Liverpool finally bolstered their defensive options by signing Schalke's Ozan Kabak and Preston's Ben Davies before the Premier League transfer window slammed shut on Monday.

Meanwhile Premier League champions' Japanese attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino left for Southampton on loan until the end of the season in one of the few moves between Premier League clubs on a quiet deadline day.

The January window is regarded as a sellers' market and often a time for stop-gap measures but Liverpool were forced to act.

The champions are missing all of their senior central defenders, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip out of action.&nbsp;

Fabinho, who had impressed at centre-back after moving from his usual midfield position, recently joined the injured list while captain Jordan Henderson, who usually plays in midfield, has been forced to deputise at the back.

Japanese international Minamino departed Anfield for Southampton in a surprise move allowed to be completed after the window shut because the Saints had submitted the necessary paperwork in time.

"I am very pleased to welcome Takumi to our squad for the rest of this season," Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said in club statement issued two hours after the 2300 GMT deadline.

"He will help provide another good attacking option, and is importantly the right profile of player for us.&nbsp;

"This will give us some additional depth in our squad at an important time."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had been suggesting for several weeks that a replacement centre-back would be a major lift for his team.

Klopp got his wish at last as the Reds brought in two defenders in the final hours of the transfer window.

Kabak joined on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

The Premier League champions have paid an initial £1 million ($1.37 million) loan fee with the option to buy for £18 million at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old arrives after two years in the Bundesliga, where he played for Stuttgart before joining Schalke in July 2019.

He previously gained Champions League experience at Galatasaray and has won seven caps for Turkey.

Davies, 25, signed for an initial fee believed to be £500,000, plus future add-ons.

Klopp conceded signing a relatively unknown player from the second tier was a move forced by financial restraints of the pandemic and Liverpool's injury woes.

"It's probably clear that in a normal transfer window, without any issues, we would not look at Preston if there's a player for us," he said.

"But since we saw him and since our situation got clearer and clearer -– the problems we had –- when we saw him we got really excited about it and thought, 'Wow.' We see the quality and we see the potential."

Davies made 145 appearances for Preston, scoring two goals, since his debut in 2013.

<h2>- Low-spending window -</h2>

"Obviously it came as a bit of a surprise when it first came out but once you start to get your head around it, the opportunity that is in front of me is incredible," Davies said.

"I've never actually been to Anfield and I haven't had a look around yet."

Major moves involving "Big Six" Premier League clubs were few and far between in the January window.

Top-flight clubs, who splashed the cash in the summer transfer window, are reeling from the financial fallout as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and are coming to terms with new Brexit rules that make it tougher to recruit young players from Europe.

The last time less than £100 million was spent in the January transfer window was 2012.

Arsenal allowed Shkodran Mustafi to leave, with the German defender signing a short-term contract at Schalke.

Gedson Fernandes ended his disappointing spell at Tottenham, with the midfielder's loan from Benfica cancelled so he could join Galatasaray.

Relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion signed Turkey midfielder Okay&nbsp;Yokuslu on loan from Celta Vigo until the end of the season.

West Brom also agreed a deal with Arsenal to take the versatile Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan until the end of this term.

Ecuador international Moises Caicedo joined Brighton from Independiente del Valle for a fee of around £4 million.

Newcastle signed Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock on loan for the rest of the season, while Magpies' right-back DeAndre Yedlin joined Galatasaray in a permanent deal.

Fulham landed former Sunderland forward Josh Maja on loan from French side Bordeaux.

Everton were hoping to sign Bournemouth striker Josh King in a late deal.

Liverpool finally bolstered their defensive options by signing Schalke's Ozan Kabak and Preston's Ben Davies before the Premier League transfer window slammed shut on Monday.

Liverpool finally bolstered their defensive options by signing Schalke's Ozan Kabak and Preston's Ben Davies before the Premier League transfer window slammed shut on Monday. Meanwhile Premier League champions' Japanese attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino left for Southampton on loan until the end of the season in one of the few moves between Premier League clubs on a quiet deadline day. The January window is regarded as a sellers' market and often a time for stop-gap measures but Liverpool were forced to act. The champions are missing all of their senior central defenders, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip out of action. Fabinho, who had impressed at centre-back after moving from his usual midfield position, recently joined the injured list while captain Jordan Henderson, who usually plays in midfield, has been forced to deputise at the back. Japanese international Minamino departed Anfield for Southampton in a surprise move allowed to be completed after the window shut because the Saints had submitted the necessary paperwork in time. "I am very pleased to welcome Takumi to our squad for the rest of this season," Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said in club statement issued two hours after the 2300 GMT deadline. "He will help provide another good attacking option, and is importantly the right profile of player for us. "This will give us some additional depth in our squad at an important time." Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had been suggesting for several weeks that a replacement centre-back would be a major lift for his team. Klopp got his wish at last as the Reds brought in two defenders in the final hours of the transfer window. Kabak joined on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance. The Premier League champions have paid an initial £1 million ($1.37 million) loan fee with the option to buy for £18 million at the end of the season. The 20-year-old arrives after two years in the Bundesliga, where he played for Stuttgart before joining Schalke in July 2019. He previously gained Champions League experience at Galatasaray and has won seven caps for Turkey. Davies, 25, signed for an initial fee believed to be £500,000, plus future add-ons. Klopp conceded signing a relatively unknown player from the second tier was a move forced by financial restraints of the pandemic and Liverpool's injury woes. "It's probably clear that in a normal transfer window, without any issues, we would not look at Preston if there's a player for us," he said. "But since we saw him and since our situation got clearer and clearer -– the problems we had –- when we saw him we got really excited about it and thought, 'Wow.' We see the quality and we see the potential." Davies made 145 appearances for Preston, scoring two goals, since his debut in 2013. - Low-spending window - "Obviously it came as a bit of a surprise when it first came out but once you start to get your head around it, the opportunity that is in front of me is incredible," Davies said. "I've never actually been to Anfield and I haven't had a look around yet." Major moves involving "Big Six" Premier League clubs were few and far between in the January window. Top-flight clubs, who splashed the cash in the summer transfer window, are reeling from the financial fallout as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and are coming to terms with new Brexit rules that make it tougher to recruit young players from Europe. The last time less than £100 million was spent in the January transfer window was 2012. Arsenal allowed Shkodran Mustafi to leave, with the German defender signing a short-term contract at Schalke. Gedson Fernandes ended his disappointing spell at Tottenham, with the midfielder's loan from Benfica cancelled so he could join Galatasaray. Relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion signed Turkey midfielder Okay Yokuslu on loan from Celta Vigo until the end of the season. West Brom also agreed a deal with Arsenal to take the versatile Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan until the end of this term. Ecuador international Moises Caicedo joined Brighton from Independiente del Valle for a fee of around £4 million. Newcastle signed Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock on loan for the rest of the season, while Magpies' right-back DeAndre Yedlin joined Galatasaray in a permanent deal. Fulham landed former Sunderland forward Josh Maja on loan from French side Bordeaux. Everton were hoping to sign Bournemouth striker Josh King in a late deal.

Liverpool bolster defence, Minamino off to Saints as window shuts

The final countdown to the Super Bowl got off to a low-key start on Monday with a virtual opening night media event, as the spectre of Covid-19 hovered over the US sporting showpiece.

