All posts by h716a5.icu

On a day when the young Mahmudullah experienced the special joy after his successful baby steps in Test cricket, another young man sighed in relief thinking about his past

Sriram Veera in Mirpur24-Jan-2010On a day when the young Mahmudullah experienced the special joy of his successful baby steps in Test cricket, another young man sighed in relief thinking about his past. Ishant Sharma has been through tough times and though only the upcoming home series against South Africa will offer the real evidence of his escape from the hellhole, he reckons he is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”I had never seen such hard times in my life,” Ishant said about those dark days when he lost form and his critics found their voice. “It was a really big challenge and I was so desperate to perform at that time. Nothing was working. Before that, for two to three years, I was just going up, up and up.” And then he crash landed.Last year, he only picked 10 wickets from four Tests at an average of 46.90, and let’s not even talk about his horrors in ODIs. In his last Test, before this series, he leaked 135 runs from 35 overs. He was overlooked for Sreesanth in the next Test (in Kanpur). Life would have been anything but beautiful.The first fall from success can be the hardest to handle, and Ishant is just 21. Insecurity can make you can feel very alone in those times. However, luckily for Ishant, he was given a shot at a comeback. “I would like to thank the management for giving me chances in the ODIs against Sri Lanka,” he said. “Even I didn’t feel I deserved the spot in those two games. I am really thankful for the confidence and support.”Virender Sehwag was the captain in both those games, in Cuttack and Kolkata. Ishant’s selection might just not be a coincidence, as he himself said. “I am very thankful to Veeru because he because he had a lot to do with me playing in the first Test [in Chittagong].”Ishant also talked about learning from those dark days. “You needed patience to get out of those times. I have realised that a cricketer has to go through those kinds of patches in his life and it has been a great learning experience for me. It was needed, I guess.”Through this series, one visual has been a recurring theme: Zaheer Khan chatting with Ishant during and at the end of the overs. Ishant said he was really grateful for the words of advice, “Zaheer has been always helpful. He always talks to me, whether I am bowling well or badly, and I am really thankful for such support.” He also responded to a direct question on the contribution of Eric Simons, India’s new bowling consultant. “Till now, it’s going good with him; he has given tips about my wrist position and bowling action.”There has been a definite improvement in the lines he bowled but since it came against a batting line-up which has shown a tendency to self-destruct, the stamp of seal can only come after his battles against South Africa.”I am bowling better, in better rhythm and it has been a very good start to the New Year. It feels good to do well and be confident going into next tough series coming up against South Africa.”

Australia has gone 3-0 up in the series and has retained the Ashes as a consequence

