A round-up of the Dhaka Premier League matches played on May 8, 2017

Mohammad Isam08-May-2017Records tumbled at the BKSP-4 Ground in Savar as Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club revived their traditional rivalry in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. Mohammedan fell 27 runs short of Abahani’s mammoth 366 for 5, the second-highest score by any side in a List-A game in Bangladesh.The game saw 705 runs being scored, the most in any List-A game in Bangladesh, with Mohammedan captain Raqibul Hasan notching up the highest score – 190 – in Bangladesh’s List-A history, surpassing team-mate Tamim Iqbal’s 157 against Kalabagan Krira Chakra from earlier this season. Raqibul helped Mohammedan post 339 for 9 in 50 overs, the highest score by a chasing side in a List-A game in Bangladesh.Opener Liton Das, who had made a century against Mohammedan the last time the two sides met, set the tone for Abahani’s innings, clobbering 15 fours and two sixes enroute to his 135 off 103 balls. He added 103 for the opening stand with Shadman Islam (28) and another 109 for the second wicket with Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who muscled a 100-ball 110, including six sixes and three fours. After Shamsur Rahman removed Liton, Shanto added 90 runs for the fifth wicket with Shuvagata Hom (48* off 27) in nine overs. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam survived the bulk of the carnage, finishing with 3 for 57 from his 10 overs.In 2016, when Abahani had posted 371 for 5, Mohammedan had collapsed meekly. This time, however, Raqibul and Charith Asalanka (63) helped avoid any such collapse. From 38 for 3, they added 175 runs together to take Mohammedan to 213 for 4. Once Asalanka fell in the 30th over, Raqibul ticked along, peppering ten sixes and 17 fours in all, before being dismissed in the final over.For Abahani, left-arm spinner Manan Sharma took 5 for 47 from his ten overs and set up the victory.Legends of Rupganj prevailed over Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity by 28 runs at the KSOA Stadium in Fatullah.Having elected to bat, Rupganj were bowled out for 239 runs in 49.5 overs with Yasir Ali top-scoring with 59. They had slumped to 105 for 5 before Yasir and Raza Ali Dar (46) added 94 runs to resuscitate Rupganj’s innings. Opening bowler Tanvir Islam took three wickets.In reply, Khelaghar struggled to forge big partnerships as they folded for 211 runs in 48.1 overs. Nazimuddin (59) and Nazmus Sadat (52) struck half-centuries, but their efforts found little support from the other batsmen. Robiul Islam Robi, who had made centuries in the last two matches, fell for a golden duck.Mohammad Sharif, Dar, Mosharraf Hossain and Naeem Islam took two wickets each.Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club’s Abdul Mazid and Arafat Sunny turned in brilliant individual performances as Victoria Sporting Club lurched to their eighth consecutive loss. They went down by 119 runs at the BKSP-3 Ground, and are entrenched in the relegation zone.Batting first, Doleshwar amassed 339 for 6 in 50 overs. Mazid lasted 40.1 overs, smashing seven fours and five sixes during his 114-ball 116. He added 72 for the opening stand with Imtiaz Hossain (36), and another 91 for the second wicket with Shahriar Nafees (34). A fifth-wicket partnership of 87 runs between Chathuranga de Silva, who struck four sixes and six fours in his 25-ball 64, and Sharifullah led them past 300.Victoria’s chase was stifled by Sunny’s six-wicket haul as he helped skittle the opposition for 220 in 45.5 overs. Shafiul Hayet (66) and Moinul Islam (64) resisted Victoria’s collapse with a 96-run stand for the fifth wicket after their side had slipped to 39 for 4 in the seventh over.Sunny finished with figures of 6 for 56 in his 9.5 overs.

Manchester United’s potential deal for Andre Onana could become much clearer in the next 24 hours, according to Dean Jones.

Is Onana going to Man United?

Despite much of the attention prior to the transfer window being on United’s need for a new number nine, it looks as if the Red Devils’ first signing of the summer could be at the opposite end of the pitch.

With David De Gea’s contract expiring in several days, it is unclear whether or not the stopper will still be at Old Trafford next season, with Erik ten Hag keen to move to a more technically-gifted goalkeeper.

While De Gea could yet sign a new deal with United, Ten Hag has seemingly turned his attention to a new shot-stopper in the form of Inter’s Andre Onana.

