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Nick Gubbins, touted as an opener for England’s first Test of the summer against Pakistan, gave a wonderful audition for the role with an innings of 99

ECB Reporters Network11-May-20181:50

Nick Gubbins again advertised his England credentials

ScorecardMiddlesex’s England stars of present and possibly near future dominated day one of their Specsavers County Championship match with Gloucestershire at Lord’s.Nick Gubbins, touted as an opener for England’s first Test of the summer against Pakistan later this month, gave a wonderful audition for the role, before falling one short of a deserved century. Skipper Dawid Malan, a current red-ball incumbent for the national side, and England’s white-ball captain Eoin Morgan weighed in with 76 apiece – the latter in his first County Championship appearance in almost three years.The persevering Daniel Worrall was Gloucester’s standout bowler with 3 for 59, as Middlesex passed 300 in the first innings for the first time in 13 matches.Gubbins wasted no time making Gloucestershire regret their decision to forego the toss and bowl. He survived a couple of early scares, the first when wicketkeeper Gareth Roderick dropped him down the leg side off the bowling of Worrall when on just 17. The second shortly after saw him almost run out by a direct hit from Graham van Buuren, the ball ricocheting to the boundary for a rare 5.Gubbins’ cover-drives were a joy to behold and the opener was also quick to savagely cut anything short and wide. Sam Robson, perhaps fortunate to retain his place at the expense of Max Holden, by contrast looked edgy early on but found some batting rhythm particularly with some punchy drives through midwicket.The pair added 77 before the excellent Worrall squared up Robson who edged a low catch to Roderick. Gubbins though carried on unperturbed, hitting 10 boundaries in reaching 50 off 73 balls.Nick Gubbins works the ball away•Getty Images

Stevie Eskinazi proved a good foil either side of lunch before playing a poor shot to a wide one from Worrall, which Kieran Noema-Barnett palmed upwards before claiming at the second attempt.It was the beginning of an excellent spell from Australian quick Worrall who ended Gubbins’ hopes of back-to-back Championship centuries when the left-hander gloved a rising delivery to give Roderick a second catch behind the stumps.Sadly, for the visitors, none of Worrall’s team-mates found the same life or bowled with the same control, meaning Malan and Morgan wrestled back the initiative with a century stand. Malan, buoyed by last week’s century against Sussex, was the early aggressor with some stylish off drives, but Morgan caught the mood, hoisting van Buuren for a straight six.Such was the duo’s dominance it was a shock when Malan fell to the second new ball, trapped lbw by Matthew Taylor to a delivery which pitched and rolled along the floor – surely ominous for Gloucestershire whose earlier decision to bowl means they must bat last.Taylor soon struck again when new batsman Hilton Cartwright wafted a catch to slip and departed without scoring, and Morgan fell lbw just before the close to another ball which kept low from former Middlesex allrounder Ryan Higgins.

The two players swapped shirts as a mark of friendship and mutual respect after a last-over finish at the Wankhede Stadium

ESPNcricinfo staff17-May-2018The swapping of jerseys at the end of a football match has been a familiar sight for decades. Remember Pele and Bobby More exchanging jerseys and embracing each other after Brazil defeated England 1-0 in the 1970 World Cup? Cricket got a taste of it when Kings XI Punjab’s KL Rahul and Mumbai Indians’ Hardik Pandya swapped jerseys as a mark of friendship and mutual respect after a see-sawing last-over finish in the IPL at Wankhede Stadium.

Play hard, play fair! Respect comes first. Super knock, by a super player and an even better friend @rahulkl #brothersforlife #MIvKXIP @mumbaiindians @lionsdenkxip

A post shared by Hardik Pandya (@hardikpandya93) on May 17, 2018 at 12:39am PDT

“We’ve seen this happening a lot in football and Hardik and I are good friends,” Rahul told . “I felt it will be nice to collect some jerseys and bring that tradition to cricket as well. We didn’t speak about his earlier. As we were talking, I said ‘give me your jersey’ and he wanted my jersey too. So, we exchanged jerseys. It’s a nice, nice thing.”The IPL is a strange place where friends turn foes. Delhi team-mates Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir once had a go at each other in a game between Royal Challengers and Kolkata Knight Riders, with another then-Delhi player, Rajat Bhatia, intervening to cool things down.On Wednesday night, Rahul looked despondent and admonished himself after holing out for a sublime 94 and leaving Kings XI needing 20 off nine balls. They ultimately lost by three runs and their playoff chances took a beating. Hardik also took a beating, conceding 42 runs in four overs without taking a wicket. But all that ceased to matter when the game ended and the jerseys changed hands.

