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Brendan Taylor will lead Zimbabwe in the one-off home Test against Bangladesh which marks their return to Test cricket

Liam Brickhill01-Aug-2011Brendan Taylor will lead Zimbabwe in the one-off home Test against Bangladesh which marks their return to Test cricket. Only eight of the 13 selected, including Taylor, have played Tests, a format Zimbabwe haven’t played in since 2005 when they voluntarily suspended themselves following concerns they were not competitive enough at the top level.The selection of the Test side thus presented the Zimbabwean selectors with an issue that had surely not been felt quite as acutely in the limited-overs sides that have turned out in the interim: that of balance. In the event, Prosper Utseya and Regis Chakabva are unlikely to play and so the probable starting XI includes five specialist batsmen, with Tatenda Taibu at No. 6 – and, considering his pedigree alongside those in front of him in the order, he must surely also be counted as a frontline batsman – followed by two allrounders, a spinner, and two new-ball seamers.Taibu – who had been out of action after the World Cup 2011 with a thumb injury – was included after he kept wicket in the three-day tour game against the Bangladeshis. Chakabva is his understudy, which means that yet again there is no place for Forster Mutizwa, whose unbeaten 87 led Zimbabwe XI to victory over the Bangladeshis. Mutizwa also cracked a fluent 67 in the two-day match against Australia at Kwekwe, and his boundary-hitting ability means he may well come back into contention for national honours in the one-day leg of the series.Brian Vitori, the 21-year old left-arm seamer, was the only player without international experience to make the squad. His elevation to the Test squad is the culmination of a meteoric rise for the Masvingo-born Vitori, who made his domestic debut during the pitiable Faithwear one-day competition in 2005-06 and, until the end of last season, had remained under the radar.While it’s virtually assured that the much-improved Chris Mpofu will take the new ball, it’s not entirely clear whether Vitori or Keegan Meth will partner him. Meth does share new-ball duties with Mpofu in domestic cricket with the Matabeleland Tuskers, and the added control he brings with him may sway the odds in his favour.The return to Tests also means Zimbabwe will have to break up one of their most dependable bowling partnerships, as only one of either Utseya and Ray Price are expected to be included on Thursday. While both men are automatic selections in limited-overs cricket, Zimbabwe are attempting to move away from their reliance on spin as they re-enter the Test arena.”Test match cricket and one-day cricket are totally different animals and when you play Test cricket in normal conditions you’re always going to be looking to play your extra seamer rather than your extra spinner,” said chairman of selectors Alistair Campbell. “We’ll still have a look at the wicket on Thursday morning and see what we think it’s going to do.”It is a bit of a foreign concept for us because we’ve become used to playing a spin-based attack because all of our games have been one-day cricket, but we started thinking about it a long time ago. We knew that this would come about, so for the past six months we’ve been thinking about which seamers would be in the frame. We’ve got four here plus Elton, and those are the guys who’ve shown that they’re best equipped to deal with the rigours of Test cricket.”The most obvious weakness in Zimbabwe’s squad is their opening pair: Vusi Sibanda and Tino Mawoyo. The pair were able to cling to the crease for almost 55 overs in the first innings of Zimbabwe’s match against Australia at the Academy ground in Harare two weeks ago, but neither man lends a feeling of solidity.Sibanda was able to grind out a dogged 91 in that tour match against the Australians, but would be far happier in the middle order, which is where he plays his domestic cricket. That said, there is possibly no batsman with better, more orthodox technique in the country and Zimbabwe, who seem only ever to select Sibanda as an opener, must be hoping that that will be enough to see off the hazards of the new ball.Mawoyo doesn’t have quite as strong a case for inclusion. While he’s showed some tenacity in recent times, his last significant innings was an unbeaten century against New Zealand A last October. At the very least, his experience as an opener in domestic cricket should stand him in good stead, as should Zimbabwe’s extensive preparations for this match.”The team is very much well-prepared,” said coach Alan Butcher. “We have had a fitness programme since back in May and we had extensive match practice from the matches against South Africa A sides.”We’ve had good variety in terms of the experience we’ve gained and the match preparation we’ve had, so I’m very confident that we’re fully prepared and ready for the challenge on Thursday.”Zimbabwe squad: Brendan Taylor (capt), Regis Chakabva, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Tino Mawoyo, Keegan Meth, Chris Mpofu, Ray Price, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu (wk), Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Kyle Jarvis.

