Vernon Philander is being prepped for a Test return after being named in South Africa’s A side to play four-day games in Zimbabwe and Australia ahead of a packed summer schedule

Firdose Moonda07-Jun-2016Vernon Philander is being prepped for a Test return after being named in South Africa’s A side to play four-day games in Zimbabwe and Australia ahead of a packed summer schedule. Philander only played three first-class games in the 2015-16 domestic season after tearing ankle ligaments before South Africa’s second Test against India in Bangalore in November last year. He has not been picked in the ODI squad and has not had any game time over the winter after failing to secure a County deal but remains in South Africa’s long-format plans.Philander is part of a 15-member squad for the Zimbabwe series – captained by new Test opener Stephen Cook, who made his debut in last summer’s final fixture – that also includes offspinner Dane Piedt, while the contingent for the Australia series includes Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma, as South Africa prepare for 11 Tests in the 2016-17 summer, which includes a three-match tour of Australia.”A number of the Test squad regulars, who are not involved in the current tri-series in the Caribbean, have been included in the four-day squads at the request of national coach, Russell Domingo. This will give them quality match practice ahead of the two-match series against New Zealand in August,” Linda Zondi, South Africa’s convener of selectors, said. “Vernon Philander, in particular, has not had a lot of cricket, following his long-term injury lay-off.”Despite the endorsement from the administrators, Philander’s comeback is not guaranteed. He will have to fight for a place in a pack that includes Dale Steyn – who has also not played Test cricket since December and has not been included in the A squads – Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel and Kyle Abbott. South Africa are also looking at developing a second tier that includes Hardus Viljoen and Andile Phelukwayo.Test discards Stiaan van Zyl and Dane Vilas have also been included in the four-day squads, keeping their hopes of pushing for places alive. There are four new additions to the four-day squad: all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius and three bowlers – Sisanda Magala, Malusi Siboto and Duanne Olivier.After the four-day matches, South Africa A will feature in an annual fifty-over tri-series against the A teams from Australia and India. Wayne Parnell will captain the side to further underline his place in South Africa’s future. Parnell is currently with the ODI side in the Caribbean, making his comeback after a season on the sidelines. “Wayne Parnell gets the opportunity to develop his leadership skills in the one-day format. He was an outstanding captain of our national under-19 side and took them to the final of the under-19 World Cup in 2008,” Zondi said.The one-day side includes David Miller, who was dropped for the West Indies tour, and Rilee Rossouw and Aaron Phangiso, who are part of the trip. There is also space for Eddie Leie, who has played T20 cricket for South Africa, and Khaya Zondo, who was part of the limited-overs squads that toured India in 2015 but did not play a game.Four-day Squad to Zimbabwe: Stephen Cook (capt), Qaasim Adams, Theunis de Bruyn, Heino Kuhn, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Duanne Olivier, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Dwaine Pretorius, Omphile Ramela, Stiaan van Zyl, Dane Vilas, Hardus ViljoenFour-day Squad to Australia: Stephen Cook (capt), Qaasim Adams, Temba Bavuma, Dean Elgar, Heino Kuhn, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Duanne Olivier, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Omphile Ramela, Stiaan van Zyl, Dane Vilas, Hardus ViljoenOne-day squad: Wayne Parnell (capt), Qaasim Adams, Marchant de Lange, Reeza Hendricks, Heino Kuhn, Eddie Leie, Sisanda Magala, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Rilee Rossouw, Malusi Siboto, Khaya Zondo, David Miller, Dane Vilas

علق موسيس سيمون، لاعب منتخب نيجيريا الأول لكرة القدم، على مواجهة غينيا بيساو، في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا، مساء الإثنين، على ملعب فيليكس هوفويت بوانيي في أبيدجان.

منتخب نيجيريا بعد التعادل في الجولة الأولى، فاز على كوت ديفوار، ويحتاج للانتصار على غينيا بيساو ليتأهل بشكل رسمي لدور الـ16.

