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Pat Cummins has the chance to go where no Australian captain has gone in 22 years by sealing the series this week

Andrew McGlashan05-Jul-2023Just in case you hadn’t noticed, there’s been a bit going on in the past few days. But amid all the noise, Australia arrive at Headingley knowing they can secure the Ashes over the next five days.While they have three chances to get the win that would give them a first series win in England since 2001 (the last time they also led 2-0 in an away Ashes), there would be an added satisfaction in doing so at this ground after what happened in 2019.On that occasion, Pat Cummins bowled the ball that Ben Stokes carved to the cover boundary. “I’ve seen it about 1000 times in the last four years,” Cummins said with a smile. “I am sure that memory will be brought up quite a bit, just like 2005 was brought up at Edgbaston. But we have well and truly moved past that.”Related

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It would be legacy-defining for this Australian Test team following their World Test Championship title a few weeks ago and cement them among the finest sides the country has produced.Australia’s UK mission is at the midway mark and, barring the injury to Nathan Lyon, it could barely have gone better. There is still a chance that will change and the margins so far in the Ashes have been tight – two wickets and 43 runs – but Australia have found a way, in contrast to some near-misses in this country since their last series win, while on the flip side England have missed their opportunities.It’s worth remembering that when Lyon went down at Lord’s, Australia only had one of the 20 wickets they would need for victory. England may have given them a helping hand, especially in the first innings, but it was still another impressive show of resilience and adaptability to overcome the loss of such a pivotal player. His absence may yet have a telling impact, but Todd Murphy should not be underestimated.Much was made about the lack of warm-up matches, with their preparation limited to a handful of training sessions, but it appears to have worked out ideally. They held back Josh Hazlewood from the World Test Championship final and have been able to get the first two Ashes Tests out of him, although three may be a bit much for him.In hindsight, they could have played Mitchell Starc on a docile Edgbaston surface, but he had a significant impact at Lord’s. Scott Boland was superb against India at The Oval and though taken to by England, remains a very fine bowler. The home side, by contrast, are only now able to get their fastest bowler, Mark Wood, onto the park.On the batting front, they won in Birmingham without contributions from Marnus Labuschagne or Steven Smith, but the latter bounced back at Lord’s. David Warner came into the tour under a huge cloud but while the major score has proved elusive, he has provided valuable contributions, especially last week. Usman Khawaja, currently the leading run-scorer in the series, is a player at the top of his game.Alex Carey’s series has been given an added dimension after his stumping of Jonny Bairstow, but he has been outstanding with the gloves and played a crucial innings at Edgbaston.1:27

‘Seen it 1000 times’ – Cummins on Stokes and Headingley 2019

“I felt our lead-in was excellent for that World Test Championship and hopefully we can reap the rewards now,” Cummins said. “Everyone seems to be in a really good position where we’ve played enough but feel like we are really hitting our straps.”Cummins, himself, has been at the forefront of things; firstly his tactics at Edgbaston came under scrutiny, then he played a match-winning innings and now he has found himself having to defend his decision not to withdraw the appeal against Bairstow. And he’s copped a black eye for good measure.His outward calm, which has been a trait of Cummins throughout his captaincy, has been impressive. As you would expect, he is strongly standing up for his team, but not in an overly combative way that some previous Australian captains may have done.”The way our team has conducted themselves over the past couple of years has been flawless,” he said. “We have been fantastic and I think that showed again at Lord’s. The team did nothing wrong, so we’re all comfortable.”We’ve had an amazing tour so far, there’s so much that this group should be really proud of,” he added. “I think when we look forward to this game, that will be the message I’ll be giving. That’s where our thoughts will be placed as opposed to this outside noise that has nothing to do with cricket.”That noise is unlikely to die down and a still angry England are certainly more than capable of pulling a game back, but so far Australia have managed to stay one step ahead. Do it again for the next five days and Cummins will have gone where no Australian men’s captain has been in 22 years.

