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As a wicketkeeper-batsman who is now settling into his captaincy role at Kent, Billings said Dhoni’s input and advice can only improve his game

Andrew Miller06-Jul-20182:07

Buttler pretty much unstoppable – Billings

Sam Billings has said that the chance to learn from MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings during this year’s IPL was an opportunity that made his subsequent struggles for form worthwhile.Billings started his IPL campaign in impressive style with a matchwinning 56 from 23 balls, in partnership with Dhoni, against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, he was unable to touch those heights again, as he finished a stop-start stint with 108 runs at 13.50 in ten innings all told.That lack of time in the middle then seemed to spill over into Billings’ sketchy start to his home international summer – he was overlooked for England’s T20 and ODI squads against India after failing in two innings against Scotland and Australia last month.But Billings insists he has few regrets about his time at CSK and says that, as a wicketkeeper-batsman who is now settling into his captaincy role at Kent, Dhoni is a role model whose input and advice can only improve his game.”It was incredible batting with him in the first game, and to get us across the line as well,” Billings told ESPNcricinfo at a Chance to Shine event in Sussex. “What struck me most was his calmness. He’s just so calm the whole time.”I asked him about it, and he said that, through experience and being able to train, he’s got better and better at it towards the latter part of his career. It was amazing to witness – he selects the bowlers that he looks to take down, then executes it as well. It’s pretty special being at the other end and in the same dressing room as someone like that.”The lessons were manifest at the other end of the pitch as well. In light of England’s struggles to pick the variations of India’s mystery spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, in the first T20I, Billings said that exposure to such bowlers on a daily basis was another valuable reason for having a stint in the competition.”You have to adapt very quickly to two high-quality spinners, but that is the benefit of playing in the IPL,” Billings said. “You come up against quality spin every time you play the game. It’s about adapting, having a gameplan and putting the pressure back onto them.”Chahal is a great bowler, he got me out at Bangalore this year, and Kuldeep with his variations is high class as well. The challenge is to adapt as quickly as possible, and certainly the reverse-sweep and sweep are good options, especially if you are not picking them.”Billings returned to form with the bat in the recent Royal London Cup final at Lord’s, although his 75 from 60 balls wasn’t enough to get Kent across the line against Hampshire. Nevertheless, he found himself implementing some of Dhoni’s techniques while marshalling his troops from behind the stumps.Sam Billings will hope to make the most of a rare chance in England’s side•Getty Images”It was about being conscious of body language, not giving too much away to the batsman but the bowler as well, to be honest,” he said. “People don’t mean to bowl bad balls, but the way Dhoni deals with it and relaxes, ultimately it makes them feel a hell of a lot more comfortable.”Dhoni, however, isn’t the only star batsman from whom Billings has been picking up a few tips in recent months. Jos Buttler’s form, both for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and for England in all formats, has been revelatory – particularly, in T20 cricket, since his move to the top of the order.”He’s one of the best players in the world when he’s playing like he is at the moment,” Billings said. “It’s a pleasure to watch. I’ve known him a long, long time and he’s a great mate of mine, so to see him going so well is brilliant.”To be honest, his game has always been there, it’s just his consistency. Now that he’s putting those consistent scores together, he’s pretty much unstoppable when he gets into full flow.”Consistency for Billings has clearly been lacking of late, although his natural confidence has not been dented by his struggles out in the middle. On the contrary, he sees Buttler’s flowing form as proof that his own good times can roll again.”I’m a similar type of player to Jos, and I’m looking to up my game as well and emulate what he’s done,” Billings said. “To see him go from a middle-order role to excelling at the top of the order is really pleasing. As cricketers now you’ve got to be versatile and he’s doing it as well as anyone now.”It’s tough being in and out of the team and feeling like you have to prove yourself every single time you go out to bat,” Billings said of his stop-start international career. “You play one ODI, then you don’t play another one for nine months. But that’s international sport.”I average over 40 in List A cricket, so my stats are on the board. It’s about reminding myself of what I’ve done with Kent and for the [England] Lions, and focusing on that some more going into the future.”I’m just looking forward to getting another opportunity. It will come at some point, and it’s about taking it, as simple as that. It’s a really hard side to break into at the moment, but there’s plenty of competition around, and when the opportunity arises, hopefully I’ll be ready.”Sam Billings was speaking at an event for National children’s charity Chance to Shine, who are teaming up with ICC and ECB to deliver the Cricket World Cup 2019 Schools’ programme

Newcastle United have already dusted off one of England's great sides this week, dispatching Manchester United with ease on Wednesday night, winning 3-0.

