New Zealand Cricket has announced a revamped schedule for its domestic T20 tournament, in a bid to make it more family-friendly and convenient to attend. The 2016-17 McDonald’s Super Smash – there has been a sponsor change, too – will run from December 4 to January 7, coinciding with the Christmas holidays. Also, the matches will mostly be played in the afternoons, and will be held at popular holiday spots – including Central Otago, Nelson and Mt Maunganui – to allow vacationing families to attend.The final will be played at the home venue of the top-placed team at the end of the round-robin stage – this team gains automatic entry into the final – to avoid poor attendances at the title match. In all, of the 32 games, 15 will be televised.Last year, the tournament was held from November 5 to December 13.NZC chief executive David White said of the changes: “There has always been a ‘happy days’ element to that time of the year and we think it’s perfect for attracting New Zealanders of all demographics – mums, dads, teen and tweens.”The twenty-over format is all about entertainment and having fun, and we have unashamedly built the competition around that.”

Leicestershire have announced the signing of Sharjeel Khan as an overseas player for the 2017 NatWest Blast season

George Dobell07-Sep-2016

Leicestershire have announced the signing of Sharjeel Khan as an overseas player for the 2017 NatWest Blast season.Sharjeel, who is currently part of the Pakistan limited-overs squad in England, thrashed his maiden ODI century against Ireland recently (he reached his century in just 62 balls) and also made an impressive 58 from 30 balls against England at Trent Bridge.Leicestershire have previously announced that former Australia international Clint McKay will be their other overseas player in the NatWest Blast. They finished bottom of the North Group this season, with four wins, eight losses and two no-results from their 14 games. Sharjeel is expected to be available for the duration of the Blast campaign.”I am aware that there was keen interest from other counties, so I am delighted that we have managed to secure someone of Sharjeel’s ability for the duration of the 2017 NatWest T20 Blast campaign,” Leicestershire’s CEO Wasim Khan said: “He is a powerful hitter who will offer us another option as a T20 opener.””It has been an ambition of mine to play county cricket and I would like to thank Leicestershire for this great opportunity,” Sharjeel said. “A number of fine Pakistan batsmen have played for Leicestershire over the years including Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq and Umar Akmal, and I’m pleased to be following in their footsteps.”

Sri Lanka A took a lead of 72 as Dimuth Karunaratne scored a patient 131

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Oct-2016
ScorecardFile photo – Dimuth Karunaratne scored a patient 131 to keep Sri Lanka A ahead•AFPSri Lanka A’s commanding start to the innings – Test batsmen Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera put on 167 for the first wicket – ensured they finished the second day against West Indies A in a strong position.The left-handed opening pair scored at 4.57 per over, with Perera especially going after a West Indian bowling that might have looked even more pedestrian had it not been for Leeward Islands offspinner Rahkeem Cornwall, who ended the day with 6 for 87, his third five-wicket haul in a row in first-class cricket. Cornwall has taken 42 wickets in his last ten innings.Cornwall broke the opening stand and further damaged Sri Lanka A’s momentum as he picked up Lahiru Thirimanne and Roshan Silva shortly after. However, Karunaratne dug in and scored 131, setting up a fifth-wicket stand of 85 with Niroshan Dickwella, who scored 59. Cornwall then returned to take three wickets for no runs as Sri Lanka A slipped to 337 for 8.They finished on 348 for 8, 72 ahead of West Indies A.

