All posts by h716a5.icu

Graham Napier, the Essex allrounder, will stay back in New Zealand to represent the England Lions for the forthcoming three-match one-day series against New Zealand A

Cricinfo staff05-Mar-2009
Graham Napier has been in fine form with the ball this season for Wellington © Getty Images
Graham Napier, the Essex allrounder, will stay back in New Zealand to represent the England Lions for the forthcoming three-match one-day series against New Zealand A. Napier is still in the middle of his winter stint with Wellington and his impressive form with the ball has earned him a call-up to England’s fringe squad.Players from the Lions squad were expected to be picked for the England one-day series in West Indies and Napier said he would relish another chance to make it to the senior team, having toured India and Malaysia with England A in 2003-04.”Not many players would get a second opportunity at this stage in their career but I think the whole reason I have got to this point again has been that I’ve not given England much thought over the last couple of years,” Napier was quoted in his own website www.grahamnapier.com.”Perhaps the thought of wanting to break into the full England side began to distract me a few years back so I decided to just relax and have fun in the middle. It’s got me back to this point so now it’s up to me to make the most of this second chance.”Napier is currently the leading wicket-taker for Wellington in both the State Championship and State Shield competitions, with 14 and 21 wickets respectively. He also holds the world record of hitting 16 sixes in a Twenty20 game.The first one-dayer starts on March 13 at Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North.

Leicester City have started the new season well, securing six points from a possible nine in the Premier League after seeing off Manchester City to claim the Community Shield.

The arrival of several exciting acquisitions has bolstered Brendan Rodgers’ ranks at the King Power Stadium, and the Northern Irish tactician will be hoping to guide his charges into the Champions League qualification spots at the third time of asking.

However, a string of long-term injuries to key players such as James Justin and Wesley Fofana will leave the former Celtic boss with some big decisions to make following the international break.

Many players will be vying for a place in the starting XI as Leicester aim to secure their place in the top four positions this term, meaning Rodgers will be forced to axe some talented stars.

With that in mind, this is how Football FanCast expects the 48-year-old to line up his best XI following the conclusion of the summer transfer window…

There won’t be any changes between the sicks, with new club captain Kasper Schmeichel arguably becoming more important than ever to this Leicester side following the departure of experienced leaders such as Wes Morgan and Christian Fuchs.

Nevertheless, in front of the Denmark international, a couple of fresh faces are likely to take up residence. Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard arrived from Southampton in recent weeks and should replace the injured Justin and Fofana in the starting XI.

Joining the two former Saints in the back four should be Jonny Evans and Timothy Castagne, following their returns to full fitness. Caglar Soyuncu has made a couple of costly errors of late, while Ricardo Pereira has struggled to hit top form following a serious knee issue of his own.

In midfield, the dependable duo of Wilfried Ndidi and Youri Tielemans will continue to provide a solid base to allow James Maddison the freedom to attack, forming one of the Premier League’s most talented engine rooms.

They’ll be looking to supply an extremely exciting forward line consisting of Harvey Barnes, Jamie Vardy and Ademola Lookman.

Lookman arrived at the Midlands outfit on a season-long loan deal from RB Leipzig after impressing at Fulham last season and should replace the £16.2m-rated Ayoze Perez on the right-wing after the Spaniard made an underwhelming start to the season.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Barnes: Rodgers must unleash LCFC’s “unbelievable” 23y/o gem 

Australia’s ageing and ailing Test squad has learnt that it didn’t need botox jabs to conceal its fatigue after a disappointing 2008. What it required was a proper injection of youth

