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Mahmudullah has identified the abundance of dot balls in Bangladesh’s innings, and the lack of singles and twos, as the reason behind their fifth straight T20 defeat

Andrew Fidel Fernando at the Premadasa09-Mar-2018On the boundary tally, the teams were neck and neck. Bangladesh hit 12 fours to go with their three sixes; India 13 fours and three sixes. Where Bangladesh let themselves down, however, was when it came to picking the gaps – their 43 singles put in the shade by India’s 58. All told, 56% of the deliveries Bangladesh faced were dot balls, as batsmen repeatedly attempted to hit boundaries, and routinely collected nothing but fresh air. India’s dot-ball percentage was only 32%, and there, Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah felt, was where the game was decided.”We probably played more than 50 dot balls today [68, to be exact], and when that happens you create pressure on individual batsmen,” he said. “I played seven dot balls and got out cheaply. It’s hard to get going if you’re relying so much on boundaries. If you can rotate the strike and score boundaries at the same time, it will release the pressure on the batsmen.”Of particular concern were the middle overs. Bangladesh were not terribly placed after the Powerplay, having hit 44 for 2 from the first six overs. But between overs 7 and 12 – while top order batsmen were still at the crease – they scored four runs or fewer in four separate overs, and the innings lost steam. There would be a brief upsurge while Liton Das and Sabbir Rahman batted together, but with so much ground to make up they were forced to attempt high-risk strokes.”We often lose our rhythm when batting in the middle overs,” Mahmudullah said. “When boundaries weren’t coming, we struggled to take ones and twos. Then we gave away our wickets. I think the blame goes to our batsmen, particularly on this wicket. especially when you’re playing with five bowlers and six batters, obviously you need to do something. Someone has to step up.”This six-wicket loss to India is Bangladesh’s fifth consecutive defeat in T20s, and their 13th in their last 14 matches. They have been consistently woeful in this format since mid-2016, for all their gains in Tests and ODI cricket. In these last five matches, Bangladesh have failed to breach 150 three times.”We need to be fearless – not thinking about our doubts,” Mahmudullah said. “Otherwise no point playing these games. We’ve been discussing that we need to express ourselves, whatever happens. T20 is about taking those calculated risks.”

West Ham United could be set to reward three players with brand-new contracts in the very near future, with an update coming out of east London this week.

Latest West Ham news

David Moyes has guided the Irons to three wins out of their opening four Premier League matches so far this season; building upon their exceptional UEFA Europa Conference League triumph last term.

Despite losing some superstar players over the transfer window, most notably midfielder Declan Rice to Arsenal to the tune of £105 million, West Ham haven't looked back.

Impressive victories over the likes of in-form Brighton and big-spending Chelsea have showcased the real potential of this new-look Moyes side, with the east Londoners seriously reshaping their team.

Summer signings Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse have excelled in Claret and Blue. The former has been lavished with praise by members of the media for some of his performances, while the latter was desperately unlucky not to be selected for Gareth Southgate's England squad.

It's an exciting time to be a Hammer, as reports even suggest they could bolster their ranks further by re-signing free agent Jesse Lingard on a short-term deal.

West Ham also managed to keep hold of star defender Nayef Aguerd, despite some serious interest from Al-Ittihad just before the Saudi transfer window shut at 10pm on Thursday night.

Moyes, in more good news for the club, brought in a host of promising new additions to his backroom staff this week; appointing John Heitinga, Mark Robson and Henry Newman.

I would like to welcome John to West Ham United and also welcome Mark and Henry into the first-team group," said Moyes to the club's official website.

“John is someone I have known for a long time. He has gained some very good experience since beginning his coaching career in the Ajax Academy and working his way up to their first-team.

"Mark and Henry are both already familiar to everyone here at the Club and have deserved the opportunity to step up within our structure.

“John, Mark and Henry will each bring experience in different areas and complement the strengths we already have in the coaching team."

Who could leave West Ham?

The London Stadium side have displayed signs of real promise ahead of a long and congested 2023/2024 season, where they will also be competing in the UEFA Europa League.

