2 hours ago
India's search for consistency in T20I cricket will continue with a three-match series against Afghanistan, but the team's batting combination could once again come under scrutiny, particularly with vice-captain Tilak Varma's role yet to appear fully settled.
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, endured a difficult run following their second consecutive T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year. The team lost all six of its T20Is against Ireland and England before finally putting together a 3-0 clean sweep against Zimbabwe.
The Afghanistan series begins on September 13 (Saturday), with India also scheduled to play a historic T20I against ******* an before featuring in the Asian Games 2026.
With several established batters competing for places, former South Africa star AB de Villiers believes India could face a selection headache, particularly when it comes to deciding where Tilak Varma fits into the batting order.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers pointed to the number of batting options available to India and questioned how the team would accommodate its vice-captain.
"There will definitely be some selection issues with regard to the batters. Obviously, Shreyas, captain, Ishan Kishan, Samson, Sooryavanshi, and then there are all-rounders, Tilak Varma; I think that's where the balance is quite tricky. Where will he bat?" de Villiers said.
Tilak's recent numbers also underline why his position could become a talking point.
Since the 2026 T20 World Cup, the left-hander has scored 255 runs from 10 innings at a strike rate of 159.36, with three scores of 50 or more. However, the numbers need some context. One of those half-centuries came during the recent Zimbabwe series, while another was scored in the fifth T20I against England, by which point India had already conceded the series.
His overall returns therefore look stronger in isolation than his performances across the entire period suggest. Tilak endured a particularly difficult run during India's tour of the UK, and his inconsistency has remained a concern despite the occasional big score. That makes his position in India's batting order an even bigger talking point ahead of the Afghanistan series.
The presence of Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gives India several batting options, while the team also has to factor in its all-rounders.
For de Villiers, the challenge is not simply about selecting the strongest players but finding a combination in which every batter has a clearly defined role.
He believes India have enough quality in their squad to deal with Afghanistan, but stressed that clarity will be particularly important against a side he considers dangerous.
"Really, really strong squad, but the balance will be tricky to figure out. It is T20 cricket, so they can play around with the squad a little bit. There are different roles, but the role clarification will still be incredibly important for India, as
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, endured a difficult run following their second consecutive T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year. The team lost all six of its T20Is against Ireland and England before finally putting together a 3-0 clean sweep against Zimbabwe.
The Afghanistan series begins on September 13 (Saturday), with India also scheduled to play a historic T20I against ******* an before featuring in the Asian Games 2026.
With several established batters competing for places, former South Africa star AB de Villiers believes India could face a selection headache, particularly when it comes to deciding where Tilak Varma fits into the batting order.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers pointed to the number of batting options available to India and questioned how the team would accommodate its vice-captain.
"There will definitely be some selection issues with regard to the batters. Obviously, Shreyas, captain, Ishan Kishan, Samson, Sooryavanshi, and then there are all-rounders, Tilak Varma; I think that's where the balance is quite tricky. Where will he bat?" de Villiers said.
Tilak's recent numbers also underline why his position could become a talking point.
Since the 2026 T20 World Cup, the left-hander has scored 255 runs from 10 innings at a strike rate of 159.36, with three scores of 50 or more. However, the numbers need some context. One of those half-centuries came during the recent Zimbabwe series, while another was scored in the fifth T20I against England, by which point India had already conceded the series.
His overall returns therefore look stronger in isolation than his performances across the entire period suggest. Tilak endured a particularly difficult run during India's tour of the UK, and his inconsistency has remained a concern despite the occasional big score. That makes his position in India's batting order an even bigger talking point ahead of the Afghanistan series.
The presence of Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gives India several batting options, while the team also has to factor in its all-rounders.
For de Villiers, the challenge is not simply about selecting the strongest players but finding a combination in which every batter has a clearly defined role.
He believes India have enough quality in their squad to deal with Afghanistan, but stressed that clarity will be particularly important against a side he considers dangerous.
"Really, really strong squad, but the balance will be tricky to figure out. It is T20 cricket, so they can play around with the squad a little bit. There are different roles, but the role clarification will still be incredibly important for India, as
4 hours ago
South Africa and New Zealand conclude the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series with a last meeting in Baltimore in the United States.
The Springboks have secured at least a draw after winning the final match on home soil last weekend to take a 2-1 lead into this encounter.
Rassie Erasmus's side will be in no mood, though, to let the All Blacks square affairs, with a strong selection named by the world champions as they search for another statement performance.
Can New Zealand hit back in what should be an enjoyable occasion at the home of the Baltimore Ravens?
Here's everything you need to know:
#zealand #home #south
The Springboks have secured at least a draw after winning the final match on home soil last weekend to take a 2-1 lead into this encounter.
Rassie Erasmus's side will be in no mood, though, to let the All Blacks square affairs, with a strong selection named by the world champions as they search for another statement performance.
Can New Zealand hit back in what should be an enjoyable occasion at the home of the Baltimore Ravens?
Here's everything you need to know:
#zealand #home #south
12 hours ago
With a market cap of $56.5 billion, Corteva, Inc. (CTVA) is an agriculture company, serving markets across North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates through two main segments: Seed and Crop Protection, developing advanced seed genetics, traits, and crop protection products to help improve farm productivity and resilience.
Companies worth more than $10 billion are generally labeled as "large-cap" stocks and Corteva fits this criterion perfectly. It also provides herbicides, insecticides, nitrogen stabilizers, and digital farming solutions that support farmers in optimizing crop yield and profitability.
'Not Tens Of Billions, But Tens Of Trillions': Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says AI Is Like the New Electricity and the Scale Is Unlike Any Tech in History
What It Means for MSFT Stock Investors as Microsoft Switches to 2 Business Segments
RKLB Stock Jumps as Rocket Lab Debuts New Solar Cell for ******* e
#protection #billion #company
Companies worth more than $10 billion are generally labeled as "large-cap" stocks and Corteva fits this criterion perfectly. It also provides herbicides, insecticides, nitrogen stabilizers, and digital farming solutions that support farmers in optimizing crop yield and profitability.
'Not Tens Of Billions, But Tens Of Trillions': Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says AI Is Like the New Electricity and the Scale Is Unlike Any Tech in History
What It Means for MSFT Stock Investors as Microsoft Switches to 2 Business Segments
RKLB Stock Jumps as Rocket Lab Debuts New Solar Cell for ******* e
#protection #billion #company
19 hours ago
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The Trump administration has provided a $99.6 million loan to a U.S.-owned cell phone network operator in Africa to expand American tech presence on a continent where China's Huawei is a leading player.
The loan from the U.S. government's Export-Import Bank was announced by the operator Africell on Friday. It is the only U.S.-owned cell network operator in Africa.
