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Goa squeaked past Andhra by one wicket with one ball to spare in a thrilling encounter at the Perintalmanna Cricket Stadium in Malappuram

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Feb-2011
ScorecardShadab Jakati contributed with ball and bat in Goa’s thrilling win•AFPGoa squeaked past Andhra by one wicket with one ball to spare in a thrilling encounter at the Perintalmanna Cricket Stadium in Malappuram. The win was Goa’s third in five games, leaving them tied on points with Karnataka though after playing an extra match, while Andhra languished close to the bottom of the table after their fourth loss in five games.Goa chose to field and the decision was vindicated by the opening bowlers who restricted Andhra to 17 for 2. Satyakumar Verma hit five fours in his 23 to revive the innings, but his dismissal in the 17th over prompted Venugopal Rao into consolidation mode. Bodapati Sumanth played in a similar vein and the pair played through the bulk of the innings, adding 112 in 33.1 overs before Rao departed for 82 off 96 balls. Sumanth lost his wicket soon after, and the lower crumbled in a spate of wickets, depriving the innings of late momentum. Harshad Gadekar and Shadab Jakati snared seven wickets, making up for the fact that they conceded 117 runs between them, as Andhra were bowled out for 241.Goa’s chase was stalled by Ajay Kumar and Deepak Kumar and, when Ajay Ratra departed at 42 for 4 in the 13th over, they seemed in line for a defeat. Reagan Pinto, however, had other ideas and calmly revived the innings in the company of Jakati and Amit Yadav. The duo helped Pinto add 45 and 66 runs respectively, before the game changed once again. Goa crumbled from 153 for 4 to 192 for 9 in the 44th over, raising Kerala’s hopes of a second win. Pinto kept going, bringing up his maiden first-class century, while No. 11 Gadekar swung a four and a six in his 17 off 16 balls. The pair scored the winning runs off the penultimate ball, with Pinto unbeaten on a memorable 119, with ten fours and a six in his innings.

Wolves have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey on deadline day, with a loan deal in the offing.

The Lowdown: Ramsey leaving Juve?

The 31-year-old traded Arsenal for Juve back in 2019, but while he would have hoped to kick on to another level at the Serie A giants, he has had a disappointing spell there. Ramsey has been limited to only 70 appearances in the space of three years, with injuries certainly not helping matters along the way.

There seems to be no future for the Welshman in Turin and it may be that he seals a last-minute return to the Premier League this month.

The Latest: Wolves offered midfielder

According to The Daily Mail, Juve are willing to offer Ramsey to Wolves, should Bruno Lage give the move the green light.

Burnley, Newcastle United, Everton and Crystal Palace are all mentioned in the report, too.

The Verdict: Worth a last-gasp swoop

Ramsey may have struggled to impress in Italy but he could still be an excellent loan signing for Wolves if they get him, considering the career he has carved out down the years.

At 31, he still has some years left in him at the top level, and his record of 65 goals and 65 assists in 371 appearances for Arsenal speaks volumes about his quality in midfield. He has also been hailed as ‘very intelligent’ by Juve teammate Federico Chiesa.

Wolves would also be in the luxurious position where they could simply part ways with Ramsey in the summer if it doesn’t work out, moving on to different targets instead.

In other news, some Wolves fans are positive about a claim regarding one player. Find out who it is here.

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side face a break from their Premiership campaign on Saturday afternoon, when the Bhoys make the trip to Alloa Athletic in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

And, with the Hoops’ opponents currently struggling towards the bottom of the Scottish League One table, the fixture presents the 56-year-old Celtic manager with a perfect opportunity to rest a number of his regular starters, as well as handing minutes to some of his peripheral squad members – in addition to those returning from injury.

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One player who falls into the latter category is none other than Christopher Jullien, the 28-year-old centre-back who last featured for the Bhoys all the way back in December 2020, with a recurring knee injury seeing the former France U21 international miss over a year of first-team football.

However, following the defender’s recent post on Twitter – in which Jullien shared a photo of himself in training at Lennoxtown alongside the caption “green light” – it would appear as if the Frenchman is now ready to make his long-awaited return to the pitch.

And, with the fixture against Alloa not likely to be the most strenuous game of the season for the Celtic backline, Barry Ferguson’s side could well be the perfect opponent for Jullien to ease himself back into the rigours of first-team football.

