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Bangladesh have included Mahmudullah and Rubel Hossain in their 15-member Test squad for West Indies

Cricinfo staff23-Jun-2009Bangladesh have included batsman Mahmudullah and fast bowler Rubel Hossain in their 15-member squad for the two-Test series in the West Indies beginning next month. The only new face in the team is the wicketkeeper-batsman Saghir Hossain, who has 50 first-class matches to his credit.Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh Cricket Board named Mashrafe Mortaza as captain for the tour in place of the under-fire Mohammad Ashraful, who held the job for two years.Mahmudullah, earlier considered a limited-overs specialist, is yet to play a Test. He was included on the basis of a strong domestic season, during which he finished the second-highest run-getter with 710 runs.Rubel made his first appearance for Bangladesh during the ODI series against the Sri Lankans at home in January and his raw pace and ability to bowl bouncers caught the attention. He has since played five ODIs and a Twenty20. His first-class experience is only limited to nine matches, and he has taken 20 wickets with one five-wicket haul.Saghir, 22, has played for Bangladesh A and the under-19 team. Since his first-class debut for Khulna Division in 2004-05, he has scored 2184 runs with 11 half-centuries and a century and has effected 160 dismissals. He will be the back-up wicketkeeper for Mushfiqur Rahim.The players dropped from the Test squad which faced Sri Lanka recently include opener Rajin Saleh and left-arm medium pacer Sajidul Islam. The left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak and seamer Syed Rasel are the other notable names missing in the list but both have been named as standbys.The tour begins on July 3 with a three-day match against West Indies A at Bridgetown. The first Test gets underway on July 9 at St Vincent while the second and final game is at Grenada, starting July 17.Squad Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Ashraful, Tamim Iqbal, Junaid Siddique, Imrul Kayes, Raqibul Hasan, Mehrab Hossain jnr, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shahadat Hossain, Enamul Haque jnr, Mahbubul Alam, Rubel Hossain, Saghir Hossain (wk).Standbys: Abdur Razzak, Syed Rasel, Naeem Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Shamsur Rahman

Liverpool have kicked off their 2021/21 Premier League campaign in impressive fashion, with Jurgen Klopp’s side picking up six points, scoring five times and being yet to concede a single goal over their opening two fixtures of the season.

However, with an equally impressive Chelsea side being the visitors to Anfield on Saturday afternoon, the Reds are set to face a very different challenge to the one posed by both Norwich City and Burnley in their previous games.

Indeed, Thomas Tuchel’s side have also picked up six points over their first two fixtures of the season, have also scored five times and are also yet to concede in the league.

As such, the Reds must be at their very best to get a positive result from the top-of-the-table clash, and, with Klopp recently confirming that Andy Robertson, who is yet to feature in the league this season due to an ankle injury, is in contention to start the fixture, it would seem as if the 54-year-old has been handed a rather significant boost ahead of the match.

Game-changer

While Robertson’s stand-in at left-back, Konstantinos Tsimikas, has highly impressed over his two Premier League appearances in the absence of the Scotland international, with the 25-year-old averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.20 in the league, should Robertson indeed be fit enough to start the Chelsea game, it is undeniable that Klopp simply must start the 27-year-old.

Indeed, since joining the Reds from Hull City back in 2017, the defender has been one of the club’s most consistent performers in the league, as well as a fantastic creative outlet.

This is perhaps illustrated best by the £58.4m-rated man’s form in Liverpool’s title-winning 2019/20 campaign, in which, over his 36 appearances, the defender helped his side keep nine clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, 1.6 clearances and winning 3.4 duels per game.

The man Darren Fletcher dubbed an “inspirational” player also scored two goals, registered a whopping 12 assists and created 14 big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.7 key passes per match.

These returns saw the £50k-per-week left-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.17, ranking him as Klopp’s joint sixth-best performer in the league that season.

As such, while Tsimikas is undoubtedly a decent stand-in for Robertson, there is simply no comparison between the two players in terms of overall ability, leading us to believe that Klopp must start the Scot against Chelsea, as his addition to the Reds’ backline would be game-changing for the German coach and his side.

