All posts by h716a5.icu

The New Zealand coach John Bracewell will consider the last-minutecall-ups Peter Fulton and Gareth Hopkins for Thursday’s first Test againstAustralia following the team’s disappointing warm-up form

Peter English17-Nov-2008
Gareth Hopkins made his Test debut in England this year and is in the mix for the Gabba © Getty Images
The New Zealand coach John Bracewell will consider the last-minutecall-ups Peter Fulton and Gareth Hopkins for Thursday’s first Test againstAustralia following the team’s disappointing warm-up form. The touristswere dismissed for 266 and 256 in the six-wicket loss to New South Wales and theirpreparations were hurt further with foot and back injuries to thewicketkeeper Brendon McCullum and a virus to Jesse Ryder.Bracewell expects McCullum, who was cleared of a foot fracture, to be fit- “He’ll be uncomfortable, but he’ll tough it out” – while Ryderrecovered enough to take part in New Zealand’s second innings. “There arecertainly places open,” Bracewell said in Sydney. “We’re now at a fullsquad with Hopky and Pete coming over, and we’d be foolish not to bringthem into the mix of selection.”Given that they’ve had a bit of weather up there [in Brisbane], we’llneed to have a look at the surface and take a lot of things intoconsideration before we make our final decision.”Brisbane was hit by fierce storms on Sunday night and more rain isexpecting during the week, increasing the prospects of a pace-friendlypitch. With the conditions likely to offer movement, Bracewell hoped hisswing bowlers could gain an advantage over Australia’s in-to-the-wicketoperators.”I’d like to think that, but we have to get up there and see how it goesfirst,” he said. “Our guys are swing bowlers, there’s no doubt about it,and over the last couple of years they’ve bowled very well in swingingconditions. But having said that, Brett Lee at pace when he swings it is ahandful in any conditions.”New Zealand have not beaten the hosts in Australia since 1985-86, whenthey won the series 2-1, and Bracewell knows the difficulties his sidefaces over the next two weeks. “A win against any Australian side isprecious,” he said. “It’s our Everest, there’s no doubt about that. Theguys are looking forward to it.”They are rightly nervous, and at times anxious, because that’s what youget when you face your biggest challenge in cricket. I’m not discouragingthat. As they say: ‘Get the butterflies flying in the right order and information.'”

Southampton fans were far from happy with the news that Ralph Hasenhuttl is set to use Nathan Tella as a striker this season rather than on the flanks.

After a slow start to the transfer window, the Saints have been very busy in recent weeks.

They have now brought in five new faces, two of which are strikers in Adam Armstrong and Armando Broja (Sky Sports). Even with the sale of Danny Ings to Aston Villa (avfc.co.uk), the Austrian still has plenty of options up front if you also include Che Adams, Shane Long and Michael Obafemi.

Tella is an up-and-coming player at St. Mary’s Stadium, having made 22 appearances for the club last term (Transfermarkt). He is mainly a right-winger, but Hasenhuttl has decided to use him as a centre-forward after the 22-year-old impressed in training (via The Athletic).

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

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

“No formation just vibes”

Credit: @CallumSFC18

“Why?? We just signed 2 strikers.. rather see Tella or Djenepo on the left than Redmond”

Credit: @BraddersKitch16

“we don’t need more strikers we’ve got some class ones. Tella’s pace on the left and skill is needed as he basically has everything but a consistent end product”

Credit: @sfc_maxi

“A bit of a shame tbh, I was hoping he would be our starter on the left of our midfield”

Credit: @EddySFC

“NO HE WONT START NOW”

Credit: @samuelsmith0810

“noooo start him out wide”

Credit: @sfcsienna

In other news, Southampton want this ace compared to Arjen Robben.