Dean Elgar has defended South Africa’s use of home advantage, as they look to minimise the influence Rangana Herath could have

Firdose Moonda02-Jan-2017

Dean Elgar has defended South Africa’s use of home advantage, as they look to minimise the influence Rangana Herath could have on the series by preparing pitches that take longer to deteriorate. Both Port Elizabeth and Cape Town are known for their suitability for spin, something Russell Domingo pointed out as a concern in the lead up to the series, so South Africa have ordered grassier surfaces and Elgar believes that is a fair ploy.”We’ve been bitten in the past going to places like India, where we’ve played in the desert and the challenge between bat and ball is not realistic. But this is a good cricket wicket,” he said. “If you apply yourself with the ball you’re going to have success and if you apply yourself with the bat you’re also going to have success, as we saw in Port Elizabeth. This is not unfair – it’s not to our advantage or to their disadvantage. It’s a good wicket for cricket. People want to see runs the whole time but for the longevity of Test cricket this is what we need more.”Elgar admitted this was “the most” grass he had seen on a Newlands pitch especially when compared to the previous match played here. Against England last year, a total of 1415 runs were scored and only 19 wickets taken in a drawn match after South Africa lost the opening Test in Durban.”It looked like they put the namesake into the wicket – PPC [Cement],” Elgar joked, referring to the name sponsor of Newlands. “This year there’s a lot more grass and it’s expected playing against a subcontinent team. We don’t want to make it comfortable for them. That would just be stupid of us. Saying that it’s just a good cricket wicket, like we had in Port Elizabeth.”Elgar has called the surface a “new-ball wicket” and expects there to be seam movement throughout the game, although he has not completely dismissed the prospect of turn. By the time it comes, though, South Africa could be bowling again and if that is the case, it will mean their plan will work perfectly.”For five days it’s going to have something in it with the new ball. As the game goes on the wicket might turn more, which is exciting for us batting first. The new nut is definitely going to have assistance throughout the game.”If Elgar’s assessment is correct, Vernon Philander and Kyle Abbott will enjoy an ideal surface. “I’m glad they’re in my side and not playing against me. They’re bowling very well together. It’s a wicket that’s going to bring out the best in both of them,” Elgar said.With so much going South Africa’s way so far, it’s no wonder they are quick to name Newlands a favourite venue but it’s not just conditions that have earned it that title. After the Boxing Day Test was played in front of a crowd that dwindled from 6000 to little over 1000 over the five days, Elgar was happier to see a capacity Cape Town crowd and believes they should be rewarded for their loyalty.”We could play more Tests here. Just playing one Test here a year is rude towards the Newlands crowd because they do come out and support,” he said. “Players feed off that. We hear the talk that it’s going to be a sellout, and it’s great. I think it’s awesome. It’s a bit sad when you play at a smaller venue and there’s not a lot of support but Newlands has never failed. It’s always had great crowd support and there’s always good chat. It’s picturesque. As a player you always want to come back here.”South Africa are due to host at least 10 Tests next season, with series against Bangladesh, India and Australia which means Newlands should get two matches.

Manchester United will be confident that they can tie down Marcus Rashford on a new deal for the coming years at Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Marcus Rashford?

Cited by Viaplay quoted by The Manchester Evening News, Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has signalled that he expects Rashford to renew his £200k-a-week contract at Old Trafford, which is set to run out in the summer of 2024. The 53-year-old said: "I expect Marcus Rashford to renew. He wants it. Manchester United wants it. He is a child of this club, so I assume this will happen."

The Red Devils are said to be making 'good progress' in their efforts to extend the 25-year-old's stay at Old Trafford and could make him Manchester United's best-paid player to ensure he stays at his boyhood club, as per The Telegraph.

Rashford has enjoyed a fantastic season at Manchester United and has been recognised for his consistent performances, being awarded Manchester United's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year award.

In 2022/23, the England international has racked up 30 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Manchester United will offer Rashford a contract that will reflect his status as a key player at the club.

Jones said: "They need to build around Rashford, they need to make sure that he is somebody the crowd can attach to; you've got to have that when building a project like this.

"Rashford doesn't want to leave, he's never wanted to leave, but it's just a case of making sure that he gets the right deal for where he is in his career right now. So I think the excitement will be pretty big.”

Should Manchester United build their team around Marcus Rashford?

It's hard to argue otherwise given his contribution to Manchester United this term and Ten Hag will be keen to see more of the same from his star man in 2023/24.

