The left-arm spinner will play the first Test at Galle where he needs one wicket to reach 100 at the venue

Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Oct-20181:35

A tribute to the most-successful left-arm bowler in Test history

Rangana Herath, the most-successful left-arm bowler in Test history, will retire after the first Test in Galle, having told the selectors that he is reluctant to play through an entire three-Test series.Galle is a sentimental venue for Herath – not only did he make his Test debut there in 1999, he also needs only one more wicket to join Muttiah Muralitharan in having taken 100 wickets at the ground. It was at this venue that Herath also reignited his career at the age of 31, taking five wickets in a Test against Pakistan in 2009, after having been suddenly called up to the Test side while he was playing league cricket in England.Herath, 40, has not played a complete three-Test series since January 2017, having since left two India series early due to injury, before playing no more than one of the three Tests in West Indies in June this year. Herath has had to manage knee injuries for several years now; the strain of carrying Sri Lanka’s spin attack since the retirement of Muralitharan is understood to have caught up to him.His retirement will leave a substantial hole in the Sri Lanka side, with offspinner Dilruwan Perera likeliest to replace him as leader of the spin attack, for the remainder of the England series at least. Sri Lanka also have three other spinners in the squad: all-sorts offspinner Akila Dananjaya, left-arm wristspinner Lakshan Sandakan, and left-arm orthodox bowler Malinda Pushpakumara. Of the remaining spinners only Dilruwan has played more than 10 Tests, however.A beloved figure across the island, Herath’s retirement will also bring to an end one of the most remarkable careers in modern cricket. Not only is he the 10th most successful Test bowler in history with 430 wickets, all but 36 of those dismissals came after he had turned 31, with Herath having struggled to maintain a place in the Test side in the first decade of his career. No bowler has also taken as many as his 230 wickets after turning 35. If he takes five wickets in his final Test, he could move up to seventh on the all-time list, passing Richard Hadlee (431 wickets), Stuart Broad (433) and Kapil Dev (434).Herath is also the last active Test cricketer to have made his debut in the 1990s.The Galle Test begins on November 6.

Clubs who missed out on staging agreements could be given opportunities in tournament’s second year

George Dobell11-Dec-2018Some games in The Hundred could be played away from their host cities as the ECB bid to appease smaller counties.While the ECB have recently declined requests from some counties – notably Gloucestershire – to increase the number of hosting teams from eight to nine or 10, there does appear to be increased hope from some of those who missed out staging agreements that, in the competition’s second year, they will be given the opportunity to host games.So Durham remain hopeful of hosting one of the games given to Yorkshire in 2021 – it seems there is no such expectation in the tournament’s first year – while Somerset hope for a similar reciprocal agreement with the team based in Cardiff.With only four home games scheduled for the group stages of the competition, however, it seems there will be few opportunities for such agreements. The likes of Somerset and Gloucestershire, therefore, may be looking at hosting a game each every other year at best and it remains possible that such talk will come to nothing and is simply designed to pacify the counties.Disagreement is also likely over the branding and, perhaps, the naming of the new teams. While it was initially announced that crossovers between new identities and county brands would be avoided to ensure no cannibalism of existing brands, there is a concern from some within the game that the teams based in Cardiff, Lord’s and Leeds, in particular, will lean pretty heavily on recognisable images in an attempt to appeal to existing supporters.

Manchester United seem to have finally found some consistency in the Premier League, evidenced by Harry Maguire and Erik ten Hag claiming the player and manager of the month awards for November. The Red Devils won all three of their Premier League matches last month, winning each game to nil.

The Reds also put their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Newcastle behind them this week, as they narrowly beat Chelsea 2-1, despite registering 28 shots and accumulating 4.17 XG.

Underperforming in attack has been a common theme this season and Manchester United may enter the transfer market in January to enhance their options in the final third, especially in the striker department, to give Rasmus Hojlund competition.

Man Utd transfers latest – Serhou Guirassy

According to Bild via Goal, speculation regarding Guirassy’s future at Stuttgart has increased this week, following his post-match comments to the fans, where he stated, “thank you for everything”.

Top clubs around Europe are interested in acquiring his services this winter, including Manchester United, but Stuttgart will hope to keep hold of their star player, who has led them to a current Bundesliga standing of third.

The 27-year-old is currently valued by Transfermarkt at £34m, doubling in value since the summer due to his excellent form this season.

The stats that show Serhou Guirassy would be a good signing for Man Utd

Simply put, Guirassy has been absolutely incredible this season and his goals have been the catalyst to Stuttgart's surprising upturn in form. The 27-year-old boasts world-class statistics this campaign, netting an astonishing 16 goals in 11 Bundesliga appearances, just two less than Harry Kane. The Stuttgart star is averaging a goal every 49 minutes.

