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Kenya take on Netherlands on Saturday in their latest ICC Intercontinental Cup match at Amstelveen, and the visitors are keenly aware how crucial the next couple of weeks are

Cricinfo staff14-Aug-2008
Ragheb Gul Aga’s dismay matches that of his team-mates, who failed to qualify for the Twenty20 World Cup © Getty Images
Kenya take on Netherlands on Saturday in their latest ICC Intercontinental Cup match at Amstelveen, and the visitors are keenly aware how crucial the next couple of weeks are.Kenya are currently in third place in the table, six points behind Scotland and Namibia but, crucially, they have two games in hand and a place in the final is well within their grasp.”We know it’s in our own hands,” said their captain, Steve Tikolo. “If we win in Amstelveen and then beat Ireland back home in October, we will be through to the final. It would mean a lot to us because even though we have been close in the past, we have never won this competition.”Indeed, when Kenya got to the final in 2005 at the Wanderers Club in Windhoek, Namibia, it was Ireland who beat them.”We are not looking ahead to that game yet,” Tikolo said. “First of all, we must beat Netherlands. I know that Peter [Borren] and his guys will be confident after getting through to the ICC World Twenty20 at the qualifying tournament in Belfast last week but the four-day game is a different prospect.”They definitely have some good players. Tom de Grooth has been playing well and Edgar Schiferli and Mohammad Kashif are always dangerous but Netherlands are out of the running in this competition whereas we still have everything to play for.””We have a pretty strong side over for this and we’re determined not the let this opportunity slip from our grasp.”For all the bullish talk, Kenya have not enjoyed their tour of England, Scotland and Ireland this season. They were thrashed by a club side at Cranleigh and a warm-up against a Minor Counties XI was enveloped with rumours of poor behaviour by the tourists.Such claims were roundly dismissed to Cricinfo by Kenya’s chairman, Samir Inamdar, but the side’s fortunes slipped further when they failed to qualify for next year’s ICC World Twenty20 in England. Dismal conditions in Glasgow then washed out their Intercontinental Cup fixture against Scotland last week.Nevertheless, they face a Netherlands team who are missing the vital services of Ryan ten Doeschate, Bas Zuiderent and Alex Kervezee, though once again the weather forecast is seasonally miserable. After a disappointing tour, Kenya will be desperate to turn their trip around with a bright finish.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore as Jurgen Klopp looks to strengthen his forward line this summer.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Star, the Reds are set to test the Midlands outfit’s resolve by making a £30m move for their prized asset over the coming months.

Previous reports have claimed Wolves are willing to listen to offers to Pedro Neto, Ruben Neves and Traore in the current window as they look to raise funds for new manager Bruno Lage to spend on his own targets.

He’s a big upgrade

The former Barcelona academy graduate has often been a frustrating figure since his arrival on English shores, but he appears to have turned a corner over the last couple of campaigns.

After forming a formidable partnership with Wolves striker Raul Jimenez, Traore provided 12 assists in 2019/20, showcasing his creative talents.

However, with Jimenez suffering a season-ending injury in the first half of last season, the Spanish speed-demon saw his output fall due to the absence of a quality forward, laying on just three assists in all competitions.

His devastating performances have caught the eye of several onlookers in recent years, including Liverpool manager Klopp, who praised the 25-year-old’s electric pace.

“The speed of Traore is actually undefendable in moments,” said the German tactician.

While his potential arrival at Anfield arguably wouldn’t threaten the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for a regular starting berth, Traore would offer a significant upgrade on current backup option Xherdan Shaqiri.

The diminutive Switzerland international has been hampered by injuries during his time as a Liverpool player, limiting him to just seven Premier League starts and two assists since the start of 2019/20.

It’s clear, therefore, that the pacey forward would bolster Klopp’s attacking options, providing a quality alternative to the current options available.

As per WhoScored, Traore managed 1.5 key passes per league game last season, a huge 4.1 dribbles and was fouled an average of 2.3 times per match, placing him in the top two for each metric when compared to his teammates.

