Sol Bamba's widow shares emotional update and admits she'll 'never be OK' with tragic death of Cardiff legend at just 39 as new mural is unveiled

Cardiff City legend Sol Bamba has been honoured with a new mural in Grangetown, unveiled less than a year after his tragic death at the age of 39. His widow, Chloe, delivered a heartfelt tribute at the ceremony, admitting she will “never be OK” with how her husband was taken but expressing gratitude for the love and support shown by the community.

  • Bamba's tragic battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

    Bamba, who played a key role at Cardiff City and later returned as assistant coach, passed away in August 2024 after a long battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The defender had been declared cancer-free in 2021, but the illness cruelly returned and claimed his life just a month after he was appointed Adanaspor head coach. On Wednesday, a three-storey mural of Bamba was unveiled in Grangetown, ensuring his legacy lives on.

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    Chloe Bamba's emotional speech at the mural unveiling

    Speaking at the unveiling, Chloe said, "If you were ever lucky enough to meet Sol, you'd agree that he was larger than life. So to see him memorialised on a three-storey building is just perfect – absolutely perfect!"

    Her voice then faltered as she added, "I will never be OK with the way that we lost Sol, ever. But what I love is that we can come together and celebrate him, and we have honoured him."

    Reflecting on his battle with illness, she continued: "The illness — the fact he had to fight so hard for the last few years of his life — he didn't deserve it. No one going through that deserved it. It felt incredibly unfair, because he had so much more to do and achieve in his life, and I know that he would have."

  • Bamba leaves behind his legacy with his three children

    Bamba’s death sent shockwaves through Cardiff and the wider football community, robbing the game of a player and coach admired for his charisma, resilience and strength. His wife Chloe and their three children continue to speak openly about his memory, making sure his presence remains alive in their daily lives. Chloe added, "They [the children] are doing so well. His daughters have his strength. We spend a lot of time talking about him. He is not a taboo subject at all. We talk about him all the time, and we do things he would have loved, we play Uno together and share stories. We remember the joy."

    She went on: "Every day, I miss him. I have my moments, but I focus on him and his character. One word that would sum Sol up would be strength, so I try to weave that into my daily life. To see the community come together and do something like this to commemorate him means the world to me."

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    Chloe says she will always support Cardiff City

    Cardiff City and their fans will continue to celebrate Sol Bamba’s life, keeping his legacy alive both on and off the pitch. Chloe has vowed to carry on supporting the Bluebirds, honouring the club that gave her husband so much joy. For the Bamba family and community, the focus will remain on remembering the joy and strength that Sol embodied every day.

Handscomb a strong chance for a Test recall on Sri Lanka tour

Victoria batter has joined Australia’s squad in Sydney to train and sub field and is in the mix for a recall on the upcoming Sri Lanka tour

Andrew McGlashan03-Jan-2025

Peter Handscomb last played for Australia in India in 2023•Associated Press

Peter Handscomb is a strong contender to be included in Australia’s squad for their Test tour of Sri Lanka later this month with the Victoria batter joining the team in Sydney for the final match against India as a substitute fielder.Handscomb does not hold BBL contract so is free to be with the squad throughout the final Test. He will be joined by spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann at various stages who are both likely to be part of the Sri Lanka trip, the squad for which is expected to be named shortly after the conclusion of the India series.Handscomb last featured for Australia on the 2023 tour of India where he played all four matches and is viewed as a subcontinent specialist given his prowess against spin. He made 145 runs in that series with a top score of 72 not out in Delhi, a Test Australia were well placed to win before a second-innings collapse against R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.Related

