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World Cup winner, whose wife is American, had spoken of playing in the US if an opportunity arose

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Aug-2021Surrey and former England fast bowler Liam Plunkett will leave English cricket at the end of this season to play Major League Cricket in the United States.Surrey announced on Tuesday that Plunkett would leave the club after three years to join the new T20 competition in America, where he would also play and work as an Academy coach for The Philadelphians, a team in the Eastern Division of Minor League Cricket, recently launched as a level below the major league set-up.The 36-year-old Plunkett was part of England’s victorious World Cup campaign in 2019, claiming 3 for 42 in the final against New Zealand, which was the last of his 89 ODI caps and his final appearance for England.”I would like to thank everyone at Surrey for the support and backing I have received over the last three years,” Plunkett told the Surrey CCC website. “Moving onto the next phase of my career, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join Major League Cricket and focus my attention on helping to grow the sport in the United States.”I’ve enjoyed a fantastic career with England and, after retiring from international cricket, I am delighted to be able to help build the sport in America in both playing and coaching capacities.”In addition, I am looking forward to supporting the team closest to our home in the US by being able to play for The Philadelphians in Minor League Cricket.”Plunkett, whose wife is American, has previously spoken about the possibility of playing in the US if an opportunity arose at the right time.Surrey’s director of cricket, Alec Stewart, said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we wish Liam the very best with his new challenge in America. Whenever he is in London, he will always be welcomed back to visit the Kia Oval.”

Meanwhile, allrounder Lahiru Madushanka has definitely been ruled out with a fractured collarbone

Andrew Fidel Fernando15-Sep-2021Kusal Perera may miss the T20 World Cup after sustaining a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s third T20 International against South Africa. Allrounder Lahiru Madushanka, meanwhile, is definitely out of the World Cup, having fractured his collarbone while fielding in the same match.Perera was clearly struggling with his hamstring while running between the wickets during his innings, in which he top-scored for Sri Lanka with 39. Dr. Daminda Attanayake, a team physician, told ESPNcricinfo that Perera’s availability for the World Cup was “on the fence”, and that the medical team might have a clearer idea of his prognosis after further observation and testing, which should occur by September 23.”The inury is a sprinter’s injury, which can be picked up while running between the wickets,” Attanayake said. “Because of the nature of the injury we can’t do a fast rehabilitation.”Related

• Kusal Perera returns after recovering from Covid-19

• Openers demolish Sri Lanka after bowling strangle

Perera has had long-standing problems with his hamstrings, though this particular injury is not understood to be a chronic overuse injury. He had just come back to international cricket after having recovered from Covid-19, and had also missed India’s tour of Sri Lanka with an injury.Madushanka, who was playing his third T20 International, hurt himself while making a diving stop in the outfield. He landed hard on his left shoulder and was seen reaching for it in discomfort immediately. Sri Lanka will be required to name a replacement for him in the World Cup squad.If it turns out Perera is unavailable for the World Cup, Sri Lanka will be without perhaps their best T20 batter. He has 1416 runs at a strike rate of 132.21 in the format.Sri Lanka are required to play the qualifying round of the World Cup if they are to move on to main draw. They play Ireland, Namibia and the Netherlands in their qualifying group.

Punjab were bolstered by the presence of four members from the national squad in the Vijay Hazare trophy this season, but only managed to finish as contenders again. Instead of kicking on to secure the title

