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They might still be without a win to their name in the Premier League, but Ipswich Town are fighting tooth and nail to avoid the drop.

Kieran McKenna’s men have only lost five games so far and have managed to draw the other five, which is made all the more impressive when you consider that they have already played Liverpool, Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa.

However, with the second-worst defence in the league, if the Tractor Boys stay up this season, it’ll be largely down to their attacking stars, including one who’s won comparisons to one of the most exciting and expensive forwards in the league.

Ipswich's top goalscorers

Now, before we get to the attacking talent in question, let’s look at the club’s top goalscorers over the last two seasons, as it was largely thanks to their exploits that the Suffolk side is in the top flight today.

In the club’s first promotion campaign in 22/23, former Barnsley ace Conor Chaplin led the goalscoring charts, as he ended up with a ridiculous tally of 26 goals in 45 League One appearances.

That means the Worthing-born star averaged a goal every 1.73 games in the league, which probably helps to explain how the Tractor Boys went from midtable to automatic promotion within the space of a year.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was the 27-year-old who once again topped the goalscoring charts for the club the following season, racking up 13 in 44 Championship games, although he had to share top-spot with Nathan Broadhead.

In fact, while the Welsh international scored just as many goals as the Englishman, he did it in just 38 games, meaning he ended the campaign with an average of a goal every 2.92 games to Chaplin’s 3.38.

It looks like Ipswich will have a new top scorer this season, someone who could become an incredibly valuable asset.

Ipswich's top scorer in 24/25

So, when it comes to the Ipswich attacker who could end up as the team’s top scorer this season, there is really only one answer, at least based on what we have already seen, and it’s Liam Delap.

The “incredible” marksman, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola of all people, has already scored five goals in ten league appearances for Mckenna’s side, and he’s looked every bit a top-flight centre-forward so far.

In fact, he’s even been compared to one of the most exciting up-and-coming strikers in the league, Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund.

The comparison stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues before creating a ten-man list of the most comparable players, and in this case, it considers the Danish international to be the sixth most similar centre-forward to the Englishman.

You can get a better understanding of where they are coming from by looking at the underlying numbers they flag as being the most similar between the two players, metrics such as but not limited to non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and progressive passes received, goals per shot, goal-creating actions, attempted take-ons, carries, ball recoveries and aerial duels won, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.24

0.34

Progressive Passes

0.90

1.05

Progressive Passes Received

3.97

3.68

Goals per Shot

0.31

0.25

Goal-Creating Actions

0.13

0.26

Attempted Take-Ons

2.56

2.89

Carries

14.6

15.3

Ball Recoveries

2.31

2.63

Aerial Duels Won

1.15

1.32

Away from the statistical side of things, you can also see their similarities in the way both players use their physical stature to help them get into or exploit goalscoring opportunities before rifling off a shot.

Ultimately, it’s not a bad comparison to have, as not only did the Dane score 16 goals in his first season of English football last year, but he also has a lofty valuation of €70m – £58m – from Fotmob.

So, if he’s worth that much now, there is no reason to think Delap couldn’t be worth as much, if not more, in the years to come, especially if he continues to score at the rate he is now.

Ipswich flop now cannot be trusted to play for McKenna again

The experienced veteran has hit another wall at Ipswich.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 6, 2024

Robin van Persie was left fuming after Fortuna Sittard were briefly allowed to field 12 players against his Heerenveen side.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Fortuna briefly had 12 players on pitch
• Eredivisie match returned to 11 vs 11
• Van Persie fuming as game ends 2-2

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  With Van Persie's Heerenveen 2-1 up with two minutes remaining, the visitors brought on Ryan Fosso and Jasper Dahlhaus for Darijo Grujcic and Owen Johnson. However, Dahlhaus stayed on the pitch for nearly a minute before the ex-Manchester United and Arsenal striker notified the officials of their mistake. A minute later, the 11 men of Fortuna equalised to snatch the three points from Van Persie's team. Naturally, he was livid at full-time.