No disrespect to the Toon, but that should not have been the scoreline with Eddie Howe fielding the likes of Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett in the centre of his defence.

However, it was a testament to the cohesive machine that the boss has built at St James' Park. It doesn't matter the team selection, nor does it matter the team, the Magpies are well-oiled and on the up.

They have the chance on Saturday to rock the apple cart again when they face title challengers Arsenal who like United, tasted defeat in the Carabao Cup last time out.

Howe may have engineered a tremendous win but he is expected to make plenty of changes this weekend, eight of them in fact. Here's the predicted lineup for their clash with the Gunners in the Premier League.

1 GK – Nick Pope

Howe's number 1 between the sticks was given the night off in Manchester a few days ago as Martin Dubravka started against his former loan side and kept a clean sheet. That won't, however, be enough for the Slovakian to keep his place as Nick Pope returns.

2 RB – Kieran Trippier

Tino Livarmento was in top form against United in midweek, notably being described as a "top talent" by scout Jacek Kulig for his scintillating showing at right-back. The time will eventually come for the summer signing to earn an extended run in the team but that time isn't now. Instead, Kieran Trippier, who has posted seven assists this term, will be back in the starting XI.

3 CB – Jamal Lascelles

With Sven Botman missing through injury, Howe couldn't afford another of his main central defenders to pick up an injury in the Carabao Cup so Krafth and Dummett started the game, remarkably keeping a clean sheet. Like Dubravka, however, they will be back on the bench against the Gunners with Jamal Lascelles preferred.

4 CB – Fabian Schar

Newcastle's other centre-half in Fabian Schar has been the man for the big occasion this term, notably scoring against PSG in the Champions League. Could we see another magic moment from the Swiss on Saturday? Time will tell. His first job will be to deal with the threat of Bukayo Saka in the left channel. No easy task.

5 LB – Dan Burn

Lewis Hall scored a delightful arrowed finish during the visit to Old Trafford but a day like this calls for the resilient and colossal figure of hometown hero Dan Burn.

6 CM – Sean Longstaff

The academy graduate proudly captained the side a few days ago and has been an immovable object in the Magpies' midfield this season. Sean Longstaff will have a big job to do on Saturday against the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

7 CM – Bruno Guimaraes

The Brazilian had initially been rested in the EFL Cup but was forced into joining the action after just five minutes when Matt Targett limped off with an injury. With Sandro Tonali banned, Bruno Guimaraes is now even more irreplaceable in the middle of the park, even if Joe Willock is back and scoring again.

8 CM – Joelinton

Hailed as a "monster", notably by Toon journalist Aaron Stokes, for his displays in the last few years, the £85k-per-week midfielder's battle against Rice could be one that decides the game this weekend. Joelinton has all of the tools to cause a stir against the Premier League's second-best side this season.

9 RW – Miguel Almiron

Livramento featured on the right wing during the dying embers of the game against United but Miguel Almiron won't be moved from his starting berth after scoring that night himself. Already scoring against PSG this season, he will be a huge threat to Oleksandr Zinchenko or Takehiro Tomiyasu on the left side of Arsenal's defence.

10 LW – Anthony Gordon

Anthony Gordon has come of age this term with three goals and two assists so far and has the pace and trickery to frighten Arsenal this weekend, not to mention the relentless desire to be a complete nuisance should any scuffles occur.

Aston Villa have unearthed some highly talented scholars in their history, with the recent sales of Jack Grealish and Cameron Archer allocating over £115m worth of profit alone.

