Worth way more than Huijsen: Chelsea have struck gold on "superb" talent

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

The next few weeks are vital for Enzo Maresca’s future as Chelsea manager, with the Blues having two huge chances for glory currently on their plate before the end of 2024/25.

They face a huge battle for a place in the top five of the Premier League, subsequently securing them Champions League football, whilst also having the chance to win the Europa Conference League.

It remains to be seen if the Italian will be in charge next season should he fail to achieve both of their goals, undoubtedly falling well below the expectations set upon his appointment.

Regardless of what Maresca is able to accomplish between now and the end of May, more signings are expected this summer, to help the side edge one step closer to battling for a title.

The hierarchy have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements, with one player already in the frame over a potential summer move to Stamford Bridge.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt to land Dean Huijsen

Over the last couple of days, Chelsea have made huge progress in their pursuit of landing Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, but still face serious competition from elsewhere.

Real Madrid and fellow Premier League sides Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United have all been credited with interest in the 19-year-old who has a £50m release clause in his contract.

However, one report has claimed that the Blues have held multiple rounds of talks with the defender’s representatives over a potential deal to move to West London.

It remains to whether Huijsen would want a move to Maresca’s side, but the signs are all positive – especially considering his team are still open to negotiations with the club’s hierarchy.

Despite the interest in the Spaniard’s signature, the club already have their own superb talent who’s valued more than Huijsen – highlighting the excellent work the club have done in previous years.

The Chelsea star who’s worth even more than Huijsen

Chelsea have done tremendous work in the transfer market over recent years, getting themselves some bargains even though they’ve spent over £1.2b since 2022.

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly

Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo have both cemented their places in the first-team, starring frequently this season, with the latter undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the division – as seen by his Team of the Year nomination.

However, despite the success with the additions, they’ve also managed to develop countless homegrown talents, numerous of which have played a key role in Maresca’s side.

Levi Colwill is just one of those academy players to make the step-up into the professional ranks, missing just three league games in 2024/25 – showcasing his importance to the side.

The 22-year-old has been the most consistent figure at the heart of the backline, going from strength to strength with increased minutes in West London.

Chelsea'sLeviColwillcelebrates after the match

When delving into his stats from the current season, it’s evident how impressive he’s been, more than deserving of his place in the England setup over the last couple of months.

Colwill, who’s been labelled “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed a 90% pass accuracy in the Premier League, whilst also managing to win 2.6 aerial battles per 90 – having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.

Levi Colwill’s stats for Chelsea in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

29

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

90%

Dribble success

63%

Aerials won

2.6

Aerial success

61%

Tackles won

67%

Stats via FotMob

As a result of his performances to date, his market value has soared, now valued at £47m by Transfermarkt – a figure higher than that of Huijsen, who’s only valued at £36m.

Given his rise, the club should put more resources into developing young talent, reaping the rewards in the long-term, just as they have done with the 22-year-old.

However, that being said, a partnership of Colwill and Huijsen at the heart of the defence could set them up for future success down the line, given the pair’s tender ages.

Time's up: Maresca must axe 3/10 Chelsea dud who was even worse than Palmer

Chelsea’s 3/10 dud looks out of time after worse performance than Palmer

By
Connor Holden

Apr 18, 2025

'What a Test match to herald the return of cricket' – Kumar Sangakkara

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Reactions to West Indies’ thrilling final-day win over England in the first Test in Southampton

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2020

'Tired' pitches to blame for low scores in men's Hundred, says Lewis Gregory

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Trent Rockets captain also explains decision to retire Imad Wasim out during defeat to Birmingham Phoenix

