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Nayeem Hasan was the star of the Bangladesh bowling show, ending with career-best figures of 6 for 105

Mohammad Isam16-May-2022Stumps Angelo Mathews’ marathon innings in the oppressive May heat of Chattogram led Sri Lanka to a competitive total, but it was heartbreak for him as he was dismissed on 199, the 12th batter to record the score in the history of Test cricket. Sri Lanka put up 397, having started the day on 258 for 4, and Bangladesh responded well, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudul Hasan Joy scoring 76 runs in 19 overs to finish the second day with the deficit down to 321 runs.Before Tamim (35*) and Mahmudul (31*) controlled the last hour-and-some of the day, Chattogram boy Nayeem Hasan returned career-best Test figures of 6 for 105 to keep Sri Lanka in check. He took early wickets on both days, but his big strike was Mathews, the last Sri Lankan wicket to fall. It was the last ball of the 153rd over, and Mathews, who faced 397 balls across two days, played a tired-looking hoick towards midwicket, where Shakib Al Hasan took an easy catch.Mathews threw his head back in disappointment as he trudged off, even as the Bangladesh fielders rushed to congratulate him for his big effort.Despite failing to get to what would have been his second Test double-century, Mathews’ was a massive effort. His 199 was one more than what the rest of the batters – including extras – combined to score. But more than just the runs, he kept Sri Lanka’s fight going for over nine hours in scorching heat. He managed to get them out of tricky periods on the first day, and then battled through a batting collapse on the second morning when they lost four wickets for nine runs in 3.3 overs.Mathews, however, had a lucky escape early on the second morning when he edged Khaled Ahmed in the fourth over. But neither the bowler nor the wicketkeeper or any of the close-in fielders seemed to have noticed the noise, which was later picked up by the broadcasters. He was on 119 at the time.Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Tamim Iqbal saw off the final session for Bangladesh•BCBSri Lanka went swimmingly thereafter, with Mathews hitting a couple of fours, while Dinesh Chandimal struck the ball well through the covers and down the ground. But less than 20 minutes before lunch, Chandimal fell for 66, the second-highest score of the innings, when he missed an attempted reverse sweep off Nayeem. Nayeem removed Niroshan Dickwella in the same over, with a delivery that went straight on from around the wicket.Shakib then struck with two wickets in the first over after lunch. First, Ramesh Mendis missed a pull to be bowled by a low arm-ball, and then Lasith Embuldeniya missed a straight one from around the wicket.At 328 for 8, the end seemed around the corner, but Mathews added 47 runs for the ninth wicket with Vishwa Fernando, who stayed in the middle for 84 balls for his unbeaten 17. Vishwa struck three fours, before Mushfiqur Rahim dropped him off Shakib shortly before the tea break. In the next over, Shoriful Islam struck him on the top of his helmet with a bouncer, which forced him to retire hurtShakib fumbled a throw with Asitha Fernando well short of the non-striker’s end in the first over after tea, but Asitha fell eight overs later with Mathews on 192. Vishwa returned, and though Mathews found a boundary – his 19th, to go with one six – the milestone eluded him.Tamim edged Asith to Kusal Mendis at second slip in the second over of the Bangladesh innings, but the fielder dropped the chance. It wouldn’t have counted anyway, as it was a no-ball. But it was a testing period for the openers, as Mahmudul, too, survived a couple of iffy moments. But they stuck it out, getting Bangladesh to safety during a period of the match in which they struggled so much in South Africa last month.

Donovan, considered by many the USMNT's greatest player, was critical of the national team after a poor performance vs Canada

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Donovan questions USMNT prideCanada beat U.S. in third-place gameAltidore opts instead to focus on positivesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Count former U.S. superstar Landon Donovan among those perplexed by the USMNT's poor showing at the CONCACAF Nations League Finals. The Americans suffered back-to-back defeats to Panama and Canada, leading to questions on whether the supposed "Golden Generation" can actually live up to its considerable potential.

