He played 16 Test matches for Australia between 1966 and 1970
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jul-2023Former Australia and New South Wales wicketkeeper Brian Taber has died at the age of 83.Taber, who played 16 Test matches for Australia between 1966 and 1970, passed away on Friday.He made his Test debut against South Africa in Johannesburg where he claimed seven catches and a stumping. He would go on to also face England, India and West Indies during his career.His highest Test score of 48 came against West Indies at Sydney in 1969 in a match Australia won by 382 runs.Taber was widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers to represent Australia and was renowned for his impeccable glovework and calm demeanour behind the stumps.In his domestic career, he played more than 100 games for New South Wales and is a member of the state’s Hall of Fame.After finishing playing, he held various roles within the game, including NSW coach and selector and manager of the Australian Under-19 men’s team.”Brian’s vast popularity among former team-mates, and all those fortunate enough to have known him, is just one indication of the impact he had on our game,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.”Brian had a passion for the development of young players, and it is fitting that the Player of the Tournament at the Men’s National Under-19 Championships will continue to receive the Brian Taber Medal.”Cricket NSW CEO, Lee Germon, said: “His contribution to Australian cricket was immense, as a player, coach, manager and selector. Tabsy was universally loved for both his skill as a wicketkeeper and his character as a person. He was such a nice, genuine guy and he will be greatly missed by all.”
أوضح بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي، موقفه من إمكانية إبرام النادي لتعاقدات جديدة، خلال سوق الانتقالات الصيفي الجاري.
وكان مانشستر سيتي تعاقد مع ريان شرقي وريان آيت نوري وتيجاني ريندرز هذا الصيف، بعد التعاقد مع عمر مرموش ونيكو جونزاليس وعبد القادر خوسانوف وفيتور ريس في انتقالات يناير الماضي.
وفي تصريحات نشرها موقع مانشستر سيتي الرسمي، قال جوارديولا: “سوق الانتقالات يشهد تغييرات كبيرة، وستحدث أمور كثيرة”.
وأضاف مدرب مانشستر سيتي: “سنرى، ما سيحدث سيحدث، وسنتعامل معه بأفضل طريقة ممكنة”.
اقرأ أيضًا | جوارديولا يوضح حالة فودين ورودري وموقفهما من مباراة مانشستر سيتي الأولى في الدوري الإنجليزي
وتابع: “أنت تعرف رأيي، لا أحب كثرة اللاعبين، أحد أسباب انتقال فيتور ريس إلى جيرونا، على سبيل المثال”.
وأتم: “أحب فيتور كثيرًا، لديه مستقبل باهر، لكنني لا أريده أن يبقى في المنزل كل عطلة نهاية أسبوع”.
وكان مانشستر سيتي أعلن انتقال فيتور ريس على سبيل الإعارة لمدة موسم واحد (موسم 2025-2026).
ويأتي ذلك بعد أشهر من انضمامه لمانشستر سيتي قادمًا من بالميراس البرازيلي بعقد لمدة 4 سنوات ونصف، حتى صيف 2029.
Jatin Kashyap has 14 days to respond to the charges, which relate to the 2022 Asia Cup Qualifiers
ESPNcricinfo staff22-May-2023Jatin Kashyap, an Indian umpire, has been charged by the ICC with breaching two counts of the Anti-Corruption Code. Kashyap has 14 days from May 19 to respond to the charges, which relate to international games in 2022.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Kashyap, who is based in Bathinda, Punjab, was charged with attempting to corrupt players taking part in the 2022 Asia Cup Qualifiers in Oman. It is understood Kashyap is a local umpire from India and not on the ICC panel of match officials. While he was not officiating in the tournament, the ICC’s anti-corruption unit had the authority to launch an investigation because it was an international event.According to an ICC statement, Kashyap had been charged with breaching articles 2.4.6 and 2.4.7 of the code.They relate to “failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with the Anti-Corruption Unit’s (ACU) investigation in relation to possible Corrupt Conduct under the Code, including (without limitation) failing to provide accurately and completely any information and/or documentation requested by the ACU (whether as part of a formal Demand pursuant to Article 4.3 or otherwise) as part of such investigation” and “obstructing or delaying the ACU’s investigation in relation to possible Corrupt Conduct under the Code, including (without limitation) concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of Corrupt Conduct under the Code.”
da betcris： Com um jogador a menos desde a metade do primeiro tempo, o Corinthians superou a adversidade e buscou o empate por 2 a 2 com o Coritiba, na penúltima rodada do Brasileirão. Autor de um gol e uma assistência, Yuri Alberto elogiou a entrega e a dedicação da equipe no Couto Pereira.