The academy set up at Bodymoor Heath boasts a strong reputation, not just because of the colossal sale of Grealish, but for nurturing Premier League stars such as Gabriel Agbonlahor, Gary Cahill and Marc Albrighton to name a few.

While Unai Emery is brewing a storm of success upstairs, below the Spaniard are some exciting prospects waiting in the wings at Villa’s academy, with one name in line to be a potentially profitable graduate.

Who is Triston Rowe?

Signed from West Bromwich Albion’s academy in 2021, 17-year-old defender Triston Rowe has displayed all the indications that he could be the next big hit from the settings at Bodymoor Heath.

A Birmingham-born teen, Rowe has excelled since arriving at Villa, with his versatility in positions across the back line catching the eye of both the media and other clubs in the Premier League.

The Englishman was named as the Guardian’s Villa representative in the ‘Next Generation 2023’ list, where the publication lists one of the best prospects from each club in the top-flight to keep an eye on in the future.

The Guardian’s Ben Fisher described Rowe as a ‘tenacious defender’ who can play as either a right-back or centre-back, being a player with an ‘appetite to win duels’.

It’s not only the eyes of the media that the teenager is catching, with a report from the Evening Standard in 2022 claiming that Chelsea are admirers of the rising prospect.

The report stated that the Blues were ‘tracking’ the full-back, who has impressed those at Stamford Bridge due to his selection to play at a level that is years above his age group, as he represents the U21’s at Villa.

Could Triston Rowe break through at Villa?

The reported interest from Chelsea could signal another profitable talent in the wings at Villa Park, considering the Blues spent £20m to obtain Carney Chukwuemeka at just 18 years old last summer.

On the other hand, Rowe could take the route of the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Grealish in unleashing his talent in Birmingham for the benefit of the Villans and potentially Emery.

The Spaniard is a firm admirer of current first-team right-back Matty Cash, waxing lyrical over the 26-year-old being a figure whose versatility has “helped” the squad “a lot”, areas of the defender's game that are mirrored by Rowe.

A source previously told BirminghamLive that the teenager is a player that is “proficient in everything he does”, and a talent that was dubbed an “incredible prospect” by the source with knowledge of the player.

Most notably, BirminghamLive were informed that the defender is a prospect “high on Villa’s agenda for progression”, signalling that he could soon be equipped to assist Emery in seeking to become the eventual heir to Cash after penning a professional contract this month.

The teenager has scored one goal and registered one assist in his 24 recorded appearances for Villa’s academy, suggesting that he has the attacking elements to his game vital for a modern-day full-back to embody, another notable trait in the Poland international’s skill set – having scored twice and contributed one assist in the league this term.

Described by the Guardian as a ‘mature character’, Rowe could be one of the bustling academy starlets to keep an eye on, with his trajectory assumed to be one that could one day usurp a favourite from Emery’s current achievers at Villa Park.

It was the first game in T20I cricket history that was left as a tie in the record books

