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Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds are two large, strong men, and like a pair of gunslingers in a western movie, this town ain’t big enough for them both

Brydon Coverdale at the SCG20-May-2009Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds are two large, strong men, and like a pair of gunslingers in a western movie, this town ain’t big enough for them both. During the 2006-07 Ashes, Symonds shot back into Australia’s Test team while Watson, his then Queensland team-mate and rival allrounder, was injured. Now it’s Watson who has gained a place for the return tour of England at the expense of Symonds.Australia’s selectors faced a tough decision on which allrounders to include in their 16-man squad. Watson and the incumbent Andrew McDonald were preferred ahead of Symonds, who in the past year has twice been stood down from the team over behavioural issues.It could mean the end of the Test road for Symonds, who turns 34 next month. But Watson was unequivocal when asked how he felt about shooting down his colleague’s Test dreams.”Good. It means I’m playing Test cricket and performing well,” Watson said. “It’s been an interesting battle between me and Andrew Symonds.”Initially I got my opportunity in the [2006-07] Ashes and unfortunately I got injured and he made the most of that opportunity that he got and has been performing well over the last couple of years. But of recent times he hasn’t helped himself in regards to what he’s been doing and I’ve just got to make the most of the opportunity that’s presented itself.”Watson has been chosen subject to fitness as he continues his recovery from a groin strain suffered during the series against Pakistan in the UAE, but he is not considered in any real doubt. Still, the latest injury was a setback for Watson, who had returned to the ODI side as a batsman only, having been diagnosed with back stress fractures during the home summer.That ended an 11-month injury-free run for Watson – the longest such period since the opening couple of years of his first-class career. He drew immense confidence from stringing together a complete tour of India last October, when he played all four Tests, and it reconfirmed in his mind that he did not want to be pigeonholed as a limited-overs specialist.”It was massive. Those ten or 11 months that I had from the IPL through the West Indies tour and then on to the India series as well gave me a massive amount of confidence to know that I can get through,” he said. “There’s been a few setbacks after that but it’s just finding the perfect balance of what I’m trying to do.”The opportunities that I had in the Test series in India just fuelled it even more to understand that Test cricket is the absolute ultimate in every single way. Mentally, technically and physically it pushes the boundaries so to be part of the biggest Test series for Australia is going to be so exciting.”The chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch praised Watson’s ability to bat anywhere in the top six and his quality fast bowling. Neither he nor the captain Ricky Ponting felt that Symonds’ Test career was over, but that Watson was simply the better option for the balance of the team in England.”I suppose Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson were competing for the same spot,” Hilditch said. “I would class them both as batters who give us quality overs at their best, but on this occasion Shane has been preferred because in the selectors’ view he adds great balance to the team.”Shane was in extremely good form before his minor injury and in addition he gives us quality pace bowling and he’s capable of batting anywhere in the top six. We think he’s a very good selection for the Ashes tour.”But although Watson has edged out Symonds he will also be competing for a place in the starting XI with McDonald, who has played all of Australia’s past four Tests. One rival has been outgunned, but another has sneaked into town.

Everton did little to improve their first-team ranks in the summer transfer window as Rafa Benitez was given a shoestring budget with which to work.

Five new faces arrived but only one of them cost the Toffees a direct transfer fee.

What’s the word?

With that in mind, the Merseyside outfit should probably take on any help they can get in terms of recruitment.

Despite not spending a lot in the last few months, they have actually enjoyed a good start to the new campaign, with summer signings Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray scoring three goals each.

Other areas certainly still need improving, however.

One player who has been linked with a move to Goodison Park is Serge Aurier. The Ivorian is a free agent after leaving Tottenham by mutual consent but fresh reports from the Liverpool Echo have quashed rumours of a move.

They claimed that the 28-year-old has been discussed but the Toffees are not actively pursuing a deal at the moment.

Go get him

With Everton lacking the financial firepower to take on the Premier League’s elite, signing players like Aurier would be shrewd business.

The right-back has been described as “uncoachable” by sources close to Spurs staff but the Toffees lack any form of depth at full-back.

They only have one senior left-back in Lucas Digne, while Seamus Coleman is their only true option on the opposite side.

That being said, the Irishman’s contract expires in two years’ time, and at the age of 32, he is getting no younger.

He has also been injured this term and is set to miss the next two to three weeks of action. Ben Godfrey has deputised unsuccessfully, but if he doesn’t play, they’d have to rely on Jonjoe Kenny.

The English defender was once tipped for a vibrant future after being nominated for the Rookie of the Year award following his spell on loan at Schalke 04.

