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ESPNcricinfo previews the Group B match between Ireland and West Indies in Mohali

The Preview by Siddhartha Talya10-Mar-2011Match FactsMarch 11, Mohali
Start time 09.30 (0400 GMT)Ed Joyce is yet to make an impact•Associated PressThe Big PictureTheir ability to compete with and challenge top teams apart, Ireland will bank on another factor ahead of a crucial clash against West Indies in Mohali on Friday. One bound to bring back sweet memories for the Irish and bitter ones for their opponents – history. What was expected to be a routine hammering for the minnows in 1969 turned out to be a shocking win as Ireland shot out the travelling West Indians for 25. Thirty-five years later, in another tour game, one that featured five West Indies players and four Irishmen who are part of the current squads, Ireland pulled off an upset again, chasing down 293 against Brian Lara’s side.With 13 professionals in their 15-man squad and a stunning win over England, things have looked up for Ireland this World Cup; a side determined for an encore. West Indies’ demolition of a Bangladesh side that was expected to challenge them at home, preceded by a dominating performance against Netherlands, has helped them put behind a dispiriting loss to South Africa. Can their present do the same to some unsavoury recollections with the Irish?In a keenly-contested Group where the fight for a berth in the quarter-finals is of greater intensity than the other, Friday’s fixture will have a significant bearing on who goes through to the knockouts from this half. A win for West Indies will be a consolidation – a preparation for bigger tests that await them against India and England. A win for Ireland will put them in an excellent position to realise their pre-tournament objective of making it to the next stage, with a game against Netherlands, whom they’ll expect to beat, in hand.Form guide(completed matches, most recent first)
West Indies: WWLLL
Ireland: LWLWL
Watch out for…Ed Joyce: His return to Ireland ahead of the World Cup was a major boost, but the impact is yet to be felt. Forcing the pace has been a problem, two starts have been squandered and there’s been one out-and-out failure when batting first. A player reputed for his solidity in the top and middle orders, Joyce is relied on to drop anchor. For that, he needs to spend long enough at the crease.Kemar Roach: He’s been West Indies’ most promising pace prospect in years, and weaker teams that have come his way this tournament have been comfortably brushed aside. Ireland may be weaker on paper but their batting line-up is infused with plenty of grit and spunk, and is likely to offer more resistance against his fiery pace and accuracy. But on a track expected to favour seamers more than some others have this tournament, that ability to resist will be tested.Pitch and conditions”Being a non-India match, some grass has been left on the pitch, giving it a greenish tinge,” Daljit Singh, the curator at the PCA Stadium, has said. “The first hour will help fast bowlers, but the batsmen can prosper with time as South Africa showed (scoring 330 against Netherlands) in the previous match.” It was cloudy in Mohali even in the afternoon on Thursday, and if Friday’s no different, fast bowlers will be kept interested for much longer than the first hour.Team newsWest Indies went in with two spinners in their previous game against Bangladesh. The seemingly favourable conditions for seamers in Mohali may just tempt them to replace a spinner with a seamer. Ravi Rampaul may get a look-in.West Indies (possible): 1 Devon Smith, 2 Chris Gayle, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Ramnaresh Sarwan, 5 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Devon Thomas (wk), 8 Darren Sammy (capt), 9 Sulieman Benn, 10 Ravi Rampaul, 11 Kemar Roach.Trent Johnston was the best of Ireland’s bowlers against India but picked up an injury after five overs and picking up two wickets. It will be a major blow for Ireland if he misses out on Friday, as it’ll deprive them an experienced player with all-round abilities. In the event of his absence, Nigel Jones, a medium-pacer and a lower-middle order batsman, could be picked.Ireland (possible): 1 William Porterfield, 2 Paul Stirling, 3 Ed Joyce, 4 Niall O’Brien (wk), 5 Andrew White, 6 Kevin O’Brien, 7 Alex Cusack, 8 John Mooney, 9 Nigel Jones/Trent Johnston, 10 George Dockrell, 11 Boyd Rankin.Stats and trivia Those two surprise wins in tour games aside, Ireland have faced West Indies thrice in ODIs and lost twice, their latest defeat as recent as April 2010. One game as washed out. Left-arm spinners Sulieman Benn and George Dockrell have both picked up 25 wickets in ODIs, though the Irishman has done it in fewer games – 19 compared to 22 – at a better average and economy rate. Their opponents for the most part, though, have differed considerably in strength.Quotes”We have a lot of respect for them. They are a team that is improving constantly which shows their cricket is moving forward. We are definitely not taking them lightly. We have seen what they are capable of doing.”

