All posts by h716a5.icu

Dolphins have signed Loots Bosman, the hard-hitting opening batsman who has left the Eagles, while Graham Ford has been appointed head coach

Cricinfo staff02-Jun-2009Dolphins have signed Loots Bosman, the hard-hitting opening batsman who has left the Eagles.Bosman, 32, scored the fasted fifty (from 22 balls) in South Africa’s domestic Twenty20 competition and has played 12 ODIs and four Twenty20s for his country.”I am very excited for the prospect of playing for the Nashua Dolphins and achieving success with them,” said Bosman. “I have always enjoyed playing at Kingsmead. I want to perform consistently well and get back into the national team.”As plans are put into place to improve the performance of the team and take it from strength to strength in the upcoming 2009-10 season, Graham Ford has also been appointed as head coach of the team.Ford, who is presently the director of cricket at Kent, and has coached the South African national squad and Dolphins as well, will return to Durban at the end of the county season, announced Cassim Docrat, the Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) Cricket Union CEO.”I am excited at the prospect of Graham taking over as head coach as he brings with him a wealth of experience and is familiar with our structures and players,” said Docrat.Former Dolphin head coach Yashin Hassan will now take up the position of head coach of the Suncoast Dolphins Academy which involves the Emerging Dolphins programme. “With the accumulated experience that Yashin has gained over the past eight years with the KZN Amateur team, the National Academy and the Nashua Dolphins, he plays an important role in bringing forward youngsters within our system,” Docrat said.

Cricinfo previews the ICL match between the Ahmedabad Rockets and the Dhaka Warriors on November 3

Cricinfo staff02-Nov-2008Match factsNov 3, 2008
Start time 7.30pm (1400 GMT)
Can Damien Martyn strike form against Dhaka? © ICL
The Big PictureAfter two convincing wins, the Dhaka Warriors start favourites against the struggling Ahmedabad Rockets. With their batting clicking as a unit, Dhaka’s main cause for concern will be the abysmal performances of the fast bowlers. Mohammad Sharif, Tapash Baisya and Farhad Reza have neither been threatening nor have they managed to keep the runs in check.Ahmedabad’s main trouble is that two of their stars, Damien Martyn and Heath Streak, have had a forgettable tournament so far. Streak has conceded 8.84 runs an over while Martyn has found it hard to score quickly. He has a strike-rate of less than 100, inexcusable in Twenty20s.Where they rankAhmedabad are in seventh place and their chances of making the semi-finals are virtually non-existent. They have to win both their remaining games and need several other match results to go in their favour for them to grab a final-four spot.The Lahore Badshahs’ victory on Sunday has pushed Dhaka down to the fifth spot. With four teams on six points, the tussle for the semi-final places is getting more intense and Dhaka need a win to keep up.Form guide (most recent first)Ahmedabad: LWLWL
Dhaka: WWLWLStats Reetinder Singh Sodhi’s strike-rate of 181.69 is the second highest among batsmen who have made more than 50 runs in the tournament Medium-pacer Rakesh Patel has outperformed his international team-mates, Jason Gillespie and Streak. His economy rate of 5.45 is the second best in the tournamentPlayers to watchLike Dhaka, Shahriar Nafees has shrugged off a slow start to the tournament. His two half-centuries were the cornerstones of Dhaka’s recent victories which has resuscitated their campaign
The move to push Murray Goodwin up the order has worked and he has run into form, making half-centuries in both his previous matches
Quotes”Though cricket is a team game, it is dependent on outstanding individual performances. We have players that have the ability to be match-winners. With encouragement, confidence and belief they can become match-winners.”

Queens Park Rangers have been handed a double boost ahead of their upcoming Championship fixture.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by West London Sport, both Charlie Austin and Moses Odubajo are set to make a return to Mark Warburton’s matchday squad for the visit of Bristol City this weekend.

