The 264-run win placed Nigeria at No. 3 in the list for biggest victory margins in men’s T20Is
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-2024Ivory Coast have entered the record books for the lowest total in a men’s T20I, rolling over for just 7 in a 264-run defeat to Nigeria in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier Group C game on Sunday in Lagos.Batting first after winning the toss, Nigeria rode on Player-of-the-Match Selim Salau’s 53-ball 112 (retired out) and half-centuries from Sulaimon Runsewe (50 in 29) and Isaac Okpe (65* in 23) to put up 271 for 4. It was carnage after that. Left-arm spinner Isaac Danladi and left-arm quick Prosper Useni picked up three wickets each, right-arm quick Peter Aho got two, and Sylvester Okpe got one, with one batter run out, as Ivory Coast were dismissed in 7.3 overs. Opener Ouattara Mohamed was the top-scorer with 4 from six balls. The batters’ scores read: 4, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 0* and 0.This was the first instance of a single-digit team total in a men’s T20I, and beat the earlier lowest total in the format, 10 all out, which has been recorded twice: Mongolia vs Singapore in September this year and Isle of Man vs Spain last year.The 264-run win also made it to No. 3 in the list for largest victory margins in men’s T20Is. The leader there is the 290 runs Zimbabwe beat Gambia by last month, followed by Nepal’s 273-run win over Mongolia at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in September 2023.The win was Nigeria’s second in as many games in the group, and Ivory Coast’s second loss in as many games – they had been bowled out for 21 to lose by 168 runs to Sierra Leone in their first match. Nigeria are top of the six-team table, while Ivory Coast are bottom.
The January transfer window is set to slam shut on Thursday and Celtic could be in for a busy few days of business before the deadline passes.
Brendan Rodgers watched on as his side scraped a 1-0 win over Ross County in their Scottish Premiership return on Saturday, thanks to a goal from Alistair Johnston in the first minute.
The Hoops had 70% of the ball and took 17 shots at the opposition's goal but failed to find the back of the net after that stunning start to the game, with Luis Palma's missed penalty in the 28th minute contributing to that failure.
Nicolas Kuhn, who was signed from Rapid Wien earlier this month, came off the bench to make his debut for the Bhoys but he may not be the last attacking addition to the squad before the window slams shut.
Minutes played
26
Key passes
Zero
Dribbles completed
One
Pass accuracy
69%
Football Insider previously reported that Rodgers would like to bring in another number nine to bolster his squad, along with a left-back and a goalkeeper.
Celtic's search for a striker
Celtic's search for a striker appears to be nearing a conclusion as they have identified the son of one of their former centre-forwards – Pierre van Hooijdonk – as a target.
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that Sydney van Hooijdonk is looking to move on from Serie A side Bologna before the end of the window.
The journalist adds that the Hoops have been keeping tabs on the Dutch youngster for 'some time' and that the club are in the market to bring in another striker.
Brendan Rodgers.
However, he did state that the Scottish giants have not made contact with Bologna over a deal to sign the 23-year-old marksman at this stage.
Meanwhile, TNT commentator Paul Dempsey claimed on Saturday evening, as relayed by the Daily Record, that a move to Parkhead is "on the cards" for the young attacker.
He was on duty for Bologna's Serie A clash with AC Milan and noted that van Hooijdonk was absent from the matchday squad for the Italian side, as an apparent switch to Scotland could be on.
However, it remains to be seen how close a deal is or how much the Bhoys would be willing to pay for his services, and if it is enough to tempt the Serie A team into cashing in on him.
If Rodgers does secure a swoop for van Hooijdonk before the deadline passes on Thursday then the Northern Irish head coach could land an exciting partner for Kyogo Furuhashi, as well as competition for the Japan international, at the top end of the pitch.
Kyogo's drop-off in form under Rodgers
The 29-year-old attacker enjoyed a sensational 2022/23 campaign under Ange Postecoglou to cement himself as a star for the Scottish giants.
Kyogo racked up a staggering 27 goals and two assists in 36 Premiership appearances for the club, in 31 starts, as he showcased his goalscoring quality on a regular basis.
