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GOAL tells you everything you need to know about the new season, including which superstars have joined Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East…

Pep Guardiola knows a thing or two about spending sprees, so when the manager of Abu Dhabi-backed Manchester City says that Europe's elite clubs "need to be aware of what's happening" in the Saudi Pro League, you can be sure that something seriously significant is going down.

As the Catalan has correctly pointed out, the SPL has "changed the transfer market" this summer, paying one inflated transfer fee after another for players convinced to move to the Middle East by stunning salaries. As Odion Ighalo put it when asked why he and the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo are in Saudi Arabia, "It's for money, bro."

The reasoning has been obvious from the start, though. The real interest lies in whether it's sustainable. It obviously is from a financial perspective. Saudi Arabian clubs have deep pockets, particularly Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal – who have just been taken over by the country's Public Investment Fund in a clear attempt to create a 'Big Four'.

The historic spending spree that has followed has undeniably captured the attention of the footballing world – the question now is whether the SPL can keep a hold of it. An entertaining and competitive 2023-24 campaign would certainly help in that regard, with the emphasis on the new arrivals to not only elevate the standard of play but also make new fans out of the many interested overseas observers.

So, what can we expect from the new season? And who's likely to come out on top? GOAL tells you everything you need to know below…

GettyAl-Ittihad

Al-Ittihad are the reigning champions and obvious favourites to win this season's title after a very productive summer. After all, Nuno Espirito Santo had already turned them into the most well-balanced team in the Pro League. They scored 60 goals last season – only Ronaldo's Al-Nassr managed more – but conceded just 13.

It's not difficult, then, to see the champions being even better in 2023-24, with N'Golo Kante and Fabinho having arrived to give even greater protection to the backline, and current Ballon d'Or holder Karim Benzema set to spearhead an attack that has also been bolstered by the signing of former Celtic winger Jota, who could prove one of the surprise stars of the season, and still features last season's top scorer, Abderrazak Hamdallah.

Benzema, though, is obviously the key. He had his injury issues last season but he remains a world-class talent, which is precisely why Real Madrid were so desperate to keep him for another season. Indeed, the French forward is already banging in the goals in the Arab Club Champions Cup, so do not be at all surprised if Benzema beats former club-mate Ronaldo to the Pro League's top scorer award this season.

AdvertisementAl Nassr TwitterAl-Nassr

It's still hard to believe that Al-Nassr were top of the table when they signed Cristiano Ronaldo to great fanfare in January and yet failed to win the league. The Portuguese scored freely, of course, netting 14 times in just 16 games, but his frustration with Rudi Garcia's tactics quickly became obvious, and the French coach was sacked before the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

So the pressure now falls on Luis Castro to lead Al-Nassr to a first title since 2019. Ronaldo's compatriot doesn't exactly boast a stellar CV, but he did win the Ukrainian Premier League with Shakhtar Donetsk in 2020 and besides, he's taking over a squad that has been significantly strengthened over the summer.

How much Alex Telles will add to the defence is, of course, debatable after his trying time at Manchester United, but Seko Fofana should make a big impact in a midfield that will now be run by the excellent Marcelo Brozovic, who was Inter's best player in the Champions League final.

However, the signing that's generated most headlines is, of course, that of Sadio Mane. The Senegalese has endured a dramatic decline over the past 12 months that saw him go from a hero at Liverpool to a zero at Bayern Munich. However, the 31-year-old should still have more than enough left in the tank to run riot up front alongside Ronaldo, meaning Al-Nassr should once again be challenging for the title.

Hilal TwitterAl-Hilal

Al-Hilal's bid for a fourth consecutive Pro League title unravelled over the second half of last season, but that had a lot to do with the fact that they reached the final of both the Club World Cup, where they stunned Flamengo in the semi-finals, and the AFC Champions League.

However, the most successful side in Saudi Arabian football look far better equipped to win a record-extending 19th title this term – not least because they now have Jorge Jesus back in charge. The Portuguese fell out with his employers during his first spell at Al-Hilal, but he returns after four years away having only further enhanced his reputation as one of the game's great coaches by winning a Copa Libertadores with Flamengo, in 2019.

