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Fast bowler in for injured Shane Bond in New Zealand’s squad for the second Test against Pakistan

Cricinfo staff02-Dec-2009Tim Southee, the New Zealand fast bowler, has been drafted into the squad as cover for the injured Shane Bond for the second Test against Pakistan. Bond suffered minor abdominal discomfort following the 32-run victory in Dunedin and was subsequently ruled out of the remaining two matches.However, captain Daniel Vettori said that Daryl Tuffey , who was part of the squad for the first Test, would most likely be starting in place of Bond for the match tomorrow in Wellington. Southee, on the other hand, would be backup, in case any injuries were sustained during the period before that match.Southee’s inclusion comes after a strong outing for Northern Districts against Wellington in Hamilton during the Plunket Shield last week. Southee wrecked Wellington’s first innings, finishing with extraordinary figures of 25-12-27-8, but it was a terrific effort in vain as the home side lost by 38 runs.The 20-year-old did well in the limited-overs series against Pakistan in the UAE. He last played a Test against India in April.Tuffey, whose last Test was against England in 2004, hoped to make the most of the opportunity. “Obviously it’s disappointing for Shane with that injury,” he told the . “But it always works in roundabouts like that and I’ve been on the receiving end of injuries and giving other guys chances. He’s a good mate of mine and I’m really disappointed for him.”If my name is read out, which is obviously looking more and more likely with Shane being out, I’m just looking forward to the opportunity.”Tuffey, like Bond a former ICL player who will have a chance to revive to his Test career, has taken 24 of his 66 Test wickets against Pakistan. He didn’t play the Sri Lanka Tests and suffered a hand injury which forced him to return home from South Africa during the Champions Trophy. “I never thought I would have been playing Test cricket again,” he said. “But it’s funny how things have panned out.””The good thing about Daryl is every Test team that’s been named, he’s been disappointed not to be in it,” said Daniel Vettori. “He’s been close and he’s been bowling well.”The fast bowler Iain O’Brien, who dislocated the middle finger of his bowling hand during a career-saving spell on day five in Dunedin, did not think the injury would prevent him from playing tomorrow. “I bowled a couple to feel the finger and see how it came out,” he said. “It’s just sore, there’s no fractures, no nothing really, just a bit of bruising. I’ve just got to hope I don’t get a bang on it when I’m bowling.”Having endured an ordinary Test and playing almost for his place, O’Brien had a crucial part in the turnaround on day five of the Dunedin Test. He followed up Umar Akmal’s wicket with those of Kamran Akmal, with a sharp in-ducker, and Umar Gul. He will protect his injured finger with a splint when fielding but will not, per cricket’s rules, be allowed to wear it while bowling.”I’ve got some toys to cover it with,” said O’Brien. “With the cricket laws it’ll be nude when I’m bowling then hopefully I can cover it up and keep some impact off it when I’m fielding. It’ll be okay, I guess I have to try and hide it as much as I can when I’m fielding.”

In light of the news last week that Liverpool would be without right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold for the next few weeks, The Reds were thrown into a mini crisis. 

The 20-year-old is a mainstay in Jürgen Klopp’s team, and with Nathaniel Clyne unable to be recalled from his loan spell at Bournemouth, the question was to who would slot in as a fullback at Anfield last Saturday against Crystal Palace. James Milner stood up and filled in on the right, however, it was not without its controversy as the 33-year-old picked up a red card in the closing minutes of the game.

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That now means that Milner misses Liverpool’s next game against Leicester at Anfield, and Klopp again has a job on his hands trying to figure out who occupies the right-back position. One of the main candidates is Fabinho, who deputised as a centre-back in the absence of Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. The Brazilian has some experience of playing as a fullback, but the trouble is that it leaves the central midfield looking severely sparse, as neither Fabinho or Milner would be present.

There is no denying that this is a major setback in Liverpool’s title challenge. Although they sit at the summit of the Premier League table, rivals Man City are haring behind them, and Klopp will know that his side cannot afford any slip-ups in order to secure their maiden Premier League title. Milner’s red card only increases the pressure on Liverpool as they head into a tricky period.