Both players went for USD 160,000, with Jamaica Tallawahs picking the New Zealand opener and St Lucia Stars making the West Indies batsman the first pick of the draft

Nagraj Gollapudi01-Mar-2018Lendl Simmons and Martin Guptill fetched the biggest bids while Kieron Pollard was the biggest transfer in the CPL draft on Thursday in London. Simmons and Guptill, along with the quartet of Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo and Sohail Tanvir, were paid the maximum price of US$160,000 by their franchises.Having been released by the Jamaica Tallawahs, Simmons put himself up for a base price of $70,000 in the draft. He ended up as the first pick of this year’s draft after the St Lucia Stars, who finished bottom last season, picked the hard-hitting Trinidadian opener. Guptill, who smashed a 49-ball century in a T20I against Australia recently, had set his base price at $90,000. The New Zealand opening batsman had represented the Guyana Amazon Warriors last season, and was bagged by the Barbados Tridents this time around.The Tallawahs meanwhile retained Russell, who missed last year’s CPL since he was serving a one-year doping ban. Also retained were Gayle (St Kitts & Nevis Patriots) and Bravo (Trinbago Knight Riders). Tanvir, the highest-wicket taker in the previous edition of the CPL, was retained by the Amazon Warriors.This CPL draft saw the maximum transfers in the tournament’s five-year existence. None was bigger than that of Pollard. The Trinidadian had led the Barbados Tridents for the past four seasons, but this year asked the franchise, which is owned by the Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, to release him. The Stars were quick to grab Pollard in the marquee round, which has a price point of $130,000.The pre-decided marquee set of players did not enter the draft – the franchises directly negotiated contracts with them. Former Pakistan captains Shahid Afridi (Tallawahs) and Shoaib Malik (Amazon Warriors), explosive openers Evin Lewis (Patriots) and Chris Lynn (Knight Riders) completed the marquee set.While Afridi welcomed the news of being retained by the Tallawahs on his 38th birthday, Malik moved on from the Tridents. The Patriots retained Lewis with Lynn returning to the CPL having last played in the 2016 final for the Amazon Warriors.All six teams had to fill a total of 108 slots with squads limited to 18 players each. Having retained a total of 61 players, franchises had to pick 47 new names from the draft. Incidentally the first seven new picks were all batsmen: D’Arcy Short, Simmons, Hashim Amla, Guptill, Ross Taylor, David Miller and Cameron Delport. Pakistan quick Rumman Raees was the solitary fast bowler among the first 10 new picks, signed by St Lucia Stars in the fifth round for $70,000.Lack of availability was the key reason behind franchises opting to pass on almost all England and Afghanistan players. Alex Hales, Adil Rashid and Tymal Mills (along with Ashar Zaidi and Recordo Gordon) had put their names up for the draft despite the CPL running parallel to the Twenty20 Blast, with the finals of both tournaments separated by a day. Mills had set a base price of $70,000, Hales $40,000, and Rashid $30,000.With Afghanistan scheduled to play in the Asia Cup in September, as well as a recently scheduled series against Ireland that runs from August 20-31, the CPL had cautioned the franchises that the likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman would only be available for the start and end phases of the tournament. Rashid, who had represented the Amazon Warriors last season, did not put himself up for the draft. Nabi, who played for the Patriots last year, set his base price at $60,000. Mujeeb, a first-timer, set his base price at $30,000.The only Afghanistan player chosen was 17-year-old legspinner Qais Ahmad, who went in round 11 for $7500 to Stars. Qais claimed 14 wickets in five matches at the 2018 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, including 4 for 33 against the hosts in the tournament quarterfinals. But with the logjam of spinners occupying main roles in the senior team – Rashid, Nabi, Mujeeb – Qais has yet to make his senior debut and is likely to be available for the whole of the CPL.In January Sandeep Lamichhane made history by becoming the first Nepal player in the IPL when he was signed by Delhi Daredevils. Lamichhane, a legspinner, also became the first Nepal player in the CPL, after the Patriots signed him in round 13 for $5,000. Incidentally, Lamichanne did not set any base price before entering the draft.Barbados TridentsMartin Guptill, Shakib Al Hasan, Hashim Amla, Dwayne Smith, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Raymon Reifer, Ashley Nurse, Roston Chase, Shai Hope, Tion Webster, Imran Khan, Dominic Drakes, Shamar Springer, Sunny Sohal, Chemar HolderGuyana Amazon WarriorsSohail Tanvir, Shoaib Malik, Chadwick Walton, Cameron Delport, Rayad Emrit, Imran Tahir, Jason Mohammed, Luke Ronchi, Veerasammy Permaul, Roshon Primus, Shimron Hetmyer, Devendra Bishoo, Gajanand Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Saurabh Netravalkar, Akshaya PersaudJamaica TallawahsAndre Russell, Shahid Afridi, Imad Wasim, David Miller, Ross Taylor, Rovman Powell, Samuel Badree, Kemar Roach, Glenn Phillips, Andre McCarthy, Krishmar Santokie, Johnson Charles, Steven Taylor, Kennar Lewis, Steven Jacobs, Oshane Thomas, Elmore Hutchinson, Kirstan KallicharanSt Lucia StarsLendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard, D’Arcy Short, Darren Sammy, Rumman Raees, Andre Fletcher, Mitch McClenaghan, Kesrick Williams, Niroshan Dickwella, Rakheem Cornwall, Qais Ahmad, Kavem Hodge, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Dasun Shanaka, Chris Lamont, Obed McCoy, Jaskaran Malhotra, Odean SmithSt Kitts & Nevis PatriotsChris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Ben Cutting, Carlos Brathwaite, Mahmudullah, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tom Cooper, Sheldon Cottrell, Brandon King, Devon Thomas, Graeme Cremer, Fabian Allen, Sandeep Lamichanne, Shamarh Brooks, Jeremiah Louis, Alzarri Joseph, Ibrahim Khaleel, Glen JavelleTrinbago Knight RidersDwayne Bravo, Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Brendon McCullum, Darren Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan, Khary Pierre, Ronsford Beaton, Junior Dala, Javon Searles, Terrance Hinds, Kevon Cooper, Nikita Miller, Anderson Philip, Hamza Tariq, Amir Jangoo

