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ESPNcricinfo previews the teams in Division Two of the County Championship

George Dobell and David Hopps08-Apr-20160:48

What effect will one up from Division Two have?

DerbyshireElite performance director: Graeme Welch
Captain: Billy Godleman (Championship), Wes Durston (limited-overs)
Last season

In: Andy Carter (Nottinghamshire), Tom Milnes (Warwickshire), Neil Broom (UK passport)
Out: Mark Footitt (Surrey), Wayne White (Leicestershire), Jonathan Clare (released)
Overseas: Hamish Rutherford, James Neesham (T20)
2015 in a nutshell
The arrival of Graeme Welch as elite performance director encouraged much optimism last season, but Derbyshire rarely lived up to it. Mark Footitt was the outstanding bowler in Division Two of the Championship for the second successive season, but an inexperienced squad had little else to celebrate. Wayne Madsen and Billy Godleman, captains old and new, delivered with the bat, but Shiv Thakor disappointed.2016 prospects
How to replace Footitt, who has decamped to Surrey, is Derbyshire’s first challenge. Welch has raided his former club, Warwickshire, for Tom Milnes; Andy Carter – signed from Notts – has bags of ability but a poor fitness record; and Tom Taylor and Ben Cotton will look to continue their development. Hamish Rutherford can bring zip to the top order, and his fellow Kiwi Neil Broom has dusted off a dual passport at the age of 32. Youngsters such as Matt Critchley (see below) and Harvey Hosein, an excellent wicketkeeper who made a maiden first-class 50 last summer, should also progress. A Godleman captaincy – he has had his share of disciplinary problems – is intriguing.Key player
Derbyshire can probably assemble enough runs this season – particularly in the Championship – but replacing Footitt is a different matter. It would be a much easier task if Andy Carter stays fit. His wickets come well below 30, but he has managed only 29 first-class matches since his debut in 2009. A tall fast bowler, he is able to mix the short stuff and yorkers.Bright young thing
Matt Critchley was initially seen as a promising legspinner, but he made history when he became Derbyshire’s youngest first-class century maker with 137 against Northamptonshire last May. It was enough to bring him his first professional deal. Proof of developing legspin would also be enthusiastically received.ESPNcricinfo verdict
Derbyshire’s youngsters have the talent to kick on, but not enough to fill their impressive new media box or make a concerted challenge for honoursBet365 odds: Specsavers Championship, Div 2: 12/1; NatWest Blast 33/1; Royal London Cup 40/1EssexCoach: Chris Silverwood
Captain: Ryan ten Doeschate (Champ); Ravi Bopara (T20, 50)
Last season

