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Graeme Swann returns in mentor role, as Tom Abell takes charge of white-ball team

Vithushan Ehantharajah13-Jan-2023

Haseeb Hameed was in fine form in 2022 after a tough Ashes tour•Getty Images

Haseeb Hameed will captain England Lions for their red-ball tour of Sri Lanka next month.The Nottinghamshire opening batter will take the reins for a three-day warm-up match in Colombo on January 25, before leading the Lions in two four-day “Tests” against Sri Lanka A in Galle. Somerset captain Tom Abell will then skipper the white ball team for three unofficial ODIs against Sri Lanka A in Colombo.Hameed earned the most recent of his 10 Test caps at the start of 2022 in Sydney before being dropped for the fifth and final match of a disastrous Ashes campaign. He looked revitalised for Nottinghamshire in the summer, however, playing a key role in their promotion from Division Two of the County Championship with 1,235 runs at an average of 58.80, with four centuries and a top score of 196. Not only was it his most productive summer in terms of tally and average across a domestic campaign, but a strike-rate of 62.40 suggested a change of tack from the 25-year-old, to become more of a run-getter than an accumulator.That was particularly evident on the Lions training camp in the UAE last November when Hameed scored 145 from 172 deliveries against the full England team ahead of their tour of Pakistan. Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, who have led the revolution that has resulted in the Test side playing in a more authoritative manner, were suitably impressed by the manner in which Hameed had showcased his higher gears.Hameed has previously captained England at Under-19 level, and captained Nottinghamshire in last season’s Royal London One-Day Cup having been appointed vice-captain of the club. Speaking about the decision to hand him more responsibility, men’s performance director Mo Bobat praised his qualities as a leader.”We thought long and hard about the options and there were lots of good options, people I’d regard as senior players,” Bobat said on Friday, having also overseen the UAE training camp, which began with three intensive weeks in Dubai in October. “You’ve got Alex Lees, who’s done a little bit of Lions captaincy before, he could no doubt do this pretty well. Tom Abell himself has captained Somerset, he could easily have captained the Test stuff. You’ve got other experienced players, Sam Cook, Matt Fisher who I regard as pretty senior players, Tom Haines who has captained at Sussex. Loads of good options but we felt Haseeb would be a good shout.”When he did bits of leadership on the training camp we found he was very astute tactically and very creative with how we might take wickets in those conditions, which is going to be important in Sri Lanka. He’s done bits of captaincy and been vice-captain at Notts and captain in Royal London. He’s done some age-group captaincy with England so it’s great to give him that opportunity.”Neil Killeen will operate as head coach of the Lions across both formats, having joined the ECB this week as men’s elite bowling coach. He will be assisted by Ian Bell and Min Patel, who reprise their winter roles as batting and spin bowling coach respectively. Somerset’s Paul Tweddle will oversee fielding and wicketkeeping duties, though mainly for the limited-overs part of the tour once he has fulfilled off-season duties at Taunton.Graeme Swann has been a regular in the media since retirement but is inching towards a coaching role•Getty Images

There will also be a return to the Lions set-up for Graeme Swann. Regarded as one of England’s greatest spinners, with 255 dismissals across 60 Tests, Swann will act as a mentor for the first half of the trip, a role not just restricted to working with the spinners.It is a job he fulfilled in the UAE before taking on commentary duties for the T10 and something he has long craved. Players and staff were impressed by Swann’s knowledge and energy among the group.That was his first formal involvement with an England team since his retirement at the end of 2013. His move into coaching is a recent development, though he has spoken often about his willingness to help the next generation of English spinners. He was part of the backroom staff for Trent Rockets in 2022 during their successful men’s Hundred campaign.That he is back hints at a greater involvement in the national set-up as a whole going forward. Indeed, Bobat believes the manner in which Swann approached his game is aligned with what Stokes, McCullum and director of men’s cricket Rob Key are trying to instil throughout the English system.Related

