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Who are their openers? Their third and fourth bowlers? And who might their coach be after Stuart Law finishes his term?

Varun Shetty03-Nov-2018Is there even a race for the opening spots?
Chris Gayle played in the World Cup Qualifier but has since been jetting around the world to play various T20 leagues. He has been told he won’t be an automatic pick for the 2019 World Cup, though the management indicated he would be invaluable if he made the team.West Indies have maintained that the absence of key players has opened doors for others, but they haven’t had a problem of plenty so far. Because Evin Lewis withdrew from the India tour, West Indies had two vacancies at the top of the order. Kieran Powell and Chandrapaul Hemraj had the most time there, and Rovman Powell got a shot as opener in the last game. Neither of them did enough to push either Gayle or Lewis, who, remain West Indies’ most successful opening pair in recent times. Does this mean they come back in even if they don’t have match time before the World Cup? Or will the series against Bangladesh and England throw up other contenders?What do you do with Marlon Samuels?
West Indies coach Stuart Law said Samuels’ role on the India tour was a new one: to negotiate spin in the middle overs, and to mentor the youngsters. While the second responsibility is impossible to assess from the outside, it is easy to say he failed in fulfilling his first role in this series. Samuels made only 64 runs in five innings and was out to spinners in three out of five innings.His lack of runs stood out in a middle order that was carried by Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer, whose runs could have tilted more games in West Indies’ favour if they were complemented by Samuels’ contributions.The year of the last World Cup – 2015 – was among Samuels’ best; he made 601 runs in 15 innings. He had a good 2016 as well, but since the start of 2017, Samuels has made only two fifties in 17 innings. Both of those came fairly recently – at the World Cup Qualifier – but what does West Indies do with someone who has played four World Cups but averages less than 25 in the last two years?Andre Russell goes through his warm-up sprints during team training•Peter Della PennaWill Andre Russell be picked if he can’t bowl?
There is little doubt that a fit Andre Russell walks into West Indies’ XI, whether he has had match practice or not. Russell played regularly in the Caribbean Premier League this year and contributed with bat and ball; he took a hat-trick and made a 40-ball hundred in one match, what will probably be the greatest all-round performance in T20s for a long time. But Russell is not yet fit enough to play as an allrounder in 50-over games.Should that be the case in May, will West Indies still pick him? At the moment, if West Indies choose to go that way, Rovman Powell would lose his place in the middle order. Ironically, that would be almost a like-for-like replacement, considering Powell is also an allrounder who now plays as a batsman in ODIs. He was also described recently by their coach as West Indies’ most improved limited-overs player. Will he lose his place if Russell is fit enough to play as a batsman? And what happens if Darren Bravo is back in the scheme of things by then?Who are West Indies’ fourth and fifth bowlers?
West Indies will be a little worried about their recent bowling performances. Both against India and Bangladesh, they struggled to settle into a bowling combination.Jason Holder, of course, is a constant. Without being phenomenal, Ashley Nurse has done a reasonable enough holding job for him to be the main spinner, and Kemar Roach is the best active ODI bowler they have. Apart from these three, West Indies have tried Alzarri Joseph, Devendra Bishoo, Sheldon Cottrell, Keemo Paul, Oshane Thomas, Obed McCoy, and Fabian Allen. And that is across eight ODIs. Is there still time for experiments?The leadership question
West Indies are used to players backing out or being unavailable for series, but the one thing they have managed to keep constant is their captain. Jason Holder is now about four years into the role. Off the field, they have come close, with Law holding the head coach position for close to two years.However, Law has resigned and his tenure will end after the tour of Bangladesh. It will mark the end of a stint during which West Indies not only broke their freefall, but also managed to nudge upwards again. Law admitted the timing of his exit was harsh in the lead-up to such a big tournament.It will be a challenge for both the players and the new coach, particularly if the coach isn’t one who has been promoted internally. The board will have to give serious thought to how they go about the transition, which will not be easy considering all the other questions they have to ponder with just over half-a-year remaining.

da lvbet： Chelsea have now overtaken one Premier League rival in the race to sign a “world-class” striker, who has a release clause of £71m, according to a report.

