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Bangladesh Cricket Board’s disciplinary committee has turned down Shahadat Hossain’s appeal to play in this season’s Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League

Mohammad Isam16-Apr-2016The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s disciplinary committee has turned down Shahadat Hossain’s appeal to play in this season’s Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League.Shahadat was temporarily suspended by the BCB in September 2015 after the Dhaka police registered a case against him and his wife on charges of assaulting their housemaid under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. They were arrested on October 5, but were later granted bail in December.ESPNcricinfo has learned from some of the board’s policy-makers that many in the BCB were not keen on revoking Shahadat’s suspension until he was cleared by the court, as they felt that it would set a bad precedent.Shahadat was initially kept in the B+ category in the Dhaka Premier League’s roster subject to BCB’s withdrawal of the suspension. On Saturday, AJM Nasir Uddin, the disciplinary committee chairman, confirmed that Shahadat’s suspension stood unless the court dismissed the case.”Shahadat Hossain had made an appeal, but we couldn’t take it because of some legal complications,” Nasir said. “His appeal stated that he had settled with the plaintiff. He presented to us a court direction which says that charges are pending in this case. It also said that the court’s decision is needless in regard to whether Shahadat should be allowed to play in the Dhaka Premier League or not.”As a result, we can’t consider this matter at this time. If the court had given a more clear-cut directive or it received his settlement with the plaintiff, we could have considered him. So we will wait for court’s further directive in this matter.”On Saturday morning, Shahadat turned up at the National Cricket Academy in Mirpur for training with his club Mohammaden Sporting, and was confident of the BCB withdrawing his suspension.

Kansas City Current have dedicated their new press box to the late Grant Wahl, who was a KC native and a trailblazer in American soccer coverage.

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Current set to open new stadium in 2024Dedicate new press box to Grant WahlAmerican journalist passed during 2022 World CupWHAT HAPPENED?

A group gathered at the soon-to-be-open CKPC Stadium on Thursday for the dedication of at the Current's new grounds. The late journalist was beyond an influential figure in American soccer – both men's and women's – but also a dedicated fan of the game, who helped popularize the sport across the world. Wahl's memory will forever be remembered now with the beautiful tribute, to what his brother, Eric Wahl, believes will be a place of 'inspiration' for future journalists.

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Grant passed in Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, suffering an aortic aneurysm during the quarterfinal match between Argentina and Netherlands. Following his passing, U.S. soccer released the following statement: "The entire US soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game and its major protagonists: teams, players, coaches and the many personalities that make soccer unlike any sport.

"Here in the United States, Grant's passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in, and respect for, our beautiful game. "As important, Grant's belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all. "Grant made soccer his life's work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us."

Now, nearly one year later, the Current are dedicating their new home to the brilliant and forever influential Wahl.

WHAT CURRENT CO-OWNERS ANGIE & CHRIS LONG SAID

Speaking to the KC Star, Angie Long said: “His life’s work was growing this game in this country, and I don’t think there’s any more physical manifestation of it than this,” said Long, who attended High School with Wahl. “And for a woman’s team, as well, which he was equally as passionate about.”

“We hope this also inspires others to be as unselfish and as honest and to have as much foresight as he did,” added Long. “Because I think when this country didn’t know very much about soccer, Grant did. And when it wasn’t a thing to support female athletes and to really believe in and push for equality in the game, Grant did. He was a leader in so many ways.”

In a press release, Long added: “Grant was one of the first people we consulted with the idea of founding an NWSL team in Kansas City. His grounded advice, deep understanding of the soccer ecosystem, connections and thoughtful suggestions were critical ingredients to our decision to launch a new team on an unprecedented timeframe.”

“Giving us even more conviction around our facilities vision, Grant was particularly drawn to the idea of having the first stadium built for a women’s professional team right in his hometown of Kansas City,” said co-owner and founder Chris Long. “The Kansas City Current will always be grateful to Grant for his pivotal role in the launch of the Club.”

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WHAT WAHL'S FAMILY SAID

In a press release, Wahl's brother Eric said: “Grant and I were born and raised here in Kansas City and our lives were shaped by the sports culture in this region, but more specifically, by those who told those stories through the media. This is a great honor to our family. I hope that those journalists that come through this press box will see Grant’s dedication to telling the personal, challenging and compelling stories of this sport and its athletes, then seek to celebrate and elevate them through stories he would be proud to hear.”

