خاض منتخب مصر للشباب تدريباته الجماعية مساء اليوم، بقيادة أسامة نبيه المدير الفني ضمن الاستعدادات لخوض منافسات بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا المقبلة.
وتقام بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب في مصر، خلال الفترة من 27 أبريل الجاري وحتى 18 مايو المقبل.
وجاء منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى من بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب بجانب منتخبات جنوب إفريقيا وسيراليون وزامبيا.
وشهد اليوم الأول لمعسكر منتخب مصر خضوع اللاعبين للكشف الطبي والقياسات تحت اشراف الجهاز الطبي للمنتخب في حضور د.محمد أبو العلا رئيس اللجنة الطبية باتحاد الكرة وذلك مع انطلاق المعسكر المفتوح بمشروع الهدف.
طالع | كشف طبي للاعبي منتخب مصر للشباب قبل انطلاق كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 20 عامًا
وتواجد جميع اللاعبين فى الكشف الطبي وانتظموا بعد ذلك في التدريبات التي استهلها الجهاز الفني بقيادة الكابتن أسامة نبيه المدير الفني للمنتخب بعقد جلسة تحفيزية مع اللاعبين وطالبهم خلالها بضرورة بذل قصارى جهدهم من أجل تحقيق أحلام الجمهور، مشددا على أن بطولة إفريقيا هي بوابة العبور إلى المونديال ومنها التواجد في دائرة الضوء على خطى النجوم الكبار والأساطير.
وأدى اللاعبون تدريبات متنوعة تحت إشراف الجهاز الفني لـ منتخب مصر للشباب فى إطار البرنامج الموضوع؛ ويضم الجهاز المعاون للكابتن أسامة نبيه كلا من: حمادة أنور المدير الإداري وعلاء عبده المدرب العام ومحمد عمر النور المدرب وأيمن طاهر مدرب حراس المرمى وأحمد عصام محلل الأداء ود.محمد أكمل طبيب ومحمد محروس أخصائي العلاج الطبيعي وأحمد ممدوح وعباس حسانين في التدليك وعلاء سعيد مدير المهمات.
يذكر أن بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب، تعد مؤهلة إلى نهائيات كأس العالم للشباب 2025، التي ستقام في دولة تشيلي.
Serie A giants AC Milan have had a West Ham United player in their sights for a long time, and it is believed he could depart east London in January.
Lopetegui preparing for crucial West Ham trip to Newcastle
Following the conclusion of this international break, Premier League football returns this weekend, and under-pressure Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui will be looking to make the best possible start away to Newcastle United on Monday.
Sky Sports: £90k-per-week West Ham player is now actively looking to leave
He’s opened the door to an exit from east London.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 19, 2024
West Ham boast just three wins from their opening 11 games in the top flight so far, and the east Londoners have been heavily criticised for their form under Lopetegui in that time, with some members of the media “stunned” by their lack of identity and purpose since David Moyes’ departure.
There are many reports that Lopetegui is facing a very uncertain future at West Ham as a result, with technical director Tim Steidten and co weighing up alternatives for the 58-year-old.
Match
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
#13
09/11/2024
Everton (H)
Premier League
0-0 draw
#12
02/11/2024
Nottingham Forest (A)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#11
27/10/2024
Man United (H)
Premier League
2-1 win
#10
19/10/2024
Tottenham (A)
Premier League
4-1 loss
#9
05/10/2024
Ipswich (H)
Premier League
4-1 win
#8
28/09/2024
Brentford (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#7
25/09/2024
Liverpool (A)
Carabao Cup
5-1 loss
#6
21/09/2024
Chelsea (H)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#5
14/09/2024
Fulham (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#4
31/08/2024
Man City (H)
Premier League
3-1 loss
#3
28/08/2024
Bournemouth (H)
Carabao Cup
1-0 win
#2
24/08/2024
Crystal Palace (A)
Premier League
2-0 win
#1
17/08/2024
Aston Villa (H)
Premier League
2-1 loss
Ex-Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri and former FC Porto head coach Sergio Conceicao are two names who’ve been linked with the potential vacant West Ham post, alongside their former backroom member Edin Terzic.
