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Michael Carberry may have been disappointed to depart for 67 but his contribution added significantly to a frustrating day for the Division One leaders, Middlesex

David Lloyd at the Ageas Bowl17-May-2015
ScorecardMichael Carberry struck his fourth half-century of the season•Getty ImagesOf Alastair Cook’s three former Test opening partners on view in this match, Michael Carberry is surely the least likely to add to his small collection of caps – and some would argue that Sam Robson and Nick Compton are no more than long shots themselves.Be that as it may, but Carberry has seldom been anything other than a mainstay of Hampshire’s batting line-up, in all forms of the game, and their hopes of avoiding a desperate relegation fight on their return to the Championship’s top division may well depend on the now 34-year-old’s weight of runs.Carberry, happily settled into the No. 3 slot these days, has passed 50 in four of Hampshire’s five games to date. And while he has neither made it to three figures as yet nor been able to orchestrate a victory, his solid form should be of comfort to the south-coast club as they seek to establish a foothold.The left-hander certainly did not let them down on this occasion. And while he will have been disappointed to depart for 67 – after three-and-a-quarter hours of graft and shortly before the second new ball became available – his contribution added significantly to a frustrating day for the Division One leaders.Middlesex have not played a Championship match at this venue since 2006 so just might have read more into a dry, well-grassed pitch than the hosts (who would have batted had the coin come down in their favour). But while the scoreline perhaps indicated that bowling first was a mistake, there was enough happening all day – and especially before lunch – to support the decision of new captain James Franklin.The visitors were not as disciplined as they should have been with the first new ball, conceding a stack of extras and failing to hit consistent lines and lengths. But, that said, the outside edge was still beaten on a good many occasions – and Hampshire’s top three of Jimmy Adams, Liam Dawson and Carberry defended well when necessary while missing few opportunities to put away the bad delivery.Adams and Dawson possibly had to pinch themselves when looking at a scoreboard reading 85 for 0 from 21 overs. Steven Finn, bowling a full length most of the time, might have had two or three wickets on another morning but neither Toby Roland-Jones nor James Harris hit their straps – with Harris especially wayward despite starting this contest with 29 Championship wickets to his credit.The longer the morning went on wicketless, the more Middlesex rued an early run-out chance when Roland-Jones missed the target from mid-off after non-striker Adams, on 5, had been belatedly sent back by Dawson.In the end, it was medium-pacer Neil Dexter who came to the aid of Franklin, who has taken over the captaincy from Australia’s Caribbean-bound Adam Voges. Having played nicely, Dawson pushed at an away-swinger to edge a catch behind.Still, if Middlesex thought that would be the start of something big then the old firm of Adams and Carberry put them right with a stand of 75. Runs came steadily, apart from when Finn tried his luck around the wicket to Carberry and was cut, cover driven and angled away past backward point for three fours in an over.Adams’ hopes of a century just a few days after the birth of his second son ended when he deflected a Harris yorker into his stumps and James Vince gifted spinner Ollie Rayner his wicket by hoisting a drive to deepish mid-on.It was the departure of Carberry, though, that came as the biggest surprise because he looked set to make a day of it before failing to defend securely on the back foot against Harris. That was a nasty blow for Hampshire but Will Smith hit back sensibly to make an unbeaten half-century and guarantee the hosts first-day honours.

The Premier League side are in the hunt for a new manager after sacking the Argentine manager and they have plenty of exciting options to go after

Getty Images1Ralph Hasenhuttl

With Southampton sitting second bottom of the Premier League, Ralph Hasenhuttl's stock is at an all-time low.

The Saints have won just 12 of the 40 games they have played since his arrival last December and are three points from safety after 12 games this season.

Nevertheless, the 52-year-old Austrian's history with German high-flyers RB Leipzig shows that he has something to offer as a coach.

He may be an outside bet to make the leap to Tottenham this season with his current side in such bad shape, but the Southampton board are reportedly convinced he has what it takes to get them out of a sticky situation.

