Tim David defended 10 in the last over after the visitors had been comfortably on track in a low-scoring match

Tristan Lavalette25-Jan-2023Tim David held his nerve with the ball as Hobart Hurricanes kept secured a remarkable two-run victory over in-form Brisbane Heat in Launceston. This gave them a slim chance of making it through to the BBL playoffs – provided Melbourne Stars stars beat Sydney Thunder during the second game of the day. That did not happen and now Hurricanes are out of the competition.The Heat, meanwhile, were booted out of the Knockout Final and ended up in the Eliminator after fluffing a chase of 121. On a two-paced surface, which proved difficult for batting, they appeared on course at 103 for 4 in the 17th over.But they stumbled and it came down to a dramatic last over where Heat needed 10 runs to lock up third spot and a home knockout final. David did enough against James Bazley but Hurricanes knew they needed another result to go their way. And in the end, it didn’t.ESPNcricinfo LtdMeredith and Ellis star before David’s late heroicsHurricanes’ finals chances were almost dead and buried with their hopes resting with star quicks Riley Meredith and Nathan Ellis.They obliged in menacing early bursts with Meredith removing Usman Khawaja and then Ellis knocking over Marnus Labuschagne’s off stump with a gem of a delivery to revive Hurricanes.Hurricanes were suddenly in the box seat when Heat lost wickets in consecutive deliveries in the sixth over when Matthew Renshaw was run out by a brilliant gather and direct throw from Zak Crawley.After Meredith’s initial three-over spell, Hurricanes weren’t as threatening and clearly missed left-arm spinner Paddy Dooley, who has starred in a breakout season but missed due to a groin injury.With Jimmy Peirson and Sam Hain holding firm, Meredith desperately returned in the 15th over but couldn’t breakthrough although his last searing delivery smacked Hain on the right wrist. Ellis returned and snared the key of Peirson as Hurricanes’ season went down to the wire.With their frontliners bowled out, Hurricanes fortunes rested on David and he delivered with accurate full deliveries to fluster Bazley. He helped run out non-striker Matthew Kuhnemann on the third delivery before the twists continued when David bowled a full toss that Bazley hit for six. He recovered to thwart Bazley on the final two deliveries to keep Hurricanes’ season alive at least momentarily.Heat fall apart at the deathHeat will be ruing letting third spot slip through their fingers. They struggled early before a composed Peirson and Hain combined for a 73-run partnership to dig Heat out of a hole.Peirson, who was Heat’s most reliable batter during their early season struggles, mustered his wealth of experience while Hain showed why he’s become a key part of the middle-order with clever flicks on the leg-side.Hain also showed his toughness after the blow from Meredith and remained at the crease, but fell shortly later with Heat still 18 runs short. Peirson then Bazley were unable to be the hero as Heat finished fifth and prepare to take on the Thunder in the Eliminator on Friday.Marnus Labuschagne held a brilliant catch in the outfield•Getty ImagesSwepson continues strong rebound ahead of India tourLegspinner Mitchell Swepson was dropped earlier in the season and failed to take a wicket in his first five innings that he bowled.But he’s hit back hard recently and bowled particularly tidily in a much-needed tonic ahead of a defining Test tour of India for Swepson. He continued his strong bounce back with a menacing spell to tie down Hurricanes’ powerful batters in the middle overs.Swepson conjured sharp turn although his only wicket was rather fortuitous when a long hop snared struggling Ben McDermott, who was brilliantly caught by a diving Marnus Labuschagne.He conceded just one boundary in his four-over spell to finish with 1 for 17 to play his role in a disciplined attack with seamer Michael Neser claiming the spoils with a four-wicket haul.Hurricanes’ rejigged batting order strugglesHurricanes on paper have arguably the most explosive batting order in the competition. But they’ve badly underperformed and Hurricanes entered the clash on the brink.With their backs to the wall, Hurricanes decided to go for broke and rejig their misfiring batting order. D’Arcy Short, once a BBL star but whose batting has spiralled the last two seasons, was dropped for Macalister Wright who made his season debut after impressing in local cricket.Opener McDermott, another out of form batter, moved down to No. 4 and replaced skipper Matthew Wade who shifted to No. 6 – a position he occupies for Australia but hadn’t batted for Hurricanes since BBL07.The changes didn’t provide the necessary spark with Hurricanes losing wickets regularly. McDermott and Wade both fell cheaply with only Wright saving Hurricanes from embarrassment with a run-a-ball 56 after a watchful start.He upstaged his more high-profile teammates and his knock proved the standout in a low-scoring contest.

