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Leicestershire build solid foundation after being set 499 to win at Hove

ECB Reporters Network12-Sep-2023

Colin Ackermann scored a double-century at Hove last season•Getty Images

An unbeaten century from Colin Ackermann kept Leicestershire in the hunt for an unlikely victory that would reignite their promotion challenge in the LV= Insurance County Championship. Ackermann was 103 not out at stumps on day three at Hove with his side on 221 for 3 and requiring a further 278 to beat Sussex.The Hove pitch has certainly flattened out after 20 wickets fell in the first four sessions and Leicestershire were scuttled for 108 in their first innings. But it would still be a considerable achievement were the Foxes to deny Sussex a win that would kick-start their own promotion bid. The new ball, due after 16 overs on the final day, will be crucial in shaping the outcome.Leicestershire will take encouragement from the fact that they chased 389 to beat Yorkshire at the start of the season while Sussex know all too well how much Ackermann loves batting at the 1st Central County Ground, where he made an unbeaten 277 last season.They had declared their second innings on 344 for 9 in the over after lunch – setting a target of 499 – and soon made inroads into the Leicestershire top order.Indian left-armer Jaydev Unadkat pinned Sol Budinger in the fifth over and Ari Karvelas had skipper Lewis Hill smartly taken low down at third slip by Tom Clark in the eighth over to leave the Foxes on 16 for 2. But Rishi Patel and Ackermann joined forces to put on 92 in 21 overs with few alarms. Sussex skipper Cheteshwar Pujara had employed his fifth bowler by the 15th over and four overs before tea offspinner Jack Carson settled into a long, occasionally probing but so far unproductive spell from the Sea End.By then Karvelas had made a crucial breakthrough when Patel miscued a drive to mid-off and Pujara took a good tumbling catch but that was the last success Sussex enjoyed in the day as Pakistan left-hander Umar Amin joined Ackermann in a stand so far worth 113.Ackermann, who is joining Durham at the end of the season, reached his third hundred of the summer with a single off James Coles and so far he has faced 155 balls, hitting 16 fours. Before the close Henry Crocombe was bowling short to four fielders stationed within 20 yards of each other short on the leg side but Amin relished the battle, reaching his first fifty for the county he has joined for the last four Championship games of the season.Ackermann, meanwhile, needs another 48 runs to reach 1000 runs for the season – Patel having got to the milestone when he top scored with 48 in Leicestershire’s first innings.Earlier, Sussex added 90 runs before their declaration and with time on their side there was never any need to take undue risks before setting such a massive target.James Coles reached his fourth fifty of the season with a six over long-on off Rehan Ahmed, adding 58 with Fynn Hudson-Prentice before becoming one of two victims for the persevering Tom Scriven, who finished with 4 for 55 and took up the slack with Matt Salisbury, who took five wickets in Sussex’s first innings, unable to bowl because of a hamstring injury.He trapped Coles and Jack Carson with late inswing while Hudson-Prentice was held at second slip by Ackermann off Scott Currie. Sussex declared when Karvelas was run out off the fifth ball of the afternoon session.

Manchester United and Leicester City face off in the FA Cup this Friday evening, with the Red Devils’ quest to retain the famous domestic trophy continuing at Old Trafford.

United, who defeated Manchester City in the final last year, come up against former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was actually in interim charge at Old Trafford earlier this season.

FA Cup 2024/25: Cup final details, results, TV picks & more

Find all the latest and key FA Cup info here ahead of the weekend’s final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.

1 ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025

Both clubs have struggled in the Premier League this season, making the FA Cup a welcome distraction and a real chance to save their campaign with silverware.

Man Utd v Leicester City team news Man Utd

The Red Devils were without Jonny Evans, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw last time out, and none of the trio look likely to feature at Old Trafford on Friday. A first appearance for January signing Patrick Dorgu could be one to keep an eye on, though.

United were also handed a new serious injury concern to Lisandro Martinez, who was stretched off against Crystal Palace and looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Leicester City

Long-term absentees at Leicester City are Issahaku Fatawu, Ricardo Pereira, Nathaniel Opoku and Wilfred Ndidi, however, Ndidi has been back in training and van Nistelrooy has confirmed the Nigerian will return to the squad against Man Utd.

When asked about any more injuries, van Nistelrooy said: “There are two or three with light injuries who will be assessed.”

Where to watch Man Utd v Leicester City on TV

For viewers in the UK, the game will be shown live on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player on Friday 7 February with kick-off at 8pm (GMT).

In the USA, the match will be streamed on ESPN+, and in Canada, live on TV with channel Sportsnet.

Man Utd v Leicester City referee and is there VAR?

