All posts by h716a5.icu

Mohammad Nawaz has been issued a notice of demand to appear before the PCB’s security and vigilance department for possible breaches of the board’s anti-corruption code

ESPNcricinfo staff08-May-2017The scope and span of the PCB’s investigation into corruption allegations continues, with yet another international cricketer called up for questioning, on Monday.The PCB’s security and vigilance department issued a notice of demand to allrounder Mohammad Nawaz as part of its continuing investigations into corruption. Nawaz has been asked to appear before the security and vigilance department in relation to the possible breaches of the PCB’s anti-corruption code.A PCB release said Nawaz was issued a notice “in continuation of its fight against the menace of corruption in cricket”. The notice of demand was issued under Article 4.3 of the PCB Anti Corruption Code. The release also said the PCB would not make further comments due to the “sensitivity of the matters under question”.Article 4.3 says the security and vigilance department can make a written demand to any participant to provide in writing and/or by answering questions in person at an interview with any information that the department believes may be relevant to the investigation.Though the release did not specify as such, the demand to question Nawaz is part of the ongoing fallout from the second season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). It is believed that the PCB is concerned, specifically, about a failure to report a potentially corrupt approach made to the player.The notice now brings to seven the number of players who are either facing charges of corruption, have been banned, or were questioned by the PCB for developments in the PSL. Proceedings against Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Nasir Jamshed and Shahzaib Hassan are already underway; Mohammad Irfan has been punished and suspended for a year; Zulfiqar Babar has been questioned as part of investigations and now Nawaz has been summoned.Of particular concern to the PCB will be the fact that other than Jamshed and Shahzaib, all the players have been in and around Pakistan’s international squads. Nawaz rose to prominence after the first PSL last year and was inducted into the limited-overs and Test sides as Pakistan searched desperately for an allrounder.Though he didn’t set the Test scene alight, there were occasional signs that he could equip himself in the shorter formats. He was prominent, rather than spectacular, for Quetta Gladiators this season, though the performances did include a memorable and nerveless final over against Peshawar Zalmi which took his side to the final.He was in Pakistan’s T20 squad for the tour to the Caribbean, though he didn’t play and was somewhat overtaken by Shadab Khan in the race for the allrounder’s slot. He is currently at the NCA in Lahore as part of an ongoing allrounders’ camp the PCB is conducting.

Harry Kane's transfer saga with Bayern Munich isn't "going away this summer" even after Tottenham Hotspur rejected the Bavarian club's initial offers, claims journalist Paul Brown.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news – what's the latest on Harry Kane?

It has been a positive start to the summer transfer window for Tottenham so far this year. Despite finishing outside the European places for the first time since the 2008/09 season, the North London outfit managed to secure the signature of one of their top transfer targets and most sought-after players in the league, James Maddison.

That said, the main task for the Lilywhites this year looks to be keeping their club captain and talismanic centre-forward Kane in N17.

Spurs' all-time top scorer now has under a year left on his £200,000-a-week contract, and with no indication that he will be signing a new one, Europe's top clubs have begun circling.

The latest elite side to show their interest, and with some persistence at that, is German giants Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga champions had a first official bid of €70m (£60m) plus add-ons rejected last month and are now preparing a second deal worth an estimated £70m; however, Spurs are set to reject that one as well, per the Daily Mail.

Despite these setbacks, the Bavarian side will likely continue to test Daniel Levy's resolve, especially as Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported that the England captain "definitely wants to join FC Bayern now."

What has Brown said about Harry Kane?

Brown points out that Bayern won't give up on this deal and that they perceive Spurs to be in a weak position here due to Kane's current contract situation.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Yeah, I don't think this is going away this summer. I think Bayern will push really hard. The interesting thing is that the first time the news leaked out of Germany that Bayern had bid for Kane, people at Spurs were denying that that had ever happened.

"This time, they're offering no comments and going no further. So, make of that what you will. I think Bayern are trying hard to sign Kane this summer, and they will continue right up until the window closes.

"They think that Daniel Levy and Spurs are not in a strong position because Kane's contract is running out."

How many goals has Harry Kane scored in his career?

Kane has established himself as one of the top five strikers in world football over the last decade, but how many goals has he scored so far?

