Streak is understood to have facilitated approaches by a corruptor to people within teams he was coach at

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Apr-2021Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak has been banned for eight years after being charged with – and admitting to – five breaches of the ICC’s anti-corruption code, including accepting a payment in bitcoins from a potential corruptor.Streak, Zimbabwe’s greatest fast bowler, had been under investigation for an extensive list of games through 2017 and 2018, during his post-playing career as a coach, from his time in international cricket – with Zimbabwe from 2016 to 2018 – as well as stints in T20 leagues including the IPL, the BPL and the Afghanistan Premier League (APL).The charges paint a picture of Streak as a facilitator of approaches by a corruptor to people within teams he was a part of. But they also include one charge of disclosing inside information pertaining to matches during a 2018 tri-series involving Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, a Zimbabwe-Afghanistan series in 2018, the 2018 IPL and the 2018 APL.Streak was also charged with facilitating or attempting to introduce four players – including a national captain – to a potential corruptor. The three other charges revolve around his failure to disclose receiving gifts or payment in lieu of this facilitation, the failure to disclose potentially corrupt approaches in the 2017 BPL, and, in 2018, the PSL, IPL and the APL. Those gifts include accepting two bitcoins – converted eventually into US$ 35,000 – from the potential corruptor identified in the ICC’s investigation as Mr X. At the APL, Streak was also gifted a new iPhone for this wife, both of which he failed to disclose to ICC anti-corruption investigators.Although he is believed to initially have contested the allegations, Streak eventually admitted to the charges and agreed to the sanctions. He is now banned from all cricket activities and would be free to resume his involvement again on March 28, 2029.”Heath Streak is an experienced former international cricketer and national team coach, who had participated in numerous anti-corruption education sessions and was fully aware of his responsibilities under the Code,” the ICC’s anti-corruption head Alex Marshall said in a statement. “As a former captain and coach, he held a position of trust and owed a duty to uphold the integrity of the game. He breached the Code on several occasions, including facilitating the approach of four other players. At times, he also sought to obstruct and delay our investigation.”The offences did not affect the outcomes of any relevant matches and Mr Streak has agreed to assist the ICC anti-corruption education programme for which we are grateful. He has also expressed his remorse and contrition and entered this agreed sanction decision to avoid the need for a full disciplinary process. The sanction reflects this cooperation.”Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, members of the Zimbabwe cricket-playing community expressed their shock and sadness at the update, with reactions ranging from “I’m blown away” and “I am genuinely shocked”, to “It’s a kick in the teeth for Zimbabwe cricket and the current crop of players – not only that, but now to regain trust is lengthy process.”David Coltart, the former Zimbabwe sports minister, also expressed his anguish on Twitter, saying “there can be no excuses for this type of behaviour”.

There can be no excuses for this type of behaviour. Corruption has deeply affected #Cricket internationally and within #Zimbabwe and must be ruthlessly rooted out wherever it is found. That said I stand ready to assist Heath redeem his otherwise outstanding record & contribution.

