Gayle, Russell hold key for maverick West Indies

West Indies’ players are experienced in T20 cricket, but would want to prove themselves at the international level

Nagraj Gollapudi15-Mar-20161:14

Chappell: West Indies batting has fallen since 2012 title

Big pictureTill Shamar Springer rolled his chest rhythmically, there was Chris Gayle and co. galloping to the , having won their maiden World T20 crown, their first world title in 33 years.Four years on, the core of that 2012 batch remains intact. But there are many questions Darren Sammy and his band of merry men will have to answer if they are to repeat the 2012 feat. The biggest weakness for West Indies is a batting line-up that is powerful on paper, but low on returns and inconsistent in form.Only Gayle, their best batsman, emerges unscathed. In his 43 T20I innings, Gayle has scored 1406 runs at an average of 35.15 and a strike rate of 142.60. Contrast that with Marlon Samuels, who was the Man of the Match in the 2012 final, but has scored just one half-century in his last 12 T20I innings. He has not played any T20 cricket since the Bangladesh Premier League last November.Denesh Ramdin is the other batsman who is struggling. If not for his wicketkeeping, he might have found it hard to retain his place. In 34 T20I innings, he has managed 385 runs at an average of 16.73, which is the lowest among all wicketkeepers who have played 20 or more T20I innings. The other specialist batsmen, Johnson Charles (22 T20I innings, 463 runs at 21.04), Andre Fletcher (24, 427 at 19.40) have been equally inconsistent.West Indies’ biggest strength remains their quartet of allrounders: Dwayne Bravo, Sammy, Carlos Braithwaite and Andre Russell. These four can destroy bowling attacks mercilessly as Sammy showed in the second warm-up match against Australia in Kolkata which West Indies won. In the absence of Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard, these four men will also take the responsibility of leading the bowling attack.As Sammy has been saying, this tournament is the last chance to win big. For him. For Gayle. For Bravo. For Samuels. And, probably, even Russell, who is battling knee problems. These men have at times been labelled bandits for choosing lucrative T20 leagues over representing West Indies. Will they now help West Indies loot the ransom at the World T20? If so, it would be worth watching how they attempt to outdo the “Springer roll”.At the helmOne disadvantage West Indies face is not having played as one unit since the last edition of the tournament. It is here that Sammy’s skills as a motivational speaker will be handy. As a leader he has the respect of his players and bonds well with all the seniors.Equally influential would be Phil Simmons, their coach, who enters his first major global tournament in this capacity. A quiet presence in the dressing room he might be, but Simmons believes in hard work and discipline. Simmons was briefly suspended last year by the WICB for publicly stating that he did not get his players of choice in the squad for the Sri Lanka tour. The players know Simmons is on their side. Simmons wants acknowledgement in the form of performances.Key stat8This is the number of T20Is West Indies have played since the last World T20, the lowest among all ten Full Members. However, perhaps this stat could be offset by another: 42.4 is the average number of T20s played by the 15 squad members since the last World T20 – the highest for any team!Leading menAndre Russell was the IPL’s Most Valuable Player last year, playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. He won the Big Bash League with the Sydney Thunder recently. During the Pakistan Super League, Russell declared he was hungry to perform and played a key role in Islamabad United’s victorious campaign in the league’s first season. Now Russell is ready for the World T20. It offers him the opportunity to correct something he would not like to hear: in the seven T20I innings he has played since the 2014 World T20, Russell has scored just 72 runs. And in the eight matches in which he has bowled during that period, he has just two wickets at an economy rate of 10.3. He has done it for the franchises. Now it is the Caribbean’s turn.Chris Gayle is the second highest run-getter in World T20s (807 runs) and the highest among all who are playing this edition of the tournament. He has hit the most fifty-plus scores (8) and the most sixes (49). Despite the demands on him, Gayle must be well aware that the longer he stays at the crease the better chance West Indies have of compiling high totals or chasing them down.Can Andre Russell deliver in West Indian colours?•Associated PressBurning questionWho is going to replace Narine as the match-winning spinner?Samuel Badree might raise his hand to answer that question. Badree has the experience of playing on Indian pitches in the IPL with Rajasthan Royals, has opened the bowling with the new ball, and is accurate with his legspinners. He is no door mat. His economy rate of 5.39 in T20Is is the best among all bowlers who have bowled 50 or more overs in T20Is. Badree knows he is no Narine, who was one of the most dangerous bowlers at death. Badree has never bowled at death in T20Is.However, he trumps Narine in Powerplays: in 22 T20I innings, Badree has taken 19 wickets at an economy rate of 5.39. In the same first-six-overs phase, Narine has had 26 innings, taking seven wickets at an economy rate of 6.20. While Ashley Nurse or Sulieman Benn will play the supporting role, it is Badree who will need to fire the shots early to make sure West Indies are standing strong at the end.World T20 historyTwice West Indies failed to make the knockouts: 2007, and then, embarrassingly, at home in 2010. Twice they made the semi-finals: in 2009 and 2014. Once they danced with the World T20 crown – in 2012.In their own words”The next T20 World Cup is in 2020. The most experienced guys will not be part of the next World Cup. Everybody is focused on winning. It would mean a lot to us and the people at home in the current situation our cricket is in if this team comes here… not only the men’s team but also the women’s team if we can win.”
Aakash Chopra on West Indies’ strengths and weaknesses