Gautam Gambhir, who has appealed his one-Test ban for elbowing Shane Watson, is regularly on the lookout for a confrontation when he is batting, according to Michael Hussey

Cricinfo staff04-Nov-2008
Michael Hussey: “He [Gautam Gambhir] does go around the field looking to engage certain players and looking to get involved and that sort of thing” © Getty Images
The India opener Gautam Gambhir, who has appealed his one-Test ban for elbowing Shane Watson, is regularly on the lookout for a confrontation when he is batting, according to Australia’s Michael Hussey. Gambhir, who is the leading run-scorer in the series with 463, was punished for his run-in with Watson on the opening day of the third Test in Delhi and also argued heatedly with Simon Katich.”He looks around for it [chat], to be honest,” Hussey said. “It hasn’t been a plan of ours to go at him and talk or whatever … but I must admit he does go around the field looking to engage certain players and looking to get involved and that sort of thing.”So maybe that is part of his character, looking for a clash to try to pump himself up a bit more. He’s always looking to engage, not so much ‘g’day how are you going’, but an intense look. It’s quite funny really.”Hussey said Gambhir reminded him of Justin Langer because he was a “small and punchy little character”. “He’s a very good player and probably someone who has exceeded our expectations about how well he has played,” he said. “We’re sort of hoping he’ll miss the last Test but I think he’ll still play pending his appeal.” The South Africa judge Albie Sachs has been appointed to handle Gambhir’s case.India lead the series 1-0 and Hussey has noticed extra confidence in the home side, which has not been afraid to have a dig at the visitors in the three Tests thus far. In Bangalore, Zaheer Khan called the Australians defensive, an accusation supported by VVS Laxman over the past week, while Gambhir successfully stirred his opponents, even before the elbow incident.”They have got a team that’s very, very experienced, a lot of seasoned, hardened international players and they know their games very well,” Hussey said. “They are quite confident about their games and perhaps in our team we haven’t got the 80-90-100-Test players they have. So they probably see themselves as a bit superior in the experience stakes and maybe aren’t scared of giving a little bit back.”Hussey was pleased Australia’s younger players had not been intimidated. “The good thing I have seen is the guys who have only played 15 to 20 Tests or less haven’t backed down from that,” he said. “They haven’t just taken it on the chin, they’ve been willing to bite back. We don’t want to go over the top, but if a guy is going to needle you you’re not going to back away from it.”

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth believes it could cost Aston Villa upwards of £40m-£50m for Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell.

The Lowdown: Grealish exit

Villa are expected to go after Cantwell due to Jack Grealish’s pending Villa exit.

Fabrizio Romano tweeted late on Wednesday evening that the 25-year-old will have a Manchester City medical on Thursday morning ahead of a £100m move.

Grealish has signed a contract until 2026 with City and a move is set to be the most expensive player in Premier League history.

The Latest: Cantwell claim

Sheth was speaking live on Sky Sports on Wednesday, cited by Football Daily, where he addressed a potential swoop for Cantwell.

He admitted this summer would be the optimum time for Norwich to maximise Cantwell’s valuation, should he not wish to sign a new Carrow Road deal.

Sheth then said ‘I’ve heard’ it would take a figure of upwards of £40m-£50m before Norwich would consider selling the 23-year-old.

The Verdict: Villa need to make their minds up

If Villa are happy to smash their club record for Cantwell, then they should make their move relatively quickly, especially with the new season just around the corner.

However, if they aren’t, perhaps it would be wise to explore the European market, as they did for Leon Bailey.

Time could be crucial when it comes to landing Grealish’s replacement, so that’s why Villa need to act relatively quickly over the coming days – the longer it drags on, the more desperate they become and selling clubs’ negotiating stances will get tougher and tougher.

In other news: ‘All happening’, ‘Alongside JWP?’ – Many Aston Villa fans react as ‘great’ news is confirmed. 