Africell said in a statement the loan would "boost U.S.-based employment in the telecommunications sector and strengthen American technology leadership abroad." It said the money would allow it to invest specifically in American and European technology for its operations in the southern African country of Angola.
Africell also operates in Congo, Sierra Leone and Gambia, it said.
Huawei is the world's biggest supplier of telecommunications network equipment and is estimated to have supplied more than half the 4G and 5G network infrastructure in Africa.
#loan
The loan from the U.S. government's Export-Import Bank was announced by the operator Africell on Friday. It is the only U.S.-owned cell network operator in Africa.
Africell said in a statement the loan would "boost U.S.-based employment in the telecommunications sector and strengthen American technology leadership abroad." It said the money would allow it to invest specifically in American and European technology for its operations in the southern African country of Angola.
Africell also operates in Congo, Sierra Leone and Gambia, it said.
Huawei is the world's biggest supplier of telecommunications network equipment and is estimated to have supplied more than half the 4G and 5G network infrastructure in Africa.
#loan
20 hours ago
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, the world's fastest-growing outbreak of the disease on record, has now spread to seven provinces in the African country, local authorities said. And it's showing no signs of slowing down.
According to the governor of the northwestern province of Sud-Ubangi, Jean-Rene Galekwa Vundawe, laboratory tests by Congo's national research institute found in a sample the Bundibugyo virus, the rare kind of Ebola that caused the current outbreak.
The statement, which was issued on Thursday and reported by local media outlets on Friday, said the sample was from the Bulu health district in Sud-Ubangi. It did not disclose other information about the source of the infection.
The development makes Sud-Ubangi the seventh province affected by the outbreak — and the first in western Congo — a worrisome spread west from what was previously concentrated in the country's east. A case was detected in Kinshasa in May in a person who had traveled from eastern Congo, but the Congolese capital was not classified as an affected province.
As of Wednesday, 6,942 cases and 3,349 deaths have been reported, according to the latest government figures.
#outbreak #local
According to the governor of the northwestern province of Sud-Ubangi, Jean-Rene Galekwa Vundawe, laboratory tests by Congo's national research institute found in a sample the Bundibugyo virus, the rare kind of Ebola that caused the current outbreak.
The statement, which was issued on Thursday and reported by local media outlets on Friday, said the sample was from the Bulu health district in Sud-Ubangi. It did not disclose other information about the source of the infection.
The development makes Sud-Ubangi the seventh province affected by the outbreak — and the first in western Congo — a worrisome spread west from what was previously concentrated in the country's east. A case was detected in Kinshasa in May in a person who had traveled from eastern Congo, but the Congolese capital was not classified as an affected province.
As of Wednesday, 6,942 cases and 3,349 deaths have been reported, according to the latest government figures.
#outbreak #local
1 day ago
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record in eastern Congo is rapidly spreading beyond its epicenter, Africa's top health body said Thursday.
In recent weeks, new cases and deaths have declined in Ituri province, the outbreak's epicenter, but risen sharply in neighboring North Kivu and Haut-Uele, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said at a weekly briefing.
According to the latest government figures released on Thursday, 6,843 cases have been reported, including 3,310 deaths. Ituri province remains the hardest-hit province, with more than 5,400 cases while North Kivu has reported over 1,000 cases since the outbreak was declared in May.
The outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike and intense population movements. The situation is particularly concerning at displacement sites, where residents already live in extremely precarious conditions.
The World Health Organization has said the outbreak remains out of control and is on track to surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, the deadliest on record, which killed more than 11,000 people, primarily in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
#outbreak #thursday #ituri
In recent weeks, new cases and deaths have declined in Ituri province, the outbreak's epicenter, but risen sharply in neighboring North Kivu and Haut-Uele, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said at a weekly briefing.
According to the latest government figures released on Thursday, 6,843 cases have been reported, including 3,310 deaths. Ituri province remains the hardest-hit province, with more than 5,400 cases while North Kivu has reported over 1,000 cases since the outbreak was declared in May.
The outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike and intense population movements. The situation is particularly concerning at displacement sites, where residents already live in extremely precarious conditions.
The World Health Organization has said the outbreak remains out of control and is on track to surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, the deadliest on record, which killed more than 11,000 people, primarily in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
#outbreak #thursday #ituri
1 day ago
By Maximilian Heath
BUENOS AIRES, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Argentina's corn exports are expected to reach a record 10 million metric tons in August and September, driven by a ****** per harvest and strong international demand as buyers seek alternatives to Ukrainian supplies disrupted by war and European crops battered by extreme heat.
The world's third-largest corn exporter is wrapping up its 2025/26 harvest, estimated at 71.7 million tons, nearly 20% above the previous record set five years ago, according to government data.
"Argentine corn right now is very competitive in price and in volume," Gustavo Idigoras, head of the CIARA-CEC grains exporters and crushers chamber, told Reuters. Normal export volumes for August-September typically reach about 3 million tons, he added.
Idigoras said demand from North African countries — typically buyers of Ukrainian grain — has been the primary driver. "In the last months we've had meetings with several North African countries, who want to have deeper commercial ties with Argentine exporters," he said, without naming specific countries.
#idigoras
BUENOS AIRES, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Argentina's corn exports are expected to reach a record 10 million metric tons in August and September, driven by a ****** per harvest and strong international demand as buyers seek alternatives to Ukrainian supplies disrupted by war and European crops battered by extreme heat.
The world's third-largest corn exporter is wrapping up its 2025/26 harvest, estimated at 71.7 million tons, nearly 20% above the previous record set five years ago, according to government data.
"Argentine corn right now is very competitive in price and in volume," Gustavo Idigoras, head of the CIARA-CEC grains exporters and crushers chamber, told Reuters. Normal export volumes for August-September typically reach about 3 million tons, he added.
Idigoras said demand from North African countries — typically buyers of Ukrainian grain — has been the primary driver. "In the last months we've had meetings with several North African countries, who want to have deeper commercial ties with Argentine exporters," he said, without naming specific countries.
#idigoras
0.00$ raised of 0.00$ goal
0 donations
0.00$
to go
2 days ago
By Maximilian Heath
BUENOS AIRES, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Argentina's corn exports are expected to reach a record 10 million metric tons in August and September, driven by a ***** per harvest and strong international demand as buyers seek alternatives to Ukrainian supplies disrupted by war and European crops battered by extreme heat.
The world's third-largest corn exporter is wrapping up its 2025/26 harvest, estimated at 71.7 million tons, nearly 20% above the previous record set five years ago, according to government data.
"Argentine corn right now is very competitive in price and in volume," Gustavo Idigoras, head of the CIARA-CEC grains exporters and crushers chamber, told Reuters. Normal export volumes for August-September typically reach about 3 million tons, he added.
