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The Pakistan legspinner thanked family and friends for their support as he faced a difficult month recovering from a bout of hepatitis

Umar Farooq15-May-2019

Legspinner Shadab Khan was left tense and frustrated after learning that he was suffering from hepatitis, two days after being picked for the Pakistan squads for the tour of England and the World Cup.A blood test had revealed Shadab was suffering from hepatitis, and was subsequently replaced by Yasir Shah in the squad for the England series, while the PCB arranged an appointment with a London-based gastroenterology and hepatology specialist. While Shadab recovered from the viral infection over the last month, his health was still a concern, with his chances of playing the World Cup at risk. But now he has been declared fit and is set to join the squad after the England series.”When you suddenly get to know that you have a viral [infection] in your blood, naturally I got frustrated but my team-mates and friends have been very supportive,” Shadab said. “I have a strong belief that whatever happens, happens for a reason and for good. I was tensed up on the first day but then I told my friends that whatever happened was in the past. If anything good is to happen, it will happen. So I asked them to avoid talking to me about it.”Shadab was given a two-week course of medication and was prescribed complete rest. He was declared fit after undergoing another round of blood tests in Lahore earlier this week and is set to leave for England soon.”I was always hopeful because the viral infection was found at its initial stage,” Shadab said. “With two weeks of medication, it’s out of my blood. Now I am heading to the World Cup. We [Pakistan] have been going there [to England] regularly over the last three years so it isn’t really difficult to acclimatise. All I have to do is to get in my rhythm otherwise I am mentally prepared for the challenge.”Shadab has been Pakistan’s key strike bowler in the middle overs for the last two years, and his return is a boost for the side. His replacement, Yasir, hasn’t made an impact as Pakistan have struggled with their bowling in the ongoing ODI series against England. Yasir’s ODI form has been a far cry from the quality that has marked him out as an elite Test bowler, and he was left out of the third ODI against England on Tuesday after conceding 60 runs in seven overs during the second ODI in Southampton last week.Pakistan have taken only seven England wickets in the last two ODIs, after the first match was washed out. The hosts scored 373 in the second ODI and on Tuesday, chased down 359 with 31 balls and six wickets to spare. Shadab who has a knack of picking wickets in the middle overs, believes the Pakistan bowlers are not in rhythm.”Nowadays you have to take wickets because cricket has become very fast and even 350 isn’t a par score,” Shadab said, reflecting on Pakistan’s performance in England so far. “Yes we have been struggling with the ball in the middle overs, but the way the batting is performing is a good sign. No doubt we lost the games but we put up a good fight and played competitive cricket, which gives a lot of boost to the team. Pakistan, anyway, still have the ability to win the remaining games.”I have already played in a competitive tournament, in the 2017 Champions Trophy, which we won. Victory indeed has its own taste. Even though we lost a few games, I know how to adapt in a big tournament. Our team has 100% skills to do well in the World Cup. Yes, they are struggling but so are the other teams in many ways. They are playing good cricket overall. Yes, the bowlers are not doing well, they are actually not in the rhythm required but once they start clicking, we will start winning the games. Overall, when you are missing four key players [Shadab, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik] it becomes increasingly tough. But there is a difference between pressure for a series and the World Cup, so I am optimistic about our chances there and we will try to win the World Cup.”

A year ago, Manchester United were busy in the transfer window, striking three loan deals to fill out Erik ten Hag's squad. Striker Wout Weghorst joined from Burnley, midfielder Marcel Sabitzer came in from Bayern Munich and Jack Butland moved north from Crystal Palace.

In 2023, United were acting from a position of strength as they battled for a Premier League top-four place, but this year, they're in danger of missing out on European football altogether as they languish in seventh.

It remains to be seen to what extent players returning from injury can solve United's problems – centre-back Lisandro Martinez played his first game since mid-September as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Spurs last time out, while midfielder Casemiro also returned to the bench in that fixture. In addition, centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could be back available for the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Newport County.

Ten Hag hasn't been furnished with any external reinforcements just yet, but it seems there could be some significant activity before the month is out.

"Huge" Man Utd deal teased

According to Football Insider, which shared some Man Utd transfer news, the Red Devils could strike a "huge" big-money deal before the end of the month. One or two loan moves are more likely, but depending on departures, there may be room for a more high-profile addition. With United reliant on shifting further players, it's likely that any "marquee" permanent signing would be "last-gasp" – and centre-back will be the primary area of focus.

