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All the three teams Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad and Karnataka fully utilisedthe advantage of playing on home turf to score convincing wins overKerala, Goa and Andhra respectively in the recent round of matches inthe Under-16 South Zone league Vijay Merchant Trophy tournament.A tally of nine wickets in the match by Rajesh helped Tamil Nadu teamscored an innings and 11 run win over Kerala at the MA Chidambaramstadium in Chennai on Saturday. Having won the toss on the openingday, Kerala opted to bat and were shot out for a paltry 78. Rajeshripped through the visitors’ line up ending with figures of 7 for 17while the other three wickets were shared by Varun, Raina and SatishKumar.In response, Tamil Nadu took a massive 202 run lead thanks to 160 runfourth wicket stand between KDK Kartik (99) and M Muthupandey (79).Tamil Nadu skipper Vasudeva Das declared the innings at 280 for 7.Kartik who missed a well deserved century by a run, was at the creasefor 213 minutes and faced 192 balls while finding the boundaries oneight occasions.Kerala’s batting woes continued in their second innings and were shotout for 191. Only four batsmen JS Kurien (26), skipper NJ John (59),PR Prem (50) and P Prasanth (18) reached the double figures. Thewickets were shared allround with Vasudeva Das (3 for 53) and Varun (3for 11) being the pick.In the second match of the tournament at the MJWSC Ground inBangalore, Karnataka had to sweat a bit even as they scored an inningsand 2 run win over Andhra on Saturday. Opting to bat, Andhra werebundled out for just 164 runs by Chetan Williams (6 for 30) andChauhan (4 for 64).In reply, Karnataka declared their first innings at 370 for 9, a leadof 206 runs. The Karnataka batsmen were in good form with opener PTTrishul (70), MK Manjunath (76) and GVK Agarwal (78) making the bulkof the scoring. Andhra in their second innings fell short by two runsto make the home side bat again, scoring 204 runs. Chauhan andWilliams were among the wickets again taking three apiece. Moinuddinalso ended taking three wickets.The last match of the present round of South Zone matches sawHyderabad defeat Goa by ten wickets at the Nuclear Fuel Complex Groundin Hyderabad. Having to score just 69 for a win on the final day,Hyderabad openers SP Peter (42) and Mohd Imran (30) accomplished thetask off 15.4 overs.Earlier on the opening day, Opting to bat the hosts, Hyderabad,amassed 355 on the board. PS Niranjan (75) was the top scorer whileGoa’s SS Shetty (5 for 119) and SB Yadav (3 for 122) shared thebowling honours. In reply the Goan batting failed to take off and werebundled out for just 130 with the top scorer being Yadav (27).Following on, Goa fared a bit better scoring 294 with Yadav againcoming to the team’s rescue with a timely century. During his 136minute stay at the crease, Yadav faced 128 balls for his 102 which wasstudded with 14 fours and one six.

Manchester United must take an important three points against Tottenham Hotspur this evening at Old Trafford as the race for Champions League qualification gets tighter.

Conceding a second consecutive defeat against Spurs today would put United in a vulnerable position in their pursuit of a top-four finish, as three points for Antonio Conte’s side would see them push the Red Devils further down the table into sixth, leapfrogging them in the Premier League table.

With that in mind, the German will need to put out his best team today following a disappointing defeat last weekend in the Manchester derby, and following another week of negative headlines for the club, this could be Rangnick’s opportunity to drop an out-of-form and unsettled Marcus Rashford.

It is no secret that the 24-year-old forward has been having problems at his boyhood club this season, and these issues were further highlighted when it was revealed that he is now considering his future at Old Trafford according to reports from Fabrizio Romano, the day after he was not selected to start against Manchester City.

Rangnick spoke in his pre-match press conference regarding the reports and was clear about his feelings on the forward’s potential exit, saying: “Even suppose he and his agents or his family at one stage of the summer think about maybe going to another club, well then he can do that but in the summer.”

In terms of Rashford’s output this season, he has been scathed repeatedly for poor performances. Jamie Carragher claimed that the 24-year-old’s performances are “not acceptable” and former Man United player Micky Gray labelledthe forward “absolutely shocking”, and it’s no wonder when you look at his statistics in the Premier League.

