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Tottenham were by no means anonymous in the transfer market this summer, with the North London club spending around £32million on six new recruits.

But Mauricio Pochettino’s planned philosophical revolution – moving away from Tim Sherwood’s more traditional tactics and towards the high-octane, technically-demanding brand of football we saw at Southampton – isn’t quite completed just yet.

The Lilywhites need a few more signings and it’s believed their new manager still has around £18million to spend in January.

And with everybody at Football Fancast already looking forward to the next transfer window, here’s FIVE signings to complete Pochettino’s revolution at White Hart Lane.

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON KLAAS-JAN HUNTELAAR TO REVEAL

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Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Tottenham desperately need an in-form front-man.Their current strikeforce or Roberto Soldado, Emmanuel Adebayor and Harry Kane have found just twenty goals between them since the start of last season.

The issue is allegedly seen as so vital in north London that it could cost Franco Baldini his job, having let Spurs’ gasp on Danny Welbeck slip on summer deadline day.

And one rumoured target that’s emerged in the tabloids over the last few days is Schalke assassin Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Admittedly, the 31 year-old doesn’t offer much to open play, as shown through his uninspiring passing statistics from last season:

That doesn’t make the Netherlands international a natural choice for Mauricio Pochettino, who preferred old-fashioned playmaking centre-forwards, such as Rickie Lambert and Dani Osvaldo, at Southampton.

There’s no doubting his ability to finish however – Huntelaar’s netted 91 goals in 139 appearances for the Miners and also boasts a healthy return of 35 goals in 65 outings for Oranje. Here’s a look at the striker’s Top Ten goals:

//www.youtube.com/embed/EBGEdveNuY4?rel=0

Huntelaar’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and although Schalke want him to sign a new deal, he’ll have to take a considerable wage cut.

That makes a January move seem all-the-more likely, but there are a plethora of Premier League sides baying for Huntelaar’s prolific services.

JONAS

Another striker that’s reportedly tickled Tottenham’s transfer fancy is occasional Brazil international Jonas Goncalves, currently a free agent:

The South American may be without a club but he found a respectable 51 goals in 139 appearances at former club Valencia before leaving them this summer, and was linked with a White Hart Lane switch way back in January 2013.

The 30 year-old measures at 6 foot and blends physicality with technical flair. He’s also a former team-mate of Roberto Soldado, which is seen as a major plus. Here’s a look at Jonas in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/loudtV0K8CM?rel=0

Despite being a free agent however, he won’t actually be allowed to play for Spurs until the January window opens.Tottenham have already filled their non-homegrown quota this season.

Either way, the Lilywhites will have to act quickly, with the former Santos youngster reportedly on the verge of joining Benfica:

JAY RODRIGUEZ

There seems something almost unnatural about Mauricio Pochettino applying his high-pressing, technically-demanding football to White Hart Lane without actually bringing a Southampton player with him.

Many of the south coast outfit’s top talents have already left this summer, but due to an ACL injury that saw him miss the World Cup, Jay Rodriguez remains firmly on Tottenham’s radar:

As previously discussed, the Lilywhites were targeting Danny Welbeck on deadline day and Rodriguez would be a more than effective alternative, with Roy Hodgson comparing the England internationals as like-for-likes before.

In parallel of the now-Arsenal star, the Saints forward, who measures in at 6 foot 2, can play as a centre-forward or in the wide-left role – two areas of the Tottenham squad that require drastic bolstering.

He was in sensational form last season too, with 15 goals making him the third-top scoring Englishman in the Premiership after Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney. Here’s a look at Rodriguez’ highlights from last term:

//www.youtube.com/embed/e3adfleiWiE?rel=0

But Spurs face intense competition for the winger-forward’s signature, with Liverpool and Manchester City both allegedly keen on a January swoop:

ANDRE AYEW

Another winger-forward that should be attracting attention from White Hart Lane is Marseille star Andre Ayew.

