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With a good performance at the Queen’s Park Oval, West Indies can win back the prize that was in permanent possession of the home side through the 1970s, 80s and 90s

Andrew McGlashan in Trinidad05-Mar-2009
Chris Gayle: “We don’t want to go in with the mindset that we are playing for a draw” © Getty Images
West Indies are on the verge of something quite special. Not since 2000 have they led a series against England and that advantage slipped away during the remainder of the contests as they gave up the Wisden Trophy for the first time since 1968. With a good performance at the Queen’s Park Oval, they can win back the prize that was in permanent possession of the home side through the 1970s, 80s and 90s.They haven’t won a series against anyone in five years and the game in these success-starved nations dearly needs West Indies to complete the job. “It’s been five years?” Chris Gayle said. “It would mean a lot to me and the rest of the players to actually be a part of it and enjoy the moment. It would mean a lot for the people around the Caribbean.”Outsiders hadn’t expected West Indies to pose such a tough challenge. They acknowledged the improvements made under Gayle and John Dyson, but the feeling persisted that they were unstable and could fold at any moment. They haven’t folded once in this series – the most dramatic collapse belongs to England and their 51 all out in Kingston could yet prove the deciding factor.West Indies have shown resilience at every turn. From battling for a vital lead in Kingston, to staving off defeat in Antigua to their mammoth total of 749 in Barbados which dwarfed England’s seemingly impregnable 600. Make no mistake, this is now a team with fight, resolve and bottle.That isn’t to say the series is in the bag. Far from it. West Indies were a wicket away from defeat at the Antigua Recreation Ground and the bowling attack, like England’s, is struggling to make much of an impression. But the fact that they have held their advantage for three matches bodes well for this final challenge.How they approach the game over the next five days will prove a fascinating insight into what sort of a team is being developed. Taking the series would be such a major achievement that there will surely be temptation to play it safe. Test match draws have received a fair amount of criticism in recent weeks, but West Indies would happily take one here. It is a dangerous idea, though, to enter a game with that mentality.”It’s a tricky situation to be honest,” Gayle said. “Most of the time we haven’t been in this situation but we don’t want to go in with the mindset that we are playing for a draw. We have still got to go out there and play positive cricket. England have to throw everything at us and we expect it to be tough.”What they have done well in this series is react to the different situations and that is what is needed in Trinidad. England might start well and take the early honours, and how West Indies respond with the weight of expectation on them in that situation will reveal how strong this unit is becoming.”I know they will come hard at us but we are here to restrict them from doing that. It’s going to be a good game and hopefully we will get good conditions,” Gayle said. “I’m very happy with the batting but I’m not going to settle for it. At the same time Ramnaresh Sarwan has been in terrific form and hopefully he can continue in the same vein.”Gayle confirmed there will be changes to West Indies’ side without giving any specifics. The likely swaps are Lionel Baker replacing the struggling Daren Powell in the pace line-up and Lendl Simmons earning a Test debut in place of Ryan Hinds. However, Hinds may hold onto his spot because Dyson is very keen on consistency.The bigger concern is Jerome Taylor’s fitness, even though Gayle said he was 100% fit. The home side are desperate for him to hold together for this final match and repeat his magical spell in Kingston.”We are just around the corner but we haven’t turned it yet,” Gayle said as he tried to keep everyone calm. “There is a long way to go. We have a hand on the trophy but we’ll see what happens in the next few days.”

Middlesex batsman Ed Joyce has admitted he is finding it difficult preparing to represent the club in the Champions League after securing his move to Sussex for next season

