Scorecard1:42

County Championship Round-up: England hopefuls make their case

Ian Westwood is, in many ways, an unlikely saviour. Fifteen years into a first-class career in which he averages in the low 30s, he has endured prolonged periods out of the side, is out of contract at the end of the season and has prepared for life after his playing career by starting the qualification process as an umpire.But here, and not for the first time, he was exactly the man Warwickshire required in a crisis. Reeling from the worst start to a season most can remember – they have never previously lost their first two Championship matches by an innings – Warwickshire desperately required some resistance from a batting line-up that looks so strong on paper but has, of late, folded as if made of the stuff.Westwood responded with perhaps the best innings of his life. His century, studded with powerful pulls and sweetly-timed flicks off the legs, was the quickest (130 balls) of his Championship career and came when his side had been inserted under lights and against a bowling attack that inflicted one of those innings defeats. It helped Warwickshire not only register their first batting bonus points of the season – a pretty remarkable statistic given that this is their third game – but get within eight runs of doubling their tally of total points as well. Nobody else reached 50.We shouldn’t be surprised. While Westwood has never been rated as highly as the man he developed alongside in the Warwickshire Under-10 side a quarter of a century ago – Ian Bell – he has, in his own way, served the club with the same level of commitment. So it was Westwood who produced the century (against Durham) that buffered his side against relegation last year, Westwood the club turned to when they required a captain in the tough, transition years of 2009 and 2010 and Westwood who was left out of the side for the 2010 Lord’s final when a stronger combination of players was available.That’s the way it is for players like Westwood. On days like this, with few spectators in attendance and a back-to-the-walls relegation fight to be had, he is just the man. But he knows that, when Warwickshire have recruited once more, when the transition is over, when they find themselves back on a more glamorous stage, he will be probably be deemed surplus to requirements once more.The early part of this innings was typical Westwood. Scrappy and dogged. He got off the mark with an edged boundary – the generous assessment would be he was keen to make use of an unusually short boundary towards the Pershore Road side of the ground – and three of his early fours came to third man. On 46, he edged just in front of third slip and, on 104, he may have been missed by Ben Foakes down the leg side.But it was, at least until he reached three-figures, a chanceless affair. And, once he settled, there were some elegant strokes. Jade Dernbach was punished for dropping short by two sixes – one upper cut over that short boundary, the other pulled over it – and he utilised the vast boundary to the other side of the ground by picking up three all-run fours.The real difference between this innings and other Warwickshire efforts this season, however, was not the attacking shots but the defensive ones. Whereas his colleagues have prodded and poked, Westwood left and waited. He refused to be drawn into searching for the ball outside off stump and, by forcing the bowlers to wait, persuaded them to go searching for wicket-taking deliveries. He picked off the resultant loose balls with gratitude and has given Warwickshire not only a foothold in this match but some belief at the start of a season that was slipping away from them fast.In doing so, he showed what Warwickshire had been missing. Playing his first game of the season having recovered from a foot injury – he replaced the somewhat unfortunate Alex Mellor, who was signed as a reserve keeper and pressed into service as an opening batsman – Westwood provided the grit his side have lacked in the first couple of games. The unsettling concern remains, though, that his runs – more than 50 per-cent of Warwickshire’s total when he was dismissed in murky light a delivery before play was abandoned for the day – did not represent a collective return to form from the batsman as much as a masking agent for their continued troubles.Ian Westwood made a vital hundred on his return for Warwickshire•Getty Images

