كشف أحمد حلمي الشريف عضو مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة المصري، عن موعد عقد أول اجتماع للمجلس الجديد برئاسة هاني أبو ريدة.
وأعلن أمس الثلاثاء، فوز ونجاح هاني أبو ريدة ومعه قائمته بالكامل، بالتزكية بعد عدم ترشح أحد أمامه.
وقال حلمي خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2” لبرنامج “الكورة مع فايق: “مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة يسعى لتحقيق طموح وآمال الجمعية العمومية، أول اجتماع لمجلس إدارة الاتحاد سيكون اليوم الساعة 11 صباحًا من أجل توزيع الملفات من حيث درجة الأهمية”.
طالع | أول تعليق من هاني أبو ريدة بعد فوزه رسميًا برئاسة اتحاد الكرة
وأضاف: “متفقون كمجلس إدارة، الحديث عن كافة المشاكل والحلول لكن بعد مناقشتها داخل المجلس”.
وتابع: “أتمنى كمواطن مصري الجماهير تعود للمدرجات ومدرج ستاد القاهرة يكون به 100 ألف متفرج، ومنتخب مصر في المستقبل القريب لا نقف الوصول إلى كأس العالم ويكون هناك تمثيل مشرف ونصل لدرجات كبيرة”.
وأتم: “لدينا أهداف كثيرة لكن بعد دراسة كافية المعطيات داخل مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة، نعمل وفق منظومة واستراتيجية وليس عمل فردي، نريد أن نكون في وضع المسؤولية، ليس لنا صالح إلى الصالح”.
Both the New Zealand captain and coach have had to answer questions about their equation in recent times
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jul-2020
Kane Williamson and Gary Stead have a very good relationship, they have stressed•AFP via Getty Images
Kane Williamson and Gary Stead, the New Zealand captain and coach respectively, have had to answer questions about their supposedly frayed relationship ever since they got to Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui for a training session. After Williamson called the relationship “very good”, Stead has called it “really strong”, adding that they are both gung-ho about taking the team to the next level.Some of the chatter in local cricket circles started after speculation in May that Stead wanted Tom Latham as the regular Test captain in place of Williamson after Latham led New Zealand in one Test – a 279-run loss in a 3-0 series sweep – in Australia earlier this year. “Kane and I have a really strong relationship, and we spoke about it,” Stead told Stuff on Saturday. “There was no basis in truth and the disappointing part is it’s coming from somewhere and someone, but it’s not Kane and it’s not I.”I really enjoy working with Kane. The discussions we have are robust and always directed at what’s best for the team, which is something I know we are truly aligned on.”It’s like any business, you always have positive conflict and if there wasn’t, then I’d be worried.”ALSO READ: Jeremy Coney hits out at Gary SteadWilliamson was asked the question a couple of days back too, when he attended a press interaction after a nets session, and he said, “Gary and I have a very good relationship. We are always honest with each other and keen to challenge each other with our views on the game. Ultimately we both share the vision of where we want the team to go – how we get there is a constant discussion as in any organisation – and we are happy to have those honest discussions together.”Stead, the 48-year-old former Test batsman, took over from Mike Hesson in August 2018, and it has been a largely good run so far, with nine wins and five defeats in 16 Tests, which have taken them to No. 2 in the ICC’s Test rankings. They also finished as the runners-up at the 2019 ODI World Cup final. On the other hand, the Test series sweep in Australia was the lowlight.”For the most part we’ve had some pretty amazing experiences as a group and I cherish a lot of those,” Stead, who would be expecting a contract extension when the current one expires after what should have been the end of the T20 World Cup in October, said. “Most of the time it’s an enjoyable job, and there’s always things that are tough which is part of the role as well.”Selection is always difficult when you know there’re some very good players that miss out, and at times the media side and the extra scrutiny you get is more demanding.”
Over the last couple of seasons, Everton have been forced to operate on a strict budget given their PSR and FFP troubles, often having to rely on outgoings before any incomings.
The FFP issues have seen boss Sean Dyche be restricted in his efforts to bolster his side, with the 52-year-old doing a brilliant job in securing the club's Premier League status with three games to spare.
The Toffees have been forced to cut costs in order to balance the books, with the likes of Alex Iwobi and Anthony Gordon just two examples of players the club have had to sell to stay within the division's strict financial rules.
Everton also allowed one other first-team member to depart the club back in 2019 with the Toffees making the right decision to offload him given his rapid drop in market value in recent years.