Interestingly, the FA has decided this season that VAR will only be introduced from the fifth round of the FA Cup onwards, meaning fans won’t have to worry about it on Friday evening.

The man whose decision will be final is referee Michael Salisbury. He will be assisted by Matthew Wilkes and Steven Meredith, with Thomas Bramall as the fourth official.

Salisbury has taken charge of four games for both clubs, and as can be seen, the Red Devils enjoy having the 40-year-old as the man in the middle with a 100% win ratio.

Games

4

4

Record

4W, 0D, 0L

1W, 0D, 3L

Cards received

3 Yellow, 0 Red

12 Yellow, 0 Red

Cards to opponents

6 Yellow, 0 Red

7 Yellow, 0 Red

Penalties for/against

1/0

0/0

Man Utd v Leicester City form Man Utd

Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled for consistency at Old Trafford, highlighted by recent Premier League defeats at Old Trafford to Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils began 2025 in positive fashion with a draw at Liverpool and an FA Cup triumph at Arsenal, as well as qualifying for the last 16 of the Europa League.

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

Sun 2nd Feb

Crystal Palace (h)

Premier League

L 0-2

Thu 30th Jan

FCSB (a)

Europa League

W 0-2

Sun 26th Jan

Fulham (a)

Premier League

W 0-1

Thu 23rd Jan

Rangers (h)

Europa League

W 2-1

Sun 19th Jan

Brighton (h)

Premier League

L 1-3

Leicester City

Things haven’t exactly gone to plan for van Nistelrooy at the King Power Stadium so far, with the Foxes coming into the cup encounter off the back of a heavy 4-0 defeat to Everton.

The highlight of 2025 was certainly the 2-1 win at Tottenham which took them out of the relegation zone, however, they are now back in the bottom three and in real danger of an immediate return to the Championship.

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

Sat 1st Feb

Everton (a)

Premier League

L 4-0

Sun 26th Jan

Tottenham (a)

Premier League

W 1-2

Sat 18th Jan

Fulham (h)

Premier League

L 0-2

Wed 15th Jan

Crystal Palace (h)

Premier League

L 0-2

Sat 11th Jan

QPR (h)

FA Cup

W 6-2

Man Utd v Leicester City head-to-head

This will be just the fourth time these two sides have faced off against each other in the FA Cup. The first two meetings were back in 1963 and 1976, both won by the Red Devils.

The last FA Cup clash was in 2021 at the quarter-final stages, where Leicester ran out 3-1 winners thanks to two goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and one from Youri Tielemans. Overall, though, Manchester United have more wins against Leicester throughout history.

Man Utd wins

72

Draws

31

Leicester City wins

36

MatériaMais Notícias

da doce： Classificado para a fase de grupos da Libertadores no ano que vem e sem chances de chegar à segunda colocação do Campeonato Brasileiro, a última rodada da competição nacional para o Corinthians será meramente protocolar. Com isso, a atenção será voltada muito mais para o pós-jogo, no qual existe a expectativa do anúncio se o técnico Vítor Pereira vai ou não permanecer no clube alvinegro no ano que vem.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansDiagnóstico de Vítor Pereira afasta Pedro Raul do CorinthiansCorinthians12/11/2022CorinthiansCorinthians encaminha contratação de Romero, mas irá segurar o anúncioCorinthians12/11/2022CorinthiansNão é só Romero! Corinthians buscará outros atacantes de beiradaCorinthians12/11/2022

da wazamba： +Corinthians fecha ano com seu 7º melhor aproveitamento como visitante no Brasileirão; relembre campanhas

Expulso contra o Coritiba, na última rodada do Brasileirão, o treinador não dirigirá o Timão na beirada do campo. No entanto, há expectativa de que ele esteja na entrevista coletiva após o jogo contra o Atlético-MG, neste domingo (13), na Neo Química Arena, junto com o presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves.

A reportagem ouviu diferentes fontes no Corinthians sobre a possibilidade de resposta de Vítor Pereira em relação ao seu futuro ser logo após a partida diante do Galo. Uma frente crê que ela acontecerá, outra entende que será dado alguns dias para que o profissional bata o martelo, muito por conta da chegada da família de VP ao Brasil na próxima semana. No entanto, se ocorrer o prazo pós-Brasileirão ele será curto.

+ Confira a tabela do Brasileirão e simule a última rodada da competição

Segundo apurou o LANCE!, a vinda dos familiares de Vítor a São Paulo seria uma última cartada para que o treinador permanecesse no Timão, algo que tanto ele próprio, quanto o clube querem. Porém, problemas pessoas que geram algumas divergências, principalmente com a esposa, podem atrapalhar esse desejo que Pereira tem de ficar.

