The only new addition is Gauteng’s 21-year old offspinner Raisibe Ntozakhe. Marcia Letsoalo, who last played over a year ago at the World Cup Qualifiers, is the only exclusion from the 2017-18 list
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Mar-2018In what could be seen as a sign of continuity looking ahead to the next cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship and the Women’s World T20 to be played in West Indies later this year, Cricket South Africa have offered contracts to 13 of the 14 players from the 2017-18 season.The only new addition is Gauteng’s 21-year old offspinner Raisibe Ntozakhe. Marcia Letsoalo, the 33-year-old fast bowler who last played over a year ago at the World Cup Qualifiers, is the only exclusion from the list. The new contracts will come into effect on May 1 and run up to April 30, 2019.South Africa, who hosted India for a limited-overs series in February, have a busy 14 months coming up. They next host Bangladesh in May before touring England and West Indies for the second and third round of championship matches. The World T20 and a home series against Sri Lanka will follow that.”The esteem in which our women’s team is held following their successful campaign when they reached the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup last year is reflected in their invitation to have a major tour of England including a T20 triangular series against England and New Zealand,” said Corrie van Zyl, CSA’s general manager. “It is important that we build on our recent successes as we prepare for this year’s Women’s World T20.CSA contracts list for 2018-19: Dane van Niekerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Mignon du Preez, Shabnim Ismail, Trisha Chetty, Chloe Tryon, Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Masabata Klaas, Andrie Steyn, Mosaline Daniels, Raisibe Ntozakhe
Liverpool are in the running to sign an exciting new forward next summer, but a fresh report has revealed the other clubs also in the race to secure his services.
What's the latest transfer news at Liverpool?
Alongside West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen and Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, Jurgen Klopp’s side were recently linked with Liverpool Montevideo’s former midfielder Fabricio Diaz having held talks over the summer, though they missed out on his signature having eventually joined Qatari side Al-Gharafa.
In terms of potential exits, Mohamed Salah continues to be associated with a switch to the Saudi Pro League, in particular Al-Ittihad, whilst Joel Matip has also hinted during an interview with Sky Sports Germany that he could be heading for the exit door in the near future.
With FSG likely already assessing their options ahead of 2024, a name to have entered the fold is Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, who despite having been at the club for four years, he’s had two loan spells out on the road, the first at Premier League rivals Chelsea and the second at Barcelona where he currently is now, via Transfermarkt.
The Portugal international, who is naturally a second striker, was previously the subject of rumours suggesting that Reds chiefs wanted him in a swap deal involving Darwin Nunez going the other way, but after these claims were firmly shut down, it all went quiet.
Are Liverpool signing Joao Felix?
According to Spanish reports (via The Liverpool Echo), however, Liverpool, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are all “in the equation” to sign Felix in the summer of 2024. The Atletico attacker is currently excelling for Barcelona, and as a result, Xavi’s side are hoping to make his move permanent.
Diego Simeone’s outfit will have a decision to make regarding their prized asset’s future, though as it stands, they are “expected to cash in”, which will no doubt have his four potential suitors on high alert.
Barcelona's loan forward Joao Felix.
Is Joao Felix a good player?
According to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Felix is a “nightmare for defenders” to play against and he’s already shown that at the start of this season since joining Barcelona, so there’s no doubt that he’s a fantastic forward and one that could flourish at Liverpool.
The Viseu native, who earns just £6.5k-per-week after taking a "staggering pay cut" to join Barca, has already posted four goal contributions (three goals and one assist) in three outings at the Camp Nou, whilst ranking in the 99th percentile for shots, highlighting both his desire and ability to hit the back of the net.
Sponsored by Adidas, the 23-year-old also has a great record when playing against Klopp’s side having recorded two assists when part of the opposition team, so if he’s capable of performing to that level when he’s on the other side, imagine what he could do at Anfield.
Finally, Felix shares the same agent, Gestifute, as both Nunez and Diogo Jota, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give the board a small advantage over their competitors should they decide to pursue a deal next summer.
