تحدث محمد مصيلحي رئيس نادي الاتحاد السكندري، عن مباراة اليوم أمام الداخلية التي جمعت بينهما ببطولة الدوري المصري، مشيراً إلى أنه تم تقديم اعتراض رسمي لـ اتحاد الكرة احتجاجاً على طاقم تحكيم المباراة.
وتواجه فريقا الاتحاد السكندري والداخلية، على أرضية استاد الإسكندرية، في إطار مواجهات الأسبوع الـ 28 من عمر مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري، وانتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق.
وقال محمد مصيلحي في تصريحات عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورتس”: “سمعت رأي مصر كلها في مباراة اليوم أمام الداخلية، ماذا استفدت لو تم الاعتذار لنا عن الخطأ؟ كل خبراء التحكيم أجمعوا على ذلك، تقدمنا باعتراض رسمي لاتحاد الكرة ورابطة الأندية”.
طالع أيضاً.. رسمياً | الاتحاد السكندري يتقدم بشكوى لـ اتحاد الكرة ورابطة الأندية ضد حكم مباراة الداخلية
وتابع: “مصر كلها منذ فترة كل الأندية تعترض على التحكيم، أنا كرئيس ناد لا يفرق معي من رئيس اللجنة، لكني أريد حقي، أنا أصرف ميزانية كبيرة على كرة القدم، وفي أخر المباريات أتعرض لهذا الموقف”.
وواصل: “أنا أعرف ماذا حدث في الفار اليوم، الحكم سيد شعبان حكم الفار قال بين الشوطين وبعد المباراة أن الهدف صحيح، الهدف من تصوير القناة الناقلة، لماذا لم يتم مشاهدة علامات الفار على الشاشة وقت المباراة، الحكم ظل 5 دقائق ينتظر قرار الفار، لو كان عنده أي نوع من المشاكل في التقنية، وجهة نظري إن حكم الفار كان استدعى حكم الساحة ليشاهد الحالة على الطبيعة”.
وأوضح: “لا بد أن يتم تحقيق رسمي في هذا الموضوع، وأعلم ماذا سيقال، سيقال أن هناك تحقيق وعقوبات غير معلنة، لكن ما ذنبي أنا كرئيس نادي، (سيبك من موضوع إعلان الانسحاب من عدمه) مصر كلها ترى أن الهدف صحيح، حقي إن لجنة الحكام تُحقق مع طاقم التحكيم، ولو في خطأ المباراة تُعاد، أنا خسرت نقطتين ماذا استفدت؟ لو لجنة الحكام أعلنت أن الحكم أخطأ وسيتم إيقافه لآخر الموسم.. ماذا استفدت أنا؟”.
هل في نادي في مصر لم يحتج على الحكام؟ أجاب: “لا، والكل أصدر بيانات، نحن لم نتحدث في الأمر، واليوم أصدرنا بيانا وتقدمنا بخطاب رسمي لاتحاد الكرة والرابطة، نريد حقنا”.
واختتم: “الفترة الماضية الجميع تحدث عن الحالة التي فعلها الزمالك، الآن الكل سيقول هذا الطبيعي، أنا الآن أنتظر العدل، لا أريد الدخول في جدل كبير، لكن مصر كلها تعرف أن الاتحاد السكندري على حق، وأطلب من فضلكم ردوا على الخطاب الرسمي الذي أرسلته، ولا أنتظر أن يكون الرد علينا أننا عاقبنا الحكم عقاب سري”.
انتهت مساء يوم الأربعاء، منافسات الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات ببطولة كأس أمم أوروبا، يورو 2024، باسدال الستار بعد مباريات المجموعة السادسة.
وتمكن منتخب ألمانيا،، من الحصول على بطاقة التأهل الأولى إلى ثمن نهائي يورو 2024.
جاء تأهل منتخب ألمانيا بعدما فاز على المجر بهدفين دون رد، ليعزز صدارته للمجموعة الأولى برصيد 6 نقاط، حيث فاز في اللقاء الأول على اسكتلندا بنتيجة 5-1.
في حين تأهلت إسبانيا إلى دور الـ16 عقب فوزها المثير على إيطاليا، مساء يوم الخميس، بهدف دون رد، في قمة منافسات الجولة الثانية من دور مجموعات البطولة.
