All posts by h716a5.icu

Brilliant nineties from captain Shoaib Malik and Yasir Hameed coupled with a five-for from Aizaz Cheema helped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) beat National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) to lift the 2008-09 Royal Bank of Scotland Cup

Cricinfo staff01-Apr-2009
Scorecard
PIA captain Shoaib Malik struck ten boundaries during his 81-ball 96•AFPBrilliant nineties from captain Shoaib Malik and Yasir Hameed coupled with a five-for from Aizaz Cheema helped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) beat National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) to lift the 2008-09 Royal Bank of Scotland Cup.Put in by NBP, PIA’s opening pair of Khurram Manzoor and Sarfraz Ahmed put on 29, before Mohammed Aamer struck, removing Manzoor for 10. Wicketkeeper Sarfraz continued aggressively and went on to link up with Hameed, adding 66 for the second wicket, before being caught behind by Kamran Akmal off Wahab Riaz. It was a quickfire innings from Sarfraz, who fell for 56, having stroked eight boundaries and two sixes during his 44-ball stay. Hameed though, continued patiently and struck up another fifty-partnership with Kamran Sajid.But it was the fourth-wicket stand with Malik which put PIA firmly in control. Confident strokeplay from both batsmen resulted in little joy for the NBP bowlers as the partnership inched towards hundred. Wahab however struck with the score on 219, dismissing Hameed short of his hundred. Hameed ended on 91 off 100 balls, hitting ten boundaries en route.Malik then upped the momentum as he tore into the bowling. He was unlucky not to reach his century, after he was caught by Riaz off Mohammad Talha for 96. Ten boundaries during his 81-ball innings however had ensured PIA had crossed 300.PIA started off well during NBP’s reply as Fazl-e-Akbar and Najaf Shah accounted for the openers quickly. Edgy at 65 for 3, it was up to Umar Amin and Fawad Alam to resurrect the innings. Alam played a rushed innings while Amin looked to play the holding role. Their fourth-wicket partnership yielded 132 runs and looked to have handed the advantage back to NBP. Fawad stroked seven fours during his 70-ball 74 before he was caught behind by Sarfraz off Tahir Khan. And Amin followed later, run out by Malik for 68, having hit an equal number of boundaries.NBP never recovered from the two wickets as Cheema cranked up the heat. Captain Akmal and semi-final hero Qaiser Abbas fell in quick succession as the tail surrendered without a fight. Having removed Wahab Riaz, Cheema fittingly picked up the last wicket of Uzair-ul-Haq to complete his five-wicket haul.

Football Insider pundit Noel Whelan has been giving his thoughts to a behind-the-scenes revelation at Celtic Park.  

The Lowdown: McKay’s exit

Dominic McKay left his position as CEO at Parkhead on Friday, just 72 days into his tenure.

The club cited personal reasons for his departure, whereas rumours elsewhere believe he may have jumped before he was pushed in regards to his Hoops role.

Ange Postecoglou admitted 24 hours on that he was as ‘surprised as anyone’ over McKay’s exit, with Michael Nicholson placed in interim charge.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Whelan was asked for his thoughts regarding Postecoglou’s comments on not knowing about McKay’s departure.

This is what he had to say to Football Insider, labelling it as ‘pretty shocking’.

“It doesn’t paint them in a good light.

“When you’re looking to rebuild a club from the foundations up, you want everyone to be as close as possible.

“You need that family environment and the feel-good factor around the club.

“Between the fans, the club, the board, the manager, everyone should be kept in the loop.

“So it shouldn’t have been a secret. There shouldn’t be any secrets at a football club.

“The manager needs to know the big decision that are being made, and that includes changes to the structure of the club.

“That one side is pretty shocking and something they need to be better at.”

The Verdict: Has a point

Whelan does make a good point when it comes to Postecoglou’s reveal on McKay’s exit.

From the outside looking in, it appears as if the gaffer hasn’t been kept in the loop in regards to any off-field developments, not exactly ideal for the man who the Hoops hierarchy will be demanding results from while embarking on a challenging rebuild.

However, hopefully, going forward, the communication between the Celtic board and Postecoglou will improve, and who knows, it could be wise to include the manager in discussions when it comes to appointing a new CEO.

