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Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum lit up the Gabba with entertaining half-centuries that helped Brisbane Heat chase down 174 with 22 balls to spare against Hobart Hurricanes

The Report by Alex Malcolm in Brisbane30-Dec-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsChris Lynn struck an unbeaten half-century and the winning runs for the second successive match•Getty ImagesFireworks are common place on New Year’s Eve, but 24 hours out from year-end celebrations, Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn put on a pyrotechnic display at the Gabba to guide Brisbane Heat to their third straight victory.Set 174 to win, McCullum and Lynn made light work of the chase with some extraordinary striking. The duo were brought together at 1 for 9 in the second over and lit up the Gabba. They put on 109 runs in just 53 balls before McCullum holed out.Lynn kept going to finish unbeaten for the second straight match, and struck consecutive sixes to run the total down with 22 balls to spare.The Hurricanes were never in the hunt as 173 was well under par on a superb batting surface. Some excellent bowling from Mark Steketee and Samuel Badree upfront reduced the visitors to 3 for 42, and they lost wickets at regular intervals thereafter.Anything Baz can do, Lynn can do betterFew players can hit the ball cleaner and longer than McCullum, but Lynn did so repeatedly in a partnership that essentially became a six-hitting contest. The pair cleared the ropes 11 times between them, Lynn managed seven compared to McCullum’s four. The former New Zealand captain laid down a marker when he charged down to Stuart Broad and launched him into the second tier, over long-off. Lynn raised the stakes with the biggest hit of the tournament off Shaun Tait, hitting him out of the ground with a strike that was measured at 125 metres. He winked at McCullum moments after it sailed over the Gabba roof. It was longer than Daniel Christian’s six at the same venue last season. Lynn miscued another six two balls later that went 90 metres straight. He also cleared the boundary over cover and wide third man, showing his range and versatility.When your luck’s in, your luck’s inLynn was dropped three times during his amazing 85 not out against Sydney Thunder on Wednesday. He was dropped again third ball of this innings. He launched one to deep midwicket, and D’Arcy Short had to cover a lot of ground to his left. He got his hands to it but couldn’t hang on. He was dropped again on 60, but in reality, Cameron Boyce saved four as the return catch was struck with such force that it could’ve broken his hand. Lynn also skied the ball multiple times only for it to land just wide of fielders and into gaps that could easily have found fieldsmen on another day. McCullum also led a charmed life, but when the ball is struck with such power, it requires some outstanding hands to hang onto the chances.Bailey bogs his batGeorge Bailey was run out under the most unfortunate circumstances at a critical moment in the first innings. The Hurricanes were 3 for 60 after seven overs with Bailey and Christian trying to start a partnership. Christian cut a ball through backward point and the pair appeared to be cruising to an easy three runs. Alex Ross fired a great throw from the deep, but Bailey was going to make his ground comfortably until his bat got stuck in the ground, just short of the crease, as he tried to slide it in. Jimmy Peirson, the Heat wicketkeeper, whipped off the bails while Bailey’s feet were in the air, his bat underneath his body, having bogged in the soft turf just to the side of the pitch. The run-out left the Hurricanes reeling with their three most experienced batsmen back.Sangakkara’s strugglesKumar Sangakkara is a modern great, and his international record in all formats is staggering. But he has not been able to get going in the Big Bash League since joining the Hurricanes last season. His struggles started in his first innings in the competition, last year, when he was out first ball. He made 43 in his second game. But in 10 innings since then, he has failed to reach 20 once. He has scored just 148 runs at an average of 13.45 in 11 appearances for Hobart. He looked in vintage touch early against the Heat, reaching 12 off seven balls with back-to-back boundaries against the offspin of Jason Floros. But his uncharacteristically lean run continued when Badree skidded a shorter ball through and trapped him in front of leg stump.

Baroness Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, the former captain of the England Women’s cricket team, and one of the pioneers of the global game, has died at the age of 77.

