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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.

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.”

Surrey made it two wins from three Friends Life t20 South Group matches by beating Kent by 31 runs at Canterbury with a second brilliant bowling performance inside three days

30-Jun-2013
ScorecardLuke Wright continued his recent good form with 81 off 49 balls•Getty ImagesLuke Wright smashed 81 off 49 balls as Sussex posted an impressive 202 for 3 on their way to a 24-run victory over Middlesex in the Friends Life t20 South Group clash at Lord’s.Dawid Malan hit back with 61 in 43 deliveries but even before he fell, heaving across the line in the 14th over, Middlesex had begun to lose their way. Neil Dexter blasted 27 off just 10 balls but it was too little too late for the hosts who finished on 178 for 8 – which included six penalty runs for Sussex’s slow over rate – with Michael Yardy taking 3 for 30.After winning the toss, Chris Nash got the visitors up and running with a swept six off Tim Murtagh in the third over. Murtagh suffered further punishment a couple of overs later when Wright hit four successive boundaries including a straight six.Sussex were pegged back briefly when Nash, who made 45 off 30 balls, dragged an attempted drive off Adam Voges on to his stumps to make it 84 for 1 in the 10th. But two overs later Rory Hamilton-Brown brought the hundred up for the Sharks with a sweetly timed four through extra cover off Voges.Wright then posted a 37-ball half-century in almost identical manner, off the bowling of Dexter, before flat-batting Josh Davey back over his head for six. Wright, whose impressive month had already brought him a first-class best 187 against the same opposition here at Lord’s, a YB40 century against Kent and a half-century in a Twenty20 international, was eventually caught at long-on off Murtagh for 81 but Hamilton-Brown, supported by Dwayne Smith, ensured there was no let-up.Hamilton-Brown scored 47 in 29 deliveries, including a straight six off Gareth Berg, before giving a steepling return catch to Kyle Mills in the final over. Smith, who had swatted the 34-year-old New Zealander over square leg for a maximum, finished with an unbeaten 21 off 12 balls to leave Middlesex needing to better the second-highest total at Lord’s in domestic Twenty20 cricket.Paul Stirling got the hosts off to a decent start by cover driving Chris Liddle for six in the third over of the Panthers’ reply and the Irishman was given a life on 28, when he was dropped at extra cover off the bowling of Yardy. Yardy had his revenge when Stirling (33) was caught a wide long-on and Joe Gatting then pulled off a superb one-handed catch, low to his right, off Will Beer to account for Joe Denly.Malan celebrated a 37-ball fifty by lifting Beer over long-on for a maximum but the pressure of needing to score at 10 an over eventually told and he was bowled by Nash for 61 before Voges reverse-swept Yardy to short third man. Adam Rossington fell to another good catch, this time by Chris Jordan running in from the midwicket boundary, though not before Dexter had lifted Yardy for a maximum.The Middlesex captain followed it up with two successive sixes off Liddle in the 17th over to leave his side needing an improbable 56 off 18 deliveries. The departure of Dexter, caught in the deep off Jordan, ended the Panthers’ hopes.

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

Imran Tahir has been added to the South African squad to face Pakistan, putting him in line for a Test comeback at the Wanderers on February 1.

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jan-2013Imran Tahir has been added to the South African squad to face Pakistan, putting him in line for a Test comeback at the Wanderers on February 1.Tahir’s last Test came in Adelaide where he returned the second-worst figures by a South African. Only Nicky Boje’s 0 for 221 in Colombo in 2006 has been more expensive than Tahir’s first innings 0 for 180 in Adelaide.But his recall will depend on the fitness of Robin Peterson, who split the webbing between his third and little finger on his right hand, an injury he is expected to recover from in time.Peterson assumed the selection as first-choice spinner after Tahir was dropped for the Perth Test. Peterson then took 5 wickets at 21.80 in the 2-0 victory against New Zealand.”We are confident that Robbie will be fit to play,” Cricket South Africa selection convener Andrew Hudson said. “But it is prudent to have a cover player for him available to take a full part in the team’s preparation this week.”Tahir will be keen to return against the country of his birth and add to his 11 Tests where he has taken 26 wickets but at a cost of 50.19. He has shown good form in recent Sunfoil Series matches, including 12 wickets against Dolphins with 7 for 64 in the second innings.

