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Former India and Rajasthan cricketer Parthasarthi Sharma has died at the age of 62

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Oct-2010Parthasarthi Sharma, the former India and Rajasthan cricketer, has died at the age of 62. Sharma, who had been suffering from gallbladder cancer, played five Tests for India between 1974-77, averaging 18.70 with a high score of 54, and two ODIs.A right-hand middle-order bat, Sharma had a successful start to his Test career, making 54 and 49 on debut against West Indies in Delhi in ’74-75. He was less successful in the next Test, though, and was dropped for the rest of the series. He returned for India’s tour of the Caribbean in 1975-76 but played one Test, opening with Sunil Gavaskar, and two more the following season at home to England. However, a highest score of 29 in those six innings brought his Test career to an end.His first-class career with Rajasthan and Central Zone spanned two decades during which he scored 4372 runs averaging 38.69 in the Ranji Trophy, and 1379 runs at an average of 38.31 in the Duleep Trophy. He was a mainstay of the Rajasthan side that repeatedly won the Central Zone championship and finished runners-up several times in the national competition. He was also part of Central Zone’s maiden triumph in the Duleep Trophy in 1971-72.Post his playing days, Sharma coached the Rajasthan Ranji team and went on to become an acclaimed coach. One of his famous wards is Gautam Gambhir, who credited his transformation, from Test sidelines to being India’s first-choice opener, to Sharma. “He is one man who has changed not only me as a player, but a lot of other players as well,” Gambhir said. “The kind of technical knowledge he has is phenomenal.”When I got dropped from the Test squad, and had this problem of falling across too much, I had tried everything possible. But he made that change possible. That was something I was working on for a long time, but the one thing that he changed, I give a lot of credit to him.”He changed me completely as a player. My stance, my grip, my falling across, and the way we discussed how to go about things. [It was of] tremendous help to me, overall, as a person to and how to approach my cricket. A lot of credit goes to him for my performances over the last couple of years.””I had seen him grow right from a ten-year-old boy,” Salim Durrani, former India and Rajasthan cricketer said. “He had shown tremendous promise and talent. I feel he should have played a longer period for India”Former India captain Bishen Bedi also paid tribute. “In the domestic arena he was an outstanding batsman,” Bedi, who remembers Sharma’s century against North Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final in Chandigarh in 1976, said. “It was an interesting match in that our own officials thought the opposition were favourites. But he [Sharma] played a brilliant knock and gave us a hard time till I bowled him. We were lucky to scrape through.” North had made 327 in their first innings and Central fell two runs short, enabling North to qualify based on a first-innings lead.Bedi shared many a social evening with Sharma and if there was a regret he felt that Sharma could have worked a little harder – something that would have helped him play for longer at the international level.

The details may be uncertain, but Worcestershire will face a demanding run chase on the final day of the championship season if they are to achieve promotion

