Lionel Messi's Facebook Post on Israel-Gaza Conflict Stirs Controversy

Jerusalem: Soccer star Lionel Messi has been dragged into the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, two weeks after the Argentinian wrote in a Facebook post that he was "deeply saddened" by the loss of young lives with a photo of an injured Palestinian boy.

Israeli social media users have exhorted Messi to acknowledge the death of Daniel Tregaron, a four-year-old Messi fan who was killed by a mortar fired from Gaza.

"As a father and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, I am terribly saddened by the images coming from the conflict between Israel and Palestine, where violence has already claimed so many young lives and to injure countless children," Messi wrote in his Facebook post.

Tregaron was the first Israeli child to be killed since the beginning of the Operation Protective Edge on July 8. Messi also plays for the Qatar Airways-sponsored FC Barcelona.

Daniel's images on social media show him wearing a Messi jersey.

Seeking a response from Messi, Israelis shared photos of the four-year-old in his Messi jersey, and tagged the soccer player.

"Hey Leo Messi, take a look at that boy, wearing the national jersey of the best player in the world," Liran Cohen wrote in a Facebook post yesterday, tagging Messi and FC Barcelona.

On Twitter, Lior Vaknin, along with many other Israelis, shared photos of Tregerman, also making sure to tag Messi. "Daniel was killed by a terror organisation your team's #1 sponsors is sponsoring," a post read.

"The mortar that killed Tregerman was fired by Hamas, the terrorist organisation that rules Gaza.

The Strip has been a recipient of generous donations from Qatar", said another.

At least 2,097 Palestinians have been killed while on the Israeli side 68 people have died so far.

NDTV

Starc primed for ODI return

Paceman hopeful of strong Tri-Series performance

Australia left-armer Mitchell Starc is one of the world’s most lethal limited-overs bowlers in his day – but those days have been few and far between in the past 12 months.

Starc played the last of his 19 One-Day Internationals in June 2013, before being ruled out of the home summer with a stress fracture in his lower back.

From his limited opportunities in the 50-over game, the 24-year-old has already collated a superb record with the ball, averaging 19.91 and boasting a strike-rate of 23.6 with the ball.

He has also claimed three four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls – effectively grabbing at least four wickets in one out of three matches.

But while the numbers are impressive, it has been injury that has prevented the New South Welshman from adding to them in recent times.

Now though, Starc feels his fitness and body is in a place where it can handle the arduous period of cricket that lies ahead.

“It’s been great to be in the gym for two-and-a-bit months working on that strength and that fitness to get us ready for a lot of cricket ahead,” he told cricket.com.au.

“It’s probably been two or three seasons since I’ve had a proper pre-season, so to get that time in the gym, getting that strength back, getting a bit of running in the legs, and to be around the state squad as well as the Australian squad, it’s been fantastic to do that.

“It’s probably something we won’t have the chance to do that again in the next few years with the schedule we’ve got.”

Starc believes that tough lessons learned in the early phase of his career has him well placed to benefit as he moves into his mid-20s.

“It’s about being able to bowl long days, long months, whatever it may be, but to do it for a long time and do it well,” he said.

“As a young bowler it’s all about bowling. As you get older you learn more about your body, you’ve experienced a few injuries, experienced the rehab and what it takes to get back as some of the older guys have.

“It’s about leaving no stone unturned in your preparation; your pre-season, your strength sessions, everything through the tours as well to make sure you’re doing all you can to make sure your body’s right for the next day or the next tour or the next match.

“It’s definitely a learning experience; you’re learning on your feet in terms of knowing your body and doing all you can to not get injured.”

Starc is well aware of the challenges that face him in terms of becoming a regular fixture of Australia’s XI ahead of the World Cup, particularly with the glut of fast-bowling talent in the country.

“With (the World Cup) approaching it’s always in the back of someone’s mind,” he said.

“I’d like to make my way back into all three formats and I haven’t played a one-day game for a fair while now so that’s the first stepping stone for me.

