A round-up of the matches from the third round of New Zealand’s Ford Trophy
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jan-2017
File photo – Dean Brownlie gave Northern Districts a strong start but fell for 47•Getty Images
A 33-ball partnership of 64 runs for the eighth wicket between Josh Clarkson and Seth Rance led Central Districts to a two-wicket win over Northern Districts after five rain interruptions at Hamilton’s Seddon Park. Central Districts faced a revised target of 200 runs in 33 overs after Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten knock of 93 took Northern Districts to 266 for 6 in their 50 overs.Clarkson struck three fours and three sixes in his 24-ball 48 and was ably supported by Rance, who hit a 19-ball stay of 32. This after some tight bowling from Ish Sodhi and Scott Kuggeleijn – both of whom picked up two wickets each – had Central Districts struggling at 123 for 7. Once Rance fell with Central Districts needing another 13 runs to win, Clarkson took over and finished the match with five balls to spare.Earlier in the day, Mitchell struck seven fours and four sixes in his 93. Dean Brownlie struck 47 and Nick Kelly hit 57 runs, but that proved to be not enough for Northern Districts. The win was Central Districts’ first of the season in three games.Inclement weather in Dunedin and Wellington meant the fixtures between Otago and Canterbury, and Wellington and Auckland respectively were washed out without a ball being bowled.
ScorecardMohammad Amir struck thrice in his two overs under lights•Cricket Australia/Getty Images
Mohammad Amir took three wickets with the pink ball, including two off his first two balls, in Pakistanis’ day-night tour game in Cairns, ahead of the day-night Test against Australia in Brisbane, starting December 15. Amir’s burst came after Pakistanis stumbled around Younis Khan’s half-century to 208 all-out.Amir’s new-ball partner Rahat Ali also picked up a wicket in his only over as Cricket Australia XI closed the day at 4 for 3 in three overs.Having opted to bat, Pakistanis were kept in check by regular strikes from Cricket Australia’s seamers. Mark Steketee and Cameron Valente did the bulk of the damage, claiming combined figures of 7 for 83.Younis, who managed all of 16 runs in four innings in New Zealand, hit form and briefly steadied Pakistanis’ innings with 54 off 138 balls, including four fours. Barring Younis, Sarfraz Ahmed was the only other batsman to pass 25.Captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who had missed the Hamilton Test, following the death of his father-in-law, returned with 20 off 44 balls, before Valente had him caught behind. The visitors were ultimately bowled out in 84.5 overs.Speaking after the day’s play, Younis Khan said, “Cricket Australia XI bowled really well. They hit the deck hard and didn’t give us any easy runs. The outfield was large as well. It was a good effort by them.”I’m happy that we got to come here early and have time for preparation, which we didn’t get in New Zealand. We had a nice net session before this and we have time to think about the Australia tour and the Australian team. It wasn’t a bad day at all for us, especially with the four wickets in the end. I feel bad for the [Cricket Australia XI] youngsters. It’s not easy to play under the lights, especially if you’re facing someone like Amir. Here in Australia the ball usually seams, but under lights, swing comes into play.”
Arsenal have often been left frustrated by certain transfers in the past, with rivals poaching their stars due to a lack of ambition or for a more attractive proposition.
As Robin van Persie left for Manchester United in 2012, and Ashley Cole would join Chelsea just six years earlier, both induced terrible heartbreak for the Gunners.
However, given their newfound stature as title challengers, the shoe could now be on the other foot as the north Londoners seek the ultimate revenge.
What's the latest on Mason Mount to Arsenal?
That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who offered an update on his YouTube channel with regard to the ongoing Mason Mount transfer saga.
Detailing all the clubs interested and who might be the favourites, the journalist honed in on Mikel Arteta's pursuit, claiming: "Arsenal are there."
He continued: "There's three clubs [Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United] that are keen on signing Mason Mount. What they said in the last few days and weeks is that it looks difficult to extend the contract of Mount at Chelsea.
