A section of Zimbabwe players have threatened to boycott the series unless their match fees dating back to their tour of Sri Lanka last year are settled

Firdose Moonda14-Jun-2018

Uncertainty continues to cloud next month’s T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe, also involving Australia and Pakistan, which remains at risk of a Zimbabwe player boycott.Less than a day after sources told ESPNcricinfo Zimbabwe’s players “understood,” they would not be paid until at least July but acknowledged the importance of playing in the tri-series, the same sources confirmed the players demand for outstanding salaries to be paid by June 25 remains in place.Zimbabwe’s players are owed two months of salary and match fees dating back to their tour of Sri Lanka last year and a section of players remain adamant they will make themselves unavailable for international duty unless the bills are settled.However, some players have relaxed their view on taking part in the on-going warm-up matches against Kenya and have chosen to use the fixtures as practice in the event the tri-series goes ahead.As reported on Wednesday, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, John Nyumbu, Richmond Mutumbami, Tendai Chatara, Natsai M’shangwe, Donald Tiripano and Chris Mpofu played in games against Kenya but Hamilton Maskadza, Peter Moor, Brendan Taylor, Kyle Jarvis, Ryan Burl and Sean Williams had not. Former captain Graeme Cremer, allrounder Sikandar Raza, batsman Craig Ervine and fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani were not named in the practice squads.Raza and Muzarabani are currently playing overseas. There were no fixtures scheduled for Thursday but Friday’s matches may reveal more about which players intend to avail themselves for the national side.Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has acknowledged that they are in a financially precarious position and have not been able to meet their commitments. Ten days ago, in a comment to ESPNcricinfo, ZC said it was “top priority,” to settle its bills and would begin processing payments. Since then, the players have received one month’s worth of salary but are still owed another two, as well as the long-overdue match fees.ZC have also since appointed Vince van der Bijl as a consultant to assist in plotting the way forward, while the players are operating through a representative Gerald Mlotchwa. The players are working on reforming an assoication, which became defunct in 2015, in order to negotiate with ZC.The tri-series is due to start on July 1 and then Zimbabwe are set to play five ODIs at home against Pakistan.

If Kings XI win:

• RCB will be eliminated because the maximum they can get to will be 12 points. Sunrisers Hyderabad (18), Chennai Super Kings (16), Kings XI (14) and the winner of the game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals (14) will be out of reach.
• Kings XI will not only strengthen their chances of qualifying for the playoffs, but also have a shot at finishing in the top two.
• Mumbai Indians will have to win their last two matches to stay in contention, and even that may not be enough.
• Knight Riders and Royals will stay in contention.

If RCB win:

• RCB’s playoff hopes stay alive. If they win their remaining games, and if other results go their way, RCB could even qualify without worrying about net run rate.
• Kings XI will also stay in contention, because they could still finish on 16 points by winning their last two games. Even 14 points may be enough if other results go their way.
• Sunrisers will be assured of a top-two finish, because Super Kings will be the only team that could match or beat their present tally of 18 points.
• Mumbai could still go through if they finish on 12 points because of their strong net run rate.

Australia new coach cannot believe how the team culture got to a stage where Cameron Bancroft was put in a position to tamper with the ball

ESPNcricinfo staff10-May-20180:46

Langer: Ball-tampering mistakes can be forgiven

Australia’s new coach Justin Langer cannot believe how the team culture had got to a stage where its youngest and most inexperienced member – Cameron Bancroft – was put in a position to tamper with the ball during the Cape Town Test in South Africa.”When I first became an Australian cricketer, if Allan Border had asked me to tamper with the ball I would have, because I would be too scared not too,” Langer told Channel Nine. “The difference is that Allan Border would never have asked me, and Bobby Simpson (coach) would have killed me. He would have killed anyone who brought the game into disrepute.”What I can’t believe is that Cameron Bancroft walked into the Australian cricket team and he was in a position where he made that decision. In terms of the culture and how it got to that point I don’t know, I am not close enough to say. But I will certainly find out. I will be walking into the cauldron soon and I’ll find out.”Langer succeeded Darren Lehmann, who resigned as Australia’s coach at the end of the tour of South Africa in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal. Lehmann had been cleared by a Cricket Australia inquiry of prior knowledge to tamper with the ball, a plot that was found to involve the captain Steven Smith, vice captain David Warner and Bancroft.CA banned Smith and Warner for 12 months, and Bancroft for nine, and there were additional sanctions on holding leadership positions in Australian cricket as well. All three players accepted their punishments.”They are really tough sanctions, but that said, they should be and the reason they should be is because we have said forever that we don’t bend the rules, we don’t cheat,” Langer said. “[But] there’s not one person who has not made a mistake.”Langer’s first assignment as full-time Australia coach will be the ODI series in England in July.

