Mumbai probably knew, at some point in their amazing recovery, that they’d have to face Bengal again this season. This time, they’d have their most lethal weapon in the side: Zaheer Khan, who joined Mumbai before the season began but hadn’t had a game because of his own personal journey back to the high life.Zaheer has posed a threat to several batsmen this season but Mumbai knew that he had the number of the most dangerous batsman in the Bengal line-up. Sourav Ganguly doesn’t like facing him – or probably has not faced him long enough to make up his mind on that. Seventh ball in the Duleep Trophy final in November 2005, and Zaheer bowled an inswinging yorker; Ganguly played all over it and was bowled. In the second innings of the same match, a similar delivery found Ganguly’s pad on the way. After that final and before this, Ganguly, playing for Northamptonshire, had faced up against Zaheer, playing for Worcestershire in a second division County match in June 2006. Ganguly b Zaheer 2, read the scorecard.Ganguly certainly had the opportunity to make amends today, walking out at the Wankhede with Bengal reeling at 28 for 2. Zaheer, as expected, was charged up and he greeted Ganguly with a ball that pitched outside off in the corridor, moved in, took the inside edge, and hit the stumps. Simple as that, 4-0 Zaheer.He has obviously worked out that Ganguly is not comfortable with the one coming in from a length and has exposed it quite appreciably. And Graeme Smith will testify to the fact that Zaheer is not the man you expose your weakness to.What has been remarkable in Zaheer’s case – both with Smith and Ganguly – is the way he has capitalised on technical weaknesses to convert them into psychological ones. “It (knowing the batsman’s weakness) does help. There’s definitely a psychological advantage in that,” Zaheer said after the day’s play today. “But it’s also about the rhythm. Rhythm is all about being able to bowl where you want to bowl. That’s what is happening with me now.”Bowlers over the world know Smith looks to play on the on side early on, but no one beat him there as accurately and consistently as Zaheer did. After a while that entered Smith’s head, to the extent that he refused to take strike to Zaheer in the second innings of the Wanderers Test. Ganguly has been in good form of late and one would have expected him to be sure of his foot movement, of what he was going to do to the first ball he faced. Instead, the feet didn’t move and the bat came down without any intent – neither straight in defence nor forceful in attack.Earlier, Zaheer – making his debut for Mumbai – had made an immediate impact with only his fourth delivery. Abhishek Jhunjhunwala was drawn into edging one that had pitched on leg and had slanted away. Then in his fifth over, just one ball before getting Ganguly, Zaheer left Arindam Das no option but to play at a fast one that pitched short of length and always looked at his body.Zaheer bowled unchanged for 11 overs and, by the time he was done, Bengal were a shattered side. The Bengal batsmen, not having faced pace bowling of such ferocious quality through the season, were lambs to the slaughter; Zaheer was clearly too good for them. Rohan Gavaskar tried to fight the onslaught with one of his own, scoring 16 off 11 Zaheer deliveries, but he was drawn into a wide over-pitched delivery that swung away late. Before the end of that over, Laxmi Ratan Shukla had chased another sucker ball to complete Zaheer’s five-for on debut.The debut had been a long time coming, and obviously worth the wait. “When I came to Mumbai in 1996, I started playing all the club matches. My immediate goal was to play in the Ranji team and see how I’d find a place in the Indian team,” Zaheer said, “Obviously it didn’t work out that way.” He was in the squad for the semi-final against Madhya Pradesh in 1996-97, but did not get to play the match. He had moved to Baroda later and made his comeback this year only. “When I started playing cricket, playing for Mumbai was on my mind, and it’s a special feeling now.”With Zaheer taking Mumbai a huge step closer to reclaiming the grand old trophy, that feeling is probably mutual.***************************************************************************************Boyc bats for the PrinceIf Sourav Ganguly is expected to bat and Geoffrey Boycott is in town, it is hard to keep him from showing up. While making his way to the stand next to the press box at the Wankhede, Boycott asked the first soul that looked capable of speaking, “Has the Prince started batting?”Boycott was heard telling the members at the stand, “I am very happy. My prince is playing for India, and my princess is winning in England.” The princess, of course, is Shilpa Shetty, the Bollywood star, who has recently won the Big Brother, the reality television show. Boycott had earlier, during commentary stints in India, made public in no unclear terms his fondness for Shetty.The considerate ‘prince’ did not give Boycott too much happiness at this old age and lasted only one delivery. Any chances of seeing him bat again today were erased when the last-wicket pair for Bengal saw them across the follow-on target.