طالع أيضًا.. أحمد موسى: نيجيريا سترد على الانتقادات داخل الملعب.. وهدفنا كأس أمم إفريقيا

وقال موسيس سيمون في تصريحات للصحفيين، قبل مواجهة غينيا بيساو: “لا يمكن أبدًا الاستهانة بمواجهة غينيا بيساو، لقد تغلبوا علينا في التصفيات، وهو ما يكفي لكي نكون حذرين منهم”.

وأضاف: “الشيء الجيد هو أن التأهل أصبح في أيدينا بأكثر من سيناريو، نحن نعرف ما يجب علينا القيام به للتأهل إلى الجولة المقبلة، لقد ساعدنا الفوز أمام كوت ديفوار كثيرًا”.

واختتم: “الشيء الأكثر أهمية بالنسبة لنا، هو أن نواصل بذل قصارى جهدنا في التدريب وأمام غينيا بيساو، لا يزال الطريق طويلاً أمامنا، ونتمنى أن يطول حتى النهائي، سنظل إيجابيين ونواصل العمل نحو تحقيق هدفنا”.

Sussex captain Luke Wright has said that they are ready to give Mustafizur Rahman some time off before his stint with the county next month

ESPNcricinfo staff21-May-20163:40

Nannes: Great opportunity for Mustafizur to grow

Sussex captain Luke Wright has said that they are ready to give Mustafizur Rahman some time off before his stint with the county next month. Reports suggest that they expect him to make his debut on June 10 in the NatWest T20 Blast game against Kent in Hove.Given the progress of the Hyderabad Sunrisers in the ongoing IPL, it is likely that he will be busy till May 29, after which he is supposed to join Sussex for the NatWest T20 Blast and the Royal London One-Day Cup.But he has recently informed people close to him in Dhaka that he is eager for a break after the IPL. But the general view in the BCB is that they want Mustafizur to play in the UK, which they feel will set him up strongly in his career.Wright was confident that Mustafizur, who has already missed their first NatWest T20 Blast match against Gloucestershire on Friday, would play a number of games for Sussex whenever he arrives in Hove.”Fizz is definitely coming but we are just clarifying the number of games he is going to play,” Wright told the . “We have to understand he is a young lad who has been away from home for a long time in an environment where he doesn’t speak the language. He’s also played a lot of games so we want to give him enough time to rest so that when he does come over we get the best out of him.”We always knew he was likely to miss the first two games so it is a case of whether he misses an extra game or not. Obviously we’d like him for as many games as possible as he is in such great form but either way he’ll still be available for a large chunk of the matches.”Wright said that they would wait for Mustafizur to arrive, given the reputation he already carries. He has so far taken 15 wickets in the IPL, after performing exceedingly well for Bangladesh against India, South Africa and Zimbabwe last year, and in the World T20 this year.”When we did our research on him people told us what a big player he was going to be. When someone like Kumar Sangakkara says he is a special talent then you sit up and take notice.”He’s proving how good he is out in India at the moment so we’ve done very well to get him on the deal we have as I don’t think he’ll be quite so cheap in the future,” he said.

Arsenal are looking to remain in title contention when they make the trip to face Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon.

Mikel Arteta's side will need to repeat the feats of only Liverpool and Manchester City in winning at St James' Park, with Eddie Howe retaining an impressive home record during his 18-month tenure so far.

Like the Gunners, the Magpies have been in tremendous domestic form and look certain to be back in Europe after a very long exodus, so it'll be no easy task to keep up with the rampant defending champions, who on Saturday picked up all three points against Leeds United; a dead cert.

Last time out, the north Londoners were able to beat rival Chelsea 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium but how will the Spaniard set up his side to conquer Newcastle on their own turf?

Here's how Arsenal could lineup today…

How will Arsenal line up vs Newcastle?

Between the sticks, Aaron Ramsdale will resume his normal duties as Arteta's no.1 and there is some good news ahead of kick-off – according to GOAL, Gabriel Magalhaes is set to feature in the northeast despite coming off injured against the Blues in midweek.

