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Cricket Australia has called off this season’s women’s national Under-19 championship after only two states and a territory nominated teams for the tournament

Cricinfo staff07-Sep-2008
Lisa Sthalekar, who made it to the national side through age-group cricket, was disappointed by the news of the tournament’s cancellation © Getty Images
Cricket Australia has called off this season’s women’s national Under-19 championship after only two states and a territory nominated teams for the tournament.The decision to cancel the tournament – for which only New South Wales, Victoria and Australian Capital Territory confirmed squads – comes just two months after CA handed out contracts to their female international players and six months before Australia host the women’s World Cup.”We’re very proud of our women’s cricket program,” David Gilbert, the Cricket New South Wales chief executive, told the . “We put a lot of resources into it. But there are times you just feel like you’re not getting support.”We have seen it happen bit by bit – states not fielding teams at every level. You just wouldn’t see that in male cricket. It shouldn’t happen in female cricket. We’re not talking about under-12s or under-14s. It’s under-19s, the step below top-level cricket. If I was a talented 17 or 18-year-old girl and it was my turn to play in the national championship, I’d be very upset about having this taken away from me.”Lisa Sthalekar, the Australian vice-captain, who made it to the national team through age-group cricket, said CA’s decision was upsetting. “To not have this tournament for the first time in decades is a shock,” Sthalekar said. “It doesn’t quite make sense when you’ve had CA saying publicly that the girls’ game is growing.”

Surrey are still hopeful that Shoaib Akhtar, the Pakistan fast bowler, will be able to play their final two Championship matches of the season

Cricinfo staff05-Sep-2008Surrey are still hopeful that Shoaib Akhtar, the Pakistan fast bowler, will be able to play their final two Championship matches of the season. Akhtar arrived in the UK yesterday, but was found to have the wrong type of visa, preventing him from taking the field against Kent at Canterbury.”There is still an outside chance of him coming,” Alan Butcher, the Surrey coach, told . “He had the same visa he used when he played for Somerset, Worcestershire and Durham, but the regulations have changed and he is trying to get a different one.”Shoaib has previously had county stints with Durham, Somerset and Worcestershire. He has played only one first-class match this year and was banned by the PCB for five years in April. The ban was subsequently suspended and Shoaib was picked for the Champions Trophy but he still has to pay a fine of Rs 7 million (approx US$92,000) to the board.

West Bromwich Albion fans have been reacting angrily to a post on Twitter, as the Baggies issued an update signifying that tickets for their trip to Walsall on Tuesday the 27th July are now on general sale [West Bromwich Albion FC Official].

Due to take place at Bank’s Stadium, the Baggies will face off against the Sky Bet League Two side in a 19:30 kick-off slot [West Bromwich Albion FC Official].

Of course, the West Midlands outfit have already made a flying start to pre-season, after consecutive wins away to Woking and Sheffield Wednesday.

West Brom will also take on Premier League side Watford at Vicarage Road on the 24th July.

Despite the positivity surrounding fans getting back into stadiums up and down the country, many West Bromwich Albion diehards took to Twitter to vent their frustration at the difficulties with the process of acquiring tickets.

West Brom fans react:

Replying to the official West Bromwich Albion Twitter account, here is what some supporters had to say about recent developments, as fans suffered through website crashes, payment issues and error codes…

“What a total shambles! Again! Order is cancelled due to a website crash! We seem to have gone backwards! Please can this new system be sorted out, all I want is to simply buy tickets!!!!!!”

