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India have displaced Pakistan as the No. 1-ranked Test team in the world, following their 178-run win against New Zealand in the second Test in Kolkata

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-20162:25

Rankings just an incentive to do well – Kohli

India have displaced Pakistan as the No. 1-ranked Test team following their 178-run win against New Zealand in the second Test in Kolkata, which gave them an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series. India had begun the three-match series trailing Pakistan (111) by one point.With 11 more home Tests scheduled until March 2017, India have a chance to consolidate their position. If India draw the Indore Test or sweep the three-match series, the top position will be out of Pakistan’s reach even if they beat West Indies 3-0 in the UAE.In August, Pakistan achieved the top ranking for the first time since the existing system was introduced in 2003. They had moved up to second position after their 2-2 draw in the away series against England, and Sri Lanka’s 3-0 sweep of Australia. At the same time, India had moved to the No. 1 after beating West Indies in St Lucia for a 2-0 lead in the four-match series; they had to win the final Test, in Port of Spain, to hold on to the ranking, but the match was drawn after weather and outfield issues forced play to be abandoned after the first session. This helped Pakistan become the fifth team – after Australia, England, India and South Africa – to top the Test rankings table.The No. 1 ranking has been in flux in 2016, with several teams occupying the position for brief periods. In January, India took over from South Africa after the latter’s 0-2 defeat to England at home. The following month, Australia shot to the top after beating New Zealand 2-0, and maintained the spot until their 3-0 defeat in Sri Lanka. This is the fourth time India have claimed the top spot since 2003.Matches played over the previous four years are taken into consideration as per the ICC’s ranking system, with the oldest matches in the cycle being left out in May of every year. For the current cycle, matches played from May 2013 to April 2015 carry 50% weightage, while matches played since then carry 100% weightage. The No. 1 team in the world as of April 1, 2017 will receive $ 1 million from the International Cricket Council.

From the moment Port of Spain woke up to 2.15pm, when any hope of a resumption of play evaporated, no rain fell at Queen’s Park Oval. Yet not a single ball was bowled

The Report by Sidharth Monga19-Aug-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Port of Rain: There was little rain but the wet outfield accounted for the whole second day’s play•AFP

From the moment Port of Spain woke up to 2.15pm, when any hope of a resumption of play evaporated, no rain fell at Queen’s Park Oval. Yet not a single ball was bowled despite the sun beating down on the ground till 2pm.The umpires came out for inspection after inspection after inspection, but didn’t find the outfield to be fit for play. There was no super sopper to assist the ground staff nor was the whole ground covered when it rained. The eventual downpour at 2.15pm, 15 minutes before yet another inspection, accounted for any remaining hopes.With only 22 overs possible on the first two days, with forecast not great for the rest of the Test and given the facilities available at Queen’s Park Oval, only an unbelievable three days could produce a result. India needed to win this Test to retain their No. 1 Test ranking and not lose it to Pakistan. West Indies were 62 for 2 after 22 overs, all bowled in the first session on the first morning.

حقق ليفربول فوزًا كبيرًا على نظيره نورويتش سيتي، ضمن مباريات دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، على ملعب أنفيلد رود، بخماسية مقابل هدفين.

شوط المباراة الأول بدأ سريعًا، وكان نورويتش الأخطر في الـ5 دقائق الأولى، ولكن سرعان ما سيطر الريدز على أحداث اللقاء.

طالع أيضًا | نتائج قرعة دور الـ16 من كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي.. مواجهة سهلة لـ ليفربول ومانشستر سيتي

الهدف الأول جاء في الدقيقة 16 عن طريق كورتيس جونز بتمريرة رائعة من الشاب ماكونيل، حولها الإنجليزي بالرأس على يسار الحارس لونج.

تعادل نورويتش سيتي برأسية بين جيبسون في مرمى أليسون بيكر، وسط سيطرة ليفربول على الكرة، ولكن الكناري تمكن من مباغتة أصحاب الأرض.

