Sthalekar century sets up easy Australian win


Scorecard

Lisa Sthalekar scored a career-best unbeaten 104 © Getty Images
 

Lisa Sthalekar produced her second match-winning innings in two days to give Australia a 2-0 lead over India in Sydney. The Indian top order, barring Mithali Raj, failed yet again as the visitors crashed to an 86-run defeat.The Indian bowlers kept Australia quiet in the first half of the innings, conceding only 83 runs in 29 overs. But then Sthalekar was joined by No. 6 batsman Jodie Fields and the two upped the run-rate, adding 93 at more than five and a half an over. Sthalekar’s 113-ball 104 was her highest score in one-dayers and she also went past 2000 runs during her innings. Fields was Australia’s next highest scorer with 39.India’s start was worse than Australia’s – they lost both openers with nine on the board – and they continued losing wickets at regular intervals. Anjum Chopra and Raj’s 23-run third-wicket stand was the highest partnership of the innings. The last five wickets fell for 39, with Raj the final one to be dismissed for 74. Kirsten Pike picked up three wickets, including those of Raj and Chopra, while debutant Lauren Ebsary took one wicket as well.Sthalekar said the conditions were tough to bat on early in the innings and credited the openers for seeing off the tough period. “Alex [Blackwell] and Leah [Poulton] did extremely well and gave us a chance to look at the older ball. We lost a few wickets early but I was still trying to be positive and get the runs ticking over. If we allowed them build momentum it would have brought them back into the game.”She said Fields allowed her to settle down by taking charge and hitting over the top. “When Jodie came in she was very positive and timed the ball extremely well. She made it look easy. That partnership allowed us to build the innings and get over 200 on the board.”By closing in and shutting down the batters when we were in the field, it put them under a lot of pressure. The dot balls that we were able to build by excellent bowling brought our fielding into play more than in previous games.”The teams will meet in the third ODI on Wednesday in Sydney before moving to Canberra for the final two games.

Celtic: Jesper Karlsson suspended for Parkhead tie

AZ Alkmaar will be without star winger Jesper Karlsson against Celtic on Wednesday evening, The Daily Record report.

The Lowdown: Karlsson profiled

Karlsson only joined the Dutch side last year but has made quite the impact in his 11 months at the club.

The Sweden international netted 12 times and registered nine assists in all competitions for Alkmaar last season – his best season in front of goal in his career.

The 23-year-old is at the peak of his powers with a £7.2m career-high Transfermarkt valuation, however, he won’t be up against Ange Postecoglou’s side on Wednesday evening.

The Latest: Suspended

Celtic Park plays host to the first leg of the Europa League playoff, but the visitors will be without Karlsson.

The Daily Record shared a story on Tuesday morning, revealing Karlsson is serving a suspension following his red card against Rijeka in the Europa League group stages last season.

That has carried over to the current campaign, and as it is their first fixture in Europe, the winger will be missing in Glasgow.

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The Verdict: Huge

No Alkmaar player contributed to more Eredivisie goals than Karlsson’s 20 last season, so his absence is a huge boost for Postecoglou and his Celtic side.

With home advantage and the visitors without one of their key men, Celtic may see this as a real opportunity to take a first-leg lead ahead of their trip to the Netherlands next week.

A first-leg lead could well be crucial, especially as the Hoops failed to defeat FC Midtjylland in the Champions League after only managing a draw at home.

In other news: Leeds keen on another Celtic ace alongside Leo Hjelde. 

Lugano diz que Ceni faltou à aula de 'encantador de serpentes'; entenda

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo tem recorrido a seus líderes para aliviar a crise publicamente. Nesta quinta-feira, o ídolo Diego Lugano conversou com os jornalistas. O novo capitão Pratto, o zagueiro Rodrigo Caio e o volante Jucilei também falaram após a terceira eliminação no ano. E o uruguaio saiu em defesa do técnico Rogério Ceni, que tem recebido críticas em meio ao cenário ruim.

Para analisar Ceni, Lugano evocou novamente o termo “encantador de serpentes”, que já tinha usado para analisar Tite, técnico da Seleção Brasileira. Segundo o zagueiro, Ceni faltou nessa aula. Ele abordou dessa maneira ao elencar as virtudes e defeitos de seu treinador.

