All posts by h716a5.icu

Zimbabwe Cricket has released a statement condemning the alleged racist abuse of Zimbabwe batsman Malcolm Waller by a section of the home crowd during the second Test against Sri Lanka last week

Liam Brickhill13-Nov-2016Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has released a statement condemning the alleged racist abuse of Zimbabwe batsman Malcolm Waller by a section of the home crowd during the second Test against Sri Lanka last week.Waller is understood to have lodged the complaint when abusive comments were directed at him after he dropped a catch on the morning of the fourth day of the Test. Fielding at square leg, Waller missed an easy chance off Asela Gunaratne’s bat in the middle of an otherwise tight spell from quicks Carl Mumba and Chris Mpofu. Zimbabwe went on to lose the Test by 257 runs, conceding the series 2-0.”Zimbabwe Cricket was deeply disturbed by the conduct of a section of fans who made abusive and racist chants targeted at our players during Zimbabwe’s just-ended Test series against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club,” ZC’s statement said. “We condemn any act of racism, abuse or intolerance in cricket, in particular, and sport, in general.”The chants appear to have come from the section of the ground known as Castle Corner, where fans traditionally gather in boisterous but good-natured support during international games. This is also the area where members of the Zimbabwe Cricket Supporters Union (ZCSU), an unofficial body that mobilises support for the national team during home games, can usually be found.”We are also disappointed by such racist rants, if they were really made,” Tapfumaneyi Vivian Banhire, chairman of the ZCSU, told . “Our supporters union has no such members who engaged in such behaviour.”Banhire confirmed his organisation’s position to ESPNcricinfo. “It wasn’t any of our guys,” he said. “Zimbabwean supporters are not racial at all.”During Zimbabwe’s last home series against India in June when the home side was thrashed in all of their matches, disgruntled Zimbabwe fans vented their frustrations by holding up a variety of homemade signs, some of which suggested that Zimbabwe cricket players should be arrested and “face treason” over their performances.”The fans made themselves clear during the India series and I believe the players had got the message, therefore there was no need to continue with waving such cards again,” Banhire said. “The fans are very happy that we have come this far.”ZC is continuing to investigate Waller’s complaint, and warned that it is “taking steps to introduce sanctions against those involved in such incidents”. The ICC’s anti-racism code requires members to impose punishments, including possible life bans, on anyone found guilty of racial abuse.

There has been an update regarding Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Leicester City playmaker, James Maddison…

What's the latest on Maddison to Tottenham?

According to Italian journalist, Rudy Galetti, the Lilywhites are said to have made contact with the player's representatives regarding a deal to bring the 26-year-old to north London, albeit with the Englishman – who could be worth around €60m (£51m) – also the subject of strong interest from Newcastle United.

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider revealed: "Head-to-head between #Tottenham and #Newcastle for #Maddison. #NUFC have a slight advantage – they consider about €60m a fair price – but the race is fully open. Both clubs are in talks with the agent of James, who wants the move after the relegation of #Leicester."

This follows a previous report from 90min that suggested new boss Ange Postecoglou has given his approval with regard to the signing of the former Norwich City man, with the midfielder set to be up for grabs following Leicester's recent relegation.

How could Maddison fit in at Tottenham?

While the Coventry-born ace has been utilised on the right flank in recent times at the King Power Stadium, it is perhaps likely that he will take up one of the attacking, number eight berths in Postecoglou's preferred, 4-3-3 system, helping to provide a creative hub in the centre of the park.

It is perhaps clear to see that the north Londoners have been missing that link between the midfield and attack over the past few years, with BBC Radio London's Phil Parry stating that "there remains a big hole between the defensive part of midfield and the front three" as the club "have still not replaced Eriksen."

As Parry went on to note, "both Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski are runners and they do not have someone to pick the ball up in pockets, be intelligent and feed them accuracy", hence why the addition of Maddison could prove to be a "massive signing" – according to pundit Paddy Kenny.

While uncertainty remains over Kulusevski's future at the club – amid reports that Postecoglou is unconvinced by the on-loan Juventus gem – Son could be the man to benefit from Maddison's arrival, as the South Korean star looks to kick on from what was an injury-impacted 2022/23 campaign.

