Edgbaston, Dubai, Sharjah, Christchurch, Hamilton, and now Melbourne: Pakistan’s rise to the No. 1 Test spot and subsequent fall has been punctuated by a series of spectacular batting collapses.On the final day at the MCG, on a still-pristine pitch on which Australia had added 159 runs in the morning in under 30 overs, Pakistan lost their last eight wickets for 100 runs. That sealed their 11th successive Test defeat in Australia and, with it, a chance to go to Sydney with the series still alive.Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, had his own future on his mind, but he struggled to explain how his side ended up losing a Test which they had begun by declaring on 443 by an innings and 18 runs.Pakistan had to bat out a minimum of 67 overs when they began their second innings in a Test in which three days were almost half lost to rain.”There is no explanation,” he said. “Once you are under pressure, from a position when you score [443] in the first innings and are dominating the game, then on the last day you are saving the Test, that pressure sometimes does things like that. And it was sheer pressure. Full credit to Australia, the way they batted and put us under pressure.”Though he acknowledged his side’s batting in pressure situations “is not what it should be”, he did also point towards the limitations of a bowling attack that twice wilted under pressure from Australia’s batsmen.The first time was on the third day when, after a tight opening spell, David Warner and Usman Khawaja rattled along at such speed that they punctured whatever momentum Pakistan had built from Brisbane and their first innings here.Then, on a final day which began with Australia 22 ahead and six wickets down, Pakistan allowed the lead to balloon to 181 half an hour before lunch.”Those two sessions took the game away from us almost,” he said. “From a winning position, you are on the back foot. We just gave the momentum back to Australia. They were a bit lucky they played well, took their chances, and after that we were in no position to attack.”Even today, in the morning session, we could’ve taken a couple of wickets. [Mitchell] Starc played well and that was a big blow for us. If we had taken one more wicket, wrapped the tail up, maybe 50-60 runs deficit, it could have been easy for us to handle the situation.”The taking of wickets has been a particular problem. When Steven Smith declared today, it was the sixth time in the last five Tests Pakistan have played in Australia that the hosts have had the luxury of declaring.Yasir Shah conceded over 200 runs in an innings for the second time this year, continuing a tour in which he has bowled mostly to fields set for run-saving, rather than wicket-taking.”I think as a bowling unit, we couldn’t put pressure,” Misbah said. “When the opposition is playing well and you’re not bowling well, then it is difficult to implement any sort of plan, any sort of strategy. That has been happening to us.”Yasir is a bit low on confidence at the moment. That sometimes doesn’t give you control as a captain. When you have no control, you struggle with your strategies. And it looks to those sitting outside, watching, what’s going on? That’s where I think everything went wrong for us in this Test.”

England captain Eoin Morgan says his bowlers were badly let down by their batsmen after a collapse of 8 for 8 sealed a 75-run defeat to India in the third T20I at Bangalore

