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Hazlewood Out of Scotland T20Is, Meredith Called Up

Hazlewood Out of Scotland T20Is, Meredith Called Up

By August 24, 2024 0

Josh Hazlewood’s calf strain has ruled him out of Australia’s T20I series against Scotland next month, adding to the team’s injury woes. Riley Meredith has been called up as his replacement.

Hazlewood sustained the injury during training last week, and while it is described as minor, the selectors are likely to take a cautious approach ahead of a busy home summer that includes five Tests against India. He is expected to be available for the T20Is and ODIs against England later in September.

Meredith, who last played for Australia in 2021, has been in impressive form for Somerset in England’s white-ball competitions. He has taken 14 wickets in the T20 Blast and six in the one-day cup, including a match-winning 4 for 27 against Middlesex at Lord’s.

Hazlewood’s absence is the second blow to Australia’s pace attack, with Spencer Johnson also ruled out with a side strain. The pace attack for the Scotland series will now feature Meredith, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Ellis, alongside allrounders Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis. Adam Zampa and the uncapped Cooper Connolly will provide the spin.

Hazlewood was the only one of Australia’s “big three” quicks initially included for the full tour of the UK. Mitchell Starc will feature in the ODIs against England, while Pat Cummins is missing the entire trip to focus on strength and conditioning ahead of the home summer.

“The priority at the moment is to smash out some gym work and start reassessing in a few weeks a path forward,” Cummins said last week. “I’m just trying to fill up the bucket again after two years of non-stop bowling. [Hoping] come that first Test [against India] in as good of a position as I have been in for a few years.”

Australia fly out to Scotland on Monday with the first T20I taking place in Edinburgh on September 4.

Categories: Cricket
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Leylah Fernandez Rides Family Support into US Open

Leylah Fernandez Rides Family Support into US Open

By August 24, 2024 0

Leylah Fernandez, the 21-year-old Canadian tennis star, is gearing up for the US Open with renewed confidence and the unwavering support of her family. After a solid run on North American hard-courts, Fernandez is determined to make a deep run at the year’s final major.

Fernandez’s recent performances have been marked by resilience and determination. In Cincinnati, she claimed her biggest win of the year over world No. 4 Elena Rybakina and pushed world No. 6 Jessica Pegula to the brink in a nail-biting quarterfinal. She also reached the doubles final with Yulia Putintseva, knocking out the top-seeded team along the way.

Beyond her on-court success, Fernandez has found solace and inspiration in the presence of her younger sister, Bianca Jolie. Bianca has been traveling to tournaments with the family and has even taken on coaching duties in a pinch.

“I’m just happy to have her here and to spend time with her!” Fernandez said. “I haven’t seen her as much as I would want to this year, so it’s good to spend time with her and to have her perspective, too.”

The sisters’ reunion has had a positive impact on Leylah’s tennis. They reached the doubles semifinals in Toronto and turned heads in Cincinnati when Bianca briefly coached Leylah during her first-round match.

“My sister is basically like a mini-dad!” Fernandez said. “It’s kind of funny to see how she uses the same words, same vocabulary as him.”

Fernandez’s focus now shifts to the US Open, where she reached the final in 2021. She is determined to treat the tournament like any other, despite having unfinished business at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

“We’ve been working a lot on self-belief and self-confidence in the past few years,” she said. “I’m happy that I have the right team around me to remind me that there’s so much more that I can do.”

Fernandez will face Anastasia Potapova in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday. With her family by her side and a renewed sense of purpose, she is poised to make a strong run at the title.

Categories: Tennis
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Coco Gauff Remains Composed Amidst US Open Title Defense

Coco Gauff Remains Composed Amidst US Open Title Defense

By August 24, 2024 0

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, has maintained her composure despite the heightened expectations surrounding her title defense. At her 2024 US Open Media Day press conference, Gauff acknowledged that her life has remained largely unchanged since her Grand Slam triumph.

Gauff attributes her ability to handle the pressure to her gradual rise in the sport. Having competed at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center since her teenage years, she has become accustomed to the attention. This year, however, she arrives in Flushing Meadows without the momentum of a recent Masters 1000 victory.

Despite her early exit in Cincinnati, Gauff believes it has provided her with an opportunity to focus on training. She has endured a busy summer, including her role as flag-bearer at the Paris Olympics. Gauff emphasizes the importance of training blocks for her success and is confident in her preparation for the US Open.

While Gauff has faced criticism online, she remains unfazed. She recognizes that such negativity stems from envy or hatred and chooses to focus on positivity. She draws inspiration from a recent TikTok comment that encouraged her to embrace her victories and not stress over the need for a “victory lap.”

Gauff’s mantra for her first-round match against Varvara Gracheva is to root for success, regardless of her opponent. She believes that this mindset will help her navigate the challenges of defending her title.

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England on Cusp of Victory in First Test Against Sri Lanka

England on Cusp of Victory in First Test Against Sri Lanka

By August 24, 2024 0

England is poised to secure a victory over a resilient Sri Lanka in the first Test at Old Trafford. At the end of the third day, Sri Lanka had fought back to 204-6 in their second innings, trailing by a mere 82 runs.

