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If the West Indies are to seriously challenge South Africa for the Cable & Wireless Trophy, they must show more consistency

04-May-2001If the West Indies are to seriously challenge South Africa for the Cable & Wireless Trophy, they must show more consistency. That’s the view of team coach Roger Harper in the aftermath of the West Indies’ eight-wicket defeat in the second match of the One-Day International series at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) on Wednesday.The loss followed two successive victories in Jamaica where the West Indies won the fifth and final Test and the first of the seven limited-overs internationals.”We saw in Jamaica, both in the Test match and in the One-Day game the sort of standard we are capable of,” Harper said after Wednesday’s generally one-sided contest in which South Africa reached a target of 221 for the loss of just two wickets with 25 balls to spare.But, as has been in the past, our problem is putting out that sort of quality performance on a consistent basis day-in, day-out. This is what we are striving for. If we want to compete and be a force to be reckoned with, we have to do it on a day-to-day basis.On Saturday at Sabina Park, the fielding was of a decent standard and the bowling was tidy for the most part, but the team fell down in both areas at the ARG. The batsmen, too, failed to score briskly in the first 25 overs.While some observers feel the West Indies’ selection could be different, Harper was satisfied that the correct mix of players was chosen for the shorter form of the game.Case in point: Leon Garrick, who took 61 balls over 16 runs on Wednesday, has played very little One-Day cricket for Jamaica, while pacer Nixon McLean, who was belted for 40 runs from four overs, has often lacked control in the past.”We have young players. There is no getting away from it,” the coach acknowledged.”We have young players who have to get used to the game, who have to gain experience and learn what is required in situations and how to go about it.”Even so, he felt the West Indies could have done better than score 76 runs for the loss of a solitary wicket in their first 25 overs.”I wouldn’t complain too much about the first 15 overs, but from ten to 25, having not lost a wicket, we should have been able to step on the gas and get closer to 100 by 25 overs,” he said.Brian Lara, on his 32nd birthday, returned to the No. 3 position where most feel he should bat, but could do no better than eke out 13 singles off 38 balls.”The situation demanded that Brian batted at No.3. The openers batted a number of overs and it was the ideal situation for Brian to step into,” Harper said.”Unfortunately, we expect so much of Brian and today (Wednesday) he did not sort of deliver the quality performance we expected of him.”There was, however, the satisfaction of Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s return to form. Included only because of Ricardo Powell’s strained right thigh, Chanderpaul lifted the West Indies tempo by making 60 off 54 balls before he was run out in the 44th over.

Former Premier League striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Marko Arnautovic would be in Crystal Palace’s price-range.

The Eagles have a number of attacking players out of contract this summer, including two of their three recognised strikers in Christian Benteke and Michy Batshuayi, whose loan deal expires.

Meanwhile, Jordan Ayew, who was one of Palace’s standout players last season, has managed just one goal, meaning reinforcements are going to be needed.

And reports believe that former Hammers striker Arnautovic is on Palace’s wish-list, with the Austrian strongly linked with a move back to England.

Arnautovic has a proven record in the Premier League having enjoyed success with both Stoke and West Ham before making the switch to Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Port, where he’s scored 20 times in 36 appearances following his move back in 2019.

And whilst Bent believes that the striker’s West Ham exit could raise question marks, he would be willing to give him another chance to prove himself.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s 32. You don’t want someone in your your squad creating a harsh environment, but Palace could afford him. He’s been consistent in China, and it’s a top division in China.

“West Ham probably got rid of him for his attitude, he went to China for the money, but having the right manager might calm him down.”

