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Aston Villa are reported to be remaining confident in their speculated pursuit of Atletico Madrid sensation Joao Felix.

Unai Emery and Monchi are hoping to bolster Villa Park with star names ahead of the highly anticipated 2023/24 campaign, having already added Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans to the squad.

Now, the Midlands club could eye an audacious swoop, in a player that transfer insider Dean Jones believes could be “one of the best players” that the Villans’ have had.

Could Aston Villa sign Joao Felix?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones described the potential pursuit of the Portuguese gem as having the capacity to be an “unbelievable coup” stating that “there is a fine line as to whether it is going to be possible”.

As reported by various Spanish outlets, Newcastle, Manchester United and Villa are keen on the forward, who could cost in the region of £80m.

Speculated to be taking home around £250k-per-week at Atletico, the Villans may need to think about how they can find an agreement in personal terms with the 23-year-old.

Jones backed the club to make their quest for the forward seriously should all terms be considered, saying:

“If there is scope for a deal then yeah, I think they would go for something like this seriously."

How good is Joao Felix?

Hailed as a “phenomenon” by Portuguese legend Paulo Futre, the 23-year-old could be the added star power that differentiates Villa from a club dreaming of highs under Emery, to a side making their ambitions a reality.

The youngster is a name the Premier League is more familiar with this year, after spending a half-season loan at Chelsea.

Despite only scoring four goals during his time with the Blues, the forward showcased that he has the potential to thrive in England, putting the environment and form at Stamford Bridge aside.

For Villa, the introduction of the Portuguese gem could see a fundamental upgrade in attack for Emery's side, in a young player that has already dominated on the biggest stages in Europe.

Contributing to 107 goals in 238 record career appearances, via Transfermarkt, Felix has struck hot among the best, maintaining his authority in the attacks of Benfica, Atletico and Chelsea in what are still the early stages of his journey.

Such numbers are extremely impressive, especially when comparing those to Villa’s current line-leader Ollie Watkins, who has netted 118 goals in his career so far, with just 40 of which coming in the top division.

While the Englishman has been dazzling at Villa Park, the 27-year-old could see the potential successor to his throne in the Midlands arrive this summer, should Felix opt to join Emery’s project.

Linked to Lionel Messi based on his statistics over the past year, the 23-year-old ranked in the top 4% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues in terms of his average shots per 90, recording 4.04 per 90, via FBref.

The liveliness of Felix is incomparable to that of Watkins, who despite being a reliable scorer for Villa, fell short of the Viseu-born star in such areas, averaging 2.42 total shots per 90, highlighting the threat of the reported target.

Emery could switch up the calibre of players in his squad this summer, with the idea of signing the former Chelsea loanee posing to be a marquee acquisition should the Spaniard get the deal over the line.

Getafe president Angel Torres has revealed the club's stance on a permanent transfer for Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood.

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• United decided to part ways with Greenwood in August
• Getafe snapped forward up on one-year loan deal
• No buy-option included, but Torres not ruling out full purchase

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United took the decision to part ways with Greenwood on August 21, after the conclusion of a six-month investigation into his conduct away from the pitch. The English forward subsequently joined Getafe on a one-year loan deal, and has recorded seven goal contributions in his first 13 appearances for the La Liga club, who are eager for him to stay put beyond the 2023-24 campaign.

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  WHAT ANGEL TORRES SAID

  No buy-option was included in the final deal that saw Greenwood sign for Getafe on transfer deadline day in September, but Torres has confirmed that they will try to buy him outright next summer. The Getafe president told : "With Greenwood, we are not only planning on him staying another year, but we also want to buy him."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Greenwood is still tied to a contract at United until 2025, but it has been reported that the Premier League giants won't consider reintegrating him into the senior squad when his loan deal at Getafe expires. The Madrid-based club could face plenty of competition for the 22-year-old's signature next year, though, with La Liga rivals Valencia and Real Sociedad both keeping close tabs on his progress. Serie A giants Lazio have also been credited with an interest in Greenwood.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GETAFE?

