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Acting captain Alfonso Thomas claimed two wickets in the final over as Somerset beat Gloucestershire by seven runs in a NatWest T20 Blast thriller at Taunton.

Press Association11-Jul-2014
ScorecardNick Compton top-scored for Somerset•Getty ImagesActing captain Alfonso Thomas claimed two wickets in the final over as Somerset beat Gloucestershire by seven runs in a NatWest T20 Blast thriller at Taunton.The home side, who left out skipper Marcus Trescothick following a poor run of T20 form, posted 175 for eight after losing the toss, Nick Compton top-scoring with 46 and opening partner Craig Kieswetter contributing 39.Benny Howell was the pick of the Gloucestershire bowlers with two wickets for 23 runs from his four overs, while left-arm spinner Tom Smith picked up 2 for 24 from three overs.In reply, Gloucestershire looked to be cruising on 115 for 1 in the 13th over, but Somerset’s bowlers stuck to their task, with Dirk Nannes showing all his experience at the death before Thomas dismissed Howell and Adam Rouse to wrap up victory.The result keeps Somerset in the hunt for a quarter-final place, while leaving their neighbours with a huge task to qualify.When Compton failed to score off the first three balls of the game, bowled by David Payne, it seemed Somerset would rue the decision to leave out Trescothick.But the next delivery disappeared over long-off for six and Compton went on to belie his reputation as a mere accumulator of runs with another maximum and four fours in his 31-ball innings.Kieswetter was prepared to play a supporting role as the pair put on 69 in 8.1 overs before Howell applied the brakes, having Compton caught at long-on.Jack Taylor helped Howell reduce the scoring rate and from 90 for 1, Somerset slipped to 141 for 7, despite an entertaining cameo of 24 off 15 balls from South African debutant Colin Ingram. Kieswetter maintained his amazing record of only one score below 37 in his last 17 domestic T20 innings, stretching back to last season.But it took some last-ditch hitting from Tim Groenewald and Thomas to lift the total beyond 170 and it looked no more than a par score in superb batting conditions.So it seemed when skipper Michael Klinger, back after a broken toe, and Alex Gidman gave Gloucestershire a flying start, taking the total to 64 by the end of the six overs of Powerplay.Their stand had reached 89 when Klinger was well caught by Compton, diving forward at deep midwicket off Craig Meschede, having faced 26 balls and hit three fours and a six. Gidman went on to a 37-ball half-century before being pinned lbw by a full ball from Nannes in the 13th over to make it 115 for 2.Legspinner Max Waller produced a tidy spell of four overs for 27 runs, but there was little support from the seamers as Ian Cockbain and Hamish Marshall took the score to 142 before Marshall holed out to deep square off Thomas for 13.Cockbain made a bright 29 before spooning a catch to backward point off Groenewald and 28 were needed off the last three overs.Nannes bowled the penultimate over for only five runs and when Thomas yorked Howell with the fourth ball of the final over eight were still needed. Rouse lofted a catch off the last ball and Somerset celebrated.”The players are entertainers and it was another game that got my heart ticking at quite a rate,” Somerset director of cricket Dave Nosworthy said. “But when you are in a tight situation it’s good to be able to toss the ball to Dirk or Alfonso because of their vast experience.”Marcus’s poor T20 form was the reason he was left out. It says a lot about him that he agreed with the decision.”Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: “We lost because of two sloppy overs at the end of Somerset’s innings and because we were not good enough at the death. Somerset gave us a lesson in how to bowl the last couple of overs. But again we were very competitive and our T20 cricket has improved a lot this season.”

Reigning champions Warwickshire enjoyed their best day of the Championship season to date at Uxbridge thanks to Varun Chopra’s ton

