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End the debate once and for all – who really is the fastest bowler in the game

Lynn McConnell18-Dec-2002End the debate once and for all – who really is the fastest bowler in the game?New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said today that there should be some uniform way of measuring the speed of fast bowlers around the world.It would be good for the bowlers, good for their team-mates and good for the public, he said.Fleming said from his perspective at first slip that there was no way that Shane Bond was bowling 10km/h slower in New Zealand than he was in Australia last summer.Yet that is what the television radar shows.There was a difference between the radars in different countries that measure the bowlers and whichever measurement system was right or wrong, Fleming was all for winding up the competition between the bowlers.”Let’s get it right,” he said.”I think it creates interest for the players. Shane has commented that he looks at the radar after ball. Jacob Oram and Daryl Tuffey were sparring with each other about who was bowling quicker. Even Scott Styris has a chip about it.”It is important to the players so it would be nice if there was one [radar system] throughout but cost is a factor.However, it was something that needed to be addressed if there was going to be competition to see who was the fastest bowler.With that in mind, Fleming acknowledged that Bond’s emergence as a genuine fast bowler had given an added dimension to the New Zealand side that it hadn’t enjoyed for some time. But it had also had the effect of lifting the players around him.”We know if we get in a situation where we need something special, we’ve got a player with that ability. From a captaincy point of view it has added a new dimension to what we can do and how we can execute and put pressure on the opposition,” he said.”He’s added a massive amount to this side and the other guys have grown with him,” he said.

Aston Villa have been backed to sign Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe by Football Insider pundit Paddy Kenny.

And plenty of Villa supporters have been giving their thoughts on a possible move on social media.

According to Football Insider, Villa have been handed a huge boost in their attempts to sign the 23-year-old.

Talks between the two clubs have taken place, with United willing to listen to offers for Tuanzebe, should they land a replacement this summer.

Kenny was talking to Football Insider following the update and believes Dean Smith’s side has the ‘edge’ following the defender’s Villa Park loan stint, describing it as ‘brilliant news’.

Tuanzebe helped Villa return to the Premier League back in the 2018/19 campaign, making 35 appearances in the Midlands.

Villa fans react

Birmingham Live relayed Kenny’s comments in a story and shared that on Twitter, asking fans if Villa should do a deal.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many excited at the possibility of a deal.

“Would love this signing, strengthens the squad depth which we lacked a little last season, would be yet another player who can push others for a first team spot and get even better.”Credit: @jenko2nd”Definitely was a good player for us and will only get better”Credit: @mattys666″1000% get him back in… Top young talent. Would push Mings and Konsa + would be an incredible insurance policy. We could even go 5 at the back and allow Targett/Cash to bomb forward — gives us formational flexibility if Deano’s ever feeling brave. Like Hause but Tuanzebe >>”Credit: @ror_rjp”I’d have gone back in a heartbeat, young so fits the DS model. Would he get in above Konsa or Mings?? Definitely an upgrade on Engels but expect would be £10m+ for a squad player.”Credit: @LeeWalks77″Yes definitely a good addition to the squad better than Hause”Credit: @KevGeo2011″This feels like something that will happen as soon as United sign a CB (Varane).”Credit: @LordMillman29

In other news: Emile Smith Rowe update emerges, Villa’s patience could be about to pay off, find out more here. 

Lots of Wolves fans have been flocking to a transfer update on Ruben Neves.

As per Italian football journalist and transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the Portugal international is currently the ‘favourite’ midfielder to join Arsenal if Granit Xhaka leaves for AS Roma, as there are ‘difficulties’ for them in trying to sign Manuel Locatelli, who would rather wait until Juventus make a move.

Neves has been a key player for the Midlands club ever since their promotion to the Premier League in 2018, averaging more tackles (2.4), interceptions (1.8), shots (1.9), passes (54.9) and long balls (5.3) per game in the top flight than both Leander Dendoncker and Joao Moutinho in the 2020/21 season (WhoScored).

At just 24 years of age, he could still have plenty to offer at Molineux, and Wolves supporters might certainly question selling him to a direct rival after losing Diogo Jota and Matt Doherty to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur respectively last year.

Wolves fans on Neves transfer update

These Wolves fans flocked to the exit rumour as it was shared on Twitter:

“Says it all when a midtable team like Arsenal who can’t get who they want can just come along and cherry pick us. In Fosun and Shi we trust though”

Credit: @WWFC_OTD

“It’s inevitable he’s going but I’m still not prepared for the day Neves is no longer a Wolves player”

Credit: @calwwfc_

“No.”

