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A heated exchange put the South African “in the zone” as he hammered a belligerent century to win Jaffna their fourth title

Madushka Balasuriya22-Jul-2024Bhanuka Rajapaksa kept Galle Marvels in Sunday’s Lanka Premier League final with an 82 off 34 deliveries, but his most consequential role in the game might have been in riling up Rilee Rossouw.It’s not uncommon for athletes to search for added motivation in high-pressure contests. This was revealed about Michael Jordan, for example, in the Last Dance documentary, which showed him picking fights and sometimes even conjure slights out of thin air to help fuel his game.On Sunday, Rossouw might have just taken a page out of Jordan’s book, as he produced a knock of utmost belligerence – an unbeaten 106 off 53 deliveries – to fire Jaffna Kings to a fourth title in five years. The catalyst for Rossouw’s outstanding play, however, had taken place a little earlier.Related

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It was the 18th over of Galle’s innings, and Jaffna were reeling from Rajapaksa’s epic counter-attack which had peaked just minutes prior when he ransacked Charith Asalanka for 28 in a single over. With emotions fraying and Galle in the ascendancy, the third ball of the 18th saw Rajapaksa complete a single after Kusal Mendis’ throw had ricocheted off the stumps. So far, so innocuous.But when the second throw also deflected, this time off Rajapaksa just as he was creasing at the non-striker’s end, the point of contention arose as Rajapaksa turned and hurried through for a second run.The Jaffna players immediately protested, citing that the ball had deflected off the batter’s body. Rajapaksa, to his credit, had initially put his hand up to stop his partner Dwaine Pretorius from coming back for the second before eventually running once he realised his partner wasn’t stopping. He had even sought to seemingly apologise to his national mates, Mendis and Asalanka, but when the second bye was eventually awarded to Galle, matters boiled over.Rossouw, stationed at mid-off, took a particularly dim view of the incident during a heated exchange with Rajapaksa. Following this, the umpire ushered Rossouw and Jaffna skipper Asalanka over to address the matter, but Rossouw wasn’t backing down. Some amateur lip-reading suggested that the South African was pointing out that that he did indeed know the rules. He was then seen facing up to umpire Kumar Dharmasena as well, before proceedings eventually simmered down.But Rossouw was seething.

“Rilee had told Bhanuka that he had brought the game into disrepute, to which Bhanuka had responded – and then exchanged some words”Charith Asalanka

“Hundred per cent,” Rossouw said after the game when asked by Roshan Abeysinghe if his altercation with Rajapaksa had spurred him on. “People that know me don’t abuse me… it just puts me more in the zone.”As these words were uttered, the camera panned to a stone-faced Rajapaksa. Penny for his thoughts indeed. But boy was Rossouw in the zone. Nine fours and seven sixes meant 78 of his 106 came in boundaries, and some of those strokes exuded disdain – a couple of cross-batted swipes in particular had more than a tinge of anger about them.And so impactful was his knock, it shifted the pendulum considerably in terms of the Player of the Tournament stakes, moving away from tournament top-scorer Tim Seifert and Jaffna’s middle order enforcer Avishka Fernando – the overwhelming favourites pre-game – to Rossouw. His hundred, his second of the season, was by far his best and shot him up to second in the run-scoring charts, while his strike rate moved up enough notches to be the best of those in the top ten.Asalanka was questioned on the incident after the game as well, and he sought to play it down as would be expected.”Usually batters don’t run after something like that, but I think to give Rajapaksa the benefit of the doubt, he was called through for the second and he just responded,” he explained. “Rilee had told Bhanuka that he had brought the game into disrepute, to which Bhanuka had responded – and then exchanged some words.”But you suspect there was not much Rajapaksa could have said in any case to change the outcome. Rossouw, after all, had found his fuel.