Claire Killeen01-Dec-2002Australia has gone 3-0 up in the series and has retained the Ashes as a consequence. Leading England by 271 runs in the first innings Australia took the eight necessary wickets to finish England’s innings at 8 for 223 – Australia won by an innings and 48 runs.England in their defence were a much more improved side this time round. Their bowlers bowled better and their batsmen made an effort in the second innings. But still their improvements could not match it with the Australians.The day started poorly for England losing three wickets for one run within the space of two overs. Nightwatchman, Richard Dawson was the first to depart. The 22-year-old appeared upset after falling to a Jason Gillespie three card trick. After bowling two balls that kept quite low, he bowled a fuller one outside the off stump, which Dawson slashed, to a waiting Steve Waugh in gully. He did not add to his overnight score of eight.The next over, Michael Vaughan and Mark Butcher were involved in bad calling and then the consequential run out. After wanting two after taking a single, Butcher sent his partner back only to see the bails fly off before he could reach safety. Brett Lee fielding at mid-on threw the ball to Adam Gilchrist who came in front of the stumps to throw the ball to Glenn McGrath waiting at the bowlers end. Vaughan, well out of his crease went for nine.Mark Butcher then fell leg before wicket to McGrath without scoring. England was well and truly strung out at four for 34 and Australia could smell success. Though they did not count on Nasser Hussain and Robert Key grounding out an innings saving performance.In the consequent session, Hussain and Key dug in leaving outside the off stump alone, which McGrath and Gillespie religiously patrolled. They waited for the bad balls and punished them accordingly. Hussain and Key then reached mini milestones, a 50 partnership off 159 balls.They played no silly shots and were a credit to themselves and England as they tried to restore hope and dignity to the visitors, which has been stripped away over the past two Tests and indeed since 1987. A minor victory came when the Australian skipper had to change field placings to reflect the stoke play of Hussain and Key.Still though there was the ever-lurking presence of Australian pressure and the abundant amounts of confidence. After grounding out 23 runs from 106 balls, Key fell leg before wicket to McGrath, giving the lanky paceman his 200th Test wicket in Australia. McGrath joined an illustrious club, which only Shane Warne and Dennis Lillee are apart of. He trapped Key with the inswinger and ended a partnership of 68 runs.Alec Stewart came to the crease in an aggressive frame of mind and looked early to take upon the Australian attack. Lee dropped Stewart early and it proved costly as he went on to be 66 not out. He played a naturally aggressive game and his bravado and temperament saw him ride out the innings.Hussain given out caught behind on 61 was unimpressed with the decision and showed his annoyance as he returned to the dressing room. He had been given a life one ball before with Man of the Match, Damien Martyn dropping him at first slip. Replays suggested Hussain had a cause for frustration, although it was not as completely clear.Stewart continued in his quick fashion and made a half-century off 66 balls. He smashed Warne, McGrath and Lee to the boundaries offering some hope that England may indeed wipe out the deficit.His partners though could not match his stamina and fell quickly. Craig White, more impressive with the ball than bat this summer, made 15 before Warne tossed one up and White looking for the sweep missed it completely; Gilchrist stumped White, who was well out of his crease.Alex Tudor only could contribute three runs after he ducked into a Lee thunderbolt, which opened him up above the eyebrow with new ball and hard seam. Lee seemed genuinely concerned but Tudor had to retire hurt.Steve Harmison, the last of the line with Chris Silverwood unable to bat after he damaged his ankle ligaments on day one was cleaned bowled by Lee. The quick bowled a full toss and it hit middle and leg stumps after Harmison took a hug swing at it.Australia achieved three victories in quick time as a result of fast runs with great bowling to back them up. In this team are excellent players who each have the ability to grab the match by the scruff of the neck and turn it in Australia’s favour.England, on the other hand, has been rattled by injuries and is at the end of an era. Their most successful players of recent times have either retired or are a few matches off retirement and therefore are in a process of rebuilding. Harmison, Dawson and Vaughan have shown that England can be competitive and have displayed positive signs for the future of England at Test and one-day level.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay £25m for the services of Wolves winger Adama Traore this summer as Jurgen Klopp eyes up wide reinforcements.

The Lowdown: Traore linked with Reds switch

The Reds have only made one signing so far in this window, with Ibrahima Konate joining from RB Leipzig back in May.

More additions are expected, though, and Traore is one player who has been linked with a move as Klopp potential looks to sign another winger.

Wolves may be willing to sell the 25-year-old, who was involved in Spain’s Euro 2020 campaign.

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The Latest: Fresh update emerges

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have told Wolves they are happy to pay £25m for Traore, but a deal is ‘some way off’ because of a ‘difference in valuations’ between the Reds and their fellow Premier League club.

The Spaniard’s current deal expires in 2023, so Wolves are in no great rush to sell yet, with no risk of losing him on a free transfer.

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The Verdict: Not worth the money

Traore can be an enormous handful on his day – he has been called a ‘fantastic talent’ by Premier League-winning captain Tim Sherwood – but unlike Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, he is not a consistent performer out wide.

Too often, his final ball is erratic and he struggles to guarantee relentless numbers, with just two goals and two assists coming his way in the league last season.

