James Milner could join Brighton and Hove Albion for free this summer as Liverpool look to free up space on their wage bill. The 37-year-old may be set to play his last games for the club as a move to the South coast beckons.

What's the latest on James Milner?

David Lynch has reported for Football Insider that Milner is set to quit at the end of the season after an eight-year stay on Merseyside. After joining the club in 2015 and becoming vice captain upon arrival, he is now set to finally take his leave, but he may remain in the Premier League.

Brighton are in the lead to secure his signature and after the Seagulls put Manchester United to the sword in the 99th minute on Thursday evening following an enthralling encounter, Milner will fancy joining them. Burnley, who are returning to the Premier League next season, are also attracted to the thought of signing Milner but Brighton are considered favourites.

Klopp has always made it very clear that he rates Milner extremely highly, labelling him "exceptional" while explaining to journalists just how impressive making 600 Premier League appearances is. Milner, who Klopp says is a "role model" for younger players and future professionals, has done all he can for Liverpool and will receive a passionate sendoff from fans.

Liverpool are planning a major squad overhaul this summer as they primarily focus on rebuilding an ageing midfield.

Who are Liverpool looking to sell this summer?

Liverpool have several players they need to move on this summer. Milner leads the list, but Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Adrian, Roberto Firmino and Nat Phillips are all expected to leave at the end of the season.

According to This is Anfield, if this clearout is successful, the club stands to save around £500,000 per week, and only Milner and Firmino from the list of likely departees have made any considerable contributions this season.

There are major obstacles ahead for Jurgen Klopp, with recruiting the right players his most important hurdle to clear now. It's going to be a challenge not just because getting recruitment right is always tricky but also due to the number of players that need to be replaced.

Yet, it's a position that Liverpool need to take the blame for. There has been an element of negligence in their approach to investing back into the squad since the Champions League triumph in 2019.

While some signings have been made, midfield signings were neglected and has been the primary reason for the slump this season. However, Klopp is a manager fans can trust to turn things around given his enviable success rate with new signings.

Cody Gakpo is the latest example of this after arriving in January and breezing his way to 6 goals and 2 assists despite playing in a dysfunctional Liverpool side.

During his short time at the club, Aston Villa have enjoyed a half-season of thrills under Unai Emery.

The Spaniard took over from Steven Gerrard as boss at Villa Park following the Englishman’s dismissal in November, and his side haven’t looked back since.

With the hope of a European finish still in their reach, the Villans are building something special with the four-time Europa League-winning coach, who has introduced a host of positives in his first six months in charge.

Just two games stand in the way of Villa and European football next season, however despite focus being on the two crucial meetings, the club have started to turn their attention to the summer transfer window.

Villa Park has been the subject of numerous transfer stories already ahead of the summer, ignited by the inbound director of football Mateu Alemany from FC Barcelona and Emery’s links to exciting foreign stars.

Putting hot LaLiga interest aside, the club have been linked to a player in Serie A, one that could provide more than just his playing ability to Villa’s midfield.

What’s the latest on Marcelo Brozovic to Aston Villa?

News emerging this week from InterLive speculates that the Midlands outfit could make a €55m double offer to sign Inter Milan duo Marcelo Brozovic and Denzel Dumfries.

The two have been linked with a departure from the Italian giants this summer, with the report claiming that Alemany’s involvement at Villa could assist the potential swoop.

What could Marcelo Brozovic bring to Aston Villa?

Described as a midfield “maestro” by his club and as an "incredible player" by journalist Siavoush Fallahi, Brozovic has featured 25 times this season in Serie A, maintaining a Sofascore match rating of 7.00 throughout the testing campaign.

Playing in the engine room requires a host of attributes, both defensively and in attacking aspects to dictate play and protect the back line, the Croatian boasts a passing accuracy of 90% per game, as well as winning 50% of his ground duels (2.3 per game) – as per Sofascore.

The 30-year-old has made 324 appearances in his career at Inter so far, making him a top performer and an experienced player at the highest level.

