All posts by h716a5.icu

Peter Ingram, the New Zealand batsman, has said learning from watching Virender Sehwag bat has helped transform his career

Siddarth Ravindran in Dambulla22-Aug-2010Peter Ingram, the New Zealand batsman, has said learning from watching Virender Sehwag bat has helped transform his career. Ingram is sometimes criticised for a lack of footwork, but he said the reduced foot movement – a hallmark of Sehwag’s batting – has helped trigger the run of form which has lifted him to the New Zealand team.Sehwag and Ingram are both international openers, born just five days apart. While Sehwag has been among the most feared batsmen in the world for years Ingram is still taking his first tentative steps in international cricket, working full-time as a teacher as he is yet to win a central contract.After several poor seasons on the domestic scene – he has been around since 2001-02 – he was in commanding form over the past three years. “I played for five years for Central Districts, and averaged 17, used to try and move my feet heaps and block too much,” Ingram said. “And then I just kept watching Virender Sehwag, if he can not move his feet and score runs then so can I. Since then I have averaged about 65 and scored heaps and heaps of runs.”This is the first tournament he is playing involving Sehwag, and he is looking ahead to learning from the Indian batsman. “I have tried to have a chat with Sehwag. We are trying to organise one. I want to have a talk with him and see how he works and trains.”The stand-and-deliver method isn’t something that Ingram recommends for everyone, though. “Not everyone is the same, obviously it suits me and suits him,” he said. “I am not as good as he is, but one day hopefully I will be.”Sehwag has made a habit out of reaching his centuries with a six; most recently he nearly did it off the controversial Suraj Randiv no-ball last week, but it isn’t something Ingram has attempted. “No, I haven’t even thought about it.” He does dream of a Sehwagian feat. “I want to play Test cricket and smash a hundred of 80 balls.”

Crystal Palace are looking to make Jean-Philippe Mateta’s move permanent.

That’s according to journalist Tom Barclay, and, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Palace brought Mateta in 12 months ago from Mainz on an 18-month loan which included an option to buy. [BBC]

The 24-year-old has scored against rivals Brighton and Millwall during his time at the club and has featured regularly under Patrick Vieira in recent months.

And it now seems as if he has done enough to make a Selhurst Park stay permanent, with Barclay stating he has won Vieira over in recent months.

The journalist added that a deal is not done yet, but a full-time transfer appears to be on the cards for the Frenchman.

Palace fans react

This is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply to Barclay’s post, with one ‘buzzing’ for the forward and another labelling it as ‘incredible’.

“Good. Goals against Millwall and Brighton. I’m a fan forever.”

Credit: @HunterCPFC

“Buzzing for the man, Vieira clearly rated him above Benteke and at 24 years old we could get him on the cheap”

Credit: @ReeceJMT

“YESSSSSS”

Credit: @EvilSashPioneer

“Would be incredible if he goes on to be a big player for us”

Credit: @SWPalace

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @MattCPFC

“Get in”

Credit: @Rpcpfc

In other news: ‘Onto the next one, sorry Donny pal’ – Many Palace fans react as Romano shares ‘bonkers’ update. 

A key Newcastle United transfer update has emerged on outcast duo Ciaran Clark and Jamal Lewis… 

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has issued doubt over any further outgoings for the club’s reserve players following the end of the transfer window.

He initially Tweeted: “As of yesterday, Hendrick, Clark & Lewis had been told they’re not in 25. Hendrick left on loan, the others stayed despite offers. The extra man could be an injured player such as Hayden.”

In reply to a fan asking whether they would be able to leave on loan, the reporter said:

“Only to foreign markets where the window remains open (Turkey, for example). But I think that’s unlikely.”

Annoyed

This claim from Hope will surely leave fans annoyed for multiple reasons.

From a financial point of view, it is a worrying waste of money for the club. They are now set to pay these players a hefty sum of money at the end of the month with no chance of getting any value back from them on the pitch as they are unable to be involved in any capacity.

