MONDAY-JULY 12, 2021 Sport 05 Messi & Argentina finally snap final USA Cricket Men’s 50 over selection and training camp underway in Los Angeles curse with battling victory over Brazil A USA Cricket 50 Over pal in September, but final ICC Although there was a series Men’s Selection and Training confirmation is awaited. The top of matches in Houston in April the second period Richarlison Camp is underway in Los Ange- three teams in League 2 advance for some of the Men’s National thought he had levelled with an les, with the first two practice directly to the ICC CWC Qualifi- Training Group and other play- opportunistic rebound finish, matches completed on Thursday er to be held in 2023, which is the ers, our top Men’s 50 Over play- only to see play brought back for and Friday. Los Angeles was pre- final stepping stone to the 2023 ers have not yet met together in a offside. ferred as the logical venue given ICC Cricket World Cup. full camp environment in front of Seconds later, Argentina's the Camp was organized to im- With the last international the Men’s Selection Panel and the penalty hero Emiliano Martinez mediately follow the recently matches for USA being nearly 18 Men’s Coach since the start of came to the rescue, stopping from concluded LA Open, with the months ago and all remaining CWC COVID pandemic in 2020. This the Everton forward who had be- majority of players having taken League 2 matches being of critical has been a source of frustration gun to revel in the space behind part in that event and were able to importance, all additional 50 Over for all concerned, so it’s great that left-back Marcos Acuna. The Al- stay on. The Camp is scheduled preparation for Team USA Men’s we’ve managed to pull this Camp biceleste defence, erratic at the to continue for another 5 days, Squad is hugely valuable. The together at somewhat late notice.” best of times, creaked and croaked, with three more inter-camp 50 camp has come together very USA Men’s National Head but just managed to stay in one Over matches being played at quickly based on developments Coach, J. Arunkumar, added, piece, to the frustration of the ex- Woodley Park, LA on Sunday with the ICC’s scheduling, player “COVID has presented many chal- pectant hosts. 11th, Tuesday 13th, and Wednes- availability, confirmation of facil- lenges and it has been particularly Messi nevertheless continued day 14th July – these three ities and the need for the wider difficult to get our National to scurry and scamper past de- matches will be live-scored on the Men’s squad to focus on 50 Over Men’s players together as a group fenders, ensuring that Brazil could USA Cricket website. cricket preparation. The camp is to help build our team culture and never take their eye off the back The Men’s Selection Panel also a very timely one, utilizing prepare for all the important com- as the minutes ticked by. And for selected 26 players to participate the window ahead of the start of petitive opportunities in front of once in a Copa final he did not in the LA camp, based on identi- the inaugural season of the Toyo- us. fying the best 50-Over combina- ta Minor League Cricket Cham- This is a welcome change and Finally, the day arrived, and The Barcelona star, moreover, sole clear chance of the first half, find himself fighting the good fight, tion of players for USA to be suc- pionship presented by Sling TV it’s been wonderful to see the en- in the most thrilling of circum- had yet to test his wits against a chipping over the onrushing Ed- as Di Maria and the magnificent cessful in this format. The list in- that begins on July 31st. thusiasm within this group to stances. team of the calibre of the Selecao, erson and sending the handful of De Paul provided the company cluded players from within and USA Cricket Operations Di- make the most of it. The condi- Lionel Messi finally banished who had breezed through the tour- Argentina fans lucky enough to he longs for. Indeed, the new Atlet- outside the current 44-player Na- rector, Richard Done, said, “Giv- tions at Woodley Park have been the memories of years of interna- nament on home soil to set up this gain access to the final into ecsta- ico Madrid signing almost notched tional Training Group and, excit- en the growing likelihood that the ideal to challenge our batters, par- tional despair as his Argentina much-anticipated decider. sy. a second assist when he set Leo ingly for the future of USA Crick- CWC League 2 series in Oman this ticularly against spin, and for our team downed Brazil 1-0 to take Anyone tuning in expecting a One of the first to congratu- clean