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05-May-2011Hampshire 145 for 3 v Sussex 3438
ScorecardYoung opening batsman Liam Dawson continued his fine early-season form in the County Championship with an important half-century for Hampshire against Sussex at the Rose Bowl. Dawson, playing only due to the absence of experienced pair Michael Carberry and Michael Lumb, hit his fifth 50-plus score as his team began the daunting chase of Sussex’s first-innings total of 438.At stumps on day two, 21-year-old Dawson’s 60 had helped the hosts to 145 for 3 to trail Sussex by 293 runs. Sussex resumed this morning at 321 for 3 but managed only 117 more runs for their final seven wickets, three of which fell in the morning session to Hampshire pace bowler David Griffiths.Griffiths removed Ben Brown (23) in his first over and then got rid of danger man Murray Goodwin for 43 three overs later. Griffiths struck again with the score on 342 when Luke Wright (9) edged to the wicketkeeper. Griffiths’ three scalps in five overs was impressive on a wicket that was still playing as well as it had done on the first day.Hampshire were eventually held up when Andy Hodd and Naved Arif added 46 for the seventh wicket. Spinner Danny Briggs broke the stand when he bowled Hodd for 31 and, four runs later, Arif guided Friedel de Wet to Dominic Cork to end his effort on 18.Naved ul-Hasan struck three sixes against Briggs in a breezy 34 before Cork finished off the resistance, getting a leg-before verdict against the Pakistani and then giving Nic Pothas his third catch of the innings behind the stumps when James Anyon (15) touched a rising delivery. Griffiths finished with figures of 3 for 73 while there were two wickets apiece for Cork, Briggs and De Wet.Hampshire made a strong start to their reply with Dawson and Jimmy Adams putting on a 98-run opening partnership before Anyon struck with two quick wickets. Adams was the first to go, caught behind for a watchful 24, but Dawson’s proved to be an important wicket for Sussex.Dawson had been in superb form, striking eight fours in his 83-ball 60 before he went the same way, caught behind, to leave Hampshire on 103 for 2. Monty Panesar plunged Hampshire into further trouble when he trapped Neil McKenzie lbw for six in the 36th over, but Johann Myburgh and James Vince took Hampshire safely through to stumps unbeaten on 18 and 15 respectively.

ESPNcricinfo previews the opening game of the 2011 World Cup between Bangladesh and India in Mirpur

