<p>World number one tennis star Ashleigh Barty will skip the much-awaited US Open and the tournament preceding it in New York due to concerns over COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>In a statement, Barty confirmed that she won’t be travelling for the US Open or the Western and Southern Open while citing significant risks involved due to the dreaded virus while adding she doesn’t feel comfortable putting her team in that position.</p>

<p>“My team and I have decided that we won’t be travelling to the U.S. for the Western and Southern Open and the U.S. Open this year,” the Australian said in a statement issued by her manager on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-hits-back-at-borna-coric-over-adria-tour-saga-asks-do-you-have-rocks-in-your-head-316740" hreflang="en">Nick Kyrgios hits back at Borna Coric over Adria Tour saga, asks 'do you have rocks in your head?'</a></strong></p>

<p>“I love both events so it was a difficult decision but there are still significant risks involved due to COVID-19 and I don’t feel comfortable putting my team and I in that position.</p>

<p>“I wish the USTA all the best for the tournaments and look forward to being back in the U.S. next year.”</p>

<p>The Western and Southern Open is held annually in Cincinnati but has been moved to New York this year with the event set to commence mid-August.</p>

<p>Whereas the US Open kicks off on August 31 and will be held in the Flushing Meadows, Queens. However, the tournament is set to be played without fans in attendance to curb the spread of the virus.</p>

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<p>The defending French Open champion will take a decision on Rolland Garros, which is starting late September, later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I will make my decision on the French Open and the surrounding WTA European tournaments in the coming weeks,” she said.</p>

<p>World number one Novak Djokovic, 23-time Grand Slam champion are expected to participate in the US Open. Japanese ace Naomi Osaka has also confirmed she will be competing in the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deaths from COVID-19 surpassed 150,000 in the United States on Wednesday, more than any other country and nearly a quarter of the world’s total, according to a Reuters tally.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


World number one tennis star Ashleigh Barty will skip the much-awaited US Open and the tournament preceding it in New York due to concerns over COVID-19 pandemic.

World number one tennis star Ashleigh Barty will skip the much-awaited US Open and the tournament preceding it in New York due to concerns over COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, Barty confirmed that she won’t be travelling for the US Open or the Western and Southern Open while citing significant risks involved due to the dreaded virus while adding she doesn’t feel comfortable putting her team in that position. “My team and I have decided that we won’t be travelling to the U.S. for the Western and Southern Open and the U.S. Open this year,” the Australian said in a statement issued by her manager on Thursday. ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios hits back at Borna Coric over Adria Tour saga, asks 'do you have rocks in your head?' “I love both events so it was a difficult decision but there are still significant risks involved due to COVID-19 and I don’t feel comfortable putting my team and I in that position. “I wish the USTA all the best for the tournaments and look forward to being back in the U.S. next year.” The Western and Southern Open is held annually in Cincinnati but has been moved to New York this year with the event set to commence mid-August. Whereas the US Open kicks off on August 31 and will be held in the Flushing Meadows, Queens. However, the tournament is set to be played without fans in attendance to curb the spread of the virus. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best The defending French Open champion will take a decision on Rolland Garros, which is starting late September, later. “I will make my decision on the French Open and the surrounding WTA European tournaments in the coming weeks,” she said. World number one Novak Djokovic, 23-time Grand Slam champion are expected to participate in the US Open. Japanese ace Naomi Osaka has also confirmed she will be competing in the tournament. Deaths from COVID-19 surpassed 150,000 in the United States on Wednesday, more than any other country and nearly a quarter of the world’s total, according to a Reuters tally.