Having played through the pain barrier for much of the season, the 30-year-old 'only' contributed ten goals in 36 Premier League games, with that tally only likely to increase if given quality service by the Leicester gem.

The latter man – who also scored ten top-flight goals – showcased his creative flair after racking up nine assists and creating 69 chances in total, ensuring he ranked tenth in the division for that latter metric.

With Maddison also ranking in the top 15% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes, he is clearly someone that looks to play forward at every available opportunity, thus ensuring that the likes of Son can regularly gain possession in threatening areas.

Such a partnership could then prove crucial in ensuring that Spurs are not once again solely reliant on the goalscoring exploits of Harry Kane – who bagged 30 league goals last season – in their quest to break down opponents.

Suranga Lakmal picked up four wickets in an innings for only the second time in a 32-Test career as South Africa ended the first day of their Test series against Sri Lanka at a vulnerable 267 for 6

The Report by Karthik Krishnaswamy26-Dec-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details2:26

‘Bold move to bat first on this wicket’ – Duminy

Suranga Lakmal picked up four wickets in an innings for only the second time in a 32-Test career as South Africa ended the first day of their Test series against Sri Lanka at a vulnerable 267 for 6. It was a strange, seesawing day in which it was hard to say if South Africa failed to make full use of good batting conditions or if Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was too reliant on Lakmal to fully exploit a greener-than-usual St George’s Park pitch. It may need South Africa to bowl on this surface for a complete picture to emerge.Faf du Plessis trusted history, which said this was among the slower surfaces in South Africa, over the appearance of the pitch, and conditions proved to be a mixed bag. South Africa’s openers added 104 and all of their top five got starts, but none of them carried on beyond 63. None of them were really at fault for their dismissals apart from JP Duminy, who top-scored and gave his wicket away in one of the hinge moments of the day.Perhaps Sri Lanka could have had South Africa in a worse position had Lakmal enjoyed better support from the two other frontline quicks. It was instructive that when Sri Lanka took the second new ball – as soon as it became available – it was Angelo Mathews who shared it with Lakmal rather than Nuwan Pradeep or Dushmantha Chameera. It was also instructive that Sri Lanka’s second-most successful bowler on the day wasn’t a seamer but the ageless Rangana Herath, whose dismissals of Duminy and Temba Bavuma, both against the run of play, changed the complexion of the day.When Duminy decided to sweep Herath in the 71st over of the day, South Africa were 213 for 3. Duminy was batting on 63 and was looking in the form of his life, driving like a dream through mid-off and extra-cover. The ball wasn’t the safest to sweep. It was pitching outside off stump, but not far enough outside off stump for the batsman to be able to use his front pad as a second line of defence if it turned past his bat. Duminy missed, Herath hit front pad, and DRS could not save the batsman when he reviewed the on-field decision.Four overs later, Herath hurried one on with the arm to beat Bavuma’s back-foot defensive. This time the on-field decision was not out, and the ball looked like it may have been sliding down leg. Herath didn’t look convinced himself, but with only 5.1 overs left for the reviews to be reset, Sri Lanka chanced their arm, and ball-tracking returned three reds and sent Bavuma back. South Africa had slipped from 213 for 3 to 225 for 5.Each of Suranga Lakmal’s four wickets was either caught behind or in the slips•AFPDu Plessis and Quinton de Kock saw off Lakmal’s first over with the second new ball, and when de Kock flicked and slashed him for two fours in the second over of his spell – his 20th of the day – it seemed that the day’s efforts might have been telling on the fast bowler. But he was still more than capable of bowling the wicket-taking ball: de Kock took a single to bring du Plessis on strike, and out came the perfect line to pin du Plessis to the crease, the perfect line to make him poke, and a bit of outswing to graze his edge through to first slip.The same ingredients had contributed to his first three wickets as well. All three came at the start of new sessions. South Africa went to lunch 92 for 0. Lakmal shaped one away from the right-handed Stephen Cook, then shaped another away from the left-handed Dean Elgar, and suddenly Dinesh Chandimal had two catches behind the wicket and South Africa were 105 for 2. Duminy and Hashim Amla then added 78, before Lakmal struck in the third over after tea, angling the ball into Amla and then moving it away to find his edge through to Chandimal once again.Amla fell for 20, and his average dipped below 50 for the first time since November 2012. It had been a strange innings, his strike rate 26.31, made stranger by Duminy’s fluency at the other end.The left-handed Duminy scorched the very first ball he faced to the cover boundary, while the right-handed Amla took 56 balls to hit his first four, stepping down the track to whip Rangana Herath wide of mid-on. Duminy flowed onto the front foot and got his head over the ball at every opportunity, while Amla was often crease-bound after making that big back-and-across trigger movement. Duminy found the gaps without even trying, while Amla timed drives and punches sweetly but straight to fielders.Still, it took a peach of a delivery to dismiss him. Lakmal always looked capable of delivering one. Less so Nuwan Pradeep and Dushmantha Chameera, who were wayward through the day, and released the pressure on South Africa’s openers with a steady stream of deliveries at their pads in an otherwise quiet first session.Aside from the odd flirt outside off stump, the shuffling, fidgety Cook showed an excellent understanding of his own game. He took full advantage of anything remotely near his pads, and scored the bulk of his runs – 41 out of 59 – through the leg side, primarily through flicks and glances as well as one sweep in front of square against Rangana Herath.Elgar showed excellent judgement outside off stump, leaving 39 of the 86 balls he faced from Sri Lanka’s three seamers, but was quick to pounce on anything overpitched, timing his drives sweetly through mid-off and extra-cover. Cook took the bulk of the strike during the opening partnership, facing 125 balls to Elgar’s 89.

