All posts by h716a5.icu

MS Dhoni has hit back at the comments of Ian Chappell, who this week said that India do not have the resources to retain their No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings for a long enough period to emulate Australia

Cricinfo staff15-Jan-2010MS Dhoni has hit back at the comments of Ian Chappell, who this week said that India do not have the resources to retain their No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings for a long enough period to emulate Australia and the great West Indies teams of the past. Chappell, the former Australian captain and leading commentator, had said on Time Out, Cricinfo’s new fortnightly audio show, that India’s batting alone will not sustain them and to do so they will have to unearth a couple of champion bowlers.Dhoni, however, termed Chappell’s assessment an unfair and unnecessarily harsh one. “It is not a fair statement. I agree that our bowlers are struggling now. But we have become the Test number one also because of the bowlers and not only due to our batting,” he said after India’s loss to Sri Lanka in the final of the recent tri-series in Bangladesh.”Sometimes batsmen struggle and sometimes bowlers. It is not fair to say that we don’t have good bowlers. We will prove it [that we can sustain the No. 1 Test ranking].”Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara echoed Dhoni’s views on India’s pace attack. “India has top-class bowlers. Zaheer [Khan] is one of the best fast bowlers in the world and Harbhajan [Singh] is top class,” he said. “Even Sreesanth can bowl reverse swing. There are always critics and doubters but it is your job to prove them wrong.”India stay on in Bangladesh to contest a two-Test series against the hosts starting January 17 in Chittagong. India bagged the top ranking from Australia after beating Sri Lanka 2-0 in the three-Test series at home last month. India jumped from No. 3 to No.1 for first time since the rankings came into place in May 2001.

Having joined Celtic in what was a £5m deal back in the summer of 2020, with the centre-forward signing a four-year deal on a reported £16k-per-week, the opinion at Parkhead was the Bhoys had secured an excellent addition to their attacking lineup in the shape of Albian Ajeti.

However, over the 24-year-old’s 20 Scottish Premiership appearances during his debut campaign, the £2.88m-rated man scored just six goals, registered one assist and created no big chances for his teammates, as well as hitting the target with an average of just 0.5 shots per game.

These returns saw the Switzerland international who Packie Bonner dubbed a “problem” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.85, ranking him as Celtic’s joint 12th-worst performer in the top flight of Scottish football.

Things have not improved for the striker over his six league appearances this season, with the former West Ham United man averaging an even more disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.72, ranking him as Ange Postecoglou’s eighth-worst performer in the Premiership.

As such, it will perhaps come as no surprise that reports are suggesting the 56-year-old Bhoys manager is looking to move the centre-forward on in the January transfer window, nor why Celtic are being linked with a move for the rather more prolific Yokohama F Marinos striker, Daizen Maeda, as his replacement.

Indeed, over his 34 J League appearances this term, the 24-year-old has scored 21 goals, provided three assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots and making 0.9 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player who Kevin Muscat dubbed a “fantastic” talent average a SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as his side’s seventh-best performer in the Japanese top flight.

As such, it would indeed appear highly advisable for Postecoglou to finally wash Celtic’s hands of Ajeti this January and bring in a much more promising striker in the shape of the £990k-rated Maeda in his place.

In other news: Ransacked of £5.9m: Celtic had a transfer disasterclass on “horrendous” £20k-p/w flop

Matthew Wade and Andrew McDonald sealed a five-wicket win that took Victoria to second on the one-day table

