Strengthened South Africa provide daunting challenge

ESPNcricinfo previews the opening one-day international between South Africa and Sri Lanka

The Preview by Andrew McGlashan27-Jan-2017Match FactsJanuary 28, 2017
Start time 10.00am local (0800GMT)Big PictureThere has been a shift in mood for Sri Lanka’s tour over the last few days. Despite losing Angelo Mathews they impressively secured the T20 series – their first piece of silverware in South Africa – with a heart-stopping chase at Newlands. A trip that was threatening to be forgettable has been given a new lease of life.However, this one-day series could be a significantly greater challenge. After AB de Villiers’ return for the final T20 – where it looked like he’d never been away, despite Russell Domingo saying he was as nervous as on debut – a host of other big guns are back following their post-Test-series break.A side that includes Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis and Kagiso Rabada – alongside de Villiers – has a daunting look about it. The last time they played ODIs, they steamrollered Australia 5-0 who earlier in the year had managed to upend Sri Lanka at home. Such is the batting strength now available that stand-in T20 captain Farhaan Behardien is unlikely to make the starting XI.Sri Lanka will hope that their mixture of spin and medium-pace can have a similar impact as it did in the T20s where they managed to keep a leash on South Africa’s batting. Left-arm wristspinner Lakshan Sandakan remains a trump card, while Nuwan Kulasekara brought his experience to show.For both these sides, this series marks the start of serious preparations for the Champions Trophy and they meet in their opening match of the tournament at The Oval on June 3. Time to lay down a marker.Form guide(completed matches, most recent first)
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Sri LankaWWLWLIn the spotlightOnce Kagiso Rabada found his range in the Test series he was too much for the Sri Lanka batsmen to handle. The South Africa management is wary of his workload, without wanting to wrap him in cotton wool, and he has had a couple of weeks to recharge his batteries. He went for over 80 in his last two ODIs against Australia so he’ll be keen for a more thrifty display. It is a shame we won’t get to see him operate alongside Lungi Ngidi after he was ruled out of the series.Sri Lanka will have their third captain of the tour after Upul Tharanga was handed the armband ahead of Dinesh Chandimal following Mathews’ injury. It is a role Tharanga performed in Zimbabwe last year when Sri Lanka won the tri-series. It feels as though Tharanga has been around forever – his debut came in 2005 – and while he has frustrated Sri Lanka supporters as much as thrilled them he has an impressive 13 ODI hundreds. He was used in the middle order in Zimbabwe, but opened in the deciding T20.Quinton de Kock is one of a host of big names to return after a short break•AFPTeam newsNgidi will not be replaced in the South Africa squad so that leaves 14 to pick from. Chris Morris’ recall adds another all-round option and de Villiers said that the rain that was around Port Elizabeth on Friday ruled out the chance of a second frontline spinner.South Africa (probable): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Faf du Plessis, 4 AB de Villiers (capt), 5 JP Duminy, 6 David Miller, 7 Wayne Parnell, 8 Chris Morris, 9 Andile Phehlukwayo, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Imran TahirSri Lanka made some late changes to the squad that was originally announced. Despite his heroics in the T20, Seekkuge Prasanna has been replaced by legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay while Isuru Udana, the left-armer, also makes way. They will need to decide whether to use Tharanga in the opening position where he has had most of his one-day success. If they want some extra pace, Lahiru Kumara is an option – he has yet to play any List A one-day games.*Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Niroshan Dickwella, 2 Dhananjaya de Silva, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 5 Upul Tharanga (capt), 6 Asela Gunaratne, 7 Chaturanga de Silva, 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Lakshan Sandakan, 10 Suranga Lakmal, 11 Jeffrey Vandersay/Lahiru KumaraPitch and conditionsSri Lanka had high hopes in the Test series that Port Elizabeth would be the surface to suit them best, but it was left well-grassed on orders from the home side. The pitches do, however, tend to be on the slower side for one-dayers. There are some showers forecast for the first part of the day.Stats and trivia Sri Lanka have not played an ODI at Port Elizabeth since their 2003 World Cup semi-final against Australia In the last ODI South Africa played, against Australia in Cape Town, Rilee Rossouw scored 122. He has since joined Hampshire on a Kolpak deal. Such is the inexperience in Sri Lanka’s squad that Kulasekara is the third-highest run-scorer behind Tharanga and ChandimalQuotes”Even though we feel that we are a more talented and a more skillful and a better group of players than Sri Lanka, we know they are very dangerous at the moment, being very motivated with lots of young talent that can come good at certain times. We are very aware of that.”
*January 27, 1300GMT: This story was updated to reflect Sri Lanka’s squad changes

Man United Plot Huge Bid For £100m Valued Rival Target

Manchester United are considering a player-plus-cash swoop for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, in a deal worth over £100million, according to reports.

