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Carlo Ancelotti could leave the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season and there are several possible replacements…

Carlo Ancelotti hasn't done much wrong as Real Madrid coach. Since arriving for the second time 18 months ago, he has won La Liga and the Champions League – and could win the latter again this season.

He has revived an ageing squad, helped Karim Benzema become a Ballon d'Or winner, and developed Vinicius Jr into a world-class winger.

But now, his job is being called into question. Barcelona are running away with La Liga and with Ancelotti increasingly linked to the Brazil national team gig, it appears his days in Spain could be numbered.

That leaves Madrid potentially looking for a new manager this summer, and they can likely get whoever they want.

Such is the pull of the club, and the relentlessness of President Florentino Perez, that Los Blancos are very hard to turn down. Still, this could be a particularly appointment to make.

In Ancelotti, Madrid had the right kind of character for the job. The famously sound man-manager has brought the team immense success on confidence alone, allowing a world-class squad to play to their own beat.

But Madrid have become predictable, and perhaps need a more astute tactical mind. The board are reportedly starting to realise this.

Indeed, the experienced squad that grinded their way to a European-domestic double is on their way out, while a wave of youth talent could still do with moulding and guidance.

The current options, though, are mixed. Thomas Tuchel was the most obvious candidate before he was snapped up by Bayern Munich last week.

Still, there are a few managers of interest on the market, including reported top candidate Mauricio Pochettino.

GOAL takes a look at who could take the helm next at the Santiago Bernabeu…

Getty ImagesMauricio Pochettino

Numerous outlets are reporting that the former Tottenham and PSG man has piqued the interest of Madrid's board. And he certainly meets some of the criteria.

Pochettino's sides try to play exciting football, and he has the charisma and energy of a manager capable of leading a big side. His domestic success has been admittedly limited, but he took Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final, and also won Ligue 1 with PSG in 2022.

At Tottenham, he worked wonders with a relatively small budget and Spurs were among the most entertaining teams in Europe on their day.

With creative players such as Dele and Christian Eriksen playing behind an ever-improving Harry Kane, Pochettino pieced together a side that finished second in the Premier League in 2016, and knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League in 2019.

It's not hard to see him doing something similar with a young squad in Madrid – especially if Los Blancos sign a certain English midfielder to bolster the ranks.

AdvertisementRaul Gonzalez TwitterRaul

Madrid don't mind an internal replacement. It's brought them plenty of success in the past, notably with the promotion of Zinedine Zidane from reserve side Castilla. The club legend went on to win two league titles and a trio of Champions League winners' medals at the helm.

And Raul could be next in line. Zidane's former team-mate's managerial path is remarkably similar to that of the former Madrid boss.

Raul took over the Madrid U15s in 2018, and was made manager of Madrid Castilla less than a year later. The B team have enjoyed success under the club legend's tutelage, with the academy side third, and four points behind Alcoron in the Primera Federacion.

Players such as Rodrygo, Alvaro Rodriguez and the soon-to-return Fran Garcia have all cracked into the senior side after developing under Raul, too.

Leeds were reportedly interested in hiring him, and a handful of German clubs were also sniffing around. But he spurned all interest, presumably with his eyes on a different job…

(C)Getty ImagesJulian Nagelsmann

Nagelsmann was recently let go by Bayern Munich, and is reportedly determined to take a few months off before returning to management. If he's refreshed by this summer, he could be a shrewd appointment for Los Blancos.

The German was hailed as a young tactical mastermind when he was hired by Bayern 18 months ago. But he never quite worked out at the club.

Although Bayern won the league during his first season in charge – and could still do so this year – Nagelsmann had a tricky relationship with the board. Valid, but perhaps harsh concerns over the style of football and consistency of the side saw his tenure end prematurely.

But that shouldn't put other teams off. Indeed, Nagelsmann lost Robert Lewandowski, turned Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting into a top-class striker, and before his firing, had Bayen in the last eight of the Champions League. That isn't an easy thing to do.