In 435 appearances for Spurs, he has scored 280 goals and provided 64 assists, giving the "England Legend" a genuinely outstanding goal contribution every 1.2 games. Of those 280 goals, 213 have come in the Premier League, 21 in the Champions League, and 24 in domestic cup competitions, per TransferMarkt.

The Walthamstow-born machine performs just as well for his national side as he is now the all-time top goal scorer for both club and country.

In 84 appearances for the Three Lions, Kane has scored 58 goals and provided 18 assists, giving him a frankly outrageous goal contribution every 1.1 games in international football.

While Levy and Co are certainly playing a dangerous game by keeping such a valuable asset whilst his contract runs down, it's unlikely that they could replace him with the money Bayern have offered thus far anyway.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to bolster their defensive options ahead of the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign…

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

According to the Liverpool Echo, Brendan Rodgers is keen on a swoop to sign out-of-contract central defender Jonny Evans during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Northern Irish head coach would like to reunite with his compatriot after their time together at Leicester City, as the veteran stopper's contract with the Foxes expired at the end of last season – making him a free agent.

It states that Premier League side Everton have no interest in signing the 35-year-old enforcer, despite speculation ramping up after a supporter heard an unknown person in the background of a training video posted on social media state that the club had Evans coming in.

What has Jonny Evans won?

Evans would arrive as a player with the experience to slot straight into the high-pressure environment at Celtic as he is a proven winner who knows what it takes to secure trophies.

The Northern Ireland international won ten pieces of silverware during his time at Manchester United, including three Premier League crowns and one Champions League title. Most recently, he lifted the FA Cup with Rodgers at Leicester in the 2020/21 campaign.

His arrival on a free transfer this summer could spell the end of 23-year-old defender Stephen Welsh's time at Parkhead, as it may push him further down the pecking order ahead of next season and in need of a transfer to revive his career.

Serie A sides Bologna and Hellas Verona have both been touted with an interest in snapping up the rarely-seen central defender, who wants to play regular first-team football instead of watching on from the sidelines or the bench for another 12 months.

It was also reported earlier this year that the Glasgow giants would be willing to sanction his departure if they are able to bring in a replacement.

Welsh only made four Scottish Premiership appearances last term as the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt, and Yuki Kobayashi were preferred ahead of him.

Evans, who was once described as a "Rolls Royce" by former Northern Ireland teammate Keith Gillespie, coming in would surely limit the Scotsman's chances even further, as it seems unlikely that Rodgers would want to bring him in with the intent of being the fifth choice in that position.

Therefore, signing the former Red Devils ace would open the door for the manager to part ways with Welsh, who may not get the regular game time that he is looking for at Parkhead.

The fact that Rodgers is eyeing up another central defensive option suggests that the ex-Liverpool boss wants to improve the quality of his backup options behind Carter-Vickers and Starfelt, which does not bode well for the 23-year-old enforcer and his chances of breaking into the XI.

Therefore, Celtic could capitalise on the interest from Italian teams in Welsh's services and cash in on him this summer by securing a deal to sign Evans on a free transfer first.

By doing this, the Hoops could add a vastly experienced and proven winner to their squad, who has already played 129 competitive matches under Rodgers, without spending a penny on transfer fees, whilst also potentially recouping a fee by selling one of their current centre-backs.

Very many other cricketers have possessed a similar cast of mind, of course, but few achieve their goal with quite the gleeful devil evinced by Alex Davies

