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Abdur Razzak’s bowling action will be independently reviewed in Australia before the left-arm spinner faces an ICC assessment

Cricinfo staff05-Feb-2009
Abdur Razzak has been bowling in domestic tournaments © TigerCricket.com
Abdur Razzak’s bowling action will be independently reviewed in Australia before the left-arm spinner faces an ICC assessment. Razzak, who was suspended from bowling in international cricket in December for a suspect action, bowled in the recent domestic Premier Division Twenty20 Tournament after working with local experts.Video footage of Razzak’s action will be sent to experts in Australia. “As per our bowling review committee’s observation his action has improved but we need to take suggestions from experts, which is why we sent the footage to Australia,” Enayet Hossain Siraj, the BCB’s cricket operations committee chairman, said. “It’s actually a precautionary measure before sending him [Razzak] to the ICC.”Razzak was reported after the home Tests against New Zealand last October by on-field umpires Daryl Harper and Asoka de Silva. An independent analysis conducted by the ICC, also in Australia, confirmed his action was suspect. According to the report, Razzak’s elbow extension ranged between 22 to 28 degrees, averaging 25 degrees; his quicker ball ranged from 22 to 28 degrees with an average of 24 degrees. The ICC rules allow bending the arm up to 15 degrees.

Some West Brom supporters have slaughtered Karlan Grant’s performance in the Baggies’ disappointing goalless draw with Derby County.

Valerien Ismael’s side could only draw 1-1 at home to Millwall last weekend, although the point still took them to the top of the Championship.

On Tuesday night, West Brom faced another home league game, with Derby widely expected to be swatted aside at the Hawthorns.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, however, with the Baggies unable to break down their opponents, eventually having to settle for a 0-0 draw.

One player who struggled was Grant, with the striker offering very little in the first half and eventually being substituted at the interval.

It was another performance that suggested the 23-year-old isn’t good enough to lead the line for Ismael’s side.

West Brom fans unhappy with Grant performance

These West Brom fans took to Twitter to criticise Grant’s display.

“Poor half #WBA too much long ball. Best passages of play have been quick sharp passing on the floor. Grant has been anonymous I was surprised he started. Would have Phillips on for him”

Credit: @beechyboy90

“I honestly hadn’t realised Grant was playing”

Credit: @HappyB79

“Grady Hugill Robbo on Saturday and it should have been those three starting last night. Grant offers absolutely nothing”

Credit: @Jackk_Ross

“Because Grant was absolutely shocking in the first half. Couldn’t tell he was even playing. Not so sure on Robbo though”

Credit: @ItsSamson2

“Unfortunately Grant is looking like a really poor signing for the money we have committed to pay, which despite what some think is actually £15m plus wages”

Credit: @Baggeridgebaggy

“We have to play Hugill, Grady and Robinson. Grant and Philips poor again”

Credit: @WBA78part2

In other news, some West Brom fans have been showing their love for one player. Find out who it is here.

Celtic have reached an agreement with Benfica for the transfer of winger Filipe Jota, according to Portuguese outlet Record, cited by HITC.

The Lowdown: Jota profiled

Jota is 22 years of age and is primarily a left-winger but can also turn out on the right when required.

A Portugal Under-21 international, Jota is thought to be on £7,100-a-week and spent last season on loan at Spanish side Real Valladolid, making 18 appearances.

He’s won two major honours with Benfica and was the top scorer at the 2018 Under-19 European Championships.

The Latest: Agreement reached

According to Record, translated by HITC, a loan agreement has been reached between Celtic and Benfica for Jota.

The report claims that there will be a clause included where the Hoops can make the move permanent during the temporary move.

The Verdict: Ange gets what he was after

Ange Postecoglou was after a winger at the beginning of the month, and it seems as if he’ll be getting just that in a transfer involving Jota.

Dominic McKay also appears to have worked a clever clause in where it could be made permanent, which could be a shrewd move if Jota impresses in Scotland, although a specific fee isn’t included in the recent report.

Jota could well join Georgios Giakoumakis in sealing late moves to Celtic Park, with the attacker expected to undergo a medical in France on Sunday.

In other news: ‘Tremendous’ Celtic ace could now leave Parkhead with Edouard before the deadline; offer made.  

Some Wolves fans have been left fuming as a transfer update emerged on Owen Otasowie.

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, football journalist Tim Spiers has claimed that the Midlands club have had an offer of £3.4m on the table for the USA international from Club Brugge for more than a week, but they want a fee closer to £5m.

The Molineux faithful are pretty scarce in the central midfield position and have a pretty thin squad in general, and so letting go of another player, especially with the potential that Otasowie has, would really leave Bruno Lage short going into the new 2021/22 season.

