ScorecardBen Raine top-scored for Leicestershire and then took three wickets•Getty Images

Yorkshire Vikings were never in the hunt against Leicestershire Foxes who beat them by 54 runs with eight balls remaining in the NatWest T20 Blast at Headingley.It was a disappointing start to the campaign for Yorkshire, who are desperate to do well in the competition this season under a new young captain in Alex Lees, but who drew only 6,000 to Headingley.Leicestershire could feel delighted with the result after opening with a defeat to Northamptonshire last week.Chasing a 175 victory target, Yorkshire failed to put a substantial stand together in a game which was dominated by Ben Raine and the O’Brien brothers, Kevin and Niall.Raine top-scored with 48 before opening the bowling and capturing 3 for 7 in his 3.4 overs. Niall O’Brien powered his way to 39 while Kevin hit 21 and then took three for 27.Yorkshire lost wickets at regular intervals and openers Adam Lyth and new one-day captain, Alex Lees, were both out inside the first five overs, Lyth driving Raine to mid-off and Lees turning Kevin O’Brien to leg-gully.Only Will Rhodes showed any real form, coming in at 32 for 4 and smacking 45 with three fours and two sixes before departing at 109 for 9 by driving Neil Dexter to Tom Wells at long off, by which time the game was well and truly lost for Yorkshire.A late flurry of sixes had revitalised the Foxes’ innings with 102 coming off the final ten overs. It was off the fourth delivery of the 14th over that Niall O’Brien straight drove Lyth for the first six of the match but another eight were to clear the rope in the remaining overs for Leicestershire to close on a competitive 174 for seven.All four of Niall O’Brian’s boundary shots in his 39 off 21 balls came from six hits while Raine included two fours and two sixes in his 48 from 43 deliveries.But Lewis Hill was responsible for the final flourish with three mid-wicket sixes in the last over from Ben Coad who gave away 22 runs, Hill ending unbeaten on 24 from just nine balls.Yorkshire did not have their best night in the field as three catches were put down, the easiest being when Raine, who had just pulled Adil Rashid for two sixes, survived a simple chance to Liam Plunkett on the mid-wicket boundary.Things began encouragingly for Yorkshire as Tim Bresnan, in his first appearance of the season after being sidelined with a calf muscle tear, started with a wicket maiden, Pettini forcing his fifth ball straight into the hands of Rhodes at point.Bresnan’s new ball partner, James Wainman, also enjoyed an early success on his T20 Blast debut. In Wainman’s second over, Mark Cosgrove, who had struck 20 from 11 balls, was caught at deep square leg by Coad.Bresnan and Plunkett each claimed two wickets but Leicestershire kept battling away and their destructive hitting late on proved to be decisive.

Tottenham Hotspur are after the new ‘Pochettino’ as BBC journalist Guillem Balague shares why they want Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.

What’s the latest on Kompany to Spurs?

Reliable outlets have suggested that the 37-year-old is high on chairman Daniel Levy’s wishlist as he scours the market for a new permanent manager to succeed Antonio Conte.

It’s been a torrid time in north London of late, with Spurs’ latest 6-1 humbling at the hands of Newcastle United dealing a mighty blow to their hopes of sealing a top four Premier League finish.

Former interim boss Cristian Stellini lost his job as a result of their St. James’ Park thrashing, with Levy placing Ryan Mason in charge until the end of the campaign instead.

In the background, Tottenham are well and truly searching for the tactician who can take them forward and reinstall some much-needed optimism. Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, both out of work after leaving their most recent jobs, have been heavily linked – meanwhile the likes of Arne Slot (Feyenoord) and Kompany continue to be of interest.

However, despite supporters singing his name in the stands on match day, former Lilywhites boss Mauricio Pochettino never made it far enough to enter serious contention and is now just steps away from joining Chelsea.

This will be a frustrating development for many Spurs fans, not least because their ex-hero is reportedly about to take the reins at a major rival. Balague, sharing why Tottenham didn’t move more seriously for Pochettino despite reports, has also explained the interest in Kompany.

Taking to Twitter, the BBC regular says Spurs are ‘after’ the new ‘Pochettino’ – hence their fondness for Anderlecht’s former manager.

He explained:

What has Kompany done so far?

Burnley are now champions of the English second tier after a 1-0 win over Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

The Clarets stormed to Championship promotion in real style and in Kompany’s debut season – winning the most games, losing the least and conceding the fewest out of any other side in the division thus far (Sky).

Called ‘amazing’ for his work at Turf Moor by members of the media like Chris Kamara, the Belgian has been heralded for his brand of football and overall job at Burnley.