Paul Edwards at Old Trafford20-Jun-2017
ScorecardAlex Davies steadied Lancashire with a fine century•Getty ImagesAlex Davies irritates opponents and seems to greatly enjoy doing so. Very many other cricketers have possessed a similar cast of mind, of course, but few achieve their goal with quite the gleeful devil evinced by Davies. For example, Hampshire had only to place two short midwickets during the second session of this day for him to clip the ball along the ground between them. Such calculated daring brought Davies a third Championship century of the season and it refreshed Lancashire supporters on an afternoon when the heat blanketed anyone emerging from shade.Davies’s approach is often garlanded with risk. He was dropped twice on the way to his hundred and on 17 he would have been run out by the length of a 1930s dole queue had Matt Salisbury’s throw hit the stumps. But Davies seems to savour danger, too. For all his 22 years and, one might assume, relative maturity, he grins out of his photographs like one of William Brown’s outlaws in Richmal Crompton’s once popular stories. One can imagine him scrumping apples or making good use of a catapult in the age before screens sought vainly to dull the young. That disarmingly wide-eyed innocence deceives no one; Davies is one of cricket’s good-hearted rascals and one of the game’s undiluted competitors.He is also a fine batsman. By the time he was caught at deep square leg by Michael Carberry off James Vince’s fifth ball of the innings he had taken Lancashire to within 26 runs of avoiding the follow-on. That task was completed by Dane Vilas and Ryan McLaren during a session when the bat held sway over the ball and the day drifted into the warm reverie of a summer evening. At one stage, the batsmen were having a drink, Lewis McManus was changing his wicketkeeping gloves and a Hampshire cricketer was removing grit from a team mate’s boots. Our cricket ended at nearly seven o’clock with Lancashire 117 runs in arrears and Vilas unbeaten on a fine 76. The crowd drifted off for their restorative suppers and perhaps they will be encouraged a little by the South African’s disciplined application.In mid-afternoon, though it seemed longer than that, the home supporters – all sun hats, polo shirts and cotton dresses – had required reviving for other reasons. Having seen Hampshire complete their recovery from 177 for 6 and post a healthy 395, they had then watched as Lancashire lost their first three wickets for a mere 69. This decline began when Rob Jones, having taken a blow on the helmet from Gareth Berg, was snared lbw for 2 by the next delivery, which caught him on the crease.That was a fine piece of cricket by this impressive Hampshire team and it was followed by another four overs after lunch when a Berg inswinger removed Luke Procter’s off stump. Steven Croft, Lancashire’s normally combative captain, then played perhaps the most quiescent innings of his career, scratching a single from 32 balls in 54 minutes before he was leg before when playing no recognisable shot at all to a ball from Kyle Abbott which nipped back off the pitch.Lancashire’s recovery from these toils was led by Davies and it was begun by his rather skittish partnership of 74 with Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Having taken only two runs from five overs near the beginning of their stand, the pair then collected 47 from the next 30 balls. Chanderpaul got off the mark with two cover-driven fours and he and Davies both took sixes off the same Brad Taylor over. Runs came in something of a torrent on this true pitch which currently facilitates attacking strokeplay. Davies manufactured fours to third man and clipped the ball backward of square and Chanderpaul, who can exhibit all the gay daring of a borough surveyor examining a warehouse, matched Davies shot for shot, but was stumped for 33 when lured forward by an excellent ball from the offspinner, Taylor which turned past the outside edge. Yet Vilas batted with even more disciplined aggression into the evening session and it suddenly seemed ages since the last rites of Hampshire’s inningsThose had begun when James Anderson, who bowled with more threat in six overs on the second morning than he had managed in 22 on the first day, removed Taylor in the third over but Salisbury then put on 43 for the last wicket with Abbott. Indeed, so unruffled were the last-wicket pair that it seemed Abbott would follow Jack Brooks’ example in the previous first-class match on this ground and cruise to a maiden century. Alas for such Natalian dreams, Salisbury skied McLaren to Chanderpaul at mid-on when Abbott was 97 and the visitors’ innings ended on 395.Hampshire were well-placed with that total on the board and were in an even stronger position in mid-afternoon. But ultimately the day belonged to Davies. Short, combative and increasingly skilful, Lancashire’s wicketkeeper long ago won the respect of his colleagues; he can now add the fond regard of the county’s supporters, all of whom know that he is one of those players who always give of their best and whose loyalty has been firmly pledged. A year ago his career was threatened by a knee injury and in early April he had yet to score a first-class hundred; now he has three of them although not yet a full cap. Lancashire cricket is both his livelihood and his sporting love. She will never suffer if he can prevent it.

