The serious demeanour of Dean Elgar, a batsman not given to fripperies, dominated the opening day of the second Test at Newlands as Sri Lanka failed to gain lasting benefit from a good bowling day

The Report by David Hopps02-Jan-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details0:38

Fernando: SL tried to prevent Herath from getting a wicket

The serious demeanour of Dean Elgar, a batsman not given to fripperies, dominated the opening day of the second Test at Newlands as Sri Lanka failed to gain lasting benefit from a good bowling day. A new year had dawned, but it was very much the old Elgar, recognisably sure of stroke and restricted in ambition, who guided South Africa forward as he progressed conscientiously to a sixth Test century.At 169 for 5, with 30 overs remaining and Temba Bavuma just dismissed on the pull by Sri Lanka’s highly-promising fast bowler Lahiru Kumara, the day was still in the balance, but South Africa snatched it with a sixth-wicket stand 103 in 24 overs between Elgar and Quinton de Kock, who gambolled around without a care on land that Elgar had tilled, and watered from the sweat of his brow, for hours.Elgar’s end came against the second new ball – 129 from 230 deliveries – when he pushed at a wideish delivery from Suranga Lakmal and was defeated by a little seam movement, leaving Kusal Mendis to pouch the catch. De Kock, his antithesis, survived a few escapades with failed ramp shots and top-edged pulls to reach a happy-go-lucky 68 not out by the close.Faf du Plessis, South Africa’s captain, would be well satisfied. He had happily volunteered that a fresh and grassy Newlands surface was intended to favour his strong pace attack. Even Table Mountain, adorned by cloud throughout the first session, came out in support. “Against England last year it was a road,” he said. “It was different for that bowling attack. You have to prepare for the team you are playing against.”Sri Lanka had first use of it, but were unable to bury their reputation. Two wickets late in the morning session for Kumara ensured they achieved what was surely a minimum objective of three wickets when the odds were most in their favour, and the addition of du Plessis shortly before tea brought them further reward on an otherwise trying afternoon.Fastest to 1000 runs for SA and Herath’s feat

23 Number of innings taken for Quinton de Kock to reach 1000 Test runs. He is the joint fifth fastest for South Africa behind Graeme Smith (17 inns), AB de Villiers (20), Eddie Barlow (21), Graeme Pollock (22) and Faf Du Plessis (23).

355 Number of wickets taken by Rangana Herath in Tests. He is now the joint second highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in Tests and joint 19th overall. Herath, Dennis Lillee and Chaminda Vaas have 355 wickets each.

129 Dean Elgar’s highest Test score and his second century against Sri Lanka. Previously he made 103 in Galle in 2014. Elgar now has four centuries at home averaging 49.90.