After having been ignored for the World Cup, Ishant Sharma is itching to get back in to India’s limited-overs side, and is looking forward to making an impact in the IPL to launch his comeback

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Apr-2011After having been ignored from the Indian limited-overs’ side in recent times, Ishant Sharma is looking forward to making an impact in the IPL to launch his comeback. “Cricket is my passion and the hunger to be part of the best possible action is natural,” Ishant was quoted in the website of Deccan Chargers, who he will represent in the IPL this year. “There comes a time in every sportsperson’s life when one has to prove to oneself. I am probably going through that phase and would like to challenge myself in the upcoming IPL to win back my place in the Indian side.”Though he has been a regular member of the Test team, Ishant has not played an ODI since August 2009 and has proved to be expensive in the format, losing out to the likes of Praveen Kumar, Sreesanth and Munaf Patel. But Ishant has taken the setbacks in his stride.”Being in and out of sides is part and parcel of a sportsperson’s life and I’d like to take it on the chin,” he said. “I am just trying to forget the past and start afresh. Right now, the focus is on IPL and I want to give it my 100%. I will do my best for Hyderabad.”Despite having a Twenty20 economy rate close to eight runs an over, Ishant feels that the format is as much a challenge for the batsmen as it is for the bowlers. “You’ve got to go with your instincts, believe in your strong points and bowl to your strength rather than think about the batsmen’s plus points.”I have worked on and added variations to my bowling armoury and will hopefully execute them to good effect in the IPL. The slower ones, the yorkers are all key deliveries in this format and you have to use them judiciously. You’ve got to change your line and length constantly and plan every ball.”The margin of error for a fast bowler is minimal but I feel the key is to keep it simple. One has to be on top of the game and not complicate things. Zaheer Khan’s approach at the recently concluded World Cup is a case in point.”Deccan play their first game against Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad on April 9.

Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald, who had verbally committed to becoming New Zealand’s fast bowling coach, has withdrawn his decision, saying he was seeking a position with Cricket South Africa

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jun-2011Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald, who had verbally committed to becoming New Zealand’s fast bowling coach, has withdrawn from the role as he is seeking a position with Cricket South Africa.New Zealand Cricket chief executive, Justin Vaughan, said Donald had contacted NZC over the weekend to inform them of his sudden change of heart. “We did everything possible to retain Allan but it is understandable that a role in South Africa would be attractive to both him and his family,” Vaughan said in a statement.”Unfortunately that is the nature of professional sport and although I understand the reasons for Allan’s decision, it is disappointing considering the positive discussions we had with Allan about moving to New Zealand and his desire to work with the team. It is also a disappointment as he contributed well during the ten-week stint he had with the team earlier in the year.”Donald had worked with New Zealand on a contract basis from January this year till the end of the World Cup. He was in the running for the Australia bowling coach job, but after he lost out to former Australia fast bowler Craig McDermott last month, had said he wanted to “commit” to New Zealand.Speculation has grown over the last couple of days that Gary Kirsten, who recently coached India with great success, is set to take over as head coach of the South African team, with Donald assisting him as the bowling coach. Cricket South Africa (CSA) is likely to announce the new national coach on Monday.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly contemplating a move to poach Raheem Sterling from former club Manchester City this summer.

What’s the word?

As per the Telegraph, the Gunners are ‘ready to explore’ a deal for the 27-year-old at the end of the season, with the Englishman potentially set to be available to depart the Etihad as he enters the final year of his existing deal.

The report suggests that Arteta – who previously worked under Pep Guardiola at City – wants to make the 74-cap international the ‘focal point’ of his attack, with forward additions seemingly required with Alexandre Lacazette nearing the end of his current deal and with former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having departed for Barcelona in January.

