New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may look to sign Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn this summer, according to The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare.
The Lowdown: Bergwijn hints at Old Trafford move
Ten Hag was announced as Manchester United’s new manager last month, penning a deal through to 2025.
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He looks set to make final decisions on transfer targets ‘in the coming weeks’, with numerous players linked with a move to Old Trafford.
One of those has been Bergwijn, who hinted earlier this month that a move to United could be on the cards.
Labelled as an ‘important player’ with ‘good fitness’ by Antonio Conte, the Dutch winger can play anywhere across the front three but has made just four Premier League starts this season.
The Latest: Eccleshare’s claim
Reliable reporter Eccleshare shared a story for The Athletic regarding Bergwijn on Thursday. One source believes that Bergwijn will “100%” leave north London at the end of the season, with Eccleshare stating that a possible solution could be a move to Manchester United.
Ten Hag is thought to be a fan of the 24-year-old and made multiple attempts to bring the forward to Ajax, however, Eccleshare added that there is nothing concrete from Old Trafford as of yet.
The Verdict: One to watch?
Ten Hag wants to be heavily involved when it comes to signings, sales and new contracts, so if he personally wants to bring Bergwijn to Manchester, it could be a deal to keep a close eye on.
He hasn’t had the best of times in the Premier League with Spurs, scoring just eight times in 80 games, but Ten Hag will know all about his qualities after coming up against the winger at PSV.
Bergwijn is still just 24 years of age, and with Spurs seemingly looking to offload the player, United may well be able to secure his services for a relatively low fee which would bolster Ten Hag’s attacking ranks.
In other news: Ten Hag wants Man Utd to hijack Spurs move for ‘difference maker’; could replace ‘useless’ flop.
It was down to what mindset the two batting line-ups came out with on a treacherous Mirpur pitch and the difference in the two approaches was evident
Mohammad Isam in Mirpur08-Feb-2018It is still quite early to gauge how much difference Kusal Mendis’ 68 will make in the Dhaka Test but on the first day, his adventurous approach already made a telling impact in Sri Lanka’s innings. It was that kind of a pitch where a really good ball was going to get you so Mendis probably thought it was best to collect some runs before that one delivery came. His tactics to work the wrists over the ball and drive through and across the line, although with some risk, on a treacherous pitch were much better than Bangladesh’s overly watchful approach in the last 22 overs of the day, which left them on 56 for 4 after Sri Lanka’s total of 222.There wasn’t the mystery element in the pitch to assist the spinners which both sides spoke about before the match. So it was down to what mindset the two batting line-ups came out with. By being positive like Tamim Iqbal against England and Australia in Mirpur in 2016 and 2017, Mendis got the most out of his potential on a tough pitch.Thilan Samaraweera, Sri Lanka’s batting coach, said that such was Mendis’ confidence, it looked like he was playing on a different surface altogether.”The biggest thing [in our innings] is Kusal Mendis’s 68,” Samaraweera said. “The runs came very quickly. It was a massive part of our batting because on this pitch it is not easy to score fast, but he batted on a different track in the morning. We have to give credit to the tailenders and Roshen Silva too for batting well. But had there not been soft dismissals, we would have been happy to score 250-260.”Like in Chittagong, Mendis didn’t let Dimuth Karunaratne’s early loss get the better of him. By the 10th over, Mendis had raced to 36 off 35 balls with seven fours before Mustafizur Rahman slowed him down with a short burst of dot balls. Mendis reached fifty with a slog-swept six over midwicket, which was his eighth boundary through the arc between backward square-leg and midwicket.Mendis hardly let go of any short balls and often whipped his wrists over the ball to negate the spin. It took a brilliant delivery from Abdur Razzak to remove him, when the ball hung on the middle-stump line and went past his outside edge to take down the off stump.Cut to the Bangladesh first innings, and it was evident that being too watchful on this pitch had plenty of pitfalls. The home batsmen didn’t need to copy Mendis but there was reward for a positive approach, which even Liton Das portrayed in his short stay. A bit of carelessness also didn’t help them.Tamim Iqbal’s dismissal said as much about Bangladesh’s mindset. He was half forward and although he connects a lot of deliveries with that type of footwork against pace, he drove too early at Suranga Lakmal, resulting in a return catch. Then with his side already looking in trouble in the final 90 minutes, Mominul Haque was careless enough to be run-out, especially after showing so much restraint in the two innings in Chittagong.Mushfiqur Rahim kept leaving Lakmal’s deliveries too close to the off stump. A firmer mindset may have helped him but he left one too many, and paid the price by seeing his off stump knocked over by shouldering arms. Imrul Kayes would be kicking himself too for not lasting until the end of the day, getting out to a full delivery from Dilruwan Perera, who had been troubling him throughout his 55-ball stay.Liton Das, however, offered some hope for the hosts by showing the common sense to drive the drivable balls, cut the short balls and deal with the good deliveries sensibly. A bit of confidence from his 94 in the Chittagong Test, and seeing the other batsmen fall to poor shots may have helped Liton understand what not to do as Bangladesh now bank on him to get anywhere near Sri Lanka’s score.