Stephen Cook was the Man of the Match in Port Elizabeth, striking a century and half-century in South Africa’s emphatic 206-run win, but he made a four-ball duck on this occasion: two outswingers and an inswinger from Lakmal before another outswinger, slightly fuller, forced Cook into a statuesque nibble and a faint edge to the wicketkeeper.Lakmal carried the most threat for Sri Lanka with the first new ball, clearly roused by the sight of lavish movement, never short of a tongue-out grin when the ball behaved in a manner that is a special delight for bowlers condemned to playing out much of their career in Sri Lanka’s draining conditions.Nuwan Pradeep, although combative enough, lacked the technical skill to make the most of the conditions and limped off midway through an over during the final session. His only impact was on the umpire Aleem Dar, catching him on the elbow as he approached the crease and bringing some pained arm extensions from the man who had just passed Rudi Koertzen as the most capped umpire in all formats. An umpire incapable of raising his finger was not about to help Sri Lanka’s cause.Angelo Mathews, who initially bowled himself ahead of Kumara, settled for containment with a line well outside off stump which South Africa’s batsmen ignored at their leisure which later made it hard to ascertain why Mathews took the second new ball while Kumara, already strong and stocky at 19, and capable of speeds well beyond 140kph, had to make do with the old.Kumara accounted for both Amla and JP Duminy in the same over. Amla was unhinged by an excellent delivery which came back sharply off the seam between bat and pad, leaving him without a Test half-century in his last nine innings, a strikingly lean run for a batsman blessed with such natural gifts. Five balls later, Duminy became a second duck in the top four when he fended a back-of-a-length delivery from Kumara off his hip for Mendis to spring down the leg side for a fabulous catch.Mendis’ presence behind the stumps had been the outcome of much Sri Lankan agonising before start of play. News gradually filtered through that Dinesh Chandimal was feeling ill, not enough to rule him out of the match, but persuading Sri Lanka that he should concede the gloves to reduce his workload. Sri Lanka also made two changes from the first Test, omitting Kusul Perera and Dushmantha Chameera in favour of Kumara and the seasoned Upul Tharanga.Elgar’s hundred was his sixth in 31 Tests, his average still a touch below 40, but he has blunted many attacks in that time. He approached his innings methodically, working the ball off his hips and drawn occasionally into a restrained straight drive. His highlights reel included, oddly enough, a one-handed cover drive, a shot one imagines that he would prefer to be expunged from the records. The shot that brought up his hundred, down the ground of Pradeep, could hardly have been more satisfying: halfway through his next over, Pradeep trudged off to the dressing roomDu Plessis, a South African captain of some gravitas, played in similar vein. As the assistance for the seamers lessened, Mathews turned to his left-arm spinner, Rangana Herath, for the first time in the 42nd over. Herath took 57 wickets at 18.93 in 2016, second only to R Ashwin in terms of victims, all of them killed with kindness. He is at the age when the passing of the years invite questions as to how long he can continue in such form, but he soon dispensed with Du Plessis.In his fourth over, he wandered up with his usual economy to draw du Plessis into an uppish drive only for Tharanga to miss an inviting chance at deepish mid-off. No matter. In his penultimate over before tea, he strolled up again to have du Plessis caught at slip, driving wildly at a wide one.South Africa’s captain had favoured a seamers’ track and, although in his case it was the portly figure of Herath who had prospered, he would be tossing a new ball to his pace attack sometime on the morrow with a belief that this Cape Town pitch would maintain its life for a while yet.

عاد المالي أليو ديانج، لاعب وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، مساء أمس السبت، بعد إجراء جراحة ناجحة.

وكان أليو ديانج قد سافر لإجراء جراحة استئصال جزء من غضروف الركبة.

وقال أحمد جاب الله، طبيب النادي الأهلي، عبر الموقع الرسمي للنادي، إن ديانج بدأ تنفيذ برنامج العلاج الطبيعي والتأهيل البدني المحدد له من بعد إجراء الجراحة.

ويتواجه الأهلي مع البنك الأهلي، في خضم مواجهات الجولة الخامسة عشر من عمر مباريات الدوري الممتاز، على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي.

طالع أيضًا | اتحاد الكرة يشكر تركي آل الشيخ والأهلي والزمالك بعد نهائي كأس مصر

ويحتل الأهلي المركز العاشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 17 نقطة، بينما يتواجد فريق البنك الأهلي بالمركز الخامس عشر ولديه 12 نقطة. موعد مباراة الأهلي والبنك الأهلي في الدوري المصري

من المقرر أن تقام المباراة يوم الثلاثاء القادم الموافق 12 مارس الجاري، في تمام الساعة التاسعة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، العاشرة والنصف بتوقيت السعودية.

Yannick Carrasco has spoken out against his Belgium teammate Thibaut Courtois following the goalkeeper's fallout with national team coach Domenico Tedesco.

What has happened between Thibaut Courtois and the Belgium manager?

Earlier this week, Tedesco announced that the Real Madrid keeper had left the national team set-up, after confronting him and revealing he felt he'd been disrespected when Romelu Lukaku was appointed captain in Kevin De Bruyne's absence.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said:

"Together we decided that Romelu would be captain against Austria and Thibaut tomorrow against Estonia.

"That was OK for everyone but after the match [Courtois] suddenly wanted to talk to me and said he was going home because he was disappointed and felt offended."

