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The confidence boost Sri Lanka gained from their T20 series victory did not carry over into the start of the one-day internationals as they were trounced by eight wickets in Port Elizabeth

The Report by Andrew McGlashan28-Jan-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsImran Tahir sliced through Sri Lanka’s middle order•Gallo Images/Getty ImagesThe confidence boost Sri Lanka gained from their T20 series victory did not carry over into the start of the one-day internationals as they were trounced by eight wickets in Port Elizabeth. A masterclass of limited-overs legspin by Imran Tahir snuffed out the middle order as they limped to 181, which proved a scant challenge for South Africa’s full-strength top order.Tahir finished with 3 for 26, including the scalp of top-scorer Kusal Mendis for 62, and did not concede a boundary in his 10 overs to ensure South Africa always held control after choosing to bowl first. Wayne Parnell had made swift work of the openers, before a stand of 72 for the third wicket between Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal steadied the innings, although it was laborious progress against probing bowling from South Africa’s quartet of seamers. It meant that when Tahir made his inroads, with three wickets in 15 balls, Sri Lanka had little to show for the consolidation and the innings frittered away.An opening stand of 71 in 13 overs between Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla, two of the senior South Africa players rested from the T20 series, broke the back of the chase and the target was knocked off with more than 15 overs to spare.For the eight teams taking part, all one-day internationals at the moment lead towards the Champions Trophy in June. While Sri Lanka appear to have many questions to answer, South Africa’s squad for this series is probably not far from what they will take to the tournament, but some players are still in need of performances to cement their positions.Smart Stats

94 Balls remaining in South Africa’s victory. This is their fifth quickest win against Sri Lanka. Four of these wins have come at home.

2 Number of lower scores for Sri Lanka against South Africa in South Africa while batting first than the 181 they scored. Previously they scored 128 at the Wanderers in 2002 and 105 at Bloemfontein in 1998.

8 Number of half-centuries for Kusal Mendis from 17 innings. He is yet to convert these scores to a century. He has scored more than fifty in his last three ODI innings.

Chief among those is Parnell, and he made the perfect start when he trapped Niroshan Dickwella lbw first ball. He soon followed that with the wicket of debutant Sandun Weerakkody, who had only arrived in the country yesterday after a delayed flight, when he had a waft outside off which smacked of jetlag.Sri Lanka knew they had to avoid further early losses, so caution was the watch-word for Chandimal, although Mendis showed greater inclination to attack, twice taking two boundaries in an over off Parnell and Andile Phehlukwayo. Mendis was given lbw on 48, but the decision by Richard Kettleborough was overturned when replays showed an edge off his sweep, and he reached his fifty from 74 balls.But it wasn’t long before Tahir started to unpick the innings. Chandimal, who had taken 47 balls to find the boundary, was beautifully set up by a series of leg-breaks, before Tahir tossed a googly wide which spun back between bat and pad. Two overs later, he removed Mendis, lbw, playing back to a delivery that spun enough to beat the outside edge, and this time the review brought no reprieve.Upul Tharanga, captaining this side in Angelo Mathews’ absence, continued in the middle-order role he had in last year’s tri-series in Zimbabwe despite his 13 hundreds coming as an opener. He could not lift his side, however, when he drove limply to cover, although Tahir deserved credit for switching his line to around the wicket.Sri Lanka’s problems were compounded by a mix-up between Dhananjaya de Silva and Asela Gunaratne, which saw the latter run out after a relay throw from the deep via Quinton de Kock to Parnell at the bowling end.Nuwan Kulasekara clubbed a couple of lusty shots, including the one six of the innings, before edging Kagiso Rabada. With nine overs remaining, there was little choice but to try and see out the innings. They failed by nine deliveries as Parnell and Chris Morris removed the final three wickets. From the start of the 43rd over, they had not scored more than one run off a delivery.South Africa’s top order is daunting with all the big-guns back, and it would have taken a remarkable effort from Sri Lanka to defend the total. Suranga Lakmal’s first ball took de Kock’s outside edge, but the ball fell short of the slips. De Kock could have been run-out from mid-off on 21. However, the way the openers imposed themselves on Sri Lanka’s wrist spinners – Jeffrey Vandersay and Lakshan Sandakan – showed their intent for a ruthless performance.Sandakan, who had claimed 4 for 23 in the second T20, was taken for 10 in his first over, and Vandersay, a late call-up to the one-day squad, 14 off his first. Although Sandakan struck against the run of play, when de Kock drove to cover, boundaries came regularly. Amla barely broke sweat in bringing up his fifty off 56 deliveries, and Faf du Plessis was able to enjoy an extended net after his brief down time following the Test series.While Amla’s slightly soft dismissal, as he lobbed a return catch to Gunaratne, was a disappointment for him, it gave the crowd what they wanted – AB de Villiers at the crease. To chants of “AB, AB”, he played within himself but did loft one over the boundary. Back as captain, in his first one-day international since last June, the day could not really have gone any better.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to bolster their squad following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as their new head coach.

