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Determination not to lose at all costs defeats the purpose of inviting the big teams to play

Danyal Rasool05-Dec-2022It was a scene of high comedy, and yet also the most succinctly damaging assessment of where Pakistan’s Test cricket sits. With half an hour to go in the Test and the sun sinking rapidly beneath the Shoaib Akhtar Enclosure, No. 11 Mohammad Ali decided to pop off to the bathroom, timing it to coincide with the end of the final drinks break, desperate to drain a few more seconds out of this Test match.As fourth umpire Asif Yaqoob frogmarched Ali swiftly back to the middle as England waited impatiently to finish Pakistan off, the optics were brutal: Pakistan would literally rather hide in the toilet than set up to win a Test match.

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Early winter had just crept in and cricket season was starting. The square at Rawalpindi Cricket Ground was just about ready, having seen off a first-class season that offered an engrossing contest between bat and ball. This was the first time this particular strip would be used for a Test match since the format returned to Pakistan in 2019, and it couldn’t look readier. There was enough grass on this wicket to suggest lessons had been learned from the debacle nine months ago, when this venue had accumulated 1,177 runs and one demerit point. The next morning, the England contingent landed at Islamabad airport from their training base in Abu Dhabi to presidential-style security and cordoned-off roads. Amid the frenzied activity around the visitors, it was easy to miss something equally significant taking place at the place they’d spend much of the next week. By the time they arrived at the cricket ground, there wasn’t a blade of grass to be seen on the surface.Over the next five days, England ensured Pakistan were left as nakedly exposed as the pitch they had prepared. Showing what was possible even in the most unconducive conditions, England found one more move every time it seemed Pakistan had set them up for stalemate.Azhar Ali, hampered by a finger injury, failed to complete the job of saving the game•Getty ImagesWhen Pakistan pushed their field out, England simply hit it over them. When Pakistan looked to shut up shop, England brought their fielders up so close it would have breached 2020’s social distancing guidelines. When the ball didn’t swing, England scuffed it up by thumping it short into the lifeless surface, reaping the rewards with late movement on the fifth afternoon. No sooner had Pakistan found a hiding place than England flushed them back out yet again. Pakistan took every precaution to prevent what they feared would be a humiliating defeat, and yet, the victory England conjured up was more chastening than any three-day thumping could have been.Pakistan have spent the best part of two decades trying to lure the big teams, or the “Western bloc”, as Ramiz Raja pointedly put it last year, back home. So when a deal was struck that saw Australia, England and New Zealand agree to play Test cricket in Pakistan in the space of ten months, it was more than either fans or administrators could have imagined in their wildest dreams just a few years earlier. Since then, however, the surfaces Pakistan has prepared for these series would make younger fans in Pakistan wonder what they’d been missing anyway. What was the point of playing at home against the best teams if it was deliberately designed to be the worst possible spectacle?Before being appointed chairman, Ramiz had one of the most-followed YouTube channels in Pakistan, known for regularly entreating the side to play with more (bravery) and lambasting them when they didn’t. That fiery, truculent attitude was reflected in his first press conference since becoming chairman, and he cannot be accused of changing his tune in the following months.Related