Rashford has become more of a hindrance than a help in the attacking ranks at Old Trafford, scoring just four goals this season during his 18 league outings, losing possession of the ball on average once every 2.8 touches. He has also lost the majority of his duels (58%), and his goal conversion compared to his shots is 21% according to SofaScore.

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With a high-pressure match against Spurs this evening, it would be best for Rangnick to axe Rashford from the team. Given the headlines surrounding the player’s future, alongside his disappointing performances, the forward could do with being kept out of the firing line.

In other news: One Man Utd player has hit his highest-ever market value

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	Ian Harvey and Russel Arnold were the architects of the Superstars’ triumph (file photo) © Cricinfo Ltd

Russel Arnold blitzed a 40-ball 66 to inspire the Chennai Superstars to a nail-biting victory over the Kolkata Tigers in Hyderabad. Set a challenging 186 to win, Arnold and the Superstars held their nerve to post their first win of the tournament, with two balls to spare.While it was Arnold who applied the finishing touches, it was the in-form opener Ian Harvey who laid the groundwork with an express 49 featuring three sixes and four fours. He and G Vignesh gave the Superstars a flier, raising 49 off the first five overs.By the time Harvey was dismissed in the tenth over, the Superstars had raced to 92.Though Hemang Badani fell cheaply soon after, the asking-rate wasn’t allowed to increase too much from the initial 9.30. It was the Arnold show from then as the other batsmen contributed a mere 11 of the required 53 runs. A torrent of boundaries flowed from his bat and even his mishits cleared the ropes, including a top-edged pull which flew over fine leg.Earlier, after opting to bat, the Tigers were reduced to 14 for 3 by the third over. However, a brutal onslaught from captain Craig McMillan (69 off 41, five fours, four sixes) and a relatively tempered half-century from Abhishek Jhunjhunwala enabled them to reach a formidable total. At that stage, it seemed the Tigers would condemn the Superstars to their third successive defeat but Arnold’s pyrotechnics carried the Chennai side to victory.Despite the defeat, the Tigers are in third place, one above the Superstars. The Lahore Badshahs top the table having won all three of their games so far.

Chippy, chirpy and cunning Craig McMillan took three crucial wickets, and showed the South Africans just why he should never be underestimated © Getty Images

