Category Uncategorized

Rishabh Pant will start IPL 2024 as Delhi Capitals’ captain but will not keep wicket in the first half of the season, franchise co-owner Parth Jindal has said. In a chat with ESPNcricinfo, Jindal also said Capitals were expecting South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje to be fit to play from their opening game, against Punjab Kings on March 23.Jindal said the Capitals think-tank, led by the team director Sourav Ganguly and head coach Ricky Ponting, was confident about Pant starting the IPL, subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI which is imminent.”Rishabh is batting. He’s running. He has started his wicketkeeping. He is likely to be fully fit for the IPL,” Jindal said on Thursday. “I am expecting Rishabh to play IPL and he will lead from match one. First seven games we are going to play him only as a batter and depending on how his body reacts, we will take a call for the rest of the IPL.”Related

• Pant on his comeback: 'Feels like I'm going to make my debut again'

• Rishabh Pant suffers multiple injuries in serious car crash

• Pant on his life-threatening car crash: 'I felt my time in this world was over'

• Ponting: Pant is 'very confident' of playing entire IPL 2024

• Rishabh Pant begins match-simulation exercises in Bengaluru

The IPL will mark Pant’s return to competitive cricket since the Test series in Bangladesh in December 2022. After his horrific car crash on December 30, 2022, Pant has worked hard to make a remarkable recovery post successful surgeries to three major knee ligaments in his right leg. Having told his doctors that he would shave at least six months off their prescribed time of recovery, Pant played practice matches in Bengaluru this week, which were organised by the National Cricket Academy.On Tuesday, Pant also posted a video on his Instagram doing some wicketkeeping and mobility drills, which have become part of his lower-body conditioning over the past six weeks. On Wednesday, he batted and fielded in a 20-over match, which comprised a series of match-simulation exercises. The game was overseen by the BCCI medical staff. There were no visible concerns. Pant is expected to play at least a few more such games before joining Capitals. Once the BCCI clearance comes, he will join the side for a preparatory camp in Visakhapatnam, where the team will also play two home matches.With the second half of WPL 2024 – comprising 11 games including the playoffs – set to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, the Capitals men’s team had to shift their home base for the early part of the IPL to ensure they didn’t start on tried pitches. In the 21-match IPL schedule released on Thursday, Capitals are scheduled to play two home and three away matches. Jindal confirmed the team would return to Delhi for their remaining five home games.

Anrich Nortje ‘good to go for first game’

Nortje, who has been out of action for a while because of injuries, is good to go and is also expected to join the camp in Visakhapatnam, Jindal said. Nortje had recovered from a groin injury to play ten matches for the side in the 2023 season before heading home for personal reasons. He was retained by the franchise ahead of the 2024 auction.While he played the inaugural season of Major League Cricket in the USA, he pulled out of the ODI series at home against Australia in September following a suspected stress fracture in the back and was eventually ruled out of the ODI World Cup as well. Doubts about his availability for IPL persisted after he did not play the SA20 either.Anrich Nortje played ten games in IPL 2023•Associated Press

“He’s fit,” Jindal said. “Right now, he is bowing at 80% intensity. Next week, he will bowl at 100%. He’s going to make his comeback in the IPL. He is going to join our camp and should be good to go for our first game.”Jindal also said Australia fast bowler Jhye Richardson is unlikely to be fit for the initial part of the tournament as he recovers from a side strain that had ruled him out of the latter half of the BBL as well as the home ODI series against West Indies. Richardson was bought by Capitals at the mini-auction in December for INR 5 crore (US$ 602,000 approx).”He’s touch and go but will definitely be available for some part of IPL,” Jindal said.