Credit: @ManuGarciismo

“He’s ours”

Credit: @shookzrr

“From what’s gone on so far. I think we need to keep Neves and try to build a team around him. He could be the key is everything that might be good next season. Under Bruno we hopefully will see the player again from his first few seasons scoring amazing goals”

Credit: @WolvesNewport

“We need money to help FFP but I hope we keep him”

Credit: @CharlesMaiden6

In other news, find out what recent news has had these Wolves fans talking

A round-up from the latest County Championship matches

Cricinfo staff23-May-2008
Andrew Gale was in good touch for his 150 © Getty Images
First DivisionThird day
Andrew Gale led Yorkshire to 525, way past Surrey’s declaration total and in reply Surrey ended the day trailing by eight runs, having slipped to 56 for 2, including the wicket of Mark Ramprakash for 14. His hundred hundreds hunt stretches to another match, then; his next opportunity will now be against Somerset at Whitgift School next week. Gale’s 150, meanwhile, was his third first-class century, the 100 brought up with a straight single. Jacques Rudolph reached his hundred with the third ball of the day but was later trapped fairly high but playing no shot to Usman Afzaal, who bowled unchanged throughout the morning at The Oval. Rudolph and Gale helped Yorkshire save the follow-on – the mark coming with a straight six from Gale off Afzaal – in a stand worth 206, before pushing on to gain the lead. The powerful Tim Bresnan was left stranded on 84. Rana Naved-ul-Hasan could be out for a few weeks after retiring hurt from batting with a hamstring injury.Marcus Trescothick and Ian Blackwell gave Somerset the edge heading into the final day after their batting efforts helped to set Kent 271 at Tunbridge Wells. Charl Willoughby bagged three wickets and limited Kent to 134 for 5 after Trescothick made a big century, but Joe Denly was making a good fist of the chase. He was unbeaten on 64 and his side require a further 137 with 5 wickets in hand. It’s anyone’s game, but Somerset will be favourites.Fourth day
For John Ward’s account of how Sussex earned their first win of the season against Nottinghamshire click here. Second DivisionThird day
Glamorgan will in all likelihood be asked to follow on at Swansea after Johan van der Wath and Nicky Boje bowled them out for 278, still 253 adrift. van der Wath combined with David Sales to dismiss the openers Gareth Rees and Matthew Wood as Northamptonshire worked their way through a stubborn Glamorgan line-up. Michael Powell and Jamie Dalrymple made fifties but Northamptonshire are still very much in with a chance of the win despite rain scooping out a huge wedge of the second day.Leicestershire’s batsmen manoeuvred their side into a dominant position heading into the final day against Essex at Chelmsford. Hylton Ackerman converted his overnight 90 to a century, then Paul Nixon made his second fifty of the game – he was left on an unbeaten 92, as three wickets fell for seven runs. Claude Henderson also struck a half-century as Leicestershire set Essex a daunting 445. Before the close, the home side lost Tom Westley to close 69 for 1.Warwickshire’s game with Middlesex looks to be meandering towards a draw at Edgbaston, after Middlesex moved in sight of parity with Warwickshire, who are still to bat. Billy Godleman and Owais Shah closed the deficit to 17 runs – Godleman with 56 not out, Shah unbeaten on 46 – with Ed Smith Middlesex’s only faller.

According to a report by 90min, West Ham United have joined the plethora of clubs eyeing Liverpool forward Divock Origi – with the player’s agents ‘working hard’ to seal his Anfield exit this summer.

The Lowdown: West Ham in centre-forward hunt…

The Hammers have been linked with many forwards since before the start of this window and thereafter.

As per Claret & Hugh, manager David Moyes has set his sights on bolstering West Ham’s attacking options as one of his three main transfer priorities this summer.

The usual suspects like Tammy Abraham and Youssef En-Nesyri remain linked, while new names like Paul Onuachu and Roman Yaremchuk have only just entered the frame in recent weeks.

The Latest: West Ham now eyeing Origi…

As per 90min’s ‘transfer insider’ Graeme Bailey, the Irons are now monitoring Belgium international Origi as the player’s agents work tirelessly behind the scenes to find him a new club.

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Origi, despite enjoying some very memorable moments in a Liverpool shirt, is heavily out of favour under manager Jurgen Klopp and now could be the time to leave Merseyside.

It is reported that the Reds now want Ismaila Sarr from Watford and are ready to pay up to £40 million, but could first have to make room by offloading Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri.

As well as unnamed clubs abroad, West Ham are interested in the 26-year-old alongside Southampton, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Rangers and Celtic.