In: Matthew Quinn (UK passport), Aaron Beard (academy), Ashar Zaidi (Sussex), Matt Dixon (UK passport)
Out: Reece Topley (Hampshire), Mark Pettini (Leicestershire), Monty Panesar, Greg Smith, Matt Salisbury, Saf Imtiaz (all released)
Overseas: Jesse Ryder, Adam Milne (T20), Wahab Riaz (T20)
2015 in a nutshell
The 2015 summer could prove to be a watershed in Essex cricket. Ronnie Irani’s appointment as cricket committee chairman brought with it impatience at Essex’s decade of near-misses in limited-overs cricket and contentment with using Division Two of the Championship as a breeding ground. Paul Grayson moved on as coach after two quarter-final defeats and his fellow Yorkshireman, Chris Silverwood, took over, bringing in a third Yorkie, Anthony McGrath as his assistant.2016 prospects
Essex must compete without Reece Topley whose impatience for Division One cricket, especially now he has graduated to England’s limited-overs sides, has seen him join Hampshire. They have responded by bringing in two fast bowlers with dual passports – Matthew Quinn, who has played for New Zealand A, and Western Australian Matt Dixon. Spin looks weak, with Ashar Zaidi, released by Sussex, carrying heavy responsibility. But Tom Westley and Nick Browne are two classy young batsmen, Dan Lawrence – the third-youngest century-maker in Championship history – is another exciting prospect and Ravi Bopara’s appointment as one-day captain will bring general delight.Key player
The suspicion that England have moved on from Ravi Bopara, at 30, will disappoint many who keep a fire burning for him through thick and thin. If Bopara can rise above that potential disappointment and bring his ebullience to bear for Essex, the final stage of his career can still be a long and successful one.Bright young thing
With Topley gone, and David Masters and Graham Napier coming to the end of long-serving careers, young Essex pace bowlers can make a name for themselves. Aaron Beard, 18, has yet to make his county debut and has had a couple of tough years with injuries, but anybody trusted to turn out for England as a sub fielder at 15 must have something going for them. He has a two-year contract and now needs the resolve and fortune to go with it.ESPNcricinfo verdict
Essex can make runs galore, and look bound to thrill again in one-day cricket, but to win their first trophy since 2008 they could need both their dual passport bowlers to fire.Bet365 odds: Specsavers Championship, Div 2 9/2; NatWest Blast 11/1; Royal London Cup 14/1Can Robert Croft inspired a Glamorgan resurgence?•Getty ImagesGlamorganCoach: Robert Croft
Captain: Jacques Rudolph
Last season
In: Craig Meschede (Somerset), Nick Selman, Timm van der Gugten (Dutch passport), Harry Podmore (Middlesex, loan)
Out: Ben Wright (retired)
Overseas: Jacques Rudolph, Shaun Tait (T20)2015 in a nutshell
Glamorgan’s surprise promotion challenge petered out in the Championship – ultimately nobody scored 1000 runs or took 50 wickets – but fourth place still felt like a county punching above its weight. There were few signs, too, that Glamorgan were about to turn Cardiff into a T20 venue to be reckoned with. The outcome was that Toby Radford left as head coach after two years to return to a role of specialist batting coach.2016 prospects
Chief executive Hugh Morris has reduced debts from £16m to less than £5m since returning to Glamorgan, where he was one of 10 homegrown players (plus Waqar Younis) who won the Championship in 1997. Welsh fervour is back in fashion with Robert Croft appointed head coach four years after he called time on a 23-year career. There is much work to do stirring the passions of south Wales and Croft will be grateful to inherit a promising crop of young players, batsmen especially. Craig Meschede is a good signing and Harry Podmore has six matches to make a Championship impact before his loan from Middlesex ends, but the task is a big one.Key player
Graham Wagg, at 32, can look back on a career with some ups and downs but 2015 was one of his best with 838 Championship runs – including a double century against Surrey – and 45 wickets, second to Michael Hogan. A repeat would make Croft’s job much easier as he tries to introduce a more settled approach.Bright young thing
Aneurin Donald was named after the great Welsh politician Aneurin Bevan, architect of the National Health Service, so he should have just the attributes to return Glamorgan to rude health. Donald’s career is still in its infancy – he was not even a regular pick in England’s U-19 World Cup side – but every sign of development for this young batsman will be lapped up.ESPNcricinfo verdict
Morris has stoutly suggested that promotion is a possibility, but with only one side going up it is hard to agree with him. Signs that Cardiff is embracing T20 would be a breakthrough.Bet365 odds: Specsavers Championship, Div 2: 10/1; NatWest Blast 20/1; Royal London Cup 25/1GloucestershireDirector of cricket: Richard Dawson
Captain: Gareth Roderick (Champ), Michael Klinger (T20, 50)
Last season
In: Chris Liddle (Sussex), Josh Shaw (Yorkshire, loan)
Out: James Fuller (Middlesex), Geraint Jones (retired), Cameron Herring, Robbie Montgomery (both released)
Overseas: Michael Klinger, Andrew Tye, Cameron Bancroft (April-May)2015 in a nutshell
Gloucestershire pepped up spirits during the first year of a new coaching team – Richard Dawson and Ian Harvey – to such an extent that they won the Royal London Cup final at Lord’s, reviving memories of the times, a decade and more earlier, when they dominated the limited-overs game. Michael Klinger was formidable with the bat and Geraint Jones wandered happily off into the sunset.2016 prospects
Gloucestershire’s squad lacks depth, especially in the bowling department, which suggests limited-overs cricket will again be their chief focus. Their Royal London triumph could be the catalyst for bigger T20 crowds at Bristol (they missed the quarter-finals by a point last season) and their intent is shown by the signing of a second overseas player, Andrew Tye, whose effectiveness for Perth Scorchers won him a place in Australia’s T20 squad. Cameron Bancroft, the WA keeper/batsman, deputises for Klinger in the Championship. Progress for Chris Dent and Roderick should help the runs tally, but James Fuller’s departure for Middlesex invites questions about their Championship attack. Bet365.com don’t fancy them for a 50-over repeat: they are out at 16/1.Key player
Wicketkeeper-captains always have it tough, but Gloucestershire have entrusted the role to Gareth Roderick in the Championship with Michael Klinger not back until late May. Roderick, born in South Africa, also bats top order, all of which means that Gloucestershire need him to shoulder a heavy burden if they are to maintain their progress.Bright young thing
George Hankins broke the record set by Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond for most runs in a season at Millfield School last season and continues their tradition of producing county cricketers by winning a two-year contract. Fresh back from the Darren Lehmann academy in Adelaide, he already had some sizeable 2nd XI scores to his name.ESPNcricinfo verdict
After winning the Royal London Cup, Gloucestershire will seek to spice up their T20 cricket which will make South Group stronger than ever.Bet365 odds: Specsavers Championship, Div 2: 10/1; NatWest Blast 20/1; Royal London Cup 16/1Tom Latham appears a solid signing for Kent’s top order•Getty ImagesKentHead coach: Jimmy Adams
