All posts by h716a5.icu

The South Group is striking back. Last year, all four teams at Finals Day were northern. But Hampshire have won away, and now Glamorgan have beaten Leicestershire at home

Will Macpherson23-Aug-2017The South Group is striking back. Last year, all four teams at Finals Day were northern. But Hampshire have won away, and now Glamorgan have beaten Leicestershire at home. Both have been drubbings (this one by nine wickets and with 38 balls to spare), and the South Group has more teams at 2017’s Finals Day than it had at the previous two combined. Glamorgan are there for the first time since 2004.If this was a victory forged – through the all-round skills of Colin Ingram, the bowling of Craig Meschede and Marchant de Lange, and the batting of Jacques Rudolph – in South Africa, it was all about home advantage. Welsh rain may have meant Glamorgan have barely played in the Blast at Cardiff this summer, but they clearly know what they are doing there, and were raucously supported too. With the ball, when pace off was required, they took pace off. With the bat, when patience was required, patience was found. Unlike their opponents, they missed little in the field.Craig Meschede took out Leicestershire’s middle order•Getty ImagesLeicestershire’s batting is top heavy, and their start was sprightly. Cameron Delport was yorked brilliantly by de Lange and Luke Ronchi swung hand, with a lovely six down the ground off Michael Hogan, until he was castled by Graham Wagg. Still, they made it out of the Powerplay with a base at 57 for 2.Trouble was that 10 overs on, and they had lost seven more wickets for the addition of just 43 runs, and were resigned to trying to eke every last run out of the remaining four overs. If Gavin Griffiths and Callum Parkinson are batting for your team in a T20, the news will seldom be good, but they hauled Leicestershire to the final over and 123, including a memorable six for Griffiths – the first of his career – off Hogan.Where did it all go wrong, then? Glamorgan, through Meschede’s canny variations and Ingram’s loopy leggies, took the pace right off, and encouraged Leicestershire to seek the long square boundaries. Alas, they could not.Meschede, with the keeper up, accounted for the two post-Powerplay wickets, Colin Ackermann holing out then Mark Cosgrove chopping on at the end of the ninth over. The singles soon dried up and Aadil Ali was run out looking for a second that was never there, then Ned Eckersley miscued a cutter from Meschede, who ended with 3 for 17, to short third man.Ingram played his part, too. Adelaide Strikers knew they were signing the fearsome hitter seen later on in the evening, but did they know about this very handy string to his bow? He found 12 dots, cost just 19 and forced Tom Wells to plop one straight back to him in his final over. He may be no Don Shepherd, whose joyous life was celebrated with a minute’s silence before play, but Ingram knows how to slip his way through four overs. It goes without saying that this was a night Shepherd would have enjoyed greatly.The rest had not done much batting this season for a Leicestershire side dependent on its fine top four, and it showed. De Lange returned to bounce out Matt Pillans, while McKay fell to Hogan, trying to clear the long boundary.A target of 124 meant Glamorgan had time on their sides, especially when McKay – the tournament’s top wicket-taker – dismissed Aneurin Donald, caught at mid-off, in his first over. They had just 11 from three overs, without a boundary.Ingram is too good to get bogged down, though. He pulled Ali for four behind square, then drove him for four more over extra cover. Griffiths’ first ball was hoicked for six, then Pillans was edged for four the ball after Rudolph had been shelled at backward point. He ended the Powerplay with 25 of their 37 for 1, and he was dropped at short third man by McKay next ball. He is too good to drop too, and later that over he drilled down the ground for his 27th six of the season, taking him top of the charts.Soon enough Rudolph was feasting too, and by halfway Glamorgan were just 46 away. Leicestershire were increasingly ragged, and had learnt little from Glamorgan’s superb bowling, summed up by Ingram sealing the victory with two more sixes and two more fours from Tom Wells’ wild first over. As Ingram and Rudolph cruised home, another South African, David Miller, sat in the dugout unused, having dashed in from Potchefstroom. Save your legs, Davey, you’re off to Edgbaston.

Manchester City are not looking to rest on their laurels ahead of a season where they defend three major trophies.

The Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League were all won last season to complete a stunning treble, yet Pep Guardiola will want to do it all again.

With this in mind, the club have been linked with a move for Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich during the summer transfer window.

How much does Joshua Kimmich earn?

According to 90min, City have done the ground work on a potential move for the versatile Bayern gem, as they consider their options should Bernando Silva depart the Etihad this summer.

The Portuguese midfielder is being tracked by both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, with Guardiola placing a valuation of £75m on his head, which may be enough to deter potential suitors.

Kimmich – who earns £300k-per-week for the Bundesliga side – looks to have emerged as a candidate who could perhaps replace the former AS Monaco star.

Will Manchester City sign Joshua Kimmich?

The Germany international has played under the Spaniard before, during his spell as Bayern boss between 2013-2016, and thus he will know all about his qualities, while the former Barcelona manager could replicate his Ilkay Gundogan masterclass by signing the 28-year-old.

Upon arriving in Manchester, Gundogan was signed from Borussia Dortmund and became an integral part of a side which has since dominated England. Across his 304 games for City, he registered 100 goal contributions – 60 goals and 40 assists – while winning 12 major honours in the process.

The 2022/23 campaign was arguably his finest at the club, scoring twice in the FA Cup final against Manchester United, but he left to join Barcelona for a fresh challenge this summer.

Kimmich could certainly fill the void in what would be a similar move to Gundogan's, trading German shores for the dizzy heights of the Premier League.

The biggest plus point to Guardiola would be his immense versatility, as he is able to slot in at right-back or in the centre of midfield with Jose Mourinho having previously lauded his adaptability, saying: “I see him as a top right-back, left-back, centre-back, No.6, No.8, No.10… he has the qualities to be anything!

"I think he looks to me, very intelligent related to football, very intelligent, understands the moments of the games and understands the difference between positions and understands what he has to do here and what he has to do there. I think he’s phenomenal, an absolutely phenomenal player."

The 28-year-old can also pose a solid attacking threat. He ranked in the top 1% for progressive passes per 90 (9.87) compared to positional peers, while also ranking in the top 4% for shot-creating actions (4.35) and assists (0.22) per 90, showcasing his ability to push forward as often as possible and contribute heavily to the attack.

In contrast, Gundogan managed to rank in the top 20% for progressive passes (6.61) and assists (0.16) and the top 17% for shot-creating actions (3.36) per 90, showing that Kimmich could perhaps be an upgrade on the former Dortmund starlet.

With Silva edging closer to the exit door, it would make sense to secure a move for Kimmich this summer, especially as he appears to be at the peak of his powers.

Manchester City are now considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz to replace Riyad Mahrez, with Pep Guardiola believed to be a huge fan of the winger, according to a recent report from Football Transfers.

What's the latest Man City transfer news?

With Riyad Mahrez recently leaving to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, Guardiola is tasked with bringing in a replacement, and there have now been reports that a move for Michael Olise is a real possibility.

Although Chelsea have made an approach for Olise, a move to the Etihad Stadium is now believed to be "very probable", with the winger seemingly emerging as a key target to fill the void left in the squad after Mahrez's departure.

However, the Sky Blues do have some other players in mind, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently confirming that Rennes winger Jeremy Doku is "on the list" of targets to replace Mahrez.

Wirtz has also been a long-term target for the Citizens, with 90min claiming they had reignited their interest back in March, and according to a report from Football Transfers, they could now step up their pursuit of the Bayer Leverkusen winger.

The German is being eyed as an heir to Mahrez, with Guardiola said to be a huge admirer of his technical ability and potential.

Negotiating a deal for the 20-year-old may prove to be tricky, however, as Bayer Leverkusen have already sold Moussa Diaby during this transfer window, while Edmond Tapsoba is potentially heading to Tottenham.

With the futures of Jonathan Tah and Jeremie Frimpong also uncertain, the price for the youngster may be significantly inflated, but the Bundesliga club are willing to part with him for the right price.

One potential boost for City is that the player himself is open to a move, which could make negotiating personal terms much easier should a suitable fee be agreed with Leverkusen.

How good is Florian Wirtz?