The Guinea international is a true number nine, who has a similar playstyle to ex-Man Utd striker, Romelu Lukaku, according to FBref.

The duo thrive when pinning the opponent and receiving the ball to their feet with their back to goal, which is displayed by their relatively high number of passes received per ninety, 7.01 and 8.74 respectively.

There is a difference between the two players however, with Guirassy boasting a higher short pass completion rate, shots and goals than Lukaku, showcased in the table below.

Short pass completion %

88.8%

75%

Shots

4.37

2.34

Goals

1.84

0.54

Despite signing for a large fee in the summer, Hojlund has been unable to take his Champions League form into the Premier League. The signing of Guirassy would give the boss an alternative up front, who has more experience and a relatively impressive injury record, which makes him more reliable than current back-up, Anthony Martial.

Guirassy seems to be a combination of the two current United strikers, possessing physicality, ball retention in the final third and an “ice-cold” – as per teammate Deniz Undav – clinical edge. The table below is how he compares to United's first choice number nine, Hojlund.

Pass completion %

80%

74.2%

Shots on target

2.06

0.59

Goals

1.84

0.00

Shot creating actions

3.98

2.49

Key passes

2.18

1.18

Guirassy is one of the most in-form strikers in Europe, with 18 goals in all competitions this term, and his performances have rightfully earned him plenty of attention.

His attributes lend themselves perfectly to United’s wide men, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho, using his link-up play and box presence to provide space for the Red Devils' attackers.

Stuttgart's main man would be an excellent signing for Erik ten Hag and the club's next version of Lukaku – at the best of his abilities.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly rue his side's two-match slump in the Premier League before the November international break, but despite the recent strife will remind his squad that Manchester City are just two points ahead in pole position.

Spurs had undergone a dramatic transformation this summer after finishing eighth in the top flight last year, missing out on European football – something that prompted Harry Kane to depart for Bayern Munich as a by-product.

But the arrival of Postecoglou has changed everything, with the Australian instilling confidence and cohesion and reviving the attacking prowess of this Tottenham team.

After ten matches, Tottenham were top of the table with eight victories and zero losses, but a chaotic, controversy-strewn contest against Chelsea last week unravelled the gains made, sending it spiralling into the murk.

While losing to Mauricio Pochettino's side was a blow, it was hardly the most detrimental element of a bitter evening, with James Maddison and Micky van de Ven both sustaining injuries to rule them out until the new year.

Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero also received their marching orders, with such a raft of setbacks playing into Wolverhampton Wanderers' late turnaround at the weekend.

Talented as this Lilywhites crop may be, the recent malaise has stripped bare the lack of depth that will make challenging against a forbidding behemoth of Man City's stature something tricky.

Nonetheless, Spurs remain in an excellent position, and Postecoglou will know that if his side can battle their way to January, the winter transfer window can be used to bolster the ranks.

Tottenham transfer targets – Ruben Neves

According to TEAMtalk, a rule set to be implemented in the Saudi Pro League could have a knock-on effect for Tottenham's transfer plans, with Al Ittihad winger Jota now likely to remain at the club with the number of foreign players allowed in a matchday squad changing from six to ten.

Such could now ignite Jota's career in Saudi Arabia and close the door on a January departure, but Postecoglou still appears eager to sign in January and could yet raid the opulent division for a former Premier League star.

Indeed, the report continues that Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves is on Spurs chairman Daniel Levy's radar, with Arsenal and Newcastle United also interested in the Portugal ace.

Neves joined Al Hilal from Wolves for £47m in the summer after six years of service, though reports stemming from Portugal last month claim that the 26-year-old 'dreams' of returning to English shores.

Ruben Neves' style of play

It's generally accepted that Tottenham's squad is a little thin, and while the backline requires priority, regardless of Van de Ven and Romero's current absences, support must be spread across the pack to truly cement a place at the forefront of the Premier League.

And Neves, who is a tried and tested star in the division, would be the perfect addition, especially considering he has expressed a willingness to head back from Saudi Arabia now half a season into his new chapter, having been hailed as "incredible" by former teammate Hugo Bueno.