Article: Salahuddin Sallu’s Straight Talk column

Salahudin Ahmed (Sallu)16-May-2001
Salahuddin Ahmed (Sallu)
Photo © CricInfo
Whether injury-prone Shoaib Akhtar features in the first Test at Lord’s on May 17 or not, Pakistan seem to have started the tour on a cordial note, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) unequivocally coming out with a clarification that Shoaib’s bowling action was not under scrutiny. For the uninitiated, some press reports in England had suggested that Shoaib’s action was being reviewed by the two umpires who stood in the three-dayer between Derbyshire and the visitors.The denial, and also the fact that it came quickly, not only nipped the controversy in the bud, it also showed that fences between the ECB and the PCB were in good repair. This augurs well for the tour, and one can hope that this spirit of camaraderie would be lasting.As for the truncated two-Test rubber, which in itself has come in for some criticism, Nasser Hussain would obviously be wanting to augment the quartet of successes achieved at home and abroad, while Waqar Younis would surely be hoping to regain some measure of consistency to beat England in its own backyard, thus avenging the series loss back home last winter. The Pakistanis are certainly capable of achieving this end, a fact acknowledged by the England captain. But for Pakistan, its formidable strength on paper often, especially of late, has not translated into results on the ground. So, the captain and the team would have to draw deep into their resources and perform with a lot of zeal and commitment to win against a determined England.One good thing is that the discord between some key players, such as Younis and Akram, has apparently been healed. That, and the motivation level of each and every player would play an important role in the end result.A word about the youngsters – Mohammad Wasim, Saleem Elahi, Imran Farhat, Mohammad Sami and Faisal Iqbal – in the Pakistan squad. Some of them would definitely get opportunities to display their wares. They would be in high-pressure situations. What they need to remember is that those who come out of such situations with flying colours mostly become top professionals and have long and successful careers. So there is an additional incentive for them to prove themselves now.For Pakistan, as ever, it would be a matter of putting enough runs on the board, for it surely has the attack to bowl England out twice. The doubts are about the batting delivering the goods. And if it could shed its traditional brittleness in seaming conditions, there is every hope that Pakistan would do well. The trio of Saeed Anwar, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana – all three experienced, all three class players – would have to lead batting effort. Only Anwar has been amongst the runs so far, his highest on the tour being a spectacular double hundred against Kent. While I’m sure Inzamam and Youhana too would be amongst the runs soon, Anwar’s form is really encouraging, and if he takes it into the Tests, Pakistan would be well served. Anwar’s form is critical, because once the top order contributes a healthy share of runs, it is always easier for the middle and lower order to add to the pile.The main thing here would be the resolve to stay in the middle for long durations, despite the seam and the swing, and to put a very high value on their wickets. If they did that, partnerships would flourish and a good total would be posted.While there is no disputing that Pakistan has a really potent attack, still it sometimes fails to get key wickets. An example is that of Derbyshire’s Mathew Dowman, an under-19 player who went on to make a hundred and ensured a draw for his much-depleted outfit. Against an England side most likely packed with seven batsmen, the Waqar-led attack will have to be at its penetrative best to keep England within limits. So the onus is not just on batting alone.

Ed: Salahuddin Ahmed (Sallu) is a former Test cricketer, and has served as a PCB selector nine times; his last stint (1999-2000) was as chief selector.

According to a Tottenham source, claim Football Insider, Belgium international boss Roberto Martinez is now ‘pushing strongly’ for the Lilywhites managerial vacancy and is making a ‘huge play’ behind the scenes.

The Lowdown: Martinez in the running

The 47-year-old has emerged as a contender for the role in recent weeks due to his open, attacking style of play which is said to be attractive to Tottenham.

Indeed, this is backed by reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold, who recently claimed that those within the club ‘really like’ his brand of football.

As a result, he is apparently on the shortlist and being considered by chairman Daniel Levy and co.

The Latest: Martinez now ‘pushing’ for Spurs job

In this development, a Lilywhites source has told Football Insider that the former Everton and Wigan Athletic boss is now ‘pushing strongly’ for the managerial vacancy in north London and making a ‘huge play’ behind the scenes.

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Indeed, according to the outlet, Martinez remains a strong contender for the Tottenham post and contact has already been made with him.

