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England captain insists reversal of ODI retirement was ‘Ben’s call’

Vithushan Ehantharajah18-Aug-2023England limited-overs captain Jos Buttler left it to Ben Stokes to come out of ODI retirement and said “badgering” the allrounder would have been counter-productive to getting him back onboard for the upcoming 50-over World Cup.Stokes, the hero of the 2019 World Cup and last year’s T20 success, was officially drafted back into the 50-over set-up on Wednesday ahead of England’s title defence in India this autumn. He had originally retired from the format last summer due to what he perceived as an “unsustainable” workload because of his commitments as Test captain and a relentless international schedule.The 32-year-old had since waved away suggestions he would return to the format. He even highlighted the period between the end of the men’s Ashes and the beginning of a five-match Test series against India in January 2024 as the ideal window to sort out the chronic issue in his left knee that has hampered his ability to bowl in recent campaigns.Speaking on Wednesday after Stokes’ return was confirmed after missing 11 ODIs – including nine over a winter for which he would probably have been rested – national selector Luke Wright stated it was not a case of “needing to beg”. That sentiment was echoed by Buttler, who had been the selectors’ sole point of contact given his close friendship with Stokes.Having had the seed planted long before, Stokes reached out “a week or 10 days” after the Ashes concluded at the end of July to inform Buttler he wanted to return.”To be honest, it was Ben’s call,” Buttler said. “You all know Ben pretty well by now – I don’t think anyone talking to him would persuade him.Related

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“We had some conversations quite a while ago about it and just left it to him to come to me, basically, if he wanted to come back. We’re delighted that he feels ready to come back and any time you can welcome him back into the team is great.”Ben is very much his own man, he makes his own decisions. I’ve played with him for a very long time, I’m good friends with him. Me badgering him and saying ‘come back, come back’ is not really the way things work with Ben. He very much makes up his own mind and decides.”We had some conversations around it and just left it in his court. I’m sure the lure of playing in a World Cup is quite big for someone as competitive and as driven as he is to play in an England shirt. I’m delighted he felt up to it and could come back.”Stokes’ one-day record is arguably his best of the three formats, scoring 2,924 runs at an average of 38.98 across 105 caps and 74 wickets at 42.39. The latter figure, however, was not a consideration with Buttler reiterating Stokes will play solely as a batter.Moreover, his big-game prowess is invaluable as England look to make it three ICC limited-overs trophies out of four, having missed out on 2021’s T20 World Cup. Stokes was player of the match in the 2019 ODI final, when his 84 not out took England to a Super Over in which he batted alongside Buttler, with the hosts eventually winning on boundary count after the scores were tied. Last November, he marshalled a chase of 138 at the MCG against Pakistan with 52 not out as England became the first team to hold both men’s World Cups simultaneously.”I don’t think you need me to tell you what Ben Stokes brings to a team,” Buttler said. “It’s fantastic to have Ben back available. Any time a player of his quality is available again is fantastic. We’re delighted to welcome him back.”

Paris Saint-Germain are hoping to rob Club World Cup rivals Palmeiras of one of their best players this summer.

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PSG target Palmeiras midfielderMay have deal wrapped up this monthAtletico also after €30m starFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

A busy summer is already shaping up in the French capital. Director Luis Campos, true to his reputation as a talent scout, is making moves to bolster a midfield that already boasts Joao Neves, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz. The sporting director wants to give Luis Enrique a reinforcement tailored for the upcoming competitions, and his choice has fallen on the Colombian revelation from Palmeiras and star of the Club World Cup.

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Since arriving at Palmeiras in 2023, Richard Rios has been tearing up the Brazilian pitches with an energy that perfectly matches Parisian requirements. Campos has been writing enthusiastic reports since last autumn. The Club World Cup has only confirmed this appeal: against Porto, the former Flamengo midfielder dominated the midfield, combining quick transitions and physical impact.

According to South American media outlet , a €30 million (£26m/$34m) bid would be enough to convince Palmeiras to sell, which will be no problem for PSG. The staff have already approved the deal; discussions are now focusing on the payment structure.

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PSG are not alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old. Atletico Madrid also appreciate Rios' temperament, which is considered compatible with Diego Simeone's high-pressing style. Nottingham Forest remain in the running but are clearly behind the two heavyweights. The player's entourage remains open, while explaining that the prospect of playing alongside Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos is acting as a magnet.

In its article, slips in a confidence from the Palmeiras dressing room: "The next few hours will be decisive," suggesting a move could happen soon.

