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County Championship 2026 will be played in three blocks of matches starting in April, June and August

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Nov-2025

Player representatives have reiterated their fear of burnout in the wake of the full fixture release for the 2026 domestic season in England and Wales.Following the announcement of the County Championship and One-Day Cup schedules on Thursday, the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) was particularly critical of the period from late August to late September, which comprises six rounds of Championship fixtures and the 50-over final.The 2026 Rothesay County Championship will be played in three blocks of matches – with each side playing a total of 14 times after counties rejected a proposal earlier this year to cut the number of first-class games to 13, a decision which had already raised the ire of the players’ union.Related

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Each county will play six matches during the first seven-week block, with all matches during that period starting on a Friday. A mid-summer block will be staged in June with each county playing twice while the third block of matches begins on August 20 with each team playing six times. The final round begins on September 24.Daryl Mitchell, the PCA Chief Executive, said he “feared” for that latter part of the season.”Unfortunately, the County Championship schedule does raise concerns with player burnout with mental and physical dangers attached to an overly intense end to the season following the conclusion of The Hundred,” Mitchell said.”The reduction of just one game could have gone a long way to resolving a period that does not look manageable for the majority. I already fear this section of the season.”This is through no fault of the schedulers, but the decision by the county Chairs to not allow for sufficient minimum standards regarding time between games has meant we have a period of 12 days of Championship cricket in just over two weeks with some lengthy travel for the majority.”Nottinghamshire will open their County Championship title defence at Somerset while Leicestershire and Glamorgan, both back in Division One for the first time in more than two decades, host Sussex and Yorkshire respectively in the opening round from April 3.Nottinghamshire won their first Championship trophy for 15 years and seventh overall when their South African wicketkeeper, Kyle Verreynne, hit a six to secure a batting bonus point and top spot in Division One on the penultimate day of the 2025 season.Lancashire, winners of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup Women’s Competition and the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup, will begin their 50-over title defence away to Durham on April 11 ahead of a historic first professional Roses clash with Yorkshire at Emirates Old Trafford on April 25.Yorkshire, the 2025 Metro Bank One-Day Cup Women’s League 2 champions, begin life as a Tier 1 side away to Somerset after their elevation to the top flight was brought forward by one year following a restructure of the women’s domestic competition ahead of last season.Men’s One-Day Cup champions Worcestershire Rapids will begin their 2026 campaign at home to Derbyshire Falcons on July 24, with groups randomly drawn and each county playing once against every team in their group.Gloucestershire, Kent Spitfires, Lancashire, Leicestershire Foxes, Northamptonshire Steelbacks, Notts Outlaws, Somerset, Surrey and Warwickshire make up Group A while Group B comprises Derbyshire Falcons, Durham, Essex, Glamorgan, Hampshire, Middlesex, Sussex Sharks, Worcestershire Rapids and Yorkshire.The One-Day Cup Women’s final will be played at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Saturday, September 19 followed by both the men’s final at Trent Bridge and the Women’s League 2 Final at Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol the following day.Ellie Threlkeld holds the One-Day Cup aloft•ECB via Getty Images

The second season of the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup will involve 37 counties vying for a place on finals day at Emirates Old Trafford on August 29, including inaugural champions Lancashire Thunder.The opening round, from April 26, features 28 counties before the nine Tier 1 counties – Durham, Essex, Hampshire, Lancashire Thunder, Somerset, Surrey, The Blaze, Warwickshire and Yorkshire – enter the competition in Round 3 from June 21.Two all-Tier 1 ties have been confirmed for Round 3 with The Blaze at home to Durham and Yorkshire hosting Somerset.The PCA noted favourably a significant reduction in back-to-back games across men’s and women’s T20 fixtures, announced on Tuesday, down from 54 in 2025 to just six next season.Olly Hannon-Dalby, the PCA Chair, believed that holding the men’s Blast Finals Day ahead of the Hundred along with an improved schedule and less travel represented significant progress.”For the first time in a number of years, I feel the men’s Blast will have the energy and priority within the schedule to show everybody just how great this competition is,” he said. “The Vitality Blast lining up on an equal platform with men’s and women’s teams is something I’m very passionate about and is absolutely the right way to grow the game. We’ve seen the success in The Hundred and double headers should be an opportunity to attract bigger crowds for all.”But he echoed Mitchell’s concern over the Championship schedule.”At a time when many counties have threadbare squads, to start six four-day games and a 50-over final in the space of five weeks is so far from optimum it is something that needs addressing,” Hannon-Dalby said.”We will actively be canvassing opinion on how we could avoid this congestion in the future with options such as starting the season slightly earlier or ending it later. Conversations need to continue to prioritise the wellbeing of its players.”

