Sri Lanka Cricket has suspended Anusha Samaranayake, a fast bowling coach with their National Coaching Department, for two months and barred “main suspect” Gayan Wishwajith totally from participating in any capacity in Sri Lankan cricket in the future.Wishvanath is being investigated by the SLC for allegedly approaching several national players for match-fixing and is understood to be linked with Samaranayake, who was suspended after a preliminary inquiry conducted by the board.SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala has ordered a report on the incident and Samaranayake’s role in it. “Sri Lanka Cricket has received several complaints regarding close acquaintance of Mr. Anusha Samaranayake with the main suspect Gayan Wishvanath who had approached several national players for the alleged illegal activities of match fixing,” an SLC release said.Samaranayake is a long time fast bowling coach and played a role in the emergence of several Sri Lankan bowlers, including Lasith Malinga.Earlier this month, Sri Lanka’s sports ministry had reported an alleged fixing approach made to Kusal Perera and another national player, to the country’s Financial Crimes Investigation Department. The two players had been approached by a net bowler during West Indies’ tour of Sri Lanka last October.
Surrey have been rebuffed in their approach to appoint Paul Farbrace, England’s assistant coach, as successor to Graham Ford*. Ford has agreed a second spell in charge of Sri Lanka but ESPNcricinfo understands that Farbrace has turned down the chance to join Surrey.After the departure of Ford – a move that was flagged last summer – Surrey’s loss could have become England’s loss. Farbrace emerged as the top target to take over at Surrey and was contacted with a view to discussing the role. Instead, he has signed a new contract with the ECB.Farbrace has been a key figure in the England revival. It was during his interim period in charge that the England limited-overs squad reinvented themselves after a wretched World Cup performance and, with his relaxed yet high-energy approach, he has played a huge role in improving the environment around the squad. Liked, trusted and respected by the players, Farbrace is the dominant figure in training sessions and has been credited with creating a dressing room environment that is relaxed but focused. His departure would have been a considerable loss.But, like many of the England backroom staff, Farbrace has wearied of the relentless schedule that sees them spend more than 300 days each year in hotels. The offer may have come a little early – the England camp are quietly excited about the possibilities this side has of rising up the Test rankings and competing in global events such as the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 World Cup – but the prospect of working at a large club with a group of highly talented young players and having the opportunity to spend far more of the year in one place would have been tempting. Surrey are also one of very few clubs who could exceed the salary offered by England.Farbrace joined the England set-up in 2014, as assistant to Peter Moores, after briefly coaching Sri Lanka. His stock has continued to grow alongside Trevor Bayliss, England’s current head coach, and it is understood he was on Sri Lanka’s short list before the re-appointment of Ford.With Farbrace declining Surrey’s interest, Graham Thorpe is among those likely to be targeted. Thorpe, a former Surrey player and currently the ECB’s lead batting coach, is another who has tired of touring. Though his current role allows him to remain in England for much of the year, a chance to return to The Oval might prove hard to refuse.Meanwhile, Ottis Gibson, England’s bowling coach, was informally approached by Glamorgan with a view to applying for the coaching role vacated by Toby Radford, but is understood to have declined.2pm GMT – This story was updated after Farbrace declined Surrey’s approach
Wellington completed its metamorphosis from mediocre to outstanding to give themselves a semi-final chance when beating Northern Districts by six wickets at the Basin Reserve today.It was arguable which underwent the largest transformation: the weather which overcame its morning petulance to allow the Shell Cup match to be played to a conclusion in Wellington’s favour or Wellington’s form.Wellington beat the Cup leaders Northern by seven wickets in a match reduced by splenetic morning wind and rain from 50 to 38 overs, surpassing Northern’s total of 173/9 with 2.4 overs remaining. In so doing, they completed a run of three emphatic home wins in six days and placed themselves in all likelihood a single win away from a place in the competition semi-finals.If Wellington beat Canterbury in Christchurch on Thursday