'Such a shame' – Lionesses star Mary Earps admits disappointment over Luis Rubiales kiss scandal at Women's World Cup as she backs 'incredible' Jenni Hermoso & Spain for fighting back

Mary Earps has shared her dissapointment at Spain's 'incredible' World Cup triumph being overshadowed by Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso.

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Earps disappointed over scandalArgues Spain deserve praise for achievementsCredits fight of playersWHAT HAPPENED?

Spain overcame an inspired Earps – with the England goalkeeper saving a second-half penalty – to beat the Lionesses 1-0 in the World Cup final in August. However, the scandal that unfolded after then-Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales kissed star striker Hermoso during the trophy presentation completely overshadowed Spain's achievement.

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Three weeks after the kiss, Rubiales was forced to resign following widespread condemnation, while manager Jorge Vilda was sacked. With Hermoso and the Spanish prosecutor pressing charges, Spain's players threatened to boycott the national team in September unless significant changes to the women's football set-up were made.

WHAT EARPS SAID

On the situation, Earps told GQ: "They've [Spanish players] managed to voice their concerns in a really thorough way, which is fantastic. But ultimately it's come off the back of a situation where they've won the World Cup and everybody just seems to be talking about the controversy that surrounded it, which is such a shame. I'd rather shine light on what an incredible team they are and what incredible football they play."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR EARPS AND SPAIN?

Earps and her Manchester United team-mates will take on Man City in the first Manchester derby of the WSL season. A win at Old Trafford would see United pull five points clear of their local rivals and keep up the pressure on table toppers Chelsea.

Could Jurgen Klopp take the Germany job? Liverpool boss' stance on national team vacancy revealed after Hansi Flick sacking

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is once again being billed as a candidate to take charge of the German national team following the sacking of Hansi Flick.

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Ex-Bayern boss relieved of his dutiesVoller placed in interim chargeReds manager admired back homeWHAT HAPPENED?

Former Bayern manager Flick was unceremoniously sacked by the DFB following a humbling 4-1 friendly defeat to Japan. He took in just 25 games at the helm, and was relieved of his duties after winning only 12 of those games and suffering a group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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There has been talk of an approach being made for Klopp, despite the fact that he is under contract at Anfield through to 2026. The reports that while the charismatic German is of obvious appeal to those in his homeland, there is no desire on his part to break his agreement on Merseyside.

WHAT THEY SAID

Klopp has previously said when quizzed on links to the role with Die Mannschaft: “The job of national coach is and would be a great honour – there's no question about that. The problem that stands in the way of the whole thing is my loyalty. Basically, it's an interesting job. But I don't know yet whether I'll do something completely different after I leave Liverpool. I want to keep my options open.”

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Getty/ GOALWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Germany are looking to appoint a new coach who can lead them towards next summer’s European Championship on home soil. Ex-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann is considered to be favourite for the role, with Oliver Glasner also in contention as Rudi Voller takes the reins on an interim basis.

'We won't put Ajmal under pressure' – Waqar

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has said there will not be pressure on Saeed Ajmal to make an immediate impact

Mohammad Isam16-Apr-2015Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has said there will not be pressure on Saeed Ajmal to make an immediate impact. The offspinner is set to play against Bangladesh in the first ODI, his first international game since August 30 last year.”He is on the tour so we have expectations,” Younis said in Mirpur. “We won’t put him under pressure by telling him that you have been a match winner so come out and deliver the same. We know he is capable of delivering the goods for Pakistan and I am sure he will.”After being reported for a suspect action on August 9, Ajmal was banned from bowling a month later and underwent extensive remedial work on his action, with help from Saqlain Mushtaq. Ajmal was finally cleared to bowl in February this year, but did not play the World Cup.He played a couple of games for Pakistan A against Kenya in December last year as part of his rehabilitation programme, and took 1 for 45 in the practice match in Fatullah on Wednesday.Azhar ready for captaincy debut

Pakistan’s new ODI captain Azhar Ali felt welcomed into the side despite not having played in the format for more than two years.
“I was really welcomed by my team. They are all good bunch of guys. We are gelling together. I don’t think there is any problem,” he said.
Azhar was appointed captain after Misbah-ul-Haq retired from ODIs following the World Cup. He was a surprising choice given his lack of experience but Azhar said that he is excited about his captaincy debut on Friday.
“I really feel excited about this challenge. We have a very young side with a lot of energy. I am really looking forward to my captaincy debut tomorrow. It will be a great opportunity for me to play in the ODI as well.”

Younis credited Ajmal for reworking his action and said he has showed character to make a comeback. He was also happy with Ajmal’s spell against the BCB XI, but didn’t want to rush into judgment. Younis was confident Ajmal would return to his usual self soon enough, and wanted to give him ample time in the middle.”He worked really hard in the last eight months. Coming out of his situation, it needs some character. He has proved himself that he is still good enough that’s why we picked him for all three formats. He bowled quite well yesterday. I was very impressed with his outcome. It was his first 50-over game after a long time. I think to judge him at the moment is going to be tough but his experience and character will help him to come good for Pakistan.”Ajmal has taken 12 wickets at an average of 18.08 in seven ODIs against Bangladesh. The hosts’ stand-in captain Shakib Al Hasan questioned whether Ajmal would be as effective as he was earlier.”He is coming back after a long time. We have no idea whether the Saeed Ajmal of old will be playing against us,” Shakib said. “After such an incident, the effectiveness doesn’t always remain within a bowler. He can definitely do better than before or he may not. But we can tell after playing against him tomorrow.”Shakib said that like Ajmal, his Kolkata Knight Riders team-mate Sunil Narine had made a comeback in this season’s IPL after reworking his action. “Sunil played in the IPL after the Champions League last year. A bowler will be a little different after coming back from such a long gap. Those who have gone through these situations would know how it is to return from, for example, a long injury lay-off. We would definitely want him to bowl with less confidence.”

Wells digs in as Sussex take third

Sussex clinched third place in Division One for the second successive year after a stalemate with Northamptonshire at Wantage Road

Press Association26-Sep-2014
ScorecardLuke Wells finished his season with a composed hundred•Getty ImagesSussex clinched third place in Division One for the second successive year after a stalemate with Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.The home side concluded on 85 for 1, as events petered out into an insipid draw to bring the season to a close.Both sets of players formed a tunnel for umpires Peter Willey and George Sharp on the morning of what could be their last day on the first-class list. Unless their legal challenge to the ECB’s ban on over-65s is successful, they will bow out on the ground they served with distinction. While Willey had the more prominent career culminating in 26 Tests for England, Sharp served as a wicketkeeper between 1970 and 1985 before becoming an umpire.Once play got under way, there was a sedate period as Sussex ensured there would be no last-day drama to affect their chances. Resuming on 209 for 3, they added just 29 runs in the opening hour, while Northamptonshire offered little penetration.But Luke Wells took that time to score the remaining nine runs for his 255-ball century, after picking up on 91 not out, with a four off Rob Keogh.After Yardy was stumped off Keogh for Northamptonshire’s first breakthrough, it was Azharullah who would enjoy the day as much as Wells, as he had Brown caught behind for 26.As the intensity of the game faded and the inevitability of the draw increased, both sides could be forgiven for losing interest but Azharullah maintained his focus to remove Zaidi lbw for his fifth wicket in the innings.It was the first time the paceman had achieved the feat for Northamptonshire. One ball later, Azharullah was celebrating again when Magoffin edged behind for Rossington’s third catch.It did not stop Wells reaching his 150 with an impressive six over long-on from Olly Stone and he was last man out skying Azharullah to long-on for 162. Sussex were all out for 343 by mid-afternoon and their prize money was safe.Azharullah finished with 7 for 76 and match figures of 10 for 158 – only the second time in his career he has pulled off the feat.Northamptonshire’s target of 418 in a minimum of 44 overs to register their first win of the year was a target of academic value and they lost Glamorgan-bound opener James Kettleborough for 33, before finishing on 85 for 1. Their nine points accrued from the game leaves them on 79 for the season, the lowest achieved by a county in Division One.They will return to Division Two after one year, without Kettleborough, James Middlebrook and Andrew Hall who follow the retired David Sales in the exit lounge of Wantage Road.Sussex on the other hand will enjoy their winnings and director of cricket Mark Robinson reflected on the season.”You set off trying to win the title, but most people would say that third place is a very creditable spot. It’s the same spot as last year. There’s not much between the teams and while Yorkshire have been the best team, we could have been in Lancashire’s position. ”Robinson is confident that Division One’s leading wicket taker Steve Magoffin will sign a new contract and add to his 72 wickets this season. “We have to manage his overs but he loves this club and it’s an incredible achievement to take that many wickets.””I don’t believe or agree with releasing players or announcing their signing during the summer, if you can help it. For the moment, we’ve managed to keep things in-house and we know where we are with Steve.”

Austin, Mourinho & the Premier League's funniest rants

Sometimes, the post-match press conferences and interviews are just as entertaining as the games themselves – especially if they're heated!

The Premier League has never been short of drama both on and off the pitch, and players and managers can get colourful with their wording in the aftermath of an eventful game.

Following Charlie Austin's recent condemnation of Premier League referees after Southampton's draw with Watford, Goal rounds up some of the most memorable tirades delivered by both footballers and their coaches…

GettyCharlie Austin, referees rant | 2018-19In a heated tirade, Southampton striker Austin demanded the Premier League introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) following a “joke” decision that cost the Saints two points against Watford in their 1-1 draw.

“It’s ridiculous, they shouldn’t be in the game,” he said in his post-match interview. “We scored a perfectly good goal that was ruled out for offside. The officials cost us two points. They said it was offside, that is a joke.

"Sure there are many positives, we worked hard, we deserved three points and we would have got that had we not been let down by the official."

AdvertisementMichael ReganJose Mourinho, "respect" rant | 2018-19Following a 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at home in the league, Mourinho heatedly defended his legacy in England – and walked out of the post-match press conference to stunned reporters, demanding respect.

"Just to finish. Do you know what was the result? 3-0. 3-0. Do you know what this mean? 3-0," he fired.

"But it also means three Premierships, and I have won more Premierships alone than the other 19 managers together. Three for me and two for them. Respect! Respect! Respect, man! Respect! Respect! Respect!"

GettyKevin Keegan vs Fergie rant | 1995-96

In the 1995-96 season, Manchester United and Newcastle were involved in a bitter title race – and Kevin Keegan lost his temper on television responding to comments made by Alex Ferguson that some teams wouldn't try as hard to earn points against the Magpies than they would with the Red Devils.

He burst out: "I've kept really quiet but I'll tell you something, he went down in my estimations when he said that. We have not resorted to that. You can tell him now, we're still fighting for this title and he's got to go to Middlesbrough and get something.

"And I'll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them. Love it."

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GettyRon Atkinson, "silly machines" rant | 1995-96

When pundit Richard Keys quizzed Coventry manager Ron Atkinson on his side's poor form in 1996, he blased accusations that his side were performing poorly.

"I'm sorry, you can sit there and play with all your silly machines as much as you like," Atkinson raged. "If the boys play badly I'll whip 'em, but I ain't whipping them for that. Who was the man of the match award?"

"Dave Beasant," said Keys.

"Oh, sorry, so he must not have played that bad then," Atkinson continued. "Thanks very much, lads. Goodnight."

No decision yet on Indians playing Women's Super League

There has been no decision taken on the participation of India’s players in the inaugural Women’s Super League to be held in England in July-August, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur has said

Shashank Kishore16-Apr-20161:28

ARCHIVE: ‘Overseas league participation will give much needed exposure’ – Raj

No decision has been taken on the participation of India’s players in the inaugural Women’s Super League to be held in England in July-August, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur has said.Several leading players such as Australia captain Meg Lanning, New Zealand captain Suzie Bates, who was rated by as the leading women’s cricketer for 2015, the World T20-winning Stafanie Taylor and her West Indies team-mate Deandra Dottin were named to partner the English women for the franchise-based six-team tournament. There were no Indians named in the list released by the ECB.ESPNcricinfo understands the ECB had sent a letter to all Full Members seeking their permission to enlist players but the BCCI was yet to discuss the issue. With 18 foreign players already announced – only three can feature in the playing XIs – Indian players are effectively ruled out.Thakur, however, added the Indian board was also mulling an IPL-style T20 league for women. “We have not taken any decision [on not sending Indian women to the T20 league in England] as of now,” Thakur told ESPNcricinfo. “As far as leagues are concerned, we are also thinking something [on the same lines] within the BCCI as well. We will decide on it during the meeting at the end of the month.”Clare Connor, the ECB’s head of women’s cricket, said her board had contacted various countries in January. “We wrote to all the boards in January, when we had final approval from the ECB about the six Super League hosts. We let them know where we were with the Super League and what we were looking to do with the overseas players: the number of overseas players (18), how we were looking to involve the world’s best.”We communicated with the BCCI, as we did with all other boards. They made their own decision that they were not going to put players forward or share their contact details.”India’s top women cricketers could not play in the inaugural Big Bash League in Australia in December-January either. Captain Mithali Raj and fast bowler Jhulan Goswami were on Adelaide Strikers’ radar but were denied permission since the tournament dates overlapped with India’s domestic season, which was scheduled to be televised for the first time.The delay in making India’s players available for the WSL is surprising considering the team’s next international assignment, a limited-overs series against West Indies, is scheduled for November. It was common sentiment within the Indian side that an opportunity to play in England, where the World Cup will be held in 2017, would help them prepare better.Unlike the Women’s Big Bash League where franchises signed players directly, the ECB decided to form a central pool of overseas players before narrowing down the squads of the six teams.”We asked whether the teams would prefer to contact their own players about it or whether they would prefer us to contact them directly,” Connor said. “Mostly, we contacted players directly: the boards gave us their main squad’s email address and we then communicated with players, asking them to express an interest if they wished to be considered for selection for the Super League.”Connor also confirmed the ECB decided to do away with a draft or auction system to lend balance to all the squads. “We met the teams to discuss the balance of their squads,” she said. “Of course, there were a few players that lots of teams wanted. But actually, it worked out really neatly because, once the teams knew which England players they had, that dictated whether they needed an opening bat, spinner, wicketkeeper or whatever. It was just a case of trying to adhere to our principle of getting the best versus the best.”

Explained: Why PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe will have to sack his own mother to secure Real Madrid transfer – but he could still move to the Premier League

Kylian Mbappe will reportedly have to sack his own mother in order to secure a transfer to Real Madrid, with Fayza Lamari unable to act as his agent.

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France international represented by familyThey do not have FIFA licensePotential problem amid Blancos linksWHAT HAPPENED?

The France international forward is represented by members of his close family at present. However, that situation could cause issues when it comes to negotiating a potential switch to Spain.

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Mbappe continues to be heavily linked with Madrid as he is yet to extend a contract at Paris Saint-Germain that is due to expire in 2024. claims that in order to land a move to Santiago Bernabeu, the 24-year-old will have to sever professional ties with his mother.

DID YOU KNOW?

That is because a new FIFA rule dictates that transfers and contracts can only be discussed by licensed agents. Lamari is not listed on the FIFA Agent Platform, and is therefore unable to represent any player on an official basis.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Lamari would be unable to obtain the relevant certificates until May 2024 and faces the threat of a fine if she continues to represent her son. There are, however, a couple of loopholes that could be explored as teams in Germany and England have blocks in place that prevent them from having to adhere to the FIFA regulations for now – meaning that Mbappe could head for the Bundesliga or Premier League if he wanted to keep his mother in place and speak with other clubs.

