The former Australia wicketkeeper, who now works as a broadcaster, doesn’t think the technology will slow the game down
Srinath Sripath06-Nov-2019How would the addition of another umpire exclusively for making no-ball calls affect the game? If it helps “arrive at the right decision”, the former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist is “all for it.”Front-foot no-ball calls have been a contentious issue in cricket for a while, with replays on TV broadcasts often showing on-field umpires missing a number of no-ball calls, and only checking with the third umpire if batsmen have been dismissed.”It is pretty challenging for the on-field umpire to look down there, look up there, have everything else going on,” Gilchrist said at an event organised by Tourism Western Australia in Mumbai. “Surely there was a replay last year that showed it was a no-ball [in the game between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians in Bengaluru].”As revealed by ESPNcricinfo in August, the ICC is conducting trials to put TV umpires in charge of these calls, which the IPL looks set to emulate in the coming months.One of the main concerns over involving TV umpires has been over whether it would slow the game down, but Gilchrist, who works as a broadcaster in Australia with , said it wouldn’t be a major issue given the technology available in the game.”No, no [I don’t think it’ll slow things down], because they can do it in an instant. I know, I work in broadcast, you can have a replay within five seconds. In football, VAR seems to be slowing it down a little bit,” Gilchrist said, referring to the Video Assistant Referee, which has been a contentious topic in recent months in football. “I think, if it’s a line decision [in cricket], you can have a replay like that [in a matter of seconds].”The modalities, though, will be for the ICC and the IPL governing council to decide. Should the third umpire monitor no-ball calls? Or is there enough justification to bring another umpire in? Gilchrist is firmly in the former camp. “Why can’t the third umpire just look at the replay and just go not out? That should be allowed. Whether you need a fourth umpire, maybe not”.
For all their athletic ability and untold riches, football players tend to be pretty average when it comes to height, for sports stars at least. You don't tend to see many players exceeding 1.92m – or 6 foot 3 – and it usually becomes a talking point when they do.
For example, Peter Crouch was a great player in his own right, but he is remembered for being one of the tallest players we have ever seen. Put him up against a basketball player, however, and he is distinctly average – height-wise, that is.
So how tall can professional players get, and who are the tallest professional players in world football today?
With that in mind, we have created a list of the 10 tallest football players still playing the game today in 2024 using data from Transfermarkt.
Disclaimer – for the purpose of this list, we have only included players playing at professional level.
Carlos Miguel
2.04m/6 foot 7
Corinthians
Goalkeeper
Armin Spahic
2.05m/6 foot 8
TOSK Tesanj
Centre-back
Milan Ziric
2.05m/6 foot 8
Vorwarts Steyr
Centre-back
Lucas Berstrom
2.05m/6 foot 8
Chelsea
Goalkeeper
Kevin Gadella
2.06m/6 foot 9
FC Utrecht II
Goalkeeper
Kjell Scherpen
2.06m/6 foot 9
SK Sturm Graz
Goalkeeper
Denys Tvardovskyi
2.06m/6 foot 9
Shakhtar Donetsk
Goalkeeper
Issak Toure
2.06m/6 foot 9
FC Lorient
Centre-back
Tomas Holy
2.06m/6 foot 9
Carlisle United
Goalkeeper
Kyle Hudlin
2.06m/6 foot 9
Huddersfield Town
Striker
10 Carlos Miguel (Corinthians) 2.04m (6 foot 7) – Goalkeeper
We're kicking off our list with a goalkeeper – there is going to be plenty of those – from South America, Brazil to be exact.
Carlos Miguel comes in at a massive 2.04m, or just about 6 foot 7, and we say massive regarding the rest of us. Compared to the rest of the players on this list, he's a good one to two inches shorter.
Miguel began his career in Internacional's reserve side before spending a couple of seasons on loan with Santa Cruz and Boa Esporte before making a permanent move to Brazilian giants Corinthians in August 2021.
He isn't the side's number-one keeper, but he has made eight first-team appearances this year and kept six clean sheets in the process, which is pretty good going for a backup.
The second man to make it onto our list is Austrian centre-back Armin Spahic, who is the first of three players to come in at 2.05m, or about 6 foot 8.
The 23-year-old is currently plying his trade in Bosnia-Herzegovina for second-tier side TOSK Tesanj, who he only joined in September of last year from fellow Bosnian second-tier side OFK Gradina Srebrenik.
The Austrian looks to be enjoying a relatively successful first season with his new club as he has featured in the starting XI 11 times so far this season and has even found himself on the scoresheet on one occasion – not bad for a new defender.
