All posts by h716a5.icu

Jos Buttler faces a spell on the sidelines after fracturing his thumb in Lancashire’s NatWest T20 Blast match against Worcestershire on Friday.

Andrew McGlashan10-Jul-2016Jos Buttler faces a spell on the sidelines after fracturing his thumb in Lancashire’s NatWest T20 Blast match against Worcestershire on Friday.Buttler suffered the injury while keeping and though he was able to bat and crunched 57 off 22 balls, subsequent x-rays confirmed the damage, but he does not require an operation which would have led to a lengthier period out.A Lancashire statement said: “Jos Buttler received a blow to his left thumb during Friday night’s T20…X-rays later revealed he sustained a small stable fracture which will be managed conservatively.”No specific timeline for the recovery was stated but the indications are that he could be fit for the one-day series against Pakistan which starts on August 24 although it may be touch-and-go for him to keep wicket. If he wasn’t able to take the gloves, Jonny Bairstow or Sam Billings would step in.The injury also raises the question of who would be the next in line for the gloves in Test cricket should Bairstow suffer an injury over the next few weeks.Billings is the England Lions wicketkeeper while Surrey’s Ben Foakes would be another option unless England changed tack and selected a more refined gloveman, who was perhaps a lesser batsman, knowing they have a deep batting order.The injury is a blow to Lancashire’s T20 Blast ambitions, as they aim to secure a place in the quarter-finals in a bid to defend their title, and hopes of progressing in the Royal London Cup. They are currently fifth in the North Group in the Blast and second bottom in the Royal London Cup, although just three points behind the leaders.Buttler was Man of the Match in the final ODI against Sri Lanka in Cardiff and in the T20I at the Ageas Bowl. In the latter of those matches, he opened the batting, making a career-best 73 off 49 balls, and it was the same position he occupied for Lancashire against Worcestershire.Trevor Bayliss, the England coach, had raised the possibility of Buttler playing as a specialist batsman in the Test side even though he has not played first-class cricket since being dropped from the format last October.However, the selectors decided he needed time back in red-ball cricket but now he faces a longer wait for that chance. Before the injury, he potentially had three Championship matches – against Durham, Hampshire and Yorkshire – to reacquaint himself with the format before England resumed one-day cricket later in August.

Last night’s Champions League encounter between AC Milan and Inter Milan was a truly special occasion.A big European semi-final is always going to be, yet when it’s played between two fierce rivals who play in the same stadium, it’s always going to elevate the significance.Neither team were able to prevent Napoli from securing a historic Serie A title but Milan were on hand to beat them in the Champions League semi-finals.Sadly for them, it’s unlikely they’ll be in the final after Inter won the first leg 2-0.It was a night that quite rightly warranted special attention from broadcasters, no less so than at CBS where Micah Richards, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher were all on top form as usual.Among the hilarity of an interview with Paolo Maldini, there were moments of more serious debate, even if a certain Henry did have to be dressed in a crown and a robe for that to occur.In a segment post-match, the Arsenal great was coronated as the CBS king for the day, and as such, had the freedom to pick five new rules he’d like to see in football.

What new rules does Thierry Henry want to see in football?

The first happened to be rather topical considering discussions in recent days surrounding how long each team has time wasted this term.

With that debate likely fresh in his mind, the former striker declared that any time clear and obvious time wasting that happened would be punished with a 25-yard free kick being given to the opposition to try and score from.

Anofher rule included the need for concussion substitutes while a player suffering from a head injury can be assessed thoroughly and not rushed back onto the pitch.

One more thing that Henry wanted to introduce was more clarity among referees for their decision making with the use of TV microphones being worn and mandatory post-match interviews for the officials being required .

Once a striker, it was unsurprising that the great Frenchman wanted to see good attacking play rewarded too, with an extra point being proposed for any team that score three or more goals in a game.

Perhaps the most interesting rule surrounded player recruitment, with the pundit saying: “The sporting director or whoever is in charge of recruitment at your club must do your research and due diligence.