Surrey were not especially impressive in the first session. Just as Bell was criticised for bowling first at The Oval, Gareth Batty may be criticised by those who see that Warwickshire’s openers posted 126 and conclude that conditions were good for batting. But as Surrey’s assistant coach, Stuart Barnes admitted afterwards: “We weren’t pleased with the first session at all. We didn’t get as many balls in good areas as we have done in other games so far this year and we paid the price for it.”Certainly Footitt struggled to replicate the rhythm and pace he demonstrated at The Oval a couple of weeks ago – you suspect he doesn’t quite understand why some days it clicks and some days it doesn’t – Tom Curran conceded 18 fours in his 20 overs and Jade Dernbach suffered for his aggression. Only Sam Curran offered control throughout the day.They showed they had learned their lesson by the time they took the second new ball, though. The first four overs with it produced only two runs and earned two wickets as Tim Ambrose was defeated by one that nipped back sharply and Westwood’s defiant innings ended when he poked at one that bounced and left him a little on his off stump.Earlier Bell was, for the third time this season, caught in the slips by Scott Borthwick off Mark Footitt – this time Bell prodded at one he could have left – while Jonathan Trott and William Porterfield both edged deliveries from Tom Curran on or just outside off stump.Curran also dismissed Ateeq Javid. Having beaten his man often and seen a strong appeal for a catch declined, Curran was fired up, but the send-off he gave Javid slightly took the gloss off the moment. He’s a fine young bowler; he doesn’t need to roar in anyone’s face to prove it.Javid, playing ahead of the dropped Sam Hain, never really settled. Only winning selection after Matthew Lamb, a highly-rated 20-year-old, sustained an injured foot in the seconds, he looked understandably nervous – he is playing his first Championship game since mid-2015 – and, perhaps, as if he were playing for his future.His wicket was the first of three for the addition of just 29 runs that left this game pretty much even. The absence of a heavy roller may render first innings runs at a premium but, while this was, thanks to Westwood, a much-improved day for Warwickshire, Surrey will fancy they are still very much in this game.

Jurgen Klopp is giving his Liverpool midfield a much needed rejig ahead of a crucial season which will see them fail to take part in the Champions League for the first time since 2016/2017.

The likes of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have all left the Anfield side, while the German has signed Alexis Mac Aillster and Dominik Szoboszlai, not only lowering the average age of his midfield, but also adding some extra fluidity and there will surely be one or two more to join throughout the transfer window.

In terms of outgoings, Klopp may move another few players on in order to lower his wage bill while raising funds for other purchases and Thiago Alcantara could potentially be a surprise departure.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray vice-president Erden Timur has reportedly met with Thiago to discuss a potential move to the club this summer and with the 32-year-old nearer the end of his career rather than the start, it could prove to be an excellent opportunity for the Reds to raise some funds.

He started just 22 times across all competitions last term due to some injury issues and Klopp will be looking at bringing in someone considerably younger, with Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente being linked with a move, he could be the perfect heir for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich gem.

Could Marcos Llorente replace Thiago?

A move could cost the club around £51m, and aged 28, he looks set to be entering his prime years, allowing him to shine at the Merseyside club for a few seasons at least.

Llorente and Thiago both typically operate at the heart of the midfield, yet the Madrid star is more forward-thinking, ranking in the top 3% across Europe’s big five leagues for progressive carries per 90 (3.43) and in the top 5% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (3.15) whereas Thiago made only 0.92 progressive carries per 90 and took just 0.58 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, clearly suggesting Llorente would give Klopp a much more dangerous threat from midfield than the 32-year-old.

The midfielder ranked third in the Atletico squad for big chances created and fourth for key passes per game while even displaying his defensive nous by making 1.5 tackles per game, enough to rank him seventh out of the whole team and although Thiago made more tackles per game (2.4), what Llorente offers going forward is of potentially greater importance to Klopp.

Presenter Phil Kitromilides lauded him for being “athletic” while talent scout Jacek Kulig stated just a couple of years ago that “Marcos Llorente has become an incredible footballer” and it looks as though he has gone from strength to strength in the last couple of seasons.

Replacing Thiago with the 18-cap Spanish international appears to be a no-brainer. Not only is he four years younger, but he also offers a greater threat going forward and with injuries derailing Thaigo’s 2022/23 season, it could be time to move him on for a fee which would allow the Reds to pursue a midfielder in the shape of Llorente.

