ScorecardSam Northeast’s reputation seems consigned to Kent•Getty Images

“Northeast for England!” It’s one thing for Kent fans to chant for their captain (and, to be fair to them, they’ve been singing that for a while). But when those chants are coming from his own dressing room, it does strike a different note. As Sussex slinked off when bad light ended play, Kent’s players, with a 426-run-lead in their step, were in full voice. They, more so than the fans, are annoyed he has been overlooked for as long as he has.Sam Northeast, a decorated youth cricketer, an England Lion and a regular “well what about” selection in many an England XI thrashed out over beer-soaked tables, must be close to the real thing. And it’s innings like today – a barbaric, unbeaten 173, which saw him race to 37 from 23 balls to quell Sussex’s early attack, before bringing up three figures in 123 balls – that will push him close to the front of the queue. It was his 17th first-class hundred and, remarkably, it is hard to peg this as his most devastating.Naturally, Northeast was fairly chilled about England talk, happy to let his record do the talking – 1,474 Championship runs since the start of 2016 at an average of 77.6, if you’re wondering. “There are a lot of people in my position around the counties,” he said. Kent seamer Mitchell Claydon, within earshot, interjected: “Not with 18,000 effing runs in a year-and-a-half,”. Northeast laughed: “See what I have to put up with?”Considering Northeast’s hot streak started during his first full season as club captain and that his role at Kent is wide-ranging – he plays a prominent role in team meetings, player contracts and overseas recruitment – it says a lot about his character that the extra distractions seem to have focused his work out in the middle.During the North-South series in the UAE, in which he scored a century in the second match, he had chats with Andy Flower and England assistant coach Paul Farbrace. There was a chance for a catch-up with Flower today: the ECB technical director was at Hove and spent time talking to Kent’s coach Matt Walker. Northeast, of course, was otherwise occupied.His England claim is not just limited to one format. Recently, he has been one of the standout domestic Twenty20 batsmen in the world. Across the last two seasons in the T20 Blast, he has scored 1,103 runs at an average of 40.9. It is telling, too, that when analysts involved in recruitment for franchises across the world crunch the numbers in search of the most valued picks, Northeast’s name often makes an appearance.But, for now, the England Test side need a middle order batsman. And as well as Northeast’s free-scoring nature aligning with Trevor Bayliss’s blueprint for the Test side, he would also bring with him a knack for big runs. Including today, his last six Championship hundreds have all exceeded 160. He does not have a double hundred to his name – 191 against Derbyshire and 190 against Sussex, both last season, are as close as he has come – but looked like he was on the way to addressing in the final session on Sunday, hitting two sixes and a four in the last four balls of the day to take him to 173 off 181 balls.He shared a stand of 123 with opener Sean Dickson which put Sussex in their place and then one of 161 inside 27 overs with Darren Stevens (71) that whipped them into submission. Sussex, a bowler and ideas light, simply had to accept the punishment that was being dished out. Together, Stevens and Northeast put on 52 off the last five overs.But without Dickson’s patience, Kent would be a long way from the position they currently occupy. His grafting 68 gave Darren Stevens and Wayne Parnell a platform for their 123-run stand in the first innings. Disappointed he was not able to convert that to three figures on day one, it looked like he would get there in the second innings.He was in complete control, knocking the ball about diligently to get to 89 but, again, fell short after being trapped in front by Ajmal Shahzad. When you consider he suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury that kept him out of the opening fixture against Gloucestershire, it was a remarkable effort from the 25-year-old. Just as every good band needs a reliable bassist, Dickson’s calm and diligence allowed the more flamboyant around him to flourish.It’s still a good pitch, as Northeast and Stevens showed by the way they were able to hit through the line so well. “It would be nice if it was a bit cloudy in the morning,” said Northeast. “We’ve got a good bowling line-up here, with good variations and we’ll try a few things out there tomorrow.”

Arsenal have contacted Manchester City to make an offer of €16m (£14m) for Kyle Walker, while they are also interested in his teammate, Julian Alvarez, according to a recent report.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

With it recently emerging that Mikel Arteta plans to play Jurrien Timber at right-back next season, you perhaps wouldn't them to be in the market for another player in that area of the pitch, but there have been reports they are still interested in Ivan Fresneda.

