Chelsea made the perfect start to their Europa Conference League campaign last night, beating Gent 4-2 at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga secured the win for the Blues in what was a much-changed starting lineup.

The victory made it five successive wins for Enzo Maresca’s side, as the Italian looks to have settled perfectly into life as the Blues boss.

Whilst many expected it to be an easy night’s work for Maresca’s outfit, his side demonstrated a professional display, controlling possession and taking their chances in the final third – restricting the Belgian opposition to very few opportunities.

The display allowed two Chelsea players to shine once again, showing why they deserve a regular starting spot under the Italian in the Premier League.

Neto & Nkunku’s stats against Gent

Neto and Nkunku once again found themselves on the scoresheet for Chelsea, highlighting the excellent recruitment conducted by those behind the scenes in recent months.

The Portuguese winger registered his second goal in as many starts, whilst also creating five chances – the most of any player on the pitch during the victory.

The 24-year-old also managed to complete 97% of the passes he attempted, with two successful dribbles, as he provided a constant threat to the opposition backline throughout the encounter.

As for Nkunku, he continues his excellent start to the 2024/25 campaign, with his strike last night taking him to seven goals already this season despite featuring as an impact player in the league.

The Frenchman endured a quiet evening, only completing six passes, but popped up when Maresca’s side needed him the most – helping them on the way to a successful first Conference League outing of the season.

However, not all the players who started the game enjoyed a good outing, with one player failing to take his rare start with both hands.

The Chelsea player who disappointed against Gent

Benoit Badiashile was handed a rare start for the Conference League clash and was part of a back four that conceded twice despite the opposition only managing three shots on target all night.

The 23-year-old may have managed 159 successful passes and registered 175 touches, but it was his poor defensive display that could see him lose his place ahead of the weekend.

Badiashile gave possession away 12 times, the third most of any Blues player, whilst only winning one of the three duels he entered, and failing to complete a single tackle.

He also missed a big chance in front of goal, which could’ve made the game even more comfortable for Maresca’s side, with the Frenchman unable to make a positive impact at either end of the pitch, having been awarded a measly 5/10 match rating by the Evening Standard’s Dom Smith.

Minutes played

90

Touches

175

Passes completed

159 (94%)

Tackles made

0

Times dribbled past

1

Possession lost

12x

Big chances missed

1

Duels won

1/3

Whilst it was a routine win for Chelsea, Maresca will be wanting to extend his side’s current excellent winning run when they face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Neto and Nkunku have certainly staked their claim for a starting spot, whilst Badiashile must surely expect to lose his place after his dismal display once again last night.

Chelsea eye £22m Brazilian with centre-back signing expected "very soon"

The South American is currently playing in Saudi Arabia.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 2, 2024

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly "crazy" about signing a Real Madrid star, and one who is absolutely pivotal at the Bernabeu.

Mikel Arteta signs new three-year deal at Arsenal

The Gunners boss, in some fantastic news for the club and its supporters, committed his long-term future in north London by putting pen to paper on fresh terms this week.

Arsenal could be without £30m mainstay for over four weeks after injury

He’d miss crucial games.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 13, 2024

Arteta signed a new three-year deal at Arsenal – which was announced on Thursday – and his fresh terms have put the Spaniard in line with the Premier League's highest-earning managers like Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

Arteta is now rumoured to be earning £288,000-per-week at the Emirates Stadium, coming as just reward for a tactician who's played such an instrumental role in transforming Arsenal back into an elite English side.

“We are really happy that Mikel has signed a new long-term contract," said sporting director Edu Gaspar to Arsenal's official website.

"It’s a very positive and proud moment for everyone at the club and an important part of what we’re all working towards.

“Mikel has shown his qualities since the very first day he joined us, not only as a football manager, but as a person with wonderful values. We have a strong belief in what we are doing and what we want to achieve together. Mikel’s new contract gives us stability and clear direction as we aim for new heights.”

Arteta's original deal was set to expire next year, so there will be a real sense of relief that Arsenal are keeping hold of their head coach until 2027. After that news, Edu and Arteta can also continue their work on transfer planning for the future without any distractions.

Whilst their looming North London Derby on Sunday takes precedent right now, alongside their trips to Atalanta and Man City next week, Arsenal are already making a head start on potential incomings for 2025.

