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Another green track is expected to greet New Zealand and Pakistan at Seddon Park for the second Test

The Preview by Andrew Fidel Fernando in Hamilton24-Nov-2016Match factsNovember 25-29, 2016
Start time 1100 local (2200 GMT)1:26

Even contest ahead where Pakistan will look to put spinners to use – but for them to do that, the game must last long enough

Big PictureWhile tawny Asian pitches can still prompt outrage and consternation, tracks coloured a lurid, nausea-inducing green have quietly become a New Zealand trademark. The response from most touring sides has been perfectly even-handed. “These are their home conditions,” is the consensus. “We just have to play on what we get.”On the eve of the Test, Hamilton’s track has as much grass as the pitch did in Christchurch, and as the air is warmer up north, the ball may swing more here, as well as seam. Word around the ground is that the toss may also prove significant; teams that have won it in the last four Tests have inserted the opposition. They have always wound up victorious.It is the batting that gave Pakistan most cause for concern in Christchurch and, as can often be the case with batsmen in unfamiliar conditions, they veered between extreme approaches – too loose in the first innings, too tight in the second. Now they are preaching the “get runs, before the good ball gets you” philosophy that has recently found credence on tough tracks. They will also want to take the game deep – it is legspinner Yasir Shah who has most consistently wrenched matches open for them, and it is the quality of his spin that marks the visitors’ clearest advantage over New Zealand.The hosts are without Trent Boult for the first time in over three years, but have the firepower of Matt Henry sliding in to replace him. With a win behind them, and a damp surface underfoot again, banished is talk of the dusty whitewash in India, even if the batsmen haven’t all reclaimed their form just yet.They remain wary of Pakistan’s propensity to work out foreign conditions, and hit back after losses, but will be happier with the forecast than the visitors. Rain is expected on the first day, and may continue, in patches, all through the weekend. Less sunshine, means less evaporation, means less turn off the pitch for Yasir.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)

 New Zealand: WLLLL
Pakistan: LLWWW
In the spotlightTim Macintosh, Jamie How, Peter Ingram, Martin Guptill, Hamish Rutherford, Michael Papps, Craig Cumming – just pick any Anglo-Saxon first name and there will have been a modest New Zealand opener that answered to it, over the last ten years. The latest man to take guard is Gujarat-born Jeet Raval. Stylish and composed in his debut outing, and emerging with the highest match aggregate on a difficult pitch, Raval knows Pakistan will have better plans for him in this Test. If he is effective again in Hamilton, he will raise hopes that he can break the great New Zealand openers’ curse.The quality of Yasir Shah’s spin marks Pakistan’s clearest advantage over New Zealand•AFPWith long-term collaborator Misbah-ul-Haq now out of the picture, the middle-order batting/recovery responsibilities fall heavily on the shoulders of Younis Khan. There are mild whispers he is no longer his old self on sporting pitches, but surely this is premature; the man has scores of 218 and 127 and 51 in his last seven innings. Nevertheless, such is life in international sport when you reach a certain age. Pakistan will look to him for leadership in this match. After three consecutive single-figure scores, Younis will want a big score more than anyone.Teams newsIn addition to Henry, Mitchell Santner appears likely to play – displacing Todd Astle. The top order will likely remain unchanged after Ross Taylor was cleared to play.New Zealand (probable) 1. Jeet Raval, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson (capt.), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 Colin de Grandhomme, 7 BJ Watling (wk), 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Neil Wagner, 11 Matt HenryOn a spicy surface, Pakistan have hinted they prefer Mohammad Rizwan over Sharjeel Khan. As a bonus, Rizwan can also fit into the middle order without causing changes elsewhere. Rahat Ali took 4 for 62 in the first innings at Christchurch, but looks likeliest to miss out if Wahab Riaz enters the fray.Pakistan (probable) 1 Sami Aslam, 2 Azhar Ali (capt.), 3 Babar Azam, 4 Younis Khan, 5 Mohammad Rizwan, 6 Asad Shafiq, 7 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), 8 Wahab Riaz, 9 Yasir Shah, 10 Mohammad Amir, 11 Sohail KhanPitch and conditionsGreen and damp on this occasion, Hamilton has seen bounce, turn, reverse swing and conventional swing, at different points over the past few years, so it is difficult to know what to expect. Unless rain washes out several sessions, a result appears likely, though.Stats and trivia Until this match, Trent Boult had not missed a New Zealand Test since early 2012 – he had played in 44 on the trot. New Zealand have lost three of their last five Tests at Seddon Park – they beat West Indies and Sri Lanka, and lost to Australia, Pakistan and South Africa Mohammad Amir’s 3 for 43 in the first innings at Hagley Oval was his best analysis since his return from suspension. Pakistan have not lost a series since August 2014, when they were defeated 0-2 in Sri Lanka
Quotes”I think it will swing more in Hamilton than in Christchurch, with the humidity.””Younis has gone through a lot of times in his career like this – when he hasn’t scored runs in the first match, but he always bounces back.”

