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SYDNEY, Dec 13 AAP – It was Friday the 13th but Marcus Trescothick and Nick Knight rode their luck as England set Australia 252 runs for victory in the limited overs tri-series match at a sold-out SCG tonight.

Will Swanton13-Dec-2002SYDNEY, Dec 13 AAP – It was Friday the 13th but Marcus Trescothick and Nick Knight rode their luck as England set Australia 252 runs for victory in the limited overs tri-series match at a sold-out SCG tonight.In the process England did allrounder Shane Watson’s World Cup chances a whole lot of damage, ensuring calls are renewed for Australian Test skipper Steve Waugh to come under consideration for the 15-man squad that travels to Africa in February.England reached 8-251 from 50 overs as Australia dropped four catches, with Knight hitting 111 not out and opening partner Trescothick 60 from 57 balls. Brett Lee was on a hat-trick in the final over when he rattled the stumps of Craig White (15) and Gareth Batty (nought).Watson was pulled from the attack after a costly opening spell of three overs for 25 runs as Trescothick and Knight skipped away in a run-a-ball opening stand of 101.Part-timers Darren Lehmann and Damien Martyn (0-26) were preferred by captain Ricky Ponting ahead of Watson for the remainder of England’s innings.Lehmann took 3-1 off six balls to finish his ten-over stint with 3-32, giving further reason to believe Australia could do without Watson – or any specialist allrounder – at the World Cup.Lehmann, Martyn, Michael Bevan, Ponting and even Matthew Hayden could cobble together the final ten overs in support of Australia’s main four bowlers, allowing the luxury of an extra batsman.Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist denied Lehmann a fourth wicket when he missed a stumping chance off Knight on 91.The tourists needed a dramatic change of fortune to be competitive against a highly confident Australian side and they received it first ball when an edge from Trescothick off the bowling of Glenn McGrath flew between Ponting and Martyn at second and third slips.It went for four.Trescothick and Knight adopted a plan to attack the Australian fast bowlers, giving themselves room outside off stump, regularly advancing down the crease and slashing wildly at any balls with a bit of width.The fourth ball of McGrath’s first over flew from the top edge of Trescothick’s blade over Martyn’s head, while any number of other edges evaded diving Australians.McGrath’s new ball partner Jason Gillespie didn’t get a hand to a hot caught-and-bowled chance when Trescothick was nine. Lehmann spilled a similar chance off Hussain on 26, then Ponting let Hussain off the hook again on 36.Trescothick finally fell to Brett Lee, caught at first slip by Shane Warne for 60 off 57 balls. He hit eight fours and a six.England lost 2-2 in five balls when Ronnie Irani was trapped lbw for a duck by Warne’s second ball but Knight and captain Nasser Hussain (52 off 81 balls) regained the momentum.Another late hiccup of 4-18 in five overs prevented England from amassing an even bigger total.Knight grinned broadly after an ambitions reverse-sweep off Warne made it all the way to the third-man fence. Warne was far less impressed, scowling. Knight played a similar stroke for three runs a few overs later as he and Hussain guided England to 205.Warne (1-42 off ten) and Lehmann succeeded in bogging down Hussain, whose reverse smacked of desperation. The Poms hit 31 straight singles from the 25th over to the 36th over but shortly afterwards Hussain broke the shackles with a six off Martyn over mid-wicket.Shortly after that he was gone, caught in the deep.Lee finished with 4-47 from eight overs.

Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Southampton central defender Jannik Vestergaard as they eye defensive reinforcements [Daily Mail].

The Lowdown: Spurs prepare for 2021/22

Moving into 2021/22, newly appointed manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be hoping to re-scale what is a fragmented Spurs side, in order to challenge for continental qualification once again.

Making inroads in the transfer market, the Londoners have reportedly agreed terms with Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, which will come as a relief to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful.

Now, it looks as if Nuno may be chasing another deal in the coming days following recent developments.

The Latest: Spurs hold talks with Vestergaard; potential Alderweireld replacement

Tottenham have entered into discussions with Denmark international Vestergaard [Daily Mail].

Advantageously, the 6 foot 6 colossus’ contract is set to expire in twelve months which has made him an appealing pursuit for the Lilywhites [Daily Mail].

Recruiting in the centre-back area will be of particular importance to the UEFA Conference League qualifiers, owing to reports suggesting that current stopper Toby Alderweireld could depart this summer [CaughtOffside].