Deivarayan Muthu in Bangalore01-Feb-20171:30

‘We fell away terribly towards the end’ – Morgan

England lost 10 for 83 in the last innings in the second Test in Visakhapatnam. They lost 5 for 70 in the first innings in the third Test in Mohali. They lost 7 for 54 in their second innings in the fourth Test in Mumbai. The visitors then suffered a more cataclysmic fall in their second innings in the fifth Test in Chennai, losing 10 for 104 after piling on 477 in their first dig.The limited-overs players then roused the side from its gloom after Christmas, pushing India in 50-over cricket and proceeded to go 1-0 up in the subsequent T20 series. England were then at the receiving end of two incorrect umpiring decisions and lost the second T20. In the series decider in Bangalore, they unravelled dramatically against legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal and left to head home empty-handed.England experienced a fair share of collapses on this gruelling tour, but losing 8 for 8 on Wednesday night was as chaotic as it could get. Their breezy start to the chase – they were 119 for 2 in the 14th over in pursuit of 203 – starkly contrasted with what was to follow. The two set batsmen – Joe Root and captain Eoin Morgan – were dismissed by Chahal in successive balls and England eventually suffered the second-worst eight-wicket collapse in international cricket to be rolled over for 127 with 21 balls to spare in their innings.England captain Eoin Morgan cut a sorry figure at the post-match press conference, but did not mince any words about his team’s batting performance.”It does hurt. Very disappointing,” Morgan said. “Maybe 60% of the game we were competitive and right in amongst it but fell away terribly in the end. Committed a cardinal sin of losing two in-players in one over and allowed India to build a little bit of pressure and we weren’t up to it at all.”So what really went wrong in the middle?”I can’t put a finger on it. We haven’t produced a batting performance as bad as that in two or two-and-a-half years,” Morgan said. “We pride ourselves on our batting, it has been a strong suit for a long time but this series our bowlers have outperformed our batsmen I think.”Morgan, who had played for Royal Challengers Bangalore for a season in the IPL in 2010, believed that England were on track to exploit the flat surface and the short boundaries at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium at the halfway mark of the chase. Root bedded himself in, and Morgan himself hinted at hitting full tilt with three sixes from Suresh Raina’s part-time offbreaks in three balls during the 12th over.”I thought we were going quite well,” Morgan said. “A majority of the runs at this ground are always scored in the last 10 overs. Bangalore have done it extremely well for a long period of time and India did well today. So, I think we needed 110 [sic 117] off the last 10 maybe with eight wickets in the shed.”Morgan said that England could have chased the target down had he or Root kicked on with contributions from the lower-middle order.”If a better performance from either me or Joe – a 70 or 80 from me or him and if the two of us seeing off – and a couple of guys batting around us could have made a huge difference,” Morgan said.England’s sharp nosedive began with Morgan galloping down the track, fetching a slog-sweep from outside off and skying a wrong’un to deep midwicket. He backed his intent but blamed the execution for the dismissal.”It wasn’t necessarily a big shot,” Morgan said. “It wasn’t executed that well, I didn’t mean to hit it in the air. The ball – it was a googly – held up a little bit. I wanted to hit down the ground, but hit it squarer.”Morgan also conceded that losing a close ODI series “hurt” more than losing the T20 series, but was confident of recovering from the setbacks.”We had performances in the one-day series that were potentially worthy of winning,” he said. “In this series probably the last game [in Nagpur] hurt us more. The game got away from us, we should have won. Today we underperformed and we weren’t good enough.”I don’t think [there will be a lingering feeling]. If there was a consistent run of performances like that it would hurt to fail again. But like I said, our batting has been outstanding for a long time and tonight it wasn’t anywhere near as it should be.”

Leeds United could be set to swoop for a new manager, in an effort to escape the Championship as soon as possible.

That's according to a report in The Times from earlier this week, which confirmed that Sam Allardyce would be leaving his post at Elland Road, having failed in his bid to retain their Premier League status.

With Andrea Radrizzani having also reached an agreement to acquire Sampdoria, yet unwilling to reveal whether he will be leaving Yorkshire too, it could be expected that the Italian will crave an instant promotion so that he can sell for the highest possible price next year.

In a bid to achieve this, the report also states that Steven Gerrard has emerged as the frontrunner for this vacancy. Given his latest spell in management, fans have every reason to be wary of this appointment.

Is Steven Gerrard worse than Jesse Marsch?

Whilst many fans could struggle to think of bosses that were worse than Jesse Marsch, given he arguably was the main factor in their relegation last term, it is perhaps easy to forget just how woeful the former Liverpool midfielder was in the Aston Villa dugout.

His team, which was one laden with quality such as Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia and Douglas Luiz, had won just twice in 12 Premier League games before his dismissal, having been thumped 3-0 by Fulham to put the final nail in his coffin.

When delving deeper into his tenure at Villa Park, it was arguably as underwhelming as the American's at Elland Road, with the only difference between these huge clubs' respective fates being the timing of their sacking and the choice of successor.

After all, the 43-year-old would win just 13 matches across his 40 games in charge, at a points-per-game average of just 1.18, via Transfermarkt.

Whilst Marsch's dropped to 1.16 per match, having won 11 in 37, the gulf in talent between these two squads is startling.

Not only this, but Gerrard showcased a stubbornness that would simply not adapt well to the Championship. His narrow 4-3-3 formation, which was described as "poor" by Gabby Agbonlahor, often neglected wingers and was a philosophy he relentlessly stuck with despite the poor results.

