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ESPNcricinfo previews the first CB series ODI between Australia and India in Melbourne

The Preview by Daniel Brettig04-Feb-2012Match factsFebruary 5, Melbourne
Start time 1420 (0320 GMT)Sachin Tendulkar is back in blue for the first time since the World Cup final•AFPBig PictureFive summers ago India regained some pride after an unhappy Test series by claiming the triangular ODI trophy. It was the start of their road to lifting the World Cup in 2011. This time around the tourists are again seeking a new start, having been bullied and battered to a 4-0 hiding by Australia in the Tests. There was little of the acrimony that shrouded 2007-08, partly because India were never really close enough to Australia for the two combatants to trade blows, and the tourists will enjoy the chance to return to a format they are well versed in.Despite a mediocre showing at the World Cup, Australia retained their No. 1 ODI ranking, and under Michael Clarke have won series in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and South Africa to maintain the position. The team is in a state of some transition, as injuries and form have resulted in the inclusion of several new faces in the squad for the first three matches, Peter Forrest among them. Ricky Ponting, Clarke and Michael Hussey remain critical contributors to the batting order, while Brett Lee’s speed and experience has again been called upon.India have been bolstered by the return of Sachin Tendulkar for his first ODI assignment since the World Cup, while a victory in the second Twenty20 international at the MCG on Friday night gave the visitors their first win of any kind on the tour. MS Dhoni leads a side that is growing gradually younger, with the batting trio of Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma all expected to score heavily across the series, as well as providing plenty of energy in the field.Form guideAustralia WLWLW (Most recent first)
India WWLWWIn the spotlightRyan Harris built up a formidable ODI record in 17 matches up to July 2010, scooping 41 wickets at 16.12, his strike-rate an eye-popping 20.60. However injuries and cautious selection limited him strictly to Test match duty in the 18 months since, preventing Harris from attempting to maintain his enviable record. It will be a difficult task for Harris to keep nabbing wickets with such regularity against India and Sri Lanka, while also maintaining his fitness to be sound for the West Indies tour that follows this series.Sachin Tendulkar has not donned the blue shirt for India since the World Cup final, concentrating on Test matches instead. However the pursuit of his 100th international century has now gone on far longer than Tendulkar or any of his team-mates would have liked, hastening his return for the triangular series. Given the decent if not altogether imperious form displayed by the ODI team in his absence, Tendulkar will need to demonstrate his value quickly, for unless he intends to go on to another World Cup, the time for regeneration is at hand.Team newsHaving omitted Shaun Marsh due to his dismal Test form, the national selectors must choose who should partner David Warner at the top of the order. Matthew Wade excelled at the top in the first T20 in Sydney, while Ponting, Clarke and Hussey have all taken the role in the past. Daniel Christian should slip into the allrounder’s spot while Mitchell Marsh is absent for a Sheffield Shield fixture. Brett Lee has been ruled out of the series with a broken toe.Australia (possible) 1 David Warner, 2 Matthew Wade (wk), 3 Ricky Ponting, 4 Michael Clarke (capt), 5 David Hussey, 6 Michael Hussey, 7 Daniel Christian, 8 Ryan Harris, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Xavier Doherty, 11 Clint McKay.The question of where to include Tendulkar hangs over India’s selections, and a decision must also be made about whether to leave out a batsman to make room for Ravindra Jadeja. The likes of Irfan Pathan, Umesh Yadav and Vinay Kumar are in a duel for the final pace berth.India (possible) 1 Virender Sehwag, 2 Sachin Tendulkar, 3 Gautam Gambhir, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Suresh Raina, 6 Rohit Sharma, 7 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 8 Irfan Pathan, 9 R Ashwin, 10 Praveen Kumar, 11 Zaheer Khan.Pitch and conditionsThe MCG surface should be sound for batting while offering little for the bowlers, though rain and cloud is forecast for the afternoon.Stats and trivia The match marks the return of the triangular series in Australia for the first time since India’s last visit in 2007-08 Australia’s last ODI meeting with India was the World Cup quarter-final, won by the hosts by five wickets in AhmedabadQuotes”Our success in the Test series against India is now irrelevant. We know from recent experience that if we’re not switched on both teams can hurt us.”