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• Imago
  

  WHAT ROBIN VAN PERSIE SAID

  He said, via ESPN: "I find what preceded that goal very special. Fortuna Sittard had 12 men on the field for a minute before that throw-in. Apparently that is allowed and possible. You can't imagine that? That it is simply allowed. Normally I never talk to referees and always let them do their job, but it can't be that they play with 12 men. That's unthinkable. So I asked the fourth official: 'Shouldn't you do something about that?'"

  When asked what he'd like to see done, Van Persie mused: "For example, reverse that goal. You can't play with twelve men against eleven. I really can't understand that. I think this is really scandalous."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The result means eighth-positioned Fortuna stay one point and two places ahead of Heerenveen, but if they had held on for the win, they would have leapfrogged their opponents in the Eredivisie. Moreover, they would have been 10 points clear of the relegation zone. This is another bad day for putting your trust in referees and matchday officials.

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• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Van Persie's Heerenveen will look to bounce back from this setback when they take on FC Twente next Sunday in the league.

How much does every Cottagers player earn annually and who receives the most into their account?

Craven Cottage is home to one of the oldest and well-run clubs in English football history, Fulham.

Currently hovering around mid-table in the ongoing Premier League season, Fulham and their loyal supporters are keen on making it through to the European spots after consistently missing out on the same in the last three seasons.

This term, they have produced some good results and can dream of contending for a European spot, should their main men continue to deliver at a high quality until the end of the season.

The likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Antonee Robinson, Raul Jimenez, Bernd Leno, and Alex Iwobi will be at the centre of all the spotlight, with the fans at Craven Cottage hoping that they can lead their team to Europe next season.

So, who is the highest earner at Fulham this season? And who is on the opposite end of the spectrum?

GOAL delved into the numbers from Capology and found out!

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(C)Getty ImagesGoalkeepers

Starting in goal, Fulham's first-choice shot stopper Bernd Leno is not just the highest-paid goalkeeper in the squad but surprisingly, the highest-paid player overall. The German goalkeeper signed for the Cottagers back in 2022 from Arsenal and has been an integral part of the squad ever since.

Fulham’s second-highest paid keeper, Steven Benda, earns considerably less as compared to Leno and finds himself among the lowest-paid players at the club.

Name Salary

Bernd Leno£6,760,000Steven Benda£520,000AdvertisementGetty Images SportDefenders

Former Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen is currently the highest-paid defender in the Fulham squad, having arrived from the Eagles in 2024.

Following Andersen in the list for the top-earning defenders at the club is his centre-back partner, Issa Diop. The 27-year-old French defender is currently playing his third season with Fulham since joining from West Ham United back in 2022.

The next best earning defender in the list is right-back Timothy Castagne. The Belgian international joined Fulham back in 2023 from Leicester who had been relegated after finishing 18th in the 2022-23 season.

Much to the surprise of the reader, in-form USMNT left-back Antonee Robinson isn't among the highest-paid defenders, earning just £2.6m per season.

Spanish centre-back Jorge Cuenca is the defender who earns the least at Fulham.

Name Salary

Joachim Andersen£4,680,000Issa Diop£3,640,000Timothy Castagne£3,380,000Antonee Robinson£2,600,000Kenny Tete£2,600,000Ryan Sessegnon£2,340,000Calvin Bassey£2,340,000Jorge Cuenca£1,300,000Getty Images SportMidfielders

Somewhat surprisingly, Emile Smith Rowe is not the highest-earning midfielder in the squad. Rather, it's Croatia international Sasa Lukic who takes the top spot.

Harrison Reed and Andreas Pereira earn identical wages, with Scottish midfielder Tom Cairney earning the least among Fulham midfielders.

