All posts by h716a5.icu

Brown adds fifty in face of Hannon-Dalby five-wicket haul for Warwickshire

ECB Reporters Network12-Jul-2022Warwickshire 217 and 11 for 0 (Davies 10*, Sibley 1*) trail Hampshire 370 for 9 dec (Holland 99, Dawson 92, Brown 72*, Hannon-Dalby 5-86) by 142 runsIan Holland ended his LV= Insurance County Championship woes with an excruciating 99 as Hampshire built an important first-innings lead over Warwickshire.Opening batter Holland began his season with 81 against Somerset but averaged 14 in his subsequent 13 innings before alleviating his poor form with a stubborn knock.Liam Dawson maintained his impressive form with 92 – having put on 137 with Holland – and Ben Brown an unbeaten 72 to take Hampshire to a 153-run lead, with Oliver Hannon-Dalby taking his season tally to 35 wickets with 5 for 86.Warwickshire sliced 11 off the deficit in six wicketless overs.Hampshire had wobbled to end day one on 42 for 3, 175 runs in arrears, after an exceptional bowling display. Therefore, the morning session was a recalibration and a slow accumulation of runs.Holland had shown a glimpse of his newfound resolution in the second innings of the thriller at the Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford, a fortnight ago, when he scored 37 in 95 balls to provide the glue against Simon Harmer’s onslaught.His place in the team was somewhat questioned, with Joe Weatherley and Tom Prest itching to take their Vitality Blast form to the red ball.Here, with night watcher Kyle Abbott for company, he put an unbelievably high price on his wicket; playing in a compact style with only balls offering any width smacked to the boundary.Abbott had started the season with an Audi-worth of ducks but has returned to ‘genuine all-rounder Abbott’ recently and extended his overnight stay much longer than he would have been welcome – importantly softening the ball at the same time.The South African was lbw to Nathan McAndrew to end the 41-run stand, but that only joined Holland and Dawson together. It was unspectacular, efficient and – other than a spill at gully – chanceless from the pair.Dawson collected a pair of fifties against Yorkshire in the last Championship fixture at the Ageas Bowl, before taking his maiden ten-wicket haul at Essex, with 17 wickets coming miserly in the Blast.While Holland peppered between third and cover, Dawson’s innings required eyes in the back of his head – with just 16 of his 92 runs coming in front of square – as he typically played the ball as late as possible.Holland’s fifty came in 131 balls, Dawson’s in 94 and a pair of centuries looked certain only for Holland to edge a cut to first slip. His reaction of slumping on his bat, forcefully spinning around, lifting his bat over his head and looking skywards as his slink away proved a visual depiction of his internal heartbreak.The second new ball, led by Hannon-Dalby, then sent Hampshire into a mini tail-spin on either side of tea. Dawson was leg before to the gangly fast bowler, Aneurin Donald chopped him on before Keith Barker played McAndrew back onto his stumps. The hosts falling from 249 for 5 to 291 for 8.But Brown, in his typically busy manner, and the permanently-attacking James Fuller took the lead past three figures in a bustling 70-run stand. Fuller eventually holed out for a 39-ball 37, while Brown past fifty for the fourth time this season before a classic slog boundary brought about the declaration.

The visitors’ depth is being tested by injury but the pressure will be on Sri Lanka’s top order

Andrew McGlashan13-Jun-2022 • Updated on 14-Jun-2022Big pictureWelcome back to the five-match ODI series, although, maybe, for the last time? Not since before the 2019 World Cup has there been a bilateral contest of this length in the men’s format. For Sri Lanka and Australia, it’s an extended opportunity to work on their games ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup, but these matches will have no bearing on qualification as they aren’t part of the one-and-done Super League (just nod and accept, it’s a cricket thing).There will be a glut of ODIs over the next nine months as FTP and Super League commitments are completed before the cut-off date. Australia have been particularly light on in the 50-over game since the pandemic; they did not play a single match at home last season and have had just two series -against West Indies and Pakistan – since late 2020.This will also be the first time they have had the majority of their first-choice ODI squad together in more than 18 months – Adam Zampa is missing on paternity leave – so while injuries have created some complications, it marks a moment where planning for the World Cup in India can start to get serious, in conditions that at times may not be a million miles away from those at the tournament. It is a chance for Andrew McDonald and Aaron Finch to start forming the style of one-day cricket they believe can be successful (early hint: expect an aggressive outlook with the bat that started in Pakistan).Related