Há também quem diga que a decisão de Vítor Pereira já está tomada e não depende da viagem da família à capital paulista. Inclusive, o treinador estaria incomodado com a exposição dos familiares durante o período de indefinição sobre o seu futuro no Corinthians, principalmente com o vazamento das informações sobre a vinda dos seus ao Brasil.

da bet vitoria： The 2024/25 Premier League season was disappointing for West Ham United with the Hammers coming 14th in the Premier League.

da jogodeouro： Whilst they were never in any real danger of relegation, they would have been hoping for a much better performance across the board. They lost 17 games in total in the top flight.

It could be all change for Graham Potter this summer with some big outgoings on the cards. One of those is Mohammed Kudus, who, as recently as the 6th of June, was reportedly offered to Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

If someone as prominent as Kudus does leave the London Stadium this summer, they will, of course, need a replacement.

West Ham's potential Kudus replacement

It does indeed seem like Kudus could be on his way out of West Ham this summer and considering his performances since moving to the English capital, he will be hard to replace.

Fortunately, the Irons seem to have someone in mind already.

Transfer Focus

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

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Indeed, if the Ghanaian attacker does leave West Ham in the next few weeks or months, they could be set to replace him with Anderlecht attacking midfielder Mario Stroeykens.

A report from Belgian outlet Votebal Belgie suggests that he has been on the Hammers’ ‘wish list for some time’.

In fact, they are already believed to have made a bid for the talented 20-year-old.

The report suggests West Ham made an £8.5m offer, which was promptly rejected by the Belgian giants. Instead, they could ask for as much as £17.1m to make a deal happen.

Why Stroeykens would be a good signing

Belgium U21 international Stroeykens has certainly made a big impression for Anderlecht last season. After coming through the club’s youth academy, the attacking midfielder has gone on to become a key player.

Last season in all competitions, Stroeykens featured 39 times across all competitions, contributing to five goals and seven assists. After starting the season strong with nine goal involvements in 13 league games, he suffered from a ligament injury, which slowed his progress.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Zellik, just outside of Brussels, would also bring European pedigree to the London Stadium. He played 430 minutes in the Europa League last term, both scoring and assisting in that time. The goal he scored was a sublime effort, showing his excellent technical quality.

Replacing the 24-year-old Kudus would not be easy for Stroeykens. The Ghana international has impressed for the Hammers in the 80 appearances he has made, scoring 19 times and registering 13 assists.

His first season in Claret and Blue saw him score and assist 23 times, including five goals in nine Europa League appearances. However, last term was not as fluid, with the Hammers’ number 14 managing just nine goal involvements.

Despite the struggles Kudus endured last season, there is no doubt about his importance to Potter’s side when at his best. That leaves Stroeykens with a big job to replace him, but as football scout Antonio Mango said, he is a “creative force” and can certainly look to match the output of the Ghana star.

The underlying stats via FBref suggest that the Belgian youngster, who tends to operate as a number 10, can indeed step up in Kudus’ absence.

For example, last term he averaged 1.54 key passes and 6.63 progressive passes each game, compared to 1.08 key passes and 2.74 progressive passes per 90 minutes for the Hammers star.

Stroeykens and Kudus key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Stroeykens

Kudus

Goals and assists

0.41

0.28

Key passes

1.54

1.08

Progressive passes

6.63

2.74

Shot-creating actions

4.02

3.72

Goal-creating actions

0.77

0.35

Ball recoveries

5.21

4.79

Stats from FBref

Those stats highlight the creativity that Mango was talking about. They certainly suggest that Stroeykens has the ability to step into Kudus’ boots and take on some of the creative burden that will be there if, or when, he leaves.

For just £17m, this could be a brilliant addition for the Hammers, who will be hoping Stroeykens can become a key player for the club in the long term.

Related Free transfer: West Ham in contact to sign £100k-p/w star who Potter loves

The Hammers could land themselves a bargain.

Posts 2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 15, 2025

SA’s quicks Rabada and Jansen then tore through a line-up already missing the injured Ayub

Danyal Rasool04-Jan-2025

Ryan Rickelton’s 259 was the second-highest score by a batter at Newlands•AFP/Getty Images

