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Chadd Sayers ripped through Tasmania before Travis Head cracked an unbeaten century to give South Australia a chance of squeezing into the Sheffield Shield final, after day one in Adelaide

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Mar-2016
ScorecardFile photo – Chadd Sayers returned career-best first-class figures of 7 for 46•Getty Images and Cricket Australia

Chadd Sayers ripped through Tasmania before Travis Head cracked an unbeaten century to give South Australia a chance of squeezing into the Sheffield Shield final, after day one at Gliderol Stadium in Adelaide.Having opted to bat, the Tigers were rumbled for a mere 91, with Sayers’ 7 for 46 a new personal mark in first-class matches. Sayers claimed seven of the first eight Tasmania batsmen, while benefiting from tight supporting spells delivered by Daniel Worrall and Joe Mennie.Only George Bailey, Tom Triffitt and last man Jackson Bird were able to make it into double figures, offering SA the chance to push for a major first innings advantage and an outright win.SA lost regular wickets in their reply, but Head and Alex Ross helped their side forge ahead in the final session. Head’s century followed his second-innings hundred, which guided SA to an unlikely fourth-innings chase against Western Australia in Perth.That result kept SA in the race for the Shield final, and while they are reliant on other results in Alice Springs and Brisbane, they have given themselves a chance.

Already without pace spearhead Dale Steyn, Russell Domingo could find also himself minus both Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who picked up injuries in Sri Lanka

Firdose Moonda18-Jul-2013Russell Domingo’s first assignment as South Africa’s head coach has just become tougher. Already without pace spearhead Dale Steyn, Domingo could find also himself minus both Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who picked up injuries in Sri Lanka.Morkel bowled only three overs in the warm-up match against the Sri Lankan Board President’s XI on Wednesday before leaving the field with a quad niggle. He was assessed today and was still experiencing tightness. He will have to be relooked at on Friday in order to determine his availability for Saturday’s first ODI.The concern over Morkel is that the injury has occurred in the same quad which was affected during the Champions Trophy last month. Morkel was ruled out of the tournament after South Africa’s first match against India, in which he did not bowl his full quota of overs, and sent home for a three-week rehabilitation program. On the team’s departure last Sunday, Mohammed Moosajee, the team doctor and manager, said Morkel had made a full recovery.Tsotsobe’s worry appears to be more serious. He did not play in the warm-up and CSA officials in South Africa confirmed he suffered a recurrence of the ankle impingement syndrome that plagued him last season. They said he was receiving treatment in Sri Lanka. They would not confirm whether a report in a local newspaper, which revealed Tsotsobe had traveled unfit, was true.Instead, CSA only said, “all players have to be signed off by the medical committee.” reported that Tsotsobe was given the green light even though he failed a fitness test conducted pre-tour. Signs of Tsotsobe struggling were evident during the Champions Trophy. Although he played in all South Africa’s games, he only bowled five overs in the semi-final against England.Tsotsobe’s franchise coach at the Lions, Geoffrey Toyana, confirmed to ESPNCricinfo that the left-armer was “in good shape” before the tournament. He was training at the Wanderers, bowling well and at full fitness. He has not had communication with Tsotsobe since then.Should Tsotsobe only become available to play later in the tour, as suggested, Domingo’s options for the opening exchanges will be limited. He will have to choose from a largely inexperienced pack with Rory Kleinveldt, Chris Morris and Ryan McLaren as the only seam options.With the first match on Saturday, there will be no time to fly in a replacement. If one is needed as the tour goes on, South Africa’s choices are also not as vast as they would like them to be. Wayne Parnell, who is part of the T20 squad, is recovering from a groin niggle and will have to be re-evaluated before he leaves for Sri Lanka. It is unlikely he will be available for the ODIs.Marchant de Lange and Kyle Abbott are involved with the South African A side that will play first-class matches against Australia A. Ostensibly, either of them could be pulled out and sent to Sri Lanka but de Lange is also in the final stages of complete recovery from stress fractures and Abbott’s inexperience may only add to the existing worries.Conditions may help ease the concern with South Africa likely to consider two specialist spinners in the starting XI. That would mean both Robin Peterson and Aaron Phangiso will play. JP Duminy also provides a slower bowling option.