An update has emerged on Manchester United and their plans to bolster their options in the middle of the park ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Nicolo Barella to Man United?

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Red Devils are one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Inter central midfielder Nicolo Barella in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that fellow Premier League sides Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle United are keen on the Italy international and would be willing to double his current salary, which is reportedly around £152k-per-week.

It states that United and Mauricio Pochettino's team have both made contact with the Serie A outfit to sound out a potential deal for the talented ace, although no official offers have been made for his services as of yet.

Inter are said to be wanting a fee of at least €80m (£69m) but it remains to be seen how much the English giants are willing to pay for him.

Would Nicolo Barella be a good signing for Manchester United?

Barella could be an excellent addition to Erik ten Hag's squad next term as the 26-year-old maestro would be a big upgrade on current midfielder Fred.

The Inter magician is an attack-minded number eight who stacked up well against other players in his position in Europe's top five leagues last season.

Indeed, Opta Analyst Radar shows that the Italian excelled at getting forward to make things happen in the final third, particularly when it came to creating chances and scoring goals, which has earned him a strong comparison with impressive Barcelona starlet Pedri.

Barella, who reporter Mike Piellucci dubbed a "genius", averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.08 across 35 Serie A matches in 22/23 and contributed with six goals and six assists from the middle of the park, whilst he also won 55% of his individual duels.

Fred, on the other hand, averaged an unimpressive Sofascore rating of 6.78 across 35 Premier League games and chipped in with two goals and two assists.

This suggests that the Inter ace, who was described as "outstanding" by writer Jerry Mancini, is capable of being more consistent with the quality of his performances and has the quality on the ball to make a greater impact at the top end of the pitch to win points for his side.

The Brazil international also lost 52% of his physical contests for Manchester United, indicating that Barella would be a stronger option in midfield, which could add some real steel to the team in front of the back four. Just imagine the thought of hm beside Casemiro; it's a tantalising prospect.

Indeed, it's clear that Ten Hag could land a big upgrade on the current Red Devils midfielder by swooping for the Serie A talent this summer. He would undoubtedly offer far more in and out of possession.

