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He may only have been deputising, and it may be a while before there’s another opportunity to do it, but Marcus Trescothick’s debut as England captain could hardly have gone better. The toss won, a typically positive half century to give England a flying start, and a comprehensive, 70-run win.If anyone had put put it to the Somerset left-hander, 18 months or so ago, that he would spend today captaining England, he might well have doubted their sanity. But such has been the impression Trescothick has made on the team, that he was being touted for the role after the first Ashes Test last summer, less than a year after his first England appearance.In those daunting circumstances (England were already one down against the best side in the world) the selectors were right to opt for the experience of Michael Atherton. Here, though, the situation could hardly have been more different. A series won, weakened opponents, and seniority among the squad’s fully fit members. It was the right time to give it a go, and it worked out handsomely. So after such an encouraging start, does Trescothick want to do it again?”Somewhere down the line I may possibly be interested,” he said. “People have been tipping me for a while that I might take over when Nasser’s gone, but this was just an opportunity to gain experience.”If Nasser is going to carry on for a few years then someone behind him hasto come along and fill the job — but who knows who that is going to be?”It was pretty tough and I didn’t get much sleep last night because I wasgoing over things in my head about how I was going to operate.”But it was good to get the first toss out of the way because we’ve had anightmare with tosses.”Trescothick was also enthusiastic about the performances of some of the younger mebers of the team.”It’s a good time for a few of the younger guys to express themselves,” he said.”That was the whole point of this tour, to give experience to the guys whohave been playing for a bit and also for the young guys who haven’t reallyplayed to get that experience in.”There are pressures in international cricket and you never quite know what’sgoing to come around the corner and we were tested at various points, but therewere some key performances in that.”To win 5-0 is important. We set our stall out to win the series when we camehere but now we’re 4-0 up we’re gunning to win 5-0.”They’re obviously quite down at the moment after losing 11 on the bounce andwe’re on a winning streak and that’s when you have to nail it.”It will be a great encouragement to the England camp that should anyone need to deputise for Nasser Hussain again, they now have someone in the ranks with an emphatic win under his belt.

West Ham will still be monitoring January targets Darwin Nunez and Duvan Zapata as they look to bring in a centre-forward in the summer, according to transfer insider Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: January bids

Hammers fans endured a disappointing wineter transfer window after the east London club failed to sign a single player in January. This was exacerbated by their need for an attacker, with Michail Antonio being the only senior striker at David Moyes’ disposal.

As reported by The Evening Standard, the Irons had a club-record £60m bid rejected by Benfica for Nunez. It was claimed that the 22-year-old was waiting on a move to a Champions League club, thus making it difficult to entice him to the London Stadium.

After their failed Nunez bid, West Ham made a last-ditch attempt to sign Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata on deadline day. It was reported that the Hammers submitted a deal sheet to the Premier League, but they failed to get the loan move over the line before the transfer window shut.

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The Latest: O’Rourke’s update

Despite their unsuccessful transfer attempts in January, O’Rourke has claimed that West Ham will still be monitoring the pair ahead of the summer window.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: “They tried to sign both players in the January transfer window but just ran out of time to try and get those deals done and were maybe priced out of it by the respective two clubs of Benfica and Atalanta. 

“So, I’m sure they still remain on West Ham’s radar, and they’ll be continuing to keep tabs on them.”

The Verdict: A striker is essential

Whilst Antonio has been in fine form at certain points this season, having scored four goals in the Hammers’ opening three Premier League games, he has also seemed fatigued, which is understandable due to his lack of rotation.

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As a result, the 31-year-old has been unable to find the net in his last eight league games. This has not come at a good time for the Irons, as a top-four finish is slowly slipping from Moyes’ grasp, with a lack of goals partially to blame for their recent drop-off.

Therefore, it is essential that GSB secure at least one striker in the summer; if they can get either (or even both) of Zapata or Nunez in at the London Stadium, it should greatly reduce the over-reliance on Antonio to score consistently.

