Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed in principle to play T20 friendlies – as opposed to internationals – as part of their efforts to renew ties with each other

ESPNcricinfo staff27-May-2017Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed in principle to play T20 friendlies – as opposed to internationals – as part of their efforts to renew ties with each other. The matches are set to take place in Kabul and Lahore sometime in July and August.A delegation led by ACB chairman Atif Mashal met with his counterpart in the PCB Shaharyar Khan in Lahore on Saturday. After lengthy discussions, the Pakistan board expressed willingness to provide Afghanistan with venues for training and conditioning camps and laid the groundwork for both their youth and senior teams to play reciprocal tours.Major talking points

Organise two friendly T20 matches between the two countries in Kabul and Lahore tentatively in July-August.

A preparatory camp for the ACB Under-19 team in Karachi, followed by a bilateral series between the Under-19 teams of both countries

Future bilateral series between the two emerging and ‘A’ teams, Under-16 teams, and explore the possibility of matches between regional teams of both countries.

PCB providing technical support through the training of ACB curators, scorers, umpires, analysts and coaches.

PCB to work on providing a stadium in Pakistan which ACB would use as a home venue.

Making PCB’s biomechanical facility available for testing Afghanistan cricketers.

PCB will push for greater interaction of ACB in the Asian Cricket Council and in world cricket in general.

“The relationship between the two boards and the two nations is historic. It is not new,” Mashal said. “I am here to renew our commitment and sports should not be influenced by the politics of two governments.”I am happy to have great discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board and agreed on various plans. We are renewing this relation with a friendly match between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Kabul and then we will return to Pakistan to play one. We have also agreed to play a bilateral series for which dates will be decided later.”The ACB had arranged a similar deal in 2013 which the Afghanistan cricketers were given access to the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. But, after the first few visits, complications arose. Eventually, the ACB had to find an alternative venue – Greater Noida in India – to help their players prepare and host international teams.Afghanistan were the first international team to visit Pakistan since the 2009 attacks in Lahore and had been part of the domestic T20 competition in Karachi in 2013. They were in talks to play in Pakistan in April 2016 but the Pakistan government had reportedly advised against the series after an attack in a recreational park in Lahore.Mashal is aware of the challenges before both the ACB and the PCB but was eager to renew ties. “We know there is tension in the border but it’s my job as chairman of Afghanistan cricket board to keep this interaction between two cricketing nations going and to help governments start something positive.”We are trying our best to keep sports, especially cricket, away from politics as well as looking for our national interest. Still, sports is sports and we should use this as a tool to influence the politics arena positively and create a good atmosphere between two friendly and brotherly nations.”These talks, Mashal said, won’t have any bearing on Afghanistan’s existing ties with India. “Relation with Pakistan doesn’t mean we don’t have relation with India. They are also a strategic partner, a friend and they also support Afghanistan cricket. Pakistan did a great job in the development of Afghanistan cricket and we value both nations.”

Tom Latham’s third ODI hundred and first as captain gave New Zealand the tri-series title in Malahide

The Report by Mohammad Isam21-May-2017
ScorecardTom Latham hit nine fours and four sixes•Getty Images/Sportsfile

