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South Africa played like a team intent on silencing the noise around them but still came up second to England once again

Firdose Moonda27-Nov-2020International cricket is back. In South Africa. And by South Africa. But England are still the masters of the white-ball.As recently as 12 days ago, this series was in danger of not happening and CSA was in danger of having its status as the national body of cricket in this country stripped away. The sports minister was ready to step in and potentially prevent them from fielding a team that could call itself South Africa.As recently as Thursday, South African cricket’s chief medical officer warned that if a significant number of players contracted Covid-19, matches could be called off. Two of the 24-man squad had returned positive tests so his fears were not entirely unfounded.And here we are. For the first time in almost eight months, the South Africa men’s team got on the park and it was clear they had something to prove. Until the 17th over of England’s innings, South Africa played like a team intent on silencing the noise. Like a team that wanted to end the wittering around themselves and their culture, the whispers around the administration and the crisis. And even in that over that cost 28 runs and put England on the path to victory, South Africa still played in a way that amplified the sound of bat on ball. Finally. There was cricket.ALSO READ: Bairstow 86* powers England to five-wicket winIn the lead up to this series, the conversation has been about sportsmen and social justice especially when it comes to racial prejudice. Given the history of Apartheid, colonialism and slavery, South Africa could be one of the countries that could best understands and embodies the antiracist doctrine, but it is still grappling with recent schisms and trying to find solutions.CSA’s attempt was to put up two large banners with the message “We stand in solidarity against racism and gender-based violence” and drape them over stands at opposite ends of the ground. But on the day that New Zealand and West Indies took a knee and Australia and India formed a barefoot circle, the absence of any gesture from South Africa was glaring. They are the only one of the six teams that were in action who have not symbolically shown their support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, even though they insist they are working on living out a doctrine of equality.On top of that, they also have other causes to be concerned about. The first 16 days of next month are dedicated annually as days of activism against gender-based violence and both teams wore black armbands to mourn those who lose their lives to abuse and those who have died from Covid-19. In South Africa, the latter has risen to more than 21,000 and with infection rates rising, there are fears of many more. Ten minutes before the start of play, flags were frantically lowered to half-mast, where they should have been flying since Wednesday. Among the many things that needed to be done as Newlands got ready for international cricket, it seemed someone remembered that one just in time.As South Africa lined up to sing their national anthem, directly in front of the SuperSport commentary team, they could hear JP Duminy being asked about BLM and supporting the activist sportsman. An aura of awkwardness settled over the opening salvo and when the final chords of “Nkosi Sikelel’i Afrika” rung out, and everyone remained standing, it felt as though something had been left unsaid, or undone. History will judge South Africa’s (in)action and assess how well they have applied the principles of inclusion they have committed to.It may also see this season as one in which South Africa built on the foundation stone’s laid last summer, when a new coaching regime took over. Their tenure showed promise, with a Test victory but it was clear they needed time. The longest off-season since readmission may not have been exactly what they had in mind but it gave them room to reflect and reimagine the kind of team they want to be.We need more than one match to be able to see what their new approach of “aggressive, but smart,” means but we can already make some deductions. Faf du Plessis best demonstrated it with the bat when he twice went close to hitting one of the Egyptian geese that have made the Newlands outfield their home, but twice evaded them. While Harry the Hadeda, the avian superstar from England’s last tour, was nowhere to be found two adult and four teenage geese occupied positions from the covers to long-on, walking in to almost every ball and scurrying away as soon as it was hit.Kagiso Rabada’s catch gave George Linde a wicket•Getty ImagesDu Plessis played around them and in the same vein as he had been doing at the IPL. In the fifth over, he changed the tone of South Africa’s start from unsure, on a pitch where the ball was not coming on as quickly as might have been expected, to in control when he buried a ball in the construction site, smoked the new one down the ground and on to the railway stand, where the absence of fans meant the few in the ground could hear the ping as it hit a flagpole, and then mowed it through midwicket.The way George Linde, the debutant, was used was the other example of how the new style of play may reveal itself. Linde was tasked with opening the bowling and rewarded his captain with a wicket off the second ball and then switched ends to claim another as Rabada took a stunning low catch. South Africa seldom give a spinner or a new player that level of responsibility but Linde plays his franchise cricket here and has the experience of 81 domestic T20s so they trusted him and it paid off.More’s the pity that Linde did not have his home crowd cheering him on but these are the times. Newlands is not ready for visitors anyway as the construction of an office block continues. And who knows what commentary might have provided late in the game when, with England needing 84 runs from 48 balls, Quinton de Kock turned to Heinrich Klaasen to bowl at Ben Stokes. That was South Africa saying they thought they were so far ahead they could do anything. And they were wrong. Not aggressive, and definitely not smart.Klaasen conceded 14 runs, before de Kock went back to his premier spinner Tabraiz Shamsi. In hindsight, he should have let Shamsi bowl his full quota of four overs, although even that may not have stopped what happened later. Beuran Hendricks conceded 28 runs, including eight wides in an over where he lost control.Some will question why Anrich Nortje, who has just come off a fantastic IPL, didn’t play. Perhaps South Africa thought the pitch would better suit those who take pace off the ball – it looked that way when England was bowling. Perhaps there were transformation targets to consider, which could have been solved in other ways.Or perhaps still it’s that England, who are unbeaten in seven T20 series, are a bloody good team, who bat deep and back themselves until the very end. There is no better opposition to return to international action against. Welcome back, England. Welcome back, international cricket.

National Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Dave Parker died at age 74 on Saturday, leaving the baseball world mourning for "the Cobra." Parker had a long battle with Parkinsons.

Throughout Parker's 19-year MLB career, he was most known for his 11 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1978 with the Pirates, he was named the National League's MVP after combining a .334/.394/.585 slash line with 30 home runs and 117 RBIs.

Parker was already enshrined in the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame class in 2022, and he was set to be honored at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown next month after being voted in by the Classic Baseball Era Committee back in December.

Tributes poured out for Parker on Saturday shortly after the Pirates revealed the sad news. The Pirates specifically spoke about Parker's legacy ahead of Saturday's game vs. the New York Mets. PNC Park held a moment of silence for their famed star.

The Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds, where Parker spent four seasons after his tenure with the Pirates, and the Athletics, where Parker spent two seasons, all wrote memorials for Parker on social media.

Here's a look at how the rest of the baseball world honored Parker on Saturday.

Big picture: a rare ODI face-off after deluge of T20Is

Bangladesh and Afghanistan will have to fight the same adversary in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday: rustiness.Afghanistan last played an ODI eight months ago, in the 2025 Champions Trophy, and even that game was washed out, so they have played just two ODIs this year. Bangladesh have played six, but the last one was in July. Not as bad as their opponents, of course, but they have lost four of these games and won just one.This irregularity in playing ODIs affects how the XIs are chosen.Afghanistan have dropped Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib and Noor Ahmad based on their Asia Cup – in the T20 format – performance. Hashmatullah Shahidi continues to lead, with Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal forming the batting core.Azmatullah Omarzai is their ODI star with bat and ball, so he will have to shoulder a significant workload. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will lead the bowling attack, alongside newcomers like Bashir Ahmad and Abdollah Ahmadzai, who made their T20I debuts earlier this week.Related

• Rishad: Looking forward to working with Ponting at Hobart Hurricanes

• Simmons happy with Bangladesh's 'exciting, aggressive' style

Bangladesh, meanwhile, have a squad that’s based on their big-picture plan for the 2027 ODI World Cup. It means Mehidy Hasan Miraz continues as captain, with Najmul Hossain Shanto back in the picture. There will be hope that some of the batters bring their T20I form into the ODI arena. Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan looked good in the recent 3-0 win against Afghanistan and will be relied upon.The battle will be between Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain and Nurul Hasan for the three middle-order spots. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman will lead the bowling attack, while it will be interesting to see whether Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam are both picked in the XI or not.Bangladesh would like to ride on the momentum of the T20I series sweep, while Afghanistan must get out of their five-match losing streak across formats. It is likely to be a closely fought series, but the rustiness could mean a lot of errors – in the planning and in the field – as they go adjusting to the format.

