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With Argentina struggling against Mexico, they needed their captain to step up. Lionel Messi did just that, scoring a stunning opener in a 2-0 win.

Lionel Messi. It just had to be, didn't it?

Just when his country needed him the most, he popped up with a moment of magic to keep Argentina's World Cup dream alive and sink Mexico at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday night.

What had been a dismal affair was lit up by Messi on 64 minutes when he drilled a perfect shot into the bottom corner from 25 yards to break the deadlock.

And he then set up Enzo Fernandez for a stunning second late on to seal a crucial victory for Lionel Scaloni's side.

It was a win that revitalised Argentina's hopes in Qatar following their shock 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia in their opening group stage game.

And while they were far from their best once again, they now know that victory over Poland on Wednesday will seal their spot in the last 16.

Below, GOAL runs through the winners and losers from an emotional night for Argentina and their sensational skipper…

GettyThe Winners

Lionel Messi:

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Messi, like his team-mates, had endured a miserable evening until Angel Di Maria picked him out 25 yards from goal midway through the second half. Then, two mecurial touches of that left foot was all that it took to turn what had been a truly dire game on its head. The first was perfect, cushioning the ball into his path. The second was unerring, drilling an effort across Guillermo Ochoa into the bottom corner. It was Messi's eighth goal at a World Cup, drawing him level with Diego Maradona. But, more importantly, it was the goal that kept Argentina's dream of lifting the trophy in 2022 alive. Messi had been totally ineffectual up to that point, but one moment of quality was all it took to revitalise his side's hopes in Qatar and remind the world that he is not done just yet.

Angel Di Maria:

There were very few Argentina players who could hold their heads up high following this uninspiring display, but Di Maria did at least look like he was trying to make a difference. Things didn't always come off for him, especially in the first half, but after the break it was the Juventus star who looked the most likely to make something happen. Argentina started to get some joy down the right hand side and Di Maria was always the man who was probing and trying to run at his man and get behind the Mexico defence. And it was his pass that picked out Messi in some space for the goal. It wasn't an excellent performance by Di Maria by any means, but in a poor team display, he made a difference when it really mattered.

Enzo Fernandez:

What a way to score your first international goal. The 21-year-old was brought off the bench midway through the second half and was one of the substitutes who really made a difference for Argentina. Lionel Scaloni’s side had been really poor, but the second half changes led to an improvement and they were comfortably the better side after Lionel Messi had broken the deadlock. There was still some nerves around, however, with the score only 1-0. They needed a second goal just to be sure and it was Fernandez who provided it, curling home a quite stunning effort on 87 minutes to put the game to bed. It was a wonderful finish and a special moment for the Benfica starlet.

AdvertisementGettyThe Losers

Loser: Rodrigo De Paul

You will have to go a long way to find a performance from a top level player that was quite as dismal as the one De Paul served up during the first half at the Lusail Stadium. The Atletico Madrid man was pitiful in the heart of midfield, enduring a miserable opening 45 minutes. His passing was poor throughout and he brought nothing to his side, at either end of the pitch. Argentina couldn't get any control in the midfield until Messi's opening goal and De Paul's struggles were a major part of that. He wasn't alone in underperforming by any means, but it was apparent very early on how bad a night he was having and the only surprise was he managed to stay on the pitch for the entire game.

Loser:LautaroMartinez

The Inter forward was brought into the starting XI after Argentina's miserable showing against Saudi Arabia, but made no impact whatsoever. This was his big chance to impress, but he wasted it completely. It must be noted that he was provided with very little service, but that does not excuse what was a totally ineffectual performance from the forward. He had just 14 touches of the ball while he was on the pitch and made just six passes, with a passing accuracy of just 50 percent. Awful.

Argentina Ratings: Defence

Emiliano Martinez (6/10):

Made one spectacular save in the first half, but other than was completely untroubled.

Gonzalo Montiel (5/10):

Looked well off the pace. Poor.

Nicolas Otamendi (6/10):

Barely put under pressure by the Mexico attack.

Lisandro Martinez (6/10):

Cruised through the contest without having to break sweat.

Marcos Acuna (5/10):

Not really involved.

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Midfield

Angel Di Maria (7/10):

Made a real difference in the second half. Got the assist for Messi.

Rodrigo De Paul (3/10):

Awful. Improved slightly after half-time, was shambolic before the break.