Chelsea's top four hopes take blow at the Emirates

da brwin： After a very strong start to the Premier League season, the Blues’ form has taken a nosedive since the turn of the year, and they now have a real battle on their hands to finish in the top four and secure Champions League football for the 2025-26 campaign.

A 1-0 defeat away at Arsenal was the latest poor result for Enzo Maresca’s side, who struggled to produce any real chances in a drab affair at the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Merino’s first-half goal for the Gunners proving to be the decisive moment.

Pedro Neto was starved of service in the unfavoured position of striker, with the 25-year-old leading the line due to the absence of Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, who remain sidelined with injuries.

Related Chelsea also enquire over "monster" rival star alongside Mainoo interest

Enzo Maresca is plotting an ambitious swoop…

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Mar 16, 2025

The lack of striker options could be a sign Maresca needs to bring in a top forward in the summer transfer window, and there has now been a promising update on Chelsea’s pursuit of Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Blues have now overtaken Premier League rivals Liverpool in the race for Thuram, but there could be fierce competition from Arsenal, as the Gunners have also moved ahead of the league leaders.

Should any of the three Premier League clubs decide to formalise their interest with an offer, it could take a huge bid to prise the striker away from Inter, given that he has a £71m release clause incuded in his contract, although that could soon change.

Inter are currently trying to tie the Frenchman down to a new deal, given that he is a key part of their future plans, but it remains to be seen whether the widespread interest from the Premier League turns his head.

"World-class" Thuram impressing in Serie A and Europe

The 27-year-old was on fire in front of goal at the beginning of the campaign, and he received high praise from journalist Zach Lowy after scoring in his side’s 2-0 victory over Como back in December.

There are signs the Italy-born striker is now entering his prime, given that his attacking numbers have improved dramatically since moving to the Serie A, having previously played for Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany and Guingamp in France.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Serie A

63

26

12

Bundesliga

111

34

16

Ligue 1

64

12

2

Goals in both legs against Feyenoord in Inter’s recent Champions League round of 16 clash demonstrate Thuram has what it takes to compete at the highest level, indicating he could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea, who will be hoping to return to Europe’s elite competition next season.

MatériaMais Notícias

da betway： O Botafogo deve fazer a opção de compra de Sapata, vice-artilheiro da equipe na campanha da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior deste ano. Pelo contrato, o Glorioso adquirirá 70% dos direitos econômicos do jogador de 19 anos, que pertencem ao Taubaté. No entanto, de acordo com o “GE”, o objetivo alvinegro é ir além e deter mais direitos do atleta.

O Botafogo vai desembolsar R$ 300 mil para contar com a maior parte dos direitos econômicos de Sapata.A informação foi divulgada pelo jornalista Wellington Arruda e confirmada pelo LANCE!.

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da marjack bet： A cúpula alvinegra vê potencial em Sapata e pretende investir no restante dos direitos do atleta. De acordo com o “GE”, nos últimos dias, o clube sinalizou com uma oferta de R$ 500 mil por mais 20% dos direitos do jovem, o que faria o Botafogo desembolsar R$ 800 mil por 90% do percentual dos direitos. O Taubaté ainda não respondeu.

Sapata deve assinar em breve com o Botafogo um contrato definitivo até 2027. Inicialmente, o atacante seguirá nas categorias de base. Na edição de 2023 na Copinha, foram cinco gols em cinco jogos.

Manchester United have received a huge offer for Bruno Fernandes from Al-Hilal but the Red Devils are unlikely to sell their captain this summer.

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• Al-Hilal swoop for Fernandes
• Man Utd skipper unlikely to be sold
• United could part ways with Mainoo & Garnacho

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , reigning Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal have tabled a three-year contract for United captain Fernandes to join them this summer. Officials of the Saudi giants have initiated talks with Fernandes' lawyer Caetano Maria and agent Miguel Ruben and have informed them that the club are ready to accept all the financial demands of the Portuguese midfielder. If they manage to reach an agreement with the player's representatives, Al-Hilal will formally approach the Premier League side. The 28-year-old's current contract at Old Trafford runs until June 2027.