In other news: Klopp can scare Chelsea by unleashing “extraordinary” £27m-rated Liverpool dynamo

A round-up of matches from the first day of the RBS Twenty20 Cup

Cricinfo staff25-May-2009Group AMohammad Hafeez’s all-round display helped Faisalabad Wolves crush Quetta Bears by 101 runs at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground. Quetta captain Taimur Ali must have been ruing his decision to field first as openers Hafeez and Qaiser Iqbal provided Faisalabad a rousing start. Confident strokeplay saw the opening stand race to 155. Hafeez was the first to fall, having stroked 74 off 72 balls, including ten boundaries. Qaiser departed soon after having managed a 76-ball 80, comprising 12 fours and a six, but it was Naved Latif’s late cameo that lifted Faisalabad to 218.During the reply, Shoaib Khan jnr’s 55 looked threatening for Faisalabad but once Ali Raza sent him back, Quetta collapsed like a house of cards. Hafeez cleaned up the middle order to finish with impressive figures of 4-1-5-3. Raza, too, picked up three, as Quetta finished on a disappointing 117 for 8.Jahangir Mirza, the offspinner, led a combined bowling effort – each of the Lahore Lions bowlers took at least a wicket each – to limit Rawalpindi Rams to 135 for 9, and set the stage for a resounding eight-wicket win at the Gaddafi Stadium. Awais Zia resisted with 43, but received little support from the other end.Mirza (2 for 16) was supported well by Abdul Razzaq (2 for 28) and the Lahore batting was equally dominant. Openers Ahmed Shehzad (28) and Nasir Jamshed (32) led the reply with a brisk 64-run stand before Salman Butt (30*) and Umar Akmal (39* off just 20 balls) ended the proceedings with more than five overs to spare.Group BImran Nazir struck a whirlwind, unbeaten 68 to help Sialkot Stallions beat Karachi Zebras comprehensively by eight wickets and more than seven overs to spare at the Gaddafi Stadium. Nazir struck six fours and five sixes, and was well supported by Tahir Mughal (42) in a stand of 96 for the second wicket, as Sialkot breezed through in pursuit of 134.Their job had been made easier by a collective bowling display, as Sialkot captain Shoaib Malik (3 for 25) combined with medium-pacer Kashif Daud (2 for 32) and left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman (2 for 15) to bowl out Karachi for a chaseable score. Karachi captain Faisal Iqbal, Fahad Iqbal and wicketkeeper Javed Mansoor got starts but failed to consolidate.Group CFayyaz Ahmed’s quickfire half-century stole the thunder from yet a sparkling knock from Younis Khan as Islamabad Leopards made easy work of Peshawar Panthers at Gaddafi Stadium. Opting to bat, captain Younis gave Peshawar the much-needed momentum after they had lost their openers cheaply. His 70 off 46 balls was a masterful innings comprising six fours and two sixes. Sajjad Ahmed gave him able support with 38 off 34 balls as Peshawar finished on 152 for 4.Afaq Raheem gave Islamabad a breezy start during the reply, scoring 41 off the 47 runs by the fifth over. But even as Islamabad lost both their openers, it was Fayyaz who took them to victory in the 18th over with his 46-ball 58, studded with nine fours and a six.Group DLahore Eagles held their nerve to seal a tight seven-wicket win over Abbottabad Rhinos at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground. They were helped by crucial contributions from each of their top three as they chased down 137 with two balls to spare. Opener Abid Ali made a relatively patient 42, and was supported well by both Ahmed Dar (34) and Azhar Ali (40), notching up half-century partnerships with each of them. Yasir Shah took two wickets, but Khaqan Arsal made an unbeaten 16 to see his team through.Abbottabad limped to their score, squandering a comfortable position at 50 for 1. Wicketkeeper Mir Azam (28) and captain Adnan Raees (35) added 48 for the second wicket, but proceeded very slowly. Their team slipped once they departed, Azhar Ali – who starred in an allround display – taking 2 for 21, and posted an inadequate total.