through on the break, only et, also included four of the re- September will go ahead, we need quicker bowlers to bowl consis- the Copa America title in the Se- festival of flowing football be- late him was Messi, who had few for the star to see the ball catch cently announced Men’s U19 to ensure that our selectors get to tently in good areas, two skills lecao's own backyard. tween these two titans, though, chances to make his mark amid under his usually deadly feet and Squad who had impressed the se- see our players in a competitive which will be critical to our suc- And having played every sin- was soon to be disappointed. Ar- the constant attention of yellow Ederson dive in to clear up. De- lectors at all levels over the past 50 Over environment. The im- cess in Oman. We are looking for gle minute of the tournament, driv- gentina and Brazil went toe-to-toe shirts but still posed a constant spite all appearances to the con- few months. pending Minor League window batters who can score hundreds ing his bruised body to new limits in a brutal first half, with play potential danger every time he trary, he is human after all. Ten additional players, most- which commences at the end of and bowlers who can win us amid the flying tackles of South barely developing amid a torrent touched the ball. The final whistle ultimately ly from the 44-strong National this month until September, has matches under those conditions, America's fearsome defenders, of fouls from both sides. He and the entire Argentina came without Messi managing to Training Group, have also been made it even more important to so there is a genuine opportunity there is now no doubt that this It took one spectacular move team then breathed a collective stamp his unique mark on the fi- given the opportunity to play in bring this group together quickly for players to put their hand up Copa, from start to finish, be- from the visitors, an oasis in this sigh of relief minutes later when nal. But he could not care a jot. selected matches as not all of the to spend some time focusing with and grab a spot in our team.” longed to the 34-year-old wizard football desert, to break the dead- Di Maria, chasing an almost iden- The joy on the captain's face was 26 selected players were available the coach on 50 Over cricket. usacricket - who was just seven when, in lock. Rodrigo De Paul let loose tical ball, appeared to injure his uplifting after so many heart- on certain days and with some key 1993, the Albiceleste last experi- with a perfectly weighted lofted ankle after treading awkwardly on breaking defeats in international players having planned rest and enced glory in this competition. pass from inside his own half the Maracana turf. Thankfully for football, and perhaps nobody in recovery following the LA Open. While Messi had been in spec- which just eluded Renan Lodi, a man who has suffered so many the game deserved this more than The International Cricket tacular form going into the final, amongst the Selecao's weakest injury woes in international co- him. After almost 20 years and Council (ICC) has been working so had his friend-turned-nemesis links, to release surprise starting lours, it proved a momentary four finals La Pulga is the cham- closely with all seven participat- Neymar, who had his own moti- inclusion Angel Di Maria. scare. pion of South America, the em- ing countries in ICC Cricket vation for victory having missed The Paris Saint-Germain star Proof, perhaps, that the Albi- blem of a young, confident Argen- World Cup League 2 to plan the out in the Maracana two years ago has featured more from the bench celeste's final fortunes were final- tina team who make up for their return to action for the competi- as Brazil claimed the Copa title at in this Copa, but he was ideally ly turning? lack of star power with an un- tion. At this point, USA Cricket Peru's expense. placed to take advantage of the Despite going behind, Brazil shakeable sense of solidarity and is hopeful and confident that the coach Tite altered his rigid scheme, unity. But without Messi, their next matches in the league for Team freeing up Neymar with the arriv- path to Maracana glory would USA will be the Tri-Series be- al of Roberto Firmino and push- have been far less clear - now, his tween hosts Oman, USA and Ne- Two sport athlete Bubba ing slightly more forward. The place alongside Diego Maradona threat from the reigning champi- and the rest of his nation's greats Chandler faces decision ons in turn grew: six minutes into is sealed. Goal Wimbledon 2021: Ashleigh Barty as MLB Draft looms Bubba Chandler has all of the time, and with new NIL laws Men's basketball to beats Karolina Pliskova to win title skills needed to become a profes- coming into effect, he may be able Ashleigh Barty won her maid- agong Cawley, her idol, friend and somewhat under the radar because sional athlete. Problem is, he’s a to make a decent living as a en Wimbledon title as she beat mentor. of poor run in the build-up cou- highly touted two sport star who spokesman while also living a face UCLA in CBS Karolina Pliskova in a nervy final There have long been compar- pled with a reputation as a serial currently faces more options than charmed varsity college life. to become the first Australian isons between the two, with Bar- underperformer on the biggest answers. On the gridiron, the The crossroad he faces is es- women's champion for 41 years. ty playing a similar all-court game, stages. Georgia native is a talented quar- pecially interesting because it is sports classic Barty won the first 14 points as well as sharing a similar mod- Her only previous Grand terback with great size and arm paved with multiple options, in- to take early charge in a 6-3 6-7 est and popular personality and Slam final was the 2016 US Open, strength. He reported to Clemson stead of multiple responsibilities (4-7) 6-3 win on the 50th anni- indigenous Australian heritage. and since then she had reached in June on a football scholarship, like most people face. Having versary of idol Evonne Goolag- They now also have their only two more major semi-finals and with the loss of Taisun Phom- options in life sounds like a won- ong Cawley's maiden win here. names on the Venus Rosewater before this year's Wimbledon. machahn in the Clemson spring derful development, but the bur- "This is incredible," said Bar- Dish. While reaching the final was game, Chandler could conceivably den of making a decision and fully ty, who dropped to her haunches Barty, who won the junior marked progress on that score, her win the backup job straight out of lining up with it can be difficult. in tears. Wimbledon title in 2011, has be- tightness at times was not - espe- the gate (DJ Uiagalelei is the list- Without absolute dedication and "It took me a long time to ver- come the fourth woman in the cially during what she branded a ed started for the Tigers). focus, lingering doubt will always balise, to dare to dream it and say Open era to go on to also lift the "horrible start". On the baseball diamond, creep into the psyche. Quite of- it." women's title after Britain's Ann Coming into the match she Chandler has shown massive po- ten, having a strong sense of self After climbing up into the Jones, Swiss Martina Hingis and had hit a tournament-leading 54 tential as both a switch-hitting and of direction is an incredible stands to hug her team, she told France's Amelie Mauresmo. aces but in the first set here she shortstop and flame throwing advantage, even though we like to the Centre Court crowd: "I didn't She made a fast start to go 4- managed none at all. pitcher—his fastball reached 97 feel as if "we can do whatever we sleep a lot last night. I was think- 0 up as Pliskova seemed con- She fired five aces in the sec- mph this past Spring. want" once we’re grown. Being a ing of all the what-ifs. I hope I strained by the weight of the oc- ond as that part of her game began "Chandler’s athleticism and jack of all trades and having op- made Evonne proud. casion but the Czech finally got to improve but her nerves were clean arm action and delivery tions certainly beats the looming The University of North are among college basketball's all- "I have to thank every single on the scoreboard with a break to still visible at the changeovers bode well for his control and com- bludgeon of responsibility, but Carolina will play 2021 NCAA time winningest programs, com- person in this stadium. You've love. when she repeatedly jigged her legs mand, though he’s still learning to passionate intensity and singular- semifinalist UCLA in the eighth bining for more than 8,200 victo- made my dream so special." Put it was too late as Barty up and down. harness his enhanced stuff," his ity of purpose trumps all else. CBS Sports Classic, which will ries. Both women were making wrapped up the set in just 28 min- Her emotions spilled over MLB scouting report says. "He’s Of course, few people will be played Saturday, December 18, Fans interested in attending their debut in the final of the grass- utes. during her on-court interview as also an intriguing prospect as a shed a tear for Bubba, and that’s at a site to be announced at a later the 2021 CBS