The coach Darren Lehmann is reportedly planning to announce his resignation. Meanwhile, former captain Steve Waugh has called for Cricket Australia to uphold the spirit of the game
Daniel Brettig27-Mar-2018Steven Smith’s ban from the Johannesburg Test has forced the call-up of Matt Renshaw into the Australian squad, as the former captain Steve Waugh called for Cricket Australia to refocus on the importance of the spirit of the game.Dropped at the start of the summer for Cameron Bancroft, Renshaw now finds himself thrown into the middle of the ball tampering fiasco likely to force multiple changes to the national team.The team flies to Johannesburg on Tuesday, with CA’s chief executive James Sutherland set to meet them on arrival and digest the findings of a code of behaviour investigation by the head of integrity Iain Roy.The coach Darren Lehmann is reportedly planning to announce his resignation, while it is also understood the assistant coach David Saker was the only other member of support interviewed by Roy. Smith, David Warner and Bancroft were among the players Roy interviewed. Sutherland is expected to speak publicly about the affair late on Tuesday.The events of the Newlands Test have brought an unprecedented level of outrage from the Australian public, moving Waugh to speak about the need to realign the spirit of cricket as a priority for the team and CA.”Like many I’m deeply troubled by the events in Cape Town this last week, and acknowledge the thousands of messages I have received, mostly from heartbroken cricket followers worldwide,” he said. “The Australian cricket team has always believed it could win in any situation against any opposition, by playing combative, skilful and fair cricket, driven by our pride in the fabled baggy green.”I have no doubt the current Australian team continues to believe in this mantra, however some have now failed our culture, making a serious error of judgement in the Cape Town Test Match. In 2003, we modified the Spirit of Cricket document originally created by the MCC, to empower our players to set their own standards and commit to play the Australian way.”We must urgently revisit this document, re-bind our players to it and ensure the Spirit in which we play is safeguarded for the future of the sport, and to continue to inspire the dreams of every young kid picking up a bat and ball and for every fan who lives and breathes the game.”Waugh called for consideration to be given to the “social impact and mental health” of all players involved in the episode.”A focused and balanced perspective is needed in the condemnation on those involved in this, with a clear and critical consideration to the social impact and mental health of all players,” he said. “I will support all positive action to ensure an outcome for the betterment of the game, regaining the trust and faith of every fan of cricket.”Renshaw hit the winning runs for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield final, finishing unbeaten on 81 off 83 balls. Earlier in the season, he struck three successive centuries – 170 against Victoria, 112 against South Australia and 143 not out against Western Australia – to lead his team into the title clash.
Leeds United have had little to shout about over the last year, given their miserable run of form, persisting defensive frailties and eventual relegation.
It was a year that saw three different managers endure a stint in the dugout, with Daniel Farke having emerged out the other end as the man now trusted to lead the Whites into a brighter future.
He has already taken great strides towards this goal with a fine summer transfer window, where he carefully negotiated the various pitfalls that the previous regime had left for him, to finish with a squad still worthy of a title run.
Having already hit the ground running with Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon's acquisitions, despite winning just once in the Championship, Deadline Day saw a further three new faces welcomed in a last-gasp scramble to provide ample competition to his stars.
However, it was marred by the late exit of Luis Sinisterra, which did leave a sour taste in the mouths of supporters given his reintegration back into the first team.
Things could have been far worse though, had they also lost Wilfried Gnonto earlier in the window, which reports had suggested they were very close to.
Who is Leeds United's most valuable player?
Given the numerous departures that Farke was forced to oversee this summer, the label of their most valuable player has shifted dramatically. Especially considering how their relegation dented the value of most of their stars, given the weakened position they were forced into.
After all, to get just £20m for Tyler Adams marked poor business given they had paid the same amount the year prior, particularly given he was one of few shining lights last term in the Premier League.
The same can be said for the various loan deals suffered, with Brenden Aaronson, Max Wober, Marc Roca and more all leaving, despite having only joined within the last year for £24.5m, £11m and £10m respectively.
So, now there is just a small group of players who sit atop the club's list for highest market value, with the Italy international in Gnonto being one of those stars.
Wilfried Gnonto
Having joined last summer in a Deadline Day move, the teenage star quickly became a mainstay under Jesse Marsch, dazzling defenders and endearing himself to the Elland Road crowd with his dynamism and direct play style. Then, to notch eight goal contributions across all senior English competitions marked a fine return for what was his first year in a new country.
Such form understandably merited praise, which pundit Tam McManus gladly offered: "The boy who got the assist, he came on and he just looks like a little pocket rocket. Wow, what a performance from him. He looks like he has a real low centre of gravity and he looks absolutely tremendous."
This ability in possession is best outlined when compared to other wingers across Europe, as Gnonto manages to rank in the top 17% for progressive carries per 90, with his speed and powerfully short stature a key factor in that success.
