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The Guardian
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Rehan Ahmed's technicolour technique deserves a show on Ashes stage
As the Hundred fires into primary-coloured summer action, all free T-shirts and AI fan photos, the Spin has been putting her feet up, coffee in one hand, notebook in the other, chewing over the Championship season to date. If the notebook has proved a bitter disappointment, scribbled with long-forgotten three for 67s, the ruminations have been fun. It's been a season of surprises – Leicestershire! Lancashire! – and memorable moments, from Tom Banton's 371 in the very first game to Ian Botham's thunder and fury over Somerset's field-of-onions pitch for the game against Durham. But in all the gin joints, in all the towns, the one player to have left the biggest impression is young, still so young Rehan Ahmed – who celebrates his 21st birthday on Wednesday. Ahmed, you'll remember, made a precocious debut for England in Karachi in December 2022, aged just 18 years and 126 days, nudging Brian Close into the wings – which is quite some feat in itself. With his wheeling leg-breaks he fizzed five for 48 in the second innings, to help England to an eight-wicket victory, and looked feet-on-the sofa at home in the Bazball set-up. Since then, he's played here and there, another four Tests, plus six ODIs and 10 T20s, but nothing since last autumn. Progress after his Test debut was haphazard, as you'd expect for a teenager yet to settle in his own skin. In 2024, he played eight Championship games for Leicestershire, made four 50s and averaged 33 with the bat. With the ball, he pocketed 13 wickets at a less than dreamy 60.69. This year, with just three games of the season to come, he has played in 10, and is averaging more than 50, with five centuries (the joint leading hundred-scorer in Division Two, alongside Kent's Ben Compton and Saif Zaib – who has had a fantastic season for Northamptonshire). With the ball, the improvement has been even more precipitous, with 23 wickets at an average of 19 – and much of that bowling on the merciless Grace Road square. But the figures only sketch an outline, and Ahmed is a technicolour player, an energy bath bomb with a textbook technique. The Spin has been lucky enough to watch him razzle-dazzle two hundreds in the flesh this year – both against Lancashire, one at Old Trafford, one at Grace Road, opponent-draining, sparkling innings so much better than the previous blind boundary biffing. He added another against Kent, another against Glamorgan and became the first Englishman to take 13 wickets and score a century in a first-class game since Ian Botham in the Jubilee Test of 1980, after taking Derbyshire to the cleaners with both bat and ball. His season to remember has tickled the spectators at Grace Road, as well as the playing staff. And not only because because of his role in firing them towards promotion to Division One, now only a fingertip away. He is also a genuinely popular young man. On the field, a move up the order has brought more responsibility, something that he has relished. And with the ball he has found more control – whereas previously a first over of a spell might have been loose, and gone for 10 runs, this year he's kept on top of the scoreboard. Those who've watched him from the sidelines have seen a subtle shift – from someone who was always a good teammate to someone who wants to take his game to the next level. Someone who, from the first moment of pre-season, meant business. Claude Henderson is Leicestershire's director of cricket. 'I think there is much more to come, we're not even close to seeing Rehan Ahmed's best,' he says. 'There is a massive ceiling there. It must be very exciting for England to watch – having Rehan in the top six would solve a lot of problems for them. It is very exciting for us too! 'I've always said you've got a hell of a batsman there. The skills and the hunger and the passion – that's what shines out, that's what I saw in his eyes when he was 18 years old. He's a very honest young man, he just wants to play cricket, loves a challenge, what you see is what you get. 'His introduction to cricket happened very quickly and that creates a bit of pressure but he's come through with flying colours. His fitness has improved, his bowling has improved, which is really good to see, he is more mature. He's grown up a bit and all while scoring the runs, taking the wickets, with a massive smile on his face.' Would Henderson take Ahmed on the Ashes tour, with all the pressures that brings? 