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Tasmania were bundled out in a session on the fourth day as the hosts cemented their standing as a domestic powerhouse

Tristan Lavalette24-Mar-2024Cameron Gannon and Corey Rocchiccioli tore through Tasmania late on day four as Western Australia clinched a hat-trick of Sheffield Shield titles with a crushing victory at the WACA.Needing an implausible 538 runs on a tricky surface, Tasmania lasted just 40.5 overs and were bowled out for 160 as they lost 5 for 18.Related

• 'This means more to me than the other two' – Paris pushes his limits to help WA to a Shield hat-trick

• Rocchiccioli fights off flu to elevate his case to be Lyon's heir

• Sheffield Shield team of the season: Webster, Davies, McAndrew… and who else?

• 'It's a difficult job' – Gannon prepares for Shield final after a career on the fringe

• Live Report: Western Australia vs Tasmania, Sheffield Shield final: WA aiming for hat-trick

Gannon, a fringe bowler for most of his long career, starred with a five-wicket haul, while Rocchiccioli finished with 3 for 55.Tasmania imploded against a withering new-ball spell from Gannon and Joel Paris left them at 26 for 3 after the wickets of Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim and Caleb Jewell.Any chance of a miracle ended when Beau Webster, the Shield’s leading run-scorer, fell late in the day as Tasmania’s forlorn chase ended rather tamely. Needing an outright victory to end an 11-year drought, Tasmania played aggressively but they never really had a realistic shot against WA’s brilliant attack.WA cemented themselves as Australian domestic cricket’s powerhouse after an almost flawless performance. It was only the second three-peat over the past 20 years and WA’s first since the late 1980s. WA are the only team to have won three in a row concurrently in the Shield and Marsh Cup.WA completely dominated all facets of the match, while Tasmania appeared overmatched having missed their chance of hosting the final after a last round loss to South Australia.Resuming at 221 for 3, WA’s blueprint was to bat for the long haul in a bid to totally shut Tasmania out of the contest. Hilton Cartwright and Aaron Hardie appeared to be doing just that as they motored to a century partnership.Matthew Wade walks off after his last first-class innings•Getty Images

Tasmania appeared to be going through the motions until the second new ball, but Webster provided a much-needed tonic with a spectacular diving one-handed catch at leg-slip to dismiss Hardie for 47 off Jarrod Freeman.Webster was in the thick of the action and rode a rollercoaster of emotions. He dropped Cooper Connolly at slip and was left exasperated when the bail did not dislodge after bowling a cracker to Cartwright that hit the top of off stump. The WA players on the team’s balcony could not believe their eyes, with a few of them rushing into the room to watch a replay.Webster made amends by holding on to an edge from Connolly as he threw the ball high in the air in celebration. Tasmania bowled a much better length and produced the type of disciplined effort they lacked for much of WA’s first innings.But Cartwright, who made a half-century in the first innings, defied Tasmania and continued his knack for the big stage having made a match-winning half-century in last month’s Marsh Cup final. Cartwright was hoping to end a lean season with a century, but fell agonisingly short when Webster had the last laugh with a delivery that trapped him lbw on the stroke of lunch.Tasmania had hoped to be batting in the second session, but were left frustrated by WA’s more than capable lower order. Tasmania’s earlier spark eroded as they toiled under the sun as WA’s lead raced past 500.Charlie Stobo added to Western Australia’s inroads•Getty Images

But Tasmania were left spooked by the dismissals of Charlie Stobo, who was bowled by a delivery that crept low, and Paris that reared off the surface.Tasmania’s agony was finally over by tea, but they were soon reeling at the crease with Wade nicking off Gannon in the second over. The dismissal ended the red-ball career of Wade, who received a standing ovation from some of the WACA faithful.Gannon and Paris bowled menacingly with the new ball as Jewell and Wakim fell in successive overs. WA sniffed a victory before the close, but Silk and Doran steadied the ship with a 62-run partnership. They managed to blunt the spin of Rocchiccioli and scored relatively quickly with WA boasting an expectedly attacking field.But Silk and Doran succumbed as the sparse sprinkling of fans in the terraces – with many fans having earlier left for the AFL match at nearby Optus Stadium – suddenly were getting excited.They were at fever pitch when Webster and Freemon fell in the same over from the unwavering Gannon as the extra 30 minutes was taken.WA were not to be denied as Paris claimed a spectacular catch to seal a famous triumph.

