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Australia Under-19s’ new-ball pair of Jhye Richardson and Henry Thornton shared three wickets apiece to set up a crushing win against England Under-19s in the second ODI – the 1000th Youth ODI – in Bunbury

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Apr-2015Scorecard Australia Under-19s’ new-ball pair of Jhye Richardson and Henry Thornton shared three wickets apiece to set up a crushing win against England Under-19s in the second ODI – the 1000th Youth ODI – in Bunbury. The win helped Australia level the five-match series 1-1.Opting to bat, England collapsed to 109 in 45.2 overs, with only three players managing double-digit scores. The slide started in the first over when Richardson removed opener Joe Weatherley for 4 and followed it up with two more wickets by his fifth over. England were 29 for 4 at that stage, having lost a wicket to Thornton as well.While Richardson and Thornton had been incisive at the start, Guy Walker and Riley Ayre ensured there was no release. The two bowlers picked up a couple of wickets each, Ayre finishing his spell with miserly figures of 10-4-10-2.For England, Callum Taylor resisted from one end, scoring a patient 50 off 111 balls, but he did not find any support from the other end. But for his two stands of 20 and 26 with Ryan Davies and Jared Warner respectively, England would have struggled to reach 100.Australia had no such hiccups as a 66-run opening stand between Jaron Morgan and Sam Heazlett, in 11.5 overs, set them on the quick road to victory, with Sam Harper and Jake Doran seeing them through in the 26th over.

A round-up of the Regional 4-day Tournament matches that finished on February 16, 2015

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Feb-2015A century from Andre Fletcher and five-wicket hauls by Shane Shillingford and Alston Bobb set up Windward Islands’ crushing win over Jamaica at Arnos Vale. Jamaica chose to bat, but came undone against the left-arm spin of Bobb to be bowled out for 204. Apart from Jermaine Blackwood, who missed a century by four runs, no one made a substantial contribution.Windwards responded strongly with an opening partnership of 75, then faltered briefly as David Bernard ran through the middle order, but then recovered through Fletcher, who registered his fifth first-class century, and was only dismissed after the lead was 120. The innings close four runs later, but that lead proved to be too much for Jamaica as only three of their batsmen were able to get into double-digit scores. Shillingford picked up 6 for 31, his 28th five-wicket haul.Ronsford Beaton and Devendra Bishoo played leading roles as Guyana edged aside bottom-placed Leeward Islands within three days in North South, Antigua. While Beaton’s 4 for 40 was instrumental in restricting Leewards to 139 on the first day, Bishoo’s 6 for 82 ensured the fourth-innings target was limited to 73, which Guyana achieved without much fuss.Leewards, winless in the competition, had a poor start to the match as they stumbled to 84 for 8 before the last two wickets pushed them past 100. As Guyana came out to bat, Rahkeem Cornwall snaffled seven wickets to register his best first-class figures, but before that, Opener Rajindra Chandrika’s 83 had pushed Guyana close to 200 for the loss of three wickets.The 128-run first-innings deficit proved to be difficult to clear as Leewards collapsed from 104 for 3 to 122 for 8, this time against Bishoo’s spin. A 65-run stand for the last wicket gave Leewards just enough time to pick up two wickets in the fourth innings, but couldn’t prevent their sixth loss in six matches.The Barbados bowlers dismissed Trinidad & Tobago cheaply in both innings to secure a 222-run victory at Kensington Oval.Barbados lost the toss and were 93 for 4 in the first innings before Roston Chase and Shane Dowrich made 85 and 92 to help them to 275 before they were dismissed early on the second day. They lost their last six wickets for 25 runs. Imran Khan took 4 for 65 for T&T, while Shannon Gabriel claimed 3 for 40.T&T were dismissed for 60 overs in response for 218. Carlos Brathwaite claimed 4 for 50, while Chase backed up his performance with the bat with 3 for 14. Evin Lewis top scored for T&T with 43.Having secured a lead of 57 in the first innings, Barbados rode on a hundred from Shai Hope to score 278 for 5 before declaring, setting T&T a target of 336. They were dismissed in 50.3 overs in the chase, falling for 113. Tino Best and Brathwaite claimed three wickets apiece to seal Barbados’ crushing win.

