Revealed: Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham may need surgery on shoulder injury but is attempting to play through the pain

Jude Bellingham reportedly may need surgery on his injured shoulder but the Real Madrid star is attempting to play through the pain.

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Bellingham struggling with shoulder injuryReal Madrid star may need surgeryBut midfielder could play through the painGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The 20-year-old dislocated his shoulder against Rayo Vallecano in early November and was forced to withdraw from England's recent Euro 2024 qualifiers as a result of the problem. The midfielder has been playing through the pain of late and scored in Madrid's 4-2 Champions League win over Napoli on Wednesday, meaning he became the first player to score in each of his first four appearances for Los Blancos in the competition. Now, The Athletic claim surgery 'is an option to completely resolve the issue', however, there are no plans at present for him to go under the knife. The report adds that if he were to have the operation, it would likely take two months to recover.

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Bellingham has been nothing short of remarkable for Madrid since joining the Spanish side in the summer from Borussia Dortmund and his goal against Napoli was his 15th in 16 appearances for the European giants. Madrid are top of La Liga on goal difference ahead of Girona and four points ahead of Barcelona, so losing Bellingham, who is wearing shoulder protection during games, could be a huge blow for their silverware-chasing chances. Madrid's next top scorers behind the England international are Rodrygo (eight), Vinicius Junior (six) and Joselu (six).

GOALWHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

Following Madrid's win over Cadiz at the weekend, manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “He had and has the problem. But with the protection, he is fine. So he played a very good game today (Sunday).”

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WHAT NEXT FOR JUDE BELLINGHAM?

Madrid take on Granada in La Liga on Saturday. It remains to be seen what course of action Los Blancos will take with Bellingham's injury.

Coach claim threatens to knock USMNT stars Weston McKennie & Tim Weah back to square one at Juventus

Weston McKennie and Tim Weah may be heading back to square one at Juventus, with Massimiliano Allegri reportedly ready to quit his post.

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Allegri prepared to end Bianconeri contract earlyCould walk away in the summer of 2024American stars would need to prove themselves againWHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Allegri is mulling over an early end to his contract in Turin. His current deal is due to run through to the summer of 2025, but said agreement could be brought to a close in 2024 if the 56-year-old opts to walk away.

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Allegri is said to have attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, with teams in the Middle East ready to “cover him in gold”, while a well-earned break could also be taken in if the Serie A title-winning coach decides to wait on another challenge in Europe.

DID YOU KNOW?

Allegri is said to be growing disillusioned with life at Juve following the departure of former chairman Andre Agnelli – the man who re-hired him in 2021. He reportedly feels that the club are heading in a different direction to the one that he would favour, leading to questions being asked of his future.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Any departure for Allegri could hit USMNT stars McKennie and Weah hard. The former has worked his way back into favour this season – seeing a new contract mooted along the way – but his situation could change were a new boss to be brought in. Weah was snapped up in the summer transfer window by Allegri and the versatile United States international is another that may have to prove himself all over again in 2024-25.

Binny finds form in draw

With a draw the most likely conclusion on the fourth day at Chinnaswamy Stadium, hosts Karnataka utilised the time available for some batting practice

