Scotland have called up Chris Sole and Stuart Whittingham after the ICC responded to concerns about their future eligibility to play county cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Nov-2017

Scotland have called up Chris Sole and Stuart Whittingham for their Intercontinental Cup fixture against Ireland in Dubai this week, as well as two WCL Championship fixtures against Kenya in December.Both players had initially not been included after proposed changes to the ICC’s eligibility regulations led them to prioritise county careers – Whittingham is contracted to Sussex, while Sole, the son of former rugby union international David Sole, has played for Hampshire. The ICC has now agreed to put the new rules, which were revised in October, on hold after lobbying from Associate Members.At the time of the initial squad announcement, Scotland’s coach, Grant Bradburn, said: “Any distractions must not take our focus away from delivering on the field to levels like never before, which we are ready to do. Many of the players are feeling a range of emotions, which is understandable. However, times of adversity will often bring out the fighting character within. Our team will be united in wanting to use our challenging build up to create even greater resolve in playing outstanding cricket on the park in Dubai.”Sole, who has taken 13 wickets in eight ODIs, and Whittingham, who made his debut last month, will strengthen Scotland’s bowling stocks as they seek a place at next year’s qualifying tournament for the 2019 World Cup.Last week, Scotland beat Papua New Guinea 2-0 in their two-match ODI series – although neither game counted towards the WCL Championship. The top four teams will go to the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe and Scotland, in third, will seal their spot if they beat Kenya in either fixture in Dubai.

USMNT forward Brandon Vazquez is all set to quit MLS to join Liga MX giants CF Monterrey.

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• Vazquez set to quit MLS ahead of 2024 season
• Set to join Liga MX side CF Monterrey
• Mexican club to pay $8.5m transfer fee

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  FC Cincinnati are all set to sell their star player to Mexican club CF Monterrey for an $8.5m (£6.7m)transfer fee, according to . The report further states that Monterrey will pay $7.5m (£5.9m) up front while $1m (£789k) will be paid as add-ons.

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  Along with the Liga MX club, Championship side Middlesbrough have also submitted a bid to sign the USA international. Clubs like Brentford, Hoffenheim and Borussia Monchengladbach were also thought to be keen on bringing in Vazquez, although none of have submitted bids yet.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Orange and Blue, who won the 2023 Supporters' Shield, have already completed their first signing ahead of the new MLS season as they announced the arrival of former Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson on Wednesday.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FC CINCINNATI?

  The American side, who could not progress beyond the Conference Finals last season, will begin their journey in MLS 2024 on February 25 against Toronto FC.

Manchester United have reportedly identified a left-field option to help strengthen their centre-back ranks this summer, amid reports that Erik ten Hag is showing an interest in Everton youngster, Jarrad Branthwaite.

How much would Jarrad Branthwaite cost?

According to journalist Simon Jones – writing in his Transfer Confidential for the Daily Mail – the 21-year-old is a 'surprise name' that has been mentioned by those at Old Trafford, with the England youth international having 'impressed scouts' during his spell on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season.

That stint in the Netherlands saw the Carlisle native – who has two years left to run on his existing deal with the Toffees – link up with United legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy, albeit with the 6 foot 5 starlet having since made his return to Goodison Park.

Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…

If the Red Devils are to prise him from the Merseyside outfit then it has previously been suggested that a fee of around £20m could be required, albeit with alternative reports indicating that the one-time Blackburn Rovers loanee could fetch as little as £5m-£6m.

How good is Jarrad Branthwaite?

The Toffees sensation has clearly been on the radar of Ten Hag and co in recent times with reports last year indicating that the Premier League giants were targeting a move for the then-teenager, ahead of their first window with the Dutchman at the helm.

That interest is likely to have only been heightened by the towering rock's form while at PSV last season, with the Eredivisie clearly a league that Ten Hag continues to keep a close eye on, with the former Ajax boss having recruited the likes of Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia from his homeland during his United tenure to date.

The hope will be that Branthwaite can emerge as a dream heir to that man Martinez as a natural fit in a left-sided centre-back berth, with the Carabao Cup winners having been forced to deploy Luke Shaw in that role at times last season due to the lack of adequate cover.

While physically somewhat different to the 5 foot 9 Argentine, the Everton ace does appear to share the 25-year-old's quality on the ball, with former Carlisle boss Steven Pressley having previously stated:

"The truth is, I think he has got everything. He can pass the ball almost equally as good with both feet. He’s a terrific footballer."

Also dubbed "complete" by Van Nistelrooy, Branthwaite's ability to play out from the back is shown by the fact that he has averaged 3.61 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days, with that a similar record to what Martinez has achieved in that time (3.96 per 90).