The report notes that United have trimmed their wage bill already by sending Jadon Sancho on loan to Borussia Dortmund, with the Bundesliga club set to cover 40% of his £250k-per-week salary. Hannibal Mejbri and Facundo Pellistri's temporary moves to Sevilla and Granada respectively have freed up extra funds, too.

United should focus on striker instead

United's defensive record this season isn't where Ten Hag would want it to be. They've conceded 29 goals in their 21 matches, and while that's the sixth-lowest amount in the division, it's still an excessive average of 1.38 per match. The Red Devils have actually been let off the hook by wasteful finishing at times as well, with their opponents amassing 33.7 expected goals up to this point (the eight-highest in the league).

From that standpoint, you can see why he might want a new centre-back, but Ten Hag should also recognise the extent of the upheaval in that department. Even before Christmas, he used ten different partnerships at the heart of defence in the midst of repeated injuries, but things should settle down now with Martinez back and Maguire and Lindelof both closing in on returns.

There's a strong argument, then, that Ten Hag should place faith in his fit-again defenders to shore United up, and instead address their glaring issues at the other end. They urgently need to take the load off Rasmus Hojlund, who's only scored two Premier League goals so far, and inject some life into an attack that's scored fewer goals (24) than five teams in the bottom half.

دافع المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي نيس، فرانك هايس، عن مدافعه الجديد، محمد عبد المنعم، بعد الخسارة أمام مارسيليا في الديربي ببطولة الدوري الفرنسي.

وسقط نيس خارج أرضه على ملعب “فيلودروم” بنتيجة 2-0، كان أداء الفريق الدفاعي ليس جيدًا مع مشاركة أساسية للمرة الأولى لمدافع الأهلي السابق.

لكن كانت هناك صعوبات قد قابلت، محمد عبد المنعم، خلال المباراة في مواجهة مهاجمين مارسيليا ولكن مدرب نيس كان له رأي آخر.

اقرأ أيضًا | مروة عبد الملك: مسؤولو نيس منبهرون بدعم جماهير الأهلي لـ عبد المنعم.. وسألوا عن لفظ ابننا

وقال هايس في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “Nice Matin” الفرنسية، وقال: “حتى لو واجه محمد عبد المنعم بعض الصعوبات في مواقف معينة بالمباراة، إننا لم ندفع ثمنها أيضًا”.

وتابع: “أعتقد أن ما يحدث معه هو جزء من عملية التعلم، إذا تم اعتباره أفضل مدافع مصري، فذلك لأن المنافسة في بلده ضعيفة بعض الشيء”.

واستمر مدرب نيس: “يجب أن نعطيه القليل من الوقت، لقد كان قادرًا على مواجهة مهاجمي الدوري الفرنسي في المباراتين الماضيتين”.

وأتم: “المهاجمون هنا في فرنسا مختلفون بعض الشيء عن أولئك الذين اعتاد على مواجهتهم في مصر، ليس لدي شكوك حول إمكانياته لأنني أرى كل شيء يقوم به في التدريبات”.

Manchester United's on-field displays this season have left something to be desired with Erik ten Hag's men scoring a pitiful 24 league goals so far in 2023/24.

Fortunately, matters are starting to improve off the field now with Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to enter the club.

Moves have been made to finally replace Richard Arnold too with the Red Devils poaching one of Manchester City's finest minds away from the Etihad.

Indeed, it was reported over the weekend that Omar Berrada is set to be appointed as United's CEO. No official start date has been revealed yet but this is a truly exciting hire judging by his track record at City.

He helped broker deals for the likes of Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish and Rodri, while making record profit from City Academy players. Clearly, Berrada is an excellent negotiator. Let's put it this way, it's unlikely United would have paid £86m for Antony under his watch.

So, enough talk, who could he sign? Here are three dream acquisitions once the club's new CEO gets his feet under the table.

Related No Hojlund, Pogba 2.0 signs: The dream XI Omar Berrada could build at Man Utd

Erik ten Hag could have a new-look United team next month.

Posts ByTom Lever Jan 22, 2024 1 Joshua Zirkzee – their own Erling Haaland

One of the biggest priorities for Berrada upon his entrance to Old Trafford will be to bolster their offensive ranks. Rasmus Hojlund clearly has a lot of talent but his ability to score goals on a regular basis has been questioned since being signed.

The Dane has five Champions League goals to his name but only two in the Premier League, the first of which had to wait for Boxing Day.