Matthew Hayden believes Australia’s Ashes series loss in September could well have been a blessing in disguise. Hayden said the South African captain Graeme Smith had been right to point out Australia were not the same force they had been.Smith’s comments were one of the first salvos in a so-called war of words leading up to the first Test between the two countries starting in Perth on Friday. “He’s [Smith] right in a lot of ways. The loss of the Ashes gave us incentive straight away because straight away we had to look within ourselves and look within our games and come up with answers to turn around individual form and team form as well.”We have been affected by that because we have had changes in our personnel which has given other people opportunity and those [people] have been successful to this stage as well. It’s been good for our game but it wasn’t an easy stage for us and I think, pretty much as always though, out of adversity comes opportunity and we’ve looked forward to that.”Hayden said Australia had no option but to see the 2-1 series defeat by England as a long-term benefit for the team. “I think you’ve got to look at it like that otherwise you lay down and die. We’ve had to move on. It does affect the group when certain members of the side leave – that’s just the way it is. We are a very close team. We spend 11 months a year together so at the end of the day it does hurt if someone gets the nod to leave.”In the wake of the defeat the Australians dropped middle order batsmen Damien Martyn, Michael Clarke and Simon Katich from the Test team. Hayden himself has been left out of the one-day team. Seasoned domestic players Michael Hussey and Brad Hodge have stepped into the side with remarkable early success.”It’s got a very hardened look about the middle order now because of that experience,” Hayden said. “You just can’t buy experience. Every venue you play at you have to have had several innings there and it does make a difference.”It’s the home advantage which sides look forward to. In Michael’s case and Brad’s case they are just terrific cricketers that have played for a long period of time and been successful in a really-wonderful first-class competition.”As for the “war of words” in the lead-up to the first Test at the WACA, Hayden said it was nothing more than a bit of fun for both teams and certainly didn’t help to motivate the Australians. “Not really. It’s great for you guys [the media],” he said. “It’s fun for us as well so that’s pretty much how we take it.”
Stuart Clark took a five-wicket haul to help New South Wales to a 200-run Pura Cup victory against South Australia, who required 495 to win. They were eventually bundled out for 295, with fighting half-centuries from Callum Ferguson and Nathan Adcock.Ferguson (81) and Adcock (67) put on 107 runs to show resistance, but Ferguson fell before lunch, opening the door slightly for NSW. He was caught behind off Nathan Bracken. Adcock then added 66 with Graham Manou, who scored 33. But right after lunch both fell in quick succession, with Clark and Bracken taking a wicket each (244 for 7).Clark then removed Daniel Cullen and Paul Rofe, ending with 5 for 91. This was NSW’s fourth outright win in six games.
Stephen Harmison will be fit to rejoin the England squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka, it was confirmed today by the ECB.Harmison underwent a series of scans which later revealed no major damage in his back, a problem which forced him to fly home early from Bangladesh. After taking a Test-best 9 for 79 in the first Test at Dhaka, he missed the second match at Chittagong because of his dodgy back, but he should now be raring to go at Galle next month and further impress the selectors, and maybe even win a central contract.Dr Peter Gregory, England’s chief medical officer, confirmed the good news for Harmison and England. “Scans suggest there is no serious cause for the painStephen felt in his lower back during the first Test match againstBangladesh," Gregory said. "Stephen will continue to undergo treatment and strengthening work for his back at the ECB National Academy and I am very optimistic that he will rejoin the England Test squad in Sri Lanka."The first Test against Sri Lanka starts on December 2, after a three one-day international series in November.
Eden Gardens in Kolkata will host the first one-day international between India and England on Saturday. The series promises to be as enchanting as the atmosphere at the Eden Gardens. This venue has the highest crowd capacity in the country and the outfield is as good as the best one could find anywhere in the World.The Kolkata crowd being sports crazy, one can expect a full house what with the local lad Ganguly leading the national side. Even under normal circumstances, the Bengalis like to egg the home side on. One thing to bear in mind though is that they are not too tolerant when dealing with failures. With the Indian skipper hard up for runs, the crowd would be behind him and rooting for his success with the bat. The Bengalis are aware as much as Ganguly himself that it is about time he puts up runs on the board.
Ganguly is more of a demi-god in Kolkata for his achievements as a cricketer overshadow those of any other Bengali. A posse of security men guard his palatial home at Behela. It does not take much effort to get to his place. One has to only get to the neighbourhood and anyone would guide you to his residence readily enough. He gets the privileged treatment that a ranking politician gets when it comes to travelling within the city. The escort and pilot cars forewarn the traffic cops to clear the way. Ganguly out on the roads in Kolkata is more of a problem for his sentinels – the adulation he enjoys in his city renders it impossible for him to get out. As much as he enjoys the support of people he is aware that he will be cut down to size if he does not perform consistently.It was Geoffrey Boycott who dubbed Ganguly, the `Prince of Kolkata’, and indeed, the Prince will be under considerable pressure as he walks out to bat with Tendulkar. Any captain in international cricket is prone to anxiety on the eve of a game, but in the case of Ganguly it is all the more greater as this series is a big one and may well dictate his future. The shorter version of the game has proved to be his saviour and his success in the one-dayers has caused the selectors to overlook his failures in the Tests. Quite obviously, he is going through a very lean phase and the Eden Gardens is the ideal venue for him to reassure himself and the people who hold him in high esteem by notching up a ton.