There are indications the Germany international could be capable of going right to the very top, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailing him as "one of the world's biggest talents", in light of the impact he made after returning from injury last season.

The Pulheim-born youngster made a significant contribution for Leverkusen after showing the resilience to come back from a long-term lay-off, registering four goals and eight assists for the German side in all competitions.

Given that he has averaged 58.61 passes per 90 in the past year, placing him in the 96th percentile compared to his positional peers, the starlet could be a perfect fit for a Guardiola system, and he is already showing signs he could surpass Mahrez.

The attacker is a far better dribbler of the ball than his potential predecessor, placing in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons, with the Algeria international ranking in the 35th, while he has also averaged more shot-creating actions.

Wirtz has exhibited that he is more than capable of being a fantastic long-term replacement for Mahrez, and it is exciting news that Man City are in the race for his signature.

With Rishabh Pant down with a fever, a BCCI official said that Parthiv’s inclusion was a precautionary measure since the 15-man squad did not have another specialist wicketkeeper

Shashank Kishore27-Sep-2017Parthiv Patel has been called-up to the India A squad ahead of the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Vijayawada. He’s been brought in as cover for Rishabh Pant, who has a fever.Pant has been advised rest, but his illness isn’t very serious, according to a BCCI official, and the decision to have reinforcement was precautionary, considering there was no other full-time wicket-keeper in the 15-member squad. Sudip Chatterjee, the Bengal batsman, kept wickets in Pant’s brief absence on the third day of the first Test last week.Should Pant recover, there is a possibility of both him and Parthiv featuring in the pink-ball match starting September 30.Pant, who wasn’t part of the four-day fixtures in South Africa last month, struck a counter-attacking 41-ball 67 in the first Test, which India A won by an innings and 31 runs. He has, however, been an India A regular in the one-day format recently.Meanwhile, Parthiv’s inclusion is perhaps an indication of the selectors’ decision to look at options for the second wicketkeeper, behind Wriddhiman Saha, ahead of the South Africa tour in January.The 48th Indian to complete 10,000 first-class runs during the Duleep Trophy earlier this month, Parthiv is coming off a memorable 2016-17 season in which he captained Gujarat to their maiden Ranji Trophy title.Midway through the season, he also earned a Test recall after eight years, for two matches against England. He sustained his form through the IPL, scoring 395 runs for Mumbai Indians in a victorious campaign.Parthiv’s last fixture for India A was against the visiting Australians in a three-day rained-out fixture in Hyderabad in 2008.

Manchester United’s finest era was under Sir Alex Ferguson and the 1998/99 season was arguably his annus mirabilis. United became the first English side to win a treble of league title, Champions League, and FA Cup in what was a sensational campaign.

Ferguson could call on the likes of Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, while Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke spearheaded the attack. It was Jaap Stam however who was the rock at the back as the Dutch titan was dominant at the heart of the United defence.

His time at Old Trafford was short-lived, making just 127 appearances across three full seasons, yet the sight of the snarling Dutchman bearing down on an opposition defender was a sight to behold.

Could Erik ten Hag secure United’s next Stam by making a move for Torino centre back Perr Schuurs this summer?

Are Manchester United interested in signing Perr Schuurs?

Journalist Graeme Bailey gave a transfer update with regard to Ten Hag’s chase for another defender, tweeting: “Man Utd are already working hard on centre-back options when Harry Maguire leaves the club.

“Benjamin Pavard, Jean-Clair Todibo, Perr Schuurs, Jarrad Branthwaite and Antonio Silva all discussed within Old Trafford.”

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

The Dutchman has been valued by the Serie A side at £28m and this could represent a wonderful piece of transfer business by Ten Hag.

Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in signing the defender during the current transfer window however and United will need to act swiftly in order to make a move happen.

Could Perr Schuurs improve Manchester United?

Harry Maguire looks set to leave United to join West Ham United and this could free up some more funds for Ten Hag to strengthen his team.

Schuurs is well known to the 53-year-old, having played under his leadership at Ajax between 2018-2022, making 95 appearances for the Dutch giants, and he emerged as one of the finest young defenders in the country.