It’s little surprise Spurs are considering him but we believe a lack of experience elsewhere is something Levy should also take into account.

Arsenal's squad have been largely faultless this season, with a group of high-quality players all finally pulling in the same direction.

This is far from groundbreaking when challenging for a Premier League title, but given the tumultuous dressing rooms that the Emirates has played host to over the years, this turnaround has been sensational.

Mikel Arteta has fostered such an environment through the ruthless culling of those he did not deem worthy, and the additions of some experienced positivity in the form of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Some of the more notable casualties of the Spaniard's early regime were Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil, both of whom were at one point vital to the team and fan favourites.

However, their work-shy natures did not resonate with the revolution, and they had to go.

Whilst most of the business done since his 2020 appointment would deservedly be lauded, it is actually the first transfer of the Arteta reign that has arguably fallen the flattest. The decision to sign an unknown Spanish centre-back for £12m may have raised eyebrows at the time, but few could have predicted just how troublesome Pablo Mari would find adapting to the English game.

Subsequent loans have only served to elongate his failing spell in north London, which must come to an end this summer.

Will Pablo Mari leave this summer?

Having moved to the Emirates with little reputation, it quickly became clear that the 29-year-old would be nothing more than a squad player after making just ten league appearances in his debut campaign.

This is a figure that would only dwindle the season following, leading to the first of two loans he has endured.

Having spent the whole current season in Italy playing for Monza, his 6.85 average rating is solid if unspectacular. However, with the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes for competition back at his parent club, it is far from the required level the defender needs to be at to actually challenge for a place.

At this rate, the £88k-per-week dud will leave north London having made a total of 22 appearances for the club, perhaps for the best.

The legacy left would be a virtually anonymous one, perhaps even marking him out as a worse signing than Shokdran Mustafi.

Although often ridiculed for his shocking performances, of which there were plenty, the German defender was far from as bad as people make out. In his debut season, fresh from winning the World Cup, the £35m stopper averaged a 7.14 rating.

Throughout the four full years he enjoyed at Arsenal, that average figure would drop no lower than 6.97.

Whilst the 30-year-old will always be remembered for his high-profile blunders, he was not nearly as "really poor" – as once claimed by football.london reporter Kaya Kaynak – as Mari has been.

The list of 57 candidates for the post of India coach has been cut to 21, the BCCI announced on Wednesday

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jun-2016The list of 57 candidates for the post of India coach has been cut to 21, the BCCI announced on Wednesday. The next step in the process of selecting the coach will be a review of the remaining candidates by the BCCI’s cricket advisory committee, comprising former players Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. Sanjay Jagdale, who had served as BCCI secretary in the past, will act as chief co-ordinator of the committee for the duration of this process.The trimming down from 57 applicants to 21 was carried out by BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke’s office. However, if the cricket advisory committee wishes, it will be furnished with the entire list of 57 as well, the BCCI said. The committee is expected to submit its choice to Shirke by June 22.Shirke did not divulge any of the 21 names, pointing out that that would affect the committee’s work. The BCCI has not revealed any of the 57 names, but some candidates confirmed that they had applied. The prominent ones are Ravi Shastri (former India team director), Anil Kumble (former India captain), Sandeep Patil (current chairman of selectors) and Stuart Law (ex-Bangladesh coach).Among the key qualifications asked of the applicants by the BCCI was that they should have coached at the international or first-class level. It was also mentioned that “it is preferred that the candidate should be qualified through a certification/assessment program conducted by any of the Full Member countries, and currently possess such a valid certification.”*Kumble, despite his vast experience as a player and administrator, does not meet both criteria. Shirke did not want to comment on this, but said it was for the advisory committee to work out the eligibility of the shortlisted candidates. “They [panel] have the liberty to decide,” Shirke said.It is understood that a final shortlist of candidates will be asked to appear for interviews before the BCCI finalises the coach.*15.30GMT, June 15: The wording of the required qualification quoted here has been changed to reflect the BCCI’s list of criteria.