His passion for the high press and quick, attractive football could persuade the Spurs board that he is worth a gamble, too.

AdvertisementJordan Mansfield2Rafael Benitez

Newcastle fans were outraged when the club sacked Rafael Benitez in the summer and they are not the only ones who know the Spaniard has a lot to offer the Premier League.

West Ham are said to be eyeing him as a candidate in case they sack Manuel Pellegrini this season and many believe he will end up back in the English top-flight.

But Benitez has just started his new job in China, where he has won six of his first 14 matches, and he insists he still has a lot of work to do in the lucrative league.

He was considered a potential replacement for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal when the Frenchman left in 2018 and his name will start ringing around London again as pressure builds on Unai Emery.

Tottenham, though, could be a surprise destination for the experienced manager as the Chinese campaign ends in December.

Getty Images3Julian Nagelsmann

He may have just taken over as RB Leipzig boss in the close season, but 32-year-old Nagelsmann has reportedly caught the eye of Spurs chief Daniel Levy.

His playing career never really got off the ground, but Nagelsmann has made a big impression as a coach, having thoroughly impressed during his three-year spell in charge of Hoffenheim.

Even Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola waxed lyrical about the rising star last year.

“I’m really, really impressed [with Nagelsmann],” he said after they faced each other in the Champions League. “Taking over Hoffenheim in such a bad situation so young. He will have a lot of success in his career. He’s already at a good team in a top competition. It’s the first time we meet, but hopefully it won’t be the last.”

Nagelsmann is off to a good start with Leipzig as they sit second in the Bundesliga and just four points behind early leaders Borussia Monchengladbach.

But many believe he is destined for a move to the Premier League and Spurs will be just one of several sides keeping an eye on his progress.

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Getty4Steven Gerrard

The Liverpool legend says he came close to joining Tottenham as a player before bringing an end to his career, but he could still end up at the London club.

It was Pochettino who wanted to sign him before he opted for a move to MLS side LA Galaxy because he could not bear playing against Liverpool.

"It was good to know he still rated me," he said. "I was sure I could play in the Premier League for another year but there would not have been much of a buzz doing the same thing all over again with Tottenham."

Now in his second season with Rangers, Gerrard has been regularly linked with a move back to England and Pochettino's departure has cleared the way for renewed talks with Spurs.

Gerrard has helped turn Rangers into contenders for the Scottish Premiership title as his side sit level on points with Celtic and have lost just one domestic game this season – a 2-0 defeat at home to their Glasgow rivals.

Ryan Reynolds will quit in 2031 and by 2035 Frank Lampard will be Wrexham manager, according to an incredible Football Manager simulation.

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Football Manager 24 simulates Wrexham futureMullins retires after 300 games, Reynolds quits in 2031Lampard struggling to get team out of League OneGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

A Football Manager 24 simulation run by OLBG has given an intriguing glimpse into one vision of the Welsh club's much-anticipated future. The forecast sees Wrexham reach the Championship but not quite the dream land of the Premier League. The heartbreak of facing relegation back to the third tier in 2031 will be enough for Reynolds to call it quits as co-chairman. Entrusted with winning them promotion will be ex-Chelsea and Everton boss Lampard, who is in charge by 2035.

Wrexham fans will be happy to know that Paul Mullin is predicted to play for the club for another 200 games, although the player himself will be puzzled to see his goal return dry up dramatically with just another 30 goals coming between now and the Liverpudlian hanging his boots up.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

How the Wrexham fairytale will play out and if and when they will make it to the Premier League is the subject of much debate between football fans from all over the world. Using the iconic game to work out what the future may hold is one way of adding a new slant to the debate.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

The emblematic football management game began as in 1992 before being rebranded as in 2004. Advances over the years have made the game extremely life-like and the game has even been credited by Reims manager Will Still for helping kick start his management career.

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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

As diverting as a computer-based simulation of the club's future may be, their progression will ultimately be decided by events on the pitch, continuing in the wind and rain of Gloucestershire on Saturday when the Red Dragons visit struggling Forest Green Rovers.

