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Home side need 61 runs with five wickets in hand, despite efforts of Kyle Jamieson

Alan Gardner04-Jun-2022England 141 and 216 for 5 (Root 77*, Foakes 9*) need a further 61 runs to beat New Zealand 132 and 285 (Mitchell 108, Blundell 96)There is a recent history of dramatic encounters between England and New Zealand at Lord’s – particularly those involving Ben Stokes. This rip-roaring Test was set to become the latest instalment as England, inspired by Stokes and his predecessor as captain, Joe Root, did the bulk of the legwork in their fourth-innings chase of 277.New Zealand were not out of it come the close, needing five more wickets and with a lengthy tail to come. Kyle Jamieson blasted out four of England’s top six, including taking the wicket of Stokes just as he seemed to have located his momentum-stealing mojo – but they were also left to wonder at what might have been, had Colin de Grandhomme not overstepped at a crucial juncture in the day.Stokes, on 1 at the time, dragged de Grandhomme’s delivery into his stumps but was cheered back to the middle as the no-ball was signalled. To add to New Zealand’s problems, de Grandhomme, the fourth seamer, was forced off mid-over shortly after by a heel strain and did not return.It was the birthday present England’s new Test leader needed, and Stokes set about stamping his mark on the contest during a 90-run partnership with Root that resurrected the team’s chances after Jamieson had helped reduce them to 69 for 4. New Zealand have been here before: in 2015, when Stokes scored the fastest Test hundred at Lord’s to set up victory over a side captained by Brendon McCullum, now in charge of England’s Test fortunes; in 2019, when, well, we probably don’t need to remind you.There was even an echo of the World Cup final in one of the lighter moments of a tense tussle, as a shy at the stumps with Stokes scrambling for his ground ended up deflecting off the back of his bat. This time, overthrows were not an issue.

Left-arm spinner embraces pressure as he prepares for the “ultimate test”

George Dobell01-Feb-2021Jack Leach is promising to “cherish” every moment of the Test series in India despite knowing it represents the “ultimate” challenge.Leach returned to England’s Test team in Sri Lanka after an absence of 14-months during which he has admitted he both feared for his life and his career. As a result, he has a clear sense of perspective about the task in front of him and is determined to “enjoy” every moment.”Having missed so much cricket you have to remember to cherish and enjoy these moments,” Leach said. “It’s my first time in India and to come here and bowl spin is the dream I had. So I just see it as a fantastic opportunity and one I want to enjoy.”It feels really good to be back playing cricket. That is what I get paid to do, so to be playing again is a really nice feeling.”There is pressure all the time when you play for England. In India, there is maybe a bit more pressure with what wickets could be like. India are obviously a great side and they’ve got all bases covered so I wouldn’t want to make too many assumptions. I just know if I can get myself in the right headspace and bowling how I know I can, then I can be effective.”Is it the ultimate test? Yes, I think so. It doesn’t get much more exciting. I think they’re a quality side coming off the back of a great win in Australia. But I feel like it’s a great opportunity to test ourselves against probably the best side in the world. It’s just a great opportunity, isn’t it?Related

• England's 2-0 victory over SL is a terrific achievement

• The series will come down to a battle of the top orders

• Phlegmatic Ben Foakes prepared for Test recall

• Bess, Leach have their work cut out for them in India

Leach admitted he was – understandably – a little “rusty” at times in the Sri Lanka series. But while there were moments his control was not, perhaps, all he would have wanted it to be, he did still end the series with 10 wickets from the two Tests and felt he would be better for the overs he had delivered.”It’s fair to say at times I did feel a little bit rusty,” Leach said. “You can do all you want in the nets but to get back out and play those games has been useful.”I feel like the way the ball came out wasn’t exactly how I would like it. But I have to accept I haven’t had much cricket in recent times and taking wickets in the second innings is always a confidence boost.”I feel good for the cricket and the overs but feel I have more to offer. I am probably someone who is never happy in a way and there is more improvement from me to come. Sri Lanka was a good start and I feel like I am going in the right direction.”Jack Leach made an impact in Sri Lanka’s second innings in Galle•Sri Lanka Cricket

