Joe DePugh, a former New Jersey high school baseball star known for his association with one of musician Bruce Springsteen's most celebrated songs, has died. He was 75.
Springsteen's friendship with DePugh inspired the first verse of "Glory Days," a platinum-selling No. 5 hit in 1985. In the song, he discusses running into a former pitcher who "could throw that speedball by you."
DePugh, a gifted pitcher, was a Little League teammate of Springsteen's in Freehold, N.J. Unlike Springsteen—an inept athlete as a child—DePugh tried out for the Los Angeles Dodgers after a standout high school career.
"Just a moment to mark the passing of Freehold native and ballplayer Joe DePugh. He was a good friend when I needed one," Springsteen wrote on Instagram. "Glory Days my friend."
DePugh went on to play basketball at King's College, a Division III school in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He obtained and English degree and later worked as a substitute teacher and contractor.
Premier League legend Alan Shearer blamed Benjamin Sesko for Manchester United's troubles this season as the Slovenian forward has been told to improve his game. Ex-Arsenal star Theo Walcott, on the other hand, drew comparison between the United summer signing and Thierry Henry. After winning three matches in a row last month, United have now been held to consecutive draws in the Premier League in November.
Sesko's difficult start and injury problems
Ruben Amorim introduced Sesko in the 58th minute of their 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. However, towards the closing stages of the game, the striker had to be taken off following a robust challenge from Micky van de Ven. His cameo performance featured a couple of missed chances.
The former RB Leipzig star has endured a difficult start to life in England, as he has scored just two goals in the 12 matches he has played thus far for the Red Devils across all competitions. His toothlessness in front of the goal has hampered United's performance at times.
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Shearer not impressed by Sesko
Speaking on , Premier League record scorer Shearer said: "Sesko struggled again. He’s only scored twice in his 12 appearances and he came on today with just over half hour to go and had two really, really good chances and should have scored, to be honest. They worked it really well for him to get in. He’s either got to get his shot away early or he’s got to push that ball forward quicker. He’s not going to get that amount of time in the Premier League to work it back on his right foot. This one [Sesko’s second chance] is the bigger puzzle for me. I know he’s struggling for confidence but any centre-forward knows you cannot allow the centre-half to come back at you, you’ve got to get across Van de Ven.
"By that time he should have a picture in his head of where the keeper is and what he wants to do. I don’t think he has a clue he wants to do because I don’t even think he even knows Van de Ven is there and chasing him. I know he’s struggling with confidence but it’s a big ‘must do better’. No one likes to see him coming off injured and we hope his knee is okay but they are two chances you’d expect at that level that someone has to put away."
Sesko compared to Henry
Former Arsenal forward Walcott drew comparison between Sesko and Gunners legend Henry as he added: "As a forward player I’d always be my biggest critic. How many crosses did I get in? How many shots did I have? Did I beat my man? Benjamin Sesko isn’t contributing much at the moment and Manchester United don’t seem to be playing to his strengths. But there is still time.
"I remember when Thierry Henry came to the Premier League – he was a shadow of the player we remember now. I also played with Olivier Giroud – he took about 10 games to really get going, and not many people remember that. We could all see what type of player he was going to be in training."
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How serious is Sesko's injury?
After the Spurs clash, Amorim had reacted to the fresh injury of Sesko as he said: "I have no idea. Because it's the knee, we never know. I'm concerned with the injury because it's in the knee. We need Ben to be a better team. We have to check everything, we have to check what has happened with him."
But on Sunday, reported that the injury was not serious and shouldn’t rule Sesko out for a lengthy spell. However, the full extent of the injury will only be revealed after an MRI scan, which will take place in the coming days.
Amorim would hope that the striker recovers quickly during the international break and features for the club in their next Premier League clash against Everton on November 24.
Tricampeão da América, o Corinthians inicia a trajetória em mais uma Libertadores Feminina nesta sexta-feira (6), em Bogotá, diante do Colo-Colo. Artilheira das Brabas em 2023 com 17 gols, a atacante Vic Albuquerque ressaltou a força do grupo que conquistou o título brasileiro em setembro e mostrou confiança para o primeiro confronto.
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– A nossa preparação foi muito bem feita, nos mínimos detalhes, desde a conquista do título brasileiro. Sabemos da qualidade das equipes que vamos enfrentar, mas tenho certeza que estamos preparadas para fazer uma boa estreia nesta sexta e iniciar nossa caminhada na Libertadores com o pé direito – disse Vic.
