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The father-son duo of Jimmy and Stephen Cook are tied to South Africa’s cricketing history in a unique way

Firdose Moonda24-Nov-2016

Twenty-five years ago, in the month of November, Jimmy Cook became the first South Africa batsman to face a white ball in international cricket. Twenty-four years ago, in the month of November, Jimmy was the first South Africa batsman to face a red ball in international cricket in South Africa in 22 years. Today, in the same month, his son Stephen, became the first South Africa batsman to face a pink one.Jimmy’s experiences created history because they came on South Africa’s readmission to international cricket as the country prepared for the end of apartheid. Stephen’s experience was part of South Africa’s attempt to become the first team to whitewash Australia in a three-Test series at home, having already beaten the hosts in a third successive series.Unfortunately for the father-son pair, neither went on to have innings they will remember. In the third ODI against India in Delhi, Jimmy faced 46 balls and scored 35, sharing a 72-run opening stand in the team’s successful chase of 288. In the Test against India in Durban, he was out first ball, caught at second slip by Sachin Tendulkar although the ball appeared to have bounced.In Adelaide, Stephen would have been out off the 12th ball he faced when he was trapped on the back pad by Mitchell Starc but Australia’s spearhead overstepped. After struggling through this tour with a top-score of 23 before today, Stephen received a much-needed reprieve and, in the first session, made full use of it.He survived a testing opening spell from Starc, who swung it significantly, tried to draw him into the drive and challenged his defence with yorkers. He found some rhythm against Jackson Bird and he helped his captain Faf du Plessis steady South Africa after three early dismissals. But 99 balls after Stephen became the second person in his family to rack up a first, he was dismissed. Starc angled one across him, Stephen got a thick outside edge and Steven Smith accepted the catch at second slip.

Leeds United have accepted an offer from Birmingham City for striker Tyler Roberts, according to reports.

What’s the latest Leeds transfer news?

The Whites look set for a frantic summer after the 49ers agreed on a full takeover from Andrea Radrizzani last week. Alongside a new manager, there looks set to be plenty of incomings and outgoings, with Phil Hay expecting the likes of Illan Meslier, Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Marc Roca and Rodrigo to complete Leeds exits.

Leeds also sent 10 players out on loan last season, plenty of which look set to return, including Roberts. The forward spent the previous campaign in the Championship with Queens Park Rangers, and it looks as if another second-tier move is lined up, this time though on a permanent deal.

According to Football Insider, a full agreement has been reached that will see Roberts join Birmingham City this summer.

The report states that Leeds have accepted a seven-figure offer for the Welshman that includes add-ons, with Roberts set for a medical in the Midlands next week.

How many goals did Tyler Roberts score for Leeds?

Roberts arrived in Yorkshire back in 2018 from West Brom but has endured a frustrating spell at Elland Road which now looks set to come to an end.

The 24-year-old attacker now has just 12 months left on his Leeds deal and is poised to leave after making 108 appearances for the club, scoring just nine goals during that time.

He did show his quality last season, though, netting four times in 20 games for QPR, with Neil Critchley labelling one of Roberts’ goals against Reading as “terrific”. Meanwhile, former Baggies manager Tony Pulis has also praised Roberts in recent years, saying:

“I had Tyler at West Brom and gave him his league debut. He’s a very very talented boy. And I mean a very talented boy. He has got everything.

“The kid has pushed on. It’s great to see all the young players you’ve worked with, especially the ones you had a little bit of doubt with, come through and he’s one of them.”

However, averaging a goal every 12 games as a striker isn’t exactly prolific, and with Leeds seemingly looking for a rebuild this summer, moving on a player like Roberts for a seven-figure fee could prove to be a smart decision.

تحدث كاي هافيرتز، لاعب فريق آرسنال، عن الفوز الذي حققه فريقه أمام برينتفورد في منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتغلب آرسنال على برينتفورد بهدفين مقابل هدف، في إطار مباريات الجولة الثامنة والعشرين للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.

وقال هافيرتز في حديثه إلى “سكاي سبورتس”: “فوز هائل بالنسبة لنا، كانت هذه النقاط مهمة للغاية بالنسبة لنا ويمكنك رؤية ذلك في الشوط الثاني”.

وأضاف مهاجم آرسنال: “لم نلعب بأفضل ما لدينا في الشوط الأول لكن من الأفضل أن نفوز بهذه الطريقة”.

وأكد: “من الجيد دائمًا ضمان الحصول على ثلاث نقاط، تحدثنا كثيرًا عن هذا الأمر في غرفة تبديل الملابس”.

