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An all-round performance masterminded by South Australia’s foreign recruits, Kieron Pollard and Shahid Afridi, helped them overcome Western Australia in Perth

Alex Malcolm29-Dec-2009
ScorecardOverseas signings Shahid Afridi and Kieron Pollard starred in South Australia’s victory over Western Australia in the Twenty20 Big Bash encounter at the WACA. Afridi, the player of the tournament in this year’s World Twenty20, shrugged off a first-ball duck in the first innings and produced a mesmerising spell of leg-spin bowling that gave him figures of 4 for 19 and the Man-of-the-Match award.Afridi entered the attack in the eighth over of the chase with the score on 81 without loss. The rousing start was thanks to Chris Gayle’s brutal assault that yielded 40 runs in 16 balls. The scoreboard damage he inflicted was minimal in comparison to what some spectators might have suffered if struck by one of his three massive sixes.Such was the power of Gayle’s bat-swing, the West Indies captain strained a side-muscle and had to retire hurt. The severity of his injury is yet to be determined, but it could have ramifications not only for Western Australia’s fortunes in this tournament but also for the West Indies’ campaign in the ODI series in February.Following Gayle’s retirement, Afridi knocked over Ronchi and began to stifle the run-scoring in telling fashion as his second over went for just four runs.Gayle returned, clearly sore, to join Adam Voges and the game hung in the balance before Shaun Tait removed them both in the 18th over to atone for spraying four balls in his first spell which cost 12 wides. Afridi then cleaned up the tail to seal victory for the Redbacks.Earlier, South Australia’s other import Kieron Pollard proved his performance in the Champions League for Trinidad and Tobago wasn’t a one-off when he clubbed 45 from 31 balls to set up the match-winning total of 196. He was ably supported by Mark Cosgrove (42) and Cameron Borgas, whose unbeaten cameo of 34 in 16 balls was part of a 60-run stand that propelled the Redbacks to a monumental score.

Liverpool are set to lose Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita for the Africa Cup of Nations, with the rescheduled tournament set to begin on 9 January and conclude on 6 February.

Liverpool are hopeful that the trio won’t have to join up with their countries until after their clash with title rivals Chelsea on 2 January, but the associations are entitled to demand that the players be released on December 27.

Discussions are ongoing, but there’s a possibility that Salah, Mane and Keita could miss up to four Premier League matches. That could be a huge blow for the Reds given the sensational form of the Egyptian in particular, who leads the Premier League charts for both goals and assists.

Mane has chipped in with nine goals himself, while Keita is a valuable squad option, having started seven games in the Premier League and Champions League.

Doubts about wisdom of holding AFCON?

At a meeting on Thursday, the Executive Board of the European Club Association (ECA) ‘expressed its deep concerns about player safety and welfare’ ahead of the tournament. This is ‘in light of the worsening public health situation’.

The ECA will work with FIFA to ‘ensure all necessary precautions are in place’ for the protection of players and ‘club interests’.

Fan feed Anfield Edition relayed their statement, and here’s how some Reds supporters reacted.

Liverpool fans flock to AFCON latest

“I totally agree !!! AFCON SHOULDNT HAPPEN”

Credit: @lewedwards12

“AFCON must be cancelled for the sake of everyone’s safety”

Credit: @AngelDiMezzala

“I hope they just cancel or at least postpone it. Risks are huge and we would like to see empty stadiums again. Football without fans is nothing”

Credit: @SH13895102

“Can’t see it going ahead”

Credit: @deedna00

“There’s hope?”

Credit: @lewis20

“If they cancel it we might win it all…”

Credit: @PrinceTrent66

In other news, many Liverpool fans hailed this pre-Wolves injury update

The PCB is confident that the ICC is best placed to take further the issue of the security breach that saw a spectator run onto the field and tackle a Pakistan player on the field in Perth

