AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn last played Test cricket in 2016, while Vernon Philander made a return after an injury lay-off that had ruled him out of the Bangladesh series

Firdose Moonda19-Dec-20175:39

Cullinan: I wouldn’t select Dale Steyn to play against Zimbabwe

AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn have returned to South Africa’s Test squad for the inaugural four-day, day-night Test against Zimbabwe, which starts on Boxing Day in Port Elizabeth. De Villiers last played a Test in January 2016, while Steyn has not played international cricket after suffering a shoulder injury in Perth last year.

South Africa Test squad

Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn

The duo were joined in the squad by Morne Morkel, who has recovered from a side strain that has sidelined him since late October, and Vernon Philander, who is fully fit after a back problem sustained in England. Captain Faf du Plessis, who is in the final stages of recovery from a shoulder operation, has also been named.Chris Morris, who bowled Titans to victory in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge final, has not been included. Morris suffered a slight groin strain in that match and has also been withdrawn from the South African Invitation XI to play Zimbabwe in a three-day warm-up match in Paarl from Wednesday. De Villiers was initially due to participate in that match but will no longer play because of a lower back strain. De Villiers remains available for selection for the Test but there is no confirmation that du Plessis is guaranteed a start. ESPNcricinfo understands the Test captain may be granted an extra week’s rest to ensure he is ready for matches against India, which begin in early 2018.”It is a very exciting moment not just for South Africa but for world cricket to have Dale and AB, two icons of the game, back in the multi-day format,” Linda Zondi, CSA’s convener of selectors said. “AB and Dale bring loads of experience to the side apart from being two of the South African all-time greats. It is also good to have Vernon back and it is very encouraging that our four premium fast bowlers – Steyn, Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel – are all back in the selection mix.”South Africa’s pace pack will use the Zimbabwe match to find rhythm ahead of a summer which includes seven more Tests – three against India and four against Australia.With all the premier quicks available, there was only room for one more seam bowler – allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo – as neither Duanne Olivier nor Wayne Parnell were included.The squad is also heavily stocked with batting options. Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram will open the batting, with Hashim Amla to follow. But, if South Africa stick with the same team balance they employed against Bangladesh, there may only be space for two out of Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, Temba Bavuma and Theunis de Bruyn, with Quinton de Kock at No.6, followed by the bowlers. Against Bangladesh, South Africa used six batsmen, two allrounders, two seamers and a spinner.They may, however, revert to a seven-batsmen strategy, which would likely see Phehlukwayo miss out completely and leave the selectors with a choice between three of the four seamers and Maharaj. The possibility of an all-pace attack, especially on green Highveld pitches, against India, cannot be ruled out.

They have now become the country’s most successful first-class team having eclipsed five-time champions Rajshahi Divison

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-2017Tier 1Khulna Division completed a hat-trick of National Cricket League titles after crushing Dhaka Division by an innings and 49 runs. They have now become the country’s most successful first-class team having eclipsed five-time champions Rajshahi Divison.Mehidy Hasan set up the victory at the BKSP-3 ground with a seven-wicket haul in the first innings as Dhaka were bowled out for 113 in 38.4 overs. Mehidy’s 7 for 24 was his best bowling figures, and he finished the game with his third 10-for in first-class cricket.Khulna replied with 459 for 8 in only 91 overs with Anamul Haque making his second first-class double-hundred while Mahedi Hasan blasted 177. Anamul struck 23 fours and four sixes in his 251-ball 202. Mahedi hammered 21 fours and two sixes in his 160-ball effort. The pair added 295 runs for the second wicket.Later, Mehidy and Rubel Hossain took three wickets each as Dhaka were bowled out for 297 in their second innings on the fourth morning.Nasir Hossain fell five runs short of a triple-century during Rangpur Division’s drawn game against Barisal Division in Chittagong. Nasir’s 295, spanning ten hours and 510 balls and including 32 fours and three sixes, is now the second-highest score by a Bangladeshi in a first-class match.His 368-run fifth wicket stand with Ariful Haque, who made 162, is now the fifth highest stand in Bangladesh’s first-class history. Ariful struck 10 fours and two sixes in his 290-ball effort. Their partnership was the cornerstone of Rangpur’s mammoth 614 for 7 in reply to Barisal’s first=innings 335. Sohag Gazi had top-scored for Barisal with 99.Barisal reached 217 for four on the final day and were relegated to Tier 2 alongside Dhaka Division.Milton AhmedTier 2Rajshahi Division were one of two teams to earn promotion for next season’s NCL after they drew their last Tier-2 game against Dhaka Metropolis.Batting first, Dhaka Metro posted 328 with Shadman Islam and Marshall Ayub hitting fifties. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam took 5 for 105.Rajshahi’s reply was massive, as they posted 668 in 152.4 overs. Nazmul Hossain Shanto made 194 with 21 fours in seven hours and 42 minutes. He was involved in a record 341-run opening partnership with Mizanur Rahman, who made 175 off 210 balls, which included 30 fours and two sixes. Their partnership is a new high for opening stands in Bangladesh’s domestic cricket.Later, Farhad Reza also chipped in with 106 off 151 balls, an innings included 12 fours and five sixes.The game meandered to a draw as Dhaka Metro reached 118 for five on the final day. Shafiul Islam took three wickets.Sylhet Division also gained promotion to next year’s Tier 1 after a drawn game against Chittagong Division.Chittagong were bowled out for 215 with Abul Hasan and Enamul Haque jnr taking three wickets each. Yasir Ali top-scored with 81.Offspinner Iftekhar Sajjad then took a five-wicket haul as Sylhet were shot out for just 137. Left-arm quick Mehedi Hasan Rana took three wickets.Chittagong then stretched their lead to 458 thanks to more good form from Yasir, who struck an unbeaten century. His 102 came off 176 balls and contained seven fours and a six.Rajin Saleh then played a typical backs-to-the-wall innings to save Sylhet from defeat, his 104 coming in five hours and 36 minutes on the final day. Sylhet reached 309 for 7 in 126 overs. Iftekhar and Rana took three wickets each.

