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He returned to the BBL with a stunning century at the SCG having lost his Australia T20I spot last year

AAP12-Jan-20250:46

Smith: Missing the 10k-run mark ‘hurt a little bit’

Steven Smith has set his sights on the 2028 Olympics, declaring he wants to prolong his short-form career and return to Australia’s T20 team for the Los Angeles Games.Smith produced one of the finest T20 innings of his career on Saturday, smashing an unbeaten 121 from 64 balls for Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers to set up a BBL victory.Australia’s former T20 captain hit seven sixes in his knock, manipulating Scorchers’ bowling and getting inventive in his efforts to target the short boundary.Related

• Hundred's 'transition' year is relying on Test star Steven Smith as headline act

• Smith flays 121* to send a reminder of his T20 worth

• Matthew Short's 109 off 54 too hot for Brisbane Heat

• Stats – Smith, Short shatter BBL batting records on Super Saturday

Smith has become something of a forgotten force in T20 cricket in recent years, and even missed selection in Australia’s squad for last year’s T20 World Cup. He has also been overlooked in the past four IPL auctions, the only franchise cricket he played last year being for Washington in the USA’s Major League Cricket.But Smith’s BBL form has regularly shown he is among the best T20 openers in the country, hitting three centuries in his last seven matches in the competition. The trio of tons brought him level with Ben McDermott for the most in tournament history, with Smith having played just 32 games to McDermott’s 100.His average of 45.88 is the highest of any local, while he holds the sixth best strike-rate of any player with 146.3.But Smith says he does not want to be a domestic-player only in the shortest format, eying off a return to Australian colours.”I’d like to play the Olympics, I reckon that would be cool,” Smith said. “We’ll see how far I go in terms of long-form cricket. But I am going to play short-form cricket for a while I think when I do finish. You never know. There are a lot of good young kids who are smacking the ball out of the park.”Steven Smith was spectacular at the SCG•Getty Images

Smith will be 39 by the time cricket returns to the Olympics in 2028, with the sport featuring for the first time since 1900 when only Great Britain and France featured.He has not yet outlined his retirement plans for red-ball cricket, but has made no secret of his desire to play T20s longer into the future.Smith entered Saturday’s game with virtually no T20 preparation, with a 15-minute net before the BBL game his only hit against the white ball following the India Test series.He has played solely as an opener in T20, with his record generally improving the longer a tournament goes on. And with the likely chance to focus solely on the 20-over format in years to come, Smith believes his game could improve further.”I find the more I play back-to-back games you get in sync with the game,” Smith said. “Even [Saturday] I don’t think I played my first 10 balls really well. I was probably going a bit too hard for how the wicket was playing.”But if I am playing T20s regularly, I probably come out with a slightly different mindset at the start, give myself a bit more time. It’s just the gears and going up and down in the gears throughout the innings [that change for T20s]. And just playing the percentages.”

Deal is set to make London-based club the most valuable in the Hundred

Matt Roller and Nagraj Gollapudi31-Jan-2025English cricket has landed a multi-million pound windfall after a Silicon Valley tech consortium won a bidding war with the Sanjiv Goenka-owned RPSG Group for a 49% stake in London Spirit, the Hundred team based at Lord’s.The winning bid made by the consortium, headed by Nikesh Arora of Palo Alto Networks, valued the Spirit at £295 million, more than twice the price paid by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) for Oval Invincibles on Thursday. It means they will pay £144.55m for a 49% stake in the Spirit, with MCC intending to retain its position as majority shareholder.The price is more than double the floor valuation set for London Spirit based on investors’ indicative bids and represents a significant injection of funds into English cricket. The revenue raised in the sales process will be split between the 18 first-class counties, MCC and the recreational game and is designed to “future-proof” county cricket for the next 20 years. RPSG Group is understood to have quit the race at the £292 million mark.The consortium – under the name Cricket Investor Holdings Limited – includes Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Shantanu Narayen and Egon Durban, the CEOs of Google, Microsoft, Adobe and Silver Lake Management respectively, as well as Arora and Satyan Gajwani, who is one of the co-founders of the US-based Major League Cricket and vice-chairman of Times Internet, the Indian digital giant.It is understood that the consortium’s bid was spearheaded by Arora and Gajwani, after they were among the last investors to enter the race. ESPNcricinfo understands that there are 11 individuals involved in the consortium in total, five of whom are yet to be named publicly.Related

