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David Warner has defended his use of thick, lightweight bats, and said he believed flat pitches were a more significant factor in any perceived imbalance between bat and ball

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jul-20161:55

‘There are pros and cons to using big bats’ – Warner

David Warner has defended his use of thick, lightweight bats, and said he believed flat pitches were a more significant factor in any perceived imbalance between bat and ball in Test cricket.Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting recently argued for greater regulation of bat depth and weight – at present only a bat’s length and width are restricted – in the long form, a call that found support from fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. Ponting will be at the MCC’s World Cricket Committee meeting at Lord’s next week, and he said bat size would be part of the discussion.The Gray Nicolls Kaboom bats used by Warner are notable for the extreme thickness of their edges, but they are made of a lightweight wood that makes them deceptively easy to wield. Warner said there were downsides to using such bats, including the greater likelihood of being caught off a leading edge, and he said the state of pitches had a greater say in determining scores.”If we look around the country, I think the wickets are pretty much dictating,” Warner told reporters in Sydney on Friday. “A lot of batsmen are scoring a lot of runs, there have been a lot of runs scored in the last 12 to 18 months; you can’t specifically come out and say it is the big bats, because everyone around the country and around the world is scoring a lot of runs. In my mind it is a credit to the bat maker.”Ponting argued that restrictions to bat size should only occur in the longer form of the game and thick, lightweight bats should be allowed to remain in one-day and Twenty20 cricket. In those shorter forms, he said, spectators expected to see plenty of boundaries and entertaining batting, but in Test cricket it was more important to ensure the balance between bat and ball was as fair as possible.”If people think that it is becoming an unfair advantage they will speak their opinions, but we are getting bigger and stronger and are capable of using bats that are a bit heavy,” Warner said. “In Test matches I use a smaller bat unless we are playing in the subcontinent, where I use a heavier bat. My bigger bats might be a lot larger than other players’ bats, but it is still the same cleft of wood.”Australia coach Darren Lehmann said the size of bats were just “about right”, but also expressed safety concerns for bowlers at nets.”Where they [the size of bats] are at now, is about right, maybe a little bit less,” Lehmann said. “They will certainly make it stock standard for everyone. The edges are too big on some of the bats.”I see health and safety as a big issue, especially more so in the nets. To be fair, bowlers and net bowlers in the nets are a real worry for us. The way they hit them now, they are stronger athletes – they hit them harder, there is no doubt about that. It [injuries] are going to happen somewhere, hopefully it doesn’t, but you have just got to be mindful of all that.”

West Ham United are ready to check whether Graham Potter would be interested in replacing David Moyes as manager at the end of the season, according to a report from The Telegraph.

What's the latest West Ham manager news?

Journalist Matt Law has recently claimed Moyes may still be in charge next season, and he could give his chances a "huge boost" by winning the Europa Conference League, with the first leg of the semi-final against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.

The Scot has almost certainly guided the Hammers to Premier League safety, after the 1-0 victory against Manchester United, but the club's hierarchy could still look at replacing him, with Rafa Benitez reportedly of interest.

The West Ham hierarchy are said to have held talks with Paulo Fonseca, while they were linked with a move for Potter as far back as February, when he was still in charge of Chelsea, and they could now be set to make first contact with the 47-year-old.

According to a report from The Telegraph, the Irons are ready to make a tentative approach to the former Chelsea boss, should they opt to replace their current manager at the end of the season, but it is by no means guaranteed they part ways with the 60-year-old.

The Hammers have not yet ruled out starting next season with Moyes at the helm, despite the fact he has been on the brink of the sack multiple times this season. Failure to get past Alkmaar would put his position in jeopardy, but the former Everton boss is regarded behind-the-scenes as one of West Ham's most successful modern-day managers.

Should West Ham replace Moyes with Potter?

It would feel a little harsh to replace the Irons manager if they go on to win the Conference League, which would grant Europa League qualification for next season, but if they do not, Potter could be an excellent appointment.

Moyes himself has spoken highly of the Englishman, hailing him as an "exceptional manager", and he did a fantastic job at Brighton & Hove Albion, leaving the club in their highest ever position, and laying the groundwork for Roberto De Zerbi.

