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Nepal inscribed another noteworthy entry in their cricketing history by winning on their first visit to Lord’s on Tuesday in front of several thousand delighted fans

Alan Gardner at Lord's 19-Jul-2016
ScorecardGyanendra Malla top-scored in Nepal’s triumph at Lord’s•Kaushal AdhikariNepal inscribed another noteworthy entry in their cricketing history by winning on their first visit to Lord’s on Tuesday in front of several thousand delighted fans. On a sweltering day in north London, a Nepal XI defeated MCC by 41 runs after which the Nepal captain, Paras Khadka, led his players around the outfield to pay tribute to their typically exuberant supporters.Having chosen to bat first, Nepal’s every run was cheered to the rafters by a crowd of around 5000 that spread itself out across the Mound, Tavern, Edrich and Allen stands. Boundaries and wickets brought even greater outbursts of adulation and chants of “Ne-pal! Ne-pal! Ne-pal!” echoed around the old ground as Sompal Kami and Basant Regmi cleaned up the tail to dismiss MCC for 176 in pursuit of 218 in 50 overs.The fixture was arranged as part of celebrations to mark the 200-year-old relationship between Britain and Nepal, with proceeds from the match going towards rebuilding work in Nepal after last year’s earthquake.MCC opener George Adair did his best to spoil the visitors’ party by scoring an even 100 but the left-hander was eighth man out, caught behind off Regmi, with the asking rate rising towards two runs a ball. Nepal’s main contributor was Gyanendra Malla with 39 but there were useful scores throughout the order as they built a match-winning total beneath clear blue skies, a Nepali flag above the pavilion fluttering in the occasional breeze.”Boys were excited, a little bit nervous as well – you can understand, playing at Lord’s just doesn’t happen everyday,” Khadka said. “I think we managed to hold ourselves pretty well.”Everybody contributed bits and pieces, overall it was very good. Batting, we were 20-30 runs short but the boys kept digging in, the wicket wasn’t that easy and the bowlers were very, very disciplined and that was one of the key factors for us to win today.”The result gave the majority of those who had paid £10 for a ticket the perfect summer’s day out – Nepal shirts were de rigueur, although those attempting to unfurl a flag in the stands received a gentle talking to from the stewards, as per Lord’s rules.MCC were captained by former Middlesex and Somerset allrounder Keith Dutch and included former Queensland batsman Clinton Perren and South Africa-born fast bowler Chad Barrett, who made his only first-class appearance for Northamptonshire two years ago.Dutch and Barrett picked up two wickets apiece and Nepal did well to get up to 217 for 8 in their 50 overs after slipping to 174 for 7. Khadka swept the only six of the innings as he and Malla took the score to 104 for 2 but the experienced pair fell in successive overs, as Dutch and left-arm spinner Marc Reingold established a stranglehold on the scoring.Kami and Regmi bolted together a resourceful 42-run stand for the eighth wicket and the Nepal bowlers then proved adept at defending a score. Sagar Pun picked up 3 for 35 with his offspin as only Adair, fellow MCC opener Steve Clark and No. 7 Richard Wilkinson managed to get into double-figures – and, in the case of Adair, a 28-year-old who plays for Hampstead, beyond. His well-paced century, from 122 balls, was warmly applauded by players on both sides.Pubudu Dassanayake, who stepped down as Nepal coach last year after being involved in some of their greatest moments of recent times, joined the celebrations in the dressing room afterwards. Dassanayake has been back working with the side recently as a consultant, arranged by the ICC, and his pride in their achievement was obvious.”These boys, the amount of work they put in, they deserve this, to come and play a game here,” Dassanayake said. “They make a lot of sacrifices and fight always.”

New Zealand Cricket is monitoring the unrest in Zimbabwe ahead of its team’s tour to the country later this month

