The court said that a hearing to consider to León's arguments will take place the week of May 5
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After picking up five wickets in the Marsh Cup final, Ashton Agar is hoping to play a lot of cricket in the lead-up to the ODI World Cup
Tristan Lavalette09-Mar-2023With Western Australia on the verge of defending their Marsh Cup title successfully, left-arm spinner Ashton Agar was back in his element as the rowdy WACA faithful willed him on to take a five-wicket haul in the final against South Australia. He was unable to remove Wes Agar, his brother, but sealed the 181-run win by having Spencer Johnson stumped, to trigger scenes of celebration from the WA players and a strong 2700 crowd.After SA got off to a fast start chasing a daunting 388, Agar showed why he’s Australia’s second-choice white-ball spinner behind Adam Zampa, and looms as an important part of their World Cup plans later in the year. He bowled with trademark accuracy to frustrate the SA batters and finished with 5 for 64 in his best-ever Marsh Cup figures.It was a much-needed boost for Agar after the ignominy of returning from Australia’s Test tour having been overlooked for selection. Having arrived in India as Australia’s second spinner behind Nathan Lyon, Agar struggled in the nets and was quickly leapfrogged by uncapped offspinner Todd Murphy and left-armer Matthew Kuhnemann, who was parachuted into the touring squad.Related
Rocchiccioli relishes the graft of bowling offspin at the WACA
The bizarre handling of Ashton Agar
“[They] felt I wasn’t bowling as well as I needed to be,” Agar said after the Marsh Cup final as he reflected on his departure from India. “It’s a very clear direction for me now to just work on it and improve.”I harbour no ill will or ill feeling at all. I’m very well supported in that (Australian) camp and they’ve kept in constant communication with me, so it’s all in a good place.”I’ve been a professional cricketer for ten years now, so I’m far more resilient than when I started. It’s a tough game, it’s a ruthless environment, and that’s how it should be because it’s the pinnacle of the sport.”The 29-year-old Agar has only claimed nine wickets at 52 in five Tests, and went wicketless against South Africa at the SCG Test in January. Due to his international white-ball commitments, Agar has rarely played for WA in the Sheffield Shield in recent years and sports a modest first-class average of 42.There is growing competition within WA’s spin ranks as 25-year-old offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli has enjoyed a breakout Shield season, where he has claimed 24 wickets at 30 from eight matches.
“I don’t have a lot of cricket coming up. I’ve chucked my name in the ring for The Hundred… I would like to play cricket in the winter. But the next big target is the World Cup”Ashton Agar
There has been some belief that perhaps Agar’s destiny lay with being a short-form specialist, but he was not ready to pull the plug on red-ball cricket. “I’ve always wanted to play as much as I could for Australia in whatever format that is and just take my opportunities when they come,” he said. “Playing for Australia in all forms, of course, I still want to do that. But my focus is just on cricket, you just play what’s in front of you and you try and do as well as you can.”Returning home proved a wise call with a rejuvenated Agar set to head back to India for the ODI leg of the tour with a confidence boost and having spent valuable time out in the middle.Agar was hoping the three-match series could prove a springboard as he set sights on the World Cup, where he should to play an important role alongside Zampa in conditions that should suit him.”Zamps is entrenched as the white-ball spinner. It all depends what we’re doing – playing two spinners or just the one,” Agar said about Australia’s possible makeup at the World Cup. “If I do play, I usually bat at eight and try to get my ten overs out. I’m certainly looking forward to the World Cup.”I don’t have a lot of cricket coming up. I’ve chucked my name in the ring for The Hundred… I would like to play cricket in the winter. But the next big target is the World Cup.”
MatériaMais Notícias
da stake casino： A campanha do Vasco na Série B foi marcada por muita tensão e desconfiança, mas apesar da oscilação, o time ocupa o G4 desde a 7ª rodada e chega na penúltima com muitas chances de sacramentar o acesso. O Cruz-Maltino pode subir até mesmo com uma derrota para o Sampaio Corrêa, na próxima quinta-feira, em São Januário, como mostrou o LANCE! recentemente.