Captain: Sam Northeast
Last season
In: Adam Rouse
Out: Brendan Nash (released), Ben Harmison (released)
Overseas: Tom Latham, Kagiso Rabada (July)2015 in a nutshell
Kent were a delight to watch in limited-overs cricket last season, but could not follow up the plaudits with trophies as they exited in the quarter-final stage in both competitions. In the likes of Sam Northeast, Sam Billings (one of only three England players signed up for an IPL deal) and Daniel Bell-Drummond they have an exciting crop of young players who are bringing fresh live to Canterbury under the wise observation of Rob Key.2016 prospects
Kent do not have the appearance of serious challengers in Division Two of the Championship, for all their batting depth, but they have been lifted by a six-week mid-season spell for the young South African quick Kagiso Rabada. Early season will be more challenging for Sam Northeast’s exciting young squad, especially with Sam Billings on IPL duty: Tom Latham has the batting attributes to help them through the tough days. In one-day cricket, though, they can surely push for a trophy. South African-born Sean Dickson can add to that batting lustre, and all it needs is one young pace bowler to take his opportunity for them to be a limited-overs side to be reckoned with. With many seeing England’s T20 future as wedded to international grounds, they need to make themselves heard.Key player
With question marks around their pace bowling stocks, Kent’s potential trump card lies in two offspinners at either ends of their career, James Tredwell and Adam Riley. Riley had a second-season dip in 2015 after he was prematurely touted as an England possible in his breakthrough year. Kent remain convinced Riley has all the attributes to become an international spinner and are delighted to have tied him to a new contract.Bright young thing
Kent have any number of bright young things when it comes to batsmen, but they are sorely in need of extra pace bowling resources. They will hope that Matt Hunn, a 6ft 5ins fast bowler, will make further strides this summer after winning a few headlines last season with five wickets against the Australian tourists but the solve the problem long term they might have to widen their developmental base.ESPNcricinfo verdict
Kent’s formidable T20 batting line-up gives them an excellent chance of reaching Finals Day, even without a heavy overseas spend, but it would take a summer of turning pitches for them to challenge for the Second Division title.Bet365 odds: Specsavers Championship, Div 2: 9/1; NatWest Blast 20/1; Royal London Cup 20/1LeicestershireDirector of cricket Andrew McDonald
Captain Mark Cosgrove (Champ); Mark Pettini (T20, 50)
Last season
In: Paul Horton (Lancashire), Neil Dexter (Middlesex), Wayne White (Derbyshire), Kevin O’Brien (limited-overs), Mark Pettini (Essex)
Out: Matthew Boyce (retired), Andrea Agathangelou, Dan Redfern, Alex Wyatt, Neil Pinner (all released)
Overseas: Clint McKay, Umar Akmal (T20), Rilee Rossouw (T20)
2015 in a nutshell
It tells you everything you need to know about Leicestershire’s form over recent seasons that 2015, when they finished bottom in the Championship, the Royal London group and won only four times in the NatWest Blast, was seen as a step in the right direction. Energised by the appointment of Wasim Khan as CEO and Andrew McDonald as coach, the club secured a first Championship win since 2012 and might have won a couple more but for inexperience. Their limited-overs form remained grim, however, and a small financial profit was overshadowed by an auditor’s report that expressed “significant doubt about the club’s ability to continue as a going concern.”2016 prospects
Boosted by the recruitment of several experienced players – all likely to feature in the first team immediately – it seems reasonable to anticipate further progress from Leicestershire. To move into mid-table in the Championship, more will be required from Ned Eckersley – who endured a modest 2015 – and the club will have to find a stronger opening partnership. Ben Raine and Angus Robson are likely to be the most important of the young players. Raine claimed 59 Championship wickets in 2015 and also contributed more than 500 runs. Off the pitch, Leicestershire have installed floodlights – crucial to their long-term survival – agreed a ground sponsorship deal and arranged to host women’s matches. They have also shaken up the coaching staff and agreed a loan from the local council. From a subterranean base, they are improving.Key player
Clint McKay will earn his money as overseas player. Impressive in 2015, he will again carry a heavy load as strike bowler and workhorse and will also be expected to fulfil the role of senior-pro in the dressing room. The fact that he was leading wicket-taker for Sydney Thunder as they won the BBL bodes well. He is vice-captain of the white ball side.Bright young thing
Aadil Ali, schooled across the road from the ground and a member of the treble-winning second XI side of 2014, made a good impression as a well-organised, patient batsman in 2015. It would provide a huge morale boost to the club if he can build on that promising start. It’s worth keeping an eye on Atif Sheikh, too. He’s left-arm, fast and has plenty of scope for improvement.ESPNcricinfo verdict
It was always going to take time to for Wasim Khan to turn things around at Grace Road and we are still in the early stages of the recovery. But, with some well-targeted recruits, Leicestershire’s results should improve.Bet365 odds: Specsavers Championship, Div 2: 25/1; NatWest Blast 25/1; Royal London Cup 50/1Monty Panesar will try to revive his career back at Northamptonshire•Getty ImagesNorthamptonshireDirector of cricket: David Ripley
Captain: Alex Wakely
Last season:
In: Richard Levi, Ben Sanderson, Monty Panesar.
Out: David Willey (Yorkshire), Stephen Peters (retired), Kyle Coetzer, Maurice Chambers (both released)
Overseas: Rory Kleinveldt, Seekkuge Prasanna (T20, possibly more).2015 in a nutshell
To reach T20 Finals Day for the second year in three – and to be the only side not from a Test ground among the four on each occasion – represented a fine achievement. They only lost three times in the Championship, too – only Surrey and Lancashire were beaten less often in Division Two – but a lack of bite with the ball meant they only won three games. Only Leicestershire won fewer. Financial problems led to the departure of several players, including the much-prized David Willey, although after some procrastination, Ben Duckett stayed.2016 prospects
At full strength, Northants still have a relatively strong, well-balanced side. They also have, in Saif Zaib, Duckett and Olly Stone, some talented, young and homegrown cricketers who can enjoy fine careers. The problem is their lack of depth. So desperate are the finances of the club that they have only 15 full-time professionals and the burden on the seam bowlers, in particular Stone, Azharullah and Rory Kleinveldt, is likely to be impossibly onerous. It is therefore understandable that the club have signed Monty Panesar, whatever his erratic behaviour and fitness issues, to shoulder some of the burden. Rob Newton and Duckett may also be pressed into service as opening batsmen. With so little depth, though, this could be a long, tough season on the pitch. Off the pitch, financial troubles threaten to drag the club under.Key player
