Glamorgan have signed Craig Meschede from Somerset on a permanent deal after he was released from his contract at Taunton.He has signed a three-year deal and will report for pre-season training this week.An allrounder and product of the Somerset academy, Meschede spent the 2015 season on loan at Glamorgan and quickly becoming an integral member of the side in all formats.He joined Glamorgan in a swop deal with Jim Allenby, who immediately joined Somerset on a three-year deal, with no suggestion at the time that Meschede’s move to South Wales would become permanent.He hit his maiden century against Surrey at Cardiff, followed up with another against Northamptonshire at the SWALEC Stadium and his displays of clean-hitting prompted his elevation to open the batting during NatWest T20 Blast games.Glamorgan chief executive Hugh Morris was keen to recruit Meschede on a permanent basis and concluded negotiation with the Somerset management team on Monday.”Craig played an important role in our team last season and although we were keen to keep him, any deal relied on Somerset’s sanction as he had a year to run on his contract,” said Morris.”We’re delighted to have got the deal over the line and believe that we’ve signed a player who adds a lot to the side and also has the potential to develop further.”Meschede, 24, has taken 92 wickets in 45 first class matches while maintaining a batting average of 24.29.Meschede said: “This has been a tough decision as Somerset has been a massive part of my life. I’d like to thank Somerset for the last eight years. It has been an absolute honour and pleasure to represent the club.”Glamorgan is the best opportunity for my cricket at this stage in my career. I really enjoyed my time at the club last year so I look forward to returning on a full-time basis.”
The two-man official team from South Africa visiting Pakistan to assess the level of security ahead of the Test and ODI series next month was promised full and foolproof security for the visiting team.Goolam Raja and Sean Gallaher, the two officials, were at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Friday and visited National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday as part of their two-day trip, which was termed routine by both sets of officials. They were briefed by the home secretary of Sind province on the security situation in provincial capital Karachi.”I have no doubts that Pakistan will provide us with the needed security and, God willing, everything will be alright,” Raja said. “It is difficult to say about our final assessments now but we will submit a report to Cricket South Africa and hope everything will be in place for the tour.”Zakir Khan, the Pakistan board’s director of cricket operations, said he was confident that the current situation will not affect the forthcoming tour. “A professional security plan has been put in place for the South Africans and they were briefed. We hope everything will take place accordingly and we hope to have a good cricket series.”The South Africans play a warm-up match in Karachi from September 27 while the first Test starts on October 1 in the same city.
Shoaib Malik, the Pakistan allrounder, has been passed fit for the one-day series against England after missing the Test matches with an elbow problem. Malik had to return home before the start of the first Test, but has now added his name the list of Pakistan’s returning injured players.Wasim Bari, the chief selector, told Reuters: “We have informed the team management that Malik is now fit and has been cleared to play by the PCB medical panel. The management has to decide when to call him.”He is now okay and keen to resume playing again. His inclusion will further increase Pakistan’s options for the one-day series which is also important for us.”Bari said no final decision had been taken on retaining Mohammad Hafeez for the one-series, despite his fine 95 in the final Test at The Oval, following his late call-up to the squad. “I think he should stay for the one-dayers as he is a very useful all-round player,” added Bari, “but let us see what the team management wants.”If both Hafeez and Malik are included in the one-day squad, Pakistan will be spoilt for choice went it comes to their allrounders. Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi have both missed the last two Tests but are still dangerous players in the limited overs game.Before the final Test, Pakistan sent home the openers Taufeeq Umar and Salman Butt plus Samiullah Niazi, left-arm pacer, and Bari said a decision on the final one-day squad would be made in the next week. They are hopeful that Shoaib Akhtar will continue his recovery, while Mohammad Asif has shown his fitness with an impressive performance at The Oval and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan is also bowling again.Before the five-match one-day series, which starts at Cardiff on August 30, Pakistan play England in a Twenty20 International, at Bristol, on August 28.
Glenn McGrath has revealed he is interested in playing county cricket during the English domestic season in 2006, which coincides with a break Australia have from international cricket.McGrath, who became the fourth bowler to take 500 Test wickets in the first Ashes Test at Lord’s, is considering going back to Worcestershire after a successful stint there in 2000. He also played briefly for Middlesex last season. quoted him as saying: “I’ve played for two counties and I don’t really want to make it three. I would say that Worcestershire are probably still top of my list.”Mark Newton, the Worcestershire County Cricket Club chief executive, said he hoped to speak to McGrath during the three-day game between Australia and Worcestershire beginning on July 30. “I’m sure at some stage during next week’s game at Worcester we will be able to have a conversation,” said Newton. “I’m sure everyone would be delighted if he came back here in the near future.” McGrath said he would be happy to talk with Worcestershire although nothing had been decided.
