Surrey seal second win of the competition after Glamorgan post below-par 152-6 in Cardiff
ECB Reporters Network11-Aug-2019Glamorgan’s abysmal season in the T20 Blast continued at Sophia Gardens where they were beaten by Surrey with six balls of an entertaining game remaining. The home team were some 30 runs short of a competitive total, with their top order batsmen – apart from Colin Ingram – again failing to lay foundations.Despite losing Aaron Finch in the first over, the other batsmen contributed for Surrey, Man-of-the-Match Mark Stoneman top-scoring with 53. Surrey moved on to five points, some way adrift of the qualification spots, while Glamorgan remain bottom without a win in this season’s competition.With Surrey needing to score at seven-and-a-half runs an over, Ruaidhri Smith, playing his first Blast game of the season after injury, gave Glamorgan the perfect start by dismissing the dangerous Finch with the final ball of the opening over.Will Jacks and Stoneman soon settled, however, with Jacks the more aggressive, and the second-wicket pair had taken Surrey to 70 for 1 by the halfway stage. After adding 82, Jacks then surrendered his wicket by edging to the wicketkeeper from a wild heave.Stoneman was the next to go, caught on the long-on boundary after scoring 53 from 49 balls, with Smith taking his third wicket. Surrey required a further 46 from the remaining five overs, then 19 from two, but de Lange was struck for 21 by Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes to secure victory, Pope finishing things with his second six.Glamorgan, who were put in, were soon in trouble, stumbling to 34 for 3 in the 6th over, which included the wicket of Australian batsman Shaun Marsh, playing his first game since breaking his arm during the World Cup. Marsh was out third ball, giving Imran Tahir a return catch, then the club’s second overseas player Fakhar Zaman, who has contributed only 100 runs from six innings at an average of 16, poked a simple catch to short third man.Much depended on Ingram and Chris Cooke. After adding 27, Cooke, who had been dropped earlier in his innings, holed out on the mid wicket boundary. Surrey’s fielding was sloppy throughout with Finch letting a ball go through his legs for four, with others dropping three catches.Ingram, who has also experienced a disappointing tournament by his standards, revived the innings by scoring 41 from 33 balls, which included two sixes, but with 5.3 with overs remaining Ingram was deceived by Tahir, giving Foakes a simple stumping.Glamorgan were indebted to Dan Douthwaite and Graham Wagg at the end of the innings – Wagg striking three sixes in his unbeaten 36 – but the total still turned out to be below par.
Sheffield Wednesday have a number of players in their starting lineup currently who have been there and done that with the Owls, stalwarts who have stuck it out in South Yorkshire for a substantial portion of their careers.
Liam Palmer's name is the first one that springs to mind, the right-back going on to make 426 appearances for Wednesday ever since first emerging from the youth set-up in 2010.
Josh Windass and Marvin Johnson could also throw themselves into contention for being long-standing servants from Danny Rohl's current first-team mix – accumulating an impressive 243 combined appearances for the Owls – but there's one man in midfield that represents the beating heart of the club by remaining put through thick and thin.
Entering Hillsborough on a free transfer in 2015, Barry Bannan has done more than enough to cement himself as a club legend nine years on to make the free transfer capture look like an absolute bargain.
Barry Bannan's time at Sheffield Wednesday
Once purchased for €2.1m (£1.79m) when joining Crystal Palace all the way back in 2013, Wednesday benefitted from Barry Bannan flopping at Selhurst Park to get him in for nothing.
The Scottish creator would only manage to register a single goal and four assists playing for the Eagles in an unmemorable one-season stay in London, leaving his best for when he relocated all the way up to South Yorkshire on a free.
In three of Bannan's impactful nine seasons to date donning Wednesday blue and white, the Owls captain has managed to get to double digits with his assists – notching up 11 just last season, even as he nows reach the grand age of 34, to help his side win the League One playoffs.
It's why Rohl is scrambling around to extend his captain's contract at this moment in time, and further why ex-Owls boss Darren Moore constantly showered Bannan with praise during his time in the Hillsborough hot-seat – describing the former Aston Villa midfielder as an "intelligent" and "vital" presence on the way to promotion being sealed last season.
In retrospect, the purchase of Bannan could be viewed as more of a coup now than the deal to land former Rotherham United striker Michael Smith was in 2022 with the Scottish wizard still in and around the first-team picture whilst Smith has been reduced to a bit-part player.
