The ball-tampering episode involving Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft has left reputations in tatters and angered and disappointed politicians, fans and former players alike.Smith, who before the weekend was one of his country’s most revered sportsmen, and Warner have both received 12-month bans by Cricket Australia Wednesday for their part in illegal tampering with the ball on day three of the third Test against South Africa.Bancroft, the fielder who attempted to alter the condition of the ball with sandpaper, was handed a nine-month ban.Ball tampering is not a new phenomenon in cricket, but why do players tamper with a cricket ball and what are the benefits?What is ‘swing’?To understand ball tampering, it is important to understand swing bowling. This is when a bowler gets the ball to veer sideways as it travels through the air towards the batsman.The more a ball swings in the air, the more problems a batsman faces and, consequently, the more likely the player is to be dismissed.There are two types of swing – conventional and reverse – and it is all about aerodynamics.Conventional swing happens when the ball is new and is released from the bowler’s hand with the seam at an angle to the initial line of flight. Its effectiveness is also down to the technique and skill of the bowler.But as the ball gets older, players will try to keep one side as shiny as possible and let the other become rough, changing the aerodynamics of the ball. The rougher they can get the worn side, the better.With the right technique, the ball will now swing towards the shiny side, which travels faster through the air.This “reverse swing” was pioneered by former Pakistan international Sarfraz Nawaz in the 1970s but made famous in the ’80s and ’90s by Pakistan’s Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. It is a skill few bowlers can master.The ball tends to swing more severely than conventional swing and moves late in the delivery, making it more difficult for the batsman.Changing the ball legally and illegallyWorld cricket’s governing body – the International Cricket Council (ICC) – does allow players to tamper with a ball with a “non-artificial substance”, which usually means rubbing the ball against their trousers or using their saliva to add shine.A ball can also be roughed up naturally – by bouncing it in from the boundary, for instance – but there is no guarantee of damaging the same side of the ball.That is why it is tempting for bowlers and fielders to try illegitimate means to scuff the rough side of an old ball to extract more reverse swing.”I saw an opportunity to potentially use some tape to get some granules from the rough patches on the wicket and try to change the ball condition,” Bancroft said in a news conference. “It didn’t work.”A Cricket Australia investigation later found he used sandpaper, not tape as he claimed.Why did Australia attempt this? They were struggling in a Test they went on to lose by 322 runs and were desperately seeking an advantage in the field.’It’s cheating, plain and simple’Sport consultant Chris Harrison told CNN that teams use varying techniques to rough up the ball. Sometimes, he said, players will use suncream to enhance the swing.”This does not allow it to naturally deteriorate. It’s cheating, plain and simple,” he added.But ball tampering is almost as old as the game itself and there are plenty of recent examples of players attempting to gain advantage in such a way.In 1990, New Zealand’s Chris Pringle admitted using a bottle top to scratch the ball during a Test against Pakistan.Four years later, England captain Michael Atherton took dirt off the pitch, put it in his pocket and was caught on camera using it on the ball.Atherton was fined $2,800 by the England Cricket Board, but it wasn’t until 2000 that a player was fined and suspended by the ICC for the offense.The bowler in question was Pakistan’s Younis, found guilty of ball tampering in a limited-overs match against South Africa after TV footage showed him apparently using his fingernails to scratch one side of the ball.Four years later, India’s Rahul Dravid was fined 50 percent of his match fee after being caught on camera applying lozenge on the ball while playing Zimbabwe.More recently, in 2016, South Africa’s Faf du Plessis was fined 100 percent of his match fee and given three demerit points after he was seen sucking on candy, sticking his fingers into his mouth and then using his saliva to shine the ball. He had also been fined in 2013 for ball tampering.(Bancroft being questioned by umpires Richard Illingworth, left, and Nigel Llong, centr, during the third day of the third Test cricket match against South Africa) read more

