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Thami Tsolekile has been identified as the successor to Mark Boucher in Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) first decisive move to find a replacement wicketkeeper

Firdose Moonda13-Feb-2012Thami Tsolekile has been identified as the successor to Mark Boucher in Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) first decisive move to find a replacement wicketkeeper. Tsolekile was named as one of 22 contracted players for the 2012-13 season, the first time CSA have contracted a second wicketkeeper in 13 years since contracts were first awarded in 1998.”There’s definitely intention there for him to play for South Africa in the longer formats. We’ve showed our hand and said we think he is ready to be a successor,” Andrew Hudson, convenor of selectors told ESPNcricinfo. “But the selection decisions still have to happen and there are no guarantees.”Tsolekile has been playing first-class cricket since 1999 and represented South Africa in three Tests in 2004, when Boucher was dropped after a lean patch. He took six catches but scored only 47 runs and Boucher was soon back at the helm, a position he has occupied for the last 15 years.However, Boucher has suffered a dip in form himself, having last scored a Test century in November 2008 and has faced mounting pressure over his place in the side. He acknowledged that he is considering retirement soon saying that he knows, “everything has to come to an end,” and has forced CSA to intensify their search for a successor.In previous years it has been difficult to isolate one of the franchise ‘keepers as the next best in the country, but the selection committee was forced to do so in the most recent meeting. Contenders included Heino Kuhn, who has played a handful of Twenty20 matches for South Africa, Dane Vilas, who is taking lessons from Boucher at the Cobras and Daryn Smit, who bowls legspin occasionally. But, the selectors have settled on Tsolekile, saying his recent form with the bat and maturity behind the stumps gave him the edge.”He has always impressed at South Africa A level and he scored runs in England and Sri Lanka. The 58 he scored against the Australians in Potchefstroom at the start of the summer was also important,” Hudson said. Tsolekile has averaged over 50 with the bat in two of the last three domestic seasons while his glovework has remained, according to Hudson, “outstanding.”Although he has not been included in the national side for next month’s tour to New Zealand, Hudson said he would be considered for the England series later in the year. It is hoped that Boucher last act, which he has hinted could be on that very tour, will be to play an active role in grooming his successor. “His contribution to the national squad has been immense,” Hudson said. “Maybe it can be part of his farewell to leave a legacy and teach his understudy.”Full list of CSA contracted players

Graeme Smith (Test captain), AB de Villiers (ODI and T20 captain), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Alviro Petersen, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thami Tsolekile

Tsolekile has shown that he is willing to learn and had made significant improvements from when he first appeared for South Africa. “I was very surprised to get a national contract but all the hard work I’ve put in has paid off,” he said. “As a cricketer I have matured with age and experience and I am more ready now than when I made my debut and I would love to get another chance.”Tsolekile is one of three newly contracted players, with the other two being Jacques Rudolph and Faf du Plessis. Rudolph was recalled to the South African Test squad at the start of the season for the series against Australia. After seven innings opening the batting without a half-century, Rudolph was moved down the order to No. 6 and said that with his place in slight limbo, did not expect to get a contract.”I was surprised but it’s very nice that they have invested their trust me and I would like to repay that,” he said. “I would like to have performed better because I got a lot of starts but did not capitalise on that. Gary [Kirsten] (the coach) has made it clear that he wants to give players extended runs so it’s nice to know I have his backing.”With Rudolph’s place at No.6 still an experimental one, Ashwell Prince’s contract was renewed despite him being dropped from the Test squad after the second Test against Sri Lanka. “We never want to write people off and the No. 6 position is still open,” Hudson said. “If Ashwell is playing well it can only benefit South Africa. He has been a great servant of the game and is still in our plans.”Those cut from the contracts list include Loots Bosman and Ryan McLaren. Bosman has struggled to find form after undergoing knee reconstruction surgery two seasons ago while McLaren has been left out despite good form. He was the leading allrounder in the recently completed four-day SuperSport Series with 576 runs and 26 wickets.Another name of interest left off the list is young tearaway Marchant de Lange, who is currently on his first full tour with the national side. de Lange has played just one Test and Hudson said he will be a part of South Africa’s future plans. “If you look at it, it took Vernon [Philander] two full series, against Australia and Sri Lanka, before he was offered a contract. We can’t always relate contracts to who we will play going forward because selection decisions still have to be made but Marchant is definitely part of the plans.”