Form guide

Afghanistan WLWWW
Bangladesh LWLLLRashid Khan will depend a lot on Azmatullah Omarzai in either innings•Associated Press

In the spotlight: Azmatullah Omarzai and Saif HassanAzmatullah Omarzai has scored 896 runs and taken 31 wickets in the last two years in ODIs. No wonder he is currently No. 2 in the allrounders rankings. Omarzai will bat in the lower-middle order to provide cushion as well the finishing touches, and also play as the second seamer. He was one of the few to show good form in the T20Is against Bangladesh, although he would be disappointed with the way he got out in the third game in Sharjah, a wild swing that ended in a top edge that was taken by the backward point fielder.Saif Hassan will be the most anticipated ODI debutant for Bangladesh in a long time. His scintillating form in T20Is in the last two months has forced the selectors to bring him into an ODI set-up that’s crying out for a fresh approach. Saif’s attacking shots are great to watch, but as he showed in the third T20I on Sunday, he can also be clever: he played out a maiden over from Rashid Khan knowing it was the legspinner’s last and went on to score an unbeaten 38-ball 64 to take Bangladesh home.Darwish Rasooli is likely to get into the playing XI•AFP/Getty Images

Team news: middle-order changes in the offing

Darwish Rasooli is likely to get into the XI while either Nangeyalia Kharote and AM Ghazanfar is expected to join the attack. Bashir could make his ODI debut.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Sediqullah Atal, 4 Rahmat Shah, 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 6 Darwish Rasooli, 7 Azmatullah Omarzai, 8 Mohammad Nabi, 9 Rashid Khan, 10 Nangeyalia Kharote, 11 Bashir AhmadSaif is likely to open the innings with Tanzid, while Nurul will fight for a place with Hridoy. Mohammad Naim has not reached UAE yet due to visa issues. Parvez Hossain has been added to the ODI squad as a back-up batter. Nurul Hasan is likely to keep wicket in the first ODI.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), 6 Nurul Hasan (wk), 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Tanvir Islam, 11 Mustafizur RahmanNurul Hasan will have to fight for his spot•AFP/Getty Images

Pitch and conditions: bat first, win the game?

The side batting first has won four out of the last five day-night ODIs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The average score batting first in these matches is 274. The forecast in Abu Dhabi is of extreme heat, with some breeze expected in the evening.

Stats and trivia

• Afghanistan and Bangladesh are tied 2-2 in the bilateral series stakes, although it’s the latter that leads 11-8 overall
• Nabi is the only survivor of the first ODI between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, held in 2014 in Fatullah
• Tanvir Islam’s five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in Bangladesh’s previous ODI series was the first five-for by a Bangladeshi spinner in two-and-a-half years.

Pep Guardiola has made it clear he will not be pulling Gianluigi Donnarumma aside for a warning despite the goalkeeper amassing four bookings in just ten Premier League appearances. The Manchester City manager insisted the Italian is old enough to recognise that his temperament on the pitch must be reined in, even as he edges toward a disciplinary record no goalkeeper in the competition has ever reached.

• Donnarumma on verge of unwanted history

  Three of the cautions have stemmed from dissent, with the other issued for time-wasting, placing the 26-year-old on precarious footing. Should Donnarumma pick up another yellow in any of City’s next six league fixtures, he would become the first goalkeeper in Premier League history to serve a suspension for accumulating five bookings this early in a season. Although a dozen goalkeepers have reached at least five yellows in a campaign, none racked them up quickly enough to trigger the automatic ban before the 19-match threshold.

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• AFP
  

  What did Guardiola say?

  Asked whether he planned a stern conversation with his summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain, Guardiola was unmoved.

  "No, he is adult enough," Guardiola said. "He will, step by step, understand things in the league and [learn] new behaviours."

  Guardiola showed little appetite for revisiting Donnarumma’s yellow-card tally when he spoke on Monday ahead of City’s trip to Fulham. He responded curtly when asked whether the club were concerned about the possibility of a ban. "It is what it is," he said.

