All posts by h716a5.icu

Given India’s impressive record at home, a one-sided contest waspredicted on the eve of the five-match one-day series againstZimbabwe

Partab Ramchand20-Mar-2002Given India’s impressive record at home, a one-sided contest waspredicted on the eve of the five-match one-day series againstZimbabwe. Some pundits even wrote of a 5-0 whitewash for the hometeam. On the face of it, this did not seem to be far-fetched,especially in the wake of the visitors losing both Tests. But twoimportant factors were conveniently overlooked. One, that Zimbabwe area better limited-overs team than a Test side, and secondly, that theIndian team would be weakened by the absence of Sachin Tendulkar,Virender Sehwag and Javagal Srinath, all unavailable for variousreasons.In my column on the eve of the one-day series, I had cautioned thatthe Indian team would do well to not take the Zimbabweans too lightly.I had mentioned that the visitors were not the same side that had lostseven of eight matches played on two previous tours and had evenpointed out that one could not brush aside a team that had won a oneday series in New Zealand just a year ago. But even I had notbargained for a scenario that envisaged India being down by twomatches to one in the series.
© CricInfoIndeed, the fourth game too was evenly poised until Yuvraj Singh andMohammad Kaif came up with their timely rescue act. Which means thatIndia came quite close to losing a series that, according to theexperts, was to have been a romp. Rather than blame India for huffingand puffing their way to victory over opponents who seemingly were notin their class, one should give Zimbabwe some credit.I am inclined to agree with the views expressed by Stuart Carlisle.The visiting skipper said that he was getting pretty much tired of hisside not being given enough credit for their good performances.”Whenever we win, it is said that our opponents played badly. Whydon’t the same people pat us for playing well?” was the gist of whatCarlisle said. For example, when Zimbabwe won at Kochi, much was madeof the poor batting of the Indians, while not enough credit was givento Douglas Hondo’s opening burst that paved the way for the victory.Credit, however, was duly given to Douglas Marillier for playing whatwas surely the knock of the series ­ and in a contest that saw somehigh-quality batting. A number 10 batsman hitting an unbeaten 56 off24 balls is by itself a truly astonishing statistic. What made thefeat really astounding was the manner in which he batted.The scoop – off the faster bowlers, mind you – that sent the ballhurtling past the ropes behind the wicket-keeper was a stroke thatwill not be found in any textbook. Even in limited-overs cricket,where one has become used to seeing innovative shots like the reversesweep and hitting the ball inside-out to the boundary, “theMarillier,” as it will undoubtedly be termed, was a revelation. Thathe did it repeatedly ­ even with only the last man at the crease forcompany – gave a storybook touch. Indeed, that first game at Faridabadhad the a storybook finish, with Zimbabwe winning by one wicket withtwo balls to spare.
© CricInfoAlready without three key players, the Indians suffered anothergrievous blow when Anil Kumble was out of the series after the secondgame through injury. But overcoming these handicaps, the Indians didshow some resilience in winning three of the next four games. Thecredit should go mainly to the reserve strength. The non-availabilityof the leading players gave the chance to fringe players like DineshMongia, Kaif and Yuvraj to take center-stage, and it must be said thatthey made the most of their opportunities.There has been much talk of late that the Indian team relies too muchon the established stars, leading to question marks being raised overthe reserve bench. The three youngsters proved that there is enoughdepth in the batting should the stars be unavailable or go through alean trot. This is also a sign to the established players that theycannot take their place for granted, and this has got to be a healthysign for Indian cricket. The series also underlined the fact that,whatever his failings at the Test level, there is no mistaking AjitAgarkar’s match-winning qualities when it comes to the limited-oversgame.It must have been galling for the Zimbabweans to come so close tocreating an upset and then getting pipped at the post. But, to becandid, whatever the strength of their batting, their bowling wasquite amiable. Hondo’s dream spell at Kochi was just one occasion wheneverything came off. In the remaining matches, the bowlers made noimpression at all, a fact highlighted by the Indian totals of 241 forsix (in 48.1 overs) and 274 for six, 319 for six and 333 for six (allin 50 overs). From Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Alistair Campbell andTravis Friend, the Indian crowds saw batting of high entertainmentvalue. But in the ultimate analysis, it was Zimbabwe’s weak bowlingthat saw them lose the series.

