تحدث شكري الخطوي مدرب نادي أبو سليم الليبي، عن مواجهة الزمالك التي جمعت بينهما مساء أمس الأحد، ببطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية، وفاز بها الزمالك بهدفين مقابل هدف.
والتقى الزمالك مع أبو سليم الليبي، في خامس جولات دور المجموعات ببطولة الكونفدرالية الإفريقية، على ملعب استاد 19 مايو 1956 بمدينة عنابة الجزائرية.
وقال شكري الخطوي في تصريحات عبر قناة “المحور”: “كنا نعرف أن فريق الزمالك من أفضل الفرق في إفريقيا، واجهنا فريقاً محترماً”.
طالع أيضاً.. محمد صلاح: صفقات الزمالك تحتاج إلى الوقت.. ويوجه رسالة لـ جوزيه جوميز
وأضاف: “البداية لم نتمناها أن الزمالك يسجل هدفا مبكرا، بعد الهدف الثاني للزمالك سيطرنا على الملعب وأتيحت لنا الفرص، كنا نريد أن نعود للتعادل”.
وأكمل: “أبارك للزمالك على الفوز والتأهل للدور المقبل، أبو سليم يخوض المباريات بعيداً عن ملعبنا وأرضنا وجماهيرنا ولكن الحمد لله على ما حققناه”.
واختتم: “أتمنى الشفاء العاجل لأحمد سيد زيزو على الإصابة وتكون إصابة بسيطة، هو لاعب مهم لفريق الزمالك”.
With rumours abound that new Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is set to oversee a mass clearout at N17 this summer, the Lilywhites will no doubt need to find suitable, quality replacements for those departing assets in the upcoming window.
Having been lauded for his "exceptional" recruitment record at former club Celtic – as hailed by ex-Hoops skipper, Scott Brown – the 57-year-old will seemingly be hoping to enjoy similar success with regard to his incomings in north London, with the aim of improving a squad that missed out on European qualification in 2022/23.
According to 90min, the Greek-Aussie could potentially return to his previous employers in order to make a handful of key additions, with the report suggesting that there are fears at Parkhead that the treble-winning coach could return to snap up Reo Hatate from the Glasgow side, among others.
The 25-year-old midfielder has proven a truly standout figure for the Old Firm outfit over the last 18 months or so, having initially been signed by Postecoglou for a fee of just £1.4m back in January 2022.
With 27 goals and assists to his name in just 66 games for his current side to date, the Japanese maestro has simply been a "joy to watch" in Scottish football in recent times – as per journalist Sacha Pisani – hence why it could prove an astute move for the Spurs boss to reunite with the 5 foot 8 dynamo over the coming weeks.
What's Reo Hatate's style of play?
It may be of interest to Tottenham supporters to note that the former Kawasaki Frontale sensation is believed to share a statistically, similar profile to that of Manchester City's, Ilkay Gundogan – according to analyst Ben Griffis – with the pair both thriving in the centre of the park for their respective clubs.
Much like Hatate – who bagged nine goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions this season – Gundogan has also been a reliable attacking presence for Pep Guardiola's side, having contributed 11 goals and seven assists so far this term.
Man City's Ilkay Gundogan
That stellar haul for the German international notably includes a brace in last weekend's FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester United, with the 32-year-old having previously been lauded as a "special player" by Red Devils legend, Roy Keane.
To be able to land their own version of the former Borussia Dortmund ace would then be a real coup for the north Londoners, as the club are arguably in need of a more reliable goalscoring presence in the centre of the park, with Rodrigo Bentancur having been the top scorer among his fellow midfielders with just six goals in 2022/23.
Hatate is also similar to the City star due to his creative quality having averaged 1.3 key passes and recorded ten big chances in 32 Scottish Premiership games, while Gundogan also averaged 1.3 key passes and created six big chances in his 31 Premier League outings.
