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Zimbabwe Cricket’s managing director, Ozias Bvute, has invited former Zimbabwe cricketer Henry Olonga to return to the country and help with efforts to re-affirm Zimbabwe’s standing in world cricket

Cricinfo staff21-Aug-2010Zimbabwe Cricket’s managing director, Ozias Bvute, has invited former Zimbabwe cricketer Henry Olonga to return to the country and help with efforts to re-affirm Zimbabwe’s standing in world cricket. “Henry remains a hero to so many young kids in this country and I still hope he will change his mind and return to his country of birth and help with our cricket renaissance,” said Bvute.Olonga, along with Andy Flower, famously protested against the Mugabe regime during the 2003 World Cup, and was subsequently dropped – being kicked off the team bus at the World Cup by Bvute himself – but has recently called for renewed cricketing ties with his country.He did, however, state that he still had some concerns about those running cricket in the country, saying “”We still have the issue of slightly suspicious gentlemen running the sport. I don’t really trust the man [Bvute] but he’s shown a genuine desire to re-engage with some of the former players.”But Bvute has urged Olonga to put the past behind him and return to the Zimbabwe Cricket fold. “He has been much in the limelight recently promoting his book and he has said a couple of peculiar things about us,” said Bvute. “I just wish we could meet and talk about the issues he still has with Zimbabwe Cricket.”The 2003 World Cup was a long time ago and Zimbabwe Cricket has been through some tough times since then. I know he was angry, but we can resolve that. Lots of us were angry in Zimbabwe Cricket but we have emerged stronger, wiser and more determined than ever.”We really appreciate Henry’s words of encouragement regarding returning to Test cricket but I can’t understand why he would rule out a return to Zimbabwe, even just for a couple of visits. Why would he burn bridges?”He will always be a role model, someone for youngsters to look up to, and we’d love to see him back – in whatever capacity. He left the country and retired from cricket under extremely unfortunate circumstances but, as far as we are concerned, we’d like to put the past behind us and move on to a brighter future.”

Broadcast giant Sky Sports have now shared a live TV exit update out of Tottenham Hotspur as news emerges on Tanguy Ndombele.

The Lowdown: Ndombele future in doubt…

Reports of a potential exit for the club record signing have accelerated in recent days since he was booed off the pitch during Tottenham’s FA Cup third-round victory against Morecambe.

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Ndombele attracted the wrath of Lilywhites supporters for slowly walking off after being substituted, with rumours then coming to light of Spurs even offering the Frenchman in a swap deal for target Franck Kessie.

Now, in an update, Sky have shared the latest in a live TV claim.

The Latest: Sky drop Ndombele exit news…

As relayed by Sky’s Twitter channels, Spanish and Italian clubs are both interested in a move.

“They’ve held talks over the departure of Tanguy Ndombele this month, the talks understood to include Spanish and Italian clubs,” they explained.

“This took place before his reaction to being subbed against Morecambe at the weekend, sources have told Sky Sports news that the length of Ndombele’s contract, three and a half years remaining, makes the negotiations for a permanent move ‘complex’ for both the player and the club.

“Now we’ve been told Ndombele is not unhappy at Tottenham, however he would consider a move elsewhere if a suitable option was to emerge this month.”

The Verdict: Time to cut losses?

As reported elsewhere, manager Antonio Conte is ready to cut his losses on a player he originally had high hopes for – perhaps highlighting that the Frenchman should finally be sold.

Ndombele has been handed lifelines before at N17 and this isn’t the first time has has been linked with a move away from Spurs, with The Times breaking news that he had informed Tottenham chiefs of his desire to leave in the summer.

On a reported £200,000-per-week, earning just as much as superstar forward Harry Kane, Ndomble’s time in north London could slowly but surely be coming to an end as chairman Daniel Levy must be considering removing him from the wage bill.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League defender turned BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has reacted to a West Ham United transfer development involving Aston Villa forward Anwar El Ghazi.

The Lowdown: West Ham plotting bid…

As per Football Insider, El Ghazi is very much on the radar of Irons boss David Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman as they eye winter window additions.

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According to their information, West Ham are ‘plotting a January move’ for the 26-year-old as he struggles for consistent game time at Villa Park.