Madrid would present a different challenge, but one Nagelsmann certainly has the brain to approach.

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(C)Getty ImagesXabi Alonso

Alonso has worked wonders at Bayer Leverkusen. The German side were fighting a relegation battle when the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder took over. A few months later, they are fighting for a European spot.

This is no accident. Alonso has a young, energetic side playing to its full potential thanks to a number of shrewd tactical moves. He has given the talented Florian Wirtz licence to create, utilised the pace of Moussa Diaby, and reinforced what was a leaky back line.

That this is his first senior management job makes it all the more impressive.

Alonso is a product of the Madrid coaching system, taking over the U14s before moving to Real Sociedad B in 2019, and, after spending some of his best years as a player at the Santiago Bernabeu, he certainly has a strong connection to the club.

As is the case with Raul, it is largely assumed that Alonso will take the Madrid job someday. Is now the right time?

The BCCI ombudsman, Justice AP Shah, has asked the board to take an “unequivocal undertaking” from spinner Harbhajan Singh that he will no longer be in the management of the sports apparel company, Bhajji Sports

Nagraj Gollapudi18-Feb-2016The BCCI ombudsman, Justice AP Shah, has asked the board to take an “unequivocal undertaking” from spinner Harbhajan Singh that he will no longer be in the management of the sports apparel company, Bhajji Sports, and will not be associated with the company, even in terms of sponsorship, for the duration of his contract with the Indian board. Shah also took the opportunity to tell the BCCI that he had received a lot of allegations similar to the complaint against Harbhajan, especially from the state associations, and suggested that players, coaches, selectors and administrators make prior disclosures of similar associations with companies or academies.Shah’s decision came after a conflict of interest allegation was filed last month questioning Harbhajan’s links to a sports apparel company that sponsors various state teams in domestic cricket.In a complaint filed against Harbhajan in January, Mumbai-based activist Niraj Gunde stated that Bhajji Sports had reportedly sponsored six Ranji Trophy sides. Shah’s ruling noted that the company was owned by Mrs Avtar Kaur, Harbhajan’s mother, and the company was started before the spinner’s current contract with the board came into effect and before the present rules regarding conflict of interest were framed. Harbhajan was given a Grade C contract by the BCCI in November for the 2015-16 period.”The Ombudsman notes that this company appears to be run, not by Mr Singh, but by his mother,” Shahs said in an e-mail sent to Harbhajan, Gunde and the BCCI on Wednesday. “It must be mentioned that several cases have been brought to the attention of the Ombudsman where companies associated with cricket management or sporting apparel, or cricket coaching/training academies, are run in the names of relatives of cricketers, with which the cricketer is also associated or connected. In many of these cases, although the company is owned by someone else, it is named after the cricketer in question. In the present case, the Ombudsman notes that the two news reports submitted by the applicant show Mr Singh’s association with Bhajji Sports. The veracity of the news reports is not challenged by Mr Singh.”According to Shah the only course of action he would recommend for Harbhajan was to dissociate himself from Bhajji Sports completely as long as he had a BCCI contract. “Given the facts and circumstances of the case, the Ombudsman believes that the best course of action may be that the BCCI take an unequivocal undertaking from Mr Singh that he will no way be involved in the management of the company, Bhajji Sports, and that under no circumstances will he be associated with the company’s products (including by way of sponsorship), so long as his contract with the BCCI is alive,” Shah said.Making a broader point in his ruling on similar conflict of interest situations, Shah stressed the need for players, coaches, selectors, administrators at both national and state levels to disclose any conflict in context of the rules laid down on the issue by the BCCI.”The Ombudsman recommends that all concerned individuals (cricketers, selectors,coaches, and administrators) should be required to make standard disclosures about their affiliations in the context of the conflict of interest rules (which may pertain, for example, to cricket coaching/training academies, sports management companies, sports apparel manufacturers, etc.),” Shah said.”If the disclosures reveal that an individual does have such an association, they may be asked to either terminate their association with such companies/academies, or asked to resign from their position as cricketer/selector/coach/administrator, as covered by the conflict of interest rules.”