“What I mean by that is you don’t buy a house without visiting it, you go in the morning, you go at night to hear the noise, and I’ve seen so many players arriving to places without anyone knowing if they could adapt at all to the place.

“So I’ll give you an example. The coach of the San Antonio Spurs went to Spain for two weeks to make sure a player was going to be the right fit for the Spurs because he was going to be the franchise’s marquee player.”

While some of the rules are quirky, others really make sense. It’s clear Henry has an excellent brain when it comes to football, but whether these rules become a reality, only time will tell.

Sussex have signed Sri Lanka seamer Nuwan Kulasekara for a short-term NatWest T20 Blast deal as they continue to await the arrival of Mustafizur Rahman

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jun-2016Sussex have signed Sri Lanka seamer Nuwan Kulasekara for a short-term NatWest T20 Blast deal as they continue to await the arrival of Mustafizur Rahman.Kulasekara, 33, will be available for matches against Kent, Middlesex and Glamorgan. The club are expecting to have Mustafizur available for their last four T20 Blast group matches, as well as four Royal London one-day games, after his arrival was delayed following concerns over his workload.Chris Jordan has also been made available for the match against Kent before returning to the England squad ahead of the final ODI against Sri Lanka in Cardiff.Sussex are currently fourth in the South Group, three points behind leaders Glamorgan.

Joe Denly’s unbeaten 82 helped Kent to kick off their 165th Canterbury Week fixtures with a comfortable seven-wicket Royal London Cup win over Gloucestershire

ECB Reporters Network31-Jul-2016
ScorecardJoe Denly continued his good run of form in 50-over cricket (file photo)•Getty ImagesJoe Denly’s unbeaten 82 helped Kent to kick off their 165th Canterbury Week fixtures with a comfortable seven-wicket Royal London Cup win over Gloucestershire. Denly hit nine fours and a six to anchor the successful Spitfires run-chase to secure a fourth South Group win with 52 balls to spare and maintain Kent’s hopes of securing a quarter-final berth.In pursuit of Gloucestershire’s modest total of 200 all out, Kent were given a sound start by in-form openers Denly and Daniel Bell-Drummond, who both went into the game boasting a 60-plus average in this season’s 50-over competition.On a tricky pitch on which boundaries came at a premium, the pair equalled Kent’s record List A first-wicket stand against Gloucestershire – drawing level with the 92 set by Brian Luckhurst and Graham Jonson here in 1972 – when Bell-Drummond fell for 42. Playing back to one from Benny Howell that just held its line against the St Lawrence slope, the ball clipped off stump to end Bell-Drummond’s 59-ball stay.Denly, who posted centuries in Kent’s Royal London games against Glamorgan in June and at the Ageas Bowl against Hampshire recently, maintained his form by marching to a 71-ball 50 with seven fours.Kent skipper Sam Northeast contributed 26 to the chase before he mistimed a back-foot force against one that held up on the surface to clip a return catch to the bowler David Payne and make it 146 for 2.Sam Billings erratic form continued when he too clipped back a miscued drive to the bowler, this time against spinner Graeme van Buuren, bringing in Darren Stevens, batting in black trainers. Where others had struggled for their timing, Stevens was soon blazing it to all parts. He moved past 7000 List A career runs in the process and went on to win the game with a pulled six to finish unbeaten on 28 from 21 balls.Having won the toss and elected to field, Kent made their opening breakthrough with the 12th ball of the day and the sixth delivery down the Nackington Road slope from Matt Coles. A quick inswinging yorker, the ball beat Phil Mustard’s clip to leg and rearranged the stumps to make it 7 for 1. Coles struck again in his third over, beating Ian Cockbain’s back-foot defensive push to send the right-hander packing lbw for 6.The dismissal brought together Gloucestershire captain Michael Klinger and Kiwi batsman Hamish Marshall. The pair added 42 in 12.1 overs until Klinger, on 36 and in aiming to steer one from Darren Stevens down to third man, only succeeded in toe-ending the ball onto the base of off stump.Stevens completed his 10-over stint with figures of 1 for 28 as the visitors limped to 96 for 3 at the midpoint of their innings. Stevens was duly replaced by Charlie Hartley, making his first Kent appearance since late 2014.Fresh from back-to-back five-wicket hauls for Kent 2nds, Hartley struck in his second over, trapping Marshall lbw for 43 with a full offcutter as the batsman aimed to clip leg-side. Hartley struck again in near identical fashion on his next over, snaring Van Buuren lbw as the fifth successive wicket of the innings fell from the same end.That run was broken in the next over when Jack Taylor chipped a slower ball straight back to Will Gidman, the on-loan Nottinghamshire seamer making his home debut for Kent against his former county, who took a comfortable return catch. Gidman struck again by clipping the top of Benny Howell’s leg stump with an in-ducker then another slower delivery, a low full-toss, accounted for Craig Miles who clipped it straight to midwicket.Tom Smith and David Payne added 36 for ninth wicket before Payne ran himself out when chancing a second run to Bell-Drummond at deep cover. As Gloucestershire finally limped to 200, so Mitch Claydon took his sole wicket by bowling Matt Taylor in the final over, leaving Tom Smith unbeaten on 29.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has claimed that Khephren Thuram could be sold for less than his €60m (£52m) asking price amid Manchester United links.