وفي الدقيقة 28، جاء الهدف الثاني لـ ليفربول عن طريق داروين نونيز، بعد تمريرة الشاب برادلي، ولم يتهاون الأوروجوياني أمام المرمى.

انتهى شوط المباراة الأول بتقدم أصحاب الأرض، وسط تحية كبيرة من جماهير الأنفيلد لمدربهم يورجن كلوب الذي أعلن رحيله بنهاية الموسم عن الريدز.

في الدقيقة 53، تمكن ليفربول من تسجيل الهدف الثالث، بعد تمريرة طولية رائعة من كورتيس جونز وصلت لـ ديوجو جوتا، الذي استلم وأطلق صاروخية بالقدم اليسرى، سكنت شباك لونج.

أجرى كلوب 3 تغييرات دفعة واحدة، بدخول فان دايك وروبرتسون وسوبوسلاي، مكان جونز وكوناتي وروبرتسون.

بعد أقل من 3 دقائق، تمكن فان دايك من تسجيل الهدف الرابع برأسية متقنة بعد عرضية سوبوسلاي من ركنية بالجانب الأيمن، في الدقيقة 63.

أجرى فاجنر هو الآخر العديد من التغييرات، أبرزها كان دخول بورخا ساينز، الذي أشعل هجوم الكناري، وتمكن من صناعة هدف لـ جاكوب سورنسن، لكن الحكم الغاه بداعي التسلل في الدقيقة 66.

بعد 3 دقائق، استغل بورخا تمريرة خاطئة من دفاع ليفربول استلمها على الصدر، وانطلق ليطلق صاروخية في مرمى أليسون بيكر على يسار الحارس البرازيلي.

تقليص الفارق قبل حوالي 20 دقيقة من نهاية اللقاء، جعل يورجن كلوب يهدئ من ريتم امباراة، ويسيطر على الكرة بشكل أكبر، لامتصاص حماس نورويتش.

دخول أرنولد مكان ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد كان تنشيطيًا من يورجن كلوب وتغيّرت طريقة اللعب باللعب برباعي وسط ملعب أمام أبناء المدرب فاجنر.

تألق لونج في الدقيقة 80 ليمنع هدف محقق من أمام ديوجو جوتا على مرتين بتسديدة جرافنبيرخ أيضًا، مع سيطرة ليفربول على الكرة من أجل استهلاك الوقت بشكل شرعي.

وفي الدقيقة 95، سجل جرافنبيرخ هدفًا خامسًا بتمريرة من برادلي الذي صنع الهدف الثاني في المباراة.

بهذه النتيجة يتأهل ليفربول إلى دور الـ16 من بطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، ليواجه الفائز من مواجهة واتفورد وساوثهامبتون. أهداف مباراة ليفربول ونورويتش سيتي اليوم في كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي

وتابع بطولات المباراة لحظة بلحظة من خلال لقطات الفيديو مـــن هـــنـــا انطلاق الشوط الأول

هدف ليفربول الأول عن طريق كورتيس جونز

هدف تعادل نورويتش سيتي أمام ليفربول

هدف ليفربول الثاني أمام نورويتش سيتي

تحية جماهير ليفربول لـ يورجن كلوب

الهدف الثالث لـ ليفربول عن طريق ديوجو جوتا

هدف فان دايك الرابع لـ ليفربول أمام نورويتش سيتي

هدف نورويتش سيتي الثاني الرائع في مرمى ليفربول

Newcastle United could look to cut ties with winger Ryan Fraser in the summer due to his failure to make an impact this season, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

What's the latest news involving Ryan Fraser?

Fraser has been a bit-part player for Newcastle United this term and has made just eight appearances in the Premier League, with the last coming in October 2022 against Everton, as per Transfermarkt.

The Scotland international has since been made to train with the Magpies' Under-21 side by manager Eddie Howe, as per The Shields Gazzette.

45-year-old Howe has explained his decision to demote Fraser, stating: "Ryan’s training with the Under-21s. I made the decision to concentrate on players that are committed to Newcastle. For the benefit of the group, I’ve made that call.”

