Ish Sodhi returns to Rajasthan Royals as spin consultant, operations executive

Ish Sodhi, the New Zealand legspinner, is set to take on a new role for Rajasthan Royals. After being released earlier this year following a two-year stint, the 27-year old will rejoin as spin consultant and operations executive.”Ish was very keen with the managerial side of things, and was particularly interested in how things work behind the scenes, so we thought while we bring him on board in an operational capacity, he can also double-up on the coaching front by assisting our spin coach Sairaj Bahutule,” a Royals official told ESPNcricinfo.An active cricketer seeking to broaden his horizons into the business operations of a franchise, Sodhi could be a pathbreaker of sorts. But such an association isn’t entirely new for the Royals, who earlier had Pravin Tambe in their roster.The Mumbai legspinner was once a a venue manager at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. He also served as liaison officer for Deccan Chargers at the same venue in 2010. In 2013, he was part of the Royals squad despite not having played a single game of top-flight cricket.In 2020, at 48, Tambe will be the oldest player in the competition following a bid at his base price (INR 20 lakhs) from Kolkata Knight Riders, while Sodhi, nearly two decades younger, works in the backroom. According to the Royals, Sodhi’s rapport with their young spinners – Shreyas Gopal, Riyan Parag – played a hand in him being signed in a dual capacity. This season, he’ll also get to work with 20-year old legspinner Mayank Markande, who has been traded in after two years with Mumbai Indians.”It is a fascinating opportunity for me to involved with the coaching staff at such a young age, while also supporting and learning about the operations of the business,” Sodhi said in a statement. “I am looking forward to developing my coaching skills alongside Sairaj and learning from Jake Lush McCrum [chief operating officer] on business operations.”Sodhi picked up nine wickets in eight matches for the Royals at an economy of 6.69. While he isn’t part of New Zealand’s Test plans at the moment, he’s still on their radar for limited-overs selection. In all, Sodhi has an impressive 161 wickets in 143 T20 matches, with a best of 6 for 11 for Adelaide Strikers against Sydney Thunder in BBL 2017-18.”We are very happy to welcome back Ish to the Royals family in his new role,” Royals’ head of cricket Zubin Barucha said. “The induction of Ish in this dual role demonstrates the Royals’ commitment to recognise and reward young talent to develop into masters in their field of work.”

Will Pucovski and James Pattinson included in Australia A squad

Moises Henriques will captain the side, which also features Usman Khawaja, against England Lions at the MCG

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Feb-2020Will Pucovski and James Pattinson have been included in the Australia A squad to face England Lions in a day-night four-day game at the MCG from February 22 with Moises Henriques rewarded for his impressive domestic performances with the captaincy.Pucovski suffered another concussion playing for the Cricket Australia XI against the Lions on the Gold Coast on Sunday and was ruled out of the remainder of the three one-day games due to the quick turnaround between matches.Pattinson is the one player to have appeared in this summer’s Test side to be included in the A team. He played the last two Tests against New Zealand, at the MCG and SCG, following the hamstring injury suffered by Josh Hazlewood.Michael Neser, who was in every Test squad without making his debut, is included along with legspinner Mitchell Swepson who was called up for the Sydney Test and is expected to tour Bangladesh in June.Marcus Stoinis is handed some compensation for missing out on a recall for the limited-overs tour of South Africa with a chance to impress in the first-class arena while Usman Khawaja and Marcus Harris, who have not played since the Ashes, are given encouragement that they remains in the selectors’ thoughts.Josh Inglis, the Western Australia and Perth Scorchers wicketkeeper, will take the gloves with Alex Carey involved in the South Africa tour.Henriques, who has led the Sydney Sixers to the final of the BBL, will captain the side in a season where he has averaged 56.62 for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield. Last month, Tim Paine name-checked him among potential all-round options for the Test side but said he would need to bowl more having only sent down 20 overs in the Shield.Australia A squad Moises Henriques (capt), Jackson Bird, Marcus Harris, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Kurtis Patterson, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson

Poch could replace Palmer with Chelsea’s "electric" £100k-p/w star

Chelsea are back in action once again in the Premier League tonight as they prepare to travel across London to take on Arsenal at The Emirates.

The Blues were knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday as they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City at Wembley, thanks to a late strike from Bernardo Silva.

Mauricio Pochettino's side will not be winning any silverware this season but still have the chance to qualify for the Europa Conference League or the Europa League, which means that every game is important and all three points are needed this evening.

