Manchester City have been told to swap Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic with Erling Haaland as the Serbian can also bag "50 goals a season".
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Despite a lead of 613 at the end of the fourth day, Bengal don’t necessarily have to declare in a bid for an outright win – they are set to advance to semi-finals by virtue of their first innings-innings lead
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Dec-2017
ScorecardPTI
Writtick Chatterjee’s unbeaten double-century and Abhimanyu Easwaran’s second century of the match meant Bengal amassed 483 for 4 by stumps and have all but sealed the game against defending champions Gujarat. By virtue of a strong first-innings advantage, Bengal’s overall lead is now 613. They don’t necessarily have to declare in the bid for an outright win, as they would advance to semi-finals by virtue of their lead in the first innings anyway.Resuming on 177 for 1, Bengal’s overnight batsmen Chatterjee and Easwaran went about collecting personal milestones one after the other. Easwaran brought up his seventh first-class hundred even as Chatterjee completed his second a little while after, off 183 balls. Gujarat, though, broke through in the eleventh over of the morning when seamer Ishwar Chaudhary accepted a return chance offered by Easwaran.That, however, didn’t put an end to Gujarat’s misery as Chatterjee continued pinching runs, only this time in the company of captain Manoj Tiwary (59). Together they added 166 runs for the third wicket following which Chaudhary struck again to send back Tiwary. Chatterjee then added 88 runs for the fourth wicket with Shreevats Goswami (32) before the latter was bowled by Samit Gohel with less than five overs remaining in the day. Chatterjee, playing only his sixth first-class game, had collected his maiden double-hundred about an hour after tea and remained unbeaten on 213 off 357 deliveries, including 23 fours and a six.
Bangladesh’s tour is one match away from derailing. After losing by big margins in the Tests, they were expected to be more competitive in the 50-over format. But South Africa strolled to the biggest 10-wicket win in the series opener.Bangladesh haven’t been undone by pace and bounce or fire and fury, but by themselves and a South African side that has stuck to simple game plans. Therefore, it isn’t impossible to find a way out of this mess.In the Tests, Bangladesh didn’t help their cause by bowling first on batsmen-friendly surfaces. In the first ODI in Kimberley, their bowling let them down. Not only did they fail to take a wicket, they also couldn’t apply the slightest hint of pressure on Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock. With an inexperienced seam-bowling group that isn’t getting the kind of assistance they would’ve liked, discipline should be their best option.Bangladesh’s batting is getting better and Mushfiqur Rahim’s hundred in Kimberley provided a much-needed highlight, but they can’t rely on him alone.For South Africa, things have come too easy, perhaps why it’s also difficult to judge their performances. They’d like to be pushed ahead of challenging assignments against India and Australia. New coach Ottis Gibson couldn’t have asked for a gentler landing. He may as well enjoy it while it lasts.
South Africa: WLLWL (completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh: LLWLW
Even while he prepares to play on Wednesday, Tamim Iqbal is aware that his left thigh is vulnerable: another strain to the muscle could rule him out for at least two months, he said on Tuesday.
“If my fitness test goes well today, I don’t see why I can’t play tomorrow,” Tamim said. “[But] injuries need time. This is not my last match, nor is it Bangladesh’s last tour. If I get injured again [in the same spot], then I will be out for two months which I hope the team management doesn’t want and neither do I.”
He did not play the Kimberley ODI because the physio, Thihan Chandramohan, had advanced him not to, Tamim said. “I was excited to play the last but since there was pain, I took the expert’s advice. I have probably had three batting sessions in the last 15 days, which is not ideal. I am trying to get prepared mentally. But I think I am ready for it, depending on my fitness test.”
AB de Villiers was not needed with the bat and had a barely-there showing in the field on his international return after five months. He’ll be itching to get involved. More pressingly, observers will be anxious to see the effects of him giving up captaincy.Bangladesh’s bowling has been underwhelming all tour, but they can salvage something still. Success in South Africa could do wonders for someone like young Taskin Ahmed . He’s delivered in the past, against India, England and Sri Lanka. Now, it’s just a question of finding the right lengths and bringing in some consistency.
