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Brendon McCullum has said the heated exchanges between players, like the one between Mitchell Johnson and Scott Styris in the first ODI in Napier, were likely to continue for the remainder of the series

Cricinfo staff04-Mar-2010Brendon McCullum, the New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman, has said the heated exchanges between players, like the one between Mitchell Johnson and Scott Styris in the first ODI in Napier, are likely to continue for the remainder of the series. Johnson and Styris bumped shoulders and appeared to clash heads in the 46th over of New Zealand’s chase, and were fined by the match referee as a result. But McCullum said the nature of the trans-Tasman rivalry made for an intense atmosphere on the field.”Australia is playing New Zealand, so it’s always going to be testy,” McCullum was quoted as saying in the . ”Both teams are playing for their countries, trying to win for their countries, and we’re always going to have banter out in the middle. What we saw [between Johnson and Styris] was two guys who are extremely passionate in trying to pull through for their country.”Both players had a talking to from the match referee, so that might suggest it went a little bit too far, it probably bordered on just stepping over the mark, but once we get out there again I’m sure the fight will come to the fore in both teams again.”I don’t think it’s a bad thing, to be honest. It shows everyone watching how much it means to us.”McCullum said Australia’s defeat in the first ODI, by two wickets, could prompt them to be more aggressive in the second game at Eden Park in Auckland. ”I guess that’s the way Australia always come out – they play hard but they try to push the rules as far as they can,” McCullum said. ”They’re obviously going to come back twice as hard now and we’re just going to have to step up again.”We want to be as aggressive and uncompromising as we can – in terms of our skill set. Any of those other things, we don’t try to instigate.”Michael Hussey, the Australian batsman, said his team was quite focussed on the cricket. ”I didn’t really see it, actually. I was stuck out on the boundary,” he said. ”It seemed like they bumped into each other but it’s been dealt with now. Most things that happen out in the middle, it’s best if they’re just left out in the middle. We’re certainly at our best when we’re just concentrating on our cricket.”However, Hussey added that outbursts similar to Johnson’s would continue. When asked if Johnson’s actions were out of character, he said: ”He’s a pretty passionate sort of guy, he plays the game hard, and out in the middle there are always going to be emotions. It’s happened throughout the history of the game and I’m sure it won’t be the last time. Fast bowlers are always pretty emotional sorts of guys. New Zealand’s approach hasn’t surprised us at all.”

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has dropped a worrying update from behind-the-scenes at Newcastle United amid continued speculation over Steve Bruce’s future.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested that Bruce was set to be axed ahead of this weekend’s Premier League game against Spurs, but with just a couple of days to go now before Sunday’s clash, no action has yet been taken.

And now, Edwards has revealed that those behind-the-scenes at the club are beginning to worry about the situation and what is likely to happen.

Initially on Twitter, he said: “Mood darkens around St James’ Park with lack of clarity over Steve Bruce’s future.”

Then, in a follow-up article for The Telegraph, he added: “Worryingly, training ground sources have said the mood has darkened in the last couple of days, with coaches fearing they are about to lose their jobs and players lacking focus because of the lack of clarity.

“Both players and staff are taking a day off on Thursday and that surely represents the moment to reveal whether Bruce is going to stay on or not.”

Fans will be worried

When the takeover was confirmed, Newcastle fans would surely have been hoping, if not expecting, Bruce to be gone and a new man (if temporary) in charge for the game against Spurs.

The clash against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side seemed like the perfect stage for a fresh new era, especially with it being at home to St James’ Park – having Bruce in the dugout for a game of such significance in the club’s history was almost unthinkable.

But according to Edwards, the lack of action over Bruce has those inside the training ground feeling like they have been left in the dark, unsure of where they stand with the new regime.

That is hardly the kind of preparation and feel-good momentum anyone would have wanted heading into the first game of the PIF era.