Ganguly is realistic enough to know that his walk back to the pavilion would be a nightmare if he fails and as such would be doubly determined at the crease. He has had a break and at the moment, one gets the impression that his problems are related to the mental aspects rather than the technical ones. The other way of saying is that his movements are products of his hesitancy in thinking. He has been criticized in a couched language that he is susceptible to short stuff but as a matter of fact he has been getting out caught in the slips. Then, of course, the slip cordon will not be as strong as it is in the Tests but still he will be made to work hard by his opponents.The Eden Gardens revived Azharuddin’s career in 1993 when he was in the same situation as Ganguly is in today. It was again the same venue, which took Laxman to the pinnacle of his career. Ganguly has grown up batting at the Eden for most part of his career and the familiar atmosphere and the support would mean more to him now than before. The stage is set and there is hardly any time left for the all-important series to begin. One can only hope that he does not put the selectors in a delicate situation of having to sit and deliberate about him. The Prince of Kolkata is a pleasure to watch when on song and hopefully he will continue to entertain for a fair while to come.
Gloucestershire coach John Bracewell has expressed his anger over theannouncement of the latest England one-day international squad.Not one Gloucestershire player has been selected, even though they are theundisputed kings of domestic limited overs cricket with five trophies in thelast two seasons.Bracewell is so incensed by what he considers the latest snub that he hasasked the club statistician to draw up figures supporting the case forinternational selection of the likes of Mark Alleyne, Jon Lewis and MattWindows.And he says Gloucestershire will issue a club statement, based on thosefigures, tomorrow morning.Today Bracewell said: “I’m furious. I expected Mark and Jon to be in theEngland squad and thought Matt had a good chance of selection too.”The fact that none of them got in is a disgrace. They took it in a verymature and philosophical way when I broke the news to them, but of coursethey are disappointed.”Players from other counties seem to walk into the England set-up, yet weare consistently ignored. A growing myth is being perpetuated that we areonly successful at home because of the pitches we prepare at Bristol, whichis absolute nonsense.”Before I say any more I want the figures, which I know will back me up. Weencourage all our players to have the ambition to play for England and whenthey are continually knocked back in reflects poorly on our club.”
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Boubacar Kamara to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a report by Goal, who claim that all of Tottenham, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Southampton are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Olympique de Marseille central midfielder, who is set to leave the Orange Velodrome on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract with the Ligue 1 side this summer.
However, the report goes on to state that it is Atletico Madrid who are currently in pole position for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the France U21 international believed to be keen on the challenge of LaLiga and working with Diego Simeone.
Although, Goal also suggest that, with Antonio Conte – as well as the other interested parties from England – being able to offer the youngster a much bigger salary than the Spanish side, Kamara could yet decide on a move to the Premier League ahead of a switch to Spain.
Conte can axe Winks with Kamara
Considering the sheer amount of potential Kamara quite clearly possesses, in addition to Harry Winks having regressed greatly over the last year, it is easy to see why Tottenham would be interested in a move for the Marseille starlet this summer.
Indeed, over his 25 Ligue 1 appearances this season, the £22.5m-rated midfielder has been in breathtaking form for Jorge Sampaoli’s side, scoring one goal and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.8 key passes, 1.2 interceptions, two tackles, 59.1 passes and winning 5.6 duels per game.
These returns have seen the £46k-per-week dynamo who Rolando dubbed a “phenomenon” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as the Phocaeans’ second-best performer in the top flight of French football.
Furthermore, FBref rank the 22-year-old in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, in addition to the top 6% for passes completed, the top 28% for progressive passes, the top 26% for progressive carries, the top 33% for tackles and the top 35% for interceptions over the last 365 days.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
As such, with the £91k-per-week Harry Winks – who Dan Kilpatrick dubbed “out of form” earlier this season – looking as if he does not have a future at Spurs under Conte, having been offered to Leeds United in the January transfer window, it would appear wise for the 52-year-old to finally axe the England international on a permanent basis this summer, before reinvesting the money saved from his hefty weekly wage into a move for the much more exciting Kamara.