While £25m isn’t a huge amount, it could be spent more wisely on a more reliable winger who would be a dependable backup to Mane and Salah – such as Donyell Malen, who scored 19 goals in the Eredivisie in 2020/21 and is reportedly a target for Liverpool as well.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited after one transfer rumour emerged. Read more here.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Blackburn Rovers ace Ben Brereton this summer, as Marcelo Bielsa eyes up reinforcements.

The Lowdown: Brereton shines for club and country

Brereton enjoyed a good season for Blackburn in the Championship, scoring seven goals and registering four assists overall.

Not only that, but the 22-year-old is now impressing for Chile at Copa America, scoring his first international goal against Bolivia earlier this week.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with move

According to RedGol, Bielsa has been tracking Brereton for two years after coming up against him in the Championship and is interested in signing him this summer.

The forward’s current Blackburn deal expires at the end of next season, so now be the only opportunity they have to receive a fee for him.

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The Verdict: Shrewd signing for Whites?

Brereton often plays in an attacking left-sided role, which means Bielsa may see him as someone who could provide competition for Jack Harrison next season, having been hailed as ‘absolutely fantastic’ by Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray.

It is vital that Leeds improve the depth in their squad, allowing individuals to remain fresh throughout the gruelling campaign and enhancing their hopes of finishing in the European places in 2021/22.

While Brereton remains unproven at the top level, he could be a player who flourishes under Bielsa, and at 22, he has plenty of time to improve and iron out any deficiencies in his game.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly made a bid for a left-back – find out who it is here.

Manchester United are making progress in their efforts to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres this summer.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils are thought to be prioritising a new centre-back partner for club captain Harry Maguire over the current window, with the Spain international high up on their priority list.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are going all out to strengthen their backline ahead of next season, and there’s a growing belief that a deal for Torres can be reached.

Victor Lindelof upgrade

United were reportedly impressed with the 6 ft 3 gem as he helped the Yellow Submarines secure the Europa League crown via a penalty shootout victory.

Torres was named on a five-man shortlist as Solskjaer aims to bring in an upgrade on Victor Lindelof, and departing chief executive Ed Woodward can deliver such an upgrade by getting a deal over the line.

While the two defenders record similar statistics in the defensive third, it’s clear Torres is more comfortable with the ball at his feet.

He was recorded travelling at the fastest speed of any La Liga centre-half last term and also completed 29 of his 34 attempted dribbles.

Lindelof, on the other hand, only attempted to bring the ball out from the back on four occasions and did so successfully just twice.

With the ability to play out from the back and kickstart attacking moves a key asset for a modern-day centre-back at the highest level, it’s easy to understand United’s interest in Torres.

The youngster has a £51.5 million buyout clause in his contract at El Madrigal after signing an extension until 2024 two years ago, meaning he should be within United’s budget.

Real Madrid recently rejected a £50m offer for Raphael Varane from the Red Devils, although the World Cup winner is vastly more experienced and proven at the highest level than Torres.

He was once described as a “sensational kid” by one of his former coaches in an interview with The Athletic, and his humble nature should make for an easy transition to life at Old Trafford if United do complete this signing.

His left-footed nature makes Torres an ideal candidate to partner Maguire for many years to come, and the pair could form a dream duo at the heart of United’s defence.

And, in other news…Man Utd heading for huge transfer mistake over £312k-p/w “talisman”, Ole must avoid 