Indeed, it is believed Arsenal have already been in contact over Benjamin Sesko, as they look to move ahead of contenders for his signature next summer. Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies is also a target for Arsenal, as the Canadian left-back can agree pre-contract terms in January ahead of a zero-cost switch later in 2025.

Arteta really wants Arsenal to sign Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid

According to Spanish news outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni is on their radar as well.

It is believed that Arteta is "crazy" about signing Tchouameni for Arsenal, and Defensa boldly claims that they wouldn't refuse letting William Saliba go to Madrid if it meant striking a deal for the France international.

The £203,000-per-week midfielder has started all four of their opening La Liga games this season, averaging an impressive match rating of around 7.27 according to WhoScored. Tchouameni has starred under Carlo Ancelotti since joining Real from Monaco for an initial £68 million in 2022, amassing 36 international caps for Les Bleus in that time.

Taking this into account, it would be a very difficult move for Edu and Arteta to pull off, despite the Premier League's big pull.

“Listen, Tchouameni is a young kid, he’s going to make mistakes but he’s a superb talent, he produces moments out of nowhere, incredible player," said pundit Rio Ferdinand during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“Replacing Pogba in a France XI is not an easy task, but so far, Tchouaméni has been superb.

“Tchouameni showed why he plays for Real Madrid. He has the patience, talent, control, he has everything you need.”

Jordi Alba has explained a dream that he shares with Lionel Messi, as contract extensions at MLS Cup hopefuls Inter Miami are hinted at.

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Barcelona greats contract through 2025Future decisions yet to be madeIconic figures want to grace new stadiumFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

As things stand, all of the Herons’ former Barcelona heroes are only tied to terms through the 2025 campaign. Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets also have less than 12 months left to run on their respective deals in Florida.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

There are, however, options for 2026 that can be taken up and further talks to be held, with Inter Miami preparing to move into their new 25,000-seat Freedom Park stadium next season. That big move has captured the imagination of some illustrious performers.

WHAT JORDI ALBA SAID

Alba has told of future plans for Messi and Co: “I’d love to play at the new stadium, all of us, with Leo, Busi and Luis. It’ll be spectacular. As of today, I’m just going year by year, to see how I feel physically, mentally. So we’ll see, but yeah, it’d be great.”

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Ex-Spain international Alba is delighted to be playing with Messi again in the United States, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner still going strong at 37 years of age. Alba added: “Other teams try everything they can to stop Leo. In the end, stopping him is difficult. But they show a lot of respect to him, to all of us. For them, it’s also a privilege to be able to play against Leo. It’s not every day you get to share a pitch with the best player in history.”

أعلنت رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة، اليوم، عن قراراتها الانضباطية الخاصة بالجولة الخامسة من المرحلة النهائية لمسابقة الدوري المصري.

وذلك ضمن المجموعة الثانية، وفقًا للائحة المسابقة ولائحة المخالفات والعقوبات المعتمدة لموسم 2024-2025، ونظام ضبط الجودة.

خاص | الاستئناف تجتمع مع رابطة الأندية لحسم عقوبة انسحاب الأهلي

وتضمنت العقوبات إيقاف محمد فتح الله جمعة، لاعب نادي طلائع الجيش، لمدة مباراتين، وتغريمه ماليًا بمبلغ قدره 5000 جنيه.

وذلك على خلفية حصوله على بطاقة حمراء مباشرة نتيجة تدخل عنيف و”لعبة خطر” خلال مباراة فريقه أمام نادي سموحة.

كما أكدت الرابطة تطبيق المادة 54 من لائحة الدوري المصري، والمتعلقة بحالات الإنذارات التي تُفرض على الأجهزة الفنية والإدارية والطبية وكذلك اللاعبين، والتي تهدف لضمان الانضباط داخل المستطيل الأخضر وخارجه.

وتأتي هذه القرارات في إطار سعي الرابطة لتطبيق مبادئ العدالة والانضباط على جميع الفرق المشاركة، بما يضمن تحقيق أعلى معايير الجودة التنافسية والانضباط السلوكي في المسابقة.

