All posts by h716a5.icu

There were no glorious uncertainties on the fourth day in Mysore with Karnataka needing a little more than two hours to complete a straightforward victory, their first of the season, against Andhra Pradesh by 202 runs.

The Bulletin by Siddarth Ravindran in Mysore19-Nov-2008
Scorecard
There were no glorious uncertainties on the fourth day in Mysore with Karnataka needing a little more than two hours to complete a straightforward victory, their first of the season.Andhra’s slim chances of making the 292 more runs they needed became slimmer still when their most dependable batsman, Gnaneshwara Rao, fell to a spectacular one-handed catch by Robin Uthappa at mid-off in the fourth over of the day.The Karnataka quicks tested new man AG Pradeep and ASK Varma with a series of bouncers but it wasn’t until the introduction of spin that the next wicket fell. Sunil Joshi struck in his first over, getting Varma to nick one to the keeper.Karnataka were looking to finish things early, keeping four men around the bat to the spinners. Andhra were at 49 for 6, with Pradeep, their last recognised batsman, at the crease. He decided to go after the bowling, a lofted on drive off KP Appanna which landed just within the boundary. He followed that up with a six over long-on off Joshi in the next over as Andhra moved briskly to 97 for 6.Appanna, however, brought Andhra’s charge to an abrupt halt. M Suresh’s attempted backfoot drive ended in the gloves of Naidu, Pradeep’s front-foot defensive rolled onto the stumps after deflecting off his pads, GV Sarath Babu was bowled playing down the wrong line, and last man P Vijaykumar’s wild heave connected only with air to allow a simple stumping for Naidu, his sixth dismissal in the innings and ninth of thematch.Karnataka may have got their season back on track but question marks remain over their fragile batting. Robin Uthappa and Rahul Dravid had satisfactory games but the other specialist batsmen had a match to forget.

It took Celtic a number of weeks to make some meaningful strides in the transfer window but since taking to the market with a plan, Ange Postecoglou has strengthened the club’s ranks in remarkably impressive fashion.One thing is for sure, if Eddie Howe became the Hoops manager at the start of the summer, they would not have the free scoring Kyogo Furuhashi tearing defences to shreds.What’s the word?Celtic have completed some extremely smart work this summer with a number of problem positions being improved.Furuhashi has bolstered their options behind Odsonne Edouard up front while Liel Abada has replaced Moi Elyounoussi to complete perfection.Carl Starfelt looks a capable replacement for Kristoffer Ajer and Josip Juranovic has now arrived to give Anthony Ralston a helping hand on the right-hand side of defence, an area where they looked particularly light.Yet, in light of taking to Japan to sign Furuhashi and lure Postecoglou to Glasgow, it’s an area they will hope to target again in the future.The manager delivered an exciting claim on the matter in his pre-match press conference ahead of the St Mirren clash to say: “I know the Japanese market very well.”It’s a tricky time because traditionally they are still mid-season. There’s a lot of players I would love to have a look at closely and bring over but I know it would be almost impossible to get them out because clubs are still playing for the league or cup or (AFC) Champions League competitions. So they are very reluctant to let them go mid-season.”The Australian continued: “Traditionally it’s always been easier to get them out in our winter break, which is their end of season.”Fans must be elatedThis is an incredibly niche market to exploit but it’s a claim from the boss that should leave supporters incredibly excited.After all, if they can repeat their Furuhashi triumph and exploit a part of the world relatively unknown to many throughout European football, Celtic could stumble on a real recipe for success.Kyogo has been a breath of fresh air for the Hoops and has defied many people’s expectations.The forward was the top scorer in the J-League this season before his move from Vissel Kobe but it was thought he’d need a period to adjust to Scottish football.He’s needed very little time, however, taking to life at Parkhead like a duck to water. He scored on his continental debut against Jablonec and then fired in a brilliant hat-trick on his Paradise debut.Of course, not every player from that part of the world will end up like him but it does bode well for future endeavours.Celtic had been linked with the likes of Ao Tanaka and Kaoru Mitoma this summer too. That was before the two players ended up penning temporary deals with clubs in Germany for the 2021/22 campaign.There are gems to be found in Asian football and the Bhoys should have an advantage when it comes to signing them due to Postecoglou.By the time the winter window comes around, supporters should be extremely excited about what they could achieve.AND in other news, Forget Turnbull & Abada: Ange surely buzzing with Celtic gem who won 85.7% duels…

