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A day Australia feared at lunch would become impossible turned into something less intimidating by stumps

Ali Cook17-Oct-2008
Peter Siddle: “It being me puts me in the record books. To get him [Sachin Tendulkar] out is a great thrill, a real privilege” © Getty Images
A day Australia feared at lunch would become impossible turned into something less intimidating by stumps. Not that the tourists had reason to be pleased. Just that there was relief in the camp following the earlier desperation.Australia’s mid-day fightback prevented them from being out of the game and a couple of hours later an Indian total of 311 for 5 felt like the situation was almost even. The home side is well ahead, but Australia will remain in the contest if they can dismiss the hosts quickly on the second morning. Given the pitch’s current condition even that could be a tough ask.India’s batsmen showed their might on a surface made for them and Australia’s attack, which was missing Stuart Clark and carried a debutant in Peter Siddle, struggled for impact at the beginning and the end. The first hour felt like the opening of a one-day game, with Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir slashing at any bowling misdirection and racing to 70 in the 15th over.Despite a brief and unexpected rally of 3 for 17 in the middle session, the day finished as it had begun – with India in control. “We actually finished off alright, five wickets for only 311 in the end,” Siddle said. “When considering in the first session they were 1 for 150 at one stage, we came out of it in not a bad position.”Siddle experienced the sort of return a fast bowler playing his 13th first-class match could have expected. He showed zippy speed and flashes of hope, the same ones which have impressed the selectors who want him to be a long-term option, but was not helped by the tendency to lose his line. At this level, against these batsmen, there isn’t any margin to lapse. He recognised the “massive step up” in intensity but started to relax in his second spell.In one over in the morning to Rahul Dravid, Siddle could not believe a reasonable ball had been flicked to square leg for four. He just stared at the batsman in disbelief. Later in the over a fuller ball went to the midwicket boundary. Life at this level is tough. Bowling at Sachin Tendulkar was harder, but more rewarding.Siddle kept sprinting in without success until he picked up Tendulkar in his first over with the second new ball. Two fours were followed by a play and a miss and an edge to Matthew Hayden at first slip. It was a satisfying note after he had been the bowler operating when Tendulkar became the game’s highest run-scorer.”It being me puts me in the record books,” Siddle said. “To get him out is a great thrill, a real privilege.”Showing an old-school fast bowler’s outlook, he started his Test career with a fierce, short delivery around 140kph that was perfect. Gambhir took his eyes off the ball as he ducked, providing Siddle with his first scalp.”I went with the bouncer and it wasn’t a bad first delivery,” he said. “I think I broke his helmet, so that’s always pleasing.” Brett Lee used to speak like that too.The Australians talk about bowling in partnerships, building the pressure in the hope that the guy at the other end can benefit from a maiden. Siddle bowled only two in 18 overs as he returned figures of 1 for 80.However, he was able to watch the fine work of Lee and, particularly, Mitchell Johnson throughout the second and third sessions. Lee recovered from a poor opening and Johnson showed his growing maturity with three wickets and superb control. Any debutant needs to learn quickly but, faced with such a powerful batting order in foreign conditions, Siddle has to be particularly attentive in order to help his new side.

Dean Windass is confident that West Ham will sign Jesse Lingard before the transfer window closes later this month.

Lingard has been linked with a return to the London Stadium following his memorable loan spell during the second half of last season, with The Athletic claiming last month that he would cost £30m.

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has previously said that Lingard is part of his plans for the current season despite the array of attacking players at his disposal.

Lingard featured heavily in pre-season, but a positive COVID-19 test saw him miss out on being involved in United’s opening-day victory over Leeds.

He was back in the frame at Southampton on Sunday – and made his first Premier League appearance for the Red Devils since the final day of the 2019-2020 campaign.

But Lingard played only the final five minutes, which suggests he’s some way down the pecking order, with both Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford to come back into the fold.