Bangladesh captain wants to “revive Test culture in the country” and make sure the team starts winning more at home

Mohammad Isam28-Jun-2022

Captain Shakib Al Hasan has said that Bangladesh didn’t show enough character against West Indies in the St Lucia Test. West Indies completed a ten-wicket trouncing of the visitors on the rain-interrupted fourth day. Bangladesh, six-down overnight, lasted just over an hour on the day, getting bowled out for 186 to leave the home side a target of 13 to complete the 2-0 series sweep.Bangladesh came into the fourth day on 132 for 6 after their top and middle order once again caved in against a disciplined pace attack. Shakib said that his side’s inability to hold on to their wickets showed a lack of game awareness at this level.Related

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Domingo: 'Bangladesh need players who are hungry for Tests'

“Considering this Test, we tended to lose wickets just before a drinks break, a lunch break or before the rain. If we didn’t lose these wickets, things would have been quite different. This is a part of game awareness. We weren’t as tough as we could have been, in terms of showing character in this Test match,” he said.Shakib felt that the Test players must work on their game before they meet India in December. Bangladesh go into their T20 season later this week, leading up to the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin in Australia in October. They will be playing T20Is against West Indies and Zimbabwe, before featuring in the Asia Cup and a tri-series in New Zealand before the global event.”We have to improve in every department to do well in Tests. It is good that a big gap is coming up [before we play the next Test]. Those who are interested in playing Tests can improve themselves during this time. We really don’t have a new set of players who will do well immediately after coming to this level.”If all of us, and a couple of the players from outside, can plan together, we might do well. Otherwise, we cannot expect a lot of changes if we continue to play the same way. We have to bring changes in many aspects, including our thinking.”Shakib believes the team must stop losing matches regularly at home to regain confidence. Bangladesh have now lost three Test series in a row: home series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka , before this away series against West Indies.”Teams are mostly underdogs on away tours. Take New Zealand, for example. They are losing abroad. England lost in the West Indies. Australia are losing when they play abroad. The same for India. Teams lose in India too.”So, we have to make sure that we don’t lose at home. Either we win or draw the matches. This improvement will help us when we are playing overseas. Maybe, we won’t win, but we will be competitive.”Shakib spoke of lack of Test culture in Bangladesh, something that head coach Russell Domingo had also pointed out last year. He said that the team need to plan early and execute well to revive the culture.”You can’t really blame the players. The system in our country is this. Did you ever see 30,000 people come to see a Test match? It happens in every game in England. We don’t have a Test culture in our country. But we can’t give up on it.”We have a responsibility to bring Test culture back to the country. We have to plan ahead, otherwise, we can’t get too far. I wouldn’t say that we don’t value Test cricket. But we don’t have good results. These two go hand-in-hand.”Shifting gearsA challenging series awaits Bangladesh as they begin their preparation for the T20 World Cup with three T20Is against West Indies, starting on July 2. After the T20 World Cup last year, where they were knocked out in the second round, Bangladesh went down to Pakistan 3-0 in November and drew 1-1 with Afghanistan.”It is an important series as far as our preparation for the T20 World Cup is concerned,” Shakib said. “We have the Asia Cup and the World Cup coming up. We don’t have much time left. Playing against West Indies will be a major challenge.”If we do well in the T20s here, it will help us go to Sri Lanka [for the Asia Cup] with a good mindset. The Asia Cup will be tough as we will take on India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.”

In Nelson, UAE offered further proof, if it was necessary, that the ICC’s theory of leaving the Associates out of the next World Cup is a load of rubbish