Signing a player such as Brozovic could positively influence Villa’s midfield, particularly Douglas Luiz, who could have his expertise in the position furthered playing alongside a figure as experienced as the Croatian.

The two are very similar in play and are likened to each other as per FBref for their solidity in the engine room. When imagined in Villa’s midfield, the duo could complement one another through their strengths in opposing areas.

While Brozovic is a more accomplished passer than Luiz, the Brazilian betters defensively in interceptions and aerials won per 90, averaging 1.29 interceptions to the £184k-per-week machine's 1.05 and 0.83 aerials to 0.44 per 90 – as per FBref.

At just 25 years of age, Luiz has a long and promising career ahead of him in the Premier League, one that could be boosted by playing alongside a man with the stature of European experience as Brozovic in a deal that could inspire Villa’s midfield for years to come.

Sandeep Patil, the former India batsman and current chairman of selectors, has applied for the post of national head coach. Patil, who has headed the selection panel since September 2012, confirmed the development to ESPNcricinfo.Patil’s term as chief selector is due to end in September. He previously worked as chairman of the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, and coached Kenya and Oman. Patil had earlier coached India as well, back in 1996, but his tenure was a forgettable one; he was replaced within six months. He enjoyed more success with Kenya, though; he was in charge of the team when it made the World Cup semi-final in 2003. According to reports in the Indian media, he was one of four candidates shortlisted by the BCCI for the position of India coach in May 2005, but opted out citing his commitments with Oman.Patil played 29 Tests and 45 ODIs between 1980 and 1986, and was a part of the World Cup-winning squad in 1983. Patil told that he had a lot to offer and cited his previous stints as India coach and head of the National Cricket Academy.”I am passionate about coaching. When I retired from cricket, I coached Madhya Pradesh, India Under-19, India ‘A’ and then India. I also had stints with Kenya and Oman which were very satisfying,” Patil said. “I have something more to offer in terms of coaching. I have always felt my coaching career was half done and what better than to do it for my country.”This is the first time I am applying for a coaching position. In all my previous roles, I was approached. I am doing this only because I have the desire and of course, a 21-year experience which involves being director of the National Cricket Academy and four years as chief selector.”The BCCI had advertised for the coach’s job on June 1, setting the deadline to submit applications as June 10. The applicants will be screened and the list of names submitted to the soon-to-be-formed cricket advisory committee comprising reputed former players. That committee will then submit a shortlist to the BCCI, which will likely discuss the names further, if not unveil the new coach, during its working committee meeting in Dharamsala on June 25.The aim is to have the new support staff in place before India leave for their tour of the West Indies, which begins on July 6. A new addition in the support staff will be a chef to cater for the vegetarians in the squad.The contracts of the previous coaching staff – comprising team director Ravi Shastri, batting coach Sanjay Bangar, bowling coach B Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar – had expired after the World T20 in March. Bangar, the former India allrounder, will coach the team in the interim, overseeing the squad in Zimbabwe in June. Abhay Sharma, who most recently worked with the India Under-19 and A teams, was named fielding coach for that tour.

تعرف على المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى دور الـ8 من كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023

انتهت مواجهات دور الـ16 من مباريات بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا المقامة بكوت ديفوار، خلال الفترة الحالية، حيث تأهلت 8 منتخبات إلى دور ربع النهائي.

واستطاع منتخب أنجولا أن يكون أول المتأهلين إلى دور ربع النهائي بعد الفوز على ناميبيا بثلاثية نظيفة، لحق به منتخب نيجيريا بعد حسم الموقعة القوية أمام الكاميرون بالفوز 2-0.

وفي اليوم الثاني من مواجهات دور الـ 16، شهد توديع منتخب مصر بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا أمام الكونغو الديمقراطية بعد الخسارة بركلات الترجيح بنتيجة (8-7).

وكانت المباراة انتهت في وقتها الأصلي والإضافي بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لمثله، حيث تقدم منتخب الكونغو الديمقراطية عن طريق ميشاك إيليا في الدقيقة 37، وتعادل مصطفى محمد من ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 45+1 للشوط الأول من اللقاء.