Henry Onyekuru's stats at Everton
After scoring 22 times for KAS Eupen in Belgium during the 2016/17 season, Ronald Koeman and Everton forked out £7m on attacker Henry Onyekuru, in an attempt to bolster the Toffees' forward line.
Having signed for the Blues as a 20-year-old, Oynekuru was immediately sent back on loan to the Pro League, joining Anderlecht for the season in a bid to improve his ability in an attempt to mount a first-team place the following campaign.
The move was a successful one, scoring ten goals in his 27 appearances, but he was unable to feature for Everton in the Premier League, after failing to receive a work permit after his move to England.
He would subsequently leave Goodison once more on a temporary basis, joining Galatasaray – contributing with 16 goals as he helped the Istanbul outfit claim the Süper Lig title in 2018/19.
His stint in Turkey was evidence he was up to the level required, but the ongoing work permit issue would bring an abrupt end to his time on Merseyside – leaving Everton to join Monaco in a deal worth £12.5m, thus seeing the club making a £5.5m profit despite him never wearing the blue of the Toffees.
Henry Onyekuru's market value in 2024
Nearly five years on from his Goodison departure, the Nigerian forward is now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia for Al-Fayha, but he's seen a rapid drop in his value as a result.
Onyekuru is now only valued at £3.8m, as per Transfermarkt, a decrease of over £8m since he left Everton during the summer of 2019.
His subsequent value is now less than current Toffees centre-back Michael Keane, who is still worth £6m, despite only featuring for the club just nine times during the 2023/24 campaign.
Dele Alli
£4.3m
Michael Keane
£6m
Youssef Chermiti
£7.7m
Andre Gomes
£10.3m
The 31-year-old defender has endured a drop of his own since the club forked out £30m for his signature during the summer of 2017, in an attempt to catapult the club towards consistent European football.
However, the pair have both suffered drastically over the last couple of years, with Everton making the right decision in offloading the Nigerian striker, with his fee and wages going a long way to keep the club from further financial problems after their recent problems with the Premier League.
Everton hit gold on "sensational" ace who's now worth more than Pickford
He’s nailed down the starting role under Sean Dyche this season.
تعرض مدرب منتخب مصر السابق المكسيكي خافيير أجيري، والمدير الفني الحالي لمنتخب المكسيك، إلي الاعتداء خلال مباراة منتخب بلاده أمام منافسه هندوراس ببطولة دوري أمم الكونكاكاف.
والتقي منتخبا المكسيك وهندوراس، صباح اليوم السبت، في ذهاب دور ربع النهائي من بطولة دوري أمم الكونكاكاف، وخسر منتخب المكسيك بهدفين دون رد.
وبعد انتهاء المباراة، تعرض أجيري إلى الضرب من قبل الجماهير، بإلقاء الزجاجات، لتصطدم إحداها برأس المدرب المكسيكي، ما تسبب في نزيف بالرأس.
طالع | فيديو | أجيري يتعرض لاعتداء وإصابة بنزيف في الرأس بعد خسارة المكسيك أمام هندوراس
وتواصل “بطولات” مع المكسيكي خافيير جوري المدرب المساعد لـ أجيري، الذي كان ضمن الجهاز الفني لـ منتخب مصر السابق معه أيضًا، موضحًا تفاصيل إصابة المدرب المكسيكي، حيث قال: “تواصلت مع أجيري واطمأنيت عليه، المشاهد المنتشرة بشأن إصابته كانت مرعبة”.
وأضاف: “أجيري حاليًا بحالة جيدة ومعنوياته مرتفعة، ما حدث لن يدفع أجيري للاستقالة، أجيري يركز على مباراة الإياب أمام هندوراس التي تقام يوم الأربعاء 20 نوفمبر”.
وأتم: “بشكل عام، أجيري لا يرغب في الرحيل عن المكسيك إلا بعد كأس العالم 2026”.
خافيير أجيري كان سبق له تولي تدريب منتخب مصر في عام 2019، وخسر من جنوب إفريقيا في دور الـ 16 وودع بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا التي أقيمت في مصر، حينها، ذلك كان في عهد هاني أبو ريدة رئيس الاتحاد المصري وقتها.
Another significant report has emerged regarding the potential takeover of Everton Football Club on Monday, with yet more concerning news coming the club's way.