Credit: @MattLewis82″Farce and half!! Utter shocking! Same has happened to me twice. What happens now do we try again and probably get charged twice? And this is preseason”Credit: @kingofchezo_WBA”EVERYONE TRYING TO GET TICKETS! There’s a tick box next where you put your card details in, no text next to it, tick it and your order will go through! What a mess #wba”Credit: @ethdaleaf”I’ve bought 0 tickets, 20 tickets or anything inbetween depending on error codes. And now I’m back in the queue to try and check. What a farce”Credit: @BenWBAJones”I got the same error as well, kept asking for Photographic ID and even though I uploaded it, it wouldn’t save. The system is a shambles, I tried to buy tickets and eventually lost it and had to find a different area.”Credit: @Baggie_KS”This is ridiculous I have keep adding tickets to my basket and it errors every time you click buy then after 4 minutes of this constantly happening it then kicks up out to rejoin the queue to enter the website!! Sort it out Albion”Credit: @haychapperzIn other news, a West Brom star has been targeted by a Premier League giant.

Former Leeds United player Carlton Palmer believes it would be a great opportunity for Lewis O’Brien to join the club.

Football Insider reported last week that Leeds had opened talks with Huddersfield Town over the signing of the 22-year-old, with Marcelo Bielsa targeting both a winger and central midfielder before the window closes at 11pm on August 31.

The 5 ft 8 O’Brien made 42 appearances for Huddersfield Town last season in the Championship, scoring three goals and providing another three.

Whilst he predominantly played as a central midfielder for the Terriers, featuring 23 times their last season, O’Brien also played further forward as an attacking midfielder, as well as featuring down the left in both attacking and defensive positions.

After performing well for Huddersfield and attracting the attention of Leeds, Palmer believes a move across Yorkshire would be a great opportunity for O’Brien, saying: “It would be a great opportunity for him, I know Bielsa has watched him several times and has been keen on him. 

“He fits the remit for Leeds, the way Leeds play, he fits the age of 22 he’s going to come on. The question is now he’s established himself as one of the up-and-coming midfield players in the Championship, who’s done very well.”

Despite all of the speculation, Huddersfield Town manager Carlos Corberan told Leeds Live that he wants to keep Lewis O’Brien at the club, saying: “I understand that there is speculation around Lewis, he is a fantastic player. 

“We want to keep Lewis at the club.”

The proposed trial of umpire referrals won’t take place during the England-South Africa Test series in July after the boards failed to agree on the finer details

Cricinfo staff07-Jun-2008
Decision pending: The increase use of technology will have to wait a little longer © Getty Images
The proposed trial of umpire referrals won’t take place during England’s Test series against South Africa in July after the boards failed to agree on the finer details.There is unease among the players about testing the system in such a high-profile series and continued concerns about undermining the on-field umpires. The next possible use of the technology, which will include Hawk-Eye, would be between India and Sri Lanka later in July.The inventors of Hawk-Eye, led by Paul Hawkins, have tested the accuracy of the system and claim it has a margin of error of just 5mm. However, the ICC have decided that only the tracking part of the software will be used, up to the point the ball hits the pad, rather than the predictive element of the package. This will make decisions involving whether the batsman has been hit in line with off stump, or where the ball has pitched, clearer, but leaves it in the umpires’ jurisdiction to judge the path of the ball towards the stumps.When the system is finally trialled, each side will be allowed three unsuccessful referrals per innings. A similar system was used during last year’s Friends Provident Trophy, but didn’t find favour among players or umpires. None of the 11 referrals were overturned by the third umpire and there was a feeling that the TV official didn’t want to overrule his colleagues.

The Tasmanian Selectors have today announced the Cascade Tasmanian Tigers team to play the New South Wales Blues in the Pura Cup match from Friday, 22nd November to Monday, 25th November 2002 at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.

Tasmanian Cricket Association19-Nov-2002The Tasmanian Selectors have today announced the Cascade Tasmanian Tigers team to play the New South Wales Blues in the Pura Cup match from Friday, 22nd November to Monday, 25th November 2002 at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.CASCADE TASMANIAN TIGERS

Jamie COX (Captain)
Sean CLINGELEFFER
Michael DIGHTON
Michael Di VENUTO
Xavier DOHERTY
Adam GRIFFITH
Shane JURGENSEN
Scott KREMERSKOTHEN
Daniel MARSH
Scott MASON
Shane WATSON
Damien WRIGHT

The 12th man will be announced on the morning of the match.As Ricky Ponting is playing a Test Match in Adelaide he is replaced by Scott Mason. David Saker has been omitted and replaced by Adam Griffith who has played in One Day Matches earlier in the season.