The Gunners are said to have made contact with Real Valladolid over a deal for Fresneda, a player Arteta has always liked, and he will now be available for a cut-price fee, with his release clause dropping to just €20m (£17m) after his side's relegation from La Liga.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has also claimed that Joao Cancelo is a potential target for Arsenal, recently telling GiveMeSport:

"We know that Arsenal would love to explore Joao Cancelo if that's possible, and it will be very intriguing to see if Manchester City are open to a deal because a year ago Man City were happy to do business with Arsenal because they didn't really see them as a title challenger.

Arteta is seemingly looking to raid his former club for a whole host of new players, with a report from Nacional (via Football365) detailing that contact has been made with Man City over a proposed €16m (£14m) deal for Walker.

Not only that, the Gunners are also keen on signing Alvarez, although that may be a very difficult transfer to orchestrate, as Pep Guardiola is delighted to have the Argentine, and does not want to let him leave.

On the other hand, Walker's contract situation means that a deal for the England international would be an "easier case to solve", with just one year remaining on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Is Kyle Walker leaving Manchester City?

On Saturday, it was reported that the Englishman is still undecided on his future, despite being offered a new contract, with Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel pushing hard to secure his signature this summer.

The news that Arsenal have allegedly made a move for the right-back is certainly eyebrow-raising, given that he previously played for Tottenham Hotspur, making 229 appearances for the Gunners' rivals before making the move up north to join City.

There is no denying the defender's ability, however, having been lauded as "absolutely incredible" by members of the media in light of his performance for England in the World Cup quarter-final against France, "eliminating the threat" of Kylian Mbappe.

The 33-year-old is now very accustomed to competing for major silverware, having won five Premier League titles, and he once again played a key role last season, making 27 appearances in the top flight.

That said, if Arteta wants to build a long-term project at the Emirates Stadium, the manager should look to target younger players, and it would be unwise to sanction a move for Walker, despite his talent.

West Ham United's search for a striker has led them to Habib Diallo, with Football Insider reporting that they have firmed up their interest in the 28-year-old.

Who is Habib Diallo?

The forward currently plays his football for Strasbourg in Ligue 1 and has impressed for them in attack over the last three seasons. He has improved year on year in the league for the French outfit, with his goal tallies only increasing with each passing campaign.

In 2022/23 for example, he produced 20 goals and one assist in just 32 starts. That led to an average of 0.66 goals or assists per 90 on average, an impressive return for a club fighting relegation.

Prior to that, he managed totals of eleven and nine goals in Ligue 1 for the club. It means that his overall tally for the side stands at 40 goals in 75 starts for the French outfit – a very solid return.

Before joining up with his current outfit, he was equally as impressive in Ligue 2 for Metz, helping them to earn promotion to the top flight. His 26 goals in the second tier helped them to claim the title and despite having to adapt to a new league upon their promotion in 2019/20, his first season in Ligue 1 saw him hit the back of the net on 12 occasions there.

Are West Ham signing Habib Diallo?

Now, according to a report from Football Insider, the star striker is being lined up for a switch to the Premier League. West Ham have a firm interest in signing him this summer it seems, with David Moyes eager to add another striker to their ranks this transfer window.

Diallo is firmly on the wish list, as Irons chiefs have formally registered their interest with an approach to Strasbourg. It won't be easy for them to get a deal done though, with other top flight clubs interested in the 28-year-old – both Brentford and Crystal Palace also have Diallo on their transfer radar.

Right now, it appears that there is just interest from West Ham rather than a formal offer, but the report claims a mystery unnamed English club has made a bid, so perhaps that could be Moyes and Co.

He's clearly a talented player, with those who have worked with him lavishing praise on his ability – Diallo has been labelled a "reliable" option for Strasbourg by former boss Frederic Antonetti, who also stated after a two-goal game for the French outfit that he was confirming "all the good things everyone thinks of him".

He's highly regarded then as an option in attack and if West Ham want to better their strikeforce, then the 28-year-old could be a solid and proven option for them to add to their squad this summer window. Gianluca Scamacca is expected to leave London this summer, and with Michail Antonio ageing and Danny Ings not always a fit, a move for a player who so consistently hits the back of the net makes perfect sense.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to bolster their backline tenfold in one fell swoop this summer, as they continue to be linked with a host of top defenders…

Who are Tottenham Hotspur signing this summer?