Celtic have been dealt a huge injury setback ahead of their upcoming Premiership fixture.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments made on The Go Radio Football Show (via Vital Celtic), The Celtic Exchange podcaster known as Tino revealed that Callum McGregor will miss at least Saturday’s clash with Dundee United and Wednesday’s Old Firm derby as a result of the facial injury the 28-year-old picked up against Alloa Athletic.

Speaking about the condition of the central midfielder, the podcaster said: “I’ve heard that Callum McGregor picked up a concussion and I believe there’s a ruling in place that you need to wait something like 12 days [before being able to play again].

“So, I’m not sure exactly how that plays out, maybe someone can tell us on that. I think he numerically could be ruled out of [the Dundee United and Rangers fixtures]. I don’t think there’s any fracture to his jaw from what I’ve heard.”

Ange will be livid

Considering just how integral a part of the Celtic side McGregor is, the fact that the Scotland international looks set to miss out on both the Dundee United and Rangers games as a result of an injury picked up against League One Alloa Athletic is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou livid.

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Indeed, over his 18 Premiership appearances this season, the £6.75m-rated midfielder has been in impeccable form for the Bhoys, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.9 key passes, 0.6 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, 72.7 total passes and winning 53% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £30k-per-week man average a SofaScore match rating of 7.31, ranking the 28-year-old as the seventh-best player in the entirety of the Scottish top flight.

As such, it is clear for all to see that being without McGregor for both the Dundee United and Rangers fixtures will severely reduce the Bhoys’ chances of picking up maximum points in the games – with anything but six points from the next two outings potentially having disastrous consequences in the Hoops’ bid to reclaim their Premiership crown this season.

In other news: Ange must now axe “arrogant” £15k-p/w Celtic flop by landing “incredible” £5k-p/w gem

Leeds United continue to be interested in Brenden Aaronson ahead of January 31st…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that the Yorkshire giants are preparing another bid for the RB Salzburg midfielder after having a £15m bid knocked back by the Austrian champions.

The 21-year-old has only been at the club for a year but his impressive performances have caught the eye of many across Europe, though it is the Premier League that he dreams of playing in one day.

Aaronson’s running stats are amongst the highest around the continent, so it’s no wonder Marcelo Bielsa is hugely keen on securing him.

Shades of Gallagher

Leeds have long been looking for a central midfielder capable of driving the team forward in the final third, especially as it has now been four years since they signed someone in the role, that being Adam Forshaw from Middlesbrough in January 2018.

The Whites failed with their attempts to sign promising Chelsea starlet Conor Gallagher during the summer after his impressive loan stint at West Brom, with the England U21 dynamo opting for top-flight rivals Crystal Palace instead.

However, there are shades of the 21-year-old Eagles loanee in the 15-cap American sensation.

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“Typically an attacking midfielder, Aaronson is best described as a half-winger, capable of playing out wide or centrally in the third line of Salzburg’s 4-2-2-2 formation. During games, Aaronson is expected to cover ground in central spaces, as well as supporting attacks via the channels,” claimed journalist Joe Donnohue to LeedsLive recently.

Indeed, the bustling Salzburg gem ranks amongst the top 1% of midfielders in Europe for pressures, having averaged 27.84 pressures per 90 and he also forces the opposition into losing the ball 8.55 times per 90, with those figures coming in the Champions League, via FBRef.

This is right up Bielsa’s street as he loves a player who can press high up the pitch, just as Gallagher has proven to do during his time at the Hawthorns and Selhurst Park.

Nicknamed the ‘Medford Messi’, Aaronson has been dubbed “highly talented” by talent scout Jacek Kulig and “silky” by ex-USMNT international DeMarcus Beasley.

His returns of ten goals and 12 assists from only 51 appearances in Austria make him a very exciting young talent indeed. As such, Victor Orta and co must push ahead with plans to sign him as soon as possible.

Bielsa could finally be getting his Gallagher-like midfield presence.

