Can the new year bring us a glimpse of the old master?

Alagappan Muthu01-Jan-20250:44

Finch: Feels like Kohli is trying to pick a fight

It feels like there are two Virat Kohlis taking part in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy and that’s his own fault.Six years ago, when he came on this very tour, he scored a century that would rank among the very best that any batter has made away from home. Perth 2018 was a hero’s innings, the kind of innings that weds cricketers to their fans, and makes them believe anything is possible while they’re at the crease.Related

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Even at the start of 2024, Kohli was showing signs of outrageous competence. He made 46 on a pitch where South Africa were bowled out for 55. It’s funny. A lot of his batting is mechanical. Straight lines. Robotic movements. But he gets the artist treatment. And that’s entirely justified because his art is in defying expectation. The tougher the challenge, the better he played. Every team, across history, has wanted somebody like that.Except right now he’s not doing so great. It’s almost as if all of Kohli’s previous successes have come at a price and he’s paying it by getting out to balls outside the off stump over and over again. All six of his dismissals in Australia have followed this pattern.3:37

Time to take tough calls on Rohit and Kohli?

“It’s time that he not only got runs but get out in a different fashion to show that he’s overcome that problem,” Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo. “I’ve never seen somebody with the kind of performance and impact that Virat Kohli’s had on Test cricket have this kind of weakness. I don’t think any other top-class batter has had this. There may have been a patch where somebody has got out repeatedly in a fashion but this has gone on for far too long.”Kohli has walked in with his team in trouble in virtually every innings of this tour barring the one where he made a century. It’s been the inverse of his career, right down to where he was being roundly booed by a record crowd at the MCG. Sam Konstas, even if he doesn’t do anything further of significance in his life, which seems highly unlikely, could still point to Boxing day in Melbourne where he turned the most popular cricketer in the world into a villain.Just before the shoulder barge, Konstas and Mohammed Siraj were getting stuck in. The bowler didn’t like the batter charging him. He probably said as much. Soon after the first words were exchanged, Konstas used the crease differently, stepping away instead of stepping down, and carved Siraj for a four through point. The over ended with a predictable bouncer that Konstas didn’t seem entirely in control of. Kohli thought he had a moment to seize as he walked down from slip. Here was a rookie taking high-risk options every time he was put under pressure. So let’s put some more pressure on him.Kohli got that one wrong, and as badly as it came off, a 36-year-old superstar trying to intimidate a 19-year-old starlet, the real-world effect was worse. It made Konstas double down on his aggression.Another innings, another walk back following a dismissal outside off stump•AFP/Getty Images”I think Virat’s always someone who’s thrived on pressure,” Aaron Finch said on ESPNcricinfo, “And he’s thrived when his back’s against the wall and it just feels at this stage he’s trying to put his own back against the wall. He’s trying to be antagonistic. He’s trying to almost trying to pick a fight because that’s when he plays at his best, when he feels that someone’s coming at him. That’s when he puts all his skill on show. Just feels like he’s almost pushing other people to make him feel like that.”Kohli has defined so many Test series with his batting and his attitude. This one is being defined by his misjudgments. Sydney offers a chance for him to set it all right. He almost did in Melbourne when even Steven Smith thought Australia were about to be at the receiving end of a masterclass. That innings also went by the wayside because of a misjudgment – the run-out of Yashasvi Jaiswal rattling him so much that he immediately committed the mistake he was taking pains not to, reaching for a ball outside off.Maybe the new year will help bring back the old Kohli. He’s still the old Kohli on the field, engaging with the crowd, both when they boo him and when they cheer him. He revved them up on day four at the MCG when India fought back. He offered non-stop suggestions to Rohit Sharma. He was involved with every ball of the play. That guy walking out with the MRF bat is what India wants at the SCG where they need a win to retain the trophy. He would want it too. Maybe even need it. Not many players get to be part of a team when they’re getting out the same way while they’ve been in patchy form for five years.

A £75,000-a-week Manchester United player has reportedly agreed personal terms ahead of a move to a Champions League side.

Man Utd exit rumours

It promises to be another eventful summer at Old Trafford, this time with Sir Jim Ratcliffe as co-owner, who has now decided that Erik ten Hag will remain as Red Devils manager.

