ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jul-2016You can watch the ongoing Test series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand on television in New Zealand, India and Sri Lanka, and maybe several other places, but not in host country Zimbabwe. A source told ESPNcricinfo that public broadcaster ZBC has been offered the feed for free but is experiencing a technical fault, which has prevented it from broadcasting the ongoing first Test. Pay-television network SuperSport, which is South Africa-based and works throughout the continent, did not obtain the rights for this series.Instead, Ten Sports is providing the world feed, which explains why the broadcast is available in the subcontinent. SuperSport was negotiating for the rights until a few weeks ago but failed to come to an agreement, which means the matches are also not being aired in neighbouring South Africa. SuperSport went through similar discussions ahead of India’s limited-overs tour to Zimbabwe in June, and reached an agreement at the eleventh hour to broadcast the matches.Zimbabwean fans expressed their frustration on Twitter, even though they did not turn out in big numbers at Queens. Midway through the first day, there were only a few hundred people at the stadium. With school holidays beginning at the end of this week, better crowds are expected as the series goes on.
Newcastle United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul this summer, according to a new transfer report.
Is De Paul having a good season?
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a memorable season, although it is for his international achievements that he has been most famed for. He played a massive role in Argentina tasting World Cup glory late last year, proving to be an influential box-to-box presence throughout the tournament.
De Paul started all seven of his country's matches on their way to glory, providing legs and fight in the middle of the park, and almost acting as a perfect foil for superstar teammate Lionel Messi. The £94,000-a-week ace has also scored twice and registered five assists in La Liga for Atletico this season, however, showing that has been effective at club level, too.
His current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2026, but it could be that he leaves in the upcoming transfer window, having not always been a regular starter for Atletico this season, starting just 20 league games.
Could Newcastle sign De Paul this summer?
According to a report from Spain [via Caught Offside], Newcastle are eyeing up a move for De Paul once the current campaign reaches its conclusion. The Magpies are thought to be willing to pay €40m (£35m) for his signature, making him a key part of their midfield in the process.
This could be a fantastic signing for Newcastle ahead of next season, with De Paul someone who shone so much at the World Cup, averaging 1.6 tackles and one key pass per game. He could be a brilliant midfield partner for Bruno Guimaraes at St James' Park, complimenting the Brazilian's more attack-minded, aesthetically-pleasing style and giving Eddie Howe's side even more meanness alongside Joelinton.
At 28, De Paul now has a wealth of experience, having won 53 caps for Argentina and made 273 appearances in Serie A and La Liga combined, but he is also still young enough to potentially be at his best for another four or five more years. He has been described as a "great player" by former player Ricardo Giusti and he is someone who has all the attributes to help take Newcastle to that next step.
It goes without saying that a top-four finish is vital if the Magpies want to sign him, however, with the Atletico man surely wanting Champions League football if he leaves his current club.
Mohammad Amir and Yasir Shah have been rested for Pakistan’s second warm-up match against Sussex ahead of the opening Test against England at Lord’s
ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jul-2016Mohammad Amir and legspinner Yasir Shah have been rested for Pakistan’s second warm-up match against Sussex ahead of the opening Test against England at Lord’s.Both bowlers impressed against Somerset at Taunton, Amir taking 3 for 36 in the first innings with some dangerous swing at good pace while Yasir enjoyed a lengthy bowl in the second innings as he finished with 4 for 107.Rahat Ali has also been left out as Pakistan bring in Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan and Zulfiqar Babar.The batting, though, remains unchanged which, barring injuries, confirms the top-order line-up for the opening Test. Most of the batsmen spent decent time in the middle against Somerset, although Mohammad Hafeez (20 and 10), captain Misbah-ul-Haq (0 and 19) and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed will hope for a more productive outing at Hove.”We had a pretty decent outing against Somerset. I would expect everyone shall maintain and improve on standards on display at Taunton in batting, bowling and fielding,” Mickey Arthur, the head coach, said. “We have to keep up with the benchmarks we have achieved so far, with the same intensity. Slacking off at any point would not be acceptable”.
