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تحدث أحمد حجازي مدافع منتخب مصر والمحترف ضمن صفوف الاتحاد السعودي، عن استضافة مصر للبطولة الودية الدولية التي تقام ضمن سلسلة فيفا، كما أكد على قدرة منتخب مصر مع الجهاز الفني الجديد بقيادة حسام حسن على التأهل إلى كأس العالم 2026.

ويشارك منتخب مصر في بطولة ودية دولية خلال الفترة من 22 حتي 26 مارس الجاري بمشاركة كرواتيا ونيوزيلندا وتونس وتقام في القاهرة.

وكان منتخب مصر واجه نيوزيلندا في مباراة نصف النهائي للبطولة وفاز بهدف دون رد، ومن المقرر أن يلتقي مع كرواتيا مساء اليوم الثلاثاء في المباراة النهائية للمسابقة الدولية الودية.

الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم كان قد أعلن عن إطلاق مشروع تجريبي لإقامة بطولات دولية خلال شهر مارس في كل توقف دولي للسنوات الزوجية، تضم سلسلة المباريات الودية الدولية أربعة منتخبات وطنية من اتحادات قارية مختلفة، على أن تقام المواجهات في دولة مضيفة واحدة.

وقال حجازي خلال تصريحات عبر الموقع الرسمي لـ فيفا: “سعيد بالمشاركة في المحافل الدولية الكبرى، هدفنا دائما هو إسعاد الجماهير ورفع اسم مصر عاليًا، وتحقيق نجاحات لبلدي والمساهمة في عزف النشيد الوطني المصري في محافل بقيمة كأس العالم والألعاب الأولمبية، هذا شرف كبير لأي لاعب مصري”.

طالع | أحمد حجازي ينضم لمنتخب مصر استعدادًا لمواجهة كرواتيا بعد العودة من السعودية

وأضاف: “البطولات المجمعة التي ينظمها فيفا تكون رائعة وقوية وتشهد مشاركة مدارس كروية مختلفة، وبطولة عاصمة مصر فرصة لمواجهة منتخبات تنتمي لمدارس كروية متنوعة، فرصة للإعداد للبطولات الكبرى، كما تمثل فرصة للجماهير للاستمتاع بمشاهدة نجوم كبار، وهذا أمر يصب في صالح جميع عناصر اللعبة”.

وتابع: “استضافة مصر لأي حدث تابع لـ فيفا يمثل أمرا هاما يحظى بمتابعة الجميع، ويبرز أهمية مصر قاريًا وعالميًا وقدرتها على إنجاح أي بطولة تستضيفها، خاصة أن الجمهور المصري من الجماهير العاشقة لكرة القدم”.

وفي سياق آخر، أوضح حجازي: “عامل الحظ وقف عندك أمام منتخب مصر في التأهل إلي كأس العالم الأخير قطر 2022، بعد الخسارة بركلات الترجيح أمام السنغال، بذلنا مجهودا كبيرا خلال مشوار التصفيات والحلم كان قريبا”.

وأستطرد: “لكننا مستعدون مع الجهاز الفني الجديد بقيادة حسام حسن للتأهل لكأس العالم 2026، جاهزون للفوز بمواجهتي شهر يونيو المقبل أمام بوركينا فاسو وغينيا بيساو لتحقيق ذلك الهدف”.

وأتم: “سلسلة فيفا الحالية لعام 2024 المقامة في مصر التي بدأها المنتخب بالفوز على نيوزيلندا، فرصة لمصالحة الجماهير واستعادة ثقتهم مع جهاز فني جديد وكبير بقيادة حسام حسن أحد أساطير الكرة المصرية الذي سبق له المشاركة في كأس العالم 1990 وتوج بكأس الأمم الإفريقية ثلاث مرات، فهو لاعب كبير ومدرب كبير ودائما يحفز اللاعبين بشكل مثالي في محاضراته”.

