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Gary Kirsten, the India coach, says mental fatigue will be his team’s biggest challenge during the World Twenty20 in England next month

Ajay S Shankar08-May-2009Gary Kirsten, the India coach, says mental fatigue will be his team’s biggest challenge during the World Twenty20 in England next month. The event starts on June 5 but India play their first warm-up game on June 1, just seven days after the IPL ends in South Africa. Kirsten also believes India, the defending champions, will be under added pressure during the ICC tournament but says the team has shown it is capable of handling such situations.”The Indian players have been on the road for a long time and the biggest challenge will be mental fatigue,” Kirsten told Cricinfo. “But they have enormous pride when representing India and have become a tight unit over the past few months. I’m sure they will look forward to reuniting and playing for their country.”The Indian players have been almost living out of their suitcases since they left Mumbai for the New Zealand tour on February 20. They got a few days off after the series ended on April 7 before leaving for the IPL, which began on April 18. They return home for a few days again when the IPL ends on May 24 – the entire 15-member World Twenty20 squad is playing in the league – before leaving for England to play their first day/night warm-up game against New Zealand at Lord’s. India take on Bangladesh in their first game of the tournament on June 6 in Trent Bridge.But Kirsten, who took over as India coach in 2008, said he was confident the team would be able to handle the pressure when defending the title they won in 2007. “When you are defending champions there will always be added pressure,” Kirsten said. “That goes with the territory of high-performing teams. This team has played in many pressure situations since the Twenty20 World Cup in 2007 and has shown what they are capable of.”How different would the conditions be in England for the World Twenty20? It’s something all international teams, he said, have to come to terms with. “Every country has its own unique conditions which each team and individual needs to comes to terms with,” he said. “The players are aware of those conditions and what is required to give themselves the best chance of performing. Most of the Indian players have played in England and know what to expect.”India have sported a stable look over the five Twenty20 internationals they have played since the 2007 world title victory – winning two and losing three. In fact, there have been only two changes in the team from the 16-member squad for the last two games they played in New Zealand, and the 15-member World Twenty20 squad that was announced on Monday.There is an argument that such stability could also lead to complacency among players in the team but Kirsten was quick to dismiss such suggestions. “Experienced players understand the demands and pressures of World Cup tournaments,” he said. “Throw in a few talented and fearless young players and you have a great mix in the team. There is certainly no danger of complacency within the Indian team. We pride ourselves in taking each game as it comes and giving 100% on a daily basis while representing Team India.”Giving a hint of the team’s gameplan for the world event, Kirsten said he believes spin will play a major role in Twenty20 cricket. India have only two fulltime spinners – Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha – in their World Twenty20 squad but have a rich variety of part-time options to choose from: Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Virender Sehwag, Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma.Moving on to the ongoing IPL, Kirsten, who is based in Cape Town, said the tournament has benefited young Indian cricketers immensely. He put forward the growth of Yusuf Pathan’s game at the last IPL, as an example. “The IPL provides a great opportunity for young Indian cricketers to show what they are capable of in a high-profile environment,” he said. “They also get to mix with, and learn from, successful international cricketers. This can only be of benefit to Indian cricket. Performances during the IPL can definitely be a stepping stone to achieving higher honours. Yusuf Pathan was one example of that last year.”What is evident from the league, he said, was that the best team on paper is not necessarily the most successful one. “There will always be new ideas and new thinking in every IPL,” he said. “What is of interest to me are those teams that are able to win consistently and why they are able to do it. It isn’t always the best team on paper.”Asked about Buchanan’s captaincy theory for the Kolkata Knight Riders, the IPL team that he coaches, Kirsten said: “In the dynamic world we live in, innovative thinking is important to try and stay ahead and push the boundaries of performance. I think it is important to balance out what is already working and what can improve performance. MS Dhoni has proved a highly effective and capable leader for India and I’m sure that will not change for some time to come.”

Leicester City got their Europa League campaign off to a frustrating start on Thursday night after blowing a two-goal lead to draw with Napoli at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes started the Group C encounter in strong fashion, taking the lead through Ayoze Perez after he connected perfectly with an inch-perfect Harvey Barnes cross.