Idigoras said demand from North African countries — typically buyers of Ukrainian grain — has been the primary driver. "In the last months we've had meetings with several North African countries, who want to have deeper commercial ties with Argentine exporters," he said, without naming specific countries.
#countries #september #argentine #idigoras
BUENOS AIRES, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Argentina's corn exports are expected to reach a record 10 million metric tons in August and September, driven by a ***** per harvest and strong international demand as buyers seek alternatives to Ukrainian supplies disrupted by war and European crops battered by extreme heat.
The world's third-largest corn exporter is wrapping up its 2025/26 harvest, estimated at 71.7 million tons, nearly 20% above the previous record set five years ago, according to government data.
"Argentine corn right now is very competitive in price and in volume," Gustavo Idigoras, head of the CIARA-CEC grains exporters and crushers chamber, told Reuters. Normal export volumes for August-September typically reach about 3 million tons, he added.
Idigoras said demand from North African countries — typically buyers of Ukrainian grain — has been the primary driver. "In the last months we've had meetings with several North African countries, who want to have deeper commercial ties with Argentine exporters," he said, without naming specific countries.
#countries #september #argentine #idigoras
0.00$ raised of 0.00$ goal
0 donations
0.00$
to go
4 days ago
Africa has only ever had one Ballon d'Or winner, and the wait for someone to emulate George Weah is likely to be extended further after this year's nominations were revealed.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Senegal forward Sadio Mane are the continent's two names on the 30-strong list.
Both players have previously recorded top-six Ballon d'Or finishes but, after a year in which Spain lifted the Fifa World Cup and Kylian Mbappe netted 10 goals to become the tournament's all-time top scorer, the chances of the Paris St-Germain right-back or the Al-Nassr winger lifting the coveted trophy appear slim.
And it is not the first time that Africa has failed to make a big impact.
Part of the reason for the historic lack of success is down to the fact the award, which was first handed out by France Football magazine in 1956, was not open to players representing non-European nations until 1995.
#ballon #d 'or #players #george
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Senegal forward Sadio Mane are the continent's two names on the 30-strong list.
Both players have previously recorded top-six Ballon d'Or finishes but, after a year in which Spain lifted the Fifa World Cup and Kylian Mbappe netted 10 goals to become the tournament's all-time top scorer, the chances of the Paris St-Germain right-back or the Al-Nassr winger lifting the coveted trophy appear slim.
And it is not the first time that Africa has failed to make a big impact.
Part of the reason for the historic lack of success is down to the fact the award, which was first handed out by France Football magazine in 1956, was not open to players representing non-European nations until 1995.
#ballon #d 'or #players #george
4 days ago
A TikTok video that criticized mission trips as white saviorism brought attention to a controversy surrounding short-term volunteering trips and religious involvement in humanitarian work.
The video, "Mission trips are useless vacations, NOT activism," was posted by Kylie Brewer.
In her caption, Brewer wrote: "Donate that money to commükities that need itent and stop acting like you're a great person just for going to Africa."
In the video, Brewer called out a mission trip that combined music and photos of children.
"Song is so funny that you chose because it's 'willing and able,' but then you're showing a bunch of pictures of very healthy-looking, happy, smiling children," Brewer said. "The only difference between them and you is the fact that they have melanin and are black, and you are white. So the fact that you're like, 'oh, hashtag mission trip, I love helping everyone!' And all the comments are saying, 'oh my god, you're such a great person,' really shows how much this practice is rooted in white saviorism."
#saviorism #like #great
The video, "Mission trips are useless vacations, NOT activism," was posted by Kylie Brewer.
In her caption, Brewer wrote: "Donate that money to commükities that need itent and stop acting like you're a great person just for going to Africa."
In the video, Brewer called out a mission trip that combined music and photos of children.
"Song is so funny that you chose because it's 'willing and able,' but then you're showing a bunch of pictures of very healthy-looking, happy, smiling children," Brewer said. "The only difference between them and you is the fact that they have melanin and are black, and you are white. So the fact that you're like, 'oh, hashtag mission trip, I love helping everyone!' And all the comments are saying, 'oh my god, you're such a great person,' really shows how much this practice is rooted in white saviorism."
#saviorism #like #great
4 days ago
Gary Player is someone who never shirks responsibility when it comes to speaking out about issues with the current state of the game.
Player enjoyed a fabulous career at the highest level of the sport, winning 159 times professionally worldwide, including nine major championships.
Because of that record, the diminutive South African has a certain authority when he speaks.
Gary Player is often highly critical of numerous issues with the modern-day game.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
#gary #issues #images
Player enjoyed a fabulous career at the highest level of the sport, winning 159 times professionally worldwide, including nine major championships.
Because of that record, the diminutive South African has a certain authority when he speaks.
Gary Player is often highly critical of numerous issues with the modern-day game.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
#gary #issues #images
4 days ago
'Is Maldives holiday included?': KL Rahul's hilarious reaction to Kevin Pietersen's appointment as England mentor revealed originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KL Rahul cheekily asked if a Maldives holiday was part of Kevin Pietersen's new England white-ball mentor package on Instagram.
The ECB appointed Pietersen as England's white-ball mentor for the run-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup in southern Africa.
Pietersen returns to England colours for the first time since his controversial exit in 2014, joining Brendon McCullum's backroom team.
When Kevin Pietersen's appointment as England's white-ball mentor dropped on social media, KL Rahul could not refrain from commenting, and it came loaded with insider context that made it land perfectly.
#england #mentor #ball
KL Rahul cheekily asked if a Maldives holiday was part of Kevin Pietersen's new England white-ball mentor package on Instagram.
The ECB appointed Pietersen as England's white-ball mentor for the run-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup in southern Africa.
Pietersen returns to England colours for the first time since his controversial exit in 2014, joining Brendon McCullum's backroom team.
When Kevin Pietersen's appointment as England's white-ball mentor dropped on social media, KL Rahul could not refrain from commenting, and it came loaded with insider context that made it land perfectly.
#england #mentor #ball
4 days ago
An exciting African star is ready to make his move to Liverpool.
The Reds are without a sporting director at the moment after Richard Hughes left the club. But it doesn't mean they are in disarray.
Behind him, Liverpool have a lot of experienced key decision makers when it comes to recruitment. Pedro Marques has done a brilliant job identifying young talent and bringing them to Anfield.
Meanwhile, Julian Ward and David Woodfine have been essential to the club's brilliant recruitment behind the scenes for many years now.
Liverpool may look to promote from within in order to fill Hughes' vacancy or they could look to bring in an external candidate.
#reds
The Reds are without a sporting director at the moment after Richard Hughes left the club. But it doesn't mean they are in disarray.
Behind him, Liverpool have a lot of experienced key decision makers when it comes to recruitment. Pedro Marques has done a brilliant job identifying young talent and bringing them to Anfield.
