All posts by h716a5.icu

Wahab Riaz has said that England’s middle order is “fragile” ahead of the first Test at Lord’s and believes Pakistan can put pressure on them

Andrew McGlashan10-Jul-2016Wahab Riaz has said that England’s middle order is “fragile”, ahead of the first Test at Lord’s, and believes Pakistan can put pressure on them.Wahab felt much rested on the shoulders of Alastair Cook, and Joe Root, who has been promoted to No. 3, with the next two positions being filled by James Vince and the recalled Gary Ballance.Vince managed just 54 runs in four innings in his debut series against Sri Lanka, while Ballance is set to play his first Test in a year, having earned a surprising call-up as England reshuffle their order.”We know that England is struggling with their middle order, Joe Root is one of their best players and he has to take the responsibility, so that’s why he is at No.3,” Wahab said. “But I think the other batting is fragile. If you get Cook and Root quickly, you can really put pressure on them, but you can’t take things easy against them.”While Wahab, who went a long way in cementing his Test spot with a fiery spell of reverse swing on the second afternoon against Sussex, is correct to pinpoint the uncertainty around the No. 4 and 5 positions heading into the series, England’s lower middle-order has been prolific of late. However, they are likely to be tested more by Pakistan’s attack – sharp left-arm pace complemented by the legspin of Yasir Shah – than they were by the Sri Lankans.Jonny Bairstow, who has been in stellar form, has led the way, while Moeen Ali struck a career-best 155 against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street. Moeen will be followed by Chris Woakes who has made half-centuries in Tests and ODIs this season. Ben Stokes, who was left out of the squad for the first Test as he continues his return from knee surgery, is expected to be back for the second Test at Old Trafford.The statistics back up the recent divide between England’s top order and the security provided by those lower down: since May last year, their average for positions 1-5 is sixth in Test cricket (Pakistan’s batsmen average 14 runs more per wicket, albeit in far fewer Tests, and all of them in Asia) but for positions 6-11, England are top of the pile.Ahead of the squad being named, there was a suggestion that Stokes could be included to play as a batsman while Jos Buttler’s name was also linked to a batting position following his impressive limited-overs form. Buttler subsequently broke a finger playing for Lancashire, so will now not be an option during the Test series, but Pakistan’s coach Mickey Arthur said he had been preparing for that duo to be in the line-up.”We obviously looked at the squad with a lot of interest,” Arthur told ESPNcricinfo. “Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are guys that can take the game away of us, so, though it’s not a relief, we were preparing for an England middle order of Bairstow, Stokes and Buttler. But the guys that have come in have earned their opportunity and must have done something right, so certainly won’t take them lightly.”

Tottenham and Daniel Levy have seemingly been dealt a managerial blow as Bayer Leverkusen CEO Simon Rolfes makes a statement on Xabi Alonso.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

The Lilywhites are thought to be targeting a plethora of candidates to succeed Antonio Conte, who departed nearly two months ago, and there are some big names in the frame.

Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, both free agents after leaving their most recent sides, arguably stand out as some of the most prestigious contenders.

Meanwhile, Feyenoord's Arne Slot, Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim, Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter have also been linked with moves to N17.

Tottenham held an interest in Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, but the Belgian recently put pen to paper on a new deal at Turf Moor, ending all hopes of Spurs appointing him this summer.

Alonso is a fairly new coach to be mentioned as a possible Tottenham candidate, with reports last week claiming that he is actually one of the top choices.

The Liverpool and Real Madrid legend is a big name from his playing career, having also won a World Cup with Spain, not to mention back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

In terms of his managerial career, Alonso has been praised for transforming the fortunes of Leverkusen since his appointment, with the Bundesliga side contending for Europe.

In a blow for Levy and Spurs, it appears he may not be on the move.

Leverkusen CEO Rolfes, in an interview with TUTTOmercatoWEB, says Alonso is happy where he is and remains 100% committed to the project.

He explained:

"He has a contract with us, he is happy, he likes working here, he has a good team to develop. Even in the last press conference he said that he is 100% here with his head".

Who should Spurs appoint instead?

In light of the official's message, Spurs should undoubtedly keep up their pursuit of former Bayern boss Nagelsmann, who has been billed as a top target.

There are reports suggesting the 35-year-old is interested in replacing Conte, too, and with no club standing in Tottenham's way, he could be an excellent potential appointment.

Nagelsmann boasts league titles already despite his tender age, not to mention he deploys an exciting brand of intense, high-pressing football which could excite Spurs supporters.

