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Barmy Army not going to Bangladesh

The Barmy Army, a group of travelling England fans, has said it will not be following the team on tour in Bangladesh owing to prevailing security concerns

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Sep-2016The Barmy Army, a group of travelling England fans, has said it will not be following the team on tour in Bangladesh owing to prevailing security concerns. A statement on the group’s website said that while the BCB had taken an interest in improving security for fans, the “measures do not yet go far enough to persuade us to go against FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) advice.”The development came two days after England ODI captain Eoin Morgan and opening batsman Alex Hales said they would not be travelling to Bangladesh either, despite the ECB saying the tour would go ahead, following an assessment of the security measures in place.”Behind the scenes we have been liaising with the ECB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and have now received advice from the latter,” the Barmy Army said. “We have been supplied with a list of hotels in Dhaka and Chittagong that will receive protection from the Bangladesh Police and been told that England supporters will be afforded their own segregated area within the stadium.”However on the issue of escorts to and from stadiums (where due to local traffic conditions supporters will be most vulnerable to attack), we have been supplied with the contact details of a private security company, the implication being that any extra security will have be at supporter’s own expense. Whilst we are grateful that the BCB are taking an interest, we feel these measures do not yet go far enough to persuade us to go against FCO advice.”It is a matter of great regret that we feel unable to endorse travel to Bangladesh. Those of us lucky enough to have visited this country on previous tours have lasting and fond memories of a warm welcome, friendly locals and wonderful food. Perhaps the greatest pleasure being able to mix freely with the general population, particularly in and around the stadiums. We were also able to wander and explore the teeming cities of Dhaka and Chittagong without fear. FCO advice specifically warns against such activities.”The concerns over security for England’s tour of Bangladesh began after Dhaka, the nation’s capital, suffered a terrorist attack in July that left many dead. Australia had also cancelled their tour to the country at the end of last year and had pulled out of the Under-19 World Cup this year due to security concerns.

Paul Mullin goal rival Macaulay Langstaff reacts to ‘he can f*ck off’ joke from Wrexham co-owners Reynolds & McElhenney

Macaulay Langstaff considers being told to “f*ck off” by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, while also being called “handsome”, to be a compliment.

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  • Notts County striker claimed Golden Boot in 2022-23
  • Threatened to dash Red Dragons' promotion dreams
  • Hollywood stars aware of the threat that he poses
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The prolific Notts County striker threatened to be a serious thorn in Wrexham’s side last season as a thrilling promotion race unfolded in the National League. Langstaff hit 41 league goals for his side, pipping 38-goal Paul Mullin to the Golden Boot, and netted a match-winning effort when County played host to the Red Dragons.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Wrexham would get their revenge later in the season at SToK Racecourse, but Langstaff’s efforts were impossible to ignore. Reynolds and McElhenney were certainly aware of him, with the pair telling the Welcome to Wrexham documentary as title rivals refused to go away: “Macaulay Langstaff, he can f*ck off.” Reynolds reacted to McElhenney’s joke by adding: “Yeah, God that guy is good. He's handsome as f*ck. He looks like he could be in Peaky Blinders.”

  • WHAT THEY SAID

    Langstaff has not seen the episode in which he starred, but has told of being made aware of comments from two Hollywood superstars: “When Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are calling you handsome and saying you should be on Peaky Blinders, how can you not be complimented by that! It was brilliant. I haven’t actually watched the documentary, I don’t think I can watch it because of what happened last year – obviously losing out to them in the end. I don’t think I can bring myself to watch it, but I’ve obviously been sent the video by numerous people and when I saw it, it was really funny. It looks like a good documentary. It looks like it’s really light-hearted, so really enjoyed that 20-second clip of me!”

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Both Wrexham and Notts County posted more than 100 points in 2022-23, with the Magpies eventually securing promotion through the play-offs. The two sides are back in direct competition this term, as they fly high in League Two, and Langstaff has been back on the goal trial after registering 11 efforts through 17 appearances.

A history of Man Utd's No.7s: From Eric Cantona to Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham to Mason Mount

United's latest signing has been confirmed as the new owner of the iconic shirt, so GOAL looks at some of the others to have worn it over the years

Manchester United, of course, have had some truly iconic players wear the famed No.7 shirt, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best, and Bryan Robson. There have also been some major flops, namely Michael Owen and Alexis Sanchez, and new signing Mason Mount will be hopeful he eventually falls into the first category having been handed the iconic jersey following his £60-million move from Chelsea.

