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Gareth Cross smashed a six off the penultimate ball to give Lancashire Lightning a dramatic Friends Provident t20 victory over Warwickshire Bears at Old Trafford

20-Jun-2010
ScorecardTom Smith anchored Lancashire’s chase with a calm half century•Getty ImagesGareth Cross smashed a six off the penultimate ball to give Lancashire Lightning a dramatic Friends Provident t20 victory over Warwickshire Bears at Old Trafford.Despite a half-century from Tom Smith Lancashire still needed 12 from seven balls chasing the visitors’ 126 for six when the wicketkeeper strode to the middle. He despatched the first delivery for four and after Keith Barker conceded just two off the first four balls of the final over, Cross sent the second ball he faced sailing over the boundary to wrap up a five-wicket win and condemn the Bears to only their second North Division defeat.Lightning had struggled to chase totals during defeats to Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire and although Imran Tahir claimed three for 18 they were always up with the rate. Paul Horton (23) shook off a blow to the chin from Neil Carter to smash a six and a four in three balls off Chris Woakes in the second over.He and Smith worked the spinners well and put on 48 before Horton was bowled trying to sweep Tahir in the spinner’s first over. The leg-spinner then struck with the last ball of his next two overs as Stephen Moore was stumped by Tim Ambrose for three and Steven Croft holed out to Darren Maddy for five.But Smith kept his head with his fifth score over 40 in seven matches. He and Simon Katich took Lancashire to the verge of victory before the Australian holed out to Maddy for 17 at the end of the 18th over with 14 still needed.But when Smith was trapped lbw by Carter off the last ball of the following over Lancashire were 115 for five and needed Cross’ last-ditch heroics to see them over the line. Only Jim Troughton had any significant impact with the bat for the Bears making an unbeaten 42 off 34 balls.Having decided to bat they were put under pressure with some tight bowling from Nathan McCullum and Smith – restricting them to just 12 runs off the first three overs. Sajid Mahmood then struck with the second ball of the fourth over and Katich took the first of three catches as Jonathan Trott went for just four.Carter and Maddy tried to up the rate, with Maddy hitting McCullum for the only six of the innings. But spin proved the undoing of the pair as Stephen Parry first bowled Carter for 20 in his first over and then Simon Kerrigan struck twice in two balls.The 21-year-old got Maddy with his second ball thanks to a great full-length diving catch by Katich at backward point. He then trapped Varun Chopra lbw first ball as Warwickshire slumped to 63 for 4. Croft continued an impressive display in the field for Lancashire as he took a tough catch to dismiss Rikki Clarke off Glen Chapple. And Katich claimed the last of his victims to get Ambrose off the first ball of the final over, leaving Mahmood with 2 for 27.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is a huge fan of John Swift…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who dropped the big revelation earlier this week amid the Whites’ links to the Reading playmaker.

The ever-reliable journalist was asked about Leeds’ potential plans to sign a new central midfielder during the January transfer window, in which he responded:

“I can definitely see the value in signing a centre mid in the window, partly to help this season but partly to create one less job for the summer window (which will be far more active).

“They were clearly very keen on O’Brien but I don’t know if I see Huddersfield lowering his value (particularly with him on a new contract).

“[It] was interesting to see John Swift linked over the weekend because Swift is someone Bielsa quietly admires.”

January swoop?

Indeed, the Yorkshire giants have been heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old attacking midfielder.

Earlier this week Sheffield-based outlet The Star claimed that United had been resigned to the fact that they will not be able to compete with interest from the Premier League, with Leeds mentioned.

Despite the Royals’ league struggles this campaign, the former Chelsea graduate has been in scintillating form and ultimately, he would make for an exciting signing, especially under the tutelage of Bielsa, who is clearly an admirer.

As per Transfermarkt, Swift has scored eight goals and provided seven assists, which makes him amongst the most prolific in the division for goal contributions – only five players (all strikers) have scored more, and he ranks second overall for assists.

One Leeds Fan YouTuber Conor McGilligan recently claimed that the £3.6m-rated dynamo would be “the perfect Leeds signing” as he “has the technical ability that would sort of replicate a Pablo Hernandez, a Samuel Saiz in tight pockets.”

He is currently averaging 2.8 key passes per game in the Championship, so that certainly adds weight to that argument and those are returns that would see him rank first in the current Leeds squad.

Therefore, the claim that Bielsa admires him should leave many supporters around Elland Road absolutely buzzing with excitement heading into January.

The Argentine hasn’t been wrong with his targets too often, so if he wants Swift at the club, then he should be trusted.

AND in other news, Forget Dan James: Bielsa must now turn to 20-year-old Leeds gem who’s “impossible to handle”…

Manchester United are keen on Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The lowdown

At the start of this month, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher hailed Doucoure as ‘one of the standout players’ in the early part of the Premier League season.

