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A maiden first-class century from Rob Jones left Middlesex with work still to do if they are to seal the victory that would all but seal the Championship

Paul Edwards at Old Trafford14-Sep-2016
ScorecardRob Jones celebrates his maiden first-class hundred•Getty ImagesOn the day when a group of probably well-intentioned executives pondered changes which might push the County Championship to the back of domestic cricket’s broom cupboard, a 20-year-old batsman with a sound technique and guts to share showed why it should occupy a precious place on the game’s mantelpiece.It is doubtful whether many of those meeting at Lord’s this dreamily perfect Wednesday had a clue who Rob Jones was when they commenced their discussions. However, by the time they broke up in early afternoon at least four chief execs were surely keen to discover more about the 20-year-old makeshift opener whose maiden first-class century had frustrated Middlesex’s title ambitions and given a major fillip to Lancashire’s hopes of avoiding yet another demotion to the Second Division.Those hopes may yet be smashed. Having conceded a first-innings lead of 68, Middlesex’s curiously dozy batting in the evening session left them with a lead of just 140 and only six wickets in hand. Their best chance of winning the game – we can forget about a challenging declaration – may rest in their being bowled out for a modest score and Lancashire messing up a run chase when trapped between boldness and restraint. Such an outcome would leave James Franklin’s side at least 20 points clear of their two rivals.Jones reflects on his maiden hundred

“Words can’t describe it, it’s so special. I can’t believe it, it’s a bit of a blur. My job now is to go again tomorrow! I’ll savour this, because it’s pretty special. The moment meant so much. I love playing for Lancashire, I really do. It’s a boyhood dream.
“This morning we spoke about trying to bat the whole day and grind it down. It was a tough ask to rebuild from 6 for 4 but I just stayed in my bubble, it didn’t matter how many balls I faced, just soak up the pressure.
“Dot balls are fine at that stage of the game and you have to keep soaking it up. I don’t know what I was thinking! You have to have a good attitude, a positive mindset, block but also put the bad ball away.”

Faced with vague threats, the blessed County Championship is producing a climax to cherish, one which illustrates both its complexity and fascination. If Middlesex lose, the top three teams in Division One would be covered by five points going into a final week of the season when two of them meet and the other wonders if this might be the best September anyone in Somerset can remember. We may find that we can place a value on a city franchise but you cannot put a price on the Championship.And as if to demonstrate cricket’s gloriously different tempi, a day which reached its climax with Jones’s six over long-on and a century celebration which would not shame an Oscar winner began as something of a slow burner.The morning’s cricket was very careful and quite marvellous. Needing 76 runs to avoid the follow-on when play began, Lancashire’s batsmen had scored all but ten of them in 33 overs before spectators were allowed to amble on the outfield in the lunch interval. Some people seemed to do nothing more purposeful at this time than stroll around, perhaps pondering that they would be granted this gentle privilege on only one more day this summer.But if Lancashire’s progress had been stately, its pace was unresented. Saving the follow-on is a serious business, even at times like these when it is unfashionable to enforce it. Yet there seemed little doubt that Franklin would have done so had his seamers enjoyed early success. Instead of that, though, they were met with bats both broad and straight as Jones and Liam Livingstone took the score to 138 – and their sixth-wicket partnership to 102 – before Livingstone’s unusually crooked stroke edged Steven Finn to Ollie Rayner’s safety-deposit hands.That wicket fell after an hour’s play and the very ball after Livingstone had reached his fifty off 117 balls. His was a fine innings because it was played under pressure and against type; moreover it helped Jones set a Lancastrian pattern characterised by stern resistance rather than supine decline.That theme was followed either side of lunch by Tom Bailey, who made 53 in 148 minutes during and put forward a fair case that his maiden first-class fifty might justify his being reclassified as a bowling allrounder. It was Bailey’s edge off Murtagh which saved the follow-on 11 overs after lunch, although by then he and Jones were batting so securely that Lancastrian goals were becoming more ambitious.Once the score reached 178, a brisk rate of scoring was added to simple crease occupation. Both Jones and Bailey looked to chip away at Middlesex’s lead and it came as a surprise when Finn had Bailey caught at slip before inflicting the same fate on Kyle Jarvis next ball. That threw Jones’s century into doubt but, on 94, the 20-year-old cast such doubts to the four winds in gloriously assertive fashion by whacking Rayner over long on. He had opted not to reach his goal in ones and twos.Jones’s haste was understandable. He had just lost Bailey and Jarvis and a few overs later he watched as Simon Kerrigan and Toby Lester fell in successive overs to Finn and Rayner. This left him as the youngest Lancastrian to carry his bat since Cyril Washbrook managed the feat against Worcestershire in 1935 – and on that occasion, Washbrook made just 49. But batting through an innings is all the sweeter when you have three figures against your name and Jones milked the moment for all it was worth. He watched as the ball cleared the fielder and then brandished his bat about six times. This is a cricketer who is so proud to represent his county that he walks round the dressing room wearing his Lancashire cap. It showed.Middlesex’s cricketers also showed what sort of people they are when Jones reached his century. A few minutes before that six Finn told him that he hoped he got to three figures because he deserved to do so; then when the brouhaha had died down, Rayner and his colleagues congratulated him. And all this respect was shown to a batsman whose innings may have denied Middlesex the Championship. This is still a lovely game.All the same, Middlesex’s frustrations on this last day were expressed in their batting during the evening session. Nick Gubbins edged Jarvis to Livingstone without scoring before Sam Robson, Nick Compton and Stevie Eskinazi all fell leg before to Kerrigan in the space of ten overs. If Middlesex are to win this title, they may need to regroup quickly.

