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Manchester United have a crucial couple of weeks ahead of them, with the hierarchy now tasked with making the right appointment to lead the club forward.

Ruben Amorim was handed his marching orders on Monday morning, subsequently leaving the role after spending 14 months at the helm and winning just 40% of his matches.

A lack of positive results will no doubt have played into the minds of the board, but his outburst and breakdown in relationship with members behind the scenes appears to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Whilst Darren Fletcher has been appointed on an interim basis ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Burnley, a long-term solution is needed at Old Trafford.

Numerous managers have already been massively linked with the role in recent hours, with a couple of whom already standing out as some of the hierarchy’s favourites.

Man Utd now in talks to appoint new manager

After Amorim was handed his marching orders yesterday, Roberto De Zerbi was named as a surprise option to take the reins, but he could well prove to be an excellent addition.

The Italian, who currently manages Marseille in France, has previously been interviewed by INEOS for the role, but they decided to move forward with Amorim instead.

However, it remains unclear if he would be open to a Premier League return after previously managing Brighton and Hove Albion for a two-year period in 2022 and 2024.

He’s not the only option currently being considered by the Red Devils board, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca now emerging as another key target for the role.

According to TEAMtalk’s latest report, the Italian’s agent has already been in contact with United chiefs about taking over, after he was also sacked from his role within the last week.

It also states that the 45-year-old would be keen to fill the role at Old Trafford, but the club will wait to interview other candidates before moving forward with any appointment.

Why Maresca would be a better appointment than Glasner

As previously mentioned, United are also keeping an open mind with other potential candidates, which has resulted in Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner also being considered at present.

The Austrian has been on their radar for some time, but a deal could be on the cards, especially considering he has just six months left on his deal at Selhurst Park.

It’s been reported that he’s unwilling to negotiate a new deal with the Eagles and is expected to depart and move onto pastures new at the end of his current contract.

Such a situation could certainly make the 51-year-old a top target to replace Amorim, but as previously mentioned, no rush is happening to make the next appointment.

However, given the options currently available, the Red Devils should look to pursue a move for Maresca in the week ahead, especially given his previous work at Stamford Bridge.

When comparing his Premier League stats to those of Glasner, the Italian has dominated in numerous key areas, which highlight why he’d be such an impressive appointment.

The former Chelsea boss, who’s been dubbed “one of the best managers in the world” by Pep Guardiola, has won more games whilst managing 14 fewer games in England than Glasner.

Maresca vs Glasner in Premier League

Statistics

Maresca

Glasner

Games managed

57

71

Wins

28

27

Draws

15

23

Losses

14

21

Goals scored

96

102

Goals conceded

64

88

Points per game

1.74

1.46

Stats via Transfermarkt

Such a record showcases his incredible ability to galvanise results and push for success in the Premier League – something which United have struggled with in recent years.

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During his time at Chelsea, his sides managed to achieve a better goal per game record, whilst also posting a better defensive record – highlighting the impressive work at both ends.

The Italian’s points per game record also showcases his ability to get needed results alongside impressive appearances, which again is desperately needed at Old Trafford.

Given his interest in taking over from Amorim at United, a deal should be an easy one to complete, but the hierarchy need to act swiftly if he’s to make the move.

As previously mentioned, the board are trying to keep an open mind over who takes the reins, but one of the best options is currently available in Maresca.

However, it looks unlikely that a move in the immediate future will be completed, which could lead the Red Devils to miss out on a potential incredible manager.

Related Man Utd can forget Glasner by hiring the "best young coach in Europe"

Manchester United could make a move for one top coach alongside Oliver Glasner after Ruben Amorim’s departure.

Posts ByEthan Lamb

After more than a year in charge at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim finally showed signs of flexibility and changed his system against Newcastle United.

He has played an infamous 3-4-2-1 for the majority of his tenure at Old Trafford, but fielded a 4-3-3 during the first half against the Magpies.

If this becomes a regular occurrence for Amoirm’s United side, then it opens up a plethora of new opportunities for spots in the side. One man who could be in luck is Kobbie Mainoo, who has not been given an opportunity this season, or in 2025 in general, despite his obvious talent.