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  While the Red Devils can expect to receive a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League club, it is unlikely that they will part company with Fernandes. The midfielder, along with Harry Maguire, Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu, has been clubbed in an exclusive group of players who won't be sold during the upcoming summer transfer window, according to the .

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The Red Devils are planning to sell a number of other players at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, though, as they are looking to fund fresh transfers to bolster their squad, while complying with financial regulations. Alejandro Garnacho, who has attracted interest from Chelsea, could be sold this summer alongside players like Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Christian Eriksen, the Daily Star report added.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  After a frustrating loss at Brentford last weekend, Ruben Amorim's side will now hope to seal their place in the Europa League final as they face Athletic Club in the second leg of their last-four fixture. The Red Devils head into the clash at Old Trafford with a 3-0 lead.

Barcelona Femeni have confirmed their sixth-straight Liga F title after a massive 9-0 win over Real Betis, with Claudia Pina scoring a hat-trick.

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Barcelona win sixth-straight Liga F titleCatalan side win 9-0 over Real BetisSet to face Arsenal in UWCL finalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona have been on fire throughout the season as they look to achieve a European treble by defending their Liga F and Champions League titles. They have been the best side yet again in Spain, and despite pressure from Real Madrid for the league title, they have now confirmed their sixth-straight Liga F trophy with a 9-0 win over Real Betis at Ciudad Deportiva Luis de Sol.

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Barcelona are now free to prepare for the Women's Champions League final against Women's Super League side Arsenal. The Catalan side are on course to defend their European title in a bid to win their fourth Women's Champions League in history.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

With Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas scoring a brace and Ballon d'Or holder Aitana Bonmati scoring once in the win over Real Betis, the Catalan side's trio of the aforementioned stars and Patri Guijarro have now brought up 100 goal contributions this season, the first time this has been accomplished in football history by a midfield trio.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Pere Romeu's Barcelona will now have to contend with one more Liga F match before they travel to Lisbon to take on Arsenal in the Women's Champions League final on May 24.

Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior was furious with Monaco head coach Adi Hutter following the two teams' 0-0 draw at the weekend.

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• Strasbourg and Monaco played out a 0-0 draw
• Rosenior involved in full-time altercation with Adi Hutter
• English coach explained his actions after the match

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior had a brief verbal altercation with Monaco head coach Adi Hutter at full-time after the match finished in an uneventful 0-0 draw on Saturday. The footage captured by reveals the words Rosenior used as he confronted Hutter.

  "I've been waiting 20 minutes to shake your hand. Well done. You do this every game! I have to shake your hand. I've been waiting 20 minutes, Adi! Do you do this to everyone? This is the first time I've seen it. Well done, you're a top man," said a visibly annoyed Rosenior.

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• WHAT LIAM ROSENIOR SAID

  Rosenior provided more context about his full-time altercation with Hutter and explained the reasoning behind his outburst.

  He said: "There is a code that I live by: you respect your opposition, you respect the people that you play against. I felt that the code was broken. I felt that code was broken in the first game [against Monaco earlier in the season]. When I have to wait five minutes to shake the opposition manager's hand, that says a lot about other people. I am here to win matches, not to make friends." (h/t Get French Football News)

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  This is Rosenior's third job, having previously gained managerial experience in England with Derby County and Hull City, with the Strasbourg boss having recently been linked with replacing Enzo Maresca at Chelsea. In the post-match press conference, Hutter used the fact that he has been managing for 16 years to defend himself from the 40-year-old's accusations, stating: "It is the first time in my 16 years as a manager that I’ve heard things like this. I have managed in many countries, managed 650 matches. I have been coaching for two years in France and no coach has ever said to me that I have disappointed them."