Matt Roller13-Aug-2024Lewis Gregory, the Trent Rockets captain, believes that indifferent pitches are the root cause of the drop-off in scores in the men’s Hundred this season. The average first-innings total has slumped from 155 last summer to 133 this year, while after 14 scores of 170-plus in 2023 there has only been one so far in 2024.Several players have blamed the ball, which deviates more than the standard-issue white Kookaburra on account of the extra lacquer required for the Hundred’s branding. But the balls have exactly the same specifications as last season, and Gregory believes that “tired” pitches are to blame for the low-scoring games across the country.”I don’t think the surfaces have been particularly great across the board,” he said. “These balls do seem to swing a fraction more than the normal white Kookaburras that we use in the Blast. I just think the combination of that and some tired pitches at the back end of an English season has made it quite difficult for free-flowing striking.”Rockets were bowled out for 118 by Birmingham Phoenix at Edgbaston on Monday night, a result which saw them eliminated at the group stages. They struggled against the substantial new-ball movement which has been a theme of the Hundred this year, slipping to 22 for 4 after 30 balls with Tim Southee and Chris Wood taking early wickets.The balls used in the Hundred have been criticised by a number of players•PA Images via Getty Images

“You’re seeing the ball get off straight a lot, which obviously makes it difficult to whack out of the park when the ball is moving around,” Gregory said. “There’s a lot of cricket throughout the English summer and [we are] coming towards the back end. There are a few tired wickets that bring spinners into the game, and then there’s a few wickets that have done a lot for the seamers.”The Hundred is being staged at the same eight venues as in previous summers, but the UK has experienced an unusually high level of rainfall this year, contributing to groundstaff’s challenges. “I’m not quite sure what the cause is, but in the past we’ve played on some better surfaces than we have this year,” Gregory said.The average first-innings score in the women’s Hundred has hardly changed from last year: 133 in 2023 to 130 in 2024. Some pundits have suggested that the women’s game has benefitted from groundstaff leaving more grass on pitches this season.

Why Rockets retired Imad out

During Monday’s loss, Rockets became the fourth team this season to retire a batter out, sending Chris Green in to replace Imad Wasim with 14 balls left in order to target a short leg-side boundary against Dan Mousley’s offspin. Imad had just faced three successive dot balls to reach 29 off 29 balls, but Rockets collapsed to be bowled out off the final ball of the innings.”We spoke about [retiring Imad out] for the last 20 balls, with having a right-hander to [hit towards] the short side, and the two balls before that he hit for four, so we thought we’d give him another five balls,” Gregory explained. “It was about trying to get a right-left [combination] in with obviously a shorter side.”Imad did a brilliant job for us in tricky circumstances, coming in early [at 22 for 4]. He had a great partnership with Tom Alsop and we just tried to get Chris Green in, who in the first game went and got 25 off 7, so [we were] hoping that he could reproduce that… whether that was the right decision or wrong decision, we don’t know.”Related

  • That was the Hundred that was, as tough season finds an adequate climax

  • Northern Superchargers thrash London Spirit to keep knockout hopes alive

  • Anderson considering T20 franchise circuit after Test retirement

  • Southee knocks Rockets out as Phoenix stay in race

  • ECB pull Woakes out of Hundred after Stokes' hamstring injury

Imad joined Sam Billings, Wayne Madsen and Kathryn Bryce in retiring out tactically in the Hundred this year, and Gregory expects the ploy to become increasingly common: “We’ve spoken about it throughout the competition and everyone’s been happy, if there’s a case to retire someone, everyone’s comfortable with that. We pulled the trigger on that last night.”The shorter the format, you will see it a bit more… there’s not much time, and if you think someone’s not quite got the surface or the opposite down, it is giving someone else an opportunity to be able to do that. I don’t think you’ll see stacks of it, I just think you’re trying to create small margins that might help you.”It doesn’t always work. It’s one of those. I think guys now are realising if they’re struggling, or there’s an opportunity for someone else to come in that can potentially smack them out of the park, then I think guys are comfortable with that.”KP Snacks, the Official Team Partner of The Hundred, is continuing its initiative to build 100 new community cricket pitches across England and Wales, with 35 brand new pitches going down in 2024. To find out more and search for your nearest pitch, click here.