Jesus will also have a stellar squad at his disposal. Kalidou Koulibaly may have underwhelmed at Chelsea but the Napoli legend is an incredible acquisition for the centre of the defence, while Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic have the makings of the best midfield pairing in the league.

Unlike many of the other players to have moved to Saudi Arabia this summer, both Neves and Milinkovic-Savic are still in their prime and the Serb, in particular, should quickly prove himself one of the most dominant players in the Pro League.

There have been no superstar signings up front as of yet – unless you count former Barcelona winger Malcom, who has joined from Zenit – but in Ighalo they already possess a proven goalscorer at this level. All things considered, a title challenge appears inevitable.

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Al Ahli TwitterAl-Ahli

Back in the top flight after winning last season's First Division, Al-Ahli were without a manager until the end of July before managing to lure Matthias Jaissle away from Red Bull Salzburg, which caused quite a bit of controversy. The German had won back-to-back Austrian titles with Salzburg, so they were furious when it emerged that he was in talks over a move to the Jeddah just two days before the start of the new Bundesliga season.

Al-Ahli won't care, though, after finally filling their coaching vacancy with the highly-rated Jaissle, who could work wonders with arguably the most exciting attacking line-up in the league. Star summer signings Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Allan Saint-Maximin really should form a fantastically fluid forward line with enough flicks and tricks to bamboozle even the best defences in Saudi Arabia.

However, Al-Ahli have also strengthened elsewhere, with the signing of Franck Kessie from Barcelona representing a real coup, given he was tipped to join Juventus. The Ivorian will add quality and physicality to the midfield, while ex-Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez is a great addition to the backline.

As for Eduouard Mendy, the Senegalese goalkeeper may have suffered a serious slump at Stamford Bridge, resulting in him losing his starting spot to Kepa Arrizabalaga, but if he can get back to anything resembling his Champions League-winning best, he could prove a real difference-maker.

A title triumph is perhaps too much to expect from the newly-promoted side, but the PIF-backed team will be expected to at least challenge for top spot.

The 19-year-old Belgian is on the radar of Chelsea, Liverpool and even former club Manchester City ahead of the transfer window

Few people at Southampton will emerge from this season with their reputation intact, but Romeo Lavia most certainly will. In fact, the 19-year-old midfielder may even have enhanced his, despite the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League.

The Belgium international has made a big impact on the south coast following his £10 million (£12.5m) move from Manchester City last summer. In a struggling team, Lavia’s performances have been a rare source of encouragement for supporters and, accordingly, he is attracting attention from some of the country’s top clubs.

Liverpool, whom Southampton will face at St Mary’s on Sunday in their final game of the campaign, are among the admirers, with Lavia looking to end his first full campaign in senior football on a high, and underline his potential as a star of the future.

GettySchooled the right way

Watching Lavia, it is easy to see that this is a player who has been well-schooled. Born in Brussels, though he is of Ghanaian heritage, he joined Anderlecht at the age of eight and progressed through their ranks until being snapped up by Manchester City just after his 16th birthday in 2020.

He settled well at the Etihad. Though relatively small in stature – he has grown to near six foot now – his composure, awareness and ability to play the ball under pressure meant he was used as a deep-lying midfielder in City’s Elite Development Squad (EDS), where he featured alongside the likes of Cole Palmer, James McAtee, Liam Delap and Samuel Edozie, who, along with goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and defender Juan Larios, joined Lavia in swapping Manchester for Southampton last summer.

That EDS side was good enough to win the Premier League 2 title in both 2021 and 2022 – they retained the title, without Lavia, this season – with Lavia making his senior City debut against Wycombe in the Carabao Cup in September 2021. He would follow that up with a second, and final, appearance away to Swindon in the FA Cup in January 2022.

AdvertisementClive BrunskillLearning from the best

The manner in which Lavia has settled in at Southampton, making 33 appearances in all competitions this season, has been impressive, but not entirely surprising, given the education he received during his two-year stay at City.

