All posts by h716a5.icu

Chelsea take on Arsenal in a mouth-watering London derby on Tuesday in a game that could have massive implications for the Premier League title race.

A win for the Gunners would see them leapfrog Manchester City at the top of the table, whilst the Blues’ only objective is to derail Arsenal’s ambitions and restore some energy back to their lifeless campaign.

It has been a miserable season for Chelsea, who currently sit in 12th in the league and are winless in their last six top-flight outings.

Therefore, with nothing to play for except pride, caretaker manager Frank Lampard is expected to name a rotated line up.

One player who has been unfairly treated in recent weeks and deserves a chance at the Emirates Stadium is Benoit Badiashile.

Should Benoit Badiashile start against Arsenal?

The centre-back was signed from Monaco for £33m in January 2023, and in an abysmal season for the club, has emerged as one of the brightest and most encouraging prospects so far.

The Frenchman has started eight Premier League games and the Blues have only conceded six goals in those outings.

After keeping a clean sheet at Anfield in just his second appearance for Chelsea, then-manager Graham Potter praised the youngster for how he settled in England.

He said: “He brings a calmness, he’s good with the ball, he’s left-footed so he gives us balance on that side.

“Attacking and defending, he’s had a solid start for us. Young player, you never know when they come into the country in a different situation, a different league, but so far he’s managed it really well.”

Potter’s complementary comments are reflected by the fact that the 21-year-old has made the third-highest clearances and interceptions per game in the squad, as well as ranking in the top 7% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries.

In such a short space of time, he has displayed himself as a confident, physical, and technically astute defender.

The potential of the £90k-per-week star has also generated extraordinary praise from those in his homeland.

Nelson Caldeira, Monaco’s former assistant, showered the prodigy in praise saying: “Benoit had tremendous talent. In fact, he was the most talented player of that Monaco generation."

Joao Tralhao, another figure who has coached Badiashile, described him as the "complete defender."

For Chelsea to have such a highly regarded player on their books is a blessing, and he must be utilised to ensure the club finishes the season in the strongest way. That begins with Arsenal on Tuesday evening.

Brendon McCullum has been brought in to help upgrade Middlesex’s white-ball cricket but as Hampshire’s spinners took control at Radlett the task looked far from easy

Will Macpherson at Radlett07-Jun-2016
ScorecardLiam Dawson led Hampshire to victory•Chris WhiteoakThere was something rather contradictory, yet ever so appropriate, about Brendon McCullum’s first meaningful act as a Middlesex player taking place at Radlett.Beyond the fact that Radlett is not actually in Middlesex (it is in Hertfordshire), it is a funny little place. So little, in fact, that T20 cricket – the game from which McCullum now makes his living – cannot be played here. The boundaries are just too diddy, as the New Zealander showed in this Royal London Cup fixture with four simply-struck sixes in his 74. One easily cleared the sightscreen, another – towards cow – hit a tree 15 metres up.But Radlett is also the ground that proves that Middlesex, like the All Blacks, and like McCullum’s Black Caps, as he so eloquently explained when giving the Cowdrey Lecture on Monday evening, have a no-d*ckheads policy.It has a different name in these parts – Angus Fraser speaks of the ‘Middlesex DNA’ – but the comparison rings true. When the county played at Radlett in previous years, it had been felt that one end, which leads down to a clear field, meant that plenty of time was being wasted chasing the ball. So, this off-season, Middlesex’s squad were brought up here, and they built a fence. This was not just a practical benefit for Radlett and Middlesex, but a neat team-building exercise too.Dawson’s Lions lift

Liam Dawson, Hampshire’s match-winner, said he felt his time with the England Lions last winter had helped his all-round game and added: “This is a great win. We have been struggling in one-day cricket recently, and we have been a little bit low in confidence across all formats so it’s nice to start this competition this year with two wins.
“Chasing down targets is something I have got better at over the last year or so. My game awareness is better. I had a few thick edges and a little bit of luck but you need that in one-day cricket. I enjoy the 50-over competition and this victory is a real boost to our dressing room.
“I think Mason Crane and myself complement each other well as spinners. Mason’s young and will bowl some bad balls but we have to accept that at the moment because he is a wicket-taker and, in this type if cricket, if you keep taking wickets in the middle overs you are always in the game.”

