Inzamam-ul-Haq has received a one-Test ban for showing dissent against umpiring decisions on the last day of the Bangalore Test.Saleem Altaf, the Pakistan team manager, clarified that Inzamam had been pulled up for two instances of misconduct. “We had a hearing with the match referee, Chris Broad, for two counts of excessive appealing and dissent. On the first count, he has been fined 30% of his match fees and on the second, a level two offence, he has been given a one-Test ban.”Pakistan ended up winning the match by 168 runs, but Inzamam was visibly miffed when a couple of caught-behind appeals against the Indian openers were denied on the first session. Gautam Gambhir was lucky to survive – the snickometer clearly showed contact between bat and ball – but the decision in favour of Virender Sehwag seemed a good one. Inzamam was especially upset after Sehwag was ruled not out, charging past the batsman and shaking his hands in anger.Altaf indicated that the Pakistan board would take a decision on whether or not to appeal against the verdict. If the decision stays, then Inzamam will have to sit out of Pakistan’s first Test on their tour of the West Indies.
Steve Bucknor has rejected criticism of his umpiring during the first Test between Australia and India at Brisbane, especially his controversial leg-before decision against Sachin Tendulkar in India’s first innings.And Bucknor, long regarded as one of the best umpires in the world, dismissed suggestions that his form was on the wane. “Just recently I was umpiring the World Cup final so I don’t understand what is happening, but at the moment I am pretty comfortable with my form,” he told the Australian Associated Press. “The criticism doesn’t bother me. Mistakes are going to be made. I know that. Everyone makes mistakes including myself.”The plethora of television replays indicated the ball which trapped Tendulkar would have sailed over the top of the stumps. But Bucknor delivered his verdict – described by the media in terms such as “a disgrace” and “an insult” – after his customary long deliberation.”I give myself enough time to think about my decision, to replay just about everything about that delivery, and by so doing I should in the end be able to make that [correct] decision,” he explained. While refusing to discuss the Tendulkar decision itself, he added, “Sometimes it doesn’t go that way … it’s not because my brain is working slowly. Once the hit is made I have a fair idea of what my decision is it’s a matter of seeing whether something else could have happened.”Although the Tendulkar dismissal was the one which grabbed the headlines, Bucknor was also criticised for other decisions during the match. He gave Australia’s batsmen the benefit of the doubt on three well-justified appeals, and also appeared to mistakenly reprieve Akash Chopra for what looked like a good bat-pad catch shortly after Tendulkar’s wicket.
If there was any doubt that early 2002 is the time of a changing of the guard in Australian cricket, then today’s developments represent the most indisputable evidence of all.The decision of national selectors Trevor Hohns, Allan Border, Andrew Hilditch and David Boon to relieve Steve Waugh of the country’s one-day international captaincy is a clear statement of their determination to start rejuvenating a team that is showing signs of fraying at the edges.It also signals that no player is potentially immune from their axe. Because, if Australia’s most statistically successful long-term limited-overs captain can be dropped, then no-one can assume their position in the team to be safe.This new year started with Australia looking as invincible as ever, its completion of a 3-0 series whitewash of South Africa a comprehensive re-assertion of its superiority over its rivals in the Test arena.But, in the weeks since, it has been impossible not to detect hints of deterioriation in the performances of the country’s limited-overs line-up. Nor to imagine that the decisions of the team’s selectors over the next few months will be anything other than crucial to its hopes of success in the years ahead.In finishing behind both South Africa and New Zealand in the recently-concluded VB Series, Australia not only failed to qualify for a home one-day international finals series for just the third time in 22 years. But its batsmen also struggled to produce large scores on a consistent basis; a number of its biggest names endured lacklustre individual campaigns; and its policy of rotation – of which Waugh has generally been a strong advocate – did not work well.Against that background, impressive performances from a range of players pushing for inclusion in the team helped to foster the sense that some form of renewal might be