Michael Smith's record for Wednesday
Once viewed as a major statement buy – with Smith turning down a chance to play in the Championship for the Millers to join Wednesday instead – the 32-year-old striker is now not as important to the Owls cause as he once was, scoring just three goals in 20 league games in 2023/24.
Linked with a move away to Derby County all through the January transfer window, Rohl and Co might be annoyed that they couldn't shift Smith off the books owing to his high wage in the end – the Rams hesitant to cough up and pay any of his £17.5k-per-week wage.
Drawing blanks currently when given a chance to shine also, Smith falling down the pecking order has further coincided with new Owls recruit Ike Ugbo finding his shooting boots with the Troyes loanee bagging five goals in his last four league games.
Whereas, Bannan – although he's been not as effective as he has been compared to the last few campaigns – has starred in glimpses for Rohl's relegation-threatened side this season.
The Scotsman picked up his second assist of the campaign against the now managerless Lions in midweek, playing a defence-splitting through ball for Anthony Musaba to slot home for 2-0.
Bannan won't want to just hang up his boots even as he does reach the twilight of his career, and if Rohl can tie the dynamic midfielder to a contract extension soon, he should remain an important cog in the Owls machine for some time yet.
First Championship win for four months in sight after a day of dominance at New Road
ECB Reporters Network11-Sep-2019 Worcestershire 205 (Hogan 4-53) and 153 for 2 (Rutherford 52, Mitchell 52*) lead Glamorgan 193 (Morris 5-73) by 165 runs Paceman Charlie Morris and openers Hamish Rutherford and Daryl Mitchell have left Worcestershire daring to dream of a first Specsavers County Championship win for four months after a day of dominance against Glamorgan at Blackfinch New Road.Paceman Morris earned Worcestershire a narrow first innings lead with his third five wicket haul of the season. He finished with figures of 5 for 73 from 17.5 overs as the visitors were dismissed for 193 in 65.5 overs to give Worcestershire a 12-run advantage.Rutherford then raced to a 51-ball half century and, with Mitchell digging in for an unbeaten 52, Worcestershire closed day two on 153 for 2.It was a rare day of success for the home side who began the campaign as one of the favourites for promotion but who went into this game just five points ahead of bottom-placed Leicestershire.Glamorgan will be hoping to make significant inroads tomorrow morning otherwise they could be facing a major fourth-innings target on a wicket still offering some assistance to the bowlers.Morris struck in successive overs after Glamorgan resumed on 44 for 2 when West Indian opener Kraigg Brathwaite (19) was caught behind and Billy Root (8) drove a wide delivery to cover.Samit Patel (5), on loan from Nottinghamshire, pulled a short ball from Adam Finch straight to deep backward square, before Moeen Ali held onto a sharp head high return catch offered by David Lloyd (35). Captain Chris Cooke (24) then fell victim to a low first slip catch by Riki Wessels off Joe Leach.Morris returned after lunch to bowl Ruaidhri Smith (18) and completed his five-for by having Michael Hogan (15) caught at deep fine leg while in between Lukas Carey (16) drilled Moeen straight to cover.Rutherford (52) ensured Worcestershire built on their narrow first innings advantage in quickfire fashion. He reeled off a series of impressive drives and raced to a 51-ball half century with nine boundaries out of an opening stand of 70 with Mitchell.The New Zealander eventually edged Smith to second slip but Moeen kept the momentum going for the home side. He swept Patel for four and twice cover drove Smith to the ropes as the Worcestershire 100 came up in the 26th over.But after making 26 the England all-rounder aimed a big shot through mid-wicket off Patel and holed out to Hogan at mid off.Mitchell completed his first half century since an unbeaten 64 against Glamorgan at Cardiff in early July shortly before the close with a cover drive for four off Smith. It was his sixth boundary and came from 143 balls.Jack Haynes also batted with great maturity and patience on his home Championship debut and was unbeaten on 22 at the close after surviving an early chance.
Neymar has been backed to make a sensational move to Arsenal despite his nightmare spell in Saudi Arabia.
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Gilberto Silva wants Neymar in north LondonAl-Hilal star missed entire seasonStill rated as Brazil's best playerWHAT HAPPENED?
Neymar moved to Hilal last summer but has played just five games for the club, due to a cruciate ligament tear sustained in September on international duty. He has not kicked a ball in anger since, but Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva remains convinced of his quality, and says he wants to see him at the Gunners.