The Report by Rachna Shetty in Bangalore17-Nov-2013
ScorecardFile pic: Stuart Binny hit his seventh first-class hundred after Karnataka conceded the first-innings lead•Sivaraman KittaWith a draw the most likely conclusion on the fourth day at Chinnaswamy Stadium, hosts Karnataka utilised the time available for some batting practice against Gujarat. They finished the day at 245 for 4, boosted by Stuart Binny’s seventh first-class hundred, after dismissing Gujarat for 411 in the first session. The draw gives Gujarat three points based on a first-innings lead while Karnataka get one.Abhimanyu Mithun had an impressive morning session and was instrumental in ensuring that the Gujarat resistance lasted less than 20 overs. Mithun dismissed Rakesh Dhurv and last man, Jasprit Bumrah, while the remaining two wickets were taken by Mayank Agarwal, to restrict Gujarat to 411 with a lead of 105.The rest of the day belonged to Binny, who was promoted up the order to No. 4 after Manish Pandey’s injury. After scores of 2 and 4 in the lead-up to this innings, Binny was keen to get some runs, particularly as Karnataka prepare for three successive away games.Karnataka were 23 for 2 in the 10th over after Agarwal and Kunal Kapoor were dismissed cheaply but their next 100 runs came off 115 balls as Binny got into the groove straightaway, attacking the Gujarat spinners and pacers alike and forcing them to change their attacking lengths to defensive ones.At the other end, KL Rahul grew in confidence, hitting out against Akshar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah, but the young opener would be disappointed on missing out on a bigger score after getting yet another start as he was dismissed by Rakesh Dhurv for 47.His exit hardly affected Binny, who brought out the reverse-sweep to have the sparse crowd hooting in appreciation. By the time Binny reached his century, off 88 balls, Karnataka had only scored 184. He was dismissed playing in the manner in which he had started, attempting a big shot, but by then, Karnataka had played long enough to ensure a draw.Wicketkeeper CM Gautam and Ganesh Satish played out the remaining overs safely until play was called off.Binny was pleased that he had made use of an opportunity given by the team management to find some form. He also said that the spinners’ lines early on allowed him to settle quickly.”I have a pretty simple game plan,” Binny said. “I try and play 20 minutes to see what is happening, in terms of conditions, and then I play my game. The pitch was good to bat on and the spinners tried to attack me early on, which helped me attack them in turn. I won’t say I was worried that I didn’t get enough runs but it’s always good to start your Ranji Trophy with a few runs. I don’t think I played more than 10 balls in the two innings before this one, and therefore it’s crucial for me to play out the first 20 minutes.”With three away games against Vidarbha, Odisha and Haryana up next, Binny said the team would be focused on first securing a first-innings lead before attempting an outright victory. Manish Pandey is expected to recover from a twisted ankle in time for the next round on November 21 and with Robin Uthappa also expected to be join the squad, Karnataka are confident of their chances.”At the moment, we haven’t got the results we have wanted,” Binny said. “We shouldn’t try and think too much about where we are on the table because it’s still too early in the tournament. First we will try to get an innings-lead and then try for an all-out victory.”Gujarat, who are comfortable in the second place with 13 points, are scheduled to play an away game against Punjab on November 21.

Momentum on offer in series decider

ESPNcricinfo previews the third T20 international between England and South Africa at Edgbaston

