Shardul saves India the blushes: India vs England 4th Test Day 1 recap
Team India was put in to bat by England in the 4th test at the Oval. There were changes in both the India and England camps after the previous match. Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav came in in place of Ishant Sharma and Mohammad Shami for India. Ollie Pope in place of Jos Buttler, while fit-again Chris Woakes replaced Sam Curran for England.
India got off to a shaky start after losing their openers early. Pujara too didn’t affect the scoreline much and got out cheaply after an impressive 91 in the previous game. Captain Kohli steadied the ship and played a beautiful knock of 50 runs before falling to Robinson again. Wickets were tumbling at intervals until Shardul Thakur produced a masterclass. He scored 57 runs off 36 balls and took India to a decent total. He carried India from 127-7 to 190-7. Jasprit Bumrah was off to a fantastic start dismissing the openers very cheaply. Joe Root and David Malan steadied the ship for England. Root was terrific as usual but a Umesh Yadav gaffer dismantled his off stump and the day ended with England 53 for the loss of 3 wickets.
England currently trails by 138 runs after day 1.
Sharif Mukhammad to lead the Malabarians
Afghan player Sharif Mukhammad will lead Gokulam Kerala FC in the upcoming season.
The Afghan national midfielder played a pivotal role for the Malabarians’ previous season to help the club lift its maiden I-League title.
Sharif, who played in the defensive midfield position, scored four goals in the 14 matches he played for the Malabarians. He was also the anchorman in Italian coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese’s attacking style with a whopping 799 passes.
He was a crucial component in the three-man midfield of Gokulam Kerala FC. His free-kick goal paved way for the Malabarians comeback win against TRAU FC in the last match of the I-League and win the championship.
Born and brought up in Russia, Sharif started his football journey at the age of seven with the academy of Anzhi Makhachkala, a Russian Premier League club. He was promoted to their senior team and remained at his boyhood club for five years. At Anzhi, he has played along with top footballers such as Roberto Carlos, Willian, and Samuel Eto.
He later joined Spartak Nalchik, AFC Eskilstuna, and Maziya. At Maziya, he has played AFC Cup. Sharif is a regular starter for the Afghan National team and has made several appearances for them.
“We have won I-league and we have made Kerala fans proud. We have shown everybody that we can play beautiful football. I know that it won’t be easy to defend titles. But we will play with the same aggressive and attacking style, and we won’t’ let our fans down this season,” said Sharif Mukhammad after being selected as captain.
“He is an experienced player with exceptional leadership qualities. His experience in midfield will help the Malabarians to scale new heights in the season. We wish him all the best this season as captain,” said Gokulam Kerala FC head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese.
Taliban approve Men’s Cricket: Give the green signal for Afghanistan’s tour of Australia
Taliban have permitted the Afghanistan National men’s cricket team to play International matches. This will be the first match that Afghanistan will play since the Taliban’s takeover of the country. During their first stint in power, before they were ousted in 2001, the Taliban banned most forms of entertainment including many sports, and stadiums were used as public execution venues.
The Test match will be played in Hobart, Australia from November 27-December 1. It was previously scheduled for last year but was put off due to the Covid-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions. This will be Afghanistan’s first Test in Australia.
The Afghan national men’s team was formed after the Taliban were overthrown in 2001. Before the Australia tour, the Afghanistan team will feature in the Twenty20 World Cup, to be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 17-November 15.
This decision has been made as many of the Taliban members are fond of the game of cricket and follow it religiously.
“The Taliban love cricket. They have supported us since the beginning. They did not interfere in our activities. I don’t see any interference and expect support so that our cricket can move forward. We have got an active chairman, and I remain CEO until further notice.” said the Afghanistan cricket board CEO Shinwari.
The prodigal son returns to Old Trafford: Cristiano Ronaldo joins Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo makes a historic return to Manchester United after leaving the club 12 years ago. He joined this club as a young kid from Sporting Lisbon in the year 2003.
Ronaldo was the best player in the premier league before he departed to Real Madrid. No other player from the premier league has won the Ballon d’Or after he won in 2008. He is the last premier league player to win this prestigious award.
He was a sense of pride for each and every Manchester United fan and they were left shattered when he announced his departure to Real Madrid. But the prodigal son finally returns home after an exciting last-minute bid by Manchester United challenging Manchester city’s initial bid for the player.
On his return to United Ronaldo said, “Manchester United is a club that has always had a special place in my heart, and I have been overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since the announcement on Friday. I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of a full stadium and see all the fans again”.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner moved to the Premier League club for the first time as an 18-year-old from Sporting CP in 2003 and won three Premier League titles and the Champions League before joining Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-world-record fee of £80 million.
At Madrid, Ronaldo won the Champions League on another four occasions as well as LaLiga twice before he made the switch to Italian giants Juve in 2018, where he won two Serie A titles in three seasons.