The former RB Salzburg boss would emulate such a headstrong outlook, again retaining his failing formation until his final days.

Such was his underperformance with such a top team, journalist Josh Bunting even wrote an impassioned plea for Villa to dismiss the ex-Rangers manager back in October, claiming:

"Aston Villa need to do what’s right for the football club, can’t keep Steven Gerrard for his name-sake. Tonight again he’s lost in a tactical battle, Villa are so confusing you cannot read them, the attack is clueless when it has the potential to really work. The balance isn’t there."

The disparity between Gerrard and Marsch is almost non-existent, and given how Unai Emery would go on to lead that side to a European spot, the former's work is made all the more embarrassing. At the very least, both Javi Gracia and Allardyce failed to improve Leeds' disappointing squad.

Should Radrizzani remain incensed on appointing this young boss, he may well fall very short of earning that speedy return to the top flight that this great club craves. Indeed, he bares so many negative similarities with their former boss who doomed them to the drop.

The Red Devils are set to walk away from a deal for the England international – which could work in their favour

Manchester United's surprise pursuit of Mason Mount has been the story of the summer transfer window so far, with Chelsea open to a sale after reportedly seeing the midfielder turn down multiple contract extension offers. Mount's current deal is due to expire in 2024, but the Blues are still demanding over £60 million ($76m) from United, who have already had three bids rejected.

It has been reported that United are leaving their final offer of £55m ($70m) on the table, but they are determined not to overpay for a player who will be available on a free transfer in 12 months' time. Mount's 2022-23 campaign was the worst of his Chelsea career to date, too, and it's not immediately clear how he would even fit into Erik ten Hag's line up.

Mount is simply not the transformative midfield signing that United need right now. A third-place finish in the Premier League represented progress for the club in Ten Hag's first season at the helm, but world-class recruits will be needed for them to now go on and bridge the gap to champions and arch-rivals Manchester City.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were standout performers for United in 2022-23, but there was a clear lack of quality alongside them in the engine room. Christian Eriksen struggled for consistency while Fred and Scott McTominay continued to divide opinion, and Bayern Munich loanee Marcel Sabitzer was nothing more than a stop-gap.

The question is, who do United turn to now? Well, as always, there are a whole host of top players being linked with summer moves to Old Trafford. Some rumours are non-starters, such as the club's reported interest in Utrecht and United States midfielder Taylor Booth, who is certainly not the right kind of profile for Ten Hag.

But there are some genuinely great options out there for United too, starting with a certain Juventus star approaching his contract expiry date…

GettyAdrien Rabiot

There is a sense of deja vu about this one for United fans, who watched on in frustration last summer as United tried and failed to sign Adrien Rabiot after a drawn-out negotiation process. The two parties were ultimately unable to reach an agreement on personal terms, with the Frenchman staying in Turin for the final year of his contract.

Juventus endured a miserable 2022-23 season as a collective, finishing seventh in Serie A after being stung by a points penalty and exiting the Champions League at the group stage, but Rabiot excelled on an individual level. The 28-year-old recorded 11 goals and six assists in 48 appearances, the best numbers of his career to date, and it has been reported that he is now back on United's radar.

Rabiot, who also shone for France at the 2022 World Cup, has made it clear that the Premier League holds great appeal to him. "I have always said that I would like to play in England in my career," he said in December. "Will it be at the end of my contract? I don't know, but I have this goal."

Rabiot is an excellent ball carrier and boasts impressive physical attributes – standing at the imposing height of 6'2. He's strong, hard-working and adept when it comes to breaking up play and kick-starting attacks.

Casemiro could certainly use a midfield partner like Rabiot, and United can snap him up for nothing after June 30. That would mean Ten Hag potentially solving his problem in the middle of the park while saving funds for a new striker and goalkeeper. No-brainer.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesRyan Gravenberch

United were one of several top European clubs to track Ryan Gravenberch while he was at Ajax, but Bayern Munich ended up winning the race for his signature last summer. The German champions snapped the midfielder up for just £16m, which felt like a bargain at the time, but his maiden year at Allianz Arena didn't go according to plan.

Gravenberch only started three Bundesliga games for Bayern last term as he toiled in vain for a regular starting berth under both Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel. The 21-year-old is already being linked with a move away from Bayern, after publically expressing his frustration over his role.