A win for Chelsea would see them move up to seventh in the Premier League, ahead of West Ham United and Manchester United, and level on points with Newcastle United in sixth, who have a better goal difference at the moment.

The Blues could, however, be without their superstar forward Cole Palmer for this clash with the Gunners, as he is currently a major doubt to be fit for the game.

Latest Cole Palmer fitness news

According to Pochettino, the England international has been struggling with an illness and may not be ready to take to the field at The Emirates tonight.

The Chelsea boss stated that, as of Monday, he did not "believe" that the left-footed maestro would be involved in the game, and added that the attacker may not even be able to play if he recovers on Tuesday.

He added that it would be a "good" challenge for his team to face the Gunners without Palmer in the starting XI, as it could motivate the other players to prove that the side is not "Cole Palmer Football Club".

There is little doubt that the English magician will be a tough act to follow for whoever is tasked with taking his place in the lineup, due to his phenomenal form in the Premier League this season.

Appearances

28

Goals

20

xG

14.95

Assists

9

Big chances created

12

Key passes per game

1.9

As you can see in the table above, the 21-year-old wizard has been outstanding in the final third with a staggering 29 direct goal contributions in just 28 appearances since his move from Manchester City last summer.

He is the joint-top scorer in the division, alongside former teammate Erling Haaland, and only three players – Kieran Trippier, Pascal Gross, and Ollie Watkins – have registered more assists.

Chelsea, therefore, do not have anyone in their current squad who has proven that they can reach similar levels, as not many players in the entire league have proven that so far this term.

However, his potential absence does provide someone with an opportunity to step up and make their mark with a big performance against the Gunners.

Instead of going for the experience of Raheem Sterling, Pochettino must unleash speedster Mykhailo Mudryk on the left flank, moving Conor Gallagher into a central role.

Raheem Sterling's form this season

The former England international, who has one goal in his last 16 games in all competitions, has struggled in front of goal at times this season for the Blues.

Now 29, Sterling is an experienced option who has been there and done it in the Premier League over the years, for Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea.

However, his work in the final third during the 2023/24 campaign has left a lot to be desired. The right-footed attacker has scored six goals and missed 11 'big chances' in 27 league appearances, which has included 21 starts.

Raheem Sterling

This shows that he has not made the most of the opportunities that have been created for him so far in the top-flight, as he has spurned five more 'big chances' than the forward has scored goals.

Sterling has also failed to provide creative quality on a consistent basis for the London-based outfit, with four assists and one key pass per game on average.

The 29-year-old attacker has not been efficient in his offensive or defensive duels, either, with a success rate of just 38% in his attempted dribbles, to go along with a duel success rate of 39% in his battles on the ground and in the air combined.

Why Pochettino should unleash Mykhailo Mudryk

Pochettino must now unleash Mudryk from the start on the left flank ahead of Sterling, as he has the potential to offer more than the English dud in and out of possession.

Firstly, the Ukraine international has won 45% of his duels, including 48% of his ground battles, in the Premier League this season, and could, therefore, provide slightly more strength off the ball to compete against opposition defenders.

The young dynamo, who journalist Nizaar Kinsella hailed as "electric" last year, has also completed 55% of his attempted dribbles in the top-flight.

This shows that the £100k-per-week speedster can beat his man more often than not on the wing, whereas Sterling has been tackled 62% of the time so far.

Appearances

27

25

Starts

21

12

Goals

6

4

Big chances missed

11

3

Assists

4

2

Big chances created

6

5

As you can see in the table above, Mudryk has been less wasteful in front of goal – with more goals than 'big chances' missed – and has only created one fewer 'big chance' for his teammates in nine fewer starts.

This suggests that the 23-year-old whiz, who ranks within the top 10% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for progressive carries (5.82) per 90 this term, has been more efficient at the top end of the pitch than Sterling, given the difference in their playing time and contributions in attack.

Therefore, Pochettino should provide Mudryk with an opportunity to start on the wing against Arsenal in the absence of Palmer, ahead of Sterling, with the added motivation of showing the Gunners what they missed out on.

Chelsea eyeing "clinical" £151m signing to upgrade on Mudryk

The Blues are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the impressive “difference-maker”.

ByDan Emery Apr 23, 2024

Mikel Arteta's side reportedly had two offers rejected by Shakhtar Dontestk before the winger completed his £89m move to Stamford Bridge at the start of last year, and the young gem may want to prove to them that they should have done more to land his signature.

