All posts by h716a5.icu

South Africa enter the ICC World Twenty20 as one of the favourites, but they have been in that position before and haven’t responded well

Andrew McGlashan03-Jun-2009Show South Africa a World Cup and panic can set in. Their history in the 50-over variety includes ties, collapses and misread Duckworth-Lewis charts, while their stay at the inaugural Twenty20 event, which they hosted in 2007, ended with a batting demise that meant they couldn’t even progress on net run rate. So can they set the record straight this time?Graeme Smith believes there is more confidence and belief in this South Africa side than ever before and their record over the last year and a half supports him. They have risen to the top of the one-day rankings and also secured Test-series successes against England and Australia.However, the other side to that coin is that it has been a long period of intense action, and how South Africa cope with fatigue will be a key issue. But after this tournament they have a break before the Champions Trophy, so success here would the perfect way to sign off a period that has taken South African cricket to new heights.South Africa have previously used Twenty20 internationals to blood youngsters, experiment and rest senior players but this squad represents the strongest they could put together. Jacques Kallis, who was omitted in 2007, will have a point to prove and arrives on the back of a consistent IPL.The experience in the party is highlighted with three survivors from the 1999 World Cup in England – Kallis, Mark Boucher and Herschelle Gibbs – when they had the trophy within their grasp before it slipped away. That trio would dearly love to put the record straight.StrengthsTheir fielding should be out of the top drawer with a cover circle made up of Herschelle Gibbs, JP Duminy and AB de Villiers. In a format where small margins make all the difference, the runs they save can prove crucial. Their middle-order hitting power, with the likes of Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel, means that the batting line-up packs a real punch.WeaknessesThe pace-bowling support for Dale Steyn could be a little thin on experience with Wayne Parnell and Yusuf Abdulla still raw in international terms and Morne Morkel prone to spraying the ball around. Then there is the pressure factor; they have dealt with it on numerous occasions in the recent times, but will their World Cup nightmares come back to haunt them?X-FactorSpin bowling is a key part of Twenty20 and in Johan Botha and Roelof van der Merwe, South Africa have two excellent limited-overs performers. Botha has been told he can’t bowl his doosra after being reported for his action, but his experience will be vital to Graeme Smith, while van der Merwe has impressed in the early days of his career.Key playersAB de Villiers has enjoyed a brilliant time in all versions of the game and his performances at the IPL further lifted his status. But he can also change a match in the field with a stunning run out or catch. Albie Morkel can also alter the course of a game in one over of strong hitting.T20 form guideThey have played four Twenty20 internationals this year, all against Australia, with honours even, however the last two matches were convincing wins for South Africa.Squad Graeme Smith (capt), Johan Botha, 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

Harbhajan Singh introduced himself to South Africa in the most emphaticmanner at Supersport Park on Wednesday night, ripping the heart out ofthe home team’s batting to set up a 41-victory for India in the thirdgame of the Standard Bank One-Day

