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This is the last issue of ZCO for 2002

John Ward21-Dec-2002This is the last issue of ZCO for 2002. We plan our next issue for 3 January, and extend our best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all our readers.CONTENTSZimbabwe v Kenya, 3rd ODI – Scorecard | ReportClub cricket:P.G. Timbers Vigne Cup, Round 4P.G. Timbers Vigne Cup, Rounds 6 and 7

Round 5 appeared in our last issue. We apologize for the continued absence of Round 3 and the fact that Rounds 6 and 7 are incomplete, but we are still waiting for the scoresheets from the Mashonaland Cricket Association.Interview: Kevan BarbourZimbabwe’s World Cup 15 Preview10 years on: Zimbabwe v New Zealand, Second Test, 1992/93Alistair Campbell first-class Career statisticsVisit the CFX Academy websiteLettersAs I write the news has just come through that the ICC has confirmed Zimbabwe as the venue for their six first-round matches in the World Cup, thus confirming their claim that their judgement would be based on safety rather than political grounds. Their statement said that they found no good reason to change the venue in terms of security, but they will, of course, be monitoring the situation regularly.Kenya must have been disappointed with their tour of Zimbabwe, especially the last match at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Their strong batting line-up never really fulfilled its potential, although Zimbabwe’s bowling was not particularly demanding by international standards. In none of the three one-day internationals was Kenya able to exert any real pressure on Zimbabwe, although when Steve Tikolo and Maurice Odumbe were together in Bulawayo it looked for a while as if they might compile a really competitive total. But a run-out changed everything, and the batting collapsed to give Zimbabwe a relatively easy victory.In this issue we interview Kevan Barbour, who has been appointed to the ICC panel of umpires for the World Cup. He praises the Kenyan players and administrators for their attitude both on and off the field, an attitude that should be copied by players of more illustrious teams worldwide. The Kenyans have always been popular opponents for Zimbabwe, and not just because we can beat them. They have always been friendly, courteous and true to the traditions of the game.Unfortunately, this tour again showed the huge gap between Kenya and the Test-playing countries, apart from Bangladesh. If Zimbabwe, who are struggling against the eight senior Test-playing countries at the moment, can beat them so convincingly, how can anybody say Kenya is ready for Test status? What if they were to play Pakistan, who gave us such a hiding on our own soil and then lost four-one to South Africa?No doubt I will cop a lot of flak from certain people for saying so, but in my view Test cricket is degraded if it is not a true test, a true contest, between two teams in a competitive match. If the result is a foregone conclusion and the weaker team is unable to exert any pressure on the stronger, then Test cricket is devalued – and by this measure even Zimbabwe only just qualifies these days. We have played too many one-sided matches during the past year, and when South Africa hammered us for 600 runs for just three wickets last year it made Zimbabwe’s Test status seem a joke. Only the fighting spirit of the great Andy Flower saved us from one of the greatest humiliations of all time.Bangladesh occasionally have a brief flurry but in the end lose every Test match easily, except for the one against Zimbabwe where the last two days were lost to rain. The ICC should several years ago have started a major programme of home and away tours for both Bangladesh and Kenya with A teams from other countries to prepare them for Test cricket. Had they done so, right now Bangladesh would have been a lot more competitive than they are and would have been spared all their present humiliations.Some believe that after this World Cup Kenya will be awarded Test status, and I would have been all for it, had they been prepared properly. But valuable time has been lost, and it will at best be three or four years before Kenya can be competitive in Test cricket, whatever is done. If Kenya do earn Test status next year, I would be only too happy to be proven wrong, but with the sorry saga of Bangladesh before us, still unable to compete after 16 Test matches, I cannot see Kenya doing much better.Both teams deserve better than to be flung in at the deep end without first being taught how to swim. I am not saying keep Kenya out of Test cricket; I am saying that the ICC should pull out all the stops to prepare Kenya adequately for Test cricket so they will not embarrass themselves when they make the step upward.