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jul-2016… and soon brought up his 150, his fifth in Test cricket•Getty ImagesHe was congratulated by his partner, Chris Woakes …•Getty Images… who uppercut a six over third man en route to his own half-century•Getty ImagesIt was Woakes’ second fifty in three Tests of a breakthrough summer•Getty ImagesBut on 58, he became Yasir Shah’s first wicket in 39 overs of hard toil•AFPBen Stokes batted with a measure of restraint in his first innings since injury•AFPBut he was unimpressed to be adjudged caught behind by DRS for 34•Getty ImagesJonny Bairstow survived a dropped catch by Sarfraz Ahmed, on 9•Getty ImagesRoot, however, powered on to his second Test double-hundred•Getty ImagesHe brought up his double-hundred with a reverse sweep for four•Getty ImagesIt was his highest Test score to date, beating his 200 not out against Sri Lanka in 2014•Getty ImagesHe eventually fell for 254 and was congratulated as he left by Misbah-ul-Haq …•AFP… and Yasir Shah as well•AFPHe departed the field to a standing ovation•Getty ImagesIn reply, Woakes made England’s first incision with the wicket of Mohammad Hafeez•Getty ImagesThen snaffled Azhar Ali with a high catch in his followthrough•Getty ImagesBen Stokes chipped in with the vital scalp of Younis Khan for 1•Getty ImagesWoakes claimed his third when the nightwatchman Rahat Ali was caught at short leg•Getty ImagesShan Masood battled to the close for a brave 30 not out•Getty Images
Stats highlights from the second day of the second Test between West Indies and Australia at Sabina Park
Bishen Jeswant13-Jun-20152 Previous instances – in the last five years – when West Indies’ pacers have taken nine (or more) wickets in a home Test. Five of the last 10 instances of West Indies’ pacers doing this in a home Test have come at Sabina Park.3 Australian batsmen who have been dismissed on 199 – Matthew Elliott, Steve Waugh and now Steven Smith. Overall, eight batsmen have been dismissed on 199 in Tests.20 Number of times West Indies have been bowled out for 150 or less against Australia, the joint-most for them against any team along with England. West Indies are currently 143 for 8, giving Australia the chance to hold the record on Saturday.3 Five-wicket hauls for Jerome Taylor at Sabina Park, the joint-most for any bowler at this venue. Corey Collymore and Wes Hall have also taken three five-wicket hauls each in Kingston.6/47 Taylor’s career-best figures. Each of Taylor’s three best figures in Tests have come in Jamaica – against Australia, England (5 for 11 in 2009) and India (5 for 50 in 2006).0 Times in the last 15 years when Australia have lost a Test match against West Indies after making a 300-plus score in the first innings. This last happened in Barbados in 1999.49.9 Percentage of Australia’s runs (399) scored by Smith (199). The highest percentage of runs scored by any batsman in a completed innings is 67.3%, by Australia’s Charles Bannerman (165* out of 245) in the first ever Test match in 1877.
