All posts by h716a5.icu

The Bangladesh top order graced the first day of the Chittagong Test with a display of brazen carelessness, to make a masterstroke out of Misbah-ul-Haq’s strange call to bowl first on a flat pitch

The Report by Nitin Sundar09-Dec-2011
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsMohammad Hafeez opened the bowling in the morning, and later underlined Pakistan’s dominance with the bat•AFPThe Bangladesh top order graced the first day of the Chittagong Test with a display of carelessness, to make a masterstroke of Misbah-ul-Haq’s strange decision to bowl on a flat pitch. The senior batsmen – Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Ashraful and Shakib Al Hasan – led the way, succumbing to three of the more atrocious shots of the morning, and the lower order followed suit in the afternoon. Bangladesh were eventually dismissed for 135 in less than two sessions, proving additional strength to the growing criticism of their Test status.The situation would have been worse had Nazimuddin not batted with more grit on debut than some of his colleagues have shown in the entire year. His 31 and Nasir Hossain’s free-spirited 41 contributed more than half the total. The Pakistan openers – Mohammad Hafeez and Taufeeq Umar – put Bangladesh’s performance and the pitch in perspective with an unbeaten 132-run stand.Obduracy is not beyond Bangladesh – they routinely give up stiff ODI chases and bat out time, as they did in the second ODI – but they refuse to show that characteristic in the format where it is a pre-requisite. Bangladesh underlined why they hadn’t managed even a draw against a full-strength top-flight side in over 10 years, without assistance from the weather.Misbah undermined his decision to bowl by handing the new ball to Mohammad Hafeez – the first time a Pakistan spinner was bowling the first over of a Test. The experiment was quickly shelved after Hafeez’s bunny, Tamim, survived his first three overs. Aizaz Cheema replaced Hafeez, and angled his fourth ball across Tamim, who responded with a loose drive away from his body and edged behind. In Cheema’s next over, Shahriar Nafees fell for a duck while defending in front of his body without decisive footwork.While Cheema specialised in big inswingers bowled from wide of the crease, Umar Gul settled into his usual mix of legcutters, indippers, and tempting half-volleys. Mohammad Ashraful’s comeback lasted 11 balls, before he produced a mirror-image of Tamim’s dismissal. The away-going delivery was not quite there for the drive, but he threw his hands at it and nicked behind.Mushfiqur Rahim started with a promising off-drive for four, but Saeed Ajmal trapped him in his first over with a sharp offbreak. Shakib produced the illusion of stability by hanging around for eight overs, before the rash-stroke epidemic got to him. With ten minutes to go for lunch, and men around the bat, he swept Abdur Rehman straight to square leg.Nazimuddin battled through it all, showing exemplary judgement against short balls and swing. He repeatedly dropped his wrists and swayed out of line when tested by bounce, and covered the line of length deliveries. A series of rasping drives showed that he belonged, before he betrayed his inexperience with two needless flirts outside the off stump. The first edge landed short of the slips, but the second carried to Hafeez.By now Ajmal had settled into his nagging lines from round the wicket, tossing up doosras, sliders and offbreaks from similar trajectories. Mahmudullah was lbw playing back to a slider, while Elias Sunny nicked another to slip. Nasir did the right thing in the circumstances, chancing his arm while he still had partners. The best of his shots came against Cheema, whom he pulled, glanced, hooked and drove for boundaries. He also heaved Ajmal for a six down the ground, and eased him through the covers for four as Bangladesh nursed hopes of getting to 150. They were denied by another hare-brained shot, when Nasir paddled Rehman onto his jaw en route to silly point.After tea, Hafeez began an afternoon of accumulation by flicking his first ball for three. As always Hafeez’s driving was top-class, but Bangladesh’s indiscipline also allowed him to cut and glance for early boundaries. Shahadat Hossain and Rubel Hossain bowled six listless overs that yielded 33 runs before Mushfiqur brought on his crew of spinners.Whenever the spinners over-pitched, Taufeeq was completely at ease, driving and flicking with a strong bottom hand. That prompted a change in approach from Bangladesh’s spinners – the one department in which they can claim to be world class. They shortened the length, and Taufeeq repeatedly pushed in hope with an opened face as the ball spun away. The edge inevitably followed, but Mushfiqur could not hold on. Mahmudullah got Taufeeq edging three more times – on either side of Nafees at slip, and once on the bounce.Hafeez had no such worries, though, and strolled past fifty with a cover-driven four. Shahadat then dropped Taufeeq in the final over, denying Bangladesh the sliver they could have taken out of the day.

