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West Ham United face a colossal final two months of the season as they look to secure European football for next season with eight Premier League matches remaining as well as at least two more Europa League games with the Hammers set to take on French side Lyon in the quarter-final next month.

With a busy run-in that will have a major impact on how next season will look as well as the sort of transfer window they may have, David Moyes could do with some alternatives in what is a pretty light squad in order to manage.

Attack, in particular, is short of personnel with Michail Antonio the East London club’s only senior striker. Therefore, now may be the perfect time to promote U23s star Armstrong Oko-Flex.

In the Pipeline

Although predominantly a winger, Oko-Flex did play at centre-forward in the 2-1 EFL Trophy win away at Ipswich, in which the 20-year-old Irishman netted.

However, it’s his campaign in the Premier League 2 that has caught the eye, with the winger scoring 11 goals and assisting two in 18 appearances for the U23s.

The Irishman has made a handful of first-team squads and Moyes is very much aware of his talent, although the 20-year-old is yet to get his first taste of senior football.

Formerly a youth player at West Ham’s city rivals Arsenal, Oko-Flex joined the Hammers from Celtic last summer on a free transfer, having made two first-team appearances for the Scottish giants.

U23s coach Dmitri Halajko was very pleased with the early signs shown by the 20-year-old, saying: “Armstrong’s finishing is a real strong point of his. When he gets into the final third, he’s a very dangerous player. We wanted to do that tonight and he managed to take his chances.”

Goals have been shared out rather equally across the Hammers team this campaign, with six players having scored five or more goals so far this term.

Wide man Jarrod Bowen is currently the club’s top scorer with 12 goals, but the Englishman could miss both legs of West Ham’s Europa League quarter-final with a time frame on his return from injury still uncertain.

Moreover, both Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma have endured a less fruitful second half of the season compared to their first, with the duo scoring a combined five Premier League goals since early November.

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With the possibility of the Hammers having to play another 13 matches this season, having already played 44 times, Moyes will need extra depth to ensure that the run-in doesn’t have too much of a serious impact on his star assets.

There is no doubt that West Ham will need to add personnel to their front-line this summer, but the East London club may already have a solution to that issue in Oko-Flex. Once Bowen is fit again, the dynamic attacking duo could create quite the partnership up top for Moyes.

In other news: West Ham now submit offer to sign “serious liability”, he’s even worse than Diop

Scorecard

	Yasir Hameed scored 265 to put NWFP in command against Baluchistan © AFP

A mammoth 431-run second-wicket partnership between Yasir Hameed, the Pakistan opener, and Asad Shafiq powered NWFP to 503 for 2 against Baluchistan at stumps on day two in Peshawar.NWFP, resuming on 36 for 0, lost Rafatullah Mohmand early to Abdur Rauf, but from then on it was all toil for the Baluchistan bowlers. Hameed smashed an unbeaten 265, with 43 fours and six sixes, while Shafiq made 181 off 251 balls, with 33 fours and six, in their stand of 431.Rauf struck again much later to remove Shafiq, but Hameed was unbeaten at stumps, with his 265 coming off 309 balls.NWFP finished the day with a lead of 195. Rauf conceded 122 off his 21 overs, while Sohaib Maqsood’s 16 overs went for 108.
ScorecardSind needed 2.5 overs to take the final wicket in Punjab’s first innings, before their batsmen secured a 119-run lead for the loss of six wickets.After Punjab were bowled out for 184, Sind were reduced to 86 for 3, but a 138-run stand between Rizwan Ahmed and Faisal Iqbal took them into the lead.Rizwan made a patient 79, while Iqbal chipped in with 65. Wahab Riaz was the key bowler for his team; he removed both Rizwan and Faisal after having snared Khalid Latif and Naumanullah earlier.Shahid Afridi, the Sind captain, fell for 14, but Fawad Alam and Safraz Ahmed remained unbeaten in the 20s as Sind closed the day at 303 for 6. Riaz took 4 for 71 from his 22 overs.

