All posts by h716a5.icu

Chelsea have had themselves yet another busy transfer window full of exits and, once again, many incomings. In total, the Blues have welcomed nine reinforcements and waved goodbye to an incredible 19 players.

Among those sold include Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, and Mateo Kovacic, all to Premier League rivals to free up room for those who have made the move to Stamford Bridge.

Now, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to welcome yet another player, as the summer transfer window nears its end.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

It's no surprise that Chelsea have splashed the cash and waved goodbye to a number of players this summer following last season's campaign to forget. The Premier League giants never really got going last time out, starting the season with Thomas Tuchel, before Graham Potter endured a nightmare tenure and Frank Lampard added the cherry on top to see the Blues finish as low as 12th.

Now, a new era is underway at Stamford Bridge, with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino attempting to steer a sinking ship towards glory once more. So far, however, all we've got is an indication of just how tough a job the Argentine has on his hands, after his side earned a point against Liverpool on the opening day before suffering a shock 3-1 defeat against West Ham United.

With time still remaining in the summer transfer window, though, Chelsea have gone back to the drawing board amid their poor start, starting by welcoming goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who has undergone his medical, and will sign his contract until June 2030 before Pochettino's side square off against Luton Town tonight, according to Fabrizio Romano, who added his patented "here we go".

The goalkeeper's arrival follows the exit of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who left for Real Madrid earlier in the window.

Who is Djordje Petrovic?

Just 23-years-old, Petrovic will likely come in as a back-up option for Pochettino, who has already welcomed Robert Sanchez this summer.

Of course, if the Serbian does impress, then it would come as little shock if the new Chelsea manager made a dramatic change at the expense of Sanchez, who lost his place at Brighton & Hove Albion to Jason Steele last season.

With no European football to contend with, too, the former New England Revolution man may find initial opportunities hard to come by at Stamford Bridge, making competitions such as the FA Cup and Carabao Cup even more important.

From Pochettino's perspective, he'll just be hoping to see his side gain their first three points of the season against Luton in the Premier League's Friday night kick-off. If they do fail to secure victory against the newly-promoted side, questions may begin to be asked of the Argentine already.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

No matter how the result goes against Luton, however, it looks set to be a proud day for Petrovic, who will be going from MLS football all the way to the Premier League.

As the transfer window comes to a close, Chelsea will, as ever, be one of the most interesting sides to watch, despite already spending plenty of money on reinforcements in the last couple of months.

Ben Duckett was fined and given a final warning over his conduct but escaped being sent home early from the Lions tour of Australia

George Dobell in Perth10-Dec-2017Ben Duckett has been suspended from all remaining fixtures on England Lions’ tour of Australia and given a final written warning over his conduct. He was also fined the maximum allowable amount for an England Lions player, which ESPNcricinfo understands is close to £1500. But the 23-year-old escaped being sent home early.Duckett was due to play for England XI in Perth over the weekend but was suspended following a report that he poured a drink over James Anderson in a bar in the early hours of Friday morning. Joe Clarke took his place in the England XI.While the matter was described as “fairly trivial” by the England coach Trevor Bayliss, it came at a time when the England camp was under increased scrutiny following a couple of previous alcohol-related episodes. As a result, all the players had been warned about their conduct and an extremely dim view was taken of actions that might, a generation or so ago, have been dismissed as light-hearted fun.Crucially, this whole Ashes tour has been overshadowed by the arrest of Ben Stokes in September. Ever since that moment, the England camp has been under the microscope with allegations of out-of-control players and a drinking culture never far away.And while the England management remains confident that the vast majority of the squad is disciplined and focused, there is huge frustration that some foolish moments from the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Duckett should serve to fuel the fire for those who want to suggest otherwise.Duckett, who played four Tests for England towards the end of 2016, may well have been somewhat unfortunate. But as the ECB seeks to ensure the image of the game is attractive to a family audience and in light of his past history (he lost the England Under-19 captaincy due to fitness issues and then missed a Northants pre-season tour for similar reasons), Duckett might reflect on whether he has embraced the level of sacrifice and discipline inherent in the life of an international sportsperson.He and other players, some of them in the current England side, will be left in no doubt that any further indiscretions – however “trivial” they may seem – are likely to cost them their international careers. It will also be interesting to see if Duckett, a hugely talented batsman who in 2016 became the first man to win both the PCA’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in the same season, makes the England Lions squad for their Caribbean tour in the new year.