Trevor Hohns and his selection panel made three big calls for the Brisbane Test – and they all contributed as Australia closed in on a series lead

Brydon Coverdale at the Gabba26-Nov-20170:48

‘I’d rather be in our change room than theirs’ – Starc

Australia’s selectors made six changes for this Test. That, for the mathematically challenged, is more than half the team. Not since 1998 had Australia so significantly revamped their side between two Tests – on that occasion between Bangalore in March and Rawalpindi in October. It worked: Australia won by an innings in Rawalpindi and took the series. The final outcome this time remains to be seen, but Australia’s selectors would so far be satisfied with their decisions.Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were always going to return in Brisbane after Steve O’Keefe and Ashton Agar formed part of a three-man spin attack in Chittagong, and Usman Khawaja’s recall was expected in home conditions after Hilton Cartwright replaced him for a Test in Bangladesh. But the remaining three changes were more fundamental shifts, and all three of those inclusions have contributed significantly in this Test.Shaun Marsh, chosen to replace Glenn Maxwell, contributed 51 in the first innings at the Gabba. It was a teaser of an innings, a start that will ensure Marsh retains his place in the side, but which could have turned into something bigger. Still, Marsh’s contribution to a steadying 99-run stand with Steven Smith cannot be underestimated – even if Maxwell scored 278 at the same time in a Shield game in Sydney. Maxwell is waiting, but Marsh has played a useful role in Brisbane.It was widely expected that Matthew Wade would lose his place having averaged 20.23 since his recall last summer at the expense of Peter Nevill. Wade was preferred due to his batting skills, and a lack of runs meant his position had become untenable. What was not anticipated was that his replacement would be his Tasmania team-mate Tim Paine, a man who has barely kept in the past few Sheffield Shield summers, and who had not scored a first-class hundred since 2006.Paine’s controversial inclusion, and the description by national selector Trevor Hohns of him as the best wicketkeeper in Australia, meant he would always be under immense scrutiny. A difficult dropped chance off Nathan Lyon’s bowling in the first innings was thus heavily analysed. Paine needed one really sharp piece of work to ease the pressure, and it came when his quick hands whipped the bails off when Moeen Ali leaned forward and dragged his foot on to the crease off the bowling of Lyon.Few people seemed confident in the appeal, but Paine was adamant Moeen was in trouble. The third umpire Chris Gaffaney agreed, albeit in a decision that created much debate. The dismissal of Moeen was all down to Paine, and came at an important time: England’s lead stood at 129, and Moeen’s departure precipitated a collapse of five wickets for 40, which in turn left Australia chasing a very gettable 170 for victory.Cameron Bancroft leans into a drive•Getty ImagesAnd that chase brought into play Australia’s other new man, the debutant opener Cameron Bancroft, chosen to replace Matt Renshaw, who had been struggling for runs in the Sheffield Shield. Bancroft fell cheaply in the first innings, prodding tentatively and edging behind, and the importance of this second innings for him should not be forgotten. Two failures on debut would have heaped the pressure on to a young man of intense disposition.Bancroft has incredibly high expectations of himself – he was struck on the helmet while fielding at short leg during this Test, and Mitchell Starc only half-jokingly said Bancroft was disappointed in himself at missing the chance – and likes always to be in the game. He has opened in all 123 of his first-class innings and only once, while opening with Kurtis Patterson for Australia A, has Bancroft not faced the first ball of the innings.But if Bancroft walked to the crease with a lot on the line, he left the ground on the fourth evening having banked his place in the team. His composed, unbeaten 51 had taken Australia to within sight of victory and a 1-0 Ashes scoreline, and his 114-run stand with David Warner will, barring a catastrophe on day five, become just the seventh century opening partnership in successful Australian Test chases.Bancroft looked unhurried at the crease, but was willing to attack when the opportunity presented, as when he lofted Moeen over long-off for the first six of his Test career. He is the first Australian opener to make his debut in an Ashes Test since Michael Slater in 1993 – Slater likewise scored a fifty on debut and went on to a long and fruitful career.Australia’s selectors picked Bancroft on his irresistible form, Marsh for his experience and Paine for his glovework. With Australia on the brink of victory and each of those men having made valuable contributions, Hohns and his panel will consider their decisions justified.

The agent of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has reportedly held talks regarding a move to Saudi Arabia on a £200 million ($270m) contract.

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• Busy summer ahead at Old Trafford
• Lucrative deal presented to Portuguese star
• Has 72 hours in which to make a decision

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils are readying themselves for a busy summer of transfer activity on the back of a forgettable 2024-25 campaign that delivered a 15th-place finish in the Premier League and a Europa League final defeat.