New Zealand tuned up for the Champions Trophy by clinching the tri-series in Malahide with three wins in three matches. Their latest victory was set up by Tom Latham, who struck his third ODI hundred and first as captain, and Colin Munro, who threatened to break the record for the fastest fifty in ODIs. Their contributions and Ross Taylor’s fifty propelled New Zealand to 344 for 6. The bowlers then had a good workout in the defence, dismissing Ireland for 154 within 40 overs.The green pitch and overcast conditions tempted Ireland to bowl first, but they had to wait until the start of the 11th over for their first wicket. New Zealand opener Luke Ronchi made the early running, playing a variety of cuts and driving fluently on the up against pace. Spin could not slow him down either – he lofted left-arm spinner George Dockrell over and through the covers.Just as Ronchi threatened to kick into a higher gear, he was bowled by seamer Craig Young for 35. Latham then took charge and added 75 for the second wicket with Neil Broom, who contributed 38, before chipping Chase to mid-off.Latham, though, continued to keep New Zealand ticking. He reached his first fifty off 64 balls, and brought up the second off 45 balls. Latham had a life on 89 when he holed out to long leg, where Barry McCarthy completed an excellent diving catch. Young, the bowler, had overstepped though. Latham reached his hundred with a single to long-on off Dockrell, but he fell in the same over – the 36th of the innings – when he came down the track and missed the ball. Niall O’Brien, the wicketkeeper, took the bails off to dismiss Latham for 104 off 111 balls.The momentum, however, seamlessly switched from one batsman to another. Taylor made his 35th ODI fifty, while Corey Anderson and Mitchell Santner flickered briefly, scoring 20 each. Munro led the charge in the slog overs, hammering three fours and four sixes, including one over square leg that broke a spectator’s chair.He started the penultimate over of the innings with back-to-back sixes off Peter Chase and raced to 44 off 14 balls. AB de Villiers’ 16-ball fifty against West Indies in 2015 was in danger. Munro holed out off the next ball, though, but his blitz was instrumental in taking New Zealand to an imposing score.They plundered 72 off the last four overs. The visitors, in fact, could have got more if not for sharp fielding from Ireland. Five out of six Ireland bowlers conceded over six runs an over.Ireland lost Paul Stirling for a duck in the chase when fast bowler Matt Henry found the top edge with a sharp, rising delivery. Ed Joyce and William Porterfield then tried to offset the early loss by putting on a run-a-ball 51 for the second wicket. The stand ended when Corey Anderson struck in his first over to remove Joyce for 17. From thereon the innings unravelled: Ireland lost their last nine wickets for 102 runs.In his next over Anderson dismissed Andy Balbirnie for a duck. Scott Kuggeleijn then took the key wicket of Porterfield, having him caught at deep square leg, where Adam Milne claimed a brilliant catch. Milne, playing first international match since the World T20, then pinned Dockrell lbw to leave Ireland at 119 for 7 in 32 overs. Eight overs later, legspinner Ish Sodhi added his name in the wickets column and wrapped up the 190-run victory.The last match of the tri-series – a dead rubber between New Zealand and Bangladesh – will be played on Wednesday.

Southampton are continuing to track Hamza Choudhury, although no official bid has yet been made, as reported by Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett.

How many games has Hamza Choudhury played?

The Leicester City man spent the 2022/23 season out on loan with Watford in the Championship, with gametime hard to come by with the Foxes. As his parent club struggled in the Premier League, the midfielder went on to play in 36 second tier outings for the Hornets though and was a key player for them as they clawed their way into the top half of the division.

His overall stats made for good reading too. He attempted 108 tackles in total, ranking him fifth in that area in the entire league, but also had 67 tackles won – which also ranked him as fifth in those standings. It shows that he isn't afraid to get stuck in and doesn't do it needlessly either, winning most of the tackles he does place.

Leicester have previously utilised him in the top flight too, with the Englishman having made 53 appearances for them in the Premier League over the years. However, only 29 of those have been actual starts and it means that he is still to establish himself as a regular in their first-team picture. When you consider that he was also sent out on a short-term basis last year, it shows that he currently sits down the pecking order at the King Power Stadium, but is a player with high level experience.

Are Southampton signing Hamza Choudhury?

With the Foxes now in the Championship, there could be more opportunities for the 25-year-old to feature, but they may not come with Leicester. That's because, as reported by Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, Southampton still have a keen interest in the midfielder and their boss Russell Martin is an "admirer" of the tough tackling ace.

It means that he is likely to explore the possibility of a deal but that may not be easy, with the Foxes also now wanting to keep Choudhury at the club. It seems as though they may offer the player a fresh deal and could play him a lot more – so if a bid does go in, he may have a choice to make over his future club.

Choudhury has proven his ability at Championship level, which may be why there is now a scramble to sign and keep him. His stats present him as one of the most solid options in his position at this level and his ability to grind away and break up attacks in the middle of the field is superb.

Journalist Josh Bunting labelled him as "excellent" for his part in a Watford goal during the course of the last campaign, showing that he is a solid option in the second tier. If Southampton do manage to prise him away then, it will be another boost for their squad in their bid for promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

نجح فريق بلدية المحلة في تحقيق الفوز على المقاولون العرب بهدفين دون رد، خلال المباراة التي أقيمت اليوم ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

والتقى المقاولون العرب مع بلدية المحلة، على أرضية استاد غزل المحلة، في الجولة 18 من الدوري المصري.