Andrew Miller18-Jan-20171:03

Rachael Heyhoe-Flint: 1939-2017

Baroness Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, the former captain of the England Women’s cricket team, and one of the pioneers of the global game, has died at the age of 77.Heyhoe-Flint played 22 Tests and 23 ODIs between 1960 and 1979, and took over as captain in 1966. However, it is as a driving force for women’s equality in sport that she will be most remembered.Her crowning glory came at the 1973 Women’s World Cup, when she led England to victory in the inaugural tournament, having been instrumental in setting the competition up in the first place.According to legend, the concept was inspired by a bottle of “very good brandy” that she had shared with the future owner of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jack Hayward, as the pair sat down to sketch out an event that would pre-date the men’s World Cup by a full two years.Her initiative came at a time when women still took the field in short skirts, were barred from entering the Long Room at Lord’s (the final, and decisive round-robin match, against Australia, was played at Edgbaston as a consequence), and were still some four decades away from the dawn of the professional era now enjoyed by England’s modern crop of women’s players.Clare Connor, a successor of Heyhoe-Flint’s as England captain, led the tributes from the ECB, where she now serves as head of women’s cricket.”This is overwhelmingly sudden and sad news. It is hard to find the words to fully pay tribute to Rachael. She was so special, so ever-present and now she has gone – but her impact can never be forgotten.”She was my friend and mentor and inspiration. And I am not alone; her impact, kindness and support was widely felt by so many.”Rachael was one of our sport’s true pioneers and it is no exaggeration to say that she paved the way for the progress enjoyed by recent generations of female cricketers. I will always remember and continue to be inspired by her fortitude, her deep love of the game and her wicked, wonderful sense of humour. We are all in her debt on this very sad day.”After retirement, Heyhoe-Flint continued in the pioneering spirit, and was one of the driving forces behind the seismic vote at MCC in 1998 that finally allowed women members to be admitted to the club.In 1999, she was one of ten original female Honorary Life Members, and went on to become the first woman to be elected on to the MCC Committee in 2004, and served a second three-year term between 2008 and 2011. She was also the first female player to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2010.MCC President Matthew Fleming said: “This is a terribly sad day for everyone involved in cricket and all of us at MCC. Rachael Heyhoe-Flint was a pioneer of women’s cricket.”She was the first global superstar in the women’s game and her overall contribution to MCC, cricket and sport in general was immense.”Her impact on MCC, be it through events on the field or in the Committee Room, was immeasurable and her enthusiasm, wisdom and gentleness of character will be missed by everyone with whom she came into contact. We all loved her.”Outside of cricket, she was a major force at her hometown club of Wolverhampton Wanderers, where she worked in the PR department from 1990 and served on the board between 1997 and 2003, before being appointed vice-president.Ben Heyhoe Flint, Rachael’s son, spoke on behalf of her family. “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Mum, and yet we’re filled with immense pride as we now look back on her achievements in government, cricket, football, charity and community on which she had such a profound influence.”She tackled all of the above at full speed, showing us how grace, a cheeky sense of humour – and tenacity – can break glass ceilings. We hope that we all can continue the legacy that she leaves behind.”The MCC flag on the Clock Tower at Lord’s has been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move for another defender very soon, if reports are to be believed…

What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Tottenham Hotspur?

The latest comes from transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to offer a short summation on Ange Postecoglou's pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen ace Edmond Tapsoba.

Regarding the north London outfit, he simply wrote: "Edmond Tapsoba, top of the list as talks will take place in the next days."

Given other reports are suggesting the German outfit will command a fee of around £61m, this could prove a lucrative move for the Lilywhites to make. However, if Daniel Levy is to truly back his new manager, these are the kinds of deals he must push through to progress his club back into the big time.

How good is Edmond Tapsoba?

Many will likely be aware of this towering Burkina Faso international for his work in Germany since his 2020 move. It has not taken long to establish himself as one of the Bundesliga's top centre-backs, with journalist Raphael Honigstein even writing: "Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba has been outstanding since arriving in late, late January. Meet Edmond Tapsoba, the Bundesliga’s new sensation."

The figures support the 6 foot 4 titan's prominence as a skilful modern-day defender, but he maintains the necessary defensive steel that could complement Cristian Romero well within a new-look system at Spurs.

In fact, when compared to others in his position across Europe, Tapsoba ranks in the top 5% for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, with his potential new teammate also noted on his 'similar players' list.

The comparisons between the two as creative stars will likely please Postecoglou, whose whole philosophy is embroiled in playing out from the back with confidence.

To further emphasise this quality in possession, the defender actually admitted to modelling his game around John Stones, who has arguably redefined what it means to be a ball-playing defender.

Tapsoba told The Athletic: "John Stones, at Everton. I really enjoyed watching him, he made a huge impression on me. His manner on the ball, and the way he played with the ball. I loved that. I still go back to Stones when it comes to playing in a certain style."

Combining this fleet-footed philosophy with the steel of the World Cup winner could be a match made in heaven,

Whilst his 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game in the German league (via Sofascore) might not be the most exceptional, when accumulated alongside Romero's figures in these categories (1.6 tackles, 2.5 tackles, 3.6 clearances per game in the league), the two could blend well and cover each other's weaknesses.

It is therefore no surprise that Tapsoba remains so high on the list of the Spurs hierarchy, who would surely thrive with these two impressive, aggressive and technically proficient titans at the heart of their defence.