Lopetegui’s inability to call upon their brand-new striker seriously hasn’t helped his cause either, with £27 million summer signing Niclas Füllkrug enduring a nightmare start to his West Ham career.
Having scored 16 goals in all competitions for Borussia Dortmund last season, Fullkrug was brought in to ease the reliance on Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, but the Germany international’s struggles with an Achilles tendon injury means he’s been unable to make the desired impact.
AC Milan linger as Fullkrug could leave West Ham in January
The £90,000-per-week forward, it is believed, could depart West Ham as soon as January. A few reports in the media have suggested this already, and the notion of a Fullkrug exit is backed by Italian news outlet TUTTOmercatoWEB.
The outlet and journalist Andrea Losapio writes that a West Ham exit for Fullkrug is on the cards in January, and AC Milan have long been admirers of the 31-year-old, who would’ve been a “perfect” option to partner Alvaro Morata.
Milan ended up settling on Tammy Abraham in the summer instead, who’s bagged two Serie A goals in seven leagues. However, perhaps there could be another opportunity for the Rossoneri to strike a deal for Fullkrug, considering Abraham is only on loan at the San Siro.
Under the ownership of Todd Boehly, Chelsea haven’t been afraid to splash the cash, dropping a whopping £1.2b on new additions to take the club back towards the top end of the Premier League.
Such investment has allowed for every area of the pitch to receive massive improvement, with new boss Enzo Maresca reaping the rewards this season as a result.
The Italian currently possesses one of the most impressive front lines in the division, which includes the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, with the duo involved in 12 and nine league goals respectively so far this campaign.
Summer additions Pedro Neto and Jason Sancho are also impressive options, whether that be off the bench or from a starting role – adding firepower that the fanbase has desired for many years.
However, they could’ve added another high-profile name into the mix over the summer, but unfortunately were unable to complete a deal for the international talent.
Chelsea’s move for a £100m talent last summer
The Blues have become known for their antics in the transfer window as of late, with the latest window no different.
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the off-season, with fellow Premier League rivals Liverpool also in the race for his signature.
Anthony Gordon scores for Newcastle
The hype around the 23-year-old was understandable given his 22 goal contribution campaign under Eddie Howe, which saw the talent receive a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
However, despite the respective interest, Gordon stayed at St James’ Park, subsequently rewarded with a new contract at the Magpies as a reward for his stellar form.
Howe’s side demanded a huge fee of around £100m to part ways with the Englishman, a fee that Chelsea simply were unwilling to pay despite his impressive record in attacking areas.
However, the club may have made a mistake offloading one player who has been compared to the Newcastle star.
The former Chelsea player who has been compared to Gordon
Cobham academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi emerged through the youth levels at Chelsea looking destined for huge things in West London, but unfortunately, injuries ruined his time at his boyhood club.
The 23-year-old made over 120 appearances over a five-year spell in the first-team, but an Achilles problem saw him lose his role in the squad, subsequently joining Nottingham Forest for just £3m back in 2023.
He’s since found his feet in the Premier League once again, scoring nine times in 44 appearances for the Reds, leading to comparisons to Magpies forward Gordon.
According to FBref, Hudson-Odoi has been compared as a similar player to the £100m talent, an understandable observation when comparing their respective stats from the current campaign.
The former Blues ace has averaged more progressive passes and progressive carries per 90 so far this season, whilst also completing nearly two times as many take-ons.
Games played
9
8
Goals & assists
1
2
Progressive carries per 90
5.6
3.7
Progressive passes per 90
2.7
1.2
Shots-on-target per 90
0.7
0.5
Pass accuracy
81%
74%
Take-on success
73%
38%
Chelsea’s decision to offload Hudson-Odoi for just £3m now looks to be a huge lapse in judgement, given his rapid development during his first 12 months at the City Ground.
It could’ve allowed them to save a lorry load of money in attacking areas, whilst also having their own £100m talent given his direct comparison to Gordon.