ESPNcricinfo understands the ICC’s settlement offer of an additional $100 million to the BCCI is still on the table

Nagraj Gollapudi27-Apr-2017

The door has not yet been completely shut on the BCCI as far as the ICC’s finance model is concerned. ESPNcricinfo understands that immediately after the BCCI was outvoted at the ICC Board meeting on Wednesday, the ICC chairman Shashank Manohar informed Amitabh Choudhury, the BCCI secretary, that the settlement offer of an additional $100 million was still on the table.Under the new finance model, the BCCI stands to receive $293 million from the ICC revenue across an eight-year cycle. The BCCI had wanted $570 million – the share it would have received under the previous Big Three finance model – but Manohar had made a counter offer of an additional $100 million over the $293 million to raise the Indian board’s share to nearly $400 million.On Wednesday, the ICC board read the letter submitted by Choudhury on the mandate given to him by the BCCI and rejected his proposal.How did the BCCI lose?
Hours before before the ICC Board met, Choudhury and BCCI CEO Rahul Johri conducted discussions with heads of various boards such as the ECB, Cricket Australia, the WICB, Associates representative Imran Khawaja, and Manohar.It is understood that both BCCI representatives wanted to try and find a “middle path” on the finance model. The idea was to get as close to the $445 million figure the Committee of Administrators (CoA, appointed by Supreme Court of India to supervise the BCCI) had asked Manohar for in March.There was then a separate meeting between Choudhury and three members of the ICC working group, which had drafted the new constitution. Manohar, ECB president Giles Clarke and CA chairman David Peever once again placed the offer of an additional $100 million to Choudhury.ICC chairman Shashank Manohar (right), ECB chairman Giles Clarke (left) and CA chairman David Peever once again offered the BCCI a settlement•Getty Images

“Earlier the offer had been made by Manohar, but this was a formal offer from the ICC working group. He [Choudhury] turned it down,” an official said. “He was told that in that case the original proposal had already been approved in February and we can’t change that. Hence the ICC model went through.”With Choudhury refusing to enter a discussion on the settlement deal, the ICC working group was left with no choice but to ask for a show of hands. The BCCI was taken aback when Full Members whom it understood to be in its corner swayed to the ICC side. The BCB, Zimbabwe Cricket and the WICB have been BCCI allies for a long time, but on Wednesday they voted against it. The case of the BCB and ZC was surprising only because both had submitted strong reservations at the outset of the ICC Board meeting. ZC even called the draft constitution “discriminatory.”The official said one main reason behind these three boards changing stance was the ICC’s decision to provide them financial help. It is understood ZC could be given $19 million to clear its debt while the WICB had asked for $40 million as a grant.What now for the BCCI?
A ray of hope still exists, considering Manohar wants the BCCI to be happy. A source who has worked closely with Manohar since he arrived at the ICC last year said he has no “desire to alienate” the BCCI. He has asked the ICC to continue engaging with the BCCI.The other reason for the BCCI remaining optimistic was a significant decision the ICC Board agreed on: to move the finance model out of the constitution. The BCCI feels there is still some room for manoeuvre.The working group will meet once again during the ICC’s annual conference in June to approve the final changes to the constitution, governance structure and finance model – all of which would be finally ratified by the ICC Board. “All the boards want this resolved also,” the official said. “What happened yesterday does not mean India has diminished.”Choudhury told the ICC that he would need to head back to the BCCI, which will take a final decision at a special general body meeting (SGM).The official said India still had the bargaining power because of its importance in bilateral cricket. He pointed out that the ICC might need to increase its settlement offer and “go beyond” the proposed $100 million.”There are two ways of resolving this now. One is the SGM says okay, 390 is good. Let us go ahead. The ICC will agree immediately and resolve it. Or [the SGM] says we need more time. Then there will be another round of negotiations [with the ICC].”However, the scope of any further negotiations, the source pointed out, were remote. “He [Manohar] would still want to negotiate with the BCCI, but would he take it beyond $390 million? Questionable.”One other interested party, which could play the catalyst, is the CoA. It has been keeping a close watch on the events in Dubai this week. Any decision taken by the BCCI office bearers would need to be conveyed to the CoA, which would need to approve anything that is sent in writing to the ICC as per the court order. “The CoA can step in, but it will only step in also at $445 million,” the official said.

Manchester City have shown "interest" in signing Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, who could now be available for less than his €40m (£34m) release clause, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Are Man City signing a midfielder?

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes Man City are weighing up another move for a midfielder, having already agreed a deal to sign Mateo Kovacic for an initial £25m, however, he does not believe it is a priority position for Pep Guardiola, saying:

"They obviously looked at Jude Bellingham and then pulled away from that. Looked at Declan Rice, pulled away from that. So we know there's a temptation there to go for another type of midfielder and an extra body in there.