Brydon Coverdale in Cape Town13-Mar-2009
Marcus North, Phillip Hughes and Ben Hilfenhaus have played important roles in Australia’s victory © Getty Images
Australia’s ageing and ailing Test squad has learnt that it didn’t need botox jabs to conceal its fatigue after a disappointing 2008. What it required was a proper injection of youth. Australia fielded their most inexperienced side for 20 years when they took the field at the Wanderers and a fortnight later they had wrapped up a series victory and discovered some seriously talented players for the future.The retirement of Matthew Hayden and injuries to key men Stuart Clark, Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds – all of whom are over 32 – allowed Australia to try out fresh faces like Phillip Hughes, Ben Hilfenhaus and Marcus North, all of whom debuted in Johannesburg. The remaining senior men have been reinvigorated by the energy of their younger colleagues.”We’ve turned into a very tight-knit group,” the vice-captain Michael Clarke said. “That’s been one of our major strengths over here, how well everyone has got along. There’s all this youth, all this enthusiasm, the boys have trained their absolute backsides off, but we’re all having a really good tour together. Everyone is getting on so well.”It holds us in good stead for the future. It makes a big difference when you’ve got a good bunch of guys around you. I was talking to my old man the other day and he said you guys look unbelievable on the field, everyone is having a great time, and that’s honestly the way it is. We’re just out there having a great time, playing well, winning – we’re flying.”Hughes has been the standout performer after making twin centuries in Durban butNorth was also brilliant in compiling a hundred on debut at the Wanderers. Hilfenhaus has bowled superbly and deserved greater rewards, while other men to have joined the squad in the past few months, players like Andrew McDonald and Peter Siddle, have played key roles in the series win.It’s only three months since Australia suffered demoralising defeats to South Africa in Perth and Melbourne that led to their first home series loss in 16 years. But the touring squad has such a fresh appearance that Hughes, North, Hilfenhaus and McDonald have never played in a Test defeat. The same can be said of Doug Bollinger and Bryce McGain, who have not yet been used on the trip.”Sometimes when the young guys come in they play with freedom,” the veteran batsman Simon Katich said. “There are no scars from the past. A few of them didn’t play in Australia so they didn’t carry any baggage from that series. The beauty is that the guys that they’ve picked have been in good form, they’ve gone in with confidence, they’ve been playing well.”Following their enormous efforts in Johannesburg and Durban, the players are enjoying a much-deserved break in Cape Town and will not return to training until after the weekend. It has given them opportunities to see the sights with their families or, in several cases, with their team-mates, and the captain Ricky Ponting said that for such a young group it was an advantage to be forming new friendships away from home.”Being away on an overseas tour makes [bonding] a lot easier,” Ponting said. “You get to know the guys and get to know what makes them tick on and off the cricket field. The week we had in Potch [before the first Test] was good for us to get together and bond and get to know each other. We’ve taken that onto the field and played some great cricket.”After the series wraps up in the third Test, which starts at Newlands on Friday, the next challenge for Australia’s selectors is to work out how to combine the successful new players and the returning proven veterans into one outfit. The selectors have said there are no guarantees for the older men like Lee and Symonds, but Clarke said having so many highly qualified players could only be a good thing.”It’s all healthy competition,” Clarke said. “Since I’ve played international cricket there’s always been someone in front of you that you’re trying to catch or be as good as, or there are plenty of people behind you trying to take your spot.”There’s going to be pressure on the selectors there to work out what the best mix is. If everyone is fit, they’ve just got to work out what the best mix is for who we’re playing and where we’re playing them. It’s great competition, it’s very healthy for the team.”

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over a transfer claim involving Jed Wallace as manager David Moyes set his sights on trying to sign the forward in January.

Despite signing Croatia international Nikola Vlasic from CSKA Moscow on summer deadline day, links to more attackers have seemingly not gone away.

West Ham are also said to be contemplating a return for summer target Jesse Lingard in 2022 as behind-the-scenes talks continue with his entourage (Football Insider).

As well as the Manchester United ace, the Irons continue to be linked with other attackers, with news now emerging which involves Wallace from their arch-rivals Millwall.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments-2/” title=”West Ham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Championship hot shot, who has scored 71 career goals, is apparently a wanted man at West Ham, with Moyes already vying to sign him in the winter window, according to Football League World.

