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Andrew Strauss, the director of England cricket, has defended his decision to allow key England players to participate in the IPL despite subsequent injury concerns

George Dobell30-May-2017Andrew Strauss, the director of England cricket, has defended his decision to allow key England players to participate in the IPL despite subsequent injury concerns.Both Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes were obliged to sit-out games during the recent ODI series against South Africa after sustaining what have been described as minor knee and quad “niggles” respectively.But with the Champions Trophy starting in a couple of days, the decision to allow such important players to spend almost the entire IPL season in India is sure to come under more scrutiny. While the England team management remain confident both men will be fit for their opening Trophy match against Bangladesh on Thursday, there is a possibility that Stokes will be fit to play only as a specialist batsman.Strauss, however, is confident there are many benefits in IPL experience. Echoing comments made by Stokes and Woakes – and before them, the likes of Eoin Morgan and Kevin Pietersen – Strauss felt the experience in India could help.”The players who have gone over there have benefitted massively from the experience,” he said. “We’ve seen that already with the maturity that Ben is playing with the bat. And it looked like he’s improved his bowling at the death tremendously, too.”I think Chris Woakes was saying that to go there, to learn from the best players in the world and pit themselves against the best players in the world…they come back from that experience knowing they’re as good as anyone out there. The deep-rooted belief they get from that is massively important.”I’ve always seen the massive advantages of our players going out there. And that was on the back of us under-performing in white-ball cricket for year after year after year, and clearly falling behind some of the other teams.”There is no evidence that either injury was sustained in India. Indeed, you could argue that both men would have been required to play far more had they remained in England and been utilised by their counties. Moeen Ali, another of England’s allrounders, also missed the final ODI against South Africa with a minor groin strain and he did not play in the IPL.”That is the slight risk you take when you make people available for a chunk of cricket that is outside the international schedule,” Strauss said. “Injuries are part and parcel of life, but on one hand you weigh-up the potential risk and on the other you ask what they can potentially gain from that experience. That’s what forms the decision.”Thankfully I don’t think any of those injuries are of massive concern at this stage. It’s very much precautionary that they’re not playing at this stage. We want them to hit the ground running in the Champions Trophy.”Having said that, we’ve always got to balance that great opportunity for them with the schedules and workloads. And we just need to keep looking at this on a year by year and case by case basis. There will be times where it may be the smart thing not to play and at other times it might be the smart thing for them to play in the IPL.”Up until now, we’ve had mature, adult conversations with players about their availability. That’s why some of the guys came back for those Ireland internationals and some of the guys stayed at the IPL. And that’s what we’ll continue to do. When the opportunity is right for players to go – and when we feel they’ll benefit from that experience – we’ll try and make it possible.”While Stokes, Woakes and Jos Buttler were permitted to miss the two ODIs against Ireland in order to remain at the IPL this year, Strauss baulked at the suggestion that players would ever be allowed to miss a Test in similar circumstances.”Personally, I think that’s unlikely,” he said. “When you get to the stage where you’re missing Test matches to play in IPL that sends out a very strong message about where your priorities are and I would be uncomfortable with that.”It is a delicate balance Strauss must strike. As well as providing opportunities for players to benefit from experience in overseas leagues, he is also keen to help them benefit financially. And while there is no sense of the contractual wrangles that are currently clouding Australian cricket, as more money floods into the game, it is an issue on which the ECB will have to remain alert.”There are always negotiations between players and employers around what is a fair structure for salaries and pay,” Strauss said. “Our current agreement is tied in with our TV deal that runs till 2019. There will be conversations over the next couple of years to ensure we put together something that’s fair and everyone is happy with.”I’m in no way commenting on what’s happening in Cricket Australia, because I don’t know the ins and outs of it. But I’d be very surprised if anything other than a full-strength team turned out at the Gabba. I would have thought the Ashes will focus people’s minds to make sure they get a conclusion to where they are at the moment.”Then I’d like to think we can have some sort of mature conversations with TEPP [The Team England Player Partnership; the branch of the PCA that negotiates on behalf of England players] and the players themselves early enough to prevent us going down that sort of route. And as much as possible, behind closed doors and in the right sort of spirit.”What I’m focused on is making sure the relationships between ourselves as the national governing body and our players who are contracted to us are as good as they possibly can be. That’s the best way of ensuring that those conversations happen in good faith.”

Manchester United reportedly remain in the mix for the signing of Bayern Munich defender, Benjamin Pavard, albeit with Erik ten Hag's side set to have to try and see off rivals Manchester City for the Frenchman's signature.