West Ham first-team coach Stuart Pearce recently told talkSPORT that West Ham are still interested in signing him, and Windass exclusively told FFC that he will return to east London:

“I think West Ham will do that. I just can’t see him being at Manchester United with Sancho coming in now, and you’ve still got Martial and Dan James.”

Justin Langer, the former Australian batsman, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, the country’s third-highest civilian honour

Cricinfo staff09-Jun-2008
An Australian hero: the ‘corny’ Justin Langer will receive his country’s third-highest civilian honour © Getty Images
Justin Langer, the former Australian batsman, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, the country’s third-highest civilian honour whose recipients include Keith Miller, Glenn McGrath, Mark Waugh and Dean Jones.Langer, who retired from Test cricket after the 2006-07 Ashes, has been honoured “for service to cricket as a player and mentor and to the community, particularly through fund-raising and support for a wide range of charities, including children’s leukaemia and cancer research organisations.”Reacting to the news that his name figured in the Queen’s birthday honours list, Langer said: “It’s a great honour. I’ve lived such a privileged lifestyle and I’ve literally lived my dream playing cricket for the last 20 years.”Langer reflected on his cricketing life. “The opportunities that have come about because of what I’ve achieved in cricket have been quite mind-blowing. People I’ve met, places I’ve been – it’s been extraordinary. It sounds a bit corny but I write in my journal every night and I start up every night with ‘I’m the luckiest person in the world’. I respect how lucky I’ve been and how privileged I am.”Langer, 37, played 105 Tests and scored 7696 runs at 45.27, and with Matthew Hayden, formed one of the most successful opening pairs. He was also the top run-getter in 2004, when he amassed 1481 runs.

West Ham have been linked with a move for Ukrainian striker Roman Yaremchuk this summer and his signing could help to unleash Andriy Yarmolenko in David Moyes’ side next season.

What’s the word?

It was reported by EuroSport earlier in the summer that West Ham were seriously considering an offer for the Gent forward after his impressive performances at Euro 2020.

The 25-year-old scored twice and registered one assist for Andriy Shevchenko’s side as they reached the quarter-finals of the competition before a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of England.

It was also an impressive season for Yaremchuk at club level, as he hit 23 goals in all competitions for Gent, including 20 strikes in the Jupiler Pro League in just 34 appearances.

He was in top form at the Euros, being described as “phenomenal” by reporter, Zach Lowy.

Could Yaremchuk unleash Yarmolenko?

Yarmolenko was another key player for Ukraine at the European Championships this summer, scoring two goals and assisting twice in five appearances, which may have left many West Ham fans wondering why he isn’t able to produce those sorts of performances on a more regular basis in the Premier League.

Since signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2018, the winger has managed just ten goals and six assists in 54 appearances for the Hammers, whilst he managed no goals in 15 top-flight appearances last season.

The 31-year-old’s contract at the London Stadium is set to expire at the end of next season, so it would not be a surprise to see him sold this summer. However, the potential arrival of Yaremchuk could give him a new lease of life with the west London club.

The two worked well together effectively at the European Championships and could form an excellent partnership in Moyes’ side next season if he is given more opportunities to start in the Premier League.

Yarmolenko is clearly appreciated by those at West Ham, with Moyes singing his praises earlier in the summer, saying:

“Andriy Yarmolenko is a footballer with terrific technical ability and a mentality that allows him to thrive on such a grand stage.”

Therefore, if one of his international teammates is brought in, perhaps we will start to see the Yarmolenko who turns up for Ukraine, rather than the one who rarely seems to turn up for West Ham.

And, in other news… West Ham dealt transfer blow with £22.5m-rated “top player”, Moyes surely gutted

أشار بيب جوارديولا المدير الفني لمانشستر سيتي، إلى أن السبب وراء عودة فريقه أمام أستون فيلا والفوز بالمباراة ولقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، يعود إلى اتصال بريال مدريد الإسباني. 