What’s the latest on Marco Tilio to Celtic?

According to the Daily Record, the Hoops are closing in on a deal to sign Melbourne City winger Marco Tilio ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the Glasgow-based side have agreed a fee with the A-League outfit and they will now discuss personal terms with the player and organise a medical in the hope of making him the second signing of the summer, following on from Odin Thiago Holm's arrival from Valerenga.

This comes after the Daily Mail reported that head of recruitment Mark Lawwell used his relationship with the City Group to target the Australian, with the Scottish giants now pursuing his signature.

Would Marco Tilio be a good signing for Celtic?

The 21-year-old ace could be a terrific addition to Rodgers’ squad as the young forward has the potential to be a big upgrade on current Hoops wide man Daizen Maeda.

In the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership campaign, the Japan international averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.78 across 35 matches and contributed in the final third with eight goals and five assists, whilst he also missed 11 ‘big chances’.

The Celtic winger created 0.8 chances per game for his teammates – which placed him 15th in the squad – something that does not suggest the 25-year-old was a regular source of creativity for Ange Postecoglou.

Tilio, on the other hand, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.02 across 29 A-League outings, showing that the young ace has the potential to perform at a higher level week-in-week-out, and chipped in with ten goals and five assists.

The Melbourne dynamo produced 1.1 key passes per match for his fellow attackers and only missed seven ‘big chances’ himself, indicating that he would provide more creativity than the current Hoops attacker.

Their respective goal returns, and conversion rate of 'big chances', also suggest that Tilio has the quality to be more ruthless in front of goal.

Maeda was certainly wasteful with the opportunities he had in the Premiership with the forward missing more 'big chances' than he scored goals. Therefore, signing the Australia international could improve the goal output of the team from the wide positions.

With Tilio once being described as a "playmaker" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he could well be a big upgrade on the Japanese frontman in the final third and, as a result, be an exceptional signing for Rodgers this summer.

La Liga champions Barcelona are expecting to collect €10 million (£8.5m) from Tottenham Hotspur to sign defender Clement Lenglet, according to reports out of Spain.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Links to centre-backs are going to be prevalent at Spurs for most of this summer transfer window as the Lilywhites chase star defensive options for incoming new manager Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham conceded more top flight goals than any other side above 15th in the Premier League table last season, highlighting their dire need for reinforcements in that area of the squad.

Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, as per recent media sources, is being targeted by Spurs as talks progress – with the Burkina Faso international also very open to joining.

Meanwhile, Juventus defender Gleison Bremer is also on their transfer shortlist with Man United captain Harry Maguire, so the north Londoners appear determined to add quality to their backline.

Lenglet, who spent the 2022/2023 season on loan at Spurs, has been linked with a return to the club permanently with Barca looking to balance their wage bill.

According to Spanish news outlet Sport on Monday, via Sport Witness, the Catalans are expecting Tottenham to fork out an £8.5 million bid for the Frenchman this summer.