The Preview by Andrew McGlashan11-Sep-2012Match FactsSeptember 12, 2012, Edgbaston
Start time 6.30pm (1730GMT)England’s batsmen could do with a good showing in the third and final T20I•AFPThe Big PictureEach of the series played between these two teams this season has come down to a final-match decider but, as with the Test matches, the best England can hope for is a share of the trophy. Given they needed 13 off five balls at Old Trafford to be ahead of the D/L target that is probably a position they are fortunate to be in.The Nine9 in Manchester was a hectic affair: batsmen swinging from the hip, the ball skewing off edges, fielders slipping on a wet outfield, a couple of wonderful catches, another England drop and some impressive quick bowling. On balance it is South Africa who still hold an edge, particularly with the strength of their batting, which is in sharp contrast to the problems England have.It was instructive to watch Hashim Amla’s approach to what was basically a slog-fest. He barely slogged. Sure, he tried to hit the ball hard, and occasionally lost his shape, but his boundaries were well-timed, well-placed shots and not just the wild hacks attempted by Craig Kieswetter, Alex Hales and Luke Wright.Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn were a handful on a lively pitch – unlike what is expected in Sri Lanka – while most of England’s bowlers performed well, too. Two-over spells are difficult to analyse, but Graeme Swann did not conceded a boundary and Jade Dernbach just the one.For both sides this is their final outing before departing for the subcontinent and whoever wins will feel they can take a little bit of momentum and confidence – although it is difficult to gauge much from either camp with no players having spoken for three days. But whatever happens at Edgbaston it won’t count for much when the World Twenty20 starts.Form guide
(Most recent first, completed matches)
EnglandL WWWL
South Africa WWWWLWatch out forJade Dernbach is a bowler to watch with an open mind. When it goes wrong it can get very ugly but he has a unique set of skills that can make him a match-winner. He took wickets at Chester-le-Street but was expensive, then two overs at Old Trafford cost just 12 runs. On the slow pitches in Sri Lanka his ability to bowl yorkers and slower balls will be invaluable. However, it will not always go to plan.Dale Steyn has bowled beautifully since returning to the side midway through the one-day series, with a combination pace, control and swing. He had a wry smile on his face at Old Trafford when Alex Hales outside edged him for six over third man. With South Africa keen to manage Steyn’s workload he has not always been a regular in the T20 side – playing 23 matches – but bowling like he is, makes the attack formidable.Team newsThe indications are that England are settling on their main bowling attack having played the same combination in both matches, supplemented by Luke Wright in place of Ravi Bopara in Manchester, although they may yet decide to tinker when they get to Sri Lanka. Michael Lumb, Danny Briggs and Tim Bresnan are the three of the World Twenty20 squad yet to play.England (possible) 1 Craig Kieswetter (wk), 2 Alex Hales, 3 Luke Wright, 4 Eoin Morgan, 5 Jonny Bairstow, 6 Jos Buttler, 7 Samit Patel, 8 Graeme Swann, 9 Stuart Broad (capt), 10 Steven Finn, 11 Jade DernbachEarlier in the series, AB de Villiers indicated he would like to give all his players a game at some point, which would mean bringing Wayne Parnell and Farhaan Behardien into the side – but they will also want to win the series.South Africa (possible) 1 Richard Levi, 2, Hashim Amla, 3 Jacques Kallis, 4 AB de Villiers (capt & wk), 5 JP Duminy, 6 Farhaan Behardien, 7 Albie Morkel, 8 Johan Botha, 9 Robin Peterson, 10 Dale Steyn, 11 Morne MorkelPitch and conditionsEdgbaston has suffered as much as anywhere from all the rain this season and the forecast suggests a risk of interruptions. When players did get on the pitch for a full Friends Life t20 innings, scores ranged from 149 to 173, which is ideal for the format.Stats and trivia If England level the series they will jump above South Africa to the No. 1 spot in the Twenty20 rankings Graeme Swann became England’s leading T20 wicket-taker when he clung on to the caught-and-bowled to remove JP Duminy in the second game England have not played a Twenty20 international at Edgbaston

Essex bid for Olympic Stadium

Essex have applied for the right to become tenants of the Olympic Stadium after London 2012. The club, based in Chelmsford, have made a joint bid with the University of East London.

George Dobell30-Mar-2012Essex have applied for the right to become tenants of the Olympic Stadium after London 2012. The club, based in Chelmsford, have made a joint bid with the University of East London to use what will become a 60,000 seater venue after the games.While the club would rarely utilise the venue for first-class games – it is most unlikely a division two championship clash with Derbyshire would attract 60,000 – Essex do have an excellent record of generating T20 audiences and regularly sell-out their Chelmsford ground, which has a capacity of 6,500. The Olympic Stadium’s situation in heavily populated east London therefore makes it an attractive proposition.A statement from Essex read: “We can confirm that the University of East London and Essex County Cricket Club have jointly put in a bid to the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) to utilise space in the Olympic Stadium.”We cannot provide any further detail at this stage, as we are bound by a legal confidentiality agreement. We see this as a fantastic opportunity and are committed to supporting the achievement of the best possible outcomes from the legacy operation of the Olympic Stadium.”Essex have confirmed, however, that they have no intentions of moving from their home at the Ford County Ground in Chelmsford.”It is very important we make it clear to people that we have no intention of moving from Chelmsford,” Essex’s chief executive, David East told ESPNcricinfo. “This is our home and we are actively pursuing the redevelopment of the ground.”We also have a responsibility to develop the game in east London. We look after five boroughs – including Newham, the location of the stadium – and we have coaching and scouting programmes in place there already. Strategically this would be a very good move for us.”West Ham United were awarded the stadium in a partnership with Newham Council in October, but the deal collapsed after complaints from rival football clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton Orient.As a result, OPLC decided the venue would remain in public ownership and retain its athletic capabilities. They subsequently opened a new bidding process to find a tenant – or tenants – which closed on March 23. It is understood that there were four bids.West Ham, should they win the bid, are not thought to be hostile to any application from Essex to use the stadium for a limited number of cricket fixtures.

