All posts by h716a5.icu

While champions Manchester City ran away with the league title in 2020-21, there were plenty of individuals from other clubs who shone this season

Manchester City claimed the Premier League title ahead of Manchester United, while Liverpool and Chelsea ended up in the Champions League places at the expense of Leicester City. But which players stood out enough to guarantee a place in Alex Keble's Premier League team of the season? Getty ImagesGK: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

Aston Villa’s goalkeeper was probably the signing of the summer. Martinez equalled Brad Friedel’s record of 16 clean sheets for Villa in a single top-flight season, helping transform Dean Smith’s side from one of the leakiest in the division to one of the strongest.

Martinez ranks third in the Premier League for shots saved (15) and second for ‘prevented goals’ (9.71), a statistic that measures a goalkeeper’s saves against the expected goals (xG) of the opposition shots.

But Martinez’s influence goes far beyond shot-stopping. His unrivalled skill in catching shots and crosses – where others would parry or punch – has completely reshaped Villa’s tactical organisation.

Martinez’s sticky gloves allow Villa to reset and get back up the pitch, hence their strength on the counterattack.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)

Nobody typifies Manchester City’s season like Cancelo, an intelligent and versatile footballer who nominally played as a left-back or right-back throughout 2020-21, but in reality popped up all over the pitch.

His influence as an inverted full-back has been startling and progressively courageous; at times this season he has advanced in the right half-space like Kevin De Bruyne.

The key to City’s title win was their tactical unpredictability, created by Pep Guardiola through the rotation of full-backs. Depending on the configuration he chose, City could line up with three at the back, dual overlapping full-backs, two extra bodies in midfield, or an extra playmaker in the number 10 position.

Cancelo is the only City player who could perform any of these roles, and from either side too.

Getty ImagesCB: Wesley Fofana (Leicester City)

Leicester City’s 20-year-old centre-back has been a revelation.

Brendan Rodgers probably did not expect to be able to rely on Fofana in his debut campaign quite like he has, but his aggression and anticipatory skills have already made him one of the most revered centre-backs in the Premier League.

Tellingly, Fofana ranks fourth in the division for interceptions (2.2 per game), a stat normally dominated by defensive midfielders. This speaks to Fofana’s tendency to step out from the back and boldly shut down the opposition play, an eye-catching feature that works particularly well in a back three.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesCB: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

Almost every player who joined the Premier League from abroad last summer has endured a difficult debut campaign in England, which is perfectly understandable given the country has been in lockdown for so much of the last year.

It is even more remarkable, then, that Ruben Dias has been rock solid for Manchester City.

Dias started the most Premier League games (32) of any City outfield player, his power and athleticism not only keeping Aymeric Laporte out of the side but also drastically improving John Stones.

After the fallow year without Vincent Kompany, City have found their defensive leader for the next decade.

Alba or Marcelo? Busquets or Casemiro? And is there any place for Bale? Find out who makes the Clasico's best combined starting line-up

Getty ImagesMarc Andre ter StegenThere is little argument possible on the Clasico's best shot-stopper. Ter Stegen has undergone an astonishing transformation over the last 12 months, stepping out of Claudio Bravo's shadow to become one of the most proficient goalkeepers in world football. If the German continues in the same vein Manuel Neuer may have a fight on his hands to keep the No. 1 jersey for the World Cup.AdvertisementGetty ImagesDani CarvajalWhile Barcelona have struggled to find Dani Alves' replacement at right-back, there is no doubt over who controls that flank at the Bernabeu. Carvajal is now one of the first names on the Madrid team-sheet, and his absence has been sorely felt whenever he has been unable to play.Getty ImagesGerard PiqueA player that only seems to get better with age. Pique may still make the headlines for his flamboyant off-pitch behaviour, but on it he is a consummate professional and the inspiration behind a Barcelona defence that has yielded just seven goals in 16 Liga outings this season. He makes the XI comfortably ahead of Raphael Varane, who is struggling to build on early promise at the Bernabeu.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesSergio RamosOne of the toughest choices to make in this combined line-up. Samuel Umtiti has taken to life at Barca like a duck to water, forming a formidable partnership with Pique. But it is instead the centre-back's Spain partner who makes the cut, a recognition of his standing as Madrid captain and ability both in defence and as a set-piece weapon.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has reacted to the Premier League vote which failed to block his side's pathway to related-party loans.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

PL clubs vote not to ban loan moves from affiliate clubsHowe asked about how that would help NewcastleMagpies are majority owned by Saudi Public Investment FundWHAT HAPPENED?