Summer signing Patson Daka then thought he’d secured his first goal for his new club before it was eventually ruled out for offside, but the Midlands outfit weren’t to be denied. Just after the hour mark, Barnes turned from creator to finisher, doubling Leicester’s lead and putting Brendan Rodgers’ side firmly in the driving seat.

However, a late collapse from the FA Cup holders saw Napoli earn themselves a deserved point at the King Power Stadium. Nigeria international Victor Osimhen’s reduced the deficit with a delightful touch past Kasper Schmeichel, before he completed the comeback with a header in the 87th minute.

It was a night of mixed emotions for Leicester, although they’ll be left ruing what could have been had their defensive unit put in a better performance against the Azzurri.

One member of the back four was arguably more at fault than any other. As per SofaScore, Jannik Vestergaard received a match rating of just 5.9 out of 10, by far the worst handed out to any player on the pitch.

The Denmark international was brought in by Rodgers to firm up his backline following an injury to Wesley Fofana, but the former Celtic boss won’t have been impressed by what he saw last night.

Vestergaard lost six of his eight duels against Napoli, was dribbled past on four occasions and only picked out a teammate with two of his five attempted long passes (SofaScore).

The 6 foot 5 beast will need to improve and adapt to his new surroundings quickly in order to keep his place in the starting XI, and Rodgers will be hoping he does just that over the weekend when Leicester take on Brighton.

In other news…£7.2m-rated “big talent” proved to be Rudkin’s greatest Leicester mistake this century 

Tottenham Hotspur head into the international break sitting top of the Premier League after three games.

That, of course, means very little at this stage but so far the Nuno Santo era has got off to a very encouraging start.

Although, there should be some caution as Jose Mourinho had the north Londoners in the exact same position back in December. And by mid-April, he was sacked.

There is, however, still a lot to come from this squad.

Harry Kane is yet to properly start his season after his late return to training amid intense transfer speculation, whilst we’ve hardly seen any of the new summer signings in action.

Spurs ended deadline day with a bang by bringing in Emerson Royal from Barcelona and cancelling Serge Aurier’s contract.

But Nuno may have an ace up his sleeve with another one of his additions this transfer window – his likely trump card, Bryan Gil.

The 20-year-old gem signed in a €25m (£21.5m) deal from Sevilla, which also saw Erik Lamela move in the other direction. In signing a six-year contract, it shows that the young Spaniard is seen as one for the future.

But he can make an impact now.

The £27m-rated dynamo started both UEFA Europa Conference qualifying clashes against Pacos de Ferreira, where he provided an assist in the second leg to help steer Spurs into the group stages.

Gil is yet to feature for more than two minutes in the Premier League but that should change after the international break.

Versatility, creativity and energy.

Those are the three key things the Spain U21 international can provide Nuno with in attacking midfield.

“The Spaniard has a lovely style about the way he plays the game, with real confidence in what he does,” claimed football.london’s Alasdair Gold following his debut last month.

Meanwhile, Gil’s style has been likened to one of the Portuguese’s former players, Pedro Neto.

According to Twenty3, the 5 foot 9 dynamo and the Wolves sensation are “almost identical in terms of output last season” – Both are said to be high volume dribblers that are more creative than goalscoring.

Indeed, Gil averaged 1.7 crosses and 1.9 key passes per 90 in La Liga last season, via WhoScored. Only Kane and Heung-min Son were more creative in Spurs’ squad.

Similarly, the Sevilla youth product has been likened to Jack Grealish by ESPNUK editor David Cartlidge. “Bryan Gil a potential star in the making,” he claimed prior to the move. “Spurs landing a very, very exciting talent if reports hold true. Still raw and with lots to polish but he’s easily top 5 most exciting young talents in Spain.”

“[He’s a] LW with potential to be a AMC in the future, unbelievable amounts of technique, agility and good in 1v1s. A left foot on him you’d kill for as a footballer. Player comp for those who are unaware of him probably Grealish.”

