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Retaining young players is key to club’s revival, says chief executive, Rob Andrew

Andrew Miller at Hove14-Nov-2017Rob Andrew, the Sussex chief executive, says that the club will not be rushed into appointing a new head coach in the wake of Mark Davis’s departure last month, adding that the priority in the close season has been to firm up the contracts of the players whom the management believe can restore the club to its recent glories.Andrew, who took up the reins at Hove in January after a decade at the Rugby Football Union, oversaw a difficult first season, in which Sussex failed to secure a return to the top flight of the County Championship, while slipping out at the group stages of both the NatWest T20 Blast and the Royal London One-Day Cup.That sense of under-achievement was compounded late last month when two club stalwarts left in quick succession – Chris Nash, the veteran batsman, who accepted a three-year deal at Nottinghamshire, and Davis, whose 16-year association with Hove extended way beyond his two years as coach.The twin departures represented a further distancing of the current Sussex squad from the great team of the early 2000s, which won the first Championship title in the club’s history in 2003, then added two more pennants in 2006 and 2007. Andrew, however, was unapologetic about the new direction of travel.”There’s been some changes happening, but that’s the nature of sport,” Andrew told ESPNcricinfo. “I’ve really enjoyed the year. I’ve enjoyed getting to understand the club, and we’ve got a very, very clear direction of where we are going and the next few years will genuinely be very exciting.”It was pretty clear when I looked into the job that the club had maybe been treading water a little, probably for the last two or three years really, with short-term signings – some have worked, some haven’t. But it takes time to rebuild a side, especially when you’ve been on a very successful period.”With that in mind, Andrew would not be drawn on the possible contenders for the role of head coach. Two of the club’s most notable ex-players – the title-winning captain, Chris Adams, and the former England wicketkeeper, Matt Prior – have both been linked with a return to Hove, but beyond insisting that interest in the coaching vacancy had been high, the CEO remained tight-lipped.”I’m not going to get dragged into speculation, but we will make the right appointment as head coach,” he said. “We are not in any great hurry, there’s no timeline on it because it’s a big decision that we’ve got to get right. The club hasn’t really had that many coaching changes if you look back at how long Mark was here [initially as 2nd XI coach], and Mark Robinson before that.”Behind the scenes, Sussex have been identifying the players that they believe will form the core of the team in the future. Luke Wells recently committed to another two years, as did Chris Jordan, while Luke Wright and George Garton – their hugely talented left-arm quick who was last week called up to reinforce England’s Ashes squad – have both extended their contracts until the end of 2020.”He’s very talented, very young, and still very inexperienced,” Andrew said of Garton. “We’ve all got to be a bit careful not to get too carried away.”We have got some very talented young players – George is one of them, Jofra Archer is one of the first names I came across when we first joined, Stuart Whittingham, Abe Sakande … these are very talented young bowlers coming through the system.”But we also need experience around the place, we need our experienced players to step up and with the signing of Stiaan van Zyl and David Wiese, there were signs last season that they were getting used to the club. Luke Wells was the second-highest run-scorer in the country, but we need to be more consistent.”In the longer term, however, Sussex’s hopes for a full-blown regeneration may be hampered by the looming upheaval in English domestic cricket – namely the launch of the new-team T20 competition in 2020.The details of the tournament remain to be thrashed out, but despite Hove’s history as county pioneers – in 1999, they became the first English club to install permanent floodlights – the size of the venue means that they face being overlooked when it comes to the allocation of these new marquee fixtures.”It’s something I’ve tried to get my head round since I started,” Andrew said. “It’s been the big talking point. We are now into the nuts and bolts, the nitty-gritty of what is it going to look like and what impact is it going to have on counties – who will be a host, and who won’t.”From my perspective, I hope it won’t have a negative impact on Sussex, because the whole premise of the new competition is that all 18 counties benefit, and share in the rewards. We all need it to be successful. And we don’t need a split between Test-match and non-Test match grounds.”I’m confident that a club like Sussex can be successful in all formats, just look at what Essex did in the County Championship this year.”As for whether Sussex need to consider finding a new home for a new era of county cricket, Andrew insisted this was highly unlikely, without ruling out the possibility entirely.”I haven’t been here long enough to really understand the politics of the club, but I think it would be very, very unusual if we were to consider moving from here,” he said.”I think we need to improve the ground and that’s something we need to look at, but this is a fantastic county ground. We can be successful from here, we can retain our best young players, which is what we’ve done in the last month, and we’ve proven that.”Cricket’s got into too much debt because of the push to get more and more Test grounds,” he added. “There is possibly going to be less Test cricket but more Test grounds, so us going and building another one is probably not a clever idea.”