Aston Villa have missed out on signing Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio, however the Villans are reportedly in the mix to capture another star from the Spanish capital.

Unai Emery has given the club a significant pull ahead of the summer transfer window, both on the pitch in sealing European football and off it with his individual accolades in his lucrative managerial career.

Villa shouldn’t feel discouraged by Asensio’s decision to join Paris Saint-Germain, with another option suggesting a new candidate to join Villa Park.

What’s the latest on Joao Felix to Aston Villa?

As reported by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Aston Villa have emerged as one of the options for Portuguese ace Joao Felix to relocate this summer.

The report states that Emery would be “delighted” to sign the 23-year-old, speaking in a press conference earlier this season regarding Felix’s move to Chelsea.

At the time, the Spaniard suggested the youngster was “better” than Villa, however with the club securing European football next campaign, the tides could change this summer.

What could Joao Felix bring to Aston Villa?

Lauded by Jose Mourinho as being an “incredible talent”, the forward has an impressive array of experience in European football behind him, despite being just 23.

The youngster has contributed to a total of 107 goals in his budding career, scoring 72 and assisting 35 playing at Benfica, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea – as per Transfermarkt.

After having disagreements with Diego Simeone, Felix has been searching for a new home, with Chelsea declining the option to sign the player permanently after a loan deal that came at a tough time for the Blues.

Despite playing in a disjointed Stamford Bridge squad, the forward showed his worth, scoring four goals in 11 starts in his debut season in the Premier League.

The attributes that the forward could offer Villa are endless, especially as Philippe Coutinho looks likely to depart this summer, with the Atletico gem being the perfect upgrade to the underachieving Brazilian.

When comparing the two, the Portuguese starlet gives a glimpse of what Coutinho could have been at Villa, and what he could give the club should he opt to join Emery’s project.

The £195k-per-week ace averages a mammoth 0.35 goals per 90, as well as being a live wire in the final third, as shown through his average of 4.04 shots on goal per 90 – as per FBref.

The former Liverpool magician falls short in both areas, averaging 0.11 goals per 90 and 2.40 shots per 90, showing that Felix would be a firm upgrade in the advanced areas.