The influence of Fernandinho was particularly helpful for a youngster learning the game as a defensive midfield player. In an interview with GOAL back in 2021, Lavia explained how the Brazilian had become a source of inspiration for him.

"I’ve watched a lot of Fernandinho and [Sergio] Busquets,” Lavia said. “Those two have dominated the game as defensive midfielders [so] I’ve looked at them a lot… Fernandinho knows what he’s doing – he doesn’t run just to run. He’s like the brain of the team. When you’re young you want to run – left, right – but he knows what he’s doing so he won’t run as much, but will still be effective. That’s something I keep learning from him.”

GettySettling in at Southampton

At Southampton, Lavia knew he would have big shoes to fill. He effectively became the replacement for Oriol Romeu, who had patrolled Saints’ midfield for the previous seven years but who was surprisingly sold to Girona last September. 

Romeu was known for his robust style and calmness on the ball, and it quickly became apparent that Lavia, although a different kind of player generally, bore plenty of similarities with the Spaniard. Certainly, there was a composure which belied his tender years, and his ability to read the game and retain possession made him an instant hit with supporters and team-mates.

“You can clearly see that he's got the ability,” said club captain James Ward-Prowse as early as last September. “And he knows what he's doing so you might not need to give him as much [guidance].

“You can see immediately the quality and the eagerness and the kind of ‘no fear factor’ these young players have. They want to have the ball and they want to get involved and do everything. It's exciting to be part of and it's up to us as the older experienced players to try and help them along their journey.”

That journey, of course, would end in relegation, but if Ward-Prowse is a player who can expect to earn a transfer despite that disappointment, then so too, most definitely, is Lavia.

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Getty ImagesChelsea's crazy offer

There were more than a few eyebrows raised within the game when it emerged that Lavia was on the move last summer. Many had expected City to begin to integrate him into their first team, but the signing of Kalvin Phillips from Leeds effectively put an end to that idea. And there were more eyebrows raised when, just weeks after Lavia’s arrival at Southampton, Chelsea tried to sign him, offering Saints an immediate, and substantial profit on their investment. 

“I will never understand this to be honest,” said the then-Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl. “Let them play a good season. I remember when I was playing, you needed two or three good seasons before people talk about you as a good one. Now, meanwhile, three or four games are enough!

"Give them time, keep it calm. I know that you want to have stars and create stars, but it doesn't help the players and very often the opposite happens. This is why I try to keep them grounded and let them do their job."

Chelsea’s approach, believed to be worth as much as £50m ($62m), was rejected, but the Londoners remain firm admirers. Their co-director of recruitment and talent, Joe Shields, was one of those responsible for taking Lavia to Southampton, having previously worked as head of academy recruitment at Manchester City, and scouts regularly attend games at St Mary’s, with their feedback on Lavia overwhelmingly positive.

The Blaugrana had to battle to secure all three points on Wednesday as they took a giant step towards qualifying for the knockout stages

The biggest takeaway from Wednesday's Champions League clash between Barcelona and Porto was that Frenkie De Jong is their most crucial cornerstone, and that they lack both tempo and leadership without him.De Jong is just one of a number of Barca stars currently out through injury, and that list was further lengthend in Portugal when Robert Lewandowski limped off in the 34th minute.

The Poland international left with what appeared to be a left leg injury, and was replaced by Ferran Torres. The Spanish international came into the role with fire, however, scoring the lone goal of the match in first-half stoppage-time following a calamitous defensive error from Porto just before the break.

Another VAR controversy came into play midway through the second period when Porto's Eustaquio appeared to earn a penalty for the home side as his battle with Joao Cancelo seemingly led to a handball from the Barca loanee. Upon VAR review, though, it was deemed that the Canada international handled the ball himself prior – though it looked like his chest and shoulder controlled the ball.

Xavi's side lacked ambition and composure, racking up eight yellow cards, including two for Gavi, who was sent-off in stoppage time. Despite that, they got the job done and earned all three points.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadio Do Dragao…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):

Made saves when needed and commanded his box accordingly.

Joao Cancelo (4/10):

Call it harsh, but Cancelo failed to bring anything to the attacking momentum of the game and should have had a handball call go against him towards the end of the match. VAR saved him from embarrassment!

