All posts by h716a5.icu

Joe Clarke won a controversial umpiring reprieve and then struck a century to bring Worcestershire victory in an exciting run chase against Leicestershire

ECB Reporters Network06-Jul-2016
ScorecardJoe Claake made the most of his second chance•Getty ImagesJoe Clarke scored his third Specsavers County Championship hundred of the season after benefiting from an umpires reprieve as Worcestershire gained a three wicket success over Leicestershire at New Road.The England Lions player went to three figures off 146 balls with 15 fours as Worcestershire chased down a 366 target in 75 overs after being 73 for 4 and triumphed with 10 balls to spare.The Foxes thought they dismissed the 20-year-old when he was given out lbw by Jeremy Lloyds on 31 with the total on 147 in pursuit of a 366 target in 75 overs.Clarke walked off, although he appeared unhappy at his dismissal, but after Jeremy Lloyds and square leg umpire Graham Lloyd conferred the England Lions player was recalled to the middle.Leicestershire skipper Mark Cosgrove was clearly unhappy and remonstrated with the umpires. But Clarke continued his innings and later went to his century with a cover drive for four off Neil Dexter.Worcestershire’s director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: “In many ways we got out of jail. Leicestershire were ahead of us for a period of time but what I was really impressed with was the spirit we showed when it really mattered.”Joe Clarke’s innings was a match winning innings. I have seen something like that before. George Sharp once gave Daryl Mitchell out and realised he’d made a mistake and reversed the decision and there have been other occasions it has been done.”I think you have to take that sort of thing on the chin. I know it is going to upset Leicestershire but if the umpire thinks he has made the wrong decision then he has a right to change his decision and you just get on with it.”Cosgrove did not protest too loudly after the match. “We played pretty well all game. We knew there wasn’t much in the game so with the declaration we had to leave a little bit of a carrot there and they batted really well. The umpire made his decision, he changed his mind and brought him back. It is just one of those things. You don’t see it very often.”Clarke shared in a fifth wicket stand of 142 in 34 overs with Ross Whiteley who survived three chances to equal his best score of the season – 71. Then Joe Leach accompanied Clarke in a sixth wicket partnership of 108 in 17 overs.Clarke was eventually run out for a chanceless 123 from 172 balls with 17 fours by Leicestershire keeper Ned Eckersley’s direct hit at the non-striker’s end after Leach had called his partner through for a quick single.But Leach’s second major contribution with the bat of the game – 64 not out from 51 balls – saw Worcestershire over the finishing line. It was their second Championship success of the campaign and rekindled their promotion challenge.Daryl Mitchell and Brett D’Oliveira safely negotiated eight overs before lunch when Worcestershire began their reply in a mattch rekindled by Leicestershiree’s declaration but then four wickets went down in the same period immediately after the interval.Clint McKay removed the openers, having Mitchell (32) caught behind and D’Oliveira (16) at gulley after he fended off a lifting delivery.Tom Fell (10) then nicked a Charlie Shreck through to the keeper and the same bowler held onto a return catch from Tom Kohler-Cadmore (5) to leave Worcestershire on 73-4 with 59 overs still remaining.Cosgrove and Paul Horton had earlier scored centuries and rewrote the record books as Leicestershire added 135 in 29 overs this morning before the declaration.The pair created a new third wicket record for Leicestershire in matches against Worcestershire by adding 264 in 57.3 overs before Cosgrove declared at 307-3 after his dismissal for 148.It surpassed the previous best stand of 194 by Chris Balderstone and Brian Davison at Grace Road in 1975.Horton was the first to three figures off 198 balls with 11 fours after Leicestershire resumed on 172-2 and the former Lancashire player also completed 10,000 first class runs in his career.Cosgrove, who survived a chance on 66 off Joe Leach, went to his hundred off 165 deliveries with 16 boundaries and the Australian and ex Glamorgan batsman chalked up 12,000 first class runs.He cut loose after reaching three figures, clubbing 6-4-4 and 4-6-4 off successive balls in back to back overs from D’Oliveira and Jack Shantry.Cosgrove was eventually bowled by Jack Shantry and immediately declared to leave Horton unbeaten on 117.

