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Daren Ganga and Mahendra Nagamootoo have been named in West Indies’ final XI for the opening limited-overs international of three against Bangladesh at the M.A

WICB28-Nov-2002Daren Ganga and Mahendra Nagamootoo have been named in West Indies’ final XI for the opening limited-overs international of three against Bangladesh at the M.A. Aziz Stadium on Friday.Batsman Ganga and leg-spin all-rounder Nagamootoo replace Shivnarine Chanderpaul and regular West Indies captain Carl Hooper in the side that won the final international of the seven-match series against India at Vijayawada last Sunday."Shiv took two stitches in the webbing of his right hand after being struck in the field last Sunday and is also unlikely to play in any of the limited-overs internationals in this series," West Indies manager Ricky Skerritt reported.Skerritt also indicated that left-arm fast-medium bowler Pedro Collins is to be rested for the limited-overs international series because of his troublesome back."We will not be taking Bangladesh for granted and are here to play good cricket and to continue our build-up to the World Cup," Skerritt added.The limited-overs series concludes with day/night matches at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu Stadium on December 2 and 3.Squad: Ridley Jacobs (captain), Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Daren Ganga, Ricardo Powell, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Vasbert Drakes, Jermaine Lawson, Corey Collymore.

Newcastle could sign their own version of England international Harry Maguire in Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Magpies are very much interested in signing the 23-year-old, with The Northern Echo then revealing that Steve Bruce is keen to kick off his side’s summer business with a move for the 6 foot 6 titan.

It was said that “with Newcastle having sent a series of scouting delegations to watch the Norwegian this season, the Magpies’ interest is currently understood to be at a much more advanced stage.”

The Athletic have now delivered the latest update on the situation, claiming that the centre-back had started off as Newcastle’s first-choice transfer target in central defence, and that “while they have not yet given up hope of signing the 23-year-old they have scouted extensively, both Norwich City and Bayer Leverkusen are pursuing the Norway international.”

Newcastle’s own Harry Maguire

With Maguire all set to lead out England’s back-line in tonight’s Euro 2020 quarter-final clash against Ukraine, Newcastle will be wondering the kind of impact a dominant figure like the Manchester United centre-back could have on the Magpies’ defence.

In Ajer, they could get someone who could have a similar presence.

Speaking earlier this season, former Scotland boss Alex McLeish said: “I go back to that St Johnstone game, you see sometimes when it’s not going for Celtic and the game’s in its dying embers, and then all of a sudden you see Ajer striding up the pitch trying to inspire like Roy of the Rovers.

“Running from defence, augment the attack and then it leads to a goal – these are inspirational moments and he is an inspirational, influential player for Celtic. Like Virgil van Dijk, he came to Celtic and we all know what happened next.”

The 23-year-old’s Celtic team-mate and centre-back partner Christopher Jullien hailed him as a “unique talent”, and it’s no surprise given his combination of size and elegance on the ball when he brings it out from the back.

As per WhoScored, he averaged a whopping 71.4 passes per game in the Scottish Premiership last season, as well as boasting a formidable 88.2% pass accuracy – both of those stats being significantly better than the figures produced by any Newcastle player.

In fact, Ajer’s stats on the ball are far more comparable with Maguire, with the Manchester United defender averaging 65.5 passes per game at an accuracy of 87.3% in the 2020/21 Premier Leaue.

Of course, both Ajer and Maguire play for club sides who look to dominate the ball, but the possible arrival of the Norwegian on Tyneside this summer would give the Magpies the quality ball-playing centre-back for which Bruce is reportedly desperate, even with Fabian Schar already at the club.

In other news, Chris Waugh drops an exciting Newcastle transfer update!

