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Shahid Afridi, Pakistan’s ODI captain, has said controversies have hampered Pakistan’s World Cup preparation

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Dec-2010Shahid Afridi, Pakistan’s ODI captain, has said Pakistan does not have high expectations for the World Cup since their preparations have been hampered by the spot-fixing allegations against a number of their players.”I am not 100 % satisfied with the team’s preparations for the World Cup,” Afridi told . “We’ve had problems on every tour, and although there aren’t high expectations [of winning the World Cup], as captain I’m positive and will keep on motivating the team.”His comments came one day after manager Intikhab Alam said Pakistan was capable of winning the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka from February 19 to April 2, 2011.The trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif have been suspended by the ICC over charges of spot-fixing that arose on Pakistan’s tour of England in August. On their subsequent tour of the United Arab Emirates to play South Africa, Pakistan seemed to have regained some form levelling the ODI series 2-2. But on the eve of the deciding game, wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider fled to England, due to alleged threats to his life from bookmakers, and has since retired from international cricket. Pakistan ended up losing the game.For Pakistan’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik have been left out of the Twenty20 and Test series after the PCB did not clear them, and Afridi said he did not know why they were not included.”You should ask the PCB and selection committee about why Kamran and Malik were not picked,” he said. “Both are good players and have been doing well in domestic matches.” Kamran and Malik have both expressed disappointment at not being picked for the New Zealand tour.Pakistan has until December 19 to select a provisional 30-man World Cup squad, which should be trimmed down to 15 by January 19. Pakistan is placed in Group A of the 14-team competition along with defending champions Australia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Canada, New Zealand and Zimbabwe.

Tottenham Hotspur will make the trip from north to west London this evening to take on Brentford as Antonio Conte’s men look to strengthen their hold on a place in the Premier League’s top four.

Spurs are currently fourth but their place in the Champions League spots is feeble, with goal difference the only factor separating them and fifth-placed Arsenal.

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Having been dealt a setback last weekend when losing 1-0 to Brighton, Conte’s men can’t afford to slip up again against the Bees.

It is a must-win for the Lilywhites and so here is how Football FanCast believe Spurs will set up.

Tottenham XI: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies, Emerson, Sessegnon, Betancur, Hojbjerg, Kulusevski, Son, Kane (3-4-3)

In terms of formation, we expect Conte to stick with his preferred 3-4-3 set-up at the Brentford Community Stadium, with Sergio Reguilon dropping out of the XI in favour of the £58k-per-week Ryan Sessegnon.

The Spaniard returned to the starting lineup against the Seagulls having come on as a substitute the week before against Aston Villa, with Matt Doherty sustaining an injury that has since ruled the wing-back out for the remainder of the season.

However, it was a poor display from the 25-year-old who completed just 63% of his passes whilst failing to provide a single interception, clearance or block whilst making only one tackle.

Labelled as “pathetic” by journalist Tom Young, the £43m left-wing-back has featured in six of Spurs’ last seven matches having regained his place after Ryan Sessegnon sustained a hamstring injury.

The 21-year-old has since returned from his setback, making the bench for the north London outfit’s last two games and could be in contention for a return to the starting lineup.

Prior to his injury, the Englishman had arguably his best run of games in a Spurs shirt, featuring in seven out of eight matches from late January to early March.

Tottenham insider John Wenham was full of praise for Sessegnon after a 3-0 win over Norwich City, calling the wing-back “amazing.”

Conte will have to get his team selection spot on against Brentford with there being no more room for slip-ups with just six games to go.