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da lvbet： +ATUAÇÕES: Yuri salva o Timão em noite desastrosa da defesa; veja notas
– Agradecer a Deus, mais uma assistência e gol com essa camisa grandiosa. Jogo difícil com um a menos, time lutou bastante, conseguimos um empate importante fora de casa com um jogador a menos. Todos estão de parabéns, soubemos sofrer – iniciou o centroavante ao Premiere.
No primeiro tempo, o Timão não só perdeu Bruno Méndez, como o técnico Vítor Pereira, que reclamou bastante com a arbitragem após o pênalti de Fausto Vera em Régis. Yuri contou que o treinador português estava agitado no vestiário.
-O professor estava chateado (no intervalo), ficou nervoso, ele é bem pilhado, vamos dar uma acalmada nele para que não aconteça novamente – disse.
+ Veja tabela e simule a reta final do Campeonato Brasileiro
O camisa 9 também contou que VP pediu aos atletas para usarem a vitória sobre o Santos, na qual Yuri foi expulso, como exemplo de superação no segundo tempo contra o Coxa.
– Todas as coisas que ele fala dentro de campo, ele falou lá, para a gente manter o foco, ficar concentrado. Com um a menos já tínhamos conseguido uma vitória contra o Santos, e conseguimos o empate. Tentamos o terceiro, mas não deu – ponderou.
No final do jogo, após perder a bola no ataque, Yuri Alberto arrancou a bandeirinha e recebeu cartão amarelo. O centroavante pediu desculpa à torcida do Coxa pelo ato.
-Eu fiquei nervoso com a bandeira, peço desculpa aos torcedores coritibanos, não foi nada de falta de respeito à torcida de vocês – concluiu o camisa 9 corintiano.
O Corinthians faz seu último jogo do ano neste domingo (13), às 16h, na Neo Química Arena, contra o Atlético-MG.
da betsul： Tottenham Hotspur’s long-awaited trophy finally came at the end of this season, but attention has quickly turned to the 2025/26 campaign, with work needing to be done to sustain the success.
da bet sport： Ange Postecoglou led the Lilywhites to a Europa League triumph, but it wasn’t enough to save his job in North London, as Daniel Levy relieved the Aussie of his duties.
He subsequently appointed Thomas Frank, handing the Dane the responsibility of building on the European victory and making the side a competitive Premier League outfit.
He will need to make a quick start to life at the club to prove the owner made the right decision in opting for a change, potentially coming under huge pressure should he fail to deliver.
However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need backing within the current transfer window, handing him the platform for success during his first season at the helm.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Over the last couple of days, Lyon star Georges Mikautadze has emerged as a key target for Spurs, with the club expected to make an offer for the Georgian forward after their relegation to Ligue 2.
Rodrigo Muniz is another player on their radar this window, but will cost a pretty penny during the off-season, as Fulham are demanding £50m for the Brazilian forward.
However, if either of the players are to move to North London, they will need to be provided with opportunities in the final third, with Xavi Simons a player in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Their report claims that the RB Leipzig star is keen on a move to the Premier League this window, but the German outfit are demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part with their star man.
It also states that the Lilywhites have registered a keen interest in the 22-year-old, who managed to register 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this campaign, with contact already taking place as the north Londoners have been ‘updated on Simons’ situation by his representatives’.
Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze
Over the last couple of years, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been constantly on Spurs’ radar, but they’ve never been able to complete a deal for his signature.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
This window remains no different, with Frank already targeting the England international and considering making a move to take the star to North London.