His performances led to a move to Torino last summer and the 23-year-old found the move to Italy a learning curve, keeping just four clean sheets during 30 league matches. He did rank first for tackles per game (1.7) however, while also ranking sixth for interceptions (0.9) and first for clearances (3.2), proving that his individual statistics across the key defensive metrics were excellent.

Journalist Josh Bunting lauded him following a performance at the San Siro in January, saying: “Perr Schuurs outstanding for Torino this evening, a dominant performance at the San Siro. When Torino needed to go that bit more direct he was the player to go through, such an accurate passer from the back. Solid in the air winning his duels although Giroud was a huge miss.”

United haven’t had a reliable Dutch centre-back since Stam left for Lazio in 2001. Standing at 6 foot 3, the same height as Stam, Schuurs could be a colossus at the back in a similar vein to the former Red Devils titan.

Living up to Stam’s reputation may be a daunting prospect, but he could take solace in the fact the 67-cap star moved from the continent and went on to win five major trophies during his spell in Manchester.

Against Zimbabwe and India, Sri Lanka had not begun to respond to their new leader. But Dinesh Chandimal put a stamp on his outfit with bold leadership against Pakistan

Andrew Fidel Fernando10-Oct-2017Dinesh Chandimal officially stepped into the captaincy about 48 hours before the beginning of a Test, and his team very nearly lost it, against Zimbabwe. Then, as he was preparing for the biggest home series this year, against India, Chandimal contracted pneumonia, and was out for the first Test.Nominally, he was the captain, of course. He turned up to the press conferences, strode out to the toss, and made all the usual noises about needing to improve in all three areas at the presentations. But Sri Lanka, playing largely as they had under Mathews, had not begun to respond to their new leader. Against Zimbabwe and India, it had not yet begun to feel like Chandimal’s team.Now, finally, the man has been able to put a stamp on his outfit. The boldness that had once been key to his batting began to show in his leadership as well. Chandimal’s first major decision on tour was to field five bowlers in Abu Dhabi, thereby backing batsmen who had failed spectacularly against India to come good away from home. In both matches, the daring paid off. There were major batting failures as well, of course, but Sri Lanka were just good enough with the ball to emerge 2-0. Chandimal suggested the mettle with which Sri Lanka played was a quality he hoped would define his team through his captaincy.”As a captain I am looking for commitment, attitude and discipline from the players,” he said. “The selectors have also supported me to create the culture and passion we had in the past. You can tell when they are in the middle that we are really enjoying it.”The main thing is our attitude. It makes a lot of difference. And the management and selectors gave the team a lot of confidence.”Sri Lanka had to fall back on much of that confidence in the fourth innings of the Dubai Test, as Pakistan made a charge for the target. Sri Lanka’s was not the most straightforward defence of a good score. Between Pakistan collapses, in which they lost 5 wickets for 52 runs and later 5 further wickets for 23, there was a 173-run partnership through which Sri Lanka had to hold their nerve.In addition to the excellent counter-attack that Sarfraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq put together however, Sri Lanka also had to contend with a wet ball on the wicketless night session of the penultimate day, Chandimal said. It had long been thought that dew would play a role in day-night Tests at venues nearer the equator.On the fifth afternoon, however, after the field had dried, Sri Lanka began taking wickets again. Four Pakistan wickets fell to the second new ball, which was taken seven overs into play on day five.”It was tough last night. We did not expect dew will come, but last night it was there,” Chandimal said. “So it was tough for the spinners. But this morning, we had more than 120 runs to defend, so we all knew that in this session the ball will grip, as we have two experienced spinners in Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera. I knew they would do their job in this session and I am really happy with the way we played.”That Sri Lanka had worrying moments in the fourth innings at all, however, was thanks to their own poor batting, after claiming a lead of 220. Against a Pakistan attack missing Mohammad Amir, Sri Lanka collapsed to 96 all out in the space of 26 overs. Despite the eventual triumph, Chandimal bemoaned the lost opportunity to lock Pakistan out of the match much earlier than they did.”After we got a lead of 220 in the first innings, we spoke to the boys and said if we can score 100 runs for three or four wickets, then they need 350, so we can put Pakistan away. But we did not click as a batting unit in the second innings. In the end, we thought 315 was still a really good total on this track. We all know that here in Dubai, it spins more than Abu Dhabi. So credit goes to all the bowlers. They did a fantastic job throughout the series.”