The Preview by George Binoy18-Feb-2011Match FactsFebruary 19, Mirpur
Start time 14:30 local time (08:30 GMT)
Few players have as much responsibility with bat and ball as Shakib Al Hasan does for Bangladesh•AFP Big PictureEvents unfolding in Port of Spain four years ago culminated in euphoria on one side of the Bengal border, and gloom on the other. With every dance down the wicket from Tamim Iqbal, little-fancied Bangladesh landed another blow in a series of blows that would eventually eliminate India, wearied by the weight of expectation and a discordant dressing room, from the first round of the World Cup. Four years later the teams meet again, but in a tournament protected from the domino effect of a shock like the one in Trinidad. The stakes this time are different as well, for it is not just India, overwhelming favourites again, who carry a tremendous weight of expectation.As Shakib Al Hasan entered the opening ceremony in a decorated cycle rickshaw, soaking in the goodwill from tens of thousands inside the Bangabandhu Stadium and the crowds surrounding it, his demeanour revealed pride and a sense of the grandeur of the occasion, and none of the reluctance he’s had in captaining Bangladesh in series past. There would also have been a feeling of responsibility, of a magnitude no Bangladesh captain has ever faced before.For the first time, Bangladesh are expected to go beyond the first round of a World Cup. For the first time, and largely because of a significant home advantage, their passage will not be considered an upset. For the first time, they are hosting a World Cup and can see all around them a stirring passion saturating the country. Bangladesh too will be relieved that the format allows a little room for error, while striving to avoid it against one of the tournament heavyweights.Justifiably or not, India have begun several World Cups wearing the favourites tag, but never has that label been more authentic than now. Their bowling attack might blow hot and cold, but even on their most frigid days India possess a batting line-up capable of overhauling anything. And they play all their matches on the familiar pitches of home, apart from the opener against Bangladesh, which is at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. The Indians won’t say that revenge for 2007 is on their minds but there is no chance they will go into the contest with an iota of complacency.Form guide (Most recent first)
Bangladesh: WWWLW
India: LLWWLPitch and conditionsThe pitch used for the practice game between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Mirpur had turn for the spinners. Not much is known about the surface for Saturday but it is expected to aid the slow bowlers. Dew has traditionally had an impact on day-night fixtures in Dhaka but it is supposedly not as big a concern in February. However, this is what Waqar Younis, Pakistan’s coach, said after the warm-up game: “There was a little bit [of dew], maybe in the last 15 overs. It can be trouble later on in the tournament, so good luck to whoever is playing here.”Watch out for…India’s batsmen: Sehwag, Tendulkar, Gambhir, Kohli, Yuvraj, Dhoni and Yusuf. The weakest link on paper in that line-up, Virat Kohli, is also India’s most in-form batsman. And Suresh Raina, who was a rabbit in South Africa but is a force on the subcontinent, is an option too. Each one is capable of producing a match-winning innings. This Indian side is calibrated for scoring a 300-plus total, and chasing one down.Spin, and dew: In their last ODI at home before the World Cup, against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh played four spinners: specialists Abdur Razzak and Suhrawadi Shuvo, allrounder Shakib, and part-time offspinner Naeem Islam. On slow tracks that turn, with batsmen needing to create the pace, they can control the pace of the game. India have played just one specialist, Harbhajan Singh, in recent games and relied on a phalanx of able part-timers – Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan and Suresh Raina. Given the prominent role of spin, the dew in Mirpur, if it is heavy, could have a considerable role in the day-night contest. A slippery ball and a slick outfield will be a disadvantage for the team defending a target under floodlights.A fever-pitch atmosphere: The build-up to the World Cup has visibly been more intense in Bangladesh than in either India or Sri Lanka. The excitement reached a crescendo in the hours before the opening ceremony and it is poised to spill over when the opening game gets underway. India rarely play in front of a crowd in which they have virtually no support. That is likely to happen tomorrow. If Shakib’s men are looking for a little more inspiration, they will hear it reverberate around the Shere Bangla.This is the beginning of Sachin Tendulkar’s last World Cup, and MS Dhoni’s first as captain•AFPTeam newsThere was a fitness concern over Shafiul Islam, who bowled only five overs in the warm-up against Pakistan, but he is expected to be fit. Raqibul Hasan could make the XI ahead of Mohammad Ashraful and Bangladesh could also play two spinning allrounders in Mahmudullah and Naeem Islam.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Junaid Siddique, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Raqibul Hasan 6 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 7 Mahmudullah, 8 Naeem Islam 9 Abdur Razzak, 10 Shafiul Islam, 11 Rubel Hossain.After sitting out of both of India’s warm-up matches with a groin niggle, Zaheer Khan bowled during India’s net session and will lead the attack on Saturday. The major decision India will have to make is whether to play Kohli or Raina. Kohli has been in excellent form, but an extra left-hander, Raina, could be useful in combating Bangladesh’s left-arm spinners. Dhoni, however, had indicated a few days ago that Kohli could edge Raina out.India (probable): 1 Virender Sehwag, 2 Sachin Tendulkar, 3 Gautam Gambhir, 4 Virat Kohli/Suresh Raina, 5 Yuvraj Singh, 6 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 7 Yusuf Pathan, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Zaheer Khan, 10 Ashish Nehra, 11 Munaf Patel..Stats and triviaMirpur is easily Bangladesh’s most successful ODI venue – they’ve won 18 matches here, which is three times the number they’ve won at their next-best venue. They’ve won 64 games in all, which means 28% of their ODI wins have come in Mirpur.The last 12 day-night matches in Mirpur have all been won by the team batting second. Overall, in 16 day-night ODIs, the team batting first has won only three times.India have won seven and lost three ODIs in Mirpur, but they’ve beaten Bangladesh in all five matches here. Three of those were day-night games, and in all of them India chased.Most of India’s top order has done well in Mirpur, with Gambhir, Dhoni, Kohli and Raina all averaging more than 50, and scoring at least one century here. For Bangladesh, Shakib and Tamim have scored two hundreds each in ODIs at this venue. Quotes”The guys have played enough cricket to cope with the pressure. We are not looking too far ahead. We will take it one game at a time and concentrate on the job at hand. I don’t think it can get better than this. Playing a strong side like India has its advantages. We want to prove ourselves against the best.”
.”Being a co-host will always bring a lot of expectations. But we do not get bogged down by expectations. The important thing is to do the process right. We always look to put more emphasis on the process, rather than on winning, and this is what has made us a successful team.”

As per Tim Spiers’ latest report for The Athletic, Wolverhampton Wanderers had an opportunity to move for former Lyon and now Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

24-year-old Guimaraes had attracted the attention of Europe’s finest outfits after another impressive campaign with Lyon in Ligue 1.

The notable sides who were interested in signing the Lyon star were Arsenal and Newcastle, with the latter signing him for £33.3m plus £6.5m in add-ons.

