All posts by h716a5.icu

Gloucestershire were indebted to contrasting innings from Ian Harvey and KimBarnett as they edged out Worcestershire by 21 runs in the Benson & Hedges Cup match at Bristol

Mark Easterbrook06-May-2001Gloucestershire were indebted to contrasting innings from Ian Harvey and KimBarnett as they edged out Worcestershire by 21 runs in the Benson & Hedges Cup match at Bristol.Harvey’s sparkling 92 from 64 balls was a limited-overs best for theAustralian, while Barnett made an anchor role 85 from 141 deliveries ina Gloucestershire total of 263-8.Half-centuries from Philip Weston and Anurag Singh led a spiritedWorcestershire reply, but 90 were needed from the last ten overs and itproved beyond reach as they finished on 242-7.Gloucestershire’s fourth win from four games assures the holders of a placein the quarter-finals, but Worcestershire may now need to win their gamewith Warwickshire tomorrow to qualify.The Gloucestershire innings was revived in dramatic fashion by Harvey andBarnett, whose parternship of 126 required only 18 overs.Harvey dominated it with some scintillating strokeplay for the good-sizedcrowd to enjoy. His half-century came from 39 deliveries and he surpassedhis previous best one-day score of 88, made against Sussex last year in theB&H quarter-finals.A century was within his grasp when umpire Nigel Cowley – to Harvey’s cleardisappointment – upheld an appeal by wicket-keeper Steve Rhodes for a catchoff David Leatherdale.Barnett and Jeremy Snape then added 66 in quick time before both departed inthe same Alamgir Sheriyar over.Sheriyar finished wth 4-19, but Stuart Lampitt, Matthew Rawnsley andLeatherdale went for more than 50 runs in their spells.Philip Weston and Anurag Singh gave the Worcestershire reply an excellentstart with a partnership of 150 in 35 overs before the former was caught inthe deep by Chris Taylor off Martyn Ball.Singh, who had survived two chances to Snape and Barnett, finally perishedto a catch by Jon Lewis at long off from the bowling of James Averis.Worcestershire’s hopes then rested with Graeme Hick, but when he chipped acatch to Snape at mid-wicket, there was no way back.

Norwich City’s Max Aarons is a possible right-back target for Everton in the summer transfer window.

However, according to a transfer update from Fabrizio Romano, he is ‘not close’ to sealing a move to Goodison Park any time soon, with the journalist claiming that ‘other clubs are joining the race’ for the 21-year-old.

The right-back has previously been linked with Barcelona and Manchester United, and according to The Times, it will cost £30m to prise away from Norwich, who have just been promoted as winners of the Championship.

Everton want to dip back into Carrow Road talent pool

It seems as if Everton are in the market for a long-term successor to veteran skipper Seamus Coleman, as the Republic of Ireland international will turn 33 this year.

Aarons has provided two goals and two assists from right-back this season, with match averages of 1.4 successful dribbles and 1.4 key passes per game highlighting his attacking prowess (WhoScored). Coleman has provided three assists in 2020/21 but not found the net himself, while his averages for the other two metrics are 0.8 respectively (WhoScored).

The Blues and the Canaries did mutual business last summer, with Ben Godfrey making a £24.75m switch from East Anglia to Merseyside. Attacking midfielder Kieran Dowell went the other way for a fee of £1.98m.

This year’s transfer window is set to open on June 9.

Everton fans fret over concerning Aarons update

Here’s how Everton fans reacted to Romano’s update on Sunday night, with despair the order of the day from many of the Goodison Park faithful.

“Pain”

Credit: @SP0RTSEDITS

“Please no”

Credit: @TashanCockburn3

“Oh no no no”

Credit: @Efc_sai

“I’m gonna be heartbroken seeing him go to someone else”

Credit: @efccarlo

“Got the budget of a pack of quavers probably if we don’t get Europe, wouldn’t be surprised”

Credit: @ElliotB1878

“Pure pain”

Credit: @iiCeDEFC

“Brands out”

Credit: @gowens1878

In other news, some Everton fans were much more positive about this transfer update.

