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ESPNcricinfo presents the Plays of the Day from the fourth day between Australia and England at the Gabba

Andrew Miller and Peter English at the Gabba28-Nov-2010Partnership of the day
Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook’s invaluable alliance was still in itsearly stages when, with the score on 23, they notched an unexpected markin the annals of English Test history. With a chancy snick through a gapat third slip, Cook carried the pairing to the highest aggregate by any England opening partnership,eclipsing the figure of 3249 amassed by none other than Jack Hobbs andHerbert Sutcliffe. In mitigation, those two legends racked up their runsin 38 innings rather than 82, and their average stand is more than double(87.81 to 42.68), but nevertheless, such a stat underlines the experiencethat they bring to England’s top order.Costly drop of the day, part one
Mitchell Johnson is a confidence player without much self-belief at themoment. After his 18-ball 0 on the third day, Johnson followed up with acrucial miss when Strauss was 69. Strauss tried to clear mid-off when hecharged at Xavier Doherty and the ball went hard and over the head ofJohnson, who looked like he had it under control but couldn’t hold it. Hishead went down and the Australians sighed.Costly drop of the day, part two
The problems for Australia continued after tea when Peter Siddle had adifficult diving chance, with Cook hooking Ben Hilfenhaus to fine-leg on103. That one went to ground too – and for four. Jonathan Trott, on 34,was the next to benefit when Michael Clarke leapt at point and lost hisgrasp of the ball as his left-hand bumped the ground. On day three it wasAustralia who enjoyed the good fortune, but the roles have reversed.Painful blow of the day
Simon Katich is the toughest player in the Australian side but thestrength of a Cook cut eventually forced him off the field. Katich was atbat-pad when Marcus North came on to aim at the footmarks in the middlesession, but a short one resulted in a fierce blow to Katich’s ankle.While Katich didn’t flinch or show any pain, he did start to limp shortlyafter and a couple of overs later left the field for treatment. Hereturned after tea in a little discomfort.Dive of the day
Katich’s absence provided a chance for an understudy to shine, and theQueensland veteran Lee Carseldine didn’t disappoint. At the age of 35, hishopes of a Test debut are slim to say the least, but he did his best togive the impression that he’s still a spring chicken with a desperatediving save on the deep cover boundary. With a full-frontal swallow-diveand a clatter of boundary-board, he clawed the ball back into play to cutoff a certain four. It wasn’t quite up there as a Gary Pratt moment, buthe did his bit to keep the team’s pecker up.Yelp of the day
With lunch approaching and England’s partnership going strong, any viewersback in Blighty who had been tempted into a quick power-nap foundthemselves being jolted violently back to reality by a piercing yelp fromthe Sky Sports commentary box. The yelpee was none other than the usuallyice-cool David Gower, whose mellifluous flow was painfully interruptedwhen his sidekick Nasser Hussain parked a chairleg squarely on his toe.

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to end deadline day with a bang…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports reporter Aden-Jay Wood, Spurs are keen to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele before 11pm tonight, though any deal won’t be easy.

“Hearing Tottenham are interested in a deadline day move for Ousmane Dembele, not an easy deal to complete but Barcelona want him gone. Dele Alli to Everton almost completed,” he tweeted.

Late coup

This would certainly be a statement of intent from the north London outfit as they look to round off a busy day of activity.

Earlier this afternoon, the club announced the arrivals of Juventus duo Roman Bentancur, who has signed permanently in an initial £15.9m deal, and Dejan Kulusevski, who arrives on loan for £8.3m fee with an option to buy for £29.2m, via the BBC.

The Frenchman has been hindered by persistent injury problems during his time at the Nou Camp but whenever he has featured, he has been impressive.

Dembele has directly contributed towards 54 goals from 129 appearances (31 goals); a goal or assist every 139 minutes. By comparison, Heung-min Son’s record for Spurs sits at one direct contribution every 110 minutes. Not hugely different, all things considered.

The £27m-rated wide man has earned plenty of praise during his time in Spain, even despite not playing as many minutes as he’d probably like. Ex-teammate Lionel Messi dubbed him a “phenomenon”, whilst former club president Josep Maria Bartomeu once claimed “he is better than Neymar.”

Having let Bryan Gil depart on loan to Valencia to get some game time, there is certainly space in the squad for a versatile forward capable of playing up front and on both flanks, so Dembele would be a very nice signing indeed.

