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Australia’s IPL players are set to meet the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) in Sydney on Tuesday as concerns grow over player security at the event

Cricinfo staff22-Feb-2010Australia’s IPL players are set to meet the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) in Sydney on Tuesday as concerns grow over player security at the event. Players’ unions have reportedly been told by security adviser Reg Dickason that the terrorist threat from the 313 Brigade, Al-Qaeda’s operational arm in Pakistan, is credible and security cannot be guaranteed in India.The ACA chief executive Paul Marsh will meet with the players to discuss whether or not they should head to the tournament, which begins on March 12. Shaun Tait is one of the players contracted to take part in the IPL and he said he was waiting for further information before deciding whether to go to India.”The whole situation is a little bit disappointing because I would love to go to the IPL personally and hopefully everything can work out and we can go,” Tait told AAP. “I am not sure whose decision it is yet and I think we will probably find out a bit more in this meeting tomorrow. Obviously we talk to Rajasthan over the next couple of days and we see what they have to say but apart from that, the rest is out of our control.”The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) warned last week that a spate of player withdrawals was possible due to security concerns over playing in India. Andrew Symonds said last week he was planning to play in the IPL, while Shane Warne initially said he had concerns.Simon Katich, who played in last year’s IPL but is not in the Kings XI Punjab squad this year, said it would be a harder call for many players than when national tours are being assessed for security. “It’s going to be a big decision because obviously there’s going to be guys that might think it is fine to go and others that probably don’t,” Katich said.”But tomorrow we’ll find out for sure where everyone stands. It’s hard to say (what they will decide) at this point, and it’s hard to say what the other countries are going to decide as well. We always as players trust the security advice we’re given. In the past we’ve not gone on tours like Pakistan, and if there’s issues with India … we’ll find out tomorrow the full extent when the meeting is held in Sydney.”

Taking to Twitter, these Sunderland fans slammed the performance of attacker Aiden O’Brien as their side dropped vital points away to Shrewsbury Town.

Lee Johnson’s men travelled to Montgomery Waters Meadow in search of a victory as Sunderland aim to continue their chase for promotion and finally climb out of England’s third tier.

The Black Cats got off to a fine start mid-way through the first period when Alex Pritchard opened the scoring and originally put Sunderland in cruise control of the contest.

However, as the contest progressed, Sunderland failed to put the result beyond all doubt and Shrewsbury came back into it – with attacker Daniel Udoh netting a 64th minute equaliser.

Sunderland fans slam O’Brien…

Sunderland went on to drop points in their quest for promotion as supporters unleashed on social media, with some taking aim at O’Brien during the contest.

According to SofaScore, the 28-year-old ranked in as their lowest rated player on the night (6.3) whilst taking the least touches out of any outfield player – leaving little wonder some supporters thought he was ‘anonymous’.

The forward also completed just one out of four dribble attempts, managing zero shots on target and winning just 1/6 ground duels (SofaScore).

Here’s how supporters reacted to his display on Twitter:

“I’d have Bailey Wright at 7, Gooch 5, Broadhead 5 and O’Brien 4. Otherwise we would have beaten 10 men surely!! Gooch tried but other than that left foot effort saved by the keeper nothing came off, Broadhead and O’Brien completely anonymous. Subs terrible.”

Credit: @mikesmith145

“Not sure where he’s supposed to be playing he’s been that quiet”

Credit: @Tony_young78

“I’m going to stand outside on Saturday and tell Lee Johnson I work hard, seems to work for O’Brien despite being a totally useless footballer”

Credit: @davis0688

“O’Brien is never the answer”

Credit: @AnderGrim

“O’Brien off for Evans. Not been a great afternoon for the former”

Credit: @SpeakSAFC

“Aiden O’Brien totally anonymous”

Credit: @SPEZIAL73

Zimbabwe Cricket has begun the process of making a long-term appointment as national coach

Cricinfo staff31-Dec-2009Zimbabwe Cricket has begun the process of making a long-term appointment as national coach which becomes vacant when Walter Chawaguta’s contract expires at the end of the year.The job was advertised a year ago but Chawaguta was one of four applicants, none being particularly inspiring, and so he had his contract extended almost by default. In recent months it was rumoured that Heath Streak was almost certain to replace him, but now it seems that is no longer guaranteed.While a year ago there was little to appeal to coaches of any calibre, the progress made in the last 12 months means it is now again becoming a tempting international post.Local newspapers have reported former international Grant Flower, brother of England coach Andy, is one of those at the top of the pile. Although he was one of the rebels back in 2004, many have since returned after a softening of the party line by ZC.Chawaguta, meanwhile, said that he understood the post would be advertised back in October, and while he had been told he could apply, he had not done so. It is hard not to feel a degree of sympathy for a man who has been in charge during some very difficult times and yet has never really had the support of those running the game.