A number of player exits have already been confirmed ahead of the 2024/25 season, though, with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial departing when their contracts officially expire at the end of the month.

They may not be the only senior departures, though, with speculation surrounding the futures of Jadon Sancho, Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Sancho spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund but could be moved on once again.

The Brazilian midfielder, who missed the FA Cup final win over Manchester City, has already said his United goodbyes ahead of a likely exit, whereas Inter Milan are thought to be interested in signing Wan-Bissaka, who could sold for just £20m.

Another player who could move on for good is Mason Greenwood, who spent last season out on loan with Getafe. The forward has been linked with a move to Juventus, who have qualified for next season’s Champions League, and a new development has now emerged.

Mason Greenwood transfer update

Fabrizio Romano has recently stated that Greenwood’s Old Trafford career is “over”, with United exploring all options of a permanent exit for the player.

“We keep repeating since February, March that the Mason Greenwood story is over at Manchester United. They want to sell Mason Greenwood and my information is that it could be a loan with obligation to buy, so it could be that kind of formula – a potential loan move with buy obligation not option.

“Let’s see what’s going to happen but there are many possibilities around Mason Greenwood, and Man United will take the time to pick the best proposal. There is interest from Juventus but they have to sell at least one offensive player before they can land the player.”

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The transfer expert noted Juventus’ interest, and according to reports in Italy, Greenwood and the Serie A giants have reached an agreement on personal terms.

Ratcliffe and United want a fee of up to €50m (£42m) for Greenwood’s services, with talks between the two clubs underway. The £75,000-a-week forward made 36 appearances for Getafe last season, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists. His time at Old Trafford is all but over barring a dramatic U-turn, so it’ll be interesting to so if United can bring in a fee around their asking price of up to €50m.

Wrexham have set about trying to tackle a growing STok Racecourse problem – one that has escalated since Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney became owners.

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• Wrexham grown in popularity
• Reynolds & McElhenney worked wonders
• Growing issue at Racecourse needs sorting

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to The Leader, new Wrexham CEO Michael Williamson met with local councillors to address traffic and parking issues in the town on match days. The report adds residents have complained about inconsiderate parking in recent seasons and now a working group has been set up to try and find a solution.

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  WHAT WREXHAM COUNCILLORS SAID

  Wrexham councillor Marc Jones told The Leader: "Local councillors Marc Jones, Phil Wyn and David Bithell held a productive meeting with the new club chief executive Michael Williamson and we have agreed in principle to set up a working group to improve traffic issues on matchdays. Everyone understands the need to address the subject and councillors, the club, the police and council will be looking at a range of solutions to make life better for both residents and fans."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It's not far off four years since Hollywood actors Reynolds and McElhenney took over at Wrexham and in that time they have done wonders for the club. They have overseen two promotions from the National League, given the Red Dragons a global following off the back of their documentary series 'Welcome to Wrexham' and have used their business acumen to secure lucrative sponsorships, too. But as they pack out the Racecourse – which holds just over 12,000 fans – and as interest in the team has grown, the infrastructure around it needs to keep pace with that surge as well.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Phil Parkinson's men return to League One action on Saturday, October 19, away at Rotherham United, before taking on Huddersfield Town three days later on home turf. It remains to be seen how long it will take before some form of action comes from the aforementioned partnership with the council and the club.

Chelsea have now lodged a formal bid to sign a centre-back who Man United are targeting as an alternative to Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite.

Chelsea eyeing another centre-back after Tosin Adarabioyo

It didn't take long for the west Londoners to seal their first piece of business this summer, having put pen to paper on a deal for defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham.

Boehly now prepared to sell £175,000-per-week Chelsea star after Maatsen

The Blues could orchestrate an overhaul this summer.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 20, 2024

The former Man City starlet enjoyed a successful spell at Fulham, but opted to move just across west London to Stamford Bridge upon the expiry of his contract at Craven Cottage. Tosin's arrival will do wonders to fill the void left by fan favourite Thiago Silva, who has left Chelsea to re-join boyhood club Fluminese.

Despite the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a four-year deal, it is believed that Chelsea could sign another centre-back after Tosin, as new manager Enzo Maresca seeks to reinforce his new backline further.