George Dobell at New Road15-Sep-2010
ScorecardThe details may be uncertain, but Worcestershire will face a demanding run chase on the final day of the championship season if they are to achieve promotion. A brave first innings declaration underlined Worcestershire’s desire to pursue any fourth-innings target but, after a day in which they dropped three chances and squandered a good platform with the bat, they may reflect that their best chance of success has already gone.Sussex already lead by 138. On a pitch of variable bounce, a target of anything over 250 could prove very challenging.Whatever happens, however, both these sides can look back with satisfaction on their campaigns. Sussex, who were presented with the Division Two trophy and a cheque for £135,000 at the end of play, have looked a class above all season, while Worcestershire have bounced back admirably from a terrible 2009.It’s worth dwelling on how last year ended for Worcestershire. They finished, remember, without a single first-class victory in the season for the first time since 1928 and were then hit by the loss of five senior players (Kabir Ali, Steve Davies, Stephen Moore, Gareth Batty and Simon Jones). Director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, was also obliged to cut his cricket budget by £300,000 as the club struggled to negotiate the recession. Some feared that the wooden spoon loomed this year.Instead, however, the nucleus of a decent team has emerged. In Moeen Ali and Alexei Kervezee, Worcestershire have two of the best young batsmen in the land, while seamer Richard Jones and keeper Ben Cox have shown glimpses of form to suggest they could prosper at this level. In Alan Richardson, Rhodes recruited a hardworking and skillful seamer, while the arrival of allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has significantly strengthened them.Most pleasingly, the second team also contains several players – mostly batsmen – who should go on to enjoy decent careers in the game. Whatever happens on the final day, they can look to the future with optimism.They’ve not made life easy for themselves on the last day, however. By squandering three chances in the field, two of them quite straightforward, they have already allowed Sussex to pull further ahead than might have been the case. An unbroken third-wicket stand of 73 between the impressive Ben Brown, who pulls unusually well, and the typically pugnacious Murray Goodwin may prove to be the killer blow.Crucially, Goodwin has been reprieved twice: first, on 12, when Solanki, at slip, missed one off the deserving Richardson and then again, on 21, when Shakib missed a simple chance, off Moeen, at midwicket. Daryl Mitchell also put down a sharp chance offered by Luke Wells, off Andrew, before Sussex had scored a run.Worcestershire also squandered an opportunity to bat themselves into an impregnable position earlier in the day. At 132 for 2, they retained hopes of gaining an imposing first innings lead. A second-wicket stand of 77 between James Cameron and the elegant Vikram Solanki had earned them a good platform, while Moeen Ali also settled in nicely in a stand of 51 with Solanki.Sadly, from a Worcestershire perspective, they were unable to capitalise. Cameron, in attempting the quick single that would have brought up his well-deserved fifty, was run-out by a direct hit by Wells, before Moeen – not for the first time – left a straight one that hit his off stump. Solanki was hit on the boot by a full toss in Will Beer’s first over.Legspinner Beer, in just his fourth first-class game, claimed career-best figures of 3 for 31. Though he found little turn, he demonstrated admirable control and Luke Wright also bowled pretty well. He exploited Kervezee’s habit of reaching half-forward by claiming an early leg-before verdict, while Andrew was lured into poking at one he could have left outside off stump.Earlier, it took Worcestershire just 14 balls to polish off Sussex’s first innings. Gareth Andrew, bowling with some pace, claimed three wickets in five deliveries to finish with his best haul of the season. Hodd’s innings was ended when he left a straight one, before Lewis Hatchett and Monty Panesar steered to point.Monty didn’t enjoy the best of days. Though he took one wicket, that of Matt Mason with an awful long-hop that the batsmen charitably steered to point, Monty’s bowling was generally negated with ease. Moeen pulled him for one dismissive six, while Cameron skipped down the pitch and thumped two fours and a towering straight six.The nadir came when Monty, fielding at fine leg, scooped the ball up but, instead of throwing it back to the keeper, somehow manged to drop it over the rope. He may have rediscovered something of his magic with the ball, but his fielding remains a work in progress.

Liverpool are facing a major blow as reports emerge that Spurs are now in talks to sign Porto star Luis Diaz in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that Jurgen Klopp’s side are very much interested in the winger, but it now appears their Premier League rivals have stolen a march on him.

According to Sky Sports, the north Londoners are in negotiations with Porto over a deal and are willing to pay up to £46m to sign the Colombian flier before deadline day next week, with Antonio Conte keen to bolster his wide options.

Fans will be fuming

While Liverpool have done well to offset the absences of both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane this month, their lack of transfer activity once again is sure to leave fans fuming.

The Merseyside club have been very reluctant to splash the cash in recent transfer windows, instead opting for a more reserved approach, which has raised some real questions about whether they are making the right steps to move forward and keep up with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.

In Diaz, it is clear that the Reds are interested in signing him, but have allowed Spurs to jump ahead of them in the race to land him before the January transfer window shuts next week.

The Colombia international has scored 14 goals in just 18 Portuguese top-flight games, as well as providing five assists too, showcasing a real ability to be a goal-scoring threat from out wide.

His Porto teammate Sergio Oliveira waxed lyrical about him after his goal-scoring display in the Champions League against Milan, saying: “I don’t have to answer, we know his qualities, apart from the human level he is also extraordinary on a technical level. The best for him will also be the best for us as a team.”