Where would Rice play at United?

Rice would be an amazing signing for United, acquiring a player who is attracting interest from multiple top sides. The Irons captain is an incredibly versatile midfielder capable of playing multiple roles, from centre-back to defensive midfield to being a box-to-box player.

Former West Ham defender James Collins has referred to Rice as "outstanding" and "incredible", a sentiment many United fans would echo.

And the England star could be implemented in a variety of ways at Old Trafford with much depending on who else United bring in. Rice could play deep next to Casemiro, this would be an incredible pivot which would boss games, with the 24-year-old having the ball skills to drive United forward.

Alternatively, with a move for Mason Mount increasingly likely, Erik ten Hag could shake up his midfield, potentially opting for a style similar to Man City in possession, a 3-2-4-1.

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One final option, probably least likely, would be Rice as a defender, who has the ball playing ability to step into midfield while in possession, with the defensive acumen to be solid at the back.

What could Manchester United offer for Rice?

With Rice having a transfer value set at around £100m, United are unlikely to want to stump this up in a simple cash deal. Therefore, it appears that a cash-plus player deal is a better fit for the Glazers, who have often been criticised by fans for their lack of funding.

United's hopes will have been boosted since reports suggested West Ham United are 'targeting' Scott McTominay according to The Guardian. Therefore, this could be a logical move for both clubs involved. There have also been reports that Harry Maguire would also be considered by West Ham.

This makes suggestions of a player-cash deal seem more likely than previously thought when initially reported. The Telegraph now report that United chiefs are set to challenge Arsenal for the Conference League winner, in a move which would greatly impact both teams.

With McTominay currently valued all the way up to £50m according to reports from TalkSport and Maguire being valued around £30m, it would likely cost United at least £30-40m plus those two.

This could be a brilliant deal for all parties involved, as West Ham would receive two players they want along with some cash, while United would be allowing two players to leave who have no place in the squad at Old Trafford.

Safety for PSL final 'cannot be guaranteed' – FICA report

A new FICA report highlighting safety and security concerns may reduce the chances of overseas players participating in the 2017 PSL Final, scheduled to be played in Lahore on March 7

George Dobell09-Jan-2017The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations has issued a report which strongly suggests that overseas players decline to participate in the 2017 Pakistan Super League Final due to concerns over player safety.In the report, FICA has warned that the risk level in Pakistan remains “at an extremely elevated state” and that “an acceptable level of participant security and safety cannot be expected or guaranteed.”Organisers have already announced that the final will be played in Lahore on March 7, as planned, whether overseas players take part or not. If they decline to travel, they will be replaced by players from Pakistan. All earlier games in the tournament will be played in the UAE.But the FICA report would appear to reduce the chances of overseas players participating. While FICA does not have the power to prevent players travelling, its report, circulated to players, their agents and player associations around the world, might influence some national boards and domestic teams to decline to issue No Objection Certificates to their players. FICA has also warned players to “check their insurance coverage” with the suggestion being that it could be invalidated by travelling to Pakistan.The report, which FICA says is based on “updated security advice we have received” from its “expert security consultants” states that: “Pakistan continues to experience significant terrorist attacks across the country and Westerners have in the past been directly targeted and killed in Pakistan. Indiscriminate and targeted attacks are likely to continue, and expert advice is consistent with all Government Agencies and Diplomatic Missions, who generally advise to reconsider the need to travel.”It goes on to state: “There have been attacks at sporting events, which have had significant security overlay in the past, and terrorist groups in Pakistan have demonstrated the intent and capability to launch attacks anywhere in the country. Locations including luxury hotels are also at high risk of being targeted by militant groups.”The historic use of suicide bombers, the willingness of terrorist groups to attack armed police and police protected sporting events, the capability of such groups and the intent, suggests that the risk associated with the running of an international sporting event are problematic at present.”Whilst the opportunity for attack on international sporting events and competitors in Pakistan can be mitigated to a certain extent by the implementation of an extremely robust security plan, the current advice is that external security environmental factors keep the risk level in Pakistan at an extremely elevated state, where an acceptable level of participant security and safety cannot be expected or guaranteed, even with an extremely robust security plan.”The report concludes: “Players participating in this event do so as individuals and at their own risk.”