His sensational form in front of goal earned him the PFA Scotland Men's Player of the Year award, which shows that the striker's peers recognised and respected his quality.
Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi.
He produced an eye-catching 34 goals and five assists in 50 matches in all competitions for Celtic, which is a goal every 1.47 outings on average, as they won a domestic treble under the Australian head coach.
Postecoglou moved on from Parkhead last summer and was replaced by Rodgers, for his second spell, in the dugout and that change appears to have had a negative impact on Kyogo.
The Japan international has produced 11 goals and three assists in 31 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops so far this season, which is a return of one strike every 2.82 games on average.
That is a staggering decline in form for the experienced centre-forward, who has not been able to replicate or kick on from his goalscoring exploits last term.
Appearances
36
23
Goals
27
Eight
Big chances missed
16
12
Minutes per goal
86
201
As you can see in the table above, the Hoops striker has struggled badly in comparison to his incredible performances during the 2022/23 campaign.
The signing of van Hooijdonk could help Kyogo by providing him with serious competition for his place, to drive his motivation up, and possibly a fantastic partner for him in the final third.
The stats that show why Celtic should sign van Hooijdonk
The 23-year-old whiz has struggled to make his mark in Italy this season, with one goal in 11 matches for Bologna, but has previously showcased his quality in the Netherlands.
Van Hooijdonk, who was once hailed as "prolific" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, spent 18 months on loan with Heerenveen in the Eredivisie from January 2022 through to the summer of 2023 and caught the eye in front of goal.
The Dutch finisher racked up six goals, and only missed three 'big chances', in 13 top-flight appearances during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.
Appearances
41
16
70
Goals
35
Seven
23
Assists
Two
Zero
Four
He followed that first five months on loan up with a superb return of 16 goals, with only ten 'big chances' missed, in 30 Eredivisie starts for Heereveen over the subsequent 12 months.
Overall, van Hooijdonk produced 22 goals and only missed 13 'big chances' in 43 league starts on loan with the Dutch side, which is a return of one strike every 1.95 starts on average.
This suggests that the Celtic target has the potential to offer more in front of goal than Kyogo has so far this season, as his form for Heerenveen over that 18-month spell was more impressive than what the current Hoops ace has mustered up in the Premiership.
Van Hooijdonk could also be a fantastic partner for the Japanese dynamo as he excels where the 29-year-old struggles – in aerial contests with defenders.
Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi.
He won 2.0 aerial duels per game in the Eredivisie last season, with a success rate of 45%, whilst Kyogo has won 0.2 per game, with a success rate of 20%, in the league this term.
The £7.6k-per-week striker could, therefore, provide a physical outlet at the top end of the pitch that would allow the current Celtic marksman to play off and around him without needing to worry about engaging in physical duels with towering Scottish defenders, which could free him up to focus on improving his output in front of goal.
This could make them an exciting pairing for Rodgers in the final third as well as excellent competition for each other to drive up the standards in training and on matchdays.
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Pau Torres to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the Italian transfer insider and journalist revealing in a recent interview with Que Golazo that, after failing with a bid to sign the Villarreal centre-back 12 months ago, Fabio Paratici remains interested in the 25-year-old – whom both Manchester United and Chelsea are also reportedly keen on – this summer.
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Regarding Spurs’ interest in the Spain international, Romano said: “Tottenham wanted him one year ago and he was close to joining, then he decided to stay at Villarreal to play Champions League football. But now, Tottenham are still following him.”
An “extraordinary” signing
With Fabio Paratici being reported to have prioritised the signing of a left-sided centre-back ahead of Tottenham’s 2022/23 campaign, it is easy to see why the Italian sporting director is keeping an eye on the situation of Torres this summer.
Indeed, over his 30 LaLiga appearances this season, the £60m-rated defender has been a colossus in Unai Emery’s backline, helping his side keep ten clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 3.1 clearances and winning 4.0 duels – at a success rate of 66% – per game.
The £126k-per-week talent has also impressed going forwards, bagging four goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as completing an average of 54.4 passes, 4.5 long balls, 0.8 dribbles and taking 0.7 shots per fixture.
