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Luke Ronchi, the New Zealand wicketkeeper, has announced his retirement from international cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-20171:17

Luke Ronchi retires from International cricket

Luke Ronchi, the New Zealand wicketkeeper, has announced his retirement from international cricket.Ronchi, 36, played in four ODIs and three T20Is for Australia in 2008 and 2009, but came into his own after transferring his allegiance back to his native New Zealand in 2013.He added four Tests, 85 ODIs and 32 T20Is for the Black Caps, and was an integral member of the 2015 World Cup side that captured their country’s imagination in a memorable run to the final.Ronchi averaged 23.67 in ODIs at a strike-rate of 114.50, and 18.89 in T20Is at 141.33, but was trusted for his ball-striking skills, not least in his final international campaign, the Champions Trophy in England earlier this month, when a brisk 65 from 43 balls as opener put New Zealand into a winning position against Australia, only for rain to have the final say.His finest hour with the bat was an unbeaten 170 from 99 balls in an ODI against Sri Lanka at Dunedin in 2014-15. He then followed that up with scores of 88 and 31 on his Test debut against England at Headingley, as New Zealand secured only their fifth win in 54 attempts on English soil.Ronchi will continue to be available to play for Wellington, as well as on the domestic T20 circuit around the world – with his next assignment coming in the NatWest T20 Blast for Leicestershire.”It was a dream come true,” Ronchi said of his time as a New Zealand cricketer.”I can’t think of a better time to have been involved with New Zealand cricket. From the 2015 World Cup campaign, through to the overseas tours of that time and some amazing games and series, it’s been a genuine highlight for me.”It would also be remiss of me to not acknowledge the incredible support provided by my wife Shaan and our children Brody and Indi. Cricket takes you away from home for long periods of time, and my family have been very understanding,” he said.Mike Hesson, New Zealand’s coach, described Ronchi as the ultimate team man and the epitome of a professional athlete.”We’ll remember Luke fondly for the energy he created in the field and his selfless attitude towards the team,” said Hesson.”He was always prepared to play a role for the greater good of the team; to do what was required even if that risked sacrificing his wicket.”Luke was one of the best glovemen going around and I think that’s often overlooked in a game increasingly dominated by batting and run-scoring,” added Hesson. “He was a very skilful wicketkeeper, and a very destructive batsman.”We’ll miss having him around the group and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Marlon Samuels’ highest score in T20Is, an unbeaten 66-ball 89, steered West Indies to whitewash-sealing seven-wicket win at Warner Park