The PCB’s anger and frustration stems from the fear of the precedent this cancellation now sets for the future

Osman Samiuddin17-Sep-2021The PCB has been left in a state of “shock and disbelief” by New Zealand’s abrupt abandonment of their tour to Pakistan. New Zealand Cricket called off the tour – their first to Pakistan in 18 years – minutes before the first ODI was scheduled to start in Rawalpindi, acting on a security alert from their government. That decision has led to mounting frustration and anger within the Pakistan board, as well as fears of how it may impact their calendar this season and beyond.The derailment of this white-ball tour began on Friday with a 3am (Pakistan time) call from the NZC to the PCB about the security alert, which, 12 hours later, led to the cancellation of the cricket without a ball being bowled. ESPNcricinfo has been told that western security agencies became aware of a specific threat they deemed credible at some point in the last 36 hours which was shared with a number of governments, including New Zealand’s.Related

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• Security alert: New Zealand call off Pakistan tour minutes before first ODI

Eventually that information forced a decision to call off the tour, despite a phone call between the Prime Ministers of the countries, Imran Khan and Jacinda Ardern, in which the former (in Tajikistan on an official visit) tried to salvage the situation. Soon after the first ODI’s abandonment, a Rawalpindi police advisory citing a threat to the tour issued earlier this week emerged. It is not clear if this is the advisory NZC acted upon; the PCB say New Zealand had been made aware of two events in the city (a local bodies election and a religious procession referred to in the police advisory) and the schedule had been worked around them. Discussions between the PCB and NZC did not consider a venue switch to a neutral country, primarily because it was so late in the day. In any case, the UAE, Pakistan’s home in exile for nearly a decade, is ruled out because it is hosting the IPL.The PCB, and Pakistani authorities, are nevertheless frustrated that, despite repeated attempts, no information has been shared with them regarding the threat, as well as the fact that multiple reassurances as to the visitors’ safety, and the state-level security provided to them, fell on deaf ears. They also claim that NZC security advisors on the ground, the ones on whose advice NZC said they leaned on to make this decision – remained confident in the security arrangements Pakistan had put in place for the tour. One Pakistan official also asked why, if a threat had become apparent within the last 36 hours, the New Zealand side still turned up to training the day before the game.Securitypersons stand guard outside the stadium•Anadolu Agency via Getty Image”We’re still in shock and disbelief at what has happened,” one board official said. “It’s mind-boggling that we’ve been told nothing by NZC, that no information was shared with us about any threat. Until earlier today we felt that the mood among New Zealand’s players was good and they were willing to play. We were confident in any case that we had the security protocols in place to ensure this tour would go ahead without incident.”There is plenty of anger too, as was evident first in the statement which pointedly termed New Zealand’s decision to leave as “unilateral”, and then in the new board chairman Ramiz Raja’s tweet, in which he raised the prospect of the PCB taking this to the ICC.Having hosted more and more series in Pakistan over the last couple of years, the PCB’s anger and frustration stems from the fear of the precedent this cancellation now sets for the future.The board will no doubt reach out to reassure the ECB, whose men’s and women’s teams are due to tour in October; NZC and the ECB employ the same security consultants – ESI Risk – on whose behalf Reg Dickason inspected security arrangements ahead of the New Zealand tour. The ECB has already said it will make a decision within the next 24-48 hours on the fate of the tour – which would’ve been their first since 2005-06.Next year in February-March, Australia are due to tour for the first time in over 20 years, but the status of that, even at this early distance, looks shaky. New Zealand women are scheduled to visit this season and the men’s side are also supposed to visit again in 2022-23, for a series of Tests and ODIs.

Everton’s chances of making a move for an England international have been revealed, with a January transfer potentially taking place.

Everton in need of more attacking firepower

The Blues were beaten 2-0 away to Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with chances coming at a premium at the Eithad, and Erling Haaland’s two goals downing them.

For Everton striker Beto, it is now only one league goal in eight appearances this season, with James Tarkowski trying to show his support for him after the City game, having nearly found the net.

“I’ve just seen it back, to be fair. [Beto’s] movement is brilliant to get away from the defender; he just got a toe but just couldn’t get close enough to it.So he’s working very, very hard, Beto. He always has done and he always will, so he’s trying his best for us and I’m sure the goals will come soon.”