His stock is undoubtedly higher this time around, after netting the winner in the FA Cup final this campaign, securing the Eagles’ first major trophy against Manchester City at Wembley.
However, he does currently have a £68m release clause in his contract, but could face huge pressure to land his services, as North London rivals Arsenal have also entered the race.
As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy should shift their attention to a move for Simons, with the Dutch international a better option for Frank’s outfit this window.
Xavi Simons celebrates
He would provide the side with a younger and cheaper option, but when comparing the pair’s respective figures from 2024/25, he’s also managed to outperform him in key areas – subsequently making him a higher-quality addition.
Simons, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by OptaJohan, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, and posted more progressive passes per 90 – handing other attackers at the club the chance to bolster their own tallies.
How Xavi Simons compares to Eberechi Eze in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Simons
Eze
Games played
25
34
Goals scored
10
8
Progressive carries
3.6
2.4
Progressive passes
5.9
3.3
Shot-on-target accuracy
46%
27%
Pass accuracy
79%
74%
Passes into final third
3.3
1.7
Carries into final third
3
1.6
Stats via FBref
The youngster has also starred with his ball-carrying, registering nearly two times more carries into the final third per 90, showcasing his desire to get forward at any given moment.
Given his age, price tag and difference in figures produced, a deal for Simons should be a no-brainer this window, offering Frank the elite-level talent he craves within the final third.
It would be an expensive addition for the hierarchy, but ultimately, it’s one that’s needed if the club are to reach the next level during the Dane’s tenure at the club.
There’s no denying that Eze is a hugely talented player, but it’s evident that there is a tendency for more expensive fees to be touted for English stars, subsequently making Simons the better option this window.
A better signing than Semenyo: Spurs leading race to land £25m sensation
Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making strides in a move to land a new talent for Thomas Frank.
تحدث الهولندي آرني سلوت، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول عن مباراة أستون فيلا في المباراة التي تجمعهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
ويواجه ليفربول نظيره أستون فيلا مساء اليوم، السبت، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وذلك على ملعب “الأنفيلد”.
ويمتلك ليفربول 15 نقطة محتلًا حاليًا المركز السابع، وهو نفس عدد نقاط أستون فيلا الذي يتواجد في المركز الثامن بفارق الأهداف عن حامل اللقب.
وقال سلوت في تصريحات عبر الموقع الرسمي لنادي ليفربول: “لا أحد يحتاجني لأخبره أن أداءنا الفترة الأخيرة كان صعبًا، ببساطة لم يكن جيدًا بما يكفي لهذا النادي أو لجماهيرنا، وكلما أسرعنا في تحسين الأمور كان ذلك أفضل”.
وأكمل: “في الوقت نفسه، آمل أن يتمكن الجميع من رؤية الجودة التي لدينا هنا وبسبب هذا نكون قادرين على إدراك ليس فقط الإمكانيات المتاحة لدينا ولكن أيضًا ما يمكن عمله للمضي قدمًا إذا استمر الجميع على قلب رجل واحد”.
وأردف: “ليس من السهل أبدًا الخروج من فترة صعبة بالطبع، لو كان الأمر سهلًا كتغيير بعض الأمور لفعلناه ببساطة لكن كرة القدم أو الحياة عمومًا لا تسير على هذا النحو لذلك الخيار الوحيد هو العمل الجاد والثقة ببعضنا البعض وبذل كل ما في وسعنا مهما كان دورنا”.
اقرأ أيضًا | تشكيل ليفربول المتوقع أمام أستون فيلا اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
واستطرد: “لا أبحث عن الإيجابيات في وقت كهذا لأن ذلك لن يكون منطقيًا في نادي مثل ليفربول حيث تكون التوقعات دائمًا عالية جدًا لكن ما أود قوله هو أنه لا ينبغي لأحد أن يقلل من شأن الجهد الذي نراه من اللاعبين على أساس مباراة”.