Australia's twin ambitions: win the ODIs, prepare for Tests

If ODIs feel irrelevant now, just wait till the next FTP cycle

Australia will rotate through their fast-bowling depth, which is being tested with Kane Richardson now ruled out of the ODIs with a hamstring injury. Mitchell Starc will miss at least the first two matches, while Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will be managed. There may also be some different batting combinations tried. Travis Head’s successful return in Pakistan means there are no shortage of top-order options, and when Mitchell Marsh is fit and Cameron Green ready to bowl, the all-round depth is well served.Sri Lanka have named a 21-player squad, which may seem a touch excessive for a home series but at least means they can tick the all-bases-covered box. Their ODI cricket remains inconsistent and they are currently outside the automatic-qualification zone in the Super League. They have won their last two series, at home against South Africa and Zimbabwe, but have dropped what could be vital games in both. This will be the first ODI series under new coach Chris Silverwood.As ever, when facing Australia in subcontinent conditions, there will be a temptation to go with a spin-heavy attack, but Sri Lanka’s prospects will come down to whether their batting order can perform consistently. The record-breaking finish to the chase in the final T20I was a timely confidence boost. There is also significant excitement around uncapped 19-year-old allrounder Dunith Wellalage, and he may get a chance in the XI.Recent form(last five matches, most recent first)Sri Lanka WLWWL
Australia LLWWLKusal Mendis has to do well with the bat if he wants to remain the No. 1 contender for the wicketkeeper-batter’s position•AFP/Getty ImagesIn the spotlightIf Kusal Mendis is given the nod as the wicketkeeper [see below], he will need to repay the faith with the bat. In the six ODIs he has played in the last two years, he has a top score of 36 and there are no shortage of candidates to take the gloves with Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella also part of the large squad. An ODI average of a tick under 30 from 80 innings feels underwhelming for a player of Mendis’ talent.Pat Cummins is among a group of senior Australia players returning to ODI colours since late 2020. He left the IPL early to recover from a hip injury, which Finch revealed he had been carrying for the last 12-14 months. These one-day matches will also act as his tune-up for the Test series in Galle. Cummins’ only previous cricket in Sri Lanka came when he was part of the 2012 T20 World Cup.Team newsNineteen-year-old Wellalage, a left-arm spinner who bats pretty well, seems likely to debut on Tuesday, joining a spin attack that comprises Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. This means Chamika Karunaratne is likely to be the second seam option behind Dushmantha Chameera.Sri Lanka have a few options on the wicketkeeper-batter front. They could keep Mendis in place, though he wasn’t particularly effective with the bat in the T20Is. Charith Asalanka will likely move down to his familiar No. 5 position in ODIs. Word from captain Dasun Shanaka is that they will keep the six batters, two allrounders, three bowlers combination from the ODIs. Bowling-wise, Hasaranga, Chameera and Theekshana are pretty much certain to play.Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Dunith Wellalage, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Maheesh TheekshanaAustralia’s injury list is growing with Kane Richardson the latest casualty. Jhye Richardson has been preferred ahead of a second frontline spinner in Mitchell Swepson. Finch said they were keen to use Alex Carey at No. 5 to provide another left-handed option in the middle order.Australia 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch (capt), 3 Steven Smith, 4 Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Alex Carey (wk), 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Ashton Agar, 9 Pat Cummins, 10 Jhye Richardson, 11, Josh HazlewoodPitch and conditionsAlthough the last T20I became a reasonably high-scoring game, there were also times when both sides struggled with the bat. The day-time element to the ODIs could be a factor. In the Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe series earlier in the year that was held entirely in Pallekele, the opening match saw Sri Lanka chase down 297 reasonably comfortably before Zimbabwe defended 302 and were then bundled out for 70. There is a chance of storms interrupting play.Stats and trivia Warner, Smith, Cummins and Maxwell have not played an ODI since facing India in late 2020. The last bilateral ODI series between the two teams was in Sri Lanka in 2016 when Australia won 4-1. National selector George Bailey was Player of the Series then.

