Same agent as Timber: Arsenal rivalling Tottenham to sign £65m midfielder

Arsenal are now rivalling Tottenham Hotspur to sign a “truly fantastic” midfielder, but it could take a huge bid to get a deal done this month.

Gunners looking to sign midfielder despite Zubimendi's fine form

Martin Zubimendi has adapted remarkably well to life in the Premier League since arriving in the summer, and Declan Rice recently praised his midfield partner, saying: “He’s not the biggest player or the strongest, but his brain, the way it works, allows the team to function in such a good way.

“He’s been unreal. He’s played so many minutes for us, the way he gets on the ball, obviously he’s Spain’s No.6 at the minute and rightly so, you see the quality he brings, the calmness, the composure, the way he thinks.”

Rice has also remained a key player for Mikel Arteta, and the Englishman’s brace against AFC Bournemouth last time out could be priceless in the Premier League title race, with the north Londoners now six points clear of Manchester City, after a late Chelsea equaliser.

Although Arteta is blessed with some top-quality options in the middle of the park, Arsenal have now set their sights on another midfielder, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which reveals they have joined the race to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit.

A whole host of Premier League clubs are in the race for the central midfielder, including Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool, with a scout saying: “He is a very clever footballer, many clubs actually thought they had spotted a player that others might not be aware of, but it has become apparent in recent months that everyone is watching him.”

However, should the Gunners be keen to get a deal done this month, they may need to make a huge bid, as there is a belief Smit’s current employers could hold out for as much as £65m.

Contact made: Arsenal leading Man Utd in race for "unstoppable" £61m star

The Gunners have made an approach to sign an attacker.

ByDominic Lund "Truly fantastic" Smit is destined for the Premier League

Scout Jacek Kulig has admired the 19-year-old for quite some time, taking to X to commend his performances for AZ Alkmaar during the 2024-25 campaign.

Since then, the young Dutchman, who is represented by the same agent as Jurrien Timber, has continued to impress for Alkmaar, chipping in with two goals and five assists in 27 matches across all competitions this season, having established himself as an important player.

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The starlet is also a skilled dribbler of the ball, who is capable of driving the ball forward, averaging 2.38 progressive carries per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 94th percentile, compared to other midfielders.

The next logical step is for Smit to move to one of Europe’s top leagues, but signing a new midfielder shouldn’t be a priority for Arsenal, given the partnership Rice and Zubimendi have formed.

Tottenham set for talks to sign AC Milan target “this week”, offer being prepared

Tottenham are set to hold talks over signing a highly-rated AC Milan transfer target this week as Thomas Frank looks to bolster his options this month.

Tottenham set for January transfer spend amid Frank pressure

Following a dismal run of just three wins from their last 11 games in all competitions, pressure is mounting on Frank with the Champions League places growing further out of reach.

A lot can happen between now and May, with just seven points separating 13th from 4th in what is an increasingly tight battle for Europe, but Spurs quite simply need inspiration from somewhere amid their lacklustre spell.

The sale of Brennan Johnson — last season’s top goalscorer and Europa League final hero — for around £35 million has also left Frank even more bereft of star attacking options as we head into the second half of 2025/2026.

Tottenham’s lack of creativity in the final third has been a key theme of their struggles throughout the campaign, but Johnson wasn’t fancied by Frank after the arrival of star winger Mohammed Kudus last summer.

Spurs did make an approach to Antoine Semenyo and tabled an attractive offer, according to journalist David Ornstein, but the Ghanaian politely snubbed their advances in favour of a move to Man City.

Tottenham now in 'advanced talks' to sign 'maverick' West Ham star

The Hammers are open to selling.

3 ByEmilio Galantini

With both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski still sidelined, and Kudus’ knock against Sunderland adding to their shortage of depth in attack, Spurs’ mission to sign a new attacker must surely take centre stage.

However, there is another key target on their agenda — Santos left-back Souza.

The highly-rated Brazilian was subject to a rejected offer from Spurs this window, but according to journalist Eduardo Burgos, the Lilywhites are by no means giving up in their chase for him.

Tottenham to hold fresh Souza talks this week as second bid prepared

Sharing a fresh update this afternoon, Burgos took to X and shared news that Tottenham will hold fresh talks to sign Souza “this week”.

A second offer for the 19-year-old is also being prepared by the north Londoners, who saw an opening offer of around £8.5 million turned down.

Souza made 29 appearances for Santos last season, bagging a goal and two assists from left-back, and the teenager has been impressing in South America for quite some time.

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Como first-team scout Ben Mattinson has publicly branded Souza an ‘outstanding’ left-back with a ‘balanced’ profile, as well as a ‘quality delivery’ from out-wide.

