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Gujarat Lions coach Brad Hodge has admitted there were quite a few areas of concern after the team’s second defeat in a row at home

Arun Venugopal in Rajkot04-May-2016Gujarat Lions coach Brad Hodge has admitted there were “quite a few areas of concern” after the team’s second defeat in a row at home. According to Hodge, losing wickets in clumps in the Powerplay – they lost three wickets in eight balls and tottered at 24 for 3 after four overs – for the second successive match was a major factor behind Lions’ eight-wicket loss to Delhi Daredevils. They had similarly slipped to 39 for 4 inside seven overs against Kings XI Punjab.”If you are 3 for 20 [sic], losing three of your best batters upfront, you’re going to be in trouble. Same [as] what happened the last game,” Hodge said. “In the last game against Kings, Axar [Patel] took a hat-trick. Couple of balls didn’t even turn. We lost three wickets in an over. And again [today], three wickets in seven [sic] balls with three of our best batters. Wickets in Powerplay… something that we need to look at.”Hodge was also miffed with how no-balls have cost his side crucial wickets in the tournament. When Ravindra Jadeja overstepped to reprieve Sanju Samson, who was stumped in the 16th over, it was the second such let-off in three games. Steven Smith was similarly reprieved in Pune when left-arm wristspinner Shivil Kaushik bowled him off a no-ball for 41. Smith went on to score 60 more runs.”Unforgiveable, unforgivable,” Hodge said. “Who knows what could’ve happened if that was given out for Sanju. Next ball he gets a free hit, the ball goes for a boundary, game over. If you’re just going to let your guard down for a moment, you’re going to be found out. Hopefully, we can dust ourselves off and adjust with the differences and indifferences that we have and come again strongly. I would certainly hope that these last two games hurt very much.”Hodge backed his top order, strengthened further by Aaron Finch’s return from injury, to take the attack to the opposition, but said their shot-selection needed to be more prudent.”They are free spirited players. They are natural stroke-players and I don’t want to certainly take that away from them,” he said. “But we certainly just have to have a little watch at our shot selection and adapt to the conditions a little bit better. They are just little tweaks. I don’t want to rein in those guys when their strike rate is 170, certainly going to encourage that, but more so to adapt to conditions a little bit better.”Hodge was also critical of a pitch, which while a little slow, didn’t appear to be particularly difficult to bat on.”It was not ideal. I must say the surface exactly wasn’t what we were looking for. It is a little disappointing,” he said. “This is your home ground, you expect a little bit better. But having said that, you cannot use that as an excuse. The opportunity was there.”If we could’ve put 170-175 on the board, we could’ve won that game. Again, we were chasing only 155 the other day against Kings and we couldn’t get the job done. We can’t blame any of the surface or the practice. Our skill set was just not good enough on that day. We need to brush that off. We need to address it, step up and come again.”

Liverpool are one of the clubs that are showing an interest in the possibility of making a summer move for RB Leipzig and Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol.

This is according to Fabrizio Romano who has been speaking on his YouTube channel about the future of the young centre-back ahead of this summer’s transfer window:

He said: “From what I understand, Liverpool approached Leipzig in January to understand the conditions of the deal. And it was almost impossible to sign Gvardiol in January. But Liverpool have an interest in Josko Gvardiol he’s a player they appreciate.”

It is believed the Reds are not the only Premier League side who could make a move for the 21-year-old with Chelsea and Manchester City also credited with interest by the Italian journalist.

Gvardiol has already racked up 11 appearances in the Champions League in which he has found the back of the net against both Real Madrid and Manchester City.

And having played a big role in Croatia’s World Cup journey, the defender has clearly caught the attention of many around Europe.