A fresh transfer report has claimed that Newcastle United are keen on completing the signing of a “truly magnificent” attacking player from La Liga, with his current club happy for him to leave.

Latest Newcastle news

The Magpies enjoyed another brilliant Premier League outing on Monday, winning 2-0 away to Manchester United and comprehensively outplaying their opponents at Old Trafford. Alexander Isak and Joelinton got the goals for the visitors, who must be eyeing a top-four finish after an improved run of form of late.

The January transfer window could see Newcastle delve into the market for new signings, should Paul Mitchell and Eddie Howe feel that fresh faces are needed to aid their quest to seal a return to the Champions League.

The Magpies are reportedly the front-runners to acquire the signature of AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, with long-term defensive reinforcements needed, considering Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles are all now in their 30s. A return to the Premier League is thought to appeal to the Englishman, having fallen out of favour a little at times this season.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin also continues to be linked with a move to Newcastle in 2025, although a summer switch looks more likely than a January transfer, allowing him to head to St James’ Park on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Newcastle want to sign "truly magnificent" Barcelona gem

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are “among the clubs” who are keen on signing Barcelona youngster Vitor Roque, with the La Liga giants also willing to allow him to move on.

The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Real Betis, having struggled to be deemed a key player by Hansi Flick, and Tottenham are also believed to be in the mix to sign him. Barca would rather use him in a swap deal with Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, though.

The £55,000-a-week Roque could be an exciting addition for Newcastle, even though his time in Spain hasn’t gone to plan, with only two goals coming his way in 16 Barca appearances to date.

At 19, he is far too young to be written off as a top-level footballer, however, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him as both “truly magnificent” and someone with “crazy potential” in the past.

Roque wouldn’t arrive at Newcastle as a regular starter, given his age, but he could be a great backup option to Alexander Isak leading the line, arriving as a young replacement for the likely outgoing Callum Wilson.

11 duels won: 8/10 Newcastle monster was even better than Isak & Bruno

The Newcastle United titan was a wall at the back for Eddie Howe on Monday.

1 ByDan Emery Dec 31, 2024

If the Magpies were able to bring in both the Brazilian and Calvert-Lewin, it could give Howe the attacking depth that he craves moving forward, making his side an even more daunting proposition.

The WSL leaders came out on top in their four-game series with Nick Cushing's side and still have three trophies in their sights

On Sunday, Manchester City and Chelsea will both do something they haven't done in any of their last four games. They'll walk out for a fixture that doesn't involve playing against one another. Thursday's Women's Champions League second leg was the final match in a four-game series between the two, which began with the League Cup final on March 15 and spanned across three competitions, before coming to its conclusion via the Blues’ qualification for a European semi-final in midweek.

It’s been a testing couple of weeks for both teams, for a lot of different reasons. Each have been hit by notable injuries, the kind of which have hurt City’s thinner squad more. Sonia Bompastor, the Chelsea boss, went out of her way to note that on Thursday. “Maybe it was something that went more in our side, because they didn't have all their squad,” she graciously conceded, in the same press conference which saw her describe the depth of her squad as “really important”.

In the end, it was Chelsea who came out on top across this tetralogy, despite losing their unbeaten record in the second of their four meetings with City. In Manchester, a 2-0 win for the hosts was sandwiched between victories for the Blues in the League Cup final and the Women’s Super League, the latter of which Bompastor’s team are in pole position to win. However, that was just the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, and Chelsea ruthlessly turned things around at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, going 3-0 up before half time.

Try as they might, City couldn’t get going in west London. Hannah Hampton, the Chelsea goalkeeper, was forced into several smart saves, but never from sustained pressure. Instead, the Blues dominated and deservedly progressed to the semi-finals, where they will face a Barcelona side that has eliminated them at this stage in each of the past two years.

Could this season be different? There are some signs to suggest as much, though Barca’s own 10-2 aggregate quarter-final win over two-time European champions Wolfsburg was a statement. “It will be a tough challenge,” Bompastor said. “But, in football, everything is possible.”