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up a cut-price move for Boubacar Kamara in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Centre-back and midfielder eyed

The St James’ Park club have bene linked with a number of centre-backs and centre midfielders throughout the transfer window so far, including Will Hughes, Kyle Bartley and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Given that Kamara is capable of playing both as a centre-back and central midfielder, Steve Bruce may be looking to kill two birds with one stone with his potential signing.

The Latest: Kamara interest

As per The Daily Mirror, Bruce is interested in a move for Kamara, who is in the final year of his current deal with Marseille.

The 21-year-old is duly thought to cost in the region of £15m, which could present a bargain to Newcastle given that he is currently valued at £33.3m by Transfermarkt.

Both Liverpool and Manchester City are also monitoring the player, but the Tyneside club may be able to pounce on his signature as neither of the other two clubs has firmed up on their alleged interest.

The Verdict: Bargain

The fact that the Magpies could get Kamara for essentially half of his market value presents itself to be a real bargain.

Once described as a ‘phenomenon’ by his former team-mate Rolando in May 2020, he is still only 21 years of age, and so it is scary to think how good he could be in the future.

The Frenchman played in 35 Ligue 1 games in the 2020/21 season, winning 6.9 of his duels per match while also averaging an impressive 2.5 tackles, 1.3 clearances and one interception per game (Sofascore).

He could be a very smart signing by the Magpies at just £15m if they get the deal over the line.

In other news, find out what details have been shared of talks with Amanda Staveley on the potential takeover

A key development has emerged in Celtic’s pursuit of Tottenham’s Cameron Carter-Vickers… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is interested in signing for Celtic this summer as the Hoops line up a swoop for the American.

The report claims he wants to leave Spurs in search of a new challenge, with Newcastle and Bournemouth also said to be keen on him. Tottenham are said to value Carter-Vickers at £5m, with the centre-back having one year left to run on his deal with the Premier League side.

Ange needs him

The Hoops won’t want to waste their time on agreeing a deal with Spurs only for the player to reject them, but as this update seems to suggest, the defender would be happy to pen terms with the Scottish giants should they stump up the £5m his current club wants for his services.

Kristoffer Ajer and Christopher Julien are the only senior centre-backs at the club as it stands and the former is still hoping to seal a move away before the end of the window. The Athletic have reported this summer that Ajer wants to depart and is unhappy with Celtic for rejecting a bid from Norwich and Bayer Leverkusen, with 12 months left to run on his contract.

Therefore, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is in desperate need of centre-back additions. Even if Ajer stays, they are light in that department and could need a couple of signings to bolster the squad, starting with Carter-Vickers. The American international could be a quality player for Ange to call upon, suggesting this news is a boost for the Bhoys.

Former Luton boss Graeme Jones once hailed the “incredible” Carter-Vickers following his arrival at the Championship club on loan, admitting that he spoke to Graham Potter – who managed him at Swansea – about the defender. 

He told Luton’s official website:

“Graham Potter is one of my best friends and I spoke to him about Cameron, having had him on loan at Swansea last season. He said the character he’s got is incredible, so I’m looking forward to working with him.”

The £20k-per-week powerhouse started 23 games in the Championship on loan at Bournemouth last season and averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.79. This shows that he has the ability to be a solid performer at centre-back and he has the potential to improve at the age of 23.

He could be a player Ange develops over a number of seasons, given that he is still in the early stages of his career, which is another reason he could be a shrewd signing by the Hoops.

