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Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan has recovered from the ankle sprain he suffered at practice and will resume training on the eve of the first Test

Cricinfo staff14-Nov-2009Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan has recovered from the ankle sprain he suffered at practice and will resume training on the eve of the first Test against India in Ahmedabad starting on November 16. The captain Kumar Sangakkara also confirmed that one of Prasanna Jayawardene and Kaushal Silva will keep wicket, meaning that Dilshan will play as a specialist batsman.The Sri Lankans go into the Ahmedabad Test without match practice, after their only three-day warm-up game in Mumbai was washed out.”Dilshan has recovered from the minor injury he had due to accident at the warm-up,” Sangakkara said. “He is fine now and batting well. We will have to see how well he does tomorrow.”Prasanna has been doing great with the gloves. Kaushal is on a maiden Test tour but has been scoring a good amount of runs for the A side and in domestic cricket. One of them is going to get the first game.”Dilshan kept wicket and batted in the middle order in the three Tests against Pakistan at home during August, stepping in for the injured Jayawardene, which allowed Sri Lanka to accommodate allrounder Angelo Mathews, who chipped in as the third seamer. However, Jayawardene returned for the two Tests against New Zealand that followed and Dilshan was promoted to open the innings. Sri Lanka have four wicketkeepers in the squad, including the captain himself.That flexibility, Sangakkara said, was Sri Lanka’s strength and it extended to all departments of the game. “The guys are relaxed and enjoying themselves as the pressure is not on us. We do have a balanced side this time and have options of playing various combinations of fast bowlers and spinners giving us more flexibility.”We have got a mix of youth and experience, a good variation of pace and spin plus over seven or eight batsmen. And all of them have been doing well in their own disciplines. We are looking forward for them to go into the first Test and enjoy themselves, play good hard cricket and hopefully come out on top.”Sangakkara said he was pleased with the composition of the five-member pace attack, including Mathews. “We have fast bowlers like Dammika Prasad and Thilan Thushara who are bowling at the speed of 145-plus kph,” he said. “Then we have Nuwan Kulasekara at 130 and Chanaka Welegedara who can hit 140 as well. Speed does not really matter unless it is accompanied with accuracy.”

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has confirmed a huge Aston Villa boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Chelsea next week.

What’s the story?

The summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen has barely had any chance to show Villa fans what he is capable of following his move from the German club, with him missing the last two matches in the top flight due to a hamstring injury.

However, Preece has now delivered a huge boost to both Dean Smith and the club’s plans over Bailey’s condition ahead of the return of the Premier League in a week’s time.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Some positive news to start Friday off – Leon Bailey in contention to start at Chelsea next weekend.”

Villa fans will be excited

After coming off the bench to great effect against Watford on the opening day – he marked his Premier League debut for the club by setting up John McGinn’s goal and almost sparking a late comeback – Bailey has seen his early Villa career stall somewhat due to injury.

Speaking before Villa officially confirmed the deal to sign the winger, Alan Hutton threw his backing behind a move for the Jamaica international.

He said: “I’m so excited to see this one. I’ve heard a lot about him over the past two or three seasons. He’s obviously still very young but he’s electric, he gets people off their seats. That’s what you want in a player.

“But what’s more impressive, 15 goals and 11 assists from wide areas in the German league. That’s unbelievable. It’s the kind of consistency you want from your wingers.”

Bailey has earned rave reviews for both his performances and abilities over the years, and it’s comments like those below which are sure to excite Villa fans now that he is in contention to play against Chelsea, as Preece has hinted.

Former Ajax youth coach Ronald de Boer once said of the Jamaican: “He’s so fast it’s not normal. His speed, combined with his technique, is very rare. Exceptional. He has no weak points.”

Leverkusen’s sporting director Rudi Voller added: “He’s got extraordinary pace, he’s very skilful with the ball, and he will give further impetus to our attacking department.”

Meanwhile, Aston Villa must give this starlet a chance…

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a potential blow in their bid to keep Sam Johnstone at The Hawthorns.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Joseph Chapman, with the Birmingham Live journalist revealing in a recent Q&A that, should Albion fail to secure promotion to the Premier League this season, it is almost certain the 28-year-old will not put pen to paper on a new deal with the club.