The Real Madrid and Juventus centre-backs head up the list of the best defensive players on the new iteration of the game

Getty Images10. Toby Alderweireld | CB | Tottenham | Belgium

Overall rating: 85

Defending: 88
Physical: 78

AdvertisementGetty Images9. Miranda | CB | Inter | Brazil

Overall rating: 85

Defending: 88
Physical: 76

Getty Images8. Thiago Silva | CB | PSG | Brazil

Overall rating: 88

Defending: 88
Physical: 79

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Getty7. Samuel Umtiti | CB | Barcelona | France

Overall rating: 87

Defending: 88
Physical: 82

Drama in the Netherlands saw the Dutch progress at the expense of Sarina Wiegman's side, despite a hammering of neighbours Scotland

There are unlikely heroes and then there is Damaris Egurrola. England spent most of their Tuesday evening thinking that they had done enough to make the UEFA Women's Nations League finals. The Lionesses had to better the Netherlands' win over Belgium by three goals in order to overturn their inferior goal difference and, until stoppage time in Tilburg, it seemed like mission accomplished. But then Egurrola, the Dutch holding midfielder who is hardly a renowned goal-scorer, netted twice at the absolute death against Belgium to render Lucy Bronze's seemingly decisive header irrelevant. England had beaten Scotland 6-0, but their Nations League and Olympic dreams were over.

For most of the evening, it wasn't actually that dramatic. Poor marking allowed Alex Greenwood to head home a corner on 13 minutes before three goals at the end of the half had Sarina Wiegman's side top of Group 1 at the break. Lauren James' first took a hefty deflection, her second was a stunner and then Beth Mead scored her first England goal in 15 months to make it four.

Fran Kirby made it 5-0 early in the second half after fantastic work from Georgia Stanway and then there was a nervous wait. As Scotland grew into the game and shored up, while being kept at bay brilliantly by Mary Earps at the other end, Belgium managed to keep the Netherlands' lead at just two, despite Dutch pressure. Any change in scoreline would've been seismic.

And then it all came at once. The Netherlands' third, to send them top, was bettered just seconds later by Bronze's header, to send England top, and then, as the Lionesses stood in a nervous huddle on the Hampden Park pitch, Egurrola's second in four minutes saved the Dutch in the most dramatic fashion. It will be they who join Spain, France and Germany in February's finals, while the reigning European champions are left to reflect on what is ultimately, despite the fine margins, a disappointment and a failure of a campaign.

GOAL rates England's players from Hampden Park…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Mary Earps (8/10):

Did brilliantly to thwart Hanson when she pounced on a mistake in the England defence in the second half, then made an outstanding stop in stoppage time.

Lucy Bronze (8/10):

Battled well, always looked to create when she got forward and scored a dramatic goal at the death.

Esme Morgan (6/10):

Good on the ball and swept up well at the back when needed. Nearly made a costly error in the second half but was bailed out by Earps.

Alex Greenwood (7/10):

Broke the deadlock with a precise header. Fantastic in possession and made a vital block to stop Scotland pulling one back.

Niamh Charles (6/10):

Got up the pitch well and created chances.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Keira Walsh (7/10):

Knocked the ball around well, often kickstarting attacks. Created a great chance for Mead with a stunning pass, too.

Georgia Stanway (7/10):

Pressed well. Fantastic assist for Kirby's goal.

Fran Kirby (7/10):

Wasn't always found when she picked up good positions but certainly was by Stanway for her goal, having drifted into the box brilliantly.

GettyAttack

Beth Mead (7/10):

Great corner delivery for the opener. Showed fantastic composure to net England's fourth.

Lauren Hemp (6/10):

Good movement leading the line. Missed a sitter at 1-0, though, and should've had another in the second half.

