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Hosts Ireland will play Scotland in the final of the ICC Trophy on Wednesday (July 13) at Clontarf near Dublin. Ireland defeated Canada by four wickets while Scotland beat Bermuda by six wickets to set up the final between two sides who have never won the tournament.The final World Cup qualifying slot will be awarded to the team that finishes fifth. Holland and UAE will play off for this spot at Clontarf on Monday after Holland defeated Denmark and UAE overhauled Namibia.Peter Gillespie and Andrew White hit Ireland to victory in a tense semi-final against Canada. With the run-rate mounting – they required 240 for victory – Gillespie struck a six and a four from consecutive deliveries in the 48th over before White completed the win with a six from the second ball of the final over. White, who was also at the crease when Ireland beat West Indies and Surrey, finished 28 not out while Man-of-the-Match Gillespie was unbeaten on 64.Jeremy Bray failed to make a mark at his home club. He was out for 10 with the score on 12. Eoin Morgan followed 29 runs later for 20 and, though captain Jason Mollin made a personal tournament best of 44, Ireland were pegged back to 106 for 5. Trent Johnson led the recovery but when he was caught in the deep for 44 to become Kevin Sander’s third victim, Ireland were left needing a run a ball with only four wickets in hand. Gillespie and White, though, held their nerve.In the other semi, Bermuda elected to bat against Scotland at The Hills, but they struggled to 26 for 3. Scotland’s leading wicket-taker Paul Hoffman was the spearhead as only Albert Steede of Bermuda’s top seven batsmen made double figures. Bermuda’s innings was rescued by the controlled hitting of Dean Minors and Lionel Cann. When Cann joined Minors at the crease Bermuda were heading for humiliation at 88 for 7, but he struck 45 from 38 balls for Cann, while Minors added an unbeaten 53 to lift the surprise semi-finalists to 219 for 9.Scotland had a shaky start to their reply, at 52 for 3. The Scottish batting line-up, though, has strength in depth and Gavin Hamilton and Cedric English found their form at an opportune time. Both Hamilton and English made their first half-centuries of the tournament to shepherd Scotland to safety. Hamilton was caught out for 59 but English remained unbeaten on 75 as Scotland won by six wickets.Holland moved to within one match of the World Cup finals by thrashing Denmark by 89 runs. The Dutch were unlucky to miss out on automatic qualification from Group B but bounced back with determination. Bas Zuiderent and Dan van Bunge both hit centuries as Holland amassed 314 for 6 in 50 overs. Denmark did not get close in their reply and were bowled out in the final over for 225.UAE ended Namibia‘s dream of a second consecutive appearance at the World Cup. Gerrie Snyman contributed 82 not out to a competitive target of 240 for 7, but UAE produced their best batting performance of the tournament to reach the target with 18 balls to spare. Syed Maqsood (84) and Khuram Khan (92) were the key men for UAE.In the play-off matches for ninth to 12th place, USA picked up their first victory of the tournament in beating Papua New Guinea by eight wickets and Oman beat Uganda by six runs.

Glenn McGrath: returning on February 9 © Getty Images

Australia’s crown jewels, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, will make their long-awaited comebacks within 24 hours of each other, after their lengthy absences through injury and suspension.McGrath, who has undergone ankle surgery since his disappointing performance against Bangladesh last July, intends to play for a New South Wales second XI in a four-day game against Tasmania on February 9. The very next day, Warne’s year-long suspension for taking a banned diuretic comes to an end, as he joins Victoria’s second XI for the last three days of their fixture against Queensland.The initial target for both bowlers is a place in Australia’s Test squad for the forthcoming tour to Sri Lanka, although it will be a tough ask for them to regain sufficient form and fitness in so short a time. After a five-match one-day series, the first Test begins on March 8 at Galle.Nevertheless, Ricky Ponting, who will be taking over from Steve Waugh as Australia’s Test captain, was buoyed at the prospect of having his champion bowlers available once again.”When you know you’ve got guys like McGrath and Warne to come back it is pretty exciting,” said Ponting. “Glenn’s probably been frustrated a fair bit over the last few months, having got back and then needing another operation on his ankle. I’m sure he’s dying to play again and get back into this Australian side.”Ponting hinted that the absence of Warne and McGrath was a major factor in Australia’s disappointing showing against India. “That was probably the most disappointing thing about this summer, the Test series against India, that we didn’t ever get a chance to have our full-strength bowling against their full-strength batting attack. That would, I’m sure, have led to even better cricket.”McGrath completed a bowling session in the SCG nets on Wednesday morning, after admitting on Sydney radio that he was confident about his ankle being right. An NSW spokesman added: “He’s a pretty good chance of playing in that second-XI match.”