Cricinfo staff10-Feb-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsBryce McGain started New South Wales’ problems with 3 for 37 from 10 overs•Getty ImagesMatthew Wade and Andrew McDonald sealed a five-wicket win that took Victoria to second on the one-day table. On a difficult day for batting, the Bushrangers used their local knowledge to reach their rain-reduced target of 213 with 10 balls remaining.Wade top scored with 50 off 68 balls, leaving with two runs to get, while McDonald was unbeaten on 42 as they recovered from Nathan Bracken’s double-strike that left them at 4 for 110. Both sides have a game remaining in the group stages but Victoria are now in a strong position to make the final as they hope to add the FR Cup to their Twenty20 win.The Bushrangers’ initial target of 225 was cut after a rain break and when the players returned David Hussey motored ahead. Hussey took charge with 45 off 40 balls, but Bracken enticed him to hit to deep cover and the next ball Aaron Finch went for 44 to a poor pull shot. New South Wales were unable to follow up with more pressure, but it was really their batting that let them down.Phil Jaques overcame an early hit to the helmet to produce the most fluent innings for the Blues and when he left for 60 off 65 the rest struggled to match his tempo. Jaques had extra responsibilities as Phillip Hughes was unable to score at a run every two balls throughout his 44, but the Blues lost 4 for 34 after Jaques was caught at long-on.The wicket was the first for the impressive Bryce McGain, who worked well in tandem with Brad Hodge as the pitch slowed when the ball softened. McGain had 3 for 37 off 10 overs, picking up the No.3 Steven Smith and Hughes, who was brilliantly taken by a diving Hussey at mid-on. Hodge returned 1 for 31 off nine with his gentle offspin, including the important bowled of Simon Katich on 2.Moises Henriques and David Warner both went skying attempted big shots and Dominic Thornely’s 32 was the third-best contribution. Dirk Nannes, who had rattled Jaques’ helmet, also made life difficult for the tail as he collected 3 for 40.

Southampton will be hoping to get their first win in three against Leicester City tonight at St Mary’s, as they attempt to escape the jaws of the relegation zone.

Currently sitting in 16th and just four points clear of the drop, Ralph Hasenhuttl has a lot of work to do to get back to safety and sit comfortably in the Premier League, to ensure the Saints are playing top-flight football next season.

Luckily for Hasenhuttl, Leicester City are showing huge inconsistencies in their form this season, winning only two of their last five games, where Southampton could capitalise on the Foxes shaky form.

One player who should be getting in the starting line up this evening is Nathan Redmond.

Southampton set up with a surprising 3-4-3 against Liverpool last weekend, where the manager changed the formation in an attempt to go into the Anfield clash all guns blazing on the attack.

However, the tactic fell flat very quickly and Southampton found themselves 3-0 down at half time. It was at this point that Hasenhuttl brought on Nathan Redmond, changing the formation back to 4-3-3.

As a result of the systematic swap and the addition of Redmond, the team were able to handle Liverpool a bit better, maintaining some damage control, only conceding one goal in the second half and creating a few chances themselves for the first time in the game.

Hasenhuttl must unleash the £16.2m-rated attacker against Leicester because if you keep a review from Danny Ings in mind, he could torment the Foxes. He once commented:

“Redders has got absolute quality and everybody knows that.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-southampton-news” title=”Check out the latest Southampton news!”]

Redmond offers experience and presence in the Southampton team like no other, which will really help to boost and motivate the forward line going into their tough challenge for three points against Leicester City.

The forward has scored one goal and assisted his teammates three times in his twelve appearances for Southampton this season, in all competitions with his influence and selflessness on the ball to find goal-scoring opportunities for his team could be crucial in winning the much needed three points tonight.

With Adam Armstrong struggling last time out, missing a gilt-edged chance from a matter of yards out, perhaps it’s he who should be dislodged from the starting XI. The decision from Hasenhuttl could just prove game-changing in their pursuit of three points.

In other news: Southampton linked with Ben Brereton Diaz transfer

Harbhajan Singh answered India’s call with a mix of aggressive and patient, smart and persistent spin bowling, taking them to a series-equalling and innings win over South Africa

