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India offspinner has been working on his batting, and has scored 200 runs in the TNPL at a strike rate of 167

Deivarayan Muthu03-Aug-2024At 37, in his first full Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) season, R Ashwin is expanding his range as a batter. He has always been good at finding boundaries down the ground, a skill that Rajasthan Royals leverage when they send him up the order in the IPL in order to provide their finishers a more suitable point of entry. But at this year’s TNPL, Ashwin has been working on playing boundary shots square of the wicket, and it’s paying off.In the Qualifier 2, against Idream Tiruppur Tamizhans at Chepauk on Friday, Ashwin dismantled left-arm fingerspinners R Sai Kishore and S Ajith Ram with a number of reverse sweeps. He was particularly severe on Sai Kishore, scoring 28 off nine balls at a strike rate of over 300. In all, Ashwin has 200 runs in eight innings in this TNPL at a strike rate of 166.66, with five of those innings coming right at the top or No. 3 for Dindigul Dragons.”Look, everything is work in progress, right?,” he said on the eve of the TNPL final against Shahrukh Khan’s Lyca Kovai Kings in Chennai. “You can even ask Shahrukh Khan about it. How does he do power-hitting… how do you hit the ball through the off side and leg side? It’s all about repetitions, and understanding angles and triggers.”Obviously, in the last IPL, I felt like I needed to widen my game and widen my horizons square of the wicket because I know I can hit the ball down the ground, and I can use my feet. Do I want to explore other options is something I had to ask myself. So if I can ask that question and if I can find an answer, it gives me a new avenue to explore and keep myself interested in the game.”Dindigul’s rookie left-arm fingerspinner P Vignesh had missed the Under-19 World Cup cut for India earlier this year but has been particularly impressive with his accuracy and control in this TNPL. In Qualifier 2 against Tiruppur, he came away with figures of 3 for 8 and the Player-of-the-Match award. Like Vignesh, Tiruppur’s offspin-bowling allrounder Mohamed Ali was excluded from India’s Under-19 World Cup squad but has made a mark in the TNPL. Ashwin has urged the next generation of cricketers to embrace setbacks and keep upgrading their skills.”Look, firstly I think missing the Under-19 cut is not the end of the world. Looking at how fragile our next generation can be, I really urge people to look at this game as a part of life,” Ashwin said. “Failure and success is very, very normal, and people become better only through failures. So I know P Vignesh, he has been coming to the Indian team nets, and I think he has improved every day. And this sort of a tournament gives these guys opportunity to be able to express and expand their game. I really hope that they’re ready to expand it constantly, and find answers to the questions that are going to be asked.”Lyca Kovai Kings captain Shahrukh Khan with the TNPL trophy•TNPL/TNCAShahrukh: GT helped improve my game against spinShahrukh has often struggled against spin, especially at the start of his innings, but he has been working on a technical tweak – a trigger movement where he pushes his weight forward – and he believes this will help him be a more rounded batter.”When I was with the Gujarat Titans, we had a camp for about a couple of months there, so I started working a lot on my spin game because they wanted me to bat up the order,” Shahrukh said. “And when you bat up the order, obviously for a batter like me having my concerns against spin bowling, especially, opponent teams would bring in spin when I come out to bat.”So their role was to help me improve my spin game, and it really helped. The front press I’m doing [in the TNPL] is quite obvious now, and it has helped me to score off the front foot and off the back foot as well.”While Shahrukh’s overall strike rate against pace in the IPL is 161.11, it falls sharply to 112 against spin. But in IPL 2024, he managed to lift his strike rate against spin to 168.75 while maintaining a similarly high strike rate against pace. And when Kovai met Dindigul in the league phase in Tirunelveli, Shahrukh took on mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and left-arm spinner Vignesh on his way to an unbeaten 51 off 25 balls.Having lost that game to Dindigul, Shahrukh has called his team to put together their “best cricket” in their quest for a three-peat in the TNPL.”I really don’t know [about the law of averages]. We’re taking it as just another game,” Shahrukh said. “The law of averages and the hat-trick [of titles]… all these things on social media are there, but we aren’t focusing on that. Out of the eight games we’ve played, only in two games we’ve stepped up to the expectations we have as a unit.”I hope even in this game we try and bring it out. As far as I’m concerned, we still haven’t played our best cricket this year, and we will try and do that.”