It doesn’t take long to understand why Alex Wakely is captain. Calm, positive and good natured, he is just the sort of character required to coax this side through a long and no doubt testing season. He times the ball pleasingly, too. But Northants could do with him turning all those qualities into more tangible rewards in the form of runs. A total of four first-class centuries and average of 30 is modest for one so able.Bright young thing
Olly Stone is the sort of bowler every county in the land would want: young, quick and blessed with a good attitude, he is a former captain of the U-19s and once claimed the best figures by an England bowler (11 for 79) in an U-19 Test against South Africa. But he also has a history of back trouble – he withdrew from the EPP this winter because of it – and hardly needs the burden that seems inevitable in a 15-man squad. Saif Zaib, a 17-year-old left-arm spinning allrounder, is worth watching, too.ESPNcricinfo verdict
A decent cricket department – and some fine young players – deserve better than the management from which Northants currently suffers.Bet365 odds: Specsavers Championship, Div 2: 11/1; NatWest Blast 25/1; Royal London Cup 33/1.SussexHead coach: Mark Davis
Captain Luke Wright
Last season
In: Danny Briggs (Hampshire).
Out: Michael Yardy, Steffan Piolet (both retired), Chris Liddle (Gloucestershire), Ashar Zaidi (Essex), Callum Jackson (released), Matt Hobden (deceased), James Anyon (retired)
Overseas: Ross Taylor, Mustafizur Rahman (limited-overs)2015 in a nutshell
Hugely disappointing. Despite investing heavily in their cricket budget (the club made a loss of £141,000), Sussex’s winless 50-over campaign was followed by relegation in the Championship. The club paid for a glut of injuries to their seamers, the absence of a quality spinner and a loss of confidence from their batsmen caused, in part, by some poor surfaces in Hove. Their long-serving head coach, Mark Robinson, subsequently left to work with England’s women, Ed Joyce stepped down from the captaincy and Michael Yardy retired. Tragedy then followed with highly-rated seamer Matt Hobden dying in an accident over the New Year.2016 prospects
Anything less than promotion will probably be deemed failure at a club with a rich history over the last decade-and-a-half and a budget far bigger than some of its rivals. It is not an unrealistic prospect. The addition of Briggs should correct the spin deficit of last year, while if Ajmal Shahzad can stay fit and Chris Jordan is available, they have, alongside Steve Magoffin, a potent attack. The additions of Mustafizur Rahman and Ross Taylor – both of whom were named in the World ODI team of the year – should improve their white-ball form, while a middle-order of Joyce, Taylor and Wright could prove daunting for Division Two attacks.Key player
As captain of a squad struggling for equilibrium after change, relegation and bereavement, Luke Wright faces a demanding season. If he can get through without losing his form, fitness or easy-going manner, Sussex should be able to bounce back. His decision not to enter the IPL auction demonstrates his commitment to the role.Bright young thing
George Garton, an 18-year-old left-arm fast bowler, caught the eye with his pace during the U19 World Cup and looks to be a player of great potential. Phil Salt, an aggressive opening batsman, is worth keeping an eye upon, as is Ollie Robinson. Matt Hobden would have been the obvious man for this category, though, and it is hard to overstate the enormity of his loss.ESPNcricinfo verdict
So much change in such a short space of time means it is hard to predict how Sussex will fare, but they do have the quality and the depth to improve in white ball cricket and win promotion in the Championship.Bet365 odds: Specsavers Championship, Div 2: 7/4F; NatWest Blast 14/1; Royal London Cup 16/1Yo-Yo: Worcestershire have bounced back to Division One before•Getty ImagesWorcestershireHead coach: Steve Rhodes
Captain: Daryl Mitchell
Last season
In:
Out: Gareth Andrew, Shaaiq Choudhry (both released), Alex Gidman (retired), Richard Oliver (declined new contract)
Overseas: Matt Henry (Apr-June), Kyle Abbott (Jul-Sep), Mitchell Santner (T20)2015 in a nutshell
Encouraging. While no season that includes relegation can be considered a resounding success, Worcestershire’s Division One campaign was admirable in many ways. By some distance the smallest club (in financial terms) in the top division, they challenged throughout and eventually only fell short of survival by 13 points. Equally encouraging was the emergence of a group of young players – nearly all homegrown and secured on long-term contracts – that promised better times ahead. The seam attack, relentless for much of the season, eventually tired due to over-bowling and the lack of support given by their ineffective overseas spinners. A good T20 campaign was overshadowed by a somewhat farcical quarter-final where the club paid the price – or arguable failed to pay the price – for not hiring floodlights and saw what could have been a showcase event end amid gloom and regret.2016 prospects
Winning promotion this year -with just one team going up – is likely to prove tough. There is real talent in the squad, but a lack of depth and experience – the captain is the only 30-year-old on the staff following the injury-induced departures of Gidman and Andrew – could inhibit a sustained challenge. The choice of overseas players should help the over-worked seam attack, but a lack of spin options is a potential weakness in all formats. Such is the ability of the young batsmen – and the positive effects of a dressing room united by shared values and culture – that a promotion push can’t be ruled out, and cricket supporters far beyond Worcestershire will be hoping for the speedy return of Tom Fell. A great deal is asked of Brett D’Oliveira as opening batsman and spinner.Key player
A natural leader in a young side, only five men claimed more wickets than thickset and bustling Joe Leach (who took 59) in the Championship last year and he also added almost 500 runs with the bat. As a key allrounder, vice-captain and calm head on young, broad shoulders, he will relish the fact that much is required of him.Bright young thing
The 19-year-old Joe Clarke is an unusually talented player with a very bright future. Fast-tracked into the Lions squad over the winter – he was the first teenage batsman to win selection for the A team since Ian Bell – he has so far impressed as an aggressive batsman. But he has aspirations as a wicketkeeper and knows that taking the gloves increases his chances of a future with England. At some stage, Worcestershire may face a tricky decision, with the greatly improved Ben Cox currently much the better keeper and a more than decent batsman.ESPNcricinfo verdict
There is well-justified excitement at New Road at the emergence of an exciting group of young players. Supporters may have to be patient for another season or two, though, as those players develop and the club struggles to compete with rivals with far deeper pockets. On and off the pitch, though, the future looks brighter than it has for some time.Bet365 odds: Specsavers Championship, Div 2: 9/2; NatWest Blast 25/1; Royal London Cup 33/1