Newcastle ‘Close’ To Signing 43-cap "Game-Changer" At St James’

Newcastle United have not been at the forefront of transfer links to the touted Nicolo Barella over the past several weeks, but that has not stopped the thriving Toon from closing on a move.

What's the latest on Nicolo Barella to Newcastle?

That's according to the Telegraph's Luke Edwards, who claims that Eddie Howe's Magpies are "trying very hard" to seal a stunning £50m transfer for the Inter Milan star after securing Champions League qualification this term.

Liverpool have been tethered to persistent rumours of a swoop as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild his midfield, but it is indeed Newcastle who seem set to secure a move for one of Europe's first-class maestros.

The 26-year-old was integral in Inter's Champions League campaign, reaching the final, and could prove to possess the winning mentality needed as St. James' Park continues its ascent.

How would Barella perform at Newcastle?

Newcastle's covert operation for Barella has maintained impeccable secrecy as the rumour mill has whirred into action recently.

The transfer market unlatched its doors yesterday and while the Magpies are yet to make their first move of the summer, groundwork has been forged to procure the 26-year-old's signature and extinguish the interest of the likes of Liverpool and more.

This season, the £153k-per-week "genius" – as dubbed by reporter Mike Piellucci – scored nine goals and assisted ten more in 52 matches as I Nerazzurri won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.

The 43-cap ace would join a central force already exuding confidence and cohesion in abundance, serving as an orchestrator amongst the tenacious Magpies midfield and adding a dimension to the side that would craft lasting success.

By slotting into the fold and demonstrating his ball-playing and carrying prowess, the Euro 2020 champion could even take the imperious Bruno Guimaraes' game to levels unseen on Tyneside in an age.

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Barella ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past 12 months for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 21% for rate of assists, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 19% for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries and the top 8% for progressive passes recieved per 90 (FBref).

Such statistics indicate not only an innately prolific ability, but illustrate a ubiquitous presence at the heart of his outfit, conducting from deep and barrelling forward like a raging bull in a "sensational" – as hailed by one tactical writer – melange of footballing brilliance.

Guimaraes has woven his skill set into Newcastle's system with conviction and has been the centrepiece of the club's seasonal feats, described as "world-class" by teammate Dan Burn and earning a 7.17 Sofascore rating in the Premier League, posting nine direct contributions from 32 matches, completing 85% of his passes, averaging 2.4 tackles and succeeding with 63% of his dribbles.

It's no great shock that BBC writer Raj Chohan has lauded the Brazilian as "insane", with his multi-dimensional role seemingly encapsulating a thousand jobs in one, but by deploying Barella, his burden would be lessened and he could focus on sitting deeper.

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Objectively, the £120k-per-week machine is best utilised as a deep-lying central midfielder, blending his passing with an imposing presence and powerful tenacity in the tackle, and by allowing a peer like Barella to pull the strings further upfield, the equipoise at the club could reach a state of sublimity.

Indeed, the 25-year-old Toon star ranks among the top 13% of midfielders for shot-creating actions, progressive passes and successful take-ons per 90, numbers that could skyrocket with the first-rate dynamo ahead of him.

Barella's signing might just be a "game-changer" – as remarked by journalist Dean Jones – for Howe's ambitious outfit, who qualified for the Champions League and received adulation from an exalted fanbase, but this is only the beginning and such an impressive acquisition reaffirms to European football that a new juggernaut is here not only to stay, but to take over.