كما استطاع منتخب غينيا الفوز على غينيا الإستوائية، بهدف في الوقت القاتل، ليتأهل إلى دور الـ8.

طالع | المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى نصف نهائي كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.. (محدث باستمرار)

واستطاع منتخب الرأس الأخضر اقتناص بطاقة التأهل لدور الـ8 بفوز صعب على موريتانيا بهدف نظيف.

وأطاح منتخب كوت ديفوار منظم البطولة، بحامل اللقب منتخب السنغال بعد مباراة ماراثونية حسمتها ركلات الترجيح لصالح الأفيال.

كما نجح منتخب مالي في مواصلة رحلته ببطولة أمم إفريقيا بالفوز على بوركينا فاسو بهدفين لهدف، الصعود إلي دور ربع النهائي.

وأخيراً، حسم منتخب جنوب إفريقيا المقعد الأخير، بعد الفوز اليوم الثلاثاء على منتخب المغرب بنتيجة 2-0.   المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى دور الـ8 من كأس أمم إفريقيا

1- منتخب أنجولا.

2- منتخب نيجيريا.

3- منتخب غينيا.

4- منتخب الكونغو الديمقراطية.

5- منتخب الرأس الأخضر.

6- كوت ديفوار.

7- مالي.

8- جنوب إفريقيا.

Colin Ingram led Glamorgan to a trouble-free victory after Surrey capsized in Cardiff

ECB Reporters Network24-Jun-2016
ScorecardColin Ingram helped Glamorgan stroll to an easy victory•Getty Images

A brilliant display with the from Glamorgan saw them bowl Surrey out inside 20 overs for the second time this season in the NatWest T20 Blast as they continued their fine form in this competition. They dismissed Surrey out for just 110 with two wickets from Dale Steyn in his final game for the county before he departs for the Caribbean. It took just 15.5 overs for Glamorgan to overhaul that Surrey total with Colin Ingram scoring his fifth successive half century in the process.Surrey started well enough with Steven Davies and Gary Wilson opening the innings with Jason Roy away on England duty. They had reached 19 without loss in the third over when Dale Steyn had Davies strangled down the legside. From there it became a procession of wickets for the visitors who stumbled to 36-3 at the end of the six over PowerPlay.The wickets were shared around by the Glamorgan bowlers and while Steyn was the most impressive of those on display the most significant scalps were picked up by 38-year-old Dean Cosker. Having been left out of the red ball side this season Cosker has been a limited-overs specialist this year. Here he took two for 23 to become the first Glamorgan bowler to reach 100 Twenty20 wickets.Some credit needs to go to Glamorgan wicket-keeper Chris Cooke who took four catches and a stumping. He has been in fine form with the gloves since taking over the wicket-keeping duties from Mark Wallace in white ball cricket, and his two handed catch high above his head to dismiss Kumar Sangakkara off the bowling of Michael Hogan was the highlight of an excellent display.Once it was Glamorgan’s turn to bat they could not have got off to a worse start, Sam Curran dismissing David Lloyd for a three ball duck to leave them one wicket down without a run on the board. From there it was incredibly straightforward as Ingram continued his ridiculous form that has seen him score 377 runs from his last five visits to the crease. He has now hit 16 sixes in six innings in the T20 Blast, more than all other Glamorgan batsmen combined.It was Ingram that hit the winning runs, cutting Dwayne Bravo behind square for four, but there was a welcome return to run making for Glamorgan captain Jacques Rudolph who made a well-judged 40 not out from 43 balls. The South African has been struggling for runs throughout 2016 and he will be hopeful of this effort kick-starting his season.This was a top of the table clash with Glamorgan in first place in the South Group and Surrey in second going into this match. It did not seem that way as Glamorgan brushed aside the visitors with ease to further cement their place as group leaders.For Surrey they will be a quick turnaround, their next match in this competition is tomorrow against Essex. They will be hopeful of an equally quick turnaround in performance.