The BCCI’s technical committee has recommended that all Ranji Trophy matches in 2016-17 be played at neutral venues to make domestic cricket more competitive

Arun Venugopal29-May-20163:42

Agarkar: Should be good enough to play at opposition’s home

The BCCI’s technical committee has recommended that all Ranji Trophy matches in 2016-17 be played at neutral venues to make domestic cricket more competitive. The committee’s recommendations, according to the BCCI, seek to “rule out the issues related to preparing specific wickets for home teams, as well as to expose players to play in different conditions.” These recommendations will have to be ratified by the board’s working committee. A similar recommendation, to play all Ranji matches at neutral venues, was made before the 2012-13 season but was later turned down.The pitches used in the Ranji Trophy last season came under scrutiny after nine matches finished inside two days. Former India captain Rahul Dravid was critical of the “poor” pitches that stunted the development of young cricketers. He had also said state associations had to be forced to prepare good surfaces.India A’s tour to Australia approved

The BCCI’s technical committee has approved India A’s tour of Australia in August for two four-day matches and a tri-series. India A had last toured Australia in July 2014 where they played two unofficial Tests against Australia A before playing a quadrangular series that also featured South Africa A and Australia’s National Performance Squad. Australia A had returned the visit with a tour to India in August last year, where it played two Tests against the home side before playing a tri-series that comprised South Africa A as well.

“A lot of people criticise and say Ranji Trophy [knockout] matches should be held in home venues of teams,” he said. “But if teams resort to doing these kind of things, then I think it is better the knockout matches are staged in neutral venues.”While Karnataka coach J Arun Kumar welcomed the panel’s recommendation, his Assam counterpart Sanath Kumar disagreed with the idea.”Apart from not having the home-crowd advantage and the home-pitch advantage, I don’t see anything wrong in that,” Arun Kumar told ESPNcricinfo. “There have been a lot of problems in the past with home-team advantage [resulting in] very bad wickets. Not having crowd support is the only setback but otherwise I think it’s a very fair move.”Sanath Kumar said the existing system, where a team played four games at home and four away, was fair. “I don’t think anybody will now come and watch. [Playing games at home meant] at least a few fans will come and support the team,” he said. “It will be like a knockout match where hardly anybody is watching the game. Instead of this recommendation, they could have had a [neutral] curator to prepare the pitches. That would have been an easier solution.”The technical committee has also recommended that the Duleep Trophy be played entirely as a day-night tournament, with four teams, picked by the selectors, playing in a round-robin format. In January, the BCCI tours and fixtures committee had asked the technical committee to explore the possibility of trialing the pink ball in the tournament. This move is significant considering the board’s keenness to host a day-night Test during India’s long home season where they will play series against New Zealand, England and Australia.Sanath Kumar said there had been discussions about changes in the zonal format of the Duleep Trophy since last season. “[In the coaches and captains enclave last year] we told the BCCI that the zonal system didn’t make much sense,” he said. “In the past we used to play Ranji Trophy at the zonal level and then we go to the knockouts. That time Duleep Trophy had a lot of relevance whereas now Ranji Trophy itself has become an all-India tournament and so Duleep doesn’t have a lot of recognition. Even the players don’t take it seriously.”We suggested that if the selectors select four teams like they do for the Challenger Trophy, it would be a better way of going about things.”

Newcastle United could be poised to transcend past transfer fortunes with an audacious move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar Jr., who is reportedly of interest to the Premier League giants.

What's the latest on Neymar to Newcastle?

According to 90min, Neymar is being considered for transfer to St James's Park in the summer, with the Brazilian's future in Paris looking uncertain.

The report states that United's majority stakeholders, PIF, are hoping to make a 'marquee' signing to spearhead their ascension to the forefront of European football, and Neymar fits the bill.

The 31-year-old would cost a mouthwatering £75m, though if the club are serious about forging a move, finances would scarcely be an unconquerable stumbling block.

French outlet Foot Mercato has also stated that Manchester United are mulling over making a move this summer, with PSG indeed pushing the illustrious star towards the exit.