The ICC will look for sponsors for the DRS to overcome the financial hurdles that less wealthy cricket boards will face in implementing the cost-intensive referral system

Sharda Ugra in Hong Kong30-Jun-2011The ICC will look for sponsors for the DRS to overcome the financial hurdles that less wealthy cricket boards will face in implementing the cost-intensive referral system now mandatory in international cricket.”There is the possibility that we could raise a sponsor to cover the cost of the DRS,” ICC CEO, Haroon Lorgat, told ESPNcricinfo. The chief executives’ committee agreed on Monday to make a modified version of DRS mandatory in all internationals, with the use of the ball-tracking technology made optional, and Lorgat said he could see a situation “where we may well cover all costs of the technology”.The cost of the DRS is currently estimated at $5000 per day, with broadcasters, technology providers and home boards in a constant debate about who should bear the cost.The minimum requirements for the tweaked DRS are the expensive infra-red cameras and the audio tracking devices, and Lorgat said the resulting uniformity – which doesn’t exist in ball-tracking technology – was adequate to seek commercial support for the system. “It is still sufficient to be able to commercialise it and find a sponsor that would be interested.”The uneven acceptance of the DRS in the past, with the BCCI resisting its implementation in bilateral series involving India, had made financial backing for the system difficult, Lorgat said. “You cannot sell a product if there’s uncertainty around its use and that was a stumbling block in the past.”Lorgat said he did not believe that the new ruling, which omitted the ball-tracker technology from the list of mandatory requirements, would make the system inconsistent. The ICC, he said, had worked its way through a process that had begun with differences over an aspect of the review system and was keen to address the concerns of its doubters, in this case the BCCI. “It is incumbent on all of us who are trying to implement (it) and trying to find agreement to work towards getting there … if that means we have to convince certain people who are unconvinced about the accuracy and the reliability of the ball-tracking technology, that’s what we have agreed to do. But where we have got absolute agreement, we’ve all agreed to install that.”The question of using only one part of the ball-tracker technology, like the pitch mat to check where the ball had landed, was not raised, Lorgat said, “There wasn’t complete satisfaction with the use of the ball-tracking technology and we’ve just left that out.”The use of the ball-tracker based on bilateral agreements between boards, Lorgat said, would let those who believed in its veracity use the system. Over the next few months, he said the ICC would carry out an independent assessment to provide the back-up of the ball tracker’s accuracy and reliability. “I think we must just be patient for the next few months until we’ve done that exercise and hopefully we come to a point where everybody is satisfied with its accuracy.”The assessment, he said, would be thorough, because “if there are people who are happy or unhappy about the technology, we have got to disprove that and so I’m not keen to take (only) elements of it (the ball tracker) before we come up with a scientific evaluation.” He said there was no time-frame for this assessment of the ball tracker.

Mohammad Ashraful has said he has not been given a fair chance by the Bangladesh selectors after he was dropped for the two Tests against West Indies

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Oct-2011Mohammad Ashraful, who was dropped for the two Tests against West Indies, has said he has not been given a fair chance by the Bangladesh selectors. Ashraful said chief selector Akram Khan had told him that he would sit out the second and third ODIs against West Indies, but would return for the Tests. Ashraful ended up playing the second one-dayer, but was dropped for the third.”Akram told me ahead of the second ODI that I should sit out the next two and play in the Test,” he was quoted as saying in the . “I told him that I want to play the remaining games and earn my way into the Test side. How can there be a guarantee in cricket? I wanted to play out the ODI series and take it from there.”Khan, though, said he had not made any promises and whatever he said to Ashraful had simply been encouragement. “I don’t know what Ashraful has said but I talk to players all the time and I say a lot of things to encourage them,” he said. “These issues get ignored when they do well but not so when things are not right.”Ashraful scored a patient 73 in Bangladesh’s last Test, against Zimbabwe in August, but had not scored a half-century in 16 Test innings before that. His form in ODIs has been woeful: his last ODI half-century was in January 2010, since then he has averaged 10.11 in 18 one-day innings with a highest score of 31. He defended that record saying he had not been given an extended run and his form had suffered from being in and out of the side.”I know I haven’t scored a half-century in 18 games,” he said. “Players have careers that don’t last that long but I have played those matches intermittently, where I would get dropped after one or two matches. I never got a full stretch. Here too [in the ODIs against West Indies] I was going to be dropped after the first game, which has happened often in the past.”Akram Khan also rubbished rumours that Ashraful’s exclusion had been due to pressure from higher-ups in the Bangladesh Cricket Board. “This is absolute rubbish,” Akram said. “He was omitted only on account of his ordinary performance. If we had acted upon pressure or sentiments from different quarters, then he would not have been in the one-day team.”We were not getting what was expected from Ashraful. He bats at No. 3 but he wasn’t contributing in several ways so we want to go with the other option, Shahriar Nafees.”Bangladesh’s coach Stuart Law had reacted to the decision by saying it was a necessary one to send players the message that they needed to perform consistently to be picked, though he said Ashraful’s career was not over.

