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Cricinfo previous the ICL match between Hyderabad Heroes and Royal Bengal Tigers

Cricinfo staff07-Nov-2008Match factsNov 8, 2008
Start time 7.30pm (1400 GMT
Nicky Boje, who is the highest run-getter and wicket-taker for Hyderabad this season, will be keen to carry his good form into Saturday’s game © ICL
The Big PictureHyderabad Heroes and the Royal Bengal Tigers, who have both confirmed their places in the semi-finals, after Lahore Badshahs’ comfortable win over the Dhaka Warriors on Thursday, will meet for a preparatory game in the lead-up to the semis. Hyderabad go into the match with their confidence sky-high, following their 79-run win, the highest margin of victory in the tournament, over Mumbai Champs on Wednesday. Their score of 214 is also the highest in the competition.Both of Bengal’s defeats have been comprehensive; they lost to Ahmedabad Rockets by eight wickets and sustained a nine-wicket loss to Chandigarh Lions in the same week. However, they will be buoyed by their resounding nine-wicket win over Chennai Superstars, who head the points-table, on Tuesday.Where they rankBoth teams have won five games and lost two, but Hyderabad have a significantly higher net run-rate, boosted by their win in their most recent game against Mumbai. With Lahore, who have a run-rate higher then Hyderabad, having all but confirmed their place in the semis, a loss for either side will mean slipping down the points table to the fourth place. The actual draw for the semi-final will be determined when Lahore take on Chennai in their final league game on Sunday.Form guide (last five matches, most recent first)Hyderabad- WLWWL
Bengal- WLWLWStats Hamish Marshall, the Bengal batsman, is the highest run-getter in the tournament, with 331. He has hit 13 sixes, which is the second-highest, after Alok Kapali’s 18.Upul Chandana, the Bengal legspinner, has taken 12 wickets, the second-highest in the competition, after Mohammad Rafique.The 132-run stand between Hamish Marshall and Deep Dasgupta for Bengal against Chennai on October 22 is the second-highest in the tournament.Players to watchNicky Boje has clearly been the star for Hyderabad in this competition with brilliant all-round figures; He has scored the most runs for his team -238 – and taken the most wickets – 10. He was largely responsible for the one-sided affair against Mumbai on Wednesday, scoring 88 in 49 balls and adding 92 for the fifth wicket with Stuart Binny to help take his team to 214.Bengal will be hoping for Lance Klusener to fire; He averages 51.50 in the competition but his batting opportunities have been limited. He’s only taken three wickets and will feel he is due for a big performance in the upcoming game.

As if proof of that the influence of Allen Stanford in West Indies cricket was increasing in direct proportion to the growing anonymity of the board was needed, Stanford publicly endorsed Courtney Walsh in his bid to become the new chairman of the Jamaica

Cricinfo staff21-Oct-2008As if proof of that the influence of Allen Stanford in West Indies cricket was increasing in direct proportion to the growing anonymity of the board was needed, Stanford has publicly endorsed Courtney Walsh in his bid to become the new chairman of the Jamaica Cricket Association.Walsh, the legendary former West Indies fast bowler and captain, is closely linked to Stanford and is one of his so-called ambassadors, a Stanford 20/20 director and a Stanford selector, so the endorsement is not exactly without a tad of self interest.”I believe that it would be of tremendous benefit to Jamaican and West Indian cricket for a man of Courtney’s indisputable character and calibre to be at the helm of an important regional cricket body at this time when regional cricket is in desperate need of strong and able leadership,” Stanford said. “We have benefited from his immense knowledge and leadership capacity and I hope that the cricketing fraternity in Jamaican embraces a man who possesses the rare combination of cricketing accomplishment and proven leadership.”Walsh, who is on the JCA board, is standing against Paul Campbell, a current vice-president in a poll to be held this Thursday (October 23).Asked about his candidacy, Walsh said: “I’m all about cricket … about making sure the game survives. It’s been very kind to me; it’s been my life and it has done everything for me and I think it’s time that I give something back to the sport for the country and for some youngsters as well. I want to unite cricket in a way it’s never been done before and get everybody involved.”