Stats preview to the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the MCG
S Rajesh25-Dec-2013The last 15 Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground have all produced decisive results – the last draw here was in 1997, against South Africa. Given this stat, and the clear weather forecast, the series scoreline will probably read 4-0 or 3-1 before the new year dawns. Australia have a 12-3 record during this period, but England are the only side to win more than one Test since 1997 – they beat the hosts in 1998 and then again in 2010. The 2010 drubbing was especially embarrassing for Australia, and they were bowled out for 98 in their first innings and saw England finish the opening day on none for 157, which also turned out to be the margin of the innings victory for England. That was Australia’s first innings defeat at the ground since 1986.The memories of that embarrassment will surely keep Australia hungry and motivated despite having already sealed the series with two matches to go. Also, despite Australia’s imposing overall record here, they’ve been beaten twice in their last five Tests: before England’s comprehensive win in 2010, they’d also lost to South Africa by nine wickets in 2008. (Click here for the results at this ground since 1990.)Despite those two recent defeats, Australia’s stats here since 2000 are still utterly dominant – they’ve averaged more than 40 runs per wicket with the bat, and conceded less than 26 with the ball. Their batsmen have scored 16 centuries in these 13 Tests, while opposition batsmen have scored only five.
Tests at the MCG
Matches
Won
Lost
Drawn
Bat ave
Bowl ave
Australia (overall)
105
60
30
15
32.28
27.31
England (overall)
54
20
27
7
27.59
29.42
Australia (since 2000)
13
11
2
0
40.21
25.73
England (since 1990)
6
2
4
0
25.54
34.12
The MCG is one of two home venues where Shane Watson has scored a Test century – in fact, it’s the ground where he scored his first century, 120 not out against Pakistan in 2009. For Michael Clarke, though, it hasn’t been such a great batting ground: he scored his first Test century here last year, in his 13th Test innings; in his previous 12 innings here he’d averaged 36.50.The MCG has also been a poor venue for two of England’s top batsmen. Kevin Pietersen has managed 73 runs from three innings, while Ian Bell has scores of 7, 2, and 1 from his three innings here.
Australian batsmen at the MCG (more than one Test)
Batsman
Tests
Runs
Average
100s/ 50s
Michael Clarke
8
471
42.81
1/ 2
Shane Watson
3
355
88.75
1/ 3
Mitchell Johnson
5
178
44.50
0/ 1
Brad Haddin
4
143
23.83
0/ 1
David Warner
2
104
34.67
0/ 1
Peter Siddle has the least wickets among Australia’s fast bowlers so far in this series, but at the MCG he has been the top star, taking 21 wickets in five Tests at 22.19. The last time the two teams played at this ground, Siddle was the only Australian to emerge with his reputation enhanced, taking 6 for 75 from 33 tireless overs, even as England amassed 513. Mitchell Johnson went for plenty in that match – 2 for 134 from 29 overs – but he achieved his best MCG figures when he last played there, taking 6 for 79 against Sri Lanka in 2012.
Australian bowlers at the MCG (more than one Test)
Bowler
Tests
Wickets
Average
Strike rate
5WI/ 10WM
Peter Siddle
5
21
22.19
46.1
1/ 0
Mitchell Johnson
5
19
26.52
53.3
0/ 0
Nathan Lyon
2
4
32.50
45.7
0/ 0
In the last eight Tests at the MCG, fast bowlers have done much better than spinners, averaging 27 runs per wicket with five five-fors, two of those by Dale Steyn in one match. Spinners have conceded more than 41 runs per wicket, and two of the three five-fors taken by them during this period were by wristspinners, Shane Warne and Anil Kumble. Nathan Lyon, Australia’s specialist spinner in the current team, has bowled only 30.3 overs in the two Tests he has played here, which indicates how dominant Australia’s fast bowlers have been in these matches.
Pace and spin at the MCG in the last 8 Tests
Wickets
Average
Strike rate
5WI/ 10WM
Pace
198
27.41
53.9
5/ 1
Spin
54
41.55
79.2
3/ 0
Teams winning the toss have batted first seven times in the last eight Tests, but have won only four of the seven times when they’ve chosen to bat. In these eight games, teams batting first and fielding first have won four times each, which suggests the toss hasn’t had that much impact on the result of the match.The average runs per wicket is the highest in the second innings, which suggests the second day is the best one for batting at this venue. In the last eight Tests, teams have topped 330 five times in the first innings, but there’ve also been three scores of less than 160. In the second innings, four times in the last eight years teams have topped 400, with England’s 513 in 2010 being the highest. However, the averages have dropped significantly in the third and fourth innings, with the fourth-innings average dropping to 23.