USWNT star and 2023 NWSL Cup finalist Rose Lavelle sent a good luck video on social media to FC Cincinnati ahead of their MLS Playoff match.

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FCC set to play Conference semifinal SaturdayUSWNT star in attendanceNo. 1 seed has high expectations in playoffsWHAT HAPPENED?

The official FC Cincy account posted the clip on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, highlighting that the superstar footballer would be in attendance Saturday evening. Lavell herself just played in NWSL final – unfortunately just coming up short in an OL Reign loss to Gotham FC – but maybe she'll bring some good luck to her hometown team on the evening.

AdvertisementWHAT LAVELLE SAID

Speaking while wearing an FC Cincinnati hat and jersey with a winter coat on, Lavelle said: "Hey guys, it's Rose – I'm so excited to be at the game tonight and I'm so excited to cheer on the Orange and Blue. Let's get the win, VAMOS FCC!"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The expectations are beyond the ceiling this postseason for Cincy; they're the No. 1 overall seed and sport the 2023 MVP favorite on their roster in midfielder Lucho Acosta. On top of that, they won the MLS regular season award by finishing top of the table, being handed the Supporters' Shield as a result. Now, Pat Noonan's side are set to take one 2022 MLS Cup finalists, Philadelphia Union, in their biggest test yet. However, with Lavelle – a World Cup champion – in the stands, cheering them on, they might just get over the line.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR FC CINCINNATI?

FCC are headed to the Eastern Conference finals, and have a date with the Columbus Crew. Lavelle's attendance proved to be lucky after all, with Pat Noonan's side now set to host their intra-state rivals on December 2.

Barcelona have used CGI technology to reveal what Camp Nou will look like once a spectacular €1.5 billion (£1.3bn/$1.6bn) upgrade is completed.

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La Liga giants upgrading their famous homePlaying at the Olympic Stadium for nowHope to see construction completed in 18 monthsWHAT HAPPENED?

The elaborate Espai Barca renovation project has been in the pipework for some time, with the Catalan giants having to work hard in order to put the relevant finances in place. Construction is now well underway, with one of the most famous venues in football being stripped back to the bare bones.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Defending La Liga champions Barca are playing home games at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium while Camp Nou is given a facelift that is expected to take around 18 months to complete – with the iconic ground in need of modernisation to bring it screaming into the 21st century.

DID YOU KNOW?

Barcelona have posted a video on social media showing supporters around the world what Sportify Camp Nou will become once work is finished – with a spectacular new home being delivered for the Catalan giants.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

A domed roof is being added to Camp Nou, which leaves about one third of the pitch open to the elements through a central aperture, while the famous steep stands will flare out away from the ground as every effort is made to make the stadium as intimidating and atmospheric as possible.

Sri Lanka Cricket has taken strides towards wiping out chucking in domestic and school cricket

Andrew Fidel Fernando02-Jun-2015Sri Lanka Cricket has taken strides towards wiping out chucking in domestic and school cricket. The ICC’s clampdown on suspect actions at the international level spurred a renewed effort to curb throwing domestically, last year. The board had empowered coaches and umpires to root out bad actions, and also bolstered the remedial process for bowlers believed to bowl with a bent elbow.”During the 2014/15 local cricket season as many as 170 bowlers (spin & fast) were reported for suspect bowling actions from club & school cricket,” an SLC release said. “The umpires must be commended for their efforts in this case as 90% of the reported bowlers were clearly identified as to having faulty bowling actions.”Overall a total of 42 bowlers were cleared to bowl after following an intensive remedial bowling program which was tailor-made to suit the individual bowler. Periodical assessments were carried out during the remedial period and bowlers’ progress was monitored. The assessor had to be convinced that the remodeled bowling action was within the legal limitations of the game before clearance was given.”The board said another 128 bowlers remain suspended from bowling in competition cricket, as they have not satisfactorily remodeled their actions. Sachithra Senanayake was among those whose action was successfully remedied in the past year.

Sri Lanka have agreed to fill the void that has been created by West Indies abandoning their current tour of India

Sa'adi Thawfeeq17-Oct-2014Sri Lanka have agreed to fill the void that has been created by West Indies abandoning their current tour of India because of a payment structure dispute between the players and the WICB and WIPA. They will play a series of five ODIs in November.”In principle we have agreed to accept India’s invitation to play five one-day internationals,” SLC secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said on Friday. “Initially India wanted us to play a T20 international as well but we decided that with the World Cup only a few months away, playing five ODIs would be beneficial to both teams.”Ranatunga said the five ODIs would be played between November 1 and 15 and that a final itinerary was awaited from the BCCI. He said the decision to accept India’s invitation was taken after consultation with the Sri Lankan coaching staff and the national selectors.This will be Sri Lanka’s first tour to India in almost five years. The BCCI’s working committee, in consultation with the tour, programme and fixtures committee, will decide the itinerary of the series in Hyderabad on October 21. It remains to be seen if all the five venues that were supposed to host the remaining games in the series against West Indies – Kolkata, Cuttack, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ahmedabad – will be allotted a match each in the alternate series.At the moment, only Kolkata is assured of a match. “It had been decided to award a match to CAB following their request to host an international match to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Eden Gardens, so Kolkata will stage a match,” BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said. He also confirmed that the annual Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi lecture, which was to be delivered by VVS Laxman in Kolkata on October 19, will be rescheduled and held ahead of the Kolkata ODI.West Indies decided to pull out of their India tour after Friday’s fourth ODI in Dharamsala. The dispute between the players and administration had emerged ahead of the first match of the series and no resolution was found despite several letters being sent back and forth between the captain Dwayne Bravo, the WICB and WIPA.

