Fans online have been left rather excited after hearing that Liverpool ace Darwin Nunez could soon be wearing the number nine shirt, suggesting it will help him find a new level next season.
What number will Darwin Nunez wear next season?
The Uruguayan striker arrived at Anfield with big expectations after sealing a club-record £85m move from Benfica. And right away, he was pitted against Manchester City’s big summer signing, Erling Haaland.
For instance, ITV’s coverage of the Community Shield noted that he “struck first blood in the battle of the summer super-signings” after he scored in the 3-1 win while the Norwegian didn’t.
However, now we’ve reached the end of the season, it’s safe to say Haaland had a much better debut campaign in England than his opposite number.
Indeed, the City star won the treble and scored 52 goals in all competitions, while Nunez scored only 15 times and didn’t win anything else.
However, both men are relatively young and there is plenty more to see from the pair. With that in mind, the 23-year-old Liverpool ace will hope to improve next term – and one thing will be different right from the off.
Indeed, The Anfield Talk hinted online that Nunes will be taking the number nine shirt from the departing Roberto Firmino this summer.
It’s safe to say a number of Liverpool supporters are already hyped for next season and they seem to think this new kit number could help their striker explode into life.
They took to Twitter to make their points. Here are the best reactions…
Some even think this means Nunez will now outshine Haaland.
South Africa can console themselves with Russell Domingo’s assurance that offspinner Dane Piedt is not looking to go take the Kolpak route
Firdose Moonda06-Jan-20173:03
What is a Kolpak deal?
After the double blow of losing Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw to Kolpak deals, South Africa can console themselves with Russell Domingo’s assurance that offspinner Dane Piedt is not looking to go the same way.Piedt has lost ground to left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj in South Africa’s Test plans and according to his agent Francois Brink was, “considering all options including Kolpak” a few weeks ago but Domingo denied that despite Brink saying that he had not stopped the search altogether.”He said by no means was he ever signing Kolpak,” Domingo said. “He said he felt Cricket South Africa (CSA) have been really good to him.”Piedt has played seven Tests between August 2014 and 2016, a period of time during which he also suffered a serious shoulder injury. He was out of action for several months but when he regained fitness was considered for national selection again and Domingo said Piedt was happy with the way he had been treated. “He was injured for a long period of time and we told him to go on an SA A tour, play well and then he will make it into the national side. He has done that,” Domingo said.But he has not stayed there, prompting suggestions he may look for opportunity elsewhere. Piedt was not picked for the tour to Australia last November – left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi also went ahead of him as the second spinner – and was not considered for the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, primarily because the selectors feel he is too inconsistent. His average of 36.04 is one measure of that, Maharaj’s ability to tie up an end is another – he has an economy rate of 2.81 – but Domingo stressed that Piedt understands why he was left out and what he needs to do to get back in.”He has done okay without setting the world alight and we just feel right now that Keshav is the guy that we are looking at. But he is very comfortable where he is.”Piedt was named interim captain of his franchise, Cobras, who have undergone an overhaul in the last week. Their season began with players calling for Paul Adams to be removed as coach because they were unhappy with his handling of the team but the board backed Adams. Cobras did not win any of their first five first-class fixtures and several players, including Piedt, were sent on loan to other franchises in the T20 campaign, where they fared slightly better. Piedt was given to Titans but only played two matches for them and that is when talk of his exit started.Cobras have since redeployed Adams to a role in high performance and appointed Ashwell Prince as caretaker coach. Piedt has returned, along with batsman Omphile Ramela, who was captaining the first-class side in the first half of the season, but has handed over the reins. As far as Domingo is concerned, Piedt’s focus remains on getting the franchise back on track and trying to stake a claim for an international recall.”He has got a good challenge with the Cobras captaincy and he knows he is one of three or four options for us in the spin bowling world. As far as I know, he is not signing Kolpak.”Piedt’s agent, though, has not had any firm communication to stop looking for a deal in the UK but admitted they were not having much luck anyway. “I haven’t spoken to him about what the effects of him being made captain at Cobras will have on his mindset but he hasn’t instructed me to stop looking,” Brink told ESPNcricinfo. “We haven’t had any enquiries in a while. He understands that it’s difficult for an offspinner to get a deal in England.”Should Piedt stay, that would be a victory for South Africa’s administrators, who recognised that he needed an incentive and provided one. But it is not a reason for them to stop searching for ways to prevent other players from leaving. Tony Irish, chief executive of the South African Cricketers’ Association, joined Faf du Plessis in calling on CSA to provide more certainty – be it financial, contractual or something else – to the country’s players.”It’s disappointing to lose players of the calibre of Kyle and Rilee, but you can’t blame these players, or any of the Kolpak players, for going this route. They are going to environments where they believe they will be more secure in their careers,” Irish said. “The global cricket landscape offers alternative markets for players these days and this is a reality we must deal with. We need to look more critically at how we can make players more secure in the South African environment. This is not just about money but also about other issues that matter to players. Our top players are scarce resources in which CSA has invested and we have to look at a more effective retention strategy for them in South Africa.”