If Spurs do end up completing a deal for Diaz, then it would be a real setback for Klopp and his ambitions of strengthening this Liverpool squad, and have fans fuming too.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are monitoring this Premier League star…

Dwayne Leverock, the burly left-arm spinner that flew to fame during the 2007 World Cup, has come out of international retirement to join Bermuda’s squad for the Intercontinental Shield game against UAE next month

Cricinfo staff20-Jun-2010Dwayne Leverock, the burly left-arm spinner that flew to fame during the 2007 World Cup, has come out of international retirement to join Bermuda’s squad for the Intercontinental Shield game against UAE next month.Leverock, 38, became an one of the few positive icons from a maligned tournament in the Caribbean when he hurled his generous frame at slip to take a stunning one-handed catch and dismiss Indian batsman Robin Uthappa.After Bermuda failed to qualify for the 2011 World Cup in Asia during qualifiers in South Africa last year, Leverock announced his international retirement but stayed within the game by captaining club side Southampton Rangers. Now he is a surprise inclusion in the 25-strong squad that Bermuda national coach David Moore says he wants to form the basis of his team for the next year.”He’s made himself available,” said Moore. “He approached me about being involved. He told me that he was interested in being part of the programme and that’s where we are at the moment. We’ll just see how he goes, how he trains, and so on, but it’s good to have him back in the squad, although the competition is quite stiff from the likes of Rodney Trott and Joshua Gilbert.”The squad will be trimmed to 15 players for the four-day Intercontinental Shield match against UAE which starts on July 5.

A preview of the second one-day international between England and Bangladesh at Bristol

The Preview by Andrew McGlashan09-Jul-2010Match factsJuly 10, 2010, Bristol
Start time 10.30am (9.30GMT)Ian Bell made the most of his chance at No. 3•PA PhotosBig pictureIt was messy at times from England at Trent Bridge, but they duly secured a comfortable six-wicket victory as Ian Bell enjoyed his return to the one-day ranks with a steady 84. Moving on to Bristol the home side will want a more convincing performance against opposition now beset by injuries and having to hastily summon replacements from Bangladesh.Mushfiqur Rahim and Raqibul Hasan are out of the series and the replacements will need to be ready to play with some hefty jetlag if they make it to the country on time for Saturday’s game. What was most disappointing about Bangladesh’s effort in the opening match was the way the batting faded with the team seemingly happy to settle for 250 when they should have pushed for 280.Not that England can sit back and relax. Their bowling, especially with the new ball, is starting to cause some serious concerns with James Anderson proving continually expensive and Tim Bresnan struggling to make breakthroughs. Against Bangladesh it is unlikely to prove costly – although Tamim Iqbal could yet change that scenario – but for Andrew Strauss it should be about how his team wins these matches.Strauss, who was run out for a sublime 50 at Trent Bridge, will also be keen for the batsmen to build on their platforms because England still need to score more hundreds in one-day cricket. But it’s almost impossible to see how Bangladesh will prevent another whitewash because even if Tamim cuts loose for more than a few overs the bowling is so unthreatening that Mashrafe Mortaza has few options to turn to.Form guide (last five completed matches)England WLLWW
Bangladesh LLLLLWatch out for…Craig Kieswetter was quite frenetic during his 32 in the opening ODI and is still struggling for form this season since his performances at the World Twenty20. After backing him over the last six months the selectors will be loathe to make another change to the position, but Matt Prior’s county form has been impressive. Kieswetter is likely to have the remainder of England’s one-day cricket this summer to make a mark – and he has been earmarked for the World Cup – but needs a strong finish to this series.Shakib Al Hasan has shed the captaincy to try and recapture his form, particularly with the bat, and Bangladesh need big performances from him. He showed glimpses in the first match before driving to cover and was also involved in the mix-up that ended Raqibul’s innings when he was acting as a runner. However, the bowling looked in good order and he troubled Ian Bell during a testing spell. He is a class above the other members of the attack.Team newsThere must be a temptation from Strauss and Andy Flower to make a change in the bowling department with Ajmal Shahzad having carried the drinks in recent weeks. They like the balance of the current team, but James Tredwell only bowled three overs at Trent Bridge so Shahzad could slot in for the offspinner and increase the pace options.England (probable) 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Craig Kieswetter (wk), 3 Ian Bell, 4 Paul Collingwood, 5 Eoin Morgan, 6 Michael Yardy, 7 Luke Wright, 8 Tim Bresnan, 9 James Tredwell, 10 Stuart Broad, 11 James AndersonBangladesh will have to wait and see how many of the reserves arrive in Bristol in time for the game. Mohammad Ashraful, Naeem Islam and wicketkeeper Saghir Hossain are jetting over and without them the squad is down to the bare bones. If Saghir doesn’t reach in time for the match, Jahurul Islam will keep wicket.Bangladesh (possible) 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Junaid Siddique, 4 Jahurul Islam (wk), 5 Mohammad Ashraful, 6 Shakib Al Hasan, 7 Mahmudullah, 8 Faisal Hossain, 9 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 10 Abdur Razzak, 11 Shafiul IslamPitch and conditionsThis is the ground where 23 wickets fell on the first day of Gloucestershire’s County Championship match against Northamptonshire at the beginning of the season. Although conditions have certainly eased considerably since then, and Gloucestershire eased to 154 for 2 in slightly more than 15 overs in the last Twenty20 match played here, the pitch should provide a decent battle between bat and ball. The weather is set fair for Saturday’s game.Stats and Trivia After his unbeaten 84 in the first game, Ian Bell now averages 143.40 in all international matches against Bangladesh, having scored 717 runs – including three Test centuries – against them. Despite Tamim Iqbal’s consistent form, Bangladesh’s leading runscorer in ODIs in 2010 is his opening partner, Imrul Kayes, who has 502 runs at 35.85 this year. Tamim is just behind him, with 499 runs at 35.64, but has a far superior strike-rate of 103.09 as compared to Kayes’ 68.11 in 2010. Quotes”Andy Flower spoke to me about a few things when he left me out of the side last year, mainly about playing spinners in the middle overs, and it’s started to pay off.”

