AmaZulu signs sponsorship deal with Amstel to expand commercial portfolio

The Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan announced plans by Uzbekistan and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to expand joint work in the field of seed production.

The issue was discussed by the Minister of Agriculture Ibragim Abdurakhmonov and representatives of the institute during his working trip to the United States. The meeting took place with a group of specialists led by Manzur Dara, who represented ICRISAT.

The parties discussed opportunities to expand scientific interaction, organize meetings between relevant specialists, and define priority areas for joint activities. As a result of the negotiations, an agreement was reached to sign a bilateral cooperation document at upcoming high-level events.

One of the potentially important areas of cooperation will be the research of agricultural crop breeding and seed production. In the context of climate change, water scarcity, and growing food demand, the development of high-yield varieties resistant to adverse conditions is becoming increasingly important.

Cooperation with international research centers can contribute to the introduction of modern breeding methods, experience exchange, and professional development of specialists. It is expected that the partnership with ICRISAT will create additional opportunities to strengthen Uzbekistan's research potential in seed production and increase the resilience of its agriculture to climate change. Abdurakhmonov's working trip to the United States is ongoing.

Temba Bavuma acknowledged that the Proteas team is still struggling to find a stable opening pair after another new combination was used in the top order during Test against Australia's second match in St George's Park.

Debutante Marcus Ackerman was brought into this position alongside Aiden Markram after an injury ruled out Tony de Zorzi, and Ryan Rickelton dropped into the squad to take on wicketkeeping duties following Kyle Verreyn's absence.

This reshuffle prolonged South Africa's search for stability at the top of the batting order, as Bavuma noted that the Proteas has yet to settle on their preferred opening duo.

Bavuma stated that the World Test Champions continue to look for the best options for the top batting order. He commented on the constant changes in the squad: 'If you think about it, we have constantly changed players over the last two years,' said Bavuma. 'So I think we are still in the phase of finding this stability up front, who will partner Aiden.'

Rickelton previously partnered Markram in seven previous Tests, but he also came under pressure regarding his place in the team after scoring only half a century since his outstanding score of 259 against Pakistan in the New Year Test of 2025 in Newlands.

Attention is now focused on Ackerman, whose debut Test was interrupted by rain after he managed to withstand aggressive Australian fast bowling and reached five not out by the end of the day.

The left-handed player arrived with impressive first-class statistics, although much of his recent success has been achieved in the lower order and at number one. Nevertheless, he is not the first South African batter to have to adapt.

Herschelle Gibbs successfully transitioned to the opening batsman role, achieving an average of 47.22 in 68 Test starts, while Neil McKenzie had the most productive period of his career in Tests after being promoted to the top order.

Bavuma expressed hope that Ackerman can cement this position. 'Sometimes certain players must take on the main load,' he noted. 'But it's great to have Ackerman here. I hope he can make this his spot.'

Proteas ended the rain-affected day on February 20th after 12.2 overs, with Ackerman (5*) and Bavuma (4*) scheduled to continue play on Monday morning. Bavuma emphasized the importance of every day: 'Every day is important. This one is probably a little more important. First and foremost, we need to keep the series alive, and then there is the broader picture of the World Test Championship, which we always keep in mind.'