Nasim Ashraf said that Pakistan players would be given legal assistance if needed for further investigations in the Bob Woolmer case © AFP

Nasim Ashraf, the chairman of the Pakistan board, has been asked by the senate committee for sports why lawyers were not sent to Jamaica when police interviewed the Pakistan players after the murder of their coach Bob Woolmer.”We asked the chairman why no legal assistance was provided to the players in Jamaica when they were facing the investigation. Ashraf said the board would do it in future if required,” said Senator Anwar Baig, a member of the committee.Ashraf said that if any player was required by the Jamaican police for further investigations the PCB would provide him with full legal assistance. He also reiterated to the committee that no Pakistan players or officials were involved in the murder or in match-fixing.The Jamaican police questioned the whole team once and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed, the assistant coach, and Talat Ali, the team manager, twice after Woolmer’s death. The squad also gave DNA samples and fingerprints.

Tejinder Pal Singh’s unbeaten 90 helped Railways advance to the finals of the Ranji Trophy one-day tournament beating Bengal by 101 runs at Lucknow. Tejinder, the Railways left-hander, anchored the innings, after Sanjay Bangar (44) and Amit Pagnis (31) laid the foundation with another solid opening stand. Shib Shankar Paul was most effective bowler for Bengal with figures of 3 for 44 as Railways finished on 266 for 8.Bengal had a reasonably good start, with the openers putting on 62. Sourav Ganguly was unable to carry on his good form from the last game, falling to Harvinder Singh for 22. From then on, the Railways slow bowlers led by Kulamani Parida (3 for 15) struck at regular intervals and combined to bundle out Bengal for 165. Madan Yadav and Bangar shared four wickets between them as Railways set up a title clash with Uttar Pradesh.Ranji Trophy champions Uttar Pradesh gave themselves a chance to bag another title this season, as they comprehensively beat Baroda by 102 runs in the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy one-day tournament at Lucknow. Jyoti Prasad Yadav, the UP middle-order batsman, was unlucky to be stranded on 99, but played a major role in overcoming a shaky start and lifting the total to 217 for 9. Sankalp Vohra, the Baroda medium pacer, struck early blows, picking up the first three wickets, including that of Suresh Raina, the captain. Yadav held the innings together till the end, facing 113 balls and cracking seven fours.Baroda failed to get going from the start and were staring at defeat at 44 for 7. The UP seamers, Shalabh Srivastava, Ali Murtaza and Praveen Kumar shared seven wickets between them and bundled out Baroda for a paltry 115. UP, who were joint winners in last year’s edition of the tournament, will have the home advantage when they meet Railways in the finals at Lucknow on March 21.