وتابع :”ما نراه في مركز التدريب هو فريق ملتزم تمامًا على جميع الأصعدة، وهذا لم يتغير عن الموسم الماضي عندما كنا نحقق نتائج مختلفة تمامًا في المباريات المهمة”.
وأوضح سلوت: “لقد كنا متأخرين بنتيجة 2-0 أمام بالاس، وإذا كنا صادقين تمامًا، لم نشعر حقًا بأننا سنعود إلى المباراة ولكن على الرغم من ذلك، كان المشجعون لا يزالون يضغطون علينا، ويحاولون مساعدتنا على إحداث الفارق”.
واسترسل: “لم يكن الأمر كذلك لكن ما حدث يخبرني أن الجماهير الليلة ستكون رائعة مرة أخرى خاصة إذا تمكنا كفريق من إظهار أفضل ما لدينا”.
وأتم: “أود أن أرحب بـ أوناي إيمري ولاعبيه وموظفيه وجماهير ومسؤولي أستون فيلا في أنفيلد لمباراة الليلة”.
Everton have made contact over the signing of a “world-class” defender with many trophy wins to his name, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Everton eyeing Richarlison reunion
The Blues are expected to make plenty of changes to their squad in the summer transfer window, both in terms of incoming signings and current players moving on.
Richarlison is arguably among Everton’s best attacking players in the Premier League era, scoring 53 goals in 152 appearances, and the Merseysiders are reportedly interested in bringing him back to the club.
The Brazilian has struggled to consistently shine in a Tottenham shirt, with injuries certainly not helping in that respect, and Blues supporters will hope that he feels he has unfinished business with his former club.
Appearances
152
Goals
53
Assists
15
In terms of other potential signings, ex-Manchester United midfielder Fred is seen as a good option to add to Everton’s midfield, with the Brazilian now playing for Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Grasshopper Zurich attacker Adama Bojang has also been mentioned as a target.
Better than Thierno Barry: Everton considering bid for lethal £42m striker
Everton are looking to sign a striker or two this summer
ByRoss Kilvington Jun 17, 2025 Everton make contact over signing Kyle Walker – Romano
Writing on X on Monday, Romano claimed that Everton have made contact with Manchester City legend Kyle Walker over a potential move to Merseyside this summer.
Walker will be allowed to leave City before next season gets underway, acting as an immediate boost for the Blues, and he could jump at the chance of remaining in the Premier League during the autumn of his career, with David Moyes also approving a transfer for the right-back.
At 35 years of age, there is no doubt that the England international’s best days are now likely to be behind him, but he still possesses electric pace and is a born winner, having clinched league title glory six times in his career, also winning one Champions League crown.
Walker has been among Europe’s best right-backs over the past decade, with his speed arguably making him the best possible opponent for Kylian Mbappe, who called Walker a “tank”. Pep Guardiola has also heaped praise on him in the past.
“I would say first of all [as] a footballer, [he] has a genetic [quality that] is incomparable, physicalities, something unique. After is the personality. When he talks to his mates, the people listen and now I think he is making a step as a more mature player, on and off the pitch.”
Granted, Walker is likely to demand high wages, which Everton may struggle with compared to other clubs, but if he agrees to join them, it would feel like a major coup.
The Blues could get a couple of good years out of him, with the Englishman putting his experience to good use, acting as an upgrade on Moyes’ recent right-back options, too.
