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Ellyse Perry was satisfied after Australia’s win over New Zealand in a warm-up match in Southampton, but outlined some clear areas that needed improvement before the Women’s World Cup begins later this month

Daniel Brettig15-Jun-2017Allrounder Ellyse Perry has declared Australia’s women need to find the right tempo with the bat in the closing overs of their innings, in order to finish off in the sort of manner that will enable them to lift the World Cup next month.Batting at No. 3 in the absence of the rested captain Meg Lanning, Perry struck a century in a warm-up win over New Zealand at Southampton on Wednesday, but was concerned by how the lower order fell away when a total of more than 300 looked there for the taking.”It was really great to put on those partnerships with Bolts [Nicole Bolton] at the start and then Elyse Villani as well,” Perry said. “It was just disappointing for me personally but also the lower order, we just fell off again. We were set up to score over 300 and we didn’t get there. That’s something to work on but it was nice to get that time in the middle.”In the next couple days it’ll be a real focus for us in training, just making the right decisions on balls to hit and where to score our runs. We don’t have the right tempo at the moment, we’re either going for big shots or defending, I think there needs to be a little more in between where we pick gaps and not letting bowlers settle and putting pressure on ourselves.”After Megan Schutt pinned Suzie Bates lbw with her very first ball of New Zealand’s reply, three wickets for wristspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington and breakthroughs for Perry helped Australia close out the match. They won by a comfortable 46 runs in a game where both sides could use all 15 members of their squads. Overall, Perry felt that it was a step in the right direction toward the level of polish required in the tournament proper.”Everyone got a good chance out in the middle, which is probably what we’ve needed after a really good prep back home and not as much official games,” Perry said. “A bit of rust, but that’s ok, we’ve got a bit of time before the first proper match.”There were lots of positives with both bat and ball but probably just lacking that polish, probably bowled too many four-balls, and a few loose shots and not really finishing our innings off, which was quite disappointing, but they’re solid opposition and it was good to play some good cricket in patches.”The Australians have a morning gym session on Thursday followed by an afternoon off, ahead of another internal practice match on Friday. They have further practice matches against South Africa and Pakistan before a tournament opener against the West Indies at Taunton on June 26.

The BCCI has sent a list of observations, of objections as well as suggestions, to the ICC regarding the new constitution that will be up for vote at the next round of meetings in April

Nagraj Gollapudi20-Mar-2017The BCCI has sent a list of observations, of objections as well as suggestions, to the ICC regarding the new constitution that will be up for vote at the next round of meetings in April.While the major focus of the BCCI’s response was the ICC’s proposed new financial model, the board also sent its thoughts on a number of governance issues, including membership, the role of the ICC chairman and the composition of the ICC Board.The new constitution was passed in principle at the board meetings in February but each proposal is likely to be put to vote separately in April.Here is a summary of the main points the BCCI makes:Membership Committee
– The ICC Board must have final say on membership issues with power to re-examine all aspects of any recommendation of the Membership Committee.- The Membership Committee should be an independent external agency that is not part of the ICC. If not, then members that sit on the committee should not be ICC directors.- One member from each continent should be part of the committee. “This is because admission of a new member and/or re-classification of an existing member will impact all members and views of at least one member from each continent needs to be taken into account before assessing the comprehensive impact of the same,” the BCCI said.- If any member was to fall foul of any terms and conditions, then it should get at least 90 days to carry out remedial action before the committee examines the respective board.- If a member country is in serious breach of its obligations then unless there is “prima facie view” or “sufficient evidence” the ICC Board should not suspend or terminate its membership.- The Dispute Resolution Committee, which deals with appeals on membership issues, must be independent of the ICC. No member of this committee should be an ICC director or part of any other committee.- To avoid any impact on the FTP, any new admission or re-classification of an existing Full Member should only be done at the end of every revenue cycle.- To retain Full Member status, a country should have played a minimum number of Test matches.ICC Chairman
.- The chairman should not be elected through a secret ballot. A transparent procedure must be laid out in the ICC’s Articles of Association.- If a chairman fails to finish his tenure, the new entrant should be appointed only for the remainder of the term and not for a fresh two-year period.- The chairman, acting or full-time, cannot have a vote at ICC Board meetings because the post is an independent authority and the ICC is a members’ organisation.- The CEO should report to the ICC Board and not the Chairman. The CEO and ICC management should be appraised by an independent external agency considering the senior staff is paid “substantial bonuses” based on their performance.- The chairman cannot have binding powers. Only the CEO, under the ICC Board’s instructions, should hold such a power.- The chairman cannot call a special meeting or choose a venue for the same. Only the ICC Board has the authority.ICC Board of Directors
– There should be only one director, not three, representing the Associates on the ICC Board.- The Independent director should be a non-voting member.- A current or former player should have a seat on the ICC Board, but also with no vote.- A secret ballot cannot be triggered by two or more voting members on the ICC Board, which the present ICC constitution permits.- The rule about having a two-third vote to pass a resolution can only apply if all the voting members are present- ICC committees should be independent and not comprise any of the Board directors. “This will obviate potential situations where the same person is part of the MC which makes a recommendation, sits on the Board of Directors which reviews the recommendation to take a final decision, and is also part of the Dispute Resolution Committee which will decide any appeal on membership issues against a decision of the MC or Board of Directors.”