Sadly, his career has waned since that moment. He spent the second half of 2020/21 on loan at Celtic, where he was simply disastrous.

Kenny offered plenty going forward but made a plethora of mistakes across multiple Old Firm derbies. His performances were so bad that the £5.2m-rated dud was described as a “horror show” by the cast of ACSOM.

The 24-year-old is yet to respond to his critics since returning to Finch Farm, but Benitez could finally axe him by bringing Aurier to the club.

The former Spurs man is hardly a pillar of reliability himself but he does at least have plenty of Premier League, continental and international experience under his belt.

AND in other news, Kenwright masterclass: £100k-p/w gem sees his value fall by £23m after leaving Everton…

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.

Many Manchester City supporters have been left delighted after Pep Guardiola has denied saying he would leave the club at the end of his contract.

Guardiola has been at the Manchester club since 2016 and has won 11 trophies in his time so far, including four Premier League titles and an astonishing four straight EFL Cups.

It was previously reported that the 50-year-old would say goodbye to the Citizens when his contract ends in 2023, but in the build-up of the Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig, Guardiola has denied the claim.

When asked the question about his future, a visibly frustrated Guardiola said (via City Xtra) “I didn’t say that,” whilst scratching his head in what is clearly a frustrating subject for the City boss.

Having won the Premier League title back from Liverpool, the next aim will be to win the Champions League – the one major trophy the club has never won – and Guardiola’s future at the club looks set to be in pursuit of just that.

Man City fans buzzing with Pep’s comments

These Manchester City supporters have taken to Twitter to react to their manager’s comments and speculated that the former Spain international could remain at the club for a long while yet…

“PEP BALL MAY CONTINUE”

Credit: @gabartheman

“Bad news for PL teams”

Credit: @kaerimX119

“OMG YESSS”

Credit: @xissxm

“This is better than signing a striker”

Credit: @sunday832

“Please stay forever”

Credit: @Antzharris10

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @bdeanMCFC

In other news, City have international midfielder on their wishlist to replace Fernandinho. Find out more here.

Michael Clarke hopes he has until the morning of Thursday’s first Test against South Africa to prove he is ready to play

Cricinfo staff25-Feb-2009
Michael Clarke’s fitness remains a concern for Australia © Getty Images
Michael Clarke hopes he has until the morning of Thursday’s first Test against South Africa to prove he is ready after struggling to recover from a nagging back injury. Clarke hasn’t played since the fourth ODI against New Zealand on February 10, but was wanting a couple of strong training sessions in the lead-up to the game in Johannesburg.”It’s certainly improving and I’m confident I’ll pull up all right for the Test,” Clarke said in the Sydney Morning Herald. “Any time you’re not playing in the games, like the one we had last weekend, or any time you’re not able to train 100%, there’s a few little nerves there about if you’re going to be OK.”Clarke has been dealing with problems in his back since he was 14. “It’s not like I’m not used to it,” Clarke said. “I know I have to do a lot of strength work, core work, rehab, swimming, stretching. I know my body well enough now to know exactly what I have to do to stay on the park. This injury is completely different to what I’ve had in the past, which is why we’re going so slow and steady with it.”However, Clarke is “not too concerned” and wants to ensure it doesn’t flare up in the future. He hoped he would have until the morning of the game to show he was ready. “The last few days have been pretty good,” he said. “The physio’s been happy with how I’ve improved gradually every day.”

Many West Ham United supporters have been reacting to a tweet from the club which highlighted Michail Antonio making his Jamaica national team debut on Sunday evening.

The 31-year-old started up front alongside Kemar Roofe in the Reggae Boyz’s second World Cup qualifying fixture against Panama, in which they fell to a 3-0 defeat.

Despite being born in England, Antonio was approached to represent Jamaica in February and said to be passionate about helping the country to try and reach its first World Cup since 1998.

After receiving his Jamaican passport in August, he finally made his national debut on Sunday, with Reading’s Liam Moore, Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock and Derby County’s Ravel Marrison also starting.

Andres Andrade, Rolanda Blackburn and Cecilio Waterman were the goalscorers to hand Thomas Christiansen’s side their first win of the qualifying campaign, whilst Antonio’s Jamaica sit rock bottom of the group with two defeats in two after Friday’s 2-1 loss in Mexico.

With Antonio’s worrying track record of hamstring injuries in recent years, West Ham will hope that their striker returns to England fully fit and ready to go for the resumption of club action.

West Ham fans share worries about Antonio

After the club tweeted about Antonio starting for Jamaica prior to kick-off, these West Ham fans replied with worry over him possibly picking up yet another injury.