Ben Dwarshuis joins Durham for Vitality Blast campaign

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Australia left-arm quick signs as replacement for injured bowler Scott Boland

ESPNcricinfo staff09-May-2024Ben Dwarshuis, the Australia left-arm fast bowler, has signed for Durham for this summer’s Vitality Blast.Dwarshuis joins Durham as a replacement for Scott Boland, who was ruled out for the rest of the season with plantar fasciitis after playing in a solitary Championship match.Dwarshuis’s stint at Chester-le-Street comes off the back of a successful Big Bash League campaign with Sydney Sixers, for whom he was their leading bowler and player of the season with 17 wickets, including a match-winning 5 for 21 against Brisbane Heat. He also played a key role in Sixers’ back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021, including 24 wickets in the latter campaign.To date, he has played three T20Is for Australia, against Pakistan and India in 2022-23, claiming five wickets at 22.40. He has also featured for Kings XI Punjab in the 2018 Indian Premier League, and for Worcestershire in the 2021 Vitality Blast.”I am very much looking forward to joining Durham Cricket for the upcoming 2024 Vitality Blast season,” Dwarshuis said. “It will also be a great opportunity to play in front of the passionate Durham fans at the Seat Unique Riverside.”Durham has pulled together a really great squad this year and I’m sure we’ll give this competition a good crack. I can’t wait to get started!”Marcus North, Director of Cricket, added: “We are thrilled to have recruited Ben for our T20 Blast season, with the loss of Scott Boland and the T20 Word Cup being played through the tournament it was important we found the right cricketer who can play a key role for us this season.”Ben has a terrific record with the Sydney Sixers and is constantly up there as one of the top wicket takers in the BBL, his white ball cricket skills are a very good and we are pleased to have him on board.”The left-arm option gives a variety to an already strong bowling attack and he can also contribute with the bat.”

Dinesh Karthik retires from all representative cricket

by csb10.top Uncategorized

Dinesh Karthik has called time on his playing career. The wicketkeeper-batter last played for India in the 2022 T20 World Cup and did put his hand up to play in the 2024 edition as well, but will now be focusing his efforts elsewhere. Karthik announced his decision on Saturday, his 39th birthday, bringing to a close a career that began in 2002-03.Over the last few years, however, Karthik has only been active in domestic cricket and the IPL circuit, where he’s been a fixture since the inaugural season in 2008. He signs off after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB’s) playoff game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Ahmedabad earlier this month. He made 11 off 13 and picked up a catch and a stumping.

ESPNcricinfo had reported prior to the start of IPL 2024 that it would be the last IPL season for Karthik, so the announcement was on the cards. He will leave the tournament as one of just seven players to have featured in every edition of the IPL so far, along with MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Wriddhiman Saha and Manish Pandey.In what is an impressive statistic, Karthik missed just two matches in his 17 seasons. The first one was in his maiden season, when he was part of Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), and the second was in IPL 2023 when Karthik sat out a league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad when he was part of RCB.Related

  • Dinesh Karthik named RCB batting coach and mentor

  • Dinesh Karthik, the survivor who never stood still

The latest stint with RCB was Karthik’s second with the team, after he had played a single season with them in 2015. He was their fourth highest run-getter with a tally of 326 from 13 innings at a strike rate of 187. He continued to show signs of evolution even though it was his final season.Overall, Karthik represented six IPL teams. Starting with Daredevils (2008-14), he moved to Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings – 2011), Mumbai Indians (2012-13), Gujarat Lions (2016-17), Kolkata Knight Riders (2018-21) and RCB (2015, 2022-present). Overall in 256 matches, Karthik has scored 4816 runs at an average of nearly 26, striking at over 135 with 22 half centuries. As a keeper, Karthik is second on list behind Dhoni in overall dismissals (172) as well as stumpings (36).An established captain in Tamil Nadu, his state in domestic cricket, Karthik has also led in the IPL – on six occasions as a stand-in skipper at Daredevils, and 37 times between 2018 and 2020 at KKR before he stepped down. Overall, his captaincy record reads: 21 wins, 21 losses and one tied match. He played 26 Tests, 94 ODIs and 60 T20Is for India, fronting up in various roles, like Test opener in England or a T20I finisher in Sri Lanka. He was athletic behind the stumps as well, a trait that was clear even on international debut at 19 years old.

What's the highest fourth-innings target ever?

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Also, what’s the record for most left-arm fast bowlers picked in an ODI XI?