Maior artilheira da equipe feminina do Corinthians com 84 gols, Vic Albuquerque é também a atleta também já provou que conhece o caminho do gol na Libertadores, já que é a atleta que mais vezes balançou a rede com a camisa do Timão em jogos de Libertadores: 15.
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– A Libertadores é uma competição especial, era um sonho de todas nós e ter esses números, poder representar o Corinthians mais uma vez me traz um orgulho muito grande. Mas quando a bola rolar, os números não contam e precisamos seguir fazendo um bom trabalho para conquistar os nossos objetivos neste ano – analisou a camisa 17.
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O Corinthians integra o Grupo C da Libertadores Feminina, ao lado de Always Ready-BOL, Sportivo Limpeño-PAR e Colo-Colo-CHI, adversário na estreia nesta sexta (06), às 19h30 (de Brasília). A Conmebol vai pagar uma premiação recorde para quem vencer o torneio: 1,5 milhão de dólares (R$ 7,8 milhões). O valor representa um aumento significativo em relação à edição anterior, em que o campeão recebeu 85 mil dólares (R$ 445 mil).
Fan favourite Antony declared he is "at home" and playing with "heart" after his man-of-the-match display secured a vital 3-0 La Liga win for Real Betis against Mallorca. The former Manchester United star scored twice and provided an assist in a dominant first half, admitting it was a "shame" he missed a hat-trick, as Betis kept pressure on the top four.
Antony reflects on match-winning brace
The Brazilian winger was unstoppable in the first half, scoring two goals and providing an assist to secure the win before the interval. Speaking to Estadio Deportivo after the match, Antony expressed his delight with the result, which keeps Betis firmly in the hunt for a Champions League qualification spot.
Antony was the architect of the victory at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, single-handedly dismantling the Mallorca defence in a blistering first-half spell. He opened the scoring in the 10th minute before doubling his tally and Betis's lead in the 34th minute. He was not finished, turning provider just three minutes later to set up Abde Ezzalzouli for the third goal, effectively ending the contest after just 37 minutes.
The performance was a showcase of the talent that prompted Manchester United to spend €95 million (£82m/$111m) on him in 2022. Betis dominated the encounter, registering nine shots on target to Mallorca's one, with Antony as the clear focal point of their attack.
"Very happy with the result, it's very important," Antony said post-match. "We knew how important today's match was because losing the three points at home against Atlético was very tough. Now, winning at home is very important for our confidence. We're moving on. I'm very happy with the two goals and the assist. It's a shame I didn't get the third, but that's part of the game."
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'The goalkeeper did very well' – Winger details missed hat-trick
The 25-year-old came agonisingly close to securing the match ball, finding himself with a clear opportunity to score his third goal. However, Mallorca goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom produced an excellent save to deny him.
"Yes, I had plenty of space and I controlled it, but the goalkeeper did very well too," Antony acknowledged, reflecting on the missed chance. "I think he touched it with his fingertips, but the most important thing is the three points and to keep this up with confidence."
His ability to praise the opposition's save while immediately shifting focus back to the team's victory highlights a maturity and team-first mentality that Betis fans have quickly come to appreciate.
'I am at home' – Antony opens up on Betis happiness
The winger's comments will be music to the ears of the Betis faithful, as he spoke glowingly about his connection to the club. Antony has endured a difficult period since his high-profile move to Old Trafford, failing to consistently deliver.
This is his second spell with the Spanish club, having first joined temporarily in January 2025. After returning to Manchester United, he joined Betis back at the start of the 2025-26 season permanently, as now his contract expires in 2030, and the move appears to have rejuvenated him.
"Very happy, everyone knows the desire I had in my heart," Antony stated passionately. "I am very happy here, I am at home, I am playing a lot for all the fans and all of you."
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'It's not luck, it's work' – Brazilian credits training for goalscoring form
The three points were vital for Manuel Pellegrini's side, allowing them to reclaim fifth place in the La Liga table. Betis now sit on 19 points from 11 matches, just three points behind fourth-placed Atlético de Madrid (22 points) and four behind Villarreal in third (23 points).
The win provides the perfect response to their previous home loss against Atlético, a direct rival for European qualification.