The Cameroon international is much more accomplished with the ball at his feet, something which was perfectly exemplified by his fantastic Champions League final performance.

According to Dean Jones, a transfer to Old Trafford could be getting closer, with the next 24 hours set to answer some important questions on Onana’s future.

Speaking on The Football Terrace, Jones stated: “This is really a situation I didn’t expect to unfold. I thought the De Gea stuff would be sorted out.

“I said a minute ago, all briefings said the number nine was an absolute priority, and suddenly here we are, and De Gea hasn’t signed. And Onana might be sorting out a deal to join Man United tomorrow.”

He continued: “Onana changes the dynamic of what Man United are capable of immediately. Like, in terms of the style of goalkeeper he is, he’s the best in class. The passes he can pick out, genuinely, have been so important to Inter Milan. He can see something, pull it off and immediately the opponents are on the back foot.

“There are very few goalkeepers that can implement this style of play like so directly themselves. He’s basically like an outfield player in goal, he’s that good.”

Jones is clearly excited by the prospect of Onana reuniting with Ten Hag, also saying that “in the next 24 hours” the situation regarding Onana to Manchester United will be much clearer for all to see.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper is likely to command a fee north of £40m but may prove an absolute bargain in the current market, especially if De Gea’s £375,000-a-week wages are off the books.

Why do Man United want Onana?

As one of the key figures in Inter’s push to the Champions League final last season, it is unsurprising that Onana has attracted interest from across Europe.

Compared to other goalkeepers in the Champions League per 90 last season, Onana boasts an 80.7% save percentage and a 61.5% clean sheet percentage, conceding an average of under one goal a game.

Onana averaged 6.46 passes completed over 40 yards per 90, with a 44% accuracy putting him in the top 29% of goalkeepers. His average pass range of 34 yards shows that he is willing to attempt long passes and play the ball directly into midfield to beat the press.

Described as a “front-foot goalkeeper”, Onana’s ability to play out from the back is exactly why he is so sought after by Ten Hag, who needs a number one that can fit his passing philosophy.

Watch more of The Football Terrace on YouTube now!

Chelsea may be 'stuck' with out-of-favour midfielder Hakim Ziyech this summer even though they are keen to ship him out of Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving Hakim Ziyech?

As recounted by talkSPORT, Ziyech was set to move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr before his move collapsed owing to a knee injury found while he was doing his medical at the club.

In turn, Chelsea have now missed out on the chance to inherit a transfer fee of £8 million, while Ziyech himself would've earned £9 million from the switch to the Middle East.

For the second time in a year, the £100k-a-week ace has now missed out on a transfer away from Stamford Bridge at the last second, as he was set to join Paris Saint-Germain on loan in January before a technical issue with paperwork scuppered the deal, as per Sky Sports.

Ziyech has taken a swipe at Al Nassr on social media in the aftermath of his failed medical, posting a story on Instagram with the caption "Knee problems, right?" accompanied by two laughing face emojis, as per The Daily Mail.

Chelsea bought Ziyech from Ajax back in 2020 for an initial fee of £33.6 million, rising to £36.6 million in add-ons, though he has endured a tough spell in SW6, as per BBC Sport.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown believes that Chelsea could be met with the awkward scenario of Ziyech potentially being stuck at Stamford Bridge in light of his knee issue being uncovered during a medical examination.

Brown told FFC: "Most of the interest that's come in for Ziyech over the last year or so has been to take him on loan and I think a lot of clubs who may have been interested before would be wary at this news that has come up in his medical, so it's really not good news for Chelsea who want him out and not great news for Ziyech either. He might be stuck at the club; we'll see."

Does Hakim Ziyech have a future at Chelsea?

Ziyech has struggled to make a major impact at Stamford Bridge since joining Chelsea back in 2020 and an exit from his current employers would be a wise move to get his career back on track if possible.

In his time in west London, Ziyech has amassed 107 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, registering 14 goals and 13 assists, as per Transfermarkt.

More unfortunate news could be set to come the way of Ziyech, with Chelsea believed to be in the market for an attack-minded midfield option this summer, which could push him further down the pecking order in SW6.

Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga is of interest to Chelsea and has been identified as a potential replacement for Mason Mount following his move to Manchester United, as per The Guardian.