#

Player

Club

1

Ismael Bennacer

AC Milan

2

Fabian Ruiz

Paris Saint-Germain

3

Youri Tielemans

Aston Villa

4

Thiago Alcantara

Liverpool

5

Thomas Partey

Arsenal

*Sourced via Football Transfers

Slick in passing and tenacious in the tackle, the £300k-per-week machine has been hailed as an Old Gold "hero" by the likes of journalist Matt Maher for his central role in guiding Wolves to the Premier League and securing a spot away from the danger zone, even leading the club to European endeavours.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 17% of midfielders for interceptions, the top 4% for blocks and the top 2% for clearances per 90 in relation to his European peers, highlighting the defensive strength that would only enhance Postecoglou's system, installing steel framework, of a sort, to shape and structure the fluency and effectiveness in transition.

Neves scored 30 goals and supplied 13 assists across 253 appearances for Wolves; for a deep-lying midfielder, this is not a half-bad return, especially given the ferocious snap of his skilful ranged strikes.

Since signing for Al Hilal, the 5 foot 10 gem has been in fine fettle, having chalked up 17 appearances, scoring two goals, supplying an assist and having yet to taste defeat.

As per Sofascore, he has been an omnipresent figure on the pitch in the Saudi Pro League, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 2.2 key passes, 2.3 tackles and 6.3 ball recoveries per game and taking 84 touches per game, very much the fulcrum.

He would bring a fresh sense of dynamism to Tottenham's midfield and indeed some much-needed depth, and Postecoglou has to throw the kitchen sink at this deal, else risk his signature winding up at a rival, such as Arsenal or the Magpies.

Why Tottenham should sign Ruben Neves

Neves would not only bring mettle and technical prowess to the fold, but he would also offer leadership and resilience to aid the development of players such as Pape Matar Sarr, immensely talented and perhaps strengthened by a mentor of Neves' ilk.

It would also represent a statement of intent from Postecoglou, much like when Maddison was signed from Leicester City for £40m in the summer.

The England international has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season and earned the Player of the Month award for August, having now posted three goals and five assists from 11 matches.

Crucially, Postecoglou felt that Tottenham needed a new first-rate playmaker to fuel his vision, and clinched Maddison's services with no European football, despite the vested interest of Eddie Howe's Newcastle.

Newcastle had been in pursuit of the former Fox for multiple transfer windows before cooling their attention this year, but must rue that decision after the 26-year-old's performances have led him to be "on the verge" of becoming a world-class phenom, according to pundit Jermaine Jenas.

Signing Neves could bring similar fruits, replicating the momentous addition of Maddison and infusing even more quality to edge Tottenham toward an illustrious position at the very top.

أعلن آرني سلوت المدير الفني لفريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ليفربول عن تشكيل اللاعبين لمواجهة إشبيلية وديًا اليوم على ملعب أنفيلد.

ويستضيف ليفربول نظيره إشبيلية على ملعب أنفيلد في الثانية والنصف ظهرًا بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية، استعدادًا للموسم الجديد 2024\2025.

تشكيل ليفربول يقوده هجوميًا الدولي المصري محمد صلاح وديوجو جوتا، فيما يشارك فيرجيل فان دايك في قلب الدفاع بجانب جونساه.

طالع أيضًا.. تقارير: محمد صلاح يحسم موقفه النهائي من الاستمرار مع ليفربول

ويشارك ليفربول بنسبة كبيرة من التشكيل الأساسي، على ملعب أنفيلد، قبل أسبوع من ملاقاة إيبسويتش تاون يوم السبت المقبل على ملعب بورتمان، ضمن الجولة الأولى من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز. تشكيل ليفربول اليوم أمام إشبيلية وديًا

حراسة المرمى: أليسون بيكر.

خط الدفاع: ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، فيرجيل فان دايك، كونساه، كوستاس تسيميكاس.

وسط الملعب: جرافنبيرخ، دومينيك سوبوسلاي، ماك أليستر.

الهجوم: محمد صلاح، ديوجو جوتا، لويس دياز.

The potential return date for an “outstanding” injured Newcastle United player has been revealed, in what is another huge setback for Eddie Howe.

Newcastle injury news

The Magpies' bad luck in the fitness department this season is scarcely believable, with Howe having to battle on without so many key players at different times. There are almost too many individuals to mention, in terms of those who have missed a significant amount of playing time, but the likes of Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak are all among them, in what has been a nightmare situation.

On Saturday evening, Newcastle picked up a crucial 1-0 win at home to Manchester United in the Premier League, and while the home crowd were in great spirits, they again had to witness a big injury blow. Nick Pope was forced off the pitch with a dislocated shoulder after falling awkwardly late on, and the Magpies goalkeeper was in a lot of discomfort.

It was clear immediately that it could be a serious problem for him, just adding to the list of woes for the manager, whose side are performing admirably at the moment amid so many setbacks.