Zimbabwe have announced a strong A side to face New Zealand in the two-day warm-up match at the Bulawayo Athletic Club, which starts on October 28

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Oct-2011Zimbabwe have announced a strong A side to face New Zealand in the two-day warm-up match at the Bulawayo Athletic Club, which starts on October 28. All but one of the group have international experience, with seamer Mike Chinouya the only player not to have represented the national side.Chinouya has, however, been picked twice for Zimbabwe A and played in one of the four-day matches against the visiting New Zealand A side in October last year. He picked up four wickets in the match and played against the likes of Martin Guptill, Dean Brownlie, Chris Martin and Graeme Aldridge, who are all in New Zealand’s Test squad.Tino Mawoyo will captain the Zimbabweans, and the match will allow several players likely to be included in the Test side with a valuable warm-up. It will also provide seamers Chinouya, Ed Rainsford, Njabulo Ncube and Shingirai Masakadza – who has not played for Zimbabwe since the World Cup in India – with a chance to push for selection.Zimbabwe A squad Tinotenda Mawoyo (Capt), Elton Chigumbura, Mike Chinouya, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Natsai Mushangwe, Forster Mutizwa, Njabulo Ncube, Edward Rainsford, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Malcolm Waller.

ESPNcricinfo previews the third ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Dubai

The Preview by Siddhartha Talya17-Nov-2011Match factsFriday, November 18
Start time 1500 (1100 GMT)Mahela Jayawardene is just 13 runs away from reaching 10,000 runs in ODIs•AFPBig PictureSri Lanka’s first victory on this tour of the UAE would come as a relief for them not merely for the fact that they broke a winless run. The win also marked a return to form for Mahela Jayawardene, whose struggles with the bat this tour have been a setback for a team that is heavily reliant on a core group of experienced batsmen that includes him.Equally encouraging was the performance of their bowlers, who’ve collectively fallen short of matching a superior Pakistan attack but have been able to improve their chances with the return of Lasith Malinga for the limited-overs games. The series level 1-1, Sri Lanka have the confidence and the players in form they need to press ahead and put behind them the defeat in the Tests and the capitulation in the first ODI.Pakistan will be disappointed they were bowled out in 46.3 overs in a chase they could have sealed, thanks to Umar Akmal’s own return to form. He made 91 and was looking good in the company of the middle-order batsmen who chipped in with useful contributions, but didn’t do enough to secure a win. Abdul Razzaq, Sarfraz Ahmed and Shahid Afridi were set, yet failed to see their team through. Pakistan are still favourites to take this series but Sri Lanka’s renewed confidence could make that task significantly tougher.Form guidePakistan: LWWWW
Sri Lanka: WLWLWWatch out for…He was once a batting allrounder but the role has reversed for Thisara Perera, who opens the bowling and bats at No.8. His onslaught against Zaheer Khan in the World Cup 2011 final is a reminder that he has much to offer with the bat. He’s useful with the ball with his variations in pace. He was included in this series as a replacement for the injured Dhammika Prasad, and will want to seize this opportunity to keep his place. He hasn’t started too badly, with an economical 2 for 30 in nine overs in Sri Lanka’s win.Abdul Razzaq has been around for a while, but he’s still only 31 and a big all-round asset for Pakistan. In a strong bowling line-up, his role has been limited – his last 10-over spell came in November 2009 and as far as opportunities with the bat are concerned, even more so. Though no one would question his ability, a strong all-round performance remains due. With Shoaib Malik also in the squad, he does face competition.Team newsPakistan don’t have any compelling reasons to make changes to their side but perhaps they could give Junaid Khan a go, following his impressive show in the Tests.Pakistan (possible): 1 Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Imran Farhat, 3 Younis Khan, 4 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 5 Umar Akmal, 6 Abdul Razzaq, 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), 9 Umar Gul, 10 Saeed Ajmal, 11 Aizaz Cheema/Junaid Khan.Chanaka Welegedera has been drafted into the Sri Lankan squad in place of an injured Suranga Lakmal, who didn’t play the previous game. However, it remains to be seen if Welegedara plays tomorrow.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Upul Tharanga, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Dinesh Chandimal, 5 Mahela Jayawardene, 6 Angelo Mathews, 7 Jeevan Mendis, 8 Thisara Perera, 9 Lasith Malinga, 10 Seekkuge Prasanna, 11 Dilhara Fernando.Stats and trivia Mahela Jayawardene is 13 runs short of 10,000 runs in ODIs and 46 runs short of reaching the same landmark in Tests. He’ll become the ninth batsman to reach that landmark in ODIs. Quotes”I think 230-250 would be a par score these days with the new rules.”