When will Rangers unveil their new manager at Ibrox?

On Saturday, the Gers concluded their generally miserable campaign at Easter Road, held to a 2-2 draw, with top-scorer Cyriel Dessers and Rangers Player of the Season Nicolas Raskin on target in Edinburgh.

As Scottish Premiership runners-up, the Light Blues will start next season early with a Champions League second qualifying round tie on 22 or 23 July, currently projected to face one of Brann from Norway, Swiss side Servette or Austria Vienna.

Thus, with that first leg a mere 62 days away already, 49ers Enterprises are under pressure to appoint a new Rangers manager very quickly, so who is on their shortlist?

Rangers' new manager search

According to a report by Sky Sports News, six men are ‘under consideration’ to become the new Rangers manager.

They are: Steven Gerrard, Davide Ancelotti, Russell Martin, Rob Edwards, Danny Röhl and Gary O’Neil.

Ever since it was confirmed that his father, Carlo, will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, becoming the new Brazil manager, it has been widely reported, including by Madrid-based outlet AS, that Davide is one of the front-runners to land the Rangers job.

Meantime, Gerrard remains one of the leading candidates too, with Mike McGrath of the Telegraph documenting how the 49ers have held a longstanding interest in bringing the Englishman back to Ibrox.

Of the six names mentioned, only Röhl is currently employed by a club, and he is ‘considering’ leaving Sheffield Wednesday, as reported by David Ornstein of the Athletic, but Rangers should not go for him, nor Gerrard nor Ancelotti, with another member of the short list making the most sense.

Who Rangers should appoint as their new manager

Rob Edwards may be a name unfamiliar to a large majority of the Rangers support, but he could be an excellent appointment.

Let’s have a look at the 42-year-old’s senior managerial career so far.

AFC Telford United

2017-18

49

20

Forest Green Rovers

2021-22

53

26

League Two title

Watford

2022

11

3

Luton Town

2022-25

104

33

Championship promotion

Edwards’ biggest career achievement to date is, without question, leading Luton Town into the Premier League which was a miraculous achievement.

The Hatters were relegated after one season in the top-flight, before Edwards departed by mutual consent back in January of this year, with the club actually going on to suffer a second successive relegation, now finding themselves in EFL League One.

Nevertheless, this should take away from Edwards’ impact at Kenilworth Road, with journalist James Cunliffe noting that he did an “outstanding” job at Luton, while Mark Ogden of ESPN praises his “ultra-positive” ​​​​​​​style of play, something that would no doubt go down well with those at Ibrox.

Meantime, Exeter City midfielder Edward Francis, who played for Edwards at youth level, praised his exceptional “man-management​​​​​​​” and “communication skills”, adding “he always treats people well and is honest with them”.

So, Edwards is clearly a young manager on the up, which is in contrast to Gerrard.

The 44-year-old’s time at Aston Villa was disastrous, as documented by Gregg Evans of the Athletic, while he was then also sacked by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq​​​​​​​ back in January following an underwhelming 18-month stint in the Middle East.

So, Gerrard’s last two managerial jobs do not suggest he is the right man for the Ibrox dugout, although he was successful during his first stint in Govan, delivering the club’s first Premiership title for a decade, historically ending Celtic’s quest for ten-in-a-row.

So, reappointing Gerrard would probably be the safe option, as he is a known quantity in Glasgow, but the 49ers should be braver and hire an up-and-coming coach with the potential to get even better, and Edwards certainly fits that bill.

Rangers can forget Ancelotti by hiring manager who's a "joy to watch"

Rangers must move on from Davide Ancelotti to appoint this British head coach.

