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Barcelona club chief Joan Laporta expects to reach an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over the signing of defender Clement Lenglet this summer.

Who are Spurs signing this summer?

As already confirmed, the Lilywhites have put pen to paper on deals for Dejan Kulusevski – who joins permanently from Juventus after 18 months on loan – alongside both goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and midfielder James Maddison.

The latter duo joined in this transfer window and for bargain fees, with Vicario signing for around £17.2 million and Maddison for £40 million, despite the latter starring for Leicester City last season.

Tottenham are also widely tipped to seal the capture of Manor Solomon on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk, coming after his impressive 23/23 loan spell at Fulham last year.

The Israeli international is set for a medical after travelling to London, according to Fabrizio Romano, whilst Spurs remain locked in talks over both Micky van de Ven of Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba.

A new centre-back features highly on Spurs’ to-do list this summer, coming after a season which saw them concede an unacceptable 63 league goals. Indeed, no other side above Bournemouth leaked more than that, with those numbers potentially concerning manager Ange Postecoglou.

Lenglet, who spent last season on loan at Spurs from Barca, has been linked with a return to north London permanently.

The Frenchman made 26 league appearances and even scored during their Champions League campaign, with reports suggesting he could be available for just £8.5 million.

Catalans chief Laporta, speaking to La Vanguardia (via Romano), has confirmed that Barcelona expect to reach an agreement with Spurs over Lenglet’s transfer.

The 28-year-old, thought to be on around £204,000-per-week, has caps at international level for France and has been seriously endorsed by compatriot Hugo Lloris.

What’s been said about Lenglet?

Lloris, speaking to the media last year, called Lenglet a “modern” defender whilst drawing attention to his physical strength as a centre-back – both aerially and in ground duels.

“He’s a modern defender,” said Lloris.

“Comfortable to be able to play from the back. He has a great left foot and can be very strong in one v one and he’s strong in the air.

“I’m even more happy because I have a good connection with him and also a great relationship with him. He has a great personality and he will adapt well to the team.”

Former Barca boss Ronald Koeman, speaking back in 2021, also called Lenglet a “very professional” and “serious” player.

Alex Carey has broken the record for the most wicketkeeping dismissals in a Sheffield Shield season, surpassing the mark shared by Chris Hartley and Wade Seccombe

Brydon Coverdale29-Mar-2017South Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey has broken the all-time record for most dismissals in a Sheffield Shield season. Carey achieved the feat on the fourth morning of the Shield final against Victoria in Alice Springs, when he pouched a take to remove the Bushrangers’ nightwatchman Chris Tremain off the bowling of Daniel Worrall.That catch took Carey to 59 dismissals this Shield summer, passing the previous record of 58 shared by Queensland glovemen Wade Seccombe (in 2000-01) and Chris Hartley (in 2011-12). Last month Hartley, who has since announced his retirement, told ESPNcricinfo that while he rated Peter Nevill the finest wicketkeeper in the country, Carey was one to watch for the future.”I think one to keep an eye on is Alex Carey from South Australia,” Hartley said at the time. “He hasn’t played a lot of cricket at this level just yet, and it’s not just the fact that he’s taken quite a few dismissals this year – I’ve kept an eye on the way he’s gone about it.”He moves well, he’s got some very good basics. That’s key for any cricketer, but certainly for wicketkeepers: if you don’t have your basics in order, when you’re under pressure or fatigued that gets found out.”Carey, 25, has not only had an outstanding season with the gloves, but has also compiled 549 Shield runs at 32.29. Although he is still searching for his maiden first-class century, his efforts make him just the fourth man to complete the double of 500 runs and 50 dismissals in a Shield season – Hartley did so three times, while Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Wade have each achieved the feat once.Carey’s efforts are all the more impressive given that this has been his first full season as South Australia’s first-choice wicketkeeper. He made his debut in February 2013 and entered this season with seven games to his name, having previously been second in line behind Tim Ludeman for the state’s wicketkeeping duties.

Gareth Bale's career may have ended with a slight whimper, but there's no doubt that he is one of the best British players of all time, and arguably Britain's greatest export, writing himself into the Real Madrid history books.

So often when there was a big moment for Los Blancos, there was Bale at the forefront, whether it be El Clasico solo goals or stunning overhead strikes to seal more Champions League glory.