Mark Wood is preparing to press his claim for a late call-up to England’s Ashes squad by turning out for the Lions in a three-day match against Queensland

David Hopps26-Nov-2017Mark Wood is preparing to press his claim for a late call-up to England’s Ashes squad as Mitchell Johnson, the Australian quick who terrorised England four years ago, ridiculed their attack as a bunch of “sweatband swingers”.Wood’s opportunity comes in a three-day match for England Lions against Queensland in Brisbane before what is essentially an Ashes shadow squad moves on to Perth.Wood, who was England’s fastest bowler until he was stricken by ankle trouble, hopes to emerge from three operations to rebuild his Test career.If you believe Johnson, it can’t come fast enough.Johnson collected 37 wickets and three Man-of-the-Match awards on England’s last Ashes tour and is clearly missing all the attention.He took to Twitter to goad two former England batsmen, Michael Vaughan and Kevin Pietersen, who are in Australia on media duties: “Hey @KP24 @MichaelVaughan yesterday [you] were carrying on about the pommy fast bowlers being able to bowl in the 140s. Ever since they’ve taken the second new ball they’ve been bowling medium pace. They are allowed to bend their backs, and there’s 4 of them #ashes #sweatbandswinger”

Hey @KP24 @MichaelVaughan yesterday were carrying on about the pommy fast bowlers being able to bowl in the 140’s. Ever since they’ve taken the second new ball they’ve been bowling medium pace. They are allowed to bend their backs, and there’s 4 of them #ashes #sweatbandswinger

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) November 25, 2017

Even on a surprisingly sluggish Brisbane surface, the advantage of speed on Australian pitches has been hard to ignore. Joe Root was struck on the helmet by Mitchell Starc, Alastair Cook was beaten on the hook by Josh Hazelwood and England’s tail looked unlikely to detain Australia for very long.Wood, 27, claimed the wicket which saw England regain the Ashes at Trent Bridge in 2015, but lost his England central contract and a tour place for Australia last month after an injury-hit season in which he managed only 14 wickets in seven first-class appearances and his ankle issues were compounded by persistent heel problems.He did take four wickets against Australia in an impressive Champions Trophy campaign, but by the time he featured in two Tests against South Africa, he was well down on pace. That did not dissuade Ottis Gibson from billing him as England’s most hostile fast bowler as Gibson relinquished England’s bowling coach role to take charge of of South Africa.Andy Flower, the Lions head coach, said: “Woody will definitely play in our match against Queensland. He’s looking fit and strong and full of energy. He had two good days bowling at the England players which he came through well, so this is the perfect game for him.”Wood met up with the England squad at net sessions in Brisbane before the first Test and was told in a meeting with the MD of England cricket Andrew Strauss, national selector James Whitaker and coach Trevor Bayliss that an appearance in the Ashes series was not being ruled out.That door might be slightly more ajar after a Test in which Jake Ball made little impression and fitness concerns have swirled around the leader of England’s attack, James Anderson.”They said that if I got my body right I’d still be in a position to have an impact in the series,” Wood said recently. “So in the back of my mind I’ve always thought I’ve got a chance.”But I’m not here to put any of the lads under pressure. You don’t want anyone to get injured – I’ve had enough myself to know you don’t want people to go through that. We’ll just have to wait and see.”I might be just in the background underneath the radar with the Lions hopefully doing well and I can just slot in. It’s a long series, so I’m still hoping at some stage I might be a part of it.”I’ve been building it up out here and my action feels good. It’s just I’ve got no overs under my belt. So the more bowling training I can do in games the better.”As newspaper headlines blared about an incident involving England’s wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, alleging that he had “headbutted” the Australia batsman Cameron Bancroft in a bar in Perth in the early days of the tour, attention will also be focused upon the deputy wicketkeeper Ben Foakes.It was not entirely clear, though, on the eve of the game, whether Foakes, who was originally carded at No. 4 as a specialist batsman, would take the gloves or whether Alex Davies would be retained as wicketkeeper.England are suggesting privately that the Bairstow story has been ramped up with the deliberate intention of destabilising the squad, but Strauss will continue discussions with Bairstow after the completion of the Brisbane Test in full knowledge that there have been calls for him to be suspended.Tom Curran, who has yet to play since he replaced Steven Finn in the Ashes party, also has his first run out of the trip.England Lions (12-a-side game): Keaton Jennings (capt), Nick Gubbins, Tom Westley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Liam Livingstone, Alex Davies, Paul Coughlin, Tom Curran, Mark Wood, Jack Leach, George Garton