"At the moment, I'm told it's not a priority. Yes, they've dipped their toes in the water on both of those, thought about going for it, and then not done it.

"But, it's still considered that an extra midfielder for this summer would be a luxury."

However, the Sky Blues are still regularly being linked with a number of potential targets, including Atlanta United attacking midfielder Thiago Almada, and Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, although a move for the latter player is currently deemed unlikely.

In the same report, Jones details that Veiga is probably more of a likely acquisition for the Citizens, and Romano has now claimed he could be available for less than initially expected, saying City have shown an interest in the player alongside their attempts to sign RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol, with those at the Etihad set to hold fresh talks over a move for the defender.

“I’m told clubs feel they can make a deal work with bids below the player’s €40m release clause now. For now there doesn’t appear to be a clear preference from the player but really many clubs have looked into it including big names in the Premier League.

“Chelsea are one of them, and there’s also been interest from Man City (who are now focused on Josko Gvardiol), and also Liverpool showed an interest a few weeks ago but are now focused on different players.”

Who is Gabri Veiga?

Former Celta Vigo boss Carlos Carvalhal is responsible for turning the 21-year-old into a deep-lying midfielder, having previously played at number 10, and the Portuguese coach has lauded the way he has adapted to the role, telling Sky Sports: "He accepted that challenge very well. He was absolutely amazing."

The Spaniard scored 11 goals for Celta Vigo last season, the second-highest amount of any player, with Carvalhal praising his clinical nature, saying: "He finishes goals very easily because he was a striker."

Man City were unable to keep hold of Ilkay Gundogan this summer, despite submitting a proposal to keep the German, who scored 11 goals for Guardiola's side last season, playing a vital role en-route to a famous treble.

While Guardiola has since bolstered his midfield options by signing Kovacic from Chelsea, the manager could do with bringing in a goal-scoring midfielder, and Veiga has proven that he would be capable of taking on that responsibility.

As such, it would not be a surprise if City make a move for the Celta Vigo star at some point this summer, and it is good news that he could be available for less than his release clause.

Newcastle United could complete the signing of Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes in the next week or so, according to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Harvey Barnes joining Newcastle?

The £40,000-a-week winger looks almost certain to enjoy a fresh challenge during the summer transfer window, following a disappointing season for the Foxes. They suffered relegation from the Premier League after failing to turn their fortunes around, which is now expected to lead to an exodus of key players before the new season gets underway.

In fairness to Barnes, he was a clear positive for Leicester much of the time, scoring an impressive 13 goals in just 32 league starts, made all the more commendable because of his team's all-round struggles. The 25-year-old is far too good to be playing in the Championship moving forward, especially as he will be eyeing up a place in England's squad at Euro 2024 next summer, having won one cap for the Three Lions to date.

Newcastle have arguably emerged as the favourites to acquire Barnes' signature in the coming days and weeks, seeing him as a strong option to come in and bolster the options at Eddie Howe's disposal, likely as a replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin. Now, another update has emerged that further suggests he will be at St James' Park sooner rather than later.

What's the latest on Harvey Barnes to Newcastle?

Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano claimed that Barnes could join the Magpies in a matter of days, in what could be an important piece of transfer business:

"Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes is now close to Newcastle, I think this deal could be closed within the next seven to ten days if all goes to plan. It’s also possible for Allan Saint-Maximin to leave Newcastle. It’s not guaranteed yet, but it’s a possibility and is being discussed on club side."

Barnes has the potential to be a superb signing for Newcastle this summer, possibly coming in as a straight replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin, who flattered to deceive last season and only scored one league goal in 25 appearances. The Leicester man's goal tally was far superior in a weaker team, and his direct running and ability and get in behind could make him a potent weapon for Howe.

At 25, the Foxes ace would also be arriving at an absolute sweet spot in his career, with his best years likely to be from now until around the age of 30, meaning the Magpies could see the very best of him for an extended period of time, seeing him mature even further and become more polished as a winger.

An overall tally of 45 goals and 32 assists in the Premier League further outlines the quality ion Barnes' locker – he has been described as "unbelievable" by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, too, which is big praise from such a renowned figure in the modern game – and he is someone who can further help Newcastle grow into even more of a force, as they build a squad that is capable of flourishing across four different competitions next season, including the Champions League.

