The West Indies Players’ Association has accused the West Indies Cricket Board of attempting to widen the gulf between players and the board by censuring Chris Gayle for his comments made on his Cricinfo blog.Gayle wrote that the”WICB says they want the best out of players but we also need the best out of the board … the board is always talking about players needing to change but we, the players, need changes from the board as well. We can’t be out in the wilderness all the time because we are the ones who are getting all the blame.”On Monday, Gayle and Ken Gordon, the president of the WICB, met and it is believed Gordon told Gayle that his statement was “ill-advised and has caused unnecessary embarrassment to the WICB”. But Gayle refused to apologise and was handed “a very strongly-worded letter of reprimand”.But Dinanath Ramnarine, WIPA’s chief executive, said it was “one more instance of WICB using an opportunity to widen the relationship gap between the players and the administration, when the matter could have been dealt with in a more constructive manner”.Ramnarine spoke to Gayle on Tuesday, and then explained that any action against the player was unacceptable as he had, as required, submitted the article to Mike Findlay, the team’s manager, and it had been edited and approved by him. Gayle had then received clearance from Findlay both verbally and in writing.”It seems difficult to understand why Gordon and Findlay would … demand an apology for comments approved by Findlay,” Ramnarine said. “It is also interesting to note that it was the president and not Bruce Aanensen (the WICB’s CEO) who is also in England who met with Gayle. Is it because Aanensen publicly referred to the players as ‘incompetent’ on Saturday and felt he may have lost the respect of Gayle and the team and in fact owed them an apology?”We all say things we may regret later on, but a president and a CEO have to be especially sensitive to their public utterances like labeling the players ‘incompetent’ and encouraging them to be economical with the truth.”The recent action of the WICB president and its CEO does very little to reflect the recommendations of the arbitration panel that agreements must be honoured; procedures must be followed; and an attitude of mutual respect and sincerity must pervade”.
Craig McMillan, the middle-order batsman, has been left out of the 30-man squad for the Champions Trophy to be played in India from October.John Bracewell, the New Zealand coach, said that the 29-year-old McMillan, who has played 55 Tests and 175 one day internationals, was dropped because of a lack of fitness. “Craig McMillan was omitted from the 30 because of concerns about his fitness,” Bracewell said. “This does not mean Craig has been ruled out of contention for next year’s World Cup but he will need to focus his efforts if he is to be selected for the Black Caps over the summer.”McMillan’s international form has been poor in recent seasons but he scored a century for New Zealand A against India A in Darwin last month. The squad includes seven players yet to represent New Zealand in seamer Mark Gillespie, Otago offspinner Nathan McCullum – brother of Test wicketkeeper Brendon, wicketkeeper Peter McGlashan, seamer Warren McSkimming, allrounder Mark Orchard, batsman Jesse Ryder and seamer Bradley Scott.The squad will be reduced to 14 next month ahead of the tournament.New Zealand squad Andre Adams, Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Stephen Fleming (capt), James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, Chris Harris, Gareth Hopkins, Jamie How, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Chris Martin, Michael Mason, Brendon McCullum (wk), Nathan McCullum, Peter McGlashan (wk), Warren McSkimming, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Mark Orchard, Michael Papps, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Bradley Scott, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Lou Vincent, Daniel Vettori.
Dennis Lillee, one of Australia’s meanest and greatest fast bowlers, will begin a career in the Western Australian Cricket Association’s boardroom after he was elected president last night.Lillee, who took 355 wickets in 70 Tests before becoming a global coach, succeeded Brian Rakich and his two-year term will begin next month.The former Australian Test players Graeme Wood and Sam Gannon were nominated as vice-presidents, replacing Bill Bryant and Cricket Australia director Bob Paulsen.Lillee said his first duties would be to implement a membership drive and address staff concerns.”I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be walk in and swan around. It’s get the glove on and get dirty,” Lillee told ABC online.”I’d like to be able to help convince people to join the WACA and become members of a new WACA, which will be heading forward.”