You could argue that they may still have a positive impact in the dressing room or in training, but that is information we are not privy to. The cold hard fact is that the Magpies are going to be paying them for making no visible contribution between now and the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

From a player perspective, fans will be frustrated that they are wasting their careers for the next five months or so – particularly in Lewis’ case. Clark, at the age of 32, is in the latter stages of his playing days and this break may not have much of an impact on his development, but the Northern Ireland international is only 24 and will now go months without competitive football.

Instead of playing regular minutes at the first-team level, Lewis could be resigned to playing in the U23 team and that could affect his progress as a player. The supporters will be annoyed by this as he was brought in for a reported £15m and still has three-and-a-half years left on his contract, which suggests that he is – or was – seen as a long-term player for the club.

His lack of game time could also impact Newcastle’s chances of recouping a big chunk of the fee they paid for him initially if they decide to sell him in the summer. Teams could be put off by his long spell on the sidelines and that could make it difficult to move him on, which is another reason why fans will be frustrated by this news.

AND in other news, Wood axed, Howe unleashes “exciting talent”: NUFC’s sparkling new XI after Jan window…

Jaik Mickleburgh again showed his liking for the Durham attack with another polished effort that underpinned the Essex innings in the Country Championship clash at Chelmsford

07-Sep-2010
ScorecardJaik Mickleburgh again showed his liking for the Durham attack with another polished effort that underpinned the Essex innings in the Country Championship clash at Chelmsford. The 20-year-old right-hander, who took 174 off Durham earlier this season, struck 72 as Essex closed on 248 for 9 on a day cut short by 10 overs because of rain.Despite Mickleburgh’s contribution, Essex nevertheless appear doomed to drop into the second division next season. They already seem to have accepted that fact as they went into this match without leading wicket-taker David Masters, preferring to rest the fast bowler ahead of Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank 40 semi-final with Somerset.Mickleburgh, whose 10 boundaries included a straight-driven six against spinner Ian Blackwell, survived a scare on 59 when wicketkeeper Phil Mustard, at full stretch, failed to hold on to a catch offered against Ben Harmison. But it did not prove too expensive as 13 runs later he drove straight into the hands of Dale Benkenstein at mid-off when Scott Borthwick gave one of his leg breaks a little more air.It was not such a rewarding day for England opener Alastair Cook. He progressed to 33 without too much trouble but then undid his good work by pulling a delivery from Liam Plunkett into the hands of Mitchell Claydon at square leg. Matt Walker was another to perish in the 30s, turning Blackwell into the hands of Mark Stoneman at leg slip after helping Mickleburgh add 74 for the third wicket.Following Mickleburgh’s dismissal, skipper James Foster reached 20 for the first time in eight Championship innings and also guided Essex to their first batting point in four games.But there was little else to cheer the Essex faithful, with Durham making inroads at regular intervals. Foster had moved to within eight runs of his half century, an effort containing seven boundaries, when he was trapped leg before by Plunkett with the second new ball.Plunkett’s two wickets came at a cost of 27 runs while spinners Blackwell and Borthwick also picked up two scalps apiece at a cost of 30 and 41 runs respectively.

Sikandar Raza and Steve Tikolo hit half-centuries to steer Southern Rocks to a four-wicket victory over Mashonaland Eagles, chasing down the target of 253 with 11 balls to spare

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Sep-2010Sikandar Raza and Steve Tikolo hit half-centuries to steer Southern Rocks to a four-wicket victory over Mashonaland Eagles in the Metbank One-Day Competition, chasing down their target of 253 with 11 balls to spare in the 40-over match.Pakistan-born Raza laid the foundation for the chase after his partner Steve Marillier was bowled by fast-bowler Douglas Hondo off the first ball of the innings. Raza hit eight fours and a six in his 77, which came off 61 deliveries. It was his maiden List A half-century.Former Kenya captain Tikolo guided his side home in what could have become a tense chase after six wickets had fallen with 47 runs still needed from 32 deliveries. Tikolo and Tendai Chisoro ensured there were no further hiccups with an unbroken 50-run stand that came off just 3.3 overs.Greg Lamb had earlier played an aggressive knock of 96 off 78 deliveries to lift the Eagles from 103 for 5 to 252 for 7. Lamb added 116 runs for the sixth wicket with Tarisai Mahlunge who made 47 off 49. Tikolo was the best bowler for the Rocks, taking 2 for 46 in eight overs.The Rocks earned four points for their victory.