Jofra Archer to step up injury comeback at England Lions training camp

Graeme Swann to mentor England Lions' spinners

Ben Stokes puts prep over precedent as England ease towards Pakistan challenge

“It will be great to have him supporting the spin bowlers in particular,” Bobat said. “But not just them. He added so much value in the UAE, with all players around tactical understanding and insight.”The type of cricket the Test team is trying to play, Swanny’s a great example of that with his positivity and energy and even just tactically, working with the captains.”When Keysy first started, he and I spoke about trying to get the right personalities and characters around our players, people who really embody the type of cricket we’re trying to play. He [Swann] was someone who certainly came to mind.”We all saw the way he approached his bowling. He used to take a lot of wickets in his first over, freakishly so. It was often because he literally tried to take a wicket. It sounds so basic but often a spinner will start thinking ‘I’ll ease into my spell’ or ‘I’ll start with sweepers out and build to attack’.”But Swanny just thought from ball one: I’m here to attack. That fantastic mindset we want our players to embody. The way he embodied his spin bowling, yes, but also the way he batted. He was always aggressive, had an impact with the way he batted and approached things in the field. It’s infectious.”He brings great energy as well and you want to have that in the environment. He’s had great success in the sub-continent and will know how to win Test matches in that part of the world. More importantly, getting him to work with the spinners, to think about attacking lines, attacking lengths, attacking fields. Thinking non-conventionally, like Stokesy has done as captain, is something Swanny has done really well.”

All is swell at Liverpool. Or is it? How curious, that Liverpool should be eight points clear at the top of the Premier League in the wake of Jurgen Klopp’s departure.

How intriguing that the Reds failed to complete the trigger-happy summer transfer window that fans demanded, and felt was so imperative to the success of the new era.

How funny, then, that Arne Slot’s side are firing freely on all cylinders, even though those contractual concerns loom over Anfield like an encroaching shadow.

How curious that Mohamed Salah should choose now to go against his own grain and speak to the matchday media.

Mohamed Salah's St. Mary's comments

Salah is a voracious chess player, and his decision to speak of his situation after Liverpool defeated Southampton felt like a calculated gambit as the clock ticks away.

36 days remain until Salah – as well as Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold – can agree to pre-contract deals with clubs from overseas. It’s concerning to say the least.

The Egypt phenomenon is Liverpool’s highest-paid player in history, earning £350k per week plus bonuses, and the fact that he turns 33 in June, compounded by the other contract quandaries, has left Richard Hughes dealing with protracted and difficult negotiations.

One thing’s for sure: Liverpool won’t succeed in replacing Salah next summer, not in terms of output. However, if that unthinkable scenario were to occur, the Reds are keen on replacing him with a brilliant Premier League player.

Liverpool in talks for Salah successor

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are weighing up a move for Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United, with the electric winger understood to have an £85m release clause in his contract.

Said to have wowed Reds scouts, Kudus isn’t a goalscoring winger but brings his qualities through other means. Liverpool simply can’t replace Salah with a pastiche; it would fall flat.

Instead, Slot could triumph in reshaping Liverpool’s frontline with such a wide forward.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Liverpool

Principally fielded on the left flank with West Ham, Kudus might find that his ball-striking success enjoys an upswing with a move to Anfield, where he would occupy the right flank in Salah’s wake.

1.

Mohammed Kudus

West Ham

124

2.

Jeremy Doku

Man City

87

3.

Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle

72

4.

Ebere Eze

Crystal Palace

69

5.

Luis Diaz

Liverpool

67

As the table above alludes to, he’s an elite brand of dribbler, ranking among the top 11% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The Ghana international’s performances have seen him likened, statistically as per FBRef, to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who might not be on Salah’s level but is soaring toward a similar ballpark, having posted five goals and eight assists across 16 matches in all competitions this season.

Saka, 23, ranks among the top 3% of positional peers in the league this year for goals scored, the top 1% for assists and shot-creating actions and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90. It’s clear to see the similarities between the players.

Not just athletic sensations, though, both wingers like to get stuck in. Kudus has won 6.6 duels per game this season to line up nicely against Saka, who boasts an average of six.

Described as a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith, Kudus still has much to work on before hitting the level of a top-performing Premier League forward such as Salah, but he’s still only 24 years old – younger than Salah when he joined Liverpool – and is endowed with the athleticism and technical skill to be a triumph.

Move over Salah: 8/10 Liverpool star just dropped his best game under Slot

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points after defeating Southampton 3-2.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 25, 2024

Ollie Robinson and Craig Overton put in strong showings ahead of the first Test at Lord’s on August 17