What are the latest Man United transfer rumours?

There has been notable speculation of late that the Red Devils are seeking to move on club captain, Harry Maguire, ahead of next season, with Europa Conference League winners, West Ham United said to be interested in signing the 30-year-old this summer.

Amid that talk of an exit for the Englishman, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed United's interest in a possible replacement in the form of Pavard, albeit with City also in the running at present, alongside Juventus.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed: "Pavard: FC Bayern, waiting for concrete offers now! Talks between the players management and ManCity took place as #Guardiola is very interested in Pavard. But there are no agreements yet. At this stage, it’s a race between #MCFC, ManUtd and Juventus."

According to prior reports, the 27-year-old could command a fee of just €30m (£26m) if he is to be sold this summer, with the versatile ace having entered into the final year of his contract at the Allianz Arena.

How good is Benjamin Pavard?

For a player comfortable operating at centre-back or at right-back, it is no surprise that there is such significant interest in landing the World Cup winner for a cut-price fee, with such flexibility likely to make the former Stuttgart ace a real asset to Ten Hag.

The 6 foot 2 rock – who also described himself as "more complete" than Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold – may not be the most glamourous or "sexy" of names, in his own words, yet he could prove to be a wise investment for the Old Trafford outfit this summer.

The hope will be that Pavard could replicate the success that another former Bundesliga talent Manuel Akanji has enjoyed since trading Germany for Manchester a year ago, with the Swiss international having gone on to secure treble glory at the Etihad last term.

Much like Pavard, the 6 foot 1 centre-back – who can also operate at full-back – was snapped up on the cheap to little fanfare last summer, with Pep Guardiola's side forking out just £15m as the player also had just a year left on his contract at Borussia Dortmund at the time.

As pundit Alan Hutton noted at the time, it looked as if that signing was merely to help bolster the club's "strength in depth", albeit with Akanji going on to make 48 appearances in all competitions, as he simply "surpassed expectations" – as per ex-England number one, Paul Robinson.

Much like the 27-year-old, Pavard – who has been described as "underrated" by Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel – could perhaps surprise a few next term if he is to link up with Ten Hag, having shown signs of his quality of late.

The Frenchman has the tools to thrive in the Premier League due to his likeness to Akanji, with the pair both adept at playing out from the back as the latter man ranks in the top 17% among his European peers for progressive passes and the top 20% for progressive carries, while Pavard ranks in the top 1% and the top 9% for those same two metrics, respectively.

That ball-playing quality is also showcased by the fact that while the former Dortmund ace ranks in the top 3% for attempted passes as a marker of his desire to play forward, Pavard again ranks in the top 1% for that same metric.

As such, having seen the impact that Akanji has made in Manchester to date, Ten Hag could land his own version of the former Basel gem by snapping up another unsung Bundesliga ace this summer.

Tottenham are keeping an eye on Lille star Jonathan David in case they lose Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, according to reports in France.

Is Harry Kane leaving Tottenham?

It’s not a summer transfer window unless there is a saga surrounding Kane’s future in north London, but it’s fair to say this one feels closer to something actually happening than those that have come before.

That is of course due to the talisman’s contract situation, meaning Daniel Levy has to at least consider the offers coming in from Munich, and Ange Postecoglou has admitted he’s had no assurances:

“No, I haven't had any assurances [over Kane's future] and I wouldn't expect any assurances because with these kind of things you're never dealing in definites or certainties.

“I'm trying to concentrate on the things that I know right now, and what I know right now is that Harry's part of this squad.”

Those comments were followed by a pretty worrying update from Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who insists Kane has actually personally agreed to join the Bavarian giants:

“As reported: Harry Kane made 100 % clear that he only wants to join FC Bayern.

He’s not considering a move to another club abroad. It’s an agreement between Kane & Bayern.”

Now, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, the Lilywhites have picked out David as a possible option to replace their record goalscorer. Sport Witness translate the update, which says Lille have set their price at €60m (£51m).

Lille hope to make a signing of their own with the money they generate from selling their star man, a Canada international, but Kane’s moving is holding everything up, with Spurs one of the teams “observing” David’s situation.

There is plenty of competition for his signature however, as PSG, Chelsea and Newcastle are all keeping an eye on the striker merry go round as well.

How good is Jonathan David?

In truth, it’s going to be impossible for Postecoglou and Levy to find someone to fully replicate Kane’s end product, but there aren’t many players who come closer than David over the last couple of seasons.

