Latest news with #StevenSmith
IOL News
19 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Steve Smith expects fierce battle with Proteas pace attack in WTC final
Australia's Steven Smith says they are not underestimating the Proteas ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord's. Image: HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP Australia batting great Steve Smith is expecting a tough examination from the Proteas' impressive pace attack in this week's World Test Championship final at Lord's. Reigning champions Australia, who beat India in the WTC final in 2023, are favourites against the Proteas in the five-day match, which starts on Wednesday. "South Africa have a particularly good bowling attack led by Kagiso Rabada, his record speaks for itself. Marco Jansen - they are a good side, they are here for a reason," Smith said on Monday. Rabada, 30, has taken 327 wickets at an average of 22 while Jansen, 25, has 73 wickets at 21.76 in his 17 matches. But former Test captain Smith also expects conditions at Lord's to favour spin bowling later in the game, which could work to the advantage of Australia off-break bowler Nathan Lyon. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading "I think spin will play a big part, particularly as the game wears on," Smith added. "We've only been here a week, but I think it's been pretty dry start to the season over here. "There hasn't there been too much rain, which is rare for England. It does look like quite a dry surface and I think the footmarks will definitely come into play as the game wears on." Lord's success Smith has a superb Test record at London's Lord's ground, with 525 runs in five matches, including a double century and a hundred, at an average of 58.33. "I've had a bit of success here," said the 36-year-old. "It takes a bit of time getting used to the slope, one end thinking you are falling over, the other you feel a bit tall. "It's a nice wicket to bat on but if there's a bit of cloud about and the balls swing around, it can get tricky." Several members of the Australia squad have not played much first-class cricket in recent months but Smith was confident they would quickly find their rhythm. "All the batters feel like they're in a good place, so now we're just excited to go out and play," he said. "Lord's is a place we traditionally played pretty good cricket, so we're excited about the prospect of coming up against South Africa." England have repeatedly emphasised how their long-term planning is designed to created capable of winning an Ashes series for the first time in a decade when they tour Australia in 2025/26. But Smith said Australia were fully focused on the task in front of them. "The Ashes is a big series but you can't look too far ahead," said Smith, winner of the Compton-Miller Medal for player of the Ashes series in 2017/18 and 2019.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
MLC 2025: Washington Freedom history, top performers, schedule, squad
Washington Freedom won the second edition of the MLC in 2024 MLC 2025: From semi-final heartbreak in their debut season to championship glory in the second, Washington Freedom has fast become one of the most compelling teams in Major League Cricket (MLC). With a balanced mix of seasoned internationals and domestic performers, the franchise now sets its sights on defending their crown in MLC 2025. Under the guidance of Ricky Ponting and the leadership of Steven Smith , Freedom will begin their campaign on 13 June against San Francisco Unicorns. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Team Performance in 2023 In the inaugural edition of MLC, Washington Freedom finished third on the points table with three wins in five matches, securing a place in the playoffs. However, their run was cut short in the eliminator by MI New York. Matt Short was their top scorer with 152 runs, while Saurabh Netravalkar impressed with 10 wickets, leading their bowling attack. Team Performance in 2024 Freedom went one step further and beyond in MLC 2024, lifting their maiden title with a commanding 96-run win over San Francisco Unicorns in the final. Travis Head was named Player of the Tournament, scoring 336 runs in 9 innings—second only in the overall charts. Steven Smith, their captain, also scored 336 runs at an average of 56.00, including a match-winning knock in the final that earned him Man of the Match. Saurabh Netravalkar continued his dominance, picking up 15 wickets, and Rachin Ravindra added 12 wickets, offering spin support and all-round value. Squad in 2025 Steven Smith (captain), Mukhtar Ahmed, Mark Chapman, Glenn Maxwell, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Jack Edwards, Ian Holland, Justin Dill, Mitchell Owen, Obus