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ScorecardRichard Levi’s 72 of 88 balls helped the South Africa Academy beat the Bangladesh Cricket Board Academy by 18 runs in the first of three one-dayers played on Wednesday. Levi’s knock, which comprised eight fours and two sixes, helped to steer South Africa to 211 for 9 in 45 overs, which proved enough as the visitors managed only 193 for 8.Batting first, the South Africa Academy had a shaky start, losing opener Rushdi Jappie for five in the sixth over, with the score on 31, and No. 3 Roelof van der Merwe for 0. However, a 56-run stand for the fourth wicket between Levi and Reeza Hendricks saw the team recover to 120 for 4.With Levi getting run out and Hendricks falling for 31 soon after, it was up to Stiaan van Zyl and David Wiese to make a useful contributions. A 54-run sixth wicket stand between the two ensured South Africa Academy reached a competitive total. Delwar Hossain, playing his first game of the tour, bagged 3 for 46 in his nine overs and Ziaur Rahman took 2 for 27.Needing 212 to win, Bangladesh lost their openers early and were in serious trouble at 55 for 5 in the 17th over. However a 120-run sixth-wicket stand between Marshall Ayub (69) and Farhad Hossain (64) gave the visitors some hope, but it did not trouble the home team in the end.David Wiese was the pick of the South Africa Academy bowlers with 3 for 31 from his nine overs. Mthokozisi Shezi ended up with 2 for 46 in nine overs, while Mondli Mahlombe and Roelof van der Merwe finished with one scalp each.The next match is at the LC de Villiers Oval in Pretoria on Friday.

Osian Roberts has stepped down as the Moroccan Football Federation’s technical director to become Patrick Vieira’s assistant manager at Crystal Palace, according to Training Ground Guru.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles supporters have been sharing their thoughts to the news on social media.

Roberts, who was described as ‘the most influential man in Welsh football’, appeared to be pictured alongside Shaun Derry at Palace’s pre-season friendly with Reading on Saturday.

The Eagles defeated the Royals 3-1 on Saturday, and it seems as if Roberts, who admitted last year that he often speaks to Vieira, is set to become the Frenchman’s No.2.

Vieira has already brought in Kristian Wilson as first-team coach and Said Aigoun as development coach, and it appears as if the Welshman will be the next addition by the Palace boss.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared Training Ground Guru’s report on Roberts on Twitter on Saturday afternoon.

This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply, with one describing it as ‘exciting’.

“Honestly this was my final reservation, with him as assistant I reckon we could actually get top 10 with this rebuild”Credit: @bazbrown123″Get innn we’re actually building something amazing”Credit: @bazbrown123″This is huge for us, his experience will be vital for Vieira. Exciting times”Credit: @Eagles71987″What’s so special about this guy”Credit: @robertmeilak”Has done a lot of development with Welsh youth over the years”Credit: @littlecaesar007″I’ve never heard of him”Credit: @JoelGray_

In other news: ‘What’s happening?’, ‘Perfect’ – Many CPFC fans buzz at Sky Sports transfer news. 