View comments Chinese-manned vessel unsettles Bohol town PH among economies most vulnerable to virus Shanghai officials reveal novel coronavirus transmission modes Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Mainland China virus cases exceed 40,000; deaths rise to 908 Interviewed by a small group of foreign and Filipino reporters at his Wynn hotel suite, a day after wresting Jessie Vargas’ World Boxing Organization welterweight (147 pounds) crown, Pacquiao said he can still slide to 140 pounds (light welterweight), even 135 (lightweight).Pacquiao even made a foray at super welterweight (154) once and emerged victorious over Antonio Margarito, who dwarfed him by five inches and outweighed him by 17 pounds on fight night.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra teammates show love for SlaughterSPORTSWe are youngSPORTSCone plans to speak with Slaughter, agent“I can still do 135,” said Pacquiao. “All I need is to reduce for one week.”At 135, Pacquiao will be on a  collision course with Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008 Beijing, 2012 London). EDITORS’ PICK “My natural weight is 140,” said Pacquiao, who’ll be encroaching on the territory of Terence Crawford, the unified welterweight champion.Already a bloated welterweight, needing to eat five times daily to bulk up, Pacquiao isn’t thinking of returning to 154, where Canelo Alvarez holds court.  Not yet, anyway.According to his strength and conditioning coach, Justin Fortune, Pacquiao is a “physical freak.” With extraordinary speed, power and stamina.Pacquiao’s metabolism, is also very fast, enabling him to digest vast amount of food while in training.It’ll hardly be surprising, of course, if Pacquiao decides to repeat his juggling act and embellish his boxing legacy further.ADVERTISEMENT Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, knocks down Jessie Vargas during their WBO welterweight title boxing match, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)HOLLYWOOD—Juggling weight divisions comes easy for Manny Pacquiao. He’d done that in his prime, eight to nine years ago.Up to now, however, a month short of turning 38, Pacquiao swears he can still switch weights, upward or downward, without a hitch.ADVERTISEMENT We are young Taiwan minister boards cruise ship turned away by Japan PLAY LIST 01:31Taiwan minister boards cruise ship turned away by Japan01:33WHO: ‘Global stocks of masks and respirators are now insufficient’01:01WHO: now 31,211 virus cases in China 102:02Vitamin C prevents but doesn’t cure diseases like coronavirus—medic03:07’HINDI PANG-SPORTS LANG!’03:03SILIP SA INTEL FUND As fate of VFA hangs, PH and US forces take to the skies for exercise MOST READ Smart hosts first 5G-powered esports exhibition match in PH Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Where did they go? Millions left Wuhan before quarantine Smart’s Siklab Saya: A multi-city approach to esports 30 Filipinos from Wuhan quarantined in Capas Fencing coach earns IOC recognition read more

Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town So rules Tata chess Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Anne Curtis talks about renewing faith in God amid the world’s ‘noise and clutter’ DILG to lock shops in Tagaytay City, other areas near Taal It will be the biggest match involving a Filipino club and Global is bracing for a test like no other against the Aussie side coached by former World Cup campaigner John Aloisi. “Brisbane Roar is a strong team but anything is possible,”  said Global CEO Dan Palami. —Cedelf P. TupasFEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return Dan Palami. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netIts confidence boosted by a stunning win last week, Global FC takes a crack at another historic feat as it goes for an upset against Australian side Brisbane Roar Tuesday night in the second preliminary phase of the AFC Champions League at Brisbane Park.The reigning Filipino champions blanked Singapore side Tampines Rovers, 2-0, last Tuesday to set up the do-or-die duel with the Roar. ADVERTISEMENT Ben&Ben, IV of Spades, SB19 win big at 5th Wish Music Awards MOST READ Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite LATEST STORIES Luis Manzano jokes about Mikee Morada’s proposal to Alex Gonzaga: ‘Baka nagtali lang ng sintas’ Bulacan inmates, jail guards raise donations for Taal victims View comments read more

Missile-capable frigate BRP Jose Rizal inches closer to entering PH Navy’s fleet Omorogbe also doesn’t want his team to look too far ahead, instead the Altas would look to win one game at a time.“For me, I’m not talking about championships with my guys, I’m not the kind of guy to say that,” said Omorogbe. “We just take it one day at a time and see how it goes. Last season everyone thought we we’re not going to make it to the Final Four.”“I just told them that we’re a team that can compete, and if we approach every game one at a time before we know it we might be in the Final Four.”ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. Clippers, Lakers among most-watched NBA teams by Filipinos Head coach: Nosa OmorogbeLast season: 11-7 (4th)Holdovers: Prince Eze, GJ Ylagan, Gab Dagangon, Daryl Singontiko, Keith PidoKey losses: Bright AkhuetieUniversity of Perpetual Help has proven that it can roll with the big boys in the NCAA after finishing Season 92 with a more than respectable 11-7 record to enter the Final Four as the fourth seed.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Teng pumps 30 as Flying V goes 6-0 View comments End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend MOST READ Thousands join Kalibo Ati-atihan despite typhoon devastation Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Tobias Harris’ late 3 seals Sixers’ win over Knicks Trump invites Duterte again to visit US – this time for March summit LaVine scores 42, Chicago rallies late to beat Cavs Last season, though, the Altas had Bright Akhuetie who was the most potent offensive big man in the league.Akhuetie’s loss, though, is not the biggest concern for Nosa Omorogbe, who has embraced a multi-faceted approach on his offensive schemes.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’“I’m not specific about players,” said Omorogbe. “Any guy could be our main offensive player. If you’re the guy with the ball and you’re open take the shot. If you see an open lane drive, and if the defense collapses on you kick the ball out.”“We don’t want the team to look like last season when we just relied on Bright.” LSU title parade draws massive crowds read more