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jul-2016New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is monitoring the unrest in Zimbabwe ahead of its team’s tour to the country later this month. Widespread protests against economic and civil issues have taken place in Zimbabwe this week.New Zealand’s departure for Africa will not be delayed as of now, NZC public affairs manager Richard Boock told the , but the board will keep a close watch on the situation as the team prepares for the two Tests against Zimbabwe at a camp in Pretoria, South Africa.”We are monitoring closely what is happening in Zimbabwe,” Boock said. “There are no plans to delay the players leaving New Zealand. While in camp in Pretoria, we will be able to keep an eye on what is going on. South Africa A are in Harare at present, and we will be liaising with South Africa Cricket and the British High Commission in Harare.”Currently, South Africa A are in Zimbabwe to play two four-day games, one each in Harare and Bulawayo. In June, India had played three ODIs and three T20s in Harare without incident.The New Zealand team is scheduled to fly to South Africa on July 11, before moving to Zimbabwe in time for a three-day warm-up game in Harare from July 22. The Tests are set to be played in Bulawayo between July 28 and August 10.A nationwide strike to protest a lack of jobs and unpaid wages was organised in Zimbabwe on July 6, leaving city streets deserted. On Monday, taxi drivers clashed with security forces in Harare over issues of extortion, leading to many arrests. Several other strikes – reportedly featuring the likes of civil servants, doctors, teachers – have also taken place in the drought-hit country.

It seems clear that whoever takes over at Chelsea in the summer has a huge job on their hands if they are going to transform the Blues back into challengers at the top of the Premier League.

The decision to appoint Frank Lampard as an interim manager has certainly not paid off after four defeats from four, which has left the west London outfit languishing in 11th position in the top flight, with no trophies to compete for.

The millions spent by Todd Boehly has not produced the expected results, while his gamble on Graham Potter did not pay off, which has left the American with a significant decision to make in the summer if he wants to restore Chelsea to their former glory.

If he wants to build for the long term, then former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann could be the ideal man to take over from Potter at Stamford Bridge.

What's the latest on Chelsea's interest in Nagelsmann?

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones provided his thoughts on the potential appointment of Nagelsmann at Stamford Bridge.

He wrote: "Sources have explained how Nagelsmann is seen as an improved version of Graham Potter and that Chelsea believe his style of coaching could mean that groundwork already put in over past months is less likely to be abandoned under his leadership.

"They have put in work too to understand exactly why his Bayern Munich reign did not work out and learnings at this moment suggest they do not feel the reasons would impact on them if he took charge of Chelsea.

"Managing so many personalities and egos is a potential problem in this situation and as part of the process Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley have been undertaking key conversations around recruiting a manager that can handle this.

Would Nagelsmann get Chelsea back to their best?

Nagelsmann would certainly arrive at Chelsea with a big reputation, having first taken Hoffenheim to the Champions League before the age of 30, which saw him described as a "genius" by the Athletic's Raphael Honigstein.

The 35-year-old averaged 1.53 points per game in his time at Hoffenheim, before steering RB Leipzig to a hugely impressive 1.94 points per game in his time with the Bundesliga outfit.

That remarkably saw the club leapfrog perennial runners-up, Borussia Dortmund, into second place in the German top flight, suggesting he knows how to get the best from his players.

This earned him a move to Bayern and despite him averaging a phenomenal 2.31 points per game there, he was sacked earlier this year.

Nagelsmann had achieved great things again in Munich, leading the German powerhouse to the top of the league and a Champions League quarter-final.

Given Potter mustered just 1.42 points per game at Chelsea, it definitely seems fair to suggest that Nagelsmann would be an improved version of the Englishman, with his attacking style and youth policy – something seen at Leipzig – also making him an ideal target for Boehly who has invested so heavily in the stars of tomorrow.

Thus, if the German is given time to adjust to Premier League football and is able to trim the squad accordingly, then he could be the ideal man to get the best out of the incredible players Chelsea have at their disposal.

He has already proven in Germany he can do exactly that; it's now time to transfer and hone those skills in English football.

Arsenal return to Premier League action tonight, as they seek to put recent disappointments behind them and cruise to victory. They will arguably have no easier game to do so, as they host rock-bottom Southampton.

Having led by two goals in their last two games, collapses against both Liverpool and West Ham United on the road have surrendered their lead ahead of Manchester City. However, they remain just that: still in the lead.

That pressure that they can continue putting on Pep Guardiola's side, who are still chasing two other pieces of silverware, could tell by getting the first win of the weekend over a downtrodden Saints side that already seems destined for the drop.

Ruben Selles' outfit have not won in their last six games, but Mikel Arteta must remain vigilant. The south coast side have claimed draws against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in recent weeks, suggesting something of a pedigree against tougher opponents.

To give themselves the best possible chance of returning to winning ways, something they simply must achieve, perhaps now marks the perfect time for Emile Smith-Rowe to return to the starting lineup after a season marred by injury.

The 22-year-old could act as a secret weapon for the Gunners having only recently returned from injury, as a surprise addition to the side that would surely get the Emirates in fine spirits pre-match.