Of course, it did not work out for the Solihull-born coach at Stamford Bridge, being sacked after six months in charge, but his success at Brighton indicates he would be able to get West Ham competing near the top of the Premier League table once again.

Leeds United are currently scrapping for their lives at the foot of the Premier League table, with the Yorkshire side now just a point above the drop zone following the 1-1 draw with fellow relegation strugglers, Leicester City in midweek.

While there will no doubt have been frustration among those at Elland Road at having conceded late on against the Foxes, the major cause of concern following that stalemate was the injury to summer signing Luis Sinisterra, with the Colombian international having been forced off just minutes after giving the home side the lead on the night.

The Whites' worst fears have since been realised with the former Feyenoord man having been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with an ankle injury, ensuring he now joins midfield maestro Tyler Adams on the treatment table.

In the case of Sinisterra, this recent blow comes amid what has been an injury-hit debut campaign in Yorkshire for the £21m addition, albeit with the winger having shown flashes of his quality when he has been fit and firing, with seven goals in just 22 games in all competitions this season.

The seven-cap menace had appeared to be a player who could well help to drag Javi Gracia's side to safety having scored three goals in his last five top-flight games, although the survival hopefuls may now need to find another source of attacking inspiration.

Who can replace Sinisterra for Leeds?

The obvious candidate to replace the stricken 23-year-old in the side would be Italian dynamo, Wilfried Gnonto, with the diminutive ace also having impressed during his first season at the club, registering five goal involvements in 19 league games in all competitions this term.

The Italy international may not be the only young prospect who could also provide Gracia and co with further firepower, however, with teenager Sonny Perkins among the academy options who are likely to be pushing for a more prominent role at first-team level.

The exciting 19-year-old – who signed from West Ham United back in July – has thus far been restricted to just three senior outings for his current side since making that summer switch from the London Stadium, albeit while netting late on the FA Cup clash with Cardiff City earlier this year.

That ability to make an impact in the final third was an example of why the versatile forward – who can feature on the flanks or in a centre-forward berth – has been hailed as a "goal machine" by U21's boss, Michael Skubala.

Such glowing praise has undoubtedly been warranted with the London-born ace having bagged 11 goals in just 20 appearances for the club's U21 side this season, after previously providing 12 goals in 23 games at the same age group for the Hammers.

The England U19 youth international will likely have caught the attention of Gracia even further having been on fire in recent weeks, having provided seven goal involvements in his last five Premier League 2 games.

That stellar record is a clear illustration of the undoubted diamond that Leeds have on their hands, with young Perkins potentially set to be the man to help lift the mood at the club, amid this current run of four league games without a win.

Even if the £1.6k-per-week ace is not thrust in from the start over the coming games, he could well help to fill the attacking void left behind by Sinisterra by offering a game-changing option from the bench.

Tottenham Hotspur may have just been handed a potential boost in their reported interest in making Luis Enrique their new manager.

Who could Spurs hire as Conte's replacement?

The north London club's season is in serious danger of coming off the tracks over the coming week with three huge Premier League games on the horizon.

Spurs face a trip to Newcastle United on the weekend, which is then followed by a midweek clash against Manchester United and then a visit to Liverpool next Sunday.

On the back of their recent results against some of the league's struggling sides, these games would appear to be must-wins for the Lilywhites if they want to land a spot inside the top four.

However, the search for a new permanent manager goes on in the background as they face competition from the likes of Chelsea.

It is believed the two London clubs hold very similar shortlists for their vacancies in the dugout with one of the potential candidates being Enrique.

However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has suggested Spurs may have now been handed a free run at landing the former Barcelona and Spain manager:

(1:05) "Nothing is over yet. But what we can say about Luis Enrique is an important update saying that at the moment what is the internal feeling of Chelsea is that Chelsea have cooled their interest in Luis Enrique as the head coach for the next season. It's not over yet, but at the moment the feeling is absolutely different."

Can Levy ignore the clamour for Pochettino?

The potential appointment of Enrique would see Spurs hire a manager who would arrive with an impressive record of winning trophies over the years.

However, there is an evident desire among a large section of the north London faithful to see their former manager, Mauricio Pochettino, return to N17.