Newcastle dealt Nick Pope blow

According to a new injury update from Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke, Newcastle could now be without the services of Pope for as long as four months, acting as a huge concern.

"Newcastle United fear that Nick Pope could be sidelined for up to four months after dislocating his shoulder in the 1-0 win over Manchester United, Football Insider can reveal. The 31-year-old hobbled off the pitch at St James’ Park on Saturday evening after falling awkwardly during a dive."

This is a potentially enormous moment in Newcastle's season, considering what a consistent and influential performer Pope has been over a sustained period at St James' Park.

It is rather head-scratching that the 31-year-old has lost his place in England's squad recently, with Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone preferred to him by Gareth Southgate, but Howe knows exactly how key he is, saying of him earlier in the season:

"I thought Nick was outstanding today. He was excellent against Brentford although he didn’t have a lot to do and his all-round game was at his highest level. It’s no coincidence, two big displays and two clean sheets from him which is absolutely crucial to us. He was a huge part of our success last year and no doubt he’ll be the same this year."

Newcastle make £26m offer to sign "dominant" star in move to beat rivals

This could hand Eddie Howe a major boost in January…

ByTom Cunningham Dec 3, 2023

Potentially not having Pope available until the spring is so concerning when it comes to Newcastle's hopes of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League. The hope is that Pope's absence doesn't end up being as long as that, but if that proves to be the case, the Magpies could even consider signing a new 'keeper in January on a short-term basis, in order to give Howe more options.

Liverpool host Fulham in their next Premier League game this weekend, but the referee appointment has the potential to go down badly with Jurgen Klopp and Reds fans.

Liverpool's Premier League title hopes

The Reds continued their good start to the season last Saturday, coming from behind away to reigning champions Manchester City to seal a 1-1 draw at the Etihad, thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold's brilliant strike late in the day. It means that Klopp's men are still just one point behind Pep Guardiola's team heading into December – Arsenal currently lead the way and are three ahead of Liverpool – with a thrilling title race looking more likely by the week.

The Reds have made giant strides after last season's woes, with a rebuilt midfield completely transforming the team since August, and it is now a case of finding even more consistency in the coming months, particularly away from home. Liverpool's next league game sees them host Fulham on Sunday afternoon – they are at home to LASK in the Europa League on Thursday evening – in what represents a must-win game for the Merseysiders in the title battle.

Now, the officials have been announced for the match, and with referees and VAR such a hot topic of conversation in football at the moment, any appointment has the potential to cause controversy.

Stuart Attwell to referee Liverpool v Fulham

On Tuesday, it was confirmed by This Is Anfield that Stuart Attwell will referee Liverpool's home clash with Fulham on Sunday, with Paul Tierney on VAR duty at Anfield.

The report points out that Attwell was at the "centre of controversy on Monday night" in the Cottagers' 3-2 win at home to Wolves, awarding them two penalties while in charge of VAR. Meanwhile, Tierney has plenty of history with Klopp, with the Liverpool manager making no secret of the fact that he doesn't rate him as a referee.

He harshly sent-off Alexis Mac Allister against Brighton earlier in the campaign – a decision that was later reversed after an appeal – and a string of poor decisions have happened in the past, even leading Reds supporters to direct a chant in his direction when he officiated the 3-0 win over Brentford earlier this month.

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook took to X after the Fulham-Wolves game on Monday night to share his thoughts on Attwell, describing him as "an absolute joke", adding that he "could not wait to get involved" all evening long.

There is no question that Attwell and Tierney's appointments are going to cause frustration among Liverpool fans, especially the latter, whose performance in charge of Reds matches have been questionable at best in recent times.

It should be pointed out that referees are human beings who are trying to do a difficult job, but there have been unacceptable mistakes on show that have cost Klopp's side, and if Attwell and Tierney go against Liverpool once more this weekend, the Reds boss will find it extremely difficult to bite his tongue.

Crystal Palace could be set to lose the services of one of their key behind the scenes figures to a high-profile rival in the Premier League, according to a fresh report.

Crystal Palace 2-3 Everton

Roy Hodgson’s side have made an extremely mixed start to the new campaign having won four, drawn three and lost five of their opening 12 games, meaning that they currently find themselves 13th in the top-flight table heading into the international break.

Victories	Draws	Defeats
Sheffield United (1-0)	Brentford (1-1)	Arsenal (1-0)
Wolves (3-2)	Fulham (0-0)	Aston Villa (3-1)
Manchester United (1-0)	Nottingham Forest (0-0)	Newcastle (4-0)
Burnley (2-0)		Tottenham (2-1)
		Everton (3-2)

The Eagles will be disappointed to have suffered Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Everton, and so will be hoping to rediscover their positive form upon the return to domestic action in a fortnight, but in the meantime, there’s plenty happening off the field.

