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Young pace bowler speaks of Shrubsole’s influence as she sets sights on ODI debut

Valkerie Baynes09-Jul-2022Lauren Bell is relishing her chance to join England Women’s next generation of fast bowlers as attention turns to the ODI leg of the multi-format series with South Africa.Bell finds herself at the forefront of England’s succession planning, forming part of a new-wave pace attack with Issy Wong during the recent drawn Test, which kicked off the series in Taunton last month.Both impressed sufficiently there to hold their places in the squad for the three ODIs, which also includes veteran Katherine Brunt, who has retired from Tests but is aiming to play a part in England’s white-ball fixtures this summer. England will, however, be without Anya Shrubsole, who retired from international cricket after the World Cup final in April.”Anya and Katherine have been so amazing for so many years now, but I think it’s really exciting that there’s a group of us coming through,” Bell said. “Me and Izzy and Freya [Davies] are all in the same situation, we’re all trying to break into the squad and doing everything we can so it’s really nice to have other people in the same situation.”Obviously, there’s that natural competition but it’s exciting for England cricket and it’s great to have so many options and so many youngsters coming through.”Related

Lizelle Lee retires from international cricket

Issy Wong, Lauren Bell seize chance to shine

Four-day cut-off robs yet another women's Test the room to thrive

Alice Davidson-Richards, Lauren Bell in England ODI squad

Bell took two first-innings wickets and played a part in reducing South Africa to 45 for 4 before Marizanne Kapp’s 150 rescued the tourists’ Test hopes and, while she went wicketless in their second innings, she only conceded 26 runs from 14 overs at an economy rate of 1.85.Wong, meanwhile, took three wickets in all, including two in as many overs late on the third evening to leave the Test intriguingly poised before rain ruined the final day.Wong received her Test cap in a stirring presentation by Brunt, and Bell said she had been moved after receiving her cap from Shrubsole, her team-mate at Southern Vipers, having joined as a player and bowling coach for this season, and at Southern Brave, where they will be reunited for a second season of the Hundred.”She’s been amazing,” said Bell who, like Shrubsole, can threaten with her inswing. “At training I could just learn so much and she was so invested in chatting to me.”Having her at the Vipers has been so great because it’s like she’s experienced everything that hopefully I can do in my career and it’s someone who understands what I’m going through, has probably been there and done what I might be struggling with or going through. It’s really great to have her around with a great perspective on everything.”Bell was also looking forward to the chance to play alongside Brunt during the ODI series, which opens in Northampton on Monday.”Everyone missed Katherine at the Test match, she’s got such an energy about her and it’s great to have her back,” Bell said. “In training she just wants to give off all of her knowledge and just share everything she’s got on to me and Izzy Wong, for example. She’s got a real energy about her and even though she’s played for quite a while now she still just loves it.”Bell’s Test call-up came after she toured Australia with the England Women’s A side during the Ashes at the start of the year and went on to New Zealand as a travelling reserve for the World Cup. As a result, she said she felt settled within the England set-up ahead of what she hopes will be her maiden ODI appearance.”We spent a lot of time with each other,” she said. “It’s a very open group but I feel really comfortable here now and I feel quite settled into this squad. It really helped being around and seeing how the system works, so I think it’s put me in a good place to hopefully put my hand up to make my debut.”Eng vs SA fixtures

1st ODI – July 11, Northampton

2nd ODI – July 15, Bristol

3rd ODI – July 18, Leicester

1st T20I – July 21, Chelmsford

2nd T20I – July 23, Worcester

3rd T20I – July 25, Derby

England have also retained Test debutant Emma Lamb, who was composed opening alongside Tammy Beaumont in Taunton, although she could move down the order depending on whether England decide to play Danni Wyatt as an opener or finisher. Alice Davidson-Richards, who made a century on her Test debut against South Africa, will be available for selection upon rejoining the squad after playing for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy on Saturday, scoring 42 and taking three wickets in a losing cause against Southern Vipers.Emily Arlott, another tall quick like Bell, was not considered for selection in the ODI squad as she continues her return to fitness following a bout of Covid-19. Davies, part of the Test squad but overlooked on match day, also missed out on the ODI squad and was instead part of the England Women’s A side which beat South Africa by seven wickets in their 50-over warm-up match on Thursday.Laura Wolvaardt, who fell to Wong twice for just 16 runs each time in the Test, and Kapp both made fifties in the warm-up while Chloe Tryon, who didn’t play in the Test, made 43.The tourists will be without batter Lizelle Lee, who announced her immediate retirement from international cricket on Friday having played 184 matches for her country, 100 of them ODIs.Bell expected South Africa, who won their group-stage fixture at the World Cup before England turned the tables in the semi-final, to prove “a real challenge” in the 50-over format.”They hadn’t played a Test match for many years and they were a little bit less experienced, but South Africa have played plenty of one-day cricket and are really, really experienced in this format,” Bell said.