“If I get my chance on this tour of Zimbabwe it’s about taking those chances and one step from there is the tour of the UAE.

“To have the opportunity to play (a World Cup) in your home country is a massive goal and something that every cricketer in Australia is going to be trying to get to.

“Aside from the Ashes, the World Cup is one of the big events of any cricketer’s career.

And with the might of South Africa looming in Harare next week, Starc also had a novel solution for how to handle his Royal Challengers Bangalore team-mate, and the man considered by many to be the world's best batsman, AB de Villiers.

"Well he hits the ball a long way," Starc grinned. "Maybe just give him a one, get him off strike and let Ryno (Ryan Harris) do the rest."

Considering Harris is absent from this Tri-Series, that responsibility may have to be taken by Starc himself - and one senses the paceman has it in him to take up the challenge. 

CA

Lionel Messi and David Beckham become latest stars to take on Ice Bucket Challenge

The Barcelona forward was nominated for it by his team-mate Dani Alves, and he then went on to put forward his international colleagues Sergio Aguero and Ezequiel Lavezzi to step forward next. 

Beckham, meanwhile, was nominated by US presenter Ryan Seacrest. And he went on to name former NBA stars Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and actor Leonardo DiCaprio to have a go.

Li takes the Ice Bucket Challenge

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The Ice Bucket Challenge has gone viral over the last couple of days, with footballers and celebrities around the world taking it on.

The rules state that when challenged by a fellow competitor, you have 24 hours to complete it yourself, or make a donation to charity. 

The likes of Neymar, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry among many others have already taken part. 

dailymail.uk

Steyn's fishy injury blow

Protea quick hooked on Zimbabwe fishing trip

South Africa spearhead Dale Steyn has hit a snag in Zimbabwe, suffering what appears to be a painful injury in a fishing accident.

The world's No.1 pace bowler has been hooked on Zimbabwe's life aquatic, but it was the fast bowler himself who was hooked after a mishap.

Steyn uploaded a video of a doctor injecting the fast bowler with the hook still firmly lodged in his flesh just below the left knee joint.

"Sometimes u get it wrong… #hooked on fishing" Steyn tweeted.

Steyn has been rested by Cricket South Africa from the Proteas' one-day series against Zimbabwe that is being played ahead of Australia's arrival for a tri-series competition, and has been making the most of the break with a spot of fishing.

"1st cast of the morning! Back on it! Loving this Zimbabwe tour! @ my secret pond" Steyn tweeted last Friday.

We have contacted Cricket South Africa for a comment on whether the hook injury would impact Steyn's ability to bowl.

CA

Messi is miraculous - Rakitic

The Croatia international heaped praise upon the Argentina captain and says he is looking forward to getting the new season underway

Ivan Rakitic has hailed Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi as "miraculous", adding that he is learning from the Argentine star.

Rakitic joined the Catalan giants this summer for a reported fee of €20 million after a magnificent campaign with Sevilla. 

The Croatia international says he has been training with Messi recently and admitted he has been in awe of the four-time Ballon d'Or winner. 

"I trained a few times with Leo because he joined the team later due to the World Cup," he told 24sata. "Sometimes in training I stop and watch him, he is miraculous. I admire him and I learn from him.

"He impresses me with everything he does. He behaves normally, as if he isn't such a big star."

The 26-year-old said he in constant conversation with coach Luis Enrique, who has told him he admires him greatly.

"I haven't spoken specifically about positions with Luis Enrique because we are still in training," he added. "It will take time. He talks to me very often, to him the details are very important, he cares a lot about the little things.

"He told me that he realised that I was great when I was playing against his former club Celta."

Rakitic also praised 18-year-old team-mate and compatriot Alen Halilovic before stressing his excitement at getting the season underway.

"Alen thrills everyone. Everybody is talking about him and praising him. The coach likes him and he is still with the first team. In training he is great.