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Neymar has a contract in Saudi Arabia until 2025 and has already spoken of his desire to get back on the pitch with the club. Hilal won the league title in 2023-24 and the attacker has insisted that next season, he will play a key role.
WHAT GILBERTO SILVA SAID
In an exclusive interview courtesy of Bet365’s Copa America coverage, Gilberto Silva said: “I’d love to see Neymar in the Premier League with Arsenal, it would be interesting that’s for sure. It would bring a lot of joy to fans and make the competition even more special. When you look at the Premier League, we want to see the best players in the world and to have him around would be great. Let's see. It's not impossible that he could join Arsenal, why not.”
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Neymar is continuing to rehabilitate ahead of next season. It remains to be seen if Arsenal will take Gilberto's advice and attempt to complete a stunning transfer.
Leeds United return to action in the Championship on Saturday as they travel away from Elland Road to take on Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town.
The Whites had a distraction from their fight to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League during the week as they went to top-flight side Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Daniel Farke's team were, unfortunately, unable to land a place in the quarter-finals of the competition as a late winner from Conor Gallagher sealed a 3-2 victory for the hosts at Stamford Bridge.
After that clash, and ahead of this game against Huddersfield, the German head coach revealed that Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, and Patrick Bamford are all set to be available for selection, whilst Ilia Gruev remains a doubt.
With this injury news in mind, Farke could make a few changes to the starting XI that lined up in London, and here is FFC's prediced Leeds line-up to take on the Terriers on Saturday.
1 Illan Meslier
Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Illan Meslier should start between the sticks once again. He has been the manager's first-choice shot-stopper throughout the Championship season, and started against the Blues on Wednesday night.
2 Archie Gray
Archie Gray for Leeds United.
Archie Gray could revert to his position at right-back despite an impressive performance in the middle of the park against Chelsea – winning Player of the Match – during the week.
3 Joe Rodon
Leeds United's loan defender Joe Rodon.
Wales international Joe Rodon should start at the heart of the defence. The on-loan Tottenham Hotspur colossus has been a dominant defender for the Whites so far this season.
He has won 66% of his individual duels in the Championship during the 2023/24 campaign, which shows that opposition attacks rarely get the better of him on the ground or in the air.
Alongside the Spurs loanee, Farke could stick with captain Liam Cooper due to the doubt over Gruev's availability, which could mean that Ethan Ampadu is needed in midfield and will not be able to drop back into centre-back.
The Scotland international had a mixed evening against Chelsea on Wednesday. He did win 100% (4/4) of his ground duels on the night but was also caught out for pace and mobility on the first and third goals as Nicolas Jackson and Gallagher moved too quickly for him to deal with.
5 Junior Firpo
Junior Firpo
At left-back, Junior Firpo could keep his place despite a relatively poor showing against Chelsea. FFC picked him out as one of the worst performers on the night – just behind Joel Piroe – as he left a lot to be desired from his defending on all three of the goals.
All three of Chelsea's strikes came, in one way or another, down the ex-Barcelona full-back's side, and Gallagher had the space to turn and face Cooper after Firpo stepped in and completely missed the player and ball.
However, he is the only natural left-back in the squad and has offered a strong attacking threat down the left flank in the Championship, with four assists in nine starts.
6 Ethan Ampadu
Leeds midfielder Ethan Ampadu.
As explained with Cooper's inclusion, Ampadu could retain his place in the middle of the park after a composed display for Leeds against his former club.
The Wales international completed 94% of his attempted passes at Stamford Bridge, to go along with four out of six duels won in midfield for Farke's side.
7 Glen Kamara
joe-rodon-glen-kamara-leeds-opinion
The first change to the XI could see Glen Kamara return to the starting XI in place of Gray, with the 17-year-old slotting back in at right-back, in central midfield.
He was an unused substitute in the 3-2 defeat to Chelsea in London and could come back into the side fresh and ready to put in a strong performance against Huddersfield.
8 Wilfried Gnonto
Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto.
The second alteration to the line-up could see Wilfried Gnonto come back in to replace Welsh winger Dan James, who could be dropped by Farke.
Minutes played
79
Pass accuracy
70%
Key passes
One
Big chances missed
One
Duels won
Zero
As you can see in the table above, the former Manchester United forward endured a difficult night against the Premier League side as he was sloppy in possession and failed to provide much of a threat in the final third.
Whereas, Gnonto has racked up five goals and one assist in his last seven matches in all competitions, which is why the manager should bring him in ahead of James.