In other news: ‘Brilliant’ free-agent Ange spoke about at Celtic still available after comments emerge. 

Dominic Cork warmed up nicely for battles ahead by taking four Worcestershire wickets in 11 balls on his Hampshire debut

David Lloyd at The Rose Bowl15-Apr-2009Hampshire 76 for 4 (Adams 33*, Balcombe 3*) trail Worcestershire 132 (Cork 4-10) by 56 runs
ScorecardDominic Cork claimed four wickets in 11 balls•Getty ImagesDominic Cork has vowed to make Lancashire suffer for shipping him out at the end of last season. Well, that opportunity still awaits but the 37-year-old former England allrounder warmed up nicely for battles ahead by taking four Worcestershire wickets in 11 balls on his Hampshire debut.Cork has never been short of confidence – and he certainly was not going to be put off by failing to take a wicket in his first four overs at the Rose Bowl after coming on as second change. Instead, he kept himself involved by taking a couple of catches, one in the gully and another at second slip, before bursting onto centre stage in typically dramatic fashion as the visitors were knocked over for 132.Worcestershire, back in the championship’s top flight after a season in Division Two, were going reasonably on 101 for 3 and were still capable of making a decent fist of it at 120 for 5 after opting to bat on a green-tinged pitch. But then up bobbed Cork.Making the ball swing, as he almost always has done, and nibble just a little off the seam, Cork won three lbw verdicts in the space of four deliveries – pinning Gareth Batty, Kabir Ali and Chris Whelan in front of their stumps. And it was almost three in three with Whelan surviving one shout after being rapped on the pad before succumbing next up.Cork’s fourth victim, Matt Mason, wafted optimistically outside off stump to be caught behind, and it was odds on a Cork five-fer. Moeen Ali probably thought so as well, swinging determinedly at James Tomlinson but failing to clear wide mid-off. Still, the man of the moment looked happy enough with 4 for 10 from eight overs, and why not.Hampshire’s glee did not last too long, mind you. Within three overs of their reply, and with pitch inspector Tony Pigott watching on, the hosts were 10 for 3. Kabir Ali, following Cork’s lead, had Michael Carberry and Michael Lumb caught behind either side of John Crawley snicking Mason to third slip.Whoops! Pigott appeared in the media centre to announce that he was perfectly happy with the pitch, saying it was a good one for the time of year and pointing out that swing had done most of the damage. And, just to support the view that batting was not impossible, Jimmy Adams and Sean Ervine added 63 – comfortably the biggest stand of the day – before Ervine chipped Whelan to mid-on shortly before the closeThe Rose Bowl is about to undergo a major redevelopment to make it ready for a Test match in 2011. Where cricket is concerned, though, some things never change – like no play before lunch despite pleasant sunshine and a drying breeze.In fairness, a lot of rain fell during the night and a delay of just over two hours was about as good as could be expected. And, although Hampshire’s bowlers had to be patient while the new ball was failing to bring success, two wickets in three overs from first-change David Balcombe meant that home supporters were not kept waiting too much longer for a bit of cheer.Worcestershire’s decision to bat looked bold, but Daryl Mitchell and Stephen Moore kept Chris Tremlett and James Tomlinson at bay without too many heart-in-mouth moments. In fact, the biggest scare for anyone early on came when Tremlett tried to make a diving stop on the fine leg boundary and tweaked an ankle after catching his studs in the lush turf.Given that Tremlett and ‘injury’ have been too closely associated for anyone’s comfort over the years, more than a few folk feared the worst. Happily, this one proved a false alarm and the big lad who has flirted with international cricket without ever managing to crack it was able to continue.It needed Balcombe, however, to start making in-roads with the wickets of Moore and Solanki. And Cork, of course was still to come.

Crystal Palace are reportedly lining up a move for Orlando City striker Daryle Dike as new manager Patrick Vieira wants to add further reinforcements to his forward line.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, Palace are keen on securing the highly-rated 21-year-old’s services but are put off by his £18 million asking price.

The report states that: “Boss Patrick Vieira is keen to bring in an extra forward, and his scouts have suggested the Orlando City hitman after his loan at Barnsley last season.

“With the Eagles backed by American cash, it would be a major plus to land Dike, 21 — a powerful prospect who could be one of his country’s top players for years to come.”

