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Afghanistan beat Oman by 42 runs to win the Asian Cricket Council’s Under-17 Challenge Cup in Bangkok, but the event was hardly an inspiring advertisement for the sport in general, and China’s development programme in particular

Cricinfo staff24-Nov-2008
Jai Bhagwat, the Thailand Under-17 bowler who took 5 for 2 to skittle China © Asian Cricket Council
Afghanistan beat Oman by 42 runs to win the Asian Cricket Council’s Under-17 Challenge Cup in Bangkok, but the event was hardly an inspiring advertisement for the sport in general, and China’s development programme in particular.Once again, the contentious issue of under-age players reared its ugly head with Maldives and Iran thrown out for breaching widely flagged regulations. Given the expulsion of eight teams in the ACC’s Under-15 tournament less than a year ago, either there is continuing ignorance about the rules or teams are deliberately looking to flout them. The net result of this was that China, thrashed in their group matches, progressed to the semi-finals.Much has been made of China’s potential, and there seems to be little that the ICC and ACC won’t do to help them progress. In August, IS Bindra, the former BCCI chief, was appointed by the ICC to develop the game in China. While the talk of how far they have come in a short time is bullish to the extreme, the dismal performance of their U-17 side must have come as a jolt to their supporters within the two organisations.In their first match, China bowled out the Maldives for 68 only to be blown away for 29 themselves. They followed that with a shocking performance against Thailand when they made 17. The bare statistics hide the fact that China, who only turned up with 12 players, took the field with nine after suffering three injuries.That China still made the semi-finals as a result of the expulsions reduced the event to near farce. Oman cruised to 298 for 2, with hundreds from Avinash Shekar and Gaurav Honavar, and then dismissed China for 48. In the other semi, Afghanistan eased to a 151-run victory over Thailand.Afghanistan, who had lost to Oman on the opening day, gained revenge with victory in the final, with both teams promoted to the ACC U-17 Elite competition. The third-place play-off only served to heap more humiliation on the Chinese as Thailand romped to a 205-run win over them.As for China, serious questions have to be asked within both the ACC and ICC over why massive hype and substantial investment has not come close to being matched by on-field performances. While defeats can be excused, turning up with 12 players cannot.

West Ham have emerged as contenders to snap up rumoured Leeds United target Nahitan Nandez this summer, as the battle to sign him goes on.

The Lowdown: Constant Nandez rumours

The Whites have been endlessly linked with a summer move for the Cagliari midfielder, with his future still very much up in the air.

A switch to Inter Milan has been mooted, too, with the Uruguayan looking likely to leave his current club, while the Yorkshire outfit seek an additional midfielder to add quality and depth behind Kalvin Phillips – Lewis O’Brien has also been linked.

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The Latest: Fresh update emerges

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], West Ham are also eyeing up a move for Nandez, who has won 41 caps for Uruguay to date.

Leeds’ interest is still mentioned as well, though, with the report stating that ‘Leeds are ready to return’ for the 25-year-old.

Cagliari are thought to be willing to drop Nandez’s release clause from €36million (£30.7) to €25-26million (£21.3m-22.1m), acting as a boost to those chasing his signature.

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The Verdict: Leeds must win the battle

Nandez, who currently earns £42,000 per week, has shone in Serie A in the last two seasons, scoring four goals and registering five assists from a defensive midfield role, shining in front of the back four with a career average of two tackles per game.

He has the quality to come in and make a sizeable difference to Leeds’ midfield, dovetailing with Phillips and making them even more formidable.

Fans would likely love his feistiness too – the tackling prowess and 16 yellow cards in the last two league campaigns suggest he has the makings of a cult hero at Elland Road.

It looks set to be a real battle to sign Nandez, but the Whites must do all they can to bring him in.

In other news, it looks unlikely that a deal for a rumoured Leeds target will go through. Find out who it is here.