West Ham's next goal is apparently to tie some of their key squad members down with new and improved contracts, with O'Rourke sharing three stars could now be offered fresh terms.

Indeed, writing for Football Insider, he claims that Pablo Fornals, Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek are the the trio in question; as all of their contracts are set to expire in 2024 as things stand.

All three "will now start sitting down with the West Ham hierarchy about potential renewals", O'Rourke says. Meanwhile, initial contract talks have already been held with Coufal in particular.

Following a successful transfer window, where they also put pen to paper on deals for Ghana star Mohammed Kudus and ex-Arsenal ace Konstantinos Mavropanos, West Ham "are now set to turn attentions" to renewals.

While Newcastle United appear to be done and dusted during the 2023 transfer window, Eddie Howe is still mulling over fresh faces to bolster his thriving outfit in the future.

Having qualified for the Champions League with a fourth-placed Premier League finish last term, the Magpies have worked diligently on the transfer front this summer to ensure that the squad is ready for European football and a challenge to emulate last year's feats.

Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have all been added to the first team, and while the spending is ostensibly complete, one exciting star remains of a vested interest.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

According to i news, Newcastle are plotting their next move and have identified Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, with the 21-year-old 'under consideration' for a swoop when Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations permit.

Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…

Believed to hold a £42m release clause in his contract, Williams is now in the final year of his contract, and Howe could soon land his man on a cut-price deal.

How good is Nico Williams?

Although Williams is only young, he has already captured the awe of the masses in Basque Country and has been praised for his "daring" approach on the pitch by former manager Marcelinho.

Last season, the eight-cap Spain star scored nine goals and supplied six assists from 43 matches across all competitions as he dazzled in his wide attacking role, receiving praise for his ability in 1v1 situations, pace, and progressive nature.

This is showcased through his ranking among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, and, as such, Howe could have his hands on the next version of Allan Saint-Maximin by securing the winger's signature.

Saint-Maximin departed St. James' Park for £23m in July after forging 124 appearances for the Magpies, posting just 13 goals and 21 assists.

The 26-year-old ranks among the top 14% of positional peers for assists, and the top 1% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, and has also been dubbed a "wizard" by journalist Graeme Bailey for his brilliant, fleet-footed displays on the pitch.

Alas, the 26-year-old never quite ignited the kind of cutting edge that Howe covets, which is evidenced through his Tyneside exit and the subsequent £39m signing of Harvey Barnes, who scored 13 Premier League goals last term and ranks among the top 5% of positional peers for goals per 90.

However, given Williams' youthful age and inexperience, Howe will likely feel he can craft a refined version of the Magpie fan favourite by nurturing the whiz to the fore, maintaining his blistering pace and dribbling skills while adding goals and assists with regularity.

Described as a "sensation" by journalist Shina Oludare, Howe is wise to get in on the action, and while this is a transfer that likely will not occur over the next week, the winter transfer market could prove to be a tantalising time indeed as the burgeoning Premier League side assess their next move.

Emmanuel Stewart, the West Indies captain, appealed for obstructing the field after a South Africa batsman picked up the ball close to off stump, even though it was stationary

Shashank Kishore in Mount Maunganui17-Jan-2018West Indies have once again ignited the spirit-of-cricket debate at the Under-19 World Cup, when they appealed against South Africa opener Jiveshan Pillay for obstructing the field in their Group A fixture in Mount Maunganui.Emmanuel Stewart, the West Indies captain and wicketkeeper, made the appeal after Pillay picked up the ball close to off stump, even though it was stationary after rolling off an inside edge. The third umpire Ranmore Martinesz was called in and the decision went in West Indies’ favour after a long wait and a number of replays. The incident occurred in the 17th over of South Africa’s innings, when they were 77 for 2.