There was no immediate joy for former England coach Peter Moores, brought into Trent Bridge on a three-month contract, as Notts lost to Worcestershire by 20 runs to undermine their slim hopes of reaching the last eight

ECB/PA03-Jul-2015
ScorecardTom Kohler-Cadmore cracked his highest T20 score (file photo)•Getty ImagesPeter Moores’ first involvement with Nottinghamshire brought no immediate joy as Worcestershire Rapids made light of a dismal lower-order collapse to beat Notts Outlaws by 20 runs in the T20 Blast at Trent Bridge and disappoint the former England coach in the process.Notts, who have lost home quarter-finals for the past three years, now lie third bottom and face an uphill challenge to reach the last eight.Moores has been added to Nottinghamshire’s coaching staff on a three-month contract and he must have been hopeful of success when Worcestershire collapsed to a still formidable 173: a format-best 75 from Tom Kohler-Cadmore seemingly not followed through when they lost their last five wickets for a paltry 10 runs in 11 balls.Nottinghamshire left-armer Harry Gurney was the main beneficiary as he returned figures of 3 for 25, while fellow seamer Jake Ball pulled back a previously forgettable outing by consecutively bowling Joe Leach and Ed Barnard.A home crowd of 10,123 anticipated a match-winning turn from Alex Hales but, after the England limted-overs opener departed for 47, Worcestershire’s slow bowlers strangled the life out of a Notts innings that spluttered to 153 for 9.Insights

His Worcestershire colleagues didn’t fully capitalise on the brilliant platform he laid as a late collapse flattered Nottinghamshire’s bowlers (although it turned out they already had plenty) but Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s 75 was as calculated as it was brutal. Eleven of the 39 deliveries he faced were dots, but never mind, 12 other yielded 58 in boundaries as he took a particularly liking Nottinghamshire’s lack of express pace on a green pitch designed to helkp them.

Worcestershire men remain second in the North Group – four points clear of Notts, who have played a game more.Daryl Mitchell, Worcestershire’s captain, won the toss but was lbw on the sweep to Samit Patel off the fifth ball of the match, bringing Kohler-Cadmore to the crease.The 20-year-old emphatically punished an initially wayward Notts attack to race to a 26-ball half century, featuring six fours and three sixes.A partnership of 86 with Richard Oliver ended when the opener was bowled by medium pacer Steven Mullaney for 31.The visitors were handsomely placed on 94 for 2 at the midway point and Kohler-Cadmore continued to make merry, planting Dan Christian and Mullaney over midwicket and long-on respectively. After another four through backward point, Christian got his man – somewhat inevitably caught on the on the long-on boundary.Brett D’Oliveira was brilliantly caught in the deep by Greg Smith off Patel and Hales recovered from a fumble to run out Colin Munroe, before Ball and Gurney unceremoniously ripped the wheels from a now spluttering Rapids juggernaut.Notts’ opener Michael Lumb dragged Barnard’s first ball onto his stumps in the fourth over of the reply, while three lusty on-side sixes showed Hales to be in typically imposing form.Kohler-Cadmore ensured he remained the night’s great entertainer by catching Hales at long-off, making him Mitchell’s sole scalp in a miserly four overs for 18.Having added 53 with Hales, Riki Wessels was the next man to go – D’Oliveira disturbing his stumps for 24 – and the required rate moved beyond over 10 an over as Worcestershire firmly applied the breaks.Christian, Notts’ latest overseas signing, threatened to break the shackles in the 15th over, pumping a D’Oliveira full-toss high over midwicket and striking four more through cover, but a decisive blow followed, with Saeed Ajmal (2 for 33) bowling an advancing Christian through the gate.

