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Ben Hollioake’s death at the age of 24 robs Surrey and England of an all-rounder who was showing signs of doing fuller justice to his enormous potential

Stephen Lamb23-Mar-2002
BenHollioake – on Test debut in 1997
Photo Paul McGregor
</tableBen Hollioake's death at the age of 24 robs Surrey and England of an all-rounder who was showing signs of doing fuller justice to his enormous potential.Hollioake was marked out as a potential superstar at the age of just 19, when he scored a rapid 63 for England against Australia in the third ODI in 1997. He followed this with 98 in his next match at Lord's, the B&H final, which won him the Man of the Match award. It came as no surprise when he was voted Young Cricketer of the Year by the Cricket Writers' Club.Such was the impression made upon the England selectors that Ben, along with brother Adam, was included in the England team for the fifth Test against Australia at Nottingham in 1997. It was the only time two brothers made their Test debuts together in the 20th century. At 19, Ben was the youngest England debutant since Brian Close in 1949.Such exciting potential took time to develop, and by the start of the 2001 season Hollioake had still only played in two Tests and seven ODIs. He was recalled for the NatWest Triangular Tournament against Pakistan and Australia, and although he ended the series wicketless, he impressed with the bat on two occasions. He made an unbeaten 37 against Australia at Bristol, contributing to a rapid end-of-innings stand of 70 with Owais Shah, and a mature 53 in an otherwise forgettable England batting performance against Pakistan at Headingley. He went on the short tour of Zimbabwe last October, and played in the one-day series in India in the New Year. After that, a knee injury kept him out of the New Zealand series.Hollioake's exploits for Surrey will leave saddening, but heart-warming memories for many supporters. On hearing of his death, one remembered three sixes in an afternoon at The Oval, one of which broke tiles on the roof of the Apollo pub over the road. Hollioake opening the bowling with Alex Tudor, pitching full of length and swinging the ball both ways. Hollioake in partnership with Ali Brown, the two outdoing each other with drives. Hollioake diving at point, just failing to take a catch scarcely five yards from the batsman after covering twice the distance to attempt it. And last summer, practicing with his brother during a rain break, and thinking, yes, he's putting in the work that will make him the best all-rounder in England since Botham.Fleeting glimpses of a tragically shortened career.

For the second day running, West Zone kept piling on the runs in the Duleep Trophy match against East Zone at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. At close of play on the second day, West Zone were 526/6 with Nayan Mongia (13*) and Sairaj Bahutule (34*) at the crease.Resuming at the overnight score of 274/1, West Zone added 252 runs in the 90 overs bowled on the day, losing five wickets. It was another nightmare of a day for the East Zone bowlers as they struggled in conditions extremely conducive to batsmen at the much-famed Eden Gardens.Nilesh Modi was the first batsman to be dismissed on the second day, trapped in front of the wicket by Sanjay Raul. Modi made 118 runs off 372 balls, striking 13 boundaries. Kanitkar and Modi added 320 runs for the second wicket partnership.Hirshikesh Kanitkar was distinctly unlucky to miss out on his double hundred, bowled by Sanjay Raul after making 197 runs off 301 balls. The former India international struck two dozen boundaries and two sixes in his 433-minute long stay in the middle.Sitanshu Kotak and Kaushik Aphale added 106 runs for the fourth wicket, with both the batsmen reaching the half-century mark. East Zone bowlers found some luck in a brief period of the second day, picking up three quick wickets.Veteran left-arm spinner Utpal Chaterjee picked up the wickets of Kotak (50) and Amol Majumdar (10). Aphale (51) was cleaned up by off-spinner Sourasish Lahiri.In the post-tea session, Mongia and Bahutule dropped anchor and all they could manage was a mere 55 runs for the seventh wicket partnership in 24.2 overs. Chatterjee (50-14-132-2), Lahiri (46-10-116-1) and Raul (39-5-90-2) tried their very best on a day when batting reigned supreme.

Erik ten Hag is back in the running to become Tottenham Hotspur’s next manager, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

The Mirror claim that the Ajax boss is in contention once again after talks broke down with Chelsea’s former title-winning head coach Antonio Conte this week.

The Italian hit the free market after leaving Serie A champions Inter Milan just weeks after their first title in over a decade and on Thursday evening, the Guardian claimed those at Spurs were confident of sealing the 51-year-old following positive talks.

Ten Hag was on the original list of candidates prior to the Eredivisie giants triggering an extension in his contract and it is now thought that Daniel Levy and co will speak to him again following their latest target setback.