While there is much to be positive about for Everton under David Moyes this season, a lack of firepower is an issue, with only nine goals scored in their eight league matches in 2025/26 to date.For that reason, a new striker could be looked at when the January transfer window rolls around, and a key update has emerged in that respect.

Everton backed to sign England international Ivan Toney

Writing for The i Paper [via Goodison News], journalist Daniel Storey backed Everton to potentially sign Ivan Toney in January, with the 29-year-old currently plying his trade at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

“The answer – what about Ivan Toney in January? West Ham are very keen, but if I were Toney I’d be very enthused about having chances created by Grealish et al and giving me an outside run at a World Cup place next summer.”

Toney would be an intriguing choice for Everton, even if it was only a loan signing, with the former Brentford man surely eyeing a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

His chances of being selected in the squad will only be enhanced if he returns to the Premier League, given the down down in quality in the Saudi Pro League, and it is easy to see him flourishing under Moyes, having been lauded by City manager Pep Guardiola in the past.

“He is so dangerous. He’s a master at using his body for the second ball… Good finishing. You can link with him; he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen (at that hold-up play).”

Pat Nevin slams Everton star who will "infuriate" Toffees fans in Man City defeat

He struggled again…

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 18, 2025

Toney could hold the ball up similarly to Beto, but also be a far more reliable source of goals, having scored 36 times in 85 Premier League outings, and Everton should take a punt on him in January, should he show signs of wanting a move.

As we approached 2025, the fear was that Liverpool would lose their talisman, an all-time great in the form of Mohamed Salah, on a free transfer.

Well, the Egyptian signed a new deal and closed out an enthralling individual season for the Reds. He led Arne Slot’s team to title glory, taking home the Premier League title back in May.

The foundations Slot had built during his maiden campaign in English football were remarkable but it’s all petered out in frantic fashion throughout the ongoing term.

A year on from uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future, a different sense of uncertainty lingers heading into 2026.

This time around it feels unlikely that he’ll be staying around at Anfield for much longer. It’s a sad end for one of the Premier League’s modern-day greats.

Why Mohamed Salah could leave Liverpool

The winger had an enthralling 2024/25 season, ending the year with a whopping 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 outings. However, this term has not been a pretty one for the Egyptian who has only bagged five times in 19 appearances for Liverpool.

Slot’s side have been in a rotten run and Salah’s poor form has coincided with that. He’s been so poor, however, that the Dutchman has taken the decision to select him on the bench across the last three games. As Salah himself said post-game, it’s unheard of.

However, there lies the problem. What Salah said after the game. He launched a stunning attack on Slot after Liverpool drew 3-3 with Leeds and it has thrown his immediate future in Merseyside into doubt.

“I’m very disappointed, Salah began. “I’ve done so much for this club – everyone can see that – over years, especially last season, sitting on the bench I don’t know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That’s how I feel it.”

The forward continued: “It’s very clear that someone wants me to get all the blame. Club promised me a lot in summer. So far I I’m on bench three games, so can’t say they have kept those promises.

“I say many times I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship, I don’t know why. It seems like someone does not want me in the club.

“But again this club, I always support it. my kids will always support it. I love the club so much and I will always do. I called my mum yesterday because I knew I wasn’t going to start and told my mum and dad to the Brighton game [next Saturday].”

The latest on Mohamed Salah's future at Liverpool

It’s thought that one of Salah’s main suitors continues to be Saudi Arabia and it would not be a surprise if he heads off to the Middle East before too long.

That’s because he’s now been totally excluded from the matchday squad for Liverpool’s clash with Inter Milan in the week.

According to Football FanCast sources, Richard Hughes and Co met after Salah made those comments and while it initially looked like he could just miss the clash with Inter, he has officially been removed from selection for a ‘short period’.

Sources suggest that the decision has been taken in consultation with manager Slot in the best interests of the player, the squad and the club. It’s thought that the boss has given the decision his full support.

Whether that means that Salah will miss Liverpool’s next league game against Brighton next Saturday remains to be seen but considering the attacker is due to head off to AFCON after that, it’s likely this is the last we’ll see of him in a Liverpool shirt, at least this year.