World number one Ashleigh Barty to skip U.S. Open over COVID-19 concerns

<p>Manchester City are all set to sign defender Nathan Ake from Bournemouth after agreeing a £41 million ($53 million) deal. Man City reportedly negotiated a £40 million transfer fee with the Cherries, who got relegated to the Championship, with the deal potentially rising by £1 million depending on the clauses. Man City have reportedly agreed a deal for 20-year-old Spanish winger Ferran Torres from Valencia.</p>

<p>Ake’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium comes after the Blues witnessed a poor season defensively after Vincent Kompany’s departure to Anderlecht last year. Aymeric Laporte, who had endured a long-term injury, was the standout centre-back for Man City but the poor form of John Stones and Nicholas Otamendi, forced Pep Guardiola to play Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho and youngster Eric Garcia at the back.</p>

<p>City never looked settled and the weakness played a crucial role in Liverpool ending their two-year reign as Premier League winners.</p>

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<p>Ake had been Bournemouth’s best defender since joining from Chelsea in 2017 and there was strong interest expected during the summer transfer window and City made the first move to seal the deal for the left-footed Dutch.</p>

<p>Ake has already capped 13 times by the Netherlands and missed Bournemouth’s final three Premier League matches after suffering a groin injury against Leicester in mid-July.</p>

<p>Asked if Ake may have made his final appearance for Bournemouth after the Leicester game, Howe replied: "I think it would be silly of me to comment on that, to be honest, at this moment in time.</p>

<p>"I think next season and everything beyond it will take care of itself."</p>

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<p>City are also involved in advanced negotiations with Valencia as they look to sign Ferran Torres from the Spanish club.</p>

<p>It is understand the Premier League side have agreed an initial fee of £20.9 million with Valencia and talks over potential add-ons are continuing.</p>

<p>City are in the market for a new winger following the departure of Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Manchester City are all set to sign defender Nathan Ake from Bournemouth after agreeing a £41 million ($53 million) deal. Man City reportedly negotiated a £40 million transfer fee with the Cherries, who got relegated to the Championship, with the deal potentially rising by £1 million depending on the clauses.

Manchester City are all set to sign defender Nathan Ake from Bournemouth after agreeing a £41 million ($53 million) deal. Man City reportedly negotiated a £40 million transfer fee with the Cherries, who got relegated to the Championship, with the deal potentially rising by £1 million depending on the clauses. Man City have reportedly agreed a deal for 20-year-old Spanish winger Ferran Torres from Valencia. Ake’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium comes after the Blues witnessed a poor season defensively after Vincent Kompany’s departure to Anderlecht last year. Aymeric Laporte, who had endured a long-term injury, was the standout centre-back for Man City but the poor form of John Stones and Nicholas Otamendi, forced Pep Guardiola to play Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho and youngster Eric Garcia at the back. City never looked settled and the weakness played a crucial role in Liverpool ending their two-year reign as Premier League winners. ALSO READ: Sarri tempted to field Under-23 team as Juve crash to humiliating defeat Ake had been Bournemouth’s best defender since joining from Chelsea in 2017 and there was strong interest expected during the summer transfer window and City made the first move to seal the deal for the left-footed Dutch. Ake has already capped 13 times by the Netherlands and missed Bournemouth’s final three Premier League matches after suffering a groin injury against Leicester in mid-July. Asked if Ake may have made his final appearance for Bournemouth after the Leicester game, Howe replied: "I think it would be silly of me to comment on that, to be honest, at this moment in time. "I think next season and everything beyond it will take care of itself." ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best City are also involved in advanced negotiations with Valencia as they look to sign Ferran Torres from the Spanish club. It is understand the Premier League side have agreed an initial fee of £20.9 million with Valencia and talks over potential add-ons are continuing. City are in the market for a new winger following the departure of Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich.

Man City set to complete double signing of Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres

<p>Young players have been physically abused and left without schooling at NBA basketball academies in China, which were described as "sweat camp(s) for athletes", an ESPN report said.</p>

<p>Multiple coaches have complained about physical punishment at the academies including a facility in Xinjiang, the region where China is accused of holding more than a million members of ethnic minorities in internment camps.</p>

<p>The NBA says it cut ties last year with Xinjiang, but the world's most popular basketball league continues to operate academies in Shandong and Zhejiang provinces, in sports facilities run by the Chinese government.</p>

<p>One former coach said he saw a Chinese counterpart hurl a ball into a young player's face and "kick him in the gut" according to the ESPN investigation.</p>