Donovan didn't hold back on his assessment of the Americans.

"I’m so sick of hearing how 'talented' this group of players is and all the amazing clubs they play for," Donovan posted on social media. "If you aren’t going to show up and actually give a s!%* about playing for your national team, decline the invite."

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There's been a mood of frustration among former U.S. internationals for Mauricio Pochettino's side, with both the manager and his players getting criticism on broadcasts and social media.

Taylor Twellman questioned whether the U.S. would qualify for the World Cup if they were among the three countries hosting the expanded format.

JOZY ALTIDORE STAYS POSITIVE

Former USMNT star Jozy Altidore, on the other hand, opted to remain positive about the relatively young side.

Jose Mourinho has launched a new conspiracy claim regarding VAR missing 'three penalties' as Rangers beat Fenerbahce in a Europa League shootout.

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Fener come back from 3-1 deficitLose to Rangers in penalty shootoutMourinho launches conspiracy talksFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Fenerbahce lost their Europa League round of 16 first-leg clash against Rangers at home in disappointing fashion at Ulker Stadium. However, Mourinho's side came back at Ibrox Stadium with a 2-0 win in regulation time before the game went into a penalty shootout but lost as Dusan Tadic, Fred and Mert Hakan Yandas missed their spot kicks.

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Fenerbahce boss Mourinho has now raised claims of a conspiracy against his side as he claimed that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) 'didn't see one of three penalties'. The Portuguese coach also hoped that the same was just a 'random' occurrence.

GettyWHAT MOURINHO SAID

Speaking to the media, Mourinho said: "I hope everything that's happened to me in European competitions is not a consequence of the Budapest final and I hope it's just random.

"Since that final, since my suspension the things that happened to us – we didn't play Champions league because of a penalty on 120th minute penalty that only the fourth official saw.

"Today we come here and the VAR is considered one of the best VARs, he didn't see one of three penalties. I just hope it's random.

"I paid for the suspension and I hope that it's over. I pray that this is just bad luck."

WHAT NEXT FOR FENERBAHCE?

One of the positives that come from Fenerbahce's Europa League clash is that they will now be able to focus on their Super Lig title battle against Galatasaray, who sit seven points clear of Mourinho's side, having played one game more.

A bone stress injury in his back has forced Hazlewood into a long list of injured fast bowlers that also includes Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc

Daniel Brettig28-May-2018Australia’s limited-overs tour of England has been thrown off-balance before it begins with the withdrawal of Josh Hazlewood due to a bone stress injury in his back on the very day the squad was due to fly out.Hazlewood joins Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in being out of action due to bone-stress-related issues, with Cummins recovering from swelling in the vertebrae and Starc still out of action due to a bone stress reaction in his right leg. Michael Neser, the Queensland seam bowler, has been drafted into the touring squad.Hazlewood’s back injury means Australia’s Ashes-winning pace trio have been ruled out of their limited-overs tour to England•ESPNcricinfo Ltd”Josh has been managing some low-level bone stress in his lumbar spine for a short period,” the team physio David Beakley said. “He had a repeat scan today and although it has not progressed to a fracture he is starting to experience some lower-back pain. As such, we are taking a conservative approach and he will not travel to England for the one-day series.”Hazlewood bowled in Brisbane on Sunday and was taken for the extra scan after complaining of soreness. Medical staff and Hazlewood are believed to have discussed the situation with the new coach Justin Langer and finalised the decision to withdraw him from the squad late afternoon, a matter of hours before the players and support staff were due to travel to the airport to commence their journey to London.The loss of Hazlewood means the captain Tim Paine and the new coach Justin Langer have a severely depleted bowling attack to choose from, with Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Billy Stanlake and Andrew Tye joined by Neser. Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar are the spin bowlers in the squad.

Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann is often in touch with Smith, Warner and Bancroft, while former captain Mark Taylor says Smith could prove to be a better captain if given a second chance

ESPNcricinfo staff06-May-2018Darren Lehmann, the former Australia coach, keeps in touch with and worries about the trio of players banned for ball tampering. Former captain Steven Smith, former vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft are “bloody good human beings”, and Lehmann hopes they’ll be forgiven their cricketing transgressions by everyone in time.”They are all good young men, I feel for the three players especially. I worry about them day-in, day-out,” Lehmann told Adelaide-based Radio FIVEaa. “I hope they come back and play for Australia because they’re fantastic young men and they’ve paid the price.”For me Australian cricket is the most important thing and hopefully everyone can get back and play the right type of cricket that makes everyone respect and enjoy the Australian cricket team again. It has been a tough six weeks for myself, but I put myself in David Warner’s shoes, Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith… they’ve been to hell and back, haven’t they?”Hopefully, everyone forgives them. I’m sure they will. They’re bloody good human beings and I love them dearly. I speak to them quite a lot. It’s a case of keeping in contact because I worry about them. They’re going okay.”Smith, Warner and Bancroft received bans from Cricket Australia in late March for their part in the ball-tampering affair on the tour to South Africa. Smith and Warner will only be available to play for Australia in April 2019, about two months out from the World Cup. Bancroft, meanwhile, will be eligible by January 2019. The three were also banned from leadership roles in Australian cricket to varying degrees: Warner for life, Smith and Bancroft for a year after their bans from playing lift. Lehmann was cleared of wrongdoing in the matter by CA, but stepped down voluntarily after Smith’s anguished presser got to him.Former Australia captain Mark Taylor also spoke out in support of Smith, saying he reckoned Smith could return to the captaincy in future. “I still think Steve Smith can captain Australia,” Taylor told television show . “Steve Smith to me is not a cheat. Steve Smith was guilty of negligence in my opinion. He saw something going on and he didn’t stamp it out. That’s a mistake of negligence. He’s not a cheat, he’s a very good person.”I think if he ever does come back and captain Australia it will make him a better captain.”Australia’s new coach Justin Langer, soon after being appointed last week, said the three players will be “welcomed back” after their bans, if they show the inclination to be back. “Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith, literally besides Mike Hussey, love the game more than anyone I know,” Langer had said. “They are cricket tragics, and they’re great kids. That’s why it was such a surprise they made the mistake they did. Davey Warner is the same. He’s a really good young bloke, he made a mistake. I love the way he plays his cricket. If we can keep mentoring and helping them and they want to get better and meet the standards of the Australian cricket team, of course they will be welcomed back.”Yesterday, Warner said he has “learned a valuable lesson” from the episode. Two days ago, Smith had posted a photo on Instagram saying he was back in Australia after a break and he had “come to terms with” his situation.

Liverpool extended their winning run to seven matches across all competitions after dispatching Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, bagging their fourth successive 3-1 victory.

Jurgen Klopp's side have been positively resurgent this term after failing to achieve their seasonal goals quite dramatically last year, a withered midfield and squad at the end of its life force brutally exposed and ground into the dirt after years at the top.

Against Leicester, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, the Reds kept on marching, completing yet another turnaround after falling behind in the early phase, and while Klopp made ten changes from the team that defeated West Ham United in the league on Sunday, they still got the job done.

How did Jarell Quansah perform vs Leicester?

There is a real feeling that Liverpool boast a level of depth unseen in some time, with the much-changed starting line-up still capable of defeating an impressive Leicester side, storming the Championship with Enzo Maresca at the helm.

Dominik Szoboszai, granted, did come off the bench to make quite the impact, scoring a rocket of strike that Steven Gerrard would tip his hat to, and he really does look to be one of the club's best signings in a long time, indeed heralded for his "Gerrard-esque" effort by The Athletic's James Pearce.

However, away from the offensive, it was academy graduate Jarell Quansah who left his indelible mark after another starring display, with the 20-year-old really impressive since entering the senior set-up this season.

Indeed, Quansah was praised for his "absolutely phenomenal" introduction by vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, but it was against the Foxes that he produced his finest performance.

