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Wolves were heavily linked with signing Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott in January and it seems as if the Old Gold missed a trick in not bringing him to Molineux after he starred against Manchester City in the FA Cup this week.

Should Wolves have signed Alex Scott?

John Percy of The Telegraph revealed in January that Wolves were in talks with the Robins over a potential deal for the teenager but weren’t willing to meet the Championship side’s £25m price tag.

That price tag only looks likely to increase after Scott showed just what he is capable of in front of the television cameras, with the 19-year-old impressive despite the 3-0 loss against Pep Guardiola’s side.

The former Barcelona boss was certainly complimentary of Scott in his post-match conference, labelling him an “unbelievable player.”

Henry Winter, the chief football editor for The Times, was also wowed by the England U20 international’s performance at Ashton Gate.

He said: What a talent Alex Scott is. I covered him in the Eng U19s Euro triumph last summer and he’s even better now, flourishing at Ashton Gate and totally fearless against MCFC. Ex-Isthmian League. Destined for the Premier League.”

Despite his tender age, Scott has been a regular in Bristol City’s first team for two years now, with 81 senior appearances under his belt, in which he has contributed five goals and seven assists.

This season has seen the Englishman make 32 appearances in the Championship, contributing four assists and earning a 6.84 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which would rank him as the third-best performer at Wolves if he had replicated those performances in Old Gold colours.

Considering no player at Molineux has managed more than two assists in the Premier League this season, Julen Lopetegui could have definitely used a player of Scott’s creativity in his side.

Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool saw Wolves once again fail to find the back of the net in the top flight, with Lopetegui’s outfit still ranked as the joint-lowest scorers in the division.

With Ruben Neves (potential transfer) and Joao Moutinho (contract expiry) both looking likely to depart Molineux for different reasons in the summer, a talented young midfielder such as Scott could have been the ideal signing in January.

After another strong display which has earned the Bristol City man a lot of media attention, he may now be destined for bigger things than Wolves, while his January asking price only looks likely to rise further.

Therefore, the Old Gold arguably missed a trick by not signing Scott in the winter transfer window.

Glasgow Rangers have endured their poorest start to the season in recent years as Michael Beale has led the Ibrox side to just four wins from nine games thus far, with one coming against second tier Greenock Morton.

The Gers have already exited the Champions League at the playoff round while suffering an underwhelming 1-0 defeat to Celtic in the first Old Firm game of the season.

It isn’t the time to panic, yet with important matches against St Johnstone and Real Betis to come following the international break, the pressure is currently mounting on Beale to rejuvenate the team.

With nine summer arrivals, the club underwent their biggest overhaul in years, yet the 43-year-old has still to find the ideal system in which to get these new signings firing.

The club desperately need a leader that will increase the standards at the Glasgow side, and despite his attacking contributions in recent years, James Tavernier has only led the club to one Premiership title and a Scottish Cup triumph, nowhere near good enough.

What the supporters would give to have a player like Barry Ferguson back in the starting XI, raising the standards to the levels expected and leading the club to trophies.

When did Barry Ferguson make his debut for Rangers?

The youngster grew up watching his elder brother, Derek, turn out for the Ibrox side under Graeme Souness and the younger Ferguson finally got his first taste of senior action under the late Walter Smith in May 1997, shortly after the Gers had secured their ninth league title in a row.

Having been edged into the first team picture slowly, Dick Advocaat saw him as a crucial part of the team and even made him captain in 2000 when he was just 22 following a poor start to the season, signifying just how important he was turning out to be for the club.

How much did Rangers sell Barry Ferguson for?

The midfielder really came to the fore under Alex McLeish during the second half of the 2001/02 season and was immense during the 2002 Scottish Cup final, scoring a stunning free kick to draw the game level before Peter Lovenkrands netted a last minute winner.

The very next season was to be his most productive at the Light Blues. He captained the team to an iconic treble, claiming the title over Celtic by just a one goal margin while winning both domestic cups and the future looked bright for the player.