Ireland have announced an 18-man squad for next year’s World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa

Cricinfo staff22-Dec-2008Ireland have announced their squad for next year’s World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa.There are no surprises in the 18 names, with the 15 who won the Intercontinental Cup against Namibia in South Africa last month all retaining their places. They are joined by Eoin Morgan, who missed that trip due to injury and Middlesex commitments, Paul Stirling and Reinhardt Strydom.”I’ve decided to go with the group of players who have served us so well this past season,” the coach Phil Simmons explained. “It’s hard to go outside that group, and the fact there’s so little cricket for us between then and the qualifiers makes it nearly impossible for anybody else to stake a claim.”We know it’s going to be tough for all the countries with just four places up for grabs. There’s going to be a lot of pressure games, but we have an experienced squad who have proven themselves over the years.”Ireland have been placed in a group alongside Scotland, Canada, Namibia, Oman and the second-placed team from next year’s World Cricket League Division 3, which is due to be held in Argentina from January 24-31. The other group contains Kenya, Netherlands, Bermuda, Denmark, UAE and the first-placed team from the World Cricket League.”Thanks to the support from our generous team sponsor RSA, the Sports Councils, and the ICC high performance programme, we now have a full-time strength and conditioning coach on board, and we’re training and working hard in the nets,” Simmons said. “The players know what is expected from them, and we’ll certainly not be found wanting in terms of effort and fitness. We’ll spend probably two weeks beforehand in South Africa, and I’m currently putting the final touches to those plans.”Simmons added that Ireland will name an A squad in early February who will be training in March and April to provide support to the senior squad in the event of injuries.Squad William Porterfield (capt), Andre Botha, Peter Connell, Alex Cusack, Phil Eaglestone, Trent Johnston, Kyle McCallan, John Mooney, Eoin Morgan, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien (wk), Andrew Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Reinhardt Strydom, Regan West, Andrew White, Gary Wilson

Liverpool could be closing in on just their second signing of the summer after reportedly making advances in their pursuit of Rennes winger Jeremy Doku.

What’s the story?

The Reds have been linked with a move for the highly-rated 19-year-old in recent weeks as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to freshen up his faltering forward line.

And now Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has provided an update on Doku’s future, claiming the teenager “loves” Liverpool and has already held talks with the Anfield outfit.

“The player is really happy in Rennes for the moment but loves Liverpool, and Liverpool loves (him) too,” Tavolieri told Anfield Central. “The agency of Jeremy Doku has already been in contact with Liverpool. They know each other, so if they want to go further it could go pretty quickly.

“If Liverpool wants Doku, they are going to pay a minimum of €50m (£42.6m) because Rennes is not ready to let the player go for the moment.”

Liverpool fans will be buzzing

The Belgium international only arrived at the Roazhon Park last October following a string of impressive performances for boyhood club Anderlecht in his homeland.

And his maiden campaign with Rennes showcased his truly top-class potential. Doku scored two goals and laid on a further four assists in 37 appearances for Les Rouge et Noir, but his underlying numbers were arguably more eye-catching.

As per WhoScored, the pacey forward completed a whopping 3.7 dribbles per league game throughout 2020/21, far more than any of his teammates, and also produced 1.4 key passes, the third-highest tally in comparison to his colleagues.

He also achieved an overall rating of 7.07, the second-highest total for any Rennes player, highlighting the exceptional quality that the youngster possesses.

Doku has also made his mark at international level, though, despite only making 10 appearances for Roberto Martinez’s charges. Compatriot Kevin De Bruyne lauded Doku’s natural talent following his full senior debut against Iceland in the Nations League last September.

“He is nimble, fast and he can dribble. Of course, he sometimes makes a mistake, but who doesn’t? He is a diamond in the rough,” said De Bruyne.

With the famed front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah all fast approaching their 30’s, Klopp needs to start thinking about the next generation of attacking talent for his ageing squad.