required.Through this period, the symbolism of thumping wins by Australia ‘A’ – a collection of the nation’s second-tier players – over each of the two touring teams was especially hard to ignore.Outstanding cricket at domestic level from youngsters like Shane Watson, Paul Rofe, Michael Clarke and Sean Clingeleffer, meanwhile, effectively poured cold water on claims from some quarters that Australia might not have the depth to effectively cover the eventual loss of its senior players.The country’s unbeaten run at the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand has been another telling recent development.In itself, Waugh’s swift demise as one-day leader represents a major shock.He has been one of the world’s most distinguished players and it is not as though his recent performances have been in any sense underwhelming. The second-most capped player in one-day international history, he has scored 387 runs at an average of 48.38 in his last 11 innings; guided the side to 22 wins from its last 29 matches; and been far from the worst of its players.Waugh’s ruthlessness, his drive and his iron-willed determination were also crucial factors behind Australia’s World Cup wins of 1987 and 1999 and the acquisition of its mantle as the world’s number one side over recent years.Yet pressure was always likely to remain centred on his team for as long as it even gave the impression of toying with decline. And, if the selectors hadn’t detected the message during recent weeks that at least some tinkering with the side was needed, then any ambitions of a successful World Cup defence might as well have been surrendered.It is likely that Waugh won’t be the only player to experience first-hand the impact of such changes. His brother, Mark, is another for whom hope of a sustained career at one-day international level must now be cast in grave doubt. The futures of all-rounders Ian Harvey and Andrew Symonds will doubtless also be carefully considered.But, as captain of the side, the buck has most immediately stopped with him.At some point in the early part of this decade, Australia’s selectors were always likely to have to confront the stomach-churning decision of knowing when to end Waugh’s one-day international career.In attempting to determine exactly how Australia’s limited-overs fortunes will shape up without him, they have decided there is no better time than the present.
Brett Lee returned to international cricket for Australia against Pakistan at Sophia Gardens today in a secretive operation that would have made the CIA proud.Australian captain Steve Waugh handed Pakistan’s Waqar Younis the official team sheet as they walked out for the toss and Younis’s eyes would have widened when he saw the name listed at No.10 – B Lee.Setting up an all-pace showdown, Pakistan had already selected the Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar, to replace injured former captain Wasim Akram (shoulder).The ground was abuzz when the teams were announced over the loud speaker, and even the blowing of trumpets by the many Pakistanis in the crowd stopped, albeit briefly.Lee had not played since undergoing an elbow reconstruction in February following a limited overs match against Zimbabwe in Perth, and he was in England as a Test-squad member only.The plan was for the fastest bowler in the world to train with the Australians for the next few weeks, gradually building pace and fitness leading into the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on July 5.But injuries to Jason Gillespie (hamstring), Damien Fleming (calf) and Nathan Bracken (shoulder) forced the Australian selectors – Waugh and vice-captain Adam Gilchrist – to give Lee a run.They had given no hint, guarding their decision until only 15 minutes before play began.”Ladies and gentlemen, Brett Lee,” said the ground announcer before Lee ambled in with a loosener, timed at 75.3mph.His second ball hit 80.6 and his third, pitched short at the same pace, was pulled to the mid-wicket fence by Shahid Afridi.He was above 80mph for the rest of the over – with another boundary flying over slips – about 20mph shy of what he hopes will be top pace during the Ashes.He eventually took a wicket in his second over, dismissing Afridi, caught brilliantly by Mark Waugh.
Liverpool have been named as potential suitors for the signing of LOSC Lille midfielder Amadou Onana in a report from German news outlet MOPO (via Sport Witness).
The lowdown: Onana impressing in France
Since joining the French Ligue 1 club in the summer of 2021 from HSV Hamburg, the 20-year-old starlet has been on an upwards trajectory in terms of form.
Recently hailed for producing his ‘best match ever’ by Football Wonderkids on Twitter, Onana appears to be catching the eye.