Selhurst Park sporting director Dougie Freedman was first appointed at the club back in 2017 and prior to that had a managerial career that saw him take charge of Palace, Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest (Transfermarkt – Freedman profile), but it’s his recruitment work that has caught the eye of an admirer elsewhere.

Manchester United are in the process of being taken over by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is buying a 25% stake at Old Trafford, and with an announcement of his arrival expected to be made imminently, the businessman is assessing who he’d like to join his team.

Manchester United considering swoop for Dougie Freedman

According to The Daily Star, Man United are contemplating an approach for Freedman, who has impressed Ratcliffe.

"Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is in the frame to be part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.4billion revolution at Manchester United. His work there has caught the eye of Ratcliffe and, in particular, Sir David Brailsford, the former Team GB cycling supremo assisting the proposed overhaul of the United’s transfer and scouting department.

"Ratcliffe has already drawn up a short-list of preferred replacements – with former Southampton, Tottenham and Monaco man Paul Mitchell the early favourite. Ex-Liverpool pair Michael Edwards and Julian Ward are also possibilities. However, the influence of Brailsford is significant and he is pushing for Freedman, 49, to be involved."

Dougie Freedman's impact at Crystal Palace

During his six years spent as sporting director at Crystal Palace, Freedman has been a fantastic servant to the club and has stayed loyal to all of his managers and fellow board members, so should he depart for Man United, it would definitely be a huge blow.

The Scottish chief has also been responsible for signing the likes of Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise over the years, with all three players having gone on to become integral members of the first-team squad under Hodgson.

Guehi has previously captained the side, whilst Eze has been rewarded for his efforts by earlier this year receiving his first senior international call-up for England, not to mention that both he and Olise recently signed new long-term contracts, so all in all, it’s vital the rest of the hierarchy retain the services of Freedman.

Reigning MLS Supporters' Shield champions FC Cincinnati have reportedly secured the transfer of Shakhtar Donetsk teenage star Kevin Kelsy.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• FCC targeting Shakhtar's Kelsy
• Teen dubbed 'future' of Venezuela
• How he would fit in XI

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Colombian journalist Mario Alberto Sanchez, the 19-year-old and FC Cincinnati agreed to terms over a transfer on Saturday. The teenager will depart the Ukrainian side for MLS, bolstering Pat Noonan's attack instantly.

  It's unknown whether or not it is a loan or full transfer yet.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Venezuela U23 international has nine goals in 37 appearances for the Ukrainian club over two seasons. The 19-year-old has been dubbed the 'future' of his national team, with the striker being touted as a potential breakout player for La Vinotinto at this summer's Copa America.

  Fc Cincinnati, meanwhile, are in desperate need of a consistent goalscorer this season. The reigning MLS Supporters' Shield champions lost star striker Brandon Vazquez to Monterrey in January, and nobody has stepped up to replace him yet this season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kelsy scored his first Champions League goal in 2023, finding the back of the net in a 3-1 loss to FC Porto.

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• USA Today Sports
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR FCC AND SHAKHTAR?

  FCC clash with Atlanta United Saturday evening in a match between two Eastern Conference heavyweights. The Venezuelan teen and Shakhtar, meanwhile, take on Zorya Monday in the Ukrainian Premier League.

Rohit Sharma will miss the New Year’s Test in Sydney to attend to his wife, who gave birth to a baby daughter on Sunday. Rohit left for Mumbai on Sunday, and will only return to Australia on January 8 to join the ODI squad. The Sydney Test is scheduled to run from January 3 to 7.The selectors have not named a replacement for Rohit in the Test squad. Rohit, who missed the second Test in Perth with a lower-back injury, played the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, scoring an unbeaten 63 in the first innings.His return to the side at No. 6 pushed Hanuma Vihari up the order to open alongside debutant Mayank Agarwal, with India dropping both their openers from the Perth Test, M Vijay and KL Rahul.In Rohit’s absence, India have a number of options for the Sydney Test. Vihari could return to the middle order with either Vijay or Rahul coming back into the side, or the seam-bowling allrounder Hardik Pandya could directly replace Rohit at No. 6. If the Sydney pitch looks conducive to spin, another option, if the offspinner R Ashwin has regained full fitness after missing the last two Tests with a side strain, could be to go in with two spinners, Ravindra Jadeja being the other, and three fast bowlers.