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Scotland gained a consolation victory thanks to an unbeaten hundred from Calum MacLeod after John Mooney had almost secured a memorable, emotional maiden century

Ryan Bailey at Malahide12-Sep-2014
ScorecardCalum MacLeod’s hundred made the run chase look simple•Cricket ScotlandIn an ideal world, the ball would have flashed off John Mooney’s blade, dissecting the two fielders stationed backward of point. It would have raced across the outfield and over the rope. It would have brought up his maiden ODI century. It would have prompted Malahide to rise in unison. It would have been a soul-stirring moment. But, this is not a perfect world, nor do such fairy tales regularly transpire.As it was, Richie Berrington stooped forward, snaffled a low chance and ended an innings of consummate quality from a player who, less than twenty-four hours previous, had bravely revealed the full extent of his battle with depression.Fittingly, all four corners of the ground rose in appreciation. It did not matter that the score under his name remained four short of a century or that Ireland’s total was significantly under-par because, in the grand scheme of things, such particulars are irrelevant. The sight of Mooney back in the green apparel is enough in itself.In the event, it was an innings that glued Ireland together against a purposeful Scottish side infused with a determination to wrestle a semblance of pride back following two underwhelming performances earlier in the week. Calum MacLeod’s second ODI century ensured the visitors left with some positives to take before their World Cup preliminaries begin in earnest later this month.The same top-order that had looked so helplessly vulnerable against the moving ball hitherto made light work of the target as they chased down 242 with minimal fuss. It was Scotland’s first ODI win on Irish soil and was manufactured by a disciplined bowling performance led by Majid Haq’s first five-wicket haul in the format.It was little surprise that Preston Mommsen asked Ireland to bat first under cloud-laden skies. It was perhaps unfortunate that the outcome of a match was determined so considerably by the toss of a coin but it was another thing to ensure you made best use of such favourable conditions. Certainly, Scotland were resolute not to let the opportunity slip and built the platform for their wounded batsmen to flex their muscles.The absence of Kyle Coetzer and Matt Machan has been felt significantly but in MacLeod they have an opening batsman enjoying the best form of his career; it showed here. A breakthrough season at Durham, particularly against the white ball, has raised genuine hopes that he is a player of the calibre Scotland have so desperately craved in recent years.There was no sign of the hesitation that undermined his failures earlier in the week as he tucked into some charitable bowling from the hosts, who looked weary before wilting in the late afternoon Dublin sun. MacLeod formed a match-defining partnership with Hamish Gardiner, who may be looking over his shoulder nervously with Coetzer and Machan to return to the side.The pair saw off the initial threat of Max Sorensen and Craig Young before taking advantage of easier circumstances as they matched each other blow for blow. That was until Gardiner, eleven short of a first century in Scottish colours, fell attempting to cut the part-time spin of Andrew Balbirnie.Phil Simmons and the selectors will name an 18-man squad for the pre-World Cup tour to Australia and New Zealand on Monday and, while a series win was already assured, this reversal is a timely wake-up call.Graeme McCarter is expected to miss out despite bowling eight economical overs with Young, who moved his tally of wickets for the week to nine with the early dismissal of Matty Cross, now ahead of him in the pecking order. None of the batsmen on the fringes added much weight to their case for inclusion on a morning during which Ireland stuttered and stumbled.While they were able to negate the early advances of Scotland’s new ball bowlers, albeit at a pedestrian pace, Haq’s introduction in the 17th over paid instant dividends. Stuart Thompson feathered the offspinner behind to Cross and four balls later Andrew Poynter missed a straight one that went on with the arm. Mooney, however, added steel to the innings.A towering six down the ground off MacLeod set the wheels in motion as he accelerated through the gears. Kevin O’Brien’s departure, the ball after the second drinks break, halted Ireland’s recovery after they had slipped to 95 for 4 but Mooney wasn’t deterred.It was his first half-century in four years and, in stepping down the pitch to Haq and crunching an expansive drive through cover, he brought up his highest ODI score, overtaking his previous best of 55. The fireworks were to come, though. An audacious reverse sweep which flew over the rope had the crowd purring and when he took Michael Leask for 12 off the 46th over, he moved within touching distance of three figures. It wasn’t to be.