Name Salary

Sasa Lukic£3,276,000Emile Smith Rowe£3,120,000Sander Berge£2,860,000Harrison Reed£2,600,000Andreas Pereira£2,600,000Tom Cairney£1,560,000ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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GettyAttackers

No surprise here, either. The highest-earning attacker in Fulham right now is former Wolves forward Raul Jimenez.

Reiss Nelson, who joined the Cottagers on loan for the 2024-25 season, is the joint-highest earning forward along with Jimenez.

The third-highest earning forward in Fulham is another former Arsenal player, Alex Iwobi.

Speedster Adama Traore takes the fourth spot while Brazilian striker Carlos Vinicius, Welshman Harry Wilson, and youngster Rodrigo Muniz are the lowest-paid members of the Fulham attack.

Name Salary

Raul Jimenez£5,200,000Reiss Nelson£5,200,000Alex Iwobi£4,160,000Adama Traore£3,380,000Carlos Vinicius£2,080,000Harry Wilson£1,820,000Rodrigo Muniz£390,000

“The plan is to split wicketkeeping duties in this series, make it two games each and make a decision in the fifth game.”

Mohammad Isam30-Aug-2021Nurul Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim will share wicketkeeping duties in the first four matches during the T20I series against New Zealand, according to Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo. The announcement comes as a bit of a surprise after the team management habitually backed Rahim as their No 1 wicketkeeper in ODIs and T20Is despite questions raised around his keeping skills in the last few years.Rahim has kept in all but four matches in the 86 T20Is of his career, including last year’s Zimbabwe series. Liton Das kept wickets in his absence in the T20Is in New Zealand this year, before Nurul took over against Zimbabwe and Australia. The general feeling among many in Bangladesh is that Nurul is the country’s best wicketkeeper, and given his recent batting form, the team management had to make this call.Related

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New Zealand call up Matt Henry as cover for Finn Allen in Bangladesh

“(Nurul Hasan) Sohan will keep wicket in the first two games,” Domingo said. “The plan is to split wicketkeeping duties in this particular series, make it two games each and make a decision in the fifth game. I think it is important to have those options covered.”But there’s no questioning Rahim’s importance as a middle-order batter. He will bridge the top and middle order from his No 4 spot, with the expectation that he can bat deep into the slog overs where he often opens up with the big hits.”I see Mushfiq probably starting at No. 4. He is successful there. He can hold the innings together for us. He can also rotate strike in the middle overs. He can finish well for us. It is good to have him back in the squad,” Domingo said.Bangladesh have developed other types of T20 talents like Mahedi Hasan, who is used as a shock factor both with the ball and bat. Mahedi is often tasked to bowl his brand of loopy and at times slingy offspin in the powerplay. He is also considered a pinch-hitter although his domestic numbers say he is more than a capable batter in the top three in T20s.Domingo seems to enjoy having Mahedi in the mix, particularly in a batting line-up that can sometimes slow down. “He is almost a free player for us. A 20 off 12 balls from him is a big contribution for the team. He has played some important little cameos for us in certain stages.”We will use him up the order when we feel we need a little bit of aggression or explosiveness to get ahead of the run-rate, but it is not going to be a regular occurrence. He has done really well in domestic T20s, but it is a big step-up to international cricket.”Mahedi even opened the batting against Australia in the last game, and actually delivered their best opening partnership with Mohammad Naim in the series. Domingo said that the opening partnership isn’t a worry, pointing out that Naim, if he raises his game further, has the potential for a long white-ball career.”(Naim) will be a fantastic player for Bangladesh in white ball cricket. He is still finding his feet. Regarding his technique and ability, his work ethic has been fantastic. He has played some good innings for us. He has some work against spin, when trying to rotate strike. I am very pleased with his progress,” he said.The New Zealand series will also be Bangladesh’s last T20Is before the T20 World Cup, for which they have to announce the squad before September 10. Domingo said ideally, he would have liked the squad being announced before the New Zealand series.”I think the squad needs to be announced a day or two before the New Zelaand series is complete. I think we have a pretty good idea who will be in the squad. It would be great to announce the World Cup squad before we play the New Zealand series, to put players’ minds at ease.”They can go out there and play, without the fear of WC selection just around the corner. But I don’t think we can do that yet,” he said.Domingo said that Bangladesh would like to continue to dominate visiting teams, even though batting conditions may be difficult given the types of pitches that can be prepared at this time of the year in Dhaka.”Winning the series is important. We are playing at home, so we want to continue gaining confidence before the World Cup. In terms of areas of improvement, batting conditions have been really difficult. It would be great if we got some bigger scores, but that depends on what conditions allow you to do.”I think bowling confidence and getting into a winning habit is also very important, so we must make sure we continue to do that,” he said.

