They might be taking turns on the injury table, but Arsenal have built a squad bursting with incredible players in recent years.

Whether it’s at the back, in the middle of the park or up top, fitness permitting, Mikel Arteta has an embarrassment of riches to pick from.

In other words, if someone is underperforming, the Spaniard should have a few options at his disposal to replace them, and if they continue to underperform, the player in question could fall further down the pecking order.

This could be what eventually happens with Martin Odegaard, as while his talent is undeniable, the feeling among much of the fanbase is that he’s slowly becoming less integral to the team.

Therefore, it’s less than ideal for him that Arteta has an incredible prospect who is something of a Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze hybrid who could one day end his Arsenal career.

Odegaard's Arsenal regression

During his first two and a half years at Arsenal, Odegaard showed consistent improvement.

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For example, during his loan spell, the Norwegian international racked up two goals and two assists in 20 appearances.

That increased to seven goals and five assists in 40 appearances the following season, and then, in 22/23, he racked up an astounding haul of 15 goals and seven assists in 45 games.

In fact, all 15 of his goals came in the league, which saw him join Cesc Fàbregas as the only Arsenal midfielders to score so many in a single campaign.

Unfortunately, in the two and a bit seasons since, the former Real Madrid wonderkid has become less influential.

For example, while he actually produced more assists in the 23/24 season, 11, he scored significantly fewer goals, just eight.

Then, partly down to the ankle injury he suffered on international duty, and a general dip in form, the 26-year-old was only able to amass a tally of six goals and 12 assists last season.

Odegaard’s Arsenal Record

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

20/21

20

2

2

21/22

40

7

5

22/23

45

15

7

23/24

48

11

12

24/25

45

6

12

25/26

13

0

2

All Stats via Transfermarkt

It was likely this dip in productivity that, at least in part, influenced the club’s decision to sign Eze in the summer.

Injuries for the captain have once again blighted the start of this season, but even so, his return of two assists in 13 appearances is more than a little worrying.

In all, there is undoubtedly every chance that Odegaard gets back to his mercurial best this year, but if he continues to be less influential, he could see his place taken by someone who’s something of a hybrid between Saka & Eze.

The Arsenal gem who could replace Odegaard

Odegaard likely has a couple of years left to get back to his best, but if he doesn’t, Ethan Nwaneri could eventually take his place.

The Hale End dynamo might not be getting the game time he deserves, but his immense talent is practically undeniable, and last season proved as much.

For example, in what was his first consistent taste of senior football, the “unplayable” dynamo, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, scored nine goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances, totalling 1378 minutes.

Nwaneri in 25/26

Appearances

10

Minutes

427′

Goals

1

Assists

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.1

Minutes per Goal Involvement

427′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In other words, the superstar in the making averaged a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or, more crucially, one every 125.27 minutes.

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Moreover, he did it playing off the right, covering for the talismanic Saka, and showing some of the same qualities his compatriot has demonstrated over the years, such as his eye for goal.

However, the 18-year-old also shares a lot in common with Eze, including a desire to play in attacking midfield, the ability to carry the ball in tight spaces, and a knack for making something from nothing.

In addition to being comparable to the two England internationals, the youngster is also a fair bit more direct than his captain and competitor for game time.

For example, while Odegaard likes to take plenty of touches and wait for an opening, the Enfield-born gem clearly prefers to drive at defences and either take the shot on himself, as he did in his cameo against Club Brugge, or quickly play a pass to a teammate.

Ultimately, Odegaard is still going to be Arteta’s first choice this season, and probably next year as well.

However, if the Norwegian can’t get his output back to the levels it was a couple of seasons ago, and Nwaneri continues to impress, there is every chance the youngster could one day take his place in the team.

Related Arteta must bin £40m star who was "Pires-like" in his first years at Arsenal

It’s time for Arteta to take the frustrating Arsenal star out of the team.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

After a disappointing season last time around, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is under massive pressure to challenge for the top four and bring back Champions League football to Anfield.

His task has been made even more difficult by the fact that Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has left his boyhood club.