9 Georginio Rutter
Leeds forward Georginio Rutter.
In the number ten position, Rutter should return to the starting XI ahead of Piroe after Farke revealed that he will be available to play.
The Dutch attacker was poor against Chelsea – with zero goals, zero assists, and 67% duels lost – and should drop out to make way for the French gem.
Rutter, who was once hailed as "clinical" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has racked up six goals and 11 assists in the Championship so far this season, and could blow th Terriers away with his attacking talent.
10 Crysencio Summerville
Crysencio Summerville.
The fourth and final change to the starting line-up could come in on the left. Despite a fantastic display at Stamford Bridge, Jaidon Anthony could make way for Leeds star Summerville.
No Whites player has scored more goals (15) than the Dutch gem and only Rutter (11) has provided more assists than the 22-year-old wizard (eight) in the Championship this season.
Anthony assisted both of the side's goals against Chelsea but has produced one goal and zero assists in 23 league matches this term, which is why Farke may bring his star forward straight back into the starting XI.
The third member, Shanta Rangaswamy, had stepped down earlier after being served conflict-of-interest notice
Nagraj Gollapudi02-Oct-2019Less than a week after Shanta Rangswamy stepped down from the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), the other two members of the ad-hoc panel – Kapil Dev and Anshuman Gaekwad – have stepped down too. The resignations follow the notice of conflict of interest served to the three by the BCCI ethics officer Justice (Retd) DK Jain, who acted on a complaint filed by Sanjeev Gupta, a life member of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association.Kapil sent in his resignation on Tuesday to the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and BCCI chief executive officer Rahul Johri, while Gaekwad followed suit today.”It was a pleasure to be part of the ad-hoc CAC to specifically select the Head Coach for the Men’s Cricket Team,” Kapil was quoted as saying in his communication by the . “I hereby tender my resignation from the same with immediate effect.”The development is likely to put the BCCI ethics officer in a spot. In his notice to the three CAC members, Justice Jain had asked for a response by October 10. He could not be reached to ascertain what his next step would be: whether to pass an ex-parte order or dispose of Gupta’s conflict complaint.In case Justice Jain goes ahead and holds the Kapil-led CAC guilty of conflict, the obvious questions that will follow is what happens to the appointment of Ravi Shastri as the Indian men’s team’s head coach, which the panel had decided on? As things stand, Shastri is on a two-year contract until the 2021 T20 World Cup.Incidentally, before it convened to conduct the interviews for the various coaching staff appointments in August, all three CAC members had given written undertakings to the BCCI: Kapil had confirmed that he owns a company that supplies floodlights to various state associations and that he is one of the founding directors of the new Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA); Gaekwad, similarly, mentioned his son’s cricket academy and that he is also a director at the ICA; Rangaswamy is understood to have said there were no conflicts of interest in her case, although she was an ICA director too. [Last week she stepped down from that position too.]The three-member CoA was split on whether the CAC should be given the nod to carry out the interviews. While Vinod Rai and Ravindra Thodge felt there was no direct conflict, the third member, Diana Edulji, had said that Justice Jain was best placed to take the final call. She was overruled.Throughout its brief tenure, various questions have been asked of the CAC after it came into existence in controversial circumstances.Last December, once the BCCI had opted not to renew interim woman’s head coach Ramesh Powar’s contract, the CoA, then comprising only Rai and Edulji, had differed on the next step. The CoA had initially asked the previous CAC comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman to pick a new woman’s coach. But when that panel asked for time, Rai approved an ad-hoc CAC of Kapil, Gaekwad and Rangaswamy. Edulji called the appoinment “illegal” and argued with Rai, saying the BCCI constitution did not provide the option for an ad-hoc CAC. She was overruled on that occasion too, and former India batsman WV Raman got the job.Edulji then said Raman, who was serving as the batting coach at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru at the time, should be given the head coach role in an interim capacity before the previous CAC could reassemble and appoint a permanent coach. The appointment was, however, made official, and calling the process fraught, Edulji called for Justice Jain to look into the matter. But the ethics officer has not delivered his verdict yet.
England boss Gareth Southgate was asked if he had any advice for Sir Keir Starmer after the Labour leader became the UK's new Prime Minister.
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Sir Keir Starmer becomes UK's Prime MinisterSouthgate quizzed on Labour's election winStarmer backing England to beat Switzerland Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Labour's triumph in the UK General Election was the topic of conversation as Southgate spoke to the media ahead of England's Euro 2024 quarter-final meeting with Switzerland. Starmer is a keen football fan – an Arsenal supporter – and, like Southgate, now finds himself in a position where a nation holds high expectations.