Peter Robinson22-Jul-2009Harbhajan Singh introduced himself to South Africa in the most emphaticmanner at Supersport Park on Wednesday night, ripping the heart out ofthe home team’s batting to set up a 41-victory for India in the thirdgame of the Standard Bank One-Day International Series.Singh took three for 27 in his 10 overs, taking his first wicket with abeautiful ball that drew the in-form Jacques Kallis out of his crease tobe stumped and then adding the scalps of Nicky Boje and Shaun Pollock.He wreaked such havoc in the middle order during the middle overs thatSouth Africa, chasing India’s 233 all out, suddenly found themselvesteetering at 106 for seven with fewer than half their overs faced. Therewas an eighth-wicket stand of 77 between Lance Klusener and MarkBoucher, but once Boucher had gone, quite superbly caught by AjitAgarkar as he ran around from backward square leg, the ball game was allbut over.Anil Kumble played his part too, winkling out Neil McKenzie and JontyRhodes to finish his 10 overs with two for 42. It was the combination ofthe two spinners that unravelled the South Africans and, even thoughKlusener fashioned a defiant 44, when Boucher left, South Africa had runout of batsmen. The innings closed at 192 off 46.2 overs.For once, the South Africans had not been given a good start, both openersgone at 38 for two and, although Kallis and McKenzie had their moments,the batting lacked authority as India seemed to discover how to bowl on SouthAfrican pitches.India never seemed to have made quite enough with most of their toporder getting in but failing to follow through before South Africasnipped off the tail in the closing overs. To a large degree, of course,this was the consequence of disciplined bowling with Pollock taking fivefor 37 as he reached 200 wickets in One-Day Internationals.The Indians had reason to be aggrieved by Sourav Ganguly’s dismissal, Kallisappearing to grind the ball into the turf as he picked up a fine catchoff Pollock.There was probably less cause for debate when Rahul Dravid was given outcaught at midwicket by Klusener off for 54. In neither instance, though,was the catch referred to the third umpire, rightly or wrongly,depending on whether you believe the Australian argument that catchesshould be adjudged only by the on-field officials.Ganguly had looked in spanking form, twice lifting Pollock over backwardpoint for six as he made 24, but herein lay India’s problem – Ganguly(24), Sachin Tendulkar (38), Dravid (54), Yuvraj Singh (42) and VirenderSehwag (33). Someone, you though, needed to kick on because, in truth,par for this pitch looked to be about 260.Still, the South Africans might have felt they should have done betteras their catching let them down. Dravid was missed within the space of afew balls on 13 and 14, first by Herschelle Gibbs and then by Klusenerwho was also to drop Kumble towards the end of the innings.By and large, though, there could be little argument about the result.India’s bowling was a vast improvement on the effort at the Wandererswhile South Africa’s catching and batting went backwards. Both teams arecertain to qualify for the final at the end of the month, but India wenta long way to ensuring that the preliminary matches will be far moreclosely contested than many had anticipated.

Trent Alexander-Arnold could be fit for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Watford later this month, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Trent a big miss

The Reds played out an unforgettable 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, with so much quality on show. Alexander-Arnold was ruled out with a groin injury, though, so James Milner had to fill in at right-back in what was a tough game for him.

Liverpool missed the 22-year-old’s attacking quality throughout as the veteran struggled up against Phil Foden, but the hope is that he is back in contention after the international break.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

The Latest: Pearce gives key update

That is certainly the opinion of Pearce, who conducted a Q&A for The Athletic before Sunday’s match and said that he is hopeful Alexander-Arnold will be fit for the trip to Watford on October 16

When asked if the 22-year-old would be back for the visit to Vicarage Road, the journalist replied: “That’s the hope as long as everything goes to plan with his treatment and rehab.”

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The Verdict: Most creative player

Alexander-Arnold is a remarkable footballer and Liverpool simply aren’t the same team when he isn’t available.

That showed in the first half against Man City, with the right-back arguably the Reds’ most creative figure, spraying passes, created goals and whipping crosses into the box. That was often nowhere to be seen yesterday as Pep Guardiola’s side dominated their opponents in the opening 45 minutes.

Alexander-Arnold’s return to the team will be vital, with all due respect to Milner, with his quality giving Liverpool’s attacking game an extra dimension.

In other news, some Liverpool fans were unhappy with one player’s performance against Manchester City. Read more here.

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left gushing over some footage which has emerged of Nathan Patterson’s assist for Scotland this week.

As shared by the official Twitter page of the Ibrox faithful, the right-back received the ball on the wing while on international duty, putting in a beautiful cross which was met by Lyndon Dykes to give them a 1-0 win late on away at the Faroe Islands in their FIFA World Cup qualifying game on Tuesday night.

At just 19 years of age, Patterson is already showing in the senior team what he is capable of, and assists like these will certainly yield him more opportunities under Steve Clarke – whether or not he can budge out James Tavernier at club level is a different matter.

Nonetheless, it was a nice moment not just for Scottish supporters, but for the Light Blues as well.

Rangers fans on Patterson assist

These Teddy Bears gushed as the assist was shared on Twitter, with one Ger going on to claim that the starlet is ‘different gravy’ while others hailed the ‘excellent’ display of talent:

“Right on the money”

Credit: @IainRFC

“Glad to see Patterson doing well, the boy is a star”

Credit: @craigtaylor_72

“Excellent cross in for Nathan! Dx”

Credit: @1872Ibrox1872

“The game changer, well done son!”

Credit: @Mikey29283811

“The lads quality, some player”

Credit: @DylanGraham1999

“Different gravy is young Patterson”

Credit: @lesbluesclub

In other news, find out what news involving two RFC heroes has fans excited here!