– Todo mundo sabe da metodologia de trabalho moderna, exigente, dinâmica para os jogadores. O mesmo que era como atleta, é como treinador. Muito direto, honesto, frontal. O vestiário geralmente valoriza um treinador que, mesmo na hora ruim, publicamente protege o atleta. E na intimidade, que haja cobrança, claro. E jogador condena treinador que fala mal. A imprensa que condena treinador que publicamente não fala mal dos seus companheiros, e valoriza os que jogam seus jogadores para os leões. Falei para ele: “Você faltou na aula mais importante do treinador, que é ser encantador de serpente”. Essa parte deveria fazer melhor – afirmou o uruguaio.

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Mas o que é ser encantador de serpentes? Lugano deixou no ar.

– Prefiro que vocês utilizem sua imaginação e interpretem minhas palavras. Não adianta eu explicar, se você (jornalista) já têm suas manchetes, não vai mudar o que você pensa. Então utilizem minha metáfora como vocês quiserem – disse o uruguaio, quando perguntado.

Para Lugano, encantador de serpentes é um elogio. Diz respeito ao modo como o treinador trabalha sua imagem e blinda certas críticas com jogo de cintura. Passa por bom relacionamento com a imprensa. Na visão dele, Ceni é tão honesto consigo mesmo que não vê a necessidade de adaptar seu pensamento para agradar à crítica. E poderia fazer diferente para evitar ser perseguido.

No mais, o zagueiro abordou o mau momento do São Paulo e mais da situação de Rogério na coletiva. Só não quis falar da renovação de seu contrato, que vence em 30 de junho. Disse que seria egoísmo, em meio à crise por que passa o clube. Confira abaixo a entrevista coletiva do ídolo Diego Lugano, que fez seis jogos nesta temporada apenas:

Como o Rogério está armando o time?
A gente teve folga ontem, e terça os jogadores que não jogaram fizeram um coletivo. A partir de hoje começará a desenhar o time para segunda-feira.

Renovação
Por enquanto, não é momento para falar de mim porque tem uma situação coletiva mais importante. Seria egoísmo de minha parte. Nesse momento tem de focar toda a energia de sair dessa fase complicada, dificílima. Todo o São Paulo está focado nisso

Como fazer para sair da crise?
Eu tenho a receita sozinho, não conheço outra. Foi um pouco do que falamos outro dia. Quando o resultado não vem, um time grande como o São Paulo, está precisando urgentemente de um título. Óbvio que a pressão, a emoção do torcedor, fica mais sensível. É momento de ter humildade, de fechar a boca, ouvir, apanhar. E com nobreza, tentar melhorar. Ser auto-crítico, saber que a gente não consegue ter o resultado que pretende, que a gente acha que tem potencial, então alguma coisa está faltando porque não está vindo. Todo mundo melhorar um pouco e ajudar no coletivo. Se você tiver outra receita, você me passa e escuto com muito carinho. Estamos precisando. Fazer trabalho no dia a dia, com seriedade.

Como está o Rogério neste momento?
Aqui ninguém gosta de perder, porque sempre está em jogo muita coisa. Ele sabe muito bem o risco que assumiu. Sabe que depende de resultados, e obviamente como qualquer treinador vencedor na vida, não aceita as derrotas e a gente vê nele o mesmo que a gente. A vontade de dar a volta por cima, não aceitar esse mal momento. São personalidades que identificam qualquer atleta de alto nível. Obviamente, afeta as derrotas.

Não tem atuado com frequência
Não tenho jogado porque tem companheiros que estão melhores. Por sorte, vocês vem aqui no CT sempre, e talvez seja o único jogador que não falta um treino, não me machuco. Tenho muitos defeitos, mas o máximo que tenho de fazer pelo São Paulo é estar todo dia dedicado, falando pouco, e dando exemplos. É a maneira melhor de passar as coisas. Porque as palavras no futebol muitas vezes são mentirosas, sem essência. E o exemplo que posso passar é como atitude. E obviamente se estou aqui hoje, a situação do clube não é ideal. O São Paulo está precisando de um título, e ficamos três vezes fora no ano. Obviamente, não é melhor, e os jogadores mais experientes e identificados são os mais responsáveis. Falo pouco, mas quando falo tem que ser assim.

