After completing his transformation from out-of-favour allrounder to national hero with a match-winning century, Craig McMillan said New Zealand could go to the World Cup without fearing any target. McMillan was a crucial figure in the final two Chappell-Hadlee Trophy matches as New Zealand overhauled scores of 336 at Eden Park and 346 at Hamilton to secure the country’s first cleansweep over Australia.Back-to-back performances of 52 off 30 balls and 117 off 96 were also hugely satisfying for McMillan, who was dropped from the squad in 2005 and not offered a New Zealand contract. “Hopefully, I’ve shown people I can still bat and I’ve still got something to offer this side,” McMillan said in the Dominion Post. “I’ve always had the ability but at times that belief gets knocked when you are not going as well as what you want. But I suppose the key for me was the knock in Sydney [last month] when I got 89, that gave me the belief that I can foot it.”New Zealand were in severe trouble at 4 for 41 at Hamilton when McMillan walked out to perform a brilliant rescue and collect the fastest century in the country’s history. Partnerships of 75 with Peter Fulton (51) and 165 with Brendon McCullum (86 not out) pushed them towards their aim before McCullum finished the match with one wicket and three balls to go. The series result and the manner in which New Zealand achieved the whitewash will give them extreme confidence heading into next month’s World Cup.”From 40 for 4 we didn’t have a lot to lose and sometimes teams can be dangerous from those situations,” McMillan said. “We got a couple of partnerships going. It’s special and the icing on the cake was winning the game. Now we can head to the World Cup believing we can chase down anything.”
Australia A batsman Dominic Thornely has joined Hampshire on a one-year contract for the 2006 season.Thornely, 27, will join Hampshire captain and legendary Australia legspinner Shane Warne who led the county to runners-up spot in the County Championship last season.”I’m really looking forward to playing at Hampshire,” Thornely said. “I feel a county season will develop my game further under the captaincy of Shane Warne and the support staff at Hampshire. The club were very successful last season, and I hope to contribute to that success with both bat and ball.”Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove was delighted to have signed the New South Wales player, who bowls medium-pace. “His positive allround approach to the game is consistent with the way we play, and I am confident he will quickly become a firm favourite with our supporters.”
Rahul Dravid scored an exquisite hundred to keep India, who were given a typically blistering start by Virender Sehwag, ahead for the better part of the day, but Pakistan worked their way back in to the game with a spurt of wickets at the close. India had been coasting at 278 for 2 when Sachin Tendulkar was out for 52, and Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman followed soon after. Dravid was out for 110 in the last over of the day, and a dominant position had turned into one of just a slight advantage.There was no assistance in the Eden Gardens pitch for the bowlers. Much of thegrass that had been on a couple of days before the Test had been shaved off, and Pakistan’s bowling in the first two sessions was sometimes wayward, mostly ineffectual. The Indian batsmen were unworried and assured.The morning belonged to Virender Sehwag. Bob Woolmer, Pakistan’s coach, had said before the game: “We will not give [Sehwag] a car.” But Sehwag did get the automobile in question, as the bowlers strayed. Mohammad Sami was too full, and often wide, and struggled to find rhythm. Mohammad Khalil, brought into the side in place of the injured Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, bowled better, but Sehwag’s back-foot defence sufficed. He was never tempted into the pull, and was brutalwhen he got space on the off side.Danish Kaneria was brought on as early as the tenth over, but Sehwag read him like a favourite book. Kaneria did get Gautam Gambhir’s wicket, but was otherwise a benign force. Dravid played him with utter ease, and Pakistan sweated in vain.Shahid Afridi, brought into the side in place of Salman Butt, showed how useful the fifth bowler could be with a probing spell after lunch, in which he frustrated Sehwag out. Sehwag mistimed a heave and Inzamam-ul-Haq, not a nimble mover but a committed man, took a good catch at cover, running backwards.Tendulkar took 19 balls to open his account, but the quality of the cover-drive that got him his first runs was so outstanding that there was no question