He has been called a "phenomenal" tactical innovator by sections of the media and we believe Levy should make a considerable effort to get him to Tottenham.

Kaushal Silva was the only Sri Lanka wicket to fall as a mere 12.2 overs were possible on a rain-wrecked final day at Lord’s

The Report by David Hopps13-Jun-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsThe last day of the series at Lord’s had promised so much. England needed to bowl out Sri Lanka to take a 3-0 clean sweep in the series, but Sri Lanka, driven ahead by a sense of grievance, were not about to relinquish the Test easily. At 32 for 0, requiring 362, they were down but far from out.Then the rain spoiled it. The clouds were so black over Lord’s that one might have imagined St John’s Wood had become the centre of a second industrial revolution which would certainly have disturbed a few people in the posh boutiques in the High Street.Only 12.2 overs were possible all day until the Test was laid to rest with 5.15pm approaching. By then it felt like a blessed relief. Jonny Bairstow was named as England’s man of the series and Kaushal Silva took the equivalent award for Sri Lanka.All that now remains is for the fall-out from a Test, in which Sri Lanka felt they did not have the rub of the green with umpiring decisions, to move on to the ICC annual meeting in Edinburgh later this month. Speeches will be made (again) about the accuracy of DRS, the validity of a 50% margin for Umpire’s Call and a perceived bias in favour of the Big Three. Lord’s has put fresh vigour into an old debate.Silva was the only Sri Lanka wicket to fall on the final day as a mere 3.4 overs were possible up to tea. He departed lbw to an excellent late inswinger from James Anderson, up the slope, and after an unsuccessful review could at least console himself that he had finally broken his extraordinary run of being caught at the wicket in each of his previous nine innings in two Test tours of England.Had Bairstow pulled off something utterly miraculous by diving across first slip to intercept an edge that fell short off Stuart Broad, that record would have remained intact for his next tour.England still theoretically held hopes of victory when the Test resumed after tea at 4.10pm with 47 overs remaining, with Sri Lanka’s prospects of chasing 362 to win effectively reduced to zero because of the rain. There was talk of Cardiff 2011 when England spirited a win from nowhere in the Glamorgan gloom.Kusal Mendis smashed a return catch at Broad’s bootlaces which he could not pick up in his follow-through, while one attempted bouncer that hit a crack and scuttled off down the leg side emphasised that, with a full day to bowl, England could have been in business. The pitch, in fairness to the groundsman, Mick Hunt, had not become the final-day featherbed that has occasionally blighted Lord’s.Nobody believed the game was going anywhere. Alastair Cook even allowed Broad to indulge in a nonsensical wasted review when even the groundstaff, who were prowling the outfield as the rain clouds approached again, could have seen that the ball had deflected off his back as he ducked.England were forced to turn to spin, all eight balls of it, the last of them from Joe Root, who was slog-swept for six into the Tavern Stand by Mendis. Perhaps he knew something we didn’t. The umpires removed the bails and everybody could go home. Sri Lanka, with a one-day series still to play, will hope for some sunshine.

Chris Gayle’s return to the NatWest T20 Blast was overshadowed by a superb hundred from Chris Nash as Sussex beat Somerset in a one-sided contest at Hove to make it two wins from two in the South Group

