Tag Futebol

Hosts cruise in chase after England had scrapped a score from the depths of 24 for 4

Alan Gardner06-Nov-2024

West Indies made light work of their run chase under the Kensington Oval floodlights, centuries from Keacy Carty and Brandon King setting up a dominant eight-wicket win that sealed a 2-1 series victory over England.Carty’s maiden hundred, from 97 balls, made him the first cricketer from St Maarten to reach the landmark for West Indies. He was followed to three figures by King, who made the most of being dropped twice with a timely knock, his first 50-plus score in ODIs since the World Cup Qualifier in July 2023. Their double-century stand, eventually worth 209, was the highest for West Indies against England in the format.England had scrapped their way up to what might have been a competitive total after a nightmare start saw them 24 for 4 at the end of the first powerplay. Phil Salt knuckled down to play his longest international innings, in terms of balls face, while Dan Mousley was inventive on the way to a maiden ODI fifty. With an injury to Romario Shepherd forcing Shai Hope to turn to Sherfane Rutherford – whose 3.5 overs at the death disappeared for 57 – England had at least given themselves a glimmer.It took one ball of the reply to suggest that conditions for batting had eased, as King spanked Jofra Archer’s opening gambit through the covers. He did the same to the second delivery, with Archer’s first three overs eventually costing 24 – and although Jamie Overton claimed a first ODI wicket with his third legitimate ball, Evin Lewis bounced out for 19, West Indies were already up and running.King finished the powerplay by bashing Reece Topley for two fours in three balls, putting West Indies ahead of the asking rate at 65 for 1 after ten. And while Carty, who picked up his first four by gliding Topley behind square in the same over, had some uncertain moments against the legspin of Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone early on, the second-wicket pair were soon motoring towards the target.Rashid’s first three overs had gone for just seven, but King pumped him down the ground for six to mark a shift in the mood. An edge off Livingstone evaded Salt’s gloves when King was on 44, and the West Indies opener went to a 60-ball fifty in the next over, clubbing Rashid emphatically through midwicket.Carty had been given out lbw to Livingstone’s first ball, but reviewed in the knowledge that there was bat involved. He cut and swept consecutive boundaries in the same over, and later launched Rashid over the deep midwicket boundary as West Indies steadily brought the required rate down while negotiating England’s seven bowling options. After bringing up a 61-ball fifty, Carty again took back-to-back fours off Livingstone, before doing the same to Sam Curran.A muscular pull for six off Topley ended up in the crowd at deep midwicket, as Carty overtook his partner, followed up by a flat-batted four down the ground. Having surpassed his previous ODI best of 88, he reached his hundred with a glide for four off Jacob Bethell’s left-arm spin – removing his helmet and raising his arms aloft as applause rolled around the ground.The moment was repeated at the start of the following over as King, who also saw a cut off Archer burst through the hands of Jordan Cox in the covers on 86, swatted the same bowler through fine leg to raise his third century in the format. King was bowled by Topley with 13 required but the result was beyond doubt.The alacrity with which West Indies hunted down their requirement amply demonstrated why both captains had wanted to bowl first at the toss. Shai Hope, who grew up at Kensington Oval, said he was “not sure what we’re going to get” from the surface – but his seamers certainly knew how to exploit the conditions, leaving England four down and tottering inside the first powerplay.The main source of discomfort for West Indies early on came via an extraordinary on-field contretemps between Alzarri Joseph and Hope, the fast bowler seemingly unhappy with the field set for England’s No. 3, Cox. Joseph could be seen repeatedly remonstrating with his captain from the top of his run-up, and he took his frustration out on the batter, Cox barely seeing a 148kph/92mph lifter that flicked the glove on its way through. Joseph didn’t celebrate and walked off at the end of the over, briefly leaving West Indies with 10 men on the field.Matthew Forde had already struck in his second over, responding to being driven for four by Will Jacks with a similar delivery that went away just enough to take the outside edge. Shepherd then enjoyed immediate success when replacing Joseph, as Bethell slashed at a wide delivery only to be spectacularly held by the leaping Roston Chase at point. When Livingstone fell to another catch at the wicket trying to force a drive off Shepherd, England were flatlining at 24 for 4 with one ball left in the powerplay.One of the England batters still standing was Salt. His half-century in the second ODI was the first time he had batted through the powerplay since June 2022, but he backed up that effort in Barbados – albeit 11 not out off 26 balls told of England’s struggle.He found useful allies in Curran and Mousley, adding consecutive stands of 70 for the fifth and sixth wickets. Curran, again up the order at No. 6, was proactive from the outset but fell looking to take on Chase’s offspin. Mousley then continued the rebuilding effort, with Salt grinding away to a 79-ball fifty – by far the slowest of his five in ODIs.England were 163 for 5 at the end of the 40th but lost Salt in the following over, King’s athleticism at deep midwicket resulting in a comfortable relay catch for Joseph. Shepherd then collapsed after catching his studs in the turf and had to be helped from the field, as the momentum shifted again. Mousley fell shortly after reaching fifty but lower-order cameos from Overton (32 off 21) and Archer (38 not out off 17) saw Rutherford’s medium-pace take a battering and 100 runs bleed from the last ten overs. That ended up as a footnote after King and Carty took charge.

West Bromwich Albion are now in a transfer race with Middlesbrough to sign an experienced defender on a free transfer, according to a recent report.