So, it was no surprise to see his services well sought-after this summer.
How much was Wilfried Gnonto worth before joining Leeds?
Having spent the bulk of his youth career with Inter Milan, in 2020 the 5 foot 7 dynamo made the bold choice to trade his homeland for Switzerland, signing for FC Zurich. He would swiftly break into the first team and saw his value skyrocket accordingly.
With the first recorded valuation sitting at a lowly €1m (£855k) as of December 2020, by the time of his exit this had risen to a lofty €10m (£8.5m). This made the eventual fee that the Yorkshire outfit would sign him for even more of a coup.
In total he made 74 appearances for the club, scoring 12 and assisting ten. However, it was his performances since moving to England that really put him on the map.
How much did Leeds United sign Wilfried Gnonto for?
To view those aforementioned figures in relation to how much Marsch actually paid for Gnonto, it is crazy just how much of a bargain this deal was.
However, there was a potentially different outcome that was pushed to the side, as the speedster was actually due to join in the following January, with a deal having been agreed weeks before his eventual move.
Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch celebrate Leeds United's survival on the final day of the Premier League season.
Despite that, failed ventures to sign Cody Gakpo and Bamba Dieng saw them alter the stipulations of the move, fast-tracking it to that very summer despite journalist Phil Hay reporting: "Marsch says Gnonto wouldn't be Premier League ready. Would be a longer-term thing and not certain to happen in this window."
They would spend just £5m to bring him to Yorkshire, with that fee having since soared given the platform they offered him to shine on, which he took with both hands. He proved his former boss wrong instantly, by shining at the top level with ease.
What is Wilfried Gnonto's market value now?
Such was the nature of his performances, the young Italy international understandably drew plenty of interest. Everton were reportedly one such club who continued to push for his services, firing off numerous bids to no avail.
Gnonto would even hand in a transfer request as he sought to force through the move, but Farke remained steadfast on his stance: the wide man would not be leaving.
Rejecting £25m for his services was bold, but clearly the German manager saw him as an integral part of any promotion success they hoped to achieve. After all, that fee would have made him their largest outlay for the window.
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Such persistent interest from the Toffees, as well as a brief flirtation with Tottenham Hotspur, only serves to emphasise just how highly-rated the youngster now is. Football Transfers even value him at €26.7m (£23m), suggesting that had they accepted that offer from the Merseyside outfit, it would have marked a deal made above market value.
Such a figure helps to track the steady progression of Gnonto, as it can be compared to his initial transfer fee as a marker for how far he has come. Across just 12 months, his value has soared by 360%, by taking what first Leeds paid and comparing it with his current valuation.
Having since been welcomed back into the starting side, and with the transfer window now slammed shut, there will be hope around Yorkshire that he can put his head down and work towards earning an instant Premier League return, truly proving his worth. Irrespective of this summer's events, they have certainly struck gold with their initial investment.
Seamer Mohammad Naveed contributed much to PNG’s slide, taking career-best ODI figures of 5 for 28
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Mar-2018Peter Della PennaMahuru Dai receives one demerit point
Papua New Guinea allrounder Mahuru Dai has received an official warning and one demerit point for violating Article 2.1.8 of the ICC code of conduct, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match”. The incident occurred during PNG’s revised chase of 170, after Dai was caught by the substitute fielder off Rohan Mustafa. Dai admitted the offence, and accepted the sanction.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) kicked off their World Cup Qualifiers campaign on a very positive note, easing past Papua New Guinea (PNG) in a rain-hit encounter in Harare. PNG’s target was revised from 222 to 170 from 28 after a rain break, and they didn’t get close, folding for 113. Seamer Mohammad Naveed contributed much to this slide, taking career-best ODI figures of 5 for 28.At one point PNG looked in danger of missing out on triple digits, falling to 70 for 8; none of their top five got past 12, and the innings’ top score was 24 from No. 6 Charles Amini who was eventually run out.It was PNG who chose to chase, and UAE looked like there were keen to make them pay for this decision from the outset. Their openers Rohan Mustafa and Ashfaq Ahmed put on 91 at a brisk pace, but none could kick on to big hundreds. PNG enjoyed some relief after Ashfaq fell for 50 off 56, taking two more quick wickets.The UAE middle order could not quite get going thereafter, and Mustafa was kept in check too – he eventually fell five short of a hundred, having played out 136 balls. PNG must have felt relieved to have only 222 to chase, given UAE’s start. However, rain and Naveed intervened and spoiled those plans.