We've got another Austrian centre-back measuring 6 foot 8 inches coming in next, although instead of playing in the Bosnian second division, he has stayed closer to home.
Milan Ziric plays for Austrian third-tier side Vorwarts Steyr, joining them in July last year from fourth-tier side SPG Wels II.
Like his compatriot in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ziric is having a great season with his new side, starting 12 games so far this season and helping them climb to fourth in the table – as things stand.
7 Lucas Bergstrom (Chelsea) 2.05m (6 foot 8) – Goalkeeper
Chelsea goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom.
The last 6 foot 8 player on the list is our second goalkeeper and the first player to ply his trade on these shores, in the Premier League, no less.
Lucas Berstrom is currently a Chelsea player and has been ever since his move from Finnish side Turun Palloseura during the 2018/19 season.
He spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Peterborough United and made 28 first-team appearances for the posh, in which he kept nine clean sheets.
He hasn't made a first-team appearance for the Blues yet, but he was on the team's preseason tour of America and has one international cap to his name.
We have reached the players on this list who tower above pretty much everyone else on a football pitch and probably wouldn't look amiss on a basketball court.
Kevin Gadella plys his trade in his home country of the Netherlands with FC Utrecht II – their under 21 team – and he has been having a mixed season so far this year.
He has featured in 13 games for the club, and he has let in 24 goals and kept five clean sheets so far, and with the team down in 19th place, he'll surely be looking to improve as the campaign continues.
We're back in the Premier League for the next one, well, sort of.
Kjell Scherpen is currently on loan to Austrian first-tier side Sturm Graz, but his parent club are Brighton & Hove Albion, back in the English top-flight.
The young Dutchman joined the Seagulls from Eredivisie giants Ajax in the summer of 2021 for an undisclosed fee before spending time in Belgium and the Netherlands on loan before ending up in Austria this season.
He's been having a cracking season this year, having conceded just 32 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions, as well as keeping nine clean sheets in the process.
It would be great to see him make it in the Premier League one day, just to see how some of the shorter strikers cope with him.
Ranking the 10 tallest Premier League players for 2023/2024 season
FFC takes a detailed look at the tallest players to ever ply their trade in the Premier League.
BySean Markus Clifford Oct 4, 2023 4 Denys Tvardovskyi (Shakhtar Donetsk) 2.06m (6 foot 9) – Goalkeeper
The fourth spot gives us our fourth goalkeeper on the bounce – we did say there were a lot of them on this list – and it's Shakhtar Donetsk's backup, Denys Tvardovskyi.
The 20-year-old has been with the Ukrainian giants for his entire professional career but has yet to be given the opportunity to start a game for the first team, let alone an appearance off the bench.
However, he has started eight games in the UEFA Youth League for the U19s, conceding 12 goals but keeping three clean sheets. He has also earned three caps for the Ukrainian U19 side and one for the U21s.
We reckon it won't be long until we see him in the starting XI for Shakhtar.
The third spot on the list gives us a much-needed break from the wall-to-wall goalkeepers of the last four entries – my apologies to the union – with 20-year-old centre-back Isaak Toure claiming the bronze.
The Gonesse-born titan stands at 2.06m – 6 foot 9 – and currently plys his trade for Ligue 1 side FC Lorient after completing a move from French giants Marseille earlier this summer.
He's having a reasonably successful season with the men in orange this year, appearing in 18 games and helping his team stay out of the relegation zone, for now at least.
The penultimate player on our list is another goalkeeper who makes his living in the English leagues, Carlisle United's Tomas Holy.
Like the four players before him, the six-cap Czech international comes in at a whopping 6 foot 9 and has been a regular in the EFL ever since his 2017 move to Gillingham from Prague outfit Sparta Prague.
He would make over 100 appearances for the Gills before moving to Ipswich Town in 2019. A couple of loan moves to Cambridge United and Port Vale followed before he joined Carlisle on a permanent contract in the summer of 2022.
Since moving north, Holy has become one of the most important members of the first team and has made 73 appearances to date.
Right, here we are, number one, and we have saved the best until last, a 6 foot 9 striker, yes, a striker.
Just think back to how big Peter Crouch used to look against regular defenders, and then add another two inches. That is how tall Huddersfield Town striker Kyle Hudlin is.
The 23-year-old forward started his career with Solihull before moving to Solihull Moors and finally to Huddersfield Town in July 2022. Since then, he has spent six months on loan with AFC Wimbledon before returning to the Terriers, where he still is this season.
