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Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi has provided a positive injury update while away with Japan, The Scottish Sun report.

The Lowdown: Furuhashi injury

The 26-year-old, who cost £4.86m in the summer, returned from the previous international break last month with a knee injury.

He missed five games as a result but returned for two games under Ange Postecoglou before jetting off for Japan duty once again.

Furuhashi wasn’t initially selected for Japan, however, his Hoops return meant his country made a U-turn and selected him for two World Cup qualifiers.

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The Latest: Injury comments

The Hoops forward was talking to the media, relayed by The Scottish Sun, prior to Japan’s game against Saudi Arabia.

He revealed ‘there is no problem at all now with my knee’ – a positive 10-word update that should delight Postecoglou and Celtic supporters.

Furuhashi came on as a substitute on the hour mark in a 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia and appeared to come through without any problems.

The Verdict: Good news

The last thing Celtic would want is for Furuhashi to be playing for Japan not fully fit, but he’s admitted that the knee issue is no longer a problem, hailing the Hoops’ medical staff in the process.

He’ll hopefully return to Parkhead following the game against Australia in good health, which will then allow him to kick on and add to his eight Celtic goals in 11 games.

In other news: Devlin claims McKay clash with Hoops chiefs stopped boyhood Celtic fan moving to Parkhead. 

Celtic could theoretically spend as much as £32.5million in January, football finance expert Dan Plumley says. 

The lowdown

Celtic marked the beginning of Ange Postecoglou’s reign in the summer with a £20.05million spend, with centre-back Carl Starlfelt the most expensive acquisition at £4.5million (via Transfermarkt).

But they did bank a healthy profit after generating £33.84million through sales.

Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer were the headline departures, with their moves to the Premier League fetching £14.67million and £14.13million respectively.

According to The Scottish Daily Mail, Postecoglou wants to strengthen his squad further in January with the acquisition of two central midfielders.

The latest

Plumley told Football Insider that he’d ‘crunched the numbers’ to determine how much Celtic could grant Postecoglou whilst still complying with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

However, he warned it would be a ‘gamble’ to spend close to that £32.5million mark.

“There are other exemptions in terms of FFP, but let’s avoid them to simplify the argument a little. They could spend £32.5m quite comfortably.

“The problem with that is that you can overstretch to reach the Champions League group stage.

“So they have got flex within FFP but the gamble is overstretching. That is the gamble the boardroom, I imagine, will be looking at.”

The verdict

Crucially, Celtic’s arch-rivals Rangers appear to have significantly less room for investment.

The Gers recently announced a loss of £23.5million for the year, with their total losses under the current regime climbing to a whopping £73.8million (via The Athletic). Perhaps that could force them to sell some of their talent, while the allure of Steven Gerrard in the Premier League may also tempted some of the Hoops’ rivals into leaving Glasgow.

And so even if Celtic don’t spend all the money they’re permitted to, they look well-placed to regain their Scottish crown, providing Postecoglou is granted enough to strengthen the injury-hit areas of his squad, namely through the spine of the XI.

In other news, this player wanted to move to Celtic.

A look at the teams in Division Two, leading up to the start of the English County Championship