What the future holds in the long term is currently unknown but it’s certainly not looking good for either player or manager right now.

Gallery: How Salah interacted with Liverpool teammates in training on Monday

Mo Salah is unhappy with life at Liverpool right now.

ByFFC Staff Dec 8, 2025

While Manchester United came from behind to defeat a stubborn Crystal Palace side last weekend, Ruben Amorim’s side could not follow that up with another victory.

This time, they dropped points at the hands of lowly West Ham. Diogo Dalot scored a rare goal but Soungoutou Magassa scored from a corner late on to rescue a share of the points for Nuno Santo’s men.

Unsurprisingly, the 1-1 result did not go down well with Amorim.

Amorim speaks out following West Ham draw

Amorim made his anger and frustration clear after his team drew with the Hammers on Thursday evening.

“It’s frustrating, it’s angry, that’s it,” he said.

“It’s not going backwards. The results are going backwards. We had some moments. That can happen. You were talking about when we had that run that team was really perfect and saying we are not that far from being in the perfect moment. We are really inconsistent. But if you look at the goal, 83 minutes, we have a long ball, we have everything under control and we need to do better.”

Amorim plans to debrief his players on Friday when he has cooled down, rather than hit a giant television in the dressing room like he did after the 3-1 loss to Brighton in January.

The Portuguese mentioned that incident after this latest setback. “In that regard, I’m almost always consistent,” he said. “I had one [outburst] and you know. Brighton last year. I will talk to them tomorrow. I always have the feeling – I think everyone has the feeling – that we need to score more goals. Even with Brighton (in October) we were 3-0 (up) and then suddenly (we conceded twice). We suffer with that, we are inconsistent and we need to improve.”

United return to action against a winless Wolves side next Monday but cannot take things for granted after failing to beat the team 18th at Old Trafford.

For that game, it’s likely that young central defender Ayden Heaven won’t be in the team again

Heaven disappoints in first half cameo

Signed from Arsenal nearly ago, the centre-back has made a promising start to life in United colours but this was perhaps his worst senior performance to date.

The 19-year-old was handed his first Premier League start of the campaign and sadly did not do too much to warrant being given a role in the team.

Heaven’s performance lasted just 45 minutes before Amorim decided to withdraw him at the break.

Despite being so young, it was a performance that took criticism, chiefly from journalist Samuel Luckhurst who took to social media in the first half to say that the Englishman had a “pretty torrid opening 11 minutes” at the back.

Luckhurst said in full: “Pretty torrid opening 11 minutes from Heaven. Got too tight against Wilson, booked and even that back pass did Lammens no favours. Big call pitting him against Wilson.”

The teenager’s numbers did not make for pretty reading either. He failed to make a single tackle, make an interception or win any of his duels. He also completed just six passes and had fewer touches (17) and Senne Lammens.

While Heaven is still young, he clearly has a lot of improving and maturing to do before he’s ready to start regular games at his level.

Bad news for Mainoo: INEOS readying £30m Man Utd offer to sign "monster" CM

There appears to only be one outcome in the future of Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United.

1 ByRobbie Walls Dec 4, 2025

Shohei Ohtani had Dodger Stadium in hysterics Wednesday night when he crushed a game-winning solo home run in the bottom of the ninth. The win moved the defending champions to 8-0 on the season and has them looking like the unbeatable force that many predicted they would be this year.

On the other side of that home run was an Atlanta Braves team that is easily the most disappointing squad in MLB a week into the season. They had a 5-0 lead at one point on Wednesday night only to have the Dodgers come all the way back and win in the most dramatic of ways. The Braves are now 0-7 and a total mess.

Braves announcer Brandon Gaudin summed up the team's struggles with a perfect line right after Ohtani's homer landed over the wall:

"And the heartache has hit a new level for the Atlanta Braves, Ohtani and the Dodgers walk it off with a homer," he said.

Ouch.

The Dodgers' call by Joe Davis was understandably much more upbeat:

The Braves will look to get their first win when they host the Marlins in their home opener on Friday.