Drop of the Day Mk 1
Ashwell Prince’s parry at square-leg had all the makings of a match-sealing moment. When you’re defending 193 and the batsman of the tournament, Scott Styris, gives a chance while still in single figures, there’s really no forgiving the culpable fielder. In mitigation, the ball was whipped through square leg with such power that it pulled up just yards inside the rope, but on the other hand, South Africa’s reputation in one-day cricket has long been based upon their superlative fielding. At 54 for 2 it was a vital opportunity squandered.Drop of the Day Mk 2
Ditto, with knobs on. Mark Boucher will need little reminding of the last time New Zealand and South Africa met in the World Cup. At Centurion in 2002-03, he dropped Stephen Fleming on 52 – a sitter of a chance off Jacques Kallis – and Fleming went on to make a fantastic match-winning 134 not out. Two weeks later, the hosts had been ejected from their own party. Today’s chance was tougher – a thin top-edge that a leaping Boucher could only parry onto his nose – but the impact on his team-mates was very much the same.Drop of the Day Mk 3
Ok, so it’s cruel to labour the point, but déjà vu is a powerful thing, especially when poor old Herschelle is involved. For eight painful years, he’s had to live with the memory of that aberration at Headingley in the 1999 World Cup, and like a particularly rubbish punchline, the joke gets wearier every time it is repeated. So, all together now, for (surely?) one last time: “You just dropped the World Cup, Hersch!” Of course, he could well cling onto a blinder to seal victory over England next week, and all will be forgiven. (At least, until the fourth-placed South Africans take on Australia in the St Lucia semi-final…)Call of the Day
Win the toss and bowl – it’s a tactic that’s been fraught with danger down the years. But today it worked a treat for Fleming, who unleashed his seamers in drizzly overcast conditions that were more Queenstown, Otago, than Queen’s Park, Grenada. Shane Bond was magnificent, James Franklin was rejuvenated, and at 66 for 2 at the end of the Powerplays, the pattern of the match had been established. Who knows what South Africa might have achieved if Graeme Smith had called correctly, but their decision to omit their leading wicket-taker and leading swing bowler, Charl Langeveldt, suggests they were not banking on bowling first.Bowling spell of the Day
If a cricketer could be designed to get under the skin of the rigidly orthodox South Africans, then he would doubtless look and sound something like Craig McMillan – a chippy, chirpy little irritant of a character who tempted three of South Africa’s finest into wicket-surrendering indiscretions. McMillan once got the better of Steve Waugh in a bouncer offensive, so his bowling is not to be underestimated. That, however, is just what Gibbs, Ashwell Prince and Boucher all did, as South Africa crashed from 128 for 3 to 149 for 6. Each wicket was celebrated with double clenched fists and a cheeky knowing grin, the sort of reaction that doubtless made the incoming batsman want to smack him even further …Duck of the Day
How good would AB de Villiers be if he could start every innings on 1? Unfortunately for him and for South Africa, that initial notch in the scorebook is proving infuriatingly hard to come by. Today was the fourth time in eight World Cup innings that he had been dismissed without scoring, and on none of those occasions has he survived for more than six balls. When he does get stuck in, however, woe betide the opposition. His other efforts have been 62 from 45 balls against Scotland; 92 from 70 against Australia; 15 from 39 against Bangladesh, and last week’s outrageous 146 from 130 against West Indies.Innings of the Day
Sporting a beard that makes him look like the celebrity chef, Anthony Worrall-Thompson, Styris is absolutely cooking in this World Cup. Today he produced his fifth half-century in eight innings. Three of those have been unbeaten scores of 80 or more, including the recent 111 not out against Sri Lanka. He is one of only three players to have made 400 runs for the competition (Jacques Kallis and Matthew Hayden are the other two), although his average of 108.75 is unsurpassed. And if that’s not useful enough, he’s also grabbed eight vital breakthroughs with his medium-pacers. It’s not a bad time to hit the form of your life.Number Crunching of the Day
The calculators were working overtime in the press-box today (at least, for those who have such things – one chap was too busy clacking away on his 1970s typewriter). But by the end of the New Zealand run-chase, the numbers were stark. South Africa’s net run-rate, that issue that Smith insisted was totally under control, is now drifting uneasily at a measly – 0.2097. That means that England (NRR +0.079) are as good as through if they win in Barbados on Tuesday. It’ll be a big “if” on the bouncier Bridgetown wicket but, should that happen, South Africa’s only salvation would then come if West Indies delivered a judgment of biblical proportions in England’s own final game next Saturday.

Sachin Tendulkar: returning to India © Getty Images

Sachin Tendulkar has returned to India following a successful operation on his right shoulder.He was assessed prior to leaving London by the surgeon, Dr Andrew Wallace, who was reported to be very happy with his progress to date. His stitches were removed prior to departure, and an initial management plan for recovery has been put in place.Following ten days of Phase 1 recovery, which is designed to allow the tissue to fully heal and bind, Tendulkar will begin to initiate more movement through light jogging and swimming, under the supervision of the team physio, John Gloster. It is expected that he should be able to pick up a bat by the beginning of May.

Marcus Trescothick: Somerset struggled with him at the top of the order © Getty Images

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There was a dramatic day allround at Headingley as Somerset plunged towards an innings defeat without Marcus Trescothick, their captain, who had to leave the match to return to his wife who was expected to give birth earlier than was thought. Without their skipper Somerset were spineless. Firstly Ian Harvey continued to carve up their attack and crunched his way to a maiden double-century and then their batting fell in a heap. Sanath Jayasuriya suffered a nightmare debut, out twice in the day for 0 and 7, caught off Matthew Hoggard in the first innings. But it was Deon Kruis, the South African seam bowler, and Tim Bresnan who did most of the damage. Bresnan backed-up his 74 with three first-innings wickets and Kruis ripped the Somerset top-order out when they followed-on, a massive 319 runs behind. Craig White nipped out Ian Blackwell before the close, as Ismail Dawood, the wicketkeeper, took his fifth catch and they had a chance to wrap up victory today until some belated resistance from John Francis and Aaron Laraman.
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A determined century from Darren Robinson and some useful contributions from the enabled Leicestershire to get within 100 runs of Northamptonshire’s first-innings. Robinson and Darren Maddy extended their opening stand to 135 before Steffan Jones claimed the top-three batsmen. The Northants bowlers continued to chip away and at 263 for 7 the follow-on looked a possibility. But the lower-order used the long handle to good effect, especially Claude Henderson who hit 30 from 27 balls. All the Northants bowlers took at least one wicket, but Jones was the pick with 4-74. It will now be down to David Sales to decide what sort of a target he wants to set Leicestershire and he could be tempted to put pressure on the fragile batting line-up.