Yet, there is hope that Mainoo might get his chance, and it is clear to see what he can bring to United’s midfield.

Why Mainoo still has a future at Man Utd

It has been quite the start to Mainoo’s short career so far. Despite the struggles he’s experienced this term with the lack of opportunity, he’s achieved a lot, including the winning goal in the 2023/24 FA Cup final, and starting for England in the Euro 2024 showpiece.

The 20-year-old has made 84 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring seven goals, including that one against Manchester City at Wembley, and assisting four.

However, this season has been very different.

This term, the Stockport-born sensation has only played 12 times, accumulating a little over 300 minutes. But the quality he brings on the ball is surely something Amorim must utilise more. Mainoo is a brilliant ball carrier, especially in small spaces, and can break lines with surges forward.

That is captured perfectly by some of his underlying numbers. In the last 365 days, the United academy graduate has ranked in the top 13% of midfielders in Europe for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, with 1.09.

It is clear that Amorim should give Mainoo more opportunities. But the Red Devils are targeting a midfielder who could reduce his chances even more.

Man Utd could land the new Paul Scholes

A report from The Athletic last week named United as one of the clubs ‘that have shown interest’ in signing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit.

INEOS will face plenty of competition for the £52m star, though, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United also keen on the 19-year-old.

Despite his inexperience, it has been an impressive campaign for Smit in the middle of midfield for AZ. He has made 27 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and assisting a further five times.

He made a name for himself as a good box-crasher in youth football, too.

One of the best things about the Dutch under-21 international is the versatility he possesses. This term, Smit has tended to play as a number eight, but can operate deeper, at the base of midfield, and in a more advanced number 10 role.

One of the real standout skills in the young Dutchman’s game is his passing ability, especially in the final third. Smit is silky on the ball and “dominant” in possession, according to football analyst Ben Mattinson.

That is personified in his underlying numbers over the last year.

The 19-year-old has averaged 6.35 progressive passes and an impressive 1.93 key passes per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 19% and 8% of midfielders.

Smit key stats in last 365 days

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Progressive passes

6.35

81st

Key passes

1.93

92nd

Passes into penalty area

1.56

93rd

Progressive carries

2.38

94th

Take-ons completed

1.19

90th

Stats from FBref

With those passing stats in mind, it’s easy to compare the midfielder to United legend Paul Scholes. Few, if any, in Premier League history have been a better passer of the football than the Class of ‘92 member.

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Scholes was a true controller in midfield and impactful in the box. He bagged 155 goals for his boyhood club.

Arsenal great Thierry Henry once said, “the way he plays: one touch, arriving late into the box, the way he strikes the ball, his vision, his passing. Incredible.”

That is certainly reminiscent of Smit. The vision he possesses is eerily similar to Scholes, and the fact that he is such an effective player in the box. The similarities are clear to see, and that must be exciting as a United fan.

As for Mainoo, however, at a time when his game time has already been limited, the addition of another midfielder could well spell bad news for his future role under Amorim and INEOS.

Related The new Pogba: INEOS holding Man Utd talks to sign £100m “beast”