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jun-2018Safyaan Sharif after claiming the final wicket•Getty ImagesPaul Stirling made the most of a let-off on the second ball of the Ireland chase to break his own Ireland record for his side’s highest score in T20 internationals in a dramatic tie with Scotland at Deventer. It’s just the 10th tied result ever in the format, including tournament-matches decided later by a super over, and first since England tied Pakistan at Sharjah in November 2015. Interestingly, it was also the first game in T20I cricket that was left as a tie, and not decided by a super over or bowl out.Ireland needed seven off the final over with five wickets in hand and Kevin O’Brien well-set on 28, but Safyaan Sharif denied an Irish win against the odds by dismissing O’Brien off the first ball. Just four runs came off the next four balls to leave Ireland three to win off the final ball, but Stuart Thompson was able to scamper a two to long-on to level the scores.Stirling had yet to score in Ireland’s pursuit of Scotland’s 185 when he was spilled over the rope at deep square leg for six off the bowling of Sharif but went on to make a 27-ball half-century, his eighth in T20Is. The second life was reminiscent of his bruising half-century against Scotland in last year’s semi-final at the Desert T20 Challenge when Stirling was dropped in the first over of the match off Mark Watt.Just like in Dubai, Stirling punished Scotland for the error, bashing 81 off 41 balls. In the process, Stirling eclipsed the previous best for Ireland made by himself in the final of the 2012 World T20 Qualifier when he cracked 79 off 38 balls in a championship winning performance over Afghanistan. His innings ended 19 short of what would have been Ireland’s first T20I ton when he slashed left-arm spinner Hamza Tahir to short third man for Tahir’s maiden T20I wicket.By that stage, Ireland needed 60 off the final 6.2 overs with six wickets in hand. O’Brien replaced Stirling and kept the required run rate in check with three sixes in his knock to steer Ireland into the final over before falling with victory in sight.Scotland had raced to an impressive start behind captain Kyle Coetzer and George Munsey, who added 93 in eight overs. However, Ireland’s bowling unit did a spectacular job reeling them in over the final 12 overs during which Scotland scored at less than eight per over.Coetzer eventually fell at the end of the 14th over for a top-score of 54, but Scotland struggled to press on despite plenty of wickets in hand. Thompson produced a superb containing spell of 0 for 16 in three overs while Stirling also kept Scotland’s middle order from breaking away with 0 for 22 in three as Scotland failed to score a boundary in a six-over stretch from the 11th through the 16th.Scotland had a brief surge in the 19th when Barry McCarthy conceded 21 in a nine-ball over that began with a no-ball. Both the overstep and the ensuing free hit went for four as Scotland pressed on toward their second highest T20I total. But they stuttered once more at the finish as medium pacer Peter Chase conceded just six singles in the 20th over to a well-set Calum MacLeod (46 not out off 39 balls) and Richie Berrington. Chase’s death spell proved vital in the final result.Despite ICC playing conditions implemented in September 2017 calling for a super over to decide all ties in T20Is, no super over was played.

William Porterfield has stepped aside to focus on leading the Test and ODI teams

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jun-2018Gary Wilson has been named Ireland’s new T20I captain, replacing William Porterfield who stepped aside to focus on leading the Test and ODI teams.”It has been a huge honour to captain my country across all formats for the past 10 years, and I have been fortunate enough to captain Ireland at the last five World Twenty20’s,” Porterfield said. “With the qualifiers only a year or so away, I feel that now is the right time for me and the team for a fresh voice and leader in this format. I will now focus solely on my batting in a format that I love playing. I would like to thank everyone for their support over the past 10 years and indeed in making this decision. Finally, I would like to wish Gary all the best in what is an exciting time for him.”Porterfield, who succeeded Trent Johnston, has captained Ireland across all formats since 2008, including 56 of their total 61 T20Is. He also leads their batting charts in the format. Under his captaincy, Ireland have won 26 T20Is, the most significant of them coming during the 2009 World T20, where they knocked Bangladesh out in the group stage to make the Super Eights. More recently, in 2014, they beat world champions West Indies in their own backyard.Wilson, 32, is also among the leading run-scorers for Ireland in T20Is, with a tally of 891 in 46 innings. He is also the current captain of the Derbyshire T20 side and has also performed the role for Surrey in the past. Wilson’s first assignment as captain of Ireland will be the tri-series against Netherlands and Scotland starting on June 12 at Rotterdam.”I am absolutely honoured to be asked to undertake this role. With 16 months until the qualifying tournament for next World Twenty20 tournament in Australia, I believe this is a timely opportunity to prepare the squad for an important new phase in Irish cricket,” Wilson said. “I hope my experience and leadership in this form of the game will be of benefit in developing the next generation of leaders and am looking forward to the first step in this journey – the Tri-Series in the Netherlands.”Ireland tri-series squad: Gary Wilson (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, William Porterfield, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Craig Young

Tottenham Hotspur's start to the season has been nothing short of sensational, with Ange Postecoglou's impact instant and revolutionary.

The Australian was a well-liked figure from his previous roles with the Australian national team, Yokohama F. Marinos and Celtic among many others, but few could have predicted that a man without experience in such a high-pressure job would take to north London with such ease.