Rodgers wasted no time trying to improve his side ahead of the new campaign, bringing in a number of quality players.

He has added several proven Premier League talents in the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner and Christian Benteke, as well as the creative flair of Brazilian Roberto Firmino.

With all this new talent the Liverpool manager has a wealth of talent at his disposal and is facing a massive selection dilemma ahead of the new season.

Here is how the Reds should line up this year if they’re to return to the top four…

Goalkeeper – Simon Mignolet

Despite Brendan Rodgers never having full confidence in his goalkeeper, the Belgian will again ahead into the new season as first choice between the sticks.

Adam Bogdan has been brought in to compete for the number one jersey in the hope that it spurs Mignolet on to improve on his performances.

The goalkeeper has never quite showcased the talents from his time at Sunderland but there are signs of improvement.

Mignolet is a brilliant shot stopper and once he improves his ability in the air, he will be one of the best keepers in the league.

Right Back – Nathaniel Clyne

Clyne is yet another player to make the switch from Southampton to Liverpool, and what a signing he is.

The England international is one of the best right backs in the league and is the answer to all of Liverpool’s right back issues.

The 24-year-old made more tackles than anyone else in the Premier League last season.

Strong defensively, or bombing forward in support of the attack, the player will play an important role at the club this season.

Centre Back – Martin Skrtel

The Slovakian is a nailed on starter for Liverpool, and easily the best central defender they have.

He leads the back line and was a candidate to take over as captain following Gerrard’s departure in the summer.

He brings a wealth of experience to the back line and is always there to mop up when they need him.

He is a very strong aerial outlet, and a no-nonsense, block and clear presence at the back, whilst when in possession, he knows his limitations, playing the ball short and safe.

Centre Back – Mamadou Sakho

The best candidate to partner Skrtel has to be this Frenchman. He is a more solid option that the out of form Dejan Lovren.

After a very slow start to life at Anfield, the centre back has worked hard to establish himself as a regular starter.

Sakho is a brilliant interceptor of the ball, strong in a challenge he is always 100% committed.

The 25-year-old is also good on the ball and despite looking incredibly awkward, Sakho knows to keep things simple and rarely gives the ball away.

Left Back – Joe Gomez

Youngster Gomez is a new signing from Championship side Charlton and has been one of the most impressive players on their pre-season tour – as well as enjoying a solid Premier League debut in the Reds’ 1-0 victory at Stoke on Sunday.

Rodgers has never been afraid to breed young talent into the first team and has had a number of success stories in the past when trying this.

With doubts over the defensive capabilities of Alberto Moreno, Gomez offers a more solid option. He is a strong, tall player, with bags of pace.

Similar to Clyne, he is also strong moving forward and will no doubt become a regular at Anfield.

Central Midfield – James Milner

Arguably one of Rodgers’ best signings, Milner is the complete definition of an all around midfielder. He can defend, attack, score goals, create goals and pass; he has it all.

His best attribute, though, is his incredible engine; the 29-year-old just never runs out of energy.

Milner brings a wealth of Premier League experience to what is a young Liverpool side and will be expected to play a big role in replacing Steven Gerrard.

The England international will be determined to show Manchester City that he deserved more than just a bit part role, which is something that will only benefit Liverpool.

Central Midfielder – Jordan Henderson

New club captain Jordan Henderson is going to be vital to all things Liverpool this season. The midfielder is stepping into the shoes of a club legend.

Under Brendan Rodgers the midfielder has come on leaps and bounds, and he is now a star for both club and country.

Similar to new midfield partner Milner, he has all the qualities of a box-to-box midfielder, as well as that incredible engine that suits Rodgers’ high pressure game.

Henderson will be a vocal leader on the field and will be expected to play a massive role in helping the younger members of the squad develop.

Attacking Midfield – Jordon Ibe

Another star of the club’s pre-season tour, Ibe looks set to play a major role this season following the departure of Raheem Sterling.

Ibe will face competition from the likes of Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic for the role, but with the incredible amount of extra work the 19-year-old has put in pre-season, he deserves to start.