Meanwhile, Julian Ward and David Woodfine have been essential to the club's brilliant recruitment behind the scenes for many years now.
Liverpool may look to promote from within in order to fill Hughes' vacancy or they could look to bring in an external candidate.
#reds
4 days ago
Kenya's government sought to reassure foreign traders that they have legal protection to operate in the country after President William Ruto raised doubts over their status in East Africa's biggest economy. Ruto reportedly ordered authorities to begin shutting down foreign-owned businesses from Sept. 7 as part of a move to restrict small-scale retail to Kenyans. However, the principal secretary for foreign affairs on Sunday said the president's comments related to a debate about proposed employment legislation.
Ruto reportedly made the remarks last week, days before ordering Tata Chemicals to leave the country, accusing it of failing to create jobs and process minerals locally.
The president, who will seek a second term in a poll next August, has increasingly focused on employment and wealth creation in his reelection pitch. He took office four years ago, after an election campaign in which he vowed to improve the lives of the poorest Kenyans. But his popularity plummeted amid tax hikes that prompted street protests.
— Alexis Akwagyiram
#ruto #kenyans #east
Ruto reportedly made the remarks last week, days before ordering Tata Chemicals to leave the country, accusing it of failing to create jobs and process minerals locally.
The president, who will seek a second term in a poll next August, has increasingly focused on employment and wealth creation in his reelection pitch. He took office four years ago, after an election campaign in which he vowed to improve the lives of the poorest Kenyans. But his popularity plummeted amid tax hikes that prompted street protests.
— Alexis Akwagyiram
#ruto #kenyans #east
5 days ago
Dragons co-captain Ben Carter will be fit for the start of the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship (URC) after recovering from a summer ankle injury suffered with Wales.
The lock was ruled out of the Nations Championship defeat by South Africa in mid-July after a blow in training.
Carter, who had started Wales' six previous games, was on crutches and saw specialists on his return to Dragons.
The 25-year-old did not need surgery and is working towards his side's URC opener at Benetton on Friday, 25 September (19:45 BST).
"It's not an issue now. He is going really well and is probably in the best nick that I have seen him," said defence coach Dale MacLeod.
#dragons #south
The lock was ruled out of the Nations Championship defeat by South Africa in mid-July after a blow in training.
Carter, who had started Wales' six previous games, was on crutches and saw specialists on his return to Dragons.
The 25-year-old did not need surgery and is working towards his side's URC opener at Benetton on Friday, 25 September (19:45 BST).
"It's not an issue now. He is going really well and is probably in the best nick that I have seen him," said defence coach Dale MacLeod.
#dragons #south
6 days ago
CRANS MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — Thriston Lawrence of South Africa overcame a six-shot deficit Sunday with an 8-under 62 and denied Paul Casey his first victory in five years by making an 18-foot birdie putt on the fourth playoff hole to win the European Masters.
Casey stood over a putt with the chance to win four times on the 18th green at Crans-sur-Sierre, three of them in the playoff. Lawrence made good on his first chance. He became the seventh three-time winner of this event, and the first since Seve Ballesteros.
Casey (68) led by one going to the 18th and got a huge break when his approach from rough hit a rock and bounced over a stream. But he couldn't get up-and-down for par, leading to the playoff.
Casey had a 35-foot birdie putt for the win on the first playoff hole at No. 18. On the second extra hole, his 10-foot birdie narrowly missed to the right. Officials moved the pin toward the back of the green, and Casey had 8 feet for birdie and the win. That spun off the right edge.
The fourth time around, Lawrence made the winning putt to capture the European Masters for the third time in the last five years.
#casey #lawrence #birdie #crans
Casey stood over a putt with the chance to win four times on the 18th green at Crans-sur-Sierre, three of them in the playoff. Lawrence made good on his first chance. He became the seventh three-time winner of this event, and the first since Seve Ballesteros.
Casey (68) led by one going to the 18th and got a huge break when his approach from rough hit a rock and bounced over a stream. But he couldn't get up-and-down for par, leading to the playoff.
Casey had a 35-foot birdie putt for the win on the first playoff hole at No. 18. On the second extra hole, his 10-foot birdie narrowly missed to the right. Officials moved the pin toward the back of the green, and Casey had 8 feet for birdie and the win. That spun off the right edge.
The fourth time around, Lawrence made the winning putt to capture the European Masters for the third time in the last five years.
#casey #lawrence #birdie #crans
6 days ago
Six years after it was banned for its racist overtones, the "Gator Bait" cheer reutrned Saturday in Gainesville for Florida's 2026 college football opener.
The Universitty of Florida's marching band played the cheer in the first quarter of the Gators' Sept. 5 game against Florida Atlantic for the first time since then-president Ken Fuchs banned it at football games in 2020.
Former UF defensive star Lawrence Wright popularized the term in 1995 after a win over rival Florida State when he said, "If you ain't a Gator, ya Gator bait, baby." The phrase caught on with the Florida faithful during the team's run of success under coach Steve Spurrier.
Even though Fuchs acknowledged the cheer itself wasn't racist, he based his decision on the "historic racist imagery **** ociated with the phrase." The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University said that newspaper articles and imagery from the late 19th and early 20th century depicted African American babies as alligator bait, a term that was also used as a slur for Black people.
#bait
The Universitty of Florida's marching band played the cheer in the first quarter of the Gators' Sept. 5 game against Florida Atlantic for the first time since then-president Ken Fuchs banned it at football games in 2020.
Former UF defensive star Lawrence Wright popularized the term in 1995 after a win over rival Florida State when he said, "If you ain't a Gator, ya Gator bait, baby." The phrase caught on with the Florida faithful during the team's run of success under coach Steve Spurrier.
Even though Fuchs acknowledged the cheer itself wasn't racist, he based his decision on the "historic racist imagery **** ociated with the phrase." The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University said that newspaper articles and imagery from the late 19th and early 20th century depicted African American babies as alligator bait, a term that was also used as a slur for Black people.
#bait
6 days ago
New Zealand captain Ardie Savea has been ruled out of the fourth Test against South Africa with a shoulder injury.
Savea was forced off just half-an-hour in to the third Test in Johannesburg after coming up in serious pain following a clearout from Jasper Wiese.
The No 8 struggled to hold his right arm up and was pictured in a sling after a 29-24 defeat.
Savea had scored twice in an excellent start to the game, and his absence is a major blow to Dave Rennie as the All Blacks seek to draw the series with victory in Baltimore next Saturday.
"Yes, [it's a] shoulder injury," Rennie confirmed. "Not sure if it's dislocated, but he certainly won't be travelling to the States.
#test #injury #ardie
Savea was forced off just half-an-hour in to the third Test in Johannesburg after coming up in serious pain following a clearout from Jasper Wiese.
