The curious case of Markelle Fultz’s ugly jump shot took a savage turn on Tuesday, when the former No.1 overall pick became the laughing stock of the NBA world. Fultz’s struggles shooting the ball have been no secret in his two years in the league since the Philadelphia 76ers moved up to take him first in the 2017 draft, but there might never been a more clear example of just how broken he’s become than these free throw attempts against the Miami Heat. Fultz’s shot stiffens up as he suffers from the yips but... then things get especially ugly as he, on a later attempt, double-pumps his shot — missing both attempts. The double-pump left observers stunned at having witnessed “one of the craziest things ever seen on a basketball court”. For a reminder of what Charles Barkley’s golf swing looks like... The bad news doesn’t stop there for the young guard, with news emerging on Tuesday that he’d split from the man who was helping recalibrate his baffling stroke — trainer Drew Hanlen. The signs had been promising, too. Luckily, the 76ers didn’t need much production out of Fultz — who finished the game with 5 points and shot two from eight from the field — as they went to go on and beat Miami 124-114 to improve their record to 9-6. And they’ve just added controversial star Jimmy Butler, who is sure to join the starting group for Friday’s clash with Orlando — a move which is sure to relegate Fultz, who can’t buy a trick right now, to the bench.

This isn’t the Hollywood script LeBron James envisioned — unless he was reading a horror-film screenplay. The Lakers got off to a terrible 2-5 start, the self-described King said “I suck” at shooting free throws after missing two clutch attempts that nearly cost Los Angeles a win against the Hawks on Sunday night and there were rumours coach Luke Walton’s job was in jeopardy. Through this new start, James admitted he nearly “cracked,” in an interview with Yahoo Sports over his early struggles in Los Angeles. “I haven’t changed anything outwardly, but you know me. You know how I am. I almost cracked [last week]. I had to sit back and remind myself, ‘[Expletive], you knew what you were getting yourself into,’” James said. “This process has been good for me. I just have to continue being patient.” It hasn’t been easy, playing in a new city with new teammates and high expectations on his shoulders. After a road loss to the Timberwolves, a frustrated James told reporters: “You probably don’t want to be around when my patience runs out. I’m serious.” The Lakers, now 7-6, have shown signs of finding themselves, winning three straight games and five of six since the Walton rumours were shut down. James, after all, had the game-winning follow slam Sunday against the Hawks after the missed free throws. The addition of veteran centre Tyson Chandler has pleased James. Chandler had the clinching block against the Hawks. “He’s huge,” James said Sunday. “We knew we had a spot that needed some reassurance, and for us to get Tyson in the fashion that we got him and to be able to implement him right away and the impact that he’s made in these three games thus far, it’s great.” “I had to regroup and remember this is a young team,” James added in the Yahoo Sports story. “We’re playing some good ball right now and we’re starting to build some good habits. That’s all that matters right now.”

THE Perth Wildcats have dodged a bullet with star centre Angus Brandt and import Terrico White still hoping to play against Cairns on Saturday. Brandt crashed to the floor against Brisbane on Friday and it appeared he had re-injured the right ankle he damaged playing for Australia in September. White sat out that game with hamstring pain and there were fears the pair could be sidelined for an extended period. Scans showed Brandt had a minor strain and White a slight strain, and the club says they could play this week. Captain Damian Martin (calf) wasn’t as fortunate and has already been ruled out. Perth beat Brisbane and Illawarra last weekend despite missing their three starters. Coach Trevor Gleeson said his team was reaping the benefits of recruiting quality people who could handle pressure instead of focusing on talent. The Wildcats made dramatic changes to their roster during the off-season and targeted Australians while signing only two imports. Gleeson said their early success justified those recruiting decisions. “We’ve been big on getting the right guys and we didn’t do that last year,” Gleeson said. Greg Hire and Chris Robinson discuss the big changes to Bryce Cotton and Terrico White on this week's episode of The Dribble Podcast. “We didn’t get the right guys — because in a pressure situation, it comes out. That’s what happened to us last year. “We were very mindful first and foremost, if the personality is good, but the talent is right there, we’ll go for that instead of the rock star.” Nick Kay and Mitch Norton have been key players since joining and stepped up when it mattered in recent games. Kay had double-doubles against Brisbane and Illawarra, while Norton’s ability to perform under pressure late in matches has helped to drag the Wildcats to victory. Vice-captain Greg Hire said it was no coincidence that the Wildcats had repeatedly withstood a barrage of pressure to win this season. “Playing against Mitch and Nick throughout my whole career, they’re players I’ve always admired and respected,” Hire said. “When we signed them, I knew they were going to buy into the club’s systems and values. “Those challenging games are where a few possessions here and there can decide a game.”