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However, he has previously spoken about how he does not want to be pigeon-holed as only a batter for certain conditions. “I’d like to play some home Tests,” he said before the start of the 2023-24 following his experiences in India.Previously, speaking to in 2022, Handscomb said: “If [being a good player of spin] does help me get on subcontinent tours, which it has done before, then that’s great. But also don’t forget I do like batting in Australia as well, where it is fast and bouncy and I can play a few cuts and pulls if need be.”Depending on how Australia structure their side in Sri Lanka, there could be a vacancy in the middle order with Travis Head having been earmarked to open although Sam Konstas’ move into Test side may alter the planning. Josh Inglis, also an excellent player of spin, is also understood to be another option to play as a specialist batter in Sri Lanka. He is currently recovering from the calf strain he picked up while fielding at the MCG but is expected to be fit for the tour.Overall Handscomb has played 20 Tests with an average of 37.20 having made is debut back in 2016.Handscomb was overlooked for the Australia A-India A four-day matches earlier this season, but the indication was that he was a player the selectors felt they knew enough about.He had a prolific 2024 across first-class cricket in Australia and England where he was the fifth-highest run-scorer in the world. In the first part of this Sheffield Shield season he has made 478 runs at 47.80.If Australia win the ongoing Sydney Test they will assured of a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, otherwise they would need to win one of the Tests in Galle.

Women's U-19 T20 World Cup: Australia begin with huge win against Scotland

Rain had an effect in most of the other games on the first day, but Bangladesh, South Africa and Sri Lanka had time to win their respective openers

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jan-2025Australia opened their Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup with a dominant nine-wicket win over Scotland in the Group D game in Bangi.Fast bowler Caoimhe Bray starred with figures of 3 for 1 in 3.2 overs, while left-arm quick Eleanor Larosa and left-arm wristspinner Hasrat Gill shared five wickets among them to help Australia skittle Scotland for a mere 48 in 15.1 overs. Australia chased down the target in 6.4 overs with opener Katy Pelle remaining unbeaten on 29 off 18 balls.In Kuching, rain played spoilsport with the match between Samoa and Nigeria abandoned without a single ball bowled. The Pakistan-USA fixture also ended similarly in Johor, with the match abandoned without a ball being bowled.Meanwhile, in the England vs Ireland match in Johor, England rode wicketkeeper-batter Jemima Spence’s 37 not out off 27 balls and Charlotte Lambert’s 14-ball 25 to post a competitive 144 for 7. Ireland were put under pressure when they lost two early wickets inside four overs, however, rain forced the game to end without a result.Rain had a say in the New Zealand vs South Africa game as well, but not enough to prevent a result. Asked to bat first in Kuching, South Africa scored 91 for 7 in the 11 overs they got, with the opening pair of Jemma Botha (32 in 24 balls) and Simone Lourens (21 in 14) and international wicketkeeper Karabo Meso (25 in 14) doing most of the scoring. New Zealand could only manage 69 for 5 in reply despite opener Emma McLeod’s 34 in 25.Bangladesh, meanwhile, bowled Nepal out for 52 in 18.2 overs after inserting them in Bangi, and then knocked off the runs in 13.2 overs.

Frank's answer to Gibbs-White: Spurs make enquiry for "phenomenal" talent

This season marks a new era for Tottenham
Hotspur football club, as Thomas Frank leads the side into the 2025/26 campaign after his appointment from Brentford.

It’s already been the perfect start for the Dane, picking up three points in the Premier League opener against Burnley – with a Richarlison double and a strike from Brennan Johnson securing the win.

However, if the side are to continue their charge this campaign, the hierarchy will need to once again back the manager to make the changes he craves to his side.

Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have made moves from West Ham United and Bayern Munich, respectively, whilst Mathys Tel also made his loan move permanent from the latter.

However, despite the £85m already splashed during this window, the Lilywhites could’ve forked out a much bigger sum, had they managed to complete a deal for another big-money talent.

Spurs’ failed move for Gibbs-White this summer

Earlier this summer, Spurs made a surprise move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, with a deal for his signature seemingly progressing rapidly at the time.

The Lilywhites had gone from being interested in a move for the 25-year-old, to agreeing a deal, and the player himself set for a medical with the North London outfit.

However, the deal wasn’t plain sailing, with the club’s decision to trigger his £60m release clause one that caused controversy with Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis.