Azhar Ali, who had replaced Shehzad in the ODI squad, did not find a place in the T20 squad
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2018Opener Ahmed Shehzad, who had been dropped for the ODI leg of the New Zealand tour, has returned to Pakistan’s squad for the three-match T20 series. Azhar Ali, who had replaced Shehzad in the ODI squad, did not find a place in the T20 squad. The only other change from the ODI squad was the inclusion of batsman Umar Amin in place of Imam-ul-Haq.Shehzad’s recent form bodes well for Pakistan: he has scored 403 runs in seven innings in the ongoing Departmental One Day Cup at an average of 67.16 and strike rate of 100.24.With allrounder Imad Wasim yet to recover from the knee injury that had sidelined him from the ODI series, Mohammad Nawaz retained his place in the squad.”Imad Wasim was yet to recover from his knee injury, and was told to continue his rehabilitation at the NCA,” Inzamam ul Haq, the chief selector, said.Pakistan are presently two games into a five-match ODI series, with New Zealand prevailing in both contests via the DLS method. The first of the three T20s will be played on January 22 at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, three days after the fifth ODI.Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt &wk), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Rumman Raees, Umar Amin
Everton are determined to strengthen their squad before the summer transfer window closes, and are considering bolstering the midfield after agreeing to the £22m sale of Alex Iwobi to Premier League rivals Fulham.
What's the latest on Harrison Reed to Everton?
According to the Independent [1st September, 10:10], Fulham central midfielder Harrison Reed has attracted the attention of the Toffees following Iwobi's departure to Craven Cottage.
The report claims that while Reed could sign a new deal with his London outfit, Wolves are pushing hard for his signature and Everton are also 'in the mix'.
Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…
The Merseyside outfit have prioritised the bolstering of the attack this summer but now need to fortify the Goodison Park centre, especially after such a woeful start to the league season.
How good is Harrison Reed?
Something of an unsung hero, Reed has been a central figure for the Cottagers since joining the club from Southampton in a £6m deal in 2020 after spending the previous season at the club on loan.
The 28-year-old machine made 25 appearances for Fulham during the 2019/20 Championship season as the side clinched promotion to the Premier League, and while they continued their yo-yo existence with relegation the following year, he maintained his role as a dependable and assiduous member and now stars regularly for an outfit comfortably secure in the top-flight.
Indeed, having once been hailed as “immense” by one-time Southampton teammate Shane Long, the £30k-per-week gem started 35 league matches last term as Fulham recorded a tenth-placed finish upon their return to the big time, scoring three goals, supplying four assists, completing 80% of his passes and averaging 1.2 tackles per game.
Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed.
A deceptively creative midfielder, Reed ranks among the top 16% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 15% for blocks per 90, as per FBref, with the respective metrics underscoring a dynamism to his craft, competent at both ends of the pitch.
While a very different type of player to Iwobi, Reed could impact the industriousness and even use his creativity to lessen the blow the Nigeria international's departure in that regard, having created eight goals in the Premier League last season.
With veteran Abdoulaye Doucoure's contract at Goodison Park set for expiry next summer, Dyche might be inclined to target Reed as a replacement, with the Fulham star capable of replicating the multi-functional qualities of the one-time Watford player.
Signing from Watford in a £20m deal in 2020, the 30-year-old has plundered ten goals and assists apiece from 99 outings for the Blues, and scored a tremendous volley to beat Bournemouth in the final match of the 2022/23 league season, preserving the club's Premier League status.
The £120k-per-week Malian is a natural goalscorer and ranks among the top 3% of positional peers for goals, while also among the top 16% for blocks per 90, and while Reed does not boast the same innate striking knack, he could emulate his role as a solid central force, providing a new dimension to the forward efforts too.
Dyche would be wise to push for a swoop after selling Iwobi to Reed's current outfit, and while he is not the biggest name on the block, he might surprise a few on Merseyside with his composure and intelligence in the middle of the pitch.
Newcastle United have now received an update on their interest in Antonio Silva, with a report revealing how much they will have to fork out on the Benfica defender…
What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?