Guido Rodriguez (4/10):

Not quite as bad as De Paul, but couldn't get any control in midfield.

Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

Couldn't get into the game.

Frenkie de Jong was surprisingly critical of his display in Barcelona's 4-0 thrashing of Getafe – despite scoring as his side went second in La Liga.

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Barca thrash Getafe 4-0De Jong among scorersDutchman critical of displayGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Xavi's side cruised to victory thanks to goals from Raphinha, Joao Felix, De Jong, and Fermin Lopez as they leapfrogged Girona into second. While midfielder De Jong was critical of his own display, the 26-year-old completed 92 per cent of his passes, made four tackles, five clearances, and won 11 ground duels against the visitors.

AdvertisementWHAT FRENKIE DE JONG SAID

After the win, the Dutchman said: "If you win 4-0 it's more comfortable, but in the first half we suffered a little. We had chances because they pressed high and we had a lot of space behind us. Many times they stayed one against one and those at the top took advantage. It wasn't my best day when it came to passing, but in the end we won. I'm going to continue the same. I always train hard, whether it's good or bad, but I don't think I was good with the ball today. We have to fight until the end. It's not up to us, but we have to keep winning games. In the end we'll see where we are."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The result means Barca have cut the gap to league leaders and bitter rivals Real Madrid to just five points, although Los Blancos can extend that to eight with a win over Sevilla on Sunday. With manager Xavi stepping down this summer, a defence of their La Liga title would be a stunning way to end on a high.

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WHAT NEXT?

Barcelona are next in La Liga action when they travel to Athletic Club on March 3, before hosting Mallorca five days later. They then face Napoli in the second leg of their Champions league last 16 tie on March 12, with the score currently at 1-1.

England went 1-0 down to North Macedonia after VAR awarded the hosts a penalty for a Rico Lewis foul on Bojan Miovski.

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North Macedonia take 1-0 leadMacedonia given penalty for Lewis's foulLineker ridicules VAR decisionWHAT HAPPENED?

Rico Lewis' England debut was marred on Tuesday night by a contentious penalty awarded by referee Filip Glova against the Manchester City defender. The full-back grabbed a North Macedonia player with a flailing hand while leaping to head away from a long ball, causing VAR to step in and request that the incident be examined at the pitch-side monitor.

Gary Lineker reacted to the contentious call on Twitter:

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

During the international break, Lewis was a last-minute addition to Gareth Southgate's squad after a number of players were forced to withdraw due to injury, giving the starting lineup many opportunities. Then, when the Three Lions faced North Macedonia at the Tose Proeski Arena, Southgate gave the 18-year-old his time to shine on the international scene by starting him at left-back.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

The Three Lions are currently trailing North Macedonia by a goal as they look to end their European Championship qualifiers.

Rilee Rossouw has been called up to the South African Test squad, as a replacement batsman after Quinton de Kock was ruled out of the series with an ankle ligament tear.