The Pakistan Cricket Board does not regret allowing Mohammad Asif to play for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League

Cricinfo staff20-May-2008
The PCB felt the lighter workload of four overs per game, as opposed to the rigors of county cricket, would actually be good for Mohammad Asif in terms of his comeback © Getty Images
The Pakistan Cricket Board does not regret allowing Mohammad Asif to play for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League (IPL), despite the latest injury the increasingly fragile pacer sustained in his right hand, which is likely to keep him out of the rest of the tournament. It is also possible that the injury keeps Asif from playing a full part for Pakistan in the tri-series tournament in Bangladesh from June 8.Asif split the webbing on his right hand in a game against the Deccan Chargers and has had stitches put in since. Virender Sehwag, his Delhi captain, said after yesterday’s game, that Asif split the webbing while fielding. “He’s getting fit. He has four stitches on his hand,” Sehwag said. “The doctors told us it would be a week before we could open them. Let’s wait and see.”The latest development is a further setback to Asif who has seen much of the sheen of a prodigious start in cricket taken away by a long-standing elbow injury. He has missed much of the last year, only returning to action against Bangladesh in the recent ODI series, having had surgery on his right elbow in Australia at the beginning of the year. Still, bowling with a protective brace on his right arm, there were concerns that he had returned too quickly, in an effort to be able to participate in the IPL in which he is the second-most expensive – and thus highly-paid – Pakistan player.If the new injury does prevent him from playing for Pakistan in the tri-series, the PCB is likely to bear the brunt of criticism for allowing him to play in India, though an official insisted there was nothing wrong with Asif going to India and that the injury could’ve happened “anytime, anywhere.””We have been in touch with the doctors in India,” Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB’s chief operating officer, told Cricinfo. “He has split the webbing but the stitches are in and will stay there for a week.”Naghmi insisted, however, that the board was fortunate that Asif’s elbow problem hadn’t been aggravated. “We’re lucky in that perspective that the more chronic problem – the elbow injury – hasn’t worsened. His elbow is fine.”He was fit when he went and we thought that the lighter workload of four overs per game would actually be good for him in terms of his comeback. This is just an accidental injury that could’ve happened anywhere, anytime.”The PCB’s approach to allowing their players to participate in the IPL appears to be in contrast to their approach towards county cricket. After a calamitous run of injuries to their fast bowlers last year, the PCB formulated a policy whereby they reserve the right to prevent a contracted player from playing for counties in England. Fast bowlers such as Asif and Umar Gul have not been allowed to take part in county cricket in order to protect them from potential injuries from a greater workload.No such problem exists with the IPL, however, says Naghmi. “The county workload, where you bowl 20 overs a day at times, and the IPL workload, where you bowl just four, is very different. There is not much chance of the workload being high in the IPL, so we don’t see a problem with that. Obviously if a player was injured or there is a real fear of injury, we wouldn’t allow a player to play in the IPL, but we don’t see a problem otherwise.”

Many Wolves fans have been left buzzing as a transfer update emerged on Kurt Zouma.

According to Telefoot journalist Julien Maynard, the Midlands club, as well as Tottenham, Everton and AS Roma, are interested in signing the defender, who is expected to leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window.

However, the 26-year-old has reportedly declined a move to Molineux, meaning that they would have to push extra hard to secure his signature.

The France international was a key player in Chelsea’s 2020/21 Premier League season, winning 4.5 of his duels per match, while also averaging 3.8 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per game, keeping nine clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

A recent Champions League winner, he would certainly be a big coup for Bruno Lage’s team if they could persuade him to join – they conceded 52 Premier League goals last term, just one fewer than relegated Fulham, indicating that their defence could do with strengthening.

Wolves fans on Zouma transfer update

These Wolves supporters buzzed as the transfer update on Zouma was shared on Twitter:

“I’d love this, are the sources good?”

Credit: @haydenbd_

“He’s exactly what we need”

Credit: @eve_elizabethxx

“Would be the signing of the summer. Bigger than Trincao!”

