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Leeds United have been handed a double boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent Joe Donnohue report for the Yorkshire Evening Post, in which the journalist reveals that both Nathan Ferguson and Luka Milivojevic are major doubts for the visit of Leeds on Monday evening, as the duo are still yet to recover from injuries sustained earlier this month.

In his report, Donnohue writes: “Nathan Ferguson and Luka Milivojevic are not expected to feature against Jesse Marsch’s side as both are struggling with injuries picked up this month.”

Huge boost

While it is true that neither Ferguson nor Milivojevic have exactly been first-team regulars under Patrick Vieira so far this season – largely as a result of injury – the news that the pair look unlikely to feature once again on Monday evening will nevertheless come as a huge boost to Jesse Marsch and his Leeds United side.

Indeed, following his 2020 move from West Bromwich Albion to Selhurst Park, versatile right-back Ferguson has had something of a torrid time with injury, so far making just one senior appearance over his near two-year stay in south London.

And, speaking after this single outing – a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in December last year – Joel Ward praised the 21-year-old’s work ethic in his recovery from injury:

“You have to appreciate it. It’s a testament to his character and the way in which he has picked himself up after each setback. They are only setbacks, and they are only speed bumps, and unfortunately in life, we come across those.

“As a man, he has taken them on his shoulders to make sure that he has put himself in the right position and have the right people around him. His work ethic to make sure that he is right, ready to go, and to come back, is spot on. We all want to see him be back out on the pitch and doing what he does.”

Meanwhile, club captain Milivojevic has been in and out of Vieira’s XI over the course of the current campaign, making 13 appearances in the Premier League, over which he has averaged a respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.79.

Additionally, with Michael Olise looking as if he too will be watching on from the sidelines on Monday evening – after the winger picked up a foot injury in the Eagles’ 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in midweek – the news of Ferguson’s and Milivojevic’s continued absence will undoubtedly provide a huge boost to Leeds United’s chances of returning to Elland Road with all three points.

And, with the Whites currently sitting just five points above the relegation zone with six fixtures left to play, these marginal gains could well prove to be the difference between the club playing Premier League or Championship football next season.

AND in other news: Orta given green light for “superb” £8.5m-rated signing, it’d be a huge coup for Leeds

The ICC has begun a review of the existing anti-corruption measures in the wake of the spot-fixing allegations

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Sep-2010The ICC has begun a review of the existing anti-corruption measures in the wake of the spot-fixing allegations and is looking at the possibility of engaging with national governments on regulating betting and the system of players’ agents.Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, said the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) can’t stand still and must respond to recent events to ensure the sport is cleaned up.”The chief executive committee has wisely recommended a thorough review of all our procedures and protocols and that is something which is already underway,” he said. “I am especially keen to engage with governments to consider the regulation of betting and also to consider the accreditation of player representatives or agents.”It is not enough that the ICC is regarded by other sporting organisations as a leader in the battle against corruption in sport. We must continue to assess and, where necessary, improve our processes. The recent allegations have reminded everyone of the need to remain vigilant and to ensure public confidence in our sport.”The final Test of England’s series against Pakistan at Lord’s was marred by revelations in the News of the World of alleged spot-fixing involving three Pakistan players and since then further allegations have circulated in the media with news that Dilhara Fernando, the Sri Lankan quick bowler, reported a suspicious approach from a bookmaker to the Sri Lanka team management.Since the first stories involving Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir broke late last month other players have since been linked with spot-fixing allegations and Lorgat was critical of some of the media coverage in recent weeks.”It is important for the media to be responsible when reporting on matters of corruption in our sport,” he said. “The reputation and safety of a player is also paramount and to suggest anything untoward without any substantiation or firm evidence is irresponsible and most unfair on a player.”