Fulham are "on pole" for the signing of Fiorentina centre-back Igor Julio, and he is believed to be on closing in on an exit from his club, according to journalist Dimitri Conti.

Who could join Fulham this summer?

Marco Silva's side enjoyed a successful first campaign back in the Premier League last season, finishing in the top half and above the likes of west London rivals Chelsea.

They were even contending for a European spot at one point but fell just short with the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Brighton beating them to Europa League and Conference League qualification places.

It was a promising season for Fulham and one which has resulted in plenty of interest in their key assets, with midfield star Joao Palhinha attracting interest from Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Man United.

Meanwhile, it is believed Silva wishes to reinforce his squad this summer as the domestic window officially opens today.

Gil Vicente striker Fran Navarro, for instance, is reliably believed to be of interest to Fulham with Man United duo Harry Maguire and Fred also on their radar.

It has also been mentioned that Fulham are plotting a move for Austria international and Wolfsburg star Patrick Wimmer, as they are with Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Another player they have been linked with is Igor, with reporter Conti sharing an update in a piece for TUTTOmercatoWEB.

According to his information, a major overhaul could occur at Fiorentina this summer as the future of manager Vincenzo Italiano appears to be resolved.

La Viola reached two major cup finals last season, but that apparently won't stop some players seeking pastures new, with Igor being one of them.

Conti says his suitcase is "already in hand", meaning he is on the verge of leaving, and Fulham are "on pole" to bring him to England.

The Whites are apparently favourites for his signing as they seek to build upon last season's brilliant efforts.

Who is Igor?

The Brazilian was one of Fiorentina's key defensive players last season – ranking in their top three for tackles made, interceptions and clearances completed per 90 in the Italian top flight (WhoScored).

He also sits sixth in their squad for most Serie A minutes played, and with just over 12 months remaining on his deal, Fulham could get him for a fairly reasonable price.

The left-footed centre-back is also still just 25-years-old, meaning he has many years at top level still feasilbly ahead of him.

Leeds United centre-back Diego Llorente could join Roma permanently during the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

How has Llorente fared this season?

The Spaniard moved to the Serie A giants back in January, having been allowed to leave the Whites on a temporary basis by then-manager Jesse Marsch. The £45,000-a-week defender hasn't necessarily been a key man there, however, featuring in only eight league matches, with just five of those appearances being starts.

In Wednesday's Europa League final defeat to Sevilla on penalties, Llorente was only used as a substitute in extra-time, with Jose Mourinho clearly not seeing him as a key starter throughout the campaign. Despite this, he has still done a solid enough job when called upon, averaging 2.1 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per game.

The Leeds man isn't out of contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2026, but with the Whites now relegated to the Championship, it looks almost impossible that he will stay put.

Could Llorente join Roma permanently?

According to Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Roma are actually keen on the idea of making Llorente's move a permanent one, having seen enough positives from his loan spell. There is an €18m (£15.5m) buy clause in his temporary deal that can ne triggering, and the Giallorossi are considering it.

They will only sign the 29-year-old "under certain conditions", though, meaning they will likely not be willing to pay the aforementioned amount in the clause.

In truth, it is hard for Leeds to expect Llorente to stay at the club next season, considering they will be plying their trade in the second tier. Ideally, he could continue as a Whites player, but he is a 10-time capped Spain international, and he surely won't be without offers, even if Roma end up choosing not to sign him.

