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Dougie Brown, the former England and Scotland allrounder, has been named coach of UAE

ESPNcricinfo staff28-May-2017Dougie Brown, the former England and Scotland allrounder, has been named coach of UAE. He will begin working with the team full-time on June 1, leading up to a limited-overs tour of the Netherlands in mid-July.Earlier this year, Brown had worked with UAE over a three-month spell as interim coach. UAE had been without a full-time coach since former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed resigned from the post in April 2016.Brown, who played 25 ODIs and two T20Is in an international career spanning a decade from 1997 to 2007, had also previously overseen Netherlands, during the Desert T20 tournament in the UAE in January. Before that, he had worked as English county Warwickshire’s director of cricket, and the club won the domestic one-day cup during his time in charge.Waleed Bukhatir, a member of the Emirates Cricket Board Member and UAE’s chief selector said: “Dougie’s influence with and impact on the players has been evident through their recent form and commitment, and we look forward to watching them continue this upward curve under his guidance.”Brown said he hoped to build on the strides he made during his three-month stint with the team. “We have had an outstanding three months and I continue to be impressed with both individual and team performances,” he said. “I relish the opportunity to further develop the team culture and reinforce our style of play.”

Aston Villa are set to “listen to offers” for Leander Dendoncker this summer, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

When did Leander Dendoncker join Aston Villa?

The Premier League defensive midfielder only made the move across the Midlands from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, but despite recording a total of 21 appearances during his debut season, he’s not been able to make the positive instant impact he would have hoped having been nothing more than a bit-part player.

The Belgium international was only handed seven starts over the course of the previous campaign so clearly doesn’t figure as part of Unai Emery’s long-term plans after being signed by former boss Steven Gerrard. There was even suspicion when he first put pen to paper because the length of his contract hadn’t been disclosed, which is unusual when a club is unveiling a new signing.

Furthermore, Youri Tielemans has already been confirmed as one of the new summer arrivals at Villa Park and it’s believed that Villarreal’s Pau Torres won’t be far behind him, both of who can play in the 28-year-old’s positions, so with the manager bringing in fresh faces, it’s not looking promising for the future of the former Molineux star.

Is Dendoncker leaving Aston Villa?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Aston Villa are willing to sanction the sale of Dendoncker this summer with the player himself also on board in terms of an exit, and he won’t be short of potential suitors from the Premier League and overseas. He wrote:

“Understand Aston Villa are open to listen to offers for Leander Dendoncker despite his longer running deal. He's rated by Emery but there's [a] lot of competition. French and Italian clubs already asked for info; player open to any kind of proposal. PL clubs also keen.”

Should NSWE sell Dendoncker?

Aston Villa will have no doubt expected Dendoncker to be a marquee signing and Emery is likely to have wanted much more from him, but unfortunately that hasn’t been the case, so NSWE and Monchi would be making completely the right decision by letting him go this summer, albeit with regret that it didn't work out as initially hoped when pursuing him.

The Wasserman client, who’s sponsored by Nike, last season ranked as the 18th overall worst-performing player out of 21 squad members and 11th defensively having averaged just one tackle per top-flight game, via WhoScored, which isn’t good enough for a player who is naturally stronger in that aspect of his game.

The Passendale native has not only also failed to register a single goal or assist, he additionally picked up an unnecessary red card during the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to League One side Stevenage back in January for a “rash” challenge, as labelled by Nedum Onouha, so he hasn't even taken his opportunities when given the chance.

Finally, Dendoncker pockets £90k-per-week which is actually higher than the likes of Ollie Watkins – who deserve their wages much more – and that’s a hefty sum to be paying a fringe player so cashing in would allow the hierarchy to put these funds towards bringing in fresh faces.