ESPNcricinfo previews the second Test between New Zealand and South Africa in Wellington

The Preview by Andrew McGlashan15-Mar-2017Match FactsMarch 16-20 2017
Start time 11.00am local (2200GMT)1:09

Moonda: Matt Henry might get into the XI

Big PictureAs you were, then. Sort of. Four days of cut-and-thrust set things up for a fascinating fifth day in Dunedin. Then it rained. It’s done that quite a lot in New Zealand this summer. The good news, however, is after a wet and windy build-up the forecast for the five days in Wellington (and you always need to say this with fingers crossed) is shaping up nicely.If the first Test had gone the distance, South Africa had their noses in front going into the final day with New Zealand a batsman and a bowler down. But they were never allowed to dominate, even when their batsmen were building partnerships, due to a combination of a sluggish pitch and accurate bowling.However tight the opening skirmishes on paper South Africa now have a significant advantage with New Zealand having lost both Ross Taylor and Trent Boult. While Tim Southee can help sustain the bowling department, this match will be a test of New Zealand’s batting depth. A No. 4-5 axis of Neil Broom and Henry Nicholls looks flimsy and leaves even more on the shoulders of Kane Williamson who is now ranked No. 2 after his superb 130 in Dunedin.Half of South Africa’s attack also bring with them good memories – and valuable knowledge of the Basin’s characteristics – from the 2012 Test. Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel claimed six-wicket hauls – Morkel’s 6 for 23 remain his career-best – and both will have their sights set on that inexperienced New Zealand top order. That Test five years ago was a draw, though, with Williamson standing in South Africa’s way. It is likely he will need to do the same again.Form guideNew Zealand DWWWW (completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa DWWWLTim Southee will help cover for Trent Boult’s absence, but Ross Taylor’s presence will be harder to replace•Getty Images