Lauren James (8/10):

Scored two goals in two minutes to give England real hope, with the second an absolute beauty.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Ella Toone (6/10):

Was quiet in her 25 minutes off the bench, but delivered a peach of a cross for Bronze's header.

Alessia Russo (5/10):

Came on at the same time as Toone but couldn't impact the game much.

Sarina Wiegman (7/10):

Made positive changes to the team at Wembley and put out an XI that attacked brilliantly, just falling short. There is a wider conversation about the failure of this Nations League campaign but, on the night, there wasn't much more she could do, bar more changes later on given talents like Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly were left unused.

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner admits there's "a lot" for new partial owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to do to turn the women's side into WSL contenders.

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Ratcliffe completes partial Man Utd takeoverUnited Women boss Skinner approves of moveAdmits there's 'a lot' to do at WSL outfitGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The INEOS billionaire completed a£1.25 billion partial takeover of the Red Devilsin December and that has reportedly led to an extra burst of 'energy' around the club. While Skinner, head coach of United Women, is excited by this move, he feels the Red Devils are a way off competing for the biggest trophies in the women's game.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MARC SKINNER SAID

The United boss said: "We [he and Ratcliffe] have not managed to meet yet, I know it’s on the horizon very soon. But we have our constant kind of feed through our bosses anyway in terms of kind of how we want to go forwards, what’s going to work and there’s a lot to do. I see it as a real positive move. I think if you know me as a character, my energy is full in, I’m all in so with my energy, coupled with the fantastic movement of the Ineos investment, I think it’s a real positive moment. We have to capitalise on that, we’re going to try to do that, we’re going to put all our behaviours in place for that. It’s hopefully a springboard for everybody to find the success that everybody wants for Man Utd.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ratcliffe has spoken about returning United's men's team to its former silverware-winning glory, and knocking rivals Manchester City and Liverpool off their perch in the process, but they are a long way off from achieving that goal. And the same could, arguably, be said for the women's side. While they finished second in the WSL last term, they are 10 points behind joint-leaders Chelsea and Man City in 2023/24. If anything, they may have gone backwards.

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WHAT NEXT?

Following the international break over the past fortnight, fourth-placed United return to WSL action on Sunday when they travel to lowly West Ham – looking to bounce back from their 3-1 loss to title-chasing Arsenal last time out.

Victoria strode back into contention against an injury-affected New South Wales on day two of the Sheffield Shield match at the MCG

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Mar-2013
ScorecardVictoria strode back into contention against an injury-affected New South Wales on day two of the Sheffield Shield match at the MCG.Entering the match on top of the table, the Bushrangers had been well behind after day one, but a rare spell of legspin by their captain Cameron White brought a swift end to the Blues’ innings before they had advanced to an unreachable advantage.NSW were immediately stricken at the start of the second innings when Doug Bollinger broke down with a hamstring strain in his second over, and after the first four wickets fell, White and David Hussey steadied the innings significantly with a dynamic stand.Hussey’s unbeaten 59 was his first Shield half-century of the season.

A PCB disciplinary committee has recommended the board lift the suspension on selector Mohammad Ilyas

