All posts by h716a5.icu

A controversy has arisen over the control of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, with a group backed by Lalit Modi claiming on Sunday to have removed the incumbent, Sanjay Dixit, through a no-confidence motion

Cricinfo staff20-Sep-2009A controversy has arisen over the control of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, with a group backed by Lalit Modi claiming on Sunday to have removed the incumbent, Sanjay Dixit, through a no-confidence motion. Dixit – who defeated Modi in the election – called the move unconstitutional and said he was still in charge.Dixit had suspended two members of the RCA, Jaipur District Cricket Association (JDCA) president Bimal Soni and Cricket Players’ Association of Rajasthan secretary Shamsher Singh, on Saturday and, prompted by the constant tussle between the two factions, called off the annual general meeting scheduled for Sunday.The rival faction, however, went on with the AGM, and during it moved a no-confidence motion against Dixit that was passed by a 20-member house.Modi had in March lost the election to the post of RCA president – which he had held since 2005 – to Dixit, a bureaucrat. He has been at the centre of controversy ever since the Rajasthan government changed hands in a recent election. Modi had close ties with the previous administration and was facing charges of forgery and fraud.

Tottenham Hotspur have now been dealt a double injury blow before their game at home to Manchester United in the Premier League this evening.

The Lowdown: Nuno under pressure?

As per The Sun, there has been some disagreements between Nuno Espirito Santo and some members of his squad, with some in the latest UEFA Europa Conference League team ‘seriously angered’ because of his tendency to think too far ahead.

This has reportedly created a ‘needless chasm’ at the North London cub, and left the side’s morale in ‘tatters’, given it was a largely understrength team against Vitesse.

They ended up losing that game, and then lost 1-0 away to London rivals West Ham United, which coupled up with the dismal 3-1 defeat at Arsenal earlier on in the season, means that Nuno is under some serious pressure already as the manager.

The Latest: Team news

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team, Nuno has now revealed (via Football.London) that Bryan Gil has a ‘problem’, while Ryan Sessegnon will definitely not be involved:

“Let’s see. Bryan we have a problem with. We are assessing. Sessegnon is not involved, still not in the group. Normal knocks after the game.”

The Verdict: Double blow

Sessegnon has been cursed with injury problems throughout his career, and that has not changed since signing for the Lilywhites (Transfermarkt) for a £24.3m fee from Fulham back in the 2019 summer transfer window.

He needs a run in the team to get his fitness levels up and get used to playing regularly, and sadly that will not be the case against the Red Devils.

Likewise, Gil has barely featured at all for different reasons since arriving in the summer, playing in just 57 minutes in the Premier League so far.

The Spurs fans will surely want to see more of their new recruit, but it looks as if he could miss out too.

In other news, find out whose agents Fabio Paratici is talking to about a potential move here!

Jacques Kallis led from the front with a solid all-round performance. He was the rock around which the stroke-makers sculpted their crowd-pleasing acts