The Greek businessman put a halt to the move, after claiming Frank’s side had made an illegal approach for his signature, subsequently threatening legal action against the club.

Morgan Gibbs-White 2024-25 stats (timeless)

A deal for Gibbs-White’s signature subsequently fell apart, leading to the England international signing a new three-year contract at the City Ground – becoming their highest paid player in their history.

After missing out on his signature, other options have been considered by the Lilywhites’ hierarchy, leading to numerous other options being considered in recent weeks.

Spurs’ hunt for a Gibbs-White alternative this summer

Eberechi Eze has been the biggest target for Spurs in recent weeks, with the Crystal Palace star seemingly set for a departure from Selhurst Park between now and the end of the window.

Talks have been held between the two clubs over the last few days, leading to claims that an agreement has been reached to sign the 27-year-old, with a £60m fee currently being mooted.

However, he’s not the only player in their sights this window, leading to Roma talent Lorenzo Pellegrini being labelled as the latest target, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.

They claim that Spurs have made an enquiry to land the Italian midfielder, who made 34 appearances for the Serie A outfit throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

It also states that his current employers will be looking to offload him this window, opening the door to a switch to North London with just one year remaining in his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Gibbs-White

After James Maddison’s ACL injury, it has left a huge hole in the number ten position at Spurs, highlighting the need for added reinforcements in such an area.

A move for Gibbs-White would’ve provided added competition for places in the side, but at present, Frank’s side don’t currently have a recognised attacking midfielder to fill the void.

However, after missing out on his signature earlier this window, the need for another talent in such an area is desperately needed before the window’s September 1st deadline.

Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match

Whilst Pellegrini won’t be many supporters’ first choice this window, at 29, he could be the perfect squad option, especially if Eze completes his own move to join the club.

To sweeten the deal for the Lilywhites faithful, he’s been labelled as a similar player to Gibbs-White by FBref, able to offer a cheaper alternative to the Englishman.

When delving into their respective stats from the 2024/25 season, the Italian managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a superb addition to the current squad.

Pellegrini, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri, managed to complete more of the passes he attempted, with more of which per 90 being defined as key passes.

Games played

25

34

Goals & assists

3

15

Pass accuracy

80%

78%

Key passes made

1.7

1.6

Take-ons completed

41%

40%

Carries into final third

1.7

1.6

Crosses completed

2.7

1.4

Fouls drawn

1.5

1.2

Such figures highlight the quality he possesses with the ball at his feet, offering Frank’s side a more creative option to the Lilywhites within the final third.

He also completed more of the take-ons he attempted, whilst also completing more carries into the final third – subsequently being able to drive with the ball into dangerous areas, adding another dimension to the club’s attack.

The Italian has also completed more crosses per 90, whilst drawing more fouls per 90, showcasing the threat he carries when having the ball at his feet – with the opposition unable to contain his talents, as seen by the fouls drawn tally.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Pellegrini would cost this summer, but it’s evident that any move could be a shrewd piece of business that would aid the club in their hunt for success.

If he can match the levels produced by Gibbs-White in the Premier League, it would be an excellent deal, subsequently softening the blow of missing out on the Forest star.

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Man City now one step away from securing deal for "phenomenal" £26m star

Manchester City are now one step away from completing a deal for a “phenomenal” star, as his club have recently dropped their asking price.

Man City targeting new signings after Tottenham defeat

After such a promising start to the campaign, winning 4-0 away at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Man City were brought right back down to earth on Saturday afternoon, with Tottenham Hotspur once again getting the better of them at the Etihad Stadium.

James Trafford was culpable for the second goal, with Joao Palhinha capitalising after the new City goalkeeper made a stray pass in his own area, although Pep Guardiola defended his decision to select the 22-year-old.

Pep said: “He made a good first game and I decided to continue. When I take decisions in the first part of the season – for all the players you play one or two [games] – everyone thinks: ‘OK, this is the starting lineup.’ It was just today I decided that.”