Forget Conte

Of course, when a manager of Conte’s calibre becomes available, then you have to – at the very least – hold discussions for him but this could actually be a blessing in disguise as his appointment would’ve gone against ‘Spurs’ DNA.’

That is something Levy appears desperate to bring back to the club in his next appointment, with reports suggesting that he’s seeking an attack-minded head coach who can commit to the development of young players.

Conte would want to be well-backed in the transfer market to match the ambitions of their Premier League rivals, meaning opportunities for players like Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon would be hard to come by, and that contradicts Levy’s mooted checklist.

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Ten Hag, on the other hand, fits the criteria in abundance.

If you’re looking for a serial winner with a proven track record of silverware by playing an attractive brand of football, having developed the club’s academy prospects into first-team stars before selling them for mega profit, then the Dutchman is the epitome of that.

The 51-year-old has just clinched his second Eredivisie title and boasts an extraordinary 74% win-rate in charge of the Amsterdam outfit.

Over the years, his tactical system and coaching methods have earned plenty of glowing endorsements throughout his managerial career – Jurgen Klopp dubbed him “one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football,” whilst ex-Celtic striker Pierre van Hooijdonk said his ability to progress players was “remarkable.”

Drawing inspiration from Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and Johann Cruyff, Ten Hag has overseen the impressive development of many a young star, with Frenkie de Jong – who joined Barcelona for £65m – and Matthijs de Ligt – who joined Juventus for €75m (£65m) – his perhaps two finest examples.

If Levy is to finally end Spurs’ managerial woes, then he absolutely must push to sign the Ajax boss at all costs. He cannot afford to let this go on any longer.

AND in other news, 3 new signings including Sabitzer, Kane stays: How Spurs’ XI could look in 2021/22…

In South Africa, the Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag run-riot on the very first day of the Test series failed to prevent India from losing the match comprehensively

Special Correspondent15-Apr-2002In South Africa, the Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag run-riot on the very first day of the Test series failed to prevent India from losing the match comprehensively.Here, it only took all of forty-eight hours for the West Indians to get on top in the first Test of the series. One man who took a lot of stick from Messrs Hooper and Co. was Zaheer Khan. He had a fine series against the touring Zimbabweans but as soon as he has sealed a place in the Test team, his bowling seems to have lost its bite again. Not surprisingly, then, the experts following the Test at Guyana are of the opinion that Ashish Nehra would have been a better choice.Michael Holding was furious. “How old is he? So tired in the very first two days of the first Test of a tour? I just can’t believe it! A left-arm fast bowler without the ability to swing the ball can never be able to strike. He has pace but pace alone can do nothing. And so many no-balls! I don’t understand it,” the man once known as the Rolls Royce among fast bowlers said.Geoffery Boycott was even more scathing as usual. “Does he know what the people do with the unwilling horses in race-course? Those are simply shot dead. The team management should immediately have a talk with him and learn his problems. He should be asked whether he intends to play for the team directly. I’ve seen him quite a few times and know that yorkers are his best weapons. Why did he not use it when the batsmen came to the crease and why did he only bowl them after they were set? He should explain this.”Colin Croft, the former fast bowler from the West Indies, was in favour of picking Ashish Nehra instead of Zaheer. “I have seen him (Nehra) bowl in Zimbabwe. He has the ability to swing the ball and also extract bounce from the track. He is definitely a better bowler than Zaheer. Why are you not playing him? Potentially he is a better bowler,” he said.When this correspondent informed the trio that Nehra is very much injury prone, Boycott was surprised. “Then the board should do something. They should be under constant observation, may be under military eyes! I just fail to understand why a budding bowler will not be concerned about his fitness. Everybody knows that fitness is the most important factor for a fast bowler. Why are they not concerned about their own future? How many Tests has he played? Maybe four or five. Add some ten to twelve one-dayers. Those numbers should are not enough to make somebody injury-prone, I suppose!”It might be so. But while the team was leaving for the hotel at the end of the second day’s play, we saw Kumble with an ice-bag on his shoulder and VVS Laxman with an even bigger ice-bag tied to his knee. That’s the true picture of the Indian team. We will continue to carry cricketers with ice-bags, and the team will continue to suffer always.

Tottenham Hotspur’s likely new sporting director Fabio Paratici could bring a Juventus star with him to North London, according to reports in Italy…

What’s the word?

Tuttomercatoweb claim that veteran centre-back Leonardo Bonucci could be a target for Spurs, with the same outlet suggesting that the 48-year-old Paratici is just one step away from being hired by Daniel Levy.