The Ghana international has emerged as Ligue 1’s most potent wideman over the last few seasons, amassing an impressive 49 goals and 16 assists in 164 appearances for L’OM. He was in good form at the World Cup too, as detailed below:

Ayew isn’t the most conventional winger but he’s strong defensively, versatile and a real threat in the final third. As viewable in the below video, he’s also outrageously good at heading:

//www.youtube.com/embed/0gIZogfsorU?rel=0

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Rather miraculously, despite the 24 year-old’s proficient reputation and his contract entering its final year at Stade Velodrome, a move failed to materialise for Ayew this summer. He was however, linked strongly to Hull City on deadline day.

That could see him leave in January for a nominal fee, but according The Express, Louis van Gaal is eying Ayew as a potential addition at Manchester United.

FREDY GUARIN

Spurs are by no means light on central midfielders and further strengthened that department on deadline day with the signing of Benjamin Stambouli.

But according to the Daily Star, after losing out on Morgan Schneiderlin, the north Londoners are preparing a January swoop for Inter Milan star Fredy Guarin:

Boasting incredible athleticism, a robust frame and an eye for goal, the 28 year-old has often been linked with a move to the Premier League and was allegedly on the verge of joining Chelsea last January.

Indeed, some of the Colombian international’s strikes throughout the years have been absolute worldies – take this effort for example:

//www.youtube.com/embed/2WwRNyZTwOM?rel=0

Guarin has enjoyed spells with Porto, St.Etinne and Inter playing in a variety of roles. Here’s another look at the midfielder in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/QaLh1SmCXeg?rel=0

But Guarin’s agent has sought to deny claims he could be on the move, with three years remaining on his San Siro contract:

Italian giants Juventus are keen on Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and could make a January swoop, according to reports from talkSPORT.

The Turin-based outfit are believed to have watching the speedy wide-man for some time and could offer him a Premier League escape route.

Liverpool and Manchester City are also interested, but Juve boss Antonio Conte has identified the 23-year-old as his main target ahead of the winter transfer window.

They are hoping to take advantage of the fact the England international’s current contract will expire at the end of the season.

He is said to be keen to stay in North London, so long as his employers put him on a salary which is equal to that of many other first-team squad members at the Emirates Stadium.

Walcott has already refused one offer from the club and is thought to be holding out for a salary of £100,000-per-week, some way offer of the figure the club are willing to pay.

The winger has struggled to hold down a position in Arsene Wenger’s starting XI this season mainly appearing from the substitutes bench.

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Despite his young age, Walcott has made over 150 appearances in the red and white shirt since his arrival in 2006.

He is still seen as an important figure in the squad, but may be tempted to move on in order to reignite his career.

Sunderland fans are split over their move for Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, after reports claimed the Black Cats new owner believes a deal is on for the youngster.

According to Roker Report, who’s interview with new Sunderland owner Stewart Donald you can find here, the Black Cats are closing in on a deal for Borthwick-Jackson.

The report claims the club are “confident” they can secure a loan deal for the youngster, who will replace the departing Bryan Oviedo.

The 21 year-old struggled on loan with Leeds last season, making just one league appearance at Elland Road, but he may be more comfortable in League One.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”257647″ player=”12034″ title=”3 Reasons We Love To Hate… Brazil and Argentina”]

The young defender can play multiple positions across the back four, but is best at left back, and has plenty of pace despite standing at 6 ft 3.

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While he definitely has potential, some fans aren’t convinced about signing a player who struggled to break into an injury-hit Leeds defence, and made just six appearances with Wolves the season before.

Others are hopeful he can produce more consistently in a weaker league, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Within seconds of the January transfer window closing, fans up and down the country were already looking ahead to the summer. Liverpool fans in particular are excited about the future, with Leipzig’s Naby Keita already secured ahead of next season.