Nathan Lyon said emotion fuelled a public singing of the Australia team song barely minutes after the final wicket fell in Sydney

Brydon Coverdale06-Jan-20140:00

‘I knew I’d get my place back’ – Lyon

It was not exactly surprising that Australia hurtled inexorably to a three-day finish in Sydney to complete their Ashes clean sweep, but what was unexpected was the public singing of the team song barely minutes after the final wicket fell. So hurried was the huddle and raucous rendition that Channel Nine didn’t even have time to consider bleeping out the penultimate word.Nathan Lyon might appear the shyest of the eight custodians of the team song, but he is the one who has brought “Underneath the Southern Cross I Stand” to the public. After securing the Ashes in Perth, the squad sang the song on the WACA pitch several hours after the match finished; in Sydney they did it with cameras around them. It wasn’t a PR stunt, but rather a letting out of all the feeling that had built up in this squad over the past ten Ashes Tests.”That was pretty emotional to beat those guys 5-0, it was something we were all pretty proud of,” Lyon said. “I was speaking to Brad Haddin, who I’m pretty close with in the side, and we thought it would be a good idea. It hasn’t been done before. There was a lot of emotion running high and we thought it was a great time. I’ll give you the tip, it wasn’t the only time we sung the song. We got all the coaching staff and all the important people around us to be part of it [later] as well.”Nathan Lyon leads the team and coaching staff in a rendition of “Underneath the Southern Cross I Stand”•Getty ImagesThey sung it more than once; they sung it more than twice. And who could blame them? Lyon took over as leader of the song when Michael Hussey retired in January. It was not until ten Tests later that an opportunity to celebrate arose. A 4-0 defeat in India and a 3-0 loss in England made it all the sweeter when success came at the Gabba.”It was a tough start to 2013,” Lyon said. “Throughout those nine Tests [in India and England] it wasn’t the best thing but we had the feeling that something special was building up and it was great to get the result in the Australian summer. Credit to Darren Lehmann and Michael Clarke, they’ve really brought us close together. It’s like a family out there and it’s an unbelievable team to be a part of.”It’s the best bowling attack that I’ll ever play in. To have the backing of Michael Clarke, the skipper, but then you’ve got Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle and Shane Watson, it’s fantastic. We work well together and we don’t mind who takes the wickets, as long as we’re doing the right things by each other and helping each other out, we’ll keep going well.”The Australia attack took all 100 possible England wickets throughout the five Tests, something Australia have never before achieved in a five-Test Ashes series. Lyon might have been overshadowed by the fast men, Mitchell Johnson in particular, but he certainly played his part in the triumph by claiming 19 wickets at 29.36.”Quicks certainly dominated this series and I was lucky enough to play a little bit of a role in hopefully helping those guys take some wickets as well,” he said. “I was lucky enough to be able to part of a great team and it’s something I’m pretty proud about.”I feel really confident in my own skill set right now. The way they’re coming out you can’t ask for any more. There’s still a lot of work to do and a lot of places I want to go.”South Africa in February-March is one such place. But on Monday, it was the furthest thing from his mind.”Not right now,” he said when asked if he had one eye on the South African series. “I’m trying to recover and keep celebrating for a couple more days.”

Two seasons ago, Dhaka finished bottom of the table. The frustration borne out of that campaign has carried them towards the title this year

