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Plays of the day for the first day of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane

Cricinfo staff20-Nov-2008
Fancy getting eight with one shot, Roy? © Getty Images
A stormy start
Part of a Gabba grandstand roof was damaged by a fierce storm on Wednesdaynight and the section was closed to the public for the start of the match.Structural engineers were called to inspect the upper eastern stand andassess the area following 77 millimetres of overnight rain and heavy winds in thecity.”Two sails above section 52 have been damaged and there is some minordamage to pylons supporting the section of the roof,” Blair Conaghan, themanager of the Brisbane Cricket Ground, said. “Patrons will not beadmitted to the areas affected by the storm damage.” A corporate functionroom will be closed until the area is judged to be safe.Play was delayed by half an hour due to soggy areas around the wicketblock, but the game started under bright blue skies and warm conditions. During the day sails were cut down from the top of the stands and one drifted down on to a bottom tier of a member’s area during the second session, giving new meaning to a restricted view.A familiar predicament
Media coverage in the rest of the world for this series will be limited following a boycott of the international news and photo agencies due to a media accreditation dispute with Cricket Australia. Reuters, The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Getty Images, which supplies photos to , are not covering the series in a repeat of their decision to suspend coverage last year.The disagreement surrounds the syndication of images and stories to other publications. In 2007-08 the companies did not report on the first Test involving Sri Lanka, but an agreement was reached for the second game when Muttiah Muralitharan was nearing the world wicket-taking record. News Limited papers were also locked out of the first day at the Gabba last year before resolving their issues with Cricket Australia.Eight is enough
An eight is a horrible thing at golf, but it’s a novel experience forcricket. Andrew Symonds, who was dropped at square leg the previous ball,pulled wildly at Ian O’Brien and ran three, with the throw coming back tothe wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum, who then threw the ball at the stumpsand it went for four overthrows. By that stage Symonds and Clarke had runanother, pushing the final tally to eight.”A first time for everything; I’ve never seen one before,” Clarke said.”Symo was taking it.” The umpires don’t have a signal for that, so RudiKoertzen held up the right number of fingers to the scorer. Two ballslater Symonds edged behind and his eventful comeback innings of 26 wasover.Symonds’ salute
Symonds walked out to a royal reception from some supporters in the oldhill area, who bowed at him like he had just returned with a boat full ofbarramundi. He sprinted onto the ground but took a while to warm-upbefore striking three fours in a row off Grant Elliott’s medium pace. Anairy drive was followed by a glance to fine-leg and the sequence wasfinished with a pull to midwicket, taking him to 16.Australia head Southee
For the first session Tim Southee, the young swing bowler, was the toastof the Gabba for his three top-order wickets that shocked the hosts. Butthere is doubt over how old Southee is. The says he is 19 and born on December 11, as does, while the media guide has his birthday as November 11,which would make him 20, and the media manager wasn’t sure. There’s arumour Southee had a party recently but finding attendees was difficult.He ended the debate after play: his birthday is in December.

According to SporX, Glasgow Rangers have rejected two €7m (£6m) offers for Romania international Ianis Hagi.

The Lowdown: Mixed time for Hagi

Hagi’s time at Rangers has so far been mixed. With 13 goals and 18 assists in 61 appearances (Transfermarkt), he has contributed to the Gers’ success in recent times.

However, he has come in for criticism from supporters, and he was probably not too happy when Rangers refused to let him represent his country at the Olympics this summer (The Sunday Post).

The Latest: Bids rejected for Hagi

Now, according to this latest report, the Gers have rejected €7m (£6m) bids from both Sevilla and Lazio for the 22-year-old.

The Gers are believed to be looking for a fee of €11m (£9.4m) if they are to allow the former Genk man to depart.

The Verdict: Plenty to offer

Hagi still has plenty to offer the Gers – no wonder the Ibrox outfit are eager to keep him at the club. In just three games so far this campaign, he already has two goals and one assist – it may just be that he is finally adapting to Scottish football and could well be embarking on his finest run of form yet.