The game, however, was less impressive for Middlesex and went a long way to explaining why they were so keen to bring a white-ball cricketer of McCullum’s pedigree and calibre to the club.His innings had got them off to a flyer on a slow pitch yet, having been 190 for 2 in the 30th over, they contrived to limp to just 295, with Mason Crane’s legspin claiming four vital wickets, including McCullum himself, a ball after he had plonked him down the ground for six.Then, after a two-hour rain delay spat out a DLS equation that seemed to favour Middlesex (the visitors needed 202 from 26 overs), Hampshire cruised home with greater ease than the scorecard – three balls remaining – suggested. Middlesex, as McCullum’s T20 debut v Gloucestershire proved last Thursday, still do not know how to close out white-ball games.That they did not was largely down to Liam Dawson, who shared 89 in nine overs to turn the game with Sean Ervine, and finished unbeaten on 68 from 40. Dawson, such a canny cricketer, pulled beautifully and knew exactly where the gaps in the deep lay, with the six twos he found proving vital.Middlesex managed to feed the strengths of both he and Ervine, who was rather more belligerent in his approach, with only Toby Roland-Jones, who earlier claimed the vital wicket of Jimmy Adams, caught at deep cover, able to limit scoring.Shortly after Adams fell, Paul Stirling, who, with damp ball in hand, would be relentlessly attacked by Ervine and Dawson, had Adam Wheater stumped outside off and Middlesex were back in control. Dawson, even after James Fuller yorked Ervine, always looked to have a tricky chase in hand. His non-playing role in the England squad at the World T20 is unlikely to be his last involvement with the national side.Middlesex’s innings had seen a progression of batsmen get settled, and then, emboldened by McCullum’s gung-hoism, depart. The top three breezed to 190 but Crane bowled Dawid Malan and McCullum’s knock – not always fluent but with those brilliant wrists and powerful forearms to the fore – came to end when he tamely edged a turner to slip. Nick Gubbins, as strong on the cut as ever, was pinned in front trying to flick to leg.And that is when the stuttering started. Eoin Morgan looked ready to explode, a beautiful late cut followed by a fine cover drive and a six down the ground, but then – with 19-year-old Crane bowling the first ball of a new spell – he slapped straight to deep midwicket.Crane had seemed unperturbed by being given some tap – his ten overs did cost 80 compared to Dawson’s 32 – but he returned to bowl the 46th over, dismissed a fourth set batsman, James Franklin, and ended Middlesex’s hopes of the score their start had demanded: all but one of the top seven passed 20 but none reached 75. All of which, as Dawson calmly negotiated the target Hampshire’s spin pairing had set up, seemed very important indeed.

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that Arsenal could try and use Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun, or Emile Smith Rowe to help Arsenal sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

What are the latest West Ham rumours?

A number of top Premier League teams seem very keen on landing the England international but he won't come for cheap.

Indeed, as per a recent report in Sky Sports, Rice could cost around £120m if a Champions League club such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool or the Gunners want to get a deal done.

In that same article, it's also claimed that the Irons could potentially be open to a transfer which would see the £60k-per-week midfielder sold for £100m with another player coming in as part of a swap deal.

And while talking about this possibility on his YouTube channel, Watts suggested three names that could be used by Arsenal as a way of completing a move for Rice.

He said (11:07): “It'll be interesting when you look if they are willing to accept a player, potentially someone like Eddie Nketiah.

"£100m plus Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun even. You know, West Ham need a striker – might be looking at either of those two.

