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For the first of the warm-up games on this tour England take on an Otago side bolstered by the addition of the two Claire Taylors and Arran Thompson

Claire Taylor's Winter Diary25-Dec-2009For the first of the warm-up games on this tour England take on an Otago side bolstered by the addition of the two Claire Taylors and Arran Thompson. England bat first and make 193 for nine on a grassy wicket.I’m behind the stumps for only the third time this year and keep tidily, picking up a stumping. The Otago Sparks batted well with contributions from the England players and Rachel Pullar (a New Zealand player who has withdrawn from the current squad) to complete a three-wicket win with five overs to spare.Sunday saw the second of the warm-up matches. England elected to field first this time and Rachel Pullar top scored for the Sparks with 100 not out to leave England with 200 runs required for the win. Rain stopped play late in the afternoon with England at the asking rate with three wickets down. It would have been a good chase for England to win and would have filled the batsmen with confidence going into the World Series Tournament at Lincoln.All of the matches on this tour will be filmed and the video footage analysed to help us make improvements to our game. We’ll track against key performance indicators such as quick singles, edges, appeals, play and misses and so on. Bowlers and batsmen alike will be able to view matchday footage of technique to check shot selection and execution or ball shape and the batsmen’s reaction. Already I’ve noticed differences in bat pick up that I’ll be able to work on in training.The next day we travelled back up to Christchurch and started our training at Lincoln University. There were a lot of memories from the World Cup for most of the players in the squad, not a very happy time for the England girls and hopefully we’ll be able to overcome that and play some more positive cricket. That evening was spent helping Laura Harper celebrate her 19th birthday.Our first match at Lincoln was another warm-up game against New Zealand A, who had just tied a match against their senior team. We scored 199 for six on a difficult track with the ball staying very low (three LBWs for the first three wickets). NZ A won the match with only two balls to spare and no wickets. A very tense competitive match which we should have sown up when they needed 21 from 18 deliveries with two wickets in hand.The opening match of the tournament saw Australia reasserting their dominance of the women’s game with a 60-run victory over New Zealand, Karen Rolton scoring a quickfire 80 from 60 balls. Our first game was against India in a rain affected 45 over match. As the scorecards show we didn’t bat well and collapsed from 49 for one to 86 all out.India made the runs for the loss of only four wickets and left us very down about our game.At training the next day we worked on skills for manipulating the ball for singles, a game against Australia bringing out intense concentration. The game itself was good for us. Another step on the ladder to getting victories against these teams. We made 158 from our 50 overs, I made 35 from 50 deliveries before a soft dismissal to gully. Australia were under pressure early on and we feel that we kept Rolton in check, allowing mostly singles in the second phase of the game.They won the game in the 39th over to claim the bonus point with seven wickets in hand after a good partnership between Rolton and Gosko.A jog and stretching for warm down followed by an ice bath and we’re getting ready for the next day’s play against the Kiwis. Once again our batting let us down and we’re defending 140 on a lightening quick outfield. The Kiwis get off to a quick start with Rolls and Lynch scoring at six an over.We meet up at the drinks break determined to make a change and in a fantastic 15-over spell take five wickets for 26 runs. It wasn’t quite enough though, as McGlashan and Mason steered the Kiwis home in the 39th over.Today we’ve been catching up with washing and preparing for a media event that was to see most of the team in the Avon river in Christchurch. Four team members were selected to represent England in the first World Series Inner Tube race with entries from India, New Zealand and Australia to take on.The race started amicably enough with Laura Newton leading the way for England. The rules stated that “mild” interference was allowed and that only deliberate capsizing of an opposition tube would lead to disqualification. Suffice to say that the race turned into an interference competition with those out of the water hampering the other teams as best they could. India’s novel approach involved getting out of the water near the beginning and running the tube and paddle down stream.The Kiwis on the riverside were all dressed in smart casuals for a team meal out so weren’t able to join in the interference employed by the Australians and English supporters. Tubes and paddles were stolen and competitors pushed back up the river whilst trying to avoid the shower of water bombs and eggs from the riverside.England were named inaugural winners since we were in the lead before all this really started. So we now have a beautiful trophy topped with a rubber duck (a nod to the official annual rubber duck race down the Avon) to add to the ECB’s trophy cabinet. Here’s hoping that we can get some wins on the board and add a cricketing trophy as well.