Moyes personally regards the Netherlands international as someone who can lead West Ham’s frontline through the middle despite being a natural wide player as they reportedly set their sights.

The Latest: Hutton reacts…

Reacting to this news, Hutton claims that he ‘ticks all the boxes’ as a ‘big’ powerhouse forward and is disappointed to see a player of his ‘quality’ potentially leaving the Midlands.

“Look, I really like Anwar. Not just as a guy but as a player, I think he ticks all the boxes,” the ex-Scotland international explained to FI.

“He’s a confidence player, someone that has to be playing week in, week out. You have to put your arm round him and you have to make him feel special.

“If you do that, you get the best out of them. I’ve seen it, I’ve obviously had to mark him at training. I’ve seen him there, and what he’s capable of.

“He’s a big, strong powerhouse, he can play that number nine position if he needs to, he can play out wide. A lot of managers want that versatility within a player.

“He definitely ticks all the boxes but it’s about getting the best out of him week in, week out. David Moyes has managed to do that with a lot of players.

“He seems to have the whole squad pulling in the one direction. If they can get someone like Anwar in and get the best out of him, that could be another shrewd buy.

“I don’t want to see players of that type of quality leaving Villa, I know what he’s capable of.

“But I think Villa are heavily loaded in the wide areas.”

The Verdict: Surprisingly good option?

Amid their links to Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa and Sparta Prague sensation Adam Hlozek, Villa’s winger actually doesn’t come as a bad option by comparison.

According to WhoScored, El Ghazi racked up ten goals in the Premier League last season whilst also averaging an impressive 2.3 shots at goal per 90.

By comparison to West Ham’s players this season, only Michail Antonio has racked up more attempts on average (2.8) – perhaps indicating El Ghazi could do a job as his understudy.

Given Villa want a permanent deal but could also listen to loan offers, securing him on a temporary deal until the end of this season posses little risk for West Ham and the board.

In other news: ‘Tears in my eyes’, ‘Finally’ – West Ham fans flock to ‘very exciting’ transfer news, find out more here.

James Foster has replaced Mark Pettini as Essex captain for the Friends Provident t20 after Pettini struggled in Essex’s first three games of the campaign

Cricinfo staff12-Jun-2010James Foster has replaced Mark Pettini as Essex captain for the Friends Provident t20 after Pettini struggled in Essex’s first three games of the campaign.Pettini took over from Ronnie Irani as Essex captain in the middle of the 2007 season and will continue as club captain in the other formats of the game but Essex have lost two of their three matches so far in the FP t20, with Pettini contributing just four runs.Foster’s form has been more productive, averaging 37.00 after an unbeaten 54 against Glamorgan. His first game in charge will be against local-rivals Middlesex on June 13 at Lord’s.

Surrey’s pre-season preparations begin with a trip to Dubai for the Emirates Twenty20 tournament

Cricinfo staff15-Mar-2010Surrey’s pre-season preparations begin with a trip to Dubai for the Emirates Twenty20 tournament, where the county will take on a Fly Emirates XI featuring Shahid Afridi, Sussex and a Cape Cobras development XI. The tour will also be Rory Hamilton-Brown’s first in charge of the side following his move from Sussex.After a winter of fitness conditioning, the players reported for official pre-season training on March 10 and will be leaving for Dubai on March 17. The Twenty20 tournament takes place on March 19 and 20, and following those games Surrey will play 40-over matches against Cape Cobras on March 22 and United Arab Emirates on March 25.The nine-day trip is likely to see a Surrey debut for pace bowler Chris Tremlett and a return for offspinner Gareth Batty, who last represented the county in 2001.”All the boys are very excited about the prospect of getting out to Dubai, feeling a bit of sun on our backs and playing some competitive cricket,” said Hamilton-Brown. “The three other teams in the tournament look very strong so I am sure there will some tough cricket played, which is exactly what we need to get ahead of what will be a long season.”On a personal note, I have very much enjoyed my first taste of Club captaincy over the last three months and am hungry to make a difference on the field as well as in the dressing room.””We have made some big changes and some exciting signings over the off-season and it is a great feeling to finally be able to play some competitive cricket,” added Chris Adams, Surrey’s professional cricket manager.”This tour will be a great opportunity for the squad to further come together as a cohesive unit and I am very much looking forward to seeing them in action on the field. On a separate note, I was in Dubai recently and I congratulate Emirates on a fantastic achievement to have successfully built ‘7he Sevens’ ground in such a short time.”Surrey squad Rory Hamilton-Brown (Capt), Usman Afzaal, Laurie Evans, Chris Jordan, Tim Linley, Gareth Batty, Simon King, Jade Dernbach, Stuart Meaker, Gary Wilson, Michael Brown, Arun Harinath, Stewart Walters, Matthew Spriegel, Chris Schofield, Chris Tremlett, Mark Ramprakash