Sterling – who had been linked with an exit last summer – could well be joined in north London by current teammate Gabriel Jesus, following recent reports that the Brazilian is another player on the radar of the Emirates outfit.

Better than Saka

The addition of the £76.5m-rated man in the upcoming window would prove a major coup for the top-four hopefuls, with the pacy wide man having emerged as one of the top-flight’s leading figures in recent years.

After dazzling as a teenager at Liverpool, Sterling made the controversial £49m switch to Manchester in 2015 in pursuit of silverware, with that move more than paying off as he has since claimed three league titles, five League Cup’s and an FA Cup – with an additional Premier League crown potentially on the way this season.

Under the tutelage of Guardiola, the £300k-per-week gem has developed into a prolific presence in front of goal, having scored 130 times and provided 93 assists in 337 games for the club in all competitions.

Dubbed a “fighter” by Gareth Southgate, the diminutive speedster has also shaken off early criticism at international level to become one of Southgate’s trusted lieutenants, the Jamaica-born ace starring in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2020 final last year, netting three times en route to the showpiece.

It has proven a difficult campaign at club level since then, as he has drifted in and out of the starting XI, although he has still managed to provide 12 goals and four assists in just 22 league starts.

Despite starting 11 more top-flight games than his compatriot, current Arsenal man Bukayo Saka has still scored fewer goals (11 in total) than the more senior man, while he only averages a goal every 248 minutes this season, compared to a goal every 167 minutes for Sterling.

The latter – who Guardiola insisted “always creates something” – also averages 1.8 successful dribbles per game, compared to 1.1 for Saka, while he also ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes received among players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, with his international colleague only in the top 31% for the same metric.

Equally, the City star offers perhaps greater consistency at the elite level, having been a regular fixture in the top-flight since making his Reds debut as a 17-year-old a decade ago, with it some feat to have maintained his quality for so long.

Saka has dazzled in recent times, although he still has a way to go to reach the heights of the potential target.

IN other news, Forget Saliba: Arsenal must finally unleash their “exciting” rarely-seen Hale End gem

Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has lauded Glasgow Rangers for the capture of versatile midfielder John Lundstram. 

The lowdown: Top-level signing

Signed as a free agent on a three-year deal following the expiry of his contract at Sheffield United (Sky Sports), the 28-year-old arrived at Ibrox with a burgeoning reputation.

During the 2019/20 Premier League season, Lundstram scored five times in 34 outings for the Blades and appeared to take to life at the elite level with ease upon the club’s promotion to the top flight.

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However, following an unamicable fallout with then-United manager Chris Wilder, the Liverpudlian ace moved to Glasgow, where he has proven to be a big hit with one man in particular…

The latest: Whelan impressed by Lundstram

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan heralded Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst for playing the 28-year-old at centre-back against RB Leipzig on Thursday night, whilst also praising Lundstram’s form this season.

The ex-BBC Sport pundit gushed: “John Lundstram, on a free contract, it’s got to be one of the best free contracts they’ve signed. Now I’ve seen the best of him.

“Lundstram is one of these players that you can play anywhere. He played at wing-back at times for Sheffield United. He’s got the ability to play centre-back; the height, the strength, the power.

“He reads the game very well and he can step out from the backline into that midfield to play balls through and start the attack. A mastermind masterstroke there from Van Bronckhorst.

“Considering they’ve lost two very important players in Morelos and Roofe, to score three goals, three different scorers, people are taking responsibility on their shoulder to cover those injuries.”

The verdict: Smart signing

Unsurprisingly, signing a player of Lundstram’s calibre was met with euphoria by many connected to the Teddy Bears, and they certainly haven’t been disappointed in recent weeks.

After making a slow start to life in Scotland, the former Everton academy prospect now has four goals and one assist in 45 appearances this term, earning an impressive 6.92 average Sofascore rating from 26 Premiership outings in the process.