The Brisbane Heat became the first team to secure their position in the playoff stage of the Big Bash League, after sealing a seven-wicket win over the Melbourne Stars

The Report by Will Macpherson at the MCG17-Jan-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJoe Burns and Alex Ross secured a playoff spot for the Brisbane Heat•Getty ImagesIt took 27 games for a team to fall out of contention for this BBL’s finals, and 28 for one to qualify, but – shorn of their captain Brendon McCullum, their smiter-in-chief Chris Lynn, and the crafty legspin of Samuel Badree – the Brisbane Heat knocked the Melbourne Stars off the top of the table and secured their finals berth.Having limited the Stars to just 7 for 138 on a used and two-paced pitch, the Heat made it home in the 18th over, thanks to an unbeaten stand of 74 from Alex Ross and Joe Burns, the stand-in captain.An extraordinary opening
The Melbourne Stars chose to chase the last 13 times they had won the toss. So when David Hussey won the toss, he elected to bat. It didn’t start well. Sure, Mark Steketee began with a wide, but then Rob Quiney chopped on and Kevin Pietersen was pinned in front. Both for golden ducks. Out ambled Seb Gotch, a debutant who would later keep wicket in short sleeves (to the dismay of the punditocracy and twitterati), to face a hat-trick ball, which he nudged to midwicket for one.Gotch, diminutive in stature and open of stance, hustled hard between the wickets and was the aggressor in his partnership of 54 with Luke Wright, who was struggling badly for fluency. Wright never fully got going, but he saw the innings through, dragging the Stars with him as wickets fell constantly. There was another stand of 54, with Hussey, but they never threatened a big score. In his 50th game for the club, this was Wright’s slowest knock of over 30 balls for the Stars, and his team never recovered from their slow start.Swep-t away by the legspinners
With Gotch and Wright settled and accumulating (the Powerplay was over, and they had taken 21 from the previous two overs), on came Mitchell Swepson, Australia’s latest call-up and Shane Warne’s new favourite human. Swepson bowled beautifully, and did not concede more than a single from any of his 24 balls.His first over cost five, but his second did the damage, as Gotch failed to pick the wrong ‘un and was bowled. Next ball, Marcus Stoinis became the third Stars batsman to get a golden duck, chopping on trying to cut. After a third over costing four, his final was worth just three, Hussey patting three dot balls to point: it looked as if the Stars were simply looking to see him off, the ultimate compliment for a T20 bowler. Swepson, who now averages 16 in the BBL, ended with figures of 2 for 14.In the Heat’s chase, Adam Zampa also bowled beautifully, claiming figures of 0 for 18 from his four overs; like Swepson, he did not concede a boundary.A sensible chase
There was plenty of nous on show as the Heat romped home. They lost two wickets in the Powerplay – Jimmy Peirson caught at mid-on and Nathan Reardon at deep square in consecutive overs – but never panicked or let the rate rise. Sam Heazlett played a gem of an innings, with a beautiful square six, before being caught at long-on, while Ross was typically busy. Burns struggled to get going, but was ticking by the end, nailing Ben Hilfenhaus for consecutive sixes in the 17th over.Depleted by international call-ups and injury, the Stars are short on many things, chief among them the bowling of John Hastings and James Faulkner. The Heat read this and held back against their strength – spin (against which they scored 6.11 runs per over) – and attacked seam (which cost 8.95).Where are they now?
So the Heat are through with a game to spare (against the Renegades at the Gabba on Friday, where a win will secure a home semi and they will definitely welcome back McCullum, and maybe Samuel Badree), but who will join them? TheStars are back at the MCG on Saturday, against the Sixers, who have also won four and lost three. The Stars can secure a home semi-final with a win, and they have a strong net run-rate. A heavy defeat, however, could still see them miss out on next week’s semi-finals altogether. Fortunately for them, it’s the final game of the regular season – coming straight after fellow contenders Scorchers travel to the Hurricanes – so they will know exactly what is required of them.

