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Matt Coles, Charlie Shreck and Darren Stevens took three wickets apiece as Kent dominated the first day of their County Championship match against Northamptonshire

12-Apr-2012
ScorecardMatt Coles claimed 3 for 32 as Northamptonshire slumped to 132 all out after choosing to bat•PA Photos

Matt Coles, Charlie Shreck and Darren Stevens took three wickets apiece as Kent dominated the first day of their County Championship match against Northamptonshire at Northampton.The home side were bowled out before tea for a paltry 132, with Alex Wakely top-scoring with 33 and Coles, who hit a hundred at No. 9 against Yorkshire last week, taking the best figures of 3 for 32. A partnership of 83 between West Indies international Brendan Nash and Ben Harmison then helped Kent to 127 for 3 at the close.Northamptonshire won the toss but they lost opener Rob Newton for 7 in the fifth over when he edged Mark Davies to James Tredwell at first slip. It was slow going during a chilly morning session and Stephen Peters was the next batsman back in the pavilion after being trapped lbw by Coles.Kyle Coetzer crawled to 11 off 60 balls before he fell cheaply by smashing Shreck to Nash at cover and captain David Sales was to perish on 13 in the penultimate over before lunch when his edge off Shreck was superbly taken at second slip by Tredwell diving low to his right.Shreck then picked up his third wicket in the ninth over of the afternoon when he pinned Ireland wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien lbw for 12. James Middlebrook threw his wicket away when he launched Coles high into the air and Kent captain Rob Key took the catch at midwicket.Chaminda Vaas lasted just three balls without scoring before he became Stevens’ first victim when he nudged him to Geraint Jones. Wakely then fell to Stevens, caught leg before, and the same man bowled Lee Daggett two balls later.The innings was brought to an end when David Willey, who provided some resistance with 24, was well caught by Davies at square leg off Coles.In reply, Kent lost Key in the eighth over when he was trapped lbw by Brooks and Scott Newman followed for 26 two overs later when he slashed Brooks to Middlebrook at gully. Harmison played confidently before he ran himself out when he was sent back by Nash and Willey made a direct hit from point.Nash then survived the remaining four overs with nightwatchman Davies to ensure their side will start tomorrow in a strong position.

ESPNcricinfo previews the IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab in Mumbai

The Preview by Nitin Sundar01-May-2011

Match facts

Monday, May 2 Mumbai
Start time 1600 (1030 GMT)Adam Gilchrist returns to the Wankhede, where he played one of his best Test innings back in 2001•AFP

Big picture

Having played only six games, Kings XI Punjab are in a far better position than their eighth place in the points table suggests. They will know, though, that they could have been much better off if not for defeats in their previous two games. The bowlers came a cropper in the run-fest against Delhi Daredevils, before the batting misfired against Kolkata Knight Riders. Punjab’s other problem is potential rustiness. They have played only twice in ten days, a luxury rarely afforded in a tournament with mind-bogglingly fast turn-arounds. Positions in the league have changed with the randomness of a top-end washing machine; the next few days could be Punjab’s chance to move up the ladder.Their defeat in Jaipur notwithstanding, Mumbai Indians have been a clinical and efficient juggernaut. If anything, they will be smarting from the drubbing at Rajasthan Royal’s hands. Sachin Tendulkar has had a couple of failures after a strong start to the tournament. Davy Jacobs and Ambati Rayudu have also gone off the boil in the last week. Punjab’s bowlers should brace for a strong resurgence. Their batsmen should find armoured toe-caps since Lasith Malinga will once again look to sling down those yorkers.

Form guide (most recent first)

Mumbai: LWWWW (third in points table)
Punjab: LLWWW (eighth in points table)

Team talk

Abhishek Nayar’s place in the Punjab XI will come under scrutiny. Paras Dogra or Mandeep Singh could come in if they look to bolster the batting. They might also choose to bench one of their three spinners, in which case either Piyush Chawla or Bipul Sharma will sit out.Mumbai might have run out of reasons to retain R Sathish. T Suman will consider himself unlucky if he misses out again.Predict the playing XIs for this match. Play ESPNcricinfo Team selector.