Angelo Mathews (65) and Kamindu Mendis (56 not out) led a determined rearguard action, erasing the 122-run deficit from the first innings. However, England, who had earlier declared on 358 with Jamie Smith making his maiden Test century, remain favorites to take the lead in the three-match series on Saturday.

Resuming the day with a 23-run lead and four first-innings wickets remaining, Smith extended his overnight score of 72 to 111 off 148 balls, becoming the youngest wicketkeeper to score a Test hundred for England. Gus Atkinson departed for 20, caught behind off debutant fast bowler Milan Rathnayake’s first Test wicket. Smith followed three overs later, edging a delivery from left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya to wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal.

Tail-enders Mark Wood and Matthew Potts then shared a stand of 33 to bolster England’s lead. Sri Lanka, given a few overs to bat before lunch, made a disastrous start as Nishan Madushka was bowled by Chris Woakes for a duck. Atkinson then had Kusal Mendis caught behind by Smith, also without scoring, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 1-2.

Dimuth Karunaratne and Mathews dug in after lunch, gradually reducing the deficit. However, Sri Lanka slipped to 95-4 when Chandimal retired hurt after a blow to the thumb. Mathews proved obdurate, but was eventually caught at point by Matthew Potts off Woakes’ bowling.

Milan Rathnayake was caught in the deep for 10, but Mendis remained unbeaten at stumps, giving Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope.

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Ball Change Boosts England in First Test Against Sri Lanka

Ball Change Boosts England in First Test Against Sri Lanka

By August 24, 2024 0

England’s second Test summer has witnessed another ball change that has favored the hosts. During the first Test against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford, the umpires agreed to England’s request to replace the worn-out Dukes ball after 41 overs of Sri Lanka’s second innings.

At the time, Sri Lanka held a slender lead of 24 with Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis at the crease. The introduction of a firmer ball with a more pronounced seam revitalized England’s quicks. Mathews, who had reached 59, was dismissed by Chris Woakes in the 10th over with the new ball, ending a 78-run partnership.

Despite only taking one more wicket before the close, England created numerous chances with the replacement ball. Mathews and Kamindu were dropped by Joe Root and Gus Atkinson, respectively, while Woakes had two lbw decisions overturned on review.

Coincidentally, Woakes was also the beneficiary of a controversial ball change during last season’s Ashes Test at the Kia Oval. Australia’s Usman Khawaja questioned the switch to a newer, harder ball, which differed from the one used for the previous 37 overs.

Sri Lanka, however, expressed no complaints about the ball change. Former England international Ian Bell, Sri Lanka’s batting coach, acknowledged the poor condition of the original ball’s seam and accepted that the change made batting more challenging. He emphasized the need for consistency in future ball changes.

England centurion Jamie Smith praised Woakes for exploiting the conditions with the new ball. Meanwhile, England will provide an update on Mark Wood’s fitness on Saturday after he experienced discomfort in his right thigh.

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Djokovic and the Young Guns: A Clash of Generations at the US Open

Djokovic and the Young Guns: A Clash of Generations at the US Open

By August 24, 2024 0

Men’s tennis in 2024 has witnessed a captivating dichotomy: the rise of the young brigade and the enduring brilliance of Novak Djokovic. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have swept the first three Majors, while Djokovic, at 37, has secured the elusive Olympic singles gold.

Djokovic’s season has been a tale of resilience. Despite early setbacks, including a loss to Sinner in the Australian Open semifinal and to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, he has rebounded with an Olympic triumph. His victory in Paris, where he played with a surgically repaired knee, showcased his unwavering determination.

As the US Open approaches, the tension between the old and the new intensifies. Sinner and Alcaraz are the world’s top two players, while Djokovic is the defending champion. Djokovic’s physical advantage may have diminished, but he has refined his technique and shot-making to compensate.

Djokovic’s goal at the US Open is to break Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles. He also aims to ensure that 2024 becomes the 24th straight year with at least one Slam winner from the “Big Three” (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and himself).

However, the US Open has been a bittersweet experience for Djokovic. He has lost six finals there, the most in his career at a Slam. No man has defended the singles title in New York since Federer in 2008.

Despite these challenges, Djokovic remains a formidable force. His relentless pursuit of success and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances make him a dangerous opponent. The US Open will be another opportunity for fans to witness the delicate balance between the past and the present in men’s tennis.

Categories: Tennis
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Cox and Elgar Centuries Boost Essex in County Championship

Cox and Elgar Centuries Boost Essex in County Championship

By August 24, 2024 0

Essex’s batting prowess was on full display at the Utilita Bowl as Jordan Cox and Dean Elgar notched up centuries against Hampshire in the Vitality County Championship.

Cox, who was overlooked by England for the First Rothesay Test against Sri Lanka, responded with a blistering 141 off 124 balls. His innings included sixes off James Fuller and Nick Gubbins, showcasing his aggressive batting style.

Elgar, the former South African captain, continued his impressive form with a masterful 136, his 51st first-class century. The left-hander occupied the crease for over five hours, ticking off runs with workmanlike efficiency.

