New videos have emerged which explained why Saturday's Championship fixture featuring Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town had to be abandoned just ten minutes before full-time at Ewood Park. Blackburn were leading 1-0 against ten-man Ipswich, who are part-owned by singer Ed Sheeran, when the referee stopped the game due to torrential rain and, after checking the pitch conditions, called it off.
Yellow weather warning was issued
Before the game kicked off, a yellow weather warning was issued by the Met Office. Despite the rain, the match went ahead as scheduled and it was goalless in the first half. The visitors were reduced to ten men after the break as Jacob Greaves was shown a red card for a clumsy last-man foul on Yuki Ohashi. Minutes later, Todd Cantwell scored from the penalty spot to hand his team the lead. As Rovers were racing towards a win, the game had to be halted due to the deteriorating condition of the playing surface.
AdvertisementVideos show why referee abandoned the match
A video shared by journalist Alex Jones on X revealed that the referee tested the pitch condition by rolling the ball on a couple of occasions. In the video, the ball can be seen getting stuck due to a waterlogged pitch. Meanwhile, UK broadcaster ITV have shown the moment the referee brought play to a halt.
Stadium announcer delivers bad news to home fans
Addressing the fans at Ewood Park, the stadium announcer said: "Thank you for your patience. Game abandoned. A decision will be made by the officials whether the match will be replayed in due course."
Getty Images SportWhen will the match be played?
The replay date for the Championship clash has not been announced yet, and it is not yet known whether it will be fulfilled in its entirety or from just the point the initial match was stopped.
Celtic remain two points behind their closest rivals in the Scottish Premiership title race after an emphatic 7-1 win over Dundee on Wednesday night.
Brendan Rodgers' side were incredibly ruthless at Parkhead as they took a 5-0 lead inside 36 minutes and ended the match with seven goals from ten shots on target, as Trevor Carson endured a night to forget between the sticks.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, Adam Idah, Matt O'Riley, Daizen Maeda, Greg Taylor, Connor McGregor, and Daniel Kelly all got their names on the scoresheet on the night.
Celtic's Daizen Maeda.
Matt O'Riley was one of the stars of the game as the Danish magician showcased his immense attacking quality. However, he was not the only supremely impressive performer as right-back Alistair Johnston ran the show from his full-back position.
Matt O'Riley's statistics against Dundee
The former Fulham prospect was an influential figure in the middle of the park for the Hoops as his creative quality was on display at Parkhead.
O'Riley assisted the first with an excellent cross from a free-kick to the back post for Carter-Vickers to nod the ball past the goalkeeper from close range.
The Denmark international then scored a header of his own before registering a second assist with a pass to Maeda in the box, who turned brilliantly to fire the ball into the far corner.
Sofascore rating
9.3
Pass success rate
93%
Touches
113
Key passes
Two
Duels won
Two
As you can see in the table above, O'Riley was a constant presence in possession with the second-most touches of any players on the pitch.
He made a huge impact in the final third and remained composed enough on the ball to rarely give it away with his attempted passes throughout the game.
The statistics that show Alistair Johnston ran the show
Johnston starred for Celtic alongside O'Riley with a phenomenal display at right-back. The Canada international ran the show in possession with more touches (156) than any other player on the park.
With those touches, the right-footed dynamo created more chances (three) than O'Riley and created as many 'big chances' (one) as the impressive midfielder.
He completed more passes (118) than any other player on the pitch had touches, with a success rate of 94%, and this highlights how much of an outlet the talented gem provided the team down the right flank.
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston.
Johnston was always available for a pass and helped Celtic to control, dominate, and put the game to bed during the first half with a clinical display.
The 25-year-old whiz, who was almost faultless defensive with a duel success rate of 89% (8/9), also picked up an assist for his attacking efforts.
Just like against Motherwell on Sunday, Johnston was released down the right flank and provided a perfect cross for Idah to find the back of the net, although this time with his head rather than his left foot.
It was a fantastic all-round performance from the right-back, who also completed three of his four attempted dribbles, as he was effective and impressive with his work in and out of possession throughout the game, which is why he ran the show alongside O'Riley.