The report was relayed on Twitter by fan account Anfield Edition and the best of the reactions can be found below…

Tamil Nadu’s relatively inexperienced line-up was out-thought by Mumbai’s bowlers and out-batted by their batsmen

Kanishkaa Balachandran in Chennai17-Nov-2007

Tamil Nadu’s batsmen could have learnt from Abhishek Nayar’s counter-attacking 105 on Friday © Cricinfo Ltd
The result, an eight-wicket win, was predictable. Mumbai, the defending champions, were searching for their opening victory of the season; a young Tamil Nadu side was trying to establish an identity for themselves after an exodus of senior players. It wasn’t much of a contest: Mumbai spotted a weakness – the batting – within the first session and chipped away at that, inducing mistakes rather than walking away with gimmes.It was a good toss to win for captain S Badrinath but, as he and the coach, WV Raman, later admitted, the game was all but lost after the first hour. The first ball after the first drinks break saw a wicket fall and two more followed in quick succession. One of those was Badrinath, the team’s most consistent batsman and one on the fringes of national selection, who chopped one onto his stumps without opening his account.Despite chanceless half centuries from Dinesh Karthik and R Srinivasan, Tamil Nadu were shot out for 206 before stumps on day one. It’s easy to blame devils – real or otherwise – in the pitch and it was two-paced but, refreshingly, Badrinath and Raman didn’t go down that road. “We simply didn’t take advantage of the toss,” Raman told Cricinfo after the match. “It was the same pitch for both sides. Mumbai just made fewer mistakes.”What, then, caused Tamil Nadu to fold up for 206 and 214? One observation was that the batsmen at times failed to cover the line of the ball quickly enough, not knowing when the ball would suddenly shoot low. When sound technique was needed, Mumbai’s batsmen rose to the task on more occasions, covering the line and defending off the meat of the bat, the sound of leather hitting willow reverberating across the ground. Even defensive strokes were met with cheers and claps from the players’ tent, and it clearly wasn’t meant for fun.Of the 20 Tamil Nadu wickets that fell, seven were out bowled, and five of those were in the second innings, with the side under pressure to wipe out the deficit and build a substantial lead. Ajit Agarkar got one to sneak between bat and pad on the second ball of the third morning, and Aavishkar Salvi hit the timber in all his three dismissals in the second innings. Badrinath dragged one onto his stumps playing away from his body, R Srinivasan didn’t get his foot across to cover the inswing while K Vasudevadas paid the price for not knowing where his off stump was. Mumbai, by contrast, lost just two wickets in the same manner.The chief wrecker in both innings was Powar with match figures of 9 for 123 and it was clear the home team’s batsmen had problems tackling his slow and canny offspinners. Too rarely did the batsmen get adventurous and use their feet against him. Srinivasan survived a few nervy moments and close shouts for leg-before, attempting back-foot strokes. They could have followed the example of the young R Ashwin, whose willingness to get a good stride forward helped counter Powar’s spin. Abhishek Nayar’s aggressive 105 was the best example of how to counter-attack the conditions. His unusually wide stance helped him get to the pitch of the ball and cart it over the infield.Perhaps it’s hard to expect too much out of a young side, with a few pushed into the big league earlier than expected. Raman spoke of the happy dressing-room atmosphere and a few younger players, in turn, spoke about his positive influence. As Raman put it, with a young side, the only way, is up.

West Ham United are currently top of the Premier League table following their victory at Kenilworth Road, so supporters won't be worried about a lack of new additions on Deadline Day.

However, the Hammers did miss out on a golden opportunity to add quality depth to their defensive presence this evening, with a new update emerging on a target who wanted a move to the London Stadium.

Who were West Ham interested in on Deadline Day?

According to The Evening Standard's Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen wanted to join West Ham, despite being touted for another loan move back to Burnley this afternoon.

As per the report, the west London club agreed an initial loan with an obligation worth £31.5m for Maatsen, but the youth prospect was reluctant to agree to the deal as he preferred a move to remain in London, and it is now looking like he will stay at Stamford Bridge.

How good is Ian Maatsen?

