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Zimbabwe Cricket has announced that they will host Sri Lanka for two Tests followed by a one-day tri-series that will also involve West Indies

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Sep-2016Zimbabwe Cricket has announced that they will host Sri Lanka for two Tests followed by a one-day tri-series that will also involve West Indies. The two Tests will be played in Harare, with the first one from October 29 and the second from November 6.The tri-series will begin from November 14 with the first match between the hosts and Sri Lanka at the Harare Sports Club. The three teams will play each other twice, making it a total of six round-robin matches, before the final on November 27. The last four ODIs and the final will all be played in Bulawayo.Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe was originally scheduled in the FTP with two Tests, three ODIs and a T20I. Later, there were chances of the tour being replaced by the tri-series with West Indies, as the Tests were not being considered as financially viable, but now the Tests and tri-series both will take place. Had that happened, Zimbabwe would have gone without playing a Test for 11 months.There were chances of the Tests being scrapped because of Zimbabwe Cricket’s growing debt and the economic situation of the country as a whole. Recently, the Harare-based players had refused to train in protest over unpaid match fees, which dated back to July last year. The protests ended after being given an assurance by the Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Wildfred Mukondiwa.Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka last played a Test in a two-match series in 2004. They have played 15 Tests against each other overall, with Sri Lanka winning 10 of them and five ending in draws.

Mickey Arthur, the Pakistan coach, has admitted having sleepless nights pondering the balance of the side for the final Test against England as they search for a series-levelling victory

Andrew McGlashan09-Aug-2016Mickey Arthur, the Pakistan coach, has admitted having sleepless nights pondering the balance of the side for the final Test against England as they search for a series-levelling victory.Having been in control at Edgbaston, and holding a realistic chance of coming to The Oval 2-1 up themselves, they now have to dig deep into their resolve after a final-day collapse.”There were a lot of good things for us out of the last Test. I certainly did not feel that we ever rolled over there,” Arthur said. “We were in the contest for most of that game. I’ve taken a lot of positives out of that and reinforced the positives with the chaps.””I counted we probably won five sessions, England won three. The sessions England won, they won convincingly.”Before their demise over the last two sessions in Birmingham, Pakistan’s chances of winning had slipped away when the four-man attack tired on the fourth evening, allowing Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali to produce a game-changing partnership of 152 in 29 overs.”I said to the boys, we were probably one wicket away there from breaking through,” Arthur said. “If we could have knocked Bairstow over or Moeen early, it certainly would have put a totally different perspective on the game.”Pakistan’s lack of an allrounder – in stark contrast to England – has been a running theme throughout the series with Mohammad Hafeez’s inability to bowl being a major problem. There are no easy fixes to the problem, but Arthur hinted that Iftikhar Ahmed, who bowls offspin, could come into consideration.”Yes, he is an option,” Arthur said. “He bowls offspin and decently, England have a lot of left handers so he does give us an option as a fifth bowler if he comes in. But we have to be dead certain he can come into our top six and get runs, because we’ll be asking for runs first and bowling second.”If Iftikhar was to come in for his Test debut it would be Hafeez who would likely make way after his twin failures at Edgbaston, completed with an horrendous shot in the second innings when he pulled to long leg. That would probably entail Azhar Ali being promoted to open alongside Sami Aslam.Arthur even floated the notion of a fifth specialist bowler, calling it the “very positive option”, but it is hard to see that happening with the length of tail Pakistan already have and which England exploited twice at Edgbaston.”It’s certainly one of the options, but whoever comes in somebody has got to bat middle order, which makes it a particularly long tail,” he said. “That’s a very positive way to go. It’s one that we’ve thought about and one I lay in bed thinking about it last night. That’s a very positive option because we’ve got to get 20 wickets in this Test match. We’ve got to work through that one.”One of the key reasons that Pakistan’s attack has been under pressure is that England have countered Yasir Shah impressively since Lord’s. In the last two Tests he has combined figures of 4 for 502 having claimed 10 for 141 in the opening Test.After a difficult Old Trafford outing, Yasir performed an impressive holding role in the first innings at Edgbaston – sending down 25 unchanged – but in England’s second innings was taken for 172 off 43 overs, showing as much weariness as the quick bowlers by the end.”They have played the legspinner very well but we have to remember he’s been used in a defensive role,” Arthur said. “We bowled first at Edgbaston, there wasn’t a hell of a lot on offer, and at Old Trafford so he hasn’t had the luxury of bowling with runs on the board.”I’m hoping we can get runs on board here, it turns a bit and there’s a bit of bounce – and that’s a legspinner’s best friend. I actually think he’s bowled extremely well in both roles – attacking and defending.”If Pakistan are to level the series at The Oval – a ground where they have not authentically lost since 1967; they were in control of the controversial 2006 Test – they will need a key performance from Yasir, but their cause would also be helped by runs from Younis Khan.Younis has had a poor series with 122 runs in six knocks, his innings typified by extravagant movements around the crease which have twice played a part in him being caught down the leg side.As the Pakistan squad were given a quiet day of light training on Tuesday, Younis had an extended net on the square receiving throwdowns from Grant Flower.”I’m very confident he can make a contribution,” Arthur said. “He’s been very open to us speaking about some technical things, he has trained the house down and the hunger is there. I’ve been really impressed with how he’s handled it.”Watching him train and go about his business, he still tops the fitness charts, he’s one of the fittest in the team, his diet is exemplary. He’s so professional on and off the field. Put it this way, he’s giving himself the best chance to perform and I’ll take my hat off to chap like that any day of the week.”