— David Coltart (@DavidColtart) April 14, 2021

‘Darkest day in Zimbabwe cricket’Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), meanwhile, welcomed and endorsed the ICC decision, calling it a “very sad and shameful episode that might well go down in history as the darkest day in Zimbabwean cricket”.”Streak was a powerful figure adored by many and held up as an idol for future generations of cricketers. In doing this, he held a position of trust and owed a duty to uphold the integrity of the game,” a statement, signed by ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, said. “But, as we and the rest of the world now know, Streak was also a corrupt, greedy and selfish character who regrettably abused his status and position in pursuit of dirty benefits.”He has let cricket down. He has let down the teams and players he coached. He has let the nation down. He has let down the fans – including impressionable children – who loved and idolised him.”While we have been left to pick up the pieces from the damage, it is our hope that the punishment meted out on Streak will help to reinforce the measures that the ICC and ZC have been taking to root out any wrongdoing in cricket. The integrity of ZC and the sport itself is of paramount importance and, therefore, the need to maintain high levels of honesty and professionalism at leadership and all levels of the game cannot be overemphasised.”Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s sports and recreation commission has requested the country’s national prosecuting authority to “ascertain whether any of the criminal laws in Zimbabwe, particularly those relating to corruption, have been breached by Heath Streak in order that appropriate action is also taken locally”. Saying that the body has zero-tolerance for corruption in sport, the commission has “fully supported and endorsed” the action on the part of the ICC.The sanctions will come as a shock to many given his status as one of the greatest players Zimbabwe has produced. He was a major figure in the national sides of the mid-to-late 90s, a period in which they enjoyed their greatest successes. He remains the only Zimbabwean bowler with more than 100 Test wickets (he has 216) and the only Zimbabwean with over 200 ODI wickets (237). Streak captained Zimbabwe as well in the 2000s, during a difficult period when a number of players withdrew from the national side and as relations between the board and team hit rock bottom.He has since remained in cricket as a coach, with stints as bowling coach of Bangladesh and multiple stints with Zimbabwe. He was also bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.One of Zimbabwe’s greatest cricketers, Heath Streak ended with 216 wickets in Tests and 239 in ODIs•EMPICS via Getty ImagesThe charges 2.3.2 – disclosing inside information under both the ICC code and various domestic codes, in circumstances where he knew or should have known that such information may be used for betting purposes. In particular, he disclosed inside information in relation to matches in the 2018 tri-series involving Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan series in 2018, the IPL 2018 and the APL 2018. 2.3.3 – directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any participant to breach the code. In particular, he facilitated or attempted to facilitate the introduction of four different players, including a national captain, to someone he knew, or should have known, may have wanted to approach them to provide inside information for betting purposes. 2.4.2 – failing to disclose the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that the participant knew or should have known was given to them to procure a breach of the code or that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute. 2.4.4 – failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the code including in relation to international matches, matches in the 2017 BPL, the 2018 PSL, the 2018 IPL and the 2018 APL. 2.4.7 – obstructing or delaying an investigation, including concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of corrupt conduct under the ICC Anti-Corruption code.

Pair put on sixth-wicket stand of 116 in 30 overs after hosts slump to 110 for 5 at Taunton

David Hopps15-Apr-2021

Dystopian science-fiction novels have never been shy of depicting an isolated and fearful society in which debilitated human beings become over-reliant on technology and are force-fed propaganda in a sad and meaningless existence.It’s more than a little unfair to describe county cricket’s digital revolution during the time of Covid like that but you get the picture.County cricket’s in-house streaming service has been quietly advancing for several years, and as lockdown is eased it remains indispensable for spectators still shut out of grounds until May 20 and, even then, only likely to be allowed back in reduced numbers.So while it would have been considerably nicer to be at Taunton to watch the first West Country derby in the Championship for 14 years, in the interests of science it was time to experience what everyone was going through.A quick vox pop on the Facebook group confirmed that most county followers have developed a real affinity for the coverage of their county, even if they fear the eventual introduction of paywalls and even if there will always be someone who thinks the game should be broadcast live on BBC 1 with a lengthy run-of-play report in the .But at a time when the Hundred is fast approaching, and is often justified by grave warnings that “the game is dying”, it will be an eye-opener to the naysayers to discover this dying game covered by multiple cameras, action replays and, in the majority of cases, commentary synched with BBC online coverage, although Middlesex and Gloucestershire now have their own commentary teams. It feels more like a Golden Age.”In time,” E.M. Forster warns of technological advancement in “there will come a generation that had got beyond facts.” That should be a warning to those commentators who display an obsequiousness towards their home county that journalistic integrity should be paramount.Nobody would ever accuse Somerset’s much-valued commentator, Anthony Gibson, of a tendency to inaccuracy, even if he does have a healthy regard for the talents of an entertaining Somerset side striving once again to win a first Championship title. A sprinkling of local pride is no bad thing. And pride was in abundance after Somerset lost the toss on a difficult batting morning, then lost half their side for 110, but fought back to be dismissed late in the day for 312.County cricket’s cultural shift – perhaps even cultural confusion – does have a peculiar aspect for such an erudite individual. This authentic West Country man, writer of several books celebrating the connection between authors and their landscape, now occasionally breaks off from commentary, as he must, to read the latest social media offering from Grumpy Git. He seemed to know who it was, too, which was quite a feat as in county cricket it could be pretty much anyone.Professional commentators rightly point out the distinctive styles of TV and radio cricket commentary which make county cricket’s hybrid streaming service a slightly uncomfortable compromise. Radio commentators paint a picture whereas TV commentators interpret it, in far fewer words yet here the two go side by side. That is all the more off-putting when commentators cannot see the TV screen and their conversation bears no relation to the pictures.While all that is true, it should not deflect from an offering fast approaching broadcast quality, and backed up by videos of every wicket and boundary. County cricket is used to compromises.As for the cricketers themselves, they might no longer face the level of independent, and critical, coverage that they did a generation ago, but their techniques have never been more on show. Tom Banton was a case in point – one of the most dangerous T20 players in the world was ill at ease in making 29 as Ryan Higgins and David Payne found swing and seam with the new ball, ample to justify a decision to bowl first. He played on, an indeterminate prod at Payne’s inswinger. Holding down the opening spot in the Championship will aid Banton’s all-round development, although it will demand reassessment if he is to succeed.Danger increased whenever Higgins and Payne had the ball, but there was also a promising seam-bowling debut from Dominic Goodman, a 20-year-old student at Exeter University, who looked a dependable sort, found a bit of bounce at times and deserved his reward when he swung the second new ball to have Josh Davey caught at slip. “A big lad who makes good use of his height,” said Higgins, and so he was.There are some county batting line-ups where watching on the TV would have made it tempting to channel hop after lunch, although BBC 2 had kindly scheduled something called 800 Words in the post-prandial slot which was a useful reminder for any journalists watching on TV where their priorities lay.Somerset, in any case, are highly entertaining, worthy of a close watch, and this time it was Steve Davies and Craig Overton who rallied them from 110 for 5 with a stand of 116 in 30 overs. Overton, promoted to No. 7, which will please England, remained naturally bullish, while Davies, happily feasting on anything short and wide, was as crisp and clean as a sanitised kitchen. Overton fell to a fine delivery from Higgins; Davies fell more disappointingly, hanging out his bat so markedly that he chopped on an outswinger from Payne.Related

