All posts by h716a5.icu

With the series wrapped up, Nathan Hauritz and Michael Hussey have been rested from the final match against West Indies at the MCG in Friday

Cricinfo staff16-Feb-2010With the series wrapped up, Nathan Hauritz and Michael Hussey have been rested for the final match against West Indies at the MCG in Friday. Steven Smith, the rookie legspinning allrounder, has won a national call after a promising Twenty20 debut against Pakistan recently.”The panel has decided to give Mike Hussey and Nathan Hauritz the final match of series off in order to prepare for the upcoming tour of New Zealand,” the chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said. “Both Mike and Nathan have been significant contributors to the success of the team this summer and managing their workloads now will ensure they are well-prepared for what lies ahead.”It’s been an exciting season already for Steven Smith and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity in Australia’s one-day international squad.”Smith has made a name for himself in Twenty20 cricket having helped New South Wales win the inaugural Champions League title in India last October. He was also New South Wales’ leading wicket-taker during the 2009-10 Big Bash tournament with seven at 10.28.Hussey and Hauritz have featured in all of Australia’s engagements during a busy and unbeaten summer. Hussey has been Australia’s strongest middle-order player in one-dayers this season while Hauritz has assumed the mantle of first-choice spinner in all formats. The pair has been given a much-needed chance to rest up ahead of the trip to New Zealand. Brad Haddin will also return to the side, replacing the Tasmanian Tim Paine.Australia squad Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Shaun Marsh, Brad Haddin (wk), Cameron White, Adam Voges, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Steven Smith, Clint McKay, Doug Bollinger.

Noel Whelan says Everton could benefit from bringing a re-energised Ross Barkley back to Goodison Park. 

The lowdown

TEAMtalk reported last week that the Blues were keen on signing Barkley on loan in January.

This comes as Chelsea consider whether to sanction a mid-season move for the 27-year-old.

Newcastle United were said to be ‘leading the chase’, with Leeds United also in the running.

Barkley, who spent last season at Aston Villa, has made eight appearances for Chelsea in all competitions this term.

Thomas Tuchel selected him in the starting line-up for the draw with Burnley prior to the international break.

Barkley apparently earns £5million a year at Stamford Bridge, which equates to about £95,000 per week.

The latest

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said he could envisage Barkley donning the Toffees’ shirt once again.

He’s impressed by the desire Barkley has shown in his outings for Chelsea of late and feels he could rediscover his best form at Everton.

“I think that would be a good signing and I can see it happening,” he said.

“We’re seeing a different Ross Barkley right now to the one we saw at Aston Villa last season – he’s got his mojo back.

“He’s got that hunger; he wants to impress when he comes off the bench at Chelsea – he’s pressing and hustling the opposition really well.

“He’s also capable of getting into that final third and causing teams problems in there, as well.

“I was disappointed with his performances at Aston Villa, he had a real opportunity to make the grade there and step into that Grealish-shaped hole this season.

“He’s not hit the heights of his potential, but he could get back to his best back at Everton.”

The verdict

Barkley played 179 games in his first spell at Everton, scoring 27 goals and providing 28 assists (via Transfermarkt).

But the manner of exit in January 2018 upset some supporters, and so a return would probably generate a mixed reaction.

Indeed, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine Goodison turning on Barkley fairly quickly if his form dipped.

Perhaps it’s better for both parties to consider that chapter closed.

In other news, fans loved this man’s comments.

Everton have received some positive injury news regarding the recovery of key midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure this week.

What’s the word?

The influential 28-year-old had been in fine form in the opening weeks of the current campaign until he picked up a foot problem in the 1-0 defeat against West Ham United on 17 September.

Originally, reports suggested Doucoure could be sidelined for up to seven weeks due to the stress damage in his metatarsal, but reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Doucoure could be back in action much sooner.

He tweeted: “Abdoulaye Doucouré injury update. Everton midfielder will be back earlier than expected: he’s preparing his comeback in four/four and half weeks, after the international break. #EFC Finally some good news for Rafa Benitez.”

Everton fans will be buzzing

With star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and centre-back Yerry Mina also incurring his own fitness worries, news that Doucoure will be available earlier than anticipated will have the Everton fans buzzing with excitement.

The box-to-box dynamo had been one of the Merseyside outfit’s standout performers of 2021/22 before his injury, bagging two goals and providing four assists in his eight Premier League appearances – a superior contribution to the entirety of the previous campaign in 21 games fewer.