  Greenwood will hope to get back among the goals when Getafe return to La Liga action on Saturday, with a trip to Sevilla on the cards. Jose Bordalas' side are currently ninth in the La Liga table and have yet to pick up a win on the road, but they are still nine points clear of Sevilla, who have been drawn into a relegation battle after a turbulent start to the season.

Luis Suarez has been cleared to take in a reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, with Gremio confirming the striker’s imminent departure.

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• Veteran frontman has impressed in Brazil
• Set to be released from his contract
• Free to join ex-Barca team-mates in Florida

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The veteran frontman will be bidding farewell to Brazilian football at the end of the calendar year, with an early termination of his contract being agreed. Suarez will then be free to head to the United States and link up with former Barcelona team-mates Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at MLS side Inter Miami.

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  WHAT RENATO SAID ABOUT SUAREZ

  Renato Gaucho has told reporters when asked about bidding farewell to Suarez – who has hit 26 goals through 51 appearances for Gremio: “Are we going to miss him? Certainly, without a doubt, he is very loved by everyone. I had the pleasure of working with a great professional, one of the best in the world, fourth highest scorer in the world. This void will remain for the next year, because it's not easy to find someone of his talent and ability. When you find someone else, it's unfeasible to bring him in financially. Unfortunately, as I said before, it was very difficult for him to stay. Everyone wanted it, but only he could reverse this decision. Unfortunately, he will leave and there will be this vacuum in Gremio's attack. Then it's up to the board and president to try and find another striker. It was a great pleasure, not only for me but for the whole club. A guy who always gave himself, an exemplary professional.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Renato added on the impact that Suarez has made during his time in Brazil, with the 36-year-old still boasting boundless energy and a desire to win at all costs: “It's a great sadness for everyone. He arrived at the beginning of the year, he has helped us a lot, the fans were enchanted with him. He is an extraordinary professional on and off the field. He arrived quietly, he was letting go, playing, accepting the games. I often wanted to take him out of training or a game, but he wanted to continue. He wants to play every game and it doesn't hurt."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SUAREZ?

  Suarez will take in his final home game as a Gremio player on Sunday, against Vasco da Gama. His last outing will be away at Fluminense on December 7, with a path then being cleared for him to take in a short break before potentially joining up with Messi and Inter Miami for pre-season training ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign.

Liverpool are battling Tottenham to complete the signing of VfL Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Are Liverpool signing a centre-back?

The Reds' squad needs some significant transfer surgery before the start of next season, with midfield the particularly pressing area of the pitch – although they have of course already added Alexis Mac Allister there.

It could also be that a new centre-back is required to provide stiff competition for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, with both Joel Matip and Joe Gomez arguably not at the level required anymore.

One player who has been linked with a move to Anfield is Van de Ven, who has impressed in a Wolfsburg shirt, starting 33 Bundesliga matches last season. The £20,000-a-week defender could well move on this summer, finding it hard to turn down strong interest from the Premier League, with Spurs also in the hunt to sign him.

Could Van de Ven be off to Anfield this summer?

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are "prepared to battle" the north Londoners for Van de Ven's signature, having identified him as a "key target" in the summer transfer window.

The Reds have reportedly "begun laying the groundwork" for a defensive signing behind the scenes, with Jurgen Klopp "eager to bolster his backline". The Wolfsburg man appears to be at the front of the queue with Reds recruitment chiefs marking him out as the perfect fit.

Van de Ven could be precisely what Liverpool are after this summer, coming in as someone who can thrive at both centre-back and left-back, also meaning he can dovetail with Andy Robertson and be an upgrade on Kostas Tsimikas.

With Klopp tweaking his system late last season and moving Trent Alexander-Arnold into a roaming midfield role from right-back, Van de Ven's ability to play across those two positions could be perfect.