• County cricket can learn from rugby's private-equity experience, says new financial report

• Eoin Morgan appointed to London Spirit board of directors

• Essex embark on new reality in English cricket

• Ends justify the means for ECB as Hundred's millions prepare to roll in

• Satya Nadella: 'Cricket should not shy away from technological change throwing up new challenges'

Mark Nicholas, MCC’s chairman, told members on Friday evening: “We are delighted to have found partners who share our values and understand the power and mystique of Lord’s. We look forward to building on the happy relationship we have already established over the past few weeks.”Nicholas said that there had been “remarkable interest” from investors, and wrote: “Today’s announcement shows what we as Members have always known: our Club is special. It’s why people want to be involved with us. I hope that all Members are as proud as I am and excited at the opportunities that lie ahead.”Goenka, whose company RPSG Group run Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, was considered the favourite to buy a stake in the Spirit but was beaten in a three-hour bidding war on Friday afternoon, which lasted so long that the start time for the same process at Welsh Fire – which was later won by the owner of Washington Freedom – was delayed by an hour.Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG Group pulled out of the race at a £292m valuation•Sportzpics

Avram Glazer, the co-owner of Manchester United, and Cain International, who are run by Chelsea director Jonathan Goldstein, were also involved in the auction process on Friday afternoon but pulled out early on. It is thought that what one source described as “the Lord’s factor” played a significant role in the unexpectedly high price for the Spirit.The consortium will now enter into a period of exclusive negotiations with Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the host venue’s owner, and complete an agreement in the eight-week window set by ECB from the completion of the final round of the bidding process. MCC has maintained throughout that it intends to retain its 51% share in the franchise.The Spirit are defending champions in the women’s Hundred, with England captain Heather Knight leading them to their inaugural title last year and India’s Deepti Sharma hitting the winning runs in the final. Their men’s team, by contrast, have only won three games in the last two Hundred seasons, and finished bottom in 2024.RPSG Group are now expected to refocus their attention to Manchester Originals next week, having held detailed meetings with Lancashire over the past nine months. RIL were also understood to be on the shortlist for the Originals but are out of the running after buying a stake in Oval Invincibles.

We answer all your questions about the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE

Hemant Brar06-Feb-2025

When is Champions Trophy 2025 starting?

Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19, with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. The final will be played on March 9. Click here for the full schedule.

It has been a while since we had a Champions Trophy, right?

Yes, the previous edition was played in 2017, in England and Wales, where Pakistan beat India in the final. Here is the list of all previous winners.

Why has there been such a long gap?

Since its inception in 1998, the tournament was played every two years till 2009. After that, it was moved to a four-year cycle. India were supposed to host the 2021 edition but it was replaced with the T20 World Cup, which was ultimately played in the UAE.Related

• From BPL to Champions Trophy – Simmons wants 'that 50-over mentality' quickly

• England bank on familiar core for Champions Trophy acid test

• Batch of new quicks gives in-transition Bangladesh hope

• SA replace injured Nortje with Bosch for Champions Trophy

• Context is king as Pakistan and New Zealand open pre-Champions Trophy tri-series

So Pakistan are the hosts this time?

Yes, but there is more to it. Since India refused to travel to Pakistan, the PCB opted for a hybrid model with India’s matches to be held in Dubai. That decision was arrived at after a long impasse. The Pakistan leg will be played in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. The National Stadium in Karachi and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore are undergoing significant upgrades and renovation, almost racing against time. Their readiness will be tested during the tri-series, involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa, just before the Champions Trophy.

Where will the opening ceremony be held then?

The PCB will host an event in Lahore on February 16 to mark the start of the tournament. However, there will be no captains’ meet, or press conference, because of logistical reasons. This also ends the speculations about whether India captain Rohit Sharma will travel to Pakistan or not.

But why are India not going to Pakistan when everyone else is?

