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Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, called Kane Williamson’s century in Wellington his best in 12 months but lamented some poor batsmanship around him

Andrew McGlashan in Wellington04-Mar-2018New Zealand are pinning their hopes of being able to come from behind to take the one-day series against England on the recovery of Ross Taylor and reuniting him with Kane Williamson after his magnificent century in Wellington came just short of securing victory.Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, called Williamson’s innings his best in 12 months but lamented some poor batsmanship around him – echoing the views of the captain who said his side didn’t bat smartly – as the middle order subsided against Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid. A stand of 96 between Williamson and Mitchell Santner put New Zealand in a position from where they could have won, but 15 off the last over proved a little too many.”Once the spinners came on, it was always going to be a challenge starting on that surface – Kane was the only player to get past 50 in the match, so, clearly, starting was difficult – but we lacked the batsmanship required yesterday,” Hesson said. “[The dismissals] were a bit different, some were very poor decision-making; others were a bit of a lack of execution.”There are positive vibes coming from the New Zealand camp over Taylor, who missed the Wellington match with a quad injury sustained being run out in Mount Maunganui, and having their two finest batsmen back together – and both in form – is much-needed for the Dunedin match on Wednesday. Since returning to the one-day side last year after eye surgery Taylor has averaged 57.27 in ODIs, with three centuries, the most recent in the first match of the series.”We have some very talented players, such as Mark Chapman, but at the moment they aren’t Ross Taylor,” Hesson said. “It’s looking promising for Ross.”Unsurprisingly, having returned from a hamstring injury, Williamson reported as feeling “stiff and sore” after being on the field for all but 2.1 overs in Wellington, but there are currently no concerns around him for Dunedin with the extra day between matches working in his and Taylor’s favour.”That’s probably the best Kane has played in 12 months in terms of the way he stuck to his game plan form ball one,” Hesson said. “As the only player to pass fifty suggests it was an outstanding innings. To get us to a point where we had a chance to win was testament to his quality.”The one aspect of Williamson’s performance that raised a few eyebrows was his use of Santner for only two overs with his left-arm spin. Instead, Colin Munro bowled eight overs; Williamson’s decision perhaps swayed by Colin de Grandhomme’s miserly spell of 10 overs for 24 runs and the presence of left-handers in the middle for the majority of the innings, who would have been hitting with Santner’s turn to the shorter boundaries at the Westpac.”It was a tactical decision made out there…you rely on guys to make decisions out there, the left-handers were out there for a long time,” Hesson said. “Colin Munro and de Grandhomme did the job of hitting the length at the time; I certainly support that.”

Cricketers around the world should consider taking a leading role in adopting their own honour code under which they operate, according to Tony Irish, chief executive of FICA

Firdose Moonda26-Mar-2018Cricketers around the world should consider taking a leading role in adopting their own honour code under which they operate, according to Tony Irish, chief executive of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA). Responding to several incidents in the global game over the last few weeks, which reached a climax when Australia’s captain Steven Smith admitted to a premeditated plan to tamper with the ball during the Newlands Test, Irish said players needed to take it on themselves to act within the spirit of the game.”Players are the shop window to the game and they have a great responsibility for the game,” Irish told ESPNcricinfo. “What happened at Newlands falls way short of where that responsibility should be. Everyone wants to see hard-fought Test cricket but we are also seeing many instances in which player behaviour, and not cricket, is the focus. The seriousness of what has just happened has brought things to a head and will hopefully be the catalyst for change.MCC condemns falling behaviour standards

The MCC, which oversees the Laws of cricket, has issued a statement calling for a “shift in attitude and culture” in the game, in the wake of latest controversy to impact on the series between South Africa and Australia, saying that standards of player behaviour had fallen to unacceptable levels.
“We welcome the swift action by the match officials, ICC and Cricket Australia in response to the admission of ball tampering by senior Australia players,” John Stephenson, MCC assistant secretary, said. “Changing the condition of the ball is prohibited under Law 41 concerning Unfair Play.
“Law 41 also places upon the captains of both sides the responsibility for ensuring that play is carried out in accordance with the spirit of the game as well as within the Laws. The behaviour of some of the players in the current South Africa/Australia series, and other incidents in recent times in the game we all cherish, has fallen well below the standard required to inspire future generations of cricket-loving families.
“The time has come for a major shift in attitude and culture of all those with responsibility for leadership within the game, to give young players the kind of role models who will uphold standards, preserve cricket and, vitally, the Spirit of Cricket for future generations.”