Still, Reds fans were left aggrieved by the club’s January business, mainly due to the loss of Philippe Coutinho. Liverpool looked to finally be making positive steps when they signed Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk for a record fee at the start of the window, only to let their best player leave seemingly without any plan to replace him. Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah have all flourished even in Coutinho’s absence, but an injury to any of the three would present a huge problem for Jürgen Klopp.

While a goalkeeper is surely top of the priority list for the summer, the reds should be seeking much more if they want to truly compete with the Manchester clubs, and they should be starting their shopping at Bayer Leverkusen. The German club currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga, a feat representative of the impressive array of young talent they have assembled.

Liverpool have been linked with Bayer’s Jonathan Tah in the past, a towering young centre back with all the skills needed to flourish alongside Van Dijk. Valued at €25 million on transfermarkt.com, Tah has decent pace for his size, a dominant physique, and the ball playing abilities to succeed in a team that often enjoys a large share of the possession.

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The reds were also strongly linked with a move for Bayer’s Julian Brandt last year, but it is two of Brandt’s attacking teammates they should really be looking at. 20 year-old Leon Bailey has electrified the Bundesliga this year, grabbing nine goals and adding five assists. The tricky winger would rotate perfectly with Mane and Salah, has bags of pace, and is still young enough to be another addition to the long list of Klopp projects. Valued at €28million by transfermarkt.com, the Jamaican ticks every box.

Finally, and perhaps the cream of the crop, comes Kai Havertz. Havertz has been less prominent than Bailey and Brandt this year, but is still just 18-years-old.

The youngster has played both as an attacking midfielder and more central this season, and while he wouldn’t be a direct replacement for someone like Coutinho he would certainly add some youthful swagger and creativity to the reds’ midfield. It is hardly far fetched to think a player who has grown up watching Klopp’s development with Mainz and Dortmund could relish the opportunity to work with the German at Liverpool.

Whether or not Liverpool adds to their first team this summer is yet to be seen. Fans have often felt it’s one step forward two steps back under the current ownership, though the signing of Naby Keita should go some way to fixing that.

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One thing is for sure, though; they could do worse than looking to Bayer Leverkusen for additions.

Liverpool fans, what do you think?

During the summer transfer window, it can be easy to get lost in the glitz and glamour of rumoured multi-million mega signings.

But not every transfer with an unprecedented fee is necessarily the right one – as Brendan Rodgers has discovered since taking the Liverpool gig two summers ago, finding the right players for the right price is what counts most.

In other words, although Reds fans may wish for the Anfield roster to be flooded with coveted, expensive talent, especially now that Luis Suarez appears on the verge of Barcelona, finding the right players to address the several gaps in Liverpool’s squad must take priority.

With that in mind, here’s a list of FIVE players who would ‘complete’ Brendan Rodgers’ squad, adding significant strength in depth and none commanding silly-season transfer fees.

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON MARCOS ROJO TO REVEAL

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GUILLERMO OCHOA

Pepe Reina is back on Merseyside but few expect him to stay past the summer, meaning unless Liverpool secure the signing of a new goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet will be understudied by hap-hazard Aussie Brad Jones once again.

Resultantly, the Reds have reportedly thrust their transfer attentions towards Mexico’s World Cup hero, Guillermo Ochoa.

The 28 year-old is a free agent after leaving relegated Ajaccio at the end of last season, and attracted a wealth of suitors with a talismanic performance against Brazil in the Group Stages, producing a number of exceptional saves…

… and leading to a host of appreciation online…

Ochoa produced an equally heroic display against PSG last season, as shown in the below video.

//www.youtube.com/embed/UV1xwRtAgxE

The 6 foot 1 shot-stopper would be an astute and cheap addition to the Anfield roster, but along with Arsenal, the Reds reportedly face competition from Barcelona for his signature:

LOIC REMY

With Luis Suarez only moving closer to a Barcelona switch, Liverpool need to find a way to replace the Anfield icon’s firepower this summer.

Although Loic Remy may not be able to achieve that singlehandedly, he would undoubtedly be a step in the right direction.

