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Tim Paine drove Tasmania to victory in their first home match of the summer as they knocked off the 41 runs they required on the final day for the loss of just one wicket

Cricinfo staff06-Nov-2008
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Tim Paine guided Tasmania to a win at home © Getty Images
Tim Paine drove Tasmania to victory in their first home match of the summer as they knocked off the 41 runs they required on the final day for the loss of just one wicket. Paine finished unbeaten on 69 and it was a terrific effort after they had fallen to 6 for 76 on the third afternoon.They began the final day at 6 for 140, chasing 181, and the loss of Brett Geeves for 36, bowled by Shaun Tait in the second over, gave South Australia a glimmer of hope. But Paine was ably supported by the No. 9 Gerard Denton, who took 52 balls for his 9, to earn Tasmania their first win of the campaign.Paine was the only one of Tasmania’s top six to pass 20 in the small chase but he knew the tail could be useful after the last pair Denton and Ben Hilfenhaus compiled a 66-run stand in the first innings. “I had plenty of faith in those blokes,” Paine told after the match.”It was obviously a crucial game for us, our first game at home, and we want to win all games here. As well as losing the first two games, it was critical we got the six points today, so it was a great result.”The loss was a major blow for South Australia, who have struggled in recent seasons and went on an international and interstate recruiting drive during the winter. They have not won any of their first three Sheffield Shield matches this summer.

A lot Manchester City fans were pleased to see some of their international stars rested on Saturday evening.

Portugal were victorious over Qatar in Hungary with a 3-1 win thanks to goals from Andre Silva, Otavio and Bruno Fernandes.

On Wednesday, City trio Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva all started for their country as Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 89th and 96th minute to beat Republic of Ireland 2-1 and send Portugal level on points with Serbia in their World Cup qualifying group.

As Saturday’s fixture against the 2022 World Cup hosts was only a friendly, Fernando Santos opted to rest the three City players ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Azerbaijan, as tweeted by @cityreport in the build-up to the match.

Dias was brought on midway through the second half, whereas Silva and Cancelo both sat out out the full match, with the right-back rested after playing every minute of Manchester City’s opening three league games of the season.

Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Leicester City next weekend following the international break, and having all their key players fresh available for a busy September, which includes trips to Chelsea and PSG, will be most desirable.

City fans glad to see Portugal trio benched

These City fans on Twitter were glad to see the club’s Portuguese trio benched for the Qatar friendly on Saturday:

“So Portugal is gonna lose this friendly, I’m glad they’re benched, they should rest up for Man City’s next fixture next Saturday”

Credit: @MarohOdiku

“Awesome, good for our club”

Credit: @salliem019

“Sweet”

Credit: @Fredijeh4

“Best place for them, safe and sound on the bench”

Credit: @lang_kev

“Sending them back to Manchester”

Credit: @jgedeon1717

“Dias is finally getting some rest”

Credit: @clinicaljack

In other news, lots of Man City fans are excited about an academy player update. Find out more here.

Former Nottingham Forest star Nigel Jemson insists that the club need new signings before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

The Championship club have struggled immensely at the start of the season.

Under the management of Chris Hughton, they are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table and did not win any of their opening four games of the season.

They have been active in the transfer window but have yet to actually invest in a player.

Loan deals for Watford’s Philip Zinckernagel, Arsenal’s Jordi Osei-Tutu, and Manchester United’s James Garner have been struck, as has a free transfer to sign goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.

Jemson insists that Forest will need to splash the cash before Tuesday if they are to ensure that they do not spend the season struggling at the base of the table, especially given the age profile of the current squad.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “For sure, there has to be new players coming in.

“I’ll be perfectly honest, I’ll be worried if we don’t get any more signings in, about how the season will pan out. It is imperative that we get new signings in, it relieves a little bit of pressure on other people, certainly the younger players because you get new signings and it gives everyone a lift.”

Jemson played for the club between 1988 and 1991.