AND in other news: Conte must finally unleash “absolutely fantastic” Spurs sensation, he’s a “big talent”

West Indies’ batsmen struggled on the first day of their tour match against a Sri Lanka President’s XI at Colombo

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Nov-2010Stumps
Scorecard
Brendan Nash top-scored with 62 in West Indies’ first innings•AFPWest Indies’ batsmen struggled on the first day of their tour match against a Sri Lanka President’s XI at Colombo, an 81-run stand between Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brendan Nash – who went on to make 62 – the only partnership of note as they were bowled out for 176. Kemar Roach and Nelon Pascal, who took the new ball for the tourists, removed both openers early, while new captain Darren Sammy struck in the final over of the day as the Sri Lankans finished on 59 for 3 in reply.The West Indians will have been hoping for more time in the middle after Sammy won the toss and opted to bat, as this is their only warm-up game ahead of the first Test at Galle on November 15. But left-arm seamer Chanaka Welegedara got past both openers, Chris Gayle and Adrian Barath, early and Thilan Thushara bowled Darren Bravo as West Indies slipped to 29 for 3. Chanderpaul and Nash then came together for just over 25 overs of obstinate occupation of the crease, taking the score to 110 before Chanderpaul feathered an edge behind to be out for an 83-ball 33.In comparison, Nash was rather more attacking and struck seven fours before he too was caught behind to give legspinner Malinga Bandara his first wicket. In the very next over Dwayne Bravo was pinned lbw by Welegedara to reduce West Indies to 134 for 6, and the President’s XI spinners ensured there would be no lower-order fightback as Bandara shared the last four wickets with Ajantha Mendis to bowl the visitors out in the 56th over.President’s XI then lost both Tharanga Paranavitana and Dimuth Karunaratne in the space of three overs before Lahiru Thirimanne took advantage of some loose offerings from Roach and Pascal in a boundary-laden cameo that pushed the score past fifty. He was caught behind off Sammy in the final over of the day, however, and West Indies will be hoping for another breakthrough early on day two to keep them in the match.

Sunderland ended the January transfer window on a high as they secured a deal to bring Jermain Defoe back to the club on a free transfer.

The Black Cats were busy throughout the month as they brought in a number of players to bolster the squad in their attempts to secure promotion back to the Championship

Trai Hume, Patrick Roberts, Danny Batth, Jack Clarke and Jay Matete all came through the door permanently or on loan over the course of the window alongside the former England international.

Forget Defoe

Whilst it was great to see the ex-Rangers man back at the Stadium of Light, Kristjaan Speakman did endure a deadline day howler as he sanctioned an exit for centre-back Tom Flanagan and failed to bring in a replacement.

Terence Konogolo was reportedly a player of interest to the club but they were unable to get a deal over the line for the former Fulham defender. This meant that they allowed Flanagan to leave and left themselves short on options at centre-back heading into the second half of the campaign.

The Northern Ireland international played a major role in Sunderland’s success in League One heading into deadline day. He started 25 of their 29 matches and averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.10, showing that he was able to regularly deliver quality performances at the back in the third tier.

Flanagan made an outstanding 5.1 clearances, 1.5 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game. The centre-back was a defensive wall for the club at times and his statistics back this up, as he was able to consistently win the ball back for his side whilst also defending his own box with key clearances.

This shows the level of quality Sunderland have lost by selling him to Shrewsbury on deadline day, with no direct replacement coming in. The £3.6k-per-week “leader” was able to perform to a high-level week-in-week-out for the Black Cats and it is impossible to guarantee that anyone will be able to replicate that.

Batth came in earlier in the window and is yet to convince that he is the long-term answer to any of the club’s issues at centre-back. In his second appearance for the club, he scored an own goal and recorded a dismal SofaScore rating of 5.9 in a 6-0 defeat to Bolton, which comes as a worrying sign given that he could now be expected to step up and fill Flanagan’s spot in the team.

Therefore, Speakman endured a deadline day howler with his decision on the centre-back and it could be a call that he lives to regret at the end of the season if Batth does not hit a run of form to help the team secure an automatic promotion place.

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’ John Wenham – who breaks news about the club on his Lilywhites Rose social media account – has relayed and reacted to news involving promising defender Tobi Omole.

The Lowdown: Omole offered contract, but no agreement…

As per AllNigeriaSoccer.com, Spurs have offered the highly-rated 22-year-old fresh terms at the club as the Lilywhites become pleased with his contribution at academy level.