Peter Fulton and Chris Martin will be joining the squad in Napier as cover for the injured players James Franklin and Ross Taylor

Cricinfo staff16-Dec-2008
James Franklin was struck on the ribs in Dunedin © Getty Images
New Zealand batsman Peter Fulton and fast bowler Chris Martin will be joining the squad in Napier as cover for the injured players James Franklin and Ross Taylor.While Franklin suffered severe bruising after being struck in the ribs while batting during the first Test against West Indies in Dunedin, Taylor dislocated the ring finger of his right hand and also chipped the knuckle bone, while fielding. However, the two are expected to be fit in time for the second match at McLean Park starting Friday, the team management said.”The medical people believe he will be all right,” said New Zealand coach Andy Moles. “It’s just his comfort level, can he cope. The swelling has gone down a bit so we’ll know more tomorrow once he’s had a net.”Both Fulton and Martin were dropped from the side to face West Indies at home, after disappointing performances in the two-Test series against Australia late last month. While Fulton played in just the second match at Adelaide where he managed a total of 36 in both innings, Martin picked up six wickets at 36.83 in both games.The injuries seem to be piling up for New Zealand as Jacob Oram was ruled out of the second Test having sat out the first match, after suffering a calf strain in the lead-up. The allrounder had previously sustained a back injury during the Test series away to Bangladesh in October, that ruled him out of the second and final match, as well as the tour of Australia that followed. He then picked up a finger fracture while playing for Central Districts in the State Championship in the last week of November.Moles was understandably disappointed with losing one of his top players, but believed exercising caution was more important. “He’s a world-class performer and he’s had niggles that we’ve got him over and we’ve played him perhaps just before he’s been fully fit,” said Moles.”The medical team have taken the decision, with Jake, that we’re going to make sure we get him back 100% right so we can start with a clean canvas and we can push on with Jake being fully fit, as opposed to rushing him back for the next game.”He is vital to the side but we’ve taken the decision that’s best for the team and the best for Jake to make sure we get him back 100% so we can have him over a longer period,” he said.

According to a report by journalist Alessio Lento (shared and translated by Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are ‘getting closer’ to signing Cagliari star Nahitan Nandez on loan with an obligation to buy.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Nandez hunt…

As backed by numerous sources, Spurs do indeed hold an interest in signing the 25-year-old this summer and are actively pursuing his signature.

A report by Centorentuno (via SW) revealed that Nandez is ‘at the top of [Fabio] Paratici’s wish list’ and they also believe that the player himself is open to joining Tottenham.

Meanwhile, reporter Rudy Galetti states that Spurs are in ‘ongoing talks’ over the Uruguay international as they aim for an ‘onerous loan’.

The Latest: Spurs ‘getting closer’ to Nandez…

As another Italian reporter in Lento, Tottenham are now getting closer to signing Nandez as sporting director Paratici enters talks over signing him on loan with a purchase option.

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The journalist explained on Twitter (as translated by Sport Witness) that the midfield man is ‘getting closer to Paratici’s Tottenham in great strides’.

Indeed, Spurs are ‘negotiating with Cagliari for a loan (€5-6m) with a conditional obligation to buy (around €20m)’,

Judging by this update, it certainly appears Paratici isn’t finished in the transfer market just yet.

The Verdict: Move Paratici…

A versatile player, Nandez can be utilised in such a huge array of different positions across the pitch and solve many different issues for manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

As explained by Sky, the Serie A man can be deployed in ‘central midfield or on the right, including right wing-back’ – meaning he could even prove a solution to Tottenham’s lack of depth on the right-side of defence.

Lauded as a ‘machine’ by Serie A expert Conor Clancy (via This is Futbol), he could certainly do a job for Spurs whilst also saving money on a loan-to-buy.

In other news: Offer incoming: Levy readying Spurs bid to sign ‘amazing’ player who Nuno personally wants, find out more here.

Manchester United have reportedly enquired about Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez as they look to add further reinforcements to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s ranks.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old throughout the summer, and well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the situation.

He tweeted: “Saúl is set to leave Atléti. Chelsea opened talks for Saúl days ago. There’s official bid now on the table – loan with buy option. #CFC

“Also Manchester United have asked for Saúl again in the last 24 hours, he’s in the list with Camavinga. #MUFC. He’s ready for PL move.”