During the summer transfer window of 2003, there were rumours circling regarding his future at the club and with mounting debt and the need to reduce the wage bill, McLeish had no choice but to sell Ferguson to Blackburn Rovers for a fee in the region of £7.5m.

In an interview with Simon Ferry on Open Goal (via Glasgow Times), the 45-cap Scotland international claimed it was a mistake moving south of the border.

He said: “The year before there was a couple of clubs who were interested in me. I wasn’t interested in leaving, to be honest with you. A couple of clubs came in, but I kind of just let the club deal with it, I didn’t want it to play on my mind.

“But the club needed a bit of money at that stage and Blackburn met the valuation. I knew that week leading up to the Copenhagen game that that was my last game.

“Did I want to leave? In hindsight I probably shouldn’t have left, I should have stayed another season. I went down to speak to them and I knew as soon as I signed, I knew a week later I’d made a mistake. It didn’t feel right.”

What happened to Barry Ferguson after he left Rangers?

A fee of £7.5m was impressive business for a player who had cost nothing, yet his career failed to take off at Blackburn, and he was back in a Rangers' jersey within 18 months of leaving – with the Old Firm giants having to fork out just €6.5m (£5.5m) to seal that reunion.

From January 2005 to May 2009, Ferguson became the linchpin of a new-look Gers side who went on to win two league titles along with four domestic cups and following a dramatic last day of the 2008/09 campaign in which Rangers secured their first title since 2005, Ferguson left to join Birmingham City, managed by McLeish.

Ferguson went on to win the League Cup for the club, defeating Arsenal following a late winner and the former Gers manager praised him during his spell in the Midlands, saying: "We've asked him to change a little bit since coming to Birmingham and Lee Bowyer has taken the lion's share of the goals.

"But that was vintage Barry against Forest and the run forward, and the finish for the goal was exemplary. It was a good finish and in the second half he was very commanding in the game for us.

"He was very instrumental in us getting the victory with his performance, apart from his goal. He has made a big contribution since he came here."

How many times did Barry Ferguson play for Rangers?

Across his two spells in Glasgow, the former midfielder turned out 428 times for the Light Blues, scoring 60 goals across those appearances.

There is no doubt he is arguably one of the finest ever academy graduates at the club, especially judging by the sheer volume of silverware he won and the number of matches played.

Ferguson – who was dubbed a "leader" by former Rangers defender Marvin Andrews – had to mature quickly when he was appointed as the Rangers captain 23 years ago, yet it was potentially the best thing to happen to him as he began to take a lot more responsibility and led the club to some wonderful moments.

Beale would love a player in the mould of the former Scottish international right now, one who could take games by the scruff of the neck and dictate the play, while also proving to Celtic that Rangers are the finest team in Scotland.

Although the club had to live without him for a brief spell following his sale, the transfer went down as the biggest sale (at the time) in their history, and they certainly hit the jackpot, especially considering he didn’t take long to come back to Scotland.

After the Qalandars suffered their sixth defeat in six matches this season, McCullum suggested that a leadership change might be the best way forward