Tottenham Hotspur re-signing loanee Clement Lenglet would highlight their lack of ambition, podcaster Chris Cowlin has claimed.

What's the latest on Spurs and Lenglet?

The Frenchman made 35 appearances on loan in North London from Barcelona, but was part of a Spurs defence which shipped 63 goals in 38 league games.

Spurs need to strengthen their squad after a dismal season which saw them finish eighth and sack Antonio Conte, and new manager Ange Postecoglou has a major job on his hands as he attempts to rebuild the squad.

It is clear that reinforcements in defence are needed, and it has now been mooted that Spurs will keep the 27-year-old permanently.

This move has been greeted with skepticism by Cowlin, who told TalkSPORT that failing to upgrade on Lenglet will sum up the level of ambition at Spurs right now.

"There's lots of talk about us signing Lenglet on a permanent deal for around five million pounds from Barcelona," he stated.

"So it just depends on how we perform in this window, because are we going to go and show real intent, are we going to go and sign up real top quality players from European leagues, or are we going to put up with the likes of Clement Lenglet coming in to Tottenham? That is certainly not what I want to see."

Should Spurs sign Lenglet?

Although he was part of a poor defence, other players such as Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez earned more criticism throughout the season as part of Spurs' struggles, and Lenglet could be a useful squad player at the right price.

If Spurs can secure a cheap deal, and a reduction on his £145k-per-week wages, then Lenglet could be a valuable rotation option, who is familiar at the club, and could allow them to sell the likes of Sanchez and Dier.

Spurs need a lot of upgrades all over the pitch, and with no European football, Postecoglou may find it difficult to bring in many higher quality players.

Keeping Lenglet, who has won trophies with both Barcelona and Sevilla, as an experienced squad option at a low cost, could allow Spurs to redirect funds to other areas of the pitch, whilst still potentially signing another defender as well as the France international.

If Harry Kane does not leave this summer, then Spurs may find funds limited, and this could mean that upgrades on the likes of Lenglet may have to wait.

Indore, which last hosted an IPL match in 2011, returns as one of the 10 venues for IPL 2017, which starts on April 5 when defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad host Royal Challengers Bangalore

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Feb-2017Indore, which last hosted an IPL match in 2011, returns as one of the 10 venues for IPL 2017, which starts on April 5 when defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad host Royal Challengers Bangalore in Hyderabad. Indore’s Holkar Stadium hosted its first Test in October 2016, more than 10 years after its first ODI in 2006. The city’s previous international venue, Nehru Stadium, hosted nine ODIs between 1983 and 2001.Indore hosted two IPL games in 2011 when it was the second home base to Kochi Tuskers Kerela. It will be the second home to Kings XI Punjab this season and will host three games: on April 8 (Kings XI Punjab v Rising Pune Supergiants), April 10 (Kings XI v Royal Challengers ) and April 20 (Kings XI v Mumbai Indians). The VCA Stadium in Nagpur was scheduled to host three matches for Kings XI last season, but a drought in Maharashtra forced those games out of the state, with Mohali staging all of Kings XI’s seven home games.The IPL 2017 final will also be played in Hyderabad, on May 21, 10 days before the start of the Champions Trophy in England. According to IPL norms, the defending champions get the rights to host both the opening and final match of the tournament.This season will see four afternoon games (1600 IST start) on weekdays – Monday and Friday, unlike last season where there were no afternoon games on weekdays.

Ross Taylor, who was left out for T20 series against Bangladesh as well as the one-off game against South Africa, has said he has not received any specific indication from the coach or selector of what he needed to do to return