Glasgow Rangers made arguably one of their finest-ever signings since returning to the Scottish top flight when they lured Connor Goldson North of the border from Brighton and Hove Albion back in 2018.

The Gers were in the doldrums and although it took a year or two, the Englishman turned into one of the most reliable performers under Steven Gerrard.

He was at the heart of a defence which conceded just 13 Premiership goals during the stunning 2020/21 title-winning season while also leading the team to a Scottish Cup and first European final in 14 years in 2022.

With nearly 300 appearances for the Light Blues, supporters will be hoping he remains at the club for the foreseeable future.

Could Michael Beale repeat their Goldson masterclass by delving into the transfer market and luring another established centre-back from England?

Will Rangers sign a defender?

The Light Blues have been linked with moves for Harry Souttar and Ronnie Edwards recently as Beale aims to bring at least one more defender to Ibrox ahead of a demanding schedule between September and January.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

One name who has also been touted for a move is Millwall star Jake Cooper according to Football Insider.

The 28-year-old was actually eyed up by Gerrard in the same summer they brought Goldson to Ibrox, even going as far to submit a £3m bid but obviously, nothing materialised.

Beale may have a better chance than his former mentor as Cooper has entered into the final year of his current contract at the Den.

Could Jake Cooper improve Rangers?

Across four matches so far during the 2023/24 campaign, the Gers have conceded a goal in three of them and there is still some work for Beale to do with regard to improving his defence.

Goldson is the undisputed starter when fit and the fight to take the place next to him is between John Souttar, Leon Balogun and Leon King.

Cooper could certainly arrive and upset the applecart by making a push to be a regular partner for Goldson.

Last season, the 28-year-old started all but one match for Millwall in the Championship, and he made more clearances per game (3.1) and interceptions (1.2) than the whole Rangers squad across these metrics.

Cooper also displayed a solid aerial presence, winning 4.9 aerial duels per game and this was actually higher than Goldson, who won 2.6 per game, suggesting that they could potentially form a solid partnership.

Lions boss Gary Rowett praised the defender in 2022, claiming he was “invaluable” to Millwall and there is no doubt the £10k-per-week titan has outgrown the Championship and is in need of a new challenge.

Goldson has developed into arguably one of the finest defenders in Scotland since arriving at the Light Blues five years ago and there is no reason why Cooper can't improve even further.

Beale will be keeping watch on the player over the next few days and don’t be surprised if he ends up at Ibrox before the window shuts.

Danielle Wyatt recorded the first-ever century by an England batsman in women’s T20Is to set up a record chase in the final T20I, a result that had no bearing on Australia’s hold on the Ashes

The Report by Daniel Brettig21-Nov-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGetty ImagesDanielle Wyatt saw Beth Mooney’s blistering hundred and raised a barnstorming century of her own at Manuka Oval as England took the final Twenty20 match of a series that leaves the Ashes in Australian hands.In a last encounter thrilling for its high-scoring – the highest aggregate in all women’s T20 internationals – but also notable for signs of mental fatigue on both sides after seven matches in less than a month, the hosts seemed content with a tally of 2 for 178 built upon Mooney’s freewheeling 117 from 70 balls.However Wyatt’s response was bolder still, rattling England’s first ever T20I century from 56 deliveries in a victorious chase that was aided not only by captain Heather Knight’s typically mindful contribution, but also the dropping of no fewer than four catches by Australia.In the progression of the women’s game to full professionalism such lapses are likely, much as the advent of domestic T20 tournaments such as the IPL and BBL exposed domestic male players to hitherto unknown pressures from crowds and television cameras.ESPNcricinfo LtdRachael Haynes had been happy to win the toss for Australia as they fought to win the match and so claim the multi-format contest on points, having ensured the safety of the urn in the opening T20 at North Sydney Oval on Friday. Mooney was into stride quickly, taking a heavy toll on the usually exemplary Anya Shrubsole, who was so expensive as to only be called on for three overs costing 36.Alyssa Healy, Elyse Villani and Ellyse Perry all offered support, but it was very much Mooney’s show, backing up her equally arresting display in game one of the T20 matches. It left England with plenty to do, but a warm night under the Canberra lights and an effectively dead rubber as far as the Ashes were concerned gave Wyatt plenty of licence.She needed to show all her ability after three early wickets left England a decidedly wobbly 3 for 30, but a measure of Knight’s leadership was provided by how she did not panic, while also supporting Wyatt in her bolder approach. The dropped chances were telling in terms of mental fatigue, but they also served to let Wyatt carry on until the pursuit was all but completed.Like Shrubsole, the otherwise excellent contributions of Megan Schutt were somewhat sullied by a last game blowout. But the final win for England and the overall result for an Australian side shorn of Meg Lanning due to a shoulder surgery meant both sides could finish the night with happiness of different sorts.

