The 2013-14 Ashes series remains one of the most iconic chapters in cricket history, with Australia’s emphatic 5-0 victory over England etched in the annals of the sport. At the heart of this triumph was Mitchell Johnson, whose ferocious pace and 37 wickets dismantled England’s batting lineup. Yet, behind Johnson’s brilliance stood Ryan Harris, a relentless fast bowler whose contributions were equally pivotal. Harris, nicknamed ‘Rhino,’ played a crucial role in Australia’s dominance, delivering what ESPN Cricinfo dubbed the ‘ball of the century’ to dismiss England captain Alastair Cook. This unplayable delivery, which swung unpredictably to clip the top of off stump, symbolized Harris’s mastery and the psychological edge Australia held throughout the series. Harris’s journey to the Ashes was marked by resilience. Plagued by injuries, including a troublesome knee, he made his Test debut at 31 and quickly became a linchpin of Australia’s pace attack. His partnership with Johnson, which yielded 59 wickets in the series, was instrumental in Australia’s success. Harris recalls the camaraderie and strategic focus of the bowling unit, describing it as a ‘team within a team.’ The series also marked a turning point for Johnson, who had struggled in the 2010-11 Ashes but returned with renewed vigor to terrorize England. Harris reflects on the mental and physical challenges of Test cricket, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adaptability. Despite his career being cut short by injuries, Harris cherishes his Ashes legacy, particularly his match-winning performances in Sydney and South Africa. Now the head coach of South Australia, Harris continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers, sharing his experiences and insights from a career defined by perseverance and excellence.
分类： sports
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Half Yours wins Melbourne Cup
In a historic triumph at the 2025 Melbourne Cup, jockey Jamie Melham steered Half Yours to victory, becoming only the second female jockey to win Australia’s most prestigious horse race. The event, held on November 4, saw Goodie Two Shoes, trained by Ireland’s Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, secure second place, while Middle Earth claimed third. This victory marks a significant milestone for Melham, who last month rode Half Yours to win the Caulfield Cup, making her the first woman to achieve the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double. Overwhelmed by her success, Melham expressed her disbelief and passion for the sport in a post-race interview with the Nine Network, stating, ‘What just happened? Oh my god. This is what we do it for, this is why we get out of bed every morning at 4am.’ Her achievement not only cements her place in horse racing history but also inspires a new generation of female jockeys.
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DP World Tour Play-Offs 2025: Can anyone stop Rory’s Race to Dubai charge?
The 2025 DP World Tour Play-Offs have arrived, bringing with them a high-stakes battle for the coveted Race to Dubai title. Rory McIlroy, the current leader, is on the verge of securing his seventh championship, but the competition is fierce. Emerging star Marco Penge, just 500 points behind McIlroy, is poised to challenge the golfing legend in the season-ending Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and DP World Tour Championship. These events, hosted in the UAE, promise to deliver drama and potentially historic performances. McIlroy’s dominance in the UAE is well-documented, with victories in the DP World Tour Championship in 2012, 2015, and 2024. However, Penge’s meteoric rise, from the HotelPlanner Tour to the 29th spot in the Official World Golf Ranking, makes him a formidable contender. With 9,000 points up for grabs in Abu Dhabi and 12,000 in Dubai, every shot and putt will be crucial. Beyond the Race to Dubai title, the top 10 players not already holding a PGA Tour card will earn dual cardholder status for 2026, adding another layer of excitement. The $6 million Race to Dubai Bonus Pool further intensifies the competition, with the winner taking home $2 million. As the season concludes, the DP World Tour Play-Offs are set to provide a thrilling finale to an already remarkable year.