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Starmer's Labour party secured a landslide election win to end 14 years in the political wilderness. Southgate has frequently shown a willingness to discuss non-football matters since he became England manager in 2016, so it was hardly a surprise that he was asked for his thoughts on Starmer's success.
Getty WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID
Southgate knows what it's like to work in an extremely demanding job and the England boss joked that he isn't jealous of Starmer's new position.
"I'm not envious of his job," Southgate said, per The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke. "No, I don't have any advice. When you're in a position of responsibility you realise that comes from every direction, everyone has a simple solution to complex problem, I'm sure he’s going to be inundanted with that."
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DID YOU KNOW?
Starmer is backing Southgate's men to overcome their quarter-final opponents on Saturday. "I think they'll beat Switzerland," he also told Virgin Radio.
On what he would say to the players, he added: "I would say, 'just forget where you are in the competition. Forget all the noises off. I have to do this. Just go into a sort of tunnel. Know what you're trying to achieve and just don't listen'."
A member of Ange Postecoglou's squad at Tottenham once tipped for stardom is looking very likely to leave this summer.
Spurs targeting new wingers this summer
Spurs' pursuit of a new star winger, as reported by multiple reliable media sources, could spell trouble for a few of Postecoglou's crop.
Ange now wants to sign two stars from the same club for Tottenham
The Lilywhites could be set for a double swoop.
ByEmilio Galantini Mar 1, 2024
Fabrizio Romano has named Spurs as contenders to sign Wolves winger Pedro Neto, while journalist Miguel Delaney of The Independent has claimed that they're keen on both the Portuguese and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
“Another Premier League winger to watch could be Pedro Neto," said Romano on Neto's future to CaughtOffside. "I’m sure Arsenal like the player because already two years ago, they included Pedro Neto in their shortlist and Arsenal work like this – when they appreciate a player, they keep following him. Even if they were not able to make it happen two years ago, I’m sure they’re still keeping close eye to Pedro Neto.
Wolves winger Pedro Neto.
“Tottenham are worth keeping an eye on too, because someone at the club believes that they need a new winger in the summer, so Pedro Neto could be a fantastic solution. He knows the league very well so this could be an important factor but also they believe that he could be a good player for the idea of football wanted by Angel Postecoglou."
Someone of Neto's star quality coming in would surely relegate the likes of Manor Solomon, Brennan Johnson and Bryan Gil to more limited game time – not to mention Timo Werner if Spurs elect to trigger his £17 million buy-option.
Crystal Palace (home)
March 2nd
Aston Villa (away)
March 10th
Fulham (away)
March 16th
Luton Town (home)
March 30th
In Gil's case, the Spaniard has already been struggling for game time under Postecoglou, with journalist Fernando Mateos sharing an update on his future for Estadio Deportivo.
Gil looking likely to leave Tottenham this summer
Mateos writes that "everything points to a summer exit" for Gil at Tottenham, with the 23-year-old's decision to remain in north London past January looking like one he is surely regretting.
Spanish sides, as well as a late effort from Brighton, offered the midfielder a route out of N17 for more minutes, but he instead elected to remain and fight for his place under Postecoglou.
Bryan Gil in action for Tottenham.
Fast-forward to now, and Gil hasn't exactly been rewarded with chances on the pitch, and it now looks very likely he'll depart this summer. Called a potential "star in the making" when he first arrived in 2021 (David Cartlidge), things are looking bleak in terms of his career in England.
Former Spurs boss Antonio Conte, though, suggested he has the qualities to make it big in the professional game – namely due to his "fast" pace and good endurance.
“It was really important, you know about Bryan Gil we are talking about a player who was born to play football," said Conte in 2023.
"He understands football quickly. He’s so clever, so intelligent to understand the situation. Then you know this league is difficult, because you have to be good in quality and be fast and to have good endurance, and he has this type of quality."