The fans have been heard singing the Argentine's name from the stands and it will be interesting to see whether that does influence the club's decision.

It is believed Pochettino is not currently in the thinking of the board but if the results continue to disappoint, it is likely those chants will only increase in volume.

Enrique is a manager who has held talks with Chelsea and is believed to have wanted the job at Stamford Bridge sot there could well be the concern Spurs are viewed as his next best option.

Having said that, the results are not improving in north London and the club are in danger of plummeting down the table over the remaining games of the season.

Not only could Champions League football quickly exit the frame, but European football altogether may be lost with some of the sides below them showing seriously impressive form.

And you do have to question how appealing the job in north London would become if there was not European football on offer at all.

Tottenham Hotspur are 'advancing' in negotiations to sign defender Clement Lenglet on a permanent deal, according to reports.

What's the latest Spurs transfer news?

Despite still being without a manager since Antonio Conte's departure last month, with interim boss Cristian Stellini taking charge in the meantime, there have been some transfer rumours circulating in the press. Indeed, perhaps the most notable name to have been linked with a move to north London is Leicester City star James Maddison.

Reports in the last fortnight have claimed that Spurs are firmly in the race to sign Maddison alongside Newcastle, with the Lilywhites even holding an edge and being in pole position as things stand – at least according to Football Insider.

Another position thought to be high on Tottenham's agenda to strengthen is centre-back with the likes of Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) among those to have been tipped with a possible N17 move. This is despite the apparent wish of Spurs to tie down defender Eric Dier with a new deal.

Now, as per a report by Spanish news outlet Sport, it appears chairman Daniel Levy is aiming to complete another in-house deal as his side wish to take Lenglet on a permanent deal.

According to the outlet, Spurs are 'already advancing in the negotiations' to sign the Frenchman permanently – even despite not inserting any obligation or option to buy in the loan deal. The total sum of this transfer could amount to around €14 million (£12m).

Barcelona apparently have a good amount of this deal 'amortized' and are 'about to sell' Lenglet – with the report stating in it's headline that the player is 'trapped' at Tottenham.

Should Spurs sign Lenglet permanently?

The 27-year-old's time at Spurs has been a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, he ranks among their best-performers in terms of tackles made per 90 and clearances in the Premier League – all whilst completing 87.3% of his passes out from the back (WhoScored).

He's also been praised as a defender with 'quality' by members of the press, yet some sub-par showings have equally resulted in pundits like Jamie O'Hara calling him an 'imposter'.

This news that Barca are willing to offload him for £12m is perhaps an indicator of how much the La Liga side want him off their books, and it remains to be seen whether Lenglet can truly discover his very best form in England.

Arsenal's prestigious Hale End Academy is a seemingly non-stop producer of top-quality talent. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe would be the first to step forward and testify to that.

With Jack Wilshere also manning the U18s squad now, he is a man who knows exactly what it takes to burst through into the senior team and take an opportunity with both hands.

One of the latest success stories to do just that has been Folarin Balogun, who had scored goals for fun in the youth setup. Having been sent out on loan for some senior exposure, few likely expected the England youth international to enjoy such a fine goalscoring run in Ligue 1.

The forward has established himself as one of Europe's hottest young prospects, and as such is seeking a first-team spot to continue that development. Few would want to return to the bench after the campaign he has enjoyed.

The Athletic's David Ornstein had reported that an Emirates exit did appeal to the 21-year-old, should he not get his wish of a starting place, and this summer could mark his opportunity.

Whilst the Gunners would likely earn a huge financial benefit from the sale of such a talented youngster, it once again leaves a void for the next big star to fill. Although far from an out-and-out number nine, Marcelo Flores is one who could go under the radar but might be next in line.

Who is Marcelo Flores?

The Mexican youngster, who moved to north London in 2019, already boasts a stunning three appearances for his national team. This is before the 19-year-old has even been granted an appearance for Arsenal's first team.

It is this pedigree which already makes him such a red-hot prospect and suggests that Balogun's legacy could quickly be expunged with his potentially stunning emergence.