The youngster is a strong, quick and technical winger who loves to run with the ball and unsettle defenders.

More importantly, unlike his predecessor Sterling, he has that final ball, which the new Manchester City man lacked.

Rodgers has already stated the winger features heavily in his plans this season.

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Attacking Midfield – Philippe Coutinho

Easily the most impressive player at Anfield last season, Coutinho is the creative star at the club. Involved in every aspect of the attack.

He is a magical midfielder. His technique and skill are incredible and he is often on a different wave length to all those around him, spotting passes and opportunities that no one else can.

The Brazilian playmaker is deservedly one of the first names on the team sheet and will be expected to improve even more on last seasons’ performances.

At only 22 he is still learning his trade and he will constantly improve the more games he plays

Attacking Midfield – Roberto Firmino

One of the big money arrivals from Hoffenheim this summer, the Brazilian is expected to play a massive role this season.

He possesses many of the technical and attacking qualities of your typical Brazillian and will likely form a great relationship with Coutinho behind the striker.

Firmino had a very good goal record in Germany and if he can replicate that form in England, he will prove to be a nightmare for defenders.

He faces competition from the likes of Divock Origi and Danny Ings for a starting role, but if he hits the ground running, he will become a star at Anfield

Striker – Christian Benteke

Liverpool’s most expensive signing this summer, Benteke is going to be vital to solving the goalscoring problems the Reds faced last season.

With doubts over the long term fitness of Daniel Sturridge, the Belgian is the best man to lead the Reds’ attack this season.

Benteke is a big strong striker with a keen eye for goal. Despite being classed as a target man, he is good on the ball and extremely mobile.

The 24-year-old has proven Premier League experience and has the capability to go on to become one of Liverpool’s best strikers.

The news just keeps on coming for Newcastle fans in the Transfer Tavern this summer. 

Rafael Benitez is on the hunt for some key signings to improve on his side’s tenth-placed finish last year. The club had been linked with a move (as per the Sun) for Josh King last month, which would see fan favourite Matt Ritchie return to the south coast club. While the quick winger would provide Newcastle with some added dynamism going forward, Benitez should be looking at Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore to push the club on.

The Breakdown

The former Barcelona academy man has an £18 million release clause according to the Sun and has been linked with a move to Wolves and Huddersfield. Tony Pulis will apparently allow the winger to leave the Championship club, as he needs the funds to be able to facilitate his promotion push next season.

Blessed with incredible pace, Traore has only ever shown flashes of his potential during his time in England.  On his day, the Spain under-21 international has the ability to cause any fullback problems. The only thing is that it doesn’t seem to happen enough. In Pulis’ side last year, Traore could at times bee incredibly frustrating as his end product was never entirely consistent. However, if Benitez can drill in some routine and consistency into the winger, he could have a talent that is capable of winning a game on his own.

Traore scored five goals to go with 10 assists last season according to Transfermarkt. It’d be a gamble but if Benitez can tap into his quality, the Newcastle fans could have a potential club favourite.

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Newcastle fans – is this an outrageous move?