Everton are potentially interested in signing Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah during the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

How much does Trevoh Chalobah earn?

The 24-year-old, who currently earns £50,000 per week at Stamford Bridge, has become a solid squad player for the Blues of late, albeit being part of a struggling team that unfathomably finished 12th in the Premier League last season.

Chalobah started 18 of his side's 38 league matches, averaging 2.2 clearances per game, but it remains to be seen what his current squad role is moving forward. In Levi Colwill, Chelsea have an exceptional young defensive talent who will surely push for regular playing time in 2023/24, while Axel Disasi has arrived from Monaco as well.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

The Englishman's current Blues deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2028, but it could be that Mauricio Pochettino doesn't see him as a key figure moving forward, meaning the club are willing to listen to offers for him before the current transfer window closes later this month.

That's where Everton come into play, as they continue to look at defensive reinforcements this summer, having lost Yerry Mina and also decided not to make Conor Coady's loan move from Wolves a permanent one.

Will Everton sign Trevoh Chalobah?

According to Football Insider, Everton are one of a host of clubs eyeing up a summer move for Chalobah, should he be allowed to leave Chelsea:

"Everton are among the sides plotting a move for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, sources have told Football Insider.

"Everton are ready to pounce and secure a deal, while fellow Premier League sides West Ham and Crystal Palace are also poised to join the race for Chalobah’s signature."

Chalobah could actually be a strong signing by Everton, at a time when a younger centre-back option could be ideal, considering James Tarkowski is now in his 30s. At 24, he should be heading towards his prime as a footballer, and the fact that he could become far more of a regular at Goodison Park than at Chelsea could entice him.

The three-time capped England Under-21 international has been praised by Graham Potter in the recent past, with the former Blues manager saying of him:

"He wasn’t in for the first couple of games, but acted perfectly: trained really well, very professional, very determined. He’s an impressive character, very focused on his football. He’s a bit of a soldier. He’s played in all the games, we’re having some problems in terms of availability for players, but he’s stood up, stood in and he’s performing at a really good level."

This further illustrated the many attributes Chalobah possesses as a footballer, and while he may not be the most sparkling of centre-backs around, he is someone who could immediately make Everton more of a force defensively, and act as a long-term signing who should only get better.

Man Utd winger Leah Galton has signed a new deal as the club looks to tie down many of its out-of-contract stars, England star Mary Earps among them.

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• Galton pens new Man Utd deal
• Was set to become a free agent this summer
• But club yet to agree terms with many, including Earps

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Man Utd have been working for some time to agree a new contract with Galton, with the long-serving forward set to become a free agent in the summer. However, on Wednesday, the club confirmed that the two parties have struck a deal.