A coalition of the tragics and the curious revel in the shape-shifting narrative arc of Test cricket

Danyal Rasool16-Mar-2022The fourth day is over, the bails taken off. The players and umpires head in. It’s been a one-sided Test in the extreme so far, but the first incipient signs that there might be more to this game have by now cropped up.Australia have set Pakistan 506 to win; so many it’s daft to even frame the contest in those terms. Australia have essentially given themselves two days to win their first-ever Test in Karachi. Given it took just 53 overs to get Pakistan out the first time around, the number of overs remaining, too, feels academic. But by the end of that fourth day, which began with the expectation that there would be no fifth, there are murmurs of life from a moribund Pakistan.Babar Azam has a hundred, and Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan’s new golden boy, is unflappable after surviving an early drop in the slips. The new ball has been seen off, but more importantly, so has the old, reversing ball. Pakistan have 192. They’re still 314 runs away. Daft as it might be to frame it this way, in Pakistan, that’s precisely what they do.Related

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The most delicious aspect of this anachronistic cricket format now takes over: the overnight anticipation. The fans spill out of the National Stadium, the mood uplifted, the irrational hope reinvigorated. They could draw the game, a barely creditable prospect a few hours ago, but could they even win it? Doing so would upset received wisdom about Test cricket, pitch science and the record books. So of course, Pakistan’s supporters go to bed thinking of little else.The sun rises over the port city once more, as unrelenting as it has been over the past four days. It is this unseasonal heat that made many, including Babar and Pat Cummins, suspect the pitch would long have broken up and the cracks split open. With seven of 23 wickets falling to specialist spinners, it hasn’t happened just yet. But as the sun bakes the square, there’s time still. Lots of it.The security checks on arrival at the stadium are thorough but by now a well-oiled machine; they take relatively less time. A man at the entrance asks with a wry smile, “So, what’s going to happen today?” It’s classic cricket small talk. He knows the answer is worthless, and yet there’s comfort in trusting it. You can only shrug; there is no answer.There’s a madness to the belief that Pakistan can go at nearly four runs an over in the fourth innings for 90 overs. Babar and Shafique appear to recognise that, scoring just six runs in the first five overs. And yet, the people working at the game – the press pack, the commentators, the presenters, many of whom have spent decades watching this sport without ever seeing anything like it – have the idea stuck firmly in their minds.

A man at the entrance asks with a wry smile, “So, what’s going to happen today?” It’s classic cricket small talk. He knows the answer is worthless, and yet there’s comfort in trusting it. You can only shrug; there is no answer

It’s what brings the fans out to the stadium, a coalition of the tragics and the curious slowly filling up the Hanif Mohammad and Fazal Mahmood Enclosures. The Majid Khan Enclosure at square leg teems with a large group of schoolchildren. It’s a brave decision from the school; they probably prioritise character-building.Mitchell Swepson, Australia’s debutant, bowls a couple of full-tosses that Babar puts away. They’re not characteristic of Pakistan’s shifting intentions, only indicative of the kind of day Swepson will have. They’ll be the first two of 14 full-tosses, which will go for 26 runs. They would be put away in the backyard, in school or club cricket, so might as well put them away here.There’s a serenity to that first session, it feels like the eye of the storm. As Babar and Shafique bat on, the subject of the target begins to be broached. It’s done tentatively initially, as you wonder whether the person next to you will engage with the idea or lose a little respect for you.When Shafique falls, shortly before lunch, playing perhaps his first loose shot since day 1 at Rawalpindi, it’s like an alarm clock going off, interrupting a pleasant dream. Reality begins to force its way into the spectators’ minds, like that party guest whose unwelcome, uninvited presence has killed the mood. Just 62 runs are scored in a 28-over first session. Austerity has properly kicked in.Pakistan braces for Australia’s onslaught. Too many of the scars inflicted on Pakistan cricket’s soul have come at Australian hands, and the most recent one hasn’t even healed yet. Here Australia are picking away at it once more. Mitchell Starc and Cummins have been tighter than a taxman’s purse all innings, and they move in for the kill against Fawad Alam, at sea against such high pace. He doesn’t last long, and Babar unites with Mohammad Rizwan once more. They were accused of being a touch defensive in the T20 World Cup semi-final; it is that very trait they will need to exhibit for much of the day now.The Australian players applaud as Babar Azam walks back after scoring 196•AFP/Getty ImagesSurvival is all they can aspire to through the middle session, but post-tea, Australia begin to tire and the wickets aren’t coming. They should, in all honesty, but the visitors have suddenly forgotten to catch a ball. Babar is dropped twice in two balls; Rizwan survives a close lbw shout. The prize dangles down once more, just out of reach. Pakistan need 196 for victory, 36 overs to do it in. It’s as ludicrous an idea as it ever was, but the energy of the whirring brains in the stands doing run-rate and feasibility calculations could have powered the floodlights for a day-night Test.You can’t accuse the batters of leading the supporters on; they may be crowd-pleasers, but they’re professional cricketers above all, and understand the line between positivity and foolhardiness. Babar punches Swepson away for four to move to 195; the crowd mistakes it for a gear-change. He is only putting a bad ball away.And then it happens. Babar bat-pads one to short leg four shy of 200, and before the applause has properly died down, Faheem Ashraf edges to Steven Smith at slip. The final attitude adjustment has happened; what was always impossible has finally been revealed as such. Pakistan are now content to exult in the smaller pleasures: Nauman Ali’s solid forward defence, Rizwan reaching his Test hundred an over before stumps. And, yes, a draw.It’s record-setting in its own right; not since the Timeless Test of 1939 has a side survived as many overs to save a game as Pakistan just did. The fans press up close against the raised barricades, yelling themselves hoarse as Rizwan and Babar embrace joyfully in front of them. They filter out into the twilight. They haven’t quite got the win, but the scenic route to the draw has left them sated.The man at the exit is different, but the wry smile is the same. “What happened today, huh?”What could you say that the cricket hasn’t already said? So you just shrug. There is, after all, no answer.