Harry Brook set for No. 6 role

Jindal was confident Capitals would make the playoffs mainly because Pant’s return provided the right balance to the team. He also said Tristan Stubbs and Mitchell Marsh made the team a well-rounded unit.”We feel very confident, the balance of the team is a lot better with Rishabh coming back in,” he said. “We have a very good squad and a lot of options with players like Tristan Stubbs, who had a phenomenal SA20 [with champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape], and Mitch Marsh becoming captain of Australia’s T20I team.”Jindal said he was also expecting big things from David Warner, an IPL legend, who is likely to feature for one last season at Capitals with the mega auction in 2025. Jindal also said he was looking forward to England power hitter Harry Brook playing a key role in the lower order.Another key reason behind Jindal’s optimism for this season is the recruitment of a fresh batch of uncapped Indian players who, he said, were scouted and recommended by Ganguly. Among the uncapped Indians bought by Capitals at the auction are Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra, Haryana allrounder Sumit Kumar and Madhya Pradesh batter Ricky Bhui (who is currently the leading run-scorer in Ranji Trophy).”We know our younger Indian players [better], we know which players to back in what positions a lot better than we did in the last season,” Jindal said. “A lot of credit goes to the systems and processes put in place by [Ganguly].”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras não vivia os tempos de vacas gordas como vive, pelo menos, nos últimos oito anos, mas, ainda assim, era favorito na semifinal do Paulistão de 2014, contra o Ituano. Para muitos, inclusive, o Estadual era a grande, quiçá a única, chance do Verdão conquistar um título no ano do seu centenário.

Os palmeirenses, no entanto, não contavam com Ituano, do meia-atacante Marcelinho. Revelado pelo Corinthians, o jogador, na época com 24 anos, estava emprestado pelo Karpaty Lviv, da Ucrânia. Reserva no duelo contra o Palestra, o atleta entrou aos 30 minutos do segundo tempo e nove minutos depois marcou o gol que eliminou os alviverdes do Paulista, colocando o Ituano na final.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasBusca por Allan: Palmeiras não baixa a guarda após ‘golpe inesperado’ do Atlético-MGPalmeiras17/03/2023Fora de CampoNaldo Benny é um dos compositores do hino do Água Santa, time sensação do PaulistãoFora de Campo16/03/2023PalmeirasEndrick, Tabata ou Giovani? Conceito tático indica escolhas de Abel no PalmeirasPalmeiras16/03/2023

+Palmeiras chega à décima semifinal de Paulista seguida; relembre o retrospecto

Nove anos depois, o Ituano pode repetir o feito e eliminar o Palmeiras em uma semifinal de Paulistão. As equipes vão se enfrentar neste domingo (19), às 16h (horário de Brasília), no Allianz Parque. O momento palmeirense é completamente diferente. As vacas engordaram, e de um time quase rebaixado para a segunda divisão do Campeonato Brasileiro em 2014, hoje o Verdão vem de conquistas em sequência. O time é o atual campeão paulista e brasileiro, além de ter vencido a Libertadores em duas das últimas três temporadas.

Marcelinho não joga mais pelo Ituano desde 2019, mas segue acompanhando o clube, até porque conheceu a sua esposa na cidade e se estabeleceu por lá. Como um morador de Itu, ele naturalmente costuma acompanhar o Galo e, embora reconheça a superioridade palmeirense no confronto deste fim de semana, acredita que a equipe rubro-negra pode surpreender novamente. Para isso, na visão dele, é importante tirar como inspiração o São Bernardo, que encarou o Palmeiras de frente nas quartas de final e deu trabalho, ainda que tenha sido eliminado com a derrota por 1 a 0.

+ Confira a tabela do Campeonato Paulista e simule os jogos da competição

– Às vezes um time pode ser superior tecnicamente, mas o outro taticamente, e cumprir o que tem que ser feito e em questão de disposição de cada atleta, você às vezes consegue igualar o jogo. Eu acredito que se fosse o meu time, eu tentaria armar uma estratégia para fazer próximo ao que o São Bernardo fez -disse o jogador em entrevista exclusiva ao LANCE!.

Independentemente da estratégia que será adotada pelo Ituano para encarar o Verdão, uma coisa é garantida: a torcida de Marcelinho para o Galo.

– Eu vou torcer pro Ituano! Eu não sei quanto vai ser o jogo, mas vou torcer pro Ituano. Que eles consigam passar, fazer história de novo – destacou.