In fact, the 58-year-old has proven to be one of the finest tacticians in the Premier League, having cultivated a feel-good atmosphere in N17 once again, the likes of which have not been seen since Mauricio Pochettino's tenure.

As such, he has implored fans to let their imaginations run wild with regard to expectations for the season, noting: "No, no, no, let them go, let them enjoy it. I've said this before, my role is not to burst peoples' bubbles. Let them get excited and ahead of themselves, that's the beauty of being a supporter.

"They go through enough pain, let them enjoy and if they think we're going to be world-beaters great, it's then up to us to match those expectations. Our supporters deserve to have some happiness and they can enjoy it anyway they want to."

Whilst he alone is being credited as the driving force behind this return to form, James Maddison's work on the pitch cannot be understated. He too has hit the ground running following his move, and promises to be a true spearhead for their revolution.

How good is James Maddison?

Unloading £40m on the recently relegated maestro was a fee that many likely questioned given the decreasing bargaining position of sellers Leicester City. However, with Newcastle United also interested, it made sense to ensure a deal could be completed with ease.

Especially given the way the 26-year-old has enjoyed his start to life in north London, having scored twice and assisted a further five across just eight Premier League fixtures.

His unrelenting creativity and deceptive trickery have seen him instrumental in some key results earned, with Joe Cole even suggesting his acquisition had been the best throughout the window: "The more I think about it he could be the best signing of the summer. I am so excited for him, especially the way Ange plays."

Not only are his tangible figures exemplary, but the underlying ones match those trends to suggest that it is a partnership set to earn long-term success. After all, when compared to other attacking midfielders across Europe, he sits in the top 1% for assists and shot-creating actions per 90, the top 6% for progressive passes per 90, and the top 3% for expected assisted goals, via FBref.

It should come as no surprise that he has become one of the division's top creators, with his assist tally making him one of three with the most in the entire Premier League.

The praise showered on him by talkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend therefore makes complete sense, as he claimed: "I have really enjoyed watching Maddison. I have enjoyed watching him play because I think he enjoys being kind of almost the pivotal part of the team. I think that suits his personality. I have been impressed."

However, one of that trio on five assists for the season is actually a former Lilywhites star, and one they surely regret offloading. After all, few could have predicted how exceptional Kieran Trippier's twilight years would be.

Why did Spurs sell Kieran Trippier?

Although the former Burnley man had become a true Spurs stalwart, as a key cog in their run to the Champions League final alongside a couple of limp title pushes, the 33-year-old would reveal just how disappointing the manner of his 2019 exit would be whilst speaking to The Athletic.

The Yorkshire-born ace noted: "As a footballer, you're trying to do your best and sometimes things don't go your way. It just wasn't happening, but I was still getting picked by Mauricio Pochettino.

“After the Champions League final, it felt like the right time to move on. The media weren't really on my side at the time and maybe I needed to get out of England for a bit just to clear my mind. I never looked back.

"What annoyed me … as you know, people in football speak and there are always rumours, but I know 100 per cent for a fact – and this is what I was most angry about – that two months before the end of the season, Daniel (Levy, the chairman) was offering me to other clubs.

“I knew for certain that was happening, so I knew my time there must be up. I was playing for my teammates and the supporters, but I also knew I wasn't wanted.”

So, he would depart for just £12m amongst a betting scandal, having since returned to Newcastle United to spearhead their own incredible revolution.

How is Kieran Trippier performing now?

Whilst Trippier may be level with Maddison in the league, his assist in their 4-1 Champions League rout over Paris Saint-Germain has actually seen the right-back surpass the midfielder in assists across all competitions.

It should come as no surprise to see the £120k-per-week wizard maintain his immense creativity from defence, especially after the truly outstanding year he enjoyed last campaign. Featuring in every single league game as they finished fourth against all the odds, his eight goal contributions were supported by 2.9 key passes and 1.9 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

His bravery to return to a relegation-threatened club and steer them to safety has been lauded by many, with Alan Shearer leading the praise, Shearer: "Some of the balls he was putting into the box were just unbelievable. What a signing he has been for Newcastle, he’s in great form".