It would mean he could play at left-back and shuffle across to a more central position when Alexander-Arnold vacates space in defence, while his left foot would bring a balance that is currently lacking in Liverpool's squad. At 22, he would also very much be a long-term signing who could potentially be an eventual replacement for Van Dijk, although the hope is that his Dutch compatriot remains at a high level for a number of years still.

It is a move that ticks so many boxes – Niko Kovac has said the young defender has "great potential" as a player – and the fact that the Reds can offer Van de Ven European football next season surely gives them the edge over Spurs.

Seamers Jhulan Goswami and Sukanya Parida have been ruled out of the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers to be played in Colombo from February 7 to 21

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Feb-2017Seamers Jhulan Goswami and Sukanya Parida have been ruled out of the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers to be played in Colombo from February 7 to 21. Soni Yadav and Mansi Joshi will replace the injured pair in India’s squad.The loss of Goswami (10 Tests, 151 ODIs and 60 T20Is) in particular will leave India needing to make up a vast experience gap in the bowling department. Both Joshi and Yadav are yet to make their ODI debuts. Joshi has played one T20I, returning figures of 1 for 8 against Bangladesh during the Women’s Asia Cup T20 in November, while Yadav is uncapped in all formats.India have already had to make one change to their squad, with the allrounder Mona Meshram replacing the injured Smriti Mandhana.Updated India squad: Mithali Raj (capt), Ekta Bisht, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Thirush Kamini, Harmanpreet Kaur, Veda Krishnamurthy, Mona Meshram, Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Sushma Verma (wk), Soni Yadav, Mansi Joshi.

Virat Kohli struck his fourth double-hundred in four consecutive Test series as India surged to their third 600-plus score in three successive innings

The Report by Deivarayan Muthu10-Feb-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details4:37

Ugra: India’s top six are clear about their responsibilities

Another series. Another double-hundred for Virat Kohli. The opposition buried under a mountain of runs. The theme first unfolded in Antigua in July 2016, then in Indore and Mumbai. On Friday in Hyderabad against a listless Bangladesh attack, Kohli became the first batsman to hit double-hundreds in four consecutive Test series. By the time they declared at 687 for 6, India had become the first side to rack up 600-plus scores in three-consecutive innings.India’s day became sweeter when Umesh Yadav dismissed Soumya Sarkar for 15 with a 142kph ripper. Sarkar was unperturbed by the outswinger, but was done in by a full ball, which snaked in off the seam. He attempted a limp drive and Wriddhiman Saha threw himself to his right to collect the ball. India challenged the on-field not-out decision with UltraEdge picking up a thin deflection off the toe end. Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque hung on to take Bangladesh to 41 for 1 in 14 overs at stumps.A double-hundred in Tests might be the fantasy of several batsmen, but this innings from Kohli seemed inevitable. He arrived 30 minutes before tea on the first day and completed the landmark at the start of the third over after lunch on the second, swishing left-arm spinner Taijul Islam over cover, the first time he played a lofted shot off a spinner.Probably Kohli’s only nervous moment came on 180 when he was beaten by a sharp offbreak from Mehedi Hasan Miraz and was declared lbw by umpire Joel Wilson. Kohli reviewed the decision, with ball-tracking showing it was turning too much and heading past the leg stump.Soon after making a double-century, Kohli was pinged on the pad by a low-arm slider from Taijul and was given out by umpire Marais Erasmus, at the start of the 126th over. Kohli opted not to review this time; ball-tracking detected the impact was marginally outside off.On either side of Kohli’s exit, Ajinkya Rahane, who was picked over Karun Nair and returning from a finger injury, and Saha, returning from a thigh injury, waltzed to fifty and hundred respectively.Kohli and Rahane had set the tone for the day by extending their overnight 122-run partnership to 222. They scored 70 runs in the first hour as India scored 121 in the morning session.Kohli toyed with the field and with Taskin Ahmed, who did not help Bangladesh by frequently erring short in a spell that read 5-0-38-1. Kohli lashed Taskin over the top to the left of deep point, and cut the next ball along the ground and to the right of the same man. When Taskin went shorter outside off, Kohli ramped him over the slip cordon. Mushfiqur Rahim followed the ball and posted a third man, only for Kohli to beat him to his right with a sliced four.Wriddhiman Saha reached his second Test century with a six•AFPAlong the way, Kohli snatched the record for most Test runs in a home season from his former colleague Virender Sehwag. Rahane played some sparkling shots of his own, but for most part he just did his thing – bunting the ball into the gaps – before he spooned a catch to short cover, where Mehedi dived to his left and came out with the ball in one hand.If Bangladesh thought the wicket, which came after nearly 300 balls, was an opening, they were wrong. It was another false dawn. The ball suddenly started to turn sharply, and Taijul drew Saha a long way out of the crease, but Mushfiqur reprieved him. He had so much time that he missed the stumping opportunity twice. By the time he swiped the bails off on the third attempt, Saha was safe.Saha relied on deft flicks and a variety of cuts, and went onto hit a fifty off 86 balls. R Ashwin looked set for a fifty of his own until he nicked Mehedi to first slip for 34.Saha wasn’t done yet. He was also deft in using his feet against spin, and one such trip down the track saw him stylishly loft Taijul over his head for a six and raise a second Test hundred off 153 balls.That wasn’t the only hundred of the day. Bangladesh’s front-line bowlers – Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Taskin, Mehedi, Taijul and Shakib Al Hasan – all conceded more than 100 runs.Ravindra Jadeja did not miss out on the fun either. India hinted at a declaration when he launched Taijul into the second tier beyond long-on and followed it with a violent slog-sweep over midwicket in Taijul’s next over. In between, Jadeja was dropped by Tamim, running in from long-off, on 40. He cashed in and recorded the sixth fifty-plus score of the Indian innings. He celebrated the landmark with a signature Rajputana sword dance. How Bangladesh would have wished they had something to celebrate.