وكان مانشستر سيتي متأخرًا في النتيجة أمام أستون فيلا بهدفين دون رد، في الجولة الأخيرة للبريميرليج، لكن تمكن في غضون دقائق من العودة والفوز بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين.

في المؤتمر الصحفي عقب المباراة، سُئل جوارديولا عن كيفية عودته ضد أستون فيلا، ورد: “اتصلت بريال مدريد وأعطوني نصائح جيدة”.

تصريح جوارديولا فيه إشارة إلى هزيمة مانشستر سيتي أمام ريال مدريد بدوري أبطال أوروبا في الدور نصف النهائي.

اقرأ أيضًا | جوارديولا بعد التتويج بالدوري الإنجليزي: نحن أساطير ولم أر في حياتي فريقًا مثل ليفربول

وكان مانشستر سيتي متقدمًا بالنتيجة لكن في غضون دقيقة سجل رودريجو هدفين في شباك السيتي ومن ثم أحرز كريم بنزيما الهدف الثالث من ركلة جزاء ليتأهل ريال مدريد لنهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحقق ريال مدريد ريمونتادا أكثر من مرة هذا الموسم سواء في الليجا أو دوري الأبطال، وقد عاد بالنيجة أمام باريس سان جيرمان وتشيلسي ومن ثم مانشستر سيتي في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ريال مدريد سيواجه ليفربول يوم 28 مايو الجاري في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا بالعاصمة الفرنسية باريس.

جدير بالذكر أن مانشستر سيتي توج بطلاً للبريميرليج بفارق نقطة واحدة عن ليفربول الذي حل وصيفًا.

PERTH, Nov 8 AAP – A fluent 90 on debut from young wicketkeeper batsman Luke Ronchi has helped Western Australia fight back in their Pura Cup cricket match against Tasmania at the WACA Ground today.

Tim Clarke08-Dec-2002PERTH, Nov 8 AAP – A fluent 90 on debut from young wicketkeeper batsman Luke Ronchi has helped Western Australia fight back in their Pura Cup cricket match against Tasmania at the WACA Ground today.Ronchi, 21, and veteran paceman Jo Angel put on a 58-run, eighth wicket stand to ensure WA made 255 in its first innings after the Warriors had been reduced to 5-68.At stumps on day one, Tasmania was 0-3 from four overs.New skipper Angel took his responsibilities seriously, making 31 attractive runs in a dire situation.But it was Ronchi who produced the brightest spot for WA, ensuring the state’s tradition of producing wicketkeeper/batsmen remained intact.With both Adam Gilchrist and Ryan Campbell called up by Australian selectors, Ronchi was picked for his state debut despite averaging 12 in club cricket this season.Scott Kremerskothen denied the youngster a debut century, having him caught behind as he attempted an extravagant cut.In the first two sessions Damien Wright and Adam Griffith dominated a WA side missing eight first choice players – seven on international duty.Wright (3-49) and Griffith (3-67) looked likely to skittle out WA for a measly total, helped by sharp slip catching and poor shot selection.Scott Meuleman began the procession, caught at first slip by Daniel Marsh for three.Marsh was the recipient again, when Griffith tempted Murray Goodwin (duck) into an injudicious swipe outside off stump.Marcus North was then adjudged lbw to Wright for a third ball duck, and Michael Di Venuto also showed a safe pair of hands, taking a juggling second slip catch to dismiss debutante Adam Voges (six) off Griffith.When Wright the forced Kade Harvey to play on for 18, WA was in deep trouble.Resistance came from a stubborn Chris Rogers (51) after an early let-off.Shane Jurgensen thought he had made the breakthrough when he saw Rogers, then on eight, steer a catch to Di Venuto at second slip, only to be denied by a no-ball call.After Rogers was caught behind, young allrounder Beau Casson increased WA woes by scooping a simple catch to Di Venuto at point off Xavier Doherty.Following Ronchi’s exit, late hitting by Paul Wilson (23) then took WA past 250.

Nottingham Forest reportedly value Brennan Johnson in the region of £8m to £10m amid interest from Brentford, according to The Athletic.