Australia’s makeshift XI are seeking a win in the Adelaide dead rubber, while Sri Lanka are hoping to remain unbeaten over the hosts in T20s down under

The Preview by Daniel Brettig21-Feb-2017Match factsFebruary 22, 2017
Start time 1920 local (0850 GMT)Big question: How will captain Aaron Finch keep Asela Gunaratne in check?•Getty ImagesBig PictureAdelaide Oval concludes Australia’s home international season the day after the drop-in pitches have been removed from the MCG, and the night before the Test team starts a series in India. These two events say much about how football has encroached upon the traditional Australian season, and also about why the international schedule is in serious need of greater context and better organisation. If there was anything particularly vital about this series, it was the opportunity for numerous players to make a play for contracts in the IPL, given the auction’s timing between games two and three. Logically, the outstanding performer Asela Gunaratne was picked up, while the beanpole Australian fast man Billy Stanlake was also chosen. Ben Dunk, Michael Klinger and Niroshan Dickwella were among the less fortunate.Having won both games from the final ball – albeit rather more dramatically in Geelong than in Melbourne – Sri Lanka will be eager to finish well. Equally, Australia’s makeshift assembly of players will not want to leave their time with the all-star coaching staff of Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting and Jason Gillespie without winning a match. A little like the Australian team that toured India in 1979 immediately before the reintegration of World Series players, many in this group will have very little certainty about when they may next get an opportunity to play for their country, if ever again. That should provide significant motivation even as Adelaide’s ground staff look towards their own schedule for digging up the pitch, and the Test team ponder playing cricket of a very different kind in India.Form guideAustralia: LLWWL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka: WWWWL
In the spotlightEntering this series, Travis Head took on greater responsibility as one of few regular Australian players in the squad. However after two matches he does not have much to show for it, having made a start in Melbourne and faced a mere four balls at Kardinia Oval. In Adelaide he has done many a great deed for the Adelaide Strikers and the Redbacks, and will be out for something more substantial this time around with Australia – he of course made a fine hundred against Pakistan in a January ODI at the ground. “I play well at Adelaide Oval,” he said, “so if I get the opportunity again and if the batters set a platform and give me an opportunity late in the innings, or if I have to come in early, I’m happy with any situation and hopefully I can do a job for the side.”Having been the difference in both matches so far, Asela Gunaratne has something of a target on his back for game three. Most of Australia’s team talk will be spent trying to find a chink in his armour, while spectators and television viewers will have enormous anticipation of what he may do next. His new owners at Mumbai Indians will also be having a close look at their IPL auction investment.Travis Head is looking for a big score on his home ground•Getty ImagesTeam newsAdam Zampa can expect to be considered for a recall in Adelaide.Australia (possible) 1 Aaron Finch (capt), 2 Michael Klinger, 3 Ben Dunk, 4 Travis Head, 5 Moises Henriques, 6 Ashton Turner, 7 Tim Paine (wk), 8 James Faulkner, 9 Pat Cummins, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Andrew Tye.Having won the series, Sri Lanka may shuffle their options in the dead rubber., given Niroshan Dickwella received a two-match suspension for showing dissent.Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Dilshan Munaweera, 2 Upul Tharanga (capt), 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Asela Gunaratne, 5 Milinda Siriwardana, 6 Chamara Kapugedera, 7 Seekkugge Prasanna, 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Lakshan Sandakan, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Vikum Sanjaya.Pitch and conditionsAdelaide Oval’s drop-in pitch is likely to be batsman-friendly while offering a little bit of nibble for pace and spin alike, due to an even coverage of grass. The forecast is for fine, warm weather.Stats and trivia Sri Lanka’s first T20 international at Adelaide Oval Australia are still chasing their first victory over Sri Lanka in a T20 match down underQuotes”We don’t need to do too much differently. It’s the small moments in the games. We didn’t finish as well with the bat as we would have liked on Sunday and with the ball, we had great plans but credit to Sri Lanka, they batted well. We’ve got to free the mind and play a positive brand of cricket and hopefully the tide can turn.”

West Ham United target James Maddison 'would be an absolute star signing' at the London Stadium if he was to move to the Hammers from Leicester City, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?

According to The Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on Maddison and have submitted a £50 million joint bid to try and land the England international and his teammate Harvey Barnes.