Spanish giants Real Madrid are set to rival Atletico for Cristian Romero's signature this season as Los Blancos looks to rebuild their backline.

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Romero in demand ahead of summer transfer windowReal Madrid and Atletico want Tottenham starXabi Alonso set take over as Real Madrid bossFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Atletico have been linked with a move for Romero for some time now but look set to face competition from city rivals Real. According to , incoming boss Xabi Alonso is a "big fan" of Romero and wants him to form part of a new-look backline at the Santiago Bernabeu. It's hoped Romero will join Trent Alexander-Arnold in the starting XI, with the defender set to arrive in the summer after leaving Liverpool on a free transfer.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Alonso is expected to take over at Madrid following Ancelotti's departure at the end of the season. The Italian is has been confirmed as the new manager of the Brazil national team and will be succeeded by the former Madrid and Liverpool midfielder. Alonso will be expected to deliver instantly at the Santiago Bernabeu, particularly with Madrid looking set to end this season empty-handed after their Clasico defeat to Barcelona left Los Blancos seven points off top spot with only three games left to play.

DID YOU KNOW?

Real Madrid's defeat to Barcelona only highlighted the team's need to strengthen defensively. Barcelona have now scored 16 goals in their four games versus Real Madrid this season in all competitions, a record for a team against the Spanish giants.

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Real Madrid finish the season with games against Real Mallorca, Sevilla and Real Sociedad. Alonso is then expected to arrive as the club's new manager and can start planning for the 2025-26 season in the Spanish capital.

The ECB will make additional funds available to incentivise England’s leading all-format cricketers to take part in the Hundred in 2023, as part of a revamped recruitment system for centrally-contracted men’s players.The Hundred has an exclusive four-week window in England’s men’s international schedule for the first time in 2023, running from August 1-27. It starts immediately after the fifth Ashes Test and ends three days before the first of eleven limited-overs internationals against New Zealand and Ireland, which will serve as preparation for England’s 50-over World Cup defence.While there is an expectation that those involved in the fifth Ashes Test will not immediately return to play in the Hundred, the ECB hope to ensure that all-format players are available for a significant proportion of the competition. Several multi-format players including Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes pulled out of the Hundred altogether in 2022 in order to rest before England’s Test series against South Africa, and the standard suffered as a result.ESPNcricinfo understands that players on all-format central contracts were paid around £50,000 to play three games in 2022, with an additional £5,000 for any further games. In 2023, they will be paid £125,000 to play the full season, or the same fee on a pro rata basis if they make themselves unavailable for a portion of the season.The ECB’s increased investment in the biggest English names mirrors Cricket Australia’s renewed attempts to involve its leading men’s players in the Big Bash League. David Warner made his first appearance for Sydney Thunder since 2013 earlier this month after signing a lucrative deal, the majority of which fell outside of the BBL’s salary cap.The revamped regulations dictate that each team will sign a single ‘all-format’ centrally-contracted player, assuming player and team reach an agreement. The eight players who have that status and the teams who have the option to retain them are: Jofra Archer (Southern Brave), Bairstow (Welsh Fire), Jos Buttler (Manchester Originals), Sam Curran (Oval Invincibles), Joe Root (Trent Rockets), Stokes (Northern Superchargers), Chris Woakes (Birmingham Phoenix) and Mark Wood (London Spirit).Related