Pakistan’s horror day in Cape Town was complete after South Africa ripped through their top order to leave them staring down the barrel of a huge defeat. Having posted 615 thanks to a double-hundred from Ryan Rickelton and a century from Kyle Verreynne, South Africa’s quicks Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen tore through a Pakistan line-up already missing the injured Saim Ayub. So effectively, South Africa are six wickets away from making Pakistan bat again, with the visitors a mammoth 551 runs behind after day two.Having taken command before lunch, South Africa ground Pakistan into the dust in the afternoon. Rickelton ended up with 259, falling just short of Stephen Fleming’s 262 as the highest score at Newlands. Verreynne brought up his fourth Test hundred. Jansen, out of form with the bat all year in 2024, heralded the new year with a whirlwind half-century. Six fours and three sixes helped him get there in 42 balls. Thus, as many as 137 runs were added in the second session, with South Africa having surged to 566 for 7 by tea, already their highest score at home in four years.Pakistan gamely battled on, but their efforts never looked like bearing fruit on a wicket that had long since flattened, and batters that had long since settled. Much of the second session became a milestone-marking exercise. Verreynne continued with the belligerence that had lit up the first session, a boundary off Mohammad Abbas and a single off the next ball bringing up three figures. It brought Newlands to its feet once more; they may have sore legs from the frequency with which they had to do that.Salman Ali Agha struck next over to prise him out as Verreynne went for a slog sweep, but it did little to stymie South Africa’s momentum. With no scoreboard pressure, Jansen let his natural talent speak for itself, swinging freely and timing it beautifully. He took 11 balls to get off the mark, but once he did, there was no stopping him. Two fours and a six off Khurram Shahzad in two successive overs helped bring up the 50 partnership in 46 balls, while each of Rickelton and Jansen helped themselves to sixes off Salman.Kyle Verreynne got to his fourth Test hundred•AFP/Getty Images

Pakistan finally saw the back of Rickelton before tea was called. Having slapped Mir Hamza over his head for four, he top-edged the next ball to Abbas at long-on, who hung on to send him on his way, but not before he had nearly doubled his Test tally in one innings.In the morning, Rickelton had become the first South African in eight years to score a Test double hundred as South Africa tightened their grip on the Test. Pakistan began the session with some promise, taking the new ball immediately and striking within four overs, when Abbas tempted David Bedingham into a push outside off stump and induced an outside edge. It gave Pakistan a lift, but Rickelton merely carried on with the discipline that saw him go in overnight unbeaten on 176. He was cautious against the length deliveries and dismissive of everything else.Verreynne, meanwhile, was less discerning in his shot selection, a hook over deep backward square off Abbas revealing his intentions. It was a shot that defined the session for him; he picked up another two sixes off Jamal in the final over before lunch the same way. When Shan Masood put in three fielders close in at cover, he still found a way to pierce them through that region against Hamza, whose attempts to induce cover drives were successful, but just not in the way he had hoped.At the other end, Rickelton got to his double hundred with a punch through the off side, haring off halfway down the field in celebration. But the highlights all belonged to Verreynne, who greeted Salman with a reverse sweep for four off the second ball, and another one to finish the over off. Before the session was out, Verreynne had taken Jamal down by plundering 17 runs in an over.Kagiso Rabada got two early wickets with the new ball•Gallo Images

Pakistan finally did manage to bring the innings to a close after more than 140 overs under the hot Newlands sun, finishing, with pleasing symmetry, the way they started it. Abbas hit the top of off to knock back debutant Kwena Maphaka’s stumps, just like ball-tracking projected Abbas would have done off the innings’ first ball had Aiden Markram’s pad didn’t get in the way.But as soon as they started with the bat, they might almost have been left wishing South Africa’s innings didn’t end. Masood didn’t see out the first over, pushing at a Rabada delivery that nibbled away and took his outside edge along with it. Saud Shakeel fell in almost identical fashion as he uncharacteristically drove at Rabada, the same edge carrying to the same slip fielder, with David Bedingham making no mistake.In between, extra pace and bounce from Jansen forced Kamran Ghulam into an awkward position that culminated in his stumps being scattered behind him.So threatening was South Africa’s opening salvo and so listless were Pakistan’s batters that it felt the hosts might burrow deep into the tail this evening. But Babar Azam, opening in the absence of Ayub, dug in alongside Mohammad Rizwan, and South Africa’s replacement bowlers were not quite at Rabada and Jansen’s devastating level.It helped Pakistan that made sure they ended a day that had no redeeming features with the hope the next one may delay the inevitable a while longer.