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The PSG board would like to close the deal before the summer break so that the player can join the team when pre-season training begins. If Palmeiras raise the stakes, will Campos pull out a plan B? For now, nothing has been revealed. The only certainty is that Luis Enrique has given the green light; the rest depends on negotiations.

Legspinner declares himself available for Leicestershire’s Metro Bank Cup final

Matt Roller06-Sep-2023Rehan Ahmed cherished a “special feeling” on Tuesday night as he played international cricket in his home town of Nottingham for the first time – and could play at Trent Bridge again later this month after declaring himself available for Leicestershire’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup final against Hampshire.Rehan, the 19-year-old legspinner, made his Test debut in Pakistan last December and won his first white-ball caps in Bangladesh earlier this year, but England’s six-wicket defeat to New Zealand in Nottingham was his first taste of international cricket on home soil.He was inundated with requests for his four complimentary tickets, estimating that he had seen “150” friends and family in the stands at Trent Bridge. And he impressed with both bat and ball, hitting 11 off 7 before taking 2 for 27 from his four overs.”It was a special feeling,” Rehan said. “Obviously playing abroad is great but playing in front of my home crowd is a different feeling. To be fair, in Pakistan we got a couple of big roars as well but when you are playing at home, especially in Nottingham – I know a lot of people here and am from here – it’s special.”Related

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He bowled in tandem with Adil Rashid through the middle overs, and admitted that he used to dream of playing alongside his fellow legspinner. “Him and Mo [Moeen Ali] are people we look up to as an Asian community,” Rehan said. “Everyone in England looks up to them, so to play with them is a special feeling.”We talk about bowling quite a bit. He [Rashid] is probably five times the bowler I am: he has four different legspinners, he’s played a long time, has a lot of experience. He was young, played and it didn’t go well for him; then he came back, and became the best bowler. He’s been through a lot.”Rehan is not part of England’s ODI squad to play New Zealand and is due to link back up with Leicestershire later this week. He is available for their four-day fixture against Sussex which starts on Sunday, as they bid for promotion to Division One of the County Championship.He will then join up with England again for a three-match ODI series against Ireland, starting on September 20 at Headingley, but hopes to be involved two days before in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final.Rehan missed the group stage of the Metro Bank Cup while playing for Southern Brave•Getty ImagesRehan has not featured in the competition this season, instead representing Southern Brave in the Hundred, but is eligible to play in the final. Leicestershire will be without Peter Handscomb, who has returned to Australia, but they announced on Wednesday that he will return to the club next summer and in 2025 after signing a two-year contract.”I’ve not thought far ahead,” Rehan said. “I’ll hopefully play some four-day cricket next week, try to get some overs in. I’d like to [play in the final] if I’m free and get picked. The boys are smacking it without me so I don’t know if they need me…”His 15-year-old brother Farhan has been playing for England Under-19s in a one-day series against Australia this week, and was in the stands at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. “I have been watching,” Rehan said. “They got smacked 4-1: that never happened to us when we were Under-19s.”Rehan himself only turned 19 last month; he missed England’s training session on Monday to take his driving test, with permission from head coach Matthew Mott. He passed “first time, no minors” and said: “It was the Bank Holiday Monday morning in Nottingham, so there was no-one on the road.”

The Argentine coach’s side will kick off Apertura 2025 on July 19 against León

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Álvarez and Ledezma have joined the clubLedezma has already scored in preseasonOn Friday, they’ll play another friendly vs. Santos LagunaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱@CHIVASWHAT HAPPENED?

Chivas continue their preparations for the Apertura 2025 under new Argentine head coach Gabriel Milito, who has made one message clear: no room for complaints, only collective effort.

“No sulking faces with me. Everyone must give their best for the team. Believe, believe. We’ll work hard this preseason. Let’s see if by year-end we rewrite history,” he told Chivas TV. “This club is huge. We’re new here but we understand the moment we’re entering. The club’s immediate future depends on us. We came to make that happen—for you and for the institution.”

Culture has been a concern for Chivas over the past decade, a club looking to rebound after a poor Clausura 2025 season.

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Just a month into his tenure, Milito is focused on instilling confidence and reconnecting his players with Chivas’s storied legacy. The squad has responded well so far, winning a preseason tournament with victories over Cruz Azul and León.

“Our job is to convince the players of what they’re capable of – not just impose ideas,” Milito said. “You are good players. I need you to believe it, have confidence, and be brave.”