He may not be the complete, finished article, but Traore would provide a much-needed boost to Liverpool’s attacking options, and director of football Michael Edwards would certainly be getting value for money if he can secure his services for just £30m.

And, in other news…Liverpool make contact with £43m “conductor”, Klopp would absolutely love him 

Jack Rosser, the London Evening Standard journalist, believes a deal to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu would be a fine signing for Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs are said to be in negotiations with Bologna for the signing of the Japan international, with a deal set to cost £15m.

Tomiyasu can play as both a centre-back and a right-back and has even been deployed as a defensive midfielder during his time at Italy.

The 22-year-old has travelled to the Olympics with his country, though he has sustained an injury while on international duty, perhaps placing his transfer somewhat in doubt.

Still, Rosser believes that he would be a fine acquisition this summer as Spurs look to plug some gaps in Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad.

A deal to strengthen at both right-back and at centre-back by signing one player would be seen as something of a coup and Rosser thinks the club need to get the deal over the line.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: “Now Spurs have come in, he’s someone who can play centre back and right back, very versatile, the two big problem positions for Spurs, which will help if they can get him in.”

Umesh Kumar, a former Punjab captain and offspinner, died of a heart attack in Patiala on Sunday evening. He was 56 and serving as a selector for the Punjab state side

Cricinfo staff21-Sep-2008Umesh Kumar, the former Punjab captain and offspinner, died of a heart attack in Patiala on Sunday evening. He was 56 and was serving as a selector for the Punjab state side.Kumar played 67 first-class games for Punjab between 1969 and 1986 and took 191 wickets at 20.69. He played three matches for North Zone, including one against the touring Australians in 1979-80.His four wickets in the match included those of Allan Border and Dav Whatmore. Kirti Azad, the former Indian allrounder, who also played in the match, said Kumar had come to the match on the back of a lot of hard work. He had taken 6 for 79 against Haryana in Punjab’s previous game. “Kumar was a good competitor, down to earth, overall a very nice gentleman,” Azad told Cricinfo.After retirement he took up umpiring, starting off with matches in Pakistan in 1987, and was the third umpire in an India-Sri Lanka Test in Mohali in 1997.

Many Everton fans have been left fuming over a transfer update on James Rodriguez.

As per Sky Sports, the attacking midfield player will be allowed to leave Goodison Park if the right deal came about before the summer window ends.

Following the departure of his former manager Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid, Rodriguez has been left feeling ‘unsettled’ on Merseyside, and so the club are willing to sell him if the price is right.

The Colombia international was such a key player for the Toffees when fit during the 2020/21 term, scoring six goals and making a further nine assists in 26 matches in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt). It would not be easy to replace him should he end up leaving, especially with just over three weeks left before the window closes until January.

Everton fans on Rodriguez transfer update

These Blues supporters fumed as the exit rumour involving Rodriguez was shared by Toffee TV on their Twitter page:

“Does the club not realise we don’t have an attacking midfielder? With what’s going on with Sigurdsson it’s clear he wont be featuring only if things clear up, only thing I can think of is he wants to play with two centre midfielders”

Credit: @EndEverton

“KEEP HIM!”

Credit: @Richie_F26

“I get the Alfred Hitchcock idea of hiring someone to sack so people know who the boss is, Benitez is mad if he doesn’t want James. James, Kane, KDB all seem incredibly similar players to me. Average physical abilities, unique generational football skills. James has a 6 pack.”

Credit: @ManyDarin

“Gonna be gutted if we start the season without him and with Iwobi”

Credit: @TBlue29

“Going for a lie down, I hate this club”

Credit: @PaulPower92

“Let James leave and replace him with Townsend. What a clown manager”

Credit: @pikabay

In other news, find out whose pre-season display has been lauded by Evertonians here!

Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan captain, has said the rise in the number of Twenty20 tournaments “isn’t a healthy sign” for the future of international cricket

Cricinfo staff29-Sep-2008
Mahela Jayawardene: “It is very difficult to hold four different Twenty20 tournaments per year with players being dragged from one tournament to another” © AFP
Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan captain, has said the rise in the number of Twenty20 tournaments “isn’t a healthy sign” for the future of international cricket and called on the ICC to strike a balance between the three forms of the game.Jayawardene was speaking after doubts resurfaced whether Sri Lanka’s proposed tour of England would go ahead as scheduled in April-May 2009 as it clashes with the latter stages of the IPL’s second season. As many as 13 players, including Jayawardene himself and Kumar Sangakkara, have signed lucrative contracts to play in IPL but the board isn’t prepared to shift the dates of the tour, despite players showing an inclination towards the cash-rich league. The tour was arranged earlier this year after the scheduled visit by Zimbabwe was scrapped by the ECB.”What happens now is that there are Twenty20 tournaments springing up everywhere and therefore it becomes more of a circus if I may put it in that sense,” Jayawardene told Sri Lanka’s . “It has also led to the current impasse that has occurred in our cricket. I feel that all these issues could be sorted out, if the ICC and the cricket boards of the countries can come to an understanding and sort things out for the satisfaction of all concerned.”I think this is not a very healthy sign at all. It is very difficult to hold four different Twenty20 tournaments per year with players being dragged from one tournament to another. It is not an ideal situation because once players get pushed about, they will start to make decisions on their own, like what has happened now.”Jayawardene also urged the ICC and the cricket boards to work towards creating a window in the international calendar to allow all players to compete in one major Twenty20 tournament. “All I can do is to give my views with regard to this issue when I am quizzed and if the authorities can act on it, I think it will make a difference in the long run,” he said.Incidentally, Jayawardene will lead a team to Canada next month for a short four-nation Twenty20 tournament also featuring the hosts, Zimbabwe and Pakistan. He said the players welcomed the break caused by the postponement of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan as it had allowed some to recuperate from their injuries.”Sangakkara who went to Australia for surgery and returned, is preparing to fly again there for further treatment,” he said. “I also have had a knee injury, a niggling one and I too need some respite and then there were guys like Maharoof, who I think has recovered by now”.The quadrangular tournament gets underway on October 10, with Sri Lanka taking on Zimbabwe, and concludes on October 13.

