All posts by h716a5.icu

Explaining how the groups for the Super Eights were formed

Cricinfo staff11-Jun-2009Teams in the Super Eights were grouped based on their seedings, and not whether they finished first or second•Getty ImagesHow the first round worked
For the first round, the 12 competing teams were divided into four groups based on their seeding, which depended on their standings in the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 (for the teams that took part in it). India, the champions, were seeded first; Pakistan, the runners-up, were seeded second, and the losing semi-finalists Australia and New Zealand third and fourth. The top four seeds were then put in different groups for this tournament.How the groupings in the Super Eights came about
The teams in the Super Eights are designated A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1 and D2; the names denote the group they qualified from and their pre-tournament seeding, NOT their position in the group. For example, Pakistan finished second in Group B but since they went into the tournament with a higher seed, they retain identification B1 while England remain B2 despite topping the group. When the third seeded team in the group knocks out a higher seed – as West Indies did to Australia in Group C – it will take the seeding of the knocked-out opponent. So West Indies are in the Super Eights as C1.The Super Eights split the teams into two groups of four – A1, B2, C1 and D2 in Group E and A2, B1, C2 and D1 in Group F. Since this was based on the pre-tournament seeding, it has resulted in three group toppers – India, England and South Africa – from the first phase being together.Each team will play the others in its pool with the top two from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. If teams are tied on points in a Super Eight group then the same parameters which were used to break a tie in the preliminary stage will be used, the difference being that only the Super Eight matches will be taken into consideration for most wins, net run-rate etc.What if rain plays spoilsport?
If all of the matches of a Super Eight group are ruined by rain, the teams will be ranked on basis of most points, most wins, net run-rate during the group stage and the top two will go through. If the teams still cannot be separated the semi-finalists will be picked based on the original seeding for the tournament.What if a game ends in a tie?
A one-over eliminator, or Super Over, will be used to break a tie in a semi-final, if one should occur. However, if weather prevents the Super Over from taking place after a tie, the team which progresses to the final will be determined by looking at who has the most wins, better net run-rate, higher number of wickets per balls, the only difference being that this time both group and Super Eight matches will be taken into consideration.The final, however, has no such provisions. If the final is tied, the match will be decided by a one-over eliminator. If the eliminator cannot take place because of bad weather, then the two finalists will be declared joint winners.

Former Rangers midfielder Alex Rae has criticised Alfredo Morelos’ performance in the win over Dundee, questioning his attitude.

The Lowdown: Rangers sneak past Dundee

Steven Gerrard’s side remain top of the Premiership after Saturday’s action following their 1-0 victory away to the league’s bottom-placed side.

Joe Aribo’s first half strike was enough to get the Gers over the finish line, although Jason Cummings missed a penalty after the break for the hosts.

The Latest: Rae critical of Morelos

Someone who didn’t impress greatly was Morelos, who was a quiet figure at Dens Park as he failed to have a significant impact on proceedings.

Speaking to Clyde 1 Superscoreboard [via Daily Record], BT Sport pundit Rae was not impressed by the 25-year-old’s performance, criticising his work ethic in particular by saying:

“You are looking for players to go on a run, and you are looking for strikers to get goals on a regular basis.

“Again, I thought Alfredo Morelos was poor. I thought his general contribution, we can all have bad games, but in terms of his work rate it took him until late in the game when he got smashed, then you see him charging about the pitch.

“Then he is trying to get round and get retribution. I’m not seeing this spark.”

The Verdict: Time to step it up

Morelos was certainly short of his best on Saturday and the statistics back up Rae’s comments regarding his effort levels, with no tackles or interceptions made in the game, and this has come amid another summer of speculation over his future at Ibrox.

Granted, that is rarely his area of expertise, but it would be nice to see him working harder for the team and enjoying a greater all-round impact.

Morelos will ultimately be judged on his goals, though, with only one coming his way to date in the league this season. It’s early days yet but that is still on course to be well short of his tallies from previous campaigns.

In other news, a pundit has backed the sale of one Rangers player. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Rangers centre-back Leon Balogun, regarding Steven Gerrard’s thoughts on the defender.

What’s the talk?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Gers boss is be keen to keep Leon Balogun at the club beyond the end of the season.

The report states that Balogun is out of contract at the end of the campaign, but he has won over Gerrard’s trust and could be handed an extension.

Gerrard loves him

Ibrox chief Ross Wilson must make a key decision by offering Balogun a contract to remain at Ibrox beyond the end of the 2021/22 campaign. He must now allow the central defender to depart on a free transfer as he still has plenty to offer and could be a valuable player for Gerrard moving forward.