And his absence from Everton’s starting XI was clearly missed last time out. Although his replacement in the middle of the park Tom Davies opened the scoring after just three minutes, Doucoure’s former side Watford dished out a 5-2 thrashing to his current employers.

Therefore, news of his positive progress will be warmly welcomed by Rafa Benitez and the Goodison Park faithful as they go in search of a top-six finish in the Premier League – something that is more than possible with the side sat only three points off the top-four.

Having Doucoure back sooner will bolster their chances of achieving that and that should leave everyone concerned with the club absolutely delighted.

And, in other news…Everton receive boost in pursuit of “quality” £22.5m-rated gem, Rafa will be buzzing

Martin Crowe, the former New Zealand captain who was a vocal critic of the previous coaching regime, has expressed his happiness with the new-look team announced on Saturday to take on West Indies

Cricinfo staff06-Dec-2008
Tim McIntosh is in the form of his life, says Martin Crowe © Getty Images
Martin Crowe, the former New Zealand captain who was a vocal critic of the previous coaching regime, has expressed his happiness with the new-look team announced on Saturday to take on West Indies. The New Zealand selectors had made several changes, including dropping opener Aaron Redmond and fast bowler Chris Martin, and recalled Mark Gillespie besides calling up opener Tim McIntosh.”The team selected for the first Test is a ripper. Batsmen like McIntosh, in the form of his life, and quickies like Gillespie, charging in fit and strong, is fantastic news,” he told New Zealand’s .Other changes to the squad include the recall of allrounder James Franklin and the return of Jacob Oram from injury. “With Oram back fit too and Brendon McCullum finding form in Adelaide, the team now have, with the skipper [Daniel Vettori] and the return of James Franklin, the most explosive multi-talented allrounders in the game. This lower order is arguably the strongest NZ has ever selected.”There is a powerful look to the whole squad and, along with a smaller support group, these men will prosper in this series and going forward.”Earlier this week, Crowe had called New Zealand’s innings-defeat to Australia in Adelaide “our worst moment in Test cricket” and the five years under former coach John Bracewell, who stepped down after that loss, “probably the most destructive to our game in the history of our game.”He had also been particularly harsh on opener Redmond, who he felt “never was a Test player and never will be”. However, Crowe apologised for the comments on Redmond, who had a rough first year of Test cricket, averaging 23 in seven Tests. “It was uncalled for given how tough Test cricket is and he has only been in it for less than 12 months.”

Antonio Conte plans to give Dele Alli another chance to prove himself at Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s been said?

In recent comments cited by 90min, the new Spurs manager revealed that he plans to give each and every Tottenham player, including the 25-year-old midfielder, a chance to prove their worth to the club in the coming weeks – despite widespread reports that the former Inter Milan boss is planning something of a clearout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Speaking specifically about Dele’s future in north London, the 52-year-old said: ” For sure I will give him the possibility to show his talent.”

Fans will be delighted

It is undeniable that Dele has been nowhere near his best for Spurs in recent years, with the England international having fallen out with Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese manager’s 17-month spell in charge of Tottenham, as well as generally struggling for both game-time and form since the departure of Mauricio Pochettino back in 2019. However, the news that Conte looks set to give the 25-year-old another chance in the side is sure to delight Spurs fans.

Indeed, the £27m-rated maestro is undoubtedly a player who possesses the ability to be an incredibly influential part of the Tottenham side, as he demonstrated during his first few seasons in North London.

After making a £5.97m move to Spurs in February 2015, the midfielder went on to score an impressive 10 goals and registered nine assists over his 33 Premier League appearances during his debut campaign for the club, before following up these returns with an even more astonishing 18 goals and nine assists over 37 league fixtures in 2016/17.

The £100k-per-week midfielder went on to score a further nine goals and registered 11 assists over 36 Premier League appearances in 2017/18, bringing his total number of goals to 37 and his assists tally to 39 in just 106 top-flight fixtures in his first three seasons at Spurs.

As such, should Conte be able to help Dele rediscover this form at Spurs, the attacking midfielder would undoubtedly prove to be a hugely important part of the Italian’s first team squad. That is an outcome which would certainly have Spurs fans buzzing.

In other news – Bye-bye Dier: Paratici must seal Spurs swoop for £200k-p/w Conte target, he’s a “monster”

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left reacting to some comments which have emerged from Connor Goldson.

Speaking to the media ahead of their game at home to Brondby in the UEFA Europa League group stage on Thursday night, the central defender spoke on whether he is any closer to signing a new deal at Ibrox (via Jordan Campbell).