While the Gers may now be out of the Champions League, they are still in with a chance of qualification for the Europa League, and Hagi still has a big role to play.

Clearly, Steven Gerrard, who called him a “top talent” (BBC) when he first arrived at the club in 2020, believes he can play a big role for the club this term and beyond – otherwise, they would have been happy to accept a fee that would have represented a 100% profit on the £3m (The Glasgow Times) they spent on the player.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid with this interview.

Former Everton player Michael Ball believes that Richarlison is a star player and that the Toffees need his energy and ability to win football matches.

The 24-year-old has featured for Everton on 120 occasions throughout his three years with the club, scoring 43 goals and  providing ten assists.

Richarlison started the new Premier League season in fine form, scoring the equalising goal in a 3-1 win over Southampton, before setting up Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the Toffees’ third of the afternoon and ensuring they got off to a winning start under new manager Rafa Benitez.

And Ball was full of praise for Richarlison, exclusively telling Football FanCast: “He knows that he’s a key player to the football club. He’s one of our star guys and we do need him, we need his energy and his ability to win football matches.”

Richarlison was part of the Brazil Olympic games squad, where he scored five goals and provided one assist, with Brazil winning the Gold medal after beating Spain 2-1 in the final after extra time. He was also part of the Brazil squad that were runners-up at the Copa America, getting a goal and assist in the group stage game against Peru.

After a successful summer for Richarlison, winning an Olympic Gold Medial and getting off to a brilliant start in the Premier League, manager Rafa Benitez has a rest plan in place for the Brazilian, telling the Liverpool Echo: “We will bring the best from him in the next couple of weeks and, after that, give him time to recover fully for the rest of the season.”

If success breeds success then South Africa must be a sure thing for the Boxing Day Test after their outstanding triumph in Perth left them brimming with confidence

Brydon Coverdale24-Dec-2008
Graeme Smith: “The guys are far more settled now” © Getty Images
If success breeds success then South Africa must be a sure thing for the Boxing Day Test after their outstanding triumph in Perth left them brimming with confidence. Alas, sport is not that predictable and Graeme Smith knows that things can change quickly. At least his men are now over their nerves and he hopes they can take extra self-belief into the MCG Test, which starts on Friday.”From our perspective I think the guys are far more settled now,” Smith said. “We’ve got more self-belief in terms of what they’ve achieved individually and as a team in the last Test. I’m sure there’ll be a few exciting moments but I think most of the guys are pretty much in a good space.”If South Africa were nervous before the WACA Test it would be news to Australia. The chase of 414, which they achieved with six wickets in hand, was handled so calmly that it was hard to believe the team had ever been labelled chokers.The ease of the victory left Australia with major concerns over their bowling attack. Ricky Ponting lowered his expectations of the inexperienced Jason Krejza and Peter Siddle, and said Brett Lee needed to lift his game sharpish. It was far from the unruffled attitude that Smith had seen from Australia in previous series.”I was surprised at some of the statements and media reports after the Test match,” Smith said. “It wasn’t something that I expected. Having played against Australia for a period of time they have always looked composed and well-directed in the ways they want to go so that was surprising.”Ben Hilfenhaus and Nathan Hauritz were added to Australia’s squad and they also have injury concerns over Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds. South Africa’s group is far more settled and with Smith able to play on despite his ongoing elbow problem, the only query is over the batsman Ashwell Prince.Prince suffered a cracked thumb at training ahead of the Perth Test and was a late withdrawal, opening the door for JP Duminy to make his debut. Duminy was a key part of the victory when he made an unbeaten 50 on the final day and proved himself a more than capable replacement should Prince again fail a fitness test.”I would think he’s still 50-50,” Smith said of Prince. “I think it’s only seven days since the injury which is on the borderline. So we’ll see how he goes in the next two days but if he is experiencing pain we probably wouldn’t risk him.”A lot is riding on the match at the MCG, where Australia have won their last nine Tests. If South Africa can break through for another win it would bring them within one match of taking Australia’s No. 1 ranking and hand them their first series victory in Australia, which would cap off a near-perfect year for Smith’s men.”We’ve had three of the toughest tours in a season with India, England and here,” Smith said. “We drew in India, won in England and if we can really close off the series here in Australia it would be an incredible achievement for this team, probably our most successful season ever in the history of South African cricket.”