In other news: Roshane Thomas has revealed details of a fresh injury setback for West Ham

Several of Australia’s Test cricketers will be made available for Big Bash League matches between the first and second Tests against West Indies, Cricket Australia has confirmed.The BBL begins on December 17 and some of Australia’s Test cricketers will be available for at least the first four days of the Twenty20 tournament, given the lengthy gap between Tests. The first Test against West Indies will be played in Hobart from December 10 to 14, and there is then a 10-day break before the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.However, the Test fast bowlers will not take part in the BBL matches and opening batsman David Warner, who is yet to sign with a team for this season, will sit out to spend time with his pregnant wife Candice. Allrounder Mitchell Marsh’s availability is yet to be decided, with his workload in the coming Tests likely to determine if he will play in the BBL during that period.Steven Smith, Joe Burns, Peter Nevill, Nathan Lyon and, fitness pending, Usman Khawaja, will be available from December 17 to 20. There is also a possibility the Perth Scorchers players in the Test squad – Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh – will be made available for their team’s first game on December 21.The Test players will gather in Melbourne on December 22 ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

This way for Germany, that way for Australia © Getty Images

Shane Warne is considering applying for a German passport so he can play county cricket as a non-overseas player next year. Warne’s mother was born in Germany and he is planning to investigate the matter further during the English winter.If Warne was to follow the German route he would probably have to lose his Australian passport as dual citizenship is not allowed under German law. Next season counties will be allowed a single overseas player instead of two.”My Mum was German,” Warne told the . “She came over to Australia when she was, I think, four or five. With only one overseas [player] next year, it’s something we’re looking at.””I’ve sat down with Shane and had a long discussion with him and he went away from the meeting quite happy with the idea,” the Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove told the . “It is theoretically possible once Shane receives his German passport that we would then register him as a local, and not an import, allowing my county to recruit in effect a second overseas player.”He’s given me and my county board an undertaking that he will pursue the matter over the winter. But rest assured even when he gets it, you’ll never be able to take the Australian out of Shane Warne.”However, a spokesman for Warne told the : “It is a bit of a joke. Shane is very, very, very, happy as an Australian. In all seriousness, I have never had a conversation with him before about becoming a German.”

Scorecard

Mushtaq Ahmed’s career-best 9 for 48 powered Sussex to the title © Getty Images

Sussex surged to their second Championship title before lunch on the third day at Trent Bridge, led by Mushtaq Ahmed’s magic career-best haul of 9 for 48 which carried him past the 100-wicket mark. For a moment Mushtaq threatened to take all ten, but that was about the only honour that eluded a Sussex player.Mushtaq, though, was quick to turn the attention away from his performance: “It’s not an individual game it’s a team game and you can’t win things on your own. We are a united team and credit goes to everyone.”The bowling and batting has been so good, Jason Lewry has taken wickets, James Kirtley has bowled well. I can name everyone from the management point of view to the supporters – this is a family club and everyone plays for each other.”We had good plans and we had belief and it paid off. I would like to thank the Sussex staff and all my team-mates, they are about me like a family.Chris Adams praised his side’s efforts over a long season and said the title was nothing less than they deserved. “It’s a magnificent feeling to do the double. 2006 is Sussex’s year, we’ve won it because we were the best team.”It was hard because it has come down to the wire. Notts are a good side and to break them down was tough. In the end it came down to a good toss, which we won, the Richard Montgomerie and Michael Yardy battled brilliantly on the first day when we were nervous then Mushtaq did the rest.”Bad light and drizzle delayed the start by 45 minutes, but there was so much time remaining that all it did was keep the champagne on ice for a few moments longer. Once play started, the ball went straight to Mushtaq, although he took a few overs to crank his weary body into gear. The end of the season has been a battle of mind of matter for Mushtaq.He was helped along the way by some shocking stokeplay from a disinterested homeside. David Hussey failed to pick a googly – certainly not the first – but Samit Patel’s slog across the line was an insult to his tag of professional cricketer.Mushtaq had six wickets in six overs and the prospect of a 10-for was looming. James Kirtley put an end to that dream when he brought one back into Paul Franks.No one, though, was going to deny Mushtaq a century and when Ryan Sidebottom missed a sweep the Sussex team converged to celebrate the masterful legspinner. It is the second time in four seasons he has taken 100 wickets, following his haul in the previous Championship-winning campaign of 2003.Mushtaq duly wrapped up the tail by trapping Mark Ealham and Andy Harris in front to spark the celebrations. Sussex closed for a team huddle before Mushtaq lead them off, arms aloft.Moments before getting his hands on the trophy, Adams made special mention of their coach Mark Robinson: “The team go out there and get the trophies and medals, but there are a huge number of people working off the field to help us and they deserve it just as much.”