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Repeatedly, however, this Pakistan side under the stewardship of Ramiz, Babar Azam and this team management have shown that they’re willing to wound, but afraid to strike. The neutralisation of the first Test against Australia could be justified to some extent, what with Australia’s pace battery and Pakistan missing key fast-bowling personnel. But the three Tests that followed have shown it up for the cravenly conservative template that it was, rather than the shrewd tactic the team management wanted us to believe.Australia is a kind of mythical sea-monster for Ramiz, anyway, one to be spoken of in hushed tones rather than competed with in full flow, but against an England side whose seam attack posed none of the same menace, Pakistan could not find the within themselves to compete on even terms.Bazball might be as tired a cliché as , but at least England actually stay the course with it. Pakistan spent the previous evening insisting they were here to win this match, suddenly finding their voices after England’s munificent declaration seemed to take a draw out of the equation.But on the fifth morning, that Pakistan talk of victory felt increasingly like a fever dream. Out there in reality, they spent the first 14 overs scoring just 13 runs, with England bowling eight maidens in the 12 overs before drinks. James Anderson and Ollie Robinson kept the pressure, and the field, up, while Pakistan blocked, nudged and left. They had made clear they wanted nothing less than a draw from this match, and despite England’s best offers, nothing more than that, either. If ever there was an exhibition of contrasts – in style, philosophy and ambition – this Test was it.England’s will to win overcame Pakistan’s determination not to lose•AFP/Getty ImagesIt isn’t just the chairman though. Babar Azam’s own penchant for conservatism, much like his presence in the Pakistan side, straddles all three formats. Mohammad Yousuf was already in Multan today, apparently to have a chat with the pitch curator. Saqlain Mushtaq is likely figuring out how to balance the scales of cosmic justice rather than balance the team he improbably finds himself in charge of. The circlejerk of enablement is complete.Even when Pakistan took control of individual passages of play, England recognised them for the aberrations that they were. With Azhar Ali, a man living on borrowed time anyway but the only recognised batter standing between England and an inexplicably long Pakistani tail, England brought one more fielder up. When he did fall with the job unfinished – as he was destined to, perhaps, as his career drags towards its unseemly close – Pakistan’s defences were fatally breached.Soon, England would have 11 fielders close to the bat as they scrambled to triumph in a game Pakistan had tried to ensure was unwinnable (but more importantly, unlosable). Rawalpindi might be a stone’s throw from the seat of power in Pakistan, the place where every decision that matters to this country is made. But it was Ben Stokes’ men who felt at home against a Pakistan set-up that, at present, barely seem able to comprehend England’s philosophy, let alone replicate it.England were the ones struck down by illness before the start of this Test, but the malaise that afflicts Pakistan shows no signs of being short-term.

A recap of the major talking points from the latest round of Shield matches

Andrew McGlashan03-Nov-2020Burns in the spotlightThere has been no shortage of in-form batsmen during the first three rounds of the Shield – 19 centuries have been scored – so when someone has struggled a little it stands out. Five of Australia’s incumbent top seven are in action (David Warner and Steven Smith the two at the IPL) and all have made telling contributions except for Joe Burns. His three innings have brought 7, 29 and 0. The middle of those scores is probably the most frustrating as he had got himself settled before top-edging an indecisive pull. His second-innings duck, edging the superb Trent Copeland, came at around the same time that Will Pucovski and Marcus Harris were breaking records, while Sam Whiteman has also piled on the runs. Burns’ returns last summer against Pakistan and New Zealand were solid rather than spectacular – two half-centuries in eight innings – although a substantial score in the final round of matches would probably see him retain his place. But the competition has suddenly become fierce.Swepson’s hub gainsFew players have gained as much from the tournament being forced into the single-city hub in Adelaide than legspinner Mitchell Swepson. The conditions have meant he has had a central role for Queensland and he has delivered with 15 wickets in two matches. He played a match-winning role in the opening game against Tasmania and came within a whisker of doing it again in the compelling match against New South Wales where he collected a career-best 10 for 171. Among that haul was the ripping legbreak from around the wicket to bowl Sean Abbott and another fizzing delivery to beat Daniel Hughes in the second innings. Australia will have to include a second spinner in their enlarged Test squad; it would probably have been Swepson in any case, but the last few weeks should have ended any debate.It did not take long for Cameron Green to make a mark with the ball•Getty ImagesGreen shootsIt was only 12 overs, but they were another significant step in what is starting to feel like an inevitable Test debut for Cameron Green this season after his call-up to the limited-overs squad. Given his run-scoring it may not even matter how much he can bowl, but his return to action was a reminder of the enticing package he will be providing injuries can be kept at bay. He bowled three four-over spells in the match against Tasmania, removing Jordan Silk twice, and was getting the ball to carry through at good pace. His second-innings spell with the new ball was especially lively as he found the outside and inside edge of Charlie Wakim’s bat in an over that somehow cost him 14 runs.Contrasting returns for Shield veteransShaun Marsh appears to be playing as well as ever. If it hadn’t been for the search for quick runs to bring a declaration against Tasmania he could have had twin hundreds in the match and three in five innings this season. At 37 his Test career is surely behind him, although in this of all years it’s probably wise to expect the unexpected. His first-innings 115 in the latest round, with Western Australia in trouble against a ball moving around, was a display of the highest quality. Across town, things did not go as well for another stalwart of Shield cricket: Callum Ferguson bagged a pair against Victoria, edging a wild drive against Will Sutherland in the first innings and nicking the new ball from Scott Boland in the second.ESPNcricinfo LtdSouth Australia keep their HeadIt was a sobering time for the Redbacks as Pucovski and Harris piled up the all-time Sheffield Shield partnership record of 486. On the second evening, when the score stood at 0 for 418, coach Jason Gillespie did not try to sugarcoat things and when they were 2 for 10 early in the second innings, facing a deficit of 354, defeat looked certain. However, in Travis Head they have an exceptional leader and batsman – for the second game running he led from the front to show that survival was possible with 151 off 296 balls. Still, he needed help and in 19-year-old Liam Scott he found it as the young allrounder added his name to the ‘ones to watch’ list as he took South Australia to the brink of the draw. The Redbacks have batted 288 overs across two second innings in their last two matches – to compete they must score first-innings runs, but they are a side that won’t give in.