Joe Root feared the worst when he spilled Chris Gayle at slip in the opening over of the first ODI at Old Trafford, so was grateful for the chance to redeem himself in spectacular style to prevent the West Indies opener from doing too much damage.In the end, England won the opening match of the series at a canter but the early exchanges went West Indies’ way with Gayle launching three sixes after his early let-off, which Root admitted left him with a sinking feeling and determined not to let the second opportunity evade him when Gayle skied Chris Woakes over cover.”I saw it the whole way, thought it was a pretty straightforward catch – maybe it got a bit big on me,” he said of the slip catch. “I thought it could be quite costly, and when the second one went up I thought ‘I have to get there’. There was a huge amount relief when I managed to cling on to it.”England’s indifferent slip catching was a feature of the Test series against West Indies and led to coach Trevor Bayliss calling it “terrible”, warning it could cost them the Ashes. Root is usually a very safe catcher in the cordon and said that when one goes down it can be difficult not to watch the reprieved player’s score notch up.”You almost feel guilty with each run they score,” he said. “It’s just nice to be the one who made amends for it. I think he banged a six shortly after that, so that hurt a lot but it’s part of the game. You have to try and stay composed, not let it affect anyone else, make sure your body language is good.”It has been a demanding season for Root, his first as Test captain in which both series went to deciding Tests, and the Ashes series is drawing ever nearer with all its associated pressures. But he insists there is no fatigue and has his sights set on finishing England’s longest summer in the remainder of the ODIs, the last of which is on September 29, with the team due to depart for Australia a month later.While Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali, two other all-format players, were rested from the T20I against West Indies, Root took his place in the line-up then began the one-day series with 54 off 53 balls in England’s serene chase. The only internationals he has missed this season were in the T20 series against South Africa after the Champions Trophy, but he featured in the pink-ball round of County Championship matches during the time away from England duty.”We had a chat before the series and said do I feel I like I can play,” Root said. “Every time I feel fit and that I can deliver at my best I’ll go out and play for England. I love the opportunity we get every time we put on the shirt, it’s such a proud feeling and I’ve never lost that from the start. I’m desperate to take every opportunity to play for England. If I’m not able to give my absolute best I’m probably doing the team a disservice, but at the moment I’m fit and ready go.”If England are able to close out the one-day series with matches to spare – and there was a significant gulf between the teams at Old Trafford once West Indies’ opening stand was broken – it could create the opportunity to withdraw a few players early. Not being captain in this format means those decisions around other players do not involve Root, but he believes each knows what is best for them.”In terms of this series those are individual conversations. As players, you know yourself better than anyone else and in the best interests of this and the Test team you need to be really honest,” he said. “Only you really know if you are struggling or tired. Everyone wants to play as much as they can. You are only around for so long, at the peak of your game and fitness, and you want to take every opportunity. Those guys have got a lot of cricket ahead of them this winter, but we have a period off before we go to recuperate and relax.”

As rain put a dampener on The Oval’s 100th Test celebrations, one England batsman was concerned not with marking the past but protecting his future