And what now for City? They lost that League Cup final, are out of the Champions League and sit some seven points adrift of the European places in the WSL, with only five games to go. There is still the FA Cup, which they are in the semi-finals of, but it has been a rough few weeks.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Stamford Bridge…

Getty ImagesWINNER: Quadruple talk

In England, people love to talk about the quadruple. It's an extremely rare feat to achieve, with Arsenal the only English women's side to tick all four boxes way back in 2007, when they won the league, both domestic cups and the UEFA Women's Cup, now the Women's Champions League. However, Chelsea not only remain in the mix to become just the second English women's side to triumph on the continent – they also have the potential to still collect all four pieces of silverware.

Victory over City in the League Cup final earlier this month ensured that talk didn't fall at the first hurdle, and this remarkable comeback on Thursday allowed the Blues to clear the second fence. Sonia Bompastor won't be drawn on such a dream, just taking each game at a time, but the hopes are still there for Chelsea fans as they ponder something which would be quite incredible.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Man City & Nick Cushing

Man City made a huge call when they opted to replace Gareth Taylor with Nick Cushing ahead of this four-game series with Chelsea. In the end, it absolutely did not pay off.

City lost the League Cup final 13 days ago, were defeated in the crucial WSL meeting between the two at the weekend and then, after actually coming through as 2-0 winners in the first leg of this Champions League tie, even that victory was rendered meaningless thanks to this 3-0 loss.

It was a big risk to make a managerial change when they did. City hoped it could help secure some better results to improve a season that was in danger of disaster. But instead, it changed very little.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Lauren James

It's not been an easy season so far for Lauren James. Three months on the sidelines was far from ideal for the England winger, forcing her to miss all but one of Chelsea's Champions League group games. However, she's come back with a bang in this New Year and has been playing some wonderful football since her return. Thursday was another example of that. No one created more chances in the second leg than James, whose running caused City all sorts of problems.

As Chelsea prepare for the games to get bigger and bigger in the next few weeks, they'll be delighted that James is showing some wonderful form on a regular basis. She could well be the difference as they target that elusive Champions League title.

Getty ImagesLOSER: Vivianne Miedema

In the first leg, Vivianne Miedema was absolutely world-class. Her remarkable composure in front of goal was what gave City their two-goal advantage and a huge chance to make the semi-finals of this competition. Unfortunately, though, those efforts were in vain.

The same goes for the work she did on Thursday, too. On several occasions, this remarkably talented striker popped up with huge defensive moments, most notably clearing a Nathalie Bjorn header off the line. Yet, it was Chelsea who prevailed in the tie.

There were several players who turned up in a big way for City over the course of these two legs, despite the result. Miedema was certainly one of them and for a player of her incredible quality to still be yet to play in a Champions League semi-final in her career feels unjust.

After just eight minutes of the 2014 FA Cup final, Arsenal found themselves 2-0 down to Hull City.

Wembley hadn’t seen anything much like this before. This was an opportunity for Arsene Wenger to finally end the Gunners’ trophy drought but their chances were evaporating before they’d even had a sniff.

Luckily, there’s always been something in the air when it comes to Arsenal and the FA Cup. No club has won it more than their 14 times and that special day at the national stadium proved why they have such a love affair with the great competition.

Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey fought back with an equaliser in the second half and then a winner in extra time but it was a certain Santi Cazorla who kickstarted the comeback.

Placing a free-kick down a considerable distance from goal, he whipped a remarkable set-piece beyond Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

It was just one of many magical moments Cazorla provided in Arsenal colours. It’s a pity his stay in north London ended in such traumatic circumstances.

Santi Cazorla's time at Arsenal

The diminutive Spaniard signed for the Gunners in August 2012 for just £15m. Yeah, remember when transfer fees were that low?

It turns out that was one of the biggest bargains in the club’s history as Cazorla went on to provide some incredible goals and assists while at the Emirates Stadium.

Remember that hat-trick against Reading? Remember the corners on his weak foot? Remember that dazzling mazy run against Manchester City?

The Spain international is one of the most technically gifted footballers we’ve seen at Arsenal in the last 15 years, boasting some of the quickest and most elegant feet the Emirates has seen.

Hailed by Wenger for his qualities, Cazorla’s time in the Premier League hardly ended in fairytale fashion.

After 180 games, 29 goals and 44 assists, he departed in 2018 at the end of his contract following a period of injury hell.