وأشار: “نريد التركيز على أنفسنا لأننا لا نستطيع تغيير ما تفعله الفرق الأخرى، سنلعب في المنافسة الأخرى (دوري أبطال أوروبا) و نأمل أن تكون ليلة جيدة بالنسبة لنا”.

واستطرد هافيرتز: “لم يكن الأمر لطيفًا خاصة بعد أن استقبلنا هدفًا بالقرب من صافرة النهاية، تحدثنا مع بعضنا البعض وأردنا قلب الأمور”.

وأتم بشأن خطأ زميله رامسديل حارس مرمى الفريق: “الأخطاء جزء من اللعبة، لقد ارتكبت أخطاء أدت إلى أهداف، لقد أظهرنا عقلية جيدة منذ الثانية الأولى من الشوط الثاني”.

AB de Villiers was keen to prove himself on and off the field on his return to action with Northerns after six months out

Firdose Moonda22-Jan-2017

In his 239th List A match, AB de Villiers was at the ground 20 minutes before any of his team-mates and was already warming up when they got there. Even though he had been doing this kind of thing for more than 12 years de Villiers was, as he said in the week leading up to the match, nervous.He had been out of action for more than six months, nursing an elbow injury that required surgery. His comeback had been delayed three times, ahead of a Test series against New Zealand in August, ODIs against Australia in October and then the Sri Lanka Tests in December. He had plenty to prove.”I know there will be a lot of eyes on me. I would like to prove that I can still play,” de Villiers said on Wednesday, when he announced he would not be available for Test cricket for most of 2017.But prove it he did. And not just in the middle in Benoni, where he struck a 103-ball 134 to take Northerns to a simple win in the CSA Provincial Challenge.De Villiers trained with as much commitment as he has throughout his career, despite playing at a level two tiers below international. South Africa’s provincial structure forms the second-rung of the domestic set-up (franchise cricket is above it) and international players are rarely available for these matches, unless they are making comebacks from long-term injuries. Vernon Philander was the last high-profile name to do so when he turned out for Western Province last season as he made a return after ankle ligament tears. Then, batsmen were overawed by the presence of a Test great. On this occasion, even some of de Villiers’ team-mates were.”We were all surprised when we saw he was the first one there but he is the ultimate professional. He had great energy around the group,” Mark Charlton, Northerns’ coach, told ESPNcricinfo.Northerns were clearly buoyed. They bowled Easterns out for 199 but then began their chase in the worst way. Jonathan Vandiar was given out lbw first ball and returned to the change-room joking that he had been dismissed “for the national cause”, because de Villiers would go in next, with all the runs to score and plenty of time to do it.De Villiers joined a star-struck Victor Mahlangu who had asked Charlton before the game: “If I bat with AB, what should I say to him?” Charlton’s answer was “just treat AB like any other player”.”I said to the guys before the game that when you are playing with a great player, you need to rise to the occasion and not go into a shell,” he added.The pair shared in a second-wicket stand of 94 before Grant Thomson accompanied de Villiers for an even bigger partnership of 106 to finish the game. Both Mahlangu and Thomson were spectators to a dominant display, which Charlton said suggests de Villiers is back to his best. “He looked in superb touch, like he had never been away. He has an ability to always find a gap in the field which is just unbelievable. His elbow looked 100% fine. There was not strapping or anything like that. I would say he is good to go.”The selectors agreed: De Villiers has been added to South Africa’s squad for the third T20 against Sri Lanka, which will be played at Newlands on Wednesday, and should then lead the ODI team in a five-match series at home before heading to New Zealand for a T20 and five more ODIs. That means Northerns are unlikely to see de Villiers any time soon and he made sure he left them with some food for thought.”After the game, he had a talk with the guys and told them about a few of things he had noticed about individuals and about the team,” Charlton said. “We feel so proud to have someone like AB involved in our set-up.”

Chelsea endured an incredibly disappointing 2022/23 campaign as they finished in the bottom half of the Premier League and will not be competing in any European competition next term.

Owner Todd Boehly parted ways with Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter during the season and Frank Lampard landed the gig on an interim basis.

Mauricio Pochettino has now taken over and should be looking to bolster his squad this summer with a view to returning to, at least, the top six next term.

One reported transfer target who could be an exceptional addition to the team is Manchester City central defender Aymeric Laporte.

Where would Aymeric Laporte fit in at Chelsea?

Kalidou Koulibaly has completed a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal after just one year at Stamford Bridge and the Citizens outcast could be the dream replacement for the Senegal international.