That is significant as the latter man has been lauded for his ball-playing prowess during his time at the Theatre of Dreams, having been described as "so clean and composed" by ex-United man, Patrice Evra.

Defensively, Martinez has also been an "absolute monster" – according to teammate Luke Shaw – having averaged an impressive 3.2 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premier League in 2022/23, with young Branthwaite only just behind after averaging 2.3 in that regard in Holland.

With the World Cup winner having arguably been a "huge miss" after he was ruled out of the final stretch of the season through injury, as per Paul Scholes, it would make sense to bring in a suitable understudy, like Branthwaite, who can help to plug the gap, while also proving a dream successor in the long run at the heart of the defence.

The other important aspect to be decided in the final round is who finishes top of the championship and earns the 13th place in the new ODI league

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Oct-2017Netherlands and Papua New Guinea have secured their places in next year’s World Cup qualifiers following the latest round of World Cricket League matches.Hong Kong’s victory over Nepal followed by the washout in the second of the two matches in Hong Kong means Netherlands and PNG are guaranteed to finish in the top four.Two out of Hong Kong, Scotland and Kenya will join them in the WCQ event in Zimbabwe next March. The final round of matches, which take place on December 6 and 8, are: Kenya v Scotland, UAE v Nepal, Hong Kong v PNG and Netherlands v Namibia.The other important aspect to be decided in the final round is who finishes top of the championship and earns the 13th place in the new ODI league. Netherlands are currently top, two points clear of PNG.The side that does not earn a spot in the WCQ will join Nepal, Namibia and UAE in a six-team tournament that also includes Canada and Oman who have qualified from WCL Division 3.

Asad Shafiq’s fighting 112 was not enough as Sri Lanka picked up the last five wickets in the first 90 minutes of the final day

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando10-Oct-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details4:23

Arnold: Chandimal has taken captaincy challenge with both hands

Like waves breaking upon a cliff, Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept coming at Pakistan, until eventually, the hosts fractured and tumbled into the sea. So tantalisingly had the match been poised overnight, perhaps the ending was even a little anticlimactic. Sri Lanka’s margin of victory was 68 runs – a comfortable win by most standards. Though Sarfraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq had begun confidently, the visitors needed only 5.5 overs to break that partnership, and about 90 minutes in all to wipe out the lower half of the Pakistan innings. The series had been swept, completely unexpectedly, 2-0.Dilruwan Perera was Sri Lanka’s primary bowling figure on day five, as he had been throughout the innings, claiming two further wickets to complete a fourth career five-wicket haul. He also took that vital wicket of Sarfraz to break the mighty resistance Pakistan’s sixth-wicket partnership had mounted.Rangana Herath, who had had an uncharacteristically quiet fourth-innings until then, took two wickets of his own, and Suranga Lakmal had Shafiq caught at slip. After the battering Sri Lanka had received at home, at India’s hands, this series victory must surely rank among the most surprising results of their Test history. On the Sri Lankan balcony, support staff were ecstatic, while on the field Dinesh Chandimal led elated celebrations. The joy was justified: not counting the win in a one-off Test against Zimbabwe, this was Sri Lanka’s first Test series victory in almost a year.Pakistan, meanwhile, have had a disappointing start to life post Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan. Sarfraz and Shafiq needed to see out seven overs before the second new ball became available, but Sarfraz’s wicket exposed the tail prematurely. That Shafiq progressed to an outstanding 11th Test hundred was almost forgotten in the final wash-up. He finished on 112 off 176 balls. The partnership with Sarfraz was worth 173. For the first time, Pakistan have lost a Test series since moving base to the UAE.The previous four sessions of this match were practically dripping with drama, and day five also began with a little excitement. Shafiq glanced the second ball of the day to the fine leg fence to move into the 90s, before Sarfraz cracked a four behind point next over. Then, Sri Lanka had three near misses. Kaushal Silva swooped on the ball from point, but could not effect the direct hit that might have seen a diving Shafiq run-out for 95.A few balls later, Sarfraz had dragged his back foot out of the crease while attempting a sweep, but wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella could not quite get the bails off in time. Finally, after Shafiq had completed a century off the 151st delivery he faced, Dimuth Karunaratne dropped him at slip off the bowling of Dilruwan. Hands began to go to Sri Lankan heads. Sarfraz and Shafiq had progressed so faultlessly on day four, that it seemed unlikely many more chances would come.Then, suddenly: the breakthrough. Dilruwan got a ball to drift in towards the batsman, and Sarfraz – aiming a hard, flat sweep – managed only to get a thick top-edge to the ball. The man at long leg, Nuwan Pradeep, almost got tangled up in his own legs, but did well enough to take the catch cleanly. With only seven deliveries to be bowled before the second new ball was due, Sri Lanka had struck.The remaining batsmen fell without notable resistance. Mohammad Amir was out to a Dilruwan slider off the ninth ball. Yasir Shah was stumped off Herath, attempting a giant heave. Lakmal shaped a ball away from Shafiq – who had not quite looked himself after getting to triple figures – and Kusal Mendis took another excellent tumbling catch at slip.The final batting act of the series belonged to Wahab Riaz. Attempting to wallop Herath out of the ground, he wound up only sending a catch high in the air, to Chandimal at cover. On Sri Lanka’s balcony, cricket manager Asanka Gurusinha broke into an uncharacteristically wide grin, and wrapped interim coach Nic Pothas up in a bear hug.For Sarfraz, it was a return to earth, after his captaincy had begun so successfully with the victory at the Champions Trophy. For Chandimal, a victory in the first full series he has captained – the Zimbabwe match was a one-off, and he had not played the first match against India – has helped put some belief in his team, a quality that had previously been lacking. A series that was enlivened by a litany of twists has thrown up a startling result.