“Its not going to be this easy next Thursday, Dale!” chided a spectator with a digicam as Dale Steyn walked by with his training kit. “Hah,” was the fast bowler’s reply. “It may just be easier.” Ashwell Prince wasn’t as forthcoming of his assessment of the South Africans’ dominant position at the end of day one against Middlesex at Uxbridge – and of their easy adjustment to England so far – but it was hard not to see the confidence of the touring team. South Africa are buoyant with less than a week before the first Test at Lord’s, make no mistake, despite the fact that their captain is the only one without any real form going into the first of four games this summer.”We’re confident heading to Lord’s next week, because most of the top order has got runs so far,” said Prince, whose unbeaten 104 was a crucial role in the South Africans’ total of 339 for 4 on another day of flat-track domination. “We’ve played well there before and we’re confident it will come together again.You need to grab whatever opportunity presents itself and Hashim [Amla] and myself did that today.”That they did. Both batsmen smoothed over the cracks created by the double loss of Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis just after lunch, and their 190-run partnership was a South African touring record against Middlesex.Prince said he didn’t have major issues with the track – evident by the manner in which he fluently clipped the spinners and pushed the quicker bowlers into the off-side gaps. “It seemed like it was going around a bit early on with the new ball,” said Prince.”But it’s quite a good pitch, and in the afternoon it was a little bit easier – and we took advantage.”South Africa have won their last three Tests at Lord’s and Smith would have fond memories of batting there – his 259 set up an innings-and-92-run win in 2003. Smith’s first innings of the tour – he didn’t play in Taunton as he was recovering from a torn hamstring – was a plucky 35, but even if it his only one before Lord’s Prince felt it was satisfactory. “He [Smith] batted for more than two hours out there, and the ball did go around a little bit this morning,” he said. “He hasn’t batted for a while. But those two hours – and some more in the second innings, we hope – I’m sure that will be enough time in terms of preparation for the Test.”It’s much better to get time in the middle than in the nets – and I’m sure he’d like to have another go in the second innings.”The only cricket Smith has played recent times has been in the Indian Premier League, and Prince felt it was understandable that he wasn’t off the blocks immediately. “He conscientiously took his time … He probably could have been a bit more aggressive,” he said. “But I think he probably opted to play the way he did, because he hasn’t had much time in the middle – and the last time he was batting it was in Twenty20. He wanted time at the crease and to get used to playing cricket with a red ball, the IPL being the last time he batted.”Smith may not be in the runs yet, but the rest of the South African outfit has cashed in on their pre-Test practice.

Tottenham Hotspur must beat their arch-rivals to the signature of Houssem Aouar this summer…

What’s the word?

French journalist Julien Laurens, who has appeared on ESPN and BT Sport, has claimed that Spurs have entered the race to sign the long-time Arsenal target.

He tweeted: “Being told that Tottenham have now also entered the race for Houssem Aouar. Arsenal are still keen on the Lyon playmaker but Spurs are in the conversation too now.”

Back in September 2020, the Gunners had a bid rejected by Lyon for their star midfielder, as per The Guardian, and evidently they have retained their interest in him this transfer window.

Get it done!

If the Lilywhites can beat their arch-rivals to the 23-year-old, then sporting director Fabio Paratici deserves a lot of praise as he’ll be signing someone capable of getting the club rocking again.

Spurs suffered one of their poorest seasons in recent times, slipping down to seventh in the table and missing out on a place in either the Champions or Europa League for the first time in over a decade.

Several midfield options also appear to be on the chopping block, including Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks, so there could certainly be a spot for Aouar to fill ahead of next season.

Valued at €30m (£26m), the French dynamo has been a regular source of goals and creativity from a deeper role, having provided 24 goals and 25 assists since the start of the 2018/19 campaign.

The impressive numbers don’t stop there as, throughout his entire career, Aouar has averaged 2.1 dribbles, 1.8 shots, 1.4 tackles and 1.2 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

It’s no wonder the Lyon maestro has been compared to Andres Iniesta – a player capable of pulling the strings from the no.8 role – as well as being dubbed “an exceptional talent” and lauded for his “special” qualities.

“I’ve often likened him to Andres Iniesta, which is obviously a big shout because, for me, he is one of the greatest players of all-time,” claimed Get French Football News journalist Adam White to Football FanCast.

“I don’t necessarily mean in quality but in style. He has silky movement and drifts in midfield to pick passes. At his best, he is absolutely brilliant to watch and he can play anywhere in midfield. He’s great on the ball and technically outstanding. His vision is brilliant. He’s a huge talent.”

On the above evidence, Aouar could be a mouthwatering prospect in Spurs’ current engine room and as such, he could be the sort of signing to get fans excited after a dismal and negative 12 to 18 months.

Paratici must do all he can to secure the 5 foot 9 gem.