England’s bowlers hit back on the first day in Cardiff after Sri Lanka had set a solid base through their openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Tharanga Paranavitana

The Bulletin by Andrew McGlashan26-May-2011
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJames Anderson appeals for the caught-behind of Kumar Sangakkara•Getty ImagesSri Lanka’s openers, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Tharanga Paranavitana, gave their team a solid start to the first Test in Cardiff before England’s bowlers hit back on a truncated day. The pair added 93 for the first wicket after play was delayed until mid-afternoon by regular showers, but Dilshan couldn’t build on his half-century and Kumar Sangakkara also departed in somewhat controversial circumstances when the DRS became involved.Graeme Swann provided the first breakthrough and James Anderson was in the middle of a testing spell when England appealed for a Sangakkara edge behind but Aleem Dar turned down the shout and Andrew Strauss was quick to use the DRS. The decision rested on a combination of a noise and a faint mark halfway up the bat as the ball scooted past the edge. Rod Tucker, the third umpire, relayed that information and Dar overturned his decision.Sri Lanka’s opening partnership was their best in England, a place where touring sides often struggle against the new ball especially at this time of the year. They were also unfortunate that the dry, warm start to the summer ended on cue for the first day, but one of the main bonuses of Sri Lanka’s successful warm-up period was the form of the top two. Dilshan and Paranavitana both hit hundreds against Middlesex and England Lions in stands worth 209 and 200. In that sense, England did well to separate them for 93. A solid start here was vital, too, because Sri Lanka have a lengthy tail after opting for a five-man attack which, after a late change of heart, included two spinners.Strauss hadn’t been unhappy to lose the toss, especially when another shower meant an awkward 70-minute session before tea, but it soon became clear there wasn’t going to be a huge amount of help for the quick bowlers. There wasn’t much early swing for Anderson and Stuart Broad bowled too short, reinforcing the feeling he is short of rhythm after just two Championship matches for Nottinghamshire and his injury-hit winter.As was to be expected there were the occasional alarms for the openers but they judged well what to leave and what to play to build the frustrations for the bowlers. Against his natural instincts Dilshan was restrained in the 16 overs before tea except for a flash against Anderson and a strong cut off Broad as he passed 4000 Test runs. Paranavitana was impressively solid and alert to the quick singles although was on the receiving end of two big appeals from England.The first was for a catch down the leg side which always sounded more like pad, but the second got Anderson excited as Paranavitana was squared up and the ball taken at first slip. Billy Doctrove was proved right, though, as the ball had flicked the batsman’s hip and Strauss had been wise to keep the DRS up his sleeve. The England captain is becoming a good judge of when to use the system. However, Paranavitana was never flustered and adjusted impressively for a man playing his first Test outside the subcontinent.After tea Dilshan came out playing more shots although England’s bowlers did find the edges of both batsmen without anything reaching the slips. Chris Tremlett produced a probing spell that began to build some pressure and one delivery reared past Dilshan’s edge even though he was largely negated by a slow pitch.Swann had been brought on in the 27th over and while he couldn’t produce a first-over strike he was in the action in his fourth. At the start of the over Dilshan reached fifty from 92 balls, but three balls later dragged into his stumps as he tried to force through the off side. England sensed their chance for a late push and Anderson’s short battle with Sangakkara promised more for the series ahead.Paranavitana remained firm during the closing overs and brought up a hard-working and hugely valuable fifty from 145 balls when he cut Tremlett for his fifth boundary. With Mahela Jayawardene for company plenty of hard work remains for England’s bowlers.