The offspin bowler will attempt to follow in the footsteps of Luke Ronchi by attempting to qualify for New Zealand via a new contract with the Auckland Aces

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jun-2018William Somerville, the New South Wales (NSW) offspin bowler, will attempt to follow in the footsteps of wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi by attempting to qualify for New Zealand via a new contract with the Auckland Aces.Somerville, 33, was born in Wellington, and made his first-class debut for Otago before moving to Sydney and performing with distinction for NSW; he was the second recognised spin bowler in NSW after the Test spinner Nathan Lyon. He asked to be released from his contract early to be available for Auckland. Somerville’s first-class record reads: 16 matches, 55 wickets at 26.87.”I appreciate being allowed the opportunity to pursue my professional career in New Zealand,” Somerville said. “It has been a tough decision, but one I hope will be best for me personally and of course my family. Everyone in (NSW) has been great to me as a cricketer and more importantly as a colleague and friend. I shall miss them, but leave with very fond memories. It has been a life changing few years for me.”Mark O’Donnell, the Auckland coach, said Somerville came with a recommendation from Bruce Edgar, the Wellington coach. “Bruce is friends of the family and Will was looking to play,” O’Donnell said, according to the . “Bruce asked if there was any interest. It fits nicely for us in all three formats. We just need a bit of experience going in support of our young seamers. The fact he asked for an early release from his contract (at NSW) just emphasises his desire to play here in New Zealand.”Andrew Jones, the NSW chief executive, said that the state was happy to allow Somerville the chance to pursue international honours across the Tasman. “We would love to have kept Will at NSW, as he is a terrific cricketer and even better bloke,” he said. “He proved himself an outstanding first-class spinner every time he had an opportunity with the Blues. However we want all our players to achieve their potential in the game hence we fully support Will’s effort to play at the next level. We will all be very proud if and when Will makes his debut for New Zealand.”The now-retired Ronchi, who played four ODIs and two T20Is for Australia in 2008-09 after keeping wicket and batting explosively for Western Australia, took a contract with Wellington in 2011 and went on to play extensively for New Zealand in limited-overs formats.

Leeds United ran riot today in their Championship win over Millwall, defying all expectations to truly kickstart Daniel Farke's reign at Elland Road.

Described by journalist Joe Donnohue as the "most complete performance of the season", many thought that today's clash would mark the first true test of this new regime, travelling to the feared Den.

How did Joel Piroe play vs Millwall?

Having weathered an early storm from the hosts, it clearly gave the Whites the confidence needed to grow into the game and go ahead after a nice run of play saw Joel Piroe score his first.

Although his second was slightly more fortuitous, his brace spearheaded an emphatic victory for the visitors to propel them up the table.

Unsurprisingly, the Dutchman's 8.2 Sofascore rating for the game was merited, although it was hugely buoyed by those two goals which proved so important.

Other than that, the striker largely struggled to make an impact despite once again being deployed deeper.

In fact, it was arguably his strike partner who truly stole the show for Farke, as Georginio Rutter continues to mastermind his comeback after last season's thorough disappointment.

How did Georginio Rutter play vs Millwall?

Having signed for a club record £35m, expectations were understandably but perhaps unfairly high for the 21-year-old who was expected to spearhead their survival push.

Given today's clash was played in the Championship, it is clear that this was a failed venture, although that was far from Rutter's burden to hold.

Should he prove to be as instrumental as this early-season form suggests, that could end up being one of Jesse Marsch's unwise investments that actually come to fruition.

After all, the £70k-per-week forward's 8.6 rating was the highest of anyone on the pitch, as he managed to not only score but assist too, via Sofascore.

