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Ishant Sharma could miss the first ODI against New Zealand in Napier on March 3 because of a shoulder problem

Cricinfo staff28-Feb-2009Ishant Sharma could miss the first ODI against New Zealand in Napier on March 3 because of a shoulder problem. Ishant injured his shoulder during the second Twenty20 international and was able to bowl only two out of his quota of four overs.”Ishant went for an MRI. The shoulder is still sore,” Niranjan Shah, the India team manager, said. “We will monitor him over the next two days. But he could miss the first one-dayer. He has already had an injury on that shoulder.”Ishant hurt his shoulder in the fifth over of the New Zealand innings when he dived to his right from mid-on to stop a blistering straight drive from Jesse Ryder. He bowled one more over after the fall before going off the field for treatment. He was seen sitting in the dugout with an ice pack on his shoulder.India suffered a last-ball defeat in the second Twenty20 international and lost the series 2-0 to New Zealand.

Graham Roberts has been impressed with Steven Bergwijn’s start to the Premier League season at Tottenham, after the club failed with a late window move for Wolves’ Adama Traore, as per David Ornstein of The Athletic.

The Dutchman made just three league starts from February onwards having fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho, although he did get a decent amount of game-time once Ryan Mason became interim head coach.

In Bergwijn’s penultimate game of the season, he notched his first goal in his 34th appearance against Aston Villa, but it was an underwhelming first full campaign in English football for the winger.

Bergwijn’s performances led to reports that he could make an instant return to Holland with Ajax, but he’s since knuckled down and is firmly part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans following a full pre-season.

And with Harry Kane not available to start the opening-day win over Manchester City, Bergwijn was the beneficiary and took his opportunity by producing an impressive display, which included the assist for Heung Min Son’s winner.

He continued his form in the win at Wolves and started again against Watford, and whilst Tottenham had been heavily linked with a potential replacement in Adama Traore prior to the window slamming shut on Tuesday, Roberts exclusively told Football FanCast:

“He’s playing well at the moment; he’s doing really well.”

Andrew Flintoff returned the stunning figures of 5 for 19 in five overs, and capped his efforts with the first hat-trick of his international career, as England ended a dismal winter on an improbable high with their first-ever ODI series win in the Caribb

The Bulletin by Andrew Miller03-Apr-2009England 172 for 5 (Pietersen 48) beat West Indies 146 (Flintoff 5-19) by 26 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Andrew Flintoff starred with the ball to revive England’s spirits © Getty Images
Andrew Flintoff returned the stunning figures of 5 for 19 in five overs, and capped his efforts with the first hat-trick of his international career, as England ended a dismal winter on an improbable high with their first-ever ODI series win in the Caribbean. In a game reduced by rain to 29 overs a side, Flintoff’s efforts followed on from a run-a-ball 48 from Kevin Pietersen, as England came from behind to claim an unexpected 3-2 series win.It has been a tough winter for all of England’s cricketers, but Flintoff has had it harder than most – his struggle for runs continued today when he was brilliantly caught at midwicket for 3, and having missed the mid-part of the tour with a hip complaint, it’s hard to escape the fitness cloud that hangs over his career. But, when he’s injury-free he’s arguably the most irresistible bowler in the world game, and he proved that today with a performance that blew away both England’s opponents, as well as the fog of gloom that has been hanging around the squad in recent weeks.Set a testing but by no means unattainable 173 to win, West Indies’ prospects suffered an immediate set-back when their man of the moment, Chris Gayle, fell for a third-ball duck to the newly unveiled Wisden Cricketer of the Year, James Anderson. But it was Flintoff who changed the game in two distinct spells – first, he ended a dangerous second-wicket stand between Ramnaresh Sarwan and Lendl Simmons by claiming both men in the space of five deliveries.Then, with West Indies already on the ropes following the back-to-back dismissals of Dwayne Bravo (33) and Kieron Pollard (30), Flintoff stormed through the tail to ensure against any late twist to the narrative. First to go was Denesh Ramdin, who shuffled into line to a full-length inswinger, but worked the ball onto the base of his own stumps. One delivery later, and Ravi Rampaul was gone as well, pinned on the crease by a shin-high full-toss, and then, with the England fans finding their voice and the West Indians starting to stream out of the exits, he produced a superlative yorker to demolish Sulieman Benn’s defences.That delivery made Flintoff the third Englishman in history to record an ODI hat-trick, and peculiarly, both of his predecessors, Anderson and Steve Harmison, were on hand to mob him as he struck a modelling pose in the middle of the pitch and awaited his plaudits. Though Fidel Edwards did exceptionally well to prevent it being four from four as he dug out another yorker, the end of the innings came swiftly, as Darren Sammy ran himself out for 7 while seeking a second run with six balls of the innings remaining.Sammy, the St Lucian local hero, had earlier been at the centre of the most controversial moment of the match, when he claimed a catch at backward point off Pietersen that appeared from the TV replays to have bounced on the turf as he dived forward to scoop it into his chest. It could well have been the decisive moment of the match, with Pietersen on 48 from 48 balls and bristling with intent after a week in which his commitment to the cause had been called into question.England’s innings had suffered an early set-back when Andrew Strauss fell for 3 to the first ball of Ravi Rampaul’s international comeback, but Pietersen and Ravi Bopara combined in a decent stand of 80 in 14 overs to revive England’s prospects of a defendable total. But as so often happens, Pietersen’s dismissal destabilised the innings. Bopara looked to be finding his range when he twice pulled Sammy over square leg for six, but having reached 44 from 48 balls, he tried the shot once too often, this time against Pollard, and Ramdin had all the time in the world to wander round from behind the stumps to claim a steepling top-edge.From that moment on, West Indies claimed the ascendancy through their battery of slower bowlers. Owais Shah tried to apply some oomph, but his aggressive swipe at Benn picked out Simmons at long-on, before Flintoff, in terrible form with the ball, clipped Pollard to midwicket where Chanderpaul dived full-length to his right to intercept another pull.Edwards, whose pacy two-over burst had disappeared for 17, was ignored as Gayle brought his teasingly slow spinners into the action, and England’s sixth-wicket pair of Collingwood and Matt Prior groped their way to seven runs in 3.1 overs before calling upon their batting Powerplay. Duly liberated, Collingwood heaved Pollard over square leg for six in an over that went for 14, England’s best of the innings.A frustrated Prior eventually found his range with three fours in a run-a-ball 25, and Collingwood cleverly worked the ball through fine leg in a final over that went for 13 to give England a chance. It was one that Flintoff grasped with both hands. The St Lucian beach attendants better pack up their pedaloes. There’ll be plenty to celebrate tonight.