Sriram Veera in Bangalore12-Oct-2009The line between victory and defeat is sometimes a thin wire. If not for an overhead camera cable, Royal Challengers Bangalore might not have lost their opening game of the Champions League Twenty20 against Cape Cobras. JP Duminy was on 21 when he lofted Anil Kumble towards Ross Taylor at long-off but the ball deflected off a wire and the catch was spilt. The ball was called dead but the game came alive after that as Duminy slaughtered the bowling to win the game for Cobras with an unbeaten 99.That defeat left Bangalore needing to beat Otago to qualify for the next round and today the home side was not hindered by freaky speed breakers. Everything went according to plan. Jacques Kallis’ solid all-round performance ensured that it did, and he was the rock around which the other stroke-makers sculpted their crowd-pleasing acts.Kallis’ effort was typical: a solid half-century, which was overshadowed by more aggressive cameos from his team-mates, followed by an unspectacular but incisive spell with the new ball that broke the back of Otago’s chase. He has turned in such performances for a long time now but he still has his critics. When Kallis, one of the game’s great allrounders across all formats, was dropped from South Africa’s squad for the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007, not many fans were aghast. He was also criticised after the first IPL in India the following year, when Bangalore finished second from bottom. Even Ray Jennings, who had just taken over as coach in the second season, talked about challenging Kallis.Before the second season of the IPL in South Africa, Jennings had a chat with Kallis about his role and mindset and the allrounder said he was not only hurt by last season’s efforts but aimed to end the new season as the best batsman in the format. He went on to have a good season and has started this Champions League Twenty20 in similar fashion.Kallis’ solidity today allowed Robin Uthappa to provide Bangalore’s innings with an aggressive start and Virat Kohli and Ross Taylor to give it a sensational finish. He went about his innings with trademark rigour. There were a couple of sixes towards the end of his innings, and a flamboyant carve over point, but for the most part Kallis ticked along with ones and twos.At the end of the game Kallis shook hands with his captain Anil Kumble, walked away quietly, mumbled a few words during the post-match ceremony and didn’t even come to the press conference. Uthappa came instead and was inevitably asked about the prior questioning of Kallis’ place in the side and in the format. “He has answered your own question,” was Uthappa’s quick response. “He is a phenomenal cricketer, a world-class cricketer. The skills he showed today to take one catch, score 70-odd runs and take three wickets, just shows that he is a champion cricketer.”It’s a cross that Kallis might have to carry forever. Cricket fans furiously debate over his “great” allrounder status. They murmur: Oh he bats in a bubble, never changes gears and never quite dominates as he seems to be capable of. They even call him selfish. In 2007 the former South African batsman Barry Richards called him “one-dimensional” and added that “he lacks the ability to sum up a match situation and adapt accordingly.”Kallis wasn’t shaken though. “They can say what they like about me,” he had said. “I just don’t care, not in the slightest. I’ve realised what works for me and I’m going to keep playing to my strengths.” He did exactly that against Otago and all he had to say at the end of it was that today was his day.

As per an update from The Express & Star, West Ham United are still among the pack believed to be ‘interested in signing’ colossal West Bromwich Albion keeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye move…

Over the summer, reliable sources claimed that the Hammers made an attempt to sign the England international for manager David Moyes – with Football Insider even saying that Johnstone himself was ‘very keen’ to join.

According to The Athletic, West Ham lodged a bid for the 28-year-old but it fell ‘considerably low’ of the Baggies’ valuation of  a fee ‘well in excess’ of £10 million.

Their interest has remained since then even despite the signing Paris-Saint Germain keeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan with the option to buy.

Recent reports from journalist Ekrem Konur and The Sun state that West Ham, and by extension new head of recruitment Rob Newman, are very much keeping tabs on Johnstone with the latter source even claiming they already have an offer ‘pencilled in’ if he decides to leave on a free next summer.

The Latest: West Ham still interested…

Amid West Brom boss Valerian Ismael’s contract update, with Johnstone’s deal set to expire in 2022, reliable Express & Star reporter Joseph Masi backs that the Irons and Southampton are ‘believed to be interested’ in signing the keeper next summer.

The Baggies manager, meanwhile, wants to keep one of his prized assets and confirms that talks over a new deal will intensify in January.

“There’s nothing new. It’s a patient game now, like a chess game. He wants to see,” Ismael admitted.

“For sure, we want to extend. At the minute, I’m not worried, it’s a normal process.

“From January we will start to go more intensively in the discussion but at the moment we’re all focused on the pitch, on the performances.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Depending on the future of current West Ham number one Lukasz Fabianski amid his ‘preliminary talks’ over a possible extension, signing Johnstone as his heir would be a wise bit of business from the club.

The Englishman enjoyed a fine Premier League season last year and attracted Gareth Southgate’s attention at international level, reinforcing the fact he is proven at the top level and may well be a bargain on a free deal next summer.

Lauded as an ‘unreal’ player by pundit and former top flight shot-stopper Paddy Kenny, it remains to be seen whether West Ham do win the race or if Johnstone puts pen to paper on a Hawthorns extension, but he certainly seems like the best option to target between the sticks.