Spiers states in his report that Wolves “courted” the Brazilian star, before he completed his move to St James’ Park.

“The Best”

Newcastle United’s signing of the 24-year-old has turned out to be nothing short of astute, nor mesmeric.

Despite arriving as one of the most prominent central defensive midfielders around, Howe has been blown away by his technical ability and wants the Brazilian on the ball as much as possible.

As such, he has primarily functioned as a central midfielder for Newcastle United this season – a position that Wolves desperately need with the reported potential outgoings of Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho and Leander Dendoncker.

Bruno Lage will surely regret not moving for the No.39 wearing midfielder after he watched him run the show when the two sides met in Wolves’ 1-0 defeat to Howe’s side in early April, completing 86% of his passes, 100% of his dribbles and winning a whopping 12 duels.

Guimaraes, who has been described as “the best” by journalist Charlie Bennett and as “out of this world” by Tom Barclay, has discovered his goalscoring touch in England, having scored three times in his last four Premier League games for the Magpies.

Almost all of Guimaraes’ metrics are in and around the 90th percentile on FBref, with his match average of 6.26 progressive passes, and 3.23 shot-creating actions per 90 a stand out compared to the likes of Dendoncker who registers an average of 1.99 progressive passes per 90, with a match average of 1.50 shot-creating actions.

Howe is right in letting him flourish as a central midfielder, as his attributes are so outstanding that it would be a waste to restrict him to defensive duties. On the other hand, Lage and Wolves were wrong in not actioning this deal if, as reported, they had the option to sign him.

The latest report from Spiers will come as a dagger in the hearts of a passionate fanbase who would have adored the Brazilian sensation.

Wolves have had a nightmare with this deal.

In other news: Lage must unleash “unplayable” £25.2m-rated Wolves reject, he’s better than Trincao

James Anderson continued his steady preparation ahead of the first Test at Brisbane by claiming a three-wicket haul on the second day of England’s penultimate warm-up match

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Nov-2010James Anderson continued his steady preparation ahead of the first Test at Brisbane by claiming a three-wicket haul on the second day of England’s penultimate warm-up match against South Australia at Adelaide. His efforts, combined with another four-wicket performance from Graeme Swann, left the tourists in a strong position with one day of the game to go, leading by 161 at the close with all ten second-innings wickets in hand.However, Saturday’s play could be the last competitive outing for the front-line attack ahead of the Ashes, with the strong possibility that the Test attack will miss the final warm-up in Hobart to familiarise themselves with the conditions in Brisbane. The reserve bowlers Tim Bresnan, Chris Tremlett, Ajmal Shahzad and Monty Panesar are expected to line up in that final fixture against Australia A.Speaking after the close at Adelaide, Anderson said that he could see the benefits of such an approach, despite the fact that there are a few issues still to be resolved for the front-line bowlers. “I think I’d be fine going into that Test without playing at Hobart,” he said. “It gives us a nice break going into that first Test, and we get acclimatised better to the conditions. I’m not sure Tasmania is going to be 30 odd degrees, which Brisbane could be, so that might be another bonus for us.”England seem likely to emerge from the South Australia game with at least a draw, and potentially a second consecutive win, but Anderson denied that the squad’s preparations have been progressing almost too smoothly. “I’ve bowled some reasonably long spells in the last couple of games, so I’ve got some decent overs under my belt,” he said. “I thought everyone hit their straps pretty well, but I wouldn’t say it’s been that smooth.”As bowlers, we’ve gone through some bad spells,” he added. “I didn’t bowl great in the middle of my spells today, or as well as I would have liked. I’m sure the other bowlers have had similar feelings. Although we’re getting the wickets, we’re still striving to improve. We can get even better before that first Test comes round.”If the seamers aren’t entirely at the top of their games, then it’s hard to quibble with the form of the spinner, Swann, whose unquenchable self-confidence is almost as important as his ability to hit the right length. “It’s kind of expected that he’s going to bowl well,” said Anderson. “He’s had a great year, 18 months, and his form just continues to improve. He just seems to get better with every game.”

Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen demonstrated a ‘very impressive’ range of passes against Watford on Saturday, according to one Sky Sports journalist.

The lowdown

Palace beat Watford, and former manager Roy Hodgson, 1-0 on home soil to make it back-to-back wins after last weekend’s success against Southampton.

Wilfried Zaha’s first-half penalty was enough to seal a result that moves Palace up to ninth place and confirms the visitors’ relegation to the Championship.

Andersen made his 29th Premier League start of the campaign in Palace’s 35th match, helping the Eagles keep their 11th clean sheet.

