CONCORD, N.C. — Despite enduring a grueling crash Sunday at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Kyle Larson went through a  test like no other Monday at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island.

Larson continued Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Mission 600 – a series of interactive, regional military base visits in conjunction with the Department of Defense – by descending a five-story rappel tower, taking on an assault course and standing at attention at the iconic yellow footsteps amid orders from a drill instructor.

Larson’s day-in-the-life experience came as part of Charlotte’s patriotic preview of its Memorial Day weekend Salute to the Troops prior to the 60th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26.

Joining Larson in his quest to experience Marine Corps recruit training were Philip Foster and Michael Roberts from Larson’s No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing crew, as well as FOX NASCAR studio host Shannon Spake and Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter.

“Everything was very new to me and a really cool experience,” Larson said. “A good friend of mine from high school is a drill instructor in California, so it was neat to see what he gets to do every day. Going down the (rappel) wall was awesome. I tried to do it as quick as I could before I got nervous. The whole experience was cool. Seeing the respect everyone has here for one another – they’re a whole big team, similar to us. I can’t say thanks enough for what they do for Americans as well as for showing us such great hospitality.”

Additionally, Larson and Walter presented Brig. Gen. James Glynn with U.S. Marine Corps and Charlotte Motor Speedway Mission 600 flags following their recruit training experience.

“(Larson) got a little bit of a sense for what these 13 weeks are like, but it’s really the beginning of a four-year or longer journey for our men and women,” Glynn said. “The thing we have in common is being part of a team and being part of a winning team. We appreciate the effort that Charlotte Motor Speedway and NASCAR have put into recognizing our Marines and their families.”

Larson also learned the story of Marine Sgt. Jeanette Winters, who attended Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island for recruit training in 1997. Sgt. Winters perished on Jan. 9, 2002, in a plane crash in Pakistan. She became the first female member of the U.S. military to be killed in the War on Terror. As part of the 600 Miles of Remembrance program, Larson’s car will carry Sgt. Winters’ name on its windshield during the Coca-Cola 600.

“The Coca-Cola 600 is an event that we all look forward to in part because we get to honor our military,” Larson said. “Being able to honor Sgt. Jeanette Winters is going to be really special. After coming here and getting to see what she went through in becoming a Marine, having her name on our car in the 600 will be very special.”

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Carolina Hurricanes goalie Petr Mrazek is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, and defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk is out with an upper-body injury.

Coach Rod Brind'Amour also said Monday that forward Saku Maenalanen is expected to miss the rest of the Canes' second-round series with the New York Islanders due to an upper-body injury.

Brind'Amour spoke a day after the Hurricanes' list of injuries grew considerably during a 2-1 victory in New York that gave Carolina a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 3 is Wednesday night.

Mrazek, who has 210 saves on 230 shots faced while going 5-3 in the playoffs, left Sunday's game about six minutes into the second period. He was replaced by Curtis McElhinney, who stopped all 17 shots he saw.

Brind'Amour described Mrazek's status as "actually good news" because it means the injury doesn't appear to be long term. Still, the team recalled goalie Alex Nedeljkovic from its AHL affiliate in Charlotte on an emergency basis.

Van Riemsdyk was hurt about 30 seconds into Sunday's game after taking a hard hit from Cal Clutterbuck. He skated off the ice holding his left shoulder and sat on the bench for several minutes before heading to the dressing room. Maenalanen was injured in the third period.

In all, six Hurricanes are dealing with publicly disclosed injuries, with three of them coming during the first-round series against the Washington Capitals.

Forwards Andrei Svechnikov (concussion protocol) and Micheal Ferland (upper body) have not played since Game 3 of the Washington series and have been characterized as day-to-day by Brind'Amour, who says their availability will be determined after practice Tuesday.

Additionally, forward Jordan Martinook -- who left Game 4 against Washington with a lower-body injury after his heel slammed into the boards while he attempted a hit -- returned two games later. Brind'Amour says having three days between games will benefit Martinook, whose injury has "been nagging him for a long time."

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag took issue with comments from injury-hit Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino ahead of their Champions League semifinal first leg clash on Tuesday.

Hosts Tottenham are without a string of key players, including strikers Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, for the game in north London and were also involved in a 1-0 loss against West Ham United on Saturday while Ajax rested.

Pochettino said Ajax have an unfair advantage because the injuries to his team and the fact that the whole of the Dutch league programme was postponed to help Ten Hag's side prepare.