The 23 year-old found the back of the net 15 times in 38 Ligue 1 showings in the 2021/22 campaign, and followed that up with 24 strikes in 37 games this time around.

He can play as an out and out centre forward, in behind another number nine or even on both wings if required, and hasn’t fallen below ten league goals in a season since he was a teenager.

A 40-cap international – with 24 goals in those games too – his injury history is also a major selling point, having missed a total of just three games due to illness or injury across his entire career to this point.

Labelled an “absolutely massive” player for Lille for his ability to step up to the plate in pressure situations, that is exactly the kind of mentality Spurs need from whoever arrives to fill Kane’s shoes – if he goes – and for £51m, Postecoglou would be getting an exciting young talent in the form of his life.

Chris Lynn thought his Champions Trophy hopes were over when he suffered a shoulder injury during the IPL

Melinda Farrell31-May-2017The Wankhede Stadium is heaving, as it does at every Mumbai Indians home match. Kolkata’s Chris Woakes runs in and bowls to his team-mate in England colours, Jos Buttler. Buttler, aggressive as ever, comes down the track but doesn’t quite get to the pitch of the ball. He tries to hoist it over the long-off boundary but only succeeds in skying it.Chris Lynn, fielding at mid-off, turns and sets off at full speed on the chase. It’s touch and go as to whether he’ll get there. But he’s not the sort to die wondering. He’s the sort who dives, wondering. And so as the ball drops, still a little too far away, he hurls himself full stretch, intent only on taking the catch. He crashes into the ground and he’s just short. But far worse, he feels the tell-tale pop in his left shoulder joint. He’s felt this before and he knows what it means.

****

This was the moment Chris Lynn thought his Champions Trophy hopes were over.A third injury to the same shoulder in less than two years didn’t bode well for a player who has all too often suffered an injury setback at the worst possible time. After the match, of of Lynn’s frustration was distilled in a single tweet: “Dear Cricket Gods, did I do something wrong?”Now, fully fit on the eve of Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign, Lynn vividly remembers the fear that enveloped him when he thought his IPL season was finished and his chances of representing his country in England were gone.”Yeah I was shitting myself to be honest,” said a typically laconic Lynn. “I was in good nick as well. It was probably the first thing that crossed my mind that it would dampen my chances of playing here.”That’s why I stayed over in India because I knew, there’s not a great deal to do over in India, but rehab was the first priority.”So I smashed that every day and I knew that if I stayed over there and tried to get a bit of game time I’d give myself every chance to get myself fit for this.”It took three and a half weeks for Lynn to get himself back on the park and he scored 50 and 84 in his first two matches back for KKR, picking up from his blistering start to the IPL.”I was really determined to get back from that dislocation and I didn’t lose any form over that period,” Lynn said. “I think first game back in the IPL I struck the ball really well so I’m confident if I get a chance that I can contribute to the side and, not only just contribute, but hopefully put up a couple of big scores or match wining knocks here or there.”It’s a good feeling that I know my body a lot better now, know my restrictions, so we’ll see how we go.”Fortunately for Australia, those restrictions don’t affect his batting. But he has been forced to reevaluate his technique in the field.”I can’t dive with my arms outstretched,” said Lynn. “It’s got to be sort of nice and tight in. it’s taken me a couple of dislocations to get that but I’ve got a fair bit of strapping on there to remind me so I think, as much as you want to try and dive and save as many runs for your team, there’s a point where you’ve got to reel it in and be realistic with your body so I’m pretty comfortable with it at the moment.”Such restraint doesn’t come naturally to Lynn, a ferociously powerful batsman whose aggressive demolition of bowlers in T20 tournaments has spawned its own hashtag. But he knows that in a tournament that leaves little room for error and a format which, should he break into Australia’s starting line up, sometimes requires batsmen to craft an innings, he may at times have to curb his natural aggression. A little less #Lynnsanity and a little more #Lynngenuity, if you will.”I guess I’ve got to sum up each game as they come and each scenario,” said Lynn. “If I do get the license out there obviously it’s going to be good fun and hopefully I can get going but if we do, say, lose a couple of early ones then I’ve got to pull my head in and reel it in and play some smart cricket.”I think the way I played in India, obviously there were a lot of big hits over there, but I thought my game awareness was pretty good as well in certain situations so I’ve just got to find the right tempo and find it as early as possible.”Whether or not Lynn gets the opportunity to find his tempo remains to be seen. Australia’s powerful batting line up means there’s no guarantee Lynn will make the starting XI. He claims he hasn’t even thought about selection and is relaxed about slotting in to a 50-over team after an extended run in the T20 format.”Does my role change?” asked Lynn. “I’m not sure yet. At the end of the day it’s a white ball coming down at me and if I can smack the ball like I do in T20 I’ll be pretty happy but finding that right tempo is key and working out when to play smart cricket and when to have a go.”Whoever plays in the best XI is obviously there for a reason and whoever’s missing out is a bit, well, not stiff because who do you drop out of that line up? We’re all good players.”Whatever happens, mate, if we win the comp who cares?`’