It is also said that he is very eager to take to the job, so much so that the Spaniard is ‘ready to quit’ his current Red Devils role and leave almost immediately after the European Championships this summer.

His enthusiasm has apparently been noticed by Spurs chiefs with Martinez now emerging as a frontrunner.

The Verdict: Exciting update…

While Martinez’ last club stint at Goodison Park was an arguable failure, it’s clear he falls into the category of manager Tottenham want to pursue – a young, dynamic and attack minded one (The Daily Mail).

Clinching a memorable FA Cup winners medal after guiding his Wigan side to a shock upset against Manchester City in 2013, Martinez also oversaw Belgium’s 2018 World Cup run to the semi-finals – where they knocked out five-time champions Brazil on the way.

This experience managing world class stars could propel him up the managerial shortlist above the likes of Graham Potter and Scott Parker.

Tottenham could certainly do far worse than Martinez.

In other news: Levy allegedly infatuated by this 48-year-old manager, find out more here.

Kent’s rash batting coupled with an inspired spell of bowling by Glamorgan seamer Darren Thomas ensured honours finished just about even at the end of this first day of four at Maidstone

Mark Pennell13-Jun-2001Kent’s rash batting coupled with an inspired spell of bowling by Glamorgan seamer Darren Thomas ensured honours finished just about even at the end of this first day of four at Maidstone.The hosts totalled 304 on a dry and fairly benign pitch at The Mote after winning the toss, a score that may well prove well below par once Glamorgan crack on from their overnight score of seven for one tomorrow.It was a day of what might have been for the hosts who, despite posting three batting bonus points, ought to have boasted two centuries to go with them.Ed Smith, fresh from an excellent 84 in Leeds last week, raced to 74 from 94 balls before clipping a catch to the diving Steve Watkin just before lunch.Opener Rob Key also appeared on course for his second Championship ton of the campaign when he attempted to cut Dean Cosker, only to pick out James Maher at slip to go for 97 in a shade over four and a half hours.The introduction of Thomas from the Rugby End coincided with a change in the weather and the Welsh seamer revelled in the overcast conditions by claiming four for 13 in 24 balls.The 26-year-old, aided and abetted by some wild strokes, sent back Matthew Fleming, Paul Nixon, Min Patel and James Golding in quick succession as the Kent middle order collapsed.The tenth-wicket pairing of Ben Trott (13) and Martin Saggers (27) repaired some of the damage by reaching 300, after which Saggers picked up the new ball to remove Maher leg before in the final over of the day.

Norwich City are reportedly interested in signing Angus Gunn from Southampton this summer – an opportunity which Ralph Hasenhuttl must not pass up.

According to Hampshire Live, the Canaries are plotting a move for the 25-year-old shot-stopper following their promotion back to the Premier League, and Hasenhuttl would be willing to sell him this summer.

Southampton signed the ‘keeper from Manchester City for £13.5m back in the summer of 2018 following an impressive loan spell at Carrow Road, so a move back to the Norfolk side would make a lot of sense.

During his time there in the 2017/18 season, Gunn would enjoy arguably the best spell of his career thus far, starting all 46 games in the Championship and keeping 15 clean sheets.

Since his move to the South Coast, the shot-stopper has managed just 30 appearances for Southampton, in which he has conceded 52 goals and kept just eight clean sheets, so it is easy to understand why Hasenhuttl has preferred Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster.

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The two more experienced goalkeepers have both enjoyed runs in the Saints side this season and it seems that they will both compete for the starting spot again next year, which leaves little room for Gunn in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

Therefore, it seems likely that Gunn will depart if Southampton receive a permanent offer, especially as he was reportedly set to spend a second successive season on loan with Stoke City in the Championship.

Southampton chairman Jisheng Gao would surely be happy to sell Gunn permanently this summer, even if they are forced to take a significant loss on him, rather than continuing to pay his wages for the next two years until his contract with the club expires.