they have a very real chance of entering the Cup playoffs – an achievement which seemed entirely lost to them less then a week ago as they suffered at the bottom of the Shell Cup table.The New Year has seemed to furnish Wellington with a new and firmer resolution. They ended the old year with an almost farcical New Year’s Eve loss to Central Districts at Waikanae – beaten when they let the Stags score more than 70 runs for their last two wickets.But this millennial year – grimly omened by science fiction, has brought them a series of one-day successes which have fully redeemed their earlier deficit of performance. Their recent wins have been by five wickets over Auckland, 102 runs over Otago and by seven wickets today over Northern’s powerful squad and they now have the heady momentum of the late backrunner.They might have been at least concerned and more likely depressed when they arrived at the Basin Reserve today to find the ground battered by a relentless, angry and malicious wind and swept by flurries of rain. There seemed little chance, as the light faded and the ground became by mid-morning as gloomy as an English mid-winter, that any play would occur today at all.The wind was a larger factor than the rain. In swept across the ground in muscular and boisterous gusts, picking up sheets of dust from the barren wicket block and casting them ahead of it like a routed army.But the day improved in slow degrees and though it was still cool and blustery when the players took the field in a game shortened by 12 overs per side at 2.30pm, the improvement was then taking place by slow degrees.Northern won the toss and batted and, after losing openers Daniel Vettori and Simon Doull for 27 runs inside the first six overs, were at once at a loss in the senses of both momentum and purpose. Their innings was a hodgepodge of fighting innings and rank capitulations.Mark Bailey made 54, toiling for 100 minutes and facing 75 balls, and Hamish Marshall made 37, joining Bailey in the innings’ most substantial partnership of 69 for the fourth wicket. But there was little else to bring a glow to Northern’s cheeks, other than the chill wind and a sense of embarrassment.Alex Tait and Daryl Tuffey added 29 at the close, Tuffey taking 18 runs from 10 balls but the innings ended at 173/9, in a total which seemed unlikely to tax a Wellington team in demonstrated batting form.Wellington began the chase for that total with Chris Nevin and Matthew Bell respectively the bugler and standard bearer. The day had become mild a summery, the wind a vestige of its former self, when they came to the crease under the lengthening shadows of the early evening.In a contemptuous assault on the Northern bowlers, particularly the international opening pair of Tuffey and Doull, they gave Wellington a start and a momentum which made their progress to the winning total matter of fact.Bell and Nevin smashed 64 runs from the first 8.4 overs, before Nevin was out for 29. The opening stand was the largest of the season for the rampant Firebirds.Bell went on to 44 before he was out in the 16th over when Wellington were 86/2. He had batted only 60 minutes and hit eight wonderful boundaries.The Wellington openers had succeeded in that unheralded early assault in hitting both Tuffey and Doull out of the attack. Doull’s first three overs cost 29 runs and he didn’t return to the attack; Tuffey’s first two overs cost 22, though he did return to bowl three overs for 10 runs later in the innings.Roger Twose and Stephen Fleming then took the responsibility for the innings and in a stand faintly reminiscent of their record partnership of only two days ago, they carried Wellington to a position of unassailability.They put on 69 for the third wicket in only 53 minutes, leaving Wellington 155/3 when Twose was out for 40, 19 runs from the end.Fleming went on to reach his 50 two balls before the winnings runs were scored – ironically from a wide and a leg bye. He had batted 95 minutes and his scoring shots included seven fours and two sixes, one from his Black Caps teammate Daniel Vettori. Twose had batted 53 minutes for his runs and hit five fours and two sixes.There was some kudos for the Northern bowlers. Grant Bradburn and Vettori were introduced to the attack when Wellington were in full flight and succeeded in slowing their rate of scoring. Bradburn bowled three overs for five runs at the height of the assault and allowed only 19 runs from his first six overs. Vettori’s first five overs cost only 16 runs.But the greatest bowling credit today went to James Franklin – the young man the New Zealand team won’t trust to bowl at the death, who took wickets at both ends of Northern’s innings, taking his first spell into the raging Northerly, and finished with his Shell Cup best: 4-30.
