West Brom must unleash “perfect” 7/10 star to ease Jed Wallace injury

West Bromwich Albion haven't been blessed with the best luck when it comes to injuries in their squad this season, with significant players for the Baggies spending more time out of the side than in the team owing to various different knocks, scrapes and afflictions.

The likes of Matt Phillips, Daryl Dike and Josh Maja have been major injury casualties for the Championship promotion hopefuls in recent weeks, with Maja now expected to be out for four months with ankle ligament damage.

Carlos Corberan will pray that Jed Wallace isn't out for a similarly lengthy period, the ex-Millwall man leaving the field of play during the 1-0 win over Leeds in some discomfort on the 70th-minute mark after battling valiantly all afternoon.

It would be a major blow for the Baggies if Wallace was ruled out for the game away at Swansea City today, the experienced winger running his socks off against the Whites in another stellar individual display.

Jed Wallace's game vs Leeds United in numbers

The 29-year-old was key throughout West Brom's statement victory over Daniel Farke's flat Leeds side, Wallace causing havoc down the left-hand channel whilst his midfield partner Grady Diangana down the opposite flank was equally as lively.

The Baggies captain was unfortunate not to add another assist to his season tally against the lacklustre visitors from West Yorkshire, managing to make three key passes – as per Sofascore – in the contest.

Wallace also registered four successful crosses in the hard-fought 1-0 victory, wanting to tee up Brandon Thomas-Asante to score again to make the win more convincing and calm any nerves inside the Hawthorns as the game dragged on.

The EFL veteran couldn't quite muster up an audacious strike of his own in the game either akin to his stylish free-kick against Rotherham United, registering just one effort on Karl Darlow's goal that was blocked by a Leeds shirt.

Corberan will just be keeping everything crossed that Wallace can shake off his knock to start again versus the Swans today, the 29-year-old midfielder a key part of the West Brom jigsaw at this moment in time as a cool and composed head.

If Wallace was deemed unfit to start in Wales, the Spanish second-tier manager could resort to giving Adam Reach a start in his place – the ex-Sheffield Wednesday man an adaptable and flexible presence, the perfect utility option to rely upon when injuries begin to pile up.

Adam Reach's game vs Leeds in numbers

Adam Reach did competently fill in for the injury-stricken Wallace as the clock ticked down versus the Whites last match, the 30-year-old coming on with the sole aim of helping his side preserve their clean sheet over creating more openings.

The versatile number 20 won two of his three duels in the game, West Brom holding out in the end for a 1-0 win courtesy of Reach's solid cameo.

The former Owls midfielder also notched up one on-target effort to try and catch out a shaky Darlow late on, Reach certainly impressing off the bench which could see him start versus Swansea.

Birmingham Live journalist Joseph Chapman gave Reach a 7/10 rating for his efforts late on at the Hawthorns in his post-match musings, stating that the substitute was sent on to a 'defensive job' and completed his duties with flying colours.

In the past, Corberan has waxed lyrical about Reach – stating earlier in the season to the Express and Star that the 30-year-old is "perfect" for how he sets his Baggies team up as an expansive wing-back and cursed that he was out with an injury at the time.

Yet, for the clash at the Swansea.com Stadium today, Corberan could utilise his handy number 20 as a left winger with Wallace potentially deemed too vital to the promotion cause to be risked in Wales.

Chelsea now determined to win race to sign new "creator" as £26m bid ready

Chelsea are now determined to win the race for a “decisive creator”, and they are readying a €30m (£26m) offer for his services, according to a report.

Blues pursuing new attacking midfielder

Throughout the campaign, Enzo Maresca’s side have largely done a good job crafting opportunities for Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku in attack, having created 83 big chances in the Premier League, the joint-second highest total in the division.

Those figures suggest a lack of cutting edge from the strikers may be a problem for the Blues, so it is little wonder they are set to pursue a new striker in the summer transfer window, and they are now leading the race for Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy.

However, Maresca is also clearly keen to bring in a new playmaker this summer, with Lyon assist king Rayan Cherki among the potential targets, alongside Como’s Nico Paz, who has impressed manager Cesc Fàbregas with his performances in Italy this season.