The Verdict: Vestergaard would be an astute signing for Spurs

Vestergaard would be an astute piece of business by the Spurs hierarchy.

Strong in aerial duels and disposing of dangerous situations, the 28-year-old would provide some much-needed leadership qualities within the Tottenham backline.

In 2020/21, the Dane made 33 appearances for the Saints in all competitions notching three goals [Transfermarkt]. Furthermore, he made an astounding average of four clearances every 90 minutes across the previous year which was the most in the entire Southampton squad [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘outstanding’ by popular Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, his immense qualities would shine within the Tottenham Hotspur defence [The Boot Room].

Currently excelling in the EURO 2020 Championships with his native Denmark, it may be worth snapping him up now before other clubs take notice.

In other news, a pundit exclusively urges Tottenham Hotspur to sign a Serie A ace.

David Morgan, the ICC president-elect, has said he hopes new spectators, drawn to the game by Twenty20, will come to love the other formats as well

Cricinfo staff02-Jun-2008
David Morgan: “IPL has got widespread appeal and has attracted new audiences to the game” © Getty Images
David Morgan, the ICC president-elect, has said he hopes new spectators, drawn to the game by Twenty20, will come to love the other formats as well.”I’m proud that Twenty20, a format first developed by the England and Wales Cricket Board, had such a widespread appeal, bringing in new, wider and young audience, which ICC welcomes,” Morgan said at the closing ceremony for the Indian Premier League.Morgan felt cricket was fortunate to possess three formats. “[That is] Twenty20, which thrilled so many people, one-day cricket which is equally thrilling and Test cricket, the pinnacle. In fact, last week all three formats were evident with two great Test matches in Kingston and Manchester.”Congratulating the Indian board and Lalit Modi, the IPL commissioner, for the tournament’s success, Morgan said it had changed the face of domestic cricket around the world. “It has provided opportunities for other cricket playing nations [to take it forward]. It has got widespread appeal and has attracted new audiences to the game.”There are plans to organise a Champions League – a tournament involving the top two domestic Twenty20 teams from various countries – in England in October this year, following the Champions Trophy.

Manchester City’s hopes of signing Harry Kane this summer look to have taken a blow, with reports suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur will refuse to let him leave.

City have regularly been linked with a move for the England captain in recent months, with the 27-year-old keen on a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following a less than impressive season which saw them barely qualify for the European Conference League.

Despite Spurs’ poor form, Kane was still able to finish as the league’s top goalscorer and top assister, which emphasises that he would be a superb addition to Guardiola’s squad this summer.

Unfortunately for the Spanish manager, the Manchester Evening News have reported that Spurs won’t sell Kane to City this summer, despite his obvious desire to leave the north London club.

During his time at Spurs, Kane has contributed a remarkable 221 goals and 47 assists in 336 appearances, yet he is unable to boast a trophy in his club career thus far, something you feel he would almost be guaranteed should he make the switch to the Etihad this summer.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-manchester-city-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Manchester City transfer rumours and news!”]

He has also impressed at the European Championships this summer, scoring four goals en route to the final against Italy, and England teammate Jack Grealish was full of praise for him, saying:

“He is the best player I have ever played with. He is unbelievable. He is an unbelievable professional on and off the pitch.

“When you see him around the place, this is why he is England captain. The thing that sticks out is that he is not just a goalscorer.

“There are players from the past who just scored goals, goals, goals. In my opinion, he will break the Premier League one and the England one but he is not just a goalscorer. He is unbelievable.”

City are clearly desperate to bring in a striker ahead of the new season and this news on Kane comes as yet another blow for Guardiola, with the Citizens already ruled out of signing Romelu Lukaku, whilst previously linked Andre Silva joined RB Leipzig earlier this month.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936″]

Therefore, he will be gutted if another of his targets is now off the market, and with the Premier League set to kick off next month, he will have to act quickly if he wants to bring in a top-class goalscorer in time for the season opener against Tottenham Hotspur.

And, in other news… Manchester City handed boost with “outstanding” star, Txiki must act

Many Wolves fans have been reacting on social media as a transfer update emerged on Adama Traore.

As per Football Insider, West Ham United have reportedly made an enquiry about the possibility of signing the Spain international in the summer window.

David Moyes allegedly sees Traore as a somebody who can play as a striker and thus give cover for Michail Antonio, and the London Stadium faithful have registered their interest amid doubts over his future in the Midlands.

