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Kieron Pollard believes West Indies could hold the mental edge over Australia ahead of Sunday’s Twenty20 in Hobart despite having been thrashed in the one-day series

Brydon Coverdale20-Feb-2010Kieron Pollard believes West Indies could hold the mental edge over Australia ahead of Sunday’s Twenty20 in Hobart despite having been thrashed in the one-day series. West Indies have beaten Australia in both the Twenty20s the teams have played and Pollard said there was a good chance that winning run could continue with a side boasting several big-hitters.”We are a pretty confident bunch in terms of the Twenty20,” Pollard said. “When you look at it, it has been evolving so fast and the West Indians, we have been performing pretty well in the Twenty20 competition. Having the edge, that little psychological advantage against them could really play in our favour.”It’s hard to imagine any squad feeling that they have the upper hand having just lost ODIs by 113 runs, eight wickets, 50 runs and 125 runs. But the freedom of Twenty20 could allow strikers like Pollard, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith to come in to their own without the pressure of having to bat for 50 overs.Not that Pollard had a poor one-day series – anything but. In the absence of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Dwayne Bravo, he stepped up to be West Indies’ leading run scorer in the series and was their second-top wicket taker.He registered his highest ODI score and his best innings bowling during the series and his consistency was impressive, with scores of 31, 32, 62 and 45. However, Pollard knew that cashing in on those starts on a couple of occasions might have altered the results and he hopes turning into a matchwinner will be the next step in his development.”Personally I’m happy with the way I performed so far this series,” he said. “The couple of times I’ve played for West Indies before had been pretty disappointing for me so I wanted to go out there and show some consistency in my game. I think it has been good for me.”But what has worked against me is that I’ve got the starts in the games but I haven’t really been able to capitalise. My performances should have been matchwinning for the team to be victorious.”Pollard’s power with the bat and handy medium-pace has made him an attractive Twenty20 option and he was a major part of Trinidad & Tobago’s success in reaching the Champions League final. He was the highest run getter in the Big Bash during his time with South Australia and has an IPL contract with the Mumbai Indians.It’s an impressive resume for a man who is only 22 and yet to play a Test match. But despite his suitability for the short formats, Pollard is focused on winning a place in the West Indies Test team and it’s a goal that might not be far away, given his solid first-class record of 1199 runs at 37.46.”Test cricket is going to remain as the ultimate form, it tests your mental capacity,” he said. “Hopefully one day I get the opportunity to get a maroon hat and go out there and play Test cricket for the West Indies.”

Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s captain, Bangladesh’s captain, is aiming to hold India to a draw in the upcoming first Test starting January 17 in Chittagong

Cricinfo staff15-Jan-2010Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s captain, is aiming to hold India to a draw in the upcoming first Test starting January 17 in Chittagong. Bangladesh have not played a Test since July and have been fed a steady diet of one-day matches since, but Shakib did not believe the team would be rusty ahead of what will be their toughest series since January of last year.”I think the battle between India and Bangladesh this time will be an interesting one because the opponents have a long batting line-up while we have a few quality bowlers. However, we don’t bother much about the result of the match,” he told reporters during a training session in Chittagong. “But a draw will be good for us. I am confident that we will have a good chance if we can score 700 runs in the two innings.”Bangladesh’s last Test assignment, against a severely depleted West Indies, saw them win their first overseas series. That contest was highlighted by good bowling, especially from the spinners. Since that series, Bangladesh have played only limited-overs cricket, which included a series win over Zimbabwe at home and a winless streak in the recent tri-series featuring India and Sri Lanka.”It is true we didn’t play a Test match for quite sometime, but hopefully that won’t pose any major problem for us to adapt to the Test mould,” said Shakib. “We batted well in the last ODIs of the tri-nation series and want to show improvement in our game in the field, not through words.”

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming as managerial news emerged involving Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

As per Sky Sports, the Dutchman is now one of three final candidates to replace Steven Gerrard at Ibrox after the Liverpool legend left to join Aston Villa.

Van Bronckhorst is among those who Ross Wilson is considering, and the talks held with him were focused on the short- and long-term strategy of the club. Contract terms were not discussed, but it is believed that his values and ideas are aligned with the Light Blues.

Rangers are ‘very pleased and impressed’ with their shortlist and will hold further talks with the other candidates.

Of course, with a Scottish League Cup semi-final against Hibernian on Sunday, it is not ideal that the Gers haven’t brought in a manager already, so it is understandable that numerous supporters are growing impatient.

A lot of them seem to want Van Bronckhorst as their next coach as well and aren’t too pleased that the club are seemingly talking to other candidates.