Trevor Bayliss’ appointment by England will reunite a coaching unit whose bond was strengthened through one of the darkest moments in modern sport

George Dobell26-May-20151:41

Farbrace backs ‘old-fashioned coach’ Bayliss

Trevor Bayliss’ appointment by England will reunite a coaching unit whose bond was strengthened through one of the darkest moments in modern sport.Paul Farbrace, who remains as England’s assistant coach, fulfilled a similar role with Sri Lanka under Bayliss. But as well as guiding the team to some success – Bayliss was still there when they reached the 2011 World Cup final and rose to No.2 in the Test rankings – the pair were both in the team bus when it was attacked by terrorists in Lahore in 2009. Six members of the team were hurt and six policemen and two civilians killed.Having experienced such a traumatic event together, it is perhaps not surprising that both Bayliss and Farbrace take a relatively relaxed approach to coaching. It is not that they don’t work hard and demand that their players do, too. It is that they understand that there are more important things in life.They have kept in touch since Farbrace left to coach Kent at the end of 2009. Indeed, they met for a drink during the World Cup when Farbrace asked Bayliss why he picked him as his assistant. “He said I was a bit noisier than he was,” Farbrace recalled, “and that I was someone he enjoyed spending time with me. Which probably doesn’t say a lot about my coaching qualities.”All of which bodes well. For it was noticeable at Lord’s that, even with the match tense, England played a style of aggressive cricket that not only brought the best out of several players, but produced some of the most attractive viewing an England side has provided for several years.”Something like Lahore certainly does bring you closer together,” Farbrace said. “We’ve always had a good relationship but we were just grateful we got through that to be honest. It’s not something we dwell on.”So, what sort of coach is Bayliss?”Trevor’s a good guy and an excellent coach,” Farbrace said. “He’s a very calm guy. He’ll do an excellent job.”He’s an old-fashioned cricket coach. He likes being in the nets, hitting balls and throwing balls. He works well with players – he is a good one-to-one worker – and he has good knowledge and good experience. When you look at what he’s won and what he’s achieved with players, it is fantastic. He is popular with all the players he has worked with.”While Farbrace will happily relinquish the interim role of head coach after the limited-overs series against New Zealand, he could do so with his reputation boosted significantly. England will rise back to No. 3 in the world if they win again at Headingley.Just as importantly, there have been some encouraging signs that a young team is emerging who could not only enjoy success on the pitch – they have won five of their last seven Tests – but play a brand of cricket that re-engages with a general public that has, in some instances, lost affection for the England side.England have not always been easy to love. Poor results combined with a sometimes dour – even joyless – approach created a sense that the playing international cricket was a pretty grim business. England’s players, scowling and sledging, earned a reputation as some of the most unpopular in the world among the opposition.While a move away from being “dogged” and towards being “skilful” – a move that began under Peter Moores – may sound subtle, Farbrace believed some England players may have forgotten just how talented they are. So desperate have they been to win – or, more accurately, not lose – that they have often played timid, cautious cricket.”It’s easy to talk about getting stuck in and fighting when you’re struggling,” Farbrace said. “But sometimes you forget to show that you do actually possess a lot of skill.”We’ve not talked about end results. We’ve not talked about where we get to in sessions. We’ve just talked about the process of playing with a high level of skill.”And rather than talk about scrapping and fighting and getting stuck in, we talked about skill levels. We talked about showing people how skilful you are, showing people how good you are. And if you play cricket that is enjoyable for you as a player you show off your level of skill.”It really is important that you don’t forget as an international cricketer that you do have skill. It isn’t just about fight and being dogged. Over the five days we saw that high level of skill. If you have that much ability, it’s really important that you enjoy having that high level of skill”Look at the best players around the world they enjoy showing that skill level off, and at the end of the day, if you’ve got a full house at Lord’s there’s no better place for showing that skill level off.”None of this means England will win again at Headingley. Or that the Ashes can be regained. But it might well mean more attractive, watchable cricket than England have produced in several years. Marshalled by two friends reunited.

Marcus Rashford snubbed by Darren Bent as he would rather have Arsenal's Kai Havertz in his team than the Manchester United striker.