AC Milan and BlueCo are also reportedly targeting Souza, according to Burgos at least, so it is clear just how highly-rated he is among elite club circles, with Spurs now looking to steal a march on them.

Big Johnson upgrade: Spurs make "incredible" £28m talent a new top target

Tottenham are preparing to sign a Brennan Johnson replacement in the transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair

Oxford now considering hiring ex-Premier League manager in fresh John Terry alternative

Oxford United are now reportedly considering a move to hire a former Premier League manager to replace Gary Rowett.

John Terry delivers Oxford United verdict

The Championship side have been on the hunt for a manager ever since they sacked Rowett exactly one week ago. With one win in 10 games, Oxford were left with no choice but to commence their search for a new name and attempt the great escape out of the bottom three.

Releasing a statement confirming Rowett’s dismissal, chairman Grant Ferguson, said: “Gary joined during a challenging period and deserves immense credit for the hard work and leadership that saw us retain our Championship status last season.

“However, following a disappointing run of results, we have had to take this difficult decision in the best interests of the Club. On behalf of the Board, I would like to place on record our thanks to Gary and Mark for their contribution to the Football Club and to wish them all the best for the future.”

Currently sat three points adrift of safety having played one game more than teams above them, the U’s can ill-afford to get their next appointment wrong and have already reportedly looked towards Chelsea legend John Terry. The former Premier League defender has already ruled himself out of taking his first job in the dugout, however.

Terry’s verdict leaves Oxford back to square one on the hunt for their next manager. The last thing they need is to waste any time in their search too, with fixtures coming thick and fast.

With that said, reports are now claiming that the U’s are now considering a move to hire a former Premier League manager who has more than enough experience for the job.

Oxford United considering Steve Bruce move

According to former U’s manager Mick Brown, Oxford are now considering a move to hire Steve Bruce to replace Rowett. The veteran manager has been out of a job since leaving Blackpool in October, but could be set for a return to the dugout courtesy of those at the Kassam Stadium.

Brown told Football Insider: “He’s still got a good reputation and he’s got a lot of experience in the Championship, keeping clubs up and getting other promoted, it’s been a long career.

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“He’s gone from one club to another in the Championship and the lower leagues. That could be valuable for Oxford because he has got that experience at this level.

“The issue there is, there comes a time when he stops being capable of doing the things he’s built his reputation on, and you saw that when he left Blackpool.”

The 64-year-old has taken charge of the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the Premier League and is no stranger to Championship football. Whether Oxford decide to make their move remains to be seen, however.

Hamza, Nabi help Afghanistan defend 131


Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsNoor Ali Zadran and Mohammad Nabi’s 35-run stand was the highest in a low-scoring game that Afghanistan won quite comfortably•AFP

Two halves of contrasting nature brought out all the elements associated with a low-scoring thriller. In the end, Afghanistan bowled Zimbabwe out for a mere 82 to script a memorable 49-run win in Sharjah. On a slow deck that sprung to life under lights, it was Mirwais Ashraf, the seamer, who opened the flood gates with two early blows before the spinners led by Amir Hamza dismantled a nervous middle order with point precision.Afghanistan took a 1-0 lead by successfully defending the lowest total for an Associate team against a Full Member – 131 – and sent out an clear message that it will need a mammoth effort from Zimbabwe to entertain thoughts of winning in conditions as subcontinent as it can get.What was to be a regulation chase turned into a mess as Zimbabwe were reduced to 12 for 3 even before the supper break. Chamu Chibhabha was bowled by Hamza’s inswinger, Craig Ervine top-edged a whip to third man, while Richmond Mutambami’s big gap between bat and pad resulted in a broken middle stump.Zimbabwe needed the industry of their captain Elton Chigumbura and the experience of Sikandar Raza to steer them out of troubled waters, but Afghanistan’s spinners strangled the batsmen so well that they were forced to play the glory shot a little too often. On a surface that didn’t aid stroke making. the ploy boomeranged on Zimbabwe and they failed to even last 31 overs.While Hamza picked up four wickets, two of which were courtesy deliveries that spun across the face of the bat to hit the stumps, Mohammad Nabi’s loopy offspin yielded two scalps, including Chigumbura’s which broke Zimbabwe’s spine. A recovery from 64 for 5 was never going to be on.Raza’s mix-up with Malcolm Waller that had both batsmen stranded at the same end, looking helplessly at each other as Afghanistan pumped their fists in joy, summed up a game where their batting fragility was ruthlessly exposed.Under the circumstances, Noor Ali Zadran’s 63 proved to be gold dust even as the other Afghanistan batsmen were victims of their own diffidence. They started like a bullet train, but finished like a two-stroke engine that ran out of oil. Fifty nine runs were added in the first 10 overs, but they lost the last seven wickets for 38 to be bowled out in 38.5 overs after electing to bat on a surface that didn’t have the typical Sharjah sheen.A bulk of the damage was done by Graeme Cremer, the legspinner, courtesy subtle changes in pace and clever use of angles as he finished with 5 for 20.Cremer would have hoped to put his feet up and soak in the moment that brought him a second five-wicket haul in ODIs, but the manner in which Zimbabwe’s top order caved in meant he could not. He had to shepherd an inexperienced Zimbabwe tail against a spirited team and a boisterous crowd.In the end, a crest-fallen Cremer, whose spell should have won Zimbabwe the match, was stranded in the middle as the Afghans celebrated a Test-team takedown in style.