Sam Allardyce has already spoken out about Wilfried Gnonto and his role at Leeds United before even taking over at Elland Road, and the Italian winger could reclaim a regular starting spot under the experienced coach in the final few Premier League fixtures of the season.

However, the 68-year-old may well be wishing that he had one of his and the Whites' former players available to him for the relegation run-in instead, as a prime Robert Snodgrass could be exactly what the Yorkshire outfit needs.

How did Snodgrass perform in his time at Leeds?

Leeds would sign the Scottish winger from Livingstone back in 2008, with the youngster making an instant impact at Elland Road, hitting 11 goals and one assist in all competitions.

He was one of the stars of Simon Grayson's side the following season as they earned promotion from League One, registering an impressive seven goals and 11 assists as the Yorkshire outfit finished second in the third tier.

Snodgrass had little trouble adjusting to the Championship and managed another six goals and eight assists in the 2010/11 campaign, before enjoying arguably the best form of his career the season after.

The versatile attacker hit 13 goals and 15 assists in the second tier despite Leeds finishing in 14th position, so it was no surprise to see him move to the Premier League the following summer, as he joined Norwich City in a deal thought to be worth just £2.5m.

What has Robert Snodgrass done since leaving Leeds?

While Leeds was undoubtedly where Snodgrass showed his best form, given he managed 41 goals and 40 assists in 191 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit, he has gone on to enjoy a successful career in England and Scotland.

Spells with Hull City, Aston Villa, West Ham, West Brom, Luton Town and most recently Hearts would follow for the Scotland international, which included eight appearances under Allardyce for the Baggies in the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

A recent spell with Luton saw the experienced wide man earn plenty of praise from former manager Nathan Jones for both his attitude and application on the pitch.

He said:

“If he came in with any ego, didn’t train hard, didn’t want to do his extras, didn’t want to buy into our structure, and thought ‘I’m Robert Snodgrass, I’ve played in the Premier League, I’ve been promoted’, but he’s come in and been exemplary in everything he does. He’s phenomenal."

Would Robert Snodgrass in his prime help Leeds now?

While Leeds fans have been clamouring for the 19-year-old gem to start more often in recent weeks, the reality is that Allardyce now has four games to keep the club in the Premier League and starting the inexperienced teen could backfire.

The Italian's return of two goals and four assists in the top flight this season is certainly impressive for someone so young, but the experience and quality that someone like Snodgrass could have offered would have been a great option for Allardyce to have.

Considering the Scot's phenomenal form during his time at Elland Road, Leeds fans will be wishing that they had a similar player available for the upcoming four games, which could define the club's future.

Joe Root produced a seamless 93 from 106 balls and Jos Buttler made 70 from 45 balls as England wrapped up victory by 122 runs for a 3-0 series win

