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Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal has said he exchanged tips with Muttiah Muralitharan on bowling the doosra during the tour of Sri Lanka which just concluded

Cricinfo staff15-Aug-2009Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal has said he exchanged tips with Muttiah Muralitharan on bowling the doosra during the tour of Sri Lanka. Murali, Test cricket’s highest wicket-taker and one the leading practitioners of the doosra, was interested in how Ajmal bowled the same delivery.”Yes we had a few chats, it was interesting and useful to talk to a great bowler like Murali,” Ajmal told Pakpassion.net. “I asked him about some of his newer deliveries and his methods behind those deliveries.”We talked about the importance of varying the flight and the pace of deliveries and he was particularly interested in my doosra, wanted to see how I bowled it and my grip when I bowled that delivery”.Ajmal had earlier troubled the Australians during the one-day series in the UAE in April. He was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in his debut Test series in Sri Lanka with 14 wickets. He took five wickets in the ODIs and 3 for 18 in the one-off Twenty20, the best figures in the match from either team.”There was a lot of extra pressure on me as it was my debut Test series,” Ajmal said. “I took 14 wickets at 30.07 which isn’t too bad against a team that plays spin very well and we were playing in conditions that they were familiar with.”Ajmal bowled 43 overs in the second innings of the third Test at the SSC but managed to take just one wicket. After squandering big opportunities in the first two Tests, Pakistan had a shot at a consolation win in the third but the Sri Lankans batted out the final day and lost only four wickets in their improbable chase of 492.”The third Test was very frustrating as the heavy roller used on the last day just seemed to flatten the pitch and it became lifeless,” Ajmal said. “There was no spin, no pace and no extra bounce, unlike the first innings when it was very lively and assisted Danish [Kaneria] and I”.Ajmal said he would be cooling his heals for a bit before his next assignment. “I’m looking forward to a nice two-week rest and some time with my family before the training camps and trial matches start for the Champions Trophy.”

Leeds United’s defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been subjected to speculation over his future in recent weeks.

The Daily Star recently reported that Manchester United have abandoned their pursuit of West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice in order to focus their efforts on Phillips, as the Red Devils believe he could bolster their options in the middle of the park.

Victor Orta is reportedly looking to extend Phillips’ contract at Elland Road to ward off potential interest, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will be successful in his efforts.

If the local lad does depart in one of the next few transfer windows, Leeds could avoid needing to splash the cash to replace him by dipping into their academy to unearth a gem – Cian Coleman.

The Yorkshire-born Irish youth international was recently named in The Guardian’s Next Generation Class of 2021, with the article stating that he has caught Marcelo Bielsa’s eye whilst playing in the academy set-up.

Leeds confirmed earlier this year on Twitter that the 17-year-old has been training with the first-team. This shows that Bielsa has seen enough from the midfielder to believe that he deserves the opportunity to train alongside established senior stars like Patrick Bamford, Raphinha and, of course, Phillips.

Much like his fellow Yorkshireman, Coleman can play as a defensive midfielder and as a centre-back, highlighting both his versatility and his defensive strength. His managers have seen that he has the defensive nous to drop back into a central defensive position, whilst he has the technical quality on the ball to play in the holding role in the majority of his games.

He played for Leeds’ U23 side at the age of 15 and is seen within the club as a player who could be the next Phillips to come out of the academy. This highlights the level of quality he is showing in training as they have deemed him too good for his own age group, skipping multiple stages to play for the 23’s.

Therefore, he could be a player with the potential to develop into a first-team star for Leeds moving forward and Bielsa could unearth his talent in the coming months and years. The Argentine has proven, with players like Illan Meslier, that he has the ability as a coach to improve young prospects and he could use that quality to save Victor Orta millions in the transfer market.

If Manchester United now come in with a big-money bid for Phillips and tempt him into quitting Elland Road to chase a Champions League dream, Leeds would need to replace the England international. This could require the club to splash out equally huge figures in order to sign a player with the requisite quality to come in and take over from Phillips in the team.