Even though Liverpool have managed to keep a clean sheet in all of their three previous games across all competitions against Arsenal, FC Porto and Southampton, the Reds have managed to concede more goals in the league than Chelsea and Manchester City.

With the upcoming January transfer window on the horizon, it seems as though the club could be in danger of losing one of their defensive players after Football Insider reported that West Ham United are interested in making a move to sign Nat Phillips.

Even though Phillips has only made two senior appearances for Liverpool so far this season, the club should have no plans to allow the defender to join West Ham in January.

Given how he ended up as Liverpool’s second-highest rated player in the Premier League last season with an overall performance rating of 7.29/10 according to WhoScored, Phillips certainly proved himself to everyone at the Merseyside club that he is more than capable of playing for them at a high level.

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In addition to his impressive overall performances in the league last season, the central defender also managed to rack up an average of 4.8 clearances per game, 1.3 tackles per game and 1.2 interceptions per game, highlighting his defensive talents.

Labelled as a “monster” for his efforts in the team last season by Klopp, it’s a shame that Phillips, who is currently valued at £7.2m according to Transfermarkt, has not been given the opportunity to shine once again this time out.

As a result of his impressive season, Liverpool offered the 24-year-old a long-term deal that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2025.

Taking this into account, it would seem rather silly for the Reds to let Phillips go in January after giving him a renewed contract just a few months ago.

With this in mind, it could be in everyone’s best interest if Jurgen Klopp starts to give Phillips some regular game time to make it clear that he is a valued member of the squad that has what it takes to be a long-term option for them in the future.

Furthermore, with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip now at the age of 30, Klopp could save Liverpool millions by unleashing Phillips once again. Cementing his place in the team could swerve Michael Edwards and co from hunting European shores for a pricey replacement.

In other news: Edwards must seal Klopp’s dream Liverpool deal in “electric” £20m “bulldozer” – opinion

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Lots of Aston Villa fans have been running the rule over their third signing of the January transfer window, as Tyrone Mings has joined on loan.

It feels like Aston Villa have been in second gear for most of this season, but fans are hoping their latest signing will kick start a genuine playoff push.

The club have confirmed the capture of Mings from Bournemouth, per their official site, and the defender will join on loan until the end of the season.

The 25 year-old has made just seven first team appearances for the Cherries this season, per Transfermarkt, and has been pushed down the pecking order at the Vitality Stadium by the incredible form of Nathan Ake.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Dean Smith’s ageing defence has been in need of reinforcements all season, and Mings, a left-footed defender who can play right across the back four, will be a huge boost to the gaffer’s arsenal.

Mings joins Lovre Kalinic and Kortney Hause on the list of January signings, and the Twitter reactions down below are absolutely loving it…

Former Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny believes introducing VAR midway through next season could have a negative impact on Celtic and others.

The Lowdown: SPL set for VAR

The Scottish Premiership is yet to experience VAR, instead watching the much-discussed technology being used from afar across Europe’s top leagues.

It has now been confirmed that it will be used in the SPL from the middle of next season onwards, however, following a one-sided vote on the matter.

VAR will come into play after the 2022 World Cup, which takes place between November 21st and December 18th.

The Latest: Kenny bemoans decision

Someone who doesn’t like the idea of the change halfway through the campaign is Kenny, who told Football Insider that it could benefit some teams more than others come next May:

“They are asking for trouble with this. It should start at the start of next season or the start of the season after, you can’t start it halfway through a season.

“There will be decisions they get wrong in the first half of the season which could cost teams, then in the second half of the season, you get a different result.

“That could decide relegation or whoever wins the league. It’s wrong, I don’t think it’s right at all. It will lead to so many debates and what-ifs. It needs to come in at the start of a season.”

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The Verdict: Could backfire hugely

It is a strange decision to implement VAR in the middle of a season, seemingly asking for trouble, in terms of some teams feeling hard done by compared to others.