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Omole joined the club from north London rivals Arsenal in 2020 after a successful trial across the capital, with ex-Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo apparently being blown away by him behind the scenes (Football Insider).

However, according to AllNigeriaSoccer.com, the defender is stalling on an agreement and is yet to put pen to paper, with his current deal expiring later this year.

The Latest: Wenham makes Omole claim…

Sharing his thoughts after these reports from an ‘in the know’ source, Spurs insider Wenham has described it as ‘worrying’ but remains ‘hopeful’ that Omole will agree a contract extension.

Wenham explained to Football Insider: “AllNigeriaSoccer seem to be in the know with some Tottenham players.

“They are reporting that Omole is yet to sign a new contract that has been proposed by Tottenham which is a bit worrying.

“He’s done well since he joined from Arsenal. We actually named him as part of our Premier League squad to fill the homegrown quota.

“I would like to see him extend for a further year. I know Nuno really liked him and had him involved in first-team training a lot.

“I think having him around also allows up to be more flexible when it comes to loaning out some of our other young defenders.

“It would be great to keep him around so I’m hopeful he will sign that new deal before his current contract expires.”

The Verdict: Time running out…

The towering 6 foot 2 talent is certainly one to keep around for the future. He has been a regular in Tottenham’s Premier League 2 side this season, even managing two goals from centre-back, and his versatility could be another reason to secure a new contract for him.

The youngster can play not only as a central defender, but also a left-back and in front of the back four (Transfermarkt), highlighting his potential use for Spurs in future years.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder that Tottenham want to tie him down, and the club will surely be hoping that they can reach an agreement soon.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘One to watch’…Media blown away by ‘stunning’ development at Tottenham, find out more here.

Pakistan’s three-man fast-bowling pack made Australia look utterly helpless

Nagraj Gollapudi at Headingley21-Jul-2010It would be an injustice to Pakistan if we said that the Australian batsmen looked vulnerable. It was the beauty of Pakistan’s three-man fast-bowling pack that made the opponent look utterly helpless. And how beautifully they went on to unravel the Australians, who for the second time in two Tests failed to stand up to sustained pressure.Just like at Lord’s the overcast conditions were tailor-made for swing and seam bowling and Ricky Ponting’s decision to bat first – Umar Gul called the move “shocking” – made Pakistan’s fast men lick their lips. Mohammad Aamer needed only 14 balls to work out Simon Katich, Australia’s Player of the Match in the first Test, as he targeted the batsman’s trigger movement to shuffle across his crease. The ploy exposes his leg stump and also makes him a leg-before candidate, which is how Aamer struck.Mohammad Asif, who has an envious fast-bowling IQ, caught the clay-footed Shane Watson leg before and then began his mental harassment of Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke. Like an ace matador, Asif tempted the duo to take him on as he fine-tuned his lengths and teased with swing and seam movement.Twice across two overs, Asif bowled the two best deliveries on the day – both pitching on McGrath lengths, straightening and beating Ponting completely. Ponting is most nervous at the beginning of his innings as he lunges forward in an ungainly fashion trying to put bat to ball. Asif remained patient as he kept flashing the red cloth, confident that he was on the verge of taming Ponting. Headingley is one of Ponting’s favourite hunting grounds – he has two centuries and two fifties in three Tests – but that reputation did not matter to Asif. The same held true for Aamer and Umar Gul.At the moment when Salman Butt, making his captaincy debut, replaced Gul with Aamer it felt like an abrupt decision and a mistake. But with Asif tightening the noose at the other end Butt understood it was best to introduce Gul, who is a rhythm bowler and takes time to hit his lengths. It was a wise move as Gul ripped through the large gate between Clarke’s bat and pad to damage his middle stump. Australia, normally adept at blasting the opponent and regaining control, failed miserably thereafter.This assault was not incidental. In his last five Tests, Asif has dismissed Katich and Marcus North four times each, and got rid of Clarke and Ponting three times. Aamer has had Ponting’s number on three occasions since December and Gul has got the better of Clarke, Michael Hussey and Watson twice.This Australian batting line-up is not the best when it is bottled for long periods. Unfortunately for them, the Pakistan fast bowlers have the mental discipline, patience and skills to disintegrate the elite batsmen consistently. It looks like they have the psychological edge over Australia.Australia’s coach Tim Nielsen disagreed. “[We were] not dominated at all,” Nielsen said. “They are a quality bowling attack. They have got pace. It is just a good contest.”Nielsen did give credit to Asif and Co for taking control and maintaining it. “I can’t take anything away from Pakistan,” he said. “They bowled with good pace and tremendous length and line and really did put us under pressure and once we got behind the game we just struggled to change it.”Pakistan were helped by the favourable conditions, but not many teams have been able to maintain the pressure lid tight on Australia. Despite being the underdogs, Pakistan have not choked. They have held their head high despite the defeat at Lord’s and the abrupt retirement of Shahid Afridi. They walked into Headingley with a positive mind and a clear vision before dismantling the opponent without breaking sweat.