Hyderabad FC name 22-man squad for Durand Cup
Shameel Chembakath to coach youthful squad as HFC gear up for the prestigious tournament
Hyderabad, 1 September 2021: Hyderabad FC has named their 22-man squad that will travel to Kolkata for the 130th edition of the prestigious Durand Cup, set to begin on September 5th.
Overseen by the First Team Assistant Coach and Technical Director (Youth) Thangboi Singto and Reserve Team Head Coach Shameel Chembakath, the HFC youngsters are currently training in Hyderabad and will depart for the City of Joy in the coming days.
With four first-team players in the squad – Lalbiakhlua Jongte, Pritam Soraisam, Ishan Dey and Abdul Rabeeh – the young side will aim to leave their mark on Asia’s oldest football tournament. The 22-member squad which kicks off their campaign against Assam Rifles on the 12th of September also boasts of 20 players aged 20 or less.
Following their opener, HFC will face 2019-20 defending champions Gokulam Kerala on the 16th before the final group stage game against Army Red on the 19th of September.
The Squad
Goalkeepers: Lalbiakhlua Jongte, Aman Kumar Sahani, Abhinav Mulagada
Defenders: Pritam Soraisam, Amritpal Singh, Muhammed Rafi, Goutam Saikhom, Muhammad Safique Ahmed, Dipu Halder, Paogoumang Singson
Midfielders: Abdul Rabeeh, Mark Zothanpuia, Lalchungnunga Chhangte, R Swapana Jeevan RT, Koustav Dutta, Crespo Vanlalhriatpuia, Lalrintluanga, Suhit Chhetry, Amosa Lalnundanga, Rohlupuia
Forwards: Ishan Dey, Arun Kabrabam
Staff: Thangboi Singto (Technical Director – Youth), Shameel Chembakath (Head Coach, Reserves), Prabhakar Raj (Goalkeeper Coach), Joy Gabriel (Performance Analyst), Vinu Varghese (Physiotherapist), Nithin Mohan (Team Manager)
Patna Pirates bank on young talent pool for winning VIVO Pro Kabaddi League Season 8
Sachin and Prashant Kumar Rai are the top picks for
Pirates at players auction for Season 8
NEW DELHI: Pirates known for nurturing kabaddi champions reflected very well during the three-day players auction held between August 29-31. Once again Pirates in their choice of players have opted for a mix of youth and experience.
Pirates have been successful in bringing out the best from young players in past and have been instrumental in giving many champions to the league with their flamboyant style of playing kabaddi. The squad mix again this year promises that Kabbadi will remain as exciting as before even when the teams will be following all Covid Appropriate Protocols during S8 matches.
Sachin (Raider) and Prashanth Kumar Rai (Raider) were top picks from the players’ auction for the Eighth Season of Vivo Pro Kabaddi. The champions in making who will make up the squad include Jang Kun (Left Raider), Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyanesh ( All-Rounder), Sunil (Defender- Right Corner), Sajin Chandrasekar ( All-Rounder), Sourav Gulia (Defender) Guman Singh (Raider), Sandeep (Defender- Left Corner), Shubham Shinde (Defender- Right Corner) and Monu Goyat who is back with Pirates as a champion raider.
As announced earlier, the players retained for Season 8 are Rajveersinh Chavan, Sahil Mann & Mohit (as Raiders), and Neeraj Kumar & Monu (as Defenders). The champions will be nurtured by Arjuna Awardee Kabaddi Coach Shri Ram Mehar Singh.
Marking the formation behind Patna Pirates’ new team for Season 8, Coach Shri Ram Mehar Singh said, “ We have an excellent balance between youth and experience with a good mix of raiders, defenders, and all-rounders. When it comes to raiding Prashant Kumar Rai, Monu Goyat and Jang Kun Lee will bring experience to the squad while raiders like Sachin and Guman Singh will bring youth skills to give our raiding department right edge over the defense of any side”.
He further added “ In defense mix, we already had Neeraj who is one of the best cover defenders in the league, and combined with Sourav Gulia our cover cordons are further strengthened. When it comes to Corners, we have acquired powerful Iranian left corner in Shadaloo, and giving him company in the right corner will be Sunil who had an impressive season 7.”
“Add to the above mix we have an all-rounder in Monu who is useful in any crunch situation and with promising young Sajin in the team, we have two formidable players to bank on any circumstance. So overall we are very satisfied with the team formation and the balance. We promise to our fans that Pirates will look to recreate the magic of seasons 3,4 and 5” he said.