It is a journey into an unknown world for both Australian cricket and Cummins himself, who will have to juggle a number of responsibilities

Andrew McGlashan20-Nov-2021In the middle of last week – a moment that now feels a long time ago – Pat Cummins was asked about the likely need for Australia to rotate their fast bowlers during the Ashes.While in one breath saying he thought it unlikely that all the quicks could play the five Tests, he then added: “I certainly won’t be putting my hand up to be rested unless I’ve got something going wrong.”If what is highly expected to happen in the coming days is confirmed, and Cummins is named as Australia’s next Test captain following the sudden departure of Tim Paine, then it may not even be up for discussion.Related

• Lyon endorses Cummins and Smith as 'two best candidates' for captain and vice-captain

• Paine scandal fallout: CA left with questions to answer

• Cummins won't ask for rest 'unless I've got something going wrong'

• Tim Paine's full resignation statement

It is a remarkable part of the Cummins story that he has become Australia’s most durable fast bowler. Since his return to Test cricket in 2017, only Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Nathan Lyon and R Ashwinhave bowled more overs. A major success story for sports science after Cricket Australia saw the talent they had but held him back from Test cricket for six years following his stunning debut – which marked its 10th anniversary just a few days ago. But that durability will now be tested to the full.There is recent evidence that Cummins can withstand the strains of the five Tests which are largely back-to-back from early December to mid-January. He was the only one of Australia’s fast bowlers to play all five Tests in the 2019 Ashes as the team embraced rotation although conditions in England are not as brutal as those that can play out in this country.However, if his elevation is rubberstamped it is a journey into an unknown world, both for Australian cricket and Cummins himself. The previous fast bowler to captain an Australia men’s side in any format was Ray Lindwall who did it for one Test in 1956. Having a wicketkeeper in the role was going against the grain, too, even if not quite so much and it does raise a question about whether an on-field leadership void has opened up in the Australian men’s game.History is not without specialist quicks (the list is widened if allrounders are included) who have held the position over the longer-term – Courtney Walsh, Wasim Akram and Bob Willis among them – but it remains a select group. Bowling fast is the toughest job in the game, physically at least, and there is the added challenge of a bowler-captain needing both a singular focus and a wider view of the game when they have ball in the hand.For a batter, the traditional custodians of captaincy in the game, all they need to worry about at the crease doing their main job is the next ball and that innings. The other questions don’t go away, but they are more easily parked when the team is at the crease.The other factor for Cummins will be knowing when not to bowl. He was Paine’s go-to man last season against India, particularly by the time the series reached the final Test, but he will need to resist the temptation of feeling he has to be the one to take the ball on all occasions. When Andrew Flintoff was named England captain in 2006 he bowled himself into the ground, peaking at 68 overs during a Test against Sri Lanka in Lord’s after which he was never the same again.Pat Cummins will be the first fast bowler to captain Australia in any format since Ray Lindwall in 1956•Getty ImagesWriting in newspapers, Greg Chappell said that Cummins had some natural advantages that other quick bowlers may not.”The captain traditionally fields close to the wicket to control proceedings,” he said. “Cummins is such a brilliant all-round fielder that he can be close to his bowlers, instead of the outfield pastures usually favoured by fast bowlers. My biggest fear? The workload, which could preclude him playing a full, five-Test series, without a rest. So, it would be interesting to see who is appointed as his deputy. Cummins will also have to learn to use himself judiciously and neither over-bowl nor under-bowl. It is imperative that the seniors in the team advise him, in a timely manner.”That is not say Cummins won’t be able to make a success of it, he is a hugely impressive cricketer with a terrific mind – and, perhaps significantly, a broad range of interests beyond runs and wickets – but there is precious little on-field evidence to go by. His professional captaincy experience is four one-day games for New South Wales last season, a role he was given with the future national leadership in mind although not quite so soon.He was good in those domestic one-day matches but was not overly taxed by too many situations. And, with due respect to the Marsh Cup, the consequences of it not going so well were minimal. That certainly won’t be the case come next month in Brisbane, not to mention the weeks leading up to that first ball which will test his leadership given the situation in which he is set to be appointed.

“My biggest fear? The workload, which could preclude him playing a full, five-Test series, without a rest. So, it would be interesting to see who is appointed as his deputy.”Greg Chappell on Cummins’ challenges

As Chappell pointed out, the identity of the vice-captain is arguably just as intriguing. Steven Smith is a strong candidate although that would put him one injury away from taking the captaincy again and it remains to be seen if, in the current climate, that is something Cricket Australia wants. Beyond that, it becomes a rather thin field, particularly in terms of experience.David Warner is not an option as he remains banned from any leadership position in Australian cricket for life – although there is a push to have that reconsidered – and it feels too early for Marnus Labuschagne. Travis Head is a previous vice-captain but is not assured of his place in the middle. Usman Khawaja has the experience and standing but is fighting for the final batting spot with Head. During the era of dual vice-captains, Josh Hazlewood also had the title. If ultimately it is decided that Paine can’t keep his position in the team and Alex Carey takes the gloves, he would be a candidate even on Test debut. Nathan Lyon, with 100 Tests to his name, would seem worthwhile of consideration.Whoever is the deputy, Cummins faces an even tougher transition into the job than Paine did. When the ball-tampering unfolded at Newlands, there was very little expectation that the final Test in Johannesburg would be anything other than a car crash for Australia and so it played out. By the time their next Test came around, six months later, there had at least been time to take stock even if the fallout would still be felt for a long time. This time there are barely days to pick up the pieces before the series that so often defines Australian cricket.