Lauded as a "machine" and a "different animal" by pundit Kenny Miller, the Celtic man can also put in the hard yards defensively having averaged 1.2 tackles per game in the league, while the Etihad gem shares that willing work ethic having averaged one tackle per game in the top flight.
With Gundogan a player that can seemingly "do everything" – according to Guardiola – Hatate is also a jack of all trades, with pundit Alan Hutton previously stating of his talents: "He is all action, all energy, he is everywhere, tackling, scoring, creating".
As such, amid the chance to potentially acquire the latter man on the cheap – with the diminutive ace valued at just £6m, according to Football Transfers – Postecoglou must do all he can to push for a reunion.
A roundup of the final day of round-robin play to decide promotion and relegation at ICC World Cricket League Division Four in Los Angeles
Peter Della Penna in Los Angeles 05-Nov-20162:12
‘Confident we will give it back to the US’ – Lalcheta
Khawar Ali produced a brilliant all-round performance, top-scoring with 74 in Oman’s total of 189 before taking 5 for 37 to help his side beat Denmark by 43 runs in a de facto semi-final at Severn Cricket Field. The win helped Oman finish at the top of the WCL Division Four round-robin points table and secure promotion to WCL Division Three while the loss kept Denmark out of the top two, finishing third behind USA due to the net run rate tiebreaker despite being level on points.Denmark were on top early after sending Oman in to bat, reducing them to 62 for 5 as medium pacer Basit Raja ripped through Khawar’s batting partners at the top of the order, taking three wickets in his opening spell. Khawar stuck out the early danger period though and found a willing ally in captain Ajay Lalcheta. The pair put on 97 for the sixth wicket to keep Oman afloat. Lalcheta eventually finished with 62 as the pair accounted for 72 percent of Oman’s runs.Just as he did against USA, Aftab Ahmed had a major impact with a late spell, taking three of his four wickets from the 37th over on beginning with Khawar. Aftab claimed the key scalp of Amir Ali next to work into Oman’s tail and finished off his spell claiming Lalcheta as the ninth wicket before Raja came back to wrap up the innings in 46.4 overs by removing Munis Ansari.Aftab got Denmark’s chase off to a dashing start, striking three fours and two sixes in his 27 off 14 balls picking out opening swing bowler Rajeshkumar Ranpura for special punishment. When he fell to Lalcheta’s spin in the fourth over Denmark had reached 37 in just 21 balls.Saif Ahmad continued the assault on Ranpura, who conceded 51 in four overs opening the bowling, as he made 31 off 21 balls including six fours and by the second ball of the ninth over Denmark reached 68 for 1. Amir, who had replaced Ranpura to start the ninth, swung momentum Oman’s way with a double-strike, bowling Saif and then claiming Freddie Klokker edged behind first ball.With the exception of the final over, Lalcheta then used spin exclusively throughout the rest of the match to near perfection. Denmark reached 91 for 3 in 18 overs when drinks were taken and on resumption, Khawar was brought on to bowl his part-time legspin. The move proved to be a masterstroke as Khawar struck with his first two balls, trapping Zameer Khan for 8 before Yasir Iqbal was caught behind.The wickets brought Amjad Khan to the crease and Denmark’s stand-in captain played a valiant knock, eventually finishing unbeaten on 32. But he could not find a partner to see him through as Khawar continued to whittle away at the other end. Hamid Shah fell in the 23rd for 19 before Anders Bulow was bowled for 10.Zeeshan Maqsood bowled a miserly spell of left-arm spin opposite Khawar, conceding just 14 runs in his first nine overs while bowling four maidens. He was finally rewarded off the first ball of his final over in the 32nd, winning a leg before appeal to dismiss Raja for 7 to make it 137 for 8. Khawar then struck off the last ball of the 33rd to complete his five-for, having Omar Hayat caught by Maqsood. Strike bowler Munis Ansari, who usually opens with the new ball, was then brought on for his first over of the day in the 34th and bowled Bashir Shah to end the match as Denmark ended all out for 146 in 34 overs.Khawar Ali’s 5 for 37 helped Oman to a tense win over Denmark, securing promotion to Division Three•ICC/Ian Jacobs