Rogério e o peso de ser ídolo
A figura dele é muito importante para o mercado do futebol brasileiro. Muitas pessoas querem o êxito dele, e o fracasso. Até para mim que tenho identidade, a figura dele ajuda, porque absorve muita a pressão. Como Maradona quando a Argentina poderia ficar fora do Mundial. Isso é um pacote do Rogério, que a personalidade dele ajuda bancar. O resto depende dos resultados, de nós jogadores. O treinador pode ser o melhor do mundo, mas se a gente não fizer nos 90 minutos, de nada adianta. Isso que estamos tentando. O time está se doando por completo. Hoje tem GPS, a gente corre o dobro do adversário. Mas está faltando auto-crítica, sabemos que falta alguma coisa

Críticas foram exageradas?
Não escuto muito a imprensa. Mas acho que foi muito pela aula que ele faltou, para ser treinador, em um mundo tão midiático, que é esse do futebol.

Próximos jogos
Na situação que a gente está, como eu falava para vocês, uma sequência no Morumbi, a médio prazo, é bom. Mas temos de pensar dia a dia, senão a ansiedade, a cobrança, pressão que vem de fora, acaba jogando contra. Você tem que tentar absorver o peso que a derrota traz, e dia a dia. Tem que ser sempre o último jogo. E tentar conseguir os resultados. Não adianta ficar pensando muito agora. São Paulo tem elenco bom, forte. E quando mudar a energia, deixar de fazer gol contra, a sorte muda. O adversário faz gol contra, por exemplo. Tem como brigar, no mínimo, por Libertadores. Não somos um time de estrela, mas somos muito competitivos. Temos de fazer o mais difícil, fazer mudar a energia a fazer do São Paulo.

Episódio da prancheta, entre Ceni e Cícero: alguém está vazando informações para prejudicar o São Paulo?
Como falou Marcelo Bielsa, a mesma notícia na derrota é usada como uma condenação. Na vitória, seria de outra forma. Imagina um vestiário que se você tem uma derrota no clássico e não tem cobrança. Imagina o que vocês estariam falando se o São Paulo empatasse esse jogo. Até criou chances. Se a gente empata, Rogério passaria a ser mais do que mito. A liderança, a forma que os jogadores assimilam as coisas dele. Acho subjetivo, mentiroso. Mas é a realidade. Foi como teve no ano passado quando cheguei. O vestiário do Brasil são mais parecidos do que reality show, todo mundo filmando, muita gente, redes sociais. Não quero passar por cara muito velho, mas não é assim, no Uruguai não é assim, na Argentina, na Europa também não é um pouco assim. E qualquer comentário pode virar uma bola de neve. Essa cena poderia passar como uma página de glória do São Paulo, mas como perdeu…

West Ham now most keen on signing Botman

According to Sky Sports, West Ham United are said to be the ‘most keen’ club of those being linked with Lille defender Sven Botman, despite the Hammers not making any ‘serious noises’ just yet.

The Lowdown: Moyes in centre-back market?

Strengthening West Ham’s options in central defence had been tipped as a real priority for manager David Moyes this summer, according to club insider Claret & Hugh.

That could be more important than ever given Fabian Balbuena has since departed the club, leaving just Craig Dawson, Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna as their only real options in that position.

The Latest: West Ham ‘most keen’ on Botman…

Of the Premier League clubs interested in Botman, it is explained by Sky that West Ham are now the ‘most keen’ on signing him, despite failing to make any ‘serious noises’ just yet.

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Crystal Palace and Newcastle are behind the Irons in terms of interest while newly-promoted Norwich have also tracked him for a long time.

West Ham and other interested parties haven’t registered ‘concrete’ interest yet, while ‘top clubs’ like Man City, Man United and Tottenham admire the player but don’t believe he is ready for the top end of the Premier League just yet.

The Verdict: No brainer?

Valued at around £25.2 million by Transfermarkt, a fee of around that range could be a snip for Botman, given his exploits in 2020/2021.

Starting 37 Ligue 1 matches, the 21-year-old has apparently garnered massive praise from ex-West Ham defender Jose Fonte – with journalist Duncan Castles explaining that the centre-back believes Botman is a ‘machine’ (Planet Football).

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 4, only Tomas Soucek and ex-Irons forward Sebastian Haller won more aerial duels on average than Botman last season (WhoScored) – indicating that he is quite the towering presence.

Still young and with plenty of years ahead of him, a move for the Dutchman could be a real no-brainer.

In other news: ‘What a joke’…West Ham fans fume in response to official club post, find out more here.

Spurs fans erupt over Tomiyasu update

Flocking to Twitter, many Tottenham Hotspur fans have erupted over a claim involving Serie A defender and long-time target Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The Japan international has been on Tottenham’s transfer radar for some time now, with Sky Sports lifting the lid on a rejected £12.9m (€15m) offer, plus an extra £2.6m (€3m) in add-ons.