By:  Sase Singh; MSc Finance, ACCALouis IX of France was renowned for the evenhanded manner in which he dispensed justice.  King Solomon was also supposed to have done a pretty good job at dispensing justice. What I saw on Globespan24x7 TV on June 18, 2019 vindicated my position that the Caribbean has at the CCJ honourable people who fulfil this tradition of justice with integrity.These learned minds at the CCJ used the drafting history of Guyana to break down extremely complex issues into simple statements of fact. This entire event brought power to the spirit of the Constitution. The Caribbean people must be proud that we have among us, at the CCJ, a group of learned minds who are prepared to do the right thing even in an environment populated with so much political pressure.In his written piece called ‘Politics’, Aristotle stated, “Rightly constituted laws should be the final sovereign”. These men and one woman ensured that the Guyanese Constitution remained enshrined as our final sovereign document in an environment in which legal charlatans were trying to vary its soul. By tracing how the Constitution has evolved from the Independence Constitution to the 1980 Constitution, and then to the Constitutional Reform Process as enacted in 2001, we, the lesser learned minds, were educated by the learned Judges at the CCJ as to why certain insertions and deletions were made to the Constitution at each juncture of its evolution.What was absolutely clear from that historical journey, during the 1999-2011 period, all the stakeholders in the Constitutional Reform Process, especially the PNC and PPP, wanted Article 106.  One of the clear recommendations suggested from that process was that the rights of the Presidency must be amended to dilute the dictatorial powers it had in the 1980 version. The framers of that amendment to the Constitution focused on reducing the term in office of a President to only two terms, but, at the same time, they clearly elucidated in the drafting notes that if a majority of the National Assembly votes in favour of a “motion of no-confidence” against the President and the Cabinet, then they shall resign; which in law means they must resign. The operative word being the majority, which the CCJ has now defined as 33 elected MPs.It was never the intention of the framers of the Constitutional amendments in 2001 to manipulate the meaning of the word majority, as one OIL MAGNATE LAWYER attempted to do as a means to an end in 2019. Their intentions were always that a mathematical majority of 65 can vote the Government out.  And what is that majority? But we needed not to have spent G$70 million and counting on legal fees to find out the answer to this question, since any Common Entrance student could have accurately provided the correct answer: Not 34, or any other half-man figment of a devious and demented imagination.So, in the eyes of the law, the Granger Government fell on December 21, 2018, and they had until March 20, 2019, to conclude their business. All political parties who are so interested in forming the next Government of Guyana had ample time to get their houses, cups or palm trees in order, so that they could have presented their programmes and policies to the people and leave the rest up to the voters.But what Mr. Granger has done since that fateful December night was most underhanded. He inserted his personal political tactics in a very prejudiced manner, which has resulted in our democracy being undermined. Today we are the laughing stock of the democratic Caribbean because of these actions. Can we understand now why we have no clout at CARICOM?  No right-minded democratically elected leader will take Mr. Granger seriously as he journeys along this path of noncompliance with the principles of democracy.The CCJ has taken Guyana as close as possible to perfection in the art of judicial decision-making. With their “reasoned positions” in the interpretation of the intent of the Constitution, these men and one woman were able to give it to us straight. But even better, they provided Mr. Granger with a happy exit. But as we are seeing today, Mr. Granger will have none of it, as he continues to be the Millie Vanilli of Guyanese politics. All we are getting from Mr. Granger is double-speak and lip service to the decision, “I accept”, but we shall not have elections…”From Bartica, he declared to the press that he “cannot proceed with the current list of voters”, and he now “awaits a recommendation from GECOM”, and he will then issue “a proclamation”. This goes against the grain of the letter and spirit of the CCJ decision. It is in this regard that I am urging former President Bharrat Jagdeo to place his trust in the CCJ and ignore these political squatters and usurpers. read more