“We have lost 20 games in a row, and as a captain I have to lift the other 14 guys.”

Leeds United are interested in signing Torino right-back Ola Aina in the January transfer window, according to a new transfer rumour that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Aina impresses in Italy

The 25-year-old has become an established player for Torino since joining in 2019, making 13 Serie A starts already this season.

He can play anywhere across the defence or on either wing, per Whoscored, and ranks highly amongst his teammates in both interceptions and successful take-ons, showing his ability on both sides of the ball.

Aina also has 21 caps to his name for Nigeria, having initially represented England during his youth team years, making four appearances for the Under-20s.

It could be that a return to England appeals for the defender, however – he was originally at Chelsea between 2015 and 2019 – and Leeds appear to be contenders to snap him up.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Leeds eye up move

According to Tuttosport [via Sport Witness], ‘there is Leeds’ when it comes to those clubs showing an interest, with Torino willing to sell him if the ‘right proposal’ comes along.

Aina’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, essentially giving the Italian side two more transfer windows to sell him for a decent fee, should they want to.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-30/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Strong Ayling replacement

With Luke Ayling turning 31 later this year, it is important that Leeds plan for the long-term and bring in someone who can be his eventual replacement.

Aina could be that man, having already picked up plenty of experience in Italy but also being at an age where he can improve further as a player. Torino manager Ivan Juric has hailed his crossing ability, highlighting what he could bring to the side.

He has averaged one tackle and 1.4 interceptions per game in the league this season – Ayling has averaged 1.6 and 0.9, respectively – and he shouldn’t cost a large amount, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £4.95million.

With his contract expiring in 2023 and Leeds currently boasting plenty of depth on the right flank, perhaps this is a move we could see later in the year or next January, when Ayling will have one more season on the legs while the Italian outfit will have little choice but to offer up a bargain for Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with another player – find out who it is here.