Jersey defeated USA by one run at Wong Cricket Field, though the Americans gained promotion ahead of Denmark thanks to a superior net run rate while Jersey was relegated to Division Five in spite of the win. Jersey elected to bat first and raced away behind Nat Watkins, who recorded a half-century in 33 balls, to reach 94 for 0 in 17 overs.Ambidextrous spinner Prashanth Nair, brought into the USA lineup for his first match of the tournament, struck with his very first ball in the 18th as Jersey captain Peter Gough pulled a half-tracker straight to Steven Taylor at short midwicket. It was the first of three wickets in consecutive overs for Nair as he followed Gough’s dismissal with a sharp return catch to remove Luke Gallichan in the 20th before he teased Watkins into a false drive to cover, falling for 69 to make it 109 for 3.Jersey slipped further to 124 for 4 before Jonty Jenner and Anthony Hawkins-Kay rebuilt their innings with an 82-run stand as Jersey appeared on their way to a 300-plus score at 205 for 4 in 38 overs with Jenner well set on 57. However, Jenner fell in controversial circumstances off the first legal ball of the 38th when he pulled a full toss off Timroy Allen to mid-on for a simple catch by Abdullah Syed. The ball appeared to be over waist height, but square leg umpire Kathy Cross deemed it a legal delivery giving USA a much-needed break. Jersey struggled to recover thereafter, only hitting one boundary across the next ten overs before being bowled out in the 49th over for 249.USA had chased a target of 250 or higher only three times in history, but of higher priority was staying above Denmark on net run rate. USA made a cautious start to their chase and eventually slipped to 60 for 3 after Watkins spun out the top order to claim 3 for 35. Akeem Dodson and Alex Amsterdam continued the go slow approach as word filtered to the USA camp of Denmark’s loss, altering USA’s required target for promotion to 131. It was finally achieved in the 36th over and USA made it to the last drinks break at 136 for 3 in 37.With promotion secured, USA accelerated to go for the outright win. Dodson was caught on the boundary for 16 but Amsterdam carried on to bring up his maiden century off 95 balls and put on a rapid 52-run stand with Allen. Amsterdam fell on the final ball of the 46th, leaving USA to get 50 off the last four overs. They took 17 in the 47th and another 19 off the 49th as Elmore Hutchinson hit two straight sixes off Rhys Palmer through the wind to take the equation from 18 off eight to six off the final six balls.Charles Perchard bowled a brilliant final over, though USA opted for wild slogs instead of calmly pinching singles with five men still on the boundary, and four runs were left to get off the last ball. Hutchinson scuffed a drive into the ground to long-off for two, securing the win for Jersey. Perchard ended with 3 for 56, with all three wickets coming in the 48th and 50th overs.Italy scored a consolation win over Bermuda by 25 runs at Wright Cricket Field, though the margin of defeat was small enough to allow Bermuda to stay in Division Four above Jersey on the net run rate tiebreaker. Italy made 228 for 8 after being sent in with all of their top eight crossing double-figures but none reaching 50 as opener Manpreet Singh top-scored with 45. Italy were 153 for 6 in 41 overs before Joy Perera and Fida Hussain added 60 for the seventh wicket in the next seven overs to get Italy to a defendable total.Bermuda needed to chase the target in 14.4 overs to pass USA on net run rate. Openers Dean Minors and Kamau Leverock attacked briefly at the start of the chase but both fell to Carl Sandri’s offspin to make it 35 for 2 in seven overs and from there Bermuda batted to ensure they stayed above Jersey on net run rate, regardless of the match result.The net runs margin between a Jersey win and a Bermuda loss could be no more than 149 runs. Once Bermuda passed 79, they were safe from relegation assuming a Jersey one-run win. Bermuda eventually finished on 203 for 9 as Tre Manders top-scored with 37 while medium pacer Charanjeet Singh took 4 for 24.