Ciaran Kelly has now revealed that Eddie Howe has been taking a closer look at Newcastle United youngster Michael Ndiweni.

The Lowdown: No additional striker

While the St. James’ Park faithful managed to bring in Chris Wood from Burnley in the January transfer window, following the injury suffered by Callum Wilson, they failed in a deadline day move for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.

With the window now closed, Howe will have to use other resources to increase his options up top, and that may mean digging into the academy instead of looking at free agents or emergency loans.

The Latest: Ndiweni eyed

As per The Chronicle journalist Kelly, Howe is now taking a close look at Academy attacker Ndiweni:

“Nufc were unable to sign an additional striker alongside Chris Wood last month, but Eddie Howe has taken a closer look at Michael Ndiweni, who has been in lethal form for the under-18s. Great to see.”

The Verdict: Give him a chance!

Ndiweni has not made a senior appearance yet for the North East club, but the 18-year-old has been flying at youth level.

He has scored no fewer than 18 goals in 31 games in total over all competitions across the last three seasons, including 12 in 13 this term (Transfermarkt), and given Wilson’s injury, he will feel that he can at least make the bench in the next senior match-day squad.

Nonetheless, the Toon Army will want to see academy lads given a chance, and Ndiweni is certainly someone who can grow with senior players around him.

In other news, find out which enormous ‘beast’ NUFC can now sign in June here!

Marcelo Brozovic rejected the chance to link up with Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent appearance on Telelombardia (via Sport Witness), Italian journalist Fabrizio Biasin revealed that, prior to the 29-year-old midfielder putting pen to paper a new four-year deal with Inter Milan, all three of Tottenham, Newcastle United and Barcelona made contact with the Croatia international regarding a potential summer switch.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Concerning Spurs’ interest in Brozovic, Biasin said: “I can say that they tried for Brozovic. Tottenham made an attempt, but Brozovic, a man of his word, said he wanted to stay and he did it by signing the renewal. He had [offers from] Newcastle, Barcelona and Tottenham, and he stayed. Barcelona had offered him €8m [£6.5m] per season.”

Conte will be fuming

With it being reported that Antonio Conte was extremely interested in securing a reunion with his former Inter midfielder in north London, the news that Brozovic rejected Tottenham in favour of remaining at the San Siro is sure to have left the 52-year-old fuming.

Indeed, it is easy to see why the Italian was keen on a move for the 29-year-old, as Brozovic was a hugely important part of Conte’s title-winning Inter team last season.

Over his 33 Serie A appearances in 2020/21, the £41.5m-rated Croatian was in sensational form for the Nerazzurri, scoring two goals, registering six assists and creating nine big chances for his team-mates, along with making 1.4 key passes and taking 0.8 shots per game.

The €6m-per-year – roughly £96k-per-week – central midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 59.7 passes, 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 4.3 long balls and winning three duels per match.

These returns saw the player who Gianfranco Matteoli dubbed “irreplaceable” average an extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.28, ranking him not only as Conte’s second-best performer in Serie A but also the 14th-best player in the entire league last season.

As such, it is clear to see that Brozovic would have made a fantastic addition to Spurs’ current options in the middle of the park this summer, while it is also evident why Conte will be raging at missing out on the 29-year-old’s signature, especially as he wouldn’t have cost the club a penny in transfer fees.

AND in other news: “I wouldn’t be surprised…” – Alasdair Gold drops teasing Spurs claim which supporters will love

Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson will be back on duty next week after being picked for the three-match one-day series against Sri Lanka