ESPNcricinfo previews the IPL match between Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Delhi

The Preview by Dustin Silgardo25-Apr-2011Match factsTuesday, April 26, Delhi
Start time 2000 (1430 GMT)Virender Sehwag found the quicker surface at the Kotla more to his liking•AFPBig pictureAfter lacklustre starts to the tournament, both Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore have taken bold steps to try to improve their fortunes; for each of them, the moves worked in their last games. The newly-prepared green top at the Feroz Shah Kotla allowed Virender Sehwag and David Warner to play their strokes, as the ball came on to the bat, and the Delhi fast bowlers enjoyed the bounce they got from the track.For Bangalore, the shot in the arm came in the form of new signing Chris Gayle, whose century helped turn around a trend that had seen Bangalore not manage an opening stand of more than seven in their previous four matches.The switch from the traditional slow-and-low Kotla wicket to a livelier one makes sense for Delhi, since all their foreign players are either Australian or South African – and therefore used to bouncy tracks – while their most-expensive player, Irfan Pathan, is a seamer. Tuesday’s match will be a test of whether the win against Kings XI Punjab was a one-off or whether their strategy to pack the side with seamers for home games can be a consistently successful one.From Bangalore’s point of view, they will want to make as much use of their new opening partnership before Tillakaratne Dilshan leaves for England, which could be as early as May 10.Adding further interest is the fact that Bangalore snapped up four of Delhi’s foreign stars from last year in the January auction. “Old Delhi v New Delhi,” Delhi coach Greg Shipperd dubbed the contest, though with several players changing teams in the rejigging, former team-mates clashing is not uncommon.Apart from the fluidity of players’ loyalties, the other salient feature of the IPL tomorrow’s match exposes is its innate forgivingness. In many other sporting leagues Delhi and Bangalore’s starts of three losses in their first four games may have seen heads roll at the franchises. But because of the congested nature of the IPL table, both teams find themselves in a position where a single win will put them right back in contention for the knockout stages.Form guide (most recent first)Delhi: WLWLL (ninth in points table)
Bangalore: WLLLW (seventh in points table)Team talkBangalore’s batting has a settled look, but the problems in the bowling department are perhaps illustrated by the fact that Virat Kohli, who has an IPL bowling average of 93.00, has been one of their more economical options this season. They might want to include an extra seamer to make use of the Kotla pitch, but with Dirk Nannes injured there aren’t too many options; both S Aravind and Abhimanyu Mithun have gone for more than 10 an over so far, while Johan van der Wath has gone at 9.87. So they may give left-arm spinner J Syed Mohammad, who impressed in the last game, another go.Delhi went in with five seamers in their last game, and may stick with that strategy since they don’t have any established international spinners in their squad. Ajit Agarkar went for 47 runs in four overs in the last game, but the man who could replace him, Ashok Dinda, hasn’t exactly set the tournament on fire either.Predict the playing XIs for this match. Play ESPNcricinfo Team selector.In the spotlightAaron Finch entered the tournament with a big reputation, after his match-winning innings in a Twenty20 international against England, and his impressive performance for Victoria in the 2011 Big Bash. However, he has struggled on the slow Indian wickets, only managing 47 runs from five innings. The grass cover at the Kotla makes it a more familiar habitat and Tuesday is a chance for Finch to justify his billing.Bangalore would have been pleased with the 123-run partnership between Gayle and Dilshan against Kolkata Knight Riders, and will now be looking for the middle order to give AB de Villiers some more support. Saurabh Tiwary will be key in achieving that end. He hasn’t had the same impact since joining Bangalore as he did for Mumbai Indians last season, and will be looking to turn things around.Prime numbers Out of all the bowlers who have bowled more than five overs in IPL 2011, Bangalore captain Daniel Vettori has the best economy rate. He has gone at 5.75 in 20 overs so far.
David Warner has got the joint-highest number of half-centuries in this IPL, with three in five innings. He is fourth in the list of leading run-getters. The chatter”I prefer it when there is some bounce and carry on the pitch … and I’m definitely in favour of this wicket.”
“Half of their [Bangalore] side played for Delhi. They were our valued players. We tried to keep them in the auction but at last couldn’t afford them.”