Newcastle United could look to replace Callum Wilson in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to former Premier League defender Danny Mills. 

The lowdown: Wilson’s fitness woes

Signed from Bournemouth for £20m (Sky Sports) in 2020, the England international has scored 18 times in 43 appearances for the Magpies.

Despite those exploits in front of goal, the 30-year-old has also missed 36 matches through a variety of injury issues since arriving at St James’ Park.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Currently nearing a return to full fitness following a lengthy period out with a calf problem, Mills believes that Eddie Howe may still be on the lookout for further reinforcements at the end of the season.

The latest: ‘Concern’ over Wilson’s Newcastle future

Speaking to Football Insider, regular talkSPORT contributor Mills suggested that neither Wilson nor January capture Chris Wood are able to lead the line for Newcastle in the long-term.

The former Leeds defender claimed: “I think he’s ahead of Chris Wood by some distance. It just depends on whether Newcastle decide he is fit enough to lead the line for the whole season.

“That’ll be the only reason they decide to move him well down the pecking order. Yes, they’ll be looking to strengthen – but if you can guarantee his fitness for the whole season, they’ll probably be looking for a backup.

“But he’s had his troubles with injury – and therefore I can see him finishing up as the backup for Newcastle next season.

“He isn’t going to be fit for a full season – and that’s the concern.”

The verdict: Signings needed

Whilst few could doubt the quality of Wilson – who was described as a ‘menace’ by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer following a 2-0 win against West Ham on his Magpies debut – a wretched run with fitness issues has shown no signs of relenting.

Capped four times by England, the £18m-valued ace would be the perfect foil for target man Wood in a two-pronged central attacking partnership.

However, with the New Zealand international struggling for goals following his mid-season arrival from Burnley and Wilson’s push for prolonged fitness, it seems that Howe will almost certainly be looking to add at least one striker in the summer.

In other news, NUFC are now eyeing a move for this former Sunderland ace

Wolves could have winger Daniel Podence available for the final three Premier League matches of the season.

What’s the latest?

According to goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts, as quoted by Birmingham Live, “Daniel has been doing a bit of training so we will see what happens with him.”

That was stated before yesterday’s thrilling 2-2 draw away at Chelsea with manager Bruno Lage unable to take the press conference nor travel to the capital following a positive virus test.

The Portuguese was absent from the matchday squad at Stamford Bridge and hasn’t featured for Lage’s side since the 2-1 win against Aston Villa over a month ago whilst nursing a foot injury.

However, his return will be incredibly timely with Wolves targeting a third seventh-place finish in four seasons.

Lage will be buzzing

It could definitely be argued that it’s no coincidence that Wolves had lost three games in a row without scoring whilst without Podence before yesterday’s draw.

Moreover, the West Midlands outfit had gone 2-0 down at Stamford Bridge before Chelsea crumbled and conceded two goals late on.

The 26-year-old has scored six times and registered three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions this term with goals a rarity for the Old Gold this season.

Only Burnley, Watford and Norwich have scored fewer Premier League goals than the Golden Boys’ 35, with the latter two now relegated.

Moreover, Podence’s tally is an improvement on the three goals and two assists last year, although the winger did score all three in the league whilst his tally in the top-flight currently stands at two this term.