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• Getty
  

  WHAT BRUNO FERNANDES SAID

  Skipper Fernandes is among those that could be moved on as funds are raised for new additions and Ruben Amorim freshens up an underperforming squad. The Portugal international has said of his future: “If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in, it is what it is.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fernandes could now tread a similar path to fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo, with the reporting on discussions taking place between the 30-year-old midfielder’s representatives and Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  A “take it or leave it” offer is said to have been tabled, with Fernandes having 72 hours in which to make a decision. His agent, Miguel Pinto, has been in Riyadh to talk terms – with Al-Hilal eager to have business completed before the 2025 Club World Cup gets underway.

Brevis reprieve helps table-topping MICT to get out of sight in Qualifier 1

Firdose Moonda04-Feb-2025Mumbai Indians Cape Town will play in their first SA20 final after beating Paarl Royals by 39 runs in Qualifier 1 and turning around their fortunes from finishing last in both previous editions of the tournament. MICT have won five matches in a row and are running hot ahead of Saturday’s final at the Wanderers.Their yet-to-determined opposition will all be in action over the next two days with two-time defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape to play Joburg Super Kings in Wednesday’s Eliminator and the winner to take on Royals in Qualifier 2 on Thursday.While MICT’s win was comprehensive, and set up by them asking Royals to complete the highest successful chase at St George’s Park, it was not without controversy. They were 133 for 4 with a ball left in the 16th over when Dayyaan Galiem thought he had Dewald Brevis out for 16. Brevis pulled a full toss to deep backward square and an umpire review ruled the delivery a waist-high no-ball.Law 47.1 states that “any delivery, which passes or would have passed, without pitching, above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease, is unfair. Whenever such a delivery is bowled, the umpire shall call and signal no ball.”Brevis’ front foot was outside the popping crease and he was not standing upright at the time of the shot but despite Paarl captain David Miller’s protests, the call stood. Brevis hit the next ball, a free-hit for six and Galiem was taken out of the attack in his next over after delivering another waist-high full toss which was judged a no-ball. That delivery also went for four. Mitch Owen completed the over, which ultimately cost 27 runs. MICT scored 60 runs in their last four overs and Brevis finished unbeaten on 44. After 15.5 overs in Paarl’s chase, their score was 136 for 6 which illustrates how impactful the no-ball and what followed was on the result.Miller was visibly upset on-field and when Galiem addressed at the post-match press conference, he confirmed that Royals did not feel the ball was high enough to be judged a no-ball. “That is obviously tight but that’s the match officials, they have to make the decisions,” he said. “it could have gone either way. We did feel like he was in a bent position and the shot was out in front of him as well, so potentially if that ball carried on going and it was in line with his body it perhaps could have been a touch lower. It was a touch and go and on another day that’s given and everything changes from there, but again I think we could have still been better in certain situations of the game.”One of those situations was Galiem’s no-ball in his next over, and he did not hesitate to acknowledge that. “I just misexecuted those two deliveries,” he said. “Such fine margins as well. I felt really confident after my first over as well and I just wanted to hit a yorker and I just didn’t want to miss on the short side. I misplaced the ball a little bit.”Rassie Van Der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton lifted MI Cape Town in the powerplay•SA20

He wasn’t the only one to misstep. Another tactical question arose when Galiem was taken out of the attack and Royals, despite having what Miller called “enough bowlers to pick from” in the post-match television interview chose not to use Andile Phehlulwayo. On the slower St George’s Park surface, his medium-pace may have been handy, but Phehlukwayo has not bowled at all in the tournament, even though two of his three appearances have come in the absence of Lungi Ngidi.All that suggests Royals have a few selection issues to deal with as they head into the Eliminator, including how they are going to find runs with Joe Root no longer part of the squad. Root left for national duty last week and though Owen is a promising replacement, he has done more with ball than bat so far. “He is obviously just adjusting to South African conditions but he’s an amazing player, we saw what he did in Australia and we know he’s got that about him, so it’s only a matter of time,” Galiem said.The team that has time now is MICT. Victory in the qualifier means they have three days to prepare for the final, albeit one of those will be a travel day, while the other team that qualifies will only have one. They recognise that as an obvious advantage. “It would have been first prize not to play another game heading into the final. We are glad that we ticked that off,” Kagiso Rabada said. “We are not taking anything for granted.”While Paarl have lost their last three games, MICT have not lost in seven matches, including a no-result, and are living up to their hype as the franchise with some of the biggest signings. “We have always had the players, but now I think we got together.” Rabada said. “The senior group had a lot to do with it in terms of pulling everyone together. There is also a familiarity between the players. That hunger is there. The hunger has always been there, but I think we just got together more as a team to put in those crucial performances at crucial times. I think that is what is getting us over the line.”Given the run of form they’ve had, they go into Saturday’s final as favourites, irrespective of who they play, and some would say the trophy looks like theirs to lose.