Peter English26-Oct-2010Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson will be back on duty next week after being picked for the three-match one-day series against Sri Lanka. The trio was rested from the India limited-overs trip and the return of Ponting and Watson means Callum Ferguson and David Warner, who didn’t play in the rain-interrupted campaign, miss out.The surprise inclusion is Xavier Doherty, the left-arm spinner from Tasmania, who comes in following a string of mesmerising displays. He will play in the first game of the series in Melbourne on November 3 and has a chance to impress for a spot at next year’s World Cup.A thoughtful slow bowler, Doherty has even taken the new ball for his state and his tight line makes it difficult for batsmen to attack. He has 103 List A wickets in 85 matches at an average of 28.91.”His interstate one-day performances saw him make the Australia A side this year and he has again started this season impressively,” Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said. “A left-arm finger spinner could be important during the World Cup campaign and we are confident Xavier will perform very well if the opportunity presents itself.”Doherty’s selection puts some more pressure on Nathan Hauritz because Steve Smith, the legspinner, is also in the 15-man outfit. Hauritz will miss the opening ODI to play in New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match against Queensland starting on Sunday.”This is seen as the best preparation for Nathan ahead of a very busy summer,” Hilditch said. Hauritz had a disappointing Test tour of India, but had regained significant drift and turn by the end of the trip.Peter Siddle will continue his comeback from a back stress fracture in the ODIs as part of an inexperienced bowling attack. Johnson is the leader and will also have Mitchell Starc, John Hastings and Clint McKay as support.”We have several key fast bowlers out of the side at present with injury, but this does create a great opportunity for several of our young fast bowlers,” Hilditch said. Doug Bollinger will remain on the sidelines with a stomach injury picked up in India while Ryan Harris continues to battle a knee problem.Brett Lee remains on the outer following elbow surgery, despite insisting he is ready after a handful of grade and state matches. “It’s not something that he’s particularly happy with, he thinks he’s ready to go,” Hilditch said in Adelaide. “But we still feel after a very long period off with injury, and then to come back on pretty limited preparation to what is really three one-day internationals in six days, I think it is just a bit too much at this stage.”Australia squad Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Cameron White, Brad Haddin (wk), Steve Smith, John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Clint McKay, Peter Siddle, Xavier Doherty, Mitchell Starc.

Cricinfo’s preview of the first Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Gabba

The Preview by Peter English in Brisbane24-Nov-2010Match FactsThe destination of the Ashes almost relies on Mitchell Johnson’s left hand•Getty ImagesNovember 25, Brisbane
Start time 10:00 (00:00 GMT)The Big PictureThe latest instalment of the 133-year Australia-England battle begins with one team trying to form unity out of disarray and the other hoping their perfect preparation turns into an Ashes win. In modern times it has been England who have had to agonise over injuries and form issues, but this time it is the hosts who have all the major issues.Ricky Ponting’s men start the series on a three-game Test losing streak, a sequence of results that hasn’t occurred since 1988. That was also the year that Australia last lost at the Gabba. If England can re-write that part of history they will have a huge advantage over the rest of the series, which they only need to draw to keep hold of the urn.England’s tour has been incredible so far, with a couple of warm-up wins, including a strong performance against Australia A, and a draw. Almost all of their men are in form and their position has been so powerful that they sent their bowlers to Brisbane a few days early to acclimatise. If they have lost a bag in transit it would rate as their biggest setback.The last time Australia lost the Ashes at home was in 1986-87, back when Ricky Ponting was 12 and Andrew Strauss was living in Victoria. Given the build-ups of the sides and the changes Australia have undergone, this is England’s best chance for success. If they don’t take it over the next seven weeks they will have to wait decades to run into their enemies at such a vulnerable stage.Form guide(most recent first)
Australia LLLWW
England WLWWWWatch out for…The destination of the Ashes almost relies on Mitchell Johnson’s left hand. If he can bounce and frighten, and hurry and worry, England’s batsmen then Australia will be more than halfway towards regaining the Ashes. If he is as loose as he was in the 2009 series, the locals will struggle to contain England’s complementary batting order. The signs were good last week when he mixed a five-wicket haul with a century for Western Australia, but now he’s back in the big time.
Stuart Broad was responsible for turning the Ashes last time and he carries the same power again. A bowler first, he is capable of bowling full for swing or changing his length to force the batsmen back. As a run-maker, he is strong and entertaining, and it is a shame his century against Pakistan at Lord’s was sullied. His father Chris was responsible for lifting the urn in 1986-87, and the family name will never be forgotten in England if Broad can do it too.Team newsMichael Clarke’s back is the major worry for Australia but he has proved his fitness and Ponting does not consider him a risk. Peter Siddle will play his first Test since January after beating Doug Bollinger for the final bowling spot, and Xavier Doherty will make his debut. Usman Khawaja and Doug Bollinger are heading to Perth after the toss to play for New South Wales.
Australia 1 Simon Katich, 2 Shane Watson, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Clarke, 5 Michael Hussey, 6 Marcus North, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Xavier Doherty, 10 Peter Siddle, 11 Ben Hilfenhaus.