A similar pattern is highlighted in the duo’s progressive play, with Coutinho averaging 2.06 progressive carries to the former Chelsea forwards’ 3.11 per 90, communicating his desire to get forward which is integral in Emery’s set-up.

Hailed as being “special” by the Villa coach himself, Felix could thrive in the Spaniard’s project at Villa, becoming one of the club’s star players and having an area to enjoy his football under a manager that can accommodate his playing style.

Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing a former Wolverhampton Wanderers flop this summer, who has become one of the most exciting players in Europe.

Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his side in abundance after an emphatic first campaign on his return to the Premier League, guiding the Villans to European football for the first time since 2010.

It will be a busy summer for the Spaniard, with the latest link being a player that could truly take his side to the next level.

Indeed, Portuguese outlet A Bola – relayed by Sport Witness – report that Villa are interested in Sporting CP forward Pedro Goncalves.

The 24-year-old attacker boasts a €80m (£69m) release clause so would cost any willing suitor a pretty penny.

What could Pedro Goncalves bring to Aston Villa?

With 32 goal contributions in 44 total appearances this season, Goncalves will be one to watch this summer after making a significant impact on Sporting’s campaign.

The Chaves-born star scored 18 goals and assisted 14 across the Primeira Liga, the Champions League and Europa League this term, cementing himself as one of the most “dangerous” forwards in Europe – as he was previously described by Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert.

For Villa, the 24-year-old could be a statement signing and could give him another shot at life in the Midlands, after a failed career at Molineux where Wolves gave him little chance to thrive.

Playing predominantly as a left-winger, the Sporting ace could be guaranteed a starting spot and would be a significant improvement on Emery’s current options on the flanks.

Leon Bailey has been threatening on occasions since his arrival at Villa Park from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, however, has contributed just five goals and six assists in 51 Premier League appearances so far – as per Transfermarkt.

Branded as “inconsistent” by Villa legend Gabriel Agbonlahor via Football Insider, the 25-year-old could be banished from Emery’s plans in the instance of Goncalves’ potential arrival.

While the £25k-per-week Portuguese gem has scored ten more league goals this season alone than Bailey has in his two-year Premier League stay, there are more upgrades that the winger can provide to Villa than just goal contributions alone.

The 24-year-old “superstar”, as praised by pundit Jack Collins, has a greater influence on the game around him than the Jamaican, as highlighted by his averages over the season in the league for Sporting.

As per Sofascore, the winger averages 2.3 key passes per game, as well as creating 16 big chances, to Bailey’s 0.9 key passes per game and eight big chances made, communicating that he is a more complete attacking player than the Villa ace.

There is always the question of physicality when a player trades a foreign league for the Premier League, however, Goncalves passes the test statistically, averaging 1.8 tackles per game, with Bailey making just 0.4 per game as per Sofascore.

Villa could sign an explosive talent that would significantly upgrade their options in attack, with the ex-Wolves man expected to be a player in demand, Emery must act fast to get the deal over the line, which could signify the end of the road for Bailey.

Masabata Klaas, Moseline Daniels and Odine Kirsten were vital to South Africa Women pulling off only their second victory over New Zealand Women in ODIs

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Oct-2016
ScorecardFile photo – Mignon du Preez struck six fours during her 44 off 76 balls•ICCSeamers Masabata Klaas, Moseline Daniels and Odine Kirsten took seven wickets between them to set up South Africa’s second win over New Zealand in ODIs. Their first had come in this series as well.After opting to bowl in the rain-reduced, 39-overs-a-side game South Africa left New Zealand at 53 for 5 in the 15th over. Daniels made the first breakthrough when she had Rachel Priest caught by Kirsten for 3. Four balls later, the other opener, Suzie Bates fell for 3 as well. Kirsten and Klaas then sliced through the batting line-up before Daniels returned to bowl New Zealand out for 130.Katey Martin stood out amid the collapse with her second ODI fifty. She stayed unbeaten on 65 off 80 balls, including five fours. Amy Satterthwaite and Holly Huddleston were the only other batsmen to reach double-figures.New Zealand felt a sliver of hope when Lea Tahuhu and Erin Bermingham took two early wickets in the chase but former captain Mignon Du Preez, who made 44 off 76 balls, and her successor Dane van Niekerk, who scored an unbeaten 36 off 61 balls, helped South Africa regain the initiative. Du Preez and debutant wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta fell in the 37th over, but van Niekerk and Suné Luus completed the chase with eight balls and five wickets to spare.The seventh and final ODI is scheduled for Monday. New Zealand, having won four matches, would take the series.

Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for Harry Kane this summer but now a new update has emerged that could put a dampener on the dreams of bringing him to Old Trafford.

What's the latest on Man United's interest in Harry Kane?

According to The Times, the Red Devils are losing hope of being able to secure the signature of the Tottenham Hotspur striker this summer.

As per the report, Daniel Levy remains firm on not wanting to part ways with his biggest asset whilst Erik ten Hag remains keen to make Kane his leading man in the forward line.

It is claimed that Man United have tried to strike a deal to secure the striker's services already but Levy is adamant that he will not be sold to strengthen a Premier League rival, despite having just one year left on his contract.

Should Man United continue their pursuit of Harry Kane?

There is no doubt that the Manchester giants will be desperate to strengthen in the centre-forward role this summer after the abysmal efforts from loanee Wout Weghorst and mainstay Anthony Martial, with no time to waste in finding the perfect player to take up the role ahead of next season.

However, giving up on the signing of Kane – dubbed "exquisite" by Jamie Redknapp – should not be an option for Ten Hag as the 29-year-old would be a huge asset in the forward line and would comfortably become the club's answer to Wayne Rooney, with the now retired striker never really replaced at Old Trafford.

The compatriots boast incredible similarities as Kane replaced the Man United legend as the most trusted centre-forward for the England national team, not only following in his footsteps to captain the side but also breaking his all-time goal-scoring record on the international stage too.

In terms of their style of play, the pair share even more likeness with Rooney often dropping deeper than a traditional number nine into a versatile play-making role towards the latter stages of his career.

That very much saw him trouble opponents in the same way the Spurs striker does for his team too, both comfortable, confident and prolific in a deeper role with quality wingers either side operating to provide chances for them.

Whilst taking all into consideration, the most striking and vital resemblance that the pair possess is their unrivalled finishing and ability to kill games with their vision for goal, something that would take Man United back to the elite level they were playing at when their all-time goalscorer represented the team in the final third.

Over 49 appearances in all competitions this season, the £100m-valued England captain – hailed as a "GOAT" of the Premier League by Christian Stellini – scored a whopping 32 goals and delivered five assists, as well as making up for 47% of Spurs' goal participations in the top flight and only finishing second to Erling Haaland in the race for the golden boot.

With that being said, if there is even the slightest chance that Man United could strike up a deal to sign Kane this summer they should grab the opportunity with both hands, as his leadership, style of play and hunger for goals could solve Ten Hag's biggest headache next season.

