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Dane Vilas made a career-best 224 before James Anderson ripped out three wickets on a steamy evening at Old Trafford to leave Lancashire in charge

Paul Edwards at Old Trafford21-Jun-2017
ScorecardThe signing of Dane Vilas was not greeted with general rejoicing in Lancashire. “What do we need another ruddy wicketkeeper for?” was probably nearer the mark, with the player’s South African origins also featuring in the opprobrium. Disapproval in a comparable vein also welcomed the recruitment of Ryan McLaren and Shivnarine Chanderpaul and it was expressed with predictable feeling.So one rather wonders what the critics thought as Vilas and McLaren shared a record-breaking sixth-wicket stand of 221 on the third day of this game; or as Vilas’ career-best 244 helped Lancashire build a first-innings lead of 198, the sort of advantage which should enable Steven Croft’s bowlers to complete what would be a remarkable victory as early as the final morning of this match.One of Vilas’s most significant achievements was that his 434-minute flogging of Hampshire’s knackered bowlers and fielders also sapped the mental strength of the visitors’ established batsmen, some of whom were already out of form in any case. James Anderson tends to fall on such weakness with the compassion of a ravenous wolf and the evening’s cricket proved that he had lost none of his effectiveness in steamy conditions against demoralised opponents who were searching for the ball rather than seeing it plain.Anderson began Lancashire’s evening fun by dismissing both Jimmy Adams and Rilee Rossouw for nought with successive deliveries in the third over of Hampshire’s second dig. Adams poked tentatively forward like a blindfolded man in a minefield and was leg before; Rossouw, whose 34 runs in seven innings has now included four noughts, fished sadly outside off stump and was caught at third slip by Croft. Four overs later Michael Carberry played no shot at Kyle Jarvis and had his off stump knocked back.Anderson’s best wicket was that of George Bailey, who was lbw for 10 to a ball which swung back into him. If Trevor Bayliss needed reassurance that England’s leading wicket-taker could still cut it, figures of 8-4-5-3 may do that job very nicely. And if Hampshire’s batsmen thought their despond was done with when Anderson was removed from the attack, they were rudely disabused of that notion as James Vince drove McLaren straight to Rob Jones at short extra-cover. It will now be a fair effort should Hampshire’s batsmen extend this game beyond lunch on Thursday.And yet when Anderson’s bowling has been duly praised, this was still Vilas’s day, one on which his commitment to the Red Rose was made abundantly clear during a 275-ball innings. No one could have played with more devotion to his team’s cause than Vilas, as storms and predictions of storms filled the weather charts and forecasts. Having been dropped off the second and third balls he faced this morning when Sean Ervine at slip and Carberry at mid-off grassed perfectly catchable opportunities he set himself to bat as long as he could. His 25 fours and quartet of sixes were only two measures by which his triumph could be gauged.Vilas’ stand with McLaren, who reached his first century for Lancashire with three successive boundaries off Kyle Abbott, set a new sixth-wicket record for the county against Hampshire. The pair added 129 runs in the morning session and they all but broke any vestige of resistance from Hampshire in the process. This was to be a desperate day for Bailey and his players.Still Vilas was not finished and a glance at his statistics would have made ominous reading for the Hampshire attack as they were broken on the wheel. Almost all batsmen talk about “going on” once they have reached three figures, yet few make the word flesh with quite Vilas’ ruthlessness. He has now made 13 centuries, in seven of which he had scored over 150 runs. Only twice has Vilas been dismissed between 100 and 150. These statistics indicate an approach to cricket and a level of fitness which young players like Alex Davies or Jones can learn.Vilas’ destruction of the Hampshire attack in the afternoon and evening session – the way he defended the good balls but also whacked three sixes of one Brad Taylor over – is evidence of a formidable talent, one whose influence may be felt over the coming months in the Old Trafford dressing room. By scoring the runs, he also helped Anderson take the wickets.Where does it leave the overseas players’ debate? Well some folk of firm principle will not have changed their views. Nowhere, apart from Yorkshire, perhaps, is the development of local talent more highly prized than in Lancashire. Those of such a persuasion might suggest that the ideal Lancashire cricketer was born on the banks of the Ribble, has been raised on hotpot and is capable of quoting Jack Iddon’s ten highest innings at the drop of a clog.Far more seriously, they would argue that organisations like the excellent Lancashire Cricket Board exist to develop home-grown talent and what is the use of not giving opportunities to the fine players produced by Lancashire age-group teams? The engagement of overseas players who arrive one week and clear off a fortnight later empowers that question. Yet Glen Chapple might respond that the development of the seven and often eight north-west based players in each of his teams is only assisted by the presence of players like Vilas, McLaren and Chanderpaul, all of whom are with Lancashire for the entire season. And perhaps we should let one of that trio explain his approach to the business of batting”When you get to a hundred, you want to go on and get a big hundred, that’s what the team needs,” Vilas said. “I know how frustrating it is to get a hundred and then get out, and we have said in the changing room that when it’s your day you need to dig deep and go as big as you can for the team.”All the hard work you put in, the sweat, the tears – when you bat like that, it’s what you work for, it’s a brilliant feeling. I’ve seen guys get hundreds and lose concentration and that makes it difficult for the next guy coming in. I don’t want to be the guy who puts pressure on the next man coming in.”Who would not want a cricketer like that in their team?