08-Jul-2013
ScorecardVarun Chopra piled on the runs at Uxbridge•PA PhotosReigning champions Warwickshire enjoyed their best day of the Championship season to date at Uxbridge, where opener Varun Chopra put Middlesex to the sword by hitting an unbeaten 141. The former Essex batsman was twice dropped before getting off the mark and made Middlesex pay by hitting 17 fours and featuring in two century stands as Warwickshire posted a first day total of 269 for 2.Batting first after winning the toss on the hottest day of the season so far, Warwickshire made the most of a sublime pitch at the Park Road ground and wasteful Middlesex fielders who downed three catches in the opening session.Chopra, Warwickshire’s acting captain in the long-term absence of Jim Troughton who has disc problems in his lower back, was the luckiest recipient after twice being dropped on 0. In the third over of the day from Toby Roland-Jones, Chopra fenced a regulation chance to first slip that Dawid Malan failed to hold. Then, in his next over, Roland-Jones suffered again when Adam Voges failed to hang on to a tougher, throat-high opportunity at third slip.The poor start by Middlesex probably came as no surprise to their supporters who have yet to see their side win at this venue since making a first-class return here in 2008. In their 10 first-class matches here since, Middlesex have lost three and drawn seven and, on their opening day’s form against Warwickshire, appear unlikely to break their Uxbridge duck.Realising this was his lucky day, Chopra overcame a sticky start to unfurl some attractive straight drives and reach a 138-ball half-century with eight fours. At the other end, his pugnacious opening partner, left-handed Ian Westwood, played the more dominant innings by hitting 10 fours in his 65-ball 50.He too was dropped when, on 53, he ducked into a bouncer and gloved the ball leg side only to see keeper John Simpson down a tough chance diving away to his right. Once more, Roland-Jones was the unfortunate bowler as Warwickshire went in at lunch on 103 without loss.Westwood added only five to his lunchtime score of 60 when Roland-Jones finally got his man to make it 113 for 1. Top edging an attempted hook, Westwood skied a comfortable catch to long leg where Malan this time held on – much to the delight of Roland-Jones.In soaring temperatures, Middlesex reduced the flow of boundaries in the mid-session but Warwickshire remained on top to go in at tea on 171 for 1. After the break, Chopra clipped off his legs against left-arm spinner Ravi Patel for the 12th boundary of his innings to post a 235-ball hundred and raise Warwickshire’s 200. It was his third ton of the season.Without England stars Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell, both on Ashes duty, Warwickshire also gave a rare opportunity to former Surrey right-hander Laurie Evans, who looked a worthy stand-in when scoring an eye-catching 37 for his part in the second 113-run stand of the day. His enjoyment was ended abruptly in the 81st over when Neil Dexter, still bowling with the old ball, sent down a looping bouncer that drew Evans into a hook shot that he edged through to the keeper.It made matters worse for Middlesex that seam bowler Corey Collymore turned his right ankle making a stop in the field at long leg. Then, having just taken the second new ball, Roland-Jones’s luckless day continued as he started to hobble on a sore left ankle.

Peter Siddle is taking on the mantle of leadership and example among Australia’s bowlers that – until recently – Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey held for the batsmen

Daniel Brettig21-Dec-2012Peter Siddle is taking on the mantle of leadership and example among Australia’s bowlers that – until recently – Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey held for the batsmen.Mitchell Starc attributed his much improved display on the final day of the Hobart Test against Sri Lanka to being lifted by Siddle’s efforts, which matched his Herculean display against South Africa in Adelaide.A prodigious talent, Starc is pleasing Australia’s selectors, coaches and the captain Michael Clarke by gathering in consistency and nous each time he bowls in a Test, and also by staying fit when so many around him are falling prey to injury.His fiendish burst of reverse swing on an uneven final day surface at Bellerive Oval was arguably Starc’s best display to for his country to date, and he put much of it down to watching Siddle give his all in the spell that preceded it.”Sidds was outstanding again in Hobart and was pretty much the heart and soul of the attack,” Starc said. “For me just to follow on from him, I played pretty much a supporting role with Sidds there probably deserving 10 wickets. Not just the bowlers [are lifted by Siddle], the whole team is.”Having him around the squad he’s full of energy and he’s always giving 100% whether it be in the nets or in the field and that drags the whole squad along. As he’s shown in Adelaide, though unfortunately not getting over the line there, but again in Hobart pretty similar performances where he’s given absolutely everything he’s had. He’s sat down and had nothing left after the game. It was great for him we got that result after what happened in Adelaide.”When you have guys like Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey in the squad they bring so much energy and a different feel to the group. I think Sidds is well on the way to being someone like that, who just lifts everyone up. When he’s on bowling you know something most likely is going to happen.”Starc’s progress has been helped greatly by his developing durability, which has allowed him to be fit for selection whenever Australia’s selectors have come calling over the past 12 months. By avoiding the treatment table, Starc is gathering in knowledge about his bowling, aided by advice from the likes of Wasim Akram, Jason Gillespie and the Australian bowling coaches past and present, Craig McDermott and Ali de Winter.”That consistency is coming. I’ve got to find that balance between being over aggressive and containing one end. That will come, I’m still learning, I’m only 22,” Starc said. “I’m taking it all in my stride and learning from each game. That’s something we did from the game in Perth – I went for a few runs there.”In Hobart we had 450 runs on the board so you can afford to be a bit aggressive there. As you saw I went for a couple of runs but we got the win in the end so we can take some confidence from that and being able to get that result even with a bowler down as well.”Injuries are unfortunate, they seem to go hand in hand with fast bowling. I’m looking after myself doing all I can to stay on the park and make sure I’m recovering well and playing well. You can’t worry too much about what the other guys are doing. Can’t worry too much about what the others are doing but we’re all preparing the way we can and stay on the park.”Despite his strong last-day form in Hobart, Starc may yet find himself carrying the drinks on Boxing Day in order to ensure he maintains his run of games without injury, the better to be fit for his home Test at the SCG from January 3. Mitchell Johnson and Jackson Bird are both a chance of being called into the Test side for the final match of 2012. However Starc is eager to bowl at the MCG, having also run the drinks in the corresponding match last year.”It’s always a big occasion the Boxing Day Test. If I get the nod to play for Australia again it’s going to be a nice one to run out in front of a big crowd,” Starc said. “Hopefully I can contribute again if I get the chance in Melbourne.”