The latest on this pursuit comes via a report by journalist Alan Nixon, who suggests that Spurs are set to rival Newcastle United in the race to sign Crystal Palace's Joachim Andersen.

It is noted that Ange Postecoglou is keen on the centre-back, who has impressed with his ability on the ball in recent years for a side that has at times struggled.

However, Roy Hodgson is expected to demand a huge fee to deter the suitors of his main man, as the report details a mouth-watering £50m price tag.

Given the Lilywhites' are also chasing deals for Micky van de Ven and Edmond Tapsoba, it is unlikely that they could afford all three when the fees are set to be so astronomical. However, with the latter of these two noted as the preferred option, it is worth imagining the fine partnership he and Andersen could strike up in north London.

How good is Joachim Andersen?

Having first garnered attention with his performances at Fulham, the Eagles were willing recipients of the Danish international upon their relegation, signing the defender from his parent club Lyon.

They would spend just £14.9m to tempt the 27-year-old to Selhurst Park, where he has shone ever since. Just last season saw him enjoy arguably his best personal campaign since moving to England in 2020, as he maintained a 6.96 average rating in the league buoyed by an 80% pass accuracy, 1.3 tackles and 5.8 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

His technical quality remains high, but standing at 6 foot 4, his physicality matches these levels.

He is the quintessential modern-day centre-back, with his former coach at Midtjylland, Svend Graversen, claiming: "He’s always been very good on the long passes. He was the leader in defence — I put him at centre-back but he was normally a midfielder. You could see the calmness on the ball, his awareness, especially the space in front of him in the defence was very good."

Fortunately for Postecoglou, should he acquire him and his other top target, so too is Tapsoba. In no time at all he could revolutionise his back four and forge one of the best ball-playing defences in the division, set to catapult them back into contention for European football.

Given Andersen's imperious defensive qualities though, his addition beside the Burkina Faso international could provide the perfect foundation with which the 24-year-old could truly shine.

After all, when compared to other centre-backs across Europe, Tapsoba ranks in the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, via FBref. If he were to receive assurances that an improved squad and Postecoglou's tactics would provide, these could reach imperious heights in north London.

This, plus the fact the Leverkusen ace also maintained 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game last term in the Bundesliga, denotes a defensively-sound yet technically-superior pairing that could soon be formed involving the 6 foot 4 menace and Andersen.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to take a patient approach in their bid to find a possible successor to in-demand talisman, Harry Kane, following an update regarding the club's interest in Brentford hotshot, Ivan Toney.

What's the latest on Toney to Tottenham?

According to Football Transfers, the Lilywhites are said to be 'willing to wait' until the winter window in order to snap up the one-time Newcastle United ace, with the 27-year-old currently serving an eight-month ban after breaching FA betting rules.

With the one-cap England international's suspension set to end in mid-January, that could then allow the north Londoners the opportunity to pounce midway through the season, if Kane is to depart in the near future.

With the latter man attracting hefty interest from Bayern Munich at present, there is a possibility that the 29-year-old could depart before the September deadline, with the Three Lions skipper having just a year left on his existing deal.

As per the report, there is a chance that such an exit would then see Toney join Spurs this summer, although chairman Daniel Levy is said to be keen to hang on to the club's record scorer until January, when he would then acquire a replacement in the form of the Bees ace.

Who should replace Kane at Tottenham?

Amid the mounting uncertainty over Kane's future at N17, there have been notable links to high-profile targets who could potentially fill the void in Ange Postecoglou's side next term, with Juventus hitman, Dusan Vlahovic reportedly among those being considered.

The Serbian machine initially caught the eye after bagging 49 goals in just 108 games during his time at Fiorentina, having since gone on to net 23 goals in 63 games after making the move to Turin on a £66.6m deal in January 2022.

While lauded as a player who could become "a generational talent" in future, as per journalist Emmet Gates, the 23-year-old hardly set the world alight last term at the Allianz Stadium, notably scoring just ten goals and providing only four assists in 27 Serie A outings.