Credit: @dmarsden1988

“I’d defo take him… proper centre-back and very good in the air which is what we need in both boxes someone who is going to attack the ball and win it”

Credit: @samwwfc__

“Yes please”

Credit: @Cookmtt1976

“Be happy if it happened”

Credit: @Frankgi34843182

In other news, find out what recent news has had these Wolves fans talking

Rajiv Shukla has responded to Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s complaint about having to play back-to-back matches in the Asia Cup by saying that the players were aware of the tournament’s schedule

Cricinfo staff29-Jun-2008
The BCCI has reacted to Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s complaint about the Asia Cup schedule © AFP
Rajiv Shukla, the vice-president of the Indian board, has responded to Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s complaint about having to play back-to-back matches in the Asia Cup by saying that the players were aware of the tournament’s schedule and that they could have opted out if they needed rest.”If a player wants rest, he can inform the board and we’ll be happy to send replacements,” Shukla said. “The schedule of Asia Cup was known well in advance.”Shukla cited the case of Sachin Tendulkar to make his point. “Sachin had informed us well in advance and hence he was not picked.” Tendulkar was not selected for the tri-series in Bangladesh as well as the Asia Cup after failing to recover from a groin injury.The Asian Cricket Council, which organised the tournament, also said that the schedule was known in advance. “After the schedule was finalised, six weeks before the tournament, we had sent the programme to all the concerned boards including India to give us their approval,” Ashraful Haque, the ACC chief executive, told PTI.”The schedule was approved by all the boards, so I don’t see any reason of complaining. Tight schedules are part of international cricket now.”Dhoni, after India’s seven-wicket win over Bangladesh yesterday, had said: “Back-to-back games make it really tough for the players. I am not really happy with the schedule: two teams are playing back-to-back games, and two teams are not.”Under these conditions it is really tough, you are playing cricket throughout the year, and then you play back-to-back matches. You could make out from the start that the intensity was not there.” India had played two matches in as many days against Hong Kong and Pakistan with a one-day break before their match against Bangladesh.Meanwhile, the Indian team spent the day cooling off at a resort 30 kilometres away from Karachi. “We had decided there would be no cricket talk today,” Aravind Ganguly, the manager of the Indian team, told PTI. “There was no cricket in our minds as we decided to relax completely.”However, the team will be back in the grind tomorrow. “From tomorrow it will be back to business and preparing for the rest of the tournament.” India now have two more days to prepare for back-to-back matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka on July 2 and 3.

As per Football Insider, West Ham United have now made an enquiry to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Adama Traore – and manager David Moyes already has plans in mind for his possible role.

The Lowdown: West Ham in hunt for attackers…

Moyes and co are on the lookout for any meaningful forward additions who can help to gift them much-needed strength in depth.

West Ham have arguably needed to complete the signing of a new attacker for some time, especially given Michail Antonio’s concerning injury record, with the Irons boss even confirming himself that offers had been lodged in January (BBC).

The search for forward men continues long into the summer window as Football Insider provide an update.

The Latest: Irons make Traore enquiry…

Indeed, the outlet say that West Ham have now made an enquiry to sign Traore, with manager Moyes already planning out a new role for him.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-updates/” title=”West Ham updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

It is claimed the Scotsman believes Traore can spearhead West Ham’s attack next season despite being a natural winger.

Moyes thinks the 25-year-old could thrive as a centre-forward as well as operating out wide, a similar trajectory he has overseen for Antonio at the London Stadium.

While Traore is not West Ham’s number one priority, Moyes has him on the list, but Wolves are said to value him at a steep £50 million.

The Verdict: Quite a claim…

This is quite the claim to emerge given Traore’s lofty price tag.

If West Ham were to get a deal done hypothetically, there’s little doubting he would be an exciting addition – but not as a striker.

Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo knew too well of the Spaniard’s quality during his time at Molineux, with the Portuguese calling him ‘amazing’, ‘unique’ and ‘so talented’ (The Athletic).