This player could improve Man Utd’s depth in midfield

Posts ByJoe Nuttall

Prithvi Shaw’s struck his third-first class hundred in only his fourth game as Mumbai went to stumps on 314 for 7 against Tamil Nadu at the Bandra Kurla Complex. Shreyas Iyer, picked in India’s T20 squad for the New Zealand series on Monday, made a counter-attacking 57.Electing to bat, Mumbai lost opener Akhil Herwadkar in the second over to seamer Yo Mahesh, playing his first game for Tamil Nadu in over three years. Mumbai, however, counterattacked through Shaw and Iyer; the pair added 98 off 118 balls. Shaw continued to score briskly even after Iyer’s dismissal – first in the company of Suryakumar Yadav, who made a run-a-ball 39, and then Siddesh Lad – and raised stands of 63 and 51 respectively for the third and fourth wickets.Tamil Nadu slowed down the scoring-rate by chipping away. After Yo Mahesh had Suryakumar lbw, India offspinner R Ashwin removed Lad and Shaw, who finished with 123 off 155 balls, including 17 fours and two sixes. Captain Aditya Tare (53) and Abhishek Nayar repaired the innings with a 63-run stand for the sixth wicket, but Vijay Shankar returned to dismiss Tare and Vijay Gohil to even things out. Ashwin (29-5-77-2) was the most economical bowler on the day.Tamil Nadu had an injury scare when allrounder Vijay Shankar landed awkwardly on his left ankle while celebrating a dismissal in the penultimate over of the day. Coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar said ice was applied on Shankar’s ankle that was subsequently strapped. “We need to wait and see how he holds up tomorrow,” Kanitkar told ESPNcricinfo. Shankar was Tamil Nadu’s most successful bowler on the day, taking three wickets.Centuries from captain Hanuma Vihari (143*) and opener DB Prasanth (127) and put Andhra in a commanding position as they finished on 278 for 2 against Odisha in Vizianagaram. This was Vihari’s second hundred in as many innings after he smashed 150 against Baroda in the previous round.Andhra’s decision to bat first received an early setback after KS Bharat was bowled by seamer Suryakant Pradhan in the sixth over. Prasanth and Vihari, though, put on 270 runs for the second wicket to frustrate Odisha. Both players scored 17 fours and Prasanth hit two sixes to Vihari’s one. It wasn’t until the penultimate over that Odisha achieved a breakthrough, as Basant Mohanty bowled Prasanth.Madhya Pradesh seamer Ishwar Pandey’s triple-strike reduced Tripura to 88 for 6 in Agartala on a day when only 40 overs were possible. Opting to bat, Tripura was immediately on the backfoot after opener Udiyan Bose was removed by Pandey. It triggered the fall of batsmen at regular intervals and from 53 for 2 Tripura slumped to 81 for 5. Only opener Bishal Ghosh (42*) resisted. Left-arm spinner Ankit Sharma complemented Ishwar’s spell with two wickets.

Mitchell Marsh was waiting to bat when a voice behind the players’ viewing area piped up. “I was waiting to bat and some bloke yelled out in the crowd,” Marsh said. “He just said ‘well done, you’ve gone for $1 million [INR 4.8 crore] in the [IPL] auction’, and I was just sort of ‘yeah, whatever mate.'”Events in India on Saturday afternoon were undoubtedly significant for Marsh and his bank balance, but in years to come he is more likely to remember what happened next. Marsh walked to the middle with Australia’s chase and Chappell-Hadlee chances in serious jeopardy, but the iron-willed innings he conjured in the company of John Hastings allowed Steven Smith’s team to ease to a series-leveling win.Marsh is still a developing member of the Australia side, something that may be underlined by his possible omission from the squad for the World Twenty20 to take place in India before the IPL. Nevertheless, there were signs of a prospective leader in how he controlled things in Wellington, vitally setting down the ground rules for a match-clinching stand with Hastings.”It was just a great partnership with Johnny Hastings,” Marsh said. “We were in a bit of strife there, not sure how many we needed when he came out, 80 or so, and the way he batted and the way we batted together was extremely satisfying. We came here to get back into the series and we’ve done that now. So that’ll give us great momentum going into Monday [series decider in Hamilton].”We kept on saying we knew we were ahead of the run rate so we had plenty of time, and I just told Duke [Hastings] to give himself a bit of extra time to get in, watch the ball extremely hard and if it’s in his area smack it, because that’s when he bats his best. We kept it pretty simple and just tried to take it as deep into the innings as we could, because we knew we had plenty of time and overs left.”This summer Marsh has arguably evolved more as a bowler than a batsman, due at least in part to opportunity. A fully functioning top order left him short of meaningful innings during the home Tests, and it was not until he made a first international hundred in an ODI loss to India at the SCG that he was able to make a decent mark. This innings, guiding Australia home, was further progress and evidence of his increasing mental toughness.”During the Test match series I didn’t get a lot of opportunity because the top five were making a hell of a lot of runs and I just kept working hard,” he said. “I wanted to take the opportunity when I got it. When you’re under pressure for runs, certainly at this level, you think about a lot of things.”When you haven’t spent a lot of time in the middle things just don’t come naturally and you don’t think as clearly as you do when you’re in form. That’s been the biggest thing for me to work on, just worry about watching the ball and the rest will take care of itself. The last few weeks with my batting has given me great confidence to keep going now.”That toughness extended to blocking out the news of his IPL auction price until the match had been successfully finished off. For Marsh, at least, the prospect of winning a match for Australia still takes precedence over glad tidings from the game’s financial crucible.”I just tried to block it out because it was pretty amazing, and then Shaun [Marsh] came and sat next to me with a little grin and gave me a little nudge so then I found out,” Marsh said. “Really happy I was able to block that out and focus on the game today, because playing for your country is the most important thing to me, so while that’s great I’m really rapt we’re back in the series now.”