“The ICC code of conduct has to be consistent and effective in dealing with player behaviour and that should be a given. But perhaps it’s also time to start the conversation with players around what they feel should the fundamental principles around how the game is played. Perhaps this could lead to their own honour code, which will contribute to the promotion and protection of the unique values and traditions of cricket. This would be a proactive and collective shift led by the players.”Though the ICC has a code of conduct in place, Irish feels FICA, which represents players from nine ICC members, should also engage with the senior players from all countries to get their views on how the code is working. “This should be done in a positive way so that it contributes to solutions around player conduct,” Irish said.The ongoing South Africa-Australia series has seen seven disciplinary issues across three Tests, from ball-tampering and sledging to a shoulder brush. At the same time in Colombo, Bangladesh players were involved in arguments with the umpires over a decision they were unhappy with during a T20 against Sri Lanka and the anger then spilled off-field, where a glass door was shattered.While sanctions have been handed down in all cases, the severity of the punishments differed, causing consternation in some quarters. Kagiso Rabada was initially given three demerit points for the contact he made with Steven Smith (this was reduced to one on appeal) while the Bangladesh players only picked up a demerit point each.Irish said he hoped the players could agree among themselves what constitutes worthy behaviour and how they chose to act when representing their countries.”The ICC code of conduct requires player compliance but standards set by players themselves would hopefully make it less about what one can and can’t get away with under the code,” he said. “It becomes important to look at how players across the world can collectively and proactively take responsibility. One common standard may be a challenge but I would like to think it’s achievable. Different teams have different cultures and approaches, but they are all playing the same game with the same unique history. In my experience, most players recognise how special and unique cricket is and want to do the right thing”Asked why he thinks matters have become so heated of late, Irish was unsure but felt that intensity was good for game, as long as it is contained. “Maybe a lot of this, certainly in this series [in South Africa], is the passion and the heat of this series,” he said. “In a way, that’s positive because it shows you how much players care about Test cricket and winning these games but clearly what just happened is not acceptable.”

Manchester City are now keen on signing a record-breaking striker, but they will have to do battle for his signature with some of Europe's top clubs, according to a report.

What's the latest Man City transfer news?

Man City will be in the market for a new left-back in the January transfer window, considering Sergio Gomez is their only natural option in that area of the pitch, and Football Insider has revealed they are now confident about signing Boca Juniors' Valentin Barco.

Although the Boca defender has a release clause of around £10m included in his contract, the Sky Blues may have to stump up a fee of £15m, as there is considerable interest in his signature, with Brighton & Hove Albion also being named as potential suitors.

Barco is not the only young left-back that City have been credited with an interest in, as it has been reported they are also keen on signing Chelsea's Ian Maatsen, amid the uncertainty surrounding the 21-year-old's future at Stamford Bridge.

The vast majority of the Citizens' transfer targets are under 21, having also been linked with a move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, and there have now been reports they could make a move for another young striker.

According to a report from CalcioMercato, Man City are now interested in signing 15-year-old AC Milan striker Francesco Camarda, who is attracting the attention of several top European clubs, as they are "convinced" he has a great future ahead of him.

The Milan starlet continues to break "record after record", recently netting a brace against Newcastle United on his debut in the UEFA Youth League, which meant he became the youngest Italian ever to score in the competition.

In light of the impression the youngster has made for AC Milan, there are a number of clubs vying for his signature, with Borussia Dortmund also being named as potential suitors, but there is an indication he may not be on the move anytime soon.

The Italian club are currently in the process of handing Camarda his first professional contract, and he "dreams" of making his debut for the Rossoneri in the Serie A.

Who is Francesco Camarda?

The Milan-born forward has started to make a name for himself at youth level, having scored one goal in three Primavera 1 games this season, while he recorded three goal contributions in his first-ever UEFA Youth League outing, bagging two goals and an assist.