Therefore, Boehly messed up by selling the winger for just £3m due to his development since moving to join the Tricky Trees, as it suggests that the Blues cashed in on him too quickly.
Sanchez upgrade: Chelsea want £58m star who'd be their best since Courtois
Chelsea already looking at Robert Sanchez replacements
Since Edu Gaspar’s resignation as Arsenal sporting director, many candidates for the role have been linked through the press, with another interesting option now tempted to take the job.
Directors linked with Arsenal job after Edu departure
The Brazilian’s memorable five-year tenure came to an end on November 4, drawing the curtain on a spell which saw Arsenal transformed under his watch.
Arsenal offered Edu replacement in one of country's "most respected" chiefs
The search for his heir is underway.
ByEmilio Galantini Nov 15, 2024
Edu masterminded deals for club captain Martin Odegaard, who they signed from Real Madrid for just £30 million, and the club-record acquisition of England midfielder Declan Rice – who have both been pivotal ever since.
Arsenal’s entire spine was signed by Edu, after working in tandem with Mikel Arteta on how best to strengthen the squad, but now the pair have parted ways in what has been viewed as a seismic blow for the club.
Nottingham Forest (home)
November 23
West Ham United (away)
November 30
Man United (home)
December 4
Fulham (away)
December 8
Everton (home)
December 14
However, club legend Martin Keown has since offered a different perspective, suggesting this is a real opportunity for the Kroenkes to secure an upgrade.
“Ultimately, it took him a while to get going, didn’t it, Edu? I mean, he needed some support from those above him,” said Keown on talkSPORT.
“I think the biggest change in Arsenal was a greater investment in time and inclination from the Kroenke family. And I think that’s been mirrored in Josh Kroenke becoming much more visible and much more engaged with Arsenal post the challenges of the European Super League and Arsenal’s climb down from that position.
“If they bring a better sporting director in, that’s got a wider brief, that’s got a better understanding of being able to acquire even better players than the ones that Edu did… I’m not entirely sure that all of Edu’s signings were the greatest signings.
“So with that in mind, you’ve got Arsenal being challenged on the field right now and people perceive it as being challenged off it now.”
Of the candidates linked with taking over from Edu, it is believed current interim director Jason Ayto, Bayer Leverkusen’s Simon Rolfes and even PSG chief Luis Campos are in the frame.
Roberto Alabe tempted to replace Edu at Arsenal
According to Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Real Sociedad’s Roberto Alabe is a genuine contender as well. The 57-year-old already has a great working relationship with Arsenal, and it is believed Alabe is “in favour” of replacing Edu after having many past conversations with the club over their deals involving Kieran Tierney, Nacho Monreal and most recently Mikel Merino.
Alabe is also out of contract at the end of this season, but has refused to clarify rumors of another destination in mind.
“The very structure of the decision is not based on the future,” said Alabe, via Noticias. “If in June 2024 we talk about June 2025, and we give ourselves a timing in which I give my commitment to continue working in a season that is not easy to manage, for me it would have been easier to say in June 2024 to say up to here.
“Afterwards I need to listen to other conversations, from other areas, learn about other projects, observe other things to possibly reconnect. I don’t know what it will be, I don’t have anything, I don’t have a date for anything. The dates for everything are the ones we have discussed. There has been nothing external that has influenced that timing.”
Seeking alternative options to Marc Guehi, Newcastle United are now reportedly battling Liverpool to sign a La Liga centre-back who has been compared to World Cup winner Raphael Varane.
Newcastle transfer news
The transfer rumour arrives just when things are potentially beginning to look up for Newcastle, who earned their first win in three attempts and Alexander Isak score two goals in as many games to knock Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup in comfortable fashion. The cup victory eases any pressure on Eddie Howe just ahead of Arsenal’s visit in another tough test for the Magpies.
2025 is shaping up to be fairly hectic for Newcastle on the transfer front if recent rumours are anything to go by. Desperate to make up for last summer’s failure, the Magpies have already been linked with moves for the likes of Real Madrid’s Arda Guler who would instantly steal the headlines and help to end any of their current attacking struggles.