In the spotlightAt least to replace Boult, New Zealand have Southee. For the batting it’s a little different. Neil Broom has some big boots to fill, boots that have scored 6030 Test runs. New Zealand have backed his domestic experience – 136 matches of it spread across 14 years – and Broom’s debut will cap a remarkable summer which included quitting his deal with Derbyshire after a surprise recall. His scores in the one-day series of 2,2 and 0 were noted by Faf du Plessis – “we were quite successful in getting rid of him so hopefully that will continue,” he said in Dunedin – but at least Broom has seen enough ups and downs to keep his emotions level. He’ll need that composure this week.Quinton de Kock can expect to face Jeetan Patel as soon as he walks in (presuming New Zealand now don’t leave him out having brought him back) probably regardless of the state of the innings or age of the ball. Four times in four innings Patel has nabbed him and this presents a little challenge for de Kock who has been South Africa’s trump card at No. 7 in recent times, either staging a counter-attacking recovery or hurting tired attacks. This duel has become an enjoyable little subplot of the tour, and perhaps an unexpected one.Team newsNew Zealand did not confirm their final XI with a decision to be made over the balance of the attack. It would be a surprise if they did not return to a single frontline spinner and that leaves Mitchell Santner vulnerable. Colin de Grandhomme’s batting could mean he edges out Matt Henry.New Zealand (probable) 1 Tom Latham, 2 Jeet Raval, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Neil Broom, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 James Neesham, 7 BJ Watling (wk), 8 Colin de Grandhomme, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Neil Wagner, 11 Jeetan PatelSouth Africa are likely to remain unchanged, although du Plessis did leave the door ajar for an extra pace bowler at the expense of a batsman. That would mean dropping JP Duminy, probably for Wayne Parnell.South Africa (probable) 1 Stephen Cook, 2 Dean Elgar, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Faf du Plessis (capt), 5 JP Duminy, 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Kagiso RabadaPitch and conditionsMike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, has admitted he doesn’t want green seamers in this series. The strip was pretty green on Wednesday, but that can often be misleading at this ground. However, what the 22 yards does end up like is a little uncertain. Hagen Faith, the groundsman, has had a fraught build-up with 70mm of rain falling in Wellington the days before Test. The forecast for the five days is promising with currently just a chance of showers on Saturday.Stats and trivia Kane Williamson needs 63 runs for 5000 and also one century to equal Martin Crowe’s record of 17 South Africa have won four of their six Tests at the Basin Reserve – two coming since readmission although 2012 was a draw The previous Test on this ground, against Bangladesh, saw New Zealand overhaul the biggest first-innings score to secure victory – 595 for 8 dec.Quotes”With the weather they have had over the last week, it hasn’t been ideal. There might be a little bit to offer with the surface early on but it tends to be a good cricket wicket.”
“It sounds good. If you have that confidence where you’ve come to a ground in a different country and you’ve done well it sounds very good, but we know it doesn’t mean anything. We’ve got to see what the wicket produces because it has been a bit different this time around.”

Manchester United are showing interest in Juventus winger Federico Chiesa ahead of the summer transfer window, with Erik ten Hag looking to add some quality to his attacking department.

What’s the latest on Federico Chiesa to Manchester United?

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via TEAMtalk), the Red Devils are keen on making a surprise move for Chiesa, with the player looking for a move away from the Serie A side.

Juventus will consider bids in the region of €35m (£30m) for the Italian international, which considering his form before his horrific knee injury suffered in 2022, suggests Ten Hag would be securing a potential bargain, especially if he could get him back to his best.

Could Federico Chiesa improve Manchester United?

Before missing the majority of 2022, the 25-year-old had scored 18 goals and grabbed 14 assists since arriving in Turin at the start of the 2020/2021 campaign, underlining his attacking qualities from the left wing.

His form hasn’t been quite as sparkling since recovering, which is understandable, yet he has still managed four goals and six assists during 2022/2023, a decent enough return and a solid pre-season will surely have him back to his best.

Chiesa is statistically similar to Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka according to FBref, with the Englishman the third-most comparable player to the Italian and given that he has been on fire over the previous few seasons, registering 44 goal contributions, it certainly isn’t a bad comparison to have.

Indeed, this season has seen the pair register similar stats across a variety of attacking metrics such as shots per 90 (2.75 to 2.43), shot-creating actions per 90 (4.56 to 4.34) and goal-creating actions per 90 (0.79 to 0.63), displaying their eye for creating scoring opportunities for both themselves and others.

Both Chiesa and Saka count crossing and holding onto the ball as key strengths according to WhoScored, while they both have a similar style of play as the pair like to cut inside on a regular basis, fashioning chance after chance and this must come into Ten Hag’s thinking if he is considering launching a bid for the player.