It’s thought that the Lilywhites are keen to bolster their defence ahead of the new season, so the Italian defender’s links to the club should come as no surprise given Paratici’s history with him.

At the age of 34, it remains to be seen how much Bonucci would command, especially as he’s under contract until 2024, though CIES Football Observatory currently values him at around £13m.

Silva-esque impact?

A player of his calibre could be exactly what Spurs are needing to transform their struggling defence.

He has featured in over 390 matches in Serie A, made nearly 100 appearances across both European competitions and picked up 102 caps for his country.

Defensive mistakes and a serious lack of cohesion was the main Achilles heel throughout the 2020/21 campaign, with Jose Mourinho naming over 16 different combinations as he tried to battle their inconsistencies.

Truth be told, the likes of Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez just aren’t good enough – or at least are lacking a player like Bonucci.

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The 34-year-old colossus has earned plenty of plaudits in the past, including the ‘Special One,’ who described him as “amazing” after a strong performance against his Manchester United side in 2018.

Pep Guardiola has waxed lyrical about his qualities too, sensationally claiming that he was “one of my favourite ever players,” whilst former AC Milan teammate Hakan Calhanoglu once hailed the 6 foot 3 beast as a “great leader.”

That endorsement is perhaps the most appealing, given Alasdair Gold’s claims that Spurs are looking specifically for a leader at the back this summer as their utmost priority.

Despite his advancing years, the long-serving centre-back still played 35 times in all competitions and if no one in the Premier League should be put off by a player’s age anymore after witnessing the impact of Thiago Silva at Chelsea.

He’s just clinched another Champions League title at 36.

Bonucci, who has won nine league titles and nine domestic cups, evidently still has plenty in his locker and if Levy wants to fix Spurs’ biggest problem for whoever the next manager is, then he should get behind a swoop for the Italy international.

He could well give the Lilywhites their very own Silva.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops worrying Spurs managerial claim…

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo já tem em vista uma opção para a lateral esquerda na próxima temporada. Um dos poucos que se salvaram em meio à campanha pífia do América-MG, Gilson surgiu como nome ideal para substituir Diogo Barbosa, que em 2017 partirá para o Cruzeiro.

A escolha do Alvinegro por Gilson é vista com bons olhos por quem o acompanhou no dia a dia. Setorista do América-MG pela Rádio Inconfidência, Rosane Meirelles exalta o futebol do jogador de 30 anos:

– Gilson pode se encaixar muito bem na lateral esquerda do Botafogo. Além de sempre se destacar por ajudar bastante a defesa, ele no América-MG mais uma vez mostrou não se intimidar no apoio ao ataque, onde é muito útil. Além disto, pode atuar como meia, onde vai bem, mas traz mais preocupações, por deixar alguns espaços no setor.

A repórter ainda valorizou que a importância de Gilson refletiu no desempenho do América-MG:

– Ele foi fundamental para a equipe. Tanto que Coelho, que vinha em uma crescente, caiu definitivamente de produção após sua lesão. Gilson ainda se destaca por ser um cara de grupo, que sempre chega no horário certo, e prioriza a união no elenco.

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Tottenham Hotspur will still be without the services of Ben Davies for their Premier League clash with Sheffield United this evening, handing Ryan Mason a gutting blow…

What’s the latest?

Speaking ahead of kick-off, the interim boss, who took over from Jose Mourinho nearly two weeks ago, delivered a fresh update on the 28-year-old left-back.

He said, via the club’s official website:

“In terms of injuries, it’s the same as last week. Ben Davies is the only one out injured at the moment. Matt Doherty has been training since last week. He had a period of time out injured, but he’s back with the group and has trained all week.”

Big blow

Spurs have suffered from inconsistencies in recent weeks and ultimately, it was a dismal run of form that cost the Portuguese his job in north London.

Mason steered his side to a victory in his first match in charge, coming from behind to defeat Southampton but they were gifted two goals, one of which was a late penalty.

And then they were well-beaten by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, in a week which saw the Super League collapse and subsequent fan protests.

Spurs’ XI could probably do with a shake-up, especially as they still have a place in the top six to aim for and victory against the already-relegated Blades would help morale tenfold.

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Without Davies, Mason will not be able to make a change in one of Spurs’ problematic positions right now.

Sergio Reguilon had looked like a steal from Real Madrid this summer, quickly emerging as a quality and more attacking option along that left flank but since his return from injury in February, he’s just not looked the same, whatsoever.

In his five-game absence, Spurs endured one of their toughest periods, losing four of those five outings, including some big encounters against Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City.