West Ham United are set to reignite their interest in Sparta Prague gem Adam Hlozek this January…

What’s the word?

That’s according to 90min journalist Toby Cudworth, who delivered a fresh update on the situation to social media this week.

“#WHUFC want to sign Adam Hlozek in January and also a centre-back to cover the injured Ogbonna,” he tweeted.

“Hlozek could be an initial loan with conditions to make an obligatory purchase, similar to Soucek’s 2020 deal. Kretinsky could be key.”

In an accompanying article, it’s claimed that the Irons are preparing a loan-to-buy agreement to sign the 19-year-old forward in the winter transfer window, which will be a similar type of deal used to sign Tomas Soucek in 2020.

The Hammers now have Sparta Prague co-owner Daniel Kretinsky on their board following his investment this month, so that is expected to stand them in good stead when negotiating a deal both clubs will be happy with.

Imagine him and Antonio

The Czech Republic international can play upfront – a position that manager David Moyes really does need to bolster – but he has predominantly been deployed on the flanks until this season.

Hlozek has provided four goals and eight assists in 20 appearances this season, all coming in a central role. It builds on last season’s tally of 15 goals and nine assists, where he averaged a direct contribution every 75.9 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-west-ham-news-transfer-updates-gsb-kretinsky-moyes” title=”Read the latest West Ham news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Michail Antonio has had his fair share of injury woes over the years and at 31, you can’t expect that to improve in the future. Moyes has been left with just one senior option in the centre-forward position for nearly two years now, so a new frontman is certainly a priority in 2022.

The 6 foot 2 dynamo, valued at £15.3m by Transfermarkt, is a hugely encouraging long-term prospect and one that should leave many around the London Stadium buzzing with delight.

Pavel Paska, who is the agent of both Hlozek and Tomas Soucek, believes his client is an “extraordinary talent” who “has everything an attacker needs,” whilst scout Jacek Kulig has described Hlozek as “an incredible talent” and Czech’s best talent since the emergence of Tomas Rosicky.

Just imagine him alongside Antonio or him providing the perfect foil for the 31-year-old talisman as the season goes on.

On this evidence, he’d be a signing that would leave the fanbase absolutely buzzing, especially given the success stories of Soucek and Vladimir Coufal and the recent involvement of Kretinksy, who should help them tenfold in any likely deal.

AND in other news, West Ham receive Declan Rice fitness boost ahead of Wolves clash…

A review of the fourth round of games in the 2009-10 Plunket Shield

Cricinfo staff06-Dec-2009Central Districts beat Canterbury with a day to spare to get their first success of the Plunket Shield in Rangiora. Having enforced the follow-on, CD bowled Canterbury out for 180, a lead of 26, and knocked off the runs without fuss. The openers Peter Ingram and Jamie How needed just 3.5 overs to chase down the required 27.The win was put in motion by a first-innings score of 325, aided by How’s 90 and 50 from Mathew Sinclair. Sinclair followed that fine innings by taking a career-best 3 for 29 in Canterbury’s first innings and added another on the final day of the match. Michael Mason wrecked Canterbury in their second innings, taking 5 for 42 to make it seven for the game. Ewen Thompson and Seth Rance took five and four wickets in the match respectively. Canterbury’s failure to notch up significant partnerships in either innings hurt them.Dermot Reeve, CD’s coach, was very pleased after the win. “We did well to get over 300 runs and we took all our catches. It was pleasing to see the fielders backing up the bowlers,” he told NZPA. “Mathew’s under-rated with the ball, he bowls a nagging line and length and hits the seam and on certain pitches he can do a good job with the ball.”Otago surged to their first win of the tournament with a nine-wicket win over Wellington in Queenstown. Wellington took early control of the match by declaring at 391 for 6, thanks largely to Stewart Rhodes’ unbeaten 142 on debut, but centuries from Neil Broom and Sam Wells carried the hosts to 471 for 9. After that dominant batting force, Otago’s bowlers bowled Wellington out for 203 in 62.2 overs. Only the opener Josh Brodie, who followed his first-innings 76 with 70, and Lance Woodcock (47) did much in the second innings. Set a target of 124, Otago eased home by nine wickets. The captain Craig Cumming hit an unbeaten 53 and was partnered to victory by Shaun Haig, who made 52 from 65 balls. With this win, Otago took maximum points and joined Central Districts on 10 points in fourth place.A rain-affected affair at Colin Maiden Park went Northern Districts’ way after they beat hosts Auckland by 55 runs. Two and a half days of play were lost to rain and the two captains, James Marshall and Gareth Hopkins, tried force a result. Resuming their first innings at 82 for 0 on the fourth morning, ND quickly posted 290 for 3 before declaring. Hopkins forfeited Auckland’s first innings and Marshall reciprocated by forfeiting his side’s second innings, leaving Auckland 291 to achieve their first win. It was not to be, with Graeme Aldridge (4 for 67) and Brent Arnel (3 for 52) running through the line-up. Hopkins’ 22nd first-class half-century was snapped when he went lbw to Arnel, and with that went Auckland’s chances at winning.ND’s attempt at racking up quick runs were aided by BJ Watling’s 136 off 169 balls. He and Brad Wilson (47) put on 101 runs for the first wicket, after which Marshall came to the middle and helped add 50 in 51 balls. This was ND’s third of the season and kept them on top of the standings with 26 points, 12 ahead of Wellington in second with six rounds to go.