Mushfiqur Rahim has said that Bangladesh are playing under the pressure of maintaining their spots in the team, and this mindset has made it difficult for the team to compete in T20 matches

Mohammad Isam in Mirpur25-Mar-2014Mushfiqur Rahim has said Bangladesh’s players are playing under the pressure of maintaining their places in the team, and this mindset has made it difficult for the team to compete in T20 matches.”I think the main problem could be that previously our players could play their natural game freely from their positions,” Mushfiqur said, after Bangladesh’s 73-run defeat to West Indies. “We didn’t get that result in the last three months. The pressure is now about maintaining their place in the team.”I think that’s when you fall into pressure and can’t play naturally. In T20 format you have to start scoring quickly, so it becomes difficult for those out of form and with this mentality. We can’t think like this, we have to play our natural game as we did in the last two years.”Mushfiqur Rahim says Bangladesh’s poor fielding has come about due to a lack of confidence•Getty ImagesThis comes on the back of an admission from within the team management that they are finding it difficult to drop players who are out of form.Ahead of the Asia Cup, Mushfiqur had slammed chief selector Faruque Ahmed for not consulting him during squad selection and there have been whispers from the Bangladesh dressing-room that players are not feeling too comfortable with the changes Faruque has made.There are two arguments in this case. One side of the story is that the current crop of Bangladesh players should have a direct superior keeping them in the straight and narrow, but whether the chief selector should be that person is not clear.Secondly, if Faruque has held the players accountable, there are doubts over whether he should have started it so early in his second stint as selector, in a manner that has apparently shaken the team’s morale. There was widespread praise of Faruque’s handling of the Bangladesh team during his first stint between 2003 and 2007.Mushfiqur felt the players were not handling the expectations that have built up over the last two years.”Most of the players are not in the momentum of performance,” he said. “They are not playing with a free mind. We have to overcome this quickly.”It is quite obvious there will be pressure and criticism. The expectation is big because of how we played in the last two years. Six or seven of us performed, which raised our team’s overall performance. But that’s not happening now.”Mushfiqur said the team’s poor fielding was a result of their mindset. “The confidence is low because of batting and bowling form,” he said. “It is reflected in our catching and misfielding, as I feel some are mentally down.”

AB de Villiers has admitted “disappointment” at being overlooked as South Africa’s next Test leader but has pledged his full support for new captain Hashim Amla