Ronnie Irani was keen to accentuate the positives after England’s six-wicket defeat to a Sir Donald Bradman XI at Bowral today.Needing 280 to win, the home side were led to the target by the former Australia batsman Mark Waugh, who made an unbeaten century as England were beaten with 21 balls to spare.England’s innings was built around a maiden international hundred from Owais Shah and a rapid 53 from Adam Hollioake, which boosted the innings in its latter stages.Irani, who was leading England for the first time, said: “The honour was great and more than anything I believe we have got some talent in the one-day set-up.Adam Hollioake has come in there and I thought he did extremely well, he’snot been with us all winter but it didn’t show.”It’s a small ground but the way he hit the ball cannot be taken away from him, he got the runs on the board. Owais Shah did well and it’s all about character at this level. And if you were picking on character then Adam Hollioake and these guys would be in your side.”That’s how I looked at it today, it was disappointing in that it was anotherEngland loss at this stage but there are a few guys back in Sydney who turnedthe Aussies over in the Test match and you have to look at the positives alittle. But I am not kidding myself, the result is disappointing.”Bradman XI captain Mark Waugh said his team had half an eye on the deteriorating weather in the early stages of the chase.”It looked very dark out the back so we wanted to make sure we had the rightscore at 25 overs,” said Waugh. “After that it was back to normal cricket and some fun.”(Bowral) has got a special feeling about it. Don Bradman played his cricket here and so there is that tradition about it and it’s a great little ground. I would love to see New South Wales play some ING Cup games here. It’s actually got that English village cricket theme about it.”

Despite slate grey skies and a blustery wind keeping the temperature down, Graham Thorpe illuminated the day and warmed a decent crowd with an innings of sparkling shots and dominance. The Surrey left-hander, undoubtedly England’s main run threat, was ably supported by Michael Vaughan, who nestled comfortably into England’s problematic No 3 slot, registering his highest Test score with calm authority.These two came together with England having been pinned back by Pakistan’s notorious combo of Wasim and Waqar. The much anticipated Lancashire duel between Wasim who graced Old Trafford for 11 years as the overseas player and Michael Atherton was a brief one. But it was Waqar who snared Atherton when he edged to Latif for four and England, in pursuit of Pakistan’s fine first innings total of 403, were struggling at 15 for 2. Marcus Trescothick had looked in form but played inside a Wasim delivery and lost his off bail.However, England portray a robustness and confidence that had not been evident until recently, and coach Duncan Fletcher has energised this team – these days England do not crumble like a chocolate chip cookie. Not only did Vaughan and Thorpe repair the damage, they did so with aplomb, repeating the tableau of yesterday and continued the run feast which has been the hallmark of this match.Shots were sprayed all round the wicket, Thorpe hooking and cutting in style and he mercilessly ravaged his former Surrey colleague Waqar who went for five runs an over at one stage. Meanwhile the rather more refined Vaughan demonstrated a flawless technique honed on the seaming pitches of Headingley and he moved effortlessly closer to a maiden century.It was a welcome contrast from the pace diet of yesterday to see master spinner Saqlain wheeling away from the Warwick Road end in a long unbroken spell punctured only by a rain break when an hour was lost just after tea. He enjoyed some turn and some moral success but was unable to break the partnership which had put on 64 by lunch, reaching 173 at tea. When rain finally brought the curtain down with just over 18 overs left, Vaughan and Thorpe had plundered 189 valuable runs with Thorpe two short of his first century in a Test at Old Trafford.Earlier Pakistan had extended their overnight score to 403 all out, and once again Darren Gough was forced to kick the turf in frustration as Nick Knight spilled a chance at slip, the second to go down off Gough, Rashid Latif the escapee.Latif didn’t capitalise though; he wandered carelessly out of his crease in search of a single, Trescothick pounced and threw down the stumps. Next Caddick was smashed high over mid-wicket for six by Saqlain who biffed 21 unbeaten runs with some imaginative, if unorthodox shots, the fun ending when Gough trapped Waqar leg before.