Not one of the six teams has yet registered a win after three rounds of the tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Oct-2017Three rounds into the Sunfoil Series, the tournament is yet to see a win. All three matches ended in draws and all were rain-affected. Titans gained the most in terms of points and moved up to the top of the table but they were denied an outright win over Warriors by the weather and a fighting half-century from Yaseen Vallie.Having piled up 321 in the first innings, Titans claimed a first-innings lead of 60 and they rapidly scored 220 for 6 in the second innings to set Warriors a target of 281 on the final day. Pace-bowler Migael Pretorius struck with wickets off successive deliveries in the second over of Warriors’ chase and the batting side soon found themselves 91 for 6. Vallie and Sisanda Magala kept Titans at bay with a half-century stand for the seventh wicket before bad light forced players off the field.Drizzle, bad light and wet outfield all meant that only a little more than two days of play were possible in the match between Lions and Dolphins. Lions batted first and posted 277 for 7 declared with half-centuries from Willem Mulder (70*) and Rassie van der Dussen (75). In response, Dolphins lost six wickets for 185 runs, with Aaron Phangiso taking 3 for 59.Knights, who had a slender lead at the top of the table at the start of this round, saw the final day of their match against Cape Cobras washed away. Both teams, however, had impressive batting innings. Knights’ first-innings score of 489 for 5 declared was set up by wicketkeeper Rudi Second’s unbeaten 203, and Cape Cobras almost matched that with a string of fifties from their middle-order batsmen.National radarPrior to turning out for Knights in this round, AB de Villiers’ last first-class match was the home Test against England in January last year. His long-awaited return to the first-class format began with a run-a-ball 5 Titans’ first innings but in the second, he scored a rapid 32 – off 27 deliveries with five fors – to help Titans rack up runs quickly in a bid to push for a result. David Miller, playing his third match of the tournament, contributed to Knights’ hefty score with a measured 67 off 137 deliveries.Mulder, the 19-year-old allrounder, has been one of the more consistent performers after three rounds in the tournament. He made his third successive fifty-plus score, his 70 against Dolphins following scores of 79 and 127 not out in the first two rounds.Top performersAfter three matches, Knights’ wicketkeeper Second averages a whopping 387 runs. His three innings so far: 101 not out, 83 and 203 not out. The double-century against Cape Cobras came off just 231 balls and the innings puts him ahead of Titans’ Heinrich Klaasen in the race for the back-up wicketkeeper’s spot in the national side. Klaasen ended this round with scores of 133 and 23 against Warriors.On his return to Warriors after a county stint, Simon Harmer ended with match returns of 8 for 183 against Titans. The haul seemed an extension of the stunning summer he had with Essex: he took 72 wickets to finish as the second-highest wicket-taker for the side, and in the tournament, to help the county claim the Championship Trophy for the first time in 25 years.