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The Argentine coach and his staff believe they can help end Chivas’ title drought, which dates back to 2017.
“Chivas’ immediate future depends on us. That’s why we’re here – to help make it happen. But for that, we have to work really hard, guys,” Milito told his players during preseason.

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@CHIVASWHAT NEXT FOR CHIVAS?

Chivas have stayed busy with three friendlies so far. This Friday, they’ll take part in a quadrangular tournament, facing Santos Laguna and then playing either the final or the third-place match on Sunday. The other bracket features Cruz Azul and a Liga de Expansión side. Next, they meet Fernando Gago’s Necaxa on July 5 in a friendly before their official return on July 19 against León in Matchday 2 – since their original opener vs Tigres was rescheduled due to renovations at Akron Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Coach Gary Stead expects Southee to play New Zealand’s “first or second game” of the World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Sep-2023New Zealand captain Kane Williamson plans “to have some involvement in the warm-up games” ahead of the World Cup, as he gradually makes his way back from a six-month lay-off.Williamson is returning to action after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the opening game of the IPL in March. He was continuing his rehab with the New Zealand team in England recently and said he was “progressing well”, though some amount of pain continues to linger.”It’s [about] working through those warm-up games to get as much out of it as I can – personally and as a team – without sort of bothering too much,” Williamson said on Wednesday before the team’s departure for India. “There is a strong desire to basically be involved in those as much as I can; we’ve got two of them before our first competition game. And basically it’s just wanting to progress [with] what I am doing now – the running, the fielding, and also time in the middle with the bat.”The load is going to keep increasing, so there is a little bit of an unknown. But it has felt pretty good really in the last few weeks, [I’m] hoping it continues to feel like that. But we’re definitely looking to touch on more stuff, [and] introducing myself into the game mode, which is something which we haven’t had the opportunity to do.”Related

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Williamson highlighted that he still felt certain difficulties as he races against time to be fit to play England in the World Cup opening game in Ahmedabad on October 5. But before that, New Zealand face Pakistan on September 29, and South Africa on October 2 in their two warm-up fixtures.”Not so much the sprinting; more the slowing actually,” Williamson said of the challenges in recovery. “From sprinting to braking, and a little bit of change of direction. But it’s all been part of the plan, introducing it towards the end of the recovery. Having said that, there’s still obviously time to go with the overall part of it, and keep trying to bank on good days because the rule’s pretty much helpful in terms of just moving forward with it.”The injury has also forced Williamson to consider his fielding position and he has all but ruled out fielding at slip.”We will definitely consider some of that,” he said. “Where I field is usually at mid-off, which will probably remain the case. Probably slightly better suited to it than square of the wicket. Potentially some slip, but I won’t be standing there if we don’t require one.”Tim Southee dislocated and fractured his thumb against England•Getty ImagesSouthee will be ‘ready around first or second game’ – SteadFast bowler Tim Southee, who dislocated and fractured his thumb during the fourth ODI against England nearly two weeks ago, is on track to play in the early stages of the World Cup.Southee had surgery on returning home and New Zealand head coach Gary Stead was content with his “quick recovery”. Stead said Southee will not leave for India with the rest of the squad on Wednesday, and will instead join the team on Saturday.”Tim’s seen a hand specialist yesterday, and the key thing for him is really making sure the wound heals. We’re still really hopeful that he’ll be available early on in the tournament for selection,” Stead said. “He’s had five pins put in his thumb… He’s comfortable, and he’ll be ready somewhere around that first or second game.”So, it’s all gone really well. He’s had a check in with the surgeon and a hand therapist. They think there might be a little bit of pain still, but he’s a tough and resilient character. So we are fortunate to have him with our squad still.”New Zealand have brought in fast bowler Kyle Jamieson as cover and since he hasn’t been officially added to the squad of 15, he will not be available to take part in any of the warm-up matches.”Tim hasn’t been ruled out of the tournament,” Stead said. “The rules state that you can only get 15 players in your squad, so we’ve kept Kyle there as cover right now. And that’s really just to make sure that if another bowler goes down right before the first game – or if Tim doesn’t heal as quickly. If there’s some sort of setback, then we have someone there as a ready replacement.”New Zealand have already had Michael Bracewell ruled out of the World Cup with an Achilles injury, while Mitchell Santner had jarred his knee while fielding during the second ODI against England on September 10. But scans revealed no serious damage, and he is expected to be fit for New Zealand’s World Cup opener.