Andrew McGlashan14-Feb-20171:00

Quick Facts – Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor hopes for more clarity on his future in New Zealand’s T20 set-up at the end of the season after he was again left out of the squad, for the one-off T20 international against South Africa at Eden Park on Friday.Taylor, who has scored 1256 runs in 73 T20Is, was dropped for the three-match T20 series against Bangladesh in January, which New Zealand won 3-0, and in his absence there was success for Colin Munro (101), Tom Bruce (59) and Corey Anderson (94) which meant the selectors were not inclined to change.Taylor also had a somewhat underwhelming World T20 in India last year, making 91 runs in five innings, and his highest score in his last 14 innings is 36 not out.In an interview with , Taylor said he had not been given any specific indication from coach Mike Hesson or selector Gavin Larsen of what he needed to do to reclaim his spot.”He [Hesson] just said I’m not in the team…all he said was that this was the best team for Bangladesh and said I wasn’t selected for South Africa.”I asked the question when I got dropped for Bangladesh. You have to respect the decision. You have a review at the end of the season and we’ll see what Hess has in store for me and my future in the team I guess.”Taylor added that he hoped to play international cricket until at least the 2019 World Cup but with the next World T20 currently scheduled for 2020 he may find the selectors remain keen to cast their net wider in that format.Hesson, speaking to reporters in Auckland on Tuesday as the squad gathered ahead of the start of the South Africa series, insisted there had been open communication with Taylor and that his omission stemmed from the form of the incumbents.”That’s the nutshell. There’s not a role there at the moment because guys there have done so well,” Hesson said. “It’s very difficult for Ross because there aren’t going to be many opportunities. We have those issues all the time. We know Ross is a quality player, we know he’s keen to play T20 cricket but at the moment we have a side playing pretty well.Ross Taylor has not played T20 cricket for New Zealand since the World T20 last year•IDI/Getty Images”Following the Bangladesh selection Gavin Larsen and I talked to him at length. There’s certainly been some communication. We communicate every day. Like every player they want to know how to get back in. That’s quite natural.”Taylor was denied the chance to make a point to the selectors when the T20 warm-up match between a New Zealand XI and the South Africans was washed out without a ball bowled in Auckland.However, since his return from surgery in December, to remove a pterygium in his left eye, Taylor’s form has been impressive across all three formats and earlier this month he scored a series-clinching 107 as New Zealand retained the Chappell-Hadlee trophy.”It’s the best I’ve seen ball for a long time,” he said. “I think I underestimated how bad my eye was beforehand and how much it has improved over a small period.”Taylor will be in the IPL auction later this month – he has not played the tournament in the last two seasons – and will be rejoining Sussex for the NatWest T20 Blast following a productive 2016 season in which he scored 394 runs, at an average of 56.28 and strike-rate of 133.10.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in making a move for Porto star, Mehdi Taremi, with manager Erik ten Hag still seeking a new centre-forward addition ahead of next season.

What's the latest on Taremi to Man United?

According to Portuguese outlet Jornal de Noticias, the Red Devils are believed to be keen on signing the 30-year-old this summer having been tracking his progress for an extended period of time, with the United boss said to appreciate the striker's 'qualities'.

The report adds that the 66-cap Iranian international could be available for as little as €20m (£17m) if he is to leave the Primeira Liga outfit over the coming weeks, with the experienced marksman having just a year left to run on his existing deal.

This comes amid the news that the Old Trafford outfit have also agreed a £60m fee with Chelsea for the signing of England playmaker, Mason Mount, with the club now turning their attention towards the acquisition of a new number nine – as well as a new goalkeeper.

Who is Mehdi Taremi?

The former Rio Ave machine may well be something of an unknown quantity to some, although he has certainly proven his goalscoring credentials during his time in Portugal in recent years, scoring 80 goals in just 147 games for his current side.

That includes a standout haul of 31 goals and 14 assists in just 51 games in all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign, with that a better record than even United's top scorer, Marcus Rashford achieved last season, with the Englishman bagging 30 goals and nine assists across all fronts.

The 6 foot 1 hotshot has also previously made his presence felt against English opposition after scoring a "ridiculous" overhead kick against Chelsea in the Champions League back in 2021 – as hailed by ex-Red Devils star, Rio Ferdinand – having also netted twice for his country against the Three Lions at the World Cup in Qatar.

While there may be concerns over the striker's age – as he is set to turn 31 in just a few weeks' time – that could make Taremi an ideal alternative to another potential short-term fix in the form of Harry Kane, with the Tottenham Hotspur talisman set to turn 30 at the end of the month.

The latter man has been heavily linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams in recent times, although thus far there appears to be no sign that Ten Hag and co will be able to pull off a deal, amid Spurs' apparent reluctance to sell.

With Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy also likely to demand £100m for the Englishman – despite having just 12 months left on his existing deal in north London – United could bring in a figure like Taremi for a fraction of that price tag instead.

It was in fact the Porto ace who enjoyed a more profitable 2022/23 season also, with Kane 'only' managing to register 37 goal involvements across all fronts, in contrast to the Iranian's stellar tally of 45 goals and assists.

That would suggest that while the signing of Taremi would be an undoubted wildcard move for the Red Devils, it could well allow Ten Hag to find an ideal, bargain Kane alternative.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino sees young centre-back Levi Colwill as a potential regular next season, according to an update from journalist Dean Jones.

Where does Levi Colwill's future lie?

The 20-year-old is arguably one of the most highly-rated young players in the country at the moment, being viewed as a future England regular by some.