Ange Postecoglou has dropped a promising injury update concerning Celtic left-back Greg Taylor.
What’s the latest?
In recent comments cited by The Herald, the 56-year-old Bhoys boss revealed that, despite being brought off with a knock in Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Rangers last weekend, the defender does not look to have sustained a serious injury – with his withdrawal coming as a result of cramp.
Speaking about the condition of the 24-year-old, the Greek-Australian manager said: “Greg was just cramp.”
Supporters will be buzzing
Considering how important a part of the Celtic side Taylor has become under the management of Postecoglou, the news that the left-back has not picked up a long-term injury is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful buzzing.
Indeed, over his 18 Premiership appearances this season, the £1.58m-rated defender has highly impressed on the left of the Hoops backline, helping his side keep seven clean sheets, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates.
The Scotland international has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.2 key passes, one interception, 1.6 tackles, 1.1 clearances and winning 4.3 duels per fixture, with these returns seeing the £15.5k-per-week full-back average a SofaScore match rating of 6.92.
And, while last weekend’s Old Firm victory has afforded Celtic some breathing room at the top of the Premiership table, Postecoglou will be well aware that his side cannot afford to let themselves believe the job is already done in their bid to reclaim their Scottish crown this season.
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As such, the news that the club’s first-choice left-back does not look as if he will miss any of the club’s upcoming fixtures is undoubtedly a major boost for the 56-year-old and his side, as well as being relieving for the Bhoys supporters.
AND in other news: Sources: Celtic now in talks over “important” Lennoxtown deal, Ange will be buzzing
Barcelona president Joan Laporta says that his club will not pay over the odds to try and secure the services of Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
The 23-year-old Spain international is expected to head back to the Camp Nou at some point this summer, but Laporta has warned that a deal is far from certain.
He told the Spanish press:"We will not sign any players for above market value.
"We are interested in signing Cesc and Arsenal know that, but we will not pay an exorbitant price for any player.
"When it comes to market prices, we'll strengthen where we can, but will not pay an unrealistic price."
Meanwhile, Laporta has admitted that Yaya Toure could leave Barca, with the Ivory Coast midfielder having been linked with both the Gunners and Manchester City.
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He told Sport:"We intend to keep the current squad for next season, reinforced with the addition of David Villa and another player.
"We would like Toure to continue at the club for many years, because there are few players in the world like him."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Sevilla's Brazil striker Luis Fabiano has stated his hope of securing a move to either Manchester United or AC Milan this summer.
The 29-year-old has recently been the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur, but Fabiano is set to snub Spurs.
He told the Daily Star Sunday:"I have a real chance of winning a World Cup here in South Africa and that is what I must stay focused on, even though I know my future has to be sorted soon.
"I have made it clear that I will not be signing a new contract with Sevilla and at 29 I now need to join a club where I can start challenging for the highest honours from the first season.
"I have heard Tottenham Hotspur made an inquiry about me but, with all respect, that is not somewhere I am going to be able to win the Premier League or the European Cup in the next three or four years.
"There would be no point in me joining Tottenham. I might as well stay at Sevilla, as it's the same thing. Sevilla are actually bigger when you look at how much we have been in the European Cup, so there would be no point me moving to a smaller team.
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"The choice will come down to Manchester United and AC Milan. That is the sort of team I want to be signing for, one of the true giants of Europe.
"As soon as the World Cup is over I will make a quick decision on my future and while it is going on, I hope Sevilla can open discussions. I have enjoyed my time here but I now need to be at a giant."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Robin van Persie has defended the Netherlands' heavily-criticised attempts to neutralise Spain in the World Cup final.
The Arsenal striker and his international team-mates have been widely condemned for a heavy-handed approach to a match they lost 1-0 in Johannesburg.