Wahl's wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, added: “My family and I are thankful that my husband Grant Wahl is being recognized in this way. It is my hope that future generations of sports journalists sitting in this press box will be inspired to carry on Grant's legacy: holding those in power to account, advocating for human rights and equity and understanding that ‘stick to sports’ is a false mantra. As Ted Lasso said, ‘Soccer is life’. When sports are divorced from everything else in life, they are gutted of their essence and meaning.”

Despite playing in League Two, it turns out that Wrexham have more Instagram followers than over a third of Premier League clubs.

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Wrexham have 1.1 million Instagram followersSeven PL sides have fewerRed Dragons gunning for promotionWHAT HAPPENED?

A study has shown that Wrexham's official Instagram account has 1.1 million followers, more than seven top-flight sides. Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Sheffield United and Bournemouth all have fewer, while the Welsh club have more followers than Brentford and Luton Town combined. Meanwhile, in the Championship only Leicester City and Southampton can boast more followers.

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Wrexham have surged in popularity since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in early 2021. The Welsh club were in the National League when the Always Sunny stars invested, but the Welcome to Wrexham docuseries, as well as their return to the Football League, has seen the club's social media following sky-rocket.

DID YOU KNOW?

Wrexham can now claim to be the most popular club in Wales. The Red Dragons now have more social media followers than both Swansea City and Cardiff City, both of whom have played in the Premier League within the last decade.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Continued on-field success could see Wrexham's popularity increase further. Phil Parkinsons's side are currently fourth in the table, but only need to finish in the top three to earn promotion to League One. After a 2-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley on Saturday, Wrexham will look to return to winning ways when they host Morecambe next weekend.

After an enthralling first four matches, England and New Zealand head to Chester-le-Street for the series decider, where seam bowling has been largely successful

The Preview by David Hopps19-Jun-2015Match factsSaturday, June 19, 2015, Chester-le-Street
Start time 10.30 local (09.30 GMT)
2:44

Pressure on Durham to produce run-filled pitch

Big PictureThe pre-Ashes camp squad has been announced, the Australians are briefly catching the sights in London before turning to more pressing matters and it would normally be natural for thoughts to wander from the most ephemeral of cricketing contests: the bilateral one-day series. But not in this case because English cricket has never felt blither for years as they have slugged out the Royal London series against New Zealand with great skill and commendable spirit.There has been griping from afar that England, by producing a succession of batsmen-loaded pitches, have entered the land of flat-track bullies. That there has been an imbalance between bat and ball is apparent, but that is largely for the ICC to address. The cricket has caught the public attention and that has been a relief in a country where the game needs to reassert its place at the centre of the sporting summer. As a precursor to the Ashes, it could not have gone better. There is no need to resent the fun England is having as the team have posted four scores in excess of 300, national records broken with regularity.And so we come to the final encounter at Chester-le-Street, the most northerly of England’s international outposts, a ground where Durham, the Championship leaders, have barely lodged a decent score all season, but where seam bowlers regularly feel empowered. Could there be a twist at last? Tim Southee, for New Zealand, and Mark Wood, playing for England on his home ground for the first time, may feel particularly perky when they wake on match-day morning. Many will crave more of the same – certainly many in the crowd will – but if there was a twist in the tail, and the bowlers took command, it would reassert England’s place as a cricketing land of infinite variety.Ben Stokes believes England’s new approach has helped reconnect them with the public•PA PhotosForm guideEngland:WLLWW
New Zealand: LWWLL
Players to watchBen Stokes appears on his home ground in high spirits at England’s carefree approach, a player who revels in the perpetual cut and thrust which has been at the heart of the series. He would love nothing more than to succeed before supporters who are fiercely proud of the successful production line of players from the north-east of England.
Tim Southee will be eager to restate his bowling credentials at the end of a series in which his outswinger has barely threatened – food for thought for Southee and New Zealand’s new bowling coach, Dimitri Mascarenhas, no doubt. It was Southee who swung England to distraction during the World Cup, producing New Zealand’s best ODI figures of 7 for 33. In nine subsequent ODIs, he has taken eight wickets at 67.57, although in the context of this series his economy rate of 6.65 could be worse.Team newsEngland have a doubt about Jos Buttler, who split the webbing of his hand in a morning fielding drill and Jonny Bairstow has been called up as cover. Buttler put a protective bandage on the wound which was to be assessed on Saturday morning. The loss of Buttler would potentially mean a wicketkeeping opportunity for Bairstow, although Sam Billings who has fulfilled the role regularly for Kent, would be another option.England (probable) 1 Jason Roy, 2 Alex Hales, 3 Joe Root, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Ben Stokes, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Sam Billings, 8 Adil Rashid, 9 David Willey, 10 Mark Wood, 11 Steven Finn.New Zealand are also fairly settled, although they might recall Nathan McCullum’s offspin, with even Chester-le-Street’s propensity to help the seamers not enough to make Mitchell McClenaghan’s selection inevitable. McClenaghan may vie for the final spot with Ben Wheeler.New Zealand (probable) 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt), 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk), 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Nathan McCullum, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Ben Wheeler/Mitchell McClenaghan, 11 Matt Henry.Pitch and conditionsA ropey forecast will encourage the seam bowlers on both sides. The forecast is for a cloudy morning with hill fog and occasional rain, slowly becoming dry as the afternoon progresses. But Chester-le-Street is not just about seam: Sachithra Senanayake took 4 for 13 from 7.1 overs last year as England caved in for 99 and lost by 157 runs against Sri Lanka.Stats and triviaMitchell McClenaghan, out of sorts for New Zealand in this series, took 11 wickets at 15.81 in the corresponding series in England two years ago.England have scored 1425 runs in four matches, already ahead of their previous highest aggregate for a five-match series (1399) with one game remaining. England have hit 47 sixes – in six World Cup matches they managed 18.The owners of Lumley Castle, which sits above the ground, recently lodged their opposition to Chester-le-Steet’s new floodlights, without success.Quotes”New Zealand finished second in the World Cup and they were the best side until the final. We have played some great cricket against the second best team in the world. We know we have made people watch and enjoy England cricket again.”