The Verdict: Avoid…

Scoring just 58 goals over a senior career spanning 282 matches for three different clubs (Transfermarkt), we believe West Ham should avoid this one.

Origi started just two matches in the Premier League over 2020/2021 and is valued at £10.8 million by Transfermarkt, not to mention he has only bagged around 19 top flight goals over 100 league appearances for Liverpool.

Indeed, despite Hammers legend Frank McAvennie recently dubbing him ‘wonderful’ (Football Insider), there is no doubt that the forward should be way down Moyes’ striker shortlist, with other candidates boasting more consistent playing time and superior goal records.

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘Unreal’, ‘Come ooon’…ExWHUemployee’s news has many West Ham fans excited, find out more here.

South Africa’s cricketers are believed to have told their board that they will not play against Zimbabwe

Steven Price in Harare20-Jun-2008
Desmond Tutu: a voice which is listened to © MCC/Clare Skinner
Zimbabwe’s political isolation grows by the day, and the internal turmoil has had a depressingly inevitable impact on cricket with the likelihood of anyone agreeing to tour the country disappearing as the political situation worsens.Until now, Cricket South Africa has been resolutely supportive, but while the board maintains a policy of unwavering backing, the country’s cricketers appear far less pliable. The level of abuse as the presidential election run-off nears has persuaded many that enough is enough, and waverers have taken note of the passionate appeal by Archbishop Desmond Tutu for sportsmen to boycott the country.Norman Ardense has admitted that Zimbabwe was high on the agenda of the board meeting earlier this week, and he told a local paper that after that CSA would “pronounce what our stance on Zimbabwe will be … but for now I must stress that we take the Archbishop’s views seriously and our policy is to support Zimbabwean cricket.”The players might have taken the decision out of the board’s hands. It is believed that many leading cricketers have made clear that they will not support CSA if asked to play against Zimbabwe.One source close to Zimbabwe Cricket admitted that the political support for Zimbabwe from within the ICC and several major boards may come to nothing if players decide that enough is enough. That could force the ICC to take action when it meets at its annual conference later this month, although ZC probably still has enough friends to ensure the matter is again brushed aside.Zimbabwe has no scheduled cricket until the end of the year. Plans for a tour of Kenya have fallen through, although it remains to be seen if the government would have allowed the trip to go ahead anyway. Last weekend almost 40,000 fans chanted “Mugabe must go” when Kenya hosted the Zimbabwe national football side.It is also rumoured that Pakistan will be sending an A team in August, but given the virtual breakdown of civil order, that seems less and less likely by the day.

Low-scoring matches are not usually very exciting as they tend to be one-sided, but the game between the Celtic rivals ended up a thriller. Ireland, after dismissing Scotland cheaply, eventually scraped home by four wickets with one ball to spare, after c

John Ward in Belfast02-Aug-2008
Scorecard
Andre Botha played a crucial role for Ireland with three wickets and a useful 38 © Getty Images
Low-scoring matches are not usually very exciting as they tend to be one-sided, but the game between the Celtic rivals ended up a thriller. Ireland, after dismissing Scotland cheaply, eventually scraped home by four wickets with one ball to spare, after coming so close to snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.Scotland batted on winning the toss, and the captain Ryan Watson gave his team a flying start, especially considering that in his last two international matches, at Aberdeen a month ago, he had failed to score a run. He laid into Kevin O’Brien in his second over with 14 runs off four balls, including a big six over midwicket, before driving a catch to mid-on; he made 24 off 15 balls.Some rather frenetic batting followed, with Gavin Hamilton skying a catch and Colin Smith bowled attempting a big heave, and within minutes Scotland were 31 for 3. Ireland could have had another on 45 when Kyle Coetzer was dropped low at midwicket, but on 52 he was bowled by Andre Botha for 11. They were still on 52 for 4 after 10 overs.At 63 both batsmen were at the same end, but their error was exceeded by that of the fielders, who let them escape. But then the two batting culprits, Neil McCallum and Richie Berrington, began to settle in and increase the rate, until at 92 the latter (17) sent up a huge skier to be caught by the keeper. Without addition McCallum (27) fell to a more conventional keeper’s catch, and Scotland were 92 for 6 after 16 overs. Botha took 3 for 18 as he ended his spell.Two lbw decisions for Alex Cusack followed, and the 100 only came up in the eighth over. Cusack returned figures of 4 for 21 for his seamers, and the innings ground to a rather dismal conclusion at 117 all out off the last possible ball. Basically, it was the story of Scottish batsmen committing suicide against good Irish bowling, backed by inconsistent Irish fielding. Twenty20 cricket is geared towards suicidal batting, but there are more efficient ways of doing it.John Blain soon worked up a good pace when Ireland began chasing their relatively simple target, but Gary Wilson, after looking quite out of his depth for nine balls, then flicked him over square leg for six. At the other end, though, Dewald Nel bowled Will Porterfield for 7.The spinners were soon in action again, with the left-armer Glenn Rogers bowling Wilson for 14. Scotland badly missed running out Niall O’Brien a few balls later, and after 10 overs Ireland were by no means finding it easy with only 47 runs on the board for two wickets.The batsmen began to push harder, and Botha hit a ball from off-spinner Gregor Maiden for an impressive six over extra cover. O’Brien became bogged down and was eventually given out caught at the wicket for 22: there is no ‘walking’ in this tournament, apparently, by the innocent or the guilty.33 were still needed off the last five overs, and Kevin O’Brien was easily stumped leaping down the pitch to drive. Unfortunately, Rogers injured his right calf in the process and had to leave the field. The 100 came up in the 18th over, so the match was still tight. Botha was bowled for 38, attempting a slog, and Trent Johnson, attempting a six, was caught in the deep; 105 for 6 in the penultimate over. Scotland were bowling and fielding well, and Ireland needed eleven runs off the last over.Andrew White scooped the first ball, from Gordon Drummond, to fine leg for four, relieving some of the pressure. Then came ones and a two, the second being a missed run-out opportunity. Finally White swung another ball to the fine-leg boundary and Ireland sneaked what should have been a straight-forward victory. Nel (2 for 17) and Rogers (2 for 15) played a major part in Scotland’s fightback.

