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Coach’s focus on the ‘soft dismissals’ of Sarfraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, with talk emerging of ‘big changes’ in the next Test

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Dec-2018Pakistan’s latest batting disaster led to a heated team meeting post-play in Centurion and it could yet lead to some big changes ahead of the second Test in Cape Town next week.Pakistan were well-placed at tea on the second day of the first Test, 100 for 1 at the break with a lead of 58 and two set batsmen in Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood. Imam, however, chopped on in the first over after tea and, as has happened so often over the last couple of years, Pakistan’s batting fell apart, failing even to see out the session.The collapses have been a regular feature through the tenure of Mickey Arthur but the problem has become acute since the departures of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan in April 2017. But perhaps because Pakistan were in such a promising position this time, the anger and frustration in the dressing room post-play tipped over.Arthur is understood to have had, what several sources described variously as a “strong” and “honest” discussion with his batsmen. A few of the batsmen “were reminded of their responsibilities”, according to a team source, though particular focus fell on the dismissals of the senior-most trio in the side: captain Sarfraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq.Sarfraz fell for a duck – a pair for the Test – chasing a wide ball and edging to slip; Shafiq edged a lazy waft behind, the ball after having he was reprieved by DRS which over-ruled an lbw decision; Azhar got into a terrible tangle off a short ball, unsure whether to defend or pull. They were told, in clear terms, that their dismissals were “soft”.It was the latest in a series of cheap dismissals for the trio in crunch situations. Twice in the recent home series against New Zealand, the three failed or fell at inopportune moments in chasing a low total or trying to bat out less than a day to save a Test.But it is a trend since Sarfraz took over the Test captaincy last year. It began with all three failing in a low chase against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. Sarfraz and Shafiq briefly raised hopes of a successful 300-plus chase in the very next Test in Dubai, before the captain fell sweeping early on the fifth day. Azhar and Shafiq were part of a mini-collapse in a chase of 160 against Ireland in Malahide, which left Pakistan tottering at 14 for 3 before Babar Azam and Imam saw them home (Sarfraz failed in that chase too, though the win was all but sealed by then).And then, against New Zealand, having taken Pakistan all but home at 130 for 3 in a chase of 176, Shafiq fell on the stroke of lunch, precipitating a collapse in which Sarfraz fell for 3. Azhar was last man out for 65, unable to find ways to score the five runs that would’ve won the Test.In the final Test, again in Abu Dhabi, Azhar and Shafiq both made first-innings hundreds, but careless dismissals led to a collapse which let the advantage slip. And when tasked to bat out an hour less than a full day on the final day, the trio once again failed, contributing 33 runs between them (Shafiq fell for a first-ball duck).There were even suggestions in the meeting of “big changes” ahead of the next Test. The nature of those is as yet unclear, however, and would depend on the result of this Test – South Africa need 149 runs to go one-up in the series.Though Sarfraz has been under pressure for some time now, and acknowledged as much before this tour, it is difficult to see Pakistan doing anything drastic with their captain mid-tour. Azhar’s experience at the top of the order with an inexperienced opening pair insulates him to a degree for now, and he does average 40.36 since the start of Pakistan’s home season.That leaves Shafiq in greatest danger. He holds the Pakistan record for the most number of consecutive Tests played (62 and counting), but not only have his returns been poor this year, the manner and timing of his dismissals have started attracting attention. It will not be easy convincing Sarfraz to drop him but, especially if Pakistan lose in Centurion, that might become an easier option.Reports in Pakistan suggest the meeting was more than just heated, with words exchanged between Sarfraz and Arthur. There are even suggestions that equipment was thrown around but that has been denied by players and staff, some of whom are unhappy that news of the dressing-room meeting leaked out.The PCB issued a statement, reiterating that nothing untoward had happened: “As per the norm, Mickey held a debriefing meeting at the end of the day’s play which was held in a cordial atmosphere with inputs from team members and management as is the usual practice.”Any speculation about coach’s angry behaviour towards the players is grossly exaggerated.”

Manchester City sent representatives to watch an exciting target in action last weekend as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his squad, as per reports.

