All posts by h716a5.icu

A despondent skipper Sanath Jayasuriya labeled his team’s performance as "unacceptable" as Sri Lanka slumped to a humiliating 177 run defeat against South Africa at SuperSport Park on Friday night

Charlie Austin29-Nov-2002A despondent skipper Sanath Jayasuriya labeled his team’s performance as "unacceptable" as Sri Lanka slumped to a humiliating 177 run defeat against South Africa at SuperSport Park on Friday night."It was a very disappointing performance today," said Jayasuriya. "Everything was poor: the batting, bowling and fielding."With Sri Lanka asked to chase a mammoth 317 for victory after a lackluster performance with the ball the odds were always stacked against the visitors.But Jayasuriya believed such a Herculean task was achievable on a pitch that had favoured the batsmen all day."After the first innings we didn’t panic because we knew that score could be chased on this ground," said Jayasuriya."But someone had to go and get a hundred. I was batting well, but got out in the 40’s. That’s inexcusable, you cannot afford to get out once set."But Jayasuriya was not the only batsmen to fail as the Sri Lankans were bowled out for a paltry 140, their second consecutive score of under 150."I wouldn’t have minded so much if we had been bowled out for 250 or 275, but to get bowled out for 140 is unacceptable – the wicket was not bad."South Africa captain emphasized with his counterpart."It is always difficult when you are chasing a big target," said Pollock. "What often happens is that you either get really close or you lose a lot of wickets up front and the game peters out to an easy victory."Jayasuriya was equally scathing on the bowlers: "They kept wickets in hand and we bowled both sides of the wicket. We simply weren’t disciplined enough today.""We now have to lift ourselves and play more disciplined cricket," he added. "We have to do the basics well like South Africa are doing at the moment."Pollock praised his batsmen: "To get 300 you really have to bat well.""Batting is an area that we have identified as a problem and it’s great to see the guys rectify it."Partnerships were vital. Graeme (Smith) and Boeta dug in and gave us a good platform to allow Jacques (Kallis) to come in bat and play with freedom."

Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina has been linked with a move to Serie A outfit Cagliari [Gianluca Di Mario via Southern Daily Echo].

The Lowdown: Exits aplenty as Southampton prepare for 2021/22

Looking ahead to 2021/22, many Saints fans will be intrigued to see how Austrian boss Ralph Hasenhuttl improves his squad, and that may well begin with selling underperforming players before moving onto rebuilding.

Facing multiple senior departures already this summer, Ryan Bertrand, Angus Gunn and Wesley Hoedt have all left St Mary’s [Transfermarkt].

Now, the South Coast club could be set for further exit following recent reports.

The Latest: Cagliari in for Lemina according to reports

Presently speaking, Italian top-flight side Cagliari are said to be looking at a swoop for Gabonese midfielder Lemina ahead of the new season [Southern Daily Echo].

Last month, Southampton were allegedly looking to recoup around £4 million for the 27-year-old, who arrived in 2017 from Juventus for £18.1 million [Southern Daily Echo].

Newcastle United were also previously keen on his services, however the move has since ground to a halt due to the player’s age [Daily Mail].

The Verdict: Lemina’s ship has sailed

Evaluating the situation, it is probably best that Lemina moves on to pastures new after falling out of favour under Hassenhuttl in recent times.

In 2020/21, the Libreville-born anchor man spent the campaign with then divisional rivals Fulham, notching two goal contributions in 28 fixtures for the West Londoners; one goal and one assist [Transfermarkt]. He has also spent time on loan at Galatasaray [BBC].

Despite suffering relegation during his time with the Cottagers, he made an impression in the middle of the park as an enforcer, averaging 2.2 tackles per 90 minutes across the campaign [WhoScored].

Once labelled as a ‘top-four player’ by pundit Garth Crooks, he certainly has the ability to flourish within an ideal footballing environment given the chance [Saints Marching], but it is clearly not going to happen at St. Mary’s

A summer sale is likely the best outcome for both club and player – could Cagliari be the side to make it happen?

In other news, Southampton fans rage at an update on a key player.