It remains to be seen if there’s enough time to get this one over the line but if it can happen, then it’s an exciting one. The Barca man could thrive under a manager like Conte.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold offers Spurs update ahead of deadline…

Jacques Rudolph has been appointed as the captain of the Titans for the forthcoming season. He will replace Pierre Joubert who stepped down at the end of the 2009/10 season

Cricinfo staff11-Aug-2010Jacques Rudolph has been appointed as the captain of the Titans for the forthcoming season. He will replace Pierre Joubert who stepped down at the end of the 2009/10 season.Rudolph played 35 Tests and 45 ODIs for South Africa between 2003 and 2006. He is a prolific run-getter at the first-class level, having featured in 182 first-class fixtures, scoring 13065 runs at 45.36 inclusive of 37 centuries.”It is indeed a pleasure for me to congratulate Jacques as new captain of the Nashua Titans. He is a true product of Northerns, having represented the Province from Under-13s. I am quietly confident that he will be an astute captain and will lead the Titans with passion and courage,” Elise Lombard, the franchise CEO said.Vincent Sinovich, the board chairman echoed Lombard’s views. “Jacques is a quality player and we believe that he will lead the team successfully in the coming years,” he said.Jacques, who represents Yorkshire in the English domestic season, was pleased with the appointment. “It is an honour and privilege to be named as Titans captain for the forthcoming season. I see this as a new chapter in my career and a massive challenge as I am taking over the captaincy of a franchise which breeds success.”I aim to bring even more success to the franchise whilst nurturing and harnessing the exciting young talent coming through the system. I would also like extend a thank you to management for placing their faith in me. I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Nottinghamshire continued their march to the Friends Provident t20 quarter-finals with a confident 32-run victory over Warwickshire

Cricinfo staff27-Jun-2010
Scorecard
Nottinghamshire continued their march to the Friends Provident t20 quarter-finals with a confident 32-run victory over Warwickshire. In-form skipper David Hussey, the leading runscorer in the competition, hit three sixes and two fours on his way to 56 from 38 balls in partnership with Samit Patel (38) as the hosts totalled 149 for 6, with Warwickshire seamer Neil Carter picking up 3 for 28.Hussey then delivered a wicket maiden in his only over as the visitors made a mess of the run chase, with five batsmen reaching double figures but no-one bettering Jim Troughton’s 23 as they collapsed to 117 all out. Left-arm spinner Graeme White claimed 3 for 23 and medium-pacer Steven Mullaney 2 for 19 from his four overs, as the home side picked up their eighth win in the competition.Nottinghamshire batted first on a used track offering some bite and turn for the spinners but it was the Warwickshire seamers who struck first, with Alex Hales, Ali Brown and Matt Wood all dismissed in the powerplay overs. Two sixes and a four from Patel off Imran Tahir’s second over increased the tempo before the legspinner had his revenge to remove the former England international lbw.Hussey joined in with three driven sixes of his own before drilling Darren Maddy to deep midwicket, while Carter bowled Mullaney in the final over.Warwickshire stumbled from the very start of their innings as Carter fell in the first over to Darren Pattinson, who also had Darren Maddy caught in the third over, while Hussey bowled England hopeful Jonathan Trott for a scratchy 15 off 22 balls. Having only reached 44 with the loss of three wickets at halfway, boundaries were desperately needed but a succession of Warwickshire batsmen perished attempting to clear the ropes.The last six wickets tumbled in the final seven overs, with the highlights being wicketkeeper Chris Read’s sharp stumping of Troughton off Mullaney and Patel’s direct hit to run out Botha off his own bowling. White cleaned up the tail with three catches in the deep as Nottinghamshire went six points clear at the top of the North Group, having played two more games than Lancashire, who are in second place.

A number of Wolves supporters are delighted after journalist Tim Spiers claimed Ruben Neves would be available for the Premier League clash with Brentford.

Bruno Lage’s side have found an excellent run of form recently, with their season becoming increasingly promising.

The famous 1-0 win away to Manchester United was added to by a 3-1 victory at home to Southampton last weekend, with a European finish possible in 2021/22.

This afternoon, Wolves make the trip to west London to take on Brentford, who have lost 3-0 to Liverpool and United in the space of the last six days.

Taking to Twitter before the game, the reliable Spiers confirmed via Lage’s press conference that Neves would be available to face the Bees.

Wolves fans love Tim Spiers claim

It is a huge positive for Wanderers, given the Portuguese’s superb form, and these fans showed their delight at the news on Twitter.

“Great news, our best player by a country mile at the moment”

Credit: @TheBuck24

“The king is back”

Credit: @farrowmr

“All hail the king”

Credit: @morg69roberts

“You beautiful human being with great character”

Credit: @DNHALES

“Straight back in the team please”

Credit: @Russt_29

“That’s what I’m talking about”

Credit: @Kcb92

In other news, a key Wolves transfer claim has emerged. Read more here.