He's like Lampard: Chelsea want to sign one of 'Europe's best young stars'

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There has now been a new update on Chelsea’s pursuit of Paz, with a report from Spain revealing the west Londoners are now readying a €30m (£26m) offer for the 20-year-old, as they are determined to win the race for his signature.

Doing so could be a tall order, however, with the Argentine attracting attention from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, who retain the option to re-sign their former player for the bargain fee of less than €10m (£8.6m), which could be appealing.

Como's Assane Diao,NicoPazand Maxence Caqueret celebrate their first goal

The report states the youngster has been one of the Serie A’s stars this season, so it is little wonder he has garnered interest from some European giants, and he is said to be a prime target for the Blues, whose model is built around signing young players.

"Decisive creator" Paz impressing in Italy

Although Real Madrid have a buy-back clause, they may be ruing the decision to let the Como star leave in the first place, given the level of his performances in the Serie A this season.

The Spain-born maestro has six goals and seven assists to his name in 30 appearances, and his displays have earned him a call-up to national side Argentina, setting up a goal on his debut against Bolivia back in October.

The starlet has developed a strong relationship with Como forward Assane Diao, and Ben Mattinson lauded him as a “decisive creator” after setting up the Senegal international’s goal in the 3-0 victory against Lecce last time out.

Paz’s performances for Como suggest he is now ready for a move to a top club, so it is exciting news that Chelsea are stepping up their transfer pursuit, but Real Madrid’s cheap buy-back clause could pose a major problem.

Rangers can forget Gerrard & Rose by appointing "world-class manager"

Even though this season is still ongoing, there’s only one question on Rangers supporters’ minds: who will be the next manager in the Ibrox dugout?

Barry Ferguson is still yet to oversee a home win for Rangers in five attempts during his interim spell, following Sunday’s 1-1 draw in the derby, hoping to change that at Ibrox this weekend.

So, as much as he might want it, it’s very unlikely that he is going to get the job full-time and, while there appear to be two clear front-runners to be appointed right now, should Rangers turn their attention to a “world-class manager”?

Rangers new manager latest

At the time of writing, there are two clear favourites to be appointed as the next Rangers manager.

One is Steven Gerrard, with Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider reporting that he is ‘now the leading candidate’ to be re-hired, just under four years after leaving the club for Aston Villa.

Gerrard has been out of work since January, when he was sacked by Al-Ettifaq after, as John Duerden of the Guardian puts it, a generally ‘underwhelming’ spell in charge of the Saudi Pro League club.

Thus, a report by TEAMTalk claims that Gerrard ‘would be very open’ to the possibility of a return to the Ibrox dugout.

The other manager seemingly in the fray is Marco Rose, with Mark Pirie of the Daily Record stating that the German is ‘being considered’ by Andrew Cavenagh, Paraag Marathe and the rest of 49ers Enterprises, ahead of their proposed takeover.

The 48-year-old is also currently out of work, having been sacked by RB Leipzig in March; he’s previously been in charge of RB Salzburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund.

Both would be intriguing appointments in very different ways, but should the 49ers actually attempt to appoint a manager with vastly more experience?

Rangers could land a world-class manager

A report by Mark Pirie of the Daily Record back in March claimed that Rafa Benítez is a candidate to become the new Rangers manager, stating that the Spaniard is ‘aware’ of speculation linking him to the vacancy.

Everton's former manager Rafael Benitez.

Few active managers on the planet can boast quite as impressive a CV as Benítez, as outlined in the table below.

Real Valladolid

1995-96

25

Osasuna

1996

9

Extremadura

1997-99

92

Segunda promotion

Tenerife

2000-01

46

Segunda promotion

Valencia

2001-04

162

La Liga X2

UEFA Cup

Liverpool

2004-12

350

Champions League

FA Cup

UEFA Super Cup

Internazionale

2010

25

FIFA Club World Cup

Supercoppa Italiana

Chelsea

2012-13

48

Europa League

Napoli

2013-15

112

Coppa Italia

Supercoppa Italiana

Real Madrid

2015-16

25

Newcastle United

2016-19

146

EFL Championship

Dalian Professional

2019-21

38

Everton

2021-22

22

Celta de Vigo

2023-24

33

Benítez’s credentials are there for all to see, having won the Champions League, two La Liga titles and the Europa League twice, as well as various other trophies, managing some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, Inter and Chelsea.

