All posts by h716a5.icu

Maharashtra Under-22 seamer Jitendra Patil, who was reported for ball tampering in a CK Nayudu Trophy match, has been cleared while his team-mate Ganesh Kukade was found guilty of the charge

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Oct-2010Maharashtra Under-22 seamer Jitendra Patil, who was reported for ball tampering in a CK Nayudu Trophy match, has been cleared while his team-mate Ganesh Kukade was found guilty of the charge. Ajay Shirke, the Maharashtra Cricket Association chief confirmed to that Kukade had been fined 60% of his match fees.On Wednesday, the penultimate day of the game against Uttar Pradesh, the umpires had reported Patil of applying cream on the ball, leading to a protest from the Maharashtra team that proclaimed his innocence and pointed fingers at Kukade. Match referee Harvinder Sodhi had put off his decision until Thursday evening, after the end of the match. Following a close inspection of video replays, Sodhi vindicated the Maharashtra team’s stand and charged Kukade with ball tampering, while dropping the complaint against Patil.Maharashtra won the game by an innings and 13 runs.

Somerset’s weary troops might have benefited from the chance to put their feet up but the loss of all but 21.3 overs to bad weather here has left them needing to advance the contest apace on the third day if they are to force the positive result their tit

Jon Culley10-Aug-2010
ScorecardSomerset’s weary troops might have benefited from the chance to put their feet up but the loss of all but 21.3 overs to bad weather here has left them needing to advance the contest apace on the third day if they are to force the positive result their title prospects need.After a morning of sustained rain gave way to brighter skies at lunchtime, groundstaff had to suffer an afternoon of dragging plastic sheets on and off and mopping up hopefully only for a run of showers to frustrate their efforts time and again.Once play did begin, at five o’clock, Somerset’s bowlers did at least make short work of what remained of Hampshire’s first innings, with the last five wickets falling for 32 runs in the space of 37 balls as the pace of Alfonso Thomas and Charl Willoughby combined to share the spoils.Somerset’s quartet of senior seam bowlers are all 33 years or older, which is one of the few weaknesses in the current line-up being steered through a successful season on all fronts by skipper Marcus Trescothick.The punishing schedule set down by this season’s confused and overburdened fixture list has pushed them to the limit at times but this was a good response by Thomas (33) and Willoughby (35). They took the new ball as soon as it became available, three overs after Hampshire had resumed on 217 for 5, but Sean Ervine and Dan Christian had the better of things to begin with, the former collecting consecutive off-side boundaries when Thomas strayed off line. Christian survived a confident appeal for as leg-side caught behind off Thomas but then drove Willoughby handsomely through the covers for four to bring up the 250.Things began to go wrong, however, when Christian, pushing forward confidently, was bowled off an inside edge by the left-armer Willoughby, who struck again four deliveries later, beating Michael Bates’ defensive prod.Thomas, who had bowled well without success to that point, was rewarded at last when Ervine, who had hit six fours, miscued a hook to be caught by Jos Buttler, and gained his second wicket from the next ball as James Tomlinson was leg before, beaten for pace.Dominic Cork, who had jokingly turned his bat to face handle downwards after making several air shots against Willoughby, did connect with a couple but then holed out to James Hildreth at long off as the innings closed, Willoughby finishing with 4 for 80.Another shower arrived at this point, suggesting that Somerset’s innings might not start. But the rain relented quickly, leaving Somerset to negotiate seven overs – and not without an important casualty as Trescothick fell to a slightly freakish return catch, a thick inside edge sending the ball ballooning into the air off a pad, allowing Tomlinson time to wheel off to the left in his follow through and make an easy take.Despite their players complaining off tiredness lately, Somerset have put their weight against any moves to reduce next year’s domestic Twenty20 competition from this season’s expanded version.Trescothick, who leads his side on finals day on Saturday, said that the schedule of 16 group matches suited his team perfectly, while chief executive Richard Gould says that a reduction from eight to five home games could cost the county £250,000 in revenue and might lead to redundancies.While some grounds have seen numbers decline at the gates this year, Taunton’s crowds have held up well, the eight games attracting almost 50,000 spectators in total.

Manchester United have seemingly leapfrogged Aston Villa in the race to sign Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

That’s according to Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, and, as to be expected, a number of United fans have been reacting to the update on social media.