Shashank Kishore in Alur23-Dec-2015Punjab are high on the favourites list in the build up to every major domestic competition, but have somehow failed to shed the bridesmaid status. In the last three seasons alone, they had been pipped in the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy twice, while they couldn’t put it past Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final last year. Punjab had attracted greater interest this season, largely due to the presence of four players from the national squad.Yuvraj Singh hit blistering form with the bat, while Harbhajan Singh’s presence gave a lift to an otherwise inexperienced attack that had been further depleted by the injury to Sandeep Sharma.On Wednesday, Punjab felt the pinch the most as an unheralded Himachal Pradesh side, devoid of big stars, stunned Punjab in the first quarter-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Alur. Robin Bist, a domestic journeyman, played a key role in HP’s win, scoring his maiden List-A century in a manner few saw coming. It meant that Mandeep Singh’s well-crafted century ended in vain.Soon after the game, Harbhajan sat his team down in a circle on the field. An animated chat followed for the next 30 minutes, where most members of the team were left in rapt attention. While there wasn’t much to suggest stern words, there was some serious soul-searching. After they dispersed from the huddle, Harbhajan was back to his usual self.”More than the loss, I’m disappointed that we as a team didn’t give Mandeep another opportunity in that tournament,” Harbhajan lamented. “That kind of knock should have resulted in a win, but we didn’t take our chance. This was a defendable total by all means. We just didn’t convert our opportunities,” he said, hinting at the two missed run-outs of centurion Bist.Harbhajan expressed satisfaction at the progress of some of his younger colleagues, but stressed that a lot of ground work still had to be done if Punjab were to wear the champions tag, and not merely settle with the contenders tag.”Very honestly speaking, we have won games as individuals but there’s a lot to work on if we want to win championships,” he said. “I hope the boys will realise this. We have pulled through on individual performances, but haven’t been able to click as a unit even though we have come close a number of times. The team has to believe that we can win from any situation.”As the conversation wheeled towards Barinder Sran, Harbhajan put on the analyst’s hat. The left-arm pacer finished with figures of 1 for 55 in 10 overs, but the scorecard wouldn’t suggest the control he maintained in his first spell, which paved way for two breakthroughs from the other end.”His strength is his bounce,” Harbhajan said.”He is a strong lad and can bowl quick. He may look the 130 kph types, but believe me, having faced him in the nets, I can tell you that he can be a skiddy customer. He’s a lot sharper than he looks. He can swing the ball and has a good back-of-the-hand slower delivery which he executes well with the old ball.”It isn’t too often that Harbhajan isn’t asked about his own form, perhaps a good indication of where he is at the moment. Good returns in the ODIs against South Africa at home didn’t translate into an ODI call-up for Australia, but Harbhajan said the prospect of playing for India at the World T20 kept the fire burning, with the hope of adding to his two world titles being the motivating factor.”When you are out, you tend to try too many things. But the trick was to just keep it simple. It’s a funny game, you just need to have faith in your own abilities and back yourself,” Harbhajan said. “I’m happy with the way I’m bowling. I’m excited to share the dressing room once again with my good mates.”

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Oct-2015Masood and Mohammad Hafeez put on a half-century opening stand…•AFP…before Moeen Ali struck, having Hafeez taken at short leg•Getty ImagesJonny Bairstow is mobbed after his second catch – a brilliant piece of work under the helmet – removed Shoaib Malik•Getty ImagesJames Anderson picked up Masood after lunch to leave Pakistan on 85 for 3•Getty ImagesMisbah-ul-Haq helped steady the innings during a stand of 93 with Younis Khan•Getty ImagesYounis passed fifty and was heading towards another landmark…•Getty Images…only to be caught down the leg side off Mark Wood•Getty ImagesYounis departed for 56. He needs another 47 runs to reach 9000 in Tests•AFPMisbah anchored Pakistan’s post-tea effort during a solid stand with Asad Shafiq•AFPThe captain brought up his century with two sixes in the final over of the day•AFPAt the other end, Shafiq finished on 46 not out and Pakistan could be happy with their position of 282 for 4•AFP

It's been a real up-and-down Premier League season for Tottenham Hotspur this year.

They started with a miraculous ten-game unbeaten streak but then lost four on the bounce in the last month or so.

Ange Postecoglou hasn't got everything right in his first year in England, but there are certainly signs that he could lead the Lilywhites to glory if given the proper backing, and based on recent reports, that might happen, as the club have been linked to a star who could be their very own Robin van Persie.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Spurs are 'pressing ahead' in their pursuit of Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report has revealed that the North Londoners have been sending scouts to watch the Mexican international play throughout the season, and as things stand, Postecoglou has 'pinpointed the Feyenoord star as a priority.'

The bad news for the Lilywhites is that they are likely to face stiff competition for the marksman's signature, as previous reports have linked fierce rivals Arsenal to the 23-year-old, and if they do get ahead of the Gunners, they'll have to stump up around £87m to get the deal done.