Ian Holland brought more gloom for Somerset as they suffered another batting collapse at the Ageas Bowl

ECB Reporters Network28-Jun-2017
ScorecardIan Holland had a field day at the Ageas Bowl•Getty ImagesIan Holland manufactured a Somerset batting collapse as Hampshire gained an upper hand on day three of their Division One Specsavers County Championship clash at the Ageas Bowl.The Australian all-rounder took 4 for 8 in just four overs to leave the visitors reeling.Hampshire had been frustrated firstly by a completely washed out first session and when played did start at 5:20, Eddie Byrom and Adam Hose initially piled on the runs. The second wicket saw 77 runs as debutant Byrom reached an unfussy 43 before Holland, playing only his fourth first-class match, entered the attack.The Zimbabwean opener struggled to adjust to the slower pace and tamely chipped a dolly catch to George Bailey at mid-off.The wicket sparked a flurry of departures, as Holland struck again in his second over as James Hildreth was hit on the pads.After a wicketless over, Holland was at it again as he had Somerset captain Tom Abell caught behind before repeating the trick to see off Steven Davies two balls later.Holland could not be kept out of the action when the ball was taken out of his hands, as Lewis Gregory slipped while taking off for a quick single, before Holland at backward point threw to Lewis McManus, who ran the batsman out.Gareth Berg was surprisingly brought into the attack to replace Holland, who completed the session with figures of four for 16 – his best first-class figures.But the shock of seeing the in form bowler out the attack was lessened when the South African had Hose – who had kept his head down to reach 48 – leg before to his first delivery of the new spell.Craig Overton was the final wicket to fall before the interval as he clipped Berg to Jimmy Adams at midwicket.Somerset had fallen from 102 for one to 135 for 8 in 14 spectacular overs but rain during the supper interval made sure the players failed to return to the field again.

Arsenal "like" Ajax's Mohammed Kudus, and they could step up their interest in the midfielder later in the transfer window, journalist Charles Watts has recently told TEAMtalk.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Arsenal are now ready to make a move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, and they could be set to hijack Tottenham Hotspur's move for the Brazilian, while Edu has also been in talks with Gremio over a move for Bitello.

Mikel Arteta is clearly still keen on adding another central midfielder to his squad, and Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has claimed Romeo Lavia remains an option, but only if the manager moves on another midfielder this summer.

Sheth said: "I think Arsenal will only look into the midfield department and recruit again after spending over £200m if there is a departure for good money in that midfield."

Transfer insider Dean Jones has previously reported that Arteta may be keen on a back-up option for Bukayo Saka ahead of the Gunners' return to the Champions League next season, and they could now move for a versatile forward option in Kudus.

That is according to Watts, who recently told TEAMtalk:

“He [Kudus] is definitely a player that they like. I’ve seen the recent reports that they’re potentially looking to step up that interest a bit later on in the window, which wouldn’t surprise me if that is the case.

“Arsenal have a decent working relationship with Ajax after what they did with Timber, which might help them in that regard. And it seems like Kudus is quite open to a move."

How good is Mohammed Kudus?

As stated by Watts, the Ghanaian is able to play in several different positions, including attacking midfield, right-wing and centre-forward, however he has most commonly been utilised as a central midfielder during his career so far.

Lauded as "absolutely fantastic" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 22-year-old displayed his keen eye for goal by weighing in with 11 goals in the Eredivisie last season, while he also managed to find the back of the net four times in the Champions League.

The £11k-per-week maestro is also very impressive in possession of the ball, having averaged a pass-completion rate of 85.5% per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 99th percentile compared to his positional peers.

Kudus' versatility would make him the perfect signing for Arsenal, as he can slot in at central midfield, and he can also be used as a back-up option for Saka on the right, so it is exciting news that the Gunners could make a move for the Ajax star.