Already without pace spearhead Dale Steyn, Russell Domingo could find also himself minus both Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who picked up injuries in Sri Lanka

Firdose Moonda18-Jul-2013Russell Domingo’s first assignment as South Africa’s head coach has just become tougher. Already without pace spearhead Dale Steyn, Domingo could find also himself minus both Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who picked up injuries in Sri Lanka.Morkel bowled only three overs in the warm-up match against the Sri Lankan Board President’s XI on Wednesday before leaving the field with a quad niggle. He was assessed today and was still experiencing tightness. He will have to be relooked at on Friday in order to determine his availability for Saturday’s first ODI.The concern over Morkel is that the injury has occurred in the same quad which was affected during the Champions Trophy last month. Morkel was ruled out of the tournament after South Africa’s first match against India, in which he did not bowl his full quota of overs, and sent home for a three-week rehabilitation program. On the team’s departure last Sunday, Mohammed Moosajee, the team doctor and manager, said Morkel had made a full recovery.Tsotsobe’s worry appears to be more serious. He did not play in the warm-up and CSA officials in South Africa confirmed he suffered a recurrence of the ankle impingement syndrome that plagued him last season. They said he was receiving treatment in Sri Lanka. They would not confirm whether a report in a local newspaper, which revealed Tsotsobe had traveled unfit, was true.Instead, CSA only said, “all players have to be signed off by the medical committee.” reported that Tsotsobe was given the green light even though he failed a fitness test conducted pre-tour. Signs of Tsotsobe struggling were evident during the Champions Trophy. Although he played in all South Africa’s games, he only bowled five overs in the semi-final against England.Tsotsobe’s franchise coach at the Lions, Geoffrey Toyana, confirmed to ESPNCricinfo that the left-armer was “in good shape” before the tournament. He was training at the Wanderers, bowling well and at full fitness. He has not had communication with Tsotsobe since then.Should Tsotsobe only become available to play later in the tour, as suggested, Domingo’s options for the opening exchanges will be limited. He will have to choose from a largely inexperienced pack with Rory Kleinveldt, Chris Morris and Ryan McLaren as the only seam options.With the first match on Saturday, there will be no time to fly in a replacement. If one is needed as the tour goes on, South Africa’s choices are also not as vast as they would like them to be. Wayne Parnell, who is part of the T20 squad, is recovering from a groin niggle and will have to be re-evaluated before he leaves for Sri Lanka. It is unlikely he will be available for the ODIs.Marchant de Lange and Kyle Abbott are involved with the South African A side that will play first-class matches against Australia A. Ostensibly, either of them could be pulled out and sent to Sri Lanka but de Lange is also in the final stages of complete recovery from stress fractures and Abbott’s inexperience may only add to the existing worries.Conditions may help ease the concern with South Africa likely to consider two specialist spinners in the starting XI. That would mean both Robin Peterson and Aaron Phangiso will play. JP Duminy also provides a slower bowling option.

Complete guide to the 2024 MLS Superdraft, including how to watch, best prospects and more

The 2024 MLS Superdraft is almost here, with some of the best young players ready to be drafted to the biggest teams in North America.

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It is one of the key dates in the soccer calendar in the United States and Canada, and everyone is waiting to see who the first picks will be.

So, when is the 2024 MLS Superdraft, who are the top prospects and how can you watch it? GOAL has everything you need to know.

When is the 2024 MLS SuperDraft?Date:December 19, 2023Time:3pm ET / 12 noon PT

The 2024 MLS Superdraft will take place on Tuesday, December 19 at 3pm ET / 12 noon PT, with all 29 teams set to have representatives stationed at the draft for the event. This will be the second-straight year with the draft in December, despite the fact that it is nominally the 2024 edition.

AdvertisementHow to watch the 2024 MLS SuperDraft – tv channel & live streamGet your MLS Season Pass today!Subscribe now

Round One of the draft will be streamed live for free on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass.

It is also expected to be streamed live on the MLS Twitch page.

Commissioner Don Garber will announce each pick on stage, with players present walking up and joining him for a brief presentation.

Getty ImagesWhat is the draft order for the 2024 MLS SuperDraft?

The 2024 draft order is initially determined via MLS regular season standings finish for all non-playoff teams, with the last-place team picking first.

For all playoff teams, the order is then determined by which round of playoffs they're eliminated. The entire order can be seen here below. It should be noted that the pick order can changed depending on trades between teams.

Note: Any team with a '*' symbol next to them is a pick that has been received via trade already.