The England international has plenty of experience behind him having become a regular contributor both at Stamford Bridge and for the Three Lions – but how will he deal with the weight of expectation that comes with wearing United's most legendary number?

GOAL takes a look at the history of the No.7 shirt at Old Trafford and how others have coped with it…

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    George Best

    An icon on and off the pitch, Best remains the only Northern Irishman to win the Ballon d'Or having finished as United's top scorer for six consecutive seasons before leaving in 1974.

    He helped the Red Devils win two league titles as well as the European Cup in 1968, with his goal in the final contributing to a 4-1 victory over Benfica.

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    Bryan Robson

    'Captain Marvel' was voted United's greatest ever player in a poll of their former players back in 2011, and for his all-action midfield displays it was easy to see why.

    Playing 461 times for the Red Devils, Robson scored 99 goals and became their first English captain to lift the FA Cup as well as helping to secure Premier League and Cup Winners' Cup triumphs.

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    Keith Gillespie

    Part of the United side that won the FA Youth Cup in 1992, Gillespie followed in his fellow countryman Best's shoes and was handed the No.7 shirt by Sir Alex Ferguson.

    He failed to fully establish himself at Old Trafford, however, with Andrei Kanchelskis keeping him out of the team for long periods before he was eventually sold to Newcastle in 1995.

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    Eric Cantona

    When permanent squad numbers were introduced to English football in the 1993-94 season, there was only really one option for United to hand their No.7 to – 'King Eric'.

    Signed from Leeds United in 1992, Cantona terrorised opposition defences for five years at Old Trafford, scoring outrageous goals for fun as Ferguson's side began to dominate the English game.

    He will likely always be remembered for his infamous kung-fu kick at Selhurst Park, but his playing legacy will never be forgotten on the red side of Manchester.

Mendis 169* propels SL lead towards 200

By stumps on the third day, Sri Lanka were remarkably on top in the Test as Kusal Mendis produced a stunning 169 not out

The Report by Brydon Coverdale28-Jul-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details3:59

Arnold: Mendis played a carefree and special innings

Kusal Mendis had one first-class century before today. He walked to the crease at 6 for 2, after a wicket fell on the third ball of the morning. Sri Lanka were 80 short of making Australia bat again. Mendis had survived only seven deliveries in the first innings. The ingredients were all wrong, but like the world’s greatest chef he worked his magic and fashioned them into something delicious.

SLC’s decision not to use lights

Play was halted due to bad light on day three of the Pallekele Test because Sri Lanka Cricket chose not to allow the use of lights in this series. It was at first believed that the lights could not be used due to the fact that Galle and the SSC ground in Colombo are not similarly equipped. However, a Cricket Australia spokesperson clarified that the visitors would have been happy to use them.
“Just because there aren’t lights at other venues doesn’t mean they can’t be used here. We were happy to use them but both teams need to be in agreement. At the end of the day it is the host board’s decision.”
Play ended when Australia sought to take the second new ball but the umpires said that the light was too dull for anything faster than spinners.