Runs per wicket in each innings at the MCG since 2005
It’s Delhi v Mumbai. The battle lines are clearly drawn
Arnav Sawhny28-Apr-2012Choice of game
This was a battle of the heavyweights – the swashbuckling Sehwag v Sachin, or the mercurial KP v Slinga Malinga. With Delhi thrashing the pre-tournament favourites in Mumbai, it promised to be an epic encounter – could the Daredevils continue their dream season or would the might of the Mumbai Indians shine through? That no team had as yet pulled a double over the other was a delicious subplot to this battle.Team supported
As a resident of Delhi, I naturally went into this game rooting for the Daredevils. One to always support the underdog, I was looking forward to the dramatically improved Delhi side taking on the rich and mighty Mumbai Indians. I went with a group of seven other friends, and we were spectacularly biased as seven Daredevils supports to one for Mumbai. Needless to say, he was in for a tough day, whatever the result.Key performer
Despite a strong, solid and speedy start by Mahela Jayawardene and Virender Sehwag, I have two other picks for players of the day.Kevin Pietersen – who else? – walked in in the 14th over, took his time to get going, saw wickets fall around him , but stayed calm and composed – well, as calm as you can be while smashing 50 off 25-odd balls. His finish gave the Daredevils’ a 200-plus total.My second performer of the day is the highly underrated left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem. After Mumbai lost their top three early, many thought the game was over. But Mumbai fought back with a spunky partnership between Dinesh Karthik and Ambati Rayudu and some quick hits by Kieron Pollard. Nadeem dismissed Rayudu and Pollard off consecutive deliveries to put the result beyond doubt.One thing I’d have changed
Despite being a Daredevils supporter, I’d have loved to see Tendulkar get some more runs. While a target of 208 was always going to be beyond Mumbai – especially after they inexplicably dropped an in-form James Franklin for Aiden Blizzard – a longer knock from Sachin would have added some stability to the chase, potentially making the match a lot closer than it eventually turned out to be. It’s always a pleasure to see him bat, and his solitary six over covers sent a shiver of delight through the crowd.Face-off I most relished
I loved the way Jayawardene took on Lasith Malinga. He showed a sense of responsibility by never letting the yorker specialist settle into his rhythm and dented his confidence by taking him for plenty of runs. With their kingpin going for runs all over the park, the toothless Mumbai attack appeared helpless to contain Jayawardene on a flat pitch.Accessories
Like a typical fan, I had noise whistles and a Delhi flag to wave for every four, six, save, Mumbai misfield, dropped catch, in between overs and after the match.Close encounter
One of the girls I went with was in love with Morne Morkel and went into a frenzy of delight when he came to patrol the boundary next to where we were sitting. Chants of “Morkel Morkel” and “Marry me Morne” made him blush and smile, and his emphatic wave when going on to bowl sent her into a state of ecstasy.Crowd meter
The Kotla was packed and noisy. Armed with flags and whistles, and encouraged by loud Punjabi music and a very enthusiastic emcee, the crowd created an atmosphere so in favour of the home side, it seemed impossible they would lose. Like in any stadium in India, Sachin got his share of cheers, but the Delhi crowd, after four seasons of the IPL, seems to have finally realised it won’t do to cheer a four from the opposition side. But spectators in Delhi are not yet as hostile as the crowds in Mumbai and Bangalore, and still welcome their visitors with open arms.There was a silent battle between a seven-year-old Delhi fan and a 20-something Mumbai fan. The Delhi boy was wearing the Daredevils jersey and waving a team flag, cheering them on enthusiastically. Then he caught sight of the Mumbai fan and for the rest of the game, after every boundary or over, the Delhi kid would stand up in his seat, turn around, and dance, cheer and make faces at the Mumbai fan, who also responded enthusiastically. The rivalry ended well, with the Mumbai fan giving the Delhi boy a tight hug after the match.Fancy-dress index
One guy wore an array of peacock feathers on his head, with matching sunglasses that had green shiny flashing lights. If he had ventured in front of the sightscreen, there would have been a major interruption in the game.Actual interruption of the day
In the middle of an over during the Daredevils’ innings a dog ran on to the field. It took a lap of honour around the field while the crowd and walked off to allow play to continue.Banner of the day
“Sachin, please stick to cricket not politics!” A simple message that showed how highly we Indians think of our cricketers and how little we think of our politicians.TV v stadium
I’m a sucker for games at the stadium, be it Tests, ODIs or Twenty20s. The IPL, packaged as it is, is simply a must-watch in the stadium. The entertainment – both cricket and off the field – the crowds, the music, the drama, the thrills and the heartbreaks, the euphoria can be best enjoyed with 40,000 other fans screaming their hearts out.Overall
I’d give this game 8 out of 10 simply in relation to the other IPL games I’ve watched at the Kotla. While this game didn’t have the drama of the Delhi v Punjab game I saw last season (both teams scoring over 200 runs), the fabulous crowd and the all-round display from the Daredevils made it a wonderful experience.