Arsenal are "on the verge of agreeing" a deal to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber alongside Kai Havertz, according to journalist Chris Wheatley.
Who will Arsenal sign this summer?
The Gunners currently have many plates spinning in north London, as manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu prepare for what will be a crucial 2022/2023 Premier League season.
Arsenal are trying to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice, but having seen their most recent bids rejected for the player, a third attempt is in the pipeline for a top target.
Meanwhile, Havertz is thought to be joining Arteta's side, as a wide variety of reliable sources have confirmed as much in the last few days – including the likes of Fabrizio Romano.
Arsenal have apparently reached an agreement to sign the German for around £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons, but reporter Wheatley says they're closing in on another deal after him.
Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber.
Indeed, writing for London World, the journalist claims that they're "on the verge of agreeing" a move to sign Timber alongside Havertz – with both men nearing moves to Arsenal.
Wheatley reports that they have agreed personal terms with the Netherlands international, who is "set to make a £35 million move" from Ajax.
He claims that, although this exact fee is still to be fully negotiated and ironed out, there is real confidence that a deal for Timber will be finalised "in the coming days".
Who is Jurrien Timber?
The 22-year-old has been a mainstay for Ajax under manager Maurice Steijn, playing more Eredivisie minutes last season than any other player in their squad (WhoScored).
Chipping in with two goals and two assists in that time, Timber also averaged a higher pass accuracy than all of his teammates (91.7%), making him a credible candidate for Arteta's fluid, attack-minded system.
Liverpool star and international teammate Virgil van Dijk has seriously endorsed the young defender, calling him a "great player" and "true professional" (via 90min).
“I wasn’t nearly as far along as he is now [at the same age],” Van Dijk said.
“I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional.
“He has so much potential. Hopefully he can develop further. Then it will be all right, I think.”
As Arsenal look to shore up and challenge for another league title, Timber may well be a fantastic addition, if they manage to get it done.
With a third bid rejected for Mason Mount, Manchester United could be set to move on from trying to sign the Chelsea star as Erik ten Hag looks at alternative targets ahead of next season.
What’s the latest on Taylor Booth to ManUnited?
According to ESPN, the Old Trafford side could turn to FC Utrecht midfielder Taylor Booth as an enquiry has been made with regard to a potential move during the summer transfer window.
He has a contract at the Dutch side until 2025 and with no fee mentioned, it is unclear how much the American youngster could cost. Although, with Chelsea demanding around £58m, plus £7m in add-ons for Mount, Booth will be valued at a cheaper sum.
Who is Taylor Booth?
Following Chelsea’s recent demands, a move is looking unlikely now, despite the Englishman favouring a move to the Red Devils, and the Dutchman will have to turn to other targets before it’s too late.
Booth was first linked with United way back in February, but it appears as though these links have never gone away, and he could now be an ideal alternative to Mount.