Ireland captain William Porterfield has said he wasn’t surprised by Bangladesh’s recent win against England in Bristol

Cricinfo staff14-Jul-2010Ireland captain William Porterfield has said he wasn’t surprised by Bangladesh’s recent win against England at Bristol and expects them to come hard at his team during the two back-to-back ODIs at Belfast on Thursday and Friday.His counterpart Mashrafe Mortaza also expects it to be a competitive series and has challenged his players to maintain focus. Bangladesh’s victory in the second ODI was their first win against England in any format, but Porterfield knew the side were capable of causing an upset.”It was certainly not a surprise, I know Bangladesh is capable of doing this any time,” Porterfield said. “They are a very balanced and experienced team and great competitors.”Bangladesh failed to secure a dream series win after they were thrashed in the deciding ODI by 144 runs, after conceding 347 and Porterfield believes there will be some unfinished business for his opponents before they finish the tour.”This is completely different series and I know Bangladesh will come out of that lost series and will come hard against us,” Porterfield said. “We definitely won’t let us down at home, we will play our best cricket and the better side will win the games.”Ireland beat Bangladesh the last time they met in an international game, at the World Twenty20 in 2009. Porterfield, however, feels that recent results will not have a bearing on this series.”We really did well against them in recent past but they are a formidable side, we don’t expect to win easily but we are certain to put up a good fight and hopefully it will be great series,” he said.Mortaza said that despite giving England a scare, his team wasn’t taking Ireland for granted. Ireland have a chance to overtake Zimbabwe in the rankings and Mortaza added that he was aware of them being an emerging competitor.”I’m sure Ireland will try their best to do in the world cricket,” he said. “We need to play our best to outplay them in these two games.”Mortaza regained the captaincy for the limited-overs leg of the tour and he said he was settling in well to his new role after a long injury battle. “It’s great to be fit and back into the team,” he said. “I’m also enjoying the captaincy, thanks to all of who trusted me with the responsibility to lead such a talented team.”

Everton’s new signings Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko could be in line for their Toffees debuts on Saturday evening as the Blues travel to Championship outfit Hull City.

What’s the latest?

Everton manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that the two new signings could make their debuts against the Tigers on Saturday as the Spaniard’s side look to put together a cup run.

On potentially giving the signings their debuts, the 61-year-old said: “We know both players well and know the potential. Both players showed they want to do well.

“Are they ready? We will see. Today [Friday] we have another training session. If you have to play them, they can play.

“Maybe they can start, maybe one of them, maybe both. They’ve been 15 days without training so we have to consider if they’re fit enough.”

Everton fans will be buzzing

Patterson (Rangers) and Mykolenko (Dynamo Kiev) arrived at Goodison Park over the last week and will bolster Benitez’s full-back options with the former a right-back and the latter a left-back.

Moreover, both have the potential to be long-term servants to the Merseyside club, with Mykolenko being 22-years-old and Patterson 20 and signing deals until 2026 and 2027 respectively.

There has been particular attention on Everton’s left-back predicament, with Lucas Digne expected to leave Goodison Park this transfer window, with Sky Sports reporting that the Frenchman has told Everton that he wants to leave this window.

The club was in desperate need to find a left-back replacement before Digne was allowed to depart and Mykolenko will be able to provide that option.

Everton fans will also be desperate for a good result against Hull to kick-start a run in the FA Cup with the club enduring an underwhelming start to the season in the Premier League.

In other news, Everton linked with promising midfielder…

Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race to sign long-time Leeds United target Nahitan Nandez, acting as a potential blow for the Whites.

The Lowdown: Nandez a long-term Leeds target

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Elland Road endlessly in the last year, with both summer and January rumours emerging from every direction.

Nandez has matured into a formidable performer for both Cagliari and Uruguay, starting 15 Serie A games for the former this season and playing 49 times in total for the latter, so it’s perhaps no surprise Victor Orta wants the tenacious midfielder given the lack of depth in that position at Elland Road.

The Whites’ transfer guru even flew out to Italy to discuss a deal last summer, claim some reports, but it now looks as though a strong contender has emerged in the battle to snap up the tough tackling ace.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Newcastle emerge as suitors

According to Tuttosport on Friday, Newcastle are interested in bringing Nandez to the club after their big-money takeover.

They are described as a ‘new entry’ in the race to sign the 5 foot 7 Uruguayan, with Leeds and Tottenham still very much in the fight.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-32/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Potential big blow

In the last couple of seasons, there would be no reason why Newcastle would necessarily be a more appealing proposition than Leeds, but their takeover may change things significantly.

All of a sudden, the Magpies are able to blow other teams out of the water in terms of wages, which has the potential to work hugely against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Nandez would be the perfect January signing to help solve the midfield shortage – his average of 1.9 tackles per game in the league this season is superior to both Robin Koch (1.0) and Mateusz Klich (1.1)  – so missing out on him to a Premier League rival would hurt.