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Aug-2022Not so long ago, there were doubts over Aiden Markram’s place in the South African Test XI. His struggles – largely as opener – had become so profound that a batter once tipped to be the next big thing spent large portions of the last 12 months averaging about 10 runs an innings.South Africa were unwilling to let one of their prized assets go by like that. So the coach Mark Boucher decided to push him down the order. T20 cricket proved that the experiment was worthwhile – to the point that the player is confident of his place in the upcoming World Cup. And now, batting at No. 4 in four-day cricket, Markram made the highest score out of the South African line-up in the tour game against England Lions in Canterbury. He came in to bat with his team 20 for 2 in the fifth over, trailing by 253 runs, and made and unbeaten 88 off 169 balls. It wasn’t enough to ward off defeat but it does put the team in better stead going into the first Test at Lord’s on August 17.The England Lions’ performance mirrored the senior side under Brendon McCullum as they piled up a first-innings total of 672 at nearly a run a ball. And as pleasing as that must be, Craig Overton picking up a five-wicket haul in the first innings and the returning Ollie Robinson finishing with 3 for 29 in 11 overs in the second innings will be significant as well. Both players may well be fighting for the third seamer’s spot in the Test XI – currently held by the English summer’s biggest find Matthew Potts.South Africa may yet be happy with their work in the warm-up game. Their lower-middle order bailed them out from a position of considerable strife, taking the score from 129 for 5 in the first innings up to 433 with Khaya Zondo (86) Rassie van der Dussen (75), Kyle Verreynne (62) and Marco Jansen (54) contributing heavily.Their collapse in the second innings does raise a concern about the top order though. They were five-down for 100-odd again only this time there was no counterattack. Markram, who had earlier picked up a six-for with his offbreaks, found a way to survive but the rest crumbled; bowled out for 183. Robinson picked off three of the top five while 23-year old Derbyshire seamer Sam Conners ran through the tail, finishing with a four-for of his own.

Newcastle United have become big spenders in the transfer market since they were bought by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021.

Although the 2024 summer window was quieter for the Magpies, they have not been afraid to splash the cash on new signings since the takeover.

Four of their five most expensive signings, as per Transfermarkt, have come with the new owners at the helm. That includes Alexander Isak, who cost £63m, a club record deal, and Sandro Tonali, with the Italian midfielder costing £55m.

Prior to the takeover, however, the Magpies did not spend money nearly as much and were a selling club rather than a side that spent millions of pounds on new stars.

Newcastle’s record sales

The North Eastern outfit have certainly sold players on for hefty profit during the Premier League era. Within their top eight most expensive sales of all time, just three of them came in the past two summer windows.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

That includes Elliot Anderson, who moved to Nottingham Forest for a fee which is reportedly worth upwards of £35m. Yankubah Minteh also left the club this summer to join Brighton, and Allan Saint-Maximin left in 2023 for Saudi Arabain outfit Al-Ahli, although he now plies his trade at Fenerbahce.

The other expensive departures from St James’ Park date further back than that. It includes the likes of Yohan Cabaye, who made the move to PSG for a fee of £20m, and Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who moved to Liverpool for around £25m.

Player

Joined

Fee

Year

Elliot Anderson

Nottingham Forest

£35m

2024

Andy Carroll

Liverpool

£35m

2011

Yankubah Minteh

Brighton

£30

2024

Moussa Sissoko

Spurs

£30m

2016

Ayoze Perez

Leicester

£30m

2019

Georginio Wijnaldum

Liverpool

£25m

2016

Allan Saint-Maximin

Al-Ahli

£23m

2023

Yohan Cabaye

PSG

£20m

2013

There is one name on that list in particular whose sale proved to be a stroke of genius from the Magpies, given the money they got and the fact he is worth so little nowadays. That player is Andy Carroll.

Carroll’s Newcastle career

A graduate of the Newcastle academy, striker Carroll had a successful time of things across two spells at St James’ Park. He made 134 appearances for the North Eastern side, scoring 34 goals and grabbing 26 assists.

It took a while for the England international to score his first goal in that famous Black and White striped shirt. First breaking into the first team in 2006/07, it took the striker until January 2009 to find the back of the net, coming against West Ham in the Premier League.

Sadly for the Magpies, they suffered relegation that same season. This arguably benefited the 6’4 striker, however, and he really found his shooting boots. Carroll was prolific in the Championship, scoring 17 goals and grabbing 12 assists in 39 league games, helping the Magpies to promotion at the first time of asking.

That season was not a fluke, and the centre-forward continued his efforts in the top flight. In 2010/11 for the Magpies, he scored 11 goals and grabbed eight assists in just 19 games, which included a hattrick against Aston Villa. His form was so good that Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, speaking on Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast, described him as “unbelievable” when reflecting on Carroll at his best.

His outstanding form earned Carroll a January move to Liverpool, who paid £35m for his services, at the same time as they signed Luis Suarez. That happened to be Newcastle’s record sale, which has since been equalled by Anderson’s move to the City Ground.

