All posts by h716a5.icu

AB de Villiers broke records and Pakistani spirits as South Africa took control on the second day at the Sheikh Abu Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi

The Bulletin by Osman Samiuddin21-Nov-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
AB de Villiers was at ease during his double-ton•Associated PressAB de Villiers broke records and Pakistani spirits as South Africa took control on the second day at the Sheikh Abu Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. de Villiers compiled a monumental unvanquished 278, the highest individual score by a South African to help his side declare on 584 for 9. Pakistani resistance was by turns futile and worthwhile; debutante Tanvir Ahmed bagged a six-for by the close and an important unbroken 57-run stand between Azhar Ali and Taufeeq Umar allowed them to return to fight another day.The story and direction of the Test so far was set by de Villiers. Initially his was a muted, inevitable progression; a continuation of the stealthy way in which he went along on the first day. At no point did he choose to cut loose and it was really a matter of choice, for at no point in the day did he look insecure.A verbal dance with a luckless Umar Gul on the virtues or otherwise of walking – Pakistan thought de Villiers was out twice yesterday – was his highlight of the morning’s first hour. He did break out 80 minutes in to the morning in one over against a tiring Ahmed, a delicious drive sandwiched by a pull and punch through midwicket; the last brought up 150.The damage to Pakistan didn’t seem apparent at first: 74 runs and two wickets in the morning, in fact, was even-stevens. But as the day wore on, de Villiers killed Pakistan gradually, orchestrating a succession of useful lower-order stands. He put on 73 with Mark Boucher, 42 with Johan Botha and, irritatingly for Pakistan, 59 with Dale Steyn.Through them all were regular reminders of the simplicity of de Villiers’ strokeplay, such as an easy glide through gully of Mohammad Sami. To bring up the double as tea approached, he first pulled Gul in front of square before guiding him through gully for another boundary.Steyn’s post-lunch cameo was where the fun really began. There were flick-pulls, drives hit as hard as concrete as well as a magnificent dance-down six over long-on. Paul Harris added a handy 35 but a grand humiliation was served up in an unbeaten 107-run partnership unbeaten with Morne Morkel. The stand broke the South African 10th wicket partnership record that had stood since 1929, when Tuppy Owen-Smith and Sandy Bell put on 103 at Headingley against England.A flurry of boundaries as matters came to an end amply demonstrated de Villiers’ complete and total superiority, as well as that of his side’s. In the second session he scored an even 100. Two overs after tea, as he deftly took a single to midwicket, Graeme Smith stood tallest and loudest in the dressing room applauding as de Villiers went past his captain as holder of the highest individual Test score for South Africa.By then Pakistan were dead men walking. de Villiers had drained them thoroughly and every tailend boundary was simply another prick on a numbed spirit. They had actually begun well, with Gul and Ahmed particularly tight. The latter struck first, a sharp, late inswinger surprising Boucher. The Flintoff-esque celebration was impressive and understandable. Another wicket later ensured the second-best figures on debut for a Pakistani, though by then the fizz had gone.Even Sami bowled an outstanding spell pre-lunch, full of whizzing outswingers. One such caught the edge but two truths of Sami’s career remained unchallenged: one, he has no luck and two, catching is not an Akmal family strength.All things considered they didn’t end badly either. Mohammad Hafeez went in the very first over, but Umar and Ali were firm in a session in which they probably weren’t tested as they should’ve been. The latter looked particularly good, defending and driving with equal assurance. The proper ascent up the mountain will begin tomorrow.

Crystal Palace are reportedly keen to sign Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen this summer, as the Eagles look to push on after a successful first season under Patrick Vieira.

What’s the talk?

According to TEAMtalk, the south London side are interested in luring the Dane away from west London this summer, after the attacking midfielder joined the Bees in January on a six-month contract.

There was a risk in signing the 30-year-old who hadn’t played since suffering a cardiac arrest last June whilst in action for Denmark at the EURO 2020.

However, the former Tottenham Hotspur star has settled back into the Premier League excellently and is a target for an array of clubs, including Palace.