However, it was his creativity that truly stood out in a match that was crying out for a magical moment, which Rutter gladly provided on numerous occasions.

The former Hoffenheim ace provided a startling five key passes despite starting the match up front, with his positional fluidity proving tough for the hosts to compete with.

Some stellar defensive work buoyed the aforementioned figure further, as he would also win four duels whilst making two interceptions and one tackle, as per Sofascore.

It was a performance bound to draw praise, with the away support handing him "his flowers" in the words of Donnohue.

Then, another writer in Graham Smyth would wax lyrical after handing the forward an admirable 8/10 in his post-match ratings: "Fought to try and hold the ball up, provided an assist, played a part in the second goal and scored the third. Not everything he tried came off but he deserved his ovation."

Such a persistent effort to create something special helped him to stand out in a game that could have easily devolved into a scrappy affair. Fortunately for Farke, he was in possession of a magician with true quality which shone through on the day.

Although Piroe will steal the headlines for his brace, Rutter's continued performances at a level befitting a side hoping for promotion will be of far more importance to the German tactician after today.

Big Picture

The perfect day and the worst day. Rarely have emotions been so polarised than with England and Australia at Trent Bridge. The teams have less than 48 hours to reset themselves before starting again at Chester-le-Street with two distinct aims: a push for a whitewash for England and a face-saving exercise for Australia.There was talk of a whitewash the last time these teams met, in Australia earlier this year, but England’s ambitions on that occasion we scuppered by one of their eye-watering collapses when they slumped to 8 for 5 in Adelaide. That, perhaps, remains Australia’s best chance of taking something this time – that England have a day when they nick a lot rather than middle shots into the stands – although the bowlers took such a hammering at Trent Bridge that it will be tough to recover.It is a mark of the expectations around this England team that holes were picked in the first two performances of this series and it is rare for Eoin Morgan to sound as satisfied with an outing as he did in Nottingham – although if he wasn’t happy then, he may never be. Still, the perfect day in a bilateral one-day series against a poor team is one thing. England will want to save a few for this time next year.After a perfect display, perhaps the one thing England would like is a few more wickets with the new ball. Mark Wood has taken two scalps in three matches with Australia, by and large, not having too many alarms against his new-ball spells only to repeatedly stumble when spin is introduced. That’s working fine for England now, but if they can make impact with the new ball – which highlights the significance of Chris Woakes’ absence – they become even more formidable. And there’s a daunting thought.

Form guide

(last five completed matches, most recent first)
England WWWLW
Australia LLLLW

In the spotlight

Joe Root isn’t a slogger. He almost managed a wry smile when he walked out at No. 7 at Trent Bridge. It will have been one of the least-pressurised situations he will ever have batted – and he barely middled one shot. His fifty in the opening match, when England had lost three early wickets, showed how important his role in the side remains. He purred to a half-century at The Oval and eased into the 20s at Cardiff, but after the pyrotechnics in Nottingham he has had the quietest series of the top order.Tim Paine admitted he hadn’t had a worse day on the cricket field in his life than Trent Bridge. He’s a good man in a difficult position. His captaincy of the one-day team is even more of a sticking plaster than with the Test side, where he at least justifies his position. It’s hard to say the same in this side. You could even suggest he isn’t the best option in this squad: Alex Carey is a talented, dynamic keeper-batsman. If Australia are serious about reviving their one-day team, Paine does not look the answer. He may have just two more matches to make a case.

Teams news

England have bolstered their pace attack by calling up Craig Overton and Sam Curran. Morgan hinted at the potential for changes due to the lengthy journey from Nottingham to Durham and the short turnaround between games. Tom Curran and Jake Ball were already part of the squad, so may get first dibs.England (probable) 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow, 3 Alex Hales, 4 Joe Root, 5 Eoin Morgan (capt), 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Moeen Ali, 8 David Willey, 9 Liam Plunkett/Jake Ball, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Mark Wood/Tom CurranWhat can Australia do? Shuffling deckchairs on the Titanic springs to mind. Justin Langer has suggested Nathan Lyon could get a call-up, although that may create issues with the tail. Andrew Tye may need to be benched after a tough couple of games. Aaron Finch’s move to No. 5 hasn’t worked, either.Australia (probable) 1 D’Arcy Short, 2 Travis Head, 3 Shaun Marsh, 4 Marcus Stoinis, 5 Aaron Finch, 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Tim Paine (capt & wk), 8 Ashton Agar, 9 Jhye Richardson, 10 Kane Richardson, 11 Billy Stanlake.