Better days are here for Indian cricket

Santhosh S20-May-2001Better days are here for Indian cricket. A Test series victory againstthe mighty Australians has lifted the morale of the team as well as thatof millions of Indian cricket fans all over the world. It was around thesame time last year that Indian cricket got dragged through its mostinfamous chapters – the match-fixing crisis.The morale of the Indian team was at an all time low. Even thedie-hard fans started feeling disconsolate about the whole affair.A couple of senior players were banned from the game, there wereserious doubts raised about the commitment of the players at large.A player of Kapil Dev’s reputation was also seriously damaged and he wasforced out of the mantle of being the coach of the Indian team. Theremarkable turn around and the Test series win have changed it all; anew life has been pumped into Indian cricket. How true it is thatnothing succeeds like success!If not for the dramatic victory, Indian cricket would have remained inthe doldrums, struggling to cope up with the tragedy that rocked thenation. How the ICC is dealing with match fixing is anothermatter all together. The reality for the average cricket fan is thatthe game is still being played with all its honour in India.It is only prudent to look back at the remarkable Test series winwhich has been etched into the history of the game asone of the best ever. The crowds in Kolkata and Chennai bore thetestimony to the fact that Test match cricket is not on decline, asmany would have us believe.After having lost the first Test in Mumbai within three days andhaving lost the initiative to the Aussies in the second Test match,India were struggling to match up against the giants from Down Under.The success of VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh has been trumpeted eversince; Ganguly has become a stronger captain and there is a certainprofessional approach these days in the Indian camp. Good newsindeed.The likes of Madan Lal, Kapil Dev and Anshuman Gaekwad are cricketerswith immense knowledge of the game, but they were all found to bewanting in their roles as the Indian team coach. What is it that is sospecial about the unsung hero, John Wright? In his playing days he wasa sedate batsman who went about contributing his bit to the cause ofthe struggling New Zealand team. He was never a big name in worldcricket before he took charge of the Indian team in Novemberlast year.Wright brought into the Indian team his vast internationalexperience and something absolutely new to Indian cricket,professionalism. He has a no nonsense approach to the game that wasdesperately required to revitalize Indian cricket. No favours askedand none given. You got to earn you place mate, is what Wright seemsto tell his players. It is to Wright’s credit that all that goes on inIndian cricket has not overwhelmed him. Stability is what Indiancricket wanted and Wright has delivered his goods.Along with the help of sports scientist/physiotherapist AndrewLeipus, Wright has gone about changing the face of Indian cricket witha lot of emphasis on fitness and endurance. The two men have goneabout doing their job without making a noise. The players too have shownremarkable respect to their coach for his approach to the game. Itwas for the whole world to see what a little dose of discipline coulddo to the Indian team.Wright should be given more credit than what he has been given.He brought about a silent revolution into Indiancricket. Wright must have been in the thick of things in the decisionto bat Laxman at number three in the Kolkata Test match, which turnedout to be a magical stroke. Still there is a lot of work to be done.It is only heartening that Wright did spend some time with thetrainees at the National Cricket Academy. Things look bright for thefuture. Three cheers to the soft-spoken gentleman from New Zealand.There could be more cheers and disappointments in the games ahead.But Wright and the boys need all the support in the coming days. Likeit or not, professionalism is here to stay in Indian cricket. It isonly heartening to know that the players have asked for a system ofcontract for themselves. Heartening indeed that the players havestarted thinking that they are full time professionals. All the rightthings have been happening since Wright took charge of the Indianteam.