“We have struggled to deliver a succession of dot balls, or overs that haven’t gone for boundaries. The key thing is the ball hasn’t swung.”

A round-up of the Quaid-e-Azam Gold League matches that ended on November 20, 2014

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Nov-2014Multan Tigers could not recover from being bowled out for 46 in the first innings, as they crumbled to an innings defeat against Karachi Dolphins inside three days. Tigers, having been inserted, were dismissed in 13.5 overs, with only one batsman managing double-digit scores. Six batsmen fell for ducks, and the team’s second-highest source of runs came from the 10 extras, as Mir Hamza led Dolphins’ attack with 6 for 16, while Adeel Malik collected 4 for 21.Dolphins immediately followed it up with a strong batting performance, as Rameez Raja (82), Yasir Mushtaq (62), Mohammad Waqas (68) and Babar Hussain (50) all raised fifties to push the score to 450, earning them a massive lead of 404. Tigers fared better in their second essay, but it still wasn’t enough to Dolphins bat again. Gulraiz Sadaf top-scored with 82 and Abdul Rehman Muzammil chipped in with 66, but nobody else was able to cross 26, as Tigers were bowled out for 222, meaning that Dolphins won by an innings and 182 runs. Shahzaib Ahmed was the pick of Dolphins’ bowlers in the second innings, taking 5 for 53, while Hamza and Malik shared four wickets between them.First innings tons from Jamaluddin and Akbar Badshah, and a 12-wicket match haul from Taj Wali sent Peshawar Panthers on their way towards a comprehensive nine-wicket victory against Lahore Lions at the Gaddafi Stadium. Batting first, Lions were blown away by a seven-wicket haul from Wali (7 for 63) and dismissed for 221, with only Raza Ali Dar (51) and Saad Nasim (71) managing to compile half-centuries.Panthers, in reply, got to 345 to bat themselves into a dominant position. Jamaludding struck one four and seven sixes during his 116- his second century in four games, while Badshah’s 117 included 10 fours, as Panthers earned a lead of 124. Wali once again did not allow Lions to settle in their second innings, as he claimed 5 for 58 to complete a career-best haul of 12 for 121. Lions were bowled out for a below-par 166, meaning that Panthers needed only 43 to win.They chased down that total in 7.2 overs, thanks to a 44-run stand between Musadiq Ahmed and Adil Amin.

With so many high-rated cards available for both Premier League sides, a Europa League final combined team is something special

Kicking off the first of two all-English club European finals, Arsenal and Chelsea will clash in the Europa League in Baku.