Hundred players won’t be involved with Lancashire sticking by core from group stage

Paul Edwards16-Sep-2022It probably reveals something about the skewed priorities currently afflicting English cricket that the ECB’s designation of the Royal London Cup as “a development competition” was generally regarded as a downgrading, if not a plain admission of second-class status. What other sport would look down on the process of helping young players refine their skills?But of course, the media, whether established, social or anti-social, followed their leader. The 2021 Royal London would be a “second-team” competition and no one would watch the matches.Then the cricket got under way and supporters of the 18 counties began to turn up in decent numbers. Nothing to rival the Hundred, of course, but many members were more interested in seeing their youngsters for the first time than in watching well-known names play an unloved format for teams with which they could not identify. The result was that last season’s Royal London was something of an unexpected success and Glamorgan’s victory in the final, which was achieved without their Hundred players, was widely welcomed. This year’s competition has achieved something similar – matches at outgrounds have been especially popular – so much so that anyone wanting to play the group matches at the start of next season should consider what will be lost in terms of spectacle and opportunity.Certainly Keaton Jennings, who will lead Lancashire in Saturday’s final at Trent Bridge, has enjoyed both his fresh responsibilities and the company of players for whom every game is still a journey into a new world.Related

Downgrading 50-over cricket is 'price to pay' for Hundred – ECB county chief

Lancashire channel their inner Lightning as Wells onslaught revives Roses prospects

Jennings argues against reduction in number of County Championship fixtures

Evison braced for his accession as Kent prepare to bid Stevens farewell

“I’ve loved the captaincy, it’s been good fun and it would be lovely if we could bring home some silverware,” he said. “I’ve spoken to the younger players as a group and we’ve talked about somebody sticking their hand up to win a game. And when you look at our record this season, someone has generally done that, whether it was George Lavelle with that unbeaten 61 against Northamptonshire at Blackpool or George Balderson taking two vital wickets at Hove.”You can be critical of the way George Lavelle has got out at times but the way he has played has changed the momentum of games. Our young players are changing the direction of matches, not always with centuries or with five-wicket returns, but with vital contributions nevertheless. That exposure has been absolutely brilliant for them and there will soon come a first-class game, maybe a Roses match, in which that exposure will help them.”Many of the young Lancastrians got their opportunities because several players – Phil Salt, Luke Wood, Richard Gleeson, Liam Livingstone, Tom Hartley, Matt Parkinson – were playing in the Hundred. However, none of the newly disenfranchised six will play against Kent, although three of them are with England anyway and Livingstone is injured. But Lancashire’s coaching staff also had to be changed when Glen Chapple and Carl Crowe were seconded to the Manchester Originals. Graham Onions, Karl Krikken and Craig White all took on new roles and will also be involved at Nottingham.

“He is really a disruptive technology because his skills are just as applicable to these times as they were to the last years of the 20th century. To watch him go about his business with such pleasure is amazing”Keaton Jennings on Darren Stevens

Other faces will be more familiar to Jennings, most notably, perhaps, Luke Wells, whose century in the second innings of the Roses match was a perfect example of what happens when a T20 mentality is grafted on to the pure technique of an intelligent cricketer. Wells’ 124 off 82 balls included 11 fours and half a dozen sixes, three of the latter being struck in the fourth, sixth and seventh overs of the innings off Ben Coad and Jordan Thompson. A repeat against Kent would do Wells’ skipper very well indeed but his century was really only the latest manifestation of the change in the batting allrounder’s cricket since he left Sussex in 2020. And Jennings’ enjoyment of the innings was enhanced by the fact that he was sitting on his bat 22 yards away watching the show.”I haven’t seen a first-class innings like that for a long time,” Jennings said. “It was controlled, it was calculated and it was executed beautifully. Luke just said ‘I’m just going to play and I’ll see what happens.’ My role was to face as few balls as possible and get him on strike.”Luke was already a good player at Sussex and now he’s a really good player who has gone from strength to strength. The change has been good in that he’s challenged himself to be the best he can be very single day. You can see in his gym work that he’s different gravy to what he was two or three seasons ago and he’s maybe added a few years onto his career.”But another player who has added something like a decade onto his career – and, if he is to be believed, isn’t finished yet – will be strolling out for Kent having already ensured that Lancashire are being viewed as the red meanies in this year’s Royal London Cup. Perhaps 90% of those watching the final will be hoping 46-year-old Darren Stevens ends up on the winning side, and were the circumstances different, you get the feeling that Jennings would be amongst them.”I’ve played against Stevo quite a bit and he’s got me out quite a few times as well,” he said. “For me, his biggest attribute is his ability to change over time and adapt his skillset to learn, grow and get better. He’s done that over three generations of cricketers across a 25-year career and that shows a level of skill, a hunger and a drive to get better.”He’s really a disruptive technology because his skills are just as applicable to these times as they were to the last years of the 20th century. To watch a guy go about his business with such pleasure is amazing.”