The remarkable Freddie Brooks © Cricinfo

The white pillars leading into the cricket ground at Harare Sports Club bear the name `FG Brooks’. Today, few people will have heard of the man who is arguably the most outstanding allround sportsman to have represented the former British colony. Fewer still will associate his name with Zimbabwe’s inaugural first-class cricket match which began on March 16, 1905. It occurred when the country was known as Rhodesia and controlled by the British South Africa Company. Its administrator was William Milton, who had played rugby for England and captained South Africa at cricket. He promoted sport within the country’s white population which had grown slowly but steadily to about 10,000 at that stage.In January 1905 the mining magnate and leading cricket administrator, Abe Bailey, visited Bulawayo. His arrival coincided with a week in which cricket was in full swing, involving teams from Queens, BAC, Raylton, BSAP, Matopos, King’s, Banks and the Civil Service. Impressed by what he saw, Bailey told the Rhodesians that they should be playing in the Currie Cup. It was subsequently arranged for them to enter the competition at the semi-final stage.It appeared a wonderful opportunity but the odds were stacked against the side. Their opponents – the mighty Transvaal – included leading Test players Jimmy Sinclair, Ernest “Barberton” Halliwell, Maitland Hathorn, Louis Tancred and Reggie Schwarz. In contrast, Rhodesia had only once before fielded a cricket team and that was against Lord Hawke’s English XI in March, 1899. The Rhodesians had used 15 men on that occasion but were still defeated by an innings and 65 runs.Harry Taberer, the Rhodesian and later South African captain, claimed 5 for 62 against Hawke’s team and was rated by Plum Warner as the fastest bowler the tourists had faced. But he had since taken up employment in Pretoria and was no longer available. Prominent amongst those still in Rhodesia were Leo Robinson who had played for Natal, Sonny Taberer and Colin Duff, although the latter two were better known for their rugby prowess.The most exciting prospect was undoubtedly the youthful Freddie Brooks, a recent arrival from England. At Bedford Grammar School he had been regarded as probably the finest schoolboy sportsman in the land. He was a dashing cricket captain (whose unbeaten scores of 162 and 196 were the highest made for the school) and a brilliant rugby three-quarter, thought then to be `the fastest man playing football’ in England. He was also the Public Schools’ athletic champion in the 100 yards, the hurdles, long jump and high jump.Fellow pupils at Bedford, Cecil and Jumbo Milton, told their father – the administrator of Rhodesia – about the brilliant young sportsman. He was promptly offered a position in the Rhodesian civil service and arrived in time for the start of the 1902-03 season. The talented 19-year-old made an immediate impression. His first innings in his adopted country resulted in a swiftly accumulated 121 for Causeway in their derby encounter against Kopje. A week later he struck another century, this time for the All-Comers – Brooks was born in Bombay, India – against Home-born.An interested observer was Herbert Castens who had captained the first South African team to tour England in 1894. He had since become Milton’s chief secretary and a member of the Rhodesian Legislative Assembly. He was enthralled by the audacious batting of the youngster and told the cricket correspondent of Johannesburg’s Rand Daily Mail that Brooks “was good enough to play for South Africa”.Against the Transvaal, Brooks would be fully tested, not least because he had little time for preparation. Salisbury was slow to resume cricket after the Christmas break as its sportsmen were competing in a series of tennis championships and athletic meetings. Brooks won the first of his Rhodesian tennis singles and athletic sprint titles, whilst also setting a national record for the high jump.The Matabeleland Cricket Union handled arrangements for the trip. There were few gripes about the team chosen but in all other matters – raising funds, organising transport and general communication – the MCU was alarmingly inefficient. The players discovered their passages had not been booked and there were insufficient beds on the train. “The condition of the men after the journey can be imagined,” commented the Bulawayo Chronicle. “At the best it looks like a very uphill task for Rhodesia.”Ironically, the Rhodesians found the worst part of their journey came after Mafeking when they travelled by coach to Potchefstroom. There was no connecting link by train and heavy rains had resulted in muddy roads and swollen rivers. Travelling was hazardous but the team could not afford to be delayed. Urged on by the players, the drivers of the mules took some frightening risks. Even in the day-time when one of the players, Albert Tummell, perched precariously on top of the coach in the pelting rain and tried to give some guidance to the driver, there was always the chance the coach might go into a washed-out hole and be capsized. In crossing rivers there was also the possibility that the swimming mules might lose their direction and allow the vehicle to float downstream.At night those dangers were increased. Time and again, the cricketers had to sit with water swirling around their feet and sleep was impossible. For twenty-six hours the coach battled against the elements before, wet and exhausted, the team boarded the train at Potchefstroom.Heavy rain in Johannesburg continued until 8.30 on the morning of the match. When it cleared sufficiently to permit play at 11.15am, “a cold bleak wind made elements anything but pleasant for cricket.” Leo Robinson won the toss and put Transvaal into bat on a wicket which the rain had rendered, if anything, easy. Yet by bundling out five of the top-order Transvaal batsmen for 123, the visitors appeared to have justified their captain’s decision. Dropped catches allowed John Slatem to compile 154 at a rapid rate and Transvaal was let off the hook. The home side put together a healthy 340, despite the efforts of left-arm George Anderson