The Athletics will complete their first season in their temporary home of Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, Calif., against the Royals on Sunday.

Between their departure from their longtime home in Oakland and the move into their new stadium in Las Vegas expected by 2028, Sacramento is home. It may not feel that way, though, as they became known simply as the "Athletics" this season. The franchise's stopgap home is set to feel a bit more natural next season as they unveiled new alternate uniforms Sunday that proudly read Sacramento across the chest.

The new jerseys will seemingly replace the team's current gold alternates with the "A's" logo on the left chest. According to MLB.com's Martín Gallegos, the A's plan to wear their new Sacramento gold uniforms for every home Saturday game next season.

Just one of two MLB franchises without a City Connect uniform, the new jerseys are a no-brainer to further relate to their new city even if they will only be there for a couple more years. The Athletics' '25 campaign will come to a close Sunday as they finish the regular season near the bottom of the AL West with the Angels. There's plenty to be excited about, though, with strong rookie campaigns from Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson, plus the deadline deal where they acquired top prospect Leo De Vries by sending Mason Miller and JP Sears to the Padres.

Marcus Trescothick, England’s assistant coach, insisted that the team would continue to stick to their principles, and “remain focused on how we try and win the game” despite a gruesome day with bat and ball at the Gabba that has left them on the brink of a 2-0 deficit in the Ashes.Speaking to TNT Sports shortly after the close of the third day’s play, Trescothick said that the team remained “fairly philosophical about what we’re trying to do”, but added that they were “not quite operating as we need to at the moment”, after a collapse of 6 for 80 in the floodlit evening session had torpedoed their hopes of overturning a 177-run deficit with wickets in hand.As had been the case in the first Test at Perth, England’s collapse came after a strong start to their second innings, and was largely of their own making. After reaching the dinner interval on 48 for 0, Ben Duckett was unlucky to be bowled by a ball from Scott Boland that kept low, but Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley then departed while driving on the up to Michael Neser – precisely the flawed shot selection that had left to a match-turning collapse of 3 for 0 in the series opener.It ran counter to the call from England’s first-innings centurion Joe Root, for his team-mates to “express themselves in the right way”, and whereas he’d salvaged the innings from 5 for 2 on the first day, this time he had no response. Mitchell Starc had been successfully negotiated by the openers but returned to prise Root out for 15, and when Harry Brook and Jamie Smith were extracted before the close, England still trailed by 43 runs with just Ben Stokes and Will Jacks of their recognised batters remaining.”They’ve been better than us today, and they’ve dominated today,” Trescothick said. “They’ve put us under a lot of pressure, and it’s always challenging when that happens.”We’re trying to score as many runs as we can. We’re trying to take wickets when we can. In certain areas, we probably haven’t been as good as we need to be, for long enough. And we’re trying, obviously, to do that and trying to put that right all the time.”Trescothick’s phlegmatic response to a catastrophic day was in keeping with England’s bid to maintain a positive team environment, and echoed similarly outlandish professions of optimism in previous contests – perhaps, most notably, spin coach Jeetan Patel’s insistence, on the eve of Ollie Pope’s astonishing 196 to beat India in Hyderabad in 2024, that “nothing was impossible” for this team and their self-belief.However, Pope will be back in the spotlight once again this evening, and for less glorious reasons. For the second match running, his skittish display when well set was the root cause of England’s collapse – in Perth, his inability to keep the score moving after a fast start resulted in a loose drive that cost him his wicket; here, with the conditions at their toughest and the onus on keeping wickets in hand until the morning session, he survived two wild drives in three deliveries that nearly went to hand off Brendan Doggett, before poking a return catch to Michael Neser in the very next over.Related