After steering Wolverhampton Wanderers to a respectable 14th placed finish last season, Gary O'Neil looks set to be rewarded with the Raul Jimenez successor that his side have long been crying out for.

O'Neil needs attacking reinforcements

Firmly at the top of Wolves' wishlist this summer will be an out and out number nine who can compliment the existing attacking talents in the squad.

Imagine him & Ait-Nouri: Wolves could sign "dominant" £15m star

This would be a smart signing for Molineux to make.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 22, 2024

Of Wolves' 50 league goals last season, 24 came from Matheus Cunha and Hwang-Hee Chan. Cunha spent much of the season playing as a centre forward despite being more comfortable behind the striker, and his South Korean teammate is a winger by trade.

Much of Wolves' woes in finding a striker comes from the failure of previous players signed to fill this void. Fabio Silva arrived for a club record £35million fee back in 2020 however scored just 5 times in 72 games for Wolves. The story is the same for once promising forward Patrick Cutrone who found the back of the net on just 3 occasions in 28 appearances for the Molineux outfit.

With Cutrone leaving permanently to Como 1907 last summer and Silva linked with a move away from Molineux during this window, it appears that Wolves have now found the man that could finally put an end to their struggles up front.

Wolves interested in move for Broja

As first reported on the X account of Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Wolves are one of a number of teams eyeing a move for Chelsea striker Armando Broja.

Plettenberg states that Wolves are "concretely interested" in the Albanian talisman who had been linked with a move to Molineux earlier this month. Alongside Wolves, the journalist cites fellow Premier League side Everton and continental outfits AC Milan and VfB Stuttgart as other potential suitors.

Broja is currently under contract at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2028, however it is clear that the 22-year-old is seen as surplus to requirements in West London and will be moved on this summer. The Albanian has struggled for minutes with his parent club, making just 38 appearances for Chelsea, many of which have been from off the bench.

Chelsea

38

3

Vitesse

34

11

Southampton

38

9

Fulham

8

0

Whilst Broja's goalscoring stats don't make for fantastic reading, it is clear that the Albanian is a talented player that could thrive in the right environment. Despite his lack of senior game time, the 22-year-old is still highly regarded in West London with former Blues' boss Frank Lampard waxing lyrical about Broja back in 2022.

"He's a very good lad, very talented young boy. He's fast, strong, has a real eye for a goal. He's a very good young player, so I'm very aware of his strengths."

In many ways, Broja and Wolves are a match made in heaven. Broja is a talented striker that has struggled for game time and Wolves boast a strong squad that is crying out for a proper number nine. With this in mind, if Wolves are to get this transfer over line it would be a good deal for all parties.

Bharat Arun and R Sridhar talk about the challenges posed by quarantine restrictions and how they will plan for the England tour

PTI12-May-20211:38

Parthiv Patel: India have covered all bases with their squad

Quarantine restrictions might hamper the Indian team’s preparations for the World Test Championship final in England but bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar feel that the players’ abundant experience will be enough to counter that challenge.India are expected to depart for the UK in the first week of June following a week of hard quarantine. It is not yet known if they will be allowed to train ahead of the WTC final against New Zealand during their quarantine in Southampton. The match starts on June 18. India are also scheduled to play five Tests against England in August.”I don’t think we have a choice,” Sridhar told PTI when asked how much time the team will need to be ready for the final. “We would like to make the most of what we get because it all depends on how many days of hard or soft quarantine we are going to have, when we are going to land and if at all getting a practice game, so I don’t think we have a choice.”Related

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India retain No. 1 spot in Test rankings, West Indies rise to sixth place