The clubs did not vote in favour of a temporary prohibition on loans to linked parties. At a shareholders' meeting on Tuesday, 12 Premier League clubs voted in support of not placing a restriction on loan transfers between teams owned by the same person. This figure was two votes shy of what was required for the ban to be implemented.

AdvertisementWHAT HOWE SAID

"You say Newcastle were favoured but it was a Premier League vote," said Howe in a press conference. "We're not the only club involved in that vote. I think the majority of the Premier League and other clubs around the world [benefit] so it's not solely on us, I don't think.

"Newcastle, our club, had a view. We voted in a way, a way that we're allowed to, and the vote came out on the side that it did. I think just from my dealings with it, we're very relaxed on it. It's not the be-all and end-all for us. We've got a squad that we really like. Now if we get players fit before January then the need to recruit will become much less intense for us."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Thanks to the vote, Newcastle, which was purchased by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) in October 2021, would be able to loan players from other teams that the fund also owns. Indeed, the 'big four' Saudi Pro League teams – Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal – are majority-owned by PIF, with Newcastle having been linked with Ruben Neves.

There are ownership connections between other Premier League teams and foreign clubs. The Abu Dhabi-based City Football Group owns Manchester City and has ownership interests in a number of other teams worldwide. Meanwhile, BlueCo, the group that bought Chelsea, has an agreement to acquire shares in Racing Strasbourg in June. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ownership of French club Nice would also have provided obstacles for Manchester United, who are reportedly interested in Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR HOWE?

Howe will now be free to pursue Newcastle's interest in Al-Hilal's Neves, who has been targeted by the Magpies after Sandro Tonali was banned from footballing activities due to his involvement in betting. Before that, though, Newcastle face a tough test against Chelsea in Saturday's Premier League fixture.

Suresh Raina has said the combination of two new balls and only four deep fielders was putting tremendous pressure on bowlers in ODIs, but added there was no choice for them but to adjust and learn to cope

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Oct-2013Suresh Raina has said the combination of two new balls and only four deep fielders was putting tremendous pressure on bowlers in ODIs, but added there was no choice for them but to adjust and learn to cope.”I think it’s tough for the bowlers,” Raina said in Ranchi ahead of the fourth ODI against Australia. “We have to admit that. When five fielders are inside (the circle), and if a regular bowler can’t keep it tight, it will be very difficult for a part-timer. There’s pressure on bowlers on what line and length to bowl. They have to be very sure of what their plans are and how they have to bowl to each batsman.”You can bowl two bouncers, but there are four other deliveries to bowl also. The ball doesn’t reverse much because it’s quite new. The ball is only 25 overs old at the most. Even spinners don’t get that much turn. But whatever it is, we have to adjust to how things are. We can’t give excuses. We just have to bat well and bowl well. No doubt it’s good for batsmen, and we have no complaints. We have to play by the rules that the ICC makes, and as players do our jobs.”Raina also backed the beleaguered Ishant Sharma to rebound strongly, after the fast bowler conceded 30 runs in the 48th over of Australia’s chase to lose India the Mohali ODI. Ishant has been the most expensive specialist bowler in the series, going for 7.87 runs an over. “It can happen to any bowler in the last few overs,” Raina said. “Ishant has practised well in the last two days. I hope he stays strong in his mind, and if he stays positive, we’ll definitely see a good performance from him. He has worked very hard in the last two days. I hope he will come back strongly against Australia tomorrow.”Twice in three games, the home batsmen have been unsettled by Australia’s quick bowlers, especially Mitchell Johnson, but Raina denied the visitors had gained any psychological advantage over India. “I wouldn’t say we are under pressure. We won the first game (T20) in Rajkot, then they won in Pune, and then we won again in Jaipur and they won after that. It’s a good contest. We are both young teams.”Sometimes our batting clicks, sometimes our bowling does. But whoever does well on the day, whoever has good plans and positivity and can feel good about themselves is important. Everyone talks about so much cricket happening, but it’s important to see how you’re feeling, how mentally strong and tough you are.”Johnson bowled well no doubt, and he had luck on his side. There’s no doubt the batsmen have to do well in the middle order – Yuvi paa (Yuvraj Singh), (Ravindra) Jadeja and myself. We’ll have to take responsibility and bat well.”Raina has made 39 & 17, Yuvraj 7 & 0 and Jadeja 11 & 2 in the series. In Mohali, it was MS Dhoni who revived India from 76 for 4 with his ninth ODI hundred. Dhoni accelerated gradually to play several powerful strokes at the death, and also brought out his trademark helicopter swing, a shot Raina said belonged completely to the India captain.”That is a Mahi-bhai exclusive. It’s very difficult to play that shot. You have to pick the length early. He has played it for many years. When someone is bowling yorkers at 140-145 (kph) and the ball is aimed at the toes, you have to put the entire load on the back and turn the bat. Other players have their own quality shots, but the helicopter shot suits only him, and it won’t suit others. He always clears the rope with it because he has that kind of strength. All players try to hit low full tosses to midwicket or over the bowler’s head, but you need to practice that shot a lot.”