Firdose Moonda21-Dec-2014Rilee Rossouw has been called up to the South Africa Test squad as a replacement batsman after Quinton de Kock was ruled out of the series with an ankle ligament tear.Rossouw, 25, has not played any cricket since December 12 and is nursing a finger injury, which indicates Temba Bavuma, the Lions No. 3, could make his debut in Port Elizabeth.Rossouw, who has played nine ODIs and three T20s for South Africa, did not play in the recently completed first-class fixture for the Knights against the Titans and was ruled out of their next match, starting on December 27 as well. On Monday, Knights’ coach Sarel Cilliers said: “Rilee is still struggling with that finger of his, so under the medical committee’s advice we’re not going to play him in the two Sunfoil Series games so that he can try and get ready for the West Indies T20 series.”Despite that, Rossouw has been called up to the national squad, following for both remaining Tests against West Indies following seasons of bubbling under the surface. Rossouw boasts a first-class average of 44.83 and was eighth on last season’s first-class competition run-scorers’ list. He has only played one first-class game this summer but enjoyed a successful late winter tour of Australia, where he scored a double-century for South Africa A in an unofficial Test against Australia A.He shared in a stand of 343 with Bavuma, who scored 162 in the game and will likely play ahead of Rossouw if South Africa opt for a batsman to play in de Kock’s place. Their other option would be to go into the game with only six specialist batsmen and play their full complement of bowlers which includes four frontline seamers and a spinner. Robin Peterson, the only slower-bowler in the squad, missed out in the first Test at Centurion as South Africa opted to go all-pace but on what is expected to be a slower track at St George’s Park, they may turn to him.What is more certain is that AB de Villiers will be asked to keep wicket for the rest of the Test series, even though he carries a chronic back problem. With no other gloveman in the squad, South Africa have no choice but to task de Villiers’ with the job, although they may relieve him of the duties for the limited-overs’ matches, especially as the World Cup draws nearer.With de Villiers’ fitness in mind, South Africa may make use of Morne van Wyk in the T20s and ODIs against West Indies, especially because the vastly experienced gloveman can also open the batting as de Kock did. Van Wyk is currently the one-day cup’s second-highest run-scorer with 353 runs from five innings, including two centuries. He was part of the 2011 World Cup squad and led the Dolphins at the Champions League T20, so he also has big tournament experience, should he be needed at the World Cup, if de Kock does not recover in time.If de Villiers can cope with the keeping duties in the shorter formats, then South Africa will only need a replacement opener for de Kock. Richard Levi would be the frontrunner for the spot after a strong showing in the domestic 20-over competition where he was the leading run-scorer. Henry Davids, who was second, could also be considered, along with third-placed Reeza Hendricks. Alternatively, South Africa may look at the one-day cup statistics where Andrew Puttick tops the charts.

Having observed Brendon McCullum’s destruction of England in Wellington, Darren Lehmann challenged him to repeat the trick against Australia’s higher velocity attack

Daniel Brettig21-Feb-2015Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann has fired a shot across the bows of the New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, while at the same time admitting Brisbane’s rain will force significant changes to the team’s preparation for a pivotal World Cup encounter between the co-hosts in Auckland.With the exception of a washed out Champions Trophy encounter in 2013, Australia and New Zealand have not met in an ODI since the 2011 World Cup, leaving plenty of water to pass under the bridge since, including McCullum’s emergence as one of the world’s most feared top-order aggressors and the Kiwis’ evolution into a major threat.Having observed McCullum’s destruction of England in Wellington, Lehmann challenged the former wicketkeeper to repeat the trick against Australia’s higher velocity attack at Eden Park. He noted the difference between the speeds of Stuart Broad, Steven Finn and James Anderson and those of Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.”He does hit them a long way, doesn’t he?” Lehmann told Adelaide radio station 5AA on Friday night. “He took the game on and he certainly does that, he plays a high-risk game, but there’s a bit of a difference between 135kph and 145 to 150kph coming at him. It’ll be a great challenge for both sides, he’s going to certainly come at us and we’ve got some plans for him.”It’s going to be exciting – New Zealand have been very impressive. It’s going to be interesting to see how they play against us, I’m sure they’ll be really aggressive, so it’s going to be a cracker game.”Brisbane was exposed to the fringes of tropical cyclone Marcia, meaning there never really seemed to be a possibility of a match against Bangladesh emerging from the murk. This means that by the time Michael Clarke walks out to toss the coin against McCullum in Auckland, the Australians will have gone two weeks between games. Even before knowing the washout would transpire, Lehmann flagged the likelihood of some kind of practice match to try to compensate.”We’ll probably have to,” he said. “We’ll get to New Zealand on Sunday regardless of what happens here, then try to replicate something like match conditions early in the week, which will give us an extra couple of sessions leading into a game.”Obviously they’re playing really well, blew England away and they’re a pretty good side. We’re good to go for the [Brisbane] game, but if it rains again tomorrow and then we get to New Zealand it is a few days without outdoor competitive cricket, so we’ll have to change it around.”Lehmann also expressed some interest in the way England’s Cup campaign appears to have unravelled, and he reached a familiar conclusion as to the reasons why. Namely, Lehmann felt that the team of Eoin Morgan and Peter Moores looked too scared of making mistakes rather than showing initiative.”England looked like they were lacking a bit of confidence, they won the toss and really didn’t try to take the game on,” Lehmann said of the Wellington result.”I don’t think they are that bad. I just think they’re not backing themselves or having any confidence in themselves to play the game, and that can happen in any format of any sport. Sometimes you’ve just got to have a crack and take the game on and I probably think they’re not doing that.”