This sort of unpredictability and quality to play anywhere along the front three is exactly what Spurs need to keep their fine form up this season.

Also lauded as a “big talent” by football scout Jacek Kulig, it’s time for Nuno to unleash Gil in the big time.

AND in other news, Paratici masterclass: Spurs eye “extraordinary” £34m-rated gem, he won’t cost a penny…

Jonh Wright, the former India coach, has said the incumbent Gary Kirsten is “probably better” in that role than him

Cricinfo staff12-Mar-2009
John Wright is impressed with Gary Kirsten’s performance as India coach © Getty Images
John Wright, the former India coach, has said the incumbent Gary Kirsten is “probably better” in that role than him. Since taking over last year, Kirsten has overseen India’s Test victories over Australia and England at home, and several highs in ODIs as well, including the longest winning streak by an Indian side.”He is very thoughtful and very passionate and I think he understands the importance and the privilege of coaching India,” Wright told . He was India’s coach for five years from November 2000 during which India won a historic series against Australia in 2001 at home, won in Pakistan in 2003, and also guided the team to the finals of the 2003 World cup.Wright, a former New Zealand batsman, also said that adapting to the way things work in India was a key factor in being a successful India coach. “You bring some ideas from outside India but there is also an understanding of how things are best handled and getting to know your players and keeping them contented and happy and confident and being able to correct them when they need to.”Wright, who is currently a New Zealand selector, was also glad the upcoming Test series was a three-match affair and not two, as was originally planned. New Zealand won the Twenty20s and India have sealed the one-dayers, and Wright felt the home side would have to play “right upto their potential” if they are going to put up a fight against India in the Tests.

Celtic are tracking Drogheda United midfielder Killian Phillips, according to The Irish Independent’s Daniel McDonnell.

The Lowdown: Phillips profiled

Phillips is 19 years of age and joined his current employers earlier this year.

Described as a versatile midfielder, the teenager is out of contract with Drogheda at the end of 2021, as per Transfermarkt.

He’s made 20 appearances for the Irish side, scoring once and registering one assist, and it seems as if he is catching Celtic’s eye.

The Latest: Celtic interest

McDonnell shared a story on Wednesday lunchtime regarding Celtic’s interest in Sligo Rovers forward Johnny Kenny.

Within his report, McDonnell claimed the Hoops will watch Kenny in action on Friday against Drogheda before sharing Celtic’s interest in Phillips.

Phillips is attracting attention from overseas, seemingly Celtic, with his long-term future on the pitch reportedly viewed as a centre-back rather than a midfielder.

The Verdict: Another Scales?

Liam Scales made the move from Ireland to Scotland this summer, and it appears as if Phillips could well follow suit down the line.

Celtic saw Scales’ versatility as crucial when bringing him to Parkhead, so Phillips’ ability to play in both midfield and in defence could work in his favour.

He may well have the chance to impress Celtic officials live on Friday during their scouting trip to watch Kenny, and who knows, should he do just that, a cut-price move in the New Year could well be on the cards.

In other news: Celtic source shares transfer news different to Sky Sports claim; good news for McKay and Ange.

Dominic Thornely and his New South Wales team-mates piled on the runs during a massive first innings of 4 for 521 declared

Cricinfo staff31-Jan-2009
Scorecard
Points table

Dominic Thornely’s unbeaten 110 allowed the Blues to declare at the comfort of 4 for 521 © Getty Images
Dominic Thornely and his New South Wales team-mates piled on the runs during a massive first innings of 4 for 521 declared before squeezing five wickets from Tasmania in their unconvincing reply. Nathan Hauritz, the Test offspinner, struck three important blows to remind the selectors of his form as the visitors finished the day on 147, still 224 runs behind the follow-on mark.After Jason Krejza managed 1 for 153 in New South Wales’ innings, Hauritz (3 for 46) turned up to remove Jonathan Wells for 4 in his first over and added Rhett Lockyear (52) and George Bailey (23) to improve his side’s position. Dan Marsh’s second-ball dismissal to Burt Cockley was part of a mini-collapse of 3 for 9 and Luke Butterworth and Tim Paine ensured there was no further loss.Simon Katich, who is playing his final state match of the season due to his international commitments, swept to 143 off 150 balls in an innings that included six sixes. He started the second day wanting to build quickly towards a declaration and the closure came at lunch after Dominic Thornely had picked up 110 not out.Thornely’s century followed the hundred of Phillip Hughes on Friday, while Ben Rohrer was unbeaten on 53. Tasmania tried eight bowlers but none could take more than a wicket.<BR clear="all"