Palace must sign Eriksen

Crystal Palace will be hopeful that their midfield will once again include Conor Gallagher next season, with the Englishman highly impressing at Selhurst Park on loan from Chelsea this term, however, the Eagles are yet to make any sort of breakthrough in extending the 22-year-old’s stay in SE25.

Therefore, if Gallagher isn’t to stay with the Eagles, signing Eriksen would ensure Vieira’s midfield doesn’t suffer. Having said that, the attacking threat of both Eriksen and Gallagher in the same midfield would be a mouthwatering concept for Palace supporters.

Despite fears that the 30-year-old wouldn’t be able to play football again, the Denmark international has returned to action with no signs of wear and tear, having been labelled “unbelievable” by his manager and fellow countryman, Thomas Frank.

The midfielder has scored and assisted once in five league appearances for Brentford, having left Inter Milan in the summer, as well as netting twice last month upon his return to the Denmark national team.

Having earned 111 caps for Denmark as well as making 533 senior appearances at club level, the 30-year-old possesses remarkable experience that the Eagles could certainly do with, despite aiming to lower the average age of their squad.

Moreover, the Dane has scored 148 goals in that period, highlighting the quality he could provide.

It would certainly be a statement signing for Palace who have impressed under Vieira in the Frenchman’s first season as a Premier League manager.

The South London outfit are currently 10th in the Premier League whilst also set to face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Securing a top-half finish and potentially winning the FA Cup would be a marvellous success for the Eagles. Moreover, it would certainly attract higher quality talents in the summer, such as Eriksen.

AND in other news: Vieira must finally unleash £37k-p/w Palace “baller”, his “magic” could stun Chelsea

This has been quite the end to the January transfer window for Everton but they might not be done in the market just yet.

What’s the word?

Frank Lampard was announced as the Toffees’ new manager on deadline day with the former Chelsea boss getting to work straight away on incomings.

Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek are set to pen terms at Goodison Park but they might not be done yet.

That’s according to reliable reporter Alan Myers who said this evening after being questioned whether Everton were done yet: “Don’t think so.”

Exciting news

Wow; what an end to the window this has been for Everton.

The fans came into the last week full of rage and understandably so with the club stuck in choppy waters.

They have won just once in their last 14 Premier League matches and after a car crash interview from Vitor Pereira on Sky Sports, supporters started protesting outside Goodison Park.

Yet, the fanbase are now a lot more cheerful, landing Lampard as their new head coach and welcoming two wonderfully gifted players to the squad in Dele and van de Beek.

Thus, to hear that more incomings could arrive before the deadline closes at 11pm is not only teasing but incredibly exciting.

It remains to be seen who these mystery names might be but it’s clear that Farhad Moshiri and co are doing all they can to make the Toffees a better outfit.

Signings are clearly needed too. This is a sinking ship and it’s incredibly evident from their current form that the club needs more than just a new manager; they need fresh faces and quality ones at that.

AND in other news, “Sources telling us”: Sky drop exciting EFC update live on air, major coup now inbound

New Wolves signing Chiquinho has been brought in as an immediate first-team option for Bruno Lage, according to reliable journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Wolves sign Chiquinho

Wolves completed the signing of the 21-year-old on Monday, with the winger signing a deal at Molineux until 2026.

Big things are expected of the former Estoril player, having scored six goals and registered eight assists at senior level during his time in his native Portugal.

It is unsure how Chiquinho will be used by Lage between now and the end of the season, but Spiers has provided his thoughts on the matter.

The Latest: Spiers makes Chiquinho claim

Responding to a question on Twitter on Monday night, the journalist claimed that Chiquinho will be a first-team player from the off at Wolves, although the situation surrounding other attackers at Molineux could alter the 21-year-old’s place in the hierarchy.

Spiers stated: “Hi Kelvin. First team for now and they’ll assess depending on Traore situation, also Hwang/Neto fitness in next couple of weeks etc.”