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Jun-2011A PCB disciplinary committee has recommended the board lift the suspension on selector Mohammad Ilyas. Ilyas, a former Pakistan batsman, had earlier been suspended and served two showcause notices for his role in the dispute involving Shahid Afridi’s conditional retirement and appearing on a TV show with banned cricketer Salman Butt.Ilyas was asked to appear before a disciplinary committee and explain his appearance on a TV show – Butt was a panelist on it – in which he responded to criticism levelled at him by Afridi. He was found to have violated clauses 8 and 9 of his PCB contract. Under ICC rules, no board member is allowed to interact with a banned player, in this case Butt, who was punished by the ICC for his alleged role in the spot-fixing controversy.”Mr Ilyas was asked to explain the reasons for his recent conduct. He mentioned that he should have sought permission from PCB before appearing in a talk show,” a release issued by the PCB stated. “Mr Ilyas said that he felt he had to defend his honour after being subjected to accusations of a personal nature. The committee noted that Mr Ilyas had responded to personal comments made against him but had not criticised the PCB, its management, or its policies.”The committee issued a short order in which it recommended that PCB issue a warning to Mr Ilyas to exercise caution while dealing with the media in the Future. The committee also recommended that PCB lift Mr Ilyas’s suspension. A detailed order will be issued at a later date.”Afridi had specifically and personally criticised Ilyas after announcing his conditional retirement from the game as part of his blitz against the board. An incensed Ilyas felt compelled to respond with his own attacks against Afridi and was duly issued with a showcause notice, in which the board said he had violated the code of conduct applicable to officials.Afridi and Ilyas have a history: Ilyas has often opposed the selection of Afridi in the side but that opinion has ballooned in recent months. Afridi accused Ilyas of promoting his son-in-law Imran Farhat, while Ilyas responded by saying Afridi had pushed unfairly and persistently for Ahmed Shahzad, Fawad Alam and Shahzaib Hasan.

Kent are in a strong position in their County Championship match with Essex as they finished the second day with a lead of 192 runs and seven second-innings wickets intact

09-Apr-2011Stumps
Scorecard
Kent are in a strong position in their County Championship match with Essex as they finished the second day with a lead of 192 runs and seven second-innings wickets intact. The visitors gained a first-innings lead of 46 runs before adding a further 146 for the loss of three wickets by the close with Martin van Jaarsveld 43 not out.A fighting unbeaten 88 from Essex captain James Foster led a recovery for the home side from their perilous overnight position of 49 for 6 before they were eventually bowled out for 201. Foster played responsibly throughout yet was always quick to take advantage of some wayward bowling reaching his half-century from 84 deliveries.Timing the ball sweetly, he collected boundaries on both sides of the wicket, setting the tone by driving the first ball of the day to the ropes. Together with Matt Walker – who scored 22 – and then Tim Phillips, he provided the backbone that the innings lacked on the opening day.Former Kent batsman Walker joined his skipper in a seventh-wicket stand worth 42 runs that included an enforced changing of the ball that had caused the home side so many problems yesterday. Walker drove a delivery from Darren Stevens to the boundary and the ballcontinued over the terraces before finishing in the River Can.It was Simon Cook who brought Walker’s innings to an end when he turned the left-hander around and Stevens held the catch at third slip. Phillips played resolutely spending two hours at the crease whilst contributing 20 out of an eighth-wicket partnership of 80 with Foster before Stevens returned to the attack to end the resistance with a ball that swung across theleft-hander, who steered it into the gloves of Geraint Jones.The pace of Robbie Joseph accounted for David Masters, who drove into the handsof Van Jaarsveld at second slip. Joseph conceded a no-ball to give Essex a batting point, but then had Reece Topley caught at third slip when the batsman played back leaving Foster stranded after three-and-a-half hours at the crease and just 12 runs short of hiscentury.The visitors made a brisk start to their second innings, putting on 36 in nine overs before Topley prised out Joe Denly for the second time in the match when a full-length delivery rapped the batsman, who had scored 18, on the pads.First innings century-maker Sam Northeast had reached 18 when Ravi Bopara cut aball back to remove the batsman’s off stump but Key and Van Jaarsveld composed a69-run stand before Key fell in the penultimate over of the day. He had completed a 97-ball half-century that included six boundaries and had advanced onto 61 when he drove fast left-armer Topley to Billy Godleman at short midwicket giving the championship debutant bowler his fourth wicket of the match.