Lee Dixon raves over Arsenal star who’s "very unique" to Arteta

Let's cast our minds back to the conclusion of the summer transfer window last year. Arsenal had just spent a seismic sum of money, notably to bring Declan Rice to the Emirates Stadium.

For a brief moment, Rice became a British record transfer, signing on for a grand total of £105m. Also welcomed with open arms to north London was £65m Kai Havertz and David Raya on loan. Jurrien Timber arrived too, captured for £38m.

However, besides the ever-impressive Rice, Arsenal's summer signings suddenly looked like poor business after the opening months of the campaign.

Arsenal players Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice

Timber sustained a devastating ACL injury on the opening weekend of the Premier League season and hasn't been seen since. Raya's first few weeks after replacing Aaron Ramsdale looked nervy and it took until November for Havertz to find a goal from open play.

Yet, as has often been the case since he became Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta got it right.

Raya has stood out the more he plays and was the penalty hero in the Champions League against Porto while Havertz's fortunes have changed considerably.

Kai Havertz's season in numbers

£65m on Havertz, you say? Yeah, it's a pretty outrageous sum of money for a player who struggled to stand out for the right reasons at Chelsea.

There was that famous night when he scored the winning goal in the Champions League final but beyond that the German never really got going, scoring just 32 goals across 139 appearances for the Blues.

A move was required and Arsenal came calling. However, the opening few months were riddled with criticism. His only goal for the Gunners across the first 12 league outings was a penalty against Bournemouth.

Fortunately, he's now revived his fortunes and become one of the most important members of Arteta's side.

2024 has been the year of Havertz who has scored in each of his last four league matches, also providing two assists in that time. The £280k-per-week man – who takes home the highest salary of any Arsenal player – is emphatically proving his doubters wrong.

He's impressed many, including former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon who has been delighted with his recent appearances in the red and white.

What Lee Dixon has said about Kai Havertz

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of BetVictor Casino Dixon swooned over the 24-year-old's displays in recent times, admitting that while he always believed there was a player in there at Chelsea, he was initially on the fence about his move across London.

"Firstly, yeah, he's done really well," Dixon began. "I was one of those – and it's easy to say after the event – but I was one of those who sat on the fence and said, ‘look let's give him a little chance’. You know, people will go ’why have you spent that money on him? He's rubbish.’

"Some of the commentators and people were set on their opinion and that's absolutely what they should do if that's what they believe, but I just thought, we've all seen stuff in him when he was at Chelsea and there is a player in there, it's just a case of finding a home and it looks like he's really comfortable now."

"I think when you've got a player who seems to be a confidence player – not everybody is – but we all like to play with confidence in the place where we think nothing's going to go wrong. Some players can play through that and he looks like that player."

Havertz has played in a number of roles since signing for Arsenal. Arteta initially thought the German could act as a replacement for Granit Xhaka in the no.8 role but his best displays have actually come as a false 9.

With Gabriel Jesus injured and Eddie Nketiah not preferred, the former Chelsea man has been entrusted as the focal point of the attack and delivered some truly impressive displays.

That's thanks to what Dixon thinks is an incredibly 'unique' profile. Discussing Havertz's best qualities and play style, the former England international commented: "He's showing that he feels at home and the positions that he's taken up and his ability to be dangerous around the box gives Arsenal just a little bit of an extra dynamic."

"So, instead of players looking at him going ‘oh, Kai Havertz? He's not going to cause much trouble’, now all of a sudden he is a problem. He changes how teams play against you. He’s got a very unique style to his play in that he is quite languid at times. And then other times he’s really athletic. So he's quite different to a lot of players that Arsenal have which is a good thing."

So, the mega-money signing has turned his career around at just the right time. Arsenal face a massive test in the title race when they face Manchester City on Sunday. They then have to take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League. If they are to come through those ties with victories in hand, they will need Havertz at his best.

Lee Dixon delivers verdict on Ben White's England snub

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Lee Dixon delivered his verdict on Ben White.

By
Matt Dawson

Mar 26, 2024

São Paulo treina na Barra Funda e faz ajustes finais para seu primeiro clássico no Campeonato Brasileiro

MatériaMais Notícias

Neste sábado (19), o São Paulo treinou pelo período da manhã no CT da Barra Funda, de olho no clássico contra o Santos, válido pela quinta rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Em sua última sessão de treinos antes da partida, o time acertou os últimos ajustes para o seu primeiro clássico no torneio.