Since arriving in the Premier League in January 2013, the France international the France international has claimed 20 goals in 40 Premier League appearances – including 14 goals for Newcastle last term, as shown below in the two-minute video…

//www.youtube.com/embed/-LGm9kkdQKk

And who can forget this wonder-strike for parent club QPR at the end of the 2012/13 campaign…

//www.youtube.com/embed/JC7oWD8N_vI?autoplay=1&loop=1&playlist= JC7oWD8N_vI

Exceptionally quick, a lethal finisher and also capable of playing out wide – another area of the Liverpool roster that requires drastic attention before next season – the 27 year-old has a lot to offer the Anfield outfit in the final third.

Furthermore, Rangers boss Harry Redknapp has ruled out a return to West London due to widespread interest in Remy, who reportedly comes with a release clause of just £8million.

But recent speculation suggests Arsenal have been the most proactive party in securing the Frenchman’s signature.

STEVEN N’ZONZI

Steven N’Zonzi may not be everybody’s cup of tea, and you have to question the integrity of a player who has handed in transfer requests for two summers in a row.

But Liverpool’s midfield lacks that physical presence – despite the recent signing of Emre Can – and in that regard, the 6 foot 4 Stoke City midfielder fits the bill perfectly.

The 25 year-old pops up with the occasional belter…

//www.youtube.com/embed/N3EHV2IINXo?autoplay=1&loop=1&playlist=N3EHV2IINXo

..and his quality on the ball proved vital for Mark Hughes’ side last season as they branched out from their attritional roots…

N’Zonzi strikes the right balance between quality and experience, having won the Player of the Season award at Blackburn, the Young Player of the Year award with the Potters and amassed 157 Premier League appearances.

And the Frenchman clearly has ambitions to ply his trade at a higher level:

Valued at around £6million by Transfermarkt.com…

…N’Zonzi could be an inspired addition for Liverpool if purchased at the right price.

Jefferson Farfan

Liverpool’s squad lacks established quality out wide, and having now missed out on Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez, it could be worth Brendan Rodgers reviving his faith in reported January target Jefferson Farfan.

The 29 year-old may not be the most long-term signing, and recent knee injuries will be a concern…

But the Peruvian pacer is one of Europe’s most potent wingers, having netted 39 times in 161 league appearances for Schalke and 57 in 119 at former club PSV. Here’s a clip of his best five strikes in the Bundesliga…

//www.youtube.com/embed/pxD0WIkoROc

Despite spending several months on the sidelines, Farfan produced strong form last term…

This free-kick against Frankfurt particularly stood out…

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The £10million-rated winger has been linked with a Mersey switch before…

…but German publication Bild believe he’ll be going nowhere this summer:

MARCOS ROJO

Liverpool’s left-back situation is getting rather troubling, with their pursuit of Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno reportedly hitting a dead end and back-up target Ryan Bertrand, in my opinion at least, rather sub-standard.

But one option still open to the Reds is Argentina international Marcos Rojo, who they’ve reportedly been eying up for the last 18 months.

The 24 year-old is a classy and confident footballer, typified by this ‘Rabona’ clearance in his own penalty box against Bosnia in the World Cup’s group stages…

In fact, his overall form at Brazil 2014 has been incredibly impressive, as seen below:

Measuring in at 6 foot 2, capable of playing at left-back or centre-back and valued at just £10million by Mirror Football, Rojo would be a smart addition to the Anfield roster.

Here’s some of Rojo’s best moments for Argentina and current club Sporting Lisbon…

//www.youtube.com/embed/9-B_tmW6-_o

And according to reports in Portugal, the Reds are currently leading the race for his signature…

After speaking with up to eight clubs at the end of last season, Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini intends to see out his five year contract.

Reports suggested that Mancini had come close to signing with French club AS Monaco as it looked like the club would lose out to Manchester United in the title race.

After the incredible turn around on the final day of the season which saw City claim the Premier League title, Mancini signed a new five year deal to remain at Eastlands.