The 19-year-old is joined by Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft but there is no place for Matt Renshaw

Tristan Lavalette14-Oct-2024Teenaged opener Sam Konstas will audition for a Test spot in national team colours after being named in the Australia A squad for the upcoming red-ball series against India A.His spectacular rise has continued after being included in a 17-man squad for the two four-day games in Mackay and the MCG.Konstas, 19, lit up Australian domestic cricket by scoring twin centuries against South Australia in the opening round of the Sheffield Shield. He became the first teenager to achieve that feat in the Shield since an 18-year-old Ricky Ponting in 1993.Related

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Mature McSweeney making his mark in South Australia

NSW teen prodigy Konstas shines with Ponting-like feat

Carey and McSweeney hundreds deny New South Wales after Lyon's inroads

With allrounder Cameron Green ruled out of the summer due to a back injury, and Steven Smith likely to move back to No. 4, Konstas has emerged as a contender for next month’s first Test against India in Perth.”He’s in the mix as are plenty of others. I certainly don’t want to single him out,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “Think the consistency of Cam Bancroft over a number of years, the consistency of Marcus Harris over a number of years, they’ve both had a look at Test cricket as well, so don’t think there’s a need at this stage to put any undue pressure or expectation on Sam.”He’s five games into his first-class career, he’s had a good start and certainly looks like he has a well-organised game that we are really exited [about] and looking forward to seeing at the A level and we’ll continue to watch as that progresses.”Harris and Bancroft are both in the squad but Matt Renshaw, who was the spare batter in the series against West Indies and New Zealand earlier this year, has not been included.Harris started the season strongly after scoring a century and a half-century against Tasmania albeit on a benign Junction Oval surface. Bancroft, who made a pair, and Renshaw both had double failures in the match between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA.”We still really like Matt’s ability to play,” Bailey said. “As far as Australia A selection goes, part of the process around that is trying to identify opportunities that may come around in the short term but also making sure we do keep an eye on developing opportunities for those players who may become important in different roles in the future as well.”Whilst there’s an Australia A squad there, I think Matt Renshaw, Pete Handscomb, Nic Maddinson, as three examples, are guys who we’ll continue to watch really closely in Shield cricket.”South Australia skipper Nathan McSweeney will captain Australia A in a role he has fulfilled several times previously. Allrounder Beau Webster, the reigning Shield player of the season, has also been named and could be in the mix for Test selection if Australia’s hierarchy decide to go with a like-for-like replacement for Green.Fringe Test quicks Scott Boland and Michael Neser, who claimed a five-wicket haul against WA, have been selected while Victoria quick Fergus O’Neill has been rewarded for his Shield success.Offspinners Todd Murphy and Corey Rocchiccioli are also in the squad and will be firmly in the mix for Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka early next year.Cooper Connolly, who made his ODI debut in England, is the only player named in both the ODI and the Australia A squads.Josh Philippe, who left WA for NSW in the offseason, and Jimmy Peirson are the wicketkeepers.The first four-day game in Mackay ends on November 3 ahead of the first ODI on November 4 while the second four-day game at the MCG runs from November 7-10 with the second and third ODIs being played on November 8 and 10.The depth of Shield teams will be firmly tested with those series clashing with the third round of the Shield starting on November 1.”We are really excited by this squad, particularly after some of the tremendous performances to start the Sheffield Shield season,” Australia national selector George Bailey said.”As always with Australia A selection we have picked a side we hope can present performances which are compelling for the upcoming Test summer, whilst also rewarding players for strong domestic form in roles we see as being important further afield.”It will be a great opportunity for these players to shine against a strong Test nation looking to prepare for what is going to be a captivating summer of Test cricket.”Australia A squad vs India ANathan McSweeney (captain), Cameron Bancroft, Scott Boland, Jordan Buckingham, Cooper Connolly, Ollie Davies, Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Jimmy Peirson, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster

The Saudi Pro League is renowned for its wealth and ability to give players huge wages, but who are the most expensive signings in the competition’s history?

European football remains the dominant force in the modern game, with the likes of the Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga generally possessing the best players in the world.

In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has increasingly come to the fore, offering footballers eye-watering weekly wages and tempting them away from European clubs in the process.

To some, it is a sub-standard league where players go to earn big money in the twilight of their careers, but others feel it could only continue to grow in the coming years, especially if it continues to attract some of the biggest names in the sport.