The BCCI’s annual elections have been postponed until January 31, 2015 following a directive from the Supreme Court

Sharda Ugra10-Dec-20143:55

Ugra: Srinivasan defence all about holding on to BCCI post

The BCCI’s annual elections have been postponed to a date not later than January 31, 2015 following a directive from the Supreme Court. The elections were due to be held on December 17, but the BCCI told the court that the elections could not be held until the hearings in the IPL 2013 corruption case were completed.This is the third time the BCCI elections, originally scheduled to be held before September 30, 2014, have been postponed as there has not been a final decision on the IPL corruption case over the involvement of sidelined BCCI president N Srinivasan.A two-man bench of the Supreme Court consisting of Justice TS Thakur and FM Kalifullah heard the arguments from counsel representing Srinivasan, BCCI, India Cements Ltd, former Chennai Super Kings official Gurunath Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra on Wednesday. Given that there are arguments to be made by counsel for IPL COO Sundar Raman as well as the litigants Cricket Association of Bihar, along with interventions that have been permitted by the court, there is a very strong possibility the case could extend into the new year.The BCCI pleaded with the court asking what could be done about the elections in the course of extended hearings and asked for an order with regard to the elections. Justice Thakur then asked why, on previous two occasions, the BCCI had taken decisions on its own to postpone the elections, but was now seeking a direction of the court. BCCI counsel CA Sundaram replied that it would be “appropriate” as the Registrar of Societies had been given information the last time the elections had been postponed.As part of his arguments in court today, Srinivasan’s counsel Kapil Sibal gave an undertaking, on behalf of his client, that if he were elected president, “till the (proposed) committee suggests the procedure to deal with the issue of conflict of interest, he will not attend any IPL governing council meeting or any other IPL related discussion in any meeting of working committee or general body meeting of the BCCI.”The undertaking handed over to the court also said that the Court’s proposed two-member high-powered committee could “suggest sanctions to be imposed, in accordance with applicable IPL rules, on person prima facie found to be involved in the act of betting by the Mudgal panel, besides determining the liability of the franchisees.” The “suggestion” refers to the fact that the committee’s conclusions would not be binding on the BCCI.N Srinivasan’s counsel said the sidelined BCCI president was ready to give an undertaking, that were he to be elected president, he would not attend BCCI working committee meetings or IPL governing council meetings•AFPThe BCCI also raised its objections to the court’s suggestion of a high-powered committee, comprising two former judges independent of the board, to take a decision and also mete out a penalty on the conflict of interest issues around Srinivasan, his son-in-law Gurunath and the Super Kings franchise.The BCCI argued that the panel would “challenge” the board’s “autonomy”, as a private body, governed by the Societies Registration Act. The BCCI, Sundaram said, did not want an “external agency” to set its rules. Like in Srinivasan’s argument, the board wanted the findings of the high-powered committee to be “suggestions” and “not be binding on the BCCI.” The court did not agree with this argument, saying that the BCCI had taken no action on its own and stated that the two judges’ decisions could work to “strengthen” the rules of the BCCI.In response to the fact that the BCCI was a private body, the bench made a precise observation of the current status of the BCCI. The BCCI counsel were asked if the board could whether any other Board could call the team selected by them, ‘Team India?’ The court said the BCCI had “de facto and de jure monopoly.””If you have disqualified any person, can he play in any international cricket conducted by ICC? If you have this kind of all-pervasive control, then you are performing a public duty.”The court told the BCCI that the “entire game of cricket and its edifice will collapse” if the BCCI’s current “arrangement” was “allowed to continue and if people’s confidence in the sport is not restored.” The BCCI was asked, “If you (BCCI) fail in your duty, can’t we get it corrected? If there is some temptation for a thief to enter, why can’t you stop it? Why are you averse to it?”Sundaram argued that the court could intervene when there was a specific case where public confidence had been dented but not make sweeping changes to the BCCI’s private bylaws, to which the bench responded by asking, “So you want us to catch the thief but not plug the scope of future theft?”In arguing India Cements’ case, the company’s counsel Mahesh Jethmalani said that the Super Kings franchise should not be penalised for the actions of Gurunath. Jethmalani said that Gurunath was betting in a “personal capacity” and “from home”. He also said argued that India Cements has 3000 employees and the company could not keep tabs on what each one did at home. Justice Thakur said: “It doesn’t make a difference, betting is betting. You should have ensured you are not surrounded by people who bet.”Siddharth Luthra, counsel for Gurunath said that the court should not “prejudice” Gurunath’s criminal trial in Mumbai with its findings. Gurunath was arrested in Mumbai on May 24, 2013 on charges of cheating, forgery and fraud.When asked repeatedly whether Gurunath was a Super Kings team official, no specific answer was given. Thakur asked him, “Do you want to disclose or not?” to which Luthra said his client had “the right to defence and the right to silence. It is a subject matter of prosecution.” Gurunath had also refused to speak to the Mudgal committee on the same grounds, citing the criminal case pending against him in the Bombay High Court.The hearings for the case will resume on December 15 at 2pm and the court will go into a vacation between December 19 and January 5. Sixteen-and-a-half hours of judicial time have gone into the hearings of this case since the Mudgal committee presented its final report to the Supreme Court in early November.

Paul Grayson, the Essex head coach, said English umpires should have called Saeed Ajmal for chucking this season

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-2014Paul Grayson, the Essex head coach, said English umpires should have called Saeed Ajmal for chucking this season.Ajmal played a key role in helping Worcestershire to promotion in the County Championship but Grayson said his Essex side would have won promotion instead if umpires had been brave enough to report Ajmal.In nine Championship matches this season, Ajmal’s action was not officially questioned and he helped Worcestershire to five victories and four draws with key performances that saw his side top the Division Two table for most of the season, much to the surprise of most observers.But on international duty for Pakistan, Ajmal’s action was reported almost immediately on their tour of Sri Lanka and he was subsequently banned from bowling by the ICC.”I wish one of our English umpires had the bravery to call him early season,” Grayson said, having seen his side fall eight points short of second-placed Worcestershire. “He’s been called for chucking; it’s illegal.”Speaking to a lot of umpires on the circuit, they all talk about him chucking it, but whether they had that support from the ECB; I’m not sure why they weren’t prepared to call him.”It was thought Ajmal would merely prop up Worcestershire who were largely expected to struggle in the Championship last season. But instead his 63 wickets 16.47 saw Worcestershire only miss out on the Division Two title during the final round of the season.”I’ve no doubt that if Worcestershire didn’t have Ajmal, we would have gone up this year,” Grayson told BBC Essex. “They’ve struggled in the second half of the season when he was supposed to be away with Pakistan.”I don’t want to sound like we’re being bitter, but I do believe we should have gone up this year.”2014 was the second year in succession Essex have finished third in the table having entered the final round of matches with a chance of promotion. It consigned them to a fifth year in Division Two having been relegated in 2010.Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes subsequently said the club would welcome back Ajmal to New Road next season if he is cleared to bowl again by the ICC.