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World Cup triumph hailed as India women’s ‘1983 moment’
In a landmark achievement for Indian cricket, the women’s national team clinched their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. The victory, witnessed by a jubilant crowd of 40,000 fans, marks a significant milestone in the history of women’s cricket in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the team’s exceptional performance, describing the win as ‘historic’ and a source of inspiration for future generations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a reward of 510 million Indian rupees ($5.8 million) for the triumphant squad. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed hope that this victory would serve as a turning point for the women’s game in the cricket-crazy nation. The triumph is being compared to the Indian men’s team’s iconic 1983 World Cup win, which revolutionized the sport in the country. Cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Mithali Raj also celebrated the victory, emphasizing its potential to inspire young girls across India to pursue cricket. The win comes after years of near-misses, including heartbreaking losses in the 2005 and 2017 finals, and a challenging tournament journey that saw the team overcome three consecutive defeats to reach the semifinals. This victory not only cements India’s place as a global cricketing powerhouse but also heralds a new era for women’s cricket in the country.
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International cricket returns to Faisalabad with Pakistan-South Africa ODIs
The historic Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is set to witness the return of international cricket after a 17-year hiatus, as Pakistan and South Africa gear up for a three-match ODI series starting Tuesday. The central Punjab city last hosted an international match in 2008 when Pakistan faced Bangladesh. This marks a significant milestone for Faisalabad, which has been sidelined as an international venue due to inadequate facilities, now improved over the past three years. Pakistan’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, ‘It’s a special occasion that Faisalabad is hosting an international match after 17 years. It will be good for the fans of the city.’ The series concludes South Africa’s tour, which saw a 1-1 draw in the Test series and a 2-1 loss in the T20Is. Shaheen acknowledged the weight of captaincy, calling it an honor to lead the team. Pakistan’s squad, featuring stars like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan, is at full strength. South Africa, however, will miss key players, including injured skipper Temba Bavuma and rested pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Newcomer Matthew Breetzke, who scored a record 150 on his ODI debut earlier this year, will lead the Proteas. Despite the absence of several regulars, Breetzke remains optimistic, emphasizing the opportunity for younger players to step up. Star opener Quinton de Kock will also make a comeback to ODI cricket after reversing his 2023 retirement. The remaining matches are scheduled for Thursday and Saturday, continuing the cricketing resurgence in Faisalabad.
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Sweet sixteen as Aoife Kelly trumps rivals to win Sharjah Ladies Open title in style
The 16th Sharjah Ladies Open Golf Championship concluded in spectacular fashion at the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club (SGSC), with Aoife Kelly of Trump International emerging as the champion. Kelly’s composed and confident performance, marked by a one-under 71, secured her first SGSC Ladies Open title. The event, held on a picturesque morning, showcased Kelly’s precision and poise as she navigated the course with three birdies and two bogeys. Her victory was celebrated with enthusiastic applause from fellow competitors and spectators.
Kelly expressed her elation after receiving the trophy, praising the course’s impeccable condition and its ability to reward skillful play. “It’s always a pleasure to play here at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club,” she remarked. Sana Tufail finished as the runner-up with a one-over-par 73, while Lara Bakhour secured third place with a determined 79.
In the Net Division, Ela Camurlu claimed the top spot in Division A with a net 72, and Debra Jaunich of SGSC matched that score to win Division B. The tournament underscored the rising prominence of women’s golf in the UAE, reflecting SGSC’s dedication to fostering competitive and inclusive opportunities for players of all skill levels. The event not only highlighted the growing talent in the sport but also reinforced the club’s reputation as a premier venue for high-stakes golf competitions.
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Trott to step down as Afghanistan coach after T20 World Cup
Jonathan Trott, the head coach of Afghanistan’s national cricket team, will step down from his position following the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced this decision on Monday, citing it as part of their long-term strategic planning for the team’s future development. Trott, a former England international, was appointed in July 2022 and has since led Afghanistan to significant milestones in international cricket. Under his guidance, Afghanistan reached the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking their first appearance in the last four of the tournament. This achievement followed their impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they narrowly missed a semifinal spot by just two points after securing notable victories against defending champions England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Trott expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and pledged his continued support for Afghan cricket. The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will culminate on March 8, marking the end of Trott’s tenure.