He has been hailed as "heroic" for Roma by BT Sport commentator Dave Farrar, following one huge tackle against Lazio in the Rome derby earlier this season, and he could be an effective permanent signing for them, providing experience and quality for a number of years to come.

Should Llorente suddenly decide to commit himself to Leeds and help them make a swift return to the Premier League, it would certainly make him adored among the fanbase, but it is hard to begrudge him a move away for good, especially at this point in his career.

Facing a side resting three first-choice bowlers in a dead rubber, Steven Smith’s Australia were shot out for 167 as South Africa romped to a six-wicket win and a 4-0 lead in the series

The Report by Daniel Brettig09-Oct-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details0:56

By the Numbers – SA bowlers equal lbw record

Australian hand-wringing about taking an under-strength bowling attack to South Africa was placed in sharp perspective on a breezy morning in Port Elizabeth. Facing a South African side resting three first-choice bowlers in a dead rubber, Steven Smith’s side were shot out for a mere 167 to set-up a six-wicket win.Kyle Abbott and Tabraiz Shamsi were the chief tormentors of the tourists, the former finding exactly the right length to best use the early movement on offer, the latter re-opening the sorts of wounds inflicted by Sri Lanka’s spin bowlers on Australia’s previous tour with a clever spell of left arm wrist-spin. Neither had been needed in the live matches.Save for a 50 by Mitchell Marsh and a punchy contribution from Matthew Wade, the most notable moment for Australia was Wade’s running battle with Shamsi. This culminated in something very near to a physical clash as Wade hung his elbow out while running past Shamsi, causing the umpires to intervene.There were further exchanges as the Australians sought to defend their meagre total. Clearly the visitors had intended to fight this one out, but despite an improved bowling effort they never really had a chance to bowl South Africa out. A pair of missed chances did not help either, most notably a sitter dropped by Adam Zampa off Faf du Plessis, who went on to top-score with 69.Overall this was another performance South Africa could be proud of, demonstrating that their ODI squad presently has plenty of depth to it. South Africa had withdrawn the injured David Miller plus Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir. In their places were Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Aaron Phangiso and Shamsi.The visitors made only one change to the team that lost from such a strong position in Durban, recalling Scott Boland for Daniel Worrall. Australia’s batsmen had regained some of their former strut at Kingsmead, and after Smith won the toss the expectation would have been to capitalise on a seemingly weakened home attack.However, Abbott took full advantage of both his first start in the series and a modicum of early seam movement with the new ball. First he bowled Aaron Finch through the gate with a lovely delivery that shaped to swing away before cutting back, then followed up with an appreciably quicker ball that surprised Warner with pace and movement back between bat and pad.Kyle Abbott picked up 4 for 40 in his first game of the series•Associated PressAt the other end, Dwaine Pretorius provided a neat contrast with his greater height and high action, angling one back to George Bailey for an lbw verdict from the umpire Nigel Llong. All of a sudden Australia were 12 for 3, the innings in grim shape and the allrounder Marsh already at the crease.He and Smith tried to steady things for a time, but the introduction of Shamsi’s left-arm wristspin brought another period of South African jubilation. Smith propped forward to a ball straightening down the line of the stumps, and a review found he was struck in line for the lbw. In the same over, Travis Head played inside a delivery that straightened past his groping blade, and a scoreline of 50 for 5 was the deflating result.Not for the first time in his career, Wade came out spoiling for a fight, and a series of verbal confrontations with Shamsi escalated to the point that he hung out an elbow while running more or less straight at the bowler. That moment caused Llong to speak to both players and call for calm.Marsh played sensibly meanwhile, forging to 50 and offering Australia the faintest hope of a reasonable tally. However he had not made another run when Abbott returned to coax an outside edge, and re-commence the procession of wickets. Wade and Chris Tremain were able to add a pesky 46, but even that still left Australia with comfortably their lowest ODI total at St George’s Park.Tremain delivered a decent opening spell at the start of South Africa’s pursuit, which began before the scheduled innings break because Australia’s innings had ended so quickly. Hashim Amla was lbw to a break-back before Quinton de Kock picked out deep square leg with a sweetly-struck pull shot.However du Plessis and JP Duminy were able to carry the hosts past halfway to the target, notably getting on top of the experienced John Hastings once again: his high economy has been one of many problems for Smith’s team. Zampa’s drop of du Plessis did not help either, causing plenty of befuddled looks on the team balcony.When du Plessis did finally fall, the tourists upped their intensity in the middle, “chirping” frequently at the new batsman Farhaan Behardien. But it was sound and fury signifying nothing, as the total was reeled in with 87 balls to spare. A whitewash looms in Cape Town.