A round-up of all the WICB regional 4 day tournament matches that ended on February 22, 2016

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Feb-2016
ScorecardJon-Russ Jaggesar ended with match figures of 11 for 111•WICB Media/LMA PhotographyOffspinner Jon-Russ Jaggesar’s 8 for 58 and Evin Lewis’ 104 in the second innings, shaped Trindad & Tobago’s eight-wicket win over Jamaica at Sabina Park.Jaggesar’s eight-for helped bowl Jamaica out for 155 in the second innings after his side had conceded a 19-run lead in the first innings. None of the Jamaica batsmen managed a score more than 30, Nikita Miller top scoring with 28.Lewis anchored T&T’s chase of 175 with his maiden first-class century. He shared a 102-run partnership with Kyle Hope before falling with T&T’s score on 168.In the first innings, Jamaica were guided to 225 by Shacaya Thomas’ 64 and Kirk Edwards’ 66. They shared a 100-run stand for the second wicket before Jaggesar and Imran Khan picked up six wickets between them to help ensure that no other batsman crossed the score of 40.In response, Nikita Miller rattled T&T by picking up 7 for 69, to help bowl them out for 206. Lewis’ 87 at the top of the order was the only score of note, with as many as six T&T batsmen falling for single-digit scores.
ScorecardFifties from Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Leon Johnson helped Guyana manage a draw against Barbados despite Roston Chase’s career-best match figures of 10 for 104.Chasing a target of 405, Chanderpaul made a patient 69 after which captain Johnson too resisted with a fifty. Chase kept Barbados’ hopes alive with by picking up wickets in clusters, but couldn’t manage to take his side to victory as Guyana ended at 252 for 7.Barbados were in a strong position after centuries from Shai Hope and Jonathan Carter helped them set Guyana a target of 405 in the final innings. While Hope’s ton was a more patient effort, Carter’s 100 came off 104 balls during which he hit eight fours and three sixes.Chase cut through Guyana in the first innings to help bowl them out for 190, and end with figures for 5 for 27. Barbados too had a top-order collapse in the first innings, as they were reduced to 154 for 6. Kevin Stoute then revived the innings with an unbeaten 56 at No. 8 that took them to 274 before being bowled out.With the draw, Guyana maintained their position at the top of the points table with 107 points, while Barbados follow at second position with 90 points.
ScorecardLeeward Islands’ fixture with Windward Islands winded down to a draw in St Thomas. Choosing to bat, Leewards posted 327 on the back of Rahkeem Cornwall’s 97 and handy forties by Orlando Peters, Nkrumah Bonner and Jahmar Hamilton. Cornwall’s 97 came off just 95 balls, during which he smashed ten fours and six sixes. Kyle Mayers was Windwards’ best bowler, picking up 5 for 83.Windwards responded strongly with Kavem Hodge scoring his maiden first-class century. He was assisted by Devon Smith (89), Sunil Ambris (56) and Kyel Mayers (58), helping Windwards post 389 on the final day.Leewards made 171 for 8 in the second innings, thanks to captain Bonner’s 46 and Hamilton’s 40, before the match ended in an inevitable draw. Liam Sebastien was the pick of Windwards’ bowlers, picking up 4 for 49.