A round-up of the latest action from the County Championship matches as Glamorgan and Gloucestershire secured impressive wins

Cricinfo staff08-Aug-2009Division TwoAndre Nel took four wickets to give Surrey a small lead against Derbyshire•PA PhotosGloucestershire moved into second spot in Division Two with a convincing 10-wicket victory against Essex at Garon’s Park as James Franklin and Ian Saxelby did an impressive job of dismissing the home side for a second time. Three Essex batsmen passed 30 but no one bettered Graham Napier’s 39 as Gloucestershire were left needing 39 for victory. Already three down at the start of play, Tom Westley departed early, caught at leg slip off Richard Dawson, and then the seamers chipped away at the order. Mark Pettini was trapped lbw by Franklin and James Foster drove loosely into the covers. When Ryan ten Doeschate fell an innings defeat hadn’t been averted, but Napier and David Masters at least avoided that ignominy. However, Franklin completed a fine all-round game by taking his match tally to six wickets alongside his important century.Robert Croft and Dean Cosker shared six wickets to bowl Glamorgan to their first Championship victory of the season with an innings-and-72-run success against Leicestershire at Colwyn Bay. The spin paring dismantled the visitors shortly after lunch to complete a dominant win following a record performance from Glamorgan’s lower order on the third day. However, it was all about the slow bowlers as Adam Shantry made the early-morning inroads. Leicestershire were already two down overnight and soon lost HD Ackerman leg before then James Taylor was brilliantly stumped down the leg side. Boeta Dippenaar and Tom New held firm for a while and added 67 before the spinners got to work and removed the last six wickets for 18. Croft, following his 121, took two in three balls and Cosker ended the match 20 minutes after lunch.3rd dayMark Ramprakash will never be recalled by England, but how they desperately need someone who can churn out the runs he does. His unbeaten 76 helped Surrey build a lead of 223 over Derbyshire at Whitgift School and pushed his average for the season towards 100. Alongside Michael Brown, who followed his first-innings hundred with 52, Ramprakash added 89 for the second wicket as Surrey capitalised on an advantage of 28. The Surrey attack made early inroads in the morning session as Chris Rogers failed to add to his overnight 80 and Andre Nel dispatched Wavell Hinds for 5. Daniel Redfern (55) and Graham Wagg (71) responded with a stand of 105 for the seventh wicket before Nel claimed two more in the tail. Wagg later followed his runs with two wickets in three balls, with left-arm spin instead of his seam-up style, but it is Surrey who can set the pace on the final day.

Teams Mat Won Lost Tied Draw Aban Pts

Kent 10 5 20 3 0 134 Gloucestershire 11 4 4 0 3 0125 Derbyshire 11* 2 10 7 0 119 Surrey 11* 1 1 0 8 0109 Glamorgan 10 1 20 7 0 105 Northamptonshire 9 3 2 0 4 0104 Essex 10 2 30 5 0 95 Middlesex 10 1 3 0 6 091 Leicestershire 10 1 20 7 0 83 Division OneSussex endured a few nervous moments but an unbroken stand of 109 between Carl Hopkinson and Luke Wright secured a draw against Nottinghamshire at Horsham although they remain precariously close to the relegation zone. The visitors extended their first-innings lead to 222 before putting Sussex back in and when Chris Nash (87) and Ed Joyce guided them to 128 for 1 safety appeared assured. However, three wickets then fell for 12 runs as Samit Patel removed Joyce and Murray Goodwin either side of Nash being leg before to Andre Adams. Nottinghamshire had a sniff of closing the gap on leaders Durham, but the pitch remained benign. Wright played positively to eat away at the deficit while Hopkinson provided sturdy support to ease nerves during the final session.For a full report from Warwickshire against Somerset at Edgbaston click here.3rd dayVVS Laxman scored his second consecutive Championship hundred as the Lancashire top order piled on the runs against Hampshire at The Rose Bowl. He added 216 for the fourth wicket with Mark Chilton (81) as the visitors built a lead of 150 to set up the chance of a final-day dart at Hampshire’s batting. The platform was laid by Tom Smith (95) and Mal Loye (61) who added 142 before Smith edged behind short of his hundred. Loye, who was dropped twice, fell with addition, but that was the peak of Hampshire’s day as they laboured for any further success while using nine bowlers. Laxman reached a confident century and Francois du Plessis scored freely until the close, leaving Lancashire the decision of whether to extend their lead on the final before putting Hampshire back in.