In the spotlight

Paul Valthaty loves to get a half-step forward and hit cleanly through the line. Lasith Malinga loves to push batsmen like Valthaty into their crease with scorching yorkers. The former is from Mumbai. The latter plays for Mumbai. The real fans at the Wankhede will root for Valthaty. One way or the other, this mini-battle should be fun to watch.Adam Gilchrist played one of his most memorable Test innings at this very ground, back in 2001. He came up against Harbhajan Singh, on the threshold of greatness, and tamed him with an unforgettable assault. Ten years hence, Gilchrist has called time on an illustrious career, and enjoys himself in the IPL. Ten years hence, Harbhajan has managed to produce sparks of brilliance without reprising 2001. Expect fireworks when he runs in to Gilchrist on Monday.

Prime numbers

• Malinga has the most wickets (17), the best strike-rate (9.7) as well as the best average (9.64) in the tournament
• Harbhajan and Malinga have picked up two of the three five-fors in the tournament

The chatter

“They are the best team in the competition, no doubt about that. They have a star-studded line-up that includes some good Indian domestic talent.”

Junaid Siddique, the Bangladesh opener, has been ruled out of the unofficial four-day Test series against South Africa after injuring his hand while fielding on day two in Mirpur

Cricinfo staff25-Apr-2010Junaid Siddique, the Bangladesh opener, has been ruled out of the unofficial four-day Test series against South Africa after injuring his hand while fielding on day two in Mirpur. Junaid, captaining Bangladesh A, hurt himself while fielding in the slips and faces at least a ten-day lay-off.”He had three stitches in his right hand and needs at least 10 to 12 days to recover from it. There is no chance for him to play the second four-dayer also,” said the Bangladesh chief selector Rafiqul Alam.The second unofficial Test begins April 28. Bangladesh will then host a one-day tournament against South Africa A and West Indies A. They will then play two four-day games against West Indies A.

Victor Osimhen reportedly faces the threat of a fine at Napoli following his substitution outburst against Bologna.

Article continues below

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• Striker missed penalty in 0-0 draw
• Taken off towards the end
• Disagreed with decision of head coach

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Nigeria international, who helped to fire Napoli to Serie A title glory last season, did not take kindly to being hauled off with four minutes remaining in the goalless stalemate. He had earlier missed a penalty that could have wrapped up all three points for Rudi Garcia’s side.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Osimhen was caught on camera airing his frustration towards Garcia after seeing his number held up, with the 24-year-old frontman of the opinion that Napoli should have gone with two strikers while pushing for a late winner.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Garcia has said the details of a heated discussion will remain private, with claiming that club captain Giovanni di Lorenzo has been charged with the task of speaking to Osimhen about his behaviour. It is also reported that the African ace could now be fined as a result of his touchline rant.

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Napoli are eager to make it clear that no player is allowed to step out of line, or to question the decisions of head coach Garcia, with Osimhen having that pointed out to him during a chat with Di Lorenzo. A meeting between the star player and frustrated manager is due to take place at the club’s training ground on Monday.

The Blaugrana may have won La Liga, but that doesn't mean they are going to stand still in the transfer market in the coming months

All attention is geared towards Lionel Messi in Catalunya. Barcelona have, effectively, been preparing for this for months. All of their financial moves, stretching as far back as the retirement of Gerard Pique last November, have been coordinated for the chance of a Messi return.

And right now, it could go either way. The Blaugrana's finances are reportedly improving, but they have to sort out other, pre-signed, agreements before they can focus on Leo. By then, he might have lost patience with his boyhood club.

There are other options, too. Messi, ironically, comes at a position Barcelona don't really need upgrading. However, there are clear shortages at right-back and defensive midfield, with the legendary Sergio Busquets to replace. And while the soon-to-be-announced signing of free-agent centre-back Inigo Martinez is a start, bigger names are sure to be linked.