Sadly, it did not work out for Carroll on Merseyside. The centre-forward managed just 11 goals in 58 games for the club and ended up back at St James’ Park a few seasons later via West Ham. He managed just one goal on his second spell in the North East.

Nowadays, the former England international plays for Girondins Bordeaux in the fourth tier of French football, after the legendary club were declared bankrupt and relegated. He has five goals in three games for the six-time French champions.

Unsurprisingly, Carroll’s value has dropped considerably. Most recently, Transfermarkt valued the former Magpies man at just £200k. There is certainly an argument that Newcastle made the right choice to sell him for a club-record fee all those years ago.

Not only has his value decreased a lot since the sale, but he was simply never the same prolific goalscorer he was as a Newcastle player for those 18 months in the Championship and Premier League.

Looking back on it, the Magpies may well be relieved they sold the striker for such profit. It has certainly proven to be a smart choice in the long term.

Cost the club £35m: Newcastle star is now worth millions less after leaving

Newcastle made the right call selling star who’s value has plummeted

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 25, 2024

Sanju Samson has replaced the Covid-struck KL Rahul in India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against West Indies due to begin on Friday. Wicketkeeper-batter Samson was already on tour having been part of the ODI squad as well.Rahul, India’s first-choice opener in the shortest format, has been on the sidelines, recovering from surgery for a sports hernia, since the end of the IPL in May 2022. He was expected to be back in action for the T20Is against West Indies, but caught the virus and was advised a further period of rest.India have plenty of top-order options available and have even begun experimenting with Rishabh Pant as opener alongside the captain Rohit Sharma.Samson has played 14 T20Is for India spread across seven years. With his eye-catching strokeplay, he has always been on the fringes of the national squad, but has recently been getting a lot more chances, especially with several of the senior players being rotated out on account of workload management.Samson was part of the team in Ireland last month, where he made his maiden T20I fifty. His strike rate of 132.39 over the course of 218 T20s is seen as an asset with India trying to play a more aggressive brand of cricket in preparation for the World Cup in Australia in October.

Celtic have enjoyed a relatively impressive start to the season in all competitions in Brendan Rodgers’ second year in the dugout, after his return to the club in the summer of 2023.

The Northern Irish head coach returned to Parkhead to replace Ange Postecoglou as manager and won the Scottish Premiership title and the SFA Cup in the 2023/24 campaign.

So far this term, the Hoops are top of the Premiership on goal difference, with eight wins and one draw in nine games, and are in the semi-finals of the League Cup.

Celtic have also picked up four points from their first three matches in the Champions League, after finishing bottom of their group under Rodgers last term.

Whilst it has been a fantastic start to the season, there are always ways to improve the team and the recruitment staff will be constantly looking at potential additions to come in and bolster the group.

For example, Celtic were on course to win the title last season and still dipped into the market in January to add Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn to the squad.

With this in mind, Rodgers could swoop to improve his squad in the upcoming January transfer window, amid recent links with an addition on the flank.

Celtic's interest in Chile star

Earlier this month, The Boot Room reported that Celtic are interested in Dario Osorio and are one of a number of teams keen on the young talent.

They look set to face plenty of competition for his signature, though, as the report claimed that Premier League sides Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Newcastle United are also keeping tabs on his progress.

The outlet added that both Celtic and Premiership rivals Rangers ‘admire’ the Chile international and are, therefore, among the clutch of clubs interested in acquiring his services.

There are also unnamed teams from France and Spain showing an interest in the 20-year-old winger, which means that the Hoops would need to beat off competition from a host of sides across Europe to land the attacker in January, or next summer.

The Boot Room did not mention, however, how much Midtjylland would want for the left-footed starlet, whose contract with the Danish side does not expire until the summer of 2028, with his Transfermarkt value standing at €7m (£6m).

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

They are in no rush to cash in on the Chilean sensation, due to him having the best part of four years left on his deal, and that could allow them to demand a significant sum of money for his services.

Osorio could be worth investing a big fee on, though, as the talented youngster has already been compared to a modern-day icon of the game – Angel Di Maria.

Angel Di Maria's career

The Argentina international, who currently plays for Benfica, has enjoyed a sensational career for club and country as a left-footed right winger, who loves to cut inside onto his stronger foot from the flank.

Before returning to Benfica in 2023, Di Maria enjoyed fruitful spells at Real Madrid, PSG, and Juventus, as well as a short time with Manchester United in England.