Yorkshire’s Royal London Cup programme began with a thrashing from Worcestershire at Headingley as George Rhodes, son of the coach Steve, made an impressive debut and Joe Leach starred in an emergency pinch-hitting role
ECB Reporters Network07-Jun-2016 ScorecardJoe Leach took to an emergency pinch-hitting role with devastating effect•Getty ImagesYorkshire Vikings opened their Royal London One-Day Cup programme with a severe thrashing at the hands of Worcestershire Rapids at Headingley.Batting first after winning the toss, Yorkshire were bowled out for a listless 170 and Worcestershire charged to their target for the loss of three wickets with 24.3 overs remaining after openers Joe Leach and Tom Kohler-Cadmore hasd blasted 107 together off a mere 12.4 overs.Yorkshire’s director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, said: “We have just got to bat better, that is the bottom line. Our batsmen have not got that confidence at the moment. They are hoping rather than expecting and are not in their best form. There is a bit of fear of getting out as opposed to scoring runs.Moxon also confirmed that Jack Brooks could be out for up to a month. He sustained a leg injury while bowling in the T20 Roses match at Old Trafford.It was a doubly satisfying result for Royals’ Bradford-born director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, whose 23-year-old son, George, made his first team debut for the county and pegged Yorkshire back with ten overs of well-controlled off-spin that brought him two wickets.George’s grandfather, Billy, was a wicketkeeper-batsman with Nottinghamshire from 1961-64 which meant that George and his team-mate, Brett D’Oliveira, were each the third generation of county cricketers.Concerned about a nearby storm, Worcestershire sent in Leach to partner Kohler-Cadmore and, although it never materialised, there was no shortage of thunderous strokes on the field.Kohler-Cadmore took three boundaries in David Willey’s first over but Leach was immediately more severe on Tim Bresnan, following up a towering six with four consecutive boundaries.The 50 was reached in 4.5 overs and when Steve Patterson joined the attack Leach picked him up for six over square leg and cover drove his next ball for four.Leach dashed to his half-century from 25 balls with seven fours and three sixes, bringing up his 50 by driving Liam Plunkett over the rope at long on, but the carnage was halted when Kohler-Cadmore was lbw to Plunkett for a run-a-ball 42 with seven fours and a six.In the next over from Rashid, Leach was caught at long off for 63 from 35 deliveries with eight fours and three sixes and Daryl Mitchell and Joe Clarke added a further 37 before gave Rashid a return catch, Mitchell and Alexei Kervezee finishing the job for their side.Yorkshire had never got to grips with a pitch on which the ball tended to stick and although seven of their batsmen made it into the teens none of them managed to move beyond the 30 mark.Several got out to hesitant shots and Yorkshire remained pegged back in the middle overs by the accurate spin of Rhodes and D’Oliveira.Jack Shantry, bowled a mean opening spell of seven overs for ten runs and the wicket of Adam Lyth and he returned to end the innings with his second ball by getting Bresnan caught at short fine leg.Jack Leaning helped Alex Lees bring up the 50 in the 17th over but Yorkshire were unable to capitalise on their slow but solid start, Leaning then edging Ed Barnard to Ben Cox and Lees being trapped lbw to become Rhodes’ first scalp for his county.Worcestershire never relaxed their stranglehold and just when Gary Ballance was threatening to break loose he was lbw sweeping at D’Oliveira for 30 from 32 balls with three fours.D’Oliveira also accounted for Rashid who miscued to short extra cover and in the following over it became 109 for 6 when Will Rhodes drove his namesake to Daryl Mitchell who was stood almost next to the bowler at mid-off.Yorkshire’s situation would have been more critical had Mitchell not dropped Bresnan at short cover when he had made only a single and Bresnan and David Willey briefly cheered up the crowd with a six apiece off D’Oliveira and Mitchell respectively.A couple of balls after his big hit, however, Willey chipped back a catch to Mitchell and shortly afterwards Plunkett dragged Leach into his stumps, the last three wickets toppling for four runs.
Fans online have been left singing the praises of West Ham United captain Declan Rice after he showed his class when interacting with a young fan.
Why is Declan Rice getting plaudits?
It was a great outing for the England international on Sunday evening as he led his team to a Premier League win over rivals Manchester United.
In the end, it was a howler from goalkeeper David De Gea that allowed Said Benrahma to score the only goal of the game as the Hammers picked up a 1-0 victory.