90min claimed back in January that Everton wanted to sign Fraser to bolster their attacking options for the second half of the season; however, no move came to fruition and the Aberdeen-born attacker stayed put in the North East.

Brentford and Southampton were also keen on bringing in the £42-a-week ace in the mid-season transfer window, according to The Telegraph, though he has instead become something of a forgotten man at Newcastle United and doesn't look like he has any way of forcing himself into first-team contention.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist O'Rourke thinks that both parties are almost certain to shake hands and move on in the upcoming off-season.

O'Rourke said: "I think there's disappointment from all parties on this one that the move hasn't worked out as much as he probably envisaged. I think Newcastle right now, with the way their going, he's not going to get too many opportunities, so they might look to offload him in the summer."

What will come next for Ryan Fraser this summer?

If his time at Newcastle United is to come to a close, a new challenge with a chance of being able to source regular game-time has surely got to be of paramount importance to the Scottish winger.

Granted, his time in the North East hasn't gone as well as he would've hoped, with Fraser recording just three goals and six assists in 59 outings for the Magpies, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite this, the 29-year-old still has a lot to offer and could blossom in the right environment, though it remains to be seen where he could end up in the summer.

Likely to be available on the market, Fraser could turn out to be a handy addition for any prospective suitors that are keen on securing his services.

Leeds United travel to Fulham on Saturday afternoon, with a positive result a must for the Yorkshire outfit after two morale-sapping defeats in recent weeks.

Javi Gracia's side were embarrassed at Elland Road last time out and have been dragged right back into the thick of the relegation battle, and will need to perform far better if they are to take anything from Craven Cottage in Saturday's early kick-off.

The Whites have been boosted by the return of Max Wober and Wilfried Gnonto to full fitness recently, while defensive changes seem likely after the concession of 11 goals in their last two outings.

How should Leeds line up against Fulham on Saturday?

Here is how Football FanCast expects Leeds to line up against Fulham this weekend, with four changes from the team that started against Liverpool on Monday night.

(4-4-2): Robles (GK); Kristensen (RB), Cooper (CB), Struijk (CB), Wober (LB); Harrison (RM), McKennie (CM), Roca (CM), Sinisterra (LM); Rodrigo (ST), Gnonto (ST).

The first change is a controversial one, which sees Illan Meslier miss out on the starting side for the first time this season, as he has now conceded more goals than any other Premier League goalkeeper.

The young Frenchman is surely low on confidence and perhaps cannot be relied upon as a solid option for the predicament that Leeds find themselves in, so Gracia should hand Joel Robles his first Premier League appearance of the season.

Selecting Rasmus Kristensen or Luke Ayling at right-back is like choosing between a rock and a hard place for Gracia right now, but the Danish full-back gets the nod despite his role in the display against Liverpool.

On the opposite flank, Wober makes his first start after returning from injury, replacing Junior Firpo at left-back, in the hope that the Austrian can help to solidify Leeds' defence.

A final change in the back four sees captain and "leader" Liam Cooper handed a rare start at centre-back, with the £25k-per-week defender partnering Pascal Struijk in the heart of the backline, and his leadership could prove vital in preventing another heavy defeat for the Yorkshire outfit.

Tyler Adams is still sidelined through injury so Gracia is struggling for options in central midfield, which suggests that Marc Roca and Weston McKennie could keep their spots at Craven Cottage.

Luis Sinisterra and Jack Harrison also keep their starting positions on the wings, although they could drop a little deeper in order to accommodate a change to 4-4-2, which allows the dangerous Gnonto to return up front.

He partners Rodrigo in attack, with Brenden Aaronson dropping out, in the hope that his speed alongside the experienced Spaniard can cause Marco Silva's side problems and earn Leeds a massive three points this weekend.

Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United look to have a fully fit squad ahead of their next game while their opponents may have some worrying injuries to deal with.

What's the latest on West Ham and their injuries?

David Moyes and his side are very much approaching crunch time in their Premier League season. They sit 18th in the division with just 12 matches to save themselves after the international break ends.