With just six days until the Tampa Bay Buccaneers attempt to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL's championship game, players from both sides were adjusting to a new normal as a week of media activities got under way.

The Super Bowl's "opening night" is usually played out in a crowded arena made up of fans and thousands of media against a backdrop of rock music and pyrotechnics as the teams are introduced.

Safety issues surrounding Covid-19 however made the traditional circus-like kick-off a non-starter this year, leaving the likes of Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes to instead conduct press interviews via Zoom.

Buccaneers quarterback Brady, who is preparing for his 10th Super Bowl, would normally expect to find himself in the centre of a scrum of dozens of cameras and journalists.

Instead he addressed media in front of a lone camera at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team facility.

"Crazy media day. I'm sitting here in an empty room," Brady remarked. "It's very different from the other nine experiences."

Chiefs counterpart Mahomes was similarly bemused by the contrast in surroundings, a year after being the centre of attention in Kansas City's Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

<h2>- 'Very different' -</h2>

"From last year to this year, very different," said Mahomes.

In another departure from tradition, when participating teams arrive in the host Super Bowl city several days ahead of the game, the Chiefs are remaining in Kansas City until the weekend, when they will decamp for Florida.

The Buccaneers and the 43-year-old Brady -- who will become the oldest player to play in a Super Bowl on Sunday when he chases his record seventh championship -- have the advantage of playing at home.

The Bucs won the right to become the first ever team to play a home Super Bowl after upsetting the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field last month.

"It's all very unique," Brady said Monday. "I'm happy in my own bed, happy I'm eating good stuff at home, don't have to travel, pack my clothes and all the other crap. There's some real positives to take from it," he said.

The slimmed-down feel to this year's Super Bowl will be in evidence across the week, with fewer parties and smaller, ticketed fan events which will be staged outdoors and tightly controlled.

Some US corporate titans meanwhile have opted to skip the television advertising bonanza that accompanies the Super Bowl, with the likes of Budweiser and Coca-Cola deciding to remain on the sidelines.

"This commitment is an investment in a future where we can all get back together safely over a beer," Budweiser said in a statement.

<h2>- Capacity slashed -</h2>

Capacity for Sunday's game meanwhile has been slashed by around two thirds, with only 22,000 seats being filled.

Some 7,500 of those tickets have been given to vaccinated US healthcare workers, while only 14,500 tickets went on sale to the public via a lottery. A further 2,000 seats will be filled in VIP suites.

The United States continues to battle against Covid-19, which has infected 26.3 million Americans and left 443,000 dead.

While the NFL managed to complete its season with relatively few hitches, the threat of coronavirus lurked over Monday's media activities as the Chiefs confirmed that two players -- receiver Demarcus Robinson and center Daniel Kilgore -- have been placed on the Covid-19 reserve list.

Robinson and backup Kilgore were placed in isolation after coming into contact with someone who had tested positive and must now record five consecutive days of negative tests to avoid missing the Super Bowl.

"The problem is you're fighting the invisible man," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "It's germs, and they're hard to see. It just gets you when least expected, and we're seeing that in everything. It's an unfortunate thing."

The final countdown to the Super Bowl got off to a low-key start on Monday with a virtual opening night media event, as the spectre of Covid-19 hovered over the US sporting showpiece.

The final countdown to the Super Bowl got off to a low-key start on Monday with a virtual opening night media event, as the spectre of Covid-19 hovered over the US sporting showpiece. With just six days until the Tampa Bay Buccaneers attempt to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL's championship game, players from both sides were adjusting to a new normal as a week of media activities got under way. The Super Bowl's "opening night" is usually played out in a crowded arena made up of fans and thousands of media against a backdrop of rock music and pyrotechnics as the teams are introduced. Safety issues surrounding Covid-19 however made the traditional circus-like kick-off a non-starter this year, leaving the likes of Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes to instead conduct press interviews via Zoom. Buccaneers quarterback Brady, who is preparing for his 10th Super Bowl, would normally expect to find himself in the centre of a scrum of dozens of cameras and journalists. Instead he addressed media in front of a lone camera at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team facility. "Crazy media day. I'm sitting here in an empty room," Brady remarked. "It's very different from the other nine experiences." Chiefs counterpart Mahomes was similarly bemused by the contrast in surroundings, a year after being the centre of attention in Kansas City's Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers. - 'Very different' - "From last year to this year, very different," said Mahomes. In another departure from tradition, when participating teams arrive in the host Super Bowl city several days ahead of the game, the Chiefs are remaining in Kansas City until the weekend, when they will decamp for Florida. The Buccaneers and the 43-year-old Brady -- who will become the oldest player to play in a Super Bowl on Sunday when he chases his record seventh championship -- have the advantage of playing at home. The Bucs won the right to become the first ever team to play a home Super Bowl after upsetting the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field last month. "It's all very unique," Brady said Monday. "I'm happy in my own bed, happy I'm eating good stuff at home, don't have to travel, pack my clothes and all the other crap. There's some real positives to take from it," he said. The slimmed-down feel to this year's Super Bowl will be in evidence across the week, with fewer parties and smaller, ticketed fan events which will be staged outdoors and tightly controlled. Some US corporate titans meanwhile have opted to skip the television advertising bonanza that accompanies the Super Bowl, with the likes of Budweiser and Coca-Cola deciding to remain on the sidelines. "This commitment is an investment in a future where we can all get back together safely over a beer," Budweiser said in a statement. - Capacity slashed - Capacity for Sunday's game meanwhile has been slashed by around two thirds, with only 22,000 seats being filled. Some 7,500 of those tickets have been given to vaccinated US healthcare workers, while only 14,500 tickets went on sale to the public via a lottery. A further 2,000 seats will be filled in VIP suites. The United States continues to battle against Covid-19, which has infected 26.3 million Americans and left 443,000 dead. While the NFL managed to complete its season with relatively few hitches, the threat of coronavirus lurked over Monday's media activities as the Chiefs confirmed that two players -- receiver Demarcus Robinson and center Daniel Kilgore -- have been placed on the Covid-19 reserve list. Robinson and backup Kilgore were placed in isolation after coming into contact with someone who had tested positive and must now record five consecutive days of negative tests to avoid missing the Super Bowl. "The problem is you're fighting the invisible man," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "It's germs, and they're hard to see. It just gets you when least expected, and we're seeing that in everything. It's an unfortunate thing."

Slimmed-down Super Bowl week kicks off as virus threat remains

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic got his season off to a perfect start with a battling win over hot-shot Denis Shapovalov in the ATP Cup Tuesday, but world number three Dominic Thiem crashed to defeat.

The Serbian world number one, who will be chasing a ninth Australian Open crown when the first Grand Slam of the year begins on Monday, was pushed hard before coming through 7-5, 7-5 against the Canadian on Rod Laver Arena&nbsp;

Djokovic showed no signs of being hindered by a nasty blister on his racquet hand that troubled him at an Adelaide exhibition last week and returned 30 minutes later alongside Filip Frajinovic to play the decisive doubles rubber.

The pair beat Shapovalov and Milos Raonic 7-5, 7-6 (7/4)&nbsp;as defending champions Serbia took the tie against Canada 2-1 in Group A.