Teams Mat Won Lost Tied Draw Aban Pts

Durham 10 6 00 4 0 158 Somerset 11 3 1 0 7 0136 Nottinghamshire 10 3 10 6 0 128 Lancashire 11* 3 2 0 5 0117 Warwickshire 10 1 10 8 0 108 Hampshire 10* 2 2 0 5 096 Sussex 10 1 30 6 0 92 Yorkshire 10 0 2 0 8 085 Worcestershire 10 0 70 3 0 52

Michael Clarke has ruled himself out of the Champions League Twenty20 but New South Wales have still been able to name a squad with 10 international players

Cricinfo staff08-Sep-2009Michael Clarke has ruled himself out of the Champions League Twenty20 but New South Wales have still been able to name a squad with 10 international players. Simon Katich will captain the 15-man group, which features a world-class attack of Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Nathan Bracken, Doug Bollinger and Nathan Hauritz.However, the absence of Clarke, who is likely to become Australia’s permanent Twenty20 captain, will disappoint the Blues, who won Australia’s domestic competition last summer. Clarke advised New South Wales of his unavailability due to his playing workload with the Australian team.Brad Haddin was named but his selection is contingent on his recovery from surgery on his finger, and he could yet be replaced by the backup wicketkeeper Daniel Smith. The squad also includes Australia’s Twenty20 opener David Warner, the Test opener Phillip Hughes and the young allrounder Moises Henriques, who has played one Twenty20 international.”The New South Wales squad has an excellent mixture of international experience and talented youngsters,” David Gilbert, the Cricket New South Wales chief executive, said. “I am very excited about our prospects going into a tournament that will showcase the New South Wales team on the world stage for the first time.”New South Wales begin their tournament with pool matches against South Africa’s Eagles and also Sussex, the county side that boasts Luke Wright, Dwayne Smith and Ed Joyce. The other Australian team that qualified, Victoria, start off in a group with Delhi Daredevils and the Sri Lankan domestic champions Wayamba.New South Wales squad Simon Katich (capt), David Warner, Phillip Hughes, Brad Haddin (wk), Steven Smith, Dominic Thornely, Ben Rohrer, Moises Henriques, Steve O’Keefe, Brett Lee, Nathan Hauritz, Aaron Bird, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Doug Bollinger.

Taking to Twitter, these Nottingham Forest fans were less than impressed with the performance of midfielder Philip Zinckernagel as their side snatched a last gasp 2-1 victory away to Bristol City last night.

Looking to gather momentum under new boss Steve Cooper, Forest took on City yesterday evening in what ended up being a thrilling encounter.

The Reds sealed a last second victory to keep some pace with the Championship play-off chasers and it is super substitute Lyle Taylor who deserves the acclaim.

Coming on for Lewis Grabban with just under 10 minutes remaining, the 31-year-old international buried a brace in added time to nick all three points after Forest spent much of the game trying to breakthrough.

Before this dramatic finish, one man who certainly didn’t help Cooper’s side on the night was Zinckernagel – and it is clear to see why some fans were less than impressed.

According to SofaScore, before he was hauled off with under 15 minutes to go, the attacker completed just two out of six take-ons, lost the overwhelming majority of his ground duels and gave possession away a massive 26 times in total.

Taking this into account, Forest fans voiced their criticism on social media – find all of their verdicts down below.

Forest fans slam Zinckernagel…

“Someone tell Zinckernagel to put some effort into his corner”

Credit: @Jaffaca22393862

“put mighten on zinck thinks he’s messi today”

Credit: @NFFCRadfordinho

“Zinckernagel’s been greedy so far”

Credit: @OliverAdkin

“I’d love to see abit of Mighten. Zinckernagel looks off it tonight.”

Credit: @ConorCrossland_

“Right sub there, probably Zinckernagel’s worst game for us.”