That means his eye-catching partnership with Jakub Kiwior is set to continue, with Ben White also remaining at right-back. However, there could be a change at left-back, where Kieran Tierney replaces Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has looked a little suspect in recent matches.

Indeed, he has played the full 90 minutes in just one of his last seven league appearances, and three of his last four outings have seen him record a WhoScored rating of 6.59 or lower, including a shocking 5.73 against basement boys Southampton.

In midfield, Thomas Partey could make a return to the side, with his athleticism and power better suited to combat Newcastle's strengths, so he could come in for Jorginho, a harsh call but one that may be required. He joins Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard, as per normal.

There is a big decision for Arteta to make in the final third as Bukayo Saka has been a bit quiet in recent matches – failing to register a goal or assist in back-to-back outings, whilst his last two goal contributions only came against the Saints.

However, the Spaniard may opt to keep the faith in him, given the magnitude of this encounter, though there may be a returning figure to feature alongside the England star and Gabriel Jesus as Gabriel Martinelli is handed the start over Leandro Trossard on the left flank in the third and final change.

It's true that the Gunners look a far better outfit with the £90k-per-week Belgian "game-changer" – as once lauded by BBC's Phil McNulty – on the pitch but Martinelli's form over the 2022/23 season is too hard to ignore, whilst the former Brighton & Hove Albion dynamo could make a sizeable impact from the bench if need be.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Tierney, Gabriel, Kiwior, White; Xhaka, Partey, Odegaard; Martinelli, Saka, Jesus

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will want to stay this summer, despite interest in his services from the Premier League, according to talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.

What's the latest news on Postecoglou's future?

It is no wonder there is so much interest in Postecoglou, with the manager recently leading Celtic to a second Scottish Premiership title on the bounce, and he is on course for a treble, with the Scottish Cup final pencilled in at the beginning of June.

The Hoops board are said to be fearful that the Australian has already made up his mind about joining an elite Premier League club in the summer, with Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United reportedly interested.

A more recent update details that the 57-year-old has been shortlisted by a number of English clubs, with Leeds particularly interested, having continuously monitored him as a potential successor to Sam Allardyce at the end of the season.

However, in a recent interview with Football Insider, Agbonlahor has expressed the view that the manager may feel like he has unfinished business at Celtic Park, and he would not be particularly keen on a move to Leeds.

Speaking about the Whites' interest, the pundit said: “Postecoglou would be a great addition, but I don’t think he’ll want to go.

“He hasn’t done anything in the Champions League yet, and I think he’ll want to make a statement in that competition – getting into the knockout stages.

“I don’t think he’ll leave yet – and not to Leeds, either. They’re not the most attractive job, and not one you would leave Celtic for.”

Will Postecoglou leave this summer?

Of course, Celtic managers have been attracted by a move south of the border in the past, with Brendan Rodgers joining Leicester City back in 2019, but the Foxes were in a far better position than Leeds are currently, finishing ninth that season.

It is hard to imagine a move to Elland Road would be as tempting a proposition, considering the Yorkshire club's plight this season, currently in grave danger of being relegated to the Championship.

Not only that, but the Athens-born tactician may also be keen on going on a run in Europe, given that the Hoops' record in the Champions League is the only disappointment this season, failing to win any of their six group-stage games.

As such, the only thing that may tempt Postecoglou into leaving this summer is if a big English club comes in for him, and so the Celtic board will be hoping Tottenham focus on other managerial targets.

Newcastle United have scarcely fired wide of the mark since the affluent PIF takeover in October 2021, and no deal encapsulates the winds of change at the club better than Bruno Guimaraes.

Signing in January 2022 from Lyon for £40m, Guimaraes joined a struggling Premier League outfit that was battling to preserve top-flight status, but his impact has exceeded expectations and then some.