His return had been expected to give the side a boost, though he’s underperformed ever since then.

Reguilon has started Spurs’ last six league matches and has failed to record a WhoScored rating above 6.9 in all but one of those games. He has also failed to contribute an assist in that run, managing only four key passes.

By comparison, the Spaniard’s average for the season is now 6.81 and had been their third-biggest source for creating goals prior to injury, with three assists.

If Davies was available, then Mason could freshen things up defensively, and that’s where most of their problems this term have remained. Therefore, not having the Welshman back from injury is yet another huge setback for the 29-year-old caretaker.

AND in other news, Spurs should fear Jose Mourinho 2.0 amid Jorge Mendes claims…

Former Everton defender Michael Ball has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that Real Betis right-back Emerson is the sort of player he can see his old side and Marcel Brands targeting this summer.

The 22-year-old, who is currently on loan at the Benito Villamarin from Barcelona, was heavily linked with the Merseyside club last year.

Max Aarons was thought to be high on Everton’s list in their search for a long-term successor to Seamus Coleman, but it was recently reported by Fabrizio Romano that they have pulled out of the race to sign the Norwich City player.

It leaves manager Carlo Ancelotti and director of football Brands needing to look elsewhere. For Ball, that could mean turning to Emerson, who he believes fits the necessary criteria for the latter.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about the Brazilian full-back, the ex-Everton player said:

“Emerson, for Real Betis, a Brazilian. Everton have got a lot of Brazilians at the football club. Whether that’s a link, I’m not too sure. It’s a position I think would be a priority for the club.

“Moving forward for the next couple of years, we need to sort of filter Seamus out and bring the next generation through.

“[Emerson’s] got the potential and it’s the right fit for a Marcel Brands type of signing. Young, got resale value in the future, but also got the quality to make an impact straight away.”

Coleman has been a great servant for Everton over the years, but turning 33 this year, the Toffees probably do need to start thinking about a succession plan – which could come in the form of Emerson.

Sheffield Wednesday have been handed a blow as Jamie Smith confirmed that Tom Lees is set to miss the Owls’ crucial Championship fixture this afternoon.

What’s the latest?

According to the Owls assistant manager, the defender will not feature in either of the club’s must-win games against Nottingham Forest and Derby County after he was stretchered off in the 3-1 defeat against Middlesbrough last weekend.

As cited by the club’s official website, Smith said: “Tom Lees will miss the game, as well as the final day. There was no fracture in his leg but he does have ligament damage, unfortunately.”

Big Blow

So far this season, Lees has proven a crucial part of the Wednesday backline, with the defender starting 38 Championship fixtures. In those games, he has helped his side to keep nine clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.8 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and 5.4 clearances per game, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 6.88 – ranking him as the Owls’ third-best performer in the division.

As such, that the 30-year-old will not be available for the fixture against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, as well as the potentially seismic final day clash with relegation rivals Derby County next week, is likely to come as gutting news for both Darren Moore and Smith, as it is essential that Wednesday win both fixtures to have any chance of retaining their Championship status for another year, with a four-point gap to make up on the 21st-placed Rams.

While the task of survival already appeared a very difficult feat to pull off, being without a key defender in Leeds has made the challenge that extra bit harder for Wednesday.

In other news: Moore must axe Sheff Wednesday flop who’s cost £500k-per-goal, he “needs to go” – opinion

Keith Gillespie has told Football FanCast that Manchester United must buy a striker this summer, because Anthony Martial isn’t good enough to play through the middle for the club.

Martial has struggled at times this season, though he has been ruled out for the last five games with a knee injury.

Still, the France international has not managed to score a goal since February, when he netted twice in the 9-0 win over Southampton.

That means he has two goals in his last 10 games, while in total, he has scored four times in 22 league games in 2020/21.

Gillespie doesn’t think he’s anywhere near good enough to be the main striker at United.

And he has urged the club to make it a “priority” as the club look to strengthen the squad this summer.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, Gillespie has claimed that Martial has been given plenty of chances to become the out-and-out striker at Old Trafford, but simply hasn’t done enough to make it stick.

He said: “I think it is a priority, because nobody thinks Martial is the answer.

“Given his poor return this season in terms of goals, but also his performances anyway have been very poor at times.

“He’s been there a while, you want him to have that chance of being that number nine. And he hasn’t taken it.”

Martial did enjoy a decent season last term, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, but Gillespie thinks he has been in a real rut this season.

He added: “I think last season, he had a good season in terms of returns of goals that he scored, but this season just hasn’t happened for him.”