Andrew McGlashan14-Apr-2009Chris Rogers will have to carry Derbyshire’s batting for them to be competitive•Getty ImagesDerbyshireLast season’s high-profile signing of Rikki Clarke proved a spectacular failure as he left for Warwickshire mid-term and Derbyshire’s own campaign never really took off. However, John Morris is doing his best to work with limited resources and with Chris Rogers as captain he shouldn’t have problems with upheaval (unless Rogers is summoned for the Ashes). Sustaining a Championship promotion challenge will be a tough ask with the bowling attack available, but the one-day game is clearly their priority after the late signing of 40-year-old Stuart Law. His experience should help some of the talented young players emerging.
Crowd puller Graham Wagg – Can hit the ball a long away and bowls lively left-arm swing.
Keep an eye on Mark Lawson – Once rated higher than Adil Rashid, before losing form and confidence. Can a change of county rekindle his career?
Behind the scenes Only one more season of sun stopping play with the square being turned for the 2010 season.
Bottom line If the young allrounders can fire along with the experience of Langeveldt and Law, a one-day trophy isn’t out of the reckoning.EssexThere is more than a hint of Gloucestershire-style revolution about Essex with the powerful one-day side that is developing. Graham Napier bagged many of the headlines last season, but the team is crammed with match-winners – none more so than the hugely unlucky James Foster. Pakistan’s lack of international action means Danish Kaneria should be available all season, so a Championship promotion push is on the cards, especially if it is a warm summer, but the real incentives for success are in the one-day format, both from an individual and team perspective.
Crowd puller Graham Napier – His Twenty20 pyrotechnics earned him an IPL contract and he also joined the Lions tour in New Zealand. Next step is an England call, but Essex fans will want to see plenty of him.
Keep an eye on Tom Westley – His Durham UCCE coach, Graeme Fowler, is raving about the allrounder, and he now needs a long run in his county team.
Behind the scenes Problems with the redevelopment plans have come as a blow.
Bottom line Pick any of the one-day trophies and they could be Essex’s. Will be interesting to see priorities with the Championship.Big things will be expected from Herschelle Gibbs when he arrives at Glamorgan•AFPGlamorganIt’s a long climb back up for Glamorgan after they have hit real lows over the last couple of seasons. On and off the field there have been problems at the club and everyone will be keeping their fingers crossed that the Ashes Test is well received. From the team’s point of view it’s a slow rebuilding process for Matthew Maynard, and it’s hard to see where the match-winning performances will come from – except in the case of the evergreen Robert Croft. If Mark Cosgrove is motivated he could be an excellent signing, but 20 Championship wickets will be a struggle.
Crowd puller Herschelle Gibbs – will be worth watching in the Twenty20.
Keep an eye on Tom Maynard – Has shown flashes of talent; now he needs Dad to give him a run in the team.
Behind the scenes The county’s big day is July 8 – the opening day of the Ashes series, as Sophia Garden hosts its first Test.
Bottom line Matthew Maynard has admitted there’s no quick fix, so reaching the knockout stages of a one-day tournament would be a success.GloucestershireIt’s been all change at the top with Alex Gidman replacing Jon Lewis as captain and the return of John Bracewell to the club that he helped bring sustained success to in his previous stint. However, don’t expect the glory days of regular Lord’s finals and one-day silverware to return overnight. Bracewell, though, should feel right at home again especially with three New Zealanders in the ranks. The Championship has been a lost cause in recent times and last year they failed to register a single win. The only way is up in that one.
Crowd puller Steve Kirby – Gives his all, and sometimes a little too much, in all forms of the game.
Keep an eye on Vikram Banerjee – A spinner needs to stand up, and the left-armer could be the best bet.
Behind the scenes Can Gidman gel with the occasionally abrasive character of Bracewell in the way Mark Alleyne managed?
Bottom line If Craig Spearman and Hamish Marshall fire, limited-overs runs shouldn’t be in short supply, but the Championship will be another struggle.KentKent are probably still wondering how they failed to win a one-day trophy in 2008 after reaching two finals, on top of slipping up in Pro40 promotion getting relegated. No wonder Robert Key had had enough by the end of September. So they start in Division Two of the Championship for the first time, but much of the focus pre-season was on the signing of Stuart Clark. His Australia call-up will leave the ECB suits with a wry smile on their face. Still, Kent have a strong attack, with a clutch of allrounders and aspiring England seamers (fitness permitting in the case of Amjad Khan) plus deep batting, and they should come straight back up. One-day cricket will be a mental challenge after last year’s near-misses.