Close India 362 for 6 (Ganguly 144, Laxman 75) lead Australia 323 by 39 runs
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Sourav Ganguly: who said he can’t play the short ball? © Getty Images

India had a day they could be proud of at the Gabba. Sterling performances from Sourav Ganguly (144) and VVS Laxman (75) went a long way in assuaging the pain of seeing Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar dismissed for only a run between them. There was a passage in play between lunch and tea when India were well and truly on top. Australia’s bowlers were under pressure, the field was spread and India’s traditional strength, their batting, came to the fore. India reached 362 for 6, a lead of 39, with one day left in the game.When the day began, with India on 11 for no loss, there was still plenty of work to be done. Steve Waugh unleashed Australia’s bowling firepower on a bright, sunny day, but India had answers to most of the questions asked of them. Akash Chopra and Virender Sehwag looked the part at the top of the order.Sehwag made the most of Andy Bichel’s ordinary spell earlier on, driving and flicking with confidence. It was only the full, swinging deliveries outside the off stump that created trouble. He was dropped by Damien Martyn off Nathan Bracken in just the fourth over of the day. But, Bracken had his revenge, and first Test wicket, later on, when Sehwag’s flashing drive resulted in an edge to Matthew Hayden in the slip cordon (61 for 1). Hayden wrapped his hands gratefully around the ball, and ended Sehwag’s breezy 45.Soon after, Gillespie imposed himself on the game. He tricked Rahul Dravid (1) into poking at a delivery that swung, seamed away and kissed the edge on the way to Hayden at slip (62 for 2). In the same over came the moment that Steve Bucknor will be reminded about by every Indian supporter he comes across in the rest of his life.

That controversial moment: Jason Gillespie appeals successfully against Sachin Tendulkar © Getty Images

Gillespie let rip a quick one on the stumps. Tendulkar picked up the length of the ball early and shouldered arms in the firm knowledge that the ball would clear the stumps. As the ball thudded into pad, Gillespie, wild mullet flapping in the wind and fire in the eyes, went up in appeal. Bucknor looked back blankly till Gillespie gave up hope, and then raised his finger. Tendulkar gone for a duck, 63 for 3, and suddenly talk about the follow-on target of 124 seemed valid.But Ganguly did not entertain any such negative thoughts. He hit the crease running, and drove through the off side with the panache that once prompted Dravid to say, “in the off side there is God, and then there is Ganguly.” He leaned into the line of ball, not necessarily moving his feet in exaggerated fashion, and stroked, nay caressed, the ball to the fence. The timing was spot on, and soon the placement matched it.Even the fall of Chopra, in the first over after lunch, for a well-made 36, once again to the firm of Hayden and Gillespie (127 for 4) did not slow down Ganguly. For that, much credit must go to Laxman. When Laxman played a characteristic swivel-pull, that left square leg dead in his place, for four, it seemed as though he was batting on a hundred. There were several more gorgeous shots, fit for a king. There was the flick off the hips, the on-drive and the backfoot punch through covers.When Ganguly brought up his century with a sweep off Stuart MacGill, a well of emotion poured forth. Under pressure, against the best side in the world in their backyard, the captain of India had come good. It sent out a strong signal and did much to set up the series.Laxman, another man who has been under needless pressure in recent times, was out in the middle to share the moment with his captain. Sadly, even though he himself looked good enough for a hundred, Laxman gave his wicket away, completely against the grain of play. He sliced a short, slightly wide delivery from MacGill straight to Simon Katich at point (273 for 5). Laxman had made an elegant 75, laced with 11 delectable boundaries.Unfazed, Ganguly carried on in the company of Parthiv Patel (37 not out) and racked up 144, with 18 boundaries, before he holed out to Gillespie off MacGill (329 for 6). By this stage, India had taken the lead, and stretched it to 39 when play was called off due to bad light.Anand Vasu is assistant editor of Wisden Cricinfo.