James Harris claimed 4 for 82 to help Division Two leaders Glamorgan gain a first-innings lead going into the final day of their County Championship match against Surrey at Cardiff

31-May-2010
ScorecardJames Harris claimed 4 for 82 to help Division Two leaders Glamorgan gain a first-innings lead going into the final day of their County Championship match against Surrey at Cardiff. Twice Harris claimed two wickets in an over as Surrey declared their first innings on 303 for 9, 69 runs behind Glamorgan with Mark Ramprakash contributing 73 to pass 34,000 career first class runs.After surviving three overs at the end of the third day the Welsh county were seven without loss- an overall lead of 76. Glamorgan had resumed the third morning on 363 for 8 in their first innings but they only lasted another 34 balls with nine further runs added.Chris Tremlett wrapped up the innings with the wickets of David Harrison, who fended a lifting ball to Tim Linley at mid off, and Huw Waters, who was bowled with a yorker. Tremlett had displayed real venom from the Cathedral Road end with one bouncer flying over wicketkeeper Steve Davies for four byes.But any hope Glamorgan’s attack had of utilising the extra bounce was ruled out as Surrey’s left-handed openers Steven Davies and Arun Harinath made a positive reply. They raced to their 50 partnership inside nine overs. Davies, whose 50 came off only 51 balls, did enjoy an early slice of luck when home captain Jamie Dalrymple missed a chance at second slip in James Harris’ opening overAt the other end he tucked into Harrison, who he hit for three successive fours. The Glamorgan bowler was taken off after conceding 28 in his opening four overs. It was left to Waters and Jim Allenby to stem the flow of runs. And Dalrymple was forced to use six bowlers in the first 22 overs before lunch.He brought himself on just before the interval and was rewarded with the wicketof Harinath who he trapped leg before with his first ball. After lunch, which Surrey reached at 92 for 1, Davies and Ramprakash did a useful job of eating into Glamorgan’s score.But at 157 for 1 Surrey lost two wickets in a Harris over with no addition tothe score. Davies edged to wicketkeeper Mark Wallace and five balls later Younis Khan, on Surrey debut, was bowled shouldering arms to a ball which nipped back and hit his off stump.After getting to 19 Ramprakash reached 34,000 runs and also past 800 first-class runs for the season. But just when he looked well set for a century Harris dismissed him and Rory Hamilton-Brown in consecutive balls. Ramprakash edged a lifting ball behind from Harris, who then trapped Hamilton-Brown leg before stuck in his crease.Usman Afzaal was caught low down at second slip by Dalrymple as Surrey slipped from 280 for 5 to 290 for 9 in the space of six overs before declaring when they had their fourth batting point.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Divock Origi to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed in a recent post on The West Ham Way that David Moyes is very interested in the possibility of bringing a new centre-forward to the club this month, with Liverpool’s Origi being a particular interest of the West Ham board and the club’s head of recruitment, Rob Newman.

However, the Hammers insider went on to state that Moyes is believed to have reservations about the 26-year-old, and may require some persuading in order to launch an offer for the Reds forward, despite the fact the Belgium international is available for a decent fee in the current transfer window.

In his post, Ex said: “We are also keen on a forward. Origi of Liverpool is available for a decent fee and will certainly tempt us. The chairmen have always been keen on the player but Moyes has had reservations. Could Rob Newman persuade Moyes if he is a fan? This is worth keeping an eye on although no offer has been made as yet from us.”

Fans will be buzzing

While it is true that Origi has struggled to ever really cement his place in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI since his £11.37m move from LOSC Lille back in 2014, it is undeniable that the centre-forward would nevertheless make a fantastic addition to Moyes’ current attacking options at the London Stadium.

Indeed, over his three Premier League appearances so far this season – all of which have come from the bench – the £10.8m-rated man has scored two goals – at an average of one strike every 19 minutes of football played – and taken an average of 1.7 shots per game, with these returns seeing the 26-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 7.5.

The £82k-per-week forward has also impressed over his five Champions League appearances in the current campaign, scoring one goal, providing one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.00.

Furthermore, the player who Klopp dubbed an “incredible finisher” has also bagged a further two goals and one assist over his two appearances in the Carabao Cup, taking his total this season to five goals and two assists over just 393 minutes of action – meaning the Belgian has directly contributed to a goal every 56 minutes of football played so far this season.

As such, it is easy to see why West Ham would be interested in a move for Origi – who has been reported to be available for as little as £7m this month – as well as why ExWHUemployee’s latest update regarding the striker is sure to have left the London Stadium faithful buzzing.

In other news: Moyes could land the next Mane as West Ham plot Jan offer for “explosive” £12.5m beast

Newcastle United have received the latest on the status of star player Allan Saint-Maximin after the winger was forced off through injury during their 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Monday.

What’s the latest?

The Frenchman scored the Magpies’ opener against United on Monday night, but required treatment on his calf before being substituted as a result of the injury.

However, according to Chronicle Live, injury expert Ben Dinnery is confident that the 24-year-old has a low-grade calf injury and could be fit in time for Newcastle’s crucial game against Watford in two weeks.