Newcastle and PIF hold opening talks to sign "dribbling monster" for Howe
He’s one for the future…
ByTom Cunningham Oct 31, 2024
Meanwhile, after missing out on Guehi in the summer despite months of chasing his signature, those at St James’ Park have now reportedly identified an alternative solution to their defensive woes.
According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Newcastle are now battling Liverpool to sign Loic Bade from Sevilla in 2025. The French centre-back reportedly has a release clause of €60m (£50m), but Sevilla are willing to let him leave for considerably less than that in a major boost for a Newcastle side who could be limited by profit and sustainability issues.
Compared to World Cup winner and former Real Madrid star Raphael Varane, that reported price tag is certainly justifiable if Newcastle want to solve their centre-back problem for years to come.
"Elite" Bade should top Newcastle list
Whilst sporting director Paul Mitchell threw all his eggs in one basket to go after Guehi, he quickly saw every one of those come splattering back towards him and should take a different route as a result next summer. That should see Bade take centre stage. The 24-year-old is playing a starring role at Sevilla and looks on course to only improve with such a move away from La Liga.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Loic Bade
Marc Guehi
Interceptions
9
6
Progressive Passes
6
37
Tackles Won
11
5
Ball Recoveries
33
38
Potentially cheaper than Guehi, whose price simply rose too high for Newcastle last summer, Bade would prove to be a shrewd investment and one that makes quite the statement ahead of Premier League rivals Liverpool.
Described as “complete” and a player who “will be a world-class defender” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig in 2021, Bade could now fulfil that prophecy by swapping Sevilla for Newcastle and taking his place in the Premier League.
Next to Sven Botman, the 24-year-old could finally form a partnership that Howe can rely on every week at St James’ Park as he looks to take Newcastle back into European football.
South Africa’s batters will experience the best and the worst of run-scoring conditions in the UAE at the T20 World Cup, according to Aiden Markram. After spending the last four weeks with Punjab Kings in the UAE for the IPL, Markram has decided that conditions are easiest for batting in Abu Dhabi, and most difficult in Sharjah, but still tough across the venues.”Each ground was different. That was something I didn’t expect; I thought it would be quite generic. But each ground had its own set of challenges,” Markram said. “The pitches weren’t the easiest to bat on, but as the batter gets in he can still take the game away from the opposition. It’s tougher for newer batters coming in. Sharjah was probably the toughest batting wicket out of the three here, and Abu Dhabi was probably the nicest to bat on.”South Africa open the Super 12 stage of the competition against Australia in Abu Dhabi before moving to Dubai to play West Indies and then to Sharjah and back to Abu Dhabi, for two games against qualifiers, and conclude the pool stage against England in Sharjah. Though South Africa are entering the tournament on the back of three successive T20I series wins, only one of those – against West Indies in June – was against opposition they will face in this event.They have also lost to both Australia and England (twice) in T20I series in the Mark Boucher era and have historically tripped against both those teams in major tournaments. But Markram isn’t dwelling too much on all that. “We’re not bringing too much baggage into this World Cup. Everyone here is pretty free-spirited and not too fazed about being at a World Cup, in a good way. Everyone’s very calm so far,” he said.But there are ghosts around this squad. Eight of them – nine if you include reserve Andile Phehlukwayo – were part of the 2019 50-over World Cup, where South Africa turned in their worst major tournament result and were the first team to be eliminated.Aiden Markram played in the middle order for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021•BCCI