ECB Reporters Network04-Aug-2017Jake Ball just kept Derbyshire at bay•Getty ImagesEngland fast bowler Jake Ball showed his international class as the Nottinghamshire Outlaws boosted their NatWest Blast T20 hopes by sending North Group leaders Derbyshire Falcons to their first home defeat.Ball took 3 for 33 from his four overs, including the big wicket of Wayne Madsen to give the Outlaws an eight run victory which completed the double over their East Midlands rivals.Tom Moores top scored for the visitors with 57 from 34 balls before skipper Dan Christian with an unbeaten 30 and 29 not out from Samit Patel lifted the Outlaws to 189 for 4.Luis Reece marked his 27th birthday with 53 from 32 balls but Ball and Harry Gurney bowled superbly in the closing overs to close the game out and take the Outlaws to within a point of the Falcons.The Falcons had earlier shown why they have emerged as the surprise package in the competition by removing the destructive Alex Hales and Rikki Wessels in the first seven overs.Madsen’s off-spin has been a potent weapon and he struck in his second over when Hales drilled a head high catch to cover before Alex Hughes cleaned up Wessels.The Falcons had dropped Wessels on 16 when Matt Henry pushed a pull off Imran Tahir over the ropes for six so there was a sense of relief when Hughes shattered his stumps with the first ball of the seventh over.But Moores and Brendan Taylor responded by taking 17 from Hughes’s second over and Madsen’s figures were bruised when Moores drove and pulled him for two sixes in his final over.Moores completed an impressive 50 by flicking Hardus Viljoen to fine leg for his fifth four but when he tried to take on Tahir, he only skied a catch to extra cover which ended a stand of 72 in seven overs.Taylor had struggled to impose himself and went in the next over when he looped a catch to deep cover but Christian and Patel plundered 33 from the last two overs.Patel straight drove Ben Cotton into the crowd at the City End and Christian signed off by dispatching the final two balls from Henry for six to set a demanding target on a slow pitch.The Falcons chase started badly when Billy Godleman edged a cut at Patel’s second ball but Tom Wood and Reece lifted the home supporters by taking 17 from Ish Sodhi’s first over.Woods skied Ball to point but Reece made Billy Root pay for dropping him on 14 at deep cover by racing to a 26 ball 50 which included three sixes, all of them driven straight off Steven Mullaney.Christian replaced Mullaney and had Reece caught at cover and Gary Wilson went the same way in his next over but Madsen lifted the Falcons by drilling Sodhi over wide long off for six.Ball produced a slow bouncer to have Madsen caught at short third man and although Hughes swung Sodhi onto the pavilion roof, 28 off the last two overs proved too much against quality pace bowling from Ball and Gurney.

Newcastle United have already completed two new signings ahead of their return to Champions League football next season, and now a new update has emerged on another potential transfer target.

Is Nicolo Zaniolo joining Newcastle?

According to Tutto Mercato Web, Newcastle have now set their sights on Galatasaray ace Nicolo Zaniolo.

As per the report, Eddie Howe is keen to add more talent to his team this summer with Zaniolo named as a target for the club, however, Galatasaray have no intentions of selling their player after his explosive impact on the side since his arrival in January.

It is noted that the Turkish champions would reject any advances on the Italian unless his release clause is met, which is reported to be €35m (£30m).

How good is Nicolo Zaniolo?

There is no doubt that the Newcastle boss will be more than satisfied with the rapid progress his squad at St James' Park made last season, with a top-four finish and qualification for European football secured.

However, the campaign ahead presents a new challenge for Howe and his impressive team as they attempt to not only compete at the highest level domestically once again but also become competitive on the elite European stage too.

As a result, the signings of Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes have added great depth in key positions of the pitch, but a move for Zaniolo could even further bolster the attacking threat unleashed on opponents next season.

The versatile whiz is predominantly an attacking midfielder but also has experience playing in the right-wing role and as a second striker, making him an extremely valuable asset that could cover multiple positions for Newcastle in what is set to be a congested season for the Magpies.

Over 28 appearances last season for Roma and Galatasaray combined, Zaniolo scored seven goals and registered four assists in all competitions, averaging a goal contribution every 146 minutes played which is a great output considering his switch mid-season.

Former Roma coach Claudio Ranieri heaped praise on the 24-year-old for his performances in the Serie A, ahead of his move to Turkey in the January transfer window:

"He's a decisive player, we saw that against Bodo. He's a striker who has to find the ball in space, he has impressive quality and strength, even if sometimes he could pass it a bit more when he's on the edge of the area.

"But when he has the goal in front of him it's difficult for him to make mistakes."

Indeed, the Tyneside outfit already boasts a number of high-quality midfielders with Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff forming an unstoppable trio in the centre of the pitch, as well as the addition of former AC Milan star Tonali.

However, Howe could freshen up his midfield and provide strong competition for his positions across the attacking threat with the signing of Zaniolo, who could benefit from the quality his compatriot possesses in the middle third.

It is clear that the Italy international is an incredibly attacking-minded presence with comparisons to Newcastle legend Paul Gascoigne worth noting, whilst Tonali is a consistent and progressive creative outlet in a deeper midfield role – ranking in the top 25% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for progressive carries, assists and shot-creation actions.