"Emile Smith Rowe, his future is potentially unclear going into the summer. Could you throw him into the mix as well? So there's, there's potential for Arsenal.”

Will Rice be sold as part of a swap deal?

There can be no doubt, Rice is going to cost a pretty penny if he does leave this simmer. After the recent win against Manchester United, manager David Moyes emphasised that point.

Indeed, he told the press: “Again, he was outstanding tonight but I thought we had some really big performers. No surprising me, he has got a great talent of regaining the ball.

“You’ve seen him play for England, you’ve seen the abilities he uses in recovering the ball and getting around people. He’s great across the ground, very quick. I’m pleased, but not surprised.

“That’s why he is probably the best English midfield player around and that is why he is going to be extremely expensive if anybody comes calling.”

And while a swap deal would help soften the blow of a potential departure, it remains unclear if West Ham would be keen on any of the names suggested by Watts.

After all, Nketiah, Balogun and Smith Rowe are all more attack-minded players. Still, there has been talk that Gianluca Scamacca could be off this summer, which could open the door for one of those Arsenal strikers to arrive.

With Rice undoubtedly of interest to many clubs, it will be interesting to see who can offer West Ham the most enticing proposition this summer.

Michael Klinger and Chris Dent smashed big centuries as Gloucestershire finally rekindled their Royal London Cup form of last season with a ten-run victory over Hampshire at Bristol.

ECB Reporters Network14-Jun-2016
ScorecardMichael Klinger notched his highest one-day score in Gloucestershire’s huge total•Getty ImagesMichael Klinger and Chris Dent smashed big centuries as Gloucestershire finally rekindled their Royal London Cup form of last season with a ten-run victory over Hampshire at Bristol.The holders had lost their first three group matches. But an opening stand of 242 in 38 overs between Klinger and Dent led the hosts to 352 for 3 from their 50 overs and ensured points on the board at last after the visitors had won the toss.Dent outscored his captain to make his second ton in this season’s competition off 116 balls, with 14 fours and three sixes, while Klinger went on to a career-best List A score off 150 balls, with 16 fours and six sixes.In reply, Hampshire managed a creditable 342 for 8 without ever looking like winning. Gareth Andrew contributed 70 not out, Liam Dawson 57, Sean Ervine 53 and Tom Alsop 50.Dent was in top form from the outset with a series of sweetly-struck boundaries through the off-side. The left-hander has rarely looked better as he moved to a brilliant 95-ball hundred, with Klinger content to play a supporting role.The Gloucestershire skipper only took charge after Dent had fallen to a skied catch at extra cover by Shahid Afridi off Dawson at the end of a memorable innings.From then on Klinger moved into top gear himself, reaching his 15th List A century off 115 deliveries. He then smacked a six and two fours in an over from Ryan Stevenson as the 300 was brought up in the 45th over.Klinger passed his previous best List A score of 140 not out by blasting his biggest six off Tino Best, the ball smacking against the top floor of the flats at the Ashley Down Road End.Ian Cockbain contributed a breezy 29, but it had basically been an exhilarating two-man show as Gloucestershire took a grip. Only Afridi, who conceded 44 from ten overs, exerted any measure of control.Hampshire began their reply solidly with an opening stand of 41 before Jimmy Adams fell to Liam Norwell for 22.Alsop went on to an impressive half-century off 39 balls, with five fours and a six, but the very next delivery from Benny Howell saw him carelessly drive a catch to extra cover.Ervine blasted successive sixes off Howell in the 19th over as he moved to the quickest fifty of the match off 32 balls, with three sixes and two fours.Will Smith helped add 78 in 11 overs before driving Kieran Noema-Barnett to mid-on where Tom Smith initially fumbled, but grabbed the ball at the third attempt.Noema-Barnett then struck the key blow with his innocuous looking medium-pace as Ervine miscued a cross-batted shot to short fine-leg. And Hampshire’s last realistic hope was dispelled when Afridi fell cheaply to Craig Miles.Dawson’s 47-ball half-century and Andrew’s blistering late assault were spirited efforts, but too little too late as 30 were still required off the final over. Andrew picked up two more sixes in it to take his five in a 41-ball blitz that deserved more reward.

