Pakistan have made significant gains in the next FTP schedule – they will now play at least 121 games, up from the 104 that were allocated to them last week
Osman Samiuddin19-Dec-2017The PCB made considerable gains in its scheduling for a new Future Tours Programme (FTP) during a workshop held in Singapore earlier this month. Last week ESPNcricinfo reported on a version of the FTP that Full Members took into the workshop, held on December 7 and 8.By the end of the meeting members produced an updated FTP in which there were minor adjustments to the total commitments of most members. The biggest gains from that meeting, however, were for the PCB. The earlier FTP showed 104 internationals scheduled for Pakistan between May 2019 and May 2023. The updated version has them playing 121 internationals – they have two Tests, five ODIs and 10 T20Is more than in the earlier FTP.That total puts them on a more even footing with countries such as Australia (123), Bangladesh (124), South Africa (122) and New Zealand (119). It is not yet clear who the extra matches have been arranged against. The FTP will likely undergo further tweaks – though not significant ones – as members aim to present a final version at an ICC board meeting in February.Not included in the PCB’s totals is a bilateral arrangement with Cricket West Indies (CWI), which will mean more limited-overs games in the four-year period. The PCB is also thought to be involved in discussions with members for limited-overs tri-series in the next cycle.Add to that Asia Cup matches (which are not included in the FTP total) plus the obligatory ICC tournaments and they could end up not far below the number of internationals they are scheduled to end with in the current FTP (from May 2014 to May 2019): 183. There is also the pending matter of 19 matches against India, from an earlier agreement, the fate of which rests on an ICC dispute resolution process.The PCB will play 30 Tests in the new FTP, a number that officials say could have been higher had there not been three ICC tournaments in the cycle that run through the Pakistan home season, as well as an expanded six-week window for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The World T20 in Australia in 2020 is scheduled for October-November that year, as is the Champions Trophy in India the following year (though neither tournament, traditionally, lasts that long), and the 2023 World Cup in India is across February-March. In fact, the latter will require a shifting of the PSL window for that year, likely to be brought forward.In any case, the PCB has been eager to emphasise that its engagements in the new FTP will be about quality of contest rather than quantity. Opponents have been classified on the basis of the value they provide to a broadcast deal – by the PCB’s working, 46% of their total home games in the next FTP will be against high-value opponents (Australia, South Africa, England and Bangladesh), 30% against mid-value opponents such as New Zealand and West Indies and the remaining against low-value teams such as Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan. Nearly half of Pakistan’s away matches, it calculates, are against high-value opponents.Once a version of the FTP is approved at the February meetings, it will go through a vote at the ICC’s annual general meeting in June.The four-year FTP is built around two cycles of a two-year Test league, with nine teams in it. Each team is required to play six series over two years, with the top-two sides meeting in a Test championship final in June 2021.The calendar also includes a two-year ODI league of 13 teams, which will lead into qualification for the 2023 World Cup. The Test league starts with the new FTP in May 2019, but the ODI league begins the following year (because of pre-existing commitments between sides that run from the current FTP into the start of the new one).
Everton are on the lookout for a new striker – something you can say for just about every transfer window. The Toffees have always had a problem one way or another when it comes to their men leading the line.
Perhaps they're just not good enough? Perhaps they were amazing two seasons ago, but then fell off a cliff?
Or maybe, they've produced one of the most exciting young strikers to come around in some time, only for a club competing at the top to break a transfer record to sign them before Everton have even seen their best? That's somehow happened twice.
Although, things could soon change, as a man under the name of Che Adams appears to be closing in on a move to Goodison.
It's been a strange list of strikers in the Premier League era for Everton, then – a mix of incredible skill, massive underperformance and unreal young talent.
Here are Football FanCast's picks for the 10 very best for the Toffees since 1992 (also, we're not counting Tim Cahill as a striker, even if sometimes played there. Just wanted to get that out of the way.).
10 Francis Jeffers
Francis Jeffers is one of the two players Everton never saw the best of – but they got a glimpse of it. He made his debut as a 16-year-old and found himself in a fairly prominent role the year he turned 18.
The Toffees controversially sold Duncan Ferguson in 1998/99 but the teenage Jeffers stepped up with six goals in 15 games.