A round-up of the second day of Group B matches in the sixth round of the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Nov-2016Jharkhand added 429 runs in the 87 overs they batted on the second day to finish on 458 for 7, 181 runs ahead of Saurashtra in Agartala. Jharkhand rode on centuries from Ishank Jaggi and Ishan Kishan, who struck his second consecutive ton.Jharkhand’s openers Anand Singh and Pratyush Singh added 42 runs in the morning before they slid from 71 for 0 to 82 for 3 in a five-over period. Saurabh Tiwary then scored an 88-ball 61, stringing together a fourth-wicket partnership of 136 with Jaggi, before being dismissed, having taken Jharkhand past 200.Jaggi reached his century soon after and joined hands with Ishan Kishan to put on 153 runs, before Jaggi retired momentarily. Kishan, who scored 273 in the previous match, scored 136 off 120 balls before being bowled by Jaydev Unadkat (2 for 87). Jharkhand lost two more wickets by stumps, ending the day with Jaggi (165*) and Ashish Kumar, who was yet to get off the mark, at the crease.In Kolkata, Vidarbha effected a Maharashtra collapse and backed it up with a strong batting performance to end the day on 141 for 1, after having collapsed for 59 on the first day.Lalit Yadav, who finished with five wickets, dismissed overnight centurion Naushad Shaikh for 127, and then Ankit Bawne, who scored 111. Shrikant Wagh took three wickets as Maharashtra were dismissed for 332, with their last seven wickets falling for just 62 runs.Vidarbha started strongly in their second essay, with openers Sanjay Ramaswamy (67) and Faiz Fazal (53*) putting on 141, before the former was dismissed in the last over of the day.In Vizianagaram, 14 wickets fell as Karnataka ended the day on 78 for 0 in their second innings, leading Rajasthan by 304 runs.The day started with Karnataka on 345 for 6 in the first innings. They added only 29 runs to be bowled out for 374, with medium-pacer TM Ul-Haq taking 5 for 82.It was then Rajasthan’s turn to collapse, as Karnataka captain Vinay Kumar , and S Aravind took four wickets each to dismiss them for 148. Siddharth Dobal top-scored with 47, but with only one significant partnership in the innings – 53 between Dobal and Rajesh Bishnoi (25) for the seventh – they folded in 54 overs with their last four falling for eight runs.KL Rahul – pushing for a Test return – remained unbeaten on 32, while his opening partner R Samarth was not out on 46 as they took Karnataka’s lead past 300.In Hyderabad, Odisha ended the second day on 150 for 2 against Assam, trailing by 151 after bowling Assam out for 301.Govinda Poddar was not out on 81, along with Subhranshu Senapati, who was batting on 34 in an unbroken partnership of 82 for the third wicket. That, after openers Sandeep Pattnaik (1) and Abhishek Yadav (26) were dismissed before tea.Earlier in the day, Assam added 77 runs to their overnight score of 224 for 5, to finish on 301. Kunal Saikia, who ended the opening day on 88, scored his maiden first-class hundred, before being the last man dismissed, for 135.

Aston Villa could add to their summer spree in one of Unai Emery’s former talents, as a La Liga ace has been linked with a move to Villa Park.

Following the signing of Youri Tielemans, who will join the side officially on July 1st at the expiration of his Leicester City contract.

The Spaniard could bolster his attack further by signing the latest player linked to the club, as he aims to strengthen his side ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa?

As reported by GIVEMESPORT when speaking to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, Aston Villa are eyeing Villarreal gem Nicolas Jackson.

The forward is reportedly a player Emery ‘likes’ as per Taylor’s understanding. He almost made the switch to the Premier League in January, had he not failed a medical at Bournemouth.

It was reported by the Southern Daily Echo at the time that the fee was believed to be in the region of £20m.

What could Nicolas Jackson offer Aston Villa?

Hailed as “extraordinary” by manager Quique Setien, the forward has made his mark in La Liga this season after being promoted from the club’s academy by Emery himself.

In 26 league appearances, the Senegalese talent has contributed to a total of 16 goals, scoring 12 himself and assisting four in an explosive individual campaign, via FBref.

The versatile striker, who can play on either flank as well as central, could form a new dangerous partnership at Villa alongside incoming signing Tielemans, who has been lauded as a “phenomenon” for his ability in midfield.

In signing the Belgian, Emery has equipped his side with a new injection of creativity and progressive strengths in the middle of the park, as shown by his statistics in comparison to position rival Emi Buendia.

As per FBref, Tielemans averages 6.95 progressive passes per 90 to the Argentine's 5.15 per 90 over the past year, showing that he can distribute play in a positive light going forward.

This could benefit the likes of Jackson, who is a player that can make a move count in the final third, as shown by him ranking in the top 6% of forwards in Europe in terms of non-penalty goals, averaging a huge 0.68 per 90, via FBref.