Sriram Veera previews season two of the ICL

Sriram Veera in Hyderabad09-Oct-2008
The ICL have a new ‘national’ team this year in the Dhaka Warriors © AFP
A good season two, like a good sequel, is a rarity for a television show, for a cricketer and even for a tournament. That is the ICL’s greatest challenge as they embark upon a new year of games. The first year was popular: 55 million viewers tuned in to the ICL, with six million alone watching the final match between Lahore Badshahs and Hyderabad Heroes. The big question is can they do it post-IPL? The start has been promising.Recognition: This has been the main hurdle, laid carefully by the Indian board in conjunction with its counterparts. But there is a chance of that changing this year. Pakistan’s law minister Farooq Naek lent a sympathetic ear to Inzamam-ul-Haq, the Lahore captain, and he promised, “Justice will be done”. The ICL also had a “fruitful” meeting with the ICC earlier this week, the Sri Lankan government have responded positively and the Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA) too have offered support.Marketing: “ICL is better in cricket but IPL was better in marketing,” was a backhanded compliment to its rival by the ICL chairman Kapil Dev but, perhaps, it signifies the road it might take this year. An official media release states, “Excluding South America, more than 100 million people from four continents will enjoy this ICL 20s tournament live”. The ICL recently acquired a new stadium in Ahmedabad and spent Rs100 million (US$2.1 million) to refurbish it. They have increased its promotional spend to Rs500 million ($10.5 million).You can expect more oomph from the ICL this year for an extravagant opening ceremony, involving the choreographer Shiamak Davar’s troupe, 100 live drummers and 20 international performers, is planned for October 10. More glamour is on the cards: A film actress will host an “entertainment-cricket” show, with “some high-profile celebrities from page 3, Bollywood, fashion designers, TV artists and host of other stars who will be quizzed and tested on all their expertise and cricket”.Cricket: It started as a city-based team but after the IPL it found its niche in carving ‘national’ teams. The Lahore Badshahs were a hit in Pakistan: “People see it as a extension of their national side,” Mushtaq Ahmed, the former Pakistan legspinner, said. “And all the great stars like Inzamam, Saqlain [Mushtaq] are featuring in it.” It’s a sentiment shared by Habibul Bashar, the captain of the new team, Dhaka Warriors. “I don’t know about the Bangladesh board but the people want us to do well.” The ICL has also attracted quite a few cricketers from New Zealand.What about the quality of cricket? They had quite a few closely fought games last season and Bharat Reddy, executive board member of the ICL, believes “cricket will be the clincher to draw in crowds”. The proof will play out during the next 41 days.Domestic stars: The ICL’s chief claim is that it has been more effective in helping local players to showcase their talent than the IPL. Before the season they organise skill-building camps and a domestic tournament, which acts as trials, for the local players, a set-up the IPL hasn’t tried. They have approximately 88 domestic players but unless there is recognition, these stars are in a cul-de-sac of their own choosing. The case of talented stars like Ambati Rayudu and Abhishek Jhunjunwala are case in point.New initiatives: Specialised coaching in terms of specific functional areas like throwing and sprinting took place earlier this year. They also had a wicketkeeping boot camp under the supervision of Steve Rixon, the former Australian wicketkeeper and the current Hyderabad Heroes coach. The ICL also took a lead in educating players on anti-doping laws. A nine-run hit, which award nine runs for a six over 90 yards, was planned for this tournament but has been shelved for the moment.Players to watch out for: Apart from the international stars like Shane Bond and Inzamam and Indian talent like Hemang Badani and Dinesh Mongia, it’s the domestic players who are expected to entertain the crowds. Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, G Vignesh, top scorer in the domestic tournament, Ali Murtaza, R Sathish, Raviraj Patil, the only Mumbai Champs player to make it to the Indian ICL side, Stuart Binny, Ibrahim Khaleel, were the top performers last season.Teams to watch out for: The consistent Chennai Superstars – “No other side has been able to do as much as we have done in the last four tournaments,” said coach Michael Bevan. “Two titles, a second place and a third place are no mean achievements,” . Chennai won the inaugural Twenty20 championship and the ICL 50s championship. The Hyderabad Heroes are the defending champions and they grew from strength to strength under the coaching of Steve Rixon. But runners-up Lahore promise to offer another stiff challenge. “We are here to win,” Inzamam said. “We are better prepared this time and are working very hard.”Prize Money: Rs13.72 crore ($2.8 million) is the total booty. The winners of the ICL 20s Indian Championship get Rs2 crore ($419,400) while the runners-up net Rs1 crore ($209,700). The Man of the Match will bag Rs2 lakhs ($4000) and the Man of the Series gets twenty times that. Last year, the total prize money was 12.33 crores ($2.5million).Click here for a full list of this season’s ICL squads.

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for West Ham United centre-back Issa Diop as new manager Patrick Vieira looks to continue his overhaul of the first-team squad.

What’s the story?

According to French outlet FootMercato, the Eagles are one of three Premier League clubs keen on acquiring the 24-year-old’s services this summer, with Wolves and Southampton also credited with an interest.

The Hammers are thought to be closing in on the signature of Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic, so David Moyes could be prepared to let Diop depart the London Stadium over the coming weeks.

With Palace now reportedly pulling out of the race to sign Ozan Kabak, everything could be lined up for the former France under-21 international to make the short switch from east to south London.

Heir to Gary Cahill

Following his move from boyhood club Toulouse in a £22m deal three years ago, Diop settled into life on English shores well, quickly establishing himself in the Irons’ starting XI. The £16.2m-rated gem made 33 Premier League appearances in his debut season, and his domineering displays earned several admirers, including former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

“Their centre-backs had a fantastic match,” said the then-Red Devils boss following the Hammers’ 3-1 victory over United back in 2018. “Congratulations to the scout who found Diop, a monster who dictated everything.”

However, the 24-year-old has struggled to live up to his early promise over the last couple of campaigns. Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna established a formidable partnership in the heart of West Ham’s defence last term, limiting Diop to just 15 top-flight starts.