It would certainly represent a massive investment from Daniel Levy and Co, but with Richarlison still underwhelming in White with just 15 goals to his name in 66 Spurs appearances, it would be one worth making, especially with the parallels to Van Persie.

How Gimenez could be Spurs own Robin van Persie

Now, comparing a player yet to test himself in Europe's top five leagues to a striker who scored for fun in England and won the Premier League to boot is undoubtedly a lot, but there are some similarities.

For example, both forwards have found their feet in European football with Feyenoord. In the 76 appearances the Dutchman made in his initial spell with the Rotterdam side, he scored 21 goals and provided ten assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 2.4 games.

In comparison, Gimenez has an even better record with the Eredivisie side, scoring 49 goals and providing 11 assists in 86 games so far, meaning he is averaging a goal involvement every 1.4 games.

The next significant similarity is their deadly left feet. In the last two seasons, the Mexican "nightmare," as talent scout Jacek Kulig vividly described him, has scored 22 of his 38 league goals with his left, nine with his right, and seven with his head, showing that while he's not entirely one-footed, he does heavily favour his left.

Similarly, while the former Arsenal forward could use his right, he would more often than not go with his left and, as things stand, he has scored the third most left-footed Premier League goals in history at 94, behind only Mo Salah and Robbie Fowler.

Lastly, if the Lilywhites were to get their man, then he would be following in the footsteps of the 102-capped Dutchman by moving to north London, and based on his impressive goal tally over the last two years, it looks likely that he would also become a goal machine in England.

Ultimately, Gimenez might not quite reach the level of Van Persie, but there are apparent similarities, and if he can even replicate a fraction of his output, then Postecoglou will have a very useful striker on his hands next season.

Spurs eyeing "wonderkid" who could be their next Modric

The incredible talent could be transformational in N17.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 15, 2024

Harry Kane is ready to move on following a difficult Euro 2024 campaign and explains why he's hoping to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo.

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• Kane reveals Ronaldo ambition
• Set for 99th England appearance
• Carsley takes charge for first time

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kane has set himself a target to thrive late into his thirties, just like Cristiano Ronaldo. England's record goalscorer looked leggy at Euro 2024 but he has started the Bundesliga in form, opening his campaign with a goal against Freiburg.

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  Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal in Portugal's game against Croatia on Thursday, and he has maintained an extraordinary level approaching his forties. The Portuguese superstar is often the role model for most players these days due to his incredible talent matched with unrivalled dedication, but Kane wants to try to match the 39-year-old's achievements in his thirties.

• WHAT KANE SAID

  Kane said:  “Cristiano is the benchmark, not only being one of the best footballers ever, but also the benchmark of how long you can play for at a higher level. I feel in a really good place, both physically and mentally. I'm sure there will be noise around me, like there was around Cristiano – and there still is around Cristiano – but as long as you keep performing and keep doing what you know you can, that's all you can do.

  “The Ronaldos, the Messis, the Benzemas, the Lewandowskis, almost upped their level as they got into their mid-thirties. Cristiano is showing that every week, every time he plays, every time he scores so, from my point of view, that's the aim.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?

  The 31-year-old's immediate focus is to have a more positive England camp, in which he may make his 100th cap for his country, than he did in Germany. When he leads the Three Lions out against Ireland, Kane will have tallied 99 appearances, scoring 66 goals. After these two games though, he will then turn his focus to Bayern Munich and regaining the Bundesliga crown off Bayer Leverkusen, while also putting up another clinical goal-scoring season.

Fans hailed Wayne Rooney's stunning free-kick for Manchester United legends while claiming he is still better than the current crop of players.

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• Rooney scores stunning free-kick for Man Utd legends
• Fans hail club icon
• Urge Rooney to teach struggling Rashford

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former England international handed United Legends the lead against Celtic Legends in the 41st minute as he found the back of the net with a curling free-kick through the top right corner. As Rooney showed he has still got it, Red Devils fans hailed the club's all-time highest scorer while claiming the now-retired player is still better than the current squad of players.

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  A fan named Syed Hamza wrote on X: "Current Rooney still better than most of our current players."

  A user named Jake Davies lamented the lack of players like Rooney and Carrick in the current team as he wrote, "Rooney with a free kick, goal top corner. What I'd do for players like Rooney and Carrick in this current MUFC side. Both ooze absolute class."