Australia’s batting coach Graeme Hick spoke about their disappointing day as they were bowled out for 137 to come close to losing the series on Tuesday

Melinda Farrell in Dharamsala27-Mar-2017The Australian players may have enough time to reflect on the missed opportunities that – barring a miraculous performance on Tuesday morning- will likely cost them a series victory.The game seemed finely balanced when Australia began their second innings, trailing India by 32 runs, but the batting line-up crumbled under a sustained assault of both short-pitched bowling and spin. Steven Smith’s dismissal – he misjudged the length of a Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivery and was bowled – was the catalyst for a collapse that gave Australia a meagre lead of 105 to defend.There was hope when Glenn Maxwell counter-attacked to score 45, but Australia lost five for 31, including his dismissal, with Matthew Wade running out of partners. By stumps, India had all 10 wickets in hand and now require a mere 87 runs to clinch the series and regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.”Just stating the obvious, you could hear a pin drop in the dressing room,” Australia batting coach Graeme Hick said. “A very disappointing day. There is always a chance until the final ball is bowled. But yeah, a hard day today. The boys are pretty down but they will give it a good crack in the morning and you never know. But it is a tough ask.”You know when you come here, there is the danger of losing wickets in clumps. The hardest part is getting yourself in, getting that first half hour out of the way and then making sure you do the job. I think if I look back over this game and one or two others in the series, I will say we missed an opportunity and left some runs there in the first innings.”From a 130 for 1 on the first day to only put 300 on the board… if we had another 100 runs, 150 runs in that first innings, then we are in the game tomorrow. So while today was very disappointing, it’s not the only reason why we find ourselves in this position.”Australia stuttered right at the start in their second innings when David Warner, after being dropped for the second time in the match by Karun Nair at third slip, drove hard at Umesh Yadav in the fourth over and edged to Wriddhiman Saha. It capped off a disappointing tour for the opener – he has averaged 24.12 for the series, compared to his overall average of 47.42. He did little to change a growing perception that he struggles away from home.”Obviously David will be very disappointed with his aggregate on tour,” Hick said. “He is a very aggressive player, that’s the way he likes to play and the way we like to him play. He was desperate to have a very big tour and to have a very big influence here.”Whether he put himself under a bit too much pressure to do so, only he can answer that. He will reflect on it, as champions do, and feel and assess it himself. But without a doubt, he is one of our major players and you would have hoped for a little bit more from him but he was challenged.”It is tough up front, [Ravindra] Jadeja into the rough, [R] Ashwin bowls really well at him. [They] certainly questioned him. That’s the beauty of the game, it puts these challenges up between great players and makes it very interesting to watch. David will obviously be very disappointed with the way things have gone.”But the critical blow was the loss of Smith’s wicket. The Australian captain has accumulated 499 runs in the series – more than anyone else – and his outstanding form has arguably papered over any weaknesses in Australia’s relatively new-look top six. He had just dispatched consecutive Bhuvneshwar deliveries to the boundary before his dismissal and there was no middle-order stand to provide a Ranchi-style rearguard action.”You’ll look back, and in hindsight in this series, and say that we have been a bit reliant on him, but there again, you’ve had some great contributions and performances,” Hick said. “Saving the game in the last Test, with [Peter] Handscomb and [Shaun] Marsh was as good as any hundred that Steve Smith scored, in those conditions and that pressure. Yeah, the scorecards will show that Steve Smith has had an amazing series and it has looked that way.”He’s just playing wonderful cricket at the moment. He asked me in the dressing room and I just said I think you’re just playing too well. You’re seeing the ball like a football and hitting it to all parts of the grounds. He’s just playing beautifully.”Steve Smith is a huge wicket for us, especially in the form he’s in. Yeah, he’ll be disappointed, as would anyone else. But yeah, very unfortunate for us because he’s had a very good series. He’s got seven hundreds in the last eight Tests against India. He’s got a lot of runs against them. In some respect, you think they haven’t worked out how to bowl to him yet. So that was a bit unfortunate.”