West Ham United could be about to ramp up their transfer plans in the near future…

What’s the word?

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, manager David Moyes has a meeting scheduled with the board this week to discuss likely transfers and targets.

It’s thought that the two parties will decide which central defensive and midfield options to make a bid for and this is duly expected to speed up their business significantly ahead of next month’s deadline.

Football Insider have previously reported that GSB would put money aside for a new centre-back, whilst there could also be a consideration for Mark Noble’s retirement next year.

Moyes to make moves?

Plenty of uncertainty has started to creep around the London Stadium in recent weeks and that’s largely because of their lack of activity in the transfer market up until now.

Euro 2020 has been and gone, and kick-off against Newcastle United on the opening day of the new season is less than a month away, but the Hammers have not brought in a single new player this summer.

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By comparison, Arsenal have already made two additions, whilst Manchester United have made a mega-money splash for Jadon Sancho.

Moyes certainly needs reinforcements right across the pitch if he’s to get the east Londoners contending at the top end of the table once again, especially as they are facing the prospects of a 50-plus game season thanks to their qualification to the Europa League.

Right now, the 58-year-old just does not have the strength in depth to remain competitive across all competitions. For example, an injury-prone Michail Antonio is still his only senior centre-forward, and first-choice midfield duo Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek only have Noble behind them in the pecking order.

Similarly, Fabian Balbuena will need to be replaced at the back.

Therefore, if Ex’s latest claim is to be believed, West Ham are likely to start making their move in the transfer market, and that should appease many of the anxious Irons faithful.

AND in other news, Moyes risks making West Ham disaster as transfer update on £75k-p/w “monster” emerges…

Leeds United youngster Lewis Bate could feature for Marcelo Bielsa’s side as early as this season, according to former Whites striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: New season close

Leeds enjoyed a superb first year back in the Premier League in 2020/21, finishing ninth in the table and producing lots of eye-catching football.

The aim now is for Bielsa’s men to build on that achievement, pushing towards the European places instead of going backwards.

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The Latest: Pundit tips Bate to feature

One player who has been tipped to feature at some point next season is young midfielder Bate, who joined from Chelsea earlier this week.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed the midfielder could be given his Leeds bow sooner rather than later:

“I think there’s opportunities for everybody to break in. I do think midfield players right now is an area where, you know, we are a little bit sparse on. We could have more competition in that area of the field.

“He’s playing under-23s football despite his age. That’s probably a lot more difficult than the under-18s. It’s a lot stronger with bigger players that you’re up against. The fact that he can hold his ground there shows real promise.

“This season might be a little bit too much of a stretch but we could very much see him next season.

“Once you’ve got to know the club, the players around him and got used to the system, you’ll know what it’s like to play at Leeds United.

“There’s an absolutely massive opportunity there for everybody in that under-23 squad, to maybe progress through this season, especially in cup competitions.