Pitch and conditions

Chester-le-Street can offer more help to the pacemen than some grounds around the country, although the Royal London Cup did feature scores over 300. The forecast is set fair for the day-night game and the match is a sellout, an important boost for a county that has had well-documented struggles of late.

Stats and trivia

• This is the first ODI at Chester-le-Street since 2015 – when England beat New Zealand in the decider to take the series 3-2
• Jonny Bairstow’s four centuries in 2018 already equals the most by an England batsman in a calendar year (David Gower in 1983)
• Andrew Tye’s series economy rate of 7.96 is the highest for an Australia bowler to have delivered at least 20 overs in a series

Quotes

“Their top three are brutal. The way they are playing is reminiscent of how we used to play in our day with Gilly, Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting at the top.”
“We’ve always looked at series like this, and games with one day in between, as quite rigorous for the bowlers. Their risk of injury goes through the roof. So we’ll have to see how they pull up, and what they can do.”

Arsenal have been linked with a surprising move for struggling Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk in the summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

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Mudryk originally wanted by ArsenalSigned for Chelsea but has struggledGunners interested alongside JuventusWHAT HAPPENED?

The Ukraine international was signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2022 for a staggering fee worth up to £89 million ($113m) including add-ons. Thus far Mudryk has come nowhere near living up to that price tag, with his most impressive showings arguably coming on his debut against Liverpool and during pre-season this term. Despite an underwhelming start to his Chelsea career, Arsenal are reportedly interested in bringing him to north London, according to Spanish outlet .

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The report notes that Chelsea will listen to offers for the 22-year-old winger, with a primary objective being a loan transfer to build up his development. However, the Blues could be interested in a permanent sale, where Arsenal and Serie A giants Juventus are listed as potential suitors. That said, Chelsea would look to recoup a significant portion of that £89m investment which, as the report acknowledges, would be difficult given Mudryk's recent performances.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal, of course, were once seen as the primary location for Mudryk before his eventual switch to Chelsea. Mikel Arteta is thought to be a big fan from his Shakhtar playing days and only neglected to sign him after being usurped by the Blues' mammoth offer at the 11th hour. Videos had even been circling of Mudryk praising Arteta and wearing an Arsenal shirt.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MUDRYK?

Chelsea may hope their north London counterparts do them a favour as they did when signing Kai Havertz for a staggering £65m ($82m) last summer, and pay over-the-odds for another struggling forward. However, that eventuality would require Mudryk to build on his sorry tally of four goals in 26 appearances this term.

The former New Zealand allrounder had been diagnosed with bowel cancer last month, and had a tumour removed

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jul-2018

Sir Richard Hadlee will undergo further surgery following the discovery of secondary cancer in his liver. An NZC statement said it was still at a “very early stage”. The former New Zealand captain had been diagnosed with bowel cancer last month, and had undergone surgery to have a tumour removed.”Medical advice is that it’s still at a very early stage and is operable,” the release, issued on behalf of Hadlee’s wife Lady Dianne, said. “Once he has recovered from the operation, Richard will undergo further chemotherapy treatment.”As with the first statement released on this matter, we disclose these details solely in the interests of transparency, and to avoid speculation and gossip. We would again ask that people respect our request for privacy.”

James Vince struck a half-century as Hampshire secured a five-wicket win to move closer to the knockout stages