Manchester United are building for the future under Ruben Amorim, and he now appears to have made key decisions on two of his most high-profile Old Trafford stars.

The Red Devils have made a reasonable start to the Premier League campaign and could well make a push for the European slots if they can maintain momentum, though that is something that will be challenged over the festive period due to the African Cup of Nations.

Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are set to depart next month, leaving roles to be filled in the squad during a busy schedule that is set to be fraught with intense action.

Still, Premier League sides have known the competition is part and parcel of their squad planning, making it an issue they should be able to handle without the need for mass panic.

Signings in January will be important and there is an obvious need for midfield reinforcements, especially with Casemiro drawing closer to the end of his contract at Old Trafford.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes is the latest name on Manchester United’s list, and discussions are said to be progressing well over a potential move to work under Amorim’s stewardship in January.

Rob Edwards has signalled his desire to keep the Brazilian at Molineux. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped the Red Devils making tracks, even if there could be a twist in the tale regarding the state of play on their engine room, courtesy of Fabrizio Romano.

Fabrizio Romano delivers contract update on Casemiro and Maguire

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has confirmed that Amorim wants both Casemiro and Harry Maguire to stay at Manchester United, providing they reduce their wages in line with the club’s new salary structure.

He said: “My understanding is that the situation of Casemiro is a really similar situation in terms of strategy to Harry Maguire.

“Casemiro and Harry Maguire are out of contract in the summer of 2026 and for Manchester United, they are two really important players, especially now.

“We have to say congrats to Casemiro. In this video let’s focus on Casemiro, because he’s been able to change his situation at Manchester United.”

Later, he added: “So now the desire is from Man United, obviously, to continue with Casemiro, but in different conditions. So the salary he has right now is a salary that Manchester United don’t want to pay in the future, not because of Casemiro or Maguire, but because they want to change the salary structure.”

Between them, a pay packet of £540,000 per week is a major chunk of the Red Devils’ wage list, and with both edging closer to the twilight of their respective careers, it may be worth looking at younger reinforcements as their contracts look set to expire.

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Conversely, experience is vital and cannot be understated. Over the coming months, it would be a smart decision to tie down both stars if they can agree to a wage reduction.

“If you don’t believe you belong at the international level, you start over-respecting the opposition and forget your strengths”

Shashank Kishore15-Sep-20251:14

Maharoof: Bangladesh have been lacking in major tournaments

Belief. That was the buzzword as Mushtaq Ahmed, Bangladesh’s spin consultant, addressed a press conference ahead of his team’s must-win Asia Cup fixture against Afghanistan.Bangladesh’s chastening defeat to Sri Lanka with 32 balls to spare dented a net run-rate that should’ve received a bigger fillip when they beat Hong Kong. That they took 17.4 overs to knock off 144 despite having a platform was criticised from several quarters.That means Bangladesh won’t be able to control their fate even if they win, since Afghanistan and Sri Lanka play the last group game of the pool.Related

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“You have to believe. The coaches and management keep telling the players that belief is very important,” Mushtaq said. “It’s difficult, of course, having to rely on ifs and buts, but you have to concentrate on winning the match first.”Asked of potential dangers to look out for, Mushtaq was clear it would come from Afghanistan’s spinners, led by their captain, Rashid Khan.”Their spin department is very good, especially in the middle overs,” he said. “If we can counter their spin well and put a decent score on the board, we can challenge them because our bowling unit is also strong. My main concern is the middle overs.”This middle phase is where Bangladesh revived their innings in their previous game, with Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain reviving a floundering innings. From 59 for 5, they put together an unbroken 80-run stand to lift Bangladesh to 139.Mushtaq said despite their batting struggles, the messaging has been constant: to try and keep going for their shots, which he also said wasn’t something that can be ingrained instantly. But it’s something they’ve been trying to develop in trying to ramp up their batting methods – like their focus towards six-hitting.”Sometimes, early failures lead to losing four or five wickets quickly,” Mushtaq explained. “We tell our batsmen that such things happen, but they must move on fast. If they dwell on the past, their progress will be slow. As coaches, our duty is to prevent them from going into a shell, maintain their confidence, and keep giving them belief.Bangladesh suffered a heavy defeat to Sri Lanka•Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images