who bowled admirably to take 7 for 91.The match was held up again the next day after heavy overnight rain. When play resumed, Freddie Brooks was in fine form. Striking the ball fluently he moved smoothly to a half-century that was punctuated with nine 4s and a 6. Wickets fell at the other end and at lunch the Rhodesians were 109 for 5 with Brooks on 59.The Rand Daily Mail cricket correspondent recalled Castens’ advice of `a year or two ago that Brooks was good enough to play for South Africa, adding, “and from what I saw I am inclined to agree with him. Brooks played all round the wicket like a finished cricketer and was quite at home.” He took a while to work out the googly deliveries of Reggie Schwarz but relished the medium-pace bowling of Sinclair and struck a mighty six off him into the adjacent baseball ground.Unfortunately for Rhodesia, Brooks was out shortly after the break for 61, having batted for one hour and 40 minutes. The next four wickets were unable to make a contribution and the innings crumbled to 115 all out.Following-on, the Rhodesians suffered an immediate set-back when Brooks was bowled off Richard Norden’s first delivery. Not recovering from this shock, they were bundled out for an inept 55 to give Transvaal a huge victory. Norden returned figures of 8 for 12 and was later presented with the ball suitably mounted, a piece of memorabilia that now appears in the Gauteng Cricket Museum.It was to be Rhodesia’s last cricket venture in South Africa for a quarter of a century. But Brooks returned to Johannesburg the following year to play in the rugby Currie Cup. He was to be Rhodesia’s inspiration, his great pace on attack and courage in defence attracting favourable comment. The Rand Daily Mail described him as “the best wing three-quarter who has taken part in the tournament” and The Star added that he “must surely be selected to go to England” with the South African team.Brooks was not selected for a tour partly designed to help unite the two white races in the aftermath of the Anglo-Boer War. A ruling was introduced that players had to have served a five-year residential qualification and it found Brooks missing out by a matter of a few months. There was suspicion that the rule had been set up to keep him out as he had played for a country not strictly part of the unification process and he was also known to have maintained links with English rugby during his leave periods.Paddy Carolin, vice-captain of the Springboks, was furious and set about trying to draft Brooks into the side. The two men met at Southampton and Carolin revealed his plan. A telegram was subsequently sent to the South African Rugby Board asking permission for Brooks to join the touring team because of injuries to two players. To Carolin’s dismay, the request was rejected – a replacement would be sent from South Africa.Brooks in the mean time had started playing. He was in tremendous form, scoring nine tries in four matches for Bedford. He was chosen to play for the South against the North in an English trial at Blackheath and was the outstanding player on the field, scoring four tries.Selection for England followed against South Africa at Crystal Palace on a soft and greasy ground with play being hampered by showers of rain. It was for good reason that the South Africans feared the Rhodesian speedster who was quite at home in such conditions. And concern swept through their ranks when he became the first player to stir the partisan 40 000 crowd. According to the Morning Post, “he put everyone on the tip-toe of expectancy in the first few minutes by a dashing run.”The Springboks led 3-0 at half-time and displayed dogged determination in conditions that deteriorated to the extent that the match was described as `mud-larking’. One notable scribe, CB Fry, thought that “only play of the most brilliant order saved the game under such conditions from bathos.”The English scored the only points in a desperate second-half struggle. It was Brooks who dribbled the ball into the South African half. A ruck developed. At the right moment, recalled the Morning Post, the ball was quickly heeled: “Jago gave an excellent pass to Stoop; the latter gently kicked over the defensive wall and the speedy Brooks, waiting for something to turn up went for the leather like a shot from a gun. He was there first; a storm proclaimed his try. Yes his deed was done; the scores were equal. But the general excitement proved too much for the English captain, VHO Cartwright, and he failed to add the extra points.”Paul Roos, the Springbok captain, thought the drawn match “had shown them all as equals” and that the tour had united the South African [white] nation. “From Cape Agulhas to the Zambesi,” he said, “South Africa was one and all differences have been forgotten.”There was irony in the fact that the only player from the area immediately south of the Zambesi had played for England. And, not long afterwards, Brooks was on his way back to Africa where, it was said, he had an appointment with a young lady who was to become his wife. He turned down the opportunity to play rugby for England against Wales and France. It had all been a wonderful adventure, although Carolin continued to bemoan the fact that Brooks “should have been playing for us, as he was a Rhodesian on holiday in England.”Rhodesia played two other first-class cricket matches before the First World War, both against HDG Leveson-Gower’s touring side in 1909-10. Brooks was unavailable for the first of the matches at Bulawayo which was lost by an innings and 120 runs, but played in the second at Salisbury. It was a match the Rhodesians might have won if time had not run out. Brooks scored a second-innings 51 but was over-shadowed by Herbert Keigwin (Cambridge University and London County) who made the colony’s first century (111) and Leo Robinson who struck 95 and 57.Brooks was for a number of year’s Rhodesia’s leading cricketer, athlete, football, rugby and tennis player. He was also one of the country’s most respected personalities, serving as Master of the High Court and then Chairman of the Public Service before his death in 1947. He was awarded the OBE.