Even £5m as well would give little room to manoeuvre in terms of trying to find an adequate replacement, and so the Wanderers might as well keep him instead.

Wolves fans on Otasowie transfer update

These WWFC supporters fumed as the exit news on Otasowie was shared on Twitter:

“£3.4 million??? If the offer don’t come in we want don’t sell it’s simple really!!!”

Credit: @Woodthewolf83

“£3.5m isn’t enough in my opinion”

Credit: @mark_spruce

“Don’t sell”

Credit: @samuelhomerdls

“£3.4m is insulting, £5m is better but only with a 20% sell on as well”

Credit: @toddo08

“Such a shame”

Credit: @BulletRobinson

“Mess”

Credit: @Ianph61

In other news, find out what Leander Dendoncker comments have Wanderers talking here!

Watford have been linked with a move for Celta Vigo ace Okay Yokuslu recently, and he could be the man to replace Will Hughes should the 26-year-old leave Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Watford Observer, Yokuslu’s agent was at Watford’s training ground earlier this week in order to speak to sporting director Cristiano Giaretta, which suggests that a move could well be on the cards.

The 27-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom, and whilst they are also said to be keen on bringing him back, Yokuslu would reportedly prefer a move to a Premier League side.

Bye-bye Will Hughes?

It is no surprise to see Watford being linked with midfielders ahead of the new campaign, as Hughes’ future at Vicarage Road is looking increasingly uncertain. The former Derby player was reportedly demoted to the under-23s as a result of the ongoing contract dispute, whilst the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa have been linked with a move for him.

Therefore, unless a resolution is found quickly, it would be a surprise to see Hughes start the Premier League season as a Watford player, especially as his current deal is set to expire in 2022, meaning that the Hornets could be forced to cash in on him now.

The 26-year-old played a key role in Watford’s promotion to the Premier League last term, averaging a solid 6.85 rating from WhoScored across his 30 appearances in the Championship. He would undoubtedly need swift replacing should he depart this summer, and Yokuslu could be the ideal man for the task.

The Turkey international helped improve West Brom significantly last season, averaging an impressive 6.96 rating from WhoScored across his 16 top-flight appearances, but he was ultimately unable to save them from relegation.

Considering that Xisco Munoz’s team will likely be one of the favourites for the drop in 2021/22, swapping a possession-based player such as Hughes for the more physical and defensive-minded Yokuslu could be a smart move by the Hornets this summer.

The 27-year-old earned rave reviews during his time at The Hawthorns last season, with former teammate Kyle Bartley saying: “He’s been brilliant. He seems to have settled in really quickly which is always important for a player at a new club.

“You can see already that he’s a really good player. I thought he was great against Manchester United on his full debut and then he backed that up with another impressive performance on Saturday against Burnley.

“He’s tenacious. He’s good on the ball. He’s calm and composed. I think he’s made a big difference in there.”

Therefore, it seems clear that the £6.75m-rated Yokuslu would be a stellar addition to Watford’s side this summer, even if it proves to be a catalyst in Hughes departing Vicarage Road on a permanent deal.

In other news… Watford dealt huge transfer blow with “explosive” 28-goal beast

The Twenty20 quarter-final between Warwickshire and Kent at Edgbaston has been abandoned due to heavy rain and will now be played on Thursday

Cricinfo staff09-Jul-2008The Twenty20 quarter-final between Warwickshire and Kent at Edgbaston has been abandoned due to heavy rain and will now be played on Thursday.Kent are the defending champions, while Warwickshire went through the group stage with just one defeat. The winners will join Essex and Middlesex who are already in Finals Day, but the fourth team won’t be known for a while after the postponement for Durham’s match against Yorkshire.The hearing into Yorkshire fielding an ineligible player, Azeem Rafiq, will be heard at Old Trafford on Thursday.The draw for Finals Day, which was due to take place after the Edgbaston quarter-final, has also been delayed pending the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.

Former professional footballer Nigel Jemson is expecting Liverpool to further business in this transfer window.

The Reds completed the signing of defender Ibrahima Konate from Red Bull Leipzig for £36m earlier on in the window but haven’t made any further additions since.

The Anfield outfit have been linked with many names this summer, with reporter Matthew Scianitti posting that sources told TSN Sports that if Lille chose to sell Jonathan David this summer, then Liverpool have the Canadian high up on their list of potential additions.

Whilst CaughtOffside reported that the representatives of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez are attempting to get their client a move to Anfield this summer.

And Jemson fully expects Liverpool to conclude more deals before the summer transfer window closes, exclusively telling Football FanCast: “I’m a bit of Liverpool supporter, they’ve made an addition to that squad, I’m sure they’re going to make another couple of signings.”