Stiaan van Zyl century leads way for in-control Sussex against Glamorgan

Matt Parkinson finally gets his moment as Lancashire hold the upper hand

Carlson ton keeps Glamorgan in contention

Evans takes his chance with gritty first ton for Leicestershire

Scott Borthwick's stunning century transcends a manic 18-wicket day at Chelmsford

Back in 2007, in the last West Country Championship derbies, Somerset won both matches handsomely, with Andy Caddick proving to be Gloucestershire’s nemesis on both occasions. This time, Somerset’s advantage is slighter, but if conditions remain the same they have the edge.Somerset have always been one of the forerunners of online streaming, their offering marshalled by the impressive Ben Warren, a master of chilled-out commitment. Their YouTube and Facebook sessions totalled combined figures of more than 80,000 on the first day with the average session time more than 15 minutes.As impressive as county cricket’s commitment to online streaming is, as vital a lifeline as it may prove to be, it cannot match the real thing. County clubs are communal or they are nothing. Forster’s message in was that the move to a globalised, technological-driven society must not be allowed to destroy our humanity and our connection with the natural world; that progress must be tempered with such community, with human relationships and a beating heart.For those who retain an affinity to England’s professional circuit, the need to protect the game’s soul need not be explained. Somerset supporters watching online will have missed, as many of us do, a coffee in the Stragglers, the renewal of acquaintances by the pavilion and the ear-shattering wisdom of Tractor Driver in front of the scoreboard. It is those who question the circuit’s continued existence who need to learn the lessons provided by a dystopian novel or two.

Harry Kane has come in for a fresh wave of criticism following Bayern Munich's exit from the DFB-Pokal to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Bayern knocked out of German CupAnother trophy out of reach for KaneFans take aim at Bayern strikerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Kane is famously still waiting for the first major trophy of his career, with his frustration continuing since his 2023 move to Bayern from Tottenham despite a brilliant goalscoring record that has seen him become the quickest player to reach 50 Bundesliga goals. Another trophy went begging on Tuesday night as Bayern crashed out of the DFB-Pokal at the hands of Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen in a 1-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena. Kane is currently sidelined with injury, and did not play in the match, but that did not prevent social media users from going to town on the Bayern star.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Supporter @conalloreilly7 posted on X: "Another trophy bottled by that trophyless bum Harry Kane when will his fans admit that he is the reason for his team’s failures."

Arsenal fan @ArsenalLiveth added: "The Harry Kane curse is real."

And @LorettaKrypto also took aim at Bayern's new boss: "Kompany has turned Bayern to Burnley. Harry Kane has turned Bayern to Spurs."

Another supporter, @vinnie070, had an ominous prediction for the Bayern striker, posting: "Kane gotta retire with 0 titles."

Meanwhile, @LA_daLord said: "It’s Kane man. He’s the jinx."

