All posts by h716a5.icu

The end of another frustrating week dominated by the wet spring weather

Stephen Fleming02-May-2001The end of another frustrating week dominated by the wet spring weather.The only cricket we have had was a day and half in Derby but even then conditions were marginal with the run-ups and outfield very soggy.While the players are having to kill some time, spare a thought for the groundsmen around the country who are battling away for hours to get the grounds fit only to have passing showers ruin all their work.During rain the dressing room becomes a hive of activity and in most cricket autobiographies there will be several stories that have come from a rainy day.There are card schools, there are readers. There are guys who can’t keep still and there are those that just go to sleep. There are those who tidy up a few loose ends, then there’s the ‘Cat’, Phil Tufnell.Tuffers is great entertainment, passionate about his cricket and enjoys what he’s doing. Not renowned for his batting ability or courage at the wicket, he has had me in stitches this week talking about his past performances with the blade and what to expect from him this summer.It’s a nice time to be playing cricket in England.When I last toured here there was a lot of negativity surrounding the game and in particular the national team.That was two years ago and it’s completely changed.England have won their last four series and under Duncan Fletcher and Nasser Hussain they have gained direction and, more importantly, confidence.With Pakistan and Australia touring this summer England will be tested, but as long as they keep believing, we are in for some exciting cricket.I have spent a bit of time this week locating fellow Kiwi cricketers who have been gliding into the country to play a bit of cricket in the off season.Mathew Sinclair and Mark Richardson are two internationals who are over here, as well as several first-class players who have taken the chance to play some cricket abroad. Matt is based up in the North while Ritchie will be based close to me in London.Our next commitment for New Zealand is late July, when we visit Sri Lanka for a couple of weeks. Until then we just sit and wait for a break in the weather and hope we get some luck when the cards are dealt.

Women’s Cricket Australia (WCA) today announced a squad of 14 players for the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom, beginning on 18 June 2001

Women's Cricket Australia15-May-2001Women’s Cricket Australia (WCA) today announced a squad of 14 players for the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom, beginning on 18 June 2001.The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad, which will play two Test matches, three one-day internationals in England before heading to Ireland for a further three one day internationals, is:Belinda Clark (Captain) NSWKaren Rolton (Vice-captain) SALouise Broadfoot VICSally Cooper QLDAvril Fahey WACathryn Fitzpatrick VICMichelle Goszko NSWJulie Hayes NSWLisa Keightley NSWOlivia Magno SATherese McGregor NSWCharmaine Mason VICJulia Price QLDLisa Sthalekar NSWTeam Management:Sally Bailey (Physical Conditioning Co-ordinator)Stephen Jenkin (Coach)Christina Matthews (Assistant Coach)Lisa Ross (Physiotherapist)Janine Stainer (Manager)Commenting on the squad chosen, Head Coach Stephen Jenkin said: “After selecting two new players for the 1999 World Cup, the selectors have maintained a rebuilding policy by introducing three new faces to the Australian team for England.”Our aim will obviously be to win both the Test and one-day international series, and I believe this team is a balanced group that will provide us with several options over the course of the tour,” Jenkin said.Batter Sally Cooper of Queensland has been selected in the national squad for the first time.On hearing the news of her selection Cooper commented: ” I’m just thrilled at being selected in the Australian team. It is not something I really expected but I’m aiming to make the most of the opportunity.”New South Wales middle-order batter and off-spin bowler Lisa Sthalekar will also make her Australian debut on tour. Sthalekar said: “My selection is a dream come true. I am looking forward to using the experience to learn as much as I can whilst on tour and I hope to contribute to a successful team result.”Top-order batter Michelle Goszko from New South Wales will return to the Australian team after a three-year absence. Goszko said her selection had been a long-term goal.” I’m excited about getting another opportunity to play for Australia and will work hard over the next four weeks to ensure I can cement a spot in the team,” Goszko said.The Australian women’s squad departs for England on 14 June 2001.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, ex-Premier League striker Marcus Bent has described Harry Kane as one of the best players in the country, but has shockingly questioned whether the Tottenham striker is good enough to play for the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United because of his attributes.

Kane’s future was thrown into serious doubt when strong reports suggested that the England captain will push for a move away from north London this summer, should Spurs fail to qualify for the Champions League.