Pienaar, Saurabh Netravalkar, Lockie Ferguson, Jason Behrendorff, Ben Sears, Abhishek Paradkar, Amila Aponso, Yasir Mohammad, Andries Gous, Lahiru Milantha Head Coach: Ricky Ponting Assistant Coach: James Hopes Captain: Steve Smith Bombay Sport Exchange Episode 1: Interview with Sanjog Gupta, CEO (Sports) at JioStar Washington Freedom Fixtures 1) San Francisco Unicorns vs Washington Freedom: June 13 at 6.30 AM IST 2) Seattle Orcas vs Washington Freedom: June 15 at 6.30 AM IST 3) Washington Freedom vs LA Knight Riders: June 18 at 6.30 AM IST 4) MI New York vs Washington Freedom: June 22 at 5.30 AM IST 5) Washington Freedom vs Texas Super Kings: June 23 at 5.30 AM IST 6) LA Knight Riders vs Washington Freedom: June 27 at 5.30 AM IST 7) Washington Freedom vs San Francisco Unicorns: June 29 at 1.30 AM IST 8) Texas Super Kings vs Washington Freedom: July 3 at 4.30 AM IST 9) Washington Freedom vs Seattle Orcas: July 6 at 4.30 AM IST 10) Washington Freedom vs MI New York: July 7 at 12.30 AM IST
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Wales Online
Police issue urgent dashcam plea as search for missing man intensifies
Police issue urgent dashcam plea as search for missing man intensifies Police have also released CCTV footage showing Steven Smith's last known movements CCTV footage released showing Steven (Image: South Wales Police ) Police officers searching for a missing man have issued an urgent dashcam appeal. Steven Smith, 52, from Penrhiwceiber in Mountain Ash, was last seen on CCTV footage on Tuesday morning, May 20. South Wales Police said it shows Steven leaving his home address on Vaughan Terrace in his white Peugeot Boxer van - registration CE68 TNV - at 10.48am. At 10.51am the same day he went into Jaz, a local convenience store on Church Street in Penrhiwceiber. Officers said he then returned to his garage at the rear of Vaughan Terrace at 10.57am before leaving again in his van just before 11.33am and heading in the general direction of Abercynon. Further footage shows Steven driving his van along Abercynon Road in the general direction of Penrhiwceiber at 11.46am where he is seen to turn left onto Cemetery Road. Detectives are urging anyone with dashcam footage who was in the areas of Vaughan Terrace, Church Street, Abercynon Road or Cemetery Road between the hours of 10.45am and 11pm on Tuesday, May 20 to get in touch. South Wales Police has released images of Steven from CCTV footage. Article continues below Detectives are seeking information (Image: South Wales police ) They show him wearing what looks like a black or navy t-shirt and dark shorts. He appears to be carrying a grey or green rucksack. A spokesman for South Wales Police said: "We would also like to hear from anyone who lives in the vicinity of these areas, especially on Cemetery Road, who may have doorbell or CCTV footage. Steven Smith was last seen on May 20 (Image: South Wales Police ) "Anyone who may have any information which will help us find Steven is asked to contact us quoting occurrence number 2500160057." Article continues below
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Hundreds of Poundland stores at risk of closure as chain is set to be sold
The 825-strong chain has been up for sale since March. Hundreds of Poundland stores are at risk of closing as the retailer continues to look for a buyer. The move could potentially see thousands of jobs cut as a result. Earlier in March, we reported that the budget high street chain had been put up for sale, with advisory firm Teneo leading the process after its owners, the Pepco Group, confirmed it was examining 'all strategic options' for the firm. Reports now suggest that up to 200 loss-making stores have been identified as potential closures under the terms of any prospective deals, with The Times suggesting the firm could be sold for "effectively a pound". Poundland currently operates around 825 stores across the UK and Ireland, with over 160,000 employees said to be currently working for the chain. News of the potential closures come just as bids for the discounter are expected early this week, with an update from Pepco Group on its half-year results set to be unveiled this Thursday, May 22. Formed in 1990, Poundland opened its first pilot store in Burton Upon Trent by co-founders Dave Dodd and Steven Smith. Now a multi-million pound company, it sells everything from household essentials and groceries to clothing and homeware. While it initially sold prices at the advertised £1, products can now vary in price as the retailer struggles to battle rising costs and competition from other supermarkets and high street retailers. Some sources have reported that Gordon Brothers, former owners of Laura Ashley, have emerged as a frontrunner for investors. The potential list of buyers also includes Hilco Capital and Endless. Meanwhile, Modella Capital, the private equity firm that recently bought over WHSmith, is also said to be included on the list of potential investors. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. It is worth noting that, as of writing, no decisions have been made regarding the sale of Poundland. News of Poundland's potential sale comes after the firm advised that it was struggling amidst a "challenging" UK retail landscape, with other contributing factors being changes announced in the Budget, including higher National Insurance contributions for employers and a rise in the minimum wage. To help address its struggling performance, former Poundland boss Barry Williams returned to the board at the start of 2025, less than two years after leaving the firm. Parent company Pepco is thought to have been "actively evaluating" all strategic options to separate the discounted firm from the business after it was found to be underperforming. A Pepco spokesperson told the Daily Record: "As announced at the Capital Markets Day on 6 March, Pepco Group is moving away from FMCG to create a simpler business focused on higher margin clothing and general merchandise, and is actively exploring separation options for Poundland, including a potential sale, from the Group. "With Barry Williams' re-appointment as Managing Director, Poundland is executing a turnaround programme to get the business back on track, focusing on its core heritage strengths, and a simpler pricing proposition and customer offer."
Sky News
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News
'I don't understand why people go there': Renowned chef on the restaurant chain he dislikes
Every week, our Money blog team interviews chefs from around the UK, hearing about their cheap food hacks and more. Today, we chat to Steven Smith, chef patron of Japanese restaurant KAJI in Manchester. I don't think we should be looking at a minimum spend in restaurants... but maybe a deposit. No-shows have a much larger impact than someone ordering a small meal. The most overrated restaurant is... Hungry Horse Carvery. You can eat well on a budget, so I don't understand why people still choose to go there. My favourite restaurant chain is... Rudy's pizza - you know what you're gonna get, fantastic price, quick service. I'd probably order one of their specials, but you also can't go wrong with their classic margherita. It's fine to just order tap water... We have to cater for everyone. With the current economic climate, we don't want to exclude anyone. A guest who comes in for a small meal one day may love it and come back with their whole family the week after. You never know. A great cheap eat in Manchester is... Kabana in the Northern Quarter - amazing Pakistani food that's cheap and delicious. I'd go on a Sunday and get their special Lamb Nihari. The one thing I hate that some customers do is… say they have stringent dietary requirements, then change their mind when they want to try something. It makes a mockery of people who have real dietary requirements or allergies. One thing I never want to see in a restaurant again… silver service and white gloves. Influencers... There is certainly a place for them in the restaurant world - a lot of them are massive foodies, so really do appreciate the food we serve. However, if an influencer visits a different restaurant every week for free and praises everyone equally, then their content isn't very authentic. That's why we still need the press guides - they're a more veritable source. The best chefs in the UK are… Mark Birchall, chef patron at Moor Hall and Gareth Ward, chef patron at Ynyshir. I've known Mark since I was 17 and have immensely enjoyed watching his constant pursuit of excellence. And as for Gareth, I really admire his IDGAF attitude. They're at two ends of the spectrum, both cooking at the highest possible standard, but one has embraced the rule book, and one has ripped it up. The best city in the world to eat is... New York. I've kicked customers out... Once, it was two football hooligans having a scrap. Then we've had customers being rude to me or my staff. If you came for dinner at my house, you wouldn't be rude - so why do people think it's ok to be rude at a restaurant? You're coming for dinner at mine, so treat me and my staff with respect. My go-to cheap meal is... Gochujang butter stir-fried noodles. It's spicy, savoury, and seriously satisfying. This recipe serves two.... 200g dried egg noodles or instant ramen (no seasoning packets) 1 tbsp neutral oil 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 small onion, thinly sliced 100g white cabbage, finely shredded 1 carrot, peeled into ribbons or thinly sliced