As Sri Lanka gear up for their 11th Asia Cup final, we look at the five times they won the tournament
Andrew Fidel Fernando16-Sep-2023For a side that only seriously became a cricketing force in the mid ’90s, Sri Lanka have overachieved in Asia Cups, now having made it to the 11th final (ODI versions), in 14 attempts, while finishing runners-up in the inaugural edition which was decided on in a round-robin format.They have also won the title five times. ESPNcricinfo looks through Sri Lanka’s winning ODI Asia Cup campaigns.Showdown with a great Pakistan side – 1986South Asian teams refusing to visit their neighbours for cricket tournaments is not a modern phenomenon. Well, not that modern, anyway. This was the second Asia Cup ever played, and India did not send a team to Sri Lanka, largely owing to security concerns, with the Sri Lankan Civil War building up to an especially violent phase. Bangladesh were invited instead, in order to avoid reducing this to a Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral.Related
Clinical meets chaos as India and Sri Lanka prepare to put on a show
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In the round robin it seemed as if a Pakistan team full of greats – Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Abdul Qadir, Wasim Akram etc. – would ease to the title, having crushed both oppositions. But in the final, seamer Kaushik Amalean, who ended up playing only 10 matches for Sri Lanka, took 4 for 46 as Sri Lanka restricted Pakistan to 191 for 9 off 45 overs.They were only 22 and 20 then, but Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva then put on one of their earliest great partnerships to put Sri Lanka ahead in the chase. They each made fifties, and put on 97 in each other’s company. Qadir took three wickets, but with Duleep Mendis and Roy Dias coming in lower down the order, Sri Lanka cruised to the target with five wickets and 16 balls to spare.A World Cup honeymoon hiding – 19971997 was not a good year for India’s bowlers in matches against Sri Lanka. Particularly not at Khettarama (IYKYK). Sri Lanka properly stormed through this tournament. They eased past Pakistan first up, Marvan Atapattu hitting 80 to begin what would be an excellent tournament for him, in his coming-of-age year in international cricket, before opening partner Sanath Jayasuriya took 4 for 49.ESPNcricinfo LtdThe two would take turns producing match-turning performances, and Sri Lanka breezed into the final, never having been seriously tested, and had one more thumping left in them for the big game. Batting first, India made 239 for 7 at Khettarama. Jayasuriya cracked 63 off 52 as Sri Lanka plundered 43 runs off Venkatesh Prasad’s four overs (he bowled only four). Atapattu made 84 not out, and Arjuna Ranatunga did Arjuna Ranatunga things by which I mean taking the chase gently by the hand and guiding it home, with 62 not out off 66. Sri Lanka won with eight wickets and 79 balls to spare.Strangling India’s fearsome batting order – 2004This was in Sri Lanka’s in-between era. Their spectacular late ’90s team had waned, but Muthiah Muralidaran and Chaminda Vaas had become serious forces, Jayasuriya remained a match-winner, and younger batters were forging new narratives. This was another largely Colombo-based Asia Cup, and home advantage played a significant role too.Having won one match each against the other finalist in the earlier stage of the tournament, Sri Lanka and India came to the final in Colombo pretty evenly matched.India had their all-star batting order, featuring Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and a young Yuvraj Singh. India also had an early version of Zaheer Khan, but it was obvious that Sri Lanka had the better attack: Murali and Vaas complemented by the likes of Nuwan Zoysa and Farveez Maharoof, with the all-round talents of Jayasuriya, Upul Chandana, and Tillakaratne Dilshan also thrown in.Sri Lanka made only 228 for 9, but in their defence put a vaunted opposition in a straitjacket. Vaas and Zoysa set the tone, conceding only 42 from their 15 combined overs, while claiming one early wicket apiece. Then the spinners applied the choke, and Sri Lanka bowled 195 dot balls. India were not bowled out, but lost by 25.Sanath Jayasuriya drives on his way to 125 in the 2008 final•AFPThe Mendis and Sanath Show – 2008India had beaten Sri Lanka in the Super Fours stage. But this was the Mahela Jayawardene captaincy era, and he was a big believer in hiding his mystery spinners. Ajantha Mendis was rested for that Super Fours game. But in the final, in Karachi (where nine of the 12 matches were played), Sri Lanka set India 274 thanks to a vintage Jayasuriya 125 off 114.And then Mendis was set loose.He had Sehwag stumped with his second ball, then bowled Yuvraj two balls later. A straighter one clattered into Suresh Raina’s stumps, a carrom ball trapped Rohit Sharma in front, Irfan Pathan edged the two-finger googly to slip, and then Mendis bowled RP Singh next ball. He took 6 for 13. India were all out for 173.At (almost) the end of another golden run – 2014While Sri Lanka’s late ’90s ODI outfit is rightly mythologised, there is strong evidence that Sri Lanka’s golden white-ball years were actually between 2007 and 2014. This was a confluence of greats. Lasith Malinga was at his peak, which is perhaps the most important component of their greatness. In Nuwan Kulasekara, he had an able accomplice. Malinga was outstanding at the death. Kulasekara would bowl big inswingers with the new ball. Together they would make breakthroughs at either end of the innings.There was also Kumar Sangakkara coming into his greatest years, Jayawardene playing vital innings, and Dilshan was outshining both of them, at times.In this seven-year stretch, Sri Lanka made five World Cup finals (two in ODIs and three in T20s).If the 1997 Asia Cup underscored how special team was, the 2014 Asia Cup presaged their next global triumph. They strode unbeaten through this tournament, not crushing oppositions exactly, but doing enough to overcome them in each match.In the final, against Pakistan, Malinga took 5 for 56 and they restricted Pakistan to 260 for five. Lahiru Thirimanne hit 101 off 108, and Sri Lanka won by five wickets.