Hugo Lloris

Danny Rose

Kevin Wimmer

Toby Alderweireld

Kieran Trippier

Eric Dier

Tom Carroll

Dele Alli

Erik Lamela

Heung-min Son

Andros Townsend

Pundit Trevor Sinclair would support such a notion: "When you're injured and have a long-term injury which Kieran Trippier has got, you don't need to go [to the matches]. It's not something that he has got to do as a member of the squad.

"You don't have to go to away games, especially as it's 200 to 250 miles away. But that, for me, just shows the personality of Trippier and why signing him wasn't just for him going there for a bit of money and glory. He was going there to try and achieve something and coming back for other reasons as well."

It is fair to say that he has attained such a goal, with his efforts in out-creating Maddison just one of his many accolades.

England stars Lauren James and Rachel Daly started both of the Lionesses' first two games of 2024 on the bench – and Sarina Wiegman has explained why.

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James & Daly both benched for England in FebruaryLionesses had friendlies with Austria & ItalyWiegman explains why they didn't make her XIsWHAT HAPPENED?

England kicked off the year with a warm-weather camp in Spain, taking on Austria and Italy in a pair of friendlies as part of that. Lionesses' boss Wiegman experimented with her starting lineups for the games, but some were surprised to see James and Daly on the bench on both occasions.

AdvertisementWHAT WIEGMAN SAID

Ahead of England's meeting with Italy on Tuesday, Wiegman was asked by why James and Daly have started both matches as substitutes. "It's competition, it's getting ready for [qualifiers in] April, it's seeing a lot of things and then making up your mind, who's going to start and who you can also bring off the bench," she explained. "When you get all these things on the table, then you make decisions and we start with this team today."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Wiegman has given opportunities to several different players in February, with Hannah Hampton and Lotte Wubben-Moy among those to get rare starts in the two games while a debut was handed to Grace Clinton, the talented young midfielder who scored against Austria and then kept her place in the team for the clash with Italy.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Daly won the Women's Super League's Golden Boot last season after scoring 22 times in as many games for Aston Villa. James, meanwhile, could succeed her in winning the award this term as she is second only to Manchester City Khadija Shaw in the scoring charts, with 12 goals in 13 appearances for Chelsea in the WSL.

Simon Harmer’s best figures of the season and Murali Vijay’s second half-century of the match have given Essex a chance of toppling Nottinghamshire

ECB Reporters Network12-Sep-2018
ScorecardSimon Harmer’s best figures of the season and M Vijay’s second half-century of the match have given Essex a chance of toppling Nottinghamshire in their Specsavers County Championship meeting at Trent Bridge.Harmer took 6 for 87 as Notts were bowled out for 337 in their second innings, leaving the defending champions requiring 282 for victory.Kraigg Brathwaite made 68 for the hosts and Steven Mullaney scored 53 before becoming Harmer’s fifth victim.Vijay, who hasn’t played since making a pair for India in the second Test of the recent series against England, followed up his first-innings 56 with an undefeated 73 as Essex closed on 147 for 1.The home county began the day in good shape on 116 for 1 but lost three wickets, all to Harmer, during the opening session. Luke Fletcher, the nightwatchman, had an eventful time at the crease. He was struck on the elbow by a wild throw from Nick Browne and also reprieved after being caught off a no-ball from Matt Coles.Nevertheless, the local favourite, a few days away from his 30th birthday, skilfully frustrated the Essex attack for more than two hours in making 39.Brathwaite, the West Indies’ opener, reached his third half-century in as many matches for Notts, getting there from 117 balls with his ninth boundary. The opener stroked three more fours before being pinned on the crease by Harmer’s offspin. Fletcher’s lengthy vigil ended in the same manner and Jake Libby lost his off stump for 15.Simon Harmer gets a hug from Nick Browne•Getty ImagesResuming from their lunchtime score of 208 for 4, Notts lost their fifth wicket to an unexpected source. The visitors opened the session with the part-time spin of Tom Westley and the hunch paid off as Ben Duckett fell lbw for 17.Harmer returned to the attack soon after the second new ball had been taken and bagged three further wickets as Notts lost their momentum. Tom Moores was stumped for 15, after a stand of 68 with Mullaney, who nicked the spinner into the hands of wicketkeeper Adam Wheater.The former South African international then had Lyndon James caught by Ryan ten Doeschate at short leg before Jamie Porter removed Samit Patel and Mark Footitt to polish off the innings.Essex began their pursuit of 282 with the early loss of Browne, playing all around a full-swinging delivery from Footitt. Vijay and Westley, who is undefeated on 45, negotiated the rest of the final session in adding an unbroken 130 together to put Essex firmly on the way towards their first victory at Trent Bridge since 2003.