Aston Villa are interested in Roma defender Roger Ibanez, if reports regarding Unai Emery’s defensive master plan are to be believed.

The Spaniard is down to the small print in his pursuit of bringing former player Pau Torres to Villa Park, with news last week reporting that a fee had been agreed between the club and the defender.

Emery’s ploy to bolster his defence could be far from over, with reports earlier this week claiming that the Villans may opt to make a move for Roma centre-back Ibanez.

The Brazilian is said to be a wanted man in the Midlands, with Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport – relayed by TEAMtalk – claiming last weekend that the club are ‘ready’ to present an opening offer to the Serie A side for the defender who is said to be valued between €25m and €30m (£21m and £26m).

Despite being a solid performer for I Giallorossi, the 24-year-old could be sold to ensure that the club meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions, with Ibanez seen as the ‘primary source of revenue’, via RomaPress.

Villa aren’t the only Premier League club eyeing the talent, with Tottenham also heavily linked to signing the defender this summer.

Where could Roger Ibanez fit in at Aston Villa?

Once lauded as “untouchable” by Roma boss Jose Mourinho, the 24-year-old has received high praise from a figure that has coached some of the world’s most prolific talents.

Villa are planning a revolution under the guidance of Emery after confirming European football for next season with a seventh place Premier League finish.

Signing long-term target Torres has added significant star power to the Spaniard’s back line, with himself and Monchi hoping to bring big-name talents to the Midlands in the bid to take the club to the next step.

Described by members of the media with tactical and analytic knowledge as “aggressive and proactive”, Ibanez could be not just the perfect partner for Torres, but the ideal heir to Tyrone Mings, who could see his time in the squad fizzle out during the revamp.

The Englishman has been rejuvenated under Emery, however, links to Ibanez could spell a nearing of the end of the road for the 30-year-old, who as supported by numbers, has not performed to the level of the Villa target over the last season.

When comparing the two centre-backs on their respective 2022/23 campaigns, it’s clear to see why the Villans are interested in Ibanez, who would be an upgrade to the back line at Villa Park.

As per FBref comparisons, the Brazilian averaged 2.12 interceptions and 2.16 tackles per 90 in Serie A with the Englishman falling short with an average of 1.54 interceptions and 0.43 tackles per 90 for Villa in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old’s defensive strengths are elevated in comparison to Mings, who fell short to his 1.03 average of dribblers tackled per 90, scoring just 0.43 per 90 in this area, displaying the Roma ace’s inquisitive nature.

Acting as a reliable figure in the back line, Ibanez averaged an impressive 7.02 ball recoveries per 90 to the Villa defender’s 4.97, once more showing his prowess over the 30-year-old, via FBref.

Emery could strike gold this summer by upgrading his defence with the likes of Torres and Ibanez, who have acted as two warriors in their respective leagues. As such, they are deals that could show the progressive direction of Villa’s plans going forward.

Southampton are set to seal a deal to bring in Shea Charles from Man City this summer, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Shea Charles?

The 19-year-old is somewhat of an unknown quantity currently at club level, with the defensive midfielder having struggled to get many league games under his belt. In fact, he has only ever appeared in the Premier League for current club Man City once – and that was in the last campaign and lasted for just 28 minutes.

Instead, the wonderkid has had to make do with action for their reserve sides but has impressed for them with 49 appearances and two goal contributions from his deep lying role.

Despite never featuring in the top flight, it hasn't stopped him from breaking onto the international stage already for his country Northern Ireland. Having initially broken into their Under-16 team, he then worked his way up to the Under-19 and Under-21 outfits. His performances for those sides eventually led to a first ever cap for their first-team just last year. Having shone on the big stage, he has gone on to bag a further five caps.

Are Southampton signing Shea Charles?

Now, according to a report from reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Championship side Southampton have clearly liked what they have seen from the youngster and want to tie up a deal for the player.

The Saints are now closing in on a £9m deal for the 19-year-old – a large fee for a teenager, especially to an EFL side – and he will have a medical this weekend ahead of a switch to the Championship outfit.