Andrew McGlashan21-Nov-2008
Ed Joyce is hoping for a better showing than in the Stanford Super Series as he plays his final games for Middlesex in India © AFP
Middlesex batsman Ed Joyce has admitted he is finding it difficult preparing to represent the club in the Champions League after securing his move to Sussex for next season.Joyce captained Middlesex to the domestic Twenty20 title in July while he was standing in for Ed Smith, but was replaced before the end of the season by Shaun Udal. It had been rumoured for much of the summer that Joyce was unsettled at Middlesex and keen for a move, and it was confirmed earlier this month that he would be joining Sussex.Middlesex, though, are facing a shortage of top-order batsmen for the Champions League which starts on December 3 – Andrew Strauss and Owais Shah could be away with England and Smith is leaving the club – and have persuaded Joyce to stay around a little longer.It could be a lucrative bonus for Joyce, with a significant pay-day looming if Middlesex are successful during the eight-team tournament. Even if they don’t reach the final, Joyce’s participation fee – along with the same from the Stanford Super Series – means he’ll have enjoyed a nice little earner in his final few months with the club.”It has been a bit strange hanging around the guys and some are my best friends as well,” he said at a chilly, blustery Lord’s, far removed from the heat of India. “Knowing that I’m leaving is not ideal really, you want a clean break, but hopefully we do well and it will be a good way to send me off.”He added that even when his move to Sussex was signed and sealed, Middlesex were fairly desperate to retain his services for a while longer. “They said that no matter what you do, we want you to go [to India]. Obviously we knew we would be struggling to get Andrew and Owais and Ed Smith isn’t going either so it was looking like a team of 19-20 year-olds. They wanted me to go and I was happy to do that.”However, while Joyce knows he is on the plane to India next week he doesn’t quite know what to expect when he gets there. “We know where we are staying, but not where we are training,” he said. “We haven’t got any practice games lined up. Hopefully we can get that sorted because we didn’t have them in Antigua [for the Stanford Super Series] and really needed them. But it seems to be pretty well organised.”They will certainly need to hit the ground running, with their opening match against Victoria who will boast the big-hitting talents of David Hussey, Brad Hodge and Cameron White. Joyce said that the team have picked the brain of Dirk Nannes, who helped Middlesex to the Twenty20 but will play for Victoria, and hopes their strong spin attack will be crucial.”We’ve had Dirk with us and he’s told us about them. They have a simple game plan with four quick bowlers and some strong batting. But hopefully we can outdo them in the spin department which will be key on the wickets in India.”Joyce also sees the tournament as a chance to put the record straight after Middlesex disappointed during the Stanford Super Series. They had a chance to beat England and win their big-money match against Trinidad and Tobago, but in the end came away with three defeats.”That was the annoying thing about Antigua,” he said. “Our memories from it aren’t particularly good in terms of the cricket. But it will have helped the younger guys to play in big matches and Eoin Morgan and Dawid Malan played pretty well. It sounds ridiculous to say two 20-year-olds are our best Twenty20 players, but they probably are.”High expectations are something Morgan and Malan will have to get used to. Joyce’s departure will leave a big hole at the top of the order. First, though, he has one last duty for his old county.

Italian football expert Conor Clancy believes a sensational return to Arsenal could be on the cards for Aaron Ramsey.

The Wales international left the Emirates Stadium for Italian giants Juventus following the expiry of his contract two years ago.

However, a loss of form and injuries have resulted in the 67-cap Ramsey struggling to settle at the Turin-based club, with him being restricted to 65 appearances.

The 30-year-old is among a host of big names who are up for sale this summer as Juventus, under the returning Massimiliano Allegri following the sacking of Andrea Pirlo in May, look to shake up their squad after the disappointment of relinquishing the Serie A title last term.

According to Calciomercato, Arsenal are keen to be reunited with Ramsey.

The Gunners face competition from a host of other Premier League clubs, including arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, per Metro.

But Clancy, editor of Forza Italian Football, thinks Ramsey’s heart could be set on a return to the Emirates Stadium.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “He was there. He likes the club and the club like him. If I had to put money on it, I’d say he’ll go to Arsenal.”