In his comments, Chapman said: “I do ask Val, about whether it’s made any movements yet, and the answer has always been that we’re very relaxed, that it’s going on in the background and that the talks are still there. No reason to be concerned at this moment, but it’s a situation that Albion shouldn’t have let themselves get into, that they’ve let him go into the final year of his contract.

“I know the offers for him in the summer weren’t good enough, but it’s made this situation tricky because he himself wants to play in the Premier League, I thought he’d get that move in the summer and was surprised when he didn’t.

“He’ll be the first choice pick without fail. I don’t envisage a January exit unless there’s some offer which blows Albion away. If Albion are a Premier League team this time next year, then the likelihood is that Sam Johnstone will have signed a new contract. The longer the wait goes on, he’s lining his ducks in a row, there will be those question marks.

“Will he still be in the Championship next season if Albion are? I think that’s a pretty definitive no.”

Fans would be gutted

While failure to secure an immediate return to the Premier League this season would be hugely disappointing for both Valerien Ismael and fans of the club alike, the further prospect of losing Johnstone – especially on a free transfer – at the end of the current campaign would undoubtedly leave The Hawthorns faithful gutted.

While Johnstone has not quite been in the best form of his life so far this season, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.79 over his seven Championship appearances, the goalkeeper proved last term that he is undeniably a top-flight level player.

Indeed, despite the Baggies’ relegation, the £7.2m-rated shot-stopper impressed over his 37 Premier League appearances, keeping six clean sheets and making a remarkable 4.5 saves per game. These returns saw the man who Micah Richards dubbed an “exceptional” goalkeeper earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Albion’s second-best performer in the top flight.

As such, should Ismael’s side indeed fail to achieve promotion this season – something which Chapman clearly believes will see the £28k-per-week man leave the club – not only will the Frenchman have failed in what will undoubtedly have been his main objective upon taking over at West Brom, he will also more than likely be waving goodbye to one of his most important players in Johnstone.

In other news: Journalist reveals why “complete” 27 y/o failed to secure WBA move, he would’ve been a huge coup

Tottenham Hotspur are not expected to sign a new striker this summer, after missing out on prime targets Dusan Vlahovic and Lautaro Martinez, as reported by journalist Alasdair Gold on Twitter.

The Lowdown: Spurs at centre of transfer storm regarding strikers this summer

Of course, the Lilywhites have been at the centre of a transfer storm this summer. Harry Kane was relentlessly linked to Manchester City before confirming that he will be staying at Spurs this season [Guardian].

Over the course of that saga, Tottenham were interested in Serie A hitmen Martinez and Vlahovic of Inter Milan and Fiorentina respectively, however both deals did not come to fruition [Football London].

The Latest: ‘Nuno and Paratici have decided’

Speaking to his large following on Twitter, Football London correspondent Gold shed light on the latest surrounding the forward position at the club, stating: “At this stage, understand Nuno and Paratici have decided that they will not look to sign another striker today after missing out on their top two targets.”

It now looks as if talisman Kane may be the only senior striker on the books in N17 moving into the coming months.

The Verdict: Lack of depth up-front is a major concern

Most certainly in need of someone to share the goal-scoring burden at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with star man Kane, this news will come as a blow to the Spurs support.

Son Heung-min has helped to deputise in the role in 2021/22, scoring twice from four appearances [Transfermarkt]. Nonetheless, his involvement centrally leaves the left-hand side of attack subject to depletion.

Youngster Dane Scarlett could also be an option at centre-forward, though he has only one senior outing to his name this term and needs time to develop at 17 years old.

Despite the alarming lack of depth within the Tottenham frontline, Nuno and Paratici seem to be willing to hang fire for the time being as other positions take priority.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur face a blow in their pursuit of a lightning-quick ace. Find out more here.

Leeds United youngster Bryce Hosannah is set to join National League side Wrexham on Deadline Day, according to Football Insider’s sources at Thorp Arch.

The Lowdown: Hosannah unwanted at Leeds

The 22-year-old is yet to make a single first-team appearance for the Whites, appearing three times for the Under-23s.

Marcelo Bielsa clearly doesn’t seem the youngster as a part of his plans moving forward, and he is open to look for a new club before the summer transfer window closes.

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The Latest: Youngster to join Wrexham

According to Football Insider’s Whites source, Hosannah has agreed to join Wrexham on a permanent two-year deal, with the Welsh club now co-owned by Hollywood acting pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The right-back’s current Leeds deal expires next summer, so it makes perfect sense to receive a fee for him now, rather than losing him for free in a year’s time.