Tarik Skubal won his second consecutive Cy Young award on Wednesday, but his future in Detroit remains murky. While Skubal has emerged as one of the best pitchers in MLB over the last few years and a key part in Detroit making back-to-back postseason appearances, he has just one more year under the Tigers’ control and is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.

The Tigers still have time to try and extend Skubal, but recent reports have suggested that the two sides are not closely aligned on a deal, with Jon Heyman of the reporting last month that the sides were $250 million apart on an extension.

More: Top Tarik Skubal Trade Destinations

If Skubal and the Tigers cannot get any closer on a deal, Skubal will become a free agent in 2026. Alternatively, if the Tigers realize a deal won’t get done, they could try to trade him to ensure they get a return for the ace.

With trade rumors surrounding Skubal, Tigers general manager Jeff Greenberg said Wednesday, “We love Tarik, obviously. It’s pretty obvious what means to this organization. He’s a fantastic pitcher, he’s a Detroit Tiger. We’re never going to talk about our players in the context of trades, but we’re lucky to have him. He’s been a huge piece to what we’ve done.”

When pressed further about whether it’s an obligation to listen to calls regarding Skubal if they don’t have him signed beyond the next season, Greenberg replied, “Again, it’s not something we’re going to discuss in this context, and I’d say that about any of our players. He’s got one year of control, that’s part of the process as it is for everybody in this system. He’s a Tiger. We’re fortunate to have him. That’s the reality right now.”

Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris, who is the team’s decision-maker, had a similar message last month when addressing Skubal’s future. He said in October, “I can’t comment on our players being traded, I can’t comment on free agents and I can’t comment on other teams’ players. So I’m going to respond by just not actually commenting on it. … He’s an incredible pitcher and we’re lucky to have him. That’s all I can say on that.”

Skubal himself said Wednesday, via Evan Petzold of , “Contract extension stuff is a little bit different, but trade stuff is out of my control. I've given everything I have to this organization. I want to be a Tiger for a very long time. … I love Detroit. Hopefully, I'm here. That's where I'm at with all of that."

Suspended Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is in line for a surprise return to action next month after not featuring for over a year, according to reports.

Mykhailo Mudryk banned for positive drugs test

Mudryk’s absence from Chelsea’s first-team setup has now exceeded twelve months, with the Ukrainian international last appearing competitively on November 28 last year before his career ground to a dramatic halt.

The 24-year-old tested positive for meldonium, a performance-enhancing substance prohibited under anti-doping regulations.

Following confirmation of his B sample analysis in June, the FA formally charged Mudryk, leaving him facing a potential ban ranging between two and four years if found guilty.

Throughout the ordeal, Mudryk has maintained complete innocence, and even voluntarily undertook a lie detector test which supported his version of events.

Ukrainian sports journalists have theorised that contaminated stem cell treatment administered during international duty may explain the adverse finding, suggesting the injection originated from cattle previously exposed to meldonium.

Chelsea sanctioned the record £88.5 million transfer from Shakhtar in January 2023, initially viewing him as a transformative attacking signing after hijacking Arsenal’s deal.

However, his Stamford Bridge career proved underwhelming even before the suspension materialised, with inconsistent performances failing to justify the enormous investment.

The club reassigned his prestigious number ten shirt to Cole Palmer following Mudryk’s suspension, signalling their acceptance of a prolonged absence.

Chelsea also reinforced their attacking options by striking deals for Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens in the summer, further blocking any potential pathway back into Enzo Maresca’s plans.

Estevao 2.0: Chelsea looking to sign "one of South America's biggest jewels"

Chelsea could pick up their next Estevao.

By
Kelan Sarson

3 days ago

Reports have suggested that, once Mudryk is eligible to play again, Chelsea could allow the forward to join sister club Strasbourg on loan in a bid to reignite his career.

Mykhailo Mudryk in line for January return as Sevilla eye Chelsea loan deal

Now, according to journalist JM Villalba and Canal Sur Radio, that eligibility could be as early as next month.

Speaking to the Spanish broadcaster, Villalba has reported that Mudryk will be able to play again after January 17, and this has piqued interest from La Liga side Sevilla.

