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Ricky Ponting thinks Australia deserve to hold on to the No. 1 ranking even if they are defeated by South Africa in the three-Test series over the next month

Cricinfo staff04-Dec-2008
Ricky Ponting is not planning any drastic changes to his workload despite a nagging wrist injury © Getty Images
Ricky Ponting thinks Australia deserve to hold on to the No. 1 ranking even if they are defeated by South Africa in the three-Test series over the next month. Australia have held the top spot under Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh and Ponting and the current captain said the outfit’s dominance over a long period meant it should not be deposed.While the team has a 13-point lead over South Africa on the ICC table, Australia’s days of sweeping past all-comers are over with the loss of a group of greats over the past two years. The team struggled in India, where it lost 2-0, and faces another serious threat at the WACA from December 17.”It has taken us a long time and a lot of great wins in different conditions around the world to get us to that No. 1 spot,” Ponting told AAP. “If South Africa beat us 3-0 I don’t know if that gives them enough points to get over us.”But if they won the series 1-0 or 2-1, I don’t think that would mean that they deserve to take over that mantle. It’s a bit the same with India last series. Just because they beat us, the No. 1 team, doesn’t necessarily mean they go from the No. 4 or No. 5 in the world to No. 1 in the world, because it’s something that’s accrued over a long period of time.”Ponting has been dealing with a wrist injury, which he insists will not shorten his career, and has no desire to stop leading the side. “I’ve never thought about giving up the captaincy or not wanting to do it anymore,” Ponting said in the Australian. “I’m really enjoying the job that I’ve got and I enjoy the challenge of trying to lift the team every day.”He is about to turn 34 but does not feel like he is at the end of his career and is looking forward to being in charge as the side evolves. “It’s a challenging time for me and the team right now,” he said. “The transitional phase that we’re in has been challenging within itself, but it’s an exciting time for me as well and one that I’m looking to work really closely with some of the younger players to ensure we get through this the best we possibly can.”While Ponting plans to continue in all three formats, he said those involved in Tests, ODIs and Twenty20 could not play every game over the next 18 months. “It’s inevitable there’ll be player workload issues,” he said, “and that’s been one thing we’ve been trying to deal with for the last four or five years.”Paul Marsh, the Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive, is aware of the demands faced by the team and has called for change. “We need to look at better management of players or prioritisation of games, not only so that players are performing the best they can on the field but so they are keeping their personal lives together off the field,” Marsh told the Age.

Aston Villa began their season with a 3-2 defeat to newly-promoted Watford on the opening weekend.

Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece shared a few of Dean Smith’s comments following the game, which led to a number of Villa supporters reacting angrily over what he said.

Villa found themselves 3-0 down with just over 20 minutes remaining at Vicarage Road but managed to pull back two goals through John McGinn and Danny Ings on a day when summer signings Ings, Emi Buendia and Ashley Young all started.

As per Preece’s tweet, Smith was ‘fuming with the first half and read his side the riot act at half-time’. The manager raged that “it was almost like a friendly international” before adding that he wouldn’t “accept a performance like that”.

Villa’s preparations for the new campaign weren’t exactly ideal, with assistants John Terry and Richard O’Kelly leaving, while Smith himself missed two pre-season matches due to isolation.

Yesterday’s result was in stark contrast to how Villa started last season, when they won their first four league games.

Villa fans react

Preece posted Smith’s comments on Twitter shortly after the full-time whistle and many Villa fans weren’t impressed, with a selection of negative responses available to view blow.

“And that’s on him, what a disaster”Credit: @mindofavillan”Shambolic pre-season didn’t help”Credit: @ged_egan”Thing is…this happened how many times last year? It’s clear as day we lack in the middle. And to be honest, the left forward position. Same as last season. We’ve not spent a penny we haven’t made from sales yet either.”Credit: @Titanuk1874″Then leave and allow the club to bring in somebody who demands more.”Credit: @_porsalin”Your words mean nothing anymore”Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ”Honestly don’t know what he was expecting, awful tactical setup today.”Credit: @Dan_Byrne_82

In other news: ‘I’m actually done’ – Many AVFC fans react as ‘worrying’ news is confirmed.