There have been plenty of big-money signings to Saudi clubs since its rise to prominence – here are the 15 most expensive to date.

15

Marcos Leonardo

Benfica to Al-Hilal (£33.7m)

Kicking off the list is Brazilian youngster Marcos Leonardo, who joined Al-Hilal from Benfica earlier this year in a deal worth a reported €40m (£33.7m).

The 21-year-old forward was previously with Santos in his homeland, but he clearly felt that a Saudi move was best for his development at this early stage in his career. Only time will tell if it is the right call, but it has been rare to see such a young footballer head there.

14

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Lazio to Al-Hilal (£34m)

For a long time, it seemed inevitable that Sergej Milinkovic-Savic would end up at one of the best teams in Europe, having stood out as such a dominant performer for Lazio, combining talent and physicality in midfield.

It came as a huge shock to see him join Al-Hilal last year in a deal reportedly worth £34m, especially as he was still only in his late 20s at that point. Will he return to Europe in the future?

13

Mohamed Simakan

RB Leipzig to Al-Nassr (£37.9m)

Mohamed Simakan made the decision to leave RB Leipzig and join Al-Nassr in September 2024, in a move worth €45m (£37.9m), linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.

Only in his mid 20s, the centre-back’s decision to move away from Europe arguably surprised some, but it is still early days, and the club’s success on the domestic and continental stages may determine whether he’ll come to regret saying goodbye to the Bundesliga.

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Frenchman will certainly be looking to make an impression as he seeks a first senior international cap.

12

Fabinho

Liverpool to Al-Ittihad (£40m)

Liverpool enjoyed a glorious period in their history under Jurgen Klopp, winning plenty of trophies, and Fabinho played a massive role in the Reds’ success.

A world-class No 6 at his peak, the Brazilian’s ability started to wane in the 2022/23 season, with his body no longer allowing him to cover ground like he once did.

A Saudi move felt like the best outcome for all parties, and Fabinho moved to Al-Ittihad for a reported £40m the following summer.

11

Ivan Toney

Brentford to Al-Ahli (£40m)

Much like Milinkovic-Savic, Ivan Toney felt like a player who was only on the up at Brentford, with a move to one of the Premier League’s biggest teams often mooted.

Instead, the England international left the Bees to join Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024 in a move that surprised many, even amid his contract issues in west London.

Reports of his eventual transfer fee were mixed, but most appear to indicate Brentford received a sum of around £40m.

10

Galeno

Porto to Al-Ahli (£41.6m)

Former Porto star Galeno was one of two major signings in the January 2025 market for the Saudi Pro League, with the winger joining Al-Ahli for €50m (£41.6m).

Galeno had scored eight in 18 appearances for Porto before departing for the Middle East, and has already written his name into the history books, scoring in the AFC Champions League final against Kawasaki Frontale.

His arrival marks Al-Ahli’s most expensive signing, replacing Ivan Toney.

9

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham to Al-Hilal (£46m)

Many players who have moved to the Saudi Pro League have been individuals whose peaks have been and gone, but Aleksandar Mitrovic went there while in his prime.

He was just 28 when he opted to trade Fulham for Al-Hilal, but he is no doubt reaping the financial rewards. Mitrovic’s transfer fee was officially undisclosed, with the Cottagers indicating they had received a “club-record” fee. While it was thought to be close to £50m, a sum of £46m appears to be the most widely mentioned.

8

Ruben Neves

Wolves to Al-Hilal (£47m)

Ruben Neves’ move to Saudi Arabia has to stand out as one of the biggest surprises having grown into such a key player at Wolves, while still only being in his mid-20s.

It looked like the Portugal star had the pick of his clubs given the natural talent he possesses in midfield, but the race for his signature was won by Al-Hilal, who paid £47m for Neves’ services.

7

Moussa Diaby

Aston Villa to Al-Ittihad (£50m)

It looked like Aston Villa had signed themselves a gem of a player in Moussa Diaby, with the winger catching the eye with his quality and end product during his one season at Villa Park.