This season the teenage sensation has enjoyed a first full campaign within the senior game, featuring on loan for Real Oviedo. Although just one assist in 13 games might suggest a poor year, the club's president, Martin Pelaez, has been quick to defend the wide man.

He claimed:

"Marcelo is a player with a lot of potential, he’s 19 years old, I see him as having the quality to continue in Europe. He has a lot of room for improvement, he has a great future, he is extremely professional, with an incredible mentality, he has all the conditions to continue in Europe.

“We hope he continues to grow, he has talent, youth, professionalism, he has a great future with us."

This comes a year after the speedster had recorded six goals and two assists in 11 U18 Premier League games, and a further five goal contributions in just ten Premier League 2 appearances. Clearly, the forward is a cut above the youth level.

With Balogun's sudden emergence after a tough prior loan in the Championship, perhaps Flores will see the progression of his former teammate and seek to emulate it. There is no rush to become the next big thing, but the fearless youngster who is already a full international has all the pieces in place to become it.

Aston Villa are currently riding a crest of a wave right now under Unai Emery, with their latest Premier League victory in midweek vaulting them up to seventh spot in the table.

The win at the King Power Stadium was their fifth victory in their previous six matches and now leaves the Villans firmly in the hunt for a European spot for next season.

Nottingham Forest are the visitors today at Villa Park, and it gives the club another chance to continue their ascent up the table, and with the way they are playing right now, anything is possible.

Emery will likely make some changes to the side from midweek given the quick turnaround in games, and this could give a few players an opportunity to impress.

Bertrand Traore had a match-winning cameo against the Foxes, which could give Emery a licence to start the player and allow him to showcase his ability from the first whistle.

Will Bertrand Traore start for Aston Villa against Nottingham Forest?

The winger spent the first half of the season on loan at Turkish side Basaksehir, scoring three goals in 18 matches. However, he was recalled by Emery in January as Villa failed to sign a winger during the transfer window.

Since recovering from injury, he has played three times for the club and his contribution in midweek could be the confidence boost that he requires heading into the final weeks of the campaign.

He has averaged 1.3 shots per game and succeeded with 50% of his attempted dribbles during his three appearances so far, with his average game time of just 21 minutes not giving him the ideal chance to showcase his abilities.

The £17m winger enjoyed a successful first season at the club during 2020/21, registering 14 goal contributions (seven goals and seven assists), and if Emery can bring him back to that level ahead of next term, he could be like a brand-new signing.

His former manager, Dean Smith, lauded Traore at the end of his first campaign, saying: "He's a marvellous technician, I've been really pleased, and I expect better from him next season as well."

There is surely no doubt he has the ability to shine against a Forest side who have conceded 52 goals already this season, and we feel Traore can take advantage of their questionable defending this afternoon and build upon his midweek performance.

Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that those within the West Ham United hierarchy do not rate Graham Potter particularly highly as he enters the market of possible future managers.

What's the latest on Graham Potter and West Ham?

With the Hammers struggling down towards the bottom end of the Premier League table, the future of David Moyes has looked uncertain for some time.

Indeed, as per The Guardian, there has been "growing dressing-room discontent" over the 59-year-old's tactics this season and it feels as though he could soon be sacked.

Elsewhere in London, another manager did depart his club this weekend. Yes, Chelsea fired Potter on Sunday and with the 47-year-old now a free agent, he may well be considered as a future Moyes replacement.

With that in mind, Ex went to his sources to enquire about the possibility but it doesn't sound as though the Englishman has a lot of fans at West Ham.

In an update on The West Ham Way Patreon, the club insider explained: "The feedback was not so good on Potter with the top source within the club stating the general feeling is he was massively helped with his recruitment at the club (Brighton) by his backroom staff and that his time at Brighton may have given people an inaccurate perception of the manager."

Was Potter that bad at Chelsea?

The former Chelsea boss certainly didn't do a very good job with the Blues. He leaves them 11th in the table having managed to lose nine, draw eight and win just 11 of his 28 Premier League games in charge.

However, the criticism that suggests recruitment at Brighton was the only thing that made him an initial success in English football seems a little harsh.

After all, he did pretty well to rise from relative obscurity with Swedish team Ostersund – where he once masterminded a Europa League win over Arsenal at the Emirates – all the way to the Champions League, via spells with Swansea and Brighton before Chelsea.