New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne is in discussions to play in this season’s NatWest T20 Blast as an overseas player. Milne’s agent has confirmed that, while a number of clubs were interested in signing the 24-year-old, he has only entered into talks with two, one of which ESPNcricinfo understands is Kent.The signing of Milne would be a boost for Kent, who have struggled to get new recruits through the door at Canterbury. Visa issues have so far prevented Allan Donald from taking his position as assistant coach, though Jason Gillespie provides more than adequate cover as Donald sorts the relevant qualification.Kent were understood to be close to acquiring South Africa pace bowler Duanne Olivier as an overseas player for the first three months of the season. However, just as the club were preparing to announce his signing, Cricket South Africa intervened at the 11th hour to block the move, on the ground of managing Olivier’s workload ahead of the Champions Trophy. Further misfortune arose when two other potential signings on their shortlist went down with injuries.Milne has now emerged as an alternative. One of the quickest bowlers in the world – he has been clocked above 95mph – he is also a fine death bowler, with a record of 21 wickets at an average of 21.80, and an economy rate of 7.36, in T20 internationals. He also offers excellent fielding and runs lower down the order.As ever with Milne, there will be questions over his fitness. This year’s NatWest T20 Blast takes place in a block, with each team playing 14 matches in a six-week period between July 7 and August 18. While a condensed schedule has made it easier for counties to obtain players of Milne’s profile, they will also have to consider managing the workload of a player with Milne’s injury record.He has not played for New Zealand since the World T20 and, while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore at the IPL last April, he suffered a hamstring tear – the first of three issues that meant he did not play again in 2016. Elbow surgery in the summer saw him unable to fulfill a seven-match commitment for Essex in the Blast.He sat out an ODI series in India to regain his fitness but picked up a side strain in the nets at the end of 2016, meaning he had to bide his time until March for a competitive comeback. Both New Zealand and his suitors will be encouraged that he has emerged unscathed from three Plunket Shield matches for Central Districts in the last four weeks.Milne is set to travel to India in the hope of completing his first full IPL with RCB (he missed the 2015 season with a heel injury) and is expected to make New Zealand’s squad for the Champions Trophy in England, which starts in June.

An interesting development has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their chances of landing a deal to bring Malik Tillman back to Ibrox for the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Malik Tillman's future at Rangers?

According to Sport1, via Sport Witness, the Light Blues are still in with a chance of securing a swoop for the USA international on another loan next term.

The report claims that Bayern Munich are willing to sanction another temporary deal for the young attacking midfielder after they decided to activate a clause that stripped the Scottish giants of their €6m (£5m) option to sign him permanently.

However, there is said to be interest from Premier League teams and that could make it difficult for Michael Beale to convince the 21-year-old magician to come back in the summer transfer window.

How did Malik Tillman perform last season?

Tillman enjoyed an incredible campaign with the Gers and his impressive performances for the club mean that the manager could get Ibrox rocking by snapping up the exciting talent again.

Rangers supporters would surely love to see him back in a blue shirt in 23/24 as the Bayern prodigy has already proven himself to be an exceptional option at Scottish Premiership level.