His campaign did fizzle out a bit as it went on, but few would have expected to see him ditch the Midlands side for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad, with the Villans receiving around £50m in the process.

It’s hard not to feel as though the Frenchman is wasting the best years of his career in a lesser division, although the financial aspects of the move are undeniably appealing.

6

Otavio

Porto to Al-Nassr (£51.1m)

Otavio was always a highly rated figure for Porto, and became a key part of the Portugal setup before opting for a Saudi move instead of a European switch, which cost Al-Nassr €60m (£51.1m) in August 2023.

He’s not set the world alight in the Middle East, scoring just one goal and supplying five assists in 2024/25.

Nick Woltemade is desperately trying to move to Bayern Munich and wants Stuttgart to engage in talks over a possible transfer move.

• Woltemade wants clubs to discuss potential options
• Negotiations have stalled after Bayern signed Luis Diaz
• Both teams currently stand firm on their stance

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern made a second formal bid of around €55 million (£47m/$62m) for the German striker, which was rejected by Stuttgart. Bayern have made it clear that they won't launch a third bid at the moment, and Stuttgart are also standing firm on their stance not to part ways with the 23-year-old unless the offer price matches their asking price. According to , the young striker is in a bad mood and has asked Stuttgart representatives to initiate talks with Bayern.

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  Woltemade has joined the Stuttgart camp, but his sole focus has reportedly been on trying to clinch a move to the 2024-25 Bundesliga champions. However, the player's representatives and Bayern's camp have both been irked by Stuttgart's rigid stance. The 2024-25 DFB-Pokal winners have not even engaged in personal talks as of now and are adamant that their asking price must be met.

• TELL ME MORE

  Stuttgart's sporting department has decided to listen to suitable offers for the next two weeks – that is, until the DFL-Supercup on August 16. After that, the club will decline any proposed offers and will continue with Woltemade in the squad and in their future plans. Manchester United and Newcastle United are monitoring the striker's situation and might make a move should they fail in their race to sign Benjamin Sesko.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WOLTEMADE?

  Bayern are confident of reaching an agreement for Woltemade but aren't sure when they will pursue him next. Woltemade's actions are also considered positive by the Bayern camp. However, his contract with Stuttgart runs until 2028, and there is no release clause, which prompts Stuttgart to take a back seat and wait for his value to rise further.

2021 wooden-spoon winners are optimistic that young squad can make big strides forward

Alan Gardner01-Apr-2022Few things quicken the anticipation ahead of the start of the county season like a trip to Good Old Sussex by the Sea. The sight of Hove’s deckchairs might not cure all the ills which currently beset the English game, but it feels like a decent place to start. The question that might have been asked, however, as a flurry of sleet and snow across the immaculate green acreage caught the attention of those assembled in the pavilion for Sussex’s press day, was: which sea? Perhaps the Baltic.Soon the sun was shining again, and there are hopes for brighter times at Sussex. After finishing bottom of the Championship in 2021, during a season in which they gave as many as nine first-class debuts to young, homegrown players – and at one stage fielded a team with an average age of 19 – the expectation from both management and supporters is for a more competitive summer.Concerns about the club’s direction of travel have simmered under the surface, notably given voice by the former Sussex and England wicketkeeper Matt Prior, with the influx of youth offset by a high number of departures – Phil Salt, Chris Jordan and Ben Brown left over the winter, following the likes of Laurie Evans, Danny Briggs and Luke Wells out through the gates on Eaton Road. But Ian Salisbury, head coach of the Championship and 50-over sides, believes a rebuilding process was needed in order to deliver “sustained success” of the sort Sussex were used to in the 2000s.There have been moves to strengthen a callow squad that might otherwise be considered outside contenders in Division Two. In particular, the arrivals of Steven Finn, the former England seamer signed from Middlesex, and overseas batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Mohammad Rizwan ought to bring a hardened edge to the dressing room; Ollie Robinson, who has a point to prove after fitness issues stalled his progress at Test level over the winter, is also expected to be available for a number of the early rounds – though not next week’s opener against Notts.Related

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Sussex sign Pujara for English summer