Manchester City's Erling Haaland shakes hands with managerPepGuardiolaafter being substituted

However, behind-the-scenes, there may be some doubts emerging about Trafford, given that the former Burnley man remains relatively inexperienced, and a report has revealed the Blues are closing in on a more proven goalkeeper.

According to The Mirror, Man City are now one step away from signing Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, with Guardiola’s side ready to get a deal done, as long as they can sell Ederson to Galatasaray.

Crucially, PSG have now slashed their asking price significantly, with the Italian now being allowed to leave for as little as £26m, given that he has just one year remaining on his contract with the French club.

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City are expecting Galatasaray to submit a new offer for Ederson, and if a suitable fee can be agreed, they will move swiftly to finalise a deal for Donnarumma, who is keen on a move to the Etihad Stadium.

"Phenomenal" Donnarumma could be instant Trafford upgrade

While Trafford impressed in the Championship last season, keeping a whopping 29 clean sheets, the PSG goalkeeper could be an instant upgrade on the Englishman, given that he is vastly more experienced at the top level.

The 26-year-old, who has been lauded as “phenomenal” by Walid Acherchour of RMC Sport, was a lynchpin of the PSG side that won the Champions League last season, with journalist Carlo Garganese highlighting him as the star against Arsenal across both semi-final legs.

That said, the Italy international isn’t the most adept with the ball at his feet, with Trafford vastly outperforming him in touches per 90 over the past year, and a number of other key metrics.

Average per 90

James Trafford

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Save %

85.6%

67.8%

Touches

39.88

29.97

Clean sheet %

67.4%

25%

Donnarumma may not be a Guardiola-style goalkeeper, but he is proven at the highest level, and a £26m transfer fee would be a bargain.

Campeonato Gaúcho sub-20: Técnico Filipe Sudré comemora atuação e vitória do Passo Fundo

MatériaMais Notícias

O Passo Fundo do técnico Filipe Sudré venceu o Brasil Farroupilha, neste domingo(14), por 2×1 no estádio Vermelhão da Serra e conquistou a primeira vitória no Campeonato Gaúcho sub20. Com o resultado, a equipe que tem um jogo a menos em relação aos outros adversários, ocupa a quarta colocação do grupo A com 3 pontos. A vitória em casa fez o Passo Fundo quebrar um incomodo tabu que já durava dois anos.

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– Foi uma excelente vitória onde no segundo tempo mudamos a estratégia, largamos atrás e buscamos a vitória o tempo todo. Tivemos um jogo onde destaco a entrega, a garra e dedicação dos jogadores. Foi desse jeito que colocamos a bola no chão, atuamos com sabedoria em cada momento e trouxemos essa vitória em casa que não vinha desde 2021 – disse Filipe Sudré.

Com 50% de aproveitamento,  o Passo Fundo tem a possibilidade de subir na tabela de classificação no meio de semana quando visita o São Luiz. O técnico Filipe Sudré reconhece a dificuldade de atuar longe das suas dependências principalmente pelo fato de poder contar sempre com o apoio da torcida quando joga no Vermelhão da Serra.

– É sempre importante poder jogar com o apoio do torcedor. Foi muito legal atuar em nossa casa com força da torcida e com estádio recebendo um grande público. Isso dá um gás para os atletas e faz toda diferença. Essa cidade é apaixonada pelo Passo Fundo e essa energia nos faz lutar até o último minuto sempre – encerrou o treinador.

O Passo Fundo volta a campo na quarta-feira para enfrentar o São Luiz em Ijuí, em partida adiada da 2ª rodada do gauchão sub20.

He's the next Rondon: Newcastle make £40m "machine" their new no.1 target

With Alexander Isak’s future still unresolved, Newcastle United are preparing for life without their Swedish talisman.

The drawn-out saga has left Eddie Howe’s side in urgent need of a solution, and Isak has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating with the squad if a move fails to materialise before the transfer window closes.