The right-footed whiz averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.09 across 28 league appearances and made a huge impact in the final third, whilst playing out wide and as a number ten.

He scored ten goals and created 12 'big chances' for his teammates throughout the Premiership campaign. Meanwhile, Ryan Kent – on the other flank – scored three goals and provided his fellow attackers with nine 'big chances' in 29 outings for the Light Blues prior to his move to Fenerbahce this summer.

The USMNT starlet also endeared himself to the supporters with his work rate out of possession and willingness to get stuck in for the team. No Rangers player averaged more tackles per game (two) in the top flight than Tillman and this shows that the hard-working wizard is able to provide usefulness on and off the ball.

These statistics, of his ability at both sides of the game, indicate that the 21-year-old prospect would be able to hit the ground running next season as he already knows what it takes to be a consistent performer for the club.

Therefore, Beale could delight the Ibrox faithful by signing the £13k-per-week ace, who was hailed as "phenomenal" by teammate John Lundstram, for a second loan spell this summer due to his pre-existing relationship with the supporters and his proven quality on the pitch.

Reece Topley, the England left-arm seamer, has suffered another injury setback after picking up a shoulder problem which will require surgery

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jan-2017

Reece Topley, the England left-arm seamer, has suffered another injury setback after picking up a shoulder problem which will require surgery.Topley, 22, experienced discomfort while throwing during a recent training session ahead of joining the England Pace Programme in South Africa. A Hampshire statement said they are hopeful of him being fit for the start of the domestic season in April.”Reece is a determined character and although it is disappointing news for him, we’re very hopeful that he’ll be fit and raring to go in time for the new season,” Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, said.He had been returning from a stress fracture of the back which meant he only played one game for Hampshire in the 2016 season following his move from Essex. In his one outing last summer he broke his hand while batting and it was during training following that injury when the back problem was diagnosed.Topley has played 10 ODIs and six T20s for England, including being part of the World T20 campaign in India last year.

Chelsea are keen on signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the summer transfer window, with the Argentine on Mauricio Pochettino's "radar".

Is Martinez leaving Villa this summer?

The 30-year-old's reputation has skyrocketed over the past 12 months or so, having always been considered a good 'keeper, but now arguably being seen as an elite one. That's mainly due to Martinez's incredible performances for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, with his influence perhaps second to only Lionel Messi for his country, as various penalty heroics helped them lift the trophy back in December.

While the £120,000-a-week Villa hero's current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2027, there is the possibility that he seals an exit from the club before the start of next season. He has been linked with a move away, with a switch to a Champions League club possibly on the cards, and it remains to be seen what will happen in the coming weeks.

With Chelsea looking to sign a new first-choice man between the sticks, following unconvincing displays from Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy, it looks as though Martinez could be an option for them.

Are Chelsea signing Martinez?

According to talkSPORT on Twitter, both Martinez and Inter Milan 'keeper Andre Onana are summer targets for Pochettino personally, with Kepa and Mendy possibly heading out of the club:

"BREAKING: #CFC are open to offers for both Kepa Arrizabalaga & Edouard Mendy. Mauricio Pochettino wants to bring in a new number one with Inter Milan's Andre Onana and #AVFC’s Emi Martinez on his radar. – talkSPORT sources understand."

Martinez could be a magnificent signing by Chelsea this summer, considering he is one of the Premier League's best stoppers and has been described as "world-class" by Gary Neville.

At 30, he is right in his prime as a goalkeeper, with many years still ahead of him at his best, and he could immediately make the Blues a greater defensive force, having won three Man of the Match awards from WhoScored in the league last season.

Martinez is a great combination of being both good with the ball at his feet and an expert shot-stopper (FBRef), while his larger-than-life personality could also make such a positive influence in the dressing room at Stamford Bridge, at a time when spirits are a little low and more leaders are needed within the squad. It is a move that only really has positives to it.