Imran Khan’s high-profile marriage to Jemima Goldsmith, the daughter of the late British billionaire Sir James Goldsmith, has ended in divorce after nine years.The couple’s marriage in 1995 caught the world’s imagination, although the differences that were evident then – she was 21 and Jewish, he was 42 and a Muslim – have become more apparent in recent years, especially now that Imran has stepped up his political ambitions.”I sadly announce that Jemima and I are divorced,” said Imran today in a statement released by his Justice Movement party. “While Jemima tried her best to settle here, my political life made it difficult for her to adapt to life in Pakistan. This was a mutual decision and is clearly very sad for both of us. My home and my future is in Pakistan.”Jemima, an ambassador for the United Nations children’s fund UNICEF, recently moved back to London, in order that their two sons – Suleiman and Kasim – could be educated in Britain. Imran became a Pakistani MP in 2002, although as yet his party has had little support.
With the return of Marcus Trescothick from England duty, apart from Andy Caddick who is injured, Somerset will be at full strength for their Cheltenham and Gloucester fourth round tie against Surrey at the County Ground in Taunton on Wednesday.This means that one of the most successful attacks in first class cricket, Richard Johnson and Nixon McLean will be reunited after Johnson was passed fit to play, and so far this season the pair have already taken 56 first class wickets between them.`Johnno’ told me: "I’m obviously looking forward to it, this is a big occasion for us and it’s what you play cricket for. I’m delighted to be fit enough to be able to play."Despite the number of Test players who will be playing for the opposition skipper Mike Burns feels that Somerset go into the match with the edge. "I think it will be a good game and we feel confident. We will be absolutely up for it on Wednesday and this is probably the draw that they would have least liked, playing against us down here at Taunton in front of a full house," he told me.The Cidermen have got an impressive record in the C and G and have made it through to three finals out of the last four years, and have lost just once in the last two years of the premier one day competition and that was in the 2002 final at Lords.Whilst the Somerset players were busy getting in some final practice, Head Groundsman Phil Frost and his team were busy making sure that wicket and the outfield were in peak condition and ready for the match.Taunton born Keith Parsons who was Man of the Match following Somerset’s victory over Leicestershire in the 2001 final told me: "We are all looking forward to the game immensely. We have got a good track record in the competition and I’m really looking forward to getting out there. It would be good to get on another roll in the cup this year".All rounder Ian Blackwell told me: "We are all looking forward to the match and obviously we are excited because there is no bigger game than to play against Surrey.However we are all up for it and hopefully all of our players will perform well and we get the right result."Batsman James Bryant who has played an important part in the sides impressive performances in the county championship told me: "I’m looking forward to playing here at Taunton with a big crowd atmosphere for the first time. I’m happy with my form, but so far I haven’t got any big scores so tomorrow would be a good time to put this right."Coach Kevin Shine has named a squad of twelve for the match- Jamie Cox, Marcus Trescothick, James Bryant, Mike Burns, Keith Parsons, Ian Blackwell, Keith Dutch, Rob Turner, Richard Johnson, Nixon McLean, Steffan Jones and Simon FrancisSomerset chief executive Peter Anderson told me this afternoon: "With a fine day in prospect judging by the number of telephone calls and personal callers we have had for tickets I think that we will get a lot of people here. I’d be very surprised if we didn’t see a crowd in excess of 5000 inside the ground which will create quite an atmosphere, but tickets will be available on the day."