Sean Ervine, with a double century, and Jimmy Adams shared the biggest Champion ship strand of the season before Warwickshire collapsed in the final session at the Ageas Bowl

ECB Reporters Network03-Jun-2017
ScorecardThese are worrying times for Warwickshire skipper Ian Bell•Getty Images

Sean Ervine collected a double century and joined Jimmy Adams, another century maker, in the highest stand in the Championship this season before inflicting more misery on Warwickshire as they collapsed in the final session.Ervine moved from 140 overnight to a sublime 200 to hand his side a first innings total of 515.But Hampshire domination on the game didn’t stop there as they left Warwickshire floundering on 49 for 6 – still 316 behind the follow on.With blue skies overhead and on the same dry track as the first day, Warwickshire toiled in their reply.Ian Westwood summed up their frustrating game so far with a running mix-up as he was well short of his ground after good work from Michael Carberry.Matt Salisbury began his Hampshire debut with a pearler to get rid of Sam Hain, as the ball came in and then nicked away to catch his edge behind.Ian Bell followed two balls later when he was lbw to a huge inswinger.Tim Ambrose handed Ian Holland his maiden Championship wicket with a brilliant inducker which fooled the wicket keeper.Mason Crane took a five-for against Somerset last week and followed up with two late-evening scalps.First he had Rikki Clarke leg before with a big turner, before with the last ball of the day a beauty saw Andrew Umeed edge behind.Earlier, Ervine and Adams continued exactly how they left day one as their record fourth wicket stand looked unstoppable.The pair batted through the morning session in serene style, only playing shots when they had to with no mandate to score runs quickly.Their records included the highest fourth wicket stand for Hampshire of all time and the top stand of any wicket in Division One this season.The afternoon session saw the game progress at a decent pace as the epic stand was finally broken and Sunny Singh started to chip away with his left arm spin.Adams was the first to depart for a scrappy yet completely chanceless 166 having batted for 502 minutes and 386 balls.A rare attacking shot from Adams was flicked off his legs to midwicket – the colossal stand ending on 367.Ervine completed his stunning double century, his second for Hampshire and the third of his career, but was out just three runs later.The Zimbabwean attempting a reverse paddle but missed Singh’s low slow bounce.The light for Warwickshire was quickly dimmed again as debutant Ian Holland added 61 for the seventh wicket with Lewis McManus, with the hosts still yet to accelerate.McManus did club a massive six over square leg before Holland was lbw and he was caught at first slip while attempting to slog.Crane was yorked first ball handing Singh his maiden professional five wicket haul.Singh picked up a sixth when Gareth Berg clubbed to the long on boundary, before Andrew Usmeed grabbed his first career scalp to wrap up the innings.But after their evening heroics, Hampshire look in a great position to win back-to-back for the first time this seasons.

Crystal Palace can take 'advantage' of the likes of Arsenal not being keen to take their interest in Perr Schuurs to the 'next level' by signing him at Selhurst Park, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Which clubs have showed interest in Perr Schuurs?

According to DAZN Italia via Italian Football TV, Crystal Palace have submitted a bid worth €35 million for Schuurs and are ready to offer him a four-year contract at Selhurst Park.

Football Insider report that Liverpool have identified the £29k-a-week as a 'top target' at Anfield and Schuurs is seen as a budget-friendly option for the Reds as Jurgen Klopp eyes defensive reinforcements.

Sporting Clube De Portugal central defender Goncalo Inacio and Micky van de Ven have also been linked with Liverpool, which could make the prospect of them agreeing a deal with Schuurs more complicated.

Arsenal have scouted Netherlands international Schuurs in the past and could look to land him in a surprise swoop this window, as stated on GIVEMESPORT, which read: "Torino’s Perr Schuurs is a left-field name to look out for if other plans do not work out, as they scouted him from a while back. He’s already been linked with a few clubs ahead of the window"

Last term, the 23-year-old made 36 appearances in all competitions for Torino, registering one goal and two assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Crystal Palace could steal a march on some of their rivals to entice Schuurs to Selhurst Park.