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Trescothick, however, refused to point fingers, and held back from criticizing the decision-making that had undermined England’s chances.”Of course, we work with them as coaches,” he said. “Myself, Baz [McCullum] will talk with them about what we’re trying to do, and the principle of our game, and how we’re trying to play our style of play.”When we get it right, sometimes we really dominate and we put pressure on oppositions, and at times we don’t always get it right, and we play bad shots, and potentially, of course, that gets highlighted.”But it is what it is. You’ve got to have some way of trying to play the game. Of course, we’ll look back on it, and every game, every innings, and talk with batters and discuss what we’re trying to do. And we’ll say, yeah, keep going … stick with trying to work out how we’re going to make it better for next time. We’ve got to stick to our principles and what we’re trying to do.”The irony is that Australia’s entire team offered a demonstration in how to build an innings on a cracked Gabba surface that, as Duckett discovered, can offer a few rogue deliveries but broadly speaking has played very true throughout. Every Australian from No.1-11 reached double-figures, for the first time since 1992, while none of them faced fewer than 30 balls.”Once the guys have been in the field for a period of time, like they have in the heat, and then you’re starting to lose a couple of wickets, it’s always tough,” Trescothick said. “We’ve been good in parts. We’ve had periods in the game where we’ve been sustained pressure, and put Australia under that the scrutiny that we needed to, it’s just maybe they’ve then fought back.”They’ve got through the periods of the new ball well, and made it tricky for us, so fair play to them. It’s not just necessarily things that we’ve done wrong. I think Australia have been pretty consistent in what they’ve tried to do.”It’s pretty obvious what they’re trying to do. They’re just trying to smash away on a good length, especially Boland from the far end … there’s a big crack just outside the channel of off stump, we’re all aware of that. They’ve hit consistent areas, and they’ve put us under pressure.”England arrived in Australia with high hopes of competing for their first series win in the country since 2010-11, and their first Ashes victory since 2015. Right now, however, they are racing towards their 15th defeat in their last 17 Tests, and arguably their most humiliating yet, given the chances they’ve had to dominate, and the relative weakness of a team that has been lacking three all-time great bowlers in Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.”When momentum gets in their favour and they do get on top of you, it’s obviously always a challenge.” Trescothick said. “We are strong enough, we are good enough to challenge with it at times and put a bit pressure back on, if you like. It’s just not quite happened today.”We’re trying to work that out ourselves,” he added, when asked how England had let so many strong positions slip away. “We can be a bit more consistent in the style and in the momentum of the game, and try and keep on top of it when we need to be. And potentially, we haven’t quite matched up to that when we needed to be. But you’ve got to try and remain focused and positive on what you’re trying to do.”We’ve still got an opportunity here. Yes, we’re behind still in the context of the game. We’ve got to come out tomorrow, try and get a partnership going with the last few wickets that we have, and get a total on the board that we can maybe have a little dart at.”The guys are disappointed, but we’re still trying to remain focused on how we try and win the game.”

Flying high at the top of the Championship, Coventry City have now reportedly scheduled talks in an attempt to sign Abdoulie Manneh from Swedish side Mjallby AIF.

The 21-year-old would provide Frank Lampard’s side with another attacking boost as if they’re lacking in that department. So far this season, no team have scored more goals in the Championship than Coventry, who have found the back of the net a staggering 40 times in 15 games.