The 40-year old offspinner did not have an extravagant farewell. He walked off the field after his final T20 match in Pakistan, waving to a nearly empty Rawalpindi Stadium

Umar Farooq in Rawalpindi29-Nov-20170:43

What’s Ajmal’s favourite cricketing memory?

With tears in his eyes, a slight tremble in his voice but with nothing to regret, Saeed Ajmal officially brought the curtains down on his international and domestic career, after Faisalabad exited the National T20 Cup following their semi-final loss to Lahore Whites in Rawalpindi.The farewell was not too extravagant: he walked off the field after the match, waving to a nearly empty Rawalpindi Stadium. However, players from both Lahore Whites and Faisalabad gave him a final guard of honour as he left the ground. The PCB, too, arranged for a press conference, which had “Thank you Saeed Ajmal” across its backdrop. Ajmal walked into the packed conference room, with every news channel’s reporters in anticipation, as the nation saw the Pakistan offspinner – via live feed – battle hard to keep from tearing up.”It’s been 25 years…my love for cricket…so when you retire you do get emotional,” Ajmal said, after taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “I am retiring with a heavy heart, but I am satisfied with my career. Although I am retiring from international and domestic cricket, I want to stay in touch with cricket through my cricket academy and want to contribute for the country.”Ajmal, however, did not completely rule out the possibility of playing in T20 leagues elsewhere. “I want to remain available for foreign T20 leagues, other than the PSL, and want to continue to play the format. But for now I have accepted Islamabad United’s offer to be their spin-bowling coach. I think now is the right time to go away. I am 40 years old and I think I am now considered as baggage in domestic teams. So I don’t want to lose respect here. I want to leave with my head held high and it’s time for the youngsters to come in and take my place.”Ajmal, who was captaining Faisalabad in the National T20 Cup, finished his final innings with figures of 1 for 13 in four overs. That, however, did not bring an end to his player duties right away. After the match, PCB conducted a dope test with him, the results of which are due only after a week.Nine years ago, he had made his international debut, when he was chosen by chief selector Salahuddin Salu for the 2008 Asia Cup. Back then, Ajmal was considered one of Pakistan’s best spinners, and was soon one of the world’s most successful bowlers. He ended his Test career with 178 wickets in 35 Tests at an average of 28.10. His form swelled under the captaincy of Misbah-ul-Haq, when he took 141 wickets in only 26 Tests, including the 24 wickets against England in the UAE in 2011-12, when Pakistan won 3-0.The scorecard paid a tribute to Saeed Ajmal•Khurrum Amin / PCBBut for all of Ajmal’s successes until 2014, his career was dented due to his bowling action. He was reported for an illegal action twice in his international career and it brought the potency of his doosra – a delivery he used to devastating effect – under a cloud. He was later cleared to bowl by the ICC, albeit with the doosra still outside the limit, but the remodeled action came with a dip in form. He was eventually discarded from the Test team, with his last foreign tour coming against Bangladesh in 2015. Two ODIs and a T20I later, Ajmal faded away.Ajmal, however, has often been sensitive to criticism on his bowling action, including lashing out at the ICC over their 15-degree flex rule. “I feel only 10% of all bowlers would be able to stay within the limits defined by the ICC protocols,” Ajmal said. “I always felt ICC has been hard on Pakistan and PCB never did enough for the bowlers. Doosra is a regular delivery and it’s purely legal.”I don’t know why there is a false perception about its legality,” he said. “It’s a routine thing and if a bowler works on it it can be done easily. Not every fast bowler can bowl the reverse swing. Similarly, doosra isn’t for everyone. You have to work really hard to master it, and rejecting it is outrageously harsh. It should be encouraged as it was one of the finest deliveries by an offspinner.”Whatever I have done in my career, I am absolutely happy and proud. I came into the national team after the age of 30 and have done great things for Pakistan. What I have done, many take over 20 years to achieve. Therefore I have achieved everything in my career, but I wish my last match could have been in international cricket. However, I am still happy and thank you to every single person who has supported me through my ups and downs.”Since Ajmal’s exit from the national team, Pakistan had been struggling to find even one promising offspinner, but have never looked back after legspinner Yasir Shah took over the spin-bowling reins. Selectors, however, are still on the look out to find Pakistan’s next big offspinner, but haven’t found one yet.”PCB needs to think seriously about it,” Ajmal said on the lack of quality offspinners in Pakistan. “We are never short of talent and I believe we will never face a drought. We do have offspinners in the system, and they need to be developed, but I am afraid offspinners are being discouraged. They [PCB] should plan to bring offspinners back into the cycle and keep this system alive. We have great offspinners and historically, spinners have done a lot for Pakistan.”