India’s surprise series leveling victory in Kandy has forced a radicalre-think by the Sri Lankan selectors, who are set to make three changes forthe crucial final Test in Colombo, as the home side looks to end a 16-monthspell without a series win, whilst India set their sights on their firstoverseas Test series triumph since 1993..Sri Lanka will retain the same formation of six batsmen, one all rounder andfour frontline bowlers, but will drop 34-year-old batsman HashanTillakaratne, fast bowling allrounder Suresh Perera and left arm pace bowlerRuchira Perera.Off spinning allrounder Thilan Samaraweera, who has captained Sri Lanka A inthree successive series, will make his debut alongside top order batsmanMichael Vandort, who scored a century for a Sri Lankan board XI in India’sonly warm-up game.Dulip Liyanage has been chosen in place of Ruchira Perera, surprisingly leftout of the final 14-man squad after two modest, but by no means poor,performances in Galle and Kandy. The 29-year-old Liyanage, however, whoplayed the last of his eight Tests way back in 1993/94 in Lucknow, has beenconsistently impressive in the practice nets and will also strengthen thelower order.Such wholesale changes after their seven-wicket defeat in the second Testcould easily be interpreted as a sign of panic, but, in fact, it’s probablymore an admission that the wrong side had been selected in Kandy.Suresh Perera looked short of confidence after being reported by umpireSteve Bucknor in Galle for having a suspect action and bowled just twelveovers in the game. With hindsight he should have been rested until thedoubts over his action had been eased.With the batting having been pinpointed as the primary reason for Sri Lanka’s defeat the 21-year-old Vandort was always likely to play in Colombo and isexpected to bat at number three, forcing Kumar Sangakkara to drop down tonumber five.The choice then came down to Tillakaratne and Samaraweera for the numberseven slot. Though an extra batsman would have been comforting, theselectors settled for the positive option of an allrounder, which gives themgreater options in the field, but does not significantly weaken the batting,as Samaraweera is renowned to be a tenacious and solid batter.Sanath Jayasuriya, speaking after the team’s final practice, called for histeam to play positive cricket: “We didn’t play well in Kandy, but that ishistory now. This is a fresh game and the team must think positively and notput themselves under pressure. The players must relax and enjoy themselves.”He, though, stressed once again that the batsmen have to show greaterresponsibility: “The batsmen are in good form, but they have been gettingout in the 30’s and 40’s. When we get set we have to go on to make a bigscore.”Coach Dav Whatmore pointed out that the failure of the batsmen in Kandyrevolved around the mental approach of the individuals concerned: “There isno technique problem. We have shown that we can score heavily. However, itseems to me that we can win by a large margin, but when it gets close, wefind it difficult. Sometimes we suffer from a rush of blood.””The players have to give 100 per cent and be totally committed,” he warned.”They must adopt that attitude that ‘everything depends on me’ not on anyoneelse.”India, initially disappointed by their boards refusal to send Ajit Agarkar,which was confirmed by the Indian captain today, may now be somewhatrelieved, as they are considering playing 28-year-old Bombay legspinnerSairaj Bahutule, as the fourth bowler in place of Harvinder Singh.India, it seems, believe that the ball will turn appreciably. Sourav Gangulycommented that: “This does not look to be the normal bouncy SSC wicket and Ithink it will turn by day three.”India are therefore expected to bat first if they win the toss. “We willhave a look in the morning and see how damp it is, but right now it lookslike a bat first wicket,” said Ganguly.The curator Ranil Abeynaike, though, was singing a different song, promisingplenty of “pace and bounce” throughout the game with the prospect of lateralmovement for the fast bowlers on day one.Jayasuriya also commented that there was more grass on the wicket than therehad been in the last game England, when the ball turned sideways, and heexpects there to be plenty of encouragement for the pace bowlers. Sri Lankaare expected to field first if they win the toss.Ganguly pointed out that: “The mood within the side is good, but there wasno chance of complacency after the Kandy Test. We just want play goodcricket here. If we play well and take it session by session then the resultshould take care of itself.”He defended the decision to retain Hemang Badani after three failures so farin the series: "Hemang deserves another opportunity. He is struggling a bitand not playing like he did in Zimbabwe, but it’s not right to drop abatsman after two games. Hemang has potential and maybe he will make a markin this Test."India have not won a Test series overseas since 1993 when MohammadAzharuddin’s side defeated Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club to win theseries 1-0. There have been two matches since between India and Sri Lanka atSSC, both of which have been drawn.
West Ham are in desperate need of a striker following Niclas Fullkrug’s loan move to AC Milan, and they’ve now been handed a chance to sign one.
The 32-year-old, who scored just three goals in 29 total appearances for the Hammers before his Rossoneri switch, will go down as one of the club’s worst striker signings in recent memory.
Signed by former technical director Tim Steidten, who talked up Fullkrug as the perfect striker for West Ham, his stay at the London Stadium was eventually marred by repeated and long-term injury problems.
The German could never quite display his best in Claret and Blue, having been dealt very unlucky cards when it came to his own fitness, but now the search is on for Fullkrug’s replacement.
West Ham now looking at signing Chelsea striker in 'odd' development
There’s been a fresh report this morning.
ByEmilio Galantini
A host of number nines have been linked with moves to east London in the last week alone, including Coventry City duo Hadji Wright and Ellis Simms, as Nuno Espírito Santo reportedly prioritises strikers with English football experience (ExWHUemployee).
This explains their interest in Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was subject to an approach from West Ham recently, according to the reliable David Ornstein.
Strand Larsen is believed to be open to the West Ham move, but Wolves’ £45 million asking price represents a significant barrier in negotiations.
Chelsea’s Marc Guiu has also emerged as a West Ham target this week, but given he’s already swapped clubs twice this season, the Spaniard cannot join until next summer.
Nuno isn’t completely averse to signing strikers outside of England, though, with Viktoria Plzen’s Rafiu Durosinmi believed to be on the club’s shortlist if they decide to pursue options from abroad (ExWHUemployee).
Another intriguing opportunity could be Roma’s Artem Dovbyk, who ended 2023/2024 as La Liga’s top scorer when Girona briefly contended for the title.