كما تأهل منتخب البرتغال، بقيادة النجم كريستيانو رونالدو، إلى الدور المقبل عقب فوزهم بثلاثية نظيفة على تركيا في الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات.
وفي بداية مشوار الجولة الثالثة من دور مجموعات البطولة، نجح منتخب سويسرا في التأهل كوصيف للمجموعة الأولى عقب تعادله مع ألمانيا بهدف لمثله.
وحصل منتخب إيطاليا على بطاقة التأهل كوصيف للمجموعة الثانية بعدما تعادل في الوقت القاتل مع كرواتيا، لتودع الأخيرة البطولة.
ومن المجموعة الرابعة، تأهل منتخب النمسا كمتصدر عقب فوزه ضد هولندا بثلاثة أهداف لهدفين، في حين تعادلت فرنسا مع بولندا وتأهلت كوصيف، والمنتخب الهولندي في المركز الثالث.
وفي المجموعة الثالثة، حسمت إنجلترا تأهلها كمتصدر للمجموعة عقب التعادل أمام سلوفينيا، بينما حل الدنمارك وصيفاً عقب تعادله أمام صربيا، وتأهلت سلوفينيا ضمن أحد أفضل ثوالث.
وفي المجموعة الخامسة تأهلت 3 منتخبات من بينهم المنتخب الروماني كمتصدر للمجموعة، بينما حلت بلجيكا وصيفاً، وجاء المنتخب السلوفاكي ثالثاً في ترتيب المجموعة.
وتأهل المنتخب البرتغالي في صدارة المجموعة السادسة، وجاء خلفه تركيا ثانيًا، وثالثًا المنتخب الجورجي لأول مرة في التاريخ.
ويتأهل صاحب المركز الأول والثاني من كل مجموعة من المجموعات الستة، بواقع 12 متأهلًا، إلى جانب أفضل 4 منتخبات من أصحاب المركز الثالث. المتأهلون إلى دور الـ16 في يورو 2024
The recent departure of Harry Kane saw Tottenham Hotspur lose arguably one their most successful academy graduate of recent times, with the Englishman having developed from being a promising youngster into one of the most clinical figures in world football.
While the Three Lions skipper was forced to wait for his chance at N17 after enduring a handful of loan spells in his early career, the 30-year-old blossomed into a true talisman for the north London outfit, having departed with a club-record tally of 278 goals in all competitions.
Although other figures have risen from the youth ranks since then – namely Harry Winks and Japhet Tanganga – there have been few who have been able to truly cement themselves at first-team level, with former boss Antonio Conte, in particular, having left academy staff feeling disillusioned regarding the lack of a clear pathway.
That being said, there will be a handful of standout gem's among the current crop of young talent who could well establish themselves sooner rather than later, with potential Kane heir Jamie Donley one such figure to keep an eye on.
The Northern Irishman is not the only attacking asset to have caught the eye of late, however, with 20-year-old forward Yago Santiago also making his mark at Hotspur Way of late.
Who is Yago Santiago?
Described as a player who has a "really bright future" by Spurs presenter, Matt Tarr, the exciting Spaniard originally joined the club from hometown side Celta Vigo back in 2019, having since spent the last four years showcasing his talent in the academy set-up.
Although yet to be afforded an opportunity in the senior ranks after failing to make a single competitive appearance for the club, the change in the dugout could help to alter that situation, particularly with Ange Postecoglou having previously outlined his love for working with young talent:
"Experienced players tend to know the pitfalls of football and life, so to convince them to do something risky can take more time. Young players tend to be sponges and don’t know the pitfalls, so I’ve always liked to have a youth emphasis.
"I get excited by developing young players and don’t think they’re detrimental to being successful."
Santiago – who can operate all across the front line and in a number ten berth – could prove to be an early success story of Postecoglou's time in charge, having enjoyed a sparkling start to the new season.
How good is Yago Santiago?
The £300-per-week sensation is currently coming off the back of a standout 2022/23 campaign which saw him score seven goals and provide two assists from his 26 Premier League 2 appearances, establishing himself as a regular fixture for the club's U21 side.
That respectable return ensured that Santiago was the recipient of notable praise from respected insider superhotspur last year, with the trusted source having said of his talents:
'Versatile and capable of starting matches in all of the forward areas of the pitch, the skilful forward has looked so composed on the ball in every game that he has played in this season. Often making things look effortless with the ball at his feet, Yago is a creative player, and he has shown already this season that he can create chances on his own, out of very little.'