"It was a great opening of the season. Playing Shapo is always a great challenge on hardcourts, he is such a dynamic, explosive player," said Djokovic, who was fired up by playing in front of a smattering of noisy Serbian fans.

"I thought we both played on a pretty high level, so I'm really pleased with the way I started the season.

"This is a great competition," added Djokovic, who won all eight matches he contested en route to the trophy last year.&nbsp;

"We need more competitions where we represent a team, represent our country."&nbsp;

Serbia beat Rafael Nadal's Spain in the final of the inaugural and hugely popular tournament last year in Sydney -- launched as a rival to the Davis Cup.

It has been slimmed down from 24 teams to 12 this year due to the coronavirus with all matches at Melbourne Park over five days with US$7.5 million at stake, rather than the multi-city format employed in 2020.

Spain face a tough opening tie later Tuesday against hosts Australia, with Nadal up against fast-improving Alex de Minaur.

On a cool day, big-serving Raonic got Canada off to a blistering start, crushing Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-4 in just 79 minutes to give his team a 1-0 lead, with the former world number three, now ranked 15, dropping just eight points on serve while sending down 11 aces.

It was left to Djokovic to level the tie before clinching the doubles rubber.

The Alexander Zverev-led Germany are also in Group A and play Wednesday.

<h2>- Thiem tumbles -</h2>

While Djokovic tasted victory, US Open champion Thiem, who lost to the Serb in a gripping Australian Open final last year, got his season off to a disappointing start.

He slumped 6-2, 6-4 to Italian world number 10 Matteo Berrettini who never allowed the Austrian to get going with his big-swinging game.

"I'm very happy obviously for myself, but in this competition we're playing for a team, so it's really nice," Berrettini said. "I'm really happy with my performance.

"Playing for your country is something special."

Berrettini was under pressure after Austria took the lead in their Group C clash when 100th-ranked Dennis Novak earned one of the biggest wins of his career, upsetting world number 17 Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-2.

It sent the tie to a deciding doubles with Thiem returning alongside Novak only to crash again, losing 6-1, 6-4 to Berrettini and Fognini.

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic got his season off to a perfect start with a battling win over hot-shot Denis Shapovalov in the ATP Cup Tuesday, but world number three Dominic Thiem crashed to defeat.

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic got his season off to a perfect start with a battling win over hot-shot Denis Shapovalov in the ATP Cup Tuesday, but world number three Dominic Thiem crashed to defeat. The Serbian world number one, who will be chasing a ninth Australian Open crown when the first Grand Slam of the year begins on Monday, was pushed hard before coming through 7-5, 7-5 against the Canadian on Rod Laver Arena Djokovic showed no signs of being hindered by a nasty blister on his racquet hand that troubled him at an Adelaide exhibition last week and returned 30 minutes later alongside Filip Frajinovic to play the decisive doubles rubber. The pair beat Shapovalov and Milos Raonic 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) as defending champions Serbia took the tie against Canada 2-1 in Group A. "It was a great opening of the season. Playing Shapo is always a great challenge on hardcourts, he is such a dynamic, explosive player," said Djokovic, who was fired up by playing in front of a smattering of noisy Serbian fans. "I thought we both played on a pretty high level, so I'm really pleased with the way I started the season. "This is a great competition," added Djokovic, who won all eight matches he contested en route to the trophy last year. "We need more competitions where we represent a team, represent our country." Serbia beat Rafael Nadal's Spain in the final of the inaugural and hugely popular tournament last year in Sydney -- launched as a rival to the Davis Cup. It has been slimmed down from 24 teams to 12 this year due to the coronavirus with all matches at Melbourne Park over five days with US$7.5 million at stake, rather than the multi-city format employed in 2020. Spain face a tough opening tie later Tuesday against hosts Australia, with Nadal up against fast-improving Alex de Minaur. On a cool day, big-serving Raonic got Canada off to a blistering start, crushing Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-4 in just 79 minutes to give his team a 1-0 lead, with the former world number three, now ranked 15, dropping just eight points on serve while sending down 11 aces. It was left to Djokovic to level the tie before clinching the doubles rubber. The Alexander Zverev-led Germany are also in Group A and play Wednesday. - Thiem tumbles - While Djokovic tasted victory, US Open champion Thiem, who lost to the Serb in a gripping Australian Open final last year, got his season off to a disappointing start. He slumped 6-2, 6-4 to Italian world number 10 Matteo Berrettini who never allowed the Austrian to get going with his big-swinging game. "I'm very happy obviously for myself, but in this competition we're playing for a team, so it's really nice," Berrettini said. "I'm really happy with my performance. "Playing for your country is something special." Berrettini was under pressure after Austria took the lead in their Group C clash when 100th-ranked Dennis Novak earned one of the biggest wins of his career, upsetting world number 17 Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-2. It sent the tie to a deciding doubles with Thiem returning alongside Novak only to crash again, losing 6-1, 6-4 to Berrettini and Fognini.

Fired-up Djokovic makes perfect start but Thiem slumps in ATP Cup

Paralympics chief Andrew Parsons is confident the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games will go ahead this year, and will be "a platform to change to world" -- with or without spectators.

As coronavirus infections surge globally, organisers have said the Games may have to be held behind closed doors or with fewer fans.

But International Paralympic Committee president Parsons told AFP that would be a price worth paying.

"The Paralympic Games are a platform to change the world," he said in an interview, just over 200 days before the opening ceremony on August 24.

"We do understand that the Games will not be the same without spectators, but the impact of the Games is very strong outside the host city and the host nation."

"The impact that the Paralympics have is not only in the two-point-something million people that attend the Games," he added. "We're talking about the four billion people around the world watching the Paralympic Games."

With less than six months to go until Tokyo 2020, there are growing questions about whether the event can be held safely.

But Parsons said he is "very positive" about the Games happening this year, and insisted there is "no scenario" where the Olympics will happen without the Paralympics.

He said everyone involved in organising the Games is "unanimous in the fact that this is not something that is going to happen, where we have the Olympics and not the Paralympics".

"We will have both. There is no scenario where the Olympics will go ahead and the Paralympics will not go ahead," he said.

<h2>- 'We need to protect people' -</h2>

Parsons acknowledged however that qualifying tournaments could be affected, and that some athletes may be left "unhappy".

Only 57 percent of athletes have secured their places in Tokyo so far, with qualification events set to resume in March at the earliest.

"We may have more people unhappy than in previous times," he said. "But again, there's not much we can do to change that. We need to protect people.

"We will not make people compete to get their qualification slot for Tokyo if this is going to put them at risk."

As vaccines roll out around the world, Parsons said they would not be required for participation in the Games, as is the case for Olympic athletes.

But he encouraged athletes to get the jab as "an extra layer of protection".

He said the IPC is working with the International Olympic Committee to make vaccines available to athletes, but warned there are "many issues" in reaching a fair solution.

"Anything that we do in that regard we need to do for all of our members, all of our athletes," he said.

"It can't be something that we do for X country or Z country. That's the challenge -- we need to be absolutely fair with all the different nations."

Some Paralympians may have increased vulnerability, but Parsons said the aim was "to give the best protection we can give to every single athlete" regardless of specific risk factors.