Jules Kounde (6/10):

Really solid evening defensively, but was caught off-guard late by a goal scored by Porto, that was eventually deemed offside.

Ronald Araujo (8/10):

Produced a brilliant match-saving tackle midway through the second-half and was brilliant all match.

Alejandro Balde (6/10):

Played his role well. Struggled to link up with Felix on the left-flank, though.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):

Played the midfield role well and controlled the tempo of the match.

Oriol Romeu (6/10):

Played his role effectively, but slowed the game down just a tad in the process.

Gavi (4/10):

Much more was expected from the teenager, and he just didn't offer enough going forward to link with the attack. He was sent off for a second yellow card in second-half stoppage-time.

Getty ImagesAttack

Joao Felix (6/10):

Substituted in the 68th minute, was effective in the attack, but didn't provide the final touch needed.

Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

It feels unfair to judge Lewandowski's performance as good or bad, as the Polish talisman was removed 34 minutes in due to injury.

Lamine Yamal (6/10):

Linked well with Torres once he was introduced to the match, but struggled to find the target.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Ferran Torres (7/10):

The Spain international's first-half stoppage-time goal won the match, but he failed to stand out otherwise.

Sergi Roberto (6/10):

Replaced Romeu in the 69th and played out-of-position. Did what was asked, but coasted through to the final-whistle.

Fermin Lopez (6/10):

Brought on in the 69th minute to replace Felix but was rather unnoticeable in the attack.

Marcos Alonso (N/A):

Was a late sub, held the defence together.

Xavi Hernandez (5/10):

The Barcelona boss was without key players before losing Lewandowski, but it was still an unorthodox performance from the Blaugrana. They lacked discipline and momentum throughout the match and were lucky to get away with three points.

Ryan Reynolds has sent a touching message to Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard after the 37-year-old revealed his graduation from university.

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Reynolds congratulates Wrexham veteran on graduation37-year-old studied sports writing and broadcastingWrexham captain Tozer teases HowardInstagramWHAT HAPPENED?

Most people graduate from university in their early twenties, but Howard has shown that you are never too old for education. On Wednesday he shared the news that he has graduated from Staffordshire University with First Class Honours in Professional Sports Writing and Broadcasting. While his Wrexham teammates congratulated and ribbed him in equal measure, Reynolds shared a heartfelt message on Instagram.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Less than a year ago Howard was Wrexham's first-choice goalkeeper, but the veteran lost his starting spot when former Premier League shot-stopper Ben Foster came out of retirement to help the Red Dragons' promotion push. With Wrexham now in League Two, Howard is behind Arthur Okonkwo and Luke McNicholas in the pecking order.

WHAT RYAN REYNOLDS SAID

Wrexham co-owner Reynolds took to Instagram to share a message with his goalkeeper. "Huge news!!!," the Hollywood star wrote. "To do this while playing professional football and raising two kids is an immense accomplishment. So proud of you pal."

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WHAT DID HOWARD AND HIS TEAMMATES SAY?

Howard posted a graduation photo with the caption: "What an amazing but surreal day celebrating my graduation. It’s been a very enjoyable couple of years whilst playing and enjoying my football, your never too old to learn."

Wrexham captain Ben Tozer replied in jest: "Congratulations mate. The oldest person to have ever graduated?"

West Indies opener Devon Smith made a maiden century but his effort was overshadowed by Kieron Pollard’s blitz as he bludgeoned a limited Ireland attack all around Mohali to muscle his side to a tall total