Although only four games into the current season, it already looks as if the dynamic gem is set to better his previous tally after already netting four times so far, having bagged a brace in the convincing wins over both Newcastle United and Manchester City.
That has ensured that the player's overall tally now stands at 13 goals and five assists in 61 outings for the U21's, with that record only likely to look even more eye-catching if this rampant start to 2023/24 can continue over the coming weeks and months – if he is not poached by Postecoglou first that is.
With a new contract until the summer of 2025 having been signed earlier this year, it looks as if the youngster is an asset that Spurs are keen to keep hold of, with the aim of unleashing him at a higher level in the near future.
What does the future hold for Yago Santiago?
Santiago's hopes of forcing his way into Postecoglou's thinking can be helped by the fact that the ex-Celtic boss is hardly blessed with true strength in depth in attack, despite snapping up Brennan Johnson on deadline day.
Against Burnley last time out, the 58-year-old deployed an attacking trio of Manor Solomon, Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski, with Richarlison watching on from the bench, with one or two injuries likely to see those limited options be quickly depleted.
Heung-min Son and Richarlison
Equally, it's not as if those aforementioned names are all currently firing, with that man Richarlison having scored just a solitary league goal across the last 12 months, having failed to prove his worth following his £60m arrival from Everton.
Categorised as a player with no "standout attributes" by pundit Gabby Agbonlahor, the Brazilian has given little evidence that he can be a reliable understudy or successor to teammate Son, either on the flanks or in a number nine role, hence why Santiago should be able to stake his claim sooner rather than later.
As someone who has been utilised on the left flank so far this season, the former Celta youth product can be a perfect fit to help emulate the impact of Son in that role, with the latter man having been a true shining star of the last eight years with 148 goals and 80 assists in 377 games across all fronts.
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Equally, with the South Korean shifting to a central role against the Clarets, Santiago could also be a dream back-up in that position too, with superhotspur said to have been left 'particularly impressed when he was started as a centre-forward in matches, when his pace and running in behind the defence has created opportunities for Spurs.'
Although Postecoglou may be in no rush to promote Tottenham's emerging talent following an unbeaten start to the campaign, it should not be too long before Santiago is able to prove why he can oust Richarlison as the perfect heir to Son in attack.
Nottingham Forest haven't had the best week on the pitch with a hard-to-take defeat to Manchester United last weekend, followed up by a 1-0 defeat to Burnley knocking them out of the Carabao Cup prematurely on Wednesday evening.
As a result, Steve Cooper will be looking for a comeback when he leads his team out at Stamford Bridge this afternoon and will be hoping that his team show their resilience and work ethic to deliver the travelling support something to celebrate.
The Tricky Trees are currently 14th in the Premier League table after tallying up two defeats and a victory so far, whilst Chelsea sit in 10th place just one point ahead of their visitors, which proves how tight the standings are at these early stages and how important it is to get a good run of form going as soon as possible.
What's the latest Nottingham Forest team news?
With regards to injuries, Cooper has revealed there are many doubts in the squad beyond those who have been ruled out indefinitely.
The Forest boss has confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Danilo will undergo a scan on his hamstring following his absence from the matchday squad against Burnley in mid-week, whilst also revealing disappointing updates on both Scott McKenna and Orel Mangala:
"Orel is out injured at the moment.
"Danilo, unfortunately, has picked up an injury as well. Scott has picked up an injury, as we saw against United last Saturday."
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper.
Cooper also confirmed potential returns for Felipe and Wayne Hennessey:
"Felipe is back training and was on the bench on Wednesday night. It’s a boost that he’s been back with us, because we all know how influential he was for us last season.
"Wayne is back in training. He’s close to being fully fit."
Will Gonzalo Montiel start vs Chelsea?
The Garibaldi Reds completed the exciting signing of Argentine World Cup Winner Gonzalo Montiel during the summer transfer window on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy, and Forest fans were given their first glimpse of their new player on Wednesday evening against Burnley.
Over his 71-minute performance, the 26-year-old – dubbed an "animal" by his former coach Julen Lopetegui – won 100% of his aerial duels, 50% of his ground duels, completed two clearances and two tackles, as per SofaScore, in a complete defensive showing.