As per Sofascore, the 6 foot 3 titan recorded a match score of 7.4, earning an assist, making three interceptions, completing 104 touches and boasting a 91% passing accuracy, and has left the Reds fanbase fizzing after an emphatic rise.

He looks like he could ply his trade under the Anfield lights for years to come, and while he has captured the awe of the club, it was Wataru Endo who was the real winner on Wednesday night.

How did Wataru Endo perform vs Leicester?

Quansah was great, but Endo too produced an "excellent" display of control in the centre of the pitch, as was said by content creator Jamie Holme.

Sofascore bestowed the 30-year-old a 7.7 match rating after complementing his assist for Szoboszlai's goal with a 90% passing accuracy, winning six of his 13 contested duels, making four interceptions and succeeding with his sole dribble attempt.

He was signed from German side Stuttgart for £16m in the summer after Liverpool missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, and was heralded as a "warrior and leader" by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard.

Aerial wins

Top 8%

Clearances

Top 12%

Goals

Top 21%

Assists

Top 25%

Blocks

Top 28%

Having taken a "big step forward" – according to Pearce – the £50k-per-week Japan star has now proved his worth to Klopp and established that he can indeed provide the kind of composure and tenacity in midfield to effectively aid Liverpool in their endeavours.

There's a long season ahead, and while many scratched their heads upon his signing in August, Endo might just prove to play a big role.

Ireland had to follow-on against Pakistan on their Test debut in Malahide, but one Irish batsman at least had the most prolific day of his career

ECB Reporters Network13-May-2018
ScorecardStuart Poynter and Michael Richardson demolished Derbyshire’s attack on a record-breaking day for Durham in the Division Two County Championship match at Derby.Poynter made his maiden championship century and Richardson scored his first in nearly four years as the pair shared Durham’s highest ever sixth wicket stand of 278.Poynter was eventually out for a career-best 170 but he and Richardson had completely transformed the game as Durham ended on 520, a lead of 93, and at the close Derbyshire were 1 without loss from two overs.Derbyshire held all the cards at the start of the day when Durham resumed 312 runs behind and still 162 away from avoiding the follow-on.When Cameron Steel went in the first over, caught at second slip off Duanne Olivier, Derbyshire must have sensed there was a chance to take complete control of the game but Graham Clark and Paul Collingwood gave the first indications of the fightback to come.Collingwood responded to a painful blow amidships from Hardus Viljoen by hooking him for six and Clark reached his 50 with a straight driven four off the South African.The pair had added 54 when Ravi Rampaul found some late movement to have Collingwood caught behind for 27 and in the next over, Clark was lbw to one from Tony Palladino that kept low.Durham were now back in trouble but that was to prove Derbyshire’s last success for as Richardson and Poynter first regrouped and then dominated on a pitch which had now flattened out.Derbyshire had a chance to break the stand when Richardson was 33 and the total 224 but wicketkeeper Daryn Smit put down the edge off Olivier diving to his right.It proved a big moment in the day and perhaps the match as the pair moved through the gears in the afternoon sunshine with Poynter completing his century from 128 balls as 148 runs came in the session.Poynter cut Matt Critchley’s leg spin for his 17th four to reach 150 which also took Durham past their previous highest sixth wicket stand of 249 between Gordon Muchall and Phil Mustard against Kent at Canterbury in 2006.Richardson completed his first championship century since May 21st, 2014 in the next over and it was a surprise when Poynter played across a low full toss from Olivier and was lbw.Palladino had Richardson lbw for 115 and finished with 4 for 87 but it is Durham who go into the final day on top.

Hoping to go one better than last season, Arsenal have got off to a solid start in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta will be well aware that it's still early days, though, especially after his side capitulated at the end of the previous campaign.