Patrick Vieira would love him

Dike’s impressive exploits in the MLS earned him a loan move to Championship outfit Barnsley halfway through last season, and the USA international made the transition to the second-tier of English football look easy.

The 6 foot 1 colossus bagged nine league goals in just 19 appearances, playing a pivotal part as the Yorkshire outfit reached the play-offs.

His eye-catching displays saw several impressed onlookers showing Dike in praise, including former Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey.

“(Dike) is a strong, powerful lad who knows where the back of the net is, who understands his strengths and ability and runs with it,” Heskey said to HITC. “When you’re talking about a powerful, powerful player, with the ability to hold the ball up as the lone striker, there will be so many clubs who need and want that.

And Dike has continued his good form upon his return to his homeland, notching up three strikes and one assist in nine outings for Oscar Pareja’s charges.

The youngster has cultivated a reputation for being a deadly finisher, both with his feet and head, in his short professional career, and although summer signing Odsonne Edouard has made a solid start to his Palace career, it’s clear the capital club could do with some extra firepower.

Despite Edouard’s well-taken brace against Tottenham Hotspur, the Eagles have failed to score in four of their opening six encounters this season in all competitions, meaning chairman Steve Parish must sanction a January move for Dike.

Vieira would surely love the added goal threat in his side, and he has the potential to take the Frenchman’s rebuilding job to the next level.

And, in other news…Signed for £8.1m, sold for £18m: Palace struck gold with 25y/o failure 

As Andrew Flintoff prepares for his latest trip to the operating table Kevin Pietersen, England’s other million-dollar IPL star, said that there is little boards can do to stop players joining the tournament despite the risk of injuries

Cricinfo staff25-Apr-2009As Andrew Flintoff prepares for his latest trip to the operating table Kevin Pietersen, England’s other million-dollar IPL star, admitted it was a massive blow for England, but said players can’t be stopped from joining the event.”It’s going to be very difficult for boards to pull players out of tournaments like this when you’re playing with the best players in the world,” Pietersen told the Guardian. “You can’t have one rule for some and another rule for others. But it’s a huge blow come the summer for England.”Flintoff flew home yesterday to have surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee which is set to keep him out of action for up to six weeks and means he misses the series against West Indies.There was months of negotiations between the ECB and Professional Cricketers’ Association before the players were finally released for the IPL, with the board eventually conceding to the demands to allow an extra week at the event despite England’s crammed schedule.Following an 11-week tour of the Caribbean, Pietersen and Flintoff – along with Paul Collingwood and Owais Shah who were also in West Indies for the duration – had a week at home before heading to South Africa. Those who don’t get injured are due to return next week, shortly before the first Test against West Indies which is the beginning of a hectic summer.Flintoff had an injury-interrupted tour of West Indies when he returned to England for two weeks to recover from a hip problem before returning for the one-day series. His latest problem is not as serious as some of his previous ailments, but means there will be some major changes to England’s early-summer planning.Dr Derek Bickerstaff, the renowned knee surgeon who operated on Michael Vaughan, told Cricinfo that although the operation is a fairly simple procedure the recovery needs to be carefully managed. “There are different levels of this sort of injury,” he said. “But the recovery period should also be pretty rapid. There will probably be a week of rest followed by two weeks on the bike in the gym and by four weeks he should be training again and be ready to play after about six if everything goes well.”There is a small risk that the operation could leave the knee susceptible to further problems because some of the shock-absorbing tissue has been removed, but it’s unlikely to be a factor in the life-time of a fast bowler like Andrew Flintoff although he may suffer later in life. It shouldn’t prevent him returning to action effectively.”

Celtic have had a bad time of it over the last week with Ange Postecoglou’s positive vibes and infectious attitude waning.

The Hoops tasted defeat in their first European group stage match of the season and then lost to Livingston as Celtic capped off their worst start to a campaign in 23 years.

On the chalkboard

What has confounded the club’s misery over the two weeks are some pretty meaty injury blows.

Kyogo Furuhashi has been ruled out for around a month while Callum McGregor has missed the recent defeats with a minor knock.

The Bhoys have also suffered a blow in defence where Greg Taylor will now miss an extended period of time.

He sustained a shoulder problem and after undergoing successful surgery on the issue, will now miss around 12 matches.