AND in other news, Paratici could secure Spurs’ best signing since Son with £34m-rated “absolute beast”…

Surrey’s plans to redevelop The Oval in time for next summer’s Ashes have been dealt a blow with the news that a public inquiry is to be held over the safety of the gas holders next to the ground

Cricinfo staff19-May-2008
The gas holders, which have been in use since Victorian times, are the cause of a public inquiry over their safety © Getty Images
Surrey’s plans to redevelop The Oval in time for next summer’s Ashes have been dealt a blow with the news that a public inquiry is to be held over the safety of the gas holders next to the ground.The Oval had hoped to build a hotel, along with 2000 additional seats, and an agreement with Lambeth Council had been reached, but a Health and Safety executive has deemed the ancient gas holders – which are still in daily use – a potential hazard to nearby spectators.According to , Surrey are contemplating decommissioning the gas holders. “This would take years but might be the answer,” Paul Sheldon, the chief executive, told the newspaper. “We convinced Lambeth Council, who were very vigilant, that this would be a safe project. They were convinced there was no risk and were swayed by the area’s regeneration and the employment that the hotel would bring.”This will be a severe test case as there are gas holders in Stratford which will have implications for the Olympics in London. We are fortunate that Arora Hotels are not abandoning us, but building inflation is running at 10 per cent a year.”The inquiry has been called by Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Glamorgan Dragons’ fire proved too much for Yorkshire Phoenix at Cardiff in their Norwich Union League Division One encounter

George Dobell11-Aug-2002Glamorgan Dragons’ fire proved too much for Yorkshire Phoenix at Cardiff in their Norwich Union League Division One encounter.Both teams were level on 26 points at the start of play and retained legitimate hopes of winning the trophy. But it is the Dragons – who still have a game in hand over many of their competitors – that now find themselves only two points away from the top of the table, while Phoenix are left as outsiders in what is proving to be a frustrating season for them.It was the spin bowling of Robert Croft (3-27) and Dean Cosker (4-17) that turned the game in favour of the home team after Phoenix had looked to be cruising to victory in a rain-affected contest.Set 175 runs in win (by the Duckworth/Lewis method), Phoenix were well set at 86-1 in just the 10th over when Croft started their slide with the wicket of Matt Wood. Chris Silverwood followed just eight runs later, for an excellent 55 in 39 balls as pinch-hitter, while Richard Dawson and Anthony McGrath both followed before the 100 was posted.Michael Lumb and Gary Fellows regrouped for a while, but the introduction of Dean Cosker’s left-arm spin into the attack hastened the end and Phoenix fell away to be dismissed for 153, 21 runs short of their target.Earlier the Dragons made a decent start after electing to bat. Robert Croft began a good all-round performance with a brisk 37 (in 45 balls with seven fours), putting on 84 for the first wicket with Ian Thomas (40).But after Ryan Sidebottom claimed Croft’s wicket, more rain caused more delays and the game was further reduced to 22 over a side.Upon the resumption four wickets fell for 12 runs. Again it was spin that caused the problems, Andy Gray striking in his first over, having Ian Thomas – who had looked so good before the rain came – stumped. Fellow off-spinner Richard Dawson then took two in two balls, bowling Michael Powell for 12 before having Dragons’ skipper Steve James lbw first ball. Gray – who finished with 3-23 – then dismissed the dangerous Maynard before Darren Thomas provided some acceleration with three quick boundaries in a nine-ball cameo of 19.But Gray struck once again, dismissing Thomas before Adrian Dale and Mark Wallace took the total to 149 from their 22 overs.Duckworth/Lewis saw the target rise to 175, but despite the continued form of Silverwood as pinch-hitter this season, Croft and Cosker’s spin proved too much and the run chase ended in failure.

16-year-old Everton defender Thierry Small failed to report for the first week of pre-season training, The Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe has revealed.

Small is apparently looking to force a way out of Goodison Park, concerned that older full-backs Lucas Digne and Niels Nkounkou are blocking his path to first-team football.

Could Small be lured away from Everton?

Everton have a ‘bumper’ professional deal ready for Small’s 17th birthday on August 1, but ‘several’ European clubs are also admirers.

The list includes Manchester United and Arsenal domestically, as well as German giants Bayern Munich.

Small, who has recently taken on a new agent, was apparently in contact with the club on Monday.