AND in other news, Journalist drops huge Leeds United transfer claim ahead of deadline day…

The three West Indies players who have turned down central contracts may find themselves unable to play in Australia’s Big Bash twenty20 tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2010The three West Indies players – captain Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard – who have turned down central contracts in order to play domestic cricket overseas, may find themselves unable to play in Australia’s Big Bash Twenty20 tournament. Recent statements from Ernest Hilaire, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chief executive, and Michael Brown, Cricket Australia’s acting head, suggest board clearance will be required for such events, and will not be automatically granted by the WICB.Gayle and Pollard are contracted to Western Australia and South Australia respectively, while Bravo is reportedly interested in representing Victoria, as he did last year. However, the players need no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the WICB to be eligible for the event.”There seems to be a thinking out there – and I’m not sure who has advised them – that they don’t have to sign central contracts and they can still play wherever they want,” WICB chief executive Ernest Hilaire told the . “The rules of international cricket do not exactly allow for this.”Brown said there was no way the cricketers would be allowed to participate in the Twenty20 tournament without getting permission from the WICB. “I would not see a situation where a player would be putting his position with his [home] board at risk without consent,” Brown told the . “We will work through that and I will talk to the West Indies if needed. Our relationship [with international teams’] boards is fundamental.”Last month Bravo and Pollard, followed by Gayle, turned down the one-year central contracts offered by the West Indies board. The contracts require the players to make themselves available for the West Indies team at all times, something the three players – all of whom have forged prominent careers in domestic Twenty20 competitions including the IPL – were reluctant to do.Meanwhile Hilaire said the board has begun a discussion on how to “make all stakeholders happy” in the future, but cautioned that while the WICB has so far been liberal with issuing NOCs to players, it might be time to change that policy to safeguard the interests of West Indies cricket.”It has been to our detriment. We gave an NOC to a player to play in the Big Bash; he got injured, and could not play for our one-day international team. We have also allowed players to arrive days before important matches and play for West Indies.”We have allowed it to happen and the time has come not for us to say we are not supporting any player playing elsewhere, but to find the right arrangement and framework in which our interest is not compromised.”

After the high of Headingley, Pakistan’s new-found confidence took something of a battering on the first day at Trent Bridge, as a combination of missed chances, squandered reviews and a double-hundred partnership between Eoin Morgan and Paul Collingwood

Andrew Miller at Trent Bridge29-Jul-2010After the high of Headingley, Pakistan’s new-found confidence took something of a battering on the first day at Trent Bridge, as a combination of missed chances, squandered reviews and a double-hundred partnership between Eoin Morgan and Paul Collingwood conspired to take the game away from them. Nevertheless, on a flat deck that looks very good for batting, Pakistan remain confident of being able to reply in kind.”It has been a very tough day for us today, but days come like this,” said their rookie batsman, Umar Amin. “We tried our best but unfortunately we didn’t get wickets at crucial times. But we’ll try to come back again tomorrow. It will be a new day and we’ll try to stick to the basics. There’s not much in the pitch, but we’ll try to restrict them to as little as possible.”At 118 for 4 in the first hour after lunch, Pakistan had an opening into England’s middle order, with Collingwood and Morgan forced to graft for their runs against a dangerous moving ball. But crucial opportunities went begging courtesy of the keeper, Kamran Akmal, who was positioned too deep to collect a low nick when Morgan had made just 5, and later made a hash of a stumping with Collingwood still short of his half-century.”We were in a good position, but unfortunately we gave it away,” said Umar. “Eoin Morgan played a fantastic innings, but it was lucky that as soon as he came, Aamer got a snick but it didn’t carry. Inshallah we’ll come back tomorrow and try to get him out, because all of us tried very hard and we created half-chances, but we weren’t able to capitalise on them.”Pakistan’s morale dipped even further when they used up both of their reviews in the space of five minutes, as Kevin Pietersen survived a referral for lbw and caught-behind in quick succession. Akmal, in his capacity as wicketkeeper and senior player, was the key man in persuading his team to go to the third umpire on both occasions, but Umar believed the calls were justified.”I think the review system is good when it goes in your favour,” he said. “I thought at the time they were out, but unfortunately, they weren’t, so I just consider it a hard day at the office. The senior players gave their opinions about those incidents, and it was the keeper who was the main man, but he’s a very tough man and he’ll come back tomorrow and try to compensate with his batting. I’m sure he’ll do good tomorrow.”Morgan also had a brush with the review system in the course of his innings, when on 78 he was adjudged lbw as Danish Kaneria came round the wicket. “It was the first time I’ve used it, so it’s been a bit different,” he said. “I walked down the wicket and Colly said I think you should review it, so that knocked it on the head.”The important thing is communication between the two batsmen, and being honest about it,” he added. “If it feels natural then refer it, because the angle he was coming from, it was going to struggle to hit the stumps.”Pakistan have a big challenge ahead of them if they are to get back into this match, but under Salman Butt and through their exploits against Australia, they currently have the spirit to overcome adversity. At the close, the players went into a huddle on the boundary’s edge, to reflect on a performance that hadn’t gone to plan, and to start the process of regaining some measure of control.”In cricket you learn every new day,” said Umar. “We are a young unit, and we’re becoming more and more united. We back each other and our captain, and we’re becoming a very good unit. I think this is the perfect pitch for batsmen, so we’ll try to make full use tomorrow. The key on this pitch is to stay on the front foot and manage the ball there. It won’t be very difficult tomorrow.”

Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest would be an ‘ambitious’ signing which could happen for Leeds United this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Dest linked with Leeds move

Jesse Marsch will be looking to make his mark in the summer transfer window with some top players potentially coming in, assuming that Premier League safety is secured for the Whites.

Dest is one player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road, with the 21-year-old likely to be allowed to leave Barceloa at the end of the current campaign.

The USA international has made 17 La Liga starts so far this season, providing three assists along the way.

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The Latest: Journalist talks up possible Dest swoop

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke talked up the idea of Dest heading to Leeds in the summer, saying that it would be a good fit for him given Marsch’s presence at Elland Road. The reporter said:

“He is definitely an ambitious target, but he is one that you can see makes a bit of sense, obviously, when you’ve got an American coach like Jesse Marsch, who will know all about Sergino Dest.

“Dest hasn’t had the best of times at Barcelona since his arrival from Ajax and he has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp.”

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The Verdict: Perfect Ayling replacement

There is no denying that Luke Ayling has had far from his best season for the Whites, even though he chipped in with some key contributions along the way. The right-back turns 31 later this year, so Dest could be seen as an ideal long-term replacement for him, possibly even coming in as first-choice immediately.

Barcelona manager Xavi has hailed the American defender as ‘great’ and ‘spectacularly good’, which says a lot about his ability, and his attacking qualities would suit Marsch’s high-octane style of play.

The fact that Dest and Marsch are compatriots may help, too, as the manager looks to fully make his mark at Leeds moving forward.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly stepping up their interest in one player. Read more here.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has been gifted a huge double injury boost ahead of the weekend…

What’s the latest?

The Yorkshire giants head to east London once again to face West Ham United for the second of this week’s double-header, having been defeated by the Irons in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.

But this time, the Argentinian head coach is likely to welcome back two important members of the first-team squad, according to Daily Mirror reporter David Anderson.

“Leeds’ injury crisis is showing signs of easing and Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo should be fit for Sunday’s return trip to West Ham,” he revealed on Twitter.

Huge boost

This will come as a huge boost to Bielsa and his squad as it’ll give them some sort of threat in the final third at long last.

Bamford has been absent for large parts of the 2021/22 campaign, having missed 13 of their last 14 games in the Premier League. His only appearance since mid-September was a 22-minute cameo which brought his second goal of the season but since then, he’s been back on the treatment table.

Last season, the England international was Bielsa’s top goalscorer as he found the net 17 times in 38 appearances. He has been sorely missed as no Leeds player, apart from Raphinha (eight), has scored more than two goals from their 19 top-flight games.

Meanwhile, only five teams have scored fewer goals than the Yorkshiremen this term, three of which occupy a place in the relegation zone.

Rodrigo’s likely return is also encouraging as the Spaniard is a versatile attacker capable of playing in multiple roles. If Bamford wasn’t also returning, then he could be deployed up top, though his position has often been in the no.10 under Bielsa.

His presence could then help generate more chances as he ranks second to Raphinha for creativity, averaging 1.6 key passes per game. The likes of Dan James (0.9) and Jack Harrison (1.1) aren’t doing enough to help right now.

There is also the mounting injury crisis at Thorp Arch. As recently as last month, United were without 11 players for the defeat to Arsenal, so having Bamford and Rodrigo return is certainly encouraging.

Therefore, on the above evidence, Bielsa will be absolutely buzzing to see two of his key squad members back this weekend.