Arsenal may still have two fixtures of the 2022/23 campaign still to play but sporting director Edu Gaspar is already preparing for a busy summer of business off the pitch.

The Gunners look set to fall narrowly short of winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004, with Manchester City in pole position to win their ninth and third straight title.

Champions League football will return to north London after a six-year absence, however.

Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly want to not only do well in UEFA's prestigious competition but go one better next season and to do that, he'll need substantial backing in the transfer market.

And it's thought that could begin in defence as links to RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan have emerged.

What's the latest on Arsenal's interest in Mohamed Simakan?

According to the Guardian's Ed Aarons, Arsenal have a "strong interest" in signing the 23-year-old from the Bundesliga outfit when the window re-opens for business next month. That is despite the young talent signing a contract extension to 2027 back in December.

The France U21 international cost Leipzig around €15m (£13m) in March 2021 and his exposure to senior football, combined with his undoubted potential and talent, has since seen his value soar to an estimated £30m, as per FootballTransfers.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain were thought to be quoted around €40m (£35m) last summer.

Edu and co aren't the only potential suitors for his signature, though, as they seem set to face rival interest from Manchester United, as per Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna.

What would Mohamed Simakan bring to Arsenal?

Much of the talk heading into the summer is regarding the Gunners' pursuit of Declan Rice and whilst he would be a huge statement signing to bolster a threadbare engine room, the addition of Simakan could prove even more beneficial to Arteta and his system.

Reports have recently emerged suggesting that the Spaniard would like to shift Ben White back into a more natural central defensive role, which would open up a glaring void at right-back, particularly because there technically isn't one contracted to the club. Takehiro Tomiyasu, like the Englishman, is a cross between a centre-back and a full-back.

Simakan is another similar prospect but has shone in the right-sided role at Leipzig.

The shift of White back into the heart of defence would ensure that the side can cope with any injuries next season as they look to trump City to a likely tenth title. The absence of William Saliba and subsequent reliance on a poorer quality alternative in Rob Holding has arguably cost the Gunners a real shot at glory.

Simakan's arrival would go to great lengths in ensuring this does not happen again.

The versatile Marseille-born "monster" – as hailed by journalist Robin Bairner – has admirably stepped up to fill Nordi Mukiele's shoes at the Red Bull Arena. No other Leipzig player registered a better average WhoScored rating in the Champions League this term (7.24) as he registered four goal contributions in just six starts in the competition.

Such exploits have seen his statistical profile likened to that of current Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko, via FBref, so perhaps Arteta would be getting a more defensively sound version of the Ukraine international – and that would only benefit the side tenfold.

And when you compare his performances at right-back with his positional peers across Europe's elite five divisions, you quickly learn just how immensely talented he is.

As per FBref again, Simakan ranks inside the top 1% of the aforementioned cohort for assists, shot-creating actions and touches in the penalty box per 90, as well as the top 2% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, and even the top 8% for progressive passes per 90.

This would suggest that the Leipzig dynamo is an efficient ball carrier, particularly in getting forward from deep and one that is capable of providing some creativity in the final third. This is also similar to White, who has mustered up two goals and three assists in 2023 alone.

During his efforts in the UCL this term, Simakan has also averaged 2.3 tackles per game, which sees him rank second overall, and a squad-high 1.7 interceptions per game, also using his 6 foot 2 frame to win 1.6 aerial duels per game – more than anyone else too, per WhoScored.

It is perhaps why scout Jacek Kulig once hailed the former Strasbourg prodigy as "underrated," "versatile," "strong" and "complete," as well as comparing him to a "young Lillian Thuram."

The array of superlatives and comparisons doesn't just stop there, though.