  A handle named Name cannot be blanked urged Erik ten Hag to sign Rooney. He wrote, "Ten Hag sign him up."

  Brian hailed the United icon as he wrote, "We will never get his material again."

  Mike wrote on X, "Get him in our current team asap."

  Hashir Sher urged Rooney to teach Marcus Rashford how to score goals as he wrote, "Teach something to Rashford, please rooney."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rashford, once hailed as one of United's brightest stars, has come under fire for what many perceive as a lack of effort on the pitch. The 26-year-old forward, who was instrumental during the 2022-23 campaign with an impressive 30 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions, has experienced a dramatic dip in form since then.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Ten Hag's men, who have suffered two defeats out of their first three league games, will be back in action next weekend as they take on Southampton on September 14.

Tottenham Hotspur were a day late and a dollar short against Arsenal in the Premier League, with an infuriating North London Derby defeat exposing defensive frailties that have blemished a promising campaign.

Ange Postecoglou's side were ravaged by an error-strewn opening half that was aggravated by some contentious officiating decisions, but the fact remains that there is a canyon of quality between the Lilywhites and their title-chasing arch-rivals.

A second-half rally spoke of the desire, spoke of the ability of this brewing project, but there is much for Postecoglou to stew over and much for bruised Tottenham to reflect on, with the hopes of reclaiming a position among Europe's elite next year narrowing.

One such issue is that of central midfield. Yves Bissouma was dropped after a string of poor displays but his stand-in, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, failed to impress once again from the outset.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's performance vs Arsenal

Hojbjerg has not started often this season but his Malian counterpart's struggles called for intervention, and the Dane's express purpose of controlling and organising in the centre of the park convinced Postecoglou to throw him back into the mix.

It, quite literally, backfired, with Hojbjerg's skewed header following Bukayo Saka's corner handing Mikel Arteta's side a venomous opener down N17, 15 minutes on the clock.

His travails led him to a substitution just after the hour mark, having failed to contain the slick-moving visitors and being branded with a 4/10 match rating by football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold, who wrote: 'Making only his seventh start in the league and within 15 minutes he had headed the ball into his own net from a corner. Wasn't Spurs' worst player but it's another defeat to his name when he starts.'

As per Sofascore, the Dane might not have been the worst performer – James Maddison, ensnared still in the webbed net of post-injury strife – and he was at least at the heart of the action, taking 83 touches across his 64 minutes, completing 87% of his passes, pushing forward with two dribbles, making three tackles and winning six of his 11 contested duels.

But he choked on the big occasion once again and was too conservative in possession, failing to make a single key pass and losing possession 12 times.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's season in numbers

Does Hojbjerg have a future at Spurs? Does he fit the Ange-ball prototype, requisite for success and sharpened for prominence in this flowering new system at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?

Likely not. The 28-year-old was fiercely linked with a move away back in January and, out of contract in 2025 with just seven Premier League starts to his name this season, it would seem unlikely that he will retain his bit-part position in the side next season – especially with present interest from teams such as AC Milan.

Moreover, let's just glance at the table above. It hardly denotes Hojbjerg's success, his compatibility in the fast-moving, free-spirited style that this craggy-faced Australian has blessed an outfit seeking respite from an interminably challenging series of campaigns, following the warm and sure football that Mauricio Pochettino instilled.

Hojbjerg was a product of Jose Mourinho's arrival, signed from Southampton for a shrewd £15m fee, but his time is surely up and it's difficult to imagine Postecoglou will be convinced to start him again this season, instead using his crisp in-possession quality in the later stages of matches.

Hojbjerg is a cultured midfielder, strong in the tackle and commanding in his short-placed passing game, but he faces yet another year of inactivity under Postecoglou's wing and he must now be sold.

Spurs 2-3 Arsenal: Player ratings & match recap

Arsenal took on Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

By
Matt Dawson

Apr 28, 2024

Barcelona still haven't registered Dani Olmo to play and now another La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano is rapidly approaching.