There have been times over the past few years when Yorkshire must have been close to losing patience with Adil Rashid but five years after making his Championship debut, the extra responsibility he has accepted appears to have transformed his cricket.

Myles Hodgson at Edgbaston16-May-2013
ScorecardAdil Rashid has been a revelation this season•Getty ImagesThere have been times over the past few years when Yorkshire must have been close to losing patience with Adil Rashid and his failure to impose his talent consistently on first-class cricket. Five years after making his Championship debut, the extra responsibility he has accepted appears to have transformed his cricket.Dropped last summer after struggling with bat and ball and unsettled about his future with Yorkshire, Rashid has been a revelation so far this season after putting in extra training during the winter, which prompted a promotion to No. 6 in the order. He has responded by hitting a career-best 180 against Somerset last week and hit an unbeaten 68 here to help Yorkshire take control against Warwickshire.Having dismissed Warwickshire, the county champions, for 128 on the opening day, Rashid’s wristy strokeplay helped them establish a 190-run advantage by the close after he shared a 75-run seventh wicket stand with Tim Bresnan, who arrived at Edgbaston at lunch after being released from England duty at the opening Test at Lord’s.”The way he’s gone about his training since Christmas has been fantastic – he’s really knuckled down,” Andrew Gale, Yorkshire’s captain, enthused. “We’ve always known the talent he’s got. When you look at some of the shots he plays, he’s definitely one of the more talented batsmen in our team, but it’s about how many runs and wickets you get and we’re starting to reap the rewards of his training.”The added responsibility seems to have done wonders for him, batting number six. He’s got a lot more consistency in his life, in his training. It’s no surprise to us that he’s started the season the way he has.”Rashid’s confident display, which included eight fours, built on a solid batting performance throughout the day. Resuming on 11 without loss, they were aided by sunshine rather than the swing-friendly conditions that aided their attack on the opening day.Yorkshire’s progress was also boosted by three dropped catches, with Gale being dropped at point by Chris Woakes off Boyd Rankin, and then caught at long leg, only to carry the ball over the boundary before he could flick it back into play. Adam Lyth also benefitted from Warwickshire’s largesse when he was missed at backward point.None of the three misses were costly in terms of runs, but it helped Yorkshire build a momentum that Warwickshire found difficult to break despite a disciplined bowling display. Yorkshire’s day was given a flourish by Gary Ballance, watched by Ashley Giles, England’s one-day coach, hitting an eye-catching 52.Ballance became one of three victims for Jeetan Patel, who exploited turn from the City End that suggests Rashid’s leg-spin may also have a major impact on the future outcome of the game as Yorkshire attempt to build on their promising start to life in division one.

It was a shame that the only day of this encounter unblemished by rain merely saw the game home to a draw but Michael Carberry scored a fine, second hundred of the season, to steer his side to safety.