These metrics have seen the player who Javi Calleja labelled an “extraordinary talent” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.06, ranking him as Villarreal’s fourth-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football.
As such, it is clear for all to see that Torres would make an exceptional addition to Antonio Conte’s current options at the back, leading us to believe that Paratici simply must activate the centre-back’s reported £55m release clause this summer – as the 25-year-old would undoubtedly help to take Spurs to a different level next season.
AND in other news: Conte could land his new Kante as Spurs eye £17m signing who’s “absolutely everywhere”
The Canaries manager emphatically dismissed transfer speculation surrounding American striker, saying that it would take an unbelievable offer to sell him
Manning: Only an "unbelievable" offer could prompt Sargent's exitDescribed the American as the "best nine at the level"Manager praised Sargent's leadership developmentGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Following Norwich City's 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers, manager Liam Manning addressed growing speculation about Josh Sargent's future amid rumors of a move away. The Norwich boss firmly rejected suggestions that the striker might leave before the transfer deadline, emphasizing Sargent's commitment to the club was evident. Manning also specifically highlighted Sargent's performance against Blackburn, where the American won and converted a penalty while creating several additional chances.
“It would have to take something unbelievable for anything to be done,” Manning told reporters. “I would never want to throw some words out there that get held against me. So as it stands, there is nothing I am aware of. He showed at the final whistle how all-in he is on the club.
“You see the threat he carries. The movement, the sharpness to get in behind for the penalty. He produces such high-level actions. I gave him a bit of stick because, for me, he missed a couple of other really good chances, which, for the standards I know he sets himself, he'll take in the future. "
AdvertisementWHAT LIAM MANNING SAID
The Norwich City boss also touched upon Sargent’s growth as a leader, alongside veteran central midfielder Kenny McLean, and believes that the American striker is the best No. 9 at this level for him.
"He epitomized everything. I think if you look at him and Kenny [McLean], the leadership that they're developing and showing and bringing to the team was really important. I'm delighted that Sarge has got off to such a good start," he said.
Manning also praised Sargent's work rate in developing chances for Norwich.
"He's a constant handful. I think he's so intelligent with the positions he takes up, and he's so sharp over the first metres. He's the best nine at the level for me. We're delighted to have him here, long may that continue.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Sargent has emerged as Norwich City's most valuable attacking asset following the summer departures of Gabriel Sara and Jonathan Rowe. After scoring 15 goals in 32 appearances last season despite missing significant time, Sargent has started the season well with six goals in five appearances across all competitions.
Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?
Fans of the USMNT will be hoping that Sargent will continue his fine run of form as the American has been called up for the September friendlies against South Korea and Japan.
Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant could not put in big scores for their teams
Hemant Brar24-Nov-2019KL Rahul’s blazing half-century against Punjab gave Karnataka their third win in as many matches in the Super League of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019-20. Prithvi Shaw played a similar knock for Mumbai as they defeated Jharkhand in the other Group B game.Meanwhile, in Group A, Haryana beat Delhi with the help of Yuzvendra Chahal’s three-for and replaced Baroda at the top of the table. Baroda lost to Maharashtra earlier in the day.Karnataka v PunjabRahul’s unbeaten 48-ball 84 trumped Mandeep Singh’s 76 off 50 balls as Karnataka beat Punjab by seven wickets.In response to Punjab’s 163 for 6, Rahul got Karnataka off to a flyer and despite Devdutt Padikkal scoring 2 off three balls, the duo added 33 in just 2.1 overs for the first wicket. Rahul kept going for his shots and brought up his fifty off 22 balls.Along with Manish Pandey, Rahul took the side past 100 with a 60-run stand for the third wicket. Pandey fell for a 29-ball 33 but by then his side required just 25 from 29 balls, which they knocked off with 