The report states that the offer is set to be rejected by Leicester City, who will want to recoup more money for two of their prize assets in the transfer window.

Sky Sports claim that Newcastle United are in the race for £110,000 per week earner Maddison and it is believed that they are currently in pole position to land the Coventry-born star.

Nevertheless, Tottenham may now formalise their attraction towards Maddison this summer now that they have a new manager in place in the form of former Celtic coach Ange Postecoglou.

Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has revealed that West Ham United are interested in Maddison this window as they eye a creative midfielder.

Jones also suggested that Maddison joining the Irons could help to soften the blow of losing Declan Rice, who looks set to leave the London Stadium, stating: "Maddison would be an absolute star signing. They are definitely not front-runners for him as Newcastle and Tottenham are expected in a tug-of-war battle for this signing but West Ham, fresh off that recent European success, would love to make the £110,000-a-week man an offer. His creativity and personality would bring a new dimension to the team and his star factor would help recover from the loss of Declan Rice, when he eventually goes."

Would James Maddison be a good signing for West Ham United?

Maddison enjoyed a productive campaign on an individual level for Leicester City even though the Foxes suffered relegation to the Sky Bet Championship and showed why he is highly regarded as a playmaker in the Premier League.

All in, the 26-year-old made 32 appearances for his current employers, registering ten goals and nine assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Maddison was also a key chance provider for Leicester City during the season, successfully performing 138 shot-creating actions.

Unsurprisingly, the former Norwich City man also ended up at the top of the tree, becoming Leicester City's most consistent performer in 2022/23, earning an average match rating of 7.24/10, according to WhoScored.

Moving forward, Maddison would add another dimension to West Ham United's midfield if an ambitious bid for his services was to come off; however, they would have to beat off stiff competition from a number of appealing options to him.

Aston Villa could complete the signing of Napoli winger Hirving Lozano in the summer transfer window, according to his former advisor Alessandro Monfrecola.

Are Villa linked with Lozano?

The £97,000-a-week Mexican has enjoyed a hugely successful season at club level, winning the Serie A title with Napoli and becoming an instant hero along with his teammates, considering it is their first league crown since 1990.

That being said, Lozano wasn't actually a guaranteed member the starting lineup throughout 2022/23, invariably having to settle for a squad role and starting only 20 of his side's 38 league matches.

In recent times, the winger has been linked with a summer move to Villa, as the club look to make a number of significant signings to strengthen an already-impressive squad.

What's the latest transfer news on Lozano?

Speaking to Area Napoli [via Sport Witness], Monfrecola admitted that he could see Lozano joining either Villa or West Ham as he enters the last 12 months of his contract:

"West Ham’s proposal for Lozano? I believe that if Lozano leaves Napoli he will do so for an English club. The rumours coming from Mexico tell me that there is interest from English clubs. I think Aston Villa or West Ham will be the solution for Lozano.

"He’s had a year below his expectations, so such a large salary in De Laurentiis’ view is not good. When Raiola died, he was one of the few to change agency, moving towards an agency developed towards buying and selling in England, this is his dream, the boy’s signal is clear. He is fine in Napoli, but his dream is to play in the Premier League."

Lozano could be an excellent signing for Villa, possessing real pedigree at both club and international level, considering he is now a Serie A champion – he won the Erdedivisie with PSV in the past, too – and has also scored 17 goals in 64 caps for Mexico, including one at the 2018 World Cup.

The 27-year-old would add a spark out wide that has arguably been lacking, with someone like Leon Bailey not a consistently strong performer – he only scored four goals in 33 Premier League appearances last term – with his speed and directness having the potential to cause opponents nightmares.

These are exactly the type of signings that Villa need to be making, in terms of taking them to that next level, and bringing in Lozano would feel like a big statement of intent.