Kamara appears to be a player in demand, with the holding midfielder’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old is on Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa wishlist, with United, Villa and Leeds all talking to the player’s agent ahead of a possible £10m transfer.

And now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, United have overtaken all competitors when it comes to Kamara and are leading the race to secure his services.

United fans react

@utdreport relayed the update regarding Kamara on Twitter via GIFN (Get Italian Football News). This is what these United supporters had to say in reply, with many hoping to see a move materialise in the final days of the January window.

“We’re alive”

Credit: @BigTeezo

“Never heard of GIFN but let’s go”

Credit: @utd_victor_

“PLEASEEEE”

Credit: @hhhhmmmm_

“I hope this is true”

Credit: @I_am_lakes

“Definitely a better option defensively when compared to Zakaria.”

Credit: @TheUnitedLink

“SIGN HIM PLS IMMEDIATELY PLS”

Credit: @kurtbuckerfield

In other news: ‘Finished’ – Many MUFC fans react as Spurs make move for ‘amazing’ ace. 

A Kenyan cricketer has attacked comments made by Kennedy Otieno regarding the current strike by the players.

Cricinfo staff22-Jun-2010A Kenyan cricketer has attacked comments made by Kennedy Otieno regarding the current strike by the players.Otieno is one of four individuals who claim to represent the players who have been instrumental in organising a strike which led to the last-minute cancellation of a tour to England last week. The stand-off also threats Kenya’s participation in the forthcoming World Cricket League in the Netherlands.Otieno told the Nation that he had not been considered for selection because of Cricket Kenya rules that he had to play in the top league to be eligible while he was playing at a lower level. He cited that as one of the reasons the players had gone on strike.”Kennedy can only talk about his own gripes and has no real interest in player welfare,” the player, who wished to remain unidentified, told Cricinfo. “The reality is his own disciplinary record was poor. His attitude is a major problem.”A local administrator also claimed Otieno had made the decision to play for a 3rd division side “simply for money” and despite knowing the conditions of the deals offered to contracted players.Otieno cited the example of the selection of Dominic Wesongam who plays outside the top flight, as an example of double standards. “That doesn’t hold water,” the administrator said. “He was a replacement and is a youngster who shows promise.”Further investigation revealed that as Wesongam was not contracted there was no obligation for him to meet the criteria of playing in the top league.”His comments have shown he is pursuing a personal vendetta against those running the game,” the player concluded. “This about Kennedy and the players are being used as a stick for him to beat them.”

As per a report by the reliable Gary Jacob of The Times, Southampton are in the mix to sign bright Hull City forward Keane Lewis-Potter alongside a few big Premier League clubs.

The Lowdown: Semmens eyeing moves?

Saints chief Martin Semmens has kept his role even after Serbian-born businessman Dragan Solak completed his £100 million takeover earlier this month (Sky Sports).

The powers at be clearly still show faith in Southampton’s long-serving chief executive as he continues to oversee their transfer activity behind-the-scenes – with reports suggesting they are weighing a couple of moves.

Semmens and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl have been reliably tipped with an effort to make loanee Armando Broja’s stay on the south coast a permanent one (Sky Sports), meanwhile Dean Jones of Eurosport says they are in pole position to sign Fulham attacker Fabio Carvalho (GiveMeSport).

The Latest: Southampton eyeing Lewis-Potter…

According to Jacob’s information, Southampton are one of four English top flight sides eyeing a move for Hull’s exciting forward Lewis-Potter – with the 20-year-old attracting plenty of attention.

As well as Hasenhuttl’s side, Spurs, West Ham and Leicester City are in the mix as his suitors from the Premier League continue to grow.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Racking up 13 goals and six assists in Hull’s third tier promotion campaign over 2020/2021, Lewis-Potter has maintained that dazzling form into his first full Championship season at the MKM Stadium.

Indeed, the Englishman has so far bagged five goals and four assists in the league under manager Grant McCann – leaving little wonder he has been turning heads and Southampton are interested.

He’s even been compared to superstar winger Eden Hazard, with former Tigers player Craig Fagan calling Lewis-Potter ‘similar’ to the Belgium international (The Athletic).

