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Alex Hepburn’s new Worcestershire record could not stop Dan Christian sweeping Nottinghamshire into the quarter-finals

ECB Reporters Network13-Aug-2017Dan Christian’s commanding all-round show took Notts through•Getty Images

Notts Outlaws sealed a spot in the quarter-finals of the NatWest T20 Blast as they overcame Worcestershire Rapids by 11 runs in a low-scoring North Group encounter at New Road.Alex Hepburn returned the best ever bowling figures by a Worcestershire player in T20 cricket – 5 for 24 – as the Outlaws were bowled out for 145 in 19.3 overs.But the visitors struck back with a vengeance with the ball and skipper Dan Christian led from the front with 3 for 18 as the Rapids were restricted to 134 for 8.Harry Gurney bowled a superb final over in which he conceded just three runs to cap a disciplined performance by the entire Outlaws attack.Victory boosted the Outlaws hopes of also securing a home quarter-final while the second from bottom Rapids were left to contemplate yet another setback.The Outlaws were put into bat and Josh Tongue picked up the prized wicket of Alex Hales, on 9, as he flashed outside the off stump and nicked through to keeper Ben Cox.Riki Wessels (32) looked in good form before being trapped lbw by George Scrimshaw at 49 for 2 – and from that point the innings went into rapid decline. Tom Moores was caught and bowled by Tongue off a skier and Brendon Taylor holed out to Joe Clarke at long off.Hepburn made an instant impact with two wickets in three balls as Samit Patel flicked him to Joe Leach at square leg and Steven Mullaney was caught at cover by D’Oliveira.Outlaws skipper Dan Christian (22) and Billy Root (37) tried to repair the damage during a stand of 50 in seven overs, but the last four wickets fell in quick succession as the Outlaws were dismissed for 141 in 19.3 overs.Hepburn returned to account for Christian, who was taken at long off by Santner and Cox pulled off a fine catch as Root flicked at a Leach delivery. D’Oliveira then ran in from the deep square leg boundary to collect a mistimed pull from Ish Sodhi off Hepburn who completed his five-for as Jake Ball was safely pouched by Clarke at long off.It was the same scenario when the Rapids launched their reply as wickets tumbled.Leach promoted himself to open and perished in the first over from Patel as yet another player tried unsuccessfully to clear long off. Santner top edged Harry Gurney to backward point and Joe Clarke went for a pull and the ball ended up in the hands of extra cover. It became 35 for 4 as D’Oliveira went for an expansive drive and was bowled by Ball.Daryl Mitchell and Cox tried to effect a repair job for the Rapids and added 38 in careful fashion in six overs. But the game was back in the balance after Cox drove at Christian and was caught behind and then Mitchell went for a big hit off the same bowler and miscued to mid off.Christian then pulled off a stunning catch at mid off to dismiss Ed Barnard as he attempted to hit Ball over the top. Ross Whiteley was the Rapids last hope but after making 28 he was bowled in the final over by Gurney.