Appearances

132

Goals

5

Assists

2

Bookings

10

Red cards

1

Minutes played

11,382

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewat and Paul Winstanley are expected to undergo a busy summer of recruitment. In the past week, Chelsea have held talks over signing Jhon Duran from Aston Villa, as well as pushed to seal a deal for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise (Fabrizio Romano).

Amidst all of this activity, as Maresca's side pursue a new forward, there remains a distinct possibility that Chelsea could bring another defender on top of this – with Romano tipping them to potentially bring in multiple central defensive options.

"It will continue to be a busy summer at Chelsea," said the journalist on his Dailybriefing. "It won’t be completely crazy but they will try to make smart things happen, including a new goalkeeper and I expect them to try for at least one new centre-back, but it could be two. I also expect Chelsea to be busy with the striker position."

Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano has been linked with a move to Chelsea as one option, but rather than negotiate with the Bavarians, it is believed they could instead look to pinch a transfer target of Man United's.

Indeed, Ten Hag's side are said to be monitoring Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino as an alternative to Branthwaite – with the Red Devils looking priced out of a move for the Englishman after having a bid rejected, according to widespread reports.

Chelsea make formal bid to sign Aaron Anselmino

According to South American journalist Uriel Lugt, Chelsea have made a "formal" bid to sign Anselmino, and offered the 19-year-old a four-year contract.

The teenager appears very highly-rated in Argentina, despite not making many first team appearances for Boca, and clearly Chelsea's scouting network have been doing their homework on him.

He could have taken being sacked as ODI captain poorly but didn’t, and went on to make major contributions in Galle

Mohammad Isam21-Jun-2025Bangladesh walking off with big smiles on their faces at the end of the Galle Test said a lot about what they made of their draw against Sri Lanka. Coming on the back of exactly two wins in 11 international matches this year, this was worth the happiness.Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scoring twin centuries, both guiding the team from a tough spot to one of comfort, was their biggest gain. Shanto averaged 29.14 in Tests the year leading into this series and said he had made technical adjustments to overturn his lean patch.”I am very happy,” he said. “The preparation was good. I did some technical things in my batting before coming on this tour. I know the conditions and opponents’ threat as well. I had a plan. I still have one match left so I don’t want to reveal too much. I was clear what I wanted to do, so I am really happy. There will always be criticism and discussion but the main thing is how I can contribute to the team.Related

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“Whether my work ethic and intention is right or not, it is pleasing that I tried to contribute to the best of my ability. I look to improve myself every day, rather than focusing on what anyone is saying. It is more important whether I am enjoying my cricket, or whether I am able to contribute to the team. I have no expectations of what people are saying about me.”Was any of that meant for anyone in particular?Shanto was sacked as Bangladesh’s ODI captain mere hours before departing for Sri Lanka. He had led the side in just 13 matches. It seemed like he had expected to continue. Earlier this month, he had spent a press conference talking about the advantages of having a long-term captain for both Tests and ODIs.The BCB must have felt differently because, not long after that, they announced Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the new 50-over captain.Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim deflated Sri Lanka’s bowling in both innings•Associated PressThe board’s cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, reportedly, sacked Shanto after a Zoom meeting with the rest of the BCB directors. It is, however, unclear whether the decision was taken before or after that press conference. Regardless, the BCB should have handled the captaincy handover better.Shanto’s 273 runs is now the highest aggregate for a Bangladesh captain in a Test match. The key ingredients that made it all possible were his confidence in defending the ball and always being on the lookout for singles. Shanto also made sure he was hitting well straight down the ground before launching into his horizontal-bat shots. Even so, he got into a little trouble. He was dropped on 66 and 90 on the reverse and conventional sweep in Bangladesh’s second innings.The overall unstable climate in Bangladesh cricket makes the captain’s job harder. Changing board presidents means a change of the political dynamic. The Bangladesh team’s captaincy and its general affairs are deeply connected with the way the winds blow in the BCB offices and currently, there is little clarity about the direction they want to take the team in. The next board elections are coming up later this year, which means that there is no scope for long-term planning. A lot of decisions made now can change depending on who becomes the next BCB president.The situation has left key positions in the Bangladesh team with not enough job security, as Shanto found out last week. He hasn’t hit back at the BCB for their decision to remove him from the ODI captaincy. He hasn’t made any noise before the Galle Test, nor did he display any anger with his century celebrations. He just proved that he could focus on just the cricket in front of him, despite the storm brewing around him.