Meanwhile, McCann also hasn’t held back in his praise for the ‘special talent’, and we believe he could well be a brilliant signing for Southampton if they can win the race.

In other news: ‘Inspiring’, ‘Yes yes yes’ – Many Saints fans rave as their club eye ‘unreal signing’, find out more here.

Andrew McGlashan provides the Plays of the Day from the second day at Old Trafford

Andrew McGlashan at Old Trafford05-Jun-2010Ball of the day
Old Trafford has a decent history of spinners producing some special deliveries. Shane Warne tops the list in 1993, but Ashley Giles’ ball to Damien Martyn in 2005 wasn’t too shabby while Monty Panesar has managed a few good ones as well. However, Shakib Al Hasan’s delivery to remove Ian Bell can stand proud among the best as he turned one from leg stump to take the top of off against a batsman well set on 128. For a moment it was unclear what had happened because Shakib, in complete contrast to when he removed Kevin Pietersen on the first day, barely acknowledged the dismissal after being frustrated by his team’s bowling during the morning.Sequence of the day
Tamim Iqbal was at it again. Not content with his memorable display at Lord’s he again put England’s attack to the sword with another hundred of the highest quality. He probably wishes he could play England all the time because his current sequence stands at six scores over fifty in seven innings. When he passed fifty he became the first Bangladesh batsman to make five half-centuries in consecutive innings. But he wasn’t finished there and when he cut Graeme Swann through point to reach three figures he became the first to hit back-to-back Test hundreds as well. Only two of his countrymen have managed two hundreds in their entire careers.Stand of the day
Century opening stands have been like London buses for Bangladesh.Wait ages for one, then two come along at once. They have only had four in their Test history, but the last couple have been back-to-back (unsurprisingly for the first time) after Tamim and Imrul Kayes followed their 185 at Lord’s with 126 at Old Trafford. They are a highly contrasting pair – but the best opening combinations so often are – with Kayes happy to follow in Tamim’s slipstream.Plan of the day
England, though, are convinced that Kayes doesn’t play the short ball well. The idea was set in their mind when he was bounced out on a shirtfront by Stuart Broad at Chittagong and they continue to bang the ball in. And even though Kayes has been tough to shift, he has fallen to the short-ball plan in all three innings of this series. At Lord’s he fended to slip and short leg and here, against Steven Finn, he picked out long leg with precision as he top-edged a hook. It was again impressive execution from Finn, in the first over of his second spell, and a vital breakthrough for England who were really struggling.Relief of the day
It was a rare wicketless Test for Graeme Swann at Lord’s, but having seen Shakib and Abdur Razzak turn the ball square expectation was squarely on his shoulders this time around. However, his barren spell went on a little longer still as Tamim and Kayes played him well during their opening stand and it was delight mixed with relief when he got one to take Junaid Siddique’s edge through to Matt Prior. Swann was then back in the groove and produced a lovely ball to remove Jahurul Islam. By the close he had another five-wicket haul.Spell of the day
A 12-ball 5 and an opening spell of six overs for 35 meant a quiet start to Ajmal Shahzad’s Test career, but that didn’t last. Recalled late in the day with the ball reverse-swinging he showed what has caught the eye of Andy Flower as he ripped out three wickets in 16 balls as Bangladesh crumbled. His first Test wicket didn’t come from his best ball, as Mohammad Ashraful cut to backward point, but the two deliveries to castle Mahmudullah and Shafiul Islam were high-quality late swingers that would have dismissed many batsmen.

A major update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Burnley central defender James Tarkowski…

What’s the talk?

Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards has claimed that the defender is keen on a switch to the club, but there is still a stumbling block in the club’s path.

He Tweeted: “I wouldn’t get Trippier printed on the back of any #nufc shirts just yet but this looks like a goodbye to me. As for Tarkowski, he’a not exactly playing his best games for Burnley at the moment. I’m told he also wants to come to #nufc but Burnley very reluctant to sell.”

Buzzing

Newcastle fans will surely be buzzing with this claim from Edwards irrespective of the Clarets’ desire to keep him this month.

The news that he is keen to join the Magpies will get the fans excited as it shows that there is an interest from the player and he is out of contract in the summer, which means that he could join on a free if he does not arrive in the next few weeks for a transfer fee.