ECB Reporters Network01-Jun-2016
ScorecardChris Nash made his maiden T20 hundred•Getty ImagesChris Gayle’s return to the NatWest T20 Blast was overshadowed by a superb hundred from Chris Nash as Sussex beat Somerset in a one-sided contest at Hove to make it two wins from two in the South Group.Nash made 112 not out from 64 balls, his first T20 century, to help his side to 222 for 3 then Gayle found the explosive pace of left-armer Tymal Mills – who had previously set out his stall to target Somerset’s big-name overseas signing – too hot to handle and was yorked for 5 by a delivery timed at 93mph.Roelof van der Merwe made a defiant 59 and Mahela Jayawardene a classy 51 but Somerset were never in contention and were bowled out in the last over for 174 to lose by 48 runs.Nash and captain Luke Wright laid the platform for Sussex’s second 200-plus total of their Blast campaign with a stand of 156 in 14 overs for the first wicket with Nash making the most of two fielding lapses. He was dropped on nought off the second ball of the match by James Hildreth at backward point and again in the fifth over by Jayawardene, having scored 17.Wright did not hit the first six of the innings until in the seventh over but it signalled an onslaught by the Sussex batsmen, who plundered 90 off the next eight overs. Nash was first to his half-century but he was soon overtaken by his partner, who eventually found his timing in his first game of the season after recovering from back and wrist injuries.Wright’s 83 came from just 39 balls and included five sixes and eight fours as he harnessed a strong wind and targeted the Sea End boundary. It was a surprise when he played on to the legspinner Max Waller and Sussex lost Ross Taylor in the next over, caught at long-on off a mistimed drive.But Nash pressed on and Matt Machan gave him excellent support in a third-wicket stand of 51 from 28 balls. He reached his hundred in the 19th over by hitting Jamie Overton over long-on for six before gliding the next ball to the backward point rope. He finished with 13 boundaries and three sixes from 64 balls faced. Overton took 2 for 45 but the Somerset attack were guilty of bowling too short.An asking rate of more than 11 runs an over was always going to test Somerset and they suffered an immediate blow when Ajmal Shahzad bowled Jim Allenby for a duck with the first legitimate delivery of the innings.But the big moment came in the next over when Mills, with the strong wind at his back, began to bowl consistently at more than 90mph. Gayle top-edged his second ball over the slips for four but when he stepped away trying to hit the next delivery through the off side he was bowled, much to the delight of a 5,500 crowd.Sussex’s other seamers complemented Mills’ raw pace. South African David Wiese picked up 4 for 38 on his debut and Shahzad ended Somerset’s faint hopes when he had Jayawardene caught at long on for 51 from 39 balls in the 11th over.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale faces a crucial summer transfer window in charge of the Ibrox side. If he manages to move on the deadwood and bring in five or six new players, the Gers could challenge for honours, however, if the recruitment is poor and this shows in the results, he may not have long in the hotseat.

The Englishman has confirmed Alfredo Morelos is leaving at the end of the season and strengthening the forward area is probably the most important aspect of the window.

Kemar Roofe simply cannot be trusted across the course of a whole campaign, despite his obvious qualities in front of goal.

The 30-year-old has netted 36 goals in 78 matches for the club, scoring important goals against Braga in the Europa League last season and Aberdeen in the League Cup Semi-final in January, yet he has missed more games than he has played.

The forward has missed 84 matches through injury since arriving in Glasgow in 2020, so it is evident Beale can't rely on him.

The Light Blues have shown interest in Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres according to Football Insider and he could be an ideal option to replace Roofe.

Could Rangers sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer?

In terms of selling arguably their most prized asset, much will depend on whether the Sky Blues are promoted to the Premier League via the playoffs over the coming weeks.

If they remain in the Championship, it could make a move much easier for Rangers, though the club have valued him at a staggering £20m and this may put the club's hierarchy off a potential move.

There is no doubting his talent, however, as the Swede has been in blistering form this term, where he has notched 21 goals in the second-tier whilst also providing ten assists. This ruthless nature could see him thrive at Ibrox next season if he made the move North.

His game isn’t all about scoring goals either, as evidenced by his 1.8 key passes per game. Gyokeres has also created nine big chances across 46 matches and this would suggest that he may actually be similar to Roofe in terms of all round ability.

Maxime Biamou – a teammate of his in the west Midlands – once dubbed the £4.5k-per-week machine as “unplayable” earlier this season and if he continues this rich vein of form, he will end up in the Premier League sooner rather than later.

Having scored three goals in just 13 appearances for Sweden, Gyokeres' experience at international level means he could settle into life in Glasgow with ease and although losing Morelos is a blow, it could pave the way for a new striker to make their own name at Rangers.

Newcastle United have both Romeo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse on their summer radar as potential options to bolster their midfield.

Who is on Newcastle's summer transfer radar?

The Toon are on the brink of securing what would feel like a huge stride forward in the club's progression under their new ownership.

Champions League football will have been on the list of targets for the Saudi Arabian-based consortium, however, doing it within the first 18 months of taking over may have been merely a dream.

But that is exactly what Eddie Howe's side look set to achieve over the coming weeks having secured a nine-point gap over fifth-placed Liverpool with just five games remaining.

The Magpies aren't quite able to celebrate yet, but with games against the likes of Leeds United and Leicester City on the horizon, it does feel like they will get themselves over the line.

And victory over Southampton on the weekend also provided Dan Ashworth and Howe an opportunity to view two potential summer targets in person.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel after the game, journalist Craig Hope claimed the Toon have identified Lavia and Ward-Prowse as potential options for the summer:

(9:15) "Now I will just mention two players because they were playing out there playing for Southampton: Romeo Lavia in midfield, the young midfielder who I thought was very good. Of course, dispossessed Bruno [Guimaraes] for that goal. He's someone that they like. I think they've liked him for a while now. And also James Ward-Prowse. Now I'm told, James Ward-Prowse is on the list, but probably very low down the list."