AND in other news, Ange must avoid Celtic blunder with “inspirational” £15m beast, fans would be livid…

Ricky Ponting will leave Antigua with no regrets despite failing to win a match his team controlled for most of the game

Cricinfo staff03-Jun-2008
There were not enough moments for Australia to celebrate on the final day © Getty Images
Ricky Ponting will leave Antigua with no regrets despite failing to win a match his team controlled for most of the game. After being set an unachievable 372 for victory with Ponting’s overnight declaration, West Indies were able to fight their way through a tough final day to hand Australia their second draw in three Tests.Rain on the third day, a flat pitch and a defiant partnership between Ramnaresh Sarwan, who scored 128, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (77 not out) prevented Australia from wrapping up the series with one game to play. “We lost a bit of time but we had every opportunity today to win the Test,” Ponting said after play. “Ramnaresh and Shiv played very well and that partnership in the middle session that we couldn’t break was the difference between us winning and it being a draw.”Brett Lee backed up from his impressive fourth-day spell, when he picked up five wickets in five overs, with two of the first three breakthroughs before Australia were stalled by the 143-run stand between Sarwan and Chanderpaul. It was an impressive game for Lee, who captured career-best match figures of 8 for 110.”In his spell yesterday morning he ran in and bowled nice and fast, and his spell this morning with the new ball sort of gave us a chance,” Ponting said. “We figured pretty early in this game there was no point pitching the ball up and trying to swing it, you really had to bash it into the wicket and try to get a little bit out of it that way. He did that manfully throughout, as did all our bowlers.”Ponting said he was proud of the way his team stuck to its task during the match. “It’s been a difficult wicket for the fast bowlers, there’s been very little on offer and it has been a bit of a batsman’s paradise,” he said. “I’m sure when we get down to Barbados there will be a little bit more bounce and assistance from the wicket.” The players have some time off before they start preparing for the final Test from June 12.

Noel Whelan has tipped Danny Ings to snub interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa to sign for West Ham United this summer [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: West Ham United get set to embark on landmark 2021/22 season

Progressing towards 2021/22, many Irons supporters will be buzzing to see their side embark on their European adventure as they get set for Europa League football this campaign.

Making inroads in the transfer market, the Hammers have completed the acquisitions of ex-Watford centre-back Craig Dawson alongside free agent Armstrong Oko-Flex most recently of Celtic.

Now, former Leeds United striker Whelan reckons that another signing could be on their way to the London Stadium this summer.

The Latest: Whelan tips Ings to choose Hammers over Aston Villa and Tottenham

Previously, Villa, Spurs and West Ham have all been accredited with an attraction to 28-year-old Ings, with his contract expiring in 12 months time [The Athletic].

In an interview with Football Insider, the English pundit gave some insight into why he reckons Ings could be on his way to East London, stating: “When you look at the size of Villa, Tottenham and West Ham, they are pretty similar.”

“Tottenham, for me, are probably slightly bigger in terms of history and what they have done.

“But when you look at where they are after last season, West Ham are more appealing because they are in the Europa League.

“It would be hard to turn down a move to any of those clubs. Look at the market Villa have gone into.

“Look at Tottenham’s stadium. West Ham have Europe, they all have their benefits.” [Football Insider]

The Verdict: Ings would be an astute signing for the East Londoners

Rightfully, the 46-year-old points out the appealing nature of all three clubs on the trail of the England international.

However, there is a strong argument that the Hammers could be in an advantageous position to land Ings, due to their lack of positional depth up front – offering him an easier path to guaranteed minutes – and potential to reach the latter stages of the Europa League in the forthcoming season.

Across his career, the Winchester-born forward has registered 135 goal contributions in 297 appearances; 106 goals and 29 assists [Transfermarkt].

Last season, he notched 17 of those goal contributions in 33 fixtures with 14 goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Most certainly a traditional poacher, Ings was a constant threat to opposition defences last year, averaging two shots per match across the campaign [WhoScored].

Needing reinforcements with only Michael Antonio on the books as a natural striker, the Irons should look to acquire Ings as he would add some potency to David Moyes’ attack.

In other news, West ham fans react to a reported transfer target update.