Michael Papps’s consistent performance in the one-day internationals against South Africa has earned him a berth in New Zealand’s squad for the first Test, which starts at Hamilton on March 10. Papps, who made an unbeaten 92 in the last ODI at Napier, has been slotted to open the batting with Mark Richardson.Also included in the 13-man line-up were Chris Martin and Michael Mason. Martin has had a good run in the domestic matches, while Mason impressed in the two one-dayers he played against South Africa.Commenting on the squad, John Bracewell, coach and chairman of selectors, said that the competition for places had been strong. “A number of players have put their hands up for selection during the South African one-day series by showing they have both the skill and aptitude to succeed at international level.”Michael Papps has carried on his strong domestic form and while he is still adjusting to the international arena, has shown the mental toughness needed of from an opening batsman. With Nathan Astle still working his way back to full fitness, from a coaching perspective it’s been reassuring to watch Michael developing positively in a position where we have recently struggled.”Bracewell also had a special word of praise for Mason. “In terms of his work ethic and commitment to the team Michael has impressed me. In addition to that he has taken every chance that’s come his way and has more than earned his place in the squad.”Commenting on the inclusion of Martin, Bracewell said that the ability to bowl well to left-handers had worked in his favour. “Chris bowls extremely well to left-handed batsmen. This ability brings him right in to the frame against the South Africans who have a number of good left handed batsman in their Test line up.”Squad
Stephen Fleming (capt), Mark Richardson, Michael Papps, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum (wk), Daniel Vettori, Michael Mason, Chris Martin, Daryl Tuffey, Paul Wiseman.

