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Ben Foakes has been described as “the best wicketkeeper in the world” but will travel to Australia as Jonny Bairstow’s deputy

Alan Gardner29-Oct-2017If Alec Stewart is correct, England have packed the best wicketkeeper in the world among their Ashes luggage, almost as you would take a spare toothbrush on holiday.Ben Foakes, uncapped and on his first senior tour, travels to Australia as Jonny Bairstow’s deputy, though such is the nature of England expeditions Down Under, it would not be entirely surprising if he somehow ended the series batting in the middle order: as well as his ability with the gloves, Foakes is a batsman good enough to average more than 40 in first-class cricket.His rise has perhaps taken longer than some expected, having been selected for England Lions as a 19-year-old, but two seasons of immaculate glovework and crisp run-scoring at Surrey have pushed him into the role of Test understudy ahead of Jos Buttler, who keeps in the white-ball formats.”It has taken a couple of weeks to sink in,” Foakes said, speaking in the Long Room at Lord’s, undaunted at being first into the fray for England’s departure press conference. “Jonny is obviously world class, I can’t go out there expecting to replace him. I am just trying to prepare to play the first game if needed.”When I first came to Surrey I wasn’t keeping regularly and at Essex I was behind James Foster – I had to make a decision to move to Surrey and the last couple of years I have been able to keep regularly, and my main focus was on red-ball cricket. To be able to be here now shows the progress I’ve made.”While Bairstow has bristled at the idea of relinquishing the gloves, England may eventually conclude that Foakes is wasted as a luxury item. If the top five continues to misfire, and with Ben Stokes currently out of consideration for his usual role at No. 6, the temptation to bat Bairstow higher and bring in Foakes will grow.It is an area in which England can contrast themselves favourably with Australia, who have several names in the frame to push the incumbent, Matthew Wade, but little certainty as to who will take the gloves in Brisbane and beyond.Foakes is a quietly assured operator, happy to let his game do the talking. His father, former Premier League referee Peter, died of a heart attack when he was 13 – he has the date tattooed on his wrist – but Ben emerged from that “difficult time” to break into Essex’s first team while still a teenager. Foster’s excellence blocked his path at Chelmsford but he saw off the competition at Surrey, who at one stage could choose between Foakes, Steven Davies, Gary Wilson and Kumar Sangakkara.He was likened to an “artist” for his keeping with the Lions in Sri Lanka earlier this year, by former England coach and Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Andy Flower. Stewart’s praise then took things up a notch. “I saw it on Facebook and obviously had a few Indian fans jibing and bringing up MS Dhoni,” Foakes said. “I think to hear that is lovely.”He has plenty of experience of Australia, having played there in an Under-19 World Cup and on the 2012-13 Lions tour – from which, coincidentally, Stokes was sent home for one too many nights out – as well as spending some time with Adelaide University.Given the England team that finished the 2013-14 Ashes featured five changes from the one that started the series, it’s a reasonable bet that Australia could also be the place where Foakes makes his international debut.”I think it is an amazing place to play cricket, the whole package out there is the best experience of cricket I have had,” Foakes said. “You get a bit of grief that is quite a natural sort of mentality – I don’t look at that stuff too much, it’s about trying to represent my country and do everything I can for England.”I think our chances are very good – we have world-class performers with a lot of experience, which obviously makes a real difference to any side, and I think it is about how the less-experienced guys are able to support them and lift our games and learn off them.”The wisdom of Foakes’ inclusion may soon become apparent. As the Chris Evans TV show of the 90s once instructed: don’t forget your toothbrush.

Manchester United are aiming to poach Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth, with the Magpies already lining up a replacement.

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• United want to appoint Ashworth
• Newcastle lining up Bournemouth's Richard Hughes
• Red Devils must complete takeover

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per The Sun, United are considering a move to appoint Ashworth and Newcastle have subsequently identified Richard Hughes, who works for Bournemouth, as his potential replacement. The Magpies expect an approach for Ashworth once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's buy-in at Old Trafford is confirmed.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ashworth has been with Newcastle since February of 2022 and has also previously worked as a technical director at Brighton. In addition to his club work, he has also worked with England, operating as the FA's director of elite development. He has been linked with United in previous years, though no appointment has yet materialised.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ashworth was head of the FA's elite development plan when England won the Maurice Burlaz Trophy in 2017. The trophy is awarded to the national association that has the best results in UEFA youth competitions. It was established in 1990 and is awarded every two years; England have only won it once.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ASHWORTH?