This is a serious problem for Postecoglou because the left-back position is already one where he lacks options, so much so that Boli Bolingoli was forced to come in from the wilderness last Sunday.

The solution

What Taylor’s injury does provide is a huge opportunity for Adam Montgomery to become the club’s first-choice left-back.

He missed out on the starting XI against Livi last weekend with Bolingoli featuring ahead of him in defence.

Sadly, however, the Belgian defender was hardly a pillar of solidity and reliability. During that game, he conceded possession 18 times, made three fouls and was dribbled past twice.

As a consequence, Celtic would be a lot better off if they just unleashed Montgomery instead.

He might be young at the age of 19 and thus, lacking experience, but now feels like the ideal time to blood him.

After all, once Celtic gave a young star like Kieran Tierney the platform to prove his quality, he quickly became a £25m player.

Speaking about the teenager, Mark Guidi issued the perfect assessment of his situation on Go Radio: “I really like the look of Montgomery. Yes, he’ll be raw. Yes, he will make mistakes but he really looks the part.

“So, I would put the new back four together, including Montgomery, and go with it. Give it a chance, give it a chance to go.

“Montgomery is the closest thing to Kieran Tierney Celtic have had.

Although his impact was minimal against Betis – winning just 50% duels – he has very rarely put a foot wrong in what has been a breakthrough season for the youngster.

If he is unleashed then it could be the start of a vibrant left side for Celtic. Having recently signed Jota, he’s experienced a wonderful start to this career at Parkhead.

He’s not scored for the club yet but has been a livewire on the flanks, assisting Albian Ajeti’s goal in Seville and causing all sorts of danger down the flanks.

With Montgomery’s future as a defender, he must be given a chance now to see whether he’s capable of delivering consistently in a back four.

AND in other news, Celtic may discover their new Ralston in rarely-seen 21 y/o with “excellent pedigree”…

South Africa have included their vice-captain Johan Botha in their 15-man squad for the World Twenty20 beginning on June 5 in England despite the left-arm spinner being reported for a suspect action

Cricinfo staff04-May-2009South Africa have included their vice-captain Johan Botha in their 15-man squad for the World Twenty20 beginning on June 5 in England and are confident he will be eligible to play after the offspinner was reported for a suspect action.Botha was reported for a suspected illegal bowling action by match officials after the fourth ODI against Australia in Port Elizabeth in April. He will undergo a bio-mechanical assessment of his action, but is eligible to play international cricket at the discretion of Cricket South Africa (CSA) while the test results are pending.”He hasn’t been cleared yet but we are confident and positive that he will be,” Gerald Majola, chief executive of CSA, told Cricinfo. “Of course, if he is not cleared, we will have to ask for a replacement.”Bruce Elliott, a professor with the University of Western Australia, had tested Botha last Thursday as per the revised ICC procedure. “We don’t have the results yet, but we hope to have some numbers by the end of the week.” Elliott told Cricinfo.There were no new faces in the squad which comprised players who enjoyed success against Australia over the summer. Yusuf Abdulla, who made his Twenty 20 debut against Australia in Centurion, was rewarded for his outstanding performances in the domestic tournament and for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL with a call-up. Abdulla is currently the IPL’s highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in seven matches.”Our cricket is entering an exciting period,” Mike Procter, South Africa’s chief selector said. “We are top of the ODI rankings but have never won a major trophy and this presents the opportunity to do so in a limited-overs format.”The players are all in good form and it is particularly pleasing to have so many quality all-rounders at our disposal. As always there are a couple of unlucky players and that emphasises the excellent competition we have for places. Form in the Standard Bank Pro20 domestic competition was a key factor in our selection process and it was encouraging to note how high the standard of our domestic cricket is at the moment.”South Africa coach Mickey Arthur was “delighted” with the squad. “It is a team with plenty of options – great depth to the batting and plenty of bowling options. It is also an outstanding fielding unit.”Squad: Graeme Smith (capt), Johan Botha (vice-capt), Yusuf Abdulla, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Roelof van der Merwe.