City clearly see a lot of potential in the midfielder though, as they have also included a clause that allows them to bring him back to the Etihad should they opt to, and a sell-on clause too. Romano said: "Excl: Southampton are closing in on deal to sign Man City 2003 born midfielder Shea Charles. Manchester City will receive £9m fee — it will also include buy back clause and sell on clause for MCFC. Charles will travel this weekend for medical if all goes to plan."

Charles also adds some versatility to the Southampton side. Whilst he predominantly plays in the centre of the field as a number six, he can also play across the backline. The wonderkid has featured in both centre-back positions but has also been shifted out onto the right-flank in the past. It means that, should the Saints ever be short in their defensive ranks, they can rely on Charles to slot in if needed over the course of the campaign.

Despite his age, Charles has already been praised for his impressive performances at international level. Football journalist Josh Bunting stated that the youngster has been "impressive" for Northern Ireland, and it shows his ability already despite his limited club involvement.

It means that Southampton are getting a player who is not only gaining a little bit of experience already at a high level, but has the potential to get even better.

A round-up of Group C matches in the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare on February 28, 2017

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Feb-2017

At Chepauk, 17-year old medium pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti took the first-ever List A hat-trick for Rajasthan that helped them defend 183 for a 14-run win against Gujarat. Gujarat were 152 for 5 – just 32 short of the target – when Nagarkoti made his first strike. They were eventually bowled out for 169, with Nagarkoti having taken 3 for 30 in seven overs. Bhargav Merai (51) and Rujul Bhatt (49) made contributions for Gujarat and shared a fourth-wicket partnership on 90. Apart from Nagarkoti, captain Pankaj Singh took three wickets, while Nathu Singh finished with two scalps.Nagarkoti also came good with the bat as his unbeaten half-century lifted Rajasthan from 54 for 6. Along with Arijit Gupta (69), he helped add 86 for the seventh wicket and finished not out on 56.Manoj Tiwary’s unbeaten century steered Bengal to an eight-wicket win in a chase of 214 against Goa. Tiwary slammed 116 off 94 balls with 13 fours and three sixes as Bengal win with 85 balls to spare. Tiwary’s knock rescued Bengal from early losses, after they were reduced to 45 for 2. Tiwary dominated an unbroken third-wicket partnership of 169 with opening batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran to see his team through. Abhimanyu finished not out on 68.Bengal could have been chasing more had Goa’s batsmen converted their starts. Amogh Desai top-scored with 49, but his dismissal triggered a slide as Goa went from 150 for 2 to finish on 213 for 9. Kanshik Seth, the debutant medium pacer, took 3 for 50 in 10 overs.Seamer Chandrakant Sakure’s maiden List A five-for helped Madhya Pradesh dismiss Mumbai for 134 and canter to an 80-run win. Sakure took 5 for 25 in eight overs and was supported by Saransh Jain, who took 3 for 30 in nine overs. Ishwar Pandey and Ankit Sharma took one wicket each.MP’s innings was driven by Ankit Dane in the first half. Dane struck 46 off 76 balls and held up his end even as wickets fell around him. He was dismissed in the 28th over, after which Sohraab Dhaliwal propelled the score past 200 with his 41-ball 51. Dhaliwal was the last man dismissed as MP were bowled out for 214 in 45.1 overs. Mumbai’s bowlers shared the wickets around, with Shardul Thakur’s 3 for 27 the best figures.

نجح منتخب تونس في تحقيق فوز صعب على نظيره منتخب نيوزيلندا في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما مساء الثلاثاء، بركلات الحظ الترجيحية.

واحتضن ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي مباراة منتخبي تونس ونيوزيلندا لتحديد المركز الثالث في الدورة الدولية الودية (كأس عاصمة مصر).

تشكيل تونس أمام نيوزيلندا في كأس عاصمة مصر.. موقف الجزيري والمثلوثي

واستضافت مصر بطولة كأس العاصمة الدولية الودية بحضور منتخبات مصر وكرواتيا وتونس ونيوزيلندا.