Despite his side’s poor year, on and off the field, Bermuda’s coach Gus Logie is nevertheless encouraged by the proposed groupings for next year’s World Cup qualifiers and remains optimistic that Bermuda can qualify for the 2011 tournament

Cricinfo staff21-Dec-2008Despite his side’s poor year, on and off the field, Bermuda’s coach Gus Logie is nevertheless encouraged by the proposed groupings for next year’s World Cup qualifiers and remains optimistic that Bermuda can qualify for the 2011 tournament.Bermuda made their debut in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean and are alongside top Kenya, Netherlands, Denmark, and the UAE for next April’s qualifiers.”We feel comfortable being in the group that we are in,” Logie told the The top four countries advance to the 2011 World Cup while the top six are each awarded full ODI status.”We haven’t discussed the World Cup qualifying groupings as a team. But I amcertain that our players will feel comfortable as well in the knowledge thatwe have already beaten some of those teams in our group.”And I think that if we can play to our full potential we can beat themagain.”Bermuda were roundly thrashed in last year’s World Cup, beaten comprehensively by Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. 2008 has been a difficult year, too, with allegations of drug misuse and they finished bottom of the ICC Intercontinental Cup which was won by Ireland.

Nottingham Forest have been dealt a major blow in their bid to bring Max Lowe to the City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that Dane Murphy’s side have seen an offer of a season-long loan for the left-back turned down by Sheffield United.

The report goes on to state that both Reading and Swansea City are also believed to be interested in the defender, while it is unclear whether Forest will continue their pursuit of the 24-year-old following their failed approach.

Murphy must move

With there having been something of a defence overhaul at Nottingham Forest this summer, with all of Yuri Ribeiro, Nikolas Ioannou, Michael Dawson and Michael Hefele having departed the club, while it is also clear that there is no real future for either Carl Jenkinson or Gaetan Bong in Nottingham, Chris Hughton has been left rather short in a number of positions across his backline.

However, it is undoubtedly at left-back where the 62-year-old lacks the most depth, with the former Norwich City manager having to recall Bong from his exile in order to field a player in the position so far this season.

As such, it would certainly appear as if the position is somewhere Murphy must strengthen prior to the closure of the summer transfer window next Tuesday, with Lowe appearing to be a fantastic candidate for the club.

Indeed, while the former England U20 international failed to cement a place in the Sheffield United starting XI last season, making just eight appearances in the competition, the left-back nevertheless proved in the campaign prior he is an extremely capable option in the Championship.

Indeed, over his 29 second-tier appearances for Derby County back in 2019/20, the £2.7m-rated man helped his side keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 3.7 tackles, 1.6 clearances and winning a whopping 6.9 duels per game.

These returns saw the man Alan Biggs dubbed a “proven Championship performer” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.83, earning the £14k-per-week defender a £3.47m move to the then-Premier League side Sheffield United.

So, the signing of Lowe would not only have plugged a gap that needs filling for Hughton, his addition would also more than likely have helped to raise the overall level of defending in the Forest backline, something that is desperately needed at the City Ground at present – leading us to believe Murphy should indeed do all he can to secure a deal for the left-back over what remains of the summer transfer window.

In other news: Lost 75% duels: Abject NFFC dud who made just 6 passes badly failed Hughton vs Wolves

Fresh from leading West Ham United into an unlikely spot in the Europa League, a year on from staring relegation in the face, manager David Moyes has a tricky task on his hands to repeat such a feat.