However, he hasn't exactly proved his worth since joining as he's currently on loan at League One side Burton Albion.
However, the talent is undoubtedly there, as he was a real handful at Solihull Moors. Just have a look for yourselves.
Melbourne Stars make the most of their opponents’ error-strewn display on the field
Alex Malcolm22-Dec-2019The power of Marcus Stoinis and the pace of Haris Rauf helped the Melbourne Stars steamroll the Hobart Hurricanes by a whopping 52 runs in Moe.Stoinis made the most of some early fortune to make an unbeaten 81 that underpinned a solid total of 4 for 163 on a country pitch that was not easy to settle on. He shared an 81-run opening stand with Nic Maddinson, but both benefitted from mistakes by the Hurricanes, with Stoinis dropped twice and Maddinson bowled off a no-ball. Stoinis struck seven fours and four massive sixes in his 54-ball innings that really picked up pace after the powerplay.Rauf then bagged his maiden T20 five-wicket haul, and was named Player of the Match, in just his second BBL game after being plucked from Hobart grade cricket. He took 5 for 27 from four overs, backing up the work of his skipper Glenn Maxwell, who took the key wickets of D’Arcy Short and David Miller in the powerplay. Spinners Sandeep Lamichhane and Adam Zampa tied the middle order in knots before Rauf blasted them out with express pace and some cleverly disguised slower balls.The Stars now have two wins, despite not using the services of new recruits Dale Steyn and Nathan Coulter-Nile.A drop from a Rose Clive Rose opened the bowling as a specific match-up plan for Stoinis. The first ball he bowled to the right-hander produced an error – Stoinis scooped a leading edge back to Rose and he spilled the low chance. Stoinis swept the next ball for four. He was missed again in Rose’s next over, slicing a ball to backward point only for Riley Meredith to lose the ball in the sun, with the easy catch hitting the turf untouched. Those two chances allowed Maddinson and Stoinis to capitalise. Maddinson did farm the majority of strike and battled to rotate it on a tough, low, skidding surface despite finding the boundary eight times with some powerful strikes through the off-side.Rose, despite the drop, bowled superbly in the powerplay, conceding just 12 runs from three overs. But that good work was undone in the tenth over when Nathan Ellis bowled Maddinson off a no-ball. Stoinis then thumped a four, courtesy of a misfield, and a six to pick up the rate.Marcus Stoinis pulls behind square•Getty ImagesLeft-right experiment halts momentum Simon Milenko bucked the trend of misfields and dropped chances with a superb diving catch at backward point off Meredith to remove Maddinson. Maxwell and coach David Hussey decided to promote Ben Dunk to keep the left-right combination going in an attempt to nullify legspinner Qais Ahmad, instead of allowing the in-form Maxwell to bat with 59 balls left in the innings. Dunk made 19 off 12 and hit two sixes but he also absorbed five dot balls, before Meredith returned to remove Maxwell and Peter Handscomb as the innings lost impetus. The ball became softer and the pitch harder to score on as the Stars failed to find the boundary between the 15th and 18th overs. But both Stoinis and Hilton Cartwright were able to clear the rope in the last two overs to set a competitive total with the Hurricanes missing the services of specialist death bowler James Faulkner, who was strangely rested.Maxwell’s smart move Maxwell used himself in the powerplay against the Hurricanes key man Short and left-handed opening partner Caleb Jewell. The decision worked a treat. Short was unable to find the boundary off Maxwell, scoring just four runs in five balls before pulling a quicker short ball straight to Daniel Worrall at backward square. Ben McDermott picked out midwicket with a miscued pull shot off the pace of Rauf in the next over. With Miller joining Jewell, Maxwell opted to bowl himself a third over in the powerplay against the two left-handers and he slid one through the gate of Miller as he charged and missed attempting a wild slog. The Hurricanes were 3 for 45 at end of the powerplay, and Maxwell had 2 for 15 from three overs.Legspin twins have a ball before Rauf runs riot With Short and Miller gone, Maxwell called upon his two legspinners Lamichhane and Zampa and the pair ripped through the middle order. Jewell fell to a top-edged sweep shot trying to sweep Lamichhane’s wrong’un. Clint Hinchliffe took an outstanding diving catch running in from deep backward square. Zampa deceived Simon Milenko with a wrong’un and then a slider to clip his off bail. The pair took 2 for 16 in four overs. Rauf returned to rip through the tail bowling at 145kph-plus. He took three wickets in an over, bouncing out Mac Wright and then crashing through the fragile defences of Tom Rogers and Qais to flatten the stumps twice. He saved his best for last, fooling Ellis with a brilliant slower ball to claim his five-wicket haul. Rose was the only positive for the Hurricanes with the bat, smashing 32 not out including three sixes to post his highest score in T20s.