The Report by Karthik Krishnaswamy05-Jun-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsNoor Ali Zadran made a breezy 35 before Kesrick Williams demolished his exposed stumps•AFPMarlon Samuels’ highest score in T20Is, an unbeaten 66-ball 89, steered West Indies to a whitewash-sealing seven-wicket win at Warner Park. Afghanistan, who were bowled out for 110 and 93 in the first two T20Is, put up their best batting display of the series, but a total of 146 wasn’t quite enough to challenge West Indies’ line-up.The hit-and-miss startJerome Taylor bowled the first over of the match from around the wicket, and his angle across the right-handed Noor Ali Zadran produced four straight plays and misses. A cover-driven boundary at the end of the over settled Noor’s nerves, though, and his next 12 balls produced two sixes and four more fours, including three in a row in Taylor’s second over.Afghanistan raced to 40 for 1 by the end of the fourth over, but Noor’s departure in the fifth – bowled by Kesrick Williams after moving too far across his stumps, and too early – slowed them down considerably. Williams, Carlos Brathwaite and Samuel Badree sent down tight post-Powerplay overs, making a clear effort to bowl straight and deny hitting room, and by the end of the 10th over Afghanistan were only 61 for 3.Nabi, lower order give Afghanistan a fighting chanceThe next 10 overs, though, brought a far healthier 85. Sunil Narine, bowling his four overs on the trot from the 12th onwards, was typically frugal, conceding only 27 runs and one boundary, but Afghanistan showed off their hitting power against the quicker bowlers at the other end. Nabi hit two big sixes, Shafiqullah smacked Williams over midwicket and out of Warner Park in the 19th over – before hitting the next two balls for four – and Gulbadin Naib, who only got to face five balls, managed to send one pick-up shot off Taylor sailing over the square leg boundary. In all, Afghanistan scored 55 off the last five overs of seam.Samuels bosses chaseAs was the case in the second T20I, Afghanistan only played one genuine fast bowler, with Shapoor Zadran taking Dawlat Zadran’s place, and his only seam support came from Karim Janat, the allrounder. Janat did not have the greatest game – he scored 8 off 17, batting at No. 5, and then conceded 41 off his four overs, bowling a length that was too short for his limited pace. Selection apart, there were tactical errors too – such as waiting until the 11th over to bring on their best bowler, Rashid Khan – and one very costly fielding lapse.It came in the 10th over, when Nabi, having got the ball to stop on Samuels, dropped a straightforward return catch. Samuels, at that point, was batting on 40 off 32 balls. Nabi pinned Evin Lewis lbw in the same over to end a 61-run second-wicket stand, but it was Samuels who had been hurting Afghanistan the most, clearing his front leg and getting into position to flat-bat anywhere in the arc between point and midwicket.Lendl Simmons replaced Lewis and made a brisk, attractive 15 before slicing Rashid to long-off, and a small window seemed to open up for Afghanistan, with West Indies needing 65 off 43 at that point. Samuels, though, quickly reduced the gap between runs required and balls remaining, picking up two pulled fours in the next two overs before clattering successive leg-side sixes off Nabi in the 16th. With Jason Mohammed showing off his hitting power as well – a sliced six over point off Janat the highlight of his innings – West Indies strolled home with four balls remaining.

Aberdeen could be set to add another player to their ranks this summer, with Alan Nixon reporting via his Patreon that the Scottish side are in discussions over a move for Killian Phillips.

Who is Killian Phillips?

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder spent half a season on loan with Shrewsbury in 2022/23 and impressed for the EFL outfit during his time there. Even though he only joined in January, he went on to be a key figure for them in the second half of the campaign and played in 19 League One games, producing three goals and two assists along the way. It resulted in the youngster being voted their Young Player of the Season – even though he didn't play throughout the full season.

Prior to that stint with the Shrews though, Phillips had never really managed a taste of professional, high-level, first-team action. He has yet to make his debut for Crystal Palace in the Premier League and has instead had to make do with gametime through their reserves. However, he has stood out for that team, having managed a return of five goal contributions in ten games for them in 2022/23. He has also yet to make his debut for his country, the Republic of Ireland, at any level.

Are Aberdeen signing Killian Phillips?

Now, according to a report from Alan Nixon via his Patreon, the youngster could be given another chance to shine in a first-team elsewhere. That's because Aberdeen are interested in adding him on a short-term basis for 2023/24, and are already in talks with the player and his club over a potential move this summer.

It would mean a switch to Scotland and the Scottish Premiership for the first time in his career and could give him some much needed minutes to continue helping with his development as a midfielder.

However, no deal looks like it will go through until has has agreed a fresh contract with parent club Palace – the Eagles want to tie him up to a "longer deal" according to the report, and once that is done he could find himself playing football for the Dons.

If Aberdeen want a player who can give them a valuable option in multiple areas, then the 21-year-old could be their man. Not only is he an adept attacking midfielder, but he is also capable of playing on either flank too. If Phillips needs to fill in on the left or right wing, he has been utilised there in the past and could do a similar job for the Scottish side.

He could be a really shrewd signing for Aberdeen too, even only on loan. He spent time on a short-term deal with Shrewsbury, as mentioned, where boss Steve Cotterill was full of praise for the youngster, as he called Phillips an "outstanding performer" and a "great lad" to boot.

He is the kind of presence and talent that the Scottish Premiership side will want to recruit this close season then – and if a deal can be done, it would be a smart bit of business by the Dons.