James Anderson will miss England’s US$20million showdown against the Stanford Superstars on Saturday

Cricinfo staff31-Oct-2008
Andrew Flintoff in contemplative mood ahead of the million-dollar match on Saturday © Getty Images
James Anderson will miss England’s US$20million showdown against the Stanford Superstars on Saturday, after it was decided that the second spinner, Graeme Swann, had to play a role on a pitch that has proven to be slow and low in the five matches of the tournament to date.Anderson, 26, has been an integral part of England’s one-day side for over a year, and looked finally to have cemented his role in the side after spending the early part of his England career in the shadow of his senior colleagues. However, with Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison providing the pace injection, and Stuart Broad’s all-round talents too valuable to sacrifice, England’s captain, Kevin Pietersen, was forced to make one of the toughest selection decisions of his career.”It was never going to be the easiest decision, in fact it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in terms of carrying 11 players on the field,” said Pietersen. “It has been very difficult for him, especially being an integral part of the team for the past 12 months, but he has taken it brilliantly well, he has been absolutely fantastic at training.””We haven’t played a second spinner for I don’t know how long, but unfortunately conditions have meant Jimmy has to miss out. We realise that we play to win for England and unfortunately the circumstances have arisen in terms of the pitch, and the outfield, and the way games have gone. We have to play another spinner.”The Superstars captain, Chris Gayle, could not resist a bit of a dig at England’s selection when informed of Anderson’s omission. “I am a bit scared of Anderson, so that’s good,” he said. “He swings the ball a bit, so I am glad he is not playing.”The other three players to miss the chance of becoming instant dollar millionaires are Ryan Sidebottom, Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara. Though Cook and Bopara were never realistically in with a chance of playing, Sidebottom’s left-arm variation could conceivably have muscled into the starting eleven. However, a slight calf injury undermined his readiness, and his match-fitness was described as “there or thereabouts”.One man who might feel slightly fortunate to have made the cut is the Sussex allrounder, Luke Wright, who has been a peripheral figure throughout the tournament. He has not been called upon to bat or bowl as yet, but Pietersen is aware that his time could be just around the corner. “Luke hasn’t done anything right, and he hasn’t done anything wrong,” he said, “but there will come a time when we need him to give it some pongo at the death and it may be tomorrow night.”England 1 Ian Bell, 2 Matt Prior, 3 Kevin Pietersen (capt), 4 Owais Shah, 5 Andrew Flintoff, 6 Paul Collingwood, 7 Samit Patel, 8 Luke Wright, 9 Stuart Broad, 10 Graeme Swann, 11 Steve Harmison.

Aston Villa are facing the prospect of losing out on Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe amid a recent transfer update.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have claimed that the centre-back could be set for a reunion with Dean Smith, having, of course, played under the Villa boss during their time in the Championship.

Football Insider delivered an update on the £50k-a-week earning defender’s situation, saying that: “A Villa source has told Football Insider that the club have been given encouragement that United are planning to let Tuanzebe go in the current window. The 20-times champions have been sounded out by Villa over a potential deal and they will listen to offers if they can secure a replacement.”

But now, the same outlet have now claimed that fellow Premier League side Newcastle have leapfrogged Villa in the race to sign Tuanzebe on loan, with the Magpies increasingly confident of striking a deal.

Dean Smith will be livid

The £6m-rated ace came in for some big praise from United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season after a particularly impressive display against French giants PSG in the Champions League.

He said: “Axel’s a tremendous defender, a great leader. He’s come through the academy and we’ve known for years that he’s going to be a top player for us and he’s got the character and the attitude that a Man United player should have. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities, he’s a top defender.”

While he may not have had too many minutes in the top-flight last year, Tuanzebe showed exactly why Villa are after him, averaging 1.4 tackles per game and boasting an impressive 88.6% pass accuracy – as per Whoscored, both of those stats are actually better than Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings.