Now that EA Sports has UEFA licensing rights, you can create the Europa League final on FIFA 19 and Goal has previewed the final by creating a combined Arsenal and Chelsea squad on Ultimate Team!

EA/Getty91-rated End of an Era Petr Cech

Kicking off this list, it feels right to include a player who has represented both clubs with Petr Cech. The legendary goalkeeper is retiring after the final, resulting in his amazing End of an Era card.

With 90 diving, 92 reflexes, 89 handling, 80 kicking, and 91 positioning, Cech is incredibly safe and will make plenty of saves to keep you in the game.

AdvertisementEA/Getty86-rated Carniball Hector Bellerin

Next, at right-back, we have Hector Bellerin who has missed most of the season through injury but is still amazing in FIFA 19 thanks to this Carniball card. FIFA fans will be salivating over his 96 pace but Bellerin is no slouch at the back either with 86 interceptions, 84 marking, 87 stand tackle and 89 slide tackle.

The Spaniard is effective going up the wing too with his 89 agility, 85 ball control, 81 dribbling, 89 short passing, 85 crossing and, of course, his 94 acceleration and 97 sprint speed.

87-rated Carniball Antonio Rudiger

Our first Chelsea player on this list, Antonio Rudiger is a solid centre-back that you can always rely on.

The German has reasonable pace thanks to his 84 sprint speed but his stats really shine in the defending and physical areas with 84 interceptions, 83 heading, 85 marking, 90 stand tackle, 87 slide tackle, 86 strength and 97 aggression.

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EA/Getty89-rated Flashback David Luiz

One of the more popular cards on the game, David Luiz's Flashback card is ridiculously good. You won't find many centre-backs who are adept at carrying the ball forward as much as they are at defending.

This card is stacked with outrageous stats including 85 sprint speed, 89 shot power, 84 free-kicks, 85 short passing, 85 long passing, 85 reactions, 90 ball control, 87 composure, 94 interceptions, 89 heading, 87 marking, 92 stand tackle, 91 slide tackle, 89 jumping, 90 strength and 97 aggression.

Luiz is fast, strong and even has that little something special to score a rare goal.

Can anyone stop the juggernaut that is Toronto FC?

That's the question entering the 2018 MLS campaign, which kicks off Saturday when TFC begins its title defense with an Eastern Conference final rematch against the Columbus Crew at BMO Field.

Less than three months after Toronto completed a treble by sinking the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final, has unanimously picked Sebastian Giovinco and Co. to repeat as Supporters' Shield winners and tapped them as favorites to again lift the MLS Cup as well.

But which dark-horse contenders could potentially dethrone TFC? Who will take home MLS MVP honors? Which player is poised for a breakout campaign? editors and writers have provided their predictions below:

Brad PennerMost Valuable Player

IVES GALARCEP:. He may be 36 years old, but Villa is still a goal-scoring machine. With New York City FC upgrading through the addition of Jesus Medina, Villa should have another outstanding season and hold off Miguel Almiron for his second MVP.

JON ARNOLD:. At some point, Giovinco has to stop shredding MLS opposition. This is not that year. The Atomic Ant will again be key for Toronto, leading the team in scoring and helping the Reds to more trophies.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The 24-year-old Paraguayan playmaker isn't long for MLS, but he'll make the most of his time stateside by delivering a dominant season as the focal point in Atlanta United's high-octane attack.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. There are plenty of good candidates, but the simple pick here is the best player on the best team in the league.

BEN VALENTINE:. Miguel Almiron figures to be a popular preseason MVP pick, but Rusnak quietly was almost as productive last season. Real Salt Lake’s struggles hid that somewhat, but Rusnak will get more exposure this year in what should be a much better side.

SETH VERTELNEY:. Yes, he's 36, but Villa somehow shows no sign of slowing down and has actually been getting better and better in his three MLS seasons. He could pick up his second MVP if he continues that trend.

AdvertisementGreg BartramCoach of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. After a dozen seasons away from MLS, Bradley is back and will make the most of a talented expansion squad with Los Angeles FC.

JON ARNOLD:. Unless voters have fatigue and want to reward a coach of an up-and-coming team (perhaps more in the spirit of the award), Vanney should be able to repeat. TFC is set for a big year, and Vanney has so far steered the team with an expert touch.