GettyWHAT KOMPANY SAID

Kompany spoke out after the match and insisted titles are coming to his team. He told : "That was a game where we might have had to score a goal in our moments. The team played well, but it's a shame because we're out now and you can't get that back. But the way the team lives, we believe that we will win a lot of games. We won't win the title this year, but we will win many titles in the future if we continue like this. We have to put that behind us and start fighting again tomorrow to win the next games."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Bayern were also pipped to the Bundesliga title by Bayer Leverkusen last season but are in good shape to reclaim their crown in 2024-25. The Bavarian giants are currently top by four points from Eintracht Frankfurt and hold a seven-point lead over Alonso's side in third, with Kane having contributed 14 goals in 12 appearances. Bayern will also be hoping to challenge in the Champions League but currently sit down in 13th place in the new 36-team league format.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em partida atrasada da 23ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, o Santos deu um importante passo na luta contra o rebaixamento e venceu o Fluminensepor 2 a 0, na Vila Belmiro. Madson e Diego Tardelli fizeram os gols da partida, um em cada tempo.

RelacionadasSantosSantos oficializa Edu Dracena como novo executivo de futebolSantos27/10/2021Futebol InternacionalKayky, ex-Fluminense, tem estreia para esquecer no Manchester CityFutebol Internacional27/10/2021SantosSantos encaminha a contratação do zagueiro Eduardo BauermannSantos26/10/2021

Galo vai acabar com o jejum no Brasileirão? Veja clubes com secas de títulos

Com o resultado positivo, o Peixe alcança os 32 pontos, ultrapassa o Juventude, salta para o16º lugar e sai da zona de rebaixamento do Brasileirão. Já o Tricolor da Laranjeiras deixa de somar sua terceira vitória consecutiva e estaciona nos 38 pontos, ficando no 8º lugar.

No sábado (29), às 17h, os comandados de Carille encaram o Athletico-PR na Arena da Baixada, pela29ª rodada. No dia seguinte, às 16h, a equipe de Marcão vai até o Castelão medir forças com o Ceará.

FLU NO G6? PEIXE NO Z4? VEJA TABELA E SIMULE OS JOGOS DO BRASILEIRÃO

COMEÇO ANIMADOR DO SANTOS

A partida começou sob forte chuva na Vila Belmiro e a equipe da casa era quem ditava o ritmo nos minutos iniciais. Em cobrança de escanteio, o Santos quase abriu o placar.Felipe Jonatan cobrou fechado, Madson cabeceou e Marcos Felipe fez a defesa. A bola ainda bateu no travessão e não entrou.

No lance seguinte, Marcos Guilherme fez jogada pela esquerda, puxou pelo meio e bateu firme. Novamente, o goleiro do Flu saltou para fazer boa defesa.

Após suportar a pressão inicial, o Fluminense conseguiu equilibrar as ações e teve sua primeira chance aos 16 minutos, em chute de fora da área de André. A bola passou raspando o travessão. Ambas equipes tinham dificuldades para acertar os passes, e o ritmo de jogo caiu na Vila Belmiro.

MADSON ABRE O PLACAR NA VILA

A equipe da casa era melhor e fez o primeiro gol após chutão da defesa doFlu. A bola se ofereceu para Zanocelo e o meia achou lançamento primoroso nas costas de Marlon. Madson apareceu sozinho e testou para baixo, cruzado, inaugurando o marcador.

Aos 40 minutos, o Santos teve boa oportunidade para ampliar o placar com falta próxima à área. Marcos Guilherme cobrou por cima da barreira e a bola foi para fora.

A temperatura da partida subiu nos minutos finais do primeiro tempo após um enrosco entre John Kenedy e Zanocelo, e ambos foram amarelados.

FLU NO ATAQUE APÓS O INTERVALO

No primeiro minuto da segunda etapa, Arias fez jogada pela esquerda e cruzou para a área.John Kennedy ajeitou para Yago. O meia bateu forte da entrada da área, e a bola foi para fora. O Flu voltou do intervalo com maior ímpeto ofensivo.

Aos sete minutos, Carille se viu obrigado a tirarFelipe Jonatan, que vinha atuando pelo meio, já que o atleta sentiu uma lesão muscular.Vinicius Balieiro foi o substituto escolhido.

PEIXE AUMENTA EM CONTRA-ATAQUE LETAL

Apesar de controlar a posse de bola e criar as melhores chances de gol no segundo tempo, o Fluminense novamente errou na reposição de bola, e sofreu o segundo gol.

Marcos Felipe deu chutão para frente, Madson fez o corte e iniciou o contra-ataque santista. Marinho aproveitou a vantagem, conduziu pela direita e devolveu para Madson. O lateral cruzou rasteiro, e Diego Tardelli completou para o gol vazio, anotando seu primeiro tento nesta passagem pelo Peixe.