Celtic could be robbed by a key decision before the World Cup takes place, for example, while Rangers could then benefit from the same incident taking place after Christmas.

It would surely have made more sense to bring in VAR at the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign, although if all clubs are happy with this situation, they will have to accept that some may profit more than others over the course of the season.

In other news, a financial expert has made a promising Celtic claim. Read more here.

Kent’s Clydesdale Bank 40 game against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge was ruined by inclement weather

Cricinfo staff08-May-2010Kent’s Clydesdale Bank 40 game against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge was ruined by inclement weather, with only six overs bowled before the match was called off entirely after initially being reduced to a 10-over contest. Robert Key put the Nottinghamshire bowling attack to the sword, slamming three sixes and five fours in an 18-ball 44 to add 73 for the first wicket with Joe Denly in five overs, but after Steven Mullaney struck twice in his solitary over the rain returned to end all hopes of completing a game.

Bryan Cristante hailed AS Roma's owners for showing the door to Jose Mourinho at a "difficult moment" and bringing in club legend Daniele De Rossi.

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Mourinho was sacked by RomaClub named De Rossi as his replacementCristante believes that it was the right decisionGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to AC Milan, Mourinho's tenure at the Italian club came to an abrupt end. The decision to remove the Portuguese manager from his position was swiftly followed by the appointment of De Rossi, who signed on as head coach until June 30, 2024.

De Rossi, a beloved figure among Roma supporters, spent 18 illustrious years as a player at the Stadio Olimpico, endearing himself to the fans with his passion and commitment to the club.

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Cristante, who had the opportunity to work with De Rossi during Euro 2020 when the latter served as one of Roberto Mancini’s assistants, expressed his admiration for the new coach's seamless transition into the role.

“The coach didn’t need to be introduced when he arrived. It could have been tough to join the team in a difficult moment and work with footballers he had played with, but he’s been managing the group well and it should not be taken for granted,” said Cristante.
“We are happy with what we are building and who we are becoming. It’s proving to be the right solution. It was a decision made by the club owners at a difficult moment. We have built self-awareness in European games."

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Mourinho inspired Roma to the Europa Conference League trophy in 2022 and guided them to the Europa League final in 2023, where they fell short to Sevilla. However, Cristante insisted that the club have set their sights on another European final and added: "Of course, it is our objective and we have a chance to make it. We are happy with the coach. We want to go back to the final and win it.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Roma drew against Feyenoord in the Netherlands last week and the Giallorossi will now host the Dutch outfit in the second leg of a Europa League playoff fixture to seal a round of 16 berth. The Stadio Olimpico has already been sold out and the Romans are ready to hand their favourite team a rousing welcome on Thursday evening with the hope of inspiring them to another memorable European night.

England’s traditional cricketing summer must face up to another unwelcome challenge next week when meetings take place in London to promote a United States Twenty20 league