Donald urges Flintoff to modify action

Flintoff has returned to the county circuit after an eight-week lay-off due to ankle surgery © Getty Images

Allan Donald, England’s bowling coach, has said that Andrew Flintoff risks further injuries unless he modifies his bowling action. Donald watched Flintoff bowl for Lanchashire in a Twenty20 match against Gloucestershire to assess his progress after another ankle operation.”I went down to the ground specifically to have a look at Freddie. I sat on the scaffolding with my binoculars to have a look at him bowling. He talked to me during the Old Trafford Test when he was still on crutches and asked whether we needed to work on getting his front foot straight. It’s a major issue that could creep up again in the future,” Donald said.”His front foot [his left, on landing] points inwards and then he twists over it and it turns straight as he goes over the top. Therefore there is counter-thrusting, where bone and muscle are working against each other, so it could be a long-term worry. It is not something that I am going to start working on modifying. It would have to be done in the close season. It is up to Freddie to decide. On Saturday he hadn’t changed his action.”At the moment he is bursting at his seams, happy to be playing again. The selectors and Peter Moores are delighted to have him back bowling and he will make a massive difference in the one-dayers.”Flintoff is on course to make his return to the England team for the ODI series against India, after an eight-week lay-off due to ankle surgery. It is the third operation he has had on his ankle and the second in two years. England announce their squad for the seven-match series later today.

Falling at first hurdle

Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad: several months behind schedule © Getty Images

“Ent Brian does be late half the time? So what you expect from a stadium with he name on it?”The words of an avowed Lara fan yesterday rang true, and I should hasten to add that said worshipper of the “Prince” pointed out forcefully that it didn’t really matter how, when and in what condition his hero turned up, the records reveal that, more often than not, he has delivered at a level that most of the timely, disciplined and very organised around him have failed to even approach.If only the latest issue of World Cup preparation was about the player and not the construction site in Tarouba. Before going any further, let’s put this in its proper perspective. No matches of the actual 2007 World Cup were ever scheduled for Tarouba. All six fixtures of the preliminary group based in Trinidad are to be played at the refurbished Queen’s Park Oval, involving India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bermuda.The new stadium was supposed to come into the picture for warm-up matches in January and February involving Pakistan, South Africa, Canada and Scotland. So it may not seem to be that big of a deal, especially as the local organisers maintain that the ICC inspectors – who were expected to administer the kiss of death to “Lara” yesterday-have expressed “satisfaction” with alternative venues at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain and the UWI ground in St Augustine.It seems a huge step down from a spanking new stadium to considerably more modest facilities for official one-day internationals, particularly involving such high-profile teams as Pakistan and South Africa, but the LOC people say the big boys are reasonably happy, so let’s go with that.What doesn’t change, however, is that one of the fundamental reasons given for the haste to construct the cricketing aspect of a staggeringly-expensive multi-sport facility is that it was going to be part of the “Brown” World Cup package hosted by Trinidad and Tobago.At first sight, the impression was that actual World Cup matches would be played there, then it was downgraded to essential warm-up matches. Now it seems the only matches to be played at the Tarouba venue early next year will be impromptu “pass-out” games between Chinese, Malaysian and Caribbean construction workers (now that’s an idea, a first-ever “pass-out” World Cup).I know that every issue in the public domain around here is saturated with politics, so let me clarify my political affiliation. I have none. I didn’t vote at the last three general elections, and if I am still around for the next one, I won’t be voting either.People can go on and on about how millions all over the world would die for the right that I so irresponsibly fritter away. Let me tell you something. Democracy, as it is practised (forget about the intention, I’m talking reality) in these parts, is a joke and I’m not going to waste my time pretending that doing my so-called civic duty is in any way going to make any difference to the inequities, injustices and flat-out squandermania that passes for governance here.With that out of the way, let’s move on. This entirely ill-conceived and unnecessary (you telling me that none of the relatively-new, under-utilised stadiums around the country could not be expanded for the same purpose?) venture has therefore failed at the first hurdle of justifying its very existence.