The three points mean that West Ham are almost certainly set to avoid relegation at the end of the season and Rice played his part in the victory.
He was named the “star man” by Jonty Coleman in his football.london player ratings for his 8/10 display. The journalist wrote: “For however much West Ham get for Rice when he eventually leaves, he will be worth every penny, and probably many, many more.
“Showed he was the Premier League’s highest interception winner by winning several against a Man United side chasing Champions League football.
“Created chances with his quick feet and clever running and mopped up all sorts in the middle of the pitch. Probably deserved an assist for his second-half crosses, an outstanding display.”
What’s more, as per Squawka, Rice is the only player in Europe’s top five leagues with 30+ interceptions, 51 clearances, take-ons completed, aerial duels won, chances created, and shots this season while he’s also won possession more times than any other player (322).
With that in mind, it’s little wonder clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Liverpool are all monitoring the £60k-per-week midfielder.
But after footage emerged with the 24-year-old speaking to one starstruck fan at the London Stadium, love for the player seems to have gone up even higher.
As the video shows, Rice can be seen comforting the young supporter who seems a little overwhelmed after meeting one of his heroes. The Englishman then calms the child and gives him his shirt.
It’s a very wholesome exchange and people online really appreciated the kindness. Here are some of the best Twitter reactions…
Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to appoint a new manager until the summer, though one name has emerged as a primary candidate…
Tottenham manager news – Fabrizio Romano provides Julian Nagelsmann update
The Telegraph recently revealed that Julian Nagelsmann was a key target for the north London outfit, having been sacked by Bayern Munich only last month.
Now, renowned transfer guru and journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the situation, claiming that while a move is far from close, he is among chairman Daniel Levy's shortlist.
He told Caught Offside:
"Tottenham have Julian Nagelsmann in their list alongside other candidates, for sure; but nothing is advanced or decided yet.
"Daniel Levy will take his time to make final decision, the board/directors situation also has to be clarified after Fabio Paratici resigned; this is a crucial step to decide on the new manager.
"Nagelsmann is not in a hurry to decide his future."
Will Nagelsmann become Spurs manager this summer?
Many around N17 have pined for the return of Mauricio Pochettino over the last few months but with much of the same playing squad still contracted, it's hard to envisage anything being different to the end of his tenure at the club.
Naglesmann, meanwhile, could offer a similar philosophy but one that can inject this lifeless outfit with some fresh impetus.
His favoured counter-attacking 4-2-3-1 system is similar to that of the Argentine's prime Spurs side, with the full-backs given license to bomb forward, thanks to the defensive stability in the engine room.
The wingers, such as Heung-min Son, become equally crucial as they come inside to support the sole striker and getting the South Korean closer to his talismanic partner Harry Kane will surely reap rewards.
This is perhaps why former Newcastle United and West Ham United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has hailed the German as a perfect candidate for Tottenham.
"I think Nagelsmann is a good fit," he told ESPN. "I don’t know what it would cost and whether he would want it, but I think Nagelsmann would be a good fit for Spurs. Given his experiences at Bayern, he would deal with the difficulties of Daniel Levy."
Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann on bench before the match
His youthful age, at least in coaching terms, is more of a positive than a negative as he's able to truly connect better with his players with his "awesome" and "outstanding mentality," according to Sky Germany reporter Philipp Hinze, who has also hailed him as a "mastermind."
That mix of player management and tactical nous is exactly what Tottenham's next manager needs to have, with Antonio Conte perhaps falling short in both regards on numerous occasions.
Having departed the Bavarian giants with an impressive 71.4% win rate and an average of 2.31 points-per-game, via Transfermarkt, there will be few better candidates available on the managerial market this summer, so it's on Levy and his staff to make the right offer to lure the 35-year-old to north London.
Given the evidence above, he could indeed be the breath of fresh air that the club desperately needs to move forward. He completely transformed RB Leipzig as a club and now Spurs could be the next to undergo an on-pitch makeover under the eye-catching stewardship of Nagelsmann.
Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on signing Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka and are set to make him a contract offer, according to a recent report from Football Insider.
Will Tottenham sign a defender this summer?
It appears likely that Tottenham will be in the market for a new defender in the summer, and it has been reported they are in talks with Barcelona about making Clement Lenglet's stay permanent, having recently advanced in negotiations.