The Frenchman is currently out of action after picking up a foot injury which is expected to sideline him for six to seven weeks. Patrick Boyland, Everton correspondent for The Athletic, described it a ‘huge loss’ for Rafael Benitez’s side.

United, for their part, have been told that they need to sign an upgrade in midfield to address what is an ‘obvious’ flaw in their team.

The latest

According to Fichajes, Doucoure has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur, but Champions League participants United don’t ‘want to be left behind’.

It would apparently take somewhere between €25m (£21.1m) and €40m (£33.8m) to convince Everton to part with the 28-year-old.

The verdict

This news comes at an especially bad time for Everton, who were dealt a 5-2 home thrashing by Watford at the weekend, the Hornets having lost their previous match 5-0 at home to Liverpool.

If Doucoure were to be lured away from Goodison Park, the Toffees’ chances of a top-half finish could potentially be in jeopardy. As per WhoScored metrics, he is their second-best performer so far this season, his all-round midfield abilitites highlighted by him being in the top four among the squad for shots and tackles per game.

Still, it’s hard to see Everton entertaining offers in the quoted ballpark. They paid a fraction under £20m to sign him just last year, he could still have up to three years left on his contract and it’s fair to say that his stock has only grown since the move to Merseyside.

In other news, many Everton fans were buzzing over this news. 

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ five-game unbeaten run came to a sudden halt this afternoon as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Chances were few and far between for either side in a closely-fought opening 45 minutes, but Wilfried Zaha’s strike just after the hour mark sparked an entertaining end to proceedings.

Jose Sa was tested on several occasions by Odsonne Edouard and Christian Benteke before Wolves were awarded a penalty after Joel Ward was adjudged to have brought down Rayan Ait-Nouri inside the box.

However, Graham Scott’s decision was overturned by the video assistant referee, and Conor Gallagher sealed the three points for Palace after his goal-bound effort took a heavy deflection off Conor Coady, leaving Sa stranded.

It was a disappointing day all round for the Midlands outfit, with several usually dependable performers well below their best.

It was arguably left-wing back Ait-Nouri who struggled the most in south London. Edouard gave him a torrid time down the flank in the second half following his switch with Zaha, and reporter Alex Dicken highlighted the French youngster’s toils.

“Defensively, Ait-Nouri still has a lot to learn and struggled up against the more physical Edouard after Zaha switched sides at half-time,” wrote Dicken after awarding the youngster a six out of 10.

Although the 20-year-old offered some attacking threat and showed endeavour throughout the 90 minutes, he made a string of costly errors which hindered Wolves’ play, letting Lage down as a result.

As per SofaScore, Ait-Nouri lost possession a whopping 27 times, achieved a miserly passing accuracy of just 62% and picked out a teammate with just one of his five attempted crosses. The France under-21 international also lost nine duels and was dribbled past by an opponent on four occasions, with his only redeeming statistic that he made seven tackles.

Ait-Nouri could have a fabulous career at the highest level, but he’ll need to improve on his defensive work and final ball from today if he is to reach his full potential.

In other news… Bruno Lage drops promising Wolves update which is sure to have fans buzzing 

The ICC board has endorsed a recommendation by its Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) to hold this year’s Champions Trophy in South Africa

Cricinfo staff16-Mar-2009The ICC board has endorsed a recommendation by its Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) to hold this year’s Champions Trophy in South Africa. The ICC said that the event, which runs from September 24-October 5, would be held in Johannesburg and Centurion.However, the ICC admitted that Cricket South Africa (CSA) has been sought as the alternative host, with the Wanderers and SuperSport Park as the venues, provided an agreement on the financial arrangements can be reached. CSA will now have to confirm whether it accepts the event’s revenue model.The ICC president David Morgan described the move as a “sensible decision” and thanked the boards of Sri Lanka and South Africa for their commitment. “I think the board has made a sensible decision that will give the event every chance of success,” he said. “We now have clarity on the subject and we can make firm plans for what is going to be a great spectacle of ODI cricket.”I would like to thank Sri Lanka Cricket for its commitment to offer an alternative to Pakistan. And also, I want to acknowledge its willingness to step aside in this matter. I’d also like to thank CSA for putting its hand up and offering to host this event.”With Wanderers and Centurion, CSA can provide two world-class venues in what is effectively one location and as we know from the ICC World Twenty20 2007, weather conditions in the area around Johannesburg in September and October are stable and ideal for cricket,” said Morgan.The hosting rights will remain with Pakistan, ensuring a significant windfall for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “The decision of giving the Champions Trophy to South Africa hasn’t changed the picture,” the PCB’s chief operating officer Salim Altaf told reporters in Lahore. “If the ICC gives South Africa financial assistance, it would still have no impact on the PCB’s share, which is $2.75 million.”The CEC had expressed concern over the tournament being held in Sri Lanka and strongly suggested it be held in South Africa following concerns over weather conditions in the island nation during that period.The teleconference also unanimously agreed that the dates for next year’s ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies would be between April 30-May 16.