The Report by David Hopps29-Jul-20170:56

Temperament wins over technique for Jennings

As rain put a dampener on The Oval’s 100th Test celebrations, one England batsman was concerned not with marking the past but protecting his future.Keaton Jennings’ England place was under threat after making only 44 runs in his first five innings against South Africa, his hundred on Test debut against India in Mumbai in December now a distant memory.Jennings was 34 not out – his best score of a draining summer – when rain arrived shortly before 3pm and prevented further play. England, at 74 for 1, were building an impregnable position, leading by 252 with nine wickets remaining, but will fear more disruption from the weather over the last two days. As for Jennings, he was just relieved that one of those nine wickets remains his.Vernon Philander had been conditionally discharged from hospital, coming out to bat for South Africa at No. 11 as they were dismissed before lunch for 175 and then summoning what strength he had left for a few below-par overs.His viral infection had not yet departed and he was still vomiting and suffering from abdominal pain. But NHS nurses presumably got him back on his feet by whispering the words “Keaton Jennings” kindly into his ear because it has proved to be a pick-me-up all series.Jennings was chary against Philander from the outset and might have fallen twice in successive balls in his second over. He inside-edged past leg stump for his first boundary, looking round uncertainly as if he had stumbled over a paving slab. The next ball, on 6, he was dropped by Dean Elgar, head high at third slip. South Africa’s cordon was bunched and close and, on this occasion at least, suffered for it.Jennings routinely stands as straight as a sentry at the crease. Put him in a bearskin hat and he could easily double as a guardsman at Buckingham Palace where he would have the discipline to stand still for hours while tourists snapped away intrusively. But it was movement, not stillness, he hankered after and he danced around on the spot in an attempt to rid himself of the stilted footwork that has bedevilled him all series.Alastair Cook departed for 7, undone by a top-notch delivery from Morne Morkel which he straightened from around the wicket to crash into the top of off. Too good for Cook, one imagines it would have defeated Jennings, too, but he watched from the non-striker’s end, a batsman spared.Kagiso Rabada’s first over afforded a release. He had the poise to crash two short and wide deliveries through the off side. In the next over, he tucked Morkel off his pads for another boundary: 19 and vulnerable had become 32, a score to build on, in a matter of five minutes.Not that he suggested permanence. He needed a review to survive an lbw decision in Rabada’s favour on 33, replays suggesting the ball had both pitched outside leg and would have passed over the stumps.While Jennings struggled, Tom Westley again played with elan, six boundaries in his 28. The best of them as far as Jennings was concerned was the one that persuaded Philander to leave the field for another toilet break. Before too long, everybody followed him into the dressing room, never to re-emerge.Toby Roland-Jones leads the team off after his debut five-for•Associated Press

The morning belonged to Toby Roland-Jones, who completed a five-wicket haul on Test debut as South Africa were dismissed for 175 – a deficit of 178 . Eight down for spit overnight, with Philander carded at No. 11, South Africa might have folded in no time. Instead they added another 52 in 15.4 overs.Roland-Jones led England from the field, raising his cap slightly bashfully, after returning 5 for 57- the first English quick to take a five-for on debut since Graham Onions in 2009. His last wicket was a good one: Temba Bavuma pushing forward to a ball that left him to fall to a keeper’s catch after making 52 from 120 balls.Bavuma had been a serene figure even on the previous evening, as South Africa collapsed to 61 for 7 with the floodlights cutting through a grouchy south London evening, and he looked at ease again in what were initially more inviting batting conditions.The stumps were blue to mark Cricket United day, as were much of the crowd, an annual fund-raiser at The Oval for three charities. It is a pragmatic choice. If you are going to ask a fair proportion of blokes to dress up in a colour for charity, it’s best to choose blue. It’s all some have in their wardrobe.After his dream sequence on the second day, Roland-Jones found life had returned to normal as he began at the Vauxhall End. The comparison between him and the quick he replaced – Mark Wood – is instructional.Roland-Jones is a classic English seamer, hitting the seam at an average of 83mph. Wood is the sort of explosive quick needed on more benign surfaces. But Wood has only averaged 86mph in his two Tests against South Africa. Averages tell only half the story, of course, as the potential for an occasionally quick ball is also important, but explosive bowlers need to explode.Bavuma had attractive moments, particularly when driving through the off side, striking Stuart Broad to the extra cover boards to take South Africa past the follow-on and then stretching his diminutive frame to the utmost to plant Anderson in the same direction, although he was dropped off Broad on 40, Ben Stokes failing to cling to a rapid chance as he dived to his left in the gully. His half-century was also raised streakily when he edged Roland-Jones wide of the slips.Morkel also put up stubborn resistance, reaching 17 before he edged a back-of-a-length delivery from Anderson to Cook at first slip.Roland-Jones might have picked up Philander on 5, but his edge flew wide of third slip. A one-legged flat-bat then lobbed over mid-off. But Philander survived, albeit not particularly healthily. He, at least, would have welcomed the rest.