“I want to play more… preferably at Bayern," Gravenberch recently told . "Otherwise at a club where I'll 100 percent play. That's my plan. I don't want to have another year like the one I've just had — I’ll speak to the coach in the next weeks then we will see."

GOAL has confirmed that Liverpool have been exploring a potential £25m swoop for Gravenberch, who remains ideally suited to the Premier League. At his best, he can turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye, and his ball distribution is top-notch.

United have also been credited with an interest in Gravenberch once again, and he might be tempted by a reunion with former Ajax boss Ten Hag. The United boss highlighted Gravenberch's qualities in his final year at Johan Cruyff ArenA, saying: “He's very important for our team because he's a box-to-box player. He accelerates out of positional play, does good dribbling, has tremendous passing ability and participates in the build-up play. Due to his athleticism and physique, he is also strong in the transition game and can also win the balls. He's come a long way, but can still learn a lot."

If a cut-price deal can be arranged with Bayern, Gravenberch could be a shrewd addition to United's ranks. He doesn't appear to have a future in Germany, but Ten Hag will know exactly how to bring the best out of him.

(C)GettyImagesMoises Caicedo

United had the opportunity to sign Moises Caicedo when he was still a teenager at Independiente del Valle in January 2021, but walked away from the deal due to concerns over agents' commissions and interference from intermediaries. Brighton swooped in to sign the Ecuador international for just £4.5m a few weeks later, and United have lived to regret their decision ever since.

Caicedo has developed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League at the Amex Stadium, and is now being valued in excess of £80m ($102m). Arsenal went all out to try and sign the 21-year-old in the winter transfer window, but Brighton held firm on their price tag.

It is now being reported that Chelsea and United are set to do battle for his signature, and the Red Devils may have a slight advantage if a bidding way erupts. “My dream is to play for Manchester United," Caicedo said in 2020. "Antonio Valencia is an example to follow. With his strength and dedication, he was able to get to that level. That motivates me to keep working hard and do the right things.”

It is highly likely that Caicedo would jump at the chance if United come calling again. And he could potentially be the final piece in Ten Hag's midfielder puzzle. The Brighton star is a master at regaining possession, as he rarely mistimes a tackle and has a knack for anticipating where the ball will drop. He is also a fierce competitor and can cover a lot of ground quickly, which is why he has been compared to outgoing Chelsea star N'Golo Kante.

Caicedo's presence could give United's attackers more freedom to do damage in the final third, and he'd be a vital shield in front of the defence. The Ecuador international will come at a high price, but he still has his whole career ahead of him, and would be worth the extra investment.

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Getty ImagesMohammed Kudus

Like Gravenberch, Mohammed Kudus is another player that benefitted from Ten Hag's wisdom during the early stages of his career. The Ghana international was given his chance in the Ajax senior team by the Dutchman in 2020, and has since scored 23 goals for the club across 84 games, winning two Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup.

Kudus nailed down a starting spot at Ajax last season, and despite their downturn in form after Ten Hag's departure to United, he still managed to post his best Eredisivie scoring tally yet (11 goals). The 22-year-old still has two years left on his contract at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, but has reportedly turned down a new deal and wants a summer move.

Arsenal, Brighton and Newcastle have been mooted as potential next destinations for Kudus, but United are reportedly in pole position to sign him. The Ten Hag factor could be key, as he hailed the former Ajax boss for aiding his development in an interview with in December. “In his style of play, creative and attacking, I saw myself," said Kudus. ">It was exactly in line with my personal qualities and how I wanted to develop.”

Kudus typically operates as a right-winger, but he has the versatility to adapt to different systems. United could utilize his talents in an attacking midfield role, and he has far more to offer than Mount given his pace, strength and impressive dribbling skills.

It has been reported that Ajax could let Kudus go for around £40m ($51m), but there is a risk of United being squeezed for far more. The Red Devils had to fork out almost £150m ($191m) to bring Antony and Lisandro Martinez to the club last summer, and the Eredivisie giants might not take kindly to another raid for one of their top talents.