RelacionadasSão PauloCom duelo contra o Santos pela frente, São Paulo tem retrospecto positivo em clássicos a seu favorSão Paulo18/06/2021São PauloDupla do São Paulo se apresenta à Seleção brasileira sub-17São Paulo18/06/2021São PauloCOLUNA DE VÍDEO: Setoristas do São Paulo no L! projetam clássico San-São e apontam caminhos do TricolorSão Paulo18/06/2021

CONFIRA A TABELA ATUALIZADA E SIMULE OS JOGOS DO BRASILEIRÃO DE 2021!

O Tricolor busca se recuperar de um início ruim no Brasileirão. Após quatro rodadas, o time somou somente dois pontos dos 12 disputados. Ainda sem vencer na competição, a equipe acumula dois empates e duas derrotas até o momento.

Contra o Santos, porém, o São Paulo conta com o bom retrospecto em clássicos na temporada. Ao todo, a equipe venceu três clássicos e empatou outros dois, estando invicta nessas partidas.

Uma das vitórias foi conquistada justamente contra o Santos, no dia 6 de março, pela terceira rodada do Campeonato Paulista. Na ocasião, o time de Hernán Crespo venceu a partida por 4 a 0, no Morumbi.

Para o clássico deste domingo (20), o São Paulo deve entrar escalado da seguinte maneira: Tiago Volpi; Diego Costa, Bruno Alves e Reinaldo; Igor Vinicius, Liziero, Gabriel Sara, Emiliano Rigoni e Welington; Luciano e Eder.

A bola rola a partir das 18h15, na Vila Belmiro. Jogando fora de casa contra um rival, o Tricolor espera conquistar sua primeira vitória no Campeonato Brasileiro e, assim, iniciar sua recuperação no torneio.

موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر والمغرب اليوم في تصفيات أمم إفريقيا تحت 17 عامًا

يستهل منتخب مصر مواليد 2008، اليوم الإثنين، مشواره في منافسات تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 17 عامًا (تصفيات شمال إفريقيا للناشئين)، بمواجهة البلد المضيف المغرب.

وتقام تصفيات شمال إفريقيا للناشئين تحت 17 سنة، بدولة المغرب في الفترة من 11 إلى 23 نوفمبر الجاري.

ويشارك في تصفيات شمال إفريقيا المؤهلة لكأس الأمم الإفريقية تحت 17 عامًا، كل من: مصر والمغرب والجزائر وتونس وليبيا.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع المغرب، ثم يواجه الجزائر، ويخوض ثالث مبارياته أمام تونس، ثم يختتم التصفيات بمواجهة ليبيا.

ويضم الجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر 2008 كلا من أحمد الكاس مديرًا فنيًا، ووليد مهدي مديرًا للمنتخب، ومحمد إبراهيم مدربًا عامًا، ورامي عادل مدربا مساعدا، وأحمد فوزي مدربا للحراس، والدكتور علاء الجوهري مدربا للأحمال. موعد مباراة مصر والمغرب اليوم في تصفيات شمال إفريقيا

تقام مباراة مصر والمغرب، اليوم الإثنين 11 نوفمبر 2024، إذ تنطلق المواجهة في تمام الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10 بتوقيت السعودية، 8 بتوقيت المغرب.

طالع | قائمة منتخب مصر 2008 لـ تصفيات شمال إفريقيا القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر والمغرب اليوم في تصفيات شمال إفريقيا

تذاع مباراة مصر والمغرب، على قناة أون تايم سبورت 1. معلق مباراة مصر والمغرب اليوم في تصفيات شمال إفريقيا

يعلق على مباراة مصر والمغرب، طارق الأدوار.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Barcelona exploring shock deal to sign Tottenham outcast Sergio Reguilon after spending last season on two separate loan spells

Barcelona have enquired about Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon, which would be a shock transfer given his recent struggles and rival past.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Barcelona enquire over Reguilon
  • Left-back cover required
  • Spaniard out of favour at Spurs
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to , Barcelona have been in contact with Tottenham to understand the conditions that might be expected were they to launch an approach for Reguilon.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Reguilon isn't thought to have a place at Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou and Spurs are open to selling. He started last season on loan at Manchester United and, when that deal was cut short in January, finished it on a similar temporary deal at Brentford. Meanwhile, Barcelona were short on left-backs even before Alejandro Balde suffered a long-term hamstring injury midway through last season and have lost the cover they did have in loan signing Joao Cancelo, who has returned to Manchester City.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Reguilon hails from Madrid and first joined the youth ranks of fierce Barcelona rivals Real Madrid at the age of nine. He spent a total of 15 years at the club, before his permanent transfer to Tottenham was completed in 2020.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

  • Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT?