Should Newcastle sign Neymar?

Clearly, monetary worries are less burdensome than they were a few years ago on Tyneside, and if PIF truly wish to pursue a move for a player of Neymar's ilk, there are few outfits on the globe better placed to do so.

At club level, the renowned "artist", in the words of former boss Christophe Galtier, has plundered 293 goals and 188 assists from 493 matches, with an additional 77 goals from 124 outings for Brazil – the country's joint-highest goalscorer alongside the revered Pele.

For those who would doubt the forward's efficacy and prospects of success at St James' Park, FBref ranks the "phenomenon" – as hailed by compatriot David Luiz – among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers over the past year for goal rate, the top 1% for assists rate, the top 2% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 12% for progressive carries.

On a frankly inconceivable £957k-per-week, Neymar could emulate the Premier League success of Eden Hazard, who was one of football's most blistering offensive forces before his blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid in 2019.

As per WhoScored, Hazard has remarkably recorded an average of 3.1 dribbles and 2.3 key passes per game across the duration of his career, and was once lauded as a "special player" by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for his exploits.

Indeed, the former Blue was instrumental in his outfit's success over the past decade, scoring 110 goals and supplying 92 assists from 352 outings across all competitions, winning two Premier League titles, two Europa League trophies, the League Cup and the FA Cup during his illustrious stay.

There will be hope within the Magpies' camp that a player of Neymar's quality, holding similarity in his innately beautiful ability on the ball and eminent standing as one of his generation's most talented attackers, can indeed take Newcastle to the next level.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has admitted he is still disappointed to have seen Emiliano Martinez leave the club for Aston Villa back in 2020.

Why did Arsenal sell Martinez?

The Argentine had spent a number of years in north London before the decision to leave came about in 2020 with the shot-stopper leaving on numerous loans throughout the years (via Transfermarkt).

However, an opportunity in the Arsenal first team did arise in the 2019/20 campaign for Martinez after Bernd Leno went down through injury.

Martinez was handed 23 appearances across all competitions in that campaign including their FA Cup final triumph at Wembley Stadium against Chelsea (via Transfermarkt).

That spell in the starting XI saw Martinez receive a lot of praise for his impressive performances between the sticks for the Gunners.

But it seems it also fuelled his demand for regular action in the starting XI which perhaps the north London side were unwilling to provide him with.

And speaking on the Behind The Game show, Wright has told the Argentine just how disappointed he was to see him leave the Emirates Stadium for Villa:

(7:14) "I can't lie. I was disappointed to see you leave because, in that moment, you were amazing."

Wright then revealed the voice note he sent the Argentine after he found out he was leaving for Villa Park:

"I remember I sent you a message when you were leaving Arsenal and I thought Villa got you for very, very cheap."

"Hey Emi, it's Ian Wright, man. I just want to say to you congratulations, thanks for the 10 years, man. You've been magnificent for us, never complained, just got in and took our chance. You deserve everything you're getting. Good luck with the Argentina number one. I know you're gonna get it. God bless."

Did Arsenal make a mistake?

The Gunners have had a terrific campaign in the Premier League which has seen their defensive record proven to be one of the best in the league.

Their current goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, has been able to keep the third-most amount of clean sheets in the league this season (12).

But since leaving, Martinez has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the league having enjoyed success in the league with Villa as well as for his country, Argentina.

Martinez has been able to keep just one fewer clean sheet (11) than Ramsdale who has operated in a side that is pushing to win the Premier League.

And internationally, the Argentine was able to get his hands on the Golden Glove award in the winter's World Cup which he side tasted triumph.

His impressive spell at Villa has seen the £120k-per-week ace linked with a potential return to north London – just to the white side.

It is apparent Wright is still frustrated by the decision to leave the Gunners back in 2020, however, it is a move in which both parties have been able to blossom from.

Arsenal have seemingly found their long-term option in Ramsdale and Martinez has found somewhere that could potentially offer him European football for next season.

Chelsea made it five defeats in a row under interim manager Frank Lampard as they were beaten 2-0 by Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

The result surely brings an end to any distant hopes of securing European football for next season and with a tough fixture list to come, it feels remarkable to consider that the Blues can’t even consider themselves completely safe from relegation considering their current form.