What are the latest Man United and Khephren Thuram transfer rumours?

It will no doubt be a question of who will join the Red Devils this summer, as opposed to who could join Erik ten Hag and co.

Indeed, the Premier League side have already been linked with a number of exciting player in the past few months and the rumours will only heat up as the summer market approaches and domestic football finishes for the season.

For instance, as per Calciomercato, Man United are keen on attacker Marcus Thuram but it seems as though his brother is also on the club's radar.

While talking about these rumours on his YouTube, Talbot confirmed the interest and revealed that Nice will hope to ask for £52m for Thuram.

However, he did add that if a bidding war doesn't ensue, then Gladbach could be open to lowering their valuation to around €45m (£40m).

He explained: "Obviously they want to keep him but they want to get 60 million euros for Thuram. Right at the pinnacle [of his career] as well. You know, 22, just made the France squad.

"It has been briefed 60 million euros. Our understanding, it's dependent on proposals on the table for him. So if say Man United, Newcastle, and Liverpool just supposedly all went for him then maybe it would be like 60 million euros.

“But if the level of interest was not as strong as that, and it was more other clubs or clubs lowballing a little bit, they probably would accept something like 45 million euro as well for Thuram.

"A lot of the prices you'll see will be dependent on the number of proposals on the table for the player."

Who else has been linked with Thuram?

While it might sound nice in theory that Man United could land Thuram at a cut price, it doesn't seem that likely when you think a number of teams will probably be in for him this summer.

For instance, Premier League rivals Newcastle United, and Liverpool have been linked with the player, while German side RB Leipzig are also touted as possible destinations (via RMC Sport).

With that being the case, there is every chance this develops into a bit of a saga with bids coming in from multiple teams, consequently allowing Nice to demand that £52m fee.

Malcolm Cannon, chief executive of Cricket Scotland, says that greater context of cricket including a recently proposed 13-team ODI league will enhance Scotland’s competitiveness on the global stage