Cameron White was worn out and relieved at the end of his first Test. There had been no embarrassing two-bounce deliveries or savage treatment from the India batsmen, and he had proved to the team he would be of use during the remaining three matches

Cricinfo staff14-Oct-2008
Despite the one wicket, Cameron White’s legspin exceeded Ricky Ponting’s expectations in Bangalore © AFP
Cameron White was worn out and relieved at the end of his first Test. There had been no embarrassing two-bounce deliveries or savage treatment from the India batsmen, and he had proved to the team he would be of use during the remaining three matches.Despite the one wicket, White’s legspin exceeded Ricky Ponting’s expectations in Bangalore. He had zip, overspin and his control was surprisingly tight. However, White is an option for Australia rather than a long-term answer, as Ponting showed, using him as the sixth bowler in the second innings after Michael Clarke had a couple of spells with his part-time offerings.At the end of the match Ponting said Australia had missed a quality spinner on the final day. He was not downgrading White’s contribution, but being realistic. White is a batsman who bowls a bit. In his early days his characteristics – a blond, Victorian legspinner – earned him heavy comparisons with Shane Warne, but nobody believes he will develop into a world-class bowler. The team will be satisfied if he becomes a solid contributor.White will be happy if he can find a way to relax in the game’s most exacting arena. “I’m happy to get it out of the road and relieved the game is finished,” he said. “I felt under pressure the whole time and was pretty nervous the whole way through.”He said he was yet to feel that he belonged in the side and was appeared diffident over another opportunity in the second Test in Mohali from Friday. Tall, strong and multi-skilled, White is unsure when he speaks. He showed some belligerence with the bat in making 18 not out from 14 balls in the second innings and was composed with the ball, but before the match he was worried. What if his first ball bounced twice?”I guess they’re the things that make you nervous, thinking about the bad things, which is probably what you shouldn’t do,” he said. By the end of the game he had less reason to be fearful.White’s first wicket was the most fabulous batsman in the modern game. The worsening light was a distraction, but White tempted Sachin Tendulkar to drive and Clarke took the catch at cover.”I was happy with the way I bowled,” he said. “It could have been better, could have been worse. We’ll see how it goes.” The figures of 1 for 88 were an improvement on Warne’s opening effort of 1 for 150 against India 16 years ago, but White realises his career figures will be worse.I’m happy to get it out of the road and relieved the game is finished. I felt under pressure the whole time and was pretty nervous the whole way throughOver the past week he has learned to bowl fuller to the Indian batsmen, who are so strong off the back foot, and wants to increase his pace to cut down the time they have to play him. “I was trying to bowl a bit faster,” he said. “I looked at my speeds and they were in the high 80s, that’s probably as slow as I want to bowl on these pitches. I want to keep my pace around the 90 kph mark.”He expects India will go after him and will spend time with Ponting this week working out some more detailed plans to cope with the treatment. “I’m pretty sure they will probably do that the whole series, if I’m lucky enough to play,” he said. “They’re always going to try to be attacking – I’m the new spinner, and they’re trying to put pressure on me.”One area White is less concerned about is his batting. Australia’s untried middle order of Shane Watson, Brad Haddin and White chipped in during the opening Test and will need more useful stands over the remainder of the series.”I’ve always felt not as nervous, and a lot more comfortable and confident, in my batting,” he said. “I’ve never really had any dramas there.”I would have liked more runs in the first innings – the situation just got the better of me. I felt better in the second innings and it was nice to play with freedom. There was no second guessing, just going out and try to score at a run a ball.”

The fate of the Champions Trophy hangs on Sunday’s telephone hook-up after it emerged that India and Pakistan have hardened their position on the tournament going ahead as scheduled