Após o gol de Tardelli, tanto Carille quanto Marcão promoveram mudanças em suas equipes, especialmente no setor ofensivo. Em uma dessas alterações, Marinho recebeu amarelo ao se estranhar com David Braz antes de deixar o gramado.

TRICOLOR DAS LARANJEIRAS NÃO CONSEGUE MARCAR

Precisando de um gol para poder sonhar com o empate, o Fluminense até chegava com perigo, mas parava em João Paulo. Abel Hernández teve duas chances. Na primeira, chutou para fora, e na segunda, bateu com pouca força no gol.

Nos minutos finais, o Santos soube neutralizar os ataques da equipe carioca e conseguiu os três pontos, como também não ser vazado em seus domínios. AInda, no último lance, Lucas Braga quase fez um golaço de fora da área.

FICHA TÉCNICA
SANTOS 2 X 0 FLUMINENSE
Local: Vila Belmiro, em Santos (SP)
​Data-Hora: 27 de outubro de 2021, às 19h (horário de Brasília)
Árbitro: Braulio da Silva Machado (SC)
Assistentes: Alex dos Santos (SC) e Thiaggo Americano Labes (SC)
Árbitro de vídeo: Rafael Traci (Fifa-SC)
Público/renda:6.885/R$ 137.110,00
Cartões amarelos: Vinicius Zanocelo, Marinho (SAN);John Kenedy, Nonato (FLU)
Cartões vermelhos:-
Gols: Madson(32’/1ºT) (1-0) eDiego Tardelli (16’/2ºT) (2-0)

SANTOS: João Paulo, Robson Reis (Wagner Leonardo, 33/2ºT), Emiliano Velázquez e Danilo Boza; Madson, Vinicius Zanocelo (Carlos Sánchez, 22/2ºT), Felipe Jonatan(Vinicius Balieiro, 7/2ºT) e Marcos Guilherme; Marinho (Ângelo, 33/2ºT), Lucas Braga e Diego Tardelli (Raniel, 22/2ºT).Técnico: Fábio Carille

FLUMINENSE: Marcos Felipe, Samuel Xavier, David Braz, Luccas Claro e Marlon; André (Nonato, 34/2ºT), Yago Felipe(Martinelli, 24/2ºT) e Jhon Arias (Abel Hernández, 24/2ºT); Caio Paulista (Lucca, 24/2ºT), Luiz Henrique(Gustavo Apis, 41/2ºT) e John Kennedy.Técnico: Marcão

A senior player has agreed to join a new club after deciding to quit Leeds United this summer, with a medical now booked in and the formalities of a move apparently completed.

Leeds lose host of key players in summer transfer window

Daniel Farke will be pleased with how his Whites side have begun the 2024/2025 Championship campaign, especially considering how they were forced to sell a host of key players over the summer transfer window.

Related Leeds fans should be excited about 19 y/o academy gem who's the next Joseph

Leeds United have a top young star on their hands who could soon be ready for first team action.

Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson Sep 6, 2024

Crysencio Summerville, who finished last season as Leeds' second tier top scorer with 20 goals, completed a £25 million move to West Ham in what was a tough transfer to take for Farke and supporters – but the Dutchman was always likely to seek a top flight opportunity.

Leeds were also powerless when Brighton triggered Georginio Rutter's £40 million release clause just minutes before it was going to expire, robbing Farke of a crucial asset who scored seven goals and bagged a further 15 assists in the Championship alone last term.

Archie Gray's £40 million switch to Tottenham prompted a heartbroken status from the club too, given the English sensation is widely regarded as one of the country's brightest young talents, and he could've become an Elland Road legend.

Leeds United's next Championship fixtures

Match

Date

Burnley (home)

September 14

Cardiff City (away)

September 21

Coventry City (home)

September 28

Norwich City (away)

October 1

Sunderland (away)

October 4

"Understanding the attraction of Premier League and European football, the club, with a heavy heart, agreed the transfer, but the move has strengthened the board’s resolve to ultimately return Leeds to a position where it can meet the footballing ambitions of even its brightest stars," said Leeds in a statement (via Ben Jacobs).

"Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a home-grown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations. "Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart."

Alongside having to wave goodbye to these former stars, Leeds also bid farewell to faithful club servant Liam Cooper, who left the Yorkshire side on a free after making 284 appearances in all competitions.