Legspin is all the rage in T20 and Northants think they have one of the most dangerous performers around

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Feb-2018Legspinners have never been more in demand when it comes to Twenty20 and Northamptonshire are among the enthusiasts, bringing Seekkuge Prasanna back to Wantage Road for a second season of T20 Blast.Prasanna last represented Northamptonshire in the 2016 campaign, where he played in 10 matches and took 12 wickets at an average of 24.00 with best bowling figures of 3-24 and an economy rate of 7.02.Although he might not quite attract the excitement given to Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, or the exciting spin assortment of 16-year-old Mujeeb Zadran, both of whom are heading for IPL, Prasanna’s T20 record tells of a wily old campaigner.In all T20 cricket Seekkuge has scored 1114 runs at an impressive strike-rate of 160.51 and has claimed 78 wickets with an economy rate of 6.87 runs per over.Northamptonshire’s head coach David Ripley certainly thinks he is great: four times over. “It’s great to have a quality legspin in your T20 team,” he said. “He bowled great for us in 2016 and was great in the dressing room so he’ll be a great addition to our campaign.”Prasanna, 32, will be available for the entire T20 Blast campaign with the Steelbacks – starting with Leicestershire at home on July 4.He represented Sri Lanka in one Test match, against Australia at Pallakele six years ago, but has been a regular in both ODIs and T20s until recently.He missed Northants’ 2017 campaign because of a hamstring injury.

Arsenal have their sights on hiring another defender this window, following the devastating blow to Jurrien Timber on the opening day of the Premier League campaign.

Mikel Arteta signed the Dutchman in the bid to widen his options at the back after falling short last season, however just 50 minutes into his league debut the 22-year-old suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.

The injury has fuelled rumours that the Gunners could delve back into the market to acquire another defender, with a host of names arising as potential suitors.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

A report from the Express revealed some targets that Arteta could eye before the window closes, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba mentioned.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

However, this week journalist Rudy Galetti claimed that the north Londoners are looking at four options at centre-back, naming Victor Nelsson as one that is on the club's shortlist.