Now Cooper must unleash the £22k-per-week right-back in his starting XI in West London this weekend to allow him to build better connections with his teammates on the pitch, and if he can find his feet quickly in the opening minutes of the clash he could bully Chelsea on the right flank.
When comparing Montiel's La Liga output with Aurier's for Forest last season, the Sevilla defender comfortably outperformed his position competitor at the City Ground in many attacking attributes including goal contributions (3 v 1), pass completion (77.7% v 70.7%), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.42 v 1.20), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.30 v 0.05), demonstrating that he could bring a more progressive presence to the Forest back-line.
Not only is the Argentine a tough customer from a defensive point of view but those attacking metrics suggests Chelsea may well be in for a tricky afternoon.
With that being said, it would be a no-brainer to unleash Montiel in the starting line-up against the Blues as his creativity and more progressive style of play from his deeper role could be a breath of fresh air for the travelling Trentsiders.
Southampton have not been busy in the summer transfer window in terms of bringing players into the club as they have only made three first-team signings to date.
Who have Southampton signed this summer?
Russell Martin has been able to bring in left-back Ryan Manning on a free transfer from his former team Swansea and versatile defender Shea Charles on a permanent deal from Manchester City, whilst goalkeeper Joe Lumley has also arrived on a free.
Meanwhile, Tino Livramento, James Ward-Prowse, Mohammed Salisu, Mislav Orsic, Ibrahima Diallo, Mohamed Elyounoussi, and Theo Walcott have all departed on a permanent basis.
These sales could provide the Scottish head coach with the funds to dip into the market to bolster his squad further before next month's deadline.
One player who could arrive on the south coast over the coming weeks is Newcastle United outcast Isaac Hayden. The defensive midfielder has been linked with a move to St. Mary's this summer and is reportedly free to depart Tyneside if the right offer comes in for his services.
How good is Isaac Hayden?
Martin could land Oriol Romeu 2.0 for the Saints by signing the English enforcer as he is an excellent ball-winning battler who can screen in front of the back four to make Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens' lives easier.
Hayden spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan with Norwich in the Championship and showcased his defensive instincts with 2.7 tackles and interceptions per match, which came after he managed three tackles and interceptions per outing for the Magpies during the 2021/22 Premier League season.
The £22k-per-week ace also ranked within the top 3% or higher of his positional peers across the last second-tier term for blocks (2.21) and aerial duels won (3.31) per 90.
These statistics suggest that Hayden could be an outstanding defensive option for the Saints as no midfielder managed more than 0.4 blocks or two aerial battles won per clash for the club last season.
Former Norwich loanee Isaac Hayden.
Romeu made 3.5 tackles and interceptions per game during his final Premier League campaign with Southampton in 2021/22. He also averaged 1.22 blocks and 2.09 headers won per 90 at the base of Ralph Hasenhuttl's midfield.
His duel success rate of 55% showed that the Spaniard was strong in his physical contests and the reported Saints target came out on top in 58% of his Championship battles for the Canaries.
The now-Barcelona enforcer excelled at putting out fires across the pitch to win possession back for his side as a holding midfielder and the Magpies outcast is a player who has similar qualities, as ex-boss Dean Smith hailed him as an "excellent" and "technical" ball-winner.
There is, however, a concern over his injury record as Hayden has missed 45 competitive games since the start of the 2021/22 campaign.
However, he had only been absent for 19 matches over the previous three years and his recent issues could just be a flash in the pan.
Southampton could gamble on him being a reliable option as his statistics when he is available suggest that the 28-year-old battler could be Romeu 2.0 for the club as a screening midfielder in front of the back four.
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified a leading candidate to replace Bayern Munich target Harry Kane this summer, with reports in Italy indicating that Ange Postecoglou and co are interested in Lille striker, Jonathan David.
How much would Jonathan David cost?
According to Gazzetta dello Sport – via Sport Witness – the Canadian international is said to be being 'followed' by those at N17, with the 23-year-old seemingly at the 'top of their list' with regard to potential centre-forward replacements for Kane.
The report suggests, however, that while the former Gent hitman is valued at around €50m (£43m) at present, the impending switch of Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United for a fee of around £72m could inflate the striker market.
Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…
The piece does though add that David's price tag could drop to as low as €40m (£34m) this month, with the Ligue 1 outfit potentially inclined to cash on the Brooklyn-born menace with just two years left on his current deal.