His successor at Newcastle United, Steve Bruce, said that Benítez is unquestionably a “world-class manager”, even if his last two jobs, in charge of Everton and Celta Vigo, have both gone pretty disastrously.

He was never likely to succeed at Goodison was he, becoming only the second man, after William Edward Barclay in 1892, to manage both Merseyside giants.

Nevertheless, Dietmar Hamann, who played for Benítez at Liverpool, alongside Gerrard of course, described his former boss as a “genius” and a “fantastic manager”, adding that Rangers “could do a lot worse” in their search for a new head coach.

So, if the 49ers are looking for a manager who has vast experience when it comes to both British and European football, could the 65-year-old be the man tasked with overseeing the Rangers rebuild, pipping his former captain – and Rose – to the post?

Rangers: "Outstanding" 4-4-2 manager explodes into race to replace Ferguson

A high-profile European coach is now among the main contenders to become the new manager of the Gers.

ByDominic Lund May 1, 2025

Romano: Liverpool plan to submit record-breaking bid to sign Alexander Isak

Liverpool have reportedly made their first approach to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United and could now break the British transfer record for a second time this summer.

Liverpool make first approach to sign Isak

Whilst the initial consensus was reportedly that Newcastle United’s attempted move to sign Hugo Ekitike would not leave the door ajar for Isak’s exit, Liverpool didn’t seem to receive that message. Now, according to David Ornstein, the Reds have made their first approach to sign the Swede in another big-money deal.

As things stand, Newcastle’s stance, as it has always been, is that Isak is not for sale. But Liverpool’s decision to make their approach may yet have loosened their grip on one of the Premier League’s hottest talents. From ‘not for sale’, a record-breaking £120m price tag has now been mooted, which could hand Liverpool the encouragement they need.

Liverpool’s admiration for Isak is far from new and it certainly isn’t a surprise. If there was a weakness in Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning side last season, it came in the No.9 role, as Luis Diaz was often forced to play out-of-position to lead the line and Darwin Nunez continued to struggle.

Liverpool forward Luis Diaz

Now that both have been linked with moves away to Bayern Munich and now AC Milan respectively, however, Liverpool may finally have the funds and room to welcome the ultimate solution to their striker problem. In one summer, the Reds could go from Diaz, Nunez and Mohamed Salah to arguably the world’s best trio in Florian Wirtz, Isak and Salah.

Starts

34

25

38

Goals

23

10

29

Assists

6

12

18

Expected Goals

20.3

9.4

25.2

There’s still a long way to go before Isak becomes Liverpool’s next No.9, but that’s not to say Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes don’t already have their next trick planned.

What Liverpool plan to do next in Isak chase

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool will “for sure” submit a club-record bid to sign Isak this summer and follow up their initial approach. The Swede is their “dream” target in a deal that could reportedly cost in the region of £120m.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “For sure, Liverpool want to try for their dream target with an eventual club-record bid. Liverpool have intention to try and they made an approach with Newcastle.”

The transfer specialist then went on to reveal that if Liverpool fail in their pursuit of Isak, then their attention will turn back towards Ekitike. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been the subject of a £60m+ bid by Newcastle, but the Magpies could now be facing a lose-lose situation up against the Reds in a ruthless mood.

Wirtz's dream CF: Hughes in talks to sign £63m "monster" for Liverpool

Isak and Ekitike aren’t the only high-level strikers Liverpool have their eye on.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

As the season approaches and the transfer window progresses, both forwards are likely to steal plenty more headlines. As things stand, however, in a transfer battle between Liverpool and Newcastle, it seems as though the Premier League champions have the edge.

Even "better" than Declan Rice: West Ham make offer for £138k-p/w "engine"

Have West Ham United reinvested the money that they gained from selling Declan Rice to Arsenal in 2023 well? They made over £100m from that sale, and whilst they have signed plenty of big-name players since then, including the now-departed Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta, they have yet to have a better season than when Rice was in their midfield.

Of course, losing your captain to a London rival is never going to be an easy pill to swallow. However, they have spent money on two midfielders since his departure, namely Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, and signed Guido Rodriguez for free and Kalvin Phillips on a brief loan.