Brian Edrich, one of the famous clan from Norfolk who were numerous and good enough to be able to field their own XI, has died

Martin Williamson03-Jun-2009Brian Edrich, one of the famous clan from Norfolk who were numerous and good enough to be able to field their own XI, has died at the age of 86.A left-handed middle-order batsman and offspinner, he played for Kent and then Glamorgan in the decade after the war, and then enjoyed a successful late career with Oxfordshire in Minor Counties cricket.Edrich made his debut as a 16-year-old for Kent’s 2nd XI in 1939 but the war meant he had to wait another seven years for his Championship bow. After two moderate seasons, he broke through in 1949 when he scored 893 runs, including a career-best 193 not out against Sussex and during that innings he added 161 for the ninth wicket with Fred Ridgway.In the same summer he took 37 wickets, including career-best figures of 7 for 41 against Hampshire, but he was never regarded as a regular bowler. After 1951, when he took 49 wickets at 26.24, he bowled rarely.That year he passed 1000 runs for the only time, but his form thereafter was patchy. In 1954 he moved to Glamorgan but while there he failed to pass 500 runs or average more than 20. In 1956 he became assistant coach and thereafter played in the 2nd XI where he helped groom up-and-coming players.In 1964 he took up a post as coach at St Edward’s, Oxford, a move which allowed him to resume playing competitive cricket with Oxfordshire until 1971.

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips is being watched by Manchester United ahead of a potential move for the midfielder.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports, Marcelo Bielsa’s side had opened preliminary talks over a new contract with the England international, and it was suggested that Phillips himself is keen to stay put in Yorkshire.

Football Insider claimed that “a source with knowledge of Phillips’ situation” has indicated “the player is very keen on signing an extension with the club he has spent his entire career.”

Now, The Daily Star claim that United are ready to end their interest in West Ham ace Declan Rice, and instead turn their attentions towards Phillips as they step up their chase for a new defensive midfielder.

Fans would be furious

Not only has Phillips become a cornerstone of his side at club level, but the 25-year-old has also emerged as one of the country’s standout performers, even being named by BT as the men’s senior player of the year for England in recent weeks.

That has come off the back of a truly remarkable few years for Phillips under Marcelo Bielsa, and former Leeds man Danny Mills has suggested that his rise could see some of the big clubs come calling.

He said: “The more and more that he’s involved with England, he’s going to start to hear what other clubs do. His head will be turned and rightly so by players saying ‘We’re playing against Real Madrid’ ‘We’re playing against PSG’ ‘We’re playing against Barcelona’.

“Undoubtedly there will be a part of him thinking ‘I want a part of that, I want to test myself against the best’. If Leeds progress and make it that way, then brilliant. But it’s the second season in the Premier League so you’re going to have to be more realistic than that.

“Another good season this year and there will be some very, very serious offers that come in for Kalvin Phillips.”

Given the kind of connection that Phillips has with Leeds, and vice versa, selling him for whatever price would be incredibly difficult to swallow for Whites fans.

The midfielder is very much Leeds United, and a team without him just doesn’t quite feel right. The fact United are interested in him should be seen as a compliment to how far he’s come over the past couple of seasons in particular, but Andrea Radrizzani must ensure that is as far as it goes.

He simply cannot let Phillips leave, and that too to a rival like United. Leeds fans would be absolutely livid.

Meanwhile, Leeds struck gold with this signing…

The two players breached their contracts by representing the West Indies in the Test against Bangladesh

Cricinfo staff11-Jul-2009The WIPA has announced that Nikita Miller and Nelon Pascal have breached their contracts with West Indies Players Management Company (WIPMC) by making themselves available for selection against Bangladesh in the first Test in Kingstown. WIPA, however, will not take any action against the two players.The WIPMC is a subsidiary of the WIPA, and controls the intellectual and image rights of the players.Dinanath Ramnarine, executive president of the WIPA, said the two players had breached their contracts. “They have signed over their IP and image rights to WIPMC and they cannot just accept an offer to play for the West Indies,” Ramnarine was quoted as saying by AFP. “The WICB must negotiate this with WIPMC. But we would leave this and just allow it to pass at this point, there are bigger issues to deal with.”We are an association that represents the players and we are not about the business of making it harder for them. Everyone has a choice as to what they do and those guys decided to play for the West Indies and we just have to respect this.”The WICB assembled a weakened string squad to face Bangladesh after 13 of its first-choice players decided to boycott the series following a dispute with the board. Miller was named in the XI while Pascal was left out.