Another six goals followed the next season and Jeffers then averaged a goal every other game the season that he turned 20. The problem there was that he only played 12 games after injuries.
He was exciting enough, though, that Arsenal jumped in to sign the striker – but injuries stopped him from ever developing properly.
A return to Everton came in 2003/04, but Jeffers failed to score in 18 Premier League games. He never recaptured his form as a youngster, where he comfortably looked like one of the best young strikers around.
9 Louis Saha
Louis Saha didn't quite set the world alight at Fulham, but he did have at least one season where he was a truly top player. The 2009/10 season, Saha's second with Everton, saw him score 13 top-flight goals and crack the top ten goalscorers for the season.
That tally was the highest Saha ever managed in the Premier League – and more than he'd grabbed in a season for Manchester United. It's just a shame it didn't last – the Frenchman grabbed seven in the following campaign and just one in 18 the year after that.
But for a short time, Saha was a bright light in Everton's attack.
8 Nikica Jelavic
What is an amazing five months of football worth? Everton snapped up Nikica Jelavic on deadline day in January 2012 and he transformed their season.
Pre-Jelavic, Everton struggled. They'd lost 10 games and no one could actually score goals. Post-Jelavic, they lost just twice and stormed up the table on the back of seven and nine-game unbeaten runs.
That was principally on the back of Jelavic, who scored nine Premier League goals in 13 games. That was enough not just to finish as top scorer for the Toffees, but double the amount that any other player got.
But once again, it just didn't last. Jelavic scored just seven in 37 appearances in the following campaign and then failed to score in nine games before being loaned out to Hull City midway through 2013/14.
Still, Jelavic looked sensational for a period, reaching heights that few Everton strikers have managed since 1992.
7 Wayne Rooney
In terms of his peak, Wayne Rooney is light yearsahead of every other player on this list. He's one of the greatest Premier League players and simply one of the best English football has ever produced.
Only, Everton never saw that peak. They'd have Rooney twice – first as a youngster who was right on the brink of exploding into a world-class player, then again once he'd passed his peak and regressed to being slightly worse than when they'd sold him.
In between, he did all of the winning trophies and being sensational stuff.
But that's not to say Rooney wasn't fantastic at Everton. He scored a world-class goal at 16, scoring six times that year. Then he'd bag nine Premier League goals as he turned 18. That was enough for Manchester United to absolutely smash the record transfer fee for a teenager by paying Everton £30m to sign Rooney.
As a result, Everton produced one of the best we've seen, knew that's what they had, and never actually reaped the rewards. It's difficult to think of another example of that.
Even without playing any of his peak years at Everton, though, Rooney still managed 25 Premier League goals in under 100 games. That alone makes him one of the most prolific the Toffees have had. But it could have been so much more.
6 Yakubu
For one season, Everton fed the Yak as much as they could, and he really did score. He bagged 15 goals in the 2007/08 campaign – only two strikers have managed more in a Premier League season for the Toffees.
In fact, only four players bettered that in the league that year, with Yakubu scoring more than Carlos Tevez or Wayne Rooney managed for Manchester United.
As with many others on this list, Yakubu's on this list because of one season. He'd play another two and a half seasons with Everton, but scored only nine in that time – partly because of injuries.
For a spell, though, Yakubu's tally of 15 in 29 games was the best of any Everton player in the Premier League. In fact, it wouldn't be matched for another six years. So even if the consistency wasn't there, that fact alone places him well on this list.
5 Paul Rideout
Paul Rideout's Everton career was fairly poor – save for one season. He scored only three times in his first season, six the year after that. His final full season was only for another six goals.
But then there was that middle one. Rideout scored 14 times in 29 league games back in 1994/95 – a tally no Everton player would beat until 2008. Honestly, though, that's just a sidenote.
It's perhaps cheating a little bit on a Premier League list, but the FA Cup was the real story. Everton won the cup that season and it remains the last time they won a major trophy.
Not only did Rideout start that game, but he scored the winner as they beat Manchester United 1-0. For that stat alone, you can argue that he should top this entire list.
4 Kevin Campbell
Kevin Campbell spent five and a half years as a permanent player at Goodison Park, but his most important time came in a three-month spell as a loan player. That spell is legitimately one of the most important of any Everton player ever.
The club were battling relegation that season and looked to be heading down. Then they brought Campbell back to England from Trabzonspor and he immediately caught fire.
