The appointment of long-term support staff and the ratification of decisions taken by the various sub-committees will be the key points on the agenda of the board’s working committee meeting on Tuesday in Chennai. Though the board has given a two-year contract to Paddy Upton, who will work as the physical trainer and strategist of the Indian team, there is no permanent physiotherapist as John Gloster decided not to renew his contract after the recent CB Series.The board has asked Paul Close, the physio at NCA, to fill the vacancy temporarily. The board also needs to give a nod to the appointments that were done at the behest of Gary Kirsten, India’s head coach, though that is likely to be a mere formality. It is possible that the board might also look at a permanent candidate as Close is part of the team headed by Dav Whatmore, the NCA director.Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh were appointed bowling and fielding coaches respectively after the World Cup last year and had a got a positive response from the players. Their agreement with the BCCI runs till May, so there is time for the board to take a considered decision.The working committee members will also discuss matters relating to the IPL, India’s international commitments, the junior committee report, the women’s committee report, the tour programme and fixtures committee report, the Vizzy Trophy and the special committee formed to resolve issues related to Bihar and Jharkhand.The recommendations of the junior committee, headed by BCCI joint secretary MP Pandove, that had stated the need for a ‘quality-oriented’ junior competition is likely to be accepted by the BCCI. “I have interacted with all the state associations and it’s been decided to recommend the scrapping of the Under-15 and U-17 tournaments and organise a national competition at the U-16 and U-19 level,” Pandove said. The junior committee has also decided to rename the U-22 state teams as ‘A’ teams.Meanwhile, the women’s cricket committee had a meeting in Pune on Sunday and are awaiting the formal approval from the BCCI for the various tours this year leading up to the preparation for next year’s World Cup in Australia. It begins with the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in April and May, followed by the ODI series in England and a proposed tour of Australia in November.
The ICC has said it would like its anti-corruption officers to talk to Shaoib Akhtar regarding his claims that he was offered money to underperform in matches in India and South Africa.”We are aware of his comments and let me reiterate the ICC has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in sports,” an ICC spokesman told Reuters.On Thursday Shoaib had told a Pakistan news channel that he had rejected many offers to underperform. “It happened in Johannesburg and India but I never accepted them as I can’t betray my country,” Shoaib said in an interview to Geo TV. “And what do I get in return – a five-year ban the example of which you don’t get anywhere in the cricket world. Even players who were fined and found involved in match-fixing issues didn’t get such bans.”Talat Ali, the Pakistan team manager, said he hadn’t heard of any such offers to Shoaib. “He didn’t report anything to me. This is the first I have heard about it.”The ICC Code of Conduct states that players are required to report any approach made to them by a bookmaker or any other corrupt approach to their captain, team manager, a senior board official or to the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit. Failing to do so could lead to ban of up to five years.
Hero to zero: A huge cheer greets Rahul Dravid before he faced hisfirst ball. It turned out to be the only delivery he faced too, as hismiscued pull went straight to deep square leg. His international record inBangalore is a wretched one, and there’s been no reversal of fortune inthe IPL either.No pulling power: The Bangalore boys were on the pull as eagerly asbachelors on a Friday night, and most of them met the same fate -dejection. Dravid was followed by Jacques Kallis and Ross Taylor inperishing to the cross-bat swish across the line. No, those pristinecheerleaders weren’t impressed either.Six or out?: In backyard games, six-and-out is a popular form ofdismissal, and the source of much argument. There was a similar situation atthe Chinnaswamy Stadium after Virat Kohli walloped a delivery fromSiddharth Trivedi to deep midwicket. His Under-19 team-mate, RavindraJadeja, made ground to his left before a big leap, grab and acrobaticroll near the boundary. Though he made the catch his handjust brushed the plastic that covered the rope. After all that effort, it was a six.Praveen the spoiler: Shane Warne had immaculate figures of 2-1-2-1at one stage, but a streaky straight six and a huge biff over midwicketruined them somewhat. But for Praveen’s big hitting, the RoyalChallengers’ embarrassment would have been as acute as it was on theopening day.Home leggie turns it on: After missing the first two games, AnilKumble finally played his first IPL game. A huge roar went up when Dravidgave him the ball after the seventh over, and though Shane Watson clubbedhis first two balls for four, what followed was typical Kumble. Accurateand persistent, he was the only consolation in another poor effort fromthe home side.Is Manpower the new Flintoff?: In Kuala Lampur 18 months ago,Matthew Hayden jokingly suggested that Watson could be part of Manpower.It appears though that the man himself as loftier ambitions. “I’d love tobe the next Flintoff,” he said before his last injury crisis and a superbunbeaten 61 to follow a tidy spell of 2 for 20 was a good way to reinforcehis status as the IPL’s bargain of the season ($125,000).