How has the IPL 2025 been so far? We analyse the trends at the halfway mark

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Apr-20253:05

IPL 2025 so far: CSK’s Chepauk shocker, Shreyas’ impressive captaincy

Perennial underachievers highlight benefits of mega auction

Only 12 matches into IPL 2025, all ten teams had won at least once: clear proof that the mega-auction has done its job. As the table starts to take shape, the early front-runners all have holes in the squads and even the stragglers have enough match-winners to take the two points on any given night.The IPL’s strict salary cap and regular squad turnover frustrate some franchises, and players would doubtless support an open-market system with no wage limits. But the transparency of the auction ensures that the league retains its competitive balance: owners cannot simply bankroll success as they do in many other sports, and teams cannot hoard their best players.Related

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Those dynamics have allowed perennial underachievers like Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings to make the running this season, while serial champions Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians lag behind. It is that sense of unpredictability which keeps us tuning in every night — and every season.

Local leagues as a path to IPL glory

The IPL trophy has an inscription, which translates to “where talent meets opportunity”. The tournament throws up new talents every season, and it’s no different in 2025. While some of the previous talents have had the benefit of domestic experience, there’s a new crop that is emerging from state or local T20 leagues. Despite little to no domestic experience, players plucked out from these smaller leagues have seamlessly stepped up to the biggest T20 league this season.Priyansh Arya, who has no first-class experience, demolished a Chennai Super Kings attack, which included Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, on his way to the fastest century by an uncapped Indian in the IPL. Just eight months after hitting six sixes in an over in the Delhi Premier League (DPL), Arya has emerged as one of the most impactful batters in the IPL.Priyansh Arya hit seven fours and nine sixes in his 42-ball 103•BCCIMystery spinner Digvesh Rathi, also from the DPL, has carried Lucknow Super Giants’ injury-hit attack, writing his name into the IPL. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Aniket Verma, a product of the Madhya Pradesh T20 league, had just played just one game in senior representative cricket before this IPL, but has hit more sixes than Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head so far this season.The mushrooming of local leagues, in the lead-up to IPL 2025, made scouts cast their selection nets far and wide. These newbies have rewarded them and impressed us with their breathtaking skills, proving that they belong in the IPL.

New spinners on the rise but Kuldeep still stands out

This is the year of the shiny new spinner in the IPL. Digvesh Rathi is signing his way into hearts, Sai Kishore is keeping the flag for orthodox spin flying, Vipraj Nigam and Vignesh Puthur have made it big despite hardly ever playing for their states. The more established wizards are struggling: R Ashwin has been dropped, Ravindra Jadeja is hardly getting a bowl, Ravi Bishnoi is not even the best in his team right now, Yuzvendra Chahal has had one good match. Even among the Afghan wristies, the younger Noor Ahmad has comprehensively outbowled Rashid Khan, who has just four wickets in six matches.Kuldeep Yadav has been impressive as usual•BCCIThe likeliest explanation for this is that familiarity has bred contempt, but atop Mount Bowling sits a usual suspect: Kuldeep Yadav. After six matches, he is only one wicket Noor’s 12, who has played seven matches, but more importantly, Kuldeep’s economy rate of 6.04 is more than one run better than Noor. He has bowled his allotment in each match; in four out of six, he has gone under a run a ball. He has taken at least one wicket in each of his outings. And, as usual, he has been delightful to watch.

One little change, one big difference

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has forgotten you can use it. Mitchell Starc believes it’s a myth that using it will make a difference. Mohit Sharma believes there will be a gradual spike in reverse swing now that it’s been added back to bowler’s toolkit. We are talking about the IPL’s decision to allow use of saliva on the ball this season.The advantage of applying saliva is well-known. It helps create the bias on the ball – one side shiny, the other rough – that enables it to reverse. Venues like Hyderabad, Delhi, possibly Mullanpur have dry pitches and abrasive outfields and are likely to favour reverse swing as the summer goes on.Reverse swing is an amazing art as the ball dips and swerves in late, just about a yard or so from the batter, leaving them dumbfounded if executed well. It is lethal as Starc has already shown. Revoking the ban on saliva is a significant factor this IPL, one that could tip the balance in favour of the bowler and impact the outcome of a match.