Nothing was strange about the team selections. Ramnaresh Sarwan was the obvious replacement for the injured West Indian batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, while England gave themselves every option by selecting all four of their faster bowlers, Dominic Cork, Darren Gough, Andy Caddick and Craig White, plus the off-spin of Robert Croft. Since Graeme Thorpe was returning and had to be selected, the other Graeme, Hick, was omitted.The first strange decision came when the West Indies captain, Jimmy Adams, won the toss and confounded most by electing to bat first, despite the overcast conditions, the fact that England had bowled the West Indies out for 54 the last time the two teams had met, the pitch not being properly prepared because of the persistent rains and the final fact that the pitch was only cut moments before the delayed start. All of these suggested that the West Indies should have fielded first, having won the toss. The decision to bat first soon backfired.Roger Harper, the West Indian Coach, after the day’s play, suggested:”We thought that the best thing to do was to bat first, since it could well have been that the pitch could break up somewhat in the latter stages of the game. Obviously, with us closing at 87-4 at the end of Day 1 , a bit of a disappointment, we will now have to work really hard, as a score of at least 250 should be had on this pitch. I would not say that the conditions did not really get the batsmen out. The batsmen simply failed to negotiate the bowlers well.”Sherwin Campbell, the West Indian vice captain, would have had some say in the decision to bat first, but he was the first to go. Graeme Thorpe, much fitter and obviously at least still as agile, if not more so, took a tremendous catch low to his left in Darren Gouch’s second over. Campbell gone for 02, the West Indies 3-1.Adrian Griffith soon elected to “pad out” an in-swinging almost half-volley from Andy Caddick. Griffith could well have given himself out LBW without even looking up at New Zealand Umpire Doug Cowie, as the ball would probably have hit the middle stump. Griffith out LBW for 02, the West Indies 12-2.Brian Lara looked out of touch, but determined, while Wavell Hinds looked very much in touch, but was again out of luck. After the pair had fought to get the score to 49-2, both fell at that score. Hinds was adjudged to have hit a swinger from Cork, the supposed resulting edge gladly taken by Alec Stewart, playing his 100th Test match. Television replays suggest that Hinds was, for the third time in succession in this Test series, somewhat unlucky to have been given out for 26.Lara, on the other hand, played a bit away from his body, Graeme Thorpe, at third slip, again taking a good, but somewhat easier catch this time. Lara’s uncomfortable stay had ended after 88 minutes at the crease for just 13.Jimmy Adams, on 16, and Ramnaresh Sarwan, on 17, and looking rather mature, managed to take proceeding to the end without any further loss, but certainly the first day of this resumption Test match, after about a month of one day cricket, was in England’s bag. Nasser Hussain lost the toss, perhaps a blessing in disguise, but easily won the day, thanks to the only three bowlers used so far, Darren Gough, Andy Caddick and Dominic Cork.Duncan Fletcher, the English Coach, was generally pleased with his charges’ efforts. However, from his comment afterwards, he must be a very hard task-master, a tough professional:”I would give our team maybe 7-8 out of 10 for the day’s work”, said Fletcher. “Perhaps the West Indies made 10-15 runs too many in the time allowed to play (42 overs). Overall, though, we had a good day, considering that it was something of a surprise that the West Indies batted first, having won the toss. I would have thought that with their strengths being their world class fast bowlers, the West Indies would have fielded first”Nasser Hussain and Duncan Fletcher must be counting their blessings, courtesy of Jimmy Adams. Except for winning the toss, the West Indies lost Day 1 of Test 3. England will certainly try to capitalize on Day 2. The West Indies, through, ironically their captain, would have to try to consolidate. A very pulsating day is expected on Day 2 after about 252 minutes were lost in Day 1. It could be a fun Test match yet.