The cheap price is down to Barca's selling desperation, which has given Spurs a strong negotiating arm to play with as they consider bringing Lenglet back to north London.

What's been said about Clement Lenglet?

The 28-year-old made 26 league appearances for Tottenham last season, amassing a solid 87.5% pass accuracy out from the back, so he could be ideal for Postecoglou's fluid, attacking system.

Lenglet did have his critics over 22/23 but long-serving Spurs number one Hugo Lloris thinks he can be strong in both one-v-one situations and aerially.

"He's a modern defender," said Lloris.

"Comfortable to be able to play from the back. He has a great left foot and can be very strong in one v one and he's strong in the air."

Meanwhile, Spurs pundit John Wenham said Lenglet appears "very reliable" when at his best, having given a glowing review to Football Insider after the centre-back's north London derby performance.

"“The fact he has instantly come in for Ben Davies and we don’t look any weaker, that is a huge credit to him really," said Wenham.

“He’s a new signing to the Premier League, I know he has a lot of experience from Barcelona and with France but he already seems very reliable, like we could drop him in for any fixture.“

Men’s cricket could return to the Commonwealth Games in 2026 if Birmingham wins the bid to be the host city

George Dobell16-Feb-2017Men’s cricket could return to the Commonwealth Games in 2026 if Birmingham wins the bid to be the host city.While women’s cricket will feature in the 2022 Games in Durban, men’s cricket has appeared only once. On that occasion, in Malaysia in 1998, the format was 50 overs per side (South Africa defeated Australia in the final). This time it would be played in the T20 format.Cricket is not currently one of the mandatory events incorporated into the Commonwealth Games but is on the list of optional sports that host cities have the power to add to their staging of the event as they see fit and with the support of the relevant sport’s governing body.While that cannot be guaranteed at this stage, the ICC agreed to the inclusion of women’s cricket in 2022 and is already working with the Commonwealth Games Federation on the successful staging of the event. The ICC is understood to be open to dialogue over the 2026 Games.Neil Snowball, the Warwickshire chief executive, is part of Birmingham’s bid team and has confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that cricket would be of interest if they are successful. Snowball was previously head of sports operations at the 2012 Olympics and chief operating officer of Rugby 2015, the organising committee behind the 2015 World Cup.The plan would be to stage the biggest games at Warwickshire’s home ground of Edgbaston, which is only a mile or so from the centre of Birmingham. Other games could be played at Warwickshire’s Portland Road ground (three miles from Edgbaston) and, perhaps, in neighbouring counties; Worcestershire’s picturesque New Road ground is only 33 miles away.Birmingham would also require ECB approval. But Andrew Strauss, the director of the England team, suggested the idea had his backing, though he did offer a note of caution. “Yes, I would be very supportive of that,” he said. “But it would not just be the ECB involved in such a decision.”That signals a change of heart from the ECB. The Commonwealth Games Federation invited the ICC to participate in the 2018 Games (to be staged in Gold Coast, Australia), but were rebuffed largely on the basis of the reluctance of individual boards – not least the ECB – to compromise their own lucrative schedules.Sixteen teams entered the 1998 Commonwealth Games, but England did not send a team as the competition clashed with the end of the domestic season. Seven of the then nine Test teams did, however, with Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and New Zealand among them. Scotland, Northern Ireland, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, Canada, Malaysia, Kenya and Zimbabwe were the other participants.The current ECB management are more aware of the need to reengage the sport with a broader audience, however, and keen to spread the appeal of cricket both locally and globally.The example of Rugby Sevens is intriguing. After featuring in the 1998 Commonwealth Games, the sport eventually progressed until it debuted in the 2016 Olympics. While many obstacles remain before cricket could be realistically considered for the Olympics, the ECB’s change of heart would appear to have removed a substantial one and nudged the sport a little further in that direction. Rome had signalled a desire to host cricket at the 2024 Olympics, but has withdrawn from the bidding process.What stance India will take on the issue remains unclear. Anurag Thakur, the recently jettisoned president of the BCCI, had been seen as an impediment to cricket’s reintroduction into the Olympics (it was played in the 1900 Paris Olympics; Great Britain beat France in the only match) but is also a vice-president of the Indian Olympic Association and was recently elected as the Himachal Olympic Association president.Other cities expected to bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games include Liverpool, Edmonton in Canada and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. A decision on whether Liverpool or Birmingham will be put forward as England’s candidate will be made later this year. A final decision on the host venue is unlikely to be made before November 2019.