Eight games, nine goals. Six in his first three. He arrived in March and finished as their top scorer, both home and away. An unreal spell and one that lifted Everton away from relegation trouble. Without Campbell, that likely doesn't happen.
He never reached those heights again, but did twice hit double-digits in Premier League seasons. His 45 goals in the top flight is only bettered by four Toffees – three of whom are above him on this list, and the other is Tim Cahill.
So for longevity and that incredible three-month spell, Campbell gets FFC's vote for Everton's fourth-best. Those who witnessed that 1997/98 season may just want him higher, though.
Doesn't time fly? Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now 26 and entering the prime of his career – it's quite devastating that there's so much uncertainty, then.
Calvert-Lewin hasn't played even half of Everton's Premier League games in either of the last two seasons. Last time out, he scored just twice all year, with only five before that. Again, it's devastating.
That's because the 2020/21 season saw Calvert-Lewin score 16 times. That was the most of any Everton player since 2017 and only one has managed more than that in a Premier League campaign.
The fact that came after a 13-goal season was a sign that the forward was only improving and would go on to score even more in 2021/22. Then the injuries struck.
If Calvert-Lewin was fit, there's little doubt that Everton wouldn't have faced the struggles of the last two years. He currently sits fourth in the Toffees' all-time Premier League scorers list – if not for injuries, there's every chance he'd have reached the top spot by now.
We'll see what the future holds. As things stand, Calvert-Lewin looks at home in the third here, but there is the potential for more to come.
2 Duncan Ferguson
Yes, in terms of loyalty, connection with the fans and the club, longevity, and overall status, Duncan Ferguson tops this list. The only reason he doesn't is because No 1's numbers are a complete anomaly.
But Ferguson is unquestionably Everton's most iconic striker of the Premier League era.
He arrived in the 1994/95 season, scoring seven top-flight goals and immediately connecting with the club. The forward even came off the bench in the 1995 FA Cup final, so he was there as they won their most recent trophy.
Ferguson would have back-to-back seasons with double-digit goals in 1997 and 1998. He'd have likely done so again in 1999 if not for his bizarre sale to Newcastle United.
Fortunately, he'd return to the club he never wanted to leave in 2000 and play another six seasons with Everton.
It's not just the goals, either. Ferguson was an archetypal target man, capable of bullying any defence in the league. He chipped in with goals, but his overall play was simply much more, and the fact he held a high level at Everton and stuck around for 10 seasons makes him a standout on this list.
So Ferguson is the people's No 1 – no doubt about that. He just can't quite match what this next man managed in an Everton shirt…
1 Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku arrived at Everton in 2013 on loan from Chelsea. It was a weird time for the club – David Moyes had left for Manchester United after a long spell in charge. Roberto Martinez was getting his chance and change was afoot.
The Belgian immediately showed how good he was. 15 goals came in that loan season, matching Yakubu's tally for the most of any Everton player in the Premier League. They liked what they saw and paid a club-record £28m to sign him from Chelsea permanently.
A 10-goal season followed, which was a little disappointing, but then things really took off. Lukaku scored 18 in 2015/16 to set a new record for the club. Then he really took things to another level – 25 goals in one season.
That matched Harry Kane's Golden Boot tally of the previous year, but fell four short of the Tottenham star for that campaign.
These numbers are a complete anomaly. The tally of 25 is seven more than the next highest an Everton player has ever managed in the Premier League – and that player was also Lukaku.
In fact, it's as many in one season as Rooney, Yakubu, Marouane Fellaini and Tomasz Radzinski managed in their Everton careers.
So in terms of being the 'best', Lukaku is quite clearly the No 1 choice. It's just a shame he left when he did – another couple of seasons with Everton and we'd have seen some even more amazing numbers, no doubt.