Whilst there is speculation circling around Gerrard’s own future at Rangers, he is still contracted to the club and we can only assume that he will be the head coach heading into next season as it stands. This is why signing Balogun to a new deal could be a shrewd move, as he is a player the ex-Liverpool man loves.

Earlier this year, Gerrard lauded the defender as he admitted that he wanted Balogun to sign a contract extension, which he later did. The manager said:

“Leon is someone we want to keep hold of. He knows that and he is performing so well.

“He signed a contract with an option of an extension and we want him to be here beyond this season.

“Leon knows he is wanted here. I think he’s enjoying it, he’s playing with a smile on his face.

This, along with the aforementioned report stating Gerrard’s trust in the £14k-per-week defender, shows that Balogun is loved by the manager and that is why he must be handed another extension by Wilson.

He has shown on the pitch this season that he still has quality to offer.

Balogun has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.20 in the Premiership and 7.25 in the Europa League, with Rangers keeping three clean sheets in his six league appearances.

This shows that he can still perform to a high standard for the Gers and Wilson must please Gerrard by getting the Nigerian international to put pen to paper.

AND in other news, Rangers may be set for big boost after Gers news, Gerrard will be elated…

Adrian Barath has been called up to the West Indies squad against Bangladesh along with Ravi Rampaul, who impressed in the ODIs against India

Cricinfo staff07-Jul-2009Adrian Barath, the promising Trinidad & Tobago batsman from whom much is expected, has been called up to the West Indies squad for the first Test against Bangladesh along with Ravi Rampaul, who impressed in the ODIs against India.Barath, 19, has had an outstanding regional first-class season (845 runs at an average of 44.47) and has been tipped for a maiden Test call-up. As one of only two specialist openers in the squad the young batsman has a chance to stake a claim as partner to his captain, Chris Gayle.”When I started playing cricket, I had goals from the youth level to the first-class level. I gave myself before the age of 20 to make the West Indies Test team,” Barath told the . “I think it’s something that I worked hard to achieve. It was a challenging road for me, especially this year, to be consistent.”I got a great feeling, I couldn’t say much. I was speechless for a few moments when the chairman of selectors [Clyde Butts] called and told me. A lot of people don’t expect a lot from the Bangladesh team but I think they have a fairly good team. It’s just for me to make the most of the opportunity.”With Fidel Edwards still recovering from a lower back injury and unavailable for selection, the selectors called up Rampaul, who impressed in the India ODIs, and the uncapped Andrew Richardson. Rampaul is yet to play Test cricket.Runako Morton, who last played a Test in May 2008, was the highest West Indies run-scorer and third-highest overall in the ODI series against India. He and Guyana’s Narsingh Deonarine are the two top batsmen in the first-class competition and have been recalled to the Test team. Brendan Nash, not part of the recent ODI and Twenty20 sides, has returned to the scene.The notable omissions from the West Indies’ previous Test series in England include Lionel Baker and Lendl Simmons. The first Test starts on Thursday in St. Vincent.West Indies squad: Chris Gayle (capt), Denesh Ramdin (wk), Adrian Barath, Dwayne Bravo, Sulieman Benn, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Runako Morton, Brendan Nash, Ravi Rampaul, Andrew Richardson, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor

Lots of Everton fans have been left talking about the early team news which has emerged ahead of their game at home to West Ham United on Sunday.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against the Hammers at Goodison Park, Rafa Benitez has now revealed that Lucas Digne, Seamus Coleman and Alex Iwobi have all returned to full training, but it is too soon to say whether they will be available.

Nonetheless, the news is certainly a boost if both full-backs especially are fit enough to play the Irons, while Iwobi gives Benitez another handy option in the squad.

However, the Spaniard did not mention how both Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are after their respective injuries, which has worried some supporters of the Merseyside club.

Everton fans on Team News

These Toffees fans flocked to Twitter to give their thoughts on the early Team News, with some happy that three players are back in training, while others were questioning the fitness of Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison:

“Panic over”

Credit: @CalumDMoore

“Great news!”

Credit: @Amycfernandez

“Brilliant news”

Credit: @CBobblers1878

“No DCL or Richy yet another week of the donkey upfront then”

Credit: @richythepigeon

“DCL??? Richy??? Tell meeeeeee”

Credit: @KRay1878

“DCL and Richarlison??”

Credit: @Vicaz22

In other news, find out what Benitez comments Blues have flocked to here!