Because of political tension between the two countries. Even Indian match officials are not travelling to Pakistan. The last time India visited Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup, even though Pakistan have played several ICC tournaments in India since then, including the 2023 ODI World Cup. Before the Champions Trophy, the two boards and the ICC reached an agreement that till 2027, even Pakistan’s matches in an ICC tournament hosted in India would be played at a neutral venue.

When was the last time an ICC tournament was held in Pakistan?

For that, you will have to go all the way back to 1996, when Pakistan co-hosted the ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan were supposed to host the Champions Trophy in 2008. But due to security concerns, the tournament was eventually played in South Africa in 2009.

Are India playing Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025?

Yes, they are in the same group and will face each other on February 23, Sunday in Dubai. Unlike the World Cups, where India have a 15-1 head-to-head record, things have been much closer in the Champions Trophy, with Pakistan leading 3-2.Fakhar Zaman, centurion and Player of the Match in the final of the last Champions Trophy, has been recalled for this year’s edition•Getty Images

How many teams are participating in all?

Eight, the same as the 2017 edition. The only difference is that Afghanistan have qualified ahead of Sri Lanka this time. The teams are divided into two groups. Group A has India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh, and Group B South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan and England. You can find all the squads here.

How were the participants decided?

Being the hosts, Pakistan secured automatic qualification. The other seven teams were decided based on the 2023 ODI World Cup standings. Sri Lanka and Netherlands, who finished ninth and tenth, missed the cut.

What happened to West Indies?

Since West Indies had not qualified for the 2023 ODI World Cup, they could not compete for the Champions Trophy either. It was the same case for Zimbabwe and Ireland, the other missing Full Members.

What is the format for the Champions Trophy?

Each team will play its fellow group members once. After that, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, with A1 playing B2 and B1 playing A2.If India qualify, they will play their semi-final in Dubai on March 4, irrespective of their position on the points table. Similarly, if Pakistan qualify, they will play their semi-final in Lahore on March 5.The final will be played on March 9 in Lahore, unless India make it till there. In that case, the venue will once again be Dubai.

What will happen if a match ends in a tie?

All tied matches throughout the tournament will be decided via the Super Over. If the Super Over is also tied, then subsequent Super Overs will be played until there is a winner.Joe Root is back in England’s ODI plans for the Champions Trophy•Getty Images

Is there a reserve day for the knockout matches?

Yes, the two semi-finals and the final have a reserve day. But every attempt will be made to finish the game on the scheduled day itself. If that is not possible, the match will resume on the reserve day from where it was stopped.In the knockout matches, the team batting second should have the opportunity to play at least 25 overs – as opposed to 20 in the group stage – for the result to be decided via the DLS method.

What happens if there is still a washout?

In case of a no result in the semi-finals, the team that finished higher in the group stage will proceed to the final. If the final is washed out, the trophy will be shared.

Has there ever been joint winners?

Yes, India and hosts Sri Lanka shared the trophy in 2002 after the final was washed out. There was a reserve day in place but, as per the playing conditions back then, the match was played afresh. On both days, Sri Lanka batted first and played their full 50 overs, but rain did not allow more than ten overs in the second innings on either occasion.

What are some of the key things I need to know about the teams?

Australia go into the tournament as ODI world champions but their captain Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and allrounder Mitchell Marsh have been ruled out with injuries. Also Marcus Stoinis has retired. Australia have until February 12 to name their replacements.South Africa will be without Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee (both injured). On the other hand, a fit-again Ibrahim Zadran is back for Afghanistan. Also keep an eye out for their mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar.India will hope Rohit and Virat Kohli come good after poor returns in Test cricket lately. Pakistan have recalled Fakhar Zaman, the Player of the Match in the final last time, and England have done the same with Joe Root, while Bangladesh have left out Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das. New Zealand will play their first global tournament under Mitchell Santner.

Finally, where can I watch the games?

Depending on your location, you can watch the games as per the following.Afghanistan – Ariana TV
Australia – Prime Video
Bangladesh – Nagorik TV and T Sports
England – Sky Sports
India – Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar
New Zealand – Sky Sport
Pakistan – PTV, A Sports and tapmad
South Africa – SuperSport
Sri Lanka – Star Sports Network
UAE – Starz On
USA – Willow TV
As always, ESPNcricinfo will have full coverage, from scores, news and features to analysis and expert opinions.