0Shares0000NAIROBI, Kenya, June 17- Mwamba RFC star winger, Dennis Ombachi, is out of the Rugby World Cup Sevens squad.According to the Kenya Rugby website, Ombachi injured his knee during the team’s final training camp in Nairobi and is scheduled to undergo surgery in the next few days. The squad left for a ten-day training camp in London on Saturday and will depart for Moscow on July 25 ahead of the World Cup.“It is of course crushing not to be going to the World Cup. It is every player’s dream to represent his country at this competition. “I’ve come to terms with the injury and the fact that I will miss the World Cup but rest assured I will come back even stronger after surgery. I wish my team mates all the best and I believe that they are capable of going all the way in Moscow,” Ombachi told the website.He was one of Kenya’s key players during the 2012/2013 HSBC Sevens World Series, putting out a series of match winning performances throughout the season.The 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens will be held from June 28 to 30 in Moscow. Kenya is grouped in Pool C with Samoa, Zimbabwe and the Philippines.0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today) read more

Les Ferdinand has confirmed Queens Park Rangers have rejected bids from Leicester City and Crystal Palace for striker Charlie Austin.It is believed a deal worth around £15million will see the Super Hoops allowed the 26-year-old to leave Loftus Road.But Ferdinand revealed no more bids have been made for the player following moves from the Canaries and the Foxes.“We’ve had no more bids but people have enquired,” he told the Sports Bar.“I’ve seen lots of things in the newspapers but we’ve only had to firm bids come in for Charlie, but they weren’t acceptable to the club. Leicester was one and Crystal Palace was the other.“They weren’t well below the £15million but there were offers of players and swap deals. Like I say, they weren’t acceptable to the club.”And Ferdinand applauded the player’s commitment to the club while he is surrounded by speculation.He added: “It’s great to see Charlie’s got his head down and got on with it. Two goals in his first three games is great for him.” read more

England ensured it was a perfect start to their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 5-1 win over Montenegro.Despite falling behind against the run of play, Gareth Southgate’s men showed terrific composure to make their superiority count. Jordan Henderson reminded Southgate of his undoubted quality 5 Marko Vesovic was the man to coolly bend an effort past the outstretched Jordan Pickford, the Montenegrin benefiting from a lucky break of the ball to put his side ahead.Micahel Keane, who had been caught out badly for the Montenegro goal, would make amends as he rose at the back-post to head the Three Lions level from Ross Barkley’s free-kick.Keane’s maiden international goal brought the travelling England supporters to life.The Everton defender’s header changed the complexion of the game and the visitors were soon ahead. Raheem Sterling celebrates with his England teammates Son ban confirmed as Tottenham fail with appeal to overturn red card Oxlade-Chamberlain suffers another setback as Klopp confirms serious injury 5 5 Every time Ally McCoist lost it on air in 2019, including funny XI reactions Barkley this time turned home Hudson-Odoi’s strike from close-range for his third England goal.Clearly buoyed after taking the lead, Gareth Southgate’s men started the second half in exactly the same manner they started the game andEngland established a two-goal cushion as Barkley struck again just before the hour, latching onto a loose ball and steering it past Petkovic after Sterling’s cross was deflected into his path.Captain Harry Kane had a rare quiet night in front of goal but was on hand to tuck home Sterling’s centre to put England 4-1 ahead and add a touch of gloss to the victory. Ross Barkley puts the visitors ahead Ronaldo warned Lukaku how hard scoring goals in Serie A would be before Inter move Top nine Premier League free transfers of the decade no dice REVEALED BEST OF ADVICE RANKED REPLY REVEALED Where Ancelotti ranks with every Premier League boss for trophies won Although his career may not have panned out quite the way he imagined, the Chelsea midfielder reminded the world just how good he can be when fit and confident.Every aspect of the Chelsea midfielder’s game posed a threat; his set-piece delivery was impeccable, his dribbling flawless and his composure in front of goal unquestionable.With two goals and an assist tonight, Blues fans will surely be begging Maurizio Sarri makes him a permanent feature in his team.MOMENT OF THE MATCH Which teams do the best on Boxing Day in the Premier League era? Berahino hits back at b******t Johnson criticism – ‘I was in a dark place at Stoke’ When Jordan Henderson came on, the Liverpool captain delivered the type of performance Gareth Southgate would have been hoping to see.Despite the hype surrounding Declan Rice, Henderson showed why he should be starting in England’s midfield.His substitution gave the Three Lions an added impetus and his passing was pinpoint and pierced the Montengro backline.As the home crowd became more and more hostile, Henderson made sure to put his foot in and show that, although England want to play fancy football, they will not be bullied. Barkley is a joy to watch when in full flow 5 Getty Images Hudson-Odoi looked to drive at the Montenegro defence at every opportunity Sterling grabbed his sixth goal from his last four internationals as he latched onto a fine through-ball from Henderson to slot home.He celebrated by cupping his ears in front of the home fans in an apparent gesture in response to potential abuse earlier in the evening.A missile was thrown from the stand, Hudson-Odoi picking up the item and passing it to the England bench.STAR MAN – Ross BarkleyFive years ago, on the eve of the World Cup in Brazil, Ross Barkley was turning veteran defenders inside out and scoring long-range screamers for fun.Behind Romelu Lukaku in Everton’s attack-minded side, the midfielder looked capable of becoming a world beater. With Callum Hudson-Odoi and Declan Rice in from the start, there was a danger the Three Lions could fall apart under pressure.But with the leadership of Harry Kane, the creativity of Ross Barkley and the drive of Raheem Sterling, the World Cup semi-finalists secured all three points.Hudson-Odoi saw plenty of the ball early on, looking to take on his man at every opportunity as the Three Lions saw plenty of the ball.But it was the hosts, from their first threatening attack, who would take the lead. huge blow Getty Images 5 LATEST IN FOOTBALL read more