Osman Samiuddin02-Feb-2010The PCB is confident that the ICC is best placed to take further the issue of the security breach that saw a spectator run onto the field and tackle a Pakistan player on the field in Perth, during the fifth ODI between Australia and Pakistan on Sunday.Khalid Latif was taken down by a fan as the game drew to a close at the WACA; the man in question has been charged with assault and been handed a life ban from the ground. The incident spurred the Pakistan sports minister into urging Cricket Australia (CA) to set up barriers at grounds and put a ban on alcohol. The PCB, however, says only that the ICC will handle the matter from here on.”We have been in touch with CA and the ICC. The ICC has a set of procedures in place that govern such issues in bilateral series so they will act accordingly now,” Wasim Bari, the PCB’s chief operating officer, told Cricinfo.The ICC has already asked CA for a report on the matter and expressed its concern over the breach of security. The matter is now likely to be discussed at the executive board’s meeting in Dubai from February 9.”Obviously with any incident of this kind, we are concerned,” Bari said. “It is the responsibility of the home state and the home board and they have very strict state laws in place for such things. But there is a procedure in place to handle it and it will be done in that way. It will probably be brought up at the ICC meeting.”Bari refused to comment on reports that CA had communicated an apology to the PCB over the incident, maintaining only that there “has been some correspondence between us.”The country’s sports minister, however, believes this may be a good time for CA to bring in the kind of barriers and security measures in place at subcontinent venues. ”The thing that really worried me, what if that person had a knife on him, he got there and could have done anything he wanted,” Ijaz Jhakrani told the .”They should ban alcohol at grounds. There should be some kind of barrier or restriction to stop people entering the ground. This is the right time to think about these things. It is no good waiting for someone to die before making decisions.”Pakistan’s players are not, however, overly concerned about the breach according to team officials in Australia. “The players are fine. They are not concerned at all about this,” an official told Cricinfo. “Security came and apologized to us for the breach and we’re confident it will be ok in Melbourne.”The incident was one of several ones to occur at grounds through their long tour this summer. There is one match to go, a Twenty20 international at the MCG on February 5, in front of what is expected to be a big crowd. During the Boxing Day Test earlier, one spectator managed to run diagonally almost across the entire ground before he was brought down by security staff.

As per Mundo Deportivo, an enticing transfer claim has emerged involving Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyes free moves…

Tottenham’s transfer chief has certainly been hard at work behind the scenes going by his numerous links to potential 2022 free agents over these last few months.

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Franck Kessie, Marcelo Brozovic, Lorenzo Insigne and Jesse Lingard are just a handful of names attracting Tottenham’s interest who could all leave their clubs for nothing next year.

Another player who seemingly fits Paratici’s description, Catalans star Dembele, is also out of contract at the end of this season with Spurs’ managing director now making a pre-January move.

The Latest: Paratici offers ‘a lot of money’ to Dembele…

As per Spanish news outlet Mundo, Paratici ‘wants to give Antonio Conte quality players at zero cost’ and it is believed that the France international has now been ‘tempted’ by Spurs as a result.

Tottenham have apparently ‘approached’ Dembele with ‘a lot of money’ as Paratici personally promises the 24-year-old he’ll be a ‘key piece’ in the N17 project.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Spurs’ official sets out a transfer plan of signing stars for little to no cost, we believe a swoop for Dembele could certainly come as an astute bit of business but a slight gamble.

Indeed, on the one hand, Paratici could bypass the player’s estimated £45m Transfermarkt valuation and sign a player Lionel Messi called a ‘phenomenon’ for free.

On the other, the former Borussia Dortmund sensation’s injury record doesn’t paint a pretty picture going by his history of serious hamstring problems (Transfermarkt).

Amassing 27 caps for France in a very competitive squad when it comes to depth, it’s clear Dembele has the ability, with the only question being will he be able to support Conte on a regular enough basis?

In other news: Conte as Spurs enter talks to sign ‘sensational’ player with the physique of a ‘horse’, find out more here.

South Australia are battling to keep their season alive but Queensland still have the upper hand at the Gabba as they chase a home final

Cricinfo staff05-Mar-2010South Australia 72 and 1 for 89 (Smith 53) need 237 runs to beat Queensland 160 and 6 for 237 dec (Townsend 114*)
ScorecardWade Townsend has been the key man for Queensland•Getty ImagesSouth Australia are battling to keep their season alive but Queensland still have the upper hand at the Gabba as they chase a home final. The Bulls gave the visitors a target of 326 to win and the Redbacks improved significantly on their first-innings 72 as they reached 1 for 89 before rain and bad light cut the final session.More wet weather is predicted for Saturday and if a result is not possible it will leave the Redbacks out of the race for the final and Queensland in second place with a game to go. Wade Townsend’s third first-class century was the innings of the game as he negotiated the difficult conditions to take Queensland to 6 for 237 before the declaration came shortly before lunch.The opener Townsend, who resumed on 74, moved to an unbeaten 114, which included 16 fours and a six, while most of his team-mates struggled. Chris Simpson managed 33 and Ben Cutting collected 15 not out, but it was Townsend who was responsible for the strong position. Gary Putland finished the match with seven wickets after taking 3 for 39 while Peter George had 2 for 38.South Australia’s openers put on 89 – more than the whole side made in the first innings – and lost James Smith (53) to the final ball before tea when he hit Luke Feldman to gully. Smith was also responsible for striking Townsend in the shoulder at short leg in the sixth over of the innings and he went to hospital for x-rays. When the rain came Daniel Smith was 32 not out.