David Morgan, the ICC president-elect, confirmed that the decision to put Malcolm Speed on gardening leave for the last two months of his contract as CEO was as a result of a “fundamental breakdown” in the relationship between him, Ray Mali, the president, and some of the executive board and not, as widely suggested, Speed’s handling of issues relating to the ICL.Speaking at Lord’s, Morgan said that the breakdown had come about over a number of issues, and insisted that they pre-dated the executive board meeting in Dubai in March when Speed declined to attend the press conference in protest over the ICC’s decision to take no action against Zimbabwe.”It’s not been [a problem] for years but, yes, for some months,” Morgan said. “It pre-dates the March meeting but it doesn’t pre-date the death of Percy Sonn [in June 2007]. Matters take some time to come to the surface.”Zimbabwe is an issue where the president and the chief executive have disagreed, there is no doubt about that,” he said. “You know what the board decision was in relation with the KPMG report … Speed was clearly uncomfortable with that.”But he refused to specify which members of the executive were involved and how many. “I’m not prepared to reveal the names of the other board members. I’m unprepared to go into the details of the other issues, but I’m very ready to say that contrary to that has been gossiped on a widespread basis, it is nothing to do with the ICL or the IPL.”Morgan said the agreement for Speed to go had “not been imposed on him” but had followed discussion between him, Mali and Speed. “It’s a very unfortunate ending to what has been a very successful term of office,” he added.However, Morgan accepted that the image of the ICC was “not good” and it was “something we need to address”. He went on: “The ICC has achieved a huge amount in Malcolm’s time. I do not believe at all times that we govern in the optimum way, but govern we certainly do”In the statement yesterday the ICC said that David Richardson, the ICC general manager – cricket, will serve as interim CEO until Speed’s replacement, Haroon Lorgat, assumes the role at the ICC’s annual conference at the beginning of July.
Ajinkya Rahane, the only centurion so far in what has been a tough series for the batsmen, had to fight memories of his last Test in Delhi – his debut when he played two nervous shots to get out for 7 and 1. He was subsequently dropped for India’s next two Tests. Since then he travelled the world for 17 Tests without a single absolute failure of a series.Just when it looked this series – ironically at home – might be his first big failure in long-form cricket, Rahane came up with a century to rescue India from 139 for 6.”It is a very special hundred for me because I made my debut in Delhi against Australia,” Rahane said. “So I had a few things in my mind. Those memories against Australia. I was pretty determined to bat well as I knew that I was batting really well in the series. But it was important to spend time in the middle and later on look for a big innings. So really happy for the hundred but especially for the partnerships, which I got with [R] Ashwin, Virat [Kohli] and [Ravindra] Jadeja. That took us to 330.”Discounting the one day’s play that was possible in Bangalore, this pitch provided the most even contest between bat and ball, which made Rahane’s contribution extra special because a below-par total could have given South Africa a whiff at a consolation win. However, it wasn’t that easy a surface.”Shot making was not easy but once you are set, you decide that you are not going to get out,” Rahane said. “It was difficult for bowlers to get batsmen out. Saw that our bowlers bowled good discipline and patience. For bowlers, it is important to show patience and bowl in right areas but as a batsman, I feel spending time in the middle, taking my time, playing normal cricket, rather than play attacking shots. Not easy for shot making, not difficult as well.”Rahane said he gave himself more time in the middle before venturing out to play his shots. “First two Test matches, I was looking to play shots initially and that’s why I got out,” he said. “I knew I was batting well in the series. Spending time, during a net session. Talking to Sanjay Bangar and Ravi [Shastri], they said you have just got to take your time initially, play one ball at a time, if you are 25 to 30 your instincts will take over. I mean when I was batting I just wanted to stay blank, just play one ball at a time. Build a partnership with the batsman [at the other end]. I feel really special that I batted with Ashwin and got my hundred.”Ashwin and Jadeja have been key to India’s success in the series, and not just with the ball. India’s lower order has been a source of major frustration for South Africa. In the first innings in Nagpur, India last four wickets added 90 runs; and in the second, the last three gave India 45 runs. “That’s a good sign, when you know your lower order is batting really well,” Rahane said. “If guys at 8, 9, 10, 11 can contribute then opposition’s morale goes down. Batting with Ashwin was really important. Communication was just play normal cricket. Ashwin can bat as he has got two hundreds. Important to build a partnership.”This is not the first time Rahane has stitched together important runs with the tail. India’s last Test win outside Asia, at Lord’s, was built around a similar hundred in testing conditions. “When we were 139 for 6, I was recollecting those memories as even at Lord’s we were 142 for 7 [sic, 145 for 7],” Rahane said. “Same situation. I was just thinking to just communicate with other batsmen and back my instincts.”When Ashwin came in, I just told him that if the ball is there to be hit, I will go after and back my instincts. I think the response from him was crucial. He was really positive from his end. He said you can bat whatever you like and however you like. Playing here was really special and those memories from Lord’s innings came handy here.”