Speaking on a recent episode of the Pod On The Tyne The Athletic's Chris Waugh has confirmed that Newcastle have been keen to bring in a new centre-back this summer, due to concerns over Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles:
“One of the thoughts going into the summer was that a right-sided centre-back would be a position Newcastle would like to add greater depth to,”
“A, because of Schar’s age and the fact that he does seem to succumb to these injuries that thankfully he seems to come back from relatively quickly but eventually you would think one is going to keep him out for a little bit of time.
“And just more of a ball-playing centre-back than Jamaal Lascelles who would be the direct backup."
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed the Magpies are keen on a new defender, naming Edmond Tapsoba and Silva as two of the centre-backs "they love", although they are deemed to be "way too expensive".
As a result of Financial Fair Play concerns, it may be tricky for Eddie Howe to bring in a top defender this summer, especially considering reports from Portugal have now confirmed that Benfica are unwilling to let Silva leave for below his release clause.
According to a report from O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are "unlikely" to be able to sign the 19-year-old before the transfer deadline, as Benfica would demand his €100m (£85m) release clause to be paid in full.
The Portuguese club are unwilling to negotiate at all, as he is viewed as one of the biggest gems in their squad, meaning the Magpies will need to get in line for a potential transfer in 2024 if they really want to sign him.
Read The Latest Newcastle Transfer News HERE
How good is Antonio Silva?
Although he is still a teenager, the Viseu-born defender has already established himself in the starting XI at Benfica, making 30 league appearances in the 2022-23 campaign, during which time he averaged a Sofascore match rating of 7.17.
The youngster is currently plying his trade in a weaker division, but Kieran Trippier is the only Newcastle defender to have averaged an average higher rating in the Premier League last season, showcasing just how well he performed in the Liga Portugal.
Lauded as "amazing" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 6 foot 2 starlet ranks in the 93rd percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and the 98th percentile for his pass-completion rate, indicating he is composed in possession.
Having already picked up four caps for Portugal, Silva could now be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, but his performances do not yet justify an £85m outlay, and the Magpies will have to wait until next year to sign him, given their FFP obligations.
Dhananjaya de Silva and the debutant Roshen Silva were Sri Lanka’s fifth-day heroes as they fought their way to a drawn third Test
The Report by Karthik Krishnaswamy06-Dec-20170:57
Quickinfo – India’s Test dominance
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsIf their two most experienced batsmen led Sri Lanka’s first-innings fight, their fifth-day heroes were two newer faces. Dhananjaya de Silva scored his third hundred in only his 11th Test, and Roshen Silva made an unbeaten 74 on debut, their efforts leading Sri Lanka to a fighting draw at the Feroz Shah Kotla.It was a heartening result, given that Sri Lanka came here right after suffering their worst-ever defeat in the second Test in Nagpur. Neither Dhananjaya nor Roshen played that game, and their displays here may have made fans back home wonder why the former isn’t yet a settled member of Sri Lanka’s top order and why it took 103 first-class games for the latter to convince the selectors of his ability.India took only two wickets on the fifth day, of Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, their two first-innings centurions. They never once picked up two wickets back-to-back: Chandimal and Dhananjaya added 112, Dhananjaya and Roshen 58 before the former retired hurt, and Roshen and Niroshan Dickwella an unbroken 94.It was a reflection of how well Sri Lanka batted, but also of how little help there was for either seam or spin on one of the most benign fifth-day tracks seen in India in recent times.With five overs left for tea, India were given a small opening when Dhananjaya walked off the field, having struggled through most of the second session with a thigh injury that inhibited his footwork and running between the wickets. They took the second new ball in the last over before tea, and began the final session hoping it would give them some much-craved-for bite and bounce.But Roshen, whose nimble feet and unhurried manner were reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s current batting coach Thilan Samaraweera, was just as assured against India’s quicks as he had against their spinners. A Mohammed Shami lifter hit him on the gloves and he inside edged Ishant Sharma into his box, but otherwise he wasn’t troubled, as he ignored anything wide of off stump and ducked or swayed to avoid the short ones. India brought back spin, and Roshen immediately brought up his fifty, stepping out and driving Ravindra Jadeja to the cover boundary.India had a greater chance of dismissing the impulsive Niroshan Dickwella at the other end, and the wicketkeeper-batsman, playing all his shots despite the match situation, gave them one clear-cut chance with the final hour looming. Stepping out of his