Vithushan Ehantharajah at New Road11-Jun-2014
ScorecardMichael Carberry, seen here for England, made his second century of the season•Getty ImagesIt was a shame that the only day of this encounter unblemished by rain merely saw the game home to a draw but for Michael Carberry there was much to fight for. On the eve of England’s first Test since the climax of an Ashes whitewash that he was part of, he scored a fine, second hundred of the season, to steer his side to safety.Those in the stands expecting a classic were disappointed – the result leaves both sides level on points at the top of the table, with Worcestershire in first position on head-to-head encounters – even if they were treated to a dogged performance from the visitors that earned the applause offered to Hampshire at stumps. For starters, there was no guarantee that Hampshire would accrue a lead, let alone as quickly as they did.Carberry’s first innings had ended after one ball when he cleanly found leg slip at the end of day two, smashing a water bottle onto the roof of a building next to the Hampshire end of the balcony. Yesterday evening – with two leg slips for company – he rushed a single of his second ball to get off a pair, before settling down and passing 11,000 career runs in first-class cricket before stumps. Today, he was a calming influence, displaying the sort of patience and sharp bat speed that has earned him many plaudits.He was candid at the close; focused very much on Hampshire to “keep doing what I’m doing”. His skipper Jimmy Adams was effusive in his praise of a special innings and scrappy performance today. “We haven’t had to deal with having our backs against the wall,” Adams said. “it’s a real test of character. Everyone who batted today really took that on. We’re delighted, in a weird way.”Worcestershire’s task was made a tad simpler before play when Danny Briggs, who was in as nightwatchman, returned home for the birth of his first child. But Carberry was smart against Saeed Ajmal, to ensure there was no repeat of his brilliance; eight wickets on day three but not a penny on day four, going for nearly four-an-over in 28 overs – even the greats have their off days.But Caberry deserves credit for sticking to a gameplan of playing everything from out in front of him, except the odd cut that he thumped behind point. He even began driving Ajmal, causing the offspinner to shy away from giving him anything too wide – it took him 19 overs on the final day before he beat Carberry’s outside edge.On 86 at the time, Carberry pushed back after the “Oooo” from the stands died down, before nodding down the wicket and setting up again. The next over, he charged Shaaiq Choudry and lofted him over his head for six to move into the nineties. Two overs later, he had his hundred, which he politely acknowledged, before getting back to work.At the other end, Glenn Maxwell had lightened Carberry’s load with some clean hits and just as many skews to the boundary. It was his first assault of Ajmal, in which Maxwell took 24 runs off the first 12 balls he faced off him, that ended Ajmal’s morning stint. The hundred partnership took just 22.1 overs and, as Maxwell brought out his reverse-sweeps to manoeuvre a tired field, slowly realising that a win was being taken away from them.That fourth wicket stand was eventually ended at 149, Charlie Morris picking up his third wicket of the day when Maxwell was trapped on the crease to a ball that he expected would bounce higher. By then, a lead of 54 had been established.Perhaps if Maxwell remained there could have been a frenetic late afternoon dash allowing Hampshire to set up an audacious chase. Adams couldn’t help but laugh at the idea, revealing that Sean Ervine, padded up, had to stop watching as Maxwell tested his nerve with contorted wrists in order to fashion boundaries when only stern-fisted jabs were needed. They hope he will be available for more Championship cricket. He certainly gave the game a welcome edge.

A maiden double-century by Ross Taylor ensured New Zealand cashed in on the platform laid by the top order to declare the innings on 609 for 9 soon after tea on the second day of the Dunedin Test

The Report by Devashish Fuloria03-Dec-2013
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details0:00

Taylor puts New Zealand in perfect position

A maiden double-century by Ross Taylor ensured New Zealand cashed in on the platform laid by the top order to declare the innings on 609 for 9 soon after tea on the second day of the Dunedin Test. Their seamers then consistently troubled the West Indies batsmen, snaffling out the openers cheaply, to leave the visitors with a tough task of saving the Test against a superior bowling attack.New Zealand’s position of ascendancy was, however, established by their batsmen, led by Taylor, after they were put in on a green pitch. All through his unbeaten 217, Taylor maintained a measured approach, keeping the lofted shots out while rotating the strike. After surviving a few nervous moments in the first session – he could have been run-out in the fifth over of the day, an edge fell short of second slip in the tenth over and a bat-pad chance flew past the short-leg fielder – he settled into his innings. Not many boundary opportunities were available with a deep point in place, so he was happy to turn the strike over in the company of BJ Watling, with whom he shared an 84-run stand.Taylor hit only five boundaries in the first three hours – one of them, a powerful pull off Tino Best that took him past 150 – after 13 boundaries on the first day, but caught up immediately after drinks with four boundaries an over. The first ball of Shannon Gabriel’s 28th over was pulled to the square leg boundary before three shots – one drive and two cuts – found the backward-point boundary, comfortably beating the fielder in every instance.Smart stats

Ross Taylor’s unbeaten 217 is his first double-century in Tests; his previous-highest had been 154 not out against England at Old Trafford in 2008.

This is the 17th double-century for New Zealand in Tests. Australia lead the way with 67, followed by England with 51.

Taylor averages 56.75 in home Tests; among New Zealand batsmen who’ve scored at least 1000 runs in home Tests, his average is the best. In away Tests, his average drops to 37.

The 195-run stand between Taylor and Brendon McCullum is the fifth-highest for the fourth wicket for New Zealand in Tests, and their fifth-highest for any wicket against West Indies.