The Welshman squared off against some of the best defenders that football has to offer, yet, more times than not, he excelled. Who can forget his dominating display against Inter Milan and Maicon back in 2010? That's the moment we knew Tottenham Hotspur had the next best thing.

The former Spurs winger ended his career by winning the MLS Cup with LAFC, in which he scored a last-minute equaliser to take the game to extra time and penalties, where his side secured the silverware.

That doesn't mean Bale was without his struggles on the pitch, however, with one surprise name proving to be his toughest right-back.

Who was the toughest right-back Gareth Bale played against?

Speaking to The Times, Bale revealed a surprising pick for the right-back he found it most difficult to play against, saying: "The hardest right-back I played against was Micah Richards. I was a bit quicker but he was an athlete, so strong and holding. I’d knock it round him but he just [leans across and] goes ‘no!’”

Maybe Richards was right about bursting onto the scene, after all, even pocketing a future Galactico on his way. It will certainly be an ego-boosting moment for the 35-year-old Sky Sports pundit when he hears Bale's answer.

The former Manchester City right-back previously recalled his encounters with Bale, saying on Sky Sports, via TalkSport: "Many moons ago now, at Southampton, he was playing left-back and I was playing right-back. Let’s say I got the better of him. I ate him for lunch.

"So then, forward a few seasons, he goes to Spurs and subconsciously I’m thinking ‘it’s only Gareth Bale. I can deal with him. I had him at Southampton’.

“It was a massive, massive mistake. He destroyed me. If it wasn’t for Joe Hart in that game, I remember it, first game of the season at White Hart Lane. Pace, power and fitness.

“I always thought as a defender ‘hit them hard early doors and they won’t come back’. He kept coming back and coming back and coming back."

What club is Bale in 2023?

As of right now, we're sure Bale is enjoying life without any club having now retired, and no doubt is indulging in a game of golf or two, but that doesn't mean we won't see the Welshman in a football role in the future.

We've seen a number of former players step into coaching and management, from Steven Gerrard to Wayne Rooney. Perhaps Bale will follow in the footsteps of others to step into the technical area – although, it does seem more likely that he'll end up on the golf course for the foreseeable future.

Whatever he ends up doing next though, Bale may want to avoid the difficulty of his first-ever encounter with Richards. Instead, he will hope to find a Loris Karius-like counterpart in his next career step within the coming years, and his next step.

Delhi Daredevils went through 47 deliveries without a boundary in the middle overs to end up with 160, a target Knight Riders easily knocked off

The Report by Sidharth Monga28-Apr-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
3:47