Melbourne United will blow off steam jet boating in Queenstown before Friday night’s blockbuster against New Zealand in Invercargill. The “reset” in New Zealand’s adventure capital is predominantly for rest-and-relaxation smack bang in the middle of an energy-sapping run of seven games in 21 days. With three games in eight days still to go before the FIBA international window, United — which has relied largely on raw talent and recovery, not practice, in recent weeks — needs a boost. “We’re going a day early … stop in Queenstown and just have a day to really reset for these last three games coming up, New Zealand, Brisbane and Sydney,” United coach Dean Vickerman said. “We won six games by the FIBA window (last year), for us to have three more games right now to be able to … have a real crack. “It hasn’t been smooth coming through this period, either, so hopefully we get everybody back on board and really have some momentum going into that FIBA window.” Chris Goulding is likely to be on restricted minutes for the next three games, having already missed four matches with separate ankle, eye and knee complaints. United recruit Alex Pledger will also be reassessed after battling with fatigue symptoms. Melbourne has stacked wins despite the disjointed start and lapses in games, often marred by turnovers and blown buckets. United had converted one of 14 three-point attempts to halftime last Sunday, in the come-from-behind seven-point win over Cairns Taipans, with Goulding, Casper Ware and David Barlow going 0-10 from the perimeter. “I just feel like at the moment, when we haven’t practised and practised reps you feel like an NBA team where at times you just got to let talent go,” Vickerman said. “When we dried up from the three-point line we were finding ways to get to the foul line, it was good to have a second scoring option. “When you find a way to win (in this heavy period) these games are going to count a lot at the end of the year.”

The last time Novak Djokovic played at The O2 arena he suffered a chastening defeat at the hands of Andy Murray which confirmed the end of his dominance at the top of the men's game. His return to the ATP Finals on Monday, after missing the 2017 edition because of an elbow injury, offered conclusive proof that the Serb is once again top dog as he racked up his 50th win of 2018. The 31-year-old, bidding to equal Roger Federer's record of six titles at the eight-man season-ending event, produced an immaculate display to tame American John Isner, who was making his tournament debut, 6-4 6-3. Already guaranteed to end the year as world No.1 after winning Wimbledon and the US Open, Djokovic is a massive favourite to top the Guga Kuerten group and win a fifth title this year. "It's great to be back in the O2, it's been a lucky place for me over the years," Djokovic said. "I managed to get three breaks of John's serve which is sometimes mission impossible, but I managed to be at the right place at the right time and I held my serve very well and played solid." He will now set his sights on Germany's Alexander Zverev in his second round-robin match after the 21-year-old beat Croatia's Marin Cilic 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-1) earlier in the day. Isner, at 33 the oldest first timer at the blue-riband event since Andres Gimeno made his debut aged 35 in 1972, was not overawed but never managed to lay a glove on Djokovic in the 73-minute contest. Djokovic lost only four points on his own serve in the first set but what was most worrying for Isner was the way his opponent managed to read his towering delivery. "He's the best returner I've ever faced for sure," Isner said. "Sometimes you got to hope he's a bit off. Unfortunately, I don't think that was the case tonight. I got my ass kicked." While The O2 has been a happy hunting ground for Djokovic with four of his five ATP Finals titles arriving there, the same cannot be said of four-time qualifier Cilic. The Croat's defeat by Zverev - a repeat of his loss to the German 12 months ago - means he is 1-9 for the tournament. Cilic would have been kicking himself after allowing a first set that he initially dominated slip from his grasp and giving up a break in the second set too. Action continues on Tuesday in the Lleyton Hewitt group with Roger Federer to play Dominic Thiem after first-up winners Kevin Anderson and Kei Nishikori meet.