Ireland women have announced a 13-player squad to face South Africa and England Academy in July and August

Cricinfo staff13-Jul-2008Ireland women have announced a 13-player squad to face South Africa and England Academy in July and August. Ireland will face South Africa for a one-dayer on 31st July and a Twenty20 the day after, then they will have a one-off friendly against the England Academy who will be captained by Alexia Walker as Jenny Halstead is injured.Isobel Joyce will continue to seek her first win as Ireland captain, having lost their recent home series against West Indies, losing the one-dayers 2-0 and the sole Twenty20.Squad Isobel Joyce (capt), Nicki Coffey, Emma Beamish, Jean Carroll (wk), Marianne Herbert, Cecelia Joyce, Suzanne Kenealy, Ciara Metcalfe, Cathy Murphy, Eimear Richardson, Melissa Scott-Hayward, Clare Shillington, Jill Whelan.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer, acting as a potential blow to the Baggies.

The Lowdown: Johnstone excels for Baggies

West Brom were relegated to the Championship last season, but one player who stood out was Johnstone, who was a strong performer between the sticks.

The 28-year-old started 37 of his side’s 38 Premier League games and his form saw him named in England’s Euro 2020 squad.

There is of course going to be plenty of interest in Johnstone this summer, however, meaning the Baggies could find it difficult to keep hold of one of their most prized assets.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Arsenal keen on goalkeeper

According to Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth [via The Daily Mail], Arsenal are interested in acquiring the Englishman’s signature.

The Gunners view him as an option to come in and provide competition for Bernd Leno, with other individuals also being considered, such as Aaron Ramsdale.

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The Verdict: Hard to keep hold of him

In an ideal world, Johnstone would stay put at the Hawthorns and aid West Brom’s promotion charge next season, but that is looking unlikely.

The ‘keeper will believe he belongs in the Premier League, so for that reason, supporters may have to accept that he will move on this summer.

Losing Johnstone would be an undoubted blow, considering he made more saves (166) than any other ‘keeper in the top flight last season, so the Baggies must play hard to get and ensure they get the biggest fee possible if he departs, allowing more funds for Valérien Ismaël to rebuild his side.

In other news, West Brom are reportedly eyeing up a summer move for a Premier League player. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to have opened talks to sign Caleb Chukwuemeka from Northampton Town, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Contract offers turned down

Chukwuemeka is a player attracting significant interest in recent months, with the forward catching the eye with some strong displays for Northampton Town’s academy teams.

Football Insider have labelled him as a ‘rising star’, with the 19-year-old previously attracting interest from Scottish giants Rangers, who recently won the league title under the management of Steven Gerrard.

Chukwuemeka’s current deal with Northampton Town is set to expire at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, and it is claimed that he has rejected the Cobblers’ attempts to tie him down to a new deal.

The latest: Talks with Spurs underway

Spurs have reportedly opened talks with Chukwuemeka over a potential agreement this summer, although it remains to be seen as to what stage they’re at with negotiations on a deal.

Football Insider’s Spurs source has claimed they are discussing offering one of their own young players as part of a potential swap deal, which could make the deal more appealing for Northampton Town.

Spurs’ scouts have reportedly been impressed with Chukwuemeka’s performances during pre-season, with it being claimed that there is a sense that he’s progressed to a new level.

The verdict: A shrewd move for the future

This could turn out to be a smart bit of business for Spurs.

Chukwuemeka has evidently got something about him if he’s attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including a club with the stature that Spurs currently have, as well as Gerrard’s Rangers – the Ibrox manager knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.

Obviously this wouldn’t be a deal that would be for the first-team straight away, with the forward not having any experience under his belt in the Premier League.

But in terms of a long-term vision, it’s a signing that could pay off in future seasons for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side if the youngster fulfils his potential.