The 30-year-old Austin was absent from QPR’s mid-week loss to AFC Bournemouth due to a family bereavement, while right-back Odubajo also missed the 2-1 defeat due to a knock picked up in last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Reading.

Meanwhile, Luke Amos has not been deemed fit enough for Saturday’s fixture, with the midfielder’s return to first-team action being earmarked for the Rs’ Carabao Cup meeting with Everton next week, while Sam Field and Lee Wallace are also unavailable due to injury.

Speaking about the current state of his squad, Warburton said: “Hopefully everyone’s fit and well. Sam and Lee are a few weeks away but Luke did 90 for the B team, so he’ll look to get involved from Tuesday onwards. Other than that we’ve got a full squad to pick from, so we’re in good shape.”

Warburton will be buzzing

With Warburton undoubtedly hoping that his QPR side can bounce back from their first loss of the Championship season with a win against Bristol City this weekend, the return of both Austin and Odubajo is sure to have left the 59-year-old manager buzzing.

While Austin has not been in the best goalscoring form of his career over his five league appearances so far this term, having found the back of the net just once, the addition of a player who scored eight goals and registered one assist over 21 Championship fixtures last season is undoubtedly a major boost for Warburton.

Meanwhile, considering the poor display of stand-in right-back Osman Kakay against the Cherries, with the 24-year-old earning a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.2 for his efforts in the fixture, the return of summer signing Odubajo will also please the Rs boss.

As such, it would very much seem as if the reintroduction of both players to Warburton’s matchday squad will increase the 59-year-old chances of picking up a positive result against the Robins, something which is sure to delight everyone involved with QPR.

In other news: Warburton must unleash “positive” £18k-p/w ace vs BCFC, he could solve big QPR problem

West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards has been included in a provisional squad for the Champions Trophy

Cricinfo staff21-Jul-2009West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards, who suffered a back injury before the Bangladesh Test series, has been included in a provisional squad for the Champions Trophy.Daren Powell, the fast bowler who reportedly turned down the chance to be part of the West Indies side after Chris Gayle and Co. decided to strike, has also been included in the 30-man pool. Other players with international experience in the squad who weren’t part of the Bangladesh series include opener Devon Smith and upcoming youngster Andre Fletcher.However, Cricinfo has learned that some of the players who boycotted the Bangladesh series have allowed their names to be included in the squad on the understanding they will only play if the dispute is resolved.Most of the squad were part of a second-string West Indian side which sank to a 2-0 Test series defeat to Bangladesh, including captain Floyd Reifer.The West Indies board was forced to name a weakened side due to its ongoing dispute with the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), with neither willing to back down despite widespread criticism of both sides. The impasse, mainly over players’ contracts, has continued for more than two weeks and WIPA has asked the respective national governments to step in.The board’s naming of a squad without most of the leading players for the Champions Trophy in September is another indication that there might not be an early resolution to the dispute.West Indies squad
1 Ryan Austin, 2 Christopher Barnwell, 3 David Bernard, 4 Tino Best, 5 Royston Crandon, 6 Romel Currency, 7 Travis Dowlin, 8 Fidel Edwards, 9 Rayad Emrit, 10 Andre Fletcher, 11 Ryan Hinds, 12 Leon Johnson, 13 Anthony Martin, 14 Kevin McClean, 15 Nikita Miller, 16 Nelon Pascal, 17 Brenton Parchment, 18 Omar Phillips, 19 Daren Powell, 20 Kieran Powell, 21 Floyd Reifer, 22 Dale Richards, 23 Kemar Roach, 24 Darren Sammy, 25 Shane Shillingford, 26 Devon Smith, 27 Kevin Stoute, 28 Devon Thomas, 29 Gavin Tonge, 30 Chadwick Walton

According to a report by Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur and managing director Fabio Paratici already have their sights set on more transfers after the closure of the summer window – including AC Milan star Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Spurs keeping tabs…

Tottenham became heavily linked with a move for the 44-cap Ivory Coast international at the end of the summer window as Paratici looked to take full advantage of his 2022 contract situation at the San Siro.

