Australia are expected to take an unchanged line-up into tomorrow’s second Test but they will carry new plans for Kevin Pietersen, the only batsman to escape them at Lord’s. After making two half-centuries on debut, Pietersen, who has delivered more inciteful off-field comments this week, has become the central opposition figure in Australia’s team meetings for Edgbaston.Pietersen was reported in the as saying Brett Lee “tried to kill him” as the Australians attempted a number of unsuccessful ways to dismiss him during the first Test. “They went for me for two hours outside off stump, then they tried to get me lbw bowling at my legs,” Pietersen said in the paper. “Then they went to the bumper theory. Lee tried to kill me and that wasn’t nice. I came through it and I gained great heart from that.”Only a brilliant outfield catch by Damien Martyn stopped Pietersen in the first innings and he was unbeaten on 67 in the second. “We’ve got to have a bit of a look at the way he played in the first Test,” Ricky Ponting said in . “We had some plans that we executed well for short periods, but we’ve got to be able to do it for long periods against him because he scores so freely and hits the ball so hard that he can get away from you pretty quickly.”Ponting said they would try to devise ploys to shut Pietersen down when he arrived at the crease. Australia will rely on the same attack to change tactics despite Michael Kasprowicz’s five-wicket haul against Worcestershire. Jason Gillespie, who has generally struggled during the tour, also bowled strongly last weekend and Ponting suggested he would hold his place alongside Lee, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.”[Kasprowicz] has done everything he can do, but in saying that Jason probably did as well,” Ponting said. “It’s going to be another tough decision come Test-match time, but if you look at the way Jason bowled and the way we performed in the first Test you would probably think it would be unlikely that we would change the team.”While Pietersen remained a focus, Ponting also discussed the predicament of Ashley Giles, the left-arm spinner who complained in his newspaper column of unfair treatment from England supporters. Ponting warned it was a situation Giles was “never going to win”. “Some of the points he made were pretty true,” Ponting told . “There are a lot of ex-English players out there that have made some comments that would indicate they don’t think England can win the Ashes. I’d be disappointed if an ex-Australian player came out and said the same thing.”
ScorecardShakti Gauchan scored an unbeaten half-century and Mehboob Alam claimedthree Malaysian tailenders’ wickets, to put Nepal on top on the second day oftheir three-day match in the ICC Intercontinental Cup. Malaysiaadded only one run – from 3.5 overs – to their overnight score of 131 for 6 before being bowled out in the morning session. Mehboob Alam claimed 3 for 0 in 1.5 overs, after Raju Khadka, the captain, had dismissed RV Suppiah.Alam removed M Marimuthu for 3, and bowled S Sakadivan andtrapped Mohammad A Rahim lbw, both for 0. In reply, Nepal started badly, but Gauchan’s unbeaten 69 helped them take a 66-run lead before beingbowled out for 198 in 84.1 overs. At stumps on the second day, Malaysia were 3 for 1. Offspinner Sanjam Regmi, who claimed three first-innings wickets, trapped RM Selvaratnam, the first-innings top-scorer, lbw.For Nepal, Paresh Lohani departed for just 5, while Alam, the other opener, scored a run-a-ball 22, including five fours. Nepal came under pressure after Bikash Dali (5) was trapped by the Malaysian captain,Suresh Navaratnam, who finished with impressive figures of 20-1-60-5. WhenGauchan came in, Nepal were 31 for 2, but he kept the scoreboard ticking and batted almost throughout the day.Khadka supported Gauchan during a 106-run partnership, striking five fours in his 44. Raju Basnet made 23, while others failed to reach double figures. Gauchan, who had led the U-19s in the Youth World Cup, batted for275 minutes, and faced 231 balls.S Jayawardana claimed two wickets, while K Munandey, R Vishnu and A Rahimgrabbed one apiece.
POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa, Feb 17 AAP – Jimmy Maher is expected to be Australia’s wicket-keeper in the World Cup match against Holland, meaning a break for the bowlers from his hand-written messages.The mismatch at NorthWest Stadium on Thursday gives unbeaten Australia the chance to rest keeper Adam Gilchrist, promote rusty batsmen Michael Bevan and Darren Lehmann and give one or two of its pace bowling trio a breather.The clash with a winless Dutch team, including players the Australians have never heard of, promises to be either a whitewash or a washout, if Potchefstroom has another of its torrential afternoon downpours.Australia is so worried about Gilchrist suffering an injury before a big game that specialist batsman Maher is being given every chance to retain touch and to hone his wicketkeeping skills.When he fields in regular positions, like he did against Pakistan in Australia’s first Cup game, mischievous Maher can’t help leaving scribbled notes on the ground for the bowlers, according to Australian coach John Buchanan.”He will be as happy as a very fat spider behind the stumps and opening the batting,” said Buchanan, stealing one of Maher’s favourite sayings.”I’m sure a number of the bowlers will be happy to see him behind the stumps because they won’t have to read the little messages he leaves at the top of their bowling marks.”It’s believed, in the absence of confirmation, that Maher’s messages are not entirely serious nor motivational. He has a sense of humour.Gilchrist is fit and could play at a pinch but he needs to be kept fresh because his workload is going to be intense next month when Australia starts plotting its course through the Super Sixes and beyond.”Gilly’s fine,” said Buchanan.”He’s probably one of the guys who would like to keep going at this stage but I think from our point of view it will be important for Mabo (Maher) to again gain a bit of ‘keeping experience and also have an opportunity to bat at the top of the order.”It helps us cover any possible bases that need to be covered that haven’t been done already.”Buchanan has a few hopes for Thursday’s game at North West Stadium.He hopes Potchefstroom will not have one of its huge afternoon thunderstorms, he hopes his gun players don’t get injured and he hopes the Dutch play well above their capabilities to give the Australians a decent game.Never heard of some of the Dutch?”Definitely, definitely,” said Buchanan.”That can be the case with some of the leading sides, too, although it’s less likely, I suppose, because we’ve basically seen most of those players.”It’s one of the good things about playing the likes of Namibia or Holland or Kenya or even Bangladesh for that matter – we haven’t seen too much of them and therefore we don’t sit down an analyse the team to death.”We really just get out there and respond to what they throw at us.”Holland lost its first two games to India and England.They don’t have much to throw.
It was India’s 465th and Zimbabwe’s 185th match.<liIt was the 35th match between these two sides. The record now reads :India 27,Zimbabwe 6,tied two.
It was the sixth match between these two sides in Zimbabwe. The recordnow reads : India 4, Zimbabwe 2.
Umpires Graeme Evans and Ian Robinson were officiating in their 12thand 78th match respectively.
Ashish Nehra became 137th player to represent India in shorter versionof the game.
By capturing a wicket (Campbell) off his second ball on debut, Nehrabecame joined the elite band of Indians capturing a wicket in theirfirst over in ODIs. The accompanying table lists all such instancesfor India :
Ball
Bowler (Victim)
Opponents
Venue
Date
4th
SM Gavaskar (Zaheer Abbas)
Pakistan
Sialkot
13-10-1978
3rd
WV Raman (DL Haynes)
West Indies
Rajkot
05-01-1988
4th & 5th
AS Wasson (JG Wright & AH Wright)
New Zealand
Dunedin
02-03-1990
2nd
SV Manjrekar (DM Jones)
Australia
Hobart BO
10-12-1991
4th
VG Kambli (SB Doull)
New Zealand
Delhi FSK
03-11-1994
5th
PL Mhambrey (NMK Smith)
England
The Oval
23-05-1996
5th
DS Mohanty (Saeed Anwar)
Pakistan
Toronto
13-09-1997
5th
SS Raul (Inzamam-ul-Haq)
Pakistan
Toronto
13-09-1998
1st
S Ramesh (NAM McLean)
West Indies
Harare
24-06-2001
2nd
A Nehra (ADR Campbell)
Zimbabwe
Harare
24-06-2001
Zimbabwe (133) recorded its lowest ever total against India in allmatches obliterating the previous lowest of 135 at Bombay on October17,1987. Incidentally Zimbabwe’s previous lowest all out total againstIndia at home was 209 in 49.1 overs at this same ground on October25,1992.
The total was the 14th lowest by any side against India in all ODIs.The lowest total against India is Pakistan’s 87 at Sharjah on22-03-1985.
Ajit Agarkar’s figures of three for 26 were the best for India inZimbabwe. The previous best was 3 for 35 by Javagal Srinath at thissame venue on October 25,1992.
Sachin Tendulkar (70*) now holds the record of aggregating most runsin a career by a visiting batsman on Zimbabwean soil. At the end ofthis match his tally reads as 280 runs (ave. 70.00) from six matches.The previous record was on the name of Sri Lankan Russel Arnold whohas aggregated 277 runs (aev.69.25) in five matches.
By winning the match with 142 balls to spare India recorded thelargest victory by any side batting second on Zimbabwean soil. Theprevious record was held by Australia which defeated the hosts at thissame venue on October 23,1999 with 129 balls to spare.
The margin of defeat of nine wickets was the largest for Zimbabwe inall home matches. Zimbabwe had lost two matches on successive days bynine wickets against Australia in October 1999.
Sachin Tendulkar was winning his seventh Man of the Match awardagainst Zimbabwe and 39th of his career. Both these are maximum by aplayer in ODIs.