Bruno Fernandes has insisted he is the right man to captain Manchester United amid criticism from the likes of Roy Keane and Paul Ince.

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Fernandes defends position as United captainPortuguese says he is 'targeted' for drop in goals'No one has a problem with me'WHAT HAPPENED?

Fernandes has received a lot of criticism for his body language since becoming United captain, with several pundits saying that his constant complaining and sniping at referees does not help the team's cause. However, the Portuguese claims the real reason he is being criticised is because his goals and assists output has dropped after his lightning fast start to life at Old Trafford following a big-money move from Sporting in January 2020.

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Legendary United captain Roy Keane has been a fierce critic of Fernandes since he was named captain and criticised his decision to give a penalty to Marcus Rashford against Everton on Sunday. Paul Ince has also slammed the midfielder, saying he makes everything about himself when he should be galvanising his team-mates.

WHAT FERNANDES SAID

The United skipper told a press conference: "Obviously you don’t like to be criticised, everyone is the same, but at the same time I have to do what I think is the best for my team. It is quite normal when you play for Manchester United you are going to get criticised, even if you do well or bad, if you do the wrong or the right thing. I just have to deal with that, it is normal since I arrived at the club. In the beginning was everything perfect, because when you arrive in the first game if you do something different than anyone else is doing, is gonna be all flowers. But after that I understand the tough part is always coming, because when the result is not coming, when the performance are not what everyone expects to be, because the expectations are always higher and higher."

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FERNANDES ON WHY HE IS BEING CRITICISED

Fernandes added: "I know since I arrived at the club my numbers made myself a target so not keeping the same numbers on goals and assists is sometimes a problem for me in the criticism because they are gonna take from there. Now is the captaincy, there is gonna be always something. Now my focus is on the team, the staff, everyone who works with me day by day, I think they are pretty happy with me, the way I am is the same since I arrived at the club, it has not changed since being captain. I don’t think it has to change. I am really open with everyone so no one until now has had a problem with me, so I think I should keep like that, everyone is pretty happy with my leadership."

Mark Boucher had taken over as Titans coach in August last year, with his initial tenure extending until the 2017-18 season

ESPNcricinfo staff20-May-2017Former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher will remain Titans coach until the end of the 2019-20 domestic season, after signing a two-year extension with the franchise. Boucher, who was recently named CSA Coach of the Year, mentored Titans to both domestic limited-overs titles – CSA T20 Challenge and Momentum One Day Cup – while the team finished a close second in the Sunfoil Series first-class competition.Boucher, who has a Level 2 coaching qualification, had a stint as consultant with the national side ahead of their Test series last year against New Zealand, before joining Titans as a replacement for Rob Walter. His initial contract had extended until the end of the 2017-18 season.Assessing his performance over the past 12 months, Boucher was quoted as saying by : “It’s great to have done well in my first year. The culture in the team is one I’ve always looked up to as a player, and when I stepped into the role as coach, it was one of those ‘wow’ factors.”Titans’ assistant coach Mandla Mashimbyi, who has been in the role since 2013, has also extended his tenure until the end of the 2018-19 season. Mashimbyi is also the assistant coach of the South Africa A side and will tour with the squad for the series against England which begins on June 1.Heading into his second season with the franchise, Boucher acknowledged Mashimbyi’s role in helping him ease into the Titans’ scheme of things.”It’s a very successful set-up. I’ve related to the players really well and, thankfully, they accepted me in a very good way. Working alongside Mandla, with all his experience and knowledge of the franchise, has helped me fit into the structures and processes that were already in place.”Meanwhile, Mark Charlton has stepped down as Northerns Seniors coach, and been roped in as the High Performance Manager for Titans Cricket. In the newly-created position, Charlton has been tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the franchise’s pipeline structures in terms of player development.