According to a report in the paper edition of A Bola, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur are now in a seven-horse race to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The Lowdown: Spurs on the market…

Tottenham are arguably in need of a major summer overhaul if they’re going to compete for a spot in the Champions League next season under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Club managing director Fabio Paratici, despite just starting in his new role at the club, is said to have already commenced work long ago in this regard – with no shortage of players linked to Spurs.

One of them is Palhinha, especially after he briefly impressed with Portugal before they bowed out of Euro 2020.

The Latest: Tottenham now in seven-horse race…

Competition for the 25-year-old’s signature has significantly grown since his noteworthy performances for the national team.

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A Bola, bringing an update on Spurs’ pursuit of Palhinha, say that the Lilywhites now face competition from six other clubs – with seven teams in total, including the Lilywhites, all chasing him.

As well as Tottenham, Atalanta, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Napoli are all in the race to sign Palhinha this summer.

Following this interest and his performances at Euro 2020, Sporting are now also said to want ‘way over’ €30 million (£25.8m) if they are to consider selling.

The Verdict: One to monitor…

Palhinha also shone over 2020/2021 for his club in Liga NOS, making a very impressive 3.3 tackles per 90 on average over 28 starts in defensive midfield.

This is an even better number than current Lilywhites colossus Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg managed in the Premier League, with the Dane averaging 2.6 challenges in the middle by comparison (WhoScored).

Sporting manager Ruben Amorim also waxed lyrical over Palhinha’s growth in Portugal, telling MaisFutebol (via Manchester News Today) that he is a ‘special player’.

Depending on the amount chairman Daniel Levy will have to pay for his signature, we believe he could be a very astute option this summer.

In other news: Tottenham negotiations already underway to sign this player, find out more here.

Writing on Twitter, journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke of the Athletic has shared big news coming of Tottenham Hotspur involving Son Heung-min’s mooted new deal.

The Lowdown: Son committing?

Tottenham have long been touted to extend Son’s stay in north London with reports as far back as October last year detailing a bumper contract offer was on the table (Football Insider).

However, amid the coronavirus pandemic and all the financial complications which accompany the crisis, Spurs put new deal talks with the 28-year-old on hold until they were in a more stable position (Evening Standard).

The Latest: Athletic reporter shares big update…

Writing on Twitter, Pitt-Brooke has now shared a big update on the situation after an off-field financial development.

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Indeed, Spurs have paid back their £175 million loan from the Bank of England through a private placement scheme organised by Bank of America (The Athletic).

Tottenham have raised £250 million through BOA, effectively ‘converting short term debt into long term refinancing’, and Pitt-Brooke believes that has now put the club ‘in position’ to confirm Son’s new deal.

“Tottenham repay £175million Bank of England loan, putting them in position to confirm new Son Heung-min contract.” he explained on social media.

The Verdict: Big news for Spurs…

Tying down superstar Son to a fresh contract is, arguably, the most crucial thing on Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici’s to-do list apart from finding a new manager.

The South Korea forward enjoyed the season of his life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over 2020/2021 and was only second to Harry Kane in terms of importance.

As per WhoScored, he tallied a very impressive 17 goals and 10 assists for Spurs in the Premier League alone whilst averaging the most key passes per 90 (2) out of any Lilywhites player.

His fine form was rewarded with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year ahead of some very stiff competition, beating the likes of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.

Securing his future is certainly a non-negotiable and this update provides real encouragement.

In other news: Spurs will now swoop for £31.5m-valued ‘leader’ with Paratici calling, find out more here.