Mike Shildt was absolutely furious with umpires and MLB replay officials Monday night.

The San Diego Padres manager ripped a decision from the league's replay hub that overturned a home run by Xander Bogaerts due to fan interference. It was a shocking call that cost the Padres a run in a game they eventually lost 4-3 to the San Francisco Giants.

The incident came in the bottom of the second inning when Bogaerts took a Robbie Ray fastball deep to left center. Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos drifted back to the wall and reached up to catch the ball, but it bounced out of his glove and over the fence. As he had reached up, two fans reached out to catch the ball as well.

Initially ruled a home run, it was overturned after a lengthy review. It was stunning that the league was able to find clear evidence of interference, as it certainly wasn't obvious on replay.

Video is below.

Shildt left the dugout to talk to the umpires after the call was overturned and was immediately ejected as rules prohibit arguing after a replay ruling.

After the game, he was still fuming.

"With the angle of the ball coming, where it went and where it landed, there was not anybody who was impeding with him," Shildt said. "And if it's so clear, how come it takes two minutes and 40 seconds to figure it out, if it's that clear? Why are we sitting there for two minutes and 40 seconds? We have 15 seconds to review a call in the first place. We got two minutes and 40 seconds to sit there.

"What are you looking for? If it's that clear, then overturn it early. If it's not, then it's a home run," he continued. "That's just really disappointing that we go that long and have to come up with a conclusion that's not conclusive to overturn a home run that ends up costing us an opportunity to win a baseball game."

Yeah, I'd say he's still pretty hot. That call is going to sting for a while.

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O Vitória anunciou a rescisão de contrato com o capitão da sua equipe, o lateral Zeca. Desde 2023 no clube baiano, o defensor de 30 anos foi peça decisiva na campanha do acesso e título da Série B da temporada passada. Em 2024, Zeca também ajudou o Vitória a conquistar o título baiano, que desde 2017 não voltava pro Barradão. Nestas duas competições que levantou a taça, também foi escolhido o melhor lateral do campeonato.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVascoEspeculado no Vasco, volante Souza confirma que estará com Philippe Coutinho em clássico contra o FlamengoVasco25/05/2024PalmeirasAo escolher o Palmeiras, Abel fez time do Qatar economizar, pelo menos, quatro vezes em salário com treinador Palmeiras25/05/2024VascoPhilippe Coutinho se reúne com Pedrinho em São Januário e fica mais próximo de voltar ao VascoVasco25/05/2024

No total, foram 65 jogos com a camisa do clube, com 2 gols marcados e 4 assistências diretas pra gol. No Vitória Zeca voltou a ganhar sequência de jogos, assumiu rapidamente a titularidade e se tornou referência para equipe por sua experiência e liderança.

Apesar da rescisão que pegou o torcedor de surpresa, o atleta reforça que se orgulha de ter vestido as cores do clube e destaca que os motivos de sua saída não apagam a sua trajetória vitoriosa no Vitória em 2023 e 2024.

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– Sempre me senti muito bem no Vitória e transformei o Barradão na minha segunda casa. O orgulho de ter jogado aqui ninguém vai me tirar e o meu compromisso desde o primeiro dia se mostrou em campo com a excelente campanha na temporada passada e o nosso bom momento no início deste ano – disse Zeca. E completou:

– Conseguimos devolver o clube a elite do futebol e o que fez isso foi a união de todo grupo e comissão. A minha saída nesse momento se deve ao meu entendimento que o ciclo por aqui terminou. Algumas coisas estão mudando no clube e prefiro seguir meu caminho, trabalhando e fazendo a minha parte pra assumir um novo desafio na minha carreira. Agradeço, de coração, o carinho de todos e a oportunidade de viver esse período junto de vocês, companheiros, membros da comissão e demais funcionários, diretoria e torcedores.