However, if Bielsa can unleash the ‘next Kalvin Phillips’ in Coleman then there may not be any need for Orta to dip into the market. Therefore, Leeds could save themselves multi-millions by replacing Phillips, if he leaves, with young enforcer Coleman.

AND in other news, Leeds could find their new Bamford in 17 y/o dynamo, Bielsa must work his magic again…

According to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic now has ‘temptations’ to join Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Pochettino eyes Brozovic…

As per a report by TUTTOmercatoWEB in 2017, this isn’t the first time Tottenham have been linked with the Croatia international.

Indeed, according to their Italian sources, former Lilywhites manager and fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino wanted to bring him to north London and Spurs were even ready to table a €25 million (£21.3m) bid.

Now, it appears those whispers of Brozovic to Spurs have made a return.

The Latest: Brozovic has ‘temptations’ to join Spurs…

As per La Gazzetta (via SW), the £114,000-per-week player has ‘temptations’ to join Tottenham as well as Premier League giants Manchester United.

Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici is said to be a personal admirer of Brozovic amid his contract standoff at the San Siro, with his current deal set to expire in 2022.

If his situation fails to change, the Lilywhites could negotiate a pre-contract move in January and sign him for free next summer.

As Inter continue to battle financial hardship, Brozovic won’t put pen to paper on fresh terms unless he receives an annual salary of around €6 million (£5.1m).

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 28-year-old, an experienced 66-cap international who’s averaged an impressive 92.8% pass accuracy over six Serie A starts this season, could certainly be an astute purchase by Paratici on a free.

Former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has previously lavished Brozovic with praise as well, calling him ‘top of the top’ and a ‘fantastic player’ (talkSPORT).

Could the Lilywhites seal a bargain swoop?

In other news: ‘Playing with a man down’…Journalist shreds ‘total liability’ who Nuno ‘can’t trust’ for Spurs, find out more here.

أعلن المدرب الإسباني ماتيو جارالدا المدير الفني لفريق كرة اليد بنادي الزمالك، عن المشاركة في البطولة العربية للأندية.

البطولة من المقرر إقامتها في تونس خلال شهر سبتمبر والمؤهلة لبطولة السوبر جلوب كأس العالم للأندية لكرة اليد.

الزمالك يتعاقد مع الإسباني فيينا لدعم فريق الكرة الطائرة

وكشف جارلدا عن مشاركة نادي الزمالك أيضًا في البطولة الإفريقية للأندية لكرة اليد.

ومن المنتظر أن يشارك فريق كرة اليد بالنادي الأهلي في البطولة الإفريقية والمزمع إقامتها في شهر سبتمبر بتونس أيضًا.

Reliable Crystal Palace reporter Matt Woosnam claimed that midfielder Eberechi Eze is ‘expected back before too long’.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Eze is yet to feature under Patrick Vieira after suffering a freak achilles injury in training back in May but appears to be making good progress in regards to his return.

The 23-year-old posted a training video on social media earlier in the week, and Woosnam shared a story on The Athletic looking at the Eagles’ midfield options.

Woosnam claimed that Vieira will soon be spoiled for choice with Eze expected back in and around the squad before October is out, labelling his recovery as ‘rapid’.

Palace fans react

Woosnam posted a link to his story on Twitter on Wednesday morning, which led to these Palace supporters interacting with his tweet.

This is what these fans had to say in reply, with one describing Eze’s return and more options in midfield as ‘important’.

“woke up smiling matthew”

Credit: @rileyeagles

“May as well change the PL ribbons to red & blue now”

Credit: @Beulah12

“Lovely read, Eze is 23, not 21.”

Credit: @SWPalace

“Having options is important because we will get injuries and suspensions and will need to tackle some matches differently tactically. Great problem to have”

Credit: @rickyj555

“Only if we have no injuries, which we always get and badly. The biggest fundamental of consistent PL presence is squad depth”

Credit: @CPFCBarbarian

“Good article Matt. Unusual not only to have midfield options but to have some creative midfield players as well. Been a while…and as you say a good problem for PV to have”

Credit: @edmonds_mark

In other news: ‘Finally’ – Many CPFC fans buzz as ‘great news’ is confirmed.