The Verdict: Exciting to see him perform

Chiquinho may not be a world-renowned player yet but it is always exciting to see Wolves signing young talent, suggesting that Lage is building for both the present and the future.

Indeed, Molineux’ technical director Scott Sellars told the club’s official website: “Chiquinho is a young, exciting and talented player who has been performing very well in the Portuguese leagues during the past few seasons, and if he keeps progressing the way he has done, we believe he can develop into an excellent signing.”

At 21, the Portuguese winger remains raw, so some inconsistency should be expected, but he looks a tailor-made player to potentially replace Traore should the 25-year-old move on in the January transfer window amid strong speculation over a possible exit.

Chiquinho has averaged 1.3 dribbles and won 2.3 fouls per game in the Primeira Liga this season, showing that he is a tricky attacker who could provide Lage with a very capable option in the final third. Traore’s average fouls won per game is just 1.4, suggesting than Wolves’ new signing could be even more awkward to handle than the incredibly pacy Spain international.

Now how’s that for an exciting prospect!

In other news, Wolves are thought to be ‘very interested’ in signing one player. Find out who it is here.

A 98-run stand between Claire and Sarah Taylor and three wickets for Katherine Brunt in front of her home crowd sealed England the series against New Zealand

Cricinfo staff17-Jul-2010
ScorecardA 98-run stand between Claire and Sarah Taylor and three wickets for Katherine Brunt in front of her home crowd sealed England the series against New Zealand as they eased to a nine-wicket win in the 4th ODI at Barnsley.England came out on top in a more free-scoring encounter in the their last match to go 2-1 up in the five-match series but runs were harder to come by on this occasion. On a difficult track the home side cautiously chipped away at the modest total set by New Zealand, taking 46.1 overs to chase down 136.The tone was set by Sarah Taylor and Heather Knight, as they saw off the new-ball shine in a patient 41-run stand before Knight was bowled by Sophie Devine’s medium pace in the 18th over. It proved New Zealand’s last success in a forgettable day.Claire Taylor began slowly before regaining her old confidence to hit six boundaries and a six on her way to an unbeaten half-century. It was her second fifty of the series and is a good sign for England after she struggled for form earlier in the season. At the other end Sarah Taylor was happy to accumulate at her own pace, hitting just four fours and taking 130 deliveries to reach an undefeated 49.It meant England coasted to their target with 23 balls to spare. The hard work was done, however, in the first half of the game by England. Brunt enjoyed the familiar surroundings and burst through New Zealand’s top order, removing Lucy Doolan and the dangerous Suzie Bates.Isa Guha provided excellent support, dismissing Sara McGlashan and bowling four maidens in a miserly spell of 1 for 11 from her 10 overs. Having watched the opening pair do the damage, Jenny Gunn chipped in with two wickets as New Zealand crumbled to 78 for 6.Once again it was captain Aimee Watkins who provided the bulk of the resistance. She made 42 from 82 deliveries to carry the total over 100 but it was never going to be enough.”I never thought we would play here, it has been a dream come true for me,” Brunt said. “The conditions haven’t suited me in recent matches, but today it was a nice little seaming wicket. It meant the world to me to pick up a few wickets in front of my family.”

Steve O’Keefe, a New South Wales slow-bowling allrounder, had a match-winning impact for an Australian side over the past week