In other news, Leeds have received a boost in their quest to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

West Indies coach Ottis Gibson has said that leaving Ramnaresh Sarwan out of the squad for the Sri Lanka tour was a tough decision

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-2010West Indies coach Ottis Gibson has said that leaving Ramnaresh Sarwan out of the Test team was a tough decision but one that needed to be made in the interests of the touring squad in Sri Lanka. Fitness issues and indifferent form have kept Sarwan out of the side in 2010, but Gibson said he still has a lot to offer the team.”It came down to whether we can continue to take Sarwan on tour and then have one of our best players not available to us for selection all the time,” Gibson said. “The decision was taken to give him more time to get fit. I still think he’s got a lot more contributions to make to West Indies cricket and that gives him the opportunity to do the things he knows he needs to do to not just get fit, but stay fit to make those contributions.”Gibson backed the “strong decisions” made by the selectors in picking a new-look squad, with Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo stripped of their leadership roles following their refusal to sign WICB’s central contracts. Darren Sammy took over as captain from Gayle, while Brendan Nash was named vice-captain.”The selectors have picked a team in trying to chart the way forward for the West Indies in the coming years,” Gibson said. “We are in the decision-making business and West Indies cricket, from where it sits currently, needs strong decisions and those are the decisions the selectors have taken. It’s an exciting time for Darren and Brendan but also for some of the young guys who have been picked.”The squad includes the uncapped pair of fast bowler Andre Russell and wicketkeeper Devon Thomas, who was picked in place of Denesh Ramdin. Gibson was confident that both the team and the new players stood to benefit from their presence on a potentially tough tour of Sri Lanka.”Thomas’ selection comes at the back of a very good stint at the Sagicor High Performance Center in Barbados,” Gibson said. “He has had rave reviews when they went on tour in Canada. The thinking of the selectors is that the subcontinent is a tough place to tour, and if you’re going on a tour like that you need to have cover in specialist positions so therefore the view of taking two keepers [Carlton Baugh is also in the side] is exactly that.”When I see Andre Russell, he excites me. He is a big, tall fellow and he has got some pace. We took the decision to take him along and it will give me an opportunity to work with him and introduce him into the international arena that way.”Gibson also reposed faith in the inexperienced leadership pair that will take charge of the side. Sammy has played only eight Tests since his debut in 2007, while the Australia-born batsman, Nash, has featured in 15.”Darren Sammy as a cricketer and as a leader always plays with passion. Hopefully when he leads, he continues to lead in that way. What we don’t want is for him to get the job and change the way he is. I said to him already that he must be his own man and make sure that we, as management, will take as much stress off him so he can do his job.”Brendan Nash, since he’s been here, has been very professional,” Gibson said. “Growing up in Australia, he’s got a steely Australia attitude, meticulous with his preparation. That’s what I see of Nash and that’s what I hope he brings to his role as the vice-captain of the team – to lead in that regard, continue to show the younger players in the team in that way.”

Sunderland moved to the top of the League One table with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Thursday night.

The Black Cats are on 49 points after 24 matches and lead the pack, although Rotherham and Wigan would both move above them if they win their games in hand on Lee Johnson’s side.

Ross Stewart scored a hat-trick against the Owls to take him to 15 goals in 24 games, as he continue to enjoy a superb season in front of goal.

Forget Stewart

Whilst the Scottish forward may be banging in the goals for Sunderland, another player who is having an outstanding season is versatile beast Luke O’Nien.

The 27-year-old has played as both a defensive midfielder and a left-back this term, having played central midfield, right-back and centre-back in the 2020/21 campaign. This shows that he is a player on whom Johnson can rely to fill a multitude of roles on the pitch, making him a valuable asset for the club as he can plug a number of gaps and is capable of coming in and producing a good performance.

In League One this season, the ex-Wycombe man has averaged an exceptional SofaScore rating of 7.11. He has kept up a high standard in his displays week in, week out despite needing to change position at times to fill in for other players, which highlights his consistency, quality and versatility.

O’Nien was previously hailed by ex-Sunderland manager Jack Ross, who said: “He ticked a lot of boxes and then even when we did one-v-one stuff in training, he is awkward to get past, he is physical, competitive, and he doesn’t like people going by him.

“He has been a revelation in that respect, and credit to him for how he has faced that challenge.”