Maybe you should stop doing it. Whether we like or not, it’s law in the game. As for spirit of the game, the players didn’t do anything wrong right? #healthydebate

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) January 17, 2018

Once the decision was referred to the TV umpire, it was going to be difficult to give the batsman not out unless Stewart and West Indies withdrew the appeal. Law 37.4, which deals with ‘returning the ball to a fielder’, states: “Either batsman is out obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, he/she uses the bat or any part of his/her person to return the ball to any fielder.”South Africa Under-19 coach Laurence Mahatlane was measured in his reaction during the innings break. “Our take is very simple: we play to the laws of the game and it’s part of the laws,” he said. “It’s happened and hopefully we’ll learn for a long time from it.”West Indies captain Emmanuel Stewart appeals•International Cricket CouncilWest Indies’ actions in this game are likely to be debated widely, as they were at the 2016 World Cup when their bowler Keemo Paul effected a mankad to dismiss Zimbabwe’s last wicket – Richard Ngarava – to win a must-win group game. They eventually went on to win the tournament. West Indies were in a must-win position against South Africa in this game too, having lost their tournament opener against New Zealand.In 2016, former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop had defended the U-19 side against criticism for the mankad, but he was less supportive of this obstructing-the-field dismissal.”This is an unfortunate issue,” Bishop, one of the commentators at the game, told Fox Sports. “The batsman isn’t trying to gain an advantage. He is not trying to being unfair. The umpires have done what they need to do. The ball has stopped. It’s not threatening the stumps. I don’t really necessarily feel as if that’s a good law. It could take a re-look.”The batsman is not trying to gain an unfair advantage. All he is trying to do is help out the fielding team. I would have to have a deeper look at myself if I was the fielding captain. Can I use some discretion here for the sake of the game and whatever the spirit of the game means? I wouldn’t have gone that way. He’s obviously a bright kid and he understands the letter of the law. On this occasion it’s slightly different for me compared to the last World Cup.”

A gift of a pair of signed wicketkeeping gloves belonging to his late father has been a happier Ashes moment for Jonny Bairstow

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Dec-2017Jonny Bairstow has found release from a troubled Ashes tour thanks to a kindhearted gesture from an Australian cricket fan who won a pair of autographed wicketkeeping gloves owned by Bairstow’s father nearly 40 years ago.Andrew Johns was a small boy when he won the gloves in an Adelaide quiz because he knew that David Bairstow was England’s reserve wicketkeeper on the 1978-79 Ashes tour.Now he has presented them to Jonny as a memento of a tour in which he has followed in the footsteps of his late father.Mr Johns tracked down Bairstow on Instagram and spent half-an-hour or more chatting with him early one morning in the England team’s Adelaide hotel.Bairstow has had a tough time in Australia, still to make a major contribution with the bat and derided for his “headbutt” greeting to Cameron Bancroft in a Perth bar soon after England’s tour party touched down in Australia.He expressed delight at “a fantastic gesture” – leaving Mr Johns to tell that Bairstow, far from being a threat to life and limb, is “a ripping bloke”, and causing fans to take to Twitter to praise “a fabulous and heartwarming story”.”He was quite emotional to receive the gloves, it was really lovely,” Johns told ABC Radio. “I just lost my father this year in June — he was 83, but had a great life — and I know if someone gave something to me that belonged to my father I’d want it, and that’s what I wanted to do for Jonny.”He’s a ripping bloke. My dad used to say if you ever meet a Yorkshireman he’s as close to an Australian as you’ll get, down to earth with a laugh and a beer and tell you how it is, and he’s exactly all of those.”Meanwhile, during a series characterised by ill will, one simple gesture might be said to have discovered the true spirit of the Ashes.

Glasgow Rangers have enjoyed a productive transfer window thus far, signing nine players, although Michael Beale could perhaps have a trick or two up his sleeve heading into its final two weeks.

It’s clear the manager is aiming to bring another defender to the club, with Harry Souttar and Jake Cooper among those who have been linked recently.

The Ibrox side have conceded three times across their four matches in the Premiership and Champions League so far this term, and it was a mix-up in the box which led to Kilmarnock scoring the winner in the opening league match.

But Beale could yet make a surprise signing, as the Gers have recently shown interest in QPR midfielder Sam Field ahead of a potential swoop.

Could Rangers sign Sam Field?

Football Insider has claimed that the Light Blues are ‘admirers’ of the player and Beale knows all about his strengths, having coached him during his brief spell in charge of the Championship side last season.