Chelsea are apparently willing to bid for a "spectacular" player this summer as chairman Todd Boehly plots to continue the club's lavish spending.
Pochettino faces season-defining next few Chelsea games
Reports have suggested manager Mauricio Pochettino's future at Chelsea could depend on how they perform over their next few matches, especially their crunch EFL Cup final clash with Liverpool at Wembley (Pete O'Rourke).
Journalist shares "key" detail on how Chelsea chiefs could sack Pochettino
Todd Boehly and senior club officials may take action on one condition.
ByEmilio Galantini Feb 7, 2024
The Blues, before their much-needed 3-1 win away to Aston Villa in the FA Cup earlier this week, suffered back-to-back humblings with Liverpool and Wolves putting Pochettino's side to the sword.
This piled pressure on Chelsea's head coach, who has so far failed to build upon the club's near-£400 million summer spending spree last year. Boehly and the club's board have spent over £1 billion in total since Clearlake Capital's takeover in 2022, but that so far hasn't translated to consistently excellent on-field performances.
"We are not good enough [today]," said Pochettino after their defeat to Wolves last weekend.
Lesley Ugochukwu
6.20
Noni Madueke
6.47
Malo Gusto
6.50
Mykhailo Mudryk
6.55
Axel Disasi
6.63
"Myself, also. I’m responsible for this situation. What we showed today was not good enough. We didn’t manage the situation properly and of course no one can be safe. I don’t want to come here and say I am the best. We’re all responsible.
"The players need to take responsibility like I take responsibility. At the moment we’re not matching the history of the club. That’s true. We need to accept it, be critical but we cannot give up. We’ll work hard to change. If it’s not working in this way, we need to move on and find a different solution."
With the summer window just around the corner, it will be interesting to see if Chelsea dip into the market again to try and solve glaring issues. It is believed they want to strengthen the midfield department further as one example, with news emerging on Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
Chelsea willing to bid £85 million for De Jong
The Dutchman is apparently attracting Stamford Bridge interest, and it is believed Chelsea are even willing to bid around £85 million to sign him in the summer.
That is according to journalist Luis Miguelsanz, who wrote as much in an article for Sport this week. De Jong, who is rumoured to be on around £231,000 per week, has been at the centre of contract re-negotiations to disperse his salary over more years at Camp Nou.
Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong
However, talks are proving very difficult in what is a complicated situation. If Barcelona are forced to sell their star midfielder, then clubs like PSG and Chelsea are apparently waiting in the wings.
Xavi is in no doubt about the player's quality, though, having called him one of the best midfielders in world football.
"He has been at an extraordinary level for months," Xavi said.
"He gives us a lot. He breaks lines of pressure, he drives forward. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. He's spectacular."
Junior Firpo, in the absence of other left-backs, has stepped up to the mark for Daniel Farke's Leeds United in recent games after his Whites career looked in danger of completely fizzling out at one point.
Firpo has three assists from three after being reinstated into the first team ranks in West Yorkshire, starring against Birmingham City on New Year's Day to show to everyone at Elland Road that he won't just exit the Championship club with a whimper – notching up two assists in a convincing 3-0 home win.
Leeds United defender Junior Firpo.
Yet, despite this new lease of life coursing through Firpo's veins encouraging the Leeds fanbase that once got on his back to reevaluate their preconceptions, one transfer development coming out of the Whites could see the ex-Barcelona man's improved game time cut once again.
Leeds looking for a left-back
Linked with the likes of Conor Roberts, Neco Williams and even Ben Davies recently, as per The Athletic it's obvious the problem area Leeds are trying to add depth to this January.
Another name that keeps popping up is West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, who could give Leeds a versatile and adaptable figure that can play anywhere across the defence.
Confirmed to have interest in the Hammers man by Phil Hay, whilst writing for the Athletic this Wednesday, the defender's competence at playing left-back across his time at the London Stadium could have Firpo worrying about his newly found first-team spot.