Toney, by contrast, was far more impressive in the Premier League as the £20k-per-week sensation chipped in with 20 goals and laid on four assists in 33 league outings, with Kane the only English player to have netted more times in the top-flight last season.

A player with the "mindset of a lion", according to his manager Thomas Frank, the Northampton-born marksman has particularly impressed due to his ability to link play and provided quality service for those around him, showcased by the fact that the 5 foot 10 ace created 12 big chances in the league in 2022/23, eight more than Vlahovic achieved in Italy.

Also a figure who has proven himself in the Premier League – having contributed 12 goals and five assists in the division the year prior – Toney also offers the bonus of his willing work ethic in attack, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 9% among his European peers for interceptions, as well as in the top 19% for aerial duels won.

That is a far superior record to that of Vlahovic despite the Juve man's 6 foot 3 frame, with the Belgrade native ranking in just the bottom 33% and the bottom 34% for those same two metrics, respectively, across the last 365 days.

While the latter man's record in Italy is nothing to be sneered at, the impact that Toney has already made in England's top flight should make him a more worthy option for Postecoglou and co, even if it means Tottenham are forced to play the long game with regard to his arrival at the club.

The spectators basking in glorious sunshine at the St. Helens ground in Swansea were treated to a feast of runs – 697 in all – and two exhilarating centuries by Colin Ingram and Darren Stevens

ECB Reporters Network14-May-2017
ScorecardDarren Stevens’ century came off 48 balls but Kent couldn’t quite hunt down a huge target•Getty Images

The spectators basking in glorious sunshine at the St. Helens ground in Swansea were treated to a feast of runs – 697 in all – and two exhilarating centuries by Colin Ingram and Darren Stevens.Ingram struck his century from 78 balls, but that was pedestrian compared to Stevens who smashed 147 from only 67 deliveries. While Stevens was at the crease, Kent were favourites, but after his dismissal, Glamorgan’s bowlers stuck to their task to win by 15 runs, with 16 balls remaining.Thirty five sixes were struck in the match which equalled the record for a List A game, set in the game at Trent Bridge between Northants and Nottinghamshire last year.After Glamorgan were asked to bat, their innings was built around Ingram and Will Bragg who put on 212 for the third wicket after they had lost two wickets in three balls. Ingram continued his outstanding form in the competition by scoring his third century – this was a second in successive games. His innings came from 98 balls, which included six fours and eight sixes, and during the eight games, the South African left hander has hit 29 sixes and 31 fours.Bragg, who achieved his career-best, gave his only chance on 88, and was six runs away from his maiden century when he chipped Calum Haggett to cover. The lower middle-order also made worthwhile contributions, with Chris Cooke hitting a rapid 36, and Andrew Salter, who struck Ivan Thomas for three successive sixes in the last over, hitting 29 from nine balls.Kent needed to score at 7.10 runs an over, and they lost Daniel Bell-Drummond in the eighth over, when he bottom-edged Marchant de Lange to the wicketkeeper. Joe Denly and Sam Northeast took the score to 75, before both were dismissed in David Lloyd’s second over.Stevens then started his ferocious attack on the Glamorgan attack, and greeted Ingram by hitting him for 32 in his two overs. He quickly moved to 50 from 28 balls, and it took the 41-year-old Stevens only 20 more balls to reach his 100, which included 10 sixes and six fours.The fourth-wicket pair had put on 131 in just 13 overs, before Sam Billings, who had contributed only 24 to the partnership, was well caught on the long leg boundary.There was no respite from Stevens who, when he struck his 14th six, recorded the most sixes hit by an opposing batsman against Glamorgan in List A games. He was eventually out, caught athletically by de Lange on the midwicket boundary, and left to a standing ovation from the sizeable crowd.The Glamorgan seamers, relieved to see the back of Stevens, then picked up three more wickets, as Alex Blake and Calum Haggett were caught by Cooke behind the wicket, and Matt Coles was run out from a direct hit by Salter.Kent required 57 from the last 10 overs, but Charlie Hartley was bowled by Lloyd, who picked up his fifth wicket, and finished with a career-best 5 for 53, before James Tredwell was run out attempting a run to the wicketkeeper.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are eyeing up Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo as the defender prepares for a move away from Craven Cottage this summer, according to Dean Jones.

Is Adarabioyo leaving Fulham?