وسجل حسام أشرف الهدف الأول في الدقيقة 53، من ركلة جزاء سددها بنجاح على يمين حارس المرمى.

طالع أيضاً.. رئيس فيوتشر: قطعنا العلاقات مع الزمالك بسبب مرتضى منصور وسنكررها مع حسين لبيب

وأحرز عبد الرحمن جمال سمانة الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 74، من كرة عرضية لداخل منطقة الجزاء مررها محمد رجب إلى سمانة ليضعها داخل الشباك. 

وفي الدقيقة 80، شهد اللقاء إصابة قوية للاعب المقاولون لؤي وائل، ودخل الطاقم الطبي أرضية الملعب وتم نقل اللاعب إلى المستشفى بسيارة الإسعاف. إصابة لؤي وائل في مباراة المقاولون العرب وبلدية المحلة

وشهدت المباراة حالة طرد للاعب المقاولون العرب أحمد علاء في الدقيقة 90+10، نتيجة تدخل قوي مع إيمانويل إيهيزو.

بهذا الفوز يحتل فريق بلدية المحلة المركز الثالث عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 19 نقطة، فيما يتواجد المقاولون العرب بالمركز السابع عشر، ولديه 12 نقطة. أهداف مباراة بلدية المحلة والمقاولون العرب اليوم في الدوري المصري

Nottingham Forest pursuing both Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson and Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper Jose Sa 'might open up problems' as it will be hard to keep both players satisfied if one is not getting regular minutes, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Are Dean Henderson and Jose Sa heading to Nottingham Forest?

According to Telegraph Sport, Nottingham Forest are in talks with Henderson over trying to lure him to the club permanently following his loan spell at the City Ground in 2022/23.

Last term, the £100k-a-week earner made 20 appearances for Nottingham Forest in all competitions and managed to keep six clean sheets in total, as per Transfermarkt.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano recently spoke to GIVEMESPORT regarding Henderson's future, stating: "I think in the end Henderson will become a Nottingham Forest player and they [Manchester United] will bring in a new backup goalkeeper.”

The Telegraph report also states that Wolves goalkeeper Sa, who earns £25,000 per week on the books at Molineux, is another option that the Tricky Trees are evaluating, as Henderson may not be ready to feature from the start of the Premier League season.

In light of interest in Sa, Wolves have turned towards Liverpool substitute goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as someone who could fill the prospective void between the sticks at the West Midlands-based outfit, according to The Daily Mail.

Kelleher is believed to want to play regularly, which has proved tough to achieve due to the presence of Alisson at Anfield; nevertheless, Liverpool would command a fee of £20 million for the Republic of Ireland international before sanctioning his departure.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones thinks that bringing both Henderson and Sa to the City Ground this summer could prove problematic if their minutes aren't evenly distributed by Steve Cooper.

Jones told FFC: "In terms of chasing both of these, they really like Dean Henderson and they want him back at the club, but he's not apparently fully ready to start the new season yet and so that's why they're looking at Jose Sa as well right now. If they were to both come in, you're obviously getting to a point later on in the season, one of them is going to be frustrated and that might open up problems that you don't necessarily need for a club of Forest's level."

Who else could Nottingham Forest target this summer?

Nottingham Forest boss Cooper has several targets in his sights as he looks to consolidate his side in the Premier League for a second successive campaign.

Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen has emerged as a target to fill the left-back position at the City Ground; however, the Reds will face competition from top-flight newcomers Burnley, where he spent last season on loan, as per The Athletic.

Dutch outlet HLN via Nottingham Forest News claim that Nottingham Forest will battle with Bournemouth for the signature of Genk captain Bryan Heynen, who is weighing up an exit from his current employers.

The Tricky Trees have also looked at Chelsea forgotten man Callum Hudson-Odoi and Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga as momentum starts to take shape regarding potential incomings at the City Ground, according to a separate report from The Athletic.