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has leapt to the defence of rival Roger Federer after claims the Swiss enjoys preferential treatment on Tour, especially at the Australian Open. Frenchman Julien Benneteau caused a stir during an interview on French radio station RMC Sport on Sunday in which he said tournament referees were often kinder to Federer when it came to scheduling his matches. Benneteau was particularly referring to the Australian Open where he said 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer played "12 or 13" of his 14 matches at Melbourne in the past two years at night, so avoiding the often scorching temperatures. He also suggested Federer's Laver Cup project, an exhibition team event in which Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley is also involved, represented a conflict of interest. Asked for his thoughts after his round-robin victory over American John Isner at the ATP Finals on Monday, Djokovic said Federer had earned the right for special treatment. "In the end of the day, in a way he deserves the special treatment because he's six-time champion of Australian Open and arguably the best player ever," Djokovic told reporters. "If he doesn't have it, who is going to have it? People want to see him play on the centre court, and they want to see him play in showtime, the best hours, which is 7:30 at night in Rod Laver Arena. "I understand Julien's point because sometimes it does seem that maybe certain players get more favoured year after year in certain tournaments. On the other side, you have to understand that Federer is a driving force of tennis in terms of revenue, in terms of attention. "Julien and guys like him are also benefiting from tennis, because of Roger, because of what he has done for the sport." Isner went even further, saying the likes of Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal should get even more privileges. "If anything, maybe they should get more special treatment because those guys, the top players, have made other players below them a lot of money," the American said after his 6-4 6-3 defeat. "It is like the Tiger Woods effect in golf. So that is how you can look at a guy like Roger. He is men's tennis in my opinion. He deserves everything and more that he's ever had." Six-time champion Federer is back in action, in the night session, at the ATP Finals on Tuesday when he takes on Dominic Thiem, aiming to hit back after losing to Kei Nishikori in his opening group match on Sunday.

Newcastle star Mitchell Pearce has revealed he made a phone call to David Klemmer from Bali in a bid to lure the powerhouse prop to the Knights in 2019. Klemmer’s exit from Canterbury during the pre-season appears inevitable with Channel 9 reporting the Australia Test star’s management will meet with the Bulldogs on Wednesday in what could signal the end of his time at the club. The Knights are ready to swoop with a multimillion-dollar deal and even got their halfback to play the roll of recruiter during negotiations. “I had a chat to him when I was in Bali, the club got me to give him a ring,” Pearce told Channel 9. “I’ve got a good relationship with him and I’ve always had a lot of respect for him so I hope it works itself out.” Pearce said Klemmer would fit in seamlessly at the Knights. “I’ve got all my fingers crossed,” he said. “I really love ‘Klem’ as a bloke and I think he’d be so perfect for this team. “I’m sure the town with embrace him, everyone loves a hard man up front that leads your pack.” With the Bulldogs resigned to losing Klemmer, Channel 9 and The Australian’s Brent Read also report the club have zeroed in on Sydney Roosters prop Dylan Napa as a potential replacement. Napa still has one year remaining on his Tricolours contract and would need a release in order to switch club. The Bulldogs have reportedly tabled an offer of around $600,000 per season to Napa. “I would be shocked if he doesn’t take it,” Read told Triple M’s Rush Hour with MG.