Traore is a player who is naturally very fit and would bring a lot of speed to West Ham’s starting eleven, but you can click here for more info about football fitness to try and emulate the Spaniard’s physique.

The Hammers did very well to finish in sixth spot in the Premier League table in the 2020/21 season, but the Molineux faithful finished above them in both 19/20 and 18/19, and so some WWFC supporters feel as if there would not be too much of a jump, if any, from moving to East London.

Thus, it seems as if they would rather keep the winger over selling him to the Irons.

Wolves fans on Traore transfer update

These Wanderers could not believe what they were reading as the exit rumour was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was a ‘joke’:

“Loool”

Credit: @YasWWFC

“Haha jog on they can’t afford him”

Credit: @WWFCFrevans

“What”

Credit: @fowls21wwfc

“Next joke please”

Credit: @MitchPhillips28

“This is funny”

Credit: @cal_wolvesfc

“Haha”

Credit: @jack04_

In other news, find out what training update has Wanderers talking here!

Reaction from the second ODI between England and New Zealand

Will Luke at Edgbaston18-Jun-2008
Brendon McCullum looks aghast as the umpires inform him the chase is off © Getty Images
New Zealand had Brendon McCullum and Scott Styris at the crease, andonly needed a further seven runs in the 20th over to win. The matchwas theirs for the taking, provided they didn’t lose any furtherwickets, and the series would have been levelled. But at 7.25pm, sixballs away from ensuring a result for either side, the umpires gave into the lashing rain at Edgbaston. New Zealand were well and trulyrobbed, as were a hardy and patient crowd of 16,000.”It’s a game we would have won if we’d played all the overs,” DanielVettori, the New Zealand captain, said, “or even got that 20th over,so there’s a sense of disappointment in the dressing room. It’s almostlike a loss.”Fortune generally favours the brave, but not on this occasion. New Zealand desperately needed a slice of luck, a break – anything to get their tour back on track after losing the Test series, and receiving a whipping in both the Twenty20 and first ODI. Despiteoutplaying England, today it was not to be, thanks to the most anal ofregulations. Rain and poor light had prevented play from startinguntil 3pm, but even so, it was decided they would take a 30-minuteinterval in between innings, in spite of the awful weather forecastdue and the excellent light the ground was enjoying at that precisetime.”It’s just one of those common-sense solutions [that was needed],”Vettori said. “We bowled one allotment of 13 overs and one of 11, soit wasn’t like we were tired or anything. It could have been reducedto ten minutes and we’d have gone straight back out there,[especially] with that knowledge of what weather was coming. If youcan take the common-sense approach to most things, they normally getsorted out.”In addition to the interval, England were themselves a little slow intaking nearly an hour to bowl 13 overs, further hampering the game’sprogress, and Vettori was quick to emphasise the umpires’responsibility. “There were a lot of stoppages. Some were necessary,some were not. I’ve played for a long, long time and never been finedfor a slow over-rate. If some people can do it, then I think youshould push the case through.”It’s all too easy to blame the umpires on occasions like these, butthere was undoubted gamesmanship from England that could easily havebeen nipped in the bud by Steve Davis and Ian Gould. A stray plasticbag seemed to take an age to be removed, while England’s oddlyenthusiastic fielding changes appeared to take place after nearlyevery delivery. Responding to their tardy over-rate, Paul Collingwoodinsisted that there was no foul play from England or dirty tacticsinvolved.”It wasn’t a tactical thing or anything like that,” he said,pointedly. “I guess we were chasing the ball a little bit at times.That happens, and you’re not going to get through your overs as quick.It wasn’t tactical and I didn’t realise it was that slow. I waswatching the Duckworth-Lewis all the time and we were there orthereabouts. We were only one wicket away from clinching it really, soit was going down to the wire.”Like Vettori, though, Collingwood blamed the no-result on the fattenedinterval between innings. “That’s probably the disappointment of the day actually,” he said.”When you’ve got a shortened game like that, to have a 30-minute breakbetween innings surprised us a bit, to be honest. We were ready to goout in 10 or 15 minutes.”It’s a shame that it was 30 but it’s in the regulations and we can’tchange it. It needs to be looked at, because we’d all had lunch beforethe game had started, so there was nothing to do between innings.”I can understand [the crowd] getting frustrated when it goes down tothe wire. It’s in the rules and regulations so there’s nothing we can doas players, but I do believe it’s something that has to be looked out.We could have gone out there in 10 or 15 minutes; from a player’spoint of view, we were ready to go.”In the current climate, it is unfortunate timing for 50-over cricketto be made to look so foolish. Its younger, hip cousin has it allwrapped up in half the time, after all. Cricket’s regulations areoften its Achilles heel, and in times like these, when the landscapeis changing so quickly, common sense simply must prevail. One-daycricket remains a huge income stream for boards, but its dissenterswill be quietly chuckling at the archaic regulations that were playedout so perfectly today.

