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Will Jofra Archer Be England’s Secret Weapon at the T20 World Cup?

Fast bowler Jofra Archer was recently selected for England’s provisional squad for the upcoming 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The tournament is…

The Glamour Buff Team

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Fast bowler Jofra Archer was recently selected for England’s provisional squad for the upcoming 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 1 until 29. 

England are currently the third odds-on favourite to win the competition outright, behind Australia, the second odds-on favourite, and India, the odds-on favourites, meaning England have a good chance of winning. 

With their 29-year-old secret weapon, Archer, they could very well come out on top this year. 

Here is a closer look at why Jofra Archer’s return from injury and inclusion in the squad is a massive boost for the England national cricket team. 

Who is Jofra Archer?

Jofra Archer is a 29-year-old men’s professional cricketer who was born in Bridgetown, Barbados, in April 1995 but holds British citizenship through his father. 

The right-handed batter and right-arm fast bowler has played on and off for the England men’s national side since making his debut against Australia in August 2019. Throughout his career, he has achieved the following statistics:

  • Played: 13 Test Cricket matches. Balls bowled: 2,609. Bowling average: 31.04. Best bowling: 6/45
  • Played: 21 One Day Internationals (ODIs). Balls bowled: 1,139. Bowling average: 21.73. Best bowling: 6/40
  • Played: 16 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Balls bowled: 372. Bowling average: 24.66. Best bowling: 4/33
  • Played: 43 First-Class cricket matches. Balls bowled: 8,856. Bowling average: 24.91. Best bowling: 7/67

In 2019, he was part of the team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup, and at the domestic level, he has played for Sussex (2016-present), the Khulna Titans (2017), the Hobart Hurricanes (2017/8, and 2018/19), the Rajasthan Royals (2018 – 2021), MI Cape Town (2022/23), and the Mumbai Indians (2023). 

Injuries throughout his career have plagued Archer, significantly reducing the number of games he should have played for club and country. His major recurring injury is ongoing issues with his right elbow, for which he has undergone two operations. 

He’s now back from his latest issue and will be looking to help take England all the way. The other two England bowlers England can choose from should Archer’s injury return during the world cup are Reece Topley and Mark Wood. 

However, these two are also prone to recurring injuries. 

If all three can stay in top shape and have a bit of luck on their side, there’s a good chance that England will win. Most experts and fans agree that Archer’s inclusion will strengthen the squad as he is a multi-phase bowler. 

Some of his talents include his ability to catch the batters off guard by bowling yorkers, and he can quickly adjust to bowling fast with the new ball, delivering lightning-fast bowls during an innings for just one or two overs if required. 

Can England win the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup if Jofra Archer can remain injury-free?

The quickest, easiest, and most accurate way to find out if England can win the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held for the first time at venues across the United States and the West Indies, would be to check ENG vs IND match odds on India’s most trusted online bookmaker. 

The official 10cricbet site is known for having some of the iGaming industry’s most competitive cricket betting odds, and the betting markets for the upcoming world cup are already open. You will also soon be able to place live bets (aka in-play bets) as the tournament matches unfold. 

Here are the latest odds for the top five favourites. These odds are displayed in all three formats (decimal, fractional, and American/moneyline odds), along with the IPR (implied probability rate) of each team winning the tournament outright:

  • Betting market: To win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 outright. Team: India (odds-on favourites). Decimal odds: 3.60. Fractional odds: 13/5. American/moneyline odds: +260. Implied probability rate (IPR): 27.80%
  • Betting market: To win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 outright. Team: Australia (second odds-on favourites). Decimal odds: 4.25. Fractional odds: 13/4. American/moneyline odds: +325. IPR: 23.50%
  • Betting market: To win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 outright. Team: England (third odds-on favourites). Decimal odds: 6.50. Fractional odds: 11/2. American/moneyline odds: +550. IPR: 15.40%
  • Betting market: To win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 outright. Team: South Africa (fourth odds-on favourites). Decimal odds: 7.00. Fractional odds: 6/1. American/moneyline odds: +600. IPR: 14.30%

In other words, it’s looking fairly close between the top three favourites. Twenty teams are competing, and the two least favourites to win this year are Canada and Uganda. 