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Barca boss Flick wants Rashford to be more clinical in front of goal
Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, has called for Marcus Rashford to improve his efficiency in front of goal despite the forward’s crucial strike in their recent 3-1 LaLiga triumph over Elche. Rashford’s goal, scored from a challenging angle, sealed the victory, propelling the defending champions to second place in the league standings with 25 points, just five behind leaders Real Madrid.
Since joining Barcelona on loan from Manchester United in July, the England international has netted six goals across all competitions. Flick, however, believes Rashford has the potential to convert more of the opportunities he creates. ‘When you see the chances he has, I think one or two more goals would be beneficial, also for him,’ Flick remarked in a post-match interview. He praised Rashford’s importance to the team, stating, ‘I know he can perform at this level, and I am pleased he is demonstrating it for the fans, the club, and his teammates.’
Rashford himself acknowledged areas for improvement in his decision-making on the pitch. ‘I always strive to make the right choices during the game. Even today, I could have had more assists or goals; sometimes the decision to shoot or pass was incorrect,’ the 28-year-old admitted to Spanish media. He emphasized his team-first mentality, adding, ‘My focus is not solely on my output. If I am doing the right things, I know I will always be able to score and assist. My priority is to build relationships within the team and feel comfortable.’
Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures include a Champions League clash against Club Brugge on Wednesday, followed by a LaLiga encounter with Celta Vigo on Sunday.
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Dembele fit as PSG prepare to take on Bayern juggernaut
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) received a significant boost ahead of their highly anticipated Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, as star forward Ousmane Dembele has been declared fit to play. The French international, who scored a crucial goal in PSG’s 2-0 victory over Bayern in the Club World Cup quarterfinals earlier this year, had been sidelined due to discomfort in his right thigh. Despite playing only 18 minutes in last Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against Nice, Dembele has fully participated in training sessions over the past two weeks, according to PSG coach Luis Enrique. ‘We do not take risks with any players. But Ousmane Dembele is fit, he has been in every training session for the last two weeks,’ Enrique stated during a press conference on Monday. ‘He is improving his physical fitness and he will certainly play tomorrow. I do not know for how many minutes, but he will play because he is ready to compete.’ Bayern Munich, on the other hand, enters the match in formidable form, having won 15 consecutive competitive matches since their loss to PSG in July. Both teams have secured victories in all three of their Champions League group stage matches so far, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. PSG, unbeaten in their last eight competitive matches, will look to leverage their home advantage at the Parc des Princes. ‘We know how difficult it will be. We are ready and motivated to win,’ Enrique added, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to handle Bayern’s pressure and deliver a strong performance.
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Rybakina stuns Swiatek to progress at WTA Finals
In a dramatic turn of events at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Elena Rybakina delivered a stunning performance to defeat world number two Iga Swiatek and secure her place in the semi-finals. The Kazakh tennis star, who had previously struggled against Swiatek, turned the match around after losing the first set, winning 12 of the final 13 games to claim a 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory. This marked Rybakina’s first win over Swiatek in 19 months, ending a four-match losing streak against the Polish player. Rybakina attributed her success to mental resilience and a newfound confidence, stating, ‘I stayed focused, and everything started going my way.’ Meanwhile, Amanda Anisimova kept her tournament hopes alive with a comeback win against Madison Keys, setting up a decisive group match against Swiatek. The WTA Finals, featuring the top eight women’s singles and doubles players, offers a staggering £12 million ($15.5 million) in prize money. Rybakina, known for her powerful serve and aggressive play, has been tipped to challenge the sport’s elite since her Wimbledon triumph in 2022. However, she has faced challenges in maintaining consistency, while Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka have dominated the Grand Slam scene. Swiatek, who leads the WTA Tour in match wins this year, struggled to maintain her early momentum, committing 42 unforced errors in the latter stages of the match. In doubles, Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko advanced to the knockout stage, while Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova secured a hard-fought victory. The tournament continues to deliver high-stakes drama as players vie for the prestigious year-end title.