• The Hundred to be played in four-week window in August 2023

• Women's Hundred to introduce player draft for 2023

• Warner's BBL return confirmed with two-year Sydney Thunder deal

In the unlikely event that two or more teams decide not to retain – or do not reach an agreement with – those players, a mini-draft will be held to determine which player joins which team. England’s other centrally-contracted players, including Moeen Ali, Zak Crawley, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope and Adil Rashid, will be part of the main draft mechanism, and can be retained by their teams if they reach an agreement on a salary for 2023.Intriguingly, Buttler remains on an all-format central contract despite the fact he has not played Test cricket since the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney. Ben Foakes signed his first central contract in October and has impressed in the last year and England are not lacking for attacking middle-order batters, but Buttler’s contract status suggests that his Test career might not be over yet.The Men’s Hundred’s retention window officially opened on January 13 and will close at 11.59pm on February 14. Teams can retain up to 10 players who held a contract with them in 2022, plus a centrally-contracted player.The ECB have also doubled the number of ‘wildcard’ signings from one per team to two, meaning each team will sign two players for £30,000 based on performances in the group stage of the T20 Blast. Overall squad sizes remain unchanged.ESPNcricinfo revealed in November that the ‘overseas wildcard’ spot has been scrapped, meaning teams will have three overseas players in their squad at any one time, rather than four. All three will be available to feature in any given playing XI.Women’s teams have been discussing their ‘marquee’ retentions with players over the last two months, ahead of the inaugural women’s draft in March.

The batter feels the attack-first mantra he has now instilled in his Test-match batting puts him in a better position defensively

Andrew McGlashan25-Feb-2023

Travis Head had “robust” conversations with Australia’s selectors after he was surprisingly dropped for the opening Test in India but believes he has shown he can find success in challenging conditions amid a hasty switch to opening the batting.Head was left out in Nagpur despite a prolific home summer based on his poor returns in Pakistan and Sri Lanka last year. He admitted that having worked hard to adapt his game ahead of the tour, he was shocked by the decision but swiftly returned to the side in Delhi albeit the reasoning was curiously linked as much to his bowling as batting.”The conversations were robust, I guess, and everyone has different opinions,” Head said. “But I respect the coaching staff and selectors. I have a really strong relationship with them so think that’s what made the conversations the way they went because there’s respect both ways and we are able to voice our opinions.Related

Points to ponder – what Australia need to do to revive a flagging campaign

Head recalled for bowling ability, Kuhnemann leapfrogs Agar

Head-less Australia's horses-for-courses approach backfires

Green '100% ready to go' for the Indore Test

Cummins to miss third Test against India after remaining home

“It’s something I didn’t expect coming here, but sometimes that happens and thought I was able to go through that week and prepare myself for another chance… Now it’s making the most of that.”Head made 12 in the first innings in Delhi before edging Mohammed Shami to slip and then produced a sparkling 43 when he opened in place of the concussed David Warner. It was an innings that had put Australia ahead in the game, only for things to come crashing down on the third morning after Head edged R Ashwin.Head’s outstanding form at home – where he has averaged 73.50 over the last two seasons – has come with a blistering approach which has seen him strike at 91.20. He struggled to replicate that in the subcontinent last year, going at 48.40 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but was encouraged by the way he was able to counter Ashwin in Delhi where he scored at better than a run-a-ball against him during the second evening flurry.”I was pleased with the way I was going forward and back, watching length, and a few things I’ve worked on,” Head said of his innings. “It was a small sample piece but over here small sample pieces can be a little bit of gold to hopefully push forward for the next two Tests.”Felt like the way I played the other day was a step forward in that direction. Would have loved to have done it in the previous series, but that’s development, that’s understanding, that’s watching other teams go about it and other players and trying to learn on the go with not much experience in the subcontinent.”Head feels the attack-first mantra that is now instilled in his Test-match batting also puts him in a better position defensively and it was not being able to commit to that philosophy that brought his downfall on earlier tours.”[In] Sri Lanka, especially, when it was more spin-friendly than Pakistan, I found myself sitting on the crease a little bit and probably looking more to defend and waiting to attack, whereas here I’ve come with the approach that I want to attack first and defend second,” he said. “When I do that, and I’ve found it in Australia, my feet move better and I’m in better positions.”With Warner having been ruled out of the final two Tests, Head is all but certain to continue to open the batting in Indore next week. While Warner was defiant about his own future when he returned to Australia, it is far from guaranteed he will have the opportunity to resume his Test career in the World Test Championship final – should Australia qualify – and the Ashes.Whether Head is a viable long-term option remains to be seen – he appears inked in as the ODI opener heading towards the 2023 World Cup – but having been jolted by his omission in the first Test, he is more determined than ever to make himself valuable in any role.”Honestly, after missing out in the first Test, I would bat anywhere the team needed me to get a game. I’ve always said that. I didn’t come here expecting to open the batting last innings but whether it’s opening or No. 5, I’ve got to find a way in both of them if needed for the team.”Australia had a final training session in Delhi on Saturday before flying to Indore, which was hurriedly handed the third Test in place of Dharamsala. Mitchell Starc is expected to return to replace absent captain Pat Cummins who has remained in Australia with his seriously ill mother while Cameron Green will also be back from injury.