Manchester City transfer updates…

The Blues have made a typically strong start to the Premier League campaign and look to be in a good position to challenge for their fourth title in four successive campaigns. Summer signings Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic have all made a tangible impact since arriving at the Etihad Stadium; nevertheless, more incomings and outgoings will occur in January as Guardiola looks to get his squad into shape ahead of the second period of the season.

In a recent shock transfer update from Four Four Two, Manchester City are believed to be keen on Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo; nevertheless, there isn't documentation of the type of fee Guardiola's men may need to fork out to land the 18-year-old.

Only a handful of players have crossed the divide in Manchester over recent years, with the last to play for both clubs being Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho, who featured prominently in the City youth set-up before moving on to Borussia Dortmund.

Nevertheless, Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne could be set to walk through the exit door next summer, with Saudi Pro League big-spenders Al Nassr believed to be eyeing a swoop for the Belgium international. Reportedly, the 32-year-old was sounded out over a move to the Middle East during the summer transfer window; however, no official bid was made by Al Nassr, who are keen to bring in a string of high-profile players to accompany the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic at Al-Awall Park.

Now, it looks as if Manchester City have been keeping tabs on a player who could potentially provide competition to De Bruyne or even replace the veteran, according to new developments.

Manchester City scout Bayer Leverkusen ace Florian Wirtz

According to 90min, Manchester City sent scouts to watch Bayer Leverkusen man Florian Wirtz last weekend, as his side defeated Hoffenheim 3-2 away from home in the Bundesliga.

Florian Wirtz's statistics in 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

15

Goals

6

Assists

9

Germany international Wirtz opened the scoring during the encounter in an impressive display, which will only increase Manchester City's admiration toward his talent, which is said to go back several years. Argentinian midfielder Exequiel Palacios was also in action for the visitors and is rumoured to be a player that the club are also examining.

From an offensive standpoint, Wirtz has been in exceptional form this term for Bayer Leverkusen, recording an average of two shots, 2.5 key passes and 2.5 dribbles per match in the Bundesliga (Wirtz statistics – WhoScored).

Labelled a "great player" by Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, the 20-year-old has no shortage of elite-level suitors, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern themselves also believed to be in the hunt to sign Wirtz.

As his stock continues to rise, it may only be a matter of time before Wirtz swaps the BayArena for a fresh challenge as he continues to catch the eye of the world's best sides.

Niall O’Brien, one of the pillars of Irish cricket in their rise to Test status over the last 15 years, has announced his retirement from the game. O’Brien follows his team-mate Ed Joyce in deciding to call time shortly after playing in Ireland’s inaugural Test, against Pakistan at Malahide in May.A talkative wicketkeeper and feisty batsman, O’Brien, 36, made his final international appearances during the ODI series with Afghanistan in August. He played in three World Cups for Ireland, memorably paving the way for their famous triumph over Pakistan at the 2007 tournament with 72 in a three-wicket win at Sabina Park.”It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from international and professional cricket,” he said. “I have been blessed to have been lucky enough to have represented my country for 16 years with plenty more ups than downs and for this I look back with nothing but smiles and laughter.”I would like to thank all my coaches and team-mates who along the way have helped me become the player I was. I have had too many coaches to mention them all but a special thanks must go to Adrian ‘Adi’ Birrell who took a chance on me in 2002 and who arranged a trial at Kent from where I started my 14-year county career, which was an absolute privilege and an honour.”I always tried to play with a smile on my face and with an enjoyment that I think all people could see whether watching from the stands, standing with me in the field or coming up against me for the opposition. Hard work was always behind my performance and I will take this same ethos into the next phase of my career where I have been working in the sports agency business for the last 2 years alongside my playing commitments and will continue to pursue this avenue.”Alongside Joyce, William Porterfield, Trent Johnston, and his brother, Kevin, Niall O’Brien was one of the key figures among a generation of Irish players who lifted the game to previously unimagined heights. In all, he played 216 times for Ireland, including 103 ODIs, 30 T20Is and a single Test, scoring more than 6000 runs across the formats.As well as his role in the upset of Pakistan, he was part of the teams that beat England in Bangalore at the 2011 World Cup – thanks to Kevin O’Brien’s record-breaking hundred – and West Indies in 2015, victories over Full Member nations that boosted Ireland’s case for Test status, finally granted last year.O’Brien also spent several years on the county circuit in England, representing Kent, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. He returned to play in Ireland’s interprovincial tournaments in 2017, and plans to try his hand at coaching and media work post-retirement.”To all at Cricket Ireland a sincere thank you for allowing me to wear the shamrock for 16 years,” he said. “There are too many fond memories to mention so I just wish the team and the organisation all the very best for the future and I will be watching keenly from afar. From playing relatively small fixtures at the start of my career to competing and winning World Cup matches to being there to play in our first Test match meant I have achieved more than I could have ever dreamt and for this I look back with nothing but fondness.”Finally, and most importantly, thank you to my family for all the guidance and support down the years whether it was driving me to matches, throwing balls to me in the garden or travelling to the Caribbean to watch me play. Without you I would not have amounted to anything on the field so a huge thank you to all the O’Briens.”Now is a time for myself and my wonderful wife Bex to welcome our new addition into the world and enjoy some family time together.”John Mooney and Niall O’Brien are jubilant after the victory•Getty Images