Who is Jonathan David similar to?
There have perhaps been doubts regarding the 5 foot 9 marksman's ability to make an impact in the Premier League, with journalist Dean Jones previously suggesting that David had failed to impress watching Man United scouts last season.
That being said, however, it is perhaps hard to argue with the striker's impressive goal return in Ligue 1 in recent times, with the £28k-per-week asset having notably scored 24 league goals during the 2022/23 campaign – a record only bettered by Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe in the division.
Lauded as a "phenom" and "one of the best strikers in the world" by podcaster Tony Marinaro, the emerging gem now boasts a haul of 58 goals in 136 games in all competitions for his current side, after previously bagging 37 goals in 83 games during his time in Belgium.
While the jury is out on whether he could be the man to fill Kane's shoes in north London – with the Englishman netting 30 league goals last season alone – it is interesting to note that David is said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with Arsenal youngster, Folarin Balogun, according to Opta's Player Radars.
That comparison between the latter man – who scored 21 Ligue 1 goals last season while on loan at Reims – and his Lille counterpart can be seen by just how clinical they are in the final third, with David ranking in the top 6% among his European peers for goals, while Balogun ranks in the top 10% in that regard.
The pair are also alike with regard to their poaching prowess and desire to impact the game where it matters most, with the reported Spurs target ranking in the top 9% for touches in the opposition box, while Balogun ranks in the top 10% in that regard.
The Gunners gem is a worthy player to be compared to have been touted for a £50m move away from the Emirates of late, with the 22-year-old having proven himself to be an "unbelievable" talent during his latest stint in France, according to Reims boss Will Still.
With their north London rivals having an exciting striking talent on the books in the form of Balogun, perhaps Spurs could find Postecoglou's answer to the United States international with the signing of David.
Arsenal are attempting to aggressively enter negotiations for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow, according to reports out of Italy.
Who will Arsenal sign?
Mikel Arteta, after sealing a trio of marquee deals already, could surprisingly make even more signings before deadline day as we enter the final phase of this summer transfer window.
Kai Havertz's £65 million deal, combined with a £38 million move for Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice's club-record £105 million transfer from West Ham, take Arsenal's spending north of £200 million.
Reliable media sources also claim that the Gunners are chasing a move for Brentford's David Raya as sporting director Edu looks to provide competition for current number one Aaron Ramsdale.
It's been a memorable last month for Gooners as their club show true ambition in the market, with Arteta seeming particularly thrilled by his side's capture of Rice.
“We’re really happy that Declan is joining us," said Arteta.
"He is a player with tremendous ability, who has been performing at a high level in the Premier League and for England for a number of seasons now. Declan is bringing undoubted quality to the club and he is an exceptional talent who has the potential to be very successful here.
“Declan has great experience in the Premier League at only 24 years old. He has captained a very good West Ham team and as we all saw, he recently lifted a European trophy. The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”
Arsenal have also been linked with an ambitious move for Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and according to Calciomercato.it, as translated by Sport Witness, they could look to hijack Lazio's move for Sow from Frankfurt.
The Switzerland international, who featured regularly during their 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, is apparently a target for Edu and Arsenal.
It is believed they could "aggressively enter the negotiation" for Sow despite Lazio's advanced talks to sign him.
The 26-year-old was apparently on the verge of joining Maurizio Sarri's side, with a deal even being agreed of around €15 million (£12.8m) plus bonuses, but Arsenal could look to disrupt the transfer with a move of their own.
Sevilla are another side interested in Sow, meaning a possible auction is on the cards, but Lazio aren't giving up and are expected to hold a meeting on how best to proceed.
How good is Djibril Sow?
The midfielder was a near-undroppable for Eintracht last campaign, playing the fifth-highest number of league minutes out of anyone in their squad over 2022/2023 (WhoScored).
Sow started 30 league matches for them, making a further two appearances from the bench, with members of the English media heaping praise on him for some performances.
Sports reporter Sam Smith of The Daily Express, for instance, praised drew attention to Sow's "combative" and "progressive" style of play in late 2022.
"First time properly watching Djibril Sow in this first half & been impressed," wrote Smith.
"Progressive on the ball and combative."
A price in and around the £12.8m mooted is also more-than afforable from Arsenal's perspective, so this could be one to watch out for.