Corriere dello Sport via METRO claim that Roma's Paulo Dybala is also on the Blues' radar and he could be available for a cut-price fee of around £10 million if his release clause is activated.

There looks to be no way back for Ziyech at Chelsea; however, potential suitors for the Dronten-born ace may now dry up due to his knee issue.

Cricket in the Caribbean has been “hijacked by a small clique” of people. That is the assertion of Dr Keith Rowley, the Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, who is part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that has been highly critical of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). The CARICOM has blamed the WICB for West Indies’ slump in the ICC’s Test and ODI rankings for more than a decade.The CARICOM’s opposition to the WICB coincided with the rise of Dave Cameron, who was unanimously re-elected for a third successive term as board president. Last year Cameron rejected the CARICOM cricket review panel’s recommendation to dissolve the WICB. According to Cameron the CARICOM panel had ignored the “sweeping” changes brought in by the WICB since 2002 in its governance structure and had also failed to consult territorial boards and WICB directors before listing its findings.The defiant attitude of Cameron and the WICB, according to Rowley, had only distracted from the real question of who owns Caribbean cricket. The CARICOM, he said, believes cricket is a public product that belongs to the people and not to the WICB.”Caribbean cricket has been hijacked by a small clique of people who are hell bent on destroying Caribbean cricket,” Rowley told the Trinidad-based TV station on Wednesday. “And this is my position that unless the question is answered as to who owns that asset we spinning top in mud.”The WICB, Rowley said, had told him the board was not accountable to the CARICOM any more, considering it was now a business entity and had become West Indies Inc.In the media release it sent out following Cameron’s re-election, the WICB had spoken of its efforts to rebrand itself.”In moving forward, the President and the team will have the new strategic plan which will facilitate improved performances at the regional and international level and explore a more robust governance system,” the WICB said. “The strategy revolves around the rebranding of Cricket West Indies; the development of our commercial arm – Windies Inc; and the creation of a development foundation to finance cricket development in the region”.Rowley has questioned the basis for the change.”I was told to my face, me and my colleague the Prime Minister of Grenada, that you all have no say in this. This is West Indies Cricket Inc. West Indies Cricket Incorporated. And it is their shareholders that they have to please. I don’t know who the shareholders are, but what I do know [is] unless there are drastic changes to the current arrangements West Indies cricket will never get back to where it is expected to be.”For Rowley, in addition to the decline in West Indies cricket, the most “painful” thing was the fans moving away from the game. He gave the example of driving past Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain and being bewildered by the silence inside when a match was on.”You know how painful it is for me. In this country lining up outside the [Queen’s Park] Oval from 6’0 clock in the morning to get in. That’s how cricket used to be. Barbados is playing Trinidad & Tobago and the Oval is full because you got to beat them Bajans, ha! And now, you are passing outside the Oval and you ask, “what’s happening in there?” You know how painful that is.”

Dean Elgar became the second Somerset batsman to score an unbeaten century in this season’s Royal London Cup as his side beat Sussex by nine runs under DL

ECB Reporters Network30-Apr-2017
ScorecardDean Elgar took charge of Somerset’s innings after a tricky start•Getty Images