Arsenal could get a deal for Declan Rice done "quickly" if they place a "competitive offer", according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
What's the latest on Declan Rice to Arsenal?
According to a report from Football Insider, Rice has now informed West Ham and Mikel Arteta that he plans on joining Arsenal this summer, having already held discussions about a summer switch away from the London Stadium.
The Gunners have been laying the groundwork on a deal for months, which could amount to close to £100m, and the move could even be completed within the next week, if a fee can be agreed.
Now that the 24-year-old has verbally agreed personal terms with the north London club, the last remaining hurdle is coming to an arrangement with West Ham, and Jacobs has now offered an update.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, the CBS reporter said: "Arsenal will want to move fast to make sure another suitor doesn't come in because [Mykhailo]Mudryk wanted to join Arsenal and he joined Chelsea. Rice has a priority of Arsenal, but there is still a deal that needs to be done with West Ham and because Arsenal are disciplined to protect their model, the only fear at this point will be that West Ham are bullish because they somehow get a bidding war.
"For now, if Arsenal move fast and place a competitive offer, they may be able to get this one done quickly because Rice has a strong desire to settle his future early, and West Ham accept that he will leave the football club for the right offer."
Is Rice joining Arsenal?
As pointed out by Jacobs, it is by no means a foregone conclusion the Gunners win the race for the England international, as they have previously missed out on Mudryk, despite the Ukraine international making it clear he wanted to join.
However, Mikel Arteta appears to be very well-placed to sign the West Ham captain, and there are strong indications he would be a top-quality addition to the squad, in light of his performances last season.
Hailed as "unbelievable" by members of the media, the Englishman won the Hammer of the Year trophy in the 2022/23 campaign, which was very well-deserved, given that he averaged the highest WhoScored match rating of any West Ham player in the Premier League.
Rice led the Hammers to success in the Europa Conference League, making three tackles and winning four of the six ground duels he contested in the final, and he should now be ready to make the step up to the Champions League.
An appointment with an eye specialist on Monday will determine if Ross Taylor will be fit in time for the second Test against Pakistan starting in Hamilton on November 25
Andrew Fidel Fernando in Christchurch20-Nov-2016
Coach Mike Hesson believes eye issues may be contributing to Ross Taylor’s poor batting and catching form•Associated Press
New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor will see an eye specialist on Monday to determine his fitness for the second Test against Pakistan, after a preliminary eye examination had revealed a growth which coach Mike Hesson believed has affected Taylor’s batting.The ailment – in Taylor’s left eye – was cited as one of the reasons he ceded his usual no. 4 position to Henry Nicholls in the second innings of the Christchurch Test. It may also have contributed to a dip in batting and catching form in recent months.”Ross is at the moment having a little bit of trouble with his eyes so he’s looking after those at the current point and will take all the necessary steps to make them better,” captain Kane Williamson said after New Zealand’s eight-wicket win at Hagley Oval. “At this stage we are not 100% sure what it is. There’s a growth that’s come across a little bit. It’s been fine for long time, and been monitored for long time. It is a gradual thing as opposed to something that’s very sudden.”Taylor had a similar eye test about a year ago, before he scored a career-best 290 against Australia. However, Hesson said his vision may have worsened since then. Taylor has averaged 11.44 across his last 10 Test innings, and has not made an international half-century in his last 15 innings, though he did have an outstanding run of scores against Zimbabwe immediately prior to this period.”Twelve months ago he had his annual check-up, got some eye drops and scored 290 in next game,” Hesson said. “In last few months it appears to have deteriorated a little bit. We’ll get some further info from the specialist. We all need regular check-ups, and about six months ago, Ross had no issues at all. It might have come on a little bit quicker than we would like. Ross was keen to get it seen to.”