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The Verdict: Good luck to him

It is important that any young player enjoys plenty of playing time, in order not to stunt their growth, so this should be a good move for Hosannah.

A two-year contract will give him a great chance to prove his worth in a far lower league – it may be that that ends up being his ceiling as a footballer. If it doesn’t, we could well see him climbing back up the ranks, and Leeds may be wise to insert a sell-on clause into any potential deal.

In other news, one Leeds player is reportedly able to leave the club on deadline day. Read more here.

An update has emerged on Wolves’ pursuit of Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes regarding the details of a potential deal.

What’s the talk?

According to SER Deportivos Valencia, via Sport Witness, Wolves have offered centre-back Romain Saiss to Valencia in an attempt to secure a deal for the Portuguese international this month.

It has been reported that Valencia want a fee in the region of £30m (€35m) for the winger, with Wolves now hoping that the 31-year-old’s prospective inclusion in the deal can bring that figure down.

Imagine him & Adama

Wolves could seal a terrifying attack if they are able to bring Guedes to the club this month. Including Saiss in the deal could be a masterstroke by Wanderers if it allows them to pay a lower fee for the Portuguese forward instead of splashing out the entire £30m, whilst also getting the Moroccan’s wages off the bill.

The former PSG attacker could be an excellent addition to Wolves’ squad. The 24-year-old is an exciting talent who has ample experience playing at the top level. He has 23 caps for Portugal, played for PSG in Ligue 1 and has made 137 appearances for Valencia in Spain.

Guedes averaged 2.1 dribbles completed and 1.1 chances created per game in La Liga last season for Valencia, which shows that he is direct in his play and likes to take on defenders. This could get Wolves fans off their seats in excitement and strike fear into opposition players.

Portuguese legend Luis Figo once lauded the 24-year-old and highlighted his unpredictability as one of his biggest strengths. He told Foot Mercato, as transcribed by Tribal Football: “Guedes is a fast, irreverent and unpredictable player, who himself builds actions for his teammates and is also able to finish well.”

This makes him similar to Adama Traore at Molineux. Last season, the Spaniard averaged 4.1 dribbles and 1.5 key passes per game in the Premier League, having managed five and 1.3 respectively in the previous campaign. This shows that both players like to get the ball out of their feet and run at players, which is why the pair could be a frightening prospect for Premier League defences.

Bruno Lage must ensure that this deal gets over the line because the terrifying attack he could have with Adama and Guedes either side of Raul Jimenez could be brilliant to watch this season. Their pace and trickery out wide could create a hatful of chances for the Mexican to score, hopefully propelling Wolves back into the top half of the Premier League table.

AND in other news, Wolves must seal £12.8m deal for 18 y/o beast tipped for “incredible future”…

Tottenham Hotspur have completed their fourth signing of the summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to renowned Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the north Londoners have secured promising Metz midfielder, Pape Matar Sarr, in a €15m (£12.8m) deal.

“Medical completed and now paperworks to be signed for Pape Sarr to Tottenham, here we go confirmed,” he tweeted. “Done deal for €15m guaranteed plus potential “huge” add ons amount in the future.

“Sarr will stay on loan at Metz until June 2022, confirmed.”

Exciting times

It’s an exciting time to be a Spurs supporter and that largely comes down to the appointment of sporting director Fabio Paratici from Juventus, the first person in such a role since the summer of 2015.

Since his arrival, the Lilywhites have signed some encouraging players, including central defender Cristian Romero from Atalanta and Spanish wonderkid Bryan Gil.

Both are 23 years old or under, which suggests there is some forward planning behind these moves. Sarr is the latest name to reinforce this as the 18-year-old will continue his progress at the Ligue 1 outfit before coming to north London.

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These are also the sorts of moves that were lacking during the Mauricio Pochettino era and arguably that has been the biggest root cause for their stagnation over the last two seasons or so.

The Argentine guided Spurs to three successive top-three finishes and a Champions League final, and did so by not making a new signing for 18 straight months (three transfer windows).

That is exactly why a swoop for Sarr should excite many around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – not to mention his actual ability.

The Metz teenager has been likened to Miralem Pjanic and been lauded as a player who’s “got everything”, and his performances would certainly reinforce that.