At times last season, Newcastle was simply devastating in front of goal. Eddie Howe’s free-scoring Magpies netted three or more times in 11 different Premier League matches.

This scintillating potency meant that the club secured Champions League football for the first time in 20 years.

Much of their attacking impetus is owed to the magnificent form of Callum Wilson.

In 21 top-flight starts, the 31-year-old scored on an incredible 18 occasions.

It is an even more impressive feat when considering is one of the few regular starters to survive the recent takeover – a testament to his quality and value to the team.

However, with the Magpies needing to juggle domestic and European football, they need to add as much depth as possible.

One name that’s been suggested to follow in the footsteps of Sandro Tonali by securing a move to Tyneside is Elye Wahi.

What’s the latest on Elye Wahi to Newcastle United?

According to Foot Mercato (via The Hard Tackle), Newcastle, as well as Arsenal and Chelsea are involved in a transfer tussle for the signature of Wahi.

The 20-year-old’s contract doesn’t expire until 2025 and Montpellier has reportedly made it clear that they are unwilling to do business for less than €40m (£34m).

Why should Newcastle United sign Elye Wahi?

The Frenchman rose to national prominence when he was a youth player at Caen, scoring 89 goals in the 2016/17 season at U14 and U15 levels.

As a result, he eventually moved to Montpellier and signed his first professional contract with the club in October 2019. The forward then made history in January 2021 when he became the club’s second-ever youngest goalscorer at the age of 18 years and 13 days.

This season, the youngster has been at his most productive, with 25 goal contributions in 33 Ligue 1 appearances. This included a strike in December 2022 in a 2-0 win over Lorient, which was the 20th goal in top-flight French football, meaning he is the second teenager after only Kylian Mbappe to reach the milestone in the last 40 years.

His prolific form meant that the £1.6k-per-week star bags 0.68 goals per 90, with a 37% conversion rate.

Ex-Caen academy director Francis de Taddeo has highlighted Wahi’s class, saying: "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.”

This praise has been echoed by Montpellier manager Michel Der Zakarian, who added: “He is able to dribble, he has speed, he has a good heading game, he is able to score with both feet. He has a good palette.”

A player of this quality can provide excellent competition for Wilson, who is gloriously thriving at Newcastle.

He ranks within the top 4% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for non-penalty goals per 90 and Howe has recognised his influence, saying: “He’s a hugely important part of our team, a focal point. We rely not just on his goals but his movement, his work rate. His appearance in the team gave us confidence.”

If the north-west giants can flaunt both of these wondrous attacking talents at the club come August, they will be well-equipped to deal with any challenge thrown at them.