Everything you need to know about the new Rangers kits for the 2024-25 season.
Rangers' partnership with Castore will continue for the 2024-25 season, with the Liverpool-based sportswear manufacturer having agreed a five-year deal with the Gers that will see them be the club's primary kit supplier until 2025 back at the start of the 2020/21 season.
Shop Rangers 2024-25 kits at CastoreBuy now
All the home, away, third and goalkeeper jerseys have been revealed through the club's preparations for the new Scottish Premiership season.
So, what will the likes of Todd Cantwell, James Tavernier and Jack Butland be wearing when they feature for Rangers next season? GOAL brings you everything we know…
RangersRangers 2024-25 home kit, release date & priceShop Rangers 2024-25 kits at CastoreBuy now
Rangers and Castore revealed the Gers' new 2024-25 home kit on June 28, 2024. It has been largely inspired by Ibrox, the club's legendary 125-year-old stadium, and features a diagonal print that is a nod to the architectural look of the Bill Struth Main Stand.
The classic royal blue base provides a sharp contrast to the white of the Castore logo and sponsor insignia, while thin red piping runs down the sleeves.
Inside the jersey is a quote from the club's iconic manager Sir Walter Smith, which reads: "There are people for whom Rangers Football Club is their entire way of life."
The Rangers 2023-24 home shirt will cost £75 ($95) for the adult version.
AdvertisementRangers 2024-25 away kit, release date & priceShop Rangers 2024-25 away kit at CastoreBuy now
The Rangers 24-25 away strip looks extremely interesting. It carries several special, intricate details inspired by the architectural elements of the famous Ibrox stadium.
In the heart of the jersey lies a canvas of predominantly white, adorned with subtle light grey intricate designs that showcase the stadium's rich architecture. This combination gives the top a distinct aesthetic, setting the kit apart from the rest.
The shield around the crest represents the "Ready" shield on the Bill Struth main stand. Adding to its allure, the collar and sleeve cuffs boast a vibrant blue hue with red trim.
The Castore Rangers 2024-25 away kit is up for sale, and it will cost around £75 ($95) for the adult version.
RangersRangers 2024-25 third kit, release date & priceShop Rangers 2024-25 kits at CastoreBuy now
The Castore x Rangers third kit for 2024-25 was revealed on July 25, 2024.
Launched with the tag line "Hear us roar," the kit has been described to feature the famous Rangers lion on a dramatic dark background in all overall bold and new look like never before.
Like the home and away jerseys, the third shirt will retail at £75 ($95) for a regular adult size.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
RangersRangers 2024-25 training kit release date & price
The Rangers training gear for 2024-25 has been kept rather simple with two tones of blue and available to purchase starting from £40 ($50).
Celtic are currently sat at the top of the Scottish Premiership table during the international break after their 3-1 win over St. Johnstone last weekend.
Goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn, and James Forrest put the Hoops 3-0 up before a late consolation strike from Connor Smith for the away side finished off the scoring.
They are now one point clear of rivals Rangers, whose game at Dundee was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, having played one more match.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers watches on.
After the international break, Celtic should be hoping for a strong end to the season in order to win the SFA Cup and Premiership title, rather than enduring a trophyless campaign.
The national team matches may have come at the perfect time for Brendan Rodgers, who could have a couple of key players back fit by next week.
Latest Celtic injury news
Captain Callum McGregor has been absent in recent weeks with an Achilles injury but could be back in action after the break, with the manager hopeful that he will be available to face Livingston.
There is no guarantee that the Scotland international, who was not in contention to feature for his country this month, will be ready to return for that match but the ex-Liverpool tactician will assess the midfielder's fitness ahead of that game.
Central defender Maik Nawrocki suffered a hamstring injury last month and there has been no timescale given on his return to first-team involvement, which means that it remains to be seen whether or not he will be available to face Livi.
Appearances
8
Starts
5
Pass accuracy
86%
Ground duel success rate
70%
Aerial duel success rate
46%
One player who looks set to be in contention to feature against Livingston, however, is central midfielder Reo Hatate after he made his return in a friendly earlier this week.
The Japan international played 45 minutes in a bounce game against St Mirren on Wednesday, a match in which Gustaf Lagerbielke and Hyeon-gyu Oh also took part.
