Ravindra Jadeja’s relentless accuracy and Ishant Sharma’s reverse swing sewed up a 208-run win for India over Bangladesh in Hyderabad

The Report by Deivarayan Muthu13-Feb-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details3:27

#AskSanjay: How do you rate India’s pacers?

Ravindra Jadeja’s relentless accuracy and Ishant Sharma’s reverse-swing ensured India dismissed Bangladesh for 250 in an improbable chase of 459 and secured a 208-run victory in Hyderabad, extending their undefeated streak to 19 Tests.Bangladesh’s major source of resistance on the fifth day came via a Jekyll-and-Hyde 56-run stand between Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, who made his first fifty since July 2015. Facing a target of 481 – 22 more than Bangladesh were set in Hyderabad – South Africa tried to block their way out to a draw in Delhi in 2015 but couldn’t. Chasing 475 in Indore last year, New Zealand attacked and collapsed dramatically. Bangladesh did a bit of both to play out 100.3 overs, and had lasted 127.5 in the first innings as well. Though they couldn’t win their first Test in India, they did bat more than 100 overs twice in a match for a sixth time.Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah showed sound judgement outside the off stump against the seamers but took on the spinners, sometimes at great risk. Mushfiqur charged at Ashwin’s second ball of the day – a non-turning offbreak – to cover drive a boundary all along the ground. Two balls later, he used his feet again, but hit over the top against the break to hole out to wide mid-off. While it is understandable that the Bangladesh captain wanted to upset India’s best bowler, he might just have taken it too far. Mushfiqur exposed the inexperienced lower-middle order to the opposition and added to the list of inglorious Bangladesh dismissals in the recent past.Ishant Sharma pinned Sabbir lbw for 22 in the fourth over after lunch. Mahmudullah, who had sent Jadeja over the top for back-to-back fours, continued to live dangerously against spin. But it was pace that undid him. Ishant tucked him up with a chest-high short ball on the leg stump and forced a top-edged pull to long leg.Mehedi Hasan and Kamrul Islam Rabbi saw off the second new ball with a partnership of 17 in 85 balls, but the re-introduction of Jadeja produced the breakthrough. He found extra bounce and turn to glance off Mehedi’s glove and into Wriddhiman Saha’s. Taijul skied a top edge and was caught at short leg though both KL Rahul and M Vijay went for it with neither one backing out.Ashwin completed formalities in bizarre fashion as the tea break was postponed. His slider beat No.11 Taskin Ahmed and India appealed, presumably for lbw. Umpire Marais Erasmus went across to his partner Joel Wilson and brought Chris Gaffaney, the third umpire, into play to check for a bat-pad catch. The replay showed the ball had clearly skidded past the inside edge, but Virat Kohli went for a DRS review that confirmed the lbw.Ashwin bowled only 14.3 overs on the last day as opposed to Jadeja who wheeled away for 29 overs and nearly bagged his second successive five-wicket haul in the second innings. Like a popgun, he kept firing into the rough in an interrupted spell this morning. His 14-6-31-1 included the wicket of Shakib Al Hasan, which summed up the enormity of negotiating a deteriorating fifth-day track in India. Jadeja got one to explode from the rough outside off, graze the top glove of Shakib and loop to Cheteshwar Pujara at short leg. Jadeja celebrated, sticking his tongue out and flashing a naughty little smile. It would only grow as the day wore on.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a keen admirer of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella and will undoubtedly hope to sign the Italy international this summer if an apt opportunity arises.

What's the latest on Nicolo Barella?

According to The Times' Paul Joyce, Barella is indeed a player Klopp 'admires' and Liverpool will continue to monitor his situation attentively following claims of interest from Calciomercato earlier this month.

However, the 26-year-old is not believed to be desperate for a departure from Milano at present, and valued at a reported £69m and with three years remaining on his current deal, it won't be an easy deal to ease over the line.

But with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing Anfield this month, there are few maestros on the major stage more suited to a career under Klopp's wing than Barella.

What would Nicolo Barella bring to Liverpool?

The Athletic's ever-reliable David Ornstein recently confirmed that the Reds are "exploring a transfer deal" for Red Bull Leipzig playmaker Dominik Szoboszlai, though a move is complicated by the Hungarian's €70m (£61m) release clause, which ostensibly expires this week.

As Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League last season for the first time in seven seasons with a fifth-placed Premier League finish, with much criticism on the efficacy and robustness of the midfield, it seems that technical director Jorg Schmadtke is making the right moves to take the club back towards prominence.

And if an incredible, albeit unlikely midfield partnership in Szoboszlai and Barella could be crafted this summer, the Anfield side's verve and vigour would be back with an almighty bang.

Barella has been hailed as a "genius" by sport editor Mike Pielluci for his remarkable feats in the centre of the park, having scored nine goals and provided ten assists from 52 matches as I Nerazzurri clinched the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana this season, also falling to treble winner Manchester City in a close Champions League final.

As per FBref, the midfield general ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 19% for progressive passes and the top 11% for progressive carries per 90.

That would meld well with Leipzig's creative force's skill set, with the £153k-per-week Barella complementing a dynamic No. 10 with his driving approach.

Comparatively, Szoboszlai ranks among the top 15% of attacking midfielders for assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for passes attempted, the top 3% for progressive passes, the top 11% for blocks and the top 13% for clearances per 90.

With Barella's prowess in weaving through the thirds both as a ball-carrying vessel and a ball-playing master, Liverpool would unearth a diamond capable of catalysing the intensity and confidence of Klopp's team.

But with an all-encompassing force in Szoboszlai proving his worth as a creative gem while not negating his defensive duties – evidenced by his FBref metrics – it could be a devastating partnership rivalling any in world football.

Aston Villa are preparing an offer in an attempt to bring AS Roma defender Roger Ibanez to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Roger Ibanez?

Ibanez is naturally a centre-back who has played his football at the Stadio Olimpico permanently since 2021 after joining following a successful loan spell from Atalanta, as per Transfermarkt, where he’s clocked up a total of 149 appearances to date.

The Brazil international still has another two years to run on his contract, but having established himself as Jose Mourinho’s second top-performing defensive player last season, he’s grabbed the attention of Unai Emery and Monchi in the Midlands.

Back in May, CalcioMercatoWeb credited the Villans with an interest in the 24-year-old and claimed that they had been monitoring him for several months, and if the following update is to be believed, the Villa hierarchy are now considering an official approach.

Are Aston Villa signing Ibanez?

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via TEAMtalk), Aston Villa will "soon submit an offer" for Ibanez. AS Roma signing Evan Ndicka means that the defender is "free to find a new club" and the English top-flight outfit are "ready to present" a bid in the hope of securing his services. The Serie A side would "accept" a fee of €25-30m (£21.4-25.7m), which is "easily within the reach" of NSWE.

Aston Villa are set to welcome Villarreal defender Pau Torres for a medical this week so it’s difficult to see why Emery would want big money new centre-backs, but should that be the case, Ibanez could be the perfect partner for the Spaniard having been dubbed “untouchable” in a starting XI by Mourinho.

The 2021/22 Europa Conference League winner was a rock at the heart of his side’s backline last season having won 33 tackles and with the second-highest success rate throughout his squad, via FBRef, not to mention that he also averaged 2.8 clearances per league game so he likes to get stuck in and clear the ball away from his area.

Finally, Ibanez, who has the versatility to operate anywhere across the backline and even two roles in the midfield, shares the same agent, Bertolucci Sports, as Diego Carlos, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give them a small advantage when trying to get a deal over the line.

After their worst full season under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's summer rebuild has officially started, with a number of players linked and Alexis Mac Allister already signed.

The midfield was particularly an issue throughout a campaign to forget, and now that James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all departed, Liverpool's problem in the middle of the park has only grown – while Roberto Firmino has also left too.

Securing Mac Allister started the solution to that midfield problem, but the Reds know that one man alone can't put an end to their midfield woes, with plenty of names rumoured to be coming in at Anfield this summer.

With that said, we've taken a look at the fresh faces that Klopp could start on the opening day of the 2023/24 Premier League season against Chelsea.

4 RB: Benjamin Pavard (£25.78m)

This one's an interesting one, as a move for Benjamin Pavard could finally see Trent Alexander-Arnold get his place in midfield for Liverpool, which could help to solve their aforementioned issues. Or, he could step into a centre-back role.

The Bayern Munich man has attracted interest from Liverpool, according to CalcioMercatoWeb, but a deal is far from nearing any final stages at this moment in time.

According to Sport1, via Sport, Bayern want €30m (£25.78m) for the defender, who has just one year left on his current contract in Germany.

