood all five uncapped players in the squad – but the result may take on greater significance for battles still to come.

Form guide

England LWLLW (completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa WLWLL

In the spotlight

The rapid rise of Tom Curran looks set to continue after his impressive first outing in an England shirt. Already a senior member of the Surrey attack at the age of 22, Curran took to international cricket with aplomb, showing an extra lick of pace and good variety to pick up 3 for 33. On this evidence, certainly in white-ball cricket, there will be plenty more caps to come.David Miller is the second-most experienced member of the South Africa squad in T20 internationals and a player blessed with awesome ball-striking ability. He has had chances to shape both games so far but, apart from one effortless straight six in Southampton, the runs haven’t come. South Africa could do with him firing to improve their chances of an above-par score.

Team news

Bairstow has left the squad to head off on Yorkshire duty in the round of pink-ball Championship games, which should open up a spot for Dawid Malan to make his international debut. Craig Overton is the other uncapped man, with Chris Jordan perhaps likeliest to make way after an erratic performance, while Sam Billings could also be squeezed out as deputy opener by Alex Hales’ return.England (possible): 1 Jason Roy, 2 Alex Hales, 3 Dawid Malan, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Liam Livingstone, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Liam Dawson, 8 David Willey, 9 Craig Overton, 10 Liam Plunkett, 11 Tom CurranSouth Africa found a better balance to their attack in Taunton, with Morris winning the Man-of-the-Match award. They could be unchanged, but for the temptation to bring back the No. 1-ranked T20 bowler, Imran Tahir.South Africa (possible): 1 JJ Smuts, 2 Reeza Hendricks, 3 AB de Villiers (capt), 4 David Miller, 5 Farhaan Berhardien, 6 Mangaliso Mosehle (wk), 7 Chris Morris, 8 Andile Phehlukwayo, 9 Morne Morkel, 10 Dane Paterson, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi/Imran Tahir

Pitch and conditions

England will return to the scene of their Champions Trophy semi-final defeat – hoping for a fresh surface this time. The short, straight boundaries at Cardiff often mitigate against spin, while a cool afternoon, with the chance of some rain early on, may assist the seamers.

Stats and trivia

• England have previously played three T20 internationals at Cardiff, winning all of them.
• Only eight batsmen have been given out obstructing the field in international cricket – four of them since 2013.

Quotes

“The last couple of seasons I’ve bowled a lot of overs that may have limited my pace. But I think I may have gathered a yard. I’m getting stronger, I know my action and I’m developing.”
“First and foremost there’s that honour of playing for South Africa and the honour of playing international cricket. Not many people have ever lived the dream that we’re living. But there was a lot for Russell. He’s going through a really tough time … Coach, this one’s for you.”
Chris Morris dedicates South Africa’s Taunton win to absent coach Russell Domingo, who has returned home to be with his unwell mother

Ian Bell has stepped down as captain of Warwickshire in all formats of the game having been dropped from their T20 side

George Dobell19-Aug-2017Ian Bell has stepped down as captain of Warwickshire in all formats of the game having been dropped from their T20 side.Bell, aged 35, has not made a Championship century since the first match of the 2016 season and, in this year’s campaign, is averaging just 24.64. Warwickshire, bottom of the Division One table, are deep in relegation trouble.Jonathan Trott will captain Warwickshire’s Championship side until the end of the season. Grant Elliott has taken over as the T20 captain, with the Bears set to play a NatWest Blast quarter-final against Surrey on Friday.The decision comes after a difficult few months for Bell. Dropped by England in both Tests and ODIs in 2015, it was anticipated that he would plunder county attacks on his return to the domestic game. But the runs have simply not come and, since the start of the 2016 season, he is averaging only 30.02 in first-class cricket.It is understood Bell was highly disappointed with the decision to drop him from the T20 side, although it is not impossible he will be recalled before the season’s end.As part of the deal to bring Adam Hose to Warwickshire this season, it was agreed he would not play against Somerset. With both Somerset and Warwickshire having qualified for the T20 quarter-finals, they could well meet on Finals Day when Bell would be the obvious option to replace Hose.Meanwhile, Warwickshire have made an approach for Durham’s T20 captain Paul Coughlin. Coughlin has developed into a crucial player for Durham but, given their parlous financial state and lowly position in the Division Two table, a further exodus of players from the club is a distinct possibility.