He’s made 13 appearances for Everton at Under-23 level and earned his senior debut in an FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday in January.

The five-minute run-out officially made the Englishman Everton’s youngest-ever player.

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed The Athletic’s revelations, and here’s what supporters made of them.

Everton fans fume at Small strike

“Let him go, already having contract trouble for a kid that hasn’t played.. c ya mate hope league one suits you”

Credit: @Tomwalk62023010

“If the reports are accurate and he is treating the club in this manner as a 16 year old a) the club need to show him the door regardless of his potential and b) he needs a new agent.”

Credit: @1matthewburgess

“Any other job in the world you don’t turn up, you get sacked, at Everton, don’t turn up “ooooo let’s give him more money!”

Credit: @justdezza87

“If that’s his attitude at 16 what will it be like in a few years”

Credit: @irishevertonian

“Get the little wet wipe gone, attitude at that age won’t get anywhere”

Credit: @LukeC692

“Get rid then, real lack of professionalism that”

Credit: @lewissefc

“And he’s done what exactly to act like a superstar primadona? Get shut”

Credit: @Gillsta1878

In other news, there’s fresh interest in this forward. 

Australian captain Steve Waugh is willing to tour Pakistan but won’t raise the issue when he meets the Australian Cricket Board to discuss his contract tomorrow.

Morgan Beck20-May-2002Australian captain Steve Waugh is willing to tour Pakistan but won’t raise the issue when he meets the Australian Cricket Board to discuss his contract tomorrow.The 36-year-old said if the ACB asked him to go to the troubled region of Pakistan he would.The question would then be what sort of side Waugh would lead. His brother Mark as well as team-mates Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and vice-captain Adam Gilchrist have all expressed grave reservations about touring.Their reluctance to travel will probably force the ACB to rearrange its second successive series after it aborted the recent trip of Zimbabwe because of security concerns.There has been speculation the series could be played a neutral venue in the middle east or north Africa.Waugh has faith the ACB and the Pakistan Cricket Board will make the right decision, saying he would be on the plane to Pakistan if that’s what the ACB decided.”I will support whatever the board recommend,” he said today.”I’m sure they (ACB) would have done their homework – and yeah, I would (go).”The tour, scheduled for September-October, has been thrown into disarray since 14 people were killed outside the hotel of the touring New Zealand team earlier this month.While Waugh said he would not be raising the issue with the ACB tomorrow, of more immediate interest to Australia’s Test captain will be his place in the one day team.Dropped from that team on the recent tour of South Africa, Waugh will be looking for some clarity on his one day future.”I have a contract meeting tomorrow and I’ll probably get a good gauge as to how they see me in regards to one day cricket and Test cricket,” Waugh said.He said he didn’t feel nervous before these meetings.”No, they are out of my control. The decision has already been made so I tend to not dwell on things I can’t control. Once I get on the field then I can control that and that is what I am concerned about.”Ever the optimist, Waugh said the World Cup next year was still a major priority even though his name was left of the selector’s sheet for June’s one-day series against Pakistan to be played in Brisbane and Melbourne.”I didn’t expect it to be there.”It’s hard to make the Australian side – there’s only 13 players picked and I missed out.”Arriving back last night from Monte Carlo where the Australian side collected the Laureus World Team of the Year award, Waugh was at Randwick race course today spruiking new tights he wears while flying and training.Waugh has suffered from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and also shin splints in the past, but said heading into this season he’s feeling the best he has for a long-time.”My body feels good, I’m training regularly. My body feels better now than it did 10 years ago, and I haven’t had many injuries,” he said.”I’ve done pretty well over the last 17 years and I’m hoping this season is going to be a good one.”