Jones stated: "For some teams, certainly in the sense of Arsenal, I've just got a feeling that they haven't quite been willing to go the extra step to take their interest to the next level and if that's the case for Liverpool too, then Crystal Palace can take advantage of their situation. He is very highly-rated and also there's an opportunity here for Torino to make quite a big profit."

Who else is on Crystal Palace's radar this summer?

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson will be keen to strengthen his squad to equip them with the tools to enjoy an exciting 2023/24 campaign and help to build on the positive momentum generated in the second half of last term at Selhurst Park.

According to The Sun, Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun has emerged as a target to strengthen the Eagles' forward line; however, he will cost in the region of £35 million to prize away from the Emirates Stadium.

Italian journalist Daniel Speranza has claimed that AC Milan midfielder Charles De Ketelaere is another name who has been mentioned in connection with a move to Crystal Palace, detailing on Twitter: "After West Ham and Crystal Palace, Everton have also conducted a poll for Charles De Ketelaere in the last few hours," he tweeted. "The Milan is firm on its requests: about 30 million are needed. Reflections in progress by the English clubs."

Manchester United forgotten man Donny van de Beek has been linked with a host of clubs this summer as he looks to revive his career and Crystal Palace have been mentioned as a potential destination for the Netherlands international, as per 90min.

نجح فريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك في تسجيل الهدف الثاني في شباك نظيره الاتحاد السكندري بالمباراة المقامة بينهما حاليًا.

ويستضيف ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي مباراة فريقي الزمالك والاتحاد السكندري ضمن مؤجلات الجولة الثامنة من عمر الدوري المصري.

وأحرز هدف الزمالك الثاني، الوافد الجديد ناصر ماهر في الدقيقة 35 من عمر اللقاء، مستغلًا تمريرة سحرية من أحمد فتوح.

فيديو | زيزو يسجل هدف الزمالك الأول أمام الاتحاد السكندري

ويتواجد الزمالك في المركز الـ15 بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري ولديه في رصيده 15 نقطة.

وحصد الزمالك نقاطه من لعب 11 مباراة، إذ حقق الفوز في 4 لقاءات وتعادل بـ3 مواجهات وتلقى 4 هزائم.

ويحتل الاتحاد السكندري المركز الثالث في سلم ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 27 نقطة، بعد أن خاض 15 لقاء.

وتمكن فريق الاتحاد هذا الموسم من الفوز في 7 لقاءات وتعادل 6 مواجهات وتلقى هزيمتين. هدف الزمالك الثاني أمام الاتحاد السكندري

From the depths of despair after the insipid performance against India, there’s now a far more upbeat mood in the Pakistan camp. They kept their Champions Trophy campaign alive with an incisive display in the field against South Africa, and did enough with the bat to ward off a collapse, and know a position in the semi-finals is in their control. It would be a very handy stepping stone in the long-term project of rebuilding the one-day side.After the dismal opening performance, coach Mickey Arthur spoke about the fear that inhibited Pakistan’s players and nothing has changed his mind that they were “intimidated” by India. But the response has been heartening for him and he praised the open appraisals that had taken place after that match which enabled the turnaround against South Africa.”I looked around the dressing room before that [India] game and we didn’t believe that we could beat them,” Arthur said. “It was such a contrast to the South Africa game were we believed in our skills and ability.”I’m pretty honest and straightforward. We had some honest conversations and the good thing about it is that the players are contributing to that conversation now whereas a year ago they didn’t. They are starting to take responsibility and once that happens it’s a massive psychological barrier they have broken down in the dressing room. I come out of an environment where you have mature conversations all the time and they can’t be sugar-coated, they have to happen for you to move forward. The guys responded fantastically well.”The victory was set up by an attack which found its teeth on a used pitch at Edgbaston – “I was happy they stuck us on a used one,” Arthur said – with Imad Wasim removing AB de Villiers for the first golden duck of his ODI career and Hasan Ali producing one of the balls of the tournament to castle Wayne Parnell. Between them, Hasan and Imad took 5 for 44 off 16 overs. Along with a lively ODI debut from Fakhar Zaman, whose 31 off 23 balls gave Pakistan breathing space to absorb Morne Morkel’s impressive spell, it was an impressive match for a clutch of the youngsters, something which gave Arthur great satisfaction.”To see them perform is the best thing that can happen to any coach,” he said. “Hasan Ali is one of those. If you saw him now and remember him a year ago he’s developed, he’s stronger and fitter, his skills are developing and he will be a fine all-round cricketer. He can field, he can bat, he can bowl. He’s in great shape so I’m very proud of his development. He stands out as one of the beacons; him Babar Azam, Imad Wasim – we have some good young players coming through and we have to keep them believing.”There will also be two more experienced foes up against each other in the Group B match in Cardiff with Arthur pitted against Sri Lanka’s South African-born coach Graham Ford. “Fordy and I have been very close over a long period of time so it’s taking on an old friend. Sri Lanka are very dangerous, they played exceptionally well against India,” Arthur said. “It’s fearless cricket. They hit the ball hard, play outrageous shots. They will be a tough side to beat. We’ll have to be on our game.”Though the focus is firmly on Cardiff and Monday’s match, events thousands of miles away have also given Pakistan another boost. Afghanistan’s victory against West Indies, inspired by Rashid Khan’s 7 for 18, has widened the gap in the race for an automatic World Cup spot. Pakistan hold that position at No. 8 with West Indies’ defeat leaving them further adrift ahead of the September 30 cut-off.”It’s been a focus of ours, we’ve had it over heads for a year and we’ve had some tough one-day series – England away, Australia away, they are tough – so to almost qualify is a huge relief but that doesn’t stop where we want to take the one-day team,” Arthur said. “We have to keep improving all the time, playing with intensity, keep the freshness so we can put a shake on at that World Cup.