After a crushing 111-run loss in the opening match of the ODI series, Jason Holder has reiterated that West Indies take all three formats equally seriously, even if their results in Tests and ODIs have been far worse than those in T20Is

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Oct-2016

After a crushing 111-run loss in the opening match of the ODI series against Pakistan, Jason Holder has reiterated that West Indies take all three formats equally seriously, even if their results in Tests and ODIs have been well below the standard they have achieved in the shortest format. While West Indies place fourth in the T20I rankings and are the reigning World Champions in the format, they languish in eighth place in the Test and ODI rankings.”I think we focus equally on Test match cricket, T20 cricket and one-day cricket,” the West Indies Test and ODI captain said. “Results have shown that we have done better at T20 cricket over the recent past, but we don’t disregard any of the other two formats.”On this tour of the UAE, though, West Indies have failed to click in the T20s too, losing them 0-3 before Friday’s ODI mauling. Holder identified the batting as the main area in need of improvement. West Indies’ top order crumbled in all three T20s, and the batting failed once again in the first ODI with the side sliding to 175 all out in pursuit of 287.”In this situation, we need to turn things around and we really need to look at ways we can improve,” he said. “Obviously one big area is the batting. We did see off the new ball [in the ODI]. It’s just a matter of rotating the strike a bit better than we did today. I think once we do that we should go into the next match in better stead.”The next ODI in the three-match series will be played on Sunday in Sharjah.

Manchester United have reportedly made an enquiry to sign RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Simakan?

The Red Devils appear to be on the hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer, with Napoli’s Kim Min-jae a target. Reports in recent days have claimed that United have now tabled a contract offer to the South Korea international following talks with his representatives.

However, with Erik ten Hag approving exits for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly also set to be sold, another centre-back could be required at Old Trafford, with Simakan seemingly another target.

Journalist Santi Aouna took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to provide an update he’s heard on Simakan. He said that the Red Devils have made contact for the Frenchman alongside Arsenal, while also name-checking the move for Kim.

“Understand Arsenal and Manchester Utd have enquired for Mohamed Simakan. Many English clubs are interested. Talks still ongoing between MU and Kim Min-Jae. The Red Devils have presented their project and also financial proposal.”

Who is Simakan?

Simakan is primarily a centre-back but can also play as a right-back or as a holding midfielder and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €28m Transfermarkt valuation.

The 23-year-old has been with Leipzig since 2021 after leaving Strasbourg and was hailed as a "complete centre-back" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

"One of the most underrated young defenders in Europe. Strong, fast, versatile, and very good on the ball. Complete centre-back who can also play as a right-back. Reminds me of young Lilian Thuram."

Simakan has played as a right-back and centre-back this season, contributing to an impressive 11 goals in all competitions. His versatility could therefore make him a shrewd signing at Old Trafford, possibly rivalling Kim, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at centre-back, while also providing cover at right-back and in midfield. It looks as if this could be a deal to keep an eye on, although the Red Devils may need to pip Arsenal to Simakan’s signature.

Ange Postecoglou's Celtic side host St Mirren at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon as they attempt to bounce back from a defeat in the Old Firm last weekend.

The Hoops were beaten 3-0 last time out and will be hoping for a strong reaction on their own turf today to put that loss behind them as quickly as possible.

They come up against a side that has gone four games without a win, losing three of those, and this is an excellent opportunity for Celtic to return to winning ways.

To do that, the head coach could make some changes to his starting XI after a number of players failed to perform in the defeat at Ibrox.

Will David Turnbull start against St Mirren?

Postecoglou should finally unleash attacking midfielder David Turnbull from the start in the middle of the park as his creativity could help to unlock the opposition's defence.

Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, and Matt O'Riley produced one key pass between them last weekend and the ex-Motherwell man – who has created 34 chances in six starts (24 appearances) in the Premiership – could provide more invention in his passing.

His last start for the club came on the 18th of March against Hibernian and the former Motherwell sensation registered two assists in that match, which highlights the level of quality he can provide when given an opportunity to play meaningful minutes.

The 23-year-old, who Postecoglou once hailed as "outstanding", has also terrorised St Mirren in the past. He has scored seven career goals – three more than against any other team – in 11 matches and has some great memories of facing them in the past.

At the start of the 2021/22 campaign, Turnbull recorded a perfect WhoScored rating of 10 as he scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over the Saints.

This shows that the Scotland international has the quality to provide a huge goal threat to go along with his creativity, whilst also having a history of being able to step up in games against today's opposition.

The £16k-per-week maestro has assisted six goals and created four 'big chances' in six Premiership starts this term. This comes after he racked up 3.2 key passes per game and eight 'big chances' created in total in 20 starts in the division in 2021/22.