  If United really are interested, he will have to wait for the ratification of Ratcliffe's buy-in before making a move. In the meantime, Ashworth is likely to be preparing for the January transfer window with Newcastle as the Magpies look to respond to a troubling injury crisis.

Michael Hogan’s 5 for 17 ended on the losing side when the DLS went in Gloucestershire’s favour

ECB Reporters Network03-Aug-2017Jacques Rudolph’s dismissal turned the DLS score from a tie to a Gloucestershire victory•Getty Images

Gloucestershire beat Glamorgan by five runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, despite career-best figures of 5-17 for Michael Hogan, with Jacques Rudolph’s dismissal off what became the final ball proving a match-winning moment.Only five overs of the run chase were possible as the rain came when Glamorgan were 32 for 2, chasing 151 to win, after Thisara Perera bowled Rudolph moments before the players left the field. Had that wicket not fallen, the scores would have been tied on DLS.The match was due to resume at 9.15pm with a revised target of 114, meaning Glamorgan would have required 82 from nine overs, but further heavy rain arrived to bring an end.Having won the toss and put Gloucestershire in to bat, Glamorgan’s bowlers struggled to find their line early on and at the end of the Powerplay Gloucestershire were solidly placed on 45 without loss.However, a bowling change paid off as Craig Meschede, with his first delivery, had Klinger caught by Andrew Salter attempting a pull shot.Phil Mustard brought up his fifty with an on-driven six off Salter in the 12th over, and Ian Cockbain added a six of his own in the same over as the visitors reached 97 for 1.Meschede made a second breakthrough when Ian Cockbain skied to Michael Hogan at mid-off for 22 and he ended with 2 for 28.Colin Ingram was brought into the attack and claimed the scalp of Mustard for 57 when he picked out deep midwicket.Kieran Noema-Barnett took Ingram for two boundaries and Jack Taylor was given a life when he was dropped on the midwicket rope by Aneurin Donald.However, Donald did take the chance offered by Noema-Barnett which began Hogan’s late burst. Hogan took another two wickets in the over, bowling Taylor for 10 before Thisara Perera was removed by an impressive catch from David Miller.Hogan added a fourth when he bowled George Hankins and, after the run out of Matt Taylor, he removed Benny Howell off the final ball of the innings.

A round-up of the Dhaka Premier League matches played on May 20, 2017

Mohammad Isam20-May-2017Defending champions Abahani Limited finished the first phase of the Dhaka Premier League with a loss, after Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club trounced them by four wickets at the BKSP-3 ground in Savar.Batting first, Abahani lost their in-form opener Liton Das in the second over before slipping to 50 for 4 by the 16th over. Allrounder Afif Hossain led the recovery with a swift 94. He also struck an 89-run fifth-wicket stand with Mohammad Mithun and a 46-run stand with Manan Sharma, helping Abahani finish with 246.Doleshwar cruised to a comfortable win, completing the chase with 2.5 overs to spare. Shahriar Nafees and Marshall Ayub added 89 runs for the third wicket before Jakir Ali took them close to the target. Marshall top scored with 83 while Nafees made 69.Brothers Union ended their 2016-17 Dhaka Premier League campaign on a winning note after their thrilling one-run win over Victoria Sporting Club at the BKSP-4 ground in Savar.With nine runs required off the final over, bowled by left-arm spinner Nihaduzzaman, the Victoria batsmen could only manage singles off the first four balls before Abu Sayem fell off the fifth ball. Moinul Islam could only muster two off the final ball.Uttam Sarkar scored 39 while Moinul top-scored with 41. Manvinder Bisla took three wickets while Iftekhar Sajjad took two wickets.Batting first, Brothers Union were bowled out for 235 in 49.1 overs. Bisla top-scored with 78 off 87 balls with three fours and three sixes. Victoria captain Monir Hossain Khan took five wickets.The loss confirmed Victoria, alongside Partex Sporting Club, will have to play in the relegation playoffs. The third team in the playoffs – either Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity or Kalabagan Krira Chakra – will be decided in the final round matches on Sunday.Legends of Rupganj kept themselves in hunt for a Super League place after their five-wicket win over Partex Sporting Club at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium.Batting first, Partex posted a competitive 272 for 9 in 50 overs. Jatin Saxena slammed five sixes and 11 fours in his 50-ball 91. Sajjad Hossain also struck 50 off 85 balls. Syed Rasel took four wickets while Mosharraf Hossain picked up three wickets.In reply, Rupganj lost two early wickets but Raza Ali Dar and Mahmudul Hasan added 182 runs for the third wicket. Raza was bowled for a run-a-ball 99, after having struck ten fours and a six. Mahmudul’s 70 came off 93 balls with three fours and a six before he retired hurt. Naeem Islam shepherded Rupganj to the target with four balls to spare.