Peter Anderson was back at his desk again this morning after spending time last week at Lord’s attending a working party consisting of a number of first class county Chief Executives, at which the results of a national market survey on the structure of cricket were reported.The Somerset Chief Executive told me: “A series of further meetings later this week are scheduled, aimed at culminating in a meeting of all First Class Counties on March 5th at Lord’s when a decision will be made on the competition format for 2003 and beyond.”Mr Anderson told me that there were several key points that were beginning to emerge from the discussions.”Firstly an increase in the number of centrally-contracted players is likely, given the increase in international cricket including the World Cup next winter.”Secondly, how that in itself is likely to impact on the standard of first-class cricket.””Thirdly, whether or not star England players should be compensated by the addition to the number of overseas players allowed.””Finally, whether or not an early season knock-out competition should be replaced by a 20-over competition played in a block mid-season from 4.15 until 8.15pm.”I asked the Somerset Chief Executive for his thoughts on the situation.Mr Anderson told me: “I believe that there is a direct relationship between the number of centrally-contracted players and the number of overseas players and hope this is worked out in a logical fashion.”I am very concerned about the possible loss of an early season knock-out competition in favour of a 20-over slog, which apart from cricketing reasons is silly because it devalues the worth of county subscriptions.”Somerset is urging the ECB to allow each and every county to poll its members on this one issue and balance that against the national marketing survey.”

Nondescripts Cricket Club still have an outside chance of qualifying for the semi finals of the Premier League Limited Overs Tournament after defeating Sebastianites at Maitland Place today. They now have seven points and need Galle to defeat CCC and for them to defeat Panadura tomorrow. A tense day of cricket awaits us tomorrow.Sebastianites had started the season in promising form when they became unexpected champions of the Under 23 competition. However, they have had a disappointing one-day tournament. Today, they struggled from the beginning.They lost the toss and were asked to bat first. Despite a fine 51 from 110 balls by Warushamana they were bowled out for just 130 runs in 43.5 overs. Warushamana was the only batsmen to impress – the next highest score was 18 by Peiris – and he was the last wicket to fall.With the exception of Ravindra Pushpakmara and Tillakaratne, all the bowlers chipped in. Bandara, Ganegama and Amarasingha picked up two wickets apiece and Russel Arnold took three wickets with his off spin.After an interruption for rain, NCC were required to score 115 from 35 overs. They scored the runs with ease and lost only one wicket. Kumar Sangakkara led the way with 56 from 62 balls. He was well supported by Nawaz who scored 36.

As shared by football.london, Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte holds a very promising belief on star striker Harry Kane.

The Lowdown: Kane shines in north London…

Since the Italian’s arrival at N17, coming after a summer being repeatedly linked with a move to Man City, Kane has now rediscovered his imperious form which attracted Pep Guardiola’s interest in the first place.

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The England international, despite not getting on the scoresheet against Middlesbrough, has been fantastic in the Premier League recently – putting in match-winning displays against both Manchester City and Leeds United away from home.

Following his most recent heroics at Elland Road, Conte now believes that the 28-year-old is undergoing a transformation.

The Latest: Conte wowed by Kane…

The former Chelsea boss, speaking to the press (via football.london), says the forward is now evolving into a ‘complete’ and ‘total’ player.

“Harry is not only a number nine. He can became also a number 10 at the same time,” the Spurs coach said.

“You’ve seen the assist for Sonny which was amazing, it was incredible, but for sure, for him to continue to work in this way, he’s becoming a total player, a complete player.

“To be a number nine and 10 the same moment, it means you’re really, really one of the best strikers in the world.”

The Verdict: Exciting turn of form…

Kane’s spell of form under ex-manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the start of 2021/2022 was certainly one to forget.

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However, after Conte’s arrival, it appears Spurs supporters can enjoy seeing the Three Lions superstar back to his often unplayable best.

Journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph, speaking to GiveMeSport, claimed the player is even ‘underrated’ despite his world class status, but if he continues in this vain, he certainly won’t be for much longer.

In other news: Conte green-lights move for new top target as Spurs hierarchy pressured to seal deal, find out more here.