ECB Reporters Network30-May-2018
ScorecardReece Topley bowled Hampshire to the brink of the Royal London Cup’s knockout stages as they beat Middlesex by five wickets at Merchant Taylors’ School.Topley, who committed himself to white-ball only cricket over the winter as he makes another injury comeback, made Middlesex regret their decision to bat first in bowler-friendly conditions following a delayed start.His 4 for 40 ensured the hosts were restricted to just 199 for 8 in their 45 overs, a target the South Group leaders made comfortably, despite a mid-innings wobble, led by 56 from England discard James Vince.Eyebrows were raised when Middlesex skipper Steven Finn opted to bat after winning a toss delayed for an hour by early morning rain.Deprived of club captain Dawid Malan on Test duty and England one-day skipper Eoin Morgan, ruled out with a cracked finger, much depended on openers Paul Stirling and Nick Gubbins. However, Gubbins perished early, caught in the gulley for 9 giving Topley his first wicket.Under murky skies and with an outfield too wet to afford batsman value for their shot-making, even Stirling with two centuries already in the competition struggled to break the shackles.He did hoist Topley for one huge six into the car park but trying to repeat the shot he fell to the next delivery, holing out at mid-off.This left Max Holden, making his List-A debut for Middlesex and the barely more experienced Stevie Eskinazi needing to entrench.The pair kept the scoreboard ticking but save for a huge straight six from Holden boundaries were scarce in a third-wicket stand of 62 ended by Vince who trapped Eskinazi lbw for 42.Topley then returned to the attack to have Holden caught behind for 38 just as the hosts were attempting to accelerate.Overseas player Hilton Cartwright and wicketkeeper John Simpson attempted another rebuild before the former had his furniture rearranged by former Middlesex man Gareth Berg.And when Simpson lofted Mason Crane into Topley’s clutches at mid-off just three overs later Middlesex were 158 for 6.A few lusty blows from Tom Helm got Middlesex to the brink of 200, but Topley bowled him to complete his four-wicket haul.In reply, Rilee Roussow was caught behind to a reckless swipe off Finn, who also had Alsop caught by Eskinazi at short cover.But with Joe Weatherley providing solid support for the free-flowing Vince the visitors were seemingly cantering inexorably towards victory with even the competition’s leading wicket taker Ravi Patel – back on his old schoolground – unable to unsettle them.Vince’s 50 came in 64 balls, but with his team in cruise control the England man needlessly took on mid-on fielder James Franklin who promptly ran him out.When Weatherley holed out to Finn at mid-off from the bowling of Sowter six balls later, Middlesex briefly had hope.Sowter had Bradley Taylor caught behind for 11 to crank up the tension, but Jimmy Adams and Lewis McManus’ 60-run stand eased Hampshire home with 26 balls to spare.

A section of Zimbabwe players have threatened to boycott the series unless their match fees dating back to their tour of Sri Lanka last year are settled

Firdose Moonda14-Jun-2018Uncertainty continues to cloud next month’s T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe, also involving Australia and Pakistan, which remains at risk of a Zimbabwe player boycott.Less than a day after sources told ESPNcricinfo Zimbabwe’s players “understood,” they would not be paid until at least July but acknowledged the importance of playing in the tri-series, the same sources confirmed the players demand for outstanding salaries to be paid by June 25 remains in place.Zimbabwe’s players are owed two months of salary and match fees dating back to their tour of Sri Lanka last year and a section of players remain adamant they will make themselves unavailable for international duty unless the bills are settled.However, some players have relaxed their view on taking part in the on-going warm-up matches against Kenya and have chosen to use the fixtures as practice in the event the tri-series goes ahead.As reported on Wednesday, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, John Nyumbu, Richmond Mutumbami, Tendai Chatara, Natsai M’shangwe, Donald Tiripano and Chris Mpofu played in games against Kenya but Hamilton Maskadza, Peter Moor, Brendan Taylor, Kyle Jarvis, Ryan Burl and Sean Williams had not. Former captain Graeme Cremer, allrounder Sikandar Raza, batsman Craig Ervine and fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani were not named in the practice squads.Raza and Muzarabani are currently playing overseas. There were no fixtures scheduled for Thursday but Friday’s matches may reveal more about which players intend to avail themselves for the national side.Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has acknowledged that they are in a financially precarious position and have not been able to meet their commitments. Ten days ago, in a comment to ESPNcricinfo, ZC said it was “top priority,” to settle its bills and would begin processing payments. Since then, the players have received one month’s worth of salary but are still owed another two, as well as the long-overdue match fees.ZC have also since appointed Vince van der Bijl as a consultant to assist in plotting the way forward, while the players are operating through a representative Gerald Mlotchwa. The players are working on reforming an assoication, which became defunct in 2015, in order to negotiate with ZC.The tri-series is due to start on July 1 and then Zimbabwe are set to play five ODIs at home against Pakistan.