Brydon Coverdale in Nelson19-Feb-20151:21

‘Give us a chance and we’ll impress you’ – Tauqir

“The World Cup itself, the premium event, without exception should be played between teams that are evenly matched and competitive.”So said the ICC chief executive David Richardson in the lead-up to this tournament. It was his way of justifying the decision to trim the World Cup from 14 teams back to 10 at the next event in England in 2019. No more Associates, no more one-sided thrashings, no more boring, meaningless pool matches. That was the ICC’s theory.On Thursday in Nelson, UAE offered further proof, if it was necessary, that the ICC’s theory is a load of rubbish. The eighth match of this World Cup was played between a Full Member, Zimbabwe, and an Associate, UAE. And it was the closest contest yet, a tense battle full of momentum changes and uncertainty. By the ICC’s reckoning, it shouldn’t happen.Zimbabwe got away with the win, but only just. One level-headed, mature partnership between Sean Williams and Craig Ervine was the difference. They came together at 167 for 5, with 119 runs still needed from 104 balls. If UAE were not favourites, they must have been mighty close. In the end, experience got Zimbabwe over the line.Experience that UAE simply do not have, and cannot have. It was their first ODI against a Full Member nation in nearly seven years. It was almost their first win against one. A few fielding mistakes crept in, in a few loose balls, just the odd nervy moment. Williams, in his 71st ODI, steered Zimbabwe to victory. UAE, in their 19th as a team, fell short.The UAE batsmen, such as Shaiman Anwar, surprised Zimbabwe with their ability to strike the ball cleanly•ICCThere is such potential beyond the Test world. Everyone knows how good Ireland are, their win at the same ground against West Indies this week was not unexpected. It is a disgrace, an insult to both Ireland and to the cricket public that they may not be part of the next World Cup. Scotland got to within three wickets of upsetting New Zealand this week.Afghanistan are the only Associate to have been roundly beaten so far in the World Cup, but they were far from humiliated. They were the first team in the tournament to keep an opposition – Bangladesh – to sub-300 batting first in Australia. Only one game between Full Members so far has been remotely close – South Africa’s win over Zimbabwe. Evenly matched and competitive, huh?If the ICC thinks the Associates are pushovers, they are living in the past, which would be no great surprise. This is no longer the era of Sultan Zarawani wearing a floppy hat to face Allan Donald, of sides like East Africa and Bermuda making up the numbers but never getting close to competitive.UAE are considered the weakest of the 14 teams at this World Cup, but they batted with skill and boldness, and for the most part fielded sharply and bowled tightly. After the match, Williams was asked if the gap between the Full Members and the Associates had shrunk.”The gap has closed a very, very long way,” Williams said. “I believe that every single team at this World Cup deserves to be at this World Cup.”UAE surprised Zimbabwe with their ability to strike cleanly down the ground. The finest example was the sublime six that brought Shaiman Anwar his half-century from 37 balls when he drove Tinashe Panyangara back over his head. It was the shot of a man who belongs at international level, as were the nine fours that he struck.The 43-year-old star batsman Khurram Khan scored 45 and steadied UAE after they wobbled to 40 for 2 early. Until he was well caught at backward point, Khurram looked so calm and composed that nobody would have guessed this was his World Cup debut. He may well become the cult figure of this tournament, if the #KhurramKhanfacts Twitter hashtag is any indication.Then there were late boundaries struck by Amjad Javed and Mohammad Naveed, the Nos. 8 and 9. Amjad was powerful down the ground, not with wild slogs. There are No. 8s in Full Member sides who offer less with the bat than Javed. As if to prove he was also a force with the ball, he later clocked Sikandar Raza on the helmet with a bouncer.Their bowlers might lack the pace of most sides, but they find ways to contain. Zimbabwe opener Regis Chakabva was so stuck that when he trod on his stumps for 35 off 62 it was actually a blessing for Zimbabwe. In the field, UAE dived and worked hard, letting a few through only as the innings wore on. Their captain, Mohammad Tauqir, seemed almost offended when asked if their fielding let them down.”A couple of runs here and there,” Tauqir said. “We were better than Zimbabwe in fielding.”He was right. Zimbabwe were awfully sloppy in the field. And considering how little UAE have played at the elite level, their performance was admirable. The ICC has spoken of ensuring more exposure for Ireland and Afghanistan to the Full Members in the next few years, to help them qualify for the World Cup. But what of teams like UAE?”If we play only at Associate level, we cannot improve the game,” Tauqir said. “The more we play at the highest level we can improve our cricket.”This was the first time UAE had played Zimbabwe in a one-day international. That in itself is an indictment of cricket’s blinkered approach. The Full Members should play far more often against the Associates and Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, as the lowest-ranked Full Members, should be front and centre in such fixtures.But between the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, Zimbabwe played only one ODI series against an Associate side, drawing 2-2 with Afghanistan last year. Bangladesh played 50 ODIs between the World Cups and only one – yes, one – was against an Associate: Afghanistan in the Asia Cup.Such fixtures must be far more frequent. UAE here in Nelson, and Ireland here earlier this week, and Scotland in Dunedin, and Afghanistan in Canberra, have shown the gap between the haves and have nots has shrunk. The Associates are competitive, and must be respected as such. A 10-team World Cup is short-sighted and short-changes the game.In the end, Zimbabwe got out of jail, but the monopoly held by the ICC’s ten Full Members was brought into question once again. Richardson and the ICC should take note that this match in Nelson was as evenly matched and competitive as this World Cup has been.