A partnership of 95 between Lewis McManus and George Bailey, and a spell of 4 for 20 in four overs by leg-spinner Shahid Afridi were enough to give Hampshire the perfect start to their T20 Blast campaign

ECB Reporters Network07-Jul-2017
ScorecardThe old maestro Shahid Afridi finished with four wickets [file picture]•BCBA partnership of 95 between Lewis McManus and George Bailey, and a spell of 4 for 20 in four overs by leg-spinner Shahid Afridi were enough to give Hampshire the perfect start to their T20 Blast campaign, as they beat Glamorgan at Cardiff by 22 runs.Skipper James Vince got Hampshire off to a flying start, sharing an opening stand of 52 with Rilee Rossouw, with the pair hitting ten fours in the first three overs. But Michael Hogan finally broke the partnership as keeper Chris Cooke claimed the catch off the edge of Vince’s bat, the batsman having hit 31 from 15 balls, including seven fours.Hampshire’s scoring rate slowed noticeably after the wicket, which in turn brought about a second, Michael Hogan bowling Rilee Rossouw in the sixth over for 18, as Hampshire reached the end of the Powerplay on 59-2.A third wicket soon followed as Michael Carberry swiped Marchant de Lange to keeper Cooke for 4. Sean Ervine followed three overs later, as he found Marchant de Lange at long-off from the bowling of spinner Andrew Salter for 6, Hampshire struggling at 70 for 4 at the halfway mark.But they recovered thanks to Bailey and McManus, who guided them to 102-4 after 15 overs, before the latter struck two consecutive sixes off Colin Ingram in the sixteenth over. He dealt de Lange the same treatment in the following over before swiping him for four as they reached 128 for 4. The 95-run partnership was broken by a magnificent catch in the cover by Ingram off Graham Wagg as Hampshire finished their innings on 167 for 5, Michael Hogan finishing with figures of 2 for 25.Glamorgan got off to the worst possible start, losing two wickets in the first over for three runs. David Lloyd edged to Sean Ervine off Reece Topley from the very first ball of the innings, before Ingram drove to Gareth Berg in the covers.Glamorgan recovered to 43 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay before Afridi struck twice in two balls, bowling Aneurin Donald for 25 before Kiran Carlson was trapped lbw for 0. Jacques Rudolph was the fifth man to fall, the third to Afridi, as he drove to skipper Vince for 18 in the ninth over at 47 for 5.Cooke and Graham Wagg had struck up a fifty partnership by the time Glamorgan reached the 100 mark in the fourteenth over, still requiring 64 of the last six overs. But Afridi struck for a fourth time, in the fifteenth over, as Cooke pulled to Michael Carberry on the mid-wicket boundary.Wagg reached his half-century before he was caught by James Vince off Mason Crane for 50 as Glamorgan were 114 for 7, still requiring 54 off the remaining four overs. De Lange quickly followed, bowled by Topley after crashing a four off his first ball.Needing 27 to win from the final six deliveries, Timm van der Gugten drove to Rossouw at long-on off Gareth Berg, leaving Hampshire to claim a 22-run victory.

Following a few weeks without any signings to begin the transfer window, Heart of Midlothian are looking set to make up for lost time.

Recent arrivals include goalkeeper Michael McGovern from Norwich City on a free transfer and midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof from Western Sydney Wanderers as Steven Naismith gears his squad up for the new season.

Frankie Kent could soon be the third player to arrive at Tynecastle after their bid for the defender was accepted by Peterborough United, however Naismith should also be moving forward in a bid to sign Jamie McGrath.

Could Hearts sign Jamie McGrath?

At the start of the month, The Daily Record reported that Hearts were weighing up a move for McGrath during the transfer window in a bid to bolster their attacking options.

With just a year left on his current deal, Naismith could perhaps submit an offer to Wigan Athletic in the hope that they accept, especially considering that this may be the final chance for them to bring in a decent fee for the player.

He knows the Premiership well, having had stints at both St Mirren and Dundee United, enjoying a loan spell at Tannadice last term and the 5 foot 9 gem could turn into a shrewd investment.

How did Jamie McGrath perform last season?

Despite the Arabs being relegated from the Premiership following a woeful campaign, the Irishman was arguably their only bright spark.

He managed to register 12 goal contributions across all competitions while showcasing his creative ability by ranking first in the squad for big chances created (five) and key passes per game (1.6) and should he join the Edinburgh side, Naismith could forge a wonderful midfield partnership between him and new arrival Nieuwenhof.