In detail, Hay wrote: "Johnson is also on the list. The 23-year-old has seen relatively few minutes this season, is on course to be out of contract in the summer and has rejected offers of an extension to his current deal, but Leeds would favour a loan agreement in this window. "
Leeds could land "fantastic" upgrade on Firpo & Spence after Phil Hay reveal
Leeds United could upgrade their defence significantly with this signing, slotting him in alongside an in-form Joe Rodon.
ByKelan Sarson Jan 17, 2024
With TEAMtalk reporting last month that Firpo was talking to former club Real Betis over a possible move back to Spain – before his reintroduction into the starting XI by Farke – this news involving Johnson could see the 27-year-old itch for a move away again.
How Ben Johnson compares to Junior Firpo
Johnson's potential arrival to Elland Road would see Leeds opt for a no-thrills player over the slaloming and exciting nature of Firpo, but a dependable presence who very rarely lets anyone down.
Johnson has come into David Moyes' side when needed without causing any disruption to harmony present at the London Stadium, making 57 Premier League appearances for the Londoners as a useful if unflashy player.
The West Ham number two has arguably excelled playing down the left-hand side when called into action, registering two assists from 22 appearances filling in there.
Described as being a "wonderful professional" by ex-Hammers first team coach Stuart Pearce for his acceptance at being a utility player, he could well be the sort of presence Farke fancies during a promotion push.
Firpo, in stark contrast, struggled when Leeds were in the top-flight – only helping the Whites keep one clean sheet from the 19 times he featured during their disastrous relegation season down to the second tier.
On top of that, the 27-year-old would only help himself to a singular assist from those games with a dire 6.55 Sofascore rating averaged over the pitiful campaign.
With the likes of Archie Gray and Joe Rodon comfortable on the ball and progressing up the field, Johnson's addition could also give the Whites a dogged defender who is unafraid to do the dirty work away from beginning attacking moves.
The 23-year-old trumps Firpo when it comes to undergoing his basic defensive duties according to FBRef, bettering the revitalised Leeds defender in aerials won with Johnson winning 1.48 per 90 minutes over the last year compared to Firpo's 1.01.
Leeds United defender Junior Firpo
Yet, Johnson won't hesitate in helping his team push further up the field if needed with the fringe Hammers defender bettering Firpo surprisingly in progressive carries with 1.97 managed to Firpo's lesser 1.44.
Former West Ham player Frank McAvennie commented on the potential of this deal with Football Insider, stating that the Whites would be gaining a "quality" player who could help steer the West Yorkshire titans to a pivotal promotion.
Ben Johnson West Ham
Proving himself to be an all-rounder at the London Stadium, Farke should go all in for the services of the wantaway 23-year-old with Firpo prone to blowing hot and cold across his topsy-turvy Leeds career to date.
da dobrowin： No discurso que abriu a cerimônia do “Prêmio Brasileirão”, o presidente da CBF, Rogério Caboclo, saiu em defesa dos árbitros brasileiros. Ele reforçou que não houve prejuízo ou benefício a qualquer clube ao longo da disputa da Série A, legitimando o bicampeonato conquistado pelo Flamengo nesta quinta-feira.
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da lvbet： – Não existe clube prejudicado, favorecido. Porque se existe uma classe justa, isenta e que eu aposto, e que pertence ao time da CBF, é a classe da arbitragem. São profissionais que merecem todo nosso respeito. Os árbitros do Brasil não erram mais que o árbitro de qualquer lugar do mundo. Por isso eu tenho a honra de dizer que o campeão do Brasil se consagrou dentro das quatro linhas.
Rogério Caboclo abriu a cerimônia e falou por cerca de 35 minutos. Em seu discurso, o mandatário, além de defender os árbitros brasileiros, ressaltou o fato da entidade ter mantido e realizado todas as competições previamente agendadas para o ano de 2020, apesar dos impactos da pandemia da Covid-19.
Rogério Caboclo também rebateu os questionamentos feitos sobre o calendário brasileiro, muitas vezes criticado por técnicos e jogadores dos clubes nacionais. O mandatário ressaltou a responsabilidades dos clubes.