What will frustrate Smith is that given his previous ties to Tuanzebe, and the fact that reports suggested Villa had sounded out United over a potential deal much earlier, Newcastle swooping in at the last moment to sign him will sting.

With Bjorn Engels’ departure, Villa are left with a real shortage of centre-back options, and Tuanzebe on a season-long loan would’ve fit the bill to a tee given his Premier League experience and the fact he’s been at the club before.

This latest update will have Smith livid with the club failing to get his man in. News that he’s now closer to joining a fellow Premier League side at that, is unlikely to help how he feels either.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece drops Villa claim on Anwar El Ghazi…

The ICC has announced the schedule for the ICC World Cricket League Division 4 in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania between October 4 and 11

Cricinfo staff12-Sep-2008The ICC has announced the schedule for the ICC World Cricket League Division 4 in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania between October 4 and 11. The top two sides will gain promotion to Division 3 and remain in with a chance of qualifying for the 2011 World Cup.Afghanistan and Jersey, who progressed from the World Cricket League Division 5 event, will face a tough challenge if they are to finish in the top two qualifying spots as they face Hong Kong, who won the ACC Trophy Elite 2008, Italy, who recorded a win over Netherlands at the ICC European Division 1 Championship earlier this year, Fiji and hosts Tanzania. October 2008 Sat 4 Afghanistan v Fiji
Gymkhana Club Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Sat 4 Hong Kong v Italy
University of Dar-es-Salaam Ground
Sat 4 Tanzania v Jersey
Annil Burhani Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Sun 5 Afghanistan v Jersey
University of Dar-es-Salaam Ground
Sun 5 Fiji v Italy
Annil Burhani Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Sun 5 Tanzania v Hong Kong
Gymkhana Club Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Tue 7 Fiji v Hong Kong
University of Dar-es-Salaam Ground
Tue 7 Italy v Jersey
Gymkhana Club Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Tue 7 Tanzania v Afghanistan
Annil Burhani Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Wed 8 Afghanistan v Hong Kong
Annil Burhani Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Wed 8 Fiji v Jersey
Gymkhana Club Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Wed 8 Tanzania v Italy
University of Dar-es-Salaam Ground
Fri 10 Afghanistan v Italy
Gymkhana Club Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Fri 10 Hong Kong v Jersey
Annil Burhani Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Fri 10 Tanzania v Fiji
University of Dar-es-Salaam Ground
Sat 11 3rd Place Playoff – TBC v TBC
Annil Burhani Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Sat 11 5th Place Playoff – TBC v TBC
Gymkhana Club Ground, Dar-es-Salaam
Sat 11 Final – TBC v TBC
University of Dar-es-Salaam Ground

Paul Stewart does not think transfer target Adama Traore is good enough to make Liverpool title challengers again.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were unable to defend their first-ever Premier League crown as they finished 17 points adrift of last season’s champions Manchester City.

Klopp is looking to bolster his squad in a bid to regain the trophy in the upcoming campaign, but he has already seen key midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum leave for Paris Saint-Germain.

Among those being linked with a switch to Anfield is Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore, with Liverpool reportedly willing to pay £25million for his services.

Traore, who was a member of Spain’s Euro 2020 squad as they reached the semi-finals before going out to eventual winners Italy, made 41 appearances for Wolves last season but only found the back of the net three times.

The 25-year-old’s pace, however, has led to a host of clubs taking an interest this summer, with Liverpool being joined in the race by Chelsea and West Ham United.

Stewart, who had a four-year spell at Anfield during his playing days, feels Traore is not good enough to dislodge Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino or Mohamed Salah from Klopp’s preferred line-up.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “I think Traore would be in and out of the team. You could bring him on with 30 minutes to go and he has that pace and impact. But, if you play him from the start, he goes missing in games.

“I’m not surprised clubs are coming in for him because of his potential but Liverpool need more than him if they’re going to compete again.”