of his form. He batted solidly, and played some delicate strokes on both sides of the wicket. At 2.39pm, with an on-side dab, Tendulkar brought up his 10,000th run in Test cricket.But it was Dravid who was the star of the day. His innings was flawless. He was his usual assured self in defence, so much so that the act of bowling to him seemed an exercise in futility. His driving and cutting had both classicism and artistry, his concentration was as relentless as the sun that beat down upon the field, and as frustrating for Pakistan on a warm and humid day.Dravid added 122 with Tendulkar, who batted more and more freely as the innings went on, but the end of the partnership brought on a mini-collapse. First Tendulkar was out, caught behind after chasing a wide ball from Afridi. Then Sourav Ganguly, after scratching around unconvincingly, flashed at a good-length ball outside the off stump and was caught behind. VVS Laxman was leg-before first ball, and Pakistan had fought back.Afridi chuffed in like a fast bowler, Razzaq and Sami bent their backs, but it was Kaneria who had the last word of the day, drawing Dravid forward and inducing an edge with a legspinner. As at Mohali, Pakistan had begun badly but recovered well. Here, though, they had come back on the first day itself. What would happen on the second?How they were out Tried to sweep and was rapped on the front foot by an overpitched googly. Fair decision. Went for a mighty heave, mishit the ball, and was caught by Inzamam-ul-Haq, running backwards from cover. Chaseda wide legspinner, bottom-edged to the keeper. Flashedat a good-length ball outside off, caught behind Played down thewrong line to an inswinger Playedforward and edged a legbreak
The imposing form of Western Australia’s batting line-up has South Australian coach Wayne Phillips wary ahead of tomorrow’s ING Cup match at Adelaide Oval.The two sides have already met at the WACA in the season opener of the domestic one-day competition last month, with the Warriors’ batsmen amassing 5-293 from their 50 overs.It set up a 99-run win, which gave WA a bonus point and continued SA’s dismal one-day form from last season, in which the Redbacks won just one of 10 matches and regularly conceded bonus points.The Warriors followed that by posting a total of 280 against New South Wales at North Sydney Oval last Sunday, although the Blues managed to overhaul that total.WA batsmen Mike Hussey and Murray Goodwin have been in sparkling form, the pair both scoring brisk half-centuries against SA and Hussey following that with a century against the Blues at better than a run per ball.And, with WA skipper Justin Langer emerging from an early season form slump with an unbeaten 163 against NSW on the final day of their Pura Cup match yesterday, Phillips said the Warriors would be hard to contain.”The WA line-up is tremendously capable and pretty dangerous with the bat,” Phillips said.”We will need to play in a disciplined way to contain them.”They are a pretty impressive one-day unit.”But Phillips added the Redbacks had improved since their loss to WA, with a confidence-boosting win against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval last Saturday.It was inspired by a brilliant all-round performance by veteran off-spinner John Davison, who belted 59 from 63 balls, then took 5-26.Phillips said Davison, who represented his native Canada at the World Cup this year and notched the tournament’s fastest ever century, had gained plenty of confidence from his World Cup heroics.”He’s a pretty complete package when he’s in form, there’s no doubt about it,” Phillips said.He said his mostly young, inexperienced side was still learning how to approach limited overs cricket and would reap huge benefits from the win over the Tigers.”It’s a general understanding and a general plan about the way they play the game and how best to play one-day cricket,” he said.”We have got a few ideas we’re trying to get the players to learn.”The players certainly enjoyed being part of a winning side.”That’s something that can encourage us and motivate us and that makes us a much more competitive outfit.”WA has named all-rounder Kade Harvey in its squad for what would be his first ING Cup match of the season after off-season knee surgery.SA squad: Greg Blewett (captain), Andy Flower, Mark Cleary, Mark Higgs, Mark Cosgrove, Ben Johnson, John Davison, Trent Kelly, Shane Deitz, Graham Manou, Callum Ferguson, Paul Rofe.WA squad: Justin Langer (captain), Michael Hussey, Ryan Campbell, Beau Casson, Murray Goodwin, Kade Harvey, Shaun Marsh, Scott Meuleman, Marcus North, Chris Rogers, Callum Thorp, Paul Wilson and Peter Worthington.