Peter English24-Jun-2010A New South Wales slow-bowling allrounder had a match-winning impact for an Australian side over the past week. But he wasn’t Steven Smith and the star knows he was fortunate to be playing. If Jon Holland and Jason Krejza had avoided off-season surgery and Smith hadn’t been with the limited-overs squad in England, Steve O’Keefe would have been on holiday.Instead O’Keefe, a left-arm spinner, was at Allan Border Field tormenting Sri Lanka A by following his 61 on a tacky pitch with 7 for 35 and another 47. It was the sort of comprehensive contribution allrounders dream of and his came for Australia A in only his seventh first-class game.O’Keefe, 25, played down his achievements, being satisfied to succeed in both disciplines at a more senior level, and is aiming to chip in again in the second four-day match of the series in Townsville from Friday. “With everyone fit, I probably wasn’t going to be the next spinner in this, but given the opportunity I’m stoked and hope to keep contributing,” he told Cricinfo.Despite his destructive performance with the ball, O’Keefe was slightly more satisfied with his vital half-century in the opening innings. A No. 8 with aspirations of shifting up the order, he put on 105 with Ben Hilfenhaus to lift the hosts to what turned into an impressive total of 208.”It’s always good to get five-for, but I did enjoy the 60,” he said. “The partnership with Ben was pretty important, we were 7 for 100 and could have easily folded, but we fought and dug in. I was probably more happy with the 60 that got the team into a reasonable position and gave us something to bowl at.”Australia, who won the opening game by 107 runs, remain cautious of Sri Lanka and will be particularly careful with the offspinner Sachithra Senanayake, who took 11 wickets in game one, and the fast bowler Dammika Prasad. “They are a very talented group,” O’Keefe said. “There’s enough there for us to watch out and be wary of.”A Twenty20 and three one-day games follow the final first-class fixture of the series and the inclusion of Josh Hazlewood and Usman Khawaja in Australia’s squads in England has forced some changes. Luke Feldman, the Queensland fast bowler, and Michael Klinger, the new South Australia captain, have been added to the limited-overs outfit.O’Keefe will not be part of those games – Xavier Doherty has been named as the specialist spinner – and life back in New South Wales will contain more jostling for selection. He played five Sheffield Shield games last season, taking 15 wickets at 30.93, but there are seven spinners in the Blues squad, ranging from Nathan Hauritz and Smith to the rookies Luke Doran and Adam Zampa.”From my point of view I can’t really rest, knowing those guys are around,” he said. “A couple have played Test cricket, one will, there are some young guys, who knows how good they could be?”With so much fresh talent in the New South Wales squad, 25 is the new 35. “I’m one of the older ones now, it’s a bit bizarre,” he said. “I’ve gone from feeling pretty young in the squad to one of the older ones. So I don’t take an opportunity for granted, I realise I have to make every post a winner.”

Four wickets for Adil Rashid, bowling with a self-assurance that can only encourage both Yorkshire and England, helped the Championship leaders reach a position from which they might take a clear lead at the top of the First Division