Pakistan U17 231 for 4 (Adnan 76) beat India U17 230 by six wickets Scorecard Pakistan’s Under-17s struck a blow for their senior team by beating their Indian counterparts in the final of the Asian U17 tournament in Bangalore.Pakistan’s heroes were Adnan Raza and Fayyaz Ahmed, who stroked fine half-centuries to guide their side to a six-wicket victory. Pakistan had lost to India in their preliminary round match, but achieved the victory when it mattered, overhauling their target of 231 with more than six overs to spare.Adnan, the Man of the Match, top-scored with an unbeaten 76 from 90 balls, with five fours and a six, while Fayyaz hit 63 after having earlier picked up two wickets for 44 runs. The pair added 108 for the fourth wicket after Yasir Arafat (16), Nasir Jamshed (31) and Ramiz Raja (12) had all been dismissed.India had batting first after winning the toss, and were bowled out for 230 in 45 overs. Raza Ali Dar was the pick of Pakistan bowlers, bagging 3 for 40. Fahad Zaman snapped up 2 for 40. India’s Piyush Chawla scored a 54-ball 51, including two fours and two sixes.The victorious Pakistan team returns home on January 29.
Bushrangers captain Shane Warne is among four players flying to Hobart to be considered for selection for Sunday’s ING Cup clash against the Tasmanian Tigers at Bellerive Oval.Nick Jewell, Andrew McDonald and Rob Cassell join Warne in Hobart as additions to the twelve contesting the current Pura Cup match. The final twelve for Sunday will be selected at the completion of the Pura Cup match on Saturday.BushrangersShane Warne (c), Darren Berry (vc), Jason Arnberger, Rob Cassell, Matthew Elliott, Shane Harwood, Ian Harvey, Brad Hodge, Mathew Inness, Nick Jewell, Michael Klinger, Mick Lewis, Andrew McDonald, Jon Moss, Graeme Rummans, Cameron White
Indian captain Sourav Ganguly and coach John Wright felt that therewas still scope for improvement in the team’s performance which todaydefeated Zimbabwe for the second straight time to reach the final ofthe triangular series.”We got to pull things up. We gave away 90 runs in the last 10 overswhich were far too many to give away on this track,” said Ganguly,whose 85, a wicket and a catch played a crucial role in India’svictory.”We started well in the morning session but we didn’t bowl well in thelast 10 overs. We could have bowled a lot better with the ball seamingaround on this wicket."On the mini Indian collapse, Ganguly said, "we were 184 for two whenI got out and then we lost four wickets. I would not say they werepoor shots but rather wrong ones. We need to pull ourselves up.”I thought I played a shot which I normally play well against theleft-arm spinners. But yes, we could have applied ourselves better. Iam still not in the best of form, I am not playing at my best. Still,it is better to get some runs. I think I got stuck a bit at the startbut then it was not an easy wicket to bat on.”Coach John Wright was more critical and said the team has an “awful”lot to learn from this win.”Honestly, if you look at the performance and not the result, we needto play lot better than that. I think it was a disappointingperformance. We won a toss which gave us a big advantage and Zimbabwewas a side without its two key players. So we really should havebeaten them easily. We nearly threw it away with some poor shots andalso we gave far too many runs in the field. If we need to becompetitive against the West Indies, I think there is awful lot towork upon. There were far too many extras conceded. Considering thatwe got two wickets in the first over, these guys still got 235 whenbatting conditions were difficult. We got to a winning position andthen we lost Ganguly and a few quick wickets. It just goes to show ifa partnership is broken, you lose a few more quick wickets. We shouldhave a habit of finishing teams off, either in the field or with thebat. Otherwise you would not be consistent in this form of cricket.”The coach said he was happy that Ganguly got runs at last. “I am happyhe got runs and he can now get it off his head and as for Dravid, heplayed just beautifully.”Dravid, who for his 72 unbeaten runs off 64 balls was named man of thematch, said even though he has batted quite well on this tour, hehadn’t played a match-winning innings until now.”When I got in here this time, I was very determined to play that kindof knock. I have been batting well so I decided to play straight andhit it hard. There were a lot of gaps and it is a big ground and youcan find the gaps quite easily and that really helped. When Ajit(Agarkar) came, we still required a run a ball and I said to him thereis no need to panic. If we bat till the end, we will win. I knew bothof us can play shots and we needed just one good over and it came inthe left-arm spinner’s and then Ajit hit a few shots and settled theissue.”