Courtois took to Instagram to hit back at the claims, revealing he'd left due to an injury and no other reason and was "surprised" to hear the comments from his manager, noting: "I am deeply disappointed with this, but I want to make it clear that the coach's assessments do not fit with reality."

While it's currently unclear what actually went down between the two, and the real reasons for the former Chelsea goalkeeper's departure from the national team this week, Carrasco has spoken out publicly about the situation, and it's pretty clear where his opinion lies right now.

What did Yannick Carrasco say about Thibaut Courtois?

The Atletico Madrid man spoke after Belgium's 3-0 win against Estonia, and revealed how he felt about the entire situation and his disappointment in Courtois.

Speaking to Manuel Jous, the 29-year-old said:

"We more or less understood what happened. We had a meeting with the coach who was clear with us. We, the old ones, have not yet had the opportunity to speak with Thibaut. But we were disappointed with his reaction."

Carrasco revealed he thought that as a leader, Courtois had a responsibility to set an example for the younger members of the squad and didn't feel as though he'd done that with his reaction, adding:

"In the end, he is a manager of the team, he is one of the three captains. An armband is just a detail. You have to show that you are a leader and a captain with your personality. He chose to leave. He was embarrassed or not, we don't know. But one of the reasons for his departure was also the armband."

The comments revealed the winger doesn't believe Courtois left the Belgium team due to an injury, and in fact, went home as a result of Lukaku being handed the captain's armband.

After over 100 international caps, it remains to be seen what long-term implications this will have on the goalkeeper's future with the national team and whether his relationship with Tedesco is fractured beyond repair.

Leeds United are on the hunt for the right manager who can lead the club in their Championship campaign next season and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on a potential candidate.

What's the latest on Leeds' interest in Scott Parker?

According to The Athletic's Leeds reporter Phil Hay, the club's hierarchy are now entering the stage of face-to-face interviews this week and has named Scott Parker as one of those interviewees.

As per an article for the publication, Hay revealed that alongside Daniel Farke, Parker will be one of the candidates spoken to about the role, with the club expected to make a decision imminently due to pre-season coming up fast.

Is Scott Parker a good fit for Leeds?

Time is running out for the West Yorkshire club to bring in a manager who can get up to speed with the unfolding situation at Elland Road and build connections with players, whilst also utilising the summer transfer window to bring in new additions that possess the profile to succeed in the style of play deployed.

The 49ers have a big decision to make on whether they bring in a manager who can guarantee quick but short-term success in terms of promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League or somebody who can be part of the long-term project for the new owners, with Parker the perfect option for the former.

The 42-year-old coach – hailed "outstanding" by Jurgen Klopp – has twice masterminded automatic promotion to the Premier League from the second tier with Bournemouth and Fulham, making him the ultimate expert to give Leeds their best chance at following in the footsteps of Burnley next season and bouncing straight back up.

However, his 0.77 points per game record in the Premier League is much less inspiring than his 1.84 points per game in the Championship and could be a cause for concern should he be appointed and promote the Whites next term.

Over 52 top-flight fixtures in charge of both Bournemouth and Fulham, the English coach has tallied up just nine wins and 30 defeats, which ultimately saw Parker sacked in both appointments after leading them as far as he could take them.

That means that even if this just a short-term gig for the former midfielder, it could pay dividends. Indeed, in the second tier he has lost just 19 times while winning over 50% of his matches in charge.

With that being said, Parker would be the perfect appointment if Leeds are looking for a sure-fire way to get promoted next season.

Everton are 'under pressure to sell' midfielder Amadou Onana this summer to raise funds in light of their financial situation at Goodison Park, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving Amadou Onana?

According to The Athletic, Manchester United are keen on Onana this summer and he is on a list of transfer targets at Old Trafford this summer.

The report states that Toffees' boss Sean Dyche would seek to bring in a replacement for the Belgium international if he is to leave Goodison Park.

As per The Daily Mail, Everton are under pressure to cash in on sellable assets this window and are in 'special measures' with the Premier League after recording losses over £370 million over the last three years.