Despite injuries to the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Fabinho last season, Liverpool still managed to finish third in the Premier League to secure Champions League football for another season.

Give those issues, Liverpool fans will be pleased if Jemson’s prediction is correct, with a lack of squad depth ultimately preventing Jurgen Klopp’s side from successfully defending their Premier League crown last term.

Brendan Taylor nearly walked out on Zimbabwe cricket last month after being refused permission to play club cricket in Europe

Cricinfo staff01-Jun-2008Brendan Taylor nearly walked out on Zimbabwe cricket last month after being refused permission to play club cricket in Europe, according to a report in the Zimbabwe Independent.Taylor’s father, Graham, said that the board’s refusal to allow his son to play overseas was unfair. “It’s a bad business decision not to allow these kids to go overseas,” he said. “It’s beneficial to the player and to Zimbabwe cricket at large. Everyone knows India are not coming and we don’t know when the next series is, so it makes sense for the guys to go overseas.”Brendan understands that his country comes first, he is a patriotic young man. But he is keen to go and play overseas and should have been at his club by now. The people there have been patient about his delay. We are not making threats, but if he can’t get leave he will be forced to resign.”Taylor found himself in hot water last year when he defied the board and played in Europe, and he has also had previous run-ins with officialdom.Some players, including former captain Terry Duffin, have already turned their backs on Zimbabwe cricket in recent months and opted to play club cricket in Europe.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 ticketing computer is currently busyprocessing applications for individual match tickets on the Ticket Windowrandom draw system

WC Press Release30-Nov-2002The ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 ticketing computer is currently busyprocessing applications for individual match tickets on the Ticket Windowrandom draw system.The Ticket Window was open between October 8-November 22, during which thepublic was invited to make application for 100 000 tickets available forindividual CWC matches.The computer is now randomly drawing applications and the process is beingmonitored by auditors Deloitte & Touche.Towards the end of next week, applicants will be contacted via email toinform them of their success or otherwise.No tickets will be on sale to anyone other than those who are notified oftheir success in the Ticket Window.Successful applicants will be sent a Transaction Reference number and maythen purchase their tickets through any of the following mechanisms:The ICC CWC 2003 Website: www.cricketworldcup.com.The ICC CWC 2003 Call Centre – 083 123 2003 (International +27 83 123 2003).Any of the ICC CWC 2003 Stadiums in South Africa.The recommended method of purchasing the tickets is either through thewebsite or the call centre. Payment can be made by credit card, and ticketswill be delivered to the physical address specified by the applicant, freeof charge anywhere in South Africa.A delivery charge of R120 is levied for international deliveries.Successful applicants may choose to collect their tickets at any of theStadiums, but must take their Transaction Reference number and ID documentor passport along when doing so.If successful applicants contact the the call centre or go to any of thestadiums, they must have their ID or passport ready.Tickets must be purchased on or before 10 January 2003, otherwise thereservation will be released.

Aston Villa have been handed an encouraging transfer update regarding their pursuit of England midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Dean Smith is lining up a summer swoop for the Southampton captain, who registered nine goals and eight assists last term, and Football Insider have now dropped an update on the situation

They reported: “A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Villa are very much keen on Ward-Prowse and are readying a bid once other parts of their summer transfer jigsaw fall in place.

“Tellingly, the Midlands giants have been given third-party indications that Ward-Prowse is keen on a move to Villa. He is believed to have been struck by the club’s ambition and regards them as an upgrade on Southampton.

“The Saints are very much aware of Villa’s interest and that a potentially vast offer could be sanctioned by billionaire owners Wes Edens and Naseef Sawiris.”

Fans will be excited

Speaking after news emerged of Villa’s interest in Ward-Prowse in this summer’s transfer window, Noel Whelan threw his support behind a potential move, saying that the Midlands club’s aggressive intent when it comes to new signings is “exciting” for the club’s fans.

He said: “I’m not surprised he wants to move. Villa are showing real intent early on. I think the move will materialise, it’s happening. They have already got Buendia through the door so it really is exciting times for Aston Villa fans.

“If they can get James Ward-Prowse as well, another international, they could really reach that next level. He was very unlucky not to be in the England squad for the Euros. He would add serious competition for places. It would be a very exciting midfield if he was in there with Grealish, Buendia and McGinn.”

Given that Ward-Prowse has reportedly been swayed by NSWE’s ambition at Villa, fans will surely be excited at the prospect of him arriving at Villa Park this summer, not least because of the set piece threat he poses – something with which the Midlands faithful will be patently familiar.

Meanwhile, Villa are closing in on this big-money signing…