Peter Della Penna12-Aug-20163:59

New Zealand are a role model for us in how to develop the game – Cannon

Malcolm Cannon, chief executive of Cricket Scotland, says that greater context in cricket, including a recently proposed 13-team ODI league, will enhance Scotland’s competitiveness on the global stage. He says that his administration remains focused on trying to secure more of their own fixtures in the event that the proposal does not gain ratification.”I think all the proposals that have come from the ICC in terms of their contextualising cricket, their proposals around ODI leagues and even their proposals around multi-day cricket are still very much in the melting pot,” Cannon told ESPNcricinfo in a recent interview. “No decisions were made, lots of discussions were had and what I would say is that it’s all very positive noise. It’s all very encouraging in terms of them recognising the need for change.”As regards to Scotland’s opportunity to become that 13th team on a proposed 13-nation ODI league, we would like to think that we’re in the vanguard, that we’re in with a very strong case and a strong opportunity but I don’t think we can take anything for granted. We’ve got to still continue to perform, to aim towards our qualification for various tournaments over the next few years as if this isn’t going to happen and then hope that it does.”Scotland wrapped up their rain-affected four-day Intercontinental Cup match against UAE on Friday and will play two WCL Championship ODIs on August 14 and 16 in Edinburgh. Apart from these fixtures, which were guaranteed as part of the I-Cup and WCL Championship calendar, Scotland’s summer slate featured two ODIs last month against Afghanistan – their first home ODIs in more than two years – with two more ODIs in September against Hong Kong. Though the home ODI fixture list is more than they had in 2015, it’s still not ideal.”It’s difficult,” Cannon said. “If you look at our summer this year, we’ve got six days of one-day cricket and a four-day I-Cup on home soil and that’s it. Is that enough? No. However, that’s life. We need to accept that it’s life for this year and make sure that next year and the following years we have a fuller fixture list.”In order to do that, we do need some cooperation from both the ICC, in terms of contextualising cricket, which is the dream, or with other nations recognising that Scotland are viable opposition and that we are credible and that we can compete on level terms with other nations, and then finding opportunities, because the Future Tours Programme has not many windows of opportunity. So we need to shoehorn ourselves into that in the future and then make sure that two, three, four years out, we are included in that fixture list because it is quite a long-term game.”While Scotland used to receive visits in the past from Full Members touring England – Australia and Pakistan both played ODIs in Edinburgh in 2013 – that pipeline has dried up in recent years with that regional Full Member interest shifting towards Ireland. After two ODIs earlier this summer against Sri Lanka, Ireland has two more scheduled this month against Pakistan while they have already announced home fixtures next summer against New Zealand, Bangladesh and West Indies, and a maiden ODI tour of England.The last time Scotland played a Full Member at home was against England in 2014 and as of now nothing is on tap for 2017. Cannon points to Ireland and Afghanistan’s place on the ODI rankings table for 2019 World Cup qualification as a mitigating factor and says those two countries have merited their opportunities through good performances.”I think we all recognise that Ireland and Afghanistan deserve their elevated status,” Cannon said. “They played very well two or three years ago and outplayed the rest of us. Wherever you draw a line in terms of additional funding, there’s always those just below the line who will feel hard done by or feel they deserve recognition as well. I don’t think that’s what this is about and I think the ICC have some method behind their funding model at the moment which I think will be borne out in time.”Malcolm Cannon has urged the side for a better performance in world events like the World Cup and the World T20•International Cricket CouncilHow long that method takes to come to fruition requires a high level of patience, especially for the players. The frustration has been evident for Scotland’s players who are eager to test themselves and improve as well. Though Ireland and Afghanistan may deserve their opportunities, the fact that Scotland and three other ODI Associates are not part of the ODI rankings table is hampering their ability to negotiate for games with Full Members.”I think there’s a lot to be said that the elevation in status has exacerbated the problem,” Cannon said. “Preston [Mommsen]’s quotes and press conferences in India were supported not only by the rest of the Scottish contingent but many other nations there. It’s a frustration but it’s life. We need to make it work. We need to make sure that we do compete when we have the opportunity so that we’re seen… as viable opposition for anyone including Full Members.”Regardless of whatever external opportunities may come forth from the ICC or elsewhere, Cannon says that the Scotland cricket community needs to focus on growing stronger from within. Specifically, he repeatedly spoke about “raising the noise levels” in Scottish cricket to get people excited about what does exist rather than dwell upon what is missing.”Scotland is certainly ranked a lot higher and recognised as a greater force than I appreciated before I joined Cricket Scotland,” says Cannon, who took up the role last September. “I think that’s been one of the biggest lessons is I don’t believe that the Scottish public and in particular the Scottish sporting public, recognise how powerful Scottish cricket is. I think we’ve got 230 years of history. We’ve got a great base in terms of our club structure and development pathways and I think we’ve got a right to perform on the world stage and we’ve got to accept these opportunities and make our name known not only on the world stage and with other international teams but in particular with our fans at home in Scotland.””We need to recognise that this is a Scottish sport. It’s as Scottish a sport as football is and we need to make sure that the Scottish public recognise that and get behind it. That means not only Scottish public but corporate Scotland as well and I think if we can become more self-sustaining, self-reliant, then I think that’s another reason that our other funders – the Scottish government and the ICC – will look upon us favourably.”Streamlining the administration of Cricket Scotland has been a key task in Cannon’s first year in the job. He says good governance is a pivotal factor in any group’s ability to recruit and sustain both players to participate in development programmes as well as the sponsors to fund them, something that will be needed if Scotland are to achieve the organisation’s strategic target to be a top-12 ODI team in both men’s and women’s cricket by 2019. Part of that is ensuring Scotland’s next success at an ICC tournament doesn’t take as long as their maiden victory took – 21 games dating back to the 1999 World Cup – against Hong Kong at the ICC World T20 in March.”I think we’ve had our days in the sun, 21 opportunities on the world stage for causing an upset if you like and never having taken one until this March in India, I think doesn’t do us credit,” Cannon said. “We must make sure that the next win on a global stage is not another 21 games from now.”