“We could get a glimpse of these young stars that could be playing for the first team year in the next year so.”

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The Verdict: Is he ready?

At 18, Bate is clearly still a young player learning his trade, but it would be hugely encouraging to see him given some minutes by Bielsa.

As Whelan says, it would be a surprise if he was used in the league too regularly, although central midfield is arguably one of the Whites’ less well-stocked areas of the pitch so he, like a few of Leeds’ other youngsters, may get a chance to prove themselves in cup games.

Over time, Bate could feature prominently, but for now, the odd appearance in the cup competitions would be ideal for him as he continues his development.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly closing in on a move for one player – find out who it is here.

The two main topics of conversation before the first Test was the to-be trialled umpiring referral system, and Ajantha Mendis, the unorthodox spinner who is in line to make his debut

Jamie Alter in Colombo 22-Jul-2008
All eyes are on Ajantha Mendis ahead of the first Test © AFP
There are two distinct topics of conversation cutting through the humid Colombo air a day before the first Test – the to-be-trialled umpiring referral system, and Ajantha Mendis, the unorthodox spinner who has generated plenty of hype after his domination of India in the Asia Cup final earlier this month.India’s captain Anil Kumble was, like his counterpart Mahela Jayawardene, eager to see what the referral system – which allows each side three unsuccessful review requests per innings – would throw up, but also was more forthright in his acceptance of it. “It is the first time [that it will used] and it will be helpful for the umpires and the teams,” he said. “This is meant for the obvious errors which happen on the field and it’s something we can negate, rather than look at every way to question the umpire.”They [umpires] make mistakes and sometimes, in the moment, they may not have picked up a certain edge that hits the pad, and you appeal for a leg-before, and it is given out. Those types of referrals maymatter and change the course of the game,” he said. “We had a discussion yesterday, but I can’t say much until it is experimented with. But I welcome it.”Speaking before Kumble, Jayawardene felt the media had put more focus on Mendis than even he had time to. He said he wasn’t even sure Mendis will play tomorrow, but India have reason to be concerned. Kumble has almost certainly viewed tapes of Mendis running rings around the ODI side inPakistan, but he was quick to point out that the pressure is right back on the mystery spinner.”Not just Mendis, every bowler is discussed. It’s his first Test, let’s not forget that. The pressure is on him,” Kumble said. “As a youngster you are obviously nervous. If you look at our battingstrength, most of them have played more than 100 Tests. We respect every bowler. The two bowlers who have done extremely well over the years are [Muttiah] Muralitharan and [Chaminda] Vaas and we can’t discount that we need to be concerned about them.”India have only won two Tests in previous tours to Sri Lanka, the first coming in 1993 and the last in 2001. Kumble acknowledged the challenge of touring Sri Lanka, and put faith in the composure of the Indian squad. “To win a Test you have to play well in both innings,” he said. “In Sri Lanka,conditions can favour the side batting in the second innings but that doesn’t mean batsmen can relax in the first or the bowlers try too much. We’re looking at how to take 20 wickets in these tough conditions. And of course, we need to put up plenty of runs in the first innings.”The pitches have generally favoured the batsmen. We have a lot of knowledge and handy experience and quality, in terms of our combinations,” he said. “This [the SSC] is a good track, with plenty of runs in it. We will look at a four-bowler combination and we have capable means of picking up 20 wickets.”The heat in Colombo, even at 11 in the morning, is sapping. Watching the players perspire in the nets only makes one wonder how they will cope in the field for hours. Kumble recognised the need to manage the heat, but did not mention any specific issues his side had chalked out.”In terms of going about out fitness and endurance we have to be careful about dehydration. That’s something everybody is aware of,” he said. “That will obviously be a factor in these conditions. All of us are experienced enough to handle this. There are a couple players who have to take extracare and the preparation has already started.”India have not employed a fitness trainer since the tour to Australia over the new year but Kumble didn’t think that would be a factor here. “Paddy [Upton, the mental conditioner] is also doing the role of a fitness trainer and if you look at the schedule there’s not much of a gap for you to focus only on fitness,” he said. “When you’re training in the nets it’s a combination of working on your physical aspects and I don’t see any concerns at this point.”When asked about India’s average performance in the tour match against a Sri Lanka Board XI, Kumble said not too much should be read into that. “Our final XI will be more or less what we played in the tour match. We’re not saying we have an edge over Sri Lanka. We need to concentrate on all departments and we’re looking at what we’re capable of. How we can maximise our potential in batting, bowling and fielding? That is the key.”