Over the previous 365 days, Booth has displayed his attacking attributes by ranking in the top 2% for progressive carries per 90 (3.25), top 11% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.45) and top 17% for total shots per 90 (1.56) across the next eight leagues in Europe and these figures suggest that he enjoys getting the ball forward as often as possible, while enjoying great success at one on one duels.
Mount, across the big five European leagues, comparatively ranks in the top 15% for progressive carries per 90 (2.41), top 8% for total shots per 90 (2.02) and in just the top 40% for successful take ons per 90 (0.86), indicating that Booth would be a more than adequate alternative for the Englishman.
Chelsea's Mason Mount
The 22-year-old has already earned two caps for the United States and enjoyed a stellar campaign for Utrecht last season where he contributed two goals and four assists and showed his versatile nature by playing across four positions and this could be a bonus for Ten Hag should he turn his attention towards the youngster.
His form during 2022/2023 led broadcaster Maximiliano Bretos to state that he was now “getting the rock star treatment at Utrecht” but with only 46 senior appearances behind him, he is still very much in the embryonic stages of his career.
The 5 foot 8 gem may not be the finished article yet, but Ten Hag could take his game to the next level should he move to United, no doubt about it.
Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh began Australia’s tour of India with brisk centuries on the first day of their warm-up game against India A in Mumbai
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Feb-2017 ScorecardSteven Smith and Shaun Marsh struck boundary-laden centuries on the first day of Australia’s warm-up game against India A at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Smith and Marsh, at Nos. 3 and 4 respectively, both retired out soon after reaching their hundreds and the Australians went to stumps at 327 for 5.After India A chose to field, David Warner began in sprightly fashion, hitting four fours in his 25 before he was caught behind off 25-year old seamer Navdeep Saini. Matt Renshaw was more sedate: making a 11 off 41 balls. Subsequently, Smith and Marsh added 156 together to carry the Australians along in the middle session. Smith made 107 with 12 fours and a six, while Marsh made 104 with 11 fours and a six.Peter Handscomb, at No. 5, got in some useful batting time too, playing 70 deliveries for his 45. Mitchell Marsh and Matthew Wade were unbeaten at the close of play on 16 and 7 respectively.”Everyone got a bit out of it today, which was great,” Marsh told reporters at stumps. “As individuals and as a team, it always gives you a bit of confidence when you have a good day in a warm-up game. Smithy batted really well, and all the other batters got a bit out of it as well. So, it was a good day. Hopefully we can continue that over the next couple of days and make sure we’re ready to go [for the Test against India] next week.”The pitch and conditions were relatively tame for Marsh’s maiden first-class game in India. “It nibbled a bit early, it was a bit damp. But as the day went on, it was quite nice to bat and spend some time out there against the quicks and the spinners.” But he knew that could change quite quickly.”I haven’t played Test cricket over here yet. But they’ll take spin, like Sri Lanka did the last year,” Marsh said. “So we know what wickets we’re going to get. It’s just about being ready for it and players having a really strong game plan and sticking to it. Just challenging each other, it’s going to be good fun.”
Newcastle United are moving forward in their pursuit of Harvey Barnes, with 90Min reporting that the Toon are now in talks with Leicester over a potential deal for the winger.
How many goals has Harvey Barnes scored for Leicester?
The Foxes forward was on top form for his club during the Premier League last season, bagging 13 goals for his side in just 32 starts. He also bagged an assist along the way – and it meant that he had the second most goal contributions in the squad. He massively outperformed his xG rate when he needed to (he was only predicted to score 8.9 based on the quality of his chances) and his goal contribution rate of 0.46 per 90 was also the second-best in the team for those who started 25 games or more.
The 2022/23 season therefore marked his best in terms of league goals. Prior to that campaign, he had never hit a double-digit tally. When Leicester needed him to produce the goods then in order to fight against the drop, the 25-year-old stepped up to the plate, and while it wasn't enough to keep them afloat in the top flight, it has now led to interest in keeping him in the top flight away from the Foxes.
Are Newcastle United signing Harvey Barnes?