The longer the new owners leave it to relieve Bruce of his duties and make it clear what their plans are – either appointing a new manager straight away or confirming Graeme Jones as some sort of caretaker boss – fans will be worried.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are keen on making this landmark appointment…

Sulieman Benn and Kemar Roach dragged West Indies into an unexpectedly strong position with two days to play in Adelaide

The Bulletin by Brydon Coverdale at Adelaide Oval06-Dec-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsSulieman Benn stood tall for West Indies with 5 for 155 from 53 overs in a marathon effort•Getty ImagesOn a day of good old-fashioned Test cricket, a persistent Sulieman Benn and a powerful Kemar Roach dragged West Indies into an unexpectedly strong position with two days to play. Half-centuries from Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin guided Australia to within 12 of West Indies’ first-innings 451 but having resumed at 0 for 174, Australia had anticipated batting out the day and building a lead from which they could push for victory.Instead it was West Indies who finished with an advantage. They had reached 0 for 23 with Chris Gayle on 12 and Adrian Barath on 10, and although the odds of a draw have shortened, the visitors will undoubtedly have victory on their minds when they begin their charge 35 runs in front on the fourth morning. They could be helped by the potential absence of Peter Siddle, who has stiffness in his hamstring.Progress wasn’t easy for either side. The towering Benn was forced to send down 53 overs for his 5 for 155 and Roach worked hard, regularly in the 150kph region for his three wickets. Clarke reached 71 but had trouble against Roach, Michael Hussey compiled a painfully unconvincing 41 and the top-order players struggled early against Benn’s turn and bounce. Haddin looked as good as any of Australia’s batsmen in a confident 55 before he ran out of partners.The star of the day was Benn, who had endured some long spells in Test cricket, including 47 overs in an innings against Australia in Bridgetown last year, but had never bowled this many. He toiled unchanged for the first three hours and was rewarded with the first five-wicket Test haul from a West Indies spinner since Gayle four and a half years ago. And he was the first specialist to achieve it since Dinanath Ramnarine nearly nine years ago.By the time he grabbed his final wicket, Siddle caught edging to gully, Benn was understandably tired but still smiling. He had his moments of good fortune – Marcus North was caught at leg slip when he tried to sweep and the ball ran off the back of his bat – but it was Benn’s drift and spin and lift that created the opportunities.Having removed both openers with little addition to the overnight total, Benn also picked up the major wicket of Clarke with a delivery that dragged him wide outside off and his drive was snapped up at slip. Clarke had his sights set on a fourth century in five Test innings at Adelaide Oval and although he played some luscious strokes, including a cover-driven boundary off Dwayne Bravo, he was never overly comfortable against Roach.The youngest of the West Indies fast men, Roach, 21, was still hitting the mid-140s in his final over of the day and none of Australia’s batsmen played him with ease. Hussey in particular looked vulnerable and was so cumbersome that he didn’t score his first four until his 115th delivery. The pressure almost led to Hussey being run-out attempting a suicidal single when he was on 24, but he was fortunate that Brendan Nash’s throw from mid-off missed the stumps.Hussey’s second boundary came with a lucky top edge when he tried to withdraw from a pull against Roach. Next ball he was put out of his misery when he was late on a cut and the ball flicked the toe of his bat on the way through to Denesh Ramdin. The wicket was well deserved for Roach, who finished with 3 for 93 and shouldered much of the fast-bowling load.He had earlier accounted for Ricky Ponting, who looked positive in reaching 36 but fell when he directed his pull straight to Bravo at midwicket. Ponting had opened his account with a punishing boundary cut square of the wicket off Benn, which added to the hurt for Shane Watson, who had just departed needing a similar four for his maiden Test century.Watson might have had a restless night having gone to bed on 96 but was given plenty of time to catch up on his sleep during the afternoon after he went for a pull from the second delivery of the day, only to lose his middle stump. It was a long, sad walk back to the dressing room for Watson. He is not the sort of man to disguise his emotions and he hung his head in disappointment.Benn followed soon after by turning one enough to just clip the face of the bat of Simon Katich (80) as he attempted a drive, and the ball lobbed off his leg to Barath at bat-pad. The Australians hoped that would be as close as Barath came to a bat for the rest of the day. Instead, it is now up to him and Gayle to lead West Indies’ push for victory.