Lampard opted for the same formation and much of the same personnel that started the 2-0 defeat against Real Madrid last time out and it produced the same result, with the Blues’ woeful record in front of goal continuing with yet another blank.

What happened in Chelsea vs Brentford?

Chelsea came into the game low on confidence and it was easy to see why on Wednesday night, as they once again failed to truly trouble David Raya in the Brentford goal.

N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva had come close for the Blues before the Bees took the lead just before half-time, as Zanka’s header was deflected into his own net by Cesar Azpilicueta.

The home side pushed for an equaliser in the second half but Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang’s header was the closest they would come, with Thomas Frank’s side making the points safe on the break thanks to Bryan Mbuemo’s fierce strike.

Who was Chelsea’s worst performer vs Brentford?

While Azpilicueta will naturally be the scapegoat after he was hauled off at half-time following his own goal, sadly his overall performance was also far from good enough and perhaps emphasised why he shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting lineup.

The former Marseille man has been a brilliant servant to the club, amassing 503 appearances for the west London outfit, but Wednesday night represents a sad decline for a once-reliable defender.

As per Sofascore, the 33-year-old would earn a disappointing 6.3/10 rating for his performance at Stamford Bridge, which was the worst of any outfield player to feature in the game from both sides.

In the absence of Reece James through injury, Lampard trusted the veteran defender to be his right wing-back on Wednesday night but that gamble simply didn’t pay off, as he mustered just 27 touches of the ball in the first half, completing 11/16 passes with a woeful 69% success rate.

Considering Kepa Arrizabalaga would manage 29 touches and 17 passes, it is easy to see why Lampard was so keen to substitute Azpilicueta upon his return to the side.

The experienced £180k-per-week Spaniard was making his first appearance since February but failed to repay his manager’s faith, as he registered no tackles, no successful crosses and no key passes in a forgettable display.

Neil Warnock once suggested that Azpilicueta was “fortunate” to be at Chelsea and while there is no doubting his commitment, Wednesday night’s display certainly suggests that he shouldn’t be considered a regular any more. Indeed, on this evidence, he would also be ‘fortunate’ if he ever stepped foot in a Chelsea shirt again; it’s clear he’s way past his best.

When Chelsea announced that they had won the race to sign Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk back in January for an £88.5m fee, you would be forgiven for thinking that he could be a player to take the club to the next level.

He had starred for Shakhtar Donetsk during the first half of the season, registering 18 goal contributions across all competitions, and he was one of the most sought-after wingers on the continent.

Since arriving at the Stamford Bridge outfit however, he has underwhelmed so far, grabbing just two assists, while the 22-year-old has an average Premier League Sofascore rating of 6.38/10, succeeding with just 27% of his dribble attempts and failing to score.

Would the Blues have been better off pursuing another January target instead – perhaps one who could have offered a greater attacking threat and settled in better than Mudryk? In Portuguese forward Rafael Leao, Chelsea appear to have missed a trick.

Did Chelsea miss out on Rafael Leao in the January transfer window?

The club were linked with the AC Milan player throughout the winter transfer window, with the Serie A side demanding a fee of €80m (£70m) in order for anyone to sign him, which would have worked out cheaper than the Mudryk deal.

There is no doubt Leao would have been a much better signing for Chelsea than Mudryk when you take a deeper look into their respective stats this season.

Across various attacking metrics, Leao has registered more goals (ten to six), shots per game (3.59 to 1.82), shot-creating actions per game (4.55 to 2.83) and delivered more crosses (57 to 11) this season than the Chelsea winger, suggesting that they may have signed the wrong player.

Leao ranks in the top 10% across Europe’s big five leagues for assists, progressive carries and successful take ons over the past year, whereas the Ukrainian barely ranks in the top 40% for the latter two statistics, clearly suggesting the Milan star is one of the finest on the continent in his position.

Having been dubbed “electric” by teammate Fikayo Tomori, the data does suggest he may have added more goals to a struggling Chelsea frontline and in turn, could have saved Graham Potter from the sack.

