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Cricinfo previews the fifth ODI between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in Harare

Cricinfo staff29-Nov-2008Match factsNov 30, 2008
Start time 9.30 am (0730 GMT)Big Picture
It is hard not to envision Ajantha Mendis becoming the fastest bowler to 50 ODI wickets © AFP
What do you do when you’re down 0-4 going into the last match of a series? Zimbabwe may not even have the answer to that question. They pushed Sri Lanka in games three and four, but there’s a difference between pushing and winning. A cursory look at Zimbabwe’s totals so far – 127, 67, 166, 146 – inspires little confidence that they will improve upon that after four losses.A five-match series against Sri Lanka was the most appetising contest Zimbabwe have had in months but unfortunately the results have been far from that. After a 5-0 whitewash at the hands of Pakistan earlier this year, the home side face a similar predicament.As for Sri Lanka, only a fool would have doubted a series victory before the team landed in Zimbabwe. The duo of Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis troubled a famed Indian batting order, so it is not surprising that they have denied Zimbabwe runs. Mendis has taken 15 wickets at 7.06, including six in the last match, and Murali six from the three games he has been involved in. Murali may get another off day, but Mendis will surely play, given that he is two wickets from becoming the fastest bowler to 50 in ODIs.One concern Sri Lanka will have is that no batsman has really imposed himself. Putting aside the second ODI, when Sri Lanka had to chase 68, the batting line-up has only managed two half-centuries. Both have been key innings, however – Kumar Sangakkara’s 59-ball 57 ultimately proved crucial in a rare thriller in game three, while Jehan Mubarak’s unbeaten 60 helped Sri Lanka edge Zimbabwe by two wickets to win the fourth match.Form guide (last five ODIs, most recent last)Zimbabwe LLLLL
Sri Lanka WWWWWWatch out forIndia’s Ajit Agarkar broke Dennis Lillee’s record for the fastest bowler to 50 wickets in ODIs that stood for nearly 26 years, but Mendis is primed to do undo him in just over a decade. And in five matches less than Agarkar’s 23. Mendis hasn’t just feasted on weaker sides: his bowling average against India reads 19 wickets from six games, and he took four wickets in one game versus Pakistan.Sangakkara leads the series runs with 154 at 77.00. Should Sri Lanka bat first tomorrow, he will be keen to convert a start into a meaningful score. Back from surgery on an index finger, Sangakkara could do with a big score before Sri Lanka head home to host Bangladesh.Tawanda Mupariwa has been one bright spot for Zimbabwe. He is their leading wicket-taker with eight at 14.87 and his 4 for 39 helped restrict Sri Lanka’s strokeplay in a rain-hit third match, and he followed it up with 3 for 34 in the fourth. Mupariwa’s accuracy has been his hallmark this series, with few four-balls on offer.Team newsEd Rainsford replaced Chris Mpofu for the last two matches but has failed to take a wicket. Zimbabwe will have to decide between keeping him or bringing back Mpofu, who doesn’t have a wicket either. Shingirai Masakadza, brother of Hamilton, could get a debut given how poorly Zimbabwe’s middle order has fared. Stuart Matsikenyeri, with 50 runs in four games, may miss out.Zimbabwe (likely): 1 Hamilton Masakadza, 2 Vusi Sibanda, 3 Tatenda Taibu (wk), 4 Chamu Chibhabha, 5 Shingirai Masakadza, 6 Elton Chigumbura, 7 Prosper Utseya (capt), 8 Sean Williams, 9 Raymond Price, 10 Tawanda Mupariwa,11 Ed RainsfordAngelo Matthews, the allrounder, made his debut in place of Farveez Maharoof, but made 0 and went wicketless from eight overs. He should retain his place to gain experience at the international level. Thilina Kandamby, who was recalled after a successful A tour to South Africa this year, could expect another appearance since 2004. It is possible that Sri Lanka will replace Chamara Kapugedera, who only has 56 runs in three innings.Sri Lanka (likely): 1 Upul Tharanga, 2 Mahela Udawatte, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene (capt), 5 Jehan Mubarak, 6 Thilina Kandamby 7 Angelo Matthews, 8 Thilan Thushara, 9 Ajantha Mendis, 10 Muttiah Muralitharan, 11 Dilhara FernandoStats & TriviaWith 86 runs from four games, Tatenda Taibu is Zimbabwe’s highest scorer.Prosper Utseya, Zimbabwe’s captain, opened the bowling in game four. His tidy offspin yielded him figures of 1 for 18 from ten overs. He only allowed two boundaries in a stifling spell that included four maidens.Quotes”The biggest thing is that we are improving with each outing. We came close on Monday and today we came close again. We showed all-round improvement. What we need is to put a decent totals on the scoreboard to reduce pressure on the bowlers.”
“It was good to see because he came into the side not so long ago. He took responsibility and batted sensibly. It was good to see the investments we made four to five years ago coming right for us.”