Crowd puller Joe Denly – England are still looking for a one-day opener to replace Trescothick. He could be the one.
Keep an eye on Sam Northeast – Needs a chance to convert those schoolboy runs into the professional game
Behind the scenes Plenty of money worries but delighted to have kept the services of Graham Ford.
Bottom line Too many match-winners to stay in Division Two, and the best one-day opening partnership in the country.LeicestershireA number of Kolpak players have been released as the county put their faith in some homegrown talent, although there are still plenty of foreign faces at Grace Road. Their Twenty20 success dried up in 2008 and the young players are going to have to learn on their feet. Paul Nixon will rally his troops with boundless enthusiasm, but other than HD Ackerman, Boeta Dippenaar and Nixon, there is a real lack of proven class. Iain O’Brien will have to impart his wisdom during his early-season stint if they aren’t to become Championship whipping boys.
Crowd puller Paul Nixon – One of the best players of the reverse sweep-turned-hit in the county game.
Keep an eye on Josh Cobb – Making rapid progress as a batsman.
Behind the scenes Differences between chairman and chief executive over the signing of Australians, but Andrew McDonald won’t arrive until 2010.
Bottom line Trying to create a blend of youth and experience, homegrown and overseas talent. Victories will be hard to come by, but the process is important.Pretty in pink: Middlesex found a winning Twenty20 formula in 2008•Getty ImagesMiddlesexAfter ending their trophy drought with the Twenty20 Cup, Middlesex now need to build on their one-day resurgence and push for Championship promotion. They have been astute in their overseas signings – a batsman, Phillip Hughes, early season, then a spinner, Murali Kartik, later on – even if Hughes’ signing has ruffled feathers. He should help make up for the loss of Ed Joyce’s runs for the first couple of months, and the pace attack shouldn’t be underestimated even though Dirk Nannes’ departure is a loss. Shaun Udal has turned 40 but is playing with the fun of a 25-year-old.
Crowd puller Tyron Henderson – A one-day match-winner with bat and ball.
Keep an eye on Dawid Malan – His challenge is to maintain the progress from last season
Behind the scenes Angus Fraser has left journalism behind to guide his county’s fortunes.
Bottom line Need their quicks to stay fit to push in the Championship, but their Twenty20 formula should serve them well again.NorthamptonshireThe loss of Lance Klusener and Johan Louw has reduced the Kolpak quotient slightly, but Northamptonshire are now going to find it even harder to compete. Ideally they need pitches to spin so that they can make the most of Monty Panesar when he is around, and the experience of Nicky Boje. They haven’t been shopping over the winter, so will need the established names to help bring on some of the young talent.
Crowd puller David Sales – Should have played for England but missed the boat. Can make run-scoring look amazingly easy.
Keep an eye on Alex Wakely – Time for a young batsman to step forward, and Wakely is one with plenty of talent.
Behind the scenes A quiet winter at Wantage Road.
Bottom line Their Championship prospects rest on how much they see of Panesar. Promotion unlikely, Twenty20 offers hope of something better.Chris Adams has taken charge at The Oval and will expect a lot from his senior players•Getty ImagesSurreySurrey had to look themselves in the mirror at the end of last season. What they saw wasn’t good. They’d slumped to relegation and had an ageing, patched-up side. Things aren’t going to improve quickly, but there was a realisation that changes had to be made. Alan Butcher paid with his job (Mark remains, and barely played last year), while Chris Adams will bring a no-nonsense approach to a dressing room that often thinks highly of itself. They looked near and far for new players. Michael Brown is a good signing from Hampshire, but they are short in the spin department.
Crowd puller Andre Nel – Especially priceless when “Gunther” shows up. Opposition batsmen prepare for some verbals.
Keep an eye on Chris Jordan – Continues to gather rave reviews and, fitness permitting, should get the opportunity to prove them.
Behind the scenes A big clear-out after relegation, with Adams and Gus Mackay taking charge off the pitch.
Bottom line Runs shouldn’t be much of an issue, but Nel and Pedro Collins will have to take plenty of wickets.