That is all conjecture of course, but the stats don’t lie – Leao has been in much greater form than the current Chelsea winger and perhaps in hindsight, would have made a bigger impact at the club.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has been urged by Darren Ambrose to go and hire Vincent Kompany as his next manager.

When will Tottenham appoint a new manager?

Cristian Stellini has been handed the reins in north London until the end of the campaign following the exit of Antonio Conte last month.

However, the search for the Italian's replacement is believed to be underway with a shortlist of potential options said to be on the radar of the Lilywhites.

The likes of Julian Nagelsmann has been linked with the club following his sacking from Bayern Munich, however, Spurs also face competition from Chelsea.

And with their former manager, Mauricio Pochettino, it is believed Real Madrid could provide Spurs with fierce competition in the summer for his services.

But there have also been links to Kompany who has done a sterling job with Burnley in the Championship where he has already secured their spot in the top flight for next season.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former midfielder, Ambrose, has urged Levy to appoint the Belgian given his record as Burnley manager and illustrious career as a player:

(1:10) "I think he's a fantastic manager, won the lot as well. He'd go in there at Tottenham, no one can look at him as if what have you done? Because he's done more than most of them, if not all of them in that team. So I would be going all out to get Vincent Kompany."

Would Kompany be right for Spurs?

One thing which Ambrose made apparent and has been the case is the style of football which Kompany has brought to Turf Moor.

Under Sean Dyche, the Clarets were hit with a label of playing unattractive football, however, that is certainly not the case any more under the Belgian.

Burnley have recorded the highest average possession in the second-tier this season with a staggering 64% of the ball per game.

Only one other side – Swansea City – have even come close to matching that record which goes to show the huge turnaround in style of play under the 37-year-old.

But there has to be the notion of Kompany wanting to carry on what he has started at Burnley with his side now guaranteed to be playing alongside the likes of Tottenham next season.

Taking on the role at Spurs would naturally hand Kompany with the opportunity to work with a higher calibre of player, however, it would be a big step up.

And whether or not that step up is still too early in his career could be a major question he would have to ask himself with failure at Spurs potentially marring his reputation.

Whereas, if he is to remain put at Burnley, if they were not quite able to match their upward trajectory shown this season, then perhaps his reputation would not receive as much of a blow.

Arsenal's academy is one of the most revered across England, with some truly impeccable talent having gone on to achieve great things following their graduation.

What makes this impressive youth production even more special is the frequency with which they seem to produce and promote these gems, paving a fine pathway for these future stars to tread.

It hands them belief that there is a clear way into senior football should they reach the levels required, which in turn likely spurs on even more fine performances for the youth teams.

When a side is thriving it often makes it easier to disseminate these players into the first team, however, given their current title charge, there is arguably no greater high-pressure environment.

It forges an unenviable position, but one which should a youngster thrive, they instantly prove themselves to be a cut above the rest.

Given that Reuell Walters seems to be slowly earning this integration, given his presence on the bench in their last three consecutive Premier League games, clearly Mikel Arteta sees this promise in the teenage defender earning all the plaudits.

Who is Reuell Walters?

Having joined the club in 2020 after leaving Tottenham Hotspur, the 18-year-old quickly established himself as a mainstay in the U21 side despite his youth. This led to an impressive 36 games already for Mehmet Ali's outfit, which is a fine number for any academy player.

A solid defender with the athleticism to make an impact at both ends of the pitch, it is this consistency that has likely led to his increased involvement among the first team.

However, that consistency has often grown into a more expansive role that has been more than deserving of the praise given.

Journalist Layth Yousif had branded him an "outstanding prospect" just last month, however, it was his comment in November that outlines him as someone who could truly challenge Ben White for that right-back spot.

The writer would claim on Twitter that he was: "Very calm & assured with pace to burn."

Whilst the former Brighton and Hove Albion defender has enjoyed a near-faultless campaign in his makeshift role, despite preferring central defence, there is nothing wrong with some friendly competition to maintain those high levels.

His average Sofascore rating of 6.97 almost underplays just how integral the 25-year-old has been, with Arteta even infamously claiming: "I love the boy".