The 29-year-old enforcer would be an ideal signing as he is a proven Premier League performer who would be able to hit the ground running. Whereas, a defender from abroad with no experience in the country may need an adaptation period and there is no guarantee that they would be able to perform at that level.

Laporte – once described as a “beast” by writer Muhammad Butt – is a player with a history of playing at a high standard on a regular basis and would, therefore, have a great chance of being a success for Chelsea.

The £120k-per-week defender, who was named in the 2018/19 PFA Premier League Team of the Year, has made 120 appearances in the English top flight and won the title an incredible five times.

He has also averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.94 or higher in all six of his league seasons with City, whilst Koulibaly averaged a rating of 7.07 in his only campaign with Chelsea.

However, the big difference between the two defenders comes is what they do in possession. Laporte ranks in the top 1% of players in his position over the last 365 days in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions for progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, outlining him as an elite centre-back when the ball is on the deck.

Koulibaly, on the other hand, does not rank higher than the top 24% in either statistic, indicating that the City colossus would offer more on the ball as he has been one of the best on the continent at playing out from the back.

Guardiola's centre-back has proven himself capable of consistently progressing play by either breaking lines with his passes or by driving forward with the ball at his feet and this could help Chelsea's attackers to thrive as they would gain possession in better positions on the pitch.

Therefore, Laporte could be a dream replacement for the Senegal international as his Premier League experience and quality means that the 6 foot 2 man stands a good chance of being able to make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge.

كشف أحمد حسام ميدو، لاعب الزمالك السابق والإعلامي الحالي، عن مفاجأة بشأن المرشحين في انتخابات اتحاد الكرة المُقبلة، مُطالبًا المسؤولين السابقين والحاليين بعدم الترشح من جديد بعد فشلهم.

وقال ميدو في تصريحات عبر برنامجه “الريمونتادا”، على قناة “المحور”: “اليوم سعيد بالنسبة لي جدًا، كان هناك اجتماع بين مُحبين للكرة المصرية، رجال أعمال أصحاب فكر عظيم، واتخذوا قرارًا بتكوين قائمة من أسماء كبيرة أصحاب خبرات في الرياضة وإدارة المؤسسات، وسيخوضون انتخابات اتحاد الكرة القادمة”.

وتابع: “انتخابات اتحاد الكرة ستكون بعد الأولمبياد، وكنت سعيد جدًا بالناس الذين كانوا يختبئون وليسوا مُستعدين لخوض المغامرة، انتفضوا واتخذوا القرار بأن تكون هناك ثورة للكرة في مصر”.

طالع أيضًا | فيتوريا: حذرت اتحاد الكرة المصري قبل كأس أمم إفريقيا.. وكنت أعمل على الجانب العاطفي

وأضاف: “هناك قائمة قوية من رجال أعمال ستدخل انتخابات اتحاد الكرة القادمة، لأن الكرة في مصر تحتاج إلى ثورة على جميع المستويات، لأننا نحتاج مسؤولين يفهمون في الاقتصاد وكيف يدرون مبالغ مالية للأندية، وهذا الفكر لم يكن متوفرًا في الاتحادات السابقة أو الحالي”.

واستكمل: “أتمنى ألا أرى المسؤولين الحاليين والسابقين في انتخابات اتحاد الكرة المُقبلة، لا يصح أن تفشل وتريد أن تدخل مرة أخرى لمجرد أنك سعيد بالمنصب، وإن شاء الله هذا لن يحدث”.

واختتم: “استعدوا، هناك قائمة قوية جدًا ستدخل انتخابات اتحاد الكرة، واتركوا المسؤولين الحاليين والسابقين الذين فشلوا، أنا متفائل خير والقادم أفضل للكرة المصرية”.

With Steven Smith injured, David Warner resting and home advantage on their side, New Zealand will be keen to set the record straight after losing 0-3 to Australia in December

