Mark Ramprakash set to be named as England’s permanent batting coach

Mark Ramprakash is set to be appointed as England’s new permanent batting coach, according to reports. The 45-year-old former Middlesex and England batsman has been working with the head coach, Peter Moores, on a part-time basis since Graham Gooch left his post after the Ashes series. Ramprakash is expected to begin the role on a full-time basis for England’s one-day tour of Sri Lanka later this month. Having started his career at Middlesex before moving to Surrey, Ramprakash scored 114 first-class centuries but averaged only 27.32 from his 52 Tests for England. Since his retirement from playing in 2012 Ramprakash has been working with Middlesex’s batsmen. Meanwhile Misbah-ul-Haq belied his reputation as a ponderous batsman by equalling the record for the fastest Test century on Sunday, reaching the milestone in 56 balls against Australia in Abu Dhabi. Australia look to be heading for a huge defeat as Pakistan prepare to clinch a 2-0 series sweep on Monday’s final day of play. Set a gigantic target of 603 to win the second Test on a pitch which assists the spinners, Australia resume on 143 for four. Needing eight runs from two balls, the Pakistan captain hit Mitchell Starc for consecutive boundaries to match Viv Richards’ 1986 record against England at St John’s, Antigua. Australia’s coach, Darren Lehmann, says his team will not brush aside the disappointments of their tour and simply move on. “You’ve got to take stock of where you are,” Lehmann said. Guardian staff