West Brom chasing multiple transfer targets

It’s been a steady start to the transfer window for the Baggies and new manager Ryan Mason, as they have brought in three new players so far. Defenders George Campbell and Nat Phillips have arrived from Montreal and Liverpool respectively, as well as Aune Heggebo to reinforce the front line.

Related Dream Johnston upgrade: West Brom submit surprise offer for £1.1m star

West Bromwich Albion could think outside of the box when pursuing a Mikey Johnston upgrade.

Posts 2 ByKelan Sarson Jul 16, 2025

The Championship side are looking to remain active however, and have their eye on adding more attacking talent. It was reported earlier this month that West Brom are among the teams interested in signing Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The youngster featured for the Premier League side last season but could be set for a spell away given the change in the dugout.

And Moore is not the only attacker Mason has his eye on, as the Express & Star recently revealed that Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is also wanted by West Brom and could be available for around £10 million, as he looks set for a move away from Crystal Palace. However, the Baggies face a tough battle, as rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keen on the exciting winger.

West Brom in race with Middlesbrough to sign Jamal Lewis

Despite already adding defensive reinforcements this summer, Mason appears keen for more options at the back. According to The Belfast Telegraph, West Brom are interested in signing Jamal Lewis on a free transfer.

The left-back was released by Newcastle United in the summer after a tough spell at St James’ Park, where he made just 31 Premier League appearances in three seasons. His availability on a free transfer has now alerted the Baggies but also Middlesbrough and Norwich City, who are keen on the defender.

The 27-year-old, who has earned 39 caps for Northern Ireland, spent the first half of last season on loan at Brazilian side São Paulo, but it was an experience that didn’t go to plan, as he appeared just six times. Lewis returned to Newcastle and didn’t feature in a single game for the remainder of the season.

Jamal Lewis’ Championship stats

Apps

100

Minutes played

8289

Goals

0

Assists

6

Despite his struggles at Newcastle since Eddie Howe arrived, the Englishman has been full of praise for Lewis, dubbing him an “incredible athlete” in the past. Howe said: “Jamal, we hope, can stay fit and show us what he’s capable of.

“I believe in him as a player, but he’s just had really bad luck. He’s got a lot to offer physically; we’ve certainly seen that in pre-season – an incredible athlete. He needs consistency of training at the moment – and hopefully he can get that.”

Interestingly, the Baggies have already dealt with his agency, PLG, this summer, as the group also represent Phillips, as well as current star Jayson Molumby, perhaps smoothing negotiations considering Lewis is a free agent.

Those of a Liverpool persuasion appear to have come down with a nasty case of Alexander Isak fever, and well, who can blame them?

The bombshell news emerged on Tuesday that, after months of whispers and speculation, the Premier League champions are finally ready to firm up their interest in the Newcastle United man, amid the prospect of a potential £120m bid for the Swede.

That mammoth offer – which would eclipse the Reds’ recent club-record capture of Florian Wirtz – could put the icing on the cake for the Anfield side’s summer business, with Isak fresh off the back of a season that saw him score 23 top-flight goals.

Unsurprisingly, the Magpies are hell-bent on keeping hold of their star man for a little while longer, albeit with Richard Hughes playing the trump card after rivalling Eddie Howe and co in the pursuit of Isak’s heir apparent, Hugo Ekitike. Checkmate?

Either way, it would appear that the Merseysiders are in a strong bargaining position, with optimism growing that the division’s “best striker” – as described by Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson – could be lining up alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah next season.

Isak, as stated, might well be the delicious icing, but Hughes could also sprinkle a little cherry on top by sealing yet another high-profile deal in the coming weeks…

Latest on Liverpool's transfer pursuit

Wirtz. Jeremie Frimpong. Milos Kerkez. Isak next?

It may now be a waiting game to see if the Newcastle marksman will agitate for a move, albeit with Liverpool no doubt keen to pounce on the 25-year-old’s contract uncertainty, with the Daily Mail’s Dominic King outlining that talks have ‘stalled’ over a new deal at St James’ Park.

According to King, Hughes and his recruitment team will officially move for the former Real Sociedad striker if they ‘receive encouragement’, with this game of cat and mouse likely to have a few twists and turns to come.

Transfer Focus

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

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Football Insider have reported that Liverpool are expected to soon seal a deal for Crystal Palace skipper, Marc Guehi, with that move looking ‘increasingly likely’ amid developments at Selhurst Park.

Indeed, the report outlines that with the Eagles seemingly closing in on the £45m signing of Sporting CP centre-back, Ousmane Diomande, it would pave the way for Guehi to depart.

The suggestion is that with the England international having just a year left to run on his Palace contract, the south Londoners are keen to cash in this summer, rather than lose him on a free in 12 months’ time.

Why Liverpool could be set to seal another Isak-esque signing

It’s fair to say that after sitting out the recent friendly win over Preston North End, excitement is brewing over finally seeing the aforementioned Wirtz in action in a Liverpool shirt, with the 22-year-old German signing off his time at Bayer Leverkusen with 122 goals and assists in 97 games in all competitions.

That capture is a statement deal, no doubt, but if Isak were to arrive, it would truly take the biscuit, with the 6 foot 4 sensation a Premier League-proven talent, having scored 44 league goals across the last two seasons combined.