The class of 2016-17 returns

KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Siraj all made their international debuts between June 2016 and November 2017. By the 2022-23 season, it looked like they had established themselves as the next generation of all-format players for India. Then, the entire idea of an all-format player was sent in for reevaluation. T20 batting strike-rates had passed the point where anyone who had ever practised a leave could keep up. The Powerplay was too brutal a place for a swing bowler.One by one, they lost their place in India’s T20I squad. Siraj, drained by the 650-plus overs he had bowled for India from January 2023 to December 2024, lost his place in the ODI squad too. None of the three were retained by their IPL franchises.3:36

Bishop: Shreyas the captain has always made teams better

At the midway point of the 2025 season, Iyer and Rahul are both among the top ten run-getters. Rahul is striking at 150-plus, Iyer at 200-plus. Siraj is among the top ten wicket-takers and has an economy-rate of 8.50. He and Rahul are two of four players with two Player-of-the-Match awards this season.All three have done their own reevaluations of their T20 games and have also found their core skills in demand again thanks to the variety of pitches in use this season. Plus, they have, no doubt, been invigorated by the desire to prove a point.

Don’t take me home, please don’t take me home

Several teams are finding little comfort at home this season. Eden Gardens, Chepauk, and Chinnaswamy have all failed to offer the familiar edge, with curators unable to consistently produce surfaces that suit the home side’s strengths.Kolkata Knight Riders, CSK, RCB, and LSG have all struggled to assert dominance at their bases, eroding the traditional “fortress” feel these grounds once had. This shift has led to significant away wins that defy pre-tournament predictions.RCB, for instance, broke long-standing losing streaks by defeating CSK at Chepauk for the first time since 2008 and MI at the Wankhede for the first time in nearly a decade. They also dismantled KKR’s spin-heavy attack led by Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy at Eden Gardens in the season opener.Adding to the unpredictability, teams like DC and Rajasthan Royals and PBKS have had to navigate the complexities of managing two home venues each. Adaptation has become the buzzword in a season that’s testing flexibility more than familiarity.
Ashutosh Sharma and Kevin Pietersen revel in DC’s tight win•Associated Press

Now we know what team mentors do

Ashutosh Sharma was born in Madhya Pradesh in India. Kevin Pietersen was born in Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. Their paths might never have crossed if not for the IPL and in particular, IPL where Pietersen was elevated to the nebulous role of team mentor at Delhi Capitals. What do these guys do anyway?Well, apparently enough that when a player looking to make a name for himself actually does make a name for himself, he points straight to the mentor and pays tribute. Ashutosh pulled off that most adrenaline-y of all adrenaline-fuelled wins – the one-wicket win – early this season and the first thing he did was point to KP.Teams select mentors for various reasons. One of them is inspiration. Picture being in high school again, except this time the cool kids are accessible and they got your back. Isn’t it beautiful?

The Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) hearings will run till July 23, with 58 submissions to be heard

Firdose Moonda05-Jul-2021

The hearings were initially due to be held in May but were postponed after concerns about the process were raised by many•Getty Images

Cricket South Africa’s Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) hearings on racial discrimination in the game began on Monday and will run until July 23, with 58 submissions set to be heard. In his opening address, SJN ombudsman Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza confirmed he had received 11 submissions from what he termed “scene-setters,” including administrators and officials, 23 from players past and present, and 24 from cricket unions and other interested parties. Ntsebeza will submit a report to CSA before September 30 with recommendations to prevent future instances of prejudice.Related