Aston Villa have turned their sights towards signing Robin Olsen after suffering a transfer blow over Darren Randolph…

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested Steven Gerrard’s side were keen on landing the Republic of Ireland international, with an enquiry having already been made for the West Ham goalkeeper.

But now, according to journalist Alex Crook, Villa have failed in their pursuit of the Hammers man, and have instead lined up a swoop for Sheffield United loanee Olsen.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “#AVFCnow turning their attentions to Robin Olsen after failing to land Darren Randolph.”

Villa making moves

On loan from AS Roma, Olsen has played 11 times in the Championship this season for the Blades, but has fallen out of contention in recent weeks and months after being a virtual ever-present for the opening of the campaign.

With 53 caps for Sweden, the 32-year-old is a highly-experienced campaigner who of course has had previous experience of playing in the top-flight.

Indeed, the 6 foot 5 shot-stopper was impressive over his seven Premier League appearances while on loan at Everton last year, helping to keep two clean sheets, conceding an average of just 1.3 goals and also making three saves per game too.

While the signing of Olsen himself is hardly like to set hearts aflutter in Villa fans – especially when you consider they have just signed Philippe Coutinho in recent days – it should still be a move that has supporters very much impressed though.

Gerrard’s side have been quick and decisive in this transfer window, taking advantage of every opportunity that has arisen and come their way.

Whether it was snapping up Coutinho on loan and Gerrard using his pull and previous links to the Brazilian, or swooping in ahead of the likes of Chelsea to land Digne, Villa have been very fast to act.

Now, Crook’s update that after hitting a roadblock in trying to sign Randolph, they have already lined up an alternative target in Olsen suggests a highly thought-out planning structure that bodes well for their future recruitment.

Meanwhile, this Aston Villa target is now set to join their Premier League rivals…

Cricinfo previews the 11th match of the IPL between Delhi and Chennai at the Feroz Shah Kotla