The Spaniard may even have an eye on January reinforcements to really increase the Gunners' chances of picking up some crucial silverware in the coming months. And that could include adding some defensive depth, with an offer reportedly made to sign one particular defender in the winter transfer window, who would certainly boost the North London side's title chances.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Arsenal spent a reported €235m (£205m) in the summer transfer window, welcoming the likes of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, in an attempt to bridge the gap with Manchester City. An added bonus on top of that has, of course, been their return to Champions League football, which saw them ease past PSV Eindhoven in an opening gameweek win.

Arteta and those at the Emirates are only looking to strengthen their side even further, too. According to Record, via Sport Witness, the Gunners, and by extension sporting director Edu Gaspar, have made a €35m (£30m) offer to sign Sporting Club defender Ousmane Diomande, which has already been rejected by the Portuguese side.

The defender may not be keen to make a departure anytime soon, either, having only arrived at Sporting in January. When the winter transfer window does come along, however, it will be interesting to see if Arsenal's offer becomes tempting enough for either the player or Sporting, although they are not the only interested side.

How good is Ousmane Diomande?

At 19 years of age, Diomande may well have the world at his feet. Considering how well William Saliba's progression has gone as an Arsenal player, it would be a fairly smart move to try and replicate the Frenchman's success. And that's where Diomande could come in. The Sporting defender has plenty of time to develop into an important asset for the majority of clubs around Europe.

Statistically speaking, meanwhile, it's fair to say that this is a player to watch. According to FBref, Diomande is in the top 96 percentile for progressive passes, the top 95 percentile for progressive carries, and the top 93 percentile for tackles per 90 over the past 12 months.

At his best, the reported Arsenal target has earned plenty of praise, too, including from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who said on X:

"Ousmane Diomande. You rarely see a player with such high ball-playing and pure defender skills. There are some tactical improvements but I'm quite sure this kid will play for the best teams in the world. The signs of elite talent."

With that said, it's clear that Arsenal are targeting a player who may not only improve their present side, but also become a crucial part of Arteta's plans in the future, once again proving just how much they've grown as a club off the pitch in recent years.

Although they couldn’t convert their half-centuries, James Vince and Mark Stoneman have probably done enough to feature in the home Tests against Pakistan

Andrew McGlashan in Christchurch01-Apr-2018England’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere began with the Test match at the Gabba. Mark Stoneman and James Vince gave them an excellent platform with encouraging half-centuries, adding 125 together, before failing to go on. England never had a foothold in the Ashes after that.Fast forward five months and the match situation is somewhat better – they lead by 231 runs and are well placed to push for a series-levelling victory and have something to show for their efforts with the pink and red ball. But for Stoneman and Vince, there is a feeling of deja vu. Half-centuries apiece, a stand of 123, the promise of more, but frustrating dismissals.

New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling is hopeful a Christchurch pitch losing some of its life will keep them in with a chance of saving – or even winning – the second Test and with it taking the series.
The second new ball is 14 overs away and represents New Zealand’s last chance of having a realistic target to chase, but the bounce and carry evident for the quicks over the first half of the day has lessened.
“It’s definitely a lot flatter than over the first few days,” Watling said. “It doesn’t look like it’s breaking up at all, it actually looks like it’s getting a bit deader. I don’t think it will do a hell of a lot on the final day so we just need to get ourselves into a position to hopefully win the game.”