Given that time out of the game, Leach and co. could have done without another six days in quarantine. But he accepted it is the same for both sides and has no complaints.”It is not the ideal prep,” he said, “but it has been the same for India. I have done some reflecting and bowled a few in the mirror. But I’m eager to get back out there tomorrow and get some base training in before the first Test.”The England squad will train together for the first time on this leg of the tour on Tuesday. It is the first of just three training days they have before the start of the first Test on Friday.Part of Leach’s time in quarantine has been spent watching videos of England’s spinners on previous tours. In particular, he has revisited the 2012 series which saw Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann bowl England to a memorable victory. While he cautions against comparisons with Panesar – who bowled a fair bit quicker – he hopes his own left-arm spin can “make an impact.””They are two bowlers I love to watch,” he said. “I watch a lot of spin videos and try to take things for everyone I watch.”Monty bowled an amazing pace. On a spinning wicket, that can be very tricky. I am probably not going to be bowling at the same speeds but it is more about how the ball gets there in terms of trajectory. There have been some very successful bowlers who don’t bowl as fast as Monty.”For me, it is knowing what my optimum pace is and going up and down a little from there. But trying to get as much energy on the ball and deceive them that way. Everyone has an optimum pace and I think it’s important to try and stick to that as much as possible.”I definitely think I can make an impact in the series. I think they’ve got a lot of right-handers so I see that as a good thing for me. I feel I can make a good impression and do good things to that Indian line-up.”

WPCA argues that CSA has “no right or entitlement to exercise step-in rights over a self-standing voluntary association”

Firdose Moonda12-Oct-2019The Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) has launched an urgent application against Cricket South Africa (CSA) which seeks to overturn CSA’s decision of taking the body under administration. Last month, CSA used its “step-in” rights as the governing body of cricket in South Africa to suspend the WPCA board, citing administrative and financial concerns which even led to doubts over whether the New Year’s Test could take place at Newlands next year, but the WPCA is challenging this decision.The WPCA is arguing that CSA has “no right or entitlement to exercise step-in rights over a self-standing voluntary association.” They also claim CSA did not give the WPCA a hearing before making their decision to suspend the board, that the decision was based on incorrect information and that CSA has not complied with its own memorandum of incorporation. In other words, WPCA is seeking to have its board reinstated and for CSA’s administrator – former WPCA CEO Andre Odendaal – to be stood down.WPCA’s action comes little more than a week after it was established that they will retain hosting rights for the New Year’s Test and the ongoing construction project at the ground, for which CSA provided a R81 million (US$5.3 million) loan, would not get in the way of the fixture. While CSA was understood to be concerned with how that money has been managed, WPCA insist that they have complied with all requirements and are fighting for their independence.A source close to WPCA told ESPNcricinfo that they do not believe the court action will have any impact on the New Year’s Test. Further, despite taking CSA to court, WPCA “remains committed to pursuing a mediation process,” should one become available. The application is expected to be heard in the Johannesburg High Court in the next few days.This is not the only legal action CSA is facing at the moment. They have also been taken to court by the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) over the decision to restructure the domestic system. The matter is ongoing.

The victory put Worcestershire within sight of the quarter-finals but dented Derbyshire’s hopes of progressing