Eye-watering salaries are expected by any player at a top club these days, meaning wage bills across the continent continue to soar

UEFA has revealed the 20 clubs with the highest wage bills across the 2018 financial year in its annual Club Licensing Benchmarking Report, with Barcelona and Real Madrid once again splashing the most cash. 

A record 35 clubs in Europe boasted wage bills of over €100 million across 2018, while the Catalans have become the first side to boast a wage total in excess of €500m. 

Though La Liga's two biggest clubs have spent the most individually, Premier League sides make up nine of the 20 clubs with the highest wage bills.

Getty20Crystal Palace | €132m (£113m/$147m)AdvertisementGetty19Monaco | €133m (£114m/$148m)Getty Images18Leicester City | €134m (£115m/$149m)ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images17AC Milan | €150m (£129m/$167m)

With the Super Bowl upon us, we take a look at the top comparisons between franchises from American football and the top European powers

It's Super Bowl Sunday next week!

The NFL championship game this year sees the New England Patriots, looking to win thier third title in five years and sixth in the Tom Brady era, taking on the Los Angeles Rams.

With the biggest game on the American football schedule set to kickoff in a matter of days, we thought it would be entertaining to draw comparison between NFL teams and the top European football powers. 

There's plenty of room for debate and the similarities are more apples-to-orages than apples-to-apples, but you can draw plenty of comparisons between organizations across the two sports. 

Without further ado, we bring you Goal's list of the top 10 comparisons between NFL franchises and your favortie European football clubs. 

Getty Images1Paris Saint-Germain – Carolina Panthers

If such thing as the newly rich exists in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers are probably the best example. The Panthers began play in 1995, but made just four playoff appearances through their first 14 seasons. But, unlike PSG, it wasn't money from a new ownership group that lifted the team, it was the drafting of a superstar in 2011, when Carolina took Cam Newton with the first overall pick in the NFL draft. 

That same year Paris Saint-Germain was bought Oryx Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), and like the Panthers their fortunes turned quickly.

The Panthers with Newton have now made the playoffs four times in six years, with three division titles one Super Bowl appearance, while PSG has won five titles in Ligue 1. 

The big prize is still there to be chased for both teams, but in Neymar PSG may have found the global superstar they need to win the Champions League, and the Panthers look primed to stay in contention in the NFL for as long as Newton can stay healthy. 

AdvertisementGetty Images2Manchester United – Minnesota Vikings

We get it, this is the biggest reach of the group. 

You almost have to throw out the Alex Ferguson years to make this compute, because the sustained greatest of the Red Devils through that period simplay can't be matched, but hear us out. 

These two proud franchises fell on hard times in recent years, but have both had something of a resurgence based around conservative play and brilliant defensive play. The Vikings are loaded on the defensive side of the ball and, like Manchester United, have plenty of exciting young players who can put up points. 

The Vikes fell short in the NFL playoffs this season, but have all the building blocks to bring home a championship in the next few years, and while Manchester United isn't likely to win a trophy in 2018, anything seems possible under interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Getty Images3Leicester City – Baltimore Ravens

Two random champions with star players who could do no wrong in their charge to the title, Leicester City and the Baltimore Ravens fit as the two biggest Cinderella stories of the past decade and a half. 

Only once in the last 15 years has the AFC title been won by a quarterback not named Tom Brady, Peyton Manning or Ben Roethlisberger, and just one team not named Chelsea, Manchester United or Manchester City has claimed the Premier League in the last 13 seasons.

Joe Flacco pulled off "the Mile High miracle" to top Manning and the Broncos before routing Brady's Patriots in the AFC title game during the Ravens march to the Super Bowl title following the 2012 season. Jaime Vardy's 24-goal haul for the Foxes during the 2015/16 Premier League season, including a record run of scoring in eleven consecutive Premier League games, sparked Leicester to one of the most improbable title wins in the history of team sports.

Neither player has managed to reach the same heights in subsequent years, and losses of other stars around them have limited their teams to being also-rans. 

It's not apples to apples here. Leicester City's title win came over clubs with much bigger budgets and the odds of it ever happening again are slim at best, while the Ravens play in a league where the rules promote parity and could easily become a contender again in the near future.

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Getty Images4Juventus – Denver Broncos

The comparisons between Juventus and the Denver Broncos stem largely from how both teams played in 2015.

Juventus' run to the Champions League final that year was built around a fierce commitment to defending as a team and a conservative but opportunistic attacking approach while the Denver Broncos leaned on a dominant defensive unit throughout the 2015 NFL season, winning Super Bowl 50 in February of 2016. 

Both teams also relied heavily on newly acquired star players who were on the downside of their careers. Carlos Tevez lead the line for the Serie A champions that season in what was his last run as a true force at the top of the global game. The Broncos had Peyton Manning, in the last year of his storied career, under center.