West Ham have now moved into pole position to re-sign a former star after holding talks with him, according to a report today.

West Ham set for crucial January transfer window

West Ham face a make-or-break January transfer window as they battle relegation, with manager Nuno Espírito Santo prioritising striker reinforcements while they simultaneously negotiating Niclas Fullkrug’s departure to AC Milan.

The Hammers currently sit three points adrift of safety, and their attacking shortage has exposed severe deficiencies up front, placing enormous pressure on the club’s recruitment team to identify immediate solutions.

Advanced negotiations are also ongoing with AC Milan over Fullkrug’s exit, with representatives from the Serie A club even flying to London this week for face-to-face discussions.

The 32-year-old is said to have already agreed personal terms with Milan and given the San Siro move total priority despite Bundesliga interest.

Taking this into account, West Ham will need a replacement for the departing German, who is now set to end his disastrous 18-month spell in east London which has yielded just three goals.

34-year-old Callum Wilson currently leads West Ham’s attack, with captain Jarrod Bowen occasionally deployed in an unfamiliar striker role.

Related West Ham exploring deal for 'phenomenal' ex-PSG striker amid dressing room bust-ups

The Hammers sense an opportunity.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Survival arguably hinges on January recruitment in that area, but according to insider Claret & Hugh, they could also turn back to a familiar name.

Indeed, C&H report that former West Ham attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard is back on the club’s agenda after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with FC Seoul in South Korea.

West Ham in pole position to re-sign Jesse Lingard after talks

According to their information today, West Ham have positioned themselves as the frontrunners to sign Lingard in January, after holding talks with him about a sensational return to the London Stadium.

Sources close to the ongoing transfer negotiations have claimed that the Irons are currently leading the race despite interest from one other unnamed Premier League club.

The 33-year-old is also eager to reignite his English top-flight career after spending nearly two years in Korea.

Lingard’s spell in Asia produced respectable returns – 19 goals and 10 assists across 67 appearances in all competitions – yet he has grown increasingly determined to prove himself back in familiar surroundings.

Subscribe to our newsletter for Lingard-West Ham insight Want clearer context on moves like Lingard to West Ham? Subscribe to the newsletter for in-depth transfer analysis and tactical context that unpacks how a potential signing could affect squad depth, attacking options, and survival scenarios. Subscribe Subscribe to our newsletter for Lingard-West Ham insight Want clearer context on moves like Lingard to West Ham? Subscribe to the newsletter for in-depth transfer analysis and tactical context that unpacks how a potential signing could affect squad depth, attacking options, and survival scenarios.

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His previous loan stint at West Ham during the 2020-21 campaign remains fondly remembered by supporters, with nine goals and five assists in 16 league appearances that helped the club secure a spot in the Europa League.

Lingard’s experience, technical ability and capacity to operate in multiple attacking positions align with West Ham’s desperate need for creative spark and goals during their survival battle.

His potential return would offer Nuno additional depth behind Bowen while providing competition for places across the forward line.