RELEMBRANDO GOL HISTÓRICO

Nas ironias da bola, se dependesse do técnico Doriva, que comandava o Ituano em 2014, Marcelinho poderia não estar na intermediária ofensiva para chapar no canto esquerdo. Isso porque o treinador queria que o atleta, que havia entrado em campo havia poucos minutos, recompusesse a marcação.

continua após a publicidade

– No lance do gol, o Doriva me deu uma dura porque eu não tinha voltado para recompor na marcação. No momento que você entra no jogo da uma abafada, você dá um pique, outro pique, você abafa mais até que a galera que já tá no jogo. Eu lembro que o Doriva tava gritando muito na lateral pra eu voltar e tal – relembrou Marcelinho.

– Foi quando o Dick roubou a bola saiu dando uma arrastada pelo lado direito, tentou a finalização, não me lembro o zagueiro que pegou a bola. Como eu já estava acompanhando a jogada, sobrou pra mim, na intermediária, e aí eu vim dei uma chapada, pegou um pouco no chão, na velocidade, e entrou bem no cantinho no lado esquerdo do goleiro. Foi sensacional, maravilhoso aquele momento – acrescentou.

O Ituano ainda foi além naquela temporada e conquistou o título paulista duas semanas após deixar o Palmeiras pelo caminho. E o triunfo veio batendo um outro grande do Estado, o Santos. O duelo foi vencido pelo Galo nos pênaltis. Marcelinho foi um dos atletas que converteu a sua cobrança.

The Liverpool wonderkid rescued Arne Slot's out-of-sorts side as they broke 10-man Newcastle's hearts in a Premier League classic.

Rio Ngumoha's stoppage-time winner secured Liverpool an incredible 3-2 victory over a fearless Newcastle United side who played the majority of the game with 10 men.

Newcastle were dominating the Premier League fixture until Ryan Gravenberch's sucker punch goal from 25 yards stunned the home crowd in the 35th minute. Gordon was then sent off following a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk to rub more salt into the wound.

Former Newcastle transfer target Ekitike made it 2-0 with a sumptuous shot 20 seconds into the second half but the home side's hopes were rekindled thanks to Bruno Guimaraes' pinpoint header in the 57th minute. The Toon then drew level two minutes from time when William Osula capitalised on some poor defending, but the 16-year-old Reds substitute had the last laugh with a stunning winner in the 100th minute.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from St James' Park…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Alisson (7/10):

  The Brazilian was the busier of the two keepers in the first half as he did well to keep Newcastle at bay. There wasn't much he could do for Newcastle's goals, though. Without him, they would have lost.

  Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

  Handled himself fairly competently in an unfamiliar right-back role and stepped more into midfield when his team had the ball. Did a lovely dummy for Ngumoha's winner.

  Ibrahima Konate (5/10):

  Does not seem to be at the races so far this season. Perhaps the talk of a Liverpool exit, and his stalling over a new deal, are not helping him right now.

  Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

  The captain largely led by example at the back, won most of the aerials that came his way and made the defensive line more secure.

  Milos Kerkez (6/10):

  Was up against the pacy Anthony Elanga, and while the former Manchester United man had him on the back foot, he held his own at times. However, he was outmuscled for Bruno's headed goal as the Hungarian did some questionable defending.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Curtis Jones (5/10):

  The Liverpool academy product was part of a midfield that was overrun at times and looked outmatched against Newcastle's ferocity.

  Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):

  The returning midfielder looked a bit off it early on but then scored a superb long-range strike to stun the home crowd. Was busy throughout the contest.

  Florian Wirtz (5/10):

  Their record signing had a couple of nice moments but many will expect more from the Germany international going forward.

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Mohamed Salah (6/10):

  The Reds legend was feeding off scraps in the first 45 minutes but Newcastle were always wary of his potency.

  Hugo Ekitike (7/10):

  Had a quiet first half as Dan Burn kept him in check and Newcastle dominated the contest until Gravenberch's goal. But all that was forgotten when he scored his third goal in three Liverpool games with a clinical finish just after half-time.