The straight-talking Dutchman was unimpressed, however, playing down suggestions his side were favourites.

"We get €10 million for playing in Eredivisie and they get many more millions for being in the Premier League. Is that not unfair on us?" the 49-year-old coach told reporters.

"There are always differing circumstances. Everybody has different circumstances. You just have to deal with them. That's what we do."

Midfielder Donny van der Beek, one of a crop of homegrown youngsters who have propelled four-times winners Ajax to their first Champions League semifinal since 1997, also made the point that their journey began last summer.

Ajax were actually playing in a second qualifying round tie against Austrians Sturm Graz in July, then beat Standard Liege to reach the playoffs where they overcame Dynamo Kiev.

That put them in a group containing Bayern Munich, but they emerged undefeated before beating Real Madrid in the last 16 and Juventus in the quarterfinals.

Now they are in sight of the final as well as being neck-and-neck with PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie title race.

"It's all going quite fast," Van der Beek said, before a training session in Tottenham's new stadium which was open for the public to attend for the full duration.

"Spurs are a great team with great players and we will have to be at the same level or better than we were against Real and Juventus in the last two rounds."

Ajax might never have a better chance to reclaim the trophy before the so-called European heavyweights close in to pick off their best talent -- as has happened in the case of midfielder Frenkie de Jong who will join Barcelona this summer.

But while it is young Dutch talent that has spearheaded Ajax's march, Ten Hag said it was a couple of former Premier League players who have provided the winning mentality.

Serbian Dusan Tadic joined from Southampton while Daley Blind has thrived since returning to the Netherlands after a spell with Manchester United.

"We had a good young team but a lack of experience," Ten Hag said. "It was a deliberate policy to sign players from the Premier League, with the knowledge and experience they bring."

Ajax are looking for their first win over Tottenham, having lost both legs of their European Cup Winners' Cup tie in 1981.

Everyone is tired. The schedule is getting hot and heavy and that's even before the weather really kicks in and the swelter arrives. Quick turnarounds and demanding travel are taking a toll on teams across the league.

It's time for managers to really earn their money. Motivating through fatigue and smartly rotating lineups now might mean the difference between making or missing the playoffs. All the points matter, even when it feels like the season just started.

Step up to the challenge, coaches. Or speak out publicly about how you don't really have the weapons to win and some of this really isn't your fault. Either one, really.

Previous rankings: Week 8 | Week 7 | Week 6 | Week 5 | Week 4 | Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1

1. LAFC (7 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss)

Previous ranking: 1

Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Chicago

LAFC got one of those draws that feels like a loss on the road in Seattle. Bob Bradley's team not only gifted the Sounders a goal in the first minute, it played up a man for most of the match without scoring ... and delivered the miss of the year from Christian Ramirez in the process. They physics of it don't seem possible.

2. LA Galaxy (7-1-1)

Previous ranking: 3

Next MLS match: Saturday at New York Red Bulls

After midweek's disappointment in Minnesota, the Galaxy bounced back with a dominant 2-1 win at home over RSL on Sunday. Even when Zlatan Ibrahimovic does nothing, he still makes things happen. In addition to the winner, the Swede's almost-dummy set the table for Uriel Antuna's opening goal.

3. Seattle Sounders (5-2-1)

Previous ranking: 2

Next MLS match: Saturday at Minnesota

Cristian Roldan's red card darkened the day for the Sounders and essentially ended any chance of winning against LAFC. Roldan's first career sending off will be the subject of plenty of controversy throughout the week. The upshot is that the Sounders held on for a point and will wait to see whether Roldan is let off.

4. Houston Dynamo (5-1-1)

Previous ranking: 4

Next MLS match: Saturday vs. FC Dallas

Houston's hot start is turning into a steady heat after a 2-0 home win over Columbus on Saturday. Note to other MLS teams: Sloppy play at the back against the Dynamo will probably lead to a whole lot of pain when the likes of Alberth Elis and Mauro Manotas pounce.

5. FC Dallas (5-2-2)

Previous ranking: 5

Next MLS match: Saturday at Houston

A home draw against the Quakes after all of the fun of the last couple of weeks takes some of the shine off FC Dallas. It's a bit harsh to say that FC Dallas was outplayed on its home patch, but it did require the intervention of Jesse Gonzalez on several occasions to salvage the draw.