His performances this season have lived up to these comments, as he has completed 30 tackles in 16 matches in League One whilst also making 22 interceptions. He has won 134 duels overall this season, averaging 8.3 won per match, while winning an impressive 65% of the battles he has competed, as per SofaScore.

He has also been able to contribute in possession. As per SofaScore, he has created 0.9 chances per game and scored twice, whilst having 64 touches of the ball per match. Although he is not a prolific scorer or creator, he is able to chip in alongside the outstanding defensive work that he puts in every week, therefore making a vital contribution to helping Sunderland lead the way in League One going into 2022.

AND in other news, Big Fat Sunderland quiz of 2021 – how many questions can you get right?

Australia’s selectors have forgiven Michael Clarke for his poor form in Twenty20, naming him to captain Australia against Pakistan in England in July

Cricinfo staff24-May-2010Australia’s selectors have forgiven Michael Clarke for his poor form in Twenty20, naming him to captain Australia against Pakistan in England in July. Clarke will lead the side for the two Twenty20s in Birmingham on July 5 and 6 despite his struggles with the bat in the shortest format, where his strike-rate of 101 is well below par.Clarke was praised for his attacking captaincy at the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, where he guided Australia to the final, but he needs to lift his scoring rate to justify his position as a batsman. He has been given virtually the same squad, with the only change being the omission of Tim Paine due to the reduced need for a backup wicketkeeper.”We don’t have any doubt that he [Clarke] has a definite role to play in Twenty20 cricket, which predominantly is a little bit different to some,” Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said. “We’ll be looking for him to bat through an innings when we need it. He didn’t quite do that over there but we weren’t concerned about it.”The positive side was I think his captaincy was extraordinary and our tactics in Twenty20 cricket were far in advance of where they’ve been. Our field was I thought the best in the tournament so there were lots of positives. Obviously we lost the final so that was devastating but the other side of it is that we won six on the trot and if we’d won seven on the trot it would have been a record that maybe wouldn’t have been broken in Twenty20 cricket.”In the 50-over arena, Shaun Marsh has been chosen to make his comeback to international cricket after missing the tour of New Zealand in February with a back injury. Marsh has replaced Adam Voges in the ODI squad for the one-off game against Ireland in Dublin that kicks off the tour of June 17 and the five one-day internationals against England that follow.However, the squad to take on Pakistan in two Tests from mid-July won’t be named until several contenders have fronted up for Australia A late next month. The absence of Phillip Hughes due to a shoulder injury means Usman Khawaja, Michael Klinger and the Australia A captain George Bailey will be jostling for the role of backup Test batsman when they face Sri Lanka A in Brisbane.That series will also give Ben Hilfenhaus a chance to continue his steady return from knee tendonitis. Hilfenhaus has been chosen in the four-day Australia A squad and is hopeful of proving himself fit for the Tests against Pakistan, having not played for his country since the first Test of the home summer back in November.”Ben Hilfenhaus is making good progress with his knee tendon injury,” the physio Alex Kountouris said. “As part of his rehabilitation he has commenced bowling and has spent some time at the Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence during the past week. So far he has coped well and if his progress continues with an increasing bowling workload over the coming weeks, he’ll take his place for Australia A against Sri Lanka A in preparation for possible selection in the Test squad.”Peter Siddle is recovering well from a lower back stress fracture sustained during the Australian summer. However it was felt that there was too big a risk for his to return for the tour of England and Ireland, particularly with the important 12 months coming up. Peter remains on target to return to the playing field at the start of the Australian domestic summer. Brett Lee is recovering from the elbow muscle injury that he picked before the ICC World Twenty20 and is yet to commence bowling.”The Australia A squad also features Mitchell Marsh, the brother of Shaun and captain of Australia’s Under-19 World Cup-winning squad this year. He will be joined by another player with cricketing blood, James Pattinson, the Victoria fast bowler whose brother Darren played a Test for England in 2008.ODI squad Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Cameron White, Brad Haddin, Steven Smith, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Clint McKay, Doug Bollinger.Twenty20 squad Shane Watson, David Warner, Michael Clarke (capt), Cameron White, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin, Daniel Christian, Steven Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Dirk Nannes, Shaun Tait.Australia A four-day squad Ed Cowan, Usman Khawaja, Michael Klinger, George Bailey (capt), Peter Forrest, Andrew McDonald, Tim Paine, Mitchell Marsh, Steve O’Keefe, Ben Hilfenhaus, Josh Hazlewood, Peter George, Mitchell Starc.Australia A one-day squad Tim Paine, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, George Bailey (capt), Travis Birt, Aaron Finch, Andrew McDonald, Mitchell Marsh, Xavier Doherty, Brendan Drew, James Pattinson, Jake Haberfield, Josh Hazlewood.