Romano’s update follows on from a recent report in Spanish outlet AS, who stated that the Old Trafford outfit had overtaken Chelsea in the race for Saul, as United officials reportedly ‘love’ the technically gifted maestro.

Fans will be buzzing

Saul was thought to be close to joining Catalan giants Barcelona earlier in the window as part of a swap deal for Antoine Griezmann, but negotiations failed to lead to a suitable arrangement between the two clubs.

As a result, a Premier League tussle has ensued for the wantaway midfielder after he entered the final year of his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

And it’s no surprise that Saul has some of the continent’s top teams chasing his signature. After rising through the ranks at Atleti, the £36m-rated gem has established himself as a world-class operator in recent years.

In 339 appearances for his boyhood club, he’s bagged 43 goals and provided 20 assists, including one against Celta Vigo on the opening day of the current campaign. With a trophy haul of one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and two Europa League crowns to boot, Saul will always be remembered fondly by the Atleti faithful.

However, after only starting 22 top-flight fixtures last term and missing out on Luis Enrique’s 24-man squad for the European Championships, the midfield conductor is keen to seek pastures new.

His arrival on English shores would be a significant coup for Solskjaer, and the Norwegian tactician would suddenly have substantial strength in depth in the middle of the park.

Therefore, United supporters will surely be buzzing with excitement following this latest revelation, giving them hope of securing a first top-flight title since 2013.

And, in other news…Man Utd plot cut-price move for “magnificent” 24 y/o maestro, fans will be excited 

Ross Taylor’s aggressive half-century led New Zealand to a comfortable seven-wicket victory against West Indies in the third ODI in Wellington, leaving the five match series level at 1-1

The Bulletin by Marc Ellison07-Jan-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

Daniel Vettori took 4 for 20 off his ten overs © Getty Images
Ross Taylor’s aggressive half-century led New Zealand to a comfortable seven-wicket victory against West Indies in the third ODI in Wellington, leaving the five-match series level at 1-1. Taylor and Daniel Flynn guided the hosts home with 29.3 overs to spare after Daniel Vettori took 4 for 20 to dismiss West Indies for 128 in 41.4 overs.Daren Powell was the pick of the West Indian bowlers, taking 3 for 25 off seven overs, but the visitors were comprehensively outplayed. The heavy nature of the loss will be a major dent to their confidence ahead of the fourth ODI in Auckland on SaturdayThe New Zealand bowling attack exploited the overcast conditions in the morning, after Vettori won the toss, before the pitch at the Westpac Stadium got better as the match wore on. Although Powell struck three early blows for West Indies, their batsmen simply didn’t give them enough runs to defend.Brendon McCullum was the first to fall for New Zealand as they pursued 128 for victory. He attempted to hit Powell on the up over cover point but the ball took the edge and flew towards Ramnaresh Sarwan, who took a difficult catch on the move at third man.Jesse Ryder followed the very next ball. He lofted to cover where Nikita Miller took a simple catch and New Zealand had lost both openers after a brisk opening stand of 34. Jamie How followed a couple of overs later when he hooked Powell to Jerome Taylor at fine leg, leaving the hosts teetering at 40 for 3. Flynn, however, joined Taylor in a match-winning partnership of 89 for the fourth wicket.Taylor was brutal against the West Indian attack. He looked to defend and play tightly when he began his innings but once set he blasted five fours and three massive sixes. He mixed solid defence with natural flair, taking on Fidel Edwards in particular by hitting him over the midwicket and cover boundary. He slog-swept Miller ten rows back at midwicket to complete his trio of sixes and carry his side to victory.Earlier in the day, Vettori continued his dominance over the West Indian batsmen. His spell helped New Zealand reinforce the advantage created by their new-ball attack.Mills and Southee bowled effectively in tandem. Mills provided the pressure and consistency while Southee swung the ball beautifully. However, Shivnarine Chanderpaul continued to thwart the New Zealand bowlers with a patient 45 off 77 balls. He held the innings together before succumbing to Jesse Ryder’s first delivery, which surprised him for pace and hit him on the pad in front of middle stump.Fidel Edwards was the last man out for 13 off 27 balls when he tried to slog-sweep Jeetan Patel over midwicket. How took his third catch of the innings, running backwards just outside the circle at square leg, leaving Miller unbeaten on 25. The final two wickets produced 27 runs valuable runs each to push West Indies past 100.