RelacionadasVascoSport x Vasco: STJD marca a data do julgamento que pode render pontos ao Cruz-MaltinoVasco25/10/2022VascoVasco x Sampaio Corrêa: Ingressos esgotados para o jogo decisivo da Série BVasco25/10/2022VascoGabriel Pec ressurge no Vasco e se torna o 12º jogador de JorginhoVasco25/10/2022
da bet esporte： Ao observamos outros acessos do Vasco, a campanha atual se assemelha bastante com a da Série B de 2014. Na ocasião, o time garantiu o acesso na penúltima rodada, ao empatar em 1 a 1 com o Icasa, no Maracanã. Kléber Gladiador abriu o placar para o Cruz-Maltino, mas Nilson empatou no segundo tempo. Com o resultado, a equipe alcançou 63 pontos e garantiu a 3ª posição.
+Sport x Vasco: STJD marca a data do julgamento que pode render pontos ao Cruz-Maltino
Já em 2016, o Vasco conquistou o acesso apenas na última rodada, ao vencer o Ceará, de virada, por 2 a 1, com dois gols de Thalles, morto em um acidente de moto em junho de 2019. O Cruz-Maltino terminou na 3ª colocação, mas acabaria subindo em 4º se perdesse, já que o Náutico, o 5º colocando, acabou perdendo o seu jogo para o Oeste, em casa.
+ Vasco está próximo do acesso; confira a classificação da Série B
Levando em consideração a pontuação após a 36ª rodada, a campanha atual do Vasco é inferior. Nesta Série B, o Cruz-Maltino tem 59 pontos, enquanto nas edições de 2014 e 2016, o time somava 62 pontos. No entanto, a versão 2022 pode chegar a 65 pontos e igualar com a pontuação de 2016. Em 2014 a equipe terminou a competição com 63 pontos.
Vale destacar que o trauma por não ter conquistado o acesso no ano passado aumentou a pressão sobre o elenco deste ano. A concorrência atual também foi maior, pelo fato do Vasco ter disputado a Série B com Cruzeiro e Grêmio, também gigantes no cenário nacional, aumentando consideravelmente a dificuldade. Não à toa, ambos estão à frente do Cruz-Maltino na tabela e já garantiram o acesso.
+ Chefe de scout da 777 está na Argentina para observar jogadores
A Série B sempre foi difícil para o Vasco, a exceção foi a edição de 2009, quando o Cruz-Maltino subiu campeão, garantindo o título na 36ª rodada. No entanto, na época o clube não sofreu com a queda brusca de receita de TV por ter sido rebaixado.
Tottenham Hotspur and European champions Real Madrid are both “really” keen on signing a player next year, but manager Ange Postecoglou’s side actually hold a key advantage in the race for his signature, thanks to an “incredible” decision from Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.
The Lilywhites have been dealt a plague of injury problems over the last few weeks, which has threatened to derail their hopes of both winning silverware and finishing in the Premier League top four.
Tottenham offered "popular" Premier League defender who Barcelona want
The north Londoners really need reinforcements at the back.
By
Emilio Galantini
Dec 26, 2024
Number one goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Richarlison and Wilson Odobert won’t be returning until after the new year, while Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies have also been sidelined – leaving Postecoglou with precious few defensive selections.
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Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures |
Date |
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Wolverhampton Wanderers (home) |
December 29 |
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Newcastle United (home) |
January 4 |
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Arsenal (away) |
January 15 |
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Everton (away) |
January 19 |
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Leicester City (home) |
January 26 |
The Australian’s currently forced to partner Radu Dragusin – their only natural, senior centre-back option – with teenage summer signing Archie Gray at the heart of his backline, as the latter attempts to play a very unfamiliar role to the best of his ability.
As a result of their severe shortage in some areas of the squad, Postecoglou has hinted that January signings are a very real possibility for Spurs, but technical director Johan Lange won’t be rushed into any panic buying either.