<p>"Imagine you have a kid who's 13, 14 years old, and you've got a grown coach who is 40 years old hitting your kid," the coach was quoted as saying. "We're part of that. The NBA is part of that."</p>

<p>NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum told ESPN that only a "handful" of complaints about abuse had been received -- but added that the league is "re-evaluating" the academy program.</p>

<p>"One of the lessons that we've learned here is that we do need to have more direct oversight and the ability to make staffing changes when appropriate," Tatum said.</p>

<p>"We don't have oversight of the local coaches, of the academic programs or the living conditions," he added. "It's fair to say we were less involved than we wanted to be."</p>

<p>The report, by Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Steve Fainaru and his brother Mark Fainaru-Wada, who covered the BALCO steroid scandal, comes at a time of fraught relations between the NBA and China.</p>

<p>State broadcaster CCTV stopped screening NBA games last year after a Houston Rockets executive tweeted in support of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NBA, which will restart its coronavirus-halted season later Thursday, says the row has cost it hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenues.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>- 'Find another Yao Ming' -</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NBA began launching international academies in 2016, placing three in China. The aim was to "find another Yao", former employees told ESPN, referring to China's towering former Rockets center Yao Ming.</p>

<p>But the Chinese project was "fundamentally flawed" according to Bruce Palmer, a former technical director at a private basketball school in China who was hired by the NBA to evaluate the academies.</p>

<p>The main problems were that NBA employees were placed under Chinese authority, and that the league was prevented from working with China's elite players, Palmer said.</p>

<p>"We were basically working for the Chinese government," one former coach was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>According to ESPN, one coach requested a transfer after seeing Chinese coaches hit teenage players, while another left because he couldn't stomach the lack of education.</p>

<p>"I couldn't continue to show up every day, looking at these kids and knowing they would end up being taxi drivers," told ESPN.</p>

<p>Education was intended as a central plank of the academies, but no formal schooling was provided by the Chinese sport bureaus, the report said.</p>

<p>It detailed cramped living conditions at the Xinjiang academy, where rooms meant for two players were accommodating up to 10, sleeping in bunk beds.</p>

<p>Players trained two or three times a day and had few extracurricular activities, ESPN said, adding that teenagers as young as 13 were often left unsupervised.</p>

<p>One expert quoted in the report pointed out that physical punishment was common among sports coaches in China, underlining a cultural difference with the West.</p>

<p>"For most of the older generation, even my grandparents, they take corporal punishment for granted and even see it as an expression of love and care," said Jinming Zheng, an assistant professor of sports management at Northumbria University in England.</p>

<p>"The older generation still sees it as an integral part of training."</p>


Young players have been physically abused and left without schooling at NBA basketball academies in China, which were described as "sweat camp(s) for athletes", an ESPN report said.