The Bulletin by Siddarth Ravindran11-Mar-2011
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Kieron Pollard smashed 94 off 55 deliveries to transform the game•AFPWest Indies opener Devon Smith made a maiden century but his effort was overshadowed by Kieron Pollard, who bludgeoned a limited Ireland attack all around Mohali to muscle his side to a tall total. Pollard’s effort helped to quell the criticism over his lack of performances at the international level, and gave West Indies their third win in four matches, putting them in prime position for a quarter-final spot.A fluent Ed Joyce steered Ireland’s sprightly reply but they lacked the spark needed to chase down the substantial score, though for the fourth match in a row they showed they aren’t out of their depth against top teams. They kept fighting even when hopes of a victory were lost, reducing the margin of defeat to 44 runs and ensuring that their net run-rate didn’t take too big a hit.The decision to replace the injured Chris Gayle with bowling allrounder Andre Russell meant West Indies had a long tail, and no batsman of note below No. 5. That meant Ireland would have been the happier side when West Indies crawled to 142 for 3 by the 35th over. The batsmen gambled by taking the batting Powerplay then; a wicket at that stage could have scuppered the innings, but Ireland couldn’t make the vital breakthrough and were helpless as the power of Pollard helped ransack 55 runs in five overs to shift the balance of the game.Ireland had two opportunities to remove Pollard in the Powerplay: John Mooney narrowly missed a direct hit from square leg when Pollard had given up hope of making his ground in the 37th over, and Gary Wilson shelled a catch at long-on after hurtling across to get to a skier in the next over.Over the next 45 minutes Pollard made them regret those misses with his now familiar brand of hitting, mainly muscling boundaries in the arc between long-on and midwicket. Boyd Rankin, Ireland’s quickest, was brought in to handcuff Pollard, but his short ball was walloped to midwicket and an attempted yorker was pummeled down the ground. Rankin was rattled by the ferocity of the second hit, muttering to himself as his fractional mistake was punished.A drive to midwicket in the 42nd over brought up Pollard’s half-century off 35 balls – he celebrated by kissing an arm band bearing the injured allrounder Dwayne Bravo’s number – but he was just warming up. The wickets tumbled at the other end, but there was no stopping Pollard, who capped a frenzy of hitting with 20 runs of an O’Brien over, which included a monstrous one-handed six that easily sailed over deep midwicket.O’Brien had taken four wickets for the first time in his one-day career, but the Pollard assault ruined his figures. Pollard was also in line for the second quickest World Cup hundred -after O’Brien’s epic against England last month – but fell attempting a six over long-off.The pyrotechnics at the end made up for a dull start to the match in front of a nearly empty stadium when the West Indies openers treated the dibbly-dobbly attack with undue caution. There were only six fours in the first 15 overs on a track that, despite plenty of grass, afforded little movement for the seamers.West Indies were dawdling at 3.5 runs per over when O’Brien struck in the 25th, getting Chanderpaul first, and Darren Bravo for a duck three balls later. Smith persevered and he stepped up his strike-rate in the Powerplay with a series of fours, reaching his hundred in the 39th over. It didn’t thrill the watchers, but for a side which has only managed four centuries in their last 28 matches, it was an important innings.Soon after, Kevin O’Brien struck twice in an over for the second time, though that didn’t stop the runs. Puzzlingly, Ireland used their best bowler, left-arm spinner George Dockrell, for only three overs.Ireland’s chase got off to a terrible start as Paul Stirling’s poor World Cup continued, dismissed in the second over. Joyce walked in and caressed his first two deliveries for four and Ireland sprinted to 35 for 0 in five, before Darren Sammy reeled off three maidens in a row and, combining with the pacy and accurate debutant Russell, created the pressure that led to William Porterfield’s dismissal.Joyce and Niall O’Brien steadied Ireland, adding 44 trouble-free runs before Niall played down the wrong line to Sulieman Benn. Joyce and Wilson then forged the biggest partnership of the innings to keep Ireland afloat, but just as Wilson picked up the pace with a huge six and two reverse-swept fours, Joyce was dismissed. Kevin O’Brien fell to a spectacular diving catch from Pollard and with that Ireland’s hopes were washed away.A controversial lbw decision by umpire Asoka de Silva, which wasn’t reversed on referral, ended Wilson’s stay in the 42nd over, but by then Ireland were hurtling towards their third defeat, and now need two wins to qualify for the next stage.Match Timeline

Alexei Kervezee and Vikram Solanki both hit excellent half-centuries asWorcestershire beat Kent by six wickets in an entertaining Clydesdale Bank 40game at Canterbury

