The Supreme Court ruled that the BCB can make changes to the constitution, without outside interference from the National Sports Council
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jul-2017BCB president Nazmul Hassan has called for swift elections after the Supreme Court ruled that the board can amend its constitution without interference from the National Sports Council, the government regulatory body for sports. The Supreme Court said the National Sports Council has no authority in amending the BCB constitution.A three-member bench of the Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, passed the order after disposing the appeal that was filed against a High Court verdict that declared an amendment to BCB’s constitution, made by the National Sports Council, as illegal on January 27, 2013. On the following day, an appeal to stay the order was granted by the High Court.In November 2012, former BCB director Mobasher Hossain and Yusuf Jamil Babu filed a writ at the Dhaka High Court, challenging the legality of the BCB constitution’s amendment.”We are waiting to receive a copy of the full verdict but the case has been dismissed,” Hassan said. “From what we have heard, it has been a very positive verdict for Bangladesh cricket. Now we have to quickly announce dates for AGM and EGM to make changes to the constitution.”The court will issue directives and make some observations about the authority of the BCB and the NSC in a full judgment, which will be released later.
Liverpool are on the hunt for another midfielder after securing the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, and a new update has emerged on a potential move for a familiar transfer target.
What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Aurelien Tchouameni?
According to The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe, Liverpool have reignited their interest in Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni this summer.
Bascombe claims that Tchouameni is the player Jurgen Klopp would want to sign if he was made available by Los Blancos, which is likely to depend on their potential signing of Kylian Mbappe, with Tchouameni's sale able to boost funds in order to secure the Paris Saint-Germain star's signature.
Did Liverpool bid for Tchouameni?
Tchouameni will be a well-known player to the Anfield faithful after Liverpool made the Frenchman their top midfield target last summer, however, an approach from their Champions League rivals was too tempting for the player to refuse.
In the summer of 2022, the Reds reportedly agreed personal terms with Tchouameni, but within weeks, he was confirmed as a Real Madrid player in a €100m (£86.5m) deal.
It was then reported last month that Liverpool have made a €55m (£47m) bid to tempt him away from Spain, however, it is short of expectations, with Florentino Perez demanding an eye-watering fee of €80m (£69m).
Indeed, it would be a substantial investment for FSG to sanction this summer after spending over £95m already, but with both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson set to depart for the Saudi Pro League this summer, it could be a move that sets up Liverpool's midfield for many years to come.
Tchouameni is one of the hottest young prospects in Europe, ranking in the top 1% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for pass completion and interceptions, as well as ranking in the top 11% for aerial duels won and clearances, demonstrating strong midfield traits that could make him not only the perfect Henderson replacement, but also a great partner for Mac Allister.
When comparing the 23-year-old's output with the Liverpool skipper's last season, Tchouameni comfortably outperformed the England midfielder in a number of key attributes, including pass completion (92.8% v 83%), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.51 v 0.30), successful take-ons (71.8% v 52.2%), percentage of tacklers dribbled (60.5% v 41.7%) and aerial duels won (66.7% v 52.4%).
In terms of building a partnership with Mac Allister, the former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder's connection with Moises Caicedo became an unstoppable force on the south coast last season, which ultimately played a huge part in the Seagulls' qualification for European football.
As per FBref, Caicedo is named as one of the most comparable players to Tchouameni over the last 12 months, with the pair sharing similarities in their pass completion (92.8% v 88.5%), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.47 v 2.52) and progressive passes per 90 (6.32 v 6.28), suggesting that Mac Allister could thrive alongside the France international, too.
With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Liverpool to sign Tchouameni this summer – he has previously been hailed as a "ridiculous talent" by journalist Josh Bunting – and if they could secure a deal with Real Madrid, it would deliver Klopp a full midfield rebuild ahead of next season.