Kevin Pietersen has often talked about the huge demands on the leading international players © AFP

Giles Clarke, the new ECB chairman, says that England are heading for a rotation policy that will allow more cricket to be played without burning out the leading stars.”We’re heading towards rotation, more specialists and different sides put out in different forms of the game and against different types of opposition,” Clarke said in the January issue of magazine.Currently only Australia have the strength and depth for such a rotation policy, as witnessed by resting Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden for the Twenty20 against New Zealand, but Clarke says the likes of England will have to build larger pools of players to pick from. “It’s not unreasonable to consider that England could field some highly effective XIs against some of the Test sides.”Those who want less international cricket are therefore likely to be disappointed. “Everyone recognises we have to fund the game,” says Clarke. “And funding is increasingly about academies and bigger grounds. And, if we are going to have bigger grounds, then we have to give them games to stage.”Larger grounds, he believes, will allow tickets to be graded more affordably which, given the exorbitant prices being charged at Lord’s and The Oval in 2008 – up to £103 – would be welcomed by the publicPrior to his election Clarke was best known for brokering the controversial TV deal with BSkyB. In less than a year the ECB will be finalising its next four-year broadcasting deal and he expects it to be very different. “Everything’s changed. Twenty20 is a fascination for broadcasters because the time-frame is almost equivalent to that of a football match. I would expect a different approach to highlights and a different approach to Pro40.”He recently helped the ECB secure a five-year deal with ESPN-Star to show English cricket in Asia. “We are now in negotiations with two broadcasters in other parts of the world just for the Twenty20 Cup and the Pro40,” he says. “I hope to build supporter bases for county cricket in the subcontinent, like football has done.”

Scorecard
Sameer Khajuria spun Jammu and Kashmir to a five-wicket win against Jharkhand at Jamshedpur. Khajuria, an offspinner, returned amazing figures of 7 for 39 from 18 overs as Jharkhand, trailing by 77 on the first innings, were bundled out for 183 the second time around. Requiring just 107 for victory, J&K stumbled to 56 for 4 and then 72 for 5, but finally made it across the finish line, thanks to an unbeaten 36 from Dhruv Mahajan.
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Strong performances by the middle order allowed Railways to escape with a draw against Assam at Guwahati. Assam were assured of at least two points after Railways were forced to follow on, and when Railways lost three early wickets in the second innings, there was even a chance of an outright victory for Assam. However, Shreyas Khanolkar fought back with 60, Jai P Yadav made 48, while Sushant Manjrekar and Raja Ali shared an undefeated 120-run stand to lift Railways from a shaky 133 for 5 to more safe waters.
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Kerala took two points from their drawn game against Madhya Pradesh at the Fort Maidan in Palakkad. With Kerala already having taken the first-innings lead by close of play on the third day, the last day’s play was only of academic interest. Kerala were finally bowled out for 345, a lead of 38, while Madhya Pradesh used the last two sessions for batting practice, with Monish Mishra finishing on an unbeaten 69.
Scorecard
Madhusudan Acharya, the offspinner, and Sandeep Singh, the right-arm fast bowler, shared seven wickets between them as Vidarbha thrashed Goa by ten wickets at Margao. Resuming their second innings at 87 for 4 on the final day, Goa were shot out for 156, with only Swapnil Asnodkar (59) and Rohit Asnodkar (48) making substantial contributions. Acharya finished with 4 for 52 while Sandeep took 3 for 64. Vidarbha got to their target of 27 in less than five overs to take all five points.
Scorecard
Sarandeep Singh led a spirited fightback by Himachal Pradesh after they had conceded the first-innings lead, but Orissa hung on to force a draw and taken two point from their clash at Dharamsala. Sarandeep took 5 for 53 as Orissa were bundled out for 166 in their second innings, with only Pravanjan Mullick (79 not out) offering resistance. Set a target 218, Himachal finished on 80 for 4.
Scocecard
Services rode on a solid bowling performance and an undefeated 115-run stand between their openers to clinch a convincing ten-wicket win against Tripura at the Palam A Stadium in Delhi. None of the Tripura batsmen managed a half-century in their second innings as they were bundled out for 154, with Manish Jha, a right-arm fast bowler, taking three wickets. Services knocked off the target of 115 without losing a wicket, with Soomik Chatarjee, the left-handed opener, remaining unbeaten on 62.