He might be the oldest specialist batsman picked by England this century, but Mark Stoneman has never given up on his life-long dream of playing Test cricket.
George Dobell10-Aug-2017He might be the oldest specialist batsman picked by England this century, but Mark Stoneman has never given up on his life-long dream of playing Test cricket.It has been his ambition for as long as he can remember; since those earliest memories running around the boundary edge with a plastic bat and ball while his dad played league cricket in the North East.It remained his ambition throughout the early days of his career at Durham when, on desperately tough surfaces for top-order batsmen, he averaged just 24.84 over his first four seasons in the first-class game.And it remained his ambition even after he was continuously over-looked for Lions recognition – a situation described as “astounding” by his coach and long-time mentor, Michael Di Venuto – and as he was compiling more than 1,000 first-class runs in each of the last five seasons.As it transpired, he had to wait until June – just a few days short of his 30th birthday – before he gained a first Lions cap (he made half-centuries in both innings). And, after he was told he was next in line, having missed out on the first Test squad of the summer – the England management informed Surrey that he would have been included had the first Test squad contained 13 rather than 12 names – he had the strength of character to score a century in the Lord’s final the next day. Then, when it transpired he was not next in line after all – Tom Westley was next to win a top-order call-up – he was able to shrug it off and maintain his consistent form for Surrey.”The dream was always alive,” Stoneman said as he reflected on his call-up. “It’s what gets you up on a winter’s morning when you have to get to the gym to put the work in.”It’s been a long road and there have been a lot of ups and downs. There have been times when I’ve had to think long and hard.”But I stuck with it and I never gave up. There’s inspiration all around the world with guys who have blossomed late on with good experience behind them: the likes of Chris Rogers and Mike Hussey in the Australian team. They were behind some fantastic players. Hopefully I can be like them.”You can’t give up and this is testament to that. If you keep trying and the chance comes along, you have to take it with both hands.”It may be relevant that, on the day he was selected, he was top-scorer for them against Somerset. While some other players – notably Scott Borthwick last year – lost form after their name was connected with an England call-up (proof, some suggested, that he may not be able to withstand the intensity of international cricket), Stoneman has remained as apparently calm and consistent as ever. His last three Championship innings are 57, 47, 67 and, knowing he was close to a call-up, he continued to net against the red ball throughout the window for domestic T20 cricket.Mark Stoneman made a century in the Royal London Cup final to keep his name in the reckoning•Getty Images
“I tried to keep things simple and ensure my name was in the right area of the batting charts at the right time,” he said. “And just not get ahead of myself.”I realised there were a lot of good players out there and I had to keep putting performances in.”This phlegmatic attitude may, in part, have been instilled by his early experiences in the game. Starting his career on capricious surfaces in Durham – “they were character-building,” he laughs now – he learned to shrug off the odd jaffa that life must send his way and, whether he nicked it or missed it, forget about it and focus on the next ball. Those early experiences (“I had a new opening partner each half of the season,” Di Venuto recalls, “as they were shot after a few games”) also explain his relatively modest career average of 34.76. Over the last five seasons, he is averaging just over 40. This season, at Surrey, that has risen to 59.14″It was about three-thirty by the time my phone went,” he says. “I knew they were picking the side today and I was beginning to think it wasn’t to be. But then I saw Mr Whitaker’s name on my phone and thought this was a call I really had to take. He has called once or twice to say I was close, but this time he said straight away he had brilliant news for me.”The first thing Stoneman did when he received the call from James Whitaker – “Mr Whitaker,” as he refers to him – was call his parents, his sister and his wife. It was the conversation with his dad, Ian, that was the most emotional.”He’s a typical northern bloke,” Stoneman says. “So he kept his emotions in check during the call. But I bet he shed a tear or two but it was once he put the phone down. He’ll be there next week.”Dad was the one rushing home from a full day’s work to take me to training. You don’t realise when you’re younger: you just think ‘I’ve got training, I need to go there’ and you expect it to be done. But he went out of his way so often for me. I can’t thank my parents enough for what they’ve done