Sri Lankan fans could only have dreamed of such a Kandy treat when play began. Yet by tea, Sri Lanka had at the very least made this a 50-50 battle and by stumps, called early due to bad light and rain, they were unquestionably on top. Their first-innings debacle of 117 had made their job tough, but Australia’s task in the fourth innings against Rangana Herath and friends would be no easier.Already the target stood at 197 but four wickets were still in hand. Importantly, one of those was Mendis, who walked off to a standing ovation on 169. This from a man whose previous highest score – in first-class cricket, mind you – was 108. This in a Test match in which no other batsman has reached 50. By stumps, you wouldn’t be surprised if he turned this into a double-century.All he would need was a little lower-order support. Dilruwan Perera was on 5 when the players walked off, having not long joined Mendis following the dismissal of Dhananjaya de Silva for 36. Mindlessly, de Silva had lofted a simple catch to mid-off to give Nathan Lyon his second wicket of the innings and the 200th of his Test career, the first Australian offspinner to reach that milestone.Mendis was sublime all around the wicket. He played straight when required but always looked to score, pulling and flicking classily through leg, sweeping effectively, cutting when the fast bowlers gave him width. He struck 20 fours and brought up his century from his 143rd delivery with his only six, slog-swept over deep midwicket off the bowling of Lyon.Mendis had made few mistakes throughout his innings, though on 142 he drove a tough caught-and-bowled opportunity through the hands of Josh Hazlewood. Australia were also left to regret not asking for a review when Mendis was on 66, after he missed a sweep off Lyon, who was coming around the wicket. The Australians seemed barely interested in sending that one upstairs.Instead, they frittered away both of their reviews on deliveries from Steve O’Keefe that were, respectively, pitching outside leg and only just clipping leg stump. Australia were not alone. Not since hit the cinemas have worse reviews flowed from all directions. Dimuth Karunaratne and Kaushal Silva both needlessly contested their lbws early in the morning.Mitchell Starc’s pace beat Karunaratne in the first over of the day and O’Keefe sneaked his arm ball through the defences of Silva. Neither man reached double figures, and nor did the captain Angelo Mathews, who on 9 was caught at bat-pad off the bowling of Lyon. Australia had picked up three wickets before lunch, but already Mendis was past 50 and proving a headache.Things got trickier for Australia in the second session as Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal compiled a 117-run partnership, easily the highest of the match. O’Keefe left the field with an injury to his right hamstring, and any half-chances presented to Australia seemed to go begging. On 24, Chandimal popped up a very catchable return chance that was spilled by Starc.Finally the breakthrough came, as Chandimal was trapped lbw by Mitchell Marsh, who managed to nip the ball back in late. Still, it was the only wicket of the session, for Mendis found a new ally. The debutant de Silva, who got off the mark with a six in the first innings, boldly thumped a boundary over mid-on to get off the mark this time, and by tea the new partnership had grown to 50.But this day was all about Mendis, the rest were simply his support staff. Just before tea he brought up his 150 with a cut to the boundary off Lyon, from his 207th delivery. By stumps, his score looked outrageous compared to the rest of the top order: 4, 7, 0, 169*, 9. It is hard to believe if anybody present – even Mendis himself – could have anticipated such a scenario this morning.

Cristiano Ronaldo sends out special message to fans after enjoying another 'incredible' night for Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo showed his appreciation for Al-Nassr fans after he helped fire them to a comeback victory against Damac on Saturday.

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  • Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr to win
  • Scored free-kick in league match
  • Thanked fans for tribute
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Riyadh club went a goal down late in the first half on home soil in the Saudi Pro League clash, but came back to secure a 2-1 victory, with Anderson Talisca equalising before Ronaldo smashed home a free-kick.

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    The win came after Al-Nassr fans put on an awesome display in honour of their star player. The Portuguese attacker made his 200th appearance for Portugal in midweek and the Saudi supporters displayed a huge banner depicting him as a superhero to commemorate the milestone.

  • WHAT THEY SAID

    Ronaldo expressed his gratitude with posts on social media, saying: "Incredible atmosphere in the stadium tonight. Happy with the win and we keep working hard every game. Thank you to the fans for such a lovely tribute also."

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    WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

    Ronaldo will be in action again for Al-Nassr when they take on Qatari side Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.

Bangladesh brace for Oman's surprise factor

Having beaten Ireland in a last-over thriller, Oman, whose game against Netherlands was washed out, will head into their knockout shootout clash against Bangladesh high on confidence

The Preview by Mohammad Isam12-Mar-2016

Match facts

Sunday, March 13, 2016
Start time 1930 local (1400 GMT)Oman can ill afford a washout as Bangladesh are marginally ahead on net run rate•ICC/Getty Images

Big Picture

When the tournament’s schedule was first announced, few would have given Oman a chance of qualifying ahead of Bangladesh and Ireland from their group. Having beaten Ireland in a last-over thriller, Oman, whose game against Netherlands was washed out, will head into their knockout clash against Bangladesh high on confidence. But confidence alone won’t help them if the iffy Dharamsala weather intervenes. It has been raining for the last two days, and plenty more is forecast on match day. If there were to be another washout, Oman would endure heartbreak as Bangladesh are marginally ahead on net run rate.Oman would rely on Zeeshan Maqsood and Khawar Ali to power them upfront, to give Jatinder Singh and Amir Ali an opportunity to lend the finishing touches. Ajay Lalcheta and Munis Ansari, whose action resembles Lasith Malinga’s, will be key if Oman are to restrict Bangladesh’s in-form batting unit.That could be a herculean task if Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar and Sabbir Rahman tee off like they did against Ireland in eight overs before the rain came. Tamim, in particular, looks in fine touch, having made an unbeaten 83 and 47 against Netherlands and Ireland respectively. Sarkar and Sabbir would want to prolong their stay in the middle to take the pressure off the slightly out-of-touch Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan.Bangladesh’s bowling may be a concern with Arafat Sunny already in Chennai to conduct his bowling action test after being warned by the ICC. He could be missed on a slow pitch, but Bangladesh have variety as Shakib, Mahmudullah and even Nasir Hossain can cover up in his absence,