Pakistan in England: Mudassar’s Column on 2nd Test, day 5

Mudassar Nazar04-Jun-2001
Mudassar Nazar
Photo © CricInfo
What a test match! Although the last day’s play was absorbing I had this uneasy feeling that it all might end-up in vain. England, already one up in the series never bothered to force the issue. Both teams were reluctant to grab the initiative. Pakistan conceded 85 brisk runs last night and didn’t want England to score freely again. Wasim Akram operated with only two slip fielders at his disposal. Pakistan did have 370 runs on board and should have gone for the kill right from the beginning. I know England had dented their hopes last evening but today was another day. An early wicket would have made all the difference, instead Pakistan players just sat back and waited for things to happen.
Saqlain Mushtaq with an appeal against Trescothick but not out
Photo © CricInfo
Over the last decade, Mike Atherton has been like the rock of Gibraltar for England and most of their victories and rearguard actions been built around him. He is good against all fast bowlers and equally at home against spinners. He has made an immense contribution to English cricket. England will be in a sorry state when he and his old mate, Stewart decide to call it a day. Trescothick has certainly been revelation and very consistent ever since his debut. He is an ideal opening partner for Atherton. While Atherton is defensive and durable, Trescothick is very upright and aggressive. Faced with a barrage of bouncers last evening he remained fully composed, yet was eager to put all bad balls away. Like Atherton he is comfortable against spin bowlers and fast bowlers don’t worry him either. Later in the day, he was caught at short leg but umpire Shepherd adjudged otherwise. I have a lot of respect for David Shepherd and do think he was a very competent umpire when he first came on the scene but recently I’ve seen him make too many blunders. In fact Pakistan team can consider themselves unlucky in the series because many of the close decisions have gone against them.It took a Herculean effort from the captain to dislodge Mike Atherton. It was almost as if he’d rolled back the years. The ball that dismissed Atherton dipped in very late and even though Atherton played a defensive stroke was still unable to stop it from piercing his defense.Michael Vaughan joined Trescothick and frustrated Pakistan for a long time. By this time it was evident England was not interested in a win. We should have attacked and pressurized Vaughan a lot more than we did. In this short career he has already given his team a lot more stability than his predecessor, Graham Hick. Razzaq eventually got the better of him after lunch, but by this time he had faced 72 deliveries and wasted important time.Thorpe hung around for a long time as well. He has had a wonderful year and the Aussies who will soon confront him must regard him as one of their main targets.
Thorpe is bowled by Waqar Younis in the second innings
Photo © CricInfo
Waqar Younis is a mentally a tough cricketer. He bowled a couple of inspired spells today and led his team from the front. He dismissed Thorpe with the second new ball that at first started to shape in and then held its line. Thorpe thought he had it covered only to hear the death rattle behind him. Waqar took himself off after dismissing Thorpe and brought Saqlain on, hoping the hard new ball will help his spinner.In the meantime Wasim had accounted for Trescothick with a rising delivery on the leg side. Rashid Latif took a fine tumbling catch down the leg side. Saqlain at last took his first wicket of the innings when he trapped Stewart right in front of his stumps. Pakistan team by this time had a sniff of an improbable win. There is nobody more dangerous in this situation than Wasim and Waqar. Wasim charged in and found Nick Knight right in front of his stumps. Umpire Eddie Nicholls did not hesitate to lift his finger but the replay showed it was a big no-ball. Cynics might say it was Pakistan’s turn to benefit from poor decisions now, as there were several more over-steppings that went unseen.Saqlain was bubbling now and his every ball looked deadly. He bowled a short ball to Ian Ward who trying to hit it too hard only managed to nick it to Rashid Latif. Andy Caddick on the very next ball was all at sea, playing down the wrong line bowled neck and crop.
Saqlain is about to be swamped after getting Caddick out
Photo © CricInfo
Saqlain had toiled hard all day long without any notable success was now turning his marathon spell into a most productive one. He just showed what a great bowler he is. Pressure was on him to produce the goods and he did Pakistan proud. Cork and Gough had survived some anxious moments and as the overs ticked down, Pakistan team started looking edgy. Saqlain bowled a straight ball and Cork was adjudged leg before but on replay, he had once again overstepped the front crease.From then onwards I was pretty sure Pakistan would be victorious today. Gough had smashed Waqar for a couple of boundaries but going for glory again, was brilliantly caught by substitute Imran Nazir.Great win for Pakistan but I must say, they could have made it easier on themselves by selecting a more balanced side. Anyway, its time to celebrate, not criticise. Waqar and his men deserved this victory and I for one, am over the moon with joy. Good luck to Pakistan for the One-Day competition that follows.