“We’re in all the competitions, it’s not like our schedule’s going to ease up at any stage,” said Postecoglou on the winter transfer window at Spurs.
“So I think it makes sense. We will try and reinforce where and what number we’ll have to wait and see.
“You don’t just want to panic and bring in anybody that you don’t think will help our cause in the back half of the year, but I think we’ve already shown we are pretty methodical and prudent about our work. We’ll make sure we’ll bring somebody in who is going to help us.”
Alongside January, Lange and Levy have been busy in their planning for the summer window as well.
Last summer, as part of a deal to sell Giovani Lo Celso to Real Betis, Spurs successfully negotiated both a first-option to buy midfielder Johnny Cardoso for around £26 million and a sell-on fee – if the USA international moves elsewhere.
Levy was specifically praised for this “incredible” deal by former England keeper Paul Robinson, with an update now coming to light on Cardoso’s future, courtesy of Diario de Sevilla.
The Spanish newspaper, via Sport Witness, claims that Tottenham are “really” interested in taking up their first-refusal option to sign Cardoso – but they aren’t the only side extremely keen on him.
Indeed, La Liga giants Real Madrid are also believed to be seriously fond of the 23-year-old, with AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and an unnamed La Liga side also billed as serious suitors for Cardoso.
However, Betis are reportedly “convinced” that Cardoso is set to join Tottenham next year, according to other media sources, so this could be one to keep an eye on.
While Tottenham’s first-option clause isn’t active until June, it gives them a key advantage over Real and Cardoso’s legion of other interested teams for next summer – and verdicts on the midfielder suggest he could be worth a punt.
“They’re in a win-win situation at Tottenham,” said pundit Robinson to Football Insider in November, who described the option to buy deal made by Levy as “incredible”.
“You either get a top player in great form, who’s almost doubled his value over the last six months, or they get a share when he’s sold for a fortune. It’s very much a Daniel Levy deal. It’s incredible. They get first dibs on a player, and if he doesn’t sign for them, they get a percentage of his sale.
“He’s still only 23, got 17 caps for the USA, and he’s got room to get better.
“He’s been playing very well for Betis this season, and he’s clearly a good player.”
Three Serie A games were scheduled to be played this Saturday, but they've been postponed in accordance with the funeral for the late Pope Francis.
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Pope Francis tragically passed away aged 88 on Easter MondayItalian government has announced a five-day mourning periodSerie A to postpone Saturday's fixtures due to funeralFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Pope Francis tragically passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, which has shaken the Christian community as a revered figure who served their faith for a long time is now no longer among them. The Italian government has announced a five-day mourning period, which means that a couple of Serie A games scheduled to take place this weekend have now been postponed.
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
According to ANSA (h/t FC Inter News), who quoted anonymous government sources, the Council of Ministers has decided on a five-day mourning period in memory of the late Pope Francis. Per Nello Musumeci, Minister for Civil Protection, the league will be postponed for Saturday, as the funeral for Pope Francis will be held on the day (April 26) at 10 AM CEST.
DID YOU KNOW?
Three games — Inter-Roma, Como-Genoa, and Lazio-Parma — were slated to be played on Saturday, April 26. However, all these fixtures have now been moved to Sunday, April 27, as the mourning period will be over by then.
GOALWHAT NEXT FOR SERIE A?
As things stand, Inter and Napoli are leading a two-horse race at the top of the Serie A table. Both teams are currently level on 71 points, with the Nerazzurri occupying top spot because of a higher goal difference.
Pests galore in our Twitter round-up
Alex Bowden16-Oct-2015Many of the world’s cricketers have been paying tribute to Zaheer Khan after he retired from international cricket this week.What’s the view of MS Dhoni, one of the men who knew him best and who benefited as much as anyone from Zaheer’s skill?
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“Most clever fast bowler I know” – that might possibly be considered a back-handed compliment.Either way, life moves on. Test cricket moves on as well with the first day-night Test scheduled for next month. As cricketers are wont to do, Jimmy Neesham’s already taking the positives.