A round-up of the Dhaka Premier League matches held on April 17, 2017

Mohammad Isam17-Apr-2017Mushfiqur Rahim picked up his second successive Player-of-the-Match award after his eighth List-A hundred set up Legends of Rupganj’s 68-run win over Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club at the BKSP-4 ground in Savar.Mushfiqur struck 14 fours and a six during his run-a-ball 134, and in the process he added 225 runs for the third wicket with Naeem Islam who also struck a century. He made 103 off 118 balls, hitting seven fours and a six. Mashrafe Mortaza, Jalaj Saxena and Mohammad Sharif then combined to get Rupganj over the 300-run mark.Despite losing Imrul Kayes in the second over, Dhanmondi remained on track with Mahbubul Karim and Fazle Mahmud adding 54 for the second wicket. But while five out of their top eight batsmen went past 20 runs, the highest scorer was Ziaur Rahman with 42. They folded for 237 in the 47th over.For Rupganj, Mohammad Sharif, Naeem, Mosharraf Hossain and Asif Hasan took two wickets each.File photo – Nazmul Hossain Shanto struck a match-winning century for Abahani as they beat Partex•ICCNazmul Hossain Shanto’s unbeaten century helped Abahani Limited brush aside Partex Sporting Club by seven wickets at the BKSP-3 ground in Savar. He hit five fours and four sixes during his 109-ball effort, taking the defending champions to their 235-run target with 11.3 overs to spare.Abahani had lost two early wickets in the chase but Shanto and Mahmudullah added 150 runs for the third wicket to bring them close to the target. Mahmudullah made 77 off 52 balls with five fours and as many sixes. Shanto and Mosaddek Hossain sealed the win with an unbroken stand of 44 for the fourth wicket.Partex had earlier posted 234 for 7 in 50 overs, with Jubair Ahmed top-scoring with an unbeaten 50 off 69 balls at No.6. For Abahani, Mohammad Saifuddin and Shuvagata Hom had taken two wickets each.File photo – Arafat Sunny took a four-wicket haul as Brothers Union were restricted to 246•AFPImtiaz Hossain fell one short of a century, but his knock helped Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club (DPSC) complete a four-wicket win over Brothers Union at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium. Imtiaz, who plays for Sylhet in the National Cricket League, struck nine fours and two sixes during his 143-ball innings.Imtiaz added 86 for the first wicket with Abdul Mazid who chipped in with 45. DPSC lost wickets at regular intervals but kept up with the scoring rate, until Farhad Reza and Sharifullah got them home with nine balls to spare. Mohammad Saddam took three wickets while Nihaduzzaman picked up two wickets.Earlier, Brothers Union too had got off to a great start with their Rajshahi opening pair of Mizanur Rahman and Junaid Siddique putting up 113 up front. Mizanur made 57, while Junaid top scored with 87. However, Brothers Union couldn’t capitalize on the good start, and were ultimately restricted to 246 for 9 in 50 overs.Arafat Sunny took four wickets, following up his five-for against Partex Sporting Club in their previous encounter. Offspinners Sharifullah and Enamul Haque also took two wickets each.

Australia were bowled out for 137 in their second innings, leaving India with 87 more to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on a fizzing Dharamsala pitch

The Report by Daniel Brettig27-Mar-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details4:22