Bangar: Knight Riders not showing any complacency

How long is 20 overs? Ask Delhi Daredevils’ batsmen, who once again found time to wander aimlessly in the middle overs and then stumble at the end. In a repeat of their first match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Daredevils got off to a flier – 53 in the Powerplay in both matches – but lived up to their well-earned reputation of being the slowest in middle overs and couldn’t manage a finishing kick to boot. The most prolific pair this IPL – Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir – then made light of the 161-run target.In what was the first signs of this being Groundhog Day, the captains walked out for a toss that was purely academic. Daredevils wanted to defend because they don’t want their inexperienced batting active in decisive moments, Knight Riders wanted to chase because they last lost chasing at Eden Gardens in 2012. Sanju Samson then continued his schizophrenic IPL: bomb the quicks, go comatose against spin, and then find yourself under pressure and either kick on or fail. Failure is likelier if you keep putting yourself under that pressure, and it didn’t help that Chris Morris, Rishabh Pant and Corey Anderson couldn’t do much either.Narine pulls them back
Samson once again displayed his outrageous talent of clean striking and raced away to 25 off nine balls. Then came Sunil Narine with a record of 56 balls against Samson, Karun Nair and Anderson for just 49 runs and three wickets. On cue he produced his first Powerplay wicket this season: Karun Nair, out sweeping. Daredevils 48 for 1 in the fifth over.Slow bowlers, slower battingSamson has scored just 81 runs off 76 balls of spin this season. Against pace he has looted 203 off 119. It was a mild surprise Narine was not introduced sooner. Brakes came on immediately with either Narine or Kuldeep Yadav manning one end in the middle overs. The result was a partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Samson that reached 50 in 7.3 overs. Forty-six legal deliveries went without a hit to the fence. Every such delivery meant one fewer for the big hitters to face.When Samson scored his hundred this season, he went through a similar pattern: a flying start of 35 off 19, then only 13 off the next 19, and then the final kick. Against Knight Riders in Delhi, he did the same, going from 27 off 12 to just 13 off the next 13 balls. Here, too, he put himself under pressure of going big in the end. Like in Delhi, he failed to kick on here, scoring just 35 off the last 29 balls he faced, despite two late sixes.Iyer’s innings was more damaging. He found himself in a desperate situation after scoring 18 off the first 21 balls he faced. They both tried to go hard the moment Colin de Grandhomme was introduced in the 13th over, but Daredevils needed something big from them or from Morris, Pant and Anderson to salvage the situation.Pace stifles DaredevilsUmesh Yadav got Samson lbw with one that swung back in. Needing quick runs Samson was caught playing a low-percentage flick to square leg. The came back Nathan Coulter-Nile to eliminate the big threat of Pant with a straight near-yorker. Iyer again took high risk in the same over and perished. Corey Anderson was dropped twice, but Morris ran him out. Chris Woakes and Coulter-Nile then finished off for Knight Riders with just one boundary coming in the last four overs. Coulter-Nile has taken two or more wickets in each of the four matches he has played.The leaveWhen Daredevils scored an underwhelming 168 in their last match against Knight Riders, the quality in their bowling made Gambhir’s side sweat over the chase. Daredevils are one of the sides that can be backed to do something with small defences. Even though Zaheer Khan walked off with what looked like a pulled hamstring in his second over, Daredevils got off to a heartening start. Kagiso Rabada burst through Narine’s defence, and soon had Uthappa top-edging. The ball fell near the square leg umpire with ample time for at least three fielders to converge. Samson and Mishra came the closest. Neither of them called. Neither of them went for it. Had the catch been taken, Knight Riders would have been reduced to 37 for 2 in the sixth over, with Gambhir still going at a strike rate of 100.The endgameA long one at that. Gambhir, still one of the best players of spin in India, welcomed Mishra with two boundaries in his first over. Uthappa tore into Morris at the other end. In eight overs, Knight Riders had knocked off half the runs. If Daredevils had seven boundary-less overs after the quick start, there were only two middle overs in the Knight Riders innings that didn’t feature a boundary. When Gambhir pulled an innocuous short ball from Anderson for a four in the 13th over, the asking rate dropped under a run a ball. The game was over long ago.

Leeds United have made huge steps towards making just their second signing of the summer, as an old face has reappeared around Elland Road…

Who are Leeds United signing this summer?

The latest comes from Football Insider, who claim that former Whites defender Sam Byram has re-joined the club on a trial period following the expiry of his Norwich City contract.

Given how cash-strapped they remain at the moment, the 29-year-old full-back is seen as a fine option to pad out the squad without having to pay a premium.

Their lack of transfer activity is further attributed towards the impending takeover, which when completed should allow Daniel Farke to truly begin his Yorkshire revolution. It is noted that he will seek to bring in at least six new faces to help challenge for the Championship title.

Byram departed Farke's old club in June after an injury-hit period at Carrow Road.

How good is Sam Byram?

Having kickstarted a promising career at Leeds, the allure that the Premier League offered proved too much for both the player and the hierarchy to deny, as they consistently failed in their own promotion push.

He would make 143 appearances in Yorkshire, scoring ten and assisting 12, before leaving for West Ham United; a move which proved to be catastrophic for his career.

Just 36 senior appearances across a three-year period speaks volumes for his lack of influence, as it seemed the youngster was never truly given a chance to shine before the Canaries took him off their hands.

However, once again he failed to live up to expectations, with his career now back where it started minus the excitement that once surrounded him.

That is not to suggest that Byram is a poor asset though, as he has shown glimpses of talent that would make him a useful player for Farke to have around his squad. Especially given his former boss Brian McDermott had also branded him"a terrific character" and a "really nice lad" in the past; qualities he is certain to have retained.

After all, he does boast plenty of experience around this level and even in the top-flight, to emphasise this. Even during last year's Championship season, his 6.85 average rating denotes a consistent performer, as he would also maintain 0.5 key passes, 2.1 tackles and 1.9 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Although somewhat marred by injuries, this still arguably represents an upgrade on the ever-regressing Luke Ayling who continues to occupy their right-back spot.