The biggest difference here, aside from playing completely different sports, is that the Broncos defense proved too much for Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl, while Juventus couldn't keep pace with Barcelona's attack in the Champions League final. 

Everything you need to know about Gavi, Barcelona's midfield prodigy

Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, commonly known as Gavi, is a rising star in the world of football. Born on October 22, 2004, in Santpedor, Spain, Gavi has quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional talent, skill, and vision on the field. At a young age, Gavi has already showcased immense potential, capturing the attention of football enthusiasts and experts worldwide.

Gavi's journey in football began at a tender age when he joined the youth academy of FC Barcelona, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world. Under the guidance of exceptional coaches and surrounded by a rich footballing environment, Gavi flourished and quickly rose through the ranks. He demonstrated remarkable technical abilities, impeccable control over the ball, and a deep understanding of the game that surpassed his years.

As he progressed through the ranks, Gavi caught the eye of many scouts and coaches within the Barcelona organization. His performances in the youth teams were electrifying, leaving spectators in awe of his natural talent. His passing accuracy, dribbling skills, and ability to read the game stood out, setting him apart from his peers. Gavi's rise was meteoric, and it was only a matter of time before he would make his mark on the senior stage.

In August 2021, Gavi received his first senior call-up to FC Barcelona's first team for preseason friendlies. It was a significant moment in his career, marking his transition from the youth ranks to the professional stage. Despite his young age, Gavi displayed maturity and composure beyond his years, earning praise from his teammates, coaches, and fans alike. His performances were breathtaking, showcasing his ability to dictate play, control the tempo, and create scoring opportunities.

Gavi's playing style can be described as a combination of elegance and dynamism. He possesses exceptional close control, allowing him to navigate through tight spaces and evade opponents effortlessly. His passing range is exceptional, with the ability to execute both short, precise passes and long, visionary balls that can dissect defenses. Gavi's technical prowess is complemented by his agility, quickness, and ability to change direction swiftly, making him a nightmare for opposing defenders.

Beyond his technical abilities, Gavi's work ethic and humility are equally noteworthy. Despite the praise and attention he has received, he remains grounded and focused on continuous improvement. He is known for his dedication to training, constantly seeking to refine his skills and expand his knowledge of the game. Gavi understands that talent alone is not enough to succeed in football; it requires discipline, perseverance, and a hunger for constant development.

Off the field, Gavi's personality shines through. Known for his affable nature and warm smile, he has quickly become a fan favorite. His humble demeanor and respect for the game have earned him admiration from supporters and fellow professionals. Gavi is aware of the responsibility that comes with representing a prestigious club like FC Barcelona, and he embraces it with grace and gratitude.

While Gavi's career is still in its early stages, he has already shown immense promise and potential. He has the opportunity to become a key figure not only for Barcelona but also for the Spanish national team. With his unique blend of skill, vision, and maturity, Gavi has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the footballing world.

Getty ImagesStarted out his career in Seville

He was reared in the 40,000-person Los Palacios y Villafranca neighborhood of Seville. Two other football players, Jesus Navas, and Fabian Ruiz, were also raised in the same place.

Given that he was raised in a football-crazed household, Gavi was only natural to develop a passion for the sport. He began showcasing talent and innate aptitude with a football as a young child. As a result, in 2010, his parents registered him in La Liara Balompié, a team in his region.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesScored 95 goals in 2 seasons at Betis ⚽🦾

After spending a couple of years at his hometown club, Gavi was recruited by the Real Betis Academy to showcase his talents. The young midfielder was provided with much larger resources and could prove his mettle in front of a larger crowd, paving the way for his future.

Gavi spent another 2 seasons at the Real Betis youth academy, where he astonishingly scored 95 goals. His talent and hard work were on display as he kept racking up the numbers with every passing game, catching the eye of scouts across Spain.

GettyWas offered a chance to play at Real Madrid

By scoring a record 95 goals in two campaigns at Betis' academy, Gavi was on the watchlist of multiple elites in Spain including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid. It's very rare that a generational talent like Gvai who was arguably head and shoulders above the other players in his batch gets ignored by the Spanish scouts.

It's no shock that even Real Madrid wanted to recruit the Spanish prodigy owing to his wonderful skillset. And when different clubs came knocking on the youngster's doors, Gavi decided to wear the famous blue and purple of Barcelona above others. Despite Los Blancos' interest in him, Gavi embarked on a journey with Madrid's biggest rivals joining the La Masia Academy in 2015.

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Getty ImagesYoungest debutant ever for Spain 🧒

30th September 2021 marks a very important date in Gavi's professional life. The Barcelona wonderkid was enlisted in Luis Enrique's Spanish national side to face Italy in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals to be played on the 6th of October.

The appearance made him the youngest player to ever feature for La Furia Roja, and he showcased his talent once again by playing for his national team. Enrique's men ended the reigning European Champions' winning streak that stretched to 37 games as Gavi played a crucial role in the victory. The midfielder was also selected by the former Barcelona manager to feature in Spain's squad that traveled to Qatar for the World Cup in 2022.