Normal services resumed on the fourth day with the bat dominating on a placid pitch, after the Sri Lankan spinners had injected some life in the Test on the third

The Bulletin by Siddhartha Talya29-Jul-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
Suresh Raina became the first Indian batsman in nine years to score a Test century on debut•Associated PressNormal service resumed on the fourth day with bat dominating ball on a placid pitch, after the Sri Lankan spinners had injected life into the Test on the third. India ensured a draw was inevitable, as they overhauled Sri Lanka’s first-innings score, with Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina adding to an exhaustive list of milestones achieved in this game. Tendulkar eased to his fifth double-century while Raina became the first Indian batsman since Virender Sehwag in 2001 to score a Test century on debut.As Tendulkar and Raina took India past the follow-on target, the proceedings evoked memories of the dull draws these two teams played out during the 1990s. With spread-out fields, a slow pitch and conditions discriminating against the bowlers, Sri Lanka’s triple strike on the third morning proved an aberration.That was evident in the positive approach adopted by Tendulkar and Raina at the outset on the fourth day. Tendulkar, who had been more sparing in his treatment of fuller deliveries amid pressure on day three, resumed his innings with a cover drive off Suraj Randiv. The seamers, while troubling Tendulkar occasionally with well-directed bouncers, were dealt with more harshly. Dammika Prasad, after striking Tendulkar on the helmet, was cracked for three fours through point; Dilhara Fernando, who induced Tendulkar to play an ill-executed upper cut – he had Tendulkar dropped off the same shot the previous day – was at the receiving end of his trademark straight drive.Tendulkar shrugged off a couple of close shaves against Randiv – he padded up to deliveries that straightened but was saved by the bounce – by sweeping effectively against the turn and brought up his double with a paddle down to fine leg.Smart stats

India’s score in the second innings of the Test was the 27th time they have passed 500 in the second innings. Only on one occasion (Sydney 2008) have they gone on to lose.

Sachin Tendulkar’s double-century was his fifth in Tests. It places him joint-fifth on the all time list of players with the most double-hundreds.

The 256-run stand between Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina was the third highest fifth-wicket partnership for India in Tests and the joint second highest against Sri Lanka.

Suraj Randiv became only the third bowler to concede more than 200 runs on debut .

When India passed 600, it became only the fourth instance when teams made greater than 600 runs in the first and second innings of a match.

Raina showed few signs of nerves in his maiden Test appearance, looking confident early in his innings. He didn’t hesitate to step out against the spinners on the third day and began in a similar vein on the fourth, lofting Randiv over long-off. Unlike Tendulkar, Raina played the pitched-up deliveries with more comfort throughout his knock. He played his favourite slog-sweep to dispatch Randiv over midwicket, and brought up his ton with a drive through mid off. The celebration began the moment he connected; he clenched his fists, ran to the other end and soaked in the applause for an achievement that opened up India’s options in their Test middle order. He was beaten by a Mendis legbreak shortly after lunch and spooned an easy catch to short midwicket but only after India had reached safety.The batsmen that followed had plenty of time to adjust to variations in pace as well as frequent changes in length, and runs flowed at a healthy pace. This was on display in the manner that MS Dhoni settled in, stepping out to Mendis on just his fifth ball and pulling Prasad for consecutive boundaries. The spinners were heaved and slogged and Dhoni notched up another fifty.Tillakaratne Dilshan salvaged some pride with a couple of quick wickets. Tendulkar was caught off an inside edge onto the pads, and Harbhajan Singh gifted a catch to midwicket. The resistance, however, continued with Dhoni and Abhimanyu Mithun occupying the crease for 21.4 overs before Dilshan struck again to snare the Indian captain.Kumar Sangakkara kept three close-in catchers for much of the day, hoping the extra bounce would yield something. The seamers had a slip against Tendulkar, an additional leg slip for Raina, as well as a silly point for Dhoni when he was new to the crease. Perhaps Mendis could have come on much earlier than at the stroke of lunch. But their hopes were thwarted by a determined effort from Tendulkar, Raina and Dhoni, who have set up a third Test finale at the P Sara Stadium.