Hatate has been out of action since the winter break after he suffered injuries to both of his calves whilst playing for his country back in January.
Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate.
His appearance in the friendly clash earlier this week suggests that the terrific midfielder could have a chance of being in the squad to face Livingston when the Hoops return to Premiership action next Sunday.
With this in mind, Rodgers could brutally ditch Tomoki Iwata, who has emerged as a regular this year, from the starting XI to make way for Hatate, whether that is in the next game, or whenever the Japanese star is ready to be selected from the start.
Tomoki Iwata's Celtic emergence
The 26-year-old battler has worked his way into the starting line-up for the Hoops during the second half of the campaign, after a difficult start to the season.
Nine of his 11 appearances in the Premiership have come since the start of November, and all six of his starts in the division have come since the start of December.
Tomoki Iwata
The Japan international has provided a calm presence on the ball at the base of the midfield set-up for Rodgers, with a pass completion rate of 92% across those 11 top-flight clashes.
However, Iwata has left a little bit to be desired with his lack of quality out of possession for the Scottish giants. He has lost 56% of his duels, including 62% of his battles on the ground, and only made 1.1 tackles and interceptions combined per match in the Premiership.
This suggests that opposition players have found it too easy to outmuscle and get the better of him in the middle of the park at times, whilst the midfielder has also struggled to make multiple defensive interventions per game.
Key passes per game
0.6
16th
Dribbles per game
0.0
Joint-27th
Shots per game
0.8
21st
Assists
1
Joint-12th
Goals
1
Joint-15th
Whilst his pass accuracy speaks to his reliability and composure on the ball, the statistics in the table above show that Iwata has not made a big impact in possession at the top end of the pitch.
Why Reo Hatate should replace Tomoki Iwata
If Hatate is back fit and available, Rodgers must brutally ditch Iwata to unleash the "outrageous" – as described by Scotland international John McGinn – whiz in his place.
The £16k-per-week dynamo has scored two goals and provided two assists – twice as many of each compared to his compatriot – in just eight league appearances in an injury-disrupted campaign so far.
Last season, the 26-year-old magician was a regular starter under Ange Postecoglou and caught the eye with both his contributions in and out of possession for the Bhoys.
Hatate averaged 1.5 tackles and interceptions per match, which was marginally more than Iwata has managed this term, but his strength in his duels stood out. The impressive gem won 56% of his battles on the ground and 59% of his aerial contests across 32 league matches.
This suggests that he could offer more than the current starter in terms of his strength off the ball, as he can dominate opposition players in duels – rather than being dominated.
Appearances
32
11
Goals
6
1
Assists
8
1
Big chances created
10
1
Key passes per game
1.3
0.6
Dribbles completed per game
0.8
0.0
As you can see in the table above, the recently injured Celtic star also has the edge over Iwata when it comes to making things happen at the top end of the pitch.
He has the quality to score and create goals at an impressive rate – with more Premiership goals than any other central midfielder in the squad last season – and could provide the team with another threat in possession over the coming weeks and months.
Therefore, Rodgers should brutally ditch Iwata from the starting line-up as soon as Hatate is fit enough to start, due to his superior qualities on and off the ball in the middle of the park.
Everton have had their fair share of poor dealings in the transfer market, with the club wasting a lot of money on players who clearly aren't up to the standard of the Premier League.
The club signed players such as Moise Kean and Yannick Bolasie, with the duo failing to make any sort of positive impact at Goodison Park before leaving either for free or for a loss on what they paid.
Moise Kean
The arrival of Bolasie in particular is one of the reasons the club have found themselves in trouble with the Premier League for their FFP and PSR breaches, with the club forking out £25m on the attacker before allowing him to leave for nothing.
However, the club also invested a hefty fee in another player, with the club doing well to offload him when they did, given his lack of impact at the club.
Davy Klaassen's stats at Everton
After joining for a fee of £23.6m from Ajax back in the summer of 2017, attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen arrived at Goodison Park with a lot of excitement after his 14-goal season in the Eredivisie.
However, he failed to make a positive impact during his time on Merseyside, with the midfielder failing to score a single goal during the 2017/18 campaign.
Klaassen also only made 17 appearances during his one season at Goodison, with the Dutch international failing to live up to the expectations he came with.
He subsequently departed the Toffees in July 2018, to German side Werder Bremen for a fee in the region of £12m, with the club making a loss of £11.6m in less than a year.
Klaassen has gone on to find his feet once again all over Europe, with the midfielder racking up 54 goals and 26 assists since departing Goodison nearly six years ago.