What’s the story?

Johnson has found regular game-time with Nottingham Forest’s first team hard to come by in the early stages of his professional career, playing just eight times for them, but he has caught the eye with a number of impressive showings out on loan.

The winger was loaned out to League One side Lincoln City and scored 13 goals, whilst also being on hand to provide 14 assists for his team-mates. However, his efforts still weren’t quite enough to see Michael Appleton’s side over the line in their bid for promotion, as they were beaten by Blackpool in the play-off final at Wembley.

Johnson has since returned to the City Ground and has been attracting interest from the likes of Brentford, Leeds United and Barnsley already this summer. The Bees have reportedly lodged a £3.5m bid for him, although that is well below Forest’s rumoured £8m-£10m valuation of the 20-year-old.

Forest are set to hold talks with Johnson over a new contract as they look to fend off interest from interested parties ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

It’s a statement of intent ahead of the 2021/22 season

Nottingham Forest endured a frustrating league campaign in 2020/21 and the club’s supporters must be eager to see them challenge much higher up the Championship table next season.

The Reds finished 17th in the table last season, which will have been tough to take for Chris Hughton, who has already shown that he can guide teams into the Premier League having won promotion with Brighton and Newcastle earlier in his managerial career.

Forest have a number of players who are being linked with summer moves away from the City Ground, with Joe Worrall catching the eye of Premier League side Burnley.

However, Johnson is one player who Forest are clearly keen to retain for the foreseeable future, and you can understand why as he could play an important role in their bid for promotion to the Premier League over the coming months.

With 13 goals and 14 assists to his name last season, he’ll certainly feel as though he’s more than capable of playing regularly for the Reds in the Championship, and this could be the breakthrough season that he’s been waiting for with Nottingham Forest.

Former City Ground manager Sabri Lamouchi had previously labelled Johnson as an ‘unbelievable player with the right mentality’, and it seems as though he’s starting to show glimpses of that exciting potential.

It would be a real statement of intent by Hughton’s side if they can keep hold of Johnson this summer, and it’s good to see them standing firm in their valuation of the youngster, as he’s a player who could easily be worth even more if he can hit the ground running and replicate the form he had shown in his loan spell with Lincoln.

The club’s steadfast approach in refusing to accept less than what they feel Johnson is worth, and planning contract talks to safeguard his future at the City Ground, may well have Forest fans delighted with the intent being shown in order to try and hold on to such a promising player.

In other news, Forest handed transfer boost over “incredible” 20 y/o, Hughton must be delighted

Fulham have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Harry Wilson to Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that Brentford have made contact with Liverpool regarding a deal for the 24-year-old, with Thomas Frank’s side expected to submit an offer in the very near future.

It is reported that the Reds would be open to parting with the winger for an offer in the region of £15m, with Fulham also believed to be considering a move for the Wales international in the summer transfer window.

Silva will be furious

Considering just how much potential Wilson appears to possess, the fact that Marco Silva’s side could be gazumped by Brentford in a move for the Liverpool man this summer is sure to have left the Portuguese boss furious.

Indeed, the Welshman has highly impressed over a number of loan spells at Championship sides in recent years, scoring seven goals and providing four assists over 13 appearances for Hull City in 2017/18 and bagging 16 goals and registering four assists over 43 appearances for Frank Lampard’s Derby County in 2018/19.

Most recently, Wilson spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Cardiff, where the £41k-per-week forward scored seven goals, registered 11 assists and created 11 big chances for his teammates over 37 Championship appearances.

These metrics saw the £15.3m-rated man – who Marcelo Bielsa dubbed an “exceptional” player – earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as Mick McCarthy’s second-best player in the second tier of English football, helping his side secure an impressive eighth-place finish in the Championship.

As such, with Silva undoubtedly hoping his side can go on and secure an immediate return to the top flight next season, the signing of Wilson would have very much appeared to provide the 44-year-old with a fantastic opportunity to do so.