  Cody Gakpo (5/10):

  The Netherlands international didn't get many chances to come off the left wing and cut inside for his trademark runs. Offered very little.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Conor Bradley (5/10):

  Picked up a booking when he came off the bench.

  Federico Chiesa (6/10):

  Worked hard but didn't get much joy out of Newcastle's defence.

  Harvey Elliott (6/10):

  Came on for what could be his last game for Liverpool as a summer exit beckons.

  Rio Ngumoha (9/10):

  Made himself an instant hero with an ice-cool finish at the death.

  Wataru Endo (N/A):

  Came on right at the end.

  Arne Slot (7/10):

  His side did very well to go two goals up against the run of play, despite being outplayed, but despite having the extra man, they never really grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. They showed great determination to get the win and his substitutions made the difference.

Match details

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (10th; P6 W1 L5) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (5th; P5 W3 L2)
Bengaluru, 7.30pm IST (2pm GMT)

Big picture – Can RCB withstand SRH’s power at the Chinnaswamy?

After making the playoffs for three seasons in a row and then narrowly missing out last year, RCB are having a horror campaign, having slumped to five defeats in their first six games. Their bowling has been a major area of concern, with captain Faf du Plessis admitting they “don’t have as many weapons” with the ball. In RCB’s last game, they saw Mumbai Indians chase 199 inside 16 overs. And on Monday, they will be up against another batting juggernaut in Sunrisers Hyderabad.With Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma at the top, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen in the middle and the power of Abdul Samad and Pat Cummins, Sunrisers have a batting line-up that’s not just explosive, but also runs deep. Earlier in the season, they posted the highest total in IPL history (277), beating RCB’s 263, and are the second-quickest scoring team in IPL 2024. Sunrisers’ big-hitters will be licking their lips at the prospect of playing against RCB at the Chinnaswamy, where the boundaries are short and the ball flies a long way.In contrast, RCB have the third-worst economy rate this season with the ball. With Mohammed Siraj having a below-par season, and a spin attack that has failed to be a threat to opposition batters, RCB know they have a huge challenge on their hands when they go up against Klaasen and co.Du Plessis has already said that the onus is on their batters to do the heavy lifting, and the positives RCB can take is that their skipper and Rajat Patidar found some form in the last game, and Dinesh Karthik continued to be impactful as a finisher.Virat Kohli, who is the leading run-scorer in the IPL, also has an excellent record against Sunrisers, scoring quicker against them than any other team in the competition.

Form guide

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: LLLLW (most recent matches first)
Sunrisers Hyderabad: WWLWL

Team news and Impact Player strategy

Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB have chopped and changed, using as many as 19 players this season – only Delhi Capitals have used more (20) – and they have been forced to tweak their combinations due to in-season injuries. RCB had an injury scare when Glenn Maxwell suffered a blow to his thumb and went for scans. But RCB’s director of cricket Mo Bobat said on Sunday Maxwell is “okay at the minute” and “there’s no injury concerns”. Just in case Maxwell is unfit, Cameron Green could return to the XI, having been replaced by Will Jacks in their last game. Saurav Chauhan or Anuj Rawat will likely come in as the Impact Player if RCB are chasing, or go out for a bowler if batting first.Probable XII: 1 Faf du Plessis (capt), 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Will Jacks, 4 Glenn Maxwell/Cameron Green, 5 Rajat Patidar, 6 Mahipal Lomror, 7 Dinesh Karthik, 8 , 9 Akash Deep, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Reece Topley, 12 2:39

Is it time for Sunrisers to unleash Umran Malik?

Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers are unlikely to make any changes to their team as they continue to build momentum around the halfway stage of the tournament. T Natarajan will likely come in as the Impact Player if they have to defend a target, and they can get Rahul Tripathi in as an extra batter if they are chasing.Probable XII: 1 Travis Head, 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Aiden Markram, 4 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 5 , 6 Heinrich Klaasen, 7 Abdul Samad, 8 Shahbaz Ahmed, 9 Pat Cummins, 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 11 Jaydev Unadkat, 12

In the spotlight – Will Jacks and Travis Head

RCB made a big call to bench Green, who they bought in a cash trade for INR 17.5 crore, in the last game and brought on the highly-rated Will Jacks. Jacks showed glimpses of what he can do before chipping a catch for 8, but there are high expectations from him. With a T20 strike rate of 158.60, Jacks can help take the pressure off an under-fire RCB batting line-up.Travis Head is up against the team he made his IPL debut for, and he will be looking for a big score. After a 62 against Mumbai, Head has not really made a significant score and will be looking to make another big impact. He will also be fed plenty of pace, which suits him just fine. The Chinnaswamy may just be the best venue for him to go big again.

Stats that matter

• Sunrisers have won just two of their eight matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium and have the worst win percentage among all IPL teams at the venue.
• The battle of the finishers: Dinesh Karthik (243.90) and Heinrich Klaasen (263.15) are among the quickest scorers in the death overs this season.
• RCB’s bowling average in the powerplay this year is 91.75 – by far the worst for any team in any season. Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018 had the previous worst powerplay bowling average in a season (68.38)

Pitch and conditions

The Chinnaswamy pitch has not been as batter-friendly as in the previous years. It’s been slightly two-paced, and the average first-innings score has dropped to 180 this season, as compared to 190.8 from IPL 2021 onwards.

Quotes

“So I think you have to keep challenging yourself to try to take wickets because any team can score that 60-70 at the back-end, in the last four or five overs. So I think no score is safe. And you always feel you’re in the game, particularly when you’re chasing. I think most teams will come here and try to chase because they feel it’s easier to navigate the innings when you know what’s in front of you.”

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has launched a blistering attack on UEFA following the governing body’s decision to demote the club from the Europa League to the Conference League. The move comes in light of concerns over multi-club ownership rules and has left Parish furious, calling it “one of the greatest injustices” ever witnessed in European football.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Palace won the FA Cup in 2025Were supposed to play in the Europa LeagueUEFA's multi-club ownership rules cost them their spotFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Eagles had secured Europa League qualification after lifting the FA Cup, the first major trophy in the club’s history. But that triumph has now been overshadowed by UEFA’s ruling that deemed a conflict of interest due to the involvement of investor John Textor in both Crystal Palace and French club Lyon.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to UEFA's regulations, no two clubs with shared ownership structures can participate in the same European competition. The deadline to resolve such conflicts was set for March 1. Following Lyon’s reinstatement to Ligue 1 after their relegation was overturned, the French club claimed a Europa League slot, pushing Palace out of the competition and down into the Conference League.

WHAT PARISH SAID

Reacting to the ruling in an exclusive interview with , Parish expressed disbelief at what he sees as an arbitrary and unjust interpretation of a rule that he argues the club was powerless to comply with.

He said: "Obviously, we're devastated. We're devastated for, most importantly, the supporters. I think the supporters of all clubs should be devastated for us because this is the dream. You win a cup, actually win something for the first time in your history. Somebody said to me it's like winning the lottery, going to the counter and you don't get the prize. I'm devastated for the players, for the fans, for the staff. It's a bad day for football.

"I think most right-minded football fans will see what a terrible injustice this is for the football club, one that I dearly hope somebody can remedy because I do believe that nobody in football wants to see this. I don't think UEFA want to see this. Clubs that rightfully qualify for a competition being locked out of that competition on the most ridiculous technicality that you could imagine. We will appeal. I don't want to prejudge [whether they'd win]. When I say we'll appeal, we're looking at all of the options at the moment. That obviously is one option. What we would much prefer is if somebody intervened in this process."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

TELL ME MORE

In defence of Palace’s independence, Parish was adamant the club and Lyon are entirely separate in practical terms.

"Obviously, as everybody knows, John or anybody at Eagle Football [Textor's company] didn't have decisive influence over Crystal Palace," he said. "Everybody knows this. Everybody knows we're not part of a multi-club [ownership]. Everybody knows we have no staff, no players from Lyon, no loans, no transactions. We've caught a tripwire. We're caught up in a rule that wasn't put there for us.