West Ham United star Declan Rice's "preferred destination remains" Arsenal and he's "settled in London", according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Will Arsenal still sign Declan Rice?

Since the beginning of this summer's domestic window, which officially opened last week, reports surrounding the future of Rice have been ever-present.

It was long thought that Arsenal were in pole position for the England international ahead of other previously linked suitors, like Chelsea, but Man City recently entered the fray in their bid to source an Ilkay Gundogan replacement.

Pep Guardiola's involvement slightly complicates matters for Arsenal, who no longer have a clear-run at signing Rice. Some media sources, like Sky's Gianluca Di Marzio, have even claimed that City's talks for Rice are fairly advanced.

News from The Athletic's David Ornstein came in this morning, detailing that the Premier League champions lodged a formal offer for Rice last night, but their £80 million bid (plus £10 million in add-ons) has been rejected.

Arsenal apparently intend to bite back with an offer of their own, which would be their third after two previously rebuffed bids, so the race for Rice is certainly hotting up.

From the player's side, though, Sheth has some good news for Arsenal supporters which may help their side just edge City in the transfer battle.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the journalist claims that Rice's preferred destination remains north London, even if you can't rule out City entirely.

"One source has told us that Declan Rice's preferred destination remains Arsenal," said Sheth.

"Of course, we know in football that can change, if somebody like Manchester City or Pep Guardiola especially, go in for a player, how difficult would it be for someone like Declan Rice to turn down those advances.

"But then you've got to think of it from a human perspective as well, he's got a young family, he's settled in London, a move from West Ham United to Arsenal might be something that he's been thinking about and thinks 'this is where I want to be'.

"So, plenty to think about if you're Declan Rice."

What's been said about Declan Rice?

Called "world class" by sections of the press, West Ham's star 24-year-old showcased yet again why he is a man in demand this summer.

The Hammers captain marked himself out as their best-performing player by average match rating in the English top flight last season (WhoScored), with former England defender Matthew Upson calling him "very mature" for his age.

Newcastle United have joined Manchester United in their interest for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Serie A champions this summer, and the Red Devils are currently the front-runners.

Newcastle have also taken an interest, though, and could try to hijack a move for the defender if the opportunity presents itself.

With the Magpies securing Champions League football next season for the first time in two decades, the club have their work cut out for them this summer as they look to bolster the squad and build on last season's Premier League success and adding Kim would be a great start.

What's the latest Newcastle United transfer news?

After a strong transfer window last summer, it seems Newcastle are aiming to repeat the feat this year, with the club already linked to several major names and some figures heading out of St. James' Park as they prefer for European football.

Chris Wood is the first sale of the summer for Eddie Howe's men, as the forward recently completed his permanent transfer to Nottingham Forest after he spent the last year on loan at the midlands club.

Newcastle have also announced that Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff will be let go in the summer, but the club have been linked to some exciting incomings.

Former Manchester City academy graduate, Felix Nmecha is reportedly a target for the Magpies, with the Wolfsburg midfielder seen as a viable option to add to the club's midfield.

While their priority is building for the upcoming season, Newcastle have also had an eye on the future, recently signing 18-year-old winger Yankuba Minteh, before immediately loaning him out to Dutch champions Feyenoord, with the plan being to assess his first-team potential once he returns next summer.

As they continue to strengthen the side, stealing Kim's signature out from under United's nose would be a huge statement of intent.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Kim Min-jae, Manchester United and Newcastle?

While United are currently the favourites to land the South Korean, reports that they've agreed a deal with Napoli aren't true, reports Romano.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, Romano said: "There are many reports of a done deal with Manchester United coming from Italy. Guys, at the moment, nothing is done. This is not a done deal yet."