So, the Blaugrana want one player, and probably require a few others. And with their infamous financial woes starting to look slightly less crippling, there could be room for some moves this summer.

GOAL takes a look at the 10 players Barcelona are most likely to sign in the coming months…

(C)GettyImagesLionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Heard of him? The Messi saga seems to change every hour, but, fundamentally, Barcelona want him and Messi wants to go. Everything hinges, it appears, on the Blaugrana's finances. Their financial viability package was reportedly approved by La Liga, but the Spanish giants have to complete the registrations of a number of players before they can turn to their club legend.

They will rely on Messi to wait, it appears, something the Argentine has given little indication he will do. One to watch (if you weren't already)…

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesIlkay Gundogan (Man City)

Gundogan seemed poised for a City exit just a few weeks ago, having failed to agree a new contract. But rumours have since cropped up that the Germany midfielder might want to stay in Manchester, and that would complicate what, at one point, seemed a very straightforward Barcelona deal.

The club have a concrete interest in the centre-midfielder, and he would certainly offer quality to the Barca engine room. If he shoots down City's offer — a real possibility — the Blaugrana could snap him up.

GettyVitor Roque (Athletico Paranaense)

Everyone would seemingly like Vitor Roque, but not everyone can afford him. He isn't the first Brazilian teenager to be compared with Ronaldo, and he certainly won't be the last, but his electric pace and finishing ability certainly evoke memories of the legendary striker.

The Blaugrana don't need a No.9 immediately, but Vitor won't quite be ready for top-flight European football for a year or two, anyway, and by that time, Robert Lewandowski will be in the twilight of his career.

But other clubs share similar thinking. Arsenal and Real Madrid are both also interested, but all three need impact players now. Would they be willing to splash €45 million (£39m/$49m) on someone who isn't yet ready?

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Getty ImagesRuben Neves (Wolves)

Neves reportedly divides opinion inside the Barcelona boardroom. Club president Joan Laporta is a massive fan, and sees the Wolves midfielder as the ideal pivot to replace the outgoing Busquets. Xavi, though, isn't quite as convinced and would prefer other options.

Whether he's first choice for the spot or not, there have been a number of concrete links to the Portugal international, who has made it clear he wants out of Molineux— and would like a Barcelona move. Everything could come together at the right price.

Fans will decide the order of this year’s GOAL50 lists but our correspondents are also sharing their preferences during the voting period

With voting under way in this year’s GOAL50, fans around the world are having their say on which men’s and women’s players had the best 2021. 

Our team of correspondents are also having their say, revealing their GOAL50 preferences this week. 

Women's football correspondent Ameé Ruszkai has compiled her list, which you can see below…

10Ashley LawrenceDefenders can be overlooked during award season but Ashley Lawrence was superb this past year and one of only a few players to star in successful teams for club and country -winning the league with Paris Saint-Germain and Olympic gold with Canada. A full-back who defends as well as she attacks, she deserves all the recognition she's getting.AdvertisementGetty9Lieke MartensAfter some difficult spells with injuries, Lieke Martens took her game to the another level this year. She doesn't always start for Barcelona's star-studded team, which takes her down a few places, but she always makes huge contributions – scoring twice in the Champions League semi-finals and shining in the final as they won the treble.Getty8Kadidiatou DianiThe best player in France last season, Kadidiatou Diani's brilliance can often go unnoticed as the statistics don't do her justice. The winger's intelligent movement off the ball, excellent footwork and positivity in possession made her not only excellent to watch, but helped PSG win their first-ever Division 1 Feminine title.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty7Vivianne MiedemaLast season wasn't Arsenal's best, and therefore wasn't Vivianne Miedema's best, but she still scored a ton of goals and shattered plenty of records. How she contributes in the build-up, on and off the ball, can be forgotten because of those stats, too. Watching her play is to wonder what she can't do.