Former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Crossley insists that the club simply must keep Jonny Howson fit if they are to enjoy a successful season, as he is a player that could play for any side in the second-tier.

Howson has been a long-serving member of the Boro squad and has been with the club since 2017.

The midfielder is the current club captain and scored in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers last time out.

The former Leeds United ace has made a total of 186 appearances for the club and has scored six goals, laying on 15 assists.

Crossley believes that Howson is a key member of the Boro squad and will be central to their hopes throughout the campaign.

He also believes that he is so good, he could quite easily play for any club in the Championship, with it being vital that he remains available for selection for Neil Warnock.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “He is really, really important. Keep him fit, he’s got lots and lots of experience.

“I really like him, he’s one of these players that I think any Championship manager would have him in his squad.

“Not necessarily in his team but in his squad because he leads by example, being a good pro, he likes to put his foot in, he’s had a good career, and I think Neil Warnock likes that type of player.”

South Africa stand poised to clinch an unprecedented third consecutive one-day series victory over Australia, but coach Mickey Arthur’s sights are set higher

Alex Brown13-Apr-2009South Africa clinched an unprecedented third consecutive one-day series victory over Australia, but coach Mickey Arthur’s sights are set higher. As driven as was to seal victory in Port Elizabeth on Monday – thereby seizing and unassailable 3-1 lead heading into the series finale in Johannesburg – Arthur was equally eager to consolidate plans for the World Cup; a prize that has thus far eluded the South Africans.Arthur has begun experimenting with his playing roster ahead of the 2011 tournament, and is excited that his unconventional move to field three spinners – Johan Botha, Roelof van der Merwe and part-timer JP Duminy – has paid dividends against the Australians. Combined, the South African slow bowlers have claimed ten wickets in the series, but more pertinently, have conceded runs at barely four per over for the mostpart.With the next World Cup to be staged on the turning tracks of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and possibly Pakistan, Arthur is hopeful the move to play three spinners could pay dividends in two years’ time. And with Wayne Parnell forming a youthful and effective pace partnership with Dale Steyn, the South African coach believes he is close to settling on an attack capable of adapting to all conditions.”It’s looking good at the moment” Arthur told Cricinfo prior to the match in Port Elizabeth. “We have changed our brand to a certain degree, with a couple of young players now entering the scene. We have played two spinners – three when you count JP – which could be handy on the subcontinent.”We also have four seamers, which gives Graeme [Smith] seven bowling options, and with Parnell, we bat all the way to No. 10. It’s a very good side. Time will tell how good it can be. We’re happy with the balance we have at the moment, and we’re pretty excited about where this team can go.”South Africa’s 61-run victory at St George’s Park ensured them a unique place in the record books. Smith’s men have become the first team to win three consecutive bi-lateral limited overs series against Australia; a streak that dates back to 2006 and their record 438 run chase at the Wanderers.The South Africans claimed that series 3-2, and the recent five-game set in Australia 4-1. The win in Port Elizabeth not only sealed victory in the return series at home, but also took their tally to six wins from their past seven matches against the Australians and further extended their lead atop the one-day international rankings.”We’re really proud of what we have accomplished,” Arthur said. “We’ve enjoyed the match-up with Australia. It’s been tight and we have been up to challenge almost every time.”