Brian Lara: ‘when you big, you big’ © Getty Images

But even if it won’t be ready until the 2011 World Cup on the Indian sub-continent, too much money and too much effort have already been invested in this project for it to stop now, unless, of course, we want another monument to shameless waste like the Caroni Racing Complex. We already have an airport with a final bill that could never be justified by the quality and scale of the workmanship, so why not a high-performance centre too?Forget about the regional and international embarrassment of falling flat on a World Cup promise. So long as the oil and gas money is flowing, people everywhere will see this as the land of opportunity. Even as some have a good laugh and roll their eyes knowingly about Third World banana republics, they will still want a piece of the action, at least until the whole overheated economy boils over and recession hits us very, very hard somewhere down the road.But with everyone’s snout buried in the trough, who bothers to watch the pot anyway? No, this is not about what others have to say about us but what it says about ourselves. Issues such as planning, preparation, viability and relevance are all in focus here with the Tarouba site a contemporary metaphor for the many ills that plague a land blessed with so much.But, as we say, the game must go on. Those who stand to benefit-financially, politically or otherwise-will continue to champion “Lara”, just as those who have much to gain by condemning it will intensify their efforts in the wake of the visit by Don Lockerbie and company. Just as well that the West Indies captain himself is 35,000 feet up, probably asleep, on the way to Kuala Lumpur.The man half-a-world away, not doing anything good, bad or indifferent-on or off the field-and his name is still in the headlines here. When you big, you big.

'Money was not the major issue' – Greg Chappell

Greg Chappell was offered the West Indies coaching job© Getty Images

“There goes Greg again, asking for too much money,” said one veteran Australian journalist at the press box in Nagpur when news filtered in that Bennett King had been appointed the coach of the West Indies team ahead of Greg Chappell. While there has been little official comment from either Chappell or the West Indian Cricket Board (WICB), it has been widely assumed that a squabble over money caused the deal to fall through.But, Chappell has now clarified that this was not quite the whole truth. “What has appeared in the media has not been a true reflection of the facts,” Chappell told Wisden Cricinfo. “When the WICB approached me I was honoured and readily agreed to attend an interview in London just prior to the ICC Champions Trophy. In preparation for the interview I put together a document to support my presentation. The information contained in that document was based on my research into all facets of the game, based on my experiences as a player, selector, administrator and coach, and looked specifically at the West Indies situation and how to rebuild the game in the region.”Chappell has been heavily involved in studying coaching over the last few years, and his philosophy, called The ChappellWay, has found favour with teams and individuals around the world. Chappell recently published a book called “The Making of Champions” that deals with his philosophy.However, it is understood that West Indies were not on the look out for someone to put a system in place that would yield benefits in the long run. They merely wanted someone to step in for Gus Logie, and stop the rot in the national team. “What I presented to the interview panel was a proprietary system based on the research we have done through Chappellway that was based on what we know of West Indian cricket in the past and the present,” explained Chappell. “It touched on all aspects of the development process and was aimed at developing coaches as well as players. I believe it is important that each region in world cricket should be self-sufficient and should be able to provide home-grown coaches.”Chappell insists that he told the WICB that he was only interested in this larger role. “I told them at the interview in London that if they were only looking for a coach to replace Gus Logie then I was not the right person, as I did not want that position in isolation from the rest of the development process.”However, the WICB went ahead and offered Chappell the job. When this happened he was all set to make the move, and preparations were under way so he could reach Guyana before the start of the domestic competition. But when it came to discussing the nuts and bolts – especially the money – things fell apart. “It was obvious from discussions and the offer that was made that the Board wanted a quick fix and was only looking for a coach to replace Gus [Logie]. I reiterated that I wasn’t interested in the position on that basis, and withdrew from the process. Despite what has been said in the media, money was not the major issue. It was a philosophical difference that caused the breakdown in negotiation.”But, this is not the first time this has happened. When India appointed John Wright as coach, Chappell was a contender. At a meeting at the time, he was interviewed by a panel that included AC Muthiah, the then BCCI president, and Raj Singh Dungarpur. After the meeting, a few members of the Indian board spread the word that Chappell had asked for too much money. Since then, however, it has emerged from reliable sources that an actual figure was not discussed. And so, for the second time now, Chappell has lost a coaching position, and allegations of him wanting too much money have begun to do the rounds.While it is too late to clarify what went wrong with the Indian board, it is at least clear that in the case of the West Indian board, money did not cost Chappell the job.