Dean Elgar became the second Somerset batsman to score an unbeaten century in this season’s Royal London Cup as his side beat Sussex by nine runs under Duckworth-Lewis at Hove to claim their second South Group victory.Elgar made an unbeaten 131, his highest List A score, in Somerset’s 303 for 5 from 49 overs two days after Roelof van der Merwe had smashed 165 not out in the win over Surrey. Chasing 165 in 20 overs after two rain delays, Sussex finished on 155 for 9.Somerset, who were put in, had been 120 for 4 in the 27th over before Adam Hose joined South African Elgar to transform the innings in a partnership of 151 in 20 overs. There has only been one bigger stand by Somerset in List A matches against Sussex.Elgar scored his runs off 127 balls with ten fours and four sixes while Hose contributed 76 from just 59 deliveries, with five boundaries and three sixes as Somerset plundered 96 off the last nine overs before the first stoppage.Such a promising scenario had seemed unlikely earlier when Somerset completed the first ten-over Powerplay on 42 for 2. Steven Davies, who has struggled for runs since his move from Surrey, sliced the fourth ball of the innings from David Wiese to backward point and Wiese claimed a second victim in the ninth over when Peter Trego inside-edged and was caught behind.James Allenby lost middle and off stumps aiming to leg in the 15th over to give left-armer George Garton the first of two wickets but Elgar then began to take control, first in partnership with James Hildreth with whom he put on 61 in 12 overs.Hildreth looked in good touch until he was deceived by a quicker ball from slow left-armer Danny Briggs but thereafter Elgar and Hose were in complete control. Elgar’s first six off Briggs took him into the 90s before a quickly taken single brought up his fifth List A hundred from 107 balls.By now Hose was finding his range too. The seven sixes plundered by the pair were all deposited in an area between midwicket and long leg as they took advantage of a short boundary. Hose was dropped on 65 at long leg by Chris Nash and was in sight of beating his previous List A best of 77, made against Essex last season, when he holed out to wide long on.That brought van der Merwe to the crease and he was quickly into his stride, clearing the mid-wicket rope with his second and fourth scoring shots, both off Wiese, in a cameo of 15 from eight balls. But it was Elgar’s day and on this evidence South Africa may have made an error in leaving the 29-year-old out of their squad for next month’s Champions Trophy.Sussex’s reply got off to a poor start when Chris Nash was caught at short fine leg off the first ball from Craig Overton. Harry Finch and Luke Wright took them to 49 before van der Merwe made an impact with his slow left-arm. His quicker delivery bowled Finch first ball and he had Ben Brown lbw in his third over.Wright holed out to long-on during an impressive spell by legspinner Max Waller before another rain stoppage left Sussex needing 80 from 35 balls. Laurie Evans smashed five sixes in 40 off 20 balls to give them a chance, but their hopes effectively ended when he was caught at deep point.

Liverpool endured a disappointing 2022/23 campaign as Jurgen Klopp failed to lead his side to a Champions League finish in the Premier League.

The Reds finished fifth in the table and will be competing in the Europa League next season but that has not stopped them from splashing the cash to bolster their squad this summer.

FSG sanctioned a deal that could rise to £55m to sign central midfielder Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion, whilst Dominik Szobozlai has also arrived in a £60m move from German side RB Leipzig.

That may not be the end of the club's business this window, though, as Fabrizio Romano recently told GIVEMESPORT that a centre-back will be on the agenda if they are able to find the right player to bring in, along with a third midfield recruit.

The Liverpool Echo have claimed that Chelsea stopper Levi Colwill is a target, although it remains to be seen whether or not the Blues will be willing to part ways with him.

What position does Levi Colwill play?

As a left-footer, the 20-year-old titan typically plays on the left of a central defensive partnership and this could make him the eventual heir to Virgil van Dijk's position on that side of the back four.

At the age of 32, the Netherlands international is heading towards the final years of his career and could use his vast experience in the game to guide Colwill, with the view to the talented youngster eventually taking on his role in the future.

This means that the England U21 international could form a monstrous partnership with Ibrahima Konate, 24, in the years to come as they could be Klopp's long-term centre-back pairing given their respective ages in comparison to van Dijk.

Colwill showcased his immense potential for his country at the U21 European Championship this summer, as he was among the Team of the Tournament.

The Chelsea prospect averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.40 across five matches as his side did not concede a single goal on their run to winning the trophy against Spain in Georgia.

This shows that the 6 foot 2 colossus maintained an outstanding performance level as Trent Alexander-Arnold led the way in that regard for Liverpool with an average rating of 7.32 in the Premier League last term.

The U21 star also displayed his physical dominance as the back as he won 71% of his duels, including 83% of his aerial battles, throughout the competition.

Konate is a central defender with the quality to offer a similar level of strength as the French international won 77% of his Premier League contests in the air last season.

Therefore, the young duo could be a dominant and monstrous pairing for Liverpool in defence as they are both capable of getting the better of opposition players far more often than not.

Colwill also has the ability to offer quality on the ball as he ranked number one – of all players in any position – in the English top-flight last term for forward passes per 90 (35.41) whilst on loan at Brighton.

This suggests that the "Rolls Royce" – as he was dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – can be an exceptional ball-player for the Reds whilst also being a dominant defender alongside Konate, which is why they must push to convince Chelsea to sell him.