“Cheers, was about to sleep and now all I can think of is hamstrings”

Credit: @thewesthamvault

“Please don’t get injured… Please don’t get injured… Please don’t get injured… Please don’t get injured…”

Credit: @ccohen9

“Please don’t get hurt”

Credit: @codyjharrison9

“Thousands of West Ham fans getting no sleep now worrying about his hamstrings”

Credit: @h_gazz

“Mind them hammys Micky”

Credit: @WestHamNewssss

“I feel a hamstring injury there”

@Credit: @sedikigh12345

In more news, a London Stadium insider has shared an update on one Irons player. Find out more here. 

Rangers ‘have made Everton aware’ of what kind of bid for Nathan Patterson would be taken seriously, according to The 4th Official. 

The lowdown

The Mirror’s John Cross reported on Sunday afternoon that the Toffees had tabled a £5m offer for the right-back.

Recruiting cover and competition for Seamus Coleman in that position is thought to be the club’s main focus ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.

Patterson made five Scottish Premiership appearances for Steven Gerrard’s side last season and racked up a further four outings in the Europa League (via WhoScored). Scotland manager Steve Clarke was so impressed that he called up the 19-year-old for the European Championship earlier in the summer.

The teenager still has three years to run on his deal with the Gers, having agreed fresh terms as recently as January (via Transfermarkt).

The latest

According to The 4th Official, Rangers are said to be ‘confident’ in their stance and have communicated their demands to Everton.

It would apparently take a ‘really significant outlay’ to bring him to Merseyside, and The 4th Official claimed that the £5m figure initially reported is ‘a bit misleading’; the Blues actually offered £4.2m up front.

The verdict

This would be a shrewd addition for Everton. Patterson would probably only feature sporadically at first given Coleman’s long-standing status as a regular but the Irishman would progressively be phased out for his long-term successor.

Rangers, for their part, probably have a similar plan in mind, with first-choice right-back James Tavernier turning 30 in October.

How high should Everton be willing to go on a fee? Another couple of million would be reasonable, but with the transfer deadline now approaching, they should walk away swiftly if the gap in the clubs’ respective valuations seems insurmountable.

In other news, many Everton fans were left fuming over this transfer news.

Luke Butterworth’s career-best 114 made him a hero, but he had lost the status by the end of the match when his final five balls went for 18

Cricinfo staff14-Feb-2009
Scorecard
Luke Butterworth collected a career-best one-day score before his day turned sour © Getty Images
Luke Butterworth’s career-best 114 made him a hero, but he had lost the status by the end of the match when his final five balls went for 18 and allowed Western Australia to lift from the bottom of the table. North, who will join the Test squad on Monday, steered the chase with an unbeaten 104, making sure they overcame the wobble when Luke Pomersbach was stumped for 45.The Warriors lost 5 for 41 and needed 54 from the final five overs with North and Drew Porter (36) at the crease. North brought up his century in the last over with consecutive boundaries from Butterworth, and then Porter hit another full toss for six.Two were required from the last two balls and Porter took them to 7 for 255 with a legside force. Western Australia’s win left New South Wales with the wooden spoon while the Warriors moved to fifth.Tasmania, who currently sit third, slumped to 5 for 57 after winning the toss, but fought back through Butterworth and George Bailey. Brad Knowles grabbed the first three wickets on the way to 5 for 62 – and a bleeding nose – but the Warriors relaxed after their strong start.Bailey and Butterworth put on 100 for the sixth wicket before Bailey was almost mid-pitch when run out on 56. Butterworth continued to gather useful runs during his 103-ball stay and the lower order collected 57 from the final 30 balls to post 8 for 254.Butterworth peaked in the final over of the innings as he thrashed 23 from Ben Edmondson to bring up his century. Knowles gained an lbw from Geeves for his fifth breakthrough, but the batsman had taken off for a run and his shoulder hit the bowler in the face.