Samuels gives Comilla third consecutive win

Marlon Samuels struck a 57-ball 69 that helped Comilla Victorians to their successive win by beating the Khulna Titans by five wickets

Mohammad Isam02-Dec-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsFile photo – Marlon Samuels struck eight fours in his 57-ball 69•BCBComilla Victorians continued their late charge in the BPL by beating Khulna Titans by five wickets in Mirpur. Marlon Samuels struck a match-winning, unbeaten 69 off 57 balls that included eight fours, to help Comilla register their third consecutive win.After Ahmed Shehzad fell in the first over, Samuels added 49 runs for the second wicket with Imrul Kayes. However, Kayes and Khalid Latif fell in quick succession, which prompted Mashrafe Mortaza to promote himself to keep Comilla in check with the asking rate.He hammered three sixes in his 11-ball 20, before Samuels and Liton Das added the last 42 runs to complete the win. Liton’s unbeaten 24 came off 11 balls, with three of his five fours coming in the 17th over off Shafiul Islam. Samuels hit the winning runs with eight balls to spare.He was successful by hammering three sixes in his 11-ball 20, cutting down the run-rate before Samuels and Liton Das added the last 42 runs to complete the win. Liton’s unbeaten 24 came off 11 balls, with three of his five fours coming in the 16th over off Shafiul Islam. Samuels hit the winning runs with eight balls to spare.After opting to bowl, Mashrafe was Comilla’s best bowler. Coming off a short run up, he removed Abdul Mazid with his first ball. Mashrafe then dismissed Hasanuzzaman, who made 29 off 26 balls with two fours and a six. Mashrafe finished with 3 for 16 from his four overs. Mohammad Sharif, Mohammad Saifuddin and Rashid Khan also picked up a wicket each.For Khulna, Mahmudullah’s unbeaten 40 off 38 balls took them to a competitive score after another slow start.

Manchester United Linked With Deal For £30m-rated Player

Manchester United have been named as one of the teams that could sign Federico Chiesa this summer, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport (via TEAMtalk).

Who are Man United signing this summer?

The winger has struggled for game time with Juventus due to injury and has subsequently managed only 21 Serie A appearances, with just six starts. Still, despite the lack of action, the player was still able to bag two goals and five assists along the way – a total that bettered his amounts from last season.

In addition, the former Fiorentina man has still been able to stand out as one of the best in his position across the men's top 5 leagues over the course of the year.

With a rate of 0.42 assists per 90 for example, it puts him amongst the top 4% in his role. In addition to that, his injury hasn't led to him losing any defensive drive, either, with the player completing 1.98 tackles per 90, putting him in the 87th percentile in that area.

However, despite a moderately successful year for the player individually, it looks as though he could be on the move – and potentially on his way to the Premier League.

It has been suggested that Man United could be one of the teams that makes an offer for the player this summer. It appears as though Chiesa himself could fancy a move away from Juventus, and the report relayed by TEAMtalk lists United as one of the potential landing spots for him.

As of yet though, no bid or offer has been made, but it appears as though he may still be on the radar of the Red Devils. If they do decide to make a move, it appears that it may only require a fee of around £30m, according to the same report.

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Is Federico Chiesa moving to Man United?

If the club did opt to try and bring in the winger this summer, it could be a good move by the club. When fit and able to play regularly, he has tended to reward his teams with plenty of goal contributions.

When he has played 30 or more times for a team in the league, his goal contribution tallies over the course of his career read as 10, 9, 16 and 16. That points to a player who is able to both score and set up his teammates, as long as you give him the minutes to do so on the field.

In addition, football journalist Josh Bunting has also praised the winger in the past, stating that he is an "important" and "promising" player for his club. He's therefore impressed those in the media with his abilities and suggests that if United did decide to make an official bid for Chiesa, he could – provided that he stays fit – add more goals to their forward line, which is something the club need next season.