However, with Brentford now looking most likely to get a deal over the line for the Liverpool winger this summer, Silva may well have to turn his attention in the transfer market elsewhere, an outcome that will be incredibly frustrating for the new Cottagers boss.

In other news: Fulham set to win race to sign “ambitious” £1.08m-rated beast, Silva will be buzzing

Rahul Dravid’s first Test century against England has taken India a crucial step towards saving the second Test at Nottingham

Stephen Lamb12-Aug-2002India managed to draw the second Test against England, although the hosts had repeated glimpses of victory throughout an intriguing final day at Trent Bridge. After telling contributions from Dravid, Ganguly and Tendulkar, a flurry of wickets around the tea interval raised the possibility of a rapid run chase similar to the one England pulled off against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford; in the event, India’s young wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel and Zaheer Khan took the tourists to safety. England remain one-nil up with two Tests remaining.The draw was favourite throughout the day, albeit marginal at times, as India lost just two wickets in the first two sessions. Sachin Tendulkar made 92 (113 balls, 17 fours), but after looking comfortable for the first hour’s play, he was beaten and bowled by a perfect off-spinner from Michael Vaughan as he tried to drive the Yorkshireman through the covers. Vaughan had come on after England’s seam attack had searched fruitlessly for a breakthrough in the early overs.Dravid was fortunate to survive a confident appeal for caught behind off Hoggard when he was on 73 in the first over after the lunch interval. Umpire Koertzen shook his head, but replays suggested the thinnest of edges. That was the one blemish, as Dravid played with restraint and elegance to reach his first Test hundred against England. He had reached 115 (244 balls, 16 fours) when Nasser Hussain turned to Cork, bruised knee and all. He found enough reverse swing to rap Dravid on the pad with a ball that would have gone on to hit leg stump. Dravid had added a vital 134 runs with his captain, Sourav Ganguly, who was again in impeccable touch.Laxman was perilously close to the same fate off his first ball. He survived until tea, but was dismissed afterwards thanks to excellent captaincy. Hussain had moved Craig White back towards the backward square leg boundary, where Laxman obligingly hit Cork straight down his throat. When Ganguly was bowled off the inside edge by Harmison for 99 (159 balls, 13 fours) England were daring to hope again.Agarkar, after making 32, was lbw offering no stroke to the first ball of a new spell from Vaughan. Harbhajan Singh lost his off stump to a near full toss from Harmison. If India had folded quickly at that point, England would have fancied their chances of scoring around 130 to win in 20 overs. As it was, Patel and Zaheer held firm, and the series remains very much alive.Michael Vaughan was made Man of the Match for his 197, and there was a nice touch of sportsmanship from England, who let India’s 17-year-old wicket-keeper lead the teams in after his valuable contribution to India’s escape.

Former West Bromwich Albion assistant manager Paul Jewell insists that there is a “terrific job” at the Hawthorns for whoever replaces Sam Allardyce.

The ex-Baggies boss left the club after their relegation to the Championship.

They ended the season in 19th place in the Premier League and will now again be looking to win promotion back to the top-flight next season.

They have been linked with a number of managers, from Chris Wilder to David Wagner, but they have yet to bring in a replacement for Allardyce.

Technical director Luke Dowling has left the club amid the search, but Jewell believes that there is an excellent role available at the Hawthorns for the manager who does decide to take over.

The Baggies, of course, have not had any real stability since the start of the decade, as they enjoyed eight consecutive seasons in the top-flight between 2010/11 and 2017/18, finishing as high as eighth in 12/13.

Since then, they have finished fourth in the Championship in 18/19, 2nd in 19/20, winning promotion, and then 19th this term.

Jewell believes that the set-up at the club is excellent, and he hopes that they manage to find a new boss soon.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “It’s a good atmospheric ground at West Brom. It’s always been a classy club, I always felt it was a clean, aggressive crowd, in the right way, supporting their team, so it’ll be a terrific job for someone that.”