Cricinfo staff21-Aug-2008
It’s expected that the BCCI and PCB will once again highlight the ICC’s “positive” security assessment after the Asia Cup in Pakistan in June-July at Sunday’s teleconference © AFP
The fate of the Champions Trophy hangs on Sunday’s telephone hook-up after it emerged that India and Pakistan have hardened their position on the tournament going ahead as scheduled from September 12 onwards in Karachi and Lahore, leaving the ICC with the possibility of a cancellation otherwise.An option is to relocate the tournament to Sri Lanka, the official alternate venue – a solution that ESPN-Star Sports (ESS), the official broadcaster, may agree to even at this late stage – but India and Pakistan remain adamant that the tournament cannot be shifted on what they believe are “flimsy grounds”.The ICC, it is learnt, was informed about this view during a meeting at its headquarters in Dubai on Wednesday evening between David Morgan, its president, Sharad Pawar, its vice-president who also heads the BCCI, Haroon Lorgat, its chief executive and Shafqat Naghmi, the chief operating officer of the PCB. Apparently, there is also a credible pullout threat from Pakistan, backed by India, if the venue is changed.Asked if moving the tournament to Sri Lanka was a solution, a source said, “You can’t rule out the possibility of a cancellation, considering the absolute lack of a consensus at this stage.”There is no other alternative for the tournament which involves teams from the top eight cricket nations, sources told Cricinfo. “If countries like Australia pull out, there is no question of the tournament going ahead with substitutes like Bangladesh,” a source said. “The broadcasters are not going to allow that.”Crucially, it’s understood that ESS is concerned as there is no clarity yet on the tournament, which is less than a month away, and is open to a shift in order to salvage the situation. “Obviously, ESS wants the best teams to participate and ensure a world-class tournament,” a source said. “It is possible [to ensure quality coverage] if it is shifted to a nearby country even now, but it will involve significant extra costs for the broadcaster.”The ICC board is expected to take a final decision on the issue during a teleconference on Sunday, two days after its task force on the Champions Trophy discusses the feedback it received from officials and players’ representatives in Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa.Players’ associations from these countries have insisted security concerns remain – another blast was reported near Islamabad on Thursday – and officials from the Australian Cricketers’ Association and the New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association have said they would advise teams against touring. Their boards may highlight those views, if not endorse them, on Sunday, but the BCCI and the PCB, with the traditional backing of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, are expected to reiterate that the ICC’s “positive” security assessment after the Asia Cup in Karachi and Lahore during June-July leaves no room for doubt.The ICC, meanwhile, remains firm the tournament will go ahead in Pakistan, as of now, and its officials are in Karachi and Lahore this week, conducting venue inspections. “We are still fighting and are hopeful of hosting the tournament,” Naghmi told Cricinfo.All this, of course, leaves Sri Lanka in an unusual position. Duleep Mendis, Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive, told Cricinfo his country is prepared to host the tournament if needed. However, he said the tournament should go ahead in Pakistan, indicating which way the Asian countries are likely to go if the future of the Champions Trophy comes down to a vote of the ICC board – any decision requires at least a 7-3 majority.”The issue of security is subjective and what some may believe to be reality will be seen as mere perception by others,” a source said. “This is the issue that has to be resolved on Sunday, if the tournament has to go ahead.”

Steve Harmison and James Anderson inspired England with five wickets between them, as South Africa were dismissed for a disappointing 194 on the opening day at The Oval