"It will change. Nobody's going to stick with this rule. It's a crazy rule. I don't understand why the panel have come to the conclusion they've come to. We've proved to them beyond all reasonable doubt that John didn't have decisive influence over anything to do with the football club, yet still they've come up with this decision, which seems incongruous."

Joshua Kimmich's versatility is under fire as ex-Bayern defender Markus Babbel launches a brutal attack, urging the Germany star to stop roaming.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Babbel says Kimmich weakens Bayern’s defenceEx-Bayern star calls midfield role “just average”Bayern Munich beat Auckland City 10-0 in CWC openerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Former Bayern Munich and Germany defender Babbel launched a scathing critique of Kimmich, claiming the current Bayern star is "doing gymnastics everywhere" and hurting the team by not sticking to one role. Babbel insisted Kimmich should return to right-back, calling him "world-class" in that position, and said he was "just average" as a central midfielder. Babbel’s remarks follow ongoing debates in Germany over Kimmich’s best role.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Kimmich’s positional play has long divided opinion. While he sees his future in central midfield, both former Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel and current Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann have used him at right-back. New Bayern boss Vincent Kompany continues to field him in midfield, a decision that may now face further scrutiny given Babbel’s harsh assessment. Meanwhile, Bayern are pushing to maintain their dominant form at the Club World Cup, where they opened with a 10-0 win over Auckland City.

WHAT BABBEL SAID

In an interview with , Babbel argued that the player’s tendency to roam the pitch and take on too much responsibility is hurting the team’s balance: “Joshua is doing gymnastics everywhere, it's a total mystery to me. Now he's had a phase again where he thought he had to do everything, and as a result, the central defenders got into trouble and looked bad,” Babbel said, highlighting how Kimmich’s freedom in midfield can destabilise the defensive unit behind him.

Babbel, who spent eight years at Bayern and played primarily as a right-back, insisted Kimmich’s insistence on playing centrally is misguided: “He should finally stay in his best position, right-back. He was world-class there, but in midfield he's just average.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Kimmich has played over 230 Bundesliga matches for Die Roten. He has switched between right-back and midfield roles since joining from RB Leipzig. He also captained Euro 2024 finalists Germany at and currently holds the same role under Julian Nagelsmann.

In a move that would see them welcome a defensive upgrade, Liverpool are now reportedly in talks to sign an impressive left-back who prefers a move to Anfield over Real Madrid this summer.

Liverpool closing in on Robertson upgrade

Whilst Arne Slot’s debut campaign looks destined to end in Premier League glory, Liverpool haven’t been without their weaknesses this season with the struggles of Andy Robertson among those.

The Scotland captain has looked past the peak of his powers at times throughout the current campaign and could be nearing the end of his time as the Reds’ strongest option as a result.

Having his say on Liverpool’s reported search for reinforcements in his role, Robertson recently told reporters: “I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world! But I don’t think my time is up yet. Whatever happens with the club, whether we do bring someone else in, or we don’t, then so be it. I’ll always back myself.”

Despite such a defiant message, those at Anfield are seemingly ready to replace a modern-day legend in Robertson by looking towards an emerging Premier League star.

According to The i Paper, Liverpool are now in talks to sign Milos Kerkez and a deal for the left-back is close. The Hungary international has been incredibly impressive in just his second season in English football, attracting interest from the Reds, Real Madrid, Man City and others as a result.

Liverpool working on hijacking Chelsea deal for "confident" £40m attacker

He’s enjoyed an impressive season…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 20, 2025

That said, out of all of those options, the Bournemouth defender reportedly favours a move to Anfield where he would join international teammate Dominik Szoboszlai this summer.

Getting one over on Real Madrid whilst strengthening a current weakness, Liverpool’s move to sign Kerkez would make perfect sense. At just 21 years old, the full-back looks destined for the top of European football.

