Somerset Crush Northamptonshire in Metro Bank One Day Cup

Somerset Crush Northamptonshire in Metro Bank One Day Cup

Somerset’s Andy Umeed led his team to a resounding seven-wicket victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at Wantage Road. Umeed’s commanding 63 off 66 balls, including six fours and two sixes, propelled Somerset to a comfortable chase of 156.

Northamptonshire’s innings was anchored by Saif Zaib’s lone hand of 57, but they were bundled out for 155 inside 38 overs. Josh Davey’s early double strike and Archie Vaughan’s maiden senior wicket contributed to the Steelbacks’ collapse.

Somerset’s chase got off to a blistering start as Umeed and George Thomas raced to 50 off just 31 balls. Thomas’ dismissal for 28 brought Lewis Goldsworthy to the crease, who continued the momentum with a fluent 20.

Umeed reached his half-century with a nonchalant pull for four and later launched a towering six over deep midwicket. However, he was eventually caught behind for 63, leaving James Rew and Sean Dickson to guide Somerset home.

Somerset’s victory will boost their confidence ahead of next month’s Vitality Blast T20 quarter-final against Northamptonshire. The match also marked a crucial early breakthrough for Somerset, who had been tormented by Prithvi Shaw in last season’s corresponding fixture. Shaw was dismissed for 12, giving Somerset a much-needed psychological edge.

West Indies Bowlers Dominate South Africa in Test Match

West Indies Bowlers Dominate South Africa in Test Match

West Indies’ Jayden Seales and Gudakesh Motie put on a bowling masterclass against South Africa’s Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram in the ongoing Test match. Seales, in particular, was exceptional, delivering a maiden over and consistently keeping the batters in check.

Seales’ first over was a testament to his accuracy and control. He bowled a series of full and on-middle deliveries, forcing de Zorzi to block them out. Motie, on the other hand, started off with a slightly fuller length, allowing de Zorzi to work the ball to mid-wicket for a single.

However, de Zorzi soon found his rhythm and hit a boundary off Motie’s overpitched delivery. Seales responded with a good-length ball that de Zorzi shouldered arms at. The left-hander then timed a perfect drive past cover for another boundary.

Motie continued to bowl full and into the stumps, but de Zorzi was able to defend solidly. Seales, meanwhile, kept the pressure on with a series of deliveries that angled into the left-hander and forced him to stab them down the deck.

In the ninth over, Motie bowled a full ball that de Zorzi flicked into the leg side. The following over, de Zorzi showed his attacking intent by lofting a full ball over long on for a maximum. He followed it up with another six, this time off a tossed-up delivery.

Kemar Roach, who had been economical in his previous overs, also joined the party with a peach of a delivery that beat de Zorzi’s defense. Roach continued to bowl a tight line and length, giving away only five runs in his four overs.

As the innings progressed, Seales and Motie continued to dominate the South African batters. Seales bowled a maiden over in the 12th over, while Motie kept the runs in check with his accurate spin bowling.

South Africa Opt for Batting Depth in Test Opener Against West Indies

South Africa Opt for Batting Depth in Test Opener Against West Indies

South Africa’s decision to bolster their batting lineup with Ryan Rickelton at No. 6 has resulted in a 7-4 split in their playing XI for the opening Test against West Indies in Trinidad. The move forced the Proteas to bench a bowler, with left-arm seamer Nandre Burger missing out.

Wiaan Mulder will operate as the third seamer alongside Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, while Keshav Maharaj will be the lone specialist spinner. West Indies, on the other hand, have handed a debut to batter Keacy Carty and opted for a twin spin combination of Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican. Shamar Joseph has been omitted from the XI.

Kemar Roach returns to the West Indies side after missing the series against Australia earlier this year and will lead the attack in the absence of Alzarri Joseph. Both teams are eager to revive their World Test Championship campaigns, with South Africa currently seventh and West Indies ninth in the standings.

South Africa’s batting lineup boasts a mix of experience and youth, with Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan Stubbs at the top of the order. Temba Bavuma will captain the side, while David Bedingham and Ryan Rickelton provide depth in the middle order. Kyle Verreynne will don the wicketkeeping gloves.

West Indies’ batting lineup will be led by Kraigg Brathwaite, who will open alongside Mikyle Louis. Keacy Carty will make his Test debut at No. 3, followed by Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, and Jason Holder. Joshua Da Silva will be responsible for the wicketkeeping duties.

The bowling attack for West Indies will be spearheaded by Kemar Roach, who has 253 Test wickets to his name. Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie, and Jomel Warrican will provide support.

The match marks the first Test between South Africa and West Indies in Trinidad since 2005. West Indies have not beaten South Africa in a home Test since 2001 and have not won a Test against them in 17 years.

Dunlop LX Series: Lightweight Racquets for Effortless Power and Forgiveness

Dunlop LX Series: Lightweight Racquets for Effortless Power and Forgiveness

Dunlop’s LX Series: Lightweight Power and Forgiveness for Recreational Players

The LX line from Dunlop is designed for recreational players seeking effortless power and forgiveness. With oversized heads and lightweight frames, these racquets make it easy to generate pace and control shots.