The Italian has also made his breakthrough on the international scene, having found the back of the net three times in three appearances for the U17s, during which time he has also recorded one assist.

It is no wonder some of Europe's top clubs are queuing up for Camarda, as he clearly has a lot of potential, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig lauding him as an "unbelievable" talent just a few days ago.

However, the Milan academy graduate does not seem to have much interest in leaving his hometown club at the moment, so Man City should keep him shortlisted for the future.

Liverpool had to dig deep to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers and restore their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

If you want to be a champion, you have to win in different ways; teams will not get steamrolled each week. Arne Slot’s side showed resilience against a relegation-threatened team that took all ten of the shots in the second half, with Matheus Cunha scoring a brilliant curved shot from outside the area after the hour mark.

Already two goals to the good following Luis Diaz’s strike and Mohamed Salah’s penalty, Anfield turned to some of its fringe players to succeed, with the club’s academy proving its new-found worth once again.

Liverpool's thriving academy

Through Trent Alexander-Arnold, Steven Gerrard before him and Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler too, Liverpool have long enjoyed a strong-bonded connection with their homegrown talent.

But there’s been a shift in recent years, the scale of Kirkby’s talent pool stretching. Last season, ‘Klopp’s Kids’ proved instrumental in winning the Carabao Cup, and are showing plenty of promise under Slot’s wing.

Against Wolves, Jarell Quansah returned to form with a stunning second-half performance, so important in rebuffing the visitors’ threat.

After the game, journalist Bence Bocsak said that “so many people” wrote Quansah off after his slow start to the season, but that he “didn’t put a foot wrong” as Anfield breathed a sigh of relief upon claiming a fourth win in five top-flight fixtures.

With Conor Bradley also impressing, replacing Alexander-Arnold after the hour mark, and Harvey Elliott waiting in the wings, it feels like FSG have got the balance just right, suffusing an ambitious first team with the perfect amount of homegrown potential.

Who will be next? Already, the likes of Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni have earned senior minutes this term and look to be top talents, but Liverpool might find that they have another young forward who could be Slot’s own version of Cunha.

Slot may already have his own Cunha

You may think of Diaz when it comes to Liverpool having their own version of Wolves’ talisman. But in actuality, the Brazilian’s style could be followed by a much younger member of the Reds family.

The man in question is Trent Kone-Doherty. Aged 18, the forward has been a potent threat in Liverpool’s academy over the past several years.

A Republic of Ireland youth international, Liverpool signed him from Derry City back in 2022 and he quickly made his presence known, with skills and speed at the centre of his game plan.

He was handed his senior debut last month too, entering the fray in the second half as Liverpool not so much bowed as tumbled out of the FA Cup, slain by giant killers Plymouth Argyle.

It was a substitution that illustrated the bareness of Liverpool’s bench, but this rising star showed application and got into the thick of the action, taking 11 touches, completing his one attempted dribble and winning his only duel, as per Sofascore. That kind of combativeness speaks toward his future, and it’s a glowing endorsement.

With 30 goals and seven assists across 67 youth fixtures for the Merseysiders, Kone-Doherty has showcased his star quality in goalscoring. More importantly, he’s able to juggle his output across the frontline, something that Cunha has found much success with at Molineux, less of a striker and more of a goalscoring winger or number ten, thrusting forward and into space.

Left winger

30

21

4

Right winger

14

5

2

Centre-forward

2

1

0

Centre-back

1

0

0

This isn’t to say that Diaz doesn’t mirror some of these interesting attributes, but the Colombian is 28 years old and nearing the penultimate year of his Liverpool contract.

Whether Liverpool retain his services by offering a new bumper package leading into his 30s (which goes against FSG’s typical position) remains to be seen, but Kone-Doherty’s potential to star for many, many years suggests that he is the one who could become Liverpool’s next dynamic and positionally versatile attacking threat.

Kone-Doherty has also described himself as a “fearless” forward, owing to his sharp pace and willingness to engage with opponents. This is something that provides further similarities to Cunha, who has averaged 1.3 tackles and 5.6 successful duels per Premier League match this season, as per Sofascore.