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea centre-back Levi Colwill this summer and the Englishman could be the next Virgil van Dijk in Jurgen Klopp's side.

Could Liverpool sign Colwill?

It was reported by Football Insider last month that the Reds were plotting to sign the 20-year-old after another fine season away from Chelsea, this time helping Brighton earn a spot in Europe for the first time in their history.

The talented young centre-back had first caught the eye on loan with Huddersfield Town in the Championship last season, helping the Terriers to the playoff final before their defeat against Nottingham Forest, making 31 appearances in the second tier.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are also credited with an interest in the Englishman, who could be the next top talent to leave Stamford Bridge without ever really getting a chance in the first team.

90min reported last year that Chelsea valued Colwill at £40m which suggests that nearly a year on, the Blues could demand a significant fee for the exciting defender this summer.

Does Colwill play like Van Dijk?

While the report suggests that Liverpool have been scouting Colwill throughout the season, Klopp got a first-hand experience of his quality earlier in the season when Brighton cruised to a 3-0 win over the Reds at the Amex Stadium.

Alan Shearer suggested that the youngster "didn't put a foot wrong" during Match of the Day's coverage, while his 7.5 Sofascore rating from the game suggests that he was easily able to deal with Liverpool's front two of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

The former managed no shots on target and no successful dribbles when up against the Brighton loanee, in a display that was arguably reminiscent of Van Dijk's dominance over Premier League attackers in recent seasons at Liverpool.

Coincidentally, according to FBref, the Dutchman is the third-most similar player to Colwill when compared to other centre-backs across Europe's top leagues.

This season has seen the two register remarkably similar statistics with regard to 15-30 yard passes completed per 90 (both 39.2), aerial duels won (74.1% vs 74.2%) and tackles per 90 (both 0.6).

Colwill is clearly a defender who is comfortable in possession and is rarely bested by attacking players, as he has been dribbled past just 0.3 times per game in the Premier League so far this campaign.

If the 20-year-old can be brought to Anfield this summer, he could learn from Van Dijk and potentially emulate the Dutchman in the future, as he looks to have a huge amount of potential and is already very similar to a man recognised among the best centre-backs in the world.