6. Philadelphia Union (4-2-3)

Previous ranking: 9

Next MLS match: Wednesday vs. FC Cincinnati

The Union scored a point against the Whitecaps in Vancouver. The brightest spot for Philly was the play of homegrown keeper Matt Freese. The 20-year-old started in place of the injured Andre Blake and showed that the Union might not be lost without the Jamaican in the lineup.

7. Toronto FC (4-1-2)

Previous ranking: 7

Next MLS match: Saturday at Orlando

Saturday presented the first real hiccup in what has otherwise been a good start to the season for the Reds. Jozy Altidore's absence was acutely felt against the Timbers, perhaps most by Alejandro Pozuelo. The Spaniard played his first MLS game without a goal or an assist. What a bust!

8. D.C. United (4-2-3)

Previous ranking: 6

Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Columbus

A dog-tired United team looked exactly that in Minnesota against the Loons on the weekend after a midweek win in Columbus. Spare a thought for homegrown product Donovan Pines, who had his first MLS goal taken off the board by VAR in Minnesota. Strange call and rough day for the Black & Red.

9. Minnesota United (4-2-3)

Previous ranking: 10

Next MLS match: Wednesday vs. LA Galaxy

It took three tries, but the Loons finally have their first win at Allianz Field. It was narrow and far from comfortable, but none of that matters. Did Angelo Rodriguez even make contact with Romain Metenire's cross? Who cares! The United fans got a chance to sing Wonderwall, establishing the tradition in their new home.

10. Montreal Impact (5-2-3)

Previous ranking: 11

Next MLS match: Wednesday at New England

The Impact needed some serendipity and emergency defence to keep Chicago out of the net in the early going, then got a bit of magic from Omar Browne to secure a win. That flash of brilliance is exactly why the club plucked Browne out of Panama following his breakthrough performance in the CONCACAF Champions League.

11. Columbus Crew (4-1-5)

Previous ranking: 8

Next MLS match: Saturday at D.C. United

The Crew have dropped four straight games, with a single goal on the board in those matches. Between Wednesday's home loss to D.C. and Saturday's defeat in Houston, Columbus crossed the ball 65 times and managed a grand total of nine shots on goal. That would be fine with better efficiency in front of net, but the Crew don't have it.

12. Orlando City (3-3-3)

Previous ranking: 12

Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Toronto FC

Even with NYCFC's rough start to 2019, getting a point on the road at Yankee Stadium is never an easy task. Credit to the Lions for not only getting a draw, but for getting out of the Bronx without any injuries from the questionable surface. Nani continues to show his value with another goal.

13. New York City FC (2-6-1)

Previous ranking: 16

Next MLS match: Saturday at Montreal

The draw kings of MLS retained their throne with a home draw against Orlando on Saturday. That's not the result the home team needed, and it might help turn the heat back up on Dome Torrent after last week's big win over D.C. United. Even the boss acknowledges his seat is warming up.

14. Real Salt Lake (3-1-5)

Previous ranking: 13

Next MLS match: Saturday vs. Portland

RSL felt the wrath of the Galaxy on Sunday in what can only be called a fair result. Does that mean Mike Petke's team isn't good enough to compete in the West? No, but it seems like the dial will switch back and forth on the "good and bad" meter most of the season for a club with a few nice pieces but not enough top-class talent.

15. Sporting Kansas City (2-4-2)

Previous ranking: 14

Next MLS match: Sunday vs. Atlanta

What was that? Sporting's explainable rough road following the Champions League run is becoming a more troubling trend following a wild 4-4 home draw against New England. If there's a positive, it's the fight the club showed in bringing the game level.

16. Chicago Fire (2-3-4)

Previous ranking: 15

Next MLS match: Saturday at LAFC

The loss in Montreal came down to a game that was always bound to be determined by a single moment going against the visitors. On current evidence, the Fire are what Saturday proved them to be: A mediocre team that will need luck to go their way to earn points on most weekends.

17. New York Red Bulls (2-2-4)

Previous ranking: 17

Next MLS match: Saturday vs. LA Galaxy

With no Kaku and a shaken-up lineup, the desperate Red Bulls pulled out a win over FC Cincinnati thanks to fullback Connor Lade's goal. Lade had a single tally in his MLS career prior to Saturday. Of all of the players who could have grabbed the moment to pull New York out of a nosedive, Lade was probably the least likely.