Credit: @NiallSav98

“Zinckernagel has been absolutely woeful”

Credit: @BrummieTricky

A round-up of the latest Championship action with promotion and relegation to still be decided, but the weather has so far played the main role

Cricinfo staff15-Sep-2009Division TwoDerbyshire’s promotion push was stalled by the weather at Uxbridge as rain allowed only 22.2 overs on the opening day against Middlesex. Chris Rogers and Wayne Madsen formed a solid opening stand before Rogers was caught behind off Tim Murtagh. Play was called off at 4pm with Madsen unbeaten on 26 and Garry Park on 9. Middlesex had been forced to make a change to their line-up after Steven Finn picked up a knee strain in the Pro40 on Sunday and was replaced by David Burton.No play was possible in the crunch promotion clash between second-placed Northamptonshire and third-placed Essex at Chelmsford. Essex need a win to keep the pressure on their opponents going into the final round of matches, but the heavy rain that arrived across the South East meant a frustrating day.Kent have already secured promotion but were unable to make further strides towards the Division Two title as rain washed out play against Leicestershire at Canterbury.Division OneMichael Di Venuto continued his fine form as he reached 61 against Hampshire, but rain limited the action to 29 overs as Durham aim to continue their Championship-winning season in style at The Rose Bowl. In the previous match, where Durham wrapped up the title against Nottinghamshire, Di Venuto and Kyle Coetzer added a record 314 for the first wicket and started well again as they put on 73. Danny Briggs, the 18-year-old left-arm spinner, who has been named in the England Under-19 squad to tour Bangladesh, was introduced in the eighth over and later made the breakthrough when he bowled Coetzer.

Things have been looking increasingly on the up for Celtic under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou in recent weeks at Parkhead, with the Hoops securing their first two away wins of the league season in their last couple of outings, as well as clinching a much-needed three points in Europe on Tuesday.

This impressive run would continue when St. Johnstone visited Parkhead on Saturday, with Celtic putting on an extremely dominant performance in the 2-0 win over the Lions – boasting 79% possession of the ball, completing 731 passes and creating three big chances.

Indeed, these are statistics that would suggest Ange-ball is finally beginning to pay dividends for the Bhoys, while the performance of Callum McGregor on Saturday afternoon highlights his importance within the 56-year-old manager’s system.

126 touches

After something of a shaky start to life under Postecoglou towards the beginning of the current campaign, McGregor has started to turn in consistently impressive performances in the heart of the Celtic midfield in recent weeks – with his performance against St. Johnstone being one of his best of the season so far.

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch, the £6.3m-rated man enjoyed 126 touches of the ball, made 105 passes, attempted six long balls, completed one dribble and made two key passes.

The £20k-per-week central midfielder also won three of his five duels, made two tackles, two clearances and took four shots at the St. Johnstone goal.

These returns saw the player who Postecoglou dubbed “outstanding” earlier this season, earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.5, his joint second-highest rating received so far this season.

As such, if McGregor can maintain, or even improve on, this level of performance going forwards, Celtic will undoubtedly be in with a shout of reclaiming their Scottish Premiership crown come the end of the season – something that looks increasingly likely, with the Bhoys now just one point behind the league leaders.

In other news: Kyogo 2.0: Celtic nearing exciting deal for 18-goal machine, Postecoglou will love him

Aston Villa could review Dean Smith’s position as manager, should they lose to Southampton on Friday evening.

That’s according to reliable reporter Gregg Evans, and, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

Villa suffered four defeats from four in October, with the last of those coming on Sunday against West Ham.

Reports since have claimed that Villa have made initial contact with former AS Roma manager Paulo Fonseca, with Villa seemingly exploring Smith alternatives.

Evans shared a story on The Athletic on Wednesday and claimed that a defeat at St Mary’s could lead to a review period during the international break, whereas a win might also only be buying Smith time.

Villa fans react

Well-known page @villareport shared Evans’ claim on Smith on Twitter. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with a few wanting to see Fonseca brought in.

“Dean Smith your time is up”

Credit: @mahomezs

“A Villa win will paper cracks over Dean Smith we should just get Fonseca regardless of the result on Friday”

Credit: @MilanRnic1

“Win or get sacked I feel for Smith. Absolutely massive. Hope we win”

Credit: @Emi1Martinez

“Smith out it’s happening”

Credit: @waynipoos1

“Smith’s last game pending”

Credit: @manj_av

“OH WHEN THE SAINTS”

Credit: @WazeUTV

In other news: ‘Welp’ – Many AVFC fans erupt as Preece shares ‘terrible news’ on Leon Bailey.