Dhoni lauds bowlers' will

MS Dhoni heaped praise on his bowlers, saying that they had tried everything they could during the Test, and that only exceptional batting from New Zealand made the difference in the end

Abhishek Purohit in Wellington18-Feb-20140:00

‘Fantastic the way our bowlers bowled’ – Dhoni

MS Dhoni- “You have to appreciate that at times, the opposition can also bat well.”•Getty ImagesTwice in four Tests now, Inda have failed to convert a strong position into victory. At the Wanderers, they even came close to losing after setting South Africa a target of 458. At Basin Reserve, they had New Zealand five down and still needing 152 to make the visitors bat again, but were unable to dislodge triple-centurion Brendon McCullum and BJ Watling, who went on to build a match-saving 352-run partnership.MS Dhoni felt India had tried everything they could, and lauded the efforts of his quicks, emphasizing that the opposition had just been too good.”We bowled for two-and-a-half days. We tried our best in all fielding positions,” Dhoni said. “Right from catching slips to catching covers to deep square leg to deep point and bowling on the pads to bowling outside off. We tried three new balls to get them out. At times it works, at times it does not work. After that, you have to appreciate that at times, the opposition can also bat well. We don’t always have to put pressure on our bowlers and batters saying we batted badly or we bowled badly.”I think as a cricket fan, he (McCullum) batted really well. And he was given good company by Watling and they kept playing. They played a lot of deliveries. Playing close to 500-odd deliveries is itself very tough, forget the amount of runs he has scored. I think it was one of the good innings we were able to see.”McCullum and Watling consumed 926 deliveries between them. India had sent down 136 overs in the second innings in Johannesburg, while they ended up bowling 210 in the second innings in Wellington. Dhoni had appreciated his toiling fast bowlers in South Africa as well, and he was pleased again with the intensity they had shown at the Basin.”I think it was fantastic to see the way our bowlers bowled. Specially the fact that when they took the second and third new ball, still they were willing to put in a lot of effort. You don’t get to see sides playing with three fast bowlers and one spinner and putting the kind of effort that our side did. Overall, we will accept that we were not able to get two batsmen out. They batted really well, we will give credit to them but at the same time, what really needs to be appreciated is the will and the way our fast bowlers tried to get the opposition out on a really flat wicket.As I said, to maintain pressure with 3-1 combination becomes difficult. That was one area where our fast bowlers did really well. They were able to hit consistent line and length throughout. We bowled close to 200-odd overs and still they were able to hit the same spot with good intensity which itself means a lot.”Dhoni said it was difficult to pinpoint why India were falling short after getting ahead in games. “We are trying. It is not like making food where you say, okay, salt is missing, that is why it is not good. Where we are lacking, that is a difficult one to answer. In the last two series, we have not been able to capitalise when we were in similar situation. I think it is good we were in a situation like that and slowly we will be able to capitalise also.”

Gale 'hurt' by racism claims

Andrew Gale, the Yorkshire captain, has spoken of the hurt he felt at being accused of racism after abusing Ashwell Prince in the Roses match last month, saying it was the “toughest time” of his career

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Oct-2014Andrew Gale, the Yorkshire captain, has spoken of the hurt he felt at being accused of racism after abusing Ashwell Prince in the Roses match last month, saying it was the “toughest time” of his career. Gale was ultimately suspended for four matches and ordered to attend an anger management course in return for the ECB dropping the racial element of the case.Gale was also prevented from attending the presentation of the Championship trophy, after Yorkshire had won the title at Trent Bridge ten days later, leading to public outcry within the county.”At a time when it should have been one of the happiest times of my career, it’s turned out to be the toughest time,” he told the . “I am not a racist, and that tag was what hurt me most throughout the whole process.”I have coached cricketers all over the world, and the work that I’ve done within the Yorkshire community and charities backs that up; that’s why it hurt so much. There were times when I didn’t want to leave the house after being branded a racist, but my family showed me great support that helped me through.”Gale was initially banned for two matches, for a second breach of discipline, after being reported for a Level 2 offence by the standing umpires at Old Trafford. The charge was then raised to one of racial abuse for his alleged exhortation of Prince to “f*** off back to your own country, you Kolpak f******”, before Gale admitted to “improper” conduct for using language that “could have caused offence”.Gale said that he “played the game hard but fair” and wanted the season to remembered for Yorkshire’s first pennant in 13 years, rather than his misdemeanour.”I regret the way in which I reacted that day and I have always prided myself on being a role model to my fellow pros and all young cricketers I coach,” he said. “I’d like to think that I have always played the game hard but fair, and I always endeavour to play every game to win.”I am still immensely proud of what we have achieved this season, and I hope the whole situation hasn’t detracted from Yorkshire’s success. Yorkshire were brilliant throughout the whole process.”

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