"Superb" Kerkez is a rising star

An emerging star, Kerkez represents everything that Robertson once was when he initially found himself on Liverpool’s radar many moons ago. Kerkez is an excellent attacking outlet who possesses impressive pace and limitless energy to make his mark down the left-hand side – something the Reds have lacked this season.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Milos Kerkez	Andy Robertson
Starts	29	24
Assists	5	0
Tackles Won	23	21
Ball Recoveries	134	87

Whilst the attacking influence that Kerkez provides stands out, it’s worth noting that he recovers possession far more often than Robertson and if Liverpool are to play with the energy Slot desires off the ball, that trait will be vital.

Praised for a “superb” campaign by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Kerkez may just be getting started in the Premier League. Having more than played his part in Bournemouth’s excellent season, in which they are still fighting for European qualification, the Hungarian has earned the chance to complete a summer switch to Anfield.

As for Liverpool, by signing Kerkez, they would be solving one of the few weaknesses that Slot has found throughout his first season in charge.

Former Warwickshire and England spinner returns to game with county rivals

Matt Roller15-Jun-2023Ashley Giles will return to professional cricket as Worcestershire’s new chief executive, 16 months after he was sacked as England’s managing director following their 4-0 defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes series.Giles was linked with the county when they advertised for a director of cricket last year but will instead take on the top job from July 3. The position has been vacant since 2019, with chair Fanos Hira taking an active role in the running of the club.Worcestershire face a fight to keep hold of several key young players who are out of contract this year – including recent England Test debutant Josh Tongue, who has attracted interest from Lancashire – and will hope that Giles’ appointment signals their ambition to those who are considering leaving.Related

Giles sacked as England director amid Ashes fallout

Giles' fatalism sealed his fate – England's Test revival will depend on tough calls

Can Worcestershire keep Tongue tied down?

Giles spent his entire playing career with Warwickshire, Worcestershire’s local rivals, and also had two stints as director of cricket at Edgbaston – but has emphasised his desire to “make a meaningful contribution” to his new club.”Having resided in Worcestershire for 25 years, having married and raised my children here, I have developed a deep appreciation for the club’s rich history and recognise the immense potential for an exciting and promising future,” Giles said.”I am eager to make a meaningful contribution to the club’s growth and success and am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with our passionate members and supporters, and collaborate with the entire club community to ensure exceptional performance both on and off the field.”Hira said that the club’s board – who approved Giles’ appointment unanimously – were “delighted” to announce his arrival. “His unparalleled expertise and exceptional track record in cricket administration make him the definitive choice to lead our organisation into a transformative era,” Hira said.”We possess utmost confidence that his dynamic leadership and unwavering passion for the sport will serve as indispensable assets in propelling us towards success on and off the field.”A club statement said that Giles would provide support to Worcestershire’s coaching teams as well as overseeing the management of the club more widely.

“It’s the first time we’ve played five full days… we got into the middle session on the fifth day, still believing we could get a draw”

Andrew Fidel Fernando28-Apr-2023

Andy Balbirnie set the tone for Ireland’s impressive display with the bat in the first innings•AFP/Getty Images

Ireland may have lost by an innings, but they batted for more than two days, scored almost 700 runs, and took the game deep into the fifth day. All in all, given the circumstances, this was an encouraging result, said captain Andy Balbirnie after the second Test in Galle.Having been blown away in three days in the first Test, Ireland competed for large parts of the second. Paul Stirling and Curtis Campher hit maiden centuries after Balbirnie had set the tone with his own 95. They hit 492 in the first innings, then 202 in the second in 77.3 overs.In the first Test, they had been blown away for 143 and 168, failing to last 55 overs in either innings.Related

Mendis, Fernando skittle Ireland to seal Sri Lanka's innings victory

“We’re not too down in the change-room about this result,” Balbirnie said. “We wanted to bounce back from the disappointment of the first game, and I think we did that. If we were being hyper-critical, we could have had more runs in the first innings, because that was the best time to bat. But to have two first-time centurions – these are big moments for these cricketers. We are disappointed we didn’t get a draw but we played good cricket.”This was Ireland’s sixth Test. They had lost all five previous matches.”We are very young in our Test career, so you have to take these little wins. It’s the first time we’ve played five full days. I know there was a bit of rain around, but we got into the middle session on the fifth day, still believing we could get a draw.Harry Tector was in the thick of things during Ireland’s fightback on the fifth day•AFP/Getty Images