India will miss Yuvraj Singh, who is recovering from viral fever, and Rohit Sharma, who will join the team on match day when they face New Zealand in their first Champions Trophy warm-up match on Sunday
Nagraj Gollapudi27-May-2017Yuvraj Singh and Rohit Sharma will miss India’s first Champions Trophy warm-up match, against New Zealand on Sunday. Yuvraj is down with viral fever, while Rohit will join the squad on Sunday. Both are expected to be ready for India’s second warm-up match, against Bangladesh on May 30.Yuvraj and Rohit were the only two players to miss the two training sessions India have had in the last two days: Friday, at Lord’s, and Saturday, at The Oval.The BCCI sent out a medical update on Yuvraj, stating he was making “steady progress” after he woke up feeling crook on Friday morning. After undergoing tests, Yuvraj was advised rest. “The BCCI Medical Team confirms that Indian allrounder Yuvraj Singh who is presently down with viral fever is making steady progress,” a media release said. “There are no major health concerns and he is recuperating well, to the satisfaction of the medical team.”Rohit had got permission from the team management to attend a family wedding on Saturday. He was booked on a late night flight to join the team the next day.After the two warm-ups, India will travel to Birmingham, where they play Pakistan in their first match on June 4.
Manchester United are reportedly in the mix to sign Netherlands international, Xavi Simons this summer, with it looking as if manager Erik ten Hag could be set to utilise his Dutch connections once again in order to bring the youngster to Old Trafford.
What is the latest on Simons to Man United?
According to L'Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi, the Red Devils are believed to be a "serious" option to land the 20-year-old ahead of next season, with the one-time Barcelona ace potentially set to be up for grabs on a loan deal this summer.
Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed: "And be careful, if Leipzig is well ahead. Manchester United – who already wanted the player at PSV – are also among the serious suitors."
The promising playmaker is set to re-join former club Paris Saint-Germain following an impressive season in the Eredivisie at PSV Eindhoven, with the Ligue 1 outfit ready to trigger their reported £5m buy-back clause in order to snap up the in-demand ace.
As per Tanzi, however, it would appear that a temporary exit away from the Parc des Princes is set to be the next step for the 5 foot 10 gem, with United in the race alongside Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig, at present.
How good is Xavi Simons?
The Amsterdam native is likely to have piqued the interest of Ten Hag following what was a stunning 2022/23 campaign in Eindhoven, with the five-cap sensation having proven himself to be a truly "fantastic talent" amid what was a "fantastic season", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Having been restricted to just 11 appearances at first-team level during his prior stint at PSG – where his chance of game time was hampered by the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe – the £51m-rated ace more than took his chance last term, having contributed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games in all competitions.
With Ten Hag believed to be keen to acquire a forward who can play all across the front line, alongside the signing of a new number nine, the capture of Simons – who has been dubbed a "top talent" by Kulig – could then represent a perfect option for the former Ajax boss, due to his impressive versatility.
Man United's Jadon Sancho
That addition could also prove to be an upgrade on Jadon Sancho at the Theatre of Dreams, with the Englishman seemingly on "borrowed time" in Manchester, according to treble winner, Dwight Yorke.
The former Borussia Dortmund trickster has scored just 12 goals and contributed only six assists in 79 games in total for United over the past two seasons, with Ten Hag believed to be growing 'increasingly impatient' with the 23-year-old, as per Manchester Evening News.
The duo's contrasting form can be seen by the fact that while Sancho recorded just six goals and three assists in the Premier League last term, Simons' 2022/23 campaign proved far more fruitful as he registered 19 goals and eight assists in the Eredivisie.
The latter man's superior creative quality is also shown by the fact that he created 11 'big chances' in contrast to just six for Sancho last term, while his average match rating of 7.52, as per Sofascore, was also far more impressive than that of his United counterpart (6.85).
Not only that, but Simons also appears to be more adept at beating his man having averaged 2.2 successful dribbles per game, while the one-time Manchester City man averaged just 1.3 for that same metric last term, ensuring he could offer a far more dynamic and direct threat from the flanks.
As such, if Ten Hag is looking to improve on the struggling Sancho this summer, then the 53-year-old should certainly consider snapping up his dazzling fellow Dutchman.
Liverpool are having "concrete" talks to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to a key update from reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg.
How much does Romeo Lavia earn?
The 19-year-old is arguably one of the most talked-about young player in the country at the moment, having caught the eye with his performances for Saints last season, despite their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship, finishing bottom of the table in the process.
Lavia, who currently earns £38,000 per week at St Mary's Stadium, was a commanding presence in front of the defence, starting 26 league games and averaging 2.1 tackles per match, outperforming almost everyone around him, despite his tender years.