The Italian has not denied reports linking him with the French club and insisted that there were a number of clubs that he was interested in.

“Last year I was very close with seven or eight teams but I prefer to stay here,” he told the Daily Mail.

“I have worked well here for three years. If someone thinks we didn’t do a good job – we won three trophies in two years. I am very happy we worked well.

“Now, the next three or four years will be very important for us.”

Mancini delivered the club’s first top flight trophy in 44 years after they had trailed United by eight points with just six games to go.

“I signed a contract for the next five years because I believe in this squad, because I can work with serious people like the owner and the chairman,” Mancini added.

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“To work with these people is fantastic. In football it is difficult to find people who work well with the manager.

“For me it is a fantastic situation. Now, I think we have time to improve and build a team.”

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The England allrounder sensed the West Indies bowlers tiring quickly after tea and thought the time was right to “bury them almost”

Alan Gardner at Headingley28-Aug-2017At the close of the third day in the second Investec Test, England had been hopeful of setting a target above 200, while West Indies ideally wanted to keep them to 150. The scale of the turnaround in expectations can be measured simply enough: when England on the fourth evening, they had set West Indies 322 to win, a score that would constitute the highest successful chase at Headingley since 1948.There was no one saviour of England’s second innings as the collective strength of their lower order again coalesced into a formidable whole. Joe Root, Dawid Malan and Ben Stokes contributed half-centuries but, at 327 for 7, they were still only 158 ahead. Enter Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes, whose belligerent stand of 117 in 23.2 overs put England firmly on top.It was an eighth-wicket partnership that, coincidentally, equalled that of Ian Botham and Graham Dilley on this ground in 1981, and one that put a severe dent in West Indies’ chances of a first Test victory in England since 2000. Moeen, in particular, revelled in his role as the tourists lost their grip on the match.”We felt like their heads went down pretty quickly after tea,” he said. “We were trying to go up five runs at a time and keep going, keep burying them almost, make them suffer in terms of keeping them out in the field. Their bowlers were getting tired, there wasn’t much going on and they were a bit down I guess as a side.”We didn’t try to go out and be positive, it just came off. I think that was due to the way the guys played up top, we kind of pounced on it a little bit.”England had to dig in during the first half of the day, having resumed on a lead of just two runs with seven wickets in hand. They lost Root during the morning session, before a watchful 91-run stand between Malan and Stokes, only for a mini-slide of 3 for 24 during the afternoon to leave them in a precarious position once again.Ben Stokes congratulates Dawid Malan on his half-century•Getty Images

They did appear to gain a slice of luck after tea when Moeen, on 32, edged Devendra Bishoo to the wicketkeeper – it had already been called a no-ball, though replays suggested it was a tough decision against the bowler and one that could not be rescinded via technology. While both Moeen and Roddy Estwick, West Indies’ bowling coach, played down the incident, it seemed to help shift momentum England’s way.”I feel with the team we have and the strength we have, we were capable of being in this position,” Moeen said. “We’re very, very happy to be in this position, at the start of the day we probably wouldn’t have thought we would be and it’s fantastic.”Definitely, over the last couple of years, we feel one of us [in the lower order] will get the opposition. We thrive on that. We know we’ve got the ability to do that. It’s great when guys at the top like Rooty, Malan and Cooky get runs, then we can come in and capitalise. If we are struggling, because we see ourselves as proper batters, it’s a great situation to have as a team.”If England were to pull off victory, after Root’s attacking evening declaration, it would rank alongside a couple of similar recent comebacks. Moeen was again to the fore against Pakistan at Edgbaston last season, with a freewheeling 86 off 96, as they overcame a first-innings deficit of 103, while victory over New Zealand at Lord’s in 2015, when they trailed by 134, was achieved on the back of twin 50-plus scores from Ben Stokes.Although no breakthrough was forthcoming in the six overs possible at West Indies’ openers, Woakes said that the players were confident of taking ten wickets on the final day.”The deficit after the first innings, we were very much behind the eight-ball,” he said. “To even be in this position, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to go out and potentially win a Test match. We do realise it’s still a half-decent pitch but, fingers crossed, it does deteriorate on day five and give a bit of variable bounce. If we bowl well and stay patient we can get the Test win over the line but rest up and be patient, it’s going to be a tough day.”Estwick was left to lament another example of West Indies’ poor catching costing them, after Malan was dropped during the morning session at a point when England’s lead was just 43. He said, however, that the tourists had gone some way to proving their ability, after an innings defeat in the first Test, and were not giving up hope of victory.”It’s been very frustrating, mainly because we work very, very hard at it,” he said of the fielding. “We continue to make mistakes at critical times – when we dropped Malan today, England could have been 50 for 5. You can’t continue to give good players chances at this level and we really paid for it.”We’re still looking to win this Test match. We’ve got nothing to lose … We’re still in with a chance. If we can play well enough in the first two sessions, then we’ll assess at tea and see where we’re at.”I remember in 1984, we were set 300-odd and Gordon Greenidge got 200-odd and we won that Test match. So hopefully tomorrow the boys can come out and go well. But the key thing for us is that we’ve shown improvement, after the Birmingham Test match when everyone was saying we were the worst team to ever arrive on these shores, we’ve scrapped and battled and taken it in the fifth day with a chance of winning.”