12 balls to spare.Shubman Gill, who was released from the Test side along with Rishabh Pant on Friday, managed only 11 off nine balls, as Ronit More took 4 for 27, his best T20 figures.Mumbai v JharkhandSmarting from their defeat against Tamil Nadu, Mumbai rode on Shaw’s 39-ball 64 to take down Jharkhand by five wickets.Chasing 171, Shaw targeted the arc between long-on and deep midwicket and took Mumbai to 50 in 5.2 overs. He got to his fifty off 28 balls with a straight six off left-arm spinner Sonu Singh before dragging a sweep on to his stumps.Despite Shaw’s innings, Mumbai still needed 64 from 36 balls. However, a 26-run 16th over took the game away from Jharkhand. It started with Shivam Dube hitting offspinner Utkarsh Singh for three successive sixes, and while Dube perished attempting the fourth, Siddhesh Lad smashed the fifth ball for four before collecting two off the sixth.Earlier, Kumar Deobrat struck 58 off just 30 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes, but once he was dismissed, Mumbai didn’t let the other batsmen score freely. Jharkhand’s eventual 170 for 5 didn’t prove enough.Maharashtra v BarodaRuturaj Gaikwad, Kedar Jadhav and Azim Kazi all scored in 40s before their bowlers skittled Baroda for 98 to give Maharashtra a 67-run win.Continuing his good form, Gaikwad smashed seven fours and a six in his 27-ball 47 before he was trapped lbw by Swapnil Singh. Jadhav (47* off 42) and Azim (48* off 33) then added 87 in 61 balls in an unbroken third-wicket stand to take them to a competitive 165 for 2.Baroda’s chase never really took off. Samad Fallah dismissed Aditya Waghmode for a first-ball duck in the opening over. And when Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya too fell cheaply, Baroda were struggling at 37 for 3 in the seventh over.Kedar Devdhar (27 off 20) was the only one to offer some resistance but once he was run out, the rest of the batting just collapsed.Haryana v DelhiHimanshu Rana starred with 59 off 40 balls as Haryana beat Delhi by 30 runs in the north India derby.Batting first, Haryana lost their openers in the first two overs but Rana and Shivam Chauhan (47 off 31) added 105 in 66 balls for the third wicket. While they got out in back-to-back overs, the incoming batsmen kept finding the boundaries and powered the side to 181 for 6.Navdeep Saini had an uneventful return from the groin injury, conceding 21 from three overs without picking up any wicket.Bolstered by Pant’s addition, Delhi would have backed themselves to chase the target down but the wicketkeeper-batsman ended up consuming 32 balls for his 28. By the time he got out, the asking rate had gone past 13. Nitish Rana showed some fight with a 25-ball 37 but it came a too little too late. For Haryana, Chahal was the most successful bowler, registering 3 for 27, his best figures in the seven matches he has played this tournament.
Real Betis have put out a statement confirming that they have pulled out of Antony transfer unless Manchester United shell out an exit fee or the player lowers his salary demands. The La Liga side sensationally walked away from a deal just hours after a transfer package worth £21.6 million ($29m) had been agreed. Betis admitted they couldn’t afford the astronomical financial demands tied to the agreement with United.
Betis pull the plug on Antony transferUnited winger’s wage demands cause collapseFuture at Old Trafford now uncertainFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
United had given the 25-year-old Brazilian permission to travel to Spain to finalise terms. The agreement included a hefty £21.6m fee and a 50 per cent sell-on clause. Everything appeared on track until discussions over wages and severance spiralled out of control. Antony’s camp insisted there was still a shortfall in wages to be settled before pen could be put to paper, while Betis made it clear they were unwilling to cover the full cost of the package.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT BETIS SAID
Betis did not mince their words. Their statement read: “There is no agreement and we have withdrawn the transfer offer because Real Betis can’t afford the transfer fee and the amounts that Manchester United must [instead] pay the player before the transfer.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Inside Old Trafford, the mood is different. According to United believe Betis’ withdrawal is merely a negotiating ploy designed to pile pressure on Antony to compromise on his personal terms. The Red Devils are convinced the Spanish side still want him and are waiting for the winger to accept a severance package from United that would reduce the overall cost of the deal.
DID YOU KNOW?