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• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  After signing the dotted lines, the English forward said, "I’m delighted to continue my journey with Manchester United and want to thank my friends, family and team-mates for their continued support – along with our wonderful fans, who have been great to me throughout my time here."

  Manager Mark Skinner was delighted to see his player extending his stay at the club as he said, "Leah continues to lead by example, on and off the pitch, and epitomises everything a professional footballer should be. We are delighted to see her commit her future to the club and look forward to many more winning experiences together."

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Galton has been at the club since it relaunched its women's team back in 2018. She's racked up over 100 appearances in that time and played a vital role in Man Utd establishing themselves at the top table, helping the Red Devils to hit milestones such as promotion to the Women's Super League, an FA Cup final and their first ever appearance in the Women's Champions League.

  To keep the 29-year-old around is a huge boost, then, but there is still a lot of work for Man Utd to do when it comes to contract renewals. Captain Katie Zelem and forwards Lucia Garcia, Rachel Williams and Nikita Parris all have contracts that will expire in a few months' time, as does England star Mary Earps, who was linked heavily with a move to Arsenal last summer. There have been rumblings of interest from clubs in Europe for Earps during the January transfer window, too, but she appears set to stay in Manchester for the time being.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Galton is one of just five players to make over 100 appearances for Man Utd's women's team, along with Ella Toone, Zelem, Millie Turner and Earps. She is also the team's second highest goal-scorer in its short history, only behind Toone.

Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and they appear to have the advantage over one Premier League rival when it comes to a potential transfer.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils have been busy so far this summer with big-money moves for Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund. There could be further business before the September 1 deadline, though, however, that may depend on any Old Trafford departures.

A new midfielder could be on the cards should a number of players move on, with Sofyan Amrabat and Amadou Onana two players heavily linked with a move to Erik ten Hag’s side.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Another player who has been of interest earlier in the year is Gravenberch, and it looks as if United could be back in for the 21-year-old.

According to Foot Mercato, Man United, alongside rivals Liverpool, ‘have reactivated the track leading to the Dutch international’. The report claims that no offer has been made so far, however, Gravenberch, should he leave Munich, would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Anfield.

Who is Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch can play as a central or holding midfielder and is under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2027. The Netherlands U21 international left Ajax for Bayern Munich just last year and has made 33 appearances for the Bundesliga champions.

Prior to that, Gravenberch, on £152,000-a-week, made more than 100 appearances for Ajax so has played plenty of first team football early into his career.

He has also came in for praise from former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, who suggested last year that Gravenberch was "better than most other footballers", saying:

“He has my complete confidence. He also knows exactly what he needs to fit our style of play perfectly. He has everything a footballer needs. He has a fantastic dribble and can play out under the pressure.

“Ryan is better than most other footballers in Europe his age. You must have patience. This is Bayern Munich. You have to be better than the other players because there is no reason for me not to field the best."

Therefore, should Man United miss out on Amrabat or Onana, then perhaps a move for Gravenberch could be one to watch and a potential shrewd transfer by Old Trafford chiefs.

You’d expect he’ll only get better with age, and he has already worked under Ten Hag in the Netherlands, with all of his Ajax appearances coming under the United manager.

The 6ft 2 midfielder has been compared to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham over the past 12 months, as per FBref, and statistically, has also impressed.

Compared to midfielders, Gravenberch has ranked in the top 10% for tackles in midfield and attacking zones, shot-creating actions and long pass completion, showing his ability in a number of areas. He also ranks highly for carries into the final third and progressive passes received, so Ten Hag may view the midfielder as an ideal addition to challenge the likes of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen, making this one to watch.

Suresh Raina scored his third successive 50-plus score after Baroda opener Urvil Patel smashed 96 runs off 54 balls