KL Rahul says he has learned the lesson of not linking preparation with results

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jun-20253:12

Rahul: ‘I’ve forgotten what my batting position actually is’

Not many will know better than KL Rahul that outcomes in cricket – Test batting in particular – are not always proportional to your skill, preparation, fitness and application.Rahul has had an anomalous Test career to back it up. He came into this Test having scored hundreds in some of the most difficult conditions during his career – seven out of eight away from home – but never having become the dominant Test batter his game suggests he should be. He averaged 33.57 before Headingley, which is quite underwhelming for a player of so many great innings.”The sooner you learn that there is no connection [of your game, preparation, etc] with the outcome and the results that you get, the calmer you can be,” Rahul said after scoring 137 in an India third innings that threatened to go off the rails in the morning session of the final day. “And I feel like that’s the only thing that gives you the best chance to play at this level for a long period of time. And that’s something that I’ve consciously done as well.Related

• Rahul rides his luck to set India up with statement century

• Stats – Rishabh Pant breaks records with twin tons

• Tongue mops up again to highlight lower-order disparity

• Pant, Rahul centuries set England 371 to win at Headingley

“Having learned this from the seniors that I looked up to, it’s something that I’ve understood and try and do, not just in Test cricket, but in cricket overall. Just all you can do is your best in terms of preparation and giving yourself the best chance to succeed. But again, there’s no guarantees. When you have a good day, you are happy. When you have a bad day, you’re still happy that you had the opportunity. That’s how I look at the game.”The latest in Rahul’s career was the Australia tour where he was called upon to open in Rohit Sharma’s absence and scored 26 and 77 in Perth followed by 84 in Brisbane. At the end of the series, though, his average read 30.66. It left him bitterly disappointed.”It’s always disappointing for a batter when you get starts and don’t convert it and get a big score for the team,” Rahul said. “I was happy with the way I was batting in Australia, but very disappointed at the end of the series that I couldn’t convert. I think I had opportunities in every game, I got starts in every game, and in an ideal world, I would’ve wanted to convert all of those innings into big knocks.”But, unfortunately, I couldn’t do that. And that’s how the game goes sometimes. Sometimes you get a good ball, sometimes you play a bad shot. It’s part of the game, so you learn from the mistakes, and that’s something that I learned from that series, just to make sure that once I get a start, try and make it count and transfer as many runs as I can.”1:32

Draw off the table? – Tongue and Rahul on day five possibilties

This has been a trend in Rahul’s career. He has never had a series in which he has scored 400 runs. That is part of the reason why he has never nailed a position in the batting order.On his last tour of England, he got to play only because of an injury in the nets to his good friend Mayank Agarwal. Then he got the opportunity to open in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy because Rohit was on paternity leave for the first Test.Rahul has taken batting in different positions in his stride. “The last couple of years I’ve forgotten what my position is and what I’m comfortable doing,” Rahul said. “I’m happy to be given different responsibilities and different roles. Makes the game exciting and makes me want to challenge myself and train that much harder and work on my game a little bit more. So I’ve quite enjoyed doing that.”And the last couple of series, my role has been to open the batting, and I’ve enjoyed doing that as well. Yeah, I mean that’s something that I did growing up and all my early years as a cricketer was me opening the batting. So yeah, I’m happy that I’m back doing that, and I’m happy that I’m doing the job for the team.”

Ben Stokes took five to restrict India to 358 before India’s bowlers fluffed their lines

Alagappan Muthu24-Jul-20250:49

What makes Crawley and Duckett click as a pair?

0:52

Manjrekar: India batted in different bowling conditions from England

Pant’s willingness to put his body on the line – he is set to miss the fifth Test – ushered India to an above-par total. He finished with 54 off 75 balls and hit the 90th six of his Test career, equalling Virender Sehwag who holds the national record. He also went past 465 runs on this tour, which meant he eclipsed Alec Stewart and now has the highest tally for a wicketkeeper in a Test series in England. Not bad for a man who came to the office wearing a moonboot.Stokes continued his stellar series with the ball, picking up 16 wickets – a new career-best going past his efforts on debut in the 2013-14 Ashes. It is often said when he has the ball in hand that he makes things happen. That’s possibly because he is never afraid of having a punt. Sometimes, he bowls too full and that works because he gets movement both ways – Thakur found that out the hard way. Sometimes, he bowls way too short for way too long and that works because he has the strength to hurry batters up – Washington Sundar found that out the hard way. A peach brought him his fifth wicket – angled in, nipping away, taking Kamboj’s outside edge for a duck.3:28