Despite his brilliant return with goals and assists, his market value has rapidly decreased, with Klaassen now worth less than another Everton flop.
Davy Klaassen's market value in 2024
The 31-year-old may have produced a solid return in recent years, but he has struggled this campaign with Italian giants Inter Milan, registering no goals and no assists in his 16 outings for the club, with the Dutchman mainly used as an impact player off the bench.
As a result, he's seen his value plummet, with Klaassen now only valued at £4.2m, as per Transfermarkt, with his value lower than that of current Everton flop Michael Keane, who is currently worth £6m.
Klaassen, who was described as "awful" by one Ajax source on Twitter, certainly has struggled when plying his trade in one of Europe's top five leagues, as demonstrated by his stints in the Premier League and Serie A with Everton and Inter Milan, respectively.
The Dutch midfielder certainly hasn't had the career he was once expected to given his brilliant form for Ajax before his big-money move to England, with the Toffees making the right decision to cash in on the 31-year-old back in the summer of 2018.
Market Movers
Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?
Wade and D’Arcy Short added an opening stand of 203 as the Strikers were left to settle for third place and a spot in the Knockout final
The Report by Andrew McGlashan26-Jan-2020A breathtaking century by captain Matthew Wade helped the Hobart Hurricanes time their run into the BBL finals just right as they secured a spot in the Eliminator by overcoming the Adelaide Strikers in a high-scoring match of more than 400 runs.Wade and D’Arcy Short added 203 for the first wicket with Wade finishing on a magnificent unbeaten 130 off 61 balls, which, at one stage, looked set to threaten Marcus Stoinis’ recent BBL record of 147.Matthew Wade was in blistering form•Getty ImagesHowever, the Strikers – who could have clinched second place with victory – gave the chase a terrific attempt led by Phil Salt as he looked capable of matching Wade. However, the impressive Nathan Ellis again shone at the death while James Faulkner showed his experience when it mattered.The outcome means that the Strikers will host the knockout match at the Adelaide Oval on February 1 while the Sydney Sixers have earned a spot in the Qualifier against the Melbourne Stars and two chances to reach the final. The Hurricanes’ opponents, the Brisbane Heat away or Sydney Thunder at home, would be known on Monday after the final regular-season match between the Heat and the Melbourne Renegades.Wade’s masterclassWade, who has hit a purple patch in the last week, looked in the mood early on and by the end of the powerplay had 38 off 19 balls with the Hurricanes going at ten an over. It was the eighth over, which would become Billy Stanlake’s only one of the innings, where the Strikers began to really lose control as Wade fed off a leg-side line in an over that cost 22. Though he had gone for 21 before the final ball of the over, it might have been different for Stanlake if Jono Wells had managed to hold Wade at deep square-leg on 57. The Strikers’ go-to bowler, Rashid Khan, was also taken for consecutive sixes before Wade brought up his hundred from 48 balls after reaching 99 with a bottom-handed flick over the ropes off Peter Siddle.
The #BBL09 table with one league game to go
Which one of @HeatBBL or @ThunderBBL will qualify?https://t.co/cwvEOmsgaP pic.twitter.com/UKzznIYQxQ
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 26, 2020
Short plays second fiddleIt is little surprise that the Hurricanes’ season has come together as they’ve got Wade and Short back in harness after their respective international duties. Short made a duck in his game after the India tour (although he took a five-wicket haul) and did not quite look in his best form for most of this innings, but showed maturity by playing in Wade’s slipstream and not giving it away. In a mark of the contrasting innings, Short’s fifty and Wade’s hundred both took 48 deliveries but Short got some rewards late on as he struck three sixes in the space of four balls to take the total over 200. The last two overs from the Strikers only went for 15 but a lot of damage had been done.A sprinkling of SaltAlthough they could secure second spot, overall there was less pressure on the Strikers than the Hurricanes and they were able to approach a tough chase with a degree of freedom knowing a home knockout match was theirs even in defeat. Salt was dropped second ball – a sitter to George Bailey at point, who managed to maintain his sense of humour (his career now has at least one more game) – and raced out of the blocks to put the Hurricanes’ bowlers under the pump. At the end of the powerplay, the Strikers were ahead in the comparison at 1 for 66. With the halfway mark of the innings approaching, they had kept the required rate around 11 but attempting to clear the popular deep midwicket area, Salt picked out Short, who had previously given him a life in the same spot on 43.Nerves at the deathWhen Scott Boland removed Travis Head – the ball rolling up his leg and back into the stumps – the Strikers surged again as Alex Carey and Wells took 25 off the next seven deliveries. By the start of the 17th over, they needed 48 off 24 balls with a set Carey and in-form Wells in the middle. However, Clive Rose bravely held back his first delivery of the over and Wells missed his sweep, and then it was over to Ellis and Faulkner to close out. Ellis’ first ball of the 18th was swung for six by Khan but his next was a pinpoint yorker, which earned an lbw. He went for just six off the next four deliveries, and then Faulkner used all his variations to concede five off the penultimate over, leaving Ellis with 22 to defend from the last.