Umar Farooq09-Mar-2018Brendon McCullum, the Lahore Qalandars captain, has question the execution of his bowlers, and has offered to “offload” his captaincy in a bid to change the fortunes of the side, which has lost all six of its games this season. Effectively, Thursday night’s six-wicket defeat to Islamabad United was Lahore’s eighth straight loss going back to the end of last season. One of the most popular sides in the PSL is set to finish last for the third consecutive season.Lahore have played six different starting XIs this season, with their changes having no effect on their results. The biggest chance they have had was against Islamabad, when they had 163 – their biggest total so far – to defend but ended up losing with 14 balls to spare. With four games remaining Lahore aren’t mathematically out of contention for a spot in the playoffs but their chances are bleak.”Ultimately as captain you’re responsible for the performances. I feel like I’ve done the same things that I do in any team that I’ve led, but unfortunately that hasn’t resonated,” McCullum said. “So that’s the question we’ve got to ask tonight as well – whether it’s better offloading it to someone else and seeing if we can get better results. Doesn’t matter if you’re saying the right things, but if they’re not hitting home or the instructions aren’t being followed, then you’re always going to be pushing it uphill.”Lahore’s batting pattern has been similar throughout, with the openers making solid starts, the middle order collapsing, and the bowlers looking flat. They dropped Umar Akmal, one of their platinum picks, after five successive failures, allowing Anton Devcich to make his PSL debut. He smacked 62 off 42 balls to set up a fighting total. But Islamabad chased it down easily with the help of a 41-ball 77 from Luke Ronchi and Shadab Khan’s 32 off 24. When asked if Lahore’s total was 20 runs short, McCullum shot down the idea, ruing his bowlers’ performance instead.”No, not really. We bowled very poorly,” he said. “I thought it was a very, very good batting performance, set up by Anton Devcich in his first game, and [he] showed how hungry, competitive people are able to prosper. What we did after that, I was really disappointed with, to be honest. It’s not what we’re about and I don’t mind losing, but you expect to be hard to beat. We’ve got some questions to ask tonight and that’s all the way through.”He was particularly unimpressed with the lines they bowled to Ronchi, which he said had deviated from the tactics they had discussed before the match.”You can sit in bowling meetings all you want. You spend an hour today talking about bowling away from Luke Ronchi and then you proceed to run in and bowl at him every single ball, so there’s a disconnect there,” he said. “I don’t know what that is. It’s very hard on the support staff to prepare a team if guys aren’t prepared to listen, but if that’s the case, then we’re going to have to keep making changes, because there are young, enthusiastic guys in our team, which may be an opportunity, especially now since we’re out of the competition.”

Chelsea star Sam Kerr was in attendance at Victoria Road to watch her fiancee Kristie Mewis make her debut for West Ham, where she bagged an assist.

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Mewis makes West Ham debut Fiancee and Chelsea star Kerr watches on USWNT star bags an assist WHAT HAPPENED?

Sam Kerr, who is currently out of action with an ACL injury, attended West Ham United's Women's Super League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday at Victoria Road to watch her fiancee Kristie Mewis make her debut for the Hammers. The United States women's national team star provided an assist in her maiden game, although her team went down 3-4 against the Lilywhites.

Sam Kerr InstagramAdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

After winning the NWSL 2023 title with Gotham FC, Mewis left the American club to join the WSL side last month. The 32-year-old was introduced in the 62nd minute of the match when she replaced Honoka Hayashi. Eight minutes later, from her perfectly weighted free-kick, Amber Tysiak scored the team's third goal to restore parity in the match. Jessica Naz, though later scored a fourth goal to seal three points for Spurs.

DID YOU KNOW

Mewis and Kerr have been engaged since November 2023 after being in a relationship for the past two years. The American player's switch to the London club now puts her in the same city as her fiancee.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR KRISTIE MEWIS?

The former Kansas City star will be next seen in action on Wednesday as her club face Birmingham City in an FA Women's League Cup group stage clash.

Danielle Wyatt recorded the first-ever century by an England batsman in women’s T20Is to set up a record chase in the final T20I, a result that had no bearing on Australia’s hold on the Ashes