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Com apenas 5 jogos pelo Brasileirão, Zeca pode atuar por outra equipe na Série A, porém, o atleta não descarta atuar fora do país novamente.

Tudo sobre

Futebol NacionalVitóriaZeca

حقق شباب باريس سان جيرمان تحت 19 عاماً فوزاً ساحقاً على حساب توتنهام هوتسبر بخمسة أهداف لهدفين في دور الـ32 من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا للشباب.

ودخل فريق باريس سان جيرمان للشباب الذي يلعب له الفرنسي ريان أبو الناي صاحب الـ18 عاماً الذي يعد من أصول مصرية لأب مصري وأم جزائرية ولها أصول مغربية أيضاً، المباراة، بعد فوزهم الرائع ضد بايرن ميونخ بثلاثية نظيفة في الجولة الماضية.

وبحسب “PSG.FR” فقد تلقى باريس سان جيرمان للشباب مساندة قوية من جماهيره، حيث كان أمام فرصة رائعة للتقدم خطوة نحو التأهل لدور الـ16، ولعب أبو الناي منذ بداية اللقاء ولم يتم استبداله.

اقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | سوبوسلاي يسجل هدف تعادل ليفربول أمام آيندهوفن

واستطاع ريان أبو الناي أن يساهم بتسجيل هدف لصالح باريس سان جيرمان ليفتتح التسجيل للفريق الفرنسي في الدقيقة 21 من أحداث الشوط الأول، ليصل لهدفه الثاني هذا الموسم ويقود الفريق للتأهل لدور ال16 من المسابقة.

وسيلتقي باريس سان جيرمان للشباب مع تشيلسي يوم الأربعاء 3 ديسمبر 2025 ولكن في بطولة أخرى وهي بطولة كأس البريميرليج الدولية.

For the last three days, one run has been enough to defeat the Cincinnati Reds. And that's exactly what has happened.

Yes indeed, the Reds have lost their last three games by a score of exactly 1–0, falling 1–0 to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday and Wednesday, and opening a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers with another 1–0 loss on Thursday.

According to Stathead, the Reds are the sixth team in MLB history to lose three consecutive games by a score of exactly 1–0, and the first since 1960. The others? The 1908 Brooklyn Superbas, the 1909 St. Louis Browns, the 1909 Washington Nationals, the 1917 Pittsburgh Pirates and the 1960 Philadelphia Phillies.

“They’re trying their [tails] off. Maybe too hard," Reds manager Terry Francona said after the game [via Charlie Goldsmith]. "They’re fighting. We’re not going to have a situation where it’s ‘us’ when we win and ‘they’ when we lose. We’ll do this together. We’ll figure it out together. Nobody is happy about what’s happened the last three games. We’ll figure it out together. I feel strongly about that."

Through seven games, the Reds are 2–5 and sit tied for last place in the NL Central with the Pittsburgh Pirates. They have scored 24 total runs in those seven contests, although over half of that offensive production occurred in a 14–3 win over the Rangers on Monday.

The Reds return to the diamond Friday for a rematch against the Brewers in hopes to plate at least one run. Or perhaps it will be yet again at American Family Field.

Southampton continue their search for a new manager after the sacking of Will Still, with the Saints’ top manager target open to St Mary’s talks.

Despite only arriving in the summer, Still has been relieved of his duties at St Mary’s Stadium, with last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at home to Preston North End leaving them 21st in the Championship table. Southampton Group Technical Director, Johannes Spors, discussed the exit of the 33-year-old, thanking him for his efforts in recent months.

“Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results. Ultimately that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked.

“By making a change now we believe it gives us the best chance of turning things around this season and climbing back up the league table. I would like to thank Will, Ruben, Clement and Carl for their efforts and wish them well for the future.”

It’s now a case of Southampton nailing Still’s successor at the club, with former manager Russell Martin linked with a return to the club, following a disappointing time in charge of Rangers, recently being sacked.

Southampton eyeing Martin to replace Still with Championship rivals also keen Martin keen on sealing Southampton return

According to TEAMtalk, Martin is now Southampton’s top target to take over from Still, making a quick fire return to St Mary’s in the process.

The report states that the 39-year-old is “open to a conversation about returning” to the club, but he is “not the only name in the frame” currently. Michael Carrick and Brendan Rodgers are also mentioned as options, with the pair both out of work after recent stints at Middlesbrough and Celtic, respectively.