Mohammad Isam22-Apr-2014Dhaka Division made a late rally to become National Cricket League champions for a fifth time. This fighting spirit was born out of the frustration of finishing last two seasons ago, when they lost six out of seven first-round matches.Their previous title came in the 2006-07 season and afterwards they have finished runners-up twice, 2010-11 and last season, and generally played second fiddle to Rajshahi Division’s dominance.”We had a bit of anger about finishing last in the 2011-12 season and ending up as runners-up last season,” Dhaka captain Mohammad Sharif said. “We wanted to do better this season, and decided that we must play well together, and not just as individuals. It is far easier to handle young and professionally mature players, as opposed to ten big stars.”We usually don’t take too much time to prepare and it was not different this time too. We did play a one-day practice game against Bangladesh Under-19 squad before the NCL began and I think that, and the two-day camp in BKSP afterwards, helped us a lot.”They started off with a ten-wicket win over Rangpur Division with three centuries coming in their first innings of the season. Chittagong Division were also crushed in the next game but Dhaka lost to Sylhet Division and drew with Rajshahi. They won one more game before the domestic season went into hibernation for the World T20.When the league restarted, they held on to their strong position at the top by picking up wins over Barisal Division and defending champions Khulna Division in their last game.For Dhaka, it has been the unheralded opening pair of Abdul Mazid and Rony Talukder whose solid starts has laid the foundation often. Individually, Mazid is the tournament’s top-scorer with 614 runs at an average of exactly 69 with two centuries and two fifties. Rony averages 50, having scored 500 runs with one century. They have added a 197-run stand and five 50-plus stands for the opening wicket.”Our opening pair of Mazid and Rony has been the difference between us and other teams,” Sharif said. “Mazid is the highest scorer but Rony too has often done well. Their good starts has reduced the pressure on the middle-order, which has helped us put up good totals.”Mazid has been in and out for the last two seasons but this year he has made the place his own. He did well in the Dhaka Premier League, which also helped his confidence.”Like Mazid, Nurul Hasan, Shuvagata Hom and Taibur Rahman have scored two centuries each. Five out of the top ten scorers in the tournament are from Dhaka.In the bowling department, left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam has been accurate, picking up 31 wickets and becoming the second highest wicket-taker behind Monir Hossain. Legspinner Noor Hossain has taken 21 wickets while captain Sharif took 20 scalps.He was instrumental in the 2006-07 season as well, picking up 30 wickets. This season he has reached 300 first-class cricket wickets, having completed 13 seasons at this level.Sharif however wasn’t happy with the surfaces this year, saying that he has hardly came across a sporting surface in the country.”Last year I think there was sporting wickets in Rajshahi and Khulna early in the season but that was just for one match. But over the last 13 seasons, I have always seen graveyards for fast bowlers. It doesn’t help the batsmen, especially those aspiring to play for the country.”A lot of runs are scored and I am not just speaking as a bowler. I don’t think it helps the batsmen one bit, by always batting in wickets where the ball bounces below the knee. When they take one step up, they see the difference,” he said.The NCL has long been called “picnic tournament” by players and coaches because of its financial stature in Bangladesh’s domestic cricket, which has caused almost everyone to neglect it. Sharif has seen it all at this level and above, having played 10 Tests and nine ODIs between 2001 and 2007. His experience has helped Dhaka win the title but he has taken the extra step to take a look at the broader picture, as he firmly believes it is not about winning a title when the tournament is not played on the best possible surfaces.”You do need to give something to the bowlers. I see my batsmen doing well, working hard and bringing us the wins but if the bowlers are neglected like this, it doesn’t help the country’s cause,” he said.

Having sealed the series in Melbourne, Australia can grab the World No. 1 ODI ranking from South Africa by defeating the visitors at the SCG