Organisers have already drafted extensive virus countermeasures, and Parsons said he believes the Games can be held safely, pointing to sports events that have been staged around the world during the pandemic.

Athletes are determined to take part, regardless of how many people are in the stands, he added.

"We want them to have the opportunity to compete,"&nbsp;he said.

"Yes, we would be losing some part of the experience, but in balancing things here, we are far more positive about having the Games -- even if it's without spectators or only Japanese -- than not having the Games at all."

Paralympics chief Andrew Parsons is confident the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games will go ahead this year, and will be "a platform to change to world" -- with or without spectators.

Paralympics chief Andrew Parsons is confident the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games will go ahead this year, and will be "a platform to change to world" -- with or without spectators. As coronavirus infections surge globally, organisers have said the Games may have to be held behind closed doors or with fewer fans. But International Paralympic Committee president Parsons told AFP that would be a price worth paying. "The Paralympic Games are a platform to change the world," he said in an interview, just over 200 days before the opening ceremony on August 24. "We do understand that the Games will not be the same without spectators, but the impact of the Games is very strong outside the host city and the host nation." "The impact that the Paralympics have is not only in the two-point-something million people that attend the Games," he added. "We're talking about the four billion people around the world watching the Paralympic Games." With less than six months to go until Tokyo 2020, there are growing questions about whether the event can be held safely. But Parsons said he is "very positive" about the Games happening this year, and insisted there is "no scenario" where the Olympics will happen without the Paralympics. He said everyone involved in organising the Games is "unanimous in the fact that this is not something that is going to happen, where we have the Olympics and not the Paralympics". "We will have both. There is no scenario where the Olympics will go ahead and the Paralympics will not go ahead," he said. - 'We need to protect people' - Parsons acknowledged however that qualifying tournaments could be affected, and that some athletes may be left "unhappy". Only 57 percent of athletes have secured their places in Tokyo so far, with qualification events set to resume in March at the earliest. "We may have more people unhappy than in previous times," he said. "But again, there's not much we can do to change that. We need to protect people. "We will not make people compete to get their qualification slot for Tokyo if this is going to put them at risk." As vaccines roll out around the world, Parsons said they would not be required for participation in the Games, as is the case for Olympic athletes. But he encouraged athletes to get the jab as "an extra layer of protection". He said the IPC is working with the International Olympic Committee to make vaccines available to athletes, but warned there are "many issues" in reaching a fair solution. "Anything that we do in that regard we need to do for all of our members, all of our athletes," he said. "It can't be something that we do for X country or Z country. That's the challenge -- we need to be absolutely fair with all the different nations." Some Paralympians may have increased vulnerability, but Parsons said the aim was "to give the best protection we can give to every single athlete" regardless of specific risk factors. Organisers have already drafted extensive virus countermeasures, and Parsons said he believes the Games can be held safely, pointing to sports events that have been staged around the world during the pandemic. Athletes are determined to take part, regardless of how many people are in the stands, he added. "We want them to have the opportunity to compete," he said. "Yes, we would be losing some part of the experience, but in balancing things here, we are far more positive about having the Games -- even if it's without spectators or only Japanese -- than not having the Games at all."

Fan-free Tokyo Paralympics can still have major impact, says IPC chief

New-look Pakistan will look to end a 17-year wait for a series win against South Africa and leapfrog the Proteas in the rankings in the second Test starting on Thursday.

Victory would be poignant for Pakistan, who are hosting their biggest Test series since the deadly 2009 militant attack on Sri Lanka's team halted international tours.

Pakistan, whose lone series win over South Africa was at home in 2003, start as favourites in Rawalpindi after last week's thumping seven-wicket win in Karachi.

They stand to rise two places to fifth in the rankings with a series victory, while defeat would push South Africa down from fifth to sixth.

Debutant Nauman Ali and fellow spinner Yasir Shah were the heroes in Karachi with seven wickets each, along with Fawad Alam whose first-innings century set up the win.

Babar Azam, who captained Pakistan for the first time, said the win was much needed after they went down heavily in both Tests away to New Zealand in December and January.

"This win was very necessary for our group," said Azam. "The last series in New Zealand didn't go very well.&nbsp;

"Yes, these are home conditions but South Africa is a top Test side and beating them was morale-boosting."

He added: "We have been telling the players to be confident. I don't want them to take pressure, learn from mistakes and do your best."

However, Rawalpindi will provide a different challenge for both teams as fast bowlers tend to dominate.

When Pakistan beat Bangladesh there by an innings and 44 runs, 12 months ago, 20 of the 30 wickets went to fast bowlers.

With that in mind, Pakistan are expected to drop Nauman, despite his wickets in Karachi, and give a Test debut to paceman Haris Rauf.

<h2>- 'Not the greatest' record -</h2>

South Africa have long struggled in the subcontinent, with Karachi their eighth defeat in a row in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

They lost their last eight wickets for 112 and 60 in the two innings in Karachi, falling for 220 and 245 all out.

"I know that our record in the subcontinent is not the greatest," said captain Quinton de Kock.&nbsp;

"We have won a couple of series and I have part of some but now we want to find a way to alter that."

Experienced opener Dean Elgar is expected to be fit to play after being hit on the hand in Karachi.

The tourists are likely to drop spinner George Linde to bring in one of their fast-bowling all-rounders, Wiaan Mulder or Dwaine Pretorius.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Teams

Pakistan (from): Babar Azam (capt), Abid Ali, Imran Butt, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Yasir Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tabish Khan

South Africa (from): Quinton de Kock (capt), Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Kagiso Rabada, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, Anrich Nortje, Wiaan Mulder, Lutho Sipamla, Beuran Hendricks, Kyle Verreynne, Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Tabraiz Shamsi, George Linde, Daryn Dupavillon, Marco Jansen

New-look Pakistan will look to end a 17-year wait for a series win against South Africa and leapfrog the Proteas in the rankings in the second Test starting on Thursday.

New-look Pakistan will look to end a 17-year wait for a series win against South Africa and leapfrog the Proteas in the rankings in the second Test starting on Thursday. Victory would be poignant for Pakistan, who are hosting their biggest Test series since the deadly 2009 militant attack on Sri Lanka's team halted international tours. Pakistan, whose lone series win over South Africa was at home in 2003, start as favourites in Rawalpindi after last week's thumping seven-wicket win in Karachi. They stand to rise two places to fifth in the rankings with a series victory, while defeat would push South Africa down from fifth to sixth. Debutant Nauman Ali and fellow spinner Yasir Shah were the heroes in Karachi with seven wickets each, along with Fawad Alam whose first-innings century set up the win. Babar Azam, who captained Pakistan for the first time, said the win was much needed after they went down heavily in both Tests away to New Zealand in December and January. "This win was very necessary for our group," said Azam. "The last series in New Zealand didn't go very well. "Yes, these are home conditions but South Africa is a top Test side and beating them was morale-boosting." He added: "We have been telling the players to be confident. I don't want them to take pressure, learn from mistakes and do your best." However, Rawalpindi will provide a different challenge for both teams as fast bowlers tend to dominate. When Pakistan beat Bangladesh there by an innings and 44 runs, 12 months ago, 20 of the 30 wickets went to fast bowlers. With that in mind, Pakistan are expected to drop Nauman, despite his wickets in Karachi, and give a Test debut to paceman Haris Rauf. - 'Not the greatest' record - South Africa have long struggled in the subcontinent, with Karachi their eighth defeat in a row in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They lost their last eight wickets for 112 and 60 in the two innings in Karachi, falling for 220 and 245 all out. "I know that our record in the subcontinent is not the greatest," said captain Quinton de Kock. "We have won a couple of series and I have part of some but now we want to find a way to alter that." Experienced opener Dean Elgar is expected to be fit to play after being hit on the hand in Karachi. The tourists are likely to drop spinner George Linde to bring in one of their fast-bowling all-rounders, Wiaan Mulder or Dwaine Pretorius. Teams Pakistan (from): Babar Azam (capt), Abid Ali, Imran Butt, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Yasir Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tabish Khan South Africa (from): Quinton de Kock (capt), Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Kagiso Rabada, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, Anrich Nortje, Wiaan Mulder, Lutho Sipamla, Beuran Hendricks, Kyle Verreynne, Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Tabraiz Shamsi, George Linde, Daryn Dupavillon, Marco Jansen