Tottenham Hotspur are in negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk right-back Domilson Cordeiro dos Santos, known as Dodo [International Football via TEAMtalk].

The Lowdown: Tottenham look to deal with right-back inconsistencies

Facing the challenge of rejuvenating an underperforming group of players going into 2021/22, Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo will no doubt be keen to add new faces to his recently inherited roster.

Right-back has become a particular area of concern in North London in recent times, with inconsistencies within Matt Doherty and Serge Aurier’s performances potentially putting them in the firing line to be moved on this summer.

On a more positive note, they could well have identified a replacement for one of the duo from the Ukrainian top-flight, following recent reports.

The Latest: Tottenham Hotspur remain in talks with Dodo despite rejected bid

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly already failed in an opening bid to land Brazilian full-back Dodo, which is said to have totalled around £17 million [TEAMtalk].

Despite this, the deal is mooted to still be on the table, with both clubs still firmly locked in talks for the 5 foot 5 ace.

Bayern Munich are also believed to have had a bid of around £22 million turned down for his services in the not-too-distant past.

The Verdict: Dodo would be an exciting right-back reinforcement in North London

Needing fresh ideas in their quest to challenge for trophies in the forthcoming campaign, Dodo would provide a sense of intrigue and excitement to the Spurs support.

In 2020/21, he excelled for his current employers, notching a very impressive nine goal contributions in 34 appearances; two goals and seven assists [Transfermarkt].

His speed and ability to find targets in the box either through whipped crosses or cutbacks would fit into Nuno’s style of football, whilst his rate of 4.5 progressive carries (dribbles) per fixture over the last year shows he is a forward-thinking player who will get fans off their seats [FB Ref].

If Spurs are to replace one of Doherty or Aurier, Dodo could well be a viable candidate to add speed and attacking potency down the flank.

In other news, Spurs are interested in a La Liga ace.

A number of Rangers supporters have criticised James Tavernier’s performance in the first half of their Europa League clash with Alashkert.

The Gers have made a disappointing start to the 2021/22 season, struggling to convince both domestically and in Europe.

Steven Gerrard’s side lost to Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership – their first league defeat in 41 attempts – before being dumped out of the Champions League by Malmo.

That loss means Rangers are now looking to get into this season’s Europa League, with the first leg of their qualifying clash with Alashkert taking place at Ibrox on Thursday evening.

One player who struggled in the opening 45 minutes was Tavernier, whose final ball left a lot to be desired, as well as his all-round impact.

Rangers fans react to Tavernier’s first-half display

These Rangers fans took to Twitter to discuss the opening 45 minutes, and despite John Lundstram’s red card it was the skipper who took plenty of stick…

“Tav should spend less time 180 quick-scoping and more time practicing beating the first man. Am I right lads”

Credit: @bear_simply

“Tav off the free kicks”

Credit: @cameronjbh

“I love tav to bits, will always back him, but he shouldn’t be undroppable. Patterson deserves to start atm”

Credit: @tombaldrick

“Will be a big day for Rangers when Tav can finally beat the first man with a cross. Schoolboy stuff”

Credit: @paulmorton76

“Tav canny buy a decent delivery atm man”

Credit: @Mciver904

“Tav was great last year. Battling this year”

Credit: @dave_daveframe

“Does Tavernier know what colour shirt we’re wearing tonight? 15-minute mark and he’s passed 4 balls to Alashkert defenders already”

Credit: @ibroxlad

In other news, some Rangers fans are fuming at a club-related error that has occurred at Ibrox. Read more here.