The PCB is looking to build upon the momentum of a successful and incident-free Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore on Sunday, by hosting a T20 series in the country against a team of foreign players in September this year.It is unclear currently what the nature of the touring side will be. A senior PCB official said it would be a “commonwealth XI” but a report in the Guardian referred to a World XI.Giles Clarke, the ECB president, and head of the ICC’s Pakistan Task Force, is a driving force behind the venture. He visited Pakistan in January and was given briefings on security arrangements for visiting sides. It was his first visit to the country as head of the Pakistan Task Force and he met with senior officials of the Punjab government to assess the security arrangements. He then gave a presentation on his visit at the ICC board meeting soon after.On Monday, he congratulated PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan on the “successful staging” of the PSL final, calling it a “tremendous achievement”. Referring to the series, he said: “Very well played. We will be there in September.”According to the Guardian, the team that will visit Pakistan is expected to assemble in Dubai on September 17 before flying to Lahore for the matches on September 22, 23, 28 and 29.Among the international players to play in the PSL final were Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Chris Jordan and Morne van Wyk, who travelled in bullet-proof buses to the ground amid high security.Sammy, who captained Peshawar Zalmi to a 58-run win in the final, spoke in glowing terms about the experience.”To me it was more than just a game,” he said after the match. “When you have not been in a place you always have your doubts. You get different views, different opinions. But I spoke to Javed [Afridi, the Peshawar team owner] and Shahid Afridi and they influenced my decision to come here.”The fans here deserve to see their players playing as they haven’t seen it for quite a while. I am glad I came here. Being here felt like playing in St Lucia, playing in India or anywhere else in the world. And like I said at the toss, today I felt cricket was the winner.”

Everton are unlikely to complete the signing of Burnley striker Wout Weghorst this summer, according to a key update regarding his future.

What next for Weghorst this summer?

The 30-year-old joined Manchester United on loan during the January transfer window, but it was a move that ultimately failed to work out. He failed to score a single goal in 17 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, and it became clear that he was not at the level required.

That's not to say that Weghorst didn't have the odd moment to cherish in 2022/23, however – Erik ten Had hailed his "great personality" at Old Trafford – scoring twice for the Netherlands in their World Cup quarter-final clash with Argentina, including a last-gasp strike that took the game to extra-time.

With United not deciding to sign the Dutchman permanently, though, and his Burnley contract expiring in the summer of 2025, his future could be up in the air this summer.

Everton have been linked with a move for the towering striker, with the Blues potentially seeing him as an effective addition to their attack before the start of next season, but a new claim suggests that such reports are wide of the mark.

Are Everton expected to sign Weghorst?

According to Football Insider, Everton are "not in the race" to snap up Weghorst in the summer, with the report stating that a "well-placed source has told this site that the Merseysiders will be in the market for a new forward – but the 30-year-old does not figure on Sean Dyche’s wanted list."

While he "doesn’t figure in the plans of Vincent Kompany at parent club Burnley", it seems highly unlikely that Goodison Park will be his next destination.

In truth, Weghorst would feel like a risky signing by Everton this summer, considering the struggles he endured at United, lacking ruthlessness in the final third and looking too one-dimensional, given his height and lack of pace.

The Blues need to be bringing in someone who can guarantee a more regular stream of end product, not to mention an individual who possesses more pace and trickery, ensuring the Merseysiders become a more potent attacking force next season.

Just 34 goals in 38 Premier League games in 2022/23 sums up their struggles in that area, and if at least one top-quality striker isn't added, they could again find themselves in trouble towards the bottom of the table.

The Brazilian winger showed glimpses of his electric best as Los Blancos came from 2-0 down to secure victory in Pasadena

Much of the talk this summer around Real Madrid is focused on a wide forward that they don't own, but perhaps they don't need Kylian Mbappe immediately. Perhaps they have a more impactful winger already. Vinicius Jr. suggested as such with a stellar 45 minutes against AC Milan on Sunday, with the Brazilian scoring the decisive goal in a 3-2 win.

But this wasn't a simple one for Madrid. Milan broke the deadlock, with Fikayo Tomori nodding home a free header from a Christian Pulisic corner — an assist that was met with delight from the American crowd. The Rossoneri added a second shortly before half-time, as teenage substitute Luka Romero found the top corner with a lovely curler from the edge of the box.