They will also be delighted as he could be an excellent signing for the side. In the past four full Premier League seasons, he has averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.02 or higher, showing that he has performed to a high standard in the top-flight over a long period of time.

Meanwhile, no Newcastle centre-back has averaged a score higher than 6.42. This suggests that Tarkowski could vastly improve the standard of Eddie Howe’s options in that position.

His teammate Ben Mee previously lauded his professionalism, saying:

“Obviously there was a lot of talk around Tarky. I’ve said to him, ‘I’m glad you’ve stayed.’ He focused really well and he showed that on Saturday.

“He had the attitude of what will be, will be. He never once stepped out of line. You see other players at other clubs, you hear about something and they can go a bit off the rails. He’s stuck to it and trained really well and stuck with the group. He’s fully focused on playing for us.”

This suggests that he is a player who is able to cope with the speculation over his future, which is good news for Newcastle as it means that he could have a seamless transition into playing for the Magpies. He will not allow a big move to get to his head and will be able to come straight in and perform well.

The key question is whether or not he will join now or at the end of the season. Either way, Edwards’ update provides the exciting prospect of him joining the club and fans will be buzzing with it, regardless of when it happens.

AND in other news, Contact made: NUFC can kickstart PIF era with a bang in £20m deal for “phenomenal” gem…

Scott Newman upstaged England captain Andrew Strauss and smashed his first century for Middlesex as the visitors put themselves into a potential winning position

23-Apr-2010

ScorecardScott Newman upstaged England captain Andrew Strauss and smashed his first century for Middlesex as the visitors put themselves into a potential winning position in their County Championship Division Two match at Wantage Road. The 30-year-old opener hit 112 from 139 balls against Strauss’ 32 to inspire the hosts to a second-innings total of 258 for 3 declared and lead of 393 at the end of day three.Middlesex dominated from start to finish with Danny Evans helping skittle Northamptonshire out for 307 with figures of 5 for 87 before Newman and Dawid Malan (56) pressed home their advantage. Nicky Boje battled valiantly for the hosyts, finishing 61 not out and claiming second-innings figures of two for 87, while Stephen Peters and Mal Loye offered hope for tomorrow, closing at 29 without loss.Northants started the day 264 runs behind their opponents on 178 for 4 with David Sales and Andrew Hall resuming on 35 and 31 respectively. Hall added just eight to his overnight score before edging Gareth Berg to Malan, who took a brilliant one-handed catch low to his right in the fourth over.Sales battled but could not help becoming Steven Finn’s second victim on 55, with wicketkeeper Paul Harrison next to go for eight, trapped leg before by Evans. Former England spinner Shuan Udal picked up his first wicket of the innings when he forced David Lucas to nudge to Sam Robson for 16, while Jack Brooks hit only a single before falling to Evans. He completed his five-wicket haul after Robson took another sharp catch at short leg to dismiss Luke Evans for eight, leaving Boje stranded on 61 from 103 balls.Middlesex started their second innings 135 runs ahead and quickly built on their advantage with Newman passing 50 off 93 balls, ably supported by Strauss. However it was not long before the England captain was back in the pavilion as he looped Boje straight to Luke Evans at mid-on to break an opening stand on 94.Robson was next in but made just 10 before being caught low down by South African Hall at slip off the bowling of Lucas. But there was no stopping Newman as he cut loose with the day drawing to close to reach three figures off 130 balls. His superb innings came to an end when he missed an attempted drive off Boje and was stumped by Harrison.Middlesex declared on 258 with Malan unbeaten on 56 off 44 balls and Berg on 37 off 29 to leave Northants to bat out the remaining four overs. Peters and Loye did that with ease ending on 29 for no wicket with quickfire knocks of 14 and 15 respectively.

The counties will be playing one less competition this season but more days of cricket. With such a mixture of four-day, 20-over and 40-over cricket squads will be stretched to the limited.