His recent displays in big matches have been superb, earning a 7.9 Sofascore rating from last Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Celtic and a 7.6 from the famous win over RB Leipzig, in which he netted the decisive goal to take Rangers into the Europa League final.

If Van Bronckhorst’s side are to wrestle back control of the Premiership title next season, then Lundstram will likely be imperative to the cause.

In other news: Journalist reacts to ‘excellent’ contract news coming out of Rangers, find out more here

Netherlands international Ryan ten Doeschate, who played for Canterbury in this season’s HRV Cup, has been declared the Most Valuable Player for the tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jan-2011Ryan ten Doeschate, the Netherlands allrounder who played for Canterbury in the HRV Cup, has been declared the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.Canterbury finished third in the HRV Cup with 22 points behind Central Districts and eventual winners Auckland, and ten Doeschate was one of their most consistent performers right through the tournament. He ended the tournament as their second-highest run-scorer with 284 from nine games at an average of 40.57 with a strike-rate of nearly 122. He was also their joint fourth-highest wicket-taker, with 12 wickets in nine games at an average of 17.66 and played a key role in their wins over Wellington and Otago early in the competition.ten Doeschate will now play for Tasmania in the ongoing Big Bash series in Australia. He will also be the mainstay of Netherlands’ batting in next month’s World Cup in the subcontinent.

Misbah-ul-Haq quelled a threatening spell of reverse swing early on the third morning, before dictating terms against New Zealand’s seamers who wasted the second new ball, to drive Pakistan to a 20-run lead as the winds subsided for the first time at the

The Bulletin by Nitin Sundar17-Jan-2011
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsYounis Khan was in fine touch before being undone by a poor umpiring call•Getty ImagesMisbah-ul-Haq quelled a threatening spell of reverse swing early on the third morning, before dictating terms against New Zealand’s seamers, to drive Pakistan to a 20-run lead as the wind subsided for the first time at the Basin Reserve. Pakistan’s progress was based on Misbah’s 142-run stand with Younis Khan, during which New Zealand’s attack seemed to have run out of ideas. Younis’ exit for 73 – the seventh umpiring error in the match, without counting missed no-balls – sparked a resurgence from the home side. After tea, they attacked with Daniel Vettori’s turn and Chris Martin’s bounce to skittle out Pakistan’s lower half for the addition of just 52, including Misbah on 99. New Zealand’s openers played out the last five overs of the day without damage to leave the game even at stumps.Before their inspired burst in the final session, New Zealand were surprisingly subdued through the day, barring a lively opening burst from Martin. He began with a swerving bouncer that started well outside off before darting in viciously towards Azhar Ali who had to weave away and drop his wrists. Martin followed that up with a series of reverse-swingers before outwitting Azhar with another sharp lifter that was fended into the slips. Younis and Misbah also began edgily against the movement before easing into business with a series of sparkling drives as the sun came out and Martin began to lose his sting.The ball, deemed to be out of shape, was replaced at the stroke of the first hour and reverse swing immediately became conspicuous by its absence. With the pitch not taking much turn, Misbah handled Vettori’s drift by lunging forward instead of across and defending from inside the line. New Zealand’s main variations had been nullified, and thereafter they were asking to be dominated.Younis cashed in against a flagging attack, punching a short delivery from Tim Southee square and driving one that was too straight through wide long-on for boundaries. Misbah attacked his opposite number in the lead-up to lunch, pulling out a slog sweep and a lofted on-drive as Pakistan moved past 200.Soon after the break, Brent Arnel opened with the second new ball, running in for a friendly over that underlined New Zealand’s lack of intent: it began with a wayward loosener outside off, and included a misdirected bouncer down the leg side. In his second over, Misbah guided Arnel twice through the cordon for boundaries. Martin replaced Arnel and got his inswingers going, but the horse had bolted by then. Younis punched Martin twice down the ground, the first bringing up his half-century and the second, the 100-run stand.Southee put in a solid effort from the other end, and got the odd legcutter to nip away from the right-handers. Despite being beaten on a couple of occasions, Misbah had the presence of mind to play with soft hands, and his obduracy frustrated Southee who got into a verbal duel with him. Misbah responded with two calmly stroked boundaries through the covers to bring up his fifth successive half-century, and his fifth in six innings since taking over as captain.Vettori was running out of ideas, and brought James Franklin on, seemingly with the intention of creating a rough to work with. Franklin promptly got a warning for running on the pitch, but Vettori began to pose some riddles from the other end. He eventually got past Younis, thanks to drift and a poor call from umpire Rod Tucker, caught close-in on the leg side straight off the pad.Younis’ exit prompted Vettori to finally go on the attack, and he looped them into the rough with extra fielders crouching close in. Asad Shafiq edged his fifth ball as it ripped away from middle and leg, taking the outside edge on its way into the slips. Vettori also had Adnan Akmal in strife with well-disguised arm-balls before getting him to top-edge a sweep.Martin stepped up to support his captain, and bullied Abdur Rehman into submission with bounce, with Pakistan still 22 behind. While Umar Gul biffed Pakistan into the lead with a series of middled pulls and slog-sweeps, Misbah chugged along towards a hundred that seemed almost inevitable.He negated Martin’s bounce by staying in the crease, and capitalised when there was width to pick up boundaries through the off side. With Misbah a run away from his third Test ton, Martin landed a couple of balls well outside off before cleverly slanting one back in, to rap him on the move as he shuffled across with an eye on the leg side. The innings ended soon after, Vettori finishing a wicket shy of becoming only the second New Zealander to make a century and pick a five-for in the same match. Both captains had had a say in setting up the game for a virtual second-innings shoot-out with two days left.