MatériaMais Notícias

O atacante Jonathan Calleri falou sobre o técnico Rogério Ceni, que ficará no São Paulo para a próxima temporada após uma reunião com a diretoria. que definiu o fico, tanto do treinador, quanto do coordenador de futebol, Muricy Ramalho.

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Em entrevista ao ‘Esporte Espetacular’, o argentino exaltou o treinador e destacou a sua importância para a equipe são-paulina, principalmente na variedade dos treinos no dia a dia.

-É um grande treinador e com uma capacidade incrível. Tem que estar aqui dentro para saber. Todos os exercícios que ele dá são diferentes. Não repete um exercício dia após dia. E vemos a vontade que ele tem de trabalhar com o grupo. Que ele possa ser a pessoa mais importante do clube, o nosso técnico para o ano que vem. Que possamos nos reforçar da melhor maneira possível, porque é verdade que precisamos nos reforçar em todos os setores – afirmou Calleri.

VEJA A TABELA DO CAMPEONATO PAULISTA 2022!

Calleri também elogiou a torcida do São Paulo, que marcou boa presença em todos os jogos da equipe disputados no Morumbi e foi importante na briga do Tricolor contra o rebaixamento no Campeonato Brasileiro.

– Agradeço muito todos os torcedores que cantam meu nome, que eu possa dar alegrias. Como sempre digo, parece que tenho uma conexão especial. A verdade é que depois de uma campanha muito ruim no Brasileirão, a pior da história do clube, iam 40, 45 mil pessoas, e creio que foi fundamental para que a gente pudesse ganhar os jogos em casa – finalizou.

Nesta temporada, o argentino realizou 16 jogos, com cinco gols marcados.

Aston Villa put in an enterprising performance last weekend against West Ham United to get the news season off to a dream start. The Villans came away from a tough trip to the London Stadium with all three points thanks to an impressive 2-1 victory, in a huge season for the club; they will play in the Champions League for the first time since its rebrand in 1992.

Indeed, it was goals from debutant Amadou Onana and Jhon Duran, who has been embroiled in a summer of transfer controversy, that gave them the win. The Columbian was close to joining the Hammers during the transfer window, but a move did not materialise. Those goals came either side of a Lucas Paqueta penalty, but Villa held on to get all three points.

The Villans’ first home game of the season, on Saturday evening, will see them host Arsenal in one of the toughest fixtures of the season. The Gunners will be hoping they can finally break their streak of consecutive second-place finishes and win the Premier League this season.

However, matchdays are not just the sole focus at Villa Park for the moment. With the transfer window still open until the 30th of August, Villa may well look to add to their eight signings and have actually been linked to one of the Gunners’ players.

Aston Villa target Arsenal defender

The player in question here is Arsenal and Scotland international left-back Kieran Tierney. The former Celtic star has struggled to find a permanent place in Mikel Arteta’s side over the past few seasons, and could now leave the club this summer.

According to a report from Caught Offside, the Villans are one of the sides linked with the Scot this summer. The report states that there is ‘confirmed interest in the player’ from his former manager in North London, Unai Emery.