One solution could be Joshua Zirkzee. A reported target for the Red Devils, it's thought the Dutchman will cost £50m if his Bologna side agree to a summer sale.

Described as being "out of this world" by analyst Ben Mattinson, the 22-year-old has scored eight goals in 22 outings this term. You may think another raw attacker is not what the club needs but his potential speaks for itself.

Zirkzee is a player who's been mentioned in the same breath as Haaland too, with Turkish football journalist Süleyman Öztürk sensationally saying: "He is better than Erling Haaland in almost everything, only the monster in him is missing."

2 Michael Olise – their own Jack Grealish

Another exciting name to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford in recent weeks is Crystal Palace's French sensation Michael Olise.

Like a certain Grealish, the Eagles star has thrived in a team enjoying far less possession than the top sides and looks every bit a player ready for a big move. The good news for United is that he'll cost £40m less than Grealish did with Olise's release clause currently sat at £60m.

The winger has endured a wretched campaign with injury in 2023/24 but has still found room to deliver some marvellous displays, scoring five goals in nine league matches to date. He was equally sensational last season, although was certainly more creative, producing 11 assists in 37 top-flight outings.

Like the aforementioned City star, Olise is a marvel with the ball at his feet. Over the last 365 days, the Palace sensation has attempted 4.90 take-ons per 90 minutes compared to Grealish's 4.81. They are certainly alike in that regard.

3 Martin Zubimendi – their own Rodri

Another area of the pitch Berrada must look to strengthen is in midfield. Scott McTominay has been prolific in front of goal this term, notching six times, but let's just say that has disguised some laboured displays in other parts of the field.

Such has been their woes in a central position that teenager Kobbie Mainoo is now being relied upon to dictate the tempo of the game.

Yet, in Martin Zubimendi, a player United are reportedly potentially looking at for the summer, they could loosen that reliance.

Spain coach Jose Luis De La Fuente, once stated that the Real Sociedad star deserves to be mentioned in the same company as Rodri, scorer in the Champions League final last term: "For me, they are the best midfielders in the world in their position. and they are perfectly compatible.”

Zubimendi's 2023/24 La Liga Stats

Stats (per 90)

Zubimendi

Ranking in Spain

Non-penalty goals

0.21

Top 11%

Passes completed (medium)

19.35

Top 15%

Pass completion % (medium)

89.2%

Top 22%

Passes into final third

4.61

Top 33%

Interceptions

1.22

Top 26%

Clearances

1.80

Top 20%

Stats via FBref

Preferring to orchestrate the play and break up the play from deep, there are certainly similarities, even if the Sociedad midfielder isn't a tackle monster, sitting inside the worst 30% of positionally similar players in Europe's top five leagues for tackles per 90 minutes in the last year. So, what does he offer? Well, Zubimendi is an elite reader of the play, sitting inside the top 12% of midfielders in Europe for passes blocked.

These three signings would be superb first acquisitions for Berrada if he could get them over the line. It's over to you, Omar.

MatériaMais Notícias

A camisa do São Paulo terá uma marca diferenciada no espaço do patrocinador máster na partida contra o Novorizontino, às 16h30, neste sábado (13), pela quarta rodada do Campeonato Paulista.

Espaço ficou vazio: lembre todos os patrocinadores máster do São Paulo

A #VacinaJá, que simboliza a campanha de incentivo à vacinação contra a Covid-19, vai ocupar o principal espaço do manto do Tricolor.A ação foi lançada pela Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF) no início do Campeonato Paulista, e tem o apoio dos 16 clubes participantes do campeonato.

CONFIRA A TABELA ATUALIZADA DO CAMPEONATO PAULISTA DE 2021

RelacionadasSão PauloCom desfalques, São Paulo encerra preparação para enfrentar o Novorizontino; veja possível timeSão Paulo12/03/2021São PauloGaleano testa negativo para Covid-19, mas será desfalque no São PauloSão Paulo12/03/2021São PauloZagueiro Diego Costa, do São Paulo, testa positivo para Covid-19São Paulo12/03/2021

A ação tem como objetivo conscientizar a população sobre a importância da vacinação contra o novo coronavírus.Desde o início da pandemia, o São Paulo tem se colocado à disposição para ajudar as autoridades no combate à doença, como ceder o Morumbi para ser ponto de vacinação.

– Vivemos um momento delicado da pandemia. Todos têm que ter essa consciência para se cuidarem. Se possível tomar a vacina, a vacinação é importante. Vamos pensar no bem de todos e também no coletivo – disse o atacante Pablo, em vídeo divulgado pelo Tricolor.