Victoria are closing in on the Sheffield Shield final after another strong day at the WACA

Tristan Lavalette15-Mar-2023Opener Marcus Harris hit a sublime 84 before quick Scott Boland again tormented Western Australia as Victoria moved closer to a pivotal Sheffield Shield victory at the WACA.Enjoying a first innings lead of 176, Victoria’s strong attack continually threatened late on day two with WA reaching stumps at 3 for 88.After taking 4 for 29 in WA’s first innings, having rushed back from Australia’s Test tour of India, Boland dismissed opener Sam Whiteman lbw for a duck.Related

Boland, Holland, Sutherland run through Western Australia on day one

All-round Beau Webster adds to Queensland's woes as final hopes dim

New South Wales chip away after Jack Edwards' century

WA’s woes deepened when teenager Teague Wyllie fell for 16 to leave the hosts in tatters at 2 for 25.Routed for 122 on the opening day, particularly bogged down by Victoria’s disciplined bowling, WA decided to play more aggressively as Hilton Cartwright led the way with a slew of fluent strokes.He combined with opener Cameron Bancroft, the leading run-scorer this season, in a steadying half-century partnership to provide hope for WABut Boland summoned one last burst before stumps and bowled Bancroft, who inside-edged onto his stumps attempting a drive.Having already secured a home final starting on March 23, WA have so far been unable to match the intensity of a desperate Victoria who are locked in a fierce battle with second-placed Queensland for a spot in the decider.After a dreary opening day, where just 192 runs were scored in 91 overs, left-handed Harris provided a spark as he sped past his half-century.He was in imperious touch with sweet drives down the ground to dominate a weakened WA attack without regular quicks Joel Paris and Matt Kelly. Harris scored at a run-a-ball pace before out of nowhere being caught behind down the leg-side off seamer David Moody.It was essentially Harris’ first mistake in his 140-ball knock and the former Test player, who last played for Australia during the 2021-22 Ashes, knew he left a big score on the table.Harris was furious with the dismissal and shouted his disgust as he trudged into Victoria’s dressing room. But his wicket failed to halt Victoria’s momentum with in-form Matt Short, who has scored three tons in his last five innings, in glorious form.He drove beautifully down the ground to pounce on wayward bowling from WA’s quicks, who were unable to conjure menacing movement like their counterparts from the previous day.Short combined with 20-year-old Campbell Kellaway in a century partnership as Victoria eyed a massive first innings lead. After an uninspiring effort from WA’s frontline seamers, Cartwright sparked his subdued team with a terrific spell in the second session.Cartwright was selected as an allrounder for two Test matches in 2017, but rarely bowls these days. He had only bowled 4.4 overs in the Shield season before his six-over burst accounted for three wickets, including Kellaway for 64 off 167 balls. Cartwright triggered a slide for Victoria as Short’s brilliant 95-ball innings ended when he mistimed to mid-off.Victoria were left slightly disappointed at their vice-like grip on the contest being loosened, but they remain firmly in the box seat after Boland’s late heroics.

GOAL looks at Sullivan's first start, how he fared, and what it indicates for the future of one of the U.S.'s brightest talents

It all happened rather quietly. Philadelphia Union have been working next-great-hope Cavan Sullivan into the fold for the best part of 12 months now. But for all of the good PR and positive vibes, he hadn't managed more than a few cameos and lively stints off the bench.