Ben Stokes and Tymal Mills both recognise that their lives have been changed overnight, after being signed for record-breaking fees by Rising Pune Supergiants and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively

Andrew Miller20-Feb-20172:37

England players attract big bids in the auction

Ben Stokes and Tymal Mills both believe that their lives have been changed overnight, after being signed for record-breaking fees by Rising Pune Supergiants and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively during a dramatic day’s bidding at the IPL auction.Mills, who feared his career was over two years ago when he was diagnosed with a congenital back condition, has instead been catapulted to T20 stardom after attracting a bid of INR 12 crore (USD 1.8 million), the most ever paid to a specialist bowler, and a remarkable 24 times his base price of USD 74,000.Stokes, meanwhile, sent the franchises into a more anticipated frenzy, having been earmarked as one of the marquee players in this year’s auction. Nevertheless, his eventual fee was still a eye-popping 14.5 crore (USD 2.16 million), the most ever paid to an overseas signing. It completed an eventful few days for the Durham allrounder, who was last week named as vice-captain to Joe Root in England’s Test side.”It’s been a pretty incredible week and, considering you normally have your most exciting times when you’re playing, it’s been an amazing and interesting few days,” Stokes said.”I set my alarm for 3.30am, got up and waited about 40 minutes for my turn in the auction. I was anxious, not really knowing what would happen.”I was following it on Twitter, I didn’t actually see it live. I kept on refreshing my notifications, I saw people were tweeting and then I realised that Pune had got me.”It took Stokes a while to comprehend exactly what had happened in the bidding process, given that the auction had been conducted in rupees and that Pune had swooped in late to stave off strong interest from several other franchises, most notably Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad.”I wasn’t sure how much a Crore was, people were retweeting stuff, it was complete carnage,” he said. “I still haven’t seen the footage.”I hadn’t thought about how much I would go for. I guess having more than one team wanting me was probably the best position to be in.”I just wanted to get picked up and play. I haven’t been able to play in the past so that was the main thing, anything else was just a bonus. I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting involved.”Seven times my base amount – that’s mental and it hasn’t sunk in yet, but pretty cool to think about I guess. Hopefully I’ll live up to it, win a few games and deliver on what they’ve paid for me.””It’s a life changing amount of money, I can’t really say more than that. I’m really thankful and grateful for how it went this morning. I’m struggling to put it into words.”It has all been a bit hectic and I haven’t had much time to think about it. I’m just seriously excited about getting going.”How franchises have spent on England players in various auctions.•ESPNcricinfo LtdThe story of Mills’ signing was even more remarkable, however, given that he had entered the auction with more hope than expectation in his first season as a full-time T20 specialist.With his back condition forcing his retirement from first-class cricket, Mills’ only real ambition had been to secure some employment between now and the start of Sussex’s NatWest T20 Blast campaign in the English season.”I can’t believe it. I can’t put into words what happened,” he said. “I did not see this coming and it took a while for it to sink in. It has been a crazy day.”I was the lowest of the base prices because I just wanted to get picked up by a team. I didn’t want to wait until July for my next cricket.”My agent had spoken to some of the teams and there had been some interest but until it happens you just don’t know what will happen.”Fortunately for Mills, he made a fine impression during England’s three-match T20 series against India last month – not least, it would appear, on India’s captain, Virat Kohli, under whom Mills will now be playing at RCB next month.”When my name came up I was nervous, giddy and jumpy,” Mills said. “I was on Facetime with my best mate and he just kept shouting.”The bidding was quite slow but once it hit 10 Crore I knew it was big money, but it kept going.”When it finished I did not know how much it was worth. When I worked it out I could not believe it, it did not seem real. It’s an amount of money that can change your life. It will for me.”I went for breakfast with Luke Wright after watching the auction and he said the back injury might have been the best thing that ever happened to me. It was sad at the time, being 22 and having to think about retiring from the game, but being able to focus on T20 has accelerated my development.”This is my first winter on the T20 circuit. I’ve played in the Big Bash, have the IPL coming up and am looking forward to playing with the Sussex lads in the Blast this summer too.”It’s been fun. I’ve travelled the world and met some cool people. I’m grateful.”