It was an extremely sad period in the career of someone so gifted as the Spanish technician was even being told he may never walk again.

Games

49

Goals

12

Assists

13

Minutes played

4,251

PL Starts

37/38

What was the issue? Well, Cazorla cracked a bone in his ankle and suffered knee ligament damage in November 2015 and played in increasing pain until October 2016 when he was withdrawn during a match against Ludogorets.

Wenger admitted it wasn’t a “big injury” but the former Malaga star was never seen in an Arsenal shirt again. Why? Well, a terrible infection impacted his right ankle that wasn’t fixed until a skin graft took place.

Calling himself “a jigsaw puzzle”, Cazorla has a bit of his left forearm on his right ankle, a piece of thigh in its place and the back of a leg in one heel. It’s pretty gruesome but remarkably it’s now kept him playing until the age of 40 where he is at Real Oviedo.

So, although the Spanish star never got the farewell from Arsenal that he deserved, the club could bring their next Cazorla to the club next year…

Arsenal could sign their next Cazorla

Reports emerged in the run-up to Christmas from Spain that Arsenal are on course to sign Las Palmas midfielder Alberto Moleiro.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s suggested that the Premier League outfit have already reached an ‘agreement in principle’ to sign the 21-year-old after the Gunners made it clear they would pay his £50m release clause.

So, who is Moleiro and what could he bring to the club? Well, the clip below shows you everything you need to know about the youngster’s qualities.

He’s very much cut from the same cloth as Cazorla, possessing quick feet and the ability to manoeuvre the ball and keep possession in tight spaces and when surrounded by opponents.

Described as an “agile, electric” talent by Spanish football expert Neal Gardner, he also calls the Spanish sensation “an excellent dribbler” to elevate those Cazorla comparisons.

If that wasn’t enough then they can both feature off the wings and from central areas, using their crafty skillset to beat defenders in multiple zones on the pitch.

Often popping up in the final third, Moleiro has the ability to score and assist on a frequent basis like Cazorla, netting four goals this term and having a hand in eight goals last term despite his tender age (4 goals & 4 assists).

He may not be producing awe-inspiring numbers quite yet but he’s got an eye-catching toolkit at his disposal, notably ranking among the top 17% of positionally similar players in LaLiga for attempted take-ons and the best 14% for pass completion percentage (82.5%), statistics that showcase his flair and composure.

£50m sounds like a lot of money to spend on such a raw talent but the rave reviews are there, as is the experience of elite level football at such a young age.

Arsenal can solve Saka crisis by signing "unstoppable" £60m "machine"

The incredible player could pick up some of the slack for Arsenal amid Bukayo Saka’s massive injury blow.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 24, 2024

Pat Cummins heads home early in the IPL, while there was a hat-trick for Grace Harris at FairBreak

Andrew McGlashan16-May-20221:04

Cummins on his comeback: ‘Was trying to be a bit more on the money’

IPLAfter a disrupted campaign which had not quite sparked into life, Mitchell Marsh hit top gear against Rajasthan Royals with a fantastic all-round display. His 89 off 62 balls, including seven sixes, powered Delhi Capitals to their target in good time in what is becoming a tight race for the play-offs where net run-rate could be vital. It was the first half-century of Marsh’s IPL career. As in the T20 World Cup final last year, Marsh partnered with David Warner in the dominant stand as Warner eased his way to 52 off 41 balls to continue his fine tournament. Marsh had earlier picked up an important 2 for 26 including the scalp of Royals’ top-scorer R Ashwin.Daniel Sams’ resurgence continued as he claimed 3 for 16 against Chennai Super Kings in the basement battle. He blew Super Kings’ top order away by removing Devon Conway (albeit a controversial lbw decision when the DRS was unavailable) and Moeen Ali for ducks in the first over then adding Ruturaj Gaikwad. After having combined figures of 1 for 139 from 11 overs across his first three matches of the season, Sams has now taken 10 for 162 from 23 overs in his next six outings.Related