After no results in a drawn two-match Test series, it’s understandable that both New Zealand and West Indies would be desperate to slip into a new format with hopes of notching up a result

Cricinfo staff27-Dec-2008Match facts
Chris Gayle is high on confidence after powering West Indies to a win in the Super Over © Getty Images
December 28, 2008
Start time 5pm (0400 GMT)Big PictureThe results so far – two drawn Tests and a tied Twenty20 international – suggest an evenly-matched battle, but one man, Chris Gayle, could prove to be the difference between the two sides come Sunday. Twenty-five runs in the Super Over secured a lead in the two-match Twenty20 series for West Indies, but more importantly captain Gayle’s mauling of Daniel Vettori, his opposition counterpart, would be at the back of New Zealand’s minds when they take the field at Seddon Park in Hamilton.The hosts will hope they can nab the in-form Gayle early on Sunday. He followed up his vital 197 in the second innings of the second Test by top-scoring with 67 in the Twenty20. A further blow to New Zealand is the absence of allrounder Scott Styris, who fractured his thumb and is expected to be out of action for six weeks.It is not just Gayle’s batting exploits. He took two wickets for 16 runs off his three overs in Auckland. The other spinners played a key role in the game as well. Left-armers Sulieman Benn and Vettori were the most economical, and hence were entrusted with the task of bowling the Super Over. Vettori leaked 25 runs in it to dull the sheen from an exceptional performance during the match, with figures of 4-0-16-3.New Zealand will also aim to break their eight-match winless streak in Twenty20s, and with potentially only two more matches remaining before the World Twenty20 in England, Vettori said his team was aware that the time had come to start planning for the big tournament.Twenty20 form guide (last five games, most recent first)West Indies: TWLWL
New Zealand: TLLLLWatch out forRoss Taylor is a clean striker of the ball, showing his prowess with four fours and four sixes in his 63 on Friday. Although not as breathtaking as Gayle’s knock, it was Taylor’s innings that helped New Zealand to 155. With Styris not around, New Zealand will expect Taylor to come up with the goods especially if the explosive opening pair of Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder fail to get going.Xavier Marshall did not have a great run during the Test series, with 44 runs in three innings, but he made a useful 24-ball 27 during West Indies’ chase on Friday. Marshall, who scored a 15-ball 36 to power West Indies to victory over Australia in a 11-over contest earlier this year, can turn the game around with his big hitting.Daniel Vettori was not too pleased with two extra overs deciding a 20-over contest, and New Zealand will hope that the loss does not rankle too much since he is a formidable force with the ball in Twenty20 internationals. He has bowled his full quota of four overs in each of his ten games in the format, with 16 wickets at an average of 13.68, an economy-rate of 5.47.Team newsWith Styris out, New Zealand have to play either Mark Gillespie or the uncapped Ewen Thompson. In the last game James Franklin managed only 2 at No. 6, batting ahead of Daniel Flynn and Vettori. Coach Andy Moles said Flynn would move up in Styris’ absence.New Zealand: (probable) 1 Brendon McCullum (wk), 2 Jesse Ryder, 3 Ross Taylor, 4 Daniel Flynn, 5 Jacob Oram, 6 James Franklin, 7 Daniel Vettori (capt), 8 Tim Southee, 9 Kyle Mills, 10 Mark Gillespie, 11 Jeetan Patel.Like Vettori, Gayle’s concerns too were over the team’s batting, but it is unlikely West Indies will tinker with a winning XI. Shivnarine Chanderpaul could move down the order to shore up the middle order. It remains to be seen whether Denesh Ramdin, the team’s vice-captain, will get a look-in after Carlton Baugh was picked ahead of him for the first Twenty20.West Indies: (possible) 1 Chris Gayle (capt), 2 Shivnarine Chanderpaul , 3 Xavier Marshall, 4 Ramnaresh Sarwan, 5 Shawn Findlay, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Carlton Baugh (wk), 8 Jerome Taylor, 9 Sulieman Benn, 10 Fidel Edwards, 11 Lionel Baker.Stats and Trivia Seddon Park will hosts it first-ever Twenty20 international on Sunday.Gayle’s strike-rate of 164.55 is among the top five for batsmen who have faced at least 30 deliveries in Twenty20 internationals.Vettori needs four wickets to join Umar Gul as the leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 internationals. Quotes”We just need to deliver the full package, and that’s something we’re very keen to address in Hamilton.”
“I think it affects Dan [Vettori] a wee bit more because he was the guy who bowled the over [to Gayle]. For me, the proof of the pudding was the joy the crowd got out of it.”
“I’m happy with the one over. It gives a bit more entertainment for the fans because they get to see one over with everyone going for it.”

