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Nixon, twice the winning coach with Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League, enjoyed a long and successful playing career with the club

George Dobell16-Oct-2017Leicestershire have appointed Paul Nixon, their former captain, as the new head coach.Nixon, twice the winning coach with Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League, enjoyed a long and successful playing career with the club. He played in the County Championship winning sides of 1996 and 1998 and the T20 winning sides of 2004, 2006 and 2011. He made his Leicestershire debut in 1989 and was captain 2007 and 2008.He faces a tough task at Leicestershire, however. The club finished bottom of Division Two in the County Championship without a win with his predecessor, Pierre de Bruyn, sacked after barely a year in the role.”We are delighted that Paul has agreed to rejoin us as our head coach,” Leicestershire chief executive Wasim Khan said. “Paul is dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable, and has been a huge part of successful changing rooms both as a player and coach.”Paul will get the very best out of the players. He has a positive outlook, a great attitude, and is a winner. All of those attributes make Paul the perfect person to take Leicestershire County Cricket Club forward.””I am immensely proud and honoured to be returning to Leicestershire as head coach,” Nixon said. “The club has always been close to my heart and I have lived in the city of Leicester for 30 years, so I know how much it means to everyone here.”There are a lot of good people at the club. We have a lot of loyal Members, supporters and sponsors, and I want to bring the good times back to Leicestershire.”I enjoyed lots of success as a player with the Foxes. We won the County Championship twice and got to five T20 Finals Days in nine years, winning on the three occasions we got to the Final. I’d like to thank the club for believing in me. I know that I can make a positive impact in my new role and I can’t wait to get started.”

An update has emerged regarding Manchester United’s pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, and it will come as good news to Erik ten Hag as he aims to significantly bolster his attack ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

How much will Dusan Vlahovic cost?

Having been linked with a move for the Serbian hitman earlier this summer, Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Man United News) are reporting that Juventus have lowered their asking price to just €65m (£55m) and this could tempt Ten Hag into making a move for the player.

The Serie A side had previously valued him at around €80m (£68m) according to the same publication, and although it still represents a large fee, it is much lower than previously expected.

The Old Trafford outfit made a bid to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, which included a players plus cash deal, according to The Athletic, yet it was booted out by the Italian side as they aren’t looking to budge from their £86m price tag that has been set for the youngster.

Vlahovic then, could turn into an ideal alternative for Hojlund should any potential move fail to materialise during the transfer window.

Could Manchester United sign Dusan Vlahovic?

The Red Devils have made just one acquisition this summer, luring Mason Mount from Chelsea and although this is certainly a step in the right direction with regard to bolstering his attacking options, Ten Hag now needs a proper centre forward to join ahead of next term.

Only Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes scored more than ten goals for the club throughout the whole of last season and the Dutchman will be looking for another one or two players who could arrive and boost this area.

Despite conceding just 43 goals in 38 league matches, United scored only 58 goals, with all but two of the top ten scoring more than them and this heightens their need for a player who could score plenty.

Vlahovic didn’t enjoy the best season for Juventus compared to previous years, yet he still managed to score 14 goals and grab four assists across all competitions, and he could prove to be a big upgrade on Anthony Martial, who managed just 12 goal contributions in comparisons.

Indeed, not only does the Serbian score more than Martial, he has also registered more shots per 90 (3.12 to 2.26), taken more touches in the attacking penalty area (144 to 58) and made more progressive carries into the final third (29 to 15) suggesting that his game revolves around more than just scoring, and he puts himself in excellent positions to shoot often and also in order to create chances for others.

Lauded as a “monster” by journalist Carlo Garganese, Vlahovic, as evidenced by the statistics, offers a more well round approach than Martial, while also being capable of scoring more often and this should tempt Ten Hag into making a move for him this summer.

The fee of £55m may seem a lot on the surface, but in terms of value for money and the chance to further develop the 23-year-old at United, it could be a wise investment by the club.

Donny Van de Beek looks set to leave Manchester United this summer, with clubs from six countries interested according to Dean Jones.

How long has Donny Van de Beek been at Manchester United?

The Dutchman looks set to call time on his three-year spell in Manchester this window.

The former Ajax man joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2020 for a fee reported to potentially rise to £39m, and has made 60 appearances across the three seasons, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

Many expected that following the arrival of Van de Beek's former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag to the 'Theatre of Dreams' that the Dutch international would finally be able to truly find his feet at United and showcase to everyone why he commanded such a large transfer fee, however, that never materialised.