To put that into context, Hull City and Ipswich Town are their closest contenders in that department and have scored 26 goals. Whilst others search for a manager, Coventry and Lampard are thriving.

Lampard is making sure that his side keep their feet firmly planted, however. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, the Chelsea legend explained the risks of overconfidence.

Up next for Coventry is the visit of West Bromwich Albion, who have struggled for form under new manager Ryan Mason. Victory over the Baggies would at least maintain the Sky Blues’ five-point lead at the top of the Championship.

After previous promotion heartbreak, it doesn’t look like Coventry chiefs are willing to take any chances, either. Recent reports have indicated that they’re willing to spend in the January transfer window to get Lampard’s side over the line and sign a former Brighton target.

Coventry schedule talks to sing Manneh

According to Swedish outlet Fotboll Direkt, Coventry have now scheduled talks to sign Manneh from Mjallby in the January transfer window. The Championship side are reportedly willing to break Mjallby’s sale record by paying £3.6m to sign the talented winger.

It’s clear to see why the Sky Blues are so interested in the 21-year-old, too. He’s scored nine goals and assisted another three in all competitions in 33 games in Sweden this season and is rightly on the radar of clubs around Europe.

Whilst Coventry need no help finding the back of the net, having another goalscorer at their disposal certainly won’t hurt their chances of securing automatic promotion. For under £4m, they could land a player who quickly turns into a January bargain if he settles quickly in the Championship.

Mjallby manager Anders Torstensson has been full of praise for Manneh during his time at the club and told reporters: “He has grown into it really well. He has been really good at training. He has learned from instructions. He is a really ambitious, humble guy who works really hard.”

An improving and impressive player, the winger is one to watch – especially if Coventry secure his signature.

West Ham face a pivotal January transfer window that may well determine their Premier League survival, but manager Nuno Espírito Santo also faces the threat of losing players.

Players who could leave West Ham in January

Niclas Füllkrug tops the departure list following his disastrous £27 million move from Borussia Dortmund, with the 32-year-old’s spell marred by repeated injury lay-offs.

He’s scored just three goals since arriving in 2024, failing to find the net at all this season, and his agent, Thorsten Wirth, has publicly acknowledged the transfer simply hasn’t worked.

Fullkrug is reportedly desperate for regular playing time to salvage his 2026 World Cup hopes, with Hamburg, Wolfsburg, Stuttgart, Hoffenheim and AC Milan all expressing rumoured interest in the Germany international ahead of January.

There is also the matter of James Ward-Prowse, who’s been completely excluded by Nuno ever since the Portuguese’s arrival at Rush Green.

The 30-year-old was a firm regular under Graham Potter and named vice-captain, but Nuno’s appointment has seen him miss out on every single Premier League matchday squad.

Ward-Prowse is resigned to leaving West Ham in January as a result, with reports suggesting he could be joined by Guido Rodriguez as the Argentine attracts interest from abroad.

They may not be the only midfielders set for the London Stadium exit door either, as uncertainty continues to surround the future of Lucas Paqueta.

The Brazil international, who sent an interesting response to backlash surrounding his ridiculous sending off against Liverpool over the weekend, is reportedly open to the prospect of a mid-season exit and could well leave as their most high-profile departure.

Former West Ham senior scout, Mick Brown, has now told Football Insider that Paqueta leaving the club is a credible possibility.

West Ham set for 'big decision' over selling Lucas Paqueta

Brown says that West Ham are set for a ‘big decision’ over selling Paqueta next month, and Nuno will be ‘fuming’ about the 28-year-old’s conduct against Liverpool following one of the most bizarre dismissals you’ll ever see.

The former Lyon star, who was once on the verge of joining Man City before his spot-fixing allegations scuppered the deal, will leave the club in 2027 as things stand when his contract is due to expire.

Paqueta has already admitted that he desires a return to Flamengo one day, and admitted the move was actually close to happening last summer.

Nuno will need a replacement for Paqueta if he does leave, but West Ham are believed to be in the market for a new midfielder.