Who would be the better signing for Newcastle?

It is apparent the Toon are in need of further strength in depth after the January transfer window left the 45-year-old manager frustrated with his dwindling options.

If Newcastle are looking to add an attacking threat to their ranks, then Ward-Prowse will stand out between the pair as the more suitable option.

The Englishman has provided more than double (3.34) the shot-creating actions that Lavia has offered this season (1.66) as well as six more goals and two more assists (via Fbref).

However, defensively, Lavia has proved more of a dominant force in the Southampton side. Hailed an "absolute monster" by journalist Benjy Nurick, the 19-year-old has returned just under 2.5 tackles per 90 minutes this season.

The Belgian teenager – who has a £40m buy-back clause with Manchester City – has also racked up considerably more (80.1) progressive yards in carries per 90 minutes in comparison to Ward-Prowse (54.8).

Southampton's precarious position in the league could potentially see the Saints look to offload some of their valuable players with Lavia one of those in demand.

Indeed, it is reported the likes of Chelsea are also showing an interest in the 19-year-old with Manchester United credited with an interest in the £50m-rated Ward-Prowse.

Last summer, Glasgow Rangers sold Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo for £23m and £10m respectively, which were excellent pieces of business by the club, generating massive profits.

They followed on from the sale of Nathan Patterson to Everton for a fee believed to be around £16m, proving that the Ibrox side had begun a model which could rake in millions in order to boost their finances going forward.

Before the young right-back moved south in January 2022, the last person Rangers sold for more than £5m was Alan Hutton way back in January 2008.

The former Ibrox full-back held the record for the highest sale of a Scottish player from the club until Patterson left, and it was evident that the late, great Walter Smith struck gold on the defender during his second spell in charge.

How much did Rangers sell Alan Hutton for?

Halfway through the 2007/08 campaign, with Rangers still in four competitions, Smith was looking to strengthen rather than sell, however, when an offer of £9m came in from Tottenham Hotspur to prise Hutton away from the Light Blues, it proved too good to turn down.

Ally McCoist, who was the assistant manager at the time, praised Hutton just a month before he departed, with interest swirling around the player.

He said: “I’d like him to stay here for a long time and win things with Rangers.

“I have no doubt Alan is destined for great things but I believe those great things can be with Rangers. We don’t want to lose players of his quality.”

The Scot had emerged through the club's academy to make his first team debut during the 2002/03 season; however, it wasn’t until the following term that he was given an extended run in the first team under Alex McLeish.

Just as he was getting into his stride, he suffered a broken leg and missed the title run-in during 2004/05, although he bounced back well to eventually become the first-choice right-back under Smith.

Despite winning the League Cup just a month after joining Spurs, he would make only 66 appearances for the club before joining Aston Villa, where he enjoyed the most productive spell of his career, making over 200 appearances for the Midlands side.

Selling Hutton in 2008 proved to be a stroke of genius by Smith, especially as the club secured a massive profit on him, and although he was solid down in England, the right-back couldn’t quite replicate his performances for Rangers.

Insider Simon Phillips has claimed that Chelsea could decide to part ways with interim boss Frank Lampard hire a permanent manager this week instead.

What's the latest on Frank Lampard and Chelsea?

It feels as though everything in the Blues' dismal season so far has been leading up to this big night at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

Indeed, despite having lost the first leg 2-0 in Spain, Chelsea are still in with hope as they look to claw back that deficit in front of their own fans at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Lampard has lost all three of his games in charge so far but if he can lead the Blues to a memorable European win against Madrid, all will be forgotten.

However, that certainly is a big if. And so, it seems as though Todd Boehly and co may be prepared to already move on from the 44-year-old.

While writing for GiveMeSport, Phillips claimed that he wouldn't be shocked if Lampard was gone by the end of the week.

He said: "Lampard is expected to still be in charge until the end of the season, but at the same time it would not surprise me if Chelsea look to pull the plug at any moment if they make a decision on their new manager this week.

"Everything is being accelerated now for the new manager search and plans being made, and at the very least, a pre-contract agreement could soon be made for a new manager to come in this summer."

Who could be Chelsea's next manager?