Plays of the second day between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington

Brydon Coverdale20-Mar-2010Tuff opponents
Daryl Tuffey’s Test career against Australia has spanned ten years – long enough, you’d think, for a big tally of wickets. In that decade Tuffey has taken a grand total of … zero Australian wickets. In fairness, this is only his third Test against them, the first coming in Hamilton in March 2000 and the second at Bellerive Oval in November 2001. Unfortunately for Tuffey, by the time the declaration came on the second day at the Basin Reserve he had career figures of 0 for 250 against Australia in Tests.Chris Martin to Clarke: I will try to fix you
Chris Martin took a leaf from his Coldplay namesake’s lyric sheet when he jagged one back to strike Michael Clarke flush in the groin. It was enough to send Clarke into crouching position, taking a few deep breaths to regain his composure. “Don’t panic,” Clarke may have thought, “yes, it hit me in my place, but the hardest part is over”. A couple of deliveries later the electronic scoreboard brought up a message advising the crowd to “Keep your eye on the ball” to avoid being struck by any stray sixes. A sly dig from the scoreboard operator?Mitch, the footy star
Mitchell Johnson can do some wonderful things with ball, bat and, as it turns out, his feet. Johnson effected one of the more memorable run-outs when he sprinted almost level with the stumps at the striker’s end and soccered the ball from side-on. The action found Peter Ingram short during his attempt at a quick single. Perhaps those football warm-ups are useful after all.Beating a memorable pair
The 253-run partnership between Clarke and Marcus North was Australia’s highest fifth-wicket stand against New Zealand, surpassing a 24-year-old record that was also set in Wellington. Greg Ritchie and Greg Matthews, two of the characters of the Australian team in the 1980s, had put on 213 back in 1985-86.Nathan H…
The ground announcer at the Basin Reserve had a little trouble pronouncing the name of Australia’s spinner when he came on for the first time, advising the crowd they were about to see “Nathan Hore-witz”. Still, you can’t blame him. One of Australia’s selectors, Merv Hughes, kept saying “Horritch” when he was giving special comments during the Ashes coverage on Australian television, while another occasional commentator, the aforementioned Matthews, insists on calling him “Horridge”.

After a decent start to their Premier League campaign, West Ham United have stumbled in recent weeks with just one win in their previous six top-flight games.

With the January transfer window opening in a matter of days, journalist Paul Brown has dropped a claim on a potential piece of business that the Hammers could look to execute as they aim to end the season in the top four of the Premier League table.

What’s the news?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown was discussing the possibility of West Ham making a move to try and sign Sparta Prague striker Adam Hlozek, with whom the club have been linked in recent weeks, in the upcoming window

He said: “It might be that kind of profile they look for. Yeah, I could see that. That kind of transfer being one they do more than [Andrea] Belotti or a [Anthony] Martial who would cost a lot of money and expects to play every week.”

As a product of Sparta’s youth academy, Hlozek has gone on to make 111 senior appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 33 goals and providing 33 assists along the way, which is very impressive considering that he’s only 19.

Even though he may not have the experience of the likes of Belotti (238 appearances for Torino) or Martial (268 appearances for Manchester United), the teenager has still shown what an exciting goalscoring prospect he is.

Fans could be buzzing

With West Ham having signed the likes of Tomas Soucek, Vladimir Coufal and Alex Kral, all of whom come from the Czech Republic, Hlozek could be the next in line to follow in their footsteps and become a potential future star at the London Stadium.

If West Ham were to sign the teenager in January ahead of the likes of Martial and Belotti, the youngster could be just what the Irons need given how Michail Antonio hasn’t scored since their 1-0 win over Tottenham back in October, especially if the Czech youngster can hit the ground running in a goalscoring sense.

Moving forward, with January around the corner, the Hammers should definitely explore the possibility of signing Hlozek to see if he can relieve the scoring burden on sole centre-forward Antonio. A coup like this would leave the fan base buzzing, not least when looking at the 19-year-old’s excellent scoring record.

In other news: GSB could solve Moyes’ big issue at West Ham with move for “unbelievable” £19k-p/w “monster”

Kylian Mbappe appeared to be enjoying his time off from Paris Saint-Germain duty, as his proposed transfer to Real Madrid edges closer.

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Mbappe enjoying down timeMove to Real Madrid a near-formalitySet to meet France President Macron(C)Getty imagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The capital club are preparing to take on third-placed Monaco on Friday, where they will hope to bounce back from a disappointing draw to Rennes last time out. Time spent relaxing off the pitch is widely considered to be just as important as the strict hours on it, and Mbappe appeared to be making the most of his free period by playing pool and drinking tea.

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The mercurial Frenchman posted those pictures in an update on Instagram alongside the caption: "Life is good".

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

While Mbappe's comment appears to refer to the here and now, the French forward's future looks to be finally wrapped up. He is set to complete a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid when his PSG contract expires in the summer, thus putting an end to rumours dating back almost three years. Mbappe is thought to have snubbed a mega-money offer from the Parisians in order to become the next 'Galactico' in Madrid.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Mbappe is set to meet President of France Emmanuel Macron today, who in the past has tried at length to convince him to stay in Paris. However, that appearance is reportedly part of a meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim, with PSG chief and fellow countryman Nasser Al-Khelaifi also in attendance.