Steve Stubbings and Chris Rogers shared an emphatic opening stand of 150 which gave Derbyshire the advantage and a momentum which did not let up throughout their 100-run defeat of Lancashire

Cricinfo staff22-May-2008
Scorecard
Steve Stubbings’ strong innings set up Derbyshire’s 288 for 5 © Getty Images
Steve Stubbings and Chris Rogers shared an emphatic opening stand of 150 which gave Derbyshire the advantage and a momentum which did not let up throughout their 100-run defeat of Lancashire. Stubbings carried his bat with 95 while Rogers did not hang about, his 94 coming from 109 balls and containing 13 fours.Rogers could have been in the Caribbean (had his only Test gone better a few months ago), instead he was at the County Ground, vindicating Rikki Clarke’s decision to bat. His solid platform with Stubbings gave the rest of the batsmen licence to swing and they consequently amassed 288 for 5. No Lancashire bowler was spared the sword, but they will be heartened by another two wickets for Steven Cheetham in his second one-day game.Derbyshire took wickets too regularly for Lancashire to settle, and the visitors were up against it from the moment Mal Loye fell for 4. Mohammad Yousuf blasted 26 from 22 deliveries before being captured by Graham Wagg, while Francois du Plessis top-scored with 54.Meanwhile, another young bowler was quietly impressing, Tom Lungley returning figures of 3 for 31 from eight overs.Derbyshire now top the table. Although they are level with Lancashire, on seven points, they have played two fewer games and are sitting pretty.

Derbyshire 5 3 1 0 1 7 +0.559 754/155.4 677/158.0 Lancashire 7 3 3 0 1 7 +0.243 982/228.5 1085/268.0 Yorkshire 5 3 2 0 0 6 +0.439 930/202.0 908/218.0 Durham 6 3 3 0 0 6 -0.050 1094/240.1 1040/225.5 Scotland 5 1 4 0 0 2 -1.142 608/201.1 658/158.0

Rafa Benitez has reportedly asked Everton to sign Clement Lenglet in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: centre-back wanted

The Goodison Park faithful have recently been linked with moves for Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White, suggesting that they are looking for a brand new central defender for the 2021/22 season.

However, with the likes of Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Yerry Mina already at the Merseyside club, it may mean that one of them would have to make way in order to accompany a new centre-back.

The Latest: Lenglet wanted

As per reports in Spain,, Benitez has asked the Toffees board to sign Lenglet, as he ‘does not trust’ Mina, and the ages of both Godfrey and Holgate are of concern.

Preferably, he would like to sign a left-footed centre-half, which Lenglet is, and it would cost €20m (£17.2m) to prize him away from FC Barcelona.

The Verdict: Avoid

Although £17.2m could be seen as a good price for a 26-year-old who has played at the highest level for both club and country, the Blues should not be prioritising signing another central defender in this window, and so should instead focus on other positions in the squad.

Lenglet is a good player, having made no fewer than 39 appearances in the UEFA Champions League for both Barca and Sevilla over the course of the last five consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt).

However, he has struggled at times in big games, notably being hauled off at half-time in France’s dismal defeat at the hands of Switzerland in their Euro 2020 last 16 tie (UEFA).

On a whopping £101,000-per-week at the Nou Camp as well, Lenglet just is not worth it when you take all of these factors into account.

In other news, find out what exit news has Evertonians talking here!

Liverpool have been linked with a big-money move for Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella following a string of impressive performances.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet La Repubblica, the Reds are preparing a £60 million offer for the 24-year-old machine as they step up their search for Gini Wijnaldum’s replacement.

The Italian outfit’s poor financial situation is well known, and Liverpool could be looking to take advantage by securing themselves a top player this summer.

Klopp will be elated

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Atletico Madrid dynamo Saul Niguez in recent weeks, but the Spain international now appears to be closing in on a transfer to Barcelona, with Antoine Griezmann moving in the opposite direction.

However, it appears as though the Anfield outfit have already moved on from their efforts to sign Saul, targeting Euro 2020 winner Barella instead.

The diminutive midfielder has excelled since arriving at Inter back in 2019, scoring seven goals and providing 21 assists in 87 appearances for the Nerazzurri, winning the Serie A crown along the way.