"After injury of #Timber, #Arsenal are looking for a new centre-back," he tweeted. "In the #AFC's list there are 4 options: one of them is Victor #Nelsson. The #Galatasaray player has a release clause of €25m."

The Denmark international has a €25m (£21m) release clause in place in his £19.3k-per-week contract, but has previously been eyed by rivals Tottenham Hotspur, according to news in Turkey.

What could Victor Nelsson offer to Arsenal?

In capturing Nelsson, Arteta could once more have sufficient depth in his back line, in a player that played a significant part in the Lions’ Super Lig win last season.

The Danish centre-back made 33 appearances in the Turkish league last term, contributing to 15 clean sheets and orchestrating play from the back as an assured and reliable figure in the heart of defence.

Previously hailed as an “exemplary” defender by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 24-year-old has a complete nature to his game, making him a strong acquisition for Arteta to integrate into his side.

Last term, the Danish whiz averaged a pass completion rate of 86%, as well as winning 57% of his total duels with an average of 4.5 duel wins per game in the Super Lig, via Sofascore.

While Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba partner to fuse the perfect concoction in central defence at the Emirates, Nelsson could be the ideal rotational figure to support the monstrous duo throughout the demands of the 2023/24 campaign.

One player that could be impacted by the arrival of the Galatasaray ace is Jakub Kiwior, who is the current second-in-line defender to cover the role of centre-back from the bench.

The Poland international arrived in north London in January and made an impressive impact when called upon, averaging 2.4 duel wins per game in only seven Premier League appearances, via Sofascore.

While the 23-year-old titan is in the early days of his career with the Gunners, his ranking in the pecking order could be lowered should Nelsson arrive, who would expectedly be the first player called upon for depth considering his experience and reputation following last term’s league win in Turkey.

The two centre-backs have a similar approach to play, with Kiwior matching the reported target in terms of his 86% rate of successful passes per game, highlighting his composure in the back line.

It’s integral that Arsenal welcome another defender this summer after learning of Timber’s long-term injury, as well as rumours of the expected departure of Rob Holding.

Arteta could add a seasoned centre-back to his ranks to reinstate the depth available to his squad, in preparation for what is set to be a busy schedule ahead.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now keen on signing Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee, however his current employers are reluctant to let him leave this summer despite the widespread interest, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

What's the latest Wolves transfer news?

Wolves' preparations for the new Premier League season have not been ideal, with manager Julen Lopetegui's future now hanging in the balance, amid the board's frustrations about his recent outbursts over the lack of new signings.

In recent days, the Old Gold have started to be linked with a few more new attackers, having revived their interest in West Ham United's Michail Antonio, with the Irons open to selling the Jamaica international once they get a replacement through the door.

A new midfielder is also of interest to Lopetegui, with Bristol City's Alex Scott emerging as a key target, however AFC Bournemouth are in pole position for the youngster's signature, with the Cherries now closing in on a £25m deal.

As such, Wolves have started to run the rule over potential alternative options, and Man City's Tommy Doyle has been identified as a target, but Celtic are well-placed to win the race for his signature, due to their good relationship with the Premier League champions.

The Old Gold are also interested in one of the Cityzens' attacking midfielders, with The Daily Mail now reporting they are interested in signing McAtee, who has also caught the eye of Brighton, Southampton and Sheffield United.

Some of the interested clubs are willing to bid for a permanent move, while others are only willing to take him on loan, however it is not specified what type of deal Lopetegui's side are interested in.

It may be a difficult deal to get over the line, with City reluctant to let the 20-year-old leave, but with his first-team opportunities at the Etihad Stadium looking limited, they will have to make a decision this summer.

How good is James McAtee?

There are indications that the Man City ace could be capable of going right to the very top, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig raving about him on a number of occasions, lauding him as a "special player" who's "simply too good".

Kulig has also praised the English youngster for his "left foot made of gold" and his "electric pace", and he impressed considerably on loan at Sheffield United last season, playing a key role in their promotion to the Premier League.

In 37 Championship appearances, the versatile midfielder, who is capable of playing in an advanced role and even at striker, picked up nine goals and three assists, which is a very impressive return, considering it was his first season of senior football.