Since his £85m ($114m) arrival from Ajax, Antony has endured a torrid time at Old Trafford. While he lifted both the FA Cup and League Cup, his personal contribution has been underwhelming. In 96 appearances for United, the winger has found the net only 12 times and provided nine assists, a return far short of the hefty price tag that once made him one of Europe’s most expensive players. However, during his loan spell earlier this year, Antony had looked a man reborn. He bagged five La Liga goals, laid on two assists in just 15 starts, and was even nominated for the Player of the Month award in his opening weeks.
Tottenham Hotspur entered the January transfer window with the knowledge that failing to effectively bolster the squad with several high-impact additions could be detrimental ahead of the business end of the campaign.
Fifth-placed in the Premier League after 21 matches – level with Arsenal (fourth) who, albeit, have a game in hand – Ange Postecoglou deserves all the plaudits for the job that he has done in north London since arriving in the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
And with Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin boosting the depth in the frontline and central defence respectively, there is optimism that a sustained run of form can be achieved, ensuring that Spurs claim a spot in the top four and wade deep into the FA Cup, having defeated Burnley earlier this month to advance to the fourth round.
With Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma both absent for the next month or so on international duty at the African Cup of Nations, efforts have been made to identify a new midfielder this month, and while this search goes on, Postecoglou appears to be readying a bid for another centre-back.
Spurs January targets – defenders
At the start of the month, Tottenham were reportedly prioritising a deal for OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo but that soon fell apart with negotiations ahead looking protracted, and the focus shifted to Dragusin.
With a deal swiftly agreed, Spurs announced the signing of the Romanian ace, aged 21, for around £27m last week, and despite Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both returning to fitness last time out, another player has been lined up for transfer.
Spurs transfer target Radu Dragusin in action for Genoa in Serie A.
Indeed, according to Italian outlet Il Resto Del Carlino – via Sport Witness – Tottenham have made contact with Bologna concerning defender Riccardo Calafiori, who only signed for his Serie A side from FC Basel for €4m (£3m) in the summer, with Juventus, AC Milan, and Napoli also named as suitors.
A deal would not be easy and a summer transfer might be more likely if a breakthrough cannot be found shortly, but there is genuine interest there from the Lilywhites.
Riccardo Calafiori profiled
Italian Calfiori, aged 21, was a member of AS Roma's youth ranks but failed to make his mark, playing 18 times before being sold to Switzerland to hone his skills with Basel.
After just one full campaign with the club, Calafiori returned to his homeland last year and has gone on to cement himself as a crucial member of Thiago Motta's squad, starting the past 15 Serie A matches in succession.
As per Sofascore, he has showcased his impressive skill set across said fixtures, completing 90% of his passes, making 1.9 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and a whopping 6.9 ball recoveries per game, also winning 71% of his aerial duels, the 6 foot titan has returned with a vengeance after failing to secure a spot in his boyhood club.
Described as a "brilliant little player" by journalist and U23 scout Antonio Mango, Calafiori might be in the fledgeling phase of his senior career but he is already demonstrating his ability to battle adversity, overcome setbacks and perform at a level that attracts some of Europe's standout outfits.
Passing
Concentration
Aerial duels
Interceptions
*Sourced via WhoScored
And there's a reason for this; away from his inner belief, Calafiori has the trappings of a complete, modern centre-back in the future, ranking among the top 4% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for pass completion, the top 15% for progressive carries and the top 3% for interceptions per 90, as per FBref.
Such metrics bespeak the array of tools in his professional armoury and it's clear that Postecoglou is targeting defenders of such a style, hence the swift conclusion of the Dragusin saga.
Why Tottenham should sign Calafiori
Hailed for his "complete & dominant" style by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Dragusin brings both aggression and adroitness to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Having chalked up 62 appearances for Genoa since leaving Juventus with just four senior showings to his name, the 13-cap Romania international has undergone a similar trend to Calafiori thus far in his career, assuming the Lilywhites do secure the latter's signature this year.
Both failing to secure prominent roles in their prestigious Italian outfits after rising from the youth ranks, Postecoglou's talent radar is highlighted for its astuteness and accuracy once again.
Dragusin, across 19 Serie A appearances this term, only completed 83% of his passes but did win 67% of his total duels, showcasing his robustness and confidence defensively both aerially and on the ground.