That is, until last week. Sullivan started and played 120 minutes of an admittedly grueling and often ugly U.S. Open Cup game against Indy Eleven.

The Union won on penalties, in the end, avoiding a Cupset, but not doing so in particularly convincing fashion. New manager Bradley Carnell put out a lineup consisting mostly of fringe first-team players and reserves. The USL side went full strength, and gave as much as they got. Penalties are a cruel way to go out of a tournament, especially when you hold a team of superior quality and budget over 90 minutes plus two halves of extra time.

Still, this game will likely be remembered as the one where Sullivan got his first start. And although it wasn't the highest profile affair – that's kind of the point – it was still one that might indicate where the somehow-still-15-year-old might operate for the Union in the next two full MLS campaigns before he moves to Manchester City.

GOAL takes a look at Sullivan's first start, how he fared, and what it might say for the future of one of the U.S.'s brightest talents.

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  A long-awaited first start

  The Union have been smart about this whole thing. Sullivan has played just 48 minutes in MLS this year. That is by no means a bad thing. The team have been doing just fine with him in a rather limited role. They are third in the Eastern Conference and have won seven of 12 matches. There is no need to toss him in, risk injury, expand his role, or tinker with a winning formula.

  This is also, of course, the paradox of having a really talented youngster. He is probably the best natural footballer the Union have in their ranks. But he is also has little top-level experience. He plays in a position of relative strength for Philadelphia, and even if he is better naturally than a number of their other attacking options, there isn't a great need for him to play – today.

  The flip side of that is it leaves expectant fans for Philadelphia and the USMNT rather disappointed. Sullivan has made it clear that he wants to play for the USMNT – and big picture, win the Ballon d'Or. The style, swagger and wonderful left foot are all there. Fans want to see him play.

  Yet the Union are still keeping him on a tight leash. It may be frustrating for some, but it's probably the right move for his career development – no matter how well he can kick a ball.

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  A statistical overview

  That's why the U.S. Open Cup fixture made sense of his introduction. Indy Eleven have a good record in the competition, but they are still far from the level of an MLS side. Carnell, meanwhile, wanted to rest some of his first-teamers – or at least save some legs. It was always going to be a lower intensity night with fewer fans in the building and fewer viewers. Perfect time to let the kid play.

  Sullivan started, roughly, on the right side of a 4-4-2 – the Union's preferred system so far this year. On paper, the numbers were agreeable, if slightly unspectacular. Sullivan played 120 minutes, completed 30/40 passes, created two chances, and had six attempts on goal – three of which were on target.

  The heatmap tells a mostly similar story. Sullivan stuck to the right side of the pitch, occasionally ventured inside, and spent most of the game pretty much doing his job. Any coach would conclude that Sullivan put in a good shift, did exactly what was asked of him, and ensured that the regular starters could rest their legs in the midst of a hectic league schedule. That's basically what he said.

  "Cavan wants to play, he wants to express himself, he wants to get on the pitch,” Carnell outlined after the game. “He wants to prove himself, and he wants to prove he belongs with the team. He did a great job. He’s young, fit, hungry … it was fun to watch him play tonight.”

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  Moments of promise

  But watch the game, and there were some real indications that Sullivan was operating a little faster than everyone else on the pitch. His first touch was sharp from the first minute, and while the rest of the Union rather slumbered their way through the game, Sullivan tried to break it open. He took five shots in the first half alone, and was always looking for the incisive moment.

  Perhaps the passage that summarized his performance the most was in the 37th minute. He received a pass just outside the box, 19 yards from goal in the right half space. The smart move, at that point, would have been to take the ball to the byline and cut it back to one of four Philadelphia runners darting into the box.

  Instead, Sullivan cut sharply onto his left, a sent two Indy defenders skirting the wrong way, and unleashed a shot on goal. It was pretty easily blocked by a deluge of defenders who had diligently tracked back. He latched onto a loose ball in the same phase of play. Again, there were perhaps two passes on; he could have fed either Union forward. Sullivan had a shot on goal instead, stinging the palms of the Indy goalkeeper.