Madrid enjoyed a lot of promising moments in between, with Jude Bellingham functioning as the apex of a restructured midfield. But despite all of his powerful strides and deft flicks, Los Blancos were held scoreless at the break.

The introduction of Vinicius changed things, though. The Brazilian started the move for Madrid's first, linking play as they sprung on the counter — a sequence Federico Valverde ended after a blunder from Marco Sportiello in the Milan goal. Valverde added a second three minutes later, with a well-placed shot from the top of the box.

And Vinicius eventually provided the winner, darting in behind the Milan defence before rolling the ball into the bottom corner with less than 10 minutes remaining.

GOAL looks at what we learned during the clash at the Rose Bowl…

• The Brazilian magician returns

  Madrid would, of course, like to have hung on to both Vinicius and Karim Benzema. The dynamic duo have been vital to this side's success for the last three years, the two combining regularly to make Los Blancos one of the best attacking sides in Europe.

  But Vinicius proved that he has a lot to offer alone here. Operating as more of an inside forward than a touchline winger, the Brazilian was deadly when Madrid sprung on the break. He ran in behind with regularity; he came short and scampered at defenders; and his tricks and flicks earned him an obligatory couple of kicks from frustrated defenders. This was Vinicius showing mere glimpses of his best, in 45 very promising minutes.

  There is no replacing Benzema — although Madrid will certainly spend a lot of money trying. But Vinicius might just have been the more crucial player for this team. It could be a scary season for opposing right-backs yet again.

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• A new formation for Madrid

  Manager Carlo Ancelotti promised Madrid would play around with a new set-up, and it was on full display here. Los Blancos started the contest in 4-4-2 diamond, with Bellingham as a No.10, and a trio of others rotating behind him.

  And it wasn't always the most effective of systems. Although Madrid were composed as ever in the middle of the park, things weren't quite as smooth in the final third. Joselu and Brahim Diaz made for an odd attacking pairing in the first half. Rodrygo and Vinicius weren't firing for the first few minutes of the second, either.

  The goals inevitably came, with Valverde and Vinicius leading the charge. But the new system, if this is to be the one, will take some getting used to for Ancelotti's men.

• Bellingham bosses it

  Ancelotti is tinkering a bit with this Madrid side, and it will take time to sort everything. But Bellingham was the clear focal point from minute one, occupying the space between the midfield and defensive lines.

  And it looked like a dream role for the big-money signing. He had plenty of time to dribble and create, forcing the Milan defence to drop deep into their own box. There were some chances created for others here, too. He set up Eder Militao with a neat flick while he linked up with Diaz inside the box.

  Bellingham will not be expected to score goals — although a few would certainly be nice. Instead, he will be a creative presence, the one to make things happen as Madrid glide forward. All he lacked on Sunday night were the finishing touches from those he passed to.

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  Pulisic enjoys the spotlight

  Pulisic never really managed to piece together an extended run of form at Chelsea. His best spell came at the end of the 2019-20 season, when the winger helped carry the struggling Blues to the Champions League during the strange Covid-altered period, and he hasn't hit those heights since. Sometimes distrusted by managerial chages, other times simply injured, Chelsea fans never really got to see what the American is capable of.

  But now, he's been given a chance by Milan. Pulisic was impressive here, running at the leggy Lucas Vazquez, and causing problems down the left. He had a proper impact, too, assisting Tomori's opener with a fine delivery.

  This wasn't a complete showing — Pulisic's influence waned at the end of the first half and into the second. Still, it was a promising sign that a change of scenery might have been exactly what the United States star needed.

Leeds United could lose Wilfried Gnonto this summer, amid interest in the winger from a number of top clubs, according to recent reports from Italy.

Which Leeds players are leaving?

Leeds may be forced to rebuild their squad this summer, as a number of players could be on the move, with defender Robin Koch recently being linked with a switch to Tottenham Hotspur, in a deal that could be worth around £15m.