Hong Kong and Netherlands dueled to a high-scoring draw in the maiden first-class match played on Hong Kong soil

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Feb-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAnshuman Rath scored a half-century in each innings for Hong Kong•Panda ManHong Kong’s push for a final day win on their home first-class debut was thwarted by a record partnership by Netherlands batsmen Ben Cooper and Pieter Seelaar as the sides settled for a high-scoring draw at Tin Kwong Road. Set a target of 507 to win, Netherlands were 105 for 5 early on the last day after first-innings centurion Roelof van der Merwe and captain Peter Borren fell off successive balls in the 32nd over from medium pacer Ehsan Nawaz.Cooper and Seelaar managed to bat out the final two-and-a-half sessions though, putting on a Netherlands first-class record partnership of an unbroken 288, for the sixth wicket. The country’s previous best was a 232-run stand between Bas Zuiderant and Ryan ten Doeschate in a 64-run win over UAE in 2008. It was also a record sixth-wicket stand in the Intercontinental Cup, breaking the sixth-wicket mark of 234 set by Ireland’s Andre Botha and Alex Cusack in a drawn match against Scotland in 2007, and the sixth highest partnership for any wicket in the 13-year history of the competition. Both men notched their maiden first-class centuries as Cooper finished on 173 in only his second first-class match while Seelaar ended unbeaten on 138. His best in 40 prior first-class innings had been 81 not out.Hong Kong had looked set for victory after securing a 243-run first-innings lead. Captain Babar Hayat posted his second century in his fourth first-class match, his 173 leading the way in a total of 527 for 9 after Hong Kong had been asked to bat. Hayat was involved in three century partnerships – with Chris Carter, Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath – to put the visitors on the back foot.Netherlands efforts in the field were impacted by an injury to quick Timm van der Gugten, who was missing in action after hurting his shoulder diving in the field following his initial seven-over spell to open day one. Fellow new-ball seamer Vivian Kingma took up responsibility in the absence of van der Gugten, bowling 35 overs to finish with 4 for 125.Van der Merwe scored his first four-day century for Netherlands, and fifth overall, making 135 off 149 balls in Netherlands’ reply of 284. Hayat chose not to enforce the follow-on early on day three, his bowlers having spent 18.2 overs in the field on the morning of day three to get Netherlands out after 47 overs on day two.Hong Kong batted another 53 overs to post 263 for 6 declared as Rath top-scored with 88, his second half-century in the match to follow up his 98 not out in the first innings. The declaration was made with an hour to go on day three and Tanwir Afzal struck on the second ball of the chase, removing Stephan Myburgh for a duck. Fellow opener Max O’Dowd fell for 22 to Nawaz less than three overs before stumps as Netherlands entered the last day on 48 for 2 in 16 overs, facing another 96 overs to save an unlikely draw but one they accomplished thanks to personal bests from Cooper and Seelaar.The 1467 runs in the match made it the third-highest scoring match in Intercontinental Cup history. Netherlands 393 for 5 is the second-highest fourth innings total in the history of the Intercontinental Cup – behind only Afghanistan’s 494 for 4 in a win over Canada in 2010 – as well as the most overs batted out to secure a draw with 111. The most overs batted out prior to this match to secure a draw in an Intercontinental Cup match was also achieved by the Netherlands, against Canada in 2009, when they survived 103 overs to end the match eight down. Seelaar also played a role in that result, batting out 17 balls at No. 10 to deny Canada victory.Hong Kong took nine points from the match, claiming extra points after securing a first-innings lead but remained fifth on the Intercontinental Cup table with 39 points, though they closed the gap to one point with Papua New Guinea in fourth. Netherlands earned three points for the draw and continued to sit in third at 49 points behind Ireland and Afghanistan.

The cogs have finally started whirring at Leeds United after weeks of trepidation following the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Daniel Farke is poised to assume the managerial role at the club, while the 49ers Enterprises' comprehensive takeover of the Elland Road side is all but complete.

But as yet, fresh faces have yet to materialise, and Whites supporters will be earnestly awaiting news of an incoming to bolster the chances of securing an immediate return to the top flight, having ended 16 years of despondency away from their place among the big time back in 2020.

There will be departures; this is inevitable. But by making apt moves in the market this summer, there is every chance the return to the Championship will be nothing more than a sojourn.

And to increase the chances of success, rumours attributing Leeds' interest in Swansea City striker Joel Piroe must be acted upon, with the Dutchman identified as a target in the summer.

Leicester City, who joined United in their seasonal nosedive this year, have been credited with a desire to tie up the player's signature this year, and with reports that he would be available for £12m, it might be the deal to make.