Chris Gayle scored his 21st century to earn West Indies a bonus-point win against Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the tri-series at Sabina Park

The Report by Devashish Fuloria28-Jun-2013
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsChris Gayle followed his own modus operandi – dead-bats to hittable deliveries, axe-swings against good ones•AFPChris Gayle had failed to leave a mark in cold and wet England, but he probably knows there is only one thing cool in the warmer climes of Jamaica – he himself. And no one at Sabina Park would disagree. After a lean patch in the Champions Trophy where his highest score was 39, Gayle scored his 21st ODI century – his first against Sri Lanka – as West Indies brushed the visitors aside by six wickets and earned a bonus point in the first match of the tri-series.Sri Lanka didn’t have a strong total to defend after their batsmen were felled by the spin of Sunil Narine, who picked up four wickets. Angelo Mathews kept his main bowlers on throughout to try and ensnare the big fish, but Gayle kept blocking, blocking, and then powering it over the ropes with metronomic precision.It was a typically ‘measured’ Gayle innings, following its own rhythm, irrespective of the conditions, the pitch, the attack, and the field. He followed his own modus operandi – dead-bats to hittable deliveries, axe-swings against good ones – giving not even an inkling of a chance to the fielding side and hitting at least a six off each of the five bowlers he faced.Defending a middling total, Sri Lanka knew Gayle was one hurdle they had to get past quickly, but it wasn’t to be. Mathews opened with Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara as expected, but introduced Ajantha Mendis in the fifth over to see if Mendis could do what Narine had done in the first innings. Mathews persisted with fielders in catching positions, however, Gayle was in no hurry. Whenever it seemed a hit was needed, he had one.But despite Gayle hitting three sixes and four fours in the first 10 overs, West Indies hadn’t run away. Johnson Charles was doing his best to keep Sri Lanka interested with a laboured stay. There couldn’t have been a starker contrast. Charles struggled to read Mendis’ spin and the quicks’ swing, his misery prolonged by first, a dropped catch by Mathews, and then, by the umpire who let him get away against two good lbw appeals. He finally hit his first boundary – a six – off his 45th ball, but from West Indies’ perspective, he helped put up 115 for the opening stand.Darren Bravo joined Gayle and the two put up a quick 66-run stand to bring West Indies within touching distance of the target. The big wicket did come, when Gayle finally top-edged a sweep that was intended for the stands. There was a minor flutter as Sri Lanka picked two more wickets in the next three overs, but it was a case of too little too late.Sri Lanka’s openers had also laid a solid foundation with a half-century stand after being put in, but their lower middle order failed yet again to shore up a faltering innings after Narine dismissed both Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. But for a fighting half-century by Mathews, they could have finished with much less than the eventual score.Jayawardene, opening for only the 26th time in 370 ODI innings, scored an effortless half-century at run-a-ball, finding the boundary with silken drives and precise cuts. He greeted Narine with a reverse-swept boundary to bring up his fifty, but was out two balls later inside-edging a sharply-turning delivery to his pads, the ball lobbing up for the wicketkeeper for a simple chance. Sangakkara was dismissed soon after, tamely pushing a flighted delivery to cover.The situation was tailor-made for the much talked-about, but yet to fire, young brigade – Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne – to send a message to their detractors. But Mathews, dropped on 7, decided thereafter to curtail his strokemaking while Chandimal and Thirimanne allowed the pressure to build and fell to soft dismissals, reducing the innings to a crawl.Only 15 runs came in the seven overs after the 28th and by the time they were forced to take the batting Powerplay, Sri Lanka were left with little firepower to take advantage. The Powerplay brought further damage. Ravi Rampaul picked up two quick wickets and Sri Lanka were left trying to use up the full quota of overs rather than going for runs.That shouldn’t take away anything from the way West Indies came back. Dwayne Bravo had elected to field hoping his fast bowlers would exploit the early moisture in the pitch, but it was Bravo who provided the first strike, getting Upul Tharanga to edge to the keeper. There was no looking back once Narine, who now has 33 wickets from 14 matches at home, was introduced. Gayle then provided the ideal finishing touches.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund man scored a superb individual goal in Naples as they ran out 3-2 winners over the Italian champions