Tottenham Hotspur are "informed on the conditions" required to land an exciting forward described as being "born to score", per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham Hotspur news – what is the latest?

It has been a real summer of ups and downs for the Spurs faithful this year, with brilliant signings and painful departures.

On the positive side of things, the club have been able to genuinely improve elements of the first team with the signing of the ever-exciting James Maddison and the Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

The arrival of Manor Solomon, whilst not necessarily improving the first eleven, is clearly still a positive addition and should help to strengthen the squad as a whole.

Read the latest Tottenham Hotspur transfer news HERE…

However, for as good as those three are and as convincing as Ange Postecoglou has been, the exit of club talisman Harry Kane is an enormous blow to the side's attacking output, an output that the current crop of forwards do not seem equipped to replace.

With that in mind, it appears that Spurs have identified one of Europe's most exciting and prolific goalscorers as the man who could potentially come in and help the team find those 20-plus goals a season they are bound to lose in the absence of Kane, Gift Orban.

According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, the north Londoners have "appreciated" the youngster for some time now and are well aware of what is required to bring him to N17 this summer.

He explained the situation on his Here We Go podcast, saying:

"Orban is appreciated, Tottenham are informed on the conditions of the deal so let's see if they decide to bid. At the moment, they have not sent any bid. I saw some rumours saying it's close or something like that; no, there is no bid yet. It can't be close without a bid.

"Tottenham know the conditions of the deal, [they have] been following the player for a long time. I told you this two weeks ago on here that they like Gift Orban, but at the moment nothing else evolved yet."

How many goals has Gift Orban scored?

It has been a rapid rise to fame for the 21-year-old former Stabæk striker, with prolific form propelling him to the forefront of transfer lists across the continent.

So far, the Nigeria under-23 star has scored 44 senior club goals and provided nine assists in just 50 appearances in Belgium and Norway, which is only 37 fewer than Richarlison's 81 career goals at club level.

In his 16 league appearances for Gent last year, the "superb finisher" scored 15 goals, provided two assists, won four Man-of-the-Match awards and averaged a genuinely impressive match rating of 7.40, per WhoScored.

With a goal involvement on average every 85 minutes in senior football, it isn't hard to see why Spurs are interested in the player that football talent scout Jacek Kulig described as "born to score."

With Kane out the door and their current crop of forwards struggling in front of goal, the Lilywhites need to do what they can to secure Orban's services before he inevitably joins one of Europe's super clubs and continues to score for fun on the biggest stage.