With arguably West Bromwich Albion’s biggest game of the Championship season coming up on Saturday, Valerien Ismael will know that he must get his team selection absolutely spot-on if he is to have any hope of leaving Craven Cottage with all three points.

One dilemma which is likely to be high on the Frenchman’s mind is what to do in the middle of the park, with Robert Snodgrass and Jayson Molumby impressing in the absence of the injured Alex Mowatt and the suspended Jake Livermore in the 3-0 win over Bristol City last time out.

However, despite club captain Livermore seemingly being back in contention for the clash with Fulham, Ismael simply must ensure that he affords Molumby a spot in his starting XI this weekend, as the midfielder has proven in recent weeks that he is an incredibly solid option in heart of the Albion team.

Indeed, having been brought into the Baggies’ starting XI against Swansea City, the Brighton loanee was one of West Brom’s few bright sparks in the 2-1 loss at the Liberty Stadium, making one key pass, four tackles and winning five duels over his 90 minutes on the pitch. Those returns saw the 22-year-old receive a SofaScore match rating of 7.0.

The £900k-rated Irishman followed this performance up with yet another impressive display in the 3-0 win over Bristol City last weekend, with Molumby completing 40 passes – the most of any player to feature in the match – making two tackles and winning eight duels. These metrics saw the midfielder earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.3.

As such, considering these recent performances, it would seem crucial that Ismael sticks with the player who he himself dubbed an “incredible” talent on Saturday, as the £7.1k-per-week ace has more than proven that he deserves to keep his place against Fulham.

In other news: Joseph Masi drops fresh West Brom transfer claim which will have fans buzzing

Arsenal are already planning for life without Alexandre Lacazette and one Premier League striker sits atop their shortlist…

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, the Gunners view Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a potential replacement for the 30-year-old, who remains out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

There is a chance that they could even look to offload him during the January transfer window in a bid to garner some sort of money for him, but that will only happen if Mikel Arteta is able to secure a replacement.

And the 24-year-old England international is said to be a long-term option, though Arsenal chiefs know he will not come cheap, with CIES Football Observatory currently valuing him at €50m (£45m).

Gunners’ new Henry

Calvert-Lewin has established himself as a prolific marksman in the Premier League over the past 18 to 24 months. Indeed, he has come on leaps and bounds, having bagged 13 times in 2019/20 and 21 times last season, as per Transfermarkt.

That form has continued into the current campaign, where he has scored three goals in three top-flight appearances, even despite contending with injuries.

The 6 foot 2 Englishman once admitted that he admired Gunners legend Thierry Henry to the extent of buying his shirts as he was his favourite player and idol.

You could therefore suggest that some elements in his impressive game have been modelled on the Premier League great.

Perhaps Carlo Ancelotti’s endorsement of the Toffees talisman further reinforces the similarities, he told the BBC in December 2019:

“He is a fantastic striker, in my opinion – fantastic with the head, clever in the box and sharp. I think he is going to be at the top in England and in Europe. He has all the qualities to be a top striker.”

One massive element to Calvert-Lewin’s threat has been his aerial ability – he has been second to none in the English top-flight, having won an average of 4.7 duels in the air per league outing, the joint-most of any striker to start 25 or more games last term, via WhoScored.

That sort of attribute has earned praise from his Everton teammate Richarlison, who claimed that “he has an incredible leap on him like Cristiano Ronaldo” and that he “must be a nightmare to play against.”

Also dubbed a “special talent” by his former youth assistant Chris Short, Calvert-Lewin could bring shades of Henry back to north London this winter.

AND in other news, Arteta could unearth Arsenal’s next Cesc Fabregas in Hale End’s teen “special talent”…

Southampton have joined Tottenham in the race to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to The Sun.

The Lowdown: Forster to depart?

Ralph Hasenhuttl has Alex McCarthy, Fraser Forster and youngster Harry Lewis as options in goal on the south coast, although Forster, who has been on the books at St Mary’s since 2014, has less than 12 months remaining on his current deal.

Southampton are expecting to lose the 33-year-old at the end of the campaign, and it seems as if they already have a target in mind to bring in.

The Latest: Nixon’s claim

Alan Nixon of The Sun shared a story late on Saturday night claiming the Saints have joined Spurs and West Ham in the race for Johnstone’s services.

The West Brom goalkeeper, who shares the same agency as Che Adams, is also out of contract at the end of the season, but Southampton are willing to pay for the 28-year-old in a potential New Year deal instead of waiting until next summer.

The Verdict: Smart move?

Both McCarthy and Forster are over 30 years of age and earn a combined £120,000 per week, so bringing in Johnstone, who is on £32,500-a-week at The Hawthorns, could be a shrewd move.