The Report by Daniel Brettig21-Nov-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGetty ImagesDanielle Wyatt saw Beth Mooney’s blistering hundred and raised a barnstorming century of her own at Manuka Oval as England took the final Twenty20 match of a series that leaves the Ashes in Australian hands.In a last encounter thrilling for its high-scoring – the highest aggregate in all women’s T20 internationals – but also notable for signs of mental fatigue on both sides after seven matches in less than a month, the hosts seemed content with a tally of 2 for 178 built upon Mooney’s freewheeling 117 from 70 balls.However Wyatt’s response was bolder still, rattling England’s first ever T20I century from 56 deliveries in a victorious chase that was aided not only by captain Heather Knight’s typically mindful contribution, but also the dropping of no fewer than four catches by Australia.In the progression of the women’s game to full professionalism such lapses are likely, much as the advent of domestic T20 tournaments such as the IPL and BBL exposed domestic male players to hitherto unknown pressures from crowds and television cameras.ESPNcricinfo LtdRachael Haynes had been happy to win the toss for Australia as they fought to win the match and so claim the multi-format contest on points, having ensured the safety of the urn in the opening T20 at North Sydney Oval on Friday. Mooney was into stride quickly, taking a heavy toll on the usually exemplary Anya Shrubsole, who was so expensive as to only be called on for three overs costing 36.Alyssa Healy, Elyse Villani and Ellyse Perry all offered support, but it was very much Mooney’s show, backing up her equally arresting display in game one of the T20 matches. It left England with plenty to do, but a warm night under the Canberra lights and an effectively dead rubber as far as the Ashes were concerned gave Wyatt plenty of licence.She needed to show all her ability after three early wickets left England a decidedly wobbly 3 for 30, but a measure of Knight’s leadership was provided by how she did not panic, while also supporting Wyatt in her bolder approach. The dropped chances were telling in terms of mental fatigue, but they also served to let Wyatt carry on until the pursuit was all but completed.Like Shrubsole, the otherwise excellent contributions of Megan Schutt were somewhat sullied by a last game blowout. But the final win for England and the overall result for an Australian side shorn of Meg Lanning due to a shoulder surgery meant both sides could finish the night with happiness of different sorts.

Phil Parkinson has been given a taste of what life is like as Ryan Reynolds, with the Wrexham boss reacting to being asked for selfies in Hollywood.

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Red Dragons have superstar co-ownersAlso boast their own documentary seriesFanbase growing across the worldWHAT HAPPENED?

The 56-year-old coach is a recognisable figure in his native England, having enjoyed considerable success across a productive managerial career that includes four promotions. One of those came with Wrexham last season, as they secured the National League title in record-breaking style, and the Red Dragons are seeing their stock soar around the world.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary put in place by co-owners Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has helped to make that possible – with the Welsh outfit enjoying a pre-season tour of the United States in 2023. Star turns such as Paul Mullin were “papped” during that trip, while Parkinson was stunned to discover just how popular side his have become on the other side of the Atlantic.

WHAT PARKINSON SAID

Speaking to , Parkinson has said of Wrexham’s ever-growing fanbase: “I went on holiday with my wife to Greece, and there were a bunch of Americans in the couple of places we stayed. I was shocked at how many of them had been watching the documentary and were coming to speak to me. Then we went to America for our pre-season tour this summer, and that really did blow us away. It was beyond belief, almost like you had to be there to believe it, just how people had bought into our story. Everywhere we went, the players were getting stopped in the street: walking through Hollywood, people were asking for pictures. It was bizarre!”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Wrexham are growing accustomed to their new-found celebrity status, with their exploits on the field helping to keep a global audience interested. The Red Dragons are flying high in League Two this season, with the intention being to wrap up back-to-back promotions.

Even in the early stages of his career, as he was, ironically enough, scoring his first West Ham United goal against Arsenal, Declan Rice looked destined for the top.

A swift move from centre-back to defensive midfield soon confirmed that future, too, as he took the captain's armband at the London Stadium, before leading the Hammers to Europa Conference League glory, and sealing his exit as a hero.

Now at Arsenal after a reported £105m fee (including add-ons) to sign the midfielder, Rice will look to make winning trophies a crucial habit, rather than an occasional celebratory moment.

Making his Champions League debut in the coming season, and wearing the famous Arsenal colours, Rice is exactly where he once dreamed of being. Or, at least, that's what his social media activity suggests.