South Africa could delay experimenting, considering the series hasn’t been won yet. That means allrounder Wiaan Mulder, who was withdrawn from a first-class game to replace the injured Wayne Parnell, Temba Bavuma and Farhaan Behardien may all have to wait their turn. South Africa: 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Faf du Plessis (capt) 4 AB de Villiers, 5 JP Duminy, 6 David Miller, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Dane Paterson, 9 Dwaine Pretorius, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Imran TahirBangladesh are hoping Tamim Iqbal, who couldn’t recover in time for the series opener due to a muscle strain, is fit and available. He could displace Imrul Kayes at the top of the order. However, Imrul may yet be needed if Mushfiqur Rahim, who tweaked a hamstring while scoring his hundred on Sunday, is rested. Shafiul Islam will join the side as cover for Mustafizur Rahman whose twisted ankle is likely to keep him out.Bangladesh: 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Liton Das (wk), 3 Shakib al Hasan, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim/Imrul Kayes, 5 Mahmudullah, 6 Sabbir Rahman, 7 Nasir Hossain, 8 Mashrafe Mortaza, 9 Mohammad Saifuddin, 10 Rubel Hossain, 11 Taskin Ahmed
With only 10 ODIs played at this venue, it is one of the lesser-known grounds for teams touring South Africa. The surface tends to play slowly and occasionally takes turn. But, like Kimberley, it should hold no demons.Boland Park, the designated home venue for Stellenbosch Kings in The T20 Global League franchise, was revamped in anticipation of the now-postponed tournament. Though the new lights won’t be put to use just yet, the new stands are expected to be packed. After a drizzly build-up, match day should be fine and clear.Stats and Trivia:
“The bowlers haven’t fulfilled expectations on this tour but it doesn’t mean they can’t do it tomorrow.”
Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal
Rasmus Hojlund claimed that he is the 'happiest man alive' after scoring his maiden Premier League goal in Manchester United's win over Aston Villa.
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USMNT star Ricardo Pepi started for the PSV second team Monday, leaving many to question if he has been demoted despite his starring role a week ago.
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Pepi demotion questions raisedUSMNT striker starts for second teamScored UCL winner one week agoGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The USMNT star has been sent down to the second team for their match against NAC Breda. It comes five days after Pepi netted the winner in the UEFA Champions League against Sevilla in stoppage-time – sending them through to the knockout round.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter will hope it's a request from Pepi to get more minutes and not an actual demotion. It would be a baffling move from PSV if true, because the USMNT striker is not only in good form, but has mentioned he is content with his current role in the team. Regardless, it's a move that sees him get starting minutes and a potential confidence booster as well.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pepi grew up in the FC Dallas academy system in MLS. This summer, he joined PSV for €10m, and has linked up with USMNT stars Sergino Dest and Malik Tillman there as well.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PEPI AND PSV?
PSV Jong (the Dutch club's second team) will finish out their game against NAC Breda before the first-team returns to action on Thursday against SC Heerenveen. Pepi and the USMNT, however, will not return to action until January with a friendly against Slovenia on the 20th.
A round-up of the Women’s World Cup warm-up matches played on June 21, 2017
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2017England women 132 for 3 (Beaumont 51*) beat New Zealand women 130 (Martin 36, Marsh 3-7) by seven wickets
ScorecardTammy Beaumont struck an unbeaten 51 off 76 balls•Getty ImagesEngland Women finalised their preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup with a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand at Derby, the venue for Saturday’s opener against India.A disciplined and collective bowling performance saw New Zealand dismissed for 130 and laid the foundations for an encouraging victory, secured with Tammy Beaumont not out on 51.With Heather Knight, Sarah Taylor and Katherine Brunt rested, England picked a team of 12 (11 of whom could bat and 11 who could bowl) with offspinner Danielle Hazell once again stepping in to take the reins.She oversaw a fielding performance in which the wickets were shared around, the stand-out figures belonging to Laura Marsh who finished with 4-1-7-3.Mithali Raj scored 85 off 89 balls•Getty Images
ScorecardHalf-centuries from Punam Raut and Mithali Raj, followed by a four-wicket haul from Rajeshwari Gayakwad, led India women to a 109-run win against Sri Lanka in Chesterfield. Raut added 92 for the first wicket with Smriti Mandhana and 49 with the second with Raj as the top three set up a daunting total of 275 for 8.Four of Sri Lanka’s top five got past 20, but none of them managed a half-century, with Dilani Manodara’s 49 the top score of the lot. At 135 for 3, the chase still held some hope, only for Sri Lanka to collapse to Gayakwad’s left-arm spin, the last seven wickets falling for 31 runs.