However, it’s been a long time since Lingard was truly tested in an elite division like the Premier League, so this could still be a risky move by chairman David Sullivan and co.

Related West Ham now make enquiry to sign "unbelievable" £35m Premier League striker

The Hammers are stepping up a move for a new centre-forward.

Posts 1 ByDominic Lund

The USA Cricket Association will not receive any payments which it was due from the ICC while it was suspended from the organisation.In the normal course of events, USACA would have been entitled the annual Associate grant of US$90,000 as well as other funding relating to participation in ICC events such as the World Cricket League and the Under-19 World Cup.When USACA was suspended for the first time, it received all backdated grants as soon as it was reinstated. However, the ICC explained that as it and not USACA had paid for all the costs associated with the involvement of the WICB and Chris Dehring in drawing up a new constitution and resolving the impasse between squabbling factions, the situation was different.Aside from the lost money, USACA’s suspension means that the USA resumes at the bottom of the pile as far as additional grants and participation in ICC events is concerned, and that will have additional financial implications.

Ravi Rampual, the promising fast bowler, has been named in a 14-man West Indies Under-19 squad for the 2004 Youth World Cup in Bangladesh. Rampual, 19, is currently touring Zimbabwe with the senior team and is expected to be retained for the subsequent tour of South Africa, which starts on December 3. The Youth World Cup is scheduled for February 15 to March 4.Denesh Ramdin, a wicketkeeper-batsman and Rampaul’s fellow Trinidadian, will captain West Indies, while Kirk Edwards is vice-captain. Clyde Butts, the former West Indies offspinner, has been appointed coach and Roland Sampath, the former Trinidad and Tobago allrounder, is manager.The preliminary round of matches in the World Cup will be played on a round-robin basis and involve 16 teams in four groups. West Indies will be in Group D, along with Pakistan, Papau New Guinea and Uganda.
Squad Denesh Ramdin (captain), Kirk Edwards (vice-captain), Jonathan Augustus, Rishi Bachan, Lionel Baker, Assad Fudadin, Zamal Khan, Tishan Maraj, Xavier Marshall, Mervyn Matthew, Ravi Rampaul, Liam Sebastien, Lendl Simmons, Barrington Yearwood.

Hosting the World Cup next year is just what the West Indies board needs © International Cricket Council

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is faced with a severe shortage of funds and its only short-term saviour appears to be the hosting of the 2007 World Cup.According to information made available to CMC Sports, the WICB auditors, an internationally-recognised firm of chartered accountants, in their independent auditors’ report to the shareholders of the WICB Inc, drew particular attention to Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.Those statements indicated that the WICB and its World Cup subsidiary had incurred a net loss of US$19,513,410 during the year ended September 30, 2005.”And as of that date, it had an accumulated deficit of US$34,920,819, and that the group’s current liability exceeded its current assets,” the report stated. It added that the group had placed significant reliance on the financial success of the hosting of the World Cup in contributing to its longer-term financial viability.”The extent of the financial success of this event is not guaranteed. The group’s continued existence is dependent upon the net cash inflow which is expected from hosting the World Cup in 2007, its ability to find new sources of finance, and to identify and implement additional or alternative revenue, generating and cost-reduction programmes, which will contribute to the group achieving and maintaining profitable operations.”