The club are considering a deal for Mudryk once he comes back midway through next month, which is a surprise when factoring in how very little we’ve heard about the winger’s return timeline.

If Mudryk is indeed eligible for a January renaissance, BlueCo should certainly green-light a temporary move away for him.

He quite simply needs game time and renewed confidence following the lengthy layoff, controversy and serious drop down Maresca’s pecking order, with the Spanish top flight potentially providing that needed reintroduction to competitive action.

That being said, it should be a dry loan with no option or obligation to buy, with Chelsea poised to make a key decision about Mudryk’s long-term future.

He still has six years remaining on his current contract, giving the Blues plenty of time to do so.

All the stats and records from a big win for the Jamaica Tallawahs over the St Lucia Kings

Sampath Bandarupalli27-Aug-202114 – The Jamaica Tallawahs’ Andre Russell recorded the fastest half-century in CPL history, in 14 balls, against the St Lucia Kings on Friday. The previous record was off 15 balls, by JP Duminy for the Barbados Tridents against the Trinbago Knight Riders in 2019.ESPNcricinfo Ltd255 for 5 – The Tallawahs’ total on Friday was the second-highest in CPL history. The Tallawahs were at the receiving end when the Knight Riders smashed 267 for 2 at Sabina Park in 2019. The previous highest total by the Tallawahs was 241 for 4, against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2019.49 – Runs scored by Russell in the last two overs of the Tallawahs’ innings, the joint-most by any batter across the 19th and 20th overs of a T20 innings (where ball-by-ball data is available). Umar Akmal also scored 49 runs in the last two overs during his unbeaten 115 in 2016.1 – Only previous instance of a batter walking in after 17 overs in a T20 innings and yet ending up with a fifty (where fall-of-wickets data is available) as Russell achieved today. Abhay Negi recorded the first such instance, having scored 50* off 15 balls for Meghalaya against Mizoram in 2019.120 – Margin of the Tallawahs’ win, the biggest in terms of runs in CPL history. The Patriots, by 119 runs, held the record, while defending their total of 199 against the Tallawahs in 2015.25 – The Tallawahs’ total included 25 extras, the highest in a CPL innings. The previous record was 24 by St Lucia Stars in 2017, against the Tallawahs, when they scored 176 in 19 overs. The seven no-balls by the Kings in the Tallawahs’ innings are the joint-most in a CPL innings.20.33 – Economy rate of Wahab Riaz during his three overs that cost 61 runs – the second-poorest economy for a bowler to have bowled a minimum of two overs in a CPL innings. In all T20s, only three players have conceded more than 61 runs while bowling three or fewer overs.

With their summer business officially underway courtesy of Antonio Cordero, Newcastle United and Eddie Howe are now reportedly ready to make their first approach to sign a big-money Premier League winner.

Newcastle confirm Antonio Cordero arrival

Starting as they mean to go on, Newcastle confirmed Cordero’s arrival from Malaga last week. The young Spaniard is set to officially arrive on 1 July when his current contract expires and he becomes free to complete his move to Tyneside.

After putting pen to paper, the young winger told the club website: “It’s truly an honour to be here, truly a pleasure. I am a person who likes to aspire high. Why not come to one of the best places in the world to do it. It’s a big step, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here. I’m happy to do it and have a great desire to get going already.”

Meanwhile, in what is likely to be one of his final acts as sporting director, Paul Mitchell welcomed Cordero to the club, saying: “Antonio is an exciting talent. We’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amidst interest in Spain and across Europe. He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”

Following an impressive start to the summer, it seems as though the Magpies are only just getting started. Recent reports have indicated that they’ve already made an enquiry to sign Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga and Brighton’s Joao Pedro as they look to make up for missing out on Bryan Mbeumo.

Attacking reinforcements seem to be top of their wishlist too, with Howe now reportedly ready to make his first approach to sign a Premier League winner this summer.

Howe and Newcastle ready to make Grealish approach

According to The Sun, Howe is now ready to personally make an approach to sign Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City as he looks to help the England international revive his career courtesy of Newcastle.

The midfielder was dropped by Pep Guardiola on the final day of the season and reports have since revealed that he could miss out on a place in Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad as the exit door swings open.

The next move is key for Grealish with the World Cup coming up next summer and Thomas Tuchel recently making it clear that he needs to be back playing every week if he is to work his way back into the England squad.