Shah and Modi push Kenya towards victory

Uganda 152 and 118 for 7 (Olweny 51) trail Kenya 307 for 6 dec (Shah 135, Modi 85) by 37 runs
ScorecardBad light came to Uganda’s rescue with 11 overs of the second day to play, but Kenya should still wrap up a comprehensive victory early on the final morning, after another day of effortless dominance at Nairobi.Led by a century from Ravindu Shah, and 85 from Hitesh Modi, Kenya secured themselves a 155-run lead, before rattling through Uganda’s batting for the second time in the match. By stumps, Uganda were a dicey 118 for 7, with Nand Kishore, who scored a valuable 42 in the first innings, leading the rearguard with an unbeaten 19.Kenya had resumed in the morning on a healthy 102 for 1, and Shah and Modi rattled on through the morning session, to take their second-wicket partnership to 187. It took a run-out to separate them, with Modi falling 15 runs short of his maiden first-class century. Shah, 49 not out overnight, made no mistake however, and his 135 was his second and highest century.The star of Uganda’s bowling effort was Kenneth Kamyuka, who took 4 for 83 in 21.3 overs. He initiated a mini-collapse late in Kenya’s innings, when they lost four wickets for 11 runs, at which point Steve Tikolo decided it was time to declare.After his first-innings frugality, Martin Suji came in for some unusually rough treatment – his four overs disappeared for 19 – but Thomas Odoyo was once again on the mark, taking all the early wickets as Uganda slipped to 17 for 3. But Joel Olweny dug in for a brave half-century, and was assisted by his captain, Junior Kwebiha, who made 23. But when those two fell late in the day, the tail was exposed, and there will be no way out now for Uganda.