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp called Traore ‘undefendable’ after the Reds’ 1-0 win at Wolves in March (Liverpool Echo).

In terms of a winger signing, there are arguably few better than him, especially considering he completed the most dribbles per 90 on average (4.1) out of any player in the Premier League over 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

However, given he bagged just two goals in that time, perhaps converting him to an out-and-out striker wouldn’t be the best move by Moyes.

In other news: ‘No way’, ‘Absolutely amazing’…Many West Ham fans flock to transfer claim, find out more here.

Jamie Alter recaps the Plays of the day from the fourth day of the first Test between Sri Lanka and India at the SSC

Jamie Alter in Colombo 26-Jul-2008
VVS Laxman and Ishant Sharma kept the Sri Lankan spinners at bay in India’s first innings with a last-wicket stand that stretched 18 overs © Getty Images
Shot of the day
Last-man Ishant Sharma batted rather superbly for his unbeaten 13 in India’s first innings. His determination and application put top-order names such as Virender Sehwag and Dinesh Karthik to shame, and he supported VVS Laxman admirably, batting 54 minutes and 18 overs to form the highest Indian partnership in terms of deliveries faced. They made an odd couple – Laxman, always assured, graceful, almost offensively beautiful, and Ishant, gangly, unattractive, and thrusting forward to smother the ball, pads threatening to fall off with every scampered single. Ishant took 22 deliveries to get off the mark but once set, he played the shot of the session. Having seen off Ajantha Mendis and defended Muttiah Muralitharan excellently, Ishant drove his 49th delivery with all the skill of a seasoned opener. Murali tossed it wide and Ishant strode forward, foot firmly in place, head perfectly balanced, and drove the ball through the covers for four.Catch of the day
There has been some criticism locally about Tillakaratne Dilshan’s extended run in the Test side. Some argued that he went three years without a Test century (something he rectified yesterday) but what he brings to this Sri Lanka outfit in the field is perhaps unmatched. And that was in view for all to see today. Smartly placed at leg-slip, he pulled off a fine catch to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar. With Murali bowling from around the stumps Tendulkar swept a flat delivery down leg and Dilshan flung himself around to take a beauty. Reflex counts plenty in cricket, and Dilshan showed how sharp he is.Combination of the day
Murali bowled superbly all day to run rings around India. He kept them guessing with his guile and nothing stood out more than his delivery to dismiss a well-set Gautam Gambhir. Eyes wide open, he send down a lovely flighted delivery around off stump. Gambhir ventured out of his crease with hopes of driving through the covers but was beaten in flight and turn. His back foot inched forward and that was all an alert Prasanna Jayawardene needed to complete a swift, smooth stumping. Check that down to Murali’s beauty of a ball.Controversy of the day
For the second time in two days Virender Sehwag was left to rue a decision. Yesterday he failed to curb his enthusiasm and today he perilously chose to pad up to Murali on the verge of lunch. The verdict isn’t out on third umpire’s decision yet. The ball pitched on leg stump, straightened, and Sehwag shouldered arms. The ball clipped the inner half of his front pad, which was facing the leg-stump line, and proceeded to hit the back pad in front of the stumps. It was tough one to call, but after a chat with third umpire Rudi Koertzen, Mark Benson ruled it out. Virtual Eye, the ball-tracking device, showed the path as if it hit the back pad first. Geoff Boycott, on air, reckoned it shouldn’t have been given out. The debate continues …

Spurs have been linked with a move for Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini recently and the Italian could be a serious upgrade on Harry Winks in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, Pellegrini is a potential target for the north London club this summer but any deal would involve them meeting the £25.6m release clause in his contract with the Serie A side.

Considering the 25-year-old is currently valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, this could represent excellent business by Spurs this summer, and when you consider his impressive form for Roma in recent seasons, there seems little to suggest that he wouldn’t be a regular in Nuno’s side next season.

The Italy international has made 152 appearances in total for Roma’s first team, contributing 21 goals and 34 assists in that time.