“Obviously we’ll try not to make the same mistakes that we did in 2019, but this is a different format and completely different conditions, and we’ve got a completely different side,” Markram said. “We haven’t had too many chats about that World Cup. In 2019, when conditions didn’t suit our plans, we almost didn’t have other plans to fall back on. That’s been addressed, and we’ve got a way of cricket we’d like to play against each team.”But if conditions on the day don’t allow for that we have to be smarter and have another plan to fall back on. Having the skill set to trust in that change of plan has been important. Over the last 12 to 18 months the team have up-skilled themselves. That’s probably the biggest thing we can take from the 2019 World Cup.”Markram is one of the best examples of that. Since the 2019 World Cup, he has shown marked improvement against spin, had his best tour of the subcontinent when South Africa toured Pakistan earlier this year, has established himself in white-ball cricket and earned his first IPL deal, which taught him about batting in a different position in the shortest format. “It was a great experience. I was in a less familiar role and it was nice to be exposed to that at a high standard of cricket, and to learn on the job,” Markram said.For South Africa, Markram has batted in the top three in nine out of 13 T20I innings, for Punjab Kings, he was at No. 4 or 5 five times in six innings. He found the main challenge of batting in the middle-order to be finding the balance between building an innings and taking on a finishing role. “Guys who consistently finish games well in terms of high strike rates and the ability to find the boundary having just walked to the crease is something I’ve got a new appreciation for,” Markram said. “Because if you walk in and a team is 30 for 3, and you need to build a partnership to get to something that’s half-defendable. Neither of those roles are easy.”Neither was the pressure of a tournament like the IPL. Punjab Kings finished sixth on the points table, after losing eight matches – three in this half of the competition. They also won three matches in this half and four of their six games were decided in the last over. “All our games were close. We would have liked to get over the line more times than we did,” Markram said, indicating that the experience would come in handy ahead of the T20 World Cup.”In T20 cricket, at a World Cup or domestic or international series, results come down to the last three overs if not the last ball. It was good to be exposed to that, because I’m sure games are going to go to the wire at the World Cup. It’s about dealing with that pressure in the moment when two to three balls could change the whole outcome of the game.”
An exciting Southampton youngster is expected to sign a new deal at St Mary’s amid interest from other top flight sides, according to a fresh update.
Southampton summer signings and form
The Saints brought in a whopping 18 new players after winning promotion back to the Premier League in the playoff final, however, those new additions so far haven’t had the desired effect on the pitch.
Southampton summer signings
From
Fee (Transfermarkt)
Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Man City
€23m
Aaron Ramsdale
Arsenal
€21.4m
Flynn Downes
West Ham
€17.85m
Cameron Archer
Aston Villa
€17.6m
Mateus Fernandes
Sporting CP
€15m
Ben Brereton Diaz
Villarreal
€8.3m
Yukinari Sugawara
AZ Alkmaar
€7m
Natan Wood
Swansea City
€3.5m
Ronnie Edwards
Peterborough
€3.5m
Welington
Sao Paulo
Free transfer
Charlie Taylor
Burnley
Free transfer
Adam Lallana
Brighton
Free transfer
Ryan Fraser
Newcastle
Free transfer
Rento Takaoka
Nissho Gakuen
Free transfer
Lesley Ugochukwu
Chelsea
Loan transfer
Maxwel Cornet
West Ham
Loan transfer
Juan
Sao Paulo
Unknown
Kuryu Matsuki
FC Tokyo
Unknown
Russell Martin’s side are yet to pick up a single top flight point, losing to Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Manchester United. The Saints have only scored one league goal, however, they are into the Carabao Cup last 16 after a penalty shootout win over Everton.
Talking after that win, Martin said: “I saw so much character, spirit, fight and togetherness and the game looked how we wanted it to look, apart from a few moments where we wanted a bit more attacking intent.
“I was really pleased with a lot of the performances and the way we reacted to conceding. I’m delighted for the players – they were brave and aggressive. I’m so excited about what’s to come. We just need that first win [in the Premier League] and everyone will relax a bit. I’ve got no doubt they will continue to grow.”
Away from the pitch, it looks as if the club may soon have some positive contract news to shout about.
Southampton contract update – Tyler Dibling
Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling has recently caught the eye on the pitch, being dubbed the “next big thing” after his impressive displays off the bench so far this season.
Now, according to GiveMeSport, those cameo performances have been catching the eye of numerous clubs, with Manchester United, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Stuttgart all eyeing moves for the 18-year-old.