Sussex opener Chris Nash has credited wearing a helmet with a fixed grille from preventing a broken nose

Alan Gardner at Hove19-Apr-2016

Sussex opener Chris Nash has credited wearing a helmet with a fixed grille from preventing a broken nose after he was hit on the head while batting in the County Championship match with Essex at Hove.The issue of ECB safety regulations requiring players to wear helmets that comply with a new British Safety Standard has come sharply into focus this week. England Test captain Alastair Cook, who is playing in this match, wore a new-style helmet for the first time in Essex’s first innings – scoring 1 from five balls – and has been reluctant to make the switch.Cook’s former England team-mate Jonathan Trott also batted in an old-style helmet on Monday during Warwickshire’s match with Middlesex at Lord’s, before switching to an ECB-approved design on Tuesday and going on to record a double-century.Nash was hit when trying to hook a Jamie Porter bouncer at the start of his second innings. The ball struck Nash on the peak of the helmet, leaving him with a scratch on the bridge of his nose, but he was able to continue after a few minutes’ treatment, eventually making 92.”The new helmet definitely helped as they claim the grille is immovable and it proved that today,” Nash said. “I was very fortunate to get hit and be able to carry on so all credit to the new helmet.”I think it would have gone through with the old-style helmet because there is a bigger gap in the grille so I wouldn’t be looking quite so pretty now. I’m pretty sure it would have broken my nose.”Nash, who scored 119 in Sussex’s first innings, has been using a helmet with a non-adjustable grille for the last two seasons. The change to ECB regulations came in this year, in an effort to minimise injuries caused by balls bursting through the gap between the grille and the peak of the helmet. Craig Kieswetter was forced to retire last year after being hit in the eye by a short-pitched delivery, while Stuart Broad suffered a broken nose while batting against India at Old Trafford in 2014.Cook has reportedly expressed his dissatisfaction with the new designs due to the reduced field of vision but he will have another chance to get used to the change when Essex bat again in the second innings at Hove.

West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin faced questions about his leadership after presiding over a second hefty defeat to Australia in as many matches

Daniel Brettig in Kingston14-Jun-20152:00

‘I did not stand up with the bat’ – Ramdin

West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin faced questions about his leadership after presiding over a second hefty defeat to Australia in as many matches, this time a 277-run mauling in three and a half days at Sabina Park.Ramdin top-scored for the hosts but it was the most measly of achievements, an innings of 29 serving only to ensure the West Indies managed to limp past three figures after at one point looking capable of emulating their dismissal for 51 by Australia at Trinidad in 1999.The abiding feeling was that the West Indies had slipped back into bad habits following the promise of a shared series against England, and plenty will wonder what effect Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s omission had on the dressing room, even if the 40-year-old’s supply of runs had dried up ahead of this encounter with Michael Clarke’s men. Certainly Ramdin looked wooden as a tactician, seldom reading the game in the optimal manner.”There’s a few bowling changes maybe when you look back at it, players who got starts and didn’t carry on,” Ramdin said. “Myself, not standing up with the bat as well, being able to contribute down the order. Some of our senior batters didn’t get off as we wanted to. Each series we look for a century from one of our top five and we didn’t get that. We need to go back to the drawing board.”They’re a good attack. They keep coming at us. We didn’t bat the amount of overs that we wanted to and they took all their chances. Everyone is disappointed. I think we didn’t bat as well as we wanted to, losing early wickets this morning. We had our plans to try to bat out the first hour and take into that afternoon session, bat out the day and return tomorrow, see how much we’d need. The Australians came at us all the time and they didn’t give us anything easy. That put us under some pressure.”Never was Ramdin’s captaincy more open to question than when he looked to have under-bowled a venomous Jerome Taylor on day one of the match at his home ground. Taylor took two wickets and did not conceded a run before lunch, but was restricted to a five-over new-ball spell before coming back to bowl a solitary over just before the interval.”When he bowled that long spell, when you look at our attack, you need to have him come back for a second spell,” Ramdin said. “That’s how it goes in cricket. Some guys need to step up. I don’t think Kemar Roach had the best of mornings that day. He came back on the second and third day. Other players just need to step up.”To some degree Ramdin was hamstrung by having only four bowlers at his disposal, whereas Australia’s consistent desire to play an allrounder provides them with far greater versatility. Jason Holder stepped up to top the West Indies batting averages this series, a sign he may well be ready to bat at No. 6.”The Caribbean gets very hot,” Ramdin said. “When you look at top teams they have an extra bowler in the top five in their batting lineup. That’s where we lack a fast bowler like a Watson or Ben Stokes or someone like that. Maybe if we can develop a player, our own player, like that, it’ll come in handy for us.”Jerome Taylor was bowling well for us in the last two series against England and Australia and there’s only so much one guy can do. I just hope the other guys can learn from that and step up.”