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to loan out Raheem Sterling after struggling to sell him permanently.

Chelsea keen to offload SterlingOpen to loaning out wingerBlues trying to sell 8 othersFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Telegraph states that Chelsea are prepared to loan out the 30-year-old again, following an underwhelming stint at Arsenal last season. The Blues are reportedly trying to sell eight more players before the transfer window shuts on September 1.

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Sterling's career appears to be heading in the wrong direction after falling out of favour at Chelsea and failing to impress on loan at Arsenal last season. The England international, who scored one goal and added five assists in 28 appearances for the Gunners in 2024-25, has been linked with Fulham but is also open to the right opportunities outside of London.

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The report adds that Chelsea are trying to arrange permanent exits or loans for Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, and potentially Tyrique George and Aaron Anselmino.

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Former Manchester City man Sterling, who has scored 19 goals and added 15 assists in 81 games for Chelsea, is said to be on wages in excess of £300,000 a week at Stamford Bridge, and that is proving a difficult hurdle when it comes to moving him on. Incidentally, his contract runs until 2027.

Eberechi Eze’s future at Crystal Palace is once again in the spotlight, with Tottenham Hotspur keen on a move for the England international. However, the transfer could face delays after manager Oliver Glasner revealed the midfielder’s release clause has expired, meaning Palace now have full control over whether their star man leaves before the end of the window.

Eze’s Crystal Palace release clause has officially expiredGlasner insists the midfielder remains committed to PalaceSpurs must negotiate directly with Palace for transferFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Tottenham have been strongly linked with a move for Eze this summer, but Crystal Palace are standing firm after his release clause expired. The midfielder impressed in Palace’s 0-0 Premier League opener against Chelsea, though his goal was ruled out in accordance with a rarely-enforced law. For now, the Eagles still see Eze as central to their plans, with two weeks left in the transfer window.

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Glasner moved to play down speculation and stressed Eze’s commitment to Palace. He told reporters, “I expect him to be back playing for us against Fredrikstad.

“I’m sorry, it's nothing personal with all of you, but I said it's good advice to the kids, don't always believe what you read, especially on the internet and here's the same. Who knows that this is the truth, what is written? There are rumours and so many rumours and everybody tells somebody something for his own advantage, maybe.”

Glasner continued: “And again, if everything or most of the things that are written about them is true, they couldn't perform like this. The team couldn't be together like this. The team couldn't be committed to each other like they are. It's just not possible. So again, I'm quite calm. But I also know we have two weeks to go [of the transfer window] and I know Eb’s [release] clause is gone, so it's the club's decision, and we will see what happens.”

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Eze’s release clause, previously set at around £60 million, has now expired, giving Crystal Palace full control over his future. Tottenham remain keen, but Palace are under no obligation to sell unless they receive an offer that they see as worthy. With the transfer window closing in two weeks, his situation could drag on until deadline day.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR EZE?

The England international is expected to play for Crystal Palace on Thursday in their Europa Conference League qualifier against Fredrikstad. Spurs are likely to continue pushing for a deal, but will need to test Palace’s resolve without the advantage of a release clause. For now, the midfielder remains firmly in Glasner’s plans at Selhurst Park.

The ground still has several slushy pockets and its drainage has been overwhelmed by overnight rainfall