Thakur: Pant’s pain-bearing capacity is really high

England built on their captain’s hard work with Duckett especially showing how little the margin of error is to him now. He turned a pretty good ball, on the base of off stump, maybe even outside, into a boundary through midwicket that kept two fielders interested all the way through and the crowd absolutely loved it. They went “oooooooohhhhh…yaaaaaaaayyyyyy” as Siraj and Washington were beaten. Given he was able to do that, it was barely a surprise that any time India went too straight, Duckett was able to access the square-leg region to great profit. He went to fifty without a single boundary on the off side and celebrated the landmark with a back-foot punch for four through cover.Crawley, at the other end, had to be a lot more circumspect. He took 14 balls to get off the mark and those runs came with a reminder of the danger the pitch still posed as a Jasprit Bumrah delivery rose up sharply to rap him on the bottom hand. That is why India would feel like they have let themselves down. There was help to the fast bowlers right through the day. Those late wickets they picked up resulted in a mini-session where it was revealed how hard it was to bat out there when the ball was in the right areas. Just that it was difficult to find for a bowling unit that isn’t used to this kind of bounce. Their stock length coupled with the movement on offer kept beating the edge. So they went fuller, only to stray a little too close to the pads or the half-volley mark.Crawley, in particular, played some sumptuous drives through cover and down the ground, and it looked like the opening partnership itself might see England through to stumps. India did raise their game towards the close and they need to raise it again on the third day to keep themselves in the fight. Otherwise the revellers in the party stand – repurposing the Mitchell Johnson song for Siraj – would be proven right. India bowled to the left. They bowled to the right. Their bowling was, well…

Exciting 19-year-old Queensland quick reported soreness after playing in the T20 Max competition and scans revealed a stress fracture

Alex Malcolm08-Sep-2025Back injuries among Australian fast bowlers is nearing epidemic levels, with Queensland teenager Callum Vidler the latest in the list, ruled out of the Australia A white-ball tour of India and the start of the domestic summer with a partial stress fracture.Fresh off the news that Test captain Pat Cummins has a hot spot and Cricket Australia contracted quick Lance Morris is undergoing back surgery, there had been hopes of accelerating Vidler’s progression given the promise he showed in the Sheffield Shield final in March following his performances in Australia’s Under-19 World Cup victory last year.He was set to play in the white-ball portion of Australia A’s tour of India later this month and had been preparing by playing three T20 matches in the T20 Max in Queensland for his club side Valley.Related

• Hardie ruled out of Australia A tour with shoulder injury

• Cummins may 'take a few risks' to be able to play Ashes

• Who's in the Ashes mix if Cummins and Co run aground?

• Morris out for up to 12 months after opting for back surgery

• Cummins' Ashes build-up compromised due to back issue

But scans late last week detected a partial fracture in his L3 vertebrae. Queensland general manager of high performance Joe Dawes confirmed that Vidler has to now undergo a rehab process but there is no time frame on his return.”Callum experienced some back pain during training and promptly reported it,” Dawes said. “Unfortunately, the scans came back confirming a stress fracture so he will spend some time recovering and then start a rehab plan. He’s naturally very disappointed but accepts that injuries are part of the game. We’ll work closely with him to ensure he has the best recovery to get him ready for a return to cricket.”Australia A had already lost Morris and his replacement Brody Couch from the red-ball portion of the series with India. Couch had suffered a side strain but is expected to be right for the start of the Shield season with Western Australia while Morris is out for a year.South Australia’s Henry Thornton was called in as Couch’s replacement for the red-ball matches in India and will now remain on for the three white-ball matches as weekVidler, 19, impressed with his performance in the Shield final last March when he bagged 4 for 64 and 1 for 60 while showcasing impressive pace on a sluggish Karen Rolton Oval pitch. He is part of the quartet of quicks from his Under-19 group, which has Tom Straker, who was also selected for the Australia A white-ball team to tour India, Mahli Beardman and Charlie Anderson. Beardman is currently recovering from stress fractures while Anderson has had significant back issues in the recent past and is being carefully managed.The injury leaves Queensland thin in terms of their fast-bowling stocks just a week out from the start of the Dean Jones Trophy.