And that looks likely to be the case, with Tottenham now five points adrift of the top four with just four games to play.

Edinson Cavani scored against Spurs for the Red Devils last month, but with the Uruguayan expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, United are going to need a replacement, whilst Manchester City also need one for Sergio Aguero – with both City and United linked with the Spurs frontman.

But Bent, who scored 40 Premier League goals across three separate decades, has doubts over whether Kane could make the step up.

He told Football FanCast:

“He’s the top striker in England at the minute. He’s the main reason why Tottenham are where they are at the minute.

“But is he the player that can go to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Man City? Is he good enough to play in those sides? Is he athletic enough? Is he going to be number one at those teams?”

Scott Parker has suffered relegation both times he has managed Fulham in the Premier League but Marcus Bent, who played for 12 different clubs during his career, has exclusively told Football FanCast, that Parker would love to be offered the Tottenham Hotspur job.

Daniel Levy is still on the hunt for Spurs’ next manager and the likes of Parker and Graham Potter have been linked with getting the job despite having never finished in the top half of the Premier League as a manager.

Parker was handed the Fulham job last time they were in the Premier League as relegation loomed large but he did manage to get them up at the first time of asking last season as Fulham won the play-off final against Brentford.

Levy, who is said to “think the world” of Parker, will know he needs to get this manager right and Bent, who spoke exclusively to FFC, has claimed the Cottagers boss would love the job but that he may not be ready for it:

“I’m not sure if Scott Parker is ready for it, but who am I to say? He’s done really well at Fulham and I think he’d jump at the chance. I haven’t spokn to him about it but I think he would jump at the chance.

“There’s something going on at the club and it has been for years because it’s not stable. There’s going to be quite a few players going this summer and they’re talking about if Kane will stay? It just depends on if they’re going to bring in the right players and manager.”

Ryan Mason has been tasked with getting Tottenham into Europe after taking over from Jose Mourinho and the former Spurs midfielder has won two of his three leagues games as manager.

Spurs fans appear to have had enough of how their club is being run and are planning protests, much like all the teams involved in the failed Super League, and they will be happening on the final home game of the season.

Despite slate grey skies and a blustery wind keeping the temperature down, Graham Thorpe illuminated the day and warmed a decent crowd with an innings of sparkling shots and dominance

Dave Edmundson01-Jun-2001Despite slate grey skies and a blustery wind keeping the temperature down, Graham Thorpe illuminated the day and warmed a decent crowd with an innings of sparkling shots and dominance. The Surrey left-hander, undoubtedly England’s main run threat, was ably supported by Michael Vaughan, who nestled comfortably into England’s problematic No 3 slot, registering his highest Test score with calm authority.These two came together with England having been pinned back by Pakistan’s notorious combo of Wasim and Waqar. The much anticipated Lancashire duel between Wasim who graced Old Trafford for 11 years as the overseas player and Michael Atherton was a brief one. But it was Waqar who snared Atherton when he edged to Latif for four and England, in pursuit of Pakistan’s fine first innings total of 403, were struggling at 15 for 2. Marcus Trescothick had looked in form but played inside a Wasim delivery and lost his off bail.However, England portray a robustness and confidence that had not been evident until recently, and coach Duncan Fletcher has energised this team – these days England do not crumble like a chocolate chip cookie. Not only did Vaughan and Thorpe repair the damage, they did so with aplomb, repeating the tableau of yesterday and continued the run feast which has been the hallmark of this match.Shots were sprayed all round the wicket, Thorpe hooking and cutting in style and he mercilessly ravaged his former Surrey colleague Waqar who went for five runs an over at one stage. Meanwhile the rather more refined Vaughan demonstrated a flawless technique honed on the seaming pitches of Headingley and he moved effortlessly closer to a maiden century.It was a welcome contrast from the pace diet of yesterday to see master spinner Saqlain wheeling away from the Warwick Road end in a long unbroken spell punctured only by a rain break when an hour was lost just after tea. He enjoyed some turn and some moral success but was unable to break the partnership which had put on 64 by lunch, reaching 173 at tea. When rain finally brought the curtain down with just over 18 overs left, Vaughan and Thorpe had plundered 189 valuable runs with Thorpe two short of his first century in a Test at Old Trafford.Earlier Pakistan had extended their overnight score to 403 all out, and once again Darren Gough was forced to kick the turf in frustration as Nick Knight spilled a chance at slip, the second to go down off Gough, Rashid Latif the escapee.Latif didn’t capitalise though; he wandered carelessly out of his crease in search of a single, Trescothick pounced and threw down the stumps. Next Caddick was smashed high over mid-wicket for six by Saqlain who biffed 21 unbeaten runs with some imaginative, if unorthodox shots, the fun ending when Gough trapped Waqar leg before.