Rob Newton and Steven Crook hit centuries to bat Northamptonshire to a draw on the final day of the County Championship match with Gloucestershire at Bristol

ECB Reporters Network25-May-2016
ScorecardSteven Crook played a defiant innings at No. 7•Getty ImagesRob Newton and Steven Crook hit centuries to bat Northamptonshire to a draw on the final day of the County Championship match with Gloucestershire at Bristol. Newton, unbeaten on 58 overnight, went on to make 108, off 234 balls with 18 fours, while Crook hit 103 not out before Gloucestershire called off their bowlers in the evening session.The visitors closed on 399 for 8, leading by 157, having batted with far more application than in the first innings. Adam Rossington contributed 39, despite clearly feeling discomfort from the finger injury he suffered while wicketkeeping on Monday, and Richard Gleeson a valuable 31.David Payne (3 for 72) was the pick of the Gloucestershire bowlers, but in general they erred on the short side. The hosts took 11 points from a game they had high hopes of winning at the start of the day, while Northants claimed seven.The visitors began the day on 120 for 3, trailing by 122. After the early loss of Richard Levi for 23, caught behind dabbing at a wide ball from Payne, Rossington helped Newton add 60 for the sixth wicket. Rossington,looked in pain against the quicker bowlers, but played well before miscuing the medium-pace of Kieran Noema-Barnett to mid-on where Payne took a good diving catch.Crook appeared to survive a chance to Roderick, standing up to Noema-Barnett, before he had scored and was unbeaten on 7 at lunch, while Newton headed off on 99 with plenty of time to contemplate his century, having looked untroubled.He brought up three figures by pulling the second ball after lunch, a juicy long-hop from left-arm spinner Graham van Buuren, for his 17th boundary. It was a chanceless hundred, but Newton then fell to the second new ball, which was taken with Northants 241 for 5, still one run behind.Five had been added when Payne found a way between Newton’s bat and pad with a full, swinging delivery, which rattled into his stumps. That brought in Seekkuge Prasanna, on his Championship debut. He immediately went on the counter attack, blasting 26 from 23 balls, including four fours and a six, before holing out to deep backward square, top-edging a short delivery from Payne.At that stage Northants led by only 52, but Gleeson then joined Crook in a match-saving stand. Crook was unbeaten on 82 at tea, with his side 357 for 7 and leading by 115.The final session produced more frustration for Gloucestershire on a pitch offering little assistance. Crook reached a brilliant hundred with successive boundaries off Josh Shaw, having faced 127 balls and hit 17 fours. By the time Gleeson fell lbw to van Buuren for a hugely valuable 31, the partnership with Crook was worth 101 and Northants led by 153. Soon afterwards the players shook hands.

There is undoubtedly excitement brewing among Newcastle United supporters regarding the potential strike partnership involving Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, with the two men having worked in tandem in the second half against Brentford last weekend.

As journalist Charlie Bennett noted following that 2-1 win, that centre-forward combo does appear rather "frightening", with the pair able to cause "so much trouble for the opposition" when they are on the pitch together, according to 90min's Sean Walsh.

Whether that pairing is a long-term option remains to be seen, however, with manager Eddie Howe admitting that the duo may not be deployed together in every game, having stated after the win over the Bees:

"Can they play together every week? Tactically, probably not. But can they play together in a game like this? Absolutely.”

That combination has also only been a relatively recent option with both Wilson and Isak having endured fitness and injury woes so far this season, with it perhaps of some frustration that the Tynesiders haven't been able to totally rely on either man throughout the campaign.

One pairing that have undoubtedly been far more consistent for the Magpies is that of centre-back duo, Fabian Schar and Sven Botman, with the Chronicle's Lee Ryder only recently noting that the first-choice defensive axis have been "excellent" this season.

How good have Schar and Botman been?

The £130k-per-week duo have been truly influential in Newcastle's Champions League qualification push, having been crucial figures in a backline that has shipped just 21 Premier League goals this season – the best record in the division.

After previously conceding 62 goals in the top-flight alone last term, the summer arrival of Botman, in particular, has made a "huge difference" for Howe's men, according to journalist Josh Bunting, with the towering Dutchman proving a real colossus in his central defensive berth.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp even went as far as to suggest that the former Lille man could become one of the best defenders to have graced the Premier League, having stated earlier this season:

"We’ve seen some good centre-backs in this league (but) he’s got the capabilities to be better than them. He’s a real leader of men – what a special player he is."

Amid the standout displays of the 23-year-old – who has averaged 1.1 tackles and one interception per game in the top-flight this season – his defensive colleague, Schar, has perhaps 'gone under the radar' at times, according to managerial legend Harry Redknapp, having also been deserving of praise.

The experienced Switzerland international has been hailed as 'quick, good in the air and very composed on the ball' by the former Tottenham Hotspur boss, having made great strides of late after an initially tricky time of it at St James' Park.

Having previously looked like a "walking mistake" – according to journalist John Gibson – the 31-year-old is now shining for the league's best defence, racking up 1.3 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game as a marker of his ball-winning prowess.

In truth, with the likes of Wilson and Isak having been out of the picture at times this season, the Magpies' success has been built on the solid foundation at the back, with the club's hopes of securing a top-four berth also set to be aided by remaining tough to beat defensively.