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Both Havertz and Rashford have been strugglingBent picked Havertz over RashfordGerman forward's recent performances earn recognitionWHAT HAPPENED?

Despite Havertz facing criticism for his initial performances at Arsenal, his recent goal-scoring form has impressed the former Premier League striker. Indeed, the Gunners forward has been on the upward trajectory this November as he netted his third goal in four matches after he got on the scoresheet against Lens on Wednesday evening in the Champions League. On the other hand, Rashford has been vastly inconsistent and has scored just twice this campaign in 17 appearances which led Bent to put his weight behind Haverrtz.

AdvertisementWHAT DARREN BENT SAID ABOUT HAVERTZ OVER RASHFORD

During an interview with talksSPORT, Bent said: "Right now, for what Arteta wants to do, yes. Currently where we are now, give me Havertz. I don't want Rashford at the minute. I don't know what I'm getting from Rashford.

"Rashford has got two (goals)! For starters, he's (Havertz) not appalling. This is not the lifetime achievement award. Last season, after the World Cup, Rashford was unbelievable. I've not seen that Rashford since. Right now, give me Kai Havertz over Rashford."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Havertz is yet to realise his potential after he ended up on the British Isles in 2020 to join Chelsea. Although he redeemed himself by scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final against Manchester City, he has failed to match the expectations of the fans. In contrast, Rashford was thriving under Erik ten Hag in the 2022-23 and ended up scoring 30 goals. However, he has failed to keep up with his form and poor showings in the latest international break led Tim Sherwood to assert that Rashford shouldn't start for England at the upcoming Euros.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR HAVERTZ & RASHFORD?

Havertz will look to continue hitting the right notes under the guidance of Mikel Arteta when the Gunners host Wolves at Emirates on Saturday. Whereas, Rashford has a point to prove to his critics at St. James' Park where the Red Devils will take on a high-flying Newcastle United side on the same day.

Greg Shipperd’s long tenure as coach of Victoria will end with the Sheffield Shield final after Cricket Victoria decided not to extend his contract

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Mar-2015Greg Shipperd’s long tenure as coach of Victoria will end with the Sheffield Shield final after Cricket Victoria decided not to extend his contract. Shipperd took over as the state’s coach in January 2004 following the tragic death of his predecessor David Hookes, and he has steered Victoria to three Shield titles, with a fourth up for grabs against Western Australia over the next five days.His tenure also brought one domestic one-day title and four Twenty20 triumphs before the introduction of the Big Bash League. During his 11 years in charge, 23 Victorians have also represented Australia. Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide said despite Shipperd’s success, it was time for change.”The Cricket Victoria board feel that even though Greg has been a tremendous coach and mentor over the 11 years he has been in charge, it is time for a new voice and fresh face to lead the state in the coming years,” Dodemaide said. “Whilst we feel it is time for a fresh approach at the helm, it is absolutely appropriate to acknowledge Greg’s outstanding contribution in the head coach role.”This season, the Bushrangers have played interstate for eight of the nine completed matches, with the final also away, and to finish on top of the ladder is a huge testament to Greg, the players and his coaching staff. In the past few years, with a shift in strategic priorities at Cricket Victoria to focus on national representation, Greg has been at the forefront of pushing players to higher honours, with Victoria having more players selected in Australian teams than any other state last season.”Shipperd said he was sad to be finishing up as coach but was proud of his achievements.”I’m satisfied with the success that we have had in my time as coach and hopeful we can add one more title over the coming days,” Shipperd said. “I’m also very proud of the number of Australian players that we have produced over the last decade as well as developing fine leaders in Cameron White and the emerging Matthew Wade.”

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has explained he has struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League since his switch from Stuttgart.

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Endo finds Premier League to be physicalHas struggled to make impact in Klopp's sideLiverpool face Fulham this weekendWHAT HAPPENED?