Andrew McGlashan and Sahil Dutta07-Apr-2010Can Steve Harmison spearhead another Durham title push?•Getty ImagesDerbyshire
Captain Chris Rogers Coach John Morris Overseas Chris Rogers (Aus), Loots Bosman (SA – T20)
There was precious little for Derbyshire fans to cheer about last season and they will struggle again this year to make a real impact in any of the formats. Yet the strength and depth in batting, led by Chris Rogers, should make them tough to beat in the Championship. Winning games will be more of a problem given the slim bowling resources. Charl Langeveldt has departed but another South African import, Robin Peterson, will bring experience and nous to the attack and they will need another big season from Graham Wagg. SD
Key man Chris Rogers – 1461 runs at 73.05 last season was miles ahead of the rest of his team and the captain will have to score equally big to give his side a sniff.
Keep an eye on Tim Groenewald – A South African-raised allrounder, his bustling medium pace was a revelation last year with 34 wickets in nine first-class games.
Winter surprise The players will have to remember to stand in the right place after the pitch was turned to avoid the setting sun.
Silverware? The bowlers probably lack the quality to secure silverware in any of the formats.Durham
Captain Will Smith Coach Geoff Cook Overseas Albie Morkel (SA), Ross Taylor (NZ, TBC – T20 only)
Can they do the hat-trick? No county since Yorkshire between 1966-1968 has claimed three Championship titles on the bounce, but it would be a brave person to bet against Durham. They were so far ahead of the pack last season that their nearest challenges are going to have make significant strides to catch them. International calls will mean seeing little of Paul Collingwood and Graham Onions, but the squad has depth to cover their absence. In a sign of confidence they haven’t signed an overseas player for the Championship and instead will show faith in the likes of Gordon Muchall and Ben Stokes. Once again, though, it’s the pace attack that makes them favourites with Steve Harmison and Liam Plunkett leading the pack. Don’t rule out one-day success, either, from a squad that has that winning habit. AM
Key man Steve Harmison – The man himself wants another Ashes chance, but selectors are likely to think differently. However, he remains hungry for domestic success and county line-ups will pay the price.
Keep an eye on Ben Stokes – A young allrounder who impressed with England Under-19s. Gives the ball a hefty thump and bowls useful medium-pace
Winter surprise Have decided not to recruit from overseas for four-day cricket. Will that prove costly?
Silverware? Will take some stopping in the Championship and a one-day trophy for the taking as well if they can stand the pace.Essex
Captain Mark Pettini Coach Paul Grayson Overseas Danish Kaneria (Pak)
Promoted on the final day of last season after Ryan ten Doeschate slammed a 59-ball 108 against Derbyshire, Essex’s first challenge is to ensure they don’t become a yo-yo team that goes straight back down. It will be a tough ask for a side that looks a little thin in a few areas – especially the bowling. With Ravi Bopara back in England favour they will also need to cover for his runs, although Alastair Cook will be available while the World Twenty20 is on. They need a big season from Tom Westley and regular contributions from the likes of James Foster, Graham Napier and ten Doeschate. The one-day route appears to be their best chance of success with the clutch of allrounders capable of winning Twenty20 matches.
Key man Matt Walker – Needs to produce a consistent output in a line-up than is missing a big name if Cook and Bopara are absent. AM
Keep an eye on Tom Westley – Time for him to kick on after showing glimpses of his potential
Winter surprise Grant Flower was named Zimbabwe’s batting coach, but will play this season before taking up his role.
Silverware? Championship survival will be a success, but don’t be surprised to see them compete for 40 and 20-over trophies.Gloucestershire will need a big haul from the fiery Steve Kirby to challenge for promotion•PA PhotosGlamorgan
Captain Jamie Dalrymple Coach Matthew Maynard Overseas Mark Cosgrove (Aus), Shaun Tait (Aus – T20)
Glamorgan’s search for trophy success has them looking again to Australia. Jason Gillespie, their overseas player in 2008, has helped persuade the express Twenty20 specialist Shaun Tait to go to Cardiff, fresh from his pursuits in the IPL. Glamorgan’s intentions are clear – they are searching T20 silverware and an opportunity to collect Champions League riches after disappointing in all formats last year. Two wise-heads at the helm in Jamie Dalrymple and Matthew Maynard, alongside the evergreen Robert Croft, who turns 40 in May, means there is plenty of guidance for the younger members of the squad. If Mark Cosgrove can continue his good form from last year a shot at promotion may not be out the question. SD
Key man Michael Powell – They will need plenty of runs from an experienced batsman to help along the younger players.
Keep an eye on James Harris – The 19-year-old played for the England Lions against Australia last year and has the responsibility of leading Glamorgan’s pace attack
Winter surprise That Maynard has kept his job after rumours of a behind-the-scenes problems
Silverware? Their best chances lies with Tait and the Twenty20.Gloucestershire
Captain Alex Gidman Coach John Bracewell Overseas James Franklin (NZ)
Gloucestershire have nurtured a lively attack led by the ever-fiery Steve Kirby, but to improve on last year’s ‘almost’ season they need some backbone to their batting. Jonathan Batty’s arrival from Surrey will add to an impressive think-tank led by former New Zealand coach John Bracewell. James Franklin, a fellow Kiwi, will strengthen both the lower order and the bowling attack but there may still be a touch of class missing from both. They remain a competitive one-day unit, but have lost that unbeatable quality from the beginning of the last decade. SD
Key man Steve Kirby – Surely destined to be a nearly-man for England now, if can stay fit and find some support could lead the push for promotion.