Chelsea have shown interest in Lille defender Leny Yoro as they look to weigh up their options to replace the aging Thiago Silva.

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Chelsea targeting Lille's Leny YoroLooking to replace Thiago Silva in summerPSG and Real Madrid also interested in YoroGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Yoro has been linked with multiple clubs so far this season and now, Chelsea are also showing interest in the 18-year-old as per . With Silva's contract expiring this summer, Chelsea are looking to bring in a younger centre-back. Despite having few defensive options due to injury problems, Mauricio Pochettino has benched Silva for Chelsea in their last two Premier League games. Yoro is thought to be a perfect fit for the Chelsea project with the France Under-21 international having already become part of Lille's senior team.

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The 18-year-old has had a fantastic season in France, and other major European teams like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have shown interest in signing him in the summer. PSG remain the front-runners for the youngster but Lille are keen to keep him in Ligue 1 beyond the summer.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Sporting's Ousmane Diomande are two potential centre-back alternatives to Yoro as Chelsea plan yet another busy summer of transfer activity. Chelsea are said to be unconcerned about breaching Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, and believe they will be free to splash the cash and battle for their targets.

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WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

The club will keep fighting to improve their dismal season as they will look to end a disappointing campaign on a high and signal to their potential summer targets that the club is still the place to be despite their fall in form. They will take on Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, March 16.

USWNT star Cat Macario made her return for Chelsea after 21 months on the sidelines Sunday, notching a goal and penning an emotional message.

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Chelsea defeat Leicester 3-0Cat Macario makes return after 21-month injuryScores on Chelsea debutWHAT HAPPENED?

In their 3-0 victory over Leicester City Sunday, the USWNT star made her debut for the Blues after joining from Lyon in France. Arriving on a torn ACL, Macario had multiple setbacks in her recovery from the injury, leaving her nearly two years on the sideline. However, she used the minutes she was given off the bench to make an impact, netting their third goal of the game.

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She wrote on Instagram: "After 21 months, 641 days, endless hours of rehabilitation, and many many tears later, I’m so overwhelmed with emotions that last night still feels surreal. To say this journey has been the most challenging period of my life is an understatement. I went through so many setbacks, so many heartbreaks and doubts, that I thought at times that I would never be able to play football again. But, last night made every single struggle and hardship worth it. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Chelsea for never giving up on me, for supporting me in more ways than I could have ever imagined, and for giving me the opportunity to play the beautiful game again. A massive thank you to the fans as well for your love and encouragement since the day I joined. I feel so blessed to be part of this special team and club, and I can’t wait to enjoy more moments like yesterday with you all!"

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With Macario in the picture for club and country now, she can be utilized as an attacking midfielder or as a striker in either setup. A true fox in the box, Macario is a tidy finisher who compliments any attacking setup.

Looking ahead to the remainder of 2024, with Emma Hayes at the helm of the USWNT for the forthcoming Paris Olympic Games, Macario could – remarkably – find herself on the roster if she finds a brilliant run of form.

With Mia Fishel out for the remainder of 2024, Macario could find herself in the mix alongside Alex Morgan and Sophia Smith at the No. 9 position.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MACARIO?

The Blues are back in action on Thursday, March 7 in the Women's League Cup against WSL title-contenders Manchester City. Chelsea will look to advance by beating their direct competitors for this year's crown, while Macario will look to make another impact on the pitch.