Ongoing elbow problem will be assessed once fast bowler returns to nets, ECB says

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Apr-2021Jofra Archer has been cleared to resume training after undergoing surgery to remove a glass fragment from his hand.Archer, missing from Rajasthan Royals’ side for the start of the IPL because of the operation to fix an injury he suffered while cleaning a fish tank at his home in January, will return to light training this week after receiving the all-clear from his medical consultant.The ECB said on Tuesday that no decision had been made yet on when Archer could return to playing.Related

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Archer had surgery on the middle finger of his right hand on March 29, immediately after returning from England’s tour of India, during which the injury was managed successfully. He also had an injection to deal with an ongoing problem in his right elbow, which flared up in India and ruled him out of the ODI leg of the tour.”He will return to light training this week, working closely with the Sussex and England men’s medical teams,” the ECB said in a statement. “It is hoped that he will be able to up his intensity with his bowling from next week.”A further update on his elbow injury will be provided once he has returned to bowling to assess the effectiveness of his recent injection. No decision has been made as yet on when Archer is due to return to playing.”Royals narrowly lost their opening match against Punjab Kings by four runs on Monday. Royals’ next match is against Delhi Capitals on Thursday.Kumar Sangakkara, Rajasthan Royals’ team director, has expressed hope that Archer would be available for some part of the IPL campaign but said “no risks will be taken” over his fitness.

She contends she was allegedly passed over for the job of South Africa women’s team manager because of her sexuality and nationality

Firdose Moonda27-Mar-2021

Karen Smithies has worked in administration in South African cricket for the last two decades•Saurabh Somani/ESPNcricinfo

Former England World Cup-winning captain and current Titans team manager Karen Smithies is suing Cricket South Africa (CSA) for discrimination after she was ruled out of contention for a job allegedly because of her sexuality and nationality. Smithies was interviewed for the position of the national women’s team manager but contends she was allegedly passed over because she is gay and from the United Kingdom.The national women’s team support staff was confirmed in July last year, when coach Hilton Moreeng was reappointed and the team manager’s position was filled by the incumbent Sedibu Mohlaba.ESPNcricinfo understands that when Smithies, who captained England when they defeated New Zealand in the 1993 World Cup final at Lord’s, learnt the reason she was not considered for the position was because there were concerns around a gay woman managing the women’s team, she approached CSA with her grievance. At the time, CSA had the opportunity to settle the case but opted not to do so, leaving Smithies with no option but to head to the courts. She has submitted her case to the labour court and CSA is due to file their reply by April 1.According to Section 6(1) of the South Africa’s Employment Equity Act, “no person may unfairly discriminate, directly or indirectly, against any employee in any employment policy or practice. Such discrimination includes race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibility, ethnic, or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, HIV status, conscience, belief, political opinion, culture, language, birth or on any other arbitrary ground.”Smithies has worked in administration in South African cricket for the last two decades and has managed the Northerns provincial and the Titans franchise team. She was also involved in television commentary for the South Africa Women’s home series against Pakistan earlier this year.

اختتمت منافسات الجولة الثامنة والأخيرة من مرحلة الدوري، عن مسابقة الدوري الأوروبي لموسم 2024/2025، وذلك بعد أن خاض كل فريق 8 جولات.

حافظ لاتسيو على صدارة ترتيب البطولة بالرغم من الهزيمة أمام سبورتنج براجا بهدف نظيف، في اللقاء الذي أقيم على ملعب “بلدية دي براجا”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. موعد والقناة الناقلة لقرعة الدوري الأوروبي اليوم.. ملحق دور الـ16

بينما نجح أتلتيك بلباو في تحقيق فوز بثلاثية مقابل هدف أمام نظيره فيكتوريا بلزن، فيما حقق مانشستر يونايتد انتصاراً هاماً على غريمه ستيوا بوخارست بهدفين دون رد.

وتمكن توتنهام هوتسبير من الفوز بثلاثية نظيفة على إلفسبورج، بينما خسر آينتراخت فرانكفورت أمام مضيفه روما بهدفين نظيفين.