أعرب المدرب الهولندي إريك تين هاج، المدير الفني لنادي مانشستر يونايتد، عن دعمه وتمنياته بالتعافي للمهاجم الإيفواري سيباستيان هالير، مهاجم بوروسيا دورتموند.

وكان هالير قد لعب لأياكس تحت قيادة تين هاج في الموسم الماضي قبل أن ينتقل إلى بوروسيا دورتموند هذا الصيف.

اقرأ أيضًا – فيديو.. إريك تين هاج ينفعل على لاعب مانشستر يونايتد: ماذا تفعل بحق الجحيم

وأعلن بوروسيا دورتموند إصابة هالير أمس الإثنين، بورم في الخصية، وهو التشخيص الذي توصل إليه أطباء النادي الألماني من خلال فحوصات أجراها المهاجم البالغ من العمر 28 عامًا عقب شعوره بآلام أثناء التدريبات.

وقال تين هاج في تصريحات نقلتها شبكة “مانشستر إيفينينج نيوز” البريطانية: “أنا تجمعني علاقة رائعة به، وهذا خبر مؤلم، إنه أمر مروع”.

وأضاف: “لديّ علاقة جيدة معه، إنه صديقي، هالير كان مهاجمي الأول في أياكس وأوتريخت، وهو أحد أصدقائي”.

واختتم تصريحاته: “أنا تأثرت بشدة عندما علمت بالخبر، كل الدعم له ولعائلته، وأتمنى له التعافي سريعًا”.

Crystal Palace are one of the clubs interested in a late move for Manchester United winger Daniel James, according to Alan Nixon of The Sun.

And a number of Palace supporters have been reacting to the links on social media.

Phil Hay admitted on Sunday morning that Leeds have a long-standing interest in James and Nixon added that Leeds, Palace, Brighton and Everton are in the hunt for the Wales international.

The Eagles and Whites have of course already gone head to head once this summer in the race for Conor Gallagher.

James, on £52,000-a-week at Old Trafford, is thought to be free to leave after Cristiano Ronaldo re-joined the Red Devils.

The 23-year-old was in line to receive a new United contract earlier in the window but could now depart on loan or on a permanent, should the right approach come in.

Palace are in the market for a winger who can operate from the right, a position James has featured in on 61 occasions, but the Eagles will need to pip a number of fellow top-flight sides, should they wish to bring him to London.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared Nixon’s claims regarding James on Twitter. This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply, with many wanting the club to act.

“Cancel Mateta’s loan. Bring in Edouard and Nketiah. Bring in Dan James. 10/10 window.”

Credit: @liamb0117

“Would love it if we could land him”

Credit: @BoyceDrew

“Get him”

Credit: @cpfcboiling

“Yes please”

Credit: @StewFuller82

“I’ll take this 100%”

Credit: @BRL__18

“I’d Deffo Take Him ”

Credit: @Djamel__1997

In other news: Many Palace fans buzz at links to Paris Saint-Germain ace. 

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is expecting to have Aston Villa pair Emi Buendia and Emi Martinez for all three World Cup qualifiers during the international break.

And a number of Villa supporters have been quick to give their thoughts to the latest update on social media.

Villa released a statement over the weekend regarding Buendia and Martinez, claiming the pair would be available for matches against Venezuela and Brazil but not a third against Bolivia.

The arrangements Villa thought they had agreed on would mean both would miss one Premier League game against Chelsea due to quarantine restrictions.

However, Scaloni, talking to the media, posted on Twitter by Roy Nemer, believes he will have both Buendia and Martinez available for selection for all three qualifiers.

“We gave the list for the three matches and there’s no doubt about it. The players are here for the three matches.”

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Scaloni’s comments on Twitter regarding the Villa duo on Wednesday evening. This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many not exactly thrilled.

“This could get nasty”

Credit: @SebastianBacon8

“Selfish beyond belief”

Credit: @MisterGuilbert

“Welp”

Credit: @LionsVilla

“oh crikey”

Credit: @tiwari0216

“Very poor from Argentina if they’ve already gone back on the agreement.”

Credit: @JonahB90

“What a terrible manager and a coach to put two of his players in such a position.”

Credit: @deanmoulder

In other news: ‘Not happy with this’ – Many AVFC fans react as news is confirmed.

Chris Cairns and Dinesh Mongia, both of the Chandigarh Lions, have been suspended by the ICL

Cricinfo staff27-Oct-2008
Chris Cairns, Chandigarh’s captain, will take no further part in season two of the Indian Cricket League © Cricinfo Ltd.
Chris Cairns and Dinesh Mongia, both of the Chandigarh Lions, have been suspended by the ICL. Andrew Hall, the South African allrounder, will replace Cairns as Chandigarh’s captain.A brief statement issued by the ICL did not specify the reason but sources have told Cricinfo that the action was taken by the ICL’s executive board “on disciplinary grounds”.Cairns arrived for the current Twenty20 tournament carrying an ankle injury, and did not disclose his fitness status to the ICL, it has been learnt. “This violates the player’s contract, which clearly states that he needs to be fit when appearing for the tournament, or should inform the ICL in case of an injury,” the sources said. “Cairns has been sent back and will no longer take part in this particular tournament. His ICL contract remains intact, though we will take a final call after this tournament ends (on Nov 16).”Mongia was suspended because he knew about Cairns’ injury in advance but did not share the information with tournament officials. “Dinesh will also not be part of this particular tournament,” the sources said, also justifying the action against both players. “We wanted to send a strong message that nobody can take the ICL for granted, whatever may be the player’s record and reputation.” Apparently, this was conveyed to Cairns and Mongia today by senior ICL officials who had separate meetings with both.Cairns, 38, has flopped in the second season, scoring just 23 runs in three matches. Mongia has scored 90 runs at 30.00, with a wicket as well. Chandigarh are currently sixth in the ICL points table.

West Bromwich Albion have been handed a potential boost to their chances of bringing Liam Delap to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by John Percy, with The Telegraph journalist revealing on Twitter that the chances of Stoke City securing the signing of the Manchester City centre-forward on a season-long loan deal are less than 50/50.

Previous reports have claimed that a number of Championship sides, including West Brom, have been keeping a close eye on the situation of the 18-year-old ahead of a potential move, although it appeared as if Stoke were leading the race for the England under-19 international.

However, following Percy’s latest update, it would seem as if the door is still open for an Albion swoop this summer, with the journalist’s tweet reading: “Talks have been held with Man City over a loan move for Liam Delap – said to be less than 50/50 at this stage.”

Ismael must act

It has been no secret that Valerien Ismael is looking to strengthen at centre-forward this summer, and considering the sheer amount of potential Delap seems to possess and that an opportunity to land the Manchester City youngster appears to have presented itself, the Frenchman simply must act.

Indeed, over his 20 Premier League 2 appearances for City’s under-23 side last season, the £900k-rated talent scored a whopping 24 goals and registered five assists – with his performances playing a key role in his team winning the Premier League 2 title, as well as him landing the league’s Player of the Year award.

The £5k-per-week man, who Jacek Kulig dubbed a “phenomenal” player, also scored two goals in the FA Youth Cup, as well as bagging three goals and one assist in the EFL Trophy, taking his haul to 30 goals and six assists in all competitions last term.

As such, while the Championship is undoubtedly a step up from youth football, considering just impressive Delap has been for City’s under-23s, we would not bet against him continuing his fine form should he indeed secure a loan move to a second-tier club this summer – be that West Brom or another interested party.

With doubts emerging over him moving to Stoke, this could be the Baggies’ opportunity to pounce.

In other news: West Brom agree deal for £20k-p/w “leader” which will leave Ismael over the moon