Pakistan eye first Test series win over South Africa in 17 years

An angry Andre Villas-Boas offered his resignation as coach of Marseille on Tuesday after revealing the Ligue 1 club signed midfielder Olivier Ntcham from Celtic against his wishes on transfer deadline day.

"I want nothing from OM, no money. I just want to leave," Villas-Boas said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Ntcham, a 24-year-old former France Under-21 international, joined on loan from Celtic until the end of the season just before the winter transfer window closed but Villas-Boas said he had not been in favour of the deal and knew nothing about it.

"The transfer window closed with the arrival of a new player on deadline day. It was not a decision that was taken by me. I had nothing to do with the decision," he said.

"I found out this morning when I woke up and looked at the press. I had specifically said no to that player and he was never on our list of targets.

"Because of that I have handed in my resignation to the board."

Villas-Boas, the former Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham manager, had already said last week that he expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of this season, with Marseille on a run of just one win in nine games in all competitions.

Three straight league defeats have seen last season's Ligue 1 runners-up slip to ninth in the table before they face Lens on Wednesday.

Their scheduled match at home to Rennes on Saturday was postponed after several hundred angry fans stormed the club's training ground in a violent protest, leading to 25 arrests.&nbsp;

An angry Andre Villas-Boas offered his resignation as coach of Marseille on Tuesday after revealing the Ligue 1 club signed midfielder Olivier Ntcham from Celtic against his wishes on transfer deadline day.

An angry Andre Villas-Boas offered his resignation as coach of Marseille on Tuesday after revealing the Ligue 1 club signed midfielder Olivier Ntcham from Celtic against his wishes on transfer deadline day. "I want nothing from OM, no money. I just want to leave," Villas-Boas said at a press conference on Tuesday. Ntcham, a 24-year-old former France Under-21 international, joined on loan from Celtic until the end of the season just before the winter transfer window closed but Villas-Boas said he had not been in favour of the deal and knew nothing about it. "The transfer window closed with the arrival of a new player on deadline day. It was not a decision that was taken by me. I had nothing to do with the decision," he said. "I found out this morning when I woke up and looked at the press. I had specifically said no to that player and he was never on our list of targets. "Because of that I have handed in my resignation to the board." Villas-Boas, the former Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham manager, had already said last week that he expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of this season, with Marseille on a run of just one win in nine games in all competitions. Three straight league defeats have seen last season's Ligue 1 runners-up slip to ninth in the table before they face Lens on Wednesday. Their scheduled match at home to Rennes on Saturday was postponed after several hundred angry fans stormed the club's training ground in a violent protest, leading to 25 arrests.

Villas-Boas offers to resign as Marseille coach in transfer row

RB Leipzig said Tuesday that they have asked the German authorities to grant Champions League opponents Liverpool an exemption to strict new German coronavirus entry rules.

"On Monday, we requested an exemption for Liverpool's entry into the country," said Leipzig spokesman Till Mueller.&nbsp;

The Bundesliga club are set to host English champions Liverpool in a Champions League last-16 game on February 16, but the match has been thrown into doubt by a partial travel ban which Germany introduced last weekend.&nbsp;

The new rules, slated to last until the day after the game, ban travellers from countries hit by new, more contagious coronavirus variants such as Britain.

Though there are some exceptions for medical workers and others in key professions, an interior ministry spokesperson told AFP on Monday that the new rules contained "no special provision for professional sportspeople".

Yet Mueller said Leipzig were working on a solution to the problem.

"We are of course in discussions with the authorities, with Liverpool and with UEFA," he said, adding that the club had filed an exemption request with the federal police.&nbsp;

"We hope that we receive a quick response because a lot depends on this," he added.

According to German media reports, UEFA's regulations decree that Leipzig must find a way of hosting the match or risk forfeiting it as a 3-0 defeat.

Potential solutions include playing the game at a neutral ground outside of Germany, or switching the home and away legs of the tie.

Yet Leipzig club bosses insisted that they were optimistic that the game would go ahead as planned.

"It is not our aim to play the game in St. Petersburg or elsewhere," club director Oliver Mintzlaff told Bild.&nbsp;

Commercial director Florian Scholz added that the club were "working on the assumption that Liverpool can enter the country".&nbsp;

RB Leipzig said Tuesday that they have asked the German authorities to grant Champions League opponents Liverpool an exemption to strict new German coronavirus entry rules.

RB Leipzig said Tuesday that they have asked the German authorities to grant Champions League opponents Liverpool an exemption to strict new German coronavirus entry rules. "On Monday, we requested an exemption for Liverpool's entry into the country," said Leipzig spokesman Till Mueller. The Bundesliga club are set to host English champions Liverpool in a Champions League last-16 game on February 16, but the match has been thrown into doubt by a partial travel ban which Germany introduced last weekend. The new rules, slated to last until the day after the game, ban travellers from countries hit by new, more contagious coronavirus variants such as Britain. Though there are some exceptions for medical workers and others in key professions, an interior ministry spokesperson told AFP on Monday that the new rules contained "no special provision for professional sportspeople". Yet Mueller said Leipzig were working on a solution to the problem. "We are of course in discussions with the authorities, with Liverpool and with UEFA," he said, adding that the club had filed an exemption request with the federal police. "We hope that we receive a quick response because a lot depends on this," he added. According to German media reports, UEFA's regulations decree that Leipzig must find a way of hosting the match or risk forfeiting it as a 3-0 defeat. Potential solutions include playing the game at a neutral ground outside of Germany, or switching the home and away legs of the tie. Yet Leipzig club bosses insisted that they were optimistic that the game would go ahead as planned. "It is not our aim to play the game in St. Petersburg or elsewhere," club director Oliver Mintzlaff told Bild. Commercial director Florian Scholz added that the club were "working on the assumption that Liverpool can enter the country".