ByDan Emery May 19, 2025

Richarlison could be on the way out of Tottenham Hotspur this summer, after new manager Thomas Frank gave the Brazilian forward permission to leave.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Richarlison 'green light' to leave
• Frank gave him permission
• Could move to Galatasaray

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Galatasaray have emerged as frontrunners for Richarlison, according to The Sun, after David Moyes reportedly rejected the chance to sign him back to his former club Everton. The Brazil international could be available for a cut-price £20million (€23.3m/$27.4m), suggesting he may not be part of new manager Frank's plans after the Dane replaced Ange Postecoglou.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The asking price cited is less than half the initial £50million (€58.2m/$68.5m) Spurs paid the Toffees for Richarlison just three years ago, this reflecting the fact that the big-money transfer has not quite gone to plan. Form issues plagued his first season in North London, with just one solitary Premier League goal coming at Anfield in a 4-3 defeat in April. His second season saw an improved return of 11 league strikes, before an injury-hit third campaign left him with just 15 Premier League appearances and four goals.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Richarlison has made 50 appearances for five-time World Cup winners Brazil, scoring an impressive 20 goals, including three in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which came in the middle of his barren spell in North London. He opened up to ESPN about the mental struggles he faced after his nation were eliminated in the quarter-finals, stating that therapy helped him through the period.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR RICHARLISON AND SPURS?

  It may be the right time for player and club to part ways this summer as the Europa League winners prepare to enter a new era under Frank. With transfer targets such as Eberechi Eze and Antoine Semenyo likely to push Richarlison further down the pecking order if they arrive, a move to Galatasaray will give the 28-year-old the chance to shine, win trophies and play, potentially against Spurs, in the Champions League.

كشفت تقارير إعلامية برتغالية اليوم الأربعاء، حقيقة تولي مدرب بنفيكا السابق، برونو لاج، تدريب الأهلي المصري خلال الساعات القليلة المقبلة.

وورد أن الأهلي يرغب وبقوة في التعاقد مع لاج، ليصبح الأخير هو المدير الفني الجديد للمارد الأحمر خلفًا لخوسيه ريبيرو المقال من منصبه.

الأهلي أقال ريبيرو من منصبه كمدير فني للفريق خلال شهر أغسطس الماضي، في ظل سوء نتائج الفريق وخسارته للعديد من المباريات مع بداية الموسم.

وارتبط الأهلي بالتعاقد مع العديد من المدربين خلال الفترة الماضية، من بينهم فرناندو سانتوس، مدرب منتخب البرتغال السابق، وروي فيتوريا، مدرب منتخب مصر سابقًا.

طالع.. وكيل برونو لاج يكشف عبر “بطولات” مفاجأة في مفاوضات الأهلي

وبحسب شبكة “TSF” البرتغالية، فإن مسئولي الأهلي متواجدون في مدينة لشبونة بالبرتغال، من أجل التفاوض مع وكيل أعمال لاج والمدرب نفسه حول إمكانية الإشراف على تدريب الفريق القاهري.

وأضافت أن لاج في بداية الأمر كان يميل إلى رفض تدريب الأهلي، لكن بعدما تحدث مع عائلته فإن المدرب البرتغالي منفتح على فكرة تدريب النادي المصري وتجربة أجواء جديدة في قارة أخرى.

وأقيل لاج من تدريب بنفيكا خلال الأسبوع الماضي بشكل رسمي، بعد سوء نتائج النادي البرتغالي مع بداية هذا الموسم وتم تعيين جوزيه مورينيو بدلًا منه.

الأهلي في الجانب الآخر يدربه عماد النحاس بشكل مؤقت، لحين التعاقد مع مدير فني أجنبي.

After a week of anxious waiting, today is the day Arsenal could book themselves a place in the Champions League final for only the second time in the club’s history.

However, Mikel Arteta’s men will need to put in the best performance of the season and make amends for their incredibly underwhelming display in the first leg.

In particular, club captain Martin Odegaard will have to show the fans just why he was handed the armband in 2022, as to describe his personal campaign this year as disappointing would be quite an understatement.

The Norwegian has looked like a different, far less effective player for much of it, and there is a chance the club are already looking at their options, with recent reports linking them to a Premier League star who’d be a massive but costly upgrade.