"I can't wait to start. I think it's great for Croatian football to have three players playing in big clubs. I will lead a big fight for the title against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Playing against Mandzukic and Modric will be very interesting."

goal.com

McDermott rules out Sri Lanka role

Bowling coach 'not interested' in head coach position

Australia's fast-bowling coach Craig McDermott has dismissed a claim he has applied to become head coach of Sri Lanka, declaring his intent to help lead Australia back to the World No.1 Test ranking and ICC Cricket World Cup.

McDermott was one of 13 cricket coaching identities named as applicants for the Sri Lankan position vacated by Paul Farbrace, who took an assistant coaching role with England under Peter Moores in April.

"I can categorically say that I have not applied nor am I interested in pursuing the Sri Lankan head coach position," said McDermott.

"I’ve recently re-signed with Cricket Australia and am very happy with the role I’m doing here in Australia."

McDermott, who took 291 wickets in 71 Tests, signed a two-year contract extension with CA as an assistant coach in May, with a promise he would be given more responsibility to broaden his experience.

Marvan Atapattu, who played 90 Tests for Sri Lanka, has been Sri Lanka's interim head coach since Farbrace returned to England in April. Under his stewardship, Sri Lanka won a two-Test series in England 1-0 but lost a two-Test series at home to South Africa 1-0.

Sri Lanka currently lead Pakistan 1-0 in an ongoing two-Test series.

ESPNCricinfo published a list of 13 applicants for the Sri Lanka coaching vacancy, which prompted some of those named to issue strong denials, the latest of which is McDermott.

South Africans Eric Simmons and Paddy Upton both refuted the report. Upton recently accepted a role as head coach of the Sydney Thunder for the forthcoming summer's KFC T20 Big Bash League.

"I was approached for the post, and declined immediately," Upton told South Africa's SuperSport.com. "I am quite happy for people to know that I am not in the running."

CA's Executive General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard said he was "keen for Craig to continue to grow and develop as a coach" after McDermott renewed his coaching contract.

"Craig will also do a bit more work with the limited-overs players, along with Ali de Winter, as we head towards the World Cup early next year," Howard said in May.

"As part of his role he will be closely connected to the work being done at the National Cricket Centre to ensure he is aligned to also developing players for the future."

McDermott has most recently been working with the Australia A bowlers during their series against South Africa A in Townsville.

Former Australia coach Mickey Arthur was among those touted as applicants for the Sri Lanka vacancy, as was Melbourne Renegades coach Simon Helmot.

CA

Neymar: Barcelona forward returns to training after back injury

Barcelona forward Neymar has trained for the first time since breaking a bone in his back during Brazil's World Cup quarter-final against Colombia.

The 22-year-old was ruled out for the rest of the tournament after being kneed by Juan Zuniga on 4 July.

"Neymar is back in training with the rest of the first-team squad," said astatement on Barcelona's website. 

"He will be given a thorough examination by the club's medical services to evaluate his recovery."

Barcelona begin their La Liga campaign on 24 August against Elche.

Neymar has previously said he was lucky not to be paralysed by Zuniga's challenge.

The Colombia player did not face disciplinary action from Fifa as the incident was seen by referee Carlos Velasco Carballo.

BBC

Lionel Messi’s haircut draws heavy criticism

APPARENTLY, all the millions in the world couldn’t buy Lionel Messi a decent haircut.

The Argentina superstar returned to training with Barcelona this week and the photos of his new ’do have caused a stir in the UK press and on social media.

“He may be one of the best players to ever grace the planet but this won’t go down as one of Lionel Messi’s finest moments,” Ben Burrows wrote in the Daily Mirror.

“... he has taken a trip to the barbers but whether he asked for this monstrosity of a cut or just got lumped with it is up for debate.”

Stefan Edberg finds coaching to his liking with Roger Federer

Six-time Grand Slam champion Stefan Edberg said on Monday he never imagined he would be sitting in the stands as a lone coach this week to Roger Federer at the Toronto Masters. 