18. Atlanta United (2-2-3)

Previous ranking: 19

Next MLS match: Sunday at Sporting Kansas City

So ... does a 1-0 win at home over the only winless team in the league count as a season-saving moment? Is Frank de Boer off the hot seat? The three points matters most, but lingering doubts about Atlanta's ability to create goals are bound to bubble up again in the weeks ahead.

19. Portland Timbers (2-1-5)

Previous ranking: 23

Next MLS match: Saturday at Real Salt Lake

Turnaround, engage? The Timbers now have a winning streak after a victory in Toronto on Saturday. It's probably not a good idea to count on Bill Tuiloma wonder goals every week, but if the defender can pop up with a stunning strike every now and then, that might help with the scoring needs.

20. San Jose Earthquakes (2-2-5)

Previous ranking: 22

Next MLS match: Saturday vs. FC Cincinnati

We're still not sure whether the Quakes are good now, but Matias Almeyda's team has gone three games without a defeat. Saturday's draw in Frisco wasn't as impressive as the previous two outings, but it's difficult to deny that there's clear progress happening under the Argentine boss. Trust the process?

21. FC Cincinnati (2-2-5)

Previous ranking: 18

Next MLS match: Wednesday at Philadelphia

Reality has fully set in for the expansion kids after loss in New York. Not only is FC Cincinnati winless in five, but a goalless performance at Red Bull Arena means the club hasn't scored in three straight games. FCC did hit the post twice, so maybe the luck will switch when it hits Philly midweek.

22. Vancouver Whitecaps (1-3-5)

Previous ranking: 20

Next MLS match: Friday at Colorado

Making the playoffs probably means holding on to leads at home, something the Whitecaps couldn't do against the Union on Saturday. Again, Iraqi wingback Ali Adnan was smack in the middle of the action, setting up Doneil Henry for the Whitecaps' goal and turning the ball over to gift the Union theirs.

23. New England Revolution (2-2-6)

Previous ranking: 21

Next MLS match: Saturday at Philadelphia

There's no real way to excuse away Wednesday's loss against the Impact. Then, on Saturday, the Revs had a one-goal lead, a two-goal lead, then re-established a two-goal lead, then conceded twice in the last 20 minutes to end up with a just point (and nine men) in Kansas City. It's a little Jekyll and a whole lot of Hyde.

24. Colorado Rapids (0-2-6)

Previous ranking: 24

Next MLS match: Friday vs. Vancouver

Rapids manager Anthony Hudson has taken to ripping his roster: "We are fighting at the bottom with a bottom group of players and we have to find a way to pick up results whilst also being a team that tries to play a certain way. And we just have to find that balance." All in all, a strange move for a man with a hand in plenty of Rapids personnel decisions.

Across the 43-year history of their rivalry, Barcelona have never knocked Liverpool out of Europe, never defeated the Reds at the Camp Nou. Four home matches: two defeats, two draws, one solitary goal scored -- 12 years ago, by Deco. It's an angry blemish scarring an otherwise superb European record from a club that, like Liverpool, is pursuing its sixth Champions League trophy.

And the harsh truth, amid the champagne and backslapping of their La Liga title win on Saturday, is that if Barcelona perform against Jurgen Klopp's team this week like they did in beating Levante 1-0, then both those bleak records are guaranteed to continue. Their bid for a third Treble, when no other club has more than one, will be in tatters.

Does that sound a little ungracious given that for Barcelona's squad, staff and fans, this is a time of momentous achievement? Eight domestic titles in 11 seasons -- particularly, played in a league in which the quality is enormously high, in which it's proven that any team, however humble, can beat any other, and that is populated by serial UEFA trophy winners such as Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla -- is awesome.

However, facts must be faced. I'm stating the same truth that Ernesto Valverde, Gerard Pique, Luis Suarez & Co. will be digesting and trying to avoid at all costs.

What happened on Saturday, while Paco Lopez's Levante played absolutely superbly, going toe to toe with a squad that was assembled for hundreds of times the cost and is paid hundreds of millions more, was precisely what Lionel Messi has recently warned against. Barca's genius stepped off the pitch seconds after the final whistle against Manchester United in the quarterfinal and shrugged off praise from his interviewer so that he could go straight to the nub of the matter.

The gist of his message was: They have spoken among themselves about not playing as sloppily as they did in the first 10 minutes against United. They need to not repeat this again because a bad spell of eight or nine minutes in the Champions League and you're out.