'I would definitely consider him. I know what he can offer. If they are comfortable that he can bat in the top seven, then you've got an all-rounder up your sleeve. He has shown in the Championship, and now in the Hundred, what he is capable of with the bat. He's changed the whole perception of Rehan Ahmed – hold on a sec, I can bat, give me a go, I can win you a game with bat and ball.' Happy birthday Rehan, may your summer continue to sizzle and your winter entertain you, and us, royally. It's close to all guns blazing. That's how we think we play best' – Tim David on how Australia's men are tackling T20 cricket, after a record ninth win in a row – this one against South Africa in Darwin. You may have heard that somewhere before. Still, that run ended at nine. The latest Cricket Climate report – Hit for Six, the Danger Zone – concentrates on India and the increased risk to IPL players and spectators from extreme heat. More than half of all games in the IPL's 2025 season were played in conditions classified on the heat index as either extreme caution or danger (sunstroke likely, heatstroke possible). The report was blunt: 'One of the world's biggest sporting leagues is edging deeper into a climate danger zone.' Hit for Six also charts a rapid increased in hazardous heat days at stadiums around India. There has been a sweat-inducing 125% rise in high-risk heat days (those where temperatures exceed safe limits for human health) in Mumbai since 1970, while in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram there were more than 100 such days in 2024 alone. Professional athletes are protected to some extent by teams of physios, ice collars, rehydration drinks and rapid medical attention, but, at a recreational level, things are more dangerous and precautions ad hoc. 'It is brutal,' Raghav from the Toss Cricket Academy in Delhi told the report. 'The pitch dries out faster, making it hard for the bowlers. Also, batsmen struggle to play their shots when the ground is so hot. It's definitely a growing concern among players of all levels, especially at grassroots.' Others reflected on how, even in India, cricket starts to lose its appeal when played in extreme temperatures. 'I'm very worried,' said Kavita from Hindustan. 'If kids can't play safely or regularly, they'll start drifting away from cricket. And for girls especially, it's already hard enough – this just makes it harder.' While flooding has generally been seen as more of a risk to the cancellation of games in the UK, heat stress is coming up on the inside. Four seniors games in Kent were called off on Tuesday in the national knockout cup, with temperatures predicted to hit 30C. It was a wise precaution. The elderly are much more at risk from extreme summer heat – they don't sweat as much as younger people, so find it more difficult to cool down, while heat exacerbates age-related conditions like lung, heart, and kidney disease. Dehydration is also made worse by some common prescription medication. Throw in hours of being active in direct sunlight, while wearing heavy cricket gear, and you have a potential ticking timebomb gently playing out in front of you. While Rehan Ahmed is celebrated as the youngest man to play cricket for England, the youngest woman has been largely forgotten. Leanne Davis was 15 years and 66 days when she made her debut against South Africa in July 2000. She was called up as she was doing her GCSEs and her dad ended up driving her from Lancashire to Taunton, where she sat a German exam in a random school, so she could be ready for duty the next day. She played just twice for England, and gave up cricket at 21, before moving to Australia. It's time for the game to get on the front foot in helping women and girls to feel accepted, writes broadcaster and former England international Isa Guha. The Hundred? There's a fair argument that it's the worst cricket thing ever invented, reckons Barney Ronay. Middlesex are in advanced talks to establish a new base away from Lord's, Matt Hughes reports. The T20 Blast is to undergo a bit of shrinkflation next year – with two fewer matches per team. And in case you missed it … catch up with Ali Martin in conversation with Chris Woakes discussing that extraordinary moment at the Oval. … by writing to To subscribe to The Spin, just visit this page and follow the instructions.