He also ranks among the top 10% of positional peers for goals scored and the top 9% for shots taken per 90, highlighting an attacking ability that will add a dimension to the Tottenham team.
Spurs could sign their new Maddison after Alasdair Gold reveal
Ange Postecoglou might still be in business on the transfer front this month.
ByAngus Sinclair Jan 16, 2024
Calafiori would bring this too, but in a very different way, with his creativity and invention from the defensive third enhancing the fluency at the north London club, capable of digging in to rebuff danger or surge forward to influence attacking sequences at his manager's behest.
With Eric Dier signing for Bayern Munich this month too, augmenting the rearguard with one more acquisition seems far more clear, and at a youthful age, Calafiori would be content with playing a peripheral role and working his way toward the forefront.
Dragusin might have only just arrived in Tottenham white but there's no doubt he's a high-class talent, brought in to provide Postecoglou's backline with the depth it needs to flourish.
Making a move for Calafiori makes sense, completing the defence and continuing the trend of plucking players from Serie A, and in recent memory, few have gone on to flop down the N17.
Australia’s limited-overs captain has absolutely no fear of bias being shown by new selector Bailey
Alex Malcolm27-Nov-2019Australia’s limited-overs captain Aaron Finch believes that George Bailey’s quality as a person and a cricketing judge will transcend any danger of bias towards his Tasmania or Hobart Hurricanes team-mates as the newly appointed selector alongside Trevor Hohns and Justin Langer.Cricket Australia confirmed on Wednesday that Bailey has been appointed as the third national selector alongside chairman Hohns and coach Langer.Bailey, 37, is currently still playing domestic cricket and will begin his tenure as a full-time selector in early February when he retires from all forms of cricket after the BBL. He will be available to play in Tasmania’s last two Shield games prior to the BBL and the Hurricanes entire BBL season before fully committing to his new role.In the interim, he will serve as a National Teams advisor and work closely CA’s head of National Teams Ben Oliver, Langer, and Hohns. Bailey has already had conversations with Finch as his main brief will be focussing on the T20 team ahead of the 2020 World Cup.Finch said he had no concerns that Bailey would give preferential treatment to his current team-mates from a selection standpoint.”Not at all, no, I haven’t heard anyone even doubt the decision,” Finch said. “I think everyone, all the players I’ve spoken to, are rapt with the decision. To have someone who is obviously still playing but he’s a professional, he’s been around the game for a long time, he might get sledged a bit less though.”No doubt that will not be an issue.”Bailey captained Australia in both the 2012 and 2014 T20 World Cups, leading them to a semi-final in 2012 before being bounced out in the group phase 2014.Finch is delighted to have someone with those experiences on the panel. With the exception of when former captain Michael Clarke formally sat on the panel for a brief period following the Argus review in 2011, no previous Australian selector had played a T20 international. Langer, Darren Lehmann, Andy Bichel and Jamie Cox all had limited T20 playing experience at domestic level. But Langer and Lehmann have both won BBL titles as coaches.”(It’s great to have) someone who has been heavily involved in T20 cricket, in particular, someone who has captained Australia and knows what it takes to be an elite player and someone who hasn’t always done it the easy way,” Finch said.”He’s challenged himself technically a lot of times, George, and I think just the way that he played the game is brilliant and to have that talent identification as well is really important.”Finch did not think Bailey’s appointment would spurn a generation of Australian batsmen who stand with their back turned to the bowler as Bailey has done in recent years.”I don’t think you can teach that to anyone, nor would you,” Finch said.Bailey’s appointment rounds out the selection panel. Hohns and Langer have been picking teams as a two-man panel since the end of the Ashes series, which has its own challenges. Previously, with Greg Chappell as the third member, on the rare occasion a contentious or line-ball decision arose a vote would be held with the majority holding sway. That hasn’t happened in recent times, although Langer is well known for consulting widely among trusted confidants and coaches around Australia before making any key selection decisions in conjunction with Hohns.”I think that what’s important is that everyone gets on the same page,” Finch said. “Having three selectors now, I think it’s a good mix. When there’s two, it’s just up to an opinion isn’t it, and one of them always wins out over the other. So having three, it probably creates a sense where you can challenge opinions a lot more and, I suppose, get a really streamlined process in selection.”Bailey beat out contemporary Michael Klinger for the role. Klinger advanced well into the interview process with CA, before withdrawing after being appointed as the Melbourne Renegades new head coach.Bailey said in a statement that he was delighted to take on the new role.”I am passionate about the long-term success of the Australian cricket team and advancing the cause of Australian cricket in general,” Bailey said. “I have been fortunate enough to contribute as a player for quite a few years, and to now have the opportunity to continue in the role of selector is a tremendous honour.”I’m confident I can add value to the selection process and that my experience will be complementary to that of Trevor and Justin. I am really excited to be joining them in the coming months.”
Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister has named a player who was very nearly his team-mate as his toughest-ever midfield opponent.
Liverpool midfielder names toughest opponentPlayer could have been his team-mateTransfer saga saw him move to PL rivalsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Speaking to GOAL at the PFA Awards in Manchester, the midfielder revealed that Chelsea's Moises Caicedo has given him the sternest tests of his career to date. Mac Allister and Caicedo were team-mates at Brighton and Liverpool tried to sign them both in the same summer in 2023. However, while the former headed to Anfield, the latter was snatched by Chelsea despite the Reds having a deal agreed in a then-British-record £115 million ($146m) transfer.
AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT MAC ALLISTER SAID ABOUT CAICEDO
Asked his toughest midfield opponent on the red carpet at the PFA Awards ceremony, Mac Allister named Caicedo as his toughest midfield opponent and said: "It always stays the same. Caicedo, I think he's a very good player."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MAC ALLISTER & LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool man was forced to sit out Monday night's dramatic win against Newcastle through injury but will hope to be fit in time for Sunday's blockbuster clash with Arsenal. He has two meetings with Caicedo coming up – one in the international arena against Ecuador in September and another in the Premier League when Chelsea host the champions in early October.
Bangladesh leave for T20I series in India with depleted squad
Mohammad Isam30-Oct-20191:19
Shariar: Everyone is shocked by the news of Shakib’s ban
Named Bangladesh’s T20I captain just over an hour after Shakib Al Hasan was banned by the ICC on Tuesday, Mahmudullah has called on his players to “play with our heart” in the three-match series in India.Shakib’s absence has weakened an already depleted team further. Tamim Iqbal had earlier opted out of the tour, while Mohammad Saifuddin was sidelined with an injury. Mohammad Mithun, Taijul Islam and Abu Hider have since been brought in as replacements, with Mahmudullah promoted to the leadership role.ALSO READ: Bal – Just what was Shakib thinking?The conversations centred on Shakib as the team assembled at the airport in Dhaka for the trip across to New Delhi, where the first T20I will be played on November 3.”We have to play with our heart for the country,” Mahmudullah said. “I think this [Shakib’s absence] will work as motivation for us. I think there’s no greater honour than playing for the country. The responsibility to lead the side lies with me, so I will try to give it my all.”The statistics don’t lie. It is a tough ask, but it is not impossible. We have to perform as a team, and ensure we take advantage of every opportunity.”In what is a rather young side, Mahmudullah will have only Mushfiqur Rahim to lean on for help with Shakib and Tamim out.”Definitely I will miss him [Shakib], since we have played together for so long,” Mushfiqur said. “It is tough to play without him as he is the No. 1 player. But it is also a good opportunity for youngsters.”If someone was injured for a year, which could have been anyone, then it would have been an opening for the younger players. It is a challenge to beat India in their home turf but a challenge also means an opportunity.”Left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny, who has made a return to the senior side after being banned for an illegal action in 2016, said, “Shakib has been the No. 1 allrounder in the world for a long time. I would have been more comfortable as a bowler knowing he is also around. He has a good sense of wickets in India given his experience in the IPL. So we will definitely miss him.”Bangladesh will play two Test matches, including a day-nighter in Kolkata, after the T20Is, with Mominul Haque leading the long-format side.