The latest

Sky Sports journalist Charlotte Marsh, stationed at Selhurst Park, was left in awe of Andersen’s distribution.

“Andersen has made a number of incredible long passes down the field to try and set Crystal Palace up in an attacking position,” she said in the early stages of the second half.

“His latest to [Eberechi] Eze on the left isn’t quite as successful as some of the others, but the range is still very impressive.”

The verdict

Andersen didn’t have all that much defending to do in this particular game as Watford, reduced to ten men following Hassane Kamara’s red card 20 minutes from time, could muster only 31% possession and five shots.

That largely explains why he didn’t make any tackles, recorded only one interception and one clearance, and contested only three duels (via SofaScore).

But he found another way to contribute, launching attacks for Palace with his booming balls from the back. Over the course of the game, he completed a whopping 15 long passes (from 22 attempts).

For context, the next highest was Watford’s goalkeeper Ben Foster, who successfully pulled off 112 (out of 33).

The £70,000-per-week man is an offensive asset to Patrick Vieira’s side despite operating as a centre-half.

In other news, Palace’s top target has emerged. 

Mitchell Johnson has spied the doubts in the eyes of the England batsmen after regaining his powers as one of the game’s most potent fast bowlers

Peter English at the WACA19-Dec-2010Mitchell Johnson has spied the doubts in the eyes of the England batsmen after regaining his powers as one of the game’s most potent fast bowlers. Johnson responded from his dropping in Adelaide with nine wickets in the third Test, including a game-turning effort on the second day which Ricky Ponting called “one of the all-time great Ashes spells”.His inswingers to the right-handers at 140kph make him a brutal weapon and he was a constant threat to England’s batsmen during the 267-run victory. “I saw a bit of doubt in their minds throughout the second innings and when that ball is swinging around it puts a lot of doubt in people’s minds,” Johnson said. “But there are still two Tests to go and I’ve got to take it one at a time, keep trying to improve as a cricketer.”Johnson spent two weeks rebuilding his action in the nets with Troy Cooley, the bowling coach, before the contest and Ponting was hugely satisfied with the results. England were 0 for 78 in the first innings before crashing to 187 after Johnson’s stunning burst of 4 for 7 in the opening session of the second day.”The ball was swinging and Mitch’s spell was probably one of the all-time great Ashes spells,” Ponting said. “Him coming into the game under a bit of pressure as well, it was an amazing achievement and set up this victory and the series for us.”The spell has transformed him and transformed how they think about him in the English dressing room. Some of the deliveries he bowled will have them seriously thinking about how they play him. I heard rumours coming into the game that they had Mitch’s type of bowling worked out – I am not sure they think that now. You don’t end up with the record he has by fluke, you have to have a lot of skill and commitment.”After taking 6 for 38 in the first innings, Johnson backed up with 3 for 44 in the second as he and Ryan Harris knocked England over for 123. Harris matched his team-mate’s haul of nine wickets, finishing with a career-best 6 for 47.Harris’ collection included four of the five victims on the final morning, with the crucial breakthroughs being the lbw of Ian Bell and the edge of Matt Prior. He has played only four Tests but already has 20 wickets and has quickly become a key member of the developing attack.”He’s not put a foot wrong and is at home in the international game,” Ponting said. “It was great to see him get that reward. He has toiled away all week and to see him contribute the way he has is great for him and the team.”Harris’ only worry is the state of his right knee, which was operated on a couple of times during the off-season. The pain will stay with him for the rest of his career, but it is not going to stop him from taking part in the fourth Test on Boxing Day.”He’s just taken six-for in a Test match so he’s fine,” Ponting said. “He’s got a couple of extra days off now so that will help.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a fresh injury lift ahead of their clash with Brentford in the Premier League.

What’s the latest?

Spurs boss Antonio Conte has revealed that the club have not suffered any blows to their squad after the 1-0 defeat to Brighton next weekend.

They will now come up against London rivals Brentford with the same players available as they look to bounce back from their disappointing result against Graham Potter’s side.

Journalist Jonathan Veal tweeted: “Tottenham have no fresh injuries for the visit to Brentford. Skipp, Doherty and Tanganga remain out #THFC.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Supporters will be buzzing

The Spurs faithful will surely be buzzing by this big boost as it means that there are no other players that they have to worry about missing out on this match.

Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son and Dejan Kulusevski all remain available at the top end of the pitch and that means Tottenham still have a huge chance to win this game. The trio have been in fine form this season, in spite of their struggles against Brighton last week, and keeping them fit will be vital to their top-four hopes.