They may have “fewer battle scars”, but few would bet on New Zealand to pull off their first win in in Australia in 23 years when the first Test gets underway in Brisbane on Thursday
Ricky Ponting 11 808 73.45 – – Matthew Hayden 9 626 41.73 – – Brett Lee 6 139 23.16 32 20.81 Michael Clarke 5 141 37.20 2 12.00 Simon Katich 3 188 62.66 – – One big plus for Australia is the return of Andrew Symonds; his average of 74.37 in six Tests is the best for them this year: Simon Katich is the only other batsman with an average over 50. The worrying fact for the hosts is that their bowlers (apart from Jason Krejza with 29.83) have all gone at over 30 this year, with their fast bowlers unable to make an impression in India. For New Zealand, it’s Vettori who’s been their stand-out performer this year. Only Ross Taylor has scored more runs than him, and Vettori also leads the bowling charts, with 39 wickets at 25.53. The encouraging fact for New Zealand is that Iain O’Brien, Chris Martin and Kyle Mills have also been in the wickets, and even if you exclude Tests against Bangladesh, New Zealand’s bowling unit have performed better than Australia. (Australia’s bowlers, though, have played in tougher conditions in West Indies and India, while New Zealand played at home and in England.)Brett Lee struggled in India; however, he had 40 wickets at an astounding average of 20.57 in Australia’s home series against Sri Lanka and India last summer: he won the series prize for both. Symonds took 11 wickets at 25.27, and Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson had over 20 wickets each at over 30 apiece. Symonds was their main force with the bat, with 513 runs at 85.50, and four of their batsmen averaged over 60.Toss Australia have only lost four of the 28 Tests when they have won the toss at the Gabba. On the other hand, opposition teams have won only four of the 22 Tests when they have won the toss. Australia have won 17 of the 32 Tests when they have batted first; New Zealand have lost all four doing so. In eight Tests since 2000, Australia have won the toss twice, fielding first and winning against West Indies in 2000-01 and batting first against England in 2006-07. Whenever the opposition has won the toss, they have put Australia in, resulting in four defeats and two draws.
Result by situation at the Gabba
Situation
Tests
Matches won
Lost
Drawn
Tied
Australia winning the toss 28 18 4 6 Australia losing the toss 22 12 4 5 1 Australia’s dominance is clearly reflected in the average runs per wicket, with a yawning gap between them and the opposition during their unbeaten streak.
Average runs per wicket
Period
Australia’s average
Opposition’s average
Overall 39.51 26.33 1990 onwards 50.19 24.51 2000 onwards 58.29 24.02 Pace v Spin The stats may not encourage Vettori too much, but being a spinner he might want to bowl in the fourth innings, although wet weather in the lead-up might prompt him to bowl first.