It seems clear that the Belgian will not be a Southampton player once the 2023/24 season gets underway, however, with a move to one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League clubs seemingly on the cards. Liverpool have emerged as one of the front-runners to snap up the teenager, but they are far from alone in expressing an interest, with rivals such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle all thought to be in the mix.
The Reds are perhaps still in need of signing one more midfielder this summer, despite Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai already arriving at Anfield, and it does look as though Lavia is now their primary target to add to the squad.
What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Liverpool?
Reports over the weekend suggested talks had started between the Reds and Southampton, and now taking to Twitter, Sky Germany's Plettenberg has revealed the manager's personal desire to sign the player, confirming there are "ongoing" negotiations:
"Talks between Liverpool & Lavia are concrete and ongoing. Understand there is no agreement in terms of salary conditions yet.
"As reported: His price tag is around £50m. Klopp wants him! Very press resistant player – even in high pressure situations, he loses the ball only once out of 10 times."
This is a hugely encouraging update regarding Liverpool's pursuit of Lavia, with the player himself seemingly keen on the idea of moving to Merseyside, despite them missing out on Champions League qualification last season. The lure of working with Jurgen Klopp is certainly a massive positive for the Reds, given the German's reputation as one of the outstanding managers of his generation, and he seems keen on signing the Saints ace.
The one-time capped Belgium international is someone who could be viewed as Fabinho's long-term successor in the No.6 role, with the Brazilian turning 30 later this year and arguably being past his very best, so he could arrive at Anfield as a squad player, before eventually becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.
Pep Guardiola has called Lavia "incredible" in the recent past, with the midfielder leaving Manchester City last summer in order to enjoy regular football elsewhere, and he could give Liverpool's long-term midfield a perfect balance, sitting behind the likes of Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, and combining a potent mix of tackling excellent and quality on the ball in defensive midfield to perfection, especially as he matures as a player.
A record-breaking innings from Mark Pettini helped Leicestershire to a crushing 103-run victory over Warwickshire at Grace Road.
George Dobell at Grace Road02-May-2017 ScorecardMark Pettini plundered Warwickshire’s attack•Getty ImagesA record-breaking innings from Mark Pettini helped Leicestershire to a crushing 103-run victory over Warwickshire at Grace Road.Pettini thrashed the highest score by a Leicestershire batsman against a first-class county in the club’s List A history. It was also Leicestershire’s highest score against a first-class county and the second-highest score ever conceded by Warwickshire in List A cricket.Pettini won excellent support from the home-grown pair of Tom Wells, who registered his maiden one-day half-century and finished with career-best bowling figures, and Aadil Ali, who made his second half-century in succession. Both took full advantage of a fine batting surface – the same one used for Sunday’s defeat against Worcestershire in which 680 were scored – and a jaded attack, suggesting they had the ability to carve out successful careers at this level.Sam Hain made a polished 103 in reply. But from the moment Dieter Klein trapped William Porterfield, beaten by a ball that swung from leg to middle and hit him on the boot, and Jonathan Trott, edging one that swung the other way to take his outside edge, in his first spell there was only going to be one winner.Ian Bell drove to cover and though Tim Ambrose helped Hain add 118 for the fourth wicket, when the pair fell within a couple of overs of one another – Hain courtesy of an outrageously good diving catch from Ali – Warwickshire’s reply fell away. They lost their last six wickets for the addition of only 14 runs and their last five in the space of 15 balls. It was their second chastening defeat in two days and means their defence of their title is already hanging by a thread.On paper, this should hardly have been a contest. It featured, after all, last year’s champions against a team who finished eighth in their group. Not only that, but it featured a side containing six players with international experience at the highest level against a side which featured one man who had played international cricket and was missing its two first-choice seamers (Ben Raine and Clint McKay) due to injury.And it’s true, it was hardly a contest. From the moment Leicestershire’s openers plundered 72 from the first seven overs of the game, Warwickshire looked just a little slow, just a little tired, just a little old. In the field, with the ball and with the bat, they failed to match the athleticism of their unheralded rivals. You could easily be forgiven for mistaking which was the team from the Test-hosting ground and which was the unfancied