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The hearings were initially due to be held in May but were postponed after concerns about the process were raised by, among others, David Becker, who acts as counsel for CSA’s director of cricket Graeme Smith and anti-corruption chief Louis Cole, and because Ntzebeza was otherwise engaged at the African Human Rights Court in Tanzania. The SJN Project was initiated by CSA’s former board, who resigned in October last year, but has been picked up by the new board which was appointed last month, and hope to use the SJN as a springboard for introspection and change.”CSA fully supports the SJN initiative. We regard it as one of the most important and significant projects to be undertaken in the 30 years of our existence as a unified cricket body,” Lawson Naidoo, CSA board chair, said in his address at the opening of the hearings on Tuesday morning. “The start of these hearing provides a key reset moment for CSA and cricket in general, an opportunity to address the past failures.”Ntsebeza acknowledged that his task is to guide the process of “truth and truth-telling, healing and reconciliation in cricket,” and quoted James Baldwin in explaining the pressing need for South Africa, a country governed by legalised racial segregation until 1994, to address the social issues of the past. “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it’s faced,” Ntsebeza said. “This is a quote from James Baldwin, which speaks to the purpose the SJN Project.”The hearings will include testimonies from those who have suffered racial discrimination, either by written statement on affidavit or oral statement under oath and any implicated person or party will be given notice and afforded an opportunity to respond. The terms of reference of the SJN allow for Ntsebeza to ask for cross-examination at his own discretion and do not require him to resolve any disputes of fact. “The SJN proceedings are not a criminal enquiry and as a result, I will use the civil standard of proof in making my findings. I will make findings based on a balance of probabilities, provided that where a factual dispute cannot be resolved without cross-examination, I may either allow cross-examination, limited cross-examination, or record the factual dispute without resolving it,” Ntzebeza said.CSA will not be involved at any stage of the proceedings, apart from providing administrative and technical assistance.”Our role as the board is to be good listeners, with an open mind and without preconceived ideas. We have much to learn from this, which will inform our future strategy and interventions,” Naidoo said. “It is not the intention of the board of CSA to comment publicly during the ongoing process of these hearings, on the evidence that will emerge. Instead, we will allow the process to take its course without our comment and then consider the ombudsman’s report when it is provided to the board at the end of September. This approach will protect the independence, autonomy and integrity of this project.”No former players are scheduled to appear this week but cricket historian and former Western Province CEO Andre Odendaal, former sports minister Ngconde Balfour and researcher Dr Mary Ann Dove, who completed doctoral work into socio-ecological factors in talent development, are all on the list to testify. All hearings will be available to the public, via a YouTube channel.

The 49ers and Rangers are now reportedly considering an approach to hire a 42-year-old replacement for Patrick Stewart, who they recently sacked.

Rangers sack Thelwell and Stewart

Despite a recent turnaround on the pitch courtesy of Danny Rohl’s arrival, the 49ers have remained in ruthless mood and recently sacked chief executive Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell. It follows a disastrous summer of decisions, which instantly failed to get fans at Ibrox onside.

Explaining the decision, Andrew Cavenagh said: “Paraag and I have analysed the club’s needs, and as we reflect on what the club needs today, and where Kevin and Patrick are, we think we need something different.

“Our focus the first part of this season, the first part of our ownership period, has been on the sporting side and that’s where all of our attention went to for obvious reasons.

“With Danny coming in, he has started to improve the on-pitch performance, and that has created the space to allow Paraag and I to look at other parts of the club with new eyes and assess what we need going forward.

“I think responsible change has to be measured. I don’t think you can come in and tear something completely apart all at once. You’re likely to get something wrong.”

It’s certainly a big decision from the 49ers, but one that will please Rangers fans who particularly aired their frustrations at Thelwell in recent months.

Just who they turn to now is the big question. Potential candidates are already being mentioned, and that includes James Taylor who reportedly has internal support at the club amid a potential promotion.

Rangers considering James Taylor approach

According to the Scottish Sun, Rangers are now considering an approach to hire Taylor in the CEO role. The 42-year-old has already impressed as their Chief Financial Officer and played a huge part in recording a record revenue of £94m for the year. Now, he could get the chance to step up to the CEO role.

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Whilst he’s not the only name on the list, Ibrox chiefs are reportedly fans of Taylor and that will undoubtedly help him along the way in the interview process.

It almost goes without saying that it would be a big step up for the current Rangers chief, but he has more than proven his worth at the club in the last year.

Whether the Gers decide to make a decision as soon as possible or remain patient for the right candidate is the question. In a season of so much change, they desperately need to get things in order ahead of the January transfer window both on and off the pitch.