Game-changer

While the expression like a new signing is perhaps overused when describing a player returning from injury, should Jullien be able to refind the level of form he was in prior to his injury, the 28-year-old’s availability will undoubtedly be game-changing for Celtic’s title hopes this season.

Indeed, over his nine Premiership fixtures in the Bhoys’ 2020/21 campaign, the £4.95m-rated centre-back helped his side to keep five clean sheets, scored one goal and registered one assist, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 3.6 clearances and winning 6.9 duels per game.

These returns saw the £20k-per-week defender average a rather astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.43, ranking him as the Hoops’ second-best performer in the league last season.

As such, in order to help get the Frenchman back up to speed as quickly as possible, Postecoglou simply must unleash Jullien on Saturday afternoon, as the return of the player who Noel Whelan dubbed a “leader” could well turn the tide in Celtic’s favour regarding the Premiership race over the coming months.

In other news: “Excellent” 23 y/o may have played his final game for Celtic as January deal is agreed

West Bromwich Albion are one of several Championship clubs interested in securing the services of Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson on a loan deal next season.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to the latest reports from TEAMtalk, who claim that the 19-year-old’s performances on loan at Bristol Rovers have attracted interest from several Championship sides.

West Brom are among the quintet of second-tier clubs keen on the youngster, although, it will not be easy for the Baggies to tie this deal up – with the likes of Middlesborough, Coventry City, Reading and Stoke City all interested in signing the starlet.

Earlier reports also claim that Nottingham Forest, Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End are keeping tabs on the midfielder – making things even tougher from Albion’s perspective.

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton understandably would like to keep Anderson if he can aid the club in securing promotion to League One, though it is understood that Eddie Howe wants the England U19 international to be playing Championship football next season.

Bruce’s goal-scoring solution

The £180k-rated talent has been a key player in the Pirates’ pursuit of promotion, with the 19-year-old establishing himself as a Rovers regular – finding himself in the starting XI 94% of the time.

Anderson, who has had manager Joey Barton waxing lyrical over his performances, has also notched up an impressive total of nine goal contributions in 18 appearances in League Two this season.

The attacking midfielder has since been described as a “superb” player who “gets you off your seat” by the Bristol Rovers boss:

“I think our fans have taken to him because he gets you off your seat. You would be really pleased for him to have the ball for ninety minutes because he’s got such quality.”

Steve Bruce would be right to move for Anderson who looks to be a supreme talent with his ability to score and create goals – something which could well solve the Baggies’ own scoring problems next season.

AND in other news: £10.7m wasted: WBA had howler over “absolute nightmare” who rinsed Peace for 147 weeks

Nasir Hossain was planning to celebrate his century in a manner that would have “stunned everyone”

Mohammad Isam in Mirpur16-Nov-2012Even before reaching his maiden Test century, Nasir Hossain was thinking of how to celebrate the milestone. He got very close, within four runs, before his attempt to push the ball into the covers took the edge to the waiting Chris Gayle at slip. The world remains unaware of how he would have saluted the hundred, though Nasir said it would have “stunned everyone”.”I made plans for my [century] celebration too early, so it is my bad luck that I got out on 96,” Nasir said. “I was trying to give [Shahadat Hossain] Rajib bhai as less strike as possible. After [Mahmudullah] Riyad bhai got out, I decided to bat aggressively. I think it was the right thing to do at that stage.”Nasir, however, enjoyed every bit of the freedom of coming in to bat at 362 for 5, a rarity for a Bangladesh No. 7, whose usual role is to stop a batting slide. On a wicket which he described as “beautiful”, Nasir capitalised by hammering six boundaries and four sixes. He added 121 runs for the seventh wicket with Mahmudullah before taking full charge of the 61-run ninth wicket stand with Shahadat Hossain. He had reached fifty off 99 balls, with a pulled boundary off Ravi Rampaul, but scored the next 43 runs off 37 deliveries.Known for his temperament and ability to close out games in limited overs cricket, Nasir is aware of what he is going to face at this position in the longer-format. “I told the coach that I might have to encounter the second new ball in that position so I would say I was well prepared to bat at No. 7, because I had done the hard yards in the nets.”But there is not much of a challenge in batting at this position. In the national team I am willing to bat anywhere and as in domestic cricket where my performance is counted, I bat up the order.”In the national team, Nasir will likely have to continue in the lower-middle order for a little while longer after Naeem Islam confirmed his place at No. 4 with a hundred and Mahmdullah weighed in with a half-century of his own.Nasir is going to turn 21 at the end of this month and he plays the part of an exuberant youngster. Last year, he had asked Mahmudullah how to celebrate just as he was approaching his first ODI century. This time he was itching to get to the three-figure mark. “I can’t tell you what it is, but it would have been something that stunned everyone.”