Marco Silva's Fulham were one of the surprise stories of last season in the Premier League. The newly-promoted Cottagers were supposed to struggle on their top-flight return but instead shone right from the outset, managing to secure a 10th-placed finish.

One of the standout stars of the Cottagers' campaign was Adarabioyo, a former Manchester City academy graduate who has blossomed since arriving permanently at Fulham in 2020.

The 25-year-old has attracted attention from other clubs in the Premier League as a result of his consistent performances and growing wealth of experience.

The 6ft5 colossus has reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign a new contract with Fulham, with his current deal expiring in June 2024. As a result of Adarabioyo's uncertain future at the Cottage, the likes of Inter and Monaco have been sniffing around and expressing interest in bringing the England youth international on board.

However, they are not alone. Tottenham have hinted at exploring a move for the defender, while it is now reported by Dean Jones that Wolves are upping their interest in the player.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones stated: "Wolves are going to market in search of at least one centre-back, maybe two depending on how the Kilman situation plays out. There is quite a lot of excitement around the rebuild that Lopetegui is looking towards and the foundations need to be in place soon so that the side has a solid look to it for next season.

"The defensive record was a bit of a mess last term, they conceded 14 goals in their final five games of last season and they are looking for some good value players now, ideally with Premier League experience."

He added: "One player that I’ve heard there is a bit of interest in is Tosin Adarabioyo at Fulham. Wolves actually first looked at him a couple of years ago but the player is currently looking for a new club.

"Ideally he is looking for a step up, he wants to join a Tottenham-sized club and those links are already there, but if his top options don’t come through soon then this could become an interesting alternative. It could be one to look out for down the road."

With Adarabioyo keen to take the next step in his career, the centre-back may not be too enthused by a move to Molineux given Fulham finished three places above Wolves last term.

A move to Spurs or Inter may be his priority this summer, especially given Fulham's rather low £13m valuation of the defender.

Wolves do need to bolster a defence that conceded 58 goals last season, especially given they have lost Nathan Collins to Brentford and Conor Coady has joined Leicester City.

Wolves have only added former Northampton Town goalkeeper Tom King to their squad on a free transfer, while also making obligatory loan deals for Matheus Cunha and Boubacar Traore permanent.

How did Adarabioyo fare last season?

Adarabioyo boasted a solid 6.89 Sofascore rating in the Premier League last season in the 11th sternest defence in the division.

Naturally, the giant centre-back uses his advanced height and physicality to win aerial battles but is less comfortable when balls are played in behind him.

In the 25 games he played in the league, the defender ranked in the top 6% for clearances per 90 among centre-backs (averaging 6.04), as well as boasting a 69.4% success rate in aerial duels.

One potential issue for bigger clubs looking at Adarabioyo is his passing accuracy, ranking in the bottom 36% of centre-backs. While he has a better accuracy when it comes to longer passing distances and ranks fairly high in progressive passes per 90, he may not be the prime candidate for a team wanting to play out from defence.

West Ham United can 'play on' Leicester City's financial state and their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship as they attempt to sign Harvey Barnes this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harvey Barnes?

According to 90min, Barnes is believed to be one of West Ham United's key transfer targets this window and talks are advancing over a potential transfer for the 25-year-old to the London Stadium.

Said Benrahma, Maxwel Cornet and Pablo Fornals are among the options David Moyes has to choose from on the left-hand side of attack; however, the Scot would be willing to offload players this off-season to freshen things up.

The Guardian report that Newcastle United are 'leading the race' to bring in Barnes while Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur also hold an attraction towards the £35k-a-week ace.

Leicester City would hope to demand a fee of around £50 million for the England international, though they acknowledge that they may be forced to sell for a lower price due to being relegated to the English second tier.

Following the sale of Declan Rice, West Ham United will have the financial capability to attract Barnes alongside the fact they will feature in the Europa League. On the other hand, Newcastle United's involvement in Champions League football could tempt Barnes to move to the North East over other options, as per The Daily Mail.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that West Ham United will try to haggle with Leicester City to land Barnes at a cheaper fee than £50 million.