Known for her change-ups with the old ball, she has shown a previously hidden facet of her skillset at the Commonwealth Games
S Sudarshanan03-Aug-2022Hayley Jensen has played 42 T20Is. Only four members of New Zealand’s squad at the Commonwealth Games have played more matches than her. But what exactly is her role in New Zealand’s T20I set-up?She’s handy with the bat, but she’s hardly the first name you’d think of when you think of New Zealand’s best batters. She’s a wily medium-pacer who often gets the better of batters on sluggish surfaces with her change-ups, but her name is probably not the first that pops into your head if you close your eyes and think of New Zealand’s seamers.Over the last couple of years, Jensen has been a plug-the-hole kind of player. Suzie Bates is unavailable, who do New Zealand open the batting with? Jensen. A couple of quick wickets have fallen; who could they possibly send in to lengthen their batting? Jensen, of course. Quick lower-order runs needed? Call Jensen, maybe?During the Commonwealth Games, she’s begun fulfilling another new role, of opening the bowling. Against South Africa, she was New Zealand’s most economical bowler, her four overs costing just 22 runs and bringing the wicket of Anneke Bosch. In the 45-run win over Sri Lanka, Jensen did even better, returning figures of 3 for 5 – her best in T20Is.If Sri Lanka were to make a match of their 148-run chase, Chamari Athapaththu had to be the protagonist. In her opening exchanges with Jensen, though, Athapaththu – to quote Jos Buttler – “came third in a two-horse race”. It could have been curtains for her off the very first ball when she failed to pick an inswinger and was rapped on the pads. New Zealand didn’t review the lbw call. After flicking the next inswinger to midwicket, she had a wild dash at a full and wide ball.Off the fourth ball she faced, Athapaththu walked at Jensen, only for the inswinger to dip under her bat and clatter into leg stump. The stuff of dreams for a swing bowler. Hasini Perera was next in line to succumb to her inswing, failing to put bat to five of the first six balls she faced from Jensen, flicking and missing repeatedly.Jensen was Player of the Match when New Zealand fought back from 91 all out to beat Bangladesh at the T20 World Cup in 2020•ICCJensen had never opened the bowling for New Zealand before the Commonwealth Games, and head coach Ben Sawyer was behind the move to give her this opportunity.”Ben’s come in and just wanted me to swing the ball up top,” Jensen said. “That’s what I have tried to work on. Usually I probably bowl variations and things like that. He’s just tried to keep it simple for me to swing the ball up top and then yorkers at the back end.”I do it for Otago back in domestic [cricket]. I haven’t done it for White Ferns as much but tried to get it back in my game. Ben’s really helped me with that. He was the bowling coach of Australia and so he’s really been helping me with my bowling.”Jensen returned for her second spell after the powerplay to end Perera’s misery before having Anushka Sanjeewani playing on with a full one in the 15th over.”We saw in the warmups that she was moving it a bit and, in training also, she’s been really swinging the ball a lot here in English conditions, and you want to make the most of it,” Sophie Devine, the New Zealand captain, said. “Today she was outstanding again. She’s probably a bit underrated and I think the teams are certainly going to start watching what she can do with the ball.”In the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020, when New Zealand were dismissed for 91 by Bangladesh, Jensen led the way with the ball with 3 for 11 to eke out a 17-run win. A week before that, she had dragged Sri Lanka back after a strong start and helped keep them to a gettable total.From being the saviour with the older ball to setting the tone with the new, swinging ball, Jensen has shown she can do it all. And now that she’s gained success in this new, high-profile gig, her name might be the first one that comes to your mind if you were to close your eyes and think of a New Zealand player.