Leeds are gearing up for their return to the Premier League by sealing a "done deal" for a Bundesliga defender.

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"Done deal" for LeedsClub ramping up recruitmentPreparing for Premier League returnFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Transfer reporter Florian Plettenburg reports that Daniel Farke's side have sealed a deal for Wolfsburg central defender Sebastiaan Bornauw and that an official announcement will follow soon.

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Plettenberg tweeted: "Sebastiaan Bornauw to Leeds United is considered a done deal. All done and sealed with VfL Wolfsburg. The 26 y/o centre-back will sign a contract until 2029, with the transfer fee up to €6m. Announcement soon."

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Bornauw made 96 appearances in four seasons at Wolfsburg and looks set to become Leeds' third signing of the summer, following forward Lukas Nmecha, who signed on a free, and £15m defender Jaka Bijol from Udinese.

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Leeds are looking to add top-tier quality to their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League, with their campaign beginning at home to Everton on Monday 18 August.

Real Madrid must wait for a final decision on their request to postpone their La Liga season opener, despite Osasuna agreeing with the request.

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RFEF to make postponement decision Real Madrid want La Liga opener movedLos Blancos will face PSG on WednesdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Madrid’s request to postpone their La Liga season opener against Osasuna is still up in the air. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) wants to make a final decision after the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. The club had formally asked La Liga to reschedule the match, which is originally set for August 19, to October 29, citing their participation in the Club World Cup, which leaves them with fewer rest days before the league kicks off.

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In a letter sent to La Liga president Javier Tebas, the club reminded him of earlier talks that had left the option open if their Club World Cup campaign created scheduling problems. Before the tournament began, Madrid had already discussed the possibility with Atletico Madrid and La Liga, and Tebas indicated the issue would be discussed if needed.

While Tebas has expressed his reluctance to approve fixture changes, if Los Blancos reach the final, which is set for July 13, the league president might have to agree with the club's request, considering Osasuna have already agreed to the proposed change.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowDID YOU KNOW?

Madrid have already approached and had the green light from Osasuna regarding the possible delay and the RFEF had reportedly given their approval of the change. Apparently, that is no longer the case.

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All eyes now turn to the semi-final clash with PSG in the Club World Cup. A win over the French side will increase the pressure on the RFEF to approve the postponement. However, if Madrid are eliminated, there is a better chance the match on August 19 will go ahead as planned.

In perfect batting conditions at WACA, batters of both sides have made merry so far

Tristan Lavalette16-Oct-2023Stumps Cameron Bancroft continued his early dominance of the Sheffield Shield season as Western Australia made a strong start in response to Tasmania’s formidable first-innings 439 on a lifeless WACA pitch.In perfect batting conditions, Bancroft and captain Sam Whiteman were at ease as they batted through the latter part of day two. A result could be difficult to force on an unusually sedate WACA pitch, which has seemingly flattened considerably due to unseasonably warm spring weather.Bancroft is looking to make the most out of the conditions on the back of a commanding century earlier this month against a strong Victoria attack at the WACA.With David Warner set to retire from Test cricket over the summer, the race is on to find his replacement, and Bancroft has so far made a compelling case. A nervous starter at times, Bancroft had to endure a few tests early in his innings. Shuffling across the stumps, Bancroft struggled initially against seamer Lawrence Neil-Smith, who targeted his pads.Once he got through the new ball, Bancroft looked immovable, and so too Whiteman. Tasmania’s bowlers rarely threatened in 53 overs, but they will feel relieved that conditions are set to be significantly cooler on day three.After a couple of wickets late on day one, WA had been hopeful of restricting Tasmania to under 350 but skipper Jordan Silk defied the attack with a marathon 181 off 349 balls. He superbly led a gritty fightback after Tasmania had seemingly let slip winning an invaluable toss when they stuttered at 49 for 3.Jordan Silk ended with a career-best 181•Getty ImagesResuming at 281 for 6, all eyes were on Silk, who had finished day one on 99. He remained agonisingly stuck on that score for almost 30 minutes into the day’s play, pinned back to the crease by accurate bowling from quicks Liam Haskett and Aaron Hardie.On his 22nd ball of the day, Silk scurried through for a single to finally bring up his century. After such a cautious start, Tasmania got a roll on with Jarrod Freeman and Silk hitting seven boundaries in succession.But WA looked set to wrap up the innings when a fine catch running backwards from Lance Morris dismissed Freeman, who made the most of the sedate conditions with a breezy 30 off 14 balls.WA’s bid to escape the heat was thwarted by a 77-run ninth-wicket partnership between Silk and Neil-Smith, who held up an end. Silk opened up after lunch with several gorgeous drives to inch towards a double-century.Silk’s indefatigable innings ended when he was trapped lbw by seamer Charlie Stobo early in the second session, the last wicket to fall in the day’s play.In searing conditions, with the temperature nudging 36-degrees Celsius, WA’s attack toiled manfully but with little of their trademark menace. With their quicks neutralised, WA relied on offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who finished with 3 for 144 off 39 overs.Morris only bowled a three-over spell on day two as he works his way back from a stress-related back injury that ruled him out of the Ashes. Clocked at around 140kph, Morris unleashed several bouncers and enticed an edge from Silk that flew past wicketkeeper Josh Philippe.He finished with 2 for 55 from 19 overs – solid figures on a pitch that has so far proved unrelenting for bowlers.