The Bulletin by Will Luke07-Aug-2008
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary
How they were out – South Africa
How they were out – England
Steve Harmison bowled Hashim Amla with a terrific yorker © Getty Images
Steve Harmison and James Anderson inspired England with five wickets between them, as South Africa were dismissed for a disappointing 194 on the opening day at The Oval. With the series already tied up, there was a concern South Africa’s focus might have swayed for this, the final Test, and so it appeared. But for a bold 39 from AB de Villiers, and 46 from an exhausted Graeme Smith, South Africa were a team hungover from their Edgbaston glory against a revitalised England under new leadership.After rattling through South Africa, all Kevin Pietersen needed to cap an impressive first day’s captaincy was a solid performance by his openers. He nearly got it, but for the loss of Andrew Strauss. During his comeback against New Zealand earlier in the year, he was patience personified. But South Africa have persisted on and around his off stump and repeatedly had him fishing meekly and edging into the slips. It happened again today as Makhaya Ntini angled one across him, leaving Alastair Cook and Ian Bell – promoted to No. 3 for the immediate future – to steady England.Whether inspired by South Africa’s complacency, or energised by the new Pietersen-led regime, England’s bowlers were aggressive and menacing for the most part. Yet, in the morning session, they were left frustrated by a stodgy Smith and their own poor fielding. Indeed Smith should have been held off Harmison to the very first ball of the match, but it flew through Alastair Cook’s hands at gully. Admittedly, he was a little close, but it was the first of three misses from Cook during a disappointing first session by England.All changed after lunch. Hashim Amla took full toll of Stuart Broad’s continued waywardness. Three fours were crashed through the covers, off front and back foot, as Broad’s loopy half-volleys offered little threat whatsoever. Smith’s career average briefly crept over 50 during his innings, but so too did Broad’s with the ball. At 103 for 1 South Africa were in control – until, that is, Harmison returned.
James Anderson picked up three excellent wickets © Getty Images
Smith survived a close shout for lbw against him but he couldn’t resist hooking a well-directed bouncer straight to Anderson at fine-leg. It was the breakthrough England desperately needed and, the very next ball, Harmison cleaned up Amla with a 93mph yorker to rip out his middle stump. Harmison rarely dipped below 87mph throughout the day, and his line was immaculate to both left and right-hander. Jacques Kallis’ miserable tour continued, beaten twice by two booming Anderson outswingers before the bowler foxed him with one that went the other way to bring up his 100th Test wicket. South Africa had lost 3 for 2 in eight deliveries and England were suddenly in control.Flintoff struggled with his left boot – specifically, his big toenail – but this never prevented him bowling a consistent, deadly line and beating the bat time and again. Intriguingly, he became Pietersen’s right-hand-man, too, the pair repeatedly discussing fielding positions while Flintoff appeared to be the bowlers’ advisor in chief. Pietersen needs to form his own trusted council, and it remains to be seen which of the younger contingent – the likes of Bell and Cook – will be drafted into what Nasser Hussain once labelled the “management team”. Pietersen’s touchy-feely leadership style was also on rampant display, patting everyone on the back at every opportunity. His tenure will be judged on the success he brings the team – but it will not be dull viewing.One of Flintoff’s underlings, Anderson, continued to bend the ball at pace, and the pressurised position South Africa found themselves in told for Ashwell Prince who slapped him straight to Bell at point. An outswinger did for Mark Boucher as South Africa slipped to 132 for 6 and England had taken 5 for 29 in 10.3 exhilarating overs.Broad’s woes continued as de Villiers pummelled him for two creamy cover-driven fours; smacking him off the back foot before launching a four over the bowler’s head. It was a blistering, counter-attacking innings against a young bowler whose confidence had utterly deserted him. Surprisingly, it was to Broad that Pietersen turned straight after tea, and the gamble – it can be called nothing less – paid off when Morne Morkel fended a lifter to Bell at short-leg. He was rewarded for his persistence with a second when Andre Nel edged him behind, but there is a great deal of work to be done to turn him into a world-class allrounder.After Strauss’s predictable demise, Cook and Bell put on 42 for the third wicket and never offered a chance. Bell looked in particularly elegant touch, and he will be only too aware of the need for a ton at his new No.3 position.

An update has emerged regarding Everton’s interest in Inter defender Stefan de Vrij.

What’s the talk?

According to Calcio Mercato, Everton and Atletico Madrid are both showing an interest in the Dutch centre-back, although neither club have made an official offer as of yet.

The report claims that the Italian giants want to keep the defender and are currently working to extend his contract through to 2025.

Imagine him and Godfrey

Rafa Benitez must seal what could be a dream transfer for Everton this summer by bringing De Vrij to the club as he could be a terrific addition to the side. The 29-year-old has proven himself to be a reliable performer in Serie A and the Champions League throughout his career and could come in as a readymade starter, rather than a young player with a degree of unpredictability.

Ben Godfrey enjoyed a sensational first season at Goodison Park and was named the club’s Young Player of the Season as a reward for his efforts. Placing the 23-year-old alongside an experienced campaigner like De Vrij could only help improve his game further, as the Inter man could give him tips and show him the fine margins it takes to play at the very top level.

Former Lazio defender Mauricio hailed the Dutchman as a monster and praised his ability on the ball to play out from the back. He said: “We had a good understanding.