Daya Sagar and Nagraj Gollapudi10-Sep-2024Several slushy pockets in the Greater Noida Sports Complex ground along with drainage that has been overwhelmed by heavy rainfall have prevented the one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand from taking off. For the second straight day, there was no play possible, not even a toss, and there is growing fear that the entire game might be wiped out.On Tuesday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) acknowledged that the situation was grim, saying it was doing everything possible to start the Test, but the wet weather was proving to be insurmountable. “If it rains like this, no venue is going to be able to host a game,” Menhajuddin Raz, ACB’s international cricket manager said.There has been no rain in the daytime though, leading to questions about why the match has not been able to start. ESPNcricinfo has learned that the outfield is not sand-based, which would’ve been better at soaking up the moisture and also quicker when it comes to drying. The drainage system has also come under significant strain from the intense rainfall that has disrupted Delhi and neigbhouring regions like Greater Noida, which is about two hours from the nation’s capital.Only a small part of the ground could be protected against this bad weather – the main square, which houses the playing surface and the practice pitches and the 30-yard circle. It is understood that a lot of pockets on the outfield and some even in and around the inner circle – midwicket, mid-off and cover – are slippery. An official present at the venue said the top layer began moving underfoot making it risky and unfit for play.Afghanistan’s opening batter Ibrahim Zadran slipped during practice and twisted his ankle, which has ruled him out of the Test. While the ACB sent out a media statement about the injury, the official believes it was a result of the outfield’s deterioration.Being the host, the responsibility lies with ACB to ensure the venue is match fit. In a statement the ACB said that the BCCI has been assisting by providing “additional machinery” to make “conditions ideal” for the match to start. It is understood that at the behest of the Indian board, Ankit Dutta, the curator at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi travelled to Greater Noida on Tuesday. A super sopper was also sent to the venue to help with the drying. Dutta is understood to have told the ground officials as well as the ACB that he saw no immediate remedy.Tim Southee inspects the pitch with match referee Javagal Srinath•AFP/Getty ImagesIn the past several days both Afghanistan and New Zealand have struggled to have a proper net session. On Tuesday, New Zealand did some light training in the main square, but the fast bowlers were unable to come off a full run-up. The official said that while the super sopper was welcome it wouldn’t be able to bind the loose top layer which can only happen with more sunshine.This Test is not part of the ICC’s World Test Championship. The ICC, too, doesn’t have to get involved in this game other than appointing match officials. However, questions are now being asked about whether there was due diligence done to check if the venue was equipped to withstand bad weather. Raz stressed that they were.”Look, the venue is an international standard venue,” he said. “It has hosted around 12 [11] games internationally. It’s not like it’s a new venue. It’s just the rain which has affected everything so much. And that’s the only reason we’re not having a game on day two.Related

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Day two of Afghanistan-New Zealand Test called off despite sunny conditions

A gloomy debut for Test cricket's newest venue in Greater Noida

“As per the international standard, like at least three-four months, even six months before, you make a recce of the venue. And then, you make sure everything is normal. It’s not only us [the home team] who does this recce. It’s the visiting team as well – their team and their player association team do the recce, too. Everything was so good.”The whole issue arose because of the heavy rain which has happened over the last two weeks or so. And then, last night, I don’t know if you guys were there or not, but I’ve got a couple of videos which I’ve recorded on my phone. And it wasn’t looking good at all. Even if it had been any other venue, they would have struggled to get it back on time, ready for a game of cricket.”Raz said that the BCCI had given Afghanistan Bengaluru and Kanpur as other venue options, but they chose Greater Noida. This ground last hosted international cricket in 2020. India have never used it for any of their fixtures.”This venue has always been Afghanistan’s home venue,” he said. “We have been playing games here since 2016 [2017] and have hosted Ireland here. Logistically also this was the most feasible venue for us. You get a flight maybe from Kabul and from Dubai to Delhi, and then two hours of drive from there.Two full days have been lost in the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test•AFP/Getty Images”We heard from the local experts that the monsoon finishes here in mid-August and then you don’t get any rain. So, it’s not that something has gone wrong [from our side]. It’s just from above.”Raz was specifically asked if they considered the drainage facilities while finalising the venue. “I would say yes,” he replied, “because that’s always something which plays its role when it comes to the venue. And we have got many of the facilities here that are required to drain such rain. If you witnessed the rain last night and then the level of work the groundstaff has put together… they had to get water pumps inside to get the water outside of the stadium. It’s only a few patches that are stopping the game. Apart from that, it doesn’t seem to be a big problem.”The Greater Noida stadium comes under the control of the local administration, and not the BCCI or the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association. Raz said the ACB had full cooperation from the local administration.”They have been working hard to make things happen. Look, we had a three-day game here with one of the local teams which went well. We didn’t face any issues. But no one can control the rain. It is not the groundstaff’s fault, it is no one’s fault.”The ACB’s commercial manager, Akbar Mohammad Paktian, said that they even tried shifting the Test to another venue.”Even we called up the nearby other venues,” he said. “We tried working on a solution to shift the game, shift the event. And they said that because of the same rain, they will not be able to prepare the venue in the coming 24 hours.”Raz hoped if there was no further rain, the match could start on time on Wednesday. However, just a few minutes after that, it started pelting down again, putting the third day’s play in doubt as well.