Also competing are the United States, the West Indies, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Scotland, Namibia, the Netherlands, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. 

When does the tournament start?

The opening game of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup will be on Sunday, June 2, when host nation the United States play Canada at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. 

The second game of the tournament is the following day, June 3, when the joint-host nation (the West Indies) play Papua New Guinea at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. 

England’s first game is against Scotland on Wednesday, June 5, at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. England and Scotland are both in Group B with Australia, Namibia, and Oman. 

Final thoughts

England may have Jofra Archer as their secret weapon, but he won’t be the tournament’s only secret weapon. For example, India has Virat Kohli. Pakistan has Babar Azam. Afghanistan have Rashid Khan, and the West Indies have Andre Russell. 

There’s also Adam Zampa for Australia, Finn Allen for New Zealand, Wanindu Hasaranga for Sri Lanka, Gerald Coetzee for South Africa, and Shakib Al Hasan. 

That’s not forgetting several other key players who will also be worth keeping an eye on throughout the tournament, such as Jos Butler (England), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), and Jasprit Bumrah (India). 

If you decide to place a wager on the upcoming world cup, only do so on fully licensed and regulated Indian online sports betting sites like 10cricbet. To ensure you don’t exceed your initial budget, start by setting a reasonable one before depositing. 

This trusted Indian iGaming site can be accessed from most Wi-Fi/internet-connected deposit computers and mobile devices (e.g., laptops, PCs, smartphones and tablets), provided you are 18 or above.

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Xabi Alonso to Snub Liverpool and Stay at Bayern Leverkusen

Xabi Alonso is one of the most famous former footballers in the world. The Spanish player is one of the most decorated players and has won various…

Pravesh Pokharel

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Xabi Alonso is one of the most famous former footballers in the world. The Spanish player is one of the most decorated players and has won various trophies, awards, and accolades.

He was born on 25 November 1981 in Tolosa, Spain. He played in a midfield position, mostly dominating the central position, and has also played as a defensive midfielder several times. He has about 11 million followers on Instagram.

Xabi is 42 years old and currently the head coach of Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. He has established himself as one of the most promising young managers in the world.

He has been recently linked to move to Liverpool’s vacant coaching position as Jurgen Klopp is leaving at the end of the season.

Xabi Alonso to stay at Bayern Leverkusen and snub Liverpool

In an interview, Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, claimed that this is his last season and that he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

As Liverpool is actively searching for a new manager, many fans and media considered Xabi Alonso as one of the potential candidates to replace the manager. However, Bayern Munich’s former president, Uli Hoeness, said that the move is probably impossible.

Xabi Alonso is set to snub Liverpool. (Credit: Instagram)

He added that given the current success of Bayer Leverkusen, he would be inclined to stay with his team and would not want to leave it behind.

Apart from Liverpool, he has also been heavily linked with Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich. Alonso has not said anything regarding his next move and is focused on winning the Bundesliga title.

Managerial career of Xabi Alonso

Xabi earned his license after completing the UEFA elite coaching course in 2018 and joined the Real Madrid U14s as a coach. In 2019, he was appointed manager of Segunda División B club Real Sociedad B. He coached the club until the end of the 2021-22 season.

He was appointed as the new head coach of the Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen on 5 October 2022. He was contracted until June 2024. The team had played eight games of the season and was placed second to bottom.

In his debut, he won against Schalke 04 with a 4-0 scoreline. At the end of the season, he finished in sixth place in the league and reached the semi-finals of the 2022–23 UEFA Europa League.

He rejected the move to Tottenham Hotspur and signed a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2026.

In the current season. 2023-24, he is currently at the top of the table and has managed to go 10 points clear of 33-time champions Bayern Munich. He likes to play in a 3–4–3 formation with an emphasis on passing and counter-attack.

He has also set a record as the first German team to go unbeaten for their first 33 games of the league season across all competitions. With eight games remaining, his team is set to create an upset in the German league by lifting the title for the first time in their history.