The pitch, easy-paced throughout, had the final word as this Division Two match ended in a draw, though not before Ned Eckersley completed his second hundred of the match

ECB Reporters Network07-Aug-2016
ScorecardNed Eckersley completed a fantastic match•Getty ImagesThe pitch, easy-paced throughout, had the final word as this Division Two match ended in a draw, though not before Ned Eckersley completed his second hundred of the match – the second time in his career the Leicestershire batsman has scored a century in both innings of a Championship fixture.Leicestershire, who resumed on an apparently precarious 109 for 5, a lead of just 127, lost just one wicket during the morning session while increasing their lead to over 200.Things might have been different had Chesney Hughes, at first slip, been able to hold a chance given by Niall O’Brien in the opening over, the left-hander edging a Tony Palladino delivery to first slip. Hughes juggled the ball three times but was unable to hang on.O’Brien and Eckersley then batted without alarm, albeit scoring at just two runs an over, in extending their partnership past 50. O’Brien had not hit a boundary in 116 balls when shortly before lunch he went back to a cut a delivery from left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson and edged a catch behind.Clint McKay could not resist trying to loft Parkinson’s left-arm spin into the stands, missed and was bowled, but Ben Raine gave Eckersley solid support in adding 53 for the eighth wicket before losing his middle stump to Neil Broom’s occasional offspin.Eckersley, who hit 117 in the first innings, then went to his century off 170 balls, becoming the first Leicestershire batsman to achieve the feat since he himself did so against Worcestershire in 2013.The declaration came very late, leaving Derbyshire a target of 313 off 38 over, and when Raine bowled Billy Godleman without scoring, and Chesney Hughes got a leading edge off McKay and was caught at mid-on for 5, there were some wondering whether Leicestershire had been too pessimistic about the docility of the pitch.The more so when Ben Slater went leg before to a Charlie Shreck delivery that kept low and Broom was caught in the gully having edged a Shreck delivery onto his pad, leaving the visitors of 43 for 4.Throughout the game, however, once the new ball effect wore off batsmen found it relatively easy to survive, and Wayne Madsen and Shiv Thakor – not without the occasional alarm – saw their side through to the draw.Parkinson, on his first class debut, bowled a remarkable 70.4 overs in the match, and finished with six wickets.

Chelsea's squad is laden with quality, although with the money spent on it of late, that is to be expected. For one manager who can find the right system to fit them into, there is a veritable gold mine at Stamford Bridge, just waiting to be excavated and showcased to the world.

But, for now, they are far from that lucrative stage.

In fact, the Blues currently sit in 11th, on track to record one of their worst Premier League finishes in history. Frank Lampard could not right the wrongs of Graham Potter before him, and so it seems set to be Mauricio Pochettino who'll be the latest to try his hand at one of the hardest and most cutthroat jobs in world football.

The Argentine has earned this job predominantly off the back of his work in reigniting Tottenham Hotspur and turning them into a powerhouse of English football once again. When handed time and backing, everyone has already seen what he can do.

He, therefore, seems best placed to take over this dormant outfit, with the belief that his past successes can translate into this current predicament.

However, in order to unlock what already resides in west London, the 51-year-old will first command a few purchases of his own.

In signing mooted transfer target Romeo Lavia from the recently relegated Southampton, he could invoke the past success of Victor Wanyama, who he also snagged from the Saints to be his midfield rock in north London.

The youngster retains his £40m buy-back clause from Manchester City, and the Championship-bound outfit could demand a fee similar.

How has Romeo Lavia played this season?

Despite being just 19 years old, this midfield powerhouse has shone in the engine room of a side seriously lacking quality and experience. The 6.83 average rating of the Belgian does not do justice to just how imperious he has been, with his two tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game upheld by an 86% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.

With little flash about his game, this workmanlike teenage sensation has all the hallmarks of a young Wanyama, who too acted as something of a destroyer under Pochettino.

In what was arguably his standout season in north London, during the 2015/16 campaign, the Kenyan showcased such defensive superiority that mirrors the path Lavia seems set to follow.