They begin the run-in with a home match against fellow relegation battlers Southampton, who are currently bottom of the league, one point behind the Hammers.

In theory, a win for either side could see the victorious side lift themselves well out of the relegation zone – with 12th-placed Crystal Palace only three points above West Ham – so the importance of the game cannot be more clear.

With that in mind, Moyes will be delighted to know that his entire squad be available for selection, so long as nothing changes in the week before the match, while Southampton could be missing a few key men.

Ex explained as much while talking on a recent The West Ham Way Podcast, saying: “Both of Southampton's centre-backs – Jan Bednarek and Armel Bella-Kotchap – went off injured in their last league game.

"They've now got Che Adams to add to the injury list as he went off with a calf injury in Scotland's international game in the week. So Southampton have been hit by key injuries going into that game with us on Saturday.

"And as far as I'm aware, unless something happens in the next internationals this week – because there's still a few games to play – then West Ham are going to have a fully fit squad, including [Lukasz] Fabianski, who is back in training now with a face mask, but should be available.

"So we're going into that game with what I hope will be a fully fit squad, whereas Southampton have got quite a depleted one. So an absolutely massive, massive game for us, that game against Southampton.

What's the latest team news for West Ham v Southampton?

Seeing as Bednarek suffered a broken rib in Saints last game, it seems unlikely that he'll be fit for this game. On top of that, as Ex mentions, there is doubt over the availability of Adams and Bella-Kotchap who could both miss the game.

Fabianski fractured his cheekbone and eye socket recently, but if Ex is right and the Pole is able to play with a face mask, the club should also have everyone available – providing Michail Antonio has also fully recovered from a minor calf issue.

All in all, it sounds like West Ham will have no excuses if they fail to get all three points at home against Southampton on Sunday.

Journalist Charles Watts has expressed his disappointment at Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka after he suffered “brain freeze” and missed the chance to score a great goal this weekend.

What’s the latest on Granit Xhaka and Arsenal?

The Gunners cruised to a routine away win the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as they put three goals past Fulham inside one half to keep their lead at the very top of the division.

Indeed, Gabriel Magalhaes opened the scoring with a fine header before Gabriel Martinelli doubled Arsenal’s lead and then Martin Odegaard made it 3-0 before the break, and that was how things finished at the final whistle.

However, Mikel Arteta and his men could have won the game by a much greater margin and Xhaka could have got his name on the score sheet when a slick passing move saw Leandro Trossard tee him up with only Bernd Leno to beat.

However, Xhaka failed to cap off the brilliant attack as he lost composure and saw the ball simply hit his toe and roll into the goalkeeper's arms.

While speaking about it on his YouTube channel, Watts expressed his dismay, saying (2:19): "Such a shame Granit Xhaka didn't score that shot, just seemed to have a bit of a brain freeze when he went through.

"He didn't know if he should take a touch, or you shoot first time, and in the end kind of didn't either and the chance had gone. It would have been such a good goal, it's a real shame he didn't finish that off but a really fabulous performance from Arsenal.”

Has Xhaka scored more goals this season for Arsenal?

Xhaka has actually been able to deliver a lot more in an attacking sense this season. For instance, he has three league goals to his name this term which is as many as he had in the past three seasons combined.

On top of that, he also has five assists which is two more than the three yellow cards he has picked up in 27 games – proving just how his game has been adapted to play higher up the pitch and be more of a creator than a destroyer of late.

Even still, he hasn’t scored in 2023 so far and his potential rust in front of the net was on full display against Fulham as he just lacked that little bit of composure to finish what could have been one of the goals of the season.

Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly among five Arsenal players facing uncertain futures this summer.

The Lowdown: Injury woes

Smith Rowe’s season has unfortunately been jeopardised by injury so far, as he has been limited to just 62 minutes of senior football in total across all competitions.

He did play 45 minutes in an U21s game against Chelsea earlier this week in order to help regain his fitness, and will be hoping to make a swift comeback in the senior team over the next upcoming fixtures.