England will not fare well on their future tours of India, Sri Lanka and Australia if they continue picking a keeper for his batting skills
Ian Chappell16-Aug-2020No one has said selecting an international cricket team is easy but following a few simple rules does lessen the burden.As a selector, former Australian captain Herbie Collins strove “for the right combination above all things”. The best illustration of this common-sense adage is the choice of wicketkeeper in a best ever Australian side.When you have a batsman named Donald Bradman at three and a few other exceptional willow wielders accompanying him, runs aren’t your main concern. However, with such feisty competitors in your bowling ranks as Bill “Tiger” O’Reilly, Dennis Lillee and Shane Warne, you had better choose the best fielding combination.I wouldn’t like to be the selector assigned the task of telling that trio the guy chosen as wicketkeeper was there primarily for his batting, after he missed a couple of chances. Anyway it’s not like the candidates for best ever Australian wicketkeeper are mugs with the bat; Rod Marsh and Ian Healy made three and four Test centuries respectively, and Don Tallon’s top score was 92.Former South Australian captain Les Favell stridently insisted: “When the gloveman starts hurting the team, it’s time for a change.” On that basis England’s chief selector, Ed Smith, has a tough decision looming. There’s no doubt that Jos Buttler’s shoddy glovework not only hindered England’s victory chances in the first Test against Pakistan but also put offspinner Dom Bess’ place in jeopardy.ALSO READ: Stubborn Ed Smith staking reputation on Jos Buttler’s Test careerEventually Buttler helped England claim a meritorious victory with the bat. However, it’s reasonable to mount an argument that England wouldn’t have needed his precious second-innings runs if he had accepted either of the first-innings chances century-maker Shan Masood offered with his score on 45.And then there’s the not insignificant matter of Bess’ career. He was the unfortunate bowler when Buttler flubbed those two chances, and he also missed another one off Bess, and these mishaps undoubtedly affected both the bowler’s figures and his confidence.England have proposed tours to Sri Lanka and India in the near future and this will require a keeper adept at standing up to the stumps. Buttler is far from sure-handed when standing up and that has to be a prime consideration when choosing the keeper for those series. England are slated to tour Australia in 2021-22, and on bouncier pitches, it’s crucial to have a wicketkeeper who covers a lot of territory standing back. That is not a Buttler specialty either. His footwork is poor and a couple of times in the West Indies series he failed to even attempt catches on the off side that you would expect an international keeper to swallow.On their 1991-92 tour of Australia, India chose to go with Kiran More, a good keeper under home conditions. It turned out to be an ill-conceived selection as he covered very little territory standing back – where a keeper in Australia spends the bulk of his time. With his current footwork, if England bring Buttler to Australia as their premier keeper, that’s also likely to be an error of judgement.ALSO READ: Mark Nicholas: Broad, Stokes and Root continue to learn, grow and excelA good wicketkeeper sets the standard for a fielding side and it’s no coincidence England’s catching is currently fallible.On the plus side, Smith has one ingredient that every selector hopes – or, in some cases, even prays for – an allrounder who bats in the top six. Ben Stokes is currently the best allrounder in the game. In addition to his ability to bat as high as five and his bowling versatility, he is also the best all-round slip fielder. With Stokes and a strong pace attack, England have the building blocks for a really good team.Throw in Joe Root’s class along with the batting potential of youngsters Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley and England don’t need many more pieces to complete the jigsaw puzzle.What they do require to ensure their best combination in the field is a wicketkeeper chosen primarily for his excellent glove work.