It’s one thing to win a title, it’s a completely different thing to defend it

Lynn McConnell16-Sep-2002It’s one thing to win a title, it’s a completely different thing to defend it.Stephen Fleming’s TelstraClear Black Caps found that out in no uncertain manner in Colombo yesterday.Their 164-run loss was an embarrassing start to a highly-significant summer for the New Zealand one-day game.Next year’s World Cup in South Africa is quite likely to be the last chance for several members of this side to attempt to win the Cup, and a good deal of time, effort and money has gone into preparing the side.Since the re-structuring of New Zealand Cricket the emphasis has been on achieving consistency in Test and one-day play. This result is not indicative of any advance being made.Notwithstanding the fact it is without key players in Chris Cairns, Craig McMillan and Andre Adams, the facts are that the elements of putting up a competitive chase still seem to elude the side.Even while the wickets were falling so rapidly at the start of the innings, the only semblance of anyone trying to put down an anchor was Mathew Sinclair, and even that was an all-too brief effort.This sort of rapid collapse is not new to New Zealand one-day play, and even if the cause was lost very early in the piece it should not be too much to expect a show of resistance to start much higher in the order than Nos 9 and 11.That’s to take nothing away from some fine Australian bowling.But when has anything different been expected of this outstanding cricket machine?Surely New Zealand knew what to expect? Even moreso after the humiliations New Zealand inflicted on Australia last year.Some will trot out the lack of preparation as an excuse.But there can be no excuse and the reality must be that New Zealand’s ability to prepare a suitable match plan while playing the game will now need to be concentrated in the remaining Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh and the seven matches available in the home series against India.That is, of course, if New Zealand’s summer weather holds up.The degree of difficulty in World Cup aspirations just got significantly higher.While the spirit shown in a last-ditch half-century stand between Kyle Mills and Shane Bond was admirable, the only real obvious positive to come out of the game was the seeming return of left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori to something like the vitality of his early days with a superb bowling performance.There was a vigour to his short bowling stint that has been lacking while he has battled with his back problems. That offers some encouragement for the season ahead, although the real test will come in the Test match arena.The match itself produced a minefield of reminders of just how much work this side has in front of it before it can claim a much higher degree of consistency in its achievement levels.Some points to ponder:The marginThe 164-run margin is New Zealand’s worst against Australia, beating the 150-run loss at Christchurch in 1989/90.It is the second highest loss by New Zealand in all One-Day Internationals by runs – the worst is 174 runs against India at Hyderabad in 1999/00.The win was Australia’s third highest by a runs margin against all-comers.Australia’s inningsAustralia’s 296/7 was the second successive match in which New Zealand has conceded more than 290 in an innings.It was the fifth highest total conceded by New Zealand to Australia, and it was the 14th highest total conceded by New Zealand against all-comers.New Zealand’s inningsThe 26.2 overs was New Zealand’s second shortest complete innings in uninterrupted ODIs. The 94 in 25.2 overs, also against Australia, at Christchurch in 1989/90 remains the shortest. And it was the fourth shortest innings against all-comers in ODIs.That last-wicket partnershipMills and Bond achieved the highest 10th wicket partnership by any country against Australia with their 50-stand. New Zealand’s best had been 33 by Chris Harris and Shayne O’Connor at Melbourne in 1997/98.It bettered