Somerset fought their way past a severely depleted Lancashire and into a third consecutive T20 Blast final at Edgbaston. Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s 81 off 52 underpinned the batting after his side were put in, and although Lancashire got off to a good start in their chase, led by powerful cameos from Keaton Jennings and Liam Livingstone, Somerset’s greater experience helped claw things back.Lancashire were shorn of six first-choice players, and had two making their first appearances of the season, which included giving a full T20 debut to 21-year-old spinner Arav Shetty. They looked well placed at 102 for 3 in the 12th over, but the controversial dismissal of Livingstone, whose lbw was upheld by the third umpire despite the suggestion of an inside edge, triggered a collapse.Shetty, who in the event did not bowl, was snapped up by a diving Lewis Gregory in the covers – Somerset’s sharp fielding in contrast to a messy Lancashire effort – and although Michael Jones attempted to keep the chase alive with some defiant blows, Migael Pretorius and Ben Green combined for five wickets to close out the game. Somerset were not at full strength either, with Pretorius playing only his second game after Riley Meredith was recalled to Australia ahead of Finals Day, and Tom Banton absent with England.The game ended in slightly farcical scenes, as Lancashire retired out George Balderson, only for his replacement, Tom Hartley, to be dismissed first ball. Rain then began to fall during the final over, with the ground fully covered moments after the players left the field.

Jennings fires up

“Feels slightly tacky, nice to know what you’re chasing.” So said Jennings at the toss, and Lancashire’s captain was intent on getting his side ahead of the asking rate at the start of their innings. He swung his third ball, from Craig Overton, nonchalantly over fine leg for six, following up with back-to-back fours. Luke Wells was plucked out by a brilliant catch at short fine leg by Pretorius, before Jennings again deposited Overton over the ropes.Overton struck back by pinning Matty Hurst lbw, but there was more punishment to come as Livingstone joined Jennings in the middle. Livingstone pinged Somerset’s premier new-ball bowler over deep square leg, before Jennings flat-batted him down the ground for six more; Overton’s first three overs costing 39. Jack Ball was then welcomed into the attack by Jennings top-edging him all the way over the keeper, and another Livingstone hoick across the line made it six sixes in the powerplay, with Lancashire flying on 73 for 2.Liam Livingstone queries his dismissal•Getty Images

Livingstone dismissal turns chase

Livingstone had powered Lancashire to Finals Day with an unbeaten 85 against Kent in the quarters, having found his form during the Hundred – during which he calls Edgbaston home with Birmingham Phoenix. He looked to have the measure of the ground once again, crunching Lewis Goldsworthy into the crowd for his third six, as Lancashire continued to make good progress despite the loss of Jennings for 44 off 28.When Gregory won an lbw decision with Livingstone trapped on the crease, the Lancashire man reviewed straight away. But with the aid of UltraEdge, third umpire Sue Redfern determined that there was no bat involved before the ball hit the back pad – although it seemed impossible to be conclusive. Livingstone, however, obviously felt otherwise and made his opinion clear after seeing the decision on the big screen. His long walk off marked the beginning of the end for Lancashire’s hopes of a second Blast title, 10 years on from their first.

Depleted Lancashire strike first

Lancashire absentees included four on international duty with England – Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Luke Wood and Saqib Mahmood – and both of their overseas being employed elsewhere (Chris Green at the CPL, Ashton Turner with Western Australia). That Salt and Buttler had helped England put on a record 302 against South Africa the previous night hardly helped the Red Rose mood. Somerset, meanwhile, were without New Zealand quick Matt Henry, as well as Banton and Meredith.Winning the toss felt like an advantage on a brisk, mid-September morning – and two tight overs, from James Anderson (who last played at Finals Day in 2014) and Tom Aspinwall, were followed by Balderson, playing his fourth T20 and first of the season, finding the perfect amount of nip back with his first ball to clatter Will Smeed’s off stump. But it didn’t take long for Somerset’s batters to start wresting back the initiative.Kohler-Cadmore had struggled to lay bat on ball and was on 1 off 9 when he collared Balderson for the first six of the day, a rustic heave that just had enough on it to land beyond the rope at deep midwicket. He repeated the shot, but added about 20 yards, in Balderson’s next over, and before Tom Abell audaciously ramped Anderson all the way over fine leg in a sequence of 6-4-dot-4. Anderson struck back to have Abell bowled off an inside edge, as Somerset finished the powerplay on 49 for 2.