In the past, U18s coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson has commented on the teenager’s skill set, saying:

Plucking a thread from such comments, it’s curious to note that he has received praise for his ability against bigger players, something that Cunha does so well himself through balance and raw energy and technical quality.

Despite plying his art within a club that teeters on outside of the relegation zone, Cunha has proved that he has enough quality to perform for the best of them, ranking among the top 3% of Premier League forwards this season for non-penalty goals per 90, as per FBref.

That, surely, is the profile that Kone-Doherty should work toward emulating, for he boasts the right physical strengths and natural-born striking instinct to do so.

In The Pipeline

Indeed, Liverpool academy reporter Lewis Bower has hailed Kone-Doherty for his “exceptional” finishing, and with such an exciting and balanced style of play, it may well be that Slot unleashes Liverpool’s own version of Cunha down the line, potentially saving the club millions.

Now worth £15m more: Liverpool have struck gold on their answer to Cunha

Liverpool have struck gold with their own answer to Matheus Cunha.

ByKelan Sarson Feb 17, 2025

The West Indian great, who coached Bangladesh in the late 1990s, was in Dhaka this week, meeting with old friends in Bangladesh cricket

Mohammad Isam16-May-2018Gordon Greenidge, the West Indies great who was one of Bangladesh’s earliest foreign coaches in the late 1990s, always knew Bangladesh cricket would one day overcome their difficult start in the quest for international cricket. Even now, he is proud of what they have achieved, having seen first-hand their more fallow days when he was appointed coach in 1996.Greenidge, who later guided Bangladesh to their first World Cup appearance in 1999, was accorded a reception by the BCB on Tuesday, with many cricketers from his time meeting him after nearly two decades. In a rare reunion, the likes of Akram Khan, Minhajul Abedin, Mohammad Rafique and Khaled Mashud, among others, shared hugs, laughs and stories with Greenidge, whom many considered a father figure during his four-year tenure as head coach.”I did believe Bangladesh cricket would grow,” Greenidge said. “It always had the potential to grow. It is difficult to measure the quality of Bangladesh cricket. Before, we were only playing one-day cricket. It was nice to see the players meeting the demands of the highest standards and more extensive games at the international arena. It was always going to be a difficult task to rise to the international standard.”I am happy to say that they have done it exceptionally well. It is not always the case that you have continuous success. I can see Bangladesh cricket actually keep its head high and be able to compete credibly at the international stage.”The BCB also presented Greenidge with a Bangladesh jersey, a tie and a watch. It also donated Tk 500,000 for the Gordon Greenidge Primary School and library in Barbados.Greenidge said that while his departure was “disappointing” – he was unceremoniously discharged soon after Bangladesh’s famous win over Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup – he has moved on. “The parting was disappointing. I would have liked to spend more time with Bangladesh cricket, but it wasn’t to be. I have no ills. These things happen.”Greenidge said that he hoped to stay in touch with old friends in Dhaka. “I cherish all my memories here in Bangladesh. I just met [Gazi Ashraf] Lipu after some time. I believe [Tanjeeb Ahsan] Saad is not well. I had a good communication channel, which was lost. Now that we have met again, I sincerely hope that we can renew that relationship and continue where we left off.”

Middlesex are hoping to improve on a record that has seen the club reach one T20 quarter-final in the last ten years

ESPNcricinfo staff09-May-2018Middlesex have signed Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies allrounder, for the first six games of the Vitality Blast, in a bid to improve on a record that has seen the club reach one T20 quarter-final in the last ten years.Last season, Middlesex brought in Daniel Vettori as a specialist T20 coach, but could only manage a seventh-place finish in the South Group. The previous year, they reached the last eight, but have not enjoyed significant success in the competition since lifting the old Twenty20 Cup in 2008.Bravo is recognised as one of the world’s premier T20 cricketers, currently playing a leading role with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He has previously had stints in England with Kent, Essex and, most recently, Surrey – who will be his first opponents in a Middlesex shirt, when their campaign begins at Lord’s on July 5.Graphic: Dwayne Bravo’s T20 teams•ESPNcricinfo Ltd”I’ve been fortunate enough throughout my career to have played all round the world and Lord’s in London is a place that really excites me,” Bravo said. “I have no hesitation committing to Middlesex for six games of the Vitality Blast and am looking forward to joining Dan Vettori’s squad at the start of July.”Middlesex have already signed Ashton Agar for this year’s Blast, with the Australia spinner available for the entire competition.Speaking of Bravo’s arrival, Middlesex managing director of cricket, Angus Fraser, said: “Dwayne is one of the most exciting and best T20 players in the world. He can win games of cricket with bat or ball. He may only be available for six games, but I expect him to have an impact in a number of these matches. I’m sure he is a player the huge Lord’s crowds will enjoy watching.”