Fellow defender Max Wober will have to consider his future following the relegation from the Premier League, while the new manager will probably have to bring in a new option between the sticks, as Illan Meslier has been widely tipped to leave.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has now confirmed that loanee Weston McKennie "won't be back at Elland Road", and Jack Harrison could also be on the move, for what could be a cut-price fee.

Another winger that the Whites could have a difficult time trying to keep hold of is Gnonto, as according to CalcioMercato (via Sport Witness), big Serie A sides are keen on signing the 19-year-old alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

The interested clubs are waiting to see what Leeds decide to do with the youngster, as other reports have indicated that it is not far-fetched for him to be playing in the Championship next season, with Phil Hay stating the attack is a player Leeds want to keep.

Given that the Italian is contracted until 2027, there is no pressing need to sell him, but it remains to be seen whether his head is turned by one of the numerous top clubs circling.

Should Leeds sell Wilfried Gnonto?

The starlet is already a ten-time Italy international, and he has been impressive at times for Leeds this season, picking up four goals and four assists, so it is no wonder that several top clubs are vying for his signature.

It is not detailed in the report what kind of fee the West Yorkshire club could command for the winger, but given that Harrison is already expected to leave, it is probably worth keeping hold of him unless a huge offer is received.

At 19 years of age, the £20k-per-week ace could still develop considerably, but he is already showing promising attacking signs, and he is also capable of pitching in defensively, ranking in the 94th percentile for blocks and 81st for tackles per 90 in the past year.

Hailed as "fantastic" by Jesse Marsch, Gnonto has a lot of potential, and Leeds should keep hold of him this summer, if they are able to do so.

Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver displayed all of their international experience in steering Surrey Stars to their first Kia Super League victory

ECB Reporters Network04-Aug-2016
ScorecardTammy Beaumont struck 47 in Surrey Stars’ chase•Getty Images

Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver displayed all of their international experience in steering Surrey Stars to their first Kia Super League victory, chasing down the 135 set for them by Yorkshire Diamonds with six wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare.In front of 2250 people at The Oval, England opener Beaumont compiled an assured 47, contributing to stands of 65 for the first wicket with Bryony Smith and 57 for the third with Sciver, who was unbeaten on 29 when clobbering the winning runs behind square leg.Earlier, Alex Hartley was crucial with the ball. The visitors had gotten off to a flyer, 72 without loss at the half way mark with Hollie Armitage and Lauren Winfield batting with ease. It was the left-arm spinner who removed them both in the space of three balls, Winfield caught and bowled for 29 then Armitage bowled for 43.It was the catalyst for an excellent second ten overs for the hosts, restricting the Diamonds to 5 for 62 in that period. Hartley was the clear stand out with 2 for 18 from her four overs without conceding a single boundary, while seamers Sciver and Rene Farrell bowled with considerable control at the death of the innings.Surrey’s fielding also improved dramatically, after twice dropping early chances Sciver executed a superb direct hit run out of dangerous Australian Beth Mooney, her throw released in one motion after completing a diving stop.In reply, Surrey’s innings followed in a similar fashion to the first, the openers able to see off the initial threat from England spearhead Katherine Brunt before 19-year-old Smith took the quick for three consecutive boundaries in the fifth over to turbocharge the chase.Her 50 stand with Beaumont was raised in 35 balls, and the score was 65 before Yorkshire made their first breakthrough when Smith was deceived one of Jenny Gunn’s myriad slower balls, a top edge taken at short third man.A sharp stumping from Mooney, also off the bowling of Gunn, removed No. 3 Cordelia Griffith shortly thereafter, bringing Sciver to the crease to join Beaumont with a further 62 needed at just under a run a ball.But it was the pace of Brunt that again helped the batting side when it mattered most, 13 taken from the 14th over (including three wides) to take Surrey score beyond 100, making the final result a relative formality.After the hard work was done Beaumont holed out with five required for victory, appropriate reward for offspinner Steph Butler who impressed in her first game of the tournament.With two losses to start the start their season, Yorkshire now have no margin for error. Their next fixture is at Southampton on Monday against the Southern Vipers.Meanwhile for the winners, after squaring their ledger at one and one they play the Western Storm on Sunday at Bristol.