فيما انتهت مواجهة ليون ولودوجوريتس بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق، وانتصر أولمبياكوس بثلاثية نظيفة ضد كاراباج أغدام، بينما فاز جلاسكو رينجرز بهدفين مقابل هدف أمام خصمه سانت جيلواز. الفرق الثمانية المتأهلة مباشرةً لدور الـ16 من الدوري الأوروبي 2025

1- لاتسيو.

2- أتلتيك بلباو.

3- مانشستر يونايتد.

4- توتنهام هوتسبير.

5- آينتراخت فرانكفورت.

6- ليون.

7- أولمبياكوس.

8- جلاسكو رينجرز.

Newcastle United somehow secured all three points in their first Premier League match of the season, despite playing against Southampton with ten men for nearly an hour.

Fabian Schar was sent off after just 26 minutes following a controversial decision, but Eddie Howe’s men took the lead through Joelinton just before the break as the Brazilian sent a neat finish into the Saints' net.

The Magpies were under the cosh throughout the second half, but they held on to start the 2024/25 campaign with a win, which will bolster confidence around St James' Park.

Despite the victory, several players failed to perform well, which could see Howe making a few changes ahead of their next match.

One player who was disappointing against the Saints was Lewis Hall, as he struggled to cope before being subbed with 20 minutes to go.

Lewis Hall’s game in numbers v Southampton

The defender started the game on the left of a back four, but he failed to impress against the south coast side, struggling to cope with Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton Diaz during his time on the pitch.

Indeed, Hall was dribbled past on three occasions, won zero of his seven contested duels and lost possession a staggering 16 times throughout the game.

Lewis Hall's stats v Southampton

Accurate passes

12/20

Touches

42

Total duels (won)

7 (0)

Possession lost

16

Key passes

1

Dribbled past

3 times

Via Sofascore

The defender also took 42 touches along with completing just 12 of his 20 attempted passes – a success rate of 60% – as he could count himself lucky that Newcastle managed to finish the game with all three points.

He did clear an Armstrong shot off the line, but that was about the only positive during his spell on the field, with Newcastle World giving him a match rating of 6/10.

Howe’s men take on Bournemouth next Sunday in the league. Will Hall start that match, or could he be replaced by another left-back in the squad following his poor performance?

Players who could replace Lewis Hall

Dan Burn is currently having to deputise at centre-back due to injuries, and with Schar likely missing a few games due to suspension, he won't be moving to the left side of the defence anytime soon.

This leaves Matt Targett as the obvious option to come in for Hall next week. Last season, the Englishman made only seven appearances for the club due to a hamstring injury, so he may be eased back in gently.

Kieran Trippier may be a wildcard option for that spot, especially considering he played there during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final in the summer. However, this would perhaps be more of a last resort for Howe.

It might not have been the performance that the supporters or Howe would have expected, but starting the new season off with a win – especially with having to play the majority of the game with ten men – will stand them in good stead as they head into the clash against the Cherries next week.

Related The next Ben Arfa: Newcastle could land "world-class" £13m sensation

He would be a huge coup for the Magpies.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 14, 2024

All summer long, Newcastle United have been in the hunt for a new right-sided attacker to partner Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon – subsequently completing Eddie Howe’s attack.

However, with less than two weeks to go until the closure of the transfer window, the Magpies are yet to land a player in the aforementioned area, with time running out for the club to secure a new addition.

They’ve already sold the ready-made first-team starter in Yankuba Minteh to Brighton for £33m this summer to avoid a PSR breach, which could’ve resulted in the club being hit with a points deduction during the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Whilst they’ve undoubtedly got the money available to them after such a transfer, finding a player who would be able to provide the impact Howe is looking for is easier said than done.

As a result, they could turn to one player who’s previously been linked with a big-money transfer to St James’ Park.

Newcastle's search for a winger

After a long couple of months in the transfer market, there aren’t many elite right-sided forwards who haven’t been linked with a move to Tyneside.

However, despite previously being touted with a move, Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Raphinha could still prove to be an excellent addition before the closure of the transfer window.

The 27-year-old, who earns £205k-per-week, as per Capology, could be allowed to leave the Spanish this summer if any side matches his £51m valuation, with the rumoured price tag a very reasonable fee for a player of his quality.

The former Leeds United ace registered 15 goals or assists in his 28 LaLiga appearances last season, ending the campaign as the club’s second-highest goal contributor – finishing only behind Robert Lewandowski.