Orr century, Currie five-for give Hampshire the edge until flying finish at Trent Bridge

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay20-Sep-2025Worcestershire 188 for 7 (Brookes 57, Currie 5-34) beat Hampshire 237 for 7 (Orr 110, Waite 3-60) by three wickets (DLS) Worcestershire ended a week that saw them relegated in the Rothesay County Championship by winning the Metro Bank One-Day Cup by three wickets in a sensational finish to a rain-affected final at Trent Bridge, despite a brilliant century from Ali Orr for Hampshire.Chasing a twice-revised target of 188 from 27 overs after Hampshire had made 237 for seven in 45, the Rapids clinched victory with two balls to spare after ninth man Henry Cullen, with four required to win, was caught on the boundary at long leg only for the fielder, Kyle Abbott, to touch the rope while the ball was still in his hand.The heartbreak for Hampshire came only a week after their defeat by Somerset in the Vitality Blast final.Hampshire’s Scott Currie, who had earned an England call-up earlier in the week but was not required for the T20s against Ireland, looked to have bowled his side to victory here as three wickets in his final over gave him figures of five for 31.But after Ethan Brookes hit four sixes in a superb 34-ball 57 to haul Worcestershire back into contention after falling behind the rate required, Matthew Waite’s two sixes in a five-ball 16 set up what had seemed an unlikely victory with 13 needed off Brad Wheal’s final over.Until then, Orr’s 110 – his third century in this season’s competition – including two sixes in addition to 10 fours and came off 130 balls, looked to have been the match-winning performance.It took a superb one-handed catch off his own bowling by Waite to dismiss him.Orr and fellow left-hander Nick Gubbins (38) put on 82 in 16.2 overs for the first wicket, but the opening pair apart, all-rounder James Fuller’s 23 from 20 balls was the highest Hampshire score in the face of a disciplined response from Worcestershire’s seam attack.Ali Orr’s century gave Hampshire the upper hand in the early part of the final•Getty Images

Bowling nine overs each, Waite took three for 60, Ben Allison impressed with two for 41 and a miserly Tom Taylor took one for 24.Play had begun at the scheduled 11am start time, with Worcestershire opting to bowl first, perhaps with a nod to overcast conditions.Orr and Gubbins, mainstays of the Hampshire batting along their path to a fourth final in the last seven editions of the 50-over competition, had the upper hand against Taylor and Khurram Shahzad, hitting nine boundaries to be 55 without loss in the opening 10-over powerplay.Allison and Waite slowed their progress – and forced a breakthrough when Waite squared up Gubbins, who was caught at backward point off a leading edge. The skipper’s 38 had taken him to 707 as the leading runscorer in this season’s competition.Fletcha Middleton departed between showers, mistiming Taylor to be caught at extra cover. The second break for rain came at 141 for two from just under 31 overs, after which Hampshire pushed the accelerator.Orr walloped Brookes over deep midwicket before completing the fifth List A century of his career in a costly over for Waite that included a six and three fours, reaching the milestone off 118 balls with 14 fours in addition to his two maximums.But Worcestershire removed Toby Albert via a top-edge to deep square and Ben Mayes, bowled by Brookes before Waite ended Orr’s impressive innings via a brilliant one-handed caught-and-bowled.Worcestershire’s bowlers maintained their grip, conceding only one boundary in the last five overs, delivering 15 dot balls and picking up two more wickets as Fuller and Andrew Neal both picked out Brookes on the fence at wide long-on.Their chase did not begin until 5.15pm after a long stoppage between innings but it got off to a flyer despite – 28 without loss from four overs after 19-year-old Daniel Lategan had lofted Wheal high over wide long-on for the first six of the innings.But two setbacks checked their progress as Roderick sliced Fuller to third man and Currie’s first ball had Lategan caught behind.Kashif Ali and Jake Libby added 62 for the third wicket but their rate of progress was well behind what was needed as Gubbins rotated his quintet of bowlers, none of whom gave away easy runs and when Kashif was caught on the reverse at backward point, the Rapids still needed 94 at 93 for three in the 17th.Libby was caught behind swinging at Currie, at which point Hampshire were clear favourites with Worcestershire still 81 short and less than seven overs remaining.But Brookes kept them in contention and though Currie ended his charge via a steepling catch to ‘keeper Ben Brown and dismissed Rob Jones and Taylor in his last over, Cullen had the final word.