Newcastle have been heavily linked with a transfer deal for Barnes, whilst Aston Villa have also reportedly been in the running to try and snap him up this summer. It is the Toon though who appear to be the frontrunners, with a recent report suggesting that they had already been in contact over a potential deal.
Now, according to a report from 90Min, Newcastle have further advanced their pursuit of the player. That's because they are now in formal discussions with Leicester over a switch for the forward, who will be a replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin. It adds that West Ham are in negotiations as well, but the Toon have indeed moved onto the discussion stage for Barnes and it means that a deal is progressing in the right direction.
The once-capped England international has regularly been on the receiving end of praise from those in the game – journalist Josh Bunting stated last year that Barnes was "excellent" and his goal tall showcases that, while Brendan Rodgers once said the 25 year-old is "incredible" and can "score in every game".
He was indeed one of the shining lights in a torrid campaign for Leicester. When compared with other players in his position across the big five European leagues, Barnes ranked in the 94th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90, also sitting in the top half of wingers for shots, progressive carries and aerial duels, painting the picture of an all-action player who will get stuck in for Eddie Howe and create dangerous opportunities.
With Saint-Maximin linked with a departure this summer and the Magpies set for additional fixtures with their return to European football, adding a player with the pace, directness, durability and end product of Barnes could make all the difference when the games come thick and fast.
Nathan Lyon took four wickets after tea to prevent India from setting up a substantial first-innings lead, as the hosts finished the second day 52 runs behind with four wickets in hand
The Report by Daniel Brettig26-Mar-2017 Scorecard and ball-by-ball details3:09
Chappell: India lacked proactivity against spin
Bounce giveth, and bounce taketh away. Nathan Lyon took his opportunity to use the extra vertical lift available in Dharamsala and work his way through India’s middle order, but a pair of dropped catches from Matt Renshaw at either end of the day prevented Australia from getting full reward from their toil on the second day of the fourth Test.Five 50s, no 100s
5 Scores of 50-plus for KL Rahul in this series – the joint-most by an India batsman without scoring a century. Before this series, Rahul had converted four of his five fifties into centuries.
1316 Runs for Cheteshwar Pujara in Tests in the 2016-17 season – the second-most for any batsman in a season. The highest is Ricky Ponting’s 1483 in 2005-06. Pujara’s 12 50-plus scores in the season are also the joint second-most.
54 Runs for Karun Nair in four innings – with scores of 26, 0, 23 and 5 – since his unbeaten triple-century against England.
63 Wickets for Nathan Lyon against India – the joint second-most for any spinner. He is equalled with Lance Gibbs and trails Muttiah Muralitharan by 42 wickets.
10 India players to achieve the double of 1000-plus runs and 100-plus wickets in Tests. Ravindra Jadeja became the 10th to do so. He also completed 500 runs and 50 wickets in the 2016-17 season.