The midfielder's time at the club has failed to reach the heights that many expected, with him struggling to establish himself under three separate managers. The 26-year-old has also failed to jump ahead of Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes during his time at Old Trafford, and injury problems have derailed any real chances to build up form, with the player having missed 52 games for the Red Devils, including 38 last campaign after a devastating knee injury ended his campaign in January.

Van de Beek also had a disappointing loan spell during the second half of the 2021/22 season at Merseyside club Everton, where injuries once again hampered his time at the club, limiting him to just seven appearances for the Toffees.

Reports have suggested that the 26-year-old will be leaving United this summer, with a number of clubs interested. Speaking on the Football Terrace's Done Deal show, journalist Jones stated that the Red Devils might have to accept a loan move for the Dutch international.

"Van de Beek is eventually gonna get a route out the club, but they don’t even know which country it’s gonna be yet. He’s got interest in like five or six different countries but none of them want to front money for Van De Beek so are they going to have to contemplate a loan? They possibly will, yeah. I mean it’s absolutely not what they wanted but Van de Beek might have to end up going on loan.”

What club will Van de Beek join?

A number of clubs have been linked with the former Ajax man ahead of a potential move this summer.

A number of top sides in Italy are reportedly interested in Van de Beek, with Inter Milan, AS Roma and AC Milan being named as potential landing grounds. However, the midfielder isn't the first-choice target for any of these sides, which could prevent a transfer should the player want to make his move early in this window.

There are also Premier League sides interested, with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace all monitoring the attacking midfielders' situation. Palace previously failed in a bid to sign the Dutchman on loan in January 2021 when he opted for Everton instead. Ultimately, however, the best move for Van de Beek might be to leave the Premier League, as he has really struggled to adapt to the demands of the division.

A move back to the Netherlands may be the best idea for a player looking to get his career back on track. Both current champions Feyenoord and former club Ajax have explored the possibility of bringing the player to their respective clubs according to a report from 90min. The player enjoyed a very fruitful spell at Ajax before his move to United, making 175 appearances and recording 75 foal contributions, including some memorable goals in Ajax's historic 2018/19 Champions League campaign.

Whatever the midfielder's next move is, hopefully, it is the right one to reignite what was once such a promising career

A round-up of the Dhaka Premier League matches played on May 6, 2017

Mohammad Isam06-May-2017Gazi Group Cricketers took a four-point lead at the top of the Dhaka Premier League points table after their ten-run win over Brothers Union at the BKSP-3 Ground in Savar. Abu Hider’s four-wicket haul made the difference for Gazi Group at the end of a tense battle.Set 237 to beat the in-form team of the competition, Alok Kapali and Manvinder Bisla added 78 runs for the fourth wicket after Brothers Union lost three early wickets. When Manvinder fell in the 39th over, having added 60 runs for the sixth wicket with Dhiman Ghosh, Gazi Group took charge of the game.Even though Myshukur Rahaman tried to inspire Brothers Union’s lower-order to an end-innings fightback with a run-a-ball 38, Hider’s late strikes, culminating in figures of 4 for 52, ensured the opposition was bowled out for 226 in 48.5 overs. Mahedi Hasan and Shahidul Islam finished with two wickets each.Earlier, Gazi Group’s innings was headlined by a 97-ball 93 from wicketkeeper Anamul Haque, who strung a third-wicket 89-run stand with Suhrawadi Shuvo (41) and a 59-run fifth-wicket partnership with captain Nadif Chowdhury (33), before Mohammad Saddam and Kapali scalped three wickets apiece to skittle Gazi Group for 236 in 48.4 overs.Partex Sporting Club registered their first win this season after handing Kalabagan Krira Chakra a 62-run drubbing at the KSOA Stadium in Fatullah.Having been put in to bat, Partex posted 278 for 5 in 50 overs, piloted by a 52-run stand between Irfan Sukkur (58) and Sajjad Hossain (46) for the third wicket. Sukkur and and Sazzadul Haque (53) then put on 95 runs for the fourth wicket. Jubair Ahmed (16) and Rajibul Islam (30) took Partex past 250 runs, adding 42 unbroken runs for the sixth wicket in the last 4.4 overs.Samad returned the best figures for Kalabagan, finishing with 3 for 50 from his ten overs.In reply, despite having four experienced batsmen, Kalabagan failed to play out their full quota of 50 overs, folding for 216 in 46.1 overs. Hamilton Masakadza top-scored with 45 while openers Mehrab Hossain jnr and Mohammad Ashraful struggled to make any impact, registering scores of 11 and 12 respectively. Kalabagan’s woes were compounded by Imran Ali, who bagged a five-wicket haul in only his second List-A game. Among his victims were Masakadza and captain Tushar Imran, who fell for a four-ball duck.Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity moved to eighth position on the points table after Robiul Islam Robi struck a 126-ball 103 to set up a 20-run victory over fifth-placed Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club at the BKSP-4 Ground.Having elected to bat, Khelaghar opener Robi clobbered ten fours and two sixes enroute to his second List-A century this season. He added 83 for the first wicket with Salahuddin Pappu (46) before adding 126 for the third wicket with Amit Majumder, who struck 58 off 74 balls. Abdur Razzak picked up his second five-for of the season, as Khelaghar posted 266 for 8 in 50 overs.Dhanmondi Club were reduced to 22 for 3 in the fourth over but Prashant Chopra (44) and Rajin Saleh (76) added 53 for the fourth wicket to resuscitate the chase. Rajin and the in-form Ziaur Rahman (75) then led Dhanmond’s rally with an emphatic 108-run stand for the fifth wicket. However, Ziaur’s dismissal in the 35th over triggered a lower-order collapse as Dhanmondi lost their last five wickets for 51 runs before being bowled out for 246 in 47.2 overs. Abdur retired hurt with a leg injury after he fell badly while putting in a dive to get back in the crease. Tanvir Islam scalped four wickets to help Khelaghar register their third win of the tournament.