Will Emile Smith-Rowe play vs Southampton?

Although the youngster boasts nine Premier League appearances this season, a start tonight would mark his first of the season. That eagerness to impress after his fine campaign last year could permeate through into a fine performance.

Whilst Bukayo Saka might be stealing all the plaudits this season, it was Smith-Rowe who was Hale End's shining light the year earlier, hitting ten league goals for a side that finished fifth.

His effortless quality from the left flank was mesmeric, as he would glide infield and almost always find a teammate. As such, the £40k-per-week magician maintained a 6.92 average rating.

Journalist Mark Mann-Bryans had even branded the midfielder a "game-changer" with his distinct qualities, and they could once again become imperative now just when the Gunners need a boost.

Dropping points in two crucial games is suicide when fighting for the title with City, but fortunately, it still is theirs to lose. The return of Smith-Rowe comes at the perfect time to bolster their front line, with his injection of goals and something a little bit different sure to help boost Arteta's title hopes tenfold.

Everton “would be fools” if they were to hand Dominic Calvert-Lewin a new bumper contract, according to talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.

Calvert-Lewin's injury struggles…

The Toffees striker’s contract at Goodison Park isn’t set to expire until 2025 but he’s failed to have any kind of consistent impact on the team this season, having made just nine starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League, as per WhoScored.

The England international is hugely injury prone as proven over the course of the past two terms, where he’s missed a total of 30 games due to various issues. Last year, he suffered a fractured toe, and this campaign has been even worse with a knee problem followed by a hamstring injury. Sean Dyche is yet to have been able to properly see what he’s capable of on the pitch, but with him earning £100k-p/w, the boss will be mindful that he may have to reduce his squad size and trim the wage bill should the club get relegated at the end of the season.

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor was asked whether he thought Everton could be considering offering Calvert-Lewin improved fresh terms, to which he replied:

“There’s not a chance. When it comes to giving him a contract, Everton have got to consider a pay-as-you-play deal. Low wages with a big appearance fee. It’s gotten that bad for him with the constant injuries.

“No club is going to give him a big contract. There was talk of Arsenal signing him a couple of years ago – but there’s no chance of that happening now. The days of him being worth £40 or £50million are long gone. He’s going to have to prove his fitness across a whole season now. Everton would be fools if they gave him a big contract.”

Should Everton keep or sell Calvert-Lewin?

Calvert-Lewin is certainly a lot more receptive to injuries than Everton would like, but having been a fantastic servant since joining back in 2016, they should keep hold of him because he could still be such a key player moving forward.

The Nike-sponsored star has posted 77 goal contributions in 203 outings on Merseyside and is currently averaging 1.97 shots per game, not to mention that he’s the ideal target man standing at 6 foot 2, which is proven in him ranking in the 97th percentile for aerials won by forwards in the top five European leagues.

Calvert-Lewin is also comfortable playing in six different positions, including anywhere across the frontline, and having been dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Toffees should offer him a new deal, even if it is only a short-term one.

Celtic defender Ronan Ferns could leave Glasgow this summer amid interest south of the border, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Ferns profiled

The Hoops centre-back has worked his way up through the academy ranks at Parkhead to become a regular feature of the club’s several youth sides.

Having turned 16 back in February, the talented prospect is now able to depart the Scottish Premiership outfit and it sounds like there’s already one potential suitor in particular waiting to snap him up in the Premier League.

The Latest: Brighton eyeing Ferns

According to Football Insider, Brighton are ‘interested’ in striking a deal for Ferns having ‘impressed’ for Celtic’s academy teams at Parkhead.

The Seagulls have reportedly ‘scouted’ the teenager and are keeping ‘very close tabs’ on him, hoping to make him the latest of a number of Parkhead talents to head down south.

The Bhoys view their left-footed ace as a ‘hugely promising talent’, but whether they will be able to keep hold of him yet remains to be seen.

The Verdict: Tie him down

Celtic have an extremely exciting player in Ferns who looks likely to make a breakthrough into the senior first-team in years to come, so the club need to tie him down in the hope of fending off interest.

The Hoops defender is already making a name for himself on the international stage having been selected to represent Scotland’s U16s at the UEFA Development Tournament back in February.

Ferns also provides excellent versatility with his ability to operate in both central and left midfield alongside his natural centre-back position so the Hoops need to do everything they can to get him to commit to his long-term future.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery believes that Arsenal right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu could start their next game ahead of first-choice pick Ben White.