West Ham United head into this weekend’s Premier League clash with Manchester United knowing that they will be without the services of the suspended Michail Antonio.

After failing to sign a new striker during the summer transfer window, Irons manager David Moyes will need to find a quick fix from within.

There are plenty of options to consider, with the likely solution either Jarrod Bowen or Said Benrahma up top, especially as Andriy Yarmolenko only started once in the top-flight last term, but perhaps the 58-year-old should consider one of his biggest masterstrokes at Everton.

The Red Devils, who are currently top of the table, have a towering backline of Harry Maguire and summer signing Raphael Varane, so the aforementioned names could certainly struggle if they were deployed as a striker.

At Everton, Moyes often shoehorned Marouane Fellaini into a makeshift centre-forward and it worked to great effect.

He now has a similar weapon available at his disposal in the 6 foot 4 man mountain that is Tomas Soucek. There are plenty of similarities to be had between the two, which is perhaps why the Hammers boss pushed to sign the Czech ace on his return to the London Stadium.

Aside from their obvious aerial advantage, something that West Ham will need in order to counter Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backline, the pair are also hugely versatile in the engine room. Both can play deeper as a holding midfielder and look to dictate play but they can also push forward to play in behind the striker.

Fellaini scored 55 goals in more than 330 appearances in England, whilst Soucek bagged 40 goals in 158 games for Slavia Prague before his move to east London, as per The Athletic.

He has since added 14 goals in 58 appearances for the Hammers, via Transfermarkt, which only further suggests his suitability to lead the line – he evidently has an eye for goal and, combined with his towering strength, that makes him an intriguing prospect for Moyes to consider with Antonio absent next weekend.

Since his arrival in east London, the Czech Republic beast has been lauded as “unplayable” by former Premier League star Yannick Bolasie, and Moyes himself even said that he “ticks a lot of boxes.”

The £36m-rated titan could be the secret weapon that the Irons need in attack this weekend. At the very least, the Scotsman should look to his previous stroke of genius when considering his starting XI on Sunday.

AND in other news, West Ham “keeping an eye” on “incredible” teenage sensation ahead of January, claims ExWHUemployee…

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’ John Wenham has shared what he knows as managing director Fabio Paratici allegedly eyes a swoop for West Ham star Jarrod Bowen.

The Lowdown: Spurs scouts get tracking…

As per The Independent, it appears Tottenham and Paratici have now taken a keen interest in signing the Irons attacker who has thoroughly impressed under David Moyes so far.

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Indeed, as they reported earlier this week, Spurs are long-time admirers of the Englishman and have been circling alongside the likes of Liverpool and Leicester City.

The Latest: Lilywhites source shares what he knows…

Speaking to FI, Lilywhites source and ‘insider’ Wenham has shared what he knows on this interest and reliably informs whether this deal could indeed happen.

“West Ham spent £18million on him and would obviously look for a lot more than that to sell him,”

“Tottenham and West Ham don’t do business. There is no love lost between the two clubs at boardroom level.

“I don’t see West Ham entertaining any bids for Bowen from Tottenham, that one is a non-starter.

“Tottenham may be interested in him but some clubs just don’t do business.

“I would categorically rule that one out now. Even if West Ham said he was available they would turn down an approach from Tottenham.

“From what I’ve heard from people I know in the industry, I just can’t see that one happening.”

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs fans?

Going by the numbers, Bowen would be a stellar signing for Spurs, so it comes as a blow that this N17 source sees it as a non-starter.

According to WhoScored, the 24-year-old has averaged an electric 3 completed dribbles and 2.4 key passes per 90 in the Premier League so far – both more than any Spurs player.

As well as this, talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan recently labelled him a ‘world-beater’ for his fine form (talkSPORT via Read West Ham).

In other news: Medical was done: Source reveals player’s summer move from Spurs fell apart at the very last second, find out more here.

Cricket has become an Asian Games sport after it was approved by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on Wednesday

Cricinfo staff13-May-2009Cricket has become an Asian Games sport after it was approved by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on Wednesday. It will make its debut in Guangzhou in 2010 with India and Pakistan pledging to send their best available teams.The format of the game will be Twenty20, with both men’s and women’s competitions. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will qualify automatically, along with host nation China. Other countries will have to play a qualifying round to fill three additional spots.”India and Pakistan were the drivers,” OCA president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sabah said. “Pakistan and India will come with their best teams because it will be a big competition. Asia’s four Test-playing nations have committed to sending their best available teams.”The 2010 Asian Games will take place between November 12 and 27 in Guangzhou. Cricket was last played at a major multi-sport event in 1998 during the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Tottenham Hotspur risk a catastrophic disaster if they sign Anthony Martial in 2022…

What’s the word?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, a north London bidding war could ensure over the struggling Manchester United forward during the January transfer window.