ECB Reporters Network09-Aug-2018
ScorecardWorcestershire Rapids regained top spot in the Vitality Blast North Group as they overcame Derbyshire Falcons by 16 runs in a low-scoring and tense affair at New Road.Joe Clarke’s superb 76 held the Rapids innings together with fellow opener Wayne Parnell the only other player into double figures in a total of 137 for 8.But the home bowlers held their nerve to seal the victory that enabled the Rapids to leapfrog over Durham Jets into pole position as the Falcons closed on 121 for 7.It was their fourth successive win either side of a wash-out and put them on the brink of a quarter-final spot. But defeat was a big blow to the Falcons hopes of reaching the last eight.The Rapids opted to bat first and their innings was dominated by Clarke. The Derbyshire attack produced a disciplined performance with Hardus Viljoen, Wahab Riaz and Ravi Rampaul all impressing.Clarke immediately looked in good nick, turning Wayne Madsen off his legs and through mid-wicket for boundaries in the opening over.Parnell, who was promoted in the absence of Moeen Ali on England duty, was caught by keeper Gary Wilson off a skier from the bowling of Rampaul.Callum Ferguson, who this week committed to becoming Worcestershire’s main overseas player in 2019, made only 9 before he was trapped lbw by Viljoen. The next ball accounted for Brett D’Oliveira who played Viljoen to mid-on and was run out by Madsen’s direct hit at the non-striker’s end.Clarke completed his second half-century of the Blast campaign from 36 deliveries with a flick off his legs for four off Lockie Ferguson. The England Lions player survived a difficult chance when on 67 against Wahab with Viljoen failing to cling onto the low chance at long off.Ben Cox pulled Wahab straight to midwicket and Ross Whiteley attempted to flick Rampaul over backward point and hit the ball straight to Viljoen.Clarke’s knock ended when he played a ramp shot against Viljoen and Ferguson held onto the chance running back to third man.The wickets continued to tumble with Ed Barnard bowled by Viljoen’s next delivery and Daryl Mitchell yorked by Wahab.The Rapids needed to make early inroads – and on loan Nottinghamshire paceman Luke Wood trapped Ben Slater lbw in the first over. It set the tone for the remainder of the Powerplay.Wahab drilled Parnell to D’Oliveira at mid-off and then Barnard broke through in successive overs. Calum MacLeod was stumped and Madsen cut straight to George Rhodes at point with the total 28 for 4 in the seventh over.The Falcons needed to rebuild and Billy Godleman and Wilson responded in positive fashion during a partnership of 53 in eight overs. Godleman batted sensibly in making a run-a-ball 38 but then holed out to Barnard at deep midwicket to give Wood his second wicket.Pat Brown then returned to the attack to bowl Wilson for 35. He claimed his 22nd victim of the season in the final over by dismissing Matt Critchley and set a new county record for a campaign, overhauling the 21 by Saeed Ajmal in 2015.

It’s a clash between a side fighting demons from within against one that’s under pressure to live up to their pre-tournament favourites tag

the Preview by Shashank Kishore14-Jul-2017The last day of the league phase will determine the fourth semi-finalist of the tournament, with Australia, England and South Africa already through. Much of the focus will be in Derby, with a knockout between India and New Zealand. It’s a clash between a side fighting demons from within against one that is under pressure to live up to their pre-tournament billing of favourites.

What’s at stake in the other Saturday fixtures

• South Africa v Australia (Taunton): South Africa have nine points, and Australia ten. A win for either side could push them to the top of the table (depending on England’s result). The top-ranked team will play the fourth qualifier in the semi-final.

• England v West Indies (Bristol): A chance for England to finish at the top – they are already leading the table on account of a superior run rate over Australia. West Indies will look for their third win.

• Pakistan v Sri Lanka (Leicester): A race to avoid the wooden spoon. Both teams are yet to win a match in this edition.