The Bulletin by Sidharth Monga18-Feb-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
HawkeyeHarbhajan Singh answered India’s call with spin bowling aggressive and patient, smart and persistent•AFPThey couldn’t out Hashim Amla at all. So India, down to three bowlers and led by an exceptional Harbhajan Singh, found a way around him, leaving him stranded with nine mandatory balls to go and sealing a heart-stopping, series-levelling win that also meant they retained the top spot in the ICC rankings. As was fitting, it was Harbhajan who brought about the final wicket with a slider to the left-hand batsman Morne Morkel, who had put together a 76-minute last-wicket stand with Amla. The final few steps didn’t come easy for India: the last three wickets batted out 53.3 overs to set up a beautiful Test-match finish.For eight hours and 19 minutes in this innings, which took to 23 hours and 22 minutes the total time he’s spent at the wicket for the series, Amla saw everything: offbreaks, topspinners, unintended doosras, big legbreaks, googlies, bouncers, full ones, a blow to the elbow, the bowlers’ joy, their frustration, and Harbhajan’s eruption on taking the last wicket. At every stage – when he reached fifty or his hundred, when he was hurt, when he was concentrating, when he was defending, during those final few overs of counting each delivery down, and when he was walking back after one of the biggest disappointments he has experienced on a cricket field – the calm expression on his face was unchanged.Amla batted like the Monk who didn’t need to sell a Ferrari, and it took a special bowling effort to deny his side the series win. Harbhajan answered India’s call with spin bowling aggressive and patient, smart and persistent, and came up with that wicket-taking delivery when it had deserted the other bowlers.If Amla never looked like getting out, Harbhajan never looked like letting anyone settle. India had 98 overs to get seven wickets but 52.2 of them were a write-off: they were bowled to Amla, and this man was going to get out. Not today. They did well, though, to create enough pressure in the remaining overs – despite two dropped catches – to finish off the match with 16 minutes remaining in the day’s play.India woke up to a bright and sunny day, but were thwarted in the first session by Amla and Ashwell Prince. For about two hours, Amla kept killing their hopes, Prince kept raising them only to not edge to hand. Finally, just when the draw started to become the favoured result, Harbhajan came back for his second spell of the day, from his favoured High Court End.In the first spell, he had tried to get Prince lbw in a fashion similar to the one in the first innings, and failed. In his second he went over the stumps and made it difficult for Prince to judge which deliveries to leave. The leg line troubled Prince, and finally he jabbed at one outside off and lobbed it to mid-off.Amit Mishra once again produced the special delivery out of nowhere, this time a googly to take out AB de Villiers in the penultimate over before the lunch break, the third time he had taken a wicket just before a break in the innings. de Villiers’ was the big wicket because he was the one batsman capable of using his feet and hitting spinners off their length.India couldn’t dismiss Hashim Amla all day, but got all his partners instead•AFPIn the second spell, six overs each either side of lunch, Harbhajan looked menacing with almost every delivery. After lunch, Harbhajan went on to suggest JP Duminy might become his new Ponting. Offbreak, offbreak, slider. Duminy caught in front again. Dale Steyn didn’t have a clue about deliveries spinning down the leg side, and kept getting beaten. Harbhajan smartly moved round the stumps, and trapped him too.Thereafter Amla found an able partner in Parnell, who looked much more assured than Steyn, and helped by a dropped catch by Suresh Raina at a wide fourth slip, played out 24.2 overs. Amla manipulated the strike well: out of eight overs that Harbhajan bowled during that stand, Parnell got away by facing only 12 balls from the best bowler around.A soft shot befitting a No. 9 arrived duly, after which Amla shielded Paul Harris for a while. From facing four balls of each over, he gradually let Harris face three each, and by the time Harris generated enough confidence in Amla, a soft shot befitting a No. 10 came by. Ishant got both the wickets, but 8.3 more overs had been negated.That started the most exciting period of the match. Morkel batted solidly along with Amla, they both judged the leaves well, they both defended with soft hands, they both frustrated India more with every passing delivery. Towards the end, mind games began. Amla took a single late in a Mishra over to face Harbhajan in the next over, Dhoni removed Harbhajan and tried the part-time stuff from Sachin Tendulkar and Sehwag, and got Harbhajan to bowl at Morkel again.Nothing gave. Amla seemed to have found a partner who was holding his nerve well. The desperation on Indian faces kept getting more and more apparent with every passing delivery. With 3.2 overs to go, Amla cut Tendulkar towards the boundary, took a single so as to face two more overs as opposed to one. Sehwag hoped it would reach the boundary as he chased, but slyly tried to kick it over when he saw it stop inches before the rope. Just to keep Morkel on strike. That’s how much it mattered.Amla duly played out the next over, Dhoni duly saved Harbhajan for the over after that. Harbhajan had six more balls left, from the High Court End. The first pitched middle, turned away. The second pitched leg, and broke towards off. The third was the killer slider, Morkel made his first mistake in 60 deliveries. Harbhajan roared, Amla’s expression didn’t change much.

Aston Villa reporter Ashley Preece thinks Steven Gerrard may swoop for Liverpool forward Divock Origi in January.