Rangers fans on van Bronckhorst manager news

These Gers supporters fumed as the manager news was shared on Twitter:

“Not rushing the move? Not like we have a semi-final in less than a week or anything”

Credit: @darin1872

“I understand they don’t want to rush the appointment.. but if we’ve waited all this time and it turns out not to be Gio.. don’t think many fans would be too happy”

Credit: @JohnnyB47967125

“No rush Rangers, only got a semi-final on Sunday ya know”

Credit: @MBS1872

“Announce Gio or we riot”

Credit: @Jackf1872

“Weird they can name one but not the others”

Credit: @TheBigBear1872

“Move it”

Credit: @kieranmcl96

In other news, find out what international news left these Gers fans buzzing

Phil Jaques and Usman Khawaja posted centuries before New South Wales’ bowlers gave the leaders Victoria a fright in the draw at Newcastle

Cricinfo staff21-Dec-2009Victoria 311 & 5 for 144 (Rogers 94*) drew with New South Wales 8 for 390 dec & 3 for 306 dec (Jaques 131, Khawaja 107)
Scorecard
Usman Khawaja’s 107 was his second century in as many games•Getty ImagesPhillip Hughes made the Test team but it was Phil Jaques and Usman Khawaja who posted centuries before New South Wales’ bowlers gave the leaders Victoria a fright in the draw at Newcastle. After Jaques and Khawaja pushed the Blues to the declaration at 3 for 306, the Bushrangers slipped after a comfortable start to be 5 for 119 after tea.They were chasing a nominal target of 386 for victory and were held together by Chris Rogers, another opener overlooked for the Test side, as they reached 5 for 144 when bad light ended the game. Rogers finished with an unbeaten 94 in a confident display after Nick Jewell, David Hussey, Cameron White and Andrew McDonald went for single figures. The medium pacer Grant Lambert was a handful for the middle order with 3 for 27 while Mitchell Starc had two wickets.Hughes, who is on standby for Ricky Ponting for Boxing Day, fell in the first over of the fourth morning to a bat-pad catch on 7 before Jaques and Khawaja raced forward. Jaques scored his first domestic century since returning from back surgery, rushing to 131 off 141 balls, while Khawaja reached his second in as many games, finishing with 107 after being stumped off David Hussey. David Warner stepped in for a typical cameo of 48 from 30 balls, with five fours and two sixes, before the declaration arrived.A result was unlikely as soon as the first day was washed out. Victoria have a six-point buffer at the top of the table while New South Wales dropped to last despite picking up first-innings points.

Plays of the Day from the final day of the Chittagong Test between Bangladesh and India

Sriram Veera in Chittagong21-Jan-2010The Ash Effect
Mohammad Ashraful lives between a scream of joy and a sigh of anguish. A fluent square drive got the crowd roaring in delight before an edge that dropped short of slips punctured the elation. It wasn’t long before he fell, edging the ball into waiting hands. No one was surprised when it happened. But the crowd’s disappointment didn’t surprise either. For many, Ashraful, despite a paltry Test average, still holds an unexplainable special place in the heart. The youngest Test centurion evokes the paternal feeling in his fans.Pitch Battle I – Zaheer v Mahmudullah
It was a stirring duel – 21 deliveries, lots of bouncers, 19 runs, four fours and a wicket. It nearly resembled the contest between a brave Rajin Saleh and a hostile Shoaib Akhtar during a Test in Pakistan. But unlike Saleh, who took a few body blows that day, Mahmudullah launched a thrilling counterattack. The first boundary was unintentional – he was trying to get his bat out of the way when the ball caught the edge and flew over slips. The second one came via a square cut but the third was the best: The ball was a good short one from round the stumps, but Mahmudullah arched back, created room and played a deft upper cut over backward point. It seemed to get Zaheer all worked up. The next ball was another lifter, Mahmudullah met it with a feisty hook, and Zaheer had words to say after hurling down more bouncers. Mahmudullah then missed an upper cut, fended one awkwardly to the on side and left a couple alone. Very soon, he cut one really hard but Sehwag couldn’t hold on to the scorcher at gully. But Mahmudullah fell next ball, edging a short and wide one to the keeper.The shoe lace
Batsmen usually ask opposition fielders to tie their shoe laces. Not Tamim Iqbal. He went down on his knees, removed his gloves and gave his laces a good old tug. Gautam Gambhir, one of his favourite Indian batsmen and someone Tamim has been meaning to have a chat with during this series about his batting, was the closest Indian at short leg. Perhaps that was the reason.Pitch Battle II – Sehwag v Shakib
Sehwag started the battle with his infamous press conference. Shakib chose to remain silent then and reserved his reaction for on the field. He was the bowler who removed Sehwag in both innings and let out a special scream of joy on both occasions. Sehwag too got his opportunities for revenge; he took the catches to remove Shakib in both innings. In the first, he was at gully and didn’t react too much. Today, he was at silly-point, and pumped his fist as he stared at Shakib.Sreesanth
He won’t have fond memories of this Test. In the first innings, he struggled for rhythm initially, and constantly overstepped. He came back later to pick up two wickets – Raqibul Hossain and Mahmudullah – but slipped again in the second innings. Ishant Sharma, the No. 3 seamer, bowled better than him and, when Sreesanth came back at the very end, Mushfiqur Rahim, in the middle of a crowd-rousing counterattack, hit him all around the park. The worst was yet to come though; Sreesanth pulled up with a thigh strain and limped off the field. It was that kind of a day.