David Hopps and Peter Della Penna01-Sep-2012England’s traditional cricketing summer, already under siege from the expanding ambitions of IPL, must face up to another unwelcome challenge next week when meetings take place in London to promote a United States Twenty20 league planned to launch next July with a host of international stars.The league will be launched in direct competition to the English season with ambitions to attract many of the world’s top stars for what Neil Maxwell, one of the main proponents, is presenting to the States as “baseball on steroids.”Maxwell also freely admitted that USA promoters are monitoring tense negotiations between the ECB and Kevin Pietersen, which will determine whether he has an England future. Maxwell told ESPNcricinfo: “We haven’t spoken to Pietersen as yet. We are keen to work through the Boards to ensure the appropriate processes a followed. Once his position and ours is clarified we will no doubt chat.”Pietersen’s choice of whether he commits himself to a serious future on the Test circuit – which he told England he would on a specially-commisioned YouTube video – or becomes an itinerant player, making a fortune on the Twenty20 circuit, could now not be more stark.England will be slap bang in the middle of an Ashes summer, and will automatically be unavailable, but if UST20 succeeds it will cause further disruption for a county circuit already struggling to find overseas players of quality, including for a long-standing t20 tournament that is struggling to compete with newer, brasher competitors.While the ECB continues to agonise over the future make-up of its t20 competition, which earlier this week lost its sponsor, Friends Life, promoters from the United States are heading for London to begin the tender process for six inaugural franchises, with ambitions to grow to as many as ten by 2016,The league would most likely get underway after the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy, which takes runs from June 6-23 in England. The 2013 Ashes Series then follows, which means that top international stars from Australia and England would be unavailable but players from other countries might be tempted by the prospect of coming to play in America.Cricket Holdings America, a joint venture headed by the USA Cricket Association and New Zealand Cricket, has also declared ambitions for the USA to apply and secure hosting rights for future ICC events, including the ICC World Twenty20 within the next 10 years.In addition to taking bids for franchises starting this month, CHA also plans to host exhibition matches in the USA next year between imported stars and local talent.The population in the USA with South Asian background has doubled in ten years, leaving promoters convinced that the time is right to launch what will initially be a league relying entirely on imported talent.Maxwell, a CHA director, told The this week that the success of ESPNcricinfo in the United States was further proof that a market exists. There is little pretence, however, about educating an American audience, initially at least, about the finer points of the game.”Our marketing has to appeal to mainstream America,” he said. “It’s about promoting an entertainment product. Almost remove the reference to cricket and create a thing called Twenty20 that competes with movies. Link it to Hollywood and Bollywood and provide all the razzmatazz that goes with it.”CHA hopes for the league to grow to as many as 10 franchises by 2016. The first season, reports suggest, will be played primarily in New York and San Francisco. New York has thriving West Indian and South Asian immigrant populations, particularly in Brooklyn and Queens, while the San Francisco Bay Area includes Silicon Valley, where thousands of South Asians have immigrated over the years for work in the software and technology industries.If the league does launch franchises in New York and San Francisco, it would be highly probable that matches in those cities would be played on artificial pitches. While both cities are home to multiple professional sports teams with outdoor stadiums that hold in excess of 40,000 seats, neither city has an international standard natural turf wicket facility exclusively for cricket and it is doubtful that one would be built to be ready in time for next summer.Currently, the only facility in the USA that is approved by the ICC for use in Twenty20 and ODI matches is the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida. Two t20 internationals between New Zealand and West Indies in Florida in July attracted decent crowdsA Twenty20 league launched in the summer months would primarily be competing for fan and media interest inside the USA with mid-season Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. The NHL and NBA typically finish their play-offs by the middle of June while the NFL, currently the most popular professional league in the USA, starts its regular season every September.

Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati had to be replaced in the first half of Brighton's clash with Nottingham Forest after picking up an injury.

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Fati lasts just 21 minutes at City GroundReplaced by Joao PedriJoins lengthy list of injured players at BrightonWHAT HAPPENED?

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi named Ansu Fati in his starting line-up against Nottingham Forest but saw the loanee forced off after just 21 minutes of the game at the City Ground. Fati picked up an injury and signalled to the bench that he could not continue. Joao Pedro came on to replace the 21-year-old attacker.

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The news is a worrying development for Fati as he has been plagued by injury after breaking onto the scene with Barcelona as a 16-year-old back in 2019. A serious knee problem forced Fati to go under the knife and onto the sidelines for the long term and was followed by a succession of muscle problems that saw his career stall. Fati opted to move to Brighton on loan in the summer in a bid to gain regular game time and will be praying his latest setback is not serious.

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Fati's replacement Pedro went on to score against Forest along with Evan Ferguson to put Brighton in front after conceding an early goal to Anthony Elanga. The goals mean that Brighton are the first side to both score and concede in 17 consecutive top-flight games since Manchester United in 1959-60 (also 17 in a row).

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BRIGHTON?

De Zerbi will be sweating on Fati's fitness and that of Tariq Lamptey who was also forced off with an injury. The Brighton boss is in the midst of an injury crisis with Danny Welbeck, Pervis Estupinan, Solly March, Karou Mitoma, James Milner and Julio Enciso also sidelined currently.