Arsenal were stunned in the dying moments of their last-16 Champions League clash, with Porto's Wenderson Galeno scoring a long-range beauty.

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Arsenal heading towards 0-0 drawGaleno scores 94th-minute stunnerGunners have it all to do at EmiratesWHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal were heading towards a hard-earned draw on the road in a hotly-contested matchup on Wednesday evening. But Galeno took matters into his own hands in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The Brazilian picked up the ball on the left, lifted his head and curled a delightful effort out of the reach of a sprawling David Raya, in what was a stunning sucker punch to Mikel Arteta's side.

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Arsenal entered the match in stunning form, scoring 21 goals across five Premier League wins in 2024. But their European curse again came back to haunt them, with an inexperienced side on the continental stage unable to see the game out. Arteta's men now have a one-goal deficit to overturn at the Emirates in two weeks' time, as they look to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010 – when Nicklas Bendtner was leading the line at the club.

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WHAT NEXT?

Before that, though, Arteta's attentions will turn to catching up Liverpool at the Premier League summit, who moved four points clear with a 4-1 victory over Luton on Wednesday evening. The Gunners will hope to bounce back from this defeat and make it six league wins on the trot when they host Newcastle on Saturday.

Australia and New Zealand have reconfirmed their support for John Howard, the former Australia prime minister, as the ICC’s next vice-president following doubts raised by senior officials over his suitability for the role

Peter English21-Apr-2010Australia and New Zealand have reconfirmed their support for John Howard, the former Australia prime minister, as the ICC’s next vice-president following doubts raised by senior officials over his suitability for the role. The nomination of Howard, who led the country from 1996 to 2007, was expected to be passed by the ICC board in Dubai this week but was deferred without being formally discussed.It is understood the issue of a politician being appointed instead of a cricket administrator was introduced outside the meeting by South Africa, which has close links with Zimbabwe, and it gained some momentum. Howard was critical of the Zimbabwe regime under Robert Mugabe and banned Australia from touring there in 2007. The process of Howard’s selection for the post was also raised, along with his lack of cricket credentials.However, there was no formal debate, mainly because the meeting was dominated by contingency plans for getting all the teams to the West Indies for the World Twenty20 if the flight ban over Europe continued. The vice-presidency item was deferred until June, when it will be discussed along with the possible move of the ICC headquarters.Jack Clarke, the Cricket Australia chairman, and his New Zealand counterpart Alan Isaac, have since written a letter outlining their backing for Howard. “Australia and New Zealand have confirmed that our chairmen and boards fully endorse the exhaustive process for the joint nomination and fully support the nomination,” a Cricket Australia spokesman told Cricinfo. “That is now understood by all ICC directors.”There is a feeling the issue wouldn’t have developed had David Morgan, the ICC president, been at the meeting – he was held up in the United Kingdom because of the flight ban. Under the current regulations, the vice-president is selected by a region, in this case Australasia, and there is no other avenue for the ICC but to accept the nomination.Howard was recommended for the role by Australia and New Zealand last month following a drawn-out process that included the forming of a committee to break the deadlock over the candidates. New Zealand had originally wanted Sir John Anderson, its long-standing cricket administrator, but eventually supported the findings.Howard’s supporters believe that after running a country he will be more than capable of guiding the ICC. They also point to his long-standing association with the game, which includes stepping in with touring advice for Australia’s teams during his time in office, over-seeing the annual Prime Minister’s XI fixture and delivering the Bradman Oration.After serving as vice-president for two years, Howard is due to assume the presidency of the ICC in 2012. He is in line to succeed India’s Sharad Pawar, who is also the country’s federal agriculture minister.