The city might be gaining a new familiarity with the feeling of hosting international cricket, but there is additional meaning to this latest match, given the identity of the visiting team

The Preview by Danyal Rasool28-Oct-2017Big PictureAnd so it comes again: for the fifth time this year, Gaddafi Stadium will attract global attention for doing what it was first built to do over 50 years ago: host an international cricket match. Sri Lanka are the visitors this time, the team that has been least fussy about playing cricket in Pakistan over the years. That was to their detriment in 2009, with the attack on their team bus, and Pakistan’s status as a venue has been paying the price ever since. A number of big names from Sri Lanka’s line-up are missing, not able to bring themselves back to the scene of the devastation their peers faced on a bleak March morning on their way to play a cricket match.But Pakistan have been more determined about getting international cricket back, particular this year, no matter the cost. The security detail and lockdown of the city in preparation is something Lahoris are beginning to get used to; it comes with the territory these days. It would perhaps be best to focus on what takes place inside Pakistan’s most famous sporting venue as a Thisara Perera-led Sri Lanka look to avoid yet another 2017 limited-overs whitewash. Dead rubber it may be, but the Gaddafi Stadium tomorrow will be brimming with life.Sri Lanka will be bitterly disappointed there isn’t more at stake, given their position of dominance for large parts during the second T20I in Abu Dhabi, where only a penultimate-ball six from Shadab Khan allowed Pakistan to sneak to victory. The visitors needed the win much more, for both confidence and pride. This is a young team put together under exceptional circumstances, expected to play against one of the world’s most in-form teams, and pushing them as they did last night was no mean feat.Pakistan will be eager to take advantage of a rare opportunity to play at what really is home, and should need no further motivation to turn up.Each of these players are aware that these crowds may only be able to see them a handful of times in their careers, and do their best to grab the opportunity. In any case, it would be a bit of a shame for them to amass such a long winning streak in the UAE, only to see it snapped in Lahore.Form guideSri Lanka LLLLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan WWWLWIn the spotlightAhmed Shehzad has found himself pushed out of the ODI side by the dashing young Imam-ul-Haq, and only played the T20Is because of his form in the format against the World XI. However, two disappointing scores against a depleted Sri Lanka side means he should be dreading the axe in the shortest format too. With competition for the opening slot heating up, he needs a big performance to end the series on a high note, and to make a stronger case for T20I selection even as younger players look to take his place. His form in Lahore last month was outstanding, and returning to the Gaddafi may rekindle the confidence he has clearly been lacking of late.Seekkuge Prasanna is one of the more experienced players in Sri Lanka’s side, but his numbers haven’t done that experience justice. He played the last two ODIs as well has both T20’s, but has picked up only one wicket – none in the T20I series. He hasn’t compensated with runs either, never reaching 25 and averaging 15. Yet he has shown glimpses of why he’s in the side, and why the captain appears to trust him. But if Sri Lanka are to cause an upset, he’ll need to do more than that, and a high-profile game like this would be a good time to do it.Team newsWith the series wrapped up, Pakistan may experiment, although given the unique nature of this ‘dead’ rubber, everyone will want to start. Therefore, it isn’t unlikely that Pakistan may reward the side that won the series with a starting place in Lahore, going unchanged for three games straight.Pakistan (probable): 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shadab Khan, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Usman Khan.Sri Lanka looked good in the second game, and might rely on the momentum they’ve built to challenge tomorrow. As such, the same eleven wouldn’t be a total surprise, although Lahiru Gamage bowled well in the ODIs and may merit a place.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Dilshan Munaweera, 3 Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), 4 Ashan Priyanjan, 5 Seekkuge Prasanna, 6 Mahela Udawette, 7 Thisara Perera (capt), 8 Dasun Shanaka/Lahiru Gamage, 9 Isuru Udana, 10 Sachith Pathirana, 11 Vikum Sanjaya.Pitch and conditionsThe start time was brought forward by an hour for fear of excessive dew playing spoilsport in Lahore. The weather in the evening is much more pleasant than anything the players will have experienced in the UAE, and the ball is likely to come on to the bat much better. The winner of the toss is likely to bat first.Stats and trivia If Pakistan make no changes to their side, Usman Khan will play an international in Pakistan for the first time. The other ten players haveall played international cricket in their home country. If Sri Lanka lose tomorrow, it will be their 16th straight defeat in a limited-overs international.

Stockport County – rivals of Wrexham – have signed MLS defender Ethan Bristow on loan from Minnesota United on Thursday.

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Stockport sign MLS defenderEthan Bristow joins on loan from MNUFCWrexham trail rivals by four-points in tableWHAT HAPPENED?

The League Two side and the Loons announced a six-month loan for the 22-year-old full-back, who will return to England following a summer transfer to Philadelphia from Tranmere Rovers. The move comes following a season-ending injury to Stockport full-back Ryan Rydel and the imminent loss of Ibou Touray to the Africa Cup of Nations, while it opens up an international roster spot for the Loons.

AdvertisementWHAT BOSS DAVE CHALLINOR SAID

Stockport manager Dave Challinor said: “We’re delighted to be able to secure bringing Ethan to the club; there are so many positives to the move from our perspective. We were obviously in a situation where we needed to immediately replace Ibby for the period he will miss due to the African Cup of Nations and it’s a position where we had no real depth with Ryan Rydel being out for the season with his ACL injury.