Ireland will be boosted by the presence of captain William Porterfield in the one-day and four-day squads to play Scotland over next week in Aberdeen

Cricinfo staff15-Aug-2009Ireland will be boosted by the presence of captain William Porterfield in the one-day and four-day squads to play Scotland over next week in Aberdeen.Gloucestershire have left Porterfield out from their side for the County Championship match against Leicestershire, leaving him free to play Ireland.Ireland and Scotland first play an Intercontinental Cup match starting on August 17, followed by two ODIs on August 22 and August 23. Phil Simmons, the Ireland coach, said the game against Scotland would help Porterfield fine-tune his batting. “William is obviously disappointed at not being involved in the Gloucester four-day team at present, but this game gives him a great opportunity to fine-tune his game and make a big score,” Simmons said. “I have a feeling that Scotland may well experience a bit of a backlash from him. His inclusion further bolsters a strong Ireland batting line-up, which may very well be needed on the traditionally seamer-friendly Aberdeen track.”Last month Ireland, led by Porterfield, won their three ODIs against Kenya. He missed their drawn opening Intercontinental Cup game against the same side.Ireland also named a 12-man A squad, led by John Mooney, for a match against the MCC at Lord’s on August 19.Ireland ODI squad: William Porterfield (capt), Andre Botha, Andrew Britton. Alex Cusack, Peter Connell, Shane Getkate, Trent Johnston, Kyle McCallan, John Mooney, Kevin O’Brien, Paul Stirling, Regan West, Gary Wilson (wk), Andrew White.Ireland A squad: John Mooney (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Connell, George Dockrell, Chris Dougherty, Phil Eaglestone, James Hall, Nigel Jones, Gary Kidd, Fintan McAllister (wk), Eddie Richardson, Reinhardt Strydom.

England’s dismal defeat to Australia at Headingley could cost the local economy in Leeds up to £2 million

Cricinfo staff10-Aug-2009England’s dismal defeat to Australia at Headingley could cost the local economy in Leeds up to £2 million.Experts say that a full five-day Test match would have generated £8 million but with supporters checking out of hotels early, and 18,000 ticket refunds for Monday, has meant that profit projections were down-graded to £6 million.”It is disappointing the full five days won’t be played out,” said Gary Verity, chief executive of tourism organisation Welcome to Yorkshire. “Of course, it will affect the estimated total aimed at boosting Leeds’s economy.”But Deborah Green, chief executive of Marketing Leeds, insisted the city could still do well financially out of the Test match: “We won’t make as much as a region as would have done from the full five days but six million pounds could still be a conservative estimate,” Green told . “And we count ourselves lucky that we’ve at least had three good days when the sun has shone.”Australia won by an innings-and-80-runs inside three days, meaning those fans who had purchased tickets in advance for the fifth day’s play on Tuesday, at a reduced rate, will not be refunded.Instead, they have been offered the opportunity to watch a Yorkshire match before the end of the season.

With Dean Smith’s Aston Villa side heading into Saturday’s Premier League clash in a decent run of form, having picked up six points over their last four fixtures against challenging opposition, the 50-year-old would have been confident of another positive result in the West Midlands derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, after taking a 2-0 lead in the second half of the fixture, Villa subsequently collapsed in the final ten minutes, as three late goals saw Wolves leave Villa Park with a highly unlikely three points.

Although, despite the result, a number of Smith’s side actually turned in rather impressive displays in the match, none more so than John McGinn – whose performance did not deserve to come for the losing side in the clash.

Four key passes

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch, the central midfielder was incredibly influential for his team, ending the game with both a goal and an assist to his name.

Furthermore, the Scotland international also made four key passes, created one big chance for his teammates, attempted seven crosses, six long balls and completed three dribbles.

The £27m-rated man also won eight of his 13 duels, made one interception, four tackles and took two shots at the Wolves goal, as well as winning one free-kick for his side.

These returns saw the 26-year-old who Gregg Evans dubbed a “brilliant” player earn a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 8.9, with no player from either side receiving a better score than McGinn on the day.

As such, despite the result, Smith will undoubtedly be hugely encouraged by the Scot’s performance against Wolves, who, unfortunately, was let down by his teammates on Saturday.

However, should the £25k-per-week midfielder be able to maintain this level of performance going forwards, more often than not, he will help to secure Villa a great many victories this season.