The No 8 struggled to hold his right arm up and was pictured in a sling after a 29-24 defeat.
Savea had scored twice in an excellent start to the game, and his absence is a major blow to Dave Rennie as the All Blacks seek to draw the series with victory in Baltimore next Saturday.
"Yes, [it's a] shoulder injury," Rennie confirmed. "Not sure if it's dislocated, but he certainly won't be travelling to the States.
#test #injury #ardie
6 days ago
Old foes South Africa and New Zealand collide in a new series in the first "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" tour.
The Springboks and All Blacks have reached a reciprocal touring agreement that will see the pair clash in a number of Tests every four years.
The first edition sees Dave Rennie's side head for South African soil to take on four United Rugby Championship sides alongside a quartet of clashes with Rassie Erasmus's world champions.
The fourth of those fixtures, which brings together the World Cup finalists from three years ago, will take place in Baltimore on the east coast of the United States.
Here's everything you need to know.
#four #years #africa
The Springboks and All Blacks have reached a reciprocal touring agreement that will see the pair clash in a number of Tests every four years.
The first edition sees Dave Rennie's side head for South African soil to take on four United Rugby Championship sides alongside a quartet of clashes with Rassie Erasmus's world champions.
The fourth of those fixtures, which brings together the World Cup finalists from three years ago, will take place in Baltimore on the east coast of the United States.
Here's everything you need to know.
#four #years #africa
6 days ago
A versatile and highley rated performer, on paper it seemed to some as if Calvin Palmer's big money move in February 1968 was exactly what Sunderland's struggling squad needed, and yet when he departed two years the later his release felt inevitable – and the man that had brought him was certainly happy to see him go.
Bought by the recently reinstalled Alan Brown, Palmer's issues rarely came down to ability. Although fans felt they never got to see the same all action displays he produced at previous club Stoke City they still recognised his versatility and commitment to winning, particularly during one early appearance when against Stoke he took over from the injured Jimmy Montgomery in goal. It was an example of the type of self-sacrifice Brown would usually appreciate and yet the pair were unable to ever strike up a working relationship, a clash of personalities meaning that the notoriously formidable manager and his unconventional recruit often ***** ed heads.
Palmer would invariably take his football seriously but as a character struggled to acquiesce to Brown's rigid structure and expectations. A squad trip to a cinema the month after signing, during which Palmer decided to leave early, led to Brown disciplining him for a breach of club rules for instance, and once the tone was set a number of other battles followed. By January 1970 Palmer was on the transfer list at his own request, and there was clearly no way back for him.
A court case and subsequent driving ban that month served to emphasise the differences between the player and manager; Palmer had found himself on the wrong side of the law whilst Brown had previously served as a police officer and maintained a strict zero tolerance attitude towards any sort of infringements thereafter. In more modern times it might be sensed that Palmer's nature simply warranted a different approach, but the 'Bomber's' management style never relied on subtlety and in the May he confirmed his decision to cut his losses on the £70,000 fee that had been paid and gave his player a free transfer.
It was presumed that this would be the end of the matter, but Palmer, often accused of being 'outspoken' in those more deferential times, did still intend of having the final word. In August he joined Cape Town City and the following month there was to be a rude awakening for Brown when on this day a national Sunday paper launched a 'warts and all' series detailing from South Africa the views and stories of the now ex Rokerman. Whereas Palmer's seemingly divergent traits would be better understood now it was easy then to tag him as a controversial figure, but even still the new column was quite the exposé, with the account being labelled as an 'explosive' chat with 'football's stormiest rebel'.
#palmer #paper #squad
Bought by the recently reinstalled Alan Brown, Palmer's issues rarely came down to ability. Although fans felt they never got to see the same all action displays he produced at previous club Stoke City they still recognised his versatility and commitment to winning, particularly during one early appearance when against Stoke he took over from the injured Jimmy Montgomery in goal. It was an example of the type of self-sacrifice Brown would usually appreciate and yet the pair were unable to ever strike up a working relationship, a clash of personalities meaning that the notoriously formidable manager and his unconventional recruit often ***** ed heads.
Palmer would invariably take his football seriously but as a character struggled to acquiesce to Brown's rigid structure and expectations. A squad trip to a cinema the month after signing, during which Palmer decided to leave early, led to Brown disciplining him for a breach of club rules for instance, and once the tone was set a number of other battles followed. By January 1970 Palmer was on the transfer list at his own request, and there was clearly no way back for him.
A court case and subsequent driving ban that month served to emphasise the differences between the player and manager; Palmer had found himself on the wrong side of the law whilst Brown had previously served as a police officer and maintained a strict zero tolerance attitude towards any sort of infringements thereafter. In more modern times it might be sensed that Palmer's nature simply warranted a different approach, but the 'Bomber's' management style never relied on subtlety and in the May he confirmed his decision to cut his losses on the £70,000 fee that had been paid and gave his player a free transfer.
It was presumed that this would be the end of the matter, but Palmer, often accused of being 'outspoken' in those more deferential times, did still intend of having the final word. In August he joined Cape Town City and the following month there was to be a rude awakening for Brown when on this day a national Sunday paper launched a 'warts and all' series detailing from South Africa the views and stories of the now ex Rokerman. Whereas Palmer's seemingly divergent traits would be better understood now it was easy then to tag him as a controversial figure, but even still the new column was quite the exposé, with the account being labelled as an 'explosive' chat with 'football's stormiest rebel'.
#palmer #paper #squad
6 days ago
The Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is held in target-date funds, robo-advisor portfolios, and retirement accounts across the country, with roughly $122 billion across roughly 6,300 emerging-market stocks as of June 30, 2026.
For most holders, the VWO is a set-it-and-forget-it allocation to developing economies across Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
A clause buried in the fund's February 2026 statutory prospectus reframes what those holders own, and few appear to have noticed.
The disclosure warns that VWO can legally shift from a diversified fund to a nondiversified one through ordinary market movement or an index rebalance.
No shareholder vote is required, and Vanguard's portfolio managers do not need to take any deliberate action for that transition to occur.
#across #emerging #market #vanguard
For most holders, the VWO is a set-it-and-forget-it allocation to developing economies across Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
A clause buried in the fund's February 2026 statutory prospectus reframes what those holders own, and few appear to have noticed.
The disclosure warns that VWO can legally shift from a diversified fund to a nondiversified one through ordinary market movement or an index rebalance.
No shareholder vote is required, and Vanguard's portfolio managers do not need to take any deliberate action for that transition to occur.
#across #emerging #market #vanguard
7 days ago
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa and New Zealand fly together to Baltimore on Sunday to conclude their epic rugby test series without key players Cheslin Kolbe and Ardie Savea.
Both suffered series-ending injuries on Saturday as the world champion Springboks beat the All Blacks 29-24 and grabbed a 2-1 lead in the four-test series.