Afghanistan seamer Khaliq Dad has leant his support to Pakistan, saying his side was ready to travel to the terror-hit country when other international teams were reluctant to play there

Cricinfo staff07-Sep-2010Afghanistan seamer Khaliq Dad has lent his support to Pakistan, saying his team was ready to travel to the terror-hit country though other international sides were reluctant to do so.Dad, who led Afghanistan’s youth team to victory in a club-level tournament in Karachi, said, “It is always fantastic to play in Pakistan and I sincerely hope that international cricket returns to this cricket-loving country.”Pakistan has been a no-go zone for international teams since a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore last year. Following the attack, the ICC stripped Pakistan of its matches in the 2011 World Cup and forced them to play what would have been their home series in UAE, New Zealand and England.Dad also endorsed the growing interest for the game in Afghanistan, following the national side’s rise through the ranks from the lower divisions of the World Cricket League to playing in the 2010 World Twenty20. “You saw the talent in the team and this is because cricket is now a craze in Afghanistan. From south to west, we have more and more interest in the game and more academies have opened and more companies are coming into the game.”It may sound incredible, but I tell you girls are taking a big interest in cricket and, although the society restrictions mean women’s cricket will take some time, interest is huge,” he said.

Craig Kieswetter returned to the Somerset team with a half-century as the Group A leaders maintained their successful Clydesdale Bank record with a 71-run win over Worcestershire at Bath

Cricinfo staff23-May-2010
Scorecard
Craig Kieswetter returned to the Somerset team with a half-century as the Group A leaders maintained their successful Clydesdale Bank record with a 71-run win over Worcestershire at Bath. A festival crowd of around 3,000, basking in hot sunshine, saw the England World Twenty20 hero hit 52, with three sixes and three fours, in a Somerset total of 235 for 9. Zander de Bruyn made 55, and Ben Phillips 51 not out, his first one-day half-century.That proved too much for the Royals on an unpredictable pitch, as they subsided from 63 for 1 to 164 all out, Mark Turner taking a career best 4 for 36 from 7.4 overs. Somerset have now won all five of their group matches, and already look hot favourites to reach the semi-finals.Kieswetter received a warm ovation from spectators when opening the Somerset innings after they had lost the toss, and soon helped them make up for the early losses of Marcus Trescothick and Nick Compton. He shared a third-wicket stand of 86 with de Bruyn, and was soon demonstrating the clean hitting that had earned him the Man of the Match award in the World Twenty20 final seven days earlier.Having faced 63 balls, Kieswetter got a leading edge to Imran Arif and was caught at cover. When the in-form James Hildreth followed for a duck and De Bruyn was caughtbehind having hit five fours and two sixes, Somerset were 125 for 5.Worcestershire continued to claim wickets, but the match was taken away from them by 34-year-old Phillips, who hammered seven fours and a six in 34 balls. Daryl Mitchell was the pick of the Royals’ attack, with 2 for 30 from his eight overs.When Vikram Solanki fell to the first ball of the Royals’ reply, a sharp lifter from Turner, their struggles in the competition looked set to continue. Phil Jaques and Moeen Ali briefly raised hopes with a stand of 63, but once Jaques was well caught by Murali Kartik attempting to pull Turner, there was a steady procession of batsmen.Peter Trego produced a delightful slower ball to york Alexei Kervezee for 19, and soon it was 141 for 8. Kieswetter’s glovework was nowhere near as impressive as his batting, and the 22-year-old still has work to do on his keeping if he wants to challenge Matt Prior for his Test place.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are now plotting a move to sign the central defender to bolster their squad this month.

The report claims that it will take £32m for the Italian side to part ways with him, whilst Southampton’s Jan Bednarek is also mentioned as an option.

Vidic 2.0

Eddie Howe could find his own Nemanja Vidic in a deal to sign the Serbian colossus, as the Serie A beast has previously been compared to his compatriot.