Everton off-field latest
On the pitch, Sean Dyche's side picked up a welcome 2-0 victory at home to Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon, acting as a huge shot in the arm in the Premier League relegation battle. It was a massive step in the right direction, not to mention a welcome boost during a season that has seen so many obstacles to overcome.
Away from the action, Everton have had to deal with points deductions drama, initially seeing 10 points taken away, only to see that amount drop to six. Since then, another two points have been lopped off their tally in the league, although they are appealing that decision with the hope it will be reduced or erased.
Everton owner Farhad Moshiri.
If that wasn't bad enough, the ongoing saga surrounding 777 Partners' purchase of the Blues has also acted as an unwelcome distraction to on-field matters, with Everton's proposed next owners continually seeing their credentials called into doubt.
While the majority of supporters want to see Farhad Moshiri leave as the current owner, it would also be foolish to accept whichever buyer comes along. The longer the situation surrounding 777 Partners goes on, the more of a concern it feels, and a new update will do little to change that feeling.
Fresh Everton takeover blow
Taking to X on Monday, journalist David Hellier admitted that the takeover of Everton is in danger of falling through, with Deliotte struggling to find new financial backers: "The latest on Everton's 777 deal: Everton FC’s main financial adviser is scrambling to find new backers to save a takeover of the club by US investment firm 777 Partners amid fears that the deal could collapse, sources say."
In his article for Bloomberg, Hellier says that "Deloitte has been seeking fresh funding from sports-focused investors and lenders to get 777’s deal over the line", adding that behind scenes sources believe the "current preference is to attract a partner for 777 instead of getting an entirely different bidder".
This really does sum up Everton this season, with so little to shout about even when a positive result is picked up in the Premier League. It feels like one negative after another for anyone associated with the club, and at this point, many may simply wish to see the back of 777.
Even if their takeover does go through, there have been too many worrying updates regarding them to instill genuine confidence in the fanbase, but then there is the issue of having to go all the way back to square one if a different buyer is found.
Everton hit jackpot offloading Silva signing who cost them £19m in wages
He made 84 appearances for the Toffees.
ByEthan Lamb Apr 22, 2024
One day, the hope is that all these points deduction and takeover issues will have blown over, with Everton in a shiny new stadium and still in the Premier League, but for now, that still feels a long way off.
Chelsea looked destined for another shocking defeat in the Premier League last night as they let a two-goal lead slip to Manchester United – until Cole Palmer stepped up, that is.
Mauricio Pochettino must have a shrine to the young Englishman in his house because, at times, it feels like he's the only reason the Argentine still has a job.
That said, another Chelsea ace will be thanking their lucky stars that Manchester City sold the talented gem to the Blues last summer after their shocking performance last night.
Cole Palmer's performance vs Manchester United
He may not have opened the scoring for the Pensioners last night, but there can be no denying that it was the Palmer show once again.
The 21-year-old sensation doubled the west Londoners' lead in the 19th minute with an ice-cold penalty, restored parity with another one 81 minutes after that, and scored the winner courtesy of a Scott McTominay deflection just 60 seconds later.
It was an unreal performance from the Wythenshawe-dynamo and one fully deserving of the 10/10 the Standard's Nizaar Kinsella gave, who described his display as 'heroic.'
While his hat-trick will be the main topic of discussion – and rightly so – the rest of his game was equally impressive.
In his 103 minutes of action, he had five shots on target, won five of his eight duels, made two interceptions, created one big chance, played eight key passes, and took 74 touches.
Palmer's game vs United in numbers
Minutes
103'
Goals
3
Expected Goals
1.86
Expected Assists
0.42
Touches
74
Key Passes
8
Big Chances Created
1
Shots on Target
5
Shots Blocked
4
Duels (Won)
8 (5)
Interceptions
1
All Stats via Sofascore
In all, it was a masterful showing from the incredibly talented youngster and one that saved one of his teammates from significantly more flak.
Marc Cucurella's performance vs Manchester United
The dismally poor player in question is Marc Cucurella, who, despite looking decent at the start of the game, only further proved that he simply isn't good enough for the Blues.
The Spaniard was lively for the first 20 minutes or so, bombing up and down the byline and even winning the first penalty of the game, but as the match went on, his defensive fragilities came to the fore.
For example, in his 103 minutes of action, he lost six of his 11 duels, lost the ball 13 times, was dribbled past a whopping four times, committed one foul and managed a paltry passing accuracy of just 78%.