Crompton served as chairman from 1992 to 1995 and gave 60 years of service to cricket in New South Wales and Australia

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Apr-2022Former Cricket Australia chairman and long-time cricket administrator Alan Crompton has died aged 81.Crompton was the chairman of Cricket Australia, then known as the Australian Cricket Board (ACB), from 1992 to 1995. He had risen to the position after a long career in Sydney grade cricket that was followed by decades in cricket administration. He was chairman of Cricket New South Wales and delegate to CA prior to his chairmanship.As a board member, he also acted as team manager for Australia Test teams on three overseas tours. Crompton was awarded the Order of Australia medal for his services to cricket and life membership of Cricket NSW and Sydney University cricket club.Current CA chairman Lachlan Henderson paid tribute to Crompton in a statement.”Everyone at Cricket Australia who worked with Alan and all those who have benefitted from his service to cricket will be deeply saddened by his passing,” Henderson said. “The energy, enthusiasm and expertise Alan brought to cricket in New South Wales and Australia for more than 60 years was remarkable and he leaves an outstanding legacy at all levels of the game.”Our thoughts and sympathy are with Alan’s wife Gabby, his family and all those across the cricket world fortunate to have experienced his friendship and guidance.”

England World Cup hero says playing all three formats is ‘unsustainable’

Matt Roller18-Jul-20221:59

Ehantharajah – Stokes’ ODI retirement a seismic turn of events

Ben Stokes has announced that he will retire from ODI cricket immediately after England play South Africa at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.Stokes was appointed as England’s Test captain earlier this year and said that playing three formats was “just unsustainable for me now” and that he felt as though he was blocking opportunities for other players.He had been due to play all six of England’s ODIs this summer and rest throughout their T20I commitments against India and South Africa, as well as the Hundred, but has now opted to quit the 50-over game in order to give “everything I have to Test cricket” and “my total commitment to the T20 format”.Tuesday’s ODI at his home ground, the Riverside, will be Stokes’ 105th game for England in the format, having made his debut against Ireland in 2011. He heads into his final appearance with a batting average of 39.44 at a strike rate of 95.26, and has taken 74 wickets. His defining performance in the format was his innings of 84 not out to force the 2019 World Cup final to a Super Over, in which he then added eight runs off three balls to help England lift the trophy for the first time.Stokes said playing three formats was “unsustainable” in a statement•Getty Images

“I can’t give my team-mates 100% of myself in this format anymore,” Stokes said in a statement. “This has been an incredibly tough decision to make. I have loved every minute of playing with my mates for England. We have had an incredible journey on the way.”As hard as a decision as this was to come to, it’s not as hard dealing with the fact I can’t give my teammates 100% of myself in this format anymore. The England shirt deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it.”Stokes took a break from the game last summer to focus on his mental health and did not register for the IPL auction earlier this year in a bid to manage his workload across formats. He said in his statement that his body was “letting him down” due to the demands of the schedule and he was visibly hobbling after stooping to take a catch off Hardik Pandya in the third ODI at Old Trafford on Sunday.England’s fixture list this summer involves seven Tests spread across three-and-a-half months, plus a dozen limited-overs internationals in the space of 25 days in July. Their schedule has been relentless since international cricket resumed in July 2020 after the initial hiatus during the first Covid-19 lockdown and will continue to place huge demands on players in coming years: a late draft of the 2023-27 Future Tours Programme, seen by ESPNcricinfo, includes 42 Tests, 44 ODIs and 52 T20Is outside of ICC events over a four-year period.”Three formats are just unsustainable for me now,” he said. “Not only do I feel that my body is letting me down because of the schedule and what is expected of us, but I also feel that I am taking the place of another player who can give Jos and the rest of the team their all. It’s time for someone else to progress as a cricketer and make incredible memories like I have over the past 11 years.”I will give everything I have to Test cricket, and now, with this decision, I feel I can also give my total commitment to the T20 format. I would like to wish Jos Buttler, Matthew Mott, the players and the support staff every success going forward. We have made great strides in white-ball cricket over the past seven years, and the future looks bright.”I have loved all 104 games I have played so far, I’ve got one more, and it feels amazing to be playing my last game at my home ground in Durham. As always, the England fans have always been there for me and will continue to be there. You’re the best fans in the world. I hope we can win on Tuesday and set the series up nicely against South Africa.”Related