According to a report in the paper edition of Sport, via Sport Witness, there has been a transfer update out of Tottenham Hotspur as manager Antonio Conte seemingly re-ignites interest in Adama Traore.
The Lowdown: Spurs come close…
The Spaniard, who ended up signing for Barcelona on loan in the latter stages of January, was a rather public target for Spurs and Conte as the Lilywhites head coach sought a new right-wing-back.
Reliable reports indicated that Tottenham’s manager was chasing Traore and aimed to transform the Spain international into a makeshift full-back (The Athletic).
GiveMeSport revealed just how close the Lilywhites came to signing the winger as personal terms were apparently completed.
Indeed, according to their information, Fabio Paratici and co shook hands on an agreement to make Traore one of the club’s highest paid players on a £120,000-per-week salary – but that ultimately wasn’t enough to seal his move as Barca eventually hijacked the deal.
Now, however, it appears Spurs and by extension Conte have re-ignited their interest.
The Latest: Conte eyes Traore move…
Indeed, Sport (via SW) claim Tottenham are interested in signing Traore yet again with Barcelona not ready to pay the fee to sign him permanently from Wolves.
It is claimed Conte’s side are one of the clubs on ‘lookout’ over his situation at the La Liga giants and are ‘waiting’ to see how things unfold regarding his future.
The Verdict: Re-join the hunt?
As Spurs keep watch over Traore, potentially having another chance to sign him this summer, the fact his deal at Molineux expires at the end of next season could hand Paratici and a really strong negotiating hand.
It is feasible to believe Tottenham could significantly wiggle down his estimated £25.2 million market valuation given Wolves will have just two windows to make any profit off of his sale.
And the Spaniard would arguably strengthen Conte’s options, especially considering how much he has impressed in the Europa League with Barca since signing in the winter window.
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He’s notched two assists in the competition so far whilst ranking in as their second-best performer going by average match rating (7.12, WhoScored).
Traore’s also completed more successful take-ons on average (3.5) than any Catalans star in Europe, putting real emphasis on his creativity going forward and leaving little wonder pundit Noel Whelan said he’s a ‘game-changer’ and the ‘perfect fit’ for Conte (Football Insider).
In other news: Tottenham attempts to seal mega-money agreement take new step after major off-field development, find out more here.
The loss of some of the best Australian players in history has not convinced Michael Clarke that the side is about to slide. Clarke, who has been promoted to vice-captain for the West Indies tour following Adam Gilchrist’s retirement, believes the team will not suffer any falls.Australia leave for the West Indies at the weekend for a three-Test tour and the squad carries a new look after the departures of Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist, Langer, Martyn and Hogg over the past two years. “Australia is playing as well as ever,” Clarke, who was part of the 2-1 Test win and CB Series loss to India, told the Sydney Morning Herald. “Our squad is as good as it has ever been. We have definitely lost a few great players in the last two years, but people come and go and the game stays the same.”The wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has come into the outfit and is in line for his Test debut while Stuart MacGill is back following wrist surgery. The bowlers Ashley Noffke, Beau Casson and Doug Bollinger have also been recruited for the Caribbean trip.”The new guys that have come in have put their hands up and a lot of the guys are looking forward to fulfilling their potential to do well,” Clarke said. “Both Ricky Ponting and I are excited for what is ahead for the Australian team.”After leading the side in the Twenty20 internationals last season, Clarke has now assumed more Test responsibility and will work as an intermediary between the newer members and Ponting. “I am 27 years of age,” he said. “I know all the young guys and they can come to me.”Clarke did not join some of his older team-mates in India for the IPL and his main travel during the international break involved a visit to the United States with his fiance Lara Bingle. His father Les has Hodgkin’s disease and being with family was more important than extra Twenty20 games after a busy summer.”I made the decision for my body and to spend time with my dad,” he said. “It was really nice to be able to spend some time with my family and Lara – it was fantastic for both of us to spend some time together before I headed off on this tour.”Clarke said he felt it was important to get away from the game and the limelight. “I really needed it,” he said. “I love cricket, but at times it can feel like being stuck in a garage and I wanted to get back to that place where you are so keen to get back into it.”He said he now feels fresh and he was full of enthusiasm at the start of Australia’s pre-tour camp in Brisbane on Monday. “It’s great to be back with all the boys,” he said, “and I’m really enjoying some outdoor cricket training.”
The heady days of the World Cup are suddenly feeling a long time ago for Trent Johnston and the Ireland team. Their first one-day international since they ended the Super Eights adventure finished in a nine-wicket defeat against India at Stormont.Ireland’s cause wasn’t helped by a long list of key players missing for various reasons. Of their World Cup stars, Eoin Morgan, Jeremy Bray, Boyd Rankin, David Langford-Smith and Andre Botha weren’t available against India along with the Mooney brothers. Rankin, Langford-Smith and Botha are injured but Morgan has opted to secure a first-team place with Middlesex and Bray asked not to be considered for the matches.Since returning from the Caribbean there has been plenty of positive talk about turning Irish cricket at least semi-professional but, as Craig Wright warned about Scottish cricket, already that dream is looking a long way off. However, Johnston says it’s a route the game must take if the World Cup isn’t going to be a one-off.”It’s difficult,” admitted Johnston. “We don’t even have a first-class structure here. We basically come from club cricket to playing the best cricketers in the world.”We’ve got to have professional contracts put in place so players can get back to the standard we set in the West Indies. Four months we were away playing cricket and you could see in our performance over there we were a much better team.”We are amateur cricketers. We get together for two or three hours a week as a squad and train. I think you can see from our performances in the World Cup when we were 24/7 cricket, we were a different side. There’s a lot more pressures when you are back here, you’ve got kids, you’ve got families.”Except for their Intercontinental Cup victory against a weak Canadian side, Ireland’s form since the World Cup has been poor and they didn’t manage a single victory in the Friends Provident Trophy.”We’ve struggled this year against county teams so when you come and play against a team like India, with the quality they have, we are always going to struggle because we’re not together, we’re not a professional outfit.”We are in a rebuilding process. Our two opening bowlers [Whelan and Fourie], have probably played three or four games in total between them for Ireland. To open the bowling against [Sourav] Ganguly and [Sachin] Tendulkar is a huge step up.”But, at the end of the day, they knew how to bowl at the top of off stump to get here so why can’t they do it in the middle? That’s the disappointing thing, because I know they can do it. But I don’t want to be critical of our bowlers because they are young and inexperienced.”However, Johnston refused to be too disheartened and preferred to look towards the future. “We get together for three hours for a week and it’s impossible to compete against these guys. We’ve just got to learn to be more consistent.”We’ve got good young cricketers coming through and we’ve got to come back tomorrow [Sunday] and put in a good performance against South Africa.”
Inzamam-ul-Haq believes that Jonty Rhodes’ brief stint as Pakistan’s fielding consultant is going to show positive results in coming months.”I am not going to say that we will become very good fielders within three or four days but there is going to be an improvement in a few months once we start implementing drills being taught to us by Jonty,” Inzamam said.Rhodes, counted among the best fielders of his era, began his short coaching stint with Pakistan earlier this week with an eye on raising the standard of their fielding ahead of this summer’s tour of England.Inzamam said that he was very pleased with the initiative taken by the PCB saying that he and fellow teammates are looking forward to benefit from the tips given by the former South African Test cricketer and from the fielding drills being carried out by him at the training camp for the England series.”Jonty knows what he is talking about,” he said. “He has been a great fielder and we can learn a lot from him,” said Inzamam, who is counted among one of the poorer fielders in the Pakistani squad.But he made it clear that nobody should expect overnight results. “We are going to include the drills being taught by him in our training schedule and it would be after three or four months that the results will become clear.”Inzamam said that he wants the Pakistan team to improve in all areas of the game, especially fielding, in the lead up to next year’s World Cup.”There is always room for more improvement and I can assure you that all my boys are striving to get better with more and more hard work and commitment,” he remarked.