Since joining in January, Kulusevski has three goals and six assists in 10 starts for Antonio Conte – almost averaging a goal contribution per start in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Kane has 20 goals and assists combined in 30 starts and Son has been directly involved in 23 goals in 29 outings.

These impressive statistics illustrate how impressive they have been in the top-flight and highlight why an injury to any of them would be a major blow to Conte. Therefore, having them fit and firing is a big boost for Spurs and that is why this latest squad update will delight supporters.

The fans will surely want to see Champions League football next season and all three of them have shown that they will be pivotal to the club’s chances of securing qualification for the competition.

Although, it is also worth noting that avoiding defensive injuries will also be key given the backline’s recent form in the Premier League. Spurs have only conceded more than once in the division once in their last nine matches, once in their last 10 in all competitions, and this shows that the likes of Christian Romero and Eric Dier are also important players who need to be protected.

AND in other news: Conte can now axe “truly hilarious” £42k-p/w flop as Spurs eye £33m “difference maker”

Round-up of the tenth day’s action in the Karnataka Premier League

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2010A brilliant bowling performance helped Mangalore United to crush Bangalore Brigadiers (Urban) by 54 runs, as Brigadiers were dismissed for 81 while chasing the target of 136 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.The Mangalore bowlers were all over Brigadiers, reducing them to 33 for 6 after ten overs. Wicketkeeper Sadiq Kirmani – whose father and former India keeper Syed Kirmani was the match referee – resisted briefly, but was last man out as Brigadiers were bowled out in the 15th over. Offspinner Udit Patel took 4 for 31.Opener Bharat Chipli’s 57 off 51 deliveries had earlier given his side a strong platform for a big total. But offspinner M Vinod picked up three wickets, including that of Chipli, to restrict Mangalore to 135 for 6.Mysore Maharaajas beat Belagavi Panthers by six wickets, chasing down the target of 123 with an over to spare in Bangalore.Three Mysore bowlers picked up two wickets each to restrict Belagavi to 122 for 9. This was after the openers had given Belagavi a solid start, adding 40 in five overs. Mysore replied with a patient opening partnership of 51 between KB Pawan and Sudhir Rao, and despite the fall of wickets later in the innings, it was enough to set up a comfortable victory.

Ricardo Pepi continued his remarkable run of scoring off the bench as PSV's USMNT contingent played their part in a 7-1 rout of PEC Zwolle.

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PSV thump Zwolle 7-1Pepi scores off bench againUS players star in win GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

PSV moved one step closer to winning the Eredivisie with an emphatic win on the road, thanks to a Luuk de Jong hat-trick, a brace from Johan Bakayoko, an own-goal from Sam Kersen, and a late strike from substitute Pepi. The league leaders, who conceded through Eliano Reijnders to make it 2-1, were also helped by assists from American stars Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest on Saturday. Incidentally, according to Opta, only Twente's Ricky van Wolfswinkel (seven) has scored more goals than Pepi (six) off the bench this season in the top 10 European leagues.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

This win took PSV 13 points clear of second-placed Feyenoord in the Dutch top-flight with just 11 games remaining. Remarkably, Peter Bosz's side have dropped just four points in the league this season, with the Dutch giants winning 21 of their 23 games this season.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

PSV won the Johan Cruyff Shield last August, beating last season's league winners Feyenoord 1-0 in a match where the victors in the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup meet. The Dutch outfit, who lost in this season's KNVB Beker to Feyenoord, are also into the last 16 of the Champions League where they face Borussia Dortmund.

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WHAT NEXT?

PSV are next in league action on March 3 when they host title contenders Feyenoord in a top of the table clash, before travelling to Go Ahead Eagles five days later. The second leg of their Champions League clash with Dortmund is on March 13, with the tie currently at 1-1.

Leicestershire have announced that allrounder James Benning will leave Grace Road at the end of the 2010 season

Cricinfo staff02-Sep-2010Leicestershire have announced that allrounder James Benning will leave Grace Road at the end of the 2010 season.Benning, 27, joined the club on loan from Surrey in 2009 before making the move permanent. He has made just a single appearance in Championship cricket this year, however, in Leicestershire’s seven-wicket win against Worcestershire at New Road.In that game, Benning made 29 and 26 not out and also took three wickets, but competition for the allrounder’s spot in the side has limited his chances. Leicestershire coach Tim Boon believes Benning still has a future in the game as he looks for opportunities elsewhere.”James is a talented cricketer who I’m sure will attract interest from other counties,” said Boon. “He has made good contributions in one-day cricket with bat and ball. James had limited four-day opportunities but has the ability to change the course of the game through a positive approach. I personally wish James every success in the future.”