Todd Boehly will be aiming to back new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino in the transfer market as the Blues look ahead to the future under a boss who has plenty of Premier League experience.

The Stamford Bridge outfit are on course for their worst season since 1993/94, and with no European football next term, Pochettino will be able to focus purely on domestic affairs, which could well be a blessing in disguise.

The Argentinian will be hoping to sign players who further strengthen his first-team squad, and according to journalist Martin Arevalo, the Blues are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Leandro Paredes this summer – although Atletico Madrid are also keen and could provide stiff competition.

Chelsea have also established contact with the Argentinian’s representatives, and it looks as though Pochettino is already getting a head start on his transfer business.

Could Chelsea sign Leandro Paredes this summer?

The midfielder has a contract with PSG until 2024 and this means Chelsea could perhaps sign him this summer for a knockdown fee.

He hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons out on loan at Juventus, starting just eight games for the club in Serie A and ranking as just the 14th-best player in the squad, while ranking 6th for key passes per game and 17th for tackles made. However, this shouldn’t deter Pochettino from making a move for the player that he used to coach at the French side.

Indeed, he is statistically similar to German midfield maestro Toni Kroos, according to FBref, with the Real Madrid star considered to be the second-most comparable player to Paredes, and considering how incredible Kroos has been over the previous decade – winning a glut of major honours including five Champions League crowns – it isn’t a bad comparison to have.

Despite his underwhelming season, Paredes ranks in the top 10% of players in his position across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year for passes attempted (70.61 per 90), pass completion rate (88.2% per 90) and touches (79.19 per 90), indicating he is one of the finest players on the continent for his passing ability – and he is clearly comfortable on the ball.

Kroos is also a wonderful passer of the ball, and he ranks in the top 1% for passes attempted (100.06 per 90) and touches (106.32 per 90), along with ranking in the top 3% for pass completion rate (91.1% per 90), With the duo's statistics fairly similar, Pochettino will know that if he makes a move for the 28-year-old, he could dictate play from the midfield with ease.

The 5 foot 11 gem has been lauded as being “perfect” by former PSG player Fabrice Pancrate, and there is no reason he could not enjoy a new lease of life in England under his former manager.

Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte and the 22-year-old could be Mauricio Pochettino's own version of Casemiro at Stamford Bridge.

Could Chelsea sign Ugarte?

According to Uruguayan journalist Franco Fernandez, Ugarte is very close to signing for the Blues in a deal worth around €65m (£56m) following a hugely impressive campaign with Ruben Amorim's side.

The youngster has been a mainstay for Sporting in both the Portuguese top-flight and in Europe, as they memorably beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League group stages before knocking out Arsenal on penalties in the

Europa League.

Would Ugarte be a good signing for Chelsea?

Across 31 appearances in the Primeira Liga, Ugarte has averaged a hugely impressive 7.11 rating from WhoScored for his performances, with no player in Chelsea's squad earning higher in the Premier League this term, which emphasises the quality he could add at Stamford Bridge.