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But will playing at night risk play being interrupted by non-cricket bats? Cricketers have been afflicted before.
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No idea. Open a window? Open a door? Try and lure it out with a particularly tempting cave?
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You opened a gate?Oh, wait, not a bat gate, he’s branding this incident “Batgate”. He’s using the suffix that has come to imply that the event in question is some sort of a scandal. Not sure that this really qualifies, but maybe we should let it slide. After all, you start taking issue with Michael Vaughan hashtags and you’re committing yourself to a long and unrewarding task. #justsayingPerhaps drunk on its infamy, the bat later reappeared for a second innings.
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Nor was Vaughan the only cricketer suffering bestial distress this week.
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He means his wife is freaking about the spider somewhere out of shot. That’s not her in the pic. It’s not a photo of Candy Falzon freaking.There was a moment of horror for Graeme Swann as well.
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Steve’s pretty bad, but this incident seems worse.
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That’s right – they were playing golf. It doesn’t get much more horrific than that.Honestly, what kind of a person enjoys golf?
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The kind of person who’s basically illiterate.Step aside Nando’s, there’s a new delicacy in town.
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Somewhere in the world there is always a cricketer complaining about road travel.
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And more conventionally, some aspect of air travel.
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Looking to seal a dominant Scottish Premiership title victory, Celtic are reportedly set to accelerate their move to sign a young attacking reinforcement who could replace Daizen Maeda.
Celtic transfer news
The Bhoys are currently 18 points clear of closest title competitors in what has been a dominant campaign in the Scottish top flight, but are seemingly in a ruthless mood as the January transfer window continues to roll on.
Bye bye: Celtic agree £4m+ deal to sell "sensation" with medical now booked
It will net Celtic a profit to reinvest into their squad.
3 ByBen Browning Jan 10, 2025
And with Champions League action soon returning, the Scottish giants may even get the chance to cause further shocks on the European stage, having already defeated the likes of RB Leipzig this season.
The fact that they’re clear and away at the top of the Scottish Premiership should undoubtedly aid their push to reach the next stage of the Champions League, as could any potential reinforcements.
On that front, the likes of Bazoumana Toure have already been mentioned among the headlines, with Celtic reportedly set to submit a bid of as much as £10m to secure the services of the young central defender.
However, it’s not just defensive reinforcements that the Bhoys are setting their sights on in the January transfer window. According to Football Insider, Celtic are now accelerating their move to sign Sondre Orjasaeter from Sarpsborg 08 this month in a deal that would welcome a player ready to eventually replace Daizen Maeda.
Just 21 years old, Orjasaeter has entered Celtic’s radar following an impressive breakthrough in Norway on top of their own need for attacking depth as they enter the second half of the campaign. As per Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, though, the Norwegian side are looking for £7m to sell their young star.
Maeda, now 27 years old, has once again been among the stars of the show for Brendan Rodgers this season, but could yet get the chance to move back into the No 9 role and away from the left wing if Orjasaeter arrives this month.
Celtic should splash out on "interesting" Orjasaeter
Described as “another interesting young player from Norway” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Orjasaeter’s £7m fee could quickly turn into a bargain if he was to complete a move and continue an impressive rise. Just last season, the 21-year-old was the star of the show at Sarpsborg – scoring six goals and assisting another seven in all competitions.
Thinking ahead to when Maeda is eventually past the peak of his powers certainly isn’t a bad idea either, and the young Norway star seems to be a worthy candidate to do just that at Celtic Park.
Whilst the Scottish Premiership is all but sealed in the current campaign, Rodgers will no doubt already have his sights set on defending his side’s throne for years to come, and perhaps even stepping things up on the European stage in the remainder of the season.
da doce： Chelsea’s mid-season audit reveals promise for the years ahead, with Enzo Maresca’s tactics placing the club back in contention for Champions League football after two seasons outside the qualifying places.
da esoccer bet： Maresca’s coaching mettle has been put under duress in recent weeks, with the Italian commenting that managing the Stamford Bridge side is a “disaster” during the winter transfer window, for the constant rumours of in-and-out activity is having an unsettling effect on a host of players.