West Ham United have reportedly contacted French outfit Clermont Foot over the possibility of signing their star striker Mohamed Bayo.

What’s the story?

According to French outlet Le10 Sport, the Hammers have made an approach for the 23-year-old, with Irons manager David Moyes desperate to add another forward to his ranks before the transfer window closes.

The report doesn’t mention an expected price for Bayo, but a €10m (£8.5m) price tag has previously been stated for the Guinea international, a figure which would represent incredible value for money.

David Moyes needs him

Bayo has risen through the ranks at boyhood club Clermont and established himself as one of French football’s most exciting young strikers following a fabulous 2020/21 campaign.

In 38 league appearances for Les Lanciers, the African bagged 22 goals, providing a further seven assists for his teammates as he fired them to promotion, sealing a place in Ligue 1 for the first time in the club’s history.

Bayo has had no trouble adapting to the demands of the top flight in the early stages of the new season, putting the ball in the back of the net on three occasions in his first two outings as his team won on both occasions to make an impressive start to life in Ligue 1.

The 6 ft 1 hitman is famed for his natural finishing ability, something which is arguably lacking in Moyes’ squad at the moment.

Following the departure of Sebastien Haller in January, Michail Antonio was left as the only recognised striker in West Ham’s first team squad. With the 31-year-old’s dodgy injury record and the added demands of European football this season, added reinforcements in the final third are badly needed at the London Stadium.

Therefore, GSB must get the chequebook out and sanction a move for Bayo, providing Moyes with the strength in depth that he needs in order to fight on multiple fronts.

On-loan goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is the Irons’ only new acquisition of the summer so far, and the Scottish tactician will be desperate to change that before the current window closes in less than two weeks’ time.

In other news… GSB must sanction West Ham swoop for £9m-rated beast, he’s an “eternal hero” 

Watford secured their spot in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night as they edged out fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road.

Ashley Fletcher’s late goal on his Hornets debut was enough to separate the two sides, with Watford fans set to find out their third-round opponents on Wednesday evening.

Xisco Munoz made plenty of changes from the side that were beaten 2-0 against Brighton last weekend, with Ben Foster, Jeremy Ngakia, Francisco Sierralta and Danny Rose all making their first starts of the season.

Crystal Palace named a fairly strong side but were unable to capitalise on their chances at Vicarage Road, with new manager Patrick Vieira yet to see his side find the back of the net in the three games he has taken charge of thus far.

Although Fletcher will rightfully earn a lot of credit for his goal, it was perhaps the man who assisted him – Cucho Hernandez – who was the star performer on the night.

As per SofaScore, the Colombian winger would earn a solid 7.0/10 rating for his performance against the Eagles and looked dangerous going forward, whilst also helping out Rose at left-back to deal with the threat of the Palace wingers.

The young winger would win five out of 12 duels during the game and whilst he only completed 12 passes, he was the difference-maker in the end as his cross was inch-perfect for Fletcher to score at the back post.

The Watford Observer were particularly impressed with his work rate in the win, as they sang his praises after the game, writing:

“Worked his socks off throughout and played a great ball for the goal.”

After coming off the bench in each of Watford’s Premier League games thus far, which included him scoring a screamer within seconds of coming on against Aston Villa in the opening game, the 22-year-old took his chance to impress from the start on Tuesday night.

Therefore, he should surely be in contention to start Watford’s next game, which sees them take on Tottenham Hotspur away from home on Sunday.