Rahul Dravid predicts 3-2 scoreline in India's 'best chance' to win in England

No Hardik, Kuldeep in India's squad of 20 for WTC final and England Tests

Given the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, strict bubble life, including quarantine upon arrival, has made scheduling more taxing on the players. Sridhar said going to the UK with a “slight under-prepared mindset” can also bring the best out of players.”It’s time to be mentally smart, we have a very experienced team going to the final,” he said. “Each guy is capable of adapting to the situation. They have played against New Zealand and played in England. So, I think that experience will count and we will have to come to the fore, because we really can’t plan as to how many sessions we want because we only have to take what is given to us.”Sridhar said lack of preparation is at times similar to playing with an injury, which sometimes makes the player more aware.”…Sometimes it can work in our favour as well, because that way you’re mentally more ready. It’s like playing with an injury. Sometimes when you’re injured, you tend to concentrate a little better. Sometimes when you’re a little under-prepared, you tend to focus more and maybe that will bring the best out of us as well, so that is the kind of mindset we are going in with.” Sridhar said.With most of the country in lockdown due to the rise in Covid-19 cases, Arun said the players have been assigned “specific” tasks while they are at home.”They have been given specific roles as to what they need to do,” Arun said. “But yes, you are restricted because they cannot go out, once we regroup, then we’ll have to see how best we can plan.”Arun conceded that New Zealand playing two Tests against England before the WTC final was a definite advantage for them.”See, it is definitely an advantage for them…getting used to English conditions and things like that. But then we’ll have to recall [our past experience] in England…you know, bring about the experience of the players and the support staff, to make our plans, the scheduling is such that this is what it is. You have to work around that,” he said.India planned meticulously for the Australia tour a few months ago on which they recorded one of their best ever Test triumphs despite injuries to several players. For the WTC final and the five Tests against England, Arun said they will plan based on what they see in the two England-New Zealand Tests before the WTC final.”England is playing New Zealand before us. So that will give us a good insight into how the New Zealanders are playing in English conditions, and also how the English men are playing right now,” Arun said. “The present form is extremely important for us to plan and the quarantine period in England would give us enough time to take into consideration all the factors and make plans accordingly.”

Manchester City star Erling Haaland has skipped the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris as he travelled to Malmo to watch his friend Erik Botheim play.

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Haaland skips Ballon d'Or ceremonyTravels to Malmo to watch Botheim in actionMalmo win second-straight title Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Haaland has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award this season and while the Norwegian had a very successful 2023-24 campaign with Manchester City, the striker was not a favourite to win the award with his team-mate Rodri and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior labelled as the likeliest candidates. As such, Haaland decided to skip the ceremony altogether in Paris, and he travelled to Sweden to watch Malmo's clash against Goteborg.

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Malmo took on bitter rivals Goteborg at Eleda Stadium, where a 2-1 win gave them their second straight Allsvenskan title and fourth in five years. Who knows, perhaps Haaland will try to sneak his way into the celebrations.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

While playing for Norway's youth national team, Haaland and Botheim became friends. They also appeared together in a rap video with Erik Sandberg that has received over 12 million views on YouTube.

WHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND?

The Norwegian will now travel back to England as Pep Guardiola's men prepare for their Carabao Cup round of 16 clash against Tottenham on Wednesday, October 30.

Everton have been named as the "most likely destination" for a "really good" £50,000-a-week midfielder, according to recent reports.

Everton transfer rumours

Despite their points deduction, Everton were able to stave off relegation from the Premier League this past season, finishing 15th in the league and 14 points clear of 18th-placed Luton Town. Sean Dyche must now turn his attention to the summer transfer window, where he will no doubt be keen to improve his squad and take a step closer to returning the Toffees to the top half of the table.

Dyche could axe £15m Everton dud to fund move for Beto upgrade

The Toffees are once again on the hunt for new attacking options.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 16, 2024

In a bid to improve their squad, Everton are said to be one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Hoffenheim forward Jacob Bruun Larsen this summer. The Merseysiders are also close to signing Ceiran Loney from Partick Thistle and are believed to be willing to pay €20m (£17m) to sign former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.

Elsewhere, the Blues are thought to have joined Italian giants Juventus and Napoli in plotting a move for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram. On the outgoings front, meanwhile, Manchester United are understood to have agreed personal terms with Toffees centre-back, Jarrad Branthwaite, though an agreement between the clubs is still miles away.

Everton "most likely destination" for "really good" £50k-p/w ace

Now, a fresh name has been tipped to make his way to Goodison Park this summer. The player in question is former Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo. The 22-cap Brazilian joined Liverpool on loan from his current side, Juventus, for the 2022/23 season and was praised heavily by then-manager Jurgen Klopp, despite barely playing due to injury.