A round-up of the fourth day’s play in the third round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

Cricinfo staff12-Jan-2009Group AA dogged unbeaten century from Khaqan Arsal and Ahmed Shehzad’s 73 helped Habib Bank Limited earn a draw against Pakistan International Airlines at the Union Bank Limited sports complex. Needing 385 to win, HBL resumed the final day on 35 for 1 and lost Farhan Iqbal (24) very early. Shehzad and Arsal then added 110, before Shehzad fell to Najaf Shah at 146. Aftab Alam’s dismissal at 189 was followed up by another wicket eight runs later, but Arsal and his captain Younis Khan (17 not out) batted out the rest of the day. It was Arsal’s fourth first-class century.A draw loomed when play began on day four at the Quaid-e-Azam park, and there was no shift in plan. Pakistan Customs resumed their second innings on 115 for 3, and further wickets from Karachi Whites in the morning session only turned them more defensive. As Mohammad Sami crossed a dour fifty, interest grew as to whether he would get a maiden first-class hundred. It was not to be, as Azam Hussain bowled him for a 281-ball 96, a personal best for Sami. Misbah Khan took four wickets for Karachi before Customs finished the day 312 for 8.Set an extremely difficult 388 with less than two sessions left on the final day in Karachi, National Bank of Pakistan batted out a draw. Uzair-ul-Haq had snapped up Saeed Bin Nasir for 65 early and then helped bowl Sui Southern Gas Corporation out for 201 from an overnight 144 for 5, but the time taken left NBP facing a mountain. Despite losing Nasir Jamshed for 0, their batsmen scored at a healthy clip but victory was never really on the cards. Salman Butt (39 from 41 balls), Umar Amin (52 from 59) and Naumanullah (75 not out from 99) all chipped in and NBP finished on 204 for 3. There was some reward for a strong domestic season for Amin, who was called up in Pakistan’s 15-man squad for the first ODI against Sri Lanka on January 21 in Karachi. No such luck for Jamshed, however, who lost out again to Khurram Manzoor.Centuries to Aamer Sajjad and Bilal Khilji lit up the final day’s play at the Gaddafi Stadium. Lahore Shalimar declared at 477 for 7, after adding 16 to their total, and removed Water and Power Development Authority’s openers for 0 apiece, but couldn’t thwart Sajjad and Khilji. Nawaz Sardar scored 42 to follow a first-innings century and Sajjad (118) and Khilji (116 not out) played good hands. A result was always going to be next to impossible in a high-scoring, three-innings match.Group BSialkot duly completed an innings defeat on Hyderabad at the Jinnah Stadium. Having reduced Hyderabad to 59 for 8 before stumps, Sialkot’s bowlers needed nine overs to wrap up the innings for 102. Sarmad Anwar took the last wicket to finish with 4 for 32. Sialkot’s win move them to second in the points table.Karachi Blues needed wickets, and fast, on day four at the National Stadium, to try and notch up a win. But Ashraf Ali’s unbeaten 124 and a slow 63 from Rana Adnan ate up enough time to ensure Lahore Ravi clinched a draw. Lahore resumed on 184 for 4 and batted the whole day, finishing on 374 for 8. Eight bowlers were used, but it wasn’t enough for Karachi, who stay at No. 3.