“We took Lazio into the Champions League after six seasons, finishing ahead of Napoli who were our big rival that year. Stefan is a great defender and deserves to be at a big club. He’s very tall, he’s strong and fast, he runs a lot – he’s a monster!

“He also has excellent technique and knows how to play the ball like few others, and that’s the difference between him and other players.

“He’s a calm defender who never gets agitated. He is a great person and a great friend, outside the pitch we were always together and that helped in our relationship too.”

The £124k-per-week beast has played well over 200 games across Serie A, Europa League and Champions League for Lazio and Inter in his career, with an excellent average WhoScored rating of 7.03. This shows that he has been consistently impressive whilst playing for massive clubs in some of the highest levels in football, which suggests that he could be a superb signing for Everton.

He could use his experience and quality to form a solid defensive partnership with Godfrey, which will hopefully help the former Norwich man take his game to the next level again. Therefore, Benitez should be doing all he can to get this move done and dusted.

AND in other news, Brands could complete Everton’s attack with deal for 86 G/A gem who “has everything”…

Pakistan have usually fared better than India in ODI finals between these traditional rivals but India are firm favourites going into Saturday’s encounter

The Preview by Siddarth Ravindran13-Jun-2008Match factsSaturday, June 14, 2008
Start time 15.00 (local), 9.00 (GMT)
Praveen Kumar has been outstanding with the new ball © AFP
The Big PictureAncient history favours Pakistan, but more modern events give India the edge going into Saturday’s encounter. Pakistan have usually fared better in ODI finals between these traditional rivals, winning five of the seven tournaments where the two sides met in the title clash – but the last of those was in 1999. India have had the upper hand in recent matches, winning five of their last seven games and with their rampaging top-order firing, have steamrollered their way to the final.A victory on Saturday would add to Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s growing reputation as an ODI captain, having already tasted success at home against Pakistan and in the CB series in Australia.On the other hand, Shoaib Malik is yet to win a ODI series against significant opposition since beating Sri Lanka last May. His side’s 12-game winning streak was emphatically snapped by a 140-run defeat in the league match against India, prompting a stinging and public rebuke from PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf.While this is a battle between arch-rivals, the frequency of matches between the two sides has taken the edge off this game. As Shahid Afridi said, “some of the (magic) has gone out of the atmosphere and build-up.” A win here, though, will be the perfect tonic ahead of the Asia Cup.Form guide – India Last five matches: WWWWW (most recent first)
Player to watch: Praveen Kumar’s ability to move the new ball both ways has made him a tricky customer for batsmen to deal with. He dismissed Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting cheaply in both finals of the CB series and continued the good work in this series – running through the Pakistan top order and stifling the Bangladesh batsmen. With India’s batting in top form, another incisive spell from Praveen could prove very costly for Pakistan.Form guide – Pakistan Last five matches: LWWWW (most recent first)
Player to watch: Mohammad Yousuf has perfected the art of scoring quickly while rarely seeming flustered or hurried at the crease. An array of conventional shots has ensured the runs keep flowing with minimal risks. He’s averaging a phenomenal 81.76 in his last 21 matches, and with Younis Khan and Afridi not in the best of form, he is the lynchpin of the Pakistan middle-order.Team newsWith the team progressing smoothly to the finals, India may not tinker too much with their combination. The only change could be Ishant Sharma coming back in place of RP Singh.India: (probable) 1 Virender Sehwag, 2 Gautam Gambhir, 3 Rohit Sharma, 4 Yuvraj Singh, 5 Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt & wk), 6 Suresh Raina, 7 Yusuf Pathan, 8 Irfan Pathan, 9 Piyush Chawla, 10 Praveen Kumar, 11 Ishant Sharma.