With Wolves sat in eighth, there’s still a chance that the Black Country club secures European football for next season with seventh place West Ham just two points ahead whilst sixth-place Manchester United have an eight-point gap but have played two extra games.

Although it’s not in his side’s hands, Lage will be keen to have as many of his key players available for the final three games as possible as they look to make a late climb up the table.

If Podence can return to fitness in time for the final matches, it will certainly boost his side’s chances of securing European football.

AND in other news: Forget Coady: “Ridiculous” Wolves dynamo who won 71% duels saved the day vs Chelsea

Aston Villa forward Leon Bailey has been dealt a blow after picking up another injury in the win over Norwich City on Saturday.

What’s the word?

Speaking in his post-match press conference following the 2-0 victory over Dean Smith’s side, manager Steven Gerrard revealed that the Jamaican speedster faces a race to be fit for next week’s trip to Turf Moor, having been withdrawn just 40 minutes into the clash with the Canaries.

Asked about the summer signing’s status, the Villa boss said: “It’s an ankle issue. In terms of the extent and the damage I’m sure he’ll be MRI scanned in the next 24 to 48 hours. I’m really disappointed and frustrated for him because he’s worked really hard to get back, he’s been training ever so well.”

The Englishman then went on to add: “He said there was a bit of a twist after the contact so we’ll get him looked at. He’s obviously going to be a major doubt for the next game against Burnley because it’s very rare that you come off the pitch and you’re available for the next game, so we are concerned about it.”

Huge Blow

That frustration for all concerned stems from the fact that it has been a disrupted debut campaign for the 24-year-old since his £25m move from Bayer Leverkusen, having been restricted to just seven Premier League starts for the Midlands side.

The £27m-rated man had missed a fair portion of the season over the festive period with a thigh injury, although since his return to action in February he has failed to nail down a regular starting berth, despite the club’s inconsistent form.

He had arrived last summer with a big reputation after providing 65 goal contributions in 156 games in all competitions for the Bundesliga side, although has since chipped in with just one goal and two assists in the top-flight during his brief stint at Villa Park.

Nevertheless, he had begun to show signs of life in his recent outings, notably going close to scoring early on in Saturday’s win, only to be denied by a fine save from opposition stopper Tim Krul, while Birmingham Mail writer John Townley wrote that he looked “lively in spells” prior to his withdrawal.

With Gerrard’s men still not certain of survival – despite reaching the ‘magic’ 40 point mark with that latest victory – they are still in need of all the help they can get, with Bailey’s potential absence in the coming weeks far from an ideal situation.

Yes, it has not gone to plan so far, but there is certainly an immense talent in there somewhere, with his former coach Heiko Herrlich previously suggesting that he “can do anything” such is his undoubted quality.

He looked as if he had begun to build some rhythm in recent weeks, although this latest setback is set to be a huge blow for both his manager, the supporters and the player himself.

In other news, “I’m told”: Journo gives huge Aston Villa transfer boost, Gerrard will be delighted…

ESPNcricinfo previews the first ODI between England and India at Chester-le-Street