Sachin Tendulkar: missing out on cricket because of a tennis elbow© Getty Images

Sachin Tendulkar has been ruled out of the first Test between India and Australia at Bangalore, beginning on Wednesday. Sourav Ganguly confirmed this in his pre-match press conference, where he also said that the pitch was “very, very dry with a lot of cracks” and added that he had never seen a pitch like this in Bangalore before.Tendulkar’s omission was on the cards after he preferred not to have a bat at the nets and instead concentrated on bowling for about an hour to his team-mates. Ganguly confessed that in these conditions, the team would miss Tendulkar’s bowling ability as well. Tendulkar’s crucial wickets at Kolkata, in the 2001 series, as well as the dismissals of Damien Martyn and Steve Waugh at Adelaide, would surely have been on Ganguly’s mind.Ganguly spoke about how intense the rivalry between Australia and India has been and said: “Except for the Mumbai Test, the last six Tests that we have played have lasted for all five days. It will be a hard-fought series but I hope it’s not as competitive as the last two because it’ll become really tough for both sides.”Sunil Gavaskar, who was recently appointed as a consultant for the Indian side, oversaw the team’s practice for nearly an hour. Ganguly spoke about how the team had sought the assistance of Bruce Reid in the recent past, as a bowling coach, and said that Gavaskar would help out John Wright when required. Gavaskar added that Tendulkar’s injury may not be entirely due to the weight of the bat. “You tend to grip the bat harder when you play a long innings and are more prone to such injuries. I’ve experienced similar situations myself.”Tendulkar¹s absence clears one issue for the Indian team. Barring drastic measures, it is now almost certain that Aakash Chopra, whose stolidresistance laid the foundation for many huge Indian totals in Australia,will open with Virender Sehwag, and Yuvraj Singh, who scored an electrifyingcentury against Pakistan at Lahore, will bat at No. 6. VVS Laxman, who the Australians fear even more than Tendulkar, is likely to take the No. 4 position.

Thilanga Sumathipala: is his dream about to die? © AFP

Thilanga Sumathipala, the president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), faces an anxious week. A long and complicated legal battle is drawing to a close, and on Thursday (January 8) Sumathipala will appear before a Sri Lankan court.Sumathipala, who is also the chairman of the state-owned Sri Lanka Telecom, has been caught up in passport scandal after allegations that Dammika Amarasinghe, an alleged underworld figure, traveled to England to watch the 1999 World Cup as a guest of the cricket board, apparently on a false passport.Sumathipala is also alleged to have authorised the release of £1500 in travellers’ cheques to Amarasinghe from the cricket board’s coffers. Last week, a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) team obtained a court warrant and raided the SLC headquarters in Colombo in search of accounting documents.Should Sumathipala be charged on Thursday it may shatter his dream of heading the International Cricket Council (ICC) when it is Sri Lanka’s turn for the rotated presidency. That has been a personal and oft-stated ambition, which he had looked certain to achieve thanks to a formidable power-base of support in neighbouring Asian countries, especially India.Wisden Comment by Charlie Austin:<BRThilanga Sumathipala's power-base in Sri Lanka, among the clubs and associations that vote in cricket-board elections, is rock solid. Although his two previous administrations were cut short by the government, he won a landslide victory to claim a third term in June 2003. The clubs respect the dynamism and business acumen that has transformed the way cricket is run in Sri Lanka.No-one, whether friend or foe, can deny that it was Sumathipala that sent board revenues soaring in the late 1990s. On the cricket side he has also presided over several notable achievements: the construction of the Dambulla International Stadium, a frenzy of developmental activity in country areas, the launch of a new provincial tournament, and a new intensive international programme for the Sri Lankan A team.Sumathipala's fate is not clear. If you believed every word printed by the Sunday Leader, the newspaper that broke the story, then his future is bleak. They claim that CID sleuths have uncovered a mountain of incriminatory evidence in the last month: travellers-cheque stubs, memos and letters, and visa documentation, to add to the original explosive testimony from a former crony of Amarasinghe that first linked Sumathipala to Colombo’s mafia.However, the newspaper’s claims have to be treated with caution. The manner in which they have pursued Sumathipala is more akin to a witch-hunt than balanced investigative journalism. News articles have been clouded with comment, and you cannot entirely rule out Sumathipala’s claim that he is the unfortunate victim of a malicious political conspiracy.Nevertheless, Sumathipala is clearly facing the biggest fight of his career. Those who have followed his meteoric rise closely, as a self-made and highly successful businessman and cricket administrator, will still back him to emerge from scandal for his canniness and determination is legendary but the next few days will be crucial to his future.