Arsenal transfer news

Given Odegaard’s lacklustre form this year, it’s hardly surprising that, in recent weeks, Arsenal have been linked to a plethora of midfield talents, such as Brahim Diaz and Desire Doue.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former is reportedly available for around £51m and has enjoyed a decent enough campaign with Real Madrid, racking up a haul of six goals and seven assists in just 2058 minutes of first-team action.

On the other hand, Doue could cost as much as £86m, but with a staggering tally of 13 goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain this season, it would be hard to say he wouldn’t be worth it.

However, given the Gunners’ desperation to win the Premier League next season, they may want someone who already knows the league, which is where Morgan Rogers comes into play.

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are ‘firmly in the race’ to secure the Aston Villa star’s signature in the summer, with Sporting Director Andrea Berta said to be ‘a huge admirer.’

However, the report also claims that Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in the Englishman, while another story from March valued him at a whopping £100m.

It would be an incredibly complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rogers’ immense ability and potential, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a massive Odegaard upgrade.

How Rogers compares to Odegaard

The first thing to say is that while Unai Emery has been playing Rogers on the wing at points this season, his most played and undoubtedly preferred position this season has been attacking midfield.

Therefore, were he to join Arsenal for the fees being banded around, then he’d most certainly do so with the intention of starting every game, in turn putting him up against Odegaard – but who comes out on top?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output this season, it’s Villa’s “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, who comes out on top and quite comfortably at that.

Appearances

51

41

Minutes

4233′

3162′

Goals

14

5

Assists

13

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.52

0.39

Minutes per Goal Involvement

156.77′

197.62′

For example, in 51 appearances, totalling 4233 minutes, he’s scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 156.77 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ captain has scored five goals and provided 11 assists in 41 appearances, totalling 3162 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.56 games, or every 197.62 minutes.

On top of that, the former Manchester City prospect comes out far better when we take a look at some of the other important attacking metrics, such as conversion rate, chances created, and take-ons completed.

Finally, while this isn’t massively important today, the Halesowen-born maestro is four years younger than the former Real Madrid wonderkid, so if Arteta were to bring him in, he might not need to worry about replacing him for the best part of a decade, which could allow the club to focus on other areas of need.

Ultimately, while Odegaard is a talented footballer, Rogers appears to be far superior in most ways, and if Arsenal can sign him this summer, they should do all they can to do it.

Drop him: Arteta must axe £50m Arsenal "warrior" who's as bad as Odegaard

Martin Odegaard isn’t the only underperformer in Arsenal colours.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 7, 2025

The India captain tried to encourage the outgoing coach to reapply for the position but was keen not to talk-up sending him off with a trophy

Sidharth Monga04-Jun-20242:15

Rohit: Tried to convince Dravid to stay

India’s captain Rohit Sharma unsuccessfully tried to get the outgoing coach Rahul Dravid to stay on in the job. Rohit, who played under Dravid, with Dravid, then against Dravid in the IPL and against teams coached by him, said he wanted the association to carry on. Dravid, though, decided not to seek an extension after the current term ends with the T20 World Cup 2024.”I tried convincing him to stay, but obviously, there are a lot of things that he needs to look after as well,” Rohit said. “But yeah, I’ve personally enjoyed my time with him. I’m sure the rest of the guys will say the same. It’s been great working with him and I hope…I’m not going to say anything, actually. I’m not going to say anything.”In the end Rohit was trying not to jinx it by saying that he hoped they sent Dravid off with a trophy. He could look back at fond memories, though. “We have not really thought of it,” Rohit said when asked if they were looking to do something special for the outgoing coach. “But my equation with him goes a long way back. He was my first international captain when I made my debut in Ireland. Then I’ve seen him play while I was just coming into the team, Test matches, when he was captain. And such a big role model for all of us. Growing up, we watched him play.Related