Cricinfo has learned that Cricket Kenya has called for an inquiry into the side’s European tour in the light of poor results and reports of discipline problems

Cricinfo staff09-Sep-2008Cricinfo has learned that Cricket Kenya has called for an inquiry into the side’s European tour in the light of poor results and reports of discipline problems.Of most concern were the on-field results, particularly the side’s failure to qualify for the 2009 ICC World Twenty20. Aside from the profile of the tournament, it would have earned the board US$250,000 as a participant fee.While the tour was seriously affected by the dreadful weather which has hit Europe over the last two months, the results were poor and reports suggest that the fitness and attitude of some of the squad left something to be desired.Maurice Ouma was reprimanded for a show of dissent after being given out leg-before in the ODI against Ireland, while the Minor Counties Cricket Association was left fuming after the Kenyans withdrew from a fixture against them on the eve of the match citing injury problems. It is believed that CK subsequently paid the MCCA’s expenses in connection with the match.

The New Zealand Emerging Players, aided by Neil Broom’s 62, held their nerve to clinch the Emerging Players Tournament by defeating the Australian Institute of Sports after a tight chase at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane

Cricinfo staff26-Jul-2008
Scorecard
The New Zealand Emerging Players, aided by Neil Broom’s 62 and an all-round display from the captain Jesse Ryder, clinched the Emerging Players Tournament by defeating the Australian Institute of Sports after a tight chase at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. New Zealand also banked on an unbeaten 40 from Bradley-John Watling to see them through – they had lost three middle-order wickets for eight runs to briefly give the Australians hope.Ryder chose to give his bowlers first use of the surface, but David Warner and Theo Doropoulos denied them any early advantage with a 68-run opening stand. Australia, however, did not make use of their good beginning, stumbling to 74 for 4. Bradley Scott, the left-arm seamer, accounted for two of those. Peter Forrest, Australia’s captain, and Steve O’ Keefe resurrected the innings with a 93-run fifth-wicket stand. Ryder, with his military medium pace, dismissed Forrest for 46, and took two more wickets, but O’Keefe, who extended his score to 70, combined well with the tailenders to take Australia to a respectable 240 for 9.Ryder scored 36 in a 43-run opening stand with Martin Guptill before being caught by Khawaja off Grant Sullivan. Guptill (41) and Peter Ingram (27) put New Zealand on course, and they were in a solid position when Broom and Watling added 84 runs for the third wicket. Sullivan nailed Broom and Corey Anderson as New Zealand fell to 215 for 6, but Watling ensured that there was no further alarm by adding a vital 23 runs with Brandon Hiini before the victory was brought up.The third-place play-off between the Emerging Players’ Squads from India and South Africa at the WEP Harris Oval was washed out without a ball being bowled.

Manchester United are reportedly open to offers for Dan James in the current window as the club look to boost their transfer budget.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils’ hierarchy are willing to sell the 23-year-old over the coming months if they receive an acceptable offer to sign him, according to ESPN.

It’s claimed that the Glazer family have given manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a £100m transfer kitty this summer, but that figure could be topped up by funds raised by the departures of any unwanted first team players.

He’s not good enough

James made a strong start to his United career, scoring three goals in his first four Premier League games for the Old Trafford outfit, but he has failed to build upon his early showings. The Wales international has only bagged six more goals since netting against Southampton in August 2019, often coming in for criticism for his poor final ball.

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent cast doubt over the speedster’s ability earlier in the summer after he was linked with a move to fellow Premier League outfit Everton, telling Football Insider: “The only thing about Dan James at times, for me, he’s a little bit headless.

“He’s shown great potential when he first went to United; he played really well, scored a few goals, but at times he for me he’s fouled, or he shoots sometimes when he should pass it, he’ll pass when he should shoot.

“He’s got great pace, and I think he’d be a great addition in anyone’s squad, but when we talk about someone coming in and making a real difference and adding a lot of quality to whatever they’ve already got, I’m not quite sure.”

With the ongoing pandemic continuing to have a serious impact upon football clubs’ finances, selling lucrative fringe players is the easiest way to boost transfer budgets.

Therefore, Solskjaer must brutally axe the £16.2m-rated James, who hasn’t been all that productive at Old Trafford, in order to finance moves for his top transfer targets ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The addition of Jadon Sancho and the imminent arrival of Raphael Varane will wipe out the Norwegian’s reported £100m budget, so securing the sales of players like Phil Jones, Andreas Pereira and indeed James may be the only way to sign a new defensive midfielder or right-back this summer. In the greater scheme of things, the Welsh winger seems dispensable.