– Se os clubes jogam 80 partidas, significa que os clubes assinaram 80 partidas e a CBF transforma isso em calendário. O calendário não é feito pela CBF e não é o presidente de hoje, é o de ontem, que fez com que o jogador que está aqui, o técnico que está aqui, dispute 80 partidas…por conta dos contratos firmados, não pela CBF, a CBF não assina os contratos. Falo para os presidentes isso. Se algum treinador ouviu errado, que agora entenda certo. Não existe calendário irracional feito pela CBF – comentou o presidente da CBF nesta sexta-feira.
O “Prêmio Brasileirão” é uma cerimônia anual organizada pela CBF que elege os principais destaques do Campeonato Brasileiro. Nele, são escaladas seleções com os melhores jogadores e jogadoras do Brasileirão Assaí e do Brasileiro Feminino A-1, além de premiar destaques como artilheiros, revelações, árbitros e outros campeões brasileiros na mesma temporada. Com a participação de jornalistas, capitães e treinadores dos 20 clubes da Série A.
Having reached the halfway point of the January transfer window, there's little indication that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will make any drastic changes to his high-flying squad.
In the summer, the Reds completed transfers for four new midfielders to restore some energy and verve to the engine room, and with this moving to be such a success, the need for reinforcements at the 2023/24 campaign's midpoint has been made less so.
First-placed in the Premier League, holding the advantage over Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-final and also advanced in both the FA Cup and Europa League, silverware is attainable from numerous angles this season and the possibility of a momentous crescendo in May is very much a possibility.
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ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024
The signings made in the summer, all arriving from abroad, have been impactful but this time Klopp appears to have his eye on a Premier League star, and if the chance arises then a formal approach could materialise in the summer.
Liverpool's transfer plans for the summer
According to Spanish outlet AS, Liverpool could be preparing to complete a stunning swoop for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazilian's future at St. James' Park in doubt.
Guimaraes has a £100m release clause in his contract – which is payable over three instalments – with Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona all interested in securing his services.
kalvin-phillips-bruno-guimaraes-newcastle-opinion
Newcastle are one of the richest football clubs worldwide after being purchased by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund but are hindered by the Premier League's Profit & Sustainability regulations and may need to cash in on one of their standout stars, with Guimaraes sure to fetch a pretty penny indeed.
How Bruno Guimaraes compares to Liverpool's midfielders
Guimaraes signed for Newcastle from French side Lyon for £40m back in January 2022, near the genesis of the club's transformative takeover, and he has been the fulcrum of the midfield ever since, utterly magnificent in guiding his team up the table and qualifying for the Champions League with a top-four finish last season.
Praised as a "world-class" player by Magpies teammate Dan Burn, Guimaraes truly is special and plays his role as a modern hybrid midfielder deployed deep in the centre of the pitch to perfection, blending defensive application with his innate technical abilities.
The titan has played 87 times for Eddie Howe's side and racked up 11 goals and ten assists in the process, and while his injury-ravaged team have endured a tumultuous term thus far, he has largely been imperious in the centre.
As per Sofascore, the 26-year-old has completed 87% of his passes across 20 Premier League appearances this season, averaging 1.4 key passes, 2.2 tackles and 6.1 ball recoveries, while also succeeding with 69% of his dribbles and winning 57% of his 7.2 contested duels per fixture.
He also ranks among the top 15% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for progressive passes and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, showcasing his ball-carrying ability and creative influence from the centre of the park.
20
15
15
1
1
1
3
1
0
86%
88%
86%
7.55
6.72
4.87
1.58
0.51
1.23
3.01
2.30
2.69
1.79
0.74
0.13
2.24
2.62
2.05
1.28
2.38
1.15
0.87
1.39
1.15
0.61
0.66
2.05
When looking at the table above, it's pretty conclusive that Guimaraes would bring a kaleidoscope of creative abilities to the centre of the park, effectively performing the anchoring role that Alexis Mac Allister has been shoehorned into this season to greater effect, being more naturally suited.