The 58-year-old has often been a mark of consistency in the Premier League, regularly recording top-eight finishes during his time at Everton, but this season looks tougher than ever.

A lot of teams around them, including the likes of Spurs and Arsenal who finished lower in the table, have strengthened their playing squad considerably, whilst the Irons have only made the one senior addition, a back-up loan goalkeeper in Alphonse Areola.

The likes of Declan Rice, Michail Antonio, Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek will need to step up and perform at a similar output to last term, especially in the absence of Jesse Lingard, who arguably changed the Hammers’ fortunes for the better.

After joining on loan in January, the Manchester United outcast provided nine goals and five assists to end the year as their second-highest rated player, as per WhoScored, which only emphasises just how crucial he was to Moyes and their impressive sixth-place finish.

He seems rather unlikely to return to the London Stadium and that’s a big blow. It means that other players will have to step up – perhaps it’s Said Benrahma’s time to shine?

The nine-cap Algerian winger, signed in a £30m deal from Brentford, didn’t have the best debut campaign in the big time, registering only one goal and six assists but that’s warranted. It’s the first time he’s competed at such a level. And he only started 14 times in the Premier League.

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If Moyes needs someone to provide that extra spark in midfield, then Benrahma must step forward. He could turn out to be the Hammers’ perfect Lingard replacement.

The 26-year-old has looked electric throughout pre-season, having scored against Celtic and Brentford, and provided two assists against Atalanta. He appears to be playing with a lot more confidence and his creativity could be utilised through the middle, to get the best out of him.

At the Bees, where he was described as someone who “could nutmeg a mermaid”, he delivered a direct goal contribution every 119.5 minutes, as per Transfermarkt, so it’s on Moyes to get that back out of him.

Also dubbed a “true magician” by former OGC Nice teammate Lorenzo Vinci, Benrahma can provide Moyes and West Ham with excitement by plugging the void left behind by Lingard.

The squad undoubtedly needs more additions to put up a fight across all competitions but the £18m-rated dynamo is someone who could be in line for a massive boost heading into the new campaign.

Moyes must look to unleash Benrahma in a free role in the absence of their former loan sensation.

AND in other news, Moyes risks West Ham transfer nightmare with a swoop for “ungrateful” £105k-p/w flop…

According to Spanish news outlet IDEAL (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are expected to lodge a bid to sign Granada defender Domingos Duarte as contact is initiated with the player.

The Lowdown: Spurs in defensive overhaul?

So far, Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici has overseen the arrivals of Pierluigi Gollini, Bryan Gil and Cristian Romero in north London but only the latter man comes as a much-needed defensive addition.

Reports indicate that the Lilywhites wish to add another defender and provide manager Nuno Espirito Santo with some strength in depth.

The likes of Nikola Milenkovic (now staying at Fiorentina) and Takehiro Tomiyasu have been heavily linked to Spurs with news now emerging of another target.

The Latest: Spurs expected to make Duarte bid…

As per IDEAL, Tottenham are now expected to make an initial offer of around €10 million (£8.5m) for the 26-year-old and they have even made contact to sound out the player.

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Nuno is said to be personally behind this possible move as he knows Duarte well and is reportedly looking for alternative defensive signings so he can use a back three formation.

However, Spurs’ expected opening offer will only scratch the surface of his alleged €30m (£25.7m) release clause and Granada are likely to stick to that fee.

The Verdict: Move on…

Starting 27 games for the La Liga side last season, Duarte didn’t exactly blow on-lookers away with his numbers.

While a key player for Granada according to this report, averaging the third-most clearances per 90 out of their entire squad over 2020/2021, he doesn’t do much better than that.

Almost every Spurs defender managed a higher rate of successful tackles and aerial duels won last season with the 6 foot 4 powerhouse hardly being a standout statistically (WhoScored).

If Paratici has to pay a £25.7m clause, we believe he could aim slightly higher than Duarte as he seeks to bolster Nuno’s squad.

In other news: ‘Getting closer’…Spurs now advancing in talks to sign ‘machine of a player’, find out more here.