    If Reguilon is to return to Spain, Barcelona will have to reach a decision on whether the response Tottenham have given make a more formal approach worthwhile. Balde has played sparingly in pre-season and himself is only 20 years of age, so lack real experience.

Pakistan set up semi-final showdown against India

In what was built up as a tense clash between two neighbouring countries, Pakistan’s all-round bowling effort combined with a solid batting performance helped them set up a semi-final clash against defending champions India. Afghanistan, meanwhile, can at best hope to finish fifth if they beat Australia in a play-off fixture,Pakistan’s efforts were led by half-centurion Mohammad Huraira, who ensured they didn’t have any hiccups in their chase of 190. They crossed the line with plenty to spare.ALSO READ: Noor Ahmad mankads Mohammad Huraira in Under-19 World CupAlthough the win was straightforward, it featured a moment of quick-thinking from Afghanistan’s left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad, who ran out opener Huraira for 64 in the 28th over for walking out of his crease at the non-strikers’ end.However, that dismissal did not alter the result. The unbeaten fourth-wicket stand between Qasim Ahmed (25) and Mohammad Haris (29) took Pakistan to victory in the 42nd over.”Our batsmen did not take the responsibility today, and that’s where we lost,” Afghanistan captain Farhan Zakhil told ESPNcricinfo after the match. “We want to congratulate Pakistan on the way they controlled the game. They deserved to win today.””I had self-belief that whenever I get a chance for the team, I’ll try to do my best,” Huraira, the Player of the Match, said. “The coaches told us to not go for the big shots against the spinners. When they bowled bad, only then did we go for the boundary shots. The pacers were wayward and we waited for the bad ball. When it came, we banged them away.”Afghanistan, opting to bat first, were bowled out for 189. Pakistani right-arm pacer Mohammad Amir Khan led the way, taking 3 for 58. Afghanistan had begun their innings well, putting on 41 runs for their first wicket in quick time, but Ibrahim Zadran’s dismissal to left-arm quick Tahir Hussain opened the gates for a middle-order collapse.The score of 41 for 1 soon became 99 for 4 as Pakistan’s bowlers upped the pressure by their tidy bowling in the middle overs. If it wasn’t for No. 9 Abdul Rahman’s 41-ball 30 towards the end, Afghanistan could have been bowled out for much less. Each of Pakistan’s six bowlers picked up at least one wicket, with Fahad Munir taking 2 for 29 in his seven overs.Pakistan’s chase began smoothly, as their openers struck exquisite drives and hearty pulls off the Afghanistan pacers in the first Powerplay. Haider Ali was the first man dismissed, run out in the 12th over, but by then they had already put on 61.Pakistan captain Rohail Nazir then struck 22 in the company of Huraira to take them past 100, and despite Noor’s efforts of taking two wickets plus the run-out of Huraira, they eventually had too few runs to defend.Huraira was the best batsman on the day. He struck eight fours and a six, peppering most of his boundaries through the covers and even holding his pose for the cameras on a few occasions.
Half-centuries from George Hill and Jordan Cox helped England Under-19 to a 75-run victory against Zimbabwe in the ninth-place playoff. England posted 286 for 9, buoyed by an 83-run fourth-wicket stand between Cox and Hill, who made 59 and 90 respectively.After Cox’s dismissal, Hill anchored the best part of the innings, peppering six fours and six in his 119-ball knock. By the time Wesley Madhevere had him caught in the 48th over, England already had 260 on the board.Hill was ably supported by captain George Balderson, who chipped in with a quickfire 30-ball 45 not out. Madhevere shone for Zimbabwe, finishing with 4 for 42.With the bat, too, Madhevere, stood out, smashing a 45-ball 52 in the opening position. While he kept the scoreboard ticking, the opposition kept chipping away at Zimbabwe’s top order. By the close of the 14th over, Zimbabwe had lost their top four, Madhevere among the only batsmen to notch a double-digit score.Emannuel Bawa and Taurayi Tugwete led the repair task thereafter, adding 70 for the fifth wicket, but fell for 31 and 58 within two overs of each other. With 118 needed off 17 overs, Zimbabwe folded for 211 inside 41 overs. Balderson took 3 for 29, while Scott Currie and Lewis Goldworthy bagged two wickets each.