Tottenham Hotspur have it all to do. There is plenty of season still to cover for Thomas Frank’s side, who are in a promising position in the Champions League and meet Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup next month.
Sure, Spurs languish in 11th place in the Premier League as Christmas beckons, but the peculiar nature of this year’s table means fourth-place Chelsea lead their London rivals by only six points.
After so much upheaval in recent years, Tottenham always needed a big summer transfer window. But the promising additions are leaving something to be desired.
Spurs lining up Frank's best signing yet
Tottenham added quality to their ranks during the summer. Mohammed Kudus’ dribbling is first-class, and Xavi Simons is well regarded as one of Europe’s most talented playmakers.
But the Dutchman is only 22, and despite recent green shoots, has yet to find consistency in front of goal and from the heart of creative influence.
Tottenham need a Son-esque talisman, and they could find him in Antoine Semenyo, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirming that the Ghana international, 25, has been at the heart of ENIC Group discussions ahead of a potential winter transfer, with many suitors interested in sparking his £65m release clause.
Tottenham had an enquiry rejected by the south coast club during the summer, but Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici will hope that their earlier persistence could help sway the odds in their favour, with Liverpool and Manchester City also keen.
In full, Romano said: “Tottenham are really interested in Semenyo. Tottenham have January interest. This week Manchester United and Manchester City called to understand the situation. Between Monday and Tuesday some calls took place. £65m release clause. These three clubs all called.”
Why Semenyo is perfect for Spurs
Semenyo has scored seven goals and supplied three assists in the Premier League this season. He is one of the division’s most potent threats.
Tottenham could do a lot worse. Two-footed and destructive on both sides – as well as playing centrally as a focal point – Semenyo would add so much punch to Spurs’ frontline. After all, analyst Ben Mattinson has spoken of how he has been “constantly creating problems for Tottenham” when facing them, so why not add him to the ranks?
Considered to be a “world-class” forward by his teammate Justin Kluivert, Semenyo has been racking up the goal contributions, for sure, but he’s also established himself as an all-encompassing Premier League attacker, and it is that completeness that sets him apart from his peers.
It is for that reason, in fact, that he could become the best piece of business the Lilywhites have completed for many years, certainly trumping Simons, who is a talented young player but has shown over the past few months that he is inconsistent, raw.
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Conversely, Semenyo is firing on all cylinders. For example, look at how the Ghanaian’s performance this season ranks against Son’s from the 2024/25 campaign with Tottenham. This is a player who would not only add a clinical dimension to Frank’s wings, but he would add energy and intensity too.
Premier League – Semenyo vs Son
Stats (per 90)
Semenyo (25/26)
Son (24/25)
Goals scored
0.47
0.30
Assists
0.20
0.38
Shots taken
2.20
2.35
Shot-creating actions
3.40
4.99
Touches (att pen)
4.20
5.20
Pass completion (%)
69.8
78.9
Progressive passes
3.60
4.73
Progressive carries
3.54
4.09
Successful take-ons
1.60
1.24
Ball recoveries
4.94
3.63
Tackles + interceptions
1.87
0.94
Data via FBref
The wear and tear of so many seasons in the Premier League had pressed against Son last season, but he still impressed, adopting a more creative berth as his snappy athleticism wore away.
Simons has been signed to replace that playmaking prowess, but it’s clear that Spurs need more incisiveness in the final third, and Semenyo would provide Frank’s team with exactly that, proving with crisp attacking performances that he can become the new talisman.
Because of this, the Bournemouth star might just establish himself not just as a better signing than a raw playmaker like Simons, but actually Tottenham’s best addition for quite a few years.
Spurs could land Poch 2.0 by hiring "one of the best managers in Europe"
Tottenham Hotspur could find their next Mauricio Pochettino by sacking Thomas Frank to appoint this manager.
Canterbury secured their first State Championship title in a decade after Todd Astle’s four wickets helped fend off a charging Wellington at the Basin Reserve. Wellington were 154 for 5 chasing 249 when Astle collected three wickets in an over to reduce them to 154 for 8 and all but end any chances of a home-town triumph.Wellington started the day in big trouble at 14 for 4, however a 65-run stand from Chris Nevin (25) and Neal Parlane brought them back into the game. When Brandon Hiini had Nevin lbw, Parlane batted on with Luke Woodcock and their 83-run partnership caused some nervous moments for Cantebury, who had declared late on the fourth afternoon.But Astle’s heroics changed the match – he began with Parlane caught by Michael Papps for 74. Three balls later Dewayne Bowden was caught without scoring before Jeetan Patel was caught behind from his first delivery.Woodcock tried his best to rescue the situation, however he was the last man out, finishing with 65 and giving Astle the figures of 4 for 26 as Canterbury prevailed. It was their first State Championship title since 1997-98.”It was a magnificent effort from us in a game that’s gone up and down,” Canterbury coach Dave Nosworthy told the . “But Wellington are a quality side and I feel for them at the moment, I know what they’re going through.”