Young players have been physically abused and left without schooling at NBA basketball academies in China, which were described as "sweat camp(s) for athletes", an ESPN report said. Multiple coaches have complained about physical punishment at the academies including a facility in Xinjiang, the region where China is accused of holding more than a million members of ethnic minorities in internment camps. The NBA says it cut ties last year with Xinjiang, but the world's most popular basketball league continues to operate academies in Shandong and Zhejiang provinces, in sports facilities run by the Chinese government. One former coach said he saw a Chinese counterpart hurl a ball into a young player's face and "kick him in the gut" according to the ESPN investigation. "Imagine you have a kid who's 13, 14 years old, and you've got a grown coach who is 40 years old hitting your kid," the coach was quoted as saying. "We're part of that. The NBA is part of that." NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum told ESPN that only a "handful" of complaints about abuse had been received -- but added that the league is "re-evaluating" the academy program. "One of the lessons that we've learned here is that we do need to have more direct oversight and the ability to make staffing changes when appropriate," Tatum said. "We don't have oversight of the local coaches, of the academic programs or the living conditions," he added. "It's fair to say we were less involved than we wanted to be." The report, by Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Steve Fainaru and his brother Mark Fainaru-Wada, who covered the BALCO steroid scandal, comes at a time of fraught relations between the NBA and China. State broadcaster CCTV stopped screening NBA games last year after a Houston Rockets executive tweeted in support of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. The NBA, which will restart its coronavirus-halted season later Thursday, says the row has cost it hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenues. - 'Find another Yao Ming' - The NBA began launching international academies in 2016, placing three in China. The aim was to "find another Yao", former employees told ESPN, referring to China's towering former Rockets center Yao Ming. But the Chinese project was "fundamentally flawed" according to Bruce Palmer, a former technical director at a private basketball school in China who was hired by the NBA to evaluate the academies. The main problems were that NBA employees were placed under Chinese authority, and that the league was prevented from working with China's elite players, Palmer said. "We were basically working for the Chinese government," one former coach was quoted as saying. According to ESPN, one coach requested a transfer after seeing Chinese coaches hit teenage players, while another left because he couldn't stomach the lack of education. "I couldn't continue to show up every day, looking at these kids and knowing they would end up being taxi drivers," told ESPN. Education was intended as a central plank of the academies, but no formal schooling was provided by the Chinese sport bureaus, the report said. It detailed cramped living conditions at the Xinjiang academy, where rooms meant for two players were accommodating up to 10, sleeping in bunk beds. Players trained two or three times a day and had few extracurricular activities, ESPN said, adding that teenagers as young as 13 were often left unsupervised. One expert quoted in the report pointed out that physical punishment was common among sports coaches in China, underlining a cultural difference with the West. "For most of the older generation, even my grandparents, they take corporal punishment for granted and even see it as an expression of love and care," said Jinming Zheng, an assistant professor of sports management at Northumbria University in England. "The older generation still sees it as an integral part of training."

Child abuse, lack of schooling at NBA's China academies: report

<p>England are set to face Ireland in what will be first white-ball international series after the COVID-19 break. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) successfully hosted the West Indies in the recently-concluded three-match Test series and now will be hosting Ireland in a three-match ODI series starting on July 30.</p>

<p>England will be without some of the key players, who took part in the Test series vs Windies, as they are preparing for the thre—match Test series against Pakistan starting August 5.</p>

<p>The series will be part of the newly-launced ICC ODI Cup and Ireland will be kick-starting their journey to the 2023 World Cup from this series. All three ODIs are to be hosted by the Rose Bowl in Southampton.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2>England vs Ireland 1st ODI: All you need to know</h2>

<p><strong>When will the England vs Ireland 1st ODI begin?</strong></p>

<p>The England vs Ireland 1st ODI will begin at 6:30 PM IST on July 30. The toss will take place at 6:00 PM IST.</p>

<p><strong>Where will the England vs Ireland 1st ODI be played?</strong></p>

<p>The England vs Ireland 1st ODI match will be held at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.</p>

<p><strong>Which channel will telecast the England vs Ireland 1st ODI?</strong></p>

<p>The England vs Ireland 1st ODI will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India</p>

<p><strong>How to watch the live streaming of England vs Ireland 1st ODI?</strong></p>

<p>The live streaming of England vs Ireland ODI will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


England are set to face Ireland in what will be first white-ball international series after the COVID-19 break. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) successfully hosted the West Indies in the recently-concluded three-match Test series and now will be hosting Ireland in a three-match ODI series starting on July 30.

England are set to face Ireland in what will be first white-ball international series after the COVID-19 break. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) successfully hosted the West Indies in the recently-concluded three-match Test series and now will be hosting Ireland in a three-match ODI series starting on July 30. England will be without some of the key players, who took part in the Test series vs Windies, as they are preparing for the thre—match Test series against Pakistan starting August 5. The series will be part of the newly-launced ICC ODI Cup and Ireland will be kick-starting their journey to the 2023 World Cup from this series. All three ODIs are to be hosted by the Rose Bowl in Southampton. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best England vs Ireland 1st ODI: All you need to know When will the England vs Ireland 1st ODI begin? The England vs Ireland 1st ODI will begin at 6:30 PM IST on July 30. The toss will take place at 6:00 PM IST. Where will the England vs Ireland 1st ODI be played? The England vs Ireland 1st ODI match will be held at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. Which channel will telecast the England vs Ireland 1st ODI? The England vs Ireland 1st ODI will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India How to watch the live streaming of England vs Ireland 1st ODI? The live streaming of England vs Ireland ODI will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

England vs Ireland, 1st ODI Live Streaming: When and where to watch ENG vs IRE match?