Fortunately for Saints supporters, GMS have revealed that Dibling is expected to sign a new contract with Southampton. They claim that ‘Southampton have secured a significant boost in their attempts to tie Dibling down to an extended deal as he is increasingly likely to sign on the dotted line due to enjoying his football on the south coast, but all parties are not in a rush to thrash out negotiations because he is already healthily contracted’.
They look set to reward Dibling, who is enjoying working under Martin at St Mary’s, with a pay raise. Martin also appears to be enjoying working with the teenager, saying: “I think the biggest thing I can say is if he’s playing it tells you what we feel about him at 18 years old. The stuff that he can do that we trust him with. Tyler from now to looking back even three months ago is a very different person and the growth in him has been huge.”
Eight people have been arrested after tragedy chants were heard during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Anfield, police have confirmed.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Eight arrested at Liverpool v Man Utd gameReports of tragedy chanting at AnfieldPolice send message after taking swift actionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Merseyside Police revealed they had detained eight people at the Premier League match on Sunday following reports of tragedy chanting. The force said a 46-year-old man from Church Warsop, Nottinghamshire, and a 28-year-old man from Hendersonville, Tennessee, United States, were arrested under Section 5 of the Public Order Act (Tragedy Chanting). Police added that five men and one woman were asked to voluntarily attend interviews under caution on suspicion of the same offence.
AdvertisementAFPWHAT THE POLICE SAID
Chief Inspector Lisa Ledder said: "Football fans who chant about tragedies cause huge distress to those families and people directly affected. The tragic loss of life is not a subject for tribal point scoring, and this behaviour has absolutely no place in football. Regardless of team affiliation, we will continue to work with clubs to take action to identify and bring any perpetrators to justice. I hope the arrests of these individuals sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that you risk getting a criminal record and ending up in custody if you choose to engage in this despicable behaviour."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Both Liverpool and United have been subjected to tragedy chanting over the years. The former have been targeted by rival fans over the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where 97 Reds fans were killed at an FA Cup clash against Nottingham Forest. And United have been targeted over the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, which saw eight players die on a flight back from Belgrade. The police and others want to stamp this out from the game once and for all.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFPWHAT NEXT?
Elsewhere, Liverpool are next in action against Tottenham on Wednesday in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup whereas United face Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Singh said he had to listen to his body after a bout of Covid-19 left him feeling weak
Shashank Kishore10-Jul-2021
Singh played two Tests and one ODI for India•Getty Images
Former India fast bowler Pankaj Singh, 36, has retired from all forms of cricket, thereby ending his professional career that spanned nearly 17 years. Singh said he had to listen to his body after a bout of Covid-19 left him feeling weak.”I was down with Covid, and once I recovered, the post-Covid symptoms left me drained,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “Also, when I looked at where I stand, I felt I wouldn’t have added anything by pushing on for one more year. During the previous domestic season itself I realised it’s hard to come out after months of not playing. Training and conditioning to play a full season seemed tough, so I thought I should listen to my body and retire.”First called in to the Indian Test squad on their tour of Australia in 2007-08, Singh had to wait for over six years to eventually earn his Test cap. In all, he featured in two Tests, both on the England tour of 2014, and a solitary ODI in Zimbabwe in 2010. But it is Singh’s domestic numbers that define him.Related
Stuart Binny retires from all cricket
Interview: 'Abhi nahin toh kabhi nahin'
Had given my 100% on Test debut – Pankaj
Kimber: Pankaj Singh, Test wicket-taker
'Yuvraj rated me the best bowler in domestic cricket'