"It was very tough losing to Atlético at home, and that's why it was so important to win today and be up there," Antony explained. "We have many games ahead of us; we have to be patient, take it one game at a time, and keep moving up."
Antony's brace on Sunday brings his tally to four goals in his last three league matches, a red-hot streak of form that is silencing critics who have previously questioned his end product. The winger was quick to point out that his newfound clinical edge is no accident.
"I say it's dangerous because I train a lot," he said. "I practice finishing every day and it's not luck, it's training, it's work. I feel very happy to score two goals."
This dedication to his craft, combined with the clear emotional lift he has received from his environment at Betis, is paying dividends on the pitch.
Washington Freedom cruised to victory in their modest chase with quick knocks from Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Maxwell
ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jun-2025Seattle Orcas had no answers to fast bowler Ian Holland’s variations as they slumped to 145 for 9, which Washington Freedom chased down with 39 balls to spare. Holland finished with career-best T20 figures of 4 for 19 to restrict Orcas after a flying start, before Rachin Ravindra set up the chase at the top and Glenn Maxwell finished things off with an unbeaten 38 off 20.Orcas were in a strong position of 66 for 1 at the end of the powerplay as MLC debutant David Warner and his opening partner Kyle Mayers peppered boundaries. Warner stood outside the crease to bash the ball around while Mayers went 6, 4 and 4 off consecutive deliveries against Glenn Phillips in the fifth over to power Orcas past 50.Warner, however, holed out in the next over for 31 off 17. Mitchell Owen then removed Mayers on the first ball after the powerplay for 27 that brought out Orcas captain Henrich Klaasen for his first game since announcing international retirement.But it all went downhill for Orcas once Holland came on in the tenth over. A flurry of slower deliveries ended the over with Klaasen’s wicket as he ended up holing out to deep backward square leg for 17.Aaron Jones took on Holland in his third over, starting with back-to-back boundaries before three more slower deliveries fetched Holland two wickets, of Jones and Harmeet Singh. In his last over, another slower legcutter removed Cameron Gannon and Orcas were reeling at 120 for 7. Sikandar Raza’s 26-ball stay couldn’t get him more than 15 runs as Jack Edwards and Saurabh Netravalkar bowled frugal spells in the death.Freedom were hardly bothered in the modest chase. Ravindra started with his serene drives on off and down the ground while Owen muscled the ball around in his 11-ball stay for 25. Ravindra kept the sixes coming as he and Andries Gous propelled them to 90 for 1 in the powerplay, which ended with three sixes off Gannon.Gous was foxed by Waqar Salamkheil for 16 as soon as the field spread out and Ravindra was trapped lbw by Obed McCoy for 44 off 18 next over with the help of a review. Maxwell, who went through a drought of runs in the IPL – 48 runs in just six innings before getting injured – turned his form around by smashing Salamkheil for 6, 4 and 4 off consecutive deliveries in the ninth over which eased Freedom’s nerves again.Freedom lost two more wickets before Maxwell struck more boundaries and Mukhtar Ahmed sealed victory with a four in the 14th over.
Karachi also confirmed Kane Williamson would be partially unavailable during this campaign
ESPNcricinfo staff12-Apr-2025
File photo: Litton Das picked up an injury during training•Dhaka Capitals
Litton Das has been ruled out of the PSL after he sustained a blow to the thumb during training. Karachi Kings announced the Bangladesh wicketkeeper, who was drafted in the Silver Category this year, will be replaced by Australian wicketkeeper Ben McDermott.”Unfortunately, I couldn’t be part of this tournament, even though I was really looking forward to it,” Litton said in a statement on Karachi Kings’ website. “Life can be unpredictable – just my bad luck.”McDermott has never played in the PSL before but does have recent T20 form coming into the league. He was a member of the Hobart Hurricanes side that won its first BBL title earlier this year, getting his runs at a strike rate just under 145 in the tournament, including a cameo in the final.Related
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Can Karachi end playoffs jinx, and will spin issues cost Lahore?