Burnley are also keen on signing him and Field may have to make a choice between Premier League football or winning trophies and potentially getting a chance to experience the Champions League.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

The £7.3k-per-week brute is entering the final year of his contract, which could entice Beale to make a low bid in order to convince QPR to sell this summer.

Could Sam Field improve Rangers?

The Glasgow outfit have already bolstered their midfield options by signing Ecuador international Jose Cifuentes, and alongside Nicolas Raskin, the two players could form a key duo in the heart of the midfield.

Ryan Jack also signed a new one-year contract at the end of the season, and he still has plenty to offer.

Last season, the Scot had a pass completion percentage of 91%, which was the highest out of the Rangers squad in the league, while he also made 1.1 key passes per game and grabbed two assists – ranking in the top ten for both metrics, showing he could be an important part of the side.

However, this could be his final year at the club, and Field could be an ideal heir to the 31-year-old. The Englishman is more defensively minded, and compared to positional peers playing at a similar level, he ranks in the top 7% across the next eight leagues for interceptions, blocks, clearances, and aerials won per 90 over the previous 12 months (as per FBref).

These excellent defensive attributes would allow others in the midfield area to push further forward knowing that Field would cover well behind them, which could make him a wonderful signing.

Gareth Ainsworth, his current manager at QPR, lauded the 25-year-old for being “sensational” back in April, and he has continued to impress so far this campaign.

During his two Championship matches thus far, Field has already won 6.5 duels per game while averaging four interceptions per match, and it’s clear his strengths lie in gaining possession of the ball while showcasing an impressive physical presence.

Jack’s role at the Gers has reverted to more of a squad option, and by signing Field in the coming weeks, Beale could unearth a natural heir to the Scot.

The fresh feeling around Burnley, generated by Vincent Kompany’s attacking, free-flowing football and a glorious promotion back to the top flight, has opened a realm of new transfer opportunities.

The club are heading in the right direction and Turf Moor has become a realistic home for young prospects.

Another played tipped to join the Clarets’ revolution is Johan Bakayoko.

Burnley transfer news – what's the latest?

On 11 August, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Burnley had asked for the conditions on a Bakayoko deal and Kompany was driving the interest.

However, the Italian journalist reaffirmed that it isn't an easy deal as many clubs are chasing the PSV winger, with the Dutch outfit set to command a ‘big fee’ to sanction his departure.

But, according to Sacha Tavolieri, a recent development has emerged which has seen Everton open talks for Bakayoko, and they are set to make an ‘official approach.’

This is likely to prompt a domino effect, encouraging Burnley to accelerate their interest in the deliciously talented youngster.

Who is Johan Bakayoko?

Featuring predominantly as a right-winger for various PSV youth sides and the senior team, Bakayoko has registered 62 goal contributions in 105 appearances from this position and formed a formidable reputation for his skilful dribbling, hypnotic technique, and blistering directness.

Last season, the Belgian bagged nine goals and crafted six assists in 30 starts across all competitions, with ten of those coming in the Eredivisie.

Although is still in the infancy of his career, the £12k-per-week sensation has resoundingly demonstrated that he is untouchable in the Dutch top flight. Over the past 365 days, in comparison to his positional peers outside of Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks within the top 10% for assists per 90, shot-creating actions per 90, progressive carries per 90, and successful take-ons per 90.

His form has generated huge acclaim from former PSV manager and Manchester United Ruud van Nistelrooy, who said: “He is so dominant. He’s a boy who, if he continues to invest in what he’s doing now, hopefully at the end of the season can make a nice step towards first. He’s worked hard on multiple facets of his game, and that’s showing through now. Maintaining this level in the longer term is his goal.”

Bakayoko has seemingly fulfilled his target and looks set to embark on a new challenge.

The right-wing spot at Burnley is there for the taking too.

In the club’s season opener against Manchester City, Luca Koleosho began in that position but failed to make any meaningful impact. In 61 minutes, the attacker failed to record any accurate long balls and crosses or forge any successful dribbles, as Burnley were defeated 3-0 by the reigning European champions.