Mitchell Marsh, the comeback king

Pat Cummins leaves IPL 2022 early with hip injury

James Pattinson shines and snarls as Nottinghamshire dominate Middlesex

There was a rare bad day with the ball for Josh Hazlewood in what has been a stellar run in T20 cricket as he was taken for 64 off his four overs against Punjab Kings. They are the most expensive figures of his career, surpassing the 54 he conceded against Royals last season. He felt the full force of two England batters: Jonny Bairstow took his first over for 22 and Liam Livingstone hammered 24 off the last. His second over was pretty good and went for just seven.Pat Cummins’ tournament came to an early end when he flew home to manage a hip niggle ahead of Australia’s tour to Sri Lanka next month. There are no concerns over his fitness – he had already been rested from the T20Is so has some extra time up his sleeve – but with Knight Riders only having an outside chance of progressing it felt a pragmatic move. Before leaving Cummins had produced his best bowling performance of the season with 3 for 22 against Mumbai Indians and all the wickets came in a single over as he all but ended Mumbai’s chase.Gujarat Titans are flying high in their first season and are assured of a top-two finish. Matthew Wade was back in the side this week but a lean tournament continued with scores of 10 and 20.Marnus Labuschagne was excited to be in the wickets again•Getty ImagesCountyMatt Renshaw comfortably took the honours in a battle between two Australian left-handers as his 94 helped set up Somerset for a crushing innings-and-246-run victory over Gloucestershire for who Marcus Harris made 32 and 15. Both batters will be part of the Australia A squad in Sri Lanka but while Renshaw is opening at Somerset he may well find himself back in the middle order for that side.Michael Neser and Marnus Labuschagne shared seven second-innings wickets for Glamorgan but it wasn’t enough for victory as they fell short in a chase of 196 against Durham with Matthew Potts, who is expected to earn an England call-up for the New Zealand series, bagging 7 for 40. Neser also made 62 in the first innings but was ninth out in the chase. Labuschagne’s 3 for 35 were a career-best and followed his three-wicket bag last week against Leicestershire. It is a promising sign for Australia and it will be interesting to see whether he bowls more in Sri Lanka than he did in Pakistan. With the bat he was again left frustrated, however, removed for 17 and 31 – the latter of those to the final ball of the third day in what was a pivotal moment.FairBreakGrace Harris bagged herself a hat-trick as part of a haul of 5 for 22 but even though she followed that with 31 off 20 balls it wasn’t enough for Sapphires against Barmy Army. Team-mate Elyse Villani capped off her FairBreak tournament with 71 off 54 balls as they did get over the line against Falcons but it was the latter who edged into the top four. Nicola Carey made her second half-century of the tournament for Spirit – 53 off 26 balls against Tornadoes – and her team then won the third-place play-off thanks for Sophia Dunkley’s brilliant 123 off 73 balls against Barmy Army.

James Pattinson trapped Peter Handscomb LBW with a beauty in the County Championship…

And didn't he love it

@CountyChamp | #LVCountyChamppic.twitter.com/ZBfbX0QK6w

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) May 14, 2022

Did you see?James Pattinson took 4 for 46 in the first innings against Middlesex and claimed some bragging rights to take back to Australia with him. Twice in the game he removed his Victoria captain Peter Handscomb – lbw in the first innings then caught at slip in the second. However, rain on the final day thwarted Nottinghamshire’s push for victory and may have left them regretting not enforcing the follow-on.Performance of the weekHard to look past Mitchell Marsh’s all-round display. There have been some challenges for him over the last couple of months with a lot of drinks carrying in Pakistan before injury ruled him out of the limited-overs matches and then he caught Covid-19 early in the IPL. He’ll now be looking to finish the IPL strongly before heading to Sri Lanka.

FIFA and the Atlanta released video showcasing the creation of host city's official World Cup 2026 Poster

Local artist Jose Hadathy reveals his creative processVideo offers fans insight into the poster's evolutionPart of FIFA's initiative to highlight host cities' unique culturesGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

A behind-the-scenes video documents the creation of Atlanta's FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Poster. The video features local artist Jose Hadathy, offering viewers a look at his creative process and the inspiration behind the poster's striking imagery.

Hadathy, an illustrator and graphic designer based in Atlanta, was born in Quito, Ecuador and moved to the area at the age of nine.