The Lowdown: Origi’s Liverpool career

Origi has been at Anfield since 2014 and is out of contract in the summer at this moment in time.

The 31-cap Belgium international has made 167 appearances for the Reds, 10 of which have come this season. He’s netted 40 goals in total, with his most recent strikes earning Jurgen Klopp’s side wins at Wolves and AC Milan.

The 26-year-old was linked with a move to Villa Park last year, and Preece feels Johan Lange and co could be back in for Origi over the coming weeks.

The Latest: Preece’s comments

Preece ran a Q&A on Birmingham Live on Wednesday, answering all things Villa-related.

One of the questions was on Origi, with a fan asking Preece if Villa should launch a loan move for the forward in January.

Here’s what the journalist had to say in reply, seemingly backing Gerrard to look at a loan-to-buy deal for the ‘fabulous’ striker, should Keinan Davis depart in the New Year.

“It’s one that Premier League clubs – and Villa – will be closely monitoring given his recent form. Still just 26 and happy to play second fiddle but will no doubt back himself to become a regular starter away from Anfield. It all depends on what he does from now until January but I expect Origi to be available and, should Keinan Davis move out, Origi would make perfect sense. A fabulous finisher. Loan to buy sounds ideal, for me.”

The Verdict: Needed?

Gerrard’s main New Year priorities are thought to be a new centre-back and defensive midfielder.

Villa already have experienced forwards Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings on the books, so perhaps a move for Origi isn’t needed at this moment in time.

If Villa are to make an attacking addition, it could be wise to look at another marquee wide addition. That’s because Gerrard is thought to be open to moving on two senior wingers in January, whereas Leon Bailey is out injured one again.

It’ll be interesting to see if Villa move for Origi, though, especially after Preece’s latest claim.

In other news: ‘Massive’ – Sky Sports pundit reacts as Lange weighs up Aston Villa swoop for £85k-p/w speedster. 

Yuvraj Singh, one of Kings XI Punjab’s most important players, is one step closer to getting fit

Cricinfo staff03-Mar-2010Yuvraj Singh, one of Kings XI Punjab’s most important players, is one step closer to getting fit. Yuvraj resumed competitive training this week and said on his Twitter page today, after batting “around 70 to 80 balls”, that he felt good about his progress towards a return to action in the IPL.”Wrist hurts a little bit but it will get better as I progress my training but feels good holding my bat after such a long time,” he tweeted. “Wrist was a bit sore but will definitely get better during the next few days. Really felt good after hitting a few balls. Should play first or second game max!”Punjab play their first game against Delhi Daredevils on March 13 in Mohali and will be desperate to have Yuvraj in the playing XI as soon as possible. One of the major concerns for Punjab ahead of the third season of the IPL is a long injury list, which includes Brett Lee, their most expensive player, the Australian opener Shaun Marsh, and Irfan Pathan.Yuvraj tore a ligament in his left wrist in late January and missed the second Test against Bangladesh and the entire series against South Africa that ended two days ago. He had been to Australia recently for treatment.

Doom and gloom seem to enshroud Newcastle United at the moment and when you face some of the Premier League’s big boys, proceedings are only going to get worse for Eddie Howe.

When PIF’s takeover from Mike Ashley was confirmed, there was radiant hope for a better future for the Toon but things are only getting worse, even with a new manager at the helm.

Ashley and Bruce are both gone and there is huge significant backing within the club but the fact of the matter is, they still sit 19th in the Premier League with a solitary win to their name.

The January transfer window can’t come quick enough for the Magpies but convincing players to join will be an arduous task.

It’s becoming increasingly evident, however, that Howe will need to improve his squad, particularly in defence.

The likes of Niklas Sule, Sven Botman and Lloyd Kelly have all been linked and any one of them would surely be better than the current centre-half pairing of Jamal Lascelles and Fabian Schar.

Tweeting during the club’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Thursday, journalist Luke Edwards said: “Hayden isn’t good enough at this level. Ritchie isn’t. Schar & Lascelles aren’t PL pairing. These are 4 most obvious replacements needed in Jan.”

Lascelles has struggled for a while now and as the current captain, that is a worrying trend. However, his defensive partner in Schar is also proving to be a liability on a regular basis.