Steven Lynch29-Jan-2019Roston Chase took eight wickets in the second innings of the Barbados Test – are his the best figures by someone who didn’t bowl in the first innings? asked Shyam from Australia

That remarkable return of 8 for 60 by Roston Chase in Bridgetown at the weekend were indeed the best Test bowling figures by someone who didn’t bowl in the opposition’s first innings. The previous best was 7 for 28 by the Australian offspinner Hugh Trumble, against England in Melbourne in 1903-04. That was Trumble’s final Test appearance: England had been shot out for 61 in their first innings. The England slow left-armer Johnny Wardle took 7 for 56 against Pakistan at The Oval in 1954, after not being called on in their first innings of 133. In all there have now been 20 instances of a bowler taking five or more wickets in the second innings of a Test, having not bowled in the first.Chase’s figures were the sixth-best for West Indies in all Tests, and the fourth-best by a West Indian spinner, after Jack Noreiga (9 for 95 in 1970-71), Lance Gibbs (8 for 38 in 1961-62) and Devendra Bishoo (8 for 49 in 2016-17).Was that amazing stand between Jason Holder and Shane Dowrich the biggest for the seventh wicket in a Test? asked Showkat Baksh from Guyana

The partnership of 295 between Shane Dowrich and Jason Holder for West Indies in Bridgetown last week was actually the third-highest for the seventh wicket in Tests – although it was the highest unbroken stand, so they might have been able to beat the record if they had needed a few more runs. Since West Indies were already 627 ahead, they didn’t really require any more!The highest seventh-wicket partnership in Tests also involved the West Indian captain and wicketkeeper at the time, and was in Barbados too: skipper Denis Atkinson, who made 219, added 347 with Clairmonte Depeiaza (122) against Australia in Bridgetown in May 1955. Five months later, in Lahore, Waqar Hasan and Imtiaz Ahmed put on 308 for Pakistan’s seventh wicket against New Zealand. Imtiaz’s 209 in that innings was one of only two scores higher than Holder’s by a No. 8: Wasim Akram hammered 257 not out for Pakistan against Zimbabwe in Sheikhupura in 1996-97.West Indies left England 628 to win in Barbados. Was this the highest fourth-innings target ever in a Test? asked Kyle Houghton from Australia

England’s target of 628 in Bridgetown was preceded the previous month by New Zealand setting Sri Lanka 660 to win in the Boxing Day Test in Christchurch. They were all out for 236, so lost by 423 runs.There have been 11 higher fourth-innings targets in all Tests. The biggest of all remains 836, set by England’s captain Freddie Calthorpe against West Indies in Kingston in 1929-30. That was a timeless Test, which explains why Calthorpe, whose side had run up 849 in their first innings (a record at the time, and still the third-largest Test innings of all), batted again despite a lead of 563. The match lasted nine days, but still ended in a draw – West Indies were about halfway to their target, at 408 for 5 in their second innings, when England had to leave to catch the boat home after two days were washed out.Yuzvendra Chahal’s 6 for 42 were the joint-best ODI bowling figures in Australia•Getty ImagesHas anyone had better one-day figures against Australia than Yuzvendra Chahal’s 6 for 42 the other day? asked Bharat Sriram from India

Yuzvendra Chahal’s 6 for 42 in the ODI in Melbourne last week were the joint-seventh-best figures against Australia in one-day internationals. The list is headed by the West Indian fast bowler Winston Davis, who claimed 7 for 51 at Headingley during the 1983 World Cup. Chahal’s feat was actually the 50th five-for against Australia in ODIs.Chahal’s figures equalled the best by any bowler in an ODI in Australia: another Indian, Ajit Agarkar, also took 6 for 42 against Australia in Melbourne in 2003-04.Pakistan recently played three left-arm pacemen in an ODI against South Africa. Has this happened before? asked Pranav Thiagarajan from India

Pakistan’s pace attack in yesterday’s one-day international against South Africa in Johannesburg was made up of three left-armers: Usman Shinwari, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir. This is not terribly rare: a quick search throws up no fewer than 51 instances of a side fielding three left-arm quicks in an ODI, 22 by Pakistan, 15 by India, nine by Australia and five by New Zealand. But I can find only one instance of a team choosing four left-arm seamers in the same game: Pakistan did it against New Zealand in Auckland in 2015-16, when they unleashed Amir, Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali and Wahab Riaz. Pakistan lost by three wickets, which perhaps is why they haven’t done it again.Use our feedback form or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Maresca could axe Colwill & unleash Chelsea's 19-year-old homegrown Huijsen

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Levi Colwill has been a regular fixture for Chelsea this season. The 22-year-old, who is a full England international, has featured 32 times in the Premier League and, more recently, twice in the UEFA Conference League, and will now be looking to guide the west Londoners to a trophy and a top-five finish.