Form guide

Bangladesh WLWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Oman WLLWL

Watch out for

Soumya Sarkar is becoming an expert in getting the side off to fast starts, but he has also been guilty of frittering the early advantage, as was the case against Netherlands and Ireland. The game against Oman could be a good chance for him to bat deep into the innings and bring up a score of substance.Amir Ali is a marketing manager at an Indian restaurant in Muscat but after his 17-ball 32 against Ireland, Bangladesh would have done well to mark him as one to watch out for in a high-pressure clash.

Team news

Against Ireland, Mohammad Mithun and Abu Hider replaced Nasir Hossain and Arafat Sunny. Bangladesh could retain this line-up, though Nasir’s bowling is handy in the shorter version. Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Sabbir Rahman, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Mohammad Mithun/Nasir Hossain, 8 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 9 Al-Amin Hossain, 10 Abu Hider, 11 Taskin AhmedUnless they spot something dramatically different in the pitch, Oman are unlikely to tinker with their starting XI Oman (probable) 1 Zeeshan Maqsood, 2 Khawar Ali, 3 Jatinder Singh, 4 Adnan Ilyas, 5 Mehran Khan, 6 Aamir Kaleem, 7 Amir Ali, 8 Sultan Ahmed (capt. & wk), 9 Ajay Lalcheta, 10 Munis Ansari, 11 Bilal Khan

Pitch and conditions

There’s more rain on the radar on Sunday. But despite being under covers for a long time on Friday, the pitch played well in the Bangladesh-Ireland game, though the bowlers preferred slower variations.

Stats and trivia

  • This is going to be the first Bangladesh-Oman cricket match at any level.
  • Tamim Iqbal is now 11 runs short of 1,000 T20I runs while Shakib remains at 979 runs.

Quotes

“We won’t be taking Oman lightly. We don’t have much footage for them, but we will prepare as hard as we do for India and Pakistan.”
“It is a win-win situation for us. If we win we go through to the next round, but unfortunately if we can’t do that we have still achieved a lot in this tournament.”

Is Thomas Tuchel facing the sack? Bayern CEO refuses to give 'monstrous statement' of support to under-fire boss after third successive loss

Bayern Munich will not sack Thomas Tuchel in the wake of their 3-2 loss to Bochum, but CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen refused to offer the board's support.

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  • Bayern beaten for third time in a row
  • Tuchel under fire after another loss
  • CEO says he will be in charge next week
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Bayern found themselves 3-1 down at Bochum in a match that was interrupted on two occasions because of fan protests. Kane managed to pull a goal back late on for the German giants, but he could not prevent his team from losing a third consecutive match. Coach Tuchel has come under pressure amid the reigning Bundesliga champions' miserable run, and reports he is not considering resigning and has been assured that he will not be fired.

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    WHAT DREESEN SAID

    Asked by if Tuchel will be sacked, Dreesen said: "It was clear that this question was coming, it had been looming for some time. I don't believe in these monstrous statements of support for coaches. I've already said something about this, but it's not a question that arises for us today. We have to concentrate on the next games.

    "I know how you want to hear it. I can say it that way too. But these vows of loyalty are usually over after a week, so I say it in my own way. I've said before – and I'll even repeat myself – that's not an issue we're currently dealing with."

    When he was asked if Tuchel will still be in charge next week, Dreesen said: "Of course!"

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Bayern's misery began when the Bavarian side were outclassed in a 3-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen – in which they failed to have a shot on target – last week. They followed that up with another disappointing performance in the Champions League, losing 1-0 to Lazio in the first leg of their last-16 tie. The loss at Bochum now leaves Bayern eight points behind Leverkusen in the Bundesliga table.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

    Bayern have another difficult test coming up as they take on RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on February 24. Leipzig put up a good fight when they came up against Real Madrid in the Champions League during the week, though they ended up losing 1-0, and followed that up with a 2-0 win against Borussia Monchengladbach to keep them fifth in the league.