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jan-2018Umang Sharma’s 47-ball 95 and captain Suresh Raina’s 56 off 47, his third successive 50-plus score, powered Uttar Pradesh to a seven-wicket win over Baroda in Kolkata. Set a target of 193, UP romped home with eight balls to spare and completed their fifth win from six games.Electing to bowl, UP’s bowlers were put to the sword by Baroda openers Kedar Devdhar and Urvil Patel. They put on 74 runs in 9.3 overs before Devdhar was dismissed for 37 off 32 balls off left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan. Devdhar, who is listed for a reserve price of INR 20 lakh in the IPL auctions, had a good run in the inter-state leg of the tournament where he made scores of 100 and 62* earlier this month. He also scored 77 off 53 against Delhi on Monday.Urvil, 19-years old, went on to put on 92 runs for the second wicket with captain Deepak Hooda, who smashed a 25-ball 45. Hooda has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past and has set his reserve price at INR 40 lakh. He is expected to have takers at the auction for his middle-order biffing. Urvil eventually finished with a smashing 54-ball 96, including 12 fours and four sixes. Almost every UP bowler went for plenty of runs, with Praveen Kumar conceding 45 runs in three overs. While Mohsin picked up two wickets, Amit Mishra was the most economical with figures of 0 for 28 from four overs.Baroda had a good start with the ball, too, as left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya, expected to be a major draw at the auctions, bowled Shivam Chaudhary with the first ball of the innings. UP, however, rallied spectacularly with Raina and Umang putting on 160 runs for the second wicket in 15 overs. Both batsmen were dismissed in the space of six balls, but Rinku Singh’s 11-ball 26* ensured UP were home without much difficulty. They are now on top of the Group B standings in the Super League.

After 20 months on the sideline, USWNT veteran Christen Press has provided an injury update for the 2024 NWSL season.

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Press underwent four ACL surgeriesAdded to Angel City preseason rosterStriker provides personal update on social mediaWHAT HAPPENED?

Press has been sidelines since June, 2022 after she suffered a torn ACL injury while playing for Angel City. As a result of complications during recovery, she underwent four different ACL surgeries – with the most recent being in July, 2023. She missed the entire 2023 season and the most recent FIFA World Cup with the USA.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT PRESS SAID

"Hi folks! As you’ll see, I’m still not yet in team training. Working hard everyday to get back and get ready for the season. Excited for what 2024 will bring! Thanks for the love… please keep it coming🙏🏾"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Angel City released their preseason player roster Wednesday evening, with Press's name included on the team sheet. As a result, fans of the USWNT and the NWSL side flocked to social media with excitement. However, Press's statement is as clear as possible – and it's that she is not ready to return to the pitch yet.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PRESS AND ANGEL CITY

ACFC are currently in preseason mode, with the 2024 campaign set to kickoff in March of this year. The entire schedule has not dropped yet, but it's expected to drop within the next week. For the Los Angeles-based club, seeing Press included is a positive look for the forthcoming year.

Broadcast giant ESPN have shed light on West Ham United and their transfer plans with a claim involving Real Valladolid full-back Ivan Fresneda.

Who will West Ham sign?

The Irons and manager David Moyes have been very busy this last week as we approach the latter phase of this summer window.

West Ham have been attempting to wrap up deals for both Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus and Stuttgart defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, all the while plotting a move for Rennes star Jeremy Doku.

The east Londoners most recently confirmed midfielders Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse as official summer signings, and the latter player is delighted to have arrived at West Ham.

“I’m buzzing to be here at West Ham United. It’s great to be here and I’m looking forward to getting going,” said Ward-Prowse.

“From the outside looking in, this is a Club that has been on the rise for a number of years now and coming off the success in the UEFA Europa Conference League last year, you can feel there is real momentum around this Club. It’s great to be a part of it and I can’t wait to play my role in the games to come.

“When I think about my game, it is based on hard work, graft, and giving 100 per cent. West Ham United has always been a Club that has epitomises that."

Journalist Dean Jones has also said to GiveMeSport that West Ham could make as many as five major signings by deadline day on September 1, which comes as a very promising claim.

"We’re looking at a massive month ahead for the Hammers," claimed Jones.

They will sign five players and have to find a way to make this all add up so they have a much stronger squad."

It appears West Ham very much mean business as they attempt to back Moyes with key additions, though whether or not they get them is another matter.

The Hammers' transfer plans will be an interesting talk point over this final fortnight of the window and ESPN have now made an interesting claim on Fresneda of Valladolid.

The right-back, who is also being chased by both Chelsea and Barcelona, is said to have attracted West Ham this summer as well.

Indeed, the broadcast giant reported on Friday that Moyes' side have "have also considered a bid this summer" for Fresneda.

The highly-rated 18-year-old is deciding his future as a few top clubs chase his signature, though it is unclear whether West Ham will properly join the fray at this stage.

How good is Ivan Fresneda?

Fresneda, despite his tender age, featured regularly for Valladolid last term – amassing 22 La Liga appearances.

The exciting full-back is generating plenty of interest as a result and members of the media have recently praised his "beastly" crossing ability from out wide.

Pundits like Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig have also called Fresneda "class", having watched him regularly for Valladolid over the last 12 months.