Mike Procter, the ICC match referee from South Africa, who is in Pakistan for the ongoing Asia Cup, has said that he is satisfied with the security situation in the country

Cricinfo staff27-Jun-2008
The security situation in Pakistan is under focus in the run-up to the Champions Trophy in September © AFP
Mike Procter, the ICC match referee who is in Pakistan for the ongoing Asia Cup, has said that he is satisfied with the security situation in the country and that it should not be an impediment to hosting the Champions Trophy in September.”I see no reason why Pakistan should not host the Champions Trophy. I find Pakistan a safe place and have been here twice this year,” Procter told AFP in Lahore. “This is my personal opinion … I was here in March [for the five-match series featuring Bangladesh] and I’m here now, and I found the security arrangements to be fantastic.”The foreign umpires who have been with me during the Asia Cup also felt very safe and I would love to come to Pakistan for future events whenever I get appointments.”Proctor, who was in Pakistan in 2002 when a suicide bombing outside the New Zealand team’s hotel led to the postponement of the tour, said: “It was a different situation then. It was a suicide bomb blast … even at that time, the security was the best. We are more conscious about it now as the situation around the world since 9/11 has become volatile.”Meanwhile, there are reports that the ICC is considering South Africa as an option to host the event in case it doesn’t take place in Pakistan. “South Africa could hold the Champions Trophy in case Pakistan or Sri Lanka [the alternate venue] can’t,” an ICC source told AFP. “But it must be stressed that Pakistan remains our first choice and a lot of work has already been done to ensure the tournament is held there.” The source also said that Johannesburg, Centurion and Potchefstroom will be hosting the Champions Trophy matches in case the tournament is shifted to South Africa.The ICC board will meet on Sunday in Dubai, where they will analyse a security report before making a decision on the matter.

Gary Cahill has rejected a new contract from Crystal Palace, according to The Sun’s Tom Barclay.

The news was shared on Twitter, which had a number of Eagles supporters giving their thoughts to the update.

Cahill was one of 11 senior Palace players at the beginning of the month who became a free agent after his previous contract at Selhurst Park expired.

The 35-year-old made the move to Selhurst Park back in 2019 on a free transfer after leaving Chelsea and spent two seasons with the club, making 47 appearances.

He scored his only goal for the club in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United last season, and it now seems as if he won’t be returning under Patrick Vieira.

The centre-back’s previous Palace contract was worth £65,000-a-week, and according to Barclay, Cahill has turned down a new deal as his wage demands were too high.

Palace fans react

Barclay’s post on Cahill on Thursday morning had these Palace fans talking, with one describing the situation as ‘weird’.

“Snake”Credit: @g10eob”Disappointing if true. Whilst it’s not up for debate that he is “seasoned” the guy is a proven winner and we still that experience in the squad after losing the likes of Dann and Sakho. That said I’m all for reducing the inflated wage bill.”Credit: @CPFC_Adam”I would have loved Cahill to stay 1 more season but if he’s asking for too much money I rate Parish for not budging. I would rather see the Club spend the wages on a younger centre half.”Credit: @LiamBro86″Weird honestly didn’t see him leaving but oh well. Rather spend the money on a young CB”Credit: @Bunds_”Big loss”Credit: @samstoreycp”You can go”Credit: @Sumo08112

In other news: ‘My god’ – Many Palace fans erupt at Ed Aarons’ transfer post.