National Bnk 3 2 00 1 0 15 PIA 3 1 1 0 1 012 Habib Bank 3 1 10 1 0 9 Sui Sthn Gas 3 0 0 0 3 09 Khan RL 3 1 00 2 0 6 Karachi Whites 3 0 1 0 2 03 Lahore Shalimar 2 0 00 2 0 3 Zarai TBL 2 0 0 0 2 03 Pakistan Customs 3 0 10 2 0 0 Sui Gas 2 0 1 0 1 00 WAPDA 3 0 00 3 0 0

Group B Team Mat Won Lost Tied Draw Aban Pts

Faisalabad 32 0 0 1 0 18 Sialkot 2 2 0 00 0 18 Karachi Blues 31 1 0 1 0 12 Rawalpindi 3 2 0 01 0 12 Abbottabad 31 1 0 1 0 9 Islamabad 3 1 1 01 0 9 Multan 31 1 0 1 0 6 Lahore Ravi 2 0 0 02 0 3 Hyd (Pakstn) 30 2 0 1 0 0 Peshawar 2 0 1 01 0 0 Quetta 30 3 0 0 0 0

A number of Liverpool fans have been showing their happiness at the club’s apparent refusal to allow some key international players to represent their countries next month.

The Reds have a 100 percent record after their opening two Premier League matches this season, seeing off Norwich City and Burnley with ease.

Jurgen Klopp’s side look primed for an assault on the title, although Saturday’s crucial clash with Chelsea at Anfield could tell us a lot more about both teams.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Once the weekend clash with the Blues is done, the tedium of an international break takes centre stage, with numerous Reds players heading off to represent their countries.

According to The Daily Mail [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Liverpool will not allow Mohamed Salah, Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino to play for Egypt and Brazil, due to them having to quarantine afterwards.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-10/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans happy at club’s stance

These Reds fans have reacted positively to the report via Twitter, with one Kopite describing it as “wonderful” news.

“Is right Reds “

Credit: @LindasOldest

“Great stuff. Brazil just won as well, they can chill”

Credit: @JamzLndon

“Perfect”

Credit: @Geraldthe6

“Just gets better and better”

Credit: @MxGill_

“Great”

Credit: @ALI__2318

“Wonderful”

Credit: @AyandaLFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans are keen for the Reds to sign one midfielder this summer. Find out who it is here.

Many Everton fans have been left gushing as a transfer update emerged on Luis Diaz.

As per Paul Joyce, the Goodison Park faithful are now targeting a move for the FC Porto ace before the summer window ends, in a deal that would see James Rodriguez go the other way on loan.

Diaz already has two goals in three games so far this season, and in the last campaign he managed 11 strikes and six assists in 47 matches in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt), which are impressive numbers for a wide player.

Rodriguez has been linked with a move away and some comments he has made in recent weeks have suggested that he is not overly enthusiastic about staying at the Merseyside club, and so it may be best to move him on, even on loan.

He could be used as a nice makeweight to bring the potential price of Diaz down, and so it looks like an exciting deal to be done.

Everton fans on Diaz transfer update

These Toffees gushed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it is ‘brilliant’:

“Get this done!”

Credit: @labone_of

“Please”

Credit: @Tom_A72

“Me likey”

Credit: @aqqqqqqil

“Ooh go on then”

Credit: @efc18789

“Get him in Brands”

Credit: @_benm1878

“Brilliant this”

Credit: @Vicaz22

In other news, find out what transfer update Evertonians are lauding here!

Sewnarine Chattergoon has been called into the West Indies A side to play England in their warm-up match at Warner Park after Darren Bravo was ruled out

Cricinfo staff27-Jan-2009Sewnarine Chattergoon has been called into the West Indies A side to play England in their warm-up match at Warner Park after Darren Bravo was ruled out.Bravo, the younger brother of West Indies allrounder Dwayne, picked up an injury during the last round of four-day matches. He had been in strong early-season form with a maiden first-class century last week.For Chattergoon it is an opportunity to show the selectors he deserves another chance in the Test side after he was dropped following a poor tour of New Zealand and replaced by the uncapped Dale Richards.It is the second change to the West Indies A team after Kemar Roach, the fast bowler, was also withdrawn with an injury and replaced by Kevin McClean. Darren Sammy, the allrounder who took 7 for 66 on his Test debut against England, will captain the side.West Indies A Darren Sammy (capt), Adrian Barath, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Keiran Powell, Leon Johnson, Lendl Simmons, Devon Thomas (wk), Kevin McClean, Brandon Bess, Amit Jaggernauth, Gavin Wallace.