Chappell: Umesh Yadav has been a hero this season

Australia’s batsmen froze in the spotlight of the opportunity to press for a series-sealing victory over India, leaving the hosts needing a mere 87 to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on day four in Dharamsala. The surprise for the hosts and source of regret for the visitors was that wickets to pace, not spin, dictated the course of the day.Starting their second innings 32 runs behind, Australia lost David Warner, Steven Smith and Matt Renshaw while still in deficit and were ultimately rounded up for a measly 137. Only Glenn Maxwell offered any prolonged resistance, the rest stuck in quicksand against Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.Umesh and Bhuvneshwar in particular made a mighty impact, making the new ball kick, jump and jag in such a way that Warner and Renshaw were utterly spooked, while Smith’s series ended with an attempt to assert himself that ended with a misjudged pull shot and scattered stumps. Ashwin and Jadeja were then left to separate Maxwell and Peter Handscomb before mopping up the rest.Jadeja and Wriddhiman Saha had earlier put together a priceless partnership to push India into the lead before Australia struck in the minutes before lunch. As had been the case in Ranchi, India’s seventh-wicket stand was a thorn in Australian sides, lifting the hosts from an overnight deficit of 52 to an advantage of 18 before the visitors were able to find a wicket. Jadeja’s innings maintained his up surge not only as the world’s No. 1 ranked bowler, but also as a batting talent.He had solid support from Saha, who was fortunate to still be at the crease given Matt Renshaw’s drop off the bowling of Cummins on the second evening. It was ultimately Cummins who ended the stand by coaxing Jadeja to drag onto the stumps, before also claiming Saha with a spiteful bouncer that the wicketkeeper gloved into the outstretched right hand of Steven Smith at second slip.These wickets feel either side of O’Keefe finding some turn in his first over of the session to defeat Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with Smith claiming the catch. He had refrained from using O’Keefe while Jadeja was at the crease, a measure of the respect Australia had for the left-hander’s potential to score quickly.Australia thought they had a wicket with the first ball of the morning, when Cummins angled across Jadeja and there was a noise as the ball passed the bat. The umpire Marais Erasmus raised his finger instantly, but Jadeja reviewed just as fast. Replays showed the bat had brushed his back pad rather than the ball, the decision reversed.With the ball still new, it swung and bounced disconcertingly at times, requiring all of Jadeja’s skill to keep down. Saha proved an effective partner, and the scoring rate rose dangerously for an Australian side conscious of not giving up too much of a lead. At the same time, Smith and his bowlers were straining for wickets, as evidenced by an ambitious referral for lbw against Saha by Josh Hazlewood off an inside edge, and also a preponderance of niggling chatter between bowlers and batsmen.Not for the first time, Cummins took it upon himself to generate something, and did so by going around the wicket to Jadeja after he had hooked a pair of short balls in his previous over. Jadeja’s middle stump was knocked back, and he was soon to be joined by Bhuvneshwar and then Saha.Steven Smith’s sensational series with the bat ended at 499 runs•Associated PressKuldeep Yadav added a pesky few runs with the last man Umesh before Nathan Lyon returned to the bowling crease. He had Kuldeep caught at deep backward square leg on the sweep with his first ball. That gave Lyon a deserved five-wicket haul, and left the touring batsmen to contemplate the best way to build a lead.They would have expected a few difficult overs from the pacemen but not the fusillade fired down by Bhuvneshwar and Umesh that did for Warner, Smith and Renshaw. Warner was struck one stinging blow on the shoulder by a Bhuvneshwar short ball that climbed sharply, was dropped for a second time in the match by Karun Nair, and did not get far enough across his crease to avoid edging Umesh the following over.Smith seemed intent on domination, sending his first ball to the boundary behind square leg then lining up Bhuvneshwar’s short and full deliveries. But his attempt to carry on brought a miscalculation and an ugly drag onto the stumps – Smith finished the series with a laudable 499 runs but the sense of an unfinished last innings.Renshaw’s dropped catches and cheap first-innings dismissal had conveyed something of fatigue on his first overseas tour having played so maturely earlier in the series. Now he fiddled at an Umesh delivery he may have left at another time. Australia were three down and still a run in deficit.For a time, Handscomb and Maxwell appeared capable of forging a major stand. Maxwell was the aggressor and Handscomb the accumulator, and the left-arm wristspin of Kuldeep was withdrawn by Ajinkya Rahane after being effectively neutralised. However in the final few minutes of the session, Ashwin found Handscomb’s outside edge with an offbreak that jumped without turning, then Shaun Marsh – beset by a back injury – bunted lamely to short leg.Maxwell loomed as the key to Australia’s chances when the evening session began, and after Wade evaded an early lbw appeal and referral, Maxwell was given out to Ashwin when he tucked his bat behind his pad. The review showed umpire’s call for both impact with the pad and projected path towards the stumps.Cummins and Wade then tried to steady the innings, but became trapped into scorelessness in a way that meant the Australian lead did not appreciably grow relative to the time they spent at the crease. So when Cummins fell to Jadeja, the lead was still well short of 100, and it remained there through the swift dismissals of O’Keefe and Lyon.Finally Wade showed more intent in Hazlewood’s company, until the paceman was deceived twice by Ashwin. The first occasion seemingly to a catch at second slip, but replays showed M Vijay had grounded the ball and so the players returned to the middle for another two balls, this time to see the umpire Ian Gould’s finger raised for an lbw.Vijay and KL Rahul were left with six overs to the close. They negotiated them with a level of comfort that underlined not only how well Umesh and Bhuvneshwar had bowled, but also how Smith’s Australians had squandered the sort of chance they had been fighting to have all series.

Sunderland supporters may feel the closer it gets to the transfer window closing, the more chance there is of retaining key man Jack Clarke.

However, manager Tony Mowbray is surely a lot more realistic about Clarke's future at the Stadium of Light, with interest in the 22-year-old only growing by the week.

Is Jack Clarke staying at Sunderland?

The Daily Mail reported on Sunday that Burnley have made a third bid for Clarke in the region of £9m, which must surely be tempting for Sunderland, while Brentford have joined the Clarets and Crystal Palace in the race to sign the England youth international.

Clarke still has three more years to run on his contract, meaning that Sunderland could get another year out of him and sell for a similar fee a year down the line – or indeed more should his performances go up a notch.

It has previously been reported by The Northern Echo that it will take an offer closer to the £16m mark for Sunderland to cash in, with that the amount Brentford paid Hull City for Keane Lewis-Potter last year in similar circumstances.

What is the latest Sunderland transfer news?

The Black Cats have been quick off the mark in the summer transfer window, having already brought in Nectarios Triantis, Jobe Bellingham, Luis 'Hemir' Semedo and Jenson Seelt.