Morning session will be crucial – Damien Wright

Damien Wright, the New Zealand bowling coach, has said that New Zealand have to bowl really well on the fourth morning if they are to have a chance of winning the Test

Brydon Coverdale at the Bellerive Oval11-Dec-2011Damien Wright, the New Zealand bowling coach, knows Bellerive Oval intimately. As the leading first-class wicket-taker at the venue, he is well aware of how hard it is for batsmen in the morning. Six wickets fell before lunch on each of the first two days, and seven in the opening session on the third day. New Zealand need a similar start on Monday if they are to win a Test in Australia for the first time since 1985.After they closed the second day in a strong position thanks to outstanding bowling from Chris Martin, Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell, New Zealand lost their advantage on Sunday. They set Australia 241 for victory, a challenging but not unreachable target, and then struggled to find the same rhythm with the ball that they had in the first innings, leaving Australia at 0 for 72.”We have to turn up tomorrow and start really well with the ball,” Wright said. “There’s been a little bit of assistance in the wicket throughout the game. We know that’s going to be there in the morning. Bellerive traditionally over the years always offers a little bit in the morning. It’s really important for us to come tomorrow and break this partnership, to start with, and take early wickets. There’s a little bit of variable bounce and we’re hoping that plays a part in the morning.”The guys bowled really, really well [in the first innings]. All four of them did a great job. Unfortunately in this innings we certainly haven’t started the way we would have like to. We’ve been a bit off our lengths and overpitched a little bit. We need to look at the stuff that we did in the first innings and stick to that plan. Hopefully in the morning the guys can come and do that.”In the first innings, New Zealand rarely sent down a bad delivery, building the pressure with accuracy, swing and seam movement. Especially professional was the way Martin bowled to plan against Phillip Hughes, who has struggled with the ball moving across him and has edged to the cordon three times already in the series.On day three, Martin didn’t quite find the right spot to Hughes, often bowling too straight or too full; a few more cuttable balls might have tested Hughes more. But things won’t get any easier for Australia’s openers in the morning after two ball changes late in the day due to the Kookaburras losing their shape: the one that New Zealand ended up with swung more than either of the others.”They had to change a couple up in Brisbane in the first Test as well,” Wright said. “Generally the Kookaburra ball is a good ball. I think conditions out there were just a bit wet and maybe the ball got a bit damp and maybe went out of shape a little bit. There were no complaints about the cricket balls. But this one is swinging, so let’s hope we keep this one.”Only 53.3 overs were bowled on the third day due to rain, but those overs that were completed couldn’t have gone much better for Australia. Kane Williamson fell early in the day and New Zealand lost their final seven wickets for 87 runs, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson finishing with three wickets each, while Nathan Lyon also picked up three when he ran through the tail.”We came feeling that we were in front in the game,” Wright said. “For us it was important to build a substantial lead and make Australia chase anything from 280-plus. We’ve got 240 and that’s not saying we don’t feel confident that we can defend that, but we just haven’t started well enough with the ball.”Australia’s vice-captain Brad Haddin described the efforts of Siddle in the first session as “world-class”. He said Australia had been intent on building pressure on New Zealand early in order to break into the lower order, and by the close of the day Australia found themselves in a strong position to push for victory.”Day three is always a massive day in a Test match,” Haddin said. “I thought the way we presented ourselves in the first session was world-class after being a bit flat going into the last session yesterday. I thought what we did with the ball was top shelf and we spoke about the first 10 to 15 overs out there batting, it is tough work and I think the guys did a fantastic job to get us into the position we did.”