وانتهى الوقت الأصلي للمباراة بالتعادل السلبي بدون أهداف ليلجأ الفريقان إلى ركلات الحظ الترجيحية، التي حسمت كفة تونس بنتيجة 4-2.

وأهدر منتخب نيوزيلندا ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 34 سددها سارببريت سين، أضاع بها فرصة التقدم لمنتخب بلاده.

وكان منتخب نيوزيلندا قد خسر مباراة الافتتاح أمام مصر بهدف نظيف سجله مصطفى محمد.

وفي الوقت ذاته واجه منتخب تونس منافسه نيوزيلندا، بعد الخسارة في المباراة الأولى أمام كرواتيا بركلات الترجيح.

Hibernian manager Lee Johnson is "likely" to re-sign defender Will Fish on another loan from Man United, according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

Who will Hibs sign?

Hibs have been fairly busy so far this transfer window as they build a capable side for the 2023/2024 Scottish Premiership campaign and their foray into Europe.

The Hibees qualified for the Europa Conference League play-off rounds at the end of last season after finishing fifth, and are still awaiting who they will face off against in the first leg of their second qualifying round on July 27th.

In the meantime, Johnson's side have looming friendlies against Bournemouth, with kick off later today, and FC Groningen next Friday.

So far, they've prepared well this summer in terms of incomings, having already sealed deals for Elie Youan, who joined from Swiss side St. Gallen for around £496,000, and Dylan Levitt from Dundee United for £299,000.

The aforementioned duo join striker Adam Le Fondre, left-back Jordan Obita and goalkeeper Maksymilian Boruc who have signed for Hibs on free transfers.

These additions could do wonders to fill the gaps left by star departures, most notably striker and top scorer from last season Kevin Nisbett, who joined Millwall last month for a "significant" seven-figure fee.

The 26-year-old departed Hibs alongside Marijan Cabraja, Mikey Devlin, Maciej Dabrowski, Kyle Magennis and Aiden McGeady – with Johnson seemingly orchestrating a major rebuild (Transfermarkt).

However, according to reliable reports in the English press, they may not be done there as young centre-back Fish could re-join Hibs on loan from Man United.

Journalist Luckhurst co-wrote a piece for the Manchester Evening News, sharing it on Twitter, whilst claiming Fish's reunion with Hibs is "likely" as the player agrees to make another season-long loan move.

The 20-year-old has been named in Erik ten Hag's recent friendly squads and will be again for their match against Lyon in Edinburgh next week.

He's then expected to remain in the Scottish capital and begin preparations with Hibs boss Johnson as he looks set to make the move back up north.

Fish was attracting attention from rivals, like Aberdeen, as well as clubs in the English Championship and League One. However, it is Hibs who have seemingly won the race for his signature, with the youngster keen to re-join and build upon his brilliant end to the 22/23 campaign.

How good is Will Fish?

The starlet seriously impressed towards the back end of last season with Hibs.

Indeed, Fish ranked among their top five best-performing players per 90 according to WhoScored, with the Englishman even chipping in with three league goals going forward.

He was also an indomitable presence at the back for Hibs, averaging more clearances and blocks per 90 than any other player in Johnson's squad (WhoScored).

Johnson, speaking to BBC Sportsround (via Football Scotland), heaped praise on Fish for his contribution in green and white.

"He's been fantastic. I've said before if you could build a centre-half, you'd build Will Fish," exclaimed Johnson.

He's a great student and a great lad and he's had to up his gravitas levels for this league and his on-pitch personalities.

"He's trusted by the boys, trusted by the staff and it's a great sign."

أكد أيمن يونس، إن إمام عاشور لاعب وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، هو محور أداء اللاعبين وأكثرهم تميزًا، مُشيرًا إلى أنه حزن بشدة بعد رحيله عن الزمالك.