1Toronto FC2Colorado Rapids3FC Dallas*4Colorado Rapids*5Austin FC6Chicago Fire7DC United8New York City FC9Minnesota United10CF Montreal11Nashville SC*12Colorado Rapids*13San Jose Earthquakes14New York Red Bulls15Inter Miami*16Real Salt Lake*17St. Louis CITY SC*18Real Salt Lake19Atlanta United20Minnesota United*21Colorado Rapids*22Sporting Kansas City23Seattle Sounders24Inter Miami* 25Orlando 26Houston Dynamo27FC Cincinnati28LAFC29Columbus CrewENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Best prospects in 2024 MLS SuperDraftJacob Murrell | Georgetown | Forward

Jacob Murrell is a former Gatorade National Player of the Year who scored 11 goals and added four assists for the Hoyas in 2023. He's a top prospect who has drawn similarities to Orlando City's Duncan McGuire, as a pure domestic forward with a nose for the goal.

Kalani Kossa-Rienzi | Washington | Central midfielder

Expected to be the first midfielder off the board, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi participated in the 2023 MLS College Showcase event, where he displayed a technical quality that many think will translate to MLS level. An elite passer of the ball, he can play in multiple formations across multiple midfield positions.

Nate Jones | Washington | Central defender

Nate Jones is arguably the top central defensive prospect in the draft, stands six-foot-three and leads from the back. Following the mold of USMNT star Miles Robinson, he is a standout defender who possess passing skills – making him a versatile option for coaches in the draft.

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.

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim wants to utilize the tour-ending Twenty20 against Sri Lanka to cure a number of ills that prevail in his side

Mohammad Isam in Pallekele30-Mar-2013Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim wants to utilize the tour-ending Twenty20 against Sri Lanka to cure a number of ills that prevail in his side, especially with the home side fielding a young squad without some influential players.The biggest absentees, to the relief of Bangladesh, are Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara, two batsmen who scored heavily over the past month. To be excused the sight of these two has given Mushfiqur reason to plan differently and psyche his teammates appropriately. Also missing is Mahela Jayawardene, who was not picked despite recovering from a fractured finger.”It is a big opportunity for us to be competitive against them, the No. 1 team in Twenty20s, and push for a win,” Mushfiqur said. “They are without [Kumar] Sangakkara and [Tillekaratne] Dilshan, who have troubled us all tour.”Sri Lanka have included five young uncapped players for the T20 and another player, Kithuruwan Vithanage, who made his Test debut against Bangladesh earlier this month, is yet to play in the shortest format for his country.”They have a quite a young side, but they’re playing at home,” Mushfiqur said. “They definitely have the potential to do well. I know some of the new players from the time I played in the Sri Lanka Premier League. I shared my thoughts regarding their skills with my team-mates. There are also a few who played in the warm-up matches so we know quite a bit.”The other factor in Bangladesh’s favour is the momentum from the ODI series which they managed to draw 1-1 through a frenetic chase in the final game after rain took away more than two hours from their innings. The interruption left them with an asking-rate of than eight runs an over, which they overcame.”The last game had a Twenty20-type run chase. So you can say we had some practice, which I see as a positive. No one is a favourite in Twenty20 cricket, but we would like to carry over the momentum from the rest of the tour.”More than the rookie opponents, the Bangladesh captain was concerned about the team’s inability to close out tours properly and the overall shortage of Twenty20 skills in the side. Over the last decade one feature that has been noticed is how poorly Bangladesh have played when their departure is near. It has even afflicted them during a short Twenty20 tour to the Netherlands last year when they lost to the hosts in the last game.”It has happened in the past that we end tours on a bad note. This is a huge opportunity to reverse the trend. We have had a lot of positives from this tour, so I would like to go back home with another win. We want to grab this chance with both hands, because we don’t have a good record in Twenty20s. We will have to get our basics right, results are for later.”Indeed it will be the basics that they would have to correct as they have often gone missing in the rush of a Twenty20 game. The bowlers often suffer, delivering poor lengths during the first six overs of the Powerplay as well as towards the end when they are usually facing big hitters. Mushfiqur brought to notice the diverse skills of Lasith Malinga when compared to the deficiency of skills among his bowlers in this format.”We lack in skills and mentality in Twenty20s compared to other teams and individuals. But we are changing in the last two years in terms of mental and physical strength and skills. Our team is doing well without big performers, which is a good sign.”Malinga has three or four variations and if he uses it in 24 balls, it is not easy to score against him. Our bowlers are developing new skills, but it will take time. The more Twenty20s we play, we will know what areas we need to work on.”