Aston Villa have suffered a major injury setback ahead of their Premier League clash against Brentford this afternoon.

Dean Smith’s side welcome the newly-promoted side to Villa Park as they look to register back-to-back wins in the top-flight, but will have to do so without one of their marquee summer signings.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece revealed that Leon Bailey will once again be missing from action, with the game against the Bees on Saturday coming too soon following his hamstring issue last week.

The news is sure to come as a bitter blow to Smith as he looks to mould this new look Villa side together, especially considering the kind of electric debut he enjoyed in the defeat to Watford.

The £31.5m-rated star came off the bench to great effect against the Hornets on the opening day, marking his Premier League debut for the club by setting up John McGinn’s goal and almost sparking a late comeback.

Speaking before Villa officially confirmed the deal to sign the Jamaican, the club’s former defender Alan Hutton threw his backing behind a move for the former Bayer Leverkusen ace.

He said: “I’m so excited to see this one. I’ve heard a lot about him over the past two or three seasons. He’s obviously still very young but he’s electric, he gets people off their seats. That’s what you want in a player.

“But what’s more impressive, 15 goals and 11 assists from wide areas in the German league. That’s unbelievable. It’s the kind of consistency you want from your wingers.”

With Bailey now ruled out, Smith will have to keep the faith with Anwar El Ghazi, who of course enjoyed a fine week himself after netting against Newcastle from the spot, before bagging a brace against Barrow in the Carabao Cup second round.

While the Dutchman is in a mini streak of goal-scoring form, Bailey’s absence and the prospect of seeing their new signing make his competitive home debut for the club is sure to leave fans gutted.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on this Aston Villa transfer target…

Jason Gillespie is disappointed news of Michael Clarke’s heated exchange with Simon Katich leaked from the dressing room

Cricinfo staff07-Feb-2009
Jason Gillespie: “Blokes have disagreements from time to time – that is just life – but I am just disappointed it all got out of the dressing room” © Getty Images
Jason Gillespie, the former Test bowler, is disappointed news of Michael Clarke’s heated exchange with Simon Katich leaked from the dressing room. Gillespie spent a decade with the side and said incidents between team-mates occurred, but wanted them to stay with the group.The Clarke-Katich tussle happened at the end of the SCG Test in January and did not become public until Friday, the day Clarke was due to lead the one-day team. “I am very disappointed that this has got out,” Gillespie said in the Courier-Mail. “It is not the done thing.”I am not worried about scuffles – that can happen in any team or workplace. Blokes have disagreements from time to time – that is just life – but I am just disappointed it all got out of the dressing room.”Clarke, 27, is the side’s vice-captain and the latest incident has led to questions about his capabilities to lead the side when Ricky Ponting retires. John Buchanan, the former team coach, said Clarke appeared to be saying and doing “all the right things”.”I think he has still got a long way to go in terms of maturity and understanding what the word ‘team’ really means,” Buchanan said in the Sydney Morning Herald. “But the more opportunities he is given to learn that, whether in a formal leadership sense or in and around people like Ponting and [Michael] Hussey and others, the better. Whether he chooses to take those opportunities or not is up to him.”Tim Nielsen, the Australia coach, wrote in his Cricket Australia blog that it was time to move on. “It’s obviously not a big deal for us because like any group or family that travels, works and lives together, there are going to be disagreements,” he wrote. “It was dealt with at the time and as far as we’re concerned we moved on.”

Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are set to be locked in a three-way transfer tussle for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer [Metro via Liverpool Echo].

Becoming a key fixture for Graham Potter’s men in 2020/21, the 25-year-old made 39 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring twice [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could be set for a busy few months of speculation after recent reports came to light.

Liverpool, alongside Manchester United and Arsenal are all mooted to be keen on his services.

He is reportedly valued at around £40 million by his current employers, with a battle set to comments in January for his signature.

In light of this news, no wonder loads of Liverpool diehards took to social media to scorn this latest transfer talk.

Liverpool FC fans react:

Replying to popular Liverpool outlets LFC Transfer Room and Liverpool FC News on Twitter, here is what some Reds supporters had to say upon the emergence of latest developments:

“Aren’t you sick of this ****? False rumours every single time.”