Last weekend both Manicaland sides had byes, allowing for a resumption of the long-delayed 30-over local-league cricket. It was played at a surprisingly unkempt Mutare Sports Club – balls were frequently being lost a few metres off the playing surface. One boundary-board advertiser player was heard muttering darkly that his custom would go if the authorities were unable to maintain the boards.On Saturday Hillcrest College destroyed Easterns by ten wickets and on Sunday Mutare Sports Club beat Casuals by 52 runs.Bolstered by the late inclusion of five Odzi farmers found the previous night at Odzi Country Club pub, Mutare Sports Club enjoyed a rare day of superiority over their old rivals. Hitting 177 all out (Seth 75), MSC indulged themselves on standard Casuals hospitality – seven dropped catches and one missed stumping. Only La Rochele Hotel manager Simon Herring with three for 16 came away with integrity intact. With a touch of farmers-league chivalry one Odzi umpire reversed an lbw decision after noticing the appalled reaction of the batsman – leaving bemused Casuals fielders to contemplate an increasingly humid day. Casuals were easily dismissed for 125 with only Brian-William James (on a short visit from his hotel job in London) making 30. Nyanga builder Coby Summerfield took two for 16 and veteran Odzi sledger Bokkie Moolman two for 27.Like all sectors of Zimbabwe’s beleaguered society, the cricket community continues to lose numbers to emigration – including two Casuals players over the last few months. Steve Rigby (who also played for Manicaland for many years) has taken his family to St Albans, Hertfordshire, where he has found work in the security business. Ivan Truscott has moved to Dubbo in New South Wales where he has found farming work. With Premier Estates (the family farm at Old Umtali) reduced to a patchwork of plots and the homestead trashed by `settlers’, the Truscotts lost hope and departed.It’s heartening therefore to see the developments at Odzi Country Club where a new cricket field is under construction. Inspired by their participation in the newly formed winter social league, the farmers are converting the old Autocross course at the club into a home venue for the upcoming season. Great care was taken by chief designer Loggie Slabbert to excavate a hole wide enough for two pitches and layer it with rocks, river sand and finally anthill to ensure good drainage. Suitable grass was brought in for the outfield, whilst Cape Royal turf was procured from Harare South golf course for the pitch.Local farmer Philip Valentine has a tractor on permanent secondment to the ground. Outrageously they also intend encircling the ground with powerful lights, making it Zimbabwe’s first day-night facility. They have no intention however of joining neighbours Makoni in the serious Lilthurbridge Cup `where people sulk if you drop a catch’. Instead they hope to attract touring sides and plan a tour of their own to Western Province in April to announce their arrival on the cricketing stage.A story carried in last week’s report needs correction. Jason Lewis was left out of the final Under-19 touring party to New Zealand. It is understood that he had merely been put on standby – not officially selected.This Sunday Manicaland are due to play Mac Club from Bulawayo at Alex (Harare) whilst the second team play Alex II at Mutare Sports Club.
Surrey is on the verge of winning the National League 2nd Division thanksto an unbroken partnership of 93 in 119 balls between skipper AdamHollioake and Jason Ratcliffe against Derbyshire at The Oval.Batting first Derbyshire were 89 for 2 at one stage. Australian MichaelDi Venuto made 30 from 44 balls before he was caught by wicket keeper JonBatty off Martin Bicknell. The trouble started when Saqlain Mushtaqremoved Dowman as Derbyshire slipped to 118 for 6. Then Bailey who topscored with 43 (76 balls) joined Paul Aldred who made a quick 25 totake Derbyshire to 175. For Surrey, Saqlain claimed 2 for 34 while IanSalisbury took 3 for 32.In reply, Surrey lost Mark Butcher very early, run out while backingup. Then Ian Ward and Nadeem Shahid put on a stand of 55 from 99 ballsto put Surrey in a better position. Hollioake (48* from 66 balls) andRatcliffe (42* from 58 balls) saw Surrey through. Aldred was thebest bowler for Derbyshire with 2 for 26. This defeat keeps Derbyshirerooted at the bottom of the division.
Manchester City are set to pay Aston Villa £33m this summer in what will be their second instalment for Jack Grealish, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: Grealish at City
Grealish left Villa Park for the Etihad last summer in a British record £100m deal. Since then, the 26-year-old hasn’t exactly hit new heights under Pep Guardiola, contributing to seven goals in 27 appearances in all competitions.
The left-winger recently returned to the Premier League starting line up and impressed in a 4-1 win over Manchester United, with Villa set to receive another payment from the Cityzens over the coming months.
The Latest: Source shares update
Football Insider shared a story on Wednesday afternoon regarding Grealish after being informed by a recruitment source.
They revealed that City are paying for Grealish split equally across three transfer windows, with a second £33m payment set to be made to Villa in the summer before a final one in 2023.
The Verdict: Coutinho funds…
Villa brought in Philippe Coutinho in January, with the Brazilian becoming Steven Gerrard’s first signing as manager. He signed on loan until the end of the season from Barcelona, with Villa having the option to sign the playmaker on a permanent deal for just over £33m in the summer.
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Therefore, following this update on Grealish, NSWE may not need to find the money for Coutinho as they could actually put the incoming funds towards a permanent move, which will just leave his huge salary to be finalised ahead of a possible full-time move.
In other news: Villa now gifted another late injury boost pre-Leeds as Preece shares news on ‘outstanding’ ace.
New Fulham signing Mahamadou Diarra has admitted that he is looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Premier League, and has stated that he feels at home at the Craven Cottage club.