Ian Saxelby took 4 for 16 as Gloucestershire defeated Northamptonshire by eight runs to register their first win in the Friends Life t20 and keep their opponents waiting for their opening success of the group campaign.

22-Jun-2012
ScorecardIan Saxelby took 4 for 16 as Gloucestershire defeated Northamptonshire by eight runs to register their first win in the Friends Life t20 and keep their opponents waiting for their opening success of the group campaign.Kane Williamson (39) and Ian Cockbain (36) were the main contributors to Gloucestershire’s modest 139 for 9 but superb bowling from Saxelby and Muttiah Muralitharan, who also gave away just 16 runs in his four overs, ensured it was enough as the visitours were restricted to 131 for 8.Northants were always struggling after being reduced to 18 for 4 but Kyle Coetzer, with 44 from 38 balls, led a recovery until he was bowled around his legs by Muralitharan.After being put into bat by Northamptonshire skipper Alex Wakeley, Gloucestershire made 46 from the six Powerplay overs for just the loss of Hamish Marshall, who miscued a pull off David Willey to Con de Lange at mid-on. However, spinners James Middlebrook and De Lange slowed the Gloucestershire momentum in the middle overs and the home side never really broke free from the stranglehold in the rest of the innings.Williamson, in his last home match before departing for New Zealand’s tour of the Caribbean, struck five boundaries in his 39 before he pulled Middlebrook to deep midwicket, where Rob White took a low catch. Alex Gidman was also caught on the midwicket boundary by David Willey off De Lange, and it became 106 for 4 in the 16th over when James Fuller, who had hit two sixes in his 18, holed out to White at long-on to give Middlebrook his second wicket.Jack Brooks accounted for Jack Taylor, caught at midwicket by De Lange, and Cockbain was taken at long-off by Coetzer from Chaminda Vaas’s bowling, having struck the Sri Lankan for a straight six off the previous delivery. A further three wickets fell in the last three overs as Ed Young and Dan Housego were run out and Jon Batty was caught at third man by Coetzer off Brooks.Gloucestershire’s total looked a little below par, but the home side took control of the game by reducing Northants to 18 for 4 inside four overs of their reply.Fuller had White caught behind off a defensive edge and Housego took a steepling catch at midwicket to dismiss Robert Newton off Saxelby, who then had Wakeley taken at cover by Cockbain in the same over. Cameron White was the next to go, caught by Marshall at mid-off from Young’s off-spin, but Middlebrook and Coetzer then rallied the innings with a partnership of 54 in 51 balls.Middlebrook had contributed 23 when he mistimed a drive at Williamson’s off-spin and Muralitharan ran in from short third man to take the catch.Coetzer hit sixes off Taylor and Williamson to keep the game in the balance, but it started to swing back Gloucestershire’s way when he was bowled while trying to sweep Muralitharan, which made it 96 for 6 in the 16th over. Saxelby returned at the Ashley Down End and he effectively sealed the win by bowling Willey and having David Murphy caught at cover by Marshall.

Rangers have the chance to make it three wins in a row under Gio van Bronckhorst as they prepare for Premiership action on Wednesday night.

The Gers travel away to play Hibernian in the top-flight, shortly after their 3-1 defeat to them in semi-final of the League Cup prior to the Dutch manager’s official arrival at Ibrox.

They have beaten Sparta Prague and Livingston in his first two games in charge, with the latter coming in the form of a 3-1 win on Sunday.

Time to shine

One change van Bronckhorst could make to the starting XI is unleashing central midfielder John Lundstram, who is yet to make his first appearance for the Dutchman.

The summer signing from Sheffield United has not hit the ground running in Scotland and has been unable to secure a regular place in the side. However, the arrival of van Bronckhorst offers him a clean slate and a chance to show what he is truly capable of at this level.

Therefore, it could now be his time to shine for the Gers. He can use the frustration of his season so far to motivate him further to put in an excellent display against Hibernian and help the ex-Feyenoord coach to win his third game in succession.

Last year, former Blades manager Chris Wilder claimed that he is ‘exemplary’ with his attitude off the pitch. 

He told The Sheffield Star: “The way he has been in the changing room when he hasn’t played has been exemplary. And then he comes back in and plays like he has.

“I think that’s a fantastic example of how you should be as a professional footballer.”