Firdose Moonda at Headingley31-Jul-2012The only thing standing between South Africa and victory in the second Test at Headingley, which would seal the series and take them to No. 1, is their state of mind, according to middle-order batsman Jacques Rudolph.After their innings-and-12-run win at The Oval and a batting performance Allan Donald said “can’t get any better,” there would appear very few areas of improvement for the squad. But, having seen first-hand how the only place to go from the top is down, with England losing five out of nine Tests since becoming the world’s best, Rudolph said South Africa have to be careful with how they respond to a big win.”Our challenge will be to get off the wave of the first Test match, from a mental point of view,” Rudolph said. “Obviously it was a convincing win for us but we are not too results orientated. We expect a strong fight back and we are prepared for what we are going to face.”South Africa have a good record at Headingley, having only lost one of the four Tests they have played here since readmission. In 1994, Peter Kirsten’s century forced a draw, in 2003, Jacques Kallis’ six wickets won the match and in 2008, AB de Villiers and Ashwell Prince put on 212 runs for the fifth-wicket to give South Africa what proved a series-winning lead.Rudolph believes it is the ideal place for them to hold on to their series lead. “From a team point of view, we can take quite a lot of confidence from how we played here in the past,” he said.With that much experience at the ground, including Rudolph’s knowledge from five years of playing at Yorkshire, he believes the team will be properly prepared. While Rudolph said the information he is sharing with his team-mates is “not new,” he hopes it can provide some important insight.”There is a strong perception that Headingley is more a bowler’s kind of wicket but in my experience here, especially when the sun is out, it’s a really nice place to bat,” he said. The average runs per wicket has increased from 27.91 in the 1980s to 34.18 in the 2000s, an indication that the green mamba is not as venomous as before, something Rudolph could confirm. “Once you get yourself in and get used to the swing and a little bit of seam movement you can get yourself in.”South Africa have squashed any speculation that will consider an all-pace attack with every member of the squad saying the XI is likely to be unchanged but Rudolph hinted that Imran Tahir, the legspinner, may have to change his approach.”It won’t be as dry as The Oval and it won’t be as bouncy or turn as much. From a spinner’s point of view, you’ve got to adapt your game plan and maybe be a little bit more containing as opposed to attacking.”JP Duminy’s offspin may have a role to play, in addition to his batting at No.7, although he has not had much time in the middle doing. Duminy has scored a total of 94 runs in four innings on the tour and has bowled 27 overs across the four matches he has played.Rudolph said too much should not be read into warm-ups because the rest of the preparation has gone well. “We are quite used to playing back to back matches and getting into a rhythm but here we have had a lot of time off and you have to find ways to keep yourself fresh.”Personally, I find that in the warm up games the intensity is not really there because it is not as competitive as a Test match. But Gary Kirsten is quite strong on the fact that you’ve got to be aware of your own space and preparation. “

England are hopeful that Jonathan Trott will be able to play a part in their second innings at Trent Bridge even though the batsman left the ground in a sling following a nasty injury at mid-off

Andrew McGlashan at Trent Bridge30-Jul-2011England are hopeful that Jonathan Trott will be able to play a part in their second innings at Trent Bridge even though the batsman left the ground in a sling following a nasty injury at mid-off.Trott dived to stop a drive from Rahul Dravid in the 48th over of the innings and it was immediately clear he was in trouble as he stayed on the ground and team-mates called for the physio. Initially it appeared it may have been a dislocation, but he made his own way off.Subsequent scans at hospital showed no bone damage and a decision will be taken in the morning whether he bats although it’s unlikely to be in the top order.”It was quite an awkward one,” Stuart Broad said. “He dived for the ball and his shoulder got caught in the turf and the momentum of his body went over on it. He was in quite a bit of pain, he’s been for a scan and I don’t think it’s shown any major structural damage it’s just very sore.”Hopefully he’ll sleep well and pull up okay, but I can’t imagine him batting in the top six he’ll probably need a bit of time. Hopefully he can play a part tomorrow or the next day.”In Trott’s absence Ian Bell came in at No. 3 on the second evening after Alastair Cook fell cheaply and survived to the close alongside Andrew Strauss. However, England will need all their batting resources as they aim to overhaul India’s lead of 67 and set a testing fourth-innings target. Graeme Swann is also carrying an injury on his left hand after being struck on the opening day by Praveen Kumar and didn’t field in his normal position at slip.”We are fighting hard in this Test and it will be a massive day tomorrow,” Broad said. “We need to bat big and one guy needs to get a big hundred then we are right in the game because bowling last on that wicket could be an advantage for us.”