  The scrutiny surrounding Donnarumma intensified after Manchester City’s dramatic 3-2 win over Leeds, when Daniel Farke suggested the goalkeeper went down unnecessarily to hand Guardiola an opportunity to issue tactical instructions at a critical moment. Leeds had fought back from two goals down to haul themselves level at the Etihad, only for Phil Foden to strike in stoppage time and secure victory.

  Farke’s comments have added fuel to ongoing discussions among football lawmakers about potential rule changes to prevent teams from exploiting stoppages involving goalkeepers. Under current regulations, outfield players who require treatment must leave the pitch for thirty seconds before rejoining the action. Goalkeepers, however, are exempt due to the specialist nature of their role.

  According to reports, decision-makers spent considerable time debating whether this exemption should continue. One proposal gaining support would compel teams to temporarily remove an outfield player if their goalkeeper receives medical attention, thereby preventing managers from using the pause to reorganise their sides. Another suggestion involved banning players from approaching the dugout entirely during such interruptions.

• Getty
  

  Foden’s rise continues as Guardiola hopes for new deal

  While Donnarumma dominated the disciplinary conversation, Guardiola was more eager to discuss Phil Foden’s growing influence following his match-winning double against Leeds. The City manager expressed hope that the 25-year-old, whose current contract runs until 2027, will commit his long-term future to the club.

  "Hopefully he can stay all his career here," said Guardiola. "He is a special player, a Man City fan, from the academy."

  Foden himself suggested after Saturday’s game that he now sees himself as one of the leaders of the squad. Guardiola agreed that the playmaker has long demonstrated authority through his football, even if he is not the most vocal presence away from the pitch.

  "On the pitch, he's always been like that," said Guardiola. "Vocally he is not a guy who talks much in the dressing room but, on the pitch, he never hides behind the scenes."

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• Bernardo Silva also walking a fine line

  Donnarumma is not the only City player inching toward potential suspension. Bernardo Silva collected his fourth yellow of the season against Leeds, meaning he too is only one booking away from disciplinary action. City’s 19th league fixture, the game at Sunderland on New Year’s Day, marks the point at which the suspension threshold increases from five to ten cautions. Donnarumma and Silva, therefore, need to navigate the next few weeks without incident or face a forced absence.

  City can close the gap on league leaders Arsenal to just two points if they overcome Fulham on Tuesday night. Guardiola's side have been gathering momentum after a rocky start to the campaign. The Gunners will, however, have the chance to assert their status as title favourites when they face Brentford at home a day later. 

There’s reportedly no way back for one West Ham star as Nuno Espírito Santo ultimately decides that he doesn’t want the player, and a January exit is now described as inevitable.

The pressure on Nuno’s shoulders has slightly eased following back-to-back victories against Newcastle and Burnley, which also gifted the Hammers some much-needed encouragement over surviving the relegation dog scrap.

Before their only consecutive home wins since October last year, West Ham looked nailed on for a drop to the Championship for the first time since 2011, but six points from Nuno’s last two matches have suddenly flipped the narrative on its head.

However, things don’t get any easier for West Ham from this point onward, with Nuno braced for a tough round of fixtures just after the international break.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

The east Londoners take on Bournemouth and Liverpool before travelling to Man United, who are enjoying a resurgence under Ruben Amorim, with Aston Villa and Premier League title contenders Man City awaiting them over the festive period as well.

After that, the January transfer window does represent a major lifeline for West Ham, and reports suggest the club are set for a very active winter when it comes to incomings and outgoings. Sky Sports report that West Ham are targeting a new defender, midfielder and striker in January, with Nuno given assurances that David Sullivan and co have money to spend on fresh talent.

We’re also likely to see a fair few players head out the exit door, not least striker Niclas Füllkrug, who has apparently been given the green-light to leave after a lacklustre spell marred by injuries and a lack of form.

West Ham could also sell Guido Rodriguez for pure profit after signing him on a free transfer from Real Betis last year, but one player who looks the most likely to depart by far is midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

The 31-year-old was axed from West Ham’s matchday squad immediately after Nuno’s arrival, despite being vice-captain under Graham Potter and a “quiet leader” of the team.

James Ward-Prowse "almost certain" to leave West Ham after Nuno decision

For anybody wondering, there is basically no chance for Ward-Prowse to play his way back into contention, with Nuno fully deciding that he’s surplus to requirements.