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They have also been linked to the player after the conclusion of the summer market with Calciomercato stating Spurs are preparing a contract offer for January.

Now, Fichajes have come out with their own claim on Kessie to Spurs.

The Latest: Kessie on Spurs radar…

Paratici appears to already have his sights set on 2022 swoops as this latest report details three Spurs targets for next year, with Stefan de Vrij, Houssem Aouar and Kessie all on the list.

The latter man in particular arguably comes as the most high profile option, especially given his incredible performances for Milan across last season.

Despite being a natural defensive midfield player, Kessie bagged a brilliant 13 goals and four assists in 36 Serie A starts (WhoScored).

Apparently, those within Tottenham’s board of directors love his profile as Spurs eye a possible move next year.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Lauded as ‘devastating’ by ex-Italy international Antonio Cassano, we believe Kessie could come as Tottenham’s most exciting target yet.

The 24-year-old comes with plenty of sell-on value and the fact Tottenham could even land him for free next year due to his contract situation makes this possible move even more exciting.

All eyes turn to the San Siro as Lilywhites supporters potentially pray he doesn’t put to paper on a new deal.

In other news: ‘Finished article’…Sky pundit in awe of Spurs starlet who’s an ‘improved version of Ndombele’, find out more here.

Centuries by openers Azhar Ali and Ahmed Shehzad put the Patron’s XI in a dominant position against the Sri Lankans on day one of their tour game in Karachi

Cricinfo staff17-Feb-2009
Scorecard
Centuries by openers Azhar Ali and Ahmed Shehzad put the Patron’s XI in a dominant position against the Sri Lankans on the firstday of their tour game in Karachi. The Sri Lankans had a tough day in the field, using eight bowlers to try and contain the hosts, who scored 395 for 4 in the allotted 90 overs.The 251-run stand between Azhar and Shehzad gave the Patron’s XI a terrific start before Farveez Maharoof ended Azhar’s five-hour-long innings, having him caught off Tharanga Paranavitana for 100. Shehzad scored at a much faster rate than Azhar, taking 174 balls for his 146, which included 22 fours and one six, before he was forced to retire hurt.Shahid Afridi chipped in with a quick 29-ball 49 before he became Ajantha Mendis’ sole victim of the day. Chaminda Vaas and Tillakaratne Dilshan also picked up a wicket each. The Sri Lankans’ most expensive bowlers were Thilan Thushara and Suranga Lakmal, who went wicketless for 69 runs each in their 11 overs.With this being a 90-overs-a-side game, Sri Lanka will have an opportunity to get some batting practice before the first Test, which starts on Saturday.

On a warm day in Karachi, when Test cricket returned to Pakistan after 14 months, the Sri Lankan top order indulged themselves to reach a strong position by the end of the opening day