Pace v Spin at the Gabba – 1990 onwards
InningsWickets for pace bowlersAverageEconomy-rateWickets for spinnersAverageEconomy-rate1st13538.193.23051.93.02nd12732.952.954136.022.933rd9031.013.253333.732.764th4729.402.923225.462.69Overall39933.873.1013636.492.87
Chennai is set to host its first IPL final in 12 years, with Chepauk named as the venue for the IPL 2024 title match, to be played on May 26. The MA Chidambaram Stadium, or the Chepauk, the home venue of defending IPL champions Chennai Super Kings, has hosted two previous IPL finals, in 2011 and 2012.Chennai will also host the second qualifier on May 24, with the first qualifier on May 21 and the eliminator on May 22 set to take place in Ahmedabad.The second part of the IPL schedule, comprising 52 matches including the playoffs, will begin on April 8, with CSK hosting Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai. All playoff matches will be evening games, as usual.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
As in 2023, the ten teams have been divided across two groups of five each. Each team plays the other four teams in their group twice and four teams in the other group once while playing the remaining team from the other group – picked via a draw – twice.CSK are grouped with 2022 IPL champions Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. The second group comprises five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians along with KKR, Royals, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.In all, the 2024 league phase will include 11 double-header days, two of which took place on the opening weekend.On February 22, the IPL had released a partial schedule of an initial set of 21 matches from March 22 to April 7. A complete schedule could not be put out since, at the time, the IPL was waiting for the Election Commission of India to announce the dates for the country’s general elections, which have since been made public. They will take place in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.Apart from the main home grounds of the ten teams, the tournament will also travel to Visakhapatnam, Dharamsala and Guwahati, which will host two games each as the respective second home grounds of Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals respectively. Guwahati will host the final league game of the season on May 19, between Royals and KKR.
The hosts will need more from the likes of Shakib and Mushfiqur if they are to force the series into a decider
Mohammad Isam02-Mar-2023
Dawid Malan and Adil Rashid get together after sealing a tricky chase in the first ODI•Associated Press
Big picture – Can the likes of Mushfiqur and Shakib stand up?England know all too well the importance of taking a 1-0 lead against Bangladesh in Dhaka. The last time it happened, in 2016, England ended up winning the series 2-1 despite the home side bouncing back with a win in the second game. In fact, the last time Bangladesh won a bilateral ODI series after losing the first match was nearly eight years ago, against South Africa.This simple fact underlines Bangladesh’s dominance at home in the last decade. They have lost just two bilateral series at home in this period. It also means England’s three-wicket win in the first ODI on Wednesday was a big deal. They broke through Bangladesh’s fort by playing in a very different way than they are used to. Conditions obviously varied, with the Shere Bangla National Stadium offering a lot more to the spinners.Still, England used predominantly their seamers to attack and restrict the home side. They bowled Bangladesh out for 209, before Dawid Malan’s unbeaten century arrested their own batting slide to seal the win. It was a great effort from a batter who had a stealthy local experience: Malan has played more than 50 matches in Bangladesh in the last ten years.Related
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But more experienced players of these conditions, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, didn’t quite do justice to their billing. Their dismissals in the middle overs, both out slogging spinners, prompted a readjustment from the rest of Bangladesh’s batting line-up. Najmul Hossain Shanto couldn’t kick on from his maiden ODI fifty, while Mahmudullah got out batting in first gear.Both teams will therefore look for batting improvements. Malan’s knock was the only innings of substance for England while Bangladesh needs their batters to make best use of the starts. What would however encourage both sides is their disciplined bowling. Taskin Ahmed and the Bangladesh spinners bowled their heart out. They couldn’t take the remaining three wickets, but they were defending a pretty low total.England’s bowlers looked to have understood the conditions well too, particularly Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali who ensured Bangladesh’s scoring never went too far. The second ODI promises to be another tight affair. The home side wouldn’t want to let go of their Dhaka dominance.Form guideBangladesh LLWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first) England WLWWWIn the spotlightIt has taken Najmul Hossain Shanto 16 ODIs to reach his first half-century in the format, the second-slowest Bangladeshi to the mark (Litton Das took 17 matches to reach the milestone). It is an important stepping stone for Shanto, who has been trying to establish himself