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted with their verdicts as a transfer claim emerged involving Barcelona gem Ronald Araujo.

The 22-year-old, who is currently a regular in the Catalans’ backline, has already impressed his new boss Xavi with his ‘excellent character’ and positivity in training (Heavy).

Indeed, Araujo’s form over this past year has also garnered praise from club legends like Gerard Pique, with the World Cup-winning defender saying that the Barcelona youngster will be a top centre-half for the next ’10 or 15 years’.

Steadily earning a name for himself in La Liga, his performances have also attracted attention from some of the Premier League’s biggest names, including Liverpool. According to ESPN correspondents Moisés Llorens and Samuel Marsden, the Reds and FSG have sent representatives in an approach to the player amid his contract dispute at the Camp Nou.

His current deal expires in 2023 and Barcelona apparently see Araujo as ‘key to the future’ of their club, but they are aware the ‘greats of the Premier League’ pose a real transfer threat. This is where Liverpool and Chelsea come in, with both clubs said to be ‘on the prowl’.

Liverpool fans erupt…

As FSG make their first move for Aruajo by sending emissaries to Catalonia, it’s little wonder this news has prompted many Liverpool fans to erupt on Twitter.

The Uruguay international, who Pique also called ‘physically strong, fast and powerful’, is a valuable commodity with plenty of sell-on value and a winding-down contract.

Liverpool’s stance in potential negotiations is strengthened by his precarious situation, and Barca could feasibly be put under a bit of pressure to sell if he continues to delay a renewal.

Lauded as a centre-back who ‘has everything’ by Pique, Araujo would surely strengthen Liverpool’s backline.

Here’s what these Reds supporters thought of this development:

“Ello, Ello, here we go.”

Credit: @SportsEnthusi17

“ain’t no way lol.”

Credit: @zak_tyrese

“Only watched him a handful of times but I’ve been impressed ngl.”

Credit: @AdxmLFC

“Uhm yes please”

Credit: @calcio_danny

“OMDSSSS please make it happen”

Credit: @Affanisntalive

“If it happens I’ll be madly happy!! Liverpool needs Uruguayans again!!”

Credit: @AndresStein05

“I’d have this guy over Gomez any day of the week. Gomez is good but he’s older and injury prone. Araujo would be an insane option”

Credit: @LFCDunc

In other news: This transfer claim also had numerous Liverpool fans excited

Many Southampton fans have slammed the performance of Jan Bednarek in their 1-0 win away to Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men picked up a vital three points thanks to a lovely finish from Che Adams on the 20-minute mark, but a lot of Saints supporters were still unimpressed with the Poland defender’s performance.

The 25-year-old lost out on three of his duels and failed to block any shots, while he also lost possession of the ball on 12 different occasions in the match (SofaScore). In the closing minutes, he was turned all too easily by Ashley Fletcher, whose shot was brilliantly clawed away by Alex McCarthy to preserve victory for Southampton (Sky Sports).

It has led to some fans calling for summer signing Lyanco to come into the starting line-up instead of Bednarek, as they want to see more of their new recruit.

Southampton fans on Bednarek’s display

These Saints fans on Twitter were left slamming the Pole’s performance, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that the defender was a ‘liability’ at Vicarage Road:

“Lyanco surely has to start from now on. Bednarek is becoming a liability at the back, if it wasn’t for the likes of Salisu and Tino mopping up for him.”

Credit: @EthanEvansSJ

“Bednarek is all over the place. No positioning awareness, just ball chasing”

Credit: @LH_SFC

“Bednarek’s form since that 9-0 to Manchester United has been absolutely awful.”

Credit: @andrew2021k

“Such a poor header from Bednarek”

Credit: @great_state

“Good half, Bednarek showing why Lyanco should be playing though. Switching off at vital moments! Top hit from Chele but should be 3 up!”