"Still no agreement between Chelsea and Mount, sources believe that he will be on the market in the summer.
"The real problem for United, for Arsenal, for Liverpool, is that Chelsea want more than £80m for Mason Mount."
How good is Mason Mount?
Such a mouth-watering fee is made all the more ludicrous as the England international has just one year left on his £80k-per-week deal at Stamford Bridge, meaning that they could lose him for free next summer should they price him out of a move in the upcoming window.
However, given his homegrown status and presence as one of the league's more consistent performers, it would mark fine addition to Arteta's squad.
After all, aside from this tough injury-hit campaign, the 24-year-old has remained a reliable goalscorer and creator ever since Frank Lampard first integrated him into the first team.
Last season marked a standout one for the midfielder, who notched 11 goals and assisted a further ten in the league, recording 29 goal contributions across all competitions. Writer Karim Rizk even suggested he was the club's "hero" in 2022 after such a term.
For comparison, despite his exceptional personal year, Martin Odegaard has only mustered 23 goal contributions in all competitions this campaign.
Even the seasons prior have seen Mount achieve similar feats, with the 2020/21 term commanding 18 goal contributions, and a further 14 came the year before.
To snag a creative leader from the Blues would actually mark a reversal of this aforementioned trope, where the Gunners typically lose their star assets as they struggle behind their rivals.
Instead, it is they who are now the attractive proposition, unlike when Cesc Fabregas left Barcelona for west London back in 2014.
cesc-fabregas-arsenal-chelsea
Having come through as a youth product at La Masia and later Arsenal, the Spaniard would make 303 appearances for the north London outfit before earning his dream move to his home country. He was their midfield general, and with 152 goal contributions, a massive offensive force from deep too.
The 36-year-old would spend just three years with the Catalan giants before returning to England, instead joining the fierce rivals of his former employers. Not only that, but he would help them claim two Premier Leagues too, as an experienced maestro in their engine room.
Whilst that stung Arsenal fans, they could now be set to get their own back in snatching Mount, as the potential catalyst to push them towards a league title of their own.
Pakistan seamer Sohail Khan, who returned to Test cricket recently, has said doing his homework on England batsmen helped him reap rewards in the two Tests he played
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Aug-2016Pakistan seamer Sohail Khan, who returned to Test cricket recently, has said that doing his homework on England batsmen had helped him reap rewards on the tour. Sohail first played in the third Test at Edgbaston, where he troubled England’s top order and took 5 for 96. He followed that with another five-for in the next Test at The Oval, where he was instrumental in limiting the top and middle order.”I had done my homework about their [England batsmen] strengths and weaknesses,” Sohail told . “All I did was bowl in the right areas. Of course, there were runs taken off me because they are fine players, but bowling a tight length reaped me a lot of success.”My aim was to bowl consistently at my line and length. I had told myself to not deviate from it and thankfully it paid off. The English batsmen don’t gift away their wickets. You have to think out of the box to get their scalp. Arriving in England a month ahead also helped me a lot to get acclimatised and understand the Duke ball better.”Before the tour of England, Sohail had last played a Test in 2011, in Zimbabwe, taking only one wicket in a match Pakistan won by seven wickets. After almost a five-year hiatus, Sohail was drafted into the Test XI at Edgbaston in place of Wahab Riaz, with the series level 1-1. He broke the opening partnership by having Alex Hales caught behind and also got the big wicket of Joe Root, for 3, by inducing an outside edge. He took the last wicket of the innings – that of James Anderson – as England were all out for 297.During the long day in which he bowled 23 overs, Sohail hit fuller lengths for lateral movement and said he was not tired though there had been questions over his fitness.”I wasn’t tired at all,” he said. “I was bowling with the new ball. In English conditions you need to give more air to the ball so it can swing. It is all about the understanding of the game. Bowling is not only about hammering short-pitched balls at the batsmen or generating pace. It is about varying your pace according to the situation.”To further prove his fitness levels, Sohail celebrated his five-for on return with a set of push-ups, a trend his captain Misbah-ul-Haq started after scoring a century at Lord’s.”The push-ups I did (with a clap in between) were hard and not everyone can do them. I wanted to prove my fitness to the world that even after bowling long spells, I could still go on.”After Pakistan lost at Edgbaston by 141 runs, Sohail took 5 for 68 in the last Test at The Oval to finish the series with 13 wickets at an average of 25 and strike rate of 40.4. His performance helped Pakistan win the fourth Test by ten wickets and level the series 2-2.Sohail had taken five wickets on his ODI return too – against India in the World Cup last year – dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane.Sohail, however, did not want to settle for just bowling rewards. He said he wanted to become an allrounder. “I am working on my batting these days. I aim to become a successful allrounder since modern-day cricket demands from a player to be on top in all facets of the game. I have also been scoring runs in the domestic circuit.”