Sri Lanka had specifically ordered the unusual batting-friendly Galle deck, on which India achieved their biggest ever victory in terms of runs. Rangana Herath did not reveal why such a request should be made when facing a team who have an outstanding top order. Instead, he laid the blame on his team’s execution of what he felt was a good strategy.Where India made 840 runs at a run rate better than 4.5 an over across the match, losing only 13 wickets in the process, Sri Lanka mustered just 536. They were without Asela Gunaratne in both innings, however.”I think we made this pitch because we had a plan,” Herath said. “I said before the match that it will be a track that’s good for batting. We should take the main responsibility for the nature of the pitch. We didn’t bat or bowl well on it. We shouldn’t blame anyone else. We have to resolve our own issues.”Chief among those issues, Herath felt, was the batting. Three India batsmen made hundreds in the match, including two – Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara – who passed 150. Sri Lanka’s top score, meanwhile, was Dimuth Karunaratne’s 97. Dilruwan Perera also hit 92 not out in the first innings.”A few of our batsmen got close to three figures and got out, but the Indian batsmen not only got their hundreds, they went further. That was a big difference too in the game, and an area that we have to work on.”Herath also felt Sri Lanka gave a poor account of themselves with the ball. This was the first time since March 2013 that Sri Lanka conceded 600 runs or more in an innings – the last occasion having been against Bangladesh in a high-scoring draw in 2013. They have since given away 524 for 5 in New Zealand and 575 for 9 in England, but have generally been more penetrative at home.”We are a better team than this,” Herath said. “We really are. I felt that it was after a long time that a team scored 600 runs against us. We should have bowled better.”Sri Lanka’s worst bowling in the match perhaps came on the first day, when Shikhar Dhawan hit 190 off 168 balls. Only Herath maintained an economy rate of below four in the first innings.”At that point, we had a few plans for Shikhar Dhawan, but we failed to execute them,” Herath said. “For example, we allowed him too much width. In the first session of the match itself the game started slipping away from us. We bounced back well but he had by then got off to a terrific start.”Unusually for a Galle track, the quicks outperformed the spinners on what is traditionally one of the most spin-friendly tracks in the world. Of the 31 wickets to fall in this match 16 fell to seam bowlers – 10 of those breakthroughs shared between the two Sri Lanka quicks. This was the first occasion since 2014 in which fast bowlers were more successful at the venue. And where the track typically begins to offer drastic turn on days four and five, this pitch had remained relatively good for batting throughout.”I thought that on the fourth or fifth day there would be something for the spinners,” Herath said. “But there wasn’t as much help for the spinners as I expected at those late stages.”The seamer-friendly conditions allowed Nuwan Pradeep to become the first Sri Lanka bowler to claim a six-wicket haul at home since Chaminda Vaas, in 2005. His 6 for 132 in the first innings was also a personal best for Pradeep, who had never previously taken five wickets in an innings.”I think it was after a long time a fast bowler has taken a five-wicket haul in Galle,” Herath said. “There’s so much pressure on spinners when we play in Sri Lanka, and Pradeep bowling so well and taking so many wickets will be a huge plus point for us moving forward. He was outstanding in this game and his effort was fantastic. That was one of the positives.”

England captain Leah Williamson has guest edited a special edition of Beano magazine celebrating the 70th anniversary of Minnie the Minx.

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Williamson guest edits Beano comicLionesses hero hoping to inspire young girlsArsenal captain recovering from ACL injuryBeanoWHAT HAPPENED?

The Arsenal and European Championship-winning England captain has guest edited the latest issue of the famous comic strip magazine. The issue celebrates Minnie the Minx, widely considered the world's first female comic heroine. As well as appearing on the cover and writing an editor's letter, Williamson features alongside Minnie in a story that celebrates two of the most empowering female trailblazers in modern Britain.

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Williamson has long been vocal in her support of social causes, one of them encouraging more children to read. After winning the European Championship in 2022, the defender signed a three-book deal, two of which have been published this year. In Beano, Williamson champions her mum as a role model and encourages girls to never be afraid to try something new.

WHAT LEAH WILLIAMSON SAID

Williamson said: "Minnie has shown children for generations, through mischief and laughter, that it’s okay to blaze their own trail through life, and strong role models like her empower young girls, helping them break down barriers. I’m honoured to have got the chance to guest edit this historic issue of the comic, and I hope Minnie will continue to inspire many more generations to come!"

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAMSON?

Williamson has been out of action since April, when she suffered an ACL injury while playing for Arsenal, and missed England's run to the 2023 World Cup final. Last month she confirmed that she has started running on grass again, but the 26-year-old did not give a timeline for her return. In her absence, Arsenal have made a strong start to the WSL season, after suffering a shock exit from the Champions League in the qualifying rounds.

Birmingham City are in talks to sign Derby County midfielder Krystian Bielik, according to a report from the Telegraph

What is the latest news regarding Krystian Bielik?

According to the report, the Championship side are locked in talks with the League One outfit for the Polish international, with the fee potentially reaching £1m

The midfielder spent last season on loan at the Midlands club, making 35 appearances in the league and recording one goal and one assist across the campaign.

Birmingham look set to be under the new ownership of American hedge fund manager Tom Wagner soon, and manager John Eustace will be hoping to make Bielik his first signing of the new era.

Will Krystian Bielik join Birmingham City?

Bielik joined his parent club Derby from Arsenal in the summer of 2019 for a fee that could’ve risen to £10m, should all of the performance incentives been met.

The Polish midfielder has had an incredibly unfortunate time at Pride Park, suffering a pair of devastating knee injuries in back-to-back seasons that kept him out of action for a combined 634 days.

Ahead of last season, following Derby’s relegation to League One and the potential of a place in the Polish national team for the 2022 World Cup, Birmingham swooped in and picked him up on loan for the season.