Southampton failed to get the better of Cardiff City earlier on today as they were beaten at St Mary’s, which will come as a big blow as they now find themselves in the relegation zone. 

The Saints won’t be too disheartened by today’s result as they were unbeaten in their previous five Premier League games leading up to today’s fixture, but it’s obvious that there’s still improvements to be had.

Of course, avoiding relegation will be Southampton’s main target in the current campaign, but Ralph Hasenhuttl may start looking towards the summer transfer window at some point.

After being linked (as per the Express) with Rangers’ James Tavernier last month, it would make perfect sense for the Saints to go in for him again at the end of the season.

Tavernier has come on leaps and bounds under the guidance of Steven Gerrard in the current campaign, as he continues to lead by example as the Glasgow side’s captain. He excels in the final third and the defensive third for Rangers, with a whopping 12 goals and 15 assists to his name in the current campaign.

Interestingly, the Englishman was once dubbed as the ‘Blue Cafu’ by Rangers fans, which comes as no surprise as his marauding runs down the right-hand side and incredible tackling ability is very similar to the Brazilian’s.

The Saints currently only have Yan Valery operating in the right wing-back role at this moment in time, and Cedric Soares is set to spend the rest of the season on loan at Italian side Inter Milan, so they could do with strengthening at the end of the current campaign.

Indeed, Tavernier would fit perfectly into Ralph Hasenhuttl’s style at St Mary’s as he poses a great threat moving forward, as well as being an accomplished set-piece and penalty taker. And, with the captain’s armbands in his possession over in Scotland, it’s safe to say that he’d bring valuable experience and leadership qualities with him.

Southampton fans – thoughts on potentially signing Tavernier?

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According to Football Insider, Everton are preparing to launch a move to sign Leicester City youngster Sidnei Tavares.

What’s the story?

As per the aforementioned Football Insider report, the Toffees are one of a number of clubs, both in England and abroad, to hold an interest in the midfielder, who is yet to sign professional terms at the King Power Stadium.

The 17-year-old has been a regular feature for the Foxes’ youth side this season, regularly impressing in a central midfield berth. His form has also earned him international recognition, with Tavares having represented Portugal at under-19 and under-18 level.

Check out the below above to see football played as you’ve never seen it before… in a maze!

Given he is yet to sign a professional contract, Everton could pick Tavares up cheaply if they could tempt him to make the switch to Goodison Park.

One for the future

If Silva does make a move for his young compatriot, then it would suggest that the manager is already laying long-term plans for Everton’s future.

The Merseyside club have brought through a number of promising youngsters into their first team in recent years, with the likes of Tom Davies, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jonjoe Kenny all Premier League regulars now.

Tavares will likely only consider a move to Goodison if he sees a clear path to first team football available to him there. The Toffees’ record of investing faith and game time in young players could play a big part in making up the starlet’s mind about a move.

Of course, Tavares represents an investment for the future, but bringing him to the club as soon as possible would be a positive step on Everton’s part.

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Tottenham fans have taken to Twitter to react after boss Mauricio Pochettino reacted hilariously to a stat involving his star forward Son Heung-Min.

The former Southampton boss was told that his side have won all of the 13 games in which the South Korean forward has scored in, prompting this response from the Argentine manager: “Next time when Son scores I go to the dressing room and shower and wait for the game (to end).”

Son has now hit 16 goals across all competitions this season, with 11 of those coming in the last 16 games as he truly steps up in Harry Kane and Dele Alli’s absence through injury.

Following the 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund, Spurs now have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after goals from Son, Jan Vertonghen and Fernando Llorente saw them dispatch of the Bundesliga giants with ease.

Fans of the north London-based side on Twitter, however, were obsessed with Pochettino’s humorous remark after the game…