3 CM: Alexis Mac Allister (£35m)

Outrageously priced given his quality, Mac Allister represents a bargain deal at Liverpool, who got off to the perfect start this summer by welcoming the midfielder from Brighton & Hove Albion.

After winning the World Cup with Argentina, the 24-year-old continued to enjoy a sensational rise at the Amex, ending the season with 10 goals and two assists from midfield.

He should get himself an immediate place in Klopp's starting line-up.

2 CM: Kephren Thuram (£51.56)

It's no real surprise that another midfielder makes this list, with Kephren Thuram also linked with a move to Anfield this summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds held talks with the young Frenchman earlier this month, though reports over a potential move have slowed in the last week or so.

As per Jacque Talbot of Football Transfers, Nice are reportedly looking for €60m (£51.56m) to sell Thuram this summer amid interest from Klopp and co.

1 CM: Dominik Szoboszlai (£61m)

Adding to Liverpool's midfield rebuild looks increasingly likely to be RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboslai, who reportedly has a release clause of €70m (£61m).

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool are pushing ahead with the deal and are confident of getting it done after Newcastle United recently dropped out of the race for the midfielder.

Szoboszlai would represent the Reds' biggest deal of the summer so far, as their rebuild continues.

Liverpool's potential line-up: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold; Benjamin Pavard; Virgil van Dijk; Andy Robertson; Kephren Thuram; Alexis Mac Allister; Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohamed Salah; Cody Gakpo; Luis Diaz

Leeds United will no doubt still be reeling following their return to the Championship at the end of last season, with a rather turbulent 2022/23 campaign having ended in relegation after just three years back in the top flight.

That being said, the club will now be hoping for a brighter future under their prospective new owners – with the 49ers Enterprises having agreed a deal last month – while a new face in the dugout also appears to be on the horizon, amid rampant speculation that Daniel Farke is likely to be named as the permanent manager at Elland Road.

If and when the one-time Norwich City boss is handed the reins, the German will likely be in need of reinforcements in order to help oversee a push for promotion, with intrigue building as to just who will be welcomed through the door over the coming weeks ahead of the start of next term.

There has been speculation of late that Leeds are interested in a move for Swansea City marksman Joel Piroe, with the Yorkshire outfit having previously been linked with the 23-year-old – who has just a year left on his existing deal – last summer.

The club are, however, likely to face competition from fellow relegated side Leicester City in the bid to sign the Dutchman, with the Daily Mail reporting that the 6 foot 1 ace could be available for a fee of around £12m.

Should Leeds sign Joel Piroe?

The former Netherlands U20 international has warranted that interest in his signature after enjoying a standout 2022/23 campaign in the second tier, having scored 20 goals and provided two assists in 45 games in all competitions.

The one-time Sparta Rotterdam loanee had previously recorded 30 goal involvements for his current side the year prior, ensuring he boasts a respectable haul of 44 goals and eight assists in just 92 games during his time at the Liberty Stadium.

As talent scout Jacek Kulig stated, the impressive marksman has proven something of a "surprise" following that stellar hot streak, having previously been "unwanted" at former club PSV Eindhoven, where he made just 14 first-team appearances.

As Kulig also noted, Piroe was part of a "very interesting generation of PSV academy players born in 99" alongside the likes of his compatriot, Cody Gakpo, with the latter man having also previously been a target for Leeds a year ago.

Reports last summer indicated that Gakpo had even agreed a move to Elland Road only for the Eredivisie outfit to rebuff an approach from the Whites, with the towering forward subsequently going on to join Liverpool on a £35m deal in January.

Since then, Piroe's ex-teammate has quickly impressed at Anfield after bagging seven goals in just 21 league games in the second half of last season, having thrived through the middle and on the flanks for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Like his fellow Dutchman, the Swansea ace also possesses the ability to feature in a number nine berth or on the flanks if required, offering a useful creative force in that central role having averaged 2.40 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days, with Gakpo only just ahead having averaged 3.28 in that regard.

That should indicate that the signing of the "clinical" menace – as hailed by ex-Swansea boss Russell Martin – could prove to be Leeds' answer to Gakpo if a deal is to come to fruition, with the club having frustratingly missed out on the Reds ace prior to his move to Merseyside.