The Hammers are currently unbeaten in the Premier League which will be a huge relief to David Moyes after losing a number of key players this summer, however, a missed opportunity to sign Maatsen will surely haunt the manager as they step into their Europa League campaign.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The left-back – who is a product of the famous Cobham academy – was one of the most promising prospects in the Championship last season during his season-long loan at Turf Moor, where he made huge contributions to Burnley's successful promotion back to the top flight.

Over 39 Championship appearances, the 21-year-old – once hailed as "hugely talented" by Coventry City goalkeeper Simon Moore – scored four goals, registered six assists, created a whopping 11 big chances and tallied up an 83% pass completion rate, as per Sofascore.

Not only that, the Netherlands native ranked in the top 20% of his positional peers across the eight leagues most similar to the Championship for non-penalty goals, assists, progressive carries, progressive passes and interceptions per 90 minutes played, offering a glimpse at his diverse skill set and strengths.

In fact, Maatsen would have been a dream replacement for Aaron Cresswell as he outperformed the Hammers full-back in a number of key attributes last season, albeit at a poorer level.

Indeed, those metrics included goal contributions (10 v 1), pass completion rate (80.6% v 77.8%), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.30 v 0.04), percentage of dribblers tackled (52.5% v 38.7%) and successful take-ons (40.3% v 28.6%), as per FBref.

Cresswell is now 32 years old and his current contract with the east London club will expire at the end of this season, so it will definitely feel like a huge chance has been missed for the Hammers to not only sign a worthy and youthful successor, but a potential upgrade on the left-back.

With that being said, there is no doubt it will be disappointing for West Ham supporters that Maatsen couldn't complete a deal with the club this summer, however, should he stay at Chelsea it could still present an opportunity for the future if the youngster is open to a move in January.

Southampton are keen on raiding the Premier League for an exciting young striker this window as Russell Martin looks to strengthen his frontline, according to reports.

Is Cameron Archer moving to Southampton?

According to The Daily Mail, Southampton are keen on Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer this window as they look to add some attacking reinforcements in the latter stages of market activity.

The report states that Swansea City forward Joel Piroe is also on the radar at St Mary's Stadium; however, they face competition from Championship rivals Leeds United for both strikers.

Premier League newcomers Sheffield United are also keen on the £20k-a-week ace and saw a bid in the region of £10 million rejected for Archer earlier this month, with parent club Aston Villa said to want around £20 million before parting ways with the 21-year-old, as per Football Insider.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is believed to be open to letting Archer depart Villa Park this summer and has given the 'green light' to the Walsall-born star to leave before the end of the window.

Southampton look like they will need to enter the market to secure another striker as star man Che Adams is closing in on a move to Everton after a fee of £15 million was agreed between both parties for the Scotland international, according to FootballTransfers.

TEAMtalk understand that Saints have also inquired about the availability of Heart of Midlothian striker Lawrence Shankland as their search for a new forward gathers pace.

Nevertheless, the former Dundee United man has also attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League due to his blistering form in front of the target.

Would Cameron Archer be a good signing for Southampton?

Archer is someone who certainly possesses all the attributes to be a regular goalscorer at a decent level and definitely has room for development that can be accelerated by gaining regular game time.

Last term, the 21-year-old spent time out on loan at Middlesbrough and made a lasting impression at the Riverside Stadium, notching 11 goals and six assists in 23 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

According to FBRef, Archer, hailed as "outstanding" by Clinton Morrison, has also excelled in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's next eight leagues below the top five divisions on the continent in the art of successful take-ons, recording around 1.38 per 90 minutes in the last 365 days at the time of writing, putting him in the 89th percentile for this metric.

Realistically, additional depth in the final third at Southampton may be needed, especially in light of Bayer Leverkusen's pursuit of Nathan Tella.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg issued an update on X surrounding the admiration Bayer Leverkusen have for Tella, stating:

"Bayer 04 Leverkusen is pushing for Nathan Tella! Understand there‘s a verbal agreement with the 24 y/o winger from Southampton. But: No agreement between the clubs yet. Price expectation from Leverkusen around €16-18m guaranteed + add-ons at this stage. Southampton should demand between €25-30m. Negotiations ongoing."