Across the campaign, Bielik averaged a 6.77 rating, according to WhoScored, which was the second-highest average rating in the Birmingham squad for players who played over 2000 minutes

The midfielder is a defensive powerhouse, having averaged 1.92 blocks per 90, 2.17 clearances per 90 and 2.07 aerials won per 90 ranking him in the top 10% of all players across Europe's "next eight" leagues over the last year, as per to FBref. The Pole also averages 2.04 tackles per 90 and 1.45 interceptions per 90, further showcasing his defensive solidity

The Blues stand to get a fantastic deal for the 25-year-old colossus, with his market value currently €2.8m (£2.4m).

One reason why the midfielder, who was described by journalist Ryan Conway as Derby County’s “X-Factor”, is available for less than half his market value is his contract situation, with the players deal at Derby set to expire in the summer of 2024.

Should Birmingham be able to complete this deal despite their potential FFP problems, they will secure a fantastic midfielder who could help them in their quest to finish in the top half of the Championship for the first time since the 2015/16 campaign.

It might not be as straightforward now in Manchester United's pursuit of Kim Min-jae, with Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg reporting that Bayern Munich have entered the race for the player.

Is Kim Min-jae joining Manchester United?

The defender has really burst onto the scene this season thanks to an incredible year in Italy with Napoli that has seen the club claim the Serie A title. The 26-year-old played a key part in that success, featuring on 35 occasions in the league for the side and even bagging two goals and two assists along the way. It marks his first season in the country but he already looks right at home in the centre of that Napoli defence.

In addition, he's proven himself as having a superb ability to take the ball with his feet and to play out from the back with ease. With a 90.2% pass completion rate, he ranks amongst the top 10% of players in his position amongst the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues for example. It shows that not only is he a standout talent in his domestic league but is one of the best at doing so in Europe.

It's led to big interest in his services from Man United in the Premier League, who have been keen to get a deal done. It had looked like a move was all but completed too, with a report suggesting that he would link-up with Erik Ten Hag's side on July 1, with the Red Devils agreeing to pay his 60 million Euro (£51m) release clause and already agreeing personal terms.

However, according to a report from Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, there is now competition for his signature. Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on the situation and could launch their own bid for the centre-back. The German giants are seemingly "aware" of United's eagerness to snap up Kim and the Red Devils are now "pushing" to get a deal over the line with this new twist in the race to sign the player.

How many games has Kim Min-jae played?

The Napoli man is an experienced head already, despite being only 26. As well as his 35 league showings for Napoli this campaign, he also featured heavily for Fenerbache in Turkey, playing 31 times for the title-chasing club. Prior to that, he also had three seaons with Beijing Guoan and two with Jeonbuk. It means that he has now accumulated 157 league games worth of action in his career already.

That has led to him becoming the player he is today, with the defender now earning the nickname of "monster" because of his performances. If United can get a deal done then, they would be getting a player who certainly appears capable of slotting straight into their backline.

Monterrey are believed to be close to signing Spain international Sergio Canales from Betis

Liga MX side determined to bring in high-profile name from EuropeCanales open to new adventure after five seasons at BetisAttacking midfielder available for fee in region of $10 millionGettyWhat happened?

Monterrey have set their sights on Betis midfielder Sergio Canales and are optimistic about their chances of landing the Spain international, reports.

The Liga MX giants are looking to strengthen their squad after going without league success since 2019 and they believe Canales could be the man to help them to the next level.

The 32-year-old has been a key figure at Betis since joining them from Sociedad in 2018, but is reportedly looking for a new challenge in the closing stages of his career.

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Canales has a contract with Betis until June 2026, but the Liga side are believed to be willing to let go of the gifted midfielder if an offer in the region of $10 million comes in.

Monterrey are ready to offer Canales a three-year deal worth $15m net, making him the club's highest-paid player by some distance.

Cortesía GettyAnd what's more

Canales would not be the first high-profile name from Europe to make his way to Monterrey if the transfer were to materialise.

They previously brought in Netherlands international Vincent Janssen from Tottenham.

The attacker wore the Monterrey jersey between 2019 and 2022, before leaving the club for current Belgian champions Antwerp.

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The creative midfielder started his career with Racing Santander, before joining Real Madrid in 2010. Injury problems prevented him from making an impact at the Santiago Bernabeu side.

Canales was part of the Spain squad that lifted the UEFA Nations League back in June, beating Croatia in the final after penalties.

Arsenal are one of many clubs who already seem embroiled in a few transfer sagas, with their season seemingly all but over.

Declan Rice is one star who they continue to be linked with, but they will wage war with Chelsea and Manchester United for his signature.