The man who helped steer Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory over Arne Slot’s side earlier this year, the £63m goal machine could now be the figurehead of a new era at Anfield, with the rest of the division likely to already be quaking in their boots.

As for Guehi, while such a deal would almost go under the radar amid the current circumstances, there would be shades of Isak about that acquisition, with Liverpool in line to poach another key figure from a fellow Premier League outfit.

Currently captain at Selhurst Park, the 25-year-old has already made 132 appearances in England’s top tier to date, having notably skippered his side to shock FA Cup glory in 2024/25.

Minutes played

61

Touches

17

Pass accuracy

75%

Key passes

1

Possession lost

2

Ground duels won

1/2

Aerial duels won

1/4

Tackles

1

Clearances

4

Like Isak, the in-demand defender – who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer – has more than proven himself against Premier League opposition, with both men also seemingly at the perfect point of their careers. Indeed, with both men still only 25, they have gained notable experience at the top level, but may not yet have entered their peak.

Described as a “monster” of a centre-back by reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi – like Isak – is also “one of the best in the country” in his position, as per scout Mick Brown, with Liverpool able to acquire a player who would slot straight into their starting lineup.

Much like with Isak, there would be no period of transition or adaptation, this is a player who could well hit the ground running on Merseyside.

This is a man who ranks in the top 10% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for key passes per 90, as well as in the top 10% for through balls, as per FBref. In essence, he is a master at playing out from the back.

Having romped to the title at a canter last season, Liverpool are at a point now where they can poach the very best that the Premier League has to offer. In their respective positions, Isak and Guehi would be just that.

Romano: Liverpool plan to submit record-breaking bid to sign Alexander Isak

The Reds could spend big once again…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 15, 2025

The T20Is were the ones postponed when India toured South Africa in 2021

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2024

India are set to tour South Africa in November this year to play four T20Is. The matches will be played between November 8 and 15 across Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion, and Johannesburg.It is understood that these four T20Is were the ones postponed when India toured South Africa in 2021, the schedule of which was rejigged following the surge of Covid-19 cases in South Africa. India played just three Tests and three ODIs then, and a CSA release had said that the T20Is will be “rescheduled for a more opportune time in the new year”. South Africa had won both the Test and ODI series then.The teams had then agreed to play these matches later but couldn’t find a window. India had also toured South Africa in December 2023 for an all-format series consisting of three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests, all part of the 2023-27 FTP. The T20I and Test series were drawn 1-1, while India won the ODIs 2-1.India’s T20I tour of SA 2024

1st T20I on November 8 – Kingsmead, Durban

2nd T20I on November 10 – St George’s Park, Gqeberha

3rd T20I on November 13 – SuperSport Park, Centurion

4th T20I on November 15 – Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Hosting India is a financial lifesaver for most boards, and CSA is no different. It is understood that the broadcast revenues from one T20 equals over R150 million (US $8.4 million). CSA declared a loss of R119 million for the last financial year.”I would like to thank the BCCI for their continued support to South Africa’s cricket, and world cricket in general,” Lawson Naidoo, CSA chairperson, said. “Any tour by the Indian cricket team to our shores is filled with amazing camaraderie and exciting cricket, and I know our fans will be eagerly awaiting this series which will showcase the exceptional talent from both teams.”

With Ipswich Town suffering relegation back down to the Championship, there must be a fear in the air that they could suffer the same fate as Luton Town.

Like the Hatters, the Tractor Boys sealed an unexpected place in the top-flight but since then, Luton have found themselves on the end of back-to-back relegations.

Of course, Kieran McKenna will look to the examples of both Burnley and Leeds United instead as clubs who have been able to lick their wounds quickly after sinking back down to the EFL, but it’s not set in stone that the Tractor Boys will rise back up to the Premier League in a flash.

Any effort made towards achieving instant promotion will be made a lot harder by Liam Delap’s impending exit from Portman Road, with the young Englishman now closing in on a move to Chelsea.

Latest update on Delap's Ipswich future

If it wasn’t for Delap leading the line, Ipswich’s 2024/25 campaign would have been a lot more grim towards the foot of the top-flight table.

Indeed, a large 12 of the Tractor Boys’ overall 33 league strikes came courtesy of the ex-Manchester City man’s magic firepower in front of goal, but not even Delap’s best efforts have been able to keep his lowly side from succumbing to the drop.

But, off the back of being such a livewire in an otherwise despondent group, Delap attracted interest from a plethora of top-flight sides including Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United and, of course, the Blues.

The Daily Mail revealed earlier this week that he had held talks with four potential sides over leaving Suffolk behind, with his low £30m release clause tickling the fancy of many a Premier League outfit.

As it is, Enzo Maresca’s side have emerged victorious from that hotly-contested battle, with Fabrizio Romano outlining that the striker is set to undergo a medical on Monday, ahead of moving to Stamford Bridge.

Whilst losing Delap would be devastating, not every departure this summer needs to be equally as soul-destroying.

The Ipswich star who must now be axed

McKenna will believe that he can steer Ipswich straight back up to the big time, having already achieved two memorable promotions from the Portman Road dug-out.

But, he could well have to be cut-throat in who he allows to leave the building if he wants instant success, with long-standing Ipswich servant Sam Morsy one face he might have to contemplate letting leave.

After all, whilst the Egyptian veteran did captain both of those promotion-winning sides, he showed worrying signs of rust when thrown into the side last season.