Indeed, he bagged the only goal in Lille’s 1-0 win against Nantes at the weekend, also taking the ball from the opposition a whopping 11 times, and now a report from Germany claims that the Reds are among the admirers.
The latest: ‘Growing’ interest
It’s claimed by MOPO, as translated via SW, that Liverpool are ‘hot’ for the Belgium Under 21 ace, who is also wanted by West Ham. The report states that ‘several Premier League clubs are vying’ for the defensive-minded midfielder with interest from Anfield ‘now growing’.
Hamburg are watching on closely, as they will be due a sell-on fee from Lille if the French outfit cash in.
He has previously admitted to a desire to follow a similar career path to Divock Origi, saying ‘sign me up immediately’ at the prospect of joining a big club like Real Madrid or Liverpool.
The verdict: One for the future
As both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain approach the final 12 months of their contracts on Merseyside, Jurgen Klopp may well dip into the transfer market this summer.
All of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner are seemingly in need of constant fitness management and therefore add to the need for further reinforcements in Klopp’s squad.
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Standing at 6 foot 3 and boasting impressive attributes in both defensive and attacking traits (WhoScored), the talented Belgian would be a smart addition for new sporting director Julian Ward at Anfield.
In other news, Liverpool are interested in signing one 24 y/o EPL star. Read more here.
It’s ironic that a year that began with India celebrating a new openingcombination has ended with them grappling over the choice of their top two. Anage-old problem appeared to be sorting itself out but now it’s exploded into theirfaces.The New Year Test in Cape Town sawDinesh Karthik open for the first time and, with six 50-plus scores in six Tests,took up the role like a duck would to water. Karthik was India’s highestrun-getter in the series in England and, along with Wasim Jaffer, went aboutsetting the base for tall totals. Often it wasn’t just a platform, it was aterminus.Karthik’s poor form during the Pakistan series caused a few ripples before YuvrajSingh’s magnificent 169 in Bangalore caused what Anil Kumble termed a”happy headache”. After precisely one more Test that’s looking more like amigraine right now.A lot has happened over the last month or so: Karthik fell cheaply in his fourinnings as opener against Pakistan, Yuvraj cracked hundred, Virender Sehwag, in poor domestic form, was picked in the squad toAustralia on a hunch, Rahul Dravid, going through a lean phase, was asked to open,Dravid endured an agonising first innings at Melbourne, didn’t score much in thesecond dig, and, India lost heavily. To add to their worries Wasim Jaffer, whokept scoring through all the early turbulence, also fell early in both his chancesin Melbourne.”If you look at our batting order then all seven of them are batting well,”Kumble said of the line-up picked for the first Test, “and the other two openers, whocould have possibly taken someone else’s place, weren’t really getting runs. It isa difficult position for me. If Viru and Dinesh Karthik were in great form thenthe choice would have been easier.”It’s a hard choice for a captain but it’s a strange statement too. Karthik hasbeen off-colour since the Pakistan series and Sehwag has made more headlines forhis failures rather than successes on the domestic circuit. Both were picked, it’sbeen suggested, thanks largely to Kumble’s backing. As a captain he would haveexpected this situation.Neither were played in the tour match – probably because the first XI was decidedby then anyway – and were largely left to face the bowling machine. India wereleft with no choice but to push Dravid up to open. Kumble said as much. “WhenYuvraj is playing so well and we don’t pick him, you say why not? Then when we putRahul up the order and then make way for Yuvraj, you say ‘no you shouldn’t havedone that’. There are always ifs and buts, but for me personally I need to lookat the team dynamics and who is batting well.”Back-to-back Tests mean the team has little time to brainstorm. The SCG pitchappears to hold the key to their opening plans. Mitchell Johnson spoke about a”slow” pitch he had played on “not too long ago” but also added that he doesn’texpect a similar pitch for the Test. There has been talk of the surface being abit bouncier than normal, allowing the Australian pace bowlers an advantage.If India see some good pace and carry on the surface, there would be a temptationto play Sehwag. It won’t be a decision based on any logic but an outrightshoot-in-the-dark gamble. It might be a spectacular flop but could, with chunks ofluck, turn into a masterstroke. Kumble, who is normally known to be one to coverall bases, isn’t someone who has relied on a gambler’s instinct. He might still wantto play it safe, hoping for the same seven to fire, but he would surely be temptedto attempt the punt. You wouldn’t bet on it but a new year is supposed to beabout surprises.