Southampton fans are sure to be split over who they want the next manager to be, especially when it comes to Martin, whose tactics divided opinion during his time in charge first time around.

His risk-taking style of play from the back isn’t for everyone, but that said, Pep Guardiola spoke glowingly about his approach and Saints team after his Manchester City side faced them last year.

“When I see the opponent do the things I like to do with my team and they do it really well, I make a compliment. I’m sure I will learn, there were some movements, the reasons why they do things, the movements they make to link to the striker. It’s not easy.”

Martin guided Southampton into the Premier League from the Championship in the past, showing that he knows how to thrive in the division, and there is some sense in sealing a return, in terms of how well he knows the club.

Southampton eyeing Martin to replace Still with Championship rivals also keen

The Saints are searching for a new manager, having dismissed Will Still on Sunday night.

ByDominic Lund Nov 3, 2025

Then again, going with a different option would represent a fresh approach, with both Carrick and Rodgers talented managers who could also shine.

Fast bowler to leave Warwickshire at the end of the season, ending a seven-year stay at Edgbaston

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jul-2025Fast bowler Craig Miles will leave Warwickshire at the end of the season to return to his home club, Gloucestershire, on a three-year deal.Miles, 30, came through Gloucestershire’s academy, making his first team debut as a 16-year-old before departing for Warwickshire at the end of the 2018 summer. He took 134 wickets across all formats for the midlands county, including 37 in their successful 2021 County Championship campaign, at an average of 21.81. Later that summer, he starred in the Bob Willis Trophy Final, taking 5 for 28 in the first innings as Warwickshire beat Lancashire by an innings and 199 runs.In returning to Gloucestershire, Miles will pick back up a record of 313 dismissals from 116 appearances. Though he struggled with injuries at Warwickshire, the seamer has been fit this season but found himself surplus to requirements for their County Championship campaign.He has so far made six appearances in the Vitality Blast for Birmingham Bears, taking five wickets.Reflecting on a return to his boyhood club, Miles said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be coming back to Gloucestershire. The chance to wear the shirt again and represent the Club that played such a massive part in my journey was something I simply couldn’t turn down.”From making my debut as a 16-year-old, to unforgettable wins at the Cheltenham Festival, and that incredible day at Lord’s in 2015 – some of the fondest memories of my career happened whilst playing for Gloucestershire.”Every time I’ve returned to Nevil Road, it’s felt like home, and I can’t wait to be back out there.”I’m hugely excited to work with Mark Alleyne and the coaching team, link up with some familiar faces and old friends, and give everything I’ve got, on and off the field, for the Glorious once again.”Speaking on Miles’ return, head coach Mark Alleyne said: “I very much look forward to welcoming Craig back to Bristol.”He left as a precocious talent and returns with a strong body of work on the first-class stage. His experience will be invaluable as we rebuild a formidable attack to compete in Division One. If we’re unsuccessful this year, his presence for that push in 2026 will be savoured.”As an all-format player, he will add great quality across the seasons to come.”

يشهد ملعب اللقاء في بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا المقامة في قطر، مواجهة مثيرة تجمع بين منتخب مصر وهايتي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات.

وافتتح منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا مشواره في البطولة بأداء هجومي قوي، حيث تمكن من التقدم مبكرًا بهدف في الدقيقة الثالثة عن طريق بلال عطية، الذي أودع الكرة في الشباك بعد تمريرة عرضية متقنة من حمزة عبد الكريم، ليمنح الفراعنة الصغار بداية مثالية في المونديال.

طالع.. فيديو | بلال عطية يُسجل هدف منتخب مصر الأول أمام هايتي

وواصل المنتخب المصري ضغطه، ليضيف عبد العزيز الزغبي الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 11 بتسديدة قوية من داخل منطقة الجزاء، عزز بها تفوق الفريق وأشعل حماس الجماهير المصرية في المدرجات.

طالع أيضًا.. فيديو | عبد العزيز الزغبي يسجل هدف منتخب مصر الثاني أمام هايتي

لكن منتخب هايتي نجح في تقليص الفارق سريعًا، بعدما سجل اللاعب بير نيكولاي هدفًا في الدقيقة 20 من تسديدة قوية سكنت شباك الحارس عمر عبد العزيز، ليعيد الإثارة للمباراة ويشعل أجواء اللقاء من جديد.