The pitch offered more bounce to the touring bowlers than at any other time in the series, while Dharamsala’s altitude helped the ball swing more or less all day. Lyon duly adjusted his approach to seek maximum overspin, and in a long spell after tea claimed four wickets to reduce India’s chances of building a substantial lead.It might have been even better for Australia, were it not for Renshaw at first slip failing to react in time to a KL Rahul edge while the ball was still new in the first hour, then making a mess of a more straightforward chance offered up by Wriddhiman Saha in Pat Cummins’ first over with the second new ball. Cummins’ anguished reaction underlined how hard he and Josh Hazlewood had toiled, in defence of a total that has left the game open to either side with three days remaining.Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara played India’s most substantial innings’, while the stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane offered an approach of polar opposites – attacking the pacemen and offering a dead bat to the spinners. Pujara had seemed capable of emulating his Ranchi effort, but fell prey to Lyon’s bounce shortly after tea as Australia’s No. 1 offspinner found lovely rhythm to pose questions to all comers.Hazlewood came exceptionally close to a wicket with his second ball of the day, when M Vijay’s checked drive fell fractionally short of David Warner at mid-off. It was not a moment representative of the rest of the morning, as the ball flew through to Matthew Wade with more venom that at any other time over these four Tests.Amid the occasional verbal barb from bowler to batsman, Vijay edged Hazlewood just short of Wade, before touching another delivery behind that carried rather more comfortably to present Australia with their first wicket. Next over, Renshaw was unable to get more than fingertips to a flying edge from Rahul.Nathan Lyon claimed four wickets after tea•Associated PressThere were more good deliveries to follow and scoring was slow, but Pujara and Rahul were happy to reach the break without further loss. They accelerated notably on resumption, threatening momentarily to take control of the game.Cummins was recalled to the attack to try to make something happen, and he obliged by getting at Rahul with a combination of short balls and verbal rejoinders. Eventually, Rahul was coaxed into trying a hook shot at a bouncer pitched well outside off stump, and the resulting toe-end miscue lobbed gently to an exultant David Warner.Runs became harder to come by after an initial burst from Rahane, as Lyon and Steve O’Keefe concentrated on economy. But only one chance of any sort was generated – an lbw appeal by Lyon against Rahane that was turned down by the umpire Ian Gould and not reviewed. Ball-tracking showed the delivery would have gone on to strike the top of leg stump but remained umpire’s call.Australia did not have long to wait in the evening session, however, as Lyon’s bite drew an inside edge onto pad from Pujara that was well held by Peter Handscomb diving forward from short leg. Karun Nair, never comfortable at the crease this series, fell in similar fashion albeit on the back foot rather than the front.Lyon’s attack on Rahane was fascinating, as he varied quicker, straighter deliveries threatening the outside edge with loopier stuff devised to spin and catch the inside edge. Ultimately, it was one of the former offerings that found the edge and was exceptionally taken by Smith at slip, just as Rahane and R Ashwin had been threatening to build a partnership of value.Ashwin had played his best innings of the series, but then failed to get forward far enough to avoid being given lbw by Gould. A review showed the ball had struck Ashwin marginally in line with the stumps and was going on to strike middle. Lyon’s first ball to Jadeja then turned and kicked, striking Wade in the shoulder.A pair of meaty blows from Jadeja in the thin Himalayan air were enough for Smith to call upon Cummins to take the second new ball, and an exploratory first five deliveries led to a perfectly-pitched sixth that Saha edged. It sailed at comfortable catching height to Renshaw, but bounced out of his hands. A pensive Australian viewing area were left to hope that this would not be a pivotal moment of the match and the series.
Aston Villa are interested in Roma defender Roger Ibanez, if reports regarding Unai Emery’s defensive master plan are to be believed.
The Spaniard is down to the small print in his pursuit of bringing former player Pau Torres to Villa Park, with news last week reporting that a fee had been agreed between the club and the defender.
Emery’s ploy to bolster his defence could be far from over, with reports earlier this week claiming that the Villans may opt to make a move for Roma centre-back Ibanez.
The Brazilian is said to be a wanted man in the Midlands, with Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport – relayed by TEAMtalk – claiming last weekend that the club are ‘ready’ to present an opening offer to the Serie A side for the defender who is said to be valued between €25m and €30m (£21m and £26m).
Despite being a solid performer for I Giallorossi, the 24-year-old could be sold to ensure that the club meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions, with Ibanez seen as the ‘primary source of revenue’, via RomaPress.
Villa aren’t the only Premier League club eyeing the talent, with Tottenham also heavily linked to signing the defender this summer.
Where could Roger Ibanez fit in at Aston Villa?
Once lauded as “untouchable” by Roma boss Jose Mourinho, the 24-year-old has received high praise from a figure that has coached some of the world’s most prolific talents.
Villa are planning a revolution under the guidance of Emery after confirming European football for next season with a seventh place Premier League finish.
Signing long-term target Torres has added significant star power to the Spaniard’s back line, with himself and Monchi hoping to bring big-name talents to the Midlands in the bid to take the club to the next step.