Jacobs told FFC: "The challenge with Barnes, who West Ham have looked at as well because they want more quality on the left, is price, with Leicester potentially asking for £45 or £50 million, but they were pushing for a higher number with James Maddison and eventually, there was a fee settled on for £40 million plus add-ons. Suitors are going to be able to play on the fact that Leicester's finances aren't great and they've been relegated as well."

Would Harvey Barnes be a good fit for West Ham United?

However, this could all mean nothing as Newcastle are supposedly closing in on the attacker.

It's hard to argue that Barnes wouldn't be a good fit for a club like West Ham United, especially taking into account his consistent displays in the Premier League over the course of the last few years.

Last term, the 25-year-old enjoyed a productive time of things on the left flank for Leicester City, registering 13 goals and three assists in 40 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

Being able to lay on opportunities on a plate for his teammates is a big part of Barnes' game and he managed to record 63 successful shot-creating actions in 2022/23 in the Premier League, as per FBRef.

WhoScored also show that Barnes averaged around 2.1 shots on goal per match in the English top flight over the course, proving to be a difficult presence for opposition backlines to keep at bay.

West Ham United boss Moyes will be keen to build on his side's Europa Conference League triumph this season as he aims to make strides in the Europa League and bringing in someone like Barnes would help to continue the Hammers' upward trajectory.

Liverpool are now looking for their next defensive midfielder with Fabinho expected to make a move to Saudi Arabia this summer and now a new potential transfer target has been identified.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Joao Palhinha?

According to Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy, Liverpool are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Reddy revealed on Twitter: "Lavia and Gravenberch have long been considered by LFC (regardless of current situation), with their reps spoken to. Other players they've looked at: Nicolo Barella, Khephren Thuram, Florentino Luis, Joao Palhinha, Teun Koopmeiners…"

"They do love a surprise, stealth signing"

How good is Joao Palhinha?

There is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to quickly replace Fabinho as the Brazilian mainstay has had a huge influence on the club's success over the last five years.

The Liverpool ace played a key role in his deep-lying role to lead his team to a Champions League trophy, FA Cup, League Cup and their first-ever Premier League title, so it will be difficult to find a player who can emulate his impact.

As a result, the signing of Palhinha would be a great move for the Merseyside giants as the Portuguese sensation has been a revelation over the last 12 months and has been a difference-maker at Craven Cottage.

No other Premier League player completed more tackles and interceptions than the 6 foot 3 titan (193), with fellow Liverpool target Moises Caicedo coming in second to the Fulham whiz (156), and this attribute is not the only one that the two hot top-flight talents share.

When comparing Palhinha's output to his Ecuordorian positional peer last season, the pair came close in a number of key attributes desirable in the defensive midfield role including pass completion (82.5% v 88.5%), percentage of dribblers tackled (53% v 58.8%), blocks (48 v 43) and aerial duels won (64.5% v 64.9%). as per FBref.

Not only that, the 28-year-old ranks in the top 1% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for tackles per 90, as well as ranking in the top 12% for clearances per 90 and aerial duels won per 90, proving that he is one of the best defensive presences in Europe.

Lauded as being as "strong as an ox" by Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir, the confident ball-winner has been the recipient of high praise during his short time in English football, with pundit Jamie Redknapp showering compliments on Palhinha:

"He has been a brilliant signing. £20 million. He has got a real knowledge and nous of where he should be. He picks the right pass. He has a real presence about him. He is a fantastic signing for them."

Despite making a £20m move from Sporting Lisbon to west London last summer, the Portugal international has already become an invaluable asset to Fulham and it would reportedly take an offer of £90m for them to part ways with their star player, presenting a slightly cheaper alternative to Caicedo who has a £100m price tag.

With that being said, if sporting director Jorg Schmadtke could secure a deal for Palhinha it would be a major coup for the club and if he can continue to dominate in midfield at Anfield, he would be the dream successor for Fabinho next season.