Sports Classic can court Grand Slam - the first time More nerves from the Czech her voice broke, saying: "I never switch-hitting shortstop with sol- fine. He will likely make millions date. register to receive direct email since 1977 that had happened - in the shape of back-to-back dou- cry, never, and now..." id power potential and speed. no matter his decision. But un- The Tar Heels and Bruins will alerts regarding ticket availability and that may go some way to ex- ble faults handed Barty a break She later added: "It was not He’s believed to prefer baseball, derstanding the paradox of possi- play at 3 p.m. Eastern and will be by logging on to plaining the rollercoaster nature of for 2-1 at the start of the second the plan to cry because I don't though it remains to be seen how bility—both the blessing and the followed by Ohio State facing www.cbssportsclassic.com/tick- the match, which felt at times more set but Pliskova fought back to want to cry on the court. I feel Clemson football will affect his curse of options—is an important Kentucky in the second game of ets. Fans who register for these like a battle of the minds. level the set. like, OK, cry in the locker room, signability." Though Chandler piece of being mature, and of be- the doubleheader. The doublehead- ticket alerts will be eligible for ex- After Barty's flying start, Barty came from 40-0 down but not on the court. Somehow I currently intends to compete as a ing successful. The mind wants er will be broadcast on the CBS clusive presale access. Ticket in- Czech Pliskova settled in the sec- to break for 6-5 but nerves then could not." two-sport college athlete, the to focus; it wants to fully embrace Television Network and streamed formation will be announced at a ond set, rediscovering her big serve seemed to creep into her own game She vowed to come back MLB first-year player draft a purpose and experience the sat- on Paramount+ Premium. later date. before errors crept back in the as she failed to serve out the vic- stronger, saying: "Of course looms large. Chandler will not only isfaction of arrival. Whatever The CBS Sports Classic an- North Carolina is 5-2 in the third. tory and instead found herself in there's going to be next chances. I face the normal decision that all Chandler chooses, and whenever nually brings together four of the CBS Sports Classic, Ohio State is Barty had the chance to serve a tie-break. think plenty of them. I'm not go- top baseball prospects face (col- he chooses it, one thing is abso- nation's most successful college 4-3, Kentucky is 3-4 and UCLA out victory in the 12th game of Pliskova took the match to a ing to give up on that. lege or minor leagues), but he will lutely certain: to be successful at basketball programs. The quartet is 2-5. the second set but she was bro- third set but then double-faulted "In the end the result is we also have to weigh his football the highest level, he will have to owns a combined 26 national This set of matchups was last ken as Pliskova forced a tie-break, and netted a volley to give Barty both tried to win so somebody career in the decision. Staying in commit fully and passionately. championships, with UCLA (11), featured in the 2019 CBS Sports which the Czech won when the a key break before the Australian has to lose. You have to accept school at least buys him some foxnews Kentucky (8) and North Carolina Classic, with the Tar Heels defeat- Australian double-faulted. held her nerve this time to serve that. I will definitely. (6) ranking first, second and third, ing the Bruins, 74-64, and the Barty took an early break in out the win. Pat Cash, former Wimbledon respectively, in NCAA history. Buckeyes knocking off the Wild- the third, which proved decisive A big server, Pliskova's game champion on BBC Radio 5 Live: Additionally, all four programs cats, 71-65. The 2020 edition of as she added the Wimbledon tro- is well suited to grass and she has "What a special moment. rank in the top six in all time Final the Classic was staged at Rocket phy to the French Open title she enjoyed success on the surface This is the moment that Four berths, compiling 65 total Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleve- won in 2019. with two Eastbourne titles. makes it all worthwhile, it really appearances between them (North land, with Ohio State defeating Barty has been sporting a scal- The former world number is." Carolina, 20; UCLA, 18; Ken- UCLA, 77-70, and North Caroli- lop-hem dress in tribute to Gool- one's progress to the final had been BBC tucky, 17; Ohio State, 10). They na knocking off Kentucky, 75-63.