At the end of four days of fascinating cricket at Bath, Somerset had to settle for a draw from their championship match against Hampshire.Chasing a total of 190 to win off a minimum of 61 overs, the Somerset ninth wicket pair of Keith Dutch(15) and Matt Bulbeck (13) batted out the last seven overs to see the Cidermen hold out for a draw.Earlier in the day Hampshire had been bowled out for 98 runs with Richard Johnson having a dream return by taking 7 for 43 to set up an intriguing target for Somerset to chase.With the score on 118 for 4 after 40 overs the target looked achievable, but when three quick wickets fell shortly afterwards the situation changed and in the end they batted out for the draw and 7 points from the match.After the close of play Kevin Shine told me: "It certainly has been a very interesting day today and a draw was a fair outcome. We fought our way back into the game and were pushing hard for a result all the way, but once Rob Turner was out we decided to shut up shop, which `Dutchy’ and `Bully’ did well for us."He continued: "`Johnno’ bowled really well for us, and it’s just a shame that we couldn’t force the result, but the team spirit is high and we are all looking forward to tomorrows NUL game against Leicestershire."

Hampshire Hawks have lost their third consecutive Norwich Union League match, going down to Lancashire Lightning by 16 runs in a thrilling chase

Farid Bakri23-Jul-2002Hampshire Hawks have lost their third consecutive Norwich Union League match, going down to Lancashire Lightning by 16 runs in a thrilling chase. Stuart Law’s 66 proved to be invaluable for the visitors as his side were skittled out for 163. Despite Neil Johnson’s blistering start, Hampshire Hawks ran out of ammunition as Kyle Hogg returned figures of four for 20 from his eight overs to seal the victory.Having won the toss and elected to bat, Lightning probably wished they had not done so after losing Glenn Chapple and David Byas with the score on only 20. The latter was cleanly bowled by Alan Mullally without scoring. Law joined Mark Chilton at the crease and together they put on a valuable 30 for the third wicket before two more dismissals. Chilton was superbly caught by wicket-keeper Nick Pothas after attempting to cut Dimitri Mascarenhas when the ball was too close to him and Neil Fairbrother’s run of bad form continued as he went for his second consecutive duck in the competition.With the score at 55 for four, the Hawks would have been hoping to wrap up the innings only for Graham Lloyd with 25 and Law to add an important 47 for the fifth wicket. By this time Lightning had begun to regain some composure and would have had hopes of a respectable total, even though the ball was still doing plenty for the seamers.Then Will Kendall caught Lloyd off the bowling of Shaun Udal and Warren Hegg became the second Lancashire batsman to be dismissed without a score to his name.Gary Yates came in at the fall of the sixth wicket and his running between the wickets was energetic as he collected 17 priceless runs. Johnson claimed his second and third wickets of the match after seeing Yates and Law give chances to Derek Kenway and Robin Smith respectively.Lancashire were dismissed for 163 after Kyle Hogg was deceived by Mullally’s slower ball and he was caught by Giles White diving forward in the covers. Peter Martin’s resilient ten came to an end when he gave a regulation catch to the keeper.Johnson began brightly, despatching Chapple to the boundary twice in an over. The first found its way to the advertising board and the latter into the stand, much to the enjoyment of the crowd. The home side’s batting was to go the way of their visitors, however, losing vital wickets at regular intervals.Johnson was caught at third man as he jumped off the ground to make contact with a ball that surely bounced high enough to be called a no ball. He was back in the pavilion with 27 to his name, only to be joined by Kenway (20) and Smith (3) after 25 minutes. At 59 for three the game was firmly in the balance and when Giles White was out ten runs later, Lightning shifted up a gear.John Francis and Pothas had started a revival only for them both to head back to the dressing room within the space of a couple of balls. Chilton claimed the former but it was the re-introduction of Chapple that really spurred Lancashire on. With his first ball back, he had bagged the wicket of Francis for a useful 25.After that Hampshire never looked like winning. John Wood who had already helped to dismiss three batsmen added another to his tally. Kendall looking to get his side back into the game saw his shot fall in the hands of Byas at slip.It was Hogg’s bowling performance of four for 20 that won his side the match. His third wicket was yet another catch but his fourth saw Chris Tremlett lose his stumps for just five.Enter Mullally. His last wicket partnership with Udal was entertaining but in vain. They added 26 and had caused one or two nervous glances at the scoreboard before Mullally was run out by a direct throw from Chilton with the score on 147 and the Red Rose county could leave the Rose Bowl with a victory to savour.