But Kudus could slot straight into Ten Hag's line-up, perhaps as a direct replacement for Antony, who flattered to deceive in his debut season with United. Dutch legend Marco van Basten certainly believes there is a gulf in class between the two men, as he told in February: “I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony. Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. He is much more of a footballer, you can place him anywhere on the pitch, an all-rounder for the team. He’s more fun to watch play.”

Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland could soon sign an extension at the Etihad, according a huge update regarding his future.

What is Haaland's current contract situation?

The Norwegian joined City last summer in arguably the most high-profile signing of the year, coming in on a contract earning him £375,000 per week. He hasn't disappointed, with so much expected of him when he came in, producing one of the greatest individual seasons in English football history.

Haaland scored 36 goals in just 33 starts in the Premier League, as well as 12 in ten in the Champions League, with Saturday's final against Inter Milan still to come. Many regard him as one of the greatest footballers on the planet currently – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has even called him the "best striker in the world" in recent times.

The 22-year-old already has a contract keeping him at the Etihad until the summer of 2027, but Real Madrid have been linked with a move for him, potentially forcing City to further improve the terms of his current deal before the transfer window opens on June 14.

Could Haaland sign City extension?

According to The Telegraph, there is hope that Haaland could sign a new contract at the Etihad, helped by City's memorable season, with a treble on offer this weekend:

"Manchester City’s historic Treble bid has increased hopes of Erling Haaland committing to a longer contract at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

"The Norway striker, 22, arrived for the start of the campaign but is in the frame for the fresh terms to make it even harder for Real Madrid to launch Operation Haaland and land the player who has scored 52 goals this season.

"There is confidence at City that an extension has a strong chance of being agreed, given Haaland’s happiness at the club."

This is massive news from a City perspective, with the risk of Haaland joining Madrid always something that feels like a nagging concern, especially with Karim Benzema leaving the La Liga giants this summer.

Signing a new-and-improved deal would clearly alleviate that issue, and while the lure of Madrid is great for most players, you wonder why the Etihad favourite would want to go anywhere else at the moment, considering the success he is enjoying under Pep Guardiola.

The hope is that Haaland spends the entirety of his career at City, and while that could be wishful thinking, with a new challenge possibly appealing one day, it is imperative that they do all they can to keep him for as long as possible.

AC Milan claim Christian Pulisic’s ability was “never in doubt”, with the Serie A giants ready to put his versatility to good use.

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• American left England for Italy
• Made an immediate impact
• Coach impressed with forward

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international endured a testing four years at Chelsea – during which he never truly nailed down a starting berth despite becoming a Champions League winner – before opting to take on a new challenge in Italy for 2023. Pulisic has made an immediate impression with the Rossoneri, with a stunning goal recorded against Bologna on his Serie A debut.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pulisic was used from the right wing in that contest, but he is just as comfortable on the left and can operate in a central playmaking post when required. Milan boss Stefano Pioli has hinted at moving the USMNT star around, while also expressing his delight at seeing the American settle so quickly in new surroundings.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Pioli has told of Pulisic and the part he has to play for Milan in 2023-24: “I always knew Pulisic was a talent, this was never in doubt. In the phone call I had with him before he signed, it was evident that he was bringing a lot of quality to the squad. On top of that, he is also a very versatile player who can fill in for [Rafael] Leao or play behind the striker when needed.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Milan will be back in action on Saturday when playing host to Torino, with Pulisic – who has a number of former Chelsea team-mates and international colleague Yunus Musah alongside him at San Siro – eager to build on his positive start to life with another heavyweight European outfit.