“As I’ve said in press conferences, I emphasise on belief. I played with legends like Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, and Wasim Akram. One lesson I learned from them is that if you don’t believe you belong at the international level, you start over-respecting the opposition and forget your strengths. Even failure while playing aggressively makes you a stronger player.”If coaches and management can instill that belief, the team can challenge any side. Players like Litton [Das], [Towhid] Hridoy, Tanzim [Hasan], Jaker and Shamim have shown that even when situations look tough, they can find momentum and score 170-180. With good fast bowlers and spinners, and if we get stronger as a team, we can challenge any team.”Mushtaq also called for some patience while dealing with a player like Rishad Hossain, the legspinner. It’s an art that hasn’t always been explored to its full potential in Bangladesh, primarily because of their battery of traditional left-arm spinners over the years.Rishad, though, has had an impressive initiation into international cricket, even though he hasn’t picked up wickets by the truckloads. His only over the other night against Sri Lanka went for 18.”Sometimes, as a young leg-spinner, you can overthink and try too many deliveries in one over,” Mushtaq assessed. “Especially in the first few overs, you risk losing your line and length. Funny enough, you asked this question [about his form].”I spoke to him today before we came to the nets. His strength is always to bowl the first three balls in good areas. That builds belief and confidence, after which he can use variations. He has to learn these little things quickly and also figure out, situation-wise, which deliveries to bowl more.”If a bowler, like Rishad, struggles in the first three balls, it doesn’t mean he loses rhythm for the rest of the spell. As a leg-spin bowling coach, I remind all spinners to focus on the process. Bowling good balls consistently builds confidence. He’s young and hasn’t played much red-ball cricket, so it’s my responsibility to ensure he remembers his process before worrying about outcomes.”Mushtaq was then asked what Afghanistan are doing in their development of wristspinners and cricketers in general that Bangladesh aren’t.”Afghanistan players have played lots of franchise cricket,” he explained. “You can buy a bed, but you can’t buy sleep. Bangladesh has been strong at home, but in ICC or ACC tournaments, we have to improve.”

Former pitcher Brian Matusz, who spent the majority of his eight seasons in MLB with the Baltimore Orioles, died at age 37, the league announced on Wednesday morning. A cause of death has not been released.

A Grand Junction, Co., native, Matusz, after a standout college career at the University of San Diego, became the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft. He made his big league debut against the Detroit Tigers on Aug. 4, 2009, striking out five batters across five innings while yielding just one run.

He pitched in 280 games in his career—all but one of which were with Baltimore—registering a 4.92 ERA. He made one appearance for the Chicago Cubs on July 31, 2016, a three-inning start for the eventual World Series champions. Some fans may remember Matusz for the success he enjoyed against Hall of Famer David Ortiz, holding the slugger to a .138 batting average with 13 strikeouts in his career.

He was a member of Baltimore teams that advanced to the postseason in 2012 and 2014.

The Orioles released the following in a statement.

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Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has been warned about a Spurs star who could cost his side points this season, with the Dane looking to continue building after his solid start to life at N17.

Thomas Frank earns Tottenham praise after good start to season

Barring fairly lucky draws against the likes of Wolves and Bodo/Glimt recently, with Frank’s side snatching those results from the jaws of defeat, Spurs’ new boss is beginning to win admirers.

Over his first 11 games at the helm, the 52-year-old has averaged close to 2 points per match, having suffered just one normal time loss since taking over from Ange Postecoglou in the summer.

Thomas Frank’s managerial record at Tottenham so far

Stats

Matches

11

Wins

5

Draws

3

Losses

2

Points

18

Points per game

1.91

From the offset, Frank prioritized building a strong defensive foundation, addressing one of Tottenham’s key weaknesses last term.

His teams are disciplined and organized, with Frank’s arrival seriously reducing the defensive errors that previously plagued Spurs.

Centre-back duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have thrived in the tactician’s structure, with pundit Jamie O’Hara even boldly claiming they are the best defensive partnership in Europe right now and “walk” into Real Madrid’s team.

After their gritty 2-1 win away to Leeds United, Spurs sit third in the Premier League table after both breaking their pre-international break curse and ending Leeds’ year-long unbeaten run in the league at Elland Road.

There is an air of positivity around North London right now, especially after the Lewis family just pumped £100 million into Tottenham via ENIC, which suggests the post-Daniel Levy era could be an exciting one.