Keith Parsons will remember the tedious final day that completed this rain-affected match long after it has been erased from the minds of slumbering spectators.The 27-year-old local product, from Taunton, ended an eight-year wait for his first County Championship century by hitting an unbeaten 108 as Somerset batted all day to reach 368-3 in their second innings, a lead of 400.When the declaration came to put the match out of its misery, Parsons and Peter Bowler had added 227 in an unbroken stand that was a Somerset record for the fourth wicket against Yorkshire.But it said everything about the final session that 21-year-old Yorkshire wicketkeeper Simon Guy marked his Championship debut by discarding his pads and bowling four overs of leg-spin.Tidy overs they were, too. And opening batsman Vic Craven could say the same about his eight overs of medium pace that cost only 15 runs.Acting-skipper Darren Lehmann had long given up hope of forcing a victory, while opposite number Jamie Cox had never entertained any other notion than batting right through from an overnight 33-0 – 65 runs ahead.There was a momentary chink of light for the visitors when Cox edged Chris Silverwood to Guy, having made 27, and Piran Holloway’s miserable season continued as he was bowled in the following over by Matthew Hoggard.At 56-2, Somerset were 88 ahead and not entirely safe. But Bowler joined Mark Lathwell in a stand of 85 for the third wicket, which dispelled any doubts about the outcome.Lathwell is still trying to re-establish himself after missing the whole of last season with a knee injury. The former England batsman produced some characteristic wristy shots, but was also out in trademark fashion, caught behind off Gary Fellows for 47 when looking well set.There were five minutes to go to lunch and it proved to be Yorkshire’s last success. After the interval Bowler and Parsons capitalised on a true and easy-paced pitch to survive without alarm, while Lehmann used his front-line bowlers sparingly.Bowler reached the fourth first class century of his benefit season off 196 balls, with 9 fours, and then became even more entrenched, taking a further 115 deliveries to add 39 to his score.Parsons lingered in the nineties, but then drove Craven through extra cover for the two runs he needed to reach a personal landmark.Somerset fans and team-mates were brought to life by the achievement. Parsons is a popular figure and a player who time and again has batted with effortless ease only to suffer a lapse in concentration to surrender his wicket short of a major score.By the close he had faced 185 balls and hit 11 fours. It will not be his last Championship hundred and perhaps the next one will be of more consequence.Promotion and relegation were meant to liven up the four-day game and may well do so in the final rounds of matches.But at present there is too much fear of losing among the sides either challenging for the title or looking to avoid a bottom three position. And that is doing the paying spectator no favours at all.Somerset took 11 points and Yorkshire 10.

ScorecardJess Jonassen provided some much-needed impetus to the third day’s play•Getty Images

Barring an unlikely procession of wickets, England will have to dig deep to make history. No one in women’s Test cricket has chased more than the 198 that Australia managed against England at Sydney in 2011. At Canterbury on day three, Australia closed on 90 for 4 and with a lead of 196. For all one could lament England’s lack of intent in their first innings, the same could not be said of their efforts with the ball today.Prior to taking the field, Charlotte Edwards gathered the team around in the dressing room for one of her patented team-talks: sternly outlining the aims of the day, while hammering her fist into her palm and tossing in the odd bit of profanity for good measure. The effect it had on her players was noticeable: they entered the field with great purpose and created a hostile environment through attacking field placings and a good deal of chat.The pre-match rollocking clearly poured gasoline on the fire that already rages within Katherine Brunt. “I’m not one to be cool, calm and collected,” she admitted at stumps.In the 30-minute mini-session that started the day, she bowled an impressive spell of 4-1-9-2, sending down the fastest ball of the match so far – clocking in at 75.5mph – in the process. “Some of the best bowling I’ve faced in my career,” was Australian opener Nicola Bolton’s take on it.Seemingly in a trance as the rest of her teammates chatted amongst themselves prior to their boundary-side huddle, Brunt took the ball from the Nackington Road End for the first time in the match. That end had previously belonged to Anya Shrubsole, who offered her new-ball partner the chance to come down the hill, with the wind behind her. The opportunity was taken with relish, as Brunt began with a wicket maiden.Elyse Vilani was on the receiving end of Brunt’s fury, surviving a few play and misses and an lbw shout before being powerless to stop a ball that decked into her stumps. The very next over, she trapped Meg Lanning lbw for a three-ball duck.While those were the only wickets she took in a day that also featured a three-hour and 15 minute delay for an electrical storm and then an early finish, she also showcased some finesse with an array of cross-seam deliveries and cutters she had picked up from ECB lead fast bowling coach Kevin Shine during their sessions at Lougborough. The work has focused on giving the England quicks new techniques for moving the ball sideways. “I prefer to bowl offcutters to the right-handers and then try and swing it in to the left-handers,” explained Brunt, who feels the work is paying off.Upon returning from the sizeable break, Shrubsole coaxed a moment of negligence from the dangerous, free-scoring Elyse Perry. The first ball back was a wide ball that was cut easily for four. Two balls later, Shrubsole delivered one on a similar line and length that Perry this time snatched at almost as an after-thought, with no footwork, to edge through to Sarah Taylor standing up.At that point, Bolton and Alex Blackwell paid tribute to England’s batting effort yesterday with a tough vigil of their own: a dogged fourth wicket partnership that lasted 109 balls but reaped just 32 runs. While Bolton eventually chipped to Brunt at cover off Kate Cross, who also used the kinder conditions from the Nackington Road End to good effect, Blackwell defended on, eventually seeing the day out with just 15 off 81 balls.When she had just 9 off 59, she inadvertently became a part of history when a video review was used for the first time in a women’s Test match, giving her a reprieve when she thought she had edged to Heather Knight at first slip off Shrubsole. But having made it most of the way off the field, she was urged to stand her ground by the Australian support staff, who had come to the balcony to inform her that the catch was not clean. Upon the consultation of the footage, the umpires agreed that Knight had used the ground, inadvertently, to maintain control of the catch.While Brunt was dismayed by the decision – “I’m English, so I’ll say it was a catch” – the wider context of what occurred, she admitted was not lost on her. “That’s a really positive step forward. It brings fairness into the game.” She went on to advocate the use of DRS in women’s matches. “It’ll cost you quite heavily sometimes, but it’ll be a really positive thing to bring into our game. I’d love to see it.”The first real sign of aggression from Australia came from first innings top-scorer Jess Jonassen, who got off the mark with a sweet push down the ground for two off Cross. She went on to show her class with some timed off and square drives. Off Laura Marsh, she then hit the first six of the match: using her feet to get down the track and striking, while alongside the ball, over the top and straight.It was easy to see a bit of Jonassen’s golfing prowess in the shot, specifically the way she snapped her wrists at the point of impact. As a youngster, she reportedly played off a handicap of 10.Like a lot of batters that come into the Australian side, there is an “apprenticeship” period that needs to be seen through down the order before more lucrative opportunities to score runs up the order are offered. In keeping with this, Jonassen once went through a period of batting just once in 16 consecutive T20 matches. Tomorrow will be her chance to stake her claim for more responsibility, as Australia look for those “record chase” runs. A game dogged by some tepid moments and unfavourable weather is about to come alive.