Ijaz Butt will continue in his role as the PCB’s chairman until Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari decides on whether to extend his tenure

Umar Farooq08-Oct-2011Ijaz Butt will continue in his role as the PCB’s chairman until Pakistan’s president Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the Patron of the board, decides on whether to extend his tenure. The matter is under consideration at the moment, and till a decision is arrived at, the incumbent will continue in office.Butt, whose constitutional three-year tenure ended today, left for Dubai to attend the ICC’s executive board meeting, putting to an end speculation of an immediate removal. “The matter of the extension of his tenure is under consideration,” the president’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar told ESPNcricinfo. “As per the normal practice in our governmental system, anyone whose tenure ends can carry on with [the president’s] consent.”So, while the case of his extension is being considered, he can work.”Butt took over from Nasim Ashraf on October 8, 2008 and, unlike several of his predecessors, completed his tenure – in the previous decade and a half Tauqir Zia, Shahryar Khan and Ashraf all had to step down before their tenure ran out.His tenure, though, has been plagued with controversies, including the armed attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore that resulted in Pakistan being denied the chance to co-host the 2011 World Cup, the spot-fixing scandal (and the problems with the ECB in its aftermath when Butt made controversial accusations against the England team), Zulqarnain Haider’s fleeing to the UK mid-way through a tour after receiving threats from bookies and, most recently, a much-publicised clash with Shahid Afridi.Pakistan’s on-field results in the same period though were commendable, the highlights being the team’s triumph in the World Twenty20 in England in 2009, the semi-final finish in the 2011 World Cup and a successful tour of New Zealand.

Dinesh Chandimal has been fined 10% of his match fee, while Mohammad Hafeez has been reprimanded, both for showing dissent at the umpire’s decision

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Nov-2011Sri Lankan batsman Dinesh Chandimal has been fined 10% of his match fee for showing dissent at the umpire’s decision during the one-off Twenty20 against Pakistan on Friday. The Pakistan opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez has been officially reprimanded for the same offence, in a separate incident.Both batsmen showed their bats to the umpire after they were adjudged lbw. Chandimal, who top scored with 56, was dismissed by Aizaz Cheema while Hafeez fell to Thisara Perera for 13. Pakistan went on to win by five wickets with three balls to spare. Both players were guilty of breaching Level 1 offences.”Accepting an umpire’s decision is an essential feature of cricket and part of the game’s unique spirit,” said the ICC match referee Andy Pycroft. “These players’ behaviour was not acceptable in any form of cricket and they must take responsibility for what they do.”

Essex condemned Unicorns to their sixth Clydesdale Bank 40 defeat in as many matches as they coasted to an eight-wicket victory in today’s Group C match at Chelmsford

22-May-2011
ScorecardEssex condemned Unicorns to their sixth Clydesdale Bank 40 defeat in as many matches as they coasted to an eight-wicket victory in today’s Group C match at Chelmsford.After restricting their opponents to a modest 183 for 9, Essex triumphed with 14 balls to spare to preserve their season’s unbeaten record in the competition. An unbroken third-wicket partnership of 149 between opener Mark Pettini and Matt Walker, both of who scored half-centuries, saw the hosts home after Adam Wheater was caught at slip without scoring and Owais Shah fell victim to an unlucky dismissal with the total on 35.Shah, making his debut for the county following his return from the Indian Premier League, had made 13 when he was run out – bowler Dan Wheeldon deflecting a straight drive from Pettini onto the stumps with the batsman out of his ground.That was the last time the Unicorns had anything to celebrate, with Pettini and Walker underlining the gulf in class between the two sides. Pettini stroked his way to 88 runs from 106 balls, including nine fours and a six, while Walker’s 71 from 94 deliveries contained eight fours.Paceman Wheeldon was the pick of the Unicorns bowlers with figures of one for 25 from his eight overs, three of which were maidens. Former Hampshire batsman Chris Benham was the rock of the visitors’ innings, hitting an unbeaten 54 from 85 balls, an effort that contained just three fours. Mike Thornley and Glen Querl were the other main contributors with 36 and 23 respectively.Hopes of Unicorns setting Essex a testing challenge were dashed by Chris Wright, whose accuracy and hostility brought him figures of four wickets for 20 runs from eight overs. The pace bowler could have reaped a richer harvest, beating the bat without reward on several occasions.For good measure Wright also took a fine catch low down on the long-on boundary to remove Thornley and provide Lonwabo Tsotsobe with his only success at a cost of 39 runs. Left-arm spinner Tim Phillips picked up 2 for 33 from his eight overs, while 17-year-old Reece Topley and Graham Napier each finished with one wicket.As the game unfolded, Essex were able to celebrate victory by the same margin as when the sides met a fortnight ago.