England 293 and 240 (Stokes 85, Bairstow 47, Shakib 5-85) beat Bangladesh 248 and 263 (Sabbir 64*) by 22 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsBen Stokes capped a supreme allround performance with two wickets in three balls – his fifth and sixth of the match, to go alongside his total of 103 runs – as Bangladesh’s hearts were broken on the fifth and final morning of an epic Test match at Chittagong.Resuming on 253 for 8, with 33 runs still required, Bangladesh had visions of securing only their eighth Test victory in 94 attempts, and their first against England in nine. However, a brace of lbws in the fourth over of the morning – the first reviewed in optimism by England, the second in desperation by the last man, Shafiul Islam – left their hero of the second innings, Sabbir Rahman, high and dry on 64 not out.Facing a dilemma when play resumed, Alastair Cook showed his hand from the outset, handing Stuart Broad the first over of the morning, following on from his marathon nine-over spell on the fourth evening, and partnering him with Stokes, the man whose mastery of reverse swing had proven so illegible to Bangladesh’s tail in the first innings.But Bangladesh began their morning’s work with confidence. Sabbir opened his account with a push through the covers for two, before Taijul Islam – once again trusted to hold his own with the bat – flashed a Stokes short ball over the keeper’s head for four.The new ball was available after two overs but Cook opted to persevere with the old, with the long-sleeved Joe Root once again charged to preserve its precious shine. But the hooping reverse of the first innings remained elusive as Bangladesh chiselled out their singles, every run greeted with ecstasy by a small contingent of Bangladesh fans who made an otherwise echoing stadium sound packed to the rafters.However, Stokes’ determination could not be denied, and after coming round the wicket to Taijul, he persuaded Cook to gamble one of England’s two reviews – which had been topped up at the 80-over mark – as the No. 10 stepped too far across his stumps and was pinned in front of middle and leg.The verdict was greeted with a huge roar from the huddle of England players watching the big screen, and there was an extra sense of expectation as Shafiul shuffled out to face the pumped-up Stokes. Five years ago, on this very ground, he had been Bangladesh’s hero with a brilliant 24 not out in Bangladesh’s two-wicket World Cup win over England. This time, however, he was trapped on the crease second-ball and, though he was struck outside the line of off stump, Kumar Dharmasena felt that he had not quite been playing a shot as he raised his finger for the final time in the game. And this time, it stayed raised, as victory was confirmed via a record 26th DRS decision of the match.Afterwards, Cook was relieved but happy to have overseen such a tense finale to the contest. “It was a really good Test match,” he said during the post-match presentations. “It was such a tight game, so credit to both sides. I’m glad we held our nerve, with the quality we have in our attack, we got it reversing.”Cook admitted that the option of turning to the new ball with his spinners would have been a “gamble”, which was not a ringing endorsement of the trio at his disposal. But ultimately he was grateful to have a competitor of Stokes’ quality in his ranks.”Not just with ball in hand but the way he batted, he balances the side,” he said. “Those cricketers don’t come around very often and he’s got an enormous heart as well. He’s a seriously good cricketer.”Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh’s captain, put a brave face on another near-miss for his team, and credited his players for a hugely spirited performance in their first Test match since August 2015.”Probably it was not in our favour, 33 runs and two wickets, but the boys put in so much effort over the last five days, after 15 months, I’m really proud. Our boys fought it out which is really impressive and hopefully we’ll do the same in the next match.”

Newcastle United are taking their interest in Dominik Szoboszlai to a new level as they approach a pivotal transfer window.

The Magpies have secured a spot in next season's Champions League with Liverpool now mathematically unable to leapfrog them or Manchester United in the Premier League table.

It's a huge achievement for Eddie Howe, his coaching staff and his players, but the pressure is now on to capitalise on the opportunity to play in Europe's most prestigious tournament.

What's the latest on Dominik Szoboszlai to Newcastle?

Sky Sports shared an exciting Newcastle transfer update on Thursday, revealing that the Magpies have ramped up their interest in Hungarian playmaker Szoboszlai in the last two weeks. They said:

"We fully expect it to be a really busy summer transfer window for Newcastle following their Champions League qualification.

"We understand their scouts have watched the RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai twice in the last fortnight."

The 22-year-old has recently commented on his transfer plans following this season but has remained coy. He was asked if he will stay at Leipzig next season before simply replying:

"Next question!"