Match facts

Sunday, April 12, 2015
Start time 1600 local (1030 GMT)2:04

Agarkar: Big game ahead for Daredevils

Big Picture

It’s possible one of these teams has not spent on the entire squad as much as the other has on one player. Rajasthan Royals have shallow pockets but still deep resources. Delhi Daredevils have emptied their house season after season only to fail time and again, except during the first two seasons when they reached the semi-final; in 2008, they lost to, well, Royals. They have now lost 10 matches in a row, the last one against Chennai Super Kings, who were way off their best both with the bat and especially with the ball.Daredevils should be absolutely filthy with themselves for letting that opportunity go. There might be a core building, though: in Nathan Coulter-Nile, Imran Tahir and Amit Mishra they have an attack that will compete. Mohammed Shami and Zaheer Khan will surely be added to the mix at some point. Royals will have to work hard to score runs against them, but it is the Royals’ bowlers who will look to trip up the Daredevils batting. Tim Southee, Chris Morris, James Faulkner and Pravin Tambe could just as well be an international attack.There is enviable balance and power in the Royals side, but Daredevils will like to think they are not too far off it if only their batting can come together.

Watch out for…

Yuvraj Singh batted at No. 6 in Daredevils’ unsuccessful chase of 151 against Chennai Super Kings. The innings included a nice cover-drive, a leg glance, and three awkward pulls, the last of which got his wicket. There was expected rust in his batting, but it was argued – reasonably – that he batted too low. While keeping him for the crunch was an obvious show of faith in Yuvraj, he and JP Duminy at No. 7 left the top too inexperienced and the basket of these two left-hand batsmen couldn’t take the weight of all the eggs. There is merit in having a gun player for the end, but it might not be a bad idea to split the two, and have Yuvraj bat at No. 4, where he gets some time to build an innings. It will also give the inexperienced top order some confidence.This is a big season for Sanju Samson. Last year he came close to the Indian ODI team, and even travelled to England. MS Dhoni has quit Tests, and is showing signs of decline in limited-overs batting. There are going to be tours this year when Dhoni might rest. While Saha is the heir apparent in Tests, Samson will want to make sure he is the first man called up when Dhoni chooses to rest. And in India, IPL form plays a major role in ODI – sometimes, even Test – selection; just ask Karn Sharma who made a Test debut based on IPL performances.

Stats and trivia

• Royals lead the head-to-head against Daredevils 8-6, including wins in their last four meetings, and a 2-2 head-to-head at Feroz Shah Kotla
• The last time Yuvraj played against Royals, he scored 83 off 38 for Royal Challengers Bangalore, but so batting-friendly was that game that Royals won with seven balls to spare
• Mishra has got batsmen stumped 16 times in the IPL, which is four more than any other bowler
• Of the 15 times that a player has scored 40 or more and taken three or more wickets in the same IPL match, six have been by a Royals player

Quotes

“Last year I didn’t really know my role and played only a couple of games. I didn’t really get a handle on how to fit into the team. This year, I am glad to have played the first game. We’ll see how things unfold and take it from there.”