However, one puzzle that Frank needs to solve is what to do with midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The Mali international was omitted from Frank’s UEFA Super Cup squad for disciplinary issues, specifically turning up late to training on more than one occasion, and is yet to play a single competitive minute for Tottenham so far this season.

This is partly down to injury, but reliable reports suggested that Spurs were open to offers for Bissouma when the Saudi, Turkish and Greek transfer windows were open past September 1 — indicating he may not have a long-term future.

The 29-year-old’s contract expires in 2026, and he was also notably left out of Tottenham’s 22-man Champions League squad.

Thomas Frank warned about Tottenham star Yves Bissouma

Speaking to Tottenham News, former Brentford boss Martin Allen has warned Frank that Bissouma could cost Tottenham points if they choose to reintegrate him into the fold, saying that the midfielder has got a lot of work to do.

Allen also suggested that Bissouma “can’t be bothered” to make meetings or get in on time, which may be a real issue.

The ex-Brighton star played a key role in Tottenham’s journey to the Europa League final, starting both semi-final legs against Bodo/Glimt and the final against Man United.

Bissouma was a regular under Postecoglou overall, playing 44 times in all competitions last term, and if he can address his disciplinary issues, Frank could really use a player of his quality.

Abhinav Mukund felt LSG were too “emotional” with their retentions of Mayank and Bishnoi before the auction too

ESPNcricinfo staff20-May-20252:41

‘Pant and Pooran buys made it tough for LSG to build a bowling unit’

After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were knocked out of IPL 2025 playoff contention by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Monday, Tom Moody on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out pointed out that LSG could not build a bowling unit after spending heavily on Rishabh Pant (INR 27 crore) at the auction and retaining Nicholas Pooran for a hefty sum (INR 21 crore).”The expense on Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran, those two players, makes it very hard to build a very strong bowling unit,” Moody said. “Because you just don’t have the funds to compete at the auction table.”In an ideal world, it’s great to have Pooran, [David] Miller, [Mitchell] Marsh, Pant… all these are impactful batters but at the end of the day you need to bowl. You’ve got to be able to have an impactful bowling unit in powerplays. Be adaptable in the middle overs and take wicket and squeeze the opposition. And in the back-end of the innings, you need people to close the game under pressure – take wickets, bowl those really challenging overs when the opposition is going hell-for-leather against you. And I just don’t think they’ve got any of that.”Related

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In their bowling unit, left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan missed the entire season, while Mayank Yadav, who was retained by LSG, was mostly on the sidelines. Avesh Khan and Akash Deep also struggled with fitness issues, which resulted in their below-par performances while Mohsin’s replacement Shardul Thakur also tapered off after a promising start.Abhinav Mukund echoed Moody’s thoughts but also thought LSG may have erred by getting “really emotional” with their picks, especially when selecting Mayank and Ravi Bishnoi.”Avesh is a tick, but Akash has played a handful of games in the IPL,” Abhinav said. “He’s primary a red-ball bowler known in this country for his red-ball skills. And over and above that, you’ve invested in Mayank Yadav. A lot of teams get emotional about their picks, they get really emotional like ‘we’ve found him, we need to have him, we need to ensure that he’s here.’ That’s the same with Bishnoi.However despite the underwhelming bowling returns, the performance of Digvesh Rathi – the only LSG bowler to have featured in all 12 games and was also their best bowler with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 8.18 – was a positive.”But why I say they’ve gotten lucky [is] because they’ve got two players who’ve gone under the radar for them,” Abhinav added. “Which was one retention in Ayush Badoni, who’s had a very decent season, and the other is one guy who has played just two games for his state side, which is Digvesh Rathi, who has turned out to be exceptional at [INR] 30 lakhs. And then you’ve invested in another 30 lakhs bowler in Prince Yadav, who hasn’t done too badly for that kind of price.While Bishnoi was a sure starter in the XI before LSG kickstarted their campaign this time, he did not have the kind of impact that LSG expected out of him. Bishnoi played 11 matches and picked up nine wickets at an economy of 10.83.”He’s become too predictable,” Abhinav explained. “He doesn’t have a variation other than the googly, he definitely needs to work on his speeds and he needs to understand how to get out of an over once he starts getting hit.”