Campanha de estímulo à vacinação, #VacinaFC estampa a camisa do Tricolor neste sábado, em duelo pelo @Paulistao

➡️ https://t.co/r3GmrKb6I4 pic.twitter.com/a1zY754pPU

— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) March 12, 2021

Vale lembrar que esta semana vem sendo de casos no elenco do Tricolor. Os zagueiros Léo e Diego Costa e o lateral Wellington foram diagnosticados com o vírus. O atacante Galeano, por morar junto com Diego Costa, também está fora da partida por precaução.

O São Paulo vem em boa fase no começo do Paulistão. Até o momento, o Tricolor tem sete pontos conquistados, com duas vitórias (Inter de Limeira e Santos) e um empate (Botafogo-SP). O time está na liderança do Grupo B, com sete pontos, empatado com a Ferroviária.

The former India captain says India are “lucky” to have bowlers who can take wickets in the middle overs in what he expects to be a high-scoring World Cup

PTI18-May-2019

Rahul Dravid has said the presence of wicket-taking bowlers in India’s line-up will greatly benefit them in the middle overs of what is expected to be a high-scoring World Cup.”I believe, having experienced some of the conditions in England last year with the A-team tour, it would be a high-scoring World Cup,” Dravid, the former India captain who now coaches the A team and Under-19s, said. “And in a high-scoring World Cup, having bowlers who can take wickets in the middle will be very important. I think India is lucky in that regard.”He added: “People like (Jasprit) Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal… (India have) got bowlers who can take wickets. Teams that are taking wickets through those middle overs in those high-scoring games have a better better chance of restricting the opposition.”India played their last international on March 13, after which the IPL kicked off. While the loss in that five-match series to Australia at home was unexpected, India have done well in ODIs over the last year, scripting a series win in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.Dravid took into considerations these victories while talking about India’s prospects at the World Cup. “I think we have had a couple of really good years leading to the World Cup. For right reasons, we are No. 2 in the world (in ODIs) and that actually means that we have consistently produced some successful results in the last two and half years. We can be hopeful.”I think it’s going to be a tough World Cup. Every team comes well prepared and wants to compete. Everyone at the World Cup will be putting their best foot forward.”So having said that I would say India is definitely one of the favourites in the tournament and all of us can be hopeful. Hopefully we make the semi-final and from there on there are four very good teams.”Bowling is going to play a very big role in this World Cup and the team that bowls best, probably, will be closer to winning it.”Dravid showered praise on captain Virat Kohli. “Virat, you know he just keeps improving, keeps getting better. He is setting bars and standards that possibly we thought would never be achieved. Sachin (Tendulkar) scored 49-50 [49] hundreds in one-day cricket. People thought that this would take a lot of time to achieve, will it be ever achieved… And now Virat is 10 [eight] away from it or close to it.”One of the things about Virat is that even if he has a bad tour – it is not that he hasn’t had bad tours, he had a disappointing tour of England in 2014, he wasn’t as successful in Australia first time around, but every time he goes back, he goes back as a better player. He sort of reinvents his game to a point where he is constantly improving.”Dravid also had words of praise for World-Cup winning captain MS Dhoni. “The beauty about MS is that he plays these big tournaments and these big matches… he plays them and they mean a lot (but) – I tell the Under-19 boys – he is able to find a way to play it like it doesn’t mean a lot.”Obviously it means a lot (but) he is able to see a bigger picture in it and say I’m not defined by this particular game. It is a hard thing to do.”

قدم المدير الفني لفريق برشلونة، هانز فليك، آخر الاستعدادات الخاصة بشأن فريقه وذلك قبل مواجهة فياريال في الدوري الإسباني.

ويلاقي برشلونة نظيره فياريال ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من منافسات الدوري الإسباني “لاليجا”، على ملعب “لا سيراميكا”، غداً الأحد.

ويحتل برشلونة صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم برصيد 15 نقطة.

اقرأ ايضاً.. جوندوجان: لا أشعر بالندم للعب لـ برشلونة.. ولم أتوقع رد فعل جوارديولا

وقال هانز فليك في المؤتمر الصحفي قبل المباراة: “سأتطلع بإيجابية لمباراة موناكو، ونحلل أخطاءها. انا فخور بهذا الفريق حقاً، كما قلت بداية الموسم لا توجد أعذار، لذلك كل ثلاثة أيام لدينا مباراة، لكنني أعتقد أننا قادرون على التعامل مع ذلك”.