The left-footed star produced 36 goals and 85 assists in 190 matches for Real Madrid during his time in Spain, and followed that up with a sublime return of 93 goals and 119 assists in 295 appearances for PSG in all competitions.

Crossing (very strong)

Defensive contributions (weak)

Holding onto the ball (very strong)

Passing (very strong)

Through balls (very strong)

Key passes (very strong)

Direct free-kicks (very strong)

Taking set-pieces (very strong)

Long shots (strong)

Dribbling (strong)

Finishing (strong)

As you can see in the table above, WhoScored deems him to be very impressive in a host of key attacking, particularly creative, attributes but suggests that he struggles out of possession.

This is backed up by his impressive hauls of goals and assists at several huge European clubs, as well as his record of 31 goals and 32 assists in 145 games for Argentina – including a goal and an assist in the 2022 World Cup final against France.

Rodgers could now land his own version of Di Maria, possibly in style more than quality, by securing a deal for the in-demand Midtjylland star Osorio.

Why Dario Osorio could be Celtic's own Angel Di Maria

Firstly, the 20-year-old talent is similar to the Argentine hero in style in the sense that he is also a left-footed forward who predominantly plays on the right flank.

Like the former Real Madrid and PSG star, Osorio could line up on the right wing and showcase his quality by cutting inside onto his left foot to make things happen in the final third.

As you can see in the post above, talent scout Jacek Kulig once dubbed him a “flamboyant” whiz who is similar to Di Maria in style, whilst handing him a potential of 8/10 as a prospect.

He also listed dribbling, ball control, and creativity among his best attributes and they are similar to some of the strengths that WhoScored listed for the World Cup winner.

The Chile international has also shown signs of promise at first-team level already, despite his young age, after an impressive debut year in the Superliga last term.

Appearances

23

Starts

15

Goals

8

Big chances missed

0

Big chances created

4

Assists

2

As you can see in the table above, the 20-year-old wizard contributed with 12 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in just 15 starts in the Danish top-flight, without missing a single ‘big chance’.

So far this season, Osorio has contributed with one goal and two ‘big chances’ created in six league starts for his club, which shows that the young ace already has the maturity to impact games at senior level.

Therefore, Rodgers could bring the left-footed star to Parkhead in January and look to develop him over the years to come in order to unearth his own version of Di Maria in Glasgow.

Move over McCowan: Celtic have unearthed next O'Riley in "magical" star

The Celtic star has enjoyed a terrific start to the season and has emerged as Rodgers’ new Matt O’Riley.

ByDan Emery Oct 29, 2024

Arsenal have enjoyed many highs as a football club, from the Premier League invincible season back in 2003/04 to their record 14 FA Cup triumphs.

However, in recent years, the club have been starved of any tangible success despite the excellent progression conducted by current boss Mikel Arteta since his appointment back in December 2019.

The Spaniard inherited a struggling squad, who were falling further and further away from the top four, but in recent years he’s steered the ship towards a first title in over two decades.

Impressive recruitment, a plethora of academy stars and continued dedication from Arteta have seen a huge turnaround, with the Gunners narrowly missing out on the title two seasons in a row.

Their incomings have been impeccable with all of the new additions contributing to the recent progression, but the outgoings have also allowed for increased funds to sign some of the current first-team stars.

How Arsenal’s record departures have faired since leaving

Folarin Balogun is just another player in a long line who came through the club’s Hale End academy with high expectations of being a key first-team member.

However, after just ten first-team appearances for the Gunners, he departed the Emirates in a £35m deal to join French side AS Monaco – an excellent price tag given his lack of impact in North London.

He’s since scored 11 times in 40 games for Monaco, proving to be a solid goalscoring option, but the club undoubtedly made the right call in parting ways with the American as the figure was simply too good to turn down.

Alex Iwobi is yet another great example of the phenomenal business conducted by the club in recent years, selling him to Everton for £28m back in 2019.

Whilst he made considerably more appearances than Balogun for the Gunners, his transfer still reflected good business, with the funds generated allowing the club to progress under Arteta.

He’s still a consistent Premier League performer, featuring over 180 times for the Toffees and current club Fulham, but given his potential at Arsenal, he’s certainly no way near the levels many expected.

As well as the aforementioned duo, the club also made the right call in allowing another young star to leave North London – with his price tag to this day the highest they’ve received for a player.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

How Arsenal’s record departure has faired after leaving

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived at Arsenal as a baby-faced 17-year-old back in 2011 for a reported £12m from Southampton.