Steven Outerbridge in action for the ICC Winter Training Camp XI, © Touchline

ICC Winter Training Camp (WTC) Head Coach Andy Moles is convinced the whole of Bermuda cricket will benefit from the presence of four of their players in Pretoria.”This has been a real success for Bermuda,” said Moles, reflecting on the presence of Jekon Edness, Jim West, Steven Outerbridge and Azeem Pitcher at the residential camp for players from the six Associate countries to qualify for the 2007 World Cup.”These players might not jump straight into their national side but if they continue to show the improvements they have shown here then they will certainly be in contention. And if they can persuade a large percentage of their team mates back home about the benefits of what they have done in South Africa it will help the whole of their squad.”The scope to broaden Bermuda’s playing base is limited by the fact the county’s overall population is just 68,500 but the hope is that base can still be widened if the players are able to put into action some of the skills they have learnt at the WTC.”They have all done their Level 2 coaching course so they are going home with a qualification,” said Moles. “If they can go back not only with their improved levels of performance but also able to work with youngsters and pass on their skills then that has to benefit Bermuda cricket. It is a perfect illustration that the ICC’s Development Program (started in 1997) is not just about playing but also infrastructure, like coaching, too,” added Moles.The WTC has been made up of 23 players from not only Bermuda but also Canada, Kenya, Ireland, the Netherlands and Scotland and the Bermuda players have been among the most popular members of the group according to Moles.”They have all worked hard, enjoyed the experience and everyone here has enjoyed their company,” he said. “The fitness and training was a bit of a culture shock for them all at first and they struggled, they would all probably admit that, but they all really bought into the regime. That showed when everyone had their fitness tested about 10 days ago, a follow-up to the test they did when they arrived, and the Bermuda lads showed great improvement. They have been very enthusiastic and attentive and I would even go so far as to say that, as a group, they have benefited the most from the last 11 weeks.”Bermuda captain Clay Smith was involved in the camp at the start in a coaching capacity and even though he could not stay for the whole 11 weeks Moles felt he would have picked up enough in his time in Pretoria to make it a worthwhile exercise. The hope now is that Smith, together with the other Bermuda players attending the WTC, can pass on the positives from their experience in South Africa to coach Gus Logie and the rest of the squad back home.Moles offered the ICC his assessment of the progress the Bermuda players have made at the WTC.Jekon Edness – In the same way that Kenneth Carto, the Canada wicketkeeper, has benefited from this camp so the same is true of Jekon. He arrived here as a player who kept once a week but now, after 11 weeks of catching balls every day, fitness work, pilates and stretching he will go home a totally different `keeper and person and Bermuda will see that.As a batsman what we have tried to do is make him aware of his plus points rather than focussing on what he can’t do. We have looked to get him to play in his areas of strength and we saw the benefit last week when we played a match and he saw his side home by working the ball around off the seamers and spinners.Jim West – Jim has been a fantastic team man and has also improved out of sight, a fact recognised by his fellow players as they voted him the most improved player of the WTC. He has worked so hard. He has been laid low by injuries but has battled through them and given everything to everything he has done. With his bowling he has done great work with Bob Cottam (WTC bowling coach) to change his action. He has not added all that much pace but what he has done is add a great deal of control. As for his batting, when he arrived he just tried to hit every ball for four or six but now we have shown him all about shot selection and batting in partnerships, especially if there is a recognised batsman at the other end. Jim has developed so much on this course and it has been a pleasure to have him here.Steven Outerbridge – Steven’s a top-order batsman and a more senior player than some others at the WTC. Initially he had a few problems knowing where his off stump was and also falling over to the offside by over-balancing. He has shown himself to be a good listener who has worked hard and now, I think, he knows what it will take for him to build big innings on a regular basis. He has improved as a fielder as well but now it is a case, as with so many others here, of him going on and proving he can put into practice what he’s learnt here. He was especially keen to work on his play against spin bowling and a block or slog approach is a common failing at Associate level instead of players backing themselves to work the ball into gaps. He has definitely improved in that area and has also learnt the art of playing the sweep shot.Azeem Pitcher – Azeem has really worked hard and you rarely saw him without his notebook, whether it was a psychology briefing, the Level 2 coaching course or even a net session – he took notes on everything. He is a very dedicated and organised cricketer. Like Stephen, a fellow left-hander, he had a problem falling over to the off-side and over-balancing but along with Stephen we have worked to ensure they keep their heads up and don’t look to play around their front pads. He made a classy 60 not out in a match last week and I got the impression he really does understand how to go about playing well now. The understanding of his game is there and in that innings he was able to see the benefits. Azeem was not able to bowl very much because of a shoulder injury but, typical of him and the rest of the Bermuda guys, he showed himself to be a great team man. He was always one of the first to make drinks for fellow players and he also made sure that shoulder injury did not stop him working hard on other areas of his fitness.