Endo reiterated that he is very happy to be at Liverpool, despite his bit-part role in the side this season, and that he is still adjusting to the speed of the Premier League. A late transfer window signing, the Japanese international was brought in to fill a holding midfielder void left by the departing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesWHAT ENDO SAID

Speaking on his struggles, Endo said: "Yes, it's harder than I thought, but I'm very happy to be here. Physically, it's speedy, so it's very hard to adapt but it's the Premier League and I keep trying and keep playing and I'll get better. I'm already 30 years old but I feel I have a chance to grow as a football player so I'm so happy to be here and I can improve."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Endo formed part of the major midfield overhaul that Liverpool underwent in the summer which also saw Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch arrive in Merseyside. Departing the club included several midfielders; Henderson and Fabinho, as well as Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, Fabio Carvalho and Arthur Melo.

While Mac Allister and Szoboszlai have stolen the headlines, Endo has struggled to find consistent game time and form. However, there is an expectation Endo will be given greater game time over the busy Christmas period.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Liverpool sit third in the Premier League and play Fulham on Sunday afternoon hoping to put pressure on league leaders Arsenal. If he plays, Endo will be hoping to put in a strong performance to remind Jurgen Klopp of his place in the side.

The Champions League sees Neymar, Mbappe and Cavani of PSG face Liverpool's Salah, Mane and Firmino – are they among the best triumvirates ever?

GettyMSN

Neymar may have broken up Barcelona's band of brothers last season when he fled to France after a shock €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain, but the legend of the MSN partnership will live on.

With the brilliant Brazilian lining up in attack alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, the Blaugrana won the Champions League, Club World Cup and La Liga (twice), tearing defences to shreds with their incredible pace, skill and movement

AdvertisementGetty ImagesBBC

While MSN was forming at Camp Nou, Real Madrid saw their own attacking triumvirate become an institution within the Spanish capital.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has since moved to Juventus, was the undisputed star of the show but the addition of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema added more blistering pace, power and, of course, goals to a forward line that fired the Blancos to four Champions League triumphs in five years.

Getty ImagesBBC2

Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini formed a formidable defence in front of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon as Juventus set about re-establishing themselves as a major European force.

Together, the BBC provided the foundation on which the Bianconeri's resurgence was founded, helping the Old Lady win six successive Scudetti before Bonucci departed for AC Milan last year only to return this summer.

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GettyAC Milan's Dutch gold

The arrival of Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit at San Siro in 1987 proved instrumental in AC Milan winning a first Serie A title in nine years, but the signing of Frank Rijkaard propelled the Rossoneri to glory on a world stage.

The Dutch trio became the stars of Arrigo Sacchi's wonderful team, helping the Italian outfit win two European Cups and two Club World Cup crowns.

England hope to be inspired by the spirit of Christchurch as they take the next step in their World Cup campaign

George Dobell22-Feb-20151:09

‘Amazing how people have come together to put sport back on in Christchurch’ – Bell