That is according to journalist Dean Jones, who told TEAMtalk this week that the Englishman is “almost certain” to leave as David Moyes’ Everton take real interest.

The question for West Ham is how much money they can recuperate from Ward-Prowse’s sale, and how much could be reinvested into bolstering key areas when the January window opens for business.

Sullivan will also be keen to get the former Southampton star’s £115,000-per-week wages off the books, as he is currently the club’s fourth-highest earner behind Alphonse Areola, Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen.

Celtic booked their place in the Premier Sports Cup final over the weekend against Rangers and did so in style, and the club have now made their intentions known regarding the future of interim boss Martin O’Neill, who has already said “yes” to the permanent job.

One week is a long time in football, and many Hoops supporters could be forgiven for believing that they are caught up in some form of fever dream amid surprising recent events.

Brendan Rodgers’ departure from Celtic in the lead-up to a pivotal double-header against Falkirk and their city rivals was enough to send people into a frenzy, never mind when former boss O’Neill was drafted on a temporary basis alongside Shaun Maloney.

However, the former Republic of Ireland boss has completely changed the outlook of his side, who stuck four past the Bairns in his opening Scottish Premiership match in charge.

Nevertheless, the Glasgow Derby was always going to be the main test of his managerial capabilities, and one that the 73-year-old passed with flying colours after Celtic defeated Rangers in strong fashion to progress to the Premier Sports Cup final.

While Kieran McKenna, Craig Bellamy and Nicky Hayen all remain in contention, Kilrea native O’Neill made it clear that he would be open to an extended period in charge of the Bhoys if the opportunity was available.

He said when pressed on the subject while live on Premier Sports: “The very obvious answer would be: yes (open to extended stay).

“I would do. But I genuinely don’t know what to expect.

“When I saw the games they had and then the international break, I thought they’ll have a couple of weeks to think about it. I haven’t even spoken to him since that. In a perverse sort of way I’ve enjoyed the two games – but not a lot.”

With O’Neill’s feelings now clear, Celtic’s stance on his future has come to light in the hours after their much-needed victory over Rangers at Hampden.

Celtic edging closer to appointing Martin O'Neill

According to Football Insider, O’Neill is edging closer to becoming the permanent Celtic manager after his side swept aside Rangers, something that has ‘strengthened’ his chances of succeeding Rodgers.

The report indicates that the Irishman is attracted to taking on the reigns until the end of the season. Nevertheless, the Bhoys’ upcoming results against FC Midtjylland and Kilmarnock will determine their next course of action.

Martin O’Neill’s all-time record at Celtic

Wins

202

Draws

26

Losses

40

Of course, having led Celtic to seven trophies between 2000 and 2005 and their famous run to the UEFA Cup final in Seville, his credentials cannot be questioned. Still, the club’s hierarchy are very much doing their due diligence elsewhere.

St Mirren await in the Premier Sports Cup final and the lure of potentially picking up another piece of silverware is something O’Neill could find hard to ignore.

Celtic could still make a shock move to appoint a different former manager

Ultimately, Dermot Desmond will have the final say, but an extended period in charge after a blistering start to life back in the Celtic dugout may be the sensible solution at Parkhead if top candidates prove unattainable.

يشهد اليوم الاثنين الموافق 10-11-2025، مجموعة من المواجهات القوية ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا، التي تتواصل بإثارة كبيرة في مختلف المجموعات.

وتتجه الأنظار إلى لقاء منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا أمام إنجلترا، في اختبار حاسم للفراعنة الصغار ضمن ختام دور المجموعات.

وكان المنتخب المصري قد افتتح مشواره في البطولة بانتصار كبير على هايتي 4-1، قبل أن يتعادل مع فنزويلا 1-1، ليحافظ على حظوظه في التأهل إلى الأدوار الإقصائية، ويأمل اللاعبون في تحقيق نتيجة إيجابية أمام المنتخب الإنجليزي القوي لمواصلة مسيرتهم المميزة في البطولة.