The Athletic, following on from that development, claimed Spurs found common ground with Bologna and were even finalising terms – but there have been few updates since then.

Now, a claim from Italy has emerged which could come as welcome news in the race to sign Tomiyasu this summer.

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Indeed, Calciomercato.it now say that an agreement has been reached ‘in principle’ for his signing from Bologna and the deal can go through after Tomiyasu finishes his stint at the Olympic games.

Flocking to this news, with personal terms having also been agreed for a while, it’s safe to say that most Lilywhites supporters are overjoyed.

One even called it ‘fantastic news’ and many more have erupted in response to The Spurs Express and The Spurs Web.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

Tottenham fans erupt over Tomiyasu claim

“Fantastic news at last!!”

Credit: @ColinWindell

“Niceeee”

Credit: @dele_tubbies

“yesss happy”

Credit: @IamSAMI75

“Finally a proper RB”

Credit: @BoltDest

“Finally, some good news”

Credit: @darkchild99

“GET INNNN”

Credit: @ParisLizzie

“Wow”

Credit: @DattareyaC

“This could be a right back cover sorted and bye bye Aurier”

Credit: @Jasonsnell17

In other news: Talks underway: Nuno green lights yet another Spurs exit as N17 news emerges, find out more here.

Reporter feels Chelsea will struggle to find Ross Barkley buyer

Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield reckons Chelsea will struggle to sell Ross Barkley due to his inflated wages.

Barkley has returned to Stamford Bridge after spending last season on loan with Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Villa opted against pursuing Barkley in a permanent deal after the midfielder made just 27 appearances as a hamstring injury limited his progress.

Barkley has two years remaining on his £96,154-per-week deal, which was signed following his £15million switch from Everton in 2018.

Reports suggest West Ham United are interested in the 27-year-old, with Hammers boss David Moyes keen to reunite with Barkley having played a key role in the early stages of his career at Everton.

Barkley is seen as a back-up option if the east Londoners fail to sign Jesse Lingard, who spent the second half of last term on loan from Manchester United.

However, Hatfield – who watched Barkley closely during his temporary spell at Villa Park – would not be surprised to see Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel struggling to offload the former England international midfielder.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I think Chelsea will struggle to ship him out, especially with the wages and money they want for him.

“They paid an awful lot for him and I don’t think there is a club who’s going to be willing to match that outlay.

“It’s unfortunate for the player because he could find himself in a sticky situation.” 

AVFC: Fans react to club’s Emiliano Buendia post

Emiliano Buendia has been pictured in Aston Villa attire for the first time since his club-record move from Norwich City earlier this summer.

And, as to be expected, the image posted by the club has received plenty of interaction from a number of Villa supporters.

Villa confirmed the transfer over a month ago now, however, Buendia has been on an extended break after representing Argentina earlier this summer.

The 24-year-old, who signed a five-year deal in the Midlands, has now joined up with the Villa squad at Bodymoor Heath and was pictured in training wear.

Buendia had the number 20 printed on his attire, the same number loanee Ross Barkley wore at the club last season.

Villa fans react

Villa posted the image of Buendia on their official Twitter page on Monday evening, with the caption ‘look who’s arrived at Bodymoor Heath’.

It didn’t take long for these Villa fans to share their love at the post, with one describing it as ‘beautiful’.

“Needed this”Credit: @liam_davies7″YESSSS”Credit: @gracepearcex”Finally, the lift I needed”Credit: @HarryUTV”WHAT A BEAUTIFUL THING TO SEE”Credit: @catrinedwards18″It’s so beautiful. Actually spent all morning thinking about him. Get us into Villa park to watch him play”Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ”FINALLLLLYYYYYYY”Credit: @avfc_sam_

In other news: ‘A joke, can’t lie’ – Many Aston Villa fans ‘disappointed’ over club update.

Com valor de compra fixado, Clayton se diz pronto para desafio no Timão

MatériaMais Notícias

Apresentado nesta terça-feira, o atacante Clayton se diz preparado para o desafio no Corinthians. Ele chega por empréstimo até o fim desta temporada do Atlético-MG e tem valor de compra fixado, segundo confirmou o diretor de futebol do Timão, Flávio Adauto, que entregou a camisa ainda sem número ao novo reforço. A negociação envolveu a ida de Marlone ao Galo pelo mesmo período.