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer spending seems set to continue, with the money earned from their recent Harry Kane sale set to fund a number of even more extravagant purchases for Ange Postecoglou…

Who are Tottenham Hotspur signing this summer?

Whilst a new no.9 might spearhead the agenda, that is seemingly not deterring the Lilywhites from perusing the other offensive options available on the market.

A plethora of European talent gives the all-action manager a wealth of options to choose from, yet there is a new target that has emerged on their shortlist.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Although Fabrizio Romano might have suggested that it was Manchester City in the ascendency when it came to securing a deal for Jeremy Doku, alternative reports now claim otherwise.

This comes via The Independent, who note Spurs’ interest in the Belgian trickster, having joined the race with a host of other Premier League clubs. French outfit Rennes are holding out for a mouth-watering £50m figure to sanction his exit.

How good is Jeremy Doku?

If the mesmeric 21-year-old whiz has caught the attention of Pep Guardiola, then that should be enough of a glowing recommendation to suggest that he would thrive in north London.

After all, the young wide talent already boasts 91 first-team appearances for his current club, having posted 11 goal contributions across all competitions last season.

However, it is far from just the tangible assets that make Doku so desired, with FBref helping to outline his creativity and tendency to petrify defenders.

Such is his ability to forge chances for his teammates, the legendary compatriot of the wide man Kevin De Bruyne sits on his ‘similar players’ list on FBref.

These comparisons are emphasised further when delving into his underlying statistics, as when compared to midfielders across Europe he sits in the top 1% for progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches in the attacking penalty area and shot-creating actions all per 90, via FBref.

He is fast, direct and dynamic, yet boasts incredible technical proficiency to see him placed alongside the 32-year-old star – former West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand even suggested he was “frightening” when speaking on the Five YouTube channel back in 2022.

With De Bruyne having recently been ruled out for the foreseeable future, a sizable vacancy will be left at the Etihad, with the creative maestro having recorded 41 goal contributions last campaign across all competitions.

He was instrumental in their historic treble and is regarded by some as the best Premier League midfielder of all time. This fed into his league form, where he created 31 big chances and averaged 3.1 key passes per game in the league last season, via Sofascore.

For comparison, in Ligue 1 Doku would create six big chances of his own, instead averaging one key pass per game, via Sofascore. He may not be quite as clinical in his creation but has pace and power that his alternative certainly lacks.

However, with the ever-changing revolutionary state that Postecoglou’s side is in, he can surely offer far more first-team assurances than Guardiola. Not only that, but promises could be made and, crucially, kept, to convince such a young superstar that his presence could usher in a sparkling new era in north London.

Just as the Manchester club built the foundation for their unlimited success upon De Bruyne’s shoulders, the new Spurs head coach could seek to do the same with a young gem set to set the world stage alight.