Of course, it is hard to judge a player in these circumstances on his Premier League debut against the most elite opposition. However, to place a large portion of trust with less than ten senior appearances to his name is extremely risky, and the club could clearly benefit from the arrival of an exciting prospect such as Bakayoko. Indeed, he would surely represent a big upgrade.

Australia captain Steven Smith is closer than ever before to matching Don Bradman as the top-rated batsman of all time, according to the ICC rankings for Test batsmen

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Dec-20170:47

Steven Smith, the run machine

Australia captain Steven Smith is closer than ever before to matching Don Bradman as the top-rated batsman of all time, according to the ICC rankings for Test batsmen.Smith, who scored 239 to lead Australia to regaining the Ashes in Perth, increased his ratings points tally from 938 to 945 at No. 1, surpassing his previous best of 941 after the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.He is second on the all-time list along with former England batsman Len Hutton, and no one else apart from Bradman – who has 961 points – has ever achieved a higher tally.Smith earned seven points after his performance at the WACA led Australia to victory by an innings and 41 runs, overtaking the highest career tallies of Peter May, Ricky Ponting and Jack Hobbs. His Test batting average of 62.32 is only behind Bradman’s 99.94 on the list of best averages for batsmen who have played at least 20 innings. And he’s number one currently ahead of India captain Virat Kohli by 52 ratings points. By the time the Boxing Day Ashes Test begins, Smith would have been at the No. 1 ranking for two years.Reflecting on his double century, Smith said he had never felt better at the crease than the first part of his innings on the second day. “I think that first night I was on, as you say,” he told . “I was in the zone, and everything hit the middle of the bat. I felt incredibly good…that first night was probably as good as I’ve felt.”Smith currently has 426 runs at 142.00 in the Ashes which also included his unbeaten 141 which set up Australia’s opening victory in Brisbane. Darren Lehmann, Australia’s coach, said Smith has taken his game to new level.”He’s running pretty hot isn’t he? I’ve been lucky enough to see all of his Test hundreds. So for me, seeing him evolve from that first Test hundred at the Oval to now – he just changes his own plans to what the bowlers are doing and what the wicket’s doing, and what the game needs. He’s gone to another level, which is pleasing.”

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Sevilla defender Marcos Acuna, with news from Spain providing an update on the Premier League side’s chase for further reinforcements.

After an impressive spell of activity in the transfer window, Unai Emery was dealt a triple hammer blow coming in the form of extensive injuries to two key players and a harrowing opening day defeat.

With Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings out of action for the foreseeable future, the Spaniard will be forced to re-enter the market to bolster his side once more in areas beyond just covering for the absent duo.

Could Aston Villa sign Marcos Acuna?

Away from the injury blows Villa have been linked to LaLiga left-back, Acuna by journalist Matteo Moretto.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

Moretto stated the interest, as well as claiming that there are ‘contacts between all parties involved’ regarding the potential move.

Valued around €11.5m (£10m) by FootballTransfers, Villa could land themselves a bargain for a defender with a host of experience in playing among Europe's elite.

How good is Marcos Acuna?

Having been lauded as “huge” by journalist Ignacio Raposo during Argentina’s crucial World Cup quarter-final win over the Netherlands, Acuna could be a strong name for Emery and president of football operations Monchi to chase this window.

At 31-years-old, the Argentine has secured almost 400 domestic appearances during his career, playing in his homeland, Portugal and Spain over the span of 12 years, via Transfermarkt.

With 53 caps for his country, the versatile defender made seven appearances on the road to claiming the World Cup in 2022, including playing 56 minutes in the final in a more advanced left midfielder position.

The versatility of the Sevilla gem’s game makes him a valuable asset to have in a squad, with the ability to play on both sides as a full-back and as a wide midfielder, contributing goals and assists as well as being defensively reliable.

Throughout his career, the 31-year-old has netted 34 goals and registered 63 assists, showcasing just what he could bring to Villa Park on the left side.

Deployed at left-back on the opening day was Lucas Digne, a full-back that was speculated to depart the Midlands this summer.