This would mean that the only match Saint-Maximin would miss is next weekend’s FA Cup third-round clash against League One outfit Cambridge United after the Toon Army’s games against Everton and Southampton were postponed.

Eddie Howe will be buzzing

The Newcastle manager may have feared the worst when the 24-year-old limped off against Manchester United, especially with star striker Callum Wilson injured too and potentially facing months on the sidelines.

There’s little doubt that the North-East club will be busy this month with the club now in it’s first transfer window since the completion of the big-money, Saudi-backed takeover. However, there is no doubt that regardless of who was to come in this window (realistically), the Frenchman would remain a vital player in the Toon Army’s bid for surivival.

Newcastle remain in a dire situation as they remain in the Premier League relegation zone, sat in 19th place. Despite being just two points from safety, 17th-placed Watford have two games in hand on the Geordies which could prove significant, especially ahead of the two sides’ meeting on the 15th January.

Howe will need as many of his players available as possible as the 43-year-old looks to clear up the mess he has walked into as soon as possible.

It’s exactly why the Magpies boss will be buzzing with the news.

With the 2022 January transfer window now open, this could see a number of Premier League clubs jump into action and make some business deals to strengthen their squads for the second half of the current season.

While it could be an exciting time for some teams, it seems as though Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa could be heading for a major transfer calamity that would surely disappoint a lot of fans at Elland Road.

According to a recent report in The Sun by journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds defender Charlie Cresswell has caught the attention of fellow Premier League clubs Manchester United and Liverpool.

As a product of Leeds’ youth academy, the 19-year-old has made 36 appearances across the club’s U18 and U23 sides, scoring four goals and providing one assist along the way.

Cresswell has also made six senior appearances for Leeds with four of them coming in the Premier League this season, the first of which being in their 2-1 defeat against West Ham United where he completed the full 90 minutes and had his performance described as “one of the finest debuts by a teenager in Leeds white for years” by Leeds Live.

His performance against the East London club was also labelled as “unbelievable” by Leeds YouTuber Joe Wainman, showing how capable he is of playing in the Premier League.

Taking all of this into account, it would be nothing short of a disaster for the club and potentially heartbreaking for the fans if Cresswell were to leave Leeds anytime soon, especially for a move to rival club Manchester United given how young he is and the potential he has to grow and develop into a regular first-team player at Elland Road.

Given how his current contract at Leeds isn’t set to expire until the summer of 2025 and the fact that Bielsa hasn’t been shy in giving Cresswell the chance to prove himself in the team, this should be reassuring for any fans that may be concerned about the teenager’s future in Yorkshire.

Even though he has missed Leeds’ two previous league games against Arsenal and Burnley with a shoulder injury, it would be good to see the centre-back get some regular playing time under his belt before the end of the season when he recovers to show that he can be a regular figure for the team in the future.

If he leaves, however, the club would be staring down the barrel of an early transfer blunder in the January market.

In other news: 10 defensive actions: £53k-p/w Leeds beast who had 70 touches stole the show v Burnley

Ratnakar Shetty, the chief administrative officer of the BCCI, has said the board does not have the original documents relating to several important IPL contracts that are now being sought by income-tax officers

Cricinfo staff26-Apr-2010Ratnakar Shetty, the chief administrative officer of the BCCI, has said the board does not have the original documents relating to several important IPL contracts that are now being sought by income-tax officers. These include the three losing bids in the 2008 auction where the eight franchises were bought, and the agreement with Multi Screen Media (MSM), which holds the rights to broadcast the tournament.Shetty, who has been entrusted by the BCCI president, Shashank Manohar, to look into the missing documents, says he has been told the papers are with Lalit Modi, the league’s suspended chairman.”The tax authorities and Enforcement Directorate officials are seeking a lot of papers connected with the IPL and in some cases we don’t have the original documents. We have only xerox copies, which they feel is not proper,” Shetty told , an English news channel. “According to [IPL CEO] Sundar Raman the original documents are with Lalit Modi. My job is to put up a list of documents that were supposed to be with IPL and original documents obtained in each case.”In January 2008 there were 11 bidders (to own the franchises) and only the original documents relating to the eight winning bidders are with BCCI. We don’t have the original documents of the three losing bidders, we have only xerox copies. Those documents should be with Modi.”Shetty echoed the words of Shashank Manohar, the BCCI president, that the MSM-WSG issue was not discussed in IPL Governing Council. “It was reported at the BCCI Working Committee meeting that there has been a fresh agreement entered into between BCCI and Sony Max, the amount for which was negotiated. Nothing beyond that,” he said.He also backed Manohar’s view that the board did not interfere in the IPL’s functioning. “The IPL started as a separate wing of BCCI,” Shetty said. “A separate office was set up and several people employed. Lalit’s being BCCI vice-president [showed] his authority and that he was running the show. And the administrative wing of BCCI therefore did not interfere in the IPL’s working.”