Liverpool have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash at Anfield on Saturday.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Liverpool website, Jurgen Klopp revealed that James Milner looks set to miss the visit of Chelsea this weekend, as the midfielder has not recovered from the injury which ruled him out of the victory over Burnley last weekend.

Speaking about the current state of his squad, Klopp said: “Millie will not be ready – I think that’s it pretty much.

“All the rest trained and looked good and sharp – we should better be because, obviously, Chelsea is a tough one as well. That’s already kind of like the Champions League, just in the Premier League!”

Klopp will be gutted

While Milner is no longer a bonafide starter in the Liverpool team, having been picked in the starting XI just 20 times over the club’s 2019/20 and 2020/21 league campaigns, the absence of the 35-year-old on Saturday will nevertheless leave Klopp gutted, as the midfielder’s versatility and experience would have been invaluable in a fixture against a side as impressive as Chelsea.

Indeed, having been deployed at left-back, right-back, defensive midfield, left-midfield, central midfield and right-midfield during his time at Anfield, Milner is the archetypal utility man who can be deployed to nullify a particularly dangerous opposition player – of which Chelsea have many.

Furthermore, Milner is a player whom Klopp often brings on to see a game out having taken the lead – something that clearly works, considering the £2.7m-rated man’s average of 2.12 points per game since his move to Liverpool back in 2015.

However, the German coach will have to make do without the England international against Thomas Tuchel’s side on Saturday, a game in which at least one of Liverpool’s or Chelsea’s 100% record so far in the Premier League will have to give.

In other news: Klopp can scare Chelsea by unleashing “extraordinary” £27m-rated Liverpool dynamo

Mickey Arthur believes the loss of Andrew Symonds will place tremendous pressure on Australia’s already embattled batting line-up

Alex Brown03-Feb-2009
The South Africans see Andrew Symonds as one of Australia’s enforcers © Getty Images
Mickey Arthur believes the loss of Andrew Symonds will place tremendous pressure on Australia’s already embattled batting line-up throughout the three-Test tour of South Africa. Arthur, the South Africa coach, identified Symonds and Matthew Hayden as the batsmen he most feared before the recently-completed tour of Australia.With both players now out of the picture – Symonds has been stood down by Cricket Australia and Hayden retired last month – Arthur feels Ricky Ponting’s men will face a mighty challenge to contend with a rampant South Africa pace attack without their enforcers. “I guess, if anything, it shows that we were on the right track with some of our planning.” Arthur said.”Australia is probably now in a position where it might have to select some untried players on what will be a difficult tour. The challenge will be for us to try to place them under pressure, as we did with Dave Warner in the one-day matches.”The absence of Hayden and Symonds will dramatically change the face of Australia’s line-up for the return series in South Africa, which begins with the first Test on February 26. Both were viewed by Arthur as batsmen “who could take the game away from you in a session”, and now leave the team with a void of experience and attacking options.”I’ve always said that Andrew Symonds is a guy that we really respect,” Arthur said. “He has a huge presence and is one of those guys who can really take a game away from you. It will be a big loss.”Andrew, to us, looked like he was trying to prove a point every time he went out to bat. We were able to peg him back a few times, and when he did get away, like in Perth, he gave [his wicket] away.”Australia’s selectors will meet on Wednesday to formalise the touring party for South Africa. The suspension of Symonds, coupled with the back injury to Shane Watson, will likely result in the Victorian allrounder Andrew McDonald retaining his place after he debuted in Sydney.