He could prove to be a better addition than another talent who has also been heavily touted with a move to Tyneside in recent weeks.

Why Raphinha would be a better option than Madueke

Chelsea youngster Noni Madueke has emerged as the most likely addition in forward areas for Howe’s side in recent weeks, with reports even going as far as claiming the Englishman had agreed personal terms with the Magpies.

It’s also claimed that he could be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge if anyone matches his £30m valuation, despite only arriving in West London back in January 2023 from PSV Eindhoven.

Whilst he would be a cheaper option than Raphinha, the Brazilian would undoubtedly be a better addition for Howe’s side, with the 27-year-old blowing Madueke out of the water in 2023/24.

The “extraordinary” Barcelona talent, as described by former boss Xavi, managed more combined goal contributions than the Chelsea ace last season, whilst also managing more shots per 90 – making him a greater threat in attacking areas.

How Raphinha & Madueke compare per 90 in 2023/24
Statistics	Raphinha	Madueke
Games played	28	23
Goals + assists	15	7
Shots taken	3.8	2.7
Take-on success	52%	43%
Aerials eon	64%	41%
Shot-creating actions	5.9	4.4
Stats via FBref

He also managed more shot-creating actions, whilst registering a higher take-on success rate – demonstrating his quality in possession, allowing the likes of Isak to increase their own goalscoring tallies.

Whilst he may cost the Magpies an extra £21m this summer, it would be a worthwhile investment, signing a player who has featured in the Champions League for the last couple of seasons.

His quality in attacking areas is there for all to see, with his talents handing Howe a huge boost in his attempts to secure another season of Champions League football for the club after a one-year absence.

The next Ben Arfa: Newcastle could land "world-class" £13m sensation

He would be a huge coup for the Magpies.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 14, 2024

Moeen Ali is set to return to action on Saturday with an appearance in the Birmingham League.Moeen, who recently returned from the IPL, has received approval from the England team management to play for West Bromwich Dartmouth (WBD) against Walsall in Premier Division One of the country’s oldest cricket league.The match promises to be something of a family affair. Moeen will be joined in the WBD team by his brother, Omar, and his cousin, the former England swing bowler, Kabir. Another cousin, Ismail Mohammed, who is on the staff at Worcestershire, is also in the side.Moeen’s oldest brother, Kadeer, will be absent, however. The former Gloucestershire and Worcestershire batter is WBD’s regular captain but has been asked to help out the Worcestershire first team in a coaching capacity (he is the county’s second XI coach) this weekend. In his absence, Kabir will captain the side.Several, though not all, of the England players who were at the IPL are likely to return to LV= Insurance County Championship action in the round of games starting on June 3. A firm decision on each player’s involvement will be taken by the England management in the coming days.

A player who manager Mikel Arteta really rates in the Arsenal squad appears tempted by the possibility of joining another Premier League club before deadline day.

Players who could still be sold by Arsenal this summer

Following Emile Smith Rowe's £35 million move to Fulham two weeks ago, it is believed a few more high-profile exits could occur at Arsenal before the summer window officially shuts its doors.

Club reply as Arsenal make opening bid to sign "creative" player this week

It’s been tabled in the last two days.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 15, 2024

Reiss Nelson could be allowed to leave Arsenal as one option, while uncertainty surrounds the futures of Thomas Partey and Aaron Ramsdale. The former has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Arsenal, meaning Edu Gaspar and co may still decide to sell the Ghanaian, rather than lose him for nothing next summer.

Meanwhile, Ramsdale has been subject to an approach from Dutch giants Ajax, according to The Athletic. While the proposal was rejected, it is believed Ajax are still optimistic they can strike a deal for the 26-year-old, even if Arsenal want rid of him permanently.

Team

Date

Wolves (home)

August 17

Aston Villa (away)

August 24

Brighton (home)

August 31

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

In any case, Ramsdale has been widely tipped to leave Arsenal, with journalist Charles Watts recently claiming he's destined to depart the club.

"It’s a matter of when Ramsdale leaves, not if," said Watts to CaughtOffside.