Making 17 divisional appearances across the second phase of the 21/22 campaign, the 25-year-old would score five goals and register one assist, integral in ushering in a new level of performance and a new sense of belief, with manager Eddie Howe blown away by his engine's technical ability and hailing him as "magnificent" as the threat of relegation swiftly became a fleeting and poignant memory.

Recording a spectacular seasonal Sofascore rating of 7.25, complementing his direct output with an 86% pass success rate and an average of 2.6 tackles per match, the £120k-per-week gem carried his form into the new footballing year and has been the centrepiece of the outfit's resounding exploits, having reached the Carabao Cup finale and perching comfortably inside the league's top-four with just five matches to play.

How much is Bruno Guimaraes worth?

Few would've expected the Magpies to ascend to the front of the game as swiftly as they have done, but it is all down to manager Howe's tactical aptitude, the pinpoint success in the market alongside technical director Dan Ashworth, and the implementation on the field.

Guimaraes was the perfect signing; as per FBref, the midfield monster ranks among the top 16% of positional peers for rate of assists, the top 20% for progressive passes, the top 15% for successful take-ons and the top 15% for tackles per 90, confirming the dynamism of his trade that has left him held in such high regard.

According to a recent report stemming from Spain, Liverpool are considering attempting a swoop for the gem, with a seismic fee of €100m (£88m) being touted. Real Madrid are another who have been noted as suitors for the midfielder.

This value represents a staggering 120% increase from the fee paid for Guimaraes' signature last year, and is a testament to the Magpies' resounding success in such a short time.

Hailed as "world-class" by his teammate Dan Burn, Guimaraes will undoubtedly continue to see his value balloon over the coming months, with the Toon poised for that coveted spot in the Champions League.

And while Jurgen Klopp's Reds may hold a vested interest in the ten-cap ace, there is a feeling that Guimaraes has scarcely scratched the surface of his potential on Tyneside, and despite the lucrative fees his name is being touted at, it would be ludicrous for Howe and co to imagine anything other than a future with the Brazilian at the heart of the plans. Indeed, they truly struck gold when bringing him to the club last year.

Essex strolled to a seven-wicket victory with 22 balls to spare in their T20 Blast encounter with Glamorgan in Cardiff

ECB Reporters Network01-Jun-2016
ScorecardJesse Ryder thrashed 42 to get Essex’s chase off to a flying start (file photo)•Getty Images

Essex strolled to a seven-wicket victory with 22 balls to spare in their T20 Blast encounter with Glamorgan in Cardiff.Chasing a modest 140 for 6, the visitors made light of their task, reaching 143 for 3 after opener Jesse Ryder set them on their way with a pulsating innings. The New Zealander struck 42 from 23 balls that included one six and eight fours. He found an admirable ally in Tom Westley as the pair added 55 runs in five overs following the departure of Ravi Bopara for 4.When Ryder departed with the score on 64 for 2, Westley continued the fine start, easing the visitors to the halfway point of their reply at 87 for 2.He finally departed for a 29-ball 41 when bowled by Colin Ingram but 19 year-old Dan Lawrence and experienced allrounder Ryan ten Doeschate saw their side to their first win of the season in the competition with an unbroken partnership of 49 runs in a little over five overs.It all overshadowed the Glamorgan debut of South Africa paceman Dale Steyn, who is with the county for six matches in the competition. He might have had a wicket with his first ball but Bopara was dropped by Aneurin Donald at second slip. Although he beat the bat on a couple of occasions, he was punished by Ryder in particular and his three overs went for 32 runs.Donald had provided rich entertainment for the passionate home crowd with a superb innings of 51 from 38 balls that included two sixes and five other boundaries. The 19-year-old was playing in only his fourth Twenty20 match but drove and carved with authority.He featured in the substantial partnership of the innings as he and Ingram added 56 in 7.1 overs for the third wicket. Ingram contributed 26 before he became one of two wickets for Bopara.The departure of Donald in the 14th over, when he was bowled by left-arm spinner Ashar Zaidi, left Glamorgan 105 for 4 but they lost their way thereafter.The Essex attack restricted them to 20 runs from the next five overs before Pakistan international Wahab Riaz sent down a final over costing 15 runs including a towering straight driven 6 by Chris Cooke. However it all proved too little too late in the face of the Essex batting onslaught.