Riding on an unbeaten ton from Glenn Maxwell, Victoria set South Australia a target of 380, before Peter Siddle snagged two wickets in fiery spell late in the day to put the hosts in control

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Mar-2011
ScorecardRiding on an unbeaten ton from Glenn Maxwell, Victoria set South Australia a target of 380, before Peter Siddle grabbed two wickets in fiery spell late in the day to put the hosts in control at the MCG.Victoria began day three on 0 for 17 with a 102-run lead, but the South Australia bowlers managed to keep things tight and frustrate the top order. Fast bowler Daniel Christian was particularly impressive, bowling 20.3 overs for just 39 runs and picking up two wickets.Victoria were 5 for 129 at one stage and in need of some sensible batting. They got it from Maxwell and Peter Siddle. The pair unsettled the bowlers by playing their shots – Maxwell cleared the ropes four times – and strung together a 90-run seventh wicket stand. Victoria declared once Maxwell got to a hundred.In the eight overs that Victoria bowled before stumps, Peter Siddle continued to torment South Australia, taking two wickets and conceding four runs in an incisive four-over spell. Daniel Harris and Cameron Borgas were at the crease at stumps.

South Africa put in a clinical all-round performance in the third-place play-off of the Under-19 World Cup, thrashing New Zealand by eight wickets in Townsville

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-2012
ScorecardDavid Rhoda (left) ran through the lower half of New Zealand’s line-up•ICC/GettySouth Africa put in a clinical all-round performance in the third-place play-off of the Under-19 World Cup, thrashing New Zealand by eight wickets in Townsville. First, after New Zealand chose to bat, South Africa routed them for 90, and then chased down the target in less than 15 overs.New Zealand were in trouble straightaway, with left-arm quick Jan Frylinck picking up two in two balls in the second over of the match. And they never recovered. Calvin Savage ran through the rest of the top order, finishing with three wickets in four overs, while David Rhoda scythed through the tail. The innings’ top scorer was No. 7 Connor Neynens with just 21, and five batsmen were dismissed for ducks.South Africa opener Quinton de Kock scored a rapid fifty to all but seal the chase, and after he was dismissed – for 50 off 43 balls with nine fours – Theunis de Bruyn knocked off 19 of nine to finish the game with all of 212 deliveries to spare.

ESPNcricinfo previews the fifth ODI between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in Bulawayo