That said, the Cobham graduate hasn’t been without his critics, having notably been “bullied” in the defeat to former club Brighton, in the words of Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, while regularly drawing the ire of supporters.

In the league alone, the youngster has made three errors leading to a shot, one error leading to a goal and given away one penalty, as per Sofascore. He also ranks in just the bottom 46% for tackles, the bottom 13% for clearances and the bottom 31% for blocks per 90 among his centre-back peers in the top-flight, as per FBref, further exposing his defensive woes.

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill

With that in mind, Chelsea have actually been linked with a new defensive signing this summer, perhaps to potentially dislodge Colwill – even amid Enzo Maresca’s faith in him.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Dean Huijsen

It seems like Chelsea, along with several other big clubs in the Premier League, are going to try and sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen. The Spaniard has been incredibly impressive this season, and given he has a £50m release clause, a move seems inevitable.

Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen

Well, Chelsea will be one of the sides vying for his signature, according to TEAMTalk, with the Blues the team ‘who have offered Huijsen the more tempting financial package’, in order to convince him to switch the South coast for West London.

However, Liverpool are also in the race, and several other European heavyweights, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, have also been linked at various times during the race for Huijsen’s signature.

Bournemouth's DeanHuijsencelebrates after the match

As for why Chelsea want to sign Huijsen, well, he has been excellent at the back for Bournemouth this term, and was described as a “gem” by Sky Sports commentator Bill Leslie earlier in the season.

He has featured 29 times in the top flight this term, scoring three goals in that time and recording seven clean sheets so far. The young Spain international has certainly made a big impression, hence every major club in Europe has been linked with him.

If Chelsea can’t get this deal over the line, then they might not have to worry too much. The Blues actually have a perfect in-house alternative to Huijsen.

Chelsea’s in-house Huijsen alternative

If Huijsen has impressed for the Cherries this season, then Josh Acheampong has certainly made waves for Chelsea, despite the fact he has had far less of an opportunity in the first team at Stamford Bridge.

Described as a player with “elite potential” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, the 19-year-old has featured 11 times across all competitions for the Blues this term. Six of those games have come in the Conference League, where he has played 495 minutes so far.

The underlying numbers via Sofascore from Acheampong’s performances in the Conference League this term show just how well he has played. For example, he makes an average of 2.5 tackles and interceptions and wins an average of 0.9 aerial duels per game.

Passes completed

453

82.4

Pass accuracy

95.6%

95.6%

Long balls completed

7

1.3

Tackles and interceptions

14

2.5

Aerial duels won

5

0.9

The other thing that really stands out about the youngster is his ability on the ball. The 19-year-old, who can play as a right centre-back or a right-back, is clearly tidy in possession, as his 95.6% pass accuracy in the above table shows.

Not only that, but the London-born defender reads the game superbly, and can use his physicality to his advantage in defensive situations. Just look at this piece of defending in the Conference League, where he is able to use his strength to shepherd the ball to safety.

There is no doubting Acheampong’s ability. He has all the tools to become a genuine superstar, capable of playing in multiple positions across the back four, which is ideal for Maresca as he plans his defensive options for next season.

He is a player Chelsea will surely look to integrate into the first team in 2025/26. At the very least, if they do miss out on Huijsen, they are in safe hands, even more so, perhaps, than with Colwill at the back.

Even better than Hato: Chelsea plotting bid to sign £42m "freak technician"

Chelsea are looking to upgrade their options at the back

ByJoe Nuttall May 7, 2025

Howe thinks he's perfect: Newcastle make bid for "incredible" £21m maestro

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Newcastle United have now submitted a significant bid for an “incredible” player, with Eddie Howe of the belief he would be a perfect fit in his midfield, according to a report.