His former coach Francois Keller once claimed that Simakan was "the new Varane," referring to current Manchester United superstar Raphael Varane, due to his "athletic" and "powerful" attributes.

Given the evidence above, the arrival of the Leipzig sensation could really transform Arsenal's fortunes defensively as his presence at right-back would allow White to provide genuine competition alongside Jakub Kiwior to both Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba.

The Gunners shouldn't give up their pursuit of Rice either as the addition of these two transfer targets would seriously bolster Arteta's squad, though it is Simakan that seems an absolute perfect fit for the Spaniard and his exciting system.

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that he doesn't expect Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli to play again this season after he was spotted in a protective boot.

What's the latest Arsenal injury news?

The Gunners played host to Brighton on Sunday with the likes of William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Mo Elneny already out injured.

And to make things worse, not long into that Premier League match at the Emirates, Martinelli hobbled off the pitch as a consequence of a foul from Moises Caicedo.

This was merely a precursor for the bad afternoon the north London side would have as they went on to lose the match 3-0 – all but putting an end to their title hopes.

Adding insult to injury, Watts has since noted that Martinelli was seen in a protective boot after the game and has claimed that the Brazilian won't play again this season.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said (13:40): “Mikel didn’t know [when he'll be back], said that he's going to go for a scan.

"I saw the club physio spoke to some fans afterwards as he was leaving the game in his car. And I think he said that he thinks he'll play again this season but I don't know.

"Having seen Martinelli yesterday walking around after the game in that protective boot. I'd be surprised if he does but we'll wait and see on that."

Is Martinelli out for the season?

The Brazilian was actually a tad lucky not to go off early when he avoided a red card for a nasty foul on Kaoru Mitoma.

This good fortune has since turned to back luck with manager Mikel Arteta not able to add too much clarity about it all.

He told football.london: "He was very uncomfortable, and he could not carry on playing. We need to scan him and see the extent of that injury."

Arsenal team doctor Gary O'Driscoll was spotted outside the Emirates stating: "He's a bit sore but he should be okay," before adding: "everyone's fighting to be back for the next game".

However, with the title now surely out of reach and with only two Premier League matches left to play for the Gunners, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to rush the £180k-p/w winger back as it could risk aggravating the issue even more.

All in all, it sounds as though Arsenal fans may well have seen the last of Martinelli this season.

Essex’s batsmen piled on the agony by batting all day to establish a 273-run lead over promotion rivals Kent.