Australia may have a 100 per cent record in the NatWest Series against England and Pakistan but, worryingly for their opponents, skipper Steve Waugh says his side are still some way off their best

CricInfo13-Jun-2001Australia may have a 100 per cent record in the NatWest Series against England and Pakistan but, worryingly for their opponents, skipper Steve Waugh says his side are still some way off their best.Tomorrow at Old Trafford, Australia take on an England side who must win all their remaining games to have any chance of qualifying for the final at Lord’s.But Waugh’s words warning that the best is yet to come from his side could disconcert a few English hearts and minds.”I don’t think we have peaked at all yet – we are a long way from that,” hesaid.”The batting has been pretty good, and the fielding has too. But the bowlinghas just been satisfactory.”We are probably playing about 70 per cent as well as we can play – so thereis a long way to go.”However, the Australian skipper did offer some crumbs of comfort to an England side that have just lost their eighth One-Day International in a row – an unwanted record for the host nation.”They will be encouraged by the way they have come back in the last couple ofgames,” said Waugh. “They have improved but they just have not been finishingmatches off.”They probably panicked in the last ten overs, but that sort of thing comeswith experience and confidence.”There is no doubt they have the talent there. They will make thebreakthrough sooner rather than later.”It has not been all bad news for England. Marcus Trescothick has discovered a rich vein of form while Middlesex’s Owais Shah has burst on to the scene with an unbeaten 28 and a determined 62 in his appearances so far.Middlesex coach Mike Gatting said: “He has always had ability, it was just a question of bringing it through and he’s always had a good head on his shoulders which helps in pressure situations.”When I first came across him he had a bit of growing up to do, but the greattalent was always there. He had all the shots but his shot selection wassometimes not good – he’d be playing like God and all of a sudden wallop, one upin the air.”I got very frustrated with him at times because I knew he had the abilityand I may not have handled it well at times, but it’s great to see him reap therewards now.”It was wonderful to see him bat with Ben Hollioake at Bristol. He seemed sosensible and mature and he performed well under pressure against Pakistan to getEngland close.”As for Shah himself, he’s just relishing the moment. “I think I’m just an average 22-year-old really,” he said. “I don’t think you can play for England just on potential – you have to perform and put runs on the board and that’s what I’ve been trying to do for Middlesex.”I had a terrible year last year and scored only about 400 runs, which isterrible for a professional batsman, and I’ve had other bad years, but I want toscore 1,000 runs this year because I’ve never done that before.”If I don’t enjoy batting at the moment, I’m never going to enjoy it, am I?I’ve had a reasonable start to the season that I am enjoying personally andeveryone at Middlesex is enjoying the start we’ve had.”Shah is almost certain to play at Old Trafford, particularly as Graham Thorpe has been ruled out for another week because of a calf injury.As for Australia, who will be without injured paceman Nathan Bracken and are waiting on the fitness of Jason Gillespie and Damien Fleming, they will continue their squad rotation policy. It is likely that one of Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting or Damien Martyn will be rested.England (from): AJ Stewart (Surrey, wkt & capt), ME Trescothick (Somerset), NVKnight (Warwickshire), MP Vaughan (Yorkshire), OA Shah (Middlesex), BC Hollioake(Surrey), DG Cork (Derbyshire), MA Ealham (Kent), D Gough (Yorkshire), ARCaddick (Somerset), AD Mullally (Hampshire), AD Brown (Surrey), RDB Croft(Glamorgan).Australia (from): SR Waugh (capt), ME Waugh, AC Gilchrist (wkt), RT Ponting,DR Martyn, MG Bevan, A Symonds, ML Hayden, IJ Harvey, SK Warne, B Lee, GDMcGrath, J Gillespie, D Fleming.

Graham Roberts has claimed that Steven Gerrard would be an excellent appointment for Tottenham Hotspur this summer in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

The Liverpool legend has done superb work at the Scottish club this term.