"What does he bring? He's a really good footballer – I think we all agree on that," Klopp said on Arthur's signing. "He had a very exciting career already and still pretty young, so in the best age for a footballer or coming into the best age for a footballer.

"He gives rhythm, he can give rhythm, he's a really good passer, has speed with the ball, safe on the ball and, how I said, can demand rhythm, which is pretty important, really good in tight areas – all these kind of things.

""I like it a lot. And now, of course, it's like this, 'Why can you loan a player like this? Because it didn't work out 100 per cent at Juventus.' But I see that rather as a positive because the potential is, for sure, still there."

Things did not work out for the South American at Anfield, making just a single appearance during his time with the Reds. However, the man who currently earns £50,000-a-week on a deal until 2026 could be set for a return to Merseyside this year.

This comes with Italian outlet Tuttosport [via Sport Witness] reporting that Juventus technical director Cristiano Giuntoli is looking to find a new team for Arthur as new Juve boss Thiago Motta is unlikely to consider the midfielder for a regular role in his side. It is added that the Blues are the "most likely destination" for Arthur as they have been following his situation for some time.

Pair frustrate Gloucestershire with a 228-run stand for the second wicket

ECB Reporters Network22-Apr-2021Hampshire 292 for 3 (Alsop 127*, Holland 114) vs GloucestershireIan Holland and Tom Alsop each scored centuries as in-form Hampshire dominated the opening day of the LV= Insurance County Championship clash with Gloucestershire at the Ageas Bowl.Hampshire closed the day on 292 for 3 to continue their excellent start to the season, with Alsop unbeaten on 127 at the close with nightwatchman Mason Crane yet to score.Sam Northeast was dismissed for 24 in the penultimate over of the evening when he was caught down the leg-side by James Bracey off Matt Taylor.Related

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Middlesex seamers combine for stunning rout as Surrey lose their London pride

Tom Abell, Steven Davies fifties keep Somerset in control against Leicestershire

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Brexit paperwork delay leaves Graeme van Buuren in Gloucestershire limbo

Both sides went into the game on the back of victories in their opening two matches.However, the visitors were rocked before the match by news they could not field all-rounder Graeme van Buuren due to delays in his paperwork after complications around Brexit changed his eligibility status to that of an overseas player.South African Van Buuren scored a match-winning century in the win over Surrey two weeks ago and is also the side’s front-line spinner. But he had to be left out of the team after the club received the news with West Indies batsman Kraigg Braithwaite and Australia quick Dan Worrall already named in the team.Holland followed up on the unbeaten 146 he chalked up against Middlesex last week with a patient knock of 114 on a good batting pitch that offered little for the bowlers.The visitors, who also took the impressive scalp of Somerset last week, made an early breakthrough when Dominic Goodman struck with his first delivery of the match.The 20-year-old seamer, who is still a student at Exeter University, took three wickets on his debut at Taunton last week and he trapped Joe Weatherley lbw for just eight, leaving the opener as the only player in the Hampshire top-six not to pass at least 100 this season.Ian Holland on the drive•Getty ImagesWith little in the slow-paced surface to offer encouragement to the bowlers, Worrall did manage to find the edge of Holland’s bat when he was on 77, only for Braithwaite to put down the most straight-forward of slip catches.After resuming after tea on 90, Holland chalked up his third career century with a flick through square leg off Josh Shaw.Alsop’s second century of the campaign was punctuated with two glorious straight drives down the ground and a series of venomous cut shots to the boundary as he brought up three figures for the fourth time in his career.Worrall finally got the breakthrough he deserved when he ended the 228-run stand for the second wicket when he trapped Holland on the back of his crease, leaving umpire Ben Debenham with a simple lbw decision.