A round-up of the third day of Group C matches in the fifth round of the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Nov-2016A 160-run seventh wicket stand between Samar Dubhashi (97) and Shadab Jakati (92) helped Goa put up 270 in their first innings and gain a 72-run lead over Chhattisgarh after they were reduced to 70 for 6 on the second day.The pair had already added 57 when the day began, with Goa on 127 for 6 in reply to Chhattisgarh’s 198. They batted out the first session without being separated to give their team the lead. Jakati, the dominant partner, hit nine fours and two sixes in his 92 before falling to the part-time offspin of Sahil Gupta. Wicketkeeper Dubhashi played a more sedate 97 off 283 balls and was the last batsman out, three short of his maiden century, when he was bowled by Pankaj Rao (4 for 95).In reply, Chhattisgarh were reduced to 7 for 2 in the third over, before Sahil’s unbeaten 50, and captain Mohammad Kaif’s unbeaten 38 – his highest score this season – took them to 95 for 2 at stumps.Jammu and Kashmir rode on half-centuries from Ian Dev Singh (99), Shubham Khajuria (86) and Parvez Rasool (68) to end the third day on 337 for 4 in their second innings against Himachal Pradesh in Ranchi.J&K had ended the second day on 39 for no loss after conceding a first-innings lead of 208. Their opening pair of Shubham Khajuria and Umar Nazir brought up the 50 of the stand, before being separated within the first three overs of the day. That brought Ian Dev and Khajuria together, and the pair added 155 for the second wicket. It was their second consecutive stand of more than 150 this season.Left-arm spinner Bipul Sharma removed Khajuria with the score on 205. Ian Dev ensured his team knocked off the deficit, before Bipul struck again, having Ian Dev caught, one short of his 14th first-class century.Rasool’s 68 off 72 balls helped J&K accelerate towards the end of the day, and go into stumps with a 129-run lead.Kerala built on their strong start against Haryana to secure a 101-run first-innings lead in Jaipur.Kerala resumed the day on 170 for 1 in reply to Haryana’s 303. They started patiently, scoring only 45 off 30 overs in the first session, for the loss of Rohan Prem (64).Haryana fought back with quick strikes after lunch, dismissing Bhavin Thakkar, the other overnight batsman, for 79, and Sanju Samson within five overs after the break as Kerala slipped from 203 for 1 to 220 for 4. But Sachin Baby scored 52 and added 46 with N Surendran (28) for the fifth wicket, and 65 with Iqbal Abdulla for the sixth to take them past Haryana’s score. Abdulla then added useful runs with the tail, and scored 61 himself to help stretch Kerala’s score to 404 for 9, before they declared.Harshal Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal took four wickets each for Haryana, who ended the day on 6 for no loss, trailing by 95 runs.It was another slow day at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, where Andhra responded to Services’ 446 with 177 for 1 in 79 overs.Andhra opener Prasanth Kumar scored an unbeaten 90 off 236 balls. He put on 80 for the opening wicket with KS Bharat (42), and 97 for the second wicket – 35 with captain Hanuma Vihari who retired hurt on 18, and 62 with KR Sreekanth, who was unbeaten on 24 at stumps.The day began with Services resuming on 400 for 8. Rahul Singh, unbeaten on 95 overnight, completed his second first-class century, and was unbeaten on 127 when Services folded for 446, having batted out 188.5 overs. CV Stephen (3 for 87) and DB Ravi Teja (3 for 25) took the two Services wickets to fall on the day.

Chelsea, despite all the riches expended since Todd Boehly's arrival, boast a squad far from the finished article.

Mauricio Pochettino is the man who has been tasked with solving the puzzle presented in west London, as a willing challenger to unearth the numerous high-potential stars at Stamford Bridge.

However, to do so he must first foster the correct environment, likely having assurances that he will be given time to work his magic. The success he earned in transforming Tottenham Hotspur did not come overnight, and the same is certainly the case for his latest managerial venture.

He will need to add some key additions of his own in the coming summer window to build upon a year where 17 new players were welcomed and two managers have been sacked.

Whilst investing in this high-risk high-reward strategy has allowed them to stockpile some of Europe's finest young talent, a few key positions remain bare.

Naturally, a centre-forward will be high on the list of priorities, but a true defensive midfielder will be just as imperative to unlock Enzo Fernandez. Therefore, it will please fans that earlier in the week it was reported that Chelsea had opened talks with Sporting CP over the signing of Manuel Ugarte.

The touted €60m (£52m) price tag would mark a small sum if it meant unleashing their British transfer record signing.

Would Manuel Ugarte be a N'Golo Kante upgrade?

In acquiring a player who operates with a defence-first mindset, the Uruguay international could act as a screen for the back four to allow their Argentine maestro to truly thrive.

Although his 7.17 average rating has been upheld by 1.1 key passes and 2.5 tackles per game, in pushing him from the six role into the eight, he could add to his two assists in 18 starts, via Sofascore.