India’s ride has been like that of an airplane that has shuddered at the first sign of turbulence. After four wins in four, a semi-final spot seemed a mere formality. But a spectacular batting collapse against fiery South Africa brought them crashing down. Australia ground them further by turning a potentially tricky chase into a canter on a turner after their bowlers managed to keep Mithali Raj, the highest run-getter in women’s ODIs, quiet.India’s problem has stemmed from the lack of more robust batting approach. Walking the thin line between being conventional and over-cautious has put immense pressure on a young line-up.Smriti Mandhana’s scores – 90 and 106 not out – in the first two games seemed to suggest a changing trend, but her failures in the remaining four matches left the other batsmen without a base to work from – a weakness Australia and South Africa ruthlessly exposed. Harmanpreet Kaur, who has had a quiet tournament, will be eager to make a mark when it matters. She’s carrying a bruised right shoulder, but there’s no imminent threat of her missing out.India’s spin attack has been their nerve-center, often holding up the bowling even in slightly unsuitable conditions. When it has paid off, like it did in their defence of 281 against England in the tournament opener or the defence of 169 against Pakistan, it has looked spectacular. But, more often than not, the pressure to make up for lack of penetration from the pacers has pushed the spinners to try too many things, giving an opposition like Australia an opening.If there’s one team that knows all too well the feeling of not living up to expectations, it’s New Zealand, and their performance in key matches at world events is something India would do well to take note of. At every ICC event since 2012, they’ve gone in as one of the favourites, but have somehow found ways to capitulate. At the 2013 World Cup, the captain, Suzie Bates, destroyed bowling attacks to finish with the Golden Bat, but was left inconsolable after a loss to West Indies upset their hopes of reaching the final. At the 2014 World T20, they were cruising after wins in their first three games but were edged out of the semi-final race after a loss in their final league match. At the 2016 World T20 too, they were firmly in command in the semi-final but faltered under pressure.New Zealand are also grappling with fitness concerns around Sophie Devine, who can muscle the ball a long way and help the side break the run-rate muddle, like she did in the 41-ball 93 against Pakistan. Her ability to replicate that quality consistently has added an aura around the New Zealand batting that also boasts of some equally fearsome batsmen in Bates, Rachel Priest and Amy Satterthwaite. Against England, Devine was visibly hampered with a side strain and it remains to be seen if New Zealand would risk playing her even if she isn’t fully fit.Like India, New Zealand’s spinners have enjoyed bowling in the tournament. Amelia Kerr, the 16-year old legspinner, and Leigh Kasperek, the offspinner, are two trump cards Bates has often turned to for wickets. For all the batting might of both sides, it could turn out to be a contest of which side’s spinners rise to the occasion.Intermittent showers are predicted in Derby on Saturday. New Zealand would want none of it for a washout would mean an early exit. India, on the other hand, will look for their fourth consecutive win at the ground in this competition, having previously beaten England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

A brutal half-century from opener Richard Levi, made off just 20 balls, helped last year’s beaten finalists Northants Steelbacks make a winning start to their 2016 T20 Blast campaign against local rivals Leicestershire Foxes

ECB Reporters Network20-May-2016
ScorecardRichard Levi was at his muscular best in Northamptonshire’s chase•Getty Images

A brutal half-century from opener Richard Levi, made off just 20 balls, helped last year’s beaten finalists Northants Steelbacks make a winning start to their 2016 T20 Blast campaign against local rivals Leicestershire Foxes.Even then, Leicestershire took the game to the final over, before Steelbacks’ overseas player Seekkuge Prasanna lifted the first ball he faced high over backward square for six to complete victory.Playing for the first time under the new permanent lights now installed at Grace Road, Leicestershire were put in by the visitors, and their innings began in some style, openers Mark Cosgrove and Mark Pettini taking 62 from the six-over Powerplay.Cosgrove’s dismissal for 27, lbw to Azharullah, resulted in a marked loss of momentum, exacerbated by the introduction of Prasanna. Although there was no real turn for the legspinner, the Leicestershire batsmen found him hard to get away, and Prasanna also picked up a wicket, Kevin O’Brien trying to hit him over long-off and giving Josh Cobb a comfortable catch.With Prasanna conceding only seven runs from his first two overs, Pettini tried to force the pace at the other end, and was given leg before after missing an attempted slog-sweep at the left-arm spin of Graeme White.Niall O’Brien chopped a Rory Kleinveldt slower ball onto his middle stump, and had Richard Levi not dropped an Umar Akmal skier off the bowling of Azharullah, Leicestershire’s innings might have petered out.As it was, however, Akmal, a surprise omission from his country’s training camp in preparation for their forthcoming tour of England, began to connect cleanly. Together with Tom Wells, he picked up 23 runs from the final over, going to his 50 off the last ball, to ensure the Foxes set a reasonably challenging total.It looked considerably less challenging after Levi’s fine innings, and the opener received effective support from fellow opener Adam Rossington as Northants raced to 87 for 1 from just seven overs. Although Levi then steered a ben Raine full toss straight to extra cover, Ben Duckett batted sensibly, hitting 37 not out on either side of a rain delay that reduced the visitors’ target to 164 from 18 overs.”We weren’t at our sharpest, but their start set up the game for them and Levi played sensationally,” said Leicestershire’s director of elite performance Andrew McDonald.