  He did much the same in extra time. Sullivan darted into the box to snag loose ball, six yards out from goal and facing a near-impossible angle. The pass across the box was on. Instead, he tried to fire into the roof of the net – but launched the ball over the bar. His teammate was not happy.

  He went for the spectacular when the simple was on. There are no stats for valiant failures, or almost-goals. But from the perspective of a young player learning his craft, these will go down mostly as good things – especially given the final score.

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  A mixed body of work

  There were some shortcomings. Sullivan may have been active and assertive in the first half, but his influence rather waned in the second. In fairness, it was partially his team's fault. The Union should have led by two or three at half time. They came out slightly sluggish after the break. Indy grabbed a goal on 48 minutes, and then put in the kind of resolute defensive showing that perhaps deserved three points.

  In those moments, when the game became a slog, Sullivan faded. It was an odd game in the second half. The Union didn't seem to have the legs to press, but Indy didn't really want the ball, either. The Union completed 225 passes to Indy's 132, and 42 percent of their passes came in the final third. They put nine shots on goal, attempted 11 crosses, and hit the post once.

  In other words, they were camped out in their opponents' half, created a lot, but didn't manage to find the back of the net.

  Indy were simply up for the scrap. And that's where you could see Sullivan's need for improvement. He is, remember, still 15, and although not afraid to tackle, isn't the biggest physical presence. He won four of his eight duels, and lost possession, due to either giveaways or misplaced passes, 18 times. Only when Indy decided to open the game up a little more, and spaces became bigger, did Sullivan get back to playing football again.

Liverpool were the runaway champions, but at least their rivals stood a chance of scooping some of our made-up prizes instead…

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The Premier League season is pretty much over, folks. Save for the final day Champions League scramble, all of the important races are done and dusted. There's even a seemingly unanimous pick for the Player of the Year, with Mohamed Salah set for a clean sweep of the various awards.

That doesn't mean the season was without event, drama or comedy, though. Far from that. The beauty of the Premier League is that even when the stakes are reduced, you can still find enjoyment in it.

So come and take a walk down GOAL's red carpet as we take you through our alternative awards ceremony…

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportGame of the season 👏

There were quite a few candidates for our first award, with Everton's last-gasp 2-2 draw against Liverpool in Goodison Park's final Merseyside derby still fondly lingering in the imagination. Instead, we've gone with Arsenal's 5-1 hammering of Manchester City that had just about everything you want from a fierce Premier League encounter.

After competing for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 titles, it's become very obvious that Arsenal and City do not like each other on any sort of level. When the Cityzens snatched a point off the Gunners in September's 2-2 draw, Erling Haaland's taunt to Mikel Arteta that he should 'stay humble' was the extra bit of edge this new-age rivalry needed. They are also words that came back to haunt the Norwegian.

The reigning champions were torn limb from limb at the Emirates Stadium. Teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was also picked on by Haaland in the reverse fixture, got his own back by copying the striker's zen celebration, while 'Humble' by Kendrick Lamar sounded out over the PA at full-time. Petty? Of course. But does football need this sort of bite? Absolutely.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWorst game of the season 🤮

Unfortunately for Cityzens fans, this is not an article that will make for pleasant reading. Pep Guardiola and his troops also dishonourably and infamously contributed to one of the worst games of football played anywhere on this planet.

Manchester City's 0-0 draw at neighbours Manchester Unitedmust be scrubbed from history. It sent the footballing world into a collective state of irrational mourning for what the game used to be. Fortunately for us, the last two months of this sport have been superb entertainment and we have all done a lot to forget the disgrace of Old Trafford.

Getty Images SportBiggest overachievers ⏫

Hands up, who had Nottingham Forest fighting for a Champions League spot heading into the final day of the season? Who had them sitting in the top three for much of the campaign?

Even the most passionate of Forest fans will admit they did not see their 2024-25 fortunes coming. They have become the first team in Premier League history to double their points tally from one season to the next and, regardless of what happens against Chelsea on Sunday, they will be returning to European competition next year. Kudos to Nuno Espirito Santo for navigating his way through the City Ground chaos.