Jack Grealish has paid tribute to the late Craig Shakespeare and revealed a special gesture he received after his Euro 2024 snub.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Shakespeare dies aged 60Grealish sends emotional messageReveals Shakespeare's message after Euro 2024 snubGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
On Thursday evening, it was officially announced that Shakespeare had died after his battle with illness at the age of 60, in a statement that read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, 'SHAKEY'. Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family. Whilst the family are immensely proud of his footballing achievements as both a player and a coach, to us, his family, he will always primarily be a loving and loved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.
"The loss is devastating to us all and we would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with, and mourn, the loss of a very special person.
"The family would like to thank and acknowledge the many prayers and good wishes sent during the past few difficult months, many of which we were unable to respond to but all meant a lot to Craig and the family."
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Shakespeare worked as Dean Smith's assistant manager at Aston Villa between August 2020 and November 2021 and worked extensively with Grealish during that time. The forward has now voiced an emotional tribute to Shakespeare and revealed that he received a message from the former Leicester boss after he was left off England's Euro 2024 squad by Gareth Southgate.
WHAT GREALISH SAID
The Manchester City star shared a photo with Shakespeare on Instagram and captioned an emotional message that read: "Shakey, one of the greatest people I’ve ever met not only in football but in life. Last month was texting me when I didn’t make the Euros squad whilst he was ill shows the type of man he was! An absolute heart of gold! Everyone really will miss you Shakey. Absolutely devastated. Sending all my love to his family."
Grealish also posted a screenshot of the message he received from Shakespeare following his Euros snub, which read: "Jack, sometimes it’s hard to know what to say. But I’m gutted for you and thinking about you. My most gifted player I’ve worked with. Take care, Shakey."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
WHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?
The Manchester City forward is currently in the United States with Pep Guardiola's side as he looks to find his way back into the Spaniard's starting eleven after having lost his place due to a lack of form alongside injury issues.
Rangers, after falling behind in the Scottish Premiership title race, are now reportedly set to lose one of Philippe Clement's most important Ibrox players.
Rangers transfer news
Ahead of Clement's first full season in charge, Rangers could be set to endure a number of changes with several players on course to leave upon the expiry of their current deals, including the likes of Ryan Jack and Borna Barisic. Those departures will at least free up room for fresh faces, however, which could see both Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes arrive in permanent deals as reports suggest is a possibility.
Those at Ibrox have seen a preview of what Clement is capable of this season and his first full season may prove to be even better, perhaps finally resulting in another title win. Whatever happens though, the Rangers manager looks set to be without John Lundstram, despite initial reports suggesting that contract talks were still ongoing.
Journalist thinks Clement "doesn't rate" Rangers player who could be moved on
He’s struggled this season.
ByTom Cunningham Apr 18, 2024
According to journalist Egzi Alp, relayed by Ibrox News, Ipswich Town are set to sign Lundstram on a free deal this summer in a move that could see the midfielder feature in the Premier League next season. It's quite the blow for Rangers, given how important the former Sheffield United man has been at Ibrox, but they could now be set to pay the price for their failure in negotiations over a new deal.
Clement may well be among those most frustrated too, having previously been so full of praise for Lundstram. The Rangers boss said: "He is important in many ways. He is someone who never hides. He always wants the ball. He understands the tactical study we want to do every game, he changes every game to try and find spaces.
"He is a leader in the dressing room and on the pitch. You need someone like that and I have several now. I am really happy about that."
Rangers must replace "leader" Lundstram
If Lundstram does depart as reports now suggest is on the cards, then Rangers simply cannot afford not to find a replacement this summer. It won't be an easy search, given that their budget will not be increased by the sale of the midfielder, but it is still something that Clement may need to get right in the summer window if he wants to take his side back above Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers midfielder John Lundstram.
Reliability will be the trait that the Gers must find, given that Lundstram has started in all but three Scottish Premiership games under Clement this season. Finding a player who is readily available to step in every week with the experience and quality of Lundstram will undoubtedly be one of the keys to success in Clement's first full season in charge.