On a day dominated by the announcement of Australia’s new coach, another coaching decision almost slipped under the radar. Greg Shipperd has benefited from Victoria’s outstanding 2006-07 season with a two-year reappointment as the Bushrangers’ coach.Victoria sit on top of the Pura Cup table and second in the Ford Ranger Cup, having last month claimed their second successive Twenty20 title. Shipperd said Victoria were well-placed heading into the last few rounds in each competition, despite the likely continued loss of their captain and vice-captain to the Australia side.Shipperd said Cameron White and Brad Hodge were key players but Victoria’s depth would mean the Bushrangers could get by without them. “There are a couple of good prospects there,” Shipperd told the .”Robert Quiney and Aiden Blizzard are probably the two we’ve looked at closely throughout this season with their second XI and Premier Cup form.” Quiney struggled in his few limited-overs outings for Victoria this season but an unbeaten 215 in Melbourne’s grade cricket on the weekend could make him the frontrunner to replace Hodge.Shipperd, who in 2003-04, his first season as coach, took Victoria to their first Pura Cup win in more than a decade, said hosting and winning the final this year was the team’s focus. “It would be foolish not to be positive about that possibility,” he said.
On a sultry evening in Colombo the Under-19 World Cup was launched withtypical Sri Lankan flair. The town may have been lashed by someunseasonably heavy rain, but that didn’t put a damper on the event as 16teams and numerous dignitaries descended on the Taj Samudra hotel.This is the second time Sri Lanka has hosted the tournament, and alongwith the 2002 Champions Trophy, they know how to put on a decent show.Tonight that involved traditional dancing and the appearance of a verywell behaved elephant.The Under-19 World Cup has grown in stature since the 1998tournament, and there were some heavyweight figures on the top table.Malcolm Speed had flown in this morning and was joined by the Sri LankanMinister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Jeewan Kumaranatunga, the chairmanof Sri Lanka Cricket, Jayantha Dharmadasa and Ian Frykberg, directorof the Global Cricket Corporation.First of all, the captains were paraded onto stage preceded by a group of drummersand lively dancers. Moises Henriques, the Australian captain, led the wayaccompanied by his flag bearer. A special round of applause was saved forthe host country and their skipper, Angelo Mathews, and the two tables ofUSA players greeted their captain with hearty applause. The widest smileswere also worn by the players from some of the lesser known countries,with the Ugandans clearly soaking up the atmosphere.
Digital cameras were not in short supply, as players grabbed memories ofthe biggest moment in their life. There was one player, however, who willhave been fairly used to the situation: Nepal’s captain, Kanishka Chaugai,is appearing in his third Under-19 World Cup – an impressive feat.As the captains lined up on stage, they lit up a world map behind them witheach of their countries. Asia was aglow – five nations are involved in theWorld Cup – but the British Isles was also shining strongly, and the USAbeaming brightly. The ICC want a global game and this tournament iscertainly not lacking for diversity. It would be a success if not only a clutch of young players came onto the scene, but a couple of developing cricketing nations made steps to establish themselves.The `big’ attraction then made its appearance; a huge elephant – withrider – plodded into the marquee, carrying the trophy and presenting it toSpeed. It was an impressive addition to the show, certainly not somethingyou would see at Lord’s or the MCG, but you just sat there hoping it wasnot an easily spooked animal. The master of ceremonies couldn’t resist anobvious pun as the elephant plodded away, claiming this was going to be a”jumbo tournament.”Speed’s opening speech followed and showed he still had a sense of humour,despite a number of testing situations he has had to deal with around theworld of late. “The ICC are often blamed when things go wrong ininternational cricket,” he said, “so it was no surprise that as I drovefrom the airport in the heavy rain I was told it was the first time in 12years it had rained in February.”There certainly isn’t much that can be done about the weather and it justhas to be hoped that it doesn’t affect the tournament to any great extent.Despite the untimely rain, however, thoughts are now firmly turningtowards the real action with the build-up now complete. As Speedadded, “may the best team win.”