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“We know what he’s achieved personally as a player and also what he’s done for the team over the years, bailing out the team from difficult situations. And that is what he’s known for. He’s shown a lot of great determination throughout his career, and that is something that, when he came here as a coach, I wanted to learn from him. It’s been very fruitful, other than the big silverware I think we’ve won all the major tournaments and series and all of that.”Having said that, I think I’ve enjoyed every bit of it, working with him, deciding what direction the team needs to head. And for him to buy into that thought makes a huge difference. And he was the first one who came and said, this is what we need to do as a team.”Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid go back a long way•PTI

That missing silverware has become a bit of a stumbling block for India. Rohit’s international career began in 2007 when he was part of the T20 World Cup winning team. Virat Kohli was part of the ODI World Cup win in 2011. They both won the Champions Trophy in 2013. Since then, though, India haven’t won a world title. Losing the final after a dominant run at home in last year’s ODI World Cup left Rohit heartbroken. He has spoken of the struggle getting out of that funk. Now, he said, he wanted to not think of the title before making it to the summit clash.”I have thought a lot about all this,” Rohit said. “Now I’m just going to play my game and help the team in whatever way I can and get everyone together to play as a team. That is what I’m going to be focusing on. Not looking at the larger picture. I don’t think those kinds of thoughts will help so much. Staying in the present and doing what is required at that particular time which is important, and I’ll be focusing on that.”I’m sure everyone in the team have their own way of dealing with tournaments like World Cup. And I’m sure they’ll take the right calls as well. But for me, I think it’s important not to look too far ahead. Just think about what we need to do tomorrow. Play the game well and then take it from there. We won’t think too much and put ourselves under pressure.”

da 888casino： Birmingham City are thought to be in talks with an EFL star after clinching promotion back to the Championship.

Birmingham City going for silverware after League One promotion

da marjack bet： The Blues have had a brilliant campaign under Chris Davies and sealed promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking in midweek.

A 2-1 victory at Peterborough United sealed a guaranteed top-two spot, and the League One title could also be won if Wrexham fail to beat Wigan Athletic on Saturday lunchtime.

Birmingham are on course to comfortably clear the 100-point mark in the third tier, however, they are actually preparing for Wembley this weekend.

The Blues will once again take on Peterborough in the final of the EFL Trophy, so it could be a double celebration if things go to plan this weekend.

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Ahead of the summer transfer window, Tom Wagner and Tom Brady already appear to be working on St Andrew’s signings ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign, and one player who the Blues will face this weekend is a target.

Birmingham City in talks to sign Kwame Poku for free

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, talking to EFL Analysis, Birmingham City are in talks to sign Peterborough United star Kwame Poku.

The 23-year-old actually scored the Posh’s goal against the Blues in midweek and has enjoyed a fine season in the third tier.

However, according to Bailey, Birmingham aren’t the only side in discussions, including Premier League side Crystal Palace and Scottish giants Rangers.

“His people are in talks with a number of clubs – and yes, one of them is Birmingham. There are others, though – Crystal Palace, Millwall, Luton and Norwich among them.

“However, the big danger is Rangers – they want him and have watched him numerous times. Talks have continued but complicated by their takeover and then new manager.”

Poku’s stats for Peterborough 24/25

Games

27

Goals

12

Assists

11

Minutes played

2,081

The winger has impressed Sky Sports co-commentator and pundit Don Goodman this season, who said last month that Poku appears to be ready for the step up to the Championship.

“Kwame Poku, 10 goals and six assists this season from just 20 games, 19 starts, is very impressive. It’s on the back of 11 goals and seven assists last season.

“He’s been on my radar for a couple of seasons now, along with Ephron Mason-Clarke, who is now doing really, really well at Coventry.

“So whether he’s ready for the Premier League just yet is a debate to be had, but certainly if I was a Championship club and I needed an exciting, ball-carrying winger that both scores and creates goals, he would be on my radar.”

It looks as if a move to the Midlands will be one to watch over the coming months, with Poku actually out of contract at the end of the season, meaning a transfer may not cost a penny.

تحدث الإسباني لامين يامال، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة عن الانتقادات التي يتعرض لها خلال الفترة الماضية ومرشحينه للفوز بالكرة الذهبية.