The Preview by Andrew Miller02-Sep-2011Match factsJade Dernbach has become a pivotal member of England’s ODI bowling line-up•PA PhotosSeptember 3, Chester-le-Street
Start time 1015 (0915 GMT)Big PictureAutumn is closing in and the football season is in full swing. A major Test series has been wrapped up with aplomb, and now attention turns to a lengthy round of what might, in some quarters, be regarded as After-the-Lord-Mayor’s-show ODI fixtures. Not so long ago, such a scenario would have guaranteed a slackening of English interest and, coincidentally or not, culminated in a crushing defeat. But not anymore. For a variety of reasons, the coming fortnight ought to contain some of the most keenly fought contests of the year.As a reference point, take the last ODI meeting between these two teams – that incredible World Cup tussle in Bangalore back in March. A Sachin Tendulkar hundred appeared to have propelled India towards a hefty victory, only for the innings of Andrew Strauss’s one-day life to haul the game back in England’s direction. A stunning late spell from Zaheer Khan tipped the scales once again, only for England’s tail to scramble their way to a tie.What happened next hardly needs spelling out. India surged to their second World Cup victory, while England staggered to a quarter-final battering by Sri Lanka in the most harum-scarum campaign of all time. Six months on, therefore, both teams have a great deal to prove. India, as reigning World Champions, will be seeking to confirm their one-day pre-eminence in their biggest bilateral series since that final in Mumbai; England will want to use this stage to prove they are a far better limited-overs outfit than they recently appeared to be.So far this summer, England have already had the better of one of the World Cup finalists, Sri Lanka, and on the evidence of India’s tour so far, they will be expecting to emulate that achievement in the coming weeks. Strauss has stepped aside to concentrate on his Test future, but his replacement Alastair Cook showed an astounding change of pace in his first ODI series for 15 months, leading from the front with a century at Lord’s, and 95 from 75 balls in the series-turning victory at Trent Bridge. A new-look team has no place for Kevin Pietersen, after the decision was taken to rest him for the remainder of the summer, but England’s momentum and self-belief is sure to carry over, to some degree, from their Test series whitewash.India’s fortunes surely cannot slip any lower than they are at present. There were glimpses of a resurgent attitude in the Twenty20 defeat at Old Trafford, where the debutant Ajinkya Rahane showcased a technique and temperament that bodes well for future challenges, and where even the exposed Suresh Raina found a method to combat his short-ball uncertainties – his baseball smack for six off Stuart Broad wasn’t entirely convincing but mighty effective.They lack a glut of senior players from that World Cup campaign – Zaheer, Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Ishant Sharma and Virender Sehwag have all fallen by the wayside in the course of an arduous tour, which leaves the ever-green Sachin Tendulkar to carry the burden of expectation once again, as he embarks on his latest quest for that elusive 100th international hundred. Rahul Dravid, recalled to the ODI team for a farewell campaign, will provide a sturdy sidekick, but all things considered – not least, the ropey Indian fielding that prompted Nasser Hussain’s controversial “donkey” comment – England will believe they’ve got the beating of this team.As West Indies, Australia and India all demonstrated in cricket’s recent past, when you’re the No. 1 in the world in one format, the expectation is that you should emulate that achievement across the board. With 10 series wins in their last 12 bilateral engagements, England do have something on which to build. But if India deny them in the coming five games, they’ll feel they’ve lost more than just the summer’s consolation prize.Form guide (Most recent first)
England WWWLL
India LLWWWIn the spotlightJade Dernbach was a shock call-up to England’s World Cup squad this winter. Uncapped and largely unknown, he vaulted into the knock-out stages via the England Lions tour to the Caribbean, and came within a whisker of playing in that ten-wicket quarter-final defeat against Sri Lanka. But as this summer has progressed, so his extraordinary virtues have made themselves known. Not since Darren Gough was in his pomp have England possessed a one-day bowler so full of tricks and variation, and even Gough’s slower balls lacked the subtlety that Dernbach brings to the mix. In consecutive fixtures, his death bowling proved too canny for Ireland in Dublin and India at Old Trafford, and while his methods are now well-known, few batsmen have managed to decode him.Generally speaking, it’s not wise to read too much into a single Twenty20 performance, but on a tour of few highlights from an Indian point of view, the composure shown by their debutant opener, Ajinkya Rahane, was a very welcome development. He came into the contest boasting a first-class average of 67 after learning his trade in the Ranji Trophy, and the confidence with which he dismissed England’s short-ball attack gave the impression of a player with substance. In a batting order crying out for technical proficiency to replace a raft of ageing greats, he’s clearly a man to watch.Team newsGraeme Swann, who might have celebrated the Twenty20 victory a bit harder than he intended, is a doubt for Durham after suffering a stomach complaint – a decision will be made in the morning. In Pietersen’s absence, Ian Bell is likely to slot in at No. 4, although there may be a temptation to blood the new boy, Ben Stokes, in front of his home crowd at Chester-le-Street.England (possible) 1 Craig Kieswetter (wk), 2 Alastair Cook (capt), 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Ian Bell, 5 Eoin Morgan, 6 Ravi Bopara, 7 Samit Patel, 8 Tim Bresnan, 9 Stuart Broad, 10 James Anderson, 11 Jade DernbachIndia have no fitness issues to report – aside from the glut that have already decimated the squad, of course.India (possible) 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Sachin Tendulkar, 3 Rahul Dravid, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Suresh Raina, 6 Rohit Sharma, 7 MS Dhoni (capt / wk), 8 R Ashwin, 9 Praveen Kumar, 10 Munaf Patel, 11 R Vinay KumarPitch and conditionsA seam-friendly surface, and grey Northern skies are on the agenda. The prospect is for showers, and nippy autumnal temperatures.Stats and trivia India are unbeaten in ODIs against England since 2007, having won 5-0 in their home series in November 2008, and tied their most recent match back in March. However, England took the spoils in the last series in this country four years ago, winning the rubber 4-3 after a seven-wicket win in the decider at Lord’s. England have won four of their previous eight ODIs at Chester-le-Street, including each of their last three against Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand. Their only previous match at the venue against India, in 2002, was a wash-out. Two players remain from that 2002 fixture, and no prizes for guessing which they are. Sachin Tendulkar scored 105 not out and Rahul Dravid (keeping wicket) made 82, before rain prevented a probable India win.Quotes”Let’s not get too carried away with four years’ time. The most important thing is what we do tomorrow.”
“There are fresh faces with the mindset to do well and have had time to prepare.”
Virat Kohli thinks India’s build-up to the ODIs – which included three tour games – will stand them in good stead.