Jon Culley at Headingley06-Jul-2010
ScorecardFour wickets for Adil Rashid, bowling with a self-assurance that can only encourage both Yorkshire and England, helped the Championship leaders reach a position from which they might take a clear lead at the top of the First Division.Warwickshire’s position at the close – delayed until almost seven o’clock after a 30-minute stoppage for rain – leaves them needing 55 more to avoid the follow-on, although they at least had the consolation of a batting bonus point – only their second in six matches in an increasingly grim season.That was made possible for the most part by their first opening partnership in three figures for more than a year as Ian Westwood and Darren Maddy put on 102.Rashid’s current status is difficult to assess. Largely a passenger on England’s winter tour of South Africa, he has not played any international cricket since he bowled three overs in the second one-day international at Centurion Park on November 22nd. He was overlooked for the World Twenty20 and both series, home and away, against Bangladesh.But while some may judge that to be insensitive treatment by the selectors, it may actually be just what he needs. Armed with some knowledge, at least, of the standards he must attain to be successful at the top level, a period giving his undivided attention to county cricket should make him a better bowler. If a snub by design is taking place, the selectors may yet congratulate themselves on their wisdom.Yorkshire will not mind if he does not get a look-in for the rest of the season. He is their leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket with 37 successes and has been their most effective weapon in Twenty20 thus far for good measure. What’s more, he looks as though he is enjoying every minute, particularly with the support of a captain, in Andrew Gale, who encourages self-expression.Rashid was Yorkshire’s trump card in the evening session. In the morning, it was wicketkeeper Gerard Brophy’s turn to enjoy an overdue moment in the sun. Under pressure from Jonathan Bairstow for the gloves, he did his cause no harm by completing his seventh first-class century – his second for Yorkshire – off 168 balls with 15 fours.Unfortunately, though, he did not extend it by much, giving his wicket away somewhat with a loose stroke as Warwickshire mounted a fightback that, for two sessions, went well.After Rashid had been leg before to Neil Carter off the second ball of the day, Brophy aimed to cut Rikki Clarke but steered the ball straight to point. Azeem Rafiq was then taken at gully off Clarke before a fine throw by Steffan Piolet – a direct hit from short third man – ran out Steve Patterson at the non-striker’s end.A brave effort from Rich Pyrah, suffering a bout of sickness and clearly under the weather, gained Yorkshire a fourth batting point. He finished unbeaten on 45, despite being stopped in his tracks several times by an irresistible urge to retch. Tino Best showed rather less resolve. He was caught at gully fending off a short ball from Boyd Rankin, and with Oliver Hannon-Dalby caught at short leg soon after lunch, Warwickshire could claim to have dominated the day to that point, having claimed six Yorkshire wickets for 100.They were still on top at tea. Captain Westwood, with Maddy in the supporting role, led a partnership that took them past 100 without the loss of a wicket for the first time since June 2008. Most of this season’s efforts have been broken in single figures.Missing Ian Ball and Jonathan Trott, Warwickshire’s form with the bat had been woeful coming into this match. Topping 150 has often proved beyond them, which explains why relegation looks a strong possibility. Westwood’s 95-ball 66, therefore, represented rare riches.But after both he and Maddy fell leg before in consecutive overs, the innings began to lose its way. Westwood was a first victim for Rashid, playing back to a delivery that shot through with a low trajectory, as Warwickshire found themselves 104-2. They should have been 111-3 at tea but Ant Botha was missed by Anthony McGrath at slip on six off Rashid with the last ball of the afternoon session.That reprieve allowed Botha and Jim Troughton to build a recovery of sorts but three wickets in the space of 10 balls shifted the balance back in Yorkshire’s favour as the visitors slipped from 148 for 2 to 153 for 5.Rashid, looking confident and making the ball turn and bounce, claimed his second success when Troughton popped the ball obligingly to Adam Lyth at forward short leg and dismissed Botha in much the same fashion. In between, 18-year-old Atiq Javid was leg before to an arrow-straight delivery from Steve Patterson.Tim Ambrose, who had been short of his best with the gloves, would have been out without scoring had an edge off Patterson not flashed past a motionless Jacques Rudolph at slip, after which the former England wicketkeeper had another piece of luck on 17 when he squirted a ball from Rashid onto his stumps without dislodging the bails.After the rain, Warwickshire lost two more wickets. A straight and fast ball from Best left Ambrose looking helpless, then Rashid had Piolet leg before, although the first impression, which the batsman seemed to share, was that he had put bat on ball first, although fourth-floor level at third man is possibly not the best place from which to make an accurate judgment.Warwickshire will want Clarke and Carter to dig in on day three and lose some more time rain. But even that might not be enough.

A number of Liverpool supporters are fuming after Jurgen Klopp confirmed that three more positive virus tests have emerged within his squad.

The Reds return to Premier League action on Sunday, making the trip to Chelsea for a vital meeting at Stamford Bridge.

Dropped points from both teams in midweek, coupled with Manchester City’s relentless form, means that defeat for either side this weekend could effectively end their title hopes.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

Liverpool are without Thiago for the match, as well as a number of other injured players, but Klopp has also confirmed [via the club’s official Twitter channel] that three unnamed squad members have tested positive for the global virus, ruling them out of the action too.

It is a big blow for the Reds, who may now have the field a much-weakened starting lineup in west London.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-15/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans unhappy at squad update

These Liverpool fans reacted with despair to the update on Twitter.

“Null and Void the league, only fair option”

Credit: @EamonRushe2

“We’re gonna have a repeat of the start of last year”

Credit: @nathanxjohnston

“Our season is over”

Credit: @NoSwearingHere7

“Well that’s probably Salah, Jota & Trent with our luck”

Credit: @__nxlo

“Yh we’re screwed”

Credit: @AbuMiah_

“Ohhhhh man”

Credit: @elishairdina

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming at a fresh injury update. Read more here.

Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves could still potentially join Manchester United in the January transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Neves linked with United move

The 24-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season for Wanderers, appearing in 18 Premier League matches and excelling in Monday’s famous 1-0 win away to United – Neves registered three shots, seven long balls and an 81 per cent pass success rate, bossing the match in the middle of the park (Whoscored).

He has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, however, with Ralf Rangnick seemingly eyeing a dynamic midfielder who can improve matters in the middle of the park – Wolves aren’t the first side to make the current crop look ordinary.

While some reports have suggested the Red Devils do not intend to make new additions until the summer, a new update may leave Wolves fans slightly concerned.

The Latest: Journalist makes fresh claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke didn’t rule out the transfer happening this month, even though he also confirmed it will likely be a quiet January in Manchester:

“United are still interested in signing him. There are no concrete plans to make additions at United this month, but they are in open dialogue in case he could be brought in to boost their season.”

The Verdict: Hugely unlikely

The hope is that Neves is a Wolves player for many years to come, although Wanderers supporters have to be level-headed about him eventually joining a top club playing consistently in the Champions League.

That being said, it would be a big surprise if the Portugal international wanted to join United as early as January, especially with the Red Devils clearly struggling at the moment, as highlighted by Wolves’ aforementioned triumph earlier this week.

It appears to be an unhappy environment under Rangnick, whereas Bruno Lage is excelling at Molineux and Neves is on top form, hopefully inspiring them to a European finish in May – does he really have a better chance of that at Old Trafford right now?

In other news, some Wolves fans are raging over one piece of transfer news. Read more here.

Plays of the Day for the tenth match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals

S Aga18-Mar-2010Out, four and out
Abhishek Jhunjhunwala had made just one when he clearlyfeathered one behind off Jacques Kallis. The Royal Challengers Bangalore werestunned when umpire Hariharan shook his head, and Kallis’ mood worsenedwhen Jhunjhunwala then scythed one over slip for four. The next delivery,however, was chopped back on. This time, no umpire was needed.Bounce, baby, bounce
Dale Steyn set the tone, Kallis followed suit, andeven Vinay Kumar joined in, clattering Yusuf Pathan’s helmet with a shortball. Against the short-pitched barrage, he ducked and bobbed and madehalf-hearted attempts to steer over slip. But when Vinay deviated from theplan and bowled a length delivery, Yusuf was ready. It went into thestands behind long-on. The next ball, short and slow, was propelled in thesame direction.Direct delivery
It wasn’t the short ball that got Yusuf though. Instead,Virat Kohli swooped from short cover and threw the stumps down at thekeeper’s end with Yusuf just short. The ball from Kumble was later shownto be a no-ball. Would they have attempted such a risky single if it hadbeen called?Thrice as nice
Praveen Kumar ended Damien Martyn’s misery, and that ofthousands who worship at the altar of stylish batting, with a ball thatcrashed into the base of the stumps. And when Sumit Narwal was thenbrilliantly caught by Manish Pandey running in from fine leg, the stadiumwas abuzz with the possibility of a hat-trick. Praveen steadied himselfand with the crowd baying in the background, breached Paras Dogra’sdefence. Cue mayhem, and the sort of Nou-Camp atmosphere that greetedLionel Messi’s goals on Wednesday night.Do I know you?
Kallis and Morne Morkel may be team-mates in the nationalside, but seniority asserted itself when the run chase began. Three sweetclips through the on side raised Morkel’s hackles, and when he summoned upa brute of a bouncer, fortune was on Kallis’ side, with an odd-lookingstroke flying off the edge and over the slips for four more. With 32 onthe board after two overs, the game was as good as over.Warnie, Warnie
The stadium announcer did his best to drum up support forShane Warne when he came on to bowl, but the crowd wasn’t having any ofit. Pandey treated him with some respect though, but when Warne slightlyerred in length, Pandey was quickly in position to mow one through midwicket. Anera has passed?