It resulted in Morsy only picking up a weak one goal and one assist from 31 starts, which is way off his three goals and six assists tally during the 2023/24 campaign.

Additionally, despite falling down the pecking order in Suffolk somewhat, Morsy still pockets a higher wage per week than Tractor Boys stalwart Leif Davis, with the left-back also eyeing up a major move away from Ipswich now, with Nottingham Forest rumoured to be keen.

George Hirst

£27.5k-per-week

26

3

1

Jack Clarke

£25k-per-week

32

0

4

Jaden Philogene

£25k-per-week

21

2

0

Liam Delap

£20k-per-week

37

12

2

Leif Davis

£25k-per-week

33

1

2

Amazingly, Morsy’s £30k-per-week salary means he earns more than all of the Ipswich first team figures above, with the Tractor Boys number five even raking in £10k-per-week more than 12-goal hero Delap.

McKenna might well want to keep Morsy around for one final season before his Ipswich contract runs down, knowing full well that he knows what it takes to play his part in a successful EFL campaign.

But, before he declines even more, it could well be the most appropriate course of action to move on Morsy now.

If "sensational" Ipswich star leaves, it would be as disastrous as Delap

Ipswich Town could also lose this sensational star away from just Liam Delap leaving Portman Road.

ByKelan Sarson May 23, 2025

Manchester United have now made contact with an “unbeatable” goalkeeper as a possible replacement for Andre Onana, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd chasing defensive reinforcements

United supporters are highly anticipating the Red Devils prioritising strengthening their forward line this summer, given the lack of goals scored throughout this 2024/25 campaign. However, while Ruben Amorim wants to improve his attacking options, he is also in the market to strengthen his defence, given Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are on course to leave when their contracts expire.

Related Man Utd now readying £68m bid to beat Liverpool in race for Barcelona star

Man Utd are now preparing an offer to sign a player who is also wanted by arch-rivals Liverpool.

Posts ByBrett Worthington May 6, 2025

It’s already been reported that United have held talks over signing centre-back Jonathan Tah on a free transfer. The German international is set to become a free agent as his contract at Bayer Leverkusen expires, and the Red Devils are now interested in a deal. However, they are not alone, as European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are also circling with interest.

Tah is not the only defender under consideration, as a report from Spain has stated that United are ready to go all out and sign Ronald Araujo from Barcelona. The defender is a key player for the Spanish giants, but the Premier League giants hope an offer worth £68 million will be enough to tempt Barca into selling, as Araujo is considered a player who can help transform their defence.

Man Utd make contact to sign £17m ace as replacement for Onana

As well as looking to strengthen his centre-back options, Amorim could also be in the market for a new goalkeeper, and according to Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd have Torino’s Vanja Milinkovic-Savic on their goalkeeper shortlist.

Romano states that initial contacts between United and the player’s camp have taken place. The transfer expert also goes on to state that United are now waiting to hear how much Torino would want for their shot-stopper, but it’s been previously reported that he has a release clause worth £17 million from the end of July.

The 28-year-old, who has been hailed as “unbeatable” for his record of saving penalties, has a history at Old Trafford, as he joined the club back in 2014 before leaving in 2016 to move to Poland. The goalkeeper didn’t play a game for United but did represent their academy side.

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s Torino stats

Apps

155

Goals conceded

158

Clean sheets

52

Milikovic-Savic’s potential arrival at Old Trafford would likely see him replace Onana, as he is currently first choice for Torino, where he has kept 10 clean sheets in 34 Serie A games this season.

Meanwhile, for Onana, this season has been a struggle, with performances dipping from good to bad, and that inconsistent form is a reason why Amorim may be looking for a new number one. The Cameroon international, on £120,000-a-week, is still under contract until 2028, but United may look to cash in this summer, as there has been a mention of teams from the Saudi Pro League interested in a potential deal for Onana.

Reportedly prepared to spend to make the deal happen, Aston Villa and NSWE have reportedly set their sights on winning the race to sign a defender worth £50m this summer.

NSWE prepared to spend despite Aston Villa PSR concern

This summer wouldn’t be the first time that those at Villa Park spent big, given how they’ve splashed the cash to improve Unai Emery’s side in recent windows. Unlike in the past, however, NSWE will reportedly have to walk a fine line if they are to avoid breaking any profit and sustainability rules in a problem that they’re already looking to solve in an unexpected way.

Whether selling stakes in the women’s team solves Villa’s problem remains to be seen, but such a possibility certainly adds pressure to the achievements that the men’s team are in pursuit of. By qualifying for the Champions League for a second consecutive campaign, Emery’s side would undoubtedly provide the entire club with some added funds.

Aston Villa now join 6-team tussle to sign "bulldozing" teenage sensation

He’s a man in demand…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 6, 2025

What will have certainly helped on that front is their 2-1 victory over top-four rivals Nottingham Forest to maintain their push to sneak into European contention. Emery was well aware of just how important the result was, telling reporters: “I’m very happy because here in Villa Park we are feeling very strong.

“We are transmitting our energy to the supporters and their energy is transmitting to us. We are, more or less, winning, responding well.

“The supporters are happy with how we are responding and getting challenges like today against Nottingham, who are having a fantastic season. We’re trying to keep going in the challenges we have: today, next Wednesday, then again in Premier League, the FA Cup semi-final in London.”