That said, the Argentine is more active in defensive play but this does not mean that Guimaraes is inadequate in such efforts, rather, he covers far more ground and seeks to get onto the ball and wreak havoc with his intelligent distribution, all the while maintaining his vice on the engine room and Newcastle's control.
In signing the £160k-per-week phenom, Mac Allister would be able to serve in his natural No. 8 position and Dominik Szoboszlai could reach new heights, secure and spurred on by Guimaraes orchestrating efficacy behind him.
Imagine Bruno Guimaraes & Dominik Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai posted ten goals and 13 assists across all competitions for RB Leipzig last season but it doesn't look likely that he will match this tally this term, having signed for Liverpool for £60m in July and clinched four goals and three assists thus far.
Liverpool eye up their next Martin Skrtel in £39m defender
Liverpool could sign another Slovakian powerhouse in the transfer window.
ByAngus Sinclair Jan 15, 2024
There is a good reason for this, however, with the Hungary international playing deeper than his attacking midfield role in Germany, instead moulded into an all-encompassing star in the centre, charging Klopp's system with electric triumph.
Still, the 22-year-old has completed 88% of his passes in the English top flight and averaged 1.8 key passes, 1.4 tackles and 6.4 ball recoveries per outing, mirroring Guimaraes in many regards.
He also ranks among the top 5% of midfielders for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for progressive carries and blocks made per 90.
Clearly, the creativity and dynamism that would form the core of Liverpool's team would be frightening, and if a deal is feasible Guimaraes simply has to be signed to complete the pack.
With Mac Allister providing his rounded scope of skills in a more naturally suited midfield role and Guimaraes providing Szoboszlai with an undying stream of supplementation to drift into the danger area and wreak havoc, there is no question that Liverpool would be on their way to cementing a midfield capable of realising Klopp's lofty ambitions.
£100m is a tall order and would actually break Liverpool's transfer record if they were to seal the deal, but given Guimaraes' pedigree and proven mettle on English shores, his could be the name to ensure that Liverpool's future is adorned with silverware in its hordes.
Southampton are interested in signing Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, according to a report from talkSPORT.
The lowdown: Rising stock
The 20-year-old stopper has spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at south coast rivals Portsmouth in order to gain more senior exposure.
During that time, Bazunu earned plenty of plaudits for his penalty saving exploits after denying a Cristiano Ronaldo spot-kick against Portugal for the Republic of Ireland.
Having already become an overnight sensation, a move could be on the horizon for the talented ‘keeper…
The latest: Saints’ keen
As per talkSPORT, Southampton are ‘looking to bolster’ the goalkeeping department with the capture of Bazunu.
It’s claimed that Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is ‘interested’ in the seven-cap starlet, who was recently hailed as a ‘class act’ by Fratton Park manager Danny Cowley following a 2-0 victory over Morecambe.
Furthermore, Bazunu is said to have ‘no chance’ of usurping Ederson as City’s number one, whilst Fraser Forster, Alex McCarthy, Willy Caballero and Alex Lewis are all out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt).
The verdict: Smart move
Albeit untested at the Premier League level, the Dublin-born goalkeeper is a player enjoying an upwards career trajectory and Hasenhuttl desperately needs to freshen up the St Mary’s goalkeeping ranks.
So far this season Bazunu has kept 16 clean sheets, and made 3.0 saves per game whilst earning an impressive 6.99 average Sofascore rating from 44 League One outings.
Whilst the report makes no mention of a fee, valued at just £540,000, signing Bazunu would likely be a relatively inexpensive move for the new-look Southampton hierarchy.
In other news: ‘Quite a key figure’ – Journalist shocked by who could now leave Southampton, find out more here.
Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of welcoming former Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha back to London after a round of quick-fire talks on Thursday.
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The Spurs advisor has reached out to his representatives.
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Spurs first made contact with Palhinha’s camp, which was first reported a while ago, but it didn’t take long at all for the north Londoners to finalise club-to-club talks with Bayern Munich given their excellent business relationship.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg shared that the Lilywhites entered concrete talks with Bayern sporting director, Max Eberl, less than a day ago, and it then took just a matter of hours for Thomas Frank’s side to reach a full agreement for Palhinha.