New Zealand legspinner Ish Sodhi was unwanted at the IPL, and often by his country, but has joined Nottinghamshire for the NatWest T20 Blast

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Mar-2017New Zealand legspinner Ish Sodhi was unwanted at the IPL, and often by his country, but has joined Nottinghamshire for the NatWest T20 Blast.Sodhi, 24, comes with the recommendation of Andre Adams, the former Nottinghamshire and New Zealand seamer, and will be available for the duration of the tournament.During a brief spell with Adelaide Strikers at the BBL he claimed the remarkable figures of 6 for 11, the sixth best in T20 history, against Sydney Thunder but that was not enough to attract interest from an IPL franchise at the recent auction. Overall in T20 he has 60 wickets at 21.96 and an economy rate of 7.14. He was impressive at the 2016 World T20 where he claimed 10 wickets in five matches with an economy of 6.10.”Ish is a young player whose game has really moved forward,” Peter Moores, Nottinghamshire’s head coach, said. “He’s growing fast and we’re really excited to have him. We’ve seen the impact legspinners can have in T20 cricket. With the way batsmen strike the ball, you need bowlers that can take wickets throughout the innings.”Ish is a natural attacking leg-spinner who can create pressure and get us some crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.”Sodhi has been in and out of the New Zealand side during their current season following his omission after the tour of India. He played two T20s against Bangladesh, where he claimed five wickets, and the first two ODIs against South Africa before being overlooked for Jeetan Patel in the last two matches of the series.Unless New Zealand take three specialist spinners to the Champions Trophy he could miss out on a place in the final 15.

Manchester United are one step away from signing Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to reports.

Is David de Gea leaving Man United?

The Red Devils could have a busy summer in the transfer window, with numerous incomings and outgoings seemingly on the table. Up to 13 players have been put up for sale ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge, including Dean Henderson, who could complete a £15m permanent move to Nottingham Forest.

David de Gea’s future is also up in the air, with the Spaniard’s Old Trafford contract actually set to expire in a matter of days. Recent reports have suggested that De Gea actually signed a new United contract that would drastically cut his current £375,000-a-week salary, however, the Red Devils have since backed out of that deal and have made a new proposal with even lower wages.

As a result, the club appear to be on the hunt for a new first-choice ‘keeper, and it looks as if Onana is on course to move to Manchester with those at Old Trafford previously in pole position to secure his services.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Onana?

According to reports from Italy over the last 48 hours, Man United are one step away from signing Onana this summer, with Inter Milan identifying Yann Sommer, Keylor Navas and Hugo Lloris as potential replacements.

The Red Devils are expected to pay an initial €50m (£43m) fee for Onana, although a transfer will reportedly include bonuses as well.

Onana knows Ten Hag well from their time at Ajax, where the 27-year-old made 145 appearances under the Dutchman. Therefore, the United manager will know exactly what to expect from Onana, including his ability on the ball.

Mark Goldbridge described the shot-stopper as “box office to watch when he's got the ball under pressure”, whereas Pep Guardiola also hailed Onana’s ability on the ball following the Champions League final.

“When you have a goalkeeper like Onana who can read perfectly where everyone is to pass to, with Calhanoglu and Barella, then the strikers hold it up and move the ball around. It is very, very difficult. It would be a tiny bit easier without this goalkeeper, but still very tough.”

With a move seemingly close, it looks as if Onana could come in and become first-choice under Ten Hag, and it will be interesting to see if De Gea’s future finally gets resolved before the end of the month.

Newcastle United have thrown their hat into the ring in the race for youngster Adama Bojang, according to a report from The Guardian.

Who is Adama Bojang?

The 19-year-old may not be familiar to many because of where he currently plies his trade but it appears as though he is catching the eye of those who have been able to see him in action.

Despite his age, he has already been given the opportunity to play for his country for example in The Gambia Under-20 team. He has eight caps for them so far and has hit the back of the net six times – an incredible rate.

As for his club side, he currently plays Steve Biko FC in his home country and therefore a move to Europe is somewhat of a risk considering that he has yet to test himself at a really high level. However, it is testament to his abilities that so many clubs have now watched him and consider him to be worth the money that is being demanded. One such side now considering a move for him is Newcastle.

According to a report from The Guardian, the Toon are one of a growing number of Premier League sides – and German teams – who are keeping tabs on the player and are considering stumping up the asking price to seal his signature.

What is Bojang's transfer value?