AFTER one of Queensland racing’s darkest weeks, it was probably inevitable that a horse linked to the Nolan family’s Raheen Stud would win a race at the Sunshine Coast and only fitting that Desleigh Forster would be the trainer. Chapter And Verse fulfilled that probability with a blistering return to racing in the Class 3 Plate, sparking a flood of emotions in the wake of Basil Nolan Junior’s death on Tuesday night. Chapter And Verse was bred at Raheen and sold through their draft to Forster for $28,000. Though the Nolan family does not still share in the ownership, there was no doubting who the win was for. “He’s reared them and been there the whole way through and it’s just so sad. “It was nothing for him to ring me on the way home from the races and just chat about the horses. We were like brother and sister. It’s just hard and it’s not the same anymore. “It leaves a big hole.” Nolan’s father Basil senior rang Forster a few minutes after Chapter And Verse won. “It’s been a tough week and obviously the Nolans are going through a terrible time,” Forster said. “It’s just terrific to win a race and this was for him. “They are an amazing family. Old ‘Baz’ and (his wife) Di told me to pick up the pieces and just get on with it.” Chapter And Verse stretched to a mile last preparation in three-year-old company and the first up 1000m was regarded as short of his best, but he proved far too classy in a sign there are better races to come. AT the conclusion of the spring carnival, Melbourne Cup winner Kerrin McEvoy is the leading rider of stakes winners for the season, with 15 on the board … and that figure doesn’t include his $13 million Everest success. Hugh Bowman is next on 13, with Tim Clark (11) and James McDonald (10) rounding out a top four for Sydney-based riders. Craig Williams (9) is the leader for Melbourne-based jockeys, just in front of Ben Melham (8). John Allen’s treble on Saturday took him to equal seventh on seven wins with Damian Lane, Glyn Schofield and Mark Zahra.

ST KILDA discard and 2014 first-round draft pick Hugh Goddard is training with Carlton in the hope of an AFL lifeline. Goddard, the second cousin of ex-Saints and Essendon champion Brendon Goddard, whose own playing career is in the balance, was in danger of being an unfulfilled talent when he was delisted in late August. The Blues reportedly met with Goddard's management in July and all signs point towards the 196cm defender receiving a second shot at the highest level. Goddard, 22, played eight of his 10 career matches in 2015, but he ruptured the Achilles tendon in his left leg a year later to kickstart his injury nightmare, then suffered turf toe in 2017. The Geelong Falcons product's last match and only game this past season was in round 22 against Hawthorn, when he recorded six disposals and three tackles. Goddard was dropped for the returning Jake Carlisle the next week and delisted soon after. St Kilda's decision to recruit fellow key defenders Carlisle, Nathan Brown and Logan Austin in recent years made life even more difficult for Goddard. He is one of five unlisted players training with Carlton ahead of next week's drafts, along with delisted Blue Jed Lamb and Northern Blues trio Sam Fisher, Jesse Palmer and Mason Blakey. Lamb, who also played for the Swans and Giants, is training without any guarantee of being redrafted, while Fisher, 20, is an ex-Sydney rookie and Palmer, 22, made three appearances for Port Adelaide in 2016. Fisher, a speedy midfielder with a neat left boot, averaged 21 disposals (11 contested) and seven tackles. Palmer, who stands 188cm, led the Northern Blues with 27 goals and was named at centre half-forward in the VFL Team of the Year. Former Northern Knights captain Blakey, also 20, is a 183cm lockdown defender who enjoyed a breakout season in playing every match for the Blues in the state league in 2018.

STAR Brisbane recruit Lachie Neale will not only take Dayne Beams' midfield minutes in 2019 but the former skipper's jumper number as well. After 135 games for Fremantle wearing the No.27 guernsey, Neale will don the No.9 when he runs out for Brisbane in 2019. With rugged defender Darcy Gardiner making the 27 his own at the Lions over the past five seasons, Neale opted to take the jumper worn by Beams for four years before his off-season move to Collingwood. Fellow recruits Lincoln McCarthy (No.11) and Marcus Adams (No.24) have also got their numbers, while former Gold Coast midfielder Jarryd Lyons is yet to have one assigned. McCarthy wore No.6 in his seven seasons at Geelong. Impressive young midfielder Jarrod Berry will wear a new number next season, moving from No.13 to No.7 – formerly worn by the delisted Tom Bell – while untried rookie defender Mitch Hinge has switched from 42 to 22. Flying Irish Category B rookie James Madden will wear the vacated 42.