England’s World Cup match against Zimbabwe in Harare on February 13th will go ahead as planned after the International Cricket Council revealed that there had been no formal motion tabled by the England and Wales Cricket Board to have the fixture moved.According to the ICC as neither England nor Australia or the Netherlands – the other countries that had expressed concern about going to Zimbabwe – had requested a change of venue, no decision had to be taken by ICC. New Zealand had requested that their fixture in Nairobi be switched but the ICC said that it was felt “there were not sufficient reasons to move the game.”In making the announcement at a press conference in London, ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said: “On the issue of Zimbabwe, no country sought to have the matches moved, so no decision was required.”Concerns have been raised by England, Australia and Holland over scheduled matches. We need to sit down with these countries to see if adequate security is in place. No one went to the stage of requesting a formal motion.”The fact that the ECB delegate, new chairman David Morgan, had not formally requested a change of venue was a major surprise. However, the ECB issued a statement immediately after the announcement in which it said Mr Morgan did “make strong remarks to the board about the broader issue of safetyand security at all matches.”Whether that will satisfy the players remains to be seen, but the ECB statement made it clear that the captain, Nasser Hussain was fully briefed by the chairman last night on the approach he was going to take.Morgan gave his account of what happened during the meeting. “It was clear from the mood of the teleconference that there was an implacable and overwhelming feeling that the recommendations of the report should be accepted,” he said.On the question of being seen to be out of step with the expressed views of the players, Morgan added: “I want to put the broader issue of the possibility of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism into very stark perspective.”If there are demonstrations and rioting in Harare during the England versus Zimbabwe match this is not just an issue for the two countries directly concerned, it is an issue for all the countries taking part in the World Cup.”We should all be concerned about this matter, just as we should all be concerned about any safety and security concerns in Kenya affecting New Zealand, Kenya and Sri Lanka.”The security risk at all matches will, of course, vary according to where the match is being played and which countries are taking part in the match.”In that sense, the risk factor at each match must be individually assessed and evaluated.”If there are significant security and safety problems, it will blight the whole 2003 World Cup with an indelible stain.”It will reflect very badly on cricket and, indeed, everyone associated with the World Cup. No one will escape blame. We will all have to bear collective responsibility.”If, in the next few days/weeks, there is a discernible deterioration in safety and security surrounding particular matches then decisions must be urgently reviewed and, if necessary, matches moved. We must all reserve our right for this to happen.”The ICC’s decision was taken after lengthy consultations with all boards, player representatives, the diplomatic corps, the World Cup organising committee which takes responsibility for all security matters, and from the respected security consultants, Kroll, who had been asked for a report on the situation.The Kroll report, according to the ECB statement, was “categorical in its ultimate assessment that it is safe and secure for all six matches in Zimbabwe to proceed as planned.”This is the same organisation that reported to the State Department in Washington, advising United States citizens: “The Department of State warns US citizens of the risks of travel to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is in the midst of political, economic, and humanitarian crises with serious implications for the security situation in the country.”All US citizens in Zimbabwe are urged to take those measures they deem appropriate to ensure their well being, including consideration of departure from the country.”The Professional Cricketers’ Association, which had called for England’s game in Harare to be relocated to South Africa, tonight expressed “significant disappointment” at the ICC’s decision.Dealing with the point about New Zealand’s match against Kenya in Nairobi, Mr Speed said: “New Zealand sought to have the game relocated. This was opposed by Kenya.”New Zealand provided a report into the security situation, but the decision the board made was there were not sufficient reasons to move the game from Kenya.”New Zealand Cricket has threatened to boycott the fixture if it does go ahead, but the findings of the ICC board – a body dominated by cricket politics – is unlikely to be the end of the matter.As from next week, the conduct of the event passes to the World Cup Organising Committee. Among the personnel on that committee are Malcolm Speed, another Australian in ICC commercial director Campbell Jamieson and World Cup director Dr Ali Bacher. They are joined by two former players in Sunil Gavaskar from India and Michael Holding from the West Indies and a member of the South African board, Brian Basson.It could well be that part of the ECB’s strategy is to register its concern, as it has done, now and then put its trust in the World Cup Organising Committee to act within its safety and security mandate to have the matches switched. Such a move might not have been possible in the tense political climate of the ICC board meeting and, even if cricket is not shown up in a good light for the time being, the end result might well justify a strategy that will undoubtedly attract widespread criticism now.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced the internationalmatch programme for the 2002 season. The season begins with a three-matchnpower Test Series between England and Sri Lanka. This will be followed bythe NatWest Series, contested by England, Sri Lanka and India. FinallyEngland and India will play a four-match npower Test Series.The NatWest Series will be preceded by a warm-up match for England againstWales in Cardiff on Monday 24 June. Durham will also stage a floodlitOne-Day International for the first time.England v Sri Lanka npower Test Match Series:Thu 16 – Mon 20 May 1st Test v Sri LankaLord’s;Thu 30 May – Mon 3 June 2nd Test v Sri LankaEdgbaston;Thu 13 – Mon 17 June 3rd Test v Sri LankaOld Trafford.NatWest Series warm-up game:Mon 24 June England v Wales Cardiff.NatWest Series:Thu 27 June England v Sri Lanka Trent Bridge(Floodlit);Sat 29 June England v IndiaLord’s;Sun 30 June India v Sri Lanka Oval;Tue 2 July England v Sri Lanka Headingley;Thu 4 July England v IndiaDurham (Floodlit);Sat 6 July India v Sri LankaEdgbaston;Sun 7 July England v Sri Lanka Old Trafford;Tue 9 July England v India Oval;Thu 11 July India v Sri LankaBristol (Floodlit);Sat 13 July FinalLord’s.England v India npower Test Match Series:Thu 25 – Mon 29 July 1st Test v IndiaLord’s;Thu 8 – Mon 12 August 2nd Test v IndiaTrent Bridge;Thu 22 – Mon 26 August 3rd Test v IndiaHeadingley;Thu 5 – Mon 9 September 4th Test v IndiaOval.