The Preview by Jamie Alter in Delhi18-Mar-2010Match factsFriday, March 19
Start time 1600 (1030 GMT)Dinesh Karthik has more captaincy experience than Suresh Raina•Getty ImagesBig pictureNeither side will be with the services of their influential and much revered captains. The man picked to lead Chennai Super Kings in MS Dhoni’s absence, Suresh Raina, has limited experience in the role and certainly zilch when it comes to marshalling players of international caliber and with decades of experience. Neither has he fired yet with the bat. Dinesh Karthik, Delhi Daredevils’ vice-captain, has plenty of leadership experience but his stature in the side does not match that of Gautam Gambhir. Both sides have conundrums, and that presents the biggest challenge for two power-packed sides searching for consistency in all three departments.
Chennai have, statistically, been a far better team on the road and thus they should look at the Feroz Shah Kotla, where Mumbai Indians racked up 218, with a degree of excitement. Raina, Matthew Hayden and Justin Kemp have yet to hit form and this could be the place for them to do so, and against an attack missing Ashish Nehra and having been deflated by Sachin Tendulkar, Saurabh Tiwary and Co. Chennai’s two matches, a 31-run loss to Deccan Chargers and a 55-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders, leaves room for improvement and they don’t look the strong side of the previous two IPLs. Not only has Dhoni been Chennai’s main batsman in their two games this season, but his leadership played a big role in the side bouncing back after losing the first encounter. If they can rise to the occasion in his absence, it will be a real test of their strength and proof of whether they are semi-final contenders this season.Semi-finalists on two occasions, Delhi cannot afford to lose consecutive games at home. Tipped by many to go all the way even before the IPL started, they looked good while picking up wins over Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals, but received a walloping at the hands of Mumbai yesterday. They are bruised, and not having Gambhir and Nehra around has left them smarting. Delhi have a chance to go one better to get to the top of the table for if they win, but for that their catching will also need to improve. Their three matches have seen a mix of incredible takes and sloppy efforts, and up against a strong batting side they can’t afford lapses. Chennai minus Dhoni is just not the same, and Delhi must capitalise on that.Team talkGambhir injured himself during last night’s match against Mumbai and was on the field for barely 10 minutes during the 98-run loss. The team has confirmed that he will miss tomorrow’s game. The loss opens up a spot for another batsman, and frankly it is time Delhi got in David Warner. A specialist Twenty20 opener, Warner would bring to the side a velocity that they so desperately need in Gambhir’s absence and the poor run Tillakaratne Dilshan and AB de Villiers are having.The overseas player to bow out would then be Farveez Maharoof, who in three matches has gone for a whopping 9.91 runs an over. Delhi could easily draft in Aavishkar Salvi as a replacement fast bowler. If, however, Delhi do not opt for Warner, then the likely scheme would be for each batsman to move up a spot and for the allrounder Rajat Bhatia to figure in the puzzle. But frankly, Delhi have kept Warner on the bench too long.Chennai have no other fitness worries apart from Dhoni, and so they should be able to field ten of the XI who beat Kolkata. Dhoni’s replacement behind the stumps will be Parthiv Patel, who has some experience opening with Hayden in previous editions of the IPL, and so he could return to the top. Parthiv has also been in good form on the domestic circuit, so that would mean M Vijay having to step aside. Chennai have the Tasmanian batsman George Bailey in their squad but it’s unlikely they’re fretting about Hayden’s poor form so much as to bench him.Previously…The first IPL saw the teams win a game against each other: Delhi beat Chennai by eight wickets away, and when Chennai visited they won a humdinger by four wickets off the final ball of the match. In 2009 the results were the same: Delhi won the first game by nine runs, Chennai the second by 18 runs.In the spotlight Raina and Karthik: Neither has hit form with the bat, but both find themselves in leading roles. Raina shot to fame during the first IPL but struggled to recapture that glory in the second, and his form in two matches this past week has not been convincing. A good player of spin, Raina could trump the likes of Amit Mishra and Sarabjit Ladda who, despite going for runs in the last game, should hold his place. Karthik, a vital member of Delhi’s shaky middle order, should move up a place in Gambhir’s absence. He’s a skilled Twenty20 player and has bailed Delhi out of a few holes in both the IPLs. This could be his toughest test yet.The compatriots: Watch out for the two turks from South Africa facing-off. Albie Morkel, who is AB de Villiers’ team-mate at their domestic franchise, the Titans, may have the rare opportunity to bowl against him. Morkel has struggled with the ball this season, and de Villiers with the bat. Who trumps who could make for exciting viewing. Similarly, the Sri Lankan pair of Muttiah Muralitharan and Dilshan stand to square off … if Dilshan lasts long enough, that is. He has two ducks and a breezy 17 to his credit, but he’s not hung around long enough to face the spinners. Countering a wily old fox could just be the antidote to poor form.Chennai’s batsmen against spin: Delhi have preferred going in with two spinners. Amit Mishra is the specialist slow bowler, but Ladda has been expensive in two games. If he is benched, Delhi could turn to the former India offspinner Sarandeep Singh, who has been relegated to carrying drinks in three matches. The bowlers will be demoralised by the treatment they received at the hands of Mumbai’s batsmen, but they haven’t been exposed to Hayden, Raina, Kemp and Morkel. Regaining their confidence against a formidable batting line-up will be a challenge and makes for compelling viewing.Prime numbers Justin Kemp may not have clicked with the bat, but with the ball he has taken three wickets at an average at nine runs each, the fourth best of the IPL this season. Kemp also has the best economy rate, 5.22.Dinesh Karthik has the most dismissals so far, four.Chatter”The blow to the elbow, that put him out of action for the next few matches, leaves us without the biggest asset a 3-in-1 champion in dynamic form.”
“The captain plays an important role. He should understand the game and should be able to take quick decisions. So many captains have been fined for slow over-ate in this tournament and we need to be careful.”