The Frenchman was blasted by writer Alex Berwick for “ball-watching” during their 5-1 thrashing to Newcastle United, making claims for his future at Villa Park even more dubious.

In hiring Acuna, Emery could find a perfect replacement for Digne, with the Argentine performing at a higher level on average to the 30-year-old in their respective 2022/23 league campaigns.

As per FBref, the Sevilla marvel averaged 2.68 tackles per 90 in LaLiga to the Frenchman’s 1.80 in the Premier League, as well as posing as a bigger threat progressively in areas that could benefit Emery’s style of play.

The reported target recorded an average of 4.80 progressive passes and 2.31 progressive carries per 90 for the Spanish side last season, as well as providing an impressive 1.79 key passes per 90.

Digne fell short in all decimals to Acuna last term, averaging 3.42 progressive passes, 1.74 progressive carries and 1.08 key passes per 90 in the Premier League, via FBref, communicating just how much of an upgrade Villa could acquire this summer.

It’s integral for the Villans to bounce back after such humiliation on the opening day, however, Monchi could take the heat away from Emery and co's first result of the season by securing the impressive and experienced talents of Acuna.

The Committee of Administrators had asked the board to fix a date for the Special General Meeting ahead of the ICC conference on December 8 and 9, but there has been little movement on the matter

Nagraj Gollapudi22-Nov-2017Even as the BCCI office bearers dither over announcing the date for a special general body meeting (SGM) to discuss the new Future Tours Programme, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) has given its nod to the broad plans devised by board chief executive officer Rahul Johri.The ICC has scheduled a workshop on December 7 and 8 in Singapore to discuss the minutiae of the new cricket schedule agreed in-principle by the Full Member nations at an ICC Board meeting in Auckland in October.At the workshop, the countries would chalk out a week-by-week plan for the FTP that will span the period between the 2019 and 2013 World Cups. Apart from the global events, the calendar would comprise the Test and ODI Leagues which start in two years’ time.The CoA, having received a request from the acting board secretary Amitabh Choudhary, had asked the BCCI to call for an emergency meeting to discuss the FTP along with the settlement of a dispute concerning Kochi Tuskers, the former IPL franchise, and revoking the suspension of the Rajasthan Cricket Association.In its e-mail sent to BCCI acting president CK Khanna on November 15, the CoA told him to finalise a date for the SGM and send a notice to all board members (state associations) within two days. However, an alert is yet to go out. Khanna told ESPNcricinfo a final decision would be taken in a meeting between the CoA and office bearers on Tuesday. He also said that he had tried to call an SGM on December 1, but Choudhary was unavailable on that day.On Tuesday, the COA chairman Vinod Rai recommended that the BCCI office bearers comprising Khanna, Choudhary and Anirudh Chaudhry (BCCI treasurer) fix the SGM before the ICC workshop. “I told them there is the ICC meeting in Singapore to finalise the FTP, so please convene your SGM before that. Till today they have not sent the notice.”It is understood that the three office bearers sat with Johri and set December 9 as the date for the SGM – the day after the ICC workshop – but the state associations have received no notice.This current episode of infighting is part of the prevailing power struggle between the COA and the office bearers, the latter a group that is deeply divided.After the COA asked Khanna to call the SGM last week, reported a strongly-worded e-mail sent by Chaudhry to Khanna and Choudhary in which he wondered how the state associations could be expected to take a call when proceedings were being “hustled through”.”It is absolutely shocking that a decision of this magnitude may be hustled through when all the members ought to have been given proper notice and time along with all relevant documents to study and deliberate on the item,” Chaudhry was quoted as saying in the letter.On Tuesday, though, Rai pointed out to the office bearers that Khanna was supposed to call the SGM on November 15, three weeks before the ICC workshop. Under the BCCI rules only the president can call an SGM with 10 days’ notice, and at the SGM, Johri was meant to talk about the FTP and explain to members the BCCI’s plans.A BCCI member claimed the infighting between the office bearers has been creating unnecessary hurdles. “Where is the question of hassling,” they said. “If BCCI cannot hold the SGM, you can’t hold the world to ransom.”