Arsenal could be set to bolster their attacking ranks this summer, having taken a huge forward step in the pursuit of one target in particular.

What’s the latest on Elye Wahi to Arsenal?

That’s according to reports in Spain, who suggest that the Gunners are now leading the race for young marksman Elye Wahi.

The Montpellier striker has enjoyed a standout campaign in Ligue 1, understandably drawing widespread interest. However, the main competition for the north London outfit remains French giants AS Monaco.

It is also noted that only a fee of around €35m (£30m) will be enough to tempt the 20-year-old to the Emirates, although the possession of Champions League football could play a big factor in forcing this switch.

Who is Elye Wahi?

The France U21 international has been a steady performer in his home country for two years now, having built upon last term’s tally of ten goals with a 17-goal haul this campaign married with a further six assists.

It is this proficiency that has likely caught the eye of Mikel Arteta, as for all his benefits Gabriel Jesus has struggled this season to showcase a killer instinct.

Despite injuries hampering what promised to be a fine debut year, the Brazilian still posted 11 goals and seven assists. However, that goal tally is somewhat marred by the fact he actually underperformed on his expected goals (xG), as it was assumed he would instead notch 14.16 times.

For a forward to better their xG tally with actual goals is to mark themselves out as a truly great finisher. For example, during his record-breaking year, Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland has scored 36 goals in the league from an expected goals tally of just 28.66.

This trend is followed by Wahi, who clearly cements himself as a better finisher than Arsenal’s 26-year-old number nine with these figures.

His 17 goals were a huge overperformance from the expected 11.50, suggesting that his introduction in north London from the bench could provide that clinical nature to grab key goals in games where they would otherwise drop points.

To emphasise this gulf in finishing quality, Jesus has missed 16 big chances this term from a total of 2075 minutes in the Premier League, with a goal conversion rate of just 14%. Meanwhile, his potential new rival has missed just 12 big chances from 2449 minutes in the French top flight, seeing his goal conversion rise to an impressive 28%.

His physical assets also make him an attractive proposition for someone like Arteta, seeking to diversify his options and bolster his squad depth.

Ex-Caen academy director Francis de Taddeo, under whom Wahi spent two years of his youth career, noted: “He is a powerful, athletic and fast player with a range of dribbling skills where only he knows what he is going to do next.”

In order to find a level of depth akin to Man City’s, to now compete with them for a full season, the likes of Wahi will prove vital in maintaining a title charge, with his goals sure to be vital.

Eoin Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain, will not travel to Bangladesh to lead the team in their one-day series due to concerns about security, the ECB has confirmed

Alan Gardner11-Sep-2016Eoin Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain, will not travel to Bangladesh to lead the team in their one-day series due to concerns about security, the ECB has confirmed. Opening batsman Alex Hales has also ruled himself out of the tour for the same reasons.Jos Buttler, the team’s vice-captain, will take charge in Morgan’s absence, with squads for the three ODIs and two Tests set to be announced on Friday. Morgan and Hales were foremost among the players to have spoken of their uncertainty about going to Bangladesh, after a terrorist attack in July, and communicated their intentions to Andrew Strauss, England’s director of cricket, at the weekend.”Whilst we understand and respect Eoin and Alex’s decision, we are disappointed that they have made themselves unavailable for selection for the Bangladesh tour,” Strauss said. “We have had open and honest conversations with all the players about the security arrangements in Bangladesh and at this stage we are not expecting any other individuals to withdraw from the tour. Final selection for the Bangladesh tour, will now take place on Friday.”As with all England overseas tours, the safety and security of players and staff is of the utmost importance to ECB. We will continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh, take advice and consider the appropriate steps up to and throughout the five weeks we are on tour.”Morgan was reported to have told Strauss he would not be going to Bangladesh before the players went for their end-of-season assessments at Loughborough on Friday and Saturday. Those in line for selection were given until this weekend to make a final decision on whether they would accept the recommendation of the ECB’s security advisor, Reg Dickason, that the tour should go ahead as planned.Strauss has said he believes it is “100% safe” to tour, after a delegation including Dickason, the PCA chief executive, David Leatherdale, and ECB director of cricket operations, John Carr, reported back last month.In a statement on Sunday, the ECB said: “A thorough and detailed risk assessment was approved and accepted by the ECB board and the England players and management have been fully briefed on all aspects of the safety and security arrangements.”Earlier in the week, Morgan gave details about previous security scares he had experienced on the subcontinent. He referred to a bomb going off in Bangalore while he was playing at the IPL in 2010, as well as political unrest in Bangladesh in 2013. Last year, Australia cancelled a tour of Bangladesh on government advice and did not send a team to the Under-19 World Cup.”I have been to places before when things have become a distraction and once or twice when that has been security, and when it has been I told myself I would not put myself in that situation again,” Morgan said. “Playing international cricket – or any cricket – is not about worrying about different things, it should be the best time of your life, it should be something that you are looking forward to and wanting to do well in and are able to focus on.”Stokes urges respect for choice