India’s captain Virat Kohli has said that Australia crossed the line “that you don’t cross on a cricket field” when it comes to DRS protocols

Melinda Farrell in Bengaluru07-Mar-20171:34

‘If something is going on for three days, that’s not a brain fade’

India’s captain Virat Kohli has said that Australia crossed the line “that you don’t cross on a cricket field” when it comes to DRS protocols. Kohli accused Australia of taking help from the dressing room on at least three occasions before making their mind up on reviews in the Bengaluru Test.Kohli’s remarks after India’s remarkable come-from-behind win were reminiscent of current coach Anil Kumble’s words at the conclusion of the infamous Sydney Test in 2007-08: “Only one team was playing in the spirit of the game.”Minutes before Kohli’s press conference, unaware of the allegations coming his way, Australia’s captain Steven Smith had said that there had been only one instance of their looking up to the dressing room for assistance, and that it was a “brain fade”. Kohli said he had made the umpires aware of it on the earlier two occasions before the third one played out in full view.When Smith was ruled out lbw in a tense chase of 188, he looked towards the dressing room after having chatted with non-striker Peter Handscomb, apparently for clues on whether to review the call or not. Umpire Nigel Llong intervened immediately, and sent him on his way. Llong also prevented a seemingly livid Kohli from getting into that conversation. Kohli later said he had brought this matter to the umpires’ attention earlier too.”I saw that two times happening when I was batting out there,” Kohli said. “I pointed it out to the umpire as well, that it’s happened twice, that I’ve seen their players looking upstairs for confirmation, and that’s why the umpire was at him.”When he turned back the umpire knew exactly what was going on, because we observed that, we told match referee also, and the umpires, that they’ve been doing that for the last three days and this has to stop, because there’s a line that you don’t cross on the cricket field, because sledging and playing against the opponents is different, but… I don’t want to mention the word, but it falls in that bracket. I would never do something like that on the cricket field.”When asked if the word he didn’t want to mention was “cheating”, Kohli replied: “I didn’t say that, you did.”Smith’s version of events was different. “I got hit on the pad and looked down to Petey and he said look up there,” Smith said. “So I turned around and it was a bit of a brain fade on my behalf. I shouldn’t have done that.”I was looking at our boys, so shouldn’t have done that and it was a bit of a brain fade.”Writing on Twitter after the match, Handscomb accepted the blame for the incident. “I referred smudga to look at the box… my fault and was unaware of the rule,” he wrote. “Shouldn’t take anything away from what was an amazing game!”

I referred smudga to look at the box… my fault and was unaware of the rule. Shouldn't take anything away from what was an amazing game!