Respected transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped an exciting update regarding Arsenal’s interest in Monaco midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni…

What’s the word?

Speaking to German outlet Wettfreunde, the Italian Sky Sports journalist revealed that the Gunners are one of the clubs that “are following” the talented Frenchman, with the 22-year-old said to be keen on a Premier League move.

Previous reports have credited Mikel Arteta’s side with an interest in the former Bordeaux man, although they may face stiff competition from both Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for his signature.

In full, he said: “A lot of clubs in the Premier League are following him. Arsenal, Manchester United to name just two. He would like to play in the Premier League. He has stayed at Monaco for another year to await a chance to play in the Premier League. I think that will be the summer when he changes.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The north London outfit are currently flying high with a Champions League spot well within their grasp, although one position that remains an area of concern is central midfield, with Arteta currently down to the bare bones with regards to potential options.

Summer signing Albert Sambi Lokonga is yet to truly establish himself in the side, while former Atletico Madrid powerhouse Thomas Partey has been plagued by injuries since his £45m switch two years ago, with the Ghanian facing a race against time to feature again this season.

That has left both Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny as the club’s senior midfield options, although the latter faces an uncertain future with just a month or so left on his existing deal, despite having been the subject of praise from pundit Owen Hargreaves.

A new addition is then of paramount importance this summer, with Tchouameni seemingly the perfect fit as the defensive presence in an attack-minded side.

Not only does he fit with the club’s youthful transfer policy of late – with the Emirates outfit signing six players under the age of 23 last summer – but he also offers genuine quality, having been tipped to become a “complete midfielder” by teammate and former Gunner Cesc Fabregas.

The Spaniard knows what it takes to star in an Arsenal side, with his club colleague showing all the signs that he can be the man to pull the strings in midfield for years to come. However, his physical qualities are also symbolic of a certain Patrick Vieira, someone the north Londoners have been trying to replace for over a decade now.

The Monaco man has enjoyed another fine campaign for club and country, having made 2.8 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game in his 32 Ligue 1 outings so far this season, while he’s also won an impressive 64% of his total duels.

Equally, he also ranks in the top 17% for progressive passes made and in the top 13% for total shots among players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing he is much more than just a midfield destroyer.

Dubbed a “monster” by France U21 boss Sylvain Ripoll for his athletic ability, the £36m-rated ace is the type of player that the Gunners are simply crying out for at present, with a marquee midfield addition needed to help them kick on again next year.

IN other news, 0 passes all game: Arsenal flop doing a “Sanogo impression” must now never start again…

Rahul Dravid believes day/night Test cricket can be part of the future having experienced first-hand MCC’s experiment with pink balls in Abu Dhabi

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Mar-2011Rahul Dravid believes day/night Test cricket can be part of the future having experienced first-hand MCC’s experiment with pink balls under floodlights in Abu Dhabi. Dravid hit 106 in the second innings against Nottinghamshire and was impressed with his first sighting of the different coloured ball as MCC continue their trials into floodlit first-class matches.Dravid’s first attempt ended with a second-ball duck on the opening day when he was trapped lbw by Luke Fletcher but he had much more success second time around. It was a valuable experience for Dravid, who is also part of the MCC World Cricket Committee which is pushing for day/night Tests.”There is definitely a future for day-night Test and first-class cricket,” Dravid said. “I think there are a few further tweaks that need to be made, and it would be beneficial to play some more trial matches at different venues and in different conditions, but as with any new innovation administrators and the players will need to take a leap of faith at some point.”When the pink ball was first used in the corresponding fixture last year there was criticism about the colour of the seam which has been modified by the manufactures Kookaburra. Dravid said for the most part he had no problems picking up the ball although, a little like day/night one-day cricket, the twilight period was a little tricky.”The 30-40 minutes when the natural light starts to fade, and the lights begin to take effect are challenging, and batting does become a little bit more difficult – but once you get through this period sighting the ball is quite easy,” he said. “If you are established at the crease it is not such a problem, and for a new batsman starting his innings, it is really just something to keep in mind. With practice players will learn to adapt to the challenge, and tactics will start to come into play, which can only add interest.”

