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Australia need only a draw to become the world’ No. 1 ranked Test team, but they must contend with overseas inconsistency, a green pitch, and a Brendon McCullum farewell

The Preview by Daniel Brettig19-Feb-2016Match factsFebruary 20-24, 2016
Start time 10.30 local (21.30 GMT)5:58

‘New Zealand need to put external pressures behind them’

Big PictureAustralia need only a draw to become the world’s No. 1 Test team. Easier said than done, for a few reasons. First, it has been an awful long time since Australia have been consistent away from home. Australia won consecutive Tests in the Caribbean against the woeful West Indies in early 2015, but the previous time they managed that was in New Zealand as far back as 2010. Plenty of times – think England 2009, Pakistan (in England) 2010, South Africa 2014, England 2015 – an Australian touring team have followed resounding victory with abject defeat. Well as Steven Smith’s team played in Wellington, they have this mental hurdle to negotiate over the next five days.Secondly, it is an essential part of this Australian team’s DNA to play for a win. Thoughts of absorbing New Zealand’s efforts to force a win through self-preserving tactical decisions are unlikely to enter the minds of Smith and the coach Darren Lehmann. Instead they will be going for victory and a 2-0 margin, on a pitch likely to favour the seam bowlers for even longer than the Basin Reserve did. New Zealand’s coach Mike Hesson made no secret of his desire to see the Hagley Oval surface prepared to be as lively as possible, so the ball seams around for more than the first morning. Such an outcome may lessen the importance of the toss, but it should also cut the draw out of the equation, making Australia’s chance of a successful series closer to 50/50 than 66/33.Lastly, this is of course Brendon McCullum’s final match for New Zealand, an occasion weighty with emotion for every player in the home side and every spectator expected to turn up at a sold out Hagley Oval. The Australians know from personal experience that retirements don’t always inspire great Test match performances, but there remains the chance of an exceptionally steely New Zealand display not only for McCullum, but to try to keep intact the team’s proud record of not having lost a series at home since 2012. In replacing the injured Doug Bracewell with Matt Henry, they also have the added benefit of including a bowler who was critical to the ODI series win – his duel with Smith will be particularly bracing.Form guideNew Zealand: LWWLD (last five completed matches, most recent first)

Australia: WDWWW
In the spotlightIn Australia last year, Kane Williamson was close to impassable. This time around, Smith’s team have found him somewhat less difficult to dislodge, as disciplined plans to keep Williamson pinned down around the off stump have been rewarded consistently. Equally, Williamson’s eagerness to get off to a firm start by capitalising on full deliveries down the ground was penalised by the early seaming conditions at the Basin Reserve. In the final match before he likely takes over the mantle of all-format leadership from McCullum, Williamson will be hoping to set the batting example for his team – substance is required, and he is the best man to deliver it.Amid the batting feast in Wellington, David Warner sat and watched, doubtless wondering what might have been without his early slash at a Tim Southee delivery angled across him. Such dismissals have seldom been glimpsed when Warner has batted at home over the past three seasons, but they have become increasingly prevalent abroad. Not since Pakistan in October 2014 has he made an overseas Test hundred – in Australia over that period he’s made two at the SCG alone. As vice-captain, Warner’s enormous ability needs to be melded with responsibility, and to make a century in Christchurch, thus helping Australia to global supremacy, would be a strong step in that direction.Team newsDoug Bracewell’s injury absence will open up a chance for Matt Henry, while the hosts are still mulling over the possible inclusion of Neil Wagner in place of Mark Craig.New Zealand (possible) 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Henry Nicholls, 5 Brendon McCullum (capt), 6 Corey Anderson, 7 BJ Watling (wk), 8 Mark Craig/Neil Wagner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Trent BoultJames Pattinson will come into the Australian side in place of the injured Peter Siddle.Australia 1 David Warner, 2 Joe Burns, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Steven Smith (capt), 5 Adam Voges, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Peter Nevill (wk), 8 James Pattinson, 9 Josh Hazlewood, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Jackson BirdPitch and conditionsHagley Oval’s pitch looks similarly green to that of Basin Reserve, and both teams are curious as to how it will play. “I think it actually looks pretty similar to the last wicket the day before the game,” Smith said. “It’s quite hard to tell how it’s going to play until you get out there on the morning of the game when they’ve given it a roll and you see it for the last time.”Stats and trivia Australia will become the world’s No. 1 ranked Test team with a win or draw in Christchurch New Zealand have twice come back from 1-0 down to tie a Test series with Australia, at home in 1993 and away in 2011 New Zealand won the only previous Test played at Hagley Oval, against Sri Lanka in December 2014Quotes”The goal of this team is to be No. 1 in all formats of the game, and if we win this week, we tick off two of those formats. But for me it is about making sure we are improving and being better.”