Firdose Moonda05-Jun-2014AB de Villiers has admitted “disappointment” at being overlooked as South Africa’s next Test leader but has pledged his full support for new captain Hashim Amla. De Villiers was considered the frontrunner for the position Graeme Smith vacated in March and in an interview with ESPNcricinfo had declared himself “ready” to lead and give up the wicket-keeping gloves if necessary, but that was not enough to convince the selection panel.”I will not beat around the bush. I’m disappointed that I’m not the captain,” de Villiers told the Afrikaans newspaper . “Everyone has dreams and ambitions and hopes they will become reality but I accept the situation and will not let it come between me and Hashim. It would be very stupid of me if I let it affect my game and my role in the team. The choice is made. I wish Hashim all the best and will give him all of my support.”Although neither de Villiers nor convener of selectors Andrew Hudson would reveal when the former was informed about the decision, Hudson explained at Amla’s appointment on Tuesday that all the candidates for captaincy were consulted and gave their support to the selectors’ choice.”Processes were followed. We’ve spoken to the guys who were close and that little group of senior players are all supportive of Hashim,” Hudson said. “We said to the guys ‘This is what’s coming’ and the guys said they were behind it 100%. There’s this group of senior players – Dale (Steyn), Morne (Morkel), Faf (du Plessis), AB, JP (Duminy) – that are behind Hashim and they respect him. He hasn’t just got two or three guys that support him, he has got a core.”Amla also had the backing of his predecessor Smith, who tweeted a message, part of which read, “Congrats my bud and excited to watch you shape proteas test future,” while recent retiree Jacques Kallis called Amla’s promotion “well deserved.”The reasons for the selection committee’s unanimous recommendation of Amla, which the board ratified, was put down to “deciding who we thought was best for the job,” Hudson said, with a focus on ensuring the transition phase will be as smooth as possible. “Hashim is solid and sets an example and he can continue the team culture going forward,” Hudson said. “One of the great things is that 90% of what the team needs to be successful is already there and needs to be continued and I think Hashim’s leadership style will suit this continuum.”Amla’s previous reluctance to lead – as recently as last year he stepped down as vice-captain of the limited-overs squads – was not a concern for the selectors, who understood his thinking at that time. “It was about trying to get his batting right. Hashim is quite intentional. His intention was to get his batting right and he felt that was first port of call,” Hudson said. “Now that he is at that point where he is more comfortable than what he was with his batting, he feels he can contribute in other areas. Captaincy is one where he can leave a deposit that will far outlast the runs that he scores. He can influence youngsters and he is good with people.”Hudson also denied the selectors were motivated by any desire to break up a small controlling group, which the likes of Herschelle Gibbs had claimed was in operation. In his biography Gibbs said Smith, Kallis, Mark Boucher and de Villiers controlled the team and there were lingering whispers that power balance remained in place. “I don’t know how much of a clique there really was,” Hudson said. “I think a lot of it was speculation.”Hudson also brushed aside talk there was political pressure involved in Amla’s appointment, rather focusing on the positives of giving South Africa’s its first full-time captain of colour. “It’s great that we’ve got a player of colour as a captain but it wasn’t the reason why we chose him. We chose him on merit and in terms of his ability and on what we think the team needs in this next era.”Ultimately, the choice between Amla and de Villiers may have been made by, as one insider put it, the need to “maintain team stability” at a time of great change. With Smith and Kallis retiring in quick succession and leaving gaps to be plugged in the batting line-up, using a rookie keeper may not have been in the plans.That means, not for the first time, de Villiers will be asked to put service above self, but if there is one person who is willing to do that, it is him. He is already looking forward to the role he can play as Amla’s deputy at Test level and to ensuring South Africa return to the top of the Test rankings.”As vice-captain of the team I will closely work with Hashim and believe we can make a good combination,” de Villiers said. “I accept that it is not always moonshine and roses and you can’t expect things must always go your way. In the end, we are all working together in the best interests of South African cricket. I believe Hashim will make a success of the assignment. He is a very experienced and senior player and is a fine student of the game. We will all pull in the right direction do to make sure our cricket comes out on top again.”

Auckland won their second one-day title in three seasons, taking the 50-over Ford Trophy after beating Canterbury in a low-scoring final at Eden Park Outer Oval