Everton are hoping to offer one of their first-team squad members a new contract, according to what one reliable journalist has heard from Goodison Park.

What's the latest transfer news at Everton?

According to TEAMtalk, Sean Dyche has set his sights on signing Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko in January, but he is set to face stiff competition when it comes to securing his services from Premier League rivals West Ham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sheffield United who are also interested in a swoop.

Alongside him, Sevilla forward Adnan Januzaj and Manchester United’s Harry Maguire have also been linked with moves at the start of the new year, and whilst there is plenty of work going on to bring fresh faces in, it appears that Goodison chiefs are also keen to focus on the contract situations of players who are already on Merseyside.

One of those that they have turned their attention towards is Jarrad Branthwaite who, after returning to the club following two loans at Blackburn Rovers and most recently PSV Eindhoven, has established himself as the boss’ overall second best-performing player so far this season with a WhoScored match rating of 6.98.

Over the summer, England’s youth international was the subject of a surprise enquiry from Erik ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford, but a deal failed to come to fruition before the deadline, likely as a result of his £25m price tag, so following the previous attention, the centre-back is wanted to commit his future in L4.

Is Jarrad Branthwaite signing a new contract at Everton?

Taking to X, The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland revealed that Everton are set to table Branthwaite an improved contract which would see him extend his stay at Goodison Park. He wrote:

“'He’s got everything to go to the very top'. Jarrad Branthwaite is starting to fulfil his vast potential. Yet to be dribbled past this season & fifth in PL for both interceptions + recoveries. 2 years + 1 left but Everton keen to tie him to [a] new deal.”

How tall is Jarrad Branthwaite?

Standing at a staggering 6 foot 5, Branthwaite provides an excellent physical presence at the heart of the backline, and he’s been a rock so far this season having averaged 4.3 clearances and three aerial wins per top-flight game for Everton, via WhoScored, which Dyche will love to see.

The Carlisle-born talent, who pockets £15k-per-week, is also capable of making a positive impact at the opposite end of the pitch having posted nine involvements (seven goals and two assists) in 88 appearances since the start of his career, which has seen him hailed a “terrific” footballer by his former manager Steven Pressley.

Furthermore, whilst the 21-year-old’s natural role is at centre-back, he even has the versatility to play out wide at left-back, so this is another attribute that will no doubt be attractive to the boss and one that makes him a fantastic option to keep in the building, therefore, the hierarchy need to do everything they can to fend off interest and get him to put pen to paper.

Tottenham Hotspur are "willing to shell out a considerable sum" for one club's star player who has become an "important target" for Spurs.

Who have Tottenham signed 2023?

Over the 2023 summer transfer window, new Lilywhites boss Ange Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy opted to bring in seven major signings. Indeed, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, young centre-back Ashley Phillips, assured defender Micky van de Ven, England midfielder James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon, exciting striker Alejo Veliz and Wales forward Brennan Johnson all put pen to paper before deadline day.

The results of their business so far have been very fruitful, as Spurs are currently sitting pretty in the Premier League stands and second – just behind last season's treble-winning Man City side. Both van de Ven and Maddison in particular have stood out as a couple of the window's arguable bargains of the summer, especially the latter, who has already endeared himself to the Tottenham fanbase with an array of impressive performances.

Vicario, who came in to succeed long-serving number one Hugo Lloris between the sticks, has also been praised for his start to life at N17 – while Solomon has dazzled on-lookers in parts with some his brilliant one-v-one directness. The likes of Phillips and Veliz are seen more as rising stars for the future, so must wait patiently for game time, but there is already very high hopes at Spurs for Johnson's potential to become important.