Described by members of the media with tactical and analytic knowledge as “aggressive and proactive”, Ibanez could be not just the perfect partner for Torres, but the ideal heir to Tyrone Mings, who could see his time in the squad fizzle out during the revamp.
The Englishman has been rejuvenated under Emery, however, links to Ibanez could spell a nearing of the end of the road for the 30-year-old, who as supported by numbers, has not performed to the level of the Villa target over the last season.
When comparing the two centre-backs on their respective 2022/23 campaigns, it’s clear to see why the Villans are interested in Ibanez, who would be an upgrade to the back line at Villa Park.
Roma's Roger Ibanez
As per FBref comparisons, the Brazilian averaged 2.12 interceptions and 2.16 tackles per 90 in Serie A with the Englishman falling short with an average of 1.54 interceptions and 0.43 tackles per 90 for Villa in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old’s defensive strengths are elevated in comparison to Mings, who fell short to his 1.03 average of dribblers tackled per 90, scoring just 0.43 per 90 in this area, displaying the Roma ace’s inquisitive nature.
Acting as a reliable figure in the back line, Ibanez averaged an impressive 7.02 ball recoveries per 90 to the Villa defender’s 4.97, once more showing his prowess over the 30-year-old, via FBref.
Emery could strike gold this summer by upgrading his defence with the likes of Torres and Ibanez, who have acted as two warriors in their respective leagues. As such, they are deals that could show the progressive direction of Villa’s plans going forward.
Marchant de Lange, the South Africa fast bowler, has joined Glamorgan on a three-year deal
Peter Miller04-Apr-2017Marchant de Lange, the South Africa fast bowler, has joined Glamorgan on a three-year deal. He has secured the lengthily-delayed move a few days before the start of the county season through his wife holding a British passport.De Lange meets the criteria to be a Kolpak registration on the basis that as a South African he benefits from the free trade agreement with EU – and therefore does not count as overseas. But unlike the clutch of South Africans who have entered county cricket this season by this route, he would not have qualified for a Tier 5 visa based on his limited number of international appearances, so his wife’s British passport was essential in him obtaining clearance.”I’m 100% committed to playing in English cricket,” de Lange told ESPNcricinfo. “I left South Africa behind. It is something in the past now. Moving forward it is really a privilege to be here, and to play as a local here and as overseas South Africa. For the first season I am definitely going back to South Africa, I am contractually bound to play for the Knights as an overseas player, but moving forward this will be my home and this will be where I am based.”De Lange’s international record amounts to two Tests, four ODIs and six T20Is for South Africa. His two Tests came in 2011 – when he took 7 for 81 on debut against Sri Lanka – and 2012, while his last international appearance was against England in an ODI last February.In the recently concluded South Africa domestic season for Knights he claimed 35 wickets at 28.31 in the Sunfoil Series, 11 wickets in 10 Momentum One-Day Cup outings and nine wickets in seven T20 Challenge matches. He will be available for Glamorgan across all formats and is set for his debut in the opening Specsavers Championship match against Northamptonshire. His arrival will help ease the burden on Timm van der Gugten and Michael Hogen who admirably led the Championship bowling last season.”Marchant is a match winner. He has pace, aggression and he’s the right age and at the right stage of his career to make an impact for us,” Robert Croft, the Glamorgan head coach, said. “When you are looking at winning matches in four-day cricket, twenty wickets is the challenge and Marchant is a wicket-taker, but his performances in one-day cricket have also been impressive and he will be a great addition to our squad.”Although not a Kolpak, de Lange joins a lengthy list of South African internationals to have shifted their careers to England during the off-season: Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw (Hampshire), Hardus Viljoen (Derbyshire), Simon Harmer (Essex), Rilee Rossouw (Hampshire), David Wiese and Stiaan van Zyl (Sussex) and Dane Vilas (Lancashire).”Personally I don’t want to go into detail about why guys are turning their backs on South African cricket,” said de Lange. “That is based on personal decisions. Obviously, around the world everyone knows what is going on. It is just a personal choice that I made and I am really happy to be here.””I’ve not had a lot of experience of English conditions, and stuff like that, but I am really eager to test my skills and see how far I can get. I think even if you have got a bit of pace it is beneficial if you can swing the ball both ways.”I would like to stay here and play for as long as possible for Glamorgan. It is really a big honour to play for them and to be part of Glamorgan. If there is further things in the future that I can play at a higher level that is definitely one of goals, playing as a local in England.”