Alongside his 7.00 average rating, his 82% pass accuracy was buoyed by 3.1 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 2.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

He truly was the "monster" that broadcaster and ex-professional Gabriel Zakuani branded him back in 2012, which is coincidentally the same label attached to Southampton's young superstar by journalist Benjy Nurick, who wrote back in January:

"Romeo Lavia was an absolute monster tonight. Quite possibly the best midfielder on the pitch."

Now playing in the MLS, it is easy to forget just how influential Wanyama was in the triumphs Pochettino earned with the Lilywhites.

Should he now kickstart his new regime with a similar signing, perhaps he can go one further and actually add the host of silverware he was missing from an otherwise successful tenure at Spurs.

Newcastle United have a concrete interest in signing Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot this summer, but multiple Premier League teams are also eyeing moves, according to a report.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

With Newcastle in a fantastic position to qualify for next year's Champions League, Eddie Howe has started to look at options to strengthen his midfield, and Manchester United's Scott McTominay is said to be on the manager's radar.

The Magpies are also looking at options from further afield, and they are set to send scouts to watch Sporting CP's Manuel Ugarte, but there is likely to be a battle for his signature, with Liverpool named as potential suitors.

OGC Nice's Khephren Thuram is another target to bolster the midfield, although he will not come cheap, as Foot Mercato have recently reported his current club could now be set to demand at least €60m (£52m) to sanction his departure.

One potential low-cost alternative to Thuram is Rabiot, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning he will be available on a free transfer, but there could be stiff competition for his signature.

According to a report from CalcioMercato (via Sport Witness), several Premier League clubs hold a concrete interest in the Frenchman, including Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, while Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona headline the interest from abroad.

The report claims that Howe tried to sign the Juventus star in January 2022, but failed, however, Newcastle should stand a better chance of winning the race for his signature now, given that their new project is now well-defined.

Who will Rabiot sign for?

With so many of Europe's top clubs interested in the 28-year-old, he will face a very difficult decision in the summer, however, you'd like to think the Magpies could stand a good chance, particularly if they qualify for the Champions League.

The £149k-per-week maestro has certainly earned a move, considering he is ranked as Juventus' best-performing player in the Serie A, averaging a 7.15 WhoScored match rating, largely due to the contributions he has made in attack.

With 11 goals and four assists to his name, the "sensational" midfielder, as dubbed in the media, has weighed in with the second-highest number of goal contributions in the squad, while he is also competent defensively, ranking in the 83rd percentile for clearances per 90 over the past year.

Considering the progress Newcastle have made this season, there is every chance they could win the race for Rabiot's signature, and he could be an excellent addition to the squad.

Durham shrugged off another injury to captain Paul Collingwood to boost their chances of reaching a second quarter-final when they beat Yorkshire by 15 runs at the Riverside