Liverpool head of recruitment Dave Fallows is being lined up as Julian Ward’s successor as sporting director at Anfield, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Ward’s shock exit

Ward took over from the much-praised Michael Edwards as sporting director last year, as the Reds lost arguably one of their most influential figures of the Jurgen Klopp era.

The hope was that the 41-year-old would be a key long-term replacement for his predecessor, but instead, Liverpool were rocked by the news that he will also leave his role at the end of the season.

Since that shock announcement late last year, the club have been on the lookout for an eventual replacement and a key update has now emerged regarding the situation.

The Latest: Fallows in pole

According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Fallows is the front-runner to take over from Ward and is currently ‘in every meeting’ and is ‘involved in every decision’ at the club.

He is described in the report as a ‘strong candidate’ at worst, and it could be that he is being ‘lined up by the Liverpool hierarchy’.

The Verdict: Good in-house decision?

There may be some who want a new sporting director to come in from fresh surroundings but bringing in Fallows could represent a more seamless transition.

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He knows Liverpool inside out already and has been present to see Edwards and Ward going about their jobs, hopefully learning from the duo in the process.

If the Reds are to get back to the level they were at last season, they need to be getting every decision right both on and off the pitch, so this sporting director appointment is crucial.

Liverpool must be absolutely sure about Ward’s successor, ensuring he works with Klopp to identify the right signings and make tough decisions.

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has advised Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck to reject a potential move to Bayern Munich if Dayot Upamecano remains at the club. The pundit believes the centre-back would struggle for game time in Bavaria and suspects that Schlotterbeck is currently stalling on a new contract because he is holding out for a lucrative transfer to the Premier League.

• Schlotterbeck considering his options

  Former Bayern Munich and Germany captain Matthaus has urged Schlotterbeck to think twice before swapping Borussia Dortmund for the Allianz Arena, warning the defender that he risks stalling his career if he moves to Bavaria while Upamecano is still present. The future of the 26-year-old centre-back has become a dominant topic in the Bundesliga with his contract at Dortmund expiring in the summer of 2027 and Bayern Munich monitoring his situation closely.

  Schlotterbeck, who has established himself as a cornerstone of the Dortmund defence since his arrival from Freiburg, is currently at a career crossroads. With his contract winding down and no extension yet signed, despite Dortmund's clear desire to tie him to a new deal, speculation has mounted that the German champions could look to poach another key asset from their fierce rivals. However, Matthaus believes such a move would be fraught with risk for the player, particularly given the current hierarchy in Vincent Kompany’s squad.

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  The Upamecano obstacle

  Speaking to Sport Bild, Matthaus analysed the potential transfer and identified French international Dayot Upamecano as the primary barrier to Schlotterbeck’s success in Munich. Despite Schlotterbeck’s evident quality, the World Cup winner feels the tactical setup at Bayern does not currently have a vacancy for him.

  "He is one of the best central defenders we have in Germany," Matthaus stated, acknowledging Schlotterbeck's rise to prominence. However, he quickly qualified that praise with a stark warning about the competition for places.

  "I think it depends a lot on Upamecano," Matthaus continued. "If Upamecano stays, then it will be very difficult for Nico Schlotterbeck to become a regular player at Bayern. But we are not there yet. I don't know what Nico is planning."

  The comments highlight the resurgence of Upamecano, who has seemingly solidified his place in the Bayern starting XI. Matthaus argues that unless the Frenchman departs, Schlotterbeck would likely find himself warming the bench – a scenario that would be detrimental to his ambitions with the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

• Eyes on England?