England have known their best XI for months and there will be no deviating unless someone trips over a sprinkler head, or slips in the nets. No touring team since the great West Indies outfits of the 1980s has been so assured before a series in Australia.England 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Paul Collingwood, 6 Ian Bell, 7 Matt Prior (wk), 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Graeme Swann, 10 James Anderson, 11 Steven Finn.
Pitch and conditionsIf the results of the Gabba this season are followed, the match won’t last five days. The square remains soft from a spring of heavy rain, but the pitch is firm and a light shade of green. Showers are forecast throughout the game, with the cloud cover and extra moisture exciting the bowlers. Ben Hilfenhaus smiled broadly last night when he noticed it was raining. Add in the humidity and temperatures in the high 20s, and it’s going to be a contest controlled by the fast men.Stats and trivia This will be Ricky Ponting’s eighth Ashes series but he barely makes it on to the list of most England-Australia matches. Ponting’s 31 games sit well behind Syd Gregory (52), Allan Border (47), Steve Waugh (46) and Colin Cowdrey (43). The man at the ground with the most Ashes runs will be Graham Gooch, England’s assistant coach. Gooch scored 2632 in 42 games, putting him in 11th spot, one ahead of Greg Chappell, Australia’s new selector. In 321 Australia-England Tests, England have won 99 and lost 132. In Australia they have succeeded 54 times, and been defeated on 85 occasions. Anderson is the one visiting bowler who has played a Test in Australia before, but Trott and Prior are the only ones in the top seven who are on their Down Under debuts. Hilfenhaus has featured once at home, while Doherty has played a handful of domestic fixtures in BrisbaneQuotes”A batting collapse probably had a big say in us losing the Ashes last time and we’re very aware of the fact. We’ve spoken about it a lot, but sometimes the more you speak about things the harder they become.”

A major decision has been made that will affect Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst significantly in the Premiership next season.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports have reported that VAR will be introduced in the league after the World Cup later this year, which means that it will be in use from December onwards.

41 of the 42 Scottish Professional Football League clubs, including Rangers, voted in favour of the equipment being brought in, although it will only be used in the Premiership and Championship sides will not benefit from it.

It will, however, be used for the Scottish Cup semi-finals and final for any side who makes it there to experience, with the system set to cost £1.2m-per-season.

Neil Doncaster, who is the chief executive of the SPFL, said this about the introduction:

“I believe this was the right decision and that VAR will help referees to ensure tight decisions are more often the right ones and will support a higher standard and more consistent level of decision-making.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be relieved

The Gers head coach will surely be relieved by this call as it means that his team will not drop any points due to refereeing errors.

This should, in theory, mean that the vast majority of decisions are correct and in line with the laws of the game, in terms of the major calls in matches. Therefore, this is a huge boost as Rangers will not be cursing their luck with officiating and blaming problems out of their control for results.

Van Bronckhorst will be able to go away from each and every match knowing that the result, whether it is a win, draw or loss, is down to his team’s performance and not because of a refereeing error.

Back in January, the Gers held talks with the SFA over the standard of officiating of their clash with Aberdeen as they found eight separate issues with decisions in that particular match.

There was also uproar after a clash with Dundee United earlier this year as Rangers were denied a clear penalty and both Charlie Mulgrew and Ryan Jack escaped red cards.

These decisions can have a huge influence on matches and that is why van Bronckhorst will be buzzing that VAR is being brought in.

It will be a big boost to his side as they will not be stripped of calls that should be going their way, whilst they will need to be at their best to ensure that they are not punished for it at the other end.

AND in other news, Sources: Shock Rangers transfer claim emerges that will leave Wilson excited…