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Further international experience has been added to the mix with the arrival of Grant Flower as batting coach, while former club captain Mike Yardy has returned to Hove as academy director. It feel likes there is now greater heft behind the club’s crop of young players, which includes a pair of precociously talented 17-year-olds in Danial Ibrahim and Archie Lenham. What Salisbury refers to as “the project” at Hove might just be coming together.”Do we aim to get promoted? Of course we do,” Salisbury said. “But more importantly, we want to be better than what we were last year. That’s not just as a team, it’s as individuals, as coaches. We just want to keep improving. We know where we want to be in four or five years’ time, which is bringing sustained success back to Sussex, in all competitions. I know the side we have, and the squad we have, once we get to that situation, we can be there for a long time, just because of the age of this side.”That’s why we took the decisions we have done in the past, because we haven’t been in the first division since 2015, we haven’t won a trophy for 13 years. So something had to change, because that’s not acceptable for a club of this standing. So how do you do it? You rebuild, you make decisions – some made around Covid. But we made a decision to go down the route we have, because we want to bring sustained success back to Sussex. But we know when we get there, we’ll hold it there for a long period of time.”One of the players who is expected to play a key role in any Sussex resurgence is 23-year-old opener Tom Haines. No-one in the country scored more than Haines’ 1176 Championship runs at 47.04 in 2021, and he will be aiming to lead from the front after being named interim captain of the red-ball side (“interim” because Sussex still retain the option to bring back Travis Head, the Australia batter who was expected to take charge, next summer). Encouragingly for Sussex, Haines’ average actually rose – to 51.12 – in the four games in which he stood in for Brown last year.It is only a couple of seasons since Haines was looking to establish himself in the first team and he admits it is “weird” to now be considered a senior player. Given the struggles of England’s batters over the winter, it is not too far-fetched to think that further promotions could soon be in order. A strong start to the summer could bring him into discussions for the New Zealand series in June, though Haines will not be looking that far ahead.Tom Haines made a pre-season hundred against Surrey•Getty Images”Right at the front of my mind at the moment is scoring as many runs as I can for Sussex,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “I’m really focused on leading this side, and hopefully leading by example with runs and in the field. I’m not one to get too far ahead of myself, I think when you do that in cricket, it comes back to bite you. So I would never focus on the speculation [around] England selection, I just want to get my head down again, like I did last year, and hopefully back it up.”It’s nice to be mentioned by people but I’m always one to try and stay as level as I can, because as an opener batter failure it always going to happen. I try to stay nice and level headed and focus on the here and now, game by game in the County Championship for Sussex.”Haines describes “trusting my defence, and leaving well” as the two fundamentals of his game. Like Kraigg Brathwaite, whose obduracy at the top of the order helped West Indies to secure a series victory over England last week, he has never played a game of professional T20 – and while Haines says he doesn’t want to pigeonhole himself, he has a clear goal in mind.”My dream since I was young is to play Test cricket for England. I don’t like to compare myself to any other players I don’t like to put myself in their shoes and say I’d have done better because that’s just not what I’m about. I try and focus as much as much as I can on myself, improving my own game. We’ve got great coaches here, Grant who’s come in and been brilliant since day one, and we’ve got all the facilities here to really improve as a player.”Salisbury says that the Sussex’s goal remains producing players for England, and Haines pushing for Test selection would be welcome – even if it leaves another hole in the side to be filled. The depth of the squad will be tested anyway, with spinner Jack Carson unlikely to play before May, having had surgery on a knee injury, and long-term absentee Jofra Archer unlikely to be in contention for first-team action until the Blast comes around.No-one is getting carried away at Hove, but with a strong T20 side looking to improve on their Blast Finals Day appearance last year and a zephyr of optimism whispering around the Championship rebuild, there is hope that the members might be able to rest a little more comfily in their deckchairs.”We won one [Championship] game last year, that’s factual,” Salisbury said. “So there’s got to be some realism. To get promoted we might have to win eight games – 800% improvement? Anything’s possible. More than anything, I want us to be better and show that we are actually progressing.”