— Peter Handscomb (@phandscomb54) March 7, 2017

Kohli, though, refused to accept Smith’s explanation. “Honestly, if someone makes a mistake while batting, for me, personally, that’s a brain fade,” Kohli said. “The way I left the ball in Pune, you know, getting hit on the off stump. That was a brain fade. But if something is going on for three days, then that’s not a brain fade, as simple as that.”I don’t want to say more on that, videos are out there for everyone to see. It was getting repetitive, that’s why the umpires also knew that it might happen again. I saw it two times when I was batting, I can vouch for that.”The official BCCI Twitter handle, though, went on to say more. It tweeted the video of Smith’s dismissal, the accompanying tweet wondering if the full form of DRS was “dressing room review system”.Smith denied that his side used help from the dressing room as a DRS tactic. He insisted his dismissal was the first time he looked up to the dressing room. “No, I think that’s probably the first time it’s happened, and it was a brain fade on my behalf,” he said.There were an increasing number of verbal exchanges throughout the Test. Smith admitted to there being a “white line fever”, but he felt the match was played “in good spirit”.”Australia and India playing, there’s always emotions flying around and we get a little bit of white line fever every now and then,” Smith said. “As long as it’s kept on the field it’s all good. There’s always interesting banter between the two teams, and I think it makes it a great contest.”Kohli also hit back at former Australia wicketkeeper, Ian Healy, who had earlier criticised Kohli’s behaviour during Australia’s first innings, particularly when Smith was at the crease.”I’m losing respect for him. He’s not only now continuing his disrespect of the Australian players and umpires, but I think he’s putting pressure on his own players,” Healy told radio station SEN on Monday. “The stuff he did with Steve Smith was unacceptable.”There’s massive cracks showing in [Kohli]. I’ve said in the past he’s the best batsman I’ve ever seen. His feistiness and real aggression towards the opposition has been good [in the past], especially when he wasn’t captain.”Kohli responded by pointing out Healy’s reaction to being wrongly given out in the Centurion Test in 1997 – swearing as he walked off, Healy then threw his bat while climbing the steps to the dressing room.”[I’ll lose respect] in his eyes?” Kohli asked dismissively. “We’ve got 1.2 billion people in India. One person doesn’t make a difference to my life. And also I think you should go and search on YouTube, when he was given out in Centurion, down the leg side. I heard he said something about me not having good behaviour with umpires – I think you all should YouTube that video and I think, yeah, that says it all. Just see that video and next time you ask me the same question.”

Batsmen Asela Gunaratne and Niroshan Dickwella have been named in Sri Lanka’s squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh, following their success in limited-overs internationals over the past month.Gunaratne hit two match-winning fifties in the recent T20 series in Australia, and had also struck a maiden ODI hundred in South Africa earlier in the month. Dickwella, meanwhile, has been effective at the top of the order in the shorter formats, but had also had some first-class form behind him in recent domestic outings.Among those omitted from the squad are Kusal Perera, who has been in poor form in both international and domestic cricket over the past few months, and opener Kaushal Silva.Dimuth Karunaratne, the other opener, remains in the squad, however. This is thanks in part to his 212 for Sri Lanka A against England Lions over the weekend. He had also hit Sri Lanka’s only half-century in their most recent Test at the Wanderers.The selectors sprang no major surprises on the bowling front. Malinda Pushpakumara, whom SLC had already announced would be part of the squad, is the only first-time addition. Lahiru Kumara, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep and Vikum Sanjaya – all right-armers – make up the seam-bowling options, while Rangana Herath leads a strong spin contingent featuring Dilruwan Perera and Lakshan Sandakan in addition to Pushpakumara. Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has not played competitive cricket since late last year, and, as such, is unavailable.Gunaratne’s inclusion in this squad was largely expected. He had prospered in his first Test series in Zimbabwe over October and November, and had only left the squad to make way for the return of Angelo Mathews, who had been injured for that series. With Mathews out of the side again for this series, Gunaratne is a potential replacement at no. 5, capable of providing a slow-medium bowling option for captain Herath.Dickwella, 23, had to beat out a late challenge from Ron Chandraguptha to secure the second opener’s spot, but was also the frontrunner for this position. He had mixed results in his previous stint in the Test team in 2014, playing as wicketkeeper and batting down the order – he averages 20.57 after seven Test innings – but has since expanded his game. He was the Player of the Series in the 2-1 T20 victory over South Africa in January, and had also scored 522 runs at an average of 52.20 in Sri Lanka’s first-class competition before he left for that tour.The Test series begins on March 7 in Galle.Sri Lanka squad: Rangana Herath (capt), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Dimuth Karunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Upul Tharanga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep, Vikum Sanjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Malinda Pushpakumara.

With two-time defending champion Alexia Putellas out of the running after a season decimated by injuries, a new winner will be crowned on October 30

The Women's Ballon d'Or remains a relatively new trophy on the world football scene, but lifting the Golden Ball is quickly becoming a dream for many of the world's best players. And after a memorable 12 months for the women's game, the shortlist of nominees for the 2023 award has been revealed.