McAtee has proven he is ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, and he could be an exciting acquisition for Wolves, particularly if he arrives on a permanent deal.

However, it will be a little disappointing if the starlet is only brought in on loan as an alternative to Scott, as Lopetegui ideally needs players who are committed to the club for the long-term future.

More than a year on from her enforced international retirement, Charlotte Edwards is at peace with leaving behind the professional game she helped to build

Raf Nicholson01-Sep-2017

Fifteen months ago, Charlotte Edwards had not just the England captaincy removed from her, but her chances of playing at the 2017 World Cup – a long-cherished ambition – ignominiously snatched away.In front of a roomful of press at Lord’s, she shed tears as she spoke about new coach Mark Robinson’s decision: “[He] spoke to me honestly that he saw the next series as an important series for him to develop players and take the team in a new direction…there isn’t a place for me in the team.”Here, on the day that she finally announced her retirement from professional cricket, there was no such distress – just the happy contentment of someone who, having led Vipers to two consecutive KSL finals, knows that the time is right, now, for the next generation to take over the mantle.It was not – quite – the fairytale ending for English women’s cricket’s greatest servant. Ultimately, it was Western Storm who triumphed in the final of the 2017 Kia Super League at Hove – Vipers’ title gone begging amidst an onslaught of runs from Rachel Priest, Stafanie Taylor and Sophie Luff. Nonetheless, Edwards’ last innings in a Vipers shirt did not disappoint: a quickfire 20 not out from eight balls, including four glorious boundaries, fittingly made with firm friend and former England team-mate Arran Brindle looking on from the other end.”I just wanted to enjoy today, and I have,” Edwards said afterwards, ruefully conceding that Vipers had simply been outplayed by their opponents. In any case, her decision had already been made, long before tonight’s final. “I kind of knew at the start of the season,” she said. “It just felt right.”This was a very different Edwards to the one of last summer. During last year’s inaugural KSL it was obvious to everyone, not least herself, that she had something to prove. Still England’s leading run-scorer, it was her 24 off 18 balls that laid the foundations for Southern Vipers’ successful run chase in the 2016 final. “It’s been an emotional tournament. I’ve had to deal with quite a lot this summer,” she said after raising the trophy aloft. “But I kept backing myself.”Two weeks later she was celebrating the unique achievement of the “treble”, as the county she had represented for 16 years – Kent – took home both the T20 Cup and the 2016 Women’s County Championship crown. Asked about her plans for the future, she was unequivocal that she was going nowhere: “I’m playing next year. Why wouldn’t you?”She was, it seemed, determined to declare to the world that she had damn well still got it.Plenty has changed, for Edwards and for England women, in the past 15 months. Six weeks ago, England triumphed over India at Lord’s in a memorable World Cup final, built on the back of performances from those – not least Player of the Tournament Tammy Beaumont – who under Edwards had struggled to step up. It was a win that seemed, in many eyes, to vindicate Robinson’s decision.Nonetheless one would not have begrudged Edwards had she felt, watching the final from the Sky commentary box, a trace of bitterness, or regret, that she was not out there in the middle. But of either emotion there was no trace. Nor had there been as, in her role as World Cup ambassador, she headed up the pre-tournament Trophy Tour, accompanying the World Cup around the country and into schools to lead coaching sessions and assemblies. Edwards was simply tireless as ever in her promotion of the women’s game.Indeed, interviewing her during the tournament for a piece on women’s cricket commentary, it was noticeable how relaxed and content she seemed. Asked whether there was any lingering sense of resentment, she replied: “None.” It seemed that a winter Down Under, and some time to reflect, had done its magic.”Probably about a year ago I’d have said, watching the World Cup and not playing in it is going to be difficult,” she said. “But after the winter I spent away in Australia, I came back and now there’s not one bit of me that wants to be playing for England now.”I just genuinely am enjoying watching the cricket and am excited about how the game is evolving. I feel like I’m in the best place.”There will be those who will suggest that she will come to rue not going at the end of last season, instead of now, with Vipers having failed to defend their KSL title. The numbers from this year’s competition do not exactly cover her in glory. Last year she sat atop the Vipers batting order; this time around she has been relegated to No. 7, and before the final she had batted just once, and was promptly sent back for a five-ball duck.But those people may be missing the point. Edwards has taken back for herself what she was denied last year: the retirement of her own choosing. The numbers reflect the fact that the hunger to constantly drive herself on to new heights – the very thing that ensured she remained England’s premier batsman for the whole of her career – had disappeared, replaced with that newfound sense of contentment. That is no bad thing.Charlotte Edwards lifts the 2016 Kia Super League trophy•Getty Images