Mohammad Yousuf has been the lynchpin of Pakistan’s middle order © AFP
Besides Malik and Afridi, Fawad Alam is the only spinner in the squad and he might not be risked in the final as he hasn’t made much of an impact in his limited chances at the international level. Pakistan are likely persist with four fast bowlers in their XI.Pakistan: (probable) 1 Salman Butt, 2 Kamran Akmal (wk), 3 Younis Khan, 4 Mohammad Yousuf, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq, 6 Shoaib Malik (capt), 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Sohail Tanvir, 9, Umar Gul, 10 Wahab Riaz / Sohail Khan, 11 Iftikhar Anjum.Pitch and conditionsThe pitches used in the tournament have come in for praise from Geoff Lawson, the Pakistan coach. “The ball has not spun much but it has good bounce. It has been a terrific pitch to play on,” he said. India’s coach Gary Kirsten was also satisfied with the pitch and felt it would remain good for batting through the match, reducing the importance of the toss.Stats and trivia Gautam Gambhir averaged 25.05 in his first 20 ODIs and a splendid 50.04 in his previous 29 games. Twelve of Shoaib Malik’s 33 fifty-plus ODI scores have come against India. Younis Khan has faced only one ball in this tournament but has been dismissed twice. The last final in Bangladesh featuring Pakistan and India had a thrilling conclusion with Hrishikesh Kanitkar slamming a boundary to clinch it off the penultimate ball.Quotes”We are not concerned by emails but about how the players perform tomorrow.”
Lawson puts up a brave front.
“It’s always a great clash and we know it’s not going to be the same as it was the other night. It’s going to be a different Pakistan team out there.”
Kirsten warns his team against complacency

Crystal Palace are interested in a move for Chelsea midfielder Trevoh Chalobah [L’Equipe via Football League World].

The Lowdown: Patrick Vieira begins new era at Crystal Palace

Wasting no time since his arrival in South East London, new Eagles boss Patrick Vieira will be determined to compensate for his side’s loss of 22 players to expiring contracts last month [The Sun].

Making inroads in regards to their summer recruitment, Palace have unveiled four new recruits in the form of Remi Matthews, Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Jacob Montes [Transfermarkt].

Now, Vieira’s men look like they are in the hunt for another young talent following recent developments.

The Latest: Crystal Palace interested in Chalobah

Crystal Palace are keen on 22-year-old Chalobah as they look to bolster their depth in the middle of the park [L’Equipe via Football League World].

Last term, the former England Under-21 impressed on a loan spell with Ligue 1 side FC Lorient, however he has never mustered a single senior appearance at his parent club.

West Bromwich Albion and Watford are also said to be keen on bringing in the 6 foot 3 ace [L’Equipe via Football League World].

The Verdict: Versatile Chalobah would be an astute addition

Capable of also plying his trade confidently in defence, Chalobah would represent an astute signing by the Crystal Palace hierarchy as they progress towards a transitional 2021/22 campaign.

Enjoying a solid time of things in France, the Sierra-Leone born utility man registered four goal contributions in 30 outings for his former club; two goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, the enforcer demonstrated an acute awareness to danger across the year, managing an average of 2.4 interceptions per game [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘fabulous’ by former Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert, Crystal Palace should look to tie up a deal to bring the talent to SE25 before the Premier League campaign gets under way [TWTD].

In other news, Crystal Palace fans react to an exciting transfer rumour.

Zimbabwe has got a lot of growing talent which can be brewed to the advantage of the future national teams