انتهت مساء يوم الإثنين منافسات الجولة السادسة والعشرين من الدوري الإيطالي، موسم 2023/24، حيث واصل إنتر ميلان انفراده بالصدارة بعدما فاز ضد ليتشي برباعية نظيفة.
وشهدت الجولة فوز صعب لـ يوفنتوس ضد فروزينوني بنتيجة 3-2، وهي نفس النتيجة التي حققها روما أمام تورينو.
في حين أن نابولي اكتفى بتعادل مخيب مع كالياري بهدف لمثله، وانتهت مباراة ميلان وأتالانتا بالتعادل بهدف لمثله. ترتيب الدوري الإيطالي بعد نهاية الجولة السادسة والعشرين
1 إنتر ميلان، 66 نقطة.
2 يوفنتوس، 57 نقطة.
3 ميلان، 53 نقطة.
4 بولونيا، 48 نقطة.
5 أتالانتا، 46 نقطة.
6 روما، 44 نقطة.
7 فيورنتينا، 41 نقطة.
8 لاتسيو، 40 نقطة.
9 نابولي، 37 نقطة.
10 تورينو، 36 نقطة.
11 مونزا، 36 نقطة.
12 جنوى، 33 نقطة.
13 إمبولي، 25 نقطة.
14 ليتشي، 24 نقطة.
15 أودينيزي، 23 نقطة.
16 فروزينوني، 23 نقطة.
17 ساسولو، 20 نقطة.
18 هيلاس فيرونا، 20 نقطة.
19 كالياري، 20 نقطة.
20 ساليرنيتانا، 13 نقطة.
ويمكن متابعة ترتيب الدوري الايطالي، موسم 2023/24، محدث بشكل مستمر من هنا.
أعلنت لجنة الاستئناف في الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم، قرارها بشأن عقوبة جود بيلينجهام لاعب ريال مدريد بعد واقعة مباراة فالنسيا.
وكان ريال مدريد قدم استئنافًا ضد قرار إيقاف بيلينجهام، بعد طرده في مباراة ريال مدريد وفالنسيا بالجولة الماضية للدوري الإسباني.
وقررت لجنة الاستئناف، اليوم، رفض الاستئناف الذي قدمه ريال مدريد ضد عقوبة إيقاف بيلينجهام مباراتين، بحسب ما أكدت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية.
وبالتالي سيغيب بيلينجهام بصفة رسمية عن مباراتي ريال مدريد أمام أوساسونا وسيلتا فيجو بالدوري الإسباني.
وتعود الواقعة إلى مباراة ريال مدريد وفالنسيا، حين سجل بيلينجهام هدفًا في الثواني الأخيرة لصالح فريقه.
وكان حكم المباراة أطلق صافرة النهاية مع تسجيل بيلينجهام للهدف، لتنتهي المباراة بالتعادل (2-2).
اقرأ أيضًا | الاتحاد الإسباني يعلن قراره بشأن واقعة بيلينجهام وجرينوود
وأبدى بيلينجهام اعتراضه وقال للحكم: “إنه هدف لعين، الكرة في الهواء، ما هذا بحق الجحيم”.
وقام جيل مانزانو، حكم المباراة، بإشهار البطاقة الحمراء المباشرة لبيلينجهام بعد كلماته التي أدلى بها.
وكتب الحكم في تقرير المباراة، أن بيلينجهام خاطبه “بأسلوب عدواني وصراخ” لذلك تم تطبيق المادة 124 من قانون الانضباط عليه والتي تعاقب “مخاطبة الحكم بموقف ازدراء أو عدم مراعاة”.
وأكد ريال مدريد أن بيلينجهام لم يهين الحكم في أي وقت من الأوقات، مشيرًا إلى أن كلماته، التي اعترف بها منذ اللحظة الأولى، كانت “هدفًا لعينًا”، وأن رد فعله كان له علاقة بتوتر اللحظة، وليس بالازدراء للحكم.