Declan Rice proves Arsenal dream with social media activity

If Rice could have time travelled to this very moment of his career, then he'd have gone back to the present and not stepped a single foot out of place, such is the success he has had in the last five years.

Arguably, things couldn't have gone any better for his career, and he knows it, too.

The Arsenal arrival liked an Instagram post, showing a note, which read (via Reddit): "Just remember, 5 years ago, you dreamt about where you are now."

Speaking on joining the club earlier in the summer, Rice told the club website: "I think even growing up, the history of Arsenal – you always hear about the Invincibles, the famous game at Anfield, you see these things all the time. I’ve always known Arsenal as a big club but when I’ve been on holiday and had people coming up to me in London, you don’t realise how big Arsenal is – but now I do.

"Playing against them has always been tough, with the Arsene Wenger way of playing nice football, tiki-taka stuff. Coming to the Emirates has always been really hard. Home games, when I’ve played for West Ham, have always been the games you’ve been up for because it’s been a London rivalry."

How did Declan Rice perform last season?

In an inconsistent season for West Ham, Rice was once again one of the standout players. Securing their Premier League survival, first and foremost, the Hammers then went on to defeat Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final, in one of the best moments in the club's history.

Captaining the club, and lifting European glory, is a dream come true for Rice. Now, though, his focus will be on even bigger honours at Arsenal.

When compared to current Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, Rice looks anything but out of place, too.

According to FBref, the England international had more progressive carries, lost fewer challenges, made more blocks and made more interceptions than Partey last season.

The arrival of Rice certainly gives Mikel Arteta a selection dilemma when it comes to the base of his midfield. Having that competition can only be a good thing, however, especially with the Gunners back in the Champions League, and competing on all fronts once again next season.

South Africa ‘A’ sauntered to their second win in the tri-series, downing Afghanistan ‘A’ by 164 runs in Pretoria

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jul-2017Reeza Hendricks carried his bat through•Getty ImagesReeza Hendricks smashed an unbeaten 173, his ninth List A century, as South Africa ‘A’ crushed Afghanistan ‘A’ by 164 runs in Pretoria to secure their second win of the tri-series.Hendricks, who carried his bat through the innings, struck 14 fours and five sixes in his 145-ball knock as the hosts posted 336 for 5 after being put in to bat. Afghanistan ‘A’ had as many as six batsman crossing double digits, with the highest being Rahmat Shah’s 55 at No. 3. They were bowled out for 172 in 32.2 overs with Tabraiz Shamsi, the left-arm wristspinner, taking 4 for 19.Afghanistan ‘A’ were up against it right from the outset as Hendricks and Henry Davids put on 79 for the opening wicket in 13 overs to set the platform. Mangaliso Mosehle was out for 17 but each of the other batsmen got among the runs. The middle-order lift was provided by Khaya Zondo, the captain, who made a 55-ball 62 during the course of a 135-run stand with Hendricks. The last 15 overs fetched them 144.Afghanistan ‘A’ were rocked early when Dwaine Pretorius struck in the second over to remove Javed Ahmadi. He made it a double-strike by dismissing Usman Ghani in the sixth over. Rahmat hit five fours and a six to raise a half-century, but was trapped lbw by Shamsi to trigger a middle-order slide.Najibullah Zadran (26), Afsar Zazai (24) and Shafiqullah (16) got off to starts but fell to expose the lower order. The innings was wrapped up when Dane Paterson bowled last man Fareed Ahmad to finish with three wickets.Afghanistan ‘A’ have now lost both their matches in the tri-series. They take on India ‘A’ in their next outing on August 1 at the same venue – the LC de Villiers Oval.