England’s cricketers were greeted by unprecedented levels of security after touching down in Chennai ahead of Thursday’s first Test against India

Cricinfo staff08-Dec-2008
Kevin Pietersen arrives at Chennai Airport © Getty Images
England’s cricketers were greeted by unprecedented levels of security after touching down in Chennai ahead of Thursday’s first Test against India, having flown in from Abu Dhabi following their decision to resume the tour in the wake of last month’s terrorist attacks in Mumbai.The players, led by their captain Kevin Pietersen, were whisked through the arrivals hall at Chennai Airport, where a throng of eager fans and photographers had gathered to meet them. They were surrounded by an armed guard and shepherded onto their bus, before being driven with a police escort to their hotel.England’s return to India followed a week of intense soul-searching from the players, many of whom voiced serious reservations about returning to the country. In the end they were given clearance by their security officer, Reg Dickason, and the squad was made to feel welcome upon arrival at the team hotel, where each player was presented with a garland of flowers and marked with a Tika, the traditional Hindu red spot placed on the forehead which signifies health and prosperity.According to the Joint Commissioner of Chennai Police, P Balasubramaniam, the remainder of England’s stay in the city will be conducted behind a security blanket consisting of more than 5000 personnel. A squad of 300 commandos will be in place to provide watertight security for both teams, and the Commissioner told PTI that elaborate arrangements would be put into place at the hotel, and all along the route to the stadium.”We are deploying over 5000 people at the hotel and stadium,” said the Commissioner. “We have positioned 300 commandos at the hotel and 1000 police at the outer periphery of the hotel have been deployed since yesterday morning. These men will be at the job till the teams leave the city.”Two thousand police personnel, including highest-level officers, will be doing duty at the stadium from today until December 15, the last day of the Test, for smooth and successful conduct of the match.” An emergency evacuation route has also been planned.Andrew Flintoff insisted that the decision to return to India had been a collective one from all the players, and Hugh Morris, managing director of England cricket, praised the England squad for their decision. “I said right from the word go that we wouldn’t be twisting people’s arms up their backs,” he said. “It says a lot for the solidarity of the team that everybody is going to go across.”

Former Premier League striker Nigel Jemson, a Liverpool fan, insists that the Reds need to aim higher with their new signings than Nat Phillips.

The 24-year-old defender has been linked with a move away from the club this summer as the Reds restructure their squad.

Phillips has been seen as a potential option for both Southampton and Newcastle United, along with West Ham United.

The centre-back has come through the ranks at Anfield and has made a total of 21 appearances for the club.

Phillips stepped into the breach after both Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk were struck down with injuries last season and made 17 Premier League appearances, even scoring in the 3-0 win over Burnley at the back-end of the campaign.

And Jemson believes that Liverpool likely need to move him on in this transfer window, and expects the Reds to include a buy-back clause in any deal.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “I’m sure if they do let him go, there’ll be a buy-back clause or something like that if it progresses.

“If I’m being perfectly honest, if Liverpool want to win Premier Leagues or Champions Leagues, then we’re going to look a little bit higher than Nat Phillips.”

Shoaib Malik has effectively put a question mark over the international future of Shoaib Akhtar, openly doubting his fitness and commitment in the field