John Ward17-Dec-2002NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUESZimbabwe has got a lot of growing talent which can be brewed to the advantage of the future national teams. I suggest national youth leagues to give everybody a chance. For example I currently play for Purnells Youth Under-17 and will have a chance to show off our talent and improve our cricket. England gives us a chance to enjoy our cricket. Zimbabwean talent in England is growing.Ivan Mukandi (England) – used to attend Allan Wilson Technical High School.ZIMBABWE’S TEST STATUSFirst up, thanks for the continuation of ZCO! The specials about Zims first steps as a Test nation were quite interesting, and not only in historical perspective.Having read Phil Garlands letter regarding Zimbabwe giving up Test status and going back to play ODIs only, several thoughts come to my mind. I agree with your reply that such a move is impossible. Zimbabwe would probably never ever play a single Test match again. The thought of major Test-playing nations coming over to Zim for extended ODI-tours is unrealistic when everyone knows how difficult it has been to get these teams to play in Zim in the last ten years (before the ICC Test Championship was introduced).But Zim players and officials should nevertheless not take Test status as it is today for granted. In every discussion about whether Bangladesh deserves Test status or not (and everyone writing on cricket at the moment seems to be convinced they should lose it immediately) Zimbabwe gets a mention. Realistically, Zim cricket has nothing to fear at the moment. Test status has never been withdrawn before. But there are already calls for the introduction of a kind of divisional Test Championship. Zimbabwe would then play against Kenya and Bangladesh (with other emerging nations such as Nepal following), with only the odd series against major Test nations. The impact on cricket in Zim would be huge, the financial loss devastating.At the time of writing, these are only suggestions by journalists and cricket fans predominantly in England and Australia. But only positive results will put an end to talk like that. Zim have achieved good results in the past and the critics often forget that when a bad patch arrives. English or Australian cricket writers don’t really take notice when Zim narrowly lose an ODI-series in India. Zim reaching the Super Sixes at the last World Cup ahead of England and Sri Lanka seems to be long forgotten. But a few whitewashes less, a few hard-earned draws more, would be some argument.Maybe it’s time for the Zimbabwe players to rediscover the spirit in which they approached their first Test matches. In your interviews on Zim’s first Test they recalled how they wanted to prove being worthy of Test status, not to embarrass themselves and so on.I’m not in the position to criticize any players, and I have high hopes for some of the younger players coming through. Zim, with its limited resources, will probably never become world-beaters. But the likes of Alistair Campbell should be aware that it is their responsibility to make sure today’s youngsters get the opportunity to be tomorrow’s professionals. International cricket would be less colourful without Zim.Where will Zimbabwe cricket (and the whole country) be in another ten years time? Hopefully, fit and well (and politically settled and economically sound).A final thought on selection. Much has been said about the inconsistencies of the selectors. Maybe they should sit with former Zim captain Duncan Fletcher. The current Ashes disaster notwithstanding, consistency in selection has been a major factor in the resurgence of England. Only three years ago they were rated below Zim in Test cricket. The latest twist came with the first ODI against Kenya. Surprise, surprise, Marillier is back! Were the selectors hiding their secret weapon for the World Cup? To have a look at Sims and to blood other young players, the current series would have been ideal. The series against Wasim, Waqar, Saqlain and Shoaib was not. One has to feel sorry for the boys, especially Matsikenyeri.Hopefully, Zim can spring a surprise or two at the World Cup. I guess everybody who supports Zim keeps their fingers crossed for the pacers to get and stay fit!Henrik Halbleib (Germany)A GRIPE FROM KENYAAlthough I understand your bias towards the Zimbabwe Cricket, I am shocked the way you view Kenyan Cricket.Just to remind you that during the World Cup where we beat West Indies, Zimbabwe was in deep trouble until the time when rain came to the rescue otherwise Kenya would have beaten them hands down.Comparing Kenya to Bangladesh just goes to show how naive you are in regards to cricket in Kenya. We have always beaten Bangladesh, twice beaten India (once in India) and of course West Indies. If you go through the one-day table, we have played less games yet we are ranked 10th just below Zimbabwe. You can imagine if we are given more games then we might just end up on top of Zimbabwe.As for the test, it is noticed that we are way out better then most A teams. Zimbabwe A team would be easily be beaten by Coast select so how do you expect the national team to play Zimbabwe A! Yes, playing against Australia A would be a different story.Lets not try to brag that Zimbabwe is a better team or was better prepared. As long as stats show Zimbabwe are nothing better then Kenya if not weaker if the time they have been in test cricket is taken into consideration.For your Kind information, there is more to Kenyan cricket then Steve Tikolo and Maurice Odumbe. Try to watch Brijal Patel and you will know how well cricket is at grass-root level.It would be appreciated if you could be less bias and more realistic in our articles. I am sure we are going to thrash Zimbabwe on our current tour.Muslim Karimjee (Kenya)Reply: Readers can judge for themselves whether I was being unfair to Kenya in my tour preview last week. Have readers from other countries any views on Kenya’s qualifications for Test cricket?