As Redknapp Sr exclaimed, 'there's not many better centre half pairings than Schar and Botman.'

Aston Villa will no longer move for a new first-choice striker addition this summer, with Unai Emery won over by Ollie Watkins, Football Insider reports.

What’s the latest transfer news out of Aston Villa?

Villa brought in teenage forward Jhon Duran during the January window and parted ways with Danny Ings, who was sold to West Ham. A new striker to partner Watkins was expected to be the club’s main priority this summer, according to Ashley Preece.

However, Watkins has enjoyed a purple patch of form under Emery in 2023, netting nine Premier League goals in the last 11 games, with Villa winning six of their last seven to climb the table.

As a result, it now looks as if Emery and Villa officials have had a change of heart when it comes to the upcoming transfer window. Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke shared an interesting development out of Villa Park in the last 48 hours regarding the club’s transfer plans.

He stated that Villa will no longer target a new first-choice striker, with Emery keen to build his side around Watkins. The forward is set to sign a new ‘bumper’ contract in the Midlands which means that a new A-list striker is not expected to be high on the wishlist list for Emery and his staff.

Is that a gamble by Villa and Emery?

This seems to be a real U-turn by Emery and Villa, with the manager recently admitting that he could look at bringing in another forward to rival Watkins.

NSWE are set to back the boss with a ‘huge’ transfer budget, so it’ll be interesting to see where he decides to splash the cash over the coming months.

You could argue that a new marquee attacker to rival Watkins and Duran and possibly play alongside the former of the two could have been a shrewd move, especially as Villa are the least prolific goalscorers out of the top nine Premier League sides.

Watkins’ fine form in front of goal has helped take Villa to 41 goals in 30 games, however, should he suffer an injury or a drop-off in form, Emery may have to turn to two youngsters in Duran or possibly Cameron Archer. Who knows, a new forward could still arrive between now and the time Emery begins his first full season in charge, but it doesn’t look as if it will be a big-money move.

Neil Dexter continued to stake his claim to be one of the signings of the season as Leicestershire reached 299 for 7 against Worcestershire

ECB Reporters Network03-Jul-2016
ScorecardNeil Dexter’s third hundred of the season made for an even opening day•Getty Images

Neil Dexter continued to stake his claim to be one of the signings of the season as Leicestershire reached 299 for 7 against Worcestershire on a hard-fought opening day in the Specsavers County Championship at New Road.The former Middlesex batsman completed a third century for his new county and at the same time made it back-to-back hundreds when adding 109 to last week’s 136 against Gloucestershire.He was by no means completely fluent, more than one of his 18 boundaries coming off the edge during an impressive first spell by Ed Barnard, but his application could not be faulted following the early dismissal of Paul Horton.Barnard claimed that wicket with his fifth delivery, Tom Kohler-Cadmore holding a fizzing overhead chance at first slip, and he should have had another when Angus Robson was dropped at gully.The opener was on 27 and went on to make exactly 50, his third half-century in four Championship innings, before he gave a low catch to wicketkeeper Ben Cox in Barnard’s second spell.The second-wicket partnership yielded 79 from 32 overs and this was followed by a stand of 54 as Mark Cosgrove perked up the innings until he became another victim for Cox, aiming to force legspinner Brett D’Oliveira square on the off-side.There was something in the pitch to encourage Worcestershire – if not for Kyle Abbott on his Championship debut for the county – but tight bowling by Barnard and Jack Shantry only served to underline the value of Dexter’s performance. He maintained his focus throughout and made it clear that he is enjoying life with his fourth county.If Barnard was the pick of the seam attack with three for 49, D’Oliveira showed impeccable control, and a nice variation, in bowling 23 overs for his 2 for 53.He was also involved in the fourth wicket, not as the bowler but in running out Mark Pettini for 16 with a direct hit from backward point. Dexter was on 98 at the time and eventually got to his century after taking 22 minutes to add four singles to his score at tea.The end for him came with a smart third catch for Cox, standing up to Joe Leach, and Robert Taylor soon drove D’Oliveira to extra cover, but Ned Eckersley and Clint McKay added valuable runs late in the day. McKay was leg-before to Barnard, bowling with the second new ball.While not taking total control, Leicestershire have gone some way towards burying a bad memory from earlier in the season. They were dismissed for 43 on their own ground in May when Worcestershire registered their only win so far in a Division Two campaign following relegation last year.The home side have included Tom Fell after his recovery from two forms of cancer since making a career-best 171 against Middlesex in his final innings of last summer.