Spurs appear set to battle arch-rivals Arsenal to the Frenchman’s signature.

The 25-year-old has rapidly fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford – the Red Devils brought Cristiano Ronaldo home this summer, adding to Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood and the soon-to-be returning Marcus Rashford.

Disaster waiting to happen

Nuno Santo’s side have been ever so dysfunctional in the final third this campaign but Martial does not provide the answers to their problems.

After six Premier League matches, Spurs sit last for average shots per game (9.3), which is even fewer than the three teams occupying the relegation zone in Norwich City (10.2), Burnley (12.2) and Leeds United (14.2), as per WhoScored.

The Lilywhites also sit second-bottom in the expected goals rankings, having managed a total of just 5.47 xG, via Understat, despite Harry Kane committing to the club this season and having a fully-fit Heung-min Son – the pair combined for 58.8% of all their 68 league goals last season.

Martial has struggled for consistency ever since joining United in 2015 and so far this campaign, he’s been restricted to one league start, with his only one coming in the Carabao Cup.

Over 264 appearances for the Manchester giants, the 30-cap France international has only provided 78 goals, whilst he has not scored in the Premier League since February, as per Transfermarkt.

Valued at £40.5m, there is very little to suggest that Martial would be able to transform his fortunes in north London, especially as both Kane and Son will still be ahead of him in the pecking order.

His performances, whenever given an opportunity, have been rather poor and his attitude has often been questioned.

“His body language is horrible to watch, he doesn’t want to run around and work hard to be Manchester United’s number nine,” claimed ex-striker-turned-presenter Dion Dublin, whilst talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan once described him as a “lightweight.”

“To me he is the embodiment of footballers who have an inordinate amount of talent but simply don’t have the psychological application or the innate strength required to compete at that level and not be a key component of Manchester United’s team,” he added.

Therefore, this interest seems a little perplexing and if Daniel Levy, Fabio Paratici and the club’s recruitment team go ahead and sign him, then they risk an absolute disaster.

AND in other news, “Most likely”: Journalist drops major Nuno Santo claim at Spurs, fans will be buzzing…

The members of the Pakistan squad were in Bhurban for a high-altitude camp and Alam said the exercise was a success

Cricinfo staff19-May-2009
Younis Khan is among the fittest players in the Pakistan team © AFP
Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has said he was pleased with the results of the conditioning camp his players participated in as part of their preparations for the World Twenty20 in England in June.The members of the Pakistan squad were in Bhurban for a high-altitude camp supervised by the team’s fitness trainer David Dwyer and Alam said the exercise was a success. “The idea behind this camp was to help the players improve their speed, strength, agility and mental toughness and the test results on the players show that the exercise was a success,” Alam told the . “We really needed such a camp to get fully prepared for the England assignment.”The team’s assistant coach Aaqib Javed singled out four players for their exemplary fitness. “Quite a few of the players have proven to be very fit but there are four that have really stood out. Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Gul and Fawad Alam are the four fittest players in the camp,” Aaqib told . “They set the standard for the others to follow but everyone in the squad has worked really hard. We’ve also organised other fitness related activities like hiking to keep them focused and entertained.”The players will now assemble in Lahore to play practice Twenty20 games at the Gaddafi Stadium from May 20-22 after which they will compete in the National Twenty20 Cup which begins on May 25. Pakistan captain Younis Khan will captain the Patron’s XI in three games against a Chairman’s XI that will be led by Misbah-ul-Haq.”There will be two equally balanced teams selected from the 30 probables announced for the World Twenty20,” Aaqib said. Originally we were going to play six games over three days but due to the heat in Lahore this would be impractical and we don’t want to risk unnecessary injuries so it’s been reduced to 3 games over 3 days.”Pakistan are scheduled to depart for England on May 30, a day before their first practice game against South Africa on June 1. They will play India in another practice game on June 3 before the World Twenty20 begins on June 5.Patron’s XI: Salman Butt, Ahmed Shehzad, Younis Khan (capt), Shoaib Malik, Fawad Alam, Yasir Hameed, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Aamir, Sohail Tanvir, Yasir Shah, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Amin, Kamran Younis, Imran Ali.Chairman’s XI: Shahzaib Hasan, Nasir Jamshed, Kamran Akmal, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Wahab Riaz, Rao Iftikhar, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, Aizaz Cheema, Zulfiqar Jan.