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi has also emerged as a potential target, although they are only willing to pay £45m for the defender, which is £20m below his valuation, while they are said to have lodged enquiries about Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres.
Back in February, it was reported that Spurs are set to prioritise the signing of a left-sided defender this summer, and they now look to have identified a key target to strengthen in that area, as they are set to make a move for Ndicka.
According to a report from Football Insider, the 23-year-old is set to leave Frankfurt upon the expiration of his £12k-per-week contract this summer, potentially opening the door for a move to north London.
The Lilywhites are not the only Premier League club interested in signing the Frenchman, however, with Liverpool joining Spurs as the two sides who set to make a contract proposals at the end of the campaign.
The centre-back is said to fit the ideal profile for both Tottenham and Liverpool, particularly if the north London club are unable to agree terms with Barcelona for Lenglet.
Should Tottenham sign Evan Ndicka?
There are some indications the 6 foot 3 colossus would be a real improvement on Lenglet, given that he has averaged far more blocks, interceptions and aerials won per 90 than his compatriot over the course of the past year.
Not only that, but the Paris-born defender is also available on a free transfer, while the Barcelona loanee could set Spurs back around €14m (£12.5m) in the summer.
Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka.
Ndicka is more competent defensively than Lenglet, and he is also solid in possession of the ball, having been hailed as "technically gifted" by former Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bovic.
Spurs' defensive shortcomings have let them down on multiple occasions this season, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last six Premier League games, conceding three goals against both Southampton and Bournemouth.
As such, a new defender will undoubtedly be needed in the summer, and Ndicka would be a real upgrade on Lenglet.
Presenter and YouTuber Conor McGilligan has suggested that Wilfried Gnonto has not been playing as he may have fallen out with Leeds United manager Javi Gracia, as opposed to an apparent injury.
What's the latest injury news for Leeds and Wilfried Gnonto?
The talented winger has not been able to secure regular minutes since the Spaniard took charge and hasn't started any of the club's last four league matches.
In part, that has been due to injury, but in that run, Gnonto only missed the trip to Arsenal – and has been in the matchday squad for the three games since, playing just 33 minutes in that time.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Premier League trip to Fulham, Gracia explained why the 19-year-old hasn't been playing much, telling LeedsLive: "Gnonto is ready. He had a little issue, he had some problem, now he's ready. He's training from the last few weeks and in the beginning when he came back, it's true that I tried to protect him a little bit, but now he's ready and available."
It's certainly interesting to hear the 52-year-old admit he has been deliberately not playing Gnonto to "protect him", though this seems to have left McGilligan suspicious.
Indeed, while talking about it all on the One Leeds Fan Channel, the podcaster claimed that there may be an issue between the player and the manager.
He said: "I am maybe a little bit more dubious as to whether or not Willy Gnonto has this injury that has kept him out.
"Maybe that's me being a little bit curious and a little bit hypothetical a bit about the scenario. Hopefully I'm wrong and it is just down to an injury, but I do feel that maybe a little bit more has gone on there between Willy and Gracia."
Have Gracia and Gnonto fallen out?
Earlier in the season, Gnonto – who earns £20k per week – had established himself as a regular under former boss Jesse Marsch and actually started the American's last seven games before he was sacked.
He also earned plenty of praise in this period, too. For instance, after a loss to Aston Villa, Gary Neville told Sky Sports (via Mail Online): "To see someone so mature, so young is very unusual in that position.
"Sometimes you see potential and talent, but watching him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of teammates, really good, honestly."
Leeds manager Javi Gracia
With that being the case, it does seem odd that Gracia would arrive at Leeds and not rate Gnonto. And after admitting that the player's injury hasn't been that bad, perhaps he might be benching the Italian for non-footballing reasons.
After all, in the midst of a relegation battle, you'd hardly be worried about protecting one of your best players. You'd probably be desperate to get them back on the pitch the moment they were fit again, so we are also curious about this situation and will be keen to see whether he gets the nod this weekend.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona winger Raphinha this summer and the Brazilian's potential arrival at Stamford Bridge could see Todd Boehly finally ditch Hakim Ziyech.
Could Chelsea sign Raphinha this summer?
According to Spanish news outlet Sport,Chelsea have rekindled their interest in the forward having missed out on him to Barcelona only last summer after an impressive two seasons with Leeds United.