“I will always back not just my captain but also any fellow team-mates’ decision on matters like this,” Stokes said on Twitter. “They have both obviously thought long and hard about this important decision and have both made the call that is right for them as individuals. Please try and respect their choice, I do, as a colleague and friend to them both.”

While the ECB made clear that the decision whether to tour would be down individuals and no player would be penalised for pulling out, Strauss had been hopeful that Morgan would join Alastair Cook, the Test captain, in committing himself to the tour.”Would I like both our captains to be on that tour? Absolutely, definitely,” Strauss said on Wednesday. “The captain has certain roles and responsibilities that are greater than just looking after themselves. He obviously has a duty to the team. But they’re still human beings – and I think that’s an important point to make. They have their own thoughts, concerns, issues and views on life – and we’ve got to understand that.”With Buttler taking charge for the ODIs in Bangladesh, England may have to make a decision about the captaincy in the longer term, ahead of limited-overs series in India and West Indies scheduled for the start of 2017, followed by the Champions Trophy. Morgan has overseen great success since the 2015 World Cup, with England winning four of their last six ODI series, as well as reaching the final of the 2016 World T20.For Hales, the decision could have immediate ramifications for his international career. While he is a regular in the limited-overs teams, his Test place is far less secure after failing to record a century in 11 matches; opting out of the two Tests against Bangladesh is likely to see Hales omitted for the subsequent India series as well, with Lancashire’s 19-year-old opener Haseeb Hameed tipped to replace him, although he may have been dropped in any event.

Luis Enrique has "not been officially ruled out of the running" to become Tottenham's next manager despite their heavy links to Feyenoord's Arne Slot.

Who could Spurs appoint as their next manager?

Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy are believed to be stepping up the hunt for Antonio Conte's permanent replacement, with the Italian departing north London over two months ago.

The Premier League side have shortlisted a number of candidates for the role with reports in the last fortnight indicating Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, Slot and Enrique are firmly in the running.

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann could also apparently come back into the fold depending on developments, but recent claims also suggest that Slot is now the favourite to take over.

The Dutchman is apparently in pole position to succeed Conte at N17, coming after he sealed his first ever Eredivisie title with Feyenoord this season.

Slot's stock is high at the moment and he has been revered by members of the media, like journalist Marcel van der Kraan (via talkSPORT), for his "ultra-attacking" style of play.

However, while the 44-year-old appears to be a leading contender as things stand, alternative names are still in the frame as well.

This is where Enrique comes in, with a report from 90min sharing some news on the Champions League-winning tactician.

According to their information, the former Spain boss has "not been officially ruled out of the running" to become Tottenham's next manager, meaning he could still get the job over Slot.

Enrique is described by the report as a "high-profile" option for the role and he could potentially come as both an exciting alternative to Slot – especially when factoring in his attacking style of play.

Who is Luis Enrique?

The 53-year-old has won nine major honours in total, including a European Cup and two La Liga titles at Barcelona, making him a prestigious option.

Enrique's achievements arguably make him stand out as one of the more decorated managerial free agents who are readily-available for hire – a notion which surely won't be lost on Levy.