The Young Lions progressed to the knockout stages of the European Under-21 Championship courtesy of a comfortable win on Sunday

Anthony Gordon and Emile Smith Rowe were the scorers as England beat Israel 2-0 to secure their place in the Under 21 European Championship quarter-finals on Sunday.

The Young Lions were dominant throughout the Group C encounter, but had a difficult time converting it into dangerous chances.

Morgan Gibbs-White was the architect of the victory, setting up Gordon with a fine cross early on and then putting it on a platter for Smith Rowe to secure the victory in the second period with his second of the competition.

GOAL rates England's players from Stadion Ramaz Shengelia…

• Goalkeeper & Defence

  James Trafford (6/10):

  Got down low to keep out a promising free kick but otherwise did not have a great deal to do.

  James Garner (7/10):

  A solid performance at right-back, did well to contain the threat from Israel and support the attack.

  Levi Colwill (7/10):

  Had a sound game in the heart of the back line.

  Taylor Harwood-Bellis (6/10):

  Looked comfortable in the centre of defence against an Israel side that struggled to threaten.

  Ben Johnson (5/10):

  Had a shaky performance, got booked and gave away a dangerous free kick at the end of the first half.

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• Midfield

  Emile Smith Rowe (7/10):

  Grew into the game and fired in the decisive second goal just as Israel seemed to be gaining in confidence and bravery.

  Curtis Jones (6/10):

  Did well to win the ball in midfield and play some simple passes to keep the ball in circulation.

  Angel Gomes (7/10):

  A solid display deep in the England midfield with some smart moves.

  Morgan Gibbs White (8/10):

  Put in a lovely cross for Gordon to nod in the opener and then teed up Smith Rowe for the second. A lively threat throughout and the Young Lions' best player.

• Attack

  Anthony Gordon (7/10):

  After having a goal disallowed, he netted the opener after 15 minutes with a fine header beyond the goalkeeper.

  Noni Madueke (5/10):

  Had a quiet game as he found it difficult to influence England's attack as forward partner Gordon looked more dangerous. Squandered a great opportunity early in the second half.

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  Subs & Manager

  Cole Palmer (5/10):

  Replaced the struggling Madueke but did not fare much better himself in an underwhelming display.