ويبحث المنتخبان السويسري والمكسيكي عن بطاقة العبور في لقاء متكافئ بينهما، فيما تصطدم كوريا الجنوبية بنظيرتها كوت ديفوار في مواجهة مرتقبة تجمع بين المدرسة الآسيوية السريعة والمهارة الإفريقية.

وفي مباريات أخرى، يلتقي السلفادور مع ألمانيا في مواجهة تبدو محسومة نظريًا للماكينات الشابة الساعية لتأكيد تفوقها في المجموعة، بينما يواجه منتخب كولومبيا نظيره كوريا الشمالية في مباراة قوية على الصعيد التكتيكي.

وتبرز أيضًا مواجهة زامبيا ضد البرازيل كواحدة من أهم لقاءات اليوم، إذ يسعى المنتخب الإفريقي لمفاجأة السامبا الشابة والاقتراب من التأهل، في حين تصطدم هندوراس بإندونيسيا في مواجهة متكافئة لحسم بطاقات المراكز المتقدمة.

طالع أيضًا | المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى دور الـ32 من كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا (محدث باستمرار) مواعيد مباريات اليوم الاثنين 10-11-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات كأس العالم تحت 17 سنة اليوم

سويسرا ضد المكسيك، الساعة 2:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 3:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس إكسترا 2”.

كوريا الجنوبية ضد كوت ديفوار، الساعة 2:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 3:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس إكسترا 3”.

السلفادور ضد ألمانيا، الساعة 3:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 4:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس إكسترا 1”.

كولومبيا ضد كوريا الشمالية، الساعة 3:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 4:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس إكسترا 4”.

زامبيا ضد البرازيل، الساعة 4:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 5:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس إكسترا 2”.

هندوراس ضد إندونيسيا، الساعة 4:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 5:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس إكسترا 3”.

مصر ضد إنجلترا، الساعة 5:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 6:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس المفتوحة”.

فنزويلا ضد هايتي، الساعة 5:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 6:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس إكسترا 1”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري التونسي اليوم

شبيبة العمران ضد الأولمبي الباجي، الساعة 3:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 4:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “الوطنية التونسية 2”.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا

West Indies face absence of star player as they seek to avoid whitewash across formats

Valkerie Baynes04-Jun-2025Hayley Matthews is in doubt for the third and final match of West Indies’ tour of England with a shoulder injury which kept her out of the second ODI in Leicester.Matthews will see a specialist in London on Thursday for the left shoulder problem which she aggravated during a fall in the field during the first ODI in Derby last Friday.”She’s going to London tomorrow morning, so we’ll know more then,” Shane Deitz, West Indies Women’s head coach, said after his side’s 143-run defeat in Leicester on Wednesday night. “Hopefully we’ll get some good news tomorrow.”England could sweep the entire tour with a win in Saturday’s third and final ODI in Taunton after winning the first by 108 runs and securing the T20I series 3-0.Matthews was the player of the series for the T20Is despite her side not winning a game. She was the leading run-scorer overall with 177 at an average of 88.50 and strike rate of 137.20, including an unbeaten century in the series opener at Canterbury. She complemented her innings of 71 in the third match at Chelmsford by taking 3 for 32 with the ball.She shared a 91-run stand in Derby with opening partner Qiana Joseph, who scored 62 after struggling for runs through the T20I series and who was also missing from the second ODI through illness. Deitz, however, was more hopeful of Joseph returning in Taunton.”I was hoping she’d be okay today, but she got on the team bus and looked terrible so we sent her back to bed,” Deitz said. “Hopefully she’ll come good in a couple of days. She played really good the other day. She’s getting better as time goes on in the team so fingers crossed. I’m pretty sure she’ll be right for the next game.”Related

Matthews' all-round brilliance in vain as Scotland upset West Indies

Beaumont, Jones tons, Smith five-for on debut hand England big win

Linsey Smith: 'I wanted to change the story of England's 50-over cricket'

Amy Jones: 'Setting the tone is a cool responsibility'