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando02-Jul-2016England 324 for 7 (Root 93, Buttler 70, Vince 51) beat Sri Lanka 202 (Chandimal 53, Willey 4-34) by 122 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJoe Root’s 93 set up a 122-run win for England•PA PhotosEngland’s start was swift, their middle overs lively, and their finish was efficient. In response to an imposing total of 324, their visitors stuttered at the outset, lost wickets through the middle, and arrived at a limp finish. Sri Lanka’s 122-run defeat was an apt reflection of the chasm between the quality of the teams on display this series, which England have sewn up 3-0.Joe Root produced a seamless 93 from 106 balls to underpin his team’s dynamic innings, but it was arguably Jos Buttler who played the most electric knock within it. He set off with a four to fine leg, collected quick runs into the outfield for a while, then after facing 25 deliveries, let fly with the boundaries. There were shovels over the shoulder, searing cuts, crunching drives and a six over long off, all executed with a powerful bottom hand. His tally was 70 off 45. James Vince had also hit a half-century at the top of the innings.Erratic seam bowling at either end of the innings had helped England to their imposing total. Most hopes of Sri Lanka running that score down then dissipated in the first 22 overs, after which they were 107 for 5. Dinesh Chandimal made his fourth consecutive fifty as the wickets fell around him, before David Willey wiped out the tail to finish with four wickets for himself. Sri Lanka were all out for 202, and never in the course of their chase, did they appear to have the measure of their target.In England’s innings, Danushka Gunathilaka’s part-time offspin claimed three wickets for 48 from his full quota of overs, but it was debutant left-arm seamer Chaminda Bandara’s 1 for 83 which was the more definitive set of figures. Bandara was wayward at the outset while the other seam bowlers failed to pose a consistent threat, and costly at the death when everyone was going for runs. Nuwan Pradeep was also expensive again, giving away more than seven an over, as he attempts to come to grips closing out an innings.England had purred into motion with a cover-driven boundary from Jason Roy’s bat, third ball. Though play was soon left suspended for about 25 minutes by a passing shower, the hosts’ tempo rarely wavered over the following three-and-a-half hours. Bandara bowled overs that cost 11 and 14 in the Powerplay, while more experienced bowlers delivered more disciplined, but hardly miserly, spells. By the tenth over, only seven boundaries had been struck in all, yet 66 runs had been gathered. The green tinge on the pitch, which had put both captains in the mood to bowl first, offered only modest sideways movement. The overhead cloud made for only the slightest swing.The dismissal of Roy came somewhat against the run of play – caught on the midwicket boundary off Suranga Lakmal for a run-a-ball 34. Root, the next batsman, sent his first ball skipping through the covers for four, and Vince continued his pretty progress alongside the new man, the pair flitting efficiently between their wickets until Vince reached his first international fifty, off 54 balls. He was soon out charging Gunathilaka, who pulled his length back and slipped a ball past Vince’s advance, but neither that wicket, nor the next one, really dented England’s rate of progress. Halfway through the innings, the hosts were 138 for 3.With a confident Gunathilaka proving so successful, Mathews banked on spin through the middle overs. Jonny Bairstow was occasionally tested by it during his 21 off 28, but Root’s mastery of the single prevented Sri Lanka from making substantial headway. This steady beat of ones and twos was occasionally enlivened by the crash of cymbals: the reverse-paddle for four off the exceptionally part-time bowling of Kusal Mendis, the clatter through the covers at the end of the 38th over.Buttler twice hit Pradeep for consecutive fours, and thwacked a six off Lakmal in the 44th over, as he scored 45 runs from the last 20 balls he faced. It was he who propelled England’s run rate past six, and though he was out in the 48th over to give Bandara his first international wicket, had laid the groundwork for a fast finish. Thirty-three runs were hit off the last three overs.When the chase got under way an inability to pierce the lively infield drew a fatal mistake from Kusal Perera, not for the first time in the series. He was out lbw to Willey at the end of the fourth over. Mendis and Gunathilaka attempted to build the platform Sri Lanka required, before committing another of Sri Lanka’s most common mistakes through the series: attempting to come back for a second run in the 14th over, Mendis was caught short by Bairstow’s throw.From 66 for 2, the match slipped quickly. Gunathilaka was lbw to Liam Plunkett for 48. Mathews had his stumps splayed by a yorker from the same bowler. Upul Tharanga was bowled first delivery by Adil Rashid, and Dasun Shanaka was stumped off him, some time later. When Seekkuge Prasanna was caught at fine leg by a diving Willey, Sri Lanka had crumbled to 170 for 7 in the 35th over. A brittle tail didn’t hang around long.

Chelsea 'shouldn't be too far away' from announcing Mauricio Pochettino as manager and he could help to accelerate the development of the Blues' young talent, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Mauricio Pochettino?

As per Football Insider, Chelsea are going to announce their new boss by the end of this week and Pochettino is 'expected to land the role' at Stamford Bridge.

The report states that discussions have reached the 'final stages' with just minor issues to iron out, such as the makeup of his backroom staff as the Argentinian edges closer to a return to management.

According to The Daily Mail, Pochettino already has plans in place to strengthen key positions and is believed to want a new goalkeeper, midfielder and striker in the forthcoming transfer window.