  Cameron Archer (6/10):

  Was sent through for a great opportunity but failed to capitalise on it.

  Harvey Elliott (6/10):

  Set up Archer for a chance with a nice through pass shortly after coming on.

  Oliver Skipp (5/10):

  Did not make much of an impact after replacing Gomes.

  Jacob Ramsey (5/10):

  On for the last 10 minutes but the game was winding down by then.

  Lee Carsley (7/10):

  His team were on top throughout but the coach would have expected more opportunities than they created.

Tottenham Hotspur are seemingly stepping up their interest in Celtic boss, Ange Postecoglou, as the search to find a permanent successor to Antonio Conte rumbles on.

What's the latest on Postecoglou to Tottenham?

According to the Daily Record, the Lilywhites are believed to be ready to 'make their move' for the title-winning coach, having seen previous leading target Arne Slot opt to remain at current club Feyenoord.

This follows a report from the Independent that suggested Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is now 'strongly considering' the 57-year-old as an option to be the club's next full-time head coach, having handed the reins to Ryan Mason on a caretaker basis over the last weeks.

Should Tottenham appoint Postecoglou?

There are no doubt fears growing at N17 that the north London outfit are in for a repeat of the summer of 2021, with The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare stating that it had taken over 70 days for Levy and co to eventually find a replacement for Jose Mourinho in that protracted managerial search.

The Premier League side have already suffered the blow of missing out on the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Xabi Alonso – as well as the aforementioned Slot – with time now running out to find a suitable, willing candidate ahead of the summer transfer window.

In Postecoglou, however, Levy may well have already found a dream fit for the role, with the Greek-Aussie having showcased his credentials at Parkhead of late after winning four domestic honours since the start of last season, all while implementing "beautiful, attacking football" in Glasgow – as per BT Sport pundit, Owen Hargreaves.

The former Australia head coach – whose front-foot approach has been hailed as "mental" by compatriot Jackson Irvine – would likely be able to bring back a more aggressive and expansive style of play to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with former boss Harry Redknapp having only recently stated that the club need to be "less timid" and "have a go at teams".

Not only would such an approach likely please Spurs supporters, but Postecoglou's arrival could also potentially have a positive impact on the club's struggling squad, with the forward line, in particular, set to benefit from the 4-3-3 tactician's influence.

Long-serving asset Heung-min Son could be among those to find a new lease of life under the current Hoops boss, with the South Korean star having endured an underwhelming season to date after scoring just ten league goals, after previously bagging 23 top-flight goals last term.

With the 30-year-old having been something of a "passenger" at times of late, according to journalist Charlie Gordon, a fresh face in the dugout could be just what is needed to get the former Bayer Leverkusen man back to his best.

The benefits of Postecoglou's attacking style have been felt by those in his current home, with wing wizard, Jota, having bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in 41 games across all fronts this term while typically operating in a left-wing berth.

The 24-year-old's rampant form should well showcase that Postecoglou could also allow Son to flourish from the left flank next season, with the latter man likely to be revived by the presence of a more attack-minded coach.

As such, if Levy is to turn to the experienced tactician in the coming weeks, it could well be wonderful news for Tottenham's £190k-per-week hero.

Chelsea had previously considered bringing Mauricio Pochettino to Stamford Bridge as he closes in on being officially unveiled as the Blues' new manager, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest news involving Mauricio Pochettino?

As per 90min, Chelsea are said to be 'inching closer' to appointing Pochettino as their new manager and the two parties only have 'minor details' to iron out before the Argentinian is announced as Graham Potter's permanent successor.

The report also states that Pochettino will be given the freedom to shape his squad appropriately and will have a major say in who is allowed to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

Sky Sports revealed last week that Chelsea have been 'admirers' of the 51-year-old manager in the past and 'enquired about his availability' following their decision to part ways with Thomas Tuchel in 2022.

Pochettino has been out of work since the end of the 2021/22 season after he left Paris Saint-Germain despite leading them to the Ligue 1 title.