South Africa’s AB de Villiers has displaced MS Dhoni as the top ODI batsman in the world according to the latest ICC ratings

Cricinfo staff31-Aug-2010South African batsman AB de Villiers has displaced India’s captain MS Dhoni as the top ODI batsman according to the latest ICC ratings. de Villiers, who averages 43.56 in 101 ODIs, had a prolific season that took him to 805 points in the ratings, nine clear of Dhoni. Michael Hussey, the Australian batsman, was third on the list with 792 points.de Villiers amassed 667 runs in his last 10 ODIs, which included four centuries and two fifties against top opposition. Three of those centuries came in consecutive games, in Gwalior, Ahmedabad and Antigua. Though de Villiers did not play in August, Dhoni’s patchy form in the Sri Lanka triangular series, where he scored only 140 runs in five outings, led to the swap at the top.”My ultimate aim is always to do well for the team and to help South Africa win trophies but it is nice to be acknowledged in this way,” de Villiers said. “Two years ago I said I wanted to be the best batsman in the world and it is pleasing to see that I am starting to get results.” He is also keen to move up from his No. 11 position in the Test ratings.de Villiers had ankle surgery during the off-season and was to continue his rehabilitation during a conditioning camp with the senior team. “It [the ankle] is coming on nicely and I can’t wait to pick up my cricket bat again.”Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara was at the top of the Test batting table with 874 points, 15 ahead of Virender Sehwag. Dale Steyn and Daniel Vettori maintained their respective positions at the head of the Test and ODI bowling charts, while Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi remained the top allrounders in the two formats.

MS Dhoni knows full well that India’s first encounter, against Afghanistan, has the potential to be a little uncomfortable

Cricinfo staff29-Apr-2010Though India come into the third installment of the ICC World Twenty20 as heavyweights, their leader MS Dhoni knows full well that their first encounter, against Afghanistan, has the potential to be a little uncomfortable. Afghanistan, ahead of their first major tournament featuring the game’s top sides, are coming off two consecutive warm-up wins and that was enough indication for Dhoni to rule out complacency on India’s part.”If you ask me, I would not consider our opening match against Afghanistan as a practice game,” Dhoni told reporters in St Lucia. “I don’t take my opponents lightly. At the end of the day you have to win whichever team you play. I don’t know much about them. It is good in a way because if we know too much about a side then you are thinking too much about them. However, our preparation will remain the same as if you are playing the best opponent in world cricket.”We can’t really relax against whichever team you are playing. At the end of the day you are representing India and you have to be at your best when you turn up on the field.”India will be without Virender Sehwag and a few players are short on match practice but Dhoni was his normal, collected self when addressing the matter. “It is part and parcel of cricket that people get injured. But at the end of the day we have replaced them with the best possible players available,” he said. “We are just hoping that we won’t miss them on the field. We are hopeful that people who have come as replacements would step up to the occasion and perform.”Yuvraj Singh had a disastrous IPL but Dhoni defended his explosive batsman, whose status as a Twenty20 bully was cemented in the first World Twenty20 during which he hit Stuart Broad for six successive sixes in an over. “He bats at number four and the individual he is, he can easily play the big shots. There aren’t enough grounds in the world that are big enough for him not to clear,” said Dhoni. “These big hitters have a big impact on the game. Somebody like Kieron Pollard or [Andrew] Symonds are the kind of players who can take the game away from the opponents in three or four overs. It is a big stage for him [Yuvraj] and, as we have seen of him, he loves challenges.”Dhoni’s focus was not on the past – India were knocked out of the last World Twenty in the second round – and he said the team was eager to get off to a winning note. “Rather than thinking too much of the past and into the future, it is very important to be in the present. We have a couple of days before we play the first game. It is important to get the most out of it. We have to adapt to the conditions here and be prepared for the matches ahead,” Dhoni said.”Right now we are keen to play the games here [St Lucia]. We are not looking too far. It is the not first time that we are touring West Indies. So we know what the conditions would be like and are mentally prepared for it.”After Afghanistan on Saturday, India will play South Africa the next day.