The former Celta Vigo manager favours a 4-3-3 attacking formation with Man City boss Pep Guardiola also holding Enrique in very high esteem.

Speaking back in 2017 when his counterpart announced he was leaving Barca, Guardiola heralded Enrique's "unbelievable" brand of football and explained how the La Liga giants would undoubtedly miss him.

"We are going to miss the perfect trainer for Barcelona," said the Blues boss (via The Independent)"His personality, his character. He has had two or three years and played some unbelievable football with unbelievable players."As an FC Barcelona fan, it is sad because there are few managers in the world better than Luis Enrique."

Guardiola also called Enrique a "master" tactician, coming as really high praise from one of the most successful managers in world football.

Opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite has been called up to West Indies’ ODI side for their upcoming series against Pakistan in the UAE

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Sep-2016Opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite has been called up to West Indies’ ODI side for their upcoming series against Pakistan in the UAE. Brathwaite has played 31 Tests since his international debut in 2011 but is yet to play an ODI or a T20. The T20I squad includes two uncapped players – allrounder Rovman Powell and wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran.West Indies squads for the UAE

ODI squad
In: Kraigg Brathwaite, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis
Out: Andre Fletcher, Jerome Taylor
T20I squad
In: Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton
Out: Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons

Chris Gayle is not a part of the T20 squad, having made himself unavailable for selection, while Lendl Simmons has missed out due to medical reasons. Gayle was part of the West Indies T20 squad for the two-match T20I series against India in Florida last month but missed both games after failing to pass a fitness test ahead of the first T20I.The ODI squad also includes batsman Evin Lewis and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who are uncapped in the format. Lewis, who made his T20I debut earlier this year, recently scored a 48-ball century against India in Florida opening the batting in place of Gayle, while Joseph made his international debut in the home Test series against the same opposition.Pooran impressed in this year’s Caribbean Premier League, scoring 217 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 197.27 for Barbados Tridents, while completing eight dismissals behind the stumps. Pooran’s inclusion boosts West Indies’ wicket-keeping options in the T20 squad, which include Andre Fletcher, Johnson Charles and Chadwick Walton, who last played for West Indies in January 2014.Powell, who made his first-class debut last season, also showed promise in CPL 2016 for Jamaica Tallawahs, scoring 228 runs at an average of 25.33 and taking two wickets with his medium-pace.With Kumar Sangakkara taking up the wicket-keeping gloves for Tallawahs, Walton played in the CPL as a batsman and finished as the second-highest run-getter for the side behind Gayle, with 301 runs in 13 innings, which included two fifties.The T20I squad does not include former captain Darren Sammy, who was axed from the role last month. Sammy was also excluded from the T20I squad that played against India in Florida. Gayle, Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Andre Russell and Samuel Badree were ineligible for ODI selection as they did not play in the domestic 50-over tournament last season, made mandatory by the WICB.West Indies will start their tour with three T20Is against Pakistan, between September 23 and 27, followed by the three-match ODI series which starts from September 30. The three-Test series, which includes a day-night match in Dubai, starts from October 13 and West Indies’ squad for that format will be announced later.West Indies ODI squad: Jason Holder (capt), Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Marlon SamuelsWest Indies T20I squad Carlos Brathwaite (capt), Samuel Badree, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Jason Holder, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton

Phil Simmons, West Indies’ head coach, has said his bowlers have done well to keep India’s batsmen quiet on day two of the Sabina Park Test