The current defending champion is Bayern Munich, who has won every league title in the last 11 years.

Xabi Alonso’s playing career at Liverpool

Alonso started his professional football career at Real Sociedad. He quickly progressed through the youth ranks and the reserve team and made his first team debut at the age of 18.

He appeared against Logroñés in December 1999 in a Copa del Rey match but was quickly loaned out to Eibar to gain first-team experience. However, his loan spell was short-lived as Sociedad was in the relegation zone, and the manager called him back to help out the team.

Lived it. Loved it.

Farewell beautiful game. pic.twitter.com/1aSN7GGNzZ

— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso)

This move from the coach was successful, as the team finished at 14 positions at the end of the season. He was also made the young captain of the team.

His performance in the 2002-03 season is considered one of the best league performances for Real Sociedad.

He helped the team to finish second place, just two points below Real Madrid, and helped the team to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. He was also called up for the Spanish national football team and made his international debut in April 2003.

On 20 August 2004, he signed a contract with Liverpool, marking the beginning of a new era at Anfield. He made his debut at the Reebok Stadium against Bolton Wanderers, but the team lost the match by 1-0. He was, however, praised for his passing skills.

In his debut season, he won the Champions League with the team as he played an important role in scoring a penalty to lead the team into extra time. In the following season, 2005-06, he managed to win his first FA Cup against West Ham United.

He was part of the Liverpool team until 2009 and later made a move to Spanish giant Real Madrid. Due to his heroics in the Champions League and his beautiful plays, he is considered one of the Liverpool legends.

He was part of the Real Madrid team from 2009 to 2014 and later made his move to Bayern Munich. He retired from Bayern in 2017.

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Vinicius Jr. Breaks Down in Tears Following Racial Abuse Question

Vinícius Jr. isn’t holding back.In a tearful address on Monday, the soccer star condemned the racist insults he’s faced in Spain, revealing…

Pravesh Pokharel

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Vinícius Jr. isn’t holding back.

In a tearful address on Monday, the soccer star condemned the racist insults he’s faced in Spain, revealing it’s draining his passion for the game.

Vinicius Jr. is considering retiring after relentless racial abuse

This isn’t the first time Vinícius has spoken out. He’s a vocal advocate against racism, and the recent “One Skin” friendly between Spain and Brazil – held nearly a year after a racist incident in Valencia – provides another platform for him to raise his voice.

Vinicius Jr played for Brazil against Spanish in a charity match. (Credit: Instagram)

“This is a serious issue,” Vinícius declared. “Fighting it alone is tiring, but I won’t stop. Despite the lack of punishment for these offenders, I’ll keep making my voice heard.”

In a press conference, the Real Madrid winger couldn’t hold back his tears as he stated, “More and more, I’m losing my desire to play, but I’ll keep fighting.”

He continued, “I’m sorry, “I just want to keep playing soccer. I just want to keep doing everything I can for my club and family.”

He has denied rumors of leaving the Spanish league due to insults from some fans. He said that if he left, it would be exactly what the racists wanted.

Vinicius Jr suffered racial abuse in Spain

Vinicius Jr. has faced racist abuse from fans several times in Spain. Last year, La Liga reported 10 incidents to the police. Most recently, Atletico Madrid fans chanted racist slurs at him before a Champions League game, even though they weren’t playing Real Madrid.

He called on UEFA to take action against these fans. Videos online show Atletico fans outside the stadium shouting racist abuse.

Vinicius Jr calls on UEFA to punish Atletico fans for alleged racist abuse https://t.co/Iq4ywV5vZXpic.twitter.com/df6u2B9ETB

— Reuters (@Reuters)

He published on X then, demanding explanations and punishments for those fans. He tweeted, “I hope you’ve already thought about their punishment Champions League, UEFA,” 

Instead, he confirmed his intention to stay and play for the best club in the world. He is determined to continue scoring goals and winning titles, and he wants everyone to see him play for a long time.

Vinicius Jr.’s anti-racism charity match left him disappointed

Vinicius was the center of attention during the One Skin charity match between Spain and Brazil. The match was played in the Santiago Bernabeu, where he plays club football for Real Madrid, has left him disappointed.

