All posts by h716a5.icu

Eoin Morgan hopes the sanctions imposed on Steve Smith and David Warner will have served to restore the reputation of a game he feels has been “battered”

George Dobell05-Apr-2018Eoin Morgan hopes the sanctions imposed on Steven Smith and David Warner will have served to restore the reputation of a game he feels has been “battered” in recent days.Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain, says he was “shocked” by the Australian players’ attempt to alter the behaviour of the ball with sandpaper, insisting he had never experienced such a premediated plan in any team he has represented.But while he accepted such behaviour could damage the reputation of the game, he felt the severity of Cricket Australia’s punishments – on Warner and Smith especially – sent a firm message that such tactics will not be tolerated and could improve the way the game is played around the world.”The sanctions imposed by Cricket Australia have shown how serious the actual mistake was, how seriously they are taking it and how seriously they regard the values, principles, spirit and laws of the game,” Morgan said.”For the last two weeks, the game has been battered. But I’d like to think that the balance [between the damage done to the game and the benefits brought by the suspensions] changed when the sanctions were imposed, because they were serious sanctions.”It’s one thing to say something is wrong. But to back it up with such a sanction says a huge amount. This isn’t two of their worst players, either. It’s two of their best. One is possibly one of their greatest ever.”Naturally this will pull the leash [on the way Australia play].”Morgan accepts there are some “grey areas” around the issue of ball-tampering. The use of sugary saliva, for example, has been prevalent for years (albeit with a distinction around whether mints and sweets are directly transferred to the ball), as has the practice of fielders returning the ball to the keeper on the bounce to scuff up one side. But, the way he sees it, Cricket Australia’s actions have “gone a long way” to “saying none of it is acceptable”.”I was shocked there was a premeditated plan,” he said. “I’ve never heard talk like that in a dressing room.”Throwing the ball in, one bounce, is fine. But if you throw to the keeper from long-on or long-off, the umpires will monitor how often the ball hits the playing surface and tell you they’ll change the ball if you do it again.”Things have changed. The LED lights on the advertising hoardings around the ground have little bulbs that stick out and they can take a huge chunk out of the ball. We have forced our bowlers to chuck it to the umpires [after it hits the board] so they don’t think we have done something to the ball.”So, yes, there are grey areas but I think Cricket Australia have gone a long way to saying none of it is acceptable.”It might have been relevant that Morgan was talking at the 2018 launch of All Stars, the ECB initiative aimed at introducing a new generation to the game. Confronted by dozens of enthusiastic children aged between five and eight, Morgan and his fellow ambassadors (Michael Vaughan, Sarah Taylor and Isa Guha) might naturally have been keen to focus on the more family-friendly aspects of the game.But Morgan, like so many in England cricket, was deeply impressed by the example of Brendon McCullum’s New Zealand side at the 2015 World Cup, in particular. Seeing New Zealand play so effectively – they thrashed England so quickly in Wellington that the game ended before the lights were turned on for the day-night fixture – without resorting to any of the posturing or ‘mental disintegration’ that had started to become a feature of England’s Test cricket in 2013 and 2014, made a big impression.”I massively endorse the way New Zealand play the game,” Morgan said. “Just look at the Test series in New Zealand. You have two fantastic ambassadors for the game – Joe Root and Kane Williamson – playing hard but enjoying the game. Nothing has come close to being controversial. And people have enjoyed watching it.”You can talk about it [playing the right way] all the time, but living it and breathing it is a different thing. You have to recognise when it’s veering too far the wrong way. And it doesn’t stop you winning.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are back in action this afternoon, as the Old Gold travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town in their sixth fixture of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

In their previous game, Gary O’Neil’s side lost 3-1 to Liverpool in what was an impressive first-half display before the Reds hit top form and the hosts' hard work was undone.

With just one win on the board so far for the Midlands club, it’s imperative that they take their chances against Luton, who are the only team remaining in the league without a single point.

The Hatters have had a tough start to life in the top flight, form that Wolves must exploit in order to begin to work their way up the table after an equally as disappointing start.

What is the latest Wolves team news?

Speaking ahead of the game, O’Neil revealed that he expects Rayan Ait-Nouri to feature against Luton, despite leaving the pitch during the Liverpool defeat limping.

The Algerian had an impressive game against the Merseyside outfit, and could be a useful player for Wolves to have fit against today's opponents due to his devastating link-up play with Pedro Neto.