Jimmy Adams and Sean Ervine made half-centuries as Hampshire gained the upper hand at the Rose Bowl where Lancashire are seeking to remain the only unbeaten team in the County Championship

30-Jul-2010

ScorecardJames Vince played stylishly until he was dismissed by Steven Croft for 33•PA Photos

Jimmy Adams and Sean Ervine made half-centuries as Hampshire gained the upper hand at the Rose Bowl where Lancashire are seeking to remain the only unbeaten team in the County Championship.Lancashire began the second day at 262 for 8 and added another 21 runs but when bad light brought a premature end, Hampshire were four runs ahead at 287 for 6. Simon Kerrigan was out at 267 when Lancashire resumed their first innings and 16 runs later Gary Keedy was bowled by former Lancashire all-rounder Dominic Cork.Cork finished with figures for 4 for 57 and there were two wickets each for David Balcombe and spinner Danny Briggs. Hampshire made a dismal start to their reply with England candidate Michael Carberry bowled by Glen Chapple without scoring from the third ball of the innings.Adams was dropped at the wicket by Luke Sutton off the bowling of Tom Smith when on 18, and Lancashire paid the penalty as he and Michael Lumb put on 117 for the second wicket. Lumb, out of form after England’s Twenty20 success in the Caribbean, began to show signs of returning to his best by hitting eight fours in his 48 before he lofted Sajid Mahmood to fine leg where Kerrigan held the catch.Adams went on to make 72 before he was third out at 160 when he edged Keedy to wicketkeeper Sutton after hitting 11 fours in his 158-ball innings. Neil McKenzie was fourth out at 179 and James Vince was in prime form until he was lbw to Steven Croft for 33 at 255.But big-hitting Ervine was not to be denied and he smashed his way to a rapid 56 in an innings which included five fours and a six before he gave Chapple his second success of the innings. Cork and Michael Bates, making his debut, took the score past the Lancashire total before bad light intruded.Chapple finished the day with two for 48 and Keedy’s 19 overs brought figures of 2 for 45. Ervine’s 56 came from 77 balls but there was little in the wicket to encourage the Lancashire bowlers in the way that it had helped Hampshire on the first day. Adams’ half-century was his seventh of the season and put Hampshire in a powerful position at the end of the second day.

Manchester United could reignite their interest in previous transfer target Saul Niguez in the summer.

The Spanish midfielder has been linked with the Red Devils on numerous occasions in the past, with a move yet to come to fruition.

However, reports from Cadena Ser indicate that he could leave Atletico Madrid in the summer, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once again waiting in the wings.

This time, the Red Devils must get their man.

Since breaking through into the Atletico first team, the 26-year-old has gone on to become one of the most complete midfield players in Europe.

In 326 appearances for Los Rojiblancos, he has scored 43 goals and notched 18 assists. For a player only just reaching his peak years, that is quite a considerable and impressive record.

His experience in Europe would hugely benefit the Red Devils, with Saul having racked up 59 appearances in the Champions League, reaching two finals as well as lifting the Europa League.

The 19-cap Spanish international thrives in a box-to-box role, not only getting forwards but also being extremely reliable when defending.

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According to WhoScored, Saul averages 1.5 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and one clearance per game in all competitions.

Whilst this does not take him above Fred in the pecking order of United’s current midfielders, these defensive statistics rate him above Donny van de Beek and Nemanja Matic for those respective metrics.

That crucial role in a midfield trio with the Brazilian would allow Paul Pogba to push further forwards and support Bruno Fernandes in the Red Devils’ attacking play.

Whilst Saul is valued at £49.5m by Transfermarkt having over five years left on his current contract at the Wanda Metropolitano, the reports that Atletico would allow him to leave in the upcoming transfer window could see that asking price lowered.

Now that he is seemingly available, United have to go back and finally get their man at the second time of asking.

AND in more news, read about which current Man Utd star Ed Woodward has to commit to a new contract…

Many Everton fans have been left to hail some early team news ahead of their home game versus Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Speaking to evertontv (via the official website of the Goodison Park faithful), Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that he Republic of Ireland international “will be back” to play against Sean Dyche’s team at the weekend.

The Merseyside club greatly missed their captain in their last match, a 2-0 away loss at the hands of Chelsea, a side with whom they are currently fighting for to finish in the UEFA Champions League qualification spots come the end of the 2020/21 term.

Coleman will offer a much more attacking threat than Mason Holgate, who has been filling in for the 32-year-old at right-back and is predominantly a central defender by trade.

Nonetheless, it will be great to see him back on the football pitch for the Toffees once more.

Everton fan reaction to Coleman news

These Blues hailed the news of his return on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far to claim that it was “excellent”:

“Good news, 100 mph straight out the blocks on Saturday COYB”

Credit: @MrGriff1878

“Excellent news”

Credit: @nikkiharg

“Good. Will add a more attacking threat than Holgate. Give him a rest.”