Leipzig seek Liverpool travel exemption for Champions League tie

The postponement of the Test series between South Africa and Australia means New Zealand have become the first team to qualify for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final to be held in England from June 18 to 22, with June 23 booked as the reserve day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New Zealand are currently ranked second on the ICC WTC table with a points percentage of 70 per cent, which has secured them a place in the final. They will be joined by either India, England, or Australia with the second spot being determined by the outcome of the India v England four-match Test series due to start on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-final-qualification-scenario-for-each-team-360861" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship final: Qualification scenario for each team</a>

To book their place, India will have to win the series against England by 2-1, 2-0, 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0, margin. For England to qualify and join New Zealand, they will have to win the series against India by 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0 margin. Australia can still qualify for the much-anticipated ICC WTC final if the series between India and England ends up as a drawn series, or if India win the series 1-0 or England win it by 1-0, 2-1 or a 2-1 margin.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia announced that their tour of South Africa has been postponed amid fears of COVID-19. The postponement also cuts down chances of Australia qualifying to the final of ICC World Test Championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-vs-south-africa-test-series-postponed-over-covid-19-threat-360853" hreflang="en">Australia vs South Africa Test series postponed over COVID-19 threat</a>

The likes of Pakistan, South Africa among other Test playing nations barring India, England and Australia are also mathematically out of contention of the ICC WTC final.

The postponement of the Test series between South Africa and Australia means New Zealand have become the first team to qualify for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final to be held in England from June 18 to 22, with June 23 booked as the reserve day.

The postponement of the Test series between South Africa and Australia means New Zealand have become the first team to qualify for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final to be held in England from June 18 to 22, with June 23 booked as the reserve day. New Zealand are currently ranked second on the ICC WTC table with a points percentage of 70 per cent, which has secured them a place in the final. They will be joined by either India, England, or Australia with the second spot being determined by the outcome of the India v England four-match Test series due to start on Friday. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship final: Qualification scenario for each team To book their place, India will have to win the series against England by 2-1, 2-0, 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0, margin. For England to qualify and join New Zealand, they will have to win the series against India by 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0 margin. Australia can still qualify for the much-anticipated ICC WTC final if the series between India and England ends up as a drawn series, or if India win the series 1-0 or England win it by 1-0, 2-1 or a 2-1 margin. On Tuesday, Cricket Australia announced that their tour of South Africa has been postponed amid fears of COVID-19. The postponement also cuts down chances of Australia qualifying to the final of ICC World Test Championship. ALSO READ: Australia vs South Africa Test series postponed over COVID-19 threat The likes of Pakistan, South Africa among other Test playing nations barring India, England and Australia are also mathematically out of contention of the ICC WTC final.

New Zealand first team to qualify for ICC World Test Championship final

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday expressed their disappointment over the postponement of home series against Australia as the cricket board said that Cricket Australia's decision to call off the series&nbsp;CA "is regrettable and will have a serious impact on the sustainability of the less wealthy cricket playing nations.”&nbsp;

Earlier on Tuesday, Cricket Australia announced that their tour of South Africa was postponement amid fears of the second wave and new&nbsp;variant of the coronavirus. While Cricket Australia also expressed their disappointment over the postponement of the much-awaited series in the Rainbow nation, Cricket South Africa's statement clearly shows that the latter has been left disappointed.&nbsp;

Cricket South Africa, in their statement, further revealed that they had invested a significant sum to ensure there is proper planning ahead of the tour while also taking necessary permission from the South African government to provide a safe environment to the Australian contingent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The board added the now-postponed tour "represents a serious financial loss".&nbsp;

Notably, South Africa recently hosted Sri Lanka and even Pakistan's women team are currently touring the Rainbow nation. South Africa&nbsp;are also continuing with&nbsp;their domestic 'Momentum One-Day Cup'.&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{871bed4f-9824-491b-aa62-1be2c3512719}{81}" paraid="1262339483" >Cricket South Africa's full statement over postponed Australia series:&nbsp;</h2>

Cricket South Africa (CSA) was on Tuesday informed by Cricket Australia (CA) that their tour to the country scheduled to begin later this month will not be going ahead due to Covid-19 fears.&nbsp;

CSA wishes to record its immense disappointment at the news. The safety of players is always paramount and over the past few months, CSA held many detailed discussions with CA regarding Covid-19 protocols. These discussions included assessing and managing the Covid-19 risks and consulting with a range of leading medical experts including the SA Ministerial COVID Advisory Committee. CSA worked hard to meet the changing demands of our Australian counterparts.&nbsp;

CSA is particularly disappointed given that South Africa recently hosted Sri Lanka in a bio-secure environment (BSE) at Centurion, with no breaches of protocol. Currently the Pakistan Women’s team are touring the country in a secure BSE in Durban.&nbsp;

Apart from those two successful BSEs, CSA has continued its domestic Momentum One-Day Cup in a BSE in Potchefstroom and no positive cases have been reported. In addition, it must be noted that President Ramaphosa announced an easing of lockdown restrictions last night in response to the 75% reduction in new Covid-19 infections since the peak of the second wave in December 2020.&nbsp;

“We are extremely disappointed by the decision of CA,” Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith, stated. “CSA has been working tirelessly in recent weeks to ensure that we meet every single expectation of CA.&nbsp;

“This was set to be the longest tour in a BSE comprising a three-match Test series that was scheduled to begin with Australia’s arrival later in the month.&nbsp;So&nbsp;to be informed about the CA decision at the eleventh hour is frustrating.”&nbsp;

CSA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shuaib Manjra, added that there was not much more CSA could have done to appease CA and prepare more appropriately.&nbsp;

“The protocols we had proposed to CA were unprecedented,” he stated. “Firstly, we had agreed that our own Proteas team would enter the BSE 14 days prior to the arrival of the Australian team, thus altering their planning during the current tour of Pakistan.&nbsp;

“Amongst some of the other key arrangements made were that all four areas (two hotels and two venues) had a protocol to implement a strict BSE with no contact with anybody outside this area.&nbsp;

“We subsequently agreed to two separate BSEs and had granted Australia full and exclusive use of the Irene Country Lodge, which we shared with Sri Lanka, with a minimum staff present on site.&nbsp;

“In terms of the arrangements, the Proteas were to move to a separate hotel altogether. Furthermore, all hotel staff, match officials and even bus drivers were to enter the BSE 14 days prior to Australia’s arrival.&nbsp;

“In addition, CSA had also committed to importing an Australian tracking system at great cost to ensure proper tracking of close contacts in the event of a positive test. The touring team was also going to be granted VIP access through the airports, after government intervention to ensure this privilege.&nbsp;

“These are just some of the protocols that CSA was to put in place. We had really gone the extra mile to make sure that the tour would proceed.”&nbsp;

Pholetsi&nbsp;Moseki, CSA Acting Chief Executive Officer said, “It is indeed sad that after all the engagements and effort made to ensure a secure visit by our Australian counterparts, the tour has been derailed. CSA has incurred significant costs related to the planning stages and the cancellation of the tour represents a serious financial loss.&nbsp;

“In this challenging period for cricket and its member countries, we believe the stance taken by CA is regrettable and will have a serious impact on the sustainability of the less wealthy cricket playing nations.”&nbsp;