Ireland’s coach, South African Graham Ford, recalled first meeting O’Brien in 2005, when he was coming through at Kent, and praised the “fine example” he set as a player.”He can be well proud of what he has achieved on the field but he can be equally proud of how he has operated as a professional cricketer and the manner in which he has played the game,” Ford said. “He was an extremely tough competitor and played it very, very hard. At the same time he always showed respect for the game and the opposition. After a tough day he was always happy to have a chat and a laugh with his teammates and the opposition.”It will be tough for Niall to walk away after so many years, but it is nice to know that he walks away having gained many special and lasting friendships from his time in the game.”O’Brien finishes as Ireland’s most successful wicketkeeper, with 241 dismissals, and one of only four players to represent the country in 100 ODIs. In addition to his World Cup exploits, he played in four World T20s, and helped Ireland lift the ICC’s Intercontinental Cup – the main first-class competition for Associate nations – on four occasions.”It’s always a sad time when someone who has had a great career and played such a big part in the evolution of Irish cricket goes,” Porterfield, Ireland’s Test and ODI captain, said. “Niall, along with the likes of Ed Joyce, showed what was possible at the time for young Irish cricketers, in forging a great career in the county game.””Alongside that he had a great international career. Niall would have been involved when we only had a couple of games a year, and I’m sure he will sit back and reflect with great pride when he sees where he has helped get Ireland to. From his Man-of-the-Match innings in the 2007 World Cup that helped put Ireland on the global map, to walking out in Ireland’s inaugural Test match.”He can be immensely proud of that and everything else he achieved in his career and fully deserves all the plaudits I’m sure he will get. I would personally like to wish him all the very best for a successful future.”

Former USYNT star Alex Loera missed Bay FC's 2-1 defeat to the Washington Spirit due to an "internal matter", a week after being made captain.

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Loera absent due to internal matterNo further information revealedBay lost 2-1 USA Today Sports WHAT HAPPENED?

Loera was announced as Bay FC's captain last week but a new twist saw her left out of the squad altogether for the club's defeat to Washington Spirit. Loera, per Mercury News, missed the game due to an "internal club matter" and coach Albertin Montoya refused to elaborate further.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Loera, who was previously a United States Under-23 international, made her feelings known about moving to Bay in October, claiming that she did not know she would be traded from KC Current, and revealing that the move was "incredibly disheartening", as she had made it clear she wanted to stay. She actually became Bay FC's first-ever player, as they paid $175,000 for her.

WHAT MONTOYA SAID

Montoya said after the defeat: “It’s just unfortunate. That’s another thing teams always have to work on. We’re a little bit new and we have to work on final moments and game management so we can see (the game) out. A point in Washington would’ve been a great result.

“But we played a very good game today, as far as the brand of football we want to play. That’s a huge positive for us.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Bay FC play Houston Dash next Sunday. It remains to be seen if Loera will be involved, but her team will be eager to get back to winning ways after dropping to sixth in the NWSL table.