Lancashire came within two wickets of defeating Worcestershire but in the end they were denied by Steve Rhodes, who batted for almost an hour in his final first-class match to earn a draw. It wasn’t enough to save Worcestershire from the drop, but it leaves Lancashire having to beat Gloucestershire in their final match, and they also need to get three more bonus points that their opponents who sit 17 points ahead of them in the table.Gloucestershire took seven vital points from their match against Sussex, bad weather on the final day limiting play to less than three hours. At Lord’s, Northamptonshire, whose own relegation was confirmed yesterday, drew with Middlesex after being set 355 to win at five an over, largely thanks to 90 from David Sales.In Division Two, Leicestershire took a little over an hour to complete their six-wicket win over Durham, a result which gives them a remote chance of catching Glamorgan for the third promotion spot. Glamorgan were left kicking their heels at Cardiff where a third successive day was severely disrupted by the weather. At Taunton, Somerset bowled Yorkshire out for 304 and then, looking to make up for lost time, declared on 141 for 0 before reducing the visitors to 125 for 4 at the close, a lead of 308.

County Championship Division One

Latest tableGloucestershire 178 and 304 for 5 (Gidman 82, Hancock 77*, Spearman 65) drew with Sussex 199 (Averis 5-45) at Bristol
Scorecard
Day 1 report: Accurate Averis puts Sussex on back foot – The Times
Day 2: no play because of rain
Day 3 report: Sussex struggle to stay afloat – The Sunday Times
Northamptonshire 282 and 224 for 4 (Sales 90, Huggins 82*) drew with Middlesex 425 and 212 for 6 (Joyce 59, Koenig 51) at Lord’s
Scorecard
Day 1 report: Shah and Joyce lift Middlesex – The Times
Day 2 report: Afzaal props up Northants – The Telegraph
Worcestershire 352 for 9 dec and 199 for 8 (Smith 50) drew with Lancashire 403 for 9 dec and 242 for 6 dec (Hooper 75*, Chapple 63) at Worcester
Scorecard
Day 1 report: Law leads Lancashire’s survival bid – Wisden Cricinfo
Day 2 report: Hegg gives Lancs fresh hope – The Guardian
Day 3 report: Rhodes refuses to go quietly – The Sunday Telegraph