Kolbe, South Africa's flawless goalkicker in the series, broke his jaw when he was run over by Luke Jacobson, and Savea, the All Blacks captain, possibly dislocated his right shoulder in a clearout by Jasper Wiese. Also, New Zealand center Quinn Tupaea damaged his MCL.
Neither team planned to replace them in the squad for the final match next Saturday at the NFL home of the Baltimore Ravens.
Having guided the Springboks into a series lead after losing the first match, coach Rassie Erasmus was relieved.
#series #south #springboks #blacks
Both suffered series-ending injuries on Saturday as the world champion Springboks beat the All Blacks 29-24 and grabbed a 2-1 lead in the four-test series.
Kolbe, South Africa's flawless goalkicker in the series, broke his jaw when he was run over by Luke Jacobson, and Savea, the All Blacks captain, possibly dislocated his right shoulder in a clearout by Jasper Wiese. Also, New Zealand center Quinn Tupaea damaged his MCL.
Neither team planned to replace them in the squad for the final match next Saturday at the NFL home of the Baltimore Ravens.
Having guided the Springboks into a series lead after losing the first match, coach Rassie Erasmus was relieved.
#series #south #springboks #blacks
7 days ago
South Africa edged another ferocious and bruising clash against New Zealand to win the third Test 29-24 on Saturday and go 2-1 up in the four-Test Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series.
Both teams scored four tries in front of 87,976 fans at Soccer City, with the Springboks coming back after trailing in the first half to add to their narrow success in last weekend's second test in Cape Town.
It proved another classic contest of Springbok forward power against the All Blacks' pacey passing attack, with New Zealand starting furiously but eventually being worn down by the physicality of their hosts.
Ardie Savea went off nine minutes before halftime with a shoulder injury in a blow to the tourists and he looks uncertain for the final match, which will be played in Baltimore, in the United States, next Saturday.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said: "It was epic and intense, fierce battle in all departments. The scoreboard in the end showed how close it was. Were just happy to win."
#springboks #four #rivalry
Both teams scored four tries in front of 87,976 fans at Soccer City, with the Springboks coming back after trailing in the first half to add to their narrow success in last weekend's second test in Cape Town.
It proved another classic contest of Springbok forward power against the All Blacks' pacey passing attack, with New Zealand starting furiously but eventually being worn down by the physicality of their hosts.
Ardie Savea went off nine minutes before halftime with a shoulder injury in a blow to the tourists and he looks uncertain for the final match, which will be played in Baltimore, in the United States, next Saturday.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said: "It was epic and intense, fierce battle in all departments. The scoreboard in the end showed how close it was. Were just happy to win."
#springboks #four #rivalry
7 days ago
The United Nations General ***** embly on Friday endorsed a new world map that represents Africa more accurately in its larger size, a culmination of a recent campaign led by African countries and advocacy groups.
Friday's resolution, which was sponsored by Togo and backed by members of the African Union, was passed with 164 member states voting in favor. Only the U.S. voted against it while six other countries — Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova and Ukraine — abstained.
The vote encourages governments and institutions around the world to replace the traditional Mercator map, commonly used since the 16th Century, with the Equal Earth projection that advocates and geographers say shows locations more accurately.
The Mercator projection shows Greenland and Africa as appearing to be about the same size whereas in the Equal Earth projection that shows continents in their true proportions, Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland.
Friday's resolution does not ban the Mercator projection or impose a replacement, but only encourages the use of the Equal Earth projection, the U.N. said in its report.
#equal #african #World
Friday's resolution, which was sponsored by Togo and backed by members of the African Union, was passed with 164 member states voting in favor. Only the U.S. voted against it while six other countries — Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova and Ukraine — abstained.
The vote encourages governments and institutions around the world to replace the traditional Mercator map, commonly used since the 16th Century, with the Equal Earth projection that advocates and geographers say shows locations more accurately.
The Mercator projection shows Greenland and Africa as appearing to be about the same size whereas in the Equal Earth projection that shows continents in their true proportions, Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland.
Friday's resolution does not ban the Mercator projection or impose a replacement, but only encourages the use of the Equal Earth projection, the U.N. said in its report.
#equal #african #World
8 days ago
On September 1, Sasol Limited (NYSE:SSL) posted fiscal 2026 results that looked nothing like the shaky operator investors have grown used to. Net debt fell to its lowest level in ten years, Secunda output hit a five-year high, and adjusted EBITDA jumped 17% year over year to ZAR 61 billion. The numbers suggest a turnaround that finally has traction, even as chemical markets stay stuck in a rut.
The clearest thread running through the quarter is that Sasol's core Southern African operations are simply working better than they have in years. Secunda production reached 7.26 million tonnes, a five-year high, driven by improved coal quality and gas availability after the company installed a destoning plant that pushed sinks below 12%. That reliability helped cut the Southern African oil breakeven to $49 per barrel. Management is also weaning the business off external coal, planning to cut purchases from 8.8 million tonnes down to a range of 5 million to 7 million tonnes in fiscal 2027 as own production climbs toward 34 million tonnes by 2028.
The balance sheet tells a similar story. Net debt dropped 11% to $3.3 billion, and available liquidity rose 21% to roughly $5 billion after a bond swap that better matched debt currency to cash generation. Free cash flow of ZAR 11.9 billion was actually up 26% once you strip out a one-time legal settlement from the prior year. International Chemicals, long the drag on the portfolio, posted $604 million in adjusted EBITDA on a 7% cut in fixed costs and a stronger fourth quarter market. Retail fuel market share climbed to 13% from 9% five years ago, and renewable capacity reached 500 megawatts on the way to a 2 gigawatt target by 2030.
Not everything is fixed. Sasol lost two colleagues during the year, a reminder that operational improvement has not erased safety risk. Currency remains a persistent headwind, with CFO Walt Bruns noting that "the stronger rand remained a significant earnings headwind given the U.S. dollar-linked nature of much of our revenue." That same stronger rand outlook, combined with weaker long-term polyethylene pricing, drove impairments on the Secunda liquid fuels refinery and the South African polyethylene unit.
Management was explicit that global chemical markets have not turned a corner, warning that "excess capacity and weaker demand" continue pressuring prices with only a gradual recovery expected. Working capital also ran hot at 18.3% of trailing turnover, above the 15.5% to 16.5% target range, due to pricing volatility and elevated inventory. Fiscal 2027 capital spending guidance of ZAR 23 billion to ZAR 26 billion is also higher than the year just completed, and dividends stay off the table until net debt is sustainably below $3 billion, a threshold the company has approached but not yet crossed.