The LX 800 and LX 1000 are returning models with 110 and 115 square-inch heads, respectively. Both weigh 9 ounces unstrung and feature thick, stiff beams for maximum power. The 16×18 string patterns provide spin and a softer feel.

The LX 800 utilizes a straight stringing system for a larger hitting area. The LX 1000 incorporates Dynamic Hole technology, which elongates strings for an enhanced sweet spot. It also has a Dual Bridge system for extra power and vibration dampening.

Both models share Vibroshield dampening material and Power Boost Groove geometry for reduced vibrations and an enlarged sweet spot.

New to the lineup is the LX 107 Team. With a smaller head, thinner beam, and denser string pattern, it offers more control for improving players. It also has a budget-friendly price point of $129.

The Dunlop LX Series is available at tennis specialty retailers starting August 16th.

Maut ka Kuan: India's Daring Well of Death Faces Extinction

Maut ka Kuan: India’s Daring Well of Death Faces Extinction

The Thrill and Danger of India’s Maut ka Kuan: A Cultural Icon on the Brink of Extinction

Hanumankind’s “Big Dawgs” music video has thrust the iconic Maut ka Kuan, or Well of Death, into the global spotlight. This daring stunt arena, where motorcyclists and car drivers perform gravity-defying feats without helmets, has been a staple of Indian fairs and carnivals for decades.

The Well of Death originated in the West as the “motordrome” and has since found its home in rural India. Stuntmen spend years training under masters, honing their skills on handmade wooden cylinders that reach heights of 60 feet.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Maut ka Kuan is the presence of female riders like Radha. Despite initial skepticism, she proved her mettle and became a crowd favorite. Her story highlights the courage and determination of these performers.

The adrenaline-pumping spectacle of the Well of Death has also inspired musicians. Django Django’s “WOR” music video captured the lives of riders at a carnival in Allahabad, exploring the psychological toll of risking their lives for entertainment.

However, the future of the Maut ka Kuan is uncertain. Many states have banned the sport due to safety concerns and declining interest. The lack of operational wells, inadequate safety regulations, and a dwindling audience are contributing to its demise.

Despite the availability of thrilling content on OTT platforms, there is still a niche audience that appreciates the live spectacle of the Well of Death. However, the number of performers and venues is dwindling, and it is only a matter of time before this cultural icon becomes extinct.

14-Year-Old Dhinidhi Desinghu Makes History as India's Youngest Olympic Swimmer

14-Year-Old Dhinidhi Desinghu Makes History as India’s Youngest Olympic Swimmer

At just 14 years of age, Dhinidhi Desinghu has become the youngest Indian swimmer to compete at the Olympics. Hailing from Bengaluru, she represented India in the 200m freestyle event at the Paris 2024 Summer Games.

Despite finishing 23rd out of 31 competitors with a time of 2:06.96, Desinghu’s Olympic debut was a memorable experience. “Just getting a chance to be here with all these amazing athletes is such an amazing opportunity,” she said. “I am just really happy I got a chance to be swimming at such an amazing venue at the Olympics.”

Desinghu’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by impressive achievements at the national level. She has also represented India at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou and the World Aquatics Championships in Doha earlier this year.

Despite her young age, Desinghu has shown remarkable resilience and determination. She used to experience nervousness before competitions, but has overcome this challenge to become a formidable competitor.

After completing her events in Paris, Desinghu attended a meet and greet at India House, where she interacted with fans and shared her Olympic experience. Her shy demeanor and youthful enthusiasm made her a popular figure among the audience.

Desinghu’s Olympic debut is a testament to her talent and hard work. She is an inspiration to young athletes across India, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving dreams.

ICC Bans Pune Devils Coach and Co-Owners for Corruption

ICC Bans Pune Devils Coach and Co-Owners for Corruption

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed bans on Ashar Zaidi, Parag Sanghavi, and Krishan Kumar Choudhary for their involvement in corrupt activities during the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 league.

Zaidi, the batting coach of the Pune Devils team, has been banned for five years from all cricket activities. Sanghavi and Choudhary, co-owners of the Devils, have received two-year bans.

The bans were imposed after the trio admitted to breaches of the Emirates Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code. Zaidi admitted to soliciting and facilitating corrupt conduct, while Sanghavi and Choudhary admitted to betting on matches and failing to cooperate with the investigation.

The ICC statement noted that the last 12 months of each ban period have been suspended. This means that Sanghavi and Choudhary will be eligible to participate in cricket from September 19, 2024, while Zaidi will be eligible from September 19, 2027.

The bans are the latest in a series of actions taken by the ICC to combat corruption in cricket. In September 2023, the ICC charged eight individuals with corruption offenses related to the Abu Dhabi T10 league. Among those charged was Bangladesh allrounder Nasir Hossain, who received a two-year ban.

The ICC’s anti-corruption unit continues to investigate the matter, and further sanctions may be imposed in the future.

Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Olympics: WFI Demands Action Against Coaches

Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Olympics: WFI Demands Action Against Coaches

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification: WFI President Demands Action Against Coaches and Support Staff

India’s wrestling contingent in Paris has come under fire after Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics due to weight gain. Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh has urged the central government to take strict action against those responsible for the incident.

Phogat was disqualified hours before her gold medal bout against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States after she was found overweight from the permissible limit of 50kg. Singh believes it was the responsibility of Phogat’s coaches and support staff to ensure she was within the weight limit.

“I don’t think Vinesh is at fault here. She was performing wonderfully, and the entire responsibility here is of her coach and the supporting staff. A probe should be done to see how her weight increased. I urge the central government to take strict action against them,” Singh told PTI.

Singh revealed that he had requested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and United World Wrestling (UWW) to allow Phogat some relaxation, but his request was denied. “The entire country was expecting a gold medal but she was disqualified due to her weight. I hope God will give her strength, and the entire nation is with her,” he added.

According to reports, Phogat gained a couple of kilos by Tuesday night. Her coaches and support staff took desperate measures to reduce her weight, including skipping, jogging, cycling, and even cutting her hair. However, nothing worked, and she was still found 100gm overweight.

In international wrestling competitions, wrestlers must pass a weigh-in process at the start of the day. In non-medal matches, athletes are given 30 minutes to weigh in multiple times. However, if they are found to be even 1gm overweight, they are disqualified.

Phogat had passed the weigh-in process on Tuesday and was allowed to participate in her bouts. She registered historic wins against Yui Susaki of Japan and Oksana Livach of Ukraine. However, she failed the weigh-in on Wednesday and was disqualified, nullifying all her previous results.

The WFI president’s demand for action against Phogat’s coaches and support staff highlights the importance of proper weight management in wrestling. The incident serves as a reminder that athletes and their teams must adhere to the strict weight regulations to avoid disqualification and disappointment.

Pakistan Retains Senior Trio for Bangladesh Test Series

Pakistan Retains Senior Trio for Bangladesh Test Series

Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh has been announced, with senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi retained despite calls for a significant overhaul following a disappointing T20 World Cup performance.

The decision to retain the experienced trio was influenced by the advice of foreign head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, who recommended a more gradual approach to rebuilding the team. The PCB had initially indicated a need for “major surgery” after Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup, but has opted to avoid drastic measures for now.

Shan Masood will continue as captain for the red-ball format, with Saud Shakeel promoted to vice-captain in place of Shaheen Shah Afridi. The squad includes two uncapped players, Mohammad Huraira and Kamran Ghulam, who have been rewarded for their consistent performances in domestic cricket.

Kamran Ghulam, who was previously included in the Test squad but did not make his debut, has been recalled. Pacer Mohammad Ali, after playing only two Tests against England in 2022, has also been selected again. Most of the squad for Pakistan’s opening Test series of the 2024-25 season remains consistent with the 13 players involved in the last series against Australia at the end of 2023-24.

Players dropped from the previous Test series include opener Imam ul Haq, spinners Noman Ali, Muhammad Nawaz, and Sajid Khan, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, and pacer Hasan Ali. Mohammad Waseem junior is unavailable due to injury. All-rounder Aamir Jamal has been included in the squad, pending his clearance of fitness tests.

Pakistan will face Bangladesh in two Tests beginning August 21 as part of the ICC Test Championship schedule. In the upcoming season, the national team is set to play nine Tests, 14 T20 Internationals, and 17 One-Day Internationals at home and abroad.

Nadal's 2005 Roland Garros Shirt Sells for Record $113,924

Nadal’s 2005 Roland Garros Shirt Sells for Record $113,924

Rafael Nadal’s Iconic 2005 Roland Garros Shirt Sells for Record-Breaking Price

In a testament to the enduring legacy of Rafael Nadal, his iconic green-patterned Nike T-shirt from his maiden Roland Garros triumph in 2005 has fetched a record-breaking price at auction. The shirt, which has become synonymous with Nadal’s early dominance on clay, sold for an astonishing $113,924 at Prestige Memorabilia.

This sale eclipses the previous record held by Roger Federer’s 2009 Roland Garros shirt and shorts, which sold for approximately $95,000. The vast majority of match-worn tennis shirts sold at auction typically fetch no more than $10,000, highlighting the exceptional value placed on Nadal’s historic garment.

The auction, which commenced on July 17, also saw other notable items go under the hammer. Carlos Alcaraz’s 2022 Madrid racquet sold for $20,713, while Ken Rosewall’s 1955 US Open finalist trophy fetched $5,513.

Nadal’s 2005 Roland Garros victory marked a watershed moment in his career. At just 19 years old, he became the youngest player to win the French Open since Michael Chang in 1989. The green-patterned shirt he wore during that triumph has since become an iconic symbol of his dominance on the clay courts of Paris.

The sale of Nadal’s shirt underscores the growing demand for sports memorabilia, particularly items associated with legendary athletes. Collectors and enthusiasts are increasingly willing to pay top dollar for pieces that evoke the greatest moments in sports history.

For more information on The Tennis Auction and previously sold items, visit TheTennisAuction.com.

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