Kenya’s major stakeholders will be asked to vote tomorrow night on whether to support plans to establish a new authority to run Kenyan cricket or to stick with the embattled Kenyan Cricket Association.At the weekend Ochillo Ayacko, the minister for sports, summoned various parties, including representatives of the country’s provincial associations, striking players and other leading officials, and announced his intention to form a new body – provisionally named Cricket Kenya (CA) – to bypass the KCA. Ayacko will present his application to have the new organisation ratified by the Registrar of Societies tomorrow morning.The country’s two largest bodies – the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association and the Coast Cricket Association – will both consult with members clubs in the evening over whether to back the new venture. Given that between them they represent almost all of Kenya’s functioning clubs, their support will decide whether Ayacko’s bold initiative gets the go ahead.If it does, then it is likely that Ayacko will seek an urgent meeting later this week with Malcolm Speed and Ehsan Mani, the chief executive and president of the ICC, to try to get their backing and ICC recognition that CA should be confirmed as the real authority representing Kenyan cricket.Although the ICC has repeatedly refused to be drawn into an increasingly messy business, it is widely rumoured that the minister’s decision to finally act against the KCA received its tacit backing after investigations revealed the scale of the problem in the country.Ayacko’s move is thought to have caught the KCA executive off guard. Last Thursday, a scheduled court hearing was delayed in rather strange circumstances after the High Court judge who had summoned the warring parties to appear before him suddenly found he was too busy to hear the legal arguments and postponed the hearing until March 7.The judge claimed that as he had read newspaper reports stating that the national squad was in training, there was no urgency in holding the hearing. However, the reports, which Cricinfo understands were not true, appeared in The Nation, a leading newspaper which has pro-KCA leanings and which critics have accused of being a virtual mouthpiece for Sharad Ghai, the KCA chairman.
Amit Varma and Sambit Bal discuss the forthcoming Jamaica Test Download MP3 (right click and select “save target as”; 1.6 MB) Streaming Audio: Real :: WMA Audio length: [6.45 mins]India came to West Indies with a lot of hope, but might actually have gone backwards during this series, says Sambit Bal, Cricinfo’s editor, in conversation with Amit Varma. Their fast bowlers have especially been exposed, with only Munaf performing to brief. While West Indies still have problems, Brian Lara’s captaincy has served them well, says Bal, and the selectors need to reinforce their faith in him. Listen in.Download MP3 (right click and select “save target as”; 1.6 MB) Streaming Audio: Real :: WMA Audio length: [6.45 mins]
Anyone who has visited the County Ground over the last few days will have noticed a digger busily shifting a pile of rubble on the Coal Orchard side of the ground.This waste material has been created by the construction of a new entrance by the side of the Riverside Stand that is the final phase of the ground improvement scheme that was started last year by Somerset County Cricket Club.The creation of this new entrance turnstile means that spectators who park in the Coal Orchard and Priory Bridge Car Parks will be able to enter the ground without having to cross a busy main road.Speaking at the County Ground this morning chief executive Peter Anderson told me: “The club has invested £457,000 in these ground improvements, for which we have received £189,000 in grants from the Safety at Sports Grounds Fund. We now have attractive boundary walls and entrances and safe surfaces for people to walk on around the ground.”He continued: “With the introduction of these new turnstiles I can tell at anyone time exactly how many people are inside the ground which is important from a safety angle.”Next season will also see the introduction of the new style membership card which will be in the form of a swipe card with the members name and photograph on it.Before the new style cards can be issued all members need to submit a passport sized photograph of themselves with their name written clearly on the reverse side to the club.Alternatively members can also call into the County Ground where their photograph will be taken, no appointment is necessary and the process is quite painless!Membership secretary Jo Arnold told me: “Up until now only about one quarter of the members have either sent their photograph into the office or have called in to let us take it for them. In order that we can process the new memberships it is important that we have a photograph of every member as soon as possible.”
Easterns 306 and 149 beat Northerns 183 and 212 (Kemp 65,Reddy 5-39) by 60 runs ScorecardAt SuperSport Park, Easterns ensured that they would win the SuperSport Series Shield after taking only 12 overs to wrap up the Northerns innings. The 60-run victory took them past Northerns, who have now completed their season’s commitments. Easterns still have a game in hand, and have an unassailable lead. Hopes for Northerns faded when Justin Kemp lost his wicket for 65 and Brendon Reddy produced career-best figures of 5 for 39.