However, the former Celtic defender has interest from right across Europe. The Bhoys are one of the clubs interested in bringing their former defender back to the club, with Premier League side Newcastle also considering a move, as well as Spanish trio Girona, Sevilla and Valencia.

In terms of a price for Tierney, the 27-year-old is reportedly available anywhere between a fee of £25m and £30m, a price that ‘will be considered suitable’ by technical director Edu and his colleagues.

Why Tierney would be a good signing

Last season, Tierney had a loan spell in La Liga, at Spanish outfit Real Sociedad. However, it was an incredibly frustrating campaign for the defender, who picked up three different injuries, meaning he played just 27 games in all competitions. 20 of those appearances came in the Spanish top flight, with the Scot grabbing two assists along the way.

Should he make the move to Villa Park, it would see a reunion with former boss Emery. The Spaniard – who signed the defender on a £25m deal from Celtic in 2019 – coached him for just nine games, but the 27-year-old still managed to get two assists, and it could certainly be considered a short but sweet partnership.

However, Emery would not be the only reunion for Tierney should he make the move to Villa Park. He would, of course, get the chance to play with Villans captain and Scotland teammate John McGinn. The left-back has played with the 29-year-old midfielder 40 times in total for Scotland, and the pair have combined for four goals in that time.

Stat

Number

Games together

40

Minutes

3009

Joint goal participation

4

McGinn goal, Tierney assist

3

Tierney goal, McGinn assist

1

McGinn plays as a false winger on the left-hand side for Villa, tucking inside when his side have the ball to act as a number 10. Should he link up with the Arsenal defender at club level, it would see the pair form a partnership down the left wing, with Tierney having the licence to overlap his international teammate down the left-hand side.

This could be the start of a deadly partnership between the pair, who already have the foundations of a relationship on the pitch thanks to their exploits together for Scotland. Given the fact they have already combined for four goals, it could be a fruitful partnership from a goalscoring point of view, too.

The 29-year-old Villa captain was impressive in front of goal last season. He played 35 times in the top flight last term, finding the back of the net on six occasions, and grabbing four assists. It is certainly a run of goalscoring form he could improve on further should he continue the productive relationship with Tierney.

Tierney was described as a “warrior” by legendary left-back and Arsenal invincible Ashley Cole, and for around £30m, could be a smart pickup for Villa before next Friday’s deadline.

Although he has struggled with injuries throughout his career, the left-back is still a player of great quality. Given his experience playing under Emery, and established partnership with McGinn, he could be an astute signing by the Villans as the deadline fast approaches.

Emery could boldly bench McGinn & unleash Aston Villa's "sensational" gem

The Midlands side take on Arsenal this evening at Villa Park

ByRoss Kilvington Aug 24, 2024

Newcastle United are planning to make a move for a £40m-rated forward in the January transfer window because manager Eddie Howe is a massive fan of the player, according to reports.

Newcastle eyeing free agents

With the summer window now shut, Howe will have to make do with what he has, although there is still an opportunity for him to snap up free agents who are currently without clubs, as Paul Mitchell ponders whether to entice them to St James' Park.

One such figure is Adrien Rabiot, who at 29 years of age is now a hugely experienced player who has represented some of the biggest clubs in European football, most notably Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. The Frenchman left the latter in the summer, however, following the expiration of his contract, and he is now on the lookout for a new team.

Newcastle have emerged as strong suitors for the midfielder, with Howe potentially considering him a player who can add that extra quality in the middle of the park, linking up with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in what would be an extremely talented unit. Manchester United are also keen, though, with both clubs contemplating making offers.

Yusuf Yazici has also been linked with a move to St James', with the 27-year-old bringing an end to a five-year stint at Ligue 1 side Lille earlier in the summer, although there are a whole host of clubs in contact with his agents.

Newcastle planning move for "outstanding" £40m maverick

According to a fresh update from Caught Offside, Newcastle are keen on signing Manchester United winger Antony once the January window rolls around, in a move which would divide opinion on Tyneside given the Brazilian's struggles in England so far.