With Walters' chances of completely displacing the defensive hero unlikely, his similar skillset makes him the perfect foil for such a consistent star. In fact, both have form of featuring at centre back or right back and maintain a ball-playing philosophy no matter the consequences.

It seems that Hale End has done it once again with the production of yet another top talent, readymade to reach the top and save the club millions.

Manchester United playing in next season's Champions League is vital for summer spending – with or without the Glazers – according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Will the Glazers sell Man Utd?

The ownership of the Red Devils is one of the biggest talking points in football at the moment, with the saga continuing to rumble on. Bids for the club have been tabled by Qatar's Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS Group, but the Glazers have rejected the first batch of offers.

Many United fans are desperate for the current owners to move on after an up-and-down era at Old Trafford, with many believing new owners could herald a new era, not least Gary Neville, who has spoken negatively about the Glazers, criticising their inability to redevelop Old Trafford, for example.

Tottenham's 1-1 draw away to Everton on Monday night has suddenly left United fifth in the Premier League, and while they are level with the north Londoners with two games in hand, there are now doubts over a top-four finish.

Will Red Devils secure a top-four finish?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs admitted that securing Champions League football is imperative in terms of summer spending, regardless of who the club's owners are moving forward:

"I think the most important thing for Manchester United is qualifying for the Champions League, regardless of who any new owner may be, because that will impact the budget.

"If the Glazers stay, it will be because they've decided to be invested in the football club. Although that won't be popular with the fan base, if Manchester United qualify for the Champions League, and they [the Glazers] remain, they will need to spend.

"If they depart, the Champions League will still impact the budget come summer."

There is no doubt over the importance of Champions League qualification, as despite United showing their capability of signing good players regardless of their situation in the past, they risk falling behind their rivals if they are able to offer an immediate pathway to that competition.

Thankfully, they have two routes to reach it, with Europa League glory also guaranteeing them a spot, but they should still be expected to finish fourth at worst in the league given their aforementioned games in hand on Spurs.

There may be worries that United are running out of steam a little following a long season, but there is clearly enough quality for the Carabao Cup winners to get over the line, and victory at home to Brentford on Wednesday evening would help get back on track.

Rangers could be set to lose Glen Kamara this summer, with Nantes continuing to eye a deal for the midfielder, according to a report from Football Insider.

Which Rangers players could be leaving this summer?

There is speculation regarding the future of multiple first-team players, with Alfredo Morelos edging closer to an exit, amid recent reports that Rangers are yet to offer the striker a new deal. With the Colombian's contract set to expire at the end of the season, the club are aware they will lose him for nothing if an offer is not tabled, amid interest in his services from France and Italy.

The same report also outlines that the Light Blues are at risk of losing Ryan Kent, with the winger's contract also due to expire, as he has shown no desire to extend his stay, despite the offer of a contract extension being put forward. Morelos is not the only Gers player attracting interest from abroad, with a recent report from Football Insider claiming Kamara is being targeted by Nantes, the club that also tried to sign him last summer.

The midfielder was linked with an exit in the January transfer window, with Serie A side Salernitana also believed to be interested, however no deal could be agreed. Rangers' resolve is set to be tested once again this summer, when it appears likely Nantes will make a fresh attempt to sign the Finland international.

Will Glen Kamara leave Rangers?

Judging by Beale's comments about the central midfielder, the manager has no desire to let him leave this summer, previously stating: "Glen has got 100 per cent of my trust. He was hugely important in my previous time here and while he’s still young, he’s coming into the prime of his career."

Since Beale returned to Ibrox, the 27-year-old has featured regularly in the first team, appearing in 14 of the last 17 Scottish Premiership matches, while also starting in the Scottish League Cup final, indicating how highly he is rated by the manager.

Over the past year, the £21k-per-week earner has flourished defensively, averaging 1.88 interceptions per 90, a figure that places him in the 96th percentile compared to other midfielders, also ranking in the 85th for aerials won in the same timeframe.

Kamara has been very solid for Rangers, and he is clearly thought of in high regard by Beale, so it would be a surprise if the club are willing to let him go in the summer.