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday expressed their disappointment over the postponement of home series against Australia as the cricket board said that Cricket Australia's decision to call off the series CA "is regrettable and will have a serious impact on the sustainability of the less wealthy cricket playing nations.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday expressed their disappointment over the postponement of home series against Australia as the cricket board said that Cricket Australia's decision to call off the series CA "is regrettable and will have a serious impact on the sustainability of the less wealthy cricket playing nations.” Earlier on Tuesday, Cricket Australia announced that their tour of South Africa was postponement amid fears of the second wave and new variant of the coronavirus. While Cricket Australia also expressed their disappointment over the postponement of the much-awaited series in the Rainbow nation, Cricket South Africa's statement clearly shows that the latter has been left disappointed. Cricket South Africa, in their statement, further revealed that they had invested a significant sum to ensure there is proper planning ahead of the tour while also taking necessary permission from the South African government to provide a safe environment to the Australian contingent. The board added the now-postponed tour "represents a serious financial loss". Notably, South Africa recently hosted Sri Lanka and even Pakistan's women team are currently touring the Rainbow nation. South Africa are also continuing with their domestic 'Momentum One-Day Cup'. Cricket South Africa's full statement over postponed Australia series: Cricket South Africa (CSA) was on Tuesday informed by Cricket Australia (CA) that their tour to the country scheduled to begin later this month will not be going ahead due to Covid-19 fears. CSA wishes to record its immense disappointment at the news. The safety of players is always paramount and over the past few months, CSA held many detailed discussions with CA regarding Covid-19 protocols. These discussions included assessing and managing the Covid-19 risks and consulting with a range of leading medical experts including the SA Ministerial COVID Advisory Committee. CSA worked hard to meet the changing demands of our Australian counterparts. CSA is particularly disappointed given that South Africa recently hosted Sri Lanka in a bio-secure environment (BSE) at Centurion, with no breaches of protocol. Currently the Pakistan Women’s team are touring the country in a secure BSE in Durban. Apart from those two successful BSEs, CSA has continued its domestic Momentum One-Day Cup in a BSE in Potchefstroom and no positive cases have been reported. In addition, it must be noted that President Ramaphosa announced an easing of lockdown restrictions last night in response to the 75% reduction in new Covid-19 infections since the peak of the second wave in December 2020. “We are extremely disappointed by the decision of CA,” Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith, stated. “CSA has been working tirelessly in recent weeks to ensure that we meet every single expectation of CA. “This was set to be the longest tour in a BSE comprising a three-match Test series that was scheduled to begin with Australia’s arrival later in the month. So to be informed about the CA decision at the eleventh hour is frustrating.” CSA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shuaib Manjra, added that there was not much more CSA could have done to appease CA and prepare more appropriately. “The protocols we had proposed to CA were unprecedented,” he stated. “Firstly, we had agreed that our own Proteas team would enter the BSE 14 days prior to the arrival of the Australian team, thus altering their planning during the current tour of Pakistan. “Amongst some of the other key arrangements made were that all four areas (two hotels and two venues) had a protocol to implement a strict BSE with no contact with anybody outside this area. “We subsequently agreed to two separate BSEs and had granted Australia full and exclusive use of the Irene Country Lodge, which we shared with Sri Lanka, with a minimum staff present on site. “In terms of the arrangements, the Proteas were to move to a separate hotel altogether. Furthermore, all hotel staff, match officials and even bus drivers were to enter the BSE 14 days prior to Australia’s arrival. “In addition, CSA had also committed to importing an Australian tracking system at great cost to ensure proper tracking of close contacts in the event of a positive test. The touring team was also going to be granted VIP access through the airports, after government intervention to ensure this privilege. “These are just some of the protocols that CSA was to put in place. We had really gone the extra mile to make sure that the tour would proceed.” Pholetsi Moseki, CSA Acting Chief Executive Officer said, “It is indeed sad that after all the engagements and effort made to ensure a secure visit by our Australian counterparts, the tour has been derailed. CSA has incurred significant costs related to the planning stages and the cancellation of the tour represents a serious financial loss. “In this challenging period for cricket and its member countries, we believe the stance taken by CA is regrettable and will have a serious impact on the sustainability of the less wealthy cricket playing nations.”

'Stance taken by CA is regrettable...': Cricket South Africa reacts to Australia series postponement

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, 73, has tested positive for Covid-19, the club announced on Tuesday.

The reigning Spanish champions said in a statement Perez "is not presenting any symptoms".&nbsp;

Perez's positive test comes after Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane also tested positive last month.

Zidane was asymptomatic and returned to Madrid's training ground on Tuesday morning following his period of isolation.

Perez is in his second term as Real Madrid president, which began in 2009. He was also in charge of the club between 2000 and 2006.

The club statement read: "Real Madrid confirms that our president Florentino Perez has given a positive result in the COVID-19 tests to which he is subjected periodically, although he is not presenting any symptoms."

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, 73, has tested positive for Covid-19, the club announced on Tuesday. The reigning Spanish champions said in a statement Perez "is not presenting any symptoms".

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, 73, has tested positive for Covid-19, the club announced on Tuesday. The reigning Spanish champions said in a statement Perez "is not presenting any symptoms". Perez's positive test comes after Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane also tested positive last month. Zidane was asymptomatic and returned to Madrid's training ground on Tuesday morning following his period of isolation. Perez is in his second term as Real Madrid president, which began in 2009. He was also in charge of the club between 2000 and 2006. The club statement read: "Real Madrid confirms that our president Florentino Perez has given a positive result in the COVID-19 tests to which he is subjected periodically, although he is not presenting any symptoms."

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez tests positive for Covid

The Indian cricket team scripted history by defeating Australia 2-1 in the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy to complete back-to-back Test series win on Australian soil. While fans are still celebrating the historic win by the Indian team, former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has revealed that the series win by Team India made him emotional as he shed tears while watching Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar bat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India started the tour on a torrid note and lost the Adelaide Test. However, the visitors bounced back in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to win the series 2-1 despite missing several of their key stars due to&nbsp;unavailability&nbsp;or injuries.&nbsp;

Laxman recalled the iconic Test series win as the batting legend said that he became "very emotional" while watching the last day of the Gabba Test.&nbsp;

"There is no doubt about it. In fact, I became very emotional. I was watching the last day and following it along with my family. When Rishabh and Washington were batting, I got very tense myself because when you’re not playing the game, you’re not in control," Laxman told Sports Today in an exclusive chat.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-final-qualification-scenario-for-each-team-360861" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship final: Qualification scenario for each team</a>

"I just wanted India to beat Australia and win the series, especially after what has happened in Adelaide and what had happened before the Gabba Test match where everyone was talking about Indians are scared of going to Brisbane where Australia hadn’t lost in a long time," he added.&nbsp;

Laxman further revealed that it was the second time he shed tears while watching cricket with the first instance being India's ICC World Cup 2011&nbsp;triumph.&nbsp;

"Twice I cried, once in 2011 when India lifted the World Cup because I always wanted to be part of a World Cup-winning team and I played alongside this group of players who were so close to me and they went on to&nbsp;realise&nbsp;their dream of winning the World Cup," Laxman said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/crowd-allowed-at-50-per-cent-capacity-for-india-vs-england-2nd-test-360809" hreflang="en">Crowd allowed at 50 per cent capacity for India vs England 2nd Test</a>

"And I always wanted to beat Australia in Australia, I was not able to do that as a cricketer. I was so proud that this young Indian did that. Tears came down my eyes. Words cannot express what a wonderful, inspirational achievement not only for cricket but for the entire country," the former India batsman added.&nbsp;

India's next&nbsp;assignment&nbsp;will be a full-fledged home series against England where both the sides will play three Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs, starting from February 5.&nbsp;

The Indian cricket team scripted history by defeating Australia 2-1 in the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy to complete back-to-back Test series win on Australian soil.