And, in other news… Watford transfer saga is finally over as Nixon confirms huge news

Worcestershire could soon be playing cricket at a new ground as theyseek ways to counter the growing risk of flooding

George Dobell27-Jan-2009
With the threat of persistent flooding, Worcestershire are contemplating a brand-new venue © Getty Images
Worcestershire could soon be playing cricket at a new ground as theyseek ways to counter the growing risk of flooding.The club, who have been based at New Road since the end of the 19thcentury, plan to play limited-overs cricket on the outskirts of thecity of Worcester and could move to the ground entirely if floodingproblems persist.Planning application for the new ground, situated at Hindlip (just offjunction six of the M5), will be submitted within weeks inanticipation of work beginning in the spring. In the long-term theowners, Sir Bert Millichip Sports Limited, do not rule out attempting to stageinternational matches at the venue.The ‘sports hub’, which will be situated adjacent to rugby’s Worcester Warriors’ Sixways Stadium, will also ultimately feature an Olympic size swimming pool, a tennis centre and the Sir Bobby Robson football centre.The timing of the news will surprise many. Worcestershire are currently building a new pavilion at New Road and have plans for a £10m redevelopment of the site. Indeed, they insist they remain committed to their picturesque New Road home and intend to continue playing their first-class fixtures at the venue.There is a growing sense that they require a contingency plan, however, and the Hindlip ground could prove ideal. As a privately-financed initiative, Worcestershire are not putting their own money into the project, though they are considering allocating their £500,000 floodlight grant from the ECB directly to the new ground.The site will also accommodate a large indoor school. Worcestershire’s New Road ground is the only county HQ without such a facility, with players currently travelling as far afield as Birmingham and Shrewsbury for nets.Obstacles remain, however. The developers require planning permission to build 500 houses to fund the sports hub. Though the council initially identified the site as their “preferred option” for housing, they are now favouring another site which would not provide the samesporting potential. Indeed, such a scenario would pose a considerable threat to the sports hub proposals.That would be a shame, according to Worcestershire’s chief executive,Mark Newton. “There is an opportunity to do something very special here,” Newtontold Cricinfo. “And not just for cricket. Worcester could get world-classsports facilities. We’re in favour of anything that makes that happenand we liked the look of the outlined scheme. In this day and age, howelse could you fund such facilities?”From our perspective this would be a second ground. It would be awonderful facility, with a state of the art indoor school. But we arecommitted to New Road and we will continue to play first-classcricket there.”Worcestershire lost over £1m in 2007 after floods devastated their home fixture list. They were again forced to evacuate New Road at the end of the 2008 season and, though they have an agreement to use Kidderminster Victoria CC’s ground, its position in a residential arearenders it unsuitable for further development.Those requiring a reminder of New Road’s precarious position at the water’s edge may not have long to wait. “Two days’ solid rain would probably result in another flood,” Newton admitted. “We’ve been quite lucky so far this winter, but now is the danger period.”

Liverpool are reportedly interested in completing a deadline day move for Inter Milan and Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.

The Lowdown: Wijnaldum replacement needed?

Gini Wijnaldum joined Paris Saint-Germain earlier on in the summer, but the Reds are yet to replace the Dutchman in the middle of the park.

Granted, Harvey Elliott has come in and shone, while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are back fit, but a new signing wouldn’t go amiss.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The Latest: Liverpool want Brozovic

According to Inter Live [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are eyeing up a last-minute move for Brozovic, who is valued at £36m by Transfermarkt.

The Croatia international played in the 2018 World Cup final defeat to France and has made 244 appearances for Inter, winning the Serie A title last season.

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The Verdict: Hard to see happening

In truth, it is hard to see Brozovic making the move to Anfield, considering that he turns 29 later this year and therefore doesn’t represent a long-term signing.

Liverpool look well-stocked in midfield despite Wijnaldum’s exit – Elliott’s emergence has helped hugely in that respect – and they should be looking to add another attacker instead.