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Getty Images SportBiggest disappointments ⏬

There were many doubts outside of Manchester United heading into this season given their haphazard decision not to sack Erik ten Hag over the summer and instead back him with another £200m worth of signings. It really shouldn't have shocked the Red Devils that they got off to such a poor start they were left with no option but to belatedly remove the Dutchman from his post.

The expectation, both internally and externally, was that Ruben Amorim would vastly improve fortunes after arriving from Sporting CP, particularly after caretaker boss Ruud van Nistelrooy had steadied the ship. Somehow, United got even worse and are averaging less than a point a game under the Portuguese coach.

The real kicker, besides still having the chance to finish 17th (, for crying out loud), is that United missed their golden opportunity to salvage the campaign with a trophy and an unlikely place in next season's Champions League, losing to Tottenham in Wednesday's Europa League final. Whatever happened to 'lads, it's Tottenham'?

Leus du Plooy and Wayne Madsen carve out a sizeable advantage

ECB Reporters Network05-May-2023

Leus du Plooy and Wayne Madsen batted Derbyshire into a dominant position against Leicestershire on a rain-interrupted second day of the LV=Insurance County Championship match at Derby.The pair shared a stand of 122 from 184 balls with du Plooy failing by six runs to become Derbyshire’s first century maker of the season.Madsen continued his prolific run against Leicestershire with 67 and although 42 overs were lost to the weather, Derbyshire closed on 326 for 7, a lead of 204, and with two days remaining threaten to end the Foxes’ bright start to the season.Leicestershire’s bowlers struggled until Wiaan Mulder struck with the second new ball to end the day with figures of 5 for 55 from 24 overs but his side have a lot of work to do to save the match.Leicestershire’s head coach Paul Nixon said: “Wiaan has been a groove machine in practice. He has come back this year and his action has been more consistent and he’s really confident about his bowling which is wonderful.”Madsen’s latest productive shift against Leicestershire bowlers proved that even in uncertain times, there are things you can rely on.He came into the game averaging 60 in first-class cricket against one of Derbyshire’s neighbours so Leicestershire knew they needed to dismiss him quickly to have a chance of staying in the game.Opportunity knocked in the third over of the morning when Madsen had added only four runs to his overnight total but Colin Ackermann fluffed his lines. Madsen’s edge off Chris Wright was regulation as slip catches go but Ackermann standing at second spilled it.That looked a big moment in the game and by the time a storm swept across the ground shortly before midday, Madsen and Du Plooy were set and ticking along nicely.At least the break gave the visitors time to regroup but when play resumed in bright sunshine, there was little to trouble the fourth wicket pair. The bowlers were unable to build any pressure with a consistent line and there were too many wide balls for Madsen and du Plooy to score off.Madsen was first to his fifty which came off 96 balls and when England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed was brought on in the 60th over, du Plooy completed his half century from 74 balls.Ahmed did almost get through Madsen with a ball that scuttled through but there was nothing else in his three overs which cost 25 runs to threaten the batters.When the breakthrough did come, it was down to a rash shot from Madsen who dabbed at a ball from Tom Scriven and was caught behind. But by tea, the lead was 177 with du Plooy on 94 and after rain forced a 90-minute delay, he fell to the second ball after the restart.Leicestershire’s decision to claim the second new ball paid off as Finan had du Plooy caught behind off what looked an inside edge which was well taken by Peter Handscomb.Matt Lamb played on to Mulder and Luis Reece was bowled attempting to hit him back over his head which suggested Derbyshire may declare overnight with further rain forecast to take more time out of the game on Saturday.