With the race for the playoffs getting tighter, Mumbai Indians will aim to bounce back, having suffered back-to-back defeats at their new home in Visakhapatnam

The Preview by Arun Venugopal in Visakhapatnam14-May-2016Match factsSunday, May 15, 2016
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)3:29

Cullinan: Nos. 2, 3, 4 a problem for Mumbai

Big PictureThis is usually the time when Mumbai Indians make a frenetic dash for a playoff spot from the lower rungs of the table. Mumbai have started well this season, and despite a few stumbles, they are in with a chance to make the top four. Their recent performances, however, would be a concern, especially at Visakhapatnam, which was assigned as their ‘home’ ground after the IPL was forced to move out of Maharashtra.Mumbai have lost both matches at their new home by big margins, having struggled to cope with a sluggish surface that has fettered their stroke-makers. Rohit Sharma might not admit it, but the batting has been too reliant on him. With only two games to go and a congested points table to negotiate, Mumbai would need Nitish Rana and Krunal Pandya to step up.Delhi Daredevils, on the other hand, have had a fine season, but have stuttered a bit because of injuries and a flurry of changes to their regular XI. With most of the support staff having worked with Rajasthan Royals in the past, they might remember how odd tinkering perhaps cost the team a playoff spot two years ago. Now is the time for them to zero in on a settled line up.Form guideMumbai Indians LWLWW (last five matches, most recent first)
Delhi Daredevils WLLWWIn the spotlightAmbati Rayudu has been a crisis manager for Mumbai this season. He has either set the innings up at the top of the order or held it together after the loss of early wickets. In conditions that haven’t been the easiest to bat on, his contribution will be critical.Sanju Samson may not have blitzed his way through Daredevils’ campaign like he did with Rajasthan Royals when he first burst onto the scene. But his consistent contributions at the top have empowered a relatively inexperienced batting line-up. His ability to milk the bowling at a fair clip will be handy on a surface that hasn’t been conducive to big-hitting.Team newsMumbai have generally been loath to fiddling with their combination, but given the need to shore up their batting, there is likely to be a rethink in this regard. Rohit Sharma hinted after the loss against Kings XI Punjab that they might play a foreign batsman in place of either Tim Southee or Mitchell McClenaghan. Either Martin Guptill or Corey Anderson, who also gives Mumbai a bowling option, is likely get a look in. If Guptill is picked, he will probably replace Unmukt Chand at the top, and one of Vinay Kumar or Shreyas Gopal is likely replace Southee, depending on the pitch and conditions.Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Unmukt Chand/Martin Guptill, 3 Ambati Rayudu, 4 Nitish Rana, 5 Jos Buttler (wk), 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Tim Southee/R Vinay Kumar/Shreyas Gopal, 10 Mitchell McClenaghan, 11 Jasprit BumrahZaheer Khan’s fitness has been a constant worry for Daredevils. During training, Zaheer began by bowling off a few steps and then gradually went full tilt with no apparent discomfort. A call on his availability would be taken on the morning of the game. If Zaheer is fit, Jayant Yadav will make way for him; if he isn’t, JP Duminy will continue to lead the side.Delhi Daredevils (probable): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Mayank Agarwal, 3 Karun Nair, 4 Sanju Samson, 5 Rishabh Pant, 6 JP Duminy, 7 Jayant Yadav/Zaheer Khan(capt), 8 Chris Morris, 9 Amit Mishra, 10 Nathan Coulter-Nile, 11 Mohammed ShamiPitch and conditionsThis is a fresh pitch, different from the one used in the last game, but it isn’t known if it will offer more comfort for batsmen. The city also received moderate showers on match eve, but there is no rain forecast for Sunday.Stats and trivia Amit Mishra has the most wickets (12) for a spinner in IPL 2016.Three of Daredevils’ bowlers who have played at least three games – Imran Tahir, Chris Morris and Jayant Yadav – have an economy rate of less than seven.Quote”His cricket brain is unrivalled, I think, especially with the fields he sets and his thinking around what the batsman is thinking, and where they are going to try and hit the ball. When you’re seeing a bowlers meeting, and he’s talking about these plans and you’re not quite sure what’s going on. He’s one of those blokes – when he talks, you really listen.”

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney caught up with Taylor Swift's boyfriend and NFL star Travis Kelce to chat about football.