The Preview by Daniel Brettig22-Nov-20140:40

South Africa target strong finish

Match factsSunday, November 23, Sydney
Start time 1420 local (0320GMT)Big PictureCricket administrators cry “context” for ODI matches almost as much as the writers of broadsheet newspaper editorials gush about “narrative” when it comes to governments. The dead rubber ODI at the SCG finds itself with about as much context as the current schedule and ICC rankings system can possibly give it – though Australia wrapped up the series at the MCG thanks to Steven Smith, they can now clasp the top spot on the ODI table by extending the margin to 4-1.Australia’s cricketers have already learned much this series – Smith must be a first choice selection across formats, Josh Hazlewood is coming nicely to the boil, George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell are both off it, and Matthew Wade has learned a thing or two since his last stint in the team. Their board has also found a few reasons for pause: attendances for the series have been poor, raising questions about international fixtures in November, Cricket Australia’s ticket pricing and the general lack of awareness about these matches, and their revolving door of players.Now both hosts and visitors will answer a few more questions before calling a truce until the World Cup in February. Just as Melbourne will be the venue for the final, Sydney will host a semi, meaning local knowledge will be useful. The likes of Bailey, Maxwell, Farhaan Behardien, Ryan McLaren, Robin Peterson and David Miller will all be hoping to make a final decent impression, as their next ODI matches in Australia will take place when their nations’ cup squads have been finalised. Sydney on a warm Sunday afternoon will also answer another question – if this game with all its “context” cannot draw a crowd, then what can, really?–>Glenn Maxwell needs to show some substance to go with the flash at the SCG•Getty ImagesForm guide (last five completed games, most recent first)
Australia WWLWW
South Africa LLWLWIn the spotlightSince his fortunate but spinal 70 in the first game, George Bailey has struggled notably for timing and impact with the bat, leaving his standing as a respected team leader and stand-in captain more or less the only thing keeping him from being dropped. With Michael Clarke’s fitness a matter for enormous conjecture, Bailey is still needed by Australian cricket, but the skyrocketing stocks of Steve Smith are placing his spot in the ODI top six in danger should the full-time captain regather his ability to run and bat. A fretful stay at the SCG leaves one more chance for Bailey to remind the selectors that his value extends beyond wise words in the change room and neat tactics on the field. His World Cup spot may depend on it.Seven boundaries were coshed from the bowling of Ryan McLaren on Friday, the most of any South African. His scores of 0 and 13 also did not engender confidence, and despite a perfectly serviceable ODI record his place is now under some threat ahead of the World Cup. South Africa must decide on their middle order/allrounder composition, and with JP Duminy to come back from a knee ailment McLaren will need to present some sort of case for his inclusion at the SCG – provided he is retained, of course.Team news Shane Watson may take a break ahead of his likely selection in Australia’s Test squad for Brisbane, while Josh Hazlewood could also be placed on ice. Kane Richardson, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins would still provide a sturdy attack, while the in-form Smith may move back up to No. 3.Australia (possible) 1 Aaron Finch, 2 David Warner, 3 Steven Smith, George Bailey (capt), 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Matthew Wade (wk), 7 James Faulkner, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Pat Cummins, 10 Kane Richardson, 11 Xavier DohertyHaving rested from Melbourne, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander may return to the team in place of Dale Steyn and Wayne Parnell. AB de Villiers jarred a rib at the MCG and may sit out the final match of the series as a result.South Africa (possible) 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Faf du Plessis (capt), 4 Farhaan Behardien, 5 Rilee Rossouw, 6 David Miller, 7 Ryan McLaren, 8 Robin Peterson, 9 Vernon Philander, 10 Kyle Abbott, 11 Morne Morkel.Pitch and conditionsThe SCG’s first international for the season is likely to take place on a slowish pitch as the ground staff build towards a peak of pace and bounce for January’s New Year’s Test. The Matador Cup final surface was dry and sluggish, but both pitch and outfield have progressed somewhat since then.Stats and trivia South Africa won their first ODI against Australia at the SCG by a vast nine-wicket margin during the 1992 World Cup, but have won only twice since in a further nine meetings with the hosts A home victory would allow Australia to return to No. 1 in the world ODI rankingsQuotes”It adds a lot. We pride ourselves on that. We try to get to No.1 in every form of the game. To win in Sydney would be great and to take that No.1 mantle back would be outstanding.”