This shows that the £6.3m-rated beast has the mentality required to come in from the cold and be ready to perform, as Wilder pointed to his professionalism.

He has shown signs of promise in the Premiership this season, with a 91% pass completion rate over the course of the campaign. The midfielder has also won 56% of his duels, showing that he has the strength to go along with his impressive passing.

However, his goal contributions from midfield could be unlocked by van Bronckhorst. He managed five goals and three assists in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign for Sheffield United, but only has one goal contribution in 11 league matches for Rangers.

By unleashing him against Hibernian and showing faith in his ability, the 46-year-old coach could give Lundstram the confidence to show off his full potential as a Rangers player. This is why he should be offered the opportunity to start in central midfield.

AND in other news, Gio could unearth Goldson 2.0 in “superb” Rangers teen who is “going to be massive”…

Marcus Rashford snubbed by Darren Bent as he would rather have Arsenal's Kai Havertz in his team than the Manchester United striker.

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Both Havertz and Rashford have been strugglingBent picked Havertz over RashfordGerman forward's recent performances earn recognitionWHAT HAPPENED?

Despite Havertz facing criticism for his initial performances at Arsenal, his recent goal-scoring form has impressed the former Premier League striker. Indeed, the Gunners forward has been on the upward trajectory this November as he netted his third goal in four matches after he got on the scoresheet against Lens on Wednesday evening in the Champions League. On the other hand, Rashford has been vastly inconsistent and has scored just twice this campaign in 17 appearances which led Bent to put his weight behind Haverrtz.

AdvertisementWHAT DARREN BENT SAID ABOUT HAVERTZ OVER RASHFORD

During an interview with talksSPORT, Bent said: "Right now, for what Arteta wants to do, yes. Currently where we are now, give me Havertz. I don't want Rashford at the minute. I don't know what I'm getting from Rashford.

"Rashford has got two (goals)! For starters, he's (Havertz) not appalling. This is not the lifetime achievement award. Last season, after the World Cup, Rashford was unbelievable. I've not seen that Rashford since. Right now, give me Kai Havertz over Rashford."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Havertz is yet to realise his potential after he ended up on the British Isles in 2020 to join Chelsea. Although he redeemed himself by scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final against Manchester City, he has failed to match the expectations of the fans. In contrast, Rashford was thriving under Erik ten Hag in the 2022-23 and ended up scoring 30 goals. However, he has failed to keep up with his form and poor showings in the latest international break led Tim Sherwood to assert that Rashford shouldn't start for England at the upcoming Euros.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR HAVERTZ & RASHFORD?

Havertz will look to continue hitting the right notes under the guidance of Mikel Arteta when the Gunners host Wolves at Emirates on Saturday. Whereas, Rashford has a point to prove to his critics at St. James' Park where the Red Devils will take on a high-flying Newcastle United side on the same day.

Carlo Ancelotti could leave the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season and there are several possible replacements…

Carlo Ancelotti hasn't done much wrong as Real Madrid coach. Since arriving for the second time 18 months ago, he has won La Liga and the Champions League – and could win the latter again this season.

He has revived an ageing squad, helped Karim Benzema become a Ballon d'Or winner, and developed Vinicius Jr into a world-class winger.

But now, his job is being called into question. Barcelona are running away with La Liga and with Ancelotti increasingly linked to the Brazil national team gig, it appears his days in Spain could be numbered.

That leaves Madrid potentially looking for a new manager this summer, and they can likely get whoever they want.

Such is the pull of the club, and the relentlessness of President Florentino Perez, that Los Blancos are very hard to turn down. Still, this could be a particularly appointment to make.

In Ancelotti, Madrid had the right kind of character for the job. The famously sound man-manager has brought the team immense success on confidence alone, allowing a world-class squad to play to their own beat.

But Madrid have become predictable, and perhaps need a more astute tactical mind. The board are reportedly starting to realise this.

Indeed, the experienced squad that grinded their way to a European-domestic double is on their way out, while a wave of youth talent could still do with moulding and guidance.

The current options, though, are mixed. Thomas Tuchel was the most obvious candidate before he was snapped up by Bayern Munich last week.

Still, there are a few managers of interest on the market, including reported top candidate Mauricio Pochettino.

GOAL takes a look at who could take the helm next at the Santiago Bernabeu…

Getty ImagesMauricio Pochettino

Numerous outlets are reporting that the former Tottenham and PSG man has piqued the interest of Madrid's board. And he certainly meets some of the criteria.