ECB Reporters Network04-Jul-2016
ScorecardRavi Bopara made his best Championship score of the season•Getty ImagesEssex’s batsmen piled on the agony by batting all day to establish a 273-run lead over promotion rivals Kent.Kent toiled in the field as Essex feasted on some indifferent and uninspired bowling to add 373 runs on the second day. Essex claimed maximum bonus points to reclaim their place at the top of Division Two.Four Essex batsmen went past fifty, but three of them – Tom Westley, Ravi Bopara and Dan Lawrence – perished within sight of three figures. Captain Ryan ten Doeschate, meanwhile, remained unbeaten on 77.The foundation for Essex’s big score was laid by a third-wicket stand of 169 in 44 overs between Westley and Bopara. The pair completely dominated the Kent attack throughout the morning session and deep into the post-lunch one as well.Westley scored heaviest in the early part of the partnership, being particularly severe on Mitch Claydon. He hit two fours in one over, steering the ball through midwicket and then another through gulley.Westley also dealt with the questions that South African quick Kagiso Rabada had posed early on for Ravi Bopara, to whom he bowled 23 consecutive dot balls. Westley smashed four off the second ball he faced from the man who dismissed England captain Alastair Cook late on Sunday.Bopara started circumspectly, and when he bounced down the wicket to hit Darren Stevens over the top it was a rare outbreak of aggression. But once he was settled, Bopara matched Westley’s scoring rate.Westley reached his fifty first, off 75 balls, when he pushed a single off Adam Ball to mid-off. Bopara’s half-century took 102 balls and arrived just before lunch when he swept James Tredwell for two.Both batsmen, though, survived sharp chances. Westley had added one more to his eighth Championship fifty in 13 innings when he hit low and hard to Sam Northeast at short mid-on, but the Kent captain couldn’t cling on. Soon after, Bopara swished at Tredwell and the ball flew over and through a diving Ball at first slip.Bopara accelerated after lunch and twice advanced down the wicket to hit first Stevens and then Tredwell over the top for fours. The assault ended when Westley became bogged down against Claydon and chased a delivery that was both short and wide to be caught behind. He departed, deeply frustrated, for 88 off 150 balls, with a dozen fours.Bopara went within five overs, attempting to drive but playing loosely at Stevens and being caught low down by Sean Dickson at short extra cover for 94. It was Bopara highest Championship score of the season and took 157 balls and included 11 fours.Jaik Mickleburgh and Lawrence put on 59 for the fifth wicket in 20 overs of sensible batting before Mickleburgh nibbled at one from Ball and gave Tredwell a catch at first slip.Essex were still 43 runs short of maximum batting points at that point with eight overs remaining. Ten Doeschate hit his first two balls for four, and then cut Stevens for a third to show his intent. Lawrence also hit Stevens for successive fours, the first past square leg bringing up a 78-ball fifty, and later lofted Tredwell over long on for six.The pair passed the 400-run threshold, and the fifth batting point, with nine balls to spare, having put on 45 in little more than seven overs. Ten Doeschate took two successive boundaries off Joe Denly to pass 50. He needed just 54 balls to get there, hitting nine fours along the way.The sixth-wicket pair had just brought up the 100 partnership in 18 overs when Lawrence went for another big shot and found substitute fielder Matt Hunn at long-off.

An overthrow off the last ball, with South Africa needing three, resulted in a heartbreaking loss for Ireland in the first of two women’s T20Is in Dublin

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Aug-2016
ScorecardFile photo: Mignon du Preez top-scored for South Africa Women with 55•ICC/Getty ImagesAn overthrow off the last ball, with South Africa needing three, resulted in a heartbreaking loss for Ireland in the first of two women’s T20Is in Dublin.South Africa, chasing 141, needed 22 off the last two overs, with five wickets in hand. Dinesha Devnarain took the onus after Mignon du Preez’s dismissal for 55. Her unbeaten 11-ball 20, including a crucial boundary in the penultimate over, helped the visitors secure a thriller.Clare Shillington made the early running with a 31-ball 30 after Ireland were sent in to bat. They moved along to 61 for 1 in 10 overs before Sune Luus’ double-strike in the space of five deliveries lifted South Africa.She first clean bowled Shauna Kavanagh and then had Jennifer Gray trapped lbw as Ireland slipped to 63 for 3. When Shillington fell off the next over, Ireland had lost momentum.It took an unbeaten 61-run stand between Isobel Joyce and Kim Garth to lift Ireland to 140 for 5, their second-highest T20I score. Joyce was particularly aggressive, hitting three fours and a six in her unbeaten 31. Ireland pillaged 51 off the last six overs.In reply, South Africa lost experienced opener Trisha Chetty in the third over, but kept chipping away at the runs, even as the asking rate crept up, courtesy Laura Wolvaardt and du Preez. The pair had added 45 in seven overs before Joyce had Wolvaardt caught by Garth to leave the visitors needing 83 off 57 balls.Du Preez, the former captain, brought her experience into play, milking the runs even as wickets continued to fall, before laying into the bowlers; her successive boundaries in the 17th over reduced the equation to 33 off the last three overs.The dismissal of du Preez in the 18th over tilted the game in Ireland’s favour, but Devnarain’s cameo, in Lara Goodall’s company, kept South Africa’s hopes alive. When Goodall was run out in the final over, delivered by 16-year-old medium-pacer Lucy O’Reilly, South Africa were left needing four off the last two balls. That soon became three off the last ball. O’Reilly and Klaas ran two but got four more, courtesy a misfield and an overthrow. With the win, South Africa took an unassailable lead in the series.