The bus driver who drove the Sri Lankans to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Mehar Mohammad Khalil, has recounted the chilling moments of the shootout which nearly claimed himself and the lives of the players

Cricinfo staff03-Mar-2009
The Sri Lankan team bus that withstood the attack © AFP
The attack was swift and brazen, the gunmen appeared well-trained but, though eight people were killed – including six policemen – a greater calamity seems to have been averted by providence, unexploded bombs and the bus driver’s presence of mind. Mahela Jayawardene later credited him with “saving our lives”.The attack began as the 42-seater bus approached the upmarket Liberty Square, towards the end of its 10-kilometre journey to the stadium. The driver, Mohammad Khalil, says he was intercepted by a white car as he was about to turn at the roundabout and the gunmen – a dozen, say officials – emerged from behind trees and opened fire in a sophisticated, coordinated attack. Television footage showed several gunmen creeping through trees, crouching to aim their weapons and then running onto the next target.First, they aimed at the bus tyres; at the sound of the shooting, the Sri Lankan players and staff hit the floor of the bus to escape the sniper fire. Khalil followed his instinct and jammed hard on the accelerator. “When the firing started one of the players shouted ‘go, go’ and somehow I kept my cool, ducked and sped the bus towards the stadium.”The momentum probably saved those on board, because though the bus was hit by 25 bullets, it avoided the heavier ammunition – a rocket, which landed on the road, and several grenades, which failed to explode.Mahela Jayawaredene said later: “We owe the team bus driver our lives for his remarkable bravery in the face of direct gunfire. Had he not had the courage and presence of mind to get the bus moving after the initial attack then we’d have been a far easier target for the terrorists.”The area then turned into a battlefield as security forces returned fire. The commandos travelling in front of and behind the team bus got into action, drawing the terrorists’ fire and allowing the bus to head for the stadium.Australian freelance cameraman Tony Bennett said people inside the stadium heard explosions followed by bursts of machine gun fire. “Next thing we knew, the Sri Lankan team bus rolls up being sprayed by bullets. Players were getting carried into the dressing room.”Once at the stadium, most of the Sri Lankan players stayed inside the dressing-room. A few tried to get on with normality; Dilhara Fernando strayed onto the the balcony, talking on his cell phone and Muttiah Muralitharan calmed himself down with a cup of tea.As senior PCB officials planned the team’s evacuation, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper Wasim Bari, now the PCB’s Human Resource officer, rushed Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana to the Services Hospital.Back at the ambush site, the gunmen had, incredibly, all managed to escape but had left behind evidence of the scale of their attack. Security experts defused two car bombs and recovered a stash of weapons including grenades, three kilograms of explosives, a pistol and a detonating cable. Broken glass littered the road next to a gun cartridge and an empty rocket-propelled grenade launcher. Blood stained the front seats of a vehicle used by Pakistan’s elite force, the van raked with gunfire with its wheels shot up and radio system disabled.Soon after, the players were on the move again – this time by helicopter, to a military air base and then onward to Abu Dhabi and Colombo.

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has predicted that the success of the Indian Premier League and Twenty20 will encourage more youngsters in his country to choose cricket over rugby

Jason Dasey09-Nov-2008
Stephen Fleming has been dabbling in sports management and is also interested in working as a player-coach for the Chennai Super Kings © Getty Images
Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has predicted that the success of the Indian Premier League and Twenty20 will encourage more youngsters in his country to choose cricket over rugby. He will not be playing for the Chennai Super Kings in next month’s Champions League but was hopeful of taking over as the IPL team’s coach.Fleming, who retired in March after 14 years with the New Zealand national team, said that the new riches in the sport suddenly make the life of a professional cricketer alot more attractive.”I think with the introduction of the IPL there’s now a financial pathway to attract athletes to the game so the All Blacks may not get all the best athletes anymore,” he said. “We may start to get a few more coming our way because it’s now a career option for a lot of our students in New Zealand.”Fleming, 35, played the last of his 111 Test matches in the home series against England eight months ago but is still wielding his familiar Gunn and Moore bat on the world stage. This weekend, he’s been in Hong Kong captaining former international foes Justin Langer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Sanath Jayasuriya in an All-Stars team in the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.He’s hoping to stay sharp before playing for Wellington in February’s domestic Twenty20 competition followed by the second edition of the IPL, starting in April.Fleming said he’s interested in working as a player-coach for Chennai but nothing was confirmed yet with further discussions due to take place.”If there’s a role as a player-coach, I’m certainly keen to develop that side of things with Chennai,” he said. “I love the strategy of the game, I love Twenty20 and how the IPL is bringing cultures and players together.”But I don’t plan on being a national coach or a first-class coach. The IPL is a little bit different as you are bringing players together for a short period of time. There are challenges in that. But it’s the sort of competition that I like.”Exploring new business opportunities, Fleming has been dabbling in sports management, representing former team-mates including Brendon McCullum, Tim Southee andJames Franklin.”It’s the first step into the business world. I’ve been meeting a lot of people and seeing what opportunities are around now,” he said. “Looking after the players is quite challenging. It’s going to take a bit of time but I’m trying to find out who I am andwhat I want to do.”His involvement with national players means that Fleming has been following the New Zealand team’s fortunes more closely than he might otherwise. He’s full of praise for new captain Daniel Vettori, who took over the Test reigns a year ago on the tour of South Africa as Fleming remained in the side as a batsman.”I think Dan’s doing very well. He’s a world-class player,” he said. “Unfortunately we’re going through another rebuilding phase, which we always seem to be doing. That’s just because of our lack of resources. There is some talent in the side, though.”During the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, Fleming seemed a model of relaxation as captain of the All-Stars team, keeping wicket, rolling the arm over as a bowler and enjoying the raucous atmosphere at the Kowloon Cricket Club. Even though Fleming hit thewinning runs in a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, two earlier defeats – including a shock five-wicket loss to Hong Kong – meant that the All Stars were knocked outof the Cup competition on the opening day.Fleming is happy to play in unique tournaments like the Hong Kong Sixes, slightly removed from the cricketing mainstream, saying that he doesn’t miss the intense pressure of the international scene.”As a Test captain, every word was scrutinised so you had to be very measured about what you said and very guarded,” he said. “You couldn’t always speak openly because of how it might be construed and what kind of headline you’d wake up to tomorrow.”Being happy is the key. You go through cricket with a lot of anxiety as you do with any job. But if you can spit out the other side and have a life that’s fulfilled and that you’re comfortable with, then you’ll be a happy man.”