County Championship Division Two

Latest table B>Leicestershire 508 and 71 for 4 beat Durham 298 and 280 by six wickets at Chester-le-Street
Scorecard
Day 1 report: Mustard adds dash of class – The Daily Telegraph
Day 2 report: Durham’s bowlers fail to contain Maunders – The Times

Scorecard
Day 1 report: Essex wilt as wickets tumble – The Daily Telegraph

Day 1: No play because of rain
Day 2 report: Croft inspires Glamorgan – The Sunday Times

Scorecard
Day 1 report: Rain takes edge off needle match – The Guardian

Wisden Cricinfo is not responsible for the content of external sites. All links are checked at the time of publication, but may not work indefinitely.

Jacob Oram was delighted with his first major contribution with the bat inTest cricket on the third day of the second Test in Kandy.Oram scored a career best 74, sharing crucial partnerships with MarkRichardson and Robbie Hart, as New Zealand scored a respectable 305."It is nice to get a first milestone although I would have liked to got ahundred," he said afterwards. "It was tough against world-class bowlers indifferent conditions but I really enjoyed it."At 75 for 4 we were in a bit of trouble and it was a matter of getting apartnership going, so I was more than happy to just bide my time."Normally renowned for playing big shots, Oram believes he needed "to put hisend in the bin and put the shots away" to survive."I like to hit the ball hard and see the boundaries but you can’t do thatevery innings. I have been more consistent back home in first-class cricketbeing a bit more circumspect."Oram, 24, enjoyed the challenge of facing the world’s leading spinner,Muttiah Muralitharan, who claimed 3 for 90 in 34 overs."I did not want to die in the hole to Murali, which can happen if you justsit and wait, because sooner or later he is going to bowl you an unplayabledelivery – I therefore used the sweep as an option."Oram said New Zealand were still hopeful of forcing a win: "It is a matterof us getting early wickets tomorrow and then trying to progress as much aswe can with the bat before a final day declaration."

Lancashire today attempted to play down suggestions that Yorkshire stalwart Geoff Boycott could be linked with their coaching position at Old Trafford.The former England and Yorkshire opening batsman had been named by Lancashire chairman Jack Simmons in connection with the vacancy following Bob Simpson’s announcement that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.But in a statement in which any reference to Boycott was conspicuously absent,Lancashire sought to clarify the situation.The statement read: “After recent speculation about the future coach ofLancashire County Cricket Club, the club wishes to point out that as yet nodecisions have been made.”It was decided at a recent general committee meeting, following the decisionof Bob Simpson not to seek a renewal of his contract, that there would be aperiod of reflection and discussion before the way forward was decided.”The statement pointed out that no prospective new coaches, Boycottincluded, had yet been identified in the three days since formerAustralia coach Simpson announced he would be leaving Old Trafford.”No names have been discussed, and no one has been approached over theposition,” it continued.”It is expected to be some weeks before a decision is made, and furtherdiscussions will take place at the next full committee meeting in September.”But on a day of confusing statements coming out of Old Trafford, Simmons again added more weight to a Boycott link.”Geoffrey would not be out of the equation if he wanted to apply. If he wantsto apply and he can come for what we normally pay then he would be assessed withthe rest,” said Simmons.”We want the best, and if the best were a Yorkshireman so be it,” he said.But Simmons was not sure the club could afford Boycott, who was paid £30,000 for 15 days’ work by Pakistan earlier this year.”He is an excellent coach, but I do not think he would want to come back tothe daily routine of county cricket,” Simmons told Sky Sports.”We could not afford him anyway. When you talk about £30,000 for three weekscoaching Pakistan – if you are to believe what you read – then there is no waywe could afford it.”