Almost two decades later, Javed Miandad, the scrapper who knew not how to throw in the towel, would confess to having almost done just that. When Imran Khan departed with 37 runs still needed, Pakistan needed eight an over. “I thought then that we had no serious chance of victory,” wrote Miandad in his autobiography. “I just wanted to salvage some pride for Pakistan. I had no plan, other than to bat out the full fifty overs in the hope that we would at least lose with some dignity.”He managed far more. With 31 needed from the final three overs, Miandad whittled the target down to 18 with the aid of a superb six over long-on off Chetan Sharma. But despite the presence of the big-hitting Wasim Akram in the middle, Pakistan could manage just seven from Kapil Dev’s final over, leaving Sharma, a 20-year-old who had already earned 28 ODI caps, with the task of denying Miandad, who had cut his way to an imperious hundred in his previous over.But though Akram was run out going for a second run off the first ball, Miandad smashed the next to the mid-on fence to ease the pressure. The next delivery was fetched nonchalantly from outside off stump, but a splendid diving stop from Roger Binny kept the batsmen to just one. Zulqarnain’s swat at the ensuing ball saw the stumps rearranged, leaving Tauseef Ahmed, a man with no great batting pedigree, to conjure up five from the last two balls. With Miandad urging him to scamper a single at any cost, Tauseef tipped the ball to short-cover and set off. Mohammad Azharuddin, India’s premier fielder, pounced and picked up in one fluid motion but, crucially, his shy at the stumps missed with Tauseef still yards short.With four needed, it was merely a question of who would blink first. Miandad, with more than a decade of experience behind him, anticipated the yorker, and sure enough, Sharma attempted just that. But when the ball slipped out of the hand, the potentially lethal stump-wrecker metamorphosed into a woeful leg-side full toss. For those watching, time stood still as Miandad’s bat arced swiftly to send the ball soaring over the midwicket boundary. It was a heist that would have done Ronald Biggs and friends proud, and Miandad himself admitted: “Up until the final delivery, India’s dominance remained supreme.”That dominance had been built on a stolid 92 from Sunil Gavaskar, buttressed by half-centuries from Krishnamachari Srikkanth and Dilip Vengsarkar. And with Pakistan’s top order not doing enough to supplement Miandad’s courageous effort, it appeared that the Indian total of 245 would be more than enough, in an age when turbo-charged starts and pinch-hitting were almost unheard of.In retrospect, that one resounding stroke was to signify far more than a final won. For years afterwards, India were no match for Pakistan in the one-day arena, shell-shock victims unable to regain a sense of perspective. There may have been tears in the Pakistani dressing room that evening, but it was India that were to weep over the unimaginably deep Miandad-inflicted cuts for the best part of a decade.
Marcus Trescothick suffered a strain to his right thumb, not as at first feared a fracture, during the final session of play on the second day of the second Test at Chittagong.The injury occurred when Trescothick, who was at first slip, dived to his left in an unsuccessful bid to catch an edge from Mushfiqur Rahman off Matthew Hoggard. The ball struck him on the end of his thumb, and a clearly uncomfortable Trescothick immediately jogged off the field. He was rushed to hospital and there were fears that he might have sustained a more serious injury.”It was very, very sore and I was worried that it might be something serious, especially after what happened last year,” a clearly relieved Trescothick said.”At this stage I’m not sure when I’ll be back but I’m hopeful of playing in the one-day series. I feel relieved after being very sceptical about my immediate chances.”