Pakistan made 9 for 443, on the back of Azhar Ali’s unbeaten 205, but Australia finished day three only 165 runs behind
The Report by Daniel Brettig in Melbourne28-Dec-2016 Scorecard and ball-by-ball details4:24
Samiuddin: Schizoid performance by Pakistan
Bat dominated ball on day three of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The imbalance frustrated Australia at first as Azhar Ali and Sohail Khan made hay, but David Warner and Usman Khawaja replied with aplomb to alleviate any anxieties in the home viewing area and leave a draw the most likely outcome on an increasingly friendly pitch.Four hundred and eleven runs were harvested by the two sides for a mere five wickets. Azhar contributed 205, becoming the first Pakistani batsman to pass 200 twice in a single calendar year. He was just three short of Viv Richards’ 32-year-old record for the highest Test score by a visiting Test batsman in Melbourne when his team declared on 9 for 443.Sohail targeted Nathan Lyon in particular, sending four mighty sixes into the crowd at the northern end of the ground. Josh Hazlewood bowled manfully for 3 for 50 from 32.3 precise and persistent overs, but Lyon’s expense was a source of discomfort for the Australians given the lack of an allrounder in the side.Having spent six consecutive days in the field, across two Tests, Warner’s response was belligerent if fortunate. Edges were frequent, and he was also bowled by a reverse swinging Wahab Riaz no-ball when on 81. An inside edge for four brought him his first century in almost a year, which he celebrated with his customary, sponsor-friendly leap that belied his poor form in the lead up to this Test.Khawaja’s innings of 95 was calmer, barely making a false move after he replaced Matt Renshaw at the crease. Renshaw, an impressively patient figure at the crease in his three Tests so far, swung presumptuously at Yasir Shah’s well-flighted delivery and heard his off stump tilt back. But the legspinner was unable to follow up with bowling of sufficient discipline, and some of Misbah-ul-Haq’s fields also caused observers to wonder.The flow of runs continued more or less unabated in an extended final session, Warner motoring along at around a run a ball to eat into Pakistan’s advantage. He scored plenty of his runs through the point and gully regions, and, after recording his 17th Test ton, sent a towering six down the ground off Yasir.Wahab’s spell of reverse swing should have resulted in Warner’s dismissal short of a century, but his repeated no-balls for overstepping always seemed likely to end in tears at some stage. It was not the first time he had reprieved a batsman this year – doing likewise for Johnny Bairstow during Pakistan’s drawn series in England.The wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed had earlier caused widespread mirth when wasting a referral on a ball that beat Warner’s bat by almost a foot, but he redeemed himself close to stumps by successfully reviewing Ian Gould’s not out verdict on a tickle down the leg side by the opener. Warner partly gave himself away by walking halfway off before the decision was reached, ending an entertaining 144 and bringing his captain Steven Smith to the crease.The start of play was delayed by more than half an hour on an overcast and sultry day due to the lightest of showers that hovered over the MCG. When it did eventually resume, Azhar and Amir commenced with intent to build Pakistan’s tally before getting the Australians in to bat. Amir made it as far as 29 before feathering Mitchell Starc down the leg side to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade.Light rain returned after an hour’s play, but when the covers were removed Sohail launched into the bowling with rare venom swinging for the fences repeatedly, regardless of the fielders placed in the deep. No fewer than 88 runs were taken off the 10 overs leading to the lunch, including 15 from Starc’s final over of the session.On resumption, Sohail was narrowly run out, before Azhar completed his double-hundred with a nudge behind square leg. Wahab’s dismissal, also Hazlewood’s 100th’s Test wicket, brought Misbah-ul-Haq’s closure of the innings. Australia replied with verve, but another bleak forecast for day four would not fill either side with optimism.
Chelsea are holding “contact and talks” regarding a deal to bring Gabri Veiga to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.
How good is Gabri Veiga?