Even so, he does remain unproven at the very top of the game and after his most recent job ended so badly, it's not hard to see why West Ham and other clubs may have doubts before appointing Potter.

Anyway, after a win over Southampton on the weekend, Moyes remains very much in charge. However, at the end of the season, if the club are on the lookout for a new manager, perhaps the hierarchy will take more time to carefully consider Potter as a serious candidate.

Journalist Daniel Wales has claimed Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock is good enough to get in the England squad amid Jude Bellingham comparisons.

What's the latest on Joe Willock and Newcastle United?

With the Premier League taking a break while intentional teams play fixtures across the globe, the Magpies regular will get to rest his legs too.

Indeed, aged 23 years old, Willock remains uncapped at senior level for his country – though has played for multiple youth teams, right up to the U21s.

However, it seems as though there are those who think he deserves a reward for his good form at the club, having played in all but one of the club's league games this term as Newcastle push for a Champions League spot.

While speaking on the Everything is Black and White podcast, Wales claimed Willock – who earns £80,000 per week – should be in Gareth Southgate's England squad.

He said: "I saw a stat yesterday, it showed players that are similar to Jude Bellingham and I think it was Gavi and Pedri were the top two.

"And then Joe Willock was third after those, if I remember rightly, showing that he is certainly capable of, perhaps not exactly emulating the ability of Jude Bellingham – we know how good he is for his age as well – but certainly producing performances good enough to get him in the England squad with that sort of ability that Joe Willock is showing week-in, week-out."

Does Joe Willock deserve an England call-up?

The information Wales is referring to comes from an article by The Athletic. In the story, it notes that across Europe from players aged 23 and under who have played 900+ minutes this season, only Barcelona duo Gavi and Pedri are more "stylistically similar" than Bellingham.

With that in mind, if Gareth Southgate was to see Bellingham pick up an injury, Willock is theoretically the best player to come in and replace him.

However, until he gets handed an international call-up, it will be impossible for the Newcastle man to prove his worth. In the meantime, then, he'll have to just keep on impressing with the Magpies.

To be fair to Willock, in the last two games before the break, he delivered impressive 7.8 and 7.7 Sofascore ratings in wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest respectively, so he may wonder what more he was to do to play for his country.

Manchester United are eyeing up a move for exciting Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh rumour.

The Lowdown: Mitoma superb for Brighton

The Seagulls have been a breath of fresh air this season, playing some eye-catching football under both Graham Potter and his successor, Roberto De Zerbi.

A top-four finish in the Premier League still isn’t out of the question for Brighton, who sit seventh in the table during the international break, and numerous breakout players have been key to their success.

One of those is undoubtedly Mitoma, who has impressed hugely out on the left wing with his quick feet, directness and end product, causing defenders nightmares along the way – just ask Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 25-year-old has six goals and three assists to his name in the league so far this season, and his performances are understandably catching the eye of some top clubs.

Manchester City have been linked with a summer move for Mitoma and now it appears as though United are also in the mix.

The Latest: United eyeing move

According to The Daily Mail, the Red Devils have already sent scouts to watch the Japanese starlet in action and will now be keeping a close eye on him when they meet Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final later this month.

Mitoma’s current Seagulls deal runs until the summer of 2025.

The Verdict: Could be a great addition

The Brighton speedster has arguably been one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking players this season, being hailed for his ‘blistering pace’ by Lewis Dunk, as well as being a ‘threat and a danger when he runs in behind’.

For these reasons, the 13-cap Japan international could be such an exciting signing by United at the end of the season, adding an extra spark to Erik ten Hag’s attack.

With the Red Devils likely to be fighting across four fronts next season, and back in the Champions League, rotation will be key and Mitoma could thrive on the left-hand side, linking with Luke Shaw and providing consistent end product.

There is the issue of Marcus Rashford potentially keeping him out of the team regularly, but Ten Hag could even consider using the Englishman more centrally moving forward, depending on whether or not he signs a big-name striker during the summer window.

Either way, the £10,000-a-week Mitoma is someone who United should be considering signing, following a season that has seen his reputation skyrocket.