Fifteen months ago I wrote that no one had done more for women’s cricket in the whole of its history than Edwards. That remains the case. She led England into the professional era. She captained her country over 200 times: more than anyone else is ever likely to. She won two World Cups and five Ashes series. Above all else, she fought for the opportunities that future generations will enjoy. She may not have been out there in the middle, but that World Cup win, that sellout final at Lord’s, was made on the backs of Edwards and players like her.There is no doubt that she will continue to work for the women’s game. “Women’s cricket is my passion,” she told me recently. There is always more to do. Appointed to the Hampshire board last September, she has this season overseen promotion for Hampshire Women to Division One of the Women’s County Championship, and she made it clear tonight that she will continue playing county cricket. As mentor and coach, her work with Southern Vipers will also continue.But for the first female cricketer of the modern era to become a household name, other lucrative opportunities will no doubt abound, in England and around the world – not least up in the commentary box. Perhaps now, as she puts her bat back in her kitbag after her long service to English women’s cricket, is finally the time for Edwards to take something back.Nobody, surely, could begrudge her that.

Nottingham Forest have approached Manchester United over the possibility of taking goalkeeper Dean Henderson back on loan for a second season – an offer that has not gone down well with The United Stand's Beth Tucker.

Is Dean Henderson leaving Manchester United this summer?

It's been a brilliant start to the transfer window for the Red Devils so far this summer. After a quiet few weeks, the club have finally started to flex their financial muscles.

First through the door was Chelsea academy star and former fan favourite Mason Mount, who finally joined the club for a reasonable fee of around £55m after a protracted transfer saga.

The next big name to Old Trafford was Andre Onana, who the club signed from Italian giants Inter for £47m – a move made all the more necessary after long-term goalkeeper David de Gea left the club earlier this month after his contract expired.

The arrival of Onana has also all but guaranteed Englishman Dean Henderson no longer has a future at the club.

After spending a season on loan with Forest last year, the Garibaldi have reportedly come back in for the 26-year-old.

According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Steve Cooper's side have submitted a "loan deal proposal" for the player, but the fact it is not a permanent offer means it has not gone down all that well with some Red Devils fans.

Indeed, The United Stand host Beth Tucker didn't hold back when giving her opinion on their YouTube channel, saying:

"A loan deal for Dean Henderson. Are you having a laugh, Nottingham Forest? Are you having a laugh?

"You had him on loan last year, he did very well for you until he got injured. You clearly want to get him again. Just pay the money to sign him.

"Pay the money to sign him, it's as simple as that."

How good is Dean Henderson?

As Tucker points out, prior to his injury, Henderson was performing really well for the Tricky Trees, and according to Sofascore, put up a respectable rating of 6.88 across his 18 Premier League games for the Midlands side.

It can be rather hard to judge the effectiveness of a 'keeper for the simple reason that a single mistake can completely ruin what could otherwise be a brilliant display, which is why looking at his underlying numbers can help to paint a clearer picture of his actual ability – and they look pretty good.

According to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, he sits in the top 8% for penalty saves, the top 16% for defensive actions outside the penalty area, the top 28% for crosses stopped, and the top 29% for clean sheet percentages and touches per 90.

With Forest keen to bring the 6 foot 2 titan back to the City Ground, it shouldn't be surprising to hear Cooper heaped praise on the goalkeeper several times last season, saying: "He's a really good goalkeeper and we're so happy that he's with us."

He has even received praise from opposition managers, with Antonio Conte describing him as "incredible" after he saved a Harry Kane penalty last season.

It's evident that Henderson is, at the very least, a Premier League-quality goalkeeper and one that would do an excellent job for Forest. Hence, it's not too difficult to see where Tucker's frustration comes from, and it'll be interesting to see whether a fee is eventually exchanged for the United man.