New Zealand were at the receiving end of another humiliation as a hapless batting performance sealed and their lowest score against India sealed a 0-5 whitewash, their first in a five-match series since 1984-85

The Bulletin by Siddhartha Talya10-Dec-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsOnly Brendon McCullum showed any intent, but Ashish Nehra nipped him out before he could inflict serious damage•AFPNew Zealand were at the receiving end of another humiliation as a hapless batting performance led to their lowest score against India and sealed a 0-5 whitewash. On a dry pitch susceptible to the influence of the overcast weather, New Zealand were keen to make the most of initially favourable batting conditions. But their edginess against pace at the start of the innings, and capitulation to spin later on, ensured their misery in ODIs continued.The pitch offered limited assistance to the bowlers and was not responsible for the domination that India showed; New Zealand’s inability to survive perhaps was. The seamers were crafty enough to make use of the hint of swing and movement available early on, the spinners, led by R Ashwin, varied their lengths, pace and worked the angles well to prove more than a handful against the middle and lower orders.Praveen Kumar’s control and Ashish Nehra’s quick recovery from a Brendon McCullum onslaught in his first over set up India. Praveen earned his prize straight away, beginning with three straight-ish deliveries before getting one to nip away and prompt a fatal poke from Martin Guptill. Nehra had a contrasting start, struggling for line and length, dragging one short to be dispatched over square leg and providing width to be slammed through the off side for two boundaries. McCullum’s aggressive posture, characterized by his advances down the wicket as well as moving well across to look for scoring opportunities, promised an entertaining counterattack. It caused his downfall instead, as he shuffled across to Nehra and was done in by the inswing to be caught on the pads, leaving New Zealand 14 for 2.Smart stats

This is the second time India have won an ODI series 5-0. The only previous instance was against England in 2008-09, when a seven-match series was curtailed to five due to the terrorist attack in Mumbai. India won each of those five games.

For New Zealand, it was their fourth 5-0 drubbing in a five-match series. Three of those four series defeats have happened since 2003.

New Zealand’s total of 103 is their lowest in a completed innings against India. It’s their second-lowest in India – they’d scored six runs fewer against Australia in Faridabad in 2003.

India won with 173 balls to spare, which is their fourth-highest in all ODIs and their best against New Zealand. For the visitors too, it’s the fourth-heaviest defeat in terms of balls remaining.

Over the five-match series, Indian batsmen averaged 56.95 runs per wicket, at a strike rate of 94.05 runs per 100 balls, and scored four hundreds. New Zealand averaged 24.38 at a strike rate of 80.43, and didn’t manage a single hundred.

Ashish Nehra became the 11th Indian bowler to take 150 ODI wickets.

The pitch largely behaved itself for the duration of the innings and the Indian bowlers, for their part, provided reasonable opportunities to ease the pressure. Ross Taylor looked confident, piercing the field with some delicious drives past mid-off, but his stay ended with an instinctive attempt at a pull against Nehra, and the ball scraped the glove on the way to Parthiv Patel. Jamie How appeared on course to lend some respectability to what’s been a miserable series with some lovely flicks off his pads and Scott Styris seemed determined to get the innings back on track, but the steadiness that they had painstakingly brought to the innings was obliterated by spin.The slow bowlers were expected to play a prominent role as the day wore on and it didn’t take long for Yuvraj Singh to step into the act. In the 17th over, after having built a stand of 43 with Styris, How tried to play across the line and was bowled as the ball straightened. Styris misread the length and played the sweep, almost as an afterthought, against Ashwin in the next over to be caught plumb. And Grant Elliott, included in the line-up to strengthen the batting, made no impact, failing to read the straighter one from Yuvraj to be lbw.Three wickets in three overs, and the departure of Daniel Vettori to a catch at slip not long after indicated New Zealand were in a hurry to finish the game even before the weather, overcast and ominous, was given a chance to intervene. Sure enough, Kyle Mills’ inability to read Ashwin’s carrom ball and Tim Southee’s gifting a catch to short leg marked a sorry end to a line-up that bats deep.The early wickets of the in-form Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli were the only consolation as New Zealand succumbed to a 0-5 battering, with their World Cup preparations in disarray following a bitter experience in two recent assignments in the subcontinent. India, for their part, have been boosted by the successful return of Yusuf Pathan and the consistency of Ashwin, while consecutive fifties from Parthiv Patel have further spiced up the selection race for the World Cup.