  Matthaus also offered a theory regarding the delay in Schlotterbeck’s contract renewal at Signal Iduna Park. While Dortmund are keen to tie their defensive leader down to a long-term deal, the player’s camp has remained non-committal. The German legend suspects that this hesitation is not about leverage for a better salary in the Bundesliga, but rather a desire to test himself in England where Liverpool are said to be eyeing him.

  "In Dortmund he has his position," Matthaus observed. "I don't know what he is waiting for: probably still for offers from England."

  The Premier League has long been touted as a potential destination for Schlotterbeck, whose physical profile, left-footed distribution, and ability to drive into midfield make him an attractive proposition for top English clubs. A La Liga adventure has also been touted as a possibility for the Germany international, with Real Madrid said to be interested. Barcelona had also been linked due to his connection with coach Hansi Flick but recent reports claim the club are reluctant to move for him over concerns about his playing style.

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  'At the back of the queue'

  Ultimately, Matthaus’s advice was clear: stay where you are a guaranteed starter, or move abroad, but do not go to Munich to be a backup. He reiterated that as long as the current defensive partnerships at Bayern are functioning, Schlotterbeck would be taking a significant gamble by moving south.

  "But if Bayern get along with Upamecano, then I wouldn't necessarily advise Nico to go to Bayern Munich, because then he will be at the back of the queue for the time being," Matthaus concluded.

  The intervention from such a high-profile figure adds pressure on Schlotterbeck to clarify his future. For Dortmund, the priority remains securing the signature of their defensive talisman to avoid losing him on a free transfer or for a reduced fee. Bayern, meanwhile, are confident of convincing Upamecano to sign a new contract as the threat of a free transfer looms, suggesting Schlotterbeck may have to give some real thought to Matthaus' comments.

Peter Della Penna

Mahuru Dai receives one demerit point

Papua New Guinea allrounder Mahuru Dai has received an official warning and one demerit point for violating Article 2.1.8 of the ICC code of conduct, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match”.
The incident occurred during PNG’s revised chase of 170, after Dai was caught by the substitute fielder off Rohan Mustafa. Dai admitted the offence, and accepted the sanction.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) kicked off their World Cup Qualifiers campaign on a very positive note, easing past Papua New Guinea (PNG) in a rain-hit encounter in Harare. PNG’s target was revised from 222 to 170 from 28 after a rain break, and they didn’t get close, folding for 113. Seamer Mohammad Naveed contributed much to this slide, taking career-best ODI figures of 5 for 28.At one point PNG looked in danger of missing out on triple digits, falling to 70 for 8; none of their top five got past 12, and the innings’ top score was 24 from No. 6 Charles Amini who was eventually run out.It was PNG who chose to chase, and UAE looked like there were keen to make them pay for this decision from the outset. Their openers Rohan Mustafa and Ashfaq Ahmed put on 91 at a brisk pace, but none could kick on to big hundreds. PNG enjoyed some relief after Ashfaq fell for 50 off 56, taking two more quick wickets.The UAE middle order could not quite get going thereafter, and Mustafa was kept in check too – he eventually fell five short of a hundred, having played out 136 balls. PNG must have felt relieved to have only 222 to chase, given UAE’s start. However, rain and Naveed intervened and spoiled those plans.

Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo made a poor error as Blackburn came from a goal down to lead 2-1 in their FA Cup tie at Ewood Park.

• Wrexham taking on Blackburn
• Take shock lead at Ewood Park
• Goalkeeper gifts hosts goal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Okonkwo had a moment to forget during Wrexham's FA Cup tie with Blackburn. The goalkeeper came racing out of his penalty area but sold himself short, allowing Sam Gallagher to calmly stroke the ball home and put his side 2-1 up in the tie, having previously cancelled out Andy Cannon's brilliant opener.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wrexham had enjoyed a dream start as Andy Cannon fired the visitors into a shock lead. However, Sammie Szmodics levelled before Okonkwo's error saw Blackburn go ahead. Szmodics then struck again just before half-time to give the visitors a mountain to climb.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The winners of the tie progress to a fifth round match against Newcastle. Wrexham's next game is a League Two clash against Salford City.

Liverpool may be focussing their attention on signing a new holding midfielder before the start of the 23/24 Premier League campaign next week, but remain attached to speculation over a move for Celta Vigo prodigy Gabri Veiga.