Pochettino's sides try to play exciting football, and he has the charisma and energy of a manager capable of leading a big side. His domestic success has been admittedly limited, but he took Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final, and also won Ligue 1 with PSG in 2022.

At Tottenham, he worked wonders with a relatively small budget and Spurs were among the most entertaining teams in Europe on their day.

With creative players such as Dele and Christian Eriksen playing behind an ever-improving Harry Kane, Pochettino pieced together a side that finished second in the Premier League in 2016, and knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League in 2019.

It's not hard to see him doing something similar with a young squad in Madrid – especially if Los Blancos sign a certain English midfielder to bolster the ranks.

AdvertisementRaul Gonzalez TwitterRaul

Madrid don't mind an internal replacement. It's brought them plenty of success in the past, notably with the promotion of Zinedine Zidane from reserve side Castilla. The club legend went on to win two league titles and a trio of Champions League winners' medals at the helm.

And Raul could be next in line. Zidane's former team-mate's managerial path is remarkably similar to that of the former Madrid boss.

Raul took over the Madrid U15s in 2018, and was made manager of Madrid Castilla less than a year later. The B team have enjoyed success under the club legend's tutelage, with the academy side third, and four points behind Alcoron in the Primera Federacion.

Players such as Rodrygo, Alvaro Rodriguez and the soon-to-return Fran Garcia have all cracked into the senior side after developing under Raul, too.

Leeds were reportedly interested in hiring him, and a handful of German clubs were also sniffing around. But he spurned all interest, presumably with his eyes on a different job…

(C)Getty ImagesJulian Nagelsmann

Nagelsmann was recently let go by Bayern Munich, and is reportedly determined to take a few months off before returning to management. If he's refreshed by this summer, he could be a shrewd appointment for Los Blancos.

The German was hailed as a young tactical mastermind when he was hired by Bayern 18 months ago. But he never quite worked out at the club.

Although Bayern won the league during his first season in charge – and could still do so this year – Nagelsmann had a tricky relationship with the board. Valid, but perhaps harsh concerns over the style of football and consistency of the side saw his tenure end prematurely.

But that shouldn't put other teams off. Indeed, Nagelsmann lost Robert Lewandowski, turned Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting into a top-class striker, and before his firing, had Bayen in the last eight of the Champions League. That isn't an easy thing to do.

Madrid would present a different challenge, but one Nagelsmann certainly has the brain to approach.

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(C)Getty ImagesXabi Alonso

Alonso has worked wonders at Bayer Leverkusen. The German side were fighting a relegation battle when the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder took over. A few months later, they are fighting for a European spot.

This is no accident. Alonso has a young, energetic side playing to its full potential thanks to a number of shrewd tactical moves. He has given the talented Florian Wirtz licence to create, utilised the pace of Moussa Diaby, and reinforced what was a leaky back line.

That this is his first senior management job makes it all the more impressive.

Alonso is a product of the Madrid coaching system, taking over the U14s before moving to Real Sociedad B in 2019, and, after spending some of his best years as a player at the Santiago Bernabeu, he certainly has a strong connection to the club.

As is the case with Raul, it is largely assumed that Alonso will take the Madrid job someday. Is now the right time?

The Champions League sees Neymar, Mbappe and Cavani of PSG face Liverpool's Salah, Mane and Firmino – are they among the best triumvirates ever?

GettyMSN

Neymar may have broken up Barcelona's band of brothers last season when he fled to France after a shock €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain, but the legend of the MSN partnership will live on.

With the brilliant Brazilian lining up in attack alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, the Blaugrana won the Champions League, Club World Cup and La Liga (twice), tearing defences to shreds with their incredible pace, skill and movement

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While MSN was forming at Camp Nou, Real Madrid saw their own attacking triumvirate become an institution within the Spanish capital.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has since moved to Juventus, was the undisputed star of the show but the addition of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema added more blistering pace, power and, of course, goals to a forward line that fired the Blancos to four Champions League triumphs in five years.

Getty ImagesBBC2

Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini formed a formidable defence in front of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon as Juventus set about re-establishing themselves as a major European force.

Together, the BBC provided the foundation on which the Bianconeri's resurgence was founded, helping the Old Lady win six successive Scudetti before Bonucci departed for AC Milan last year only to return this summer.

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GettyAC Milan's Dutch gold

The arrival of Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit at San Siro in 1987 proved instrumental in AC Milan winning a first Serie A title in nine years, but the signing of Frank Rijkaard propelled the Rossoneri to glory on a world stage.

The Dutch trio became the stars of Arrigo Sacchi's wonderful team, helping the Italian outfit win two European Cups and two Club World Cup crowns.