As a result, the Frenchman has been linked with an imminent exit from the London Stadium, and Palace could be an ideal destination. With Mamadou Sakho, Scott Dann and Gary Cahill all being released on free transfers this summer, Vieira has already been forced to add several reinforcements to his backline.

The arrivals of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi have strengthened the Eagles’ options in central defence, but their attempts to re-sign Cahill ultimately proved unsuccessful.

Indeed, like the Irons defender, the 35-year-old is renowned for his aerial prowess, having won 3.5 headers per game in each of the last two Premier League seasons. The Frenchman won 2.5 aerial duels per match in the 2019/20 campaign, also illustrating his ability in the air.

Therefore, Diop could prove to be the perfect heir to the former Chelsea ace. A fresh challenge and new surroundings may be the ideal combinations for the player to rediscover his best form, adding another valuable asset to Palace’s new era.

In other news… Ed Aarons drops big Crystal Palace transfer update, Vieira will be gutted 

Luke Pomersbach’s attacking century went in vain as Western Australia slumped a 127-run defeat against Queensland at the WACA, their first in the competition

Cricinfo staff03-Nov-2008
ScorecardLuke Pomersbach’s attacking century went in vain as Western Australia slumped a 127-run defeat against Queensland at the WACA, their first in the competition. Pomersbach’s 104 stood out in an otherwise sorry performance by the Warriors, who failed to support him adequately when faced with a challenging target of 324. Ashley Noffke’s four-wicket haul was the difference and the victory has placed the Bulls on par with the table leaders Warriors on 12 points.The Bulls held the initiative from the second over of the day, when Ben Edmundson edged Noffke to third slip, leaving the Warriors at 2 for 3. The 77-run stand which followed between Pomersbach and Wes Robinson was the only passage of play when the Warriors took control. However, Noffke struck two crucial blows off consecutive deliveries to peg the Warriors back. They sunk further when Ryan Harris effected a double-strike in one over to send back Theo Doropoulos and Adam Voges. Pomersbach kept losing partners and at 6 for 106, a victory seemed inevitable for the Bulls.Pomersbach was fortunate, though, to be let off twice. He was dropped on nought when Clinton Perren at second slip dived and failed to hang on to a tough, one-handed chance. When on 35, the wicketkeeper Chris Hartley got his gloved to a leg-side glance. He made the most of those let-offs and continued to attack. He found support from Steve Magoffin (34) and the pair added 62 for the eighth wicket but the rescue effort came a little too late for the Warriors.Pomersbach fell just after reaching his third first-class century, shouldering arms to Harris and the Bulls wrapped up the win shortly before tea. Pomersbach’s counter-attacking knock included 12 fours and two sixes. Noffke’s match figures of 7 for 78 and 40 in the second innings fetched him the Man-of-the-Match award.

Angus Kinnear has dropped a major update on Marcelo Bielsa’s new contract at Leeds United, and it’s one that will have fans buzzing.

What’s the story?

Speaking on The Square Ball podcast, he said: “I think, bar the contract, we’re in great shape (heading into the 2021/22 season).

“It’ll be signed this week and announced to great excitement. It’s not even been discussed. The discussions are all around preparations, it really is a formality.

“We had a handshake probably six months ago and it really is just the details. Every day he’s talking to Victor (Orta), Andrea (Radrizzani) and myself but it’s all about preparations.”

Fans will be excited

With the Premier League season now inching ever closer to its beginning, the fact there hasn’t been any confirmation just yet about Bielsa putting pen to paper on a new deal at Elland Road might have raised some worry among fans.

The kind of affinity and love Leeds fans have for Bielsa is unquestionable, with the Argentine a firm favourite in Yorkshire for the way he has embraced the city and brought the Whites back to the big time of the Premier League.

Leeds enjoyed a superb first season back in the top-flight last term, finishing in the top ten and picking up some notable scalps along the way, not least a fantastic victory over Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad.

It’s exactly why Kinnear’s latest update that everything is virtually done and dusted, and a formal announcement is being readied, should have fans very much excited.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped an update on Leeds’ chase for Adama Traore…