In response to this transfer claim, many West Ham fans have erupted with their takes on social media – and it’s safe to say there are a few who would love to cherry-pick him from their South Bermondsey rivals.

Check out some of their best verdicts, in response to Twitter account West Ham Central, below.

West Ham fans erupt as Moyes vies to sign Wallace…

“I’m surprised he is still at Millwall”

Credit: @StuartDillon1

“Great player”

Credit: @BredHellyer1

“Make it happen just to wind them up”

Credit: @stephenlott

“bring him in already”

Credit: @whubenbagged

“I’ll be honest, I’d have him at West Ham just to see the whole of Bermondsey fuming”

Credit: @MitchellWHU

“Don’t care, get him in and make Millwall fans cry”

Credit: @callumwhu123

In other news: ‘Had a shocker’, ‘Offered nothing’…These West Ham fans blast ‘poor’ ace who lost the ball 16 times v Southampton, find out more here.

Robert Key will lead a strong England Lions side in the tour match against the West Indians at Derby from April 28.

Cricinfo staff22-Apr-2009Robert Key will lead a strong England Lions side in the tour match against the West Indians at Derby from April 28. Ian Bell, fighting for an England recall, is included while Sajid Mahmood also gets the chance to push his claims for a spot in the pace pack.Key, after leading the Lions in New Zealand and the MCC against Durham at the start of the season, has another opportunity to show his leadership credentials ahead of the announcement of the captain for the ICC World Twenty20 squad.Michael Vaughan, who yesterday told Cricinfo he was desperate for another chance at international level, hasn’t been included, but will have a Championship game the same week. However, by the time the Lions match begins the Test squad will already have been announced.Samit Patel is edging his way back into the selectors’ good books after being omitted from the one-day squad in the West Indies for being unfit. He has started the season in promising style with 95 in his first Championship innings against Worcestershire before being run out.”This is a really exciting summer for cricket in England and Wales and the Lions matches are excellent opportunities for players to push for England places,” Geoff Miller, the national selector, said. “The Lions squads feature players who display qualities that are capable of winning matches for England, so these games are very important.”Rob Key captained outstandingly well in New Zealand and then took the reins in similar fashion for the MCC in the champion county match, so he will continue to lead for the match against West Indies.”Tim Ambrose, who played the Barbados Test on the recent West Indies tour, takes the wicketkeeper’s position ahead of James Foster and Adil Rashid is the spinner.Squad Robert Key (capt), Stephen Moore, Ian Bell, Samit Patel, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, Tim Ambrose (wk), Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Sajid Mahmood, Chris Woakes

Wolves reportedly tried to sign Rafael Leao in the summer transfer window, but a deal never materialised in the end.

The Lowdown: Leao impresses

Leao put in a very impressive display for AC Milan in their 2-0 home win over Lazio in the Serie A on Sunday evening.

The striker opened the scoring shortly before the first-half whistle, while also winning three of his duels and recording two successful dribbles, one key pass and one accurate cross in the game (Sofascore).

The Latest: Wolves interest

As per Calciomercato, the Midlands club were one of a number of teams that tried to sign Leao in the summer.

Everton, Marseille and Borussia Dortmund also failed with their attempts, and is not clear whether their interest will be revisited in Janaury.

The Verdict: Try again

Even though the Molineux faithful have now brought in Hwang Hee-chan from RB Leipzig, he is only on loan for the time being, and so Leao could be a great alternative to sign on a permanent deal.

Once likened to both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, the £22.5m-rated ace clearly has a lot of promise at just 22 years of age, and has gotten off to a good start this season.

Described as a ‘game breaker’ by Calciomercato, Leao would help ease the burden off of Raul Jimenez up top, and being Portuguese, could work well with Bruno Lage.

Nonetheless, signing him would certainly feel like smart business by WWFC.

In other news, find out what news has Wanderers buzzing here!