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NOT MANY draft prospects have pieced together as complete an under-18 season as Sam Walsh was able to in 2018. The Geelong Falcons star began his year by being named a co-captain of the TAC Cup club, before also captaining the NAB AFL Academy and Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. He was picked as an All Australian after a terrific and consistent carnival and also named the Larke medallist as the best player in the series. His peers also picked him as the Ben Mitchell medallist as the player best displaying the qualities of the AFL Academy, and Walsh was picked as the captain of the TAC Cup team of the year. It's been quite the season. Where do you start? Walsh ticks most boxes as a midfield prospect. Can he run? Yep, he came second in the Yo-Yo test and third in the 2km time trial at the NAB AFL Draft Combine. Can he find the ball? He averaged 32 touches in the TAC Cup and 29 disposals across the under-18 carnival. This year he became more of an inside midfielder out of necessity as he played in some struggling sides (nearly half of his touches at the carnival were won in contested situations), but he's also strong on the outside with his run and ability to deliver the ball inside 50. Add to that Walsh's leadership, footy smarts, toughness, popularity amongst his peers and dedication and it's hard not to be impressed by the overall package he offers. He was tagged at different stages of the season and also worked through that experience, and he's shown when near goal he can hit the scoreboard, too. If you're nitpicking Walsh probably doesn't have the same explosive burst of speed that other midfielders might from a stoppage. But he's not slow. He tested at 3.00 seconds over 20m at the Combine, so it's not really a concern. He's on the lighter side so will probably start more as an outside midfielder at AFL level. Walsh watches Greater Western Sydney gun Josh Kelly and tries to pick up pieces of his game, and they do share a bit in common. Kelly's endurance is his key asset and Walsh has been described by recruiters as the most bulletproof midfielder to come through the draft since Kelly in 2013. He's been viewed as the leading contender to be Carlton's No.1 pick, but if they look elsewhere, Gold Coast will swoop at No.2 or 3. Walsh couldn't have done any more this year. He wants to be the No.1 pick and would be a deserving choice. In him a club will get a long-term player and leader to build their team around.

THERE has been an increased focus on mature-age players making their way onto AFL lists from state league clubs following the success stories of several clubs in the last few seasons. Already we have seen players make their way onto AFL lists via the special compensation picks afforded to Gold Coast and Carlton with Josh Corbett (Gold Coast), Chris Burgess (Gold Coast), Sam Collins (Gold Coast), Nathan Kreuger (Geelong) and Shane McAdam (Adelaide) all finding homes. There are several players pushing their case for an opportunity in upcoming NAB AFL Drafts and AFL.com.au has taken a look at the best prospects still available. VFL Brett Bewley Height: 186cm Weight: 83kg DOB: 14/4/95 Club: Williamstown Bewley was one of the strongest performers in the NAB AFL State Draft Combine and his test results – a 2.99 in the 20m sprint and a recorded time of 22.4 in the YoYo endurance test (the best out of the national and state testing) were testament to the work he puts into his craft. Bewley, 23, is a carpenter by trade and he enjoyed a productive season with Williamstown, gathering the fourth-most disposals in the competition. He's a strong body, he kicks the ball well and he's good overhead. A strong chance to be drafted. Michael Gibbons Height: 175cm Weight: 73kg DOB: 15/5/1995 Club: Williamstown Gibbons has been around the draft mark for a number of years but his ability to consistently win the football – he led the VFL competition in disposals (28) – has many believing this could be his year to get picked up. Gibbons tied with then Tiger, now Sun Anthony Miles for the VFL's Liston Trophy, becoming just the eighth player in history to win the award twice. Projects as a late pick or rookie selection. Nick Hind Height: 181cm Weight: 70kg DOB: 19/8/1994 Club: Essendon VFL Hind has speed and lots of it. His two-bounce running dash through the middle of the ground to set up James Stewart's semi-final winning goal against Richmond was spectacular and would have had recruiters sitting up to take notice. Reaffirming his pace, Hind ran 2.94 seconds over 20m at the state combine. Projects well at the next level given his upside and likely to earn an opportunity. The Bombers are believed to be keen on their state league product. Marty Hore Height: 189cm Weight: 81kg DOB: 5/3/1996 Club: Collingwood