Tottenham Hotspur are set to continue their unrelenting summer window, despite having already welcomed two new faces as of early July.

Despite having tempted James Maddison to vastly improve Ange Postecoglou's midfield, there could be a suggestion that this alone might not be enough to promote the vast upturn that the Australian will crave

Having watched the Lilywhites slump to an eighth-placed Premier League finish last term, the future will likely consist of a revitalised Chelsea and Liverpool, an ever-improving Arsenal and Manchester United, and a Newcastle United team that will be desperate to retain their place in the top four.

That is even without mentioning the gatecrashers, as Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion now both have a taste of European football, too. Further reinforcement is needed to re-establish their place amongst the elite.

Given the all-action attacking philosophy of their new boss, which often consists of two aggressive No 8s, perhaps the addition of another offensive-minded midfielder could provide the perfect partner for their £40m man as the spearhead of a frightening engine room.

Given what reports in Spain have noted in recent months, that man could be Crystal Palace's £19m-rated star, Eberechi Eze.

Would Ebere Eze improve Tottenham Hotspur?

The England international starred last campaign for the Eagles, as a catalyst for their comfortable finish way clear of the relegation zone, with which they flirted for some time.

As a skilful attacking midfielder, the versatility of this trickster will likely be of huge value to someone as tactically astute as Postecoglou. He will see the 25-year-old as someone to underpin his system, able to morph to aid its progression and switch intelligently mid-game.

Not to mention he is just naturally a very talented footballer, as outlined in his ten goals and four assists last season posted in the league. This earned him his 7.12 average rating, which was further bolstered through 1.5 key passes, 1.1 tackles and 1.9 successful dribbles per game, via Sofascore.

To add the elegant ace alongside another the imperious Maddison would mark an instant injection of creativity from deep that they have been sorely lacking.

Last season, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg combined for a total of just nine league goals between them. Both Eze and the former Leicester City man surpassed that on their own.

When compared to other central midfielders across Europe, where Roy Hodgson and Patrick Vieira often deployed him, the former QPR wizard ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90.

To imagine him striding out with the ball at his feet, forging space for his hypothetical teammate to then provide that deadly finishing touch, seems like a match made in heaven. It is no wonder he was branded a "magician" by Micah Richards, with his consistently spellbinding performances earning him a potential big move.

This pairing of Eze and Maddison could lead the press, create from anywhere and wreak havoc on opposition defences, yet they retain the mindset that makes them hard workers, too. As a couple of roaming 8s within the same team, they could cause carnage for the rest of the division.

It looks as if Leeds United are set to endure something of a player exodus over the coming weeks, with the Yorkshire set to see a number of first-team assets move on elsewhere ahead of a return to life in the Championship.

Speculation is rife that Wilfried Gnonto could be on his way – amid notable interest from Aston Villa – while Robin Koch is in line for a loan move to Bundesliga side, Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 6 foot 4 centre-back may not be the only Leeds figure to seal a temporary switch to Germany this summer, however, with The Athletic reporting that Brenden Aaronson is set to join Union Berlin for the 2023/24 campaign.

That relatively swift, impending departure follows what was a rather disappointing debut season at Elland Road for the promising playmaker, with the 22-year-old scoring just once and providing only three assists in 36 Premier League games, having joined on a £27.4m deal from Red Bull Salzburg last summer.