Valerien Ismael has dropped an update on the fitness of West Bromwich Albion defender Kean Bryan ahead of the Baggies’ upcoming Championship clash.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by Birmingham Live, the West Brom manager appeared highly confident that the centre-back will be available for the visit of Queens Park Rangers on Friday night.

Speaking about the current condition of the 24-year-old on Thursday, the Albion boss said: “He’s well, training well, back in training so he’s [more] available now than for the past two weeks.

“We’ll see, we have one more training session for the game tomorrow, but so far he’s made everything with the intensity. It was much, much better, better feeling, better understanding and better principle and now he is more ready.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering that Bryan was signed in order to help ease the strain on the Baggies’ backline following the injuries to both Matt Clarke and Dara O’Shea, the news that the former Sheffield United defender could be finally set to make his debut for the club is sure to have left Albion fans buzzing.

Indeed, while West Brom have not exactly been shipping goals in the absence of their stricken centre-back duo, having conceded just twice over their last three Championship fixtures, Ismael’s side have also picked up just three points in the same period.

While swapping in the 24-year-old may not initially appear to make a great deal of difference to the club’s attack, the addition of a left-footed centre-back to the Frenchman’s back three will then allow Conor Townsend to move up to left wing-back, which will provide West Brom with a much greater balance than has been witnessed in recent weeks.

As such, should Bryan indeed be available for selection against QPR, it should undoubtedly increase Albion’s chances of picking up three points in the fixture – something which would undoubtedly please everyone involved with the Baggies.

In other news: Ismael could land perfect Sam Johnstone heir with West Brom swoop for 21 y/o “monster”

A round-up of the latest Friends Provident Matches to decide the quarter-final places

Cricinfo staff20-May-2009Group ANottinghamshire took advantage of Worcestershire’s humiliation against Ireland to vault into the quarter-finals alongside their conquerors at at Trent Bridge, Hampshire, despite being comprehensively outplayed in a ten-wicket rout. Half-centuries from Michael Lumb and Jimmy Adams powered Hampshire to victory with more than 20 overs to spare, after Notts had earlier been rolled over for 145. After choosing to bat first, they never recovered from Dominic Cork’s first ball return catch to dismiss Mark Wagh, and Cork struck twice more in his first spell, en route to figures of 4 for 18 in 7.1 overs. Mark Ealham and Andre Adams provided some late resistance with 33 not out and 26 from 16 balls respectively, but in the end it was immaterial, thanks to an even more one-sided encounter at New Road.Paul Connell returned the sensational figures of 5 for 19 in seven overs, as Ireland bowled Worcestershire out for 58 to complete a 94-run rout at New Road. Click here to read the full report.Group BSomerset overcame a late spurt from Cameron Borgas to beat Scotland by 37 runs at Edinburgh. Somerset made 220 for 8 in their 50 overs, with Arul Suppiah stroking 48 while Omari Banks and Alfonso Thomas each cracking a pair of agricultural 20s. Scotland’s chase never really took off, slipping to 76 for 4, but Borgas remained firm to crack 78 from 106 balls. Wickets were rather easier to come by at the other end, however, and Thomas capped a fine allround day to pick up 4 for 22 from 8 overs as Scotland were bowled out for 183.Warwickshire went out of the Friends Provident Trophy in agonising fashion, after they were forced from the field by rain with a further 24 runs needed from 19 balls against Kent at Edgbaston. The timing of the downpour left the scores tied on Duckworth-Lewis, meaning that Middlesex went through net run-rate to the quarter-finals. After batting first, Kent’s total of 265 was powered by Joe Denly who made 115 from 128 balls. He added 49 for the first wicket with Rob Key, who broke his bat in dramatic fashion during his 20 from 21 balls, and 116 for the sixth wicket with James Hockley, who was run out for 50. In reply, Warwickshire started strongly with a 63-run opening stand, and were anchored by Jim Troughton who made 67. But in the end the rains denied them a place in the last eight.Group CRana Naved ul-Hasan put in a superb allround display for Yorkshire who beat Surrey in a thrilling encounter at The Oval. Surrey posted a daunting 329 for 8 owing to a quite memorable 177 from Scott Newman, his highest one-day score, which came from 156 balls. Stewart Waters crunched 85 from 89 but Surrey’s innings fell away dramatically, slipping from 325 for 3 to 329 for 8, as Naved ended with 3 for 75. Michael Vaughan (74) and Adam Lyth kept Yorkshire within touching distance in the chase, but 18 runs were still required from the last over, bowled by Andre Nel. Naved took the task by the scruff of the neck, knocking off the runs off the first four balls of the over to record a fine win, ending unbeaten on 53 from 24.Durham ended their disappointing campaign with a comfortable four-wicket win at Chester-le-Street over Gloucestershire, whose quarter-final place had already been confirmed. Gloucestershire reached 254 for 8 in their fifty overs, but only thanks to James Franklin (85) and Steve Adshead (87) who put on 175 for the sixth wicket. Durham, however, got off to a flyer with Phil Mustard (57) and Kyle Coetzer putting on 63 for the opening wicket. Ian Blackwell’s muscular 64 and a calm 44 from Dale Benkenstein helped see them home.Group DEssex sneaked a five-wicket win with three balls to spare over Lancashire at Old Trafford, but with Derbyshire falling to defeat in Cardiff, both teams nevertheless progress to the quarter-finals. Lancashire made 214 for 7 thanks to Francois du Plessis’s 51 from 59 balls. Rain interrupted Essex’s chase, forcing a revised target of 207 from 46 overs, and they were indebted to Alastair Cook (65 from 94) and Varun Chopara (65 from 105) to steady their chase. Though they lost five wickets, the experienced figure of Matt Walker – 35-years-young – smashed 35 from 21 to see them home.Jamie Dalrymple and Ben Wright finished Glamorgan’s campaign on a high as they combined in a matchwinning 135-run stand for the fifth wicket to overcome Derbyshire at Cardiff. Chasing 212 for victory, after Chris Rogers had put aside his disappointment at missing out on Australia’s Ashes squad with a composed 59, Glamorgan slipped to 35 for 3 and then 66 for 4, but soon overcame their wobble to cruise to victory with 16 balls to spare. Wright shortly before the end, for 65 from 90 balls, but Dalrymple guided his side home with 78 not out from 111.