There’s no question that Chelsea’s form has taken a hit for the worse of late, having failed to win any of the past four Premier League fixtures, but the Blues will restore their place in the top four with a win on Monday evening after Newcastle United were thrashed by Bournemouth.
Maresca will hope that his squad restore some of their defensive resistance, though it has been made known that Chelsea are keen on bolstering at the back this month.
Players such as Marc Guehi have been touted but it is actually someone from overseas who may be at the top of the BlueCo wishlist.
Chelsea transfer news in January
Last week, Chelsea actually recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace so that effectively rules Guehi out of a cross-city switch to west London this month.
However, Caught Offside have revealed that Chelsea are keeping their options open and are actually favourites to sign Sporting Lisbon centre-half Ousmane Diomande despite the vested interest of Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Diomande has an €80m (£67m) release clause in his contract but Chelsea have paid such money on talented young centre-backs in the past and this one has the signs of something truly special.
What Ousmane Diomande would bring to Chelsea
At 21 years old, Diomande has skyrocketed to success in Portugal, earning 85 senior appearances for Sporting and notably lifting the 2023/24 league title.
The Ivory Coast international has completed an incredible 94% of his passes in the Portuguese top flight this season, winning 72% of his aerial duels and averaging 4.9 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore, which showcases his athleticism on top of a strong base of skills.
As per FBref, Diomande ranks among the top 1% of central defenders in Liga Portugal this season for pass completion, the top 4% for passes attempted and the top 13% for aerial battles won per 90, perfectly illustrating the blend of ball-playing quality and physicality that would set him up for success in Maresca’s system.
When considering that Diomande is still only 21 but has already shaped into one of the most technically sound defenders in Europe, it’s clear that Chelsea should do everything within their power to stop the likes of Arsenal from snapping him up.
As earlier stated, Chelsea are not narrowed to just one area as they prepare to strengthen in the transfer market this year, with recent reports also suggesting that Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho is on the Blues’ shopping list.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has even confirmed that enquires have been made to ascertain whether the Red Devils would be tempted into cashing in, but if a priority is to be placed on one area, securing a talent such as Diomande carries far more importance than any sniffing around for a mercurial winger like Garnacho.
Firstly, Wesley Fofana is sidelined until the later phase of the 2024/25 campaign and is beginning to see the fans’ faith in his maintaining fitness drain away.
Wesley Fofana – Premier League Career at Chelsea
Season
Apps (starts)
Injury absences
24/25
12 (12)
8
23/24
0 (0)
38
22/23
16 (12)
17
Stats via Transfermarkt
There’s also the matter of Chelsea’s bloatedness up top, with Garnacho at his best on the left. Given that the likes of Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho and Mykhaylo Mudryk all jockey for a starting berth already at Chelsea, this feels like it would be a somewhat pointless acquisition, not least because the Blues have been quoted at £80m if they want to land the up-and-coming Argentine.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Hailed for his “incredibly complete” profile for such a young defender by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Diomande could shape into one of Europe’s finest. Chelsea need to ensure that that happens at Stamford Bridge.
Garnacho, too, is an exciting talent capable of magical things, but is he really what Maresca’s project needs right now, especially after questions have been raised regarding his temperament?
There is a really talented player in there, suffering slightly from the tempestuous conditions over at Old Trafford, but with eight goals and five assists across all competitions this season, he’s doing enough to prove that he’s got a big future ahead.
Garnacho’s former Man United teammate, Fred, has even said in the past that “he will be one of the best players in the world, for sure.”
However, Chelsea need to make the right call if they are going to invest a significant amount on a rising star. If it boils down to picking out one perfect target, Diomande is the one to go for.
Chelsea make enquiry to sign star who can be Maresca's own Kvaratskhelia
Chelsea are showing interest in the Borussia Dortmund youngster.