small club with only two List A wins in the whole of 2016.Pettini, fed over-pitched deliveries at the start of his innings, drove gloriously and, when Warwickshire pulled back their length, cut savagely. Able to hit anything of good length over the top and on a surface offering no assistance to the spinners, Warwickshire had no answer.It was, in fairness, the sort of pitch that makes a bowler wish they’d become a plumber, a butcher or a Big Issue seller. But it was noticeable that, while Warwickshire’s medium-paced attack could get nothing out of the surface, Leicestershire’s extra pace asked a few more questions of the batsmen. Gavin Griffiths finished with career-best bowling figures.So while it’s true that Pettini’s timing was beautiful and the pitch was merciless, this was not a performance that many of the Warwickshire bowlers – or fielders – will look back on with any joy. Bereft of the pace to force the batsmen onto the back foot – anything short was dispatched – and reluctant to rely on the yorker with the straight boundaries much shorter than the square ones, they instead relied upon slower deliveries. But when the stock delivery is slow, the effect is diluted. Really, Leicestershire’s batsmen just waited and plundered.It is hardly surprising then that Warwickshire have recently made the first of their 28-day approaches to players coming out of contract at other clubs by the end of the season. Tom Kohler-Cadmore, of Worcestershire, is one target but they require bowlers as well as batsmen. They have the money to recruit, but attracting players to Edgbaston has not, historically, been easy. They have also announced a new partnership with Staffordshire Cricket, hoping to attract their best young players into their development system.As for Leicestershire, they seem to be finding a pleasing mix of youth and experience in their side this season. Whereas last year the balance veered too much towards experience, the new coach, Pierre de Bruyn, has seen the importance of creating opportunities for home-grown youngsters alongside a few experienced pros.Zak Chappell finished wicketless, but he has pace and potential that any club would relish, while the catch taken by Ali to end Hain’s innings was the highlight of the match. Running every bit of 30 yards from mid-on to long-on, somehow keeping his eye on the ball despite the floodlights and the proximity of the boundary, he clung on to an almost impossible, diving chance. If there’s a better catch taken this season, it will be quite some spectacle.It was not a perfect day for Leicestershire. Staging this as a day-night match in response to feedback from potential spectators who suggested they could be attracted to come after work, they were unfortunate to find the evening bitterly cold. Few, if any, of the 450 schoolchildren offered free tickets stayed until for the late ending (it is a school night, after all) and few of working age took advantage of the cheap – or even free – tickets available for the second innings. Leicestershire remains a club fighting for relevance in its community.But if they play like this, if they field a team that represents the community and offers hope to young local players, if they continue to reach out to potential spectators, they have a chance. This was a heartening evening that suggested, for the huge amount of ground they have to make-up, they are heading in the right direction.
Offspinner Mehedi Hasan has earned his first senior call-up to the Bangladesh limited-overs squad
Mohammad Isam23-Mar-2017Nineteen-year-old offspinner Mehedi Hasan has been called into Bangladesh’s ODI squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka that starts on March 25. This is the first senior call-up for Mehedi in the limited-overs format. His addition means the squad now comprises 17 members, and it remains to be seen if he gets picked in the XI for the first ODI in Dambulla.Mehedi was Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in the Test series against Sri Lanka with 10 scalps, and has so far played seven Tests, taking 35 wickets at an average of 31.80. He had travelled back to Dhaka from Colombo with the other Test players not in the ODI squad, and will now return to Colombo today.Mehedi has 27 wickets in as many List-A matches, having last played for Kalabagan Cricket Academy in the Dhaka Premier League last year. Mehedi was initially selected in the Bangladesh U-23 squad for the upcoming ACC Emerging Nations Cup, but has now been replaced by U-19 spinner Naeem Hasan.Bangladesh ODI squad: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Subashis Roy, Sunzamul Islam, Shuvagata Hom, Nurul Hasan, Mehedi Hasan
Tottenham Hotspur seem to be closing in on yet another fine addition to bolster Ange Postecoglou's team…
What's the latest on Micky van de Ven to Tottenham Hotspur?
That's according to The Mirror's John Cross, who took to his Twitter to detail an update on their pursuit of Micky van de Ven.
The Dutch defender has been linked with a north London switch for a few weeks now, but only yesterday was a breakthrough seemingly reached.
Writing on Twitter, the journalist detailed the specifics: "Tottenham are set to sign Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven in a £30m deal."
How good is Micky van de Ven?