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted negatively to James Pearce’s claim that Nat Phillips could leave the Reds for £15million.

The 24-year-old became something of a cult hero for the Reds last season, performing admirably during an injury crisis that saw Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all out for long periods.

Phillips’ displays helped Liverpool clinch an unlikely third-place finish in the Premier League but he has struggled for minutes in 2021/22, as key men have returned to full fitness.

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In fact, the centre-back has not played a single minute in the league this season, suggesting that a move away from Anfield could be on the cards.

According to The Athletic‘s Pearce on Twitter, there is ‘plenty of interest’ in Phillips and Liverpool want £15million for his services in the January transfer window.

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Liverpool fans unhappy at Phillips claim

These Reds fans are unhappy with the news on Twitter, either saying he should stay put or claiming he should be worth more.

“No men, honestly this is a player we should not sell”

Credit: @xnix12

“Send him on loan and you’ll get double the amount next year”

Credit: @_nutellla

“Should be at least 30 million when Ben White went for 50 million”

Credit: @Homes19LFC

“£15m is dirt cheap. He’s better than Maguire so we should be asking for £80m, minimum.”

Credit: @Biggies_Malls

“Shouldn’t be selling for anything less than £30m imo when the likes of Ben White went for £50m, Ake for £40m, McGuire for £80m!!”

Credit: @L4fckop

“£15million is absolute robbery, seeing Ben white for £50m and the fridge donkey for £80m”

Credit: @AshmoreJamie

In other news, some Liverpool fans slammed one player’s performance against Newcastle United. Find out who it is here.

James Hopes will be rushed back to Brisbane for Saturday’s vital FR Cup clash against Victoria for his second match in two days

Cricinfo staff17-Feb-2010James Hopes, the Queensland allrounder, will be rushed back to Brisbane for Saturday’s vital FR Cup clash against Victoria for his second match in two days. Hopes is in Australia’s squad for Friday’s ODI against West Indies but wasn’t picked in the Twenty20 outfit, leaving the Bulls to rely on him in a match they must win to reach the final.”We’ve spoken with James and he is keen to play on the Saturday considering he hasn’t had a lot of cricket to date,” the coach Trevor Barsby said. Hopes is the state’s most important player as he can open the batting and contribute important overs with his medium pace.Victoria won’t be as lucky as Cameron White, Dirk Nannes and David Hussey are in the Twenty20 squad to face West Indies on Sunday and Tuesday. However, they may call on Clint McKay, the fast bowler, when they choose their side on Thursday.The Bulls were leading the competition for much of the season but the successful team on Saturday will host the final. “It’s pretty basic for us – win and we’re in,” Barsby said. “Lose and we’re out.”In the Sheffield Shield, New South Wales have been forced into four changes for the game against South Australia in Adelaide from Friday. The national promotions of David Warner and Steven Smith give chances to Ben Rohrer and Grant Lambert while Moises Henriques returns from a groin injury. The wicketkeeper Daniel Smith will miss the contest with a finger problem and has been replaced in the 13-man squad by Peter Nevill.Queensland FR Cup squad James Hopes, Chris Hartley (wk), Ryan Broad, Lee Carseldine, Craig Philipson, Chris Lynn, Nathan Reardon, Chris Simpson (capt), Ben Cutting, Ben Laughlin, Alister McDermott, Nathan Rimmington.New South Wales Shield squad Phillip Hughes, Phil Jaques, Simon Katich (capt), Peter Forrest, Moises Henriques, Dominic Thornely, Ben Rohrer, Grant Lambert, Stephen O’Keefe, Peter Nevill (wk), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Trent Copeland.

Rangers will be going into the January transfer window with a number of their players linked with moves away from the club, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst is going to be needing to be prepared for any unfortunate outcomes which could occur.

What’s the story?

With transfer rumours flying around about Ryan Kent’s future with Rangers, there is no surprise that the Scottish champions have been linked with a replacement already, and it is one with whom they have been linked during Steven Gerrard’s tenure at the club.

Ghanaian winger Francis Amuzu has been linked with a move to Ibrox from Anderlecht according to GhanaSoccerNet.

The 22-year-old has impressed in his time with Vincent Kompany’s side, with three goals and four assists so far this term, but he is reported to not have a future with the club. This isn’t the first time the £9.3k-p/w forward has been rumoured to join the Scottish giants either, having previously been linked last January.