Phil Jaques has stepped down as coach of Queensland to return home to Sydney, where he will take up a position as batting coach of New South Wales

ESPNcricinfo staff30-May-2017Phil Jaques has stepped down as coach of Queensland to return home to Sydney, where he will take up a position as batting coach of New South Wales. Jaques, the former New South Wales opener who played 11 Tests before his career was curtailed by back problems, has spent two years as head coach of Queensland.”Phil has stood down for reasons that resonate for many, and he goes with our blessing and best wishes,” the Queensland Cricket chief executive Max Walters said. “He and his wife Jessica have a young family and, after making a successful transition from player to head coach, he has made the decision to put his family first and return to Sydney to be closer to their extended family support network.””Once Phil explained his decision, we contacted Cricket NSW and have worked with them to secure a coaching role for him in Sydney with NSW. In the short-term it will be a blow losing him, as his passion, attention to detail and appetite for work were exceptional whilst he was in the Bulls role. He focused on developing Queensland’s young talent and that investment in a new generation of players will stand Queensland and Australian cricket in very good stead in the years ahead.”Jaques said: “Stepping down was a very challenging decision to make, and not one that I made lightly, but I know it was the right one for my family and me. I have enjoyed the chance to coach at a high level with Queensland and stand aside with the knowledge that there are a number of very special players in the group who have bright futures. I congratulate the players, coaches and support staff for working hard and buying into what we looked to achieve with the group and wish them all the best as they tackle the coming season.”Prior to joining Queensland in 2015, Jaques had served as an assistant coach with New South Wales. The Cricket New South Wales chief executive, Andrew Jones, said the state was lucky to have Jaques back.”I am delighted that Phil Jaques is returning to Cricket NSW,” Jones said. “He developed the nickname “Pro” during an impressive playing career because of his meticulous approach and has taken that into his coaching career.”Phil left NSW to be head coach of Queensland two years ago having done an outstanding job as Blues assistant and batting coach and we are very lucky to have him back.”

The Kylian Mbappe transfer saga would rival the Kardashians for reality TV in another life, such are the number of twists and turns that occur every time the transfer window swings open.

As things stand, the Paris Saint-Germain star is set to leave the club on a free next summer upon the expiration of his contract. The Ligue 1 champions are keen to avoid that scenario, however, standing firm on their decision that either Mbappe signs a new deal or he leaves this summer, club President Nasser Al-Khelaifi recently reiterated.

The issue seems to be that the Frenchman wants to stay at the club for another season, and with the knowledge that he will be a free agent this time next year, the likes of Real Madrid are reportedly willing to wait 12 months to get a deal done.

Al-Khelaifi recently spoke on the situation, saying: "I was really shocked to learn that Mbappé intended to leave for free.

"Kylian is a fantastic boy, a gentleman… and leaving for free, when we're the biggest French club, it's not at his level. I was shocked and disappointed."

And six of his teammates are also pretty angry about Mbappe's antics, if reports are to be believed too.

The news of the winger's stance has not gone down well with former PSG director Leonardo Araujo, either, who did not hold back when asked about the transfer saga.

What did Leonardo say about Mbappe?

Speaking to L'equipe, Leonardo said: “PSG existed before Kylian Mbappe and it will exist after him. He has been in Paris for six years and in those six seasons, five different clubs have won the Champions League.

"This means that it is entirely possible to win this competition without him. With his behaviour over the past two years, Mbappe shows that he is not yet a player capable of really guiding a team.

"He is a great player, not a leader. He is a great scorer, not a creative. It's hard to build a team around him. For the good of PSG, I think the time has come for Mbappe to leave, no matter how.”

What is Kylian Mbappe's transfer value?

Mbappe's price tag will reportedly become clear once a decision is made on his future, according to Romano. As per Transfermarkt, though, the star striker is currently worth €180m (£153.43m), which is about how much PSG initially paid AS Monaco to secure his signature back in 2018.

Given the fact that he will be a free agent in 12 months, however, the Ligue 1 giants could be forced to settle for a cut-price sale of their star man if they want to secure a transfer fee this summer.

Clubs will be well aware of Mbappe's situation, and perhaps PSG's desperation to make some money back on the initial deal they made with Monaco. Their worst-case scenario will be seeing the 24-year-old walk away for free next summer.

As the transfer saga continues, it will certainly be interesting to keep an eye on the relationship between the club and the player. Things already look like they're heading for a downward spiral, and as both parties remain stubborn with their stance, even more drama could unfold over the coming weeks and months.