Joao Palhinha in action for Bayern Munich.
Before supporters could blink, Bayern and Tottenham shook hands on an initial loan deal including an option to buy for around £26 million next summer – which may be seen as excellent business by chairman Daniel Levy.
It comes just one year after the Bundesliga champions signed Palhinha from Fulham for £47 million, with Spurs striking a potential permanent deal for just over half that price if they decide to pay the £26 million required next year.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Palhinha’s £26m clause is also strictly optional, not mandatory – meaning the 30-year-old goes to N17 on a sort of ‘one season trial’ basis. Levy also gave the green-light for Tottenham to cover the midfielder’s full salary, which is reported to be around £166,000-per-week.
This shrewd swoop has brought an end to Tottenham’s search for a new number six, and it likely means that Yves Bissouma could be sold as Frank needs to make room in his squad.
“His total of 152 tackles was more than any other player by a distance and was the standout trait of the Fulham enforcer,” said Sky Sports’ Peter Smith on what Palhinha will bring to Spurs.
“There were 13 yellows in that 2023/24 season, too, underlining the bite he brings to midfield battles. And that would be a welcome addition to Spurs’ play.
“Neither Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr nor Rodrigo Bentancur are as ruthless at winning the ball back as Palhinha, who also ranked among the top 10 for interceptions during his previous Premier League campaign.”
With Palhinha due for a Tottenham medical shortly, his arrival won’t be the end of Spurs’ transfer ambitions, and they’re still actively pursuing more attackers.
Tottenham talks "underway" to hijack Juventus deal for Randal Kolo Muani
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani is back on their radar.
Reports last month claimed that Spurs were offered the France international by intermediaries this window, and it’s believed the £43 million-rated Kolo Muani was once “very close” to joining in January.
Juventus’ negotiations to re-sign him after a successful loan spell are still dragging on, and Aouna reports that Tottenham talks are “underway” for Kolo Muani, as they bid to hijack the Old Lady’s deal.
The versatile forward bagged 23 goals and 17 assists in all competitions during his best-ever season for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022/2023, with Kolo Muani also enjoying a real resurgence of form at Juve during the second half of 24/25.
His time at PSG hasn’t lived up to expectations, nor has it justified his £76.4 million transfer fee, but the Premier League could now be beckoning for him.
Duo hand visitors victory that trims gap to leaders Essex to just two points
Jon Culley at Edgbaston21-Aug-2019In a match of ebbs and flows, the tide was ultimately strongest for Somerset, carrying them home with wickets in hand and the best part of two hours to spare after the promise of the morning ultimately came to nothing for Warwickshire.Chasing 258 to win, Somerset had been 49 for 3 inside the first hour’s play but half-centuries from their two brightest young batsmen, 21-year-old George Bartlett and 20-year-old Tom Banton, enabled them to close out a victory that trims the gap between themselves and leaders Essex to just two points.Yorkshire, famously involved in the three-way tussle with Somerset and Middlesex that went to the last day in 2016, are not yet out of the race and the finale to this season may yet be just as dramatic, not least because Somerset’s last two opponents at Taunton, either side of a visit to Hampshire, are Yorkshire and Essex, the latter in the last week of the season.It has not escaped their captain, Tom Abell, although the task facing him now is to ensure his team adhere to the mantra of taking one match, one session at a time.”That last game is something a lot of people have been talking about and potentially it is a great prospect, but we try not to look too for ahead,” he said.”We have two games before that and each game is massive at this stage of the year. We will take each as it comes and try not to think about anything else, try to focus on what we are doing.”He felt that this match served only to emphasise the point, the win all the more remarkable given that Somerset had to fight hard to avoid being required to follow on in the first innings after Warwickshire had piled up 419.Even after a fine hundred by Steven Davies had given them foundation, it needed gritty partnerships between Dom Bess and each of the Overton brothers to see them past the follow-on point in the face of some testing bowling by the Warwickshire seamers.”Warwickshire are a good side who had us in trouble in this match and that is the nature of this division, which is why you need to