AND in other news, “I’m not so sure..”: Fabrizio Romano drops Raphinha update, fans will be fuming…

Tasmania will join the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) for the 2010-11, taking the competition to seven teams

Cricinfo staff15-Jun-2010Tasmania will join the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) for the 2010-11, taking the competition to seven teams. The Tasmanian Roar joined the women’s national Twenty20 competition last summer and will take the final step by being added to the 50-over tournament.The WNCL gained a sixth team last season with the addition of the ACT. James Sutherland, the chief executive of Cricket Australia the acceptance of Tasmania into the WNCL was testament to the efforts of Cricket Tasmania to develop women’s cricket in the state.”The team produced some encouraging performances in the interstate Twenty20 competition last year and regular exposure to matches at this level will help drive women’s cricket participation in Tasmania,” Sutherland said.”Female cricket participation in Australia has risen dramatically in recent years and today’s announcement, along with the continued success of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, will only inspire more young girls to pick up a bat and ball.”

Speaking to GiveMeSport, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has shared some post-January Southampton transfer news involving West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Southampton eye summer moves…

As per reliable Saints reporter Tom Leach of Hampshire Live, CEO and transfer chief Martin Semmens has his eyes firmly on the summer window after a fairly quiet January.

Southampton did hold talks over Chelsea youngster Tino Anjorin, who they are now set to scout during his loan spell at Huddersfield Town, with the Blues also said to be open to letting their on-loan striker Armando Broja join the Saints permanently (Hampshire Live).

One area of the squad raising question marks is undoubtedly Ralph Hasenhuttl’s goalkeeping roster, as all of his current options are set to run out of contract at the end of 2021/22 as things stand (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Crook makes post-January claim involving Johnstone…

Sharing what he knows, talkSPORT reporter Crook said that Southampton have been laying the groundwork to sign Baggies ace Johnstone, with the England international set to leave West Brom on a free transfer later this year.

The journalist added that St Mary’s is the ‘most likely destination’ for Johnstone, telling GiveMeSport:

“Southampton have been working quite hard to try and get this one teed up for the summer. So, at the moment, I would say that is his most likely destination to go and become number one.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Semmens should hold no hesitation in signing the 28-year-old on a free transfer, especially considering his Three Lions recognition, his homegrown status and that he still has plenty of years left in his career.

He would come as a suitable and cheap long-term option for Hasenhuttl who also happens to be proven in the Premier League.

Johnstone’s former boss Sam Allardyce raved over the goalkeeper last year, calling him ‘one of the best’ in his position, while ex-Sheffield United shot-stopper Paddy Kenny has also branded the player ‘unreal’ (Football Insider).

On a free transfer and with many Saints ‘keepers looking set to leave in a few months’ time, this really does seem like a no-brainer.

In other news: Southampton also eyeing ‘strong’ player, Semmens has personally met with his father…find out more here.

The Kochi franchise will be a part of the IPL in 2011, the league’s governing council has said after a meeting in Mumbai on Sunday

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2010The Kochi franchise’s new ownership pattern has passed scrutiny and the team will feature in the fourth edition of the IPL, which begins on April 8. After receiving the new ownership pattern from the Kochi consortium last Sunday, the IPL had deferred the final decision by a week. Today, after a two-hour long meeting that was attended by some of the Kochi owners, the IPL said it was satisfied with the submissions and assurances from the consortium.”The IPL governing council confirmed that the Kochi franchisee had satisfactorily responded to the notice issued to them by the BCCI, and decided that the franchisee Kochi Cricket Pvt Ltd, would play in the IPL from 2011 onwards,” the BCCI said in a release after the meeting.The decision means that the IPL in 2011 will have at least eight teams, while uncertainty continues over the fate of the two franchises that were terminated – Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab. An arbitrator has since passed a stay order on Rajasthan’s termination while the hearing of Punjab’s appeal was stalled because the same arbitrator stepped down citing a conflict of interest.”For the moment the IPL will have eight teams, until the courts decide on Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, which have entered into legal battles with the BCCI after they were terminated,” an IPL official told ESPNcricinfo.It was the fourth time the governing council was meeting to discuss whether to retain the faction-ridden Kochi franchise, which suffered from disputes right from its inception because of a tussle for ownership between the promoters and the investors. Annoyed and dissatisfied by the franchise’s inability to sort out the internal problems, the IPL served a termination notice to Kochi on October 27, giving it a 30-day deadline to respond and explain why it should not be scrapped. The franchise was given two extensions before it finally submitted its restructured ownership pattern on November 28.The investors in the Kochi consortium include corporate firms Anchor Earth, Parinee Developers, Anand Shyam Estates and Film Wave – which held 74% of the equity according to the original shareholding structure when they won the bid. The remaining 26% had been given to the family of Gaikwads – Shailendra, his brother Ravi and their parents plus a few others, all part of Rendezvous Sports – as free equity for services rendered in successfully bidding for the franchise.