Boehly has already spent an eye-watering amount of money on new players at Chelsea and is blessed with a plethora of wide options at Stamford Bridge, but none of those wingers have stepped up to aid the Blues amid their barren run of form in front of goal.
With Chelsea having managed just 30 goals in 31 top-flight fixtures so far this campaign, attacking additions seem likely this summer and in Raphinha, the west London outfit would be signing a player they know can cut it in England.
In two years at Elland Road, the Brazil international would notch 17 goals and 12 assists in the Premier League, which saw him earn a £55m move to La Liga giants Barcelona last summer, despite heavy interest from the Blues.
During his time in Yorkshire, the £212k-per-week wide man would earn a huge amount of praise from former teammate Daniel James.
He said: "He’s a magician. He’s always been a great player – I played against him at United and he was always great – but he’s improved so much.
"He fully deserved his Brazilian call-up and I think since he got it, he’s pushed on even more, he’s even more confident. He can do absolutely anything on the pitch. It’s great playing with him."
Raphinha's debut campaign in Spain has produced six goals and four assists in 27 La Liga appearances with a WhoScored average rating of 7.02, which is more goal contributions and a better average rating than any of the attackers in Chelsea's squad.
Could Raphinha replace Ziyech at Chelsea?
As a left-footed right-winger, the 26-year-old would surely be an heir for wantaway wide man Hakim Ziyech, who has endured a nightmare spell at Stamford Bridge and was denied a loan move away in January after his move to PSG collapsed at the last minute.
Hakim-Ziyech-Chelsea
The Morocco international has, in the words of Emmanuel Petit, looked "miserable" since the World Cup and has no goals and just one assist in his 14 Premier League appearances this season, with a woeful 6.44 rating from WhoScored for his performances.
The 30-year-old has never lived up to the form he showed at Ajax and will surely be a prime candidate to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
A replacement will be required but Boehly could look to fix that problem by bringing in Raphinha as his direct heir.
Chelsea could potentially look to Frank Lampard as a possible option to become their next permanent manager over the summer.
Why did Chelsea reappoint Lampard?
After Bruno Saltor's only game as the caretaker manager in charge of Chelsea, the decision was made to replace him with Lampard until the end of the campaign.
Saltor had overseen the draw at home to Liverpool, however, Lampard's return did not get off to an equally as impressive start following a defeat away from home at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Chelsea now remain inside the bottom half of the Premier League table with a whopping 17-point gap now opened between themselves and the top four.
The search for Chelsea's next manager goes on with the likes of Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann believed to be two of the main options for the Blues.
However, there are some massive games ahead of Lampard to prove his worth to the likes of Todd Boehly and none bigger than the Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
Indeed, speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Simon Phillips has claimed the 44-year-old could potentially play himself into contention if he is to turn around Chelsea's dreadful form:
"I'm told that he did not come with the intention to stay short-term, and in his eyes, he wants to prove that he can be a contender to get the role on a full-time basis.
"The club would not rule this out if Lampard has a very good spell from now until the end of the season, especially if he pulls off a miracle and wins the Champions League."
Could Lampard turn around this Chelsea side?
The fixtures ahead of the Blues over the coming weeks are certainly not easy ones with Chelsea still to play the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Arsenal in the league.
With this in mind, it did feel as if Chelsea needed a result on the weekend against Wolves to get them up and going under the former Chelsea midfielder.
But this was clearly not the case as the Londoners failed to even get themselves on the scoresheet against Julen Lopetegui's side at Molineux.
Frank Lampard returns to the dugout as Chelsea lose to Wolves in the Premier League.
Lampard's side had real issues in front of goal with just one of their 13 shots landing on Jose Sa's goal over the course of the game (via SofaScore).
That has been the story of Chelsea's season so far with the seven-fewest (29) goals of any Premier League side over the course of the campaign.
Lampard's previous tenure at Stamford Bridge did not offer a whole load of optimism for his short spell until the end of the campaign having won marginally over half of his 84 games in charge across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).
Having said that, if he is able to pull off a Champions League miracle, then perhaps it may be time to refresh our judgement on the 44-year-old – but that does feel a huge ask for Chelsea to beat the reigning champions.