Bangladesh Under-19 cricketer Nihaduzzaman was one of nearly 40 individuals to suffer injuries in a bus accident near Sirajganj, about 100 km northwest of Dhaka, in which seven people died. Nihaduzzaman needed 12 stitches to his skull and forehead and said he was released from hospital under the condition of full rest at home in Rajshahi.He was heading back after completing a BCB High Performance training programme in Bogra when the incident happened. The bus, run by Desh Travels, collided with another one, and within seconds a truck rammed into the rear of the Desh Travels bus.Nihaduzzaman said medical help had been scarce and thanked his friend Naeem Islam jnr for making sure he did not lose consciousness until he was put on a bus to Natore, the nearest town in the area. Naeem hurt his leg in the ordeal.”I was bleeding from my forehead and two other places,” Nihaduzzaman told ESPNcricinfo. “Naeem called our physio Moon who told him to make sure that I don’t go unconscious or start to vomit. I was losing a lot of blood but there was nothing in sight, not even a hut.”So I wrapped my head with my T-shirt while Naeem tried to get me into the ambulance. The problem was, seven people had died and more than 40 people were injured so there was not enough room for me in the ambulance. After about two hours we got a bus and were taken to Natore town nearby. I couldn’t find my phone but thankfully Naeem was there. I really needed someone to help me to the bus to Natore.”In Natore, the doctors hurriedly gave me the stitches, but it wasn’t great. I couldn’t blame them since they were only three and we had about 40 people looking for medical attention. I managed to call a friend in Rajshahi, who came quickly and picked me up. I was admitted to Islami hospital in Rajshahi where they re-did my stitches and I was released this afternoon. I am at home now.”While trying to locate him, this reporter spoke to his father who said, “It is Allah’s grace that he is still among us. It was a horrific accident.”Nihaduzzaman said he was feeling better and was out of danger. He will undergo a CT scan and pass on the results to the BCB by Saturday. “I think I have to submit all my medical reports to the BCB. I am not sure if I will be going to Dhaka though. The Rajshahi divisional team’s first National Cricket League (first-class) game is in Rajshahi so I don’t know if I should stay here. The doctors have asked me for rest. I still have pain in my head.”The BCB has offered him full support, and is likely to ask him to come to Dhaka for precautionary measures.