Jude Bellingham bagged his eighth goal of the season as Real Madrid ended Napoli's 13-game unbeaten Champions League streak at home, snatching a 3-2 victory in an enthralling encounter on Tuesday. The contest, in truth, could have gone either way, but Bellingham's virtuoso brilliance, coupled with a stunning Federico Valverde strike , saw off the Italian champions.

Napoli took the lead with their first chance of the night, as Kvicha Kvaratskhelia whipped a corner into the box, which Real Madrid goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga misjudged, and after the ball pinged off the crossbar, it fell kindly for Leo Ostigard to head into an open net.

But Madrid offered a response. Bellingham won the ball just outside the Napoli box, before feeding Vinicius Jr for a fine finish from a tight angle. The England international then put Madrid ahead shortly after with a magnificent effort, weaving through the Napoli defence before curling a shot past Alex Meret.

Napoli levelled things up again after the break, Piotr Zielinski smashing home from the penalty spot after the hosts were awarded a dubious spot-kick for a Nacho handball. Los Blancos found an edge as the game went on, though, and were good value for their winner as Valverde fired from distance, his 25-yard-effort hitting the bar before bouncing into the net off Meret's back. The home side pushed for a winner late on, but Madrid saw off late pressure to secure an important away win that leaves them with one foot in the Champions League knockouts.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Stadio Diego Armando Maradona…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10):

His blunder handed Napoli the opening goal. Was otherwise unconvincing, though did make a smart reflex save to deny Osimhen.

Dani Carvajal (5/10):

He was always going to be given a tough night by Kvaratskhelia, and that was the case, as the Georgian wound his way around the right-back all evening.

Nacho (7/10):

Unlucky to give away a penalty — it was never a handball. Turned in a solid showing otherwise.

Antonio Rudiger (8/10):

Engaged in a fine battle with Osimhen, which he won in key moments. Madrid never looked shaky with him at the back.

Eduardo Camavinga (5/10):

Handed a start ahead of Mendy at his less-favoured left-back spot. Booked early. Rightly removed after an hour.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (8/10):

Controlled space effectively, and probably should've found the net in the first half. Has made the No.6 role his own this season.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

'Scored' the winning goal after an otherwise rather sloppy night on the ball. His ability to cover ground was vital otherwise, though.

Toni Kroos (6/10):

Pinged some nice passes, but never really controlled the game in his usual style. Needs a rest.

Jude Bellingham (9/10):

Assisted Madrid's first, scored their ridiculous second. He probably should have grabbed another, but a miss will do little to detract from another excellent performance from the Englishman.

Getty ImagesAttack

Rodrygo (5/10):

Struggled to get involved in the game, and often tried to do too much. He's yet to score this season.

Vinicius Jr (8/10):

Looked lacking in sharpness until he scored the Madrid equaliser. Had a few good chances after, and found a rhythm. He will be so important once fully fit.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

Replaced Camavinga and made a crucial clearance late on.

Luka Modric (6/10):

Offered a solid shift off the bench, which is pretty much his role these days.

Joselu (6/10):

Struggled to get involved, but certainly had the legs to give Madrid life late on

Dani Ceballos (N/A):

Not enough time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

Benched Modric, and opted to start Camavinga at left-back. Madrid controlled the game early, but lost it when Napoli offered more of an attacking threat in the second half.