Glasgow Rangers and Michael Beale have been given a big boost in their pursuit to sign Arsenal defender Auston Trusty, according to Football Insider.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer news?

The Gers appear to be making a head start on their summer plans, with Chelsea right-back Dujon Sterling and Norwich City attacking midfielder Kieran Dowell likely to move north in free transfers over the coming weeks.

Alongside the English duo, a deal to sign Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes also appears to be close, and another new defender is also wanted in Glasgow.

Trusty has been linked with a £2m switch to Rangers following a successful season-long loan spell with Birmingham City, where he won the club’s Player of the Year award, and an update has now emerged.

According to Football Insider, a move for Trusty is now thought to be ‘doable’ in what is described as a big boost for Beale.

The Gunners are willing to accept an offer for the USA international this summer, while Rangers have been monitoring the player as they look to bolster their centre-back ranks.

Who is Auston Trusty?

Trusty is 24 years of age and is primarily a centre-back who can also turn out as a left-back if needed. Valued at a career-high €9m by Transfermarkt, the left-footed defender appears to be at the top of his game and made a whopping 48 appearances in all competitions for Birmingham this season.

As well as winning the Player of the Year award, Trusty also came in for praise from Blues manager Jon Eustace, who said this back in October.

“He is going to be a top player, he is going to go back to Arsenal, whenever that is, at the end of the season and hopefully push for that first team spot there and I think he certainly deserves to be going to the World Cup. His performances for us having been exceptional and they are only going to get better and better.”

You can see why Beale wants to bolster his defence with Filip Helander out of contract at the end of the month. That will leave him with four centre-back options, one of which being teenager Leo King, so adding a fifth in Trusty, who can also cover at left-back, appears to be a shrewd move.

He has just come off the back of an impressive campaign in the Championship, and it looks as if he could possibly be playing at Ibrox next season in a new look Rangers side.

West Indies quick Miguel Cummins has said he did not let the long wait for his first Test wicket fluster him

Karthik Krishnaswamy in St Lucia 11-Aug-20161:42

‘My debut game was very tough’ – Cummins

Having gone wicketless with the first 280 balls of his Test career, Miguel Cummins picked up three in his next ten balls. In the space of those first 280 balls, Cummins went through multiple frustrations: going off with cramps in his debut Test, and, in his second Test, watching batsmen fend accurate bouncers in the general direction of short leg but just out of the fielder’s reach.”For me, the debut Test was very tough, because I was playing for the first time so nerves took in,” Cummins said at the end of the second day’s play in St Lucia. “Was fighting a long way, fighting hard, hard, hard. Came today, saw the [other] guys take wickets but didn’t let that fluster me. I tried looking for wickets but my job was to build pressure.”On Tuesday, West Indies took the first five Indian wickets for 126 runs, and in the second session on Wednesday, they ran through the last five wickets for the cost of only 14 runs. But in between, R Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha put on 213 to balance out some of West Indies’ good work with the ball.Cummins applauded his team-mates for toppling India’s top half, but admitted Ashwin and Saha made things tough for them. “We did a very good job of getting their top order,” he said. “They are a very talented batting line-up but we stuck to our plans. But can’t take anything away from Ashwin and Saha, they batted very well. We had to keep fighting when they had the partnership.”West Indies made good use of a St Lucia pitch with plenty of bounce on offer, with Alzarri Joseph dismissing Virat Kohli with a well-directed lifter on day one and Cummins and Shannon Gabriel wiping out the lower order with a barrage of short balls.”The plan was not to bowl short [exclusively] but mix it up,” Cummins said. “Ashwin normally sits on the back foot, lot of guys sit on the back foot. So our plan was to get some balls [pitched] up and let them drive and then use the short-pitched stuff.”