The Red Devils reportedly value the Brazilian at £40m, even though they spent £86m on him to sign him from Ajax, with his time at Old Trafford not proving to be too successful but Howe still "highly appreciative" of his abilities and perhaps believing he can perform a similar transformation to what he has done with Anthony Gordon's end product.

A lack of end product has always been cited as an issue for the 24-year-old, much like current Magpies man Miguel Almiron, with only 11 goals and five assists coming his way in 83 appearances, which is an extremely poor return for a wide attack playing at one of the world's biggest clubs.

That being said, there are still those who rate Antony, with former Red Devils defender Phil Bardsley describing him as "outstanding" last season, having put in an impressive defensive performance in a goalless draw away to Liverpool in the Premier League.

At 24, the United man is still a young player who could improve further, and he does possess a nice left foot with the ability to produce some magic, but Newcastle would be taking a huge risk on him.

Newcastle struck gold selling star who's worth more than Isak in 2024 money

Alan Pardew moved on a player who would be valued at over £100m in today’s money

ByRoss Kilvington Sep 7, 2024

Granted, Antony could thrive and be an upgrade on the likes of Almiron and Jacob Murphy, but it is also easy to envisage him continuing to be the frustrating player he is at Old Trafford, producing nowhere near enough substance in the final third.

Streak is understood to have facilitated approaches by a corruptor to people within teams he was coach at

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Apr-2021

Among other things, Streak has been charged with disclosing inside information during international matches in 2018•ICC via Getty

Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak has been banned for eight years after being charged with – and admitting to – five breaches of the ICC’s anti-corruption code, including accepting a payment in bitcoins from a potential corruptor.Streak, Zimbabwe’s greatest fast bowler, had been under investigation for an extensive list of games through 2017 and 2018, during his post-playing career as a coach, from his time in international cricket – with Zimbabwe from 2016 to 2018 – as well as stints in T20 leagues including the IPL, the BPL and the Afghanistan Premier League (APL).The charges paint a picture of Streak as a facilitator of approaches by a corruptor to people within teams he was a part of. But they also include one charge of disclosing inside information pertaining to matches during a 2018 tri-series involving Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, a Zimbabwe-Afghanistan series in 2018, the 2018 IPL and the 2018 APL.Streak was also charged with facilitating or attempting to introduce four players – including a national captain – to a potential corruptor. The three other charges revolve around his failure to disclose receiving gifts or payment in lieu of this facilitation, the failure to disclose potentially corrupt approaches in the 2017 BPL, and, in 2018, the PSL, IPL and the APL. Those gifts include accepting two bitcoins – converted eventually into US$ 35,000 – from the potential corruptor identified in the ICC’s investigation as Mr X. At the APL, Streak was also gifted a new iPhone for this wife, both of which he failed to disclose to ICC anti-corruption investigators.Although he is believed to initially have contested the allegations, Streak eventually admitted to the charges and agreed to the sanctions. He is now banned from all cricket activities and would be free to resume his involvement again on March 28, 2029.”Heath Streak is an experienced former international cricketer and national team coach, who had participated in numerous anti-corruption education sessions and was fully aware of his responsibilities under the Code,” the ICC’s anti-corruption head Alex Marshall said in a statement. “As a former captain and coach, he held a position of trust and owed a duty to uphold the integrity of the game. He breached the Code on several occasions, including facilitating the approach of four other players. At times, he also sought to obstruct and delay our investigation.”The offences did not affect the outcomes of any relevant matches and Mr Streak has agreed to assist the ICC anti-corruption education programme for which we are grateful. He has also expressed his remorse and contrition and entered this agreed sanction decision to avoid the need for a full disciplinary process. The sanction reflects this cooperation.”Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, members of the Zimbabwe cricket-playing community expressed their shock and sadness at the update, with reactions ranging from “I’m blown away” and “I am genuinely shocked”, to “It’s a kick in the teeth for Zimbabwe cricket and the current crop of players – not only that, but now to regain trust is lengthy process.”David Coltart, the former Zimbabwe sports minister, also expressed his anguish on Twitter, saying “there can be no excuses for this type of behaviour”. ‘Darkest day in Zimbabwe cricket’Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), meanwhile, welcomed and endorsed the ICC decision, calling it a “very sad and shameful episode that might well go down in history as the darkest day in Zimbabwean cricket”.”Streak was a powerful figure adored by many and held up as an idol for future generations of cricketers. In doing this, he held a position of trust and owed a duty to uphold the integrity of the game,” a statement, signed by ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, said. “But, as we and the rest of the world now know, Streak was also a corrupt, greedy and selfish character who regrettably abused his status and position in pursuit of dirty benefits.”He has let cricket down. He has let down the teams and players he coached. He has let the nation down. He has let down the fans – including impressionable children – who loved and idolised him.”While we have been left to pick up the pieces from the damage, it is our hope that the punishment meted out on Streak will help to reinforce the measures that the ICC and ZC have been taking to root out any wrongdoing in cricket. The integrity of ZC and the sport itself is of paramount importance and, therefore, the need to maintain high levels of honesty and professionalism at leadership and all levels of the game cannot be overemphasised.”Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s sports and recreation commission has requested the country’s national prosecuting authority to “ascertain whether any of the criminal laws in Zimbabwe, particularly those relating to corruption, have been breached by Heath Streak in order that appropriate action is also taken locally”. Saying that the body has zero-tolerance for corruption in sport, the commission has “fully supported and endorsed” the action on the part of the ICC.The sanctions will come as a shock to many given his status as one of the greatest players Zimbabwe has produced. He was a major figure in the national sides of the mid-to-late 90s, a period in which they enjoyed their greatest successes. He remains the only Zimbabwean bowler with more than 100 Test wickets (he has 216) and the only Zimbabwean with over 200 ODI wickets (237). Streak captained Zimbabwe as well in the 2000s, during a difficult period when a number of players withdrew from the national side and as relations between the board and team hit rock bottom.He has since remained in cricket as a coach, with stints as bowling coach of Bangladesh and multiple stints with Zimbabwe. He was also bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.One of Zimbabwe’s greatest cricketers, Heath Streak ended with 216 wickets in Tests and 239 in ODIs•EMPICS via Getty Images

The charges 2.3.2 – disclosing inside information under both the ICC code and various domestic codes, in circumstances where he knew or should have known that such information may be used for betting purposes. In particular, he disclosed inside information in relation to matches in the 2018 tri-series involving Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan series in 2018, the IPL 2018 and the APL 2018. 2.3.3 – directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any participant to breach the code. In particular, he facilitated or attempted to facilitate the introduction of four different players, including a national captain, to someone he knew, or should have known, may have wanted to approach them to provide inside information for betting purposes. 2.4.2 – failing to disclose the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that the participant knew or should have known was given to them to procure a breach of the code or that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute. 2.4.4 – failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the code including in relation to international matches, matches in the 2017 BPL, the 2018 PSL, the 2018 IPL and the 2018 APL. 2.4.7 – obstructing or delaying an investigation, including concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of corrupt conduct under the ICC Anti-Corruption code.