The latest in a long list of injuries has reportedly prompted New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram to consider his international future

Cricinfo staff11-Oct-2009The latest in a long list of injuries has reportedly prompted New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram to consider his international future. A hamstring problem had ruled him out of New Zealand’s unexpected run to the finals of the recent ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.”I am obviously gutted with my latest injury and missing out on an ICC event – these events are particularly special,” he told the New Zealand-based . “At the moment I am spending some time assessing my future and trying to work out what is best for me and New Zealand.”Another injury-prone allrounder, England’s Andrew Flintoff, has already retired from Tests and is concentrating on limited-overs matches in a bid to prolong his career. It was a route that Oram had suggested earlier this year he was also considering taking. Like Flintoff, he has a lucrative contract with the IPL’s Chennai Super Kings, worth US$675,000 a year.Oram suffered a variety of injuries over the past year. He returned home mid-way through the tour of Bangladesh 12 months ago and missed the Test series in Australia because of a back injury. A calf strain kept him out of the home Test series against West Indies and an Achilles injury cut short his participation in the one-day series that followed and the home Tests against India.

Alex Doolan and Ed Cowan gave Tasmania hope against a star-studded New South Wales as Tasmania reached 2 for 182 at stumps on the second day

Cricinfo staff18-Nov-2009
ScorecardMichael Clarke scored 106 in a fine warm-up for the first Test•Getty ImagesAlex Doolan and Ed Cowan gave Tasmania hope against a star-studded New South Wales as Tasmania reached 2 for 182 at stumps on the second day. After Michael Clarke posted his century and Usman Khawaja scored 80 for New South Wales, the Tigers batted their way to within 238 of the Blues’ total with Doolan unbeaten on 75 and George Bailey on 22.Stuart Clark picked up both the wickets for New South Wales, trapping Jon Wells for 6 and having Cowan caught for 70. In his first Sheffield Shield match against his former state, Cowan struck ten boundaries in a 106-ball stay that indicated the depth of talent in New South Wales, which was precisely the reason Cowan departed Sydney during the off-season.That strong talent pool was on display earlier in the day as Khawaja combined with Clarke for a 144-run stand. Khawaja eventually fell when he top-edged an attempted pull off Brendan Drew and Clarke, whose 106 was a timely comeback after two months out of action, drove a catch to cover off Tim Macdonald.But the runs didn’t stop there, as Brad Haddin breezed to 44 from 64 deliveries before he holed out off Jason Krejza from the final ball before lunch. The Blues batted on after the break until the fall of Clark for a duck, when Simon Katich closed the innings at 8 for 420.

Yogesh Nagar has been lined up as replacement for injured allrounder Paul Collingwood as well