By learning to relax and trust his skills, he is giving himself the best chance to succeed

Greg Chappell11-Jun-2025Cricket coaching manuals are replete with diagrams of the perfect cover drive, blueprints for the ideal bowling action, and meticulous plans for fitness regimens. Hours upon hours are dedicated to honing the physical mechanics of the game – the footwork, the grip, the follow-through. This focus on the tangible, the repeatable, the physical, forms the bedrock of traditional cricketing wisdom. Yet, what if this singular emphasis, while necessary, inadvertently delays the realisation of a player’s true potential?What if, like in life itself, the secret to unlocking peak performance lies not just in the sweat and toil, but in aligning with a deeper rhythm, a universal energy that governs success and ease?The prevailing narrative in sport, and often in life, is one of relentless effort. Work harder, train longer, push through the pain.Steven Smith, for much of his illustrious career, seemed to embody this ethos. His legendary net sessions, his almost obsessive dedication to practice, spoke of a man who believed that mastery was solely forged in the fires of personal exertion.The mantra was clear: work hard and improvement must follow. And undeniably, it worked for him, yielding vast success built on a seemingly inexhaustible work ethic.But perhaps, even in those years of tireless physical application, there was an unseen force at play. Perhaps, without consciously articulating it, Smith was subconsciously attuned to a different frequency, connected to the universe in ways that transcended the physical grind. His admission of being awake at night during Test matches, mentally rehearsing his innings, wasn’t just strategising; it was a form of deep internal alignment. These sessions, almost exclusively mental, were his way of getting in tune with the universal energy, visualising not just the shots but the flow state, the ease, the rhythm.Related

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IPL, county cricket or nets at home: how the Australians have prepared for the WTC final

There has been a subtly shifting approach in Smith that is potentially revolutionary. It hints at a maturity that understands the limitations of purely physical effort as one ages, and the growing importance of the mental landscape.His conscious decision to relax more, to spend less time in the nets, to allow his mind to wander free is not a sign of diminished ambition but a recognition that preserving mental energy and finding a state of ease is paramount for sustained performance at the highest level. He feels he needs to be in the “best space you can be in the middle to bat for long periods” and hitting less in the nets before a series helps keep his mental side as focused as possible when he’s batting in a match. This isn’t laziness; it’s wisdom.This shift challenges the very foundations of traditional coaching. It suggests that while technical proficiency is non-negotiable up to a point, there comes a time in a cricketer’s journey when further physical repetition yields diminishing returns. At this juncture, the focus must pivot.The most significant gains are to be made not in adding more hours in the nets but in cultivating the inner game, in learning to work with the universe, not against it.I recall a telling moment late in Ricky Ponting’s career, during an optional training day before an Ashes Test. He hadn’t been in form and came to the ground seeking a breakthrough. The longer he batted, the more frustrated he became, his rhythm eluding him. He was trying hard to force it back. When I asked him what he was trying to achieve, he spoke of being “all out of sorts” and needing to “find some rhythm”. I suggested that his lack of flow stemmed more from his mental state than his physical, and that perhaps a round of golf, clearing his mind, might be more beneficial than continuing to mentally beat himself up in the nets. He politely disagreed, which spoke of the ingrained belief that more physical effort is always the answer.

When you approach the crease, or any challenge in life, with ease, with a sense of quiet joy, you are more likely to be in flow, working in harmony with that universal energy. This isn’t just the simpler way to live; it might also be the simplest way to bat

Yet it’s fascinating to remember that when Ricky was in the absolute prime of his career, he was known for not spending excessive time in the nets. He would often walk out once he felt he was hitting the ball as he liked, a quiet confidence in his preparation, a trust in his ability to find that rhythm when it mattered. He wasn’t trying to force it; he was allowing it to be.This brings us to a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of both batting and life: trust. Trust in your preparation, trust in your instincts, and trust in the unfolding of events. When you try too hard, you introduce tension, doubt and resistance.You are, in effect, swimming against the current of the universe. But when you approach the crease, or any challenge in life, with ease, with a sense of quiet joy, you are more likely to be in flow, working in harmony with that universal energy. It feels simpler, more natural, less of a struggle. This isn’t just the simpler way to live; it might also be the simplest way to bat.Smith’s recent revelations could serve as a powerful lesson. His conscious effort to manage his mental energy, to step back from the relentless physical grind, underscores the growing importance of the inner game as a player matures. It’s a message that should resonate with cricketers and coaches at all levels. While the physical fundamentals remain essential, true mastery, sustained success, and the ability to perform under pressure may ultimately hinge on the capacity to align with the universe, to find that state of flow, and to trust in the process.I sincerely wish Smith huge success in the upcoming challenges – the World Test Championship final, the tour of the West Indies, and the Ashes. His performance will, of course, be a result of his immense skill and preparation. But perhaps, just perhaps, the greatest legacy he leaves behind won’t be a particular technique or a batting record but the subtle yet profound message embedded in his current approach: that in the relentless pursuit of excellence, cultivating a mind that is fit, healthy, uncluttered, and attuned to the rhythm of the universe may be the most revolutionary stroke of all.