The European Union has widened sanctions against Zimbabwe, publishing a list of 37 more individuals and four businesses subject to visa bans and asset freezes. One of those included on the list for the first time is Peter Chingoka, the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket. The additions take the total number of targeted individuals to 168.The EU release included Chingoka with the following short explanation. “Chief of the federation of cricket of Zimbabwe, having publicly supported the terror campaign carried out before and during the elections”.An important aspect of the action is that Switzerland and other European Free Trade Association countries also support it, so Chingoka will not be able to transit through any EFTA or EU countries.Chingoka has steadfastly denied that he has any links to the ruling regime of Robert Mugabe, and a decision last October to deny him a visa to enter the UK was shrouded in confusion. While government sources told Cricinfo that the visa had been refused because of evidence of links to the Zanu-PF government, the ICC apparently never asked Chingoka himself why he had been barred. A consequence was that the ICC annual conference earlier this month was moved away from London for the first time in 99 years as it was felt that Chingoka would be denied entry, even though he never actually reapplied for his visa.However, his inclusion on an EU list will weaken his standing, and will also undermine claims by his supporters within the ICC that the original ban was an unwarranted unilateral action by the British government. It is possible that the US authorities will extend their own list of individuals subject to sanctions in the coming weeks.”The sanctions … are designed very much to reinforce the drive for the transitional government that reflects the democratic will of the Zimbabwe people as expressed in the election in March,” David Miliband, the British foreign secretary, said.

Noel Whelan has been left lauding the news that Glen Kamara has been offered a new deal at Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: New deal offered

As per The Athletic, Kamara is edging closer to signing a new contract at Ibrox that will keep him there for the long-term.

Leeds United have reportedly been linked with a move to sign the Finland international before the summer transfer window closes, and so Steven Gerrard would ideally like his future sorted out sooner rather than later.

The Latest: Whelan on contract offer

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who is now a pundit after a stellar career playing for the likes of Leeds United and Coventry City, has lauded the contract offer given to Kamara, as he feels that it is very important that the Gers keep him come the end of the window:

“It’s great news for Rangers if he signs a new deal.

“For Rangers, this summer was always going to be about keeping their best players and keeping their internationals and there’s no doubt about it, Kamara is one of them.

“He’s been vitally important to their recent success. I’d say he was one of their top five players last year.

“Gerrard will not want to lose any of his squad. It is about strengthening in some positions and keeping that core group, who have worked so hard under Gerrard, together so they can keep the Scottish Premiership title at Ibrox.”

The Verdict: Great news

As Whelan rightfully points out, it would be great news for Rangers if Kamara ends up signing the new deal.

Described as a ‘magnificent’ player by Gerrard back in December, the central midfielder was a key player in the Gers’ Scottish Premiership title triumph in the 2020/21 season, playing in a total of 28 games, scoring one goal and making one assist (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, if the Light Blues want to kick on again, then they need to keep a hold of their best players, and Kamara is certainly one of them.

In other news, find out what will be a ‘disaster’ for Rangers here!

According to Eurosport, Tottenham Hotspur have now become the latest club to ‘consider a move’ for Watford star Ismaila Sarr – with the Hornets’ stance on a sale also revealed.

The Lowdown: Paratici cooking…

It has already been quite the busy summer for new managing director Fabio Paratici as he is tasked with developing Tottenham’s on-field sporting operations.

The Italian has overseen a summer rebuild at N17 with plenty of departures and a fair few incomings in Cristian Romero, Bryan Gil and Pierluigi Gollini (Transfermarkt).

He shows no sign of stopping here, either, with Eurosport bringing the latest and namedropping another target.

The Latest: Spurs ‘consider’ Sarr move…

As per the outlet, Tottenham have now entered the fray in regards to Sarr – becoming the latest club to consider moving for him this summer as Paratici weighs a swoop.

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The Senegalese sensation has attracted attention from many top clubs over the last two seasons, including the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.

Watford, despite Spurs’ fresh interest, seem determined to keep hold of their star player – with Eurosport sources suggesting any interested club will have to offer ‘well north’ of £50 million.