Todd Boehly has already shown a willingness to recruit young players from Portugal having brought in Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January, and Ugarte could follow suit and become the new ball-winner in Chelsea's side, especially if N'Golo Kante departs when his contract expires next month.

Journalist Dave Hendrick was full of praise for Ugarte when discussing potential options for Liverpool this summer, writing:

"Kid is an absolute monster. Incredible engine, tough as nails, a ball-winning machine."

Ugarte's ball-winning ability is certainly well documented, as FBref suggests that he ranks in the top 2% of midfielders among the 'Men's next eight competitions' for tackles and interceptions per game, while he also ranks in the top 1% for pass completion, which emphasises why Chelsea are showing such a keen interest.

If Pochettino wants to take Chelsea back to the top then he will need players such as Ugarte at Stamford Bridge, with the £16k-per-week midfielder displaying similar traits and characteristics to Manchester United's Casemiro.

Could Ugarte be Chelsea's own Casemiro?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has already likened Ugarte to the former Real Madrid man, who has played a big role in Erik ten Hag's side's success this season as they earned a top-four spot and the Carabao Cup, with the FA Cup final still to come next weekend.

Only Bruno Fernandes is higher rated by WhoScored in Manchester United's squad, while his 7.17 average rating would comfortably rank him as the best player in Chelsea's squad, so it is clear that they would have appreciated a player of his quality in a tumultuous season.

The Brazilian is hugely experienced and like Ugarte, thrives at winning the ball back for his team – ranking fifth in the division for tackles made – so Pochettino would surely love to have a similar player in his squad for the new campaign.

New Zealand reduced India to 239 for 7 on the first day of the Kolkata Test, making use of a pitch that had a little bit of grass on it

The Report by Alagappan Muthu30-Sep-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details5:50

Agarkar: Eden Gardens pitch gave fast bowlers a chance

Since 2015-16, most of India’s Tests at home have been played on pitches that were prone to turn in the first hour. Kanpur wasn’t as extreme, but there was nothing there for the fast bowlers. New Zealand would have arrived in Kolkata expecting more of the same. The grass on the pitch could well have been arranged to spell “surprise.” Kane Williamson was stuck in the dressing room with a fever, but his men gave him a get well card that read “Skipper, we applied pressure for longer” as they reduced India to 239 for 7.Matt Henry helped them forget they had lost another toss. He courted the outside edge and Eden Gardens was only too willing a wingman. The entire square had been dug up and relaid for the new season and bowling back of a length posed a serious challenge to the batsman because of inconsistent bounce. Henry bowled Shikhar Dhawan in his first over of the match and then dismissed the in-form M Vijay with a beauty. Trent Boult set a trap for Virat Kohli and sprung it before the batsman could reach double-digits.India needed someone capable of playing time. They lost three wickets in the morning session, but with the sun beating down, conditions would change. If a batsman could last the early stages, he could really cash in. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane did for nearly 50 overs, each setting himself up for a century. But New Zealand didn’t let them get to the landmark. In the final session of play, Neil Wagner had Pujara caught at short cover for 87 and Jeetan Patel deceived Rahane with pace to trap him lbw for 77.Part of New Zealand’s success was down to their ability to keep the runs down. Even when they couldn’t pick up any wickets in the second session, they allowed India only 79 runs in 31 overs. By doing so, they were able to make sure India couldn’t bat them out of the Test as they had done in the second innings in Kanpur. Ross Taylor’s captaincy and field placements were important in that regard. He had catching men on the drive and the flick, knowing the pitch was offering extra bounce. His bowlers were either wide outside off stump, testing the batsmen’s patience, or at the stumps, knowing they had protection on the leg side, where India could secure only 12 boundaries. These were either scored off overpitched deliveries – Pujara’s flicks early in his innings – or really good shots – Rahane’s flick in the 61st over after getting on top of a Santner delivery turning away from him.India’s run-rate struggled to get over three, but they had two batsmen who could lay the foundation for a big first innings. The thing was, when they made the mistake, New Zealand pounced on it. Pujara drove on the up, was caught by Martin Guptill, on his birthday, and a 141-run partnership was broken. Rahane was trapped by a quicker ball from Jeetan Patel after he had forced the batsman back into his crease. The 36-year old offspinner had long abandoned hopes of playing international cricket again. He was chosen ahead of Ish Sodhi despite having only a “day and a bit” to acclimatise. But his control of line and ability to drift the ball made him dangerous.Only four batsmen reached double-figures for India. Dhawan’s comeback was limited to 10 balls, Henry making him drag a cut onto his stumps. The 24-year old fast bowler repeatedly beat the right-handers’ outside edge by straightening the ball off the seam and eventually dismissed Vijay by going a bit wider of the crease, although that may just have been a quirk of fortune because Henry had just been warned for running onto the danger area by umpire Rod Tucker.Kohli had come out had come out seeming determined not to let the bowling get the better of him. He had made a point to prepare for the ball bouncing awkwardly and was quite circumspect when Wagner banged it in. He was 5 off 24 balls when, from the other end, Boult presented a full, but not quite overpitched, delivery. It was hit through the covers for four. The width on offer had triggered the run-scoring instincts in Kohli. In trying to repeat the stroke, to a ball even wider outside off stump, a ball that he probably could have left, he nicked to gully where Tom Latham took a super catch over his head.Henry finished the day on a high for New Zealand with the second new ball, pinning R Ashwin lbw in the 84th over, although replays indicated it may have slid down leg. They would know, though, that India’s bowlers are capable of being as disciplined as they were and they have to win without their best batsman to stay alive in the series.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked to a former Aston Villa player ahead of the summer transfer window, as Julen Lopetegui hopes to make some much-needed amendments to his side.