After all, his potential new teammate has mustered 3.9 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game too (via Sofascore) and therefore ranks in the top 1% for tackles and the top 3% for interceptions per 90 when compared to other midfielders across Europe.

Whilst writer Raj Chohan might have been lambasting the midfielder when branding his choices on the ball as "aggressive", it is this mindset that arguably makes him such a combative and frightening presence defensively in the engine room. Regardless, his 92% pass accuracy suggests otherwise.

Such defensive excellence could easily earn comparisons to the enigmatic N'Golo Kante, who is rarely seen around these parts nowadays due to his persistent injury problems.

The ageing ace has been ravaged with ailments since his move from Leicester City, yet when fit represents one of the division's most relentless midfielders.

Last season showcased this, as he started 21 games and managed to maintain a 7.12 average rating.

This was a figure supported by 2.3 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, which was impressive but highlighted a decline from times gone by, via Sofascore. He is admittedly nowhere near the level of his potential 22-year-old successor, who Pochettino will surely prefer.

Given the youthful revolution Boehly has seemingly planned, the 32-year-old is a prime example of those who need replacing in west London and the sooner the club can find his successor, the better because he cannot be trusted like the Kante of old, as evident above.

Few fit the bill more appropriately than Ugarte, to graciously take the mantle from this legendary midfield enforcer, who is a shadow of the player who managed 4.7 tackles per game back in the 2015/16 term.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has roped in former West Indies coach Phil Simmons as consultant for the next three series, against Zimbabwe, Ireland and West Indies

Umar Farooq03-Feb-2017The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has roped in former West Indies coach Phil Simmons as consultant for the next three series, against Zimbabwe, Ireland and West Indies. According to the ACB, he will assist head coach Lalchand Rajput on technical issues.Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe starts on February 16 in Harare and includes five ODIs, before they host Ireland in Greater Noida, India, in March. Afghanistan are scheduled to visit the Caribbean in June.”He will be working with the team as a consulting coach,” ACB chief executive officer Shafiq Stanikzai told ESPNcricinfo. “His expertise will greatly favour us, as he has coached all three teams we are playing against. His appointment is a valuable step in our players’ road to development.”Simmons, 53, was removed last September by the WICB, just six months after coaching West Indies to the World T20 title, due to “differences in culture and strategic approach”. He had a successful stint with Ireland before that; in his eight years in charge of the team, they won 11 trophies and qualified for every major ICC event. In the mid-2000s, he had worked with Zimbabwe. An allrounder, Simmons had played 26 Tests and 143 ODIs for West Indies between 1987 and 1999.After he was relieved of the West Indies coaching job, Simmons was appointed head coach of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for the 2017 edition of the Caribbean Premier League. He was recently in the UAE for the duration of the Desert T20 Challenge, which Afghanistan won after defeating Ireland by 10 wickets in the final. It is understood that Simmons was attending the tournament on behalf of the ICC Development Programme, offering his services as a coaching consultant to each of the eight Associate teams present.

Debutant Cameron Green took five wickets as Tasmania were bowled out for 198 before Western Australia’s openers reduced the first-innings deficit to 49 at the end of first day’s play in Hobart

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Feb-2017
ScorecardFile photo – Jonathan Wells’ 78 included 68 runs scored off boundaries•Getty Images

Western Australia dominated Tasmania on day one of the Sheffield Shield match at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.Winning the toss to have first use of a fresh pitch with the experimental Dukes ball, the Warriors bundled the Tigers out for 198 before making major inroads towards the hosts’ first-innings tally.Simon Mackin, so dominant in WA’s win over South Australia at Glenelg Oval in the previous round, plucked another four wickets to lead the visitors’ attack, while the 17-year-old debutant Cameron Green improved from a first up no-ball by claiming five wickets as he started the ball around disconcertingly.Tasmania were awfully placed at 9 for 128 before the last pair of Sam Rainbird and Cameron Stevenson offered some resistance with a swift stand of 70. George Bailey top-scored with 75.In reply, Western Australia gained the ideal start through Jonathan Wells and Cameron Bancroft. They added 130 before Wells was out to the allrounder James Faulkner for 78, leaving the Sydney Test debutant Hilton Cartwright to accompany Bancroft – not out at 58 – to the close.