AND in other news: “I understand…”: Gold drops big behind-the-scenes Spurs update, Conte will be fuming
Andrew Flintoff could make a long-awaited comeback playing for the England Lions on their tour of India, according to the chairman of selectors, David Graveney.”They are very happy with his rehab,” Graveney said after announcing England’s two squads to tour New Zealand next month. “There is a possibility, if his rehab goes to plan, of him going on the Lions tour at the end of January.”Flintoff, 30, underwent keyhole ankle surgery in October and has since been recovering in America. He hasn’t played a Test match since the fifth Test of the 2006-07 Ashes in Sydney, and although he wasn’t considered for England’s tour of New Zealand, Graveney said he could feature for the Lions when they play in India’s Duleep Trophy.”He’s very keen to get back playing cricket so there is a possibility ofhim joining up as a batsman only as part of his rehab,” Graveney said. “Everyone has their fingers crossed to get him back bowling and at this stage it is going according to plan.”The Lions depart for India on January 24.
Jamaica coasted to a seven-wicket win against Guyana at Kensington Park, chasing down the target of 63 in just under two hours. Fast bowler Andrew Richardson picked up the last two Guyana wickets as the visitors were dismissed for 232. Darwin Christian, the overnight batsman, was bowled by Richardson for 37 and Veerasammy Permaul drove Richardson straight to Danza Hyatt at mid-on.Jamaica got off to a shaky start, as Esuan Crandon bowled Brenton Parchment off the inside edge and had Hyatt caught at slip to leave them at 9 for 2. Wavell Hinds hung around to polish off the remaining runs and seal the victory.Amit Jaggernauth’s five-wicket haul helped Trinidad & Tobago register a comfortable 215-run victory against Leeward Islands at Couva. Chasing 403, Leewards were dismissed for 187, with offspinner Jaggernauth finishing with 5 for 48.Leewards, resuming at their overnight score of 118 for 4 showed little resistance as they lost their last six wickets for just 69 runs. Jaggernauth sliced through the middle and lower order and was supported by left-arm spinner Dave Mohammed, who took two wickets. This was T&T’s maiden victory in the tournament year’s Carib Beer Series, and they now have 20 points from three games.Windward Islands crashed to 91 all out to give Barbados a 141-run victory on the final day at Portsmouth. Set to chase 233 in a minimum of 60 overs, the home side crumbled, losing their last six wickets for just 10 runs. Earlier, Barbados declared their second innings on 183 for 9 shortly after lunch, giving either side a shot at registering an outright victory.Barbados offspinner Ryan Austin was the most impressive bowler, taking 4 for 26 in 12 overs to engineer the collapse. Liam Sebastian, who retired hurt in the first innings, resisted with 32 in the second while the rest faltered. The strong Barbados seam attack of Corey Collymore, Tino Best and Pedro Collins shared the first three wickets, before the spinners took over. Windwards paid the price for some rash strokes.Barbados, in their second innings showed a lot of urgency to push the scoring but lost wickets at regular intervals in the process. After an opening stand of 81, they were suddenly caught off guard, losing five wickets for 33 runs, with Kenroy Peters, the left-arm seamer, claimed four top-order wickets. Kevin Edwards and Patrick Browne consolidated, adding 40 for the sixth wicket, before Ryan Hinds declared the innings.With this victory, Barbados now have 30 points, ahead of Jamaica while Windwards are languishing at the bottom of the table with seven points.
Alec Stewart, the former England captain, has come out in support of Ian Bell, who looked to be dropped for the Tests against Pakistan but now has a chance of making it back into the team because of Michael Vaughan’s injury.”I believe he will score 5,000 Test runs – he’s going to be that good a player,” said Stewart, one of just 16 England players to pass that mark. “I believe Bell will be that good that we’ve got to stick with him.”Bell scored 297 runs in his first three Tests but struggled against Australia, with two half-centuries and seven single-figure scores during the Ashes. He also struggled in the opening tour match in Pakistan, when he made just three in two innings and was then left out of the side that lost to Pakistan A.But Stewart, Bell’s mentor and agent, told BBC Radio Five Live: “He just needs to mature as a cricketer. He won’t come up against anything tougher than this Ashes series he’s just played in. Even though he didn’t set the world alight, he will have learned so much and that will turn him into a better international cricketer.”Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, Dominic Cork, the former England fast bowler, questioned the selection of Paul Collingwood as an allrounder for the series. “I’d rather see an out-and-out batter. If Collingwood is the next best batsman in line then fair enough but he wouldn’t be my choice.” But Stewart differed with his former team-mate. “Duncan Fletcher doesn’t make too many bad judgement calls and he believes Collingwood is a special player.”