Paul Adams’ position as Cobras’ head coach is under threat after 14 of the franchise’s contracted players lodged a formal grievance against him

Firdose Moonda16-Sep-2016Paul Adams’ position as Cobras’ head coach is under threat after 14 of the franchise’s contracted players lodged a formal grievance against him. The players, none of whom has been named, claim there has been a “material breakdown in their relationship,” according to Andrew Breetzke, head of player services and advocacy at the South African Cricketers’ Association. The board and the players will meet on Monday to take a final decision on Adams’ future.The complaint against Adams was laid at the end of the previous season – the first in eight seasons that Cobras went without a trophy – and pertains to Adams’ man-management skills, and tactical and technical knowledge. Adams was aware of the situation and underwent a leadership course over the winter period in an attempt to address any shortcomings.However, player unhappiness had not subsided by the time pre-season training began, and the Western Cape Cricket board convened a five-man independent panel to investigate. They recommended the appointment of a mediator which WCC accepted. Former national mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton was tasked with the job, and he submitted a report to WCC which was discussed at a board meeting on Thursday night, but no resolution was reached. Instead, Adams will have to wait until Monday before there is certainty over his future.Adams declined to respond when ESPNcricinfo attempted to contact him.Adams, who has been in charge of the Cobras since 2012 and has guided them to five domestic titles, was recently given a new two-year contract. He has also had his support staff beefed up with the addition of former internationals Ashwell Prince, who was appointed his assistant, and Alan Dawson, the new convener of selectors. Whether that will be enough to pacify the players is unclear. reported that several senior players may opt to leave the Cobras if Adams is retained.

Saqlain Mushtaq has confirmed his return to Bangladesh as the team’s spin bowling consultant later this month

