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There was no obvious Champions League Twenty20 hangover for Nathan Hauritz

Cricinfo staff26-Oct-2009

There was no obvious Champions League Twenty20 hangover for Nathan Hauritz, who raced into Australia’s squad and settled in immediately as the visitors held on for a four-run victory in the first ODI. Hauritz had been a key man in New South Wales’ US$2.5m success on Friday and he, Brett Lee and Doug Bollinger made it to the national team’s hotel only 12 hours before the toss in Vadodara.While the timing upset Ricky Ponting, Hauritz stood up and allowed only 11 runs from his first five overs, stifling India’s chase of Australia’s 8 for 292. He finished with 1 for 34 off nine as the hosts were restricted despite a late burst from Harbhajan Singh and Praveen Kumar. It ended a huge weekend that bolstered the domestic players’ pockets and gave Australia an early edge in the seven-game series.”It was pretty tough,” Hauritz told AAP. “We didn’t get out of the change room until 1am that morning [after the final], flew out at midday and got in at 8.30 the night before the game. Becoming the inaugural champions you still have to celebrate with your team-mates, but in the back of your mind you still take it a bit easy because you’ve got to pull up and play in [less than] 48 hours.”The body is still tired but at the end of the day you’re playing for your country and you virtually don’t want to miss a game. I try to never take a game for granted.”Hauritz remained in good shape but Lee was troubled by a sore elbow and delivered only six overs. Lee was not used towards the end of the innings and Australia were also without James Hopes, who was forced off after 12 deliveries with a hamstring injury. Hopes has had scans and is unlikely to be considered for Wednesday’s match in Nagpur while Lee will continue to be monitored.Hauritz is not a concern and will have to take on a big role in this series, with Jon Holland, the rookie left-arm spinner, the only other specialist slow bowler in the squad. After being the first-choice throughout the year, Hauritz is happy to be operating on wickets offering more turn.”I don’t know if the way I bowl has really ever changed too much,” he said. “Maybe people are perceiving it [to be attacking] a little bit more – I still try and bowl the same way every time. Bowling on a few more turning wickets people can actually see the ball spin, so I’m not the person that just bowls straight-breaks any more.”Australia’s slow-bowling situation is being closely monitored – five have been used in Tests since Stuart MacGill’s retirement last year – and Cricket Australia commissioned a report that showed fewer overs were being delivered by spinners in the Sheffield Shield. “It is good to see them paying a little more attention to the spin-bowling aspect, but I think sometimes too it’s taken a little bit of out context,” Hauritz said. “There’s a lot of good spinners around – we’ve got myself, young Jon Holland on this tour, Jason Krejza, Bryce McGain back home – so we’re all still there.”It’s just a matter of whenever the spinners get the opportunity they just have to do what they do. I think, over time, the Australian public will learn to adapt to us.”

Legendary New Zealand allrounder Richard Hadlee fears that too much cricket could shorten the careers of top-class athletes

Cricinfo staff02-Nov-2009Legendary New Zealand allrounder Richard Hadlee fears that too much cricket could shorten the careers of top-class athletes. Against the backdrop of all the talk about an overkill of cricket in the last few years, Hadlee urged the ICC to address the matter in order to prolong careers and preserve Test cricket.”Now if someone plays for 10 years, it should be considered a very long career. The frequency of injuries to players is perhaps a sign of overdose of cricket,” he told the . “Maybe the players are not in a position to complain on this front for there are huge rewards in playing in any format of the game now. It is imperative to retain its [Test cricket’s] sanctity.”Hadlee, 58, was concerned that a hectic cricket calendar would especially take a toll on the bodies of fast bowlers. “It is particularly harsh on fast bowlers,” he said. “I can only advice the current generation to be patient, keep working hard with greater focus on scientific physical conditioning programme on the advice of medical experts.”With spectator interest towards 50-over cricket waning in several countries, certain former and current players have suggested ways to alter the game. Sachin Tendulkar has suggested splitting 100 overs into four innings of 25 each, which would mean that no side would have the best of the conditions for the entire match, but Hadlee was wary of tampering with rules at the moment.”There are many exciting contests in one-dayers. However, who wouldn’t love to see Sachin bat twice in a day especially if he gets out cheaply,” he said. “Maybe for this reason, we can think of splitting the 50-overs format into 30 overs and 20 overs of Powerplay.”

Leeds United are not interested in Diego Martinez despite emerging reports, according to reliable journalist Beren Cross.