Romano also went on to reveal that Newcastle, as well as several other clubs, were interested in Kim, saying: "There is also interest from Newcastle, but also other clubs are interested in Kim, so the race is absolutely open, trust me."

With a release clause of £42m being activated early in July, the Magpies will have to act quickly if they're to beat United to a potential deal.

West Ham United are lining up a loan move for Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo, according to a recent report from The Northern Echo.

Who is Amad Diallo?

Man United agreed a deal to sign Diallo from Atalanta for £19m back in the January of 2021, with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer describing him as "one of the most exciting young prospects in the game."

Solksjaer also added that the 20-year-old has the "raw attributes" to become an "important player" for the Red Devils, however he has been sent out on loan to gain some first-team experience, making a name for himself at Sunderland last season.

The Ivory Coast international played a vital role for the Mackems in their unexpected push for the Championship play-offs, making a total of 37 appearances, and he has now attracted the interest of West Ham.

According to a report from The Northern Echo, the Hammers are lining up a loan move for the young forward, who could be sent out on loan again next season, in order to continue his development.

The Irons hierarchy are planning a summer overhaul of a squad that struggled in the Premier League in the 2022-23 campaign, but they are not the only club interested in the former Sunderland loanee, with Everton and Burnley also said to be keen.

The Black Cats would love to sign the youngster, however they can only offer him Championship football, which is likely to hinder their chances.

How many goals has Diallo scored?

The starlet scored 14 goals in all competitions last season, the highest number of any Sunderland player, most often being utilised on the right-wing, however he displayed his versatility by filling in at both attacking midfield and striker.

It is fair to say the £28k-per-week attacker made a positive impression on loan at Sunderland, with journalist Josh Bunting hailing him as "special", while also describing him as a "joy to witness" and "one of the best players" they've had in years.

The Man United ace is also more than capable of pitching in defensively, ranking in the 94th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level.

Having performed so well in the Championship last season, Diallo has undoubtedly earned the opportunity to test himself in the top flight, and West Ham should table an offer in the coming weeks.

Cameron White’s second century of the tournament delivered victory and a bonus point to Victoria in their Matador Cup match against Tasmania at North Sydney Oval

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Oct-2016
ScorecardPeter Siddle picked up 1 for 19 in his first match since February•Getty ImagesCameron White’s second century of the tournament delivered victory and a bonus point to Victoria in their Matador Cup match against Tasmania at North Sydney Oval. White finished unbeaten on 117 as the Bushrangers chased down the target of 211 with eight wickets in hand, inside 35 overs, to continue their strong one-day form.Earlier, Peter Siddle had made an encouraging return from long-term injury in his first competitive match since February, collecting 1 for 19 from eight overs as the Tigers were restricted to 7 for 210. Siddle bowled opener Tim Paine in the third over of the match as Paine offered no shot to a ball that moved back in, and Glenn Maxwell picked up two early wickets to have Tasmania 3 for 17.Alex Doolan rebuilt the innings with an unbeaten 87 from 82 deliveries, with assistance from allrounder Simon Milenko (44), and a late 34 not out from Xavier Doherty. However, the target was always going to be difficult for the Tasmania bowlers to defend, and a 122-run opening stand between White and Marcus Harris made it even more so.Harris fell for 64 and Maxwell for 22, but they were the only two wickets to fall in the Victorian innings as White directed the chase perfectly. He struck five sixes and 12 fours and jumped ahead of Moises Henriques to lead the overall tournament run tally.

Glenn Maxwell has been named in Australia A’s squad for the quadrangular series involving the National Performance Squad, and A teams from India and South Africa

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Aug-2016Glenn Maxwell has been named in Australia A’s squad of 15 for the upcoming Quadrangular series involving the National Performance Squad (NPS), and A teams from India and South Africa, in Townsville and Mackay later this month .Australia A squad

Squad: Chris Lynn (capt), Peter Handscomb, Scott Boland, Cameron Boyce, Jake Lehmann, Glenn Maxwell, Joe Mennie, Kurtis Patterson, Kane Richardson, Alex Ross, Marcus Stoinis, Chris Tremain, Sam Whiteman, Dan Worrall