The Sri Lanka-India Test series witnessed its first major boil-over on its penultimate day following a spat between Ishant Sharma and Dhammika Prasad towards the end of India’s second innings at the SSC. The umpires spoke to both captains following the incident, but the bad blood didn’t end there; it spilled over into Ishant’s celebrations at the fall of Sri Lanka’s third wicket, the bowler smacking his own head repeatedly.The drama began when Ishant, the last man in, ducked under a Prasad bouncer in the 76th over of India’s innings, and grinned back at the bowler. It had been a long and hot day for the bowlers, and from that moment things got out of hand. Prasad and Ishant exchanged glares, and faced off.Things got more heated when Ishant pushed the next ball for a single and smacked his helmet repeatedly while running down the pitch and past Prasad, as if goading him to bowl more bouncers. Dinesh Chandimal walked over from slip, his shoulder grazing Ishant’s. Non-striker R Ashwin then joined the discussion before the umpires stepped in. Prasad, who had been peppered with short balls from Ishant while batting, took the bouncer invitation when Ishant next came on strike, the batsman swaying out of the line. Prasad, who had overstepped by a big margin, treated Ishant to a glare.Towards the end of the over, the umpires had a word with the Sri Lanka captain Angelo Matthews. Next ball, Prasad dismissed Ashwin to end India’s innings. A bizarre sight followed. Ishant sprinted towards the dressing room, in order to get changed and ready to return to bowl. Dhammika followed him in what looked like a full sprint.The two players were headed for different rooms and television footage showed Ishant turning right after getting to the top of a flight of stairs; when Prasad reached the top of the stairs, it is learnt, he was pushed towards his own dressing room by members of the Sri Lankan support staff, to avoid any further confrontation.Before the Sri Lankan second innings began, the umpires had a long conversation with Virat Kohli, India’s captain. It didn’t subdue Ishant, who once again gave a departing batsman a send-off – he had been fined 65% of his match fee for committing the same offence, twice, during the second Test – when he dismissed opener Upul Tharanga. Kohli joined in.When Ishant took the wicket of Chandimal, he marked the moment by striking the side of his head. Mathews, who walked in at this point, sought to cool the rising tempers, talking to both Ishant and Kohli.At the press conference at the end of the day’s play, Rohit Sharma said he hadn’t seen the initial incident since he was getting a massage. But he didn’t think there was any bad blood between Ishant and Prasad. “All this keeps happening,” he said. “They are very good friends. I just saw them having a cup of tea after the game, which is good.”In a series that had been played without any major incident, the first simmering was sighted on the third evening of the third Test, but had been sorted out by the players themselves. As Kusal Perera and Rangana Herath held off the Indian bowling after the Sri Lankans were reduced to 47-6, frustration boiled over as Herath and Ishant went into an eyeball-for-eyeball contest in the 32nd over, after Herath ducked under an Ishant bouncer. They were separated by very little except about 12 inches in height and Ajinkya Rahane’s intervention.After Perera was dimissed, following a 79-run stand with Herath, Kohli, who had taken the catch, kicked the ball and swore under his breath (unfortunately, not out of the sight of TV cameras), with the departing batsman and Ishant exchanging words. Ishant later said he had only “asked him about our dinner plans”. The general order of the series was eventually restored with Ishant and Herath having a shorter and far more fruitful peace talk than India-Pakistan diplomats can manage these days. Kohli patted Herath on the back when he was the ninth batsman out.