“I am honored to have been chosen to create a piece that captures my two passions – soccer and the city of Atlanta,” Hadathy said. “This poster was inspired by our city’s rich culture, history, and profound connection to soccer. The FIFA World Cup will shine a global spotlight on Atlanta and the state of Georgia, and I wanted to create something that captures the energy and excitement of the world’s greatest sporting event, while authentically connecting with locals and inspiring visitors to explore our wonderful city and state.”

AdvertisementWATCH THE VIDEOTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Atlanta poster is part of a series representing all 16 host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Each poster is designed by a local artist, reflecting the distinctive identity and heritage of their respective cities.

This initiative echoes FIFA's commitment to embracing local culture and artistry as part of the world's biggest sporting event.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Following Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Miami, next on the list to release their Host City poster for the 2026 World Cup is Houston on March 26.

They are followed by Toronto on March 28, San Fransico Bay Area on March 30 and several others including Boston, Seattle, Kansas City and more.

One club’s mainstay international centre-half is allegedly in talks to join Tottenham Hotspur when the January transfer window opens, with the under-pressure Ange Postecoglou set to be without star defensive duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

Ange Postecoglou confirms Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero injuries

Both Romero and van de Ven made a welcome, albeit brief, return to the starting eleven in Spurs’ 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday – but now Postecoglou’s pivotal centre-backs have returned to the sidelines with new injuries.

Tottenham open talks with 169-goal striker after Paratici recommendation

The Italian has been working as an outside advisor.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 11, 2024

Romero was hauled off against Chelsea after 15 minutes, while van de Ven was taken off closer to the full-time whistle with tightness in his hamstring. The former picked up an issue with his quadriceps, and reports in South America suggest that Romero could be out for six weeks (Gaston Edul).

Postecoglou, meanwhile, refuses to rule out the possibility that van de Ven has suffered recurrence of the hamstring problem which kept him sidelined for over a month – with the Dutchman picking up an injury on the same side (football.london).

Southampton vs Tottenham

December 15

Tottenham vs Liverpool

December 22

Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham

December 26

Tottenham vs Wolves

December 29

Tottenham vs Newcastle

January 4

Tottenham’s manager has called their current injury crisis the worst he’s ever faced by a “fair stretch” in the build up to Spurs’ clash with Rangers in the Europa League, with van de Ven and Romero joining Guglielmo Vicario, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, Ben Davies and Mikey Moore on the treatment table.

“I never think it’s just bad luck. Some of it. I’ve never lost a goalkeeper for this period of time,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s injury problems.

“Some of the other issues that we’ve had… But some of it is recurring, particularly this year in terms of guys coming back and re-injuring. It’s something we’re looking at. We’re always trying to explore whether we can do things better. Last year was different to this year. Last year it hit us across the board. This year it’s more guys that are coming back who are affected. Knock on wood, we’ve got a core group who are playing a lot and are getting through it ok. But it is something we are trying to address.”

Postecoglou now only has one senior centre-back at his disposal in Radu Dragusin, with the January transfer window looking more and more important for Johan Lange as the technical director is tasked with reinforcing Spurs’ options.

Omar Alderete in talks to join Tottenham from Getafe in January

According to D10 in his native Paraguay, mainstay Getafe centre-back Omar Alderete is emerging as a potential solution to Tottenham’s centre-back woes.

The South American media outlet boldly claims that Alderete is in talks to join Tottenham next month, following a great year for the 27-year-old international, where he has become an undisputed starter for his club and impressed for his country.

Alderete bagged a goal against Romero’s Argentina in their 2026 World Cup qualifier, and right now, he’s Getafe’s best-performing player by average match rating per 90 according to WhoScored.

He’s also made more clearances per 90 than any other Getafe defender, averaging a solid 4.3, whilst also making more blocks on average than any of his teammates in that time.

However, he’s also managed a pass accuracy of just 68.9 per cent out from the back, so it is unclear whether he’s the style of defender to help Spurs transition from defence to attack.