What’s the word?

The Yorkshire giants were linked to the former Granada boss in recent days with Super Deporte (via Sport Witness) claiming that director of football Victor Orta has already made a first approach to seal the 40-year-old as a potential replacement for Marcelo Bielsa at the end of the season.

However, the LeedsLive reporter delivered a fresh update to supporters in a recent Q&A, when asked about the links, he said:

“No, I don’t believe there is.

“From what I am told there is zero chance he will be Bielsa’s successor when the Argentine does eventually move on from Elland Road.”

Encouraging news?

Whilst this doesn’t completely rule out the Argentine’s departure, it is rather promising news, despite their disappointing form in 2021/22.

Bielsa is out of contract in the summer and is yet to agree to an extension, though he’s never signed anything this early on, ever since arriving at Elland Road in 2018.

The 66-year-old guided the Whites into the Premier League for the first time in 16 years and managed to secure a tenth place finish in their maiden campaign back in the big time.

Injuries have seriously curtailed their progress this term, with several key and influential stars missing a ton of games, including vice-captain Luke Ayling and leading talisman Patrick Bamford.

Any team would struggle without players of this quality and there is plenty of time left to salvage their season. United sit one place above the relegation zone but only 12 games have been completed.

Bielsa will, of course, leave one day but you can’t help but think he deserves a crack at keeping the Yorkshiremen in the top-flight.

Martinez, who has no experience outside of Spain, having held roles at Sevilla, Osasuna and Granada, would have been a massive risk, even more so as he would be trying to follow in the footsteps of the cult hero and fan favourite.

Therefore, much of the Elland Road faithful will surely be delighted by Cross’ claims this week.

AND in other news, Bielsa can unearth Leeds’ next Phillips in 18 y/o “big prospect”, fans must be excited…

Everton are set for a battle to keep hold of star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin over the coming months after Real Madrid reportedly entered the race for his signature.

What’s the story?

The highly-rated 24-year-old has been linked with a move to fellow Premier League outfit Arsenal in recent weeks as they search for Alexandre Lacazette’s successor.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Los Blancos are also now reportedly eager to secure Calvert-Lewin’s services as former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti plots a reunion with the forward.

The report stated: “Arsenal is not alone in the footsteps of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The 24-year-old Everton striker is also liked by Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.”

It will take a substantial fee to prise the England international away from Goodison Park, though, after he signed a contract extension until 2025 just last year, so a substantial payday could be on the horizon for the Blues.

Hammer blow inbound?

Calvert-Lewin enjoyed the most productive season of his career under Ancelotti last term, finishing as Everton’s top scorer in the Premier League with 16 goals, so reports of a potential exit will surely have the club’s supporters feeling incredibly worried.

His impressive performances for the Merseyside club drew eye-catching praise from his former manager, who even compared him to former AC Milan legend Filippo Inzaghi.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s show ‘Between the Lines’, which airs on BT Sport’s YouTube channel, Ancelotti said: “Calvert-Lewin is improving a lot. I don’t want to say ‘has improved’, he is improving because I think he didn’t reach his best level in my opinion.

“I don’t see Inzaghi in him because he has a different structure and different characteristics. Calvert-Lewin is faster. Calvert-Lewin is better with the head. Calvert-Lewin is stronger than him. If Inzaghi listens to this he will kill me!

“But I have to say, Inzaghi in the box was the best striker that I ever had. I think this is natural instinct. He can be dangerous like Inzaghi in the box, for sure. He is faster than any defender, he jumps higher than any defender.

“It is a question of movement and details. He has to be focused, and he is. He is focused in the box,” Ancelotti concluded.

Under new boss Rafa Benitez, Calvert-Lewin began the current campaign in a similarly emphatic fashion, scoring in each of his opening three top-flight encounters in 2021/22. However, a fractured toe has sidelined the forward ever since.

His departure would be a hammer blow and an almighty setback in Benitez’s future plans for the Toffees, and the Spaniard will be hoping that the 6 foot 2 gem stays put for the foreseeable future. His goals are simply too important to lose.

In other news… Brands must sanction Everton swoop for “incredible” £19.8m-rated gem, Benitez needs him 

Rangers enjoyed a sensational month in October as they went unbeaten in all competitions across all six of their competitive outings.

Steven Gerrard’s side won four of their six games, drawing the other two, as they retained their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership and picked up their first win in the group stage of the Europa League.