Liam Cooper reaches agreement to join CSKA Sofia after Leeds exit

The Scotsman, who spent 10 years at Leeds before the expiry of his contract, has been in talks to join CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria.

According to the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, via sports writer Metodi Shumanov on X, it is believed Cooper has reached a full agreement to join CSKA Sofia on a free transfer from Leeds, and a medical has been booked in for the 33-year-old.

CSKA are one of Bulgaria's most successful ever sides, having won 31 league titles, 21 Bulgarian cups and four super cups, so it is likely Cooper could now add a few trophies to his personal cabinet before hanging up his boots.

Fast bowler will overtake Alastair Cook’s mark of 161 caps if he plays in second Test

Andrew Miller08-Jun-2021Few players have married skill and longevity to quite such staggering effect as James Anderson, who stands to overtake Alastair Cook as England’s most-capped Test cricketer this week, if selected for his 162nd appearance against New Zealand in the second Test at Edgbaston.But, as he reflected on his 18-year journey from a raw but successful debut against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in 2003, Anderson admitted that his initial reaction to the big stage was one of intense self-doubt, as he questioned his right to be there at all.”I thought I wasn’t good enough,” Anderson said, as he recalled how his first over, from the Nursery End at Lord’s, was picked off by Zimbabwe’s openers for 17 runs, including two fours and a three for Dion Ebrahim as he strayed too close to the right-hander’s pads.”I thought it was a huge step up from county cricket,” Anderson added. “I remember Nasser [Hussain] didn’t have a fine leg for me and I went for quite a few runs. My first ball was a no-ball as well so there were a lot of nerves there and I did feel like this was maybe a step too far for me at that point.”Anderson soon settled into his spell, however, and after striking in his third over to bowl Mark Vermeulen through the gate for 1, he returned from the Pavilion End to pick off four quick wickets in the final 20 balls of the innings.He left the field with figures of 5 for 73 to earn the first of his six entries on the Lord’s honours board, and begin his journey towards becoming the most successful fast bowler in history, with 616 wickets now to his name.”I think I cleaned up the tail in that game,” he said. “Until you play against the best players in the world and you’ve got them out, only then do you feel like you can compete and belong there.”James Anderson took five wickets on debut against Zimbabwe in 2003•PA PhotosThat process, however, was not a swift one for Anderson, who slipped out of favour after a tough series against South Africa later that summer. He played a total of four Tests in 2004 and 2005 as England, under the new captaincy of Michael Vaughan, finetuned the four-pronged seam attack that would go on to reclaim the Ashes.Throughout this period, Anderson cut a forlorn figure, often practising alone during lunch breaks at Test matches, and though he played an important role in a famous victory in Mumbai in 2005-06, his progress was further hampered by the diagnosis of a stress fracture in his back – an issue that was partially brought about by the ECB’s efforts to remodel his action, ironically to reduce the likelihood of injury.”I’m proud of the fact that I’ve overcome little hurdles throughout my career and they’ve made me stronger,” he said. “The stress fracture was like hitting the re-set button I guess.”I’d gone through a lot of changes in my action before that and that stress fracture was probably a Godsend. It made me go back to my old action and since then I’ve felt really comfortable and got more consistent. That’s really helped me and makes me feel proud I got stronger from that and never looked back.”The pivotal moment, however, arguably came against Anderson’s current opponents, New Zealand, on England’s 2007-08 tour when – for the second Test at Wellington – he and Stuart Broad were thrust into the front line in place of Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison, to form a matchwinning partnership that has scarcely looked back since.”We both look back on that Test with great fondness,” he said. “I think it was a proper starting point in our Test careers. The fact that Peter Moores, the coach at that time, showed that confidence in us, because he left out two senior bowlers who’d been extremely influential in the England side up until that point.”He brought us in and gave us that responsibility, showed that faith in us. We still look back on that with great fondness and we’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Hopefully there will be a few more memories to come.”Since that recall, Anderson has claimed 554 Test wickets at 25.17, compared to 62 at 39.20 in the first 20 matches of his career, spread across five years. He went on to play key roles in three consecutive Ashes victories from 2009 to 2013, and was also described as the “difference between the sides” by MS Dhoni when England won in India in 2012-13.”It took a few years,” Anderson said. “I think it was about putting in some performances against the better sides in the world.Related

Anderson vs Labuschagne ends in early knockout blow for bowler

Timeless Anderson targets 'mind-blowing' milestones

James Anderson: England players committed to 'improving ourselves' in wake of Ollie Robinson row