He is also keen to trim the squad where appropriate in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations while also giving Chelsea some balance in the squad heading into 2022/23.

On the pitch, things look to have got slightly better for the Blues following a torrid nine-match winless run, as they dispatched Bournemouth 3-1 at the Vitality Stadium last weekend in the Premier League, as per BBC Sport.

Benoit Badiashile was among the scorers in Chelsea's triumph on the South Coast and journalist Jones told Football FanCast that he thinks Pochettino's prospective arrival could help the likes of the central defender and others to develop at Stamford Bridge.

Jones told FFC: "I mean, obviously, we were waiting for the news of the appointment now of Pochettino and it shouldn't be too far away and once that appointment is made, Chelsea fans can start to become more excited about talent like Badiashile and what they'll get from him."

Who else could be winners under Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea?

Conor Gallagher has been in decent form for Chelsea recently, netting twice in his last four matches, as per Transfermarkt, including a header against Bournemouth last weekend.

The Epsom-born midfielder has shouldered the responsibility of breaking between the lines well in the last few weeks at Stamford Bridge and could be looked at by Pochettino as someone to shape his midfield around, given his endeavour, age and profile.

Mykhailo Mudryk and Levi Colwill could also be players central to the Pochettino project. Speaking on Twitter, journalist Rob Pratley has recently claimed: "I understand 2 of the main points Pochettino has impressed the club on is his roadmap for Levi Colwill and Mykhailo Mudryk. The former is viewed as an integral core of the defence, whilst Pochettino has expressed his belief the latter can become an extremely effective goalscorer."

Chelsea have a lot of groundwork to do this summer to get back to pushing for major honours in west London, making pre-season an important time for all involved as they aim to head into 2023/24 in the right frame of mind.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has said that bowling Zimbabwe out twice on what is expected to be a slow and low Bulawayo surface will be a challenge ahead of his side’s two-Test tour

Firdose Moonda22-Jul-20161:05

‘Taking 20 wickets a challenge’ – Hesson

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has said that bowling Zimbabwe out twice on what is expected to be a slow and low Bulawayo surface will be a challenge ahead of his side’s two-Test tour. Hesson stated that both batsmen and bowlers would have to show patience to get the better of the home team.”In Bulawayo, we are expecting something that’s going to be slow and not a heck of a lot of bounce, so taking 20 wickets will be a challenge,” Hesson said after the team’s arrival in Harare, where they are currently playing a three-day warm-up match before heading to Bulawayo. “Zimbabwe’s bowling attack is very disciplined, so from a batting point of view, it’s about committing to your plans over a long period of time.”With little assistance for seamers and spinners, and scoring rates likely to be curbed as well, frustration may prove to be the most effective wicket-taker in the series. But New Zealand have several other options – an attack that will be led by Tim Southee and Doug Bracewell, has Neil Wagner and Matt Henry backing up, and includes spin options as well. With an offspinner in Mark Craig and two legspinners in their arsenal – Ish Sodhi and the uncapped Jeet Raval – New Zealand will aim to exploit Zimbabwe’s vulnerability against turn, as they did when the two sides met five years ago.That match, which New Zealand won by 34 runs, saw them field two spinners – Daniel Vettori and Jeetan Patel – and Vettori claimed eight wickets. Hesson remembers the fixture more for Zimbabwe’s fight than Vettori’s Man-of-the-Match-winning performance, and expects the same from them this time. “The last time we played a Test match in Bulawayo, it went down to the last session on the last day, so we are certainly expecting a tough series,” Hesson said.However, things may not pan out as Hesson expects, as since that day, New Zealand have played 43 Tests and won 14, including series wins over West Indies, India and Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have played just 11 Tests, won two and have not been back to Bulawayo at all. While they will still be more familiar with the conditions, Zimbabwe do not have the kind of home advantage that teams who play more regularly hold.In fact, given that New Zealand have been at a training camp in Pretoria for the last 10 days, the tourists may feel fairly well-versed in southern African winter conditions. “We trained at the Tuks University and it was a good chance for us to get used to conditions that we are likely to face here,” Hesson said.Zimbabwe’s ace could be the element of surprise in their personnel. Only four in their current squad played in the 2011 Test against New Zealand: Tino Mawoyo, Hamilton Masakadza, Regis Chakabva and Njabulo Ncube. A further four – Prince Masvaure, Chamu Chibhabha, Peter Moor and Taurai Muzarabani – are uncapped at the Test level. New Zealand will not be able to do any homework on the rookies because they have not been included in the warm-up match either, and will have to rely on their ability to react to the competition they are faced with on game day.That, and a stubborn surface, has prompted Hesson to urge his charges not to take Zimbabwe lightly as they open their African adventure. “Some of the Zimbabwe players we don’t know very well, we don’t have a lot of footage of them, so we are going to have to deal with that when we arrive. But we certainly won’t be underestimating Zimbabwe in their own conditions.”