What's the latest on Gabri Veiga to Liverpool?

That's according to Deportes COPE Galicia (via Estadio Deportivo), who claim that the Reds have lodged an opening bid of €25m (£21m) for Veiga, who concluded a tremendous breakout season in LaLiga this year.

This is some distance from the Sky Blues' demands that the 21-year-old's €40m (£35m) release clause is paid to warrant his departure from the club, though Jurgen Klopp's side hope to smooth discussions by offering the player remains with Vigo for a year on loan.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed Liverpool's stance in June and revealed that the Anfield side had been "following" the player's situation closely, with Chelsea also enquiring about the midfielder's availability.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

It is perhaps a testament, rather than a discredit, to Veiga's quality that Liverpool are hoping to complete a deal this summer and allow the player to remain with his outfit for the coming campaign.

The Spaniard was one of the hottest commodities in his homeland last term and dazzled with his return of 11 goals and four assists from just 28 starting appearances during his first full season in the Spanish top-flight, and he has consequently been praised for his "dangerous" skills by journalist Euan McTear.

Described as a "very electric player" and "one of the best talents in the world" by Romano, Veiga boasts the all-encompassing creative arsenal to rival the goliaths of the game, and given his surging nature on the pitch and innate goal-scoring ability, could be Klopp's very own Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne has been a veritable wizard since joining Manchester City from Wolfsburg for £55m in 2015; the Belgian star has won every major honour at his disposal with the Citizens, completing a stunning treble last season, and has scored 96 goals and supplied 152 assists from 356 displays for the imperious club.

Described as "the greatest" midfielder in Premier League history by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, De Bruyne is undoubtedly a genius playmaker with a superlative technical ability, and he blends the facets magnificently.

As per FBref, the £400k-per-week phenom ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 1% for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 3% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

While Veiga focuses more on his striking than as the orchestrator of openings for teammates, he still ranks among the top 20% of positional peers for assists per 90, also ranking among the top 1% for goals, the top 12% for progressive carries and successful take-ons and the top 11% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

Previously hailed as a "wonderful talent" by journalist Josh Bunting, Veiga boasts the glitz and the glam but also a footballing intellect that has formed the foundation of his exploits.

He has even been dubbed "baby Kaka" by content creator Rimedi for his velvet touch and breezy elegance on the pitch – like a leaf in the wind.

Even if Liverpool were to allow him to spend one season on loan to nurture his precocious talents, he would grace Premier League soil with astounding quality and rise to the fore as one of the division's greatest maestros under Klopp's tutelage.

Arsenal have a long and illustrious history littered with silverware, but the truly elite honours have eluded them for some time now. Mikel Arteta is clearly seeking to ensure that this summer finally gives them the chance to challenge once again at the pinnacle of English football, and they seem far from finished with their dealings.

Is Marc Guehi leaving Crystal Palace?

With Declan Rice the outstanding acquisition from this window, his big-money move perhaps overshadows the equally important signings of Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber. All three of these combine to give the Gunners a massive boost with regard to their depth, which was sorely needed.

However, rumours continue to circulate despite these improvements, suggesting that sporting director Edu Gaspar is still very much incensed when it comes to tempting new faces to the Emirates.

One such report that remains, despite emerging in May, did suggest that Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi remained a viable option for the north London club.

Although his £50m price tag could provide a stumbling block, signing the England international could prove a remarkable coup for a side seeking to cultivate a youth-focused squad with the talent to challenge for those top titles now and long into the future.

How good is Marc Guehi?

During the early years of Arsene Wenger's reign, despite claiming the Premier League title in just his second season, he had suffered many near-misses in the pursuit of domination.

Between 1998 and 2001, the Frenchman led his squad to three consecutive second-placed finishes, failing to take that next step to truly achieve greatness.

That was until he signed Sol Campbell.

It was noted in the English defender's biography [Sol Campbell – The Authorised Biography, pg. 106] that he was signed on the claims of Wenger, who noted: "It was as if he was indestructible, such a power spread from him."

He was tall, powerful, fast and menacing, yet had a touch of class; he would propel the Gunners to stardom.