Kusal Perera has become the second Sri Lankan after Chamara Kapugedera to be ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to injury. Allrounder Dhananjaya de Silva has been approved as a replacement

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-2017

Left-hand batsman Kusal Perera has become the second Sri Lankan after Chamara Kapugedera, and the fourth player overall, to be ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to injury. The ICC’s Event Technical Committee has approved allrounder Dhananjaya de Silva as a replacement.Kusal had picked up a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s seven-wicket win against India at The Oval on Thursday, retiring hurt on 47 after putting on 75-run stand with captain Angelo Mathews.”We got bad news last night that his hamstring injury worse than everyone thought so Kusal is out of the tournament,” Asanka Gurusinha, Sri Lanka’s team manager, said. “The doctor’s comment was that it’s a pretty serious hamstring injury. He will most likely fly home in the next few days. With Upul Tharanga suspended that’s why we got Dhananjaya down pretty quickly because we needed a batsman.”Dhananjaya, a batsman and offspinner, last played an ODI for Sri Lanka in February this year, during Sri Lanka’s tour of South Africa. He has made three fifties and averages 25.69 in 16 ODIs. He is best known, though, for his performances in his debut Test series against Australia last year, particularly for his century in the Colombo Test that sealed a historic whitewash for Sri Lanka.Unlike Danushka Gunathilaka, who had been Kapugedara’s replacement, de Silva has not been training with the squad in England, and had only arrived in London on Saturday. He could, however, come straight into the XI against Pakistan. Sri Lanka only have seven specialist batsmen in the squad, thanks to the over-rates suspension Tharanga picked up when standing in for Mathews as captain against South Africa.Dhananjaya has not played competitive cricket since March, and has been batted in various positions in the ODI XI in brief stints in the team. With Sri Lanka unlikely to want to tamper with their top three, Dhananjaya may assume a middle-order spot, if he plays.

Liverpool are continuing their midfield rebuild this summer with a number of targets still being looked at ahead of next season, and now a reliable source has revealed another potential incoming.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Florentino Luis?

According to Sky Sports senior reporter Melissa Reddy, Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis is one of many targets the Merseysiders have identified to replace Fabinho this summer.

Reddy revealed on Twitter: "Liverpool had been assessing longer-term candidates to replace Fabinho. Profile might shift as they'll require an immediate starter. Among the names mooted have been Sofyan Amrabat, Ryan Gravenberch, Kalvin Phillips and Romeo Lavia…

"Lavia and Gravenberch have long been considered by LFC (regardless of current situation), with their reps spoken to. Other players they've looked at: Nicolo Barella, Khephren Thuram, Florentino Luis, Joao Palhinha, Teun Koopmeiners… They do love a surprise, stealth signing."

Who is Florentino Luis?

The Reds are seeking out more new additions for the centre of the pitch after it was confirmed this weekend that Fabinho is expected to make a £40m move to the Saudi Pro League to join Al-Ittihad.

Whilst it won't be easy to replace the Brazilian mainstay's impact at Anfield, it presents an opportunity for Jurgen Klopp to complete a full rebuild of the midfield personnel with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai already acquired for the next generation of success.

As a result, the signing of Luis could be a great piece of business for Liverpool and the German coach could repeat his Darwin Nunez masterclass by snapping up another youthful prospect from Portugal.

The 23-year-old is already showing glimpses of his strength and dominance in the deep-lying midfield role, ranking in the top 15% of his positional peers across the Men's Next Eight Leagues for aerial duels won, interceptions, tackles, progressive passes and pass completion, as per FBref.

Not only that, when comparing the talented midfielder's output with Fabinho's last season, Luis comfortably outperformed his Liverpool counterpart in several key defensive attributes including pass completion (89.7% v 88.3%), percentage of dribblers tackled (69.7% v 38.7%), successful take-ons (59.1% v 46.7%) and aerial duels won (61% v 58.8%).

The Portugal youth international has been the recipient of high praise over his career so far, with his former coach Joao Tralhao comparing Luis to Manchester United's Casemiro:

"[He has] an exceptional talent and physical qualities totally in line with his footballing qualities. [He] has a very similar profile to Casemiro. From very early on, we realised that Florentino was on his way to becoming an elite player."

Luis has a reported release clause of €120m (£103m), but Liverpool will be hoping that their relationship with Benfica will help to agree a deal much less than the contractual obligation, after working with the Portuguese giants recently to secure their record-breaking deal for Nunez last summer.