Being a player that has strengths in producing key passes as per WhoScored, Tielemans is the ideal player to have playing behind a talent such as Jackson, who is a strong finisher and dribbler.

With an average of 6.59 progressive passes received per 90, the Senegalese ace enjoys getting on the end of through balls, signalling that Emery could get the best out of the young star in his free-flowing system at Villa.

Despite no official contact being reported yet, it’s clear that the Spaniard wants to get business done quickly and with the transfer window fast approaching, only time will tell if the rumours are to be believed.

A round-up of the latest round of Group B Ranji Trophy matches, in which Rishabh Pant made one of the fastest hundreds in Ranji history and Arup Das bowled Assam to victory

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Nov-2016Rishabh Pant smacked one of the fastest centuries in Ranji Trophy history, off 48 balls, to clinch his second hundred in the match as Delhi saw out a draw against Jharkhand in Thumba. The 19-year old batsman, has averaged 81.87 with a strike rate of 96.75 since making his first-class debut in October 2015.Pant, who scored a 106-ball 117 in the first innings, followed it up with a 67-ball 135 to secure a point for Delhi after they were asked to follow on. Overnight batsmen Dhruv Shorey and Nitish Rana put together an 82-run stand for the second wicket, before the latter was dismissed one short of a half-century by Shahbaz Nadeem. Thirteen runs later, Nadeem got Shorey out on 91, before Pant’s blitz of 13 sixes and eight fours ended any chance of a Jharkhand victory. Milind Kumar (65) and Manan Sharma (53*) chipped in with half-centuries as Delhi finished on 480 for 6 at stumps. Jharkhand collected three points on account of their first-innings lead.Assam beat Saurashtra by nine wickets to record their first win this season in Kolkata. Arup Das returned with another five-wicket haul to finish with match figures of 12 for 70, his best in first-class cricket.Saurashtra were skittled for 81 in their second innings, with only three batsmen reaching double figures. There were five ducks overall. The new ball pair of Arup and Krishna Das shared nine wickets between them to trigger a massive collapse that resulted in Saurashtra losing seven wickets for just 30 runs. Needing 66 to win, Assam missed an opportunity to claim a bonus point when Rahul Hazarika was dismissed for 8. Rishav Das, who made a 41-ball 30, and Sibsankar Royl secured the six points for an outright win.Centuries from Ranjit Singh, Subhranshu Senapati and debutant Abhishek Yadav helped Odisha to a draw against Rajasthan in Patiala after being asked to follow on.Ranjit and Senapati put together a 233-run partnership for the third wicket as both batsmen reached centuries before lunch, before both were dismissed in the space of four runs as Odisha slipped from 318 for 2 to 334 for 5. Yadav then struck a 157-ball 115 supported by Saurabh Rawat as they ended on 508 for 6 at stumps. Rajasthan used ten bowlers in the innings, as they settled for three points due to their first-innings lead. Odisha received a solitary point.

Cricket Ireland has announced its list of centrally contracted players for 2017, with the return of Ed Joyce and a specialist wicketkeeping role for Niall O’Brien among the most significant developments

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Dec-2016Cricket Ireland has announced its list of centrally contracted players for 2017, with the return of Ed Joyce and a specialist wicketkeeping role for Niall O’Brien among the most significant developments as Ireland target a promotion to Test status over the next two years.O’Brien is no longer contracted to a county, while Joyce has pared back his Sussex commitments in order to take part in Ireland’s inter-provincial tournament, which was recently given first-class status.Cricket Ireland 2017 contracts

Category A: John Anderson, Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Andrew McBrine, Jacob Mulder, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Thompson, Craig Young
Category B: Barry McCarthy, Tim Murtagh, Niall O’Brien, William Porterfield, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Greg Thompson, Gary Wilson