Kohler-Cadmore pumps the tires

Lancashire continued to chip away, James Rew held at midwicket off Aspinwall, as Kohler-Cadmore dropped back down the gears. Somerset were 78 for 3 at halfway, and then 95 for 4 after losing Sean Dickson to a smart stumping in the 13th over. Kohler-Cadmore responded by pumping Livingstone’s legspin straight back down the ground for six, then raising a 38-ball fifty off the next delivery – aided by another misfield at midwicket that enabled them to come back for two.Hartley was boshed down the ground for Kohler-Cadmore’s fourth six, and he found a useful ally in captain, Gregory, who scooped Aspinwall for his first boundary. Jack Blatherwick was then taken for four consecutive fours by Kohler-Cadmore, as 18 runs came off the 17th. By the time the returning Anderson removed Gregory via a slap to deep cover, the partnership had realized 57 off 31 balls. Kohler-Cadmore might have had the first Finals Day century in his sights, but he only added one to his score before holing out off Balderson. Nevertheless, Overton and Pretorius hammered 21 off Aspinwall’s final over to take Somerset to an imposing total.

Kieran McKenna has delivered his verdict on Celtic following recent reports that the Scottish giants could look to land the Ipswich Town manager to replace Brendan Rodgers.

It’s been quite the week at Celtic Park. Chaos unfolded on Monday when Brendan Rodgers made the decision to resign and since then, the Hoops have travelled back in time – appointing Martin O’Neill on an interim basis.

The veteran manager has instantly got the Scottish champions back to winning ways, overseeing a 4-0 victory over Falkirk on Wednesday evening before telling reporters: “I’m really pleased to win in the manner we did, and we played some delightful stuff. Could have scored a couple more, too.

“My anxiety has calmed somewhat. When you get a few goals in front you can perhaps enjoy the last 10 or 15 minutes, and it kind of brought me back. I’ve not seen Celtic often, not live, to make criticism of this side. A restoration of confidence was great.”

Leaving O’Neill to turn things around on the pitch, Parkhead chiefs have commenced their search for a new manager and already faced their first blow thanks to Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian has reportedly chosen to take a break from football after getting the sack at Nottingham Forest just 39 days into the job. This shuts down any rumours that he could be making a sensational return to Scotland in the coming weeks.

Forced to search elsewhere, Celtic could yet turn towards Wales boss Craig Bellamy or Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen, who has refused to rule a move out.

Meanwhile, another option is McKenna. The Ipswich Town boss has quite the reputation and has reportedly made Celtic’s shortlist as a result. Whether he decides to call it quits at Portman Road is another question, however.

Kieran McKenna delivers fresh Celtic verdict

Asked about the vacant job in his latest press conference, McKenna revealed where he ranks Celtic as a club whilst also speaking about his verdict on the position in Scotland.

Despite holding them in high regard, it looks as though Celtic will have a tough task on their hands if they want to lure McKenna away from Ipswich.

The former Manchester United coach has done an excellent job in Suffolk, taking Ipswich to as high as the Premier League following back-to-back promotions before suffering relegation last season.

Former Irish League star Thomas Stewart is one of many ex-players and pundits to have praised McKenna, previously telling reporters: “He’s well-educated, an intelligent man and I always felt that when we had conversations when we were younger.

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“I think we were the only two from the U16 Victory Shield team that got left out and went on to play for the U21 team. I’ve full respect for him and he’s doing an amazing job.”

For now, though, Celtic may be forced to miss out on their managerial target.

Celtic to contact Craig Bellamy

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À disposição do técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo para o jogo contra o Fortaleza, nesta quinta-feira (14), pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, o volante Gabriel Moscardo, do Corinthians, viveu momentos de tensão na última semana, quando estava no Marrocos durante o terremoto que atingiu o país, causando quase 3 mil vítimas fatais.

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O atleta corintiano estava com a seleção pré-olímpica que fez um amistoso contra os marroquinos. Um segundo jogo estava programado, mas foi cancelado devido ao abalo sísmico, o que fez com que Moscardo retornasse mais cedo para o Timão.