– Estou preparado, treinando normalmente, não fui utilizado no Atlético-MG por opção, mas não deixei de treinar em momento algum. Vou estar á disposição já. Sempre vou dar o máximo para ficar à disposição, e espero não ter qualquer lesão até o fim do ano – afirmou Clayton, que será inscrito para os mata-matas do Paulistão e pode estrear nas quartas de final, no próximo domingo.

continua após a publicidade

Clayton era desejo antigo do Corinthians. Depois de se destacar no Figueirense em 2015, ele recebeu uma oferta do Timão de 3 milhões de euros (R$ 13,4 milhões na cotação da época) por 50% dos direitos econômicos. O clube catarinense, no entanto, optou por aceitar a proposta do Galo. Agora, o atacante destaca a experiência acumulada em 2016, apesar de não ter conseguido se firmar em Minas Gerais.

– Olha, para te falar a verdade é muito complicado quando você tem 20 anos e é muito disputado. Essa parte não dependia só de mim, mas é só um que a gente pode escolher. A vida acontece do jeito que tem que acontecer. Estou preparado para esse momento. Estou mais preparado hoje do que há um ano pela experiência, e esse é o momento certo de eu vestir essa camisa – disse.

Ainda na negociação do fim de 2015, Biro, pai do jogador, aconselhou o filho a acertar com o Corinthians. Clayton, no entanto, não pôde acatar ao desejo na époda, mas agora quer dar alegrias ao pai corintiano.

– Meu pai ficou muito feliz, ele tinha uma opinião e acabou não acontecendo. De primeiro momento acabei não vindo, mas hoje estou aqui, feliz por esse momento. Meu pai ficou muito feliz, quase chorou, e espero corresponder a todas as expectativas dele – declarou.

Aos 21 anos, destro e com 1,73m, Clayton é natural do Rio de Janeiro e foi revelado no Figueirense e depois se transferiu para o Atlético-MG. Ele passou pela Seleção Brasileira Sub-23, sendo vice-artilheiro nos Jogos Pan-Americanos, com quatro gols em cinco jogos na conquista do bronze.

Pundit: Grealish must join Man City to boost England chances

Former Manchester City left-back Michael Ball believes Jack Grealish must join the Premier League champions if he wants to ensure a starting berth in Gareth Southgate’s England side ahead of Qatar 2022.

Pep Guardiola has been keen to sign Aston Villa captain Grealish this summer, with reports suggesting City are set to offer £100million for the attacking midfielder.

Grealish, who was England’s poster boy during their run to a first-ever European Championships final earlier this month, is Villa’s highest-paid player and has four years remaining on his £120,000-per-week deal.

As a result, Villa are not in a position where they need to sell their talisman and hold a strong negotiating position should City firm up their interest.

The 25-year-old made 27 appearances last season, contributing seven goals and 12 assists.

Ball feels Grealish needs to leave his boyhood club if he wants to become a member of Southgate’s preferred England starting line-up ahead of next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Ball said: “We know how much he is a Villa fan but, at the end of the day, he’ll want to break into that England side for the World Cup and he wants to be one of the key players.

“I feel for him to improve, so Gareth Southgate has no doubts as to whether to play him, he has to move on. What better manager is there to play under than Guardiola?

“If Manchester City come calling, he’s got to go. If that move happens, he is the number one pick for the World Cup.”

Likes and dislikes ruining cricket team's performance

With talent in abundance, Pakistan cricket team which is perhaps the best on paper in the world looks demoralised because of the total mess in the management