Despite West Ham United boss David Moyes suggesting he would cost a British transfer record to secure, this is somehow not the biggest transfer story set to involve an English midfielder this summer.

That accolade will undoubtedly go to Jude Bellingham, who seems poised to break Liverpool and Manchester City hearts by choosing a move to Real Madrid.

Although the Gunners were seemingly never in the race for Borussia Dortmund's shining star, despite tentative links, no club in Europe would not turn down the creative powerhouse who has 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions from central midfield this season.

However, sporting director Edu Gaspar could be set to secure an alternative anyway in Gabri Veiga, who is reportedly very keen on playing under Mikel Arteta and boasts a far cheaper €40m (£35m) release clause.

That was the words of journalist Manu Sainz, who claimed: "If Arsenal gets into the bidding for Veiga, then they will most likely get him, because he enjoys the football Arsenal play and he would like to work with Arteta."

Who is Gabri Veiga?

As an energetic and attacking asset residing in the engine room, this Spain U21 star has perhaps gone under the radar given the sheer quantity of other hot European prospects on the market.

So far this season, the 20-year-old has scored nine times and assisted a further four for an average Celta Vigo side. This has led to him being ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and total shots per 90 when compared to other midfielders in Europe, and is actually ahead of Bellingham in that regard.

Where the England international truly excels is in his progression of the ball, as he ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 2% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90.

Veiga is not quite as prolific, but sitting in the top 6% for both of these attributes is more than impressive.

Not everyone is blind to the insane talent that has been brewing in Spain however, as analyst Jack Fawcett claimed:

"For just 20 years old, Veiga might be one of the most naturally evasive players that I’ve ever seen. His receiving of the ball under pressure and composure to beat a press is a joy to watch."

With a talent that surpasses his youth and the ability to score from midfield, Arteta could secure an insane alternative to Bellingham for a fraction of the price.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Roberto De Zerbi has a release clause that can be triggered this summer amid past links to the vacant Chelsea manager position.

What are the latest Chelsea manager links?

After sacking Graham Potter, it remains unclear who exactly will become the next permanent manager for the Blues. One thing can be certain, though, Frank Lampard won't be in the running for the job.

After all, having lost to Arsenal 3-1 in the Premier League last night, he has now fallen to defeat in all six games since taking charge as interim boss, and is the first English manager in charge of a top-flight team to lose ten games on the trot in 35 years.

Brighton boss De Zerbi is one alternative name to Lampard that looks a lot more appealing for Chelsea. Indeed, the 43-year-old has been touted as a target in recent times.

What's more, it sounds as though he could be available this summer due to a release clause in his contract that could be triggered. Romano explained as much while talking on the Here We Go podcast.

The journalist said (16:42): "Let me say one thing, Robert De Zerbi has a release clause in his contract. You can call it a release clause, fixed amount, whatever you want.

"But there is an amount of money, which is close to 11 million euros, which allows Robert De Zerbi to leave the club in the summer – not during the season.

"This is the only difference with Potter. The Potter clause was valid during the year, and this is how Potter joined Chelsea in September. The Potter clause was different because now De Zerbi is only allowed to leave in the summer, in July.

"But again, at this moment, there is no concrete talk because Chelsea are not working on De Zerbi as a possibility.”

Will Roberto De Zerbi join Chelsea?

Despite Chelsea in theory just having to pay this €11m (£9.7m) release clause, that doesn't necessarily mean De Zerbi would be open to joining the Blues.

And Romano makes clear that there are no current talks between the manager and the London outfit right now, so it doesn't sound as though it's likely at this moment in time.

However, should Chelsea change their minds, it's good news that there is already a predetermined figure they would have to pay to get this deal done – so you can't quite shut the door on this rumour just yet.

Even so, with Brighton quite likely to be playing European football next season, and Todd Boehly's side sitting closer to the relegation zone, it's not as though De Zerbi has any great reason to jump ship this summer.