“No, I haven’t heard anything. I haven’t really spoken to my agent or the club recently so I couldn’t tell you where it’s at but I’m just focused on the club, playing football & making sure this club wins.”

Goldson is out of contract next summer, and West Ham United have reportedly been monitoring the situation ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window (Football Insider). He currently holds a market value of £6.75m.

The 28 year-old is clearly a crucial player for the Light Blues, having played in all but two matches and captained the side on a few occasions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Thus, there is a debate amongst supporters over whether to just give him a new contract, or sell him for a fee in January at the risk of losing him for free.

Rangers fans on Goldson news

These Gers reacted to the news as it was shared on Twitter, with one RFC fan even going as far as to claim that it is a ‘major issue’:

“Sell him in January, get some money in”

Credit: @RenegadeUk101

“I think this is a major issue for the team this season. Lack of commitment affecting everyone. Would be nice to be able to drop him.”

Credit: @MacdonaldRamsay

“He should have been sold in the summer. Letting his contract run down is madness.”

Credit: @Motor_Ted

“Shocking. Treating our club and fans like idiots. Shouldn’t play for us again. Basically using us to stay match fit until he signs for someone on a free. Shambles of a situation.”

Credit: @dbr1872

“That will be a no then, strange one this!”

Credit: @Grantmckay01

“Nonsense, he’s been offered more cash elsewhere that the club can’t or won’t match and he wants to go on a free. Get rid in January.”

Credit: @RobertMenzies79

In other news, find out what price tag Rangers have put on Joe Aribo here!

Newcastle United transfer target Adrien Rabiot has commented on speculation over his future at Juventus…

What’s the talk?

The Magpies are reportedly looking into a deal to sign the French international, with the Italian giants said to be keen on cashing in on him in January. Juventus are reportedly wanting a fee in the region of £8.5m for his services.

However, Rabiot appears keen to remain at the Serie A club as he reaffirmed his loyalty following France’s win over Kazakhstan.

He told TeleFoot, via the Express: “I’m happy in Turin. I see my future at Juventus, of course!”

Gutting

Newcastle fans will surely be gutted by this statement from Rabiot as it suggests that he is not interested in leaving Juventus in the upcoming transfer window. Instead of a non-committal ‘wait and see’ answer, the midfielder was pretty clear in saying that he sees his future with the Italian club and that could leave fas concerned that he will not be arriving at St. James’ Park any time soon.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-newcastle-howe-ter-stegen” title= “Read the latest Newcastle news!”]

Rabiot is an experienced player at the top level and could be a terrific signing for Eddie Howe. The 26-year-old has racked up well over 250 appearances playing for Juventus, PSG, and France over the years, recently scoring his first goal for his country.

Last season, he averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.90 in the Serie A for Juventus as he played 34 games, producing four goals and two assists from the holding midfield role. Across his career, he has averaged 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game, showing that he is adept at winning the ball back for his side despite playing in dominant teams.

This suggests that he could be a fine fit for the Newcastle squad, as he could win possession back in his own half and allow the likes of Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson to work their magic in the final third without defensive constraints.

Therefore, fans will surely be disappointed with his comments as they appear to dampen any chance Newcastle have to sign him. He may still be forced to make a decision if Juventus attempt to push him out of the door, but he could make the situation more complicated if he refuses to leave – ending the possibility of him playing in a Magpies shirt this season.

AND in other news, Was worth £14.4m, now £8.1m: NUFC endure howler over gem compared to “Philippe Albert”…

Some Liverpool supporters have been left fuming that Curtis Jones is out of the Premier League clash with Watford after worsening an existing injury on international duty.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the season for the Reds, helping fill the void left by Gini Wijnaldum.

Jones scored in the 3-3 draw away to Brentford last month and has also registered three assists, including two in the Champions League victory over Porto.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

With Fabinho, Thiago and Harvey Elliott all unavailable for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Watford, yet another injury blow in midfield could be catastrophic.

Unfortunately, that is the case, with Jurgen Klopp confirming in his Friday press conference [via Paul Joyce on Twitter] that Jones returned from England Under-21 duty with a groin issue and is also out.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-7/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans furious at Jones news

Needless to say, the news has been met with huge negativity by these Liverpool fans on Twitter.