Ed:Mudassar Nazar is a veteran of 76 tests and 122 ODIs. He is currently the chief coach of Pakistan’s National and Regional Cricket Academies. In view of the overwhelming interest of users in CricInfo’s articles, we have invited him to write for us.

Kent pulled off an astonishing victory by three wickets after they had been left facing apparent defeat when they lost their seventh wicket still 77 runs short of their victory target with 11 overs remaining

Paul Hiscock04-May-2001Kent pulled off an astonishing victory by three wickets after they had been left facing apparent defeat when they lost their seventh wicket still 77 runs short of their victory target with 11 overs remaining.But Matthew Walker resurrected his side with an unbeaten 106 from 121 deliveries and he found a welcome ally in the inexperienced James Golding as the pair combined to steer Kent home to an unlikely success with five balls remaining.Half the side were back in the pavilion with only 102 runs on the board but Walker stood firm to arrest the slide. James Hockley, who scored 27, added 49 runs in nine overs with the left-hander, to give initial impetus to the innings before Golding filled the void upon his dismissal.Walker deservedly won the Gold Award for his masterful display and although he only struck six boundaries, his exhibition of perfect timing continually found the gaps to keep the scoreboard moving along.Golding survived a difficult chance to Stuart Law at mid-on when he was on ten and the score 209-7 but thereafter, he struck the ball sweetly to complement Walker’s outstanding efforts as the pair wrested the initiative away from the home side.Earlier, Darren Robinson with a belligerent 69 and Nasser Hussain with a more circumspect 58, put on 129 runs for the Essex first wicket before being separated and the tempo was maintained despite three unnecessary run-outs with 74 runs added in the final ten overs to set Kent their challenging total.

Chris Hughton’s Nottingham Forest side must do all they can to ensure that James Garner remains at the club beyond this season.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Forest midfielder Ryan Yates, who, in a recent interview with the Nottingham Post, heaped a considerable amount of praise on the Manchester United loanee, as well as urging his club to bring the defensive midfielder back to the City Ground this summer.

He said: “He’s a quality player. Teams are going to want him, of course, they are if you’re performing well at his age. He’s a Manchester United player, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if other teams want him.

“It’s completely down to him – what’s best for his development. He’ll eventually want to play consistently in the Premier League one day. Of course, we’d love to keep him. We want quality players in every position, especially if we’re fighting at the right end of the table next year – if he came back, that would only benefit us.”

Marinakis must act

While Forest fans have endured a season that they would probably rather forget, one bright spark of the club’s campaign has been the performances of Garner.

Since arriving on loan from Manchester United back in January, the 20-year-old has highly impressed over his 19 Championship appearances for Hughton’s side, with the midfielder scoring three goals, in addition to making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 1.9 tackles and one key pass per game, culminating in an average WhoScored match rating of 6.93 – ranking him as the club’s best performer in the second tier.

As such, it is no wonder why Yates appears desperate for the club to bring the £3.6 million-rated youngster back to the City Ground this summer, as he has proven in a relatively short space of time that he can be a huge part of Forest’s potential push for a play-off spot next season.

And, with the likes of Nemanja Matic, Donny van de Beek, Fred and Scott McTominay currently ahead of Garner in the ranks at United, it would seem a likely scenario that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could indeed look to loan the England U20 international out once again next season.

So, it would be highly advisable for Evangelos Marinakis to listen to the advice of Yates, and to do everything he can to secure another season of Garner playing his football for Forest, rather than another Championship club snapping up his services up in the summer transfer window.

In other news: Journalist drops update on “outstanding” £3.6m-rated ace, Forest fans will be gutted – opinion

In a recent interview, Alan Hutton discussed the interest in Glasgow Rangers centre-midfielder, Glen Kamara, ahead of the summer transfer window.

Having been an integral part of Steven Gerrard’s title-winning side this season, with the 25-year-old missing just five Scottish Premiership games over the course of Gers’ campaign, the Rangers manager recently admitted that he is working hard on attempting to tie Kamara down to a new deal at the club.

Speaking to Rangers TV, Gerrard said: “Glen is someone who we are still trying and talking to commit here as he is a big player for us. There are a lot of players we are working with to try and get them tied up here as they are so important for the team moving forward.”