Chopra, Harmeet take India to final

Having disappointed for most of the World Cup, India’s batting unit turned in a much-improved performance in the semi-final against New Zealand

The Report by George Binoy in Townsville23-Aug-2012
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsIndia gave an all-round performance to book a place in the final against Australia•ICC/GettyHaving disappointed for most of the World Cup, India’s batting unit turned in a much-improved performance in the semi-final against New Zealand, while their bowlers continued their impressive form to set up a summit clash against Australia on Sunday. The top order set up a solid base, and despite a middle-order slump, India were able to get past 200, a total that has been difficult to chase at Tony Ireland Stadium.New Zealand fought hard, though, consolidating after losing top-order wickets in a clutch, and steered themselves to a position from where they could launch an assault at the end, much like they did in the quarterfinal against West Indies. They were not allowed to. All the Indian bowlers held their own. With no weak link to exploit, New Zealand lost wickets in the search for momentum, and the gap between runs needed and balls remaining stayed wide enough to see India through. New Zealand needed 18 off the last over in this game as well; they got eight.Like they did in the quarterfinal, India lost the toss and this time were sent in to bat by Will Young. The conditions weren’t that bad – a flatter pitch and a sunnier morning – and after surviving a few jitters, Unmukt Chand and Prashant Chopra gave their team a start.Chand was nervy in the first over, inside-edging past his stumps and playing and missing while trying to cover drive. He settled down soon, though, and began middling his drives when playing much closer to his body. Chopra was more confident at the start, getting behind the line to block out the new ball. However, as he struggled to find gaps to score, Chopra began to try innovations such as the ramp shot over the wicketkeeper. He missed four times and connected once and was 2 off 24 balls at one stage. He was also struck painfully on the box by Ed Nuttall and writhed in pain for a few minutes before getting back up to carry India forward.The opening stand was worth 51, India’s second best in the World Cup, when Chand was bowled by a slower ball from Connor Neynens, who had been driven to the straight and cover boundaries in his previous over, the 12th. Chopra carried on, forging another half-century partnership with Baba Aparajith, hitting the legspinner Ish Sodhi for a huge six over long-off.Aparajith batted sensibly for the second consecutive innings, focusing on pushing the ball into gaps in the sizeable outfield and running hard. He maintained a healthy strike-rate despite hitting only two boundaries, while Chopra made up for his slow start with firm blows. They added 81 for the second wicket, the first time India have had consecutive half-century stands in five matches.On 52, Chopra lofted Nuttall to wide mid-on only to see Young fly through the air with one hand outstretched and catch the ball. India were 132 for 2 and they lost ground after that, with the left-arm spinner Ben Horne taking 3 for 20 to help limit India to 209 for 9.There wasn’t as much swing for India’s new ball bowlers but that did not prevent Sandeep Sharma and Kamal Passi from bowling tight lines and lengths. New Zealand did not lose early wickets, though, with Joe Carter doing most of the scoring. Michael Davidson took 16 balls to get off the mark.After losing Davidson with the score on 29, New Zealand progressed to 53 for 1 when they lost three wickets in three overs and slipped to 63 for 4. They were always behind the chase after that. Harmeet Singh took two of those wickets with flighted deliveries that spun away from the right-hander. Horne closed the face and got the leading edge to point, and Young edged to slip. Between those dismissals, Ravikant Singh dismissed the well-set Carter for 30.Harmeet and Aparajith slowed New Zealand down tremendously: Harmeet bowling slower and turning the ball, while Aparajith was flatter and more economical. Between them they took 3 for 59 in 20 overs.There was a whiteboard in the New Zealand dug out that had the comparative scores for India and them for every five-over block. Harmeet and Aparajith bowled consecutive maidens and after the 35th, New Zealand were 115 for 4, needing 95 off 90 balls. India had been 136 for 2.Though India did not finish as strongly as they would have liked when they batted, their bowlers ensured New Zealand were simply unable to accelerate. Their challenge ended when Sandeep bowled Cam Fletcher, who had batted solidly once again for 53, in the 48th over.