Veiga is a central midfielder who currently plays his football for Celta Vigo in La Liga, having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to graduate from their academy. He’s now become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up 55 senior appearances to date.
The Spaniard still has another three years to run on his contract at the Balaidos Stadium, but after establishing himself as his homeland outfit’s second top-performing offensive player last season, has been highlighted as an ideal transfer target by Mauricio Pochettino.
Reliable reporter Rudy Galetti revealed earlier this month that the Blues are one of several clubs to have “shown interest” in the 21-year-old, whilst Jacob Steinberg later claimed that a bid "could arrive soon”, and if the following update is to be believed, the two parties may already be discussing a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Are Chelsea signing Veiga?
Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Chelsea are currently in negotiations with Celta Vigo and Veiga regarding a move ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:
“Gabri Veiga is ready for the next step now. He will leave Celta Vigo. His management is considering many options as he could become a future top player in central midfield. Contact and talks with CFC and others. Release clause of around €40m [£34m] – confirmed. Bayern is not involved.”
Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga.
Should Boehly make a bid for Veiga?
Chelsea will know that Veiga only being 21 means he would be more of an investment for the long-term future of the club, but having already started to show what he’s capable of on the main stage, Todd Boehly should certainly consider tabling an offer to secure his services.
The Gol International client – the same agency used by Christopher Nkunku – posted 15 goal contributions (11 goals and four assists) in 36 La Liga appearances last season, form which saw him collect three man-of-the-match awards, but the central midfielder was also a threat even when the ball didn’t hit the back of the net.
The Spain U21s starlet was averaging 3.14 shot-creating actions per league game which was the second-highest number in his squad, via FBRef, so he’s always looking to produce moments of quality for his fellow teammates.
Veiga has been lauded an “electric” player by journalist Fabrizio Romano for his youthful pace and energetic nature, so should he put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for Pochettino.
Former Australian pacer joins Justin Langer to take over for Australia’s T20 series against Sri Lanka in February 2017 which clashes with Australia’s first Test in India
Daniel Brettig29-Dec-2016
Jason Gillespie recently stepped down as Yorkshire coach and currently coaches the Adelaide Strikers•Getty Images
Jason Gillespie will join Justin Langer as Australia’s interim coaching duo to oversee the three Twenty20 internationals against Sri Lanka that conflict with preparations for the Test tour of India.Langer (Perth Scorchers) and Gillespie (Adelaide Strikers) are both coaches in the Big Bash League, and the team performance manager Pat Howard said he was hopeful they would duly be able to take a strong T20 mindset into the job while Darren Lehmann and David Saker are minding the Test side in the UAE and India.”Jason has significant experience as a coach around the world and with his skill-set, we believe he and Justin will work well together,” Howard said. “With Jason’s appointment alongside Justin, it means that not only will we have two terrific home-grown coaches to oversee the side but also that we have two individuals who will be coming off the sharp end of the BBL season.”It means they’ll be immersed in the T20 format ahead of the series which will hopefully help them to help us hit the ground running when the action gets underway.”Gillespie, who has been a successful all-format coach of Yorkshire over the past five years, said he was particularly eager to work with Langer, a former Australia teammate.”For me, the chance to be working with Justin Langer is terrific,” Gillespie said. “Of course he’s a friend and a former team-mate, but he’s also someone who’s had success in this form of the game and if I can learn anything from him and his approach then that would be great.”I’m there to support and hopefully play my part in achieving some positive results for us and that is something that is important because Australia hasn’t had the success any of us would like in T20 cricket. A series like this is the ideal way for us to try and get better and refine our approach.”With some players likely to be away in India it really will be a shop window for players from the BBL to showcase their skills, and to show the selectors and the Australian public what they can do. It’s a chance for those selectors to see how, in the case of any new players, they deal with international cricket.”The three T20 matches are at the MCG on February 17, Kardinia Park in Geelong on February 19 and Adelaide Oval on February 22. The Adelaide match takes place the day before the start of the first Test in India.