PSL@10: The purest and least problematic fun to be had in Pakistan
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Meanwhile, Karachi also confirmed Kane Williamson would be partially unavailable during this campaign. Williamson is expected to join the Kings after the Karachi leg of the tournament ends on April 21, meaning he will miss the first five of his side’s games this tournament. He will be replaced for that period by Saad Baig, currently captain of Pakistan’s U19 side.Peshawar Zalmi also bolstered their ranks in the lead-up to their first game. Fast bowler Ihsanullah, who was ruled out for an extended period of time with a career-threating elbow injury which the PCB acknowledged was mishandled, makes his return to the league for the first time since 2023. He has been signed by Peshawar Zalmi, who play their first game against Quetta Gladiators on Saturday.
Tottenham Hotspur have been given a late-summer transfer boost as Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites recruitment team scramble for reinforcements.
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Spurs want to sign a centre-back, playmaker and a new winger (Sky Sports), but bringing in all three is perhaps unlikely at this stage of the window and with such little time remaining.
The north Londoners have found it notoriously difficult already, having seen high-profile blockbuster deals for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze fail in dramatic fashion.
After weeks of talks, Spurs have also got nowhere with their bid for Savinho, as Man City make it crystal clear that the Brazil international is not for sale.
It remains to be seen who they target as an alternative to the 21-year-old, but it is evident who has become their top playmaker target during this final stretch.
According to numerous sources, RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons is in London right now, with both Chelsea and Tottenham pursuing a deal for the highly-rated Netherlands international.
The 22-year-old is valued at around £60 million, which is a similar price that Spurs were once prepared to pay for Eze and Gibbs-White. With there being precious few available playmakers who could truly make a difference for Thomas Frank, Simons has emerged as their potential saving grace.
He racked up 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig last term, and Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes that Simons is an “unbelievable” player.
Tottenham have now submitted a near-£60m bid for Simons, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, with journalist Graeme Bailey also sharing the player’s stance on joining Frank’s side.
Xavi Simons ready to join Tottenham after talks with his camp
As per the reporter, it is believed that Simons is ready to join Tottenham, who’ve held talks with his representatives, after Chelsea began stalling their deal – with the attacking midfielder growing impatient.
The west Londoners have been in talks for weeks, but there are complications with player sales.
They also haven’t found a full agreement with Leipzig in all of that time, and that has allowed Spurs to move in to hijack their negotiations. Right now, Simons is happy to stop pausing on a move and sign for Tottenham instead, despite already agreeing personal terms with Chelsea.
This flurry of promising developments, including Levy’s offer, means that they could be on the verge of finally signing their desired number 10. However, as we’ve seen with Tottenham, no supporter should celebrate until the ink is dry.
“I think he’s going to have a really good career at the highest level,” said Bayern Munich sporting director, Christoph Freund.
“He has everything, mentality, character and is just an exceptional player.”
علق أيمن يونس، لاعب الزمالك السابق، على فوز الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالقلعة البيضاء، على ديكاداها الصومالي 6-0 في الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.
وانتهت مباراة الزمالك وديكاداها الصومالي، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، في ذهاب دور الـ32 من بطولة الكونفدرالية، بفوز الفريق الأبيض 6-0.
طالع | محمد صلاح: بيزيرا “عفريت”.. وزيزو لم يفعل ذلك مع الزمالك
وقال أيمن يونس في تصريحات لقناة “أون سبورت”: “فوز مهم جدًا للفريق، أعاد للاعبين الثقة بأنفسهم، وللمدرب الثقة في اختياراته، من المهم إشراك لاعبين جدد ومنحهم الفرصة لإثبات أنفسهم، المباراة كانت مليئة بالمكاسب، معنوية، نفسية، وأيضًا على مستوى النتيجة”.
وتابع: “لكن الأبرز في اللقاء كان الساحر الراقص بيزيرا، لاعب مختلف، لا يلعب الكرة بل يرقص بها، لمساته تشبه رقصات التانجو، حتى هدفه جاء بطريقة مميزة، رغم أن استلامه للكرة لم يكن مثاليًا، لكنه تحرك بذكاء، وسجل بتشيب فيه لمسة من ميسي، ومحمد صلاح، ولمسته الخاصة”.
وأضاف: “بيزيرا أمتع الجميع، صنع كل شيء جميل في اللقاء، تمريراته، استلامه، وصناعته للأهداف، كما ساهم في تألق زملائه مثل سيف جعفر والجزيري، لعب بثقة وتواصل بانسجام مع الجميع، وكان نجم اللقاء بلا منازع”.