In 2019, Singh became the first seamer to take 400 Ranji Trophy wickets. Overall, he finishes with 472 first-class wickets in 117 matches, apart from picking 118 List A wickets and 43 T20 wickets.The domestic stalwart ends his career with new entrants Puducherry, but it’s his body of work with Rajasthan that stands out. Having been a senior fast bowler and captain during a turbulent time, with the association being managed by an ad-hoc body for much of the last decade due to administrative upheavals, Singh was part of two back-to-back Ranji Trophy winning squads in 2010-11 and 2011-12.”Getting my Test cap from Sourav Ganguly in England was special,” Singh said. “I am fortunate to have played under a legend like MS Dhoni. Playing Test cricket is my most cherished memory as a professional cricketer. It came after a lot of struggles, so that has to be the most special memory.”Singh picks out his spell against Mumbai during the 2010-11 Ranji Trophy quarterfinal as one of his most memorable ones. “The Rajasthan teams of old would lose against Mumbai even before taking the field, but in that game, we proved to everyone we were no less,” he said. “They elected to bat in a pressure game, and I removed three top order batters: Sahil Kukreja, Omkar Gurav and Rohit Sharma.””I still remember, everyone was talking of Mumbai as the favourites. They had a strong XI: Ajit Agarkar, Wasim Jaffer, Ajinkya Rahane and Ramesh Powar. So, I took the challenge upon me that we had to win somehow. That game gave us the belief to go on to win our maiden season.”Singh is a Level-2 certified BCCI coach, having recently taken part in a course conducted by the NCA. With a full-fledged domestic calendar announced, Singh hopes to transition into guiding youngsters, both in Rajasthan and elsewhere.”I’m looking at getting into coaching now that I have retired,” he said. “Until I did the NCA course, the thought was ‘I’ve played a lot of cricket; the experience will help me transition into a coach.’ But after attending the course, I gained a deeper insight into managing a team, understanding players, man-management skills and how there is so much more to coaching than just teaching them how to bowl or bat. It interested me a great deal. Having now qualified, I’m looking forward to being in touch with the game as a coach.”
Western Storm stumble after century opening stand between Parfitt and Knight
ECB Reporters' Network31-May-2021
Amy Jones made an unbeaten 163•Getty Images
Central Sparks emerged victorious by 41 runs against Western Storm thanks to a magnificent innings by Amy Jones, who recorded the highest score in the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy to date. Jones finished not out on 163 not out, her second successive century to guide her team into a winning position, despite a good bowling performance from Storm.With Sparks reaching 295 for 7, it proved a step too far for Storm, with Ria Fackrell taking 4 for 34, despite an unbroken opening partnership of 102 between Heather Knight and Lauren Parfitt who both scored half-centuries.It was a restrictive start by Storm taking key early wickets, as the Sparks reached 44 for 3 after 13 overs. Lauren Filer took two wickets in her first spell, with Eve Jones and Marie Kelly dismissed for 5 and 7 respectively, and Gwenan Davies was run out for 15.However, from then on the Sparks looked comfortable in their innings, as Amy Jones played freely to make her century, and having excellent support from the middle order. Milly Home contributed 18 to a partnership of 80 before falling to Fi Morris; Steph Butler and Amy Jones then put on 68, before Knight bowled Butler for 27.Jones carried on her excellent form from the Sparks’ victory in their previous game against Diamonds, bringing her century up off 83 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes. The Sparks kicked on after reaching 200 in the 40th over, with Jones finishing unbeaten on 163 from 114 balls, while Sarah Glenn and Fackrell fell for 7 and 11 respectively.Western Storm did get off to a fast start however, reaching 102 without loss, before Glenn got the much-needed breakthrough, bowling Knight for 59. Parfitt then brought up her half-century, from 80 balls, as the Sparks began to take command, taking five wickets for 35 runs, and restricting Storm. Fackrell claimed her first three wickets to put the Sparks in the driving seat.Parfitt was first to fall, bowled for 91, followed by Sophie Luff going lbw to Liz Russell for 27 and Hennesey stumped for 4 off Fackrell’s bowling. Nat Wraith was then bowled by Glenn for 2, with Danielle Gibson the third of Fackrell’s wickets, caught for 18.Left needing 88 from the final ten overs, wickets continued to fall for Storm, with Emily Arlott taking two in two balls: Anya Shrubsole was caught for 13, and Morris dismissed in the same fashion for 21. With Fackrell claiming her fourth wicket, Mollie Robbins caught for 1, the remaining requirement proved too much for Storm.