Together, Cox and Elgar put on a 154-run partnership, doubling Essex’s advantage after they were put into bat on a green pitch. Captain Tom Westley also contributed with a solid 64 before being caught and bowled by Liam Dawson.

Hampshire’s bowlers fought back in the afternoon session, with Kyle Abbott dismissing Elgar and Matt Critchley. Nick Abbas picked up Paul Walter and Michael Pepper, while Dawson removed Simon Harmer.

Despite the late wickets, Essex reached 404 for eight at the close of play, collecting three bonus points. The match is likely to end in a draw due to the rain-affected first day, but Essex’s strong batting performance has put them in a commanding position.

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Barnard's Five-for Gives Warwickshire Edge Over Somerset

Barnard’s Five-for Gives Warwickshire Edge Over Somerset

By August 24, 2024 0

Warwickshire’s Ed Barnard starred with a five-wicket haul as they gained the upper hand against Somerset on day two of their Vitality County Championship clash at Edgbaston.

Resuming on 277 for six, Warwickshire added 60 for four in ten overs, with Michael Burgess (69) and Jake Bethell (64) extending their partnership to 122 before both fell in quick succession. The tail-enders then wagged aggressively, with Michael Rae contributing 28 from 22, to push the home side’s total to 337.

Somerset’s reply got off to a disastrous start as they slumped to nought for two, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Andy Umeed dismissed cheaply. Barnard then struck twice to remove Tom Abell and Tom Banton, leaving the visitors reeling at 65 for five.

Kasey Aldridge (84) and James Rew (49) provided some resistance, adding 87 for the sixth wicket. However, Barnard continued to chip away, dismissing Rew and Josh Davey in quick succession. He then had Jack Leach caught at second slip to complete his five-for, with Somerset eventually bowled out for 239.

Warwickshire lost Rob Yates early in their second innings, but Alex Davies and Will Rhodes saw them through to the close on 27 for one, giving them a lead of 125 runs.

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Middlesex Gain Upper Hand in County Championship Clash

Middlesex Gain Upper Hand in County Championship Clash

By August 24, 2024 0

Middlesex seized control of their Vitality County Championship clash against Northamptonshire on day two at Merchant Taylors’ School, thanks to half-centuries from Sam Robson and Leus du Plooy.

Robson, who boasts an impressive record at Northwood, ground out a crucial 58, while Du Plooy remained unbeaten on 66 as Middlesex reached 250 for seven, establishing a first-innings lead of 43.

However, Northamptonshire’s Ben Sanderson kept his side in contention with a five-wicket haul, reclaiming his position as Division Two’s leading wicket-taker.

Earlier, Northamptonshire were dismissed for 207, with Toby Roland-Jones claiming a season-best five for 49. The visitors’ hopes of restricting Middlesex were hampered by Prithvi Shaw’s three dropped catches in the slips.

Sanderson and Lewis McManus extended their partnership to 83, guiding Northamptonshire past the 200-run mark. But Henry Brookes dismissed Sanderson, and Roland-Jones wrapped up the innings swiftly.

In reply, Middlesex’s openers survived early scares before lunch. Sanderson broke the partnership, removing Mark Stoneman for 36. Robson and Max Holden then dug in, with Robson reaching his half-century with a cover drive off Yuzvendra Chahal.

However, Chahal trapped Holden leg before, and Sanderson struck twice in quick succession after tea, dismissing Robson and Stephen Eskinazi. Du Plooy and John Simpson steadied the ship with a 72-run stand, but Leech broke the partnership.

Du Plooy remained resolute, guiding Middlesex into the lead. Sanderson returned with the new ball and claimed two more wickets, but Roland-Jones’ late flurry of boundaries earned Middlesex a batting bonus point.

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Bairstow and Luxton Star as Yorkshire Take Charge Against Sussex

Bairstow and Luxton Star as Yorkshire Take Charge Against Sussex

By August 24, 2024 0

Yorkshire seized control of their Vitality County Championship clash with Sussex after two days at Scarborough, thanks to a combative half-century from England’s Jonny Bairstow and a career-best knock from Will Luxton.

Bairstow, who had not scored a first-class fifty since last July, came to the crease with Yorkshire 104 for three in reply to Sussex’s 189 all out. He shared a 90-run partnership with Luxton, who made 59 in only his fourth appearance.

Sussex off-spinner Jack Carson claimed an excellent season’s best five for 83 in 20 overs as Yorkshire were bowled out for 326, a lead of 137. Bairstow’s innings was a timely reminder of his class, as he hit seven fours and a six in 72 balls. He was dropped twice, on 38 and 51, but made the most of his reprieves.

Luxton was equally impressive, showing great composure and patience during his 130-ball innings. He was particularly strong against spin, scoring 27 runs off 50 deliveries in the afternoon session.

Sussex’s bowlers struggled to make inroads into the Yorkshire batting, with only Jordan Thompson and Jaydev Unadkat taking wickets in the morning session. Thompson finished with three wickets, while Unadkat claimed two.

In their second innings, Sussex closed on 26 without loss from 10 overs, trailing by 111 runs. The Hove county will need to bat well on the third day to avoid defeat.

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