International cricket set to debut here at the USD5.2m cricket-specific facility at Church Street Park in the greater Raleigh area in September

Peter Della Penna19-Aug-2018North Carolina will host international cricket for the first time when the 2020 World T20 sub-regional Americas qualifier is held at the new USD5.2 million cricket-specific facility at Church Street Park in the greater Raleigh area from September 19 to 26. The ICC’s decision confirms news reported by ESPNcricinfo last month that the venue was the preferred choice among ICC Americas officials ahead of Woodley Park in Los Angeles, which hosted ICC WCL Division Four in 2016.The four-team tournament featuring USA, Canada, Panama and Belize was originally announced to be held from September 16 to 23 but the start date clashed with the final of the Caribbean Premier League in Trinidad. Seven USA players and one Canada player are currently part of CPL squads; the ICC accommodated a slight shift in dates to allow any of those players to make it to North Carolina in time should their franchise reach the CPL final.However, the Auty Cup series of 50-over matches between USA and Canada, which was tentatively slated to be held immediately after the T20 qualifiers in North Carolina, is currently in danger of being scrapped. According to a USA Cricket official, their attempts to lock in an agreement on match dates have been hampered by a lack of communication from Cricket Canada officials.”We would be honoured to host the oldest international sporting event of all time given the longstanding tradition,” USA Cricket project officer Wade Edwards told ESPNcricinfo. “We feel it is a great opportunity for our athletes to play more competitive cricket. It is unfortunate we have not received official communication from Cricket Canada regarding this year’s event.”A Cricket Canada official did not respond to ESPNcricinfo when contacted last week about their participation for this year’s Auty Cup. The 2016 edition won 2-1 by Canada was played in Los Angeles, while last year’s series was played in Canada where the USA broke a 26-year drought in a 2-1 series win.This year’s Auty Cup can only be squeezed into a small window at the end of September both for cost and logistics reasons. Both teams already have their flights to North Carolina covered by the ICC for their participation in the T20 qualifiers. The extra hotel costs of an extended stay to contest the Auty Cup are typically covered by the host country, in this case the USA. According to sources, both teams have been invited to play in the Cricket West Indies Regional Super50, which is due to start in the first week of October and continue through the end of the month.After the conclusion of the CWI Regional Super50, USA will then have a few days off at home before flying to Oman for the start of ICC WCL Division Three, which is scheduled to take place from November 7 to 21 according to multiple sources. USA will compete against Denmark, Kenya, Singapore, Uganda and the hosts, with the top two teams promoted to Division Two.This year’s Division Three tournament will stretch longer than the customary eight-day schedule for World Cricket League tournaments because Oman only has two turf wickets available for use, meaning only four of the six teams can play on any match day instead of having the three matches being played simultaneously. A source has informed ESPNcricinfo that Oman Cricket agreed to help subsidise the extra hotel costs in order to allow for the lengthened schedule.

Moeen Ali returned to his first home at Edgbaston with runs and wickets to take Worcestershire into the semi-finals and bring heartache for his former county