Osman Samiuddin at the National Stadium21-Jan-2009
Shoaib Akhtar conceded 88 runs off 13 overs in the back-to-back games against Sri Lanka in Karachi, taking only one wicket © AFP
In the most significant statement of his captaincy thus far, Shoaib Malik has effectively put a question mark over the international future of Shoaib Akhtar, openly doubting his fitness and commitment in the field. Younger fast bowlers impressing on the domestic circuit, said Malik, should now be given a chance to prepare Pakistan for the future.Malik was speaking after Pakistan’s 129-run loss to Sri Lanka in the second ODI in Karachi, in which Shoaib failed to complete his full quota of ten overs for the second game running. After bowling seven expensive overs in the first ODI yesterday, Shoaib delivered six largely ineffective and costly overs today. He struggled in the field, generally appearing listless and often unwilling to chase down balls.The performance clearly incensed Malik, who vented his frustrations after the match. Asked whether it was time Pakistan planned for the World Cup 2011 and looked beyond Shoaib, Malik said: “We have to move forward. There are a number of good fast bowlers around on the domestic scene and they deserve a chance. I will take this up with the selectors and team management and these things will be kept in mind.”The unusually frank response led predictably to a volley of Shoaib-related questions. Generally a man of few words and often with little patience for persistent reporters, Malik responded to every query, with the same, basic underlying message: that he [Shoaib] lacked fitness and that cricket no longer was so accommodating to passengers in the field.”If you look at his performances and record and matches he has won, there is no question over his effectiveness,” Malik said. “But the question is over 100% fitness. Cricket has changed and if you aren’t 100% fit then it is difficult.”All the noises before the series had suggested Shoaib was fit. He had been bowling in domestic tournaments, both in the Pentangular ODI Cup and the four-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. His selection, Malik said, was justified, but it may not be in the future. “He was working hard, bowling in first-class matches so it was justified picking him. But we have good fast bowlers around and there is competition. In future, you won’t just get picked if you are fit.”He has the ability to bowl 10 overs but the question mark is over maintaining speeds through 10 overs and the determination we want in the field over 50 oversThe first ODI was Shoaib’s first 50-over international in 14 months andback-to-back matches were always going to test his fitness. It showed today in his bowling speeds, which rarely ventured over 140kph. Malik said he had resisted bowling Shoaib out yesterday with today’s game in mind, but was concerned about the dip in speeds.”He has the ability to bowl 10 overs but the question mark is over maintaining speeds through 10 overs and the determination we want in the field over 50 overs.”Asked specifically whether he had seen the required commitment from Shoaib over the two matches, Malik was damning. “Everyone can see what is out there. The ability to bowl ten overs is there but the commitment in fielding that I want wasn’t there.”The comments come at a critical time in Shoaib’s career. After a stellar winter season in 2005-06, injury, fitness, doping issues and persistent run-ins with the administration have reduced him to a peripheral player, playing just four Tests and 11 ODIs since February 2006. But he remains a big personality.The timing of Malik’s remarks are also significant. Since taking over as captain in May 2007, reports of dissent between him and a clique of senior players have been ever-present. Mohammad Yousuf, now an ICL player, has come out in public and it has always been thought Shoaib was part of the dissatisfied group as well.Despite this, Malik refused to entirely rule out the prospect of Shoaib being selected for the final ODI of the series. “Maybe he has a problem and that is why he wasn’t running in the field,” he said. “The 15-man squad is there but you can’t also just have a new guy come in to such an important game.”

England are searching for a coach following the sacking of Peter Moores and there have been reports that Kevin Pietersen had approached Shane Warne for the job. However Warne has said that Pietersen had sent him a joke text message which he turned down

Cricinfo staff09-Jan-2009
Shane Warne: “Following a team around the world is what I have given up. If that is what I wanted, I would still be a player” © Getty Images
Shane Warne has described the reports of Kevin Pietersen approaching him with an offer to coach England as a joke and instead advanced his former team-mate Darren Lehmann as an ideal candidate. Warne also suggested England’s stand-in captain Andrew Strauss was more suited to be the vice-captain.The Australian media reported that Pietersen had approached Warne following the fall-out with Moores but Warne clarified that the text message he had received from Pietersen had been tongue-in-cheek. “Sources suggested Pietersen’s plan was to have Warne as coach alongside former Victorian captain Darren Berry and former England allrounder Jeremy Snape as assistants, the same coaching trio who were at Rajasthan [Royals] last year when they won the inaugural IPL title,” the reported.But Warne, who coached and captained Rajasthan, said he couldn’t give the time that is required for a full-time coaching position as of now. “At this stage, I have a full book,” Warne wrote in his column for the Times. “I have enjoyed coaching and managing the Rajasthan Royals, but that is for a couple of months a year.”In any case, following a team around the world is what I have given up. If that is what I wanted, I would still be a player. But – and we all have this “but” in life – if an offer comes that sounds too good to be true, I would have to stop and think.”Warne went on to suggest that Darren Lehmann, his former Australian team-mate, would do a good job for England who, according to Warne, needed a coach from outside their set-up to take an objective view and bring in a few ideas, while still understanding the English system. “As a player he [Lehmann] did wonders for Yorkshire and had the respect of everyone,” Warne said. “Now he has moved into coaching. He would be great at installing confidence right across the board, through the players, the ECB, sponsors, supporters … everybody.”Warne criticised the way the Pietersen-Moores issue was handled and felt the differences should have been sorted behind closed doors. “The balance between captain and coach should be simple: the captain runs the show and the coach is there in the background.” He said the stand-in captain Andrew Strauss was better suited for the vice-captain’s role and Rob Key, the Kent captain, was Warne’s choice for leading England in all three formats of the game.”I think Key is unlucky not to have played more for England and I would have put him in charge for all three formats. He has flair and imagination, a good temperament and is well liked within the game. Ideally, you should look to appoint one captain for all forms and I don’t think that Strauss deserves a place in the one-day side on merit.”

Some Liverpool supporters are desperate for the Reds to sign Mikkel Damsgaard this summer following a report linking him with a move to Anfield.