Martin Jol’s men signed the African midfielder on a free transfer earlier in the week, and Diarra has spoken of his first couple of training sessions with his new club.
“It has been a great pleasure to be here with the team for about a week now,” he told the club’s website.
“I loved my first week of training here. It went really well and everyone was smiling and welcomed me with open arms.
“I really felt welcomed at my new club. There is a feeling that people are happy for me to be here and I am certainly happy to have signed for Fulham.
“Fulham is open to players who like to play football, who give their best and who have a winning mentality.
“The club is ambitious and that was made clear to me by the hierarchy here.
“By speaking to the manager it is also clear that he wants the team to progress and move in the right direction and this made me want to sign straight away.
“I consider the 12 remaining matches as 12 finals for me.
“It’s up to me now to prove that I can do well and satisfy the team with good performances on the pitch.
“I have seen the team play and I am aware of how the players play and I find myself amongst a good and talented group.
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“For me, this is going to be a big challenge and an enormous adventure,” he concluded.
With Tottenham failing to capitalise on Manchester City’s slip-up at Everton at the weekend in only managing a draw against relegation-threatened Blackpool, Harry Redknapp’s side virtually conceded any hope they had in securing fourth place this season. And it has not just been Manchester City’s form that has helped The Citizens open up a 6-point lead over their North London rivals as Tottenham have been in awful league form of late.
Despite their fantastic run to the Quarter Finals of the Champions League, Spurs have won only once in their last ten League games and have lost to both Blackpool and Chelsea. Although they made a fantastic comeback to draw against local rivals Arsenal, they have drawn a further five games, including against bottom-four sides Wigan, Wolves, Blackpool and West Ham. During the same period, Manchester City have beaten both West Ham and Wigan as they racked up five victories. Whilst they have lost four times, these defeats have come at the hands of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton and they only drew once.
Whilst Spurs have done well away from home, they have struggled at White Hart Lane this season and scored only 28 times. They have also shared the points more than any other team at home with nine draws.
The real threat to Tottenham now is sixth-placed Liverpool who can leapfrog them into fifth with victory over Fulham this evening. And, with crucial games against both Manchester City and Liverpool still to come, Spurs still have much to play for if their domestic season isn’t to be a real disappointment. But why have Tottenham been so disappointing in this season Premiership?
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Honourably enough, Redknapp has refused to blame his players instead citing a series of injuries to key players such as Rafael van der Vaart and Gareth Bale as a key motive for Tottenham’s loss of momentum. There is clearly a lack of adequate defensive cover and natural leadership on the pitch in Ledley King’s absence, whilst fans are still uncertain over Heurelho Gomes due to his inconsistency.
Redknapp had initially hoped the ‘unwelcome distraction’ of the Europa League would hinder Manchester City’s league performance and enable Spurs to capitalise. But, having played twelve games in the Champions League themselves, have Tottenham fallen victim to a similar problem?
Admittedly Tottenham have had a phenomenal first campaign in the Champions League but this must not draw attention away from domestic troubles, particularly due to its absence next season. And, if Tottenham are to challenge Manchester City then there is clearly work to be done over the Summer.
Credit must not be taken away from Manchester City as they have developed well as a team and had a productive season. But, with so much money spent and with only a faltering Tottenham team challenging them for fourth, there is still much to be achieved by Roberto Mancini’s side. This has been the third season under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour, but in a similar time period under Roman Abramovich, Chelsea had won the League. Therefore Mancini will surely be grateful for Tottenham’s inconsistency against in gifting Manchester City fourth place.
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FootballFanCast.com WORLD Exclusive, Robbie Savage Face in a baby Scan
Manager Carlo Ancelotti will be in the Chelsea dugout for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Arsenal despite the death of his father.
Ancelotti's father, Giuseppe, passed away in Italy on Wednesday night following a lengthy illness.
"Carlo Ancelotti's father Giuseppe passed away in Italy last night aged 87 with his son at his side," read a club statement.
"Everyone at Chelsea Football Club sends our deepest condolences to Carlo and his family. They are all in our thoughts at this time.
"The funeral will take place in Italy on Saturday. Carlo will return to London for Sunday's match versus Arsenal."
Speaking recently, Ancelotti had admitted the difficultly he faced in balancing his personal and professional life at such a difficult time.
"My father is not well. He is an old man. He has a lot of problems. When possible I fly back to Italy to see him and he has good support from my sister," he explained.
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"He has a lot of problems and it's tough emotionally when it's your father.
"But this is life and I have to do my best to stay close to him. Everyone at the club knows my situation and they have all given me good support."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email