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare has shared some surprising news involving Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero.

The Lowdown: Romero’s importance to Spurs

Since arriving at the north London club at the start of the season, the 23-year-old has proven to be an valuable asset to Antonio Conte’s side. The centre-back leads the squad with an average of 2.4 tackles and 1.4 interceptions in the league, and a further 2.5 interceptions in the Carabao Cup (via WhoScored).

Since recovering from the hamstring injury which kept him out of action for 17 matches, Romero has featured in every single Premier League game, handing his manager a huge boost when it comes to bolstering his defensive options.

Indeed, Conte himself has said of the Argentine: “He is an important player for me and the team. He is strong and he anticipates, he has a good personality to play with the ball. He has good experience and I like him.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-2/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Romero flies out to Argentina

However, some news has come to light which could threaten to disrupt Romero’s fine form and antagonise Tottenham chiefs.

Eccleshare took to Twitter to share a report from his The Athletic colleague David Ornstein, with the caption: “Despite being banned for both games, understand Cristian Romero has been called up to the Argentina squad, with AFA hoping his ban will be reduced to 1 match. He is said to have flown out last night. #THFC will be keeping everything crossed he stays fit”

Ornstein’s report mentioned that Spurs could feel concerned about Romero joining up with his country, especially with the distinct possibility that the 23-year-old doesn’t end up playing in Argentina’s upcoming matches.

The Verdict: Potential blow for Spurs

If Romero’s ban is reduced and he is made eligible for Argentina’s clash against Ecuador, this could lead to a huge blow for Tottenham.

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Minds would duly flash back to his previous link-up with the national team back in November, when Romero suffered the hamstring injury which kept him out for almost three months, duly dealing Spurs a huge defensive blow.

With Argentina having already qualified for the World Cup, and the player’s current suspension rendering him unavailable, Conte will surely be concerned with this seemingly pointless call-up for Romero, given the potential risk of injury to the defender.

In other news: Graham Roberts slams one Tottenham player after latest setback

Scorecard
Federal Areas began the second day on 79 for 3 in Karachi and were in a position where they could have frittered away the advantage of having restricted Baluchistan to 253. However, their batsmen produced a solid performance and they finished the day with a lead of 188.Raheel Majeed and Usman Saeed, who produced impressive performances in against Punjab, set the day’s tone for run-scoring, adding 94 before their 121-run fourth-wicket stand came to an end.Majeed fell for 98 to Bilal Khilji, while Usman Saeed was trapped leg-before by Kamran Hussain for 109, which included 16 boundaries. Naved Ashraf, the Federal Areas captain, ensured more misery for the Baluchistan bowlers, as he scored a brisk 141 off 200 balls, studded with 24 fours and two sixes.Left-arm spinner Saeed Anwar ended Ashraf’s innings, and Hussain removed allrounder Yasir Arafat for a duck, but Sohail Tanvir was unbeaten on 38 as his team reached 441 for 7 at stumps and were very much in control of the game.
Scorecard
After bowling out Punjab for 354, North West Frontier Province made good progress in reply, and were at 181 for 3 by the close.Punjab, who began the day on 295 for 7, managed to reach 354 thanks to 44 from No. 10 Wahab Riaz. Fazl-e-Akbar removed the overnight batsmen – Waqas Ahmed and Junaid Zia – but Riaz hung around for 72 balls and added 39 with last man Aizaz Cheema, who scored an unbeaten 10. Fazl-e-Akbar finished with 4 for 74, while Samiullah Khan and Shakeel-ur-Rehman bagged a couple apiece.NWFP were given a good start by Rafatullah Mohmand and Yasir Hameed. The pair added 82 before Hameed fell for 37 while Mohmand went on to make 54. Wajahatullah Wasti, the former Pakistan batsman, scored 39 off 101 balls and Younis Khan added 36 off 51 balls. Younis was undefeated at stumps, with NWFP needing 174 more to take a first-innings lead. For Punjab, Waqas Ahmed, Junaid Zia and Abdur Rehman chipped in with a wicket apiece.