واختتم: “عند الحديث عن لاعب مصري يشبهه، قد يكون خالد الغندور في شبابه الأقرب له، من حيث الأسلوب والروح، وكان يمتاز بخفة الظل والشخصية المميزة، خاصة وسط جيل ذهبي احترم الكرة وأتقنها”.
Over the weekend, the Light Blues confirmed the signing of teenage left-back Jayden Meghoma, arriving on a season-long loan from Brentford.
He is the tenth new player recruited by Russell Martin, with more expected to follow, as he seeks to completely overhaul the Rangers squad he inherited.
Now though, the Gers are seeking to bolster their backline even further, targeting another exciting talent…
Rangers' search for a new left-back
Ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League play-off first leg against Club Brugge, Rangers submitted a squad to UEFA that featured no out-and-out left-backs.
Rıdvan Yılmaz has not featured at all under Martin, with Beşiktaş attempting to re-sign him, while Jefté, who did start both legs against Viktoria Plzeň in the previous round, has now also been excluded, reportedly close to a £6m move to Palmeiras.
Thus, Max Aarons is expected to once again fill-in at left-back, as he did for both legs against Panathinaikos, and on the opening day of the Premiership campaign at Motherwell, but this is a far from ideal solution.
Thus, according to Il Messaggero, via the Daily Record, Rangers have revived their interest in signing Anass Salah-Eddine from Roma, with the Light Blues said to be ready to make contact regarding a potential move.
They add that newly-promoted La Liga outfit Elche are among the 23-year-old’s other suitors, with the Giallorossi willing to sell.
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Salah-Eddine only joined Roma from FC Twente in January for a reported fee of €8.5m plus €2m in add-ons, around £9m, but the full-back is not in new manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s plans, so could he soon swap the Eternal City for Ibrox?
What Anass Salah-Eddine would bring to Rangers
Born in Amsterdam, Salah-Eddine came through Ajax’s academy, representing the Dutch giants at multiple youth levels, before making just ten appearances for their first team.
He was loaned out to FC Twente for the 2022/23 season, before making the move to Enschede permanent, featuring 53 times for them overall.
His big breakthrough came this time last year, finally establishing himself as Twente’s first-choice left-back, notably starting all eight of their Europa League league phase fixtures, doing so against such high-calibre opponents as Manchester United, Lazio and others.
As already referenced, this earned him a move to Roma in January, the Giallorossi splashing up to £9m to secure his signature, but this certainly has not gone to plan.
Salah-Eddine featured in three of the first five Serie A fixtures following his arrival, starting against Parma and Empoli, but has not been seen since, an unused substitute for the final ten league matches, while a summer change of management at the Olimpico hasn’t improved his standing either.
While he was still in the Eredivisie, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled him a “technically gifted” full-back, adding that he was one of “the most talented” young Dutch talents at the time.
So, let’s assess his statistics from last season’s Europa League.
Salah-Eddine – EL stats (24/25)
Stats
Record
Twente rank
Minutes
709
6th
Assists per 90
0.25
2nd
Expected assists
2
1st
Completed passes
310
3rd
Key passes
8
4th
Shot-creating actions
23
4rd
Goal-creating actions
2
2nd
Tackles
23
2nd
Interceptions
14
1st
Ball recoveries
47
2nd
Attempted take-ons
23
2nd
Progressive carries
21
2nd
Touches
493
3rd
Average Sofascore rating
7.01
2nd
via FBref.com and Sofascore
As the table outlines, when compared to his former Twente teammates in last season’s Europa League, Salah-Eddine ranks very highly for a wide variety of metrics.
The left-back was a key chance creator, as well as completing a lot of passes and accumulating a high number of touches, while also being solid defensively, ranked in the top two for tackles, interceptions, ball recoveries and more, despite having been sold by the time they faced Bodø/Glimt in the knockout stages, thereby featuring in two fewer fixtures.
So, why would he be a better signing than Meghoma?
Well, the Brentford loanee is very inexperienced, making just four appearances for the Bees, totalling 174 minutes, spending the second half of last season on loan at Preston North End, but only featuring 14 times for them, an unused substitute eight times.
Salah-Eddine, on the other hand, has vastly more experience, especially at European level, so would be better equipped to come in and make an instant impact, which is what Martin surely needs, while Meghoma is more of a developmental project.
Even worse than Jefte: Euro club set for talks with Rangers to sign £4m dud
Rangers are reportedly set to hold talks with a European club over a potential deal for one of their players.