The Australian tends to operate in a defensive midfield role, controlling play from deep and this could allow McGrath much more freedom, as he is usually deployed just behind the striker.

The 22-year-old had a fine season in the A-League during 2022/23 as he displayed his impressive passing capabilities, ranking fifth in his squad for accurate passes per game (41.4) while also making 0.8 key passes per game, showing that even though playing from a predominantly deep position, he was still able to create a few forward passes.

This bodes well should he go on to play behind McGrath, and his defensive ability will also be key for any potential partnership to sparkle. The Australian ranked first in the Western Sydney squad for tackles per game (3.4) as he demonstrated his tenacious side and this will stand him in good stead due to the physical nature of Scottish football.

McGrath could be given immense freedom further up the pitch knowing full well that Nieuwenhof is roaming behind him sweeping up any danger with ease.

Much was anticipated of the 26-year-old when he joined the Latics from St Mirren, with journalist Josh Bunting waxing lyrical about the midfielder.

He said: “Jamie McGrath is a sensational signing for Wigan Athletic, think that’s one of the best signings of the window , really liked him whilst he was at Dundalk, good on the ball , aggressive and direct and has a very good shot , he’ll score from belters at the DW I’m sure of that.”

It hasn’t quite gone to plan since then for McGrath, making just four appearances for his current side, and Naismith could offer him a fresh start should he lure the player north of the border this summer.

The move ends the senior batsman’s 15-year-long association with the Karnataka team

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Aug-2017The Saurashtra Cricket Association [SCA] has announced signing Robin Uthappa as the team’s professional player for the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy season, although the senior batsman is yet to confirm the development. ESPNcricinfo understands Uthappa, 31, does not wish to preempt the announcement before the paperwork has been processed and sent by the BCCI to the SCA, after an earlier deal with Kerala, which he had been on the verge of signing, did not go through.The SCA, though, has issued a statement welcoming Uthappa. “SCA feels confident that Robin will add strength to [the] strong Ranji Team of Saurashtra with his vast experience and commendable performance,” the association’s media manager, Himanshu Shah, said in a press release. “Robin Uthappa has completed all necessary formalities to BCCI, Saurashtra Cricket Association and Karnataka State Cricket Association.”In any event, the move has brought the curtain down on Uthappa’s 15-year association with Karnataka. He led Karnataka to the final of the 2009-10 Ranji Trophy, where Mumbai snatched a six-run win. Uthappa was also part of the Karnataka side that did the double-treble, winning the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup and the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Last season, however, he had a middling run, tallying 328 runs from seven Ranji Trophy games, with only one fifty-plus score. Uthappa was subsequently left out of Karnataka’s quarter-final clash against Tamil Nadu, which the latter won.Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary Sudhakar Rao said the association had tried to persuade Uthappa to stay on. “We had two meetings, but he stuck to his words. He said he wanted a change. We can’t stop him,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “He is a senior player and he wants to go. So, we issued an NoC (No Objection Certificate) and wished him all the best for his comeback to the national side.”Uthappa has scored 8793 runs from 130 first-class matches at an average of 41.28, including 21 hundreds. He has turned out for India in 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is.

Arsenal are reportedly taking an interest in Crystal Palace sensation Michael Olise, as Mikel Arteta eyes additional reinforcements to bolster his side this window.

The summer has started brightly for the Gunners, who secured the signings of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, however, the spending is not set to dry up yet, with latest news linking the north Londoners to the Premier League gem.

Could Arsenal sign Michael Olise?

As reported by 90min this week, the French dynamo has gained interest from fellow sides in the Premier League, with the north Londoners named among them.

The Gunners are joined by top-flight rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, as clubs that have ‘registered an interest’ in the 21-year-old.

The report also claims that the former Reading star is suspected to have a £35m release clause in place in his contract at Selhurst Park – a fair fee for one of the league’s most promising talents.

How good is Michael Olise?

Once lauded as an “all-rounder” by scout Jacek Kulig, the young talent is best identified for his versatility to play in most areas of attack.