He was lauded as “incredible” by journalist Jack Gallagher and having also shone on the international stage, helping Italy win their first European Championship in 53 years after defeating England at Wembley in 2021, he has plenty of experience and a move to Old Trafford shouldn’t faze him in the slightest.

For just £30m, the move is a gamble that could be worth every penny should he recapture his previous form.

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr was removed from Los Blancos' starting XI against Atletico Madrid due to an injury sustained in the warmup.

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• Vinicius was set to start against main rivals
• Sustained an undisclosed injury minutes before the game
• Brahim Diaz replaced him in the starting XI

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Madrid suffered a major blow prior to kick off of their clash with Atleti, as they had to make do without their star man. The Brazilian was withdrawn just minutes before kick-off, leading to mass confusion among fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Brahim Diaz replaced Vinicius in the lineup, and made an immediate impact, bagging the opening goal of the game within 20 minutes. Vinicius was included on Carlo Ancelotti's bench, but the Real boss decided against throwing him into the game in the second half, and the La Liga leaders were eventually pegged back in stoppage time by an equaliser from Marcos Llorente.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Real fans will hope Vinicius does not face any more time on the sidelines, with the Brazilian having struggled with his fitness in the first half of the season. The 23-year-old has been vital for Ancelotti's side since his return, most notably scoring a hat-trick in Real's 4-1 Super Cup final win over Barcelona.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS JR

  Vinicius will be determined to be available next Saturday, when his side take on Girona in a potential title decider. Real are favourites for the La Liga title after pulling clear of arch-rivals Barca, but Girona have been the surprise package of the season so far and won't go down without a fight with only two points currently separating the two teams at the top.

Sabbir Rahman’s 122 went in vain in the first high-scoring thriller of this season’s BPL as Barisal Bulls prevailed over Rajshahi Kings by four runs

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsSabbir Rahman hit nine fours and as many sixes in his 122•BCB

Sabbir Rahman’s 122 went in vain in the first high-scoring thriller of this season’s BPL as Barisal Bulls prevailed over Rajshahi Kings by four runs.Barisal had to thank Mushfiqur Rahim and Shahriar Nafees, whose 112-run stand for the third wicket hauled them close to 200. Then, tight death bowling, none more important than the last over where Thisara Perera defended nine, helped them seal the game.Sabbir arrived at the crease in the first over after Raqibul Hasan was spectacularly caught at cover by Nafees. After punching the ball through the covers for his first boundary, he slammed Monir Hossain for a straight six, for the first of his nine sixes. But Barisal gave him a reprieve on 14 when Al-Amin Hossain dropped him at point.Sabbir ensured the Powerplay overs were put to use as he added 48 runs for the second wicket with Mominul Haque, but the left-hander fell in the sixth over. That was followed by the unfortunate dismissal of Umar Akmal. While the bowler didn’t appeal, umpire Khalid Mahmood was perhaps influenced by Mushfiqur’s appeal. Replays showed the ball was going over leg stump.Sabbir was least affected by that, however, as he hammered hammered sixes off Taijul Islam and Al-Amin as Rajshahi caught up with the chase. At the halfway mark, they were on course, having made 92 for 3. He soon brought up his 100 off just 53 deliveries before ecplising Chris Gayle’s record for the highest individual score (116) in the tournament’s history. When he holed out to midwicket, Rajshahi needed 34 off the last four overs.The chase increasingly looked a struggle from there on as Sammy and Nurul Hasan couldn’t find the boundaries. It got even harder after Sammy left with ten needed off the last seven balls, leaving Nurul and Abul Hasan to see them to 193. It boiled down to six off the final ball, which went for just a single to cover. Al-Amin, whose dropped catch made it hard for Barisal, ended up with three wickets while Monir, Abu Hider and Rayad Emrit had one each.Farhad Reza had earlier removed Dilshan Munaweera and Dawid Malan as Barisal slipped to 21 for 2 in the fifth over. Then it Mushfiqur and Nafees took over, and brought up a potentially match-winning total that was defended with much elan.

Manchester United are “definitely” interested in a deal to bring Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Who is trying to sign Osimhen?