In reaction to those comparisons, Milenkovic said: “It is magnificent to be compared to the likes of Vidic and I have to stay humble with both feet firmly on the ground.

“Vidic was one hell of a player while I am in the fledgeling stage of my career and hence I have to keep working hard in order to climb that mountain. Krstajic’s praise means so much because it’s an impetus to keep improving.”

Pol Lirola previously lauded the defender’s talents as “extraordinary” and his statistics in Italy back up that claim as he has consistently impressed.

In the Serie A this season, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.13. He has won an excellent 71% of his duels overall in the division, making 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game along with 3.2 clearances – as per SofaScore.

This shows that he has the ability to perform consistently to a high standard at the top level. Therefore, he could improve Newcastle’s defence and hand them a greater chance of keeping clean sheets and picking up points in the Premier League, aiding their bid to avoid relegation.

At the age of 24, he also has plenty of time left to develop and progress further as a player. This means that he could fulfil his potential and become the new Vidic and end his career as a Premier League icon by delivering the goods over the course of a number of years at Newcastle.

Therefore, Howe must ensure that the club are able to match the £32m price tag Fiorentina have placed on his head to get a deal done in the coming days. The comparisons to Vidic and his performance data in the Serie A suggest that he could be a strong addition to the team and they must work hard to bring him to St. James’ Park.

AND in other news, Newcastle could get SJP rocking by signing “top class” £50m beast who has “everything”…

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of Sofyan Amrabat this January transfer window…

What’s the word?

Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano delivered a fresh update on Spurs’ pursuit of the Fiorentina midfielder, who is currently excelling for Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, very early on Wednesday morning.

He said:

“Sofyan Amrabat to Tottenham, advanced but not a done deal yet. [Antonio] Conte and [Fabio] Paratici both want him – he’s also doing great at AFCON.

“But Spurs are waiting to complete [Tanguy] Ndombele deal [to Paris Saint-Germain] before Amrabat (loan with buy option). Player side, not a problem: he only wants Spurs.”

Closing in

At the moment, this would be the Lilywhites’ first signing this month as a swoop for Adama Traore continues to rumble on without much success.

It appears as if Conte’s attentions have quickly turned to sorting out the engine room because you don’t make the likes of Ndombele, Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso all available for an exit if you’re not going to try and reinforce such a key position, especially with less than five days of the window remaining.

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Amrabat isn’t a signing that is going to thrill much of the Spurs fanbase but if the Italian head coach wants him, then he must be backed.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been restricted to only 211 minutes in the Serie A this season but has featured in three full 90-minute games for his country in Group C and the round of 16 at AFCON.

Conte has lacked someone capable of driving the ball forward from midfield and he could well find that in Amrabat. Of the 39 players to have attempted 150 or more dribbles since the start of the 2019/20 campaign,  only one player (Ismael Bennacer, 79.6%) has managed a better dribble success rate than the Viola enforcer (70.3%), per WhoScored.

That is also above every single one of Spurs’ current central options with Oliver Skipp leading the way on 66.7% and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg not too far behind on 62.2%. Ndombele – who is supposed to be the ideal fit for the role – sits down at 55%, which is rather telling.

He is also solid at delivering long balls and is aggressive in the tackle, so whilst his lack of game time is a worry, there are certainly credentials there that make him fit for Conte, who must be absolutely delighted that a deal is very close. to happening.

Somewhat of a perfect signing for the Spurs boss, the north London outfit are in for one busy few days ahead of Monday’s deadline.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold hints at Adama Traore twist for Spurs…

David Warner and Ryan Carters managed to belt 48 runs from the last over of the final to give Australia their first Hong Kong Sixes trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Nov-2010David Warner and Ryan Carters managed to belt 48 runs from the last over of the final to give Australia their first Hong Kong Sixes trophy on Sunday. Pakistan were on track to defend their total of 6 for 132 in five overs and needed to limit Australia to 46 from the last eight balls delivered by Imran Nazir.Warner (35 off 11 balls) and Carters (31 off eight) stormed the team to a two-wicket victory. “It was amazing,” Warner said. “We have that Australian passion when things are against us.”It is one of those things – we needed 46 in that last over, but it is cricket and we knew we were always a chance if we backed ourselves. I was given the opportunity to come here and lead the side as well and I am just stoked for the boys, they have done so well.” Glenn Maxwell, who scored 34 off 15 in the decider, was the player of the tournament.