Chand century builds strong total for North

Unmukt Chand hit his third first-class hundred in the Duleep Trophy semi-final as North Zone reached 329 for 2 on the second day against East Zone

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2013A full day’s play was possible in Kochi after the rain-hit first day of the Duleep Trophy semi-final and Unmukt Chand made the most of it, hitting his third first-class hundred. North Zone resumed on 33 for 0 against East Zone and reached 329 for 2 by stumps, openers Jiwanjot Singh and Chand the men to be dismissed.While Jiwanjot could not make the most of a patient start and fell to Ashok Dinda for 24, Chand kicked on to make 116. He added 187 for the second wicket with Jammu & Kashmir batsman Ian Dev Singh, who had to retire hurt five runs short of what would have been his seventh first-class hundred. Mandeep Singh (40*) and Services batsman Rajat Paliwal (41*) ensured no further damage for North with an unbroken 81-run stand.South Zone captain Abhinav Mukund led his side to a strong position against Central Zone in the other semi-final in Chennai. Mukund was unbeaten on 61 with B Aparajith giving him company on 35 as South reached 137 for 2 in reply to Central’s 209. The visitors resumed in the morning at 123 for 5 and only captain Piyush Chawla put up some resistance. He hit three sixes on his way to 56 before falling to Pragyan Ojha, who ended with 3 for 49.South started steadily but Akshath Reddy and KL Rahul failed to kick on from starts, falling to Chawla and Umesh Yadav respectively. Mukund was joined by Aparajith at 73 for 2 and by stumps, the partnership had grown to 64.

Herath, Thirimanne secure Sri Lanka win

Rangana Herath’s 4 for 37 and an unbeaten 82 for Lahiru Thirimanne took Sri Lanka to a 28-run Duckworth-Lewis victory

Andrew Fidel Fernando12-May-2013
ScorecardLahiru Thirimanne’s unbeaten innings guided Sri Lanka in their chase•Getty ImagesRangana Herath’s 4 for 37 and an unbeaten 82 for Lahiru Thirimanne took Sri Lanka to a 28-run Duckworth-Lewis victory in the opening match of the tri-series in Kandy. The tournament is primarily aimed at preparing the Sri Lanka side for the Champions Trophy in June but only six of the players picked to travel to England can participate, as the remainder are playing in the IPL. Sri Lanka, captained by Dinesh Chandimal, were well ahead of the D/L par score, at 195 for 3 from 35.1 overs, when bad light stopped play.Sri Lanka Combined began strongly, having been sent into bat, as Mahela Udawatte and captain Dimuth Karunaratne combined for a 111-run opening stand, which came at 5.5 an over. Udawatte made 63 from 76, while Karunaratne hit 49, but both men were undone by Herath, who trapped them lbw in his first spell. Herath also quickly dismissed wicketkeeper-batsman Kaushal Silva, who had been in supreme form during the first-class competition that finished in April.A 91-ball 79 for Jehan Mubarak helped restore calm to SL Combined’s innings, as he built a partnership with Sachithra Serasinghe, before stepping up the tempo alongside Chaturanga de Silva. At Mubarak’s demise in the 49th over, SL Combined were on 260, and a burst from de Silva before his dismissal for 42 from 31, helped elevate the score to 277. Nuwan Kulasekara took two wickets for Sri Lanka but went at more than six an over, and Chanaka Welegedara took the other scalp.Sri Lanka began poorly in response, losing both openers inside the first five overs, but Chandimal joined Thirimanne at the crease to contribute 52 from 63 to a 124-run stand. Notable in Chandimal’s innings was that he only made 12 runs in boundaries, which may be evidence of technical improvements, owing to the work he had foregone the IPL to do. He has in the past relied on boundaries for a large percentage of runs – often to his detriment in limited-overs cricket.At his fall in the 26th over, Sri Lanka were at 135, and would not lose another wicket. Thilina Kandamby was unbeaten on a run-a-ball 34 alongside Thirimanne, who had hit seven fours and a six in his innings. The teams play again on Monday, at 9.45am, before Sri Lanka play Sri Lanka A on Tuesday and Thursday.