It has been a frustrating transfer window for Liverpool fans, with the Reds only signing Ibrahima Konate so far this summer.

While Jurgen Klopp’s squad remains strong, it has been worrying to see their rivals spend large sums of money on some of the biggest names in world football.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

There is still time for Liverpool to make new additions before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night, though, and Damsgaard could be someone who comes in at Anfield.

According to La Repubblica [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], the Reds and Leeds are both battling to sign the Sampdoria and Denmark star, who scored against England at Euro 2020 and caught the eye with his performances during the tournament.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans want Reds to sign Damsgaard

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to give their verdict on the news, urging the Reds to make a move for the 21-year-old “wonderkid”,  who some believe could challenge the prolific Sadio Mane for a place in Klopp’s starting XI.

“Just give me him”

Credit: @LewYNWA

“Generational baller”

Credit: @LFC_Aryann

“When you look at it, he’d be a great signing for LFC. Can challenge Mane, but won’t expect to start. But will at least give us an option off the bench. Also will allow Jota to play predominantly centrally which is his best role for us”

Credit: @mitchLFC6

“That’s the one”

Credit: @StephanSteyn1

“This guy can defo challenge Mane”

Credit: @mrdude2304

“Absolute wonderkid! Must have him especially that he can be homegrown and is 15-20 million. Bargain!”

Credit: @Abdulla68719422

In other news, some Liverpool fans have bemoaned one negative Reds update. Read more here.

The ECB is scaling down plans to launch an Twenty20 English Premier League to try to rival India’s IPL, according to a report in the Times

Cricinfo staff03-Feb-2009
Giles Clarke, ECB chairman, has had to scale down his plans for the EPL © Getty Images
The ECB is scaling down plans to launch an Twenty20 English Premier League to try to rival India’s IPL, according to a report in the Times.Last summer, the board announced a 20-team EPL, featuring the 18 first-class counties and two overseas sides, one formed by Allen Stanford. But logistical issues, the credit crunch and the cooling of Stanford’s interest has led to the scheme being rethought and renamed.The competition, provisionally called the P20, with the P standing for Premier, will revert to the tried and trusted two leagues of nine with two up, two down promotion and relegation. The one concession that remains is that counties will be able to field up to four overseas players.The ECB’s Nigel Hilliard admitted to the newspaper that expectations had been raised to unrealistic levels and the fact the existing Twenty20 competition was a great success needed to be taken into account.”The proposal for 20 teams has been dropped for the moment,” Hilliard said. “We may look at it again if somebody puts up a lot of money, but they are not about to.”This news represents a complete climbdown for the ECB which last July announced its new 20-team competition, based, it claimed, on detailed market research. “This is about giving the spectator what they want,” ECB chairman Giles Clarke said. It appears that what the spectators want and what the ECB can deliver has changed markedly in the last few months.

Newcastle United are still very much intent on doing a lot of business on transfer deadline day according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

What’s the story?

The Magpies have been one of the quieter Premier League clubs in this summer transfer window, with their only significant signing being that of Joe Willock on a permanent basis from Arsenal.

However, Bailey has now claimed that Steve Bruce’s side have their iron in several fires heading into the final few hours of deadline day, talking to numerous clubs about several players.

He tweeted: “Newcastle are talking to Tottenham about Cameron Carter Vickers. They have also not given up on Leicester’s Hamza Choudhury. And the club have engaged with Chelsea about more than one player. Be surprised if Newcastle don’t get any loans by tonight.”

Fans will be buzzing

If the Magpies could get at least a couple of additions into their squad before the transfer window shuts tonight, then it would put some gloss over what has been a rather disappointing summer as a whole.

The fact the Tyneside club have only brought in Willock and have also said goodbye to a number of fringe players means that there really is a question about how and where Bruce’s team have actually improved – something that The Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards was quick to discuss on Twitter.

He said: “By my reckoning #nufc are only club in Premier League whose squad has not been strengthened from the end of last season… yes the permanent signing of Willock after loan is a positive but with Carroll and others gone, squad overall weaker than it was in May. Why?”

It’s exactly why Bailey’s latest update that the Magpies are talking to several clubs, including the likes of Spurs, Leicester and Chelsea, about a number of players is something which will surely delight the Toon Army.

The more new signings the merrier, and ultimately the necessary, at St James’ Park. Getting more than just the one player in on deadline day would go a long way to improving Bruce’s 2021/22 squad from the one he had last season.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are set to sign this Latin American gem…