It certainly seems as though the Blues are intensifying their pursuit of a permanent manager. Indeed, in the same article, Phillips noted that Julian Nagelsmann will be spoken to in London this week, while Luis Enrique is expected to have the same treatment soon enough as well.

The club's Premier League campaign looks destined to finish in mid-table obscurity, so if Chelsea can't win against Real Madrid, you can consider their season as good as over.

With that being the case, it could be wise to let Lampard go and try and bring in a new face as soon as possible. This would allow either a Nagelsmann or a Luis Enrique seven league games to get acquainted with the squad, without having too much immediate pressure to get things right.

Taking it all into account, if things go poorly at Stamford Bridge tonight, Lampard's second spell with the club as a coach could end even sooner than expected.

Tottenham Hotspur's number one manager target should not be Burnley boss Vincent Kompany, journalist Dean Jones has recently told GiveMeSport.

What's the latest on Vincent Kompany to Tottenham?

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has recently clarified that Kompany will be a target for Tottenham this summer, saying:

"But on Vincent Kompany I already told you a few days ago and I'm still saying here that, from what I understand, he is one of the names considered by Tottenham for the future head coach for the long term project."

Spurs may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the Belgian, as it has now emerged he is "ready to listen" to offers from the club, with chairman Daniel Levy said to be "blown away" by what he's seen in his first full season at Turf Moor (The Sun).

However, in a recent interview with GiveMeSport, Jones did not appear to be as convinced by the Burnley boss as Levy, indicating there are other names on the shortlist who would do a better job.

The journalist said: “I think it's logical that his name comes into the conversation given the way he has made a mark as a coach so far, and one good contact told me there is something in Spurs' interest. But as a number one target, I am slightly sceptical. He hasn't managed in the Premier League and he is currently employed. I can't see why he would be ahead of other targets that have a stronger CV."

Should Tottenham appoint Vincent Kompany?

The former Manchester City captain has done a fantastic job in his first season with Burnley, leading them to promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and they are almost guaranteed to win the Championship title.

That said, Jones is right to point out that the 37-year-old has never managed in the top flight, which would make his appointment a risk when you consider the other options available, such as Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge of 353 games during spells with Spurs and Southampton.

Hailed as having "elite playing ideas" by sections of the media, Kompany is showing a lot of promise, and he could go on to be a top manager, however it is probably too soon for him to be offered a job at a 'big six' club, and Levy should focus on targets with proven experience managing at the top level.

Arsenal 'will spend over £100 million' in a serious statement of backing to manager Mikel Arteta, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners, led by transfer chief and sporting director Edu, are reportedly identifying transfer targets ahead of what will be an interesting summer window. Indeed, while Arteta focuses his efforts on beating Manchester City to the Premier League title, Arsenal officials must work to strengthen his options in the background.

It has been reported in the last week that the north Londoners have their eyes on the likes of Youri Tielemans, with talks apparently held, as well as the likes of Declan Rice. Indeed, central midfield appears set to be a priority despite the signing of Jorginho in January.

Alongside Rice, it is believed that Arsenal are targeting Barcelona forward Raphinha and even Brighton star Moises Caicedo. In terms of forwards, bright South American youth prospect Vitor Roque is a player attracting real interest from north London.

It's clear that Arsenal are set to be ambitious in their attempts to maintain their status as one of England's elite sides, with reporter Jones now sharing what he knows to GiveMeSport.

The journalist claims Arsenal are 'ready to spend over £100 million this summer', but how far they stretch themselves will depend on Rice. Indeed, Edu and co apparently believe they could seal his signing for £70m, though West Ham are far more likely to open the bidding at £90m.

As per Jones, sharing more news on where Arsenal's money could be going, the title-chasers will apparently also look to sign 'a full-back, a young and emerging central midfielder, and an exciting wide forward.'

Who should Arsenal prioritise?

£100m is a fairly large transfer kitty but we believe the majority of it should be going on Rice.

The 24-year-old, who has been pivotal for West Ham over the last few seasons, would add real steel to Arteta's midfield.

Making more interceptions per 90 than any Hammers player this season, Rice has also been called 'sensational' by members of the media and regularly shines at international level.

The midfield star's form at last year's World Cup in Qatar is a real indicator, having played every game of the tournament under Gareth Southgate whilst, again, making more interceptions per 90 than any other player in their squad (WhoScored).

Rice also averaged England's joint-highest rate of blocks per 90 alongside Harry Maguire and John Stones – highlighting why Arsenal believe he could inject a sense of real solidarity (WhoScored).