They have won the Scottish Premiership at a canter, finishing the season unbeaten and with 102 points from 38 games.

Rangers ended the campaign 25 points ahead of Old Firm rivals Celtic and Spurs are, of course, on the lookout for a new manager after sacking Jose Mourinho.

Ryan Mason is currently in interim charge of the club but it is expected that he will step aside for the next permanent boss, whomever they may be.

Roberts played for Spurs between 1980 and 1986 before making the move to Rangers, and spending two years with the Scottish giants.

It remains to be seen if Gerrard, who said that he ‘loved’ Kane back in 2017, would be willing to leave the club with whom he has just won his first ever league title, especially for a rival to Liverpool, but Roberts believes he would be an exceptional appointment.

He told FFC: “You’ve got Steven Gerrard at Rangers.

“I think he’ll stay there but he’s done absolutely unbelievable. He would be a great choice.”

An official Police Scotland document has branded Glasgow Rangers’ players and staff as “disgraceful” following their celebrations when they beat St. Mirren earlier this year.

The Lowdown: Gers closed in on title

On March 6th, the Gers beat St. Mirren 3-0 at Ibrox to all but confirm their status as Premiership champions. Following the match, the players celebrated with supporters outside Ibrox from the stadium’s windows.

The title was confirmed to be going to Rangers the following day when Celtic could only draw 0-0 with Dundee United (The Guardian).

The Latest: Police Scotland slam Rangers

Now, an official document has been released through a Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Government which criticised the Gers supporters. The memo said (via The Daily Record):

“On conclusion of the event engagement with Police Scotland and Rangers FC continued to encourage the Club to strongly support a stay at home message.

“Whilst assurances were given this did not materialise.

“Further engagement did not result in any further statement relating to fan behaviour or responsibilities being issued, despite numerous statements encouraging celebration, including from the Manager.

“Both the Manager and players actively engaged from within the stadium with fans gathered in disgraceful displays of encouragement, in solid opposition to the public safety issues arising, to their responsibilities given the privileges under which football operates, and to the commitments they had made around public communications.”

The Verdict: Fashionable

At the moment, it seems to be fashionable to criticise Rangers. In this situation, the fans themselves had already congregated outside the stadium as the Gers won what would be prove to be a decisive match. It is only understandable that the players and staff would acknowledge their presence at Ibrox.

We have seen gatherings across Glasgow in recent weeks, such as the Solidarity for Palestine demonstration. Yet, despite that, it is only Rangers supporters that appear to be blamed for disregarding coronavirus regulations. It should not be one rule for some and another one for others, regardless of the reason for people taking to the streets.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this article.

Otago Cricket’s newly elected Board has met for the first time

Steve Davie27-Mar-2002Otago Cricket’s newly elected Board has met for the first time.Changes to Otago Cricket’s constitution last year signalled a change in the Board’s composition. Where previously the four independent members were joined by four elected members from the Districts, the new board comprises eight independent directors.The constitution also states it is desirable for at least two directors to reside outside Dunedin.The four new members are: Murray Hughes (managing director, Aotea Electric), John Petre (Queenstown businessman), John Ward (Invercargill company director) and Bevan Rickerby (Dunedin businessman).They join: Stuart Heal, board chairman (chief executive, CRT), Nevill Henderson (regional manager, Tullochs Transport), Peter Dobbs (chief executive, Otago Trust) and Jazz Hewitson (general manager, New Zealand Deer Farms).The changes the Otago Cricket’s constitution was recommended by the previous Board and brings the association into line with New Zealand Cricket’s strategic planning and direction.

Former England wicket-keeper Jack Russell has signed an extension to his Gloucestershire contract by an additional year to the end of the 2004 season

CricInfo01-May-2002Former England wicket-keeper Jack Russell has signed an extension to his Gloucestershire contract by an additional year to the end of the 2004 season.Russell, 38, who played the last of his 54 Tests in 1998, signed before today’s Benson & Hedges Cup match with Warwickshire in Bristol.Gloucestershire’s Director of Cricket John Bracewell said: “While Jack ismaster of his craft, it has probably advanced further forward in the years sincehis retirement from international cricket.”We expect the next three years to be the most fruitful in Jack’s domesticcareer.”