Therefore, Hasenhuttl must seize this opportunity to axe Gunn for good and hopefully the Englishman is keen to move back to Carrow Road, as his time at St Mary’s has been a disaster. With funds looking like they could be limited this summer, cashing in on an asset like Gunn, who seemingly has not future at the club, is a no-brainer.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl could add a new dimension at Southampton with swoop for “very special” star

A number of Derby County supporters want to see Jack Marriott leave the club permanently this summer, following his return from a loan spell.

The Rams secured survival in the Championship on the final day of the season, following a disappointing campaign at Pride Park.

Wayne Rooney kept his side in the division by the skin of their teeth and it’s time for a productive summer, in order to avoid similar happening again.

It was Derby’s 3-3 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday that helped them stay up on a dramatic last day – someone who played no part for the Owls was the on-loan Marriott.

Injuries hampered the 26-year-old’s time at Hillsborough and he ended up being restricted to just four league starts for Wednesday.

Marriott’s spell in Sheffield has now ended, meaning Rooney has a decision to make over the midfielder’s future.

Derby fans want Marriott to leave

These Derby fans don’t want to see him stay at Pride Park beyond this summer, saying he isn’t worth persevering with.

“Sell him, if anyone will buy him. Had multiple chances under different managers. On his day brilliant, but has far too few days”

Credit: @lunar_werewolf

“The problem with Marriott is he was never actually that good, made a million times better by Mount and Wilson. Had one truly outstanding game which was the Leeds game and never again repeated that. Get rid and get someone who consistent and won’t get injured all the time”

Credit: @TheWarsmith

“Try and get a few for him. Another terrible signing”

Credit: @DickyTaiwan

“Sell unless he shows improvement in his fitness during pre season. Didn’t pull up any trees at Wednesday and even went AWOL there”

Credit: @Chrissyh2711

“Sell him for whatever you can get”

Credit: @GreatKnowleyRam

“Release him and free up some wages”

Credit: @timjacks1973

In other news, one Derby player is set for a permanent exit this summer. Find out who it is here.

Probe into charges of match-fixing levelled against England’s stand-incaptain Alec Stewart, West Indies star batsman Brian Lara and otherleading cricketers, are likely to be dropped unless bookie MukeshGupta agrees to provide formal evidence by

19-Jun-2001Probe into charges of match-fixing levelled against England’s stand-incaptain Alec Stewart, West Indies star batsman Brian Lara and otherleading cricketers, are likely to be dropped unless bookie MukeshGupta agrees to provide formal evidence by July 1.ICC’s anti-corruption chief Sir Paul Condon told newsmen in London onMonday that he had issued an ultimatum to Gupta that unless he “letsus know by July 1 that he is willing to co-operate and give evidenceeither in India or outside of India, we must assume that he is notprepared to co-operate further.”A two-member team of the ACU will visit India later this weekreinforcing this message. “Gupta will either agree to be a formalwitness or he won’t. It’s a personal call,” Condon said.The ACU has interviewed Gupta twice and he verbally confirmed all theallegations he made as outlined in the report last year by the CentralBureau of Investigation (CBI). These allegations have been denied bythe individual players.However, Condon said Gupta will now have to agree to be a witness inlegal or disciplinary proceedings as his claims were at the core ofevidence in the CBI report.”It was not the only evidence but it was the principal evidence,”Condon said. “Gupta’s evidence is clearly central to the allegations.My concern is that, in addition to repeating the allegations, he hasto stand up and be counted in disciplinary and legal proceedings”.The 39-year old Gupta, who used the alias ‘John’ in many of hisdealings with players, was extensively quoted in the report by CBI. Heclaimed giving up bookmaking in 1998.A former clerk with Syndicate Bank and with a gift for mathematics, hewas so successful as a bookmaker that he was able to buy a house inDelhi’s posh Defence Colony. But he has not been seen since thescandal broke and the tapes of his conversation with Hansie Cronje,former South African cricket captain, were published.