“The key thing for Arsenal is getting value for money. I saw an initial fee of £15 million mentioned in reports last week and that is quite frankly ridiculous. Arsenal signed Ramsdale for nearly £30m two years ago and he has developed into a far better keeper since then.

“He’s still young, he’s homegrown, an established England international and has a long-term contract. Yes, interested clubs will know that Arsenal’s stance in any negotiations will be weakened somewhat given he is now clearly behind David Raya in the pecking order, but that shouldn’t mean the club should basically give him away."

Meanwhile, striker Eddie Nketiah has attracted interest from Marseille this window, but the Ligue 1 giants have pulled out – leaving the door open for Bournemouth to swoop in.

Nketiah open to joining Bournemouth as they ready bid for Arsenal

According to TEAMtalk, Nketiah is open to joining Bournemouth from Arsenal as the Cherries ready a late bid for him.

Andoni Iraola needs a replacement for striker Dominic Solanke, who joined Tottenham in a £65 million deal earlier this week, and Arsenal's £100,000-per-week forward fits the bill. However, since then, Bournemouth have agreed a deal to sign Evanlison from FC Porto, so it remains to be seen what their stance now is on Nketiah.

Nketiah is a favourite of Arteta's, with the Spaniard highlighting his quality time and time again, even if both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus remain above him in the pecking order.

"Well to me he is top level,” said Arteta on Nketiah at the start of last season.

“He’s started nine out of our ten Premier League games, so that tells you how much we trust him and the importance he has in the team. I’m really happy for him, an academy player to experience a Premier League hat-trick. He needs to enjoy the moment, he fully deserves it, and hopefully there are many more to come."

Cites her ability to demoralise opponents as key quality

Vishal Dikshit20-May-2021India Women’s outgoing head coach WV Raman believes 17-year-old opener Shafali Verma’s game-changer of a batting approach could “demoralise” opposition bowlers in Test cricket too. Verma, who has so far represented India only in T20Is, is part of the ODI and Test squads as well for the all-format England tour next month. India are also set to tour Australia, where they will play a pink-ball Test in September.”If a batter goes on to psychologically demoralise the opposition bowlers in the first 45 minutes to one hour, I would take that any day in any format,” Raman told . “Let’s say in a four-day game or a Test match you are as it is looking to play out, if at all you happen to bat first.”Sometimes there could be a bit of reluctance to bat first if you win the toss for various reasons, but if you have someone in your side who can go out…some players are like that, they don’t care what the conditions are, who they are up against, they would back themselves and they’ll go after the bowlers and demoralise them.”Verma, currently the top-ranked T20I batter in the ICC women’s rankings, is known for her hard-hitting approach at the top and boasts of a T20I strike rate of 148.31. Raman cited Prithvi Shaw’s example from the Under-19 level to underline Verma’s ability to play a similar role across formats.”Like I saw Prithvi Shaw doing in the Under-19 side in 2017,” Raman said. “He would go there and get a 70-80 in no time. And by the time he got out and by the time you had a drinks break, you suddenly see the score close to 90 or 100. The issue is settled straightaway and imagine it provides you advantages in every respect. Not only does it make it very disconcerting for the bowlers in the opposition camp, it provides great confidence to the batters going next in your own side. What more do you need? It’s priceless.”Raman was also asked if the Indian team lacked an explosive finisher in ODIs and if the team management should consider moving Verma down the order in the format to collect more runs towards the end. “If they can find somebody who can do that from 35-50 overs, have them in the side, and have Shafali also in the side, why restrict yourself to either Shafali Verma or somebody at the bottom? Just have as many bazookas as you can and launch them mercilessly.”Verma made her international debut less than two years ago and has 22 T20Is to her name with 617 runs at an average of nearly 30. In T20Is since her debut in September 2019, Verma has been the second-highest run-scorer only behind Beth Mooney, she has the second-best strike rate after Alyssa Healy’s 155.95 (minimum 10 innings) and she has struck the most sixes (29) in the period.With her explosive batting style, she has already signed deals for The Hundred in England this summer, the WBBL in Australia later this year, and she got her maiden ODI and Test call-ups for the upcoming England tour. On Wednesday, the BCCI also handed her a Category B annual contract worth INR 30 lakh, a promotion from her Category C contract last year.