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McElhenney talks Wrexham with Travis KelceNFL star learns about cup competitionsCelebrities have been regularly spotted at WrexhamWHAT HAPPENED?

Celebrity sightings have become commonplace at Wrexham since Hollywood duo McElhenney and Reynolds took over the club in 2021. Hugh Jackman, Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd are just some of the stars who have been spotted watching the Welsh side and they could soon be joined by more A-listers as McElhenney has been chatting about his team to NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce on their New Heights podcast.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MCELHENNEY SAID

Travis was particularly interested to learn about cup competitions, which allowed McElhenney to open up on his experiences with Wrexham since taking over.

"That's a fascinating part of the sport. Some people really care a lot, other people don't care at all. You have fanbases that are sort of torn," he explained. "I do find it's a win-win because if you advance and continue to win through the tournament people get excited and if you lose, nobody cares.

"And in fact, the NFC championship last year which we came to, we watched the Wrexham game in the parking lot with the tailgate before the game and we drew that game against a team that was three leagues higher than us.

"I've become so annoying with that – I've been correcting people on the word 'soccer' versus football. People just want to smack me."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

McElhenney's other love is the Philadelphia Eagles and he joined Kelce's girfriend Taylor Swift to see the NFL star take on the the New York Jets with The Chiefs last month. Could Swift now be tempted head to Wrexham? Kelce certainly seemed impressed by McElhenney's commitment to Wrexham. "I love it though, you're all in. That's how you know you're doing the right thing. You're all in, baby," he said.

Reynolds and McElhenney have previously said they would love to see Swift perform at Wrexham's stadium after hosting two gigs by the Kings of Leon last summer.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Wrexham are back in action at the weekend and will be hoping to secure a place in the third round of the FA Cup when they take on National League South side Yeovil Town at the SToK Racecourse. The Welsh side made it to the fourth round last season before being knocked out in a replay against Sheffield United.

Sarina Wiegman's side no longer have their destiny in their own hands after a shock defeat in Leuven

England were dealt a fright on Halloween night as Belgium's shock 3-2 win took the Lionesses' chances of progressing to the UEFA Women's Nations League finals, and thus securing Great Britain's place at next year's Olympic football tournament, out of their own hands. The reigning champions will not only need to beat the Netherlands at Wembley in December now, they'll also need other results to go their way.

Belgium took a surprise early lead in Leuven when Laura De Neve's free-kick deceived Mary Earps and England's start to the game was made worse when Alex Greenwood had to be stretchered off after a rather concerning clash of heads with Jassina Bolm.

A smart header from Lucy Bronze and a wonderful finish from the returning Fran Kirby put the Lionesses back on track for all three points only for Tessa Wullaert to level things up again before half time.

Try as they might, Sarina Wiegman's side couldn't put their noses back in front in the second half, with Alessia Russo guilty of missing a couple of big chances in particular, and that lack of cutting edge came back to haunt them when Wullaert gave the Red Flames a famous win from the penalty spot late on.

GOAL rates England's players from the King Power at Den Dreef…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Mary Earps (5/10):

Appeared to think De Neve's free-kick was going wide, which was a costly misjudgement.

Lucy Bronze (6/10):

Levelled things up with a very clever header. Attacking intent sometimes left England suspect to the counter, however.

Millie Bright (5/10):

Belgium's counter-attacking presence exposed a lack of pace in the centre of defence.

Alex Greenwood (N/A):

Stretchered off with a worrying looking head injury that she sustained with less than 20 minutes on the clock.

Niamh Charles (6/10):

Did some excellent defensive work. Not much luck in an attacking sense, though.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Keira Walsh (6/10):

Sprayed the ball around brilliantly but was caught out of position for the second goal.

Georgia Stanway (5/10):

Gave the ball straight to Vanhaevermaet in an error that led to Belgium's equaliser. Handball offence that gave the Red Flames their match-winning penalty capped off a difficult night.

Fran Kirby (6/10):

Bagged her first goal since returning from the knee injury that ruled her out of the summer's World Cup and what a well-taken strike it was.

GettyAttack

Chloe Kelly (6/10):

Set piece deliveries were fantastic, particularly the one for Bronze's equaliser.

Alessia Russo (5/10):

Some nice passes but failed to put away either of the two really good chances she got.