ESPNcricinfo previews the third T20I between England and South Africa at Cardiff

The Preview by Alan Gardner24-Jun-2017Match FactsJune 25, 2017
Start time 2.30pm local (1330 GMT)Andile Phehlukwayo sealed South Africa’s dramatic win in Taunton to level the series•Getty ImagesBig PictureIf the character and fortitude of the tourists were at all in question after their thumping in the first T20 (not to mention a dismal Champions Trophy), South Africa delivered an emphatic riposte in Taunton. Jason Roy’s dismissal for obstructing the field took the focus but the real story was of a tenacious fightback, inspired by a fired-up Chris Morris, to level the series at 1-1.England had appeared to be cruising to another comprehensive win, with Roy and Jonny Bairstow putting on a century stand for the second wicket – but, from needing 50 off 39 balls, they instead stuttered down a dead end as South Africa silenced a boisterous crowd enjoying their first sight of an England men’s international since 1983.AB de Villiers, South Africa’s stand-in captain, had demanded a response and his bowlers delivered, as Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo and Dane Paterson successfully tied down a succession of new batsmen. Morris spoke afterwards of fronting up to justify wearing the shirt and his impassioned intervention as the match appeared to be slipping away may just have turned South Africa’s tour around.England could take plenty from the debut performance of Tom Curran, Roy’s return to form – his 67 ended a run of 10 international innings without a fifty – and the continued run-harvesting of Bairstow, but Eoin Morgan will have been disappointed to see another clutch moment go the opposition’s way. Liam Livingstone, another debutant, suffered a difficult baptism and he will hope to get a chance to prove his talent in the decider at Cardiff.There may not be much tangible resting on the final match – and England are set to bring in a couple more new faces having previously indicated they will blood all five uncapped players in the squad – but the result may take on greater significance for battles still to come.Form guideEngland LWLLW (completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa WLWLLIn the spotlightThe rapid rise of Tom Curran looks set to continue after his impressive first outing in an England shirt. Already a senior member of the Surrey attack at the age of 22, Curran took to international cricket with aplomb, showing an extra lick of pace and good variety to pick up 3 for 33. On this evidence, certainly in white-ball cricket, there will be plenty more caps to come.David Miller is the second-most experienced member of the South Africa squad in T20 internationals and a player blessed with awesome ball-striking ability. He has had chances to shape both games so far but, apart from one effortless straight six in Southampton, the runs haven’t come. South Africa could do with him firing to improve their chances of an above-par score.Team newsBairstow has left the squad to head off on Yorkshire duty in the round of pink-ball Championship games, which should open up a spot for Dawid Malan to make his international debut. Craig Overton is the other uncapped man, with Chris Jordan perhaps likeliest to make way after an erratic performance, while Sam Billings could also be squeezed out as deputy opener by Alex Hales’ return.England (possible): 1 Jason Roy, 2 Alex Hales, 3 Dawid Malan, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Liam Livingstone, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Liam Dawson, 8 David Willey, 9 Craig Overton, 10 Liam Plunkett, 11 Tom CurranSouth Africa found a better balance to their attack in Taunton, with Morris winning the Man-of-the-Match award. They could be unchanged, but for the temptation to bring back the No. 1-ranked T20 bowler, Imran Tahir.South Africa (possible): 1 JJ Smuts, 2 Reeza Hendricks, 3 AB de Villiers (capt), 4 David Miller, 5 Farhaan Berhardien, 6 Mangaliso Mosehle (wk), 7 Chris Morris, 8 Andile Phehlukwayo, 9 Morne Morkel, 10 Dane Paterson, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi/Imran TahirPitch and conditionsEngland will return to the scene of their Champions Trophy semi-final defeat – hoping for a fresh surface this time. The short, straight boundaries at Cardiff often mitigate against spin, while a cool afternoon, with the chance of some rain early on, may assist the seamers.Stats and trivia England have previously played three T20 internationals at Cardiff, winning all of them. Only eight batsmen have been given out obstructing the field in international cricket – four of them since 2013.Quotes”The last couple of seasons I’ve bowled a lot of overs that may have limited my pace. But I think I may have gathered a yard. I’m getting stronger, I know my action and I’m developing.”
“First and foremost there’s that honour of playing for South Africa and the honour of playing international cricket. Not many people have ever lived the dream that we’re living. But there was a lot for Russell. He’s going through a really tough time … Coach, this one’s for you.”
Chris Morris dedicates South Africa’s Taunton win to absent coach Russell Domingo, who has returned home to be with his unwell mother