A Pakistani court has lifted a domestic ban on the last six active players who joined the ICL, leaving them eligible to take part in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

Cricinfo staff17-Feb-2009A Pakistani court has lifted a domestic ban on the last six active players who joined the ICL, making them eligible to take part in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the domestic first-class competition. In all, 17 players can return to domestic cricket but the ban on their participation in international cricket remains since it is not yet a point of argument in the legal proceedings.”Imran Nazir, Imran Farhat, Humayun Farhat, Riaz Afridi, Arshad Khan and Taufeeq Umar got their bans suspended by the court and are now free to play in domestic matches,” the players’ lawyer, Zahid Ebrahim, said.Last week, the Sind High Court had temporarily lifted the bans imposed by the PCB on 11 players, nine of whom featured in the latest round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saqlain Mushtaq are the only players who remain barred from domestic cricket, but both are now retired.The PCB’s present administration has been keen on getting back ICL players into the fold but has maintained that it would only be possible if the ICL reaches a compromise with the BCCI and ICL. The ICC deferred a decision on recognizing the ICL at its last board meeting in Perth, but a meeting between the ICL, ICC and BCCI has been arranged on February 21 in Johannesburg.

Brendon McCullum seems to have taken the senior batsman’s responsibility, and has curbed his aggressive instincts to anchor an inexperienced batting line-up. Today, he was returned the favour by the other batsmen, especially Martin Guptill, who surprised