ByRoss Kilvington Jan 18, 2025
Everything you need to know about the most popular 7-a-side formations
Moving up from 5-a-side to 7-a-side football is a big step for young players. The pitch is larger, the teams are bigger, and tactical awareness becomes even more crucial.
Two formations that are particularly effective in 7-a-side are the 1-3-1-2 and the 1-2-3-1.
This tactical breakdown will give you the lowdown on both formations, empowering your team to dominate the pitch.
From 5-a-side to 7-a-side: A whole new ball game
The jump to 7-a-side means adapting to a bigger playing field and two extra players on each side. This change opens up more space and requires players to cover more ground. Understanding the nuances of 7-a-side formations is key to making the most of the extra space and personnel.
AdvertisementDecoding the 1-3-1-2: Solid defence, fluid attack
The 1-3-1-2 is a balanced formation that offers both defensive solidity and attacking dynamism. Let's break down the roles:
Goalkeeper
The last line of defence, the goalkeeper's role extends beyond shot-stopping. They become pivotal in distribution, launching quick counter-attacks with accurate throws and kicks.
Defenders (3)
The defensive line consists of a central centre-back flanked by two wider defenders. This trio provides cover across the backline, with the central defender often tasked with marking the opposition's main striker. Comfort and confidence on the ball are essential, as they initiate attacks from deep.
Midfielder (1)
The lone central midfielder is the engine room of the team. This box-to-box player links defence and attack, dictating the tempo and providing a passing option for both defenders and forwards.
Forwards (2)
Working in tandem, the two forwards are responsible for stretching the opposition's defence. Their movement off the ball is crucial, creating space for themselves and teammates to exploit.
Mastering the 1-2-3-1: Control the midfield, dictate the play
The 1-2-3-1 is a formation designed to control possession and dominate the midfield. Let's dissect its structure:
Goalkeeper
Similar to the 1-3-1-2, the goalkeeper plays an active role in distribution, initiating attacks and relieving pressure.
Defenders (2)
The two defenders are typically deployed centrally, tasked with thwarting opposition attacks and providing cover for the goalkeeper. One might mark the striker, while the other drops back to sweep up danger.
Midfielders (3)
The three midfielders are the heart of this formation, controlling the tempo and creating scoring opportunities. The central midfielder operates as a deep-lying playmaker, while the two wide midfielders provide width, supporting both attack and defence. Their stamina and work rate are vital.
Forward (1)
The lone striker is the focal point of the attack, leading the line, holding up the ball, and bringing teammates into play. They must be clinical in front of goal and capable of creating something from nothing.
Finding the right formation for your team
The choice between 1-3-1-2 and 1-2-3-1 depends on your team's strengths and the opponent's weaknesses.
Opt for the 1-3-1-2 if
Your team boasts strong defenders and quick, direct forwards who thrive on through balls and counter-attacks.
Choose the 1-2-3-1 if
You have a technically gifted midfield who can control possession and create chances. This formation is also effective against teams with a potent attacking threat, as the extra midfielder provides added defensive cover.
Ultimately, the most important factor is that your players understand their roles and responsibilities within the chosen formation. Encourage communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude, and your team will be well-equipped to succeed in the exciting world of 7-a-side football.
The ball-tampering law is vague and – anecdotally at least – often flouted by players. Is it time for the game’s governing bodies to have a rethink?