أسدل الستار على مباريات الجولة الثانية والثلاثين لبطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج” لموسم 2023-2024.

وتعادل ليفربول مع نظيره مانشستر يونايتد، اليوم الأحد، على ملعب “أولد ترافورد”، بمنافسات الجولة الـ32 من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، بثنائية لكل فريق.

وتمكن فريق آرسنال من الفوز أمام مضيفه برايتون بنتيجة 3/0، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

واقترب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي من قمة الدوري الإنجليزي مرة أخرى بعد الفوز على كريستال بالاس في إطار الجولة الثانية والثلاثين من الدوري الإنجليزي.

واستطاعت كتيبة المدرب بيب جوارديولا أن تحقق الفوز بنتيجة 4-2 خارج الديار على ملعب “سيلهرست بارك” بأقدام كيفن دي بروين (هدفين)، ريكو لويس وإيرلينج هالاند.

وفقد ليفربول الصدارة لصالح آرسنال بفارق الأهداف للأخير، بينما مانشستر سيتي في المركز الثالث.

بينما فشل أستون فيلا في الفوز على برينفتورد وتعادل على ملعبه ووسط جماهيره بنتيجة 3-3.

وارتقى توتنهام هوتسبير إلى المركز الرابع في ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي، عقب الفوز أمام نظيره نوتنجهام فورست بنتيجة 3/1.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ليفربول يجهز 200 مليون يورو لضم بديل محمد صلاح

ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بعد نهاية الجولة الـ32

1- آرسنال، 71 نقطة.

2- ليفربول، 71نقطة.

3- مانشستر سيتي، 70 نقطة.

4- توتنهام، 60 نقطة.

5- أستون فيلا، 60 نقطة.

6- مانشستر يونايتد، 49نقطة.

7- وست هام، 48 نقطة.

8- نيوكاسل يونايتد، 47 نقطة.

9- تشيلسي، 44 نقطة.

10- برايتون، 43 نقطة.

11- ولفرهامبتون، 42 نقطة.

12- بورنموث، 41 نقطة.

13- فولهام، 39 نقطة.

14- كريستال بالاس، 30 نقطة.

15- إيفرتون، 29 نقطة.

16- برينتفورد، 29 نقطة.

17- نوتينجهام فورست، 25 نقطة.

18- لوتون تاون، 25 نقطة

19- بيرنلي، 19 نقطة.

20- شيفيلد يونايتد، 16 نقطة.

ويمكن متابعة ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2023/24، محدث بشكل مستمر من هنا.

Aston Villa have been linked with a summer move for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa, with the club reprotedly not put off by the asking price for him.

How many goals has Federico Chiesa scored?

The 25-year-old has arguably been one of Serie A's leading wide players in recent years, excelling with his pace, directness and end product for both club and country.

Chiesa has scored 22 goals and registered 20 assists in 94 appearances for Juve, while for Italy, he has netted five times in 42 caps, winning Euro 2020 after victory over Wembley in the final in 2021.

Last season was a frustrating one for him, however, as he only managed to find the net twice in the league, as injuries restricted his playing time and he struggled to find rhythm when he did play.

The Italian still has two years remaining on his current Juve deal, but it could be that the Serie A giants see now as the best time to move him on, before his price tag starts diminishing closer to the expiration of his contract – they are also in financial trouble, having been deducted points last season due to multiple FFP breaches.

This is where Villa come into play, as the club continue to be hugely ambitious in the summer transfer window, with a potential move for Chiesa looking seriously on the cards.

What's the latest on Chiesa to Villa?

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Juve's €60m (£51m) valuation of Chiesa "does not scare" Villa, and the same also applies with the player's wage demands, which are likely to be high.

The "ambitious" project going on at Villa Park is mentioned in the report, with Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres already coming from Leicester City and Villarreal this summer respectively, and other high-profile new faces also expected to come in.

There is a possible issue regarding the transfer, though, with Chiesa not necessarily wanting to join a "second-tier" Premier League side, which Villa are considered part of in the context of this report, considering they haven't qualified for the Champions League or the Europa League next season.

Chiesa could be a fantastic signing for Villa if they manage to entice him to the club this summer though, coming in as a genuine statement addition, considering his current standing in the game, having been hailed as a "world-class" player by former Italy international Alessandro Pierini in the past.