Playing 90 minutes against Jurgen Klopp’s side, the 23-year-old continued his impressive form this season with an assist, earning himself a 7.4 Sofascore ranking, higher than anyone else in his team on the day.

The Portuguese ace continually threatened Liverpool’s defence with his searing pace and ball-carrying skills, as highlighted by him completing four out of six of his dribble attempts in the game.

While Neto could hurt Luton from the wide areas, he wasn’t the only player that stood out for the Old Gold against the Merseysiders, with one player showing he has all the tools to leave Rob Edwards’ side with another upset to swallow.

How did Jean-Ricner Bellegarde play against Liverpool?

After signing for Wolves on deadline day from Strasbourg for £12.8m, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was handed his Premier League debut against the Reds at his new home last weekend.

Lauded as being “incredibly direct and uncomplicated” when in possession by The Athletic’s Thom Harris, the 25-year-old maintained an 85% passing accuracy rate in central attacking midfield against Liverpool’s high-profile personnel.

As per Sofascore, the £35k-per-week Frenchman recorded one key pass and attempted five dribbles in the middle of the park, showing energy and skill that could damage this afternoon’s opposition if he’s given the room to roam.

Prior to his move to the Midlands, Bellegarde was in fine form for Strasbourg, having claimed two goals and two assists in just three appearances in the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season.

His numbers in his homeland reinforce just how dangerous he can be in the final third, supported by his general gameplay against Jurgen Klopp's men on his first appearance, having done "very well" on the day – according to his manager.

After a difficult start to this season, this afternoon could be the perfect opportunity for O’Neil’s side to build some form, against a Luton squad that looks far from being at the level required to compete in the top-flight.

With Neto and Bellegard in tow, Wolves' hopes of victory are only set to be bolstered even further…

Cricket Australia has said it is up to the on-field umpires and the match referee to decide upon the future course of action with regard to the incident

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Mar-2018Following an off-field altercation between David Warner and Quinton de Kock on the fourth day in Durban, Cricket Australia has said it is up to the on-field umpires and the match referee to decide upon the future course of action with regard to the incidentCA had said early on Monday morning – the fifth day of the Test – that it would investigate the incident, which was caught on CCTV and first aired by South African outlet . “The incident was discussed between the two team managers and the match referee last night and it is now in the hands of the on field umpires and the match referee,” CA said later on Monday. “Both teams were reminded by the match referee of the spirit in which the game should be played.”The footage shows Warner being moved away from the incident by team-mates, including captain Steven Smith, after walking up the steps during the tea interval on the fourth day.Australia had managed just one wicket between lunch and tea with de Kock and Aiden Markram forging a partnership that would threaten to take South Africa close to their 417-run target before Australia struck back late in the day.In the video, Warner’s anger is directed at de Kock, who is following the Australians up the steps. At the start of the clip, the Australian players first up the stairs are seen peering back over the handrails then Warner emerges around the corner and is already involved in a heated exchange.He is ushered up the steps by Usman Khawaja but does not immediately enter the away dressing room, even though Tim Paine also urges him to move and go inside. Smith then drags his vice-captain away as de Kock squeezes past into his dressing room. There was no indication from the footage what started the incident.South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said: “It’s rather unfortunate that the incident took place and certainly not in the spirit of the game. The match referee has spoken to us after the day’s play. We will await any further communication from the ICC around this incident.”Warner’s behaviour came under the spotlight earlier on the fourth day when he ran out AB de Villiers after a mix-up with Markram with him then yelling in Markram’s direction during the celebration. Warner was not charged for that incident, but Nathan Lyon was, because the bowler had dropped the ball in de Villiers’ vicinity.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has personally set his sights on a £100 million striker with "moves being made" behind-the-scenes.

Who have Chelsea signed 2023?

The Blues displayed their real ambition yet again over the summer transfer window; sealing deals for Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Robert Sanchez, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Djordje Petrovic, Angelo and Deivid Washington – who all joined the club for around £397 million.

Pochettino's overhaul doesn't end there, though, as a plethora of players departed Stamford Bridge in wake of the new arrivals.

Indeed, Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi all left the club to bring in £230 million.

Pochettino's side have took time to get going so far this season, though; having won just one Premier League game, drawing another and recording two losses.

Chelsea succumbed to defeats at the hands of both West Ham and Nottingham Forest before the international break, but could put things right with a much-needed win at Bournemouth on Sunday.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

Despite their major outlay, one position Chelsea didn't bolster with a big name signing was at centre-forward.