That leaves Newcastle facing a race against time, especially with their opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa fast approaching and a Champions League campaign on the horizon.

Their summer business so far has bolstered other areas – Anthony Elanga has arrived from Nottingham Forest, Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, and Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton on loan – while a £40m deal for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is close.

Yet Howe has admitted concern over numbers in midfield after Sean Longstaff’s sale to Leeds United and Joe Willock’s pre-season injury, and the need for a commanding presence up front is now just as pressing.

Boom Boom Shake the Room: Newcastle identify new leading target

Alternative options such as Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Porto’s Samu Aghehowa have been discussed, but Newcastle appear to have settled on one standout name.

A forward whose profile draws inevitable comparisons to one of the club’s most popular modern strikers.

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According to reports on the continent, Newcastle have identified Jean-Philippe Mateta as their top target should Isak depart.

Owing to this interest and Mateta’s rising stock, Palace have set an asking price of around £40m to let the “goal-scoring machine” go.

Standing at 1.92m, the 28-year-old France international offers a physical profile ideally suited to the Premier League.

He arrives in the box with purpose, relishes aerial duels, and can occupy defenders in a way that opens space for those around him.

His record last season – 14 goals and two assists in 37 Premier League appearances – reflects his consistency across the campaign, with sharp finishing complemented by link-up play.

For Newcastle, his combination of goals, presence, and experience at the top level makes him the kind of striker who can instantly adapt – crucial for a side that cannot afford a bedding-in period so close to the start of the season.

Shades of Salomón Rondón

It’s impossible to discuss Mateta’s potential arrival without drawing parallels to Salomón Rondón, who arrived at St James’ Park on loan from West Brom in 2018 at the same age and in similar circumstances.

Like Mateta, Rondón was a big, strong centre-forward who led the line with a mixture of power, tenacity, and underrated technical ability.

Mateta vs Rondon in the Premier League

Stat

Mateta

Rondon

Appearances

130

167

Goals

38

36

Assists

9

15

Source: FBref

Rondón’s lone season under Rafa Benítez remains one of the most fondly remembered campaigns by Newcastle fans in recent years.

He scored 11 goals in 32 league appearances, won 146 of his 380 aerial duels, and made himself a constant outlet for long balls and crosses.

His hold-up play brought others into the game, and his partnership with Ayoze Pérez was a driving force behind Newcastle’s survival.

A threat from set pieces and a defensive presence when called upon, making 38 clearances from such situations.

His creative contribution was notable too, registering six assists and often providing the final ball after holding off multiple defenders.

That all-round impact saw him named Newcastle’s Player of the Year in 2019, the first forward to win the award since Alan Shearer in 2003.

Mateta offers a similar skill set.

According to FBref, he ranks in the 72nd percentile for progressive carries per 90 (1.53), 77th percentile for non-penalty expected goals per shot (0.18), and 68th percentile for passes into the final third (1.16).

Perhaps most impressively, he sits in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons that lead directly to a goal (0.10 per 90), showing that for all his physical strength, he also has the technical skill to beat his man and create decisive moments.

Uruguay'sRonaldAraujoin action with Venezuela's Salomon Rondon

While Rondón thrived on Benítez’s structured approach, Mateta could benefit from Howe’s quicker, more transition-heavy style.

Using his frame to win duels high up the pitch and his mobility to get on the end of cutbacks from the likes of Gordon and Elanga.

The timing is another echo of 2018. Back then, Newcastle needed a ready-made forward to slot in and deliver instantly.

Now, with Isak seemingly determined to dig his heels in and the season about to begin, the requirement is just as urgent.

Mateta’s experience in the Premier League means he could hit the ground running, avoiding the adaptation period often needed for strikers arriving from abroad.

At £40m, he would be a significant investment, but one that could pay immediate dividends in goals and physical presence.

For a club aiming to compete on multiple fronts, having a striker who can shoulder the attacking burden could make all the difference.