Anderlecht manager Kompany recently spoke out about the youngster, saying: “Francis has changed. He is aware of his qualities. It’s all a question of age. He emphasizes his quality and creates opportunities for himself with it.”

Rangers scouts reportedly went out to watch Anderlecht in their league game against Charleroi last month, which would suggest that they have a keen eye on Amuzu.

Bye-bye Kent?

This would be an ideal opportunity to secure a worthy Ryan Kent replacement for Rangers, who have seemingly been inundated with interest in the 25-year-old, including a potential move which would see him reunite with his former manager Gerrard at Aston Villa.

Kent has offered up some impressive performances for the Gers this season, with one goal and six assists so far, so it’s clear that his impact on the team will need to be replaced for Rangers if the rumours of a move materialise into anything more serious. Getting in Amuzu in the January transfer window and getting him settled into the team should Kent makean exit looks like the ideal scenario for Van Bronckhorst.

In other news: This prospective signing could spell the end for one man at Ibrox

Cricinfo staff18-Mar-2010Security concerns in India prompted Brett Lee to opt for treatment on his elbow in Sydney, the bowler’s agent has said. Lee, who plays for Kings XI Punjab, flew back home to Australia to get his surgically repaired elbow checked”From a security point of view he’d prefer to be spending the time waiting in Sydney rather than Chandigarh,” Neil Maxwell, Lee’s manager, was quoted as saying in the .The report said Lee was keen on returning for the third season of the IPL after receiving medical clearance from Cricket Australia (CA).However, Anil Srivats, CEO of Kings XI Punjab, said Lee’s decision had “nothing to do with security”. He is expected to re-join the team on Sunday or a couple of days later, Srivats said, describing Lee as a “big sheet anchor” for the side. “There is enough precedence to know that this (kind of) stuff can always be cooked up,” he said.Lee was gearing up to play in the IPL, which he regarded as the first step towards making the Australian team for the World Twenty20 and the ODI World Cup in 2011. He had been training in India under the guidance of former New South Wales physiotherapist Pat Farhart and was in contact with CA’s medical team since announcing his retirement from Test cricket last month. CA said the trip home was part of a plan to ease the fast bowler back to fitness before the final squad of 15 was named for the World Twenty20, which starts in the Caribbean next month.Kings XI Punjab currently languish at second-from-bottom on the points table, having lost both their matches, against Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Tottenham Hotspur have one final game before Christmas as they welcome Premier League rivals West Ham United to north London for a Carabao Cup quarter-final.

And with a place in the last four up for grabs, it leaves manager Antonio Conte with plenty to ponder in terms of team selection.

Last time out, the Lilywhites were held to a 2-2 draw to ten-man Liverpool, whilst they defeated Burnley and Wolves to make it this far in the competition.

The Italian head coach has a largely fully-fit squad to choose from, so it will be interesting to see what decisions he may make ahead of kick-off, particularly with his midfield, where a rarely-seen trio of Dele Alli, Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele all featured on Sunday.

It’s the latter who could make way, surprisingly, as he was the most underwhelming of the three players, who all had a point to prove to Conte.

He was not only the first player to be substituted, coming off for Oliver Skipp in the 64th minute, but he too was their third lowest-rated player (6.4) as the French dynamo struggled to have much of an influence on the game.

Yes, he provided an assist for Harry Kane’s opener but as explained by the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, he was otherwise ‘largely a passenger’ who offered ‘little defensively’ and more than once was caught ‘overplaying in dangerous positions.’

Across his hour on the pitch, Ndombele managed only 11 passes and 30 touches, which shows that he was barely involved. For further context, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris managed more in both regards, and he’s stood between the sticks all game, not in an advanced midfield role.

Once dubbed a “world-beater” and “unplayable” by former Spurs shot-stopper Joe Hart to BT Sport’s Rio Ferdinand (via football.london), the £26m-rated maestro is surely in line for the axe tonight.

Meanwhile, Spurs’ embarrassing defeat to NS Mura last month saw ex-midfielder Jamie O’Hara dub the £55m man “absolutely shocking”, which only goes to show his vastly-contrasting performances in Spurs’ colours.

Conte cannot afford to carry someone in a game of his nature. Having been knocked out of the UEFA Europa Conference League, this tournament could be the north Londoners’ only genuine chance of silverware, so it must be taken seriously.

As such, the 52-year-old must be ruthless with the club’s inconsistent club-record signing. He must be dropped this evening.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Dier: Spurs eyeing swoop for £45m-rated “top player”, Conte “wants” him…