Karthik Krishnaswamy in Kingston01-Aug-20161:35

‘It’s up to the batsmen to stand up now’ – Simmons

Phil Simmons, West Indies’ head coach, has said his bowlers have done well to keep India’s batsmen quiet on day two of the Sabina Park Test. India, 126 for 1 overnight, went to stumps 358 for 5, with a lead of 162.”Usually, you average a day to be 270 in Test cricket with 90 full overs and we have restricted them, especially with [KL] Rahul going the way he was and then the skipper [Virat Kohli] later. Restricting them to 230 (232) in 90 (88) overs shows there’s improvement from Antigua.”He went on to elaborate on this point, saying his bowlers were learning to be patient.”I think they learned today what we have been talking about for the last six months, about being patient in Test cricket. And when the wicket isn’t assisting like this one, you have to be patient and then the pressure that you build from patience will get you wickets. I think what I have learned that they are listening sometimes. I hope they are listening all the time. They are seeking patience now, they are trying to hold these world-class batsmen [back].”Midway through the day, the debutant fast bowler Miguel Cummins pulled up after bowling a wide in his 16th over of the innings, and went off the field clutching the back of his thigh. Simmons said Cummins had suffered from cramps, and hoped he would be fit to resume bowling on the third day.”He had a lot of cramps today,” Simmons said. “I can’t tell you why because I’m not a doctor. But yeah, we basically played with two quicks today. Hopefully he will be better tomorrow and do his job.”When the second new ball became available, India had a new batsman at the crease in Kohli, but West Indies chose not to take it immediately, instead waiting until the start of the post-tea session, by which time 11 more overs had elapsed.Asked about this, Simmons’ response was terse. “I haven’t spoken with the captain, so I don’t know.”Jason Holder, the captain, had chosen to bat despite the first-day pitch sporting a fair covering of grass and looking like it was moist underneath. Simmons said he had made the right decision, and the batsmen had failed to do their job.”Batsmen are supposed to bat,” he said. “I didn’t think there was any threat in the wicket yesterday. So I would bat first again.”Simmons hoped his bowlers would continue to bowl as they had done on day two.”The only thing we can do is to come tomorrow again and work hard to get the wickets that we have to. And then the batsmen have got to stand up because the bowlers have stood up today and hopefully they will stand up again tomorrow morning and we get the wickets we need. It’s up to the batsmen to stand up now.”Simmons expected India’s spinners, who took six wickets in West Indies’ first innings, to remain a threat in the second innings as well.”It’s definite,” he said. “[R] Ashwin is the No.1 bowler in the word. He is going to be difficult on any wicket you play him on, let alone a wicket that’s turning and has some bounce too. It’s going to be difficult but that’s what Test cricket is about. If it’s not difficult it won’t be called Test cricket. The batsmen know that they have to come and make sure that they put their heads down and they have to work hard against both spinners.”Rain is forecast on the three remaining days of the match, but Simmons said he wasn’t hoping for the weather gods to intervene just yet, and still had some hope that his players could turn the game around.”I don’t think we need them yet,” he said. “I will tell you on the fourth day if we need it on fifth day. The wicket is still playing very well so it’s up to the batsmen to get their heads down and get some runs.”

Referee John Brooks and his VAR team may have made a huge error in the recent Liverpool draw for not sending Tyrone Mings off for a horror tackle on Cody Gakpo.

What’s the latest on Liverpool and VAR?

The Reds were up against Aston Villa this weekend in the Premier League but a draw means their hopes of a top-four finish are only just hanging on by a thread.

The away team took the lead in the first half when Jacob Ramsey hit a sweet volley at the far post to open the scoring and it took until the 89th minute for Liverpool to draw level.

Indeed, playing in his final game at Anfield, club icon Roberto Firmino scored from close range to earn the Reds a point on the day.

However, the outcome of the game could have perhaps been different had referee Brooks reached for a red instead of a yellow earlier on in the match.

Shortly before half time, Mings stretched to win the ball but ended up planting his studs into Gakpo’s chest but avoid major punishment.

Did Mings deserve a red card against Liverpool?

As the images above on Twitter show, the Liverpool man was left with some brutal stud marks on his chest but VAR, somehow, evidently felt it wasn’t enough to upgrade the foul to a red card.

It was reminiscent of Nigel de Jong’s horror tackle on Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup final which also saw the perpetrator avoid a red card – though VAR wasn’t in use back then.

Journalist James Pearce certainly seemed to think it was a foul deserving of more severe punishment. He wrote on Twitter: “Mings very lucky that his challenge on Gakpo isn’t upgraded from a yellow to a red by VAR. Caught Gakpo in the chest with his studs.”

Before adding: “Can’t believe Brooks wasn’t advised to look at the monitor.”

To make things worse, the Reds also had a goal controversially ruled out for offside in the game too and decision that left manager Jurgen Klopp baffled.

Indeed, he told the press (via Liverpoolfcnews): “I asked the referee why the offside goal was offside. He explained it to me. He thinks it isn’t a deliberate action from the defender, I think it is. VAR isn’t sure.”