Nottinghamshire 336 beat Gloucestershire 103 (Kadeer Ali 55*, Ealham 5-31) and 169 (Lewis 55, Ealham 4-44) by an innings and 64 runs
Scorecard
Points Table

Mark Ealham on his way to a nine-wicket haul © Getty Images

Gloucestershire produced one of the truly abject performances of the summer, losing 20 wickets in 72 overs and gifting title-chasing Nottinghamshire an innings victory inside two days. Their relegation confirmed last week, Gloucestershire did not even appear to be able to play for pride. Their misery was completed when they were docked 1.5 points for a slow over-rate.Mark Ealham did most of the damage, grabbing 5 for 31 before lunch and adding another four second time round, taking him past 50 wickets in a season for the first time. Only Kadeer Ali offered anything other than token resistence in the morning, carrying his bat for a dogged 55, and as the last rites were being read, Jon Lewis smacked 55 off 26 balls.A deflated Mark Alleyne, Gloucestershire’s coach, said: “As much as you try and motivate yourself and the players, it doesn’t work like that. People need something more precious to play for than pride and it wasn’t enough.”Nottinghamshire extended their lead at the top of Division One to 24 points, but they have a hard run-in with games at Kent and, in what could be a title decider, second-placed Hampshire.”We’ve got the only two teams who have beaten us left to play,” said Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket. “But we’re in front and so we’ll be happy if it rains now for two weeks.”