The Blues are lacking an out-and-out number nine of real quality, leading to their links with both Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Brentford's Ivan Toney.

Chelsea's leading scorer from last season, Kai Havertz, bagged just seven top flight goals and these numbers suggest that the forward area is a major achilles heel in Pochettino's side.

That's why there have been suggestions that a new striker could be targeted in January, with reporter Rahman Osman of London World sharing what he knows on Toney.

According to the journalist, Thomas Frank's star forward, who is currently serving a ban for gambling breaches, is Pochettino's "ideal choice" to lead his Chelsea line.

As such, they're apparently leading the race for his signing, with Chelsea also laying the groundwork for his winter window capture.

"Chelsea are leading the race to sign Brentford’s suspended forward Ivan Toney with moves being made behind the scenes for a chance of getting him in January," wrote Osman.

"The Blues have spent close to a billion pounds under the new owner but there remains the need for a proven goal scorer at the highest level.

"LondonWorld sources say Toney is Pochettino’s ideal choice as he is English, at the right age and proven in the Premier League."

How good is Ivan Toney?

Scoring 20 goals in 33 starts for Brentford in the top flight last season, Toney is a truly prolific marksman when available and at his very best.

"Ivan is very intelligent, because he’s reflecting, and he deserves a lot of praise himself for also coming into a well-run club and listening to all the small bits and adding extra layers to his development and performance," Brentford manager Frank said in 2021.

"If you want to be a top player you need to work hard, constantly reflect and want to learn and then of course you need to have that confidence that he’s got so naturally.

"He’s coming across so fantastically: he’s humble, calm, but with a mindset of a lion."

The Bees boss has also said he's worth around £100 million.

As many as nine India Under-19 players currently at the World Cup in New Zealand are among 578 cricketers who will go under the hammer

Shashank Kishore in Queenstown25-Jan-2018It’s the week leading up to the IPL auction and as many as nine India Under-19 players currently at the World Cup in New Zealand are among 578 cricketers who will go under the hammer. That they have filtered through to the final list from an initial pool off 1122 players signifies interest from the franchises. But with the Under-19 World Cup in the knockout stage, India coach Rahul Dravid doesn’t want his boys to look beyond their immediate challenge: Bangladesh in the quarter-final.Among those in the auction pool from the current batch are captain Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, Himanshu Rana, Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Arshdeep Singh and Harvik Desai.”There’s no point hiding from the fact that it is there. It is around the corner,” Dravid said of the auction that will be held in Bengaluru this weekend. “There’s no point living in the bubble and pretending it doesn’t exist. We do discuss it. We’ve spoken about what their focus should be and what their long-term goals are as compared to their short-term goals.”Following the conclusion of the Under-19 Challenger Trophy in November in Mumbai, a number of players were invited by Mumbai Indians for selection trials, only to be called back by the team management, keeping in mind their immediate priorities of playing in a World Cup. The team management was mindful of “players being distracted” by a number of other aspects like signing bat sponsorships and being acquired by talent management companies, in the build up to the tournament.With the auction dynamics being as they are, there is a possibility that a number of players could be auctioned for the kind of money they are yet to see. There is also a flipside, having to deal with a group of young players who might go unsold. Dravid, though, has prior experience of this, during the 2016 World Cup in Bangladesh, and has passed on a clear message: ‘One or two auctions won’t make or break players.'”The auction is not something the boys can control,” Dravid said. “One or two auctions won’t really have a long-term impact on their careers. There is an auction every year, but not every year will they have an opportunity to play for India in possibly a World Cup semi-final. That doesn’t come very often.”Dravid, who has been part of six auctions as a player and four as part of the management group, was aware of the challenges of handling a bunch of aspiring professionals who are still dealing with being in the limelight. For many, playing in the ongoing World Cup is their first experience of being on global television. Dravid, though, insisted the team was focused and had their priorities sorted.”I don’t feel worried about it. I think this group of guys are really focused on playing good cricket here,” he said. “I like the energy and the spirit in this team. We’ve been here for three weeks and we couldn’t have asked for better preparation from the boys. They’ve been superb. We talked about the auction once and we said let’s keep that out of our minds.”We’re not thinking past the next game against Bangladesh. We lost to them in the Asia Cup. We are aware of the fact that Bangladesh is a good team. We haven’t even looked at the rest of the draw. The focus is right now on doing well against Bangladesh. We had a week off, that was actually part of the challenge, managing at this age, boys are keen to play, at this age a week off can be a long time. So we had a day off and they got out a bit and relaxed. Today had a light session. Sometimes it’s just a question of hoping they don’t get too overexcited.”