Pacer picks four wickets on debut while the opener scored his maiden ODI ton

Himanshu Agrawal29-Mar-2022New Zealand hadn’t played an ODI for over a year, had as many as 12 first-choice players plying their trade in the IPL, and were playing Netherlands in the format after 26 years. Still, debutant quick Blair Tickner, and top-order batters Will Young – who got to his maiden ODI century with an unbeaten 103 – and Henry Nicholls combined to ensure the hosts comfortably took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.After Tickner became the fourth New Zealand bowler to take four wickets on ODI debut to restrict the visitors to 202, Nicholls and Young kept New Zealand motoring along in a second-wicket stand of 162 before Nicholls fell for 57, as they completed the chase with more than 11 overs to spare.Young got to his hundred after dancing down the pitch to loft over mid-off in what turned out to be the winning runs for his side. He had reached fifty off 54 balls in the 19th over, by which time he had slammed five fours and two sixes. Three of those fours came off successive deliveries in the eighth over off Logan van Beek: first a pull behind square, then a perfectly-timed push between cover and mid-off, and finally another pull but this time in front of square.Related

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But the shot of the day came in the 18th over when Young skipped down the track to left-arm wristspinner Michael Rippon, and effortlessly lofted the ball for a big six over long-off. However, that remained the only boundary hit from the 11th to the 24th over, as Rippon and captain Pieter Seelaar kept things quiet.While Rippon sent back Nicholls to break the massive stand, he also got Ross Taylor with a beauty: he tossed the ball up from around the wicket, inviting Taylor to drive, but the ball landed right in between his bat and pad, and spun back in to hit the stumps.Earlier, it was the pair of Rippon and Seelaar that had rescued Netherlands with the bat after they were reduced to 45 for 5 by the New Zealand pacers at the end of the 13th over. Tickner had got two of those wickets, with one each having gone to Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Colin de Grandhomme.Jamieson was the first to strike when he had Max O’Dowd gloving down the leg side to wicketkeeper Tom Latham in the third over of the innings, while three overs later, Henry had Stephan Myburgh edging to Martin Guptill at gully, where the latter took a good low catch.And while New Zealand’s debutant shone with the ball, Netherlands’ own debut batter Vikramjit Singh impressed with the bat, albeit only for a short while. Before becoming Tickner’s maiden ODI wicket, left-hand batter Vikramjit had shown signs of a young Darren Bravo with his compact technique, hitting four pleasing boundaries on his way to 19.He used soft hands to collect the first of those, before gently driving Henry down the ground and punching him with a short-arm jab through the covers for four. But from 41 for 2, Netherlands slipped further to lose another three wickets for as many runs as Tickner had Vikramjit caught at third man while Scott Edwards gifted a return catch to de Grandhomme, and Bas de Leede, whose father Tim was part of the only previous ODI meeting between the sides in 1996, also found third man off Tickner.That is when the union between captain Seelaar and Rippon began. Happy to nudge and tuck the ball to keep the scoreboard ticking, they slowly but steadily took their side towards hundred, as legspinner Ish Sodhi and debutant allrounder Michael Bracewell kept things tight. Seelaar swept them once each for four, but when on 43, ended up tickling down leg off Tickner to end the 80-run partnership.Rippon, who been pretty quiet until then, soon found the boundary and reached his half-century in the 45th over before being the last man out for 67. He kept dragging Netherlands by regularly running singles, and was involved in crucial partnerships with the tailenders to push his team to a respectable total. A cameo from van Beek and contributions from Philippe Boissevain took them past 200, but that would prove easily gettable for New Zealand in the end.

Ibrahima Konate appears likely to leave Liverpool for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer despite the Reds' desire to tie him to a new contract.

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Konate leaning towards PSG moveLiverpool eager to tie him to new contractReal Madrid also interested in centre-backFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Liverpool fear they may lose centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires this summer, and Konate, whose deal runs until the summer of 2026, in the same transfer window and are eager to avoid the key departures.

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The Merseyside club, then, are prepared to offer the French defender a new deal, but reports that PSG have a good chance of luring him to Ligue 1. The defender would prefer to join the French giants this summer and Liverpool are aware of his intention.

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PSG, who eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League this week, are not the only team interested in signing the 25-year-old. Real Madrid have also been linked with the former Sochaux and RB Leipzig player and may attempt to bring him to the Spanish capital alongside team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.

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The Anfield club will hope to persuade Konate to stay before the summer transfer window opens as they look to keep their top stars following Arne Slot's debut season in charge.