A COLLINGWOOD ruckman and a resurgent Swan were the AFL's unlikely one-on-one kings in 2018. All Australian Magpie Brodie Grundy not only recorded the second-most hit-outs in the competition, but also had the best winning percentage among the top 50 players for offensive contests. The 24-year-old won 20 of his 38 one-on-one contests in that scenario – a whopping 52.6 per cent – including marking the Sherrin 12 times, which was also No.1 in that category. Grundy's all-round talents beyond just his ruck tap prowess are why many consider him the best ruckman in the game. He averaged 20.2 disposals (12.2 contested), 3.5 marks (1.2 contested), 5.3 clearances and 40 hit-outs, with an impressive 12.8 to his teammates' advantage. Richmond's 2017 Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin (49.1 per cent win rate), Lance Franklin (46), Justin Westhoff (45.5), Taylor Walker (43.9) and Daniel Menzel (42.5) were the next-best out of the top 50 in offensive one-on-one contests this year. The raging success of Sydney defender Aliir Aliir's second coming as an AFL footballer is also laid bare in the one-on-one statistics. The Sudanese star, who was born in a Kenyan refugee camp, was sighted at AFL level only once between round four, 2017 and his recall for the Swans' round 13 defeat this year of eventual premier West Coast. Aliir, 24, did not miss another game for the season. No one in the top 50 players to defend a one-on-one contest had a lower loss rate than the Swan's 10.9 per cent. Aliir remarkably lost only five of those 46 contests – and he wasn't just thumping the ball away, either. He also ranked equal-first for average intercept marks (3.7) with Eagles premiership backman and All Australian Jeremy McGovern among those to make double-digit appearances. Aliir's stunning campaign came after Longmire flirted with playing him as a forward and even through the ruck in a bid to utilise his obvious athletic ability. Behind him as other stingy defenders in that top 50 were Will Schofield (15.1 per cent loss rate), Mark Blicavs (15.7), Nick Haynes and Jake Kelly (16.7) and Aidan Corr (18).

The results India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets Australia defeated Ireland by nine wickets The talking point A total of 15 penalty runs were awarded across two matches at Guyana’s Providence Stadium on Saturday due to batters running on the protected area. The first two instances came in India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan, when after several warnings Pakistan were penalised five runs in the 18th over after Bismah Maroof ran onto the danger area. Then, on the final ball of the innings, new batter Sidra Nawaz was judged to have committed the same offence. It meant India were given a 0-10 head start in pursuit of Pakistan’s 7-133, a target they ultimately reached with an over remaining – despite also receiving a warning (but no penalty) for running on the wicket. In the day’s second match, Ireland were slapped with a five-run penalty after captain Laura Delany erred for a second time in running on the protected area. The big news The ICC has opted against moving Group A matches away from St Lucia, despite continual torrential rain. While Australia's base in Guyana for Group B matches has so far been unaffected, rain is forecast for the rest of the week in St Lucia. The ICC considered moving matches to Antigua, which will host the finals, but has since decided against the move, saying there was no guarantee of more cricket in a different location. "The rain currently forecast in Antigua would impact on our ability to prepare the playing surfaces for any relocated fixtures, as well as the playing of any subsequent matches,” ICC's head of events Chris Tetley said. The ICC is confident the weather will improve in St Lucia, despite 40 per cent more rain falling in the opening 10 days of November than the average monthly figure. Quote of the day “It’s a bit unusual, but I’m more surprised that we didn’t learn from it and the same with Pakistan. To do it once is criminal, but to do it twice is a bit of a brain explosion and we definitely should have learned from it.” – Ireland quick Kim Garth on the penalty runs. The record In the short space of 21 balls, eight fours and one six, Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy smashed the fastest half-century in the history of the tournament. The upshot Australia’s win inside 9.1 overs lifted them to the top of the Group B table on four points, ahead of India, also on four points but with an inferior net run rate. Tomorrow’s action