crease to Jadeja, he missed one that hit the rough outside his off stump but refused to turn. The ball beat Wriddhiman Saha too, and thudded into his chest rather than settle in his gloves.Dickwella kept playing his shots, which led to a couple of hairy moments – a missed sweep out of the rough off Jadeja, a top-edged sweep off R Ashwin – but nothing resulting in a chance, and the players eventually shook hands with 35 minutes left of the last hour.Upright and wristy, Dhananjaya looked assured against spin, his game built around the extremes of sitting on the back foot – which was well suited to the slowness of the surface – or dancing down the pitch, and he only rarely took the middle path of stretching forward in defence. Despite the fact that saving the game was Sri Lanka’s only realistic aim, he wasn’t reluctant to play his shots.He hit 16 boundaries in all. Some were both safe and eye-catching – such as successive pulls off Ishant Sharma in the first session, or a back-foot punch off Ashwin that moved him to 96 – and others risky but well-controlled – such as his sweeps, both square and fine, off the stumps. But even if he did occasionally get himself in trouble – Ashwin put down a stinging return catch when he was on 110 – the bowlers seldom hurried or wrong-footed him.There weren’t too many balls from the spinners that turned and bounced with any real venom. There were perhaps only two in the morning session, both bowled by Jadeja on his 29th birthday, and on both occasions he overstepped the crease. One transgression went unnoticed, and Mathews departed in the sixth over of the day. Joel Wilson referred the other to the third umpire, who judged what seemed an extremely tight call in the batting team’s favour, and reprieved Chandimal in the fourth over before lunch.Jadeja set Mathews up beautifully. His four previous balls were flat, quick ones on a perfect length, alternating between a roughly middle-and-leg line and an off-stump line. Mathews defended all four off the front foot. The next one was dangled a little slower and wider. Not reading the change in pace, Mathews went too early into his defensive stride, and ended up reaching for the ball, away from his body, and edged to slip.Chandimal’s lucky escape came off a ripper that spun from leg stump, beat his outside edge, and hit middle stump, having drifted in and opened him up completely. That ball apart, Chandimal looked quietly fluent, just as in the first innings, his control percentage of 90 indicative of both his own rhythm and the lack of devil in the pitch.Eventually, he was dismissed when a spinner beat him in the air. It was a lovely bit of flight from Ashwin in the eighth over after lunch, the ball dipping on Chandimal as he stepped out, stranding him a long way from the pitch of the ball. He reached for it, attempted a desperate leg-side whip, but only succeeded in leaving a big gap for the ball to turn through and peg back off stump.India were right on top, with five wickets down and more than half of the day still left to play, but if there wasn’t too much experience left in Sri Lanka’s line-up, there definitely was plenty of quality.
India head coach joins captain Virat Kohli in publicly endorsing MS Dhoni’s spot in the T20 team
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Nov-20176:03
Runorder: Is Kohli’s defence of Dhoni convincing?
MS Dhoni has received more public support from the Indian team’s management with regard to his future in T20Is. Following Virat Kohli’s statement that it was unfair to target Dhoni, India’s head coach Ravi Shastri has backed the former captain, saying “great players” decide their own future.Dhoni’s place was the subject of debate after his 37-ball 49 in India’s defeat in the second T20I against New Zealand. His innings was in stark contrast to Kohli’s free-flowing aggression at the other end and prompted former players and TV experts to question his strike rate and inability to hit big shots.While Kohli said he did not understand why Dhoni was the only player being targeted, Shastri’s defence was more assertive.”Looks like there are a lot of jealous people around, who just want Dhoni to have a couple of bad days,” Shastri said to . “There are a few people who are waiting to see the end of MS Dhoni. But great players like him decide their own future.”It [criticism] doesn’t make a difference to me. In our mind we know where Dhoni stands within the team. He is an ultimate team man. He was a great leader and now an ultimate team man.”The sentiment was echoed by Kohli, who had said that Dhoni was playing a specific role and was appreciated in the dressing room.”As team management and players, we understand the situations in which he goes out to bat. We don’t get emotional and excited by the opinions of people who are looking at things from a different point of view,” Kohli said. “If you are playing, you know how the wicket is and what the situation is like. So I think he is doing absolutely fine. He understands his game, he understands his role, but it doesn’t come off every time.”Shastri went on to suggest that the nature of television might have prompted some experts to offer the views they did.”Not so long ago I used to do television and people used to ask me questions. You need to answer questions to make a show happen,” he said. “Dhoni is a superstar. He is one of our greatest cricketers. When you have a career as glorious as that, you become a topic on television.”