Stoneman had significant fortune in his innings – dropped on 48 and 57 – but couldn’t make it count when he finally paid the price for flashing outside off. Vince played with increasing confidence during his third Test fifty – all of which have come at the No. 3 position – after regaining his place that he had to forego due to the batting reshuffle at Eden Park. As ever, the drives were working well and, almost as inevitably, one brought his downfall when he edged to slip with a spot-sealing maiden Test hundred on offer.”Going forward, I’m sure both would have loved to have got hundreds and gone on for themselves and their confidence,” Graham Thorpe, the England batting coach, said, “but they’ll still get good pat off us in the dressing room because it’s easy to shrink sometimes at this level so it was important they stood up and continued to play in a positive manner.”Stoneman now has five Test fifties – including two in this series – but none higher than this 60 while Vince averages 30.54 at No. 3 from his six Test against Australia and New Zealand. Since Trevor Bayliss took over in 2015, there has been one century from the opener who isn’t Alastair Cook (and his form is heading south) or the No. 3 who isn’t Joe Root – Keaton Jennings’ 112 on debut against India (Adam Lyth’s hundred against New Zealand came while Paul Farbrace was in temporary charge).There are alternative names who will be mentioned in the lead-up to the next series, against Pakistan in May, and a strong start to the domestic season could attract interest despite England Lions being beaten 3-0 by West Indies in the four-day matches. Liam Livingstone has been on this tour – he is not someone for the top three but the batting order is also far from settled – while the likes of Haseeb Hameed, Joe Clarke, Dan Lawrence and Nick Gubbins will be touted. Recently capped players such as Jennings and Tom Westley could also restate their credentials.However, both incumbents have probably done enough to mean they will start against Pakistan, but England will leave this tour without really having a clearer picture about the best way forward for their top order.”They are in the side so they are in charge of their destiny every time they walk to the crease so the more experience they gain they are in a position to go to that next level,” Thorpe said. “Ultimately it’s up to them to take that next step and go towards three figures.”There are areas of the Test side where we aren’t going to say everyone is guaranteed places. We are constantly trying to get more out of players who are in the starting XI. You have to look at your squad and think are there better players out there or do we have to keep working hard. We have to be patient with players, the more you learn you do get over those hurdles in Test cricket and start to feel very settled. We are hoping a few of them are close to that with the Tests they are starting to play.”England arrived in Australia with a batting line-up in a state of flux and will leave New Zealand in the same position. The attacks of Pakistan and India await. They will sense vulnerability.

Manchester United are now set to open contract talks with a "promising" player who's broken into the first team, according to a report.

What's the latest Man United contract news?

Man United have been keen to tie down a number of youngsters to new deals in recent months, with it recently being reported that forward Joe Hugill has now agreed to put pen to paper on a new deal, which will extend his stay at Old Trafford until 2026. The news about Hugill edging closer towards signing a new deal follows United agreeing fresh terms with Dan Gore and Rhys Bennett back in the summer, while Marcus Rashford agreed a five-year contract, with Erik ten Hag clearly planning for the future.

Rashford did more than enough to impress his manager last season, having racked up 30 goals across all competitions, and he is not the only young player who has made an impression on Ten Hag in recent times. According to a report from 90min, the Red Devils boss is believed to be a fan of Hannibal Mejbri, and talks over a new contract have now been opened, with the club of the belief he is worthy of being handed fresh terms.

Hannibal's current deal expires in the summer of 2024, although Man United do retain the option to extend it by an additional year, and it is thought to be highly unlikely they let him walk away from the club on a free transfer at the end of the season. There are indications the midfielder would be eager to extend his stay at Old Trafford, with the report revealing he is keen to prove himself at Old Trafford, having signed from AS Monaco for £4.35m in 2019, although that could rise to £8.7m.

The 20-year-old has already made his breakthrough at international level, having been capped 20 times by Tunisia, and he has now broken into the United first team, having scored his first goal for the club against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

How good is Hannibal Mejbri?

The Tunisia international has only made four first-team appearances for the Red Devils, as he is still in the early stages of his career, and there is real competition for places in midfield, considering the summer acquisitions of Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount. As such, it may be a little while before the youngster establishes himself as a starter for United, but it is clear to see why Ten Hag is eager to tie him down to a new contract, as he put in some promising performances on loan at Birmingham City last season.

Over the past year, the attacking midfielder ranks in the 96th percentile for assists per 90, when compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level, while also placing in the 83rd percentile for progressive carries, displaying his ability to drive the ball forward. It is good news that Man United have opened new contract talks with Hannibal, and they should look to tie him down for the long-term future, considering he's been lauded as "promising" by Ralf Rangnick.