THOMAS FLOYD: . It's been a rough few years for a coach seen as one of the brighter minds in American soccer, but a productive offseason has given Kreis the tools to make Orlando City an Eastern Conference contender after last season's 10th-place finish.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. Atlanta came on strong in year one and any step forward would represent the club actually contending for a title in just its second season.  

BEN VALENTINE:. The Columbus Crew not only have to deal with replacing two key players in Ola Kamara and Justin Meram but also face the specter of relocation. If Berhalter can navigate this club to a successful season, he deserves the award.

SETH VERTELNEY:. If the Argentine can take Atlanta from an expansion team making the postseason to a second-year side atop the East, it will be one of the biggest MLS coaching feats in recent memory.

Brett DavisDefender of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. The Atlanta central defender came on strong late in 2017, and should carry over his dominant form into an outstanding second season.

JON ARNOLD:. After a rough start, Calvo and Minnesota United settled into life in MLS. The Loons have an opening to be better this year in a Western Conference full of teams in transition and Calvo will lead the charge from the back.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The Argentine defender was a commanding presence in his first MLS season but seemed to fly under the radar as Atlanta's attack grabbed the headlines. Look for Gonzalez Pirez to get his due this year.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. Bob Bradley's LAFC team will play good defense, and with a former Defender of the Year playing beside him in Laurent Ciman and plenty of eyes on the expansion club, Zimmerman should stand out in 2018. 

BEN VALENTINE:. An injury slowed his start to 2017, but Glad should continue his development into one of the league’s best center backs while anchoring Real Salt Lake's defense.

SETH VERTELNEY:. Year two in MLS should be even better than year one for Gonzalez Pirez, who still managed to finish fourth in the Defender of the Year voting in 2017. A classy defender on the ball who can get involved in the attack, the Argentine should take his game to new heights in 2018.

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Kim KlementGoalkeeper of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. The playoff hero for the Columbus Crew finished 2017 on a roll, and he should dominate in net in his second full season as a starter.

JON ARNOLD:. This award is tough to call. Tim Melia was fantastic last year, and nobody saw that coming. But you can't go wrong picking Blake since the Jamaican makes good stops and generally has plenty to do.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The U.S. national team goalkeeper was quietly impressive after his midseason arrival, and he should post pristine numbers with that stacked Atlanta team in front of him.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. The 22-year-old was playing at a very high level in the 2017 playoffs and, if he can carry that into the new season, looks primed to make his mark as one of the top shot-stoppers in MLS. 

BEN VALENTINE:. Bono solidified himself as the No. 1 last season and out-dueled fellow U.S. national team prospect Zack Steffen in the playoffs. While Steffen may be a popular pick for this award, Bono will fare well behind a Toronto defense that should be a touch more stable than its Columbus counterpart.

SETH VERTELNEY:. The 23-year-old doesn't quite get as much credit as some of Toronto's other big names, but Bono was a huge factor in TFC's treble-winning season last year and should only improve in 2018.

Kristie Mewis appears to have confirmed that Emma Hayes will be the USWNT’s new head coach despite no official announcement being made as yet.

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Demanding coaching role needs to be filledVarious candidates considered for itProven winner being lured away from ChelseaWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States are in the market for a new manager after parting company with Vlatko Andonovski on the back of a disastrous 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign that saw a global crown surrendered in spectacular fashion by the four-time champions.

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Various candidates have been considered to fill the most demanding of roles, with Hayes emerging as the leading contender due to her remarkable record at WSL side Chelsea. Over the course of 11 years and more than 300 games in west London, Hayes has delivered six Super League titles, five FA Cup wins and a couple of League Cup triumphs.

WHAT THEY SAID

Gotham FC star Mewis is looking forward to seeing what Hayes will bring to the USWNT fold, with the experienced midfielder telling reporters of an imminent appointment that is yet to be confirmed by U.S. Soccer: “She’s an outstanding coach and she has led Chelsea to so many championships and so many wins, and she’s a world respected coach. I'm super excited to see what she can bring to the team. She's exactly what we need and I really just think that she's going to take the team to the next level and, yeah, I’m just excited to see what she brings.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Hayes – who has previously worked in the United States with the Long Island Lady Riders, Iona College, the Chicago Red Stars, Western New York Flash and Washington Freedom – has been at Chelsea since August 2012 and was awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year Honours list for her services to football.