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– Foi por volta das 11 horas da noite, eu já estava no quarto, deitado, quando a cama começou a tremer muito. Eu não sabia o que estava acontecendo. O abajur na minha frente começou a tremer muito também, uma sensação bem estranha, o quarto todo tremendo. Fui para o corredor, todos estavam bem assustados, não sabiam se era um terremoto ou outro problema no hotel. Uns 15 minutos depois, o pessoal da segurança veio e pediu para sair, ir para uma área mais aberta, perto da piscina. Ficamos por cerca de uma hora. Depois veio outro terremoto, mas bem leve. A gente não sentiu. Foi algo único, que eu nunca tinha vivido, uma sensação diferente – revelou o meio-campista.

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Mesmo com o susto, o jogador do Timão destacou a primeira experiência internacional vestindo a camisa brasileira. Ele atuou durante 15 minutos na derrota do Brasil para o Marrocos, na quinta-feira (7).

– Foi uma experiência única, como eu já esperava. Algo inesquecível, a primeira vez na seleção. Essa semana de treinamentos e 15 minutos em um jogo foi algo único para mim. Aprendi bastante com o treinador da seleção, o Ramon, e com os meus companheiros, que me receberam muito bem. Uma seleção muito boa, com grandes jogadores que atuam na Europa. Fui bem recebido e aprendi muito com eles. Foi uma semana muito boa, apesar da infelicidade do terremoto no país – comentou o volante, chamado de última hora devido à lesão de Danilo, ex-Palmeiras e atualmente no Nottingham Forest, da Inglaterra.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Moscardo participou dos dois últimos treinamentos do Corinthians antes de enfrentar o Leão do Pici. O jogador reconhece que o Timão vive momentos de dificuldades no Campeonato Brasileiro. A equipe do Parque São Jorge está em 13º lugar, mas ainda flerta com a zona de rebaixamento, estando a cinco pontos de distância.

– Sabemos da nossa situação no Campeonato Brasileiro. É um jogo importante, fora de casa, e sabemos que é muito difícil jogar no Nordeste contra as equipes nordestinas. Mas é um jogo muito importante para nós, e com certeza, vamos lá buscar os três pontos e melhorar nossa colocação – destacou Gabriel Moscardo.

Corinthians e Fortaleza farão, pelo Brasileirão, uma prévia do encontro pelas semifinais da Conmebol Sul-Americana. As partidas acontecerão nos dias 26 de setembro e 3 de outubro.

Corey Anderson (San Francisco Unicorns), Heinrich Klaasen (Seattle Orcas) and Faf du Plessis (Texas Super Kings) will continue to lead their teams

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Jun-2025 • Updated on 12-Jun-2025

Nicholas Pooran, who retired from all formats of international cricket on Tuesday, has been named captain of MI New York for the upcoming season of Major League Cricket (MLC). He replaces Kieron Pollard in the position.He has been with MI New York since being drafted ahead of the inaugural season in 2023, and had a huge role in the team winning the title, scoring 137* in 55 balls in the final, against Seattle Orcas, and finished as the highest run-getter of the season (388), 124 runs ahead of the second-placed Quinton de Kock of Orcas.Pooran has a long association with the MI franchise. He was bought by MI ahead of the 2017 IPL, but didn’t get a game, and was released ahead of the next season, following which he has played for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Sunrisers Hyderabad and now Lucknow Super Giants. While that wasn’t happy for the player, he has been with their team in the ILT20 in the UAE, MI Emirates.Related

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Pooran is not the only new captain at the six-team MLC. Glenn Maxwell, who retired from ODI cricket recently to focus on T20s in the lead-up to the World Cup next year, has been named the captain of Washington Freedom. Maxwell has replaced Steven Smith as captain at Freedom.Corey Anderson, who played most of his top-flight cricket for New Zealand before shifting allegiance to USA, will continue to lead San Francisco Unicorns – making him the only “local” captain of a team at MLC, while Heinrich Klaasen has also been confirmed to continue as the captain at Orcas.The other two teams in the fray are Los Angeles Knight Riders and Texas Super Kings. Jason Holder replaces Sunil Narine as LAKR captain – though Narine will deputise while Holder is on international duty – and Faf du Plessis will stay on as TSK captain.Freedom are the defending MLC champions, having beaten Unicorns in the final last season. The new season will kick off on June 13 with a match pitting Freedom and Unicorns in Oakland. The final is scheduled for July 12.