Ali Kabir12-Sep-2002With talent in abundance, Pakistan cricket team which is perhaps the best on paper in the world looks demoralised because of the total mess in the management.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is being run simply on personal whims of the establishment totally ignoring the potential of the players and selection or appointment of team officials who are simply either incompetent or have no say whatsoever in its functioning or policy making decisions. Whatever may be the reason, in nutshell the team’s performance is proof enough of all-round deterioration.The team’s performance at Tangiers (Morocco) and Nairobi in the just concluded tri-nation competition exposed the intentions and calibre of all those who are associated with the team and those who are at the helm of affairs. The responsibility cannot be put only on the team management or the establishment. If one cares to do postmortem of the recent events, which is a must and if someone cares to improve the things, it is evident that there is unnecessary interference from some quarters which is adversely affecting the team’s performance.The role in the overall performance of the team shows that personal likes and dislikes is governing the policy of the PCB. If national interest is dear to anyone, this factor should never be allowed to creep in. The problem is that it has become the governing factor. Those who talk of merit are living in a fool’s paradise at least in the present PCB setup.Every move of the establishment is manoeuvred which has plagued the board. Nobody in the PCB seems to be sincere or loyal to the game. If there would have been sincere people, they would not have allowed sports vultures to hang around. What is the contribution of individuals like Zakir Hussain Syed to cricket. He was offered a lucrative job of secretary, Asian Cricket Council and unconfirmed reports suggest that a situation is being created to adjust him somewhere in the PCB hierarchy.Presence of a few shady characters in Morocco has given new dimensions to rumours that Pakistan lost some of the matches in Tangiers under suspicious circumstances. May be someone sensing rift in the team and being present on the scene made full use of the situation.The Kenya episode, which resulted in Yousuf Youhana being sent home was the overflow of happening in Morocco which was covered up under the guise of fitness problem of the batsman. Can the PCB explain how come Youhana went for an MRI test without the consent of the team doctor. It was all doctored and nothing else.The present PCB setup has a set plan to have only ‘yes’ men or paid employees who dare not raise their finger on any issue. It adopted the policy of having paid selectors and perhaps the PCB chief himself was the worst sufferer when his yes men dare not pinpoint the fault of Junaid Zia’s bowling action. The result was that Junaid was called for chucking on four occasions. Team coach Haroon Rasheed failed to show any wisdom by not pointing out the problem with Junaid’s action after the first call. But, Haroon was more interested in his bread and butter than anything else.The present chairman of the selection committee, Wasim Bari, a gentleman cricketer, just cannot afford to put his foot down and at times he is not even aware of team selection. The PCB is in dire need of men of the stature of Haseeb Ahsan who despite having best relations with the then BCCP chief, Air Marshal (Retd) Nur Khan refused to select, player of the calibre of former Pakistan captain, Imran Khan, purely on medical grounds and stepped down, totally ignoring his relationship with Nur Khan.When Haseeb toured England with the Pakistan team as manager, the British press which is always out to run down visiting teams was perhaps most respectful. Then we have a man in Naushad Ali, who is a clean man and has managed the Pakistan team, is a former Chairman of the Selection Committee and a former ICC match referee with good reputation.But such people cannot be inducted in the board as they are men of principle and would work with full freedom without any interference. Nobody can doubt their credibility and credentials. There are some other people but they do not suit the present management who want to meddle in everything and are responsible for the present mess up.The latest action of the PCB in retaining Shoaib Malik and sending back Azhar Mahmood is simply disgusting. Shoaib Malik is being rated as a better off-spinner than Saqlain Mushtaq and a better batsman than Saeed Anwar. So much so that the PCB toyed with the idea of promoting him as an opener. Shoaib Malik scored two hundreds in one-dayer which gave boost to the manipulators to promote him in the batting order.The whole effort fired back as whenever he went to open the innings he played dot balls, resulting in increased pressure on the team. He only wanted to secure his place in the team caring hoots for the team interest. He failed as a bowler when in three matches he just bowled one over for 15 runs. In the last match against Australia he scored 37 from 94 balls which totally belied the PCB hierarchy’s doctrine.If anyone from Nairobi had to be sent home, it should have been Shoaib Malik, the worst performer on the present form and not Azhar Mahmood who has been declared unfit, a reasoning which is hard to challenge as neither the player nor the team doctor will support for obvious reasons.Those who follow the game must be surprised with the way the present management is handling Shahid Afridi, who holds the world record of scoring fastest century in one-day. The team management is toying with his batting position. He has batted at No. 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 and last time he was sent to open the innings. Can anybody in his senses ever make such decision unless there is some motive behind it.Misbah-ul-Haq, who has been unlucky in the past at last got a chance when the team management was left with no option and he slapped in the face of the establishment by scoring 50, 39 and 50. What was the team of so many experts travelling with the squad doing all along. All the team officials should be kicked out and fresh team of management should be inducted. But nothing will change as long there is interference from the top. Unless everyone who is given a particular assignment has a free hand which at the moment seems impossible. What has been the benefit of specialist, trainers imported from Australia for batting, bowling and fielding.Pakistan sports in general and cricket in particular is on decline and one cannot expect any improvement unless we do away with the politics of regionalism, nepotism and ‘sifarish’ and work with the sole aim of promoting national interest, keeping personal interest at a distance. No doubt it is easy to preach than practice but nothing is impossible if there is sincerity and loyalty to the nation which should not be compromised.