Lauren Hemp (6/10):

Provided Kirby with a superb assist just before half time.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Jess Carter (5/10):

Brought on early after Greenwood's injury and settled well despite that, but did struggle with Belgium's pace on the counter.

Rachel Daly (5/10):

Replaced Russo with just over 20 minutes to go. Had a decent headed chance saved but otherwise didn't get much of a look at goal.

Ella Toone (5/10):

Came on for Kirby at the same time as Daly but couldn't impact the game.

Sarina Wiegman (5/10):

Decision to bring Kirby in for Ella Toone, her only change to the line-up for Friday's 1-0 win over the same opponent, made a real positive impact. However, substitutes again failed to change things and the decision to keep faith in Russo over Daly will be under the microscope once more after her inability to put away some golden chances.

Aaron Beard has been on Essex’s radar since playing for their U-9s and against the Sri Lankan tourists their hopes began to come to fruition as he took four wickets in an eye-catching first-class debut

Will Macpherson at Chelmsford08-May-2016
ScorecardAaron Beard is still a schoolboy but he has already carried a decade of hope for Essex•Getty ImagesNot many, least of all the tourists, knew much of Aaron Beard when he ran in for the first ball of Sri Lanka’s trip to England, but he certainly knew how to draw attention to himself. With wickets in each of his first two overs, the 18-year-old Chelmsford-born schoolboy began his first-class career in dreamy fashion as he picked apart Sri Lanka’s top order.Beard, who has been with Essex since he was nine, ended with 4-62 as they were bowled out for 254. With the fourth ball of the match, after Angelo Mathews had opted to bat upon winning a not-terribly-fiercely-contested toss, Beard got one to nip away and take Kaushal Silva’s edge. Then, with the third ball of his next over, Beard had the other opener, Dinuth Karunaratne trapped in front by a full delivery.There is mitigation for not knowing much about Beard. Only the most eagle-eyed viewers will remember he was a substitute fielder for England during a 2013 Ashes warm-up here, aged just 15. That is a responsibility given to few, whatever the occasion.All Essex’s quietly-held hopes for him began to distil on a debut he will never forget. He does not turn 19 until October and is working under Graham Napier, a star pupil as Napier takes his Level 3 coaching qualification; Napier believes his charge has a wrist position of unusual quality.Worryingly, Beard has already had two major back operations, but here all the moving parts looked in fine working order again; he is not tall, but is relatively broad shouldered, and a repeatable, attractive action arrives at the end of a smooth run. He found some movement, both off the seam and in the air, while the yorker he castled Milinda Siriwardana with suggested he could enjoy success with a white ball too. Graham Ford, Sri Lanka’s coach, was suitably impressed.”It was an amazing day,” said Beard. “I was very nervous running in first up, but once you’ve bowled a couple of decent balls you settle and I was lucky to get my wicket in the first over. That eased the pressure completely. I wouldn’t have wanted to make my debut anywhere else than Chelmsford, definitely not. I went to school about six minutes up the road and first played for Essex in the under-9s.”I don’t actually remember the first wicket because my adrenalin was rushing so quickly and it was very surreal. I settled as I bowled more.”Beard’s exciting intervention apart, this was probably not how Sri Lanka imagined their first day of their tour of England. Having been spooked by England’s recent snow, the Sri Lanka’s were surprised to find that the sun blazing throughout – ice cream and increasingly salmon-coloured skin were abundant.There was even a chance for the attack Sanath Jayasuriya this week described as the “best attack in the world” to feel the sun on their backs. They toiled as Essex – who bat deep – reached stumps 81 for 2.Flashback: Aaron Beard substitute fielded for England as a 15-year-old in 2013•Getty ImagesIf 254 seemed underpar, it was a decent enough day for the two men Mathews has suggested are jostling for the No.3 spot. Kusal Mendis, who batted at first drop today, scored a fluent, at times extravagant 66, having found himself at the crease so early.Then Niroshan Dickwella, who came in as low as No.8, chanced his arm for the only other half-century, looking particularly good through the covers. Lahiru Thirimanne, the third member of the touring party with designs on the spot at first drop, is said to be operating at about 85% and remains a week away from a full recovery from his hamstring injury.When Sri Lanka took the field, Dinesh Chandimal took the gloves, but Dickwella remains in contention for the role in the Test series, and may keep later in this match.After Beard’s early burst, Mendis and Chandimal rebuilt. West Australian Matt Dixon, whose bowling improved as the day worn on and who appears to have a fine bouncer, and Tom Moore bowled loosely, and Mendis was quick to profit, particularly through midwicket and on the cut. The pair had shared a jaunty and stylish 88 when Chandimal edged Jesse Ryder to second slip.After lunch, wickets fell periodically. Beard returned with good pace to dismiss Mendis caught at the wicket, then Siriwardana, while Ryder pinned Dhananjaya de Silva in front. Mathews was defiant and was well caught at mid-off off Ravi Bopara. Dickwella was left to swing, then slog, with the tail, which was mopped up by Moore’s seam after tea.Sri Lanka’s frustration continued as Nick Browne and Jaik Mickleburgh played attractively to guide Essex in sharing 76, before Dhammika Prasad got one to nip back from round the wicket at Browne, who played attractively on the drive after a slow start. Nightwatchman Moore attempted to guide Essex to stumps, but was bowled not offering a stroke to Shaminda Eranga.This, though, was emphatically Essex and Beard’s day. Sri Lanka – indeed, all of us – certainly know a bit about him now.