West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor, who passed a fitness test before flying out to join his team-mates in England earlier this week, has said he is looking forward to another hard-fought Test series

Cricinfo staff30-Apr-2009West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor, who passed a fitness test before flying out to join his team-mates in England earlier this week, has said he is looking forward to another hard-fought Test series.”Everything went well and I’m feeling all right. It’s a matter of getting back in the groove and doing the job,” the quoted Taylor as saying after a three-hour training session in preparation for a four-day game against England Lions starting Friday.It was Taylor’s five-wicket haul in the first Test in Jamaica two months ago that proved decisive in West Indies regaining the Wisden Trophy after nine years. However, he sustained an injury in a vehicle accident which forced him out of the IPL.”It is always a pleasure to be among the boys (West Indies team),” he said. “I missed being among the boys when I was not playing, so I’m happy to be back. We all get along well together and we have a good team spirit.”The first Test of the series is at Lord’s and starts next Wednesday.

A round-up of the third day of the eighth-round matches of the regional four-day competition

Cricinfo staff02-Mar-2009Guyana need another 287 runs on the final day against the Windward Islands at the Providence Stadium to register their first win in the competition. The Guyana players will be upbeat about their chances since it is just seven runs more than their first-innings total. Half-centuries by Camilus Alexander, Darren Sammy and Donwell Hector took Windwards to 375 for 9 before captain Rawl Lewis declared, giving his bowlers eight overs to have a go at the Guyana. But openers Christopher Barnwell and Sewnarine Chattergoon batted out till stumps without any mishaps. A win will take Guyana to sixth place ahead of Combined Colleges and Campuses.Leeward Islands improved their chances of moving up two places on the points table after Gavin Tonge’s spell of 3 for 37 rocked Jamaica’s chances of chasing 204 on the final day in Kingston. However Jamaica still have Xavier Marshall at the crease, unbeaten on 60, and need another 106 to win and extend their lead at the top of the table. Wilden Cornwall’s 102, amid a collapse, took Leewards to 202 in their second innings. The visitors will take heart from the fact that the highest innings total in the game was their first-innings 221. Spinners Nikita Miller, Odean Brown and Gavin Wallace took two wickets each for Jamaica.But Jamaica’s No.1 spot is not in much danger of being usurped any time soon with Barbados (51 points) staring at defeat after following on against Trinidad & Tobago at Pointe-a-Pierre. Ravi Rampaul took four wickets in the day – two each in either innings – to take his match tally to seven as Barbados trailed T&T by 67 runs in their second innings. Dwayne Smith and Patrick Browne scored half-centuries but Barbados still managed a first-innings deficit of 232. Their second innings began just fractionally better than the first – Rampaul dismissed opener Jason Haynes (9) for the second time in the match – with the first wicket falling with 22 on the board. Jason Parris, who fell to Rampaul for a duck on day two, turned in a much better performance to score a maiden first-class half-century before he took became Rampaul’s victim for the second time in the game. Parris and Kevin Stoute (60) added 99 together before Imran Khan dismissed Stoute late in the day.

BBC Match of the Day regular Danny Murphy has said he is ‘amazed’ that Jesse Lingard hasn’t left Manchester United after a successful loan at West Ham United.

The Lowdown: Lingard remains at Old Trafford, for now

Lingard enjoyed the form of his life in the second half of last season as he scored nine and assisted five for West Ham after joining on loan.

His performances were a key tool in the Hammers qualifying for the Europa League group stage for the first time in their history and he was linked as a Hammers target throughout the summer.

But with only 12 months remaining on his contract and Bruno Fernandes ahead of the 28-year-old in the pecking order, Lingard opted to stay at the Red Devils and fight for his place.

The Latest: Murphy surprised by the decision

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Premier League midfielder Murphy said: “I’m amazed he hasn’t gone, for himself. He’s just got the bug back, he was brilliant at West Ham. I’ve always been a big fan of Lingard, even when people criticise him.

“He’s what I call a really intelligent footballer, when to run behind, when to come in the space. He can play in a variety of positions with his intelligence. I really like him.”

With Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford and Fernandes one of the first names on the team sheet, Murphy went on to predict Lingard’s future.

“He’ll probably end up out on loan, first chance he gets.”

The Verdict: Move waiting to happen

Lingard’s departure from Old Trafford seems inevitable given his limited chances and contract situation. Lingard’s belief in his own ability to break into the United team is a testament to his confidence and character, but it looks like he will often be used from the bench.

West Ham’s upturn in form and quality whilst he was out on loan last season was clear and Moyes will be monitoring the situation closely, especially with the added fixtures from participating in the Europa League.

One element of his future that will remain on Lingard’s mind will be his England chances for the World Cup next year, so perhaps another mid-season loan to London could materialise in January.

In other news, a former Hammers defender has praised the ‘consistency’ of international ace. Find out more here.

Despite Valerien Ismael’s West Bromwich Albion side still boasting an unbeaten record after seven Championship fixtures played this season, the Baggies’ last two results have highlighted a clear flaw in the Frenchman’s setup at The Hawthorns.

Indeed, despite dominating possession of the ball against both Millwall and Derby County, Albion picked up just two points from the two fixtures, labouring to 1-1 and 0-0 draws against the Lions and the Rams respectively.

This led to Express & Star journalist Joseph Masi stating his belief that Ismael’s side need to be able to adapt to in-game situations more efficiently, as well it being clear that teams have figured out West Brom’s initial setup and plan under the 45-year-old.

As such, heading into what is sure to be another challenging fixture against Preston North End this Saturday, with Frankie McAvoy’s side currently on a run of four games without defeat in the league, it would appear wise for Ismael to shake things up with his starting XI for the clash with the Lilywhites.

Hugill must start

Ismael himself stated upon Hugill’s signing that the centre-forward has the ability to make his side more adaptable, in addition to Adam Reach claiming that the 29-year-old gives Albion a “presence” in the opponent’s penalty area and dubbing the Norwich City loanee a “quality” player. Therefore, there already seems to be a view at The Hawthorns that Hugill is a player who has the talent to change up the Baggies’ style of play.

Indeed, the £1.8m-rated man has demonstrated previously that he has what it takes to find the back of the net on a consistent basis in the Championship, scoring 12 goals over 44 appearances for Preston in 2016/17 and 13 goals over 39 fixtures for Queens Park Rangers in 2019/20.

While he is yet to bag his first goal for West Brom, the £36k-per-week forward has nevertheless impressed over his three substitute appearances in the second tier, taking three shots and making 0.3 key passes per game, as well as winning an impressive 4.7 duels per fixture.

As such, it would certainly appear a wise move for Ismael to award the striker his first Championship start for the Baggies against Preston on Saturday. The 29-year-old’s physicality and eye for goal would likely terrify the Lilywhite’s centre-backs, as well as helping to make the Frenchman’s West Brom setup a little less one-dimensional.

In other news: Ismael drops fresh West Brom injury update which will have the Frenchman buzzing

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted positively to Jurgen Klopp’s fresh update on Andy Robertson’s ankle injury.

The Reds have finished their pre-season schedule following an impressive 3-1 win over La Liga side Osasuna at Anfield on Monday night. However, Robertson was unable to feature in that game, having limped off with an ankle injury against Athletic Bilbao 24 hours earlier.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The severity of the Scot’s injury looked serious on first viewing, with some fearing the worst, especially after last season’s bad fortune in that department.

However, speaking after the win over Osasuna [via journalist Dominic King on Twitter], Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Robertson is facing weeks out rather than months. That means the 27-year-old could even return before the September international week, or if not by then, shortly after it.

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Liverpool fans happy with Robertson update

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the news, which one Kopite described as “lovely stuff”, with positivity in the air overall ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener at Norwich City.