وأضاف: “علينا أيضًا أن نعتني ببعض اللاعبين الذين لديهم عبء كبير، لذلك من الجيد أن يكون لدينا لاعبين آخرين”.

وتابع: “ما أحبه في كرة القدم الإسبانية، أن كل الفرق تحب لعبة كرة القدم وتخرج للعبها هجوميًا، وهذا ما نفعله أيضًا في فريقنا”.

وأوضح قائلاٌ: “مارك كاسادو كان يشعر بتحسن كبير بعد ظهر أمس وأعتقد أنه سيتمكن من اللعب غدًا. كذلك بيدري. لقد قاموا بجلسة تعافي اليوم قبل السفر”.

وعن إصابات الفريق: “أنا أركز حاليًا على اللاعبين القادرين على اللعب. فرينكي بخير، ونحن نعتني به. يمكنني قول نفس الشيء عن جافي. إنه يشارك في التدريبات والروندو، لكنه بحاجة لبعض الوقت أيضًا”.

وعن طرد جارسيا في مباراة موناكو ولعبه في مركز جديد أكد فليك: “تحدثت مع جارسيا بشأن مركزه، وأنا أراه حاليًا كلاعب 6. حدث ما حدث في لقاء موناكو، لكن أعتقد أنه بحالة جيدة وهو جاهز للعب كرقم 6 أو حتى كقلب دفاع”.

وأشار: “أعلم أننا خسرنا أمام موناكو، واليوم تحدثنا عن كيفية دفاعنا، لقد قمنا بذلك بشكل جيد جدًا. ما قمنا بتعليمه للاعبين هو كيفية مواجهة الفرق القوية مثل فياريال. الجميع يعرفون ما هي المراكز التي يجب أن يشغلوها، والمناطق التي يجب تغطيتها. عندما يكون هناك تناغم جيد، تلعب بشكل رائع”.

وأفاد فليك: “أعتقد أن الاتحاد الأوروبي والفيفا عليهم أن يعتنوا باللاعبين. نحن نحب جميعًا كرة القدم، لكن إن كنت تريد جودة أعلى من المباريات، فيجب أن تقلل عددها”.

عن خطأ شتيجن في مباراة موناكو أجاب قائلاً: “ربما ارتكب خطأ في مباراة موناكو، لكن الكل يرتكب أخطاءً، فنحن بشر، الأهم أن نتعلم من تلك الأخطاء، ونقوم بتوجيه اللاعبين للأنسب. لكن بالنسبة لي الأمر انتهى، وعلينا أن نرى المباراة المقبلة”.

Celtic have now made a transfer breakthrough in their attempts to make a late striker signing for Brendan Rodgers.

Celtic signings this season

The Hoops were extremely busy over the summer following Rodgers’ return, with a number of new players arriving at Celtic Park.

Celtic summer window signings

Fee

Gustaf Lagerbielke (IF Elfsborg)

£3m

Odin Thiago Holm (Valerenga)

£2.5m

Marco Tilio (Melbourne City)

£2m

Hyun-Jun Yang (Gangwon)

£2m

Hyeokkyu Kwon (Busan I-Park)

£1m

Maik Nawrocki (Legia Warsaw)

£4.3m

Tomoki Iwata (Yokohama F. Marinos)

Undisc.

All fees according to Sky Sports

In the transfer market, this month, the Hoops have made just one new signing in winger Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna. On the pitch, Rodgers’ side are leading the race for another Scottish Premiership title, even though frustrations have recently been heard from the stand.

As a result, Celtic chiefs appear to be dipping into the market with just hours remaining of the window for a new striker, but it isn't Sydney van Hooijdonk.

Celtic make Adam Idah transfer breakthrough

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, Celtic have agreed a deal to sign Adam Idah from Norwich City, with a medical already underway.

“Celtic have agreed a deal with Norwich City to sign striker Adam Idah and he is undergoing a medical in London on Wednesday, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed that the 22-year-old has already started medical tests ahead of his loan move to Parkhead.

“The Hoops and the Canaries have reached a full agreement which will see the Republic of Ireland international join for the remainder of the season. Well-placed sources told Football Insider that Idah is keen on a switch to the Scottish lead leaders this month.”

Idah has played all of his senior football for the Canaries after coming through the academy at Carrow Road.