وقال أيمن يونس في تصريحات عبر برنامج “جمهور التالتة”، على قناة “أون تايم سبورت 2”: “إمام عاشور تركيبته الفنية في الملعب لا يوجد مثلها كثيرًا، لاعب يمتلك قدرات خاصة جدًا”.

وتابع: “إمام عاشور في كل مركز يلعب فيه يتقمصه، سواء صانع ألعاب أو مدافع الوسط، أو المتحول الهجومي، ويتحرك على الخطوط، لاعب مميز جدًا”.

طالع أيضًا | أيمن يونس ينتقد تصرف إدارة الزمالك.. ويُصرح: بداية الحكم النهائي على جوميز قريبًا

وأضاف: “دائمًا هو محور أداء لاعبي الأهلي لأنه لاعب ذكي، أنا حقيقة حزنت عليه لأن لاعب مثله كان لا يجب أن يتم تركه يرحل عن الزمالك، إلا لو هناك شيء متعمد”.

واختتم: “لم أكن مؤيدًا لقرار رحيله من أجل الاحتراف، لأن التجربة لم تكن مؤثرة له أو للنادي، لكن كل بني آدم يختار طريقه، هو رحل عن القلعة البيضاء بسبب شيء ما بداخله”.

وفي سياق أخر، الأهلي سيلتقي في مباراته القادمة مع سيمبا التنزاني، في إياب دور الـ8 (ربع النهائي) لبطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، وذلك بعد أن فاز في مواجهة الذهاب بهدف دون رد. موعد مباراة الأهلي وسيمبا في إياب ربع نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا

تقام المباراة يوم الجمعة الموافق 5 أبريل المقبل، على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الحادية عشر بتوقيت السعودية.

Ian Bell’s highest first-class score for more than a year has kept Warwickshire’s heads above water in their Championship match against Surrey

George Dobell at Edgbaston23-Apr-2017
ScorecardIan Bell dug deep in what could turn out to be a significant innings•Getty Images

Ian Bell’s highest first-class score for more than a year has kept Warwickshire’s heads above water in their Championship match against Surrey.When Bell came to the wicket in Warwickshire’s second innings, they were already two down and still 60 behind. For a side bowled out for 91 by the same opponents a couple of weeks ago – and one bowled out for 115 by Yorkshire last week – the signs were ominous.But Bell, playing beautifully straight, negated an admirably disciplined attack and a pitch offering just a little variable bounce to ensure his side go into the final day with hopes of a morale-boosting draw very much alive.Such is Bell’s innate class that, in a professional career stretching the best part of two decades, he has rarely looked out of form. But, over the last couple of years, the runs have not flowed as they have previously and not since April 13, 2016 – the first Championship match of last season – has he made a century or reached a score as high as this.But, as he guided anything short to the third man boundary or anything over-pitched through the covers, it was hard to see any diminution of his powers. That cover drive belongs in the Louvre.The difference here, compared to recent Bell innings, was the discipline. Whereas he has, of late, looked a little over eager to search for the scoring opportunity, here he was prepared to wait for it. So, many balls were left outside off stump and, offered the chance to pull for a boundary, he often settled for rolling his wrists over the ball and settling for the single.There may be other differences. There were times in 2016 when Bell had so much on his plate – issues with discontented colleagues, potential recruitment and the disappointment as the decline of his own Test career – that he perhaps went into games with a mind clouded and burdened.This season, with a head coach and director of cricket keen to alleviate some of those responsibilities, he may have more time to focus on his own game. It is too early to suggest he has turned a corner – it is one innings, after all – but the manner with which he dealt with low bounce and high suggested the technique and the temperament remain a substantial asset to his club.He was given steadfast support by Ian Westwood. While William Porterfield edged a good one that left him and Jonathan Trott fell for his third duck in six Championship innings this season courtesy of one that reared and took the shoulder of his bat, Westwood refused to be drawn at deliveries outside off stump and added a half-century to his first innings century. While Tom Curran eventually snared him with one he might have left, it seems safe to assume he has already done enough to convince Warwickshire to give him a new contract at the end of this season.Warwickshire are in the market for new players, though. They are not nearly as cash-strapped as some might suppose – there is debt, yes, but it is to a benevolent partner and they are on the brink of the best run of major matches in their history – and, if the right players come along, they will pursue them vigorously.This was, as Bell said afterwards, their “best performance of our season without a shadow of doubt.” With Surrey resuming with the opportunity to build a match-defining lead, Warwickshire’s bowlers knew they had to strike early and often.Kumar Sangakkara went early – though not before he had reached his century – poking at a good one that left him, and with Ben Foakes guiding a pull shot to long-leg, Dominic Sibley misreading a lovely slower-ball and Sam Curran (who may find himself reported by the umpires for dissent following his dismissal) missing a straight one, Surrey lost their last seven wickets for a modest 131 runs. It left Warwickshire facing a deficit of 105 and the sense that things could have been much worse.Surrey bowled impressively in Warwickshire’s second innings. Despite losing Mark Footitt to a leg injury – he came back onto the field but is thought unlikely to bowl on the final day – the threat offered by Jade Dernbach and the Currans was unrelenting. Dernbach bowled one especially impressive spell, gaining movement in the air and off the pitch and only being negated by Bell’s excellence.The wicket of Ateeq Javid – nervously playing-on – in the dying moments ensured Surrey go into the final day in a strong position, but they will be just a little nervous of the prospect of chasing on a fourth-day pitch starting to go up and down. Bell still has a substantial amount of work ahead of him, but this was a heartening day for him and his team.