The Nigeria international’s deal at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium isn’t set to run out for another two years, but having established himself as Luciano Spalletti’s top-offensive and second overall best player with a match rating of 7.55, has caught the eye of Erik Ten Hag.

Fabrizio Romano claimed in February that the Red Devils boss is a “big fan” of the 24-year-old’s skill set, whilst Florian Plettenberg has since reported that the hierarchy “really want” to bring him to Old Trafford. The Serie A forward has already handed his admirers a boost by admitting that it’s his dream to one day complete a move to the top-flight and it sounds like they are therefore keeping close tabs ahead of the upcoming window.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth revealed that Osimhen is indeed a serious target at Man United but insisted that any deal taking place is likely to depend on the funds that will be available to them. He said:

“Osimhen could be one of the big movers in the summer. United would definitely be interested because they want to fill that position. But again, as I mentioned before, that takeover and the finances within that club are going to hold a big key in whether they'd be able to get someone like Osimhen or not."

Where would Osimhen fit in at Man United?

Man United striker Wout Weghorst could be set to return to Burnley in the summer after a disappointing loan spell which has seen him score just two goals, so should he depart, Osimhen would be the perfect long-term replacement for Ten Hag.

The Lagos native has clocked up a remarkable 30 goal contributions (25 goals and five assists) in 30 appearances across all competitions this season and he ranks in the 99th percentile for total number of shots by strikers in the top leagues, form which has seen him lauded a “joy to watch” by journalist Josh Bunting.

The £93k-per-week star would also add excellent versatility to the squad with his ability to play as a natural centre-forward, second striker and even out wide on both the left and right flanks, so should the opportunity to sign him arise, United really have a no-brainer of a decision to make.

Everton “would be fools” if they were to hand Dominic Calvert-Lewin a new bumper contract, according to talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.

Calvert-Lewin's injury struggles…

The Toffees striker’s contract at Goodison Park isn’t set to expire until 2025 but he’s failed to have any kind of consistent impact on the team this season, having made just nine starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League, as per WhoScored.

The England international is hugely injury prone as proven over the course of the past two terms, where he’s missed a total of 30 games due to various issues. Last year, he suffered a fractured toe, and this campaign has been even worse with a knee problem followed by a hamstring injury. Sean Dyche is yet to have been able to properly see what he’s capable of on the pitch, but with him earning £100k-p/w, the boss will be mindful that he may have to reduce his squad size and trim the wage bill should the club get relegated at the end of the season.

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor was asked whether he thought Everton could be considering offering Calvert-Lewin improved fresh terms, to which he replied:

“There’s not a chance. When it comes to giving him a contract, Everton have got to consider a pay-as-you-play deal. Low wages with a big appearance fee. It’s gotten that bad for him with the constant injuries.

“No club is going to give him a big contract. There was talk of Arsenal signing him a couple of years ago – but there’s no chance of that happening now. The days of him being worth £40 or £50million are long gone. He’s going to have to prove his fitness across a whole season now. Everton would be fools if they gave him a big contract.”

Should Everton keep or sell Calvert-Lewin?

Calvert-Lewin is certainly a lot more receptive to injuries than Everton would like, but having been a fantastic servant since joining back in 2016, they should keep hold of him because he could still be such a key player moving forward.

The Nike-sponsored star has posted 77 goal contributions in 203 outings on Merseyside and is currently averaging 1.97 shots per game, not to mention that he’s the ideal target man standing at 6 foot 2, which is proven in him ranking in the 97th percentile for aerials won by forwards in the top five European leagues.

Calvert-Lewin is also comfortable playing in six different positions, including anywhere across the frontline, and having been dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Toffees should offer him a new deal, even if it is only a short-term one.

Liverpool are among the outfits interested in pursuing a move for dynamic Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio this summer, with the Spaniard's contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.

That's according to Football Transfers' Jacques Talbot, who claims that the 27-year-old is on the Reds' radar ahead of a possible swoop in the coming months.