01-May-2011
Scorecard
Alexei Kervezee and Vikram Solanki both hit excellent half-centuries asWorcestershire beat Kent by six wickets in an entertaining Clydesdale Bank 40game at Canterbury.Solanki smashed a classy 59 from just 49 balls, striking 10 fours, and Kervezee69 from 84 balls as Worcestershire reached their victory target with three ballsto spare.They were at the heart of a superbly-paced chase after Kent, who won the toss,posted 232 for 8 from their 40 overs – a total which was less than theywould have hoped for when Martin van Jaarsveld and Darren Stevens were blazingaway in a third-wicket stand of 70 in just 12 overs.But Van Jaarsveld was caught at deep mid-wicket for a run-a-ball 81 soon afterStevens had fallen in similar fashion for a quickfire 41 which included sixfours and an effortless six launched over long on against off-spinner ShaaiqChoudhry. Van Jaarsveld hit nine fours in his innings.After that, however, no Kent batsman could increase the scoring ratesignificantly as Worcestershire’s bowling attack did well to restrict the lowermiddle order. Seamers Jack Shantry, Gareth Andrew and Damien Wright allimpressed as they shared six wickets.From 87 for 1, with Rob Key hitting 29 in a partnership worth 79 in 12 overswith Van Jaarsveld, Kent would have been aiming for a total above 250 -especially after Stevens arrived to maintain the early momentum.In reply, Worcestershire were given a perfect start by Solanki and Moeen Ali,who added 79 inside 11 overs before Moeen was trapped leg before wicket by JamesTredwell for 31 off 34 balls, with six fours.And Kent’s predominantly youthful and inexperienced attack could not containtheir opponents, even after Solanki hit 19-year-old off spinner Adam Rileystraight to Tredwell at short extra cover in the 17th over.Neil Pinner, a 20-year-old batsman, played a sensible supporting role as he andKervezee put the game almost beyond doubt with a third-wicket stand of 78 in 15overs. Pinner hit only one four in his 37 from 44 balls, but kept rotating thestrike perfectly.When Pinner was stumped by Geraint Jones, to give Riley a second wicket in apromising debut performance of two for 37 from eight overs, James Cameronarrived to help Kervezee add a further 46 in seven overs.On the verge of victory, Dutch star Kervezee holed out to mid-off whenattempting a big hit against Azhar Mahmood, but he had by then played thematch-winning innings.Riley and Ashley Shaw were making their competition debuts for Kent while18-year-old all-rounder Adam Ball had only one previous appearance, at the endof last season.They were included as Kent are currently suffering from an injury list whichincludes Robbie Joseph (leg), Dewald Nel (back), Simon Cook (finger), Matt Coles(knee) and Joe Denly (broken thumb).

Ramnaresh Sarwan, the West Indies batsman, has been dropped for the third and final Test against India

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jul-2011Struggling West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan has been dropped for the third and final Test against India in Dominica. Kieran Powell, a 21-year-old batsman from Leeward Islands, has been named as his replacement.Sarwan, 31, back in the Test side for the ongoing home season after nearly one-and-a-half years out, has struggled for form right through, starting with the Pakistan Tests. He managed only 54 runs in four innings against Pakistan, and his form nosedived further in the series against India, where he managed only 29 runs over the first two Tests. Sarwan seemed to have been informed of his axing soon after the second Test in Barbados. An hour after bad light ensured a draw, Sarwan tweeted: “Wishing the guys all the best in Dominica! Miami here I come.” Warner Park in Dominica is the venue for the third Test.Clyde Butts, chairman of the selection committee, said he expected Sarwan to make a strong comeback. “Ramnaresh is having a difficult time and it is best for him to make way and allow a player in better form to contribute to the team totals,” he said. “We have no doubt about Ramnaresh’s class as a batsman, he has proven himself countless times in the past and we are certain that he will return stronger in the near future.”Sarwan’s replacement, Powell, played two one-dayers for West Indies in 2009, when the entire first-choice team pulled out of a home series against Bangladesh and the Champions Trophy in South Africa due to a contract dispute. He was among the first batch of players to train at the Sagicor High Performance Centre after it was established in 2010. He has played 23 first-class matches since his debut in 2008 and averages 38.91.”Kieran is young but has been on the first-class circuit for some time and is a former Windies Under -19 World Cup player,” Butts said. “He did well for West Indies A and scored an impressive hundred against England Lions in the WICB Regional 4 Day Tournament but got injured subsequently. We believe he has bright future and this is an excellent opportunity for him to show his worth on the international stage.”Squad Adrian Barath, Lendl Simmons, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Marlon Samuels, Carlton Baugh (wk), Darren Sammy (capt), Fidel Edwards, Ravi Rampaul, Devendra Bishoo, Kirk Edwards, Kemar Roach, Kieran Powell.