Adam Idah stats

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Norwich

115

17

4

Republic of Ireland

22

3

0

The 22-year-old has netted seven times during the current campaign and came in for praise from pundit Carlton Palmer following his display against the Netherlands, where he caused issues for Nathan Ake and Virgil van Dijk.

“Adam Idah, the Norwich City centre forward, has had an impressive start to the season. He’s scored three goals in seven matches for club and country. And now with Josh Sargent injured for Norwich, it’s a welcome boost for the club.

“Norwich will hope that this performance will give him the confidence to carry on scoring in the Championship, playing against much, much less talented defenders than van Dijk and Ake.”

Celtic will now be the ones hoping that his “impressive” recent form can continue at Parkhead, and by the looks of things, it’s now a matter of time until a transfer is announced and Idah can rival the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Hyeon-gyu Oh in attack.

“We wanted to get the guys together, just have a team event, a team bonding session. And I think it went really well,” captain Jason Holder said

Sidharth Monga in Manchester21-Jun-20194:19

Ganga: Inconsistency has plagued West Indies

Cricket has an unhealthy obsession with training. Of course, you need to come to the ground once before the match to look at the pitch, get the feel of it, but teams rightly take the day before the match easy. Fast bowlers usually give training a miss the day before. Main batsmen are left to their devices. If the coach feels someone needs work, that particular player is summoned. So it should not come as a big surprise if a team chooses to take the whole day off and indulges in other team-bonding activities. Not if you are losing, though.And West Indies have been losing. Every game for them now is like a must-win. Next up are unbeaten New Zealand. West Indies are under the pump, and so it becomes a big issue to cricket that they didn’t practise but went clay-target shooting on the eve of the game. They know the conditions from a full-on training session two days from the match. They have niggles to monitor. Yet their captain Jason Holder’s press conference was almost like a hearing.Holder didn’t lose his cool. At least he didn’t show it. “We had a team event,” Holder said when asked if it was right his side had gone clay-target shooting instead of training. “We wanted to get the guys together, just have a team event, a team bonding session. And I think it went really well.”The assumption with West Indies missing the training is that they have already given up on the tournament. Holder found himself defending the side against such comments too. The thing is, there isn’t enough verbal defending you can do. “I think the only thing we can do is come and play a solid game of cricket tomorrow against New Zealand,” Holder said. “I think there has been enough talk going around for quite some time. And we’ve just got to play cricket now. I think we’ve done enough talking as a group. It’s just a matter for us to deliver.”Their decision-making – a high-risk strategy of going short and quick with the ball and looking to hit big with the bat – has been under the scanner as has been playing half-fit players. It went too far when Andre Russell kept limping on the field against Bangladesh even though he didn’t bowl after the 25th over. But that’s how desperate it has been for West Indies: they kept him on in the hope he could deliver some magic against new batsmen if they do get a breakthrough somehow.Jason Holder launches it down the ground•Getty Images

In the match against New Zealand, West Indies won’t have that dilemma. “We’ve still got a few niggles within the group,” Holder said. “We’re trying to manage niggles the best we possibly can. I think one guy who probably may be definitely out tomorrow is Russell. I don’t think he’s fit enough to go tomorrow. But everybody else should be good to go.”West Indies do have hope, though. They are coming to a venue that has been full of runs, and they have memories of what they did to the New Zealand bowlers in the warm-up game: score 421 runs against virtually the same attack. They draw inspiration from that.”It just shows what we can produce,” Holder said of the warm-up game. “It’s a situation where we’ve just got to pull on those resources, remember the things that we did in that game. And it just shows that when we’re at our best what we can produce. I just think the guys just need to be clear, need to be calm and just execute their plans.”West Indies had to take the Qualifier route to the World Cup. They are playing with a team that rarely comes together. They are a side that has had to take risks and hope for some luck to compete in this tournament. They have been unfortunate with injuries and niggles. It is clear it has not worked out for them but they are a win short of being in the same boat as Bangladesh.So it is not because of not training a day before the game that they find themselves in the position they are. Nor does it mean Holder has not had a stern word or three with the team. “I think it’s a situation where you’ve had to be tough,” Holder said. “We’ve had a few frank discussions within the dressing room to find ways in which we can improve on. I think all teams would get themselves in that situation at some point. But, yeah, we’ve had some pretty good discussions over the last couple of days. And tomorrow is just a day to deliver.”As for beating New Zealand, “I’d say it’s not impossible. We’ve beaten them before. We can beat them again.”

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