Liverpool are pushing on with a deal to bring in Alexis Mac Allister this summer, with Football Insider reporting that the Reds may be able to force Brighton into selling due to the presence of a release clause which becomes active this summer.
Are Liverpool signing midfielders?
Jurgen Klopp's side have not maintained their usual high standards in the Premier League this season, with the club currently in fifth place on 65 points. Having finished in second last time around, they would have felt another title tilt could be on the cards. Instead, Liverpool may have to settle for a Europa League spot – although a spot in the top four is still possible with two games left.
One of the reasons that has been attributed to their performances this season has come down to the club's midfield. Fabinho has struggled to find the same form that made him a first-team regular, with even boss Klopp admitting that the midfielder has "not been flying" for the club this year.
In addition to that, Jordan Henderson has struggled to get onto the field as regularly. The former Sunderland man has started only 22 games – less than last campaign and the season in which they won the Premier League title – and has zero goals to his name, with just two assists.
Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister
Now, Klopp seems to be readying his side to bring in more midfield reinforcements this summer and one of those heavily linked is Alexis Mac Allister. The Brighton man has impressed this season with ten goals and one assist in 32 league outings.
Now, it looks as if a move to Anfield is edging closer for the player, with Football Insider reporting that talks between the two clubs over a move are "advancing" and the Reds are in pole position. It also adds that the player should have a release clause coming into play this summer – meaning the Seagulls may be left with no choice but to sell if the clubs can agree on a payment structure.
Should Liverpool sign Mac Allister?
The Argentina international appears to be a wanted man this summer, with clubs other than Liverpool believed to be keen to sign him. Man United have also been linked and it looks like Brighton may struggle to hold onto him during the transfer window.
It's not hard to see why. Sergio Aguero called the midfielder "intelligent" during the World Cup for his movement and ability and he emerged as one of his countries best players. He had a WhoScored rating of 7.11 with one goal and one assist. It made him one of the standout players at the tournament and if he can produce on the big stage like that, then he is the kind of top-level player that Liverpool should – and could be – adding to their team.
Everton continued their downward spiral in their Premier League clash at Goodison Park with Newcastle United last night and Sean Dyche will be feeling the pressure after losing 4-1 in front of the home support.
The Toffees remain two points deep in the relegation zone following their 17th defeat of the season and, with just five games left to retain their top-flight status, it has put Dyche and his squad in a precarious position.
Despite being on home turf, Everton only had 40% of the ball, registered fewer shots on target (5 v 8), completed fewer accurate passes (195 v 322) and created no big chances, squandering an opportunity to pick up vital points in one of their final home games.
In the first half, Everton started strong with an outstanding atmosphere provided by the Goodison Park faithful, however, it wasn't long before their defensive inadequacies cost them, with Callum Wilson giving the visitors the lead in the 28th minute.
When the game resumed for the final 45 minutes, Everton had the opportunity to get back into the game, but again the team failed to hold off Newcastle's overwhelming attacking quality and were punished again by Wilson and Joelinton, who delivered the second and third blows.