• Ben Stokes opts out of England's T20 World Cup defence

• Jos Buttler: 'Badgering' Ben Stokes into World Cup comeback would not have worked

• Ben Stokes returns to England ODI squad ahead of World Cup defence

• Rohit Sharma not writing off ODI cricket just yet

• McDonald: 'We feel we can manage our players through all three forms'

Stokes is the second member of England’s World Cup-winning team to retire from ODI cricket in the last month, after Eoin Morgan quit the international game at the end of June after their series in the Netherlands, leaving Mott and Buttler a significant challenge to replace them ahead of their title defence in India next year.Stokes scored 48 runs in three innings against India, batting at No. 4, and bowled only three overs across the three-match series, but leaves a major hole in England’s first-choice side. In the medium term, they may look to blood Sam Curran – who ran the drinks throughout the India series – as the closest thing to a like-for-like replacement.Rob Key, the ECB’s managing director of men’s cricket, described Stokes’ decision as “typically selfless” and said that it would “benefit England long-term”. He said: “Ben Stokes has had an incredible international career in ODI cricket, culminating in his match-winning performance at the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final.”I know this must have been a tough decision, but I completely understand why he has reached this conclusion. I’m sure that when we look back on Ben’s career and see this as one of the reasons he will play 120-plus Tests and help England in T20 matches and World Cups for many years to come.”Clare Connor, the ECB’s interim chief executive, added: “Ben is not only one of the world’s best players, but an inspirational figure too so our ODI team will miss him. But having taken on the Test captaincy and with today’s busy calendar of cricket, we completely understand and respect his decision. We look forward to watching him excite and enthral in an England shirt for many years to come.”

Vithushan Ehantharajah picks the bones out of England’s ODI series defeat to Australia and suggests how they can move forward towards the 2015 World Cup