The hosts are seeking their first series victory over Australia and only their fourth overall since being granted Test status in 2000

The Preview by Daniel Brettig03-Sep-20172:42

Isam: Rain threat looms over Chittagong Test

Big Picture

Australia’s desire to keep its rare Test series against Bangladesh as brief as possible has had the unintended consequence of meaning that Steven Smith’s team can now do no better than tie the series following their narrow defeat in Mirpur. Equally it means Bangladesh are themselves within touching distance of their most significant series victory in 17 mostly faltering years of Test cricket. Their other wins have come against Zimbabwe (twice) and the West Indies, both of whom have spent much of that time propping up the bottom of the ICC’s rankings table – besting Australia would be another matter entirely.The visitors will likely be better for the run last week, having not previously had any competitive cricket leading into it. However, their team composition is shrouded in conjecture as doubts swirl around the places of Usman Khawaja and Matthew Wade in particular. Wade, at least, has the knowledge that his only possible replacement is the part-time wicketkeeper Peter Handscomb, who notably trained for his more customary short leg posting at the team’s main session on Saturday. However, Khawaja could find himself missing out in place of the allrounder Hilton Cartwright, creating room for the unexpected return of Steve O’Keefe and leaving Pat Cummins as the only paceman. Bangladesh look altogether more settled in comparison.Perhaps the biggest obstacle to Bangladesh in Chittagong will be mental, simply getting used to the idea that a series defeat of Australia is not just a possibility but an opportunity waiting to be taken. But after significant Test wins over England and Sri Lanka in the past 12 months, it would be the logical next step in the team’s evolution. Australia, by contrast, need a victory to offer evidence of progress away from home, and also to bolster confidence ahead of a home Ashes series in much friendlier climes. All this is without mentioning that the weather forecast for Chittagong over the next five days is far from promising – another variable given added weight by the scheduling of a mere two Tests.

Form guide

Bangladesh WWLLL(completed matches, most recent first)
Australia LLDLW

In the spotlight

Not only did Mehidy Hasan prove the ideal foil for Shakib Al Hasan in Mirpur, his skilful use of a line around the wicket created plenty of problems for Australia’s captain and key batsman in Smith. As a better known quantity for the Australians second time around, Mehidy will have lost some of his mystery, and it will be intriguing to see whether he can ask different questions of batsmen who have also seen the advantage of David Warner’s decisive approach in the second innings.Whether or not Australia choose two spin bowlers or three, Pat Cummins, asked to bowl swiftly and well in back-to-back Tests, will be the spearhead of the attack. For so long unavailable due to persistent injuries, Cummins now finds his stamina tested and also his ability to operate as a senior bowler, dialling up or down depending on what his captain requires. As Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc both convalesce, Cummins’ wellness and effectiveness will be closely monitored not only by Australia and Bangladesh, but also England.Matthew Wade’s place in the Australia XI is under heavy scrutiny•Getty Images

Team news

Bangladesh will most likely keep the same side that prevailed in Mirpur, with the only possible change being allrounder Nasir Hossain left out in favour of batsman Mominul Haque.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Imrul Kayes, 4 Sabbir Rahman, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (capt & wk), 7 Nasir Hossain/Mominul Haque, 8 Mehidy Hasan, 9 Taijul Islam, 10 Shafiul Islam, 11 Mustafizur Rahman.Seldom has more doubt surrounded the composition of an Australian Test XI, as Khawaja and Wade both find themselves under heavy scrutiny in addition to the place opened up by Hazlewood’s side strain. Hilton Cartwright, the just-flown-in O’Keefe and Jackson Bird are all possible inclusions, but the team’s final composition will not be known until the toss.Australia (probable): 1 David Warner, 2 Matt Renshaw, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Peter Handscomb, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Hilton Cartwright, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Ashton Agar, 9 Steve O’Keefe, 10 Pat Cummins, 11 Nathan Lyon.

Pitch and conditions

The Chittagong surface looked rock hard but can be expected to take spin. The weather forecast is far from promising, as rain is expected on all five scheduled days of the Test.

Stats and trivia

• Bangladesh are seeking their first series victory over Australia and only their fourth in all series since entering the Test arena in 2000. The others were against Zimbabwe in 2005 and 2014, and against the West Indies in 2009.
• Australia’s previous Test appearance in Chittagong reaped an innings-and-80-run victory for the visitors in 2006, a match remembered for Jason Gillespie’s double-century as a nightwatchman.
• Defeat in Chittagong would see Australia will drop to sixth on the ICC Test rankings, their lowest position on the table since it began in 2003. A win or draw would slip them down from fourth to fifth. Bangladesh will climb from ninth to eighth with a win or a draw.

Quotes

“I hate losing games of cricket. It wasn’t a nice end to the game but again I’m confident again this week that we can come out and hopefully play with a good skillset and turn things around. It’s important for this group moving forward. We just need to play better cricket for longer and hopefully stay in the contest and get the result we’re after.”
“They know they are under pressure, because normally they announce the XI. In this case they haven’t announced the XI. But the Australia team are very strong and they will come back hard. We know that. But our boys are also pretty fresh and they are very consistent in Chittagong also. So if we do the right things I think the result will come our way.”