The India captain defended MS Dhoni emphasising the latter’s fitness despite his age, and his contributions and importance to the side

Vishal Dikshit in Thiruvananthapuram08-Nov-20172:08

‘Happy for the fans that they saw us play’ – Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli has spoken out in support of MS Dhoni, pointing to his importance in the team and emphasising on Dhoni’s fitness despite his age. Questions were raised about Dhoni’s strike rate and his inability to being able to clear the boundary the way he used to, after a 37-ball 49 in the second T20 in Rajkot where India were unable to chase down 197 on a flat track. Kohli himself scored a fighting 65 off 42 balls but Dhoni could not strike at a similar rate.”First, I don’t understand why are people only pointing him out, I’m not able to understand this,” Kohli said on Tuesday after the third T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram. “If I fail three times, no one is going to point fingers at me because I’m not over 35. The guy is fit, he is passing all the fitness tests, he is contributing to the team in every way possible, tactically on the field, with the bat. If you look at the series against Sri Lanka and Australia, he did really well and in this series he hasn’t got much time to bat.”Questions have also been raised about Dhoni’s batting position. He usually bats at Nos 5 or 6, giving him less time to build a knock in the latter half of an innings. In the second T20I in Rajkot, Dhoni walked out at No. 6 when India were 67 for 4 and needed 130 runs in just under 11 overs. Kohli believed the criticism against Dhoni for that innings was unfair as the asking rate had already shot up past 11 an over when he came out to bat.BCCI”You have to understand, the position in which he comes out to bat, even Hardik [Pandya] could not score in that game,” Kohli said. “Then why are we only pointing out one man? Hardik also got out in the last T20 that we played in Rajkot. We are conveniently targeting only one man which is not fair. We also have to look at the fact that by the time he comes in, either the run rate is already eight-and-a-half or nine-and-a-half and the wicket is also not the same when the new ball is bowled.”Also, the batsmen who are set from the top, they find it easier to strike the ball straightaway compared to the guys who come lower down the order. And the kind of wicket that we have played on, the wear and tear has been much more in the latter half. You have to assess everything.”As team management and players, we understand the situations in which he goes out to bat. We don’t get emotional and excited by the opinions of people who are looking at things from a different point of view. If you are playing, you know how the wicket is and what the situation is like. So, I think he is doing absolutely fine. He understands his game, he understands his role, but it doesn’t come off every time. He hit a six in Delhi and it was shown five times in the post-match show. Everyone got really happy. And suddenly he doesn’t score in one game and we are after his life. I think people need to be a bit more patient. He’s a guy who understands various cricketers. He’s a very smart guy. He understands where he stands with his body, with his game. So I don’t think anyone else has the right to decide that for him.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in the hunt to sign a proven international defender this summer; however, transfer insider Dean Jones is 'sceptical' about how the Old Gold will go about pulling his signature off.

What's the latest news at Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Truth be told, Wolves have endured an extremely frustrating transfer window and their squad is in need of some replenishment following the departures of many key assets this summer, including Ruben Neves, Raul Jimenez, Nathan Collins and Conor Coady, as per Transfermarkt.

Financial Fair Play restrictions have hampered their ability to attract players to Molinuex over the course of the window, with only Matt Doherty and Tom King entering the fold in the West Midlands, both on free transfers.

Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui left the club under a cloud in the week leading up to the opening fixtures of the Premier League campaign and was subsequently replaced by former Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil, as per The Guardian.

Despite spirits being low around the Old Gold, Wolves turned in an encouraging performance in their first competitive match of the campaign away to Manchester United at Old Trafford, losing 1-0 courtesy of a Raphael Varane header in an encounter they should've taken at least a share of the spoils from, as per BBC Sport.

Controversially, Wolves were denied a penalty in the dying embers of proceedings as Amadou Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic in the box, something which O'Neil has since received an apology for, which he revealed in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, stating: "We have just spoken to Jon Moss and fair play to him for coming straight out and apologising and saying it was a blatant penalty and should have been given."

What has Dean Jones said about Nico Elvedi?

Last month, Football Insider claimed that Wolves were close to completing a deal to sign Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, who earns around £49k per week, in a deal worth around £7 million.