What’s more, that financial boost courtesy of European qualification could yet see Aston Villa win the race to sign an in-demand defensive reinforcement in the coming months.

Aston Villa targeting £50m Diomande

As impressive as Aston Villa’s depth has been since the January transfer window, it won’t be long before they lose loanees Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi. And that’s when they could turn towards a £50m defender.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa and NSWE are now prepared to spend to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Club, who value their talented defender at £50m ahead of this summer.

The 21-year-old has also attracted interest from Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea to form a hectic Premier League race for his signature. Whether other clubs are willing to spend like Aston Villa seemingly are remains to be seen, however.

Described as an “aggressive” and “tough tackling” defender by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Diomande would be worth every penny in a £50m deal this summer, no matter who wins the race for his signature.

Opinion divided after first two rounds of 2024 County Championship produce glut of runs and only one positive result

Vithushan Ehantharajah and Matt Roller16-Apr-20243:58

Roland-Jones reacts to Kookaburra chaos in County Championship

Sixteen matches played, 27,840 balls bowled, 16,817 runs scored, 378 wickets taken – yet only one outright result. The first two weeks of the Championship season have been a grind. The second round of games was historic: for only the third time when all 18 counties played simultaneously, not a single one registered a win.The first two weeks of April rarely produce gripping cricket in England, but this year has been worse than usual for a number of interdependent reasons: wet weather through the winter creating particularly soft, slow pitches; the trial of a Kookaburra ball instead of the usual Dukes; and the loss of hundreds of overs due to rain.In the first two rounds of the 2023 season, there were 11 positive results in 16 completed matches. But bowlers across the country have struggled to get batters out in the early stage of this season: a wicket fell every 54.9 balls in the first two rounds last year, compared to one every 73.7 balls to date in 2024.Related

• Counties confirm decision to bin Kookaburra ball trial

• Team man Cameron Steel now out on his own

• Switch Hit: A load of new balls

• Batty criticises trial of Kookaburra balls in Championship as 'silly' and 'illogical'

• Sam Cook: The England Test hopeful with a sub-20 bowling average

The difference between the balls is well-established: the Kookaburra is machine-made in Australia, while the Dukes is hand-stitched in the UK. “It doesn’t swing as much as the Dukes,” James Anderson explained on the Tailenders podcast. “There’s a different lacquer that coats it… the Dukes, for some reason, swings more and for longer.”The idea came from Andrew Strauss’ high-performance review, which highlighted the dearth of genuine pace and spin in English domestic cricket. “We aren’t encouraging the development of the ‘extreme’ skills required to succeed in international cricket,” the review said. It proposed a pilot trial to “test the impact on bowlers’ skills development”, and two rounds were played with the Kookaburra last summer.The pilot has not been universally popular. Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, has described the Kookaburra’s implementation as “the worst decision ever”. Alfonso Thomas, the Leicestershire coach, said it has “made average batters look very good”. When Somerset skipper Lewis Gregory was asked for his view, he replied: “Can I swear?”The need to hit the deck hard with the Kookaburra has been offset by the fact that early season English decks are not hard. That also meant short-ball plans — something bowlers turn to when a ball of any shape stops moving through the air — were ineffectual. Some teams were also bemused that no two balls seemed to behave the same.Others saw the merit. Grant Bradburn, Glamorgan’s coach, believes the trial will “help bowlers become better”. Cameron Steel, Surrey’s legspinning allrounder, is the leading wicket-taker in Division One. “Spinners around the country are happy to have had more of a bowl than they probably otherwise would’ve in previous seasons in April,” he said after his second five-wicket haul in as many games.And Sam Cook, the Essex seamer, pressed his England case when forcing the only win of the season so far, taking 10 for 73 at Trent Bridge. Cook has been a consistent wicket-taker for five years but was particularly pleased to prove himself with a Kookaburra. “When it does get a little soft, it’s about using your skills, whether it’s a little bit of wobble-seam or reverse-swing,” he said.Seamers across the country will breathe a sigh of relief when they get the Dukes back in their hands on Friday, which will be used for the foreseeable future. This year’s trial will see two more rounds played with the Kookaburra in late August and early September, at which point pitches should be drier, firmer, and therefore more receptive to the ball.Use of the Kookaburra ball has come in for much scrutiny•Getty ImagesSpeaking on Monday, England men’s managing director Rob Key hailed a “fantastic” first two rounds, not least because it seemingly nullified those seamers who lean heavily on the movement of the Dukes. If it were up to him – rather than the ECB Professional Games’ Committee – the red Kookaburra would be the default county ball.”You see what four-day cricket is meant to be,” Key told the . “I’ve watched quite a bit this week and seen some bloody good cricket. I would use the Kookaburra all the time. English cricket would be much better off for it.”The pitches are slow this time of year but watching medium-pacers is a waste of time. Teams need to find quicker bowlers or ones who will force a wicket. You can’t just keep running up bowling at 75mph. And in terms of those guys who are not express, you really work out who can bowl. Sam Cook, that was seriously impressive what he did.”Why do we think in India their batters come into the Test side averaging 70 [in the Ranji Trophy]? Do you think they’re playing with a little nibbly Dukes ball where it’s doing all sorts? What do we want to be? I want us to be the best team in the world for a generation; this will be one way to do that.”Key’s words might seem harsh, but they tally with his view on county cricket before the success of England men’s teams – particularly overseas, and especially the Ashes in Australia – fell under his brief. As he described in his autobiography, : “County cricket exists only because of the money from Test cricket, the England Test team only because of the Championship conveyor belt. They are the ultimate odd couple: worlds apart, but unable to get divorced because they are so utterly reliant on one another.”Ultimately, the debate over the ball boils down to a fundamental question: what is the purpose of the County Championship? It has two main functions: to help develop English cricketers who go onto play internationally; and as a sporting competition in its own right, which still attracts interest both at home and overseas and which every male professional in the country would love to win.If using the Kookaburra emboldens counties to bowl their spinners and throws up a contender for England selection, like Cook, does that outweigh the drawbacks of a single result in 16 matches (with two complete abandonments) and some dreary cricket played in front of sparse crowds? That is the question that Key and the ECB must weigh up when they decide whether this experiment should continue.