The much-awaited Pro Kabbadi League (PKL) is back after a year’s hiatus owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Patna Pirates, PKL’s most successful team and the only one to defend their title thrice, will play to regain the champion title by clinching India’s most successful sports league yet again
About Patna Pirates:
Patna Pirates is the only team to have reached the playoffs in all 5 seasons of Vivo Pro Kabaddi and consecutively retained the Champions Title in Season 3, Season 4 and Season 5.
Gokulam Kerala FC have announced the signing of Rahim Osumanu, striker from Ghana
The 26-year-old striker from Ghana comes to Gokulam with a wealth of experience playing in various countries such as Ethiopia, Algeria, and Zambia.
He made much of his name as a ruthless striker in Zambia where he netted 12 goals in 25 appearances for the super league side Buildcon FC. He later moved to Zesco United in Zambia in 2018 where he netted twice in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
After his exploits in Zambia, he played for Algerian club top club ASO Chief. Last season Rahim played for Ethiopian side Jimma Aba Jifar in the Ethiopian Premier League.
“This is my first stint in India. I am looking forward to a superb season ahead and the fans will get to know who I am short. I have started training and we are all set for our first championship of the season,” said Rahim Osumanu.
“He is a box player and he is a top finisher. He is equally good in aerial duels. Also, his leadership skills are top-notch. I believe he can make a big impact in Asia,” said GKFC head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese.
“Rahim is a player, who can make a huge difference upfront. He has experience in playing for top clubs in Africa. We welcome Rahim to Gokulam and wish him a fantastic season,” said VC Praveen, the president of Gokulam Kerala FC.
Gokulam Kerala FC has renewed the contract of the Indian national team goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan
The goalkeeper from Delhi was an integral part of the Malabarians IWL 2019 win. Though she had agreed on a deal with Iceland’s third division team Hamar Hveragerði, the transfer didn’t materialize due to the Covid_19 pandemic.
She has represented India in different age groups and also played in the UK for West Ham United Ladies while the English club was playing in the third division.
She was part of the Indian team that won the SAFF Women’s Championship in 2016 and 2019 and won a gold medal at the South Asian Games in 2016.
She is known for her composed nature in front of the goal and also is a ball–playing keeper.
“I am very happy to be back at the club that has given me some very special memories, hope to make more when we play at the first-ever AFC club championship,” said Aditi after signing her new contract with Gokulam.
“We are glad to have the Indian team’s first-choice keeper to guard our net. We believe her experience and ability to inspire players will help us to bring more laurels,” said VC Praveen, the president of Gokulam Kerala FC.
Kerala lad Sourav K has signed a three-year-long contract with Gokulam Kerala FC
The 20-year-old winger is from Kannur and has been with the team since the start of the preseason camp, from which Gokulam head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese selected him.
Sourav started his football journey at KV Soccer Academy in Kannur at the age of 15. A student of SN College in Kannur he has represented Kannur University in the all-India inter-university football championship.
He was also part of previous Kerala’s Santosh Trophy camp that was terminated due to Covid_19.
A left-side winger Sourav has pace and the technical ability to make inroads into the opposition box. He also has an eye for assists.
“This is a big opportunity for me. I am thankful to the club for giving me a platform to develop into a professional. I will try my best to liven up to the expectations the club has on me,” said Sourav.
“The signing is an example of Gokulam Kerala FC’s philosophy to promote youngsters, who have talent. We will continue to give a platform to budding youngsters from Kerala. We wish Sourav all the best at Gokulam,” said VC Praveen, the president of Gokulam Kerala FC.
Rkade’s Suvrat Jain Shines, Rohtak road gymkhana wins in Push Academy Cricket League
Rkade’s Suvrat Jain Shines
Fine knock by the Kragbuzz Man of the match Suvrat Jain (4/22) and Vansh Khanna (2/13) who made Rkade U-13 win by 48 runs while playing against Maple Cricket Coaching in the Push Academy Cricket League U-13, 2021 at The Amari Cricket Ground, Gurugram.
The scores: Rkade U-13 : 128/10 (all out) in 34.4 overs: Navneet 30 (99b, 4×4) and Aryan Gogu (3/10).
Maple Cricket Coaching : 80/10 in 18.2 overs: Aryan Gogu 18 (23b, 4*4); Suvrat Jain (4/22), Vansh Khanna (2/13)
Rohtak road gymkhana wins
Kragbuzz man of the match Drone Kishore 139* and Krishna 2 (4/5) made Rohtak Road Gymkhana U-13 beat Mahesh Cricket Academy by 234 runs in the Push Academy Cricket League U-13 in The Dome Cricket Ground, Gurugram.
The scores: Rohtak Road Gymkhana U-13 : 313/7 in 40 overs: Drone Kishore 139 (74b, 19×4 ,2×6) and Ayush Mehta (2/52).
Mahesh Cricket Academy :79/10 in 29.2 overs: Lovish 23 (64 b, 4*4) and Krishna 2 (4/5).