George Dobell07-Jun-2018

ScorecardWhen Moeen Ali left Warwickshire a dozen or so years ago, the club made a point of confirming that he would always be made welcome on his return.But they probably didn’t mean like this. For here Moeen, with three wickets and a century of the highest class, guaranteed his ‘new’ side,Worcestershire, a home semi-final and at the same time sentenced Warwickshire, their local rivals, to the exit.In what became, effectively, a knock-out match – Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire both leapfrogged Warwickshire with their victories – Moeenhelped Worcestershire withstand a blistering opening spell from Olly Stone on the way to his first List A century in domestic cricket forfive years. The previous one was also against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. There’s no place like home.In truth, a wonderful game – full of moments of youthful brilliance – deserved better than the moment that sealed it: Keith Barker skiddingon a dewy outfield and allowing a single to become a boundary. That tied the scores and meant there was no way Warwickshire couldprogress. Worcestershire’s home semi-final was guaranteed moments later when Ed Barnard, admirably calm amid the mounting drama, forced one through the off side field for four.It is often said there is no pace in county cricket. But here Warwickshire – even without the injured Chris Woakes – fielded twoyoung men capable of generating 90 mph. Both Stone – who was timed at 91.4 mph at one stage – and Henry Brookes – who was timed at 89.6 – hurried and harried the Worcestershire batsmen and shared seven wickets between them. To see an international batsman, CallumFerguson, beaten for pace by Stone was heartening. To see 18-year-old Brookes – who beat Brett D’Oliveira for pace – lose little bycomparison will have had selectors taking note. To see Brookes relishing the responsibility and rising to the moment was to see aspecial talent start to blossom. Warwickshire – and probably England – may well have unearthed a gem here.Only Moeen appeared to enjoy the extra pace. Upon a surface on which Worcestershire’s attack had relied on cutters, Warwickshire’s somewhat unsophisticated approach – if fast doesn’t work then bowl faster – played into his hands a bit. Moeen equalled his own record (Joe Leach shares it) for Worcestershire’s fastest List A half-century: a 25-ball affair that included three sixes; the best of them a drive overlong-on off Stone.He hasn’t been in much form since returning from the IPL. His last three innings had produced 10 runs and two ducks. But here, presented with a relatively big occasion – there was a time such a game would have generated a crowd in excess of 10,000 – and a chance to put one over on Worcestershire rich neighbours, he looked imperious.With nobody else in the top five able to make 20, Moeen was grateful for the arrival of Ben Cox. The pair added 95 in 12 overs, with Moeennegating the threat posed by Jeetan Patel and punishing Warwickshire for their absence of a fifth bowler. Aaron Thomason, who has a sidestrain, was missed.It’s probably churlish to find fault in such an innings. But, by the time Moeen mistimed a rare slower ball to mid-off – DominicSibley making a tricky catch appear straightforward – Worcestershire needed 105 from 24.4 overs; a rate only a fraction over four-an-over.The hard work had been done. It seemed an unnecessary stroke.The same might have been said for Cox. Having just seen Ross Whiteley superbly caught at short third-man, Cox’s well-paced innings endedwhen he attempted to pull one too full for the stroke and played on. It left Worcestershire, with seven wickets down, chasing 19 more runs.Sam Hain has had an excellent tournament•Getty Images

That set-up a nerve wracking finale. With Patel forced to go all-in in the search for wickets – Worcestershire were miles ahead of therun-rate and had more than 10 overs to score those 19 runs – Brookes, Stone and Barker bowled out their allocation. Time and again, ballbeat bat but, though Brookes yorked Leach, Dillon Pennington – on first-team debut – somehow survived for 23-balls in helping Barnardadd nine runs. It doesn’t sound much, does it? But every one had to be chiselled from granite and, by the time Barker trapped him leg before,just four were required for the tie.Earlier Warwickshire’s batsmen appeared to struggle for fluency on a pitch that may have been a little slower than they wished. DespiteWorcestershire being without Josh Tongue, who was ruled out with a foot injury, and soon losing their skipper, Leach, to a back injury – he was required to come back out and field for a few overs before George Rhodes arrived from a second XI match in Stourbridge to lendsupport – Warwickshire were unable to progress as they would have like against a disciplined attack.It took a stand of 133 in 25 overs between Tim Ambrose and Will Rhodes to drag Warwickshire to respectability. The pair helped their sideplunder 103 in the final 10 overs of their innings – and 66 from the final five – as Worcestershire started to wilt in the field. Twice balls that should have cost a single – at most – were allowed through legs and to the boundary, while there were four wides in the final two overs; one of them going down the legside for four.For a while it seemed Warwickshire’s superior fielding may prove the difference. But if the highlight was Patel’s direct hit from mid-off to run-out Daryl Mithcell, it was all forgotten when Barker’s slip let through the ball at a crucial moment.As an aside, it will never be Trott’s fault again. The result confirmed that this was the final List A match of his career. The game has, in many ways, moved on in recent years but Trott’s record – the 23 List A centuries, the ODI average of 51.25 – remain exceptional. But for a few minutes of madness at this ground in the Champions Trophy final of 2013, he would have been part of a side that won England’s first global List A trophy. It wasn’t to be but, for a while, England went to No. 1 in the world and he won many games – and a few trophies – for club and country.Worcestershire need not worry about that. For a second year in succession, they have earned themselves a home semi-final. To have done it with a largely home-grown squad – and Moeen didn’t have to come too far, either – provides an excellent example to many richer rivals.

Burnley look set to be without a “fantastic” player for their trip to Newcastle United on Saturday, with Vincent Kompany’s injury issues going from bad to worse.

What’s the latest Burnley injury news?

The Clarets are yet to pick up a Premier League victory so far this season and sit in the bottom three as a result. The club have had a tough run of opening fixtures, though, losing to Manchester City, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United and picking up a point at Nottingham Forest.