Newcastle pushing for the Champions League

Regardless of whether Newcastle secure Champions League football, the 2024-25 season will always be remembered fondly by fans, having finally ended their 70-year wait to win a major honour, but they still remain in a strong position to seal a top-five finish.

The Magpies are sitting pretty in fourth place, two points clear of Nottingham Forest with just three Premier League games left to play, although their remaining fixtures are on the more difficult side, with matches against two direct rivals now on the horizon.

Newcastle’s remaining Premier League fixtures

Date

Chelsea (h)

May 11th

Arsenal (a)

May 18th

Everton (h)

May 25th

It could prove to be a difficult task, but should Howe’s side qualify for Europe’s elite competition, they should be able to attract some top players in the summer, with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo believed to be of interest.

According to a report from Spain, Newcastle are also interested in a new midfielder, having submitted a €25m (£21m) bid for Girona maestro Yangel Herrera, who they are now determined to win the race for.

Argentina's Lionel Messi in action with Venezuela'sYangelHerrera

Atletico Madrid and top-five rivals Nottingham Forest are also interested in signing Herrera this summer, but the Magpies have now taken a firm step towards securing his signature, having put a strong offer on the table.

Howe believes the Venezuelan would fit perfectly into his side, and the manager is looking to introduce some additional quality into an already impressive midfield, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali attracting interest due to their performances this season.

Newcastle identify "incredible" £65m Prem forward as ideal summer target

The Magpies have expressed an interest in signing a Premier League attacker this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

May 6, 2025

Herrera could be "incredible" signing for Newcastle

While Howe is not short on top-quality midfield options, there are clear signs the 27-year-old is a well-rounded midfielder, who could play an important role for the Magpies in a potential Champions League campaign next season.

The central midfielder has caught the eye in front of goal for Girona this term, registering four goals and three assists in La Liga, including a well-taken headed effort against Celta Vigo back in September.

Not only that, but the former New York City FC man impressed with his tackling ability in the early stages of his career, while also catching the eye due to his pass-success rate in the final third during the 2023-24 campaign.

Lauded as an “incredible player” by journalist Zach Lowy, there are plenty of signs that Herrera could be a success at a major European club, so it is a promising development that Newcastle have now made a concrete approach.

Sean Abbott five-for leads Surrey to crushing win over Middlesex

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Luke Hollman’s career-best 5 for 16 in the format to no avail at Lord’s

ECB Reporters Network20-Jun-2024 Surrey 185 for 9 (Curran 48, Evans 41, Hollman 5-16) beat Middlesex 129 for 8 (Davies 35, Abbott 5-18) by 56 runsSean Abbott’s 5 for 18, including wickets with successive balls led the way as Surrey crushed London rivals Middlesex by 56 runs at Lord’s to return to the top of the South Group table.The Aussie seamer mixed slower balls with great yorkers to expose the home side’s fragile batting and ensure they were never in the hunt for a victory target of 186.Abbott’s wasn’t the only five-wicket haul of the night with Luke Hollman taking a career-best 5-16 in the format, including three in one over, but Tom Curran (48 from 28) and Laurie Evans (41 from 20) steered Surrey to a challenging 185 for 9 despite the Middlesex leg-spinner’s heroics.For Middlesex defeat was their 13th in a row at home in the Blast, a run now stretching back more than two years.Dom Sibley, dropped on nought by Martin Andersson, soon departed lbw for 5 after Surrey were invited to bat, but thereafter Dan Lawrence and Laurie Evans dominated the remainder of the powerplay for the visitors.Evans was particularly belligerent, upper-cutting one from Henry Brookes over the ropes before bludgeoning Tom Helm over mid-on for a second six. Lawrence was more classical, creaming one for four through the covers and cutting to good effect.The introduction of Hollman though changed the landscape. The leg-spinner began the fightback, pinning Evans lbw attempting to sweep one off the stumps before causing skipper Ollie Pope to sky one to extra cover in his next over.He wasn’t done there producing a trio of wickets in his third over – and it might have been more. Lawrence found the hands of Helm at long-on, while Rory Burns should have been stumped first ball, Jack Davies fumbling the chance, but the wicketkeeper atoned two balls later when Surrey’s red-ball skipper was undone by a googly. And Hollman capped a magical over, trapping Jamie Smith, a man with a strike-rate of 210 this season, lbw.The Brown caps had stumbled to 106 for 6, but Curran remained and counter-attacked fiercely. Three times the allrounder cleared the ropes with Brookes the bowler to suffer most, though the former Warwickshire quick gained some recompense when Curran holed out two short of 50 in the last over.Chasing 186, Andersson perished early caught in the deep off Abbott and when he removed Stephen Eskinazi and Holden with the last two balls of the powerplay, the latter for a first-ball duck, undone by a yorker, the rate was already over 10.Leus Du Plooy, recovered from a virus, fell in the next over to Curran and the hosts, dismissed for a worst ever score of 78 in the format nine days earlier, were staring at defeat once more at 41 for 4.Davies (35) cracked Abbott’s hat-trick ball through mid-on for four, but the usually explosive Ryan Higgins was trapped in front later in the over.At the other end, Curran was forced out of the attack after being struck on the arm, but Hollman was unable to repeat his heroics with the ball bat in hand and Davies became Abbott’s fifth victim as the visitors won comfortably.