Two wickets from seamer Charlie Shreck secured an early foothold forNottinghamshire on despite poor weather on day one of their CountyChampionship Division One clash with Durham

Jon Culley10-May-2010Durham 79 for 3 v Nottinghamshire
Scorecard
Durham twice beat Nottinghamshire by an innings last season and with Steve Harmison belatedly ready to begin his new campaign they might fancy themselves to knock the home side’s confidence a little after their blistering start.Unfortunately, the return to fitness of Harmison after his back trouble has coincided with the loss of Mark Davies, whose ankle injury makes him the 10th Durham player to be hurt with the season little more than a month old.Harmison’s well-being has to be taken slightly on trust. He barely bowled in Durham’s weather-hit match against Durham UCCE last week and sent down six fairly gentle overs in their Clydesdale Bank 40 defeat at Edgbaston on Sunday. There are question marks, too, over Liam Plunkett after he suffered a side injury against Yorkshire two weeks ago. Plunkett is expected to bowl but his county know he could face a long spell out if he breaks down again.In the meantime, they must give Harmison and company something to defend after a stop-start opening day reduced to 27.2 overs. The weather could not have been more frustrating after the forecast suggested a largely dry day. Morning drizzle persisted until early afternoon and then bad light forced more stoppages.Nottinghamshire look credible challengers in the battle to loosen Durham’s grip on the Championship. They have won their first three games and a victory over the title-holders would make them favourites to win their first crown in five years with most pundits outside Yorkshire. In the circumstances, it was probably to Durham’s relief that the weather intervened given that they lost three wickets in the first 12 overs after Nottinghamshire put them in.Darren Pattinson and Charlie Shreck exploited the overcast conditions effectively, although Kyle Coetzer could not blame swing or seam for his dismissal, driving Shreck confidently only for Paul Franks to take a superb catch at mid-off, diving forward and to his left.There was frustration for Pattinson when Mark Wagh dropped a catch at square leg as Michael di Venuto clipped the ball away in the air but the miss cost only six runs as the Australian’s drive was pouched by Samit Patel at gully.Shreck accounted for Will Smith, the Durham captain, whose hopes of a confidence-building score ended when he pushed tentatively at a ball outside off stump and was caught comfortably by Chris Read behind the stumps.From 36-3, Durham recovered to 79 without further loss at the premature close, although Ian Blackwell had an escape on 10 when he almost played on to Shreck. He and Dale Benkenstein now look critical to Durham’s prospects if they are to dampen Nottinghamshire’s fire.

An update has emerged on Bournemouth centre-back Steve Cook, regarding interest from Newcastle United…

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, Eddie Howe is considering a January swoop for the experienced defender to come in and bolster his defensive options.

The report claims that he could be an alternative option to Burnley duo James Tarkowski and Ben Mee, with the Cherries defender ‘creeping’ up the Magpies’ transfer wishlist.

Disaster

PIF could be heading for a Newcastle disaster with a deal for the English flop. They must avoid signing Cook in January as he would not be a good addition to the squad, given his struggles and lack of game time this season in the Championship.

He has played four games for Bournemouth in all competitions this season and averaged a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.21 – with the side conceding 11 goals in that time. Six of those goals came in a hammering against Norwich in the League Cup, a game in which Cook was given an abysmal rating of 4.89.

The 30-year-old was managed by the Magpies boss at the Vitality Stadium and played 29 games as they were relegated together in the 2019/20 campaign.

Howe once reportedly locked Cook, and the rest of the Cherries squad, in the dressing room for 30 minutes after a 4-1 loss to, ironically, Newcastle. The defender, who blasted himself and his teammates as “embarrassing’ for their performances in the top-flight, claimed that the team played ‘like kids’. He said:

“Words have been said, players have stepped up and spoken but it is no good unless we do it on the pitch.

“We are men in the dressing room but played like kids.”

So, why should Newcastle be signing a player who previously struggled under Howe in the Premier League and is currently failing to perform in the second tier with Bournemouth?

He has only played three times in the Championship and his average rating of 6.64 in the division does not suggest that he is playing well enough to deserve a move to the top-flight.

Therefore, the £45k-per-week earner would be a disaster of a signing by PIF and Howe as his statistics suggest that he would be a nightmare in the Premier League, given that he is not standing out in a lower standard of football. Newcastle should avoid Cook and look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.

AND in other news, “Seriously interested”: Romano drops fresh NUFC transfer claim which fans will love…