What's the latest Spurs transfer news?

As the January transfer window approaches, Tottenham could move to reinforce their squad further, in particular by making a second central defensive signing after van de Ven this year. The north Londoners arguably lack cover in that position if the Dutchman or his partner, Cristian Romero, were to succumb to injury.

This has lead to reports that they could target the likes of Juventus star Gleison Bremer, Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly and Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba. Now, according to a report from Spain this week, Tottenham have added another name to their list of defensive targets for the winter.

Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson, who starred for his club in the Turkish Super Lig last term, is apparently that player with the 24-year-old becoming an "important objective". As such, Spurs are apparently "willing to shell out a considerable sum of €30 million (£26m) to secure his services". Postecoglou's side are very interested Nelsson, and this could deal a blow to Sevilla, who are also chasing the centre-back.

The Denmark international stood out as a star defensive player for Galatasaray over 2022/2023; making more blocks per 90 and winning more aerial duels per game than any of his teammates in the league (WhoScored). Nelsson was also an untouchable member of manager Okan Buruk's starting eleven; featuring over more Super Lig minutes than any other outfielder in their squad (WhoScored).

These numbers suggest that he is a pivotal figure for Galatasaray, and it is little surprise Spurs are taking note of his exploits.

England missed crucial chances on the second day to leave themselves well behind in the opening Test

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando25-May-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsDon’t act too surprised, but Pakistan have played their second consecutive day of consistent, sober, intelligent cricket. For their reward, they have a 166-run lead with two wickets in hand – though one of those batsmen may not return due to injury.England, meanwhile, were shabby on occasion, missing four catches in the day – two in the space of four balls – and missing one tough run out chance. Their bowlers did not succeed going full as Pakistan had, perhaps because the pitch has settled slightly, but also because Pakistan were more skillful on day one.Ben Stokes did lead one resurgence either side of tea, finding success with a series of brutish bouncers. But then the lower order stood firm for Pakistan. They quickly pushed the lead beyond 150. Nos. 9 and 11 even saw out 4.1 overs before stumps.Three partnerships, involving six different batsmen, built this innings. Up the top were the overnight pair, Haris Sohail and Azhar Ali. Adding a 37 together on the second morning, they brought up their partnership tally to 75, withstanding the worst of England’s swing bowling.Haris fell for 39, edging Mark Wood behind. Azhar continued to his half-century, having batted a little more positively in this session, after having scored only 18 off 72 the previous day. He was out lbw, to a seaming delivery from James Anderson.In the afternoon, Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam – two men in need of runs for different reasons – took control of the game, and produced Pakistan’s best partnership, amounting to 84.Shafiq, once an excellent No.6 batsman, has seen his average retreat over the past 18 months when he has more often been asked to bat at No. 4. Babar, a blinding limited-overs talent, is yet to crack the Test format, averaging less than 25 before this match.Together, though, the quelled the last of the swing England were able to generate, saw through one short-ball burst from Mark Wood, and batted positively against Dom Bess, the 20-year-old debutant offspinner. Babar’s innings contained some of the regality that has made him a short-format force: the back-foot punches and cover drives in particular were in alluring flow. Shafiq, a little less flash, but more assured at the crease, strode purposefully along.They both made smart fifties. Shafiq was out to a snorting Stokes bouncer on 59, able only to spasm evasively at a ball that was hunting his throat, the resultant catch off the shoulder of the bat floating to the cordon. Babar had moved to 69 when he too was victim to a Stokes bouncer, but in different fashion – the ball hit the bony part of his unprotected forearm as he attempted to duck beneath it. He went off the field, apparently unable to hold the bat, but did not go for an x-ray while play was on.Stokes had also had Sarfraz Ahmed caught at fine leg, hooking irresponsibly just before tea to prompt a frustrated shaking of the head from coach Mickey Arthur on the balcony. But although three batsmen had fallen to stokes in relatively quick succession, a young, inexperienced lower order pair put on Pakistan’s third excellent stand of the day.Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf didn’t just resist England; in fact, they actively attacked. Their 72 runs together came off 92 balls. This was all the more impressive for having come against a mostly-new ball – England’s seamers getting less seam movement this evening, than they had on day one.Anderson had success late in the day, dismissing Ashraf and later Hasan Ali, while another sharp Stokes bouncer had Shadab caught down the leg side for 59. But England’s bowlers will largely be disappointed at having allowed the lead to swell this much. The pitch is flattening out gradually, but they were especially innocuous for stretches. Bess, bowling offbreaks on a still-green surface is yet to impose himself on the game too – his 17 overs have gone for 59 runs – no first Test wicket so far.