Bangladesh include Mustafizur in preparatory squad

Mustafizur Rahman has been named in a 22-member preparatory squad that will train in Australia next month before Bangladesh embark on their tour of New Zealand

Mohammad Isam04-Nov-2016Mustafizur Rahman has been named in a 22-member preparatory squad that will train in Australia next month before Bangladesh embark on their tour of New Zealand. The left-arm pace bowler is recovering after undergoing shoulder surgery in August after sustaining an injury playing for Sussex last season.Mustafizur’s last international match was at the World T20 earlier this year. On December 10, the day after the final of the Bangladesh Premier League, Bangladesh will fly to Australia, where they will train and play matches in Sydney during a ten-day camp, before leaving for New Zealand for three ODIs, three T20s and two Tests in December and January.There was no place in the preparatory squad for Rubel Hossain, Nasir Hossain, Al-Amin Hossain, Kamrul Islam Rabbi and Mosharraf Hossain, who are among the nine standbys. Rabbi is the only member of Bangladesh’s XI in the second Test against England to not feature in the squad.Apart from Mustafizur, the selectors have included the uncapped Tanveer Haider, Ebadot Hossain and Nazmul Hossain Shanto, and Subashis Roy, who was in the senior squad for the second Test against England last month.Tanveer is a batting allrounder who bowls legspin, Ebadot is a pace bowler who emerged from a fast-bowling hunt, Shanto is a young batsman who was part of Bangladesh’s squad during the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, and Subashis is a fast bowler with plenty of first-class experience.Meanwhile, Mohammad Shahid has also been included in the preparation squad though he missed out on the two Tests against England due to injury.Bangladesh’s preparatory squad for New Zealand tour: Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mehedi Hasan, Shuvagata Hom, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Taijul Islam, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shafiul Islam, Subashis Roy, Mohammad Shahid, Ebadot Hossain, Tanveer Haider.

Spurs May Decide To Part Ways With 65k p/w Ace In Off-Season

Tottenham Hotspur may elect to move on Davinson Sanchez this summer as they look to freshen up their squad, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Davinson Sanchez?

According to Antena 2 via TEAMtalk, Sevilla are keen on offering Sanchez an escape route from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer amid concerns the 26-year-old has over his level of playing time at the Lilywhites.

The report states that a fee of €20 million (£17.1 million) could be enough to secure the services of the Colombia international for Sevilla; however, it remains to be seen what type of money Spurs could recoup for the central defender.

Sanchez has had a nightmare season for Tottenham and was famously booed off the pitch after being substituted on and then off again in their 3-2 home defeat to Bournemouth back in April, as per talkSPORT.

Cited by Football Insider, pundit Alan Hutton expects Sanchez to be moved on in the summer alongside a number of Tottenham's fringe players. The 38-year-old said in an interview: “The likes of Sanchez that have been there for a long period of time and it has not worked. It is the ideal opportunity, they are running their contracts down, to move them on and get other people in."

Capology understand that Sanchez earns around £65,000 per week on the books of Tottenham on a contract that runs until June 2024.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has said that he has heard of interest from Spain in Sanchez ahead of the transfer window opening for business.

Jones told FFC: "Davinson Sanchez has got potential to leave Tottenham and has a couple of clubs in Spain that are quite keen on him so that one could be something to look out for too."

How did Davinson Sanchez get on for Tottenham Hotspur in 2022/23?

Sanchez was mainly used as a rotational option this term for Spurs and didn't really get given an adequate amount of time to stake his claim for regular involvement on the pitch.

In total, the Colombia international managed to feature on 24 occasions for Tottenham across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Tottenham Hotspur's Davinson Sanchez

WhoScored note that Sanchez achieved an average match rating of 6.47/10 for his exploits this campaign, ranking 17th out of Spurs' 29-man squad for performance consistency, indicating room for improvement.

In a summer that is likely to symbolise upheaval at Tottenham as they gear up for a new manager to be in place, letting Sanchez go may be the best option for all parties as they target an improved league finish in 2023/24.

Newcastle Make Approach To Sign £14m Premier League Striker

Newcastle United have approached Wolves to enquire about signing Hwang Hee-Chan this summer.

The Magpies have enjoyed a thrilling season which secured Champions League qualification for the 2023/24 season and are expected to spend splash the cash.

Indeed, The Telegraph even report that Newcastle are set for their biggest summer spend ever.

What's the transfer latest on Hwang Hee-Chan to Newcastle?

According to The Mirror, a couple of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, are interested in a "surprise transfer" for Hwang Hee-Chan this summer. Spurs, Aston Villa and AS Roma are all keen on signing the 27-year-old.

Wolves are under pressure to sell due to the club's need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. Hee-Chan is one of the best players at Molineux and his departure could generate a decent sum.

He joined the club in a £14million move from RB Leipzig and while he hasn't exactly set the Premier League alight, this season he managed four goals and three assists in a Wolves team that scored just 31 goals in the league.