He is often overlooked because of the buzz around the T20 superstars, but the middle-order batter has quietly been moving up the ranks

Mohammad Isam31-Aug-20222:21

Jaffer: Najibullah Zadran was spectacular

Najibullah Zadran has been moving up the big-hitters’ list for a while now, and took his game to the next level on Tuesday against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, hitting six sixes – the last finishing the match – in a seven-wicket win. That made it two wins in two for Afghanistan, and another of their number has emerged as a power-packed performer in an already impressive catalogue of match-winners.Despite his 140-plus strike rate in T20s, Najibullah usually goes about his business quietly in ODIs. Najibullah has become something of a regular in T20 franchise leagues around the world, recently even signing up with MI Emirates in the UAE’s ILT20. This, though, came at a crucial moment in a major tournament. As with any Najibullah innings, however, it was all calculated. He was in control while hitting each of his sixes, even the one where he ended up spinning a full 360 degrees. He packs a lot of power, after all, despite his not-too-powerful appearance.Related

'A massive sign for us' – Rashid encouraged by Afghanistan's young fast bowlers

Afghanistan is still living and loving its cricket

Afghanistan fight back to storm into the next round

Mosaddek defends bowlers and one-dimensional spin attack

When he struck Mahedi Hasan for the first six of the Afghanistan innings, in the 16th over, it was perfectly timed. Bangladesh had established something of a chokehold with a lot of dot balls, and the scoreboard read 79 for 3. So Afghanistan needed one big hit, or at least a show of intent. Najibullah provided it.Mustafizur Rahman was next in his radar, as Najibullah swung him over square-leg, before pasting him down the ground. Both in the 17th over. That second was a simple reaction to what Mustafizur was trying to get away with, a dot ball. The finish line in the chase of 128 suddenly looked around the corner, with 26 needed from 18.But Najibullah was in a hurry. The two sixes off Mohammad Saifuddin in the 18th over were pleasing too. Against a short ball, he swung his body around completely, playing a sort of waft over his head. The ball-by-ball commentary on ESPNcricinfo described it as a “pull/hook/scoop/ramp”. It went soaring over deep square-leg. It will certainly make it to the end-of-tournament montages and packages, or social media memes.One more went over long-off, and then the last one, straight down the ground.”We understood it wasn’t going to be an easy total,” Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi said after the game. “We wanted to keep wickets in hand as we have the ability to hit the ball really hard. It is what Najib Zadran did. In the middle, Ibrahim Zadran [42 in 41 balls] rotated the strike, hit the (odd) four.

“We are known to defend totals, not chase totals. This time, we chased quite well. We weren’t under pressure. Our team looks properly balanced”Mohammad Nabi

“We put Ibrahim on top so that he can bat till the death overs. He would be in one side, and we (would) attack from the other side. We need this type of batsman to rotate the strike easily. He wasn’t under pressure all the time. He can also hit the ball quite well.”Najibullah has had a decent year so far, hitting three fifties in ODIs and two in T20Is. But he is somewhat low profile, often lost in the clamour around Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan, or even Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.Nabi said that Afghanistan have been trying to break a few notions about the team’s batting in the Asia Cup, especially their ability (or lack of it) while chasing totals. Najibullah, obviously, plays a big role there.”As a unit, as a team, we showed in the Asia Cup that Afghanistan has quality batsmen, bowlers and fielders,” Nabi said after back-to-back – and comfortable – wins while chasing. “We are known to defend totals, not chase totals. This time, we chased quite well. We weren’t under pressure. Our team looks properly balanced. I hope we do well in the next round against big teams [likely to be India and Pakistan, unless Hong Kong spring a surprise].Job done, and the arms go up in celebration•Getty ImagesHe said that Afghanistan’s experience in playing a lot of their cricket in the UAE recently has come in handy, but they were also lucky that Bangladesh chose to bat first on Tuesday.”We have played a lot in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi in the last 15 years. We know the conditions better,” Nabi said. “We didn’t think we could score 200 in Sharjah. Sometimes a low total is tough to chase. It was better not to throw early wickets, it made us easier to target the bowlers, and finish the game with two overs [nine balls] left.”The pitch is new. They changed the soil. Nobody has played on this pitch. That’s why it was better to bowl first, to see the reaction of the pitch. The opposition team was under pressure as we took early wickets.”Afghanistan now have a few days to rest before hitting their stride in the second round, the Super 4s. The opposition might be tougher, but they seem to be relishing their new status, of not being a novelty in multi-team competitions, and being taken seriously, even feared.Expectations will go up, understandably, but with their line-up of T20 superstars, and the under-the-radar Najibullah doing his thing, they will be backing themselves to win more often than not.