Surrey’s batsmen endured a day to forget as they lost 12 wickets to end 208 behind Middlesex at Lord’s

Sahil Dutta at Lord's28-Apr-2011
ScorecardSurrey’s batsmen endured a day to forget as they lost 12 wickets to end 208 behind Middlesex at Lord’s. With Tom Maynard, who made an unbeaten 98, the one outstanding exception, batsmen came and left with a shrug. Surrey’s first innings folded in 56.3 overs and they were two down in the follow-on as Chris Adams and Rory Hamilton-Brown’s youthful side had their first really disappointing outing of the season.Given the number of poor dismissals, singling out any one batsman seems unfair. In Surrey’s first innings Michael Brown pushed at a wide Steven Finn delivery for 9, but that was better than Steve Davies, who faced three balls before slashing Corey Collymore to third slip. Zander de Bruyn wasted his good form by trying to squeeze a cut that was never on in Collymore’s next over to make it 19 for 4 but none of the dismissals were as frustrating as Hamilton-Brown’s.Surrey needed a captain’s innings to better even Neil Dexter’s hundred the day before. As ever, Hamilton-Brown was bullish in the face of crisis and struck four crisp boundaries before he’d made 20. But having reached 47 off 57 deliveries he gave it all away. A straight ball from Steven Crook deserved a straight bat. Instead he tried to whip it through midwicket and fell lbw. He is an immensely gifted player but has some way still to develop and whether captaincy is helping that is questionable.All the while Maynard was building an impressive follow-up to his century against Glamorgan. With a rugby-player’s frame he swatted Collymore into the grand stand and pushed an uppish drive that rocketed to the cover rope a ball later. As wickets fell to an array of careless shots at the other end, he progressed past fifty and registered his 1000th first-class run by lifting a towering six back over Dexter’s head.With Tim Linley for company at No. 10 he pushed a single off the first ball of Ollie Rayner’s 13th over to reach 98 but ruefully watched on as Linley and Jade Dernbach edged successive deliveries to slip to leave Surrey 242 behind and following on, and Maynard deserted on 98.There was enough time before the day was out for Finn to impress from the Pavilion End again. Brown completed his bad afternoon by edging routinely to Rayner for a duck before de Bruyn fended low to gully, unable to control a delivery that spat from a length. Like Brown, it was de Bruyn’s second dismissal in the day, but at least the bowler was to blame this time. It meant each of Surrey’s top four batsmen had collected ducks in the day and Middlesex could look forward to joining Lord’s ‘street-style’ wedding party on Friday with victory in sight.

Being stripped of the Bangladesh vice-captaincy has not left Tamim Iqbal unsettled

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Sep-2011Tamim Iqbal has said he is not upset by the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s decision to sack him as vice-captain. Playing well for the team, he said, was more important than occupying the post, though he would have preferred it if the BCB had spoken to him about the decision beforehand.”I feel normal, to be very honest,” he told the after a training session in Mirpur. “I didn’t ask for the vice-captaincy and neither did I hand it back. It [sacking him] was totally the board’s decision. I am not worried about the reason [behind the decision].”I’m the happiest man in the world as long as I’m performing and playing for Bangladesh. If I play well and the board thinks I’m the right man, it [the leadership role] will come back again. At this moment, maybe I’m not the right man, so I’m fine with it. [But] If they discussed it with me at least once, it would’ve been better. Even so, I have no complaints.”Tamim took over as vice-captain from Mushfiqur Rahim ahead of the 2011 World Cup and, with captain Shakib Al Hasan, was stripped of his title on September 5, in the aftermath of a dismal tour of Zimbabwe. Indiscipline was cited as one of the reasons for the pair’s removal. Tamim, however, said he thought he had met the requirements of being vice-captain.”There isn’t much work for a vice-captain on the field but off it, I have done my duty and done well,” he said. Now though, he said he’s looking forward to moving ahead. “There are lots of other issues, but at this moment, we should leave all these alone. We better start thinking of the upcoming series. We are all concerned about Bangladesh winning games and playing well.”

Celtic had to settle for a 0-0 draw at Easter Road against Hibernian, with Ange Postecoglou’s side failing to stretch their lead at the top of the Premiership to six points. 