Credit: @Too_Jazzee

“Maya Yoshida wouldn’t have gotten away with half the errors that Jan Bednarek makes on a weekly basis.”

Credit: @_ScottWinter_

In other news, find out what Ralph Hasenhuttl comments have left these Saints unhappy

A new deal for Mohamed Salah could affect Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino’s Liverpool futures, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Salah’s future still up in the air

The Reds were simply incredible in their 5-0 win away to Manchester United on Sunday, with Salah scoring a hat-trick to further add to his place in legend.

The Egyptian King is still yet to sign a new contract with Liverpool, which is causing some concern, considering his status as arguably the world’s best player at the moment.

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The Latest: Pearce makes big claim

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic before Sunday’s game, Pearce claimed that a massive deal for Salah could have a knock-on effect for Mane and Firmino, in terms of one potentially leaving.

In response to a query from one fan on the situation, the journalist replied: “Yes I’d say the outcome of the contract talks with Salah will have an impact on what happens with Mane and Firmino. I would be surprised if all three get new deals. Salah clearly the priority currently.”

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The Verdict: Salah HAS to sign

Keeping Mane and Firmino is clearly important for Liverpool, but Salah is the man they must tie down, even if it means bad news for one of the others eventually.

He is becoming an all-time Reds great before our very eyes, currently enjoying an outstanding season and making himself one of the club’s greatest-ever goalscorers, and at 29 he should still have four or five years at the very top, particularly given the way he looks after himself.

Losing Salah in his prime doesn’t bear thinking about and FSG would likely never be forgiven if they don’t give him exactly what he wants.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited about one transfer rumour doing the rounds. Read more here.

A number of Liverpool fans are delighted after Fabinho and Thiago were passed fit for the Reds’ Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are back in European action on Wednesday evening, welcoming Atletico to Anfield for a tough-looking Group B game.

Liverpool have maximum points after three matches in the competition and victory over Diego Simeone’s side would seal a place in the knockout stages once again.

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The Reds have received a major boost going into the game, with Klopp confirming in his pre-match press conference [via the club’s official Twitter account] that Fabinho and Thiago are completely fit and “in contention” to play.

With Naby Keita, James Milner and Harvey Elliott all missing from Liverpool’s midfield, this is undoubtedly a huge positive.

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Liverpool fans delighted with Klopp injury update

These Reds fans took to Twitter to express their happiness at the news, with one supporter calling it ‘brilliant’.

“Brilliant that Fab & Thiago might play!”

Credit: @kopice86

“THEY’RE BACK! Thiago and Fabinho are in contention for tomorrow’s game vs Atletico after training ‘completely normal'”

Credit: @Liverpoolgoals_

“Let’s go, get in “

Credit: @LfcPranayp2004

“LESSSS GOOOO”

Credit: @syarifallly

“Oh yes”

Credit: @Marslegendary

“OMGGG”

Credit: @hvnglow

In other news, some Liverpool fans have bemoaned a Reds injury update. Read more here.

A round-up of the third day’s play in the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals

Cricinfo staff26-Dec-2009
Scorecard
Defending champions Mumbai’s ship continued to cruise towards the Ranji Trophy semi-finals on a day of smooth sailing in Rohtak. Led by their veteran spinner Ramesh Powar they dismantled Haryana for the addition of only 130 runs on day three, and by stumps – despite the loss of three wickets – sat pretty with a big lead. Haryana, from 34 for 2, struggled to form partnerships. Manav Sharma fell 76 deliveries into the day, bowled by Powar, to cue a period where three wickets went down for two runs in four overs. Rahul Dewan held up one end with 71 but a lack of support told against Powar, who returned figures of 4 for 42 from his 22 overs.After Mumbai took a 236-run lead, Sahil Kukreja lost his opening partner Sushant Marathe for 0, but a century stand with Rohit Sharma put the second innings on track. Rohit, a day after he was recalled to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, fell for a brisk 51 and Vinayak Samant followed for 0. But with a lead of 355, Mumbai remain in command.
Scorecard
The proceedings on day three at the Palam A Ground have nicely set up the final one. An interesting battle for the first-innings lead, which will determine which team will move to the semi-finals, awaits. Delhi came into the third day facing a stiff uphill battle and applied themselves watchfully. They added 225 runs in 89.1 overs, losing only two wickets. The overnight pair of Aditya Jain and Mithun Manhas scored half-centuries at contrasting rates. The pair had teamed up on the second evening at 33 for 2 and attempted to stave off whatever came their way. Manhas was more aggressive, hitting 76 from 122 deliveries; Jain ate up 259 for his 76.Rajat Bhatia, Delhi’s captain, walked out needing to keep the side floating and did so commendably. He remained not out on 67 from 176 balls and denied Tamil Nadu further success with an alliance of 60 with Gaurav Chabra (32*). Aushik Srinivas bowled tidily for figures of 26-11-43-1 and Abhinav Mukund proved a partnership-breaker when he got Jain lbw in a four-over burst. Delhi are three sizeable partnerships away from achieving a lead, while Tamil Nadu need six quick wickets.
Scorecard
Uttar Pradesh stand in a healthy position after three days in Guwahati. Having already taken a first-innings lead, they put themselves in prime position to wrap up a win over Assam on the final day. From 25 for 0 they finished the day nine wickets down with a lead of 320, with Tanmay Srivastava (49) and Piyush Chawla (53) providing the impetus. UP lost Shivakant Shukla and their captain Mohammad Kaif early in the day, and then three further wickets after the before and after the century mark. But Rohit Prakash Srivastava (42) and Chawla put on 66 to get UP past 200 and Chawla found some support with the last two before he fell for a half-century. Leading Assam’s bowling were Ranjitkumar Mali and Dhiraj Goswami with four wickets each. Given how meekly Assam folded in their first innings, UP will fancy their chances of wrapping up a win.Click here to read Sriram Veera’s report from the other quarter-final in Mysore.

Stand-in Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan will travel to Australia next week for medical treatment on his groin

Cricinfo staff27-Aug-2009Stand-in Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan will travel to Australia next week for medical treatment on his groin.”He has been in acute groin pain during the past one month and had to play with painkillers,” Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Rabeed Imam said. “He will fly to Australia next week where doctors will see his injury and decide whether to operate on him.”Shakib stood in for injured Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza and led the side to historic Test and ODI victories against the West Indies away from home, and followed it up with a 4-1 ODI series win in Zimbabwe.Shakib is the fifth Bangladesh bowler to get injured in recent months, after Mortaza, fast bowler Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Hossain and spinner Abdur Razzak.

Jamie Shackleton is the Leeds United youngster who has the best chance of earning regular minutes this season, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Shackleton impresses for Leeds

The 22-year-old has already made five Premier League appearances this season, including a start at home to Watford last weekend, as the Whites finally got their first win of the campaign in the competition.

With Luke Ayling out injured for the foreseeable future, it could be that Shackleton continues to fill in at right-back, hopefully making up for the loss of a key player.

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The Latest: Hay expects more minutes

That’s certainly the opinion of Hay, who took to The Athletic to claim that Shackleton is the standout youngster, in terms of getting minutes as the season progresses:

“Looking at Jamie Shackleton in the past two games, perhaps the door might open for him at right-back now, especially with Luke Ayling undergoing surgery on his knee.”

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The Verdict: Ideal Ayling replacement

Shackleton is capable of playing at both right-back and in midfield, but it looks as though he will get playing time in the former for now.

Ayling is expected to be out for around six weeks, so this is a wonderful opportunity for the Englishman to stake a claim and cement his place.

The signs are promising with Shackleton, with Leeds Live‘s Beren Cross handing Shackleton a seven-out-of-10 rating against Watford and Darren Bent calling him ‘superb’ last year.

In other news, Hay has also provided an update on Leeds’ potential January business. Read more here.