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• Olmo could miss another game
• Summer signing cannot play yet
• Barcelona's finances remain poor

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Olmo is at serious risk of having to miss a third La Liga game this season because Barcelona's financial limitations have stopped them from registering him to play. reports the Euro 2024 winner is now "likely" to still be unavailable for the trip to Madrid to face Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday night.

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  The apparent failure to comply with La Liga's financial regulations comes even after offloading Ilkay Gundogan, Vitor Roque, Clement Lenglet and Mikayil Faye in recent days has reduced the club's wage bill, although only Gundogan and Lenglet were registered first-team players. Barcelona are stuck on '1:4' spending rules, which only allows them to spend 25% of money they save or bring in, as opposed to the normal '1:1'.

• WHAT HANSI FLICK SAID

  Publicly, head coach Hansi Flick spoke ahead of the game with optimism that now appears set to be dashed: "I am always hopeful. I also hoped for it for the last game. It would be brilliant to have him to face Rayo Vallecano. Those are things that the player and the squad can't control. We speak about it, we know it's something difficult here in Barcelona. I trust the club and hope he can be registered by tomorrow. Any player who can't play will be unhappy, that’s normal. But he knows why that's the case here, and if he is available he'll be 100 per cent ready."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  Worryingly, even though Barcelona have successfully signed Olmo from RB Leipzig, they are still bound by the impending transfer deadline. If he isn't registered to play by the time the window closes, it will be January before the club gets another chance. Given that the swathe of departures in the last few days hasn't done it, more hastily-arranged exits could be required.

Sunderland can pick up two victories on the trot in the Championship for the first time since December last year when Millwall travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

It won't be a walk in the park to make it two wins on the bounce for Mike Dodds' side however, with the Lions revitalised under new boss Neil Harris who steered the South London side to an impressive three points against Leicester City recently.

Sunderland will want the likes of Jack Clarke to be firing on all cylinders when Harris' men rock up to Wearside, undoubtedly still the Black Cats' main star whenever he's fit.

In an alternate reality, Sunderland could well have had this star on their books who is as flashy as Clarke but has made a name for himself as a slick and skilful player who is too tricky for a number of Premier League defences.

Premier League star's failed trial at Sunderland

Many clubs in the Championship have no doubt been left plagued with regret about not tying down a trialist to a fully-fledged deal, with the unassuming youngster then going on to become a major star.

Southampton even had Bayern Munich sensation Jamal Musiala in their youth set-up at one point, not knowing he'd go on to be a main man in attack for the Bavarian giants down the line when exiting St. Mary's.

When Southampton let an £83m star in the making leave as a boy

Southampton have been made to regret getting rid of this exceptional talent ever since he left as a boy.

By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 24, 2024

Sunderland have fallen victim to this too, having taken dazzling Crystal Palace talent Eberechi Eze on trial for a brief period before moving him on to eventually join Queens Park Rangers.

Revealed by the entertaining Palace number seven in a recent tell-all interview, the likes of fellow second-tier sides Millwall and Bristol City also had a good look at the once unproven gem when he was trying to make a name for himself.

The rest is history from Eze's perspective, who is now being touted for a mega-money move away from Selhurst Park after once being rejected by the underperforming Black Cats.

Eberechi Eze's transfer value in 2024

According to Football Transfers, Eze's worth now stands at a hefty €40.2M (£34.3m) but Palace will know they can get an even more lucrative deal out of their golden £19.5m buy when push comes to shove.

Manchester City reportedly bid £60m to try and land the spell-binding 25-year-old's services before a ball was even kicked this season, with Tottenham Hotspur also now interested – who must know paying an outrageous amount will be the only way they can be successful in landing Eze's in-demand signature.

Firing in a wonderfully worked winner against Liverpool last match, to take his season goals total to seven in the top flight, Eze would be a fantastic asset for whatever top club in the Premier League he lines up for next campaign.

Described as being "magical" on the ball ever since his eventful youth days by Paul Hall, who helped Eze become the star he is today at QPR, Sunderland must play the decision to reject the fantastic Eagles midfielder over and over in their heads as a major blunder.

Dodds will just hope that Sunderland can stumble across their very own Eze in the plethora of emerging young talents coming through at the Stadium of Light in time, all whilst the much-talked-about Palace man goes from strength to strength himself in the division above.