Durham managed to win a Championship in 2013 while appealing to public bodies for a financial bale out, so they have proved beyond doubt that money is not everything, but there will be rumblings of concern in the north-east at the financial pressures which could drive one of their most promising all-rounders, Ryan Pringle, away from the county.That unease will be all the stronger because Pringle has not been tempted by one of the wealthier First Division clubs, but by two unsung suitors in Derbyshire and Northants, the former reeling from an unexpectedly grim Second Division campaign, the latter who have financial issues of their own. Durham have now belatedly made Pringle an improved offer and are sweating on the outcome.Named Durham’s Young Player of the Year at the end of last season, Pringle did much to pronounce himself a genuine all-rounder in his first full season when he broke into the Championship side midway through the 2015 season.Derbyshire have played down talk of a move. “Whilst the club continues to look at options to strengthen its squad and does not usually comment on any speculation, due to the specific nature of this claim, the club would like to state that no approach has been made and the player has not signed for Derbyshire.Durham have not one unsettled young spin-bowling allrounder, but two, with Essex talking to the England U-19 player Adam Hickey as they seek to build their slow bowling options following the release of Monty Panesar.In view of the recent retirement of another offspinner, Gareth Breese, Durham’s spin bowling resources could be highly stretched – they rarely bowl Scott Borthwick’s legspin these days – and leave them particularly vulnerable away from Emirates ICG as they seek to maintain a Division One status held since 2006.Pringle struck a top score of 99 against Hampshire in September, as well as claiming 20 wickets at 28.30, and would have made his maiden Championship century at the Ageas Bowl if – as he tells it – he has not been adjudged caught off his helmet.Durham cut salary costs by around £1m before the 2014 season, as debts in their holding company advanced past £5m. They staged a lucrative Ashes Test the previous summer, but only after receiving more than £5m in loans from Durham County Council, the North-East Local Enterprise Partnership (the latter at commercial interest rates of 7.5%) and the ECB.Their chances of hosting the bigger Tests are also severely threatened by the vast improvements made at Old Trafford and by the gradual upgrading of Headingley, where Yorkshire’s two successive Championships have sharpened regional pride. International cricket in Chester-le-Street was a catalyst for change in the north, but competing with Yorkshire and Lancashire both on the up, competing in the future will be a challenging task.

Sri Lanka are almost certain to be without a permanent head coach until a new board is elected – most likely in January – Sri Lanka Cricket officials have said.SLC had advertised for the head coach position, but had been underwhelmed by the list of eventual applicants. This means interim head coach Jerome Jayaratne will likely remain in charge for Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand, which begins in December and ends on January 10. Jayaratne was appointed after Marvan Atapattu’s resignation in September, and his work with the team is understood to have pleased the board so far.”I doubt very much that the interim committee will make any decision on the head coach,” committee vice-chairman Kushil Gunasekara said. “Now that Jerome has done pretty well, I don’t think we would want to make the call.”The board had approached two other high-profile candidates who had displayed substantial interest, but neither was willing to sign on just months before a new board would be elected. Both of these coaches have worked in Sri Lanka before and though they are understood to have been satisfied with the money on offer, they had requested significant guarantees about the prospective term of their contracts.”No coach wants to sign a contract with the interim committee, just before the board changes, as well,” Gunasekara said. “I think when we leave by the end of this year, the new board will likely take the decision.”Sri Lanka have had an abysmal record of keeping their coaches this decade. Jayaratne is the team’s eighth head coach – including interim appointments – since 2011. Last year the SLC was forced to pay a settlement to former coach Geoff Marsh, who had initiated legal action for wrongful termination in 2012.SLC had had five applicants for the head coach position, but SLC CEO Ashley de Silva had previously said these candidates were “not all that great”.The interim committee has not yet been given a date for its dissolution, but a meeting on Thursday with Sri Lanka’s sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekara may provide more certainty, Gunasekara said. “After the West Indies tour, the sports ministry might give notice of 40 days. Then by the end of December the interim committee will probably be done. That’s the feeling I have. In terms of technicalities – according to the constitution – we need to be given 40 days’ notice.”The sports ministry has repeatedly stated that the next SLC election will be held before the end of January.Sri Lanka are set to play two Tests, five ODIs and two T20s in New Zealand. There is no cricket on their horizon after that tour, until the Asia Cup is tentatively scheduled to begin in the last week of February.