Manchester United have enjoyed a fine first season under Erik ten Hag, but it does seem like they are running out of steam as the campaign reaches its conclusion.

Back-to-back losses against West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion had thrown their top-four finish into doubt, which given how comfortable they once looked to bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford, would have been a travesty.

However, having since halted that mini-collapse against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Red Devils are once again back in the driving seat ahead of their rivals Liverpool.

Given the success of this debut year, the Dutch tactician will likely already be looking ahead as to how he can bolster this team that has served him well. Admittedly, the main cause for concern would be to add to the depth surrounding the starting XI, as they have been hamstrung by numerous injuries in various positions.

Marcel Sabitzer may have deputised well, having joined in January amidst Christian Eriksen's injury, but the Austrian is no match for some of the experienced alternatives this huge club could attract.

Despite that, the on-loan Bayern Munich maestro has made his intentions clear: "I found my place here. Now I know the Premier League and can say there's nothing better."

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

The recent news – as per Football Insider – could spell bad news for Sabitzer with it said that an offer is now being readied to sign Mateo Kovacic in a potential £30m deal.

It was previously suggested that the Red Devils were merely keeping tabs on the Croat, although it now appears as though they are set to step up their interest.

United's hierarchy seem to think they can definitely sign the midfielder, but only if they can convince the selling club to slash their price tag.

How has Mateo Kovacic played for Chelsea?

To claim the 29-year-old entering his prime years could prove a fine coup for Ten Hag, adding a true winner into his squad alongside the likes of Casemiro and Raphael Varane.

The Blues' midfielder is the proud victor of four Champions Leagues amongst numerous other trophies, yet this season has struggled in what has been a horrid transitional period for the west London club.

However, just last year saw the former Real Madrid star maintain a 7.20 average rating in the league, scoring twice, assisting five times and recording 1.1 key passes and two tackles per game, via Sofascore. He truly was imperious, and this is form he has largely maintained throughout his whole career at Stamford Bridge.

It even led Jurgen Klopp to praise the World Cup finalist back in 2018, questioning how to defend the midfielder, when he is "running like a Formula One car".

Although Sabitzer has deputised well, with three goals and one assist in all competitions, the experience of Kovacic, as it has proven with Eriksen, would be vital.

The latter has quietly been one of the Premier League's most consistently high-performing stars in recent years, and should he prove to be a viable option, the decision of who to sign becomes a no-brainer. Indeed, Ten Hag must surely send Sabitzer packing if this move comes to fruition.

Liverpool's pursuit of Alexis Mac Alisster seems to be speeding up with the Merseysiders preparing a five-year contract, according to reports in the player's homeland.

There has been little to get excited about for fans of Liverpool this season. After seeing them come within 20 minutes of beating Manchester City to the Premier League title last term, the dropoff since has been quite remarkable. Jurgen Klopp guided his side to 92 points but ultimately fell short as Man City dramatically won the title on the last day, with that deflation bleeding into the current campaign.

Now, however, with the transfer window beckoning, there is cause for excitement once again.

Are Liverpool signing Alexis Mac Allister?

Domestically, reports linking Liverpool with a move to sign the Brighton midfielder have intensified in the last week, and now a journalist from the player's homeland is breaking new ground.

TyC journalist German Garcia Grova says: "Liverpool advancing in the hiring of Alexis Mac Allister. Last contract details until June 2028. The world champion communicated to Brighton his desire to emigrate in this next market."

Does Mac Allister solve Klopp's problems?