As a result, the Liverpool supporters will surely be buzzing to learn that the club’s hierarchy are in talks with Doku’s representatives, and they’ll be hoping director of football Michael Edwards can get this deal over the line.

And, in other news…Liverpool tipped to make a move for £117m-rated “phenomenon”, Klopp would love him 

Former Sussex and Derbyshire allrounder Colin Wells will coach the United Arab Emirates at the World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa in April

Tony Munro22-Jan-2009Former Sussex and Derbyshire allrounder Colin Wells will coach the United Arab Emirates at the World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa in April. Wells, who arrived in the UAE this week, played two one-day internationals for England in 1985. Ironically, both were in Sharjah.Wells will oversee perhaps one of the most extensive preparations of any of the 12 teams which will be contesting the four World Cup places allocated to Associates. After a brief tour to Sri Lanka in early March, the UAE will join English counties, Essex, Middlesex, Lancashire, Surrey, Sussex and Yorkshire as well as local team, Fly Emirates, in the 50-over Pro Arch series to be played in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah from March 17 to 24.A squad of 45, who are currently training three to four hours a day three days a week, will be trimmed to 30 on February 1 and then the final 15 at the end of February, Emirates Cricket Board secretary, Mazhar Khan, said on Thursday.Khan advised at this stage Wells’ appointment is for the World Cup Qualifiers. “It may be extended depending on how they go,” he said.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye would be keen to seal a return to Everton before the transfer window closes, according to Marcus Bent.

Gueye left Goodison Park in favour of a £30million switch to Ligue One giants PSG two years ago.

The 31-year-old has gone on to make 79 appearances for the French outfit but has been restricted to just one outing so far this season after contracting coronavirus.

Following a summer overhaul – which has seen the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Georginio Wijnaldum join on eye-catching free transfers – PSG are looking to offload a number of players and Everton fans have been questioning whether a Gueye return could be on the cards.

The Senegal international made 108 appearances during his first spell with the Merseyside club and the arrival of Wijnaldum is likely to restrict his opportunities at Parc des Princes.

Former Toffees striker Bent reckons Gueye would be open to heading back to familiar surroundings if Everton can offload a few midfielders of their own.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “It’s about getting rid of certain players to get him in. Would he want to come back? Probably, because the Everton fans love him.

“He had a great season at PSG and is still young enough. It’s about finding a way of putting the players into place.”

Brad Hodge helped Victoria confirm their reputation as the best Twenty20 side in the country with a tight eight-wicket win over South Australia

Cricinfo staff02-Jan-2009
Scorecard

Brad Hodge hit 75 off 61 balls © Getty Images
Brad Hodge helped Victoria confirm their reputation as the best Twenty20 side in the country with a tight eight-wicket win over South Australia. The Victoria top order cruised for most of the chase of 184 but in the end scraped home with only one ball to spare as Hodge finished unbeaten on 75.Hodge’s 79-run partnership with Aiden Blizzard (36), scored at more than ten an over, set up the effort and after Blizzard was dismissed by Daniel Christian, Cameron White joined Hodge for further fireworks. After a sluggish start, White proved his worth with three massive bombs off Aaron O’Brien’s third over which closed the run rate to an even 8.The two raced towards the target until White fell with 18 needed off 11 balls. Hodge and David Hussey breathed easier when Hodge flicked a waist-high full toss for four from the final ball of the 19th over and the eight required from the last Gary Putland over came in ones and twos.Despite Hodge’s match-winning effort, the Man of the Match award was given to the Redbacks opener Daniel Harris for his 62-ball 98. He added 116 with Tom Cooper, who got a maiden fifty in only his second Twenty20 match. Harris was eventually dismissed in the final over, caught and bowled off a slower one from Shane Harwood, who ended with 3 for 27.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has claimed that Newcastle United are set to sign Santiago Munoz on transfer deadline day.

What’s the story?