Rohl must bin Chermiti for Rangers star who was the SPFL's "best player"

Five more new signings for tournament after injury, international and Covid restrictions

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Jul-2021Hayley Matthews, the West Indies allrounder and T20 World Cup winner, has signed for Welsh Fire, while Colin de Grandhomme will continue his stint at the Ageas Bowl after replacing Andre Russell on Southern Brave’s list of overseas players.Matthews, who was Player of the Match when West Indies won the 2016 World T20 in Kolkata, was unveiled by Welsh Fire after it was confirmed that Suné Luus has returned a positive Covid-19 test and is not able to travel.Meanwhile de Grandhomme, who made a career-best 174 not out for Hampshire on his LV= Insurance County Championship debut, and was part of the New Zealand squad that claimed the World Test Championship mace against India last month, takes over from Russell who has been ruled out due to international commitments and Guyana’s status on the UK red list.
Marchant de Lange will start the competition for Trent Rockets after Wahab Riaz’s arrival was delayed by visa issues, while the New Zealander Glenn Phillips will now play the entirety of the tournament for Welsh Fire in place of Kieron Pollard, who has pulled out due to injury.Adelaide Strikers batter Katie Mack has been signed by Birmingham Phoenix as a replacement for Ellyse Perry who has withdrawn from the competition due to personal reasons. Amy Jones will now captain the side.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

It has also been confirmed that Ollie Pope will miss the start of the Hundred as he recovers from a quad injury, while Alice Monaghan replaces Hannah Jones at London Spirit.”When I got the call to join Southern Brave it was an easy decision,” de Grandhomme said. “I’ve settled in really well at Hampshire and I’m hoping to create some more fantastic memories at the Ageas Bowl. I’m really looking forward to linking up with Devon Conway again and all of the guys can’t wait to get going.”Hayley Matthews added: “I’m thrilled to be taking part in The Hundred this summer. It’ll be a lot of fun to play in Cardiff alongside the like of Sarah Taylor in front of big crowds. The Hundred can help move women’s cricket forward and it’ll be great to take part.”Beth Barrett-Wild, Head of The Hundred Women’s Competition said: “I’m gutted for Suné Luus, I know how excited she was about playing for Welsh Fire in The Hundred this summer, but we all wish her a very speedy recovery. In Hayley Matthews we have a big stage player, in brilliant form, coming in, and I’m sure she will be looking forward to the opportunity to show off her skills.”

وجه مصطفى عبده، نجم الأهلي الأسبق، رسالة إلى الزمالك، بعد التعادل في مباراة أمس أمام الأهلي ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري.

الزمالك تعادل إيجابيًا مع الأهلي بهدف لمثله، على استاد القاهرة الدولي، في خضم مواجهات الجولة الخامسة عشر لبطولة الدوري.

وقال مصطفى عبده في تصريحات عبر قناة “إبراهيم فايق”: “رسالة لـ الزمالك، قدمتم مباراة جيدة جدًا وتعادل بطعم الفوز، أدى مباراة جيدة مقارنة بالظروف التي يمر بها، والتعادل بالنسبة له مكسب”.

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وتابع: “لكن نأتي لجمهور الأهلي، والبعض الذي يريد أن يرحل كولر، أنا لو من الخطيب لن أتركه، كولر عنده دوري ودوري أبطال وكأس عالم، وكثيرًا ما أحرز بطولات”.

وأضاف: “كولر فرغ الفريق من نجوم كثيرين وهذا ما أحدث فارقًا معه، كان معه دكة بدلاء قوية، مثل أليو ديانج، وأنا لو مكان الإدارة لم أكن سأفرط فيه، وهذا خطأ إداري، ورحل محمد عبد المنعم، حتى وإن كان اللاعب يريد أن يرحل، كان لا يجب أن يرحل، الأهلي ليس مركز شباب، الفريق كان يحتاجه وما كان يجب أن يرحل”.

وأتم: “ورحل أحمد عبد القادر وحمدي فتحي وقندوسي، كولر فرغ الفريق من النجوم، هو مدرب عنيد ولا أعرف لماذا يُعاند ومع من؟! لدرجة أن الخطيب جلس معه قبل مباراة الإسماعيلي ليتحدث معه في هذا الأمر”.