The latter man's debut campaign in England was arguably not plain-sailing – as he started just 19 league games and missed 20 big chances in the top flight – although the Uruguayan hotshot did still showcase his undoubted talent, having scored 15 times in all competitions to finish behind only Mo Salah in the scoring charts.

The 24-year-old – who had scored 34 goals the year prior in Portugal – will be hoping to truly catch fire next season, although if his stunning, instinctive flick against Real Madrid is anything to go by, then Klopp certainly has a real player on his hands.

With that being said, if the Reds can seal the deal for Luis there is no doubt that he would be a worthy successor to Fabinho at Anfield next season, while he could also follow in Nunez's footsteps by being another exciting talent to have flourished after leaving Lisbon for Liverpool.

By the time Romelu Lukaku ends his career, he can at least say that it was interesting, at times. The striker’s list of clubs seems to grow with each summer these days, without ever settling back into the incredible form that he showed for Inter Milan in the 20/21 season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions.That impressive spell in Italy attracted the attention of Chelsea, of course, resulting in the Belgian making a move he has likely regretted ever since. Failing to make much of an impact at Stamford Bridge, an inconsistent loan spell back at Inter followed last season, leading us to now, where he could be about to stab the club in the back by joining rivals Juventus, according to Fabrizio Romano.In a slightly awkward moment, however, Juventus fans have reacted to the rumours, with a number of supporters airing their concerns outside the club’s medical centre. While Inter supporters are raging too.

Juventus fans deliver verdict on Romelu Lukaku

As per Romano, Inter have pulled out of the race to sign Lukaku this summer, with Juventus’ bid for the Chelsea forward becoming valid if Dusan Vlahovic leaves this summer, amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Ironically enough, PSG fans have recently staged their own protests about possibly signing Vlahovic, saying: “You come to Paris, we cut your three fingers off!“

Back with Lukaku, though, Serie A giants have Juve reportedly placed a €37.5m (£32.20m), plus €2.5m (£2.15m) in add-ons, bid for the Belgian, who may well find himself playing for Inter’s title rivals next season.

Of course, there’s still a long way to go in this saga, with the move relying on other players, too, but this hasn’t stopped Juventus fans from letting their feelings known.

Gathering outside the club’s medical centre, fans were heard chanting: “We don’t want Lukaku.”

To make things even worse, though, now due to these links, it appears Inter fans are furious with Lukaku. There was talk that he could join the club permanently after his loan last season with Chelsea hoping to get £38m.

Now it seems that deal could be off. Or at the very least, he’s not wanted by this Serie A side either with club fan group Curva Nord’s statement reading (via Romano): “Never see each other again, Lukaku.

“You have betrayed all of us. We always defended you in difficult moments, now you give us a stab.

“You are selling yourself to the highest bidder after kissing our badge. You’re not a real man”.

How many goals did Romelu Lukaku score for Chelsea?

When Lukaku signed for Chelsea in 2021 off the back of a 30-goal campaign for Inter, it looked as though the Blues would finally see their number nine curse come to an end, which saw the likes of Alvaro Morata, and Fernando Torres flop.

The curse quickly continued, however, as Lukaku scored just eight Premier League goals, and infamously shared his regret over the move midway through the season in an interview that all but ended his time at Chelsea.

In total, he scored 15 goals in his second spell at the Blues.

In the space of a season back in England’s top flight, the forward’s reputation took a significant hit. From a 30-goal striker, who was tipped for great things at Chelsea, potential suitors found themselves looking at a player who struggled, before creating controversy in the middle of a campaign with that aforementioned interview.

As shown in Italy, if a team can get the best out of Lukaku, then they’ll have themselves a consistent goalscorer.

Given Juventus’ need to get back into the Champions League next season, however, the question must be asked as to whether the Belgian is worth the risk.

They can ill-afford another season to forget, that’s for sure. After missing out on the Scudetto for three consecutive seasons, the last thing that they’ll want is to witness another team take the Italian crown. Getting back to their dominant best will be the number one priority for Juventus.