£50m star so close to joining Newcastle his club are lining up replacement

The Magpies are reportedly closing in on a statement signing…

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 8, 2025

The Three Lions boss told reporters: “He is never shy of pressure. It’s the opposite. He grows in big matches but he’s a player who needs minutes and minutes and minutes and simply does not get them for a very long time. That’s basically everything. Nothing has changed.”

With that said, if any side can offer the former Aston Villa star that and cover his hefty £16m-a-year salary, it may well be Newcastle this summer.

Phillips explains what’s going right with his batting after yet another key knock in what has been a fruitful couple of weeks in Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Feb-2025Since landing in Pakistan a couple of weeks ago, Glenn Phillips has played four ODIs, scored 215 runs off 162 balls, and been dismissed only once. That dismissal came today, in New Zealand’s Champions Trophy opener against the hosts, but not before Phillips has thumped 61 from 39 to take his side well past 300 on a tricky pitch where run-scoring was hard especially early on.What’s his secret? “I’m just really clear at the moment, I’m seeing the ball really well and I guess being still at the point of contact and I think that goes a long way in being able to be a hitter,” Phillips said after New Zealand’s 60-run win in Karachi. “I haven’t always got it right in the past, but I’ve got a little bit of a feel for it for the moment.”He had scores of 106 not out, 28 not out and 20 not out in the preceding tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa that served as final preparation for the Champions Trophy. Today, he came in at 191 for 4 in the 38th over, joining a well-set Tom Latham, with New Zealand’s run rate at that point hovering at around five to the over. The pair went on to ransack 125 from 74, New Zealand finishing with 113 from the last 10 which was the second-most by any team in the last ten overs (41-50) of a Champions Trophy innings.Related

• Dale Phillips learns to stop worrying and start living as a 'player of interest'

• Phillips confident NZ have the resources to find success in slower Dubai

• After lengthy injury layoff, Jamieson climbs back from the 'bottom of the cliff'

• Phillips 72-ball hundred flips the script as New Zealand beat Pakistan

• Salman Agha laments Pakistan's poor start with the bat

What was it that held batters back before this partnership? “I think we’ve played a different pitch and it’s played a different way every time we’ve been here [Karachi].”The pacers I think were definitely harder to play in the day when the ball was going up and down a lot. The way Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke bowled [in the chase], it was a testament to how good they did but I think during the day the way the Pakistan boys bowled, especially at the top, made it quite tough for us to get away early on.”I think we’ve been really adaptable to different styles of pitches, and it was nice to see some turn out there in the evening.”New Zealand’s next game is against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24, before they fly to Dubai to take on India on March 2. They will have to keep adapting for a while more to make the semi-finals and beyond, but this was a fine start in that direction.

Joao Felix's move to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr has sparked criticism from his former Atletico Madrid team-mate Saul Niguez, who claims that the Portuguese forward has failed to maximise his potential due to a lack of hard work. Saul insists talent is "worthless" without the work ethic to back it up, and has revealed that "many of us tried to help" Felix during his turbulent years in Europe.

• Felix finalised €50m move to Al-Nassr
• Saul questions Felix’s effort despite natural talent
• Ex-team-mates tried helping Felix during struggles

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Earlier this week, Felix completed his transfer to Al-Nassr from Chelsea in a deal worth up to €50 million, ending a rocky period in European football. The 25-year-old struggled for form during loan spells at Chelsea and Barcelona following a €126 million (£109m) move to Atletico Madrid in 2019 from Benfica. Felix joined Chelsea permanently last summer but soon fell out of favour under Enzo Maresca, and after a forgettable loan stint at AC Milan, he has now left Europe for a new challenge in Saudi Arabia. His decision to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League has drawn major scrutiny from fans and pundits alike, with Saul blasting the forward for his lack of hard work.

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  WHAT SAUL SAID

  Speaking on , Saul said: "Football is a team game. He has all the qualities to be an incredible player, but no matter how good you are, if you don't work hard, it's worthless. I heard a quote from Paco Jemez that said talent without hard work is nothing… Many of us have tried to help Joao, but if one doesn't want to…"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Once hailed as one of Europe’s most exciting talents, Felix has failed to live up to the hype. His inconsistency and nomadic club career have raised concerns about his motivation and long-term ambitions. A move to Saudi Arabia at just 25 has further fuelled the debate over young stars chasing money over legacy.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FELIX?

  Felix has already made his friendly debut for Al-Nassr, featuring alongside Ronaldo against Toulouse. Whether the move rejuvenates his career or accelerates his decline remains to be seen. The 25-year-old faces growing pressure to prove that his talent still holds value on the pitch.