After the third was conceded, Everton supporters had seen enough and started to empty the stadium ahead of Dwight McNeil's 80th-minute consolation goal, but a fourth and final strike from Jacob Murphy just one minute later sparked further Goodison exits, leaving a sea of empty blue seats when the final whistle was blown for full time.
There were no standout positive performances from any of the individuals on the pitch but plenty of players will be pinpointed for the blame, with Michael Keane being one of the main culprits for delivering mediocrity in the important clash.
How did Michael Keane get on vs Newcastle?
The centre-back has been given a second chance in the Everton team after being banished to the bench under Frank Lampard, with the former Burnley player being reinstated following the arrival of Dyche in January.
However, despite being fondly familiar with the newly-appointed manager and scoring a screamer against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month, he has continued to be a frustrating presence in his position and a defensive liability in this disjointed Everton side.
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Over his 90-minute performance, the £80k-per-week dud lost possession of the ball a whopping 18 times – more than any of his teammates in defence – and tallied up just 26 accurate passes with several misplaced balls offering Newcastle opportunities.
If that wasn't bad enough, the defender was also made to look a fool after a remarkable run by Alexander Isak, who danced past Keane as though he wasn't there before laying the ball on a plate for Murphy.
Matchday journalist for the Liverpool Echo, Tony Scott, gave a scathing assessment of the defender's performance following his error for the fourth goal:
"Michael Keane got sent for the Echo, a lecky card, a loaf, a pint of milk and came back with nothing. Amateurish defending. Yet Yerry Mina & Connor Coady sit on the bench while Keane makes error after error each game."
Now Dyche must swallow his pride and freshen up his defensive set-up by utilising the options he has available to him over the remaining games, as refusing to address the defensive issues that players like Keane have caused could be the catalyst in their first-ever Premier League relegation.
كشف أحمد شوبير حارس مرمى الأهلي السابق والإعلامي الحالي، عن رد فعله بعد خطأ نجله مصطفى في المباراة النهائية لبطولة كأس السوبر المصري للأبطال أمام فيوتشر.
وكان مصطفى شوبير أخطأ في الهدف الأول لصالح فيوتشر، وسجل عمر السعيد في مرمى الأهلي، خلال اللقاء الذي جمع الفريقين بالإمارات.
وقال شوبير خلال تصريحات لبرنامج “مع خيري” المذاع على قناة “المحور”: “في مباريات الأهلي بصفة عامة أشاهدها أنا وزوجتي فقط، وعندما يقف مصطفى الأمور تكون صعبة على والدته أكثر مني، لأنه مشروعها، هي التي أخذته إلى الأهلي دون أن أعلم”.
طالع.. رسميًا | الأهلي يعلن ضم عمر كمال عبد الواحد من فيوتشر
وأضاف: “أنا شديد الانفعال الداخلي، يوم الخطأ كان أكثر مرة في حياتي أنفعل (شتمته) هو أدى مباراة رائعة، وأعرف حجم الضغوط عليه وأن الناس تنتظر خطأ منه، (شتمته شتائم قوية)، هو خطأ يحدث لأي حارس، وكنت منفعلًا، وكنت قلقًا أن يخسر الأهلي، وبعد دخول الهدف الثاني ارتديت ملابسي ونزلت ولم أكمل المباراة”.
وواصل: “مصطفى لو لم يكن ابني لتمنيت أن يكون ابني، لم أذهب مطلقًا لمشاهدة مصطفى في التدريبات، والناس لا تصدق هذا، عندما أقول إن مصطفى يُجري نظامًا غذائيًا خاصًا البعض لا يُصدق”.
وأتم: “بعد هذه المباراة أول كلمة قلتها له مبروك، هو لديه ميزة أنه لا يبرر أخطائه، وهو أفضل مني في كل المقومات”.
وكان الأهلي تغلب على فيوتشر بنتيجة 4-2، ليتوج ببطولة كأس السوبر المصري للمرة الرابعة عشر في تاريخه والثالث على التوالي. هدف فيوتشر الأول أمام الأهلي وخطأ مصطفى شوبير
Leeds United are ready to make an approach for AC Milan's Divock Origi, amid the striker's uncertain future at the San Siro, according to a recent report.