Sourav Ganguly hopes that India have saved their best for last© Getty Images

Sourav Ganguly took heart from the fact that India hadn’t played to their strengths, and yet managed to reach the Asia Cup final, as he looked ahead to tomorrow’s decisive encounter against Sri Lanka. “This tournament hasn’t seen the best of us,” he admitted, adding that he preferred to play to India’s strengths rather than focus on any perceived Sri Lankan frailty.India’s only reverse in an Asia Cup final came against Sri Lanka seven years ago, on this very ground, and that’s a piece of history that Ganguly and his men won’t want to recreate on Sunday. As it is, doubts linger about this talented team’s ability to deliver when it matters, with 13 defeats and only a solitary victory (NatWest Trophy, 2002) in the last 18 finals that they have contested. “It’s a new game tomorrow,” said Ganguly. “Sri Lanka are hard to beat at home, but we won the last game, and we’ve also won here before. The conditions are pretty similar to what we’re used to.”To be fair, the four most recent losses in grand finals have come against an Australian team that continues to set new standards in the one-day game. But with one-day cricket being a batsman’s game, and India possessing such an awesome line-up, it has to be asked why potential hasn’t always translated itself into performance.Things haven’t really fallen into place here either. Ganguly put it down to early-season rust. “Sehwag, myself and Yuvraj all made big contributions the other day,” he said. “It will happen that not all the batsmen score runs in a given match. It’s up to the two or three that get in to go on and make big runs.”And though most teams have treated this as a curtain-raiser for their season, there’s plenty at stake in this final. After being outmanoeuvred and outplayed by Arjuna Ranatunga’s brilliant side in the latter half of the `90s, India have recently reasserted themselves in this rivalry, winning seven of the last 12 games. Most of those victories have been engineered by the batsmen, who have made light of the experience and ability of Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas to post some mammoth totals.With the toss sure to be vital – teams batting first have won 25 times in 39 games played under lights at the Premadasa – it could once again be a direct tussle between India’s batsmen and Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Though Sri Lanka have some talented batsmen of their own, there is a perception, somewhat justified by recent performances, that they rely too much on Sanath Jayasuriya’s explosive ability at the top of the order.Ganguly hinted that the team would be prepared for Jayasuriya’s assault. “He scores runs against us, but if we get him out, their run-rate is usually not as good,” he said. “In the last game, he survived a close lbw appeal against Zaheer, and I also made the mistake of taking the slips out early.”But while the Indians respected Jayasuriya’s ability as a game-breaker, Ganguly wasn’t unduly concerned about the toss. “It’s a good track,” he said. “Pitches for finals are generally prepared with more attention.” He also suggested that India’s team composition would depend on the state of the pitch.The vexing question is whether to go in with three pace bowlers and one spinner, or to retain both Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. The two-spinner ploy will most likely be employed, since Lakshmipathy Balaji has been in wretched form with the ball in the tournament. Ashish Nehra hasn’t, but his cause isn’t helped by being the third-choice left-arm seamer in a team unlikely to ever play all three.If the surface was likely to aid the seamers, Ganguly said that he would even consider playing all three left-arm pace bowlers. “That’s been on our minds,” he admitted, before adding, “but if the pitch is as dry as the last game, probably not.”India have only Kumble to match Murali and Vaas in the experience stakes, but Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan have been around long enough to be considered seasoned campaigners. And that’s not to forget Irfan Pathan, who bowls with a composure and skill that suggests he has been around for years, rather than mere months.Unless they have a really bad day, or Jayasuriya has a particularly good one – and there have been a fair few of those against India – it’s unlikely that Sri Lanka will run riot with the bat, especially on a sluggish pitch that doesn’t suit strokemakers like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.Though no Indian batsman has hit the high notes in this tournament, they will be heartened by the fact that they have managed to put runs on the board, except against Pakistan, without being at anything like their best. Ganguly has shown the way with a couple of innings that were gritty rather than typically fluid, while Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj have also chipped in with sizeable knocks. For the final, they will be further bolstered by the inclusion of VVS Laxman, hundred-maker for fun against Australia, but less prolific against sides comprising mere mortals.India didn’t blink when faced with disaster, in the form of a rampaging Jayasuriya, in the previous game against Sri Lanka. Similar fortitude will be required on Sunday, as they take on a confident home side in front of a noisy capacity crowd. You sense that it might just come to a boil for India in the humidity and heat of Colombo. After all, just how many times can a team play bridesmaid without wanting to wear the trousseau itself?