While injuries and ageing personnel have been a big issue in the centre of the park this season, the main issue holding Liverpool back is a lack of technical excellence. Thiago aside, Klopp doesn't have a truly masterful midfielder to call upon, which explains the decision to move Trent Alexander-Arnold into a central midfield role when in possession.

This creates other issues that haven't been punished yet but remain a problem. Such as the need to shift Ibrahima Konate out to right back when in possession to cover for Trent's new hybrid role.

By signing a player like Mac Allister – someone incredibly comfortable under pressure – Liverpool's midfield quality would be drastically different.

Take Jordan Henderson as an example. While his strength has never been orchestrating play, his comparative lack of ability on the ball compared to Thiago or Mac Allister means Liverpool fail to play out of danger even when there is an available pass out of danger.

Mac Allister's display against United on Thursday was the perfect example of what Liverpool have been missing. His stats paint a beautiful picture as he was Man of the Match long before his perfectly struck penalty hit the top corner in the 99th minute. He played 59 passes with a completion rate of 92% and won three tackles at a 100% win rate.

Masterful passing and reliable tackling have been missing from Liverpool's midfield this season and as a result, they have suffered. Adding Mac Allister won't return the glory days to Anfield immediately, but it's a step in the right direction especially if Jude Bellingham won't be joining the club.

ScorecardJesse Ryder guided Essex to their target•Getty Images

Jesse Ryder hit an unbeaten 52 off 45 balls to guide Essex to an effortless eight-wicket victory over Surrey at the Kia Oval, and make it two wins in as many days in the South Group of the NatWest T20 Blast for Essex.Ryder, in company with skipper Ravi Bopara – who chipped in with an undefeated 36 off 38 deliveries – put on 76 in 11 overs for the third wicket either side of a 45-minute break for rain as Essex posted 121 for 2 off 16.5 overs in reply to the hosts’ 117 for 9 in front of a Saturday afternoon crowd of 13,470.Following the early loss of Kishen Velani, who was caught at mid-on off Ravi Rampaul without scoring, Jesse Ryder and Tom Westley combined for 39 in four overs.Ryder, driving powerfully through wide mid-off and adept at manoeuvring the ball into the gaps, clubbed fours off Rampaul and Dwayne Bravo before Westley pulled Tom Curran past mid-on for two boundaries in the space off three balls.With Dwayne Bravo guilty of drifting onto the batsmen’s legs throughout much of the sixth over, Essex were 47 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay – the only relief for the West Indian being the wicket of Westley, who was lbw for 19.Earlier, Surrey were unable to establish a foothold, finding the boundary on just seven occasions after being put into bat by Essex, who employed 11 overs of spin.Dan Lawrence set the tone for the visitors by conceding just 11 runs from his four overs, which also brought the 18-year-old a couple of wickets.Lawrence struck first ball with his offspin when Steven Davies flicked to Bopara at square leg. Kumar Sangakkara, beaten by a direct hit by Ashar Zaidi from square leg, was run out four deliveries later.Rory Burns lofted Graham Napier high to Westley at mid-off, though not before driving Matthew Quinn to the point boundary and Napier through cover and at the end of their powerplay, Surrey were 31 for 3.Zafar Ansari picked out Napier at long-off, off the bowling of Zaidi. 43 for 4 became 46 for 5 when Gary Wilson, who had become increasingly frustrated, drilled the returning Lawrence straight to long-off to go for 17.Forced to rebuild, Bravo and Sam Curran added 50 for the sixth wicket in seven overs.Curran, fresh from completing his A-Level exams, pulled Westley through wide mid-on and swung Napier over midwicket for six.Bravo followed the youngster’s lead by pulling Quinn for a maximum, only to launch himself into an extravagant cover drive and fall to a catch in the deep next ball.Sam Curran was eventually bowled around his legs for 32, attempting to work Quinn down to fine leg.Bopara rounded off the Surrey innings by taking successive catches at deep midwicket, the second just an inch off the ground, to give Napier figures of 3 for 28 and condemn Surrey to their second defeat in 24 hours in the competition.