#debt #fiscal #years #five
The clearest thread running through the quarter is that Sasol's core Southern African operations are simply working better than they have in years. Secunda production reached 7.26 million tonnes, a five-year high, driven by improved coal quality and gas availability after the company installed a destoning plant that pushed sinks below 12%. That reliability helped cut the Southern African oil breakeven to $49 per barrel. Management is also weaning the business off external coal, planning to cut purchases from 8.8 million tonnes down to a range of 5 million to 7 million tonnes in fiscal 2027 as own production climbs toward 34 million tonnes by 2028.
The balance sheet tells a similar story. Net debt dropped 11% to $3.3 billion, and available liquidity rose 21% to roughly $5 billion after a bond swap that better matched debt currency to cash generation. Free cash flow of ZAR 11.9 billion was actually up 26% once you strip out a one-time legal settlement from the prior year. International Chemicals, long the drag on the portfolio, posted $604 million in adjusted EBITDA on a 7% cut in fixed costs and a stronger fourth quarter market. Retail fuel market share climbed to 13% from 9% five years ago, and renewable capacity reached 500 megawatts on the way to a 2 gigawatt target by 2030.
Not everything is fixed. Sasol lost two colleagues during the year, a reminder that operational improvement has not erased safety risk. Currency remains a persistent headwind, with CFO Walt Bruns noting that "the stronger rand remained a significant earnings headwind given the U.S. dollar-linked nature of much of our revenue." That same stronger rand outlook, combined with weaker long-term polyethylene pricing, drove impairments on the Secunda liquid fuels refinery and the South African polyethylene unit.
Management was explicit that global chemical markets have not turned a corner, warning that "excess capacity and weaker demand" continue pressuring prices with only a gradual recovery expected. Working capital also ran hot at 18.3% of trailing turnover, above the 15.5% to 16.5% target range, due to pricing volatility and elevated inventory. Fiscal 2027 capital spending guidance of ZAR 23 billion to ZAR 26 billion is also higher than the year just completed, and dividends stay off the table until net debt is sustainably below $3 billion, a threshold the company has approached but not yet crossed.
#debt #fiscal #years #five
8 days ago
New Delhi: As the Indian team awaits Jasprit **** rah's fitness reports ahead of the T20I series against Afghanistan next week and the subsequent Asian Games, the national selectors have identified Prince Yadav as a probable backup.
TOI understands that **** rah, Nitish **** ar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana are due to undergo match simulation tests over the course of this week before the Indian team **** embles in Delhi on Sept 10.
"The BCCI medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) had shared a report with selectors last week, where it was mentioned that these four players were clinically fit but had to be **** sed in practice matches. The CoE has lined up the matches from Sept 4-9. The CoE is confident that the players should be ready for the Afghanistan series," a BCCI source said.
Prince made his international debut in the ODI series against Afghanistan at home in June. He too suffered a hamstring injury in the second T20I in Zimbabwe on July 25.
It is learnt that he has been declared fit by the CoE and is available for selection. Prince has been doing well in T20Is since this year's IPL and the selectors see him as a serious prospect going forward.
The selectors and the team management want **** rah to get some game time in a first-class match before the Test series in New Zealand. **** rah hasn't played a red-ball match since the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati last November. He has only played T20 cricket before injuring his knee after two ODIs in England in July.
"As it is, he has to skip Test matches because of his fitness. One has to be clear that his knee can take the load of a first-class game before he takes the field in a Test in New Zealand. It needs to be seen if he plays a Ranji Trophy game or a first-class game for India 'A' in New Zealand. He is likely to be rested for the T20I series against West Indies at home in October. But the 'A' games in New Zealand overlap with the ODI series there," a source said.
133754397
#series #test #prince #bumrah
TOI understands that **** rah, Nitish **** ar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana are due to undergo match simulation tests over the course of this week before the Indian team **** embles in Delhi on Sept 10.
"The BCCI medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) had shared a report with selectors last week, where it was mentioned that these four players were clinically fit but had to be **** sed in practice matches. The CoE has lined up the matches from Sept 4-9. The CoE is confident that the players should be ready for the Afghanistan series," a BCCI source said.
Prince made his international debut in the ODI series against Afghanistan at home in June. He too suffered a hamstring injury in the second T20I in Zimbabwe on July 25.
It is learnt that he has been declared fit by the CoE and is available for selection. Prince has been doing well in T20Is since this year's IPL and the selectors see him as a serious prospect going forward.
The selectors and the team management want **** rah to get some game time in a first-class match before the Test series in New Zealand. **** rah hasn't played a red-ball match since the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati last November. He has only played T20 cricket before injuring his knee after two ODIs in England in July.
"As it is, he has to skip Test matches because of his fitness. One has to be clear that his knee can take the load of a first-class game before he takes the field in a Test in New Zealand. It needs to be seen if he plays a Ranji Trophy game or a first-class game for India 'A' in New Zealand. He is likely to be rested for the T20I series against West Indies at home in October. But the 'A' games in New Zealand overlap with the ODI series there," a source said.
133754397
#series #test #prince #bumrah
8 days ago
VinFast has reportedly suspended local manufacturing plans for three electric vehicle models in India, instructing suppliers to halt related work while the company reassesses costs.
Citing unnamed sources and an internal memo, Reuters reported that VinFast had asked suppliers to "hold all activities" on three programmes: the VF 3, a two-door SUV regarded as its most affordably priced offering for the Indian market, alongside the VF 6 and VF 7 SUVs.
The latter two are presently imported as kits from Vietnam for ******* embly within the country.
The development represents a setback roughly a year after VinFast, backed by Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, entered the Indian market in September 2025 with the launch of its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs.
The company established its first factory outside Vietnam in southern India last year and committed to a $2bn investment as part of efforts to build a regional manufacturing hub serving South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
#vinfast
Citing unnamed sources and an internal memo, Reuters reported that VinFast had asked suppliers to "hold all activities" on three programmes: the VF 3, a two-door SUV regarded as its most affordably priced offering for the Indian market, alongside the VF 6 and VF 7 SUVs.
The latter two are presently imported as kits from Vietnam for ******* embly within the country.
The development represents a setback roughly a year after VinFast, backed by Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, entered the Indian market in September 2025 with the launch of its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs.
The company established its first factory outside Vietnam in southern India last year and committed to a $2bn investment as part of efforts to build a regional manufacturing hub serving South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
#vinfast
9 days ago
NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has drawn up a roadmap to address India's recent overseas setbacks, mounting player injuries and preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with secretary Devajit Saikia revealing details of Thursday's high-level review meeting in Mumbai.
The meeting, attended by head coach Gautam Gambhir, Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, T20I captain Shreyas Iyer and Centre of Excellence director VVS Laxman, reviewed India's recent tours of Ireland and England as well as the team's preparations for the next phase of the international calendar.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar was absent, but Saikia said there was no controversy behind his non-participation and insisted no discussion took place about his future.