Jones, Beaumont make back-to-back centuries as England seal 2-0 lead

Realeanna Grimmond, the 20-year-old allrounder, flourished on ODI debut with a 72-ball 53 to top-score for her side while opening alongside regular No.3 Zaida James in the absence of both openers.”She’s an up-and-coming talent and I’m really proud of her,” Deitz said of Grimmond. “That’s the confidence she needed to go through the scenarios of being out in the middle against the best players in the world and feeling that you belong – and she’s definitely proved that she does belong. Now it’s about keeping the work ethic up and improving on different areas of her game over time. She’s going to have a really long, good, successful career ahead of her if she does all the right things.”Jannillea Glasgow added an eye-catching 44 off 24 in just her fifth ODI and first appearance in the format on this tour.But the valiant efforts of West Indies’ youngsters couldn’t match a 202-run partnership between Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, who both scored back-to-back centuries.Having put on a stand worth 222 in Derby, Jones bettered her innings of 122 there – her maiden international century – with 129 off just 98 balls and Beaumont followed her 107 with 106.Beaumont’s latest knock, from 109 balls, came as she battled a heavy cold.Of Jones, who has been her opening partner at The Blaze during this year’s domestic 50-over competition, Beaumont said: “I’m so proud of her backing up that first century at Derby, to do it again today and in even better style, I think. For her to actually take that lead role there and look after me, as well as go and play like that, was just outstanding.”We complement each other so well. The height difference, it means we hit different lengths in different areas. You’d have to ask the bowlers, but I think it makes it quite difficult to bowl to as a pair.On her illness, Beaumont added: “It’s just a cold going through the camp, but I’m proud of how I managed it mentally and kept finding a second and third wind at times. I actually sent a message off saying, ‘if you want me to get on with it, let me know, but I’m struggling to hit it out the ring at the minute.’ Then I found a bit of gas from somewhere.”After Jones was the first England wicket to fall, Emma Lamb added a 45-ball 55, while a neat cameo of 31 off 19 from Sophia Dunkley pushed the hosts past the 350-mark. In reaching 366 for 6, England fell just 12 runs shy of their highest ODI total, 378 for 5 against Pakistan at Worcester in 2016.

Brooklyn Football Club announced the appointment of U.S. soccer icon Brian McBride as General Manager, marking a significant milestone as the club builds toward its USL Championship debut in 2026. McBride will oversee all sporting operations for both the men's and women's teams, from roster construction, staffing, and performance analytics to long-term player development.

Former USMNT star brings experience

McBride joins Brooklyn FC after a distinguished playing career that included 95 caps and 30 goals for the U.S. Men's National Team across three FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006). His club career featured successful stints with Columbus Crew as their first-ever draft pick, Fulham FC in the English Premier League, and the Chicago Fire.

Following his playing days, McBride served as General Manager of the U.S. Men's National Team from 2020 to 2023, providing him valuable front office experience directly applicable to his new role with Brooklyn FC.

“It was unique,” McBride told The Athletic. “Their [Brooklyn FC] vision, what they’re thinking – the amount of impact I can have, not just on the sporting side, but on the organization really drew me to it.

“The vision is to build something the community will be proud of. Not just the soccer side. Having something where Brooklyn can go and call their own.”

AdvertisementFocus on community integration and player development

The appointment represents a crucial step in Brooklyn FC's preparations for their 2026 debut, with the club now turning attention to hiring a head coach and building its inaugural roster. McBride has indicated the coaching search will move quickly, allowing the technical team to begin player recruitment and development strategies.

“This is a major moment for the club and the borough,” said David Barry, President of Brooklyn Football Club as per USLChampionship.com. “Brian brings a rare blend of experience, leadership, and vision; from his elite playing career to his experience with the next generation of American soccer stars.

“He understands what it means to build something that reflects this community, hard work, and determination. Our women’s team has already set the tone, and now we’re bringing that same energy to the men’s side. Brooklyn FC is all in.”

GOALUSL's continued growth

McBride's arrival coincides with an exciting period of growth for the USL Championship, which recently announced plans to implement promotion and relegation by 2028 when it launches a new first division. This innovative approach will make USL the first professional soccer league in America to adopt the system widely used internationally.

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Club builds toward 2026 inaugural season

Brooklyn FC are planning a community event at Industry City on October 29, where supporters will have their first opportunity to meet McBride and learn more about the men's team. The event is being developed in partnership with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn Made, and Fort Hamilton Distillery, with participation from local youth soccer clubs.