New Zealand’s coach Mike Hesson and selectors believe the three players had done everything possible in a bid to be fit for selection

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-2017

Fast bowlers Mitchell McClenaghan and Adam Milne, and allrounder Corey Anderson have been recalled to New Zealand’s ODI squad for the 2017 Champions Trophy, after proving their fitness in the ongoing Indian Premier League.Milne has played two matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2017 so far, bowling his full quota of overs with returns of three wickets at an economy rate of 8.75. McClenaghan, who impressed with Mumbai Indians last season, has turned in another good performance, bowling 28 overs and taking 12 wickets at an economy rate of 8.67. Anderson, playing for Delhi Daredevils, has continued to take on bowling responsibilities – he has bowled a total of four overs across two innings so far, continuing his short bowling stints with Northern Districts in Plunket Shield matches this season.New Zealand’s squad comprises five specialist batsmen, four pace bowlers, three seam-bowling allrounders, two spinners and one specialist wicketkeeper in Luke Ronchi, with Tom Latham as a back-up option behind the stumps.New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said the three players returning from injury had done everything possible in a bid to be fit for selection.”It’s been good to see all three back on the park and bowling; together they add a lot of experience to our squad,” Hesson said. “Mitch and Adam have been running in well, and Corey has shown he’ll be capable of providing an option with the ball.”We believe it’s an exciting squad; an experienced squad, and one that has the batting power and the bowling variations to prevail in a potentially high-scoring tournament.”Having four all-rounders (including Mitchell Santner) certainly helps with balance, and the return of Mitch and Adam will offer options with the new ball, through the middle of the innings, and in the death overs.”Mitchell McClenaghan has proved his fitness with steady performances for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2017•BCCI

Beset by injuries, both McClenaghan and Milne have not played international cricket since the World T20 in India last year. Hamstring, side and elbow injuries meant that Milne played only one more match in 2016 – an IPL game for Royal Challengers – after the World T20, before making a return to competitive cricket in the Plunket Shield first-class tournament in March.McClenaghan’s last ODI appearance came against Pakistan in January 2016, before an eye injury ruled him out of the subsequent one-day series against Australia. McClenaghan returned to play in the World T20, and impressed in IPL 2016 with 17 wickets in 14 matches. A pelvis injury, picked up during a county stint, ruled him out of the India tour in October last year, and an ankle niggle kept him out of New Zealand’s international assignments this year.McClenaghan later reacted to the news on Twitter with a Terminator-like response writing “nice to be back”.In Anderson’s case, the New Zealand selectors and Hesson were happy with his return to bowling duties. The recurrence of a back injury during the World T20 had kept Anderson out of tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa last year and he was picked for the ODIs against India as a specialist batsman. He played four of the five matches in India and also bowled four overs in the fifth ODI in Visakhapatnam. However, with the selectors considering him a specialist batsman in view of his long-term injury issues, Anderson missed New Zealand’s subsequent ODI series against Australia, Bangladesh and South Africa. He was considered for T20 internationals, playing the home series against Bangladesh and South Africa.The three players have replaced Dean Brownlie, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry from the squad for the home series against South Africa earlier this year. The only other change was the inclusion of offspinner Jeetan Patel in place of legspinner Ish Sodhi.New Zealand are in Group A of the Champions Trophy and will play their first match, against Australia, on June 2, with matches against England and Bangladesh on June 6 and 9 respectively. Prior to the tournament, they are scheduled to play two warm-up matches – against India on May 28 and Sri Lanka on May 30.New Zealand will play an ODI tri-series in Ireland ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy and Hesson confirmed a small group of players from that squad were likely to remain in England as cover during the tournament.