“We knew it would be very tough to win the game. To take 20 wickets out there would have been very difficult. We have to take small steps. A lot of the best teams in the world haven’t won Tests this early. It’s going to take time. We have to make sure the players are exposed to the red ball as much as possible.”While Ireland did bat better in this game, their bowling was ineffective. They conceded 704 for 3 in Sri Lanka’s only innings. Two Sri Lanka batters made double-hundreds and none were dismissed before they reached triple figures.”We’re brought up in Ireland where the wickets favour seam bowling,” Balbirnie said. “It’s so different here, as hot as it is, and the Kookaburra ball doesn’t do a lot, particularly when it goes soft. You have high-class batters who are amazing in these conditions.”The guys tried their hardest out there. Can’t fault them at all. I know they were 700 for 3, but whenever I gave someone the ball, they had no hesitation. They just kept running in. “Harry Tector was Ireland’s best batter in the second innings, facing 189 deliveries for his 85, as the team strove for a draw. His biggest battle was with Asitha Fernando, who delivered a hostile spell of short bowling early in the day, which Tector survived. Tector had also been among Ireland’s better batters in the first Test.”Harry played really well. He played the situation brilliantly. To see out that barrage the way he did this morning is a credit to him. He’ll take a lot from this trip as a Test-match cricketer.”A lot of our batters have done really well over here. It has been tough for the bowlers. It has not been too conducive for our seamers. But this is all a learning curve for a lot of our group. Our next Test is at Lord’s, which is slightly different. Since we’ve come to South Asia we’re three Test matches more experienced.”

أعلن الاتحاد الإيطالي لكرة القدم تعيين جينارو جاتوزو، مدربًا جديدًا للمنتخب الأول لكرة القدم، خلفًا لمواطنه لوتشيانو سباليتي بشكل رسمي.

جاتوزو البالغ من العمر 46 عامًا، يعتبر من أبرز الأسماء التدريبية في الكرة الإيطالية خلال السنوات القليلة الماضية، وقد كان له إدارة فنية للكثير من الأندية كبرى مثل إي سي ميلان ونابولي وفالنسيا وأولمبيك مارسيليا.

ويعتبر جاتوزو من أشهر وألمع لاعبي كرة القدم الإيطالية عبر تاريخها إذ كان عنصرًا مؤثرًا في تتويج إيطاليا بكأس العالم 2006 على أرض الألمان، أيضًا تأتي مميزات شخصيته ضمن رغبة الاتحاد الإيطالي في ضخ دماء جديدة في الجهاز الفني، مع الحفاظ على الروح القتالية والانضباط التكتيكي المعروف عنه.

لوتشيانو سباليتي كان قد قاد إيطاليا في أغسطس 2023 عقب رحيل مواطنه روبرتو مانشيني، لكن الخسارة أمام النرويج بنتيجة 3-0 في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026، جعلته يستقيل من منصبه حتى بعد الفوز على مولدوفا 2-0.

وقال رئيس الاتحاد الإيطالي عبر الموقع الرسمي للاتحاد الإيطالي: “جاتوزو رمز لكرة القدم الإيطالية، والقميص الأزرق بمثابة جلد ثاني له، ستكون دوافعه واحترافيته وخبرته أساسية لمواجهة التحديات المقبلة للمنتخب الوطني على أكمل وجه”.

وأتم: “وإدراكًا منا لأهمية الهدف الذي نسعى لتحقيقه، أشكره على استعداده وتفانيه الكامل الذي قبل به هذا التحدي، ومشاركته مشروع الاتحاد الإيطالي لكرة القدم لتطوير كرة القدم الإيطالية بشكل عام”.

Bentornato 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒐 𝑮𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒖𝒔𝒐
CT della Nazionale 🇮🇹💙🔥

➡️ https://t.co/YljUd5ExkB#Nazionale #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/FE3QMmsnla — Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) June 15, 2025