Ian Bell’s first century for Warwickshire in 13 months was all in vain as his side went down to Worcestershire in the Royal London Cup
ECB Reporters Network12-May-2017 ScorecardIan Bell’s return to form brought no joy•Getty ImagesIan Bell’s first century for Warwickshire in 13 months was all in vain as his side went down to Worcestershire in a high-scoring North Group game in the Royal London One-day Cup at New Road.Last year’s tournament winners seemed to have thrown off the shackles by romping to 304 for 5 in a match reduced to 45 overs-a-side but their neighbours reached a revised target of 241 in 34 overs to win by three wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis method.Bell said: “The hundred felt good but in a losing cause,it doesn’t mean a great deal. Individual stuff is great, isn’t it, but winning is what we are about, so it was has been tough for that.”This was a great toss (for Worcestershire) to win. There was a lot of seam movement in that first 10 or 15 overs. We could been six down for not many. I thought Rikki Clarke was fantastic and we did well to get 300.”While Bell had many years as a top-drawer batsman for England, Worcestershire’s Joe Clarke potentially has a similar career ahead of him and here he provided a glimpse of his ability with his first 50 of the season in any competition.The 20-year put behind him a quiet start to the summer by hitting the first three balls he faced to the boundary and went on to transform the situation after Worcestershire had stumbled to 57 for 4 in the first nine overs.While Clarke’s driving was a feature in making 56 from 51 balls, the game-changer was wicketkeeper Ben Cox, who took a chunk out of the New Road stand facia with a six off Ateeq Javid in his dash to 49 from 41 balls.Jeetan Patel ended a partnership of 81 in 11.3 overs when Cox was lbw, playing across a straight ball, but Worcestershire kept going with three sixes in John Hastings’ 36 and a second maximum for Ross Whiteley (35 not out) in completing the win with 13 balls to spare.Worcestershire return to second place in the North Group but Warwickshire are rooted to the bottom after losing six of their seven matches.Young seamer Grant Thornton did his best to keep the Edgbaston team in contention, Clarke among his return of four for 42 when pulling to mid-on.Bell’s innings was the key factor in what began as a good day for Warwickshire. This was a classy performance from start to finish and fully befitting of a batsman who played in 161 one-day internationals.After a delayed start, Warwickshire could easily have fallen off course. They lost Jonathan Trott, caught behind off Hastings in the third over, and then Sam Hain was caught and bowled by Ed Barnard after making 34.Bell contented himself with four boundaries in a steady but hugely valuable half-century. It was Tim Ambrose who first upped the rate, punching 43 from 56 balls in a stand of 82 before popping up a simple catch from a half-checked shot.This was a first wicket for Brett D’Oliveira and the young leg-spinner soon had a second when Aaron Thomason holed out to Barnard at long-off.However, Warwickshire quickly turned this into a profit as Rikki Clarke set the ball rolling for a tidal wave which ultimately raised 112 from the last 10 overs and as many as 60 from the last four.The powerful all-rounder clumped six sixes in an unbeaten 84 from 52 balls and in all put on 126 in 13.5 overs with Bell, who was finally out for 104 (129 balls, nine fours) when driving Hastings straight to Daryl Mitchell at cover.The rain arrived on cue in the interval but fortunately it did not last as long as some had forecast. The reduction in overs prompted debate. Some thought it made Worcestershire’s task easier, others felt seven-an-over was tough.In the event they ran into difficulties. Moeen Ali edged Keith Barker’s second delivery, Mitchell chipped Thornton to deep square leg, Tom Kohler-Cadmore was caught behind attempting to pull Thornton and Barker’s return from long leg ran out D’Oliveira.