Ian Botham and Mahela Jayawardene opened the 2013 Murali Cup in Kilinochchi on Friday, as the five-day tournament began in five venues across Sri Lanka’s northern province

Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Nov-2013Ian Botham and Mahela Jayawardene opened the 2013 Murali Cup in Kilinochchi on Friday, as the five-day tournament began in five venues across Sri Lanka’s northern province. The Murali Cup aims to promote unity and reconciliation as well as the development of cricket, in the post-war regions of the country, by bringing men’s and women’s teams from the south to play sides from the north and east.Jayawardene, who had been one of the first public figures to visit the north after the war ended in 2009, said his belief that cricket could facilitate role in social reconciliation in Sri Lanka had only been heightened by his experience of the inaugural Murali Cup, last year.”It’s all about these kids getting together, and having fun. They have open minds, and you can see the love that the people in the north have for the game, and we should be there to foster that,” Jayawardene said.”Last year, the team from St. Peters stayed with the boys from Kilinochchi, instead of staying in the separate accommodation that they had been assigned. They made friendships and exchanged Facebook and numbers, and when St. Peters got into the final against Jaffna, the boys from Kilinochchi got into a bus and went to watch that game, specially. That’s the kind of thing that needs to happen.”Botham also began his charity walk through Sri Lanka after inaugurating the tournament, the first leg of which finished in Mankulam, 29 kilometres to the south of Kilinochchi. Sourav Ganguly, Steve Waugh and Allan Border are scheduled to join Botham on later legs.”It’s a terrific tournament – one which shows cricket’s capacity to bring people together, and be a common point of interest,” Botham said. “It fits in really well with the idea behind the walk, which is to use sport to improve people’s lives.”


Kumar Sangakkara will visit the tournament venues on Saturday and Sunday, before Muttiah Muralitharan arrives for the finals on Tuesday. Twelve Under-19 teams and eight women’s teams will compete in 34 Twenty20 matches.

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Unai Emery threw away any chance Arsenal had of beating Manchester City by setting his side up to play in a 4-4-2 formation at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

On the chalkboard

An injury to Hector Bellerin and the absence of Ainsley Maitland-Niles meant Stephan Lichtsteiner had to play at right-back on Sunday, which immediately raised concerns over the Gunners’ chances of getting even a point at Man City.

Granit Xhaka’s absence raised concerns too, as the Swiss midfielder is the anchor that connects the defence and attack, and without his presence the midfield needed reshaping.

For whatever reason, rather than including Aaron Ramsey or Mohamed Elneny from kick-off so Arsenal could retain numbers in the engine room, Emery opted for just the two central midfielders, meaning that Alex Iwobi and Sead Kolasinac on the wings had to continually drop back to help out in defence.

A 4-4-2 was never going to work against Pep Guardiola’s side because the current Premier League title holders do not need to drag play towards the byline to open up defences. Instead, they cut between the lines and Arsenal offered no one to occupy this space.

Look away Arsenal fans! American Soccer Fan is back to troll more fans at the London Stadium in the video below…

Losing before a ball was kicked

Emery had to acknowledge the brilliance that City can muster, which is why he deployed Iwobi and Kolasinac as wide midfielders, to try and prevent the creation of chances on the wings.

Unfortunately, by also playing the Gunners’ two best strikers from kick off, it meant that Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi could not cut the space in between the lines as, with no one ahead or behind, they were forced to be everywhere and everything for Emery.

It is also why Arsenal conceded an opening goal within the first minute. Iwobi had to lift his head to try and spot someone to clear the ball to, only to realise he had no one available – that split second hesitation was all City needed to snatch possession back and play a killer pass.

When Arsenal beat Chelsea last month, the Gunners played on the front foot with the attackers applying pressure, and this was the only way they could have challenged City.

But by playing in a 4-4-2, the pressure could never be applied leaving gaps behind, and Arsenal essentially lost the game on this basis before a ball was kicked.