A board release said Aravinda de Silva stepped down due to “personal commitments that would hinder his availability and time investment in the Committee further”
Andrew Fidel Fernando05-May-2017Aravinda de Silva has decided to resign from the SLC cricket committee, of which he was chairman, 13 months after he took on the role. A board release said de Silva will step down on June 30 due to “personal commitments that would hinder his availability and time investment in the Committee further”.”It is understandable that [de Silva] needs to prioritise his personal commitments,” board president Thilanga Sumathipala said. “He has supported the strategic vision of this administration and been vastly instrumental in many of the developments we have made.”We intend to continue to engage Aravinda’s expertise in our key cricketing activities on a consultancy basis,” Sumathipala added.During his time in the committee, de Silva had been among the more influential SLC figures, overseeing, in particular, a re-order of SLC’s coaching structure. However, his clout is also understood to have waned in recent months, with SLC having appointed other officials to advise the national team. De Silva had also twice served as chief selector – most recently in an interim stint last year, when his selection panel picked the squad for the World T20.
West Bromwich Albion can finally gear up for the start of the new Championship campaign with news that head coach Carlos Corberan is no longer a target for Leeds United.
Former Leeds coach Corberan was considered the favourite to succeed Sam Allardyce at Elland Road at one point, but Football Insider reports that the Whites are working to bring in a manager with Premier League experience.
That can only be considered a huge boost for Albion some six weeks out from the opening weekend of the 2023-24 campaign, and it means full focus can now be on transfer activity.
Indeed, the Baggies could make it a double reason for celebration by bringing in one of Corberan's targets, with The Sun reporting last week that they are showing an interest in Blackpool striker Jerry Yates.
Who is Blackpool striker Jerry Yates?
Yates' 20 goals helped fire Blackpool to promotion to the Championship two years ago, and he has since scored 22 goals in the second tier.
As well as netting 14 goals last time out, which were not enough to keep Blackpool up, Yates also chipped in with four assists. It is that ability to both score and create that earned strong praise from his former boss Richie Wellens.
"He's good at everything," Wellens told Quest. "He's got decent pace and he can hold the ball up." Yates' ability as an all-rounder is further reflected when looking at the positions he was fielded last season, courtesy of WhoScored, ranging from a central midfielder to a striker, as well as operating on both flanks.
The 26-year-old can also help out in terms of the defensive side of the game, with FBref ranking him in the top 3% of his positional peers for interceptions and top 7% for blocks.
It is unsurprising, then, that a number of Championship teams are taking a close look at Yates – heavyweights Leicester City among them. The Sun reports that Premier League club Luton Town may also be tempted to make a move for a player valued at £4m by Blackpool.
Yates would undoubtedly be an upgrade on what Corberan currently has available, as his 18 combined goals and assists in the Championship last season are three more than West Brom's best performer John Swift managed.
In fact, Jed Wallace (14) was the only other Albion player to register double figures in that metric, which shows the importance of bringing another talented attacker to The Hawthorns.
Factor in the 1.63 aerial duels per 90 minutes Yates wins, which is more than Swift (0.84) and Wallace (0.48), and it may well be that the Englishman's combination with Corberan next term proves the difference between mid-table obscurity and a serious push at promotion.