Keep an eye on Vikram Banerjee – A left-arm spinner rated highly enough to be part of the Performance Squad.
Winter surprise Ian Saxelby’s dislocated shoulder when appealing during a practice session.
Silverware? Having reached the semi-final of the FP Trophy last year Gloucestershire could push for one-day honours this season.Hampshire
Captain Dimitri Mascarenhas Coach Giles White Overseas Ajantha Mendis (SL), Rangana Herath (SL), Shahid Afridi (Pak – T20), Abdul Razzaq (Pak – T20)
For the sake of a competitive Championship race Durham need some close challengers and Hampshire may just provide that. They flirted with relegation last season, but have the core of a strong side especially after the signing of Kabir Ali. If Ajantha Mendis appears for his spell bowling sides out shouldn’t be a problem. Runs have often been harder to come by, but with Michael Carberry unlikely to feature regularly for England he can anchor the top order alongside Michael Lumb, while James Vince and Liam Dawson can cover for John Crawley’s retirement. Dimitri Mascarenhas will miss the start of the season, but when he returns his one-day skills will also make Hampshire a force in the shorter formats. With their new ties with Rajasthan Royals, Twenty20 success is likely to be high on the agenda. SD
Key man Michael Carberry – If he can churn out the regular runs again it will keep in the selectors’ thoughts and also help Hampshire to commanding totals.
Keep an eye on James Vince – Some of his strokeplay in the Pro40 last season took the breath away and he’s another of the new generation of fearless, young batsmen.
Winter surprise Becoming part of the world ‘global’ sporting franchise after linking with Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals as Twenty20 shows no sign of slowing down.
Silverware? They should compete on all fronts and it may all depend on the club’s priorities. Four-day or Twenty20?On the outside: Joe Denly has been dropped by England so needs a profitable season for Kent•Getty ImagesKent
Captain Rob Key Coach Paul Farbrace Overseas Malinga Bandara (SL)
One of most financially strapped counties on the circuit they continue to have a small playing staff which hasn’t left Paul Farbrace, back at Kent after his time with Sri Lanka, much room to manoeuvre. Their promotion was a fairly comfortable affair and with a following wind they could mount a challenge in the top division, but there is also the potential for things to unravel quite quickly. At least the batting order led by Rob Key, Joe Denly and Martin van Jaarsveld – not to mention a revitalised Geraint Jones – should mean decent totals and all are destructive one-day players as well. It’s easy to forget that Amjad Khan played for England a year ago and he should form a potent new-ball attack with Robbie Joseph. The problems will come if they are injured, but Malinga Bandara will help cover for James Tredwell. AM
Key man Joe Denly – Has failed to establish his England place during the winter and motivation to impress the selectors could benefit Kent.
Keep an eye on Sam Northeast – Earmarked as a rare talent since a schoolboy he started to score consistently last season but may have to wait his chance.
Winter surprise Not so much a surprise, as many saw it coming, but the losses of £800,000 hurt.
Silverware? Injuries will test the bench-strength, but if they hold it together through the middle part of the season another dip at the Twenty20 title is in the offing.Lancashire
Captain Glen Chapple Coach Peter Moores Overseas Ashwell Prince (SA), Kumar Sangakkara (SL)
The best news for Lancashire during the off season came in early March when Trafford Council approved their development plans for Old Trafford. Barring any late problems, the club can now start the desperately needed work to secure their Test future. There have been subtle touches to the team itself rather than major work and, by and large, it is a familiar group of players who will try to end Lancashire’s trophy drought. Each season begins with the same expectation and Peter Moores’ honeymoon period is now over. The loss of Mal Loye and Faf du Plessis will put pressure on import Stephen Moore to find his feet quickly, but Ashwell Price and Kumar Sangakkara (if he remains available) should fill their boots. Wickets are a bigger issue and Gary Keedy will hope for a dry summer. Meanwhile, the wait for Andrew Flintoff’s return goes on. AM
Key man Sajid Mahmood – Seemingly been discarded by England again, he needs to lead the attack in all forms. Has the pace to trouble county sides and needs to aim for 60-wicket season.
Keep an eye on Steven Croft – A developing allrounder who pushed for England Lions honours last year. Outstanding in the field.
Winter surprise Daren Powell – The former West Indies quick was a shock acquisition to join the pace attack.
Silverware? If Mahmood and Keedy fire they can push Durham and should challenge on the one-day front. But that’s said every year.Leicestershire
Captain Matthew Hoggard Coach Tim Boon Overseas Andrew McDonald (Aus), Brad Hodge (Aus – T20)
After enduring a torrid bottom-of-the-table finish last season, their first since 1962, Leicestershire decided on a winter spending spree. In came Matthew Hoggard to captain the side, Will Jefferson to bolster the batting and the Australian duo of Andrew McDonald, for the whole season, and Brad Hodge for the Twenty20. They add experience to a talented young side which, under Hoggard’s quirky leadership, could bring a turn-around in fortunes at Grace Road. Hodge was key to the club’s previous Twenty20 success and they could surprise a few teams once again. SD
Key man Matthew Hoggard – May have lost his ‘nip’ but he remains as canny as ever, his wickets and leadership will be crucial.
Keep an eye on James Taylor – As the ‘one-to-watch’ last year he duly delivered a barnstorming county season, making 1184 runs at 65.77. How he copes with ‘second season syndrome’ will be critical.
Winter surprise That they saw captaincy material in Hoggard – it will be nothing if not interesting.
Silverware? Silverware could be beyond them but a sneaky charge at promotion is not out of the question.