Nevertheless, things seem to have gone a little quiet with regard to the £49k-a-week earner's proposed arrival at Molineux, though transfer insider Jones thinks that there is still 'potential' for a deal to be done if Wolves can somehow evade their financial restrictions.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones stated: "I still think there is potential around this deal. But it's difficult to know how likely it is to come off, purely because of this financial standpoint we're at with Wolves.

"While Elvedi would be a good signing, I'm just a bit sceptical about how on earth they actually make it happen."

What now for Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Wolves take on Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend at Molinuex and will be hoping to claim their first three points of the campaign despite a backdrop of uncertainty at the club, as per Sky Sports.

In terms of recruitment, West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has emerged as a target to strengthen offensive depth at the Old Gold and it is believed that his current employers would be willing to let him go if they can secure a suitable replacement at the London Stadium, according to TEAMtalk.

Daniel Podence could recoup some funds for Wolves to spend in the transfer market and is wanted by Scottish champions Celtic in a deal that may net the Old Gold £12 million, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Athletic report that Wolves remain interested in experienced West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell; however, their efforts to land the former England international have proved unsuccessful as of yet.

Ireland’s first Test match will be against Pakistan in May 2018 after the two countries came to an agreement during the ICC meetings in Auckland this week

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Oct-2017Ireland’s first Test match will be against Pakistan in May 2018 after the two countries came to an agreement during the ICC meetings in Auckland this week.Ireland, along with Afghanistan, were elevated to Test status earlier this year.”We are excited to welcome Pakistan to Ireland for our inaugural Test match next year,” CEO Warren Deutrom said. “It has been our wish to make our Test debut in front of our own fans within 12 months of becoming a Test nation, and against a big team, so I’m delighted.”Pakistan’s trip to Ireland will come before their two-Test tour of England which begins in late May. The date and location for the Ireland match will be confirmed in the coming months.”There is a lot of work to do from now to ensure that it will be an occasion to remember but we, and I’m sure our players and fans, can’t wait to rise to it,” Deutrom said.”We would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board most sincerely for agreeing to be our first opponent in Test cricket, the Pakistan team has been a regular visitor to our shores in recent years, and their agreement to be our opponent on this important occasion for Irish cricket is further evidence of their terrific support.”Bangladesh were the previous team to join the Test ranks when they played their first match against India in November 2000.”Test cricket is the pinnacle of our sport and I know how much this game will mean to not only the players but all involved with Irish cricket. It’ll be another step on what has been an incredible journey for our sport in a relatively short passage of time,” William Porterfield, the Ireland captain, said.”It’s sure to be an incredible and emotional experience for all involved. I know how much this will mean to all the players and just how much we all will forward to our dream of being Test cricketers realised. I’m certain there will be an incredible atmosphere from both sets of fans who will be keen to witness a piece of history.”

Southampton are one of several clubs who are keeping tabs on the uncertain future of James McAtee.

What’s the latest on James McAtee to Southampton?

According to the Daily Mail, the Saints, alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brighton, Celtic, and Sheffield United are all interested in signing the Manchester City youngster.

The reigning European Champions are said to be ‘reluctant’ to let McAtee leave, but it is clear that his pathway towards regular first-team football under Pep Guardiola.

Man City are now exploring a deal to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United, so McAtee might be forced to depart his boyhood club, with Russell Martin waiting with open arms.

Would James McAtee be a good signing for Southampton?

The 5 foot 11 livewire has been at Man City since 2013 and has developed into one of the country’s most exciting and effervescent talents.

In 86 appearances for the club’s U18 and U21 sides, whilst operating either as a conventional central midfielder or just behind the striker, he has recorded 70 goal contributions – it is a phenomenal record for a player who is clearly demonstrated that he is superior to youth level.

During this time, McAtee has also managed to feature six times for the senior side but formally rose to prominence in the English game whilst on loan at Sheffield United last term.

In 21 Championship starts, the Englishman registered 12 goal involvements and was an integral member of the team that achieved promotion back to the Premier League.