As writer Zach Lowy stated, both Aaronson and ex-Salzburg teammate Rasmus Kristensen "failed to make the step up from the Austrian Bundesliga to the Premier League", with his average match rating of 6.51, as per Sofascore, having reportedly been the lowest in the entire division.

With a quick exit now on the cards, new boss Daniel Farke could look to acquire a much-needed upgrade on the American with the signing of Bayern Munich starlet, Malik Tillman, with Leeds Live suggesting that the 46-year-old could use his friendship with Thomas Tuchel in order to seal a move for the exciting 21-year-old.

As per the piece, it would be no surprise if Farke was to be 'keeping close tabs' on the German-born, United States international, with the young midfielder having blossomed on loan at Rangers last season, ensuring he could represent a dream replacement for Aaronson in that number ten berth.

How much will Malik Tillman cost?

The four-cap dynamo has been valued at around £10m by the Bundesliga giants following his breakout season in Glasgow, having proven himself to be a "phenomenal" talent, according to ex-Gers teammate, John Lundstram.

Unlike Aaronson's attacking woes, Tillman enjoyed a far more fruitful campaign in front of goal after contributing 12 goals and five assists in 43 games in all competitions, including registering 14 goals and assists in just 28 Scottish Premiership games.

Lauded as a "great player" with an "infectious" attitude by pundit Alex McLeish, the 6 foot 2 maestro certainly made his presence felt at Ibrox, having been named the SPFA Young Player of the Year last term.

The fleet-footed gem emerged as a real creative force in Michael Beale's side despite only contributing four assists in the league, having impressively created 12 big chances – seven more than Aaronson racked up in the Premier League.

A further benefit of Tillman's acquisition would also be his impressive work off the ball as the Nuremberg native also averaged two tackles per game in 2022/23, with the current Leeds man, by contrast, averaging just 1.3 per game in that regard.

Such a stark difference in fortunes between the two international colleagues would suggest that Farke can happily allow Aaronson to depart this summer, in the knowledge that he could potentially be able to snap up a suitable and exciting upgrade in that playmaking berth.

Kusal Perera made a roaring return to Sri Lankan colours, cracking 77 off 53 balls to lead the hosts on a successful hunt of Bangladesh’s 155 for 6

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando04-Apr-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsUpul Tharanga and Kusal Perera struck a 65-run opening stand•Associated PressKusal Perera made a roaring return to Sri Lankan colours, cracking 77 off 53 balls to lead the hosts on a successful hunt of Bangladesh’s 155 for 6. That Sri Lanka had so few to chase was partly the work of Sri Lanka’s bowlers, who made breakthroughs whenever a partnership threatened, though they were helped to that end by off-colour Bangladesh batting.Mashrafe Mortaza, who as it turned out, was playing his penultimate game in the format, was by a distance the visitors’ best bowler. He claimed 2 for 32 from his four overs, and only one other bowler – Taskin Ahmed – mustered a breakthrough. Sri Lanka sauntered to the target with seven balls and six wickets to spare.This match was Kusal’s first international since his unseemly Test outing in Port Elizabeth, for which he was dropped from the Test XI, then subsequently axed from the limited-overs squads altogether. Having returned to national reckoning via good innings for Sri Lanka A, Kusal outlined his value to Sri Lanka in an innings that showcased a little batting nous as well as characteristic brutality. The bludgeoned drives and whipped pick-up shots over midwicket did eventually come, but not before he had laid low for the first four overs; and the big shots were, in any case, well devised as well as nicely executed. Instead of trying to clear fielders as Kusal often does, he strove to hit even his most ambitious shots into gaps.Over-rate fine for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka were found to be one over short of their target in the first T20I, and have been fined by the ICC. While captain Upul Tharanga was fined 20% of his match fee, the rest of the team were fined 10%.