Onana has emerged as someone who could recoup significant cash for the coffers at Goodison Park and could help to balance the books in the blue half of Merseyside.

Newcastle United and Chelsea have also been linked with a swoop for the £100k-a-week ace recently as his future at Everton enters a corridor of uncertainty.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown thinks that Everton may have to part ways with Onana to raise funds this summer in light fo their monetary difficulties.

Brown said: "I think Everton are under pressure to sell someone. Possibly even more than one player. They don't have a whole lot of massively sellable assets in their squad and Onana is one of them.

"I think he's young enough and has enough potential to generate a profit from the money that they bought him for. There are certainly Champions League clubs that remain interested in Onana."

Would losing Amadou Onana be a setback for Everton?

Losing Onana would be a big blow for Everton as he has become one of their most important players and played a major part in their successful bid for survival in the Premier League.

In 2022/23, the 21-year-old made 35 appearances across all competitions for Everton, registering one goal and two assists, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored show that Onana was strong in the tackle during the campaign, winning an average of 2.2 tackles per match in the English top-flight.

Onana also managed to complete 79 progressive passes over the course of the season, demonstrating his propensity to initiate attacking passages of play from the middle of the park, as per FBRef.

Moving forward, Everton would have a tough job of replacing Onana heading into next term if he was to leave; however, boss Dyche has a track record of unearthing bargain gems in the transfer market, which is a route he may have to go down given the Toffees' financial situation.

A round-up of the preliminary finals played on February 11, 2017

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Feb-2017Canterbury defended 250 to seal their spot in the final of the Ford Trophy 2016-17. Wellington fell short of their target by 28 runs, but will get a second go at making the title bout on February 15 when they play Central Districts in the third-preliminary final. This is courtesy their top-of-the-table finish in the round-robin stage; the loser of the preliminary-final between Nos. 1 and 2 plays the winner of the preliminary-final between Nos. 3 and 4.Three wickets in an economic spell from fast bowler Matt Henry went a long way in ensuring Canterbury’s win. He claimed two of Wellington’s top three cheaply, before returning to end a feisty last-wicket stand between Brent Arnel and Hamish Bennett that had added 32 at over a run a ball. In between Henry’s strikes, several Wellington batsmen got starts but only Luke Ronchi managed to convert that into a half-century. Pacers Henry Shipley and Andrew Ellis were also incisive and economical, taking five wickets between them, to ensure Wellington never got away.Canterbury’s total was built around half-centuries from Chad Bowes and Todd Astle. They were wobbling at 10 for 2 after being inserted, but opener Bowes held the innings together with his 84. After he and Astle were out, another hiccup happened with two wickets in two balls (Ellis caught behind and Johnston run out in the 42nd over), but Cole McConchie ensured they did not slide with a swift, unbeaten 40. Canterbury were eventually bowled out with three balls to spare, most of the damage being done by the spin of Jeetan Patel and the new-ball pair of Arnel and Bennett. But their total of 250 proved more than enough in the end.Central Districts had only one win in their first six matches in this season’s Ford Trophy. They won their last two group games with bonus points and made the playoffs. Now they’ve won their first playoff, beating Northern Districts by 48 runs in New Plymouth, to be one step away from the final. They will need to beat Wellington – who lost only one match in the round-robin stage – on February 15, to have a shot at what had looked like a highly improbable title at one stage.Central Districts chose to bat and were propelled to 336 for 7 on the back of a maiden List A century from Tom Bruce and knocks of seventy-odd at the top and bottom of the order from George Worker and Kieran Noema-Barnett. Bruce and Noema-Barnett’s runs came particularly quickly; Bruce’s 100 came off 81 balls and included eight sixes, while Noema-Barnett’s 74 came off 49 balls. Amid the carnage, Northern Districts’ Scott Kuggeleijn and Ish Sodhi maintained economy rates under five, and shared four wickets between them.Northern Districts’ middle order made a decent fight of it, with three half-century partnerships in good time – going into the final 10, they needed 105 with six wickets in hand and two set batsmen at the crease. But then the bottom five managed only 16 runs among them to end the challenge. When they were bowled out for 288 in the 49th over, Kuggeleijn was left stranded on 85 off 52. Fast bowler Seth Rance and left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel were the most effective of the Central Districts bowlers, picking up three apiece in tidy spells.