On a ground he has played the hero before, allrounder Cooper Connolly stepped up with a game-changing half-century as Perth Scorchers continued their long-time dominance over Melbourne Stars in the BBL season-opener at Optus Stadium.Chasing 147, Scorchers were in trouble at 37 for 3 before Connolly and captain Ashton Turner combined for a 68-run partnership. Returning from a fractured hand sustained on the ground in last month’s third ODI against Pakistan, Connolly hit 64 from 51 balls before Turner sealed the result in trademark composed fashion.There was late drama when Stars batter Hilton Cartwright was stretchered off the ground in a mini-ambulance with what appeared to be a neck injury. He had given chase from deep point in a bid to prevent a boundary from Connolly and seemed to jar his neck as he sprawled across the turf.Cartwright, a Western Australian cricketer, had the support of a neck brace as he left the ground to warm applause from the fans before being taken to hospital.It was the seventh straight win for Scorchers over Stars much to the delight of the 30,649 crowd – a record for a BBL season-opener.
Connolly and Turner lift weakened Scorchers batting
Stars’ score of 146 for 9 appeared under par, but there were concerns over a weakened Scorchers’ batting line-up missing injured No.3 Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis, who is part of Australia’s Test squad.Expectations were high over New Zealand opener Finn Allen, who had tuned up for his Scorchers debut with a succession of massive hits during an intra-squad match at the WACA.Allen didn’t bother with a sighter as he launched compatriot Adam Milne for a massive six over wide long-on to trigger bedlam among the orange-garbed fans in the terraces.But he was bowled by Milne on the next delivery before Scorchers slumped further when English batters top-order Keaton Jennings and Matt Hurst struggled to handle the extra bounce.In familair scenes, Turner came to the crease and brought calmness to the middle. He started slowly in trademark style as Connolly did the bulk of the damage.Connolly has said his preference is to bat at No.6 but his flexibility came to the fore as he reached his maiden BBL half-century. He was not able to stay there at the end, like he memorably did in the final of BBL 12. He fell after when Scorchers took the power surge in the 14th over but Turner, who has missed much of the domestic season with injuries, finished the job with an unbeaten 37 as Scorchers reached the target in the 18th over.
Same ol’ Scorchers attack
New season, same old menacing Scorchers attack. It was like a collection of greatest hits for this reliable group of bowlers.Left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff has for years been a devastating weapon with the new ball and this was no exception. He didn’t take wickets in his opening two-over spell, but indirectly helped account for the early dismissals of Joe Clarke and Sam Harper.Behrendorff conjured trademark dangerous swing and started the season with a maiden. The pressure built on Stars with Jhye Richardson the beneficiary at the other end as he capped Scorchers’ early dominance by dismissing Harper plumb lbw as he grinned widely before appealing to the umpire, who raised his finger in a decision that was upheld on review.Richardson capped his fine performance with the wicket of Beau Webster, who had been released from Australia’s Test squad, in the 17th over.It was a well-rounded effort from a full-strength Scorchers attack with speedster Lance Morris bowling at speeds touching 145 kmh, while left-arm spinners Ashton Agar and Connolly each took a wicket in their returns from injuries.
Stoinis starts captaincy reign well before run-out
It’s a new era for Stars, a high-profile franchise that are famously titleless, with Marcus Stoinis taking the captaincy reins from Glenn Maxwell, who stepped down after five seasons in the role.Stoinis came to the crease under pressure but he’s well used to these fast and bouncy conditions having come up through the Western Australian cricket ranks.And he met fire with fire, taking a liking to Morris’ extra pace before smashing Agar for a huge six down the ground. In the process he became the sixth batter in BBL history to reach 100 sixes.With batting conditions becoming easier, Stoinis attempted to bludgeon every delivery like when he launched into a full-pitched Richardson delivery only to break his bat in half.But two deliveries later Stoinis took off for a quick single only for Tye at mid-on to produce a spectacular direct hit to throw down the stumps at the bowler’s end. Stoinis instantly knew his fate and was clearly livid as he threw his head back and chucked his bat in the air.Stoinis trudged off after making 37 off 33 balls but Tom Curran, recruited from Sydney Sixers, gave them a lift in the backend with 37 off 19 balls. But it wasn’t enough as their shorthanded attack missing Scott Boland could not defend the sub-par total.