Having made only 5 off his first eight balls, Kusal smoked four fours and a six off his next seven, to help move Sri Lanka to 57 for none at the end of the Powerplay. Upul Tharanga, who had given the innings its initial impetus, departed in the seventh over, but Kusal stayed long enough to almost see the chase through. He reached his fifty off 31 balls, and when he fell in the penultimate over, Sri Lanka needed only nine runs, which they would proceed to gather over the next four balls. Seekkuge Prasanna was not out with 22 off 12 at the close.Though their bowlers responded poorly to Kusal’s shellacking, Bangladesh may reflect that it was with the bat that they made the more substantial mistakes. They had flown to 57 for 1 after five overs, for example, but then Sabbir Rahman ran a poor line to get himself run out, and Soumya Sarkar holed out in the same Vikum Sanjaya over. Suddenly, at 57 for 3, all that momentum they had developed was surrendered.Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan fell playing expansive shots to slow bowlers, who should, in fact, have been less effective on this track, which retained a little grass and had been rolled until hard. Mosaddek Hossain and Mahmudullah put on 57 off 42 together to lift their side from 82 for 5, but could not quite crack enough runs through the back-end of the innings to lift Bangladesh to a winning score.Lasith Malinga was especially good through this period, giving away seven and eight in his last two overs, in which he took the wicket of Mahmudullah with a searing yorker, having also done the same to Tamim Iqbal with the second ball of the match.Rain before play had delayed the start by 45 minutes, but no overs were lost.

They gathered at the Ageas Bowl to watch Yorkshire and England’s Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. They left talking about Hampshire’s James Vince

Vithushan Ehantharajah at the Ageas Bowl21-Apr-2017
Scorecard1:42

County Championship Round-up: England hopefuls make their case

They gathered at the Ageas Bowl under layers in stands and behind laptops in the press box to watch Yorkshire and England’s Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. They left talking about Hampshire’s James Vince. Were this a gig, you could lay claim to seeing one of the great warm-up acts. But Vince’s innings – a 19th first-class hundred that has yet to finish – sees Hampshire in control of the main stage.The hosts were grateful that Yorkshire took the option to bowl first. Gary Ballance saw cloud cover and sought ball in hand, but the Ageas Bowl pitch rarely has time for bowlers, even in April. And while there was something to work with when the ball was fresh, the rest of the time was hard, dulling graft.Vince has developed an intriguing affinity for Yorkshire: a “Stranger Things” type tangled web of alternate universes that has seen the God’s Own County play a support role in key acts of 26-year-old’s career to date. This was his first hundred in over a year. That, too, came against today’s opponents, at Headingley.His maiden first-class hundred – 180 at the age of 19 – came at Scarborough in 2010. That sole 2016 century, away at Yorkshire, convinced England selector James Whitaker that Vince was a Test cricketer (Whitaker was also one of many who left Scarborough six years earlier convinced they’d seen the future).Fittingly, Vince’s Test debut came against Sri Lanka at Headingley later that summer. But seven matches, 11 innings, no score of note and an average of 19.27 saw Vince shelved. He has not represented England since an ODI against Bangladesh in October. International honours are still on his mind, but 2016 is a year Vince is keen to put behind him.Asked about where he sees his career at this moment, he was dry and grisly at a question usually put to players five years his senior: “I’m not really focussing on that at the moment. I still have international aspirations – of course. I’ve just tried to bring it back to basics: score runs for Hampshire and see what happens in the next 12-months. I’m only 26, so hopefully I’ve got a few years left.”One thing he was willing to admit was that taking a step back from captaincy duties is for his own good. He will hand the reins to George Bailey when the Australian arrives in the UK next week.”The club were pretty open about it but, in the end, it probably more came from me,” he said. “I felt I had to concentrate on my own four-day game. I still enjoy captaincy.”It will be interesting to see what the universe has in store for Vince after this third century against Yorkshire (the most he has against any county). For now, Hampshire have eyes on turning over Yorkshire twice in a month.It was a very James Vince knock: 80 runs in boundaries through fluid drives and elegant pulls, punctuated by the occasional dance down the wicket to flay Adil Rashid back over his head – all done with the calm ambivalence of a man putting the bins out. He went into lunch on 39 from 80 balls, returning to bring up his half-century from 108 deliveries. The next set of runs to take him to three figures came quicker: a four through point off Root, from his 180th ball faced, took Vince to 103, a moment greeted with a skip and a punch of the air. Even Vince, normally not one for jokes when dictaphones are about, found light relief: “Nice of him to give me a short wide one to get there.”Of course, there were skittish moments outside off stump, most notable when, on 39, he needlessly twitched at a wide delivery from David Willey and offered a sharp chance to Adam Lyth at second slip. Lyth’s usually capable hands failed him. Then, the ball after tea, with 97 to his name, Root tempted him into a booming drive that missed the edge of both the stumps and Vince’s bat by a whisker.But he’s still there, with 143 to his name and one of his closest allies Liam Dawson for company. An important stand of 82 with season-debutant Tom Alsop took the remaining shine off the ball and the Yorkshire attack, allowing Vince and Sean Ervine to put on 110 in 25.1 overs.That Ben Coad has been able to continue his bright start to season on an unforgiving pitch indicates that he is no flash in the plan. All three of his wickets today were earned: Michael Carberry starved outside off and then lured into a swipe behind; Jimmy Adams, feet still at lunch, trapped lbw to the first ball of the second session; Ervine forced to prod at a delivery that went across him.There is something on offer with the new ball but Vince knows that Hampshire’s best chance of putting the boot into Yorkshire is to run their batsmen ragged in the field. He’ll look to land a few more shots on Saturday.