The 2022-23 season was one dominated by Spanish football, as Barcelona won both their domestic title and the Champions League, before La Roja sealed the World Cup in thrilling fashion after a superb tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

Despite that, two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is out of the running for this year's award having missed most of the campaign with a knee injury, with her club and international team-mate, Aitana Bonmati, the current favourite to succeed Putellas in lifting the Golden Ball.

We will have to wait until the ceremony on Monday, October 30 to find out whether it is Bonmati or someone else who claims the prize, but for now, here are the players who have been shortlisted for football's ultimate individual honour:

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  Kadidiatou Diani (Lyon)

  France Football's French Player of the Season, Diani was the top scorer in the league before scoring four more goals for France at the World Cup.

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  Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid)

  The 18-year-old wonderkid has truly broken through, starring for Colombia at the World Cup while scoring the Goal of the Tournament against Germany.

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  Alba Redondo (Levante)

  A vital player for Spain, scoring three times at the World Cup, she also won the Pichichi award for being the top goalscorer in the Liga F season with 28 finishes.

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  Rachel Daly (Aston Villa)

  After moving to Aston Villa in August 2022, Daly scored 30 goals in as many matches before featuring for England in their run to the World Cup final.

Manchester United will surely continue to rebuild their squad this summer in their pursuit to rise to the top again and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target who could be on his way to Old Trafford.

What's the latest on Man United's interest in Manuel Ugarte?

According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via The Faithful MUFC), the Red Devils have submitted a salary offer for Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

As per the report, Man Utd are competing with Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain in their efforts to snap up the services of the talented player, but have now made a salary offer for an undisclosed amount, whilst committing to delivering the fee needed to activate his €60m (£52m) release clause.

Who would Manuel Ugarte replace at Man United?

Whilst improving the centre-forward position will be the highest priority for Erik ten Hag this summer, making subtle tweaks and upgrades in other key positions would be massively advantageous ahead of their return to Champions League football.

As a result, the opportunity to sign Ugarte would be a great move for the club as the 22-year-old could inject some much-needed youth into a crucial area of the midfield, where Fred and Casemiro are both in their 30s with the latter in the final seasons of his career.

When comparing Fred's output this season to the Uruguayan ace, it is clear that Ugarte has outperformed his positional peer in several attributes including pass completion rate (91.6% vs 79.1%), progressive passing (120 v 76), successful take-ons (54.8% v 37.5%), tackles and interceptions won (178 v 66) and aerial duels won (62.5% v 50%), as per FBref.

Bringing in a player who not only improves upon Fred's impact on the team but provides Casemiro with a young and energetic midfield partner could cause trouble for their opponents next season and boost their chances of progressing comfortably across the many competitions they will be competing in from European football to domestic cups.

It has been reported this week that the Sporting CP star – hailed a "warrior" by talent scout Jacek Kulig – is excited by the prospect of a move to Old Trafford, which should put them in a great position to secure his signature over their competitors this summer.

With that being said, the signing of Ugarte would be a major coup for Man Utd as it could provide them with a young talent who could occupy an important position in the team for years to come and provides Casemiro with a reliable collaborator to work alongside him.

Arsenal are now in pole position to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, and they are expected to reignite their interest in the summer, according to a report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Arsenal board will hand Mikel Arteta a summer transfer budget of £150m, according to The Independent, and the manager's main priority will be bringing in a new midfielder, with West Ham United's Declan Rice emerging as the main target.

Given that West Ham are expected to demand £100m for Rice, the England international is affordable, however signing him would deplete a large chunk of the transfer budget, leaving Arteta with limited funds to strengthen elsewhere.

As such, the manager could look at bringing in a lower-cost alternative, with Southampton's Romeo Lavia "on the radar", according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, while Caicedo is another potential option.

At the start of May, it was reported that the Gunners were set to make an offer for the Ecuadorian, and they seemingly have a good chance of landing him, with Football Insider now reporting they are in pole position for his signature.

Despite Chelsea also sharing a long-term interest in the Brighton star, it is the north London club that are currently leading the race, and they are expected to reignite their interest in the upcoming window.

The Seagulls are now resigned to losing the 21-year-old, who is valued at £70m – £80m, and they have already found a replacement in Bourssia Dortmund's Mahmoud Dahoud.

Should Arsenal sign Rice or Caicedo?