Credit: @Rochey1878

“Great news that”

Credit: @JackWilliams_24

“He really makes whoever plays RW better, Iwobi looks like a different player with Coleman”

Credit: @baldoochi

“We’ve missed that link up on the right”Credit: @SJxH22In other news, find out what recent Everton update has been lauded by fans here!

West Brom have been handed a late setback in their pursuit of Christian Benteke…

What’s the word?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson poured cold water on the chances of the 30-year-old leaving Selhurst Park amid reported interest from the Baggies.

Indeed, the former Albion manager confirmed that the £8.1m-rated Benteke would be making the trip to Newcastle tomorrow evening, thus ruling him out of a last-gasp move to the Hawthorns.

Benteke blow

According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon only a few days ago, the Eagles had given the ‘green light’ to any Benteke departure ahead of deadline day but as evident above, that does not seem to be the case.

And that’ll come as a late setback for Sam Allardyce, who has managed the 6 foot 3 colossus before, and revealed himself that he’d be “interested” in signing him this window.

The 38-cap Belgian striker was an influential part of the Palace side that Big Sam successfully steered to safety in 2016/17.

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That season, Benteke scored nine times in 22 appearances, as per Transfermarkt, which led to the 66-year-old calling him a “big catalyst” and a “big reason” to why they survived relegation.

He’d surely have wanted the former Villa man in to repeat similar exploits as he’s a vastly-experienced Premier League forward with a pretty decent goalscoring record.

Indeed, Benteke has provided 75 goals in 239 top-flight appearances and even though Mbaye Diagne has been brought through from Galatasaray this window, he has never ever played in English football, so that’s a massive risk.

Only two other teams have conceded fewer goals than West Brom (17), one of which being rock-bottom Sheffield United, so Allardyce could have done with even more options in attack, especially as both Kenneth Zohore and Charlie Austin departed on loan.

That’s two out, one in, and that may not be enough.

The once dubbed an “absolute monster” won’t be joining Albion before tonight’s 11pm deadline and that’s a bad blow towards their survival chances. Benteke’s best returns were under Allardyce, so that could have been a lucrative partnership worth reigniting in the Midlands this month.

AND in other news, West Brom must seal deal for £25k-p/w beast, Klopp once dubbed him “very impressive”…

Sam Allardyce faces an uphill task to keep West Brom in the Premier League this season.

And one of their biggest problems seems to be at the back as they have leaked a whopping 39 goals in 17 matches, six more than any other top-flight team this campaign.

It surely makes defensive reinforcements an absolute priority during the January transfer window and whilst the Baggies have been linked to the likes of James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho, it’s another mooted target they should be plumping for.

Last month, the Daily Star reporter that Albion were keen to take Manchester United outcast, Phil Jones, on loan for the remainder of the season with the Red Devils expected to pay the bulk of his £120k-per-week wages.

That would suit West Brom immensely as Big Sam is working on a very restricted financial budget – according to the Telegraph’s John Percy, ‘moves for players who will cost in excess of £2 million are rated as seriously doubtful.’

The Baggies only have one domestic loan space left, so using it on a vastly-experienced defender like Jones could make the world of sense.

Similarly, Albion have struck gold with United before when taking on Jonny Evans, who was also struggling for game time at the Premier League giants.

For £6m, the Midlands outfit got every penny back with three consistent seasons where he played at least 28 matches each campaign before they were relegated to the Championship.

Jones would certainly be shades of that very move and he’s a player that Allardyce knows very well too, which is merely another reason to why a stint at the Hawthorns is beneficial.

The 66-year-old unearthed the Englishman at Blackburn Rovers prior to his £16.5m switch to Old Trafford, even tipping him for international stardom in an interview with the Telegraph in 2011, he said:

“He is already growing into what I consider to be a leader. When he gets more experience he will be able to control his team-mates and eventually he will wear the armband for England. It’s a lot to ask of such a young man but he has the all-round outstanding ability to be a very top player.”

Now valued at just £5.4m by Transfermarkt, Jones needs to find another club as he’s only started 17 matches since the beginning of the 2018/19 season.

Despite only being 28, he has proven to be a reliable influence over 200 appearances in the big time, he’s averaged a whopping 5.3 clearances and 1.9 tackles per game during the past decade, via WhoScored, which ranks him above all of Semi Ajayi, Dara O’Shea and Branislav Ivanovic in this current Baggies squad.

Luke Dowling simply has to sanction a swoop for what could be West Brom’s next Evans.

AND in other news, Baggies’ “total nightmare” in GRAVE DANGER of becoming another Nacer Chadli…