His standout performances have earned several plaudits in his homeland, including Claudio Marchisio.

Therefore, news that Liverpool are lining up a substantial offer for Barella will surely leave Jurgen Klopp feeling elated.

Wijnaldum’s decision to join French giants Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer has left a substantial gap in the club’s engine room, one that will be extremely difficult to plug.

Having said that, Barella is certainly someone capable of filling the Dutch international’s shoes. As per WhoScored, he recorded 1.3 key passes per league game last season, 1.6 tackles and one dribble, placing him in the top three for each metric when compared to his teammates.

Liverpool will be hoping to close the gap on Premier League champions Manchester City next season after finishing a whopping 17 points behind them in 2020/21, and signing Barella would certainly provide a significant boost to their chances of doing just that.

And, in other news…Update emerges about “top class” £59m Liverpool target, Jurgen Klopp will be happy 

Dwayne Bravo has been fined 20% of his match fee for breaching Level I of the ICC Code of Conduct by showing dissent at the umpire’s decision during the first ODI between West Indies and Australia in St Vincent

Cricinfo staff25-Jun-2008Dwayne Bravo has been fined 20% of his match fee for breaching Level I of the ICC Code of Conduct by showing dissent at the umpire’s decision during the first ODI between West Indies and Australia in St Vincent.West Indies were chasing 279 and were at 80 for 3 in the 20th over when Asad Rauf gave Bravo leg before off Michael Clarke. Bravo stayed at his crease after being given out and then walked off shaking his head.Roshan Mahanama, the match referee, penalised Bravo, who had pleaded not guilty, and said when the umpire’s finger goes up, the batsman must go without delay regardless what he thinks of the decision.”That is one of cricket’s most fundamental principles and Bravo’s failure to adhere to that principle, especially given the message his action sends out to the millions of people watching both at the ground and on television, merited some form of action,” Mahanama said.

An unbeaten 126 by Douglas Lockhart, supported by Qasim Sheikh’s 92, took Scotland to a commanding position at 286 for 3 against Canada in King City

Cricinfo staff17-Jul-2008
Scorecard
Douglas lockhart celebrates reaching his hundred © Eddie Norfolk
An unbeaten 126 by Douglas Lockhart, supported by Qasim Sheikh’s 92, took Scotland to a commanding position of 286 for 3 on the first day of their Intercontinental Cup game against Canada in King City. It was a bad toss to lose for the home side as their bowlers toiled on a flat pitch at the Maple Leaf North-East Ground.Scotland batted comfortably despite having less than a day to acclimatise themselves to local conditions after their arrival was delayed because of a hurricane in Bermuda, where they had played their previous game.Canada tasted early success when Fraser Watts was trapped lbw by Eion Katchay with the score on 21, before Lockhart and Sheikh took control till tea. Qaiser Ali, the Canada captain, used eight bowlers to force a breakthrough but to no avail. The pair scored five boundaries each before reaching their half-centuries, with Lockhart reaching the mark first.Scotland proceeded to 168 at tea before Sheikh unfortunately fell eight short of a ton shortly after the interval. They had added 173 in 57.1 overs. Debutant Sami Faridi, the chinaman bowler, who was the receiving end of a real pasting by the pair, broke through with one which turned across Sheikh, who edged to the wicketkeeper while attempting to work it to the leg side. Sheikh faced 194 balls and hung around for as many minutes, hitting 11 fours.Canada struck again with the wicket of Richard Berrington but the mainstay, Lockhart, remained till stumps with Neil McCallum. Lockhart faced 211 balls to reach three figures and ensured the advantage remained with Scotland despite the fall of a couple of wickets in the final session.

An update has emerged on Rangers centre-back Nikola Katic, regarding Spezia’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Croatian News, as relayed by Glasgow Live, Serie A side Spezia are showing an interest in taking Rangers centre-back Nikola Katic on a season-long loan.

The defender has been out for a year with a cruciate ligament injury and Spezia are hoping that they will be able to swoop in to secure a deal for his services upon his recovery.

Time to go

It’s time for Katic to leave… for now. Rangers must ruthlessly axe him from the squad and send him out on loan to Spezia for a year to aid his rehabilitation.