Referee Howard Webb showed 14 yellow cards – nine of which were to the Dutch – while defender John Heitinga was sent off in extra time.
Van Persie himself was booked in the 15th minute of an ill-tempered match but has leapt to the defence of coach Bert van Marwijk and the tactics he employed.
"People criticised us for our playing style," he said."It was not as pretty as it used to be with Holland.
"But my question is: Getting results and reaching the final or playing the beautiful game and getting knocked out in the first round – which would you choose?
"I know how difficult it can be to play wonderful football and not get the result you want. I see it at Arsenal more than I want to.
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"When we play the likes of Bolton and Blackburn we dominate the game, we play attacking football and they score from a lousy throw-in or an odd corner kick.
"The criticism Holland got in the World Cup I recognise from what we get at Arsenal. It was a final. You don't give up without a fight, do you?"Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Aston Villa and England striker Emile Heskey has announced his retirement from international football.
The 32-year-old's last appearance for his country was when he came on as a late substitute for Jermain Defoe in the calamitous 4-1 defeat to Germany in the last-16 of this summer's World Cup.
Heskey made his England debut against Hungary more than 11 years ago and scored seven goals in 62 appearances for his country.
He found the net in the famous 5-1 win against Germany in September 2001 but was criticised for his poor scoring record at international level.
On announcing his decision, Heskey said:"I have enjoyed every moment of my England career and worn the shirt with pride when selected. I would like to thank every manager I have played under, everyone at the FA and the fans for all their support over the years.
"I wish the management team and the playing squad all the best for the future."
Heskey was also part of the England squad at the 2002 World Cup as well as the 2000 and 2004 European Championships.
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He set up Steven Gerrard's goal in the 1-1 draw against the USA in South Africa and also started the match against Algeria but was dropped for the final group game against Slovenia, which England won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Defoe.
At club level, Heskey played for Leicester City, Liverpool, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic before joining Villa.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp has urged Manchester City outcast Craig Bellamy not to turn his back on the Premier League.
Bellamy has been linked with a possible move to join hometown club Cardiff City, but Redknapp believes that the 31- year-old would be making a mistake if he headed back to South Wales.
He told reporters:"Good luck to Cardiff, but it would be a waste of an outstanding player. He should stay in the Premier League for sure.
"He's a Premier League player – a top Premier League player in my opinion.
"I think someone's going to have to end up buying him probably, unless Manchester City do decide to end up loaning him to a club like Fulham.
"I couldn't see them loaning him to someone like us."
Meanwhile, Redknapp has confirmed that Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa is training with the club, with a loan move from Spartak Moscow on the cards.
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He added:"He's with us for a week or so, just to see how he is. If he's fine and he's okay, he'll join us.
"He'll give us good competition and good cover in that position."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
So after a rather drawn out affair in Monaco the draw for the Champions League 2010/11 has been made. We didn’t get any huge stories like we have in past seasons, Jose Mourinho did not return to Stamford Bridge or Inter Milan, but the draw has thrown up some interesting ties with Group G particularly standing out. So who will make it to the last 16, will there be heartbreak for English clubs?
Group A: Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, Tottenham, FC Twente
Holders Inter Milan are heavy favourites to emerge from this group in top position, and it will be a huge surprise if Rafael Benitez’ side do not make it to the next round. A trip to the Giuseppe Meazza is the kind of game Spurs fans have been waiting for and it will provide a tough test for Tottenham. The fight for second looks like a straight fight between Spurs and Werder Bremen, Spurs should have the edge on paper against a side who are not as strong as they have been in previous years, but the German side’s greater Bremen’s experience could just see them through. FC Twente were the Dutch champions last season but have lost Steve McClaren and are unlikely to make it, though they could pick up some crucial points at home.