in internationals for the last two years. Admittedly, it is still early days but even Bangladesh’s all-time best batters have taken time to establish themselves, so Shanto has some company. Still, his dismissal for 58 in the first ODI could have been avoided with a bit more concentration.What Shanto couldn’t do, Dawid Malan did quite well. He didn’t allow the low run-rate or falling wickets at the other end get to him. Instead, Malan picked up crucial boundaries, and formed small but meaningful partnerships to smother Bangladesh’s charge on Wednesday evening. It was his second successive century, and fourth in 16 ODIs, but more importantly, he handed England a difficult win. Malan has done so well in his short ODI career, that he is now close to locking his place in the World Cup squad later in the year.Team newsEbadot Hossain and Hasan Mahmud are options if Bangladesh feel the Dhaka pitch isn’t suited to Mustafizur Rahman. The hosts have also drafted Shamim Hossain in to the squad for the second ODI.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal (capt), 2 Litton Das, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Shakib Al Hasan, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Afif Hossain, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Taijul Islam, 11 Mustafizur RahmanEngland started the series with Sam Curran, Saqib Mahmood, Rehan Ahmed and Reece Topley on the bench. Rehan has been ill so appears unlikely to play but they are expected to rotate their seamers throughout the tour.England (probable): 1 Jason Roy, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Dawid Malan, 4 James Vince, 5 Jos Buttler (capt, wk), 6 Will Jacks, 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Sam Curran, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Saqib Mahmood/Jofra Archer, 11 Reece Topley/Mark WoodShakib Al Hasan reacts to a missed chance•Associated Press
Pitch and conditionsDew could prompt the team winning the toss to bowl first. It won’t be the worst decision in Dhaka as the ball will still have a bit of variable bounce with turn in the day time. The weather remains dry, but it is getting warm.Stats and triviaBangladesh lost the first match of a home bilateral ODI series for the first time in seven years. Coincidentally, England beat them in the previous instance in 2016, which was also the last time they went on to lose an ODI series at home. Malan is now the fifth-oldest England batter to score an ODI hundred, after Geoff Boycott, Alec Stewart, Graham Gooch and Wayne Larkins.Tamim Iqbal’s eleven catches off Shakib’s bowling, the latest of which came in the first ODI, is the most by an outfielder off Shakib’s bowling.Quotes”There was a lot of help for the spinners to be honest. But England possesses a world-class pace attack, which gave them a good combination. It was the same for us, as Taskin bowled well along with the spinners.””I said to Jos at the time that it was close. He said he didn’t think so. The guard that I bat on, I thought it was bit outside the line or sliding on with the angle. It was bit closer than I thought, so thankfully he didn’t give it out.”
Ruben Amorim will come face-to-face with his former player Viktor Gyokeres when Manchester United host Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. The pair lifted two league titles together at Sporting CP, but while the Sweden international has since moved to the Gunners in a £63.5 million deal, Amorim insists United are focused on the team and not just one player.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal signed Gyokeres this summer after his record-breaking spell under Amorim at Sporting CP, where he netted 39 league goals and 54 in all competitions last season. Manchester United were briefly linked with a move, given the striker’s history with their current manager, but went for Benjamin Sesko in the end. Now, Gyokeres will line up against his former boss in a blockbuster Old Trafford opener.
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WHAT AMORIM SAID
Speaking to , Amorim was clear that United’s preparations won’t revolve around his former striker, saying: "We just plan like any other, on other team. We just need to understand what kind of player he is in that position… because that can be different movements, and we need to explain that to the team. I think he is going to adapt really well to England. He's a very good player, a very good kid. But he's one more player, and on Sunday, he's going to be on the other side, and [laughs] I don't care about Viktor."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Gyokeres is expected to be a central figure in Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge this season, but Amorim is determined not to let sentiment distract him. The Portuguese coach has overseen a summer rebuild at United, spending big to add Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to his frontline. He has claimed that Old Trafford has to become a fortress again if United are to mount a serious challenge over the coming few years.
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WHAT NEXT?
United kick off their Premier League campaign at home against Arsenal on Sunday. All eyes will be on Gyokeres as he makes his competitive debut for the Gunners. For Amorim, the test is ensuring his new-look United side can make a winning start at Old Trafford.