Liverpool's summer transfer window has not quite gone off without a hitch, with a mass midfield exodus now compounded by murmurings of Saudi Arabian interest in the treasured Mohamed Salah.

Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo have been signed to restructure and revive the centre, but Jurgen Klopp's side still feels a little short in several departments.

While bolstering the left-back position might not be Liverpool's most pressing concern, it's certainly not out of the question for a bid to be lodged, with Juventus' rising star Andrea Cambiaso reportedly on the Reds' radar.

Are Liverpool signing Andrea Cambiaso?

That's according to Calciomercato, who claim that Liverpool – alongside Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur – are interested in signing the 23-year-old defender before the transfer window closes next Friday on September 1st.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Intriguingly, Cambiaso can play both defensively and higher up the pitch, with his dynamism aligning with Klopp's affinity for flexible, multi-functional players.

The player is valued at £14m, as per Football Transfers.

How good is Andrea Cambiaso?

While Klopp's players are usually rigid in their role on the pitch, he leans towards these more 'dynamic' individuals to mould them to his own creation.

This can be said of Gini Wijnaldum, Roberto Firmino, James Milner; the list goes on, and Cambiaso, with his crisp passing, creativity and tenacity, might prove to be an astute purchase for the Anfield side.

Robertson remains the No. 1 in the left-back role, but the Scotland captain has not provided the usual air of imperiousness of late, and the Reds bosses appear to have one eye on securing an heir.

The 29-year-old has unquestionably been a bona fide revelation for the Merseyside outfit since signing from Hull City for £10m in 2017, making 269 appearances, posting 63 assists and playing a central role in the illustrious success of recent years.

The 61-cap international, however, has been described as "poor" by writer James Nalton for his uncharacteristically subpar showings towards the back end of last season.

The £30k-per-week Cambiaso, while by no means the finished article, could prove to be the ultimate heir to a stalwart and beloved figure at Anfield, with the Italy U21 international impressing on loan at Bologna last year, making 32 league displays, providing three assists and being heralded as "on fire" by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his superlative showings.

He opened his seasonal account with aplomb this term, earning a Sofascore rating of 7.8 as the Old Lady dispatched Udinese 3-0 in Serie A, providing a sumptuous looping assist for Adrien Rabiot's goal, making two key passes, completing a remarkable 97% of his passes and winning two tackles.

Journalist Josh Bunting remarked on the "impressive" performance, and with such a rounded skill set, Cambiaso could well thrive as a first-rate full-back for years to come, ranking among the top 17% of positional peers across Europe for assists, the top 10% for pass completion, the top 23% for successful take-ons and the top 20% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.

His natural penchant for eye-catching ball-playing and dynamism in his craft tantalises a successful career for the rising Italian star, and while Robertson is unlikely to be going anywhere just yet, Cambiaso is possibly the perfect solution to replace the distinguished Scotsman, when that time does come.

Manchester United haven’t exactly enjoyed the best of starts to their 2023/24 Premier League campaign. A lacklustre 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers was followed by a woeful 2-0 reverse to Tottenham Hotspur.

Erik ten Hag has made only three signings thus far in Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount, but judging by their attacking efforts in the first two matches, more firepower is required.

The club are looking ready to make a move for Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, yet could an Englishman be on Ten Hag’s radar?

Are Manchester United signing someone else?

The Old Trafford side are reportedly showing interest in signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to FootballTransfers.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

The player is banned from playing until January however as he was found guilty by the FA of numerous gambling breaches and this would give Ten Hag time to raise the sufficient funds needed to lure him to the North West.

The Bees have placed a £50m price tag on their prized asset and the Dutchman may have to move on a player or two before submitting a concrete offer.

What happens to Ivan Toney now?

His eight-month ban will take the striker up until January, meaning he can't play a single game for Brentford in that time.

Although United requires firepower now, it looks as though they are prepared to wait for Toney and Ten Hag will be hoping for improved performances from players such as Antony.

The Brazilian joined from Ajax last summer for a fee in the region of £86m but has yet to showcase his true abilities in a United jersey so far.