The Latest: Future in doubt

As per The Times, Smith Rowe is one of five Arsenal players with their futures in doubt at the Emirates Stadium come the summer transfer window.

The sale of Kieran Tierney could be used to fund deals, while loanees Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Folarin Balogun are also likely to be sold.

The Verdict: Shock

It would be a real shock if the Gunners allowed Smith Rowe to leave this summer.

A Hale End graduate, the 22-year-old has managed to break into the first-team set-up, and was a regular in the Premier League last season, notching up an impressive ten goals and two assists from midfield (Transfermarkt).

Sure, the injuries have been frustrating for him and the club this term, but the Englishman still has such a high ceiling, and if he can get back to full fitness, Smith Rowe remains an integral part of the squad.

Matty Longstaff is reportedly ‘set to leave’ Newcastle United on a free transfer this summer.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

The 22-year-old’s contract is set to expire in the summer, meaning that he can leave St James’ Park as a free agent.

He is currently ruled out with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that he picked up while on loan at Colchester United earlier in the season, and it is not clear when he will be able to return.

The Latest: ‘Set to leave’

As per Football Insider, Longstaff is ‘set to leave’ for free this summer, as Newcastle are ‘not planning’ to offer him a new contract.

He is ‘attracting interest’ from suitors in the Championship and League One, and the player himself thinks that he will move on from his boyhood club.

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The Verdict: Time to go…

Given his ACL injury, it is unlikely that Longstaff will be able to feature again this season, and seeing as he will soon be out of contract, it seems like the right time to move him on.

The 22-year-old has only made 20 senior appearances at St James’ Park and has been sent out on loan three times in the past two seasons (Transfermarkt).

Hailed by journalist Josh Bunting as ‘aggressive driving forward’ and a ‘good player on the ball’, Longstaff has produced some good moments in a Newcastle shirt, most notably scoring the winner against Manchester United on his Premier League debut in October 2019.

Spotted at Wembley to cheer on his team against the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday despite his injury, Longstaff has been a great servant to the club, but unfortunately it is the right time for him to go.

Leeds United seemed to have the majority of their transfer business tied up by the time deadline day rolled around, but that did not stop the rumour mill from kicking into full gear.

Having secured deals for Max Wober and Georginio Rutter, they were decisive and speedy in their completion of the additional acquisitions of Weston McKennie and Diogo Monteiro.

Despite this, and the recent knowledge which has suggested Jack Harrison had all but completed his move to Leicester City, it seemed like Victor Orta remained somewhat keen on adding another attacker to bolster the forward line.

One name which continued to be linked with a move in the other way to Harrison was Ayoze Perez, who seemed destined to exit the King Power Stadium.

It was journalist Ben Jacobs who coined the rumours, as he reported late into the night before deadline day that the Whites had “made an enquiry” regarding the Spaniard.

Despite this, the 29-year-old ultimately joined Real Betis on loan until the end of the season, quashing the links with Leeds late in the day.

Had the Whites secured this deal, it would likely have backfired considering just how unimpressive Perez has been since his £30m move from Newcastle United in 2019.

The £45k-per-week dynamo did enjoy a fine first season at Leicester, but in the subsequent two-and-a-half campaigns he has not managed to surpass the two-goal mark in the league. He was holding on to his eight goals and four assists notched in that debut campaign in the Midlands, but with that now being nearly three years ago, it is somewhat obsolete.

Even before he made that aforementioned move, he had not impressed Danny Mills, who admitted that he would have been “stunned” had Tottenham Hotspur signed him.

The former England full-back continued: “He has been at Newcastle for five years and had half a good season. He has hardly ripped up any trees.”

Since that transfer, the pundit has since been proven right once again.

Leeds completed a clinical January transfer window in which they achieved their business with minimal fuss. Signing Perez could have undone all that hard work by giving into the excitement of deadline day and adding a panic addition to their already bolstered squad.

It very much seems that Orta and co avoided a potential disaster with this failed deal.