In other news… Woodward must avoid Man Utd disaster over £40.5m-rated ace, Ole will be fuming 

Graham Roberts has urged Tottenham Hotspur to end their pursuit of Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard and turn their attentions elsewhere in the transfer market.

Nuno Espirito Santo, who was appointed as Spurs’ new head coach last month, has made strengthening his defensive options a priority in the transfer window.

The north Londoners conceded 45 Premier League goals last season and, as a result, were made to settle for a place in the inaugural Europa Conference League after finishing seventh in the top flight.

Spurs are reportedly in talks about beefing up their defence by welcoming Vestergaard, who has entered the final year of his £60,000-per-week contract at Southampton.

The 28-year-old made 32 appearances for Saints last season and also showed the threat he can have in the opposition’s penalty area by contributing three goals.

Vestergaard featured heavily for Denmark during their run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 but Roberts does not think the central defender is the answer to Spurs’ problems.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, the former Spurs defender said: “He’s not better than what we’ve got already.

“You want somebody better than what you’ve got. I don’t think Vestergaard is top-notch so, if I was the manager, I’d say he’s not for me.”

Many Southampton fans are delighted after The Athletic revealed the Saints have given Sam McQueen a new six-month contract.

The Saints are preparing for the new season as they aim to improve on their disappointing 15th-placed finish in the Premier League last term. Ralph Hasenhuttl and co will hope to be busy in the transfer window and have already confirmed the signing of Romain Perraud from Brest in France (southamptonfc.com).

Rather than completing another new signing, though, the Saints have instead move to extend McQueen’s deal at the club. So far, he has made just 29 appearances for the south coast outfit (Transfermarkt), with a lengthy cruciate ligament rupture hindering his development. However, the Saints appear to have given the 26-year-old another chance to prove himself at St Mary’s.

The update was relayed on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from Southampton supporters who are glad that the club aren’t turning their back on the player. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on what one fan described as “encouraging” news.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about McQueen’s extension

“that’s encouraging!”

Credit: @vestergodSFC

“Love to see it”

Credit: @CallumSFC18

“This is great to see”

Credit: @sfcrxbbo_

“Well done #Saints looking after one of our own, let’s hope he manages to get fit.”

Credit: @wsmruss

“Brilliant for Sam. It shows the club hasn’t given up on him”

Credit: @Dixon1970Darren

“Happy about this, he was unlucky with his injuries”

Credit: @AidanCMcMahon

In other news, Southampton want this Premier League midfielder.

Adrian Bernabe is set to leave Manchester City to join Italian side Parma, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.

In 2020/21, the Spaniard was something of a revelation within the Citizens Under-23 set up, chipping in with 10 goal contributions in the space of 16 appearances; three goals and seven assists [Transfermarkt].

Having also made five senior appearances for City, he has now chosen to leave the Etihad Stadium following three years at the club [Manchester Evening News].

Romano has confirmed that the 20-year-old is on route to Italy, where he will link up with his former Blues Under-23 boss Enzo Maresca, who recently took up the managerial position at I Crociati [Parma Calcio 1913].

In light of this news, no wonder loads of Manchester City diehards took to Twitter to voice their opinion at recent developments.

Manchester City fans react:

Replying to popular Blues outlet City Xtra on Twitter, here is how some supporters summarized their feelings on the Bernabe situation:

“Parma, big project.”

Credit: @Obi_BALR”Why do we always let brilliant talents slip from our grasp *sigh*”Credit: @butty27236994″what an downgrade”Credit: @hajelhydra”good move”Credit: @fredijeh2″The most predictable move is back to Spain. But Parma do have lots of big signing for next season. Hope will see him again.”Credit: @Palatao_Bola”wait what thought he was going to Barca but nvm they’re broke”Credit: @tozmciIn other news, a pundit exclusively reckons Pep Guardiola will deploy a deadly duo in the City starting eleven next season.