The Spaniard won't have it easy this summer, though, following the news of Wolves' FFP troubles. Fortunately, the latest transfer rumour could bring a head of talent to Molineux for a minuscule price.

What’s the latest on Arjan Raikhy to Wolves?

As reported by the Daily Mail this week, former Villa academy player Arjan Raikhy is attracting interest from Molineux.

The 20-year-old, who was recently released by Villa, is reportedly in the middle of a battle between Leicester City and Wolves, who wish to sign the midfielder this summer.

The youngster had a trial at Leicester last month, however, no decisions have been made regarding his long-term future.

What could Arjan Raikhy bring to Wolves?

Hailed as being “excellent” by journalist Ashley Preece, Raikhy could offer a host of attributes to Wolves’ midfield.

Playing predominantly as a central midfielder, sometimes acting in a defensive midfield role, the 20-year-old has flair in both creating and defending.

In 20 Premier League 2 appearances this season, the midfielder scored three goals and assisted two – as per Transfermarkt.

Following the announcement of the departure of Joao Moutinho, Wolves will be without the Portuguese ace’s expertise next campaign, and with Ruben Neves also likely to depart, Lopetegui will surely require reinforcements to his midfield.

While Moutinho’s impact at Wolves cannot be replaced, his role in the current side can be filled, which is where the 20-year-old could show his worth with the freedom to perform at Molineux.

Despite the 36-year-old having a career that spans over 800 professional appearances and experience that a player such as Raikhy could only dream of, in terms of their methods to the game, the two have a range of similarities.

Moutinho acted as a complete midfielder for Wolves, boasting both defensive and offensive capabilities, as shown through his numbers.

As per FBref, the Portuguese averaged 2.58 tackles per 90 over the past year, as well as making 6.67 progressive passes per 90, highlighting his ability to command and be a successful output in the midfield.

Like Moutinho, the 20-year-old has been praised in the past for his ability to do both sides in the middle of the park, hailed by members of the media for his ability to dictate the game and make “excellent defensive contributions" as well as his "passing range being different gravy."

As per Sofascore, in the Football League Trophy, the youngster averaged a passing accuracy of 88%, as well as averaging 1.7 interceptions per game, portraying his rounded ability.

While the 20-year-old is still very much at the start of his career, his raw talent could be sculpted and nurtured by Lopetegui, if given the room to blossom in a competitive environment.