The Zimbabweans will start the NatWest Series in much better heart after an adequate, rather than dominating, five-wicket victory over Essex at Chelmsford. Ray Price excelled with the ball while Grant Flower overshadowed his brother – and opponent – Andy to make sure of victory with the bat.The most pleasing aspect for Zimbabwe was their bowling performance, which, with a little help from the overcast and humid conditions, was their best of the tour. For once extras were rare as line and length was consistent. Nasser Hussain, playing and missing, continued to struggle for runs and took 38 balls to reach double figures, as Darren Robinson did most of the early scoring for Essex.Hussain then fell to a senseless run-out in the sixteenth over (56 for 1), and Price followed that with three quick wickets. First he found a bit of turn and bounce to have Robinson (37) caught by the wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu (68 for 2), and two balls later he trapped Aftab Habib lbw for a duck with his arm ball. Shortly afterwards Ronnie Irani gave Price his third wicket when he drove a low catch to midwicket to leave Essex struggling at 71 for 4 in the 24th over.That led the way for the strange sight of Andy Flower – captain for the day – walking to the wicket wearing the glaring Essex Eagles uniform rather than the Zimbabwe red. However, he brought some much-needed stability to the innings as he had done so often for the Zimbabweans.Travis Friend continued to bowl with more fire and control than at any previous time on tour, troubling Ravi Bopara and eventually having him fending a vicious lifter off his face to be caught by Taibu for 18 (118 for 5). And that performance may well have booked Friend’s place in the opening NatWest Series match after a disastrous bowling record for most of this tour.James Middlebrook settled in impressively while Flower played a typically accumulative innings, working the ball around the field so skilfully and unobtrusively that the unaware would miss it. But after passing his fifty, he was run out for 52 after fine work in the field by Richie Sims as he attempted a third run (154 for 6).There was little fight in the tail, and two suicidal run-outs were more reminiscent of the village green than first-class cricket. Much credit belongs to Middlebrook who made a valuable unbeaten 42, but Essex never recovered from Price’s three top-order wickets.Chasing only 190, Zimbabwe soon lost Dion Ebrahim, caught at first slip off Tony Palladino (13 for 1), but Douglas Marillier cashed in against some erratic Essex bowling and the fifty came up in the eighth over. Then Friend, doing his frequent job as a pinch-hitter, soon got into his stride, and Zimbabwe were on their way.Friend made 44, including 10 fours, before being bowled playing down the wrong line to Middlebrook (91 for 3). Richie Sims and Grant Flower then settled in to play quietly and without difficulty, until Sims (18) fished at a ball from Palladino to be caught by Andy Flower behind the stumps (123 for 4). And when Stuart Matsikenyeri was also caught behind off Grant for 11 (138 for 5), Essex sniffed they were in with a chance of a surprise victory.However, Grant Flower was determined to be there at the end and he took no chances while occasionally unleashing a handsome drive through the covers as his 50 came off 65 balls. It was a welcome return to form for Flower, and a welcome win for Zimbabwe ahead of their match against England on June 26.

Hampshire announced today that they are holding talks with Neil Johnson about his return as the club’s overseas player for 2002.Johnson was a popular member of Hampshire’s promotion squad this year and the only player to reach 1,000 first-class runs. Although his bowling was limited due to a shoulder injury, the club feel he made a valuable contribution.The former Zimbabwean international returns today (Tuesday) to Cape Town where he will be playing for Western Province.Tim Tremlett, Hampshire’s Director of Cricket, said that an announcement will be made in about two weeks time.

Newcastle United will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to seven matches as they face off against Brentford today.

The Magpies are on a terrific run of form in the division that has lifted them out of the bottom three in the table, with three straight wins over Everton, Aston Villa and Leeds United propelling them above the likes of Norwich, Watford and Burnley.

Their last match ended in a 1-1 draw away at West Ham and Eddie Howe is surely hoping that his side can return to winning ways against the Bees.

Axe him

One decision the ex-Bournemouth manager must make in order to give his team the best chance of picking up the three points is ruthlessly axing Emil Krafth from the XI.

The Swedish full-back started at right-back with Kieran Trippier and Javier Manquillo both out injured and failed to make a positive impression.

As per SofaScore, he lost three of his five duels and failed to make a single tackle, block or interception throughout the 90 minutes, whilst making just two clearances. He also gave possession away (18) almost as many times as he completed a pass (20).

Former Arsenal icon Ian Wright previously blasted the defender as being “out of his depth” and ex-Magpies defender Steve Howey reacted to his comments, saying:

“I think the lad has struggled a bit, but he’s not the only one. He has been criticised very heavily, I think from Ian Wright, who said he was well out of his depth.

“There have been times when he’s had an afternoon of turmoil but listen, he could be a player that comes back in next season and gets better.”

Unfortunately for Howey and Newcastle, Krafth has not kicked on this season and improved on his troubling displays on the pitch.

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Instead, he has continued to be a liability on the pitch in the Premier League this season as he has averaged a dreadful WhoScored rating of 6.31. This is lower than the score of 6.47 he managed in the top-flight last term, which suggests that he has struggled throughout the campaign.

Howe has confirmed that Manquillo has returned to training and the Spaniard is one option to replace Krafth, although it remains to be seen whether he is fit enough to start. The head coach could also bring Jacob Murphy back into right-back and play Miguel Almiron out wide if Allan Saint-Maximin misses out.

AND in other news, Howe could unearth Coloccini 2.0 in “commanding” NUFC tank, he’s “captain” material…