New Zealand took their winning streak over Australia to five with a 17-run success in the second Twenty20 in Christchurch

Cricinfo staff28-Feb-2010New Zealand 115 for 9 (Satterthwaite 42, Perry 3-14) beat Australia 98 (Nitschke 45, Bates 3-24) by 17 runs
ScorecardAmy Satterthwaite’s 42 saved New Zealand as they recorded another important win•Getty ImagesNew Zealand took their winning streak over Australia to five with a 17-run success in the second Twenty20 in Christchurch. The visitors had a chance to end their drought when they held the hosts to 115 for 9, but they were unable to break free in their reply and were dismissed on the final ball for 98.Australia were a worrying 35 for 3, with Alex Blackwell and Lisa Sthalekar already gone, before Shelley Nitschke and Jess Cameron (16) combined. After Cameron was unfortunate to be lbw trying to sweep Kate Broadmore, Nitschke lifted the pace with a couple of strong boundaries to fine leg and straight down the ground, but they still needed 39 off four overs.The asking rate was too high and Ellyse Perry (6) holed out at long off, giving Sara McGlashan the first of two good catches. Her running take at long-on took care of Nitschke for 45 off 51, ending Australia’s charge, but McGlashan wasn’t finished and her long throw helped run out Rene Farrell. Suzie Bates got 3 for 24, including the final-ball stumping of Julie Hunter, but all the bowlers had kept the pressure on.Amy Satterthwaite, the Player of the Match, revived New Zealand after Perry crashed through the first three batsmen in the opening three overs. Perry was on a hat-trick after having Aimee Watkins lbw from the fourth ball of the day and picked up Maria Fahey to have the hosts 5 for 3 with Blackwell’s sharp catch in the gully.Satterthwaite arrived to save her side and put on 45 with McGlashan (16), who was dropped a couple of times, and was the eighth to fall after collecting 42 from 47 balls. A late push from Rachel Priest (14 off 9) took the team into three figures and gave them a match-winning total.Sthalekar picked up two wickets, including bowling Sophie Devine with a big off break, to support Perry’s 3 for 14. The teams’ next engagement is an ODI at Queenstown before the series concludes with two games in Invercargill.

Celtic are closing in on a deal for Kawakasi Frontale left-back Reo Hatate, according to Stephen McGowan for The Scottish Daily Mail (via 67 Hail Hail). 

The lowdown

The Japanese defender is valued at £720,000 by Transfermarkt, but his contract is up at the end of January, so Celtic appear to be lining up a free transfer.

The 24-year-old has made 36 appearances this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists. He’s notably versatile, having operated as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, left winger and right winger in addition to his preferred position.

Hatate was part of the Japan squad which competed at the summer’s Tokyo Olympics, helping them to achieve a fourth-place finish.

The latest

McGowan wrote in Saturday’s edition of The Scottish Daily Mail (via 67 Hail Hail) that a deal between Celtic and Hatate is at an advanced stage.

The 24-year-old looks poised to become the Hoops’ first January 2022 addition and apparently he has already told his team-mates that he’s bound for Celtic Park.

The verdict

Clearly, Ange Postecoglou and Celtic are trying to build upon their successful swoop for another J-League star in the form of Kyogo Furuhashi – coming into this weekend, the 26-year-old is the joint-top scorer in the Premiership with seven goals.

Hatate may not be their only January addition from The Land of the Rising Sun either, with Yokohama F Marinos attacker Daizen Maeda also heavily linked with a switch to Parkhead.

If the Japan defender does arrive, you’d imagine that he’d compete with Greg Taylor and Boli Bolingoli for starting opportunities, boosting the depth of the squad in a position where Celtic have had their issues this season.

In other news, Kieran Devlin has issued a worrying update on one Celtic player