Phillip Hughes’ death is to be the subject of an independent review, commissioned by Cricket Australia in order to “see what could be done to prevent a similar accident happening in the future”

Daniel Brettig14-May-2015Phillip Hughes’ death is to be the subject of an independent review, commissioned by Cricket Australia in order to “see what could be done to prevent a similar accident happening in the future”.Having flagged the possibility of a review in the days after Hughes’ death in November last year, the CA chief executive James Sutherland on Thursday announced the measure, which will be helmed by the QC David Curtain, a former chairman of the Victorian Bar Council and president of the Australian Bar Association.”When this tragedy happened, I said that it was a freak accident, but it was one freak accident too many,” Sutherland said. “Never again do we want to see something like that happen on a cricket field. We have a deep responsibility and obligation to look into the events of that awful day to understand everything that occurred and then see what could be done to prevent a similar accident happening in the future.Terms of reference for review

The causes and circumstances which led to the injury and ultimate death of Phillip Hughes

The policies, practices or systems in place to prevent a similar accident from occurring including those in relation to the prevention of traumatic injuries to the head and heart

CA’s approach to mandating, and enforcing the use and wearing of personal protective equipment in order to protect the head and heart

CA’s approach to the provision and use of cricket helmets, including consideration of helmet certification standards and suitability

CA’s approach to the medical screening of contracted players – especially those players with particular vulnerabilities

CA’s approach to the provision of a safe working environment at venues for both matches and training, including management of participants who suffer (or may be perceived to have suffered) head and heart injuries, and specifically the extent and appropriateness of CA’s concussion and head trauma policy and reporting mechanisms

The extent and appropriateness of the medical support and coverage afforded to players and on-field support staff, including match officials, at matches and training

“This is not an exercise designed to apportion blame on any individual for what took place. It is about making sure that as a sport we are doing everything in our power to prevent an accident of this nature happening again. David Curtain QC is one of Australia’s leading law practitioners and is highly qualified to lead the review which is being undertaken with the support of the Hughes family.”Hughes’ death, when felled by a routine bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG on November 25 last year, caused an unprecedented outpouring of emotion across Australia and the world, as many struggled to come to terms with the loss of one of the game’s most promising players.At the time there were some questions raised over various elements of the day’s events, from the time it took for an ambulance to arrive at the SCG to the model of helmet Hughes was wearing – though no helmet currently in production would have covered the spot where he was hit.Sutherland said that while numerous steps had already been taken to avoid a repeat of the awful scenes witnessed that day, the review would seek to determine whether more could be done between now and the start of the next Australian season.”There were certain measures put in place soon after Phillip’s passing such as increasing the medical presence at all CA matches and working very closely with our helmet supplier to investigate the suitability of protective head equipment offered to all players,” he said. “This review will help determine whether we need to implement further measures before the 2015-16 season.”We fully recognise that undertaking a process such as this may be a traumatic experience for some and we will be as respectful and understanding as possible throughout that time. As such Cricket Australia and all states continue to make available counselling and support to any players and staff who feel they need help at any time.”CA have indicated that once the review is complete, its findings will be released to the public.