Bangladesh batting coach also wants his side to “take some risks” during run chases

Mohammad Isam25-Mar-2021According to Bangladesh’s batting coach Jon Lewis, opening himself up to play more on the leg side allowed Mohammad Mithun to play better as the batsman turned a corner with his sparkling 73* in the second ODI against New Zealand in Christchurch.Forty of Mithun’s runs came from the on side, which Lewis explained was was a natural consequence of the kind of pitches available in New Zealand. “I think the big aspect of batting overseas for Bangladeshi batsmen is dealing with quality seam bowling with the new ball and a little bit more bounce,” he said. “Tamim [Iqbal] has more experience than most of the guys. He uses his role to create foundation for the second half of the innings.Related

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“Mithun played an exceptional innings in Christchurch. He was trying to get himself closer to the line of the ball. He was trying not to look at the off side so much by keeping leg side as an option. You can do it where the ball bounces above the stumps a bit more than [in] Dhaka or Chattogram.”Mithun’s attacking approach, where he batted at a strike rate of 128.07, changed the course of the Bangladesh innings and could also turn out to be a breakthrough knock in his international career. The visitors, however, lost the game by five wickets to concede the three-match ODI series but Mithun’s innings highlighted Bangladesh’s batting turnaround after a shocking performance in the first ODI in Dunedin.Lewis, who joined the Bangladesh side earlier this year to work during the home series against West Indies and the New Zealand tour, said that the Bangladesh batsmen may have to bat at an even higher tempo if they are chasing a big total in the third ODI in Wellington on Saturday. But if they bat first, he would want them to continue with their plan in Christchurch, which was about conserving wickets at the start and going after the bowling in the back end of the innings.”If we bat first, we have to be wary of what the new ball might do,” he said. “They have Trent Boult, and if [Tim] Southee comes into the side, they are quality performers. We have to ensure they don’t do us too much damage early on. If we are chasing a high score, we have to take advantage of the powerplay – take some risks, play some shots.”But when it comes to batting first, Lewis believes Bangladesh can make up for a slow start.”I think any run we don’t get in the first ten overs, we believe we can make it up in the latter period as long as our established batsmen are not trying to rebuild the innings too much,” he said. “If we are none or one down for 30-40 runs in the first ten overs, we feel it’s okay. In Dunedin, we were two or three down [early] which allowed New Zealand to control the innings. But when we had a partnership between Tamim and Soumya [Sarkar, in the second ODI], it allowed Mithun to kick on and get us to a decent score.”Lewis mentioned that despite the 0-2 scoreline against Bangladesh, they took a “step in the right direction” in Christchurch, particularly with the way they batted coming from Dunedin.”In Christchurch there was significant improvement in the batting effort,” he said. “It didn’t go well in Dunedin, where we lost the toss and it was a decent time to bowl early. The surface in Christchurch was for a much more even contest. The guys put into practice what they had been doing during the preparation period. It wasn’t good enough because we didn’t get the result we are after, but at least there was a step in the right direction.”

Quick had taken part in a practice game the day before the test was conducted

Madushka Balasuriya22-Feb-2021Sri Lanka quick Lahiru Kumara has tested positive for Covid-19, which rules him out of the tour of the West Indies in March, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed on Monday. Suranga Lakmal is in the frame to be his replacement in the travelling party.”Following PCR Tests carried out on the squad nominated to take part in the ‘white ball’ segment of the tour of West Indies, Lahiru Kumara has tested positive for Covid-19,” an SLC media statement said.Earlier this month, both head coach Mickey Arthur and top-order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne had tested positive for Covid-19, while seamers Binura Fernando and Chamika Karunaratne were removed from the training group following positive tests last month.While no other player tested positive in the latest round of testing, it might be a matter of concern that all members of the squad, including Kumara, had participated in a practice game the day before the latest tests were conducted.”Immediately upon identification, Lahiru Kumara has been directed to follow the Government’s health protocol laid out on Covid-19,” the release said. “Sri Lanka Cricket will continue with normal operations, adhering to the stipulated Health Protocols.”The series, which will begin with the first T20I on March 4, has had to be rescheduled once – it was originally slated to start on February 20 – and Sri Lanka’s limited-overs squad is due to fly out on February 23. But several players, who have to serve Covid-19 quarantines and/or are returning from injury, will link up with the rest of the squad at a later date, likely to be before the Test series that starts on March 17.