Cucurella's game vs United in numbers
Minutes
103'
Expected Goals
0.05
Expected Assists
0.02
Dribbled Past
4
Duels (Won)
11 (5)
Possession Lost
13
Fouls
1
Accurate Passes
35/35 (78%)
All Stats via Sofascore
Kinsella was particularly harsh on the former Brighton & Hove ace in his player ratings, writing that he was 'terrible defensively', blaming him for Alejandro Garnacho's second goal, and ultimately awarding him a 5/10, which might actually be too generous – especially for a full-back who lost out to Antony of all people.
Chelsea "monitoring" an "incredible" Poch upgrade who could be Jose 2.0
There are more than a few similarities between the highly sought-after manager and the ‘Special One.’
ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 3, 2024
Ultimately, the 25-year-old was all over the place last night, and were it not for the herculean efforts of Palmer almost single-handedly winning the game for the Blues, he would have been in for an awful lot more criticism.
After his second-innings dismissal in the Pune Test, he lashed out at a solid object in frustration, resulting in a fracture
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Oct-2019
Aiden Markram had plenty on his mind after bagging a pair•BCCI
Aiden Markram has been ruled out of the third Test against India after fracturing his right wrist as he lashed out at solid object in frustration following his second-innings dismissal in the Pune Test.Watch cricket on ESPN+
India v South Africa is available in the US on Hotstar and ESPN+. Subscribe to ESPN+ and tune in to the Ranchi Test.
Markram was given out lbw for a duck by the on-field umpire, and after a consultation with his opening partner Dean Elgar, he chose not to review the decision. However, replays showed the ball would have missed the leg stump.”A CT scan of Aiden Markram’s wrist showed a fracture involving the wrist bones,” team doctor Hashendra Ramjee said in a CSA press release. “The medical team has therefore ruled him out of the next Test match against India. Arrangements have been made for him to see a specialist on his return to South Africa for further management of the injury.”Markram has had a mixed tour of India. While he scored two hundreds in the practice games, he couldn’t carry forward his form into the Test series. After scoring 5 and 39 in the first Test in Visakhapatnam, he was dismissed for a pair in Pune.ALSO READ: Lockers, bread rolls, amateur barbers – cricket’s famous self-inflicted injuriesThe 25-year-old opener accepted he had let his team down. “It’s sad to be going home on this note and I completely understand what I’ve done wrong and take full accountability for it,” Markram said via the press release. “It’s unacceptable in a Proteas environment and to let the team down is what hurts me the most. I’ve learned a lot from this and the other players I’m sure, have learned from it as well.”We understand in sport that emotions run high and sometimes the frustration gets the better of you as it did for me, but like I said, it’s no excuse. I’ve taken full responsibility for it, I have apologised to the team and hopefully I can make it up to them and the people of South Africa soon.”Earlier this week, Mitchell Marsh too had fractured his right hand after punching the dressing room wall at the WACA following his dismissal in the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania.The team management hasn’t called up any replacement for Markram who left for South Africa on Thursday morning. The third Test starts on October 19 in Ranchi.
Tottenham could be a part of one of the "biggest transfer stories" this summer as news comes out of N17 this week.
Lange making transfer plans to sign winger for Spurs
Technical director Johan Lange enjoyed quite the debut transfer window at Spurs in January, sealing early deals for Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin before eventually helping the club to hijack Barcelona's move to Swedish sensation Lucas Bergvall.
Ex-Tottenham scout thrilled as Spurs eye James Maddison-like move
The north Londoners have been told they’re targeting a player akin to their current star.
ByEmilio Galantini Mar 8, 2024
The Dane is now making preparations for the summer window alongside Chief Football Officer Scott Munn, with ex-managing director Fabio Paratici also thought to be assisting Spurs on a consultancy basis.
Tottenham apparently want a star winger as their major signing of the next transfer window, leading to their reported interest in the likes of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and Wolves winger Pedro Neto lately.
Fulham (away)
March 16th
Luton Town (home)
March 30th
West Ham (away)
April 2nd
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 8th
Newcastle United (away)
April 13th
This is despite the Lilywhites already possessing an abundance of quality out wide, with Dejan Kulusevski, Son Heung-min, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner all proving brilliant in recent weeks.
Spurs have the option to sign Werner permanently from RB Leipzig for around £15 million, so it will be interesting to see if they trigger that clause given the German's fine start to life in north London.