The Preview by Firdose Moonda20-Aug-2011Match facts
August 21, Bulawayo
Start time 0930 am (0730 GMT)Brian Vitori should return for the series finale•Associated PressThe Big PictureAn entertaining series comes to a close on Sunday as Zimbabwe and Bangladesh aim to make the most of their final clash in Bulawayo. The five-match rubber has swung from being one-sided in favour of the hosts to fiercely competitive to being dominated by the visitors. Neutral observers will hope that it ends on a high and that a tough tussle decides the last match.Alan Butcher was scathing in his criticism of Zimbabwe after they took their foot off the gas and played poorly in the fourth match. With the series wrapped up 3-0 in Harare, Zimbabwe may be forgiven for relaxing, but a whitewash would have put them within two points of Bangladesh in the ODI rankings. Even though that is no longer possible, the importance of momentum has not been lost on Butcher and he will want his team to return to their winning ways before Pakistan arrive.Of special concern will be the batting, which imploded spectacularly on Friday when Zimbabwe lost their last six wickets for just 16 runs. The middle order has only had one other real opportunity in the series, in the third match in Harare a week ago, and even then Hamilton Masakadza played an anchoring role. Zimbabwe will be mindful of not developing a soft underbelly and will want the likes of Forster Mutizwa to get vital match time ahead of the big series to come. The bowling unit has come together on almost every occasion, but could use another opportunity to work on defending a total.Bangladesh restored some pride with their win and will want to prove it wasn’t a one-off event. After coming close in the third match, they showed that they can do the business in the fourth. Bangladesh also appear to have settled in the seam department and Rubel Hossain, who has showed promise throughout the series, was the standout performer in their Bulawayo blitz.Tamim Iqbal finally came good with a smashing 61 and debutant Shuvagoto Hom displayed a temperament that bodes well for the future. A consolation win won’t make up for a series loss but it will give them something positive to take from the series as they move forward.Form guide
(most recent first) Zimbabwe LWWWW
Bangladesh WLLLLIn the spotlight On a pitch that will favour spin, the Zimbabwe pair of Prosper Utseya and Ray Price have become the key bowlers for the home team. With Utseya the attacker and Price the container, they have formed a solid pair in the past, but in this series have been overshadowed by the pace prowess of Brian Vitori and Kyle Jarvis and the maturity of Chris Mpofu. They have taken nine wickets in four matches so far at an economy of 4.65 between them, not their best outing, and will want to use this match as an opportunity to stamp their authority.Abdur Razzak put on his best performance of the series in the previous match, bowling economically and plucking a wicket at the end of the innings. He has been under severe criticism for his failure to contribute when it’s needed and has not adequately performed as a senior member of the squad. With the axe still hovering just above his head, Razzak will want to put an end to the doubts and turn in a solid performance before heading home. Team news Zimbabwe began playing with their combinations in the last match and rested Brian Vitori and Craig Ervine, bringing back Ray Price and letting Malcolm Waller have his first outing of the series. They will probably want to keep two spinners and if any juggling is to take place in the bowling department, Kyle Jarvis may have to make way for Vitori, if he has recovered from a shin niggle. The middle order is a work in progress and Forster Mutizwa and Craig Ervine may tussle for a place, if Malcolm Waller is to be retained. Keegan Meth has still not had a game, but it may prove difficult to make room for him.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Brendan Taylor (capt), 2 Vusi Sibanda, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Tatenda Taibu (wk), 5 Forster Mutizwa/Craig Ervine, 6 Elton Chigumbura, 7 Malcolm Waller, 8 Prosper Utseya, 9 Ray Price, 10 Brian Vitori, 11 Chris MpofuBangladesh will not want to do too much fiddling with an XI that has finally produced and the only likely change is that Shahriah Nafees may come in for Junaid Siddique. The number three spot still hasn’t been a run producing one for the visitors and they will want to get some value from this crucial position.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Junaid Siddique/Shahriah Nafees, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 6 Shuvagoto Hom, 7 Mahmudullah, 8 Abdur Razzak, 9 Shafiul Islam, 10 Rubel Hossain, 11 Nasir HossainPitch and conditionsAs spring approaches, the weather is getting warmer and conditions should be perfect for cricket. The pitch is expected to be flat and offer even bounce which will provide a good surface for batting and set up high scoring contest. The spinners should also get some assistance with a hint of turn on offer but, on the whole, the bowlers will have to toil hard for any reward.Stats and trivia Shakib al Hasan averages less with the bat in the fifth game of a series than he does in any other match of a multiple ODI series. His fifth match average is 24.16. He is at his best in the fourth game of a series, when he averages 82.00.Chris Mpofu has taken 11 wickets at an average of 28.45 this year, the best yearly average of his career so far.Quotes We need to play a much smarter game of cricket. We want to banish this performance.
If we can use this momentum and win the next game, we can be satisfied in our hearts that we could take something home.

Celtic saw many players come and go out of the club during their previous summer and winter transfer windows as Ange Postecoglou made his mark on the squad.

Now that the next summer window is on the horizon, this will once again give the 56-year-old the chance to make any further changes to the squad that he sees fit.

In terms of which players that could or should be moved out of the club, we feel that the duo of goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas and striker Albian Ajeti should not be wearing Celtic shirts next season.

With a combined total of eight SPFL appearances between them this season, this shows just how far down the pecking order they are.

Looking at Barkas, the shot-stopper has only made two appearances for the Bhoys across all competitions in this campaign, conceding a goal in each of them.

The 27-year-old was slammed by Michael Stewart for his “catastrophic” error against FC Midtjylland that led to Celtic drawing 1-1 against them in their Champions League qualifying match back in July.

As for Ajeti, the striker has only started seven of the 17 games he’s appeared in, scoring three goals and providing one assist in the process.

Back in March, Frank McAvennie claimed that it was “unbelievable” that the attacker was still taking money from the club as a result of his dire performances.

When the Switzerland international has been able to get on the pitch in the SPFL, his performances haven’t done much to add cause for concern for the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi or Giorgos Giakoumakis in terms of their place in the side.

According to WhoScored, the centre-forward has only been able to earn himself a rather disappointing overall season rating of 6.47/10, making him one of the lowest-rated players in Postecoglou’s squad to start more than one league game in this campaign.

Moving forward, if Celtic have the chance to offload the duo in the summer, then they should absolutely do it without hesitation.

If they can then pick up some money in the process, this would be an ideal situation for them as the disastrous duo are not offering much to the team as things stand apart from rinsing the club financially.

In other news: Celtic now eye bid for £1.8m-rated gem with “serious Haaland vibes”, Ange will love it

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.