The 48-year-old Swede is in charge of coaching arrangements in Canada, with Federer's main coach Severin Luthi not attending the ATP event that begins the serious build-up to the US Open in three weeks. 
Edberg said that after receiving the call from Federer last December inviting him to join the Swiss player's coaching team, life has changed more than he could have imagined. 

"It's nothing that I thought that I ever would do, but obviously being around Roger and the way he is as a person on and off court has actually been a very, very good journey so far," said Edberg. "It's been good to see him making some progress this year." 

Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, dropped a five-set final to Novak Djokovic last month at Wimbledon. 

"He was very, very close to winning at Wimbledon. There was one or two points that made a difference in that final, which was one of the better finals I have watched in the past in the many, many years.

"But that's the way it is in tennis. But I still believe the way he's playing, and if he can keep working and stay healthy, he's got a shot of doing very well here going forward. 

"But it's an important week this week as well here." Edberg said that while long-time coach Luthi heads the coaching side, he will get his chance to put some ideas into action in Toronto. 

"I'm here on my own this week and I think I'm coming with the few ideas how he can handle different things, maybe technically and a few small things," Edberg said. 

"But I can't make that much of a difference, but a little bit of a difference I think I can make. It has been good so far." 

The stoic Swede said that sitting in the stands and analysing feels much tougher than actually playing. 

"In many ways it's worse sitting in the stands, because you can't really do anything sometimes," he said. 

"You wish you could. Actually it has been OK. You want him to do well and so it's a different feeling, but it's good so far."

Smith excited by Lyon mystery ball

Batsman lauds progress after up-close look

He’s only bowled it a few times, but ‘Jeff’, Nathan Lyon’s mystery ball, is coming along well, according to team-mate Steve Smith.

After facing Lyon in the Sydney Cricket Ground nets yesterday, Smith confirmed the variation the Test spinner has been working on with the world’s greatest wicket-taker Muthiah Muralidaran is showing promise, but we shouldn’t expect to see it just yet.

“He’s bowled me the ‘Jeff’ a few times in the nets,” Smith told cricket.com.au.

“It’s still a work in progress for him. He’s told me that he’s got to gain the confidence to be able to bowl it in a game, but every time he’s bowled it, it’s come out pretty well.

“It’s a key for him to keep working on it and get it to the stage where he’s confident he can land it nine out of ten times and be able to execute it well.”

Under the tutelage of Muralidaran and spin coach John Davison, Lyon spent five days in Sri Lanka in June to focus on off-spin bowling and developing a ball “that goes the other way”.

"(The camp) ticked a lot of boxes for me, so now I'm looking forward to getting home and hopefully putting a few things into practice," Lyon told cricket.com.au in Colombo.

"It's just been good to talk to Murali. We all know how good a bowler Murali was, so to have his ideas and feedback about the progression of the ball that 'Davo' (Davison) and I have come up with, it's been very helpful."

Lyon also pointed out at the time that the new delivery he is toying with has been in the works for some time.

"I certainly haven't landed in Colombo and suddenly started bowling a new ball," the 26-year-old said. "It's a big help having Murali though.

"It's definitely not the carrom ball (that I'm working on) – it's trying to have a different variation. So it's a ball that we've come up with working in spin week at the NCC (National Cricket Centre).”

Smith and Lyon were selected in the 14-man squad to tour Zimbabwe for the One-Day International tri-series against the host nation and South Africa starting later this month, awarded first crack to impress ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year.

Smith believes Lyon has what it takes to excel at ODI level, backing the spinner to succeed in conditions in which he’s already dominated, even if the man himself was somewhat surprised by his selection.

“I think he was very surprised,” Smith said of Lyon’s reaction to the news.

“He’s worked really hard and bowled really well in the games of Big Bash he played last year and in the Ryobi Cup as well.

“I’m certainly not surprised. I had a hit against him this morning and he pulled the white ball out for the first time in a while.

“He bowled really well and I’m looking forward to him playing, and hopefully doing well, too.”