“No disrespect to Zimbabwe, but playing against teams like South Africa and Australia and India, once you put in performances against the top teams in the world, that’s when you can feel like you can actually perform at that level. So it did take a few years and a few tours around the world to make me think I could actually do it.”Whether he can do it this week will depend on England’s approach to rest and rotation, given that Anderson turns 39 next month, and England are understandably keen not to over-bowl him with big series against India and Australia looming later in the year. His eagerness to get involved, however, has not diminished with age.”I’m not sure on the team yet,” Anderson said. “Hopefully I’ve got the opportunity to do that on Thursday. It’s been an incredible 15 years really. Knowing how much Cooky played it makes me very proud I’ve actually got to this point.”One player who could come into the reckoning is the Warwickshire fast bowler, Olly Stone, who made his Test comeback against India in Chennai this winter, after one previous appearance on home soil, against Ireland at Lord’s in 2019.”I think Olly is a really impressive person,” Anderson said. “I like him a lot as a bloke. He works incredibly hard, he’s got pace and he’s got skills as well, he can swing the ball.”He’s got character to play Test cricket, we saw that in India briefly. He’s someone I think is very exciting and has a decent Test career ahead of him. He’s got all the attributes to perform at this level and, I would say, the character.”England could also be sweating on the fitness of James Bracey, who made his debut as wicketkeeper at Lord’s last week. He took a blow to the finger during a drills session on Tuesday, and was reportedly in some pain before resuming light training with strapping on his hand. He will be assessed again in the morning.In the absence of Ben Foakes, who tore a hamstring in the Surrey dressing room earlier in the month, as well as Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow who have been rested after their IPL stints, the uncapped Sam Billings is England’s reserve keeper.

Saha has just recovered from Covid-19, which he contracted during the IPL

Nagraj Gollapudi20-May-2021

Andhra wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat has been included as a standby for Wriddhiman Saha for India’s tour of England comprising the World Test Championship final against New Zealand and the five-Test series against the hosts. Saha had recently recovered from Covid-19.Bharat reached Mumbai on May 19 where most of the Indian contingent will be serving a two-week quarantine in their hotel rooms before boarding a flight to London on June 2. Bharat, who has been a regular wicketkeeper for India A, was also one of the standbys for India’s home Tests against England in February-March.Related

Dravid predicts 3-2 scoreline for India in England

Saha, Mishra, Prasidh Krishna recover from Covid-19

No Hardik, Kuldeep in India's squad of 20 for WTC final and England Tests

Bharat’s inclusion – a last-minute development – is a precautionary move taken by the selectors. While announcing the 20-man squad for the England trip, they had announced Rishabh Pant and Saha as the two wicketkeepers. Saha had tested positive for Covid-19 a day before the BCCI suspended the IPL.Saha, who represents the Sunrisers Hyderabad, spent two weeks in quarantine in Delhi before returning home to Kolkata this week. Having been away on India duty since the England series in February followed by the IPL, Saha sought permission from the BCCI to visit his family before joining the Indian squad in Mumbai next week.

World Cup winner Christoph Kramer has explained how he was left “broken” by an uncharacteristic shirt swap snub from England star Jude Bellingham.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Three Lions star spent three years in GermanyCrossed paths with World Cup winner KramerLeft Gladbach midfielder feeling embarrassedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Their paths crossed in the Bundesliga, with Ballon d’Or contender Bellingham turning out for Borussia Dortmund at the time. Kramer, who formed part of the Germany squad that claimed a global crown in 2014, was on the books at Borussia Monchengladbach.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Bellingham is known for playing with a smile on his face, while kind-hearted gestures are often made by the 21-year-old midfielder on and off the pitch. He is a popular choice for post-game jersey trades, with his stock having been on the rise since making a senior breakthrough with Birmingham at 16 years of age.

WHAT KRAMER SAID

When competing in the German top-flight, Kramer had hoped to land himself a Bellingham memento. He was, however, left red-faced by an embarrassing snub. The 33-year-old midfielder has told the : "I asked, 'Can I have your jersey?' He heard it, he also looked at me briefly, then went straight ahead and patted me on the shoulder. So much honour and so much pride was broken in me."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Bellingham is now on the books of Real Madrid, with his exploits there putting him in the running for a prestigious Golden Ball. He has been back to his best of late, netting in five successive games and seven of his last eight, with more shirt swap requests expected to come his way with club and country.

Chelsea and Todd Boehly are moving ever closer to another addition at Stamford Bridge this summer, according to reports, with the Blues having made a breakthrough over one of their targets in the last 48 hours.