Should Leeds sign Joel Piroe?

Given that Leeds need to ensure they do not remain in the second tier for another interminable period, targetting a prolific striker with a proven track record in the division might be worthwhile.

Especially considering the news that Rodrigo is set for a departure this summer, with Football Insider reporting earlier this year that the Spaniard will seek an exit in the event of the club's now-confirmed relegation.

Having scored 13 goals from just 23 starts in the top-flight last term, the 32-year-old was integral in the pursuit of survival and without his contribution the glimmer of hope in the closing weeks may never have materialised, and the 49ers will need to identify a first-rate replacement.

Piroe could be the man, having achieved 22-goal and 19-goal returns since his arrival with the Swans from PSV in 2021, with former boss Russell Martin – recently appointed at the helm of Southampton – saying: "He is so clinical with both feet, and he is a great technician."

Given that he ranks among the top 3% within forwards playing at a similar level over the past year for pass completion and the top 17% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, he could also slot into Farke's system very well, given that the German manager tends to utilise a possession-based style of play, heaping emphasis on swift transitions and high pressure.

The prospect of remaining in the Championship for successive terms is simply incomprehensible for the Whites, and by signing Piroe, they will land a centre-forward not only capable of spearheading an ascent to the top flight, but also starring once back in the Premier League.

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, with the Serie A side reportedly willing to sell the player this summer.

Is Sofyan Amrabat signing for Man United?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have already bolstered their midfield ranks ahead of the 2023/24 season by signing Mason Mount from Chelsea.

The England international has been backed by Old Trafford officials with a five-year deal as well as being given the famous number 7 shirt. He may not be the only midfield addition, though, with rumours circling over a swoop for Amrabat.

Sky Sports have reported that Man United are looking at a move for Amrabat, although any transfer would depend on sales. Elsewhere, there has been claims that United and Amrabat have already agreed on personal terms ahead of a potential Old Trafford transfer.

There has now been a further update and one that seems to be a boost for Man United and Ten Hag, with the midfielder now into the final 12 months of his current contract.

The Faithful MUFC relayed an update from Corriere dello Sport in the last 48 hors regarding Amrabat and Man United. The report claims that Fiorentina are prepared to sell the midfielder to the Red Devils and want those at Old Trafford to come forward with an offer in the region of €30m (£25m).

It is believed that Fiorentina are closing in on signing Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand from fellow Serie A side Lecce as a replacement for Amrabat.

Is Sofyan Amrabat good?

Amrabat appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €30m Transfermarkt valuation and caught the eye at last year’s World Cup in Qatar, helping Morocco to the semi-finals.

He was praised by former England manager Fabio Capello as a result, with the Italian comparing him to iconic midfielder Gennaro Gattuso.

"If I have to name one name, besides the well-known Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi, it would be Amrabat. He is essential for balance and a great runner. I read that he covered more than fourteen kilometres against Spain. I see him as the Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco."

The 26-year-old, hailed as a "monster" in the media, can play as a holding or central midfielder and actually shares the same agency as Man United left-back Luke Shaw.

Amrabat began his career in the Netherlands with FC Utrecht where he made 50 appearances under Ten Hag before moving to Feyenoord and then to Belgium with Club Brugge.

Should he make the move to Manchester over the coming weeks, Amrabat could provide Ten Hag with another high-quality holding or central midfield option, potentially seeing him rival the likes of Casemiro and Mount.

Amrabat’s quality in possession is highlighted by FBref, who have him ranked in the top 10% of midfielders for passes completed, passes into the final third and progressive passes. He also ranks highly when it comes to stopping opposing players in full flow, so he could be another smart signing by United, and by the looks of things, a deal is now there to be done.

Joe Root believes it is “important” that cricket in England returns, in part at least, to free-to-air broadcasters.