However, in an interview with Football Insider, Hutton claimed that Gerrard’s comments regarding Kamara’s contract did not fill him with confidence, as well as discussing the amount of interest that the midfielder is likely to receive in the upcoming transfer window.

He said: “Those kind of words, it doesn’t sound great. I mean, obviously, there are other clubs that are looking at him. That’s only going to happen when a player such as himself plays at such a high standard week in, week out. I think there’s more to come, I think he can get better.”

Transfer Tavern Take

Indeed, as Hutton points out, there have been reports of significant interest in Kamara’s services this summer, with the Daily Mail claiming that Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton, Burnley, Leeds United and Watford are all keeping a very close eye on the midfielder.

As such, despite the fact that the Finland international has until the summer of 2023 left on his contract at Ibrox, it would indeed appear a wise move for Rangers to tie him down to a new deal as soon as possible, which would then allow the club in order to demand a higher transfer fee for the £4.05 million-rated man, which could potentially put a number of clubs off a move.

In other news: Rangers could now miss out on 28-goal star this summer as recruitment source drops news – find out more here!

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has shared a brilliant training ground story involving Marcelo Bielsa, admitting he is ‘scared to bring it up’.

The Whites have enjoyed a glorious period in the club’s history with Bielsa at the helm, returning to the Premier League after 16 years away last season.

The Argentine has got Leeds playing some of the most attack-minded, energetic football in the division, with his eccentric personality also standing out on the touchline.

Bamford is someone who has shone under Bielsa, scoring 14 goals and registering seven assists in the league so far this season, giving him a chance of making England’s Euro 2020 squad for the first time in his career.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Bamford tells brilliant Bielsa story

The 27-year-old has told That Peter Crouch Podcast [via Goal] that he wasn’t in his manager’s good books recently, however, having knocked his glasses off during shooting practice:

“There was one time this season where we were doing a crossing drill. He always positions himself in an awkward place.

“The ball has come in and I’ve connected with it so sweetly on my left foot, it’s near the top corner. He’s stood right inside the goal, I’ve not seen him, so I’ve just hit the ball and it has come flush off the bridge of his nose.

“All I saw was his glasses fly 10 metres and him hold his nose. He walked off holding his nose and I was like: ‘Sorry, sorry, sorry’, obviously s****ing myself. He’s gone a bit angrily: ‘It’s nothing’.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed in the last few weeks he’s using the same glasses and they’re not straight, they’re wonky.  I feel bad, I should really get him a new pair but I’m scared to bring it up again.

“It ruined the rest of my session.”

Transfer Tavern take

It is a great insight into life on Leeds’ training ground, with Bielsa such an influential figure, and clearly someone who has the players’ complete respect.

While he may not always openly praise his squad, there is clearly something special about his character, such is the manner in which his players give everything for him and all pull in the same direction.

Bamford is a prime example of Bielsa getting the very best out of individuals, with the striker going from boo boy to star man in no time – even if he may have to pay for a new pair of glasses for his boss.

In other news, a foreign journalist has been raving about a player Leeds have been linked with. Find out who it is here.

A number of Liverpool supporters expressed their delight after new footage of Virgil van Dijk working on his recovery emerged.

The Reds have suffered a seemingly endless stream of injuries this season, which has a huge negative impact on their season. It has meant Jurgen Klopp’s side have relinquished their Premier League title in fairly limp fashion, with even a top four finish in doubt.

While a number of individuals have been big losses, no player’s absence has been felt quite like Van Dijk’s, with the Dutchman becoming a colossal figure for Liverpool.

[freshpress-quiz id=“350790”]

The 29-year-old has been missing since October, having suffered cruciate ligament damage after a shocking tackle by Jordan Pickford in a feisty Merseyside derby.

Van Dijk has been working hard on returning to action, and on Saturday, Liverpool’s official Twitter account posted a video of him in the club’s gym.

Liverpool fans love Van Dijk footage

These Reds fans took to Twitter to give their thoughts on the “magnificent” footage, with lots of understandable happiness on show.