Sussex won the women’s County Championship this year, remaining unbeaten throughout their campaign to lift the trophy

Cricinfo staff02-Aug-2008Sussex won the women’s County Championship this year, remaining unbeaten throughout their campaign to lift the trophy.”To be County Champions again feels amazing,” Sussex captain Alexia Walker said. “For two years we’ve narrowly lost to Kent so to win by a clear twenty points and without losing a match this season is fantastic. It was a shame the rain intervened but it doesn’t feel any less special.”This is my first year as captain and it couldn’t have gone any better. The future of Sussex cricket looks really bright with plenty of young players pushing for places. There’s no reason why we can’t stay at the top for many years to come.”In a rain-affected finals week, the previous holders Kent didn’t have the chance to bat in their final game against Sussex on Thursday July 31 to make a stab at taking the title and so finished second. Nottinghamshire came third while Berkshire lost all six of their games and finished last.Charlotte Anneveld, the New South Wales bowler, showed her class as a bowler for Kent throughout the final days taking 4 for 18 against Berkshire on the Wednesday and following that up with 4 for 32 against Sussex on Thursday.In Division Two, Surrey finished top after losing just one of their six matches while Somerset came second. Lancashire came third with Warwickshire fourth after not winning any of their matches.Surrey’s Laura Joyce smashed 95 as they overcame Warwickshire on Wednesday by 61 runs. In the same division Rachel Walsh hit 81 for Lancashire but to no avail as her side went down by four wickets to eventual winners Surrey on the last day. Elwyn Campbell made 80 for home side Somerset during their 172-run victory over Warwickshire, again on the last day of the championships to secure second place.In the bowling department Izzy Westbury from Somerset took 5 for 20 against Lancashire on Wednesday and then pulled out a phenomenal performance to record figures of 4 for 4 against Warwickshire on the last day.Yorkshire took the honours in Division Three after finishing unbeaten with Middlesex coming second. Cheshire finished third while Derbyshire brought up the rear.Danielle Hazell took 4 for 1 for Yorkshire as they played Derbyshire on Tuesday in a match that was eventually abandoned due to the inclement weather. She continued in fine form the following day as she claimed 4 for 18 as Yorkshire narrowly beat Middlesex by 3 runs.Essex won six out of six to take division four, finishing ahead of Staffordshire. Worcestershire finished third with Hampshire coming last. Elsa-Marie Evans was pivotal in Staffordshire’s ten-wicket victory over Hampshire on Wednesday as she finished with a six-wicket haul for just eight runs.Changes are afoot for next year’s County Championships. The three or five-day festival element will be replaced by a ten-week long championship with all matches held over ten Sundays in the season. Teams will be in divisions of six rather than four and will play five home matches and five away.This will produce a longer county season with less chance of rain affecting the results. Teams will also benefit from playing on pitches of higher quality and the longer county season will give teams more time to prepare and review their performances providing a more competitive tournament in years to come.

Kevin Phillips has offered his thoughts on Newcastle potentially signing West Brom defender Kyle Bartley…

What’s the talk?

Former Premier League forward Kevin Phillips has urged Newcastle to seal a deal for West Brom centre-back Kyle Bartley. He believes that it would be a top deal for the Magpies and that he could “be vital” for the club because of his quality and experience. 

He told Football Insider: “I think it’s a fair price for his age and where he’s coming from.

“He’s a solid defender and you could have seen him and Lascelles forming a good partnership. I think for £3m plus his wages it’s not going to kill you.

“He possibly wouldn’t have played week in, week out. But he’s also got that experience which could be vital for Newcastle next season.

“He was definitely one of the best players at West Brom after Allardyce came in last season. He’s a leader on and off the pitch as well, which helps. It could be a top deal.“

This comes after The Telegraph claimed that West Brom want £3m for Bartley, with Newcastle opting against a deal for him at this moment in time.

Get it done

Mike Ashley must change his mind and pursue a swoop for the Baggies defender. As Phillips explains, he could be a terrific addition to Steve Bruce’s squad with his leadership and experience at the back, whilst £3m is a fair price on paper for a player of his quality.

The 30-year-old powerhouse has over 200 appearances in the Premier League and Championship to his name, highlighting the wealth of experience he has under his belt. He knows what it takes to perform at the top tier, which is why he could be a low-risk addition to Newcastle’s squad.

Bartley has already shown himself to be a reliable option – as opposed to signing a player from abroad who has never played in England before.

Bartley is West Brom’s vice-captain and donned the armband in the second half of last season under Sam Allardyce in the Premier League. This shows that he is, as Phillips said, a leader on and off the pitch, which is another reason why he could be a good signing for the Magpies. He could bring another strong voice in the dressing room to help his teammates through tough times on the pitch.

The Englishman also averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.77 in the top tier last term, showing that he has the quality to compete at this level. Therefore, Newcastle should be trying to sign the defender this summer to bolster their defensive ranks. Ashley needs to sanction a deal for the ex-Arsenal man.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Wilson: NUFC must land £60k-p/w beast with “a taste for the big games”…