The Dutchman has tipped Rashford to hit the 40-goal mark next season, as per The Independent, stating: he can improve but I am happy from where he was last season to what he did now, that he brings himself back. We supported him where we could, with the way of play but also in his mental mindset, so we are happy with that. But, yeah, we have to push for more and I am sure he’s capable to score 40 goals in a season, to make also for him the next step.”

WhoScored note that Rashford has been Manchester United's third-most consistent performer behind Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, earning an average match rating of 7.08/10 for his performances.

Rashford has also recorded 120 shot-creating actions in all competitions, as per FBRef, demonstrating his ability to be a chance provided as well as a goalscorer.

It is clear there is more to come from Rashford and Manchester United fans will be desperate to see him sign a new deal at Old Trafford.

The FA confirmed Jurgen Klopp will be banned from the touchline for two Liverpool matches and assessed a fine.

The FA confirmed in a statement that Klopp had received the suspension and been fined £75,000 after comments he made in the media about referee Paul Tierney following Liverpool's dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham in April.

In a newly released letter, the German manager apologised to Tierney for "questioning his integrity" and also for his behaviour towards fourth official John Brooks after Diogo Jota's late goal.

Klopp's initial comments – which were to say "I really don’t know what he has against us" – have been adjudged to have implied bias from Tierney towards Liverpool, an allegation refuted by refereeing body PGMOL and the FA – and since retracted by Klopp in his apology.

GOAL breaks down the key parts of the report and Klopp's apology letter below…

GettyHow did the FA punish Klopp?

Klopp has been fined £75,000 and issued with a touchline ban. The first match of the manager’s touchline ban is "effective immediately" – meaning he will watch from the stands as Liverpool take on Aston Villa at Anfield this Saturday. The second match of the ban will be assessed at the end of the 2023-24 season, provided Klopp doesn't incur any further FA bans or fines.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALKlopp's apology letter in full

The German head coach sent a personal letter to the FA that the organisation re-printed in its official report announcing his punishment. In it, Klopp fully retracted his comments about Tierney and Brooks, admitting what he said in post-match media interviews constituted improper conduct as they implied bias, questioned the integrity of the referee, were personal and/or offensive and brought the game into disrepute.

Here is his letter in full, dated May 3:

Getty ImagesFA's details of 'unwarranted attack'

The FA attached an appendix to its official statement entitled 'the FA v Jurgen Klopp', which detailed what PGMOL called an "unwarranted attack" from the Liverpool boss towards the officials at Anfield during the Spurs game on April 30:

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(C)Getty ImagesFA acceptance of his apology

Klopp may have escaped further penalties because of his whole-hearted apology, which has been accepted by the FA. There has been a significant effort made by the Liverpool boss to clear any allegations of bias, although the FA and PGMOL are working to stamp out such comments, which may damage referees' reputations in the media.

This is what the FA said in response to Klopp's letter:

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.

The ICC has set December 19 as the hearing date for Faf du Plessis’ appeal against his guilty verdict for ball-tampering

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Dec-20164:31

‘I wasn’t trying to cheat, I was shining the ball’ – du Plessis (November 23)

The ICC has set December 19 as the hearing date for Faf du Plessis’ appeal against his guilty verdict for ball-tampering. Michael Beloff QC has been appointed judicial commissioner to hear the appeal.Beloff is the chairman of ICC’ Code of Conduct Commission. He has been part of independent tribunals involving ICC cases previously including the one that found the Pakistan trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir guilty of spot-fixing during 2010 Lord’s Test.On November 22, the ICC match referee Andy Pycroft found du Plessis guilty of ball-tampering and fined him his entire match fee from the Hobart Test against Australia. The ICC chief executive David Richardson had charged him on the basis of TV footage that “appeared to show du Plessis applying saliva and residue from a mint or sweet, an artificial substance, to the ball in an attempt to change its condition”.Three days later, du Plessis launched his appeal against the verdict, with Cricket South Africa supporting his decision and hoping for clarity from the ICC over what constituted an “artificial substance” in rules pertaining to polishing the ball. In response, Richardson said there was no ambiguity over the definition as far as the ICC was concerned, and said he was “disappointed” with du Plessis’ decision to launch an appeal.