The PCB will send a list of potential World Cup probables to the ACSU for clearance before selecting their final squad for the ICC’s showpiece tournament next year

Osman Samiuddin14-Nov-2010In an unprecedented move, the PCB will send a list of potential World Cup probables to the ICC’s Anti-corruption & Security Unit (ACSU) for clearance before selecting their final squad for the showpiece tournament next year. The development is part of continuing efforts by the Pakistan board to restore confidence in a battered reputation following a year of unrelenting corruption allegations linked to the national side.At a PCB governing board meeting on November 1, chairman Ijaz Butt informed members that the ACSU would be contacted over the squad selection. The minutes of that meeting, first obtained by , a leading local channel, and available with ESPNcricinfo, state clearly that “30 names [are] to be given by PCB for clearance by the ACSU, from which the PCB will select the final squad for the World Cup.” The minutes go on to reveal that Butt will give the ACSU the 30 (or more) names and the ACSU will “give their feed back (not in writing) to PCB on whether there were some doubts about player(s).”There has been growing speculation in Pakistan over the past week that the exclusion of certain players from the current squad and potentially from the World Cup is linked to an ICC directive to ensure the integrity of the team, and thus the game. The ICC has issued repeated denials that it has any say over what is essentially an internal selection matter. “It’s clearly not the job of the ICC to select any teams and we will not do so,” the ICC’s chief executive Haroon Lorgat told ESPNcricinfo. “It remains the responsibility of each member board, in this case the PCB, to pick its 30-man provisional squad or 15-player final squad for the World Cup 2011. However, the ICC, being a members’ organisation, is always willing to provide feedback or support to any member that seeks its assistance on any issues.”The PCB issued a press release on Saturday insisting that it was the board’s “sole prerogative to select the squad” for the World Cup and that the ICC would not be signing off on it. But they did acknowledge that all players would be reviewed “through its Integrity committee and may seek the guidance of the ACSU on any player it wishes to select. The decision as to which players will be included in the 30-man provisional squad will remain with PCB.”The initiative, it is believed, is a result of ongoing discussions between the ICC’s Pakistan Task Team (PTT) and the PCB; the PTT was reconstituted in October to help Pakistan deal with a raft of corruption issues, as well as its core aim of helping the PCB deal with the absence of international cricket in the country. This was one of the recommendations on the table and ESPNcricinfo understands it was the PCB – rather than the ICC or the PTT – which took it up on its own accord.

The move will be seen as a further, unofficial confidence building measure in the PCB’s battle against corruption, added to measures such as the tightening of the players’ code of conduct, or the eventual implementation of an anti-corruption code to mirror the ICC’s

Effectively the board is asking the ACSU to share any information and concerns they may have over any player. The move has two purposes in mind. One, it will be seen as a further, unofficial confidence building measure in the PCB’s battle against corruption, added to measures such as the tightening of the players’ code of conduct, or the eventual implementation of an anti-corruption code to mirror the ICC’s. But it is also an insurance against potential troubles in the future. If there are, for example, any doubts about Pakistan games at the World Cup, the board can at least correctly claim that all players involved had been cleared by the ACSU.Pakistan’s selectors are expected to meet on Monday to put together a list of 40 probables which will then be sent to the ACSU later in the month. The final 30 probables have to be submitted by November 30.Three of Pakistan’s players – Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir – have been provisionally suspended by the ICC over allegations of spot-fixing during the fourth Test against England at Lord’s earlier this year. The full hearing into their case will take place in Doha, Qatar in January, ruling them out of the initial probables selection. Questions have also been raised, however, over the continued exclusion of two more players – Danish Kaneria and Kamran Akmal – from the current squad.Kaneria was not given clearance by the PCB to travel to the UAE for the Test series against South Africa. No reason has been made public by the PCB, though his entanglement in a separate spot-fixing case for Essex earlier this year may have something to do with it, even if he was eventually cleared by Essex police. Akmal was sent a notice by the ACSU earlier this year as well, but has not been selected for the current series on fitness grounds according to the PCB.