Surrey have signed Azhar Mahmood for this year Friends Life T20 competition

George Dobell19-Apr-2013Surrey have signed Azhar Mahmood for this year Friends Life T20 competition. Mahmood, the former Pakistan allrounder who now qualifies as a non-overseas player, represented Surrey between 2002 and 2007 and is currently with Kings XI Punjab in the IPL.Aged 38, Azhar sustains Surrey’s recent policy of signing ‘mature’ players: Vikram Solanki (37), Gary Keedy (38) and Ricky Ponting (38) are also among the new additions to the club, joining the likes of Zander de Bruyn (37), Gareth Batty (35) and Jon Lewis (37).Azhar is certainly experienced. Only seven men have played more than his 170 T20 games and only three men have taken more than his 190 wickets. He is also 17th on the run-scorer list. He represented Kent between 2008 and 2012.”From what I gather, Azhar has been sorely missed since he left and should never have been released in the first place,” the Surrey team director, Chris Adams, said. “Come the start of the FLt20, to have such a high-skilled player of his quality to fill a number of roles with bat and ball is a great bonus for us. He comes with a wealth of experience, a great record behind him and we’re really, really pleased.”Mahmood said: “It feels very special to be coming back to Surrey. I enjoyed my time with Kent but, ever since I left Surrey in 2007, I was always getting messages from Surrey fans and supporters asking when I was coming back, so I say thank you especially to Chris Adams and Alec Stewart in bringing me home.”Obviously it’s a very different set up to when I was last at Surrey and Twenty20 cricket has also gone from strength to strength so it’s exciting times ahead. I like the squad Surrey have for Twenty20. It looks strong and a real mix of youth and experience, and I look forward to catching up with the guys when I get back from India.”Surrey, who came bottom of the South Group in last year’s competition, have also announced Octopus Investments as a new FLt20 sponsor.

Sri Lanka’s chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya said that his selection panel opted for experience rather than young talent while picking the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in England

Sa'adi Thawfeeq02-May-2013Sri Lanka’s chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya said that his selection panel opted for experience rather than young talent while picking the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in England. Sri Lanka are clubbed with hosts England, Australia and New Zealand in Group A and begin their campaign on June 9 against New Zealand in Cardiff.”We picked a team with experience because we are playing three of the best ODI teams in the group,” Jayasuriya told reporters on Thursday. “Our priority is to get into the next stage of the tournament. We exposed some youngsters during the home series against Bangladesh but in this type of tournament we have to play our best and an experienced side can handle pressure well.”Sri Lanka recalled left-arm fast bowler Chanaka Welegedara to the one-day squad after three years. Welegedara, 32, last played a one-day international in June 2010 and has struggled with injuries since then. He returned mid-way from Sri Lanka’s tour to Australia after suffering a hamstring injury.”Since he returned home from Australia, Welegedara has gone through a rehabilitation programme and has been declared fit by the team physio,” Jayasuriya said. “We have been monitoring his progress in the domestic matches closely where he bowled quite a few overs without showing any signs of discomfort. We picked him in the squad to give variety to the bowling. He is an experienced bowler and could be useful in English conditions.”Welegedara was among three players returning to the 15-man squad along with batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who missed the home series against Bangladesh due to a finger injury, and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who was rested.Jayasuriya said that Jayawardene could also step in as an opener but added, “The choice will be left to the selectors on tour but Mahela can be one of the options.” The two openers named in the squad are Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kusal Perera.