The match was played to promote an anti-racism campaign that he has been the victim of lots of times. According to the media, before the match, it was reported that both the Brazilian and Spanish Football Federation would be doing everything to discourage the racist chants in the stadium.

However popular media The Athletic is now reporting that the money generated from the charity match will not be donated to charity. The match has generated almost $5 million from the gate receipts and advertisement fees which won’t be used for the anti-racism campaign and that has left a bitter taste in the player’s mouth.

Vinicius Jr will be focusing on club football next

Vinicius knows the importance of focusing on his club commitments, even though he is disappointed. Real Madrid is in a strong position in La Liga, currently leading by eight points. This gives them a significant advantage over other teams in the race for the championship.

Real Madrid has an important game against Athletic Club this Sunday. Athletic Club is a strong team currently in fourth place in La Liga.

He will be determined to focus on this upcoming challenge despite his recent disappointment. If Real Madrid wins against Athletic Club, it would greatly strengthen their chances of winning the league title.

The Brazilian forward is having a fine season for the Madrids this season. He has appeared in 20 games so far and has scored 12 goals in 20 matches. He has tremendous partnerships with fellow Brazilian Rodrygo and Englishman Jude Bellingham which is why they are strong candidates for the Spanish League title and UEFA Champions League.

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Everything about Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer’s Fight Rumors

Venkatesh Iyer was yelled at by Shreyas Iyer, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain, during the IPL 2022 match against Rajasthan Royals (RR).In the…

Priyanka Tamang

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Venkatesh Iyer was yelled at by Shreyas Iyer, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain, during the IPL 2022 match against Rajasthan Royals (RR).

In the 16th over of the second innings, Venkatesh denied Shreyas a double, and a fight broke out. Despite being his team’s leading run-scorer, Shreyas was unable to lead KKR against RR.

With a magnificent 51-ball 85, Shreyas led all batters for Kolkata in scoring during the game. On the other hand, Venkatesh was limited in his abilities once KKR sent him out for a different job.

The team management assigned the all-rounder the finisher’s duty, but he could only manage a 7-ball 6 before being replaced by Yuzvendra Chahal.

With a 7-run victory, RR moved up to second place in the IPL 2022 standings, while KKR, with three wins and four defeats in 7 games, stayed in sixth place.

Shreyas Iyer yelled at Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2022: Fight rumors explained

In the middle of the tight chase against RR in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 match, KKR players Venkatesh and Shreyas had a furious exchange.

As the game veered toward a tight battle, Venkatesh denied Shreyas a double, causing the KKR captain to lose his temper. He rarely loses his cool during a game.

Venkatesh struck a ball toward the deep point area for a single on the penultimate ball of the 16th over of the second innings.

Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer.

Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer during a game. (Source: )

Shreyas considered it an excellent opportunity to take a double, and Venkatesh even first reacted favorably. However, the southpaw sent his captain back almost to the middle of the field.

Even though Shreyas returned in time to prevent being run out, he was not pleased with his partner’s running. 

As a result, a minor feud broke out between the two spectacular players. The Knight Riders captain immediately yelled at his colleague to inform him of his mistake.

Along with Venkatesh, Shreyas was spotted displeased with Brendon Mccullum as the KKR captain argued with the coach over something.

In a video posted by a cricket fan, Shreyas was seen in a video protesting at head coach McCullum when he was sitting in the dugout. 

The Mumbai native was speaking with the coach about some activity on the field while holding his bat and helmet in his hands. The KKR coach, though, remained silent at that time.

Are Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer related?

Some rumors are circulating that the Iyer duo is related in some way. However, it is just another case of the numerous false reports that have spread like wildfire in today’s internet age.

Venkatesh, born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has played for his homeland in domestic competitions. 

His outstanding achievements for his IPL team, KKR, allowed him to be included in the Indian Team for the current series against New Zealand.

On the other hand, Shreyas was born in Mumbai and played for Mumbai, the West Zone, and the Mumbai Cricket Association XI while growing up there before representing India.

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