In other news: ‘Huge’, ‘Don’t gas me’, ‘Announce league title’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘exciting’ striker claim has many West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have laughed off a transfer rumour which claimed that midfielder Thiago Alcantara could return to his former club Barcelona.

The 30-year-old joined the Reds from Bayern Munich in September 2020, fresh off the back of winning the Champions League with the Bavarian giants.

Thiago’s Liverpool career has been a frustrating one to date, with injuries often halting his progress just as he is finding a good run of form.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

The Spaniard is now fit again ahead of the Reds’ return to action at home to Arsenal next weekend, but a transfer story has emerged regarding him. According to journalist Pedro Almeida [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], new Barcelona manager Xavi is keen on taking his former teammate back to the Nou Camp.

The Liverpool midfielder made 100 appearances for the Catalan giants before leaving in 2013, scoring 11 goals and registering 20 assists.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-11/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans laugh off Thiago claim

These Reds fans on Twitter have shrugged off the claim about Thiago going back to Barcelona.

“If we get Bellingham in the summer then yeah have him”

Credit: @LordTrent66

“Sorry, going nowhere”

Credit: @SteveAustine_ke

“If Thiago leaves, I leave”

Credit: @__nxlo

“£50million minimum”

Credit: @TheMilnerEra

“Barcelona couldn’t afford him. Liverpool are bigger”

Credit: @N_Patel_YNWA

“£100m please boss”

Credit: @alonsogoat

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on one Liverpool target. Read more here.

West Indies have been dealt a major blow with attack spearhead Jerome Taylor off the field and in doubt for the remainder of the match

Alex Brown27-Nov-2009West Indies were dealt a major blow on the second morning of the first Test, with attack spearhead Jerome Taylor forced from the field and in doubt for the remainder of the match with a left hip injury. Taylor sustained the problem on the first day at the Gabba, managing just nine overs, and was absent from the field entirely on Friday.”He had some Tests done with the physio,” Denesh Ramdin said. “We will have to see how it goes. He’s one of our best bowlers at this ppoint in time. It will be hard for us if we need to rest him.”Taylor’s absence left West Indies with a vast fast bowling vacuum. Kemar Roach and Ravi Rampaul – with a combined two Tests’ experience – were called upon to shoulder the pace duties on Friday along with allrounder Dwayne Bravo. The trio can expect more of the same if the Australians take to the crease for a second innings and Taylor remains on the sidelines.Taylor was ruled out of the tour match against Queensland due to general stiffness, and experienced problems early in the first Test. Having removed Shane Watson in the third over of the day, Taylor returned for a second spell on Thursday and reported soreness in the hip. Roach, who fronted the media after stumps on day one, expressed confidence Taylor would recover for the second day’s play, however his condition deteriorated overnight. His further participation in the match is uncertain.Taylor’s injury follows the one sustained by senior batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan on the eve of the Test. Sarwan injured his back during a training drill on Wednesday and was subsequently ruled out of the match. He is expected to be available for the second Test in Adelaide.

Leeds United are not in a comfortable position in the Premier League this season, currently 15th in the table following a slow start with just two wins from their first 11 games.

The Whites have been plagued with injuries which have caused inconsistencies in every aspect of their team. From defence to attack, the well-oiled machine of last season has gone rusty, with squad players having to be thrown into the line-up in key positions.

Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips, Luke Ayling and Raphinha are a few of the key players who have been sidelined so far this season, which has clearly effected the team’s performances of late, but luckily Raphinha and Phillips have returned to action in the last few weeks.

Bielsa could unleash a dynamic £37.8m-rated duo in Phillips and Forshaw, and that could have a positive impact on Leeds’ chances of taking points from Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The England international returned from a minor injury recently and will be raring to go after playing in the 1-1 draw with Leicester before international break.

The 25-year-old spoke out lately about his midfield partnership with Forshaw, who has also recently returned from a horrific injury which has cost him two seasons of his career.

Phillips told BBC Leeds: “It’s very nice to have Adam back. We’re good friends, we get on really well and I think it shows on the football pitch that we understand each other, the way each other plays.”