the unbroken 43 achieved by Angus Fraser and Phil Tufnell for England at Melbourne in 1990/91.It was the second highest 10th wicket stand for New Zealand against all-comers. Only Martin Snedden and Ewen Chatfield have done better with their 65 against Sri Lanka at Derby in 1983.Sadly for New Zealand it was the highest partnership of the innings, 27 by Sinclair and Scott Styris being the next highest, while it was also the longest partnership of the innings, 45 as opposed to 37 balls for Sinclair and Styris.Before that standWhen New Zealand were 82/9 after 19 overs they were staring at both their lowest total and first double figure score in 259 ODIs since 1989/90.They were looking at their largest loss in ODIs which would have made a twin pair after the record Test loss to Pakistan earlier this year.It could have been the second shortest complete innings by any team in ODIs, as the worst is the 15.3 overs by Zimbabwe when scoring 38 against Sri Lanka in 2001/02.Vettori’s bowlingVettori’s one for 25 from 10 overs was his third most economical bowling figures behind his three for 21 against Sri Lanka at Napier in 2000/01 and his two for 21 against Pakistan at Auckland in the same season.Mills’ battingKyle Mills 23 not out was his highest score in ODIs and headed his 18 not out against Sri Lanka, also at Colombo in his previous ODI innings in which an unbroken 32-run stand with Daryl Tuffey saved New Zealand from another double figure innings, albeit in a 36-over match.Bond’s inningsBond’s 26 bettered the 19 not out he scored against the West Indies in Kingston earlier this year.He now has 78 runs at 19.50.Despite mostly playing No 11 so far his average is better than five of his team-mates – Styris (19.16), Jacob Oram (14.57), Mills (12.50), Vettori (10.48) and Tuffey (8.90).10 embarrassing one-day defeats (in chronological order)v Australia (3rd ODI at Wellington, 1981/82)A full house, a series decider but a dog of a pitch and New Zealand all out for 74. At that time it was New Zealand’s lowest score and the pain of defeat was numbing.v Australia (2nd World Series Cup Final at Melbourne, 1982/83)This game was saved from complete Kiwi ignominy by Lance Cairns’ six sixes, but it can’t hide the fact that Australia scored 302/8 and won by 149 runs.v Pakistan (Austral-Asia Cup Semi Final at Sharjah, 1985/86)This was a semi-final but New Zealand suffered their lowest ODI score of 64 with only Evan Gray achieving double figures. Leggie Abdul Qadir took four for nine off 10 overs!v Australia (Rothmans Cup at Christchurch, 1989/90)Dean Jones and David Boon undid New Zealand’s bowling and then Simon O’Donnell took five for 13, including ‘that ball’ to dismiss John Bracewell for a 150-run loss.v Pakistan (Austral-Asia Cup Semi Final at Sharjah, 1989/90)Having scored 338/4 against hapless Bangladesh in their previous game, New Zealand were completely undone for 74 runs by a new bowler by the name of Waqar Younis who took five for 20. Pakistan rattled off the runs in 15.4 overs.v Zimbabwe (3rd ODI at Christchurch, 1997/98)This is a beauty. Zimbabwe 228/7 after 50. New Zealand 104/0 after 15 overs but 227/9 after 50. Dirk Viljoen (Dirk who?) two for 31 off 10 overs.v Australia (Commonwealth Games Semi Final at Kuala Lumpur, 1998)All out for 58 in 26.4 overs and Brad Young four for four off four overs, including a hat-trick and Australia did it in 10.5 overs. Not recognised as an official One-Day International.v South Africa (5th ODI at Auckland, 1998/99)With the series tied up, Daryll Cullinan scored 94 runs off 56 balls, as South Africa totalled 290/5 and New Zealand were all out for 147 in a weak response.v India (2nd ODI at Hyderabad, 1999/00)India’s Sachin Tendulker and Rahul Dravid boosted their averages and strike rates by adding a world record 331 runs together as India reached 376/2. Will Chris Drum ever forget nine overs that went for 85?v Australia (ICC Champions Trophy at Colombo, 2002/03)Poor bowling was hammered and poor batting was crucified. Poor fielding made the humiliation complete.