Wolves are back in action this lunchtime with an away Premier League clash against Manchester City after their crushing 1-0 defeat against Liverpool at Molineux last weekend.

On the chalkboard

In terms of which players Bruno Lage could pick to be in his starting XI to take on Pep Guardiola’s side, one man who should not be in the team today is wing-back Nelson Semedo.

His display against Liverpool showed why the Portuguese international isn’t capable of performing against the top teams in the Premier League, such as Manchester City, who have scored 32 goals and conceded just nine in their 15 league games so far this season.

In Semedo’s 90 minutes on the pitch against Jurgen Klopp’s side, he only completed 18 of his 29 passes and found a team-mate with just one of the six long balls he attempted, ultimately losing possession 21 times.

From a defensive point of view, the ex-Barcelona player – who has previously been derided as a “liability” at the back by Tim Spiers – only won three of his 11 duels and failed to make any tackles or block any shots. He was also dribbled past on two occasions, hardly making himself a tough opponent for Liverpool’s attacking players.

This display ultimately earned the 28-year-old an overall match rating of 6.2/10, making him the lowest-rated Wolves player on the day according to SofaScore – even lower than the likes of Joao Moutinho and Francisco Trincao, who came on as late substitutes in the 1-0 defeat.

The Express & Star also picked up on Semedo’s rather worrying display by claiming that he “struggled” in the game and that “defensively he allowed Mane and Robertson to get beyond him too often and he gave the ball away regularly,” as well as saying that he “offered little going forward.”

With this in mind as well as City’s plentiful attacking riches, it could be in Lage’s best interest not to start Semedo – who is currently earning £84k-per-week according to Salary Sport – this afternoon, as City’s attacking stars could target him as Wolves’ defensive weak link.

In other news – Huge relief: Wolves handed double injury boost ahead of City clash which will have many fans buzzing