He did register 11 goal contributions – eight goals and three assists – yet this was much lower than the 12 goals and ten assists he recorded the season prior with the Dutch side.

The winger ranked out with the top five across the squad for league assists (two) and big chances created (two), and with a fresh start this season, the pressure will be on to succeed at the Red Devils.

Indeed, signing Toney could certainly help Antony get back to his best, with the £20k-per-week gem able to link up well with his fellow attackers and across the previous three seasons for his club, the 27-year-old has registered 21 assists.

The former Peterborough United hitman created a whopping 12 big chances last term while averaging 0.8 key passes, further proving that he does more than just score goals when leading the line.

His tally of 20 league goals was behind only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, whilst Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher lauded him by saying he was "one of the best attacking players in the league" and "reminiscent of Harry Kane", which is certainly high praise indeed considering just how well the Bayern Munich star has done in England.

Toney might not solve all of United’s problems if he did make the move to Manchester in January, yet by unleashing him in his starting XI alongside Antony, Ten Hag could forge a lethal attacking setup.

The Brazilian needs players to link up with and judging by Toney’s statistics of late, he could be the perfect player to lead the line for the club while unlocking the Brazilian in the process.

England’s hopes of a consolation victory in Melbourne disappeared with another Steven Smith century

Report by Brydon Coverdale30-Dec-2017
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsThe Boxing Day Test started as a dead rubber, and by day five rigor mortis had well and truly set in. David Warner scored the slowest half-century of his Test career and Steven Smith ground out his second-slowest Test hundred as Australia dead-batted their way to a draw that ensured there was no consolation victory for England at the MCG, despite Alastair Cook’s monumental bat-carrying effort of 244. But neither will there be an Australian clean sweep.The day began with Australia on 2 for 103, still trailing by 61 runs. England could reasonably have hoped that a couple of early wickets might give them a strong victory chance. But on the most docile of pitches it took a batting brain-explosion to break the partnership between Smith and Warner, when Warner inexplicably tried to smash the part-time offspin of Joe Root over the infield. Only one more wicket fell for the entire day’s play.When the captains agreed to call it off, Australia were on 4 for 263. They had eked out 160 runs in almost a full day of Test cricket. Their overall run-rate of 2.42 for the match was Australia’s lowest in a home Test for nearly 24 years. At the close of play, Smith was on 102 from 275 deliveries, and he had struck just six fours. Mitchell Marsh was on 29 from 166 deliveries, the kind of innings of which his father, the dour opener Geoff Marsh, would have been proud.Still, Smith’s efforts in salvaging a draw for Australia should not be downplayed. This was his sixth and final Test century of 2017, and he joined Ricky Ponting as the only men in Test history to have scored six hundreds in a calendar year on multiple occasions. His century eventually came up from his 259th delivery; not only was it not his slowest Test hundred, it was not even his slowest this series, for Smith had taken 261 balls at the Gabba.David Warner’s innings ended with a skied shot into the off side•Getty ImagesSmith will also finish 2017 as the highest run-getter in Test cricket for the year, with 1305 at 76.76. It is a remarkable individual performance, but this innings again showed how critical Smith is to Australia’s results in any given Test. He soaked up any remaining pressure on the final morning and by the time he and Mitchell Marsh had batted right through the middle session, a draw was all but certain.The session was a much-needed steadier for Australia after England claimed the wickets of Warner and Shaun Marsh shortly before the lunch break to give themselves a sniff of victory. Warner had crawled to the slowest half-century of his Test career, a 161-ball effort that ran completely against type, but he threw his wicket away on 86 when he skied a catch off Root.Marsh edged behind off Stuart Broad for 4 on the stroke of lunch, falling to a fine catch by Jonny Bairstow moving to his left, to leave Australia only 14 runs in front at the break, with six wickets in hand. It had been a slow-scoring two-and-a-half-hour session for the Australians; the first 14 overs of the day brought only 20 runs as Smith and Warner focused almost exclusively on survival.And by the close of play their aim had been realised. If the MCG’s drop-in pitch was disappointingly bereft of character, it was still only the second draw at the ground in the past 20 Tests. But a little more life to this dead rubber would have appreciated by all concerned.

This Monday, Arsenal take on Crystal Palace in what is the Gunners' first away game of the new 2023/24 Premier League season.