بعد اعتراض ريال مدريد.. يويفا يعلن قراره بشأن إقامة مباراة برشلونة وفياريال في أمريكا

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

اتخذ الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا” قراره بشأن طلب رابطة الدوري الإسباني “الليجا” فيما يتعلق بإقامة مباراة فياريال ضد برشلونة في ميامي بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، وإقامة مباراة ميلان الإيطالي ضد كومو في بيرث.

ورغبت رابطة الليجا في إقامة إحدى مباريات بطولة الدوري الإسباني، بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، واستقرت على مواجهة برشلونة وفياريال بالاتفاق مع النادي الكتالوني، وسط معارضة لـ ريال مدريد.

وفي الوقت ذاته، أكد الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم، معارضته الواضحة لإقامة مباريات الدوري المحلي خارج بلدانها، رغم الموافقة على إقامة مباراة برشلونة وفياريال في أمريكا.

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وجاء البيان على النحو التالي: “بعد اجتماع لجنته التنفيذية في تيرانا الشهر الماضي، أجرى الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم (يويفا) مزيدًا من المشاورات مع الجهات المعنية لتقييم مدى تداعيات هذه القضية، وذلك بعد الطلبات التي تلقاها من الاتحادين الإسباني والإيطالي لكرة القدم”.

وأضاف: ” أكدت تلك المشاورة غياب الدعم الواسع النطاق الذي سبق أن أثاره المشجعون، والدوريات الأخرى، والأندية، واللاعبون، والمؤسسات الأوروبية حول فكرة نقل مباريات الدوري المحلي إلى الخارج.

وواصل: “ومع ذلك، ونظرًا لأن الإطار التنظيمي للفيفا – قيد المراجعة حاليًا – ليس واضحًا ومفصلًا بما يكفي، فقد اتخذت اللجنة التنفيذية للاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم (يويفا) قرارًا على مضض بالموافقة، بشكل استثنائي، على الطلبين المُحالين إليها”.

وأتم: “وسيساهم الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم (يويفا) بفعالية في العمل الجاري الذي يقوده الفيفا لضمان أن تدعم القواعد المستقبلية نزاهة المسابقات المحلية والروابط الوثيقة بين الأندية وجماهيرها والمجتمعات المحلية”.

وقال رئيس الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم، ألكسندر تشيفرين:”يجب أن تُقام مباريات الدوري على أرض الوطن؛ أي إجراء آخر من شأنه أن يُحرم المشجعين المخلصين من حقهم في حضور المباريات، وقد يُدخل عناصر مشوهة في المسابقات، وقد أكدت مشاوراتنا اتساع نطاق هذه المخاوف”.

وأتم: “مع أنه من المؤسف تأجيل هاتين المباراتين، إلا أن هذا القرار استثنائي ولا ينبغي اعتباره سابقة، التزامنا واضح: حماية نزاهة الدوريات الوطنية وضمان بقاء كرة القدم راسخة في بيئتها المحلية”.