Granted, he has been dogged by injury problems in recent times, which could lead to some trepidation surrounding Villa signing him, but he is still relatively young and there is no reason why he can't shrug off the issues moving forward.

Chiesa's pedigree as a footballer is undeniable, given his aforementioned Euro 2020 triumph and the fact that he has scored 38 goals and also chipped in with 39 assists in Serie A, showing that he can be a reliable provider of end product in one of the toughest leagues in the world.

He could take Villa up a significant gear if the deal goes through, acting as an upgrade on even single wide option at the club currently, although whether he is happy to join a club not dining at Europe's top table remains to be seen.

People around Hotspur Way have been impressed with new manager Ange Postecoglou's coaching staff, referring to them as "brilliant", according to Alasdair Gold.

Who is on Ange Postecoglou's coaching team?

The Australian joined Tottenham Hotspur this summer from Celtic on a four-year deal after spending the previous two campaigns with the Scottish side, winning back-to-back league titles.

Postecoglou did not bring across any of his coaching staff from Scotland, with coaches such as Harry Kewell, John Kennedy, Stephen McManus, Gordon Strachan and Stevie Woods not following the 57-year-old over to north London.

This was a choice made by the coach, as he said when asked about the subject: "I’m really pleased with the group I’ve got together, it's well chronicled that I don’t have a travelling band (of coaches), I like to work with new people, that excites me and challenges me as a person. I’ve a really good mix, bright, young guys… it’s been mentioned to me that, apparently, I’m getting a bit old, so I’m surrounding myself with younger guys! But, more importantly, really bright, talented and ambitious guys."

Instead, the former Australian national team manager has rebuilt the senior coaching setup at the club, bringing in five new coaches.

Former Swansea City, Liverpool, Celtic, and Leicester assistant manager Chris Davies will join the setup as the senior assistant manager after deciding not to follow long-time work partner Brendan Rodgers back to Scotland.

Matt Wells will also step up into an assistant manager role on a permanent basis after taking up the role under interim manager Ryan Mason.

Speaking of Mason, the former Spurs midfielder will also take up a position on Postecoglou's coaching staff. He is a highly respected figure within the club and is ready to work under his fourth different manager in his coaching career.

Rob Burch is making a return to the north London side as the new manager's goalkeeping coach after having spells with Fulham, Bournemouth and the FA.

The most surprising appointment is undoubtedly former Crystal Palace and Aston Villa midfielder Mile Jedinak. Jedinak previously worked with Postecoglou with the Australian national team, where the midfielder was the captain. Jedinak has limited coaching experience, having only worked at Villa as a Youth Development coach.

Despite some inexperience and having never worked together as a unit before, the coaching staff have made a very positive impression on players and staff around Hotspur Way according to journalist Gold, who stated on his YouTube channel that the team of coaches had been described as "brilliant".

"Postecoglou's coaching staff have been very impressive so far as well. People have spoken about them… "Brilliant" – a few people have used that word about how good this coaching staff is that he's put together.

"From what I understand, all the coaches are loving what they're doing with Postecoglou so far."

What is so impressive about the coaching under Ange Postecoglou?

According to football.london, Postecoglou and his staff have already made a positive impression on the Spurs squad with their first few sessions, with drills being described as "upbeat" and "bright".

The Australian has not taken a very hands-on approach to the training, instead opting to let his coaching staff run the sessions after he briefs them on what he wants to achieve.

That's not to say he doesn't have input, as he will speak to the players as a group and occasionally interject during a drill. However, he more often than not tends to stick to the side, noting down things he's observed with his trusty notepad to change and adjust for the next session.

This news is undoubtedly positive news for Spurs fans, who should be excited at the positivity and togetherness Postecoglou is already producing at the club.