The Verdict: Statement of intent…

While Sarr appears unlikely to leave Vicarage Road going by his club’s stance, Tottenham weighing a swoop for him arguably signals their huge ambition and intent to back new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Lauded as a ‘really exciting player’ by former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor (via The Express), the 23-year-old’s recent numbers certainly back this up.

According to WhoScored, Sarr averaged an impressive 2.2 shots per 90 over 39 Championship starts last season whilst notching 13 goals and four assists – marking himself out as a real key player.

Hornets keeper Ben Foster is certainly a huge fan of his teammate, who he calls ‘phenomenal’ with the best acceleration he’s ever seen (Watford Observer).

Tottenham entering the mix for him certainly highlights Paratici’s goal to seriously bolster the Lilywhites, even if it is unlikely they can get meet Watford’s lofty asking price.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Fantastic’…Sky Sports pundit blown away by ‘huge’ claim involving Spurs, find out more here.

Swansea City have initiated talks with Russell Martin regarding the vacant managerial position at the Liberty Stadium.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that Jason Levien and Steven Kaplan have made an approach to Milton Keynes Dons for the 35-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract with the League One side.

As such, it is reported that the Swans would be required to pay MK Dons a compensation fee if they were to appoint the former Scotland international as Steve Cooper’s successor this summer.

The club’s interest in Jody Morris is also mentioned in the report, however, it is suggested that Martin now appears to be Levien and Kaplan’s favourite for the position.

Martin could transform Swansea

Having taken over an MK Dons side in the League One relegation places back in November 2019, over the course of his two-year spell at Stadium MK, Martin has worked something of a minor miracle at the club.

Indeed, in his first season, the 35-year-old impressively guided his side to survival in the third tier, eventually finishing the season in 18th place.

Last season, the upward trajectory continued under the Scot, as, after making a number of astute signings on loan deals and free transfers in the summer transfer market, the club solidified their status as a League One side, finishing the season in 13th place.

However, perhaps the reason why Swansea appear so keen to appoint the exciting coach is down to the way the former Norwich City defender has his MK Dons side playing, having implemented a very distinct style of football.

Indeed, the Dons approach every game with the intention of dominating possession of the ball, as well as always looking for a progressive pass – with the club ranking by far as the League One leaders in Possession x Progressive Passes per 90 last season.

In defence, Martin’s side press intensely, allowing the attacking side an average of just 9.28 passes before attempting to win the ball back – with their PPDA (passes per defensive action) ranking as the fifth-lowest in the league.

In Layman’s terms, this makes for an attractive, fast-paced and attack-minded brand of football, something that – in general – football fans tend to appreciate more so than a boggy, slow-paced game.

And, with Cooper not exactly winning many plaudits for his win-at-any-cost style during his time at Swansea – despite being undeniably successful with this method –  should the Swans go on to land Martin this summer, fans would be witnessing a much more free-flowing and attack-minded team in action at the Liberty Stadium, with the Scot’s appointment bringing with it the possibility of a transformed Swansea City side.

In other news: Swansea in crisis as McGrath drops manager claim, but there could be a silver lining

West Ham United have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Robin Olsen to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication AS (via Sport Witness), who claim that the AS Roma goalkeeper is open to a move away from the Stadio Olimpico in the summer transfer window.

Both West Ham and Atletico Madrid are mentioned as potential destinations for the 31-year-old shot-stopper, with it being believed that David Moyes’ side have already made an enquiry with the Italian club regarding a move for the Sweden international.

GSB surely buzzing

With a transfer undoubtedly being easier to get over the line when a player is open to a move away from their current club, in addition to the fact it has been widely reported that David Gold and David Sullivan have been on the lookout for a new goalkeeper to bring into West Ham this summer, the news that Olsen would be happy to leave Roma ahead of next season is sure to have left the Hammers board buzzing.

And, while he did not feature all the much while on loan at Everton last season, the ‘keeper nevertheless proved he would make a very solid addition to David Moyes’ options between the sticks during his time at the Toffees, as well as with Sweden at Euro 2020 this summer.