Among the many failures of last campaign, the 31-year-old stood out in a backline that shipped the most goals in the Premier League that season.

His average rating of 6.65 was indicative of his inconsistency, which actually put him in the bottom-five worst-performers at the club of those who started five or more games. A 69% pass accuracy showcases his declining ability on the ball, whilst Sky Sports pundit Andy Walker even sought to highlight this waning influence on commentary during their draw with Brighton and Hove Albion: "He’s been exposed too often. A real problem for Leeds."

Seeking to revolutionise that role, Byram would at least provide some added athleticism that Ayling has seemingly lost in recent years. It could prove a shrewd start to a window that promises much higher-profile additions than this proposed one.

Dean Elgar’s pugnacious resistance came to Somerset’s aid again as Tom Abell and Steven Davies found no escape from their disastrous form

ECB Reporters Network02-Jun-2017
ScorecardDean Elgar maintained his prolific start to the county season by leading Somerset’s recovery to 161 for 5 against Middlesex at Lord’s with a determined 77 not out.A burst of heavy rain in late afternoon, followed by bad light, meant only the first half of the Specsavers County Championship Division One match’s opening day was possible, but there was still time for Elgar to rally Somerset from a perilous 80 for 5 in the company of his sixth wicket partner, Lewis Gregory, who remains unbeaten on 27. Together, they have so far added 81 in 20 overs.South Africa Test batsman Elgar now has 390 championship runs at an average of 55.71. In the recent Royal London One-Day Cup group stage he scored 428 runs in just five innings at an average of 107 and, overall, he has now topped fifty in nine of his 14 innings to date in both competitions.The left-handed opener, indeed, has been an early-summer shining light for Somerset in an otherwise underperforming championship batting line-up and his 146-ball effort was vital as wickets tumbled with regularity at the other end after Somerset had opted to bat first in warm but muggy conditions.The ball swung for Middlesex’s four-pronged pace attack, with Tim Murtagh and James Franklin finding marked movement in the air, and there was also some bounce available for the taller and quicker bowlers Tom Helm and Toby Roland-Jones.When Murtagh had Peter Trego caught behind for 2 from the fifth ball after lunch, moreover, it looked as if Somerset would be regretting their decision to bat first. But Elgar, mixing stout defence with 12 fours, at last found in Gregory a partner who could stay with him.Four wickets had fallen in the morning session, with new ball strikes by Roland-Jones and Murtagh initially leaving bottom-of-the-table Somerset reeling at 20 for 2.Dean Elgar’s gritty resistance held up Middlesex•Getty ImagesMarcus Trescothick was the first Somerset batsman to depart, caught at third slip for 8 off Roland-Jones after playing and missing several times at Murtagh, who then produced a perfect away-swinger from the Nursery End to have Tom Abell taken at the wicket for 6.Abell, the 23-year-old and under-pressure Somerset championship captain, has now scored only 96 runs from nine innings in the four-day game at an average of 12, but even that is riches compared to the out-of-form Steven Davies’ wretched return of 67 runs from eight innings at an average of just 8.37.Elgar and James Hildreth added 46 before Hildreth fell for 25 to a stunning slip catch by Ollie Rayner. Hildreth edged a drive at James Franklin’s left-arm seamers and Rayner, at second slip, took off to his right to hold a brilliant diving catch. Helm, switched to the Pavilion End for his second spell, then had Davies caught at the wicket for 6 – edging a sharply rising ball.

Nottingham Forest are hoping to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson on loan again this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

How old is Dean Henderson?

The Englishman, who is now 26 years of age, spent last season on loan at the City Ground, having failed to oust David de Gea as United's first-choice man between the sticks.

It was seen as a great opportunity for Henderson to prove his worth in the Premier League, and he did just that, impressing for Forest before his campaign ended up being cut short by injury. He started a total of 18 league games and did his bit to ensure that the Reds remained in the top flight in their first season back in the competition.

Now back at United, Henderson again finds himself down the pecking order. Although De Gea has moved on, Inter shot-stopper Andre Onana has come in as his successor. That means the Englishman could again be looking for a temporary move away from Old Trafford, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2025.

With Forest looking to bring in a 'keeper before the 2023/24 campaign gets underway, it looks increasingly as though they could be set for a reunion with their former player.

Could Nottingham Forest sign Dean Henderson?