This is only the fourth time New Zealand have scored more than 600 in a Test innings. The last time they achieved this was against India in Napier in 2009. The three previous Tests when they’ve scored 600-plus have all ended in draws.

New Zealand strode past 500 despite two quick wickets early in the second session. Watling scored a useful 41 off 84 deliveries before a rising delivery from Best caught the shoulder of the bat to fly into the hands of second slip and Tim Southee was dismissed in the next over, caught at first slip off a quicker delivery from Narsingh Deonarine.Ish Sodhi, however, ensured there was not going to be a quick end to the innings with a confident 35 that included an exquisite cover drive off Best and lofted shots off the spinners. He added 76 for the eighth wicket before getting a thick leading edge back to the bowler to give Deonarine his second wicket.West Indies showed some semblance of control bowling tighter lines on second day, despite a higher percentage of short balls. The few times they pushed the lengths up, they put doubts in the batsmen’s minds. However, with Darren Sammy not being able to bowl after he picked up a hamstring niggle early in the day and the spinners being ineffective, they appeared short on resources.Ross Taylor hardly played a shot in the air during his maiden double-century•AFPBest bowled aggressively as usual, but his preference for shorter length meant his only weapon to trouble the batsmen was his pace. He did hustle Brendon McCullum with a rising delivery on the body, which took the batsman by surprise, and resulted in a loose cut shot off the next delivery. But it was a fuller delivery in the next over by Sammy that marked the end of an aggressive innings from McCullum, who went forward to defend only to see the ball cut back through the gap between the pad and the bat to hit the off stump. McCullum had only added four to his overnight score and was out for 113.McCullum’s departure fired up West Indies and Best got an immediate reward by getting Corey Anderson caught down the leg side. In his next over, he let out a cry of disappointment as an edge off Taylor’s bat landed short of Sammy at second slip. The captain had to ask the bowler to calm down.But once the seamers tired out, the bowling attack was rendered ineffective and New Zealand picked up runs at ease, going past their previous best innings total of 543 against West Indies.The New Zealand bowlers then showed how damaging the new ball could be by getting it to dart around. Kirk Edwards poked at an angled Trent Boult delivery after a few came in and edged it to second slip, while Kieran Powell was set up in a similar manner by Tim Southee. Darren Bravo and Marlon Samuels played and missed a few, but managed to survive until the end of play with West Indies trailing by 542.

Jacques Kallis will be forced to make a firm decision on his ODI future when he meets with Russell Domingo “soon”

Firdose Moonda12-Aug-2013Jacques Kallis will be forced to make a firm decision on his ODI future when he meets with Russell Domingo “soon.” The national head coach wants South Africa’s veteran allrounder to commit to playing “some ODI cricket” before the 2015 World Cup if he still harbours hopes of competing in that tournament.Kallis has not played an ODI for South Africa in almost 18 months after Gary Kirsten deemed it “no longer necessary” for him to play in bilateral series because he was too important to South Africa’s Test ambitions. Kirsten left the door open for Kallis to make a return in major events but Domingo has indicated he will not follow suit.”If Jacques wants to play in the 2015 World Cup, he will have to play some ODI cricket for us along the way,” Domingo said. “It will not be fair on other players if it doesn’t happen that way.”Kirsten’s rationale was that Kallis’ 17-year international career had earned him the right to pick and choose when he wanted to play but it was an approach which backfired. Kallis was recalled to the Twenty20 squad for three matches against England and the World T20 last September on the back of his form for IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders and because of his desire to win an ICC trophy.He showed promise with an unbeaten 48 against England but he scored only 24 runs in the tournament itself. His contribution with the ball was more notable with a career-best 4 for 15 against Zimbabwe and a wicket in three of the four other matches South Africa played, although that did not change their fortunes. They crashed out after the Super Eights round.Kallis was also due to be part of the squad that played in June’s Champions Trophy but he pulled out at the last minute, throwing South Africa’s plans into disarray. Two days before the squad was announced, South Africa’s convenor of selectors Andrew Hudson confirmed Kallis was part of the plans. He was, at that stage, unaware of Kallis’s 11th hour withdrawal because of “personal reasons.” That decision was communicated only to Kirsten and not the selection panel, until much later, who then included David Miller instead.South Africa were also without Graeme Smith for the tournament, because of injury, and their lack of experience showed. They exited the competition at the semi-final stage after a batting collapse which left Kirsten so shell-shocked he said they “choked” even when it was clear they were simply outplayed. Domingo does not want to find himself in the same boat.Instead, he wants a certain group of “about 15 to 18 players” who he will work with ahead of the 2015 World Cup and said he has a “pretty good” idea of who those are. All indications are that the current squad will form the core of Domingo’s base. If Kallis wants to be part of that, he will have to begin playing regular one-day cricket soon. Domingo confirmed he has a timeframe in mind and he will let Kallis know when that is.It may not be as soon as the five-match ODI series against Pakistan in October and November, but it could well be in the home summer when South Africa will play limited-overs cricket against both India and Australia. South Africa are also scheduled to travel to Zimbabwe and Australia next year and host West Indies before the 2015 World Cup and it is likely Domingo would want Kallis to feature in majority of those matches if he hopes to play in the main event.Should Kallis not agree, Domingo does not seem too phased. “As a South African unit, we’ve got to be able to live without Jacques Kallis,” he said. “We’ve had him around for so long but we’ve got to realise there will be a day when he will no longer be around.”Already, Kallis has not been part of the limited-overs squads and even his participation in Tests has been hampered by fitness concerns. He did not play in South Africa’s last Test because of a calf injury and has suffered niggles in the last five Test series South Africa have played. His ailments have ranged from a stiff neck which kept him out of the Wellington Test in March 2012 to back spams which prevented him from bowling against England at Leeds and a hamstring problem which affected his batting and left him unable to bowl against Australia in Adelaide in November last year.He has been out of action since this year’s IPL and has had the better part of six months form his various concerns. Kallis is expected to be back for the two-Test series against Pakistan in the UAE in October.