Netherlands have one last chance of reaching the final of the Intercontinental Cup – a must-win game against Ireland which gets underway in Rotterdam on Wednesday

Cricinfo staff08-Jul-2008
Eoin Morgan is unavailable for Ireland due to his commitment to Middlesex © Getty Images
Netherlands have one last chance of reaching the final of the Intercontinental Cup – a must-win game against Ireland which gets underway in Rotterdam on Wednesday.While a win could lift them into second spot above Kenya, defeat would leave them 18 points adrift and having played two games more. For all the importance of tomorrow’s match, Netherlands have been severely hampered by the absence of key players. Their gifted young batsman Alexei Kervezee has damaged a hamstring while Eric Szwarczynski continues to recover from a broken toe. Most importantly, however, they will miss the services of Ryan ten Doeschate who has chosen county over country.Rifaiz Bakas replaces Kervezee while another batsman, Lesley Stokkers, is also drafted into the squad.The scenario for Ireland, the defending champions, is slightly different. They have two games in hand against Netherlands – and have played one less than Kenya, who they trail by only 17 points. With Scotland, in fifth place but with two games coming up against the bottom two sides Bermuda and Canada, the table should become a lot clearer by the end of August.Like Netherlands, Ireland are also missing a number of key players. Eoin Morgan (Middlesex), Niall O’Brien (Northamptonshire) and captain William Porterfield (Gloucestershire) are all absent on county duty, while another first-choice player, former captain Trent Johnston, is ruled out through work commitments. Andrew White misses the match for personal reasons.Ireland does have the consolation of welcoming back the increasingly influential all-rounder Kevin O’Brien, Niall’s brother, after injury. James Hall comes in for White and Greg Thompson also slots into the squad while Kyle McCallan takes over as captain.SquadsNetherlands (from): Jeroen Smits (capt, wk), Peter Borren, Mudassar Bukhari, Daan van Bunge, Tom de Grooth, Maurits Jonkman, Alexei Kervezee, Geert-Maarten Mol, Edgar Schiferli, Pieter Seelaar, Nick Statham, Bas Zuiderent.Ireland (from): Kyle McCallan (capt), Andre Botha, Peter Connell, Alex Cusack, Thinus Fourie, James Hall, Gary Kidd, Kevin O’ Brien, Andrew Poynter, Paul Stirling, Roger Strydom, Greg Thompson, Gary Wilson (wk).

Tottenham Hotspur have reiterated that Harry Kane is not for sale this summer, with key figures behind the scenes confident he’ll remain with Spurs, according to The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Report outlines multi-million pound agreement

Spurs forward Harry Kane has previously voiced his intentions (Sky Sports) to leave the club earlier this summer, although a move anywhere is yet to materialise.

Part of that is largely down to Spurs of course wanting to keep him at the club, as well as Kane being away on international duty with England in the European Championships, so a move is unlikely to have been on his mind recently.

However, Manchester City have been keen admirers of striking a deal to sign Kane, with a fee in the region of £100million being quoted over a potential agreement.

The Sun had recently reported that Daniel Levy had accepted a £160million offer from Pep Guardiola’s side, although it doesn’t seem as though that’s the case just yet.

The latest: Senior Spurs figures confident Kane will stay

The Athletic are reporting on Saturday morning that Spurs have taken a ‘dim view’ of suggestions that an agreement to sell Kane had been reached.

That same report also claims that both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City were taken by surprise on that claim from The Sun, with Spurs reiterating that Kane is not for sale this summer.

The Athletic have also revealed that key figures at Spurs are confident that he’ll stay with the London-based club moving forwards.

The verdict: There will be plenty more twists and turns

There are so many conflicting reports, it’s difficult to know which one to believe.

Kane has revealed his intentions for a new adventure away from Spurs this summer, but Nuno Espírito Santo’s side clearly still value his impact in north London over any sum Manchester City could plausibly stump up.

City are always going to be a tempting offer for any player however, both financially and for the position they’re at in the Premier League.

They’re a team who have really impressed under the management of Pep Guardiola, and Kane could be the missing piece in their jigsaw, as they target Champions League glory in the near future.

With that in mind, it’s hard to rule anything out at this stage, and while it seems unlikely Kane would do something as drastic as to try and force a move from his boyhood club, there will certainly be more twists and turns to come.