Many Wolves fans have been left to flock to a transfer update involving Samu Costa.

As per Diario de Almeria, the Midlands club are eyeing a potential move for the Portugal U20 international in the summer window, but would have to pay a fee of €25m (£21.5m) for his signature.

Costa is certainly a promising player having represented his country at youth level, and helped Almeria reach the La Liga 2 play-offs while on loan from Braga, playing in 40 games in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 season, scoring two goals and making one assist (Transfermarkt).

However, £21.5m is certainly a bit excessive for someone who has not really proved himself at the highest level, and at just 20 years of age, is still relatively raw.

Wolves fans on Costa transfer update

These members of the Molineux faithful seemed split as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one WWFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘very underwhelming’:

“If this is first team squad signing then it’s very underwhelming. Not exactly an upgrade on anyone and not someone we’re exactly excited to see”

Credit: @GoldenWolves2

“Another garbage youngster from Portugal!!”

Credit: @SteveWiles20

“41 senior games. €25m. Make it make sense”

Credit: @Gary_Poynton

“Have I watched a lot of his videos on YouTube….maybe. But he’s got a great left foot by the looks, could offer great balance in midfield. Seems to love to run with it too. Very powerful. Only criticism is you could probs get Zambo same price. If that’s what you want. A unit….”

Credit: @ThePavFM

“I actually wouldn’t mind this. Only seen Almeria play a couple cup games, but he looks like a really promising midfielder and Braga fans seem to rate him. Could be a good squad addition if we’re desperate for midfielders”

Credit: @KingiMatt

“Good player tbf, decent left foot on him.”Credit: @YasWWFCIn other news, find out what Ruben Neves transfer update has got Wanderers talking here!

أكد سيد عبد الحفيظ مدير الكرة بالنادي الأهلي أن مواجهة فريقه أمام الرجاء المغربي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا اليوم أظهرت شخصية لاعبي الفريق الذين استطاعوا التأهل للدور نصف النهائي بالبطولة.

واستطاع الأهلي أن يتعادل مع الرجاء في المباراة التي أقيمت اليوم على مركب محمد الخامس في جولة الإياب من الدور ربع النهائي، بعد أن انتصر في الذهاب بهدفين مقابل هدف.

طالع أيضًا.. محمد عبد المنعم: لاعبو الأهلي رجال.. وصلاح محسن: اعتدنا على هذه الأجواء

وقال سيد عبد الحفيظ خلال لقاء عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “كان من الممكن أن نفوز في القاهرة بفارق هدفين، ومباراة اليوم أظهرت شخصية الأهلي، وانا قلت للاعبين قبل اللقاء (اللي يخاف ميجيش)”.

وأضاف: “الحكم اليوم لم يحتسب لنا شيء، حتى ركلة الجزاء التي احتسبها هو الفار، أتينا بشخصيتنا وتفكيرنا وانتهى دور الثمانية وعندنا مواجهة أخرى مع وفاق سطيف الجزائري الذي حقق نتائج جيدة خارج ملعبه، وأخرج الترجي التونسي، فستكون محطة صعبة”.

وأردف: “أمامنا مباراتين في الدوري ولا نريد أن نستبق الأحداث، ولكن المهم إنه بعد لقاء القاهرة هو أننا قلنا للاعبين المواجهة انتهت وبغض النظر عن نتيجتها الأهم هو أن نتأهل من المغرب”.

وواصل: “أقول للاعبين إنكم كنتم في الموعد، ووالله لو هناك تحكيم عادل لن يفرق معنا المباراة داخل ملعبنا أو خارجه، لكن الحكم اليوم لم يحتسب شئ وأعطى 6 دقائق وقت بدل من الضائع رغم أن في مباراة الذهاب كان هناك سقوط على الأرض كثيرٍا على عكس اليوم، الأهلي هو من طبق مثل (تبقى في بؤك وتقسم لغيرك)”.