“Ethan not only fits the profile of what we want for that position, but he can also begin training with us now in order to get him integrated and up to speed as soon as possible. He’s not played for a little while so that will be important, and we’ve got nearly three weeks to do that.

“The other huge positive is that we bring in a player with recent League Two experience from his time last season at Tranmere. He was a real hit there and had a big impact on their team with his performances down that left hand side. We’ve had nothing but positive reports from the people I know there about his character and ambition to improve. We are already enjoying working with him and looking forward to his performances in a County shirt.”

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Stockport hold a four-point lead over second place Wrexham as we near the end of the calendar year. With the addition of Bristow, who played 12 matches in MLS in 2023, they bolster their defence in their attempt to secure promotion at the end of the campaign. Wrexham, meanwhile, have yet to make a splash in the January transfer market.

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USA Today Sports WHAT NEXT FOR BRISTOW AND STOCKPORT

The League Two side are back in action Saturday against 10th place Bradford. Bristow won't be available for selection until his international certificate arrives, but once it does, expect him to make a push for a place in the starting XI.

There was a time in which the strike partnership of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez was one of the best around, as Inter Milan secured the Scudetto under Antonio Conte.

In classic Lukaku style, however, he decided to swap Inter for Chelsea in the summer of 2021, in a move that he has regretted ever since.

Speaking midway through his season back at Stamford Bridge, Lukaku revealed his regret, controversially telling Sky Italia: "The way I left Inter, how I communicated with the fans, it bothers me because it might not be the right time now but it wasn't the right time when I left, either. Now, I think it's right to talk because I have always said I have Inter in my heart. I'll go back to play there, I really hope so."

The Belgian did, at least, manage to reunite with Martinez last season, completing a loan move back to his form club, which many would have assumed could have turned permanent, if he so wished.

That hasn't been the case, however, with Lukaku even attempting to move to Serie A rivals Juventus this summer – which was protested by fans.

Any bridges built at Inter have been burnt to a crisp, including it seems his relationship with Martinez too.

Lautaro Martinez speaks out on Romelu Lukaku situation

Speaking about Lukaku's situation, Martinez told Gazetta, via Fabrizio Romano: “Lukaku saga? I was disappointed by Romelu, it's the truth. I tried to call him in those days of chaos, but he never answered me, the same he did with my other teammates.

“I was disappointed. But ok, well, it’s his choice."

This comes after the Belgian revealed that he missed Martinez back in 2021, saying, via Romano: "I miss Lautaro Martinez, I could die on the pitch for him since day one I met him.

"Lautaro Martinez coming here with me at Chelsea in the future? No… Lautaro, you can stay in Milan, I'll be back there."

The Argentine's future is far simpler than his former strike partner's, meanwhile, revealing his desire to stay put in Milan to Gazetta, reported by Romano: “I received huge bids from Saudi clubs, it’s true. But I’m very happy at Inter and in Milano, no chance and no reason to change.

“I’m the captain here, Inter is my second home. I feel loved here since day one. I’m proud to be here."

What are the latest Romelu Lukaku transfer rumours?

As of right now, Lukaku remains a Chelsea player, but with plenty of time left in the transfer window, that could soon change.

According to Romano, the forward is attracting plenty of interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, but his priority is to remain in Europe, with Juventus a potential option.

Given Chelsea's summer activity, welcoming both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, it seems unlikely that Lukaku will have a place under new boss Mauricio Pochettino next season.

As the summer drags on, and he remains without a move, the former Inter Milan man could find himself in an unwanted position come the beginning of the forthcoming campaign at Stamford Bridge.

It's certainly a situation to keep an eye on.

Karun Nair and KL Rahul put on 239 runs for the sixth wicket•PTI

Rahul, Nair added to Karnataka squad: KL Rahul and Karun Nair have been named in Karnataka’s squad for the third round of Ranji Trophy matches beginning October 24, against Hyderabad in Shimoga. Both of them are currently part of the Board President’s XI squad chosen to play the two warm-up fixtures against New Zealand ahead of the limited-overs series starting October 22.Rahul, who has been left out of the New Zealand ODIs, struck a 68 in the first warm-up game in Mumbai on Tuesday. Nair, who led India A in the two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A, top scored with a 64-ball 78, in the side’s 30-run victory.”Having Rahul and Karun is a big boost for Karnataka,” R Vinay Kumar, the Karnataka captain, said. “Rahul has cemented his place in the Indian team while Karun is also doing well. The sight of their names on the team sheet will put opponents under pressure.”