Nick Compton has admitted he is playing for his future in the final two Tests of the Investec series against Sri Lanka.Compton has scored 15, 26, 0, 19, 6 and 0 in his most recent six Test innings and accepts that, with a Test batting average of 30.16, he hasn’t, to date, taken his “chances with two hands”.But while he concedes he wouldn’t necessarily want to watch himself bat if he were a spectator, he insists he has the skills to contribute to a successful England side and will continue to play his natural game in an attempt to prove it.”Sure, definitely,” Compton says when asked if he is playing for his international future. “You’ve got to score runs. It all comes down to weight of runs and performance. I’ve just got to do it better.”We can talk beyond that about certain things but, fundamentally, if I do my job as well as I can and score the runs I know I can, I can contribute to this England team.”Compton’s skills are somewhat out of fashion. At a time when the world is becoming accustomed to men thrashing centuries in little over 40 deliveries, Compton is offering somewhat more old-world fare: he is offering to see the shine off the new ball and draw the sting from the bowlers. But while he admits his style may lack “glamour”, he still feels it has value.”The way the game’s going, I think people are drawn towards a certain glamour,” he said. “Some players provide that and people want to see more of that.”That’s great, we’re in the entertainment business. It’s about getting bums on seats and I suppose watching Ben Stokes’ 200 is better than watching Compton’s 80. If I’m honest with you, if I was sitting on the couch I’d rather watch Brian Lara, or my late grandfather, or Stokes. That’s what people want to see. I’m by no means unaware of that.”But when you look at it, my job is possibly a little bit tougher, it’s quite an intense role. The new ball is tough when you go in there and the way that I play doesn’t always look that pretty. But I feel like I have made the best of what I’ve been given.”In truth, Compton is an elegant player. It’s just he is, by current standards, a relatively slow scorer. But for those who still take pleasure in a perfectly played forward defensive – and such folk appear to be a dying breed – there is a certain beauty in his batting. He can cut, drive and pull nicely, too, and promises that, given a chance, he will show that he has another gear to his batting.”I don’t want to change my style,” he says. “When you’re not playing well your style doesn’t look so great. It can be really hard work. But we’ve an exciting team of stroke-players and it’s my role to get myself in and try and shield some of those players from the new ball.”I know deep inside me there’s a player in here who could change all those opinions very quickly. I’ve got shots. I’ve got things that I can do and I’ve got to allow them to come out.”But you can’t force that. I’ve tried it before. You need to earn that right. As with any batsman who goes in against the new ball, it’s always a vulnerable time.”Unfortunately, until you do it and people see it in real life there’s no point in me saying anything else. Words are cheap and until you do it consistently there’s not much to be said.”Investec is the title sponsor of Test match cricket in England. For more on Investec private banking, visit investec.co.uk/banking

Newcastle United are believed to be showing an interest in the Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes ahead of the summer transfer window.

Do Newcastle want another left-winger?

Eddie Howe's men have established themselves as serious contenders for the top four this season after a stunning 2022/23 campaign so far.

And with the prospect of playing more games next season as a result of European qualification, it seems as if the Toon are looking to beef up their squad depth.

Over the January window, Newcastle splashed the cash on the England youngster Anthony Gordon who is yet to make much of a splash himself on the pitch.

In fact, the 22-year-old has only really made the headlines in a black and white shirt after his reaction on the weekend after being substituted off by Howe.

The youngster was clearly left unimpressed having only been brought on off the bench earlier in the game.

Despite having options on the left wing, reports have suggested the Magpies are looking to take another option from a fellow Premier League outfit in the form of Barnes.

And speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has waxed lyrical about how good of a fit the 25-year-old would be for the Tyneside club:

(35:30) "So they do want this other player and I think Barnes would suit Eddie Howe down to the ground. I really do. I think he'd be the perfect fit for Newcastle.

"And I think he's great. I love Harvey Barnes. I think he's not had the plaudits he deserves at Leicester I think [James] Maddison's overshadowed him press-wise/media-wise, but he's got 10 goals from out wide in that Leicester team which is mightily impressive."

Could Barnes be the perfect fit for Howe?

On the right side of the front three, Miguel Almiron's transformation under Howe has provided the Toon with a strong return in front of goal.

Indeed, the Paraguayan winger has been able to provide the Magpies with an impressive 11 goals and one assist in the Premier League alone (via Transfermarkt).

The impact off the left has not been as impressive with Allan Saint-Maximin having only offered up one goal and five assists as Gordon remains in search for his first contribution.

And if Newcastle are to play in the elite European competition next season, then they are going to need players from all over the pitch contributing to the side.

Barnes is a player who has certainly provided an impressive return in the Premier League this season with 10 goals and one assist (via Transfermarkt).

The £35k-per-week winger has been hailed as "special" by journalist Adam Bates in the past and he is certainly showing signs of that this season as he exceeds his XG by over two goals (via FBref).

Spending £45m on Gordon in January shows Newcastle have a lot of belief they can get the absolute best out of the youngster.

However, if they are to be playing Champions League football next season, perhaps they need a proven option out left who they could rely on to chip in with goals.