During his six-year spell in North London, the “incredible” midfielder, as he was dubbed by Jürgen Klopp, captured the hearts of the supporters, featuring 198 times for the Gunners, producing some memorable displays along the way.

He scored the winning goal in the 2015 Community Shield, whilst also starring as a youngster in the Champions League against Bayern Munich – with his versatility allowing him to feature in various different roles.

However, the club sold him to Liverpool for £35m during the summer of 2017, a record sale for the Gunners, and the right decision given his torrid luck with injuries over the last few years.

The 31-year-old has suffered various serious knee issues, ruling him out for large chunks of his career, which has restricted him from reaching his full potential.

Seven years on from his departure from the Emirates, Oxlade-Chamberlain is now only valued at £2.5m as per Transfermarkt – a real signal of his rapid decline since his move away from North London.

2017/18

ACL

316

58

2018/19

Hamstring

34

8

2018/19

Knock

5

1

2019/20

Concussion

4

1

2019/20

Ankle

12

3

2020/21

Knee

113

20

2022/23

Hamstring

93

14

Total:

7 injuries

577

105

It’s a shame to see such a promising career fail to reach the heights it once promised, with injuries massively halting the midfielder’s development.

On the other hand, whilst it may have been an unpopular departure, it was the right call, with the club cashing in on the former England international whilst his stock was at its highest.

Arsenal must sign a new winger after shocking Bukayo Saka injury claim

Bukayo Saka has played a bucket load of minutes over the last few years.

1 ByMatt Dawson Oct 10, 2024

There will be plenty of debate between now and February 14, but for now, here are 10 talking points to ponder

Peter Della Penna05-Nov-2014West Indies: Implosion versus explosion

The world of West Indies cricket has recently been dominated by off-the-field headlines, which is never a good sign. The squad abandoned its tour of India in a pay dispute over a new collective-bargaining agreement signed by the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) that players say they never saw or approved. The dispute fueled speculation that West Indies wouldn’t make it to the World Cup, but both sides now appear close to a resolution.

Many fans will be watching intently to see if the controversy galvanizes this immensely talented squad, which needs to sharpen its focus if it wants to reach its first World Cup final since 1983.

Afghanistan’s Cup debut

In the past two World Cups, Ireland have been the darling underdog for most neutral fans. In 2015, Afghanistan will be that feel-good story. The first-time entrants already have three World Twenty20 appearances under their belt, but qualifying for cricket’s 50-over showpiece event holds even greater significance.

Twenty20 cricket is often presented as a way to close the disparity between uneven teams and open the door for more upsets because the games are shorter; but Afghanistan have shown it can compete at 50-over level, so if it knocks off some of the big boys Down Under, it won’t be any fluke.

Where there’s an Aussie cricket crowd, a beer snake isn’t too far behind.•AFPCrowds, crowds, crowds … oi, oi, oi!

India’s run to the 2011 title was cheered on vociferously by home fans who were desperate to see the hosts win their first World Cup since 1983 and deliver a first crown to cricket’s greatest modern batting icon, Sachin Tendulkar.

There may not be such a sentimental connection for home fans in Australia this time around (the Aussies won three straight Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007), but that doesn’t mean there won’t be fun in the stands.

Along with cheering on the home team, Aussies know how to get creative during dull passages of play and boost the crowd atmosphere. That includes making beer snakes, when fans stack all of their empty plastic beer cups together to make a long chain between sections. It’s an amusing sight.Oh, the format

When it comes to the Cricket World Cup-unique format, there is too much emphasis on the final destination than the journey. The format, which gives each country a minimum of six matches to play regardless of whether they advance out of the group stage, discourages the excitement of the early upset, like we saw with India losing to Bangladesh and Pakistan being stunned by Ireland in 2007. Instead, we are given 42 group-stage matches, which may appease TV rights-holders, but it also makes the tournament too predictable.

To give some perspective, in the month it takes the FIFA World Cup to determine a winner, the ICC World Cup is still working through the group stage. The event is a marathon, not just for the players, but also for fans and viewers. It takes a committed soul to stick around for six weeks and still have enough energy to enjoy the final.

Sangakkara’s swan song?

One of cricket’s modern greats, Kumar Sangakkara is beloved by Sri Lankans and non-Sri Lankans alike. This will likely be the 37-year-old’s last ride on the World Cup merry-go-round, along with teammates Tillakaratne Dilshan, 38, and Mahela Jayawardene, 37.