ESPN also state his valuation is a meagre £6.8m-£8.5m, making him more-than affordable from a West Ham perspective.

First-choice wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha is out of the tour because of a hamstring injury

Nagraj Gollapudi16-Jan-20182:34

Chopra: India should have picked Rishabh Pant or Ishan Kishan

India wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has been named as a replacement for the injured Wriddhiman Saha in the squad for the third Test against South Africa in Johannesburg. Saha suffered an upper left hamstring tendon injury during training on January 11, and was replaced by Parthiv Patel in the starting XI for the ongoing second Test in Centurion.As a result, Karthik will be in South Africa a couple of weeks earlier than planned because he had already been picked for the six ODIs that will follow the Test series.Karthik, who made his Test debut in 2004, played his last Test nearly eight years ago, against Bangladesh. Since then, he has been in and out of India’s limited-overs squads. Karthik, however, has managed to be on the selection panels’ shortlist with impressive displays in domestic arena. In the ongoing domestic season, Karthik scored 296 runs in four first-class matches at 59.20, which included three Duleep Trophy fixtures and one Ranji game. He has carried on his robust form into the T20s, making 211 runs including three half-centuries, in five innings in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.In Centurion, Saha’s replacement Parthiv has not had the best of Tests. While he scored 19 in the first innings, he dropped two catches and failed to attempt a third regulation chance. Hashim Amla was dropped on 30 off Ishant Sharma down the leg side in the first innings and went on to score 82. Later in the innings, Faf du Plessis was on 54 when Parthiv failed to hold on to an outside edge off R Ashwin.In a tense second innings, Dean Elgar was on 29 and South Africa 70 for 2 when Parthiv did not go for a catch to his left. Elgar ended the day unbeaten on 36, and South Africa 90 for 2, which took their lead to 118 with eight wickets in hand.

BBC journalist Shamoon Hafez has shared an update on former Wolves and Barcelona winger Adama Traore's potential move to Fulham.

Who will Fulham sign?

Manager Marco Silva has seen two major signings come through the door this summer, with defender Calvin Bassey and striker Raul Jimenez joining the club this summer.

Bassey, after a standout season with Ajax in the Eredivisie last term, signed for around £18.2 million while Jimenez opted to swap Wolves for west London.

However, Fulham's manager has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the club's transfer business overall, candidly admitting they still need to strengthen in a number of key areas.

Silva says they're short on full-backs and options out wide, and with the new season starting today with a trip away to Everton, Fulham are running out of time to reinforce their squad.

“Unfortunately, we need many still. We have some important players injured,” he said last week.

“I hope they can come sooner. We have just two full backs, we need a midfielder too and we have just two wingers so we need another two wingers.

“We have completed our central defenders. I needed these players 15 days or 20 days ago, not now.”

Ex-Fulham transfer target Fred has completed a move to Turkey, dealing a blow to their hopes of signing a midfielder before deadline day, but they have been linked with many wide players recently.

The likes of Everton winger Demarai Gray and Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi stand out as just some of the high profile names, with ex-Wolves star Traore now firmly on their radar.

That is according to The BBC and Hafez, who claim Traore is now considering an offer to join Fulham. The 27-year-old, who spent a portion of 2021/2022 on loan at Barca, left Wolves upon the expiry of his contract in June.

Traore is now a free agent and readily-available for hire, but Fulham are not the only competitors for a Bosman deal, as clubs in Saudi Arabia are also circling.

How good is Adama Traore?

The winger, who former Spurs boss Antonio Conte was once desperate to sign for Tottenham, could now move to Fulham for nothing.

Traore was once highly sought-after with some reports claiming Wolves valued him at around £50 million. The attacker, during his arguably best season at Molineux, was a seriously exciting dribbler.

According to WhoScored, Traore averaged a very impressive five successful take-ons per 90 in the final third over 2019/2020 – a season which also saw him bag four goals and nine assists.

These numbers indicate there is a real player to be had, when Traore is at his best, with former Leeds striker Noel Whelan calling him a "match-winner" to Football Insider.

"When you’re talking about signing game-changers and match-winners from the bench, wow, Traore is the perfect fit,” said Whelan.

He can produce something from nothing. That’s the excitement about him – the unknown, the power, the way he can drive past players and brush them off.

“He’s proven in the last few years now that he’s not just a one-trick pony. There never used to be any end product to his game, but now he’s improved that. He picks the best pass a lot more often now."