David Moyes’ blistering start back to life in the Everton dug-out feels like a very long time ago now.

Indeed, the Scotsman was just the antidote the Toffees needed after the wheels came off Sean Dyche’s miserable reign, with just two defeats picked up from his opening ten games back in charge of the Premier League titans last season, steering them comfortably away from relegation.

The Merseyside outfit is still six points clear of that dreaded relegation zone in the here and now, but there are concerns in the air at the Toffees all the same, with Everton only coming out on top with a win in the league once across their last five matches.

A 3-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday would have only added to those worries, as former Everton hero Richarlison stood out for Thomas Frank’s away side.

Richarlison's potential Everton return

Richarlison has often found his time at Tottenham Hotspur to be fraught with bumps, but he would put the game beyond all doubt on Sunday evening when heading into the path of Pape Matar Sarr to make it 3-0.

The passionate Brazilian only has 23 goals next to his name for Spurs from 104 total appearances, but recent reports – as perTEAMTalk – suggest that the North Londoners are willing to cash in on their one-time £60m buy in January, and that Everton are circling.

It would well be a masterstroke of a return as the Toffees attempt to feel comfortable about their striker options again.

While Richarlison might be remembered most fondly by those on Merseyside for his gung-ho performances down either wing, it feels unlikely that the South American – despite his previous heroics at the club – would be able to displace the likes of Jack Grealish on his favoured left channel at the moment.

Consequently, he stands his best chance at making waves on his return as an out-and-out centre-forward, when assessing Richarlison’s previous goal tally as a striker at Everton, with 23 goals picked up from 77 outings, leading to one of his ex-managers at Goodison Park in Carlo Ancelotti, hailing him as a “fantastic” finisher of chances.

Despite murmurs that Spurs want to offload their hot-and-cold number nine in the coming months, he is also able to boast a healthy haul of three goals and two assists next to his name from nine clashes this season.

Bringing back such a former beloved figure could signal the end for Beto in Everton blue, with the Lisbon-born striker struggling once again to get going yesterday evening, to the dismay of his impatient fanbase.

Why Beto is on borrowed time at Everton

You would think a striker in Moyes’ current set-up would be licking their lips at the prospect of how many goals they could put away, with the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and the aforementioned Grealish tricky customers intent on putting chances on a plate for the chosen marksman leading the line.

Unfortunately for Moyes and Co. though, Beto often fluffs his lines when a golden opportunity comes his way, with the former Udinese striker desperately unlucky not to find the back of the net on Sunday evening, when an acrobatic effort in the second half – with the scoreline still standing at 2-0 – was somehow clawed away by an alert Guglielmo Vicario.

That’s about as good as it gets for the under-fire 27-year-old, however, with his minimal 14 touches of the ball meaning he often cut an isolated figure at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, so much so that Jordan Pickford even managed to accumulate more touches himself, having tallied up 36 in total.

With just one goal next to his name in the Premier League this season, it isn’t a great shock to read all the widespread backlash he is receiving for his recent dismal displays, with Everton-based podcaster Paul Brown stating at full-time that the goal-shy number nine is “hopeless”.

Moreover, another Toffees podcaster in the form of Steven Kelly also stated that the ongoing striker situation is “killing” Moyes’ side at the moment.

It really does look like Beto is on borrowed time on Merseyside, therefore, with his precarious position in the starting XI becoming ever more shaky if the passionate South American potentially returns to the blue half of Liverpool shortly.

Alongside Beto: Moyes must drop 4/10 Everton star who lost possession 19x

Everton were humbled on their own patch as Tottenham Hotspur ran out convincing 3-0 winners.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 27, 2025

Newcastle United arguably put in their besst performance of the season as they beat Benfica 3-0 to make it back-to-back wins in the Champions League.

Though the Magpies have struggled to get going this season, especially from an offensive standpoint, their success on the continent is evidence of Eddie Howe’s abiding tactical quality, with the cogs sure to start whirring as the new batch of players work toward a continuation of last year’s illustrious success.

That starts now, in the Premier League. Last weekend, United lost on a trip to Brighton, and they languish in 14th place, just nine points from eight games.