Last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea highlighted the need for a greater goal threat in the final third from the substitutes’ bench as Jurgen Klopp’s men ran out of ideas against 10 men.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are desperate for the Reds to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Shaun Pollock is likely to return to the IPL either as a mentor, a bowling coach or a combination of the two roles for the Mumbai Indians

Cricinfo staff30-Jan-2009
Shaun Pollock could take over as the bowling coach for Mumbai Indians © AFP
Shaun Pollock is likely to return to the IPL either as a mentor, a bowling coach or a combination of the two roles for the Mumbai Indians. Pollock confirmed that negotiations were on with the franchise: “It looks positive,” he told Cricinfo.Pollock performed superbly in the first edition of the tournament, playing a major role in keeping Mumbai’s hopes alive almost till the final league game. However, he has already confirmed that he will not return as a player: “I have reached a stage where I think I have played enough cricket,” Pollock had told Cricinfo then. However, he also said he enjoyed the experience enough to want to return in some other capacity.Pollock had captained Mumbai during the first half of the tournament last year after injury had forced Sachin Tendulkar to sit out and Harbhajan Singh, the first choice stand-in captain, was banned after an altercation with Sreesanth. Pollock led the team well, and didn’t allow the added responsibility to affect his performances with bat and ball: he scored 147 runs in eight innings at a strike-rate of 132.43 and picked 11 wickets in 13 matches at an economy-rate of 6.54.

Bryce McGain is back to 100% after shoulder surgery and is hoping to be in the Australian selectors’ plans for the South Africa tour

Cricinfo staff04-Feb-2009
Bryce McGain could be the answer to Australia’s spin problems after his recovery from injury © Getty Images
Bryce McGain, the Victoria legspinner, is back to 100% after shoulder surgery and is hoping to be in the Australian selectors’ plans for the South Africa tour. Andrew Hilditch and his fellow decision makers will meet on Wednesday and McGain seems certain to be part of the squad following his five wickets in the second innings of Victoria’s Sheffield Shield win on Monday.McGain, 36, was on the tour of India but returned home for shoulder surgery before the Test series. Since then Australia have tried Cameron White, Jason Krejza and Nathan Hauritz without finding an answer to their spin problems.”I’m feeling great, the shoulder’s fine,” McGain told the Age. “I’ve never had any issues since I’ve been back bowling. I’m back to 100%. Probably the legs are a bit heavy, and the feet, after being in the field for a while, but the shoulder and arm is fine.”McGain is confident his bowling will cope on South African pitches, which he feels are similar to Australia’s. “There’s an element of understanding that there’s different conditions in Australia, like the WACA is different to the SCG and the MCG, so you have to have a variable game plan,” McGain said. “I think I’ve got that, quite well.”I can lock-up an end if required or bowl attackingly. I’m confident in my ability if the wickets are a little bit different, I’m confident I can do what’s required.” McGain, who has nominated for Friday’s Indian Premier League auction and has a US$50,000 reserve, appeared in three Twenty20 matches for Victoria before the Shield game against South Australia.

JustJoe Football ShowJustJoe Football Show presenter Joe Wainman would go along with Illan Meslier and Patrick Bamford signing new contracts being the best bits of business for Leeds this summer, when speaking prior to Dan James’ last-minute move.

21-year-old goalkeeper Meslier put pen to paper on a five-year-deal, keeping with the Elland Rad outfit until the summer of 2026.

The Leeds United shot-stopper was in inspired form last season for the Whites, keeping eleven clean sheets in 35 matches and helping his side finish ninth in the Premier League table.

It wasn’t just clean sheets which helped Leeds have a superb campaign last season, striker Patrick Bamford was the club’s leading goalscorer in the Premier League with 17 goals and this made him the fourth top goalscorer in the top flight also.

The 27-year-old also penned a five-year deal at Elland Road alongside Meslier and when asked if this was the best business of the transfer window for Leeds, Wainman told Football FanCast: “You could say that yeah, definitely. I’d go along with that.”

Leeds got their first point of the season on the board last weekend against Everton after a 2-2 draw and they will be hoping that they can put a good run of form together and replicate last season with a top ten finish.