During this spell, where he made 43 appearances, the playmaker admitted that it was a ‘great experience’ that has massively helped his career: “I feel like I found myself at United. I found the way I want to play and how I want to affect games. It’s been a great experience.”

Now with a taste of playing regular football and being heavily valued, it seems unlikely that McAtee will be contempt with sporadic substitute appearances in Manchester.

The joyous technician is a tremendously promising footballer, which has led to the nickname the ‘Salford Silva’, in which Gary Neville feels he is almost a clone of the majestic Spaniard.

Stunning close control, unrelenting creativity, and wondrous vision were all traits that became synonymous with Silva’s trophy-laden ten-year stint in England.

From a Saints perspective, if they can tempt McAtee to the south coast, they could finally source a long-term heir to the irrepressible Adam Lallana.

The former Liverpool maestro spent eight years at Southampton and was an indispensable component of the side that progressed from League One to the top flight.

In 265 appearances, he scored 60 goals and created 48 assists, effortlessly gliding across the pitch with magnificent technique, dribbling, and flair.

His unassailable intelligence to pick up positions behind the striker meant he was crucial in offensive sequences.

This was recognised by Jurgen Klopp, who lauded Lallana as ‘brilliant’, adding:

“He can play different positions, he's quick, he's mentally strong, he's a smart player.”

McAtee, who has previously been hailed as “special” by Guardiola, can be offered a fresh start at St Marys, which would give him the chance to replicate his Sheffield United performances and the heroics of Lallana.

Liverpool are set to make a third bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer, according to a fresh update from journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

How old is Romeo Lavia?

The 19-year-old has emerged as arguably the Reds' main summer transfer target since the end of last season, with two bids for him already rejected by Saints. With Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai arriving earlier in the window, the main focus now seems to be on acquiring the Belgian's signature.

Lavia is a big transfer target for a club of Liverpool's stature, which says a lot about what an exciting young talent he is, having enjoyed an impressive first season at St Mary's after joining on a permanent basis from Manchester City last summer.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

The midfielder started 26 games in the Premier League in 2022/23, standing out despite his side eventually being relegated to the Championship, and it would now be a big surprise if he was still a Saints player when the current transfer window closes at the end of August.

Are Liverpool set to sign Romeo Lavia?

Taking to Twitter, Tavolieri stated that he expects Liverpool to table a third offer for Lavia, as they finally look to break Southampton's resolve:

"Liverpool FC ready to make a third & ultimate offer for Romeo Lavia. I understand the bid will meet the £40m transfer fee expectations by Saints FC + add-ons. Player’s side just waiting for LFC to activate but informed the club his desire to join the Reds.

"There’s a feeling that Klopp’s team are the only squad able to do such offer at that moment. Dialogue remains opens as Southampton FC won’t let leave his biggest sale of the year with the financial impact of a relegation. Deal still ON."

At this point, it would be a shock if Lavia didn't move to Liverpool this summer, with Saints seemingly only holding out for a big fee, and the Reds likely to match the amount desired at some point.

The Belgium international could be a fantastic signing and a perfect replacement for Fabinho in the No.6 role, even if he is still a very inexperienced player learning his trade. He has shown that he can more than hold his own against top-flight players, outperforming older teammates at Southampton, and there is no reason why he can't hit the ground running.

Lavia's class is highlighted by what City manager Pep Guardiola has said about him in the past, with the Spaniard talking him up and justifying why it made sense for him leave:

"I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing. We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton."

It would be unfair to expect Lavia to play with the maturity of Fabinho every week, given his age, but his ability to cover ground, make tackles and keep the ball ticking over could be an invaluable addition to Liverpool's summer midfield rebuild, in what has been a massive change in the middle of the park.