Pakistan went into this match with five pace bowlers expecting the ball to deviate sharply and to take advantage of a pitch, which had been under cover all day yesterday

Mudassar Nazar18-May-2001
Mudassar Nazar
Photo © CricInfo
Pakistan went into this match with five pace bowlers expecting the ball to deviate sharply and to take advantage of a pitch, which had been under cover all day yesterday. In my opinion, playing both all-rounders, Razzaq and Azhar was a defensive ploy. Oddly, in recent series the selectors are forever trying to bolster Pakistan’s fragile batting. Saqlain, on the other hand, would have provided Pakistan with much relished variety. No other side in the world could ever comprehend dropping such a world-class performer. I bet some of the Surrey members are mystified by this strange decision.Waqar was very upbeat in his pre-match interview but strangely, the whole team seemed subdued in the morning session. Rashid Latif had a decent workout after a long stint away from the national team but he could have been more vocal and energetic to help boost-up his teammates and keep them on their toes. Right from the outset, Wasim Akram looked out of sorts. He never cocked his wrist properly and seemed unable to hit the seam consistently today. Apart from Azhar Mahmood, all the other bowlers were guilty of bowling short. They forgot that in England in May, one must pitch the ball up to the batsman to give it more distance to swing.Waqar and Razzaq were steady but never looked menacing. Azhar Mahmood was the pick of the bowlers and benefited from bowling a tight line and pitching the ball up to the batsman. Shoaib bowled fast but bowled only three overs in his first spell, casting doubt over his match fitness. Under the same conditions at Lord’s, Glen McGrath decimated the English batting in the last Ashes series.It was important for Pakistan to make an early breakthrough, but Atherton was resolute and gritty and it was a surprise when he played down the wrong line in the end, to give Azhar a much-deserved second wicket. Trescothick has struck a rich vein of form all through the last few weeks of the new English season and was aggressive to put a lot of pressure on Pakistani bowlers by being positive.Eventually, he played a loose shot against Razzaq’s well pitched up ball and was snapped up at gully by Azhar. Vaughan batted like a seasoned professional but the Pakistanis furthered his case by bowling short outside off-stump, clearly his strong suit. Bowling to Vaughan, seemed lacking a game plan and if they had one, they did not stick to it. In the end it was pure luck and a good catch by Rashid Latif to bring his down fall.Nasser Hussain and Graham Thorpe were determined and batted as though they knew their mission. Thorpe, who was Pakistan’s nemesis last winter, looks set to haunt them in summer too. He is by far the best England batsman and the stroke, which brought his fifty, was so reminiscent of my old friend, Javed Miandad. Like Miandad, he is tenacious and has his own agenda in every match. The way he batted against our spinners last winter was a real eye opener for all of us. It took a lot of imagination from Waqar to prize him out. Nevertheless it was a brilliant innings and he may well have already done enough damage in this game.Nasser Hussain was at his patient best. He survived a couple of close leg before decisions but he hung in there for his team’s sake. He blocked our best bowler Azhar in the afternoon and prospered in the post-tea session with some help from our tiring bowlers.While all is not lost, Pakistan needs to have a good day tomorrow otherwise they might be looking up at the gray skies to ease them out of their predicament. My honest view is their dilemma is self-inflected.Pakistan’s out fielding today, was at its worst. English batsmen were allowed to pick up singles at will and some of the balls that crossed the boundary were well within the reach of the fielders. Modern dives and slides seemed to be a thing of the past again.If Pakistan team wants to recapture its glory days in England, I am afraid their work rate needs serious examination. Why were the tourists forced to bowl Younis Khan on the 1st day when they had five fast bowlers at their disposal? It does not make any sense to me. Does it to you?

Ed:Mudassar Nazar is a veteran of 76 tests and 122 ODIs. He is currently the chief coach of Pakistan’s National and Regional Cricket Academies. In view of the overwhelming interest of users in CricInfo’s articles, we have invited him to write for us.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Slavia Prague sensation Abdallah Sima, in what could be an exciting piece of business.

The Lowdown: Sima shines for Slavia Prague

The 19-year-old is seen as a hugely talented young attacking player, catching the eye for the Czech giants this season.

Sima has scored 11 goals in just 15 starts in the Czech First League this season, outlining his potential and showing why he has been compared to Premier League legend Thierry Henry.

The Latest: Leeds keen on signing Sima

According to Football Insider, the Elland Road outfit are in the mix to sign the teenager this summer, following his ‘remarkable rise’ during 2020/21.

It is stated that a number of Premier League clubs are showing an interest in Sima, however, suggesting it won’t be easy to acquire his signature.

Everton, Arsenal, Manchester United and West Ham are the top-flight teams mentioned in the report.

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The Verdict: Worth a punt?

It is vital that Leeds make reinforcements in the summer, ensuring they don’t sit still and fail to kick on from an impressive campaign.

At 19, Sima may still be raw, but in Marcelo Bielsa, he would have a hugely experienced, respected manager who knows how to nurture young talent – just look at how Patrick Bamford has taken to top flight football this term.

The list of clubs he is being linked with speaks volumes about his potential, so Leeds should consider taking a punt on the Czech starlet, especially considering how prolific he already looks in front of goal.