Maxwell was left out of the national squad for the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, having averaged 11.80 in six innings in Australia’s last 10 ODIs. He made 0 and 38 in Australia A’s 197-run win over South Africa A in a four-day fixture in Brisbane that concluded on Tuesday.Seven members of the A squad, led by Chris Lynn, have been a part of Australia’s national squad. Peter Handscomb, the Victoria batsman who will captain in the four-day fixtures, has been named vice-captain.”Although we have selected a squad with an eye towards the future, we have also rewarded the most recent domestic cricket performers, and this is a perfect opportunity to showcase their talents against international opposition,” Rod Marsh, the national selection panel chief, said.”Chris has shown in his time with Queensland and the Brisbane Heat that he can lead a team whilst also putting in high-quality performances with the bat and in the field. Peter led wonderfully in Australia A’s victory over South Africa A at Allan Border Field in the longer format and will benefit from having a leadership role in the one-day matches. He shapes as one of this country’s best up-and-coming leaders on the field.”South Australia’s Alex Ross and Kane Richardson, along with Cameron Boyce, Mitchell Swepson and Matthew Renshaw, are all part of the National Performance Squad.NPS open their campaign against South Africa A on August 13 in Townville, while Australia A play India A the following day. Each team plays the other twice, leading up to a third-place playoff and the final on September 3 and 4 respectively.

Dwayne Smith used a green Kanpur pitch as his ally to return figures of 4 for 8, setting up Gujarat Lions’ six-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders

The Report by Nikhil Kalro19-May-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsDwayne Smith’s career-best T20 figures set up what turned out to be a convincing win for Gujarat Lions•BCCIDwayne Smith used a green Kanpur pitch as his ally to return figures of 4 for 8, setting up Gujarat Lions’ six-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders. Lions restricted Knight Riders to 124, and then overhauled the target with 39 balls to spare. The win not only vaulted them to No. 2 on the points table, but also lifted their net run-rate from -0.747 to -0.479, intensifying the race for the playoffs.Knight Riders, sent in to bat, started solidly before Gautam Gambhir was involved in another run-out, in the fourth over. With Gambhir and Robin Uthappa stranded mid-pitch, Shadab Jakati, replacing Shivil Kaushik, fired an accurate throw at the striker’s end after an acrobatic stop at midwicket.Smith then extracted enough bounce and lateral movement to have Knight Riders’ batsmen poking outside off stump. Uthappa and Manish Pandey steered catches behind the wicket, while Piyush Chawla, promoted to No. 4 as a pinch hitter, was hustled by a skiddy delivery that crept past his tentative waft. A short delivery was helped along to third man by Shakib as Smith claimed his best T20 figures. Knight Riders were left reeling at 61 for 5 in the 12th over.Yusuf Pathan and Suryakumar Yadav then limited the damage through singles; an eight-over period after the Powerplay produced just 20 runs. Lions’ spinners asserted control until Yusuf got stuck in to Ravindra Jadeja to resuscitate Knight Riders’ innings with consecutive boundaries in the 15th over.Thereafter, boundary-scoring became gradually easier, with the next three overs producing 33. It could have been much more if not for Dhawal Kulkarni and Dwayne Bravo’s cunning variations that resulted in just eight off the last two overs as Lions subsided Knight Riders’ hopes of a 140-plus score.Lions approached the chase, it seemed, with an intent to improve their net run-rate to boost their playoffs chances. The batsmen came out playing exuberant strokes on a tricky surface to give Knight Riders a sniff.Smith under-edged a pull off the first ball of the chase as Uthappa eventually completed the catch on the third attempt. Brendon McCullum wasn’t deterred though, as he danced down the track to swat a length delivery over midwicket off his first delivery. In a bid to arrest the early momentum, Gambhir turned to Sunil Narine, and the move worked as he accounted for McCullum with a floater that swerved back in to trap him lbw.Dinesh Karthik chose attritional strokes with a straight bat but was bowled by an in-dipper from Morne Morkel that sneaked between bat and pad to clatter into the stumps. Suddenly, Lions were reduced to 38 for 3.Suresh Raina, returning from a short paternity leave, ensured Lions were in the hunt through his inside-out drives and flicks to steer the chase forward. He crossed 4000 IPL runs with a lofted cover drive off a good-length delivery from Morkel. Raina and Aaron Finch added 59 to put the game beyond Knight Riders’ reach.Their 36-ball stand was ended by a run-out when they collided into each other in the search for a third run to briefly lend some artificial excitement. With 28 required off 61 balls, Ravindra Jadeja helped Raina end the chase in a canter to ease Lions’ race for a playoffs berth.