Brendon McCullum’s 114 and BJ Watling’s 52 was part of New Zealand’s best sixth-wicket stand in second innings as they took the Test into the fourth day

Abhishek Purohit in Wellington16-Feb-20140:00

‘Overall the Indian fielding has been fantastic’ – Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara has said that India did what they could with the ball but Brendon McCullum and BJ Watling batted superbly to deny them. McCullum was put down twice – on 9, by Virat Kohli and on 36, by Ishant Sharma – but Pujara maintained India’s fielding had been “fantastic” and that the odd dropped catch was inevitable.”Have to give credit to their batsmen,” Pujara said. “Brendon batted well and that partnership was very crucial for them. We tried our best but they were the winners in that last session.”India had New Zealand down on 94 for 5 in the 38th over, but the bowlers failed to disturb the McCullum-Watling stand for the next 61 overs. The pitch was getting better for batting every day, Pujara felt, and said considering that, the Indian bowlers had performed well. “Our bowlers did a very good job and bowled in the right areas. They didn’t allow them to score many runs, a good sign for us. Overall looking at the wicket they bowled really well. It is just that we didn’t get as many wickets as we wanted but still we did a pretty good job.”Ishant Sharma could not hold on to a return chance from Brendon McCullum when the batsman was on 36•Associated PressNew Zealand’s lead is still only six runs and while Pujara said India would want to chase as few as possible, he felt India still held the advantage, and it was a matter of a breakthrough next morning. “Really fantastic game so far. But we are still in a very good position. If we can get a couple early wickets then we can go through the tailenders. A lot of time is available. We are happy with the way things have shaped up. We could have been happier with a couple more wickets but we are in a good position and a good chance to win this Test match.”India could have possibly closed out the game had they taken the chances McCullum offered, but Pujara said the visitors had been doing decently on that front for a while now. “If you look at both the Test matches we have taken so many good catches. So you are bound to drop a few catches. Overall the Indian fielding as been fantastic, not only this tour but also in South Africa. There were quite a few good run-outs and catches. It is not good to pinpoint a couple dropped catches or missed chances. It happens in this game, each and every team goes through this phase.”

Paul Collingwood will lead Scotland through the World Cup qualifiers after being named as new joint-head coach. Pete Steindl has been replaced after Scotland’s failure to reach the finals of World Twenty20

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Dec-2013Paul Collingwood, captain of county champions Durham and the former England batsman, will lead Scotland through the World Cup qualifiers after being named as new joint head coach.Collingwood had been assistant to Pete Steindl, who has been silently removed after failing to achieve qualification to the World Twenty20 finals in Bangladesh. Scotland lost in the play-offs to the Netherlands.Remarkably, in an announcement of breathtaking disingenuousness, Steindl’s name was absent from a Cricket Scotland statement, but he has been replaced after six years in office on the brink of his team leaving for a World Cup qualifier in New Zealand.A brief statement, on the Cricket Scotland website read: “Paul Collingwood will lead the Scotland coaching team at the forthcoming World Cup Qualifying event in New Zealand, in conjunction with performance development manager Craig Wright.”The team will be managed by Euan McIntyre together with performance analyst/fielding coach Toby Bailey, strength and conditioning coach Simon Smith and physiotherapist Mhairi MacPhail.”All were part of the Scotland coaching and support team at the recent tournament in the United Arab Emirates, with Collingwood and Wright stepping up from their assistant coaching roles to lead the team.”Neither Collingwood nor Wright has previously taken charge of a senior cricket team, and their commision will last roughly a month as they attempt to rouse Scotland’s spirits.Their failure to reach the finals of World Twenty20 was harder to bear as three sides of similar pedigree – United Arab Emirates, Nepal and Hong Kong – all qualified, furthering the notion that while other countries improve, Scottish cricket is in the doldrums.Scotland must face all those three sides in the World Cup qualifiers, inviting the belief that something must change overnight if they are to have any prospect of qualifying from Group A. Collingwood has now been tasked with creating that miracle.Kyle Coetzer, Scotland’s captain, said: “There are three good teams there in Hong Kong, Nepal and the UAE, that we recently played against at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2013 and that qualified for the ICC World Twenty20 2014 while we didn’t, so recent form suggests it will be tough for us early on.Once the group stages are competed, only the top two teams – the finalists after the Super Six stage – will qualify for the World Cup proper.