He could play second fiddle to the likes of Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo to begin with, potentially usurping them over time.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with another winger, as Bielsa looks to make a summer addition in that area. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur must reignite their interest in Luis Campos this summer…

What’s the word?

The former Lille sporting director has been targeted by a host of clubs across Europe, including some in the Premier League, according to Sky Sports.

Juventus, Manchester United and Arsenal appear to be keen, whilst the Portuguese talent spotter has long been linked with Spurs in the past.

There were suggestions that Jose Mourinho wanted him part of the coaching set-up when he was appointed in November 2019, having formed a trusted relationship over the years, with Campos being a scout during the same time at Real Madrid.

Forget any manager

It is also thought that Daniel Levy is considering bringing in a director of football – something they have not had since 2015 when Franco Baldini left the club – to accompany any new appointment (via The Athletic).

Currently, the north London club make all their decisions through only two people – Levy and technical performance director Steve Hitchen.

A move for a new presence would signal an significant change in direction, but ultimately it is one which is desperately needed at Spurs.

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Recruitment just has not been good enough, with several names from the Mauricio Pochettino era still at the club, and that has been a large part of their downfall. It was only in 2019 that Spurs made the Champions League final, but now they are desperately battling to secure a place in Europe’s secondary club competition.

Campos, who has been dubbed “the wizard of capital gains,” has a proven track record when it comes to sourcing the ‘next big thing’ as the emergence of the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Fabinho, Antony Martial, Bernado Silva and Nicolas Pepe have all been down to him.

Lille are now close to sensationally pipping Pochettino’s Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue 1 title largely down to Campos, who has recruited superbly in recent years. Despite their turnaround in profits – making in excess of £500m under the 56-year-old’s control – Lille have remained hugely competitive.

Forget your Brendan Rodgers’, Scott Parkers and Graham Potters – an appointment in the director of football role like Campos could be everything Levy needs to revolutionise Spurs.

At the time of Campos’ original links to the Lilywhites, ever-reliable reporter Alasdair Gold waxed lyrical about him, writing for football.london:

“Campos would be perfect for Spurs and Daniel Levy with his ability to work to whatever budget set for him and find uncut gems for his clubs. I wouldn’t bet against him coming to Spurs in the future, particularly as he has always said he would follow Mourinho anywhere but he will be inundated with offers should he actually decided to leave Lille.”

He’s keen on trying his arm in the Premier League, too. The Portuguese once claimed: “The Premier League is considered one of the most competitive in the world. As a competitor, I would obviously like the challenge.”

Spurs’ playing squad needs a drastic overhaul and Campos’ record is far too mouth-watering to ignore, so pairing him up with the next manager could genuinely be game-changing in N17. Levy must look to hire Campos this summer, along with his next manager.

AND in other news, Get rid: Levy must axe “pathetic” £85k-p/w flop, he’s let Spurs down for many years…

Shakeel’s Urdu Report

Abdul Shakeel02-Jun-2001

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been wishing former manager Dick Advocaat well as he oversaw his last game as a manager before retiring on Sunday.

The 73-year-old spent three years in charge at Ibrox between 1998 and 2001 and had plenty of success with the 55-time Scottish champions. Under his stewardship, Rangers won the league twice, the Scottish Cup twice and the Scottish League Cup once. The Gers had some wonderful players during his time there, such as Ronald de Boer and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and they were generally a joy to watch.

A few years later, he masterminded Zenit St Peterburg’s 2-0 triumph over the Gers in the UEFA Cup final in Manchester.

The Dutchman’s career has seen him manage all over the globe and his 41-year career in the dugout finally came to an end on Sunday – he went out on a high as Feyenoord beat Utrecht 2-0. A video has emerged of him getting emotional during the match, and that played on the heartstrings of many Gers supporters.

The clip was shared on Twitter by @FootballOranje_, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Gers fans. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts, with some dubbing Advocaat an Ibrox “legend”.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Advocaat below

“What a man”

Credit: @GaryFer20897483

“A great manager for sure. Enjoy your well earned retirement Mr Advocaat.”

Credit: @AmiableAlec

“Sad Day!”

Credit: @bill_fyfe

“Thank you Dick Advocaat. What a man”

Credit: @Battlefeverpod

“Broke my heart in Manchester in 2008 but the little general was some manager”

Credit: @stuartmcmullan

“What a legend, a true icon in football”

Credit: @SpeckyRSC

In other news, many Rangers fans are fuming over this politician’s comments.