The Sri Lankan batsman will replace Australia’s Beth Mooney in Yorkshire’s top order

Shashank Kishore27-Jul-2017Chamari Atapattu has become the first Sri Lankan woman to sign a contract with a franchise-based T20 league. She will represent Yorkshire Diamonds in the second edition of the Kia Super League that kicks off from August 10. Atapattu has been picked as a replacement for Beth Mooney, the Australia opener, who pulled out citing injury concerns.”I was on holiday with my family in Anuradhapura when I got a call, asking if I’m available. I said yes immediately. it was a pleasant surprise,” Atapattu told ESPNcricinfo. “I didn’t expect to play in the T20 league because most of the teams had already announced their squads.”Playing in the Women’s Big Bash League was my original target, but this is a great opportunity. I wasn’t expecting it, but now I’m looking forward to learning a lot. This is a great step, not just for my career but also for women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.”Atapattu left her imprint in a disappointing World Cup campaign – Sri Lanka won just won one game in seven attempts – when she smashed an unbeaten 178, the third-highest score in women’s ODIs, against Australia in Bristol. That knock, she says, transformed her outlook towards batting.”I used to always fear playing big shots and getting out, but that knock changed my approach,” she said. “To do it against a champion team gave me and the team so much belief. We used to think we have to fight and compete, but after that performance, we slowly started talking about looking to win. When I went out to bat in the next game, I felt a different batsman.”In England, Atapattu hopes to put into practice words of advice from her idols Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara. “Just hearing them speak highly about your game is a big boost,” she said. “I felt great when I heard of their appreciation. I’ve learnt a lot from them. Sanath has taught me how to not lose my style of play, Kumar has often spoken about trying to build an innings. I want to have Kumar’s consistency.”Atapattu also hopes to learn from her ‘friend’ Stafanie Taylor, who will play for Western Storm in the Super League. “We both bat alike,” she laughed. “When I see her play, I think ‘I should also play those kinds of shots.’ I’ve asked her about it and she has been very kind. We also spoke during the World Cup. I’ve also spoken a bit to Mithali Raj. Hopefully whatever I have learnt I can put to practice in England.”After her knock against Australia, Meg Lanning, the Australia captain said that she had already earned a potential bid from Melbourne Stars, even if it was only in jest. “If she’s going to bat like that every time, I’d be happy to have her,” Lanning said. Her exploits in England could well be a pathway to Australia, but Atapattu doesn’t want to put herself under pressure.”It was nice of hear that comment,” she said. “I don’t want to think about that at the moment. I’m excited to leave on Saturday. Mingling with some of the best players will help me train and prepare better. If I do well in England, I will definitely get many more chances. My family is more excited than I am. I hope to make them even happier.”

Stuart Broad remains hopeful of being fit for Nottinghamshire’s Royal London Cup final against Surrey on July 1, as well as the first Test against South Africa five days later, despite being ruled out of his county’s floodlit County Championship fixture against Kent, which gets underway on Monday.Broad was forced off the field with a bruised left heel after bowling just one over in the second innings of the Nottinghamshire’s three-day victory over Leicestershire on Wednesday, and is facing a race against time to be ready for the two showpiece occasions at Lord’s.”Stuart has been assessed by the medics over the last 24 hours,” said Peter Moores, Nottinghamshire’s head coach. “They have ruled him out of the Kent game for him to keep getting treatment, and then we’ll wait to see how he responds to that treatment.”The floodlit round of matches represented an early opportunity for England’s players to acquaint themselves with the pink ball, ahead of their maiden floodlit Test against West Indies at Edgbaston in August.”I think he was really looking forward to playing in the Kent game,” Moores said. “He knows it’s a big game for us in the season and he’s been very much a part of the team for much of the last three months.”Stuart has been around the block enough to know that’s the way it is. He’s got some pain and he’s got a lot of cricket coming up so it needs sorting out. It’s already started to settle and we’ll have to see how it goes over the next four or five days.”Broad has played five Specsavers Championship matches for Nottinghamshire this summer, taking 16 wickets at 20.87, to go with another ten in the Royal London Cup.Moores added: “He’s desperate to play in the final, as you’d expect, and it’s been fantastic to have him with us with the commitment he has shown to the club.”We’re all hoping it’s going to be OK. He will do everything he can to be, and now we just have to be patient and see how it turns out.”