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Mar-2013
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsCanterbury were bowled out within 35 overs•Getty ImagesAuckland won their second one-day title in three seasons, taking the 50-over Ford Trophy after beating Canterbury in a low-scoring final at Eden Park Outer Oval. Canterbury were bowled out for 139 in under 35 overs and though Auckland chased it down in 25.1 overs, they made heavy weather of the target, losing seven wickets in the process.A combined bowling effort and impressive fielding sunk Canterbury. The Auckland bowlers, after winning the toss, reduced the visitors to 60 for 5. Canterbury’s Rob Nicol and Peter Fulton had added 56 for the second wicket before Nicol was run-out backing up too far at the non-striker’s end. Fulton fell the following over when he tried to go big over the off side and only managed a leading edge down to third man. Michael Bates was on a hat-trick when he had Dean Brownlie caught behind and Auckland had removed three international batsmen in the space of seven balls.Tom Latham resisted with 42 but kept running short of partners. After hooking Bates over fine leg for a six, Latham tried to clear mid-off but a brilliant bit of fielding ended his knock. Colin de Grandhomme ran backwards and managed to pluck the catch one-handed. Auckland wrapped up the innings the following over with Bates leading the way with 3 for 30.Auckland progressed comfortably, reaching 57 for 1 at the end of 10 overs, when lunch was taken. Anaru Kitchen was aggressive from the outset, but fell in the first over after the break, trying to slap Hamish Bennett, only managing an edge to the keeper. Gareth Hopkins and Craig Cachopa had added 34 before Andrew Ellis broke the stand, the keeper Latham in the action again diving in front of first slip to take a one-handed catch.Ryan McCone gave Canterbury hope with a three-wicket burst that reduced Auckland to a nervy 131 for 7. De Grandhomme was caught at the boundary, Donovan Grobbelaar caught at slip and Kyle Mills bowled going for the heave as Auckland lost three wickets for 11 runs. Bruce Martin, who never got a chance to bowl, was the unlikely hero for Auckland as he smashed two consecutive fours to calm the nerves. Hopkins, who remained unbeaten, finished things off with a boundary to cover, closing the curtain on the domestic season.

The 46-year-old has walked away from the national team job after an embarrassing World Cup, so who should be considered to replace him?

It was once the biggest job in the women's game, and perhaps it still is. The United States women's national team is looking for a new head coach to usher in a new era but, strangely enough, there isn't an obvious candidate out there.

Vlatko Andonovski is gone after a disastrous 2022 World Cup that saw the U.S. eliminated in the last 16. The moment the USWNT fell to Sweden, Andonovski's fate was sealed. There would be no second cycle, no Olympics; this team was onto something new.

Whichever coach comes in will face a massive task in rebuilding a fallen juggernaut. There's no debating that the USWNT regressed under Andonovski, although how much is up for debate. Did the rest of the world catch up completely or did the USWNT never quite find the level needed to be, well, the USWNT?

The answer is probably somewhere in the middle. This is a team and a player pool still loaded with talent, but also one that needs some tweaks. The USWNT's mentality and athleticism aren't enough to overwhelm teams anymore and, as several key veterans prepare for their exits from the international stage, it'll be up to a new head coach to build this team around several new stars.

With the 2024 Olympics just a year away, that new coach won't have too much time to put their stamp on things before a major tournament begins. Even with what we saw this summer, though, the USWNT will be among the favorites in Paris, especially if the new coach can make even the slightest tweaks to the factors that let the USWNT down this summer.

So who might that coach be? GOAL takes a look at some of the candidates to replace Andonovski:

GettySarina Wiegman

Probably the best coach in the women's game right now, but also a hire that is essentially a pipedream. Sarina Wiegman is set to lead England into the country's first Women's World Cup final on Sunday, having already won back-to-back European Championships and taken her native Netherlands to the 2019 World Cup final.

Her contract with England runs through 2025 and, with the Olympics just around the corner, is there really any reason for her to leave? The answer is 'probably not', but U.S. Soccer will almost certainly make the call to check just in case.

AdvertisementGettyLaura Harvey

Probably the most natural hire the USWNT could make, Laura Harvey has coached the U.S. at U20, U23 and senior level, and has worked with Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Naomi Girma during their rises to the top of the game.

Harvey, of course, is close with Andonovski, having worked with him and competed against him, so there could be concern about having too much continuity after a poor World Cup. Her time with OL Reign, though, has proved she's a fantastic coach, and she's already come out and hinted that she'd be interested in the role if offered.

"The U.S. women's national team is probably the top job in the world," she said. "If my name is anywhere near it, that's an honor. But first and foremost, my priority is the Reign." 

GettyTony Gustavsson

Tony Gustavsson led hosts Australia on a magical run through the World Cup, so his stock has never been higher. And, given his USWNT history, he may be the perfect fit.