Jason Roy plundered a 51-ball hundred but it was not enough to earn Surrey a quarter-final

Tim Wigmore29-Jul-2016
ScorecardTo be at The Oval on Friday night, with a sell-out of close to 25,000 enraptured by the brilliant brutality of Jason Roy, it seemed incongruous to consider that England’s domestic T20 is a tournament deemed to be in need of a rapid overhaul.No county does T20 better than Surrey. This typically boisterous crowd took Surrey’s total attendance for their seven home T20s to over 140,000, and the revenue these games have raised to over £4 million: both figures are records. On this night the crowd’s only gripe was the rain at Chelmsford, which eliminated Surrey, but, as they belted out renditions of in between the Icelandic football clap, no one seemed remotely perturbed.Whatever the future of English domestic T20, it will be all the better if it involves plenty more innings like this from Roy. While the blared out, Roy’s thunderous hitting was again the rhythm of the night at The Oval.In this mood, Roy has the swagger of a villain in a Western, brazenly bestriding his turf, ready to shoot down anyone with the effrontery to challenge him. Or so it seemed as he greeted James Tredwell’s offspin with a huge straight six then, as if insulted by how easy it had all been, promptly launched the bowler over wide long-on, the longest boundary.When Roy thrashed a full toss down the ground to bring up his fourth T20 century, off 51 balls, he removed his helmet, giving off the air of a gladiator appreciating the crowd’s acclaim.For all its destruction, this was an innings defined by far more than raw power. There was impudent improvisation too – reverse-scooping Darren Stevens over short third man for four, or waltzing across his stumps to lift the ball over the keeper. There was also ample evidence of Roy’s maturity as a batsman, the brain to go with his brawn. He scored off all but nine of the 62 deliveries he faced, a dot-ball percentage of just 14.5%. To put that into context, 40% of deliveries in the World T20 were dots.With Roy in this mood Aaron Finch, the world’s second-ranked T20I batsman, was relegated to the status of B-list support act; on most nights the violence underpinning Finch’s 79 would have been befitting something rather more. If the two did not quite break the records they threatened to – they fell five runs short of the English record partnership for any wicket and 14 short of the all-time record opening stand in T20 cricket – their 187 did break Kent.When Gareth Batty fired a delivery down the leg side after seeing Sam Billings giving him the charge, and Roy claimed Stevens, diving at full length after running in from the extra cover boundary, soon after, Surrey’s cruise to victory was assured.Yet it had all come too late to secure qualification for the quarter-finals. For the second consecutive season Surrey’s financial clout had failed to yield progress beyond the group stages.”We’ve put on an absolute spectacle tonight and showed what we’re capable of,” a downcast Roy said. “That’s the most disappointing thing – there were some crucial game we should have won, but we didn’t show that grit and determination.”At a time when the teams who take part in England’s elite T20 competition face being determined by ground size rather than on-field performance, some would see Surrey’s failure as a reminder of the need to keep the principle of meritocracy at the heart of the domestic English game.The debate will rumble on, long after the last remnants of spilled beer have been cleaned from The Oval’s stands.