Alan Nixon has provided an update on Leeds’ chances of signing Conor Gallagher from Chelsea… 

What’s the talk?

The Sun journalist Alan Nixon has suggested that Crystal Palace are ahead of Leeds in the race to land Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer. In response to a question asking whether he thinks Gallagher will end up at Selhurst Park or Leeds he posted “Palace.”

This comes after the Daily Mail reported that Leeds, Palace and Newcastle are all interested in signing the Englishman, who spent last season on loan to West Brom.

Fans will be fuming

Leeds fans will be fuming if Palace are able to oust the club in the race to land Gallagher in the coming weeks. It would be disappointing for supporters to see one of their rivals beat them to a signing, especially given that the Whites amassed 15 more points in the league last season.

From a playing point of view, a move to Yorkshire appears better for the youngster. Bielsa’s side finished well above Palace in the table and their style of play has been praised, including by Premier League icon Thierry Henry, as exciting in the way they attack teams and press high.

Earlier in his career, Gallagher was praised by Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews, who said that he has a “superb engine” and compared him to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

He said: “But the one thing he has got is a fantastic engine, much like Lee Bowyer or Frank Lampard – it’s amazing, the resemblances between those two in their younger years particularly. But for me, he’s a classic No 8; he has an unbelievable energy, he does the ugly side of the game, but you have to let him off the leash and let him get forward.”

This suggests that he could suit Bielsa’s style as he has the legs to get up and down the pitch, pressing opponents and getting stuck in with challenges. Therefore, he could be a terrific addition to the squad on loan and add another great option for the Argentine coach in the middle of the park.

Palace, however, are closer to home for him given that they are also in London, which could be a factor that plays into their hands. It may be a decision made with a mix of logistics and footballing factors in play, but either way, Leeds fans will be frustrated if they miss out on a potentially good signing for the team to one of their Premier League rivals.

AND in other news, Big update emerges on “explosive” £15m dynamo, Leeds fans will surely be gutted…

The Twenty20 Cup starts today, with the multi-millon pound Champions League to aim for. Cricinfo assess who are the likely contenders for the mega-bucks

Cricinfo staff11-Jun-2008
Rob Key poses with the silverware and the npower girls © Getty Images
Leicestershire have plenty of Twenty20 pedigree having won the title twice in 2004 and 2006, and can draw on some first-hand IPL experience. Jeremy Snape, one of the original Twenty20 cricketers, was part of the Rajasthan Royals’ backroom staff and it will be fascinating to see what skills and innovations he brings to Grace Road.Durham can also draw on the IPL exploits of Albie Morkel and Shaun Pollock, giving their side depth with bat and ball which will make them dangerous opponents. Lancashire have been inconsistent this season, but Andrew Flintoff is likely to reappear at some point during the qualifiers and can win a match on his own. Lou Vincent and Stuart Law bring power with the bat (and their ICL links).Will Michael Vaughan be Yorkshire’s secret weapon? It’s unlikely, he’s only played two Twenty20 matches in his career – both for England. But Darren Gough’s body should be able to stand-up to a few four-over spells.Derbyshire have the ability to surprise a few people, with Rikki Clarke and Graham Wagg two of their key players along with Charl Langeveldt’s pinpoint yorkers. Nottinghamshire will miss their three England players – Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann – but watch out for Samit Patel, another England star of the future.Somerset look the early favourites, with a top order including Marcus Trescothick, Ian Blackwell, Justin Langer and James Hildreth. They are the only team from the group to have previously won the tournament, when Graeme Smith was their overseas player in 2005.Northamptonshire, with their stack of South African allrounders, have the ability to push them close, but for those hoping for success from young English talent will be keeping an eye on Glamorgan. Herschelle Gibbs is a shrewd Twenty20 signing, and this could be the tournament that allows the youngsters to express themselves.Gloucestershire made the final last year and possess the destructive Craig Spearman who can destroy any attack. Graeme Hick has shown that age is no barrier to Twenty20 success, but Worcestershire’s form is poor and the same can be said of Warwickshire, who are rebuilding under Ashley Giles. However, Twenty20 is chance for both sides to turn their season around.Surrey, the winners of the first competition back in 2003 and four-time finals day participants, have the pedigree in this group but they face tough opposition from holders Kent as well as Sussex.All three sides posses some awesome batsmen, but you have to fancy that Sussex’s bowling strength, even though Mushtaq Ahmed misses the first part of the competition through injury, could tip things in their favour. Kent have two of the best death bowlers around, Azhar Mahmmod and Yasir Arafat, and also a very deep batting order.Of the others, Hampshire will struggle to fill the void left by the retirement of Shane Warne, and their big guns, Kevin Pietersen and Dimitri Mascarenhas, will make only the briefest of appearances before the ODI series against New Zealand. Essex will similarly miss Ravi Bopara, while Middlesex don’t seem to have the firepower with either bat or ball to be there or thereabouts.To Qualify: Sussex, KentThe two best third placed sides from the three groups will also qualify for the quarter-finals