Openers Litton Das and Tamim Iqbal made light work of a 102-run target as Bangladesh beat Ireland by ten wickets in the third ODI in Sylhet and completed a 2-0 series win. The visitors were bowled out for 101 in 28.1 overs after the Bangladesh fast bowlers took all ten wickets in an innings for the first time in the format.The short chase was enlivened by Tamim and Litton, who put on an exhibition of strokeplay, finishing the game in just 13.1 overs, Bangladesh’s second-shortest chase in ODIs. After Bangladesh beat Ireland by a record margin of runs in the first ODI, this was also their first ten-wicket win in ODIs.A small crowd turned up at the picturesque Sylhet venue on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan starting, and went home shortly after sunset. Ireland’s 101 broke a sequence of five successive 300-plus totals by the side batting first on this ground.Hasan Mahmud’s maiden five-wicket haul, Taskin Ahmed’s three-wicket burst and Ebadot Hossain’s two-for summed up the absolute dominance by the Bangladesh fast bowlers. The spinners were needed for only four overs in all with Shakib Al Hasan not getting a chance to bowl for only the third time in his ODI career. It was a day out for the quicks on the hard and bouncy Sylhet surface, a rarity among grounds in Bangladesh. The conditions prompted the team management to pick six bowlers including the three seamers.Hasan Mahmud leads his team off the field after picking up his maiden ODI five-for•BCB

Mahmud removed openers Stephen Doheny and Paul Stirling in a disciplined opening burst. Doheny was caught behind for 8 after scratching around for 20 balls before Stirling, dropped on 5, got to 7 before Mahmud trapped him lbw in the ninth over. The skiddy fast bowler soon picked up his third when he trapped Harry Tector lbw later in the same over. Taskin got captain Andy Balbirnie caught at first slip for just 6 as Ireland collapsed to 26 for 4 before the first powerplay was up.Then came their only partnership of note. Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher added 42 runs for the fifth wicket, which effectively helped Ireland reach the three-figure mark. Campher top-scored with 36, while Tucker made 28, the only two double-figure scores in the innings.But it was soon over. Ebadot’s in-dipper had Tucker lbw. Next ball, Ebadot clean-bowled George Dockrell for a golden duck as Ireland slipped to 68 for 6.Taskin then took a brace in his seventh over, first getting Andy McBrine to top-edge a quick bouncer before Adair inside-edged his second ball onto the stumps.Campher was the ninth wicket that fell, top-edging Mahmud towards fine leg. Taskin took a comfortable catch, celebrating the younger team-mate’s first four-wicket haul. It soon became five when Mahmud trapped Graham Hume lbw for 3.Tamim started the chase with a slashed four over point, before pasting the Ireland fast bowlers for boundaries through cover and square-leg. Most of Litton’s boundaries came through the covers, including a back-foot punch that looked scrumptious from every angle. Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys then went for two expensive overs, before the Bangladesh opening pair calmed down briefly.Tamim lofted Humphreys for a straight six in his third over, before Litton drove Campher through the covers. Then he struck two fours off Humphreys to reach his ninth ODI fifty, before Tamim hit the winning runs.

Ibrahima Konate snubbed Liverpool colleague Mohamed Salah as he backed compatriot Ousmane Dembele to win Ballon d'Or.

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• Konate backed Dembele to win the Ballon d'Or
• Snubbed Liverpool colleague Salah
• Yamal and Raphinha also in the race for Golden Ball

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dembele and Salah, along with Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, are being considered as frontrunners to win the Ballon d'Or this year after enduring brilliant campaigns for their respective clubs. Dembele won his first Champions League with Paris-Saint Germain and a treble, while Salah played a key role in Liverpool winning the English top division title for a record-equalling 20th time. Yamal and Raphina, on the other hand, helped Barcelona win a domestic treble.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As discussions are starting to grow around who would be the next Ballon d'Or winner after Rodri, Reds defender Konate made his choice very clear. The Frenchman hailed his compatriot Dembele for the marvellous season he enjoyed in Paris and claimed that the winger was the clear winner for him.

• WHAT IBRAHIMA KONATE SAID

  Speaking to reporters, Konate said: "We talk about Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe… But no one talks about Ousmane Dembele. He has delivered an exceptional season. I have honestly no other words to describe it. Nobody expected it. I’m the happiest man for him. In all honesty, the most deserving Ballon d’Or winner is Ousmane Dembele."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR IBRAHIMA KONATE?

  The 26-year-old centre-back is expected to feature in Didier Deschamps' starting lineup as France take on Spain in the Nations League semi-final on Thursday in Stuttgart.