Tottenham Hotspur are now leading the race to sign Leicester City star James Maddison as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to craft a team capable of competing at the top of the Premier League.

What's the latest on James Maddison to Spurs?

That's according to The Athletic, who claim that the 26-year-old is closing on a move to Tottenham, with Fabrizio Romano corroborating the news with claims that chairman Daniel Levy has now "agreed personal terms", with negotiations "finally advancing."

Spurs are hoping to sign the England international for a fixed fee of £40m plus additional add-ons, while the Foxes are holding out for £60m, which is considered exorbitant given the club's relegation from the top-flight and Maddison having just one year left on his current deal.

Newcastle United have also been heavily linked with a move after failing with a £50m bid last summer, but after agreeing a €70m (61m) deal for AC Milan maestro Sandro Tonali, Postecoglou has the lead in the pursuit for the coveted midfielder.

How good is James Maddison?

It has been a period of uncertainty and strife in the Lilywhites camp, with the exit of Antonio Conte marking the fourth managerial dismissal in as many years; Postecoglou's recent appointment was incisive, there is no doubt about that, but whether the attractive philosophy of the Australian boss can be aptly implemented remains to be seen.

The club's interminable wait for silverware continues, but to exacerbate this knowledge, Tottenham's eighth-placed finish in the Premier League has resulted in a failure to qualify for European football for the first time since 2009, and the outfit is crying out for some energy and inspiration.

Enter Maddison. The £110k-per-week ace has been described as a "magician" by Statman Dave and rightly so – the three-cap Englishman posted an impressive return of ten goals and nine assists from just 28 starts in the top division despite Leicester's tepid exit, and he is now fated to return after retaining his merit amid a turbulent campaign.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 13% for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes and the top 17% for tackles per 90.

An all-encompassing scope, and one which could play into Postecoglou's hands as he injects a fresh facet into the side, especially given that the "world-class" pro – as Gareth Southgate has dubbed him – could serve up a slice of creativity unseen at Tottenham for some time.

Talisman Harry Kane is one of the most dynamic forwards around, ranking among the top 4% of forwards for progressive passes and the top 10% for shot-creating actions per 90, also plundering 32 strikes last season for good merit.

And Son Heung-min, who has been so imperious on the left wing down the N17 since his £22m arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, scoring 145 goals and supplying 80 assists from 372 matches, could also benefit immensely from Maddison's signing.

It's been an inauspicious year for Tottenham, and it's been a subpar year for Son, with the South Korean badly out of sorts until the latter phase of the year, albeit ending the season with 14 goals and six assists.

The 30-year-old forward did also end the Premier League season with an average of 1.8 key passes per game and eight big chances created, as per Sofascore, with his key pass metric the highest in the Tottenham squad. However, by placing Maddison into the fold as the creative centrepiece, Son could yet find the full scale of his prolific edge again.

In fact, the Foxes star is a great deal more creative than the South Korean, with Maddison averaging 2.3 key passes per game and creating 12 big chances, which trumps anyone in Spurs' squad and could allow Son to focus on the standout facet of his craft: his striking prowess.

Son can also only rank in the bottom 14% in Europe for progressive passes, the bottom 38% for assists and the bottom 49% for shot-creating actions, to underline how the Tottenham target eclipses him with regards to creativity.

Indeed, Maddison would open a melange of opportunities for Postecoglou's squad, and he simply has to be signed to ensure that a return to prominence is forthcoming.