The Preview by Brydon Coverdale29-Jan-2017

Match factsMonday, January 30, 2017
Start time 1100 local (2200 GMT)Big PictureAfter nearly six years without a standalone Chappell-Hadlee series, Australia and New Zealand are about to embark on their third in 12 months. Last February, New Zealand won at home. In December, Australia swept their own home series 3-0. And now, they are in New Zealand to defend the trophy two months later. It is all a bit of a whirlwind, for Australia in particular. On Thursday, they were in Adelaide wrapping up a one-day series win against Pakistan. On Monday they will play New Zealand in Auckland. And straight after this series, several of their squad members head off for a Test tour of India.Amid such a hectic schedule, it is perhaps not surprising that the selectors chose to rest the vice-captain David Warner, who they hope will be a key player in India and who has not missed an international in any format since the middle of last year. But an ankle injury suffered by captain Steven Smith in the Adelaide ODI last week threw a spanner into Australia’s plans, forcing the hasty appointment of a stand-in skipper for these three games in New Zealand. Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade was given the honour, and will lead a squad that is at least full strength in the bowling department if not in the batting order.New Zealand will see this series as a prime opportunity to regain the trophy, given the absence of Australia’s two best batsmen. Warner in particular has been in breathtaking ODI form of late, his six hundreds in the format this summer – including two against New Zealand – propelling him to the No.1 batting ranking. Kane Williamson’s men were disappointing in the series in Australia in December – the margins of 68 runs, 116 runs and 117 runs indicate just how disappointing – but on their home turf they will be a much greater threat.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)

New Zealand: WWWLL
Australia: WWWLW
In the spotlightLuke Ronchi’s adductor injury meant a wicketkeeping question mark for New Zealand. The uncapped Tom Blundell is in the squad, but New Zealand have instead opted to hand the gloves in the first game to Tom Latham. To prepare for the role, Latham kept wicket during a Ford Trophy game on Saturday and completed two stumpings. Latham has previously kept wicket for New Zealand in three ODIs and four T20s, though he has not done so since 2013.Australia are coming off a record opening partnership in their previous ODI, the 284-run stand between Warner and Travis Head against Pakistan. But a different opening pair will take the field in Auckland. Head might get the job again, but it is also possible that Australia will turn to Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh, whose 246-run partnership against Scotland in 2013 made them the previous record-holders. Finch is keen to make himself a first-choice ODI player again after a lean patch led to his axing, while Marsh will be happy to be back in the national setup in any format for the first time in nearly three months, after recovering from a finger injury.Team newsRoss Taylor returns to the ODI side having missed New Zealand’s two series in December due to eye surgery. By giving Latham the wicketkeeping duties, the selectors have also opened up another middle-order spot that could either go to a specialist batsman or an allrounder.New Zealand (possible) 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Tom Latham (wk), 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Neil Broom, 6 Colin Munro, 7 James Neesham, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Matt Henry/Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent Boult.The absence of Smith and Warner will mean a minimum of two changes to Australia’s XI from the side that beat Pakistan on Thursday. Whether or not Head opens again after his hundred in that match remains to be seen.Australia (possible) 1 Aaron Finch, 2 Shaun Marsh, 3 Peter Handscomb, 4 Travis Head, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Matthew Wade (capt & wk), 7 James Faulkner, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Pat Cummins, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood.Pitch and conditionsEden Park’s tiny boundaries often tempt batsmen, though as the low-scoring thriller between these sides during the 2015 World Cup showed, that does not necessarily equate to high totals. The forecast for Monday in Auckland is for a fine day and a top of 24C.Stats and trivia Wade will be the third wicketkeeper to captain Australia in ODIs; Adam Gilchrist led the team in 17 matches and Ian Healy stood in as captain eight times New Zealand have won their past four ODIs at Eden Park, and two of those were against Australia It is nearly four years since Australia have played an ODI without Smith, Warner and George Bailey – the last time was against West Indies at the MCG in February 2013Quotes”We know we weren’t at our best. We probably didn’t have the resources that we’ve got available now.”
“Steven and David have put their stamp on the team; it’s just about me keeping driving those messages through to the players. We’ve performed really well in one-day cricket over a period of time, so it’s not about trying to change too much, it’s about keeping the ball rolling.”

Aston Villa could “go in” for Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone this summer, as Unai Emery bids to bolster his midfield.

Both Emery and Monchi will hope to take Villa to further heights next season, making this transfer window a crucial one for potential progression.

Villa have been linked to the 22-year-old previously in this window, with a fresh update regarding their stance given this week.

Journalist Dean Jones recently revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the Midlands club could “go in and make an offer” for the French midfielder, who is currently valued at £35m by Borussia.

Earlier this month, a report from the Daily Mail revealed Villa’s interest in the rising talent, with Jones telling GIVEMESPORT:

“There's been a lot of umming and ahhing over targets like Manu Kone, and I feel like at some point Villa are just going to go in there and start making offers for these players to really give them something to think about and see if those other clubs react."

What could Manu Kone offer to Aston Villa?