Somerset regained the leadership of Group C with a comfortable six-wicketvictory over the Unicorns in the Clydesdale Bank 40 match at Taunton

21-Aug-2011
ScorecardSomerset regained the leadership of Group C with a comfortable six-wicketvictory over the Unicorns in the Clydesdale Bank 40 match at Taunton.The visitors posted 208 for 5 after winning the toss, Michael Thornelybecoming the first Unicorns player to score a century in the competition thisseason. The opener was unbeaten on 105 at the end of the 40 overs, while captain KeithParsons contributed 38. George Dockrell was the pick of the Somerset bowlerswith one wicket for 24 runs from his eight overs.The total was never likely to test Somerset’s strong batting line-up. MarcusTrescothick (53) and Craig Kieswetter (45) put on 99 in 14 overs and after bothdeparted James Hildreth (50 not out) ensured victory with more than five oversto spare.Spinners Bradley Wadlan (two for 39) and Luke Beaven, who conceded only 34 fromhis eight overs, did their best to tie the home side down, but the Unicorns were50 runs short of a competitive total. That was despite a tremendous effort from Thornely, who hit 11 fours in facing 115 balls. He gave one chance in the final over when he was dropped by JosButtler at deep midwicket off Alfonso Thomas.By then Thornely was on 104, having paced his innings well. Former Somersetfavourite Parsons leant good support in a fourth wicket stand of 53 and willhave been disappointed to sky a catch to deep midwicket with his team 115 forthree in the 26th over. Dockrell, who opened the bowling with his left arm spin, showed excellentcontrol and variation to go for just three an over.Trescothick and Kieswetter looked set to make light work of their target. But,on 45, Kieswetter drove a catch to cover off Luis Reece and it sparked a blip inthe Somerset innings.Trescothick soon followed, having hit seven fours in his 42-ball innings,bowled trying to reverse sweep Wadlan. And when Peter Trego was caught at coverto give Wadlan another wicket it was 116 for three. Nick Compton celebrated the award of his county cap at the interval with a steadying 25 off 43 balls, allowing Hildreth to go for his shots as he moved to a half-century off 50 deliveries.When Compton was bowled by Andy McGarry with 27 runs still needed, Jos Buttlermarched out to hit 23 of them off just eight balls, ending the game with a bigsix over midwicket off Glen Querl. A victory in one of their two remaining games should now be enough to put Somerset in the semi-finals.

Jesse Ryder, who strained his calf during New Zealand’s recently-concluded tour of Zimbabwe, has said his leg is on the mend and he hopes to be fully fit in time for the Australia tour in December

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Nov-2011Jesse Ryder, who strained his calf during New Zealand’s recently-concluded tour of Zimbabwe, has said his leg is on the mend and he hopes to be fully fit in time for the tour of Australia in December. He is not keen on giving up his part-time bowling duties to prolong his career, as was suggested by his captain Ross Taylor.”The calf is good,” Ryder said at a New Zealand Cricket event in Auckland. “I have just spent two-and-a-half days up in Napier, with the Firebirds [Wellington’s first-class team] physio, trying to get it right. At the moment I’m pretty happy with where it is at, and hopefully I get to play next week in the Plunket Shield.”It will be good to have a bat. I’m definitely keen to get a hit out there before hopefully getting selected for the Aussie tour.” New Zealand are scheduled to play two Tests in Australia in the first half of December.”I’m definitely keen to bowl,” Ryder, who bowls medium pace, said. “It’s just that, through a few injuries, I haven’t really had the strength to bowl.”He had picked up the calf injury while bowling during New Zealand’s practice game ahead of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe. “I hadn’t bowled for five months so it probably wasn’t my best idea to take the ball, I shouldn’t have been bowling in the first place. So I won’t be bowling [again] till I’m fully fit and strong.”Ryder has been prone to injury. He had missed the ODI leg of the India tour in November 2010 as well after straining his calf muscle. Before that, he had picked up injuries to his elbow, groin and abductor muscle. During the latest injury break, he worked on his overall fitness too, at Billy Graham’s boxing academy gym in Naenae.”I went down there most of the winter and learnt a few boxing skills,” Ryder said. “I’m feeling pretty good at the moment. It was something I wanted to do myself.”I’m always going to be looked at as being overweight. Fair enough, that’s just people’s opinions. But I know I’m fit enough to play cricket, spend a day in the field, bat for a day … It’s the bowling that has got me in trouble a bit, just with my [lack of the required] strength.”