Erik ten Hag hailed Jose Mourinho ahead of Manchester United's meeting with their former manager in Europa League.

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Ten Hag hails MourinhoMan Utd face Fenerbahce on ThursdayReunion with ex-coach MourinhoFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mourinho managed United for two and a half seasons before parting ways with them halfway into the 2018-19 season. Since the Portuguese's departure, three other coaches have sat on the hot seat including interim and caretaker managers before Ten Hag took charge of the team in 2022.

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Mourinho, on the other hand, joined Tottenham after leaving United and then managed AS Roma in the Serie A before signing for Fenerbahce this summer. Ahead of the Red Devils' reunion with their ex-boss in Turkey, the Dutchman spoke highly of the 61-year-old coach as he called him a 'winner'.

WHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID

In an interview with the Football Writers' Association, Ten Hag said, "It's a big game for both of us. I really enjoy facing him and playing against him. He always has good teams; he is a winner and has won so many trophies. He's an example for many managers, so I will really enjoy playing against him."

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

Ten Hag's side finally ended their five-game winless run on Saturday as they came back from behind to beat Brentford in the Premier League. They will now aim to register a second win on the trot on Thursday against the Turkish giants.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 163 and Mominul Haque’s 127 help Bangladesh reach a formidable position

Mohammad Isam22-Apr-2021Stumps Bad light ate away the last 90-odd minutes of play on the second day, leaving Bangladesh very much in control with 474 on 4 on the board, even though they hardly moved the run-rate needle with their 172 runs in 65 overs on the day. On a pitch where bowlers have found almost no joy, the Bangladesh batters haven’t shown any interest in forcing the pace, or get to a position where they can declare.Sri Lanka wouldn’t mind putting their feet up after nearly two full days out in the field in searing heat and humidity. In fact, the extra minutes in the shade could even be advantageous for them, as it takes away more time on a pitch that might grip and turn a bit more on the remaining days.On the day, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque continued to be Bangladesh’s batting stars, the former taking his maiden Test century to 163, while Haque reached his first overseas hundred.Shanto struck 17 fours and a six during his eight hours and 53 minutes at the crease, with most of those boundaries coming in the arc between point and mid-off. He took a liking to Dhananjaya de Silva’s offspin, hitting him for eight boundaries while he was generally watchful against the pace trio of Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, who eventually sent him back caught and bowled. Shanto and Haque added 242 runs, a record for Bangladesh’s third wicket, after Shanto and Tamim Iqbal had put on a brisk 144 for the second wicket on the first day.Haque was caught at slip trying to force a drive off de Silva not long after Shanto’s fall. This was an important knock for the Bangladesh captain, who held the record for scoring most Test hundreds without getting a single one of them away from home – it was 10/0 before this one. Haque was more inclined towards picking the gaps around point and cover – most of his 11 fours came through point and cover – while he dealt mostly in singles when it came to the leg side.Mushfiqur Rahim took his time to get going after coming in following Shanto’s fall. A Sri Lankan review for lbw off Kumara first ball went in his favour courtesy an inside edge, and he had one overturned not long after when given out lbw by umpire Kumar Dharmasena off Wanindu Hasaranga. But he settled down to end the day unbeaten on 43 off 107 balls. Liton Das was with him on 25 off 39 balls with two fours and a six.Vishwa had taken two wickets on the first day, and on the second, there was one each for de Silva and Kumara, just rewards for the young fast bowler who hit decent speeds for most of the day. Lakmal and Hasaranga were both impressive in terms of staying disciplined, but they went wicketless in 64 overs combined.

Glasgow Rangers will have a number of big decisions to make throughout the summer transfer window, with players coming in and out of Ibrox.

Head of recruitment Nils Koppen has already been hard at work on the former, with deals for Oscar Cortes, Jefte, and Clinton Nsiala already agreed.

FAR Rabat attacker Hamza Igamane is also reportedly closing in on a permanent move to the Scottish giants to bolster Philippe Clement's attacking options.

Meanwhile, John Lundstram, Borna Barisic, Jon McLaughlin, Ryan Jack, and Kemar Roofe have left the club to become free agents, after their contracts expired at the end of last month.