Last season, Colwill was loaned out to Brighton for the entirety of the campaign, in order to get more minutes under his belt, and while he didn't always manage to oust Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster, he still started 13 times in the Premier League and looked the part.

Now back at Chelsea, there has been a huge amount of talking regarding the centre-back's future, with Liverpool seemingly interested in making a move for him this summer. The Reds see him as a special prospect who they are willing to break the bank for, but the Blues are understandably reluctant to let him leave.

Colwill's current Chelsea deal expires in the summer of 2025, and while that still gives the club some leeway over an extension, time is slowly running out and the player's head could be turned by a move to Anfield.

Will Levi Colwill be a regular at Chelsea?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Pochettino could make Colwill a regular starter for Chelsea in 2023/24, potentially alleviating fears over his exit:

"I think that he's certainly a player that is expected to be embraced by Pochettino. The noises that I'm hearing from people that cover Chelsea closely are that Colwill could genuinely come into the thinking for a starting role."

This is hugely encouraging news from a Chelsea perspective, with Colwill someone they simply must keep hold of this summer, especially having already lost another homegrown player in Mason Mount, who has completed his move to Manchester United.

At 20, there is so much time for Colwill to mature into one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and given Pochettino's preference for blooding youth, it would be so refreshing to see him show trust in him from the off next season, starting him at home to Liverpool on the opening weekend.

The centre-back is in the final of the Under-21 European Championship on Saturday evening, as England take on Spain, and success in that competition would only further enhance his ever-growing legend.

Should Colwill become a key starter for Chelsea from this point on, he could even take Harry Maguire's place in England's team at Euro 2024 next summer, should his rise continue to be as meteoric as it currently is. He has all the tools to become a massive player for the Blues, enjoying an 88.6% pass completion rate for Brighton last season and also 2.2 clearances per game, showing he can be a class act in possession and also muck in defensively, when required.

The thought of losing him to a rival in Liverpool doesn't bear thinking about, and while Chelsea can't promise him European football next term, the hope is that he is made to feel wanted by Pochettino and plays a big part in the rebuild at Stamford Bridge.

MS Dhoni has been reprimanded for a “minor” code of conduct breach after Rising Pune Supergiant’s seven-wicket win in their opening match against Mumbai Indians

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Apr-2017MS Dhoni has been reprimanded for a “minor” code of conduct breach after Rising Pune Supergiant’s seven-wicket win in their opening match against Mumbai Indians on Thursday. It is understood that Dhoni’s offence was making a review gesture with his hands – there is no DRS in the IPL – immediately after an lbw appeal against Kieron Pollard was turned down.Match referee Manu Nayyar found Dhoni guilty of a Level 1 offence under Article 2.1.1 of the IPL’s rules, which deals with conduct “contrary to the spirit of the game”. Dhoni admitted to the offence after the match.The said clause reads: “[The regulation] is intended to cover all types of conduct of a minor nature that is contrary to the spirit of the game and which is not specifically and adequately covered by specific offences set out elsewhere in the Code of Conduct. The spirit of the game is defined by reference to the Preamble to the Laws of Cricket and involves respect for a) your opponents, b) your captain and team, c) the role of the umpires and d) the game and its traditional values.”The incident took place in the 15th over of Mumbai Indians’ innings, which was delivered by South African legspinner Imran Tahir. Tahir, who was playing his first match for Pune, had bowled a flat and quick delivery, which struck Pollard’s front pad in front of middle and off stump.Dhoni, Tahir and captain Steven Smith, at first slip, all appealed vociferously. But S Ravi, the umpire, turned it down; the ball struck Pollard’s bat just after it had struck the pad, perhaps leading to some doubt. But ball-tracking showed the ball would have crashed into middle stump, and replays confirmed the ball had hit pad first and showed that Dhoni had gestured for a review.

With only two wins in eight matches now, Virat Kohli’s men might have to win each of their remaining six games to qualify for the knockouts

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Apr-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsVirat Kohli and RCB might have to win all their remaining six games to make the playoffs•BCCIOn the heels of collapsing for the lowest total in IPL history, Royal Challengers Bangalore had to endure a washout at home, putting their hopes of making the playoffs in jeopardy.They have only two wins from eight matches so far and might have to win each of their next six games to be among the top four on the points table. Should they pull off such a streak, they will have 17 points. Only four times in the IPL’s past nine years have teams got through to the final four with less than 16 points.Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, are already at third place, might well have enjoyed having an extra night off during a tournament so hectic. The weather soured approximately an hour and a half before the toss and though it was only a drizzle for the most part, it was persistent. The umpires finally called the game off at 11 pm, which meant David Warner’s men continue searching for their first win away from home in 2017.