He’s three years younger than McCarthy and five younger than Forster and also has Premier League and international experience.

The Saints are clearly admirers if they are willing to pay a fee for the Baggies star with so little time left to run on his contract, but it still may work out as a smart piece of business if they spend to bring him to St Mary’s.

In other news: Lots of Saints fans were excited over this piece of ‘great news’ in recent days

John Buchanan has called for a review of the position of coach, currently occupied by Tim Nielsen, in the aftermath of Australia’s 2-1 defeat in the Ashes

Cricinfo staff30-Aug-2009John Buchanan has called for a review of of current Australian coach Tim Nielsen’s position, in the aftermath of Australia’s 2-1 defeat in the Ashes. Nielsen had accepted responsibility for the outcome and had said there were things he could have done differently, but added that he had to concentrate on the job ahead. Buchanan, who coached Australia before Nielsen took over, stressed that it wasn’t just the coaching position which had to be reviewed but the entire system.”The coaching position needs to be looked at, whether we need a restructure of the position and the personnel,” he told the . “The first step is to deal with all the emotional criticism and then sit down and work out the best way forward.”My view, having gone through it in 2005, was that there was a lot to be achieved, once you actually try to find solutions rather than looking for scapegoats. It’s not just about the players. Some people have called for the selection panel to be looked at and I think we need to look at the whole system.”Nielsen began his tenure as coach successfully, with series wins over India and West Indies in the early part of 2008. But, since then, Australia’s record has been mixed. While they won against New Zealand at home and against South Africa away, they were defeated by India in the return series, experienced their first series loss at home in 16 years when they were beaten 2-1 by South Africa, and lost the Ashes.Buchanan said that Australia had not done well enough to monitor and study the opposition prior to taking them on. He was speaking more with regards to their performance in England, having lost twice in two attempts there since 2005.”We’ve lost two series in a row there now and even though we’ve got computer information on the opposition, we’re probably not scouting as well as we could,” he said. “It could be that we have a coach or somebody who follows the English team for a couple of months prior to an Ashes series.”It could be that we talk to professional players or coaches who are already over there, about conditions and what the ball is doing. But we need to find long-term solutions.”Ricky Ponting, the Australia captain, has expressed his interest in returning to England in 2013 in the quest for an elusive victory under his leadership there, and Buchanan was fully supportive of his ambition. However, he added that the coach needed to shoulder a greater element of responsibility in easing the burden off the captain.”Ponting has said he wants to be there when they go back in 2013 and I support that, but I think the point it raises is the issue of player management,” Buchanan said. “The captain doesn’t have to be the first person to answer questions, but it would be a radical change to the traditional cricket hierarchy. Everything revolves around the captain and that makes the position extremely, extremely difficult to handle over a long period of time.”

When Kyogo Furuhashi was ruled out of action for a period of seven matches following the international break, you knew Celtic would be in trouble.

However, after Albian Ajeti found the net three times in the following two games, it looked as though they’d found their solution.

The Swiss was taking his chances and was finding himself in the right place at the right time.

Sadly, the £4.5m striker has now reverted to type in the last few weeks with some disappointing performances.

All of that has culminated in Celtic’s worst start to a season for 23 years. They lost to Livingston last week and seven days later, they were drawing at Parkhead against Dundee United 1-1.

Their away form under Ange Postecoglou has been disastrous. They are yet to win a game on the road in the league under his stewardship so their home displays were a saving grace.

Yet, after picking up a solitary point on Sunday, there was little to be positive about.

Ajeti was one of the worst in what was a dismal showing from the former West Ham attacker once again.

He spurned some simple opportunities to score versus Livi and the same eventuality occurred when they took on Dundee United. He’d find himself in valuable positions but was unable to find the net.

A glorious opportunity fell his way in the opening period but he somehow missed the target from just four yards out. Another chance was missed late in the second half when Ajeti headed wide from six yards.

The 24-year-old was isolated once again and offered little apart from appearing in the penalty area. It was a showing in stark contrast to Kyogo, someone who is willing to press and run in behind.

During the course of the match, Ajeti had just 17 touches of the ball, 28 fewer than goalkeeper Joe Hart, but he didn’t do a lot with possession once he had it.

In fact, he completed only 75% of his passes, making six in total during his 90 minutes on the field.

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That’s a number you’d traditionally expect from a centre-forward who’s been substituted at half time so to see it from someone who lasted a full game is dismal.

If things weren’t bad enough, his frustration shone through with a total of three fouls.

This was a horror show from Ajeti, a player who is likely to be immediately axed from the team once Kyogo and Giorgos Giakoumakis are back fit.

AND in other news, Forget Brady: Celtic must swoop for £5.4m-rated machine who can “sprint like Mbappe”…