TheScore served to supplement such a notion, writing the following review on the 48-year-old after ranking him as the 11th-best player of the legendary manager's reign: "Sol Campbell is the epitome of an athletic centre-back, whose robust frame and barrel chest hid the fact that he was sublime on the ball."

His first year after moving from Tottenham Hotspur saw him win the Premier League title, and two years later he would be ever-present during their Invincibles run. His acquisition proved to be a catalyst, and in Guehi, they could repeat this feat.

He too boasts many of the physical qualities that made Campbell so revered, alongside a passing range that mirrors the legendary centre-back's. After all, his England U21 teammate Josef Bursik branded him an "absolute tank" back in 2021.

Just last season saw him maintain a 6,94 average rating in the league, with that figure largely upheld by his 85% pass accuracy, 82% dribble success, 1.4 tackles and 3.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

His ability to remove danger from his own penalty area would have seen him ranked first among Arsenal's squad last season.

With his bulky frame and speed off the mark, he can stride out from the back to then find a teammate.

Should things then go wrong, he boasts the raw pace to return back in position to thwart opposition attacks.

Guehi is the quintessential modern-day centre-back and could help take Arteta's side to the next level, should Edu manage to lure him across the capital this summer.

Having also finished second last campaign, the Spaniard will be seeking the edge that can help them overtake Manchester City.

Perhaps, given just how similar Guehi is to Campbell, he could prove to have a similarly revolutionary effect that propels them to a league title in his first year upon joining.

Newcastle United are intending to sign three new players in key different areas of the pitch this summer, according to an exciting new transfer update.

Who have Newcastle signed in 2023?

The Magpies enjoyed a superb 2022/23 season, arguably exceeding all expectations and eventually finishing fourth in the Premier League. It means that they are back in the Champions League next term, which will lead to some memorable European nights at St James' Park in 2023 and hopefully 2024.

It is imperative that Newcastle don't sit still this summer and fail to kick on from last season's excellence, however, making sure their squad is bolstered enough to reach another level in 2023/24. Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali has already been brought in from AC Milan, but their business cannot afford to stop there.

The money is seemingly available for the Magpies to continue their recent spending, so Eddie Howe should be able to have an even more formidable-looking starting lineup by the time their opening fixture of the new campaign rolls around at home to Aston Villa next month.

While Newcastle look well-stocked in certain positions, not least midfield, especially after the signing of the highly-rated Tonali, there are other areas that look a little light currently, and that could do with summer surgery. A new update suggests that the Magpies have the situation under control, though.

Are Newcastle linked with new signings?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle still want to sign a left-back, a centre-back and a wide attacking forward this summer, in order to perfect their squad.

They see those areas as key points of focus, in order to have more options moving forward, and it will be "another big money window" according to this report.

This is encouraging to hear for Newcastle, with all three positions mentioned in needed in strengthening, if Howe's men are to go up another gear and secure back-to-back top-four finishes in the Premier League.

Dan Burn did a commendable job at left-back last season and remains an important figure, but it is important that a more natural left-sider comes in there, at least to provide competition and a different style of play to the towering Englishman. Arsenal's Kieran Tierney has been linked with a move to St James' Park and he could be ideal, in that respect.

Meanwhile, a younger centre-back is needed to come in and be a long-term replacement for Fabian Shcar, who at 31 years of age, has arguably reached his peak as a player. Monaco favourite Axel Disasu continues to be a target and a player of that ilk would be perfect.

Finally, another winger is also of the utmost importance for Newcastle, especially with Allan Saint-Maximin potentially heading off to pastures new, with a move to Saudi Arabia mooted in recent days.

The Frenchman is a threat on his day, but an upgrade is required moving forward, in terms of someone who can provide more reliable end product. Harvey Barnes looks like a primary option to come in and be that man, having scored 13 times in the league for a Foxes side who ended up being relegated from the Premier League last season.