Emery has unlocked the talents of Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara in midfield, possessing two masters of the engine room at Villa who complement each other perfectly.

The Spaniard could take his midfield to the next level by signing Kone, who could be the missing ingredient to unearthing a monstrous trio to contest with opposing midfield combinations in the Premier League.

Dubbed a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has similar and opposing strengths and weaknesses to the Brazilian and fellow Frenchman at Villa Park, suggesting that they could work efficiently as a trio.

When comparing the three dominating players via FBref based on their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, it’s clear to see their individual strengths and how they could complement one another.

Kamara tops the charts in terms of average number of tackles per 90, with 2.94 to Luiz’s 2.24 and Kone’s 2.55, as well as claiming the top spot for most blocks on average with 1.92 per 90.

Praised as “intelligent” by journalist Zach Lowy, Villa’s Brazilian was their highest-rated performer last season as per Sofascore, and could shine in terms of his reading of the game, scoring highest in terms of interceptions.

The 25-year-old warrior averaged 1.23 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League this term, tipping the Villa target who scored narrowly behind in the Bundesliga making 1.10 per 90, and Kamara who averaged 0.96.

Emery could add a creative spark to his defensive duo in Kone, who prevailed as the best progressive player out of the three last term, as well as averaging the highest pass completion rate with 86.2% per 90.

The Colombes-born midfielder recorded an average of 5.73 progressive passes and 2.04 progressive carries per 90, dominating the Villa duo in this area with Luiz averaging 4.55 passes and 1.48 carries, and Kamara just 0.81 carries and 4.25 progressive passes, as per FBref.

Indeed, this paints the picture that Villa would have every based covered should the big-money signing arrive. A player on the watch list of both Liverpool and Wolves as well as Villa, this would be a big statement of intent from Monchi and Co.

تحددت القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر ونيوزيلندا التي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس عاصمة مصر غدًا الجمعة.

وتستضيف مصر دورة دولية ودية خلال فترة التوقف الدولي في شهر مارس الجاري، بمشاركة كرواتيا وتونس ونيوزيلندا.

معلقين مباراة مصر ونيوزيلندا في كأس العاصمة

وتقام البطولة بنظام نصف النهائي مباشرة، إذ يواجه منتخب مصر نظيره نيوزيلندا، بينما يلاقي منتخب تونس منافسه كرواتيا، على أن يصطدم الفائزان في موقعة النهائي، والخاسران في لقاء تحديد المركز الثالث.

ويستعد منتخب مصر لاستكمال مشوار تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة لنهائيات كأس العالم 2026.

وتعد مواجهة نيوزيلندا هي التجربة الأولى للفراعنة تحت قيادة حسام حسن المدير الفني للفراعنة. القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر ونيوزيلندا الودية 

ومن المقرر أن تذاع مباراة مصر ونيوزيلندا عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورتس 1”.

Barbados thumped Leeward Islands by 110 runs to enter their second successive final of the WICB Regional Super50 competition

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Feb-2017
ScorecardShai Hope’s second List A century set the tone for Barbados’ 110-run win over Leeward Islands in the second semi-final of the 2016-17 WICB Regional Super50 tournament in Antigua. Barbados will now play Jamaica in the decider on February 18, their second successive appearance in the final of the tournament.With Barbados having opted to bat first, Hope came to the crease in the 10th over with the score on 42 and anchored the side until the 46th over, taking them past 270. Along the way, he shared in half-century stands with Kraigg Brathwaite (77 for the second wicket), Roston Chase (83 for the fourth) and Jason Holder (68 for the sixth). His 125 came off 108 balls and included eight fours and five sixes. Hope’s partnership with Holder came off only 32 deliveries, and Carlos Brathwaite utilised that momentum in an 11-ball 27 that lifted the score past 300. Holder contributed an unbeaten 42 off 26 balls with two fours and three sixes, while Kraigg Brathwaite struck 54 off 84 balls.Hope’s good form on the field extended to his keeping, too, as he effected seven dismissals behind the stumps in Leeward’s chase. Leeward fell away rapidly, stumbling to 43 for 4 by the 15th over and, at one stage, their innings looked in danger of folding for less than 200. Opener Montcin Hodge batted until the 39th over, scoring 63 in the process, but had little support from the rest of the line-up. Seamer Jeremiah Louis struck an unbeaten 32-ball 41 before Leeward’s innings folded for 204 in the 48th over.Offspinner Ashley Nurse and Carlos Brathwaite took three wickets each, with Nurse conceding only 37 runs in his 10 overs.