Biography: Andy Blignaut

FULL NAME: Arnoldus Mauritius Blignaut
BORN: 1 August 1978, at Harare
MAJOR TEAMS: Mashonaland (1997/98- ). Present club team: Alexandra SportsClub
KNOWN AS: Andy Blignaut (pronounced “Blih-nout”. Nicknames: Blidge, Bloodclot(from Brian Lara at Warwickshire, who thought he had one on the brain!)
BATTING STYLE: Left Hand Bat
BOWLING STYLE: Right Arm Fast Medium
OCCUPATION: Professional cricketer
FIRST-CLASS DEBUT: 28 August 1997, Mashonaland A v Mashonaland, at HarareSouth Country Club
TEST DEBUT: 19-22 April 2001, Zimbabwe v Bangladesh, at Queens Sports Club
ODI DEBUT: 2 September 1999, Zimbabwe v West Indies, at Singapore
BIOGRAPHY (updated February 2003)"In my opinion he’s the most exciting prospect to come out of Zimbabwe cricket: he’s such a talented guy, with bat, with ball and in the field, and can turn a game in either discipline. If we can get him fit and playing properly, he’s going to be a real asset for Zimbabwe cricket in the years to come."This is the assessment of former national captain Alistair Campbell about Andy Blignaut, and it is shared by many others in Zimbabwe cricket. Andy Blignaut has an outstanding natural talent with bat or ball and could be a major force in international cricket during the next few years.Andy sees himself as playing a role similar to that of Lance Klusener for the South African team, when Klusener was at the height of his powers: an aggressive batsman in the lower middle-order and perhaps a first-change shock seam bowler. With the more limited talent in Zimbabwe, though, Andy was soon taking the new ball for his country.Like Klusener, Andy (as he is known rather than by his given name of Arnoldus) grew up on a farm. The Blignaut family has had a beef cattle farm near Chivhu since 1920 and Andy’s birthplace of Harare only happened because his parents drove into the capital to take advantage of the better facilities there when he was born. Their surname had its origins with the French Huguenots who mixed with the Afrikaners in South Africa over the years.Andy was a natural ball player since his earliest days, and as far back as he can remember he used to spend hours playing with a ball, whether cricket, soccer or rugby. He was born during the war years in Zimbabwe and so was assigned a slightly older black boy from the farm who looked after him when his parents were otherwise occupied. They became fast friends and grew up doing everything together, including playing ball games – only the friend’s cricket career did not develop! The cricket ball was not actually as much in evidence as the larger variety.Living on a farm as he did, Andy had to attend boarding school and Ruzawi, near Marondera, with its strong cricketing traditions, was an excellent choice. He was introduced formally to cricket when in Grade 3, and his obvious ability meant that he spent most of his time playing with an older age group. He was primarily a batsman until the age of 16, making a reputation for himself from the start as a slogger with a good eye for the ball who could hammer the inaccurate schoolboy bowling all over the field. At first his big hits were mostly on the leg side, but he later learnt to play straighter, as the original Klusener does.He scored his first fifty in Grade 4 and his first century in Grade 7 in the national primary schools cricket week, playing for Eastern Districts against Matabeleland. It was scored in very quick time and he already had a reputation for hitting sixes. He duly won a place in the national primary schools side that year; he also made the primary schools rugby team as a hooker.He did bowl as well, always at pace. In Grade 3 he remembers running up and throwing as hard as he could, until he was taught to keep his arm straight. In Grade 4 he had developed enough to take a hat-trick in a school match. Although he is over six foot tall now, he was small and light until he achieved a sudden growth spurt at the age of 17, which made his early hitting feats and fast bowling more remarkable.He spent his first three years at high school at Falcon College, near Esigodeni in Matabeleland, the nursery of so many of Zimbabwe’s Test cricketers. He found more intensive coaching there and continued to play as an all-rounder, batting at number three, his regular position until he played first-team cricket at the age of 16, and opening the bowling. He has no great memory for his performances, but can recall some feats.At the age of 14 he hit five sixes in an over, slogged on the leg side, against St John’s College, before trying to hit the final ball straight and being caught on the boundary. The previous year he had taken his best-ever bowling return of seven for seven against the same opposition. He was also 14 when he recorded the highest score of his career to date, 146 against Plumtree School.Andy also gained selection for the national Under-15 team, as well as playing national rugby and hockey. Earlier he had made his first cricket tour, for a Mashonaland Districts Under-13 team that toured England and Wales. He remembers scoring 82 not out in one match and taking seven wickets, including a hat-trick, in a match against a team from Hastings.In Form 4 he moved to Eaglesvale School in Harare, which was nearer home, and soon after that started growing rapidly. He was wisely advised to abandon his pace bowling temporarily for fear that his body might not be able to handle the strain at this stage, and so took to bowling leg-spin for a year. He had considerable success in his new style, and when his body filled out some people advised him to stick with leg-breaks. His heart was in pace bowling, however, and he soon returned to his old style. Bowling for him has always come naturally and he received little coaching in his early years, although he has picked up tips from others.He was by now playing for the school first team in cricket, hockey (his favourite sport in those years), tennis and squash, only missing out on rugby because he was too small — that came later as well. He admits he did not find much time for schoolwork in those years; he had very little academic interests, although he did pass his O-levels.He continued to win selection for national age-group cricket teams, touring South Africa with the Under-18 team and being in the squad, although ultimately not travelling, for the Under-19 tour of England in 1997. He left school at the end of 1996 and spent most of the following year coaching at Ruzawi, having kept in touch with his old school. He also played club cricket for the first time, joining Harare Sports Club for whom he played until leaving to join Alexandra Sports Club for the current season.His promise as a club player was clear enough to win him quick promotion. He made his first-class debut at the start of the 1997/98 season for Mashonaland A in their Logan Cup match against the full Mashonaland side and took three expensive wickets, those of Test players Grant Flower, Andy Flower (after scoring 201) and Glenn Bruk-Jackson. He then went straight into the Mashonaland team to play the New Zealand tourists; he did not get too much bowling to do but did take two wickets.Andy’s bowling was progressing faster at this stage than his batting, which was still struggling to adjust. He also played several matches for the Zimbabwe Board XI in the UCBSA Bowl competition under the captaincy of Trevor Penney, but his only performances of note were innings of 31 and 47 not out against Free State B.He spent the year of 1998 working on the family farm, apart from the winter when he played for Solihull in the English West Midlands and trained with the Warwickshire county team, Trevor Penney being his contact. He enjoyed a successful season there, mostly with the bat, scoring several centuries and a total of about 900 runs, but doing less bowling; he rates the league as being about second-league standard in Harare.He performed twelfth-man duties at times for the county side, and particularly remembers being called on to field at Lord’s against Middlesex and taking a good