The Cricket Advisory Committee needed more time and to speak to the India captain Virat Kohli before finalising on Anil Kumble’s successor

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jul-20172:12

Kohli will be consulted, but he’s not the main decision-maker – Ganguly

India will continue to be without a head coach for the tour of Sri Lanka, which begins on July 26, after Sourav Ganguly said the Cricket Advisory Committee needed more time and to speak to the India captain Virat Kohli before finalising on Anil Kumble’s successor.The CAC, which also includes Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, had interviewed Lalchand Rajput, Richard Pybus, Tom Moody, Virender Sehwag and Ravi Shastri – Phil Simmons wasn’t available – for the job. Ganguly said the panel did not want to make a rushed decision without speaking at length to the stakeholders who would be working with the coach after the appointment was made.”We feel there is no hurry at the moment,” Ganguly said on Monday in Mumbai. “Sri Lanka tour is in a week’s time, the board headed by [secretary] Amitabh Choudhary and [CEO] Rahul Johri will probably continue with the same set for the time being.”We want to speak to Virat Kohli once he is back from America, all three of us along with the respective people concerned. We will explain to him that the coaches want to function in a certain way and make sure that everybody is on the same page before we make the announcement, because once we make the announcement it has to be till the [2019] World Cup.”You got to give credit to Virat that he is just completely straight about it. He has no input, he has not sent any names, but we feel as the Advisory Committee that he is the captain, which is the most important thing in cricket. He and everyone of us need to be on the same page because for us Indian cricket is more important. We are just a small bit; the main bit is the players who are going to play with the coach.”India have been without a head coach since the end of the Champions Trophy in England in June, when Kumble’s one-year term came to an end. Kumble had been offered an extension to cover India’s tour of the West Indies immediately after the Champions Trophy, but he declined owing to a breakdown in his relationship with Kohli. The India captain had earlier told BCCI officials that some players were uncomfortable with the “intimidating” style of Kumble’s man management.

Surrey are currently working on development plans which would make the ground the largest dedicated cricket stadium in the country

George Dobell09-Jun-2017Surrey hope to increase the capacity of The Oval to 40,000 in time for the 2023 Ashes. The club are currently working on development plans which would make the ground the largest dedicated cricket stadium in the country and increase capacity sharply on the current 25,500. Their aim, subject to planning permission and funding agreements, is to begin work after the 2019 World Cup.The centrepiece of the project would be a replacement for the Bedser Stand which could add up to 8000 seats. There would also be an enlargement of the existing OCS Stand. Surrey already have planning permission for a large development next to the pavilion – No. 1 Oval Square – which will incorporate additional capacity and facilities.The Oval has an outstanding record of attracting spectators. Surrey have led the way in optimising the domestic T20 market – their first Friday night fixture of this season’s campaign, versus Kent, has already sold out – and hope to host one of the newly branded teams in the competition scheduled to start in 2020.”The time is now right for cricket to think on a bigger scale,” Surrey chairman Richard Thompson said. “This summer we have seen unprecedented levels of demand for cricket at the Kia Oval. We need to build on this success and have a ground that can satisfy the unprecedented demand we have created.”Richard Gould, the club’s CEO, said: “Our business has taken off over the last five years and our reserves have quadrupled in size along with significantly higher profits. This has largely been driven through T20 cricket and an increase in our non-matchday business, but sales for international cricket also remain very strong. Most of our major games now sell out, either for county cricket or international cricket, and we need more seats to meet demand.”The schedule for the 2023 Ashes has yet to be announced but it is anticipated that the Ageas Bowl, near Southampton, will be competing with The Oval for the right to host a Test. The Oval’s staging agreement with the ECB (whereby they are guaranteed a Test a year) expires in 2022 and Surrey may fear that their opposition to the new-team T20 competition has done little to ingratiate them with the decision makers at the ECB. They are understood to have consulted with the ECB over their new plans, though it is unclear if they have been given assurances over future major match allocations.Certainly there seems to be increasing competition for the major match market. With the ECB looking at cutting the number of Tests each summer, the existing venues will be fighting harder than ever to retain the level of cricket they require to sustain themselves. And with talk of utilising other venues – such as the London Stadium (formerly the Olympic Stadium) – continuing, even the bigger grounds such as Lord’s and The Oval are not immune to these changes.It is telling that the news comes as the MCC announces the timetable for its planned redevelopment of Lord’s. While both MCC and The Oval are wealthy, it is possible that both will borrow heavily to fund the schemes, reviving memories of the ‘arms race’ of a decade or so ago that saw grounds across the country sink heavily into debt as they sought to build venues that would persuade the ECB to grant them more major matches.