What has Dinnery said about Tomiyasu?

The Japan international has found himself drop down the pecking order this season, as White moved from centre-back to full-back and has made himself nearly undroppable.

Tomiyasu has filled in at left-back at times this season, but started his first game in his preferred right-back position against Manchester City, where he made a crucial error leading to a goal.

Speaking on the Premier FPL Injuries Channel, Dinnery stated that he could come in for rotation as Arsenal face Bournemouth, which would give Tomiyasu a chance to regain his confidence and allow White to have a rest after playing two games this week.

(5.25) “We may see a change there at right back and that’s Tomiyasu,” he stated.

“He came in for that game against Manchester City, but gave that goal away.

“It was a great finish by Kevin De Bruyne, but maybe just in terms of a fitness perspective and maybe a confidence issue, and also to rest Ben White who, of course, who’s had a three-game week. That’s why I’d have Tomiyasu starting at right back.”

Does White need a rest?

White has started all but one of Arsenal’s league matches this season, and he was benched against City after his form slightly dipped in the games leading up to it.

He is often substituted for Tomiyasu, having been withdrawn in 13 of his 24 league starts, and whilst he has been outstanding for most of the season, the fixtures are now piling up for Arsenal.

White has been described as “fantastic” by Tomiyasu, and the two share a competitive but healthy relationship as they both battle for the right-back spot.

A return to Europa League action sees Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Lisbon for their last 16 clash with Sporting CP, before a tough test away at Fulham, and White could be rotated ahead of the game at Craven Cottage to keep him fresh.

Chelsea are expected to delve back into the transfer market after heavy spending under owner Todd Boehly, and Declan Rice could be the next name on the shopping list.

What’s the latest on Rice to Chelsea?

The west London outfit have parted with more than £550m since last summer’s transfer window, but currently languishing in ninth place after 22 matches, further improvements might be made to ensure that silverware is pursued across every front next term.

One such star could be West Ham United captain Rice, who has expressed his desire the leave London Stadium at the end of the campaign and has been linked with a host of top Premier League clubs – including Graham Potter’s Blues – but a deal might require a fee of around £70m.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, prominent Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips has stated that the midfielder might be the most coveted gem among the Stamford Bridge hierarchy after the conclusion of the current campaign, with the Englishman ‘topping the list’.

He said: “Declan Rice still tops the list, as far as I’ve been told. But with Declan Rice, they’re putting down the groundwork foundations. They are speaking to people close to him letting him know they’re there and that they are going to be making a move for him in the summer.”

How could Rice help Enzo to flourish?

Despite the opulence of Chelsea’s spending spree, it would be fair to argue that the centre-forward position remains devoid of a reliable figure to cement a talismanic status for this new era, and a whole gamut of premium striking options have duly been named among the rumour mill in recent months.

Despite this, Rice remains at the forefront of Boehly and technical director Christopher Vivell’s wish list, which is perhaps a testament to the supreme skill set of the England midfielder.

Appearing on the Vibe with Five podcast, Three Lions team-mate Kieran Trippier proclaimed that Rice is “unbelievable” and “the best at what he does” within his position at present, despite the likes of Casemiro and Thomas Partey standing out in the current Premier League campaign.

Having made 22 league appearances this season, the 24-year-old has recorded an impressive Sofascore rating of 7.24, despite the Irons’ flagging fortunes leaving them just two points above the relegation zone.

Completing 89% of his passes and averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.2 key passes per game, Rice can offer a stability and composure to backbone his playmaking team-mates further up the pitch.

One such player who could establish a formidable partnership with the 39-cap English “monster” – as dubbed by ESPN’s David Cartlidge – is Chelsea’s £107m January signing Enzo Fernandez, who has made a promising start to life under Potter’s tutelage.

The Argentine, who won the tournament’s Best Young Player award during his nation’s triumphant World Cup campaign in Qatar, has recorded a 7.6 Sofascore rating in both of his opening two matches in the Premier League, serving a sumptuous assist to Joao Felix against the Hammers and looking like a tenacious and all-encompassing figure of first-rate quality.

Ranking among the top 7% of midfielders in Europe’s five main leagues for pass completion, the top 11% for progressive passes and the top 6% for interceptions, Rice could be the robust and all-embracing anchor to knit Chelsea together without seam, supplying a bedrock from which the likes of Fernandez can flourish and duly taking the Blues to “another level”, as was proclaimed by Paul Parker.