Asensio has been with Los Blancos since 2014, when he signed for just €4m (£3.5m) from Mallorca, but has been informed that he will not be guaranteed regular minutes, although reluctant to grant his lucrative wage demands.

The report continues to state that Jurgen Klopp's assistant Pep Lijnders is a huge admirer of the attacker, and with Liverpool stalwart Roberto Firmino confirmed to be departing from Anfield when his own contract concludes in June, Asensio could be a tailor-made replacement, slotting into a new-look frontline, following seasonal signings Cody Gakpo and Darwin Núñez.

Should Liverpool sign Asensio?

Having plied the majority of his career at the Santiago Bernabeu, Asensio is no stranger to success; across his Real career, the £166k-per-week ace has forged 268 appearances, scoring 56 goals and supplying 29 assists, playing his part in clinching a wealth of major honours that notably includes three La Liga triumphs and three Champions League trophies.

The 35-cap international was hailed as "magical" by former team-mate Casemiro, and would certainly bring a new, dazzling dimension to Liverpool's attack, utilising his precision and dynamic capabilities to resounding effect.

As per FBref, Asensio ranks among the top 6% of attacking midfielders in Europe for rate of goals and the top 18% for rate of assists per 90 over the past year, also among the top 8% for pass completion, illustrating a slick, ball-playing prowess which would suit Klopp's system to a tee.

With a successful swoop, Liverpool would indeed wield the perfect replacement for the departing Firmino, who has been integral under Klopp's wing, having signed for the Merseyside outfit for £29m in 2015.

Making 356 appearances, the distinguished Brazilian has scored 108 goals and served 79 assists, paramount to the successful endeavours of the club over the past several years.

Firmino has been hailed as a "leader" by Henry Winter for his feats with the Premier League giants, and despite not featuring from the start on every occasion this term, still ranks among the top 8% of forwards for goals and the top 5% for assists per 90, boasting a similarity with Asensio that affirms the clinical reliability of the pair.

With Liverpool out of sorts this season, and Firmino indeed leaving, Klopp must act swiftly to replace the phenom and ensure the Reds wield a reformed attack capable of surging back toward prominence.

A big update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers attacking midfielder Alex Lowry and his current injury situation…

What’s the latest on Alex Lowry’s fitness?

Light Blues head coach Michael Beale has revealed that the academy product is suffering from an ankle issue and is likely to be out for the next month, which comes after fellow midfielder Malik Tillman was out against Kilmarnock due to a knock.

He told the Glasgow Times: “The day before the Partick Thistle game when he was in the thinking to start; no one near him, the ball came he turned and had a problem with his ankle.

“It was a six-week injury which he is two weeks into. He is out of the boot at the moment.

“But Alex is probably four weeks from being ready to play.”

Is this bad news for Michael Beale?

This will surely be a frustrating blow for the Gers boss as it is another setback for the teenage midfielder in what could have been his breakthrough season at Ibrox.

Lowry made 12 competitive matches between August and October of the current campaign with a knee injury, which left him playing catch-up at the start of Beale’s reign after the team returned to action following the World Cup.

He has only made 11 matches for the academy side.

His phenomenal form for the club’s youth team, and van Bronckhorst’s decision to include him in the first team in 2021/22, highlights the immense talent that the youngster possesses but he will be unable to hone and develop his skills by being on the sidelines nursing an injury.

Beale will not be able to work with the teenager on the training pitch – over the next four weeks – to help him grow and get to a point where the dynamo can play regular football for the senior side and that is why this is frustrating news for the head coach.

It is particularly disappointing that this blow has arisen at the same time as Tillman, who has scored seven goals and provided four assists in the Premiership, is missing with an injury of his own.

The USA international’s absence could have opened the door for Lowry, even if it was just as a substitute, to get minutes in recent weeks and in the upcoming clash with Hibernian, which the Bayern Munich loanee is set to be out for.

Hopefully, the Rangers teenager will be able to return from this latest setback next month and burst into Beale’s plans before the end of the campaign and put his woes behind him. For now, however, it is frustrating for all parties.