Northern Dis 4 3 10 0 0 26 1.612 Wellington 4 2 1 01 0 14 1.003 Canterbury 4 1 1 0 2 012 1.069 Central Dist 4 11 0 2 0 10 0.929 Otago 4 1 2 01 0 10 0.865 Auckland 4 0 2 0 2 00 0.696

There are no guarantees over Michael Clarke’s troublesome back

Cricinfo staff20-Oct-2009Tim Nielsen, Australia’s coach, believes there are no guarantees over Michael Clarke’s troublesome back in the long-term and he won’t be rushed into the one-day squad in India. Clarke, who missed the Champions Trophy with the injury, said this week his progress was slow and steady. He has not been picked for the limited-overs tour with the team management preferring him to concentrate on being ready for the opening West Indies Test next month.Nielsen expects the problem will continue to hamper Clarke, Australia’s Test and one-day deputy and Twenty20 leader. “I don’t think we can ever guarantee that [his back will be fine], the issues are with discs and things with his back, so I’m not sure they’re ever going to be 100% perfect,” Nielsen told AAP. “He’ll have to manage it and he basically gets daily treatment on his back and his body when he’s away and playing and travelling, as do most of the blokes.”He said it was important Clarke was at full fitness before he returned. “There’s no point bringing him back half-baked and hoping we can nurse him through,” Nielsen said, “because there’s nothing surer that it’d be a recipe for disaster for him.”Australia need Clarke’s experience as they continue their rebuild and aim for some confidence-boosting success over West Indies and Pakistan in the Test arena this summer. The team is plotting its way back after a 2-1 loss to England in the Ashes, a journey which started well with a win in the Champions League.However, Australia’s schedule remains packed and the Australians won’t have a break until the middle of next year, increasing the likelihood of Clarke missing more matches. “We’re hopeful if we get him enough time to make sure he comes back 100% fit, or as good as he can possibly be, then that’ll minimise the chances of it flaring up quickly,” Nielsen said. “We hope we can come home from India in a month and we’ll see him smiling up there in Brisbane and ready to go for the first match as good as he can possibly be.”Clarke’s new role as Twenty20 captain makes it harder for him to be rested during the packed schedule. “He’s not an old man,” Nielsen said, “so we’ve got to be very careful that we don’t flog him to death as a 28-year-old as he is now.”

Scotland’s leading clubs have voted for a new 14-club Premiership and a second-tier Championship of 16 teams

Cricinfo staff10-Nov-2009Scotland’s leading clubs have voted to replace the country’s existing three-division structure with a new 14-club Premiership and a second-tier Championship of 16 teams. The new leagues will start in 2011.The move, backed by Cricket Scotland, will see a range of new initiatives including a grand final between the two leading sides in the Premiership.”We are, of course, delighted at the backing that our proposals received, as it represents a solid majority of the clubs involved,” board chief executive Roddy Smith said. “We are also determined to take account of the comments made by the clubs and district associations in their responses, and we are therefore making no further statements about what happens next until we have given them our due consideration.”

With their 2-0 win against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League now behind them and the latest international break in sight, Liverpool have a Premier League clash against high-flying West Ham United on the agenda this evening.

In terms of who Reds manager Jurgen Klopp could select in his starting XI today, it seems as though he will be without some of his key players, with the likes of Naby Keita, James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez out injured.