“It is great news for the Inter-Provincial series that Niall will be joining Ed Joyce in our new first-class competition, but also playing a key part in developing our young wicketkeepers in the national pathway,” Cricket Ireland’s performance director, Richard Holdsworth, said.”We shall be announcing more specialist coaches over the coming months in a plan to identify and develop key skill areas for Ireland-based coaches.”Joyce is one of ten players to have been given a Category A contract. John Anderson, Andrew Balbirnie – who was released by Middlesex earlier this year – and young legspinner Jacob Mulder were awarded their first full-time contracts. Mulder, who was born in Perth, Australia made his international debut against Hong Kong in September.Allrounder Stuart Thompson, who announced during the summer that he would be taking an indefinite break from the game to deal with performance anxiety issues, has retained his Category A contract.As well as targeting Test status via the Intercontinental Cup – they currently top the table with four wins from four – Ireland have a busy 2017 lined up, with two ODIs in England, a tri-series with New Zealand and Bangladesh and a one-off ODI against West Indies at home. They are also set to play in the Desert T20, an eight-team Associate tournament, in January.Holdsworth said that the move to bring Joyce back was part of a concerted plan for the future development of the game in Ireland, and would involve him coaching at the academy and mentoring young players.”It has been one of our strategic objectives to bring players back home from England and for Ed to be the first is very appropriate,” Holdsworth said.”Ed will not only be based here in Ireland training with the national squad, but will also help our next generation of international cricketers in a specialist batting and leadership coaching role, working with the Shapoorji Pallonji National Academy and Ireland youth squads as well as mentoring some national performance squad players.”Nine others players have agreed Category B contracts, including several who still play county cricket in England such as the captain, William Porterfield, seam bowlers Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin and Barry McCarthy, wicketkeeper Gary Wilson and allrounder Paul Stirling.

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford will be a 'leading man next season' in attack as the Whites look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Patrick Bamford?

In 2022/23, Bamford endured a difficult campaign for Leeds United as they suffered relegation to the Sky Bet Championship. Across 31 appearances in all competitions, the 29-year-old netted six goals and laid on four assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan slated the £70k-a-week ace for his performances during the campaign in an interview quoted by TEAMtalk, stating: “Patrick Bamford at times this season, I thought was diabolical. Poor, not just penalty misses but in games where he didn’t hold the line up, he didn’t do his job. I don’t know whether new contracts have affected his outcome because he got a new contract.”

Of course, the penalty miss that Jordan alluded to occurred last month in Leeds United's 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on matchday 36 of the Premier League season, where he fluffed the chance to put the Whites 2-0 up in a must-win match in their eventually doomed fight for survival, as per BBC Sport.

One report in Spain claimed in April that Bamford has offers on the table this summer from unnamed clubs; however, it remains to be seen whether that situation will have changed due to Leeds United dropping into England's second tier.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Bamford will still be at Leeds United next season and will spearhead their attack in the Sky Bet Championship.

Jones told FFC: "I think Bamford will score goals in the Championship anyway. I think that's a level that he thrives at and whichever manager that comes into Leeds, I would expect Bamford to be the leading man next season and expect him to score goals. I think that's probably one of the good things that their next manager would look at is that in that division, particularly, they do have a good goal source."

Can Patrick Bamford be relied upon in the Sky Bet Championship for Leeds United?

Going by his previous history, there is no doubt that Bamford can be a potent marksman in the Sky Bet Championship as Leeds United look to get themselves back into the top flight.

His career record in the English second-tier stands up to scrutiny, as he has notched 61 goals and 15 assists in 167 appearances in total, as per Transfermarkt.

This season, despite not being a successful one on a personal or collective level for Bamford or Leeds United, still proved that the 29-year-old carries a cunning goal threat, as he averaged around 1.8 shots per match in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.

Nevertheless, FBRef detail that in the same competition, Bamford only managed to get around 33.3% of his shots on target, suggesting room for improvement.

Moving forward, Bamford may be returning to a level he knows he can deliver at, which can only be a good thing for Leeds United.