Of course, there's still time for contract negotiations to change once again in another twist, but with Ipswich closing in on a Premier League place, Lundstram may need plenty of convincing to stay put at Ibrox this summer. Should he depart, the midfielder will want to at least end his time at the club with a dramatic title win.
A number of big-name sponsors are leaving their CA deals but the board sees it as a time to try a new approach
Daniel Brettig26-Feb-2020Domain, the naming-rights partner for Test cricket, is not the only brand to be exiting Cricket Australia’s suite of sponsors. Mastercard and Specsavers are also on their way out, with Bupa to scale down its commitment and so lose its naming rights sponsorship of the national cricket centre in Brisbane and place on the shirts of Australian team support staff.If this sounds like a worrying exodus for the game, it is nothing next to the climate in which CA’s last broadcast rights deal was signed, a matter of weeks after the Newlands scandal. Having been front and centre of that negotiation, CA executive Stephanie Beltrame is now concocting a plan to recast the governing body’s portfolio of partners in order to grow it.Cricket is hardly doing badly: in terms of revenue raised from corporate backers it sits third in Australia behind tennis and the AFL. However, the dwarfing of all other sports revenue by the cash derived from broadcast rights means that the wider commercial realm is due a rethink, and cricket is getting its own from the very person who played a large part in growing that broadcast revenue.As CA’s head of broadcast rights, Beltrame worked assiduously towards the creation of competition in the market for a 2013 deal that included the Big Bash League for the first time and was worth some A$500 million. The next step was bigger, bolder and more lucrative still, the 2018 agreement with Fox and Seven reaping A$1.18 billion for CA. Having returned from maternity leave, Beltrame is now the executive in charge of all commercial concerns, and wants the wider picture to follow the broadcast trend.”I prefer the term partnership than sponsorship because there’s so much more to it than a one way investment,” Beltrame told ESPNcricinfo. “I also want us to be able to form partnerships in other commercial areas, diversify our revenue and seek new opportunities so that we will be able to grow in the same way that we’ve seen growth across our media rights revenue. I have high expectations.”From time to time we’ll have a partner advise us that they’re exiting despite having what they regard as quite a successful result, but we just have to respect that decision. Every partner you want to be treated in the same way when you arrive as when you leave, and exactly the same way an employee should have that – so we don’t have any issues when partners go. We’d prefer they stay obviously, but you’ve got to respect the decision.”Among CA’s other current sponsors, KFC, Toyota and Sanitarium have deals that run until 2021, and its commercial betting partner Bet365’s much-debated contract expires the following year. Of Bet365, Beltrame said: “Ultimately because we still have a number of years left in the agreement, no decision has been taken about our association, whether that’s to status quo, to change, so I think they’re all considerations, but at this point in time we’re still in a current agreement.”Chief among Beltrame’s questions is to investigate, alongside the state associations, whether there is more to be wrung from the BBL, a far bigger proposition than it was at its inception in 2011. The league’s current list of four partners may yet grow.”If we believe a different model is required for BBL then we might look at changing the number of partners that can be associated with it,” Beltrame said. “And then some consideration of how do you grow the pie but still provide meaningful protection and exclusivity to brands. How the BBL fits in with international cricket, how brands can opt to be involved across Australian cricket or be involved in international only or BBL only.”Where the AFL has been able to successfully build sponsorships over a long period of time through its breadth of clubs, matches, length of season and connection to the passions stirred in club members and followers, tennis’ fulcrum is the Australian Open, a truly international event that sets the eyes of the world on Melbourne Park for two highly lucrative weeks. With its strong hold on the summer months, and the extra overseas eyeballs presented by its standing as a far more global game than AFL but somewhat less so than tennis, cricket should sit somewhere in between.”The mix of how [our revenue] made up is very different, we don’t have many partners, we’ve been quite exclusive for a long period of time,” Beltrame said. “I think there’s opportunities where we can create different partnerships at different levels. We can really take advantage of our national and international footprint. India’s touring here, what else can we do, how can we sell directly to India? There’s things we can do because of our remit as a national and international sport.”Some things, of course, are beyond anyone’s control, like the extreme weather that blighted this summer’s BBL almost as much as all previous events combined, or a slackening Australian economy after more than 25 years of growth. Whatever lies ahead, Beltrame wants CA to be able to adapt: “It just really starts from my perspective from reviewing what we’re currently doing – looking under the hood.”