West Ham 'offered' Artem Dovbyk as Roma tell him to leave in January
Dovbyk signed for Roma from Girona in the summer of 2024 following an historic season.
The 28-year-old fired the Catalan club to Champions League qualification, with Dovbyk’s physical presence and clinical finishing making him one of Spanish football’s most coveted strikers at the time.
However, things have not worked out as planned since his move to Italy.
Dovbyk has struggled for continuity and his impact has fallen well short of the expectations generated by his explosive performances in Spain.
The lack of confidence from manager Gian Piero Gasperini has marked his brief tenure in Rome, and the club’s sporting director has informed Dovbyk’s representatives to find a new club next month.
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
As a result, the Ukraine international is now available in January after falling out of favour at the Serie A club.
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That is according to reports from Spain, which explain that West Ham have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Dovbyk this winter.
West Ham, Everton and Sunderland have all received ‘detailed reports’ about the striker ‘in recent days’, with the Premier League trio seriously considering a mid-season deal.
The competition for his signature means West Ham cannot afford to delay if they decide to pursue the deal seriously.
Roma want quick resolution to allow them to reshape their own squad before the window closes, and the Italian club are ready to green-light a loan or ‘low-cost’ transfer given the circumstances.
For Dovbyk, the opportunity to salvage his season with a Premier League move holds obvious appeal. He turns 29 next year, and cannot afford to waste another six months of his career on Roma’s fringes.
"Could happen" – Player admits he may join West Ham as agent works on transfer
ScorecardFile photo – Jeetan Patel produced returns of 9 for 136 for the match•Getty Images
Centuries from Luke Ronchi and openers Luke Woodcock and Michael Papps, along with a match haul of nine wickets from offspinner Jeetan Patel shaped Wellington’s 92-run win over Otago.After Otago’s first-innings declaration of 279 for 8 had given Wellington a 49-run lead, Woodcock and Papps set about consolidating that with an opening partnership of 235 runs. The runs came at a fair clip in the stand which lasted 57.1 overs. Woodcock scored 131 for his sixth first-class century off 186 deliveries with 18 fours and a six. Papps, on the other hand, cleared the boundary five times during his 181-ball 132, his 28th first-class century.That stand was instrumental in allowing Wellington set Otago a target of 355 to win. Brad Wilson scored a steady 57 at the start, and fifties from Neil Broom and Derek de Boorder kept the chase alive after Otago had stumbled to 127 for 4. Broom and de Boorder added 100 runs for the fifth wicket but Broom’s dismissal for 85 triggered a late order collapse that saw Wellington seal the win.Otago lost their last six wickets for only 35, and Patel wreaked most of the damage taking four of the six wickets in that period. His returns of 6 for 77 complemented first-innings figures of 3 for 59. His wickets in the first-innings carved out Otago’s middle order, accounting for Broom, de Boorder and Anaru Kitchen, who top-scored for the side with 72. Apart from Kitchen’s 72, and efforts from Wilson (60) and Broom (48), the other Otago batsmen failed to build on their starts.Earlier, Wellington were shepherded to 328 in their first innings by Luke Ronchi’s unbeaten 116 and a 50 from Michael Pollard. Left-arm quick Bradley Scott had taken three quick wickets at the start to reduce Wellington to 89 for 4 after they had been put in to bat. The middle and lower order, however, rallied. Pollard and Tom Blundell added 56 runs for the fifth wicket and Blundell followed it by pairing with Ronchi to add 92 for the sixth wicket. The two partnerships took Wellington closer to 250 and Ronchi then steered the last four wickets into adding 91 runs, to take the score to 328. Ronchi’s 116, his 15th first-class century, came off 131 deliveries with 18 fours.
Former Bangladesh captains Habibul Bashar and Khaled Mahmud have expressed interest in participating in the Indian Cricket League (ICL) if they are offered contracts approved by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).”I have a contract with the BCB and I want to honour it,” Bashar told the , a Dhaka-based daily. “If the ICL offer does not clash with it, I will definitely play. I think I am fit enough to compete at the highest level and I will play at least three more years.”However, Bashar – who has a contract with the BCB till October – said he had not got any offer to play in the ICL. He was replaced as the Bangladesh captain by Mohammad Ashraful for Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka and has not been picked for the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa this September.Mahmud, who retired from international cricket in February last year but continues to play in the domestic league, said: “Realistically, I don’t expect any offer from any ICL team. But if there is any and the BCB permits me, yes, I can play.” Mahmud had been manager of the Bangladesh side during the Champions Trophy last year.When Mohammad Rafique, the left-arm spinner, was asked whether there was any possibility of his joining the ICL, he said, “Let them offer me [a contract], then I will think about it.”The ICL is a Twenty20 tournament proposed to be held in India around October. It plans to feature six teams, each including four international players and two Indian stars.