Indeed, over his seven Premier League appearances for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last term, the £2.7m-rated goalkeeper helped his team keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of three saves per game and a total of 21 stops over the course of the season.

The metrics saw the man the Spanish press dubbed a “monstrous” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.87, ranking him as Everton’s 12th-best performer in the top flight of English football.

The £14k-per-week goalkeeper continued this fine form at Euro 2020, keeping two clean sheets and making an average of 2.8 saves per fixture over his four appearances in the competition, earning an average SofaScore match rating of 7.05, ranking him as Sweden’s joint second-best player in the tournament.

As such, with the 36-year-old Lukasz Fabianski very much heading towards the twilight of his footballing career at the top level of the game, Olsen would appear to be a very solid option to provide backup and competition for the Poland international next season, before potentially taking over from the veteran shot-stopper as West Ham’s number one at some point in the not so distant future.

In other news: West Ham handed transfer boost over “exceptional” Euro 2020 gem, Moyes will be buzzing

Luke Hatfield, from the Express and Star, has all but confirmed that Aston Villa have accepted defeat in their pursuit of highly-rated Arsenal youngster Emile Smith-Rowe.

Dean Smith has been chasing the 20-year-old attacking midfielder all summer, but has seen two offers rejected by the Gunners, who are desperate to keep one of their most promising talents.

Having seen a bid knocked back in the region of £30m for Smith-Rowe, the Villa Park outfit were set to launch another to try and test Arsenal’s patience.

However, Mikel Arteta recently confirmed that Smith-Rowe will “100 percent” be staying in north London this summer despite strong interest from Villa.

Smith-Rowe, who doesn’t turn 21 until later this month, caught the eye following several outstanding performances for Arsenal since breaking into the Gunners first-team on Boxing Day.

He scored twice and chipped in with four assists in just 18 Premier League starts during his breakthrough season with his boyhood club, where he looks set to stay following recent contract talks.

Asked whether the deal is now dead in the water, Hatfield told The Transfer Tavern:

“It does represent a significant blow.

“Until it’s signed and sealed then Villa will think there will be a way to work their way into it, but with the confidence that Arteta has come out and said he’s 100 percent staying, it does make you think the new deal is pretty much agreed now, and they’re waiting to announce.”

The Telegraph’s John Percy has dropped a major update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe this summer.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Dean Smith’s side put in a £25m bid for Smith Rowe, although the bid was officially rejected by the Gunners.

Now, Percy has claimed that Villa have not been put off by Arsenal’s initial rejection, with the club now preparing a second bid to try and entice the north Londoners into selling.

It’s added that Villa feel a deal is worth exploring, and they envision Smith Rowe as someone who could play alongside the likes of Emi Buendia, Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins.

Dean Smith will be excited

After news emerged of the first bid for Smith Rowe, The Athletic’s Villa correspondent Gregg Evans declared: “Villa’s ambitions are becoming crystal clear. Not only are they showing no signs of slowing down their spending spree under Sawiris and Edens, but they are also looking at ways to weaken clubs who could be direct rivals.

“Bidding for Smith Rowe is the most obvious sign yet of that. But this strategic approach of trying to pick apart big teams is taking Villa to a new level. That they feel Smith Rowe is an achievable target says everything about the way the club are moving forward. The very thought of taking away one of Arsenal’s most exciting young players just a few years ago would have been laughed at.

“Also, while their desires to sign Smith Rowe are real, it’s one thing bidding for him, and another actually landing the attacker. But already, these are starting to feel like exciting times for Villa. They are flexing their muscles in the market and aiming high.”

Having seen their initial bid rejected, it would have been very easy for Villa to just walk away, and that first offer would simply have been seen as a bit of posturing.

But going back in for Smith Rowe suggests Villa aren’t just having a laugh or a joke here, and seriously consider their interest in the starlet as something that could come to fruition.

It will absolutely delight Smith that the club are showing such ambition in the transfer market, and it bodes well for their future.

Meanwhile, John Percy has dropped a major claim involving Dean Smith…