Firdose Moonda22-Nov-20163:08
Too much being made of du Plessis episode – Gillespie
Whether or not Faf du Plessis applied an artificial substance to the ball in Hobart was “irrelevant”, David Warner said on Tuesday. And, to the series outcome, perhaps that is true. But that du Plessis was that evening found guilty enough of ball-tampering to cop a fine was anything but irrelevant to cricket’s bigger picture.Under the Laws of Cricket – Law 42.3, to be precise – players are allowed to “polish the ball provided that no artificial substance is used”. Du Plessis’ second conviction in three years – and South Africa’s third – is a warning to the rest that there will be a crackdown on this law, even though there is no clarity on what, for cricket’s purposes, constitutes an “artificial substance”.Broadly speaking, we all have some idea that shoe polish is synthetic and saliva is natural but what if the shoe polish is mixed with saliva? How much of the synthetic substance needs to mix with the natural one for all of it to be deemed artificial? And what if the artificial substance is food? Organic food? The wording of the law is too vague.As Jason Gillespie said in an interview on these pages, “It’s a tough one because in the laws of the game it says, technically, no one should be able to have anything in their mouth on the ground. You shouldn’t be able to have any lollies, chewing gum, anything. I mean how far do we want to go? You can’t have a Gatorade or whatever power drink they have because it’s got sugar in it. So everyone, just drink water. Where do you want to go with it?”Gillespie is one of several former players to support the “storm in a teacup” argument over the shining of the ball. “It is actually just accepted and isn’t a big deal,” Matt Prior said on Twitter, while Sourav Ganguly told ESPNcricinfo’s du Plessis, “is not the first person who has done it and I don’t think he will be the last.”That was what South Africa were hoping would get du Plessis out of trouble. They are understood to have used the “everybody-does-it” defense. They produced footage of several high-profile players, including Virat Kohli and David Warner, using saliva that could have come into contact with an artificial substance on the ball.Neither example is as blatant as du Plessis’: Kohli rubs something close to his teeth and for a split-second there seems to be gum visible, while Warner applies a lip balm and then receives the ball after the next delivery to polish. For the ICC to investigate those clips and lay a charge, the matter should have been brought to its notice within five days of the event*.Faf du Plessis leaves after the hearing at Adelaide Oval•Getty ImagesConsider the similarity to the seatbelt law. Hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of drivers and passengers choose not to buckle up and when they are caught, they are fined because they are guilty of an offense. Even if you’re an advocate for freedom of choice, or you fervently believe the seatbelt won’t save your life, or you just forgot to put it on, you are still guilty, and will be sanctioned, and so will everyone else who is caught.But perhaps the dossier du Plessis’ defence produced – and the comments from former players – will prompt a thorough enquiry. It may even lead to a realisation that a law becomes redundant if it is so openly flouted. Or perhaps it will just cause those players to become even more discreet, particularly the South Africans.They are only team to be caught in the past three years and every time, it has been by broadcast cameras. There is one school of thought that du Plessis would not have found himself charged if only South Africa hid their actions as well as other teams. “He has just been a bit stupid,” Ganguly said. “Maybe because he was ignorant that the camera was on him. He could have done it differently.”In this case, if du Plessis had had the sweet under his tongue, for instance, he would have got away with it completely. The on-field umpires, who check the ball after every over to assess its condition, did not detect anything amiss. However, it is interesting to note that all three umpires were strong in telling the hearing that had they seen du Plessis’ actions on field, they would have taken action immediately. At least the officials and the administrators are in sync, even if the players are not.All that leaves the ICC with a problem. One of their own laws is being flouted because players have found ways to skirt around it. Clearly, some players view it as a law that exists just for the sake of it. If players are happy to break it so long as no-one gets caught, there is obviously a problem. If the ICC is serious about enforcing its law, they need to make better efforts to clamp down, as they did with illegal bowling actions. Otherwise, they could accept that some form of working the ball will take place and make room for that within the laws.Perhaps that is the most reasonable solution. In any case, most players aren’t sure how an artificial substance actually affects the way the ball moves. “I’m no expert in the science of how a sugary sweet will impact on the aerodynamics of a cricket ball. I wouldn’t have a clue,” Gillespie confessed.So here is a left-field thought: someone could try to find out. Scientific research could be conducted into what substances have an effect on the ball, and whether such effects are significant enough to justify the law’s existence. Perhaps cricket would end up with a list of banned substances, as WADA does with doping. But that has its own problems in terms of practicality.The issue is a hazy one, but if this hearing brings any sort of clarity it will prove a landmark moment indeed.*1215GMT The piece has been altered to clarify the ICC process regarding the Kohli and Warner footage