Verdict: Inter and Werder Bremen. Europa League: Tottenham
Group B: Lyon, Benfica, Schalke, Hapoel Tel-Aviv
Lyon excelled in the Champions League last season but also lost their domestic title, finishing second to Marseille. Lyon are a good side and have also added French star Yoann Gourcuff to their ranks this summer, they should top the group. Second should prove an interesting battle between Benfica and Schalke. Schalke finished a second in Germany last year and will be a tough proposition at home, Portuguese champions Benfica have lost star winger Angel di Maria but still have that little bit more quality and experience than the German side. Israeli outfit Hapoel Tel-Aviv will be lucky to pick up a point.
Verdict: Lyon and Benfica. Europa League: Schalke
Group C: Manchester United, Valencia, Rangers, Bursaspor
Group C is quite an interesting one and could prove to be very competitive. Manchester United will be firm favourites to top the group but there could be a three way battle for second place. Valencia, despite the loss of David Villa and David Silva should have enough about them to qualify but Rangers will pose a threat at Ibrox and have strengthened this summer. Turkish champions Bursaspor are an unknown quantity, but they must be a decent side to finish above Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Besiktas, and they could prove to be a surprise bet.
Verdict: Man Utd and Valencia. Europa League: Bursaspor
Group D: Barcelona, Panathinaikos, FC Copenhagen, Rubin Kazan
With respect to the other teams this will be an extremely straight-forward group for Barcelona who barring a miracle will finish first. FC Copenhagen are probably the weakest side of the group, but the Danish champions could pick up some points at home. Panathinaikos and Rubin Kazan should be vying for second, Rubin Kazan won the Russian league for the second straight year last season and got a great win at Barcelona in the last Champions League campaign, but Greek champions Panathinaikos have greater experience and will be a threat.
Verdict: Barcelona and Rubin Kazan. Europa League: Panathinaikos.
Group E: Bayern Munich, AS Roma, Basel, CFR Cluj
This appears to be one of the less competitive groups and Bayern Munich and Roma will fancy their chances of progressing. Bayern are the more experienced side and have a bit more quality than Claudio Ranieri’s Roma, but the Italian side could do well this year. Champions of Switzerland and Romania respectively, Basel and Cluj will be battling for third with the Swiss side’s greater experience giving them the edge.
Verdict: Bayern Munich and Roma. Europa League: Basel
Group F: Chelsea, Marseille, Spartak Moscow, MSK Zilina
Chelsea should not have too much trouble negotiating their way out of Group F, and it will be a shock if they don’t finish first. Slovakian champions MSK Zilina have made it to the group stage for the first time in their history, and will just be happy to be there. Spartak Moscow will be a difficult place to go and at home Spartak will fancy their chances against almost anyone, away though will be a different prospect and French champions Marseille have better players, and they should make it to the last 16.
Verdict: Chelsea and Marseille. Europa League: Spartak Moscow
Group G: AC Milan, Real Madrid, Ajax, Auxerre
Group G is the most exciting with European giants Milan, Real Madrid and Ajax all going head to head. Real Madrid were the team everyone wanted to avoid in the second pot and their games against AC Milan will be the most highly anticipated of the group stage. With Jose Mourinho at the helm, Madrid will be looking to do much better than they have done in previous years. Ajax and Auxerre will be hard pressed to progress, but it should be an interesting battle between them for third place.
Verdict: Real Madrid and AC Milan. Europa League: Ajax
Group H: Arsenal, Shakhtar Donetsk, SC Braga, Partizan Belgrade
Arsenal face some long away trips to Eastern Europe, and the game in Donetsk will be a difficult one. However the Gunners should prove too strong overall and should win the group. The quest to qualify second will be a straight fight between Shakhtar and Braga. Braga finished an impressive second in the Portuguese league last year and knocked out Celtic and Sevilla in the knockout stages. Ukrainian champions Shakhtar meanwhile, are experienced European competitors and their Brazilian contingent gives attacking flair. Serbian champions Partizan Belgrade will be the whipping boys of the group.
Verdict: Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk. Europa League: Braga.
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