Nagraj Gollapudi06-Oct-2009Delhi Daredevils are set to include Glenn McGrath in their Champions League Twenty20 squad as a replacement for Daniel Vettori. The New Zealand captain had to pull out of the ICC Champions Trophy final against Australia on Monday with a hamstring injury he had aggravated during the semi-final clash against Pakistan. McGrath has already been alerted and is expected to arrive in Delhi on Wednesday pending the organisers’ approval.Delhi Daredevils’ chief operating officer Amrit Mathur said two names, including McGrath’s, had been sent to the tournament’s technical committee. The second, Yogesh Nagar, was a replacement for England allrounder Paul Collingwood, who returned home after the Champions Trophy with a buttock strain. “We have sought the approval from the organisers to replace the injured players and have given the names of McGrath and Nagar, who were part of the original squad of 20,” Mathur told Cricinfo.Delhi have lost three overseas players in less than a week – South African batsman AB de Villers was the first to pull out due to a back injury, followed by Collingwood and now Vettori.Collingwood’s non-participation was confirmed through a press release from the ECB’s medical team today. “The scan revealed a grade-two tear and Paul has been withdrawn from the forthcoming Champions League in India in which he was due to play for Delhi Daredevils,” the release said.McGrath’s return could be interesting given his absence from competitive cricket since the semi-final of the inaugural IPL in May 2008. Though he was part of the Delhi squad in the second IPL in South Africa, the team management was wary of playing him because of fitness concerns.Peeved at being ignored, the former Australian fast bowler had even spoken about not returning for the third IPL season next year, a comment he claimed he never made. However, he has reportedly told the Delhi coach David Saker he is considering whether to make the trip this month.”He’s contemplating coming over, but we don’t want to rush him over unless he’s going to play,” Saker said in the . “It’s school holidays, he’s got his kids, he’s away. I don’t want to be in the position to bring him over and then saying, ‘we’re not going to play you’.”He’s obviously out of season, he hasn’t been playing much. Do we get him over and then he’s not ready to play? We’re trying to talk to him about that but we’re still tossing it up.”

Former England striker Kevin Phillips believes that Sam Johnstone will remain at West Brom despite interest from Premier League clubs.

The Lowdown: Johnstone linked with exit

Johnstone is among the Baggies’ most important players, given his status as a three-cap England international and possibly one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship.

The 28-year-old’s performances have been influential over an extended period of time, leading to reported interest from the likes of Southampton and West Ham.

The Latest: Phillips makes big claim

Despite that strong interest, Phillips has told Football Insider that he thinks Johnstone will ignore the current interest in him and remain at The Hawthorns for the rest of the season.

The former Sunderland striker said:

“I like Sam, he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. I actually don’t think he will want to leave.

“He’ll want to stay there and get them promoted and be playing for them again in the Premier League.

“It will take a big offer for him to want to go down there to Southampton, where we know goalkeeper is a position they desperately need.

“I think he’s quite happy where he is. I know it’s Premier League football, but he could well be playing in that league next season with West Brom.

“He’s shown loyalty. He could have pushed for a move in the summer but didn’t, and I hope he stays put.”

The Verdict: Must stay until the summer

It would be a huge blow for West Brom if they were to lose Johnstone midway through the campaign in January, at a point when their promotion push would be reaching a crucial stage. The 28-year-old has missed just two league games since joining the Baggies in 2018, illustrating his importance to the team under multiple managers.

However, should Valerien Ismael’s side fail to return to the Premier League, it would then be understandable if the English ‘keeper wants a fresh challenge next summer.

Ideally, Johnstone will help inspire the Baggies back into the top flight, remaining at the club for another few years and helping them build into the future.

In other news, some West Brom fans have been left dazzled by one player. Find out who it is here.

Jordan Hugill’s performance in West Brom’s Championship defeat to Stoke City on Friday night has been blasted by Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman.

The Lowdown: Disappointing night in Stoke

The 29-year-old started for the Baggies for only the third time since his August move and his goalless return for Valerien Ismael’s side continued as Nick Powell’s strike was the difference on Friday night.

The striker only played 55 minutes before being replaced by Matt Phillips after struggling in Staffordshire. Hugill touched the ball just 18 times all night, 40 fewer than goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, and only completed two of his nine passes, as well as winning a mere three of his 14 duels (Sofascore)

The Latest: Goodman not impressed with Hugill

Speaking on Sky Sports Football [via West Brom News] following the game, Goodman slammed Hugill’s performance on Friday, saying: “He will have far better nights in a West Brom shirt, Jordan Hugill. Of that, I’m sure.

“It’s been one of those nights tonight. You have to give these three central defenders credit for that. All three of them, to a man, have been outstanding.”

The Verdict: Hugill needs to improve

Hugill’s goalscoring blank will be a concern for the Baggies and Ismael after seven games. With Karlan Grant on four goals this season, the 29-year-old is risking his place in future squads, and after Friday’s abysmal performance, it remains unclear if he will retain his place for the derby with Birmingham City following the international break.

The on-loan striker, who has 71 goals in 286 career appearances, will be hoping not to have a season like the 2018/19 campaign he had with Middlesbrough when he scored only seven goals in 41 appearances.

Ismael and Hugill have two weeks on the training ground to try and improve and find a way where the marksman is firing on all areas ahead of the visit of the Blues, who have conceded 12 goals in their previous five games.

In other news, some West Brom fans have slammed this defender’s performance against Stoke City. Find out more here.