Turnbull has proven himself to be an excellent performer at Premiership level in terms of what he offers in the final third, both with his goalscoring contributions and his creativity, and that is why the ace should be unleashed from the start today after the Old Firm midfield offered very little.

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has lost his form at an awkward time for the Whites due to their relegation worries, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Illan Meslier?

Meslier and Leeds United have been on the receiving end of some heavy scorelines recently, as the Frenchman has picked the ball out of the net 18 times in his last five Premier League matches, as per Transfermarkt.

The Whites have recently made the decision to sack manager Javi Gracia following this poor run in form and have replaced him with relegation firefighter Sam Allardyce, who will take charge of their last four games of the season, as per Sky News.

In Leeds United's 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, Meslier was criticised by pundit Jon Newsome for his error leading up to Jefferson Lerma's goal at the Vitality Stadium, as per BBC Radio Leeds transcribed by Leeds Live, as he stated: “That’s awful, dare I say, from the keeper, Meslier, that’s really, really poor.”

Capology understand Meslier earns around £30,000 per week at Elland Road on a contract that runs until the summer of 2026.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Meslier has hit a rough patch at the wrong time between the sticks for Leeds United.

Jones told FFC: "It's a really tough one because Meslier is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world. If you were to look at players aged 23 and under, he is about as good as you could hope to find, but having your goalkeeper out of form when you're being dragged into a relegation battle is far from ideal."

Will Illan Meslier rediscover his best form under Sam Allardyce?

Allardyce and the Leeds United support will hope so; however, the Whites face a tough run-in over the next four matches, with Manchester City, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur still to come.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, FBRef indicate that Meslier has had a tough time in goal this term, conceding an average of 1.97 per match in the Premier League.

Some of this is merely a byproduct of the fact that the 23-year-old plies his trade for a relegation-threatened side; however, Meslier himself will probably feel that he could've done better between the sticks in recent weeks following a spate of errors.

Suppose he were to be replaced between the sticks for their next fixtures. In that case, one of Joel Robles or Kristoffer Klaesson may be afforded an unexpected opportunity to become a hero at Elland Road if they can aid Leeds United's survival push.

Leeds United boss Allardyce already has some big decisions to make as he tries to guide the Whites to safety between now and the end of 2022/23.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could be set to receive a timely injury boost on striker Eddie Nketiah ahead of a crucial few weeks in the Premier League title race.

What’s the latest injury news regarding Eddie Nketiah?

The striker has been absent since suffering an ankle injury at the start of March, missing the last seven matches, leaving Arteta short of options to lead the line.

Thankfully, Gabriel Jesus has made a comeback from his own injury woes to alleviate this blow during the last couple of weeks, but having two strikers to choose from ahead of a vital final few weeks of the campaign would be a big boost.

Sky Sports presenter James Green tweeted yesterday regarding the Englishman: “William Saliba NOT in Arsenal open training this morning, but Eddie Nketiah is back.”

This will be a huge source of relief for Arteta, and he could play some part against West Ham United tomorrow.

How important is Eddie Nketiah for Arsenal?

The 23-year-old only played a bit-part role during the early stages of the campaign, not starting a Premier League match until Boxing Day. He did score twice in the Europa League group stage, but that was as profitable as it got until the turn of the year.

The injury to Jesus at the 2022 World changed things for Nketiah as he was then looked upon as Arsenal’s main striker in the Brazilian's absence – and he certainly impressed.

Across 13 matches deputising for Jesus, the striker netted six goals and grabbed an assist as he looked to spearhead the Gunners title challenge and his ankle injury came as a big blow to the club.

The £100k-per-week gem was described as “extraordinary” by his manager back in 2020 and his improvements since then have given the North Londoners a major boost in their pursuit of glory.

Indeed, among his positional peers, Nketiah ranks in the top 10% across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year for total shots per game (3.56), progressive carries (2.77) and touches in the attacking penalty box (6.74), suggesting that he more than makes up for his lack of goals by thriving in other areas.

Leandro Trossard has been a more than able deputy for both Nketiah and Jesus when called upon, registering a goal and seven assists since joining in January.

Having Nketiah back as an attacking option will give Arteta renewed confidence that they can resume their title charge following their agonising draw against Liverpool last weekend.