Regarding Peter Bowler’s innings he said: “it’s the best I’ve seen him play in one-day cricket

Richard Walsh18-Jun-2001After seeing his side beat Yorkshire Phoenix at Bath, Somerset Coach, Kevin Shine, described the catch taken by Keith Dutch as: “the best catch that I have ever seen, it could be the one moment that could change the season for us.”Regarding Peter Bowler’s innings he said: “it’s the best I’ve seen him play in one-day cricket. With an average of 47 in the CricInfo Championship, he’s in the zone at the moment .”The coach was also full of praise for Mark Lathwell, who after being unbeaten on 98 in the Championship match hit a cameo 27 on Sunday. “‘Lathers’ was a pleasure to watch out there,” he said. “He was really up for it today and hit every bad ball.”As far as the coach was concerned “the best thing that came out of the BathFestival was that we scored runs.”

In 1959 a cricketer by the name of Denis Baldry hit 151 in his debut innings for Hampshire, having joined them from Middlesex

Vic Isaacs21-Apr-2002In 1959 a cricketer by the name of Denis Baldry hit 151 in his debut innings for Hampshire, having joined them from Middlesex. Today, that score was surpassed, and could even be increased tomorrow. John Crawley treated the good Canterbury crowd to an innings that was a masterclass in batting.223 not out overnight, Hampshire’s acquisition from Lancashire batted superbly against all that Kent could throw at him.Starting the day on 136-2, the visiting side still had to get 292 more runs to avoid the follow on, and soon lost Robin Smith at 178. He left a ball from Khan alone that came in on him and he was palpably lbw.Zimbabwean Neil Johnson then joined Crawley for a scintillating partnership of 232. Johnson hit 21 fours in his 226-ball innings before edging Fleming to slip. It was a superb innings in its own right with some powerful drives and cuts.Nic Pothas, Hampshire’s second debutant of the match then played his part in an unbeaten partnership of 80, but the day belonged to Crawley.Crawley became the fourth Hampshire player to score a century on debut, following Cecil Abercrombie the Scottish rugby international in 1913, Denis Baldry in 1959 and Richard Hayward who scored his debut hundred against the Sri Lankans at Bournemouth on the same day as the famous wedding of Prince Charles and Diane.John was naturally delighted with his performance today, “I could not have had a better start” he told this correspondent. “It was a good wicket, but we started the day still needing to score a hugh total, so it was tough. The whole day wasn’t just about me; Neil batted superbly and was a great support. Having achieved our aim as well as this innings it has to be a very satisfying day”. For Hampshire supporters and fans, Crawley has done a fair bit to become a local lad in just his first knock.

A fresh name has emerged in West Ham’s search for a new striker this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, the Irons are keen on signing Wolfsburg talisman Wout Weghorst, although they face competition from Jose Mourinho’s new club AS Roma.

It remains to be seen how much the 28-year-old would cost the Premier League outfit, although CIES Football Observatory currently value him at €30m (£26m).

London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the Dutchman in the past, so Mourinho’s interest should come as no surprise.

Shades of Vardy?

Despite being a towering 1.97m (6 foot 6), Weghorst has earned some interesting comparisons in the past.

As a late bloomer, perhaps the most obvious one is former Manchester City frontman Edin Dzeko, but even more interestingly, there has been a likeness made to a current top-flight beast in Jamie Vardy.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Bundesliga expert Raphael Honigstein, who wrote: “[Weghorst is] Holland’s taller, chunkier answer to Jamie Vardy — minus the bit with the electronic tag and the Skittles-flavoured vodka — still plays like he’s got a point to prove in every match. He flies into tackles, wins more headers than almost anyone and frequently tops his team’s charts for most distance covered.”

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Indeed, this relentless work rate is a trait which has seemed to follow him throughout his career, only furthering those odd comparisons to the nifty Leicester City star. Wolfsburg teammate Admir Mehmedi described him as “crazy”, claiming: “He runs a lot for the team and has a really strong mentality. I can’t think of another player who is so crazy, in a positive way!”

Their captain Josuha Guilavogui dubbed him “incredible” and “outstanding”, and that’s before even factoring in his impressive goal record.

As per Transfermarkt, the Dutch international has found the net a whopping 25 times in all competitions his term, also providing nine assists, which could suggest that he would be a perfect foil for Michail Antonio as either a partner or rotational option in West Ham’s attack.

It’s no secret that David Moyes desperately needs a new forward to bolster his frontline next season, with no senior alternative to Antonio, and perhaps GSB should look no further than Weghorst.

The Wolfsburg colossus is a different presence to Vardy, but in him they could well get the same hardworking style which fits the Scotsman’s system to a tee.

AND in other news, GSB must secure West Ham swoop for “hardworking” 34-goal beast who’s perfect for Moyes…