“Oh God”

Credit: @Kopite_JC17

“They knew he had a knock and still played him”

Credit: @Luke_Vials

“End my suffering”

Credit: @obwild480

“This is an absolute disgrace. It was clear before the Andorra game he had an injury and they didn’t even do a scan and just played him? Gross negligence from an organisation full of absolute idiots. That’s all it’s ever been.”

Credit: @SportsEnthusi17

“So the midfield tomorrow is likely going be Hendo, Milner and Keita? We are in trouble tomorrow”

Credit: @shahabLFC

“When will it end?”

Credit: @JxcobLFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans have erupted at some ‘massive news’. Read more here.

On the verge of becoming the first batsman in history to score three triple centuries, Virender Sehwag was the star of India’s class act with the bat on the second day at the Brabourne Stadium

Cricinfo staff03-Dec-2009Virender Sehwag is on the verge of becoming the first person ever to score three triple-centuries in Test cricket but he said after the day’s play, which he ended on 284, that the 200-mark was the first thing on his mind, having got out on 131 in the previous Test in Kanpur. “I missed a big one in the last Test, so I didn’t want to miss out this time,” Sehwag said.Sehwag made light work of the bounce and turn on the second day, as he reached his double-century with four boundaries in one over from seamer Nuwan Kulasekara after tea. “I play each ball on its merit and try to hit only the bad balls,” he said. “That’s the key to my batting.”He asserted India’s supermacy by notching up two double-century partnerships during the run-feast but said the track might offer turn later, offering India a chance to win the series 2-0 and top the ICC Test rankings.”The wicket played much easier today than it did yesterday,” Sehwag said. “The pitch was damp on the first day and so it was seaming and spinning. But it played quite well today. There will again be spin for the bowlers to exploit on the last two days.”Offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan, might not have been at his best this series, with five wickets at 103.00 in the three matches so far, and Sehwag clearly outfoxed the world’s leading Test wicket-taker today. “Murali is always a big challenge to face, so rather than wait for him to dominate, I wanted to dominate him,” said Sehwag. “That’s what I tried to do today.”His fellow opener M Vijay, with whom Sehwag added 221 for the opening wicket, said it was a delight to watch his partner. “It was an amazing innings and it was great watching from the other end,” Vijay said.”I’ve learnt a lot batting with him in just this one innings and I enjoyed it thoroughly. With him around, you really don’t have to bother about the scoring rate.”

Shahid Afridi has said the short gap between the two World T20 tournaments has taken the sheen off Pakistan’s win

Cricinfo staff24-Jun-2009The short gap between the recently concluded ICC World Twenty20 and the next edition in the West Indies in April 2010 has robbed Pakistan of the chance to fully savour the triumph, the allrounder Shahid Afridi has said.”I fail to understand why the next World Cup will be played in nine months time,” Afridi told reporters on arrival in Karachi. “If it was being organised after two years, people would have remembered Pakistan’s victory and it would have been more enjoyable.”Pakistan’s title win at Lord’s on Sunday was their first victory in a major ICC tournament since the 1992 World Cup. The first edition of the World Twenty20 was held in South Africa in September 2007 and the champions, India, were able to savour their victory for nearly two years. Pakistan on the other hand will hold on to the tag of defending champions for just nine months.Afridi, who was given a hero’s welcome in Karachi, said the people of Pakistan needed this triumph as a respite from the unstable political and security climate in the country.”We all know how important this World Cup was with so much happening in Pakistan,” Afridi said. “The guys motivated themselves for this World Cup.”Afridi had a quiet start to the tournament with the bat but responded strongly with match-winning half-centuries in the semi-final and final. He also took 11 wickets in the tournament.He said the support staff, including the head coach Intikhab Alam and bowling coach Aaqib Javed, played a role in shaping the team’s victory.”They all really worked hard with the guys and kept them united and close to each other, that’s why we had success,” Afridi said.India’s Super Eights exit meant spectators were denied the chance to see one of the keenest rivalries in international cricket being renewed. Pakistan and India only met for a warm-up game before the tournament and Afridi said he felt the Indians weren’t keen to play them. “I was a bit disappointed,” Afridi told Pakistan’s . “It didn’t appear to me by the attitude of the Indian players that they wanted to play against us. On the face, they said they would like to see cricket between the two countries but I think in their hearts they thought otherwise. Their attitude and behaviour while playing against us showed this.”Bilateral sporting ties between the two countries were suspended after the Mumbai terror attacks in November last year. The Indian governement told the BCCI to cancel India’s scheduled tour to Pakistan in January, after which the Pakistan government denied permission to its cricketers to play in the IPL.