Mikel Arteta's men picked up a 2-1 home win against Nottingham Forest on the opening weekend, while Roy Hodgson and co were also victorious as they beat Sheffield United 1-0 on the road.

Read The Latest Arsenal Transfer News HERE…

Ahead of the game, which takes place at Selhurst Park on Monday 21st August at 8pm (UK time), Football FanCast has decided to predict the starting lineup for the Gunners.

Who will start for Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?

There could be a change in goal this week as Arsenal have now completed a move for Brentford's David Raya, who arrives on a season-long loan with a £27m option to buy.

However, Aaron Ramsdale has been the undisputed number one for two seasons now (playing all 38 games last term) and so it would be a shock if he was to lose his spot in the starting lineup just yet.

In defence, however, Arteta will be forced into mixing things up as a result of the unfortunate ACL injury which could keep Jurrien Timber sidelines for most of the season

The defender started at left-back last weekend and the Gunners do at least have plenty of depth in that part of the field. Speaking to the press about Oleksandr Zinchenko who's been out with a calf injury, Arteta told football.london:

"Alex has been doing really well. He's been training with us and, hopefully, we're going to have him very, very soon."

With that in mind, we think he'll make it back in time to start this one, although Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior could also be called upon if the Ukraine star can't quite make it.

Gabriel Magalhaes was surprisingly dropped against Forest, but without Timber out, Arteta may want to revert to his usually trusted centre-back option, so we expect the Brazilian to come back in.

He should start alongside William Saliba and Ben White – which would mean playing the exact same back four which started away against Palace for the opening game last season.

Thomas Partey was used as an inverted right-back on the opening weekend, but with the potential return of Zinchenko, he can step back into midfield and play the deeper role, allowing Declan Rice to push higher up into the left-eight position. Captain Martin Odegaard will, of course, start in his usual preferred position.

This means there is a debate on if and where Kai Havertz should start. Against Manchester City in the Community Shield, he started as a striker and with Gabriel Jesus still injured, the German could go up top again for this one – despite playing in midfield last weekend.

This may be harsh on Eddie Nketiah who started and scored vs Forest, but Arteta might want a little more height leading the line in an away game like this to help go long when trying to beat the opposition's press.

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka should start once more on each flank after they both impressed in the opening match of the new campaign.

Arsenal's predicted XI: Aaron Ramsdale; Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Ben White; Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard; Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka

The opener scored 22 in Wednesday’s first ODI in Whangarei, and did not field during New Zealand’s innings

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Dec-2017Chris Gayle could be a doubtful starter for West Indies’ second ODI against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday. The opener scored 22 in Wednesday’s first ODI in Whangarei, and did not field during New Zealand’s innings. New Zealand won the match by five wickets.”He took ill,” West Indies coach Stuart Law said after the match, when asked why Gayle hadn’t taken the field. “He’s going to seek further medical advice once we arrive in Christchurch tomorrow. At this point in time I can’t give you any further details of what’s going on.”Law did not divulge any details of Gayle’s illness. “I’m not a doctor,” he said. “I can’t give you any more, so I apologise. We should get a full appraisal tomorrow.”Sent in to bat, West Indies posted a total of 248 for 9, which New Zealand overhauled with four overs to spare. Law said conditions changed significantly through the course of the match, and that New Zealand had won an important toss.”We would have liked to have bowled first as well,” he said. “Whether or not the wicket got damp through the covers… it was certainly a tackiness to the surface when the game started.”I looked at it half-time and it was bone dry. You would have liked an even contest, not taking anything away from New Zealand at all. We saw our opening batters – they’re pretty good strikers of a cricket ball – they were having trouble locating it, which means the wicket was doing something. We didn’t see that this afternoon.”Gayle and Evin Lewis put on 40 in 10.1 overs for the first wicket. Lewis went on to score 76 off 100 balls. Law felt his dismissal in the 36th over – an lbw that replays suggested was wrongly given, when West Indies had run out of reviews – was a turning point, given his shot-making skills and those of Rovman Powell, with whom he had added 43 in just 31 balls.”He [Lewis] was circumspect with the deliveries he attacked. He’s a wonderful striker of a cricket ball,” Law said. “Today he wasn’t able to be as free as he would’ve liked but he showed some class. He showed the ability to get through some really tough times, to build an innings, and then unfortunately given out lbw when he was set, ready to continue that partnership with Rovman Powell.”Those two can score very quickly once they get going and 15-20 an over is not out of the question with those two.”