In any case, Ange Postecoglou's side do in fact end up going for another wide player, they have plenty of options – with pundit Paul Robinson telling Tottenham News that Eze would be a great capture.
Ange Postecoglou
“I think he’d be a great signing for Tottenham, I mean we’ve seen his qualities in the Premier League this season,” said Robinson.
"He’s 25, with his attacking prowess, he has the ability to play in the midfield but more of an attacking midfielder. You look at the options Tottenham have got in those areas, Brennan Johnson’s come in – would they have signed Eze last year ahead of Johnson? There’s an argument potentially they would have done if they could have done."
Tottenham to look at signing Nico Williams
Now, though, it appears another option for Spurs could be Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams.
Spain'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their sixth goal
The £43 million winger has bagged three goals and seven assists this season, with Chelsea and Arsenal thought to be real admirers. According to journalist Ryan Taylor of The Mirror, Spurs could look to sign Williams ahead of their London rivals, in what he describes as potentially one of the biggest transfer stories this summer.
The Spaniard looks set to be a hot commodity this summer, and his £43m release clause may well be a luring factor for Tottenham.
Leeds United made it an astounding seven victories in a row in the Championship on Tuesday night versus Swansea City, the long-winded trip to Wales made worthwhile by the Whites cruising to a 4-0 win.
Unsurprisingly, Crysencio Summerville bagged yet another goal for Daniel Farke's men against a leaky Swans side, but it was his partner on the opposite flank in Wilfried Gnonto who proved his worth again for the promotion-chasers in this one.
Bagging a brace – with his second goal on the night a coolly taken strike after a swift Leeds counter-attack – Gnonto sticking around at Elland Road instead of leaving this January could prove to be crucial for the West Yorkshire titans in their bid to win automatic promotion.
Signed for a price that now looks like a steal back in 2022, the tricky Italian forward will hope to fire Leeds to promotion back up to the Premier League before any more transfer talk surrounding him comes back up again.
Wilfried Gnonto's transfer value when signing for Leeds
Leeds pulled off a bargain by managing to land Gnonto for just £3.8m two years ago, a masterful bit of business pulled off by Victor Orta when he was still pulling the strings at Elland Road.
Bagging goals for fun playing in the Inter Milan youth set-up before spreading his wings to join FC Zurich – scoring 14 times for the Italian giants in total as a teenager – Leeds did take a punt at the time gambling on the young prospect plying his trade in Switzerland.
Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Yet, it's a gamble that has worked with Gnonto even being touted for a move away to Everton at one point for a much higher price than the £3.8m the Whites paid at a jaw-dropping £25m.
Putting any bad blood behind him regarding the fact that he was unhappy at not being allowed to move on to a Premier League suitor, the 20-year-old – who was once referred to as a "diamond" by football scout Jacek Kulig – now has four goals in his last four games for Leeds to allow Farke's men to forget Daniel James' absence from the XI.
Market Movers
Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?
When the time does come that Leeds might look to sell Gnonto on, they will be making a handsome profit on the skilful forward who has seen his transfer value soar off the back of his many heroics in West Yorkshire – thus proving one rare masterstroke of the Orta regime.
Wilfried Gnonto's transfer value in 2024
Gnonto was one silver lining from the dreadful relegation campaign Leeds endured last season, helping himself to two goals and four assists overall which included a strike away at Old Trafford in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
Now, with his importance being elevated in recent weeks with James out of action, Gnonto keeps bumping up his transfer value to make Leeds feel more and more smug about not offloading their once wantaway gem.
According to Football Transfers, Gnonto's value is now at an impressive €21.1m (£18m) which sees him become more of a prized asset for Leeds than Summerville, who is valued at a lesser €9.9m (£8.4m).
Farke will love the strength in depth he has at his disposal currently in attack, knowing that he can rely on Gnonto to be a nuisance going forward even when James is missing.
James did come on against Swansea to replace Gnonto in Wales, but the German boss in the Whites dug-out won't completely chuck the revitalised 20-year-old onto the periphery for good.
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Rather, he'll see it as healthy competition for places with Gnonto turning around his Leeds career when at one point he was even refusing to play earlier in the season.