Western Australia batsman William Bosisto will captain the Cricket Australia XI in next month’s Matador Cup, with former Test player Brad Hodge named as the side’s coach. Bosisto is one of five men in the squad who also played for the CA XI in last year’s tournament, along with his vice-captain Matthew Short, James Bazley, Liam Hatcher and Ryan Lees.The teenage New South Wales spinner Arjun Nair, who made his Sheffield Shield debut last summer, is part of the 14-man group, having made his List A debut for the National Performance Squad in this winter’s A series in Queensland. Other NPS players from this year who join Nair in the CA XI squad are Tom O’Donnell, Sam Grimwade, Sam Harper, David Grant and Josh Inglis.Fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who played for Western Australia in last year’s Matador Cup, is in the CA XI this summer. Western Australia’s Jake Carder and New South Wales’ Ryan Gibson are the only members of the group with no List A experience.”This is a great opportunity for these emerging players to test their skills and develop their cricket by competing at domestic level,” CA’s national talent manager Greg Chappell said. “The squad contains a number of players who have already played domestic cricket. Hopefully this opportunity will allow these players to push for further selection within states or at the national level.”It’s been really pleasing to see the development of players from last year’s CA XI. Hilton Cartwright and Mitch Swepson are two examples of players who have taken that opportunity with both hands, and have gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months.”Players in this year’s squad now have the opportunity to follow that same path, and we are confident this side will be competitive throughout the tournament.”Cricket Australia XI squad William Bosisto (capt, WA), Matthew Short (vice-capt, Vic), James Bazley (Qld), Jake Carder (WA), Ryan Gibson (NSW), David Grant (SA), Sam Grimwade (Vic), Sam Harper (Vic), Liam Hatcher (NSW), Josh Inglis (WA), Ryan Lees (Tas), Arjun Nair (NSW), Tom O’Donnell (Vic), Jhye Richardson (WA).

Leeds United could appoint out-of-work manager Steven Gerrard as they look to bounce back from Premier League relegation next term, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United and Steven Gerrard?

Leeds United confirmed on Friday morning that they have mutually parted ways with Sam Allardyce following the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.

The Sun previously claimed that some players at the club wanted Allardyce to stay at the Yorkshire outfit; however, former Liverpool icon Gerrard has been linked with taking the manager position and is seen as a 'possibility' if 49ers Enterprises complete a takeover of the Whites.

The report states that Brendan Rodgers could also be considered to lead Leeds United into the Sky Bet Championship, though it is unclear whether he would be willing to drop down a level to get back on the employment ladder.

According to The Daily Mail, West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan and Rayo Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola are also two names that could enter the running.

Leeds United also want to hire a sporting director to replace Victor Orta in what is set to be a period of major change as they build for 2023/24 in England's second tier.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs does think that Gerrard could be a contender to replace Allardyce at Elland Road.

Jacobs told FFC: "I think that Corberan is a candidate but there are complications around that. I think that Steven Gerrard has been looked at as well."

What changes could occur at Leeds United this summer?

Interestingly, Conor McGilligan has previously called Steven Gerrard a "mirror of Marsch" and suggested he would be more suited to managing a team in the Championship.

Plenty of alterations are set to be made at Leeds United in the next few months as they gear up for life in the Sky Bet Championship once again, with several players set to depart to make way for new arrivals.

Jack Harrison reportedly has a relegation release clause in his contract and could be set to return to the Premier League in the off-season, with West Ham United and Aston Villa believed to be interested in his signature, as per talkSPORT.

Calciomercato has also linked youngster Wilfried Gnonto with a high-profile move away from Elland Road and Manchester City alongside Arsenal have an attraction towards his services.

The Athletic also confirm that Brenden Aaronson has a release clause in his deal that has become active due to relegation and the Whites may be braced to lose another one of their prize assets during the transfer window.