The New Zealand opener talks about dealing with his negativity last season while struggling for runs and how a chat with Kane Williamson helped him clear his mind

Interview by Shashank Kishore24-Jun-2020For close to three years since his Test debut in 2016, Jeet Raval was a regular opener. His six half-centuries in his first nine Tests gave New Zealand solidity at the top of the order. But Raval hit a wall against England and Pakistan in 2018. A maiden hundred, in Hamilton against Bangladesh, was a weight off his shoulders and should have been the point where his career took off, but instead he lost his central contract with New Zealand Cricket, and has now switched from Auckland to Northern Districts in domestic cricket. He hasn’t given up on a comeback, but isn’t beating himself up over it. The two-month lockdown due to Covid-19 has given him better balance and perspective, as he tells us in this chat.How do you look back at your career so far?
It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve been fortunate to have been part of a successful New Zealand Test side. Winning in the UAE and Sri Lanka has been a highlight of my career so far. We rose to No. 2 in the Test rankings, which hadn’t been done before. From a team’s perspective, it’s been an amazing journey. Personally, I feel I didn’t fully live up to my potential.ALSO READ: The contrasting fortunes of Mitchell Starc and Jeet RavalTwenty-four Tests, one Test century, seven fifties and an average of 30. How do you view these numbers?
You ought to have done something right to play those Tests. I felt I did well in the first couple of years and then my form fell away. A few issues started creeping into my game and then it sort of turned into a battle of the mind. But look, I’m content with the career I’ve had so far, and I’m determined to get back to where I was through the lessons I’ve learnt.What are the lessons you’ve learnt?
As an opener in New Zealand, you will probably fail more than you succeed, so when you do get runs, you need to look to make it big. In my case, I did all the right things at the start of my innings, but couldn’t capitalise. And that started playing on my mind.Your first Test hundred came in your 17th Test. Did that wait make you restless?
Not from within, but people around me often kept asking, “Hey, when is that first hundred coming?” And then I’d think, “Yeah, I’m yet to score that despite getting starts.” The external pressure starts weighing on you, so it was nice to be able to get that monkey off my back [against Bangladesh]. I was proud to get there. Where I come from [Ahmedabad], you think of the struggles we made as a family. It wasn’t about me, but the [people] around me who helped me get to where I was.

“I had a chat with Kane Williamson after I got 1 in each innings. He said: ‘Take your mind off cricket for a few days, and when you go to the next net, let go of all the worries and play like you did as a ten-year old'”

When did you realise you were putting a lot of pressure on yourself?
In Sri Lanka last year, perhaps. I’d prepared as well as anyone could have. Before that tour, I went to India with a club side, played days matches on all sorts of turning tracks, chatted and trained with Andhra Ranji players to get a different perspective. I hit thousands of balls in the nets. In the very first innings in Sri Lanka, I got a very good start before getting out in the last over before lunch to [Akila] Dananjaya. It frustrated me so much that I started to analyse why it happened, and then it affected my next innings. I kept digging the hole deeper instead of saying, “Hey, I batted out a session nearly to get 30-odd, I must have done something good.” The next two innings on that tour didn’t go well. I kept getting frustrated innings after innings.Was it the nature of your dismissals that annoyed you?
No, it was more the pressure I was putting on myself. Having been part of the team, I kept feeling I had to contribute more. In the heat of the moment, you get caught up in things that aren’t important and then struggle to come out of it. While we were on the field, things were very normal. I was as invested in the team’s success as anyone else was, but when I went back to the room, it hit me: “Why did I do that?” And it was a never-ending chain of thoughts.ALSO READ: How are cricketers keeping fit in lockdown?Did you speak to someone about it?
Not after the Sri Lanka tour. I kept it to myself because we were getting ready for the home summer. [The focus in] Sri Lanka was anyway about playing spin, but the focus going forward was to play in our conditions against a good England pace attack.What was your frame of mind going into that England series?
I didn’t get a run in three innings in the build-up to that series. Pressure started to build and I started looking at technical aspects of my game. I was questioning myself and thinking, “What if I try this or what if I try that?” instead of trusting the game I had. No doubt I was underdone in terms of having a weight of runs behind me.I started well in the Mount Maunganui Test and got out to a dreadful slog sweep against Jack Leach’s left-arm spin. I had slogged him for a couple of unconvincing fours, but I thought I could take him on. I should have really put it behind me because I got a solid start, but it started to chew me up. We got about 600 runs in that innings, so every run the team scored, I was beating myself up and thinking I could’ve got these runs. I let that affect me and it got really hard from there on.In the game after, my mental state was so bad that I didn’t even realise I’d smashed the ball onto the pad and didn’t refer an lbw. I started to tense up, thinking way too much. Everything had built up. I froze. I remember while batting in that series, for every ball I used to keep thinking: “I hope I don’t get out this ball.” That rut got the better of me. When I got dropped, it was not nice, but it gave me a chance to reflect on what was going on inside my mind and come out of the bubble. As much as it was terrible at the time, I’m a better person for it now.”It comes back to why you play the game. It’s because I enjoy it. Not because of money or contracts. It’s about the simple things”•Getty ImagesHow did you react at the time?
When you’re going through good times, you leave training behind, spend time with family, play golf and those sorts of things. When you’re not doing so good, you’re always thinking of failure. “Why did I fail? Do I get picked again?” You are not giving yourself a chance to get away from the game. I started tightening up too much. It wasn’t a healthy place to be in.It got to a stage where I wasn’t the person I was. A couple of times, I was out for dinner with my wife. We’d be chatting normally and all of a sudden, I’d stop. I’d be lost and then come up with questions like, “Hey, do you think I should bat like this?” or “Wish I didn’t play that shot” and she’d be like, “What are you doing?” That is when I started realising it’s not healthy. But because you’re in a rut and you haven’t got the scores you want, you try so much harder to get it right.ALSO READ: ‘My priority is being a reliable Test batsman’ – Raval (2017)The next stop was Australia. It couldn’t have been a tougher tour.
Going into the Australia series, I had a chat with Kane Williamson in Perth, after we were beaten convincingly and I got 1 in each innings. We were in the dining area after the game and I was quietly having dinner by myself when Kane comes in. He’s like, “Hey bro, how you getting on?” And I said, “I’m frustrated. Things haven’t gone as planned. I haven’t been able to contribute.”He said: “Go to Melbourne, take your mind off cricket for a few days. Go do some sightseeing, play golf, spend time with your wife, and then when you go to the next net, let go of all the worries and play like you did as a ten-year old in the gullies of India, without expectations, fear of getting dropped, fear of getting out. Play like it’s a T20 game.”And then you got dropped for the Boxing Day Test.
Yeah, but during the lunch break every day, I used to have a hit with Peter Fulton, our batting coach. I told myself: “I don’t care if I’m going to get out.” I used to get worried about people judging me if I get out. [That] they’re going to think, “Oh this guy isn’t in form.” Fulton said, “Don’t worry, just play.”All that week, I would go in, just hit balls without worrying about technique. Then in the next Test, I got a chance to play because of Kane’s illness. I wasn’t expecting to play, but a couple of days before the Test, we heard of a stomach bug floating about. The coach had given me a brief update that I should be ready. After that chat with Kane, I said I had to just enjoy the occasion, not worry about getting out. I made 31 [at No. 3 in the first innings in Sydney], but it was some of the most enjoyable runs I’ve scored. I felt like I belonged. The feeling you get while batting in the backyard and bullying your cousins and siblings into scoring runs – it was awesome. I wanted to try and take those learnings forward.