Aberdeen forward Duk is being monitored by Southampton and Leeds United alongside two other sides and has been previously scouted by Saints, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.

Crystal Palace could complete a move that proves potentially game-changing for one of their star attackers.

Who do Crystal Palace want to sign?

According to the Evening Standard, Roy Hodgson is keen on signing a forward, but Palace will wait as they assess their alternative options.

It is understood that Che Adams is the man in question and indeed, he would favour a move back to the Premier League following the Saints’ relegation to the Championship in May.

Palace are ‘considering’ a £10m offer for the 27-year-old but remain ‘undecided on their preferred striking target.’

The outlet revealed Hodgson is on the hunt for an experienced attacker to fill the gaping hole left by the talismanic Wilfried Zaha, who departed for Galatasaray earlier in the window.

The South Londoner’s frontline could be dealt another monumental blow, with Michael Olise attracting serious interest from Chelsea.

This heightens the need for depth and Adams could emerge as one of the most attainable and intelligent targets.

What does Che Adams offer?

Although we are just two games into the new Championship season, Adams has swiftly demonstrated that he is one of the division’s most productive and dangerous assets.

In the opening game away at Sheffield Wednesday, the 23-cap international came on as a substitute and netted a late winner to secure the Saints a 2-1 victory.

After this, manager Russell Martin confirmed that Adams has been the subject of transfer speculation, but praised his attitude and influence, saying: “The way Che reacted to not playing was amazing – brilliant energy and so respectful.

“There was a lot of noise around him, we turned down a bid for him a couple of weeks ago and nothing has happened since. The way he dealt with that is amazing.”

Last weekend Adams continued his impressive form when he netted in an enthralling 4-4 draw against Norwich.

In total, the Scot has recorded 39 goal contributions in 124 Premier League appearances – this includes five goals and three assists from last term, as he ranked second for each metric in the squad, only behind the indefatigable James Ward-Prowse.

Adams’ energy, endless running, and effervescence would give Eberechi Eze a dangerous partner for Palace in attacks.

The playmaker was in a typically irrepressible mood on the weekend as the South London outfit secured a 1-0 victory over newly-promoted Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Eze managed seven key passes, registered five accurate crosses, won seven ground duels, and completed 100% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

The Englishman continued his impeccable form last season in which he notched ten goals and four assists in 30 top-flight starts, and also ranks within the top 4% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers over the past 365 days for successful take-ons per 90 and shot-creating actions per 90.

His teammate Joel Ward has previously lauded Eze’s talent, saying: “Ebs’ quality is incredible, with what he does on the ball, the way he manipulates it and the way he just seems to glide over the pitch – it’s mesmerising at times.”

Therefore, Adams’ numbers could hit new heights due to Eze’s dazzling creativity and skill, giving Palace a strong platform to mount another top-flight campaign unthreatened by relegation.

Manchester United have now submitted an offer for Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, but it has been knocked back by the Japanese club, with the player himself focussing on representing his country at the 2024 Olympics, according to a report.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

With Andre Onana's arrival now confirmed, Man United have been running the rule over potential back-up options for the Cameroonian, having recently been linked with a £5m move for Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

The Daily Mail report the Red Devils are considering a move for the Turkey international, who could come in as a replacement for either Dean Henderson or Tom Heaton, with the future of both goalkeepers in doubt.

Henderson is due to join Nottingham Forest and Luton Town have offered Tom Heaton the opportunity to start regularly, so a move for Bayindir could make sense, particularly considering the fact that Fenerbahce are expecting him to be sold.

According to reports from Japan (via The Nottingham Post), Man United have made a bid for Suzuki, who is highly-rated in his native country, however it has been turned down by Urawa Red Diamonds, and the player himself has no interest in leaving.

The 20-year-old is fully focussed on representing Japan at the 2024 Olympics, and staying where he is will give him the best opportunity to do that, rather than making the switch to Old Trafford to play second fiddle to Onana.