Aggressive half-centuries from Suzie Bates and Frances Mackay, the New Zealand Women openers, set up the platform for their team’s dominating performance a Group A match against Ireland Women in Sylhet

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Mar-2014
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsSuzie Bates scored 68 in a 116-run opening partnership•ICCAggressive half-centuries from Suzie Bates and Frances Mackay, the New Zealand Women openers, set up the platform for their team’s dominating performance in a Group A match against Ireland Women in Sylhet. The two added 116 in 15.1 overs for the first wicket before an onslaught from Sarah McGlashan boosted the total to 171.New Zealand ransacked 55 runs from the last five overs with McGlashan clearing the boundary three times in her unbeaten 13-ball 34 but it was the century opening stand that set the tone for New Zealand. Bates and Mackay started the innings in a steady fashion, scoring 28 in the first five overs but a hat-trick of boundaries in the last over of the Powerplay added impetus to the innings. Bates reached her half-century in 37 balls with a boundary too – her eighth.Mackay, who had been the quieter of the two, picked up her scoring after the dismissal of Bates in the 16th over but was out soon after reaching her half-century. McGlashan, though, used the strong start as a spring board for a dominating finish. She smashed two of her three sixes in the last over of the innings.Ireland, despite losing their first wicket early, made a steady start, reaching 50 in the eighth over, but once Clare Shillington was caught and bowled by Mackay, their innings never picked up pace again. Cecelia Joyce was unbeaten on 39 when Ireland ran out of overs.

The rebranded Birmingham Bears drew only 6,000 to Edgbaston as their victory against Durham was tarnished by doubts about the appeal of their campaign

George Dobell at Edgbaston06-Jun-2014
ScorecardEngland showed no appetite for releasing Ian Bell six days before the first Test•Getty ImagesThis report could start with a description of Shoaib Malik’s quietly impressive start to life at Edgbaston. It could start with a description of Ben Stokes’ unhappy evening or the impressive pace generated by Boyd Rankin.It could even compare the difference in standard of fielding between these two sides that was the main ingredient in a result that sees Warwickshire – in their guise as Birmingham Bears- leapfrog Durham in the North Division table.But, bearing in mind that the T20 Blast is designed to relaunch the game in England and Wales, bearing in mind that this was a perfect summer’s evening, bearing in mind the good gate figures elsewhere in the country and bearing in mind that this was a match scheduled in that Friday night slot in which so much hope was placed and it seems more pertinent to start with what might be described as the modest crowd number.The official figure rated the attendance 6,000. Even taken a face value – it looked a generous assessment – that figure compares with an average of 5,500 for 2013. That was a season that benefited from little of the marketing push that preceded this campaign and when matches were seemingly spread across the week at random.While it is too early in the campaign to jump to conclusions, such a figure does provide food for thought.It may be that there has been a backlash against the decision to rebrand Warwickshire as Birmingham Bears for this tournament. While that tactic is, in many ways, at least understandable and perhaps even laudable, the fact is that the traditional membership is distinctly unimpressed by it. Anecdotal evidence suggests it is the straw that has broken the camel’s back for some.But the decision to deny the counties the services of the Test squad for this game seems a particularly short-sighted move. If the aim of this tournament is really to inspire a new generation of supporters, then the likes of Ian Bell and Chris Woakes should have been made available for this game on their home ground.Not only is Bell arguably the most famous contemporary sportsman in the region – this is not a golden age for Midlands’ football – and quite capable of adding significantly to gate figures, he is also crying out for more experience of T20 cricket. Having just been recalled to the England T20 squad, you might think he would like add to his tally of one T20 game in the last three-and-a-half-years.Sadly, though, the suggestion that the ECB would make the centrally contracted players available more often for this competition has turned out to be false.It also suggests that the ticket price – £22 on the gate – is just too high. While there is an incentive to pre-book (£15), that acts as a disincentive to those who prefer, understandably given Edgbaston’s recent history, to wait and see how the weather is before booking.And if this competition is about investing for the future by inspiring a new generation of supporters, a ticket price of £22 seems steep. A family of four will, after parking and refreshments, be lucky to spend less than £75. Cricket in England is not so popular that it can ask so much.At least those that attended – a good-natured bunch that made their own fun when necessary – appeared to enjoy what they saw. Hopefully they will return.Those that did attend saw that the difference between the teams in this match was the fielding. While Warwickshire’s throws hit the stumps – Shoaib ran out Mark Stoneman in the first over with a direct hit from mid-off; Rankin picked up in his follow-through and ran out Scott Borthwick – Durham’s missed. Chopra could have been run out on three occasions, most notably on 20 and 21, had Durham’s accuracy been better. Paul Collingwood also put down a tough caught and bowled chance offered by Chopra on 43.Stokes endured a miserable evening. While he bowled with waspish pace, he was involved with a mix-up that saw Borthwick sent back and run out and was then bowled, first delivery, by a quick, full ball from the ever impressive Jeetan Patel. By the time Stoneman dropped a simple chance offered by Laurie Evans off his bowling, it was hard not to fear for the lockers in the Edgbaston dressing room.Durham were actually flattered a little by their final total. Only a career-best score from John Hastings, who might just be a giant in man fancy-dress, helped them to anything like a respectable total on a fine track. Hastings helped plunder 50 from the final five overs as the Warwickshire bowlers, so impressive until then, started to miss their yorkers by a crucial few inches.It never looked likely to be enough. While Durham, and Usman Arshad in particular, built some pressure, it could never be sustained. Borthwick’s first two balls – a horrid full toss and an even more ugly long-hop – were despatched for 10 in all by the increasingly impressive Jonathan Webb and with Chopra oozing class in his half-century and Malik and Evans providing the acceleration, Birmingham – or Warwickshire, as you prefer – were never likely to be denied.