The Committee of Administrators has instructed the BCCI to call an emergency special general body meeting to discuss three specific issues
Nagraj Gollapudi15-Nov-2017The Committee of Administrators (CoA) has instructed the BCCI to call an emergency special general body meeting (SGM) to discuss three specific issues. The three issues pertain to: settlement dispute concerning the former IPL franchise Kochi Tuskers Kerala, the new Future Tours Programme (FTP), which will comprise the Test championship and ODI league, and the inclusion of Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) back into the BCCI fold after it was suspended once Lalit Modi was elected its president in 2014.It is understood the CoA’s decision came on the back of a request from BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary, who felt the members needed to be briefed about the three issues as otherwise no decision could be taken without the consent of the members, the state associations.In the e-mail, which was sent on Tuesday to the top three BCCI office bearers, the CoA asked CK Khanna (acting board president) to send the SGM alert to all the board members by Thursday. The committee also asked Khanna to point out to the members that the SGM would be attended by only eligible office bearers of the state associations. The CoA also made it clear that Rahul Johri, the BCCI chief executive officer, would be attending the meeting.As per the BCCI’s existing constitution, the president can call for the SGM with a 21-day notice period. However, only the president has the power to reduce the notice period to 10 days and the CoA asked Khanna to do the same. In case Khanna failed to send the notice by Thursday, the CoA asked Choudhary to send the notice alert. But if Choudhary does end up sending the notice, then he would need to give a 21-day alert as per the rules.Of the three issues on the SGM agenda, the FTP and Kochi are the most significant points. This October, at the ICC Board meeting in Auckland, the BCCI along with the other boards gave its in-principle nod to the Test championship and ODI league structures.The Test championship is scheduled to commence immediately after the 2019 World Cup and will run for two years culminating in a final in 2021 between the top two teams. The first ODI league, featuring the game’s top 13 limited-overs nations, will commence in 2020-21, running for two years leading into the 2023 World Cup, before converting into a three-year league in each cycle beyond that.The finer points of both leagues, including the week-by-week schedule, are likely to be discussed by the member boards at the ICC’s next scheduling workshop in Singapore in December. Without the approval of the BCCI general body, no decision can be taken by Johri, who will be attending the workshop.As for Kochi issue, the BCCI needs to decide whether and how much it should pay the owners of the franchise, whose agreement was terminated in 2011, two seasons after it came into existence. The BCCI had also encashed the bank guarantee of INR 153.34 crores at the time of termination, which the owners contested in the court. The court asked the matter to be settled via arbitration.In 2016, the Kochi owners won the arbitration case, which said that the BCCI would not only refund the bank guarantee amount encashed by them, but also pay an additional INR 384.83 crore towards compensation for termination of the franchise.Subsequently, the BCCI’s attempts to resolve the issue amicably failed as the Kochi owners wanted a compensation upwards of INR 1000 crore. During the SGM in May, Choudhary told the members that the BCCI would negotiate a settlement soon.In October, the IPL governing council resolved that the BCCI was left with no choice but to pay the compensation. Hence, the CoA now wants the members to take a collective call on the subject.
West Ham United look set to lose £150,000-a-week ace as his move away from the London Stadium is more "a matter of when rather than if", per transfers expert Graeme Bailey.
West Ham United news – What's the latest?
There's no escaping from the fact that it just hasn't been a good summer for the Hammers this year.
Things kicked off with the sale of their talismanic club captain Declan Rice, who joined cross-city rivals Arsenal in a deal worth £105m, and whilst that is an undeniably large sum of money, their inability to spend much of it has been a real issue.
The club finally made their first signing of the window last week when they spent £35m on Mexican international Edson Alvarez, a transfer they quickly followed up by signing Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse for a fee of around £30m.
Read the latest West Ham United transfer news HERE…
However, this positivity has been relatively short-lived as the deal to sign former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has now fallen through, and worse yet, the East Londoners look set to lose probably the best midfielder at the club, Lucas Paqueta as Manchester City continue to circle above.
The Irons have made it clear to the treble-winners that they will not accept any offers lower than the player's £85m release clause that will be in place from next summer, having already rejected a £70m offer earlier this week, per the Daily Mail.
That said, there is an air of confidence from Pep Guardiola's side regarding this deal, and according to transfers expert Graeme Bailey it is more a matter of "when rather than if" a deal is agreed – especially with as David Moyes would be "happy to see him go."
West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
He explained the situation on the Talking Transfers podcast, saying:
"The player is desperate to go. He's wanted to go all summer; once he knew Moyes was staying as manager, he wanted out. I think that relationship is, it's not all done and dusted, but for as much as Paqueta might want to leave, I think David Moyes is happy to see him go, so I think it suits both parties.