For the first time since the initial period after the Saudi-backed takeover, Newcastle United’s transfer business carried the air of planning rather than panic.

Last summer had been defined by a scramble to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which led the club to reluctantly cash in on academy graduates to balance the books.

Twelve months on, the Magpies appear to have learned their lesson.

The sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool for £125 million and Nick Woltemade’s arrival from Stuttgart for £69 million dominated headlines this window.

Newcastle also pushed through a £55 million deal for Yoane Wissa from Brentford, finally landing the striker they had pursued after failed attempts to sign other targets.

The additions of Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, and Anthony Elanga further highlight the blending of established professionals with younger, developing talents.

Newcastle have adopted a strategy resembling that of Chelsea, who invest heavily in youth prospects that can be integrated into the first team or later sold for a profit. The policy shift feels directly linked to the scars of last summer, where the club’s lack of foresight in sales forced them into unwanted departures.

The most painful of those was Elliot Anderson, a boyhood product whose departure still lingers among supporters.

Anderson was the one that got away

Few transfers captured Newcastle’s PSR reality quite like the exit of Elliot Anderson.

Born in the North-East, Anderson represented pure profit under financial rules, having come through the academy system.

In 2024, he left for Nottingham Forest, with goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos heading the other way in a deal that neither the player nor the club truly wanted. Newcastle’s desperation at the time was obvious.

Winger Yankuba Minteh was reluctantly sold to Brighton while late moves for Isak and Anthony Gordon had even been considered to balance the books. The decision to sanction Anderson’s departure was a clear by-product of heavy spending in the early takeover years without meaningful outgoings.

For Anderson, however, the move proved beneficial.

At Forest, he escaped Newcastle’s midfield, where Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton occupied all the available slots.

Instead, he became a vital cog in Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, registering 37 league appearances last season, with two goals and six assists.

The statistical profile underlines his all-round game.

Elliot Anderson – 2024/25

Matches Played

37

Goals

2

Assists

6

Progressive Carries

52

Progressive Passes

143

Source: FBref

Anderson ranked in the 88th percentile for assists per 90 (0.19) and 77th for shot-creating actions (3.07), demonstrating his ability to influence the final third, per FBref.

Off the ball, he impressed too: 88th percentile for tackles per 90 (3.07) and 87th for clearances (2.40), showing a willingness to work in deeper areas.

His successful take-ons, at 1.18 per 90 (89th percentile), reflect a player capable of carrying the ball under pressure.

That form earned Anderson his first senior England call-up, switching allegiance after previously representing Scotland at youth level.

For Newcastle, it was bittersweet: a homegrown talent thriving elsewhere, sacrificed in the name of compliance.

Alfie Harrison is the next big thing

While Anderson may be the one that got away, Newcastle could yet be vindicated in their youth-first policy if Alfie Harrison fulfils his potential.

Signed from Manchester City in January 2024, Harrison has been described by The Secret Scout as “one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in England.”

The 19-year-old has already clocked up 40 appearances for Newcastle’s youth sides, producing six goals and 13 assists, per Transfermarkt.

He even featured against Atlético Madrid in pre-season with the first team, a sign of how highly he is regarded by Eddie Howe’s coaching staff.

Though a loan move was discussed over the summer, Harrison has stayed put to train alongside senior internationals – exposure that could only accelerate his development.

Harrison operates best as a classic No.10, thriving between the lines where he can execute key passes or make late runs into the box.

That, however, is the tactical sticking point.

Howe rarely employs a traditional playmaker, preferring a midfield trio built on intensity and physicality.

Still, the hope is that a pathway is there.

Newcastle’s push to stockpile young talent in anticipation of both PSR pressure and long-term squad building creates room for players like Harrison to emerge.

If his numbers at youth level translate to the senior game, the Magpies could have unearthed a future star without the financial sting of another enforced sale.

For all the disappointment of losing Anderson, Newcastle’s recalibrated recruitment could ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Sep 25, 2025

If Harrison is given the right platform, the Magpies might just find their next homegrown success story waiting in the wings.