Sangakkara is fourth all-time in runs scored in ODI cricket with 12,857. If he maintains his current average through the World Cup, he will likely pass countryman Sanath Jayasuriya (third overall, 13,430) and Australia’s Ricky Ponting (second, 13,704).

Sri Lanka have played the role of bridesmaids on the big stages, runner-ups at the World Twenty20 in 2009 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2007 and 2011. After finally winning the World Twenty20 crown in April, will the third time be the charm again for Sangakkara at the Cup?

The return of Christchurch

It is no coincidence that the Cricket World Cup kicks off on Feb. 14 in Christchurch, New Zealand. The country’s second-largest city was decimated by a major earthquake in February 2011, killing 185 people. The New Zealand-Sri Lanka opener at the newly certified Hagley Oval will represent a cathartic comeback for Christchurch and its people.

On January 1, 2014, Corey Anderson beat the record for the fastest ODI hundred previously held by Shahid Afridi.•AFP “God Defend New Zealand”

Aside from the joy in seeing cricket come back to Christchurch, hearing New Zealand’s national anthem on a loop during the course of the tournament is something that will be pleasing, Kiwi or not. It’s a lovely blend of melody and lyrics, the first verse sung in Maori and the second in English.

Remember these names: Aaron Finch and Corey Anderson

Two of the tournament’s breakout stars are poised to come from the host countries. Australian opener Aaron Finch burst onto the international scene by setting a Twenty20 international record of 156 runs off 63 balls in 2013 against England and has since followed with four centuries at the top of the order in ODI cricket. Keeping a red-hot bat will do wonders for Australia’s World Cup chances.

Corey Anderson, meanwhile, showed he is a box-office performer in New Zealand’s last home summer. On New Year’s Day, he broke Shahid Afridi’s 18-year-old record for fastest ODI century by notching his first 100 runs in just 36 balls against West Indies. With the ball, he has a knack for taking wickets and is an athletic fielder, making him one of the must-watch players of the Cup.

Not your grandpa’s uniforms

One of the many clichéd knocks on cricket from casual sports fans is that the game literally looks too dull — players dressed in all whites (including sweaters), giving the appearance of grandpa at bingo night.

But for those who may be getting into cricket for the first time, the World Cup will be different, featuring players in colored uniforms that would fit into any other modern-day sport. If anything, some of the kits will be more brash than conservative. Just check out the iconic West Indies uniforms.

Dale Steyn

Another cricket misnomer is the old adage of the sport being a “gentlemen’s game.” When a fast bowler is roaring in, bouncing the ball at a batsman’s head at 95 mph, nothing could be further from the truth.

The perfect example? South Africa’s Dale Steyn, the world’s preeminent pace bowler who currently sits at No. 1 on the ICC’s ODI top bowler rankings. Speed merchants like Steyn are worth their weight in gold, especially with their ability to swing the ball as opposed to bowling dead straight. Intense wicket celebrations only add to Steyn’s spectacle.

Cole Palmer and Pep Guardiola were spotted chatting as the Chelsea star and the Manchester City boss reunited after the Premier League showdown.

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Palmer returned to his former stomping groundHowever, he could not inspire his team over the lineShared a light moment with his former coachFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Palmer made his return to the Etihad Stadium after leaving City for Chelsea in the summer of 2023. However, he could not weave magic against his former club as City came out on top with a 3-1 victory with Josko Gvardiol, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden sealing the win.

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After the final whistle, cameras captured a heart-warming moment as Palmer and Guardiola reunited on the pitch. The former City midfielder was seen in conversation with his old manager, with both sharing a laugh as they made their way off the field. While the details of their discussion remain unknown, the mutual respect and affection between the two were evident.

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Following the defeat, Palmer and Chelsea are focused on bouncing back in their next match with the Blues set to face West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Monday, February 3. Meanwhile, City will lock horns against Club Brugge on Wednesday in a Champions League clash.

James Rew’s 95 in vain while Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu shine with the bat for India