The Indian cricket team scripted history by defeating Australia 2-1 in the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy to complete back-to-back Test series win on Australian soil. While fans are still celebrating the historic win by the Indian team, former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has revealed that the series win by Team India made him emotional as he shed tears while watching Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar bat. India started the tour on a torrid note and lost the Adelaide Test. However, the visitors bounced back in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to win the series 2-1 despite missing several of their key stars due to unavailability or injuries. Laxman recalled the iconic Test series win as the batting legend said that he became "very emotional" while watching the last day of the Gabba Test. "There is no doubt about it. In fact, I became very emotional. I was watching the last day and following it along with my family. When Rishabh and Washington were batting, I got very tense myself because when you’re not playing the game, you’re not in control," Laxman told Sports Today in an exclusive chat. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship final: Qualification scenario for each team "I just wanted India to beat Australia and win the series, especially after what has happened in Adelaide and what had happened before the Gabba Test match where everyone was talking about Indians are scared of going to Brisbane where Australia hadn’t lost in a long time," he added. Laxman further revealed that it was the second time he shed tears while watching cricket with the first instance being India's ICC World Cup 2011 triumph. "Twice I cried, once in 2011 when India lifted the World Cup because I always wanted to be part of a World Cup-winning team and I played alongside this group of players who were so close to me and they went on to realise their dream of winning the World Cup," Laxman said. ALSO READ: Crowd allowed at 50 per cent capacity for India vs England 2nd Test "And I always wanted to beat Australia in Australia, I was not able to do that as a cricketer. I was so proud that this young Indian did that. Tears came down my eyes. Words cannot express what a wonderful, inspirational achievement not only for cricket but for the entire country," the former India batsman added. India's next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England where both the sides will play three Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs, starting from February 5.

'Twice I cried...': VVS Laxman reveals emotional ride during India vs Australia Test series

Australia's tour of South Africa has been officially called off on Tuesday with the Tim Paine-led outfit likely to miss the ICC World Test Championship final spot following their 2-1 series defeat against India.&nbsp;

The Aussies further faced points deduction for slow over-rate during Boxing Day Test, which has now come to bite back Australia. Cricket Australia has received medical advice that the team should not tour the Rainbow nation. And on Tuesday, it was confirmed that the three-Test series, due to start on March 3,&nbsp;has been called off.&nbsp;

South Africa is being hit&nbsp;severely&nbsp;by a mutant strain of the coronavirus with the country positivity rate with its testing standing at a staggering 10 per cent.&nbsp;Hence, Cricket Australia decided not to compromise on the safety and well-being of the players and staff.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-final-qualification-scenario-for-each-team-360861" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship final: Qualification scenario for each team</a>

Now, India&nbsp;need&nbsp;to win two Tests and draw one of the other two Tests against England to eliminate Australia.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today we informed Cricket South Africa that we believe we have no choice but to postpone the forthcoming Qantas Tour of South Africa due to the coronavirus pandemic. Full statement 👇 <a href="https://t.co/mYjqNpkYjp">pic.twitter.com/mYjqNpkYjp</a>
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1356538583071420417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/crowd-allowed-at-50-per-cent-capacity-for-india-vs-england-2nd-test-360809" hreflang="en">Crowd allowed at 50 per cent capacity for India vs England 2nd Test</a>

<h2>Cricket Australia statement:&nbsp;</h2>

“Due to the public health situation in South Africa, which includes a second wave and new variant of the virus, and following extensive due diligence with medical experts, it has become clear that travelling from Australia to South Africa at this current time poses an unacceptable level of health and safety risk to our players, support staff and the community,” said Hockley.&nbsp;

“We acknowledge the significant amount of work by CSA in planning for the tour, during which we made it clear that CA was prepared to take on additional cost and effort to make the series happen.&nbsp;

“This decision has not been made lightly and we are extremely disappointed, especially given the importance of continuing international cricket at this time, our valued relationship with CSA, and our aspirations to compete in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship.&nbsp;

“However, we have been consistent since the start of the pandemic that the health and safety of our people is always our number one priority and unfortunately despite best efforts to agree a biosecurity plan, the risks are simply too great at this time.&nbsp;

“As difficult and disappointing a decision as this is, especially for Justin, Tim and the team, we have a duty of care to our people and their health and safety can’t be compromised.&nbsp;

“We look forward to playing the series against CSA at a date to be confirmed in due course and we send CSA and the people of South Africa our very best wishes for a successful rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and a return to normality soon.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Australia's tour of South Africa has been officially called off on Tuesday with the Tim Paine-led outfit likely to miss the ICC World Test Championship final spot following their 2-1 series defeat against India.

Australia's tour of South Africa has been officially called off on Tuesday with the Tim Paine-led outfit likely to miss the ICC World Test Championship final spot following their 2-1 series defeat against India. The Aussies further faced points deduction for slow over-rate during Boxing Day Test, which has now come to bite back Australia. Cricket Australia has received medical advice that the team should not tour the Rainbow nation. And on Tuesday, it was confirmed that the three-Test series, due to start on March 3, has been called off. South Africa is being hit severely by a mutant strain of the coronavirus with the country positivity rate with its testing standing at a staggering 10 per cent. Hence, Cricket Australia decided not to compromise on the safety and well-being of the players and staff. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship final: Qualification scenario for each team Now, India need to win two Tests and draw one of the other two Tests against England to eliminate Australia. Today we informed Cricket South Africa that we believe we have no choice but to postpone the forthcoming Qantas Tour of South Africa due to the coronavirus pandemic. Full statement 👇 pic.twitter.com/mYjqNpkYjp — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) February 2, 2021 × ALSO READ: Crowd allowed at 50 per cent capacity for India vs England 2nd Test Cricket Australia statement: “Due to the public health situation in South Africa, which includes a second wave and new variant of the virus, and following extensive due diligence with medical experts, it has become clear that travelling from Australia to South Africa at this current time poses an unacceptable level of health and safety risk to our players, support staff and the community,” said Hockley. “We acknowledge the significant amount of work by CSA in planning for the tour, during which we made it clear that CA was prepared to take on additional cost and effort to make the series happen. “This decision has not been made lightly and we are extremely disappointed, especially given the importance of continuing international cricket at this time, our valued relationship with CSA, and our aspirations to compete in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship. “However, we have been consistent since the start of the pandemic that the health and safety of our people is always our number one priority and unfortunately despite best efforts to agree a biosecurity plan, the risks are simply too great at this time. “As difficult and disappointing a decision as this is, especially for Justin, Tim and the team, we have a duty of care to our people and their health and safety can’t be compromised. “We look forward to playing the series against CSA at a date to be confirmed in due course and we send CSA and the people of South Africa our very best wishes for a successful rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and a return to normality soon.”

Australia vs South Africa Test series postponed over COVID-19 threat

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