Hampshire 8 5 20 1 11 +0.339 1615/320.4 1644/350.0 Nottinghamshire 8 5 3 00 10 +0.420 1417/294.2 1273/289.4Worcestershire 8 4 3 0 19 +0.289 1415/306.1 1315/303.3 Leicestershire 8 2 4 0 2 6-0.640 1197/239.0 1238/219.1 Ireland 81 5 0 2 4 -0.7461068/248.0 1242/245.5

Group B Team Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against

Somerset 87 0 0 1 15 +2.0011841/281.4 1492/329.0 Middlesex 8 44 0 0 8 +0.137 1834/390.31462/320.4 Warwickshire 8 3 31 1 8 +0.468 1592/311.1 1544/332.1 Kent 8 3 4 10 7 -0.409 1553/324.2 1786/343.4Scotland 8 1 7 0 02 -1.783 1371/356.5 1907/339.0

Group C Team Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against

Gloucestershire 8 5 2 0 111 +0.449 1683/345.4 1539/348.1 Sussex 8 4 3 0 1 9+0.120 1690/332.2 1665/335.2 Yorkshire 84 4 0 0 8 -0.1501763/382.0 1822/382.2 Surrey 8 35 0 0 6 +0.302 1986/372.01872/371.4 Durham 8 3 50 0 6 -0.633 1764/398.1 1988/392.4

Group D Team Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against

Lancashire 8 6 20 0 12 +0.635 1796/360.5 1601/368.4 Essex 8 5 2 01 11 +0.413 1459/304.0 1454/331.3Derbyshire 8 3 4 0 17 -0.298 1505/333.2 1598/332.0 Glamorgan 8 2 5 0 1 5-0.779 1373/313.3 1490/288.5 Northamptonshire 81 4 0 3 5 -0.1601197/239.0 1187/229.4

Frank McAvennie has offered his thoughts on what Glen Kamara’s contract situation may mean for his future at Rangers.