Birmingham City have confirmed their plans to build a 60,000-seater stadium that could cost the club over £3 billion ($4bn).

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Tom Brady's Birmingham to build new stadiumTargeting Premier League promotionSet to utilise hi-tech pitchFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Birmingham have unveiled their plans to construct a new 60,000-seater stadium that could cost the club in excess of £3bn. The new stadium will also feature a retractable pitch, similar to Tottenham Hotspur's stadium, which is often regarded as one of the most futuristic stadiums in the country.

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The club, which has Tom Brady as a minority owner, unveiled the plans in their annual review and have revealed plans to also develop a "sports quarter" in the city. The plans will be submitted in 2026, and building is scheduled to begin in 2028. It is the latest sign that Birmingham have firmly set their sights on the Premier League, despite spending the last 14 years outside of the top-flight.

WHAT BIRMINGHAM SAID

Club CEO Jeremy Dale said: "The centrepiece of this £3billion project is a 60,000-seat multi-purpose stadium, the like of which will not have been seen before.

“The world’s leading architects are competing for the contract to design the stadium, which will include a retractable pitch, to allow non-sporting events like concerts to take place.

“The vision is that it will become an iconic ‘sporting coliseum’, respectful of local heritage, and provide an all-year location for sport, culture, leisure, entertainment, retail and education.

“We have been on this for a year, with 75 consultants working on the project already, the master plan and business plan. It is super exciting.”

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Birmingham are continuing to prepare for the 2025/26 season. They have thus far brought in nine players this summer, including the headline-grabbing acquisition of former Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi.

Eliz-mari Marx gets a maiden call-up for the ODI squad

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Dec-2023Fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka and allrounder Nadine de Klerk, who had missed the T20I series against Bangladesh with injuries, have recovered to participate in the upcoming ODI series against them.Marizanne Kapp, who had been rested for the T20I series, is also back for the ODIs. Kapp was recently in action for Sydney Thunder in the WBBL, where her team Sydney Thunder made it to the Eliminator. Chloe Tryon, though, remains unavailable for selection as she continues to work her way back from a groin injury.Eliz-mari Marx, 20, earned her maiden ODI call-up, having recently made her T20I debut against Bangladesh earlier this month. Meike De Ridder is the other uncapped player in the ODI side.Related

Kapp to miss T20Is against Bangladesh

“Special mention goes to the promising Eliz-mari Marx, earning her maiden call-up – a testament to her talent and potential,” Clinton du Preez, South Africa women’s convenor of selectors, said in a statement. “We believe this squad is well-equipped to deliver an outstanding performance on the field.””I am very happy that we can continue to bring youngsters in to add to the experience we have,” Hilton Moreeng, South Africa women’s head coach said. “We know what is at stake, with both teams having successful ODI series recently, so for us, it’s to make sure, particularly on home soil and after the way we started the T20Is, we can improve on that.The three-match ODI series, which will run from December 16 to December 23, will be part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 qualification campaign for the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India.”It’s a different ball game now; it’s the ODIs and there’s a lot at stake regarding qualification for the World Cup, so with the experience that we brought in now, we as a team feel very confident going into the series,” Moreeng said.”We know what the six points will mean for us because post this tour, we will be finishing the year on a high, especially after the way the year started. We just want to ensure we stay focused, stick to our disciplines and execute on the day.”South Africa squad for ODIs against BangladeshLaura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Mieke De Ridder, Lara Goodall, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Eliz-mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Delmi Tucker