George Dobell at Headingley29-Mar-2017Joe Root believes it is “important” that cricket in England returns, in part at least, to free-to-air broadcasters.Root, the new England Test captain, described himself as “very fortunate” to grow up in an era before cricket went behind a paywall. And he feels another generation of supporters can be inspired, just as he was, if some cricket can once again be broadcast free to air.”I think it would be great to have it on terrestrial telly,” Root said. “The more people we can get watching the game can only be good for it.”I was very fortunate to be able to turn on Channel 4 in the morning and watch the cricket. There was the Cricket Show on before that. Then I would go down and watch Dad play at the club in the afternoon. The more opportunities we can give to kids – even if it is highlights packages – the better.”Root’s comments come in light of Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, conceding that he would like some of the new-team T20 tournament – due to begin in 2020 – to be shown free to air. While the game in England and Wales has earned unprecedented wealth over the last decade, it has come at a cost. The relevance of the sport has diminished sharply, with recent research suggesting only two percent of children in England and Wales thought of it as their favourite sport. Another survey suggested more children recognised a wrestler than Alastair Cook, the England Test captain at the time.Clearly, the thinking at the ECB has now changed. And while current plans suggest that no more than eight of the new-team matches will be broadcast free to air, and Root was keen to praise the service provided by the ECB’s current broadcast partners, he concluded “you can’t beat the fact that it is going to be available for everyone”.”The coverage we currently get is fantastic,” Root said. “Sky have done a great job in the way they have gone about it. And if you watch what BT have done, they have been very good at doing things slightly differently but they have been entertaining as well. They continue to make it interesting to viewers.”But you can’t beat the fact that it is going to be available to everyone and not just those who are subscribing. It would be great to get more and more viewers and people watching the game.”It doesn’t need to be exclusive. But making sure people have access to cricket on a broad spectrum is important.”Root’s sentiments were echoed by James Anderson. “I think it would be good for the game,” he said. “Having seen the effect that the Big Bash has had in Australia being on free to air, I think that has certainly drummed up more interest in the game.”Joe Root and James Anderson were speaking on behalf of BRUT Sport Style, the new fragrance from men’s grooming brand BRUT

Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Arda Guler, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT.

Newcastle United transfer news – what is the latest on Arda Guler?

The youngster has attracted interest from a lot of Europe's elite clubs.

Indeed, Guler linked with a move away from Fenerbahçe this summer, and one thing that will potentially help him seal a move away is the fact that he has a £17.5 million release clause, though there is a hidden fee in his contract.

Arsenal have been reported to be interested in signing the youngster, as well as Newcastle, so it won't be easy as Mikel Arteta has built a real welcoming environment for young talents at Arsenal with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka thriving.

But, one thing that could stop both the Magpies and the Gunners in their tracks is the fact that Fenerbahçe are hoping to hand the winger a new deal at the club, which would get rid of any current clause that clubs could look to trigger.

What has Jones said about Guler amid Newcastle transfer interest?

And, to make things even more difficult, it looks as if the Magpies may have trouble meeting the player's demands, as Jones had this to say when speaking to GIVEMESPORT: "They are being linked with Arda Guler and to be fair this lad is a teen sensation, we are looking at someone that is talked about in Turkey as a generational talent. One of the best players they have ever produced.

This fits the profiling Newcastle want in terms of their second-tier signings, as they want to always have an eye on that next level of player that is ready to break through. But there is a slight issue here because from what I am told, Arda Guler is going to focus on making sure he chooses a club where he has genuine first-team opportunities."

How has Guler fared over in Turkey?

The player dubbed the 'Turkish Lionel Messi' by local reporters had a very strong league season last season, recording an average rating of 7.28 across his 20 appearances, in which he scored four and assisted three, which was the seventh-highest rating in the entire Super Lig.

The winger reportedly had a release clause of just €5m until the final game of the season, where he surpassed 1,500 minutes played and caused an increase to €17.5m (£15m).

Guler, who has been hailed as a "magician", is one of the most exciting prospects in the world, as Jones says, and the Magpies will be hoping that he chooses to continue his development and career at St James Park.

However, in reality it may be difficult for the Magpies to offer him consistent football at this moment in time as the likes of Elliot Anderson, Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock, Anthony Gordon, Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin all operate in similar areas to the youngster. But, there is no denying the pulling power that Newcastle now have with Champions League football and PIF at the helm, with the signing of Sandro Tonali recently providing proof of that.