The thrashings at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Roma in recent seasons were the stimulus for his critical message. United, a team in stasis, had been dealt with, but no such advantageous circumstances lay ahead in the semifinal. Liverpool are better, faster, stronger and more confident.

It's worth going back to Messi's words because, against Levante, Barcelona were wasteful, slow and lacking intensity -- and that's before their level dropped.

Putting it politely, Liverpool's scouts must have left the Camp Nou licking their lips in anticipation. Klopp's players -- or at least those who weren't spending Saturday praying that Burnley would do them a favour against Manchester City -- would have been forgiven for messaging their agents to book flights and hotel rooms in Madrid, where the final will be held, for family and friends.

One reason for writing so scathingly about Barcelona's weekend performance is the clash against Klopp's red machine already felt like Superman meeting kryptonite for the first time.

In case you're not familiar with the 81-year-old extraterrestrial, he went by the name Clark Kent and who has made millions for DC Comics and Hollywood filmmakers. He left mortals standing, but kryptonite mysteriously weakened him -- just as Liverpool's pressing, athleticism, high-tempo passing, three-man front line and height at set pieces can potentially do to Barcelona.

Indeed, just in case you've forgotten modern football history, never mind Superhero antecedents, it's not just PSG, Juve and Roma who are our reference points.

It's true Barcelona's home record could make the Camp Nou seem like an unassailable citadel. No team in Europe has an equivalent record of 31 home games in UEFA competition without defeat.

Liverpool, as powerful as they are and as much as the two rivals' states at present makes them feel like favourites, face a club that has won 28 and drawn three in the past six years, scoring 91 while conceding just 15 times. Pretty remarkable.

However, Barcelona's lone conquerors in that span were Jupp Heynckes' Bayern Munich. They were not identical to this Liverpool team, but not far off it: high tempo, physical, confident and wholly aware of where Barca's Achilles heel was in 2013.

It's coincidental that one of the jokers in Jurgen Klopp's pack, capable of springing surprises on unwary opponents and a different kind of footballer from those around him at Anfield, is Xherdan Shaqiri. He played for Bayern in that aggregate 7-0 semifinal rout.

If Klopp quizzes his Swiss international, Shaqiri will surely tell him that the 2013 version of Barcelona had also run away with their league title, but that they hated being harassed at high tempo, weren't at their athletic peak, were capable of being bullied, were vulnerable at set plays and needed to be overwhelmed.

I'd estimate Klopp's sermon to his players this week has been almost identical in content and tone to the one delivered by Heynckes. Bayern then, like Liverpool now, played 4-3-3, darting in behind the normally foraging Barca full-backs. The Catalans then, like Saturday at least, weren't at their peak of energy and stamina.

A year after Bayern thrashed Tito Vilanova's Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate, Xavi told me, vehemently, that the fundamental difference between the sides was that he and his teammates were exhausted and not at their physical best, and the Bavarians were absolutely flying in terms of pace, stamina and freshness. I was doubtful; the problems appeared to run more deeply. But it was only two seasons later that a buzzing Barca squad, not heavily changed but much more energetic after Luis Enrique had heavily rotated their first XI for months, pretty clinically dispatched Pep Guardiola's Bayern side in what was an epic Champions League semifinal en route to Barcelona's second Treble.

This lesson seems to be the key. If Barca are fresh, rather than frazzled, it's Liverpool who are underdogs. Otherwise, it's vice-versa. While Valverde has undoubtedly reduced the minutes of his vital, slightly more senior squad members, has it been sufficient?

If Messi is to fulfill his promise to bring the European Cup back to the Camp Nou, then there needs to be a massive leap forward in intensity, pace of passing, attention to detail, pressing and finishing.

Liverpool, judging by their domestic and European form, are coming to the boil. Barcelona, if you inserted a thermometer, would show a tepid temperature.

What Barcelona have achieved in winning the title both early and by a decent margin, while making this European semifinal plus reaching the Copa del Rey final, is exceedingly special. So few clubs have won Trebles because it's unbelievably difficult; there will be days when you win by luck, thanks to referees' blunders or, well, when you don't really know how you've got through.

So if you take a close look at Barca's recent level of performance -- away to United, at home to Atletico, in drawing 0-0 against Huesca, shipping four against Villarreal, ambling around against Real Sociedad and conceding sufficient chances to lose against Levante -- then the conclusion is that any team in this situation would be counted as distant second favourites to eliminate a phenomenon like Liverpool.