Shaun Marsh will be scrubbed from Australia’s plans for South Africa unless he can prove his fitness for the tour match that precedes the first Test

Daniel Brettig29-Jan-2014Shaun Marsh will be scrubbed from Australia’s plans for South Africa unless he can prove his fitness for the tour match that precedes the first Test.As the national selectors ponder a possible replacement in the event that Marsh does not recover from a calf ailment, ESPNcricinfo has learned that the left-hander will be ruled out of Test calculations if he is unable to present himself fit to play in the four-day warm-up match in Potchefstroom, due to begin on February 5.The tour schedule is typically tight, as the first Test begins in Pretoria on February 12 before the second follows only three days later. The selectors are understandably reluctant to nurse any player through the vital first week of the trip, leaving Marsh with only a day or two at best to complete his recovery from the injury he sustained in the field during the final ODI against England in Adelaide on Australia Day.Instead of flying out with the majority of the touring party on Wednesday, Marsh remained in Perth for rehab work, with the Western Australia physio Nick Jones, who is liaising with his national team counterpart Alex Kountouris. Australia’s captain Michael Clarke was unsure whether any deadline had been put in place for Marsh or Jackson Bird, who has returned to bowling in Tasmania after complaining of a jarred back, and can be expected to fly out before the end of the week.”I spoke to the physio yesterday about Jackson, he bowled well yesterday and they wanted to see how he pulled up today and he has to bowl again today,” Clarke said. “Shaun was seeing the physio in Western Australia the last conversation I had with Alex [Kountouris] so they’re going to see how he goes over the next couple of days I’m sure, and fingers crossed they’re both going to be on a plane sooner rather than later to South Africa.”I don’t know how long they’re giving both players. Ideally I would like them to be on this plane now, but that’s not realistic. You’ve got to give them every opportunity, they’re an important part of our squad, they’re two very good players, and I’m positive they’ll both come up ok.”Should Marsh be ruled unfit, he is likely to be replaced in the tour party by Phillip Hughes, who narrowly missed selection for the initial squad, rather than the Ashes batsman George Bailey. The selectors have already been forced to replace one player in the original 15, James Faulkner requiring knee surgery and replaced by Moises Henriques.Australia boast an enviable record in South Africa, having not lost a series on the veldt since reunification. The 1994 and 2011 tours ended in drawn Test series, while the 1997, 2002, 2006 and 2009 tourists all enjoyed away victories. While the current South African side is undisputed as the world’s most accomplished, Clarke noted the similarity of conditions in Australia as a source of considerable comfort to his men.”A lot of teams in Test cricket are having success in their own backyard, but the greatest challenge is to be able to win away from home, so that’s what we face right now,” Clarke said. “We’re playing against a very good opposition … wicket wise, temperature wise and country wise there’s a lot of similarities, so that’ll help us become accustomed to conditions. But when you’re playing in front of your home fans we’ve seen the benefit of that this summer and that’s obviously going to help South Africa. We’ve got to be on top of our game.”Clarke was untroubled by the mishmash of cricket played by his touring party in the lead-up to the trip, as some followed their Ashes success with the ODI series against England, others moonlighted in the Twenty20 Big Bash League and still others played the first two days of second XI fixtures for unfamiliar states before their departure.”It’s only two weeks ago we were playing the last Test match, so I think guys have enough Test cricket under their belt now to be ready for this first Test match,” Clarke said. “The four-day game will certainly help get any cobwebs out if there are any, but guys have been playing whether it’s one-day cricket or the second XI competition.”Guys have enough cricket under their belt, it’s now a matter of adjusting to conditions as soon as we get there and continuing to play the same brand of cricket we’ve played this summer, with the same intent and the same attitude, that’s the key for me.”

Manoj Tiwary feels he has matured as a person and that it has brought him more consistency, as reflected in two centuries and two fifties from his last four List-A innings

Abhishek Purohit30-Nov-2014Manoj Tiwary made his India debut in February 2008. In close to seven years, he has been given nine ODIs, but even those have been limited to an odd game or two in a series. Forget a full series, he has never played three successive matches.He would understandably become stressed at the lack of opportunities, but has stopped doing that now, he says. Tiwary no longer worries about India selection when he walks out to bat. He feels he has matured as a person and that it has brought more consistency, as reflected in two centuries and two fifties in his last four List-A innings, the latest being a match-winning 151 off 121 against North Zone in the Deodhar Trophy semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium.”To be honest with you, I don’t carry excess luggage while I go in to bat. Earlier I used to carry lot of baggage,” Tiwary said. “I used to think about other people who are watching, I have to impress them, I have to play on the up, I have to play lofted shots like others but over a period of time I have realised what is my game and tried to improve on that. That helped me a lot. I have become more consistent now. No added pressure. I just go out there, watch the ball and play my game.”In the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy final, Tiwary had made a second-innings 94 against Mumbai at the same Wankhede Stadium in the company of Sourav Ganguly, who scored 90. Tiwary said the difference between him then and now was that he had toned down his aggression.”Earlier I used to be very aggressive, now I have calmed down a bit. Earlier I used to be very short-tempered. I used to get upset about a lot of things, cricket as well as off the field. Earlier I used to throw away my wicket in the middle phase.”But as you grow older you tend to become more mature, that helped me in my batting as well. I know my game really better than before. The injuries that happened to me also gave me a lot of time to think about my game as a cricketer and also as a person.”Tiwary credited his family for the change in his personality and his game. “I spent a lot of time with myself and my family members have helped me a lot during my injury phase, made me realise what you have to do next, think about yourself, your game. Earlier I used to watch a lot of motivational videos as you all know. That also helped me a lot.”He may not fret over India selection like he used to but he hopes for another chance with the national team, and a decent run. “I hope and I believe that I will get an opportunity and when I get an opportunity, I think it will be a longer rope I guess. I am just hoping and hoping that I get into the team again.”Whoever is there in the team have also done really well for themselves and have performed at the given stages of their careers. It is very difficult to get into the team nowadays. Everybody scores runs. I wish I could play a lot of matches on wickets provided here, and in Rajkot.”