Aakash Chopra, who is batting on a career-best 262 in the Ranji Plate semi-final against Maharashtra, called it his most satisfying knock this season

Sriram Veera16-Dec-2010Aakash Chopra, who is batting on a career-best 262 in the Ranji Plate semi-final against Maharashtra, called it his most satisfying knock this season. Rajasthan reached a strong 551 for 6 at the end of the second day after being put into bat at Nasik.Chopra, who played 12 years for Delhi before shifting this season, said that he felt more pressure playing as a professional cricketer for Rajasthan, and was happy that he could contribute in the semi-final. “It’s a different ball game as a professional; there is a lot more pressure on you to perform,” Chopra told ESPNCricinfo. “You are the main player. The youngsters look up to you for guidance and you have to stand up and be counted. Luckily, for us, we have Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Rashmi Parida and all of us professionals have done well so far.”This will probably be the first time that Chopra, whose previous highest first-class score was 239*, would go to sleep thinking about a possible 300. However he said he wasn’t sure how long Rajasthan would bat tomorrow. “We have to declare at some point and bowl them out to gain points for the first-innings lead. We are yet to discuss when to declare. I think we will bat for a while but not sure how long. I have a few double hundreds but yes, this could be the first chance for 300.”Chopra was delighted with the timing of his knock. “More than the amount of runs, the fact that I scored in a semi-final is what gives me great pleasure. This is the game that actually decides whether we go on to the finals, and Super League, or remain in Plate.”Though the scoreline might hint at a placid track and raise questions over Maharashtra’s decision to bowl first, Chopra said that Rajasthan also would have opted to field had they won the toss. “There was enough moisture on the track which was very darkish in colour. So there was no surprise that they made us bat.”It was obvious then that the first session would be the most crucial, and much depended on Chopra to provide a good start. “We were just biding time in the first session yesterday. There was enough sideways movement along with bounce because of red soil. I opened up in the second and hit around 75-80 runs. It was my most free-flowing phase in the last two days; I also hit a few sixes, which helped.”Maharashtra’s woes were compounded by their bowling and wicketkeeping errors; they have conceded 74 extras that included 33 byes and 25 no-balls. “It was indeed bizarre,” Chopra said. “Rohit Motwani [Maharashtra’s captain and keeper] is a pretty decent keeper actually. What’s happening is that the ball here is moving late and a lot after it passes the batsmen. And it’s also dipping on the keeper.” The current record lies with Railways who gave away 89 extras against Tamil Nadu in 1998-99.Chopra was confident of gaining the vital lead. “The track is showing signs of deterioration; there is bounce and a little movement. Also, you have to consider the pressure of this large total. We are confident of bowling them out and getting that lead.”