Forshaw, who nearly gained an England call-up in 2016, has not had an easy ride with the hip injury he picked up after just seven games of the 2019/20 season.

Initially, the injury was thought to be minor, with the protectory of the midfielder being out for only 16 weeks, but Leeds and Forshaw were dealt a devastating blow when he was sent for surgery and ruled out for the rest of the season.

Forshaw struggled to build his fitness moving into the 2020/21 campaign, and in a brief return for the under-23s, he sustained an injury to his hamstring which again saw him sidelined for the entire season.

The 30-year-old made an emotional return to Premier League football against Leicester City a few weeks ago, the midfielder spoke to the Sunday People, saying: “Starting against Leicester was a big moment for me and my family, so I’m pleased.

“I’d just like to say a massive, massive thank you to Rob Price and his team, the strength and conditioning coaches, the manager for the way he’s managed me throughout the summer.”

Bielsa will be thrilled that Phillips and Forshaw have a genuine connection which can hopefully translate on the pitch against Spurs and help Leeds to an important three points as they attempt to escape a potential relegation battle.

In other news: this potential partnership could unlock success for Leeds

The Kanpur pitch is expected to have more in it for the bowlers than the one in Ahmedabad

Cricinfo staff22-Nov-2009Two days ahead of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka in Kanpur, the Green Park pitch was green. “They should leave the grass,” umpire Nigel Llong said with a wide smile, after inspecting the surface which had an even, inch-long cover of grass.Llong was only joking of course and, by Monday, the grass would have been finely trimmed. But Shiv Kumar, the curator at Green Park, assured that the pitch would not attract unfavourable attention, like the dustbowl against South Africa in 2008, or the slow and dreary one used in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad last week. “It will be a friendly pitch, for both batsmen and bowlers,” he said.In 2008 as well, Kanpur hosted the third Test after Ahmedabad held the second against South Africa. And after India were thrashed by an innings and 90 runs, instructions were given to the Green Park curator to prepare a pitch that would facilitate an Indian victory. The watering was stopped three days prior to the Test, the ball turned sharply and the bounce was variable from day one, and India won by eight wickets inside three days. The pitch was so sub-standard that the ICC wrote to the BCCI seeking an explanation.”It would not be a dry wicket like last time,” Kumar said. He was confident this pitch, a fresh one on which a lot of domestic cricket is played, would last the distance. “Instructions have been given to us for the Test to last all five days,” an Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association source said. Last year’s controversial track, which lies to the left of the current pitch, was relaid six months ago and is now a blackboard-coloured surface which will take at least a year to be fit for play.The last international game played on the current Green Park pitch was the 1996-97 Test against South Africa, when Mohammad Azharuddin’ unbeaten 163 in the second innings set up India’s victory. But plenty of first-class and age-group cricket has been played on the pitch and records suggest it has a lot of runs. “The pitch has been fine tuned a lot. It would be a batting pitch but the bowlers will have an even hand from the third day,” Kumar said.Daljit Singh, the head of the BCCI curators’ committee, predicted that the second Test would probably have a result. “It should be a good wicket to bat on and for a two-two [two fast bowlers, two spinners] combination”, Daljit, who had come to Kanpur to inspect the pitch a couple of days ago, said.Meanwhile, both teams had complete training sessions on Sunday. Zaheer Khan was the only Indian missing from the nets because he opted to relax. The team management confirmed Zaheer was fine and was only resting. Neither team had injury worries and were likely to decide their final XIs only on the morning of the day of the match.