Chelsea have already bolstered their attacking options by securing the signings of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson this summer and now Mauricio Pochettino is aiming to add some more quality to his midfield as the club are interested in Lyon starlet Rayan Cherki.

What’s the latest on Rayan Cherki to Chelsea?

With Christian Pulisic set to depart the Blues this summer, Lyon emerged as a team who were interested in signing the American, even making a superior bid compared to AC Milan, yet it appears he looks set to join the Italian outfit.

According to 90min, Chelsea used the opportunity to ‘voice their interest’ with regard to potentially making a move for Cherki during the transfer window, with the club seemingly following the youngster for a long time.

In a report last month, Lyon set a €50m (£43m) price tag for Cherki in the hopes that this would spark a bidding war between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United, however, it appears as though the west London outfit may now beat both clubs to his signature.

Who is Rayan Cherki?

The Stamford Bridge side scored just 38 goals in 38 Premier League matches last term, with only four teams scoring fewer, hence why the onus is on Pochettino to significantly bolster the team's chances of scoring a lot more during 2023/24 if they have any ambitions of winning silverware.

Cherki may just be 19 years old, yet he is beginning to turn into one of the finest attacking midfielders on the continent judging by his statistics across a range of attacking metrics, as per FBref.

Indeed, across Europe’s big five leagues, the Frenchman ranks in the top 3% for shot-creating actions per 90 (6.15), the top 1% for successful take ons per 90 (3.8) and the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (6.78), clearly demonstrating his ability to burst into the opposition box on a regular basis, creating plenty of shooting chances in the process.

He could certainly be a talent that shines should he join Chelsea, with Lyon expert Nicholas Mamo waxing lyrical about the youngster, saying: "[Cherki is a] very creative and unpredictable attacking midfielder.

"Cherki is the type of player you give the ball to when your team is looking for a last-minute winner.

"He is the best player from Lyon's academy in a very long time, maybe since [Karim] Benzema. The fans will react poorly [if he is sold], although the extent of it will depend on the price.”

Chelsea have enjoyed dipping into the French market over the years and one of their finest signings under the successful Jose Mourinho era was Michael Essien – also lured from Lyon in 2005 on a £24.4m deal – and there is no reason why Cherki couldn’t follow in his footsteps.

The Ghanian emerged as one of the finest talents at the French side during their near decade of dominance during the early years of the 21st century before moving to England, eventually making 258 appearances for the Blues.

Although not quite as established as Essien when he joined the club, Cherki is a promising asset who could explode under the right manager and having been hailed as a “magnificent talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he could be a wise investment by Pochettino that’s for sure.