Former India team director Ravi Shastri has applied for the post of national head coach

PTI06-Jun-2016

Former India team director Ravi Shastri has applied for the post of national head coach. Shastri, who worked with the team from August 2014 to April 2016, confirmed his application to on Monday. His contract as team director had ended with India’s exit from the World T20 in March.”Yes, I have applied for the chief coach’s post today morning. I have e-mailed all the requisite documents that were asked for in the advertisement,” Shastri said.Asked if he had prepared any presentation or roadmap, Shastri said: “Whatever is required by the BCCI, I have provided them. If you ask me whether I am confident or not, all I can say is that my job was to apply for the post and I have done that. I cannot comment on anything else.”Under Shastri, who had taken over as director in 2014, India made it to semi-finals of successive global events – the 2015 World Cup and the 2016 World T20, and also climbed to No. 1 on the Test rankings for a period of eight weeks until Australia took over in February 2016. In this period, India also won their first limited-overs bilateral series in Australia, by whitewashing the hosts 3-0 in a T20 series.Apart from Shastri, current chairman of selectors and former India coach Sandeep Patil has also thrown his hat in the ring. Patil had earlier coached India back in 1996, taking over from Ajit Wadekar who stepped down after India’s semi-final loss to Sri Lanka in the 1996 World Cup semi-final. Patil’s tenure was a forgettable one; he was replaced within six months.However, Shastri’s team of support staff – Sanjay Bangar, R Sridhar and B Arun – have not yet applied as BCCI sources believe that they would like to continue in their earlier roles depending on the requirements of the board.

As Manchester United booked their place in the FA Cup final with a shootout victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon, a key performer for the Red Devils was resurgent defender, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The Englishman was "superb" in his right-back berth against the Seagulls – as per the Mail on Sunday's Oliver Holt – notably winning seven of his eight total duels and completing all four of his attempted dribbles, memorably surging down the right flank with an impressive driving run in the second half.

That stellar outing saw the 25-year-old hailed as "probably the best in the world" at one on one defending by compatriot James Maddison, with the former Crystal Palace ace having previously produced a "monstrous" display at Wembley in the Carabao Cup triumph over Newcastle, as per Daily Express journalist Alex Turk.

Despite those strong showings on the big occasion, it should not prevent United from strengthening in that full-back role this summer, with The Athletic recently reporting that Wan-Bissaka could be sold if a more 'attacking' option can be found.

There has been talk of a potential new deal for the £90k-per-week machine in the aftermath of yesterday's triumph, although it should not be forgotten that it was only a matter of months ago that Erik ten Hag looked ready to sell the defender in the January window.

It was also just a few days ago that the Croydon native was hooked at half-time amid the grim loss to Sevilla, with Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst writing of his all-round woes:

'Offered next to nothing in attack for the umpteenth time. There is a reason why Ten Hag wants a new right-back.'

That perfectly summarises just why the Old Trafford outfit should not be clouded by a handful of standout Wembley showings from Wan-Bissaka, with a new recruit still needed ahead of next season.

Who could replace Wan-Bissaka this summer?

One name that has been repeatedly mentioned of late is Bayer Leverkusen ace, Jeremie Frimpong, with Football Insider stating earlier this month that United are in 'pole position' to sign the former Celtic starlet.

The 22-year-old – who could be worth around £40m this summer – has enjoyed a stellar campaign for the Bundesliga side this season, having been hailed as "one of the best wing-backs in Europe", as per talent scout Jacek Kulig.

While largely operating in a more advanced berth in Xabi Alonso's side, the one-time Manchester City man has showcased that he can be the more attack-minded solution for Ten Hag on the right side of the defence, such has been his standout form this season.

The Netherlands international has remarkably chipped in with nine goals and ten assists in 41 games across all fronts this term, while Wan-Bissaka, by contrast, has contributed just one assist in 26 games in all competitions.

Equally, while the latter man has just two goals and 15 assists to his name in 198 games for both the Red Devils and former club Palace, Frimpong has 14 goals and 27 assists under his belt in 139 games for the Hoops and for Leverkusen.

Frimpomg also impressively ranks in the top 1% in Europe's top five leagues among those in his position for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the attacking penalty area, while the current United man ranks in just the top 13%, the top 17% and the top 14% for those same three metrics, respectively.

That should indicate why it would be wise for Ten Hag and co to make the ruthless decision to replace Wan-Bissaka this summer, with the £50m signing – who was previously branded "useless" on the ball by club legend Paul Scholes – having already had four years to impress at the Theatre of Dreams.

Like many others at the club, he may well have now outstayed his welcome.