Although a relative unknown the 22-year-old has been a stalwart for Wolfsburg recently. In tempting this star from such a club, perhaps they will also mimic Manchester City's success when they acquired Kevin De Bruyne from the German outfit.
Having just won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League within one season, Pep Guardiola has once again written himself into the history books as a record-breaking manager who has completed a feat only done in England once before.
At the heart of that success was the Belgian creator, who has been an integral cog of the vast success earned at the Etihad in recent years.
Across all competitions last term he posted ten goals and a further 31 assists, adding even more silverware to his already sprawling cabinet. The 32-year-old has now won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five EFL Cups and that coveted European trophy too since moving.
It might seem unfathomable for anyone to match such success, but Postecoglou will surely have grand ambitions of forging a dynasty of his own in north London.
Van de Ven could mark the platform with which this success could be attained, as a defensive pillar with all the key attributes to hold down the Australian's back line for the next decade.
Last year in the Bundesliga, he would maintain a 6.85 average rating, upheld through his 88% pass accuracy, 70% dribble success rate, 1.4 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.
For comparison, the latter figure would have seen him rank as the third-best in that field within Spurs' squad, with his pass completion again making him joint third-best of those who have played more than five games.
kevin-de-bruyne-manchester-city
However, it is not merely his technical assets that would allow him to shine. His physical attributes make him something of an anomaly, as despite standing at 6 foot 4 he also boasts frightening speed.
Marcel Schäfer, Wolfsburg’s managing director for sport, sought to detail this: "Left foot, extreme speed, plays every second. Micky [has performed] consistently very well throughout the season. He’s a player with huge potential and this season in particular has shown incredible development, playing himself into the spotlight with his performances."
The future is bright for this young defender, and perhaps a move to England under a coach that would help skyrocket his career would only bolster the fine foundations of this future star.
If he is to have half the success De Bruyne has earned in Manchester since moving from Wolfsburg, he would still be considered a wild success in north London.
Sunderland will fight tooth and nail to hold on to Ross Stewart this summer it seems, with Kristjaan Speakman telling The Athletic that he is "keen" to hold on to the forward and reach fresh terms with the player.
How many goals has Ross Stewart scored for Sunderland?
The 26-year-old struggled to get onto the field too frequently for the Black Cats in 2022/23, with the striker having to drop out of the side due to injury issues. It meant that the Championship side had to try and claim a promotion without him and whilst they were able to climb into the play-off places in his absence, they ultimately faltered and fell out of the competition to eventual winners Luton.
Still, the attacker bagged himself ten goals in just 13 league outings and with three assists to boot, it meant he ended the campaign with a goal contribution rate of 1.12 per 90 – the best of his career.
Sunderland striker Ross Stewart.
Prior to that, he fired Sunderland to glory in League One with 24 goals in 46 third tier games. It means that since his move to the Stadium of Light, he has never failed to hit a double digit goal tally when he starts ten games or more. It shows how prolific the striker has been for the club and how big of a miss he was when he did have to sit out of fixtures last season.
Are Sunderland selling Ross Stewart?
Now, with the club awaiting potential interest in Stewart's services, Speakman has once more reiterated his side's desire to keep hold of the Scotland man.
Speaking via The Athletic, the Black Cats' sporting director stated that they are "really keen" to keep hold of the forward but that they "haven't got to an agreement" on fresh terms at the club yet. However, in a boost for Sunderland fans, he also added that it seems the player himself would "like to stay" with the Championship outfit.
As yet though, no fresh contract has been agreed and it means he may still be the subject of interest at some point this window, but "that's our private business," says Speakman.
He revealed: "The situation is no different to where we have been: we are really keen to retain Ross and everything from his camp is that he’d like to stay. But we haven’t got to an agreement that both parties would like to sign off.
"Externally that can seem strange, but we don’t think it is – Dennis Cirkin re-signed last week and we have been speaking to him about his contract for maybe six months."
Any interest would come as no surprise though. Having not struggled to adapt to the second tier, as showcased by his ten goals, the forward has proven he is well capable of finding the back of the net in the Championship.
In fact, the praise has continually been heaped on Stewart since his switch to Sunderland, with journalist and Black Cats fan Josh Bunting stating that the striker is "outstanding" after his performances on Wearsdie. His goals record also displays this, and he truly stepped up to the plate in attack for the club since his transfer – and it is therefore no wonder that the second tier outfit are so desperate to hold onto the Scotland player.