January 22 News – New panel to take call on Kundra, MeiyappanApril 14 News – Board panel has 82 questions for BCCI bossesJuly 21 News – Lodha committee seeks five months to complete reportJuly 24 News – BCCI officials asked to promise no conflict of interestJuly 27 Interview – ‘BCCI is trying to be more transparent and accountable’August 8 News – BCCI demands more accountability from statesAugust 20 News – BCCI’s conflict-of-interest declaration faces resistanceOctober 4 Features – Manohar’s immediate challengesOctober 18 News – BCCI proposals come down hard on conflict of interestNovember 3 News – IPL’s Sundar Raman quits ahead of Lodha hearingDecember 21 News – Lodha panel to submit report on BCCI on January 4
2016
January 2 News – BCCI governance structure a key area for Lodha panel Features – What to expect from the Lodha panelJanuary 3 News – Conflict of interest still key point on Lodha’s agenda
The sight of the tall Antiguan fast bowler, Alzarri Joseph, running in from the mist must have been unnerving for England Under-19 openers Dan Lawrence and Max Holden but it was a threat that West Indies Under-19s failed to take advantage of in their 61-run loss in Chittagong. Still, Joseph left a mark in his first appearance at the Under-19 World Cup with his pace and movement, even as he finished his full quota in the first 26 overs of England’s innings.Whether the West Indies captain Shimron Hetmyer made a mistake by not keeping Joseph’s overs for the death is an important question but with England cruising at 115 for 2 in the 18th over, he may have been looking for a breakthrough from Joseph. In each of his spells, Joseph gave away 17 runs but took only one wicket, getting Holden to pull a ball that got big on him. He ended the game as West Indies’ most economical bowler.Joseph has a calm personality on and off the field. Hailing from All Saints in Antigua, he understands the legacy he carries of legends such as Andy Roberts and Curtly Ambrose. Coached by Winston Benjamin, Joseph looks up to Dale Steyn as his hero and his first-class performance for Leeward Islands has impressed veteran writer and commentator Tony Cozier. Writing earlier this month, Cozier pointed to Joseph’s speed and tendency to take early wickets and observed that the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh will be the young bowler’s first test at the international level.”I try to bowl really fast,” Joseph told ESPNcricinfo. “I try to hit my areas and I try to be consistent. Any shape I would get on the ball, I will try to get it away from the right-hander. Down here [in Bangladesh], I haven’t found much movement so I will try to keep it in the right areas. We played some games here. The ball doesn’t do much so you have to apply as much pressure as you can.”I think fast-bowling comes naturally to me but I think because of the background and history that we have in Antigua, it really encourages me to go on and continue bowling fast. I know about the legendary fast bowlers but I only got to speak to some of them. I have been coached by Winston Benjamin. He has taught me to keep it simple. He has told me to be patient in four-day cricket. Let the batsman make the mistake.”I have interacted with Andy Roberts. He is a great bowler. I haven’t met Curtly Ambrose. He is a great bowler. I have seen clips of him bowl. I love his bowling. I watch every fast bowler and try to learn from them. My hero is Dale Steyn. I don’t really copy anyone, but I like his style of bowling.”Joseph says he has never had a speed gun trained on him but reckons he is quick. There wasn’t a speed gun either when he bowled at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong against England but the pace showed in the way the ball hit the bat.His efforts, which started with backyard cricket, were encouraged by his father, Alva, who played as an opening batsman and bowled a bit of medium pace. Joseph went on to play for Empire Cricket Club, where his father had played, before making it to age-group teams for Antigua and Leeward Island and then the Leeward franchise side.For now he is thinking of bowling with patience in the first-class and one-day formats and has his sights on Test cricket. He is also clear about how aggressive he wants to be as a bowler.”I am not trying to look at T20 cricket at the moment,” he said. “I am looking at Test cricket. I like it.”As a fast bowler you want to have the upper-hand over the batsman so you will try to be as aggressive as you can be. I don’t really try to hit a batsman but I let him know that I am there, so that the batsman doesn’t really come after me. I would try to keep it simple.”
Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey insists the club should allow manager Roy Hodgson to leave for Liverpool if they come calling for his services.
The Merseysiders parted company with Rafael Benitez and the veteran tactician is believed to be interesting the Anfield-based outfit as they seek to fill the vacant managerial hot-seat.
Hodgson helped guide the unfashionable Cottagers to the final of the Europa League last term after seeing off the challenges posed by Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus, Wolfsburg and Hamburg.
Although they narrowly lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in the showpiece, Hodgson has demonstrated his ability to get the best out of his players and Dempsey feels it would be fair for him to talk to the Reds’ hierarchy if they sought him.