It appears as though his club would want around 3 million Euros in order to let him leave (or about £2.6m). It's a large fee for a player who is so young and has little experience in the game but again, it showcases the potential interested parties are clearly seeing. In fact, the report adds that there has already been an offer from an unnamed team in Germany for Bojang.

Despite being only 19-years-old, his talent already appears to be clear to those who have seen him. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig for example called him "the future of Gambian football" based on his showings for his international team's Under-20 side. It shows that he is already displaying his potential – and he could be a really good signing for the future if the Toon are able to snap him up and add him to the likes of Garang Kuol.

اختار قائد برشلونة ومدافع منتخب إسبانيا السابق، جيرارد بيكيه، أفضل مدافع في تاريخ الدوري الإنجليزي حسب رأيه الشخصي.

وسبق لـ بيكيه أن خاض تجربة احترافية في فريق مانشستر يونايتد الإنجليزي في فترة ما بين 2004 حتى 2008.

ومن بين ريو فيرديناند، وجون تيري، اختار جيرارد بيكيه أفضل مدافع في تاريخ الدوري الإنجليزي من خلال تصريحات صحفية.

اقرأ ايضاً.. بينهم محمد صلاح.. 6 لاعبين قد يغادرون ليفربول في انتقالات الصيف

وفي حديثه إلى “The Boot Room” قال جيرارد بيكيه: “أفضل مدافع في تاريخ الدوري الإنجليزي هو ريو فرديناند، وبعض الناس يقولون جون تيري، بالنسبة لي، كان ريو هو الأفضل على الإطلاق في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز”.

وأضاف بيكيه: “بحسب ما رأيته أعتقد أن فيرديناند الأفضل على أرض الملعب، كان مذهلاً، إنه يؤدي دائمًا على مستوى عالٍ جدًا”.

وأكد بيكيه: “الجوائز العديدة التي تلقاها فرديناند بالفعل أثناء وبعد مسيرته الكروية، عززت مكانته كواحد من أعظم المدافعين الذين شرفوا الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على الإطلاق”.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has reportedly made his move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, whose contract with the Serie A outfit is up for expiry this month.

What's the latest on Adrien Rabiot to Newcastle?

That's following recent news from prominent Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that the Magpies have indeed commenced an approach for the France international ahead of his contractual conclusion with the Old Lady.

The 28-year-old is a robust and imposing midfielder and would be a shrewd addition to the Newcastle ranks ahead of Champions League competition next year.

Manchester United have maintained an interest in Rabiot after failing in their pursuit one year ago, but the Tyneside club are headed towards a deal for the ace and will now look to ramp up the gas and bring him to St. James' Park.

How would Adrien Rabiot perform at Newcastle?

Quirkily described as a "wardrobe" for his imposing physicality by Gianluigi Buffon, the 6 foot 2 machine would enter a robust Newcastle midfield and bring his distinctive set of skills to enrich the dynamism on Tyneside, playing to the favour of the likes of midfield conductor Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian signed for the Toon for £40m from Lyon in January 2022 and has arguably been the centrepiece of the club's blistering success over the past 18 months after making 57 appearances and registering 16 direct contributions.

The £120k-per-week Magpie has been heralded as "magnificent" by his manager, and has succeeded resoundingly as the orchestrator of Howe's system, recording an average rating of 7.17 – as per Sofascore – completing 85% of his passes, making 1.3 key passes, 2.4 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per match and succeeding with 63% of his dribbles and 57% of his duels.

The all-engulfing nature of his work as the nucleus would provide Rabiot with the perfect partner to exhibit the full scale of his skill set, with the industrious colossus having scored 11 times this term and ranking among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals, and the top 16% for progressive carries, clearances and aerials won per 90, as per FBref.

Praised as the "complete midfielder" himself by France manager Didier Deschamps, Rabiot is noted as a 'similar player' as per FBref, to Newcastle's box-crashing ace Joelinton, which further illustrates the suitability for Howe's system, and given the increase in competition next year, the Toon manager will want to make signings who can adapt to the system and maintain the cohesive equipoise.

Rabiot would be a fantastic addition to a burgeoning outfit, and while he may be on £148k-per-week with the Old Lady, the fact that Newcastle can bypass paying a transfer fee by snapping him up in less than two weeks suggests that it could be an auspicious move indeed, enhancing the centre and leaving ample room to make further swoops and continue the ascent to the very top.