Sidharth Monga in Christchurch25-Feb-2009
Brendon McCullum said his innings at Christchurch was ‘measured’ but not one of his most fluent © Getty Images
In the last Twenty20 international he played, Brendon McCullum scored 61 off 47 balls. That game, against Australia in Sydney, earned New Zealand the displeasure of their captain Daniel Vettori at the way they chased 151 and lost by one run.Facing another below-par target here, McCullum was slower, hitting 56 off 49 balls. This time, the two were smiling after the match as New Zealand finally strung up a win following a three-match losing streak in Australia.McCullum seems to have taken up the senior batsman’s responsibility and has curbed his aggressive instincts to anchor an inexperienced batting line-up. Today, he was returned the favour by the other batsmen, especially Martin Guptill, who surprised India with an onslaught after the fall of an early wicket.”Measured is the word for it,” McCullum said of his innings. “Probably not the most fluent innings I have played. But in the context, and the fact that we had such power at the other end, I was fortunate to be able to hang around and move around for a few singles.”The way Martin batted up front and the way he put pressure back on them was fantastic. They [other batsmen] did play with a lot of confidence. Ross [Taylor] has been playing well for a long time and Jacob [Oram] is very experienced.”The four were largely responsible for the smile returning to their captain’s face after the disappointment of Sydney but Vettori was also pleased with Iain O’Brien and Ian Butler, who pegged India back after a frenetic start.”We thought we’d have to chase 300 for the first time in a Twenty20,” Vettori said. “We knew that’s the way India were going to play. They are very aggressive. They are going to put us under pressure throughout the series. So I’m pleased to see that the guys fronted against it. But it was reasonably daunting at the start.”And then [during] the chase, Brendon was the rock, and Martin, Ross and Jacob played around him. Couldn’t really have many complaints.”As in the lead-up to the first match, New Zealand are abstaining from any mind games. Other captains would have been tempted to open old wounds after welcoming a team not known to performing well away with a clinical performance. But Vettori is an unfussy cricketer and knows too well that such salvos don’t amount to much. He didn’t claim any psychological advantage for the rest of the tour after this game.”I heard MS Dhoni’s comments that this is the first game of many,” Vettori said. “You turn out fresh for the game and you expect to win, no matter the state of the series. The thing is, the guys will take a lot of confidence form this. Martin Guptill continues to impress. So he will be feeling good. And a lot of other guys. But each game is a separate entity.”New Zealand have, for the second time in a row, have made a confident start to a series. Like the ODI series in Australia, they have set this up beautifully. Unlike against Australia, they would want to finish India off in two days’ time instead of waiting for the opposition to make mistakes.And, whether they talk it up or not, New Zealand will know a 2-0 loss in the Twenty20s cannot be a good start for a team that failed miserably the last time they were here.

Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes that Freddie Woodman is a very good goalkeeper.

Woodman spent last season out on loan at Swansea City, where he kept 22 clean sheets in 52 games in all competitions. It was Woodman’s second loan spell with the Swans, as he spent the previous season also on loan at the Liberty Stadium, where he played 43 games and kept 12 clean sheets.

The 24-year-old was tipped to go out on loan again this season, with AFC Bournemouth touted as the destination for Woodman, but after injury to Martin Dubravka, which saw the shot-stopper require surgery, Woodman has remained at St James’ Park this summer.

Woodman featured in the Magpies’ first Premier League match of the season against West Ham United last weekend, saving a penalty, and Howey was full of praise for the shot-stopper

“I think he’s done his kind of work away from the club, I haven’t seen much of him at Newcastle, but apparently at Swansea last season he was excellent. Everybody has been touting him for years, he will be a very good goalkeeper and I think he is a very good goalkeeper,” Howey exclusively told Football FanCast.

When all are fit, Newcastle United have four good goalkeepers amongst their ranks with Dubravka, Darlow, Gillespie and Woodman, so there is going to be healthy competition for the number one jersey at St James’ Park this season.

West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan has stressed on the youngsters improving their performances if they are to be a permanent feature in the squad.