وتُقام البطولة خلال الفترة من 3 إلى 27 نوفمبر 2025، بمشاركة أبرز المنتخبات العالمية في الفئة العمرية تحت 17 عامًا، حيث يسعى منتخب مصر لتقديم مستوى يليق بتاريخه والعودة إلى ساحة المنافسة العالمية بعد غياب طويل.

ويقع الفراعنة الصغار في المجموعة الخامسة إلى جانب إنجلترا، فنزويلا، وهايتي، في مجموعة قوية يأمل المنتخب الوطني أن تكون بوابته نحو التأهل إلى الأدوار الإقصائية ومواصلة المنافسة على اللقب. هدف هايتي الأول أمام مصر في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

هدف|
هايتي يقلص الفارق 1-2 امام مصر … عن طريق اللاعب بيرنكولاي عند الدقيقة 20 #U17WC #كأس_العالم_تحت_17_سنة #قنوات_الكاس || #منصة_شوف pic.twitter.com/RrBCpk5esZ — قنوات الكاس (@AlkassTVSports) November 4, 2025

Keaton Jennings has stepped down as Lancashire red-ball captain with immediate effect, with the club sitting bottom of Division Two in the County Championship. Marcus Harris, the club’s Australian overseas signing, will take over as interim captain.Lancashire are winless after five games of the Championship season, having drawn four and lost one. They succumbed to a three-day defeat against Northamptonshire at the weekend, prompting the club’s management to issue an apology to supporters on Tuesday morning, in which director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, described their form as “not acceptable” and said Lancashire would “make necessary changes” to improve the situation.That has led to Jennings relinquishing the captaincy in Championship cricket, although he will continue to lead the Blast side. Appointed in 2023, he was the team’s leading first-class run-scorer last year, with 1006 at 45.72, but couldn’t prevent relegation. So far this season, he has made 337 runs at 33.70 with two half-centuries.Related

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• Harrison spins it for Northants after Sanderson onslaught

“It’s been a huge honour to lead Lancashire Cricket in the Championship over the last couple of seasons, a club with rich history that I hold dear to my heart,” Jennings said. “This has not been an easy decision, however after reflection and conversations with the management, I believe the team will benefit from a change of captaincy.”My passion and commitment to serving Lancashire has not and will never change. Our current position in the table is not reflective of our commitment as a team and club to winning. I recognise the best way for me to serve the club is to continue to score big runs at the top of the order and put in match-winning contributions. I feel as though the team will benefit from this change and it will help to drive us forward.”I will of course provide Marcus with as much support as he wants throughout the rest of the County Championship. I know that the team is focused on our collective goal of getting Lancashire back to winning four-day cricket.”Harris is currently the leading Championship run-scorer in either division with 749 at 83.22, including three hundreds. He will be assisted in charge of the red-ball team by vice-captain, Josh Bohannon, and James Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker who is expected to make his first appearance of the season in the next round of games, starting on Friday.Chilton added: “Keaton has given his total commitment to the captaincy since taking over in 2023 and remains a key figure in the dressing room.”His experience and professionalism will continue to be invaluable, and I would like to thank Keaton for his service as Lancashire’s County Championship captain in recent years. We hope that the change in captaincy will allow him to concentrate fully on his batting and take some weight off his shoulders.”Marcus will provide an alternative perspective to leadership and, although relatively new to the group, he has worked with Dale [Benkenstein] before, and everyone has seen his impact on the team’s performance in the first five games of this season. We are also hopeful that James Anderson can get back on the field adding vast experience and leadership into the side.”Lancashire’s head coach Dale Benkenstein is under growing pressure•Getty Images

Foremost among Lancashire’s issues so far this season has been an inability to take wickets at home – in three games at Emirates Old Trafford, they have only bowled the opposition out once. Their next two fixtures are against Derbyshire, at home, and Leicestershire, currently second and first respectively in Division Two.John Abrahams, chair of the cricket development committee, said the board retained faith in the coaches, led by Dale Benkenstein.”The Lancashire Cricket Board remains fully behind the coaching group, and we want members to know that the club will do whatever the cricket department needs to effect change quickly,” Abrahams said. “We continually look at different ways we can improve the squad, whether that be loan or permanent additions to the squad.”We are also working closely with the grounds team to look at how we can perform better at Emirates Old Trafford, having experienced the challenging conditions to bowl teams out twice.”I’d like to thank the members for their continued support of the club, and we all hope to see a change of fortunes for the team in the next couple of weeks in the County Championship, ahead of the Vitality Blast starting at the end of this month.”