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Rathdrum and Tinahely
Avondale GAA lotto draw Tuesday, July 8, No jackpot winner 12, 18, 21, 23 two match-three winners Teresa and Chris Byrne c/o Anthony Michaela Byrne c/o Online Thanks for all your continued support Next draw Tuesday, July 15, jackpot €3,000. Tickets can be purchased on the clubforce app. Avondale GAA Club Memorabilia If anyone has any memorabilia connected to the Avondale GAA club (Cups, medals, programmes, etc) Can you please contact Sandra O'Shaughnessy at 083 3575421 or contact Victor O'Shaughnessy with details. Exciting Opportunity for Our Club The Irish Farmers Journal has launched an exciting competition starting on July 3, offering a chance to win a top-of-the-line Husqvarna mower valued at €30,000. This amazing mower will significantly reduce the time spent on grass cutting, providing numerous benefits to our club. Let's get involved and maximise our chances of winning this fantastic participate, simply enter the competition on behalf of our club. The more entries we have, the better our chances of winning. Buy the Irish Farmers Journal starting July 3. Collect three tokens over four weeks and send them to the Irish Farmers Journal. Let's come together and make this happen for our club. Congratulations Avondale GAA Club would like to send its congratulations and best wishes to former player Shane O'Neill and his beautiful bride Rachel on their wedding day today. We wish you both a lifetime full of love and happiness and future Avondale footballers and hurlers. Thank you Thank you to Helen and Noel Jacob of Jacob's Well for sponsoring the match ball for tomorrow's Intermediate football championship. Jacobs Well have been very generous with their sponsorship over the years and they are the first to sponsor the match ball for this year's championship. We'll have a different sponsor for each football and hurling game as a way of thanking our sponsors throughout the championship. Congratulations Avondale intermediate football team and management made the journey to a sun drenched Echelon Park Aughrim on Sunday last to start the intermediate football campaign Avondale got off to a flying start and at half time Avondale lead on a scoreline of Avondale 3-09 (18) to Barndarrig 0-03 (3) in the second half Avondale kept the lead on Barndarring and won on a scoreline of Avondale 5-18 (33) to Barndarrig 0-10 (10) Next up for Avondale intermediate football team is a match against Ballinacor on Sunday, August 3, at 7.30 p.m. in Aughrim. The Senior Hurling Championship 2025 Next up for Avondale GAA is the senior hurling championship where Avondale senior hurlers will travel up to Echelon park in Aughrim on Saturday, July 19, at 6.30 p.m. to take on St Pat's in the first round of the senior hurling championship 2025 All support is much appreciated. Championship Fixtures Championship Season sees our four adult team fixtures the championship group stages senior hurling Avondale v St Pat's Saturday, July 19/18.30/Aughrim Senior hurling Avondale v Bray Emmets Weekend of the 23rd/August 24 TBC Intermediate football Avondale v Ballinacor Sunday, August 3/midday/Aughrim Intermediate football Avondale v Aughrim weekend of the 8/August 9/10 TBC Junior hurling Avondale v Aughrim Wednesday 23d July/19.30/Aughrim Junior hurling Avondale v Bray Emmets Wednesday, July 30/19.30/Avondale Junior hurling Avondale v Knockanna Wednesday, August 6/19.30/Knockananna Junior hurling Avondale v Éire Óg Wednesday, August 20/19.30/Avondale Junior B football Avondale v Bray Emmets Thursday, July 17/19.30/Avondale Junior B football Avondale v Baltinglass Thursday, July 31/19.30/Baltinglass Junior B football Avondale v Blessington Thursday, August 14/19.30/Avondale. Tea and Coffee After Mass On the second Sunday of the month, tea and coffee will be available at the back of the church after the 11.30 a.m. Mass All are welcome. Thank you to the hospitality group for providing the refreshments. Blessing Of the Graves Blessing Of the graves – Famine Graveyard A Mass will be celebrated in the famine graveyard on Wednesday, July 16, at 7.30 p.m. All are welcome. Masses in Clara Vale Church and Greenane Sunday, July 20, in Greenane at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 27, Clara Vale at 9 a.m. Also in the Rathdrum parish church 6 p.m. vigil Mass on Saturday and 11.30 a.m. Mass on a Sunday 11 a.m. Mass on public holidays and 9 a.m. Mass on a Monday Wednesday Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. Eucharistic service on Tuesday Mass and Blessing Of the Graves 202 Glenealy Cemetery Saturday, July 19, at 3 p.m. Killoughter Cemetery Tuesday, July 22, at 7.30 p.m. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Clara Vale Church summer sale The Clara Vale summer sale will take place in the grounds of the church on Sunday, August 10, at 1.30 p.m. The committee are looking for items for stalls such as cakes home produce firewood plants new or nearly new items There will be tea raffles lucky dip and other attractions for more information contact 086 8144745 or 087 6895033. The Row Hard Go Home Success The parish extends its congratulations to the rowing team of local men Tom Nolan Michael Dowling Cormac Conroy and Diarmuid O'Briain, who recently broke the record for rowing around ireland the team cut the record in half as well as beating the record the men raised funds for Rathdrum Cancer Support and Vartry Rowing Club Wicklow. All support for theses organisations is greatly appreciated. See to donate to two great charities. Ballinacor Community field day Ballinacor Community field day takes place Saturday, July 19, from 2 p.m. A fun afternoon for all the family with field games, stalls, waterslide, dog show, barbecue, face painting, races and more. All proceeds to Ballinacor Community Project. Rathdrum Trout Anglers This year Rathdrum have the Honour of hosting this year's T. A. F. I all-Ireland River Senior Championships. We will be hosting it on the Avonmore River on August 16 and 17. There will be the First two-day Inter-pro, with a new format held by TAFI Where no controllers will be required. Provincial Entries deadline to be with Rathdrum Trout Anglers is to be in by Friday, July 18. Deadline for Practice for anglers competing is Monday, August 4. Day tickets can be purchased on or in the Wise Owl Shop, Main Street Rathdrum. Head Organiser Mark Driver can be contacted at 086 0349273 if required. Once entries have been received a Private WhatsApp group will be compiled where further information to all anglers will be given to all competing anglers. Details of entries will be sent to Provincial Secretaries to notify all qualified anglers in coming days. Further information and details to follow. Hon. Secretary Mark Driver. Rathdrum Welcomes World Record Breakers The four Heroes of Diarmuid O'Briain, Tom Nolan, Cormac Conroy and Michael Dowling smashed the World Record for an unsupported row around Ireland in just over 15 days, overcoming adverse weather and challenging sea conditions. Thousands followed their journey on social media and generously supported their chosen two causes – Rathdrum Cancer Support Group and Vartry Rowing Club, Wicklow. The successful row by Diarmuid, Tom, Cormac and Michael coupled with the funds raised through the Go Fund Me Page is truly amazing. Rathdrum Cancer Support Group is looking for a massive attendance in Parnell Memorial Park to meet, thank, and congratulate the Row Hard or Go Home Team on Saturday, July 19, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Please come along. All welcome. Your Notes Any groups or organisations who want to put notes in to the Rathdrum notes in the Wicklow people newspaper should forward the information via email to Sandyshaugh44@ text/Whatsapp the message to 083 3575421 before 1pm on Sunday. Tinahely Baby Massage and Reflexology Classes Join these lovely classes with you and your baby. Learn different massage strokes and reflexology techniques to help you and your baby. Also a lovely way to meet other parents in your area. Keep an eye on our instagram and facebook pages @wellness_by_meadows for upcoming classes. You can also contact Claire on 087-1491850 with any queries. Fairgreen Resource Centre The Fairgreen Resource Centre is located to the rear of the Courthouse and is a purpose built social centre where you can relax and meet new people. Tinahely Active Retirement Tinahely Active Retirement Association meets every Tuesday morning from 10.30 am to 12.30 for coffee and a chat. The group runs a variety of activities and courses during the year along with annual outings. All are welcome to join. Vincent's Community Shop Vincents's Community Shop is located on Barton Street and is open Tues to Sat from 11am to 4pm daily. It offers a wide range of household goods, quality clothes along with a host of other items ranging from giftware, to books, jewellery, collectables and vintage items. Tinahely Craft market The Craft market has had a face lift. The outside has been painted, window boxes in place and we have added a few touches to the inside, all ready for the summer season. There are new crafts available, Marilyn with her hand spun and hand knitted shawls, Aileen Crossley has copies of her gorgeously illustrated Irish Children's book and art by the local girl Allison. Please come in and have a look. Support your local shops and crafters. Tomnafinnoge Athletics Club Tomnafinnoge Athletics Club is kicking off Track & Field training at The Fairgreen, Shillelagh. Sessions run every Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and are open to kids aged 4 and up. Come join the fun, stay active, and develop your athletic skills! New members welcome! Tinahely Toastmasters Hone your Public Speaking, Communication & Leadership skills with us! We are an official Toastmasters International Club. Join our next meeting free as a guest. We meet 7.45pm to 9.45pm on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of every month. Contact 087 2786503 for more information.