If Howe does get his man, Newcastle supporters might once again find themselves cheering for a number nine whose blend of goals and graft embodies the club’s fighting spirit.

Their new Gordon: Big-money star "wants to join" Newcastle before Saturday

Newcastle United push ahead with £40m transfer that could weaken direct rivals.

By
Will Miller

Aug 13, 2025

West Ham starlet looked a bigger talent than Rice & Paqueta, now he's got no club

While the results and honours haven’t always followed, West Ham United have always been a team that can boast a genuine superstar or two in their side.

A few years ago, it was Declan Rice who was grabbing the headlines for the Hammers and representing them in a Euros final for England.

Nowadays, it’s Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta who are the standouts in the team, with the latter making it very clear he wants to remain in East London with his celebration against Nottingham Forest.

However, before either he or Rice had made their names in Claret and Blue, there was an exciting prospect who looked like an even bigger talent than both.

Rice & Paqueta's West Ham careers

Now, there may still be some ill feelings about where Rice moved on to a couple of years ago, but it would be impossible to deny that he gave an awful lot to West Ham over his time with the club.

Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen for West Ham

He made his senior debut for the club against Burnley in 2017 and went on to make 245 appearances for the club, totalling an astonishing 20,580 minutes.

Despite playing in defensive midfield and even at the back at times, the Englishman managed to score 15 goals and provide 13 assists for the Hammers during his time in East London.

Moreover, he captained the club to Conference League glory in his final game – an achievement that has enshrined him in the club’s history books forever.

Paqueta, on the other hand, only joined the Irons from Lyon in the summer of 2022, but has still played a massive role at the club.

He was also part of the team that secured the Hammers’ European glory, and has amassed an impressive tally of 21 goals and 14 assists in 124 games.

However, for as brilliant as Rice and Paqueta are, there was an academy gem who, a decade ago, was being looked at as an even bigger talent, but is not without a club.

The West Ham gem without a club

Cast your minds back to the distant year of 2015 and West Ham’s Premier League opener away to Arsenal.

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It was a game to forget for the hosts, but a memorable win for the travelling Irons, and one youngster in particular: Reece Oxford.

It was the then 16-year-old’s competitive debut, and instead of making a fool of himself against a pretty stacked Gunners side, he looked incredible and practically pocketed a prime Mesut Özil.

Reece-Oxford-and-Slaven-Bilic

It was a performance that more than turned heads, with then-manager Slaven Bilic proclaiming afterward that the youngster “has everything.”

Later on, the Croatian would tell the press that, at the time, “I couldn’t move around the place without hearing that Reece Oxford was going to be the next big thing.”

Moreover, in an interview with The Athletic, former West Ham trainee Lewis Page revealed that during his early days, Rice was unsure if he’d get a scholarship as Oxford “was the main talent at centre-back, and I’m not sure if the club thought Dec was good enough to play in midfield.”

Unfortunately, the former Hammers gem didn’t go on to become a world-beater, and after several loans, he left the club with just 17 appearances to his name to join Augsburg in the summer of 2019.

Oxford’s senior career

Club

Games

Goals

Assists

Augsburg

80

3

2

West Ham

17

0

0

Mönchengladbach

8

0

0

Reading

5

0

0

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Things went reasonably well for the youngster out in Germany for a while, but persistent injuries followed with a severe case of long COVID that prevented him from really kicking on.

In all, the 26-year-old made 80 appearances for the club, but his last senior professional game was all the way back in November 2022, and he’s been without a club since July 1st of this year.

Ultimately, while Oxford was never able to live up to the hype, he did carve out a decent career for himself in the Bundesliga, and we can only hope he finds himself a new team soon.