be on the money every session of every game you play,” Abell said. “We can’t afford to have sessions like we did on the first day.”But we do talk about that a lot, how we answer it when our backs are to the wall, and it really does give me a lot of satisfaction to see how we were able to come back from that position. It showed great character.”The partnership between Dom Bess and Craig Overton on day two came at a crucial phase of the match. Avoiding the follow-on was massive and then that spell from Jamie Overton yesterday, the kind of spell we know he can deliver that turn games on the end, changed the game.”The session to which he referred was the one in which Overton removed Rob Yates, Michael Burgess and Henry Brookes in the space of 12 deliveries – the catalyst for a Warwickshire collapse from 107 for 4 to 146 all out, requiring Somerset to score what came down to 250 on the final day, with all wickets in hand.On a fourth-day pitch, it was never going to be plain sailing and after losing those three wickets in the morning session, with Davies, James Hildreth and Abell all departed, the early part of the afternoon could have seen the balance tip towards the home side.But Banton and Babar Azam battled through that phase, adding 90 for the fourth wicket, the former displaying maturity and adaptability beyond his years as he has on several occasions this summer. He faced 119 deliveries spread across two and a half hours for his 66, little more than a week after he hit five sixes in a 51-ball Twenty20 hundred.George Garrett, another prodigious talent, bowled impressively again on his Warwickshire debut and the wicket of Babar will join his first-innings dismissal of Bartlett in taking up permanent residence in his memory.Yet Warwickshire’s bowlers as a collective bowled less well than they had at times in the first innings, offering too many opportunities for runs. They remain next to bottom of the table, although it probably matters little given Nottinghamshire’s seemingly irreversible spiral towards relegation.Jeetan Patel found some turn, getting the wicket of Banton via an inside edge onto pad and a super catch by Tim Ambrose diving forward, but could not land the ball on the right spot often enough and Bartlett and Bess were able to turn the chase into a relative stroll by the end.
Ned Eckersley, Ben Raine lead recovery effort as hosts close on 122 for 6 against Worcestershire
ECB Reporters Network13-Jul-2019
Worcestershire bowler Charlie Morris in action•PA Photos
Worcestershire are narrowly on top after a rain-affected day one of their County Championship Division Two clash against Durham, although late resistance guided the home side to a total of 122 for 6 by the close at Emirates Riverside.Joe Leach and Charlie Morris were on point with the ball in the morning session, taking two wickets apiece reducing Durham to 47 for 6. The afternoon and evening sessions were blighted by poor weather, but the breaks in play gave Ned Eckersley and Ben Raine time to settle. The two put on a partnership worth 75 to stem the tide and hand the hosts a decent platform for day two.Durham were inserted in the morning session after an uncontested toss. Cameron Bancroft appeared to be continuing his excellent form at the crease, scoring two boundaries from the opening over. However, the Durham skipper was pinned lbw by a fine delivery from Dillon Pennington for only eight. Leach found his rhythm after his underwhelming first over to remove Gareth Harte and Jack Burnham in successive deliveries.Morris’ introduction into the attack resulted in the wicket of Alex Lees for 12 as the opener played all around a straight ball. On his recall to the team Ryan Pringle failed to make an impact, loosely clipping a drive straight to Joshua Dell at mid-wicket off a routine delivery from Ed Barnard. A tight line from Morris was rewarded when Graham Clark feathered an edge through to Ben Cox before rain ended the morning session.The weather prevented further play until after 3pm. Eckersley began to lead a recovery effort, finding the boundary to get the scoreboard moving in the right direction for Durham. He and Raine kept the Worcestershire attack at bay before another interruption due to the elements.However, the players were back on the field after a brief stoppage. Eckersley continued in the same manner in the middle, picking his moments to score.The partnership for the seventh wicket moved to 40 before the overhead conditions worsened once again, forcing the duo to drop anchor.Towards the end of the day the weather cleared, Eckersley and Raine took the opportunity to bring up their fifty partnership in 91 balls, reaching the milestone courtesy of a boundary down the ground from the former. The two players guided their side past the 100-run mark before further rain brought an end to the day.