Football Insider claims that the former Spurs boss is already getting to work scoping out potential additions for the Blues, with Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane thought to be one of his transfer targets.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Sheth thinks that Pochettino will have been given 'reassurances' by the Chelsea hierarchy that will have given him encouragement as he closes in on returning to management at Stamford Bridge.

Sheth said: “I think he was considered a couple of times before by Chelsea, particularly when they appointed Graham Potter. At the time, it wasn't right for Pochettino.

“Something has changed, and in the discussions that he will have had with the Chelsea owners, he would have probably got the reassurances that he wanted, not only about issues like his backroom staff but also about how he's going to need to trim the squad.

“We know that Pochettino likes to work with a squad that's not inflated.”

What happens now for Chelsea?

In all honestly, Chelsea could do with some positive news in the near future, especially given their current woeful run of form in recent weeks.

Caretaker boss Frank Lampard hasn't been able to get a tune out of his squad, losing six from six since being brought in to steady the ship in west London.

Incredibly, despite their enormous spending power, the Blues lie 12th in the Premier League table with five games left to play and sit nine points above the relegation zone, signifying that they are still not mathematically safe from the drop.

Of course, it is extremely unlikely that Chelsea will suffer such a fate come the end of this term; however, it's an indication of how underwhelming this season has been at Stamford Bridge for all involved.

Pochettino will be keen to establish his vision early on in pre-season at the club to avoid a repeat scenario in 2023/24.

Lewis Hatchett too five wickets for Sussex against a struggling Derbyshire

ECB Reporters Network08-May-2016
ScorecardLewis Hatchett lifted Sussex’s fortunes [file picture]•Getty ImagesLewis Hatchett spearheaded an impressive Sussex bowling performance with a five wicket haul that gave his side the first day honours against Derbyshire at Derby.Hatchett took 5 for 58 and was backed up by Steve Magoffin and Sussex debutant Stu Whittingham who each claimed two wickets as Derbyshire crumbled to 191 all out.Shiv Thakor top-scored with an unbeaten 36 and then removed Chris Nash but Sussex closed in a strong position on 83 for 1, 108 behind.The visitors might have questioned their decision at lunch to give their seamers first use of a green-tinged pitch when Derbyshire, aided by some good fortune, lost only one wicket in 29 overs.There was certainly plenty there to encourage the bowlers and Chesney Hughes, who came into the game on the back of two centuries in the first three matches, was beaten numerous times before he was caught down the leg-side off Hatchett.Hughes faced 52 balls for his eight which highlighted the difficulties facing the batsmen and Hamish Rutherford should have gone on 11 when he edged Hatchett but Ben Brown spilled the chance diving to his left.With Billy Godleman surviving a blow on the helmet from Derby-born Whittingham to bat through the session, Derbyshire appeared to have done the hard work but the innings imploded after the interval.Rutherford mistimed a pull to mid-on to give Whittingham his first championship wicket before Godleman was bowled by Magoffin in the next over.Neil Broom’s lean start to the season continued when he offered no shot to Whittingham and when Wayne Madsen played across the line at Hatchett, Derbyshire had slipped to 105 for 5.At least Shiv Thakor, who also needed attention when a lifting ball from Magoffin struck him on the front of his helmet, looked in good touch but no one could stay with him long enough to sustain a recovery.Sussex had seized the afternoon by claiming six wickets for 91 runs and they struck with the first ball after tea when Hatchett had Tony Palladino pouched at second slip.A one-handed return catch accounted for Luke Fletcher and when Andy Carter missed with an attempt to clear the ground, Derbyshire had lost their last nine wickets for 113 runs.Although Sussex had bowled well, it was not a distinguished batting performance and the day did not get any better for Derbyshire who allowed Ed Joyce and Chris Nash to prosper on a glorious May evening.The openers took advantage of inconsistencies in line and length to put on 71 before Thakor broke through with the first ball of the 18th over when Nash was lbw for 37 but that was as good as it got for Derbyshire.