Sreshth Shah05-Feb-2022It was India’s seamers, not spinners, who plotted England’s downfall in the Under-19 World Cup final as Raj Bawa and Ravi Kumar produced match-winning bowling performances to share nine wickets and dismiss their opponents for 189. Bawa’s 5 for 31 was the best bowling performance in an U-19 World Cup final, while Ravi finished with 4 for 34.Even though India won by only four wickets, they were always ahead in the chase. Shaik Rasheed hit a fifty, Nishant Sindhu finished unbeaten on 50, too, and Bawa made a crucial 35. And as it is often the case with Indians at World Cup finals, it was a wicketkeeper who hit a six to seal the title.Although England struck with wickets that prevented India from posting big partnerships, the modest target of 190 put very little pressure on them. That England even reached 189 was courtesy James Rew’s valiant 95, which rescued them from 91 for 7 after Tom Prest chose to bat at the toss.England’s troubles started early when Ravi found movement in the morning, assisted in part by overnight rain in Antigua. He had Jacob Bethell lbw with a full ball in the second over and then had Prest chopping an attempted pull onto his stumps.George Thomas, who scored a half-century in the semi-final against Afghanistan, attacked right-arm seamer Rajvardhan Hangargekar from the other end, smacking him for a 16-run over, only to fall for 27 off 30 when Bawa came on as first change. Bawa pitched the ball up, and Thomas tried to mow one across the line only to miscue a skier to cover.Rew and William Luxton were left with the task of starting England’s recovery, but they could last only 16 balls together as Bawa struck twice in consecutive deliveries. He found extra bounce with a wide-ish ball, and Luxton went chasing only to edge it to the wicketkeeper Dinesh Bana. George Bell was gone for a duck when Bawa welcomed him with a short ball, and all he could do was glove it to Bana trying to block off the back foot. From 45 for 5, England were soon 91 for 7 following the wickets of Rehan Ahmed, caught at slip off Bawa, and Alex Horton, who dragged offspinner Kaushal Tambe to midwicket.Tournament Honour Roll

Winner: India
Runner up: England
Third: Australia
Fourth: Afghanistan
Fifth: Pakistan
Sixth: Sri Lanka
Seventh: South Africa
Eighth: Bangladesh
Ninth: UAE
Tenth: Ireland
11th: West Indies
12th: Zimbabwe
13th: Uganda
14th: Scotland
15th/16th: PNG, Canada

Most runs: 506 – Dewald Brevis (SA)
Most wickets: 17 – Dunith Wellalage (SL)
Highest individual score: Raj Bawa (162* vs Uganda)
Best bowling figures: Jamie Cairns (6 for 24 for Scotland)

With England heading towards a sub-120 total, it was left to Rew, the last recognised batter, to drag them to something approaching a competitive total. He joined hands with No. 9 James Sales and added 93, with Rew the attacker in the partnership, increasing his tempo as England steadily edged towards 200. Even Vicky Ostwal, the economical left-arm spinner, went for 5.16 per over as Rew pulled him or launched him over midwicket. As England went past 180, a chase of 225-240 seemed on the cards.Raj Bawa leads a happy Indian team off the field after taking a five-for•ICC/Getty ImagesBut on 95, Rew pulled a harmless Ravi delivery to a fumbling, tumbling, juggling Tambe at deep midwicket before Thomas Aspinwall became Ravi’s fourth victim three balls later. From the other end, Bawa combined with Bana once more to secure his five-wicket haul, and England left 31 balls unused, all out for 189 in 44.5 overs.The consistent left-arm swing bowler Josh Boyden lifted England early in the chase when he had the in-form Angkrish Raghuvanshi caught behind for a duck, but neither Boyden nor the other seamers could make further breakthroughs despite accumulating dot balls. With Harnoor Singh and Rasheed happy to bide their time, it was a waiting game for England as they looked for the error. That finally came in the 18th over, with the score at 49 for 1, when Harnoor gloved a short ball from Aspinwall to the keeper.That brought the captain Yash Dhull together with his vice-captain Rasheed. They had put on a double-century stand in the semi-final against Australia and looked to attack England’s spinners. Rasheed used his wrists to flick off his pads and stood tall to crunch cuts and drives through the off side.Rasheed moved to fifty in the 27th over, but fell moments after, caught on the leg side after a wild heave off Sales. The same bowler then removed Dhull for 17 to give England a glimmer of hope as India lost their fourth wicket with the score on 97.Sindhu and Bawa, though, counterattacked. Bawa hit two sixes and one four while Sindhu went over cover and midwicket. Two catches inside the ring sent Bawa and Tambe packing before India could get over the line, and there were enough runs left for Sindhu to reach his half-century.He got to fifty in 54 balls, after which Bana wasted no time in finishing the contest. The first six went over deep square leg. The second one soared over long-on, and even before it landed, the camera panned towards the India players running in to celebrate.Bawa was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance. South Africa’s Dewald Brevis collected the Player-of-the-Tournament prize for his 506 runs. Dhull joined Mohammad Kaif, Virat Kohli, Unmukt Chand and Prithvi Shaw on the list of India captains to win the competition.