Plays of the day from the first day of Australia’s second Test against West Indies

Alex Brown at Adelaide Oval04-Dec-2009Teapots for two
It has been quite some time since Australian gamesmanship was thrust into the spotlight, but an incident in the 35th over could change all that. Ricky Ponting and Doug Bollinger made no attempt to hide their displeasure when Shivnarine Chanderpaul survived a caught-behind appeal, a decision upheld when sent for review. Despite replays showing daylight between leather and willow, and the usually vociferous Brad Haddin muzzling his appeal, Ponting and Bollinger assumed the “teapot” stance for some time after the decision had been delivered. Ponting continued the conversation with Ian Gould, the square-leg umpire, at the end of the over. Not a happy bunny.Reviewed and confused
Australia’s second video challenge proved altogether more successful, though no less controversial. Hot Spot gave no indication Chanderpaul had edged Shane Watson to Brad Haddin, although the 45 degree replay appeared to show the ball deviating off the outside edge. That was enough for Asad Rauf to overturn Mark Benson’s original not-out decision and send Chanderpaul back to the pavilion for a well-struck 62. Stay tuned for further fall out.Rental row
Much has been made of the fact Brendan Nash and Mitchell Johnson once rented a house together, but clearly there is no love lost between the room-mates-turned-adversaries. Nash evaded a first-ball bouncer from Johnson at the Gabba last week, and the hostility continued at Adelaide when the paceman drilled his former Queensland team-mate in the forearm with a shorter delivery in the over before lunch. Nash temporarily retired hurt after the blow to receive treatment, sending Dwayne Bravo in to start the second session alongside the unbeaten Shivnarine Chanderpaul.Gayle blown away
Chris Gayle promised a more gritty batting display from the West Indians prior to the second Test, and the fourth-wicket pairing of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Dwayne Bravo delivered on the pledge with a determined century stand. Gayle, however, still appeared locked in Twenty20 mode, taking to the Australian new-ball attack with frenetic urgency, highlighted by a straight six off Bollinger in his second over of the day. Bollinger exacted his revenge as Gayle, cutting too close to his body, top edged a shorter delivery into the outstretched glove of Brad Haddin. It is safe to assume that Gayle, who the previous day admitted to not knowing who Bollinger was, is familiar with him now.The Watson two-step
Shane Watson’s footwork has been under intense scrutiny this summer, and so it continued on Friday. But rather than attention centring on Watson’s susceptibility to lbw decisions at the top of the order, talk instead focused on the allrounder’s enterprising, though ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to reel in a catch off Bravo on the square-leg boundary. Watson caught the ball inside the rope, but with momentum taking him towards the fence, he again released it into the air. Hopes of an Adam Voges-esque catch on the second grab were dashed, however, when he stepped awkwardly over the rope and watched forlornly as the ball lobbed over the boundary for six.

 An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s interest in Hellas Verona attacking midfielder Antonin Barak…

What’s the talk?

According to L’Arena, via Tutto Hellas Verona, the Magpies are interested in a deal to sign the Serie A midfielder in the January transfer window.

The report claims that West Ham are also showing an interest in the Czech international, with the Italian side wanting £21m (€25m) for his services.

Imagine him & Willock

Eddie Howe must land Barak in January as he could help Newcastle secure a dream midfield with the Verona beast playing alongside summer signing Joe Willock.

Barak is a box-to-box midfielder who can play in a typical number eight role or in the hole as a number 10, with the ability to score and create goals in the final third. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.05 for Verona in the Serie A this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

Last term, he produced seven goals and three assists on loan with the club, whilst also winning 4.2 duels per game for his side, averaging a rating of 6.91. He then signed permanently and has continued his fine form, attracting interest from Newcastle.

Juventus and Czech Republic legend Pavel Nedved previously hailed Barak and claimed that he had the ability to play at a higher level than Udinese, prior to his move to Hellas Verona. He said:

“If we talk about Czech talents, we do not have to try a lot. Udinese has Barak and Jankto, two I like. They are doing well, but I think they can play at a higher level.”

He could form a dream partnership with Joe Willock for the Magpies, as the former Arsenal man is similar in his box-to-box style. Willock scored eight goals and made 2.5 tackles and interceptions per game for Newcastle in the Premier League last season, showing that he also has the quality to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

This means that Howe could have a midfield duo capable of covering ground defensively and contributing in the final third when they break forward to support the attack. Therefore, the pair could provide a balance to the midfield and form a platform upon which Newcastle can build their attacks and stop the opposition.

AND in other news, NUFC must seal record-breaking £67m deal for “extraordinary” gem, fans would love it…