Sheffield Wednesday defender Osaze Urhoghide looks increasingly likely to leave the club this summer, with a new deal now not expected.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

The 20-year-old has made 21 appearances for the Owls to date, but he only managed 12 Championship starts in 2020/21, as Darren Moore’s side were relegated to League One.

Urhoghide’s current Wednesday deal expires next month and an update has been provided on his future.

The Latest: New deal not expected

According to Football League World, it is looking ‘increasingly likely’ that the youngster will move on to pastures new during the summer transfer window.

Urhoghide has been offered a new deal at Hillsborough, so they do want to keep him, but both Premier League and Championship clubs are thought to be circling.

Watford and Cardiff City are both mentioned in the report.

The Verdict: Blow for the Owls

Losing Urhoghide would act as a blow for Wednesday, considering he is one of the most promising young players at the club, with Moore describing him as ‘immense’.

With a host of other players expected to move on, too, it is vital that the manager is able to keep hold of a nucleus of current players, building around them with new signings who are perhaps more experienced in League One.

It is hard to begrudge Urhoghide a move to a higher level, though, given Wednesday’s drop to the third tier of English football and his obvious potential at such a young age.

In other news, Sheff Wed are reportedly interested in signing an intriguing attacking player this summer. Read more here.

Only Agatha Christie could have dreamed up a start more dramatic, and that would have involved some species of cyanide poisoning

Rajneesh Gupta03-May-2002Only Agatha Christie could have dreamed up a start more dramatic, and that would have involved some species of cyanide poisoning. Mervyn Dillon shivered Shiv Sunder Das’ timbers off the very first ball he sent down in the Bridgetown Test, making Das the fourth Indian batsman to suffer the mortification of being dismissed of the first ball of a Test match.Such first-ball dismissals, however, have hoary pasts. The first instance was more than a century ago, when Arthur Cunningham of Australia had England’s Archie MacLaren caught off the first ball of the match. It is more surprising, however, to note that India’s first such casualty came as recently as 1974 and that the batsman in question was that great technician, Sunil Gavaskar.Ironically, Das has modelled his game on Gavaskar’s own style, but he will surely not want to further emulate the Little Master on this front; Gavaskar went on to suffer the same fate on two more occasions, accruing to himself the “honour” of heading the list.The first such occasion for Gavaskar came on India’s ill-fated 1974 tour of England. On July 5, at Edgbaston, Birmingham, Gavaskar was caught by wicket-keeper Alan Knott off Geoff Arnold.On December 10, 1983, at the Eden Gardens, Malcolm Marshall had Gavaskar caught behind by Jeff Dujon. In an effort to buck the trend of offering catches to wicket-keepers, Gavaskar, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, was caught by Javed Miandad off Imran Khan on February 21, 1987.Sudhir Nayak and WV Raman provided the second and third instances of an Indian batsman falling on the first ball of a Test. Nayak fell to Andy Roberts (caught by wicket-keeper Deryck Murray) at the Eden Gardens on December 27 1974. Raman was trapped plumb in front by New Zealander Richard Hadlee at Napier on February 9 1990.But India got in on the delivering end too. Two Indian bowlers have inflicted this humiliation on opposing batsmen. The first to perform this feat was Syed Abid Ali, who bowled West Indian Roy Fredericks with the first ball of the historic Test at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain. In that match, Gavaskar made his Test debut and, more importantly, India recorded their first-ever Test win in the Caribbean.Great Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev has two such instances to his credit. On September 24 1983, at Burlton Park, Jullundur, Kapil trapped Pakistan’s Mohsin Khan lbw with the first ball of the match.The second time was at Kingsmead, Durban, on November 13 1992, when Kapil found the edge of South African Jimmy Cook’s bat, Sachin Tendulkar diving at third slip to take a good low catch.