The Croatian played zero minutes throughout the 2020/21 campaign because of his knee injury and it will be a tough ask to break back into Steven Gerrard’s side in the coming weeks/months.

Leon Balogun, Filip Helander and Connor Goldson all averaged superb WhoScored ratings of 7.06 or higher in the Scottish Premiership last season. Goldson managed a particularly impressive score of 7.38 across 33 starts and this highlights the level of competition in the centre-back position within Rangers’ squad, which is why Katic needs to leave on loan.

12 months in Italy playing regular football at the top level could allow him to get back in shape and return to form after such a long period without competitive minutes under his belt.

He could then return to Ibrox next summer and be ready to attack the Scottish Premiership and win his place back in the side, which he is capable of doing given the manager’s previous praise of his work.

Back in 2019, Gerrard lauded the defender and labelled him as a winner and a warrior at the back for Rangers. He said:

“The kid is a winner and a warrior. We know what he gives. Anyone his age, after giving the penalty away, might have gone into their shell. It might have affected their performance.

“But if you knock Niko Katic down, he’s gonna get back up and come again. That’s the man, that’s the player.”

This is why sending the £9k-per-week beast is the right call for Rangers to make. They must axe him from the team and give him a season to go away and prove that he is over his injury issues and that he can return next year and make a real impact in Scotland.

AND in other news, “It’s a huge opportunity” – Exclusive: Ball urges Rangers to strike deal to sign 11-assist star…

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf said both captain Shoaib Malik and coach Geoff Lawson will retain their jobs despite the team failing to reach the finals of the Asia Cup

Cricinfo staff05-Jul-2008
Shoaib Malik and Geoff Lawson have been given a vote of confidence by the PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf © AFP
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf has said that both captain Shoaib Malik and coach Geoff Lawson will retain their jobs despite the team failing to reach the finals of the Asia Cup.”Let me make it clear once again that Shoaib Malik and Geoff Lawson were both appointed for two-year terms and they will at least continue till then,” he said. Ashraf had criticised the team last month for a 140-run loss to India in the league phase of the Kitply Cup in Bangladesh.However, on Friday, he said Pakistan were a young team that was improving. “It will take time to groom the players and we are doing our best in that,” he said. “Give me the same players who were part of the team in the 90s such as Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, Aamir Sohail and others and see the result. We don’t have the same talent that we had in the 80s and 90s and we have to accept that as a reality.”Ashraf said he was happy with players’ attitude and their commitment. “I know personally the players are very committed. I can tell you that after we lost to Sri Lanka I went to the Pakistan dressing room and saw Shahid Afridi crying and wanting to be dropped from the team because he had not performed well. I saw Malik on a stretcher on drips and with cold packs on his body yet he went out and played in that match.”I feel sorry when some people in such circumstances question the commitment of some players. I have told them to give 100% and even if they lose that is alright but they must give 100% effort.”

Matt Woosnam has revealed Everton are targeting squad players rather than first-team regulars to ensure they do not break Financial Fair Play guidelines.

Andros Townsend became Rafa Benitez’s first signing since taking over as the Toffees’ boss as the winger joined following the expiry of his Crystal Palace contract earlier this week.

The former Newcastle United man’s arrival was quickly followed by Asmir Begovic making the switch from Championship side Bournemouth, with the goalkeeper providing competition for England international Jordan Pickford by penning an initial one-year deal.

Ex-Leicester City winger Demarai Gray has also sealed his return to England, following a six-month spell with Bayer Leverkusen, by completing a £1.7million transfer to Goodison Park.

The Toffees have freed up some funds by not offering Joshua King, Theo Walcott, Muhamed Besic and Yannick Bolasie contract renewals.

Woosnam, of The Athletic, believes Everton are having to be shrewd in the transfer market to make sure they do not break regulations.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “When you look at the signings they’re making, they’re very much squad players because they’re probably quite close to the brink of Financial Fair Play and the wage cap.

“Because of that, they’re looking at players who can still contribute at that level but you wouldn’t necessarily want to play them every week and they probably haven’t got the legs or ability to play every week in the Premier League anymore.”