وتعادل الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة أمام نظيره رايو فاليكانو بهدف لكل فريق بالمباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”.

وعن المرشحين الأوفر حظًا إذا لم يفز بالكرة الذهبية قال لامين في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “آس”: “نيمار وميسي، سأمنح واحدة لـ”ني”، أعتقد أنه يستحقها، “ني” عندما كان يلعب في برشلونة أو باريس سان جيرمان كان سيفوز بها الآن بالتأكيد، كنت أتمنى لو فاز بها هو، وبالطبع ميسي، لأنه الأفضل في التاريخ”.

وعن صيحة فليك في مباراة رايو فاليكانو أكمل: “أعتقد أن الأمر يتعلق أكثر بعدم بدء الموسم بنفس القوة التي بدأناها في نهاية الموسم الماضي، وليس بالغرور في غرفة الملابس، بعد التعادل يخرج المرء من مزاج سيئ وفي النهاية يجب أن يفوز”.

اقرأ أيضًا | لامين يامال: من يقول إنه لا يريد الفوز بالكرة الذهبية كاذب

وأضاف: “حصدنا 7 نقاط من أصل 9 على ملاعب صعبة للغاية، وهو أمر لا يُحتسب كثيرًا، أنت محق في أننا ارتكبنا العديد من الأخطاء لكن هذا وارد، علينا أن نستعيد أفضل ما لدينا في أسرع وقت ممكن، لم يكن ذلك بسبب الغرور”.

وعن إمكانية الفوز بالدوري الإسباني مجددًا أردف لامين: “نحن متعطشون للمزيد، فلم نفز فقط بـ 4 ألقاب في دوري أبطال أوروبا أو 4 ألقاب متتالية في الدوري، ما زلنا في بداية الطريق، الدوري الإسباني طويل وعلينا أن نحافظ على مستوانا”.

وعن زملائه نيكو وفيرمين أتم: “المهم هو أن يستمتع نيكو بمكانه، لستُ ممن يُملي عليه مكان ما، أرى فيرمين سعيدًا جدًا في برشلونة، إذا رحل أحدهم فهو قراره الشخصي، نحن مجموعة شابة متحدة، ولا توجد بيننا أي مشاكل لا أعتقد أن أحدًا يرغب في الرحيل، سألناه مازحًا عما يحدث في إنجلترا لكنه قال إنه يريد البقاء”.

Cameron Gannon’s five-wicket haul helped secure a 100-run lead but the home side hit back

Tristan Lavalette12-Mar-2024Victoria’s attack hit back against Western Australia late on a dramatic day two as the fight for a spot in the Sheffield Shield final intensified.In what has been a see-saw contest with so much at stake, 15 wickets fell in the day’s play in tough batting conditions at Junction Oval.After dismissing Victoria for 144 to gain a 100-run lead, WA’s top-order fell apart to slump to 31 for 4 before Cameron Bancroft and Josh Inglis provided a steadying 75-run partnership.Related