Lancashire produced a convincing display with bat and ball at Taunton’s Cooper Associates County Ground to beat Somerset by seven wickets and extend their winning start to the Metro Bank One Day Cup women’s competition.Inserted on a green-tinged pitch, Somerset slumped to 89 for 6 in the face of incisive bowling from Kate Cross and Hannah Jones, who returned figures of 2 for 27 and 2 for 23 respectively. Alex Griffiths top-scored with 46 and added 56 for the seventh wicket with Amanda-Jade Wellington to threaten a meaningful recovery, but Emma Lamb bowled well at the death to claim 2 for 30 and help restrict the home side to 205 for 9.Eve Jones and Lamb then confirmed Lancashire’s superiority in a match-winning opening stand of 151 in 28.1 overs to render the outcome a foregone conclusion. Jones posted an assured 97 from 11 balls with a six and 14 fours, while Lamb contributed 52 in an innings that spanned 68 deliveries and included a quartet of fours.Seren Smale and Fi Morris saw the job through as the red rose county reached their target with 13.1 overs in hand to register a second win in as many matches in the 50-over competition. For their part, Somerset were left to reflect ruefully upon their first home game of the professional era.Ellie Threlkeld won the toss, opted to field and watched from behind the stumps as her new-ball seamers made short work of Somerset’s much-vaunted top-order. Talismanic batters Heather Knight and Sophie Luff both fell in single figures and in identical fashion, pushing half forward to deliveries outside off stump from Cross and offering regulation catches behind. Undone by late movement, fellow England international Fran Wilson was bowled by Tara Norris as the home side slipped to 36 for 3 inside 14 overs, their most experienced batters already back in the pavilion.Having pulled Norris for six to get off the mark, Charlie Dean was bowled in the act of cutting by slow left armer Hannah Jones, who then pinned Katie Jones lbw in the crease, raising the number of batters to fall short of double figures to five. When the hitherto obdurate Emma Corney, who had chiseled 35 from 79 balls, pushed a delivery from Dani Collins to deep mid-off and set off for a risky single, she was brilliantly run out by Grace Potts, whose pick up and throw scored a direct hit, reducing Somerset to 89 for 6 in the 32nd over.Overseas all-rounder Wellington inspired a fightback, hoisting successive balls from Norris over the square leg boundary to put Lancashire on the back foot for the first time. She repeated the feat against Emma Lamb, her third six raising a hard-hitting half-century stand in 43 balls in partnership with Griffiths, who made 46 from 58 deliveries. Wellington holed out to deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Lamb for a 20-ball 26 and, when Griffiths was bowled by Collins soon afterwards, the red rose county were back in charge.Somerset’s lower order continued to fight hard and an unbroken alliance of 30 for the last wicket between Chloe Skelton (24 not out) and Laura Jackson (13 not out) pushed the score beyond 200 to at least give the home bowlers a chance.Lancashire openers Lamb and Eve Jones afforded the reply solid foundations, adding 50 from 73 deliveries to see off the new ball threat of Ellie Anderson and Jackson. Pinning their hopes on spin, Somerset soon turned to Dean and Wellington, only for Jones to hit the latter back over her head for six on her way to an imperious 73-ball half century.Lamb gave half chances to Dean at cover point off Wellington and Katie Jones behind the wicket off Skelton, but survived to see the hundred partnership come up, the second 50 having come at a run-a-ball. Introduced at the River end, Skelton’s off spin proved expensive as Jones and Lamb warmed to their task, advancing their partnership to 132 after 25 overs. Lamb moved to her 50 from 63 balls and the partnership passed the 150 mark as Somerset skipper Luff rotated her spinners without reward.Wellington eventually made the breakthrough, removing Lamb lbw, while Anderson had Jones held at short third man three runs short of her hundred as Somerset at least salvaged some pride. Dean removed Katie Mack, but it proved too little too late as the visitors cruised to victory.

As part of the summer rebuild at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim has splashed the cash, with all three of his major additions to date being made in the final third of the pitch.

Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have all made the move to Old Trafford – setting the hierarchy back a sum in the region of £200m in the process.

However, such moves were desperately needed, especially after the Red Devils only managed to average 1.15 goals per game in the Premier League last campaign.

Such movement has formed a new deadly trio for Amorim, but he must now turn his attention to other areas of the squad, with the September 1st deadline rapidly approaching.

The midfield department is desperately crying out for another reinforcement, which could see the hierarchy land a big-money partner for Bruno Fernandes for 2025/26 and beyond.