“I’m tearing up. Imagine how different this season would’ve been for us if October 17th never happened”Credit: @mane_the_goat”The absolute joy in my heart. With fans back at Anfield, our main centre backs back, few good signings, next season’s gonna be lit”Credit: @TolexyPablo”We need you back champ”Credit: @Divine18937556″Just wait till the beast is back”Credit: @_Ridzinho”Don’t tease me like this”Credit: @LonerTK”What a magnificent sight”Credit: @NoraNightingaleIn other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a stunning performance from one Reds youngster. Read more here.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has hailed Illan Meslier, tipping him to play in the biggest games in club football in the future.

The 21-year-old is proving to be a hugely successful signing for the Whites, having joined permanently from Lorient last summer, initially shining on loan during 2019/20.

Meslier played his part in Marcelo Bielsa’s side being promoted to the Premier League last season and has started 30 of his team’s 31 top-flight matches this time around.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Kenny heaps praise on Meslier

Someone who knows a thing or two about what makes a good ‘keeper is Kenny, who enjoyed a long and successful career, having spells with Leeds and Sheffield United, among numerous others.

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-Whites man hailed Meslier’s quality, claiming he will end up playing in the latter stages of the Champions League one day:

“I remember watching him against Sheffield United and he made some of the best saves I’ve seen all season at 0-0. The potential is there.

“He’s one who could get to that level of playing Champions League semi-finals and finals in the future.

“To be playing Premier League standard at that age is impressive. I didn’t turn pro until I was 20 and they’re playing Premier League standard at that age. I didn’t even have a goalie coach until I was 25.

“I got to where I got through natural ability. I wouldn’t have been linked with PSG though. More likely GHD now my hair’s gone curly.”

Transfer Tavern take

For Meslier to already be such a key man in the Premier League at 21, especially for a ‘keeper, says so much about his long-term potential.

He has been a vital player ever since becoming first-choice between the sticks under Bielsa – he is second in the top flight in saves behind only Sam Johnstone – and he should only get better as he matures with age.

The hope is of course that Leeds continue to build so much as a team that Meslier is playing for them in the Champions League in the future, not a giant like PSG as Kenny suggests.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for one Premier League star – find out who it is here.

West Brom are slowly sleepwalking towards an instant return to the Championship as they sit ten points adrift of safety with only nine games left to play.

It would take a major, and surprise, turnaround for Sam Allardyce to save the Baggies from what seems like the inevitable and that leaves the hierarchy at the Hawthorns with some decisions to make.

Especially as a man they have coveted before is now freely available in Chris Wilder.

Indeed, according to The Athletic’s Steve Madeley, Albion are “known admirers” of the 53-year-old and in a recent column for the aforementioned site, Madley claims he is a clear contender to replace Sam Allardyce.

And that’s where the decision now lies for Luke Dowling and co.

For now, the 66-year-old remains in the hot seat as performances have vastly improved. Pre-January, the Baggies were leaking in three, four and sometimes five goals on a weekly basis but now they are picking up hard-earned draws – that, however, is not enough to keep them in the big time.

The Big Sam era looks to be following that of the fateful Alan Pardew reign. The former Newcastle United man was put on gardening leave around this time until his summer break clause could be activated.

There must now be a temptation to do the same with Allardyce as he’s far from the ideal candidate to get a side back up following relegation. The veteran is under contract until 2022, but like Pardew, has a relegation clause within his contract, as per The Athletic.

Failure to keep the Midlands outfit in the Premier League should be enough to see Dowling trigger said clause, though it’ll be done with far less toxicity than that of the Pardew era.

Yes, Allardyce has won promotion from the second division before, but not since 2012 with West Ham. Things are vastly different now and the experience and nous of Wilder, who took the Blades up in 2019 before finishing ninth in their maiden PL campaign could be huge for West Brom.

The recently-sacked manager would surely connect with the fanbase a lot better than a lot of previous contenders – Allardyce certainly sits in the Tony Pulis and Roy Hodgson camp, than one similar to a Slaven Bilic or Darren Moore, who both galvanised the Hawthorns faithful with their style of football.

Wilder is used to a big turnover of players, which is something also facing Albion come the end of the season, whilst his unique tactics have seen just one poor season in two decades.

Given his recent experience in the division, there cannot be many more equipped and readily available than the 53-year-old – Dowling must make him a top priority as soon as possible.

AND in other news, “Phenomenal” titan could save West Brom millions this summer…