Pakistan will play a three-match ODI series against Netherlands in July before visiting Ireland for two T20Is
Umar Farooq in Lahore03-Oct-2019Netherlands are set to host Pakistan for the first time in 2020. Comprising three ODIs, to be played between July 4 and 9 in Amstelveen, the series will be their longest against a Full Member – outside of the newly promoted Ireland and Afghanistan. Pakistan will then visit Ireland for a two-match T20I series before moving on to England to play three World Test Championship games from July 30 to August 20.Fixtures
4 July – 1st ODI v Netherlands, VRA Cricket Club, Amstelveen 7 July – 2nd ODI v Netherlands, VRA Cricket Club, Amstelveen 9 July – 3rd ODI v Netherlands, VRA Cricket Club, Amstelveen 12 July – 1st T20I v Ireland, Venue TBA 14 July – 2nd T20I v Ireland, Venue TBA
“We have a long and strong relationship with KNCB [Netherlands Cricket Board] and Ireland Cricket and I think it’s important that we provide these countries much-needed opportunity to compete against Full Members,” a PCB spokesman told ESPNcricinfo. “We had an empty window and there isn’t a better way to support them in their growth by playing them more frequently. The PCB has a long history of helping and encouraging Associate Members and the tour to the Netherlands is part of that tradition.”On our previous trips, we have received tremendous public support who have thronged the stadia to not only watch cricket but also appreciate and encourage the players. I am confident the upcoming tours will further strengthen the bonding and service the purpose.”Pakistan have never played a bilateral series against Netherlands, though the two teams have met in the ICC events – the 1996 and 2003 World Cups and the 2002 Champions Trophy. Pakistan won all three games comprehensively.”Pakistan is one of the most exciting and followed teams in the world and they will add further flavour and context to our domestic season,” Betty Timmer, chair of KNCB, said. “This series will contribute significantly in our endeavours to put together a strong and formidable side for the 13-team ICC ODI League, which commences next year. It will provide the much-required exposure and experience to our talented men’s side and will also help in the promotion and development of the game in our part of the world.”Pakistan’s T20Is against Ireland will be played on July 12 and 14. The two teams have previously featured in a one-off T20I, with Pakistan winning the game by 39 runs on their way to lifting the 2009 World T20 in England.The two teams have already been woven together in history after Ireland – a team that was an Associate in 2007 – beat the former champions in a World Cup game and knocked them out of the tournament. Since then, Pakistan have toured Ireland for bilateral series and had also invited them over in 2014, but just as that tour was coming close to reality, Ireland had to pull out following a terrorist attack at the Karachi airport. Subsequently, Pakistan toured Ireland for the home side’s maiden Test match, which they won by five wickets.”Ireland and Pakistan have a close affinity, both across men’s and women’s cricket, and we are delighted to welcome the top-ranked T20I side to Ireland for what will be an action-packed series,” Richard Holdsworth, performance director at Cricket Ireland, said. “This year we have seen a number of great performances by Ireland and some exciting young talent emerge in the T20 squad. The way to further improve our players is to pit ourselves against the world’s best, and in Pakistan we have that opportunity. The fixtures will be part of a big home season for Ireland, where we are hosting a number of Full Member teams. It is yet another big year to look forward to in Irish cricket.”
Adidas has renamed its 11pro boot line in honour of Toni Kroos following the Germany and Real Madrid icon's retirement from football.
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Adidas renames 11pro bootlineKroos played final game in defeat to SpainGerman departs football with every honourWHAT HAPPENED?
Kroos is one of the few exceptions in football who has not consistently updated to the latest football boot. Since the release of the adidas Adipure 11pro boots in 2013, Kroos has refused to switch from the design, playing over a decade in the same design of boot. Having announced his decision to retire from all forms of football after the European Championship, Germany's defeat to Spain on Friday ensured Kroos had played his last game in football and in those boots.
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Paying homage to a midfield great and his connection with their boots, Adidas have immortalised Kroos' relationship with the 11pro by renaming the boot line as the TKpro.
Posting on X, adidas said: "Toni Kroos and the 11pro: love at first sight, sole mates until the last kick.
"Today, we’re happy to announce that moving forward the adidas 11pro will be renamed the adidas TKpro. Danke, Toni."
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Kroos exits football still at the peak of his powers and, despite crashing out of Euro 2024 in dramatic style, leaves fans wanting more. The German leaves the game having won almost all there is to win, including a World Cup and a record six Champions League titles, and a place amongst the footballing greats. Adidas believe it is only right to pay credit to his career that has seen him play for Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR KROOS?
Following the German's exit from the Euros, Kroos can look forward to an indefinite break away from football and a chance to reflect on a glittering 15-year career as a professional. There are yet to be any indications that Kroos will try to turn his hand to punditry or management, but time will tell.