Vithushan Ehantharajah27-Jan-2014Persist with Bell and Cook
Despite a lethargic start at the MCG, compounded by their opposite numbers David Warner and Aaron Finch putting on 163 for the first Australian wicket, Alastair Cook and Ian Bell bucked up. Their next three partnerships were 57, 50 and 87 before 23 on an arduous Adelaide pitch.It’s worth noting that in batting first for the first four ODIs, England’s openers were exposed to the toughest conditions for batting in each of them. Collectively, they were at their best at Perth; closing shop till the threat of swing had passed, four overs in, with the score at 15 for 0, before scoring at nine an over for the next eight overs. Both ended the series with a decent strike rate of just over 82 but they will know this will need to be closer to the 90s if they are to consistently register scores of 300.They will also be frustrated they didn’t capitalise on the starts they made, as only once did one of them – Bell in Brisbane – make it past the 25-over mark. Cook finished without even a fifty to his name, but the increase in the variety of strokes he played spoke promisingly of an established player, feted for his frugal shot selection, learning and executing new tricks.One boundary in particular, off James Faulkner in the 3rd ODI at the SCG, was audacious. To a ball outside off stump, Cook stepped across and whipped it sweetly through midwicket. His follow-through, the “bus wheel” – a flamboyant quirk, fetishised in Australia, where a southpaw’s hands cross over entirely, as perfected by Marcus North – was very un-Cook but pretty damn cool.Stuart Broad will make a good vice-captain
Throughout the ODI series, the pot shots at Stuart Broad continued. A rest from the first two ODIs led to photos in the Australian papers of the England seamer paddle-boarding and the second “Man takes to beach during time-off” story in less than a month.While he was rusty on his recall at the SCG, he was back up to scratch at Perth before opening up the 5th ODI with one of the quickest spells of the series. But what was most impressive about Broad was his demeanour on the field. It might have been easy for him to grow weary because of a number of reasons, from the length of this tour to the inane barracking of the local crowds. But he has managed to continue till now with great vigour, fitness and a sense of responsibility that hasn’t wavered. He took time to talk to bowlers before important spells as well as having what looked to be some candid discussions with Cook.When speculation was abound about Cook’s future as captain, thanks to his own emotional words at the SCG, Broad came up as a potential replacement, but with forewarning of hot-headedness and a list of cons of having a bowler lead the side. If Cook is to continue, then Broad might be the perfect “bad cop” to rejuvenate England in the field.How best to use Chris Jordan
Ashley Giles recognised Chris Jordan as one of the successes of this series. He bowled at a sprightly pace and was able to maintain that speed throughout. An economy rate of 5.38 is commendable given he bowled the majority of his overs in the first and second Powerplays.It was only in Adelaide that Jordan was entrusted with a spell at the death, as James Tredwell, Tim Bresnan, Broad and Stokes shared the load from 30 overs on, meaning Jordan had two overs left for the death.Could Steven Crook be someone for England to gamble on?•Getty ImagesWith four out on the leg side boundary – the shorter side – he varied his approach to Faulkner with great results. Initially he followed him, digging one in at his toes. The following over, he caught him out with a bouncer before Faulkner could only find Eoin Morgan in the deep (in truth, it was the only ball he got wrong).Of course, this was in the first innings; it’s worth noting that when Faulkner completed his smash and grab in the 2nd ODI, Cook had chosen not to bowl out Jordan, whose nine overs had returned 0 for 53. Defending a total brings an altogether different pressure, but the indication from those close to Jordan is that he is perfectly equipped for the challenge.His ability to bowl in different situations of a 50-over game allows England to be more flexible with their bowling plans.Does English cricket have a “Big Show”?
It’s hard to know what to make of Glenn Maxwell. Behind the WWE moniker and David Brent beard stands an exceptional cricketer whose career path projects a best case scenario as a scorer of great runs rather than a great runscorer. His only score of note in the series came at the Gabba with a 54 that featured four reverse sweeps – three of them in a row – to set up a phenomenal chase.His bowling was useful and his fielding is top notch. His work in the ring through the series has been second to none, with every pick up on the floor and every throw, whether balanced or not, clean as a whistle. His direct-hit run out of Bresnan in Adelaide, as England lost their nerve, was a formality by his standards.While Darren Lehmann has warned him about shirking his responsibility with the bat, it’s hard not to plump for a maverick.England’s approach to eccentrics is exampled no better than the current state of limbo Kevin Pietersen finds himself in. But it does make you wonder about English cricket’s rogues and what chance they might have of making a late dash for the 2015 World Cup.A brilliant 2013, with eye-catching performance in four-day and limited-overs cricket, sees Samit Patel as the most worthy of the outliers. His ability to manipulate the field and find gaps in front of him would add something to England’s middle order. His spin bowling has also come on leaps and bounds, particularly his accuracy.Moving onto the uncapped muscle, Peter Trego and Steven Crook are unhindered heavy-hitting, seam bowling allrounders that are more than worthy of mentions. Crook would be a smart acquisition for an IPL franchise and good performances in high quality competition will turn heads.Trego’s worth is clear for all to see and he underlined his quality with excellence in last year’s Yorkshire Bank 40, which he finished as the competition’s leading runscorer. But Trego himself admits that the international bridges he burned as a hotter-headed youngster may be beyond repair.Perhaps more likely for selection are the younger livewires, such as Leicestershire’s Josh Cobb and, if he enjoys a record-breaking 2014 for Surrey, the enigmatic Jason Roy. It’s all hypothetical whimsy, but as Ben Stokes showed during the Test series, sometimes the punts come good.