As per French news outlet RMC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur ‘discussions’ to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike ‘exist’ as transfer news emerges out of north London.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing new centre-forward…

According to reliable sources, manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici have set their sights on a potential new striker addition to back up Harry Kane.

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As explained by Alasdair Gold, the role is one of four ‘priority’ positions for strengthening outlined by Conte as the Lilywhites also chase a right-wing back, left-footed central defender and midfield player.

The likes of Dusan Vlahovic have mostly been linked but there have also been other names, with promising starlet Ekitike now entering the fray as RMC share news.

The Latest: Spurs ‘have positioned themselves’…

According to their information, Tottenham ‘discussions exist’ for the 19-year-old alongside the likes of West Ham, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund.

It is also believed that the Lilywhites have ‘positioned themselves’ for his signing with the fellow interested clubs but, as of yet, ‘no offer’ has been put on the table.

Reims are apparently demanding €30 million (£25m) to sell their frontman whilst also asking for him to be loaned back for the second half of 2021/2022.

The Verdict: Eye-catching talent…

Bursting on to the scene with Reims this season, scoring eight goals and assisting two others in ten Ligue 1 starts, it’s little wonder has caught eyes from both the Premier League and Bundesliga.

Ekitike has also drawn some big comparisons, with reporter Graeme Bailey calling the teenager an ‘outstanding’ forward whilst claiming he could become ‘the next Mbappe’ (Twitter).

However, at a steep £25m, not to mention the fact Reims want to him to be loaned back, this move should be placed on the back burner by Conte and Paratici given their need for more experienced reinforcements at this stage.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.

Lots of Everton fans have been left flocking to some transfer news on Benfica ace Everton.

As per UOL Esporte (via EFC DAILY), the Goodison Park faithful have now registered their interest in signing the Brazil international.

Of course, due to his name, the story is certainly grabbing attention from some supporters of the Merseyside club, and a few are already joking they would like to sign him purely because he would sell shirts.

However, digging deeper into what he could actually offer on the pitch, he seems no better than Andros Townsend or Demarai Gray, who have both scored more goals and averaged more key passes and crosses than the winger in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, the news of his potential arrival from Portugal seems to have split the Toffees fanbase.

Everton fans on transfer news

These Blues supporters were left flocking to the transfer news on Everton as it was shared on Twitter:

“Please, I just want Everton on the back of my shirt and on the front”

Credit: @evertonibrow

“Just sign him anyway. It’ll be a laugh.”

Credit: @badwool9

“A match made in heaven.”

Credit: @_adhityapp

“Riquelme and Yarmolenko spring to mind…”

Credit: @BenJoeEddie

“Yawn”

Credit: @EvertonJimbob

“He’s worse than us”

Credit: @efc_frankie

In other news, find out what transfer claim has Evertonians raging here!