Former USMNT star Taylor Twellman has told an “absurd” story about Lionel Messi and a barber shop visit that shows how “normal” the Argentine is.

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Argentine icon moved to America in 2023Has never been one to chase the limelightMade an impact on & off the field in USAGetty/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is one of the most recognisable people on the planet, with his level of celebrity transcending his chosen profession. He is considered to occupy a talent bracket alongside the likes of pop icon Taylor Swift when it comes to worldwide appeal and global marketing power.

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Messi is, however, a quiet character away from the field and is not one to chase the limelight. He proved as much shortly after linking up with MLS side Inter Miami and moving his family to America. The Messis have tried to blend in as much as possible after setting up camp in Fort Lauderdale.

GettyWHAT TWELLMAN SAID ABOUT MESSI

Ex-United States international Twellman has told the of experiencing how humble Messi is during his own visit to Florida: “I’m walking around town and I step into this barber’s shop. It’s kind of busy. I walk in and there is Messi stuff all over. Apparently, this is the shop where he first needed a hair cut. He walked in, with two of his boys, waited in line and was like ‘hey, I’d like to get cleaned up’. That’s how normal he is. It’s the most absurd thing. This is a global superstar. He’s on the same par as Taylor Swift. He’s walking into a barber’s shop, waiting and all the barbers are looking and going ‘who’s the 5’7 dude that just walked in looking like Messi and asking to get cleaned up?’”

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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Messi has made an immediate impact on and off the field in Miami, and there is no sign of interest in his exploits waning during 2024. He remains the biggest of draws in MLS and has his sights set on landing more major silverware for a franchise that is co-owned by another global icon – former Manchester United and England superstar, David Beckham.

Teenage wonderkid Endrick is showing Real Madrid that he packs a punch prior to completing a €60 million (£52m/$66m) transfer to Santiago Bernabeu.

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Teenager heading to Spain in 2024Continues to star in Brazil for nowHas become hottest of prospectsWHAT HAPPENED?

The highly-rated 17-year-old is heading to Spain, with a big-money move to La Liga giants Real set to be pushed through in July 2024 once he turns 18. For now, the precocious youngster continues to turn out in his native Brazil for Palmeiras.

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Endrick’s exploits in front of goal have allowed him to catch Real’s eye, with the forward racking up goals despite his tender years. He is, however, proving to his future employers that he boasts much more than creative ability and finishing skills.

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During a meeting with Fortaleza, with Palmerias trailing early in the second half to a goal from Thiago Galhardo, Endrick appeared to lash out at marker Titi. He was clearly not impressed with the attention being shown to him by the no-nonsense defender and looked to have delivered a punch into the midriff of his opponent.

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