“That was another positive for us,” the Celtic boss said.“When you think of the players we have out and the players to come in like Eboue Kouassi“Cristian Gamboa went halfway round the world to play in World Cup qualifiers and came back and I thought he was excellent today.“And Dorus de Vries, you see in a game like today why I have him in. “It is a testament to how professional he is, how hard he has worked.“It is has been a year or so since he last played competitively.“The last game was Sunderland away (pre-season friendly) where he was excellent and this was a nice game to come into.“He didn’t have a great deal to do but towards the end when the ball was coming in around the box, he showed his agility and concentration to make the saves.“So for all those guys who came in and hadn’t played so much, I thought they did very well.”Dundee manager Neil McCann believed an incident between Gamboa and Jack Hendry should have seen his side awarded a penalty. Both players were subsituted after a clash of heads.“I think it is a penalty,” said McCann. “I don’t care if it is accidental. Big Jack has gone in and has been cleaned out by Gamboa and I don’t see why it is not a penalty.“Anywhere on the pitch that is a free-kick.“I hear it all the time and it is what angers managers. Why not in the box?“My big centre-back has a lovely wee medal to take away from Celtic Park, with a nice opening of his eye but he is fine.” Brendan Rodgers lauded Celtic back-up goalkeeper Dorus de Vries after he played his first competitive game in over a year to help his side defeat Dundee.The Dutch keeper came in as one of seven changes to the team as Rodgers reshuffled his pack ahead of a busy spell of games. Celtic face Bayern Munich in the Champions League before a League Cup semi-final against Hibs and a league match against Aberdeen.That meant an opportunity for De Vries to play a competitive match for the first time since September last year and chances for Cristian Gamboa and Eboue Kouassi among others.Rodgers was pleased to see his fringe players come in and deliver a high level of performance in a match where Oliver Ntcham’s goal separated the sides. read more

Dundee manager Neil McCann has played down reports that Glen Kamara could be on his way out of the club.The former Arsenal midfielder has reportedly attracted interest from Celtic and Rangers, while Swansea are also believed to be keen on the 22-year-old, who joined the club last summer. Kamara has been a stand-out player for the Dark Blues this term despite an overall disappointing campaign at Dens Park that has seen the club fighting against relegation for much of the season and McCann has dismissed suggestions he could lose his midfielder just a year into his contract. He said:”It’s all speculation. “But what I would say is it’s understandable why there has been speculation, he has been superb this year.”He added: “(He is) a guy who is under contract and we have had no offers. “It’s a question that is pointless to answer, other than to say I am here trying to build a team but before I start looking to next season, I have a job to do this season.” McCann’s focus remains on the current season and a trip to Fir Park to face Scottish Cup finalists Motherwell on Saturday in a game that could virtually seal their safety in the Premiership this season. Dundee are five points clear of the bottom two with four games to play following a crucial late winner over St Johnstone last weekend, but despite his side flirting with relegation throughout the campaign, McCann insists he is still setting his sights on catching Saints and Well in seventh and eight. He said: “You have to be mindful (of what’s around you).“But I always try to look upwards and St Johnstone and Motherwell are above us. We have had two of those sides to face right off the bat, and I’m always of the mind that I like to catch people. “Targets are good and you should always try and achieve the highest possible finish. “Of course Motherwell are in our sights, but we will need to be at our best.” read more