ECB Reporters Network31-Jul-2016
ScorecardMark Wood was the pick of the Durham bowlers•Getty ImagesDurham shrugged off another injury to captain Paul Collingwood to boost their chances of reaching a second quarter-final when they beat Yorkshire by 15 runs at the Riverside.After both teams progressed in the NatWest T20 Blast on Friday, both can also reach the last eight in the Royal London Cup by winning their final group matches on Monday. Durham go to Old Trafford and Yorkshire entertain Warwickshire but will hope to bat better than in attempting to chase down Durham’s 281 for 7.At 200 for 5 after 40 overs they were 16 ahead of Durham at the equivalent stage but, despite Tim Bresnan continuing his fine batting form with 92, the boundaries dried up against tight bowling.Only 38 runs came off the next seven overs and there had not been a boundary for 12 overs until Bresnan twice planted Chris Rushworth into the stand over midwicket in the 48th. He than holed out off the last ball of the over, leaving 28 needed off two with two wickets standing. Mark Wood conceded only one run in the 49th and Yorkshire finished on 266 for 8.Collingwood, who took over the one-day captaincy from the departing Mark Stoneman last week, was limping while batting and in his absence from the field Keaton Jennings took over. He skilfully marshalled an excellent bowling display, led by Wood after he was belatedly made available as he continues his comeback from two ankle operations. Wood took the crucial wickets of Alex Lees and Jack Leaning while conceding only 43 runs in ten overs.Scott Borthwick was Durham’s star, top-scoring with 84 and taking 1 for 48 in ten overs of generally tight legspin, spoilt only when Bresnan drove a full toss for six then pulled a long hop for four. That came towards the end of a fifth-wicket stand of 76 with Jack Leaning, but when Wood was recalled Leaning steered a catch straight to backward point and the momentum was never recovered.Borthwick accelerated nicely from a 74-ball half-century to reach 84 before breaking his bat, only to fall without addition when the new blade sent a miscued hook to long leg in the 41st over.Durham did well to take 97 off their last ten overs as, despite hitting only two boundaries, Michael Richardson kept the score moving with 53 off 58 balls. He was helped in the last ten overs by cameos from Ryan Pringle, with 27 off 20 balls, and Stuart Poynter, who included a straight six off Bresnan in his unbeaten 27.

West Ham United are ending the season in a much better way than they started it. A recent victory over Manchester United has virtually secured Premier League survival, while their 2-1 first-leg win over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League has put them in the driving seat ahead of the return fixture.

David Moyes will be desperate to claim European glory and ensure he remains in the hotseat next season, and it seems he is keen on improving his squad over the summer.

The Hammers have scouted Lens midfielder Seko Fofana recently according to 90min, and with Declan Rice’s exit appearing inevitable this summer, it could be an ideal opportunity to secure an excellent replacement for the Englishman.

His price tag before Christmas was believed to be around €40m (£35m), and if the club could secure his signature for this type of fee, it may well turn into a fantastic bargain.

Could Seko Fofana join West Ham United this summer?

Moyes will certainly be targeting a midfielder or two and Fofana fits the bill perfectly, especially as he is considered statistically similar to Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, according to FBref.

The analysis site notes Fofana as the second-most comparable player to the Germany international, and with his impact at City, where he has won 11 major honours (so far), it isn’t a bad comparison to have.

Indeed, this season, Fofana and Gundogan have registered similar statistics with regard to goals and assists (nine apiece), pass success rate (87.5% to 86.8%), shot-creating actions (88 to 87) and interceptions (19 to 18), suggesting that not only do they offer a reliable attacking threat from the midfield, but their passing ability is also excellent.

In making a move for Fofana, Moyes could sign one of the finest midfielders on the continent, as FBref ranks him in the top 5% over the past year for progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches in the attacking penalty area and total shots per 90 across Europe’s big five leagues, and it could be a major coup in landing him this summer.

Journalist Said Amdaa lavished praise on Fofana in 2022, saying: “Unplayable in midfield with monster activity. Recoverer/scorer. Very reliable, the captain did not miss any match with Lens.” And he has led Lens to a remarkable title challenge this term, as they currently sit six points off Paris Saint-Germain with four games left.

Moyes may send more scouts to watch him before the end of the season, though he will need to make a move sooner rather than later or he could get snapped up by a bigger side.

David Warner’s recovery time could be anywhere between two and six weeks if he does not require surgery, but he may be out for longer should a procedure be required