Tony Cozier01-Jan-2009
Shawn Findlay is an electric outfielder but seems out of his depth at this level in his primary role as left-hand batsman © Getty Images
West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan has said the youngsters in the squad need to improve their performances if they are to be a permanent feature.”We’re the most experienced and it’s important we try to give the young players as much support as we can but it’s important for them to learn as well,” the former captain said. “It’s a great chance for them to cement a place in the team and that should be the biggest goal for them, striving to be better players. We’ve already spoken to them, but it’s a matter of them seizing the opportunity.”Sarwan mentioned no names but at least nine of the 15-man squad, currently touring New Zealand, are playing for their immediate, some for their long-term, futures.Sewnarine Chattergoon has yet to put together a significant innings since introduced as the latest in the long line of opening batsman last season in the home series against Sri Lanka and Australia this year.Xavier Marshall is more likely to be retained for the forthcoming series against England in the Caribbean, either as Gayle’s opening partner or separating Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the middle order. But runs in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand will boost his confidence.Shawn Findlay who, given his modest record for Jamaica, was a surprise choice when included in the ODI series against Australia, is an electric outfielder but seems out of his depth at this level in his primary role as left-hand batsman.Carlton Baugh has almost had the last of his many chances as wicketkeeper-batsman. It is a position that Denesh Ramdin appeared to have claimed as his own until his batting declined so markedly that it allowed Baugh to return. Runs over the coming five matches are important for his status.Kieron Pollard’s star has pitched since his sensational entry into first-class cricket two seasons ago when his six-hitting put spectators in danger and embarrassed bowlers. His boundary-filled hundreds against Barbados and the Leeward Islands earned him a place in the World Cup squad but he has found runs, far less sixes, hard to come by since then. Still, he is only 20, massively built and powerful and clearly talented. As much as anyone, he can heed Sarwan’s words about learning, striving to be better players and seizing the opportunity.Darren Sammy, perhaps not as dynamic but an honest and intelligent all-rounder already with a taste of Test and ODI success, is an alternative not far away from a recall.
Daren Powell is surely on his way out. He is an enthusiastic competitor but it is an extravagance to pay 46 runs a wicket in Tests as he does © AFP
After six years, 32 Tests and 50 ODIs, Daren Powell is surely on his way out. He is an enthusiastic competitor but it is an extravagance to pay 46 runs a wicket in Tests as he does. Only a cupboard bare of fast bowlers and the strange selectorial reservations about spinners have kept him going.New fast bowlers should be lining up to fill his spot and potential spinners continuing to wait patiently to be given their due.Lionel Baker, the young Montserratian, is the first new fast bowler since Jerome Taylor, Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul five years ago. The first two now lead the attack, Rampaul has been so unlucky with injuries his prospects are doubtful.The door is open for the new crop, as it always is with West Indies selectors. Baker has been ushered through it but it will take time to establish whether his stay will be permanent. Sulieman Benn and Nikita Miller, two left-armers of different heights and methods, are the latest spinners on the roller coaster.The selectors have surely got them wrong way round, using the beanpole Benn for the Tests and the diminutive Miller in the ODIS.The former is flat through the air, steady in control and gains bounce, attributes more effective in the shorter (Twenty20 even) than the longer form. He has suffered the habitual fate of those of his ilk, given one Test here, one Test there along with three Twenty20s. No wonder he is still not sure of his role.Miller, who depends more on flight and turn, has so far been confined to the ODIs where he can hardly express himself properly.The decision to choose Benn for the Tests and the Twenty20s in New Zealand, but replace him for the one-dayers would be confusing were it not a West Indies selection.While the five ODIs are in progress, the first-class season would have started back home. Results from both will shape the composition of the team for the series against England in February and March and even beyond.

Victoria’s veteran recruit Damien Wright made an impact in his first outing for the state as he grabbed four wickets to help restrict Queensland to 245 on the opening day at the Gabba

Cricinfo staff21-Oct-2008
Scorecard
Ryan Broad made the most of the chance to bat first and scored 96 © Getty Images
Victoria’s veteran recruit Damien Wright made an impact in his first outing for the state as he grabbed four wickets to help restrict Queensland to 245 on the opening day at the Gabba. The Bulls seemed set for a big total when Ryan Broad and Martin Love combined to take the score to 1 for 141 but Wright and Dirk Nannes pegged back the hosts in impressive fashion.Victoria’s captain David Hussey might have been pondering his decision to send Queensland in when Broad cruised to 96. But the loss of Broad, who edged Shane Harwood to second slip, started a mini-collapse. Wright, the former Tasmania fast bowler, picked up the prize wicket of Andrew Symonds, who was caught top-edging a hook for 26.Wright was on a hat-trick after Greg Moller fell from the next delivery, caught behind attempting to leave the ball alone. Three from three did not come Wright’s way but he did add two more victims, while Nannes finished with 4 for 45 after grabbing two of the last three wickets.Nannes had earlier ended the 127-run partnership between Love and Broad when he had Love caught on the boundary for 54. James Hopes, who is still trying to familiarise himself with his new opening role, also fell to Nannes for 4.The gremlins in the pitch were not as fierce as in the previous Sheffield Shield match at the Gabba, which was over in three days, but Victoria also battled when they faced 12.2 overs before stumps. They closed at 2 for 29 with Chris Rogers on 13 and Hussey on 4 after they lost Nick Jewell and Brad Hodge cheaply.