Primarily used on the right flank at Selhurst Park, the France U21 international has asserted himself as one of the most threatening players in the league.

Signed by the Eagles from Reading for a fee around the £8m mark in 2021, Olise has seen his market value rise to around £23.2m to coincide with his development, as per FootballTransfers.

At just 21, the youngster ranks in the top 7% of those in his position throughout Europe’s top five leagues for his frequency of assists, averaging 0.36 per 90 over the past year, via FBref.

A creative player, the London-born gem registered 11 assists in 37 appearances for Palace, as well as scoring twice in last season's Premier League competition.

For Arsenal, and more importantly Arteta, obtaining a talent as bright as Olise could be fundamental to the Gunners’ reinstatement as one of the best sides in Europe, as he is a player that could bring so much to the Emirates.

One current squad member, in particular, could benefit from the presence of the Frenchman, that being Gabriel Jesus, who had an impressive first term in north London after making the move from City last summer.

Making 17 goal contributions in only 26 Premier League appearances, the versatile Brazilian frontman could have his game bolstered by the playmaking winger, who could thrive in playing alongside a figure as dynamic as the former City man.

Also previously hailed as “electric”, the 21-year-old became the youngest player to assist three goals from open play in one game in the Premier League, showcasing just how much of a threat he brings from wide areas, via OptaJoe.

Whilst Arsenal’s squad is packed with creative outlets, the pace and vision of Olise could benefit Jesus as a player that could fit perfectly in exchanging play with the 26-year-old striker, who was a prominent figure in piecing together attacks for the Gunners.

Averaging an impressive 2.36 key passes per 90 last season, the Palace gem exceeded Arteta’s key creator Martin Odegaard, who managed an average of 2.19 per 90 in the Premier League.

The French target could be given an explosive forward to target in his play-making exploits, providing Jesus with an added pathway in the final third to the benefit of all at the club.

Lancashire captain Steven Croft hit his first century in over a year to help Lancashire recover from a flurry of pre-lunch wickets on day two of their Specsavers County Championship match against Surrey

ECB Reporters Network26-Sep-2017Lancashire captain Steven Croft hit his first century in over a year to help Lancashire recover from a flurry of pre-lunch wickets on day two of their Specsavers County Championship match against Surrey at Old Trafford.His 115 earned Lancashire a first-innings lead of 67 as they were dismissed for 268. Croft shared three successive half-century partnerships with Ryan McLaren, Tom Bailey and Stephen Parry as Lancashire battled back from a pre-lunch collapse.Surrey took five wickets in quick succession as Lancashire slipped from 69 for 0 to 84 for 5, including losing four wickets for six runs in the space of 5.2 overs. But Croft’s knock put his side ahead, before Surrey’s opening pair of Mark Stoneman and Rory Burns guided the visitors back in front with an unbroken 79-run stand.Resuming on 17 for 0 overnight in reply to Surrey’s 201 for 8 declared, Lancashire started the morning in commanding fashion.Opening pair Alex Davies and Rob Jones put on 69, with Davies going on to make 54 and pass 1000 first-class runs for the season in the process – becoming the first Lancashire wicketkeeper ever to do so. But Jones’ dismissal triggered the collapse as Rikki Clarke had him caught at second slip by Scott Borthwick for 15.Gareth Batty quickly removed Liam Livingstone before Clarke struck twice in successive overs to get Davies with a leading edge to midwicket and then Shivnarine Chanderpaul lbw for just 1. Dane Vilas then joined the procession of wickets with the final ball before lunch, a second lbw victim for Batty.From there, Croft spearheaded the revival. He put on 56 with McLaren, who was another to fall lbw to Batty, before notching his first Championship half-century of the season. Bailey continued to provide able support from the other end, with the pair putting on 63 before Bailey gave Scott Borthwick his 200th first-class wicket by picking out Olly Pope at backward point.At tea, Lancashire were 222 for 7 with Croft unbeaten on 87. The captain was finding support all the way down the order as he shared 59 with Parry. Croft’s century, his first since Warwickshire at Old Trafford in June 2016, came from 161 balls and included 14 boundaries.Surrey wrapped up the innings quickly when they eventually decided to take the new ball, with the final three wickets fell in the space of 3.3 overs. They then erased the first-innings deficit, with Stoneman and Burns imperious in the final session, not offering Lancashire a chance.