Saikia strongly rejected suggestions of a communication gap between the team management and the Centre of Excellence, particularly after several high-profile injury setbacks.
"Everybody is on the same page. BCCI is working in a very well like a well oiled engine," Saikia told reporters.
"There is proper coordination amongst all the wings of BCCI, whether it is women's teams committees or their technical staff or their coaches, vis-a-vis the COE, vis-a-vis the Indian men's team's coaching staff and the head coach. There is no difficulty in the coordination, everything is moving in the right direction."
However, he admitted that the frequency of injuries remains a major concern and said the board intends to address it through changes to the next Future Tours Programme (FTP).
"The only challenge which we are facing is that there are too many matches in the year and that is why in the next FTP we will do certain things, we will take certain measures."
The proposed changes will particularly affect preparation for tours to SENA countries — South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.
"We have instructed our FTP persons who will be meeting very soon in various international forums that our FTP should be in such a way it should be scheduled that there is proper rest for the players as well as some kind of acclimatisation or some kind of friendly matches before any major series in SENA countries," Saikia said.
The comments come after India suffered a difficult run in overseas white-ball cricket, losing 0-2 to Ireland in the T20Is before a 1-4 defeat to England in the five-match series. India also lost the ODI series in England 1-2.
Saikia acknowledged India's shortcomings and said the review meeting focused on understanding why the team had struggled.
"We discussed (about) our team performed in England and Ireland and also about what we are going to do about the next one year. The road map has been prepared and we will be doing some exercises so that we have a very good performance in 2027 (ODI) World Cup," he said.
"Yes, we did not do well. We lost matches in Ireland and England, so we wanted to know what the reasons were. We have to do certain soul searching about that
The meeting, attended by head coach Gautam Gambhir, Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, T20I captain Shreyas Iyer and Centre of Excellence director VVS Laxman, reviewed India's recent tours of Ireland and England as well as the team's preparations for the next phase of the international calendar.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar was absent, but Saikia said there was no controversy behind his non-participation and insisted no discussion took place about his future.
Saikia strongly rejected suggestions of a communication gap between the team management and the Centre of Excellence, particularly after several high-profile injury setbacks.
"Everybody is on the same page. BCCI is working in a very well like a well oiled engine," Saikia told reporters.
"There is proper coordination amongst all the wings of BCCI, whether it is women's teams committees or their technical staff or their coaches, vis-a-vis the COE, vis-a-vis the Indian men's team's coaching staff and the head coach. There is no difficulty in the coordination, everything is moving in the right direction."
However, he admitted that the frequency of injuries remains a major concern and said the board intends to address it through changes to the next Future Tours Programme (FTP).
"The only challenge which we are facing is that there are too many matches in the year and that is why in the next FTP we will do certain things, we will take certain measures."
The proposed changes will particularly affect preparation for tours to SENA countries — South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.
"We have instructed our FTP persons who will be meeting very soon in various international forums that our FTP should be in such a way it should be scheduled that there is proper rest for the players as well as some kind of acclimatisation or some kind of friendly matches before any major series in SENA countries," Saikia said.
The comments come after India suffered a difficult run in overseas white-ball cricket, losing 0-2 to Ireland in the T20Is before a 1-4 defeat to England in the five-match series. India also lost the ODI series in England 1-2.
Saikia acknowledged India's shortcomings and said the review meeting focused on understanding why the team had struggled.
"We discussed (about) our team performed in England and Ireland and also about what we are going to do about the next one year. The road map has been prepared and we will be doing some exercises so that we have a very good performance in 2027 (ODI) World Cup," he said.
"Yes, we did not do well. We lost matches in Ireland and England, so we wanted to know what the reasons were. We have to do certain soul searching about that
9 days ago
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Enos Mafokate, South Africa's first Black show jumping champion and veteran equestrian, has died at the age of 80, his family announced on Thursday.
Mafokate broke racial barriers in a sport that was dominated by white riders during South Africa's decades of apartheid. He was widely known as "Kgosi ya Dipere," a Sesotho language phrase which translates to "King of Horses."
"His journey was shaped by several leading figures in South African equestrian sport who recognised his extraordinary ability and, at critical moments, supported him as he challenged the racial barriers of the time," his family said in statement.
Mafokate started out as a stablehand. He won his first riding competition in 1963 but the country's segregation laws prevented him from taking part in further competitions until 1975.
In 1980, he was the first Black South African man to compete internationally as a show jumper, placing fifth out of 31 riders at the Royal International Horse Show at Wembley.
#south #racial
Mafokate broke racial barriers in a sport that was dominated by white riders during South Africa's decades of apartheid. He was widely known as "Kgosi ya Dipere," a Sesotho language phrase which translates to "King of Horses."
"His journey was shaped by several leading figures in South African equestrian sport who recognised his extraordinary ability and, at critical moments, supported him as he challenged the racial barriers of the time," his family said in statement.
Mafokate started out as a stablehand. He won his first riding competition in 1963 but the country's segregation laws prevented him from taking part in further competitions until 1975.
In 1980, he was the first Black South African man to compete internationally as a show jumper, placing fifth out of 31 riders at the Royal International Horse Show at Wembley.
#south #racial
9 days ago
Corn futures are trading with contracts 7 to 8 cents at midday. There were another 187 deliveries issued against September corn overnight. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price is up 5 3/4 cents at $4.97 1/4.
This week's Crop Progress report showed 62% of the US corn crop in the dough stage by August 30, with 62% dented and 13% listed as mature. Condition ratings were steady this week at 47% in good to excellent condition, as the Brugler500 index slipped another point to 347 on a 1 point move from excellent to good. By state, IL (-3), IA (-2), MN (-5), ND (-6), OH (-1), SD (-7), TX (-7), and WI (-5) all saw deterioration. Improvement was noted in CO (+29), MI (+8), MO (+4), and NE (+3).
Cocoa Prices Rise on Concern Over West African Cocoa Quality
Rip-Roaring Bull Markets Are Taking Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Higher
Arabica Coffee Consolidates Recent Losses
#corn #condition #september
This week's Crop Progress report showed 62% of the US corn crop in the dough stage by August 30, with 62% dented and 13% listed as mature. Condition ratings were steady this week at 47% in good to excellent condition, as the Brugler500 index slipped another point to 347 on a 1 point move from excellent to good. By state, IL (-3), IA (-2), MN (-5), ND (-6), OH (-1), SD (-7), TX (-7), and WI (-5) all saw deterioration. Improvement was noted in CO (+29), MI (+8), MO (+4), and NE (+3).
Cocoa Prices Rise on Concern Over West African Cocoa Quality
Rip-Roaring Bull Markets Are Taking Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Higher
Arabica Coffee Consolidates Recent Losses
#corn #condition #september