Queens Park Rangers have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Stefan Johansen to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Lancashire Telegraph, who claim that Blackburn Rovers are extremely interested in a deal for the Fulham central midfielder in the summer transfer window, with Tony Mowbray believed to want something of an overhaul in the position at the club ahead of next season.

It is reported that Rovers wanted Johansen prior to his loan move to QPR back in the January transfer window, although their interest in the 30-year-old is significantly greater this summer.

Mark Warburton and his side are thought to have been working tirelessly on a deal to bring the Norway international back to the club on a permanent basis in the past few weeks, however, Scott Parker’s departure from Fulham, in addition to Blackburn’s interest, is reported to have slowed QPR’s progress over the transfer.

Fans will be gutted

Considering how impressive Johansen was for QPR last season, should Mark Warburton’s side miss out on a deal for the midfielder this summer, either due to Fulham’s new manager wanting to keep hold of him or because of Blackburn’s reported interest, fans of the Rs will undoubtedly be gutted.

Indeed, over his 21 Championship appearances for QPR last term, the £1.8m-rated man scored four goals, registered two assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 1.6 key passes per game.

These returns saw midfielder Ronny Deila dubbed an “unbelievable” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.00, ranking him as QPR’s sixth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, with Warburton hoping to build a side in the summer transfer window that is capable of going on to mount a promotion push next season, the addition of the £8k-per-week Johansen certainly would have boosted the Rs’ chances of going on to achieve this feat.

However, with so much uncertainty surrounding the deal at present, whether or not the Norwegian will be making a return to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer is very much up in the air.

In other news: Warburton may have just made grave QPR transfer error over “hungry” £1.8m-rated dynamo

Hampshire Hawks finally broke the shackles of their run of defeats when the secured a favourable result against the Essex Eagles.

Vic Isaacs18-Aug-2002Hampshire Hawks finally broke the shackles of their run of Norwich Union League defeats when the secured a favourable result against the Essex Eagles.Having started a run of 6 successive NUL defeats, which got off the mark when the Hawks fell apart after looking comfortable against the same Essex Eagles at Southend a month ago, they looked for revenge and achieved thanks to a superb career best 84 not out by 21 year old John Francis, and good support from skipper Will Kendall in a 132 run partnership that brought about recovery from a perilous 65 for 3.When Essex Eagles who chose to bat started well, the signs were ominous for a hugh score, however despite Chris Tremlett limping off with a foot injury after 1 over and 1 ball, the bowlers srtuck to their tasks superbly to restrict the visitors to 227 for 4. There were half centuries from Robinson and FlowerShaun Udal was the pick of the bowlers with a return of 2-31, and this despite running off the field to have his hand attended to after a sharp piece of fielding.A total of 18 wides bowled by the Eagles, did not assist their cause, but two wins in two days for Hampshire has brough a smile back to The Rose Bowl.

A number of Liverpool fans have been showing their happiness at the news that Mohamed Salah could reportedly sign a new deal this summer.

The Reds didn’t have a huge amount to shout about last season, even though they ended up salvaging their campaign with a third-place finish.

It was a year that saw so many players drop below their best level, with the likes of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino particularly culpable, in that respect.

Someone who couldn’t be blamed for Liverpool’s shortcomings was Salah, however, with the Egyptian scoring 31 goals, in all competitions.

The 28-year-old showed what a priceless player he remains and the idea of him leaving the club doesn’t bear thinking about.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, Liverpool will focus their attention on tying Salah down to a new deal this summer, hoping he commits his future to the club well into his 30s.

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Liverpool fans delighted with Salah update

These Reds supporters provided their thoughts on the matter on Twitter.

“That’s my goat”

Credit: @CxllumAllez

“Let’s get this job done Reds!”

Credit: @colin_neil_show

“YESSSSSS”

Credit: @Cxllumj

“Wow. That’s such a relief”

Credit: @ImMihir05

“Pay the man a lot”

Credit: @AZenker8

“Happy news”

Credit:@Rakpenguin63

“Let him finish his career here”

Credit: @JoeHardwick10

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a key transfer update by a reliable journalist. Read more here.

The Somerset second string suffered their second defeat in two days when they travelled to Bristol to take on Gloucestershire in the Second XI Trophy

Richard Walsh25-Jun-2002The Somerset second string suffered their second defeat in two days when they travelled to Bristol to take on Gloucestershire in the Second XI Trophy.Batting first Somerset scored 220 for 8, with Peter Trego top scoring with 53 and triallist Dominic Joyce making 33.In reply Gloucestershire reached 222 for 6 in the 45 th over. For Somerset Pete Trego took 2 for 33.Somerset Seconds are in Second XI Trophy action again tomorrow when they entertain Glamorgan at the County Ground in Taunton.