England have beaten India once in this triangular series on a pitch that had some extra bounce. They saw the BBL semi-final played at the WACA and the bounce they saw here has excited them

Sidharth Monga in Perth27-Jan-2015England have beaten India once in this triangular series on a pitch that had some extra bounce. While India earned a lifeline through rain in Sydney, England were in Perth where the final group match, now a virtual semi-final, will be played. They saw the BBL semi-final played at the WACA and the bounce they saw here has excited them.”The Gabba and WACA are the best two grounds we could have played India on, aren’t they?” England’s assistant coach Paul Farbrace said. “I think the bowlers will be running in excited about bowling on here. We watched the Twenty20 game here on Sunday and that was exciting to see the ball flying through, so I’d think the bowlers are looking forward to it. But equally it’s a great wicket to bat on. Once you get in with the pace and bounce it’s a very good place to bat as well.”Farbrace is happy his side’s bowlers are coming good too. James Anderson and Steven Finn rocked India, although they have yet to beat Australia. Stuart Broad hasn’t looked at his best either. “They are not far away,” Farbrace said. “I think every game they play helps. They both had quite a long break. Also this is the first time Broady has played ODIs since I’ve been involved. To have him back in is a big boost to the team. He gives us so any more bowling options.”Finny did so well in Brisbane, Woakes is doing well too. Woakesy is really a sign of where we are as a team. At the start of the summer against Sri Lanka he wasn’t in the team and he’s now almost one of your first picks and by playing consistently through the summer and selectors backing him he’s growing in confidence and his performances have improved. That’s what’s happening with the team as well. The more they play together the more they see their practice and work ethic is paying off I think they get a knock-on effect in games.”You also need to have quality in your team. Jimmy and Broady give you that real quality. Belly at the top of the order, Morgs the way he played in Sydney, fantastic quality. It’s great your senior players are making contributions and allowing the others to play with a bit more freedom.”Farbrace joined England in controversial circumstances, leaving his Sri Lanka job just before his former employers toured England. His experience from the times with Sri Lanka tells him Ian Bell as opener is a good choice.”When I was with the Sri Lankans they used to talk about Ian Bell as one of the best players in the world,” Farbrace said. “Sanga is a huge admirer of Ian Bell. He played with him a bit at Warwickshire a few years ago, and he’s always been a big admirer of Belly. That’s something we tend to forget sometimes – we do have high-quality players in our team. Belly is right up there and as good as anybody. The fact he’s responded so well to the huge disappointment of not playing as many games as he’d like in Sri Lanka and has played as well as he has done shows the quality of the player really. His innings in Hobart was right up there.”Without being bullish, Farbrace is hopeful about the World Cup because it is just a matter of winning three games once you have avoided the banana skins in the group stage. But the knockout matches are huge pressure, and Farbrace is glad England can give themselves an experience of two of them this week. India might have got a lifeline rather cheaply with the rain in Perth giving them two points, but Farbrace says England are not too worried.”The weather didn’t help us but it’s probably what we want because it means Friday is effectively a semi-final and we want to put the boys under pressure, and that’s what they’re going to be under on Friday,” Farbrace said. “We’ve talked a lot about developing and improvement but winning is the key and this is a chance for us to win a game and give ourselves another chance against Australia before the World Cup starts. I think we should be excited by the fact that effectively it’s a knockout game and an opportunity for the lads to show what they can do.”It would be nice to win back-to-back games, which we’re aiming to do. If we get through Friday and beat India we give ourselves a good chance of beating the Aussies on Sunday. Winning back-to-back games would give everybody a lot of confidence. I think the team have taken a lot of confidence from the way they have played so far from Sydney being 40 for 4 to then being 100 for 0 in Hobart was a great step forward. It gives confidence to the players, and that’s why winning games of cricket is the best way to get confidence. Yes it would be nice to play Australia again but if we didn’t and we beat them on the 14th of Feb I think we’d all take that. But without looking too far ahead, winning on Friday and giving ourselves to beat Australia on Sunday is where we should be looking to be.”