There was only one team in it in the second-half, but the Reds' woeful finishing let them down against the reigning champions

Liverpool will be left wondering 'what if?' after missing a plethora of chances that forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in a match that has huge implications for the Premier League title race. After falling behind in the first half, Alexis Mac Allister converted a penalty early in the second as the home team took control of matters against last season's treble winners, but woeful finishing from the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai proved their undoing.

It was a frenetic start to the game for Jurgen Klopp's side in the German coach's final Premier League game against Pep Guardiola. Liverpool found it tough to make combinations high up early on as the City defence doubled up on the forwards. The Reds grew into the game after the first quarter of an hour, though, utilising the movement of Nunez and Harvey Elliott, finding a way to bring Conor Bradley and Diaz into play from the wings and allowing Szoboszlai to drift forward through the centre.

Although the home team managed to work the ball into dangerous areas, they simply couldn't hit the target in the first 45 minutes, and fell behind when an intelligent Kevin De Bruyne corner found John Stones free at the front post to ensure City were ahead at half-time.

Klopp's team needed to come out fighting in the second half and were given a break two minutes in when Nunez pounced on a terrible pass back from Nathan Ake and was clattered into by Ederson, allowing Mac Allister to equalise from the resultant penalty. The injury Ederson suffered in the process prevented City from getting any momentum going and Liverpool stayed dominant throughout the half, but their atrocious finishing haunted them as Nunez and Diaz both scuppered great opportunities.

Despite having 19 shots – 12 in the second half – to City's 10, the hosts were forced to settle for a draw, leaving them level on points with Arsenal at the top and Guardiola's team just one behind them, setting all three up for an incredible run-in.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher (7/10):

Kept out City's long-range shots but was beaten from close-range for the opener.

Conor Bradley (7/10):

Showed glimpses of his youth in a frantic start with heavy touches and dodgy movement, but settled in and became an asset defensively and in the build-up.

Jarell Quansah (7/10):

Didn't give much away and read the game fairly well, but most passes went backwards.

Virgil van Dijk (8/10):

His leadership qualities were on show and he was a rock at the back with vital clearances and tackles.

Joe Gomez (6/10):

Had a difficult time on the left side as City always seemed to find a way past him.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

A bit too casual defensively but made some invasive runs to find holes in the City defence before he went off at the hour mark.

Wataru Endo (7/10):

Fought hard to win the ball and his quick passes helped get things going from midfield.

Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):

Put in a great shift battling for the ball and pinging quick passes around to cut through City. Did a great job converting the penalty.

Getty ImagesAttack

Harvey Elliott (4/10):

Chased the ball up and down the field like a dog but it seemed to just slide past him most of the time.

Darwin Nunez (6/10):

Gave the ball away, was offside far too often and did nothing to track Stones for the first goal. Won the penalty and was better in the second half.

Luis Diaz (5/10):

Went on some great runs but wanted too much time on the ball against a City defence that swarmed him to nullify the threat. His finishing was terrible.

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Mohamed Salah (6/10):

Came on at the hour mark for Szoboszlai and quickly sent Diaz through with a great pass. Livened up the Reds' attack and had a few shots at goal.

Andy Robertson (6/10):

Sent some dangerous balls in from the left wing but Nunez failed to finish.

Cody Gakpo (5/10):

On for the last 15 minutes but could hardly get involved.

Jurgen Klopp (7/10):

His team recovered from a shaky start to take control of the game, but simply couldn't add the finishing touch to their many promising attacks throughout the final 45 minutes.