ScorecardJoe Denly’s century was the bedrock of Kent’s innings•Getty Images

Joe Denly may play finer innings for Kent but he will make no century more precious than that which he completed just before five o’clock on an afternoon borrowed from Elysium. Denly’s hundred was constructed in the style of former Kent openers: Wally Hardinge, Arthur Fagg, Brian Luckhurst. It anchored his side’s effort when choppy seas threatened and it was largely responsible for his team ending the day moored in the relatively safe harbour of 316 for 8.Yet Denly’s 119 was freighted with more than statistical significance and this day’s cricket embraced more than deep enjoyment. Tunbridge Wells, you see, is quite gloriously the same but England is different. We did not need the early announcement of evacuation procedures over the public address to remind us of a new reality. Those travelling to this match by train from the north on Thursday were privileged to take part in a perfectly observed minute’s silence when the only noise was the gentle hum of the Pendolino. Then there were the extra police at Euston and a capital city with its Union flags at half-mast. We are suddenly more alert and newly protective of our liberties.Those liberties include sport, of course, and so it was with a special pleasure that folk arrived to watch the cricket on a day when rugs were needed only to prevent the sun’s glare reflecting off windscreens. The game began with a succession of four faultless maidens, which sounds rather like a medieval ceremony of purification. A sun-hatted slip cordon remained in vigilant attendance throughout a first hour in which Kent scored 25 runs off 15 overs and lost Sean Dickson for nought, the opener being caught behind when failing to cover Jofra Archer’s movement and bounce. Archer, of whom fulsome panegyrics have already been written, bowled well throughout the day yet enjoyed no more success.The next wicket fell instead to David Wiese, who sent down a nondescript bouncer to Daniel Bell-Drummond and was no doubt gratified to see the Kent opener waste his 65 minutes’ watchfulness and slap the thing to Danny Briggs at backward point. The French Open begins at Roland Garros this weekend so maybe that was on Bell-Drummond’s mind. Twenty minutes later Sam Northeast followed Vernon Philander’s fine away-swinger – a shot more from Hamelin than Harrow – and gave Michael Burgess the second of his three catches.Denly, meanwhile, was batting with studied precision, driving the Sussex seamers through the off side when they overpitched but otherwise protecting his stumps and playing shots only when they appeared necessary or without risk. At least he obtained full value for his aggression; the ball ran away across the square like a marble on glass.Kent lunched on 69 for 3 and many spectators promenaded contentedly on the outfield. This was “keeping calm”, and few places in our land are more conducive to serenity than the Nevill Ground; and this is “carrying on”, though we did so in the painful knowledge that there are people for whom the mere idea of getting through any day has become almost inconceivable…Kent dominated the afternoon session, scoring 126 runs in a style which brought pleasure to many of the near-as-dammit three thousand spectators. The pitch eased a shade and the ball softened. Joe Weatherly hit six pleasant boundaries and promised more before he was caught behind off a good delivery from Wiese. Darren Stevens, who is having the time of his life this season, batted with much greater aggression, taking three successive boundaries off Wiese and whacking eight fours in all in a run-a-ball 44 which was ended when he went down on one knee but only miscued Briggs to Chris Nash at short midwicket. Denly, meanwhile, had reached his fifty with a straight drive off Archer and the ball was beating his bat infrequently. The temperature settled in the seventies and the crowd basked in their sport. It was the sort of day when the gods turn up and watch the cricket while enjoying a pint of Goacher’s mild in the CAMRA tent.The honours in the evening session were shared, Kent scoring 121 runs but losing three batsmen to leg before decisions. Briggs was cut without mercy by Will Gidman whenever he pitched short but gained his revenge when he trapped the allrounder for 42, the ball striking the pad just prior to the bat. Denly reached his century off 188 balls after 290 minutes of fierce concentration but he then played tiredly across the line to Philander. James Harris became Wiese’s third victim and the day ended with Adam Rouse unbeaten on 32 and batting for Saturday morning in partnership with James Tredwell.The spectators drifted away, though many will be here again on Saturday; the county match is prized in these parts. And the crowd who watch their cricket at Tunbridge Wells over the weekend will share a bond with the thousands attending concerts or the slightly fewer turning up to Tredwell’s hog-roast at Pembury tomorrow evening. The same association links them to those going to the Cup Final at Wembley or the athletics events in the scarred city of Manchester. So perhaps such a day at the end of such a week even gives one the licence to paraphrase very slightly the greatest cricket poem of all, “J M Parks at Tunbridge Wells” by Alan Ross: “Kent 316 for 8. Moss roses on the hill / A dry taste in the mouth, but the moment / Sufficient, being what we are, ourselves still.”