Fifties from Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews kept Sri Lanka in the hunt for a semi-final spot after their win over India at The Oval threw Group B wide open

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando08-Jun-2017
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball details3:21

Fleming: Sri Lanka’s shot selection clinical

They may be coming off an awful run of form, two of their players might have been ruled out, and their No. 4 may damage his hamstring during a crucial innings, but still, if the wind and the light and the time of day are just right, Sri Lanka can still summon up a little of their old big-tournament magic. They can rally, they can surge, they can surprise.That India’s batting went more or less perfectly to plan made Sri Lanka’s ice-cold pursuit even sweeter. They were, after all, chasing a commanding 321 for 6, on an Oval surface that had turned up a little green on match day.And it was, perhaps, a new generation of batsmen that set up the highest-successful chase in the tournament’s history. Kusal Mendis hit a frill-free 89 that belied his youth, and Danushka Gunathilaka – with fewer than 20 ODIs on his timesheet – provided the innings its early impetus, hitting 76 off 72 balls himself. Kusal Perera then electrified the middle overs, before Angelo Mathews saw the chase home with help from a spry Asela Gunaratne. Sri Lanka sauntered to their target in the penultimate over, with seven wickets in hand. Mathews hit the winning run, having reached fifty with his previous blow. It was his first ODI since August last year.Like with Sri Lanka’s batting effort, India’s, too, had several contributors. Shikhar Dhawan smote a smooth 125, Rohit Sharma breezed 78, and MS Dhoni cracked 63 off 52 balls late in the team innings. And it was not as if their bowlers made outlandish mistakes. India could have been tighter after Niroshan Dickwella’s wicket in the fifth over, perhaps, and they did miss the offspin of R Ashwin, who has generally prospered against Sri Lanka.But it was largely Sri Lanka’s composure right through the innings that paved the path to this result. Virat Kohli switched up his bowling plans to the extent that he even gave himself three overs – for 17 runs – but nothing worked for long. In the end, only Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed a wicket – the other two dismissals resulting from run outs. This was, remember, the same attack that had dismissed Pakistan for 164, and had bowled both Bangladesh and New Zealand out before the 40th over in the practice matches.If Gunathilaka was the mover and shaker, driving imperiously down the ground and reverse-sweeping with aplomb, then Mendis kept the score moving in between the Gunathilaka bursts. Their 159-run stand for the second wicket wasn’t quite chanceless – both saw difficult chances go down – but it was defined by the batsmen’s control. Rarely were they leashed by India’s bowling – either shuffling around the crease, or switching up their stance, if a few dot balls transpired – but they also evaluated boundary options with precision, and largely took only calculated risks. It was more or less the kind of partnership you would expect from two veteran batsmen, except it was two younger men who provided the innings this backbone.Their youthful impetuousness did make an appearance when both men were caught short of their crease between the 28th and 33rd overs, attempting what were quite needless runs. So far ahead in the game were Sri Lanka at the time.But they were replaced at the crease by Perera and Mathews, who wound up being just as effective. Perera – promoted to No. 4 ahead of Dinesh Chandimal – attempted only singles from his first 10 balls or so, before the more ambitious strokes began to make an appearance. Crucially, in between the lofted drives and cheeky scoops, Perera mined the gaps in the field. In fact, by the time he was forced to retire hurt due to trouble running between the wickets, Perera had moved to 47 off 44, but had uncharacteristically hit only four boundaries. At Perera’s departure, Sri Lanka needed only 51 from 42 balls. Mathews took the reins, new man Gunaratne played some outrageous shots, including a memorable swee[ off Jasprit Bumrah for six, and Sri Lanka completed a roaring upset.India will wonder how it ended this way, after they too had been so controlled in their batting effort. Dhawan progressed effortlessly through the early overs, never failing to look like he would move to a tenth ODI century. Rohit had been so dominant in the early going, it was almost a shock when he pulled Lasith Malinga to long leg in the 25th over. Together, India’s openers had put on 138 and set their team on track to what should have been an unassailable score. Sri Lanka looked light of a wicket-taking option in the middle overs, as they had done against South Africa.India’s ascendancy seemed confirmed, when against his favourite opponents, MS Dhoni launched a six off his sixth ball, then set about unfurling his booming groundstrokes. Between the 40th and 45th overs, he struck six fours off 14 deliveries faced, setting India off on their final charge, which would yield 103 runs off the final ten overs. Sri Lanka was not helped by the feast of full tosses their quicks sent down.It seemed inconceivable at the break that Sri Lanka could run down this score with such ease. They have now blown their group wide open, with each of the final two matches set to be virtual quarter finals.In winning this match, Sri Lanka also completed their ninth successful 300-plus chase away from home – a record. India are second, with eight.