His manager, Marco Rose, was similarly unbothered by questions surrounding his talented midfielder's future, telling journalists:

“Dominik Szoboszlai has developed excellently in Leipzig and knows what he brings to the team and our game.

"The most important thing is that he focuses on the last three games. We have Bayern, Schalke and the cup final. That’s where the focus has to be.”

Why does Eddie Howe want Szoboszlai at Newcastle?

For a start, his numbers this season have been excellent. In 44 appearances, he has scored nine goals, as per Transfermarkt. In addition to his impressive strike rate from midfield, the playmaker has 13 assists, making him a dangerous double threat that Premier League defences would be extremely worried about.

Despite his enviable end product, Szoboszlai, hailed as a "generational talent" in the media, is well-rounded and provides value in many other areas. Fbref reports that the midfielder is heavily involved in buildup play, ranking in the 94 percentile for touches per 90 while he is a force off the ball, intercepting 1.41 passes per 90.

With Newcastle set to play in the Champions League, signing a player of Szoboszlai's quality could put them in good stead to continue challenging in the Premier League while making an impact in Europe. Fabrizio Romano reports that the player has a €70m (£60m) release clause in his contract, and it looks as if this will be one to watch.

Tottenham Hotspur's miserable season continued with defeat at home to Brentford on Saturday afternoon, with the visitors mounting an impressive second-half comeback to clinch a 3-1 triumph.

A late Yoane Wissa strike ultimately sealed all three points for the Bees following an earlier Bryan Mbeumo double, with the west London outfit recording yet another scalp in what has been a stellar season thus far.

As for Tottenham, that disappointing outcome will be of particular frustration for interim boss, Ryan Mason, with the home side having initially started brightly as record scorer Harry Kane fired home in exquisite fashion for his 28th Premier League goal of the season.

That moment of magic was as good as it got for both the 29-year-old and for Spurs in general, however, with Kane – who notably lost possession every three touches – unable to help guide his side to a much-needed victory in the battle for European qualification.

While there will be few positives to take from that limp, second-half showing, one man who did ultimately catch the eye was Sweden international, Dejan Kulusevski, with the 23-year-old having had his "best game in ages", according to The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke.

How did Kulusevski perform against Brentford?

The on-loan Juventus man had gone into the game amid doubts over his long-term future at N17, with recent claims suggesting that the promising forward may not be signed on a permanent deal.

That decision would appear rather folly if Kulusevski's display earlier today is anything to go by, with the one-time Parma ace having "shone" in a number ten berth, as per The Sun's Tom Barclay.

As football.london's Alasdair Gold also noted, the £110k-per-week ace appeared to be "relishing" the chance to line up in that playmaking berth, with Mason taking the decision to move away from Tottenham's usual, 3-4-3 formation.

The versatile dynamo appeared to be a real beneficiary of that tactical tweak, having recorded a staggering haul of five key passes from his 45 touches, including producing the layoff for Kane's opener.

The young Swede also again found the Three Lions marksman after the break with a clever through ball, although the typically prolific ace couldn't only lash his effort high and wide.

That creative influence was crucial to all that was good about the home side in the first half, in particular, albeit with Kulusevski somewhat failing to maintain that impact, after being hooked in the closing stages.

Even so, despite that late withdrawal, the 6 foot 1 sensation undoubtedly proved his worth to the side after recording a stellar match rating of 7.5, as per Sofascore – the joint-highest among any Spurs player – with any prospective new appointment likely to relish the chance to work with such a talent.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have endured a season below expectation, sitting seven points above the relegation zone and in 14th with just four fixtures remaining until the end of 2022/23 campaign.

It’s been a year of change, seeing two managers take charge at Molineux since the season got underway last summer, with Bruno Lage being dismissed and replaced by Julen Lopetegui in mid-November.

The Spaniard had a huge task on his hands when taking the job last winter, with Wolves threatening relegation after failing to hit form under Lage before his departure. With safety looking likely for the Midlands side, who haven’t had their Premier League status threatened during their five season stay in the top division.