He was fortunate not to give away a penalty at one stage when he sent Sadio Mane tumbling inside the area, only for the loose ball to fall the way of Mo Salah who found the back of the net.

But it was his strength and discipline that was of most concern. A player so used to bringing the ball forward from the back and playing the ball out, he was horrendous in this regard on Thursday.

The Switzerland international had fewer touches of the ball than Martin Dubravka and surrendered possession every 2.7 touches he took.

Furthermore, Schar completed just 52% of his passes – 11 in total – and was extremely lightweight in physical situations.

He won only one of his six defensive duels – a loss rate of 83%. Once described as a “danger” in the past by Alan Shearer for his offensive ability, he certainly lived up to that tag this week but from a negative point of view.

Poor performances have been a constant trend for the centre-back, who put in a similarly lacklustre display vs Burnley. Per SofaScore, he lost 11 of his 13 duels and only completed 42% of his attempted passes, losing possession 20 times in the process.

With that in mind, Howe would be very wise to replace him over the winter because at the moment, he is betraying his manager.

AND in other news, NUFC make enquiry to sign £100k-p/w “freak of a talent”, he’d be “phenomenal” for Howe…

David Hussey and Aaron Finch raised centuries to give Victoria first-innings points as they closed in on hosting rights for next week’s final

Cricinfo staff11-Mar-2010
ScorecardDavid Hussey led the way for Victoria with 140•Getty ImagesDavid Hussey and Aaron Finch raised centuries to give Victoria first-innings points as they closed in on hosting rights for next week’s final against Queensland. Hussey’s 140 and Finch’s 102 pushed the Bushrangers towards 8 for 358 as they accounted easily for Tasmania’s 222.Victoria now lead Queensland by five points and the Bulls are in trouble at the Gabba. The Bushrangers have no concerns and can enjoy their fine-tuning before the game starting on Wednesday.Hussey and Finch collected Victoria’s biggest partnership of the season with 212 and the combination was broken when Adam Griffith removed Finch shortly after tea. Griffith ended Hussey’s stay after 17 fours and a six when he was lbw and the bowler finished with 3 for 75.Matthew Wade, the wicketkeeper, moved to 33 at stumps as Victoria increased their lead to 136 despite the loss of two late wickets. Tasmania were also hindered by a side strain to Tim Paine, leaving Xavier Doherty to captain the team and Alex Doolan behind the stumps.

Manchester United could finally strengthen their midfield over the coming months after being linked with a transfer move for Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s transfer expert David Ornstein, United a keeping close tabs on the 22-year-old’s situation after he decided to leave the Stade Velodrome as a free agent at the end of the season.

Kamara’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2022 and is not expected to extend his stay in the south of France, opening the door to an imminent exit.

The report states that: “There are suggestions that Marseille could yet make a last push to secure fresh terms but The Athletic understands Kamara has now opted to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.

“He is under consideration at one of the traditional top-four Premier League clubs and Manchester United are also across the situation as they weigh up possibilities to bolster their midfield.”

Rangnick must seal Man Utd move

Given United’s recent struggles at the base of their midfield, new interim manager Ralf Rangnick must seal a move for the former France U21 international.

After rising through the ranks at his boyhood club, Kamara has made 141 appearances for Les Olympiens in all competitions, illustrating his top-class credentials in a variety of positions.

Comfortable at the base of midfield, centre-back and right-back, the £46,000-per-week gem shone from an early age, catching the eye of former teammate Rolando.

“This kid is a phenomenon,” said the defender. “When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player.

“He’s the kind of central defender I like. He is full of qualities and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary.”

But it’s in a holding role at the foundation of the engine room where Kamara has truly excelled this season, elevating his game to new heights under Jorge Sampaoli.

As per FBref.com, the 6-foot dynamo has recorded 1.59 tackles won per 90 throughout 2021/22, 6.02 successful pressures and 1.50 interceptions, bettering Scott McTominay’s totals in each metric.

The United ace has produced tallies of 1.32, 3.77 and 1.40, respectively, highlighting how Kamara’s arrival would improve the Red Devils’ midfield options.

Therefore, Rangnick must sanction a swoop for the promising maestro, kickstarting United’s new era under his watchful eye with an extremely astute acquisition.

And, in other news…“As things stand..”: Romano drops intriguing Man Utd update, fans will be ecstatic