He enjoyed his best season to date in terms of goals and assists in the 2020/21 campaign, as he managed seven goals and assists in the Italian top-flight, as well as three goals and three assists in the Europa League.

Would Pellegrini be an upgrade on Winks?

Last season saw Pellegrini average a superb 7.23 rating from WhoScored for his performances in Serie A, whereas Winks would manage a shocking 6.37 rating across his 15 Premier League appearances, with no goals or assists to his name.

Pellegrini is able to play deeper in midfield and dictate the play, whilst he can also feature in an attacking midfield role, where he can be trusted to contribute offensively. Last term, the Italian managed to provide 11 strikes and nine assists which is an area Winks has always struggled with at Spurs. During his entire Tottenham career, he’s registered only four goals and four assists in 173 appearances.

Former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca was full of praise for Pellegrini last season, saying:

“Like Bryan, he is another really clever player. Pellegrini covered Jordan Veretout’s role today. Jordan was playing really well there and whoever plays in that position needs to be able to find the spaces. Looking at the second line, Lorenzo did well – he ran and he worked hard to help the team.”

Therefore, it seems clear that the Italian would be an upgrade on Winks should he join Spurs this summer, so Fabio Paratici should definitely consider bringing him to north London.

And, in other news… Hotspur Way news emerges on £9m-rated wonderkid that’ll delight Spurs fans

Round-up of the third day’s matches from the Asian Cricket Council Elite Trophy

Cricinfo staff27-Jul-2008Group AOpener Karim Sadiq’s 81 and offspinner Nowroz Mangal’s five-wicket haul set up Afghanistan’s 66-run win against Malaysia at the Selangor Turf Club in Kuala Lumpur. Afghanistan captain Nowroz Mangal and Sadiq added 123 for the first wicket in 22 overs which laid the foundation for their total of 263 for 9. Legspinner Dinesh Sockalingham was Malaysia’s best bowler, taking 4 for 49. Malaysia’s chase failed to gather momentum and wickets fell at regular intervals. Their top six batsmen got into double figures but M Krishnamurthi’s 34 was the highest score. Mangal ran through the middle order to finish with 5 for 24 and wrap up Afghanistan’s victory.Group BHong Kong completed a six-wicket victory against Kuwait by overhauling the target of 161 with 85 balls to spare at the Bayuemas Oval. Hong Kong’s left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmed took 4 for 28 to restrict Kuwait and Ilyas Gull and Munir Dar chipped in with two wickets apiece. Kuwait’s openers added 40 for the first wicket but after they were separated wickets fell frequently. Sibtain Raza’s 47 was the highest score for Kuwait. Hussain Butt scored an unbeaten 53 off 66 balls and Kuwait contributed 30 extras to the run-chase.

Manchester United have now officially added Jadon Sancho to their squad, and Carlton Palmer believes meaning that the extra competition for places along the front line will be healthy for the likes of Anthony Martial.

One player who hasn’t hit his best form in the red of United recently is the Frenchman, but Palmer believes he doesn’t need to fear the competition for his place in the team.

Martial missed the last ten games of the Premier League season and the Red Devils Europa League final with Villarreal, with a ruptured knee ligament injury.

When on the pitch, Martial only manged seven goals in all competitions, some way short of his best seasons tally of 23 goals in 2019/2020, as he continues to largely flatter to deceive at Old Trafford.

Despite a dip in form and new players arriving, Palmer had some words of encouragement for Martial, telling FFC: “It’s not for you to be fearful of it, you should be delighted and happy, because this might be something that gets him to kick on to the next level.”

Palmer also praised Martial, recognising he’s a talent, saying “He has got great ability and you want to be a part of a side that’s going to challenge, that’s only good for you as a player.”

After missing the end of last season and Euro 2020 through injury, Martial will be hoping to return to Old Trafford and hit the ground running early on for what could be a huge season personally for him.