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An essential part of any soccer outfit

Soccer socks don't carry the glamour that many other kit pieces do, so you're unlikely to see professional endorsements for these. But, they're vital to ensuring you stay focused on the game at hand, beat the evening chill, and don't let your standards slip.

There are a variety of options out there, including different lengths, some with specific technology, and others give you a classic offering for those who want to keep it simple. We've put together some of the best soccer socks you can get on the market today, depending on what you want out of your game.

Why do you need soccer socks?

Simply put, soccer socks are designed specifically with a single task in mind – to help you deliver on the pitch on matchday. Soccer socks are explicitly designed to enhance and support your body, aiding you in delivering a better all-around game.

Why do some players cut the feet from their socks? 

In the past few years, there has been a trend of some players cutting the feet off of their soccer socks. Even in the biggest leagues in the world, top players are chopping up official kit socks.

There is reason to the madness, though. Often, it is so a pair of extra-grippy socks can be worn on the feet to stop sliding around inside soccer cleats, while some players find wearing a whole pair of soccer socks restrictive because they can feel too tight on their calf muscles.

Recently, top soccer brands have caught on and designed split socks with either calf sleeves or stirrups so players can have grippy socks without taking scissors to their gear. 

Why do some players wear their socks low?

Players like Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Francesco Totti are known for wearing their socks low. This can be to the annoyance of referees and match officials when amateurs try to copy the look.

But some players with particularly muscular calves can find long, tight socks restrictive, and lowering them can help relieve some of that tension. Split socks can also remedy some of that discomfort.

Sometimes, all you need is the basics, and we believe that the adidas Copa Zone is one of the best you can get, despite its deceptive simplicity. In fact, that's part of the appeal – this is a straight-up, top-of-the-table football sock with minimal fuss and plenty of invention.

The lightweight socks are ventilated well with a toe-cooling channel for extra breathability. adidas ClimaLite technology also wicks away moisture to keep your feet nice and dry whilst you're playing. Plus, the compression in the ankle and arch help to improve stability.

Buying a whole soccer outfit can add up, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank on each and every item. These Nike Crew socks come in three packs, so you get more for your money – that too from a renowned brand.

Made with a thick terry sole, the socks will give you extra comfort for foot drills while high-friction yarns in the footbed reduce slippage. An arch band also provides a snug and secure fit.

Remember when we mentioned that many players like to cut their socks to suit their personal needs? These Kipsta F500 stirrups will save you from needing to resort to your own handiwork.

Its bottom band is thin but durable, perfect for weathering the wear and tear of frequent match days without the concern that it will snap under pressure. An anatomic design will shape itself to help provide additional bone coverage against impact.

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There's nothing worse than having your foot slip and slide inside your cleats. But these socks from HUANLAND will ensure that your foot is firmly set on the floor of your cleats for superior ball control and touch.

What's better yet, they're unisex, and you get two pairs, so you always have a backup with you. Antui-slip rubber pads on the bottom of the socks give you a sturdy grip which will help with acceleration and change of direction.

Goal looks at the players who have created the most chances in the top five European leagues this season

20Lucas Perez | 77 chances created

Lucas Perez is still technically an Arsenal player, but has enjoyed an impressive season out on loan at Deportivo La Coruna as he waits to learn more about his long-term future after Arsene Wenger's departure from the Emirates Stadium.

AdvertisementGetty Images19Alexis Sanchez | 77 chances created

Sanchez has had his critics this season due to his reduced goal contribution at both Arsenal and Manchester United, but he has created 77 chances this season,

The Chilean also missed nine games in the Premier League, leaving him with one of the best chances created per minute ratios in the entirety of Europe.

Getty Images18Xherdan Shaqiri | 77 chances created

To make this list at a relegated club is some achievement. Shaqiri created 77 chances for Stoke but they couldn’t avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Shaqiri is unlikely to be short of suitors this summer amid expectations he will be sold following Stoke's drop into the Championship.

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Getty17 Aleksandar Kolarov | 78 chances created

The Serbian has been back to his best this season at Roma, assisting eight goals from left-back and creating 78 chances.