Sarr averaged two tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 0.8 dribbles and 0.7 key passes per league game in the French top-flight last term, via WhoScored.

Furthermore, with Tanguy Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko’s future in the air, he could be an ideal successor in a year’s time, so again, it’s been a wise call from Paratici and co to get him in now.

It may take a while to see these sorts of signings pay dividends but considering the negativity under Jose Mourinho last season, plenty of supporters have reason to be excited going forward.

AND in other news, Paratici can axe Ndombele in bargain Spurs swoop for “extraordinary” £34m-rated titan…

Pakistan’s recently instated chairman, Ijaz Butt, has wholeheartedly welcomed the news that the Champions Trophy will finally go ahead in 2009

Cricinfo staff16-Oct-2008Pakistan’s recently instated chairman, Ijaz Butt, has wholeheartedly welcomed the news that the Champions Trophy will finally go ahead in 2009.Yesterday, the ICC rescheduled the tournament to take place next September, after it was abandoned earlier this year due to security concerns over the country’s political stability.”Of course, it’s a big relief,” Butt told AFP from Dubai where heattended the ICC’s board meeting. “Previously there was some opposition onholding this event in Pakistan but I am happy that it was a consensusdecision.”The location of the event has yet to be finalised by the ICC, and a decision will be made after India’s tour of the country early next year, in which Pakistan host them for three Tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20.”Pakistan government is taking care of improving security and every stepwill be taken to hold the India series in a peaceful manner,” Butt said, “because thatwill allay fears of other countries.”Pakistan has struggled to attract touring teams for a number of years owing to their concerns over its security. Two home series, against Australia and West Indies, were relocated in the aftermath of the 9/11 bombings in America in 2001, and Australia also postponed their full tour of Pakistan this year. They have agreed to split the tour into two trips, with five ODIs scheduled for March 2009 and a three-Test series in 2010.

Some Liverpool supporters have been left fuming after a fresh update emerged regarding the Reds’ potential spending this summer.

Jurgen Klopp has only signed Ibrahima Konate since the end of last season, with the club’s transfer business low-key until this point.

Gini Wijnaldum’s exit has arguably heightened the need to bring in a new central midfielder, while another attacking player could also ideally be recruited.

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There has been some frustration surrounding Liverpool’s lack of signings, especially with Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United all spending big.

A fresh update may not bring too much happiness to Reds fans, with the Liverpool Echo claiming [via Anfield Watch on Twitter] that new arrivals won’t come in until both Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi are sold.

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Liverpool fans fume at transfer latest

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the news, with plenty of negativity in the air.

“Oh my lord. This club is a joke”

Credit: @jordan210496749

“Just watch our rivals splash 70m+ on players whilst we twiddle our thumbs, nice oneeeee”

Credit: @jakelandsbury

“Make it stop”

Credit: @Arv_2110

“Trying to win the net spend trophy again I see. Mid club.”

Credit: @Wandee__

“Horrible reading this when you see our rivals spend big”

Credit: @aTribeCalledDan

“So no more signings then”

Credit: @jontelfc86

In other news, there is interest in one Liverpool player this summer – find out who it is here.

A report by Loughborough University has found that cricket has a beneficial effect on children’s behaviour, and could even have influenced truancy rates for the better

Cricinfo staff14-Oct-2008
‘With cricket, it is very much gentlemanly conduct’ © Getty Images
A report by Loughborough University has found that cricket has a beneficial effect on children’s behaviour, and could even have influenced truancy rates for the better.The Chance to Shine campaign aims to bring cricket to one third of all state schools across the UK in ten years. And although its intention is to publicise the sport among those who may not have previously had the opportunity to play it, researchers say that cricket has had an impact inside the classroom as well.”With cricket there is very much a code of conduct and code of behaviour such as clapping if somebody gets a six even with the other side,” a teacher involved in the scheme told .”It brings in very positive conduct and way of behaving compared to other sports that are usually quite negative – such as football where they [the pupils] get easily upset or argue over decisions. With cricket, it is very much gentlemanly conduct.”Another teacher said that the scheme had helped integrate ethnic minority groups, whose primary language isn’t English.”A lot of our Bengali children may have English as an additional language but if you get them on a cricket pitch they are up there with their peers or even ahead … It gives them a sense of self worth that they are good at something which raises their self-esteem.”