England hope to be inspired by the spirit of Christchurch as they take the next step in their World Cup campaign.After a thumping defeat in Melbourne and a humiliation in Wellington, England arrived in the South Island of New Zealand with spirits understandably low. As one of the coaching staff put it, “The players are hurting and they should be hurting. It was not good enough.”But what they have seen here has provided a reminder, firstly of the relatively trivial nature of their own difficulties and secondly, of what can be achieved in the face of adversity by those with courage and resilience.Four years ago to the day, Christchurch was devastated by an earthquake. One hundred and eighty five people were killed and nearly 7000 more were injured. It remains the second-worst natural disaster – after the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake – in the history of New Zealand.On Saturday, Michael Henstock, a principal advisor to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority gave a 25-minute talk to the England team. He told them about the loss of life. He told about the destruction of buildings – 100,000 homes, 50% of the city centre properties were damaged and the cricket ground was destroyed. And he told about the loss of infrastructure – nearly 900 km of roads, 300 km of sewage pipes and 124 km of water mains required rebuilding. It is estimated that it may take the economy of New Zealand a century to recover.And then he told them what had been achieved in the recovery operation. He told of the new roads and pipelines and homes. He told of the shopping centre made from containers, the improved cricket ground in the park and how important it was that high-profile sport – and just a little normality and joy – returned to an area that has experienced terrible pain. There is a great deal more to be done, but he told them of a city, of a people, that refused to be broken.It would be crass to compare England’s challenges to those of the people of Christchurch and Canterbury. But there are lessons to be learned and inspirations to be gained from such examples. If nothing else, England’s players might gain a fresh perspective on their situation.”It was incredible to listen to what actually happened here,” Ian Bell said, “and how they are now going forward.We can take from that as a team. It can help us understand that we can move on as well. It’s certainly a good thing.”Bell made no attempt to diminish the poverty of England’s performance at Regional Stadium. A party to good times and bad, he admitted that, by any standards, the defeat in Wellington was “embarrassing.””We’ve been well off the pace,” he said, “to go to out and play like we did was embarrassing. The fact we have to apologise to people about our cricket is not acceptable. It’s really disappointing what we’ve done, but hopefully the next four games we’ve got in this group we can put it right and start playing the type of cricket that everyone knows we can.’We don’t want to take a backward step and [just] survive’ – Ian Bell•Getty Images”There was outstanding cricket from New Zealand, but that’s not taking away from how bad we were. It’s difficult to say what actually happened. There were some nerves at the MCG, but the talent in the group is there to put this right.”We have to go back to doing the simple things right. When we do that we are a dangerous side. We certainly can’t play like we have in the past two games.”You might expect a team that has been bowled out in 13 of their last 19 ODI innings to adopt a safety-first approach. But Bell has insisted that England should try to rediscover the bold spirit they talked about ahead of the tournament.”You want to bat through the innings, but there’s no point just trying to survive,” he said. “You’ve got to play aggressively – that’s where one-day cricket is going – but that doesn’t mean slogging. It doesn’t mean you try and hit every ball for six. It’s about being smart and there is a blend to that.”We don’t want to take a backward step and [just] survive and build a total and go hard in the last 10. We want to play aggressive cricket. That’s not just with the bat, that’s with the bowling and the fielding. That’s where we want to take English cricket. We don’t want to take any backward steps now.”Saying that we have to be smart and we have to play the conditions in front of you. There’s no point trying to get away from being aggressive. We’ve got some good players and we’ve got to let them go out and play with their instinct and take people on.”It is true that England have talked a lot about fearless cricket of late. But, when the games have begun, they have looked timid and uncertain. If there has been any mitigation it has been in the quality of their opponents.The match against Scotland provides a different test. It will test England’s character in a situation where they have everything to lose and nothing to gain.Maybe, just maybe, as they look around the rubble of this city centre and witness the efforts to rebuild, they might realise they have nothing to fear. Maybe, just maybe, they will play with the freedom and joy that has been absent from their performances in the tournament so far. Maybe, just maybe, the spirit of Christchurch can inspire them.

Former Test batsman Craig McMillan has joined New Zealand as their full-time batting coach for the next two years

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Sep-2014Former Test batsman Craig McMillan has joined New Zealand as their full-time batting coach for the next two years. McMillan filled the role temporarily during their recent tour of the West Indies after Bob Carter’s departure earlier this year and has just returned home from a successful New Zealand A tour of England.He will now be part of the permanent setup, joining head coach Mike Hesson, who on Wednesday had his contract extended until 2017, and bowling coach Shane Bond. New Zealand Cricket’s head of cricket Lindsay Crocker said McMillan had established a good rapport with the players over the past few months.”The West Indies and NZA tours were his first as a coach at that level, and we’re very happy with his development,” Crocker said. “He’s been awarded his two-year contract on that basis and I’m confident he’ll continue to form an excellent coaching trio with Mike and Shane.”McMillan played 55 Tests for New Zealand from 1997 to 2005, scored six centuries and averaged 38.46. In 197 one-day internationals he scored three hundreds and averaged 28.18. He retired from first-class cricket in 2007.