Daniel Brettig12-Jun-2016David Warner has been effectively ruled out out of the triangular series and may require surgery for a broken left index finger suffered while fielding during Australia’s victory over South Africa in St Kitts on Saturday.In a grievous blow to Steven Smith’s side, Warner will be lost to the top order for the remainder of the tournament and is now in a race to be fully fit in time for the start of the Test tour to Sri Lanka in July. He had made an unbeaten half-century and a century in three innings of the triangular series so far, following a successful IPL.Australia’s team doctor Geoffrey Verrall said Warner’s recovery time could be anywhere between two and six weeks if he does not require surgery, but he may be out for longer should a procedure be required.”The x-ray showed an intra-articular fracture of the distal phalanx of the index finger of the left hand – the top part of that finger,” Verrall said. “We will assess the situation over the coming days to see if the injury requires a surgical option but should that not be the case then David is likely to be available to return to play in somewhere between two and six weeks.”The selector on duty Trevor Hohns and interim coach Justin Langer are yet to decide whether Warner will be replaced by another player flown in from Australia or elsewhere. Warner said the injury would provide him with an opportunity for downtime ahead of a demanding international schedule over the next 12 months.”It’s obviously disappointing to be sidelined given the form I’ve been in and given the important stage the tri-series is at, but it’s always important to look at the positives,” he said. “This downtime, however long or short it is, will give me the chance to freshen up and spend quality time with my family after an intense period of action.”Langer said he was particularly disappointed to lose Warner’s services after watching the example he had set around the squad. “It’s doubly disappointing to have David Warner sidelined because of his outstanding form plus his attitude and professionalism around the group which has been a joy to work with,” he said. “But we’ve spoken from day one of this tour about every single person in the squad contributing to our success.”I’ve encouraged the players not in the starting eleven to be ready at all times because you never know when opportunities might come. One of the boys will now get that opportunity in David’s absence.”Australia’s captain, Steven Smith, said that while it would be a blow for Australia to miss Warner during the tri-series, the main goal would be to ensure Warner was available for the first Test against Sri Lanka, which begins in Pallekele on July 26.”The most important thing from my aspect is that he’s right for the Test series,” Smith said. “That’s still about six weeks away before the first Test. I think the medical staff and Davey are confident that he’ll be fine for that first Test match.”It’s always tough missing players like Davey, particularly at the moment. He’s in the form of his life and batting beautifully. It’s going to be a big loss for us. I’m sure whoever steps into that position is going to do a terrific job.”Warner’s injury may mean a recall for Glenn Maxwell, following the allrounder’s poor displays in the opening two matches of the tournament. Usman Khawaja is likely to move up the order to partner Aaron Finch for Monday’s match against the West Indies.

Newcastle United can move six points clear of fifth in the Premier League as they host Mikel Arteta's Arsenal at St. James' Park this evening.

The Magpies have won eight of their last nine matches in the division and are heading towards Champions League qualification, as they currently sit third in the table.

Eddie Howe's men come into this clash against the Gunners off the back of a 3-1 win at home to Southampton in their last match – with two goals from hero Callum Wilson and an own goal from Theo Walcott securing the three points.

How will Newcastle line up against Arsenal?

Despite the victory against the Saints, How could make three alternations from the XI that started last time out.

Nick Pope, who has recorded 13 clean sheets in the Premier League this season, could keep his place between the sticks and the defence, of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn, could remain the same to maintain consistency at the back.

However, one change could occur in the middle of the park as Sean Longstaff could make his return from injury.

Howe said it was a case of 'wait and see' over his availability for this game, so the homegrown Toon gem, who has started 27 times ths season, will come in for Joe Willock to keep the midfield ticking over alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

The Newcastle boss could also ruthlessly ditch Anthony Gordon from the starting XI.

The £45m winger was hooked at half time against Southampton after losing five of his eight individual duels, missing one 'big chance', and failing to create a single opportunity for his teammates – as per Sofascore.

This would allow £46k-per-week talisman Callum Wilson, who Trippier once hailed as "non-stop", to come in as the starting number nine, which would then leave Alexander Isak playing off the left – where he recorded an assist for one of the England international's strikes last weekend.

Finally, Miguel Almiron could get the nod over Jacob Murphy on the right. Howe has rotated them in the last two fixtures, with the latter starting against the Saints, and the busy schedule could open the door for the Paraguay international to come back in as part of the front three.

Predicted Newcastle United XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Isak.