There may, however, be further exits from Glasgow as the Light Blues could look to cash in on some of their contracted players to generate funds for more new signings to improve the team before the window slams shut at the end of August.

One current first-team star who could be moved on to make way for a replacement in his position is experienced central defender Connor Goldson, amid links to an addition in that area of the park.

Rangers' interest in £4m colossus

It was recently reported by Austrian media, via The Scotsman, that the Gers are one of the sides interested in a swoop to sign Salernitana defender Flavius Daniliuc this summer.

The report claimed that both Old Firm sides – Rangers and Celtic – are eyeing up the 23-year-old colossus, who was signed from Nice for £4m in 2022, to bolster their defensive options ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

It stated that both of them are in the market to add new centre-backs to their ranks as they look to protect their respective goalkeepers more next term.

Daniliuc spent the 2022/23 season on loan with RB Salzburg in his home country but it has been reported that they have decided not to take up their option to sign him on a permanent basis, although they may look to agree another deal for him later in the window.

Meanwhile, Football Insider have reported that Steven Gerrard is pushing to snap up Goldson from Rangers to improve his Al-Ettifaq squad in Saudi Arabia.

The outlet stated that the Gers do not want to lose the veteran defender but could be forced to cash in on him if a 'big' offer arrives on their desk from the Pro League side.

Football Insider added that Nsiala's arrival would help to replace Goldson but that a more experienced option would be required, and that is where Daniluic could come in and allow Clement to brutally ditch the Englishman.

Why Rangers should cash in on Connor Goldson

The 31-year-old central defender enjoyed a solid season at the back for the Gers in the Scottish Premiership but this could be the ideal time to cash in on him.

At the age of 31, the English battler is heading into the final throes of his playing career and may not have much development, if any, left in him, which means that his value may not be any higher than it is now.

With two years left on his contract, the Light Blues would also be in an uncomfortable position next summer as he would only have one year left and they would risk losing him for nothing the following year if they did not sell him for a cut-price in 2025.

Therefore, this summer could be the optimal time to sell the former Brighton & Hove Albion man, particularly amid interest from Al-Ettifaq and Gerrard, as the Pro League side could offer them a chance to rake in some cash that they can then reinvest before the end of the window.

Starts

30

Tackles per game

1.5

Interceptions per game

0.3

Ball recoveries per game

5.5

Ground duel success rate

73%

Aerial duel success rate

67%

As you can see in the table above, Goldson was an important player for Rangers in the Premiership this season as he started 30 of their 38 league games.

The right-footed titan showcased his physical dominance by winning the majority of his contests on the deck and in the air against opposition players.

However, Clement can now brutally ditch the experienced star by signing Daniliuc to replace him, which would allow the Scottish giants to cash in on him amid the interest from Gerrard's team.

Why Rangers should sign Flavius Daniliuc

Firstly, the 23-year-old is eight years younger than Goldson and would arrive at Ibrox as a player with the potential to be a key defender for many, many, more years to come.

If he can adapt to Scottish football and establish himself as an important piece in Clement's system, Rangers could have a starting centre-back for a very long time unless they opt to sell him on at a later date.

His form in the Austrian Bundesliga during the second half of the season and the Serie A during the first half of the campaign suggest that the potential is there for him to be a strong addition to the squad.

Passes attempted

53.86

49.72

Progressive passes

3.43

4.48

Progressive carries

0.14

0.97

Successful take-ons

0.00

0.12

Shot-creating actions

1.14

1.21

As you can see in the table above, Daniliuc could come in and offer more in build-up play than Goldson, as he has averaged more progressive passes, shot-creating actions, and progressive carries per 90 over the last year, despite attempting fewer passes.

This suggests that Clement could improve how frequently his team can build attacks by progressing the ball out from the back by signing the Salernitana ace to bolster his backline.

The Austria international also won 52% of his duels in the Bundesliga and 57% of his aerial battles in the Serie A, which shows that he can win the majority of his battles on the pitch, albeit not as efficiently as the current Gers titan.

Back in 2021, U23 scout Antonio Mango hailed him as a "generational" talent and "Rolls Royce" for Nice, before his move to Salernitana, and the Light Blues could hope to unlock that potential at Ibrox.

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The 23-year-old's statistics suggest that the quality is there for him to hit the ground running as an excellent replacement for Goldson, particularly with his use of the ball, whilst the young defender could also grow and improve under Clement over the years to come.