Vijay Zol, the Maharashtra batsman and India Under-19 captain, has been asked to skip the Ranji Trophy final and instead train with the India U-19 squad ahead of the upcoming ICC U-19 World Cup in the UAE

Amol Karhadkar21-Jan-2014Vijay Zol, the Maharashtra batsman and India Under-19 captain, has been asked to skip the Ranji Trophy final and instead train with the India U-19 squad ahead of the upcoming ICC U-19 World Cup in the UAE.The final preparatory camp of the U-19 squad started at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore on Tuesday. Since the Ranji Trophy semifinal overlapped with the preparatory camp, the Maharashtra Cricket Association had to seek BCCI’s permission for releasing Zol for the semifinal. But with Maharashtra beating Bengal by 10 wickets within three days, Zol reported at the NCA on the opening day of the camp.Ratnakar Shetty, BCCI’s general manager cricket operations, said the question of the BCCI allowing Zol to contest the final, starting in Hyderabad from January 29, didn’t even arise. “It was told to the Maharashtra Cricket Association that Zol will be released only for the semifinal,” Shetty told ESPNcricinfo.Maharashtra coach Surendra Bhave said it was unfortunate for the player to have missed out on an opportunity to play the Ranji final, that too in his debut first-class season. “I would say competing in the Ranji Trophy final is much better than going through monotonous drills in the nets, but we can’t do much about it,” Bhave said. “The team as a whole won’t suffer much since we have a ready replacement for him.”Zol, who scored an unbeaten double hundred on his Ranji debut in Maharashtra’s season-opener, missed their last two league matches due to the U-19 Asia Cup in the UAE. He scored a century in the final against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup and continued his form with a valuable 91 not out to help Maharashtra shock defending champions Mumbai in the quarterfinal.

For some, it is about the one that got away. For Stuart Williams, it is about the one moment that did: Marlon Samuels’ dismissal

Firdose Moonda in Cape Town05-Jan-20150:52

‘We’re the best bowling unit in the world’ – Morkel

For some, it is about the one that got away. For Stuart Williams, it is about the one moment that did: Marlon Samuels’ dismissal.”We were building nicely. It was just an awful shot,” Williams said.After declaring himself a cannibal, in spin terms at least, Samuels got hold of Simon Harmer and was playing him comfortably, even with the shot that led to his downfall. He responded to a brief period of being tied down by launching Harmer down the ground but forgot that there was a long-on with legs chasing after it. Dean Elgar is one of the quicker men on the outfield and made good ground to take the catch almost straight down the wicket.That was the catalyst for another collapse – this time seven for 33 – which saw West Indies tumble from a fighting position to a flagging one. “I think we just missed the moment. That’s the moment in the game where everything fell away,” Williams said. “This is international cricket and we just have to seize the moment. You have to respect your opposition at all times and we didn’t do that.”South Africa knew that Samuels’ default position is defiance, which could stretch to disrespect if he is feeling in the mood. They also knew that if they got him out of the away, the rest would fall. “He was one of their stand-out batters so it was important to put him under pressure early on,” Morne Morkel said. “We know him – if he hits, he hits. But [if] he misses, he is out.”Despite that, Samuels remains the highest run-scorer for West Indies in South Africa for a second tour in succession and Williams conceded that he remains the biggest positive for them. “We have some positives like Marlon averaging over 50,” Williams said. “And in the first innings of this game, we bowled out South Africa. We had three run outs. Even though we don’t have a bowler who took five or six wickets, we still worked hard.”The small improvements West Indies made along the way is a good sign for Williams, even though he admitted to frustration with the lower order. “In the first game, South Africa played well and we didn’t. Then, in Port Elizabeth we showed some improvement and then in three-and-a-half days here, we were in the game and we obviously had a competition,” he said. “But our lower order never really fronted up and we spoke about it all along. It’s difficult; it’s stressful but you still have to find a way.”Williams hoped that West Indies would bat out the day and bat until lunch tomorrow to get a lead of “close to 230 or 240.” That, he believed, would have been enough to push for victory. Now, they only have 115 more runs to defend and Williams has promised ” a fight” and that his men would learn from the team they may eventually be beaten by. “They’re not No. 1 in the world by mistake. What I will take from here is consistency, especially in the bowlers. If we can learn from that, we will be on the right track.”