Who could Leeds United sign this summer?
Leeds picked up a vital 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest last night, steering themselves clear of the Premier League relegation zone, however Javi Gracia, should he remain in charge next season, will still be keen to strengthen in the summer window.
A long-term target for the Whites has been Birmingham City midfielder George Hall, and it has recently emerged they conducted another scouting mission to assess the 18-year-old during the Blues' 1-0 victory against Blackburn Rovers last weekend.
Gracia's side may also look to bring in a new centre-back this summer, and they have recently been presented with a new opportunity to sign Paris Saint-Germain youngster El Chadaille Bitshiabu, as the Ligue 1 side are keen to send him out on loan.
Moving onto options in attacking areas, CalcioMercato are now reporting (via Sport Witness), that Leeds are prepared to explore a move for Origi, although they are not the only Premier League team interested in his services.
West Ham United and Crystal Palace are also eyeing moves for the striker, who is said to be open to a return to the Premier League, should the right offer arrive in the summer.
It is not the first time the Whites have been linked with the Belgian, as Marcelo Bielsa is said to have considered a move back in 2020.
Should Leeds United sign Divock Origi?
Leeds will need to bolster their attacking options in the summer, given that Rodrigo Moreno is now 32 years old, and Patrick Bamford has not quite managed to rediscover his form since returning from injury, scoring just one goal in his last ten games.
However, despite being lauded "fantastic" by Jurgen Klopp not too long ago, there are likely to be better options available than Origi, who has scored just two goals in 20 Serie A games so far this season.
AC Milan's Divock Origi celebrates after the match.
The £87k-per-week forward seemingly doesn't make up for his lack of goals in other departments, as he has averaged just a 6.69 match rating from Sofascore, ranking him 22nd in the Milan squad.
The former Liverpool man enjoyed some great moments at Anfield, memorably netting a last-gasp winner against Everton in the Merseyside derby, but we don't feel he is a player that will help take Leeds to the next level.
Journalist Jacque Talbot has reported that Jurgen Klopp isn't a fan of Paul Mitchell who has recently been linked as the next sporting director for Liverpool.
What's the latest on Paul Mitchell and Liverpool?
In November 2022, it was revealed that Julian Ward would be leaving his role as the Reds' sporting director at the end of the current season.
The news was said to have come as a bit of a surprise to the Anfield hierarchy who were disappointed by this key development with Ward only in the job for a year after replacing Michael Edwards.
As a result, Liverpool are on the lookout for a new figure to come in and take charge of the position and 41-year-old Mitchell has been tipped as an option after he recently announced he would be leaving his role as Monaco sporting director.
While speaking about all this on his YouTube channel, however, Talbot revealed that current Reds boss Klopp might not be so keen to see the executive arrive.
The journalist explained (14:28): “My guy was like, could you just find that out for us? Like is there any truth to Klopp not wanting Paul Mitchell, because we just heard it down there.
"I kind of thought, well I'll find out. And I just went to my guy and I was like: so Paul Mitchell… is it true at Liverpool, Klopp isn't a fan?
"And he goes, I've heard similar. I don't think he's a big fan of Paul Mitchell.”
Who is possible Liverpool sporting director Paul Mitchell?
If Jurgen Klopp really isn't a fan of Mitchell, it's hard to imagine the 41-year-old getting the job. After all, the German still has a contract that runs until 2026 and after winning so much, it's likely he'll have a big say in some of the important decisions behind the scenes.
However, Mitchell has a great reputation within the game and has drawn interest from the likes of Chelsea and while Manchester United in the past, so he must be doing something right.
What's more, he has good experience across Europe and in the Premier League too having worked with RB Leipzig as well as Tottenham Hotspur – where he is credited with helping bring in both Dele Alli and Heung-min Son.
All in all, it seems as though Mitchell could be a great sporting director for somebody, but if Klopp doesn't like him, then perhaps he'll end up elsewhere.