Manchester United are expected to bid for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat very soon, as Erik ten Hag looks to complete his summer spending ahead of the opening day of the Premier League season.

Amrabat would be the Red Devils' fourth signing of the summer.

What's the latest on Sofyan Amrabat to Manchester United?

Fiorentina expect Manchester United to place a €25m (£22m) bid plus bonuses in the coming days, according to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness. They also report that, once a bid is place, the deal should be an easy one to complete because the player is so keen on the move and La Viola have left him out of their pre-season plans.

The report states that the midfielder has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League giants – something which has been previously reported elsewhere too – ahead of a potential move in the coming weeks.

The Red Devils will have their full focus on securing Amrabat's signature after recently completing a deal to sign Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund. The Morrocon stayed behind as Fiorentina went away in pre-season amid links with a move to England's top flight this summer.

With the Premier League season fast-approaching, this is certainly a deal to keep an eye on.

Should Manchester United sign Sofyan Amrabat?

Signing Amrabat this summer would represent smart business by those at Old Trafford, with the midfielder adding needed depth to United's midfield.

Ten Hag has already, of course, reinforced his midfield with the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea, but Amrabat would come in as crucial cover for defensive midfielder Casemiro.

The Brazilian missed a staggering eight games through suspension last season, with United's record significantly worse when without the former Real Madrid man.

In his absence, Ten Hag's side failed to win three of the eight games in a run which included a draw with Leeds United and defeat against Newcastle United.

The man they were forced to turn to without Casemiro was often Scott McTominay, who does not possess the same experience and quality as serial winner Casemiro. According to FBref, the Scotland international made fewer progressive passes, fewer blocks and fewer tackles than Casemiro.

Amrabat could solve that dip in quality, however – the Fiorentina man actually made more progressive passes per 90 than Casemiro last season, according to FBref.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

He earned plenty of praise for his performances last season, too, including at the World Cup, in which Morocco shocked the world to reach the semi-final stage, where they were defeated by France. Alan Shearer praised Amrabat in Qatar, saying on BBC, via the Liverpool Echo:

"He’s been absolutely magnificent. I said it at the top of the show, they’re really difficult to beat and very good without the ball, and one of the reasons for that is this guy. He gives them so much protection, you can see how many tackles he’s made and he’s a huge part of their success up to now.

"He’ll do exactly what he’s been doing up to now (against France), and this job there, you’ll see him just in front of the back four, maybe a back five tonight, he’ll still be in there, patrolling, trying to read the game, trying to stop any balls into the front players, and that’s what he’s done the entire tournament."

Tamim aggravated the injury he suffered during the second Test, forcing him to miss the rest of the South Africa tour and at least two weeks of Bangladesh’s premier domestic T20 tournament

Mohammad Isam20-Oct-2017Tamim Iqbal has been ruled out of the rest of Bangladesh’s tour to South Africa after aggravating the injury on his left thigh muscle for the second time in two weeks. He will return home on October 22, and is set to miss at least the first two weeks of the Bangladesh Premier League, which is scheduled to begin on November 4.Tamim had first injured his left thigh during the practice match at the start of the tour in Benoni and in the first Test in Potchefstroom, which he played carrying the injury. Both instances occurred when he was fielding.Despite not being 100% fit, he played the second ODI in Paarl. Before the game however, he had said that he was risking another injury.At the time, Tamim said: “If I get injured again [in the same spot], then I will be out for two months which I hope the team management doesn’t want and neither do I.”When he played in Paarl, there were many who were dismayed by the team management’s decision to risk an in-form batsman, like Tamim, who had already aggravated the injury during the first ODI. Bangladesh, meanwhile, have also lost Mustafizur Rahman due to an ankle injury.Chief selector Minhajul Abedin, on the South Africa tour as manager, has said that Mominul Haque, who is in the ODI squad, will remain with the team for the T20Is as Tamim’s replacement.