The Bulletin by Sriram Veera21-Feb-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
Mahela Jayawardene became the first Sri Lankan to score 8000 Test runs during his unbeaten 136 on the opening day in Karachi © Getty Images
On a warm day in Karachi, when Test cricket returned to Pakistan after 16 months, the Sri Lankan top order indulged themselves to reach a strong position by the end of the opening day. Mahela Jayawardene presented a visual treat, Thilan Samaraweera and Kumar Sangakkara accumulated steadily, and Malinda Warnapura thrilled with a breezy knock as the visitors cashed in after winning the toss on a perfect batting pitch.There is something extremely graceful about Jayawardene’s batting. Perhaps, it’s the economy of movement, his ease, and the languid flow of his bat’s movement that catches the eye. There was a delicious straight drive on the up off Umar Gul today that captured his innings in a nutshell. The ball landed short of a length outside the off stump. Sachin Tendulkar, or even Sangakkara, imparts velocity to such deliveries with a fierce thump at the point of impact, whereas Virender Sehwag would rely on tremendous bat speed. Jayawardene seems to just caress his shots. Today, he waved his bat forward to meet the ball with the middle and it sped away. Just like that. And he did it repeatedly through his innings to compile his first Test hundred against Pakistan, the only country missing from his list of centuries.Jayawardene was reprieved on 43 and 123 off the debutant Sohail Khan. On both occasions he played away from his body but Misbah-ul-Haq, who held three sharp catches including a diving effort to dismiss Warnapura, spilled the first and Shoaib Malik dropped the second. Those two errors apart, Jayawardene was compact in defence. He might have struggled in recent ODIs but he has revelled in Tests, averaging over 55 in the last 12 months.Jayawardene’s innings built on the platform laid by Sangakkara, who played an assured innings after coming in to face the fifth ball of the day after the debutant Tharanga Paranavitana was out for a first-ball duck. Sangakkara utilised every run-scoring opportunity, playing an upper cut against Sohail Khan, a punchy drive on one knee off Yasir Arafat, and a straight drive against Gul. He even lofted Danish Kaneria over the infield but holed out to midwicket while trying to repeat the shot.Sangakkara’s wicket was a vital moment for Kaneria. He began to test the batsmen – Thilan Samaraweera in particular – with series of legbreaks, occasional googlies, and the odd slider delivered from the front of the hand. Samaraweera, however, was up to the task and grew in confidence, producing a whippy on-drive against Kaneria and another drive through cover off Arafat. As Samaraweera grew in composure, Kaneria started losing his and began to deliver a boundary ball every over.Kaneria changed tack in the last session, going round the stumps in an effort to frustrate the batsmen. It nearly worked as Samaraweera skied a slog-sweep and then edged between the wicketkeeper and a wide first slip. Samaraweera, nicknamed Mr Glue for a Test strike-rate of 43.96, put those lapses past him and began playing straight again. The pitch and the match situation demanded he raise his game and he did so, allowing Jayawardene to drop anchor. He reached his hundred with a lofted stroke over mid-off against Shoaib Malik.Among the Pakistan seamers, Arafat stood out for his consistently tight line and length. He repeatedly got the new ball to cut in and also to hold its line and combination almost worked. In the first session, he hit Sangakkara’s back leg with a delivery that cut from leg stump towards off but the appeal was turned down by the umpire. Sangakkara, on 43 then, was lucky to get away. Arafat also found reverse-swing with the older ball, though his lack of pace made it hard to breach the batsman’s defences.Gul and Sohail were guilty of erring in length. They overused the tactic of peppering Warnapura with bouncers initially and then tried to compensate by pitching too full. Warnapura took advantage, and kept driving them to set up Sri Lanka’s innings.Despite the run-fest, Younis Khan set attacking fields through the day, conceding plenty of runs in the vacant third-man region. The two slips for Danish Kaneria seemed a luxury at times but you could sense he wanted to be aggressive on the first day of his captaincy. He perhaps took the conventional means of attack to an extreme and the ploy failed to work.

Newcastle United journalist Liam Kennedy insists that Steve Bruce’s job at the club is safe despite pundits suggesting that he could come under pressure this season.

The Magpies endured a mixed season last term, going through a number of peaks and troughs, and ultimately ended the season in mid-table.

John Terry has been suggested as a potential replacement for Bruce but Kennedy insists that the former Aston Villa coach, who left the club at the end of the season, is not likely to have a vacancy to fill at St James’ Park.

Newcastle began their season with a 4-2 defeat to West Ham United, despite twice taking the lead at home.

The Hammers enjoyed an electric second half, with Tomas Soucek and Michail Antonio handing David Moyes’ side all three points.

But Kennedy claims that Bruce’s job is safe for the time being.

He said: “John Terry ever going to Newcastle as manager? Why not? But what I would say is I think Steve Bruce is safe in his job.