India strike late after Cook and Hameed show defiance

Ravi Jadeja struck with the final ball of the fourth day – trapping Alastair Cook lbw for a 188-ball 54 -to leave England 87 for 2 as they attempted to save the second Test

The Report by Andrew Miller20-Nov-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details3:15

Compton: Umpire’s call leaves too much to debate

In an era of faster, harder, shorter – when the virtue of a young batsman is increasingly judged by strike-rate rather than overs endured – Haseeb Hameed produced a throwback innings to match that produced by his captain and opening partner, Alastair Cook, as England launched what already counts as a heroic rearguard, irrespective of what may come to pass on the fifth and final day at Visakhapatnam.While Cook and Hameed were in harness, calmly withstanding India’s best efforts throughout a magnificent opening stand of 75 that spanned 50.2 overs (which is longer, incidentally than four of Australia’s last eight completed innings), survival had seemed very much within England’s grasp – much as it had done for South Africa in similar circumstances 12 months ago, when AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla came together for another mighty blockathon in Delhi.But, in a devastating denouement in the final half hour before stumps, England lost both of their incumbents to a pair of memorable lbws – Hameed for 25 from 144 deliveries, pinned on the shin as R Ashwin grubbed an unplayable offbreak along the deck in a manner utterly reminiscent of Nasser Hussain’s shooter against Carl Hooper in 1997-98.Then, in the final over of the day, Cook, the rock of England’s resistance, played once too often across the line to Ravi Jadeja, and Kumar Dharmasena raised his finger. The umpire’s judgment was spot on on this occasion, for the ball was heading straight for middle and leg, but with India already out of reviews and Dharmasena’s relationship with DRS at an all-time low, he deserved credit for trusting his judgment at such a critical juncture.That late strike allowed India to leave the field with the spring back in their step, and Virat Kohli took the chance to gather his men into a huddle before they returned to the dressing room. India remain strong favourites on a surface that will compromise the more stroke-based techniques in England’s middle order – not least that of Ben Duckett, who is next man in to join Joe Root when play resumes tomorrow – but if any further proof were needed that this five-Test series will be a fight to the finish, this was it.Not for the first time in this match, England’s determination with the bat had been replicated with the ball. With Stuart Broad in another of his rhythmic moods, and with Adil Rashid mixing it impressively to claim four wickets in the morning session, including the prize scalp of Kohli for 81, it required a spiky tenth-wicket stand of 42 between Jayant Yadav and Mohammad Shami to revive India’s second innings, as they slipped from their overnight 98 for 3 to 204 all out on the stroke of a delayed lunch break.Of course, England’s success with the ball wasn’t entirely encouraging, given what it implied about the challenge of batting last, but they were happy to settle for pyrrhic victories wherever they could find them.Broad was particularly eager to strike some psychological blows. He may not feature in next week’s third match in Mohali but, buoyed by the confirmation that his foot injury was not as severe as he might have feared, he produced one of his most skilful spells of a stellar year, manipulating the old ball with cut and cross-seamers alike, and a variety of angles on the crease. He deserved more than just the scalps of Ajinkya Rahane and Ashwin for his morning efforts, as he finished with figures of 4 for 33 in 14 hard-pounding overs.Broad’s success was a reminder that seam, as well as spin, can play a part when surfaces start to crumble, and Hameed received a similarly timely reminder from the very first ball he received in England’s rearguard – a skiddy bouncer from Shami that rapped him on the glove as he took his eyes off the ball. But, when tea was taken 28 overs later, he was looking settled and solid, 12 not out from 84 balls, and oblivious to the attentions of up to four close catchers round the bat.It was a staggering display of technique, resolve and stamina way beyond his tender years, and further enhanced the impression that he is The One, as far as England’s long-term opening ambitions are concerned.However, Hameed could have asked for no better role model in his defiance than Cook, England’s past master in the art of batting time, whose long strides have been so adept for so long at smothering the attentions of Asian spinners.Kohli shuffled his pack largely in vain for the first 33 overs of England’s innings, resuming after tea with his seamers reunited but still no way through England’s defiance. But, then, suddenly, he hit upon the right formula, bringing Jadeja on at the Subba Rao End to target the footholes outside Cook’s off stump, with Ashwin handed the duties from the Vizzy End where Broad’s cutters had found their purchase.The heightened threat to both batsmen’s outside edges prompted a more proactive response, with Cook lining up a series of cuts and a well-placed drive through the covers for four to combat Jadeja, before Hameed responded to an Ashwin drifter that beat the bat by walloping his next ball hard and flat through mid-off for his first boundary in 80 deliveries from the spinners.On 45, Cook survived a reviewed lbw against Jadeja that was adjudged to be turning down the leg-side, although had umpire Rod Tucker raised his finger, it would have stayed up. One over later, he was living dangerously again, when Ashwin implored Kohli to take a second look at another lbw that he was convinced had squeezed pad before bat. Ashwin was right, but the impact was adjudged to be umpire’s call. India, somewhat disbelievingly, had burned through both of their reviews in the space of five balls.But then, with England’s thoughts just beginning to drift towards stumps, came the brace of body blows that undermined so much of their good work. All is not yet lost, with Root in a mood to atone for his wasteful first-innings dismissal, and Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow already attuned to the challenge of batting long on this surface. But as Hameed’s demise showed, accidents can and will happen in the fourth innings. India will believe victory is only a matter of time.