Caicedo could be as much as £30m cheaper than Rice, and there are indications he could be better than the Englishman, at least in a defensive sense, having made far more tackles in the Premier League this season.

The starlet has made the second-highest number of tackles in the entire top flight, while he has also recorded a superior pass-completion rate over the past year, averaging 88.4% per 90, compared to 86.3% from Rice.

That said, the Ecuador international does have very limited attacking attributes, recording just one goal and one assist in all competitions this season, with the West Ham star amassing nine goal contributions.

As such, while Rice is likely to cost far more money, he is a more well-rounded player, and he is far more proven in the Premier League, having made over 200 appearances in the competition, while Caicedo has made just 42.

Rain helped Yorkshire notch their first NatWest T20 Blast win of the season by just one run against Derbyshire at Headingley

ECB Reporters Network19-Jun-2016
ScorecardAdam Lyth continued his good form as Yorkshire sneaked to victory on DLS•Getty Images

Rain helped Yorkshire notch their first NatWest T20 Blast win of the season by just one run against Derbyshire at Headingley. Chasing a modest 154 target, Yorkshire were 67 for 3 in nine overs when light rain swept across the ground, exactly the score they required to win the game under the Duckworth Lewis Stern method.After losing their first three matches in the competition and then having two no-results, this was just the result that bottom-of-the-table Yorkshire needed and it brought some comfort to the 7,114 fans who turned out on a dreary afternoon.Put in to bat, Derbyshire were never able to bring any real momentum to their innings and they were partly held in check by offspinner, Azeem Rafiq, who has been brought back to Yorkshire on contract until the end of the season. Man-of-the-match Rafiq, who was the county’s Twenty20 captain for a spell, was playing his first game in almost exactly two seasons and he was brought back after some impressive performances with the 2nd XI.”It was a brilliant day for me but it was even more important that we got over the line,” Rafiq said. “I really enjoyed myself and it was nice to get a wicket with my fourth ball. Kane had the idea in his mind to bring me on early and he mentioned it to me before the game, so I was ready for it when I came on.”I have been playing for Yorkshire seconds for the last couple of weeks and feel in a good rhythm and I am happy where my cricket is at. I was asked by second team coach Ian Dews if I wanted a game or two and I jumped at the chance.”Rafiq struck with only his fourth delivery having come on at 18 for the loss of Neil Broom’s wicket. His second ball was smacked for four by Chesney Hughes who then sliced him high to Liam Plunkett at cover.It became 35 for 3 in Rafiq’s next over as Hamish Rutherford was caught at deep mid-off by Adam Lyth for 15 and although Rafiq was less successful in a later spell he still finished with figures of 2 for 33 from his four overs and also held on to two good catches. Left-arm spinner Karl Carver also bowled well to claim 1 for 17 from three overs but the best figures were returned by Tim Bresnan who finished with 3 for 22.Too many of Derbyshire’s batsmen got out to miscued shots that sailed into the hands of waiting fielders and although Shiv Thakor reached 30 and James Neesham and Alex Hughes made it into the 20s no one played the big innings that the Falcons were looking for.The best stand was for the fifth wicket, Thakor and Neesham adding 44 together before Neesham skied Plunkett to Gary Ballance at cover, his 23-ball innings containing three fours and a six.Yorkshire’s one-day captain, Alex Lees, dropped himself from the match in order to accommodate the in-form Lyth who blasted centuries on consecutive days in 50-over matches last week, New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson, taking over the reins.With rain threatening, Yorkshire needed to keep up with the required rate and Lyth made sure that they did, hitting Wayne Madsen just over deep mid-on for four in the first over and driving a straight six off Ben Cotton. David Willey was lbw to Madsen for 8 to make it 26 for 1 in the fourth over but Lyth went on to blast Neesham for four and six while Williamson drove Madsen sweetly for six.Having faced 16 deliveries for his 30 from 16 balls with three fours and two sixes, Lyth attempted to reverse sweep Matt Critchley but missed and was lbw.Yorkshire had two of the best batsmen in the world together with Williamson and Joe Root at the crease. But with the score at 60 Williamson was out to a cruel piece of misfortune, Root driving the ball back to Alex Hughes who brushed it into the stumps with the Kiwi just out of his crease.With their strong batting line-up, Yorkshire would have been favourites to reach their target had not rain intervened but it was still a cruel way for Derbyshire to lose the match.Before the game began Yorkshire president, John Hampshire, and both teams lined up for a minute’s silence in memory of murdered Batley and Spen MP, Jo Cox, after which the crowd burst into spontaneous applause.