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have shown their excitement following an update on their transfer plans – and it involves Adama Traore.

Manager David Moyes is on the hunt for new attackers this summer as he seeks to bolster West Ham’s forward options.

The east Londoners are set to compete in the Europa League group stage next season and will be fighting on more fronts, meaning GSB will need to invest and give West Ham a chance to compete.

There have been no shortage of rumours already this window, with another one now emerging courtesy of Football Insider.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-updates/” title=”West Ham updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The outlet says West Ham have now made an enquiry to sign Traore from Wolves and Moyes even has a specific role mapped out.

While Traore isn’t high on Moyes’ transfer wish list, the Scotsman plans to use him in a similar way to Michail Antonio.

An out and out winger, the West Ham manager would deploy him in a more centre-forward role akin to the Irons’ current star striker.

Hammers fans certainly seem to approve of this move for Traore, dropping their excited Twitter verdicts on social media in reply to West Ham Central.

Find a flavour of their best ones down below.

West Ham fans buzz over Traore claim

“SIUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU”

Credit: @cjgwhu

“Tears in my eyes years of propaganda has lead to this moment”

Credit: @harrythills

“I’d do anything”

Credit: @riobeare

“This excites me”

Credit: @steve_merry7

“Scenes if we bag this”

Credit: @HarveyTolley11

“Now, THAT would be a signing!”

Credit: @LindsayWesker

“This will be a game changer”

Credit: @JonScottClark6

“this would be amazing”

Credit: @cedesparisse

“Bargain! Would have him in a flash”

Credit: @BradHellyer1

“Brilliant signing”

Credit: @WHUChristian

In other news: ‘It involves West Ham’…Sky Sports drop live TV transfer claim, find out more here!

Auckland’s Murray’s Bay Intermediate School are the MILO Cup (boys’) winners and Tauranga Intermediate won the MILO Shield (girls’) after games played at Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North today

12-Dec-2002Auckland’s Murray’s Bay Intermediate School are the MILO Cup (boys’) winners and Tauranga Intermediate won the MILO Shield (girls’) after games played at Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North today.Scores were:Medbury Preparatory School (Christchurch) 29 (Patrick Ryan 10; James McCully 3-6, Shaun McCann 3-13, Ben Alderton 2-4, Brad Hayes 2-6) lost to Murray’s Bay 30/0 (David Nichols 16 not out, Shaun McCann 13 not out) by 10 wickets.Waimea Intermediate (Nelson) 89 (Charlie Laing 13 not out, Jacky Steffert 12; Zoey Dickson 4-9, Emily Scott 2-9, Lauren Wylie 2-19, Leonie Smith 2-24) lost to Tauranga Intermediate 92/3 (Kirbie Samkin 23 not out, Zoey Dickson 16 not out, Lauren Wylie 16, Caitlin McMurtrie 14; Courtney Wilson 2-21) by seven wickets.