• McSweeney's ton and McAndrew's strikes put pressure on leaders Tasmania

• Boland makes his return count to lift Victoria in finals race

Inglis fell for 45 near the close, but Bancroft held firm with a gutsy unbeaten 42 off 151 balls to stretch WA’s lead to 219 runs.With top-placed Tasmania in a major battle against South Australia in the concurrent fixture, WA could leapfrog them with victory and clinch a home final starting on March 21.Tasmania have already secured a place in the five-day decider and they will play either Victoria or WA, who only need a draw to get through.Victoria fought back well after their batting order wilted to be bowled out in 43 overs as their bid for a third straight final’s appearance nosedived.Having overlooked spinning allrounder Ashton Agar, who has been unable to squeeze into the Shield line-up this season, WA were vindicated with their quartet of seamers menacing on a green-tinged surface marked by widening divots.After searing heat on day one, conditions cooled considerably as per Melbourne’s notoriously fickle weather. Cameron Gannon and Joel Paris relished the overcast skies as Victoria lost three wickets in the opening 30 minutes to slump to 21 for 4 in reply to WA’s first innings of 244.WA were ignited by a spectacular one-handed catch from wicketkeeper Inglis, who dove low to his left to remove Marcus Harris for 17. Paris then took over with the wickets of Campbell Kellaway and Peter Handscomb in successive overs.An onlooker to the flurry of wickets, Mitchell Perry dug in to continue his knack of producing indefatigable knocks as a nightwatcher against WA. He combined in a steadying 90-run partnership with Matthew Short, who scored runs quickly in a counterattack.Short raced to his half-century, but gifted his wicket after holing out to left-arm quick Liam Haskett on what was the last ball before lunch. It triggered a collapse after the interval with Victoria losing 5 for 33 as a number of their batters provided catching practice to WA’s outfielders.Skipper Will Sutherland tried to play aggressively, but fell into an awkward position to miss-hit a short-pitched Haskett delivery to fine-leg. Perry’s 95-ball rearguard ended tamely when he hit Haskett straight to square leg as Victoria’s lower-order offered little resistance.Without injured frontline quicks Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris and Matt Kelly, WA’s deep pace stocks have been underlined by the strong performances of Gannon and Haskett, who combined for eight wickets.Victoria desperately needed early wickets and Fergus O’Neill stood up with a terrific new-ball spell to dismiss opener Sam Whiteman before claiming the wickets of Jayden Goodwin and Hilton Cartwright on successive deliveries.WA’s collapse continued when Perry had Aaron Hardie caught at second slip with a cracking delivery that bounced sharply and shaped away. But Inglis came out firing after tea with his best shot being a belligerent pull shot to whack a short delivery from Scott Boland for six.WA appeared to have regained a stranglehold until offspinner Todd Murphy provided a late twist by having Inglis edging to Short at slip. He then had Charlie Stobo stumped in his next over as this crucial contest is fittingly headed for a grandstand finish.

The bench also slapped Nepal legspinner with a fine of Rs 300,000

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2024Nepal spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been sentenced to eight years in jail by a Kathmandu court for rape, the has reported.A single-judge bench of the Kathmandu District Court had last month found Lamichhane guilty of of raping an 18-year-old woman, and the sentence was announced on January 10. The bench also slapped him with a fine of Rs 300,000 (USD 2255 approx) and ordered him to pay Rs 200,000 (USD 1500 approx) in compensation to the victim. Lamichhane’s lawyer, Saroj Ghimire, told that he “will appeal the decision in a higher court.”On January 11, following the verdict, Lamichhane was suspended by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). “We inform you that Sandeep Lamichhane has been suspended from any kind of domestic and international cricket activities as he has been convicted and sentenced,” CAN said.In early September 2022, Lamichhane, then the Nepal captain, was suspended by CAN after an arrest warrant was issued against him in Kathmandu over the matter. It followed the news that a complaint against Lamichhane had been lodged in a Kathmandu police station.Related

• Kathmandu court finds Lamichhane guilty of rape

• Lamichhane suspended by Nepal board after arrest warrant against him

At the time, Lamichhane was in the West Indies with Jamaica Tallawahs taking part in CPL 2022. The club announced that Lamichhane would be leaving the tournament with immediate effect. Upon landing at the airport in Kathmandu in early October, he had been taken into custody.Shortly before being arrested, Lamichhane had written on Facebook that he would “fully cooperate in all stages of the investigation and will fight a legal battle to prove my innocence” and called it a “conspiracy and wrongful allegation”.He returned to the Nepal side in February last year – amid protests from rights groups at home – for a Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series at home, against Namibia and Scotland, during which opposition players did not shake his hand after the games. Subsequently, he was not considered for Nepal’s squad for the Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in Dubai in early 2023, but joined the team later as an injury replacement. He has continued to turn out for Nepal since then, including at the ODI World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe in June-July last year and the ODI Asia Cup in August-September.On the day of his conviction, December 29, Lamichhane had led PARSA Club XI to a win over Nepal Army Club in a Nepal Pro Club Championship match in Birgunj.