For most parts of the day, Saurashtra’s batsmen were comfortable in the middle before ending the day at 272 for 5 in the second quarter-final in Rajkot

The Report by Siddarth Ravindran in Rajkot06-Jan-2013
ScorecardA man in a Narendra Modi mask was among the spectators who turned up•ESPNcricinfo LtdAll the pre-match talk had centred on how the pitch would behave at theSaurashtra University Ground in Rajkot. With no first-class matches playedat the venue so far, neither captain knew how the track would behave. Theground had been used so little that even the scorers didn’t know what thetwo bowling ends are called, and the Karnataka manager wondered whether itwould be an under-prepared wicket.All those worries proved unfounded as though the outfield was a bit bumpyand the dressing rooms were pretty basic, the surface had little in it totrouble the batsmen, and Karnataka’s bowlers struggled to maintain anysustained pressure through the day. Still, they managed to prise out fivewickets and kept Saurashtra to 272 for 5, a total that will not worry thevisitors too much.Sheldon Jackson, the 26-year-old batsman who has finally established himself in the Ranji side this season nearly seven years after making his domestic one-day debut, made his fifth fifty-plus score of the campaign to lead Saurashtra’s effort. He pounced on the many short balls offered to him by the spinners, regularly picking boundaries with powerful cut shots. When the quicks pitched it short, he was quick to pull, as he showed Abhimanyu Mithun in the first over after lunch.After tea, with the sun out, a pleasant breeze blowing across the ground,and Jackson’s partnership with Aarpit Vasavada for the fifth wicket nearinga century, Saurashtra’s batsmen had little to worry about. Jackson himselfwas closing in on his second hundred for the season, and with KP Appannabowling defensively at his pads with six men on the leg-side, a bit ofpatience would have got him there. Instead, he swung Appanna towards widelong-off; Lokesh Rahul sprinted back and to his left from mid-on and with the high ball swirling in the wind, completed a superbly judged tumbling catch that had the entire Karnataka team running towards him in joy.It was Rahul’s fourth catch of the day, and sucked the momentum out of the innings for the final 45 minutes of the day. Vasavada remained unbeaten on49, shelving the strokes he displayed before Jackson’s dismissal to ensureSaurashtra lost only five wickets on the day.For most parts of the day, Saurashtra’s batsmen were comfortable in the middle. Their most important player, Cheteshwar Pujara, who delivered victory in their must-win final league match last week with an aggressivedouble-century began in the same vein today. He took Stuart Binny for 14 inthe over before the first drinks break, with two cuts behind point and awhip off the pads. He had sprinted to 37 off 48 when he flicked K Gowthamto leg slip, to the elation of Karnataka’s fielders.The day’s play took place with the players aware that India’s ODI squad forthe England series would be picked in the evening, with Pujara and perhapsMithun standing a chance of selection. Pujara had only a cameo role, afterMithun provided one for the highlight reel by breaking Sagar Jogiani’s offstump into two in the ninth over of the day. Mithun returned to get thewicket of captain Jaydev Shah as well, who poked a catch to gully.The other opener was Saurashtra’s most experienced player, Shitanshu Kotak,who played a typically patient innings, leaving plenty outside off. He usedhis feet well against the spinners, skipping down the track often as heprogressed to 46 before he too gave a catch to Rahul.It was a day both teams won’t complain too much about, and with the pitchplaying true on the first day, the focus over the next few days will shiftto the actual cricket instead of the nature of the surface.