Forget Tavernier

Gers captain James Tavernier was superb in October as he registered two goals and a whopping five assists from right-back in all competitions for Gerrard. However, in doing so he lost possession of the ball an eye-catching 136 times in five games, which works out at an average of 27 losses of the ball per match.

In the 6-1 win over Motherwell, the ex-Newcastle man attempted 29 crosses throughout the match and completed just six of them – picking up two assists. This, along with his overall possession loss numbers, add context to his goal contributions throughout the month as he was consistently given opportunities to misplace passes and crosses before eventually finding a teammate to create a chance.

One player who had a hugely positive influence on the team during October was Romanian international midfielder Ianis Hagi. The playmaker was Gerrard’s real hero throughout the month as he put in a number of eye-catching performances for the Gers.

He played in five of the six matches, having endured a disrupted September due to isolation rules, and impressed with his displays in the Premiership and Europa League. In those five games, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.18 and that was not boosted by the 6-1 drubbing over Motherwell as he was given a deserved rest for that match.

Hagi also played a key role in an important win for Rangers as they faced St Mirren away from home. The hosts took the lead early on through a terrific long-range strike and the Gers were under the cosh against a well-drilled side defending for their lives.

However, this awakened something in Hagi as he took the game by the scruff of the neck and was crucial to everything Rangers did to end up winning the game 2-1, including winning the penalty for the equaliser from Kemar Roofe. He completed 90% of his passes and only gave possession away seven times, whilst recording a SofaScore rating of 7.5 as he ran the game from midfield.

The 23-year-old wizard ended the month with an exceptional eight chances created in five games, whilst also registering an assist by winning the penalty for Roofe. His average rating of 7.18 also shows that the overall standard of his performances were excellent, whilst he lost possession 71 times in five games – an average of 14.2 per game, which is significantly lower than Tavernier’s turnover rate.

Hagi’s starring role in the win over St Mirren in difficult circumstances also proves that he can turn up in the big moments for the Gers, which is why he was the real hero of the month.

AND in other news, Gerrard can save Rangers’ UEL hopes by unleashing “really dangerous” £12.6m-rated gem…

Journalist Paul Brown has questioned PAI Capital’s motives after they publicly revealed that they had an offer for West Ham United turned down.

The Lowdown: PAI Capital have offer rejected

PAI Capital made a takeover offer which included an immediate £150m cash influx into the club.

They released a statement detailing the offer, but it was duly rejected by West Ham United.

The Latest: Brown questions consortium’s motives

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown questioned PAI Capital’s motives by publicly discussing the deal. He said:

“I’d be a bit wary when someone shouts so loudly in public about wanting a club. You wonder about the motives there. It just doesn’t seem the way to do a deal.

“If you’re putting together a complicated takeover bid, you just don’t go shouting in the press about it. It doesn’t really work, it’s not a good tactic and these people know that, so there must be another reason why they did it.”

The Verdict: Different way of doing things

Brown is right in suggesting that takeovers are rarely so openly discussed in public by those involved. After all, these deals are often very complicated and are at times difficult to explain to supporters. However, there should be no reason why an investor should not make it clear they want to purchase a football club.

After all, isn’t that what fans want, owners who are clearly invested in the club and desperately want to be involved? In many cases, it is likely to get the fans on board if they see someone who is committed looking to buy the club. In this case, though, it seems that PAI Capital have failed, so far at least.

In other news, West Ham are prepared to sell this star

Ian Harvey, the former Australia allrounder, has joined Northamptonshire for their Twenty20 Cup campaign next month

Cricinfo staff22-May-2009Ian Harvey, the former Australia allrounder, has joined Northamptonshire for their Twenty20 Cup campaign next month.”I’m excited about this opportunity to return to Twenty20 cricket, where I still feel I have a lot to offer as a player and in passing on my experience to the young, talented players here at Northants,” Harvey told the club’s website.Northamptonshire have been beset by injuries to key players this season, including David Sales, Stephen Peters and Steven Crook, while Niall O’Brien has also been absent on international duty for Ireland.”We have been fortunate to secure Ian’s services during the Twenty20 period. His proven track record shows he is one of the most outstanding performers of Twenty20, since its conception,” said David Capel, the Northamptonshire coach.”Our younger players have a great opportunity to learn from one of Twenty20’s record making batsman and a proven match winner with the ball in one-day cricket.”This signing obviously strengthens our squad and will improve our competitiveness in all areas, especially as Twenty20 is becoming so important to the players, the club and our supporters.”Harvey, 37, has had stints with Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Derbyshire and Hampshire in a 17-year career, as well as representing Chennai Superstars in the Indian Cricket League.