The former Scotland captain had retired at the age of 29 in November last year to pursue a career outside the game

ESPNcricinfo staff31-May-2017

Former Scotland captain Preston Mommsen, who retired from international cricket last year, has returned to the side for their upcoming World Cricket League Championship fixtures against Namibia.Mommsen had retired, aged 29, in November to pursue “a very exciting and attractive opportunity in the corporate world”. Cricket Scotland said the batsman will take leave to be available for the Namibia matches and had been in fine early season form for his club side, Grange, as well as training with the national coaches.Scotland squads

Intercontinental Cup: Kyle Coetzer (capt), Con de Lange (vice-capt), Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross, Alasdair Evans, Safyaan Sharif, Michael Leask, Calum MacLeod, Mark Watt, George Munsey, Craig Wallace, Chris Sole, Stuart Whittingham.
WCL Championship: Kyle Coetzer (Captain), Con de Lange (vice-captain), Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross, Alasdair Evans, Safyaan Sharif, Michael Leask, Preston Mommsen, Calum MacLeod, Mark Watt, George Munsey, Craig Wallace, Chris Sole, Stuart Whittingham.

Kyle Coetzer will captain Scotland in the Intercontinental Cup and WCL Championship fixtures against Namibia, while Con de Lange has been appointed vice-captain. Seamer Stuart Whittingham, who made a county debut for Sussex last season, features in the squads for the Intercontinental Cup and WCL Championship matches. Whittingham featured in both practice matches against Sri Lanka earlier this month, and took 3 for 56 in one match.Seamer Alasdair Evans also made a return to the side, having last played for Scotland in September last year against Hong Kong. Evans had been rested for the Desert T20 challenge in the UAE earlier this year and, like Whittingham, was a part of the practice matches against Sri Lanka, where he picked up a three-for.The Intercontinental Cup fixture will be played between June 6-9 in Ayr, with both teams placed in the bottom half of the table. Namibia are placed last, having won one out of their four matches, while Scotland are yet to win a game, having had three matches affected by the rain.The hosts are better placed in the WCL Championship. Wins in both matches will lift them to second on the points table – they are currently fourth with 11 points from eight matches – and improve their chances of reaching the ICC World Cup Qualifier. Namibia, however, are last-placed in the one-day format too, with a sole win from their eight matches. The two WCL games will be played on June 11 and 13 in Edinburgh.