It doesn’t get any easier for Burnley, though, with a trip to St James’ Park to take on Eddie Howe’s side tomorrow afternoon. A number of players have been sidelined in recent weeks at Turf Moor and will not feature, including Hjalmar Ekdal, Darko Churlinov, Nathan Redmond and Michael Obafemi, whereas Lyle Foster has been suspended.

Manuel Benson looks set to join them on the treatment table after being subbed off early on in the midweek EFL Cup win at Salford City due to an ankle problem. Speaking ahead of the game this weekend, relayed by The Burnley Express, Kompany said Benson is set to miss out this weekend but is hopeful his issue will “heal fairly quickly”.

“It’s not bad, bad news but in the short term it has an impact on the squad for the weekend. It was a serious knock, so it’s a bit of both. But it’s nothing dramatic, so hopefully he will heal fairly quickly. With the international break, that probably comes at a good time actually.”

How good is Manuel Benson?

Benson starred during his first season in England last year, playing a key role in the Championship-winning campaign with 15 goal contributions.

He was hailed as “fantastic” by Kompany as a result, who said after he scored last season: “He’s got to score five in a row. It’s not a coincidence; it’s a skill he’s got.

“In the end it’s something he’s comfortable doing and he will get goals that way. What he’s done for us is fantastic and from our side, that’s all we want. He’s doing well and we’re pushing him to keep doing well and I'm very happy to have him with us.”

However, in 2023/24, it has so far been a struggle for Benson, who was making just his second start of the season in the week.

The winger has played just over 90 minutes of football in all competitions and could now be missing for a short period of time. If he doesn’t return until after the international break, something Kompany has hinted, then Benson would also miss games against Luton Town and Chelsea, where hopefully, the Clarets will pick up their first league victory of the campaign.

MatériaMais Notícias

O atacante Robinho, novo reforço do Santos, foi registrado no BID (Boletim Informativo Diário) da CBF nesta segunda-feira (12), e está liberado para fazer sua reestreia pelo Santos. O Peixe contou com um plantão especial da entidade neste feriado para conseguir a liberação do jogador.

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O Santos corria contra o tempo para conseguir o registro, pois com a abertura da janela de transferências internacionais nesta terça-feira (13), o clube corre o risco de não conseguir registrar mais jogadores por conta das dívidas com Huachipato (CHI), pela compra de Soteldo, e do Atlético Nacional (COL), pela vinda de Aguilar.

– No dia 13 abre nova janela. Ou seja, passa a valer o novo transfer ban do Huachipato e Atlético Nacional em conjunto. A verdade é que temos três leões para matar. Se matarmos um, vem dois. Passaremos para uma fase duplamente mais difícil – disse o presidente em exercício do Santos, Orlando Rollo, após a reunião do Conselho Deliberativo na semana passada.

Com Robinho regularizado, o técnico Cuca ganha mais uma peça para o ataque santista, que já conta com Marinho, Soteldo, Kaio Jorge, Arthur Gomes, Lucas Braga, Tailson e Raniel.

The arrival of the South African fast bowler on a two-year Kolpak deal will invite hopes of a Championship challenge

Subhankar Bhattacharya10-Apr-2018Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has signed a two-year contract with Surrey. Morkel will slot into Surrey’s setup as a Kolpak registered player and will be available to play in all three formats of the game.Having retired only a few weeks ago from international cricket, several English counties had expressed their interest in roping in the big South African, but Surrey possessed the most financial muscle and his presence will encourage hopes that they can press for their first Championship since 2002.Morkel called time on his international career at the end of what was a controversial Test series against Australia, but one in which he became only the fifth South African bowler to bag 300 Test wickets. He also took the Man of the Match award in his penultimate Test, fittingly on his home ground at Cape Town, for his match-winning figures of 9 for 110.Known for generating genuine pace and bounce, Morkel is likely to extract the best out of The Oval’s otherwise gentle surface. The presence of another South African Kolpak in county cricket will invite criticism, but Surrey are rightly proud of their largely homegrown staff.”It is a real honour that Surrey asked me to join after my retirement from international cricket,” Morkel said. “I’ve got fond memories of playing at the Kia Oval and am looking forward to settling into London with my family for the summer.”Although he arrives on Wednesday, Morkel is not expected to take to the field in Surrey’s opening home fixture against Hampshire which begins on April 20. With his deal with Surrey confirmed, the paceman joins a list of current South African cricketers who will feature in this year’s county season, including Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn.