The Hoops appeared to lack quality in the final third days on from a Europa Conference League defeat to Bodo/Glimt, with rivals Rangers now having the chance to cut the lead at the top of the table to one point this afternoon.

There were some pretty underwhelming Celtic performances, and The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the Hoops’ three worst outfield starters were. In total, these players lost the ball a whopping times, were second best in % of their aerial and ground duels and

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-22/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Daizen Maeda – 6.3/10

Maeda finished with an on-the-whistle rating of 6.3/10. The forward played in a central role with Giorgos Giakoumakis missing and didn’t win any of his four duels.

He also gave up possession seven times and failed to complete a dribble or cross or register a single shot.

Liel Abada – 6.4/10

Abada struggled on the right-wing, losing possession on 19 occasions. He lost five of his 11 duels and also completed just one of his six attempted crosses.

The summer signing also missed two big chances and didn’t register a key pass, ending with a 6.4/10 rating.

Tom Rogic – 6.5/10

Rogic once again lined up in a three-man midfield but looked off the pace at Easter Road, with Postecglou replacing the playmaker before the hour mark.

He lost the ball on 10 occasions, was second-best in five of his nine duels and failed to complete a cross or a long ball. The 29-year-old was also booked and didn’t attempt a shot all afternoon.

In other news: Journalist drops ‘insane’ Celtic transfer claim regarding Ange moving for Real Madrid winger.

Harbhajan Singh has said that India’s effort to save this Test from the depths of 5 for 15 showed why they were the No. 1 team

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Nov-2010Harbhajan Singh has said that India’s effort to save this Test from the depths of 5 for 15 in their second innings showed why they are the top-ranked Test side in the world. “This is what the No. 1 team can do; anyone can come and perform. We believe in each other. Everyone felt that if Ishant [Sharma] and VVS Laxman can win the game in Mohali, why can’t Harbhajan Singh go out and make 60-odd, and Laxman score 150 for team India and save the game?We have lots of self belief and that’s why we are the No. 1 side.”Harbhajan won the Man-of-the-Match award for his batting exploits, something he never dreamed he would do in a Test. “May be in the one-dayers I thought I can get a chance to go up the order, slog a few, get a quick 50-odd and be the Man of the Match.He also felt that Chris Martin was the real Man of the Match for his devastating spell on the fourth day. “Hats off to this guy (Martin) for he bowled his heart out on this flat wicket. For me he is the Man of the Match; to take five wickets on this pitch was something really special.”Harbhajan has talked in the past about his team-mates have always believed he could get a Test hundred, and they shared his joy after he finally reached the landmark. “Now I know how it feels to get a hundred. I was really thrilled and excited. It helped us save the Test. You must have seen how the players were enjoying each other’s success. When I got my hundred everyone was in the balcony to support me. That was a great sign.”He was effusive in his praise for Laxman. ” toh Laxman hi hai (Laxman is the man for a crisis). I was just supporting him. He was the reason I got my hundred; He kept saying I am batting really well and to concentrate this over, then the next over and then the next. If he was not on the other side, things could have been different. He batted superbly. He was little unlucky with his decision, else he would have got his hundred as well.”Both Laxman and Zaheer Khan fell to poor umpiring decisions today, and Harbhajan was asked his opinion on the Umpire Decision Review System. “As a bowler, I don’t mind if that system comes. We had it in Sri Lanka and I quite liked it as I got couple of wickets. But I am no one to decide on this. Big people decide; my job is to just bowl, bat, and field. That’s the best I can do.”Harbhajan said a lot of the credit for his innings should go to Laxman, who told him what shots to play and what shots not to play. “He told me to not to play on-the-rise shots; that was the only thing I looked to avoid on this pitch. I was just waiting for the right kind of ball in my area where I was comfortable to hit my shots.”The lifeless pitch was reason why India decided not to declare and push for the win. Daniel [Vettori] bowled 35-36 overs to take two wickets. And you saw the replays of them to see what sort of decisions they were. There was nothing in the pitch. We made the right decision of not declaring.”Harbhajan also reiterated his pre-match statements that New Zealand are a good side, saying one bad series doesn’t make them a bad side. “I think it [the performance in Bangladesh] was over-hyped in New Zealand. We also lost to Bangladesh in the World Cup. That doesn’t make us a bad team. When two teams play, one will win and one will lose.”