Indeed, with the 24-year-old potentially solidifying the crust of Chelsea’s midfield, Fernandez’s license to dazzle should only intensify, and the midfield unit could finally erupt into a vortex of electrifying energy, capable of ascending to the very top of the European game once more.

Chelsea’s midfield is calling for replenishment, with Jorginho having departed and N’Golo Kante nearing the end of his contract, and Rice could be the ‘monster’ signing to form a deadly and dynamic duo with Fernandez for years to come.

Glasgow Rangers’ move to bring Morgan Whittaker to Ibrox is ‘definitely’ off, according to RFC journalist Jordan Campbell.

The Lowdown: Rangers interested in Whittaker

Rangers seemingly had a decent chance of signing Whittaker, given that he was left out of Swansea’s squad for their match against Queen’s Park Rangers to ensure a move was still possible, with players not allowed to feature for more than two clubs in the same season.

The midfielder was said to be keen on a switch to Ibrox, however the Gers have seen all their advances rebuffed, recently having a £2m bid rejected by the Welsh club, despite agreeing personal terms with the player himself.

The Latest: Deal dead

Campbell provided an update on the situation this morning, and it does not look good for Rangers.

The Athletic’s Gers correspondent said: “Morgan Whittaker to Rangers definitely dead I’m told. Not expecting him to leave Swansea at all this window. Player was very keen on the move to Ibrox over all other options but Swansea are short on numbers and their board want him used.”

The Verdict: Disappointing news

The 22-year-old is a versatile player, capable of playing in attacking midfield and on the right-wing, scoring and assisting from both positions on loan at Plymouth Argyle this season, while he has also featured in an advanced role just behind the striker.

Hailed as ‘superb’ by journalist Chris Errington, the playmaker has a very impressive tally of nine goals and seven assists to his name in League One during this campaign, receiving the man-of-the-match award on four separate occasions.

Given his age, Whittaker would have been a very astute signing for Michael Beale, capable of developing into a top player in the Scottish Premiership if he was given a consistent run in the first team, and it will be frustrating news for the manager, and the player himself, that a deal is now off the table.

Leeds United have enjoyed a fine start to the transfer window despite their less-than-stellar form since the World Cup ended. As such, they have found themselves slipping to within just one point of rock bottom.

That could therefore explain Victor Orta’s urgency with the deals to add Max Wober and Georginio Rutter, who have bolstered two key areas in quick succession.

However, as rumours have continued to swirl since the window opened, the Whites clearly still want another midfielder.

Azzedine Ounahi seemed like the top target given the numerous sources that quote their interest, but it was just last week that 90min reported their interest in Scott McTominay despite the rebuttal from Manchester United.

They should not remain downhearted about this apparent rejection, as it could be seen as a tactic to increase whatever fee they might demand for the £60k-per-week stopper.

The Scottish international often bears the brunt of some unwarranted criticisms despite his flaws, as during his time at Old Trafford he has been a dependable stalwart in the engine room for various managers.

As such, there is cause to believe that this move could see some of the pressure lifted as he joins an environment unburdened by the expectation of playing for one of the top clubs in the world.

Having seen his play time dwindle in the Premier League since the arrival of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, outlined in his five league starts, perhaps in his short time alongside him McTominay will have learnt a few things from the Brazilian that could help him elevate his game at Elland Road.

There were flashes during the 2020/21 season that suggest he could operate in a similar role and at a level necessary to put the two in the same bracket, as he maintained a 7.08 average rating across the campaign. That is not far from the 7.31 his teammate is averaging, but it is unlikely many can live up to the levels he sets.

The 30-year-old is maintaining 3.1 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, which he has paired with three assists and two goals thus far (via Sofascore).

That is not wholly dissimilar from that aforementioned McTominay season, where he made 1.6 tackles and 1.3 clearances per game whilst recording five goal contributions.

Obviously a much lower-level version of the five times Champions League winner, he retained a level close enough to be worthy of the comparison.

That year would see him praised doubly by his manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, as he first lauded him after signing a new contract: “He’s such a humble, hard-working boy with the Manchester United DNA, and he’s a leader on the pitch.”

He would follow that up again mid-way through the following season, noting: “He’s a physical monster. He does all his work every day. Never shirks anything + he gets his rewards.”

Perhaps a move to Leeds could free him up to fulfil this potential and get those rewards on a more regular basis. Both player and club could benefit if they could only work out an agreement. Casemiro’s level might be a loft ambition to reach, but there is no reason to believe that he can’t.