Jacques Kallis, the South Africa allrounder, has criticised the Abu Dhabi pitch after Pakistan, led by a determined half-century by captain Misbah-ul-Haq, drew the second Test and the series

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2010Jacques Kallis, the South Africa allrounder, has criticised the Abu Dhabi pitch, after Pakistan, led by a determined half-century by captain Misbah-ul-Haq, drew the second Test and the series. South Africa set Pakistan a target of 354 but managed only three wickets in the chase, though they did pick them up in quick succession after lunch to put pressure on their opponents.”The groundsman needs to ensure the game of Test cricket stays healthy and produces a good contest between bat and ball,” Kallis said. “It didn’t really live up [to expectations] and you can probably play another Test match straight away and not get a result. The pitch was really flat.”Our spinners bowled well but there was absolutely no turn on that pitch and no pace either. Any team would have struggled to take 10 wickets, today, out there.”Though not winning the series was disappointing for Kallis, who scored two centuries in the two Tests, he said his side had prepared well for the Test series against India starting December 16 in Centurion. “The pleasing thing was the way we went about our business,” he said. “We put Pakistan under pressure for most of the series apart from one or two sessions where we were perhaps not as good as we can be.”I think the guys will take a lot out of the series and have got some good runs under their belt. The bowlers did not take as many wickets as they would have liked but the wickets played a role in that. As a unit, we’ve gained a lot of confidence.”Pakistan, currently ranked No.6 in the Test rankings, were helped considerably by the experienced duo of Younis Khan and Misbah, both making a return to the Test format after a long break. The youngsters stepped up too, with Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq making important contributions. Kallis admitted Pakistan had resisted well. “I think we had them under pressure in the whole series and the Pakistan cricketers, especially the youngsters, came in and performed really well. Their cricket is looking positive.”They put in big performances and showed that they have the determinationneeded to survive in big games, though the tracks were flat.”

According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Sunderland are planning a second round of manager interviews this week.

Roy Keane remains the frontrunner and negotiations with him will continue, but the journalist revealed that the likes of Grant McCann and Alex Neil are still in contention for the vacancy at the Stadium of Light.

The Lowdown

The Black Cats are searching for a new permanent manager after Lee Johnson was sacked following an embarrassing 6-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers in late January.

Mike Dodds took charge for Saturday’s home tie against League One’s bottom club Doncaster Rovers, but the Wearsiders fell to a 2-1 defeat.

A number of potential replacements have been lined up since Johnson’s departure, including that of former Sunderland manager Roy Keane. The Irishman was in charge at the Stadium of Light from 2006 to 2008, and has had just one first-team manager job since, with Ipswich Town between 2009 and 2011 (Transfermarkt).

The Latest

According to fresh news from Hope, Sunderland are set to undertake a second round of manager interviews this week. Keane remains the favourite, and negotiations with him will continue to progress, although the likes of McCann and Neil are still in the frame for the job.

Hope took to Twitter to share the news, stating: “Sunderland are planning second interviews this week. Roy Keane remains frontrunner & negotiations continue (situation could change if agreement reached). But likes of Grant McCann & Alex Neil still in frame #safc”

The Verdict

On Friday night, former Manchester United captain Keane said live on ITV that he wants to return to management. He stressed that it was important that everything is right with any proposition as he was in no rush of securing a job, having not held a managerial role in 11 years.

Sunderland fans will surely be eager to hear the results of the upcoming interviews, which are set to go ahead this week. With a push for promotion in sight, it is crucial that the club fill the vacancy as quickly as possible, so the players can focus on the remaining half of the season and know where they stand with whoever is appointed as Johnson’s successor.

In other news: Martin O’Neill has offered a glowing endorsement of one of the managerial candidates