"It will get done, I think it's going to be about £85m it will get done as. He'll slot in straight away, he's got that Premier League experience as well; it's the perfect signing for City, it really is, Kovacic and Paqueta. We know that Gundogan is virtually irreplaceable, but I tell you what, it's not two bad signings to come in help; it really isn't.
"And City once again proving that they're one of the best performers in the transfer market with this deal. They made the move pretty quietly until, obviously, it emerged ten days ago.
"A matter of when rather than if, Lucas Paqueta will be a Manchester City player before the transfer window closes"
How good is Lucas Paqueta?
To put it bluntly, the £150,000-a-week ace is an excellent player, and whilst he didn't quite hit the heady heights that many thought he might last season, he was still one of West Ham's best performers and showed enough moments of sheer magic to convince the City Group that he could be a superstar under Guardiola.
According to Sofascore, the former Lyon man averaged a pretty impressive match rating of 6.95 across his 28 Premier League games last year, scoring four goals from an expected goal number of 4.4, providing three assists from an expected assist number of just 2.63 and maintaining a passing accuracy of 80%.
His underlying numbers are just as impressive and help to show a slightly busier and more physical side to him than people might expect.
West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
According to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Brazilian sits in the top 1% for tackles, the top 2% for blocks, the top 5% for clearances, the top 6% for aerial duals won, the top 7% for progressive passes, and the top 16% for passes attempted, all per 90.
Hailed as a "joy to watch" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 25-year-old truly is a special player to observe, something former teammate Gianluca Scamacca clearly agreed with as he described the dynamic midfielder as "brilliant."
Ultimately, while the Hammers would undoubtedly be better off keeping their man for a little while longer, if City do end up paying them more than £80m, they can at least walk away with a significant profit after watching Paqueta play for a year in East London.
Shiv Thakor, the former England U-19 cricketer, has been found guilty by a Derby Crown Court of exposing himself to two women on a housing estate in June this year
ESPNcricinfo staff15-Nov-2017Shiv Thakor, the former England Under-19 cricketer, has been found guilty by the Derby Crown Court of exposing himself to two women. He was granted unconditional bail until his sentencing on November 24.Thakor was found guilty of both offences and the district judge Andrew Meachin told him: “I’m in absolutely no doubt both women have given honest evidence to this court. I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that you have committed both of these offences.”According to a report in the Leicester Mercury, prosecutor Emma Price told the court how Thakor had twice exposed himself while jogging around a housing estate in Mackworth, Derby, on June 12 and June 19.Thakor, who has been suspended on full pay by Derbyshire since the incident, denied two charges of indecent exposure at a previous hearing in October.”I bent down to get some paper from the printer,” one of the two female witnesses said while giving evidence. “I just put my head down and carried on with my work.””He knew exactly what he was doing,” the woman added.The court heard how Thakor had been labelled as “Shifty Shiv” by one of the witnesses, having allegedly arrived on the housing estate in jogging bottoms with two buttons undone.”He had his back to me – I thought he was trying to get himself aroused,” said the witness. “I thought in a minute he would go away.”She added that she was “100%” certain of Thakor’s identity, and that he had exposed himself.Orla Daly, defending, suggested to both witnesses that they had simply “got it wrong”.
Arsenal have already sufficiently bolstered in the market thus far, but manager Mikel Arteta might be wary that missing out on a few key targets could leave them lagging behind their rivals. As such, late movement could be expected as the summer window winds down…
Have Chelsea signed Michael Olise?
One target they did have was Michael Olise, which they seemingly took a back seat for as Chelsea stormed into the driving seat. Immediately paying his £35m release clause, all signs pointed towards Crystal Palace losing another star man for well below his market value.
However, in a shocking turn of events, it was announced that the France U21 international would be snubbing the Blues, instead opting to pen a new four-year contract at Selhurst Park. Thus brought to an end a truly baffling transfer saga.
Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…
Whilst that likely left Mauricio Pochettino reeling, it could now provide a fine pathway for the Gunners to reignite their interest in an old target, given the viable options on the market are dwindling fast.
With Mohammed Kudus a long-term target of theirs, perhaps they will now be incensed to simply pay his £40m valuation, especially with West Ham United looming as they await the outcome of a potential Lucas Paqueta exit.
How good is Mohammed Kudus?
Although they had no skin in the deal that collapsed very recently, it will still be a blow to see such a fine option removed as a potential signing for the foreseeable future.
Despite being so young, the tricky winger arguably had the perfect skillset to thrive under Arteta, with an impossibly high ceiling that he certainly would have shattered when surrounded by other stars at the Emirates.
However, he is not the only option who remains young, hungry, skilful and available this summer.
mohammed-kudus
It could even be argued that, given his vast experience despite being only 23 years old, Kudus even represents an upgrade on the former Reading star.
After all, he has been a mainstay for the historic Amsterdam club, even posting nine Champions League appearances too.
To compare their two recent campaigns as well and it becomes easy to see why the Ghana international might offer far more than Olise. Especially considering he scored an impressive 18 times across all competitions, assisting a further seven having featured in no less than three different attacking roles.
The Eagles star, meanwhile, could only muster two Premier League goals alongside his admirable 11 assists. Undoubtably a creative threat, it could therefore be argued that he remains slightly more one-dimensional than the World Cup star.
FBref help to further emphasise the gulf in quality, as when compared to other wingers across Europe, Kudus ranks in the top 2% for non-penalty goals per 90, the top 4% for total shots per 90, the top 1% for pass completion per 90 and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90.
It is no surprise to see him branded a "starboy" by former teammate Calvin Bassey, with the sky truly being the limit for the enigmatic maverick.
His competition instead showcases a penchant for the defensive, starring by sitting in the top 9% for blocks per 90 and the top 15% for interceptions per 90, via FBref.
Although Olise is more well-versed in English football, the potential upside that his alternative brings somewhat makes the failed deal a blessing in disguise.
Arteta must now act quickly to ward off the competition and secure such an impressive upgrade.
The former India captain fears aping Kohli’s aggressive words and approach might lead to youngsters not being authentic to themselves
ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2017The impact of Virat Kohli’s in-your-face persona on young, impressionable cricketers is a cause for concern for Rahul Dravid. The former India captain feared aping Kohli’s aggressive words and approach might lead to youngsters not being authentic to themselves.While Dravid admitted to cringing at some “outrageous” things Kohli says on occasions, he also defended him by saying that so long as he was true to himself, and it helped get the best out of him it shouldn’t matter.”I think the game is still about performance. So let’s not take that way from someone like Kohli,” Dravid said at the Bangalore Literature Festival on Sunday. “That’s his personality. People have asked me, ‘Why didn’t you behave like that?’ But that’s not what got the best out of me. I would have been inauthentic to myself if I had tried to put tattoos and behave like Virat.”Sometimes, especially before an Australia series, you’ll find Virat saying the most outrageous things. And I read the paper and cringe at times. But then I think back, maybe he actually wants that contest. He wants that lip on the field because that gets the best out of him. Now that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But at the end of the day, he’s got to do what gets the best out of him. Ajinkya Rahane is very different and he gets the best out of himself by doing different things. I think being authentic to yourself is very, very important.”If engaging in a contest, sometimes needling the opposition, is getting the best out of Virat – and it certainly is because his level of performance is second to none in the world today – then so be it. You can’t blame him for it.”What worries me a little bit is a lot of that gets translated into junior cricket. That’s the scary thing for me, not so much what Virat does. Kids at 12, 13, 14 want to become the next Virat Kohli, not realising that maybe that’s not authentic to who they are.”During the Test series against Australia earlier this year, Kohli took on Steven Smith and alleged systematic DRS abuse. He also said his relationship with the Australia players was irrevocably damaged. Dravid was happy that cricketers today were a far more confident lot and that the financial security that came with playing the game even at a lower level empowered them.”I think there’s a certain confidence and belief in Indian cricket today which has come about through results,” he said. “It’s definitely more evident today than from the time I started. I remember I was sitting on a flight and I was really excited going on one of my early tours and said, ‘It’ll be great if we can win the series.’ And what I got was, ‘We’ll be lucky if we can win one Test match. Let’s hope we can win one and draw the rest’. People expect India now to win. Certainly, there is a level of fitness, confidence and belief that probably didn’t exist when I was starting out.”When I look at a lot of the India A guys or Under-19 guys that I coach, I can see the fearlessness and confidence. It also comes with a certain level of financial security. For me, as a 21-22-year old, I knew that the B.Com degree I barely managed to get in college wasn’t going to suffice, and I needed to make cricket work. There was a pressure to make cricket work and make it possible for me to lead a good life. Today’s cricketers know that even if they don’t play for India, they can still make a very good living for themselves. I’m very happy about that.”Dravid, however, had one cautionary note for young players: they don’t need a player agent until the time they reach a high standard of cricket. “One of the things I like to tell young cricketers is that you don’t really need an agent. Okay, a Virat Kohli or a Mahendra Singh Dhoni today needs an agent because if they have to focus on their cricket and play at that high level, they need to ensure that somebody else is looking after their finances,” he said. “They don’t want to be chasing their dates, or chasing people for money that is owed. But at the younger age of 17, 18 and 19, having agents is definitely not necessary. I don’t see any big hoarding of a 17 or 18-year old. The only hoardings you see today are Kohli or Dhoni or one or two other Indian players. So it’s only when you reach that standard of cricket do you need agents to support and help you.”
Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and their chase for USA international Tyler Adams as a "replacement" could open the door.
Who will Spurs sign?
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, youngster Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz have all officially joined Spurs this summer.
The north Londoners, lead by new manager Ange Postecoglou, are in full preparation for the new campaign, which begins this Sunday with a trip away to Brentford.
Despite having signed six players already this summer, the likes of Veliz and Phillips will be more players for the future, so it's imperative Tottenham continue to strengthen.
The deadline is weeks away, but Postecoglou is fairly confident his side can add another new defender to their ranks before September 1.
The Australian says it's entirely possible Spurs sign an elite centre-back after van de Ven, but admits it will largely depending on outgoings.
"We've to see what happens with outgoings," said Postecoglou.
"But, the potential is there to bring in one more centre back after van de Ven."
Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…
Meanwhile, Spurs could look to reinforce their midfield options as well, according to reports, with star midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's move to Atletico Madrid still very much on.
The club have looked at Chelsea's Conor Gallagher as one of the options, with Villa's Luiz now seemingly coming as another.
That's according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, who say Spurs are keen on signing the Brazilian, and Villa's pursuit of Adams from Leeds as a "replacement" could open the door for Tottenham.
Luiz would make way for Adams at Villa Park, if a deal can be completed for the American. So, the former Man City star's potential move to Spurs could be one to watch over these next few weeks.
Tottenham's Oliver Skipp
How good is Douglas Luiz?
The 25-year-old, according to WhoScored, stood out as one of Unai Emery's key players in the top flight last season.
Indeed, Luiz racked up six goals and six assists in the league, all while ranking among Villa's top two best-performers by average match rating.
He made 37 appearances in that time, again ranking among Villa's best-performers in terms of tackles made and successful interceptions per 90.
There is little question he could do solid job under Postecoglou at Tottenham, especially considering his abilities to contribute further forwards.
Former Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, speaking to Football Insider on Marvelous Nakamba's injury return in 2022, revered Luiz for the "outstanding" job he did in his stead.
“Yes, it will be a boost,” said Agbonlahor on Nakamba's return, going on to comment on Luiz.
“But the last two games Douglas Luiz has been very good. He’s flying forward and getting into the box. He’s been outstanding and transformed.
“When there’s competition for places that means everybody’s performances go up. It will definitely be very good to get Nakamba back in the side. He looks like he will be back very soon so that’s good news.”
City boss Pep Guardiola is also an admirer of Luiz, having called him a "strong" player.