Liverpool remain keen on strengthening their midfield ahead of next following a potential exit for Fabinho and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Kalvin Phillips?

According to Sky Sports' senior reporter Melissa Reddy, Liverpool are considering a number of midfield options with Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips named.

Reddy revealed on Twitter:

"Liverpool had been assessing longer-term candidates to replace Fabinho. Profile might shift as they'll require an immediate starter. Among the names mooted have been Sofyan Amrabat, Ryan Gravenberch, Kalvin Phillips and Romeo Lavia…"

What is Kalvin Phillips' injury record?

After securing the services of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, Jurgen Klopp would've been feeling confident going into pre-season with the midfield rebuild that has been started.

However, the German coach could now be set to lose another midfielder after already letting go of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner this summer, as his defensive midfield mainstay Fabinho is looking set for a move to the Saudi Pro League.

The Liverpool star did not travel with the squad to Germany this weekend ahead of a potential £40m switch to Al-Ittihad this summer and he is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia to complete his move.

As a result, new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will be working hard to identify worthy replacements for the Brazilian stalwart, however, a move for Phillips could see the club fall into another Keita nightmare with fitness issues a real cause for concern.

After a stand-out tournament in Euro 2020 with England, Phillips was not only named England Player of the Year but also attracted the attention of Pep Guardiola – securing a £45m move from Leeds United to Man City last summer.

However, the former Leeds talisman – who has a reported £35m price tag – has struggled to reach the standards that he delivered in the European tournament due to fitness and injury issues over the last two years.

Since February 2021, the 27-year-old – hailed for his "outrageous" passing by teammate, John Stones – has had three separate incidents of long-term injury amounting to 204 days in recovery and missing out on 38 fixtures, demonstrating that he is prone to long spells on the sidelines, something that would be catastrophic for Liverpool if they were to sign the player.

Injuries in midfield were a constant issue last season for the Reds with Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and Keita picking up multiple issues over the campaign, with the latter tallying up an injury record that saw him unavailable for selection on 18 occasions during his five-year stint at Anfield; missing a whopping 105 fixtures.

As a result, the Merseysiders were stung by their £48m capture of the 5 foot 8 dud back in 2018, with the 28-year-old having gone on to depart on a free transfer last month, thus proving a real wasted venture for the club.

That lack of reliability and availability across the midfield ranks could well have played a key part in Liverpool missing out on Champions League football, struggling in cup competitions and finishing fifth in the Premier League, something that the Liverpool boss will be desperate not to repeat next season.

With that being said, Liverpool should avoid signing Phillips this summer if other options are available to take advantage of, as the Man City menace's injury issues could be a huge risk not worth taking.

Klopp certainly won't want to endure a repeat of the club's Keita disaster…