The latest on Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder

Over the last few weeks, United’s hunt for a new midfielder has been dominated by a potential deal to sign Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.

Despite deliberations between the player’s representatives and Amorim’s side, it appears as though the Cameroonian will stay at the AMEX this window – with his £100m asking price deemed too expensive.

However, it appears as though the Red Devils hierarchy have moved onto another Premier League talent in the form of Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Amorim’s side are currently leading the race for the 21-year-old’s signature, with Real Madrid also in the race for the Englishman’s signature.

The report also states it’s unclear whether the Eagles will be willing to let him depart after Eberechi Eze’s deal to join Arsenal, only entertaining offers in the region of €80m (£69m).

Why United’s target would be perfect for Cunha & Mbeumo

There’s an understandable amount of excitement building at United, with their business in the transfer market certainly playing a huge part over recent weeks.

Moves for Cunha and Mbeumo have added needed Premier League experience, with the hope the pair can replicate their impressive goalscoring form from the 2024/25 campaign.

The duo netted 35 times between them in England’s top-flight last season, which led to the Red Devils hierarchy forking out a combined £133.5m for the pair.

Both are likely to operate behind Sesko at Old Trafford, needing ammunition from players around them to provide the chances to impress within the final third.

Bruno has dropped into a deeper role in recent weeks, but could also be joined in such a position by Wharton before the end of the summer window.

The youngster would likely provide the ball-winning option needed at the heart of the side, but he could also offer a threat in forward areas – should he replicate his form at Selhurst Park.

Wharton, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by HLTCO, managed to complete 7.3 progressive passes and 5.3 passes into the final third per 90 last time around, having the ability to provide the aforementioned duo with numerous chances in front of goal.

Games played

20

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

76%

Progressive passes

7.3

Key passes

1.8

Passes into final third

5.3

Tackles won

2.3

Interceptions made

1.4

Clearances made

1.8

Recoveries made

6.9

He also registered 1.8 key passes per 90 – at an accuracy rate of 76% – further highlighting the talent he possesses when having the ball at his feet.

However, out of possession, the youngster has also impressed, winning 2.3 tackles per 90 and making 1.4 interceptions – subsequently having the tools to offer the ball-winning player Amorim has craved at the heart of his side.

It would undoubtedly be yet another expensive addition for the Red Devils this summer, but it’s one that would massively solve the issues currently apparent at the Theatre of Dreams.

If he can sit deep and regain possession, whilst also having the tools to provide others with chances in dangerous areas – it would be an excellent piece of business, not to mention an investment that could be worth millions more in the years ahead, given his tender age.

He's like Baleba: "Extraordinary" £35m star now wants to sign for Man Utd

Manchester United appear to have moved on from Carlos Baleba with a move for another star.

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Since landing in Pakistan a couple of weeks ago, Glenn Phillips has played four ODIs, scored 215 runs off 162 balls, and been dismissed only once. That dismissal came today, in New Zealand’s Champions Trophy opener against the hosts, but not before Phillips has thumped 61 from 39 to take his side well past 300 on a tricky pitch where run-scoring was hard especially early on.What’s his secret? “I’m just really clear at the moment, I’m seeing the ball really well and I guess being still at the point of contact and I think that goes a long way in being able to be a hitter,” Phillips said after New Zealand’s 60-run win in Karachi. “I haven’t always got it right in the past, but I’ve got a little bit of a feel for it for the moment.”He had scores of 106 not out, 28 not out and 20 not out in the preceding tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa that served as final preparation for the Champions Trophy. Today, he came in at 191 for 4 in the 38th over, joining a well-set Tom Latham, with New Zealand’s run rate at that point hovering at around five to the over. The pair went on to ransack 125 from 74, New Zealand finishing with 113 from the last 10 which was the second-most by any team in the last ten overs (41-50) of a Champions Trophy innings.Related

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What was it that held batters back before this partnership? “I think we’ve played a different pitch and it’s played a different way every time we’ve been here [Karachi].”The pacers I think were definitely harder to play in the day when the ball was going up and down a lot. The way Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke bowled [in the chase], it was a testament to how good they did but I think during the day the way the Pakistan boys bowled, especially at the top, made it quite tough for us to get away early on.”I think we’ve been really adaptable to different styles of pitches, and it was nice to see some turn out there in the evening.”New Zealand’s next game is against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24, before they fly to Dubai to take on India on March 2. They will have to keep adapting for a while more to make the semi-finals and beyond, but this was a fine start in that direction.