A SHOCK fourth-place finish in the Western Bulldogs' best and fairest has given first-year key defender Aaron Naughton the confidence he has what it takes to combat the AFL's star forwards. Assigned the daunting tasks of standing gun goalkickers Lance Franklin, Joe Daniher, Jack Darling and Jeremy Cameron in his debut season, Naughton didn't look out of place against the quality quartet, and his efforts were rewarded at last month's Charles Sutton Medal count, despite missing four games through injury. When reflecting on such an admirable achievement, the 19-year-old says the coaching panel's acknowledgement gives him the belief he's capable of better things next season. And it should come as no surprise he breezed through his exit meeting, with coach Luke Beveridge, backline coach Steven King and football manager Chris Maple all giving the West Australian a gold star for a season that saw him earn a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination. "I guess I was a little bit surprised because I didn't know how the voting worked, and when I got (to the best and fairest on the night), they told me if you play most games you'll poll OK," Naughton told AFL.com.au. "To finish fourth was a bit of a shock, but I suppose it was a reflection that (the coaches) rated my first season "My exit meeting was alright, but I didn’t know what to expect and how the procedure ran. "They were really positive after I played a few games in my first year as a key defender, so they were happy and want me to continue learning and grow my game. "They really instilled some confidence in me."

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Sri Lanka off-spinner Akila Dananjaya has been reported with a suspect bowling action following the first Test against England, which the visitors won by 211 runs on Friday. The match officials' report, which was handed over to the Sri Lanka team management, cited concerns about the legality of Dananjaya's action, meaning it will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process. The 25-year-old is required to undergo testing within 14 days and, during this period, Dananjaya is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known. Such a ruling means he will be available for selection for the second Test against England beginning in Pallekele on Wednesday, where the Sri Lankans will be without legendary left-arm tweaker Rangana Herath, who retired after the series opener. Dananjaya took figures of 1-96 and 1-87 in the hosts' defeat. It was his fourth Test, having debuted with eight wickets against Bangladesh in February. Captain Dinesh Chandimal, who suffered a groin strain on day one against England, is expected to be out of action for two weeks, with Suranga Lakmal set to skipper the side in Pallekele. Charith Asalanka comes in as Chandimal's replacement. Having already surrendered the ODI series and one-off T20I to England, Sri Lanka must win the second Test to have any hope of winning the three-match series.

Allrounder Grace Harris has had a day to remember for Queensland Fire in the Women's National Cricket League, blasting a staggering century and collecting five wickets in her side's crushing win over South Australia in Hobart. Harris, considered one of the most fearsome hitters in the women's game, opened the batting and proceeded to blitz a spectacular 162 from just 114 deliveries. The innings was the backbone of Queensland's 326 from 50 overs and included 25 fours and five sixes. Harris then took the new ball and immediately had the Midas touch – she removed Scorpions opener Bridget Patterson with her first ball and dismissed five of the top seven batters to finish with figures of 5-18. The win was much needed for Queensland, who move into fourth position on the WNCL ladder, while South Australia sit bottom after four matches. Harris, who scored the first-ever Rebel Women's Big Bash hundred back in 2015, had returned scores of 1, 15 and 14 in the matches prior, but after a strong pre-season in which she was largely able to shake off an ongoing knee injury, she sent a warning out to Queensland's rivals via the Brisbane Premier Cricket competition. Playing for Wests, the 25-year-old crashed two hundreds and a record-breaking 200 from just 152 deliveries in the space of four matches. "I opened the batting with my club side and got to play with a bit of freedom, with only two fielders out, which is really good for me, because I know if I swing hard enough it'll go straight over the ring," she told cricket.com.au recently. "I needed to be able to back up what I was talking about in practice, which was about me playing the way that I want to. "We all want to score runs, and do it quickly, but I've become a player who needs less chat and more action. "I think in the past it was the other way around, which is just about knowing my game more this season. "I'm a little bit older now, I know where I can hit the ball and how far I can hit it."