Liverpool eyeing move for "brilliant" Premier League star to replace Salah

It's set to be a summer of change at Anfield, as Liverpool look to find their replacement for Jurgen Klopp and hand whoever may be in charge the perfect start to their tenure.

Liverpool transfer news

As things stand, it looks as though Ruben Amorim is on course to be the man who will be tasked with replacing Klopp at Liverpool following an incredibly successful period at Sporting CP which could yet end with a league and cup double. Once that potential deal is sealed, the Reds' summer plans will become far clearer, but reports are already suggesting that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are aiming to build a side that will suit Amorim.

The Reds have already been linked with Porto midfielder Alan Varela, who Amorim will know plenty about in Portugal's top flight and have also been linked with a move for Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande. Both players could slot straight into the 39-year-old's system should he arrive at Anfield this summer. But whilst arrivals hand him a boost, Amorim could be left panicking about finding a replacement for Mohamed Salah.

No Salah, £60m star signs: The Liverpool team Amorim could build at Anfield

Things could look quite different at Anfield come August.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 16, 2024

The links to Saudi Arabia have not gone away and reports suggest that it's still a possibility that the Egyptian leaves Merseyside this summer. Liverpool, however, could have a plan in place.

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer to replace Salah should he decide to leave. The West Ham winger has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League and is undoubtedly destined for great things – great things that could come at Anfield next season.

thomas-soucek-kudus-west-ham-opinion

Not many would be capable of stepping up to replace Salah, but Kudus is among the rare players who have shown the ability to do just that.

"Brilliant" Kudus should be a no-brainer for Liverpool

Even if Salah doesn't leave this summer, Liverpool should be looking the way of players like Kudus. Salah is now 31 years of age and has shown signs as of late that he may not be at the peak of his powers for much longer, leaving the Reds in need of a successor. And Kudus appears to tick every box. He's a Premier League-proven player who may only get better in the coming years, meaning that now could be the perfect time for Liverpool to strike.

David Moyes is among those to have praised the winger this season, saying after his performance in a recent 5-0 win over SC Freiburg: "The first one reminded me of those old dribbling wingers who used to run and take people on, with snakey hips to find a way through. It was a brilliant individual goal – a real Roy of the Rovers type goal."

With that said, with or without Salah, Kudus could be an ideal way for Liverpool to kick off a new era this summer.

Mohammad Hafeez cleared to bowl again after passing assessment test

The ruling comes at a particularly beneficial time for Hafeez, with the PSL just around the corner

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Feb-2020

Mohammad Hafeez tweaks his moustache•Getty Images

Mohammad Hafeez is free to bowl again after his bowling action passed an assessment test. The Pakistan allrounder, who has faced troubles with the legality of his bowling action throughout his career, was reported in a Vitality Blast game in August last year. An assessment at Loughborough University then concluded the bowler’s elbow extended beyond the permitted 15-degree threshold, and he was banned from bowling in the ECB competitions.However, after undergoing testing at LUMS university – also an ICC-accredited testing centre – in Lahore, an independent panel concluded his elbow did not exceed the maximum 15-degree mark, and therefore, the suspension was lifted.The ruling comes at a particularly beneficial time for Hafeez, with the PSL just around the corner. Due to agreements between international cricketing boards, the ECB ban meant he was prohibited from bowling in international games as well as competitions organised by other boards around the world, including at the PSL.Hafeez has been reported, suspended and subsequently cleared a number of times in the past six years when the ICC began to crack down on illegal bowling actions with greater frequency. But Hafeez’s problems with his bowling action go back a long way. He was first reported over 15 years ago during an ODI tri-series in Australia in 2005. In 2014, his action was reported during the Champions League T20, and then again following a Test match against New Zealand later that year. Having twice been found over the legal limit for elbow extension, Hafeez was banned from bowling for 12 months.After his ban ended, he returned to bowling after clearing a bowling test in 2016 but the issue arose again in October 2017, when he was reported during an ODI against Sri Lanka. He was suspending from bowling once more, before being cleared by Loughborough University in May 2018. A few months later, during an ODI against New Zealand, Ross Taylor implied Hafeez was bowling with a bent arm, leading then Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed to slam Taylor’s gesture “disgraceful”.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus