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With his unbeaten 54 in the second innings in the match against the Busta XI, Deep Dasgupta may yet again have come into the reckoning for a place in the Test side

Special Correspondent30-Apr-2002With his unbeaten 54 in the second innings in the match against the Busta XI, Deep Dasgupta may yet again have come into the reckoning for a place in the Test side. His first-innings dismissal, for seven, was more unlucky than anything else, the delivery keeping much too low to play.”This is an indication of a bad time. You can never expect the balls to keep so low. But I will keep trying, and I will bounce back into the side. That is my target now,” said Dasgupta, until recently the opener-cum-wicket-keeper in the Indian side.Dasgupta could not believe his ears when coach John Wright told him, before the second Test, that he was not playing. “You are not playing in the Trinidad Test, but keep working hard,” was what Wright told him the night before the first day of the Port of Spain match.”True, I batted poorly in the first Test. But I thought I kept well at Guyana. I know that the dropped catch of Carl Hooper was costly, but that was a difficult chance,” said Dasgupta. “I could reach the ball, but I could not get it in my gloves. Had I been able to get it in my palm, the catch would not have gone down.”Dasgupta may have some right to consider himself unlucky. He has opened the innings after spending long hours in the field, a weary proposition by any standards. Moreover, he donned the opener’s mantle without a murmur of complaint in South Africa and has not been a disaster in that position.He will now have to slug it out with Wasim Jaffer for the top-order position. The Mumbai lad did reasonably well in the second innings of the three-day tour match, scoring 62. Since Sourav Ganguly, before the fixture, said that the player who performed best would be the top contender for the opening position, Jaffer could realistically think about playing his third Test.Jaffer also stands a higher chance of getting the team management’s nod because he is a specialist opener in domestic cricket. Although Dasgupta did open the batting when he was needed to, he may have to wait a few more Tests before he does so again.

The West Indies Cricket Board announced their Test and ODI squads to tour Zimbabwe and Kenya on Friday

Derrick Nicholas08-Jun-2001The West Indies selectors today recalled fast bowler, Reon King, for the back-to-back tours of Zimbabwe and Kenya starting later this month. Also recalled for the One Day series only, is Guyanese Mahendra Nagamootoo, who has not represented the West Indies since the ill-fated tour of Australia earlier this year.During a selection meeting yesterday, the selectors chose separate Test and One Day International squads for the two and half month tour of the African continent. Each squad is comprised of sixteen players.Three changes will be made to the One Day International squad. Leon Garrick, Colin Stuart and Dinanath Ramnarine will all play in the Test series, replacing Wavell Hinds, Kerry Jeremy and Mahendra Nagamootoo.The West Indies along with India, will join host Zimbabwe for a triangular One Day series, to be followed by two Tests involving Zimbabwe, before the team moves on to Kenya for a series of One Day matches.The management team for both tours will comprise of Ricky Skerritt (Manager), Roger Harper (Coach), Ronald Rogers (Trainer), Garfield Smith (Scorer/Analyst).The full squads are as follows:One Day Internationals:-
Carl Hooper (captain), Ridley Jacobs, Chris Gayle, Daren Ganga, Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Wavell Hinds, Cameron Cuffy, Mervyn Dillon, Reon King, Corey Collymore, Kerry Jeremy, Neil McGarrell and Mahendra Nagamootoo.Test Squad:-
Carl Hooper (captain), Ridley Jacobs, Chris Gayle, Daren Ganga, Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Leon Garrick, Cameron Cuffy, Mervyn Dillon, Reon King, Corey Collymore, Colin Stuart, Neil McGarrell and Dinanath Ramnarine.

Football Insider pundit Danny Mills believes Aston Villa will look to sign Celtic midfielder David Turnbull before the European Championships begin.

The Lowdown: Villa readying Turnbull bid

According to The Scottish Sun, Villa have watched the Hoops star on several occasions this season.

Dean Smith has received glowing reports on the attacking midfielder, with Villa thought to be lining up a £7m bid as a result.

Turnbull was recently named as PFA Scotland’s Young Player of the Year and was also included in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for this summer’s major tournament.

The Latest: Mills’ Turnbull claim

Talking to Football Insider regarding the links to Turnbull, Mills was asked if Villa will look to seal a deal before the tournament begins in three weeks’ time.

“Definitely. Good managers won’t buy players off the back of a good European Championships, or they shouldn’t do.

“It’s three or four good games, that’s all it is. You can be outstanding in two and average in two and everybody’s like ‘What a player’.”

Mills, 44, continued:

“Your targets should be identified by February because you’ve had six months to look at your players, you know what those players are like, you know what your weaknesses are and you know where to improve.

“Your scouts and scouting network should be doing that work all the way through that time. You should have an A, B and C target. Who they are and for what position.

“The best way is to just get it done. If you have to pay a little bit over the odds, just get it done.

“You don’t want to come back late to pre-season because of the Euros thinking ‘We haven’t signed a player. The player’s going to miss parts of pre-season, he’s not integrated.’

“Just go out and do it, that’s what Villa should be doing.”

The Verdict: Villa should look to tie up a deal

With Ross Barkley set to return to Chelsea at the end of the month and Jack Grealish linked with a move away from Villa Park, we’re with Mills in believing the club should look to wrap up a deal as soon as possible.

It seems as if Villa like what they see in Turnbull after watching him closely, and they know just how good an all-action Scottish midfielder can be with the acquisition of John McGinn in 2018.

Turnbull, who Neil Lennon described as ‘class act’ back in December, completed more key passes than any player in the Scottish Premiership (80), as per WhoScored, the same amount as Grealish has in the Premier League.

Should he impress for Scotland at the Euros, you’d expect his price tag to rocket, so Villa could be smart in looking to tie up a transfer before then, although it could be a big ask with the time frame and the player more than likely fully focused on representing his country.

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to Carney Chukwuemeka update, find out more here. 

LAHORE – There were no surprises as the Pakistan Cricket Board announced three players to augment the Pakistan squad touring England for the triangular series that follows after the second Test at Old Trafford

Agha Akbar25-May-2001LAHORE – There were no surprises as the Pakistan Cricket Board announced three players to augment the Pakistan squad touring England for the triangular series that follows after the second Test at Old Trafford. They are Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir and Shoaib Malik – all three bits and pieces players, the three-in-one kind to quote Waqar Younis, though of the three Nazir doesn’t bowl.The three would be joining the team on May 31.These three would be replacing Mohammad Wasim, Imran Farhat and Mushtaq Ahmed.Mohammad Sami would be staying on in England, where he would remain under treatment for his shin injury.The induction of these three means a squad of 16, instead of the customary 15 for ODI’s. But the PCB Chairman, said that since the team contains quite a few youngsters, the exposure could come handy for them and justified the additional expense.So popular is Afridi that some would argue he must have a role in the longer version of the game, despite being too impetuous for his own good. But he more than makes up for sometimes, bungling with his shot selection with his fastish leg-break bowling and athleticism in the field.Both Afridi and Nazir are explosive openers, who, if they get going, can put any attack to the sword.Shoaib Malik for his part is considered the best young off-spinner in Pakistan, and as such has been for the last couple of years drafted in as an understudy to Saqlain Mushtaq. Shoaib had recently fallen foul of umpires in a three-nation event at Sharjah, who reported him for chucking. But he seems to have reformed himself to give the Pakistan selectors enough confidence to send him on tour.Shoaib is also a livewire in the field, traditionally Pakistan’s weakest link, and a reasonably good bat who has made a couple of hundreds batting late in the order in first class cricket the previous season.

Manchester United prolonged Manchester City’s wait for the Premier League title on Sunday as they came from behind to win against Aston Villa.

Bertrand Traore had given Dean Smith’s men the lead but the Red Devils roared back after the break thanks to goals from Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani.

It was their second goalscorer Fernandes who predictably was the star man at Villa Park and his game did not just end with a well-taken penalty.

He continued his excellent recent form by being a constant threat to Villa. According to WhoScored, he had four shots – a figure that was only matched by Bertrand Traore of every player to take to the pitch for both sides.

The Portuguese ace was also a huge creative influence in the centre of the park as he produced three key passes for his teammates. Marcus Rashford in the Red Devils squad was the only player to improve upon that statistic with four of his own.

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It is no surprise to see those numbers though considering that Fernandes had 77 touches of the ball throughout the 90 minutes. Once again, that’s a count that was not bettered by any of his Red Devils’ teammates.

Whilst Fernandes was brilliant in an attacking sense, as is to be somewhat expected, he was also surprisingly eye-catching in defence too.

The Portuguese star produced three clearances and an interception. Meanwhile, he also managed to contribute two tackles. Only midfielder destroyer Fred only contributed more than that throughout the game.

Having been hailed as “pure quality” in the past by former Red Devil Roy Keane, Fernandes certainly displayed that all over the Villa Park pitch.

Solskjaer should, once again, be delighted with another spectacular from his midfield dynamo.

AND in more news, find out which Serie A defensive rock the Red Devils simply must sign in the summer…

According to a report by The Daily Mail, sharing information from their sources, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez is now eyeing Tottenham Hotspur’s vacancy as a possible position after the European Championships this summer.

Martinez eyeing Tottenham job

The 47-year-old has been touted recently as a candidate for the position alongside fellow international boss Gareth Southgate, with chairman Daniel Levy seemingly looking under every rock for Tottenham’s heir to Jose Mourinho.

Martinez, who has enjoyed spells in the Premier League already with both Wigan Athletic and Everton, is also a previous FA Cup winner – having guided his Latics team to one of the biggest upsets in cup final history against Manchester City last decade.

As per the Mail, he would be interested in the Tottenham job after completing this summer’s postponed European Championships.

This comes a year and a half after the Daily Star revealed he was very keen on succeeding Mauricio Pochettino before Levy opted for Mourinho instead.

Transfer Tavern take

He is not without his credentials, managing to guide Belgium to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 where they eventually clinched third in the tournament at England’s expense.

Harry Redknapp has also praised the Spaniard in past seasons and even went as far as to recommend him for the Three Lions post in 2014.

The former Lilywhites boss called Martinez ‘excellent’ for his job at Goodison Park and recommended him alongside Brendan Rodgers as top choices for England (Daily Mirror).

As Tottenham reportedly hunt for an attack-minded coach who can re-install that exciting brand of football back in north London, Martinez could actually be a credible dark horse.

He is a known disciple of Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff and takes inspiration from his style of dominating games, something which could entice Levy and co into the appointment.

In other news: Tottenham working to sign this colossus, find out more here.

Anura Tennekoon, the Chief Executive of the Sri Lankan cricket board, willtravel to the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday toinvestigate the current rumpus over ground access and ascertain the currentstate of the stadium, which has

CricInfo28-Apr-2001Anura Tennekoon, the Chief Executive of the Sri Lankan cricket board, willtravel to the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday toinvestigate the current rumpus over ground access and ascertain the currentstate of the stadium, which has been largely neglected since it staged it’sinaugural One-Day International against England.Sierra International, the main construction company, has reputedly sealedoff the ground, refusing access even to the 40 workers from SugathadasaStadium in Colombo, who have been appointed to manage the controversialvenue.The decision to seal off the ground has been made in response to a defaultin the payments by the cricket board. The Interim Committee has halted allpayments relating to the stadium, as it investigates why the project hascost Rs100 million more than the approved budget. Sierra International haveregistered a complaint with the Dambulla police.Tennekoon’s will also have to placate a disgruntled Inamaluwe Sumangala, whois Chief Priest of the Rangiri Dambulla temple, which owns the land on whichthe stadium has been built. Sumangala has warned the cricket board that the99-year lease is dependent upon strict conditions being met.One of these conditions is that local residents are directly employed in theconstruction and management of the stadium. Sumangala is unhappy that, sofar, local employment has been largely symbolic and thus feels the people ofDambulla are not benefiting from the project. Moreover, the decision to handover the ground’s management to a Colombo based ground authority will meaneven less local jobs.

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Graham Roberts has hit out at the reporting surrounding Harry Kane’s future, insisting that it is just “winding supporters up”, in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

There have been numerous reports suggesting that Kane could leave the club this summer.

The Athletic have reported that he will push for a move if Spurs fail to qualify for the Champions League, while Sky Sports have repeatedly discussed his need to move away if he wants to win trophies. It is regularly discussed after matches, with the 3-1 loss to Manchester United being followed by a discussion between pundits over whether they believe Kane should leave.

And Roberts is growing tired of the media’s fixation on his future, insisting that there is nothing to say that he won’t stay at the club ahead of the summer.

Indeed, he cited the example of Alan Shearer, who moved to Newcastle United from Blackburn Rovers and became a club legend, despite failing to win any silverware at all.

If Kane stays, he also has a real chance of breaking Jimmy Greaves’ all-time scoring record of 266 goals. Kane currently has 217.

Speaking to FFC, Roberts said: “So all these people coming on, I keep hearing in games and from Mickey Mouse reporters, ‘Harry Kane, oh, you know, he’ll have to leave now’.

“Well why does he have to leave? Harry Kane is Tottenham.

“If we don’t win anything this year, we go again next year. Harry’s got a chance of breaking Jimmy Greaves’ record.

“Alan Shearer went to Newcastle, broke all records, but he never won anything there. But that was his loyal club.”

And Roberts has also taken a swipe at some of Sky Sports’ pundits, insisting that they just want to be in the headlines themselves.

He added: “You’ve got Gary Neville, you’ve got Jamie Carragher, you’ve got Paul Merson and all them on Sky and things like that. They’re just winding the supporters up, it’s just media attention for themselves.”

Leeds United are expected to be without three key players for their Premier League clash with reigning champions Liverpool.

The Whites are still basking in the glory of their 2-1 win away to Manchester City last weekend, in what was a famous top-flight victory.

Marcelo Bielsa and his players are now preparing for the visit of Liverpool next Monday, in what promises to be an entertaining contest, given the last meeting saw seven goals.

Leeds aren’t without their injury problems ahead of the game, however, and it looks as though several big players will be absent against the Reds.

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Leeds trio absent for Liverpool meeting

According to The Athletic‘s Tom Worville on Twitter, Liam Cooper, Raphinha and Rodrigo could all miss out on Monday night, acting as a blow to Bielsa.

Cooper is suspended after picking up a red card at City, while the two attackers are expected to be out for at least seven days, per The Athletic’s injury chart, which would of course rule them out also.

Transfer Tavern take

Cooper and Raphinha’s absences are particularly key for Leeds, with the former so consistent at the back this season and the latter one of the stars of the campaign at Elland Road.

Raphinha’s quality will be missed because it would have made Andy Robertson less likely to attack, as the Scot is playing alongside two inexperienced centre-backs, not to mention the Brazilian’s six goals and six assists.

Instead, it may give the Reds full-back more encouragement to push on, allowing him to link-up with either Sadio Mane or Diogo Jota down the left flank, and perhaps causing further trouble for a Leeds defence without their captain.

In other news, one Leeds player has been tipped to be a regular starter next season – find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to right their midweek wrongs when they return to Premier League action this evening.

Jose Mourinho’s side head to the Midlands to face an Aston Villa side who are just one place behind them in the standings ahead of kickoff.

The north London giants embarrassingly crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday night, so now a desperate push for the top four is required if Spurs are to get back into the Champions League.

But tonight’s encounter is no mean feat, and Mourinho has plenty to ponder…

On the Chalkboard

Individual defensive mistakes were once again the root cause of much of Spurs’ woes, so the Portuguese boss ought to make some changes to his backline, especially as Villa now have a prolific option in Ollie Watkins.

Mourinho was reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old as a back-up to Harry Kane during the summer window, but he was always playing a losing game – firstly, no one wants to be a second choice, and secondly, he cost a whopping £33m with add-ons.

But boy, has that transfer paid off for Dean Smith. Watkins has bagged 12 times in all competitions this season, including a hat-trick against Liverpool and a brace against arch-rivals, Arsenal. Clearly, the “lethal” talisman likes to turn up for the big occasion.

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Given the number of issues Spurs have had at the back, it seems like a recipe for disaster if Mourinho were to start both Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier – the pair were dubbed the worst partnership in the league by ex-Spurs midfielder and talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara.

On the latter, he added: “As a centre-half, he just looks lost around the box. In my opinion, he needs to be dropped.”

And we’re inclined to agree. As we outlined after the Europa League game, the long-serving star badly let down the fanbase. Evening Standard reporter Dan Kilpatrick claimed the 27-year-old endured a ‘wretched’ night, claiming: ‘Defensively all over the shop and passing was poor. Gave away silly fouls.’

Watkins averages 2.8 shots per game and is fouled an average of 1.3 times per outing too, via WhoScored. So based on his midweek display, £85k-per-week Dier has no place to be starting as he’ll get torn apart, especially as he has only managed 0.8 tackles per match, too.

Another key ability of Watkins is his pace and acceleration, something that isn’t on Dier’s side either – speaking to Football Insider this week, pundit Alan Hutton claimed the Spurs centre-back “gets exposed at times with a lack of pace.”

Often lambasted as a “liability” amongst the fanbase, the £26m-rated calamity should be axed from Mourinho’s starting XI tonight. If he starts, he could well be haunted by Watkins all night, and then the pressure will only mount on the likes of Harry Kane and Gareth Bale to deliver.

AND in other news, Levy’s genius: Spurs struck dream deal over £45m-rated gem dubbed “phenomenal” by Gold…