Wolves midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

Yet, there still feels like a Rice-shaped hole in the midfield for the Hammers. Perhaps that will change this summer.

West Ham’s latest midfield target

It has certainly been a frustrating time for the Hammers when it comes to replacing their captain, and an England starter. Rice’s influence in the middle of the park has certainly been missed as they slowly slide down the table.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, a report from Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, suggests that the Hammers may have found the man to finally replace Rice, in the form of Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz. The report states that the Hammers have actually made a loan bid with an option to buy the Brazilian.

Indeed, the option to buy the 27-year-old could become obligatory if certain conditions are met. Luiz, who earns £138k-per-week according to Capology, would cost the Hammers £8.6m ahead of the loan.

Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.

They’d then need to pay a further £26m if he ends up moving to the London Stadium permanently.

Why Luiz would be a good signing

Despite a tough campaign for Juve in the 2024/25 season, with the midfielder constantly out of favour under a couple of managers, his quality is undeniable. He has already had success in the Premier League with Aston Villa.

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz

His single season playing for the Old Lady so far certainly did not go to plan. He only made 27 appearances last term in all competitions, without scoring or assisting. The former Villa star notched up just 877 minutes, the equivalent of only 9.7 full 90-minute games.

Despite the outrageously low number of minutes played for Juve to date, Luiz certainly has the mettle to play in the Premier League. He racked up 204 Villa appearances, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists in that time. Statman Dave described him as a midfield “engine”, which is certainly what the Hammers are looking for.

Stepping into the shoes of Rice at the London Stadium will not be an easy task for Luiz. Let’s not forget just how much of an iconic figure the former Hammers captain is at the club.

He lifted the Conference League as captain in 2022/23, just weeks before he left.

In total, the London-born midfielder played 245 times for the East Londoners, scoring 15 goals, including this solo effort in their run to the Conference League final. Chelsea and England legend John Terry described him as “the best in his position in world football” back in 2021.

So, for former winger turned pundit Jermaine Pennant to claim that Luiz “can do everything that Rice can do and better” shows just how good of a midfielder he is. Indeed, there are stats which back up this bold claim from the former Liverpool winger.

Looking at numbers on FBref from 2023/24, Luiz’s last season in the Premier League, there are some standout stats. For example, that season he averaged 5.53 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, compared to 4.97 each game from Rice, while providing more of an impact in terms of goal contributions.

Luiz and Rice key stats 2023/24 PL season compared

Stat (per 90)

Luiz

Rice

Goals and assists

0.42

0.35

Pass accuracy

85.7%

83.4%

Passes into penalty area

1.17

1.11

Blocks

0.96

0.86

Ball recoveries

5.53

4.97

Stats from FBref

Signing Luiz on a loan deal with an option to buy him could be the dream move for West Ham. He is proven in the Premier League, and perhaps better, whisper it quietly, than Rice, a player they have struggled to replace over the last two years.

Douglas Luiz at the Club World Cup with Juventus.

This relatively risk-free move could be ideal for the Hammers to help strengthen in midfield and climb back up the table.

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محمد صلاح ينتظر رقمين قياسيين مهمين في مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد

يستعد جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول، محمد صلاح، لمباراة مهمة في مشوار الريدز وأمام أحد ضحاياه المفضلين مانشستر يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويلتقي ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد يوم غد الأحد، على ملعب “أنفيلد” في إطار مباريات الجولة العشرين من البطولة بقيادة الحكم، مايكل أوليفر.

لكن هناك رقمين قياسيين قد يكونا في حوزة محمد صلاح خلال مباراة الغد الأول بحسب ما ذكر الموقع الرسمي لنادي ليفربول أن هداف الدوري الإنجليزي قد يعادل رقم تييري هنري أسطورة آرسنال.

اقرأ أيضًا.. إيكو تطمئن جماهير ليفربول بشأن مستقبل محمد صلاح بعد حواره المثير للقلق

إذا سجل محمد صلاح هدفًا أمام مانشستر يونايتد سيصبح لديه 175 هدفًا في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ويعادل سجل أهداف هنري في ترتيب هدافي المسابقة منذ انطلاقها عام 1992.