Rediscovering his best form when it was most needed, Chris Dent scored a superb double-hundred and batted all day to frustrate First Division leaders Surrey and usher Gloucestershire towards safety on day three of this LV= Insurance County Championship match in Bristol.Responding to Surrey’s imposing first-innings 603, Gloucestershire reached the close on 443 for 2, thanks in large part to Dent’s defiant knock of 207 not out, an innings spanning eight hours so far. The Bristolian shared a record-breaking opening stand of 296 with Marcus Harris, who raised an impressive 124, and then staged an unbroken third-wicket alliance of 147 with Miles Hammond, his fellow left-hander finishing undefeated on 75.In the process, Dent passed the notable personal milestone of 10,000 first-class runs, and Gloucestershire attained maximum batting bonus points for the first time this season. They still trail by 160 and will need to summon further resistance on the final day, but any outcome other than a draw is now inconceivable.It was a chastening day in the field for Surrey, who failed to bank even a single bonus point. Jordan Clark and Colin de Grandhomme shared the slim pickings on offer, yet in reality, only Reece Topley mustered the line and length required to threaten the hosts.Newcomers to the First Division, Gloucestershire are fast gaining a reputation for dogged resistance in the face of adversity, having conceded significant first-innings deficits in previous matches against Northants, Yorkshire and Lancashire before staging spirited fightbacks on days three and four.Staring down the barrel of a third consecutive defeat when Surrey posted a mammoth 603, the underdogs once again dug deep to defy more illustrious opponents, Dent and Harris batting for five hours to at least avert the threat of following on.Their stand was the highest for any Gloucestershire wicket in matches against Surrey, surpassing the 285 made by Bev Lyon and Wally Hammond at The Oval in May 1928. They had already eclipsed the previous highest score for the first wicket in matches against Surrey, going past the 219 staged by Sadiq Mohammad and Andy Stovold at Bristol in 1975.Following hard on the heels of their opening stand of 119, made in a losing cause against Lancashire at Old Trafford last week, these two served up additional defiance in spade-loads to frustrate Surrey after Gloucestershire resumed on 86 without loss.It said a good deal about the benign state of the pitch that Surrey deployed just two slips for Dan Worrall and Topley at the start of the day, and Gloucestershire’s opening pair made serene progress, taking their alliance into three figures and both registering fifties during a morning session which yielded 129 runs.Dent was first to a hundred, reaching that landmark via 162 balls, cutting Will Jacks to third man for his 18th boundary. His 19th first-class hundred in all, it was his first since he posted 169 against Derbyshire at Derby in August 2019.Harris went to his second century in successive home matches for Gloucestershire in some style, pulling Topley to the midwicket boundary shortly after lunch. Dropped by Ollie Pope at slip off the bowling of Topley when on 111, the Australian eventually succumbed to temptation when flashing hard at a ball outside off stump from de Grandhomme and being held by stand-in wicketkeeper Josh Blake, who had been called up overnight to replace the injured Jamie Smith.Harris had faced 209 balls, scored 18 boundaries and played his part in an adhesive opening stand that did much to subdue south London ambition.When Jordan Clark encouraged a slanting delivery to straighten up and knock back James Bracey’s off stump soon afterwards, Surrey’s players had a notable spring in their step, sensing an opportunity to make further in-roads now that one end had been opened up. After all, Gloucestershire still trailed by 306 runs and the second new ball was just a few overs away.Having negotiated a challenging initiation on a pitch that still offered something for those who bowled a full length, Hammond quickly set about dispelling any lingering Gloucestershire insecurities, joining forces with the indomitable Dent to see off the new ball. Once able to play more freely again in the final hour, Dent cut Clark to the square leg boundary to reach 164 not out and bring up 10,000 first-class runs, the landmark being greeted by a smattering of applause from county aficionados within a sparse Saturday crowd.Prevented from deploying Sam Curran as a bowler by a direct edict from the England management, Surrey were deprived of a potentially key option and, not surprisingly, their overworked seamers began to visibly tire in the final session. Dent and Hammond made the most of the situation, keeping the scoreboard ticking over to tap Surrey resolve and edge their side ever nearer to safety.Dent went to 200 from 375 balls, cutting Jacks for his 27th four to become the first Gloucestershire player to score a double against Surrey since Zaheer Abbas achieved the feat in 1976.Hammond reached 50 off 86 balls with 10 fours, but enjoyed a let-off on 65 when he gave Jacks the charge and Blake made a hash of an attempted stumping. But then it had been that kind of a day for Surrey.