Chelsea lose Premier League opener

New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was handed the toughest possible debut in the Stamford Bridge dugout as his side hosted Manchester City in their Premier League opener on Sunday.

He named a side that didn't include any of his new signings from the summer window, though long-term absentees Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku and Wesley Fofana were all handed starts.

In what was for much of the game an even fight, a first half goal from Erling Haaland was added to by former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic late on, with the Croatian running past both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez (who Chelsea spent £230m on to replace Kovacic) before firing past Robert Sanchez to hand City a 2-0 win.

Not just Sterling: £50m star will likely now never play for Chelsea again

Raheem Sterling was not included in the Chelsea squad to face his former employers.

By
Matt Dawson

Aug 19, 2024

Despite the result, it was a positive performance from the Blues and Maresca was happy with what he saw.

"The performance was good and we competed against the best team in the world. We played well and created chances. The biggest difference was inside the box and how they managed the ball at the end, they are a master. We don't like to lose games but the performance was good", he explained after the game.

"We can for sure improve many things, we've been together for just six weeks. At the same moment, we liked to analyse the game and we tried to play football and create chances. It's not easy but we did well."

Now, in the final days of the window, the Chelsea boss is set to be handed another player to try and fit into his already bloated squad.

Chelsea on the verge of signing "special" star

That comes with reports in Spain revealing that the Blues are 'on the verge' of re-signing Joao Felix on a permanent deal this summer. The Portuguese attacker, of course, has already spent time at Stamford Bridge. He joined the club on loan from Atletico Madrid back in January 2023, going on to make 20 appearances across all competitions despite being sent off on his debut.

Though he has struggled to find a permanent home in recent seasons, he remains a top talent and retains much of what caused Alvaro Morata to dub him "special" back in 2022.

"The truth is that Joao has a special talent," the former Blues forward explained after helping Atleti to a win over Getafe.

Felix still has five years left to run on his £100,000 a week deal at the Wanda Metropolitano but it was always likely he would depart this summer after falling out with Diego Simeone, and Chelsea have pounced.

According to reports in Spain [via Sport Witness], he is now "on the verge" of joining Chelsea as part of a deal that will allow Conor Gallagher to head the other way. The Blues will receive £34m for Gallagher, while the report claims that they will pay £43m to sign Felix permanently.

Should he join as planned, the 24-year-old will become yet another player for Maresca to try and fit into his squad, having notably left Raheem Sterling out of the Premier League opener and only utilising £54m signing Pedro Neto from the bench.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras divulgou a venda antecipada de 28.100 ingressos para o clássico contra o São Paulo, nesta quarta-feira (17), no Allianz Parque. Será o maior público do estádio desde a liberação da volta dos torcedores.

O Verdão diminuiu o valor dos ingressos para o setor Gol Norte. Em vez de R$ 90, o preço é de R$ 80 e o setor já está esgotado para a partida. Os preços da última partida foram mantidos nos demais lugares do Allianz Parque.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasEscalação do Palmeiras: Verdão tem volta de Marcos Rocha em preparação para Choque-ReiPalmeiras16/11/2021Futebol NacionalPalmeiras x São Paulo: onde assistir ao clássico pelo Brasileirão, arbitragem e escalaçõesFutebol Nacional16/11/2021PalmeirasEntenda como Matías Viña ajudou Palmeiras na liberação de Felipe Melo na Justiça uruguaiaPalmeiras16/11/2021

Será o segundo jogo no qual o estádio alviverde terá 100% de sua capacidade liberada aos torcedores. Em outubro, o Verdão recebeu 8.884 pessoas contra o Red Bull Bragantino (30%), 11.111 diante do Internacional (50%) e 13.367 para enfrentar o Sport (50%). Com o Atlético-GO, na última semana, a carga foi de 100%, mas apenas 19.165 pessoas foram ao estádio por conta do alto valor.

Para comprar ingressos, é necessário estar imunizado com as duas doses da vacina contra Covid-19. No caso de ter apenas a primeira dose, é exigida a apresentação de teste negativo. O uso de máscaras é obrigatório.

Palmeiras e São Paulo se enfrentam no Allianz Parque nesta quarta-feira (17), às 20h30 (de Brasília), pela 33ª rodada do Brasileirão. O Verdão é o atual terceiro colocado na tabela, com 58 pontos, enquanto o rival ocupa a 15ª posição, a dois pontos da zona de rebaixamento.