A round-up of the second round of matches from the domestic Supersport Series in South Africa

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Oct-2011It was a spinner’s paradise in Pietermaritzburg where the Titans beat the Dolphins by seven wickets.The Dolphins were skittled out for 243 in their first innings. Morne Morkel first hurt them by removing Imraan Khan for 18 before CJ de Villiers deepened the wound when Hashim Amla was trapped lbw. However it was Paul Harris, who is no longer nationally contracted, who had the biggest impact. He manhandled the Dolphins middle order to take 5 for 37 in the innings. Wicketkeeper Daryn Smit put up a fight, with his unbeaten 77, and a 79-run seventh wicket stand with Kyle Abbott, but it was not enough to stop the Titans bowling them out on the first day.In the Titans reply, Tumelo Bodibe and Henry Davids went cheaply on a pitch that was difficult for batting. But the Titans did not suffer any more slumps as national team hopeful, Jacques Rudolph, was among the runs again. He top scored with 118 and shared a century stand with Farhaan Behardien to set the Titans up to take the lead. Heino Kuhn’s gritty 90 will be of interest to the national selectors as he took the Titans to 117-run advantage.Harris opened the bowling in the second innings but did not make an impact immediately. The Dolphins ground out a 66-run first wicket partnership before Khan was out lbw to Martin van Jaarsveld’s offspin. Harris removed Hashim Amla and van Wyk to open the door for legspinner Shaun von Berg to create havoc. His 5 for 76 crippled the Dolphins middle order and their score of 288 in the second innings set Titans a modest target of 172 to chase.Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj caused trouble, plucking three Titans wickets, half-centuries from Berhardien and van Jaarsveld saw the Titans to victory after lunch on the fourth day.On a traditionally flat pitch in Kimberley, the Lions and Knights drew a high-scoring encounter. Runs were slow but steady as the Lions declared their first innings on 455 for 9. Stephen Cook batted throughout the first day and scored 131, which he could not add to on the second morning. Ryan McLaren celebrated his international recall with three wickets and Dillon du Preez, who replaced Johann van der Wath, also claimed three as the Lions middle order battled.Their second century came from an unlikely place. No. 9 batsman, Dale Deeb, better known for left-arm spin, did a Jason Gillespie and scored 101 to give the Lions a meaty first innings total. Late on the second day, the advantage had swung firmly to the Lions as Pumelela Matshikwe took four wickets to have the Knights on the back foot at 95 for 5.Obus Pienaar, who played for South Africa Under-19s, scored a century and put on 155 with McLaren, who made 55 to steer the Knights to safety. Du Preez’s 83 took the Knights to within 100 runs of the Lions total, when Morne van Wyk declared on 378 for 8, 77 runs behind.His decision quickly looked like the right one, with the Lions stumbling to 72 for 4, with Quinton Friend doing the early damage. Alviro Petersen who is competing with Jacques Rudolph for a Test spot, dropped to No. 4 in the order, but scored a duck to end with disappointing stats of just 35 runs in the match. Neil McKenzie and Temba Bavuma both scored centuries to make sure the Lions could build a competitive total. They declared on 266 for 4, at lunch on the last day, setting the Knights a target of 344 and leaving themselves two sessions to bowl them out.Reeza Hendricks and Dean Elgar started safely with a first wicket stand of 62 but Cliffe Deacon’s triple strike after breaking through the opening partnership gave the Lions a sniff. He took here wickets in three overs to send Elgar, Boeta Dippenaar and Ryan Bailey packing. Deacon finished with five wickets in the innings, but the Lions did not have enough time to bowl the Knights out and had to settle for the draw with the Knights at 189 for 6.