ESPNcricinfo’s Plays of the Day from the second day of the fourth Test between England and India at The Oval

Andrew Miller at The Oval19-Aug-2011Disdain of the day
Kevin Pietersen’s ego is still a key facet of his game, but it’s not the only thing that makes him tick these days. Ever since his double-hundred at Adelaide during the Ashes, he’s become more adept at laying his foundations before going bezerk, but that’s not to say he doesn’t still know how and when to go into overdrive. Today, he saved his most ostentatious shot for the over after he had reached his 150. After sweeping Amit Mishra to short fine leg for no run, KP decided it was time to raise the stakes and flipped in his stance to unfurl the switch hit. The ball soared over what had been extra cover for a one-bounce four, as fittingly he drew level with his ballistic 158 on this ground against Australia.Stat of the day
Take your pick from a smorgasbord. In their entire Test history, England had only ever managed 13 stands of 300 or more, and yet, today’s third-wicket alliance between Pietersen and Ian Bell was their third in the space of 12 months. When KP drove a return catch to Suresh Raina for 175, their final mark of 350 was their seventh-highest of all time, but only the third-best at The Oval. Len Hutton and Maurice Leyland added 382 against the Aussies in 1938, while David Gower and Graham Gooch made 351 against the same opponents in 1985.Shock of the day
It’s happened on 15 occasions in his last 11 Tests, so we really ought to be used to it by now, but somehow, every time Alastair Cook plays a false stroke and gets out, an air of incredulity takes hold of the punters in any given stadium. That is especially true if, as was the case on Friday morning, his departure comes under cloudless skies and without addition to his overnight score. Given how abject India’s bowlers had been on the first day, the assumption had been that Cook’s 34 not out would soon translate into his 20th Test century. Instead, Ishant Sharma – their one redeeming feature on Thursday – found some lift outside off stump, and an unestablished Cook poked loosely to first slip.Plod of the day
Andrew Strauss’s form at the top of the order doesn’t quite qualify as a concern, but he’s not been feeling the force in the past few months of action. His 87 at Edgbaston was a timely reminder of his quality, and when he went to bed on 38 not out overnight, he had the foundations of a promising innings. But what followed was a struggle, as India tightened their lines with RP Singh finding the edge with his first two balls of the day. Strauss retreated into his shell thereafter. England’s first run of the morning came after four complete overs, and he didn’t double his day’s tally until the 11th of the day. But then, with the mid-morning drinks break looming, he flashed ambitiously at a wide one from Sreesanth, and left the field swishing his bat in anger.Helpless moment of the day
Virender Sehwag at leg slip. Not the best pair of hands and definitely not the most athletic. Ishant Sharma had been bending his back all morning, putting in the hard yards and trying to get the better of the England batsmen. Mid-way into the second session, he angled a short-pitched delivery into the body of Kevin Pietersen. Moving across to off stump, Pietersen flicked the ball to the right of Sehwag, standing a couple of yards from the spot he should’ve actually been positioned at. Nevertheless, Sehwag just stood there, hands on knees, helplessly staring as the ball rushed to the fine-leg boundary for four. A panting Ishant stood aghast mid-pitch, gazing, wondering whatever happened to pro-activeness, agility and simple effort.Comedy of the day
Thank goodness RP Singh does not have a BCCI contract. Initially it was his selection that raised eyebrows, then it was his innocuous bowling at a docile pace. Adding to the complaints column today was his terrible fielding, which was exposed in two successive balls. Pietersen, inching towards the 90s, belted Mishra towards wide long-off, where a startled Singh took off abruptly but stopped just as suddenly, having lost track of the ball; embarrassingly he could not even gather the ball on the bounce. Pietersen swept the first ball of the next over, from Sachin Tendulkar, towards fine leg. Pietersen’s shot selection may have been determined by the fielder as Singh rushed nervously towards the ball, bent his knees to finish the job neatly but allowed a boundary to slip through his legs. The laughter from the Oval crowd was the most mocking of the day.