Man City put a smile on Tom Brady’s face after Birmingham bore draw – with NFL legend ensuring latest visit to the UK is not a complete write-off

Tom Brady had little to smile about after watching a bore draw at Birmingham, but was treated to an entertaining contest during a visit to Man City.

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  • American football icon at the Etihad
  • Is now an investor at St Andrew's
  • Plans being drawn up for January window
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The NFL legend, who is now an investor at St Andrew’s, had to sit through a 0-0 stalemate when heading to Birmingham – with Wayne Rooney’s side unable to produce anything to get excited about against Rotherham. Brady’s latest trip to the United Kingdom has not been a complete write-off, though, after heading from the west midlands to the north west.

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    Brady was among those in attendance when Premier League champions Manchester City took in a home date with Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side showed how attacking football should be played as they created a number of golden opportunities against Spurs.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Brady saw Tottenham captain Son Heung-min score at both ends of the field during a bright opening to the game, before Phil Foden also got in on the act for the hosts before half-time. In the second half, Giovani Lo Celso equalised for Spurs in an end-to-end encounter. He will be hoping that Birmingham are playing a similar brand of football in the not too distant future.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR BRADY?

    The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star may have got the chance to ask a few questions of City boss Guardiola and who he might be prepared to part with in January – with Birmingham hoping to freshen up their ranks in the next transfer window.

Comilla's spinners crush Chittagong Vikings

Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Arafat Sunny took combined figures of 2 for 50 from 10 overs to choke Chittagong to 139, a total they chased down with 11 balls to spare

The Report by Mohammad Isam14-Nov-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsRaton Gomes/BCB

Comilla Victorians beat Chittagong Kings by six wickets, in almost the same fashion as their other two wins in the tournament. After restricting their opponent to 139 for 4, Imrul Kayes and Jos Buttler almost walked them to the target.The pair added 74 runs for the third wicket before both were dismissed with not left to chase. Imrul top-scored with 45 while Buttler got out for 44 off 31 balls, which included three fours and two sixes.Chittagong, who have now lost three out of four games, lost just four wickets in their innings, but struggled for fluency right through. The Comilla spin trio – Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Arafat Sunny – put the brakes on with combined figures of 2 for 50 from 10 overs.Brisk start, slow finish, againLuke Ronchi provided Chittagong with another brisk start, with 31 off 19 balls. No other batsman score more despite consuming more deliveries. Sarkar used 32 balls for 30 runs, with two fours and a six over midwicket, before he was stumped off Nabi. Dilshan Munaweera made 19 off 25 balls, which had one six, before he was bowled by a beautiful Rashid Khan googly.Sikandar Raza found just one boundary in his 24-ball 20 which ended with a scoop to Al-Amin Hossain at short fine leg. Ronchi’s 19-ball 31 included five fours and a six that was hit over long-on off Nabi. He fell lbw to Mohammad Saifuddin.Imrul steadies another chaseMunaweera removed the returning Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das in seven overs but Imrul Kayes and Jos Buttler took control quickly. Imrul struck Subashis Roy for first six pulled over midwicket before lifting Sikandar over square leg for his second in the tenth over.His third six was his best, swatting Chris Jordan over midwicket off one knee as he struggled with cramps. He made 45 off 36 balls, having also struck two fours. It was his third successive match-winning innings, having remained unbeaten on the two previous occasions.