Leeds United remain interested in signing Nottingham Forest starlet Brennan Johnson.

What’s the story?

Reports in the January transfer window suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were interested in landing the 20-year-old, but a deal failed to materialise before the end of the deadline.

Football Insider have now claimed that while Forest are preparing new contract talks with the youngster over staying at the club, Leeds are continuing to monitor him ahead of a potential move.

He was fantastic against Arsenal in the FA Cup

Sabri Lamouchi, Johnson’s former manager at Forest, hailed him not just as an “unbelievable player” but also one with the “right mentality” – exactly the kind of words which will have Bielsa nodding his head in appreciation.

The starlet enjoyed an impressive campaign on loan at Lincoln City in League One last season, scoring ten goals and providing a further twelve assists in the league – his displays were key as they made the play-off final, losing to Blackpool 2-1 despite him setting up a goal at Wembley.

It’s no surprise then that he has kicked on once again, this time in the Championship.

The 20-year-old has bagged seven goals and provided another five assists in 30 games across all competitions, playing in a whopping seven different positions, including stints on either flank, and through the middle on his own as well.

His performance in the FA Cup earlier this year against Ben White and Arsenal was a particular highlight.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet himself in that famous victory over the Gunners, he completely destroyed the north Londoners’ full-back Nuno Tavares, and he got the better of former Leeds defender White as well.

As per Sofascore, he attempted two dribbles, provided one key pass, sent in two crosses and also managed one interception, regularly being spotted doing his defensive work.

Writing in her post-match player ratings for The Nottingham Post, Sarah Clapson gave him the joint-highest score of a nine, saying: “Had the measure of Nuno Tavares early on, so much so the Gunners man suffered the indignity of a first half substitution. Continued to put the visitors on the back foot with his awesome pace.”

Johnson’s performance in that game at the City Ground showed exactly why he would be an exciting signing for Bielsa and Leeds if they can eventually land him.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has delivered an update on this Leeds United transfer target…

Wolverhampton Wanderers are one of “many clubs” who are “in the frame” to sign Sporting CP defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha.

What’s the word?

According to the latest report from O Jogo, as per Molineux news, Wolves have identified Palhinha as a possible replacement for Ruben Neves, who looks almost certain to depart this summer after spending five seasons at the club.

The 26-year-old has seen his minutes fluctuate across the second-half of the season, amidst his on-going links with Wolves.

Neves’ successor at Wolves

Palhinha’s game is all about breaking up opposition attacks in and around the middle and defensive third of the game.

As such, the £23.4 million rated Portuguese midfielder who’s name translates to “butcher” as discovered by Robert Lusetich, boasts some outstanding numbers with his average of 32 pressures, with 20 of these occurring in the middle third – enough to humble Neves’ total of 20.

Palhinha operates much deeper than Neves, who in an attacking sense is much more well-rounded, with the “butcher’s” specified total of 0.17 shot-creating actions all the evidence needed in regards to his lack of threat to the opposition’s goal.

Although he is tried and tested in a 3-4-3 system under Ruben Amorim, his stats suggest that he would shine in a system, like a 4-3-3, that makes use of a single pivot in midfield.

His defensive game is by far his best service and he would have no problem filling the boots of Ruben Neves if he was to depart.

The biggest worry from a Wolves perspective would be his lack of attacking threat.

Wolves have struggled to score goals this season, boasting the fourth worst record when it comes to finding the back of the net, with an average of just one goal per game.

The lack of central threat would suggest that the Old Gold would require at least one creative threat out of the two central midfield options in Bruno Lage’s team, though with on-going links of Leander Dendoncker’s departure amidst Lazio links, the Molineux side may well be out to sign a couple of midfielders this summer.

If that is the case, Palhinha is a sure-fire pick to replace Ruben Neves.

In other news: Better than Dendoncker: Wolves must finally unleash “enormous” 22 y/o who’s “filth…”