Mumbai continued to dictate terms for the second straight day at the Brabourne Stadium

The Bulletin by Nagraj Gollapudi at the Brabourne Stadium19-Dec-2008Punjab 202 & 18 for 0 trail Mumbai 436 for 9 dec (Muzumdar 113, Rohit 85, Rahane 80, Samant 65, Nayar 61, Kakkar 3-93) by 216 runs
Scorecard
Amol Muzumdar scored his first century of the season © Cricinfo Ltd
Mumbai continued to dictate terms for the second straight day at the Brabourne Stadium, with Amol Muzumdar and Rohit Sharma’s handsome knocks taking the game further away from Punjab. Muzumdar scored his first hundred of the season, and his 132-run fourth-wicket stand with Rohit was the main highlight of a day on which Punjab failed to make any impression.At stumps, Punjab’s opening pair of Sunny Sohal and Karan Goel played with caution the four overs of spin from Ramesh Powar and Ankit Chavan, who are bound to play a bigger role on Saturday as Mumbai try to seal the match.Ajinkya Rahane, who had cracked a stroke-filled half-century the previous evening, once again started off on a brisk note, punishing the loose balls from Gagandeep Singh and Amanpreet Singh. However, half an hour into the morning, Rahane was adjudged leg-before after he tried to push an offcutter from Gagandeep for a single into the vacant midwicket region. It was a big wicket because Rahane, the tournament highest run-getter this year, was key to Mumbai’s chances to score an innings victory.In walked Muzumdar with the weight of expectations on his slim shoulders: his unconvincing form (two fifties in six previous games) had added to the pressure on the top order. But, today, Muzumdar seemed to have exorcised his ghosts finally. He took charge straightaway with two magnificent drives past cover, both fours, against the well-flighted legbreaks of Sarabjit Ladda. Nimble on the feet, Muzumdar was quick to move forward as well as draw back if the bowler tried to attack him.Making use of the width on offer and the gaps in the field, especially behind the wicket, Muzumdar utilised the cut and the paddle- sweep frequently as he marched to his third half-century of the season before lunch.He was joined by Rohit once Vinayak Samant, the other overnight batsman, departed soon after reaching his fifty. In a moment of misjudgment, Samant stayed back to a delivery from left-arm spinner Ankur Kakkar; the ball jumped off the pitch and turned away to bowl him.Rohit started on an extravagant note with two full-blooded fours: the first over Kakkar’s head, followed by one clubbed over mid-off. When Ladda offered him width, Rohit accepted with glee, slashing the legspinner past point for another four.By lunch, Mumbai were set to post an imposing lead having gone past Punjab’s score. With the pitch completely dry, the ball gripped the surface and provided the comfort of an extra moment for the batsman to decide his shot. The only way Punjab could have expected to strike back was by tossing the ball up or pinning the batsmen down – something neither of their three spinners – Ladda, Varun Khanna and Kakkar – managed consistently. It only helped Mumbai dominate.Rohit brought up his half-century in a swift manner, charging Gagandeep for an easy on-drive for four. Two balls later, a solid front-foot punch raced away to the sightscreen behind the bowler. Playing with gusto, he stood his ground once again to punch it past the straight boundary to end the over. Rohit looked ominous as he neared his second century of the season, but a lofted attempt to clear the boundary landed in the hands of Ravi Inder Singh at mid-off.But Punjab’s misery was far from over, with Muzumdar, enjoying the Rohit show from the other end, closing in on the century with consecutive sweeps against Kakkar. Having cut Kakkar in front of square for another four, an emotional Muzumdar celebrated his maiden ton this season with a leap and a punch in the air. He was doubly happy as his parents were at the ground to witness his big moment. Then as a gesture to thanks his team-mates, he simultaneously doffed his cap and bowed towards the Mumbai dressing room.At the other end, Abhishek Nayar, playing his first game of the season, crushed Punjab’s spirits further with an attacking half-century as he stitched a valuable partnership with Muzumdar for the fifth wicket. Though Muzumdar failed to carry on, trapped plumb going for a prod against Khanna, he had done enough to help Mumbai take the game out of Punjab’s reach.

Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge believes that it is only Manchester City who have the money to afford Robert Lewandowski.

Sky Sports were told that Lewandowski is happy at Bayern Munich but wants a move to another top European club before he is 35.

Lewandowski, who turns 33 on his next birthday (21 August), has been in fine goalscoring form for Bayern Munich, scoring 297 times in 331 matches. The Poland international is second on the all-time top goal scorers in Bundesliga, with 276 goals.

Last season alone he managed to score an incredible 48 goals in all competitions.

The Sky Sports report also says that Bayern Munich value Lewandowski at more than £100m, with Michael Bridge believing it’s surely only Manchester City who have the money for the striker, telling Football FanCast: “Is it only City? I mean, surely it’s only City and we know how much Pep loved him at Bayern Munich, but no other club has the money to pay.”

City have been linked with a move for Harry Kane throughout the summer and there were also reports of them being interested in Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, but journalist Fabrizio Romano posted on his Twitter account that the Fiorentina president Commisso had said: “I don’t know what’s gonna happen but I’m planning to keep Vlahovic this summer, I want him to stay. But if we receive a bid of €100m, I’ll think about it.”