Super Over
ScorecardStafanie Taylor struck her first fifty of the season•Getty Images
In the end, not even a Super Over could separate the Sydney Smash.Having elected to bat, the Sydney Sixers made 138. In reply, the Sydney Thunder managed the same. In the Super Over, the Thunder made eight, then the Sixers did too.Confusion reigned, but the Thunder had won – on the basis that they had hit more boundaries in the 40 overs (16) than the Sixers (14). So, in a game normally won by a number of runs or wickets, the Sydney Thunder had beaten the Sydney Sixers by two boundaries. Eh?The first 40 overs had been an undulating, exciting advert for the Women’s BBL, and the Super Over had the national news on Channel Ten delayed – who knows how many new fans will have stumbled across the game as a result – and as many as 17,000 people watching at the ground.The main event
The 40 overs that were unable to separate the two sides were dominated by fine innings from two top-order batsmen, and the timing of their wickets decided the outcome.First came Ashleigh Gardner, whose stellar competition continued. She came to the crease in the first over with Alyssa Healy gone, and scored a fine 54 from 41 balls, including sixes down the ground and to cow corner. She shared a stand of 65 with Sara McGlashan, who was scratchy early on but grew into her innings. When McGlashan was caught and bowled by Erin Osborne, though, they lost five for 30 from the final 21 balls. Gardner was stumped by Alex Blackwell – making a rare appearance as a wicketkeeper – off Stafanie Taylor (who had earlier taken another key wicket, Elysse Perry), and Sixers hopes of making 150 were over.Ashleigh Gardner continued her fine form•Getty Images
Taylor’s excellent game continued as she made 68, he first half-century of the season, to dominate the chase. Blackwell, who fell to the excellent Kim Garth, then Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in, but Taylor rode her luck (she was dropped three times) to keep her team in it and looked to be guiding them to victory. The late introduction of Lisa Sthalekar in the 15th over put the brakes on the Thunder as she picked up two wickets, then Taylor fell slogging Sarah Aley in the penultimate over. Naomi Stalenberg and Osborne could only manage seven of the eight they needed from the final over; Super Over it was.Super finishSo, how did that Super Over pan out, then? The Thunder batted first. Garth, an Associate rookie and replacement for the absent South African duo Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk, limited Taylor – who earlier made an excellent 68 before falling in the final over – and Rachael Haynes, who was run out off the last ball, to just eight. Garth, continuing the beautiful line and length she had bowled when taking 17 for 1 earlier) had denied them any boundaries, which was a superb effort.Knowing that they had fewer boundaries in regular tim, the Sixers knew they needed nine to win, but the Thunder knew eight would work for them. Healy smote Rene Farrell down the ground for four, but was then carelessly run out. Perry found two through cover, then was caught at long-on. Needing three off the last two, Angela Reakes was run out turning for a second. Gardner, so brilliant earlier, could only scramble her first ball for a single. No one really understood why, but it was not enough.What it all meansBefore the Sydney Smash, the Sixers had won three games (in a run of seven straight victories). The Sixers still sit four points clear at the top of the table, and need to win one of their two remaining fixtures to qualify for a semi-final. The Thunder are sixth, and their hopes of defending their title remain alive.
The Blaugrana are set to have a busy summer as they aim to clear space on their wage bill to bring in a number of new – or returning – faces
There really hasn't been much talk of who might leave Barcelona this summer. Instead, all of the attention has been focused on one arrival, with speculation running rife as to whether the Blaugrana can lure Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou.
But that is largely dependent on Barca's financial situation. While they have met La Liga president Javier Tebas' demands and cleared some salary off the books, they still need to raise some cash to address the league's supposed 'financial viability plan' in order to re-sign the club legend. That might mean one or two big-name departures, with Ansu Fati and Raphinha supposedly available for the right price.
Outside of that, there still needs to be the standard slew of outgoings. Barcelona have a few players returning from loans who they will undoubtedly look to move on again. Furthermore, there are some youngsters in the ranks who could benefit from a move away, too.
But who should be sold, who should be loaned out and who should be kept despite rumours linking them with moves away? GOAL breaks it all down…