Speaking to reporters, the American international said:“If the coach wants to be there he will be there.
“He has to do the best for him and his family. It is not something I can worry about.
“I am with Fulham for three more years and I will do my best for them until something happens.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“If he wants to stay, let him stay. If he wants to go, let him go.”
Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
As Wayne Rooney trudged off the Green Point Stadium field on Friday night, he turned to the camera and eloquently stated, “Nice to see your own fans booing you. If that’s what loyal support is…for f**k’s sake.” With the nation unsurprisingly outraged by Rooney’s assertion, a hastily-assembled apology was swiftly issued by the Football Association on the Manchester United man’s behalf. Although for the sake of my reputation amongst friends and family I chimed in with a vicious condemnation of Mr. Rooney’s character and behaviour, I couldn’t help but agree a little with the comments of England’s number ten. Having stewed a little more upon what he said, I thought to myself, does Wayne Rooney have a point?
Yes, England’s draw against Algeria was an unwanted result. Yes, the performance was turgid and disappointing. However, the failure to break down an Algerian ranked 22 places behind England in FIFA’s world ranking was as much attributable to the North African side’s determination and organisation as it was to England’s shortcomings. But, it seems as though the level of disappointment and anger aimed at the England side is resultant from the nature of England’s support. Let me elucidate.
For better or for worse, the press and fans within this country heap an unbelievable amount of pressure upon the national team prior to and during every major international tournament. I cannot fathom why the fans and media consistently have such expectations; England have won just one major international tournament in history (and that was a 44 years ago), despite the presence of world-class players the side perennially struggle to perform as a team, and there are several other nations in the world with more distinguished international histories and the ability to perform much better than England as a team (in this writer’s opinion Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Holland, Italy and, in spite of their poor showing, France, all fit the bill here).
So before a single ball is even kicked, the 23 men selected to represent the nation are already subject to unfeasibly unrealistic hopes and expectations. Following the announcement of the draw for the World Cup group stages, one popular tabloid newspaper greeted said draw with the headline of ‘E – ngland, A – lgeria, S – lovenia, Y – anks’, simultaneously displaying extreme arrogance and further heaping pressure upon the England side.
Despite common belief, I find it unfathomable to believe that not a single one of the players selected to face USA and Algeria did not give 100%. Whilst credit must be given to the USA and Algeria, the sub-standard nature of individual players’ performances can be linked to the fear borne of such high expectations.
Thanks to the work of an aforementioned tabloid newspaper and a collective relative lack of knowledge of international football, fans expected England to ‘batter’ or ‘thrash’ the ‘vastly inferior’ USA and Algeria. As such, many of England’s players, for fear of national vilification, were unable to play with the freedom with which they do for their respective club sides. Whilst many England fans are quick to build up their players and their side, they are just as willing to knock them down and crucify them for their perceived failures.
The booing which followed the final whistle on Friday evening was indicative of this fan culture. Whilst I empathise with the fans who spent thousands of pounds in order to travel to South Africa, I cannot help but feel that the main purpose of said trip was not for personal enjoyment or entertainment, but to support their team, and to show their support through thick and thin. After the draw against Algeria, it is unlikely that fans would have harboured a level of disappointment even remotely comparable to the level within the squad itself. With the side already under pressure, I cannot help but feel that booing may have exacerbated the weight of expectation upon the already beleaguered players.
Despite the abject nature of England’s first two displays, the side remain in a good position to finish top of their group, and unlike the likes of Spain and France, do not have to rely upon other results going their way.
Unfortunately, due to my dearth of knowledge regarding fan support in other countries I cannot compare England with other nations across the world. Whilst I do understand the need of fans to express their displeasure at England’s below-par displays, I cannot help but feel the manner of support may be to the detriment of the team.
Come on England!
Follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/zarifrasul
Click image below to see a gallery of the Italian babes at the World Cup:
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Newcastle United have emerged as the favourites to sign Manchester United youngster Tom Cleverley after Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that the England Under-21 international will be allowed to leave Old Trafford on a season-long loan deal.
Magpies boss Chris Hughton made enquiries about Cleverley last season when the 20-year-old was on loan at Watford.
Hughton said recently: "We are looking at the loan market and, if someone becomes available who will add to our squad, of course we would be interested. We have made our enquiries and we're hopeful of bringing some in."
Meanwhile, Ferguson has said:"Tom is a very talented boy. He is going to be a very good footballer. We are also considering putting him on loan to a premier division team.
"He improved tremendously in his spell at Watford last year. He got an unfortunate injury towards the end of last season and was out for a long time. He has just come back and can play anywhere in midfield, which is always an advantage."
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Cleverley has failed to make a first-team appearance for United but did feature in 35 games for Watford last season, scoring 11 times, and played ten games for Leicester City during a temporary spell at the Walkers Stadium in the second half of the 2008-09 campaign.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email