Gustavsson previously served as an assistant under Jill Ellis from 2014-19 before returning to his native Sweden when Andonovski was hired. In 2020, he took over the Matildas and led them on a fantastic run to the semi-finals of this World Cup after finishing fourth at the Olympics in 2021.

He's another one that may not want to leave a good situation with the Olympics looming and his results with Australia, until this summer, were possibly a bit too inconsistent to overlook. Ellis, though, has already backed him, telling ESPN: "He should definitely be a strong candidate for the job."

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GettyEmma Hayes

One of the top coaches at club level in the women's game, could Emma Hayes be tempted by the biggest job at international level?

Hayes has been the Women's Super League's best coach for years, winning the Manager of the Season award six times, as well as The Best FIFA Football Coach in 2021. She also has a history in the U.S., having previously coached Long Island and Iona at the college level, before managing the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL.

Prying her away from Chelsea may be impossible, but the USWNT job is one of the few in the world that may be better than coaching the Blues.

The ICC board has decided that any formal decision on suspending the USA’s Associate membership status will not be taken until the ICC annual conference this June in Barbados

Peter Della Penna16-Apr-2015The ICC board has decided that any formal decision on suspending the USA’s Associate membership status will not be taken until the ICC annual conference this June in Barbados. In a press release following Thursday’s board meeting in Dubai, however, the ICC said it was “not satisfied” that the USA Cricket Association is compliant with all of its membership obligations.In the interim, ICC chief executive David Richardson will lead a task force to USA at some point in the next two months to “meet relevant stakeholders in USA cricket in order to prepare a comprehensive report”. This report will be reviewed at the ICC annual conference in Barbados.The outcome is another reprieve for USACA after it was put on notice at last year’s annual conference in Melbourne for being in violation of governance statute 3.1, which relates to the ICC member being the sole governing body for cricket in a country. A resolution was passed in January removing the stipulation but the member must instead prove it is the body “responsible for the administration, management and development of cricket in the country.”In a country where there is a dispute between two rival boards – as is the current situation in USA, with the clash between USACA and the American Cricket Federation – the ICC will recognise a member board if it can provide a letter of support from the country’s National Olympic Committee. Neither USACA nor ACF has been able to secure a letter of affirmation from the USOC. In the absence of such a letter, the ICC has the power to determine which among multiple boards will receive its recognition.The ICC sent a letter to USACA dated January 28 outlining numerous governance violations by the American body. One of the issues was that USACA’s general elections for both 2012 and 2015 violated its own constitution because the elections should have been held by November 30, 2011 and 2014. Another issue was that USACA has allegedly breached a Memorandum of Understanding related to the terms of a $200,000 loan from the ICC with the ICC concerned that some of the money was spent to repay USACA’s mounting legal fees instead of being used for administrative costs associated with cricket activities.USACA has also been in violation of Associate Membership statute 2.1, which mandates a full-time chief executive or general manager be employed along with another full-time development officer. USACA’s chief executive position has been vacant since Darren Beazley announced his resignation in March 2014 while Andy Pick resigned as USACA’s High Performance Manager in October 2013 after two months in the role due, in part, to interference in squad selection for the ICC World T20 Qualifier, which was held that November in the UAE.The letter to USACA, signed by ICC president N Srinivasan, stated that “unless USACA is able to remedy the concerns above to the board’s satisfaction,” the ICC would consider suspending USACA “with immediate effect and no further notice.”American Cricket Federation chief executive Jamie Harrison had led an online campaign over the past week to garner support for the ICC to suspend USACA. Although that did not occur, the ACF issued a statement on Thursday in which it supported the ICC’s announcement of a task force being sent to meet with stakeholders in America.”Today’s decision by the ICC validates the ACF’s long-standing position that all relevant stakeholders in the USA need to be heard,” the statement said. “ACF welcomes this opportunity to sit across the table from representatives of the ICC and discuss with them the future of the game in America.”