“There’s a lot of people who think the fans will probably get him sacked and things like that, but I think, no, while he remains keeping Newcastle United relatively safe, then I think Steve Bruce is pretty safe in his role.”

Newcastle are next in action against Aston Villa this weekend before taking on Burnley in the EFL Cup.

Matthew Hayden’s immediate future will be known when Australia’s limited-overs teams are named on Thursday for the South Africa fixtures

Peter English at the SCG07-Jan-2009
Matthew Hayden’s 39 in the second innings at the SCG was his highest score of the summer © Getty Images
The out-of-form Matthew Hayden retains the faith of his captain but the opener’s immediate future will be known when Australia’s limited-overs teams are named on Thursday for the South Africa fixtures. Ricky Ponting said he would love it if Hayden, who has struggled for runs since returning from a heel injury in India, kept playing.”I’d have him in my team every day of the week,” Ponting said. “He’s a champion player and bloke and great for our team at the moment. Those experienced guys are great to have around the team while you’re rebuilding.”The squad for Sunday’s first Twenty20 in Melbourne will be named alongside the outfit for the following five one-day internationals. If Hayden is missing from the team a Test return is unlikely, although the selectors have also publicly supported him. Hayden has not told his team-mates he is planning to depart despite the 39 he scored in the second innings at the SCG being his highest contribution of the Australian summer.”I’m pretty good mates with Matty and have known him for a long time,” Ponting said. “I have no indication or inclination either way. He showed a lot of good signs in the second innings of the game. I don’t know one way or the other at the moment. If anything, I’d be saying it’s all pretty positive that he’s going on, otherwise I think I would have known.”The fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is expected to be rested from parts of the one-day campaigns involving South Africa and New Zealand over the next month. Johnson has taken on a huge workload since India and he led the bowling in Sydney while Brett Lee was out with a foot injury.”He’s shouldered a lot of the responsibility for the attack and come on in leaps and bounds,” Ponting said. “There was some negativity about his place at the start, but he has started to show everyone over the past six or eight months how much of a quality player he is. He’s a pretty complete package.”

Fulham are interested in a deal to bring Bruno Paz to Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Portuguese media outlet Record (via The 72), who claim that the Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder has emerged on the radar of Marco Silva, who could be planning for life after Jean-Michael Seri, with the 30-year-old being linked with a move away from west London this summer.

The report goes on to state that Sporting may be willing to allow the 23-year-old to leave the club for nothing in the summer transfer window, however, they are hoping to insert a €2.5m (£2.1m) buy-back clause into any potential deal, in addition to a further sell-on clause.

Bye-bye Seri

While Paz has struggled to establish himself in the Sporting first-team after graduating from the club’s youth system, making just one senior appearance so far in his career, it would nevertheless appear the midfielder is a player with a significant amount of potential.

Indeed, the £518k-rated man has featured for every Portugal age group from U15 to the U21 team, while the 23-year-old has also racked up 47 appearances for the Sporting U19, U23 and B-team sides – with Portugal Resident journalist Skip Bandele dubbing the Paz a “promising” talent.

And, with the youngster having been stuck behind the likes of William Carvalho, Joao Palhinha, Manuel Ugarte and Idrissa Doumbia for the defensive midfield role during his time at Sporting, perhaps his failure to break into the first team is less a reflection of his own talent, but more so that the Leoes have been blessed with a number of exceptional players in the position in recent years.

Furthermore, considering the player looks to be available on a free transfer, as well as his salary not even being listed by Capology, should Silva go on to sanction the sale of the £65k-per-week Seri this summer, Paz would not only seem to be a replacement with a much higher ceiling than the Ivory Coast international, but also a substantially more cost-effective player.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for Tony Khan to take something of a risk-free gamble on the Sporting starlet this summer, as the bargain signing of Paz could turn out to be something of a masterclass by the Fulham director of football.

In other news: Silva drops claim on “important” hardly-seen Fulham gem that’ll leave fans buzzing