for me.”One of my first memories is of having a little plastic bat and ball in my hands. I used to follow my dad around various leagues in the North East. Given that, my left foot apart, I’m not much of a footballer, cricket was always going to be my sport.”Stoneman will become, barring injury in training, Cook’s 12th opening partner in Test cricket since the retirement of Andrew Strauss at the end of the 2012 English season. He has little experience of pink-ball cricket – though he did score a century in the 2014 Champions v MCC match in the UAE – and will be older than any of the previous 11 when they started their international careers.But that need not be a disadvantage. As an experienced batsman who has learned his game inside-out, who has developed the temperament and technique to cope with triumph and disaster and who has, as Di Venuto puts it, “the back-foot game” and “solid character” that provide excellent raw ingredients, he has a better chance than most to adapt to the higher standard – and the pace and pitches of Australia.If he does make it, he will reflect with gratitude on Di Venuto’s influence. He admits he used to copy his opening partner’s habits – “subconsciously, I think”, he says – including the way he wore his boots and donning a head band at times. But it was more meaningful interventions that may prove key.”When Di Venuto came to Durham, he told me that, if you’re going out of your way to meet the ball, you’re increasing your chances of the nicks,” Stoneman said. “But if you play the ball later and put a few cuts away, it puts the bowlers under pressure and they come searching for your wicket.”When that sunk in, I started to have success.”I don’t think moving to Surrey got me picked. But it did allow me to continue my work of the last four years. It allowed me to keep chasing my dream. If I had stayed… we all know what has happened at Durham. I think it would have been very difficult. It would have been a massive distraction.”I’ve had 10 years as a professional now. I think I’ve worked a few things out. I’ve played on different surfaces and against some good players. This is a step into the unknown and I’m going to treasure every moment of it.”
Having picked up their first ODI win over a Full Member nation, Scotland will now target a maiden ODI series win over a Full Member, while Zimbabwe fight to avoid a series sweep
The Preview by Peter Della Penna in Edinburgh16-Jun-2017Match factsJune 17, 2017 Start time 10:45 local (09:45 GMT)Con de Lange and Malcolm Waller, who played huge roles for their respective teams in the first ODI, once again figure to be crucial to their teams’ success•Peter Della PennaBig PictureThe far north of the UK is a place where chilly, damp weather is a common occurrence round the year. Regardless of what Zimbabwe may have read about Edinburgh beforehand, not much would have prepared them for the cold shower they experienced on Thursday in the form of a loss to Scotland in the maiden ODI between the two countries.Losing a pair of home series to Afghanistan is one thing, with the consensus being that Afghanistan’s on-field quality has outstripped their administrative status as an Associate – a view further cemented by Afghanistan drawing the ODI series on their first visit to the West Indies earlier this month. As much as Scotland have improved their on-field product in recent years under coach Grant Bradburn, the bare fact was that they’d never beaten a Full Member in 23 attempts prior to Thursday. But, by the end of the day, Zimbabwe found themselves on the wrong side of history.Less than two days after that wake-up call, Zimbabwe have a chance to save face and level the series. Scotland are currently third in the WCL Championship, three points behind Netherlands, and if Zimbabwe are swept 2-0 in Edinburgh, the prospect of three one-dayers next week in Amsterdam becomes even more daunting.Scotland, on the other hand, have a chance to create a double-dose of history. “Securing a maiden ODI win over a Full Member” has been checked off the to-do list. They have the pen in hand waiting to mark off the next item on their summer agenda: “securing a maiden ODI win over a Full Member.”Form guideScotland: WLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)Zimbabwe: LLWWLIn the spotlightSouth Africa-born Con de Lange first came to Scotland in 2003 as an overseas pro for Ferguslie CC in Paisley. After marrying a local girl and putting down roots in his adopted homeland, he made his Scotland debut in 2015 and has since become one of their most reliable talents. Named vice-captain in January, he turned in his maiden ODI five-for in the win on Thursday and will look to restrict Zimbabwe once again.Malcolm Waller’s last four scores, playing for Rhinos in Zimbabwe’s domestic competition Pro50 Championship, prior to the Scotland tour were 52, 49, 57 and 113. His 92 off 62 balls in the first ODI was his fifth ODI half-century, and he came within inches of making it a match-winning maiden ton before being snuffed out by a controversial catch. Scotland had few