The Nottingham Post explain that the Red Devils are actively trying to sign a new goalkeeper while Forest try to re-sign Henderson, who left a lasting impression during his loan spell at The City Ground in the 2022-23 campaign.

Who is Zion Suzuki?

The young goalkeeper, who was born in the USA, has been lauded as "one of the most exciting goalkeeping prospects coming out of Japan" by the media, in part due to his "exceptional" passing ability, which has caused him to be compared to Ederson.

The 6 foot 3 colossus has already started to force his way into the starting XI for Urawa Red Diamonds, however he is yet to establish himself as the J1 League side's first choice, having made 29 appearances in all competitions since his debut in 2021.

Given his limited first-team experience, little is known about whether Suzuki would be able to make the step-up to a club the size of Man United, so it is not too disappointing the Red Devils have had an offer rejected, as they still have some other solid targets.

Of course, Onana is likely to be Erik ten Hag's first choice, for large parts of the season, but the aforementioned Bayindir could be a decent alternative option, given that he has represented Turkey five times at international level.

At 25-years-old, the Fenerbahce shot-stopper is a lot more experienced than Suzuki, making a total of 141 first-team appearances for his current club, including 11 in the Europa League, indicating he would be capable of filling in for Onana on occasion.

Luke Wells skippered Sussex in the Championship for the first time and marked the honour wth a century

ECB Reporters Network19-Sep-2017Durham 8 for 1 trail Sussex 346 (Wells 122, van Zyl 92, Rushworth 4-64, Jennings 3-37)</iLuke Wells respnded to the captaincy in style•Getty Images

Captaining Sussex for the first time, Luke Wells led from the front with his third century of the season in the Specsavers County Championship match against Durham at Chester-le-Street.He followed his 258 against the same opponents at Hove in May by making 122 in a total of 346, to which Durham replied with eight for one, Keaton Jennings’ miserable run continuing when he was lbw to Ollie Robinson off the last ball of the day.On 37, Wells reached 1,000 championship runs for the first time, shrugging off the first ball dismissal of Harry Finch to share a second-wicket stand of 186 with Stiaan van Zyl.Wells’ desire to bat on a sunny morning was vindicated as he chose to toss and was obligingly put in by Paul Collingwood.There was much playing and missing as the ball nipped around in the first hour, with Rushworth and Graham Onions well supported by the pacy Brydon Carse in his second appearance of the season.The edges which eluded Durham then arrived when the second new ball was taken and the last five wickets went down for 18 runs in 6.3 overs.
Out of the promotion frame, Sussex handed opportunities to Laurie Evans and Phil Salt. But both fell to Jennings, who also strangled Wells down the leg side with an innocuous ball and had figures of 5-0-22-3 at one stage.Wells clattered anything short and wide of off stump, as when he carved Carse over backward point for the four which took him to 50 off 101 balls.
He accelerated to complete his century off 178 balls by accepting a gift from Rushworth, which he leg glanced for his 13th four.Van Zyl scored one off his first 26 balls but two whipped pulls for four off successive balls from Carse got him going.He forged ahead of Wells but fell for 92 when he sliced a drive off James Weighell to point then Evans made only 19 before edging behind off the penultimate ball before tea.Salt hit two lovely fours off Jennings in his 11 before falling lbw attempting to pull a ball which kept a shade low.Luke Wright hit several powerful drives through the covers in making 43 off 68 balls and put on 53 with Michael Burgess, deputising for injured captain Ben Brown.Both departed in the first two overs with the new ball, Burgess being a shade unlucky when he played a ball from Rushworth into his stumps with just enough force to remove a bail.Onions nipped one back sharply to take out Wright’s off stump, Ollie Robinson edged Rushworth to Tom Latham at second slip, George Garton turned Onions straight to mid-wicket, and Sam Whittingham got an inside edge to leave Rushworth with 4 for 64.