“2-3 games is great news tbf”

Credit: @Bennet24_LFC

“Phew”

Credit: @Homes19LFC

“Thank the heavens”

Credit: @icy7_YNWA

“Huge boost”

Credit: @TRK8_LFC

“Lovely stuff”

Credit: @KevDublin

“How on earth… maybe it will be our year again”

Credit: @IsMiseShane

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been left fuming over one transfer rumour. Read more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Tottenham Hotspur supporters have erupted over a claim involving long-time target and Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The 22-year-old has been heavily on Spurs’ radar since the very start of July with Sky Sports detailing a rejected bid of around £12.9 million (€15m) plus an extra £2.6 million (€3m) in add-ons.

Claims then emerged that a deal was close and terms were being finalised on a £15 million swoop for Tomiyasu (The Athletic), but his involvement in the Olympic games had somewhat stalled negotiations according to Alasdair Gold.

Now, The Athletic bring an update on the versatile player’s situation and it is great news for Tottenham.

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The reliable source (via The Spurs Web) back that Tomiyasu’a arrival is expected at Tottenham this summer following the conclusion of his time in Toyko – with many supporters going wild for this update on Twitter.

After the arrival of Cristian Romero from Atalanta, it appears Spurs fans may have more to celebrate soon depending on next developments – find all of their best reactions to this update down below.

Spurs fans flock to Tomiyasu claim…

“Absolutely massive. You’ll see”

Credit: @davidetumiati7

“What a day”

Credit: @raymder

“This day keeps getting better”

Credit: @tottalfie

“Yesssssss”

Credit: @thfcgr

“Tears in my eyes”

Credit: @DeleSZN_THFC

“We’re winning the league”

Credit: @Albie_thfc

“Another really solid defensive signing, Paratici really is cooking”

Credit: @stavrin

“Paratici the GOAT”

Credit: @xAlexTHFC

In other news: Bid made – Tottenham have already lodged offer to sign player with ‘gigantic buzz’, find out more here.

Leading international news agencies, Reuters, the Associated Press and Agence France Presse, are set to boycott coverage of all Cricket Australia events

Cricinfo staff13-Nov-2008
There were accreditation issues last season as well, when News Ltd journalists were locked out of the Gabba Test © AFP
Leading international news agencies, Reuters, the Associated Press (AP) and Agence France Presse (AFP), are set to boycott coverage of all Cricket Australia events, including next week’s first Test between Australia and New Zealand, after a fresh dispute over accreditation terms with the board.The agencies have said they will not provide coverage of matches, training sessions or commercial events in Australia across any of their text, photographic or TV platforms because of the terms and conditions laid down by CA. The first Test in Brisbane starts next Thursday.Reuters, AP and AFP are suspending coverage of all CA events, while picture agency Getty Images will only fulfil their commercial obligations and will not provide editorial coverage of the games.”Reuters is regrettably unable to cover the upcoming cricket events in Australia, following unacceptable accreditation terms for journalists imposed by Cricket Australia,” Christoph Pleitgen, global head of news agency for Thomson Reuters, said. “As in previous instances, this decision compromises our ability to report independently and objectively, and comes at the expense of global fans and sponsors.”We would like to resume our timely, premium coverage as quickly as possible, pending a solution to the current situation.” The major issue for the agencies is CA’s policy of imposing limits on the number of updates allowed on the internet and further restrictions on distributing material to websites not owned or attached to newspapers or sports magazines.There are also concerns about some of the terms of the accreditation, which the agencies believe don’t safeguard the rights of organisations to criticise or comment. Among them is a general clause that nothing should be written which could bring the game into disrepute.This isn’t the first time the agencies have come into conflict with CA. The same situation occurred during the first Test against Sri Lanka, at Brisbane, last November when the three agencies boycotted coverage of the entire match. Last month, Reuters suspended coverage of Australia’s series in India as a result of similar “unacceptable” conditions imposed by the Indian board.Peter Young, the general manager of public affairs for CA, said negotiations were ongoing but added the majority of media outlets had signed the terms and conditions. “We’ve reached agreement with 99.9% of the media who cover cricket in Australia,” he told .”We’re comfortable that they can distribute information to the rest of the world so no cricket fan will have to miss out on anything if the agencies don’t want to cover it. In saying that, we’re still negotiating in good faith and we hope a common sense and pragmatic solution will be found. You never say never.”