catch as substitute. Another important experience was being called on to bowl in the nets at Edgbaston before the Test match between England and South Africa, when he realized for the first time that he had the ability to get Test batsmen out.During the 1998/99 season he won a place in the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy, which took care of his immediate future. On the field of play he played first-class cricket for Zimbabwe A and Mashonaland without distinguishing himself and had a little more success for the Board XI, which won the UCBSA Division 2 competition that year, scoring useful runs and taking five for 70 against Gauteng B. He also had a spell of coaching with Dennis Lillee at the MRF Pace Foundation in Madras; Lillee assured him that he had the right action for a bowler of genuine pace, but he himself feels that to accomplish this he needs more coaching and much hard work in the gym. In the national club league he took 14 wickets for Harare Sports Club, although getting little opportunity with the bat, and it was perhaps this factor more than any other which led to his selection for national duties at the start of the 1999/2000 season.He began this season by touring with the national side to Singapore and Kenya for two one-day tournaments, mainly for the experience, but he also played in three of the five matches. He had what he called a `baptism of fire’ against the West Indies in Singapore. He was kept back until the match was almost over, being Zimbabwe’s seventh bowler used, but felt he was bowling well until Ricardo Powell came in and got after him, hitting him for two sixes. He had a better chance against India, coming on as first change and taking two wickets, including that of Rahul Dravid.He found Singapore very humid and had difficulty in adjusting to the environment there. The West Indian match was the first he had played in front of a large crowd, and he felt spurred on by the noise and excitement.In Kenya he had less opportunity, with the conditions there tending to favour batsmen on flat pitches, and spin bowlers rather than pace. He played in only the first match, against Kenya, and bowled only a single over. In his three one-day innings he scored only one run, had clearly not adjusted yet, and so was omitted from the following two matches.This was only a temporary setback, though, and he returned to enjoy great success in domestic cricket, especially with the bat. He scored three centuries in quick succession, 130 against North-West in the Bowl competition, and for his new club Alexandra against Manicaland and Winstonians. He was then selected for all three one-day internationals against the touring Australians.He took only two wickets in the matches, but no bowler enjoyed much success in a Zimbabwean attack weakened by injury and loss of form to key players. His bowling was no more than adequate, and at times he needed to learn how to bowl better to his field. He found his confidence with the bat, hitting two useful twenties of contrasting character. In the first match he showed a willingness to attack the renowned Australian bowlers, hitting three sixes at Bulawayo in his 27, and in the second match he batted very responsibly as Zimbabwe struggled and sank on a pitch overly helpful to seam bowlers. He found playing against the Australians a big learning experience, and saw from them how professional and mentally tough he would have to become to win success in international cricket.Injuries delayed his development for a while in international cricket. He did not actually play any first-class cricket in Zimbabwe during the 1999/2000 season, although he went to West Indies without playing any international matches, and then to Sri Lanka with Zimbabwe A, but he was able to do little bowling and failed to take a wicket in three first-class matches there.He was not fully fit again until halfway through the following season. He played in all five of Mashonaland A’s matches in the Logan Cup, but managed only 135 runs and 12 wickets, not a great return for one of his talents. However the selectors in this case showed their belief that form is temporary but class permanent, and the Bangladesh tourists provided the ideal opportunity for him to make his Test debut.He was an instant success against weak opposition, taking eight wickets in his first match. Since then he has been an automatic selection for Zimbabwe’s Test side, as well as the one-day side, when available. One of his most memorable moments was in one of the one-day internationals against Bangladesh, at Queens Sports Club, when he took a brilliant catch near the boundary with a flying leap to dismiss Khaled Mashud.He took longer to find his nerve with the bat than with the ball in both forms of international cricket, but when the results came they were worth waiting for. His first fifty came in the Second Test against West Indies at Harare Sports Club later that season. Zimbabwe faced a big first-innings deficit of 216, but fought back with 563 to draw the match and possibly win it had rain not ruined the final day. Andy played a major part with 92, adding 154 for the seventh wicket with Heath Streak, and looking set for a maiden century before he appeared to lose his nerve, took a wild swipe across the line and was bowled.That was actually his last match for over a year. The following season he had some niggling injuries, but the main reason was, according to others, that he temporarily became too self-important. He antagonized his team-mates and administrators with his demands and played little cricket during 2001/02, and none above club level. Instead he got involved in polocrosse and some business ventures, but received the most attention for some male modelling he did. However, he insists that this was just a bit of fun and not serious.Fortunately his hunger for the game returned, and with a bit more wisdom he returned to cricket at the start of the 2002/03 season, to be welcomed back. He opened the club season by taking eight wickets for just 23 runs for his club side, Alexandra, against Old Georgians Sports Club, and in the Logan Cup scored his maiden first-class century against Midlands, an innings that typically included nine sixes.Back in the Test team, he took ten wickets in the two-match series against Pakistan and scored a fifty. He also scored a fifty in the opening one-day international, but injured his leg and missed the rest of the series. In the Faithwear inter-provincial one-day series he did well with bat and ball for Mashonaland and scored 58 not out to win the match against Matabeleland by two wickets, when all seemed lost. Unfortunately during that innings he broke a finger fending off a high full toss from Heath Streak, and was out of cricket for a month, delaying his entry into the World Cup.Andy pays tribute to his father for all the encouragement he has received from him over the years, and to Trevor Penney, who helped him with his batting and on the mental side of the game; he also found Penney an inspiration for his fielding, a department of the game in which he takes great pride, particularly at cover and point.Barry Lake at Eaglesvale School and Dave Houghton for batting are two others who played an important part in his development. Dennis Lillee and Robin Jackman have both helped him with his bowling, in particular modifying his action so as to avoid twisting his back as he bowled and putting too much strain on it. Ironically, though, it was a muscle spasm in his back that possibly delayed his Test debut, as he was named in the squad to go to Bloemfontein for the one-off Test against South Africa, but had to withdraw. Other injuries have at times also handicapped his career, but to date he has suffered nothing very serious or prolonged.Andy sees his future in the game, all things being equal, as playing a Lance Klusener role for Zimbabwe, attacking with the bat in the lower middle order and coming on as firstor second-change bowler. It is early days yet, but Zimbabwe will be delighted if he can do so.