Newcastle have approached Wolves but Julien Lopetegui, who is dismayed at the news his club is under pressure to sell, wants all incoming and outgoings to be completed as soon as possible.

Any clubs wanting to sign Hwang Hee-Chan will need to act quickly.

Could Hee-Chan be Newcastle's Roberto Firmino?

Three years ago, the Bundesliga published a player profile on Hwang Hee-Chan ahead of the South Korean's move to RB Leipzig, likening him to Roberto Firmino.

Indeed, the site wrote about the similarities between Firmino and Hwang Hee-Chan, with the former bidding farewell to Liverpool fans on Sunday – scoring a brilliant goal during the Reds' entertaining 4-4 draw with relegated Southampton.

The main similarity between the two players is arguably their ability to drive past players with the ball. Firmino, due to his comparative lack of pace, relies more on deft touches to elude defenders while Hee-Chan, seemingly, has more pace and power.

This allows him to speed past defenders and midfielders on the break. For Wolves, a team that relies on counter-attacking and resolute defending, his pace will be a huge miss if he leaves.

For Eddie Howe, Hee-Chan could be a valuable asset to a side that has shown considerable threat both on the counter-attack and during longer spells of possession.

The centre-forward has four years remaining on his contract with Wolves and so have the power in any negotiations to come.

Essex slump after Kent secure second

Essex will require three runs with only one wicket in hand to avoid the follow on after reaching stumps on day three in Canterbury on 289 for 9

ECB Reporters Network22-Sep-2016
ScorecardDan Lawrence made 88 but Essex were still short of the follow-on target at the close•PA PhotosEssex will require three runs with only one wicket in hand to avoid the follow on after reaching stumps on day three in Canterbury on 289 for 9. Responding to Kent’s 441 all out, Essex lost wickets at regular intervals in this Specsavers Championship top-of-the-table clash, but a last-wicket stand worth 22 between David Masters and Matt Dixon has at least given the visitors a chance to avoid batting again on the final day of the campaign.Batting for the first time by 11.35am on day three, Essex lost two wickets in the short 15-over spell through to lunch as Kent maintained their grip on events despite a plucky knock from No. 4 Dan Lawrence, who rode his luck to score 88 having edged through the cordon when on 5 only to see Will Gidman down a chance at third slip on the same score.The visitors and second division champions elect, lost Varun Chopra, lbw for 25 to Kent’s man-of-the-moment, Darren Stevens, then Tom Westley, caught at square leg by Sean Dickson off the bowling of Mitch Claydon in the over before the interval.Kent maintained a check on the run rate in the afternoon session and also collected a further three wickets in the process as Nick Browne, Ravi Bopara and Adam Wheater all trooped back to the pavilion. Browne edged the 12th ball after the resumption to Sam Billings off Claydon then Bopara, digging down late on a full ball from Hardus Viljoen, also nicked through to the Kent keeper. Just before tea Wheater’s miscued pull against Matt Coles flew to deep square leg where Dickson took a comfortable catch.Viljoen continued to shine after tea by having Kishen Velani and Will Rhodes both caught at second slip by James Tredwell off successive overs.With 27 needed to avoid the follow-on and just 12 short of his fourth Championship hundred of the summer, Lawrence inexplicably holed out to long-on against the offspin of Tredwell. Masters, in his farewell appearance for Essex, was given a guard of honour by the Kent side as he walked to the middle, but Tredwell soon struck again by ripping an arm ball though Paul Walter’s defensive gate to peg back the left-hander’s off stump to leave Essex nine down.At the start of the day Kent had secured the second division runners-up spot upon reaching 400. Resuming on their overnight score of 387 for 7, the hosts motored past 400 with a fearsome back-foot cut by Coles that registered a fifth batting bonus point to clinch the ECB’s prize money cheque of almost £57,000 for finishing second behind Essex.In trying to repeat the stroke in the next over Coles nicked to Wheater to depart for 32 and give Masters, the former Kent seamer, his first wicket in the match. Masters struck again with a lifter that Viljoen could only glove to third slip then Stevens, on 136 and just four short of equalling his season’s best, clipped to deep backward square to give Dixon figures of 5 for 124.

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