What’s the talk?

Former Scotland international Frank McAvennie has suggested that Glen Kamara’s new contract at Rangers will not prevent an exit from Ibrox for the Finland international.

McAvennie is predicting that Kamara will leave the Gers at the end of the campaign, with this fresh deal for the midfielder helping them to earn more money from his departure.

He told Football Insider:

“All this means is whoever buys him has to pay more money.

“That’s all it means. It makes no difference to whether he will stay or go. I’m sure he will go, maybe not in the winter, next summer.

“Rangers have done well to tie him down and Kamara is a class act for letting them do that. But in Scottish football, if the right money comes in, the player will go. Nothing has changed.

“Unfortunately that’s the way. Kamara is one of the better players and the Rangers fans will be delighted. He doesn’t do much wrong, the boy. It’s a great move by the club but it makes no difference to whether he stays or goes.”

Concern

These frustrating comments from McAvennie will surely leave Rangers fans feeling concerned about Kamara’s future. Whilst supporters may be celebrating the new contract thinking that it secures his future at Ibrox, these quotes suggest the opposite is true, with it simply allowing the Gers to rake in more money when they do sell him on.

From a business perspective, it is a shrewd move from Ross Wilson as it allows him to potentially spend more money on a replacement. Getting a higher fee in for Kamara then adds to the transfer kitty and that, in theory, increases the level of player Rangers could bring in.

However, the fans will not be interested in that right now as the prospect of losing one of the club’s best players will be concerning. Kamara has made himself a key cog in Steven Gerrard’s midfield, playing in 33 Premiership matches last season as they won the title ahead of Celtic.

Neil McCann, his former manager at Dundee United, once hailed the midfielder’s talents. He said of Kamara: “He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect.

McCann added: “He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

This highlights the quality he adds in the middle of the park and emphasises why fans will be concerned about the potential of Kamara leaving at the end of the season.

If he does leave, it will be down to Gerrard and Wilson to be smart in the market and sign a player who can either match what he has been able to do or be an improvement to the team.

AND in other news, Forget Aribo: Rangers beast with 93 touches stole the show for Gerrard’s side…

The event, which currently scheduled to take place in late October, will also be expanded from its previous staging

Cricinfo staff20-May-2009The United Arab Emirates will host the ICC World Twenty20 2010 Qualifier later this year. The event, which is currently scheduled to take place in late October, will also be expanded from its previous staging, in Ireland in 2008.In addition to featuring the six Associate and Affiliate teams with ODI status – Ireland, Canada, Kenya, the Netherlands, Afghanistan and Scotland – it will also include the host team and the United States of America (USA).The top two sides from the tournament will go forward to join the 10 ICC Full Members in next year’s main event, set to take place in the West Indies in April and May at three locations – Barbados, Guyana and St Lucia.These decisions were made by the ICC Development Committee, which has been meeting this week in Dubai.”I am thrilled that the ICC Development Committee has again taken an expansive and innovative approach to promoting our great sport by inviting the UAE and USA to join the top six Associate and Affiliate teams at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier later this year,” said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat. “The committee has given the chance for the top six Associate and Affiliate teams to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20, something they had the chance to do in the equivalent event in Ireland last year, while, at the same time, creating two additional invitational slots for this event.”The ICC Development Committee also decided on the following locations for other upcoming events: The ICC World Cricket League Division 5 (due to take place in January 2010) will be held in Nepal. The ICC World Cricket League Division 4 (due to take place in June 2010) will be held in Italy. Canada will host the ICC Under-19 CWC Global Qualifier in September 2009, which will see 10 Associate and Affiliate teams (two from each of the ICC’s five regions) battle for five places in the ICC U-19 CWC 2010.