أما الرقم الثاني هو أن محمد صلاح يبعد هدفين عن تسجيل 100 هدف لصالح ليفربول في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب “أنفيلد”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ترتيب هدافي الدوري الانجليزي بعد هدف إيزاك أمام توتنهام

الجدير بالذكر أن محمد صلاح سجل في شباك مانشستر يونايتد 15 هدفًا أكثر من أي لاعب آخر في المواجهات التاريخية بين الناديين ويأتي ستيفن جيرارد وجورج وول (لاعب المنافس) في المركز الثاني برصيد 9 أهداف فقط.

تقارير توضح حقيقة حسم مانشستر سيتي لصفقة عمر مرموش في يناير

كشفت تقارير صحفية مدى إمكانية انتقال نجم فريق آينتراخت فرانكفورت، عمر مرموش، إلى صفوف مانشستر سيتي، في موسم الانتقالات الشتوي الحالي.

ونجح عمر مرموش في جذب انتباه كبار أندية أوروبا إليه، بفضل تألقه مع فرانكفورت هذا الموسم.

وارتبط مرموش بأكثر من نادِ، خاصة في الدوري الإنجليزي، على رأسهم ليفربول، خاصة مع التكهنات المستمرة حول مستقبل مواطنه محمد صلاح.

وظهرت تقارير في اليومين الماضيين تفيد رغبة مانشستر سيتي في ضم صاحب الـ25 عامًا هذا الشهر، لتدعيم الفريق.

ولكن يبدو أن تلك الصفقة غير محتملة، حسبما ذكر الصحفيين الشهيرين، بن جاكوبس وأليكس كروك.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مانشستر سيتي يتخذ أول خطوة للتعاقد مع عمر مرموش

وأفادا أن مانشستر سيتي مهتم بالتعاقد مع عمر مرموش، ولكن لا يوجد أي تقدم بعد في مسألة إمكانية ضمه في موسم الانتقالات الشتوي الحالي.

وأوضحا أن مانشستر سيتي لم يتقدم بأي عرض لـ فرانكفورت لضم مرموش حتى الآن.

وأشارا إلى أن هناك شكوكًا حول ما إذا كان فرانكفورت سيوافق على رحيل مرموش في منتصف الموسم، خاصة أنهم يقاتلون للتأهل إلى دوري أبطال أوروبا الموسم المقبل.

كما إنه من المفهوم أن مرموش حريص على الانتقال إلى الدوري الإنجليزي، لكن عقده لا يحتوي على شرط جزائي، مع العلم أنه ممتد حتى 2027.

وأكدا أن مرموش لاعب يحبه مانشستر سيتي، ولكن على العكس مما ذكرته بعض المصادر، لا يوجد أي تقدم يُذكر في هذا الصدد.

معلق مباراة الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

أعلنت شبكة قنوات بي إن سبورت القطرية، عن معلق مباراة الأهلي واستاد أبيدحان الإيفواري، المقرر إقامتها غدًا السبت، ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع استاد أبيدجان، على ملعب الأخير، ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة من عمر مواجهات دور المجموعات من البطولة القارية.

ويتواجد فريق الأهلي، في المجموعة الثالثة لبطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، بجانب أندية استاد أبيدجان وأورلاندو بايرتس الجنوب إفريقي وشباب بلوزداد الجزائري.

ويتصدر ترتيب المجموعة، فريق أورلاندو برصيد 8 نقاط، ويأتي الأهلي في المركز الثاني برصيد 7 نقاط، وشباب بلوزداد يحتل المركز الثالث بـ 6 نقاط، يتذيل الترتيب استاد أبيدجان، برصيد نقطة واحدة. موعد مباراة الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

تقام مباراة الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان، السبت 11 يناير 2025، إذ تنطلق في تمام الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 7 بتوقيت السعودية.

طالع | قائمة الأهلي لمباراة استاد أبيدجان في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.. عودة محمد هاني القناة الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

من المقرر أن تنقل مباراة الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان، على قناة بي إن سبورت “beIN Sports HD 1”. معلق مباراة الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

أسندت قناة بي إن سبورت إدارة تعليق مباراة الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان، إلى الجزائري حفيظ دراجي.

موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة المصري وبلاك بولز اليوم في الكونفدرالية.. والمعلق

يستعد فريق المصري البورسعيدي، لخوض مواجهة هامة اليوم الأحد، أمام نظيره بلاك بولز الموزمبيقي، ضمن منافسات كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

ويلتقي المصري مع بلاك بولز، على أرضية استاد برج العرب بالإسكندرية، في إطار مواجهات الجولة السادسة والأخيرة من بطولة الكونفدرالية.

ويتواجد المصري في المجموعة الرابعة من مجموعات كأس الكونفدرالية، رفقة الزمالك وإنيمبا النيجيري وبلاك بولز الموزمبيقي. 

طالع أيضاً.. الزمالك يلاقي إنيمبا في مباراة تحصيل حاصل بـ الكونفدرالية

ويحتل المصري المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب المجموعة برصيد 6 نقاط، بينما يتواجد فريق بلاك بولز بالمركز الرابع والأخير ولديه 4 نقاط.

ويسعى فريق المصري للفوز بالمباراة، لحسم تأهله وهو بالمركز الثاني، إلى الدور المقبل رفقة الزمالك المتصدر برصيد 11 نقطة. موعد مباراة المصري وبلاك بولز في الكونفدرالية

تنطلق المباراة اليوم الأحد، في تمام الساعة السادسة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، السابعة بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة المصري وبلاك بولز في الكونفدرالية

تنقل المباراة عبر قناة beIN Sports HD 7. معلق مباراة المصري وبلاك بولز اليوم

يتولى أحمد عبده مهمة التعليق على المباراة.

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Too close to call

Players will be able to contest the on-field umpire’s decision in the first Test between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo. A few reactions to the increased use of technology

22-Jul-2008

Mark Benson’s decisions can be challenged by players in Colombo © Getty Images
“I don’t think we’re trying to say that umpires are redundant. They are an integral part of the system and it is very difficult for them in the heat of the moment; it is just assisting them. It is not a question of taking something away from them. It is a mode of assistance.”
Anil Kumble sees no reason why umpires should feel threatened“In general, the system will be good for the game as it will reduce the scope for mistakes. But you need to do it in a respectful way. The on-field umpires are human, after all. They do make mistakes, just as everybody else does, and we should respect that during the trial. We should be clear that the idea is only to reduce the mistakes.”
“I just hope they don’t get too silly with it. We need to be a bit careful that we don’t jump head-first in and go gung-ho the other way and make too many calls. I don’t know how many times there have been three really dodgy decisions in an innings too often. It means almost a third of the wickets that you need to get a team out, you can contest, which seems like a high number to me.
“We need to hear of ideas that are likely to improve the standard of umpiring, especially in Test cricket, rather than gimmicky suggestions put forward to satisfy a clamour for more use of technology.
“Part of the beauty of cricket was that there was room for human error and sometimes it went your way, sometimes it didn’t. It all evened out in the end. Today, with all the money invested in cricket, the shareholders are going to demand the right decision all the time. You don’t pay $800 million for a cricket team to let an umpire’s error ruin it for you.”
“I’ve always been a coach who has advocated technology. If the ball bounces it is not out. For me, if we can get a correct system, then it has to be good for the game. I think it is muddied [at the moment], but the referral system takes away the grey area.”
“The referral system has been talked about a lot. We support referrals but didn’t want the players doing the referring, we felt it should be the umpires. We made it pretty clear that we felt certain things should be referred and others shouldn’t, but we think the umpires should take responsibility. In a team sport like this, the decisions should be taken on by the umpires.”
“Personally, I like a game like baseball, which turns over more money than cricket does and doesn’t use one ounce of technology when the umpire makes a decision. If they get it right, they get it right; and if they get it wrong, so be it. Nothing is ever overturned. But we allowed technology to come in, so now we have got to work with it, make the best of it.”
“Umpires have been around umpiring cricket far longer than Hawk-Eye has existed. Umpires know the bounce, length and height of the pitches they officiate on. I would back any umpire to make more accurate lbw decisions than Hawk-Eye, whether they are 5′ or 6’6″ tall. Umpires [on the field] will always be in the best position to adjudicate on lbws.”
“As a player, all you ever want is as many accurate decisions as possible. If I make a mistake and I’m out, well so be it, that’s my fault, but you don’t want to be given out when you feel you’re not out.”

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