With this in mind, here’s how we feel Liverpool could line up against West Ham, with three changes from the side which started against Atletico on Wednesday.

In goal, it would be a surprise to see anyone other than Alisson Becker considering that he has played in all but one of Liverpool’s league games so far this season.

In defence, it would be no surprise to see Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back once more considering how much he impressed against Atletico, getting assists for both of Liverpool’s goals on the night.

Next to Alexander-Arnold, we think Klopp could take Matip out of the side from midweek and start Ibrahima Konate next to Virgil van Dijk to see if they can keep Michail Antonio quiet considering that he’s managed to score six goals in nine league games for West Ham this season. The French youngster has started the last two Premier League matches but had a rest in midweek, so he could come back in for the Cameroonian today.

At left-back, even though Kostas Tsimikas played and impressed against Atletico with an overall match rating of 8/10 from SofaScore, we think Andy Robertson will return to the team today after Klopp labelled him the “best left-back in the world” when discussing the current battle between the pair.

In midfield, we think Klopp will stick with the duo of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to try and overshadow West Ham’s probable midfield pairing of Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice. The one change sees Thiago Alcantara, who is currently earning £200k-per-week according to Spotrac, coming back into the side in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had a slight issue with his knee in the Atletico game.

With the front three, we reckon Klopp’s best option is to stick with the trio which started against Atletico with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah on the wings and Diogo Jota through the middle, particularly with Firmino suffering a hamstring injury in midweek.

In other news: Klopp could unearth Liverpool’s next Henderson with 18 y/o prodigy, fans will love him

In a world away from the multi-millions in TV money you get for playing in the Premier League, Rangers must be creative in the transfer market to build a squad capable of competing domestically and in Europe.

This means that Ross Wilson must work overtime in order to secure the best possible signings, and the club’s title success last season suggests that he done an excellent job so far.

One player with whom he pulled off a masterclass was winger Scott Wright, who he brought in during the January window to bolster Steven Gerrard’s title pursuit.

The Gers pinned him down to a four-and-a-half-year deal, which suggests that they see long-term potential in the forward. They initially agreed to sign him on a pre-contract but were able to snap him up in January for a bargain fee.

Wilson reportedly paid Aberdeen £180k for his services, with Wright playing 13 times before the end of the 2020/21 campaign. He provided one goal and two assists, setting up a goal in the Europa League.

At the time of the signing, Gerrard hailed him as a player he has admired from afar, backing him to be a success at Ibrox. He said: “It is very pleasing to have Scott for the rest of this season. This will give him the opportunity to gain some valuable game time in a blue shirt for the rest of the season.

“Scott is a player that I have admired and I believe that we can utilise his skill set within our system. He will train with his new teammates tomorrow.”

At the time of writing (26/10/21), Wright is valued at £540k by Transfermarkt. He has produced three goals and two assists in 26 appearances for the club, with three starts in the Premiership this term. This shows that Wilson was able to pull off a masterclass with the forward in January.

He was able to sign Wright for just a third of his current market value, whilst the winger still has plenty of time to develop even further at the age of 24. If he continues to be a regular first team option for Rangers, his value could continue to rise and the £180k Rangers paid for him will look all the more like an absolute bargain.

It was a nominal fee to pay for a talented young player in whom Gerrard seemingly sees a great deal of potential.

AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges on big Rangers problem that’ll leave fans buzzing…

The entire Indian team turned up at the pre-match press conference at Trent Bridge on Friday in a “show of unity”

George Binoy at Trent Bridge05-Jun-2009In a bizarre turn of events, the entire Indian team turned up at the pre-match press conference at Trent Bridge on Friday in a “show of unity” following media reports of a rift between senior players.Once the team had assembled, captain MS Dhoni read out a statement to “the people of India and Indian cricket fans worldwide”. The team, he said, was unified, “as good as it has ever been with each individual supporting each other on and off the field”. He called the reports, published in the Indian media on Friday, of a rift between himself and Virender Sehwag “false and irresponsible behaviour”.The team, Dhoni said, was headed into the Twenty20 World Cup confident, well-prepared and unified. Once the statement was read out, the entire team – Dhoni included – walked off.The reports had pointed to Dhoni’s replies – at a press conference on Thursday – on Sehwag’s injury as indicative of a rift between the two. Sehwag yet to bat on the tour, is suffering from a niggle to his right shoulder and Dhoni said he wasn’t sure when he’d be able to play.India play their first game on Saturday, against Bangladesh.