So if Howe could secure a deal for Zaniolo, the pair who have played together for the Italy national team could reunite to cause chaos for opponents in both the Premier League and in European competition next season.

With that being said, it will be interesting to see whether Newcastle will sanction a move for another midfield this summer, but if they could acquire Zaniolo's talent it would provide Howe with a fantastic fresh perspective in attack.

West Ham United bringing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher to the London Stadium is a deal 'that could certainly happen' this summer, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Is Conor Gallagher leaving Chelsea for West Ham United?

According to The Evening Standard, Gallagher has been told he is free to leave Chelsea this summer and has interest from West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in his services after being deemed 'surplus to requirements' at Stamford Bridge.

The report states that West Ham United are ready to power ahead of their London rivals in the race for Gallagher due to their £105 million windfall earned from the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal. At the same time, Tottenham are in the hunt for a homegrown player and may need to dip into the market to strengthen their engine room if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg moves on to Atletico Madrid.

Nevertheless, The Daily Mail report that West Ham are afraid that they may miss out on Gallagher as he wants to remain at Chelsea to try and fight for his place under Mauricio Pochettino.

David Moyes' men had hoped to succeed in a bid of £40 million plus add-ons for Gallagher; however, Chelsea rebuffed their offer and he remains on the Blues' pre-season tour of the United States.

Last term, Gallagher made 45 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, registering three goals and one assist, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown thinks that West Ham will use the money generated from the Rice sale to go back in with a second bid for Gallagher.

Brown stated: “I think if a bid has been made and rejected, West Ham will certainly go back in for him as there is money to spend there. I think that’s one that could certainly happen.”

Who else could West Ham United bring in this summer?

West Ham have yet to confirm a summer signing this window and Hammers fans will hope that is a trend that is eradicated over the next few weeks for sure.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham have held initial talks with Manchester United pair Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay over a potential move to the London Stadium.

Discussions are also continuing for Southampton midfielder James-Ward Prowse and it is believed that a deal is 'very possible' for the 28-year-old dead ball specialist, as per Football Insider.

Ward-Prowse is believed to be keen to return to the Premier League following the Saints' relegation to the Sky Bet Championship, though Southampton are believed to value him at the £45 million mark.

The same outlet claim that Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez is West Ham's 'top target' in midfield to replace Rice and there is 'confidence' from inside the London Stadium that a transfer can be completed for a fee of between £35-40 million.

Borussia Dortmund were keen to land the Mexico international before talks between both parties collapsed; nevertheless, there is a chance that the Bundesliga giants could reignite their interest before the end of the window.

Looking ahead, West Ham will need to act swiftly over the next few weeks to capitalise on the positive momentum they built last campaign due to their Europa Conference League triumph.

Tom Pritchard claimed 818 wickets 23.30 across 200 first-class games – including 695 during a decade of service at Edgbaston

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Aug-2017Tom Pritchard, the former fast bowler from New Zealand and Warwickshire stalwart during the 1940s and 1950s, has died.Pritchard, who claimed 818 wickets 23.30 across 200 first-class games – including 695 during a decade of service at Edgbaston – is arguably one of the finest bowlers never to have played Test cricket.He came close to a call-up at the age of 20 in 1937, but a combination of the Second World War, which coincided with his mid-20s pomp, and a desire not to undermine his professional contract in county cricket, meant that he opted out of selection for New Zealand’s Test tour of England in 1949, and the call did not come again.Instead, he ploughed his fortunes into his Warwickshire career, claiming 100 wickets a season every year from 1948 to 1951, having completed a season of qualification in the second XI in 1946.He eventually returned to New Zealand in 1986, 41 years later than originally intended. After serving in the Middle East and Italy during the war, he met and married the love of his life, Mavis, soon after peace broke out in September 1945.They were married in December, and went on to raise two daughters in a 63-year marriage before Mavis’s death in 2009.Speaking to the on the occasion of his 100th birthday in March, Pritchard insisted that he regretted nothing about his career.”Cricket took me from being a young schoolboy whose family – my mother’s side emigrated from Germany in 1875 – were not interested in the game.”I’m pleased I wasn’t [picked for New Zealand in 1937] because it would’ve messed a lot of things up.”