However, what's special about Messi, Pique, Suarez, Jordi Alba, Ivan Rakitic, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Sergio Busquets isn't just their talent, it's their mentality.

They know that leaving massive gaps between the lines like they did against Levante, being robbed of the ball, giving it away lackadaisically, getting jittery and allowing the importance of the occasion to gnaw away at their intensity and excellence, well, that will end their European season. Good bye, Wanda Metropolitano on June 1. Good bye, Treble.

The thing about Superman is that he always found a way not to let the kryptonite finish him off -- by hook or by crook, his cape would always flutter, he'd soar above his apparently dominant rivals, his superpowers would always save the day.

Barcelona's task between now and Wednesday is to refocus, to accept that mental sharpness, intensity, concentration and experience must rouse in them a 180-degree transformation from the error-strewn, sloppy, below-par 90 minutes that won them the Spanish title to one of the performances of their entire lives against a Liverpool side who arrive at the Camp Nou, whether they admit it or not, expecting to win.

There's no pressure on him or on the team at the World Cup, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said, but hoped the players would put up a show that would help change perceptions about them.

There has been speculation about Mashrafe's future at the top level following his election as a Member of Parliament in January this year, and given how the Bangladesh Cricket Board has often reacted to results in major tournaments, a lot might depend on the team's result in England and Wales. But even if he does continue playing, there wouldn't be any more World Cups for him, the medium-pace-bowling allrounder stressed.

"This is definitely my last World Cup. I have to perform as a player, and of course, my role as captain is going to be important too," he said. "I have to fulfil my duties, but there's nothing more I can do. There will be pressure at the World Cup. I don't have any personal goals. I never want to take any extra pressure. I am a believer in luck, so what is meant to happen, will happen.

"Social media will neither harm us, nor will it be of any help to our cricket. It would be better not to focus on it" MASHRAFE MORTAZA

"We must work really hard, and it is important to find out if we are prepared to do that. The best teams sometimes don't make it to the semifinals, let alone win the World Cup. There's no pressure on us to win the World Cup, or even reach the semifinals. We just want to play well."

Mashrafe called on the players to try and make Bangladesh a better-regarded side by the time the World Cup gets over. "If you ask all the experts, analysts and former players about their favourites for this World Cup, none of them will pick us," he said. "I think we can change some perceptions if we can do something this time, more than how much it changed in the past. It is a great opportunity for us."

Some Bangladesh players have, over the years, been trolled incessantly by fans on social media, and Mashrafe suggested that, as far as possible, the players should avoid such distractions for the duration of the World Cup.

"Social media will neither harm us, nor will it be of any help to our cricket. It would be better not to focus on it," Mashrafe said. "It is a matter of personal choice. I am on social media but it doesn't affect me. I know it is the same for Shakib [Al Hasan]. It might affect others. There are no team rules for it.

"Since it creates trouble, it is better to stay away from it. We have to be totally focused on the World Cup for two months."

There has been talk in cricket circles in the country that the current Bangladesh squad is their best ever. While the lack of debate and controversy following the selection announcement on April 16 has contributed to this notion, Mashrafe pointed out that the side has largely remained unchanged since the 2017 Champions Trophy, as well as the Asia Cup where they lost to India in the final.

"There is little importance placed on whether this is our best squad or not. We had a similar squad in the Asia Cup and nearly won it. We made the semifinals of the 2017 Champions Trophy, with mostly these players," he said. "They have not become the best team by doing anything extraordinary in the last two years. The best team doesn't always do well. Only those who perform in the field, get the best results."

Ben Duckett and Dawid Malan will join England's ODI squad for Friday's match against Ireland and a T20 clash with Pakistan on Sunday, while James Vince will enter the squad for the upcoming five-game one-day series with Pakistan.

Their inclusions come in the wake of Alex Hales' axing and an untimely injury to opening batsman Jason Roy.

Hales was withdrawn from all England squads ahead of the international season following his 21-day ban for using recreational drugs.

Malan was part of England's touring party to the Caribbean at the start of this year, although he did not play, and he made an unbeaten 160 in Middlesex's County Championship season opener. Duckett played the last of his three ODIs in 2016. He top scored with 86 as Nottinghamshire reached 433 for 7 in a Royal London Cup match against Leicestershire last week.