Stumps Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva run between the wickets•Associated Press

Mahmudullah’s 83 not out heaved Bangladesh to 513, before the two big hopes of Sri Lanka’s top order – Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis – wiped 187 runs off the deficit together, and remained unbeaten at the close of play.Though the spinners had a little more purchase, this was, in short, another batting day in Chittagong. Rangana Herath did impose himself on the match for the first time and Mehidy Hasan took the only Sri Lanka wicket with the new ball, when the opposition were still scoreless. But only the occasional ball turned sharply, and the quicks had little assistance. By mounting such a monumental score, however, Bangladesh have given themselves a cushion – Sri Lanka must bat well again on Friday to come to a position of parity.De Silva, rarely rattled, was calm and assertive from the outset, driving impeccably, and never shy to flit around the crease in the course of manufacturing of a dab or a lap sweep against the spinners. There is growing sentiment that he is one of Sri Lanka’s most versatile Test batsmen, and this innings was further evidence. No portion of the field was unfruitful for Dananjaya, and bowler could trouble him for long. If a few dot balls mounted, he would slink down the pitch to loft the spinner over the offside, or back away to punch him square of the pitch. Where many batsmen fear losing their wickets just before a break, Dananjaya saw opportunity; thrice he ran at Taijul Islam in the over before tea, and thrice he hoisted him over the infield for boundaries. In between the big blows, singles and twos, eased comfortably through the field – no fuss, just confident Test batting.The only half-chance off de Silva’s bat came when he was on 65, and Mustafizur Rahman drew an edge with a ball that straightened. The chance flew low between first and second slip, neither fielder getting close to the ball. A few overs later, Taijul Islam hit him on the pad after he had skipped down the track, and Bangladesh burned one of their reviews, now quite desperate to dislodge him. As he had been struck more than three metres from the stumps, the ball tracking did not even come into play. Six overs later, after a minor deceleration during the nineties, Dananjaya struck a sublime backfoot punch off Taijul to complete a 122-ball century. It was his second triple-figure score in as many innings: the excellent match-saving hundred at Delhi being his most recent effort.Mendis’ innings, was not nearly as convincing. He had been beaten repeatedly by Sunzamul Islam in the early overs, and was often uncomfortable against each of Bangladesh’s three left-arm spinners, right until the final over of the day. He could have been caught in the slips twice. He was dropped by a diving Mehidy on four, off the bowling of Mustafizur, and later, Mehidy had a similarly difficult chance go down of his own bowling. Batting on 57, Mendis edged a straighter delivery, that just evaded he keeper’s gloves, but was too fine for slip to lay a hand on it. There was an lbw review against him also, but as the ball was passing over the stumps, the original decision prevailed.In between the tetchy moments, were flashes of Mendis skill – the rocket-powered flat sweeps, and the rapid pull shots whenever the bowlers dropped short. All six of Mendis’ intentional boundaries came on the legside, as did a majority of his singles. This being his comeback Test innings after being dropped for the tour of India, Mendis stuck largely to his stronger scoring areas. The two had come together after Dimuth Karunaratne fell in the third over, edging Mehidy to slip.Earlier on day two, Mahmudullah had been the spine in a good lower-order batting effort from Bangladesh. Though they had lost two quick wickets inside the first seven overs – including that of overnight centurion Mominul Haque – Mahmudullah had combined with Sunzamul Islam to ensure Bangladesh remained on track for a score of over 500. The two put on 58 for the eighth wicket, before Sunzamul was stumped down the legside, having failed to read a Lakshan Sandakan googly. Mahmudhullah trusted his tail-end partners. Only when No. 11 Mustafizur came to the crease did he kick his own innings into a higher tempo, and even then, did not turn down singles.Suranga Lakmal dismissed Mustafizur with a short ball to finish with the innings’ best figures of 3 for 58. The spinners’ returned far less flattering numbers. Dilruwan Perera and Herath both conceded well over a hundred runs, and Lakshan Sandakan had 2 for 92.