The World XI captain spoke about how he initially wrestled with the idea of playing in Pakistan, before being put at ease by the comprehensive security arrangements

Danyal Rasool in Lahore11-Sep-2017World XI captain Faf du Plessis chose to see the silver lining amid the dark cloud of uncertainty that hovers over international cricket in Pakistan, saying the presidential-style security afforded to the touring players made them feel like they “were in a movie”.Squads

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Umar Amin, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Amir, Ruman Raees, Usman Khan, Sohail Khan.
World XI: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Samuel Badree, George Bailey, Paul Collingwood, Ben Cutting, Grant Elliott, Tamim Iqbal, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Tim Paine, Thisara Perera, Imran Tahir, Darren Sammy.

The South Africa captain spoke about being approached to play in the series and how he initially wrestled with the idea of playing in Pakistan, before being put at ease by the comprehensive security arrangements.”When this whole thing came about, you do think about those sort of things, but as soon as we spoke to the people who were in control of the security, the planning, things were fine,” du Plessis said. “As a player all you want is that peace of mind and they gave it to us, so they are very confident that this will be smooth sailing. As soon as we got onto the plane those thoughts were gone; we just wanted to get here and experience what was going to be something that was going to be huge turnaround in world cricket. The last 24 hours were exciting because the excitement of last night is not something we as players get to do normally, getting on a private jet, being chauffeured away from the plane, so we felt like we were in a movie.”Du Plessis repeatedly alluded to the end of his playing days – he even said he was unlikely to be on a tour to Pakistan with South Africa because he would have retired by then – and spoke of the importance of this tour for the legacy he’d like to leave behind. “As a captain you always look for things to try and leave your mark in what you do in a team. I thought this was a great opportunity for me when the coach [Andy Flower] phoned me and said he’d like me to captain this side. In a few years’ time when I look back at my career, it would be nice to look at ways where you had your footprint in the game of cricket whether it would be in your own team as captain. This will be certainly be something that in few years’ time when I sit down with my family. This will be something that I can say was a huge honour to be a part of. Looking back on my career it’ll be great to say that I made an impact on bringing international cricket back to Pakistan.”Meanwhile, Andy Flower, whose brother Grant has been the Pakistan batting coach since 2014, spoke of the honour of coaching the World XI. “I feel privileged to be sitting here and addressing you as the coach of the World XI,” he said. “We are here to celebrate Pakistan’s 70th anniversary of independence, play our part in the revival of international cricket in Pakistan, and play some great cricket in front of the Pakistani people.Andy Flower and Faf du Plessis at a press conference after arriving in Lahore•Associated Press”We, as the World XI, would also like to offer our sympathy and condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones in terrorist acts in Pakistan. As you all know, this has been the reason for international cricket staying away from this great cricketing nation.”As someone who has contributed to cricket even after his retirement, primarily as coach of England for five successful years, it is easy to forget Flower is also one of the greatest cricketers from Zimbabwe. He expressed his affection for a country he toured three times in five years, as well as the 1996 World Cup, and his satisfaction at being able to do a favour for a country that he said was a “great supporter” of Zimbabwe cricket.”On a personal note, I have a strong bond with Pakistan, having toured here with the Zimbabwe cricket team in 1993, ’96 and ’98. Of course, the 1998 Test in Peshawar stands out for me because we won it and that helped us win our maiden Test series. The weather helped us just a little bit in the next two Tests in Lahore and Faisalabad as they were smogged off. But Pakistan was a great supporter of Zimbabwean cricket in those early days in the early 90’s, and I really appreciate the opportunities they helped create for me and other cricketers of Zimbabwe. My personal bonds with guys like Mushie [Mushtaq Ahmed] and Mo [Mohammad] Akram, and my brother’s experiences with the Pakistan players makes it particularly special for me to be here.”Flower also said that his brother’s stint in Pakistan helped him in making up his mind. “He’s [Grant’s] been with Pakistan team for three years, and he’s really enjoyed his time. He loved working with international batsmen and has enjoyed working with level of talent in this country. I spoke with him after Giles Clarke had first approached me with this idea. We always communicate a lot so I hear about things at the academy [National Cricket Academy], and I was quite comfortable with the feedback that he was giving me.”Du Plessis and Flower both said this was “more than just a cricket tour” in the way they hoped it would help Pakistan in the long run.