answers for containing him in the first match, and he may be a handful once again in the middle order.Team newsSomerset’s Josh Davey has been released from the county for the second ODI, and he won’t be making the trip up north just to sit on the bench. Though Chris Sole is the youngest and least experienced of Scotland’s medium-pace unit, his opening five-over spell of 1 for 10 was exceptional. But Sole looked rattled by Waller, conceding 0 for 30 in three overs later in the innings. Safyaan Sharif was also expensive, finishing with 1 for 69, making them the most likely candidates to make way for Davey, with Alasdair Evans staying to take the new ball.Scotland (probable): 1 Kyle Coetzer (capt), 2 Matthew Cross (wk), 3 Calum MacLeod, 4 Richie Berrington, 5 Preston Mommsen, 6 Craig Wallace, 7 Michael Leask, 8 Josh Davey, 9 Con de Lange, 10 Chris Sole/Safyaan Sharif, 11 Alasdair EvansChris Mpofu, who was Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker in the five-match series against Afghanistan, was a surprising omission in the first ODI. Richard Ngarava struggled badly, both with the new ball and at the death, to finish with 1 for 96 – the joint second-worst figures for a Zimbabwe bowler in ODIs. A direct swap for the two is most likely on the bowling front, while Chamu Chibhabha might also get a look in after another ODI failure for Ryan Burl.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Hamilton Masakadza, 2 Solomon Mire, 3 Chamu Chibhabha, 4 Craig Ervine, 5 Sean Williams, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Malcolm Waller, 8 PJ Moor (wk), 9 Graeme Cremer (capt), 10 Tendai Chatara, 11 Chris MpofuPitch and conditionsUnlike the on-and-off rain on Thursday that resulted in Zimbabwe’s chase being reduced to 43 overs, Saturday is forecast to be one of the clearest and hottest days of the late spring and early summer in Edinburgh with a high of 24 degrees centigrade and no rain in the area. Expect another flat, bat-first pitch with a 300-plus target in mind.Stats and trivia Con de Lange’s 5 for 60 was just the sixth five-wicket haul in Scotland’s ODI history and the first since Josh Davey’s 6 for 28 against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi just before the 2015 World Cup. Scotland’s 317 for 6 in the first ODI was the fifth time they scored 300 or more in an ODI innings, and their second-highest total against a Full Member, one short of the 318 for 8 they made in a World Cup loss to Bangladesh. Zimbabwe’s overall record against Associates in ODIs is 49-20-1 after the loss to Scotland. But since that lone tie, against Ireland in the 2007 World Cup, it has been much less dominant at 25-17. That includes 11 losses to Afghanistan, three to Ireland and two to Kenya.Quotes”This is what we’ve been waiting to do for a little while. We’ve taken a little bit longer than other teams have, but we’ve now got a strong squad of players and we hope that we could still keep on challenging and maybe play some of the other Test-ranked teams.” “They do play good shots and we knew we were going to be up against it, especially in their home conditions, our first game. But we’ve got to jump around. We’ve got to be ready for the next game and make sure that we finish on top.”
Afghanistan’s first bilateral series against West Indies will include three T20Is and three ODIs, beginning in the first week of June. The series will be played concurrently with the Champions Trophy, which begins on June 1 in England. West Indies, who haven’t won a bilateral ODI series since 2014, beating Bangladesh at home, failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy.
WI v Afghanistan schedule
June 2 – First T20I June 3 – Second T20I June 5 – Third T20I June 9 – First ODI June 11 – Second ODI June 14 – Third ODI
All three T20s will be played at Warner Park in St Kitts, beginning from June 2. The ODIs, all of which will be played at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, will begin a week later, on June 9.The tour’s original schedule included five ODIs and three T20Is. This series will also be Afghanistan’s first full series against a Full Member other than Zimbabwe.”It will also be an important series for our side,” Roland Holder, WICB Manager of Cricket Operations, said, “as they look to move up in the ICC World Rankings in the two formats, and continue their quest to qualify for the 2019 ICC World Cup in England and Wales.”West Indies are currently placed ninth in the ODI rankings, followed by Afghanistan. West Indies will be hoping to climb up the rankings as only the top eight teams as of September end this year will gain automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup. They lost their last ODI series 3-0 to England earlier this month and have three more coming up against Pakistan in April.West Indies and Afghanistan have never played an ODI against each other and the last time they squared up in a T20I, Afghanistan won by six runs, in a league match in the World T20 last year.The upcoming three T20Is will start at 7pm and the day-night ODIs will start at 2.30 pm.