Juventus have reportedly dropped their asking price for Weston McKennie, but there is no guarantee that the USMNT star will be on the move.

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Midfielder spent time on loan at LeedsHas seen slate wiped clean in TurinWill only move if big-money bid tabledWHAT HAPPENED?

The expectation was, following a loan spell at Leeds last season, that the United States international would depart Turin during the summer transfer window. Having seemingly been deemed surplus to requirements, another fresh start appeared to be on the cards.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

McKennie has, however, figured under Massimiliano Allegri during pre-season and the early stages of the 2023-24 campaign. Juve remain open to offers for the midfielder, but will only sell if their full valuation of the 24-year-old is met.

AND WHAT'S MORE

That figure was said to stand at €30 million (£26m/$32m) when the latest window opened, but reports that the Bianconeri are now willing to do a deal at the €25m (£21m/$27m) mark. They will not accept anything less than that, with Juve prepared to keep McKennie if no suitable bids are tabled.

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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

McKennie has been linked with the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa over recent weeks, but he remains under contract in Italy through to 2025 and may be given a chance to shine this season alongside international team-mate Tim Weah.

Azhar Ali said the series win against Zimbabwe boosted the team’s confidence, and also gave him ample belief as captain ahead of the upcoming series against Sri Lanka

Umar Farooq01-Jun-20151:33

Coming to Pakistan was about playing cricket – Whatmore

After leading Pakistan to a 2-0 ODI series win against Zimbabwe, Azhar Ali has said the victory boosted the team’s confidence, and also gave him ample belief as captain ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka. Pakistan, playing their first home series in six years, whitewashed Zimbabwe in the two-match T20 series and also won the ODI series.Azhar, who was appointed ODI captain after the World Cup, had lost his first assignment 0-3 to Bangladesh in April. However, he not only won his first home series as captain but was also the leading run-scorer with 227 runs at 75.66. He also became the first Pakistan captain to make a century in a successful chase in ODIs.”It’s been an exciting and emotional series for many reasons,” Azhar said. “It became important for us, as many of us never played in Pakistan, and winning makes it more significant because it gives you confidence. I know the opponent wasn’t as big but they played good cricket against us and eventually a win is a win and this will definitely help us move forward.”I’m happy that I was able to carry out the responsibility of captaincy very well and score runs as a batsman. I always try to make myself feel as a batsman while batting but obviously there are a lot of things going on in my mind. But I think to be a good batsman, you have to be your own captain first. I always go in with the same sense, which was the reason I was successful in this series.”To develop confidence you have to win and it becomes a habit only when you start winning games consistently. You don’t have to bother who the opponent is but it is the belief that makes you win. So this belief has to build in our players, which is very important.”Since the World Cup, Pakistan have made extensive changes to their squad in a bid to rebuild the side. The transition saw some experienced hands – Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Sami – return to the team, while many youngsters got a chance as well. The experiment was seen as necessary to find the best combination.”These players have been waiting for a long time after performing in the domestic circuit,” Azhar said. “So the idea is to induct them gradually and test their skills at this level. But at the end we have to figure out the best combination by mixing it up with experienced players. We all know that we are facing a tough challenge to qualify for the Champions Trophy so we have to find the right combination in both the bowling and batting departments who can finish the game well.”Pakistan are presently facing a dearth in their bowling resources: Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan and Sohail Khan are all injured, and Saeed Ajmal has been left out of the side. Sami, Hammad Azam and Anwar Ali helped Azhar win the series against Zimbabwe at home but it may not be enough to take on Sri Lanka in their upcoming series.”There are a lot of injuries in our bowling department and I am hopeful that all the players will be available for selection. This will help us find our best combination looking at the conditions in Sri Lanka,” Azhar said. “We are also going through a tough time after the retirement of some senior players but the players coming up are talented enough to be considered. They have the temperament and are performing well but the only thing is to give them an opportunity.”I am optimistic they will blossom, but you can’t notice the result with one or two series, one needs to be given one or two years to establish themselves. Soon we will be able to fight with any team in the world with the same level of competitiveness which is required for modern cricket.”Babar Azam, the 20-year-old batsman, made his debut in the third ODI and scored 54 off 60 balls. His composed innings under pressure, when Pakistan had lost three wickets for 36 runs, helped post a decent target of 296. “The highlight of the series against Zimbabwe was the young batsman Babar Azam who played well under pressure,” Azhar said. “These are the innings that reflect how much potential he has in him. It was a tough innings to play and I am happy that we found players who can perform under this kind of pressure.”