South Africa coach Russell Domingo believes Seddon Park will offer a good wicket, and has pointed out that the dryness will bring reverse-swing into play in the third Test
Firdose Moonda22-Mar-2017One member of the South African touring party strode out to the Seddon Park square and lifted a blanket-like grey cover from the surface it was covering. He pulled a face as though he had just smelled something odd. As he walked back, he muttered, “That isn’t even prepared,” to another member of the South African touring party, who also examined the bit under the blanket. He pulled an even worse face.In the minutes that followed, a few more away players had been to the same spot, where the cover had been removed to reveal a patchy brown strip. Strangely, they were all smiling. The mottled pitch where they first thought the third Test would be played on was not the battleground after all; the green-one next to it was.”That doesn’t look like a dust bowl, it looks a good wicket,” Russell Domingo, South Africa’s coach said.The Test pitch looks more like the wickets New Zealand played on earlier this summer and less like the spinners’ deck they were set to prepare. Without a doubt, it will change in colour and grass covering as the match draws closer and it may yet prove spin-friendly, especially as it is on the slower side of the block. But for now, South Africa are fairly happy with what they see. They know Hamilton is a crafty venue that way. There are two blocks, one which has fast pitches, and one with slower ones. New Zealand decide which block they play on. Then the groundstaff get to preparing the surface – the team doesn’t intervene.For the Pakistan Test in November, New Zealand opted to play on the faster side and asked for a green top. They were put in and scored a respectable 271 before dismissing Pakistan for 216 and then 230, after setting them a target of 369.For the ODI against Australia, matters moved to a slower surface. So much so that New Zealand included Ish Sodhi in their squad in anticipation – they didn’t play him though. They scored 281 for 9 and bowled Australia out for 257 to win the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.New Zealand moved back to the faster side for the first ODI against South Africa last month although the highlights reel may not reveal that. In a rain-reduced 34-over affair, the ball turned significantly in what de Villiers called the “toughest conditions I have ever played in”, but groundsman Karl Johnson explained that was an anomaly, mostly caused by wet weather in the lead-up to the match.Hamilton was given the fourth ODI as well because Napier’s McLean Park was in urgent need of remedial work and by the time the series reached that stage, New Zealand needed to win to stay alive. They opted to take grass off the pitch to favour spin, brought Jeetan Patel back into the XI and restricted South Africa to 279 for 8 before Martin Guptill’s 180 took the game away. Mission accomplished.This Test will be the fifth international played at the venue this season and Domingo expects that the wear and tear, rather than testing South Africa against spin, could favour them in another department. “The main thing is that reverse swing is going to come into the game. It looks pretty dry – the square. They have played a lot of cricket here and there are a lot of used pitches which assist reverse-swing, we’ve got some good exponents of [reverse swing],” he said.Morne Morkel has been the latest to make use of reverse-swing and South Africa even managed to find some in damp Dunedin. The threat of rain through this Test won’t play too much on their minds, except that if conditions remain muggy, they may also be able to turn to conventional swing.Then there is the prospect of Vernon Philander, who took 10 wickets the last time South Africa were in Hamilton. Philander has flown under the radar in this series because he has not collected bags of wickets, but the strangling role he has played has been important to the team.”When Vernon hasn’t been playing in our side, he is probably the bowler that’s been the most sorely missed because of the control he brings,” Domingo said. “He is a very skillful cricketer. He has contributed in every single game. It might not be showing in the column with the wickets but in terms of controlling the game and building pressure, he has been our leader,” Domingo said.Which is why South Africa will be looking for something similar from Philander this time. Apart from securing a series win, South Africa have some added incentive to ensure they don’t go down to New Zealand in Hamilton. As long as they draw or win the Test, and if Australia lose in Dharamsala, they will go up to No.2 on the rankings, a remarkable turnaround from the No.7 spot they started at in August. No matter how much they say all that matters is the next game, there’s no doubt their slide stung and the prospect of pushing for the mace again beckons.”It’s something we want to get to but our focus is on this game. We want to get up the rankings again. We know what it’s like to be at No.7, we were there only a few months ago. We find ourselves at No.3 now so we are a work in progress,” Domingo said.