Reports on Tuesday morning claimed that the Magpies could seal the loan signing of Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury – although it now appears that the deal may be off – with Edwards instead revealing more positive news on Munoz.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Young Mexican forward Santiago Munoz is also set to sign, although the 19-year-old will initially go into the Academy squad. Very much a Steve Nickson signing and will be allowed to settle before being considered for first team.”

Exciting news for Newcastle fans

While Munoz is unlikely to come in and make an immediate impact on the first team as Edwards himself has said, the arrival of the talented Mexican is certainly an exciting one for Newcastle fans.

The 19-year-old is a centre-forward by trade and has shown flashes of the kind of impressive potential which would have seen the club’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson take note and drive this signing.

As per Sofascore, Munoz has averaged more than one shot per game in the Liga MX Clausura this year, while also completing more than 50% of his attempted dribbles – to put that into context, Allan Saint-Maximin boasts a 71% completion rate on his dribbles.

Munoz is direct, and generally clinical in front of goal, with Sofascore registering him as missing only one big chance in the 18 games he has played in the league this year.

If the Mexican can integrate and adapt well to his new surroundings when he officially puts pen to paper on a deal at St James’ Park, then there’s every chance he could well force his way into Bruce’s thinking in the first team sooner rather than later.

The Magpies aren’t exactly blessed with striking cover outside of Callum Wilson, so Munoz may fancy his chances of springing a surprise and rising through the ranks fast.

Edwards’ update is very exciting for Newcastle fans.

Meanwhile, Lee Ryder has dropped an intriguing Newcastle United transfer claim…

Giles Clarke has been elected unopposed for a second two-year term as ECB chairman

Cricinfo staff09-Feb-2009Giles Clarke has been elected unopposed for a second two-year term as ECB chairman.Clarke’s only challenger, former Conservative party treasurer Lord Marland, withdrew ten days ago after it became clear he would not be able to muster sufficient support among the counties to mount a serious campaign.”I would like to thank Lord Marland, who is after all a very experienced election campaigner, and also all the counties that voted for me,” Clarke said. “I believe that the overriding message from this election is that there is no division of purpose within first-class cricket in England and Wales.”Indeed, this election has demonstrated quite categorically that, if anything, cricket is more agreed on a common direction that at any time in the last few years.”

Recent reports suggest that Manchester City are willing to let Patrick Roberts leave on a free transfer this summer, which will bring an end to a nightmare spell at the Etihad.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports (via SI), City are willing to let the 24-year-old winger leave for nothing, with as many as 11 clubs interested in signing him before the transfer deadline.

The Citizens paid £12m to sign him from Fulham in 2015 but they clearly haven’t seen enough development from the Englishman in the past six years and feel that now is the right time to get him off the wage bill permanently, after spending the last few seasons out on loan.

Txiki disaster?

Roberts looked to have a bright future at City when he impressed on loan at Celtic, contributing 18 goals and 26 assists in 78 appearances for the Hoops between 2015 and 2018.

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Incidentally, one of those goals came against his parent club in a 1-1 draw in the Champions League, which led Pep Guardiola to sing his praises, saying:

“He has potential. I am so happy with his performance.

“We are going to talk about his future at the end of the season. We know his quality but the decision is not about one game. It is for one season.”

Brendan Rodgers, who was in charge of Celtic at the time, also dubbed him a “top young English talent” but he clearly hasn’t done enough to prove he deserved a chance at City under Guardiola, with just three senior appearances to his name.

Recent seasons have seen Roberts struggle at the likes of Girona, Norwich City, Middlesbrough and Derby County, with just two goals to his name in those loan spells, so it seems clear that he isn’t good enough for Manchester City’s first-team.

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At just 24, with one year on his contract remaining, you feel that City could still command a fee for Roberts, but it seems as if they are desperate to be rid of him. That suggests that it proved to be a disastrous decision by Txiki to sign him for £12m in 2015.

And, in other news… Txiki should seal Man City swoop for “outstanding” star after ex-player claim