In other news: “Outstanding” Aston Villa gem who won just one duel failed Smith in derby collapse

Michael Vaughan, under whose leadership Andrew Flintoff delivered a career-defining during the 2005 Ashes, has said while Flintoff was a great player to captain, he wasn’t always a professional one

Cricinfo staff19-Aug-2009Michael Vaughan, under whose leadership Andrew Flintoff delivered a career-defining performance during the 2005 Ashes, has said Flintoff was a great player to captain but not always a professional one.”He could be difficult at times, because he is not the most professional cricketer, but with Fred you accept the whole package,” Vaughan wrote in his column. Flintoff will retire from Tests after the Oval Test but will continue to play in the shorter versions.”To get the best out of him I used to deal with him on a one-to-one basis,” Vaughan wrote. “Fred likes to be loved and he is quite soft at heart. He needs an arm around his shoulder because he does not respond to being ranted and raved at. I would just talk to him and remind him what a good player he was and the impact he could have on the game.”I always told him to be ultra-positive when he bats because when he was batting well he had a real confidence about him. When he batted badly he would lose that and his demeanour would change. That is why he would call himself a batting allrounder. He loves batting more than he loves bowling.”However Vaughan said Flintoff was not an easy player to deal with behind the scenes. “I wouldn’t agree with the theory that he was the heartbeat of the dressing room. He can be jovial and light hearted. He liked the dressing room to be a fun environment and maybe that is why his results under me were pretty good.”It is true that great teams need great individuals. In 2005 we had two in Fred and Kevin Pietersen. But you can afford to have two individuals only as long as the other nine are solid. If you have three or four who get easily distracted by the star names then it can be a problem. But in 2005 we had strong characters who knew what was required and that allowed KP and Fred to be who they wanted to be.”Flintoff averaged 40.20 with the bat and 27.29 with the ball in 2005 and shared the Man of the Series award with Shane Warne.Vaughan said he had his confrontations with Flintoff but the two always respected each other. “We had our ups and downs and there were times when I would think about the headaches he caused. We would have debates and confrontation but handling that is the art of captaincy … We have become very good friends and in fact speak more now than we ever did.”Vaughan said while Flintoff’s overall stats – he has only five Test centuries and three five-wicket-hauls from a career of 78 Tests – were not impressive, his impact on the team went beyond figures. “I have seen at close quarters what he has brought to he England team over the last few years and also the fans don’t care about stats. Also there is no stat that can tell us how many wickets he has earned the guy bowling at the other end.”Vaughan was optimistic about England’s future even though he said it would be hard to replace Flintoff. “The constant talk of whether he will play or the balance of the team without him will be over. The management can concentrate on trying to gel a team. They have to decide if they need four or five bowlers and without Fred the keeper, Matt Prior, becomes a huge player. Players like Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan, Luke Wright, and Chris Woakes of Warwickshire have a chance. This is a great opportunity for a lot of young players but for the moment let’s just enjoy one last sight of Fred.”

Ben Godfrey came under fire from numerous Everton fans for his performance in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against West Ham United. 

The 23-year-old moved into the heart of defence alongside Michael Keane, with Yerry Mina rested after playing three games in seven days for Colombia.

Godfrey’s struggle against West Ham

Godfrey was beaten in the air by Angelo Ogbonna for West Ham’s winning goal 15 minutes from the end.

Beyond that, he finished the game with a passing accuracy of just 65.7%, ranking ninth among Everton’s starters, with only Keane and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford less precise with their distrubition (via WhoScored). In total, he lost possession 14 times over the course of the game.

Rafael Benitez’s side missed a chance to climb into the Premier League’s top four and instead find themselves in eighth place ahead of their clash with Watford next weekend.

Godfrey faces a battle to retain his place for the visit of the Hornets, with Mina’s form being hailed as ‘fantastic’.

Here’s what some Everton fans made of the 23-year-old’s display at Goodison Park yesterday, with one Toffees supporter describing the defender’s recent form as “horrendous”.

These Everton fans blast Godfrey

“What has gone wrong with Godfrey? Played poorly again and looked slow and out of breath at the end”

Credit: @syd_EFC

“Godfrey at fault for the goal, exact same thing happened at Villa. Been poor this season.”

Credit: @efc_bible

“When do we start to admit that Godfrey is not a good centre half”

Credit: @EFCparkender

“What has happened Ben Godfrey?”

Credit: @ian0p0wer

“Godfrey has been horrendous this season”

Credit: @jt1998efc

“Godfrey nowhere”

Credit: @BlueDanEFC

In other news, this team-mate of Godfrey also attracted criticism on Sunday.