Writing on Twitter, Romano claimed that Forest are looking to bring Henderson back to the club on a temporary basis, while also sealing the permanent signing of his United teammate, Anthony Elanga:

"Nottingham Forest have submitted two bids to Manchester United. Loan deal proposal for Dean Henderson and permanent deal proposal for Elanga. Forest want to get both deals done after closing in on Ola Aina free transfer."

Henderson returning to Forest feels like an absolute no-brainer for all parties this summer, as it would allow the player to gain regular football and ensure the Reds have a top-quality option in their ranks once again.

This time, the hope is that a loan move could eventually be made permanent should the England international impress upon his return to the City Ground, which would allow him to fully settle in Nottingham, with his chances of ever being United's No 1 looking highly unlikely.

At 26, Henderson remains fairly young, especially for a goalkeeper, and has long-term potential, having been hailed as "incredible" by former Tottenham manager Antonio Conte last season.

He will be hoping that he can even make a push to be part of England's squad for Euro 2024, as he looks to provide stern competition for the likes of Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale.

That may be asking too much considering the trio look locked in as the Three Lions' current options, but playing every week for Forest and making key contributions will only help him, rather than warming the substitutes' bench at United.

To bring in both Henderson and Elanga would be really savvy business from the Reds, enhancing the squad depth immediately and acquiring the services of two players who know how to perform for one of the world's biggest clubs.

Jamie Overton took three wickets before the close after half-centuries from Mark Stoneman, Keaton Jennings and Nick Gubbins had set the Lions up for a declaration

ECB Reporters Network23-Jun-2017
Scorecard Mark Stoneman top scored with 86•Getty ImagesThree of the contenders for a possible Test call-up – Keaton Jennings, Mark Stoneman and Nick Gubbins – all made half-centuries as England Lions pressed for victory against South Africa A in the tour match at Canterbury.Skipper Jennings and former Durham team-mate Stoneman passed 50 for the second time in the match before Middlesex’s Gubbins sped the Lions toward a declaration with 63 off 65 balls.England pulled out on 308 for 5 after scoring at nearly five an over on a slow pitch, leaving South Africa A with a target of 412 but they lost four wickets before the close, three of them to Somerset’s Jamie Overton in successive overs.Openers Adrian Markram and Heino Kuhn had put on 164 in the first innings but were parted with 8 on the board this time around when Essex’s Jamie Porter defeated Markram’s tentative defensive push. Overton then had Kuhn and Khaya Zondo caught behind and Theunis de Bruyn smartly held at fourth slip as South Africa A limped to 29 for 4 at stumps.A fortnight after he made his career-best 197 for Surrey in the Specsavers County Championship, Stoneman continued his impressive form with 86. He was dropped on 20 and 33 but the left-hander played confidently on both sides of the wicket with 15 fours and a six off offspinner Dane Piedt.Stoneman and Jennings came together after Haseeb Hameed had been dismissed cheaply for the second time in the match when he was squared up by Beuran Hendricks. The second-wicket pair put on 145 in 35 overs and Stoneman appeared to be cruising towards his fourth hundred of the season when he played on to Duanne Olivier after facing 129 balls in 163 minutes.Having hit nine fours in 122 balls, Jennings, one of only three players in this week’s squad who are in the party for the Lions game against South Africa next week, fell for 71 to a smart slip catch cutting against the spin of Piedt before left-hander Gubbins began England’s acceleration after tea.After Dan Lawrence had been caught behind off Hendricks, Gubbins and Ben Foakes, who made an unbeaten 127 in the first innings, added 69 in 7.4 overs with Foakes employing the slog-sweep against Piedt to good effect, twice clearing the midwicket boundary in the same over.Gubbins wasn’t afraid to employ the long handle either, depositing Hendricks over long-on for six. Foakes drove to cover after making 34 from 27 balls and England declared when Gubbins, who struck eight fours and a six, was out in similar fashion.Earlier, South Africa A had been bowled out for 283 – a deficit of 103 – in their first innings after their last three wickets added 46.

Throughout the Roman Abramovich tenure, the number of players that Chelsea used to loan reached unthinkable numbers.

At its peak in 2019, the Blues had a staggering 41 players out on loan as the club was accused of stockpiling youngsters and abusing the system.

One man who was out on loan that year and has been a continuous victim of this strange strategy is Ethan Ampadu.

The Welshman joined Chelsea back in 2017 but only managed 12 appearances for the senior team across all competitions in six years. This included four different loan spells as Ampadu’s development has likely been stalled by this criminal lack of direction.

However, in Mauricio Pochettino’s attempt to streamline the squad, Ampadu has been given definitive guidance on his future and recently completed a £7m move to Leeds United.

Upon his arrival at Elland Road, the defender outlined his admiration for Daniel Farke, saying: “When I spoke with the boss, as soon as I got off the phone call I knew what I wanted, he really impressed me.

“He told me what he liked about me and where he thinks I can improve as a player.

“That all helped me choose Leeds United.”

It finally signals an exciting new chapter for the 22-year-old, who now has the possibility of becoming a regular for a team on a long-term basis.

What can Ethan Ampadu bring to Leeds United?

Ampadu, who has been described as “versatile” by Rob Page, has played around 88 games as a centre-back and another 44 as a defensive midfielder, as per Transfermarkt.

It is clear to see why, as he possesses the ideal profile to excel in either position. This is demonstrated by his rank within the best 20% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries and progressive passes per 90, as well as the top 12% for blocks and tackles per 90.

The 6 foot gem’s ideal combination of incisive forward-thinking passing and defensive reading of the game makes him a well-accomplished asset, which has drawn the highest of praise…

Back in 2017 after making his Wales debut, then-manager Chris Coleman likened the 44-cap international to Rio Ferdinand. The former coach felt he could use the six-time Premier League winner as inspiration, by either playing in midfield or defence.

Coleman said: “He's capable of playing both [positions].

"His frame, athleticism, and understanding of the game, he's a great communicator for someone so young. So at the moment it's a tough one to call.

"He could end up playing holding midfielder or as a centre-back.

"He's got a long way to go before you can liken him to someone like Rio Ferdinand but I remember him coming on at West Ham in midfield, he gravitated into a centre-back.

"Probably, in the last 20 years, Rio has been the best centre-back in the Premier League.

"Your modern-day centre-backs start play and you need to be confident in possession. He's [Ampadu] a good communicator and a good all-round player."

Whilst Ampadu still has a tremendously long way to go to even remotely reach Ferdinand’s heights, this move could be perfect to ignite his potential and fulfil Coleman’s analysis. The 49ers may have struck gold early on in their first coup.

Northamptonshire ended Leicestershire’s 100 per cent record in this year’s NatWest T20 Blast with a two-run Duckworth/Lewis win at Grace Road

ECB Reporters Network21-Jul-2017
Rob Keogh was influential in Northants’ win [file picture]•Getty ImagesNorthamptonshire ended Leicestershire’s 100 per cent record in this year’s NatWest T20 Blast with a two-run Duckworth/Lewis win at Grace Road.The Foxes, batting second, had only themselves to blame, having been ahead of the D/L calculation for much of their reply after the Steelbacks had scored 165 for 8 on a hard and true pitch.Northants were indebted to a partnership of 75 between captain Alex Wakely and Rob Keogh, who came together after Richard Levi was well caught low down at deep square-leg by Dieter Klein off Gavin Griffiths for 41, leaving the score at 68 for 4 in the 10th over.But Wakely and Keogh kept the scoreboard moving, the former hitting consecutive boundaries off Klein before 21 came from the 17th over, bowled by Mat Pillans.Both bowlers came back strongly, Pillans knocking back Wakely’s leg stump as he stepped to the offside and tried to lift the ball over short fine-leg, and then Klein picking up the wickets of Steven Crook and Rory Kleinveldt with consecutive deliveries to restrict the Foxes’ target to under 170.They were given a good start by Luke Ronchi and Cameron Delport, who added 45 for the first wicket before the New Zealander steered Ben Sanderson to backward point, where Ben Duckett took a smart two-handed catch.Off-spinner Keogh bowled Delport for 30, but Mark Cosgrove, who was particularly severe on left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, hit 41 off just 26 balls to leave the Foxes in control.Leicestershire were still ahead on D/L when the Australian was bowled swinging across the line at Kleinveldt.But neither Colin Ackermann and Mark Pettini were able to get the ball to the boundary before umpires Steve O’Shaughnessy and Ian Blackwell took the players from the field, with the home team having fallen fractionally behind the required rate.