Worcestershire completed back-to-back wins in Division Two of the LV= County Championship as they beat Gloucestershire by 10 wickets at New Road

25-May-2013
ScorecardGareth Roderick fought hard but could not deny Worcestershire•PA PhotosWorcestershire completed back-to-back wins in Division Two of the LV= County Championship as they beat Gloucestershire by 10 wickets at New Road. The home side dismissed their local rivals for 254, having been kept waiting by a career-best 79 not out by South African newcomer Gareth Roderick, and quickly reached a victory target of 32.Called into the side as deputy for Cameron Herring, Roderick, a 21-year-old KwaZulu Natal wicketkeeper, underlined his capability as a batsman by holding up Worcestershire for more than four hours on his Championship debut. A British passport holder, he was signed on a two-year deal by Gloucestershire after breaking the West of England League record with 1,231 runs for Cheltenham last season.With Roderick calm and assured, facing 169 balls and picking off just eight boundaries, he found a like-minded partner in James Fuller, a New Zealand Under-19 international who plays for Otago. They put on 99 in 41 overs before Fuller got himself out for 42, pulling a short ball from Gareth Andrew to mid-on. But teenager Craig Miles, who made 20, stayed with Roderick for 17 overs in another stand that tested Worcestershire’s patience.Chris Russell, the most threatening bowler on the day, eventually came to the home side’s rescue with two wickets in three balls. Neil Pinner held a low catch from Miles and a straight delivery was too sharp for last man Liam Norwell.Worcestershire, relegated from Division One last September, have transformed their season by taking 42 points in the space of eight days. Bottom of the table before travelling to Kent last week, they are now among the promotion-chasing pack on the back of successive 12-wicket match returns by 38-year-old Alan Richardson.Having taken 12 for 63 at Canterbury, he wrecked Gloucestershire’s batting with a career-best eight for 37 on the opening day and followed up with 4 for 70 in their slide to another defeat on their unlucky ground. Since their last win at New Road since 1986, Gloucestershire have lost 11 times in 18 visits, with six games drawn and another abandoned without a ball being bowled.When they began the last day at 87 for 5, Richardson added one more wicket, trapping Benny Howell leg-before, and a quick wrap-up seemed likely when Andrew bowled Jack Taylor. But the talented Roderick had other ideas and Worcestershire were unexpectedly taken beyond tea before their openers, Daryl Mitchell and Matt Pardoe, confirmed their victory in only 4.1 overs.

David Warner claimed he saw fear in Jonathan Trott’s eyes after England’s No. 3 completed a wretched first Ashes Test at the Gabba by flicking Mitchell Johnson to deep square leg.

Daniel Brettig in Brisbane23-Nov-20130:00

‘England in disarray’ – David Warner

David Warner claimed he saw fear in Jonathan Trott’s eyes after England’s No. 3 completed a wretched first Ashes Test at the Gabba by flicking Mitchell Johnson to deep square leg.The dismissal ended a stay in which Trott looked completely lost for a response to Johnson’s pace and bounce, compounding the weakness that had first been spotted during the ODI series in England that followed the previous Ashes series.England are now facing a heavy defeat in the first match of the return bout in Brisbane and Warner had no hesitation in declaring that England’s batsmen had “scared eyes”, epitomised by Trott’s “weak” response to the short-pitched challenge of Johnson.”Our bowlers are bowling fast at the moment, England are on the back foot and it does look like they’ve got scared eyes,” Warner said. “The way Trotty got out today was pretty poor and pretty weak, obviously there’s a weakness there at the moment and we’re probably on top of it.”He also contended that Trott needed to work on his verbals after a day on which several English and Australian players exchanged words.”I think he’s got to get new sledges as well because it’s not working for him at the moment. Yeah he’s worked hard in the nets on the short ball, we’ve seen him, but facing a 150kph short ball from Mitchell Johnson, the way to go is probably not trying to back away.”Warner, who made his own major contribution to Australia’s cause with his first Ashes century alongside the captain Michael Clarke, said Australia had made significant psychological strides in their bid to regain the Urn after two days of near total domination of the tourists.”Obviously getting a one-nil lead in a five-Test series is going to be massive for us,” Warner said. “If Tests were back-to-back it would be quite tough on the English bowlers to try and back up but they’ve got a good break after this. Hopefully we can take the eight wickets tomorrow and go on from there.”