Credit: @a_elsouri

“I have a long standing interest in buying a Ferrari. Will visit the local Ferrari dealer again next Jan”

Credit: @nomad56060053″Interested FC, that doesn’t change”Credit: @adri_pltr”The window only just closed, can we have a week off before more speculation about players we’re never going to sign?”Credit: @klopptilludrop”What a Joke”Credit: @haideraljanabi”Agent trying to drum up a new contract seeing as there were no bids in Summer. Classic move”Credit: @Blark_officialIn other news, Liverpool were eyeing up another Premier League ace during the transfer window. Find out more here.

Australia’s players are considering their involvement in the IPL this year following the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore

Brydon Coverdale in Durban04-Mar-2009Lee and Bracken want to play in IPLSeveral members of the Australian Test squad in South Africa may be rethinking their involvement in the IPL after the terrorist strikes in Lahore, but fast bowlers Brett Lee and Nathan Bracken remain interested in playing the Twenty20 tournament.Lee told the Australian newspaper, the , that he knew the security risks involved in visiting the subcontinent but “we can’t let this [terrorism] stop us going about what we do with our lives.”Bracken, who missed the tournament’s first season as he was recovering from a knee surgery, had similar views on the incident. “It’s concerning that terrorism is impacting the sport. But I’ll still be going,” the paper quoted him as saying.Former wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, though, remained circumspect about participating in the tournament. “I’ll try to gather more detail and learn more about the situation [and] then assess it from there,” he told the . Australia’s players are considering their involvement in the IPL thisyear following the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore. Thecaptain Ricky Ponting had already decided not to play this season because of his Australian commitments but he said his team-mates wouldbe thinking about whether they wanted to travel to the region so soonafter the Lahore shootout and the Mumbai terrorist attack.”I think there would have been enough concerns from the guys anywayafter Mumbai,” Ponting said. “That was still pretty fresh ineveryone’s minds I think and this one on top again. I’m not going to the IPL, a decision that was made a few weeks ago. Some of the other guys that potentially could be going there will have all those thingsnow that they’ve got to think about as well, more so than they didbefore.”Australia were on Wednesday practising in Durban ahead of the secondTest against South Africa and Ponting said his men would be keptabreast of the security situation in Asia by the AustralianCricketers’ Association (ACA). Ponting said he was not aware of anyplayers who had already decided not to take part in the IPL because ofthe Lahore attack.”I’m sure once we get around the guys a bit more today that might evenbe something that comes up in our meeting this morning as well, seewhat the guys are thinking about there,” Ponting said. “[ACA chiefexecutive] Paul Marsh will keep the guys up to date with what’shappening as far as security is concerned in the IPL.”A more pressing concern for Australia is the one-day series they werescheduled to play against Pakistan in the United Arab Emiratesimmediately following the tour of South Africa. Cricket Australia iskeen to goahead with the series, while England has loomed as a possible venue for a Test series between Australia and Pakistan next year.”I’m not against playing in neutral venues,” Ponting said. “We’ve doneit in the past, we played [Tests against Pakistan] in Sri Lanka and Sharjah a few years ago now. There’s every possibility that neutral venues could come up.”The Lahore attack dominated discussions among Australia’s players onTuesday, when they had intended to refocus on the second Testfollowing their 162-run win in Johannesburg. The Australian teamphysio Alex Kountouris, who previously worked with the Sri Lanka side,had been in touch with the Sri Lanka players while the coach TimNielsen had spoken to his fellow South Australian, the umpire SteveDavis, who was travelling in a van behind the team bus when the attacktook place.”From having a good win and having a bit of a celebration and wakingup yesterday morning and seeing what was happening in our game on theother side of the world was very saddening for all of us,” Pontingsaid. “Alex has made contact with them yesterday and I told him lastnight to send a message on behalf of the players to the guys overthere that have been affected by it all.”Obviously what happened was well planned and they were made targets.It was the main discussion point around the whole group yesterday fromthe morning when we woke up until we went to bed last night. That’swhat everyone was talking about, what they were seeing on the newscoverage and what Alex was hearing coming back from their players.”Security has been increased for the South Africa and Australia teamsin the wake of the Lahore attack. The second Test begins at Kingsmeadon Friday.