“I remember every ball I used to keep thinking: ‘I hope I don’t get out this ball.’ That rut got the better of me. But as much as it was terrible at the time, I’m a better person for it now”

What have you done now to get out of the low phase?
It comes back to why you play the game. It’s because I enjoy it. Not because of money or contracts. It’s about the simple things. I’m not holding on to my Test spot now. It’s about being relaxed and enjoying every opportunity, because when you’re playing you’re always thinking: “I don’t want to let my spot go.” It can become a negative [mindset]. So having realised that, I’m better off for it. The chat with Kane in Perth was literally for just two minutes, but it was so meaningful. Kit Perera, my mentor, has also been a good sounding board. The time in lockdown was well spent. It helped me take my mind off the game.You lost your central contract last month. Were you expecting it?
Not really, but money is not something that drives me to play cricket. I play cricket because I enjoy the sport. I have an accounting degree, which will help me. Yes, having a contract is good, but it’s not the primary driver. Losing the contract isn’t going to decrease any motivation I have to drive harder. I know I have to.How far are you from completing your accountancy degree?
New Zealand and Australia have a combined programme. There are five exams in all. I’ve cleared three of them. I’ve enrolled in another [course], which I hope to complete by the end of September, which will leave me with one more. So hopefully early next year, I should be a chartered accountant. Hopefully I won’t have the need to exercise my education degree in the near future (laughs).What was lockdown life like for you?
Luckily for us, it was the end of the domestic season in March, so I was focusing on finishing my Chartered Accountancy course. We had some relatives come over from India for a short break, and they sort of got caught in the lockdown. It’s been quite nice to spend time with them and relax. It’s been nice to get away from the game and refresh my batteries. I’m looking forward to getting back to training.Accountancy is a very demanding course. How do you manage it alongside your cricket?
It works well, because I have a lot of time during the off season. Cricket training doesn’t happen all day in winter, so I space my time that way, give myself enough time to do gym, study and cricket training. I do yoga, guided meditation, strength-based sessions. I mix them all up pretty well. This has become the norm over the last couple of months. I don’t meditate to get something out of it. I just picked it up and it has given my mind some relaxation time. We do it together as a family.And you’re also a director in a start-up?
I used to work with an accounting firm called BDO. I have a good relationship with them, but because of the nature of Covid-19, the workforce is limited, so the opportunity to go back and work isn’t there. They are willing to get me back on board should an opportunity come about again.I’m currently working on a cricket app, focusing on technology and the design aspect of it. We’ve spent a lot of time ideating, debating, coding, processing, developing it. I’m excited by what it will bring to cricket and the cricket community. We’re targeting a September launch. When it’s out, hopefully it will be well-received and benefit the cricket community, not just in New Zealand but globally.How do you look at where you stand at 31?
I feel I have a good few years ahead. I’ve identified a few technical aspects and the mental side – hopefully it will help me enjoy [myself] and put up performances at the domestic level. I don’t want to chase it too hard. Hopefully that will result in good performances that will help me get back.