The South African board has said it will host the next Champions Trophy, if and when it is formally offered the tournament, but has attached a financial rider to the ICC’s proposal. Gerald Majola, chief executive of Cricket South Africa (CSA), said a final decision would be taken by the South African board only after it received an official invitation – and, more importantly, found acceptable the ICC’s financial model for the event.Under ICC protocol, its executive board has to first endorse Wednesday’s recommendation by its Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) to shift , due to weather concerns, the tournament from Sri Lanka to South Africa. The ICC will then extend an official invitation to CSA to host the event.”We have asked the ICC to provide us with a financial model and our board will discuss the matter once we have received this model and an official ICC invitation,” Majola said. “We would also have to follow the government protocols for hosting a major international event. If the finances and protocols are right and our board agrees to accept the invitation, we have the infrastructures and the expertise from recently hosting two ICC world championships to stage a successful tournament at short notice.”This is not the first time there’s been an element of uncertainty over hosting the Champions Trophy. In 2002, the tournament was awarded to Sri Lanka after the Indian government refused to grant tax exemption for the event, as required by the ICC. Four years later, India and Pakistan were in the running to host the event, which was finally held in India after the government agreed to a tax exemption.India had said then that it would not participate in future editions as the event is traditionally held during the peak cricket season – September-October. Lalit Modi, the BCCI vice-president, said holding the event in October cut into India’s season and so affected revenue. The deadlock was subsequently resolved at the ICC level.The Champions Trophy’s financial model has been designed to generate revenue primarily for the ICC, which then pumps the money back into the development of the game worldwide.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em busca de um atacante para seu time, o Internacional volta ao mercado e a bola da vez é Grafite, que deixou o Atlético-PR há uma semana. Ao UOL, o jogador afirmou que foi procurado pelo clube.

– Algumas pessoas falaram com meu empresário. Houve um contato preliminar, mas nada oficial. Estamos no aguardo de evolução neste fim de semana – declarou Grafite.

Após uma campanha de destaque no Santa Cruz, durante a última temporada, o atacante já estava nos planos do Internacional. Entretanto foi transferido para o Atlético-PR. Agora, aos 38 anos, Grafite assinou sua rescisão com o clube, onde disputou 24 jogos e marcou um gol, e está livre no mercado.

Pelo tempo em que atuou no Furacão, o atacante não poderá atuar em outra equipe da Série A nesta edição do Campeonato Brasileiro, entretanto nada impede que Grafite defenda um time da Série B. Enquanto isso, o Colorado, que conta com dois jogadores móveis na frente, Nico López e William Pottker, avalia um outro nome além de Grafite.

Túlio de Melo, da Chapecoense, também estaria na mira da diretoria do Internacional, entretanto o jogador afirma ainda não ter recebido algum contato do clube.

Many Liverpool supporters are keen for the Reds to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have received criticism for their lack of business in the transfer market as only Ibrahima Konate signed in a quiet window.

But the Liverpool manager remains on the lookout to bolster his squad and England international Bellingham is now allegedly Klopp’s top target after dazzling in Germany since his move from Birmingham City.

According to Daily Star journalist Jeremy Cross [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], a deal could cost up to £80million and the Reds face competition from Manchester United to secure his services.

The Daily Star have reported that Klopp wants to bring in a statement signing and the 18-year-old has been identified as that player.

With Georginio Wijnaldum departing on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, Liverpool are in need of another midfielder, and it looks like they will need to break the transfer record fee they paid for Virgil van Dijk in 2018 to sign Bellingham.

Liverpool fans excited with Bellingham talk

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the rumour.

“Get this guy at any cost. Brilliant talent”

Credit: @LFC_purpose

“If you honestly think Bellingham would be worth the punt of £80m then you’d be… Absolutely right!”

Credit: @Twiss95

“Need it to happen”

Credit: @lfcellex

“Yes. Yes. Yes. Please”

Credit: @lukewalshdesign

“Pay whatever they want”

Credit: @davegarcia83

“Worth every flaming penny”

Credit: @JotaBelieveIt

In other news, Liverpool fans are buzzing with links to teenage sensation. Find out more here.