West Ham now join the race to sign £60m star who was a major Spurs target

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Stoinis makes shock decision to retire from ODIs, out of Champions Trophy

The allrounder has made the call as Australia’s limited-overs squad was due to head to Sri Lanka

Andrew McGlashan06-Feb-2025

Marcus Stoinis was part of the side that won the 2023 ODI World Cup•Associated Press

Australia allrounder Marcus Stoinis has announced his immediate retirement from ODI cricket, ruling himself out of the upcoming Champions Trophy.Stoinis, 35, will now focus on T20 cricket and remains available for Australia in that format. He scored 1495 runs in 71 ODIs at an average of 26.69 with a best of 146 not out against New Zealand in Auckland in 2017, and also took 48 wickets at 43.12 apiece.Related

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“Playing ODI cricket for Australia has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every moment I’ve had in the green and gold,” Stoinis said. “Representing my country at the highest level is something I’ll always cherish.”This wasn’t an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right time for me to step away from ODIs and fully focus on the next chapter of my career. I’ve got a fantastic relationship with Ron [Andrew McDonald] and I’ve hugely appreciated his support. I’ll be cheering the boys on in Pakistan.”Stoinis was part of the 2023 ODI World Cup squad and played an important role with the ball against Pakistan, when Australia began their fightback from a poor start to the tournament and ended it as champions.”Stoin has been such a pivotal part of our ODI setup for the past decade,” McDonald said. “Not only has he been an invaluable player but also an incredible person to have in the group. He is a natural leader, an exceptionally popular player and a great person. He should be congratulated on his ODI career and all of his achievements.”However, he played only one more ODI after that World Cup, against Pakistan earlier this season, and did not receive a Cricket Australia contact last year, but was earmarked to play a role at the Champions Trophy in the absence of the injured Cameron Green.”I wasn’t involved in those discussions, but from our perspective, Stoinis was trying to map out how one-day cricket was going for him,” assistant coach Daniel Vettori said after the opening day of the second Test in Galle. “[The] 2027 World Cup is a long way away. From my perspective, it’s been great the way he’s been able to lead with the ball at times. I think back to that 2023 World Cup and those two breakthroughs against Pakistan, and his style of bowling and the aggressiveness. If the big three weren’t able to get a breakthrough or Zamps, then Stoins was turned to a lot on the bowling front, and he brought a real energy and attitude.”Stoinis recently played three matches for Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20, where he suffered an injury in his second outing, on the back of the BBL with Melbourne Stars.Australia will need to make numerous changes to their Champions Trophy squad, which they are due to confirm after the second Test against Sri Lanka. Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out with a back injury while captain Pat Cummins and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood will also miss the tournament.

Sem Ríos e Menino, Abel deve escalar Palmeiras diferente na Libertadores

MatériaMais Notícias

Abel Ferreira terá que quebrar a cabeça para escalar o Palmeiras nesta próxima quarta-feira (7), quando o Verdão recebe o Barcelona-EQU, pela penúltima rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores 2023.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Sem Richard Rios, suspenso pelo cartão vermelho tomado diante do Cerro Porteño e também Gabriel Menino, que deve ser preservado por conta de dores musculares, o técnico alviverde terá que utilizar o jovem Fabinho como primeiro volante, adiantando Zé Rafael para a posição em que ele fez tanto sucesso no clube nas últimas temporadas.

Outra alternativa para Abel Ferreira seria escalar o volante Jaílson ao lado de Zé Rafael. O camisa 30 não atua como titular desde a derrota para o Bolívar, na estreia do Verdão nessa Libertadores.

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Outra posição que está tirando o sono do português é na lateral direita. Sem Marcos Rocha que está no departamento médico, Mayke apresentou um certo desgaste ao final da última partida do Verdão, diante do Coritiba, e caso não tenha condições de jogo, deve dar lugar ao jovem Garcia.

Apesar dos problemas, pelo menos Abel terá o retorno confirmado de Raphael Veiga, que não atuou no final de semana pelo Brasileirão e é presença certa no Allianz Parque diante dos equatorianos.

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O provável Palmeiras para encarar o Barcelona-EQU é: Weverton, Mayke (Garcia), Luan, Gómez e Piquerez; Fabinho, Zé Rafael e Raphael Veiga; Artur, Dudu e Rony.

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