Vince, who was originally selected for the Ireland ODI and the T20I against Pakistan, was added to England's squad for the ODIs against Pakistan after scoring a career-best 190 for Hampshire in their Royal London Cup victory over Gloucestershire last week.

While none of the three have been included in England's preliminary 15-man squad for the World Cup, the upcoming matches against Ireland and Pakistan represent an opportunity for all players involved to press their case for selection before the squad is finalised on May 23.

Roy suffered a hamstring injury during England's tour of West Indies in February and, shortly into his comeback with Surrey, was troubled by back spasms. He will continue to receive treatment before meeting up with the England squad ahead of the first ODI agianst Pakistan at the the Kia Oval on May 8.

Fast bowler Mark Wood also withdrew from the squad for the ODI against Ireland and T20I against Pakistan. He will play two Royal London Cup matches for Durham before joining the England squad in London next week for the Pakistan ODI series.

England 13-man squad for Ireland ODI and Pakistan T20I: Eoin Morgan, Jofra Archer, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, James Vince, David Willey.

England 17-man squad for Pakistan ODI series: Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

Alex Hales is said to be "devastated" by his axing from all England squads in the wake of his drugs ban.

Hales' management company, the 366 Group, said they were "hugely disappointed" by England selectors' decision to drop him from the England squads for the World Cup and lead-up matches.

"We are hugely disappointed at the treatment of our client, Alex Hales, by the ECB following his ejection from England's preliminary World Cup squad," the company said in a statement.

"Nobody is seeking to excuse Alex's behaviour in this instance. He absolutely acknowledges and recognises he made a huge mistake. But as part of the ongoing process, both he and his representatives have been involved in many conversations with senior members of the ECB over the past few weeks where Alex has apologised profusely for his actions.

"The ECB insisted on Alex taking certain rehabilitation measures following his suspension. In line with both the ECB and PCA guidelines, those measures must remain confidential. However, at every stage, Alex fulfilled his obligations and both he and his representatives were given assurances that any suspension - again under the ECB's guidelines - could not affect his selection for the World Cup."

Hales' management reiterated their client's belief that his ban would not affect his World Cup berth, saying he "took away the message his World Cup place would be judged on playing merit".

"The fact all those assurances seem to have been rendered meaningless has understandably left Alex devastated," the statement said. "He will take time to reflect on both his actions and the subsequent decisions but will receive the support from his team he deserves.

"Until the matter became public, the ECB had fully observed their own process and guidelines and given Alex the support and guidance laid out in those regulations. It is now disappointing to learn these guidelines seem to have been disregarded while, in this instance, player welfare would also appear to be low on their list of priorities.

"While Alex is hurt, the ECB's decision does not dilute his commitment to the game and he will continue to give everything to Nottinghamshire's cause. He would also like to wish England team-mates well for the World Cup."

Hales was withdrawn from all England squads after being slapped with a 21-day ban for using recreational drugs. As a result, he will not travel to Ireland for a one-off ODI on Friday in Malahide and has also been removed from England's squad for the T20I, the one-day series against Pakistan, and the preliminary World Cup squad.

James Duckett and Dawid Malan were subsequently called up to the squad for the ODI against Ireland and T20I against Pakistan. James Vince, who was already part of the squad for those matches, was also included for the five-match one-day series against Pakistan starting on May 8.

According to an ECB statement, Ashley Giles, ECB's managing director of England men's cricket, and the England selectors, headed by Ed Smith, took the decision to omit Hales after considering what is in the best interests of the England team.

"Consideration was given to creating the right environment within the team and ensuring that there are no unnecessary distractions and that the team is in the best position to succeed going into this crucial period," read the statement.

"We have thought long and hard about this decision," Giles said. "We have worked hard to create the right environment around the England team and need to consider what is in the best interests of the team, to ensure they are free from any distractions and able to focus on being successful on the pitch.

"I want to make it clear this is not the end of Alex's career as an England player. The ECB and the PCA will continue to aid Alex and work alongside his county club Nottinghamshire to give him the support he needs, to help him fulfil his potential as a professional cricketer."

England have until May 23 to finalise their World Cup 15, and so the coming series against Ireland and the Pakistan matches represent a huge opportunity for a replacement batsman to make his case for selection. The current front-runner would appear to be Hampshire's Vince, who made a career-best 190 from 154 balls against Gloucestershire last week.