Sussex fought back after Derbyshire’s openers had put on a century stand to restrict their visitors to 338 for 9
ECB Reporters Network12-Sep-2017Sussex fought back after Derbyshire’s openers had put on a century stand to restrict their visitors to 338 for 9 on the first day of their crucial Specsavers County Championship game.Playing at Hove for the first time in the Championship since June 5, Sussex put Derbyshire in then saw them reach 227 for 3 at tea.But the visitors lost six wickets in the final session with no one bettering the 51 made by Luis Reece and Billy Godleman. It later emerged that Godleman had suffered a probable broken hand after being by a beamer from Stuart Whittingham and his season is likely over.Sussex, needing to win to keep the pressure on Worcestershire in the battle for the second promotion place in Division Two, bowled disappointingly with the new ball.Reese and Ben Slater had Derbyshire’s 100 up in the 25th over as only Ollie Robinson bowled with the necessary control until left-armer George Garton, who has played more first-class games for England Lions than his county this season, picked up wickets in successive overs in his first Championship appearance of the summer.Shortly after passing 50 for the sixth time this season Reese, who had hit seven fours, was lbw playing no shot to one that nipped back then Slater mis-timed upper cut to third man when Garton dropped short.Wayne Madsen fell in similar fashion to Reese to give David Wiese the first of his four wickets but Derbyshire recovered nicely in a stand of 87 in 22 overs between Godleman and Alex Hughes for the fourth wicket.Godleman passed 7000 first-class runs on 42 and went to his sixth fifty of the summer off the first ball after tea before he fell in the next over, caught behind off Garton, having hit six fours.”I got hit by an accidental beamer from Stuart Whittingham and it looks as if I have broken my hand,” Godleman said. “I’ll know more in the next 24 hours when I see a specialist but it looks as if my season is over which is obviously frustrating.”Ben Brown, the Sussex captain, said: “I know Billy quite well and it’s a real shame for him. Stuart went in afterwards to apologise, it was just one of those unfortunate things.”His departure sparked a collapse with Wiese picking up two smart return catches to dismiss Matt Critchley and later Will Davis, a diving effort to intercept a full-blooded drive.Stiaan van Zyl ended a promising innings by Alex Hughes on 46 when he was superbly caught at fly slip by Luke Wells. The South African medium-pacer was given the new ball in a surprise move but it paid off as Hardus Viljoen padded up to a straight one.Harry Podmore was Wiese’s fourth victim off a thin edge to Brown but wicketkeeper Harvey Hosein frustrated Sussex’s efforts to wrap up the innings with an unbeaten 38 as he and 16-year-old off-spinner Hamidullah Qadri added an unbeaten 21 for the last wicket.
Tottenham Hotspur have "burst into the bidding" to sign Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie and they could hijack Serie A giants Juventus, according to reports.
Who will Spurs sign?
Alongside the possible addition of a central defender or two, which is rumoured to be a major priority for Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, the north Londoners could also sign a new midfielder.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who has been a regular at Tottenham since he joined from Southampton in 2020, is realistically heading towards the exit door as Atletico Madrid push to sign him.
The La Liga side recently had a bid rejected for Hojbjerg, according to The Times (via SB Nation), but it is believed there is still confidence a deal can be struck for the Dane.
If he departs N17, Spurs will apparently scour the market for a replacement, leading to links with the likes of Chelsea's Conor Gallagher and, of course, Kessie.
The Ivorian, who only joined Barca last summer as a free agent last summer from AC Milan, has struggled for consistent starting places and there is a strong belief Xavi could let him go.
Tottenham are one of the sides to have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old who was once a San Siro star, and journalist Jordi Battle has an update on the matter.
The reporter, writing for Mundo Deportivo, claims Spurs have "burst into the bidding" for Kessie despite Italian giants Juve also making a push.
Massimiliano Allegri's side have made a proposal to the African to join them on loan with an option to buy, but Tottenham could hijack them as they storm into the race.
This comes as Barca apparently work to release Kessie this summer.
What's been said about Franck Kessie?
The former Milan star has been praised by sections of the media, including former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson, who once called Kessie an "amazing player" when commentong on his previous links to Tottenham.
"Kessie would fit the bill," said Robinson to Football Insider.
"He is strong, quick and effective at both ends of the pitch. He ticks a lot of boxes.
“There is no doubting that he is an amazing player. The question is, would he come in and command a starting spot? Hojbjerg and Bentancur have done extremely well. [Yves] Bissouma has struggled to get a look in at times.
“Would Kessie upset that midfield? Maybe but I don’t think it’s a certainty. It’s really important that Spurs sign better than what they already have."
Former Italy striker Antonio Cassano, meanwhile, showered with Kessie praise during his arguable peak years so far at Milan – even comparing the player to Man City legend and former Spurs coach Yaya Toure.
“I want Kessie in my team, he scores, he assists, he has personality," said Cassano.
"He has quality, he doesn’t lose the ball, he is intelligent. I’m watching him carefully, against Roma he was devastating.
“He reminds me of the Yaya Touré of the best times. He is a different player, but in terms of impact. He is holding Milan’s midfield alone.”