But a closer look at the new phase Howe is championing demonstrates exactly why he is valued as “one of the top managers in the country, if not the world” by pundit Jamie Redknapp.

He adapts, and the tactician must showcase that nous yet again on Sunday, when Fulham are welcomed to St. James’ Park. However, that frontline does need some work, even with Nick Woltemade firing on all cylinders.

Newcastle team news

Howe said that Newcastle must produce their best possible performance if they wish to turn over a gritty and well-balanced Fulham side in the Premier League.

The Cottagers claimed three points at St. James’ Park last season, but they have lost three on the bounce in the Premier League and are there for the taking, with Joachim Andersen and Antonee Robinson both sidelined.

A promising update on the injury recoveries of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall: both full-backs are nearing the end of their rehabilitation and are back on the grass. Anticipate further developments in the coming weeks.

While Howe reported no new injury concerns, he did confirm Sandro Tonali “will be touch and go” after struggling with illness this week.

Meanwhile, summer signing Yoane Wissa’s wait for his debut rages on, still in recovery from the knee injury suffered on international duty. The 29-year-old’s rehabilitation will stretch toward the Christmas period.

More praise was heaped on Woltemade. The German striker continues to deputise as Wissa’s recovery continues, and given the richness of the purple patch he is riding, few will have concerns about his presence at number nine (other than the Fulham defence, that is).

However, while the striker is firing, Howe will hope to see more from his wide forwards. In fairness, Harvey Barnes bagged a brace in midweek, with Anthony Gordon claiming the Man of the Match award in the Champions League.

But Anthony Elanga continues to leave much to be desired down the right, and it’s for this reason that Newcastle’s most underrated star could be the difference-maker on Saturday afternoon.

Howe must unleash Newcastle's "unsung hero"

Has there been a more compelling success story at Newcastle over the past few years than that of Jacob Murphy? The 29-year-old was written off after years as a journeyman, but has pieced together an iconic career on Tyneside.

Last season, in particular, Murphy was in fine fettle, stepping up after Newcastle failed to sign a right-sided forward and posting nine goals and 14 assists across all competitions.

Some return, that. Howe hailed his protege as “the ultimate professional”, and his is a story that up-and-coming hopefuls will use as fuel for many years to come. It’s never too late to turn things around.

The veteran has only featured as a substitute across Newcastle’s past two Premier League matches, and his stability and industriousness could be perfect against Marco Silva’s organised outfit.

That is not to say he’s without his flair and creativity on the ball. As per FBref, Murphy ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists per 90.

He might not have Elanga’s pace or Barnes’ natural eye for goal, but with Gordon clicking into gear and Woltemade undroppable at the front of the ship, this could be the line-up to develop and sustain synergy and fluency across the full 90.

You will need no reminder that the Magpies have only won two of their eight Premier League fixtures so far this season.

It stands as a testament to Murphy’s resilience and unwavering belief in his abilities that he has established himself as one of the key components of Newcastle’s journey since the PIF takeover and subsequent appointment of Howe.

Howe’s Most-used Players at Newcastle

Rank

Player

Apps

1

Bruno Guimaraes

164

2

Fabian Schar

160

3

Dan Burn

159

4

Jacob Murphy

145

5

Joelinton

139

Data via Transfermarkt

He might not be the most prolific player in the mix, but Murphy is unquestionably among England’s most underrated players in modern times, hailed as an “unsung hero” by journalist Scott Wilson for his knack at coming up trumps for the Toon.

And anyway, with three goals and four assists across 13 matches against Fulham, Howe would be restoring the experienced winger to the starting line-up against the side he has chalked up more direct contributions than any other across his career.

While Elanga will be desperate to impress after going without a goal or an assist across his first 12 appearances in black and white, Howe will know the importance of using the midweek Champions League victory as a springboard.

Newcastle simply have to return to winning ways in the Premier League, and with Murphy on the right, fuelling in-form pair Gordon and Woltemade, it might just be the perfect blend.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Oct 23, 2025

يبذل الاتحاد المصري لكرة اليد جهودًا مكثفة خلال الوقت الحالي، لحل أزمة سفر لاعبي سموحة، لضمان التحاقهم ببعثة الفريق في الإمارات والمشاركة في نهائي السوبر المصري لكرة اليد أمام الأهلي.