Glamorgan made their lowest T20 score as Tom Curran, Imran Tahir and Gareth Batty ran through them
ECB Reporters Network25-Jul-2019Surrey 141 (Jacks 40, Salter 4-23, de Lange 4-26) beat Glamorgan 44 (Curran 3-3, Batty 3-7, Tahir 3-8)Surrey’s second near-25,000 sell-out crowd in three days at the Kia Oval roared their approval as Tom Curran took a spectacular hat-trick in his opening new-ball over to set up a dramatic 97-run victory against Glamorgan, who subsequently crashed to 44 all out in 12.5 overs – their lowest total in T20 cricket.South Africa legspinner Imran Tahir then completed a triple-wicket over himself, removing Graham Wagg, Andrew Salter and Marchant de Lange in the space of five balls in an almost-as-remarkable 12th over, to send Glamorgan hurtling from 40 for 6 to 40 for 9.Offspinner Gareth Batty quickly completed the rout, bowling last man Michael Hogan in the next over to finish with figures of 3 for 7. Tahir’s figures were 3 for 8 and Curran’s 3 for 3 in two overs. It was Surrey’s first Vitality Blast win of the season, in their third south group game, while Glamorgan remained winless after three matches.Curran’s memorable hat-trick came when he first bowled David Lloyd for 4 with a beauty and then, with the fourth ball of the second over of Glamorgan’s innings, had Colin Ingram held by Rikki Clarke at slip as he tried to force into the off side. Remarkably, new batsman Billy Root also edged to Clarke next ball in an almost carbon copy of Ingram’s dismissal – leaving Curran to sprint away in celebration towards the Peter May Stand, followed by his jubilant team-mates.When Surrey captain Jade Dernbach then had Owen Morgan caught at the wicket for 2, in his second over with the new ball, Glamorgan were a sickly 9 for 4. And it got worse for the Welsh county when, in the eighth over, Pakistan left-hander Fakhar Zaman lofted Batty to long-on after making just 17 on his Glamorgan debut.From 33 for 5, Glamorgan’s chances were slim, but it was still shocking when Chris Cooke then holed out at 39 for 6 and they fell away so rapidly against the spin of Tahir and Batty to what was a humiliating defeat.Offspinner Salter had earlier taken a career-best 4 for 23 as Surrey were bowled out for 141, with Glamorgan putting in a fine performance in the field with some excellent catching and ground fielding.Fast bowler de Lange also impressed, taking the last three Surrey wickets in five balls in the final over to finish with 4 for 26. De Lange bowled Dernbach for 2, removed Batty next ball when the veteran former Surrey captain hit his own wicket as he tried to make room to cut and, from the final ball of the innings, had Tahir caught at mid-off.It was Salter’s four-wicket burst in mid-innings, however, which derailed Surrey’s effort after Will Jacks and Aaron Finch had added 61 in 6.4 overs for the second wicket after de Lange had dismissed opener Mark Stoneman in the second over, caught for 5 at third man from a slashed square cut that he could not keep down.From 73 for 1 they slumped to 99 for 6 after Jacks’ sparkling 26-ball 40, which featured two sixes and four fours, had ended with a tickle to keeper Cooke from a leg-side ball from Wagg that would have been a wide had the batsman not touched it.Salter then struck with his first delivery, at the start of the 10th over, to have Finch brilliantly caught on the leg-side boundary by Root for 28 from 20 balls. From the last ball of that over, he forced Clarke to chip a tame return catch and, in his next over, Curran also fell for 1 when he was superbly held by a diving Lloyd at extra cover.Ollie Pope went for 12, miscuing a reverse flick at Salter to short third man, and Surrey’s seventh wicket pair of Jordan Clark and Liam Plunkett tried hard to put some sort of total on the board – dealing mainly in ones and well-run twos in a stand of 38 in five overs.Plunkett did, though, hit Salter’s final ball for six over long-off in his 18, which ended in the 19th over when he lofted Wagg’s left-arm medium pace to long-on. Wagg took 2 for 28 and Clark ended unbeaten on 26, from 27 balls.The match had begun 40 minutes late at 7.10pm, initially because of a threat of lightning in steamy temperatures, which remained in the low 30s centigrade despite an early evening build-up of cloud that then, five minutes before play was originally due to start at 6.55pm, produced a short but torrential downpour which sent many people in the capacity crowd – Surrey have attracted full houses for both this week’s T20 home games against Middlesex and Glamorgan – scurrying for cover.Play was also held up for a few minutes towards the latter part of Surrey’s innings when a fox ran on to the outfield, and would not move. It also made a deposit on to the Oval turf, which itself had to be removed with a shovel after the animal had been driven away by stewards.