Indian news round-up

* Asia Cup in Pakistan from August 23 next yearThe Asia Cup featuring India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE andHong Kong would be held in Pakistan from August 23 to September 7 nextyear under a new format.The official news agency, APP said that according to the rules, allthe matches would be day and night fixtures and will be played atKarachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.The teams were divided into two pools with Pakistan, Bangladesh andUAE in pool A, while India pitted with Sri Lanka and Hong Kong is inPool B. The top two teams from each pool would move into the superleague where each team will play the four other sides. The top twoteams will play the final to be played on September 7, it said.* Kumble unlikely to be fit for Lanka tourIt now seems highly unlikely that ace Indian leg spinner Anil Kumblewill be available for selection for the tour of Sri Lanka commencinglater this month. The 30-year-old Karnataka captain, recuperating fromshoulder surgery, told a news agency in Bangalore on Monday that hehad been bowling at the nets and regularly following therehabilitation programme. But he indicated that he was not likely tobe fit for the tour of Sri Lanka."I am yet to inform the BCCI about my fitness," he said. In April,after consultations with shoulder specialist Mark Fergusson of SouthAfrica, Kumble had said that it would be a bonus if he would be fitfor the Sri Lankan tour. The team for Sri Lanka is to be selected onJuly 9, immediately after the Indians come back from their currenttour of Zimbabwe. India will play three Test matches against Sri Lankabesides taking part in a tri series involving New Zealand.However, Kumble expressed confidence of being match fit for the SouthAfrican tour which starts from the first week of October. Kumble hasbeen out of action since he was injured in the three nation tournamentat Sharjah in October last year.* Solkar offers to coach Bengal juniorsFormer Indian Test cricketer Eknath Solkar has expressed his desire tocoach the junior cricketers of Bengal. Solkar had called up the jointsecretary of the Cricket Association of Bengal, Debdas Bannerjee andhad expressed his intentions. The latter however, asked him to contactthe CAB President Jagmohan Dalmiya. After failing to contact Dalmiya,Solkar sent in his application to the CAB. Talking over the phone fromMumbai, Solkar said, "I have coached the junior teams of Orissa andAssam. So when I came to know that the CAB was looking for a coach, Iapplied for it."Solkar’s application however, may not be reviewed at the present asthe CAB has appointed MP Parmar as the coach for the juniorcricketers. Parmar was the coach of the senior team that had won theRanji Trophy in 1989-90.The CAB is also on the look out for a coach for the senior team. Thenames that have been shortlisted are those of Madanlal, Karsan Ghavriand Roger Binny. Of the three Ghavri stands the best chance of gettingthe post as the other two are busy with various assignments.* Chamundeswarnath is Andhra selection committee chairmanFormer Andhra Ranji captain V Chamundeswarnath was elected chairman ofthe senior selection committee at the executive committee meeting ofthe Andhra Cricket Association in Vijayawada on Sunday. The followingare the various selection panels for 2001-02:Senior selection committee: V Chamundeswarnath (Chairman), JugalKishore Ghia, N Bose Babu, VB Satya Prasad, Coach: Syed Abid Ali.Administrative Manager: KS Bhaskara Ramamurthy.Under-25: D Suresh Kumar (Chairman), BJJ Raju, A Sai Ram, GGowrishankar, Coach: M Chandrasekhara, Administrative Manager: KVVSatyanarayana.Under-22: D Vincent Vinay Kumar (Chairman), V Janaki Ram, GSMallikarjuna Rao, S Krishna Mohan, Coach: GVS Raju. AdministrativeManagers: K Bapiraju and MV Krishna Murthy.Under-19: KVSD Kama Raju (Chairman), Sher Singh, UM Gandhi, PR AnandaMurthy, Coach: MN Ravi Kumar, Administrative Managers: MS Reddy andKoka Ramesh.Under-16: D Nageswara Rao (Chairman), P Bhogendra Babu, VVijayasaradhi, Ch Subrahmanyam, Coach: PV Krishna Rao, AdministrativeManagers: T Mahesh and N Nirmal.Under-14: M Vasudeva Raju (Chairman), R Narayan Rao, D Vinod Kumar, MAIspaan, Coach: JKM Raju, Administrative Managers: P Seshu Babu and LNaga Bhushanam.