Mowbray's men are said to be keen to add at least a couple more new faces, including Heerenveen midfielder Thomas Haye. At 28 years old, he does not exactly fit the category of player the Black Cats have looked to sign this window, but his experience of playing in Eredivisie could come in handy.

When asked at the weekend about reports linking him with the likes of Sunderland and Ligue 1 side Toulouse, Haye is quoted by ESPN as saying: "I look at it calmly. I have the ambition to take the step, but only if it is a good step and everything falls into place."

While not the same type of player as Clarke, getting a deal finalised for Haye would certainly bring something a little different to Sunderland. The former Netherlands U21 international plays predominantly as a holding midfielder, while also having the ability to shift into defence or move into a slightly more advanced area if required.

As per FBref's player comparison model, Haye shares many similar qualities with former Manchester City and now Athletico Paranaense midfielder Fernandinho, giving a good indication of exactly what his game is all about.

Indeed, with 1.79 tackles won per 90 minutes in Eredivisie last season, he ranks higher than any Sunderland regular across their impressive Championship campaign last time out – Edouard Michut being their best midfield performer with a figure of 1.75.

Haye also completed 50.7 passes per 90 minutes last season, which only defender Luke O'Nien (52.4) could better among Sunderland players, while showing he can also help out in an attacking sense with 0.17 goals and assists per 90 last season and 0.37 the year before.

For context, midfielder Dan Neil averaged 0.15 for Sunderland in 2022-23 – and that was arguably at a lower level in terms of quality.

Haye, previously described as "impressive" by Voetbal International reporter Reon Boeringa, is into the final year of his Heerenveen contract and reportedly earns just £3k a week, making him a realistic target for the Black Cats.

A replacement for Clarke he is not, but Haye would undoubtedly enhance Sunderland's squad and soften the blow if they can win the race for his signature.

Kusal Mendis’s unbeaten 166 helped Sri Lanka to post a comfortable 321 for 4 on the first day in Galle

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando in Galle07-Mar-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details4:35

Fernando: No-ball scare gave Mendis focus

How sweet homecomings can be. Having failed to score 300 in any of their six Test innings in South Africa, Sri Lanka rode Kusal Mendis’ suave 166 not out to a score of 321 for 4 on the first day in Galle. Along the way, Mendis signed up Asela Gunaratne for a sidekick, forging with him a dominant 196-run fourth-wicket stand, of which Gunaratne’s share was 85.This Galle pitch deserves a first-innings total of at least 400, so although Sri Lanka’s position is strong for now, it is certainly not an unassailable one. Bangladesh, though, will rue their falling away towards the end of the day. Their first three hours had been disciplined and energetic, the quicks squeezing a little movement from a reluctant surface in the early overs, before the spinners dealt almost exclusively in tight lines and lengths at their initial introduction. Their initial reward for this stretch of good bowling was a scoreline of 92 for 3, but then their pep waivered. The last dismissal came after several hours, not long before the close of play.Mendis-Gunaratne’s record

2 Centuries for Kusal Mendis at home from nine innings. Mendis scored 176 against Australia last year and is currently unbeaten on 166. This is also his third first-class century.

166 Runs scored by Sri Lanka from 35 overs in the third session of play. Mendis scored 86 of those runs.

196 Runs added by Gunaratne and Mendis – the highest fourth-wicket partnership for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh

That late scalp was well-deserved by Taskin Ahmed, though – he was Bangladesh’s most consistent operator through the day, and it was appropriate that he have at least one scalp to show for his toil.Mendis’ innings was not without its flaws, but the mistakes came in the early going. He was assured through the middle of the day, and by the end: sublime. The worst shot had been his first. Mendis flashed at a short ball outside off stump from Subhashis Roy, to send an under-edge to the keeper. Bangladesh were celebrating and he was trudging off when the umpires sought to run a no-ball check, with replays showing the bowler had overstepped. Though visibly relieved, the experience was enough to scare Mendis into early reticence – only 22 came from his first 60 balls.There had been a little juice in the pitch in the early overs, too – a modicum of sideways movement, and just a hint of zip off the pitch. When this disappeared in the day’s relentless heat, Mendis began to prosper. First he parsed the mild spin of Shakib Al Hasan and the moderate turn of Mehedi Hasan. He then withstood Taskin’s intense second and third spells. Eventually Subashis tried to unsettle him with a short-ball assault, but though the occasional bouncer beat his hook shot, and another ball took the splice of his bat, he retained his wicket, and soon enough, began to score off the rib-high balls as well. As always with a good Mendis innings, there was that flicked on-drive, but on this occasion it was the swat-pull that defined his progress through the middle of the day. His first fifty took 101 deliveries but, in the company of Gunaratne – who was also scoring smoothly – Mendis hit his second off 64 balls.As the day grew long, and Bangladesh began to visibly wilt, Mendis only grew more dominant. He slinked down the crease to hit Shakib over long-on in the 76th over, then slog-swept Mehedi over deep midwicket soon after. He sailed past 150 in the final overs of the day. This innings was not nearly as impressive as his maiden ton – 176 against Australia last year – but he has, nevertheless, already displayed a thirst for big hundreds.Gunaratne, his partner for 43 overs, rarely appeared troubled at the crease, and was quick to punish anything short. Against the spinners he deployed his favoured sweep and reverse sweep. He glided to a half-century in 85 balls, and rarely failed to find gaps to release the pressure when a few dot balls had built up. This was his third fifty-plus score in five Test innings.Before Gunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal had produced a long, fruitless stay at the crease. It was not tortured exactly – the ball rarely beating his bat or causing him strife – but it was unambitious in the extreme. Why he embraced this ultra-conservative approach is unclear, particularly as he had just clattered 190 off 253 against the same attack in the tour match last week. Whatever the case, he only succeeded in taking time out of the game. Midway through the afternoon, a sudden burst of energy overtook him: he attempted to flay Mustafizur Rahman through the covers, then tried to slash him a little squarer next ball. The first shot was mistimed, and yielded no run. The second attempt sent a thick outside edge directly to gully, who gobbled up the catch. Chandimal ended with 5 runs to show for 54 balls and 71 minutes at the crease.The first session had been Bangladesh’s best, as Subhashis, Taskin and Mustafizur delivered impeccable spells to corner Sri Lanka into conservatism. Subhashis had made the first incision, darting a ball back off the seam to rattle Upul Tharanga’s stumps. Mehedi had Dimuth Karunaratne cutting too close to his body to make the second breakthrough. Sri Lanka were 61 for 2 at lunch, and there seemed a chance, at that stage, that their unusual decision to field only six batsmen for this Test would immediately hurt them.Mendis ensured that would not be the case.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a move for Fulham defender, Tosin Adarabioyo, as manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to strengthen his centre-back ranks this summer.

What's the latest on Adarabioyo to Tottenham?

According to respected insider Alasdair Gold, writing on Twitter, the north Londoners are seemingly keeping tabs on the 25-year-old amid their search for a new central defender: "Understand Tosin Adarabioyo remains high on Spurs' list of potential central defender moves this summer after some extensive scouting last season."

In his attached piece for football.london, Gold went on to add that the Lilywhites are 'weighing up' a move for the 6 foot 5 sensation after monitoring his progress over an extended period of time, albeit with a raft of clubs across Europe also interested in the one-time Manchester City asset.

The piece adds that the former England youth international is being considered alongside the likes of Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven in the quest to bolster the backline, although Adarabioyo is likely to prove a cheaper option as he has just 12 months remaining on his current deal.

Should Tottenham sign Adarabioyo?

As Gold's report noted, it is Bayer Leverkusen star, Tapsoba who is Ange Postecoglou's 'main central defensive target' at present, although the signing of Adarabioyo – who made 25 Premier League appearances last season – could represent a dream alternative having already proven himself in English football.

The towering asset has seemingly been tipped for big things ever since emerging through the youth ranks at the Etihad, with City boss Pep Guardiola having said of his talents back in 2016: "He is fast, strong in the air, and has the quality to look forward behind the line for the next pass."

Also dubbed "immense" by former boss Tony Mowbray during his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in the 2019/20 campaign Adarabioyo was particularly impressive for the Cottagers last season amid their return to the top-flight, with his 6.89 average match rating the sixth-highest among his teammates.

The Manchester native offers a real dominant presence in the heart of the defence having won 69% of his aerial duels in 2022/23, with that a far better record than what Tapsoba achieved during his 33 Bundesliga outings (56%).

While the latter man is particularly adept at playing out from the back – as he ranks in the top 5% among his European peers for progressive passes at an average of 5.76 per 90 – Adarabioyo is no slouch in that regard, having averaged only slightly lower at 4.10 per 90 across the last 365 days.

With the Fulham man clearly comfortable on the ball as well as being an imposing asset defensively, he could offer an all-round package to Postecoglou and co, hence why the £40k-per-week menace could represent a possible bargain alternative to Tapsoba this summer.