ScorecardFile photo – Chadd Sayers now has 38 wickets this season, and is 11 clear on top of the Sheffield Shield wicket-taking list•Getty Images and Cricket Australia

Chadd Sayers is eyeing what could become his second ten-wicket match of the summer in a low-scoring contest between South Australia and Western Australia at the Gliderol Stadium. By the close of play on day two, the Warriors were already 7 for 196 in their second innings, with Josh Inglis on 12 and Josh Nicholas on 8, after Simon Mackin’s career-best 7 for 81 consigned the Redbacks to 247 all out.But Western Australia’s lead was a slender 150, with Sayers following up his first-innings five-for with 4 for 52 in the second innings so far, putting him 11 wickets clear on the Shield wicket-taking list for the season. His victims included Hilton Cartwright for 30 and Adam Voges for 9, but it was opener Cameron Bancroft who resisted for 150 deliveries before being bowled by Kane Richardson for 56.The Redbacks had started the day on 4 for 156 but Mackin ran through the lower order to finish with seven wickets. Jake Lehmann top scored for the Redbacks with 77.

عقد حسين لبيب، رئيس نادي الزمالك، جلسة مُطولة مع البرتغالي جوزيه جوميز، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم، بحضور أحمد سليمان عضو مجلس إدارة القلعة البيضاء والمشرف على الكرة.

وبحسب المركز الإعلامي لنادي الزمالك، فإن الجلسة جاءت ضمن الجلسات الدورية المحددة من مجلس الإدارة مع المدير الفني خلال الفترة الأخيرة.

وأوضح أن الجلسة شهدت مناقشة العديد من الملفات المهمة التي تخص الفريق خلال المرحلة المُقبلة، في ظل ارتباط الزمالك بخوض مواجهتين في غاية الأهمية أمام مودرن فيوتشر في ربع نهائي بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

طالع أيضًا | وكيل جوزيه جوميز يرد على أنباء طلبه إجراء تعديلات في جهاز الزمالك

ويستعد الزمالك لمواجهة مودرن فيوتشر يوم 31 مارس الجاري، في ذهاب دور ربع نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية، على أن تقام مباراة الإياب بين الفريقين يوم 7 إبريل المُقبل.

ويسعى الزمالك للفوز بلقب الكونفدرالية هذا الموسم، بعد فشله في تحقيق أي بطولة خلال الموسم الماضي.

Arsenal have shown they’re “serious” about signing West Ham star Declan Rice and talks are still ongoing despite a second rebuffed offer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The north Londoners have had their eyes on Rice for much of the transfer window and beforehand, with reports suggesting he is manager Mikel Arteta’s top summer target.

As well as the England international, Arsenal are thought to be chasing deals for fellow midfield stars Ilkay Gundogan and Romeo Lavia, as they look to shore up that area of the squad.

This comes as one of their 2022/2023 stars, Thomas Partey, could well depart the Emirates Stadium, according to reports, with supporters potentially about to see a new-look for midfield for next campaign.

Arteta also wants to strengthen in the attacking areas and in defence, with Chelsea’s Kai Havertz reportedly edging nearer a move to Arsenal and Netherlands international Jurrien Timber on their agenda.

Going back to Rice, Arsenal have now had a second bid rejected, despite it being a club record, as West Ham had no interest in entertaining their £90 million offer (£75m guaranteed + £15m add-ons).

However, sporting director Edu and co appear determined to get it done regardless, and negotiations continue behind-the-scenes.

That is from Sky’s Sheth, who says Arsenal talks remain ongoing for Rice and they’re “serious” about capturing him.

How much will Declan Rice cost?

Some sources suggest that West Ham want up to £120 million for their prized asset, but could also accept the possibility of £100m plus a player in part-exchange.

Based off this, Arsenal may really need to up the ante, especially with Premier League champions and treble-winners Man City reportedly lurking in the background.

Rice has been a star under David Moyes at West Ham, standing out as their best-performing player per 90 by average match rating last season, according to WhoScored.

Described as a midfield “monster” by Frank Lebeouf, he’s now won his first major trophy, a Europa Conference League title with the Irons at the end of 2022/2023.

Rice’s stock just keeps on rising, but unfortunately for Arsenal, so does his price tag – and this could be a saga that keeps going on well into the window.