The club's lowest finish came back in 2021 where they ended in 13th, with this season potentially marking a new low since their promotion in 2018. It will be a busy summer for Lopetegui, who will be looking to put his stamp on the squad he inherited from both Lage and Nuno Santo.

There will be some improvement expected to be made in defence, with the 50 goals conceded so far in the Premier League and just 10 clean sheets kept in 34 fixtures. Lopetegui introduced some experience into the defence through signing Craig Dawson in January, a centre-back with 260 appearances in the English first division and a reputable figure to lead a struggling back line.

At 32, the Englishman is playing in the latter stages of his career, however Wolves may not need to look further than their academy when it comes to replacing the commanding defender in the future.

Who is Kamran Kandola?

Kamran Kandola has been praised as a “top baller in the making” by The Guardian contributing journalist and podcast producer Arif Islam for his development as a player in Wolves’ academy.

The English-born defender, who is also of South Asian descent, signed a professional contract at the club in November 2021, and has continued to progress with the U23 squad.

Kandola was part of academy squad that earned promotion to the Premier League 2's top division last season, and has stepped up when it matters, even between the sticks, where he played as a keeper due to a sending off and no replacement earlier this year. The 19-year-old made a number of key saves, showing his commitment to succeed in bizarre circumstances.

Wolves’ ex-technical director Scott Sellars has also previously praised the defender for being “consistent” and a player that has “worked hard” to earn his professional contract, via the Express and Star.

The commanding centre-back has made 12 appearances in the PL2 this season, starting five games and contributing to one clean sheet in the process. The teen talent has won 19 duels in the centre of defence and has shown his innate defensive ability in making 58 recoveries.

Premier League veteran Dawson earned his first professional contract at 19, signing for Rochdale, and the rest has been history.

With a lot of potential shown in the academy by Kandola, he could be a name we see in the future walking in Dawson’s footsteps by representing Wolves' first-team.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been urged to start Leandro Trossard in his side's next game, following a poor run of form which has seen the Gunners fail to win their last four games.

What's going on with Trossard and Arsenal?

Arsenal have seen their title challenge slip away, and a thrashing away at Manchester City has heavily reduced their chances of winning what would have been their first title in 19 years.

January signing Leandro Trossard has impressed since his arrival, notching up eight assists, but has found himself on the bench since Gabriel Jesus returned from injury.

Arsenal have failed to win since Trossard was dropped, and journalist Charles Watts feels that he should return to the lineup as the Gunners prepare to face Chelsea.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts claimed that the Belgian has to return to start no matter who he replaces out of the front three.

"When you look at it, since Leandro Trossard has come out of the starting XI, Arsenal haven't won a game," he stated.

"They were winning games after Saliba's injury when Holding was in the team when Trossard was starting. Since Trossard's come out of the team, they've gone four games without a win.

"He has to start, for me. [Arteta] has to find a way of getting him in the starting XI. Whether that's over Gabriel Jesus at the moment, I think you've just got to do it. Jesus was anonymous tonight, so was Saka, so was Martinelli,

"I think Trossard has to start against Chelsea one way or another, and I wouldn't be surprised if someone else started as well."

Who could drop out for Trossard?

Given that the front line was ineffective against Man City, all three attackers are arguably at risk of being benched in favour of the 28-year-old.

Arsenal were hitting top attacking form when Trossard started as a false nine alongside Martinelli and Saka, which included a 3-0 victory over Fulham, and returning to that lineup could help them spark back into life. Although Jesus has shown his quality since joining from City, his performances since returning from injury have been inconsistent, scoring in just three of the seven games since marking his comeback.

It is clear Watts believes Trossard was performing at an excellent level before he was, perhaps harshly, dropped to the bench, and there is a case to be made that Jesus should have to earn his place back in the team, rather than being granted a starting spot.

And if Trossard does start and performs well against Chelsea, we think he will deserve to keep his place in the side, even if that means Jesus has to drop to the bench.