Mohammad Isam01-Sep-2013Saqlain Mushtaq has confirmed his return to Bangladesh as the team’s spin bowling consultant later this month. The former Pakistan offspinner will continue the 100-day contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board for 2013, which saw him accompany the side to Zimbabwe earlier this year.”I look forward to joining the Bangladesh camp by the end of September. If not, (by) October 1 is a must,” Saqlain told .It is a busy time for Saqlain. He will conduct a three-week spin-bowling clinic for a group of current and emerging West Indies spinners from September 3. After that, he will be in Bangladesh for the series against New Zealand, which starts in early October with two Tests followed by three ODIs and a Twenty20 international.Saqlain first joined Bangladesh in 2012 when Richard Pybus was the head coach, and was part of the coaching staff in Sri Lanka for the World Twenty20 and the West Indies home series later in the year.During his time with the side, Saqlain has worked extensively with Sohag Gazi, and played a significant role in the young offspinner’s success against West Indies in his maiden series. Gazi bounced back from an early assault from Chris Gayle to dismiss the batsman on his way to 4 for 29 in his debut ODI. Saqlain has also worked with the senior spinners in the side such as Abdur Razzak and Shakib Al Hasan.According to these players, Saqlain has added more than just the odd word of advice. In the case of Gazi, he set specific fields for the newcomer, down to each batsman. Gazi, however, missed Saqlain’s input when he struggled in Sri Lanka in March this year, but as soon as the consultant returned to the Bangladesh dressing room, for the Zimbabwe tour, Gazi found a way to strike. He has since credited Saqlain for much of his success.It is unlikely that Saqlain will be working with emerging spinners in the country. However, Bangladesh’s next international series after New Zealand is only in January, so there is an opportunity for the BCB to utilize his knowledge to find the next crop of slow bowlers in domestic cricket after the New Zealand series is over in early November.

England’s bowlers will know plenty about BJ Watling after the wicketkeeper guided New Zealand XI to an excellent three-wicket victory with eight balls to spare in Queenstown

Andrew McGlashan in Queenstown02-Mar-2013
ScorecardBJ Watling played two crucial knocks to down the England XI in Queenstown•AFP

England’s bowlers will know plenty about BJ Watling going into the first Test, after the wicketkeeper guided New Zealand XI to an excellent three-wicket victory with eight balls to spare in Queenstown, to leave the visitors in far from perfect form heading into the series.It was England’s first defeat in a first-class warm-up match on tour since they lost by eight wickets against an India Board President’s XI in Vadodara in February 2006. The attack, except for Graeme Swann, struggled for consistency on a surface that, while offering a hint of turn, remained true for batting throughout.At tea, England were favourites with New Zealand XI 167 for 5. Watling and Corey Anderson, who together bludgeoned a 105-run stand in the first innings, produced a repeat performance in the second innings by adding 89 runs in 19 overs. Graham Onions again came in for punishment, as a two-over spell went for 23, on another dispiriting day for him. He claimed forgettable match figures of 1 for 213.Joe Root was given an extended bowling spell during the evening session, partly because Swann was off the field for a few overs, and also probably with a view to have him filling in for a few overs during the Tests. Root struck twice to keep England in the hunt. Anderson advanced down the pitch to Root and ended up yorking himself. After a 46-run stand for the seventh wicket, Jimmy Neesham picked out Stuart Broad at deep square-leg.However, Watling, who was dropped in the gully on 47 by Swann, shortly after he came back on the field, provided a calm head as the home side ended up winning with time to spare. Neil Wagner, after being added to New Zealand’s squad for the first Test earlier in the day, did not need to be shielded from the strike and played some handsome strokes, including a top-edged hook for six off Broad, and a boundary that leveled the scores, to ease the pressure on Watling in their match-sealing stand of 52England declared overnight, leaving the New Zealand XI a full day to chase the target. As in the first innings they made a solid start, seeing off the new ball through an opening stand of 56. Hamish Rutherford showed his intent by upper-cutting Broad over point for six, before departing playing a similar shot off Chris Woakes, which was taken by Nick Compton at point. Broad returned for a second spell and pitched the ball a touch fuller, which brought reward when Carl Cachopa was caught on the crease and lost his off stump.For the next 23 overs either side of lunch, Tom Latham and Neil Broom resisted solidly and kept the score ticking over. Onions was given another extended chance to bowl himself into form, but never suggested he would find his groove.Swann broke the partnership when he removed Latham while playing the sweep, and there was a touch through to Matt Prior who held on while in the process of appeal for lbw. Broad, who again maintained his pace throughout each spell, removed Broom offering no shot and when Dean Brownlie fenced to second slip the game looked to be England’s. Instead, they will travel to Dunedin on Sunday with another reminder of the fighting qualities of New Zealand cricketers.