Prince's second ton sets up Lancashire

Ashwell Prince became the first Lancashire batsman in 16 seasons to score a century in each innings of a match

27-Sep-2013Kent 260 and 32 for 1 need 386 more runs to beat Lancashire 284 and 393 for 5 dec (Prince 108, Horton 106, Agathangelou 51)
ScorecardAshwell Prince has enjoyed his few days in Canterbury•PA PhotosAshwell Prince became the first Lancashire batsman in 16 seasons to score a century in each innings of a match as the visitors turned the screw against Kent by building a mammoth 417-run lead in Canterbury.Already promoted as unbeaten LV= County Championship Division Two champions, Lancashire declared late in the day on 393 for 5 to leave themselves 10 overs and the final day of the season in which to wrap up their ninth win of a triumphant campaign.Kent, who lost veteran opener and first-innings top-scorer Rob Key to a fractured left thumb when fielding in the gully earlier in the day, reached stumps on 32 for 1 after losing emergency opener Daniel Bell-Drummond, leg before wicket for eight in Oliver Newby’s final over.The hosts now face the tough prospect of batting out the final day in order to save off their third defeat and secure their 12th draw of the summer.Earlier, Lancashire openers Paul Horton and Luis Reece – resuming on their overnight total of 75 without loss – took their partnership through to three figures inside 45 minutes before Reece departed for 47.Drawn down the pitch by offspinner James Tredwell, Reece was beaten in the flight as he aimed to work to leg and was easily stumped by Kent’s understudy keeper Sam Billings. Visiting skipper Horton sneaked a sharp single to mid-on to reach a patient half-century from 145 balls and with six fours as he and Prince battled through to a lunch total of 140 for 1.The second-wicket pair upped their tempo after the interval as Prince recorded a 107-ball 50 with three fours and a six, while Horton posted his third hundred of the championship campaign from 238 deliveries and with 10 boundaries.It was Horton’s third hundred in four championship matches since returning from a twice dislocated finger on August 2. His run of form came to an abrupt end when, with his score on 106, he edged an attempted dab down to third man against Darren Stevens into the hands of Tredwell at slip.In tandem with Prince, Horton had helped add 167 in 50.1 overs for the second wicket to help take the visitors in to tea on 283 for 2 and a healthy overall lead of 307. In the over after the interval Karl Brown raced down the pitch to Tredwell only to slice an aerial drive high to Matt Hunn at mid-off, then Luke Procter heaved across the line to go leg before to Stevens.Prince then became the first Lancashire batsman since John Crawley at Colwyn Bay in 1998 to hit hundreds in both innings of a match when he reached three figures with a rasping off drive against Tredwell. It was his seventh four of a 190-ball hundred.Soon after, Prince cut hard at a short one from teenage debutant Matt Hunn but found a thick edge to be superbly caught by a tumbling Billings and make it 348 for five.Andrea Agathangelou marched in to smash three fours and two sixes in a 35-ball 50 against a tiring Kent attack to spark the declaration with half-an-hour of day remaining.

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