ولم يتمكن حتى الآن سوى 5 لاعبين من أصل 20 لاعبًا في قائمة سموحة من السفر إلى الإمارات، بينما وصل فريق الأهلي صباح اليوم لاستكمال استعداداته للمواجهة.

وعلم بطولات، أنه توجد اقتراحات مع الجهات المنظمة في الإمارات لتأجيل المباراة 24 ساعة، لمنح لاعبي سموحة الوقت الكافي للانضمام إلى البعثة قبل خوض اللقاء.

طالع أيضًا | العربي القطري يحسم موقفه من عروض الأهلي والزمالك لضم لاعبه

ويأتي تأهل سموحة إلى المباراة النهائية بعد فوزه المفاجئ على الزمالك بنتيجة 29-28، ليواجه الأهلي في مباراة مرتقبة تجمع بين بطل إفريقيا والفريق السكندري.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الفريقان غدًا الثلاثاء في صالة استاد خليفة بن زايد بمدينة العين الإماراتية، التي تتسع لنحو 2000 مشجع، على أن تنطلق صافرة البداية في الساعة السادسة مساءً بتوقيت مصر.

Australia international smites rapid fifty before taking key wickets to undermine Hampshire chase

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Jun-2025Grace Harris announced herself on the 2025 Vitality Blast with a blistering half-century and three wickets as Surrey made it two from two with a 32-run win over Hampshire at the Kia Oval.Hot off the plane the Australia international smashed 63 in 35 balls with four sixes and five fours. Harris shared half-century stands with Danni Wyatt-Hodge (62 from 41) and Paige Scholfield (49 from 18) – all this after Wyatt-Hodge and skipper Bryony Smith (33) posted 73 for the opening wicket.The fearsome onslaught carried Surrey to 213 for 4, Freya Davies taking 2 for 36 for the visitors, who rued four dropped catches and a bungled run-out attempt of Harris when she’d made just 1.Hampshire’s chase was heroic, led by Ella McCaughan’s classy 81, and supported by 29 from skipper Georgia Adams, but Harris (3-18) dismissed both in the space of three balls to cap a stunning debut as the Hawks finished on 181 for 8.After a sedate start, Smith blasted three sixes in quick succession, while Wyatt-Hodge, following a shaky series against West Indies for England, also cleared the ropes.Wyatt-Hodge was dropped twice on 30 and 35 before Smith holed out at midwicket off opposing skipper Adams. Harris should have gone soon afterwards when confusion left both batters at the same end, but a poor throw was fumbled by wicketkeeper Rhianna Southby and Harris was reprieved.She duly cashed in, raising Surrey’s hundred with six over mid-on, while Wyatt-Hodge was missed for a third time by Mary Taylor – a tough caught and bowled – before reaching 50 from 35 balls. The England opener eventually fell to a catch off Davies, but Harris forged on, two more maximums taking her to 50 from 27 balls.And while her innings ended tamely from a paddle to short fine leg, Schofield took up the baton with three sixes of her own, the last from the final ball of the innings to finish one short of 50.In-form Maia Bouchier began the chase with a straight six before holing out to a catch on the fence before the first over was done. Charlie Knott, too, flickered briefly and although she cut Tilly Corteen-Coleman into the hands of Wyatt-Hodge at cover, the visitors were 64 for 2 after six.Freya Kemp nicked one from Stonehouse through to wicketkeeper Kira Chathli and a maiden from Phoebe Franklin further cranked up the pressure. But McCaughan kept up the breathless chase, crisp driving and sweeping taking her to a polished fifty complete with 10 fours and Franklin spilt a skier to reprieve Adams as the tension mounted.With rain falling the 50-partnership came up in 33 balls and 85 were needed from the last seven.Smith failed to cling on to a tough chance at mid-off with McCaughan on 65, but Harris had her caught and bowled for 81 and when Adams perished two balls later to a stunning catch by Schofield, Hampshire were destined to fall short.