<p>There will be no fans allowed inside the stadiums, in the beginning of much-awaited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 </a>with the commentators sitting six feet apart in studios. Dugouts will be less crowded with not more than 15 players in the dressing room.</p>

<p>Even the post-match ceremonies will be done keeping social distancing norms in mind with four COVID-19 tests in two weeks for all the players, as per some of the key guidelines in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) prepared by the BCCI, that will be soon sent to all the IPL franchises for the cash-rich tournament, set to be held in the UAE from September to November.</p>

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<p>While the BCCI is still awaiting government’s approval to shift IPL 2020 to the UAE, Emirates Cricket Board has confirmed that it will be hosting the event after receiving the request from the Indian board.</p>

<p>As per a report in The Indian Express, a BCCI official has said that not just the players, their wives and girlfriends (WAGs) and franchise owners will have to follow all the norms for the ‘bio-bubble’ that will be created for IPL 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Once they are in the bio-bubble, no one can break it and rejoin,” the official said.</p>

<p>“The BCCI will not decide whether WAGs and family members can travel with the players, we have left it to the franchises. But we have put out a protocol in which everyone, even team bus drivers, can’t leave the bio-bubble,” the official said. “The SOP will be handed over to the franchises once we have a meeting with them next week. If they have any grievances, they can come back to the board and we will discuss it.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-bcci-likely-to-postpone-final-from-november-8-to-10-report-316975" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: BCCI likely to postpone final from November 8 to 10 - Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Two COVID-19 tests will be conducted on players in India prior to their departure and two during quarantine period in the UAE. The SOPs have been created on the lines of the England and Wales Cricket Board for the Test series against the WIndies.</p>

<p>All the players will need to enter the bio-bubble together. &nbsp;Even the teams won’t be permitted to change hotels once they are allotted.</p>

<p>Franchises will have to work out the logistics and hotel arrangements with the board helping them to get discounts during bookings. The BCCI will hand over SOPs to broadcasters and match officials, as well.</p>

<p>“We don’t want to take risks. At least for the early part of the tournament, the games will be played behind closed doors,” the official said.</p>


There will be no fans allowed inside the stadiums, in the beginning of much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 with the commentators sitting six feet apart in studios.

There will be no fans allowed inside the stadiums, in the beginning of much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 with the commentators sitting six feet apart in studios. Dugouts will be less crowded with not more than 15 players in the dressing room. Even the post-match ceremonies will be done keeping social distancing norms in mind with four COVID-19 tests in two weeks for all the players, as per some of the key guidelines in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) prepared by the BCCI, that will be soon sent to all the IPL franchises for the cash-rich tournament, set to be held in the UAE from September to November. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best While the BCCI is still awaiting government’s approval to shift IPL 2020 to the UAE, Emirates Cricket Board has confirmed that it will be hosting the event after receiving the request from the Indian board. As per a report in The Indian Express, a BCCI official has said that not just the players, their wives and girlfriends (WAGs) and franchise owners will have to follow all the norms for the ‘bio-bubble’ that will be created for IPL 2020. “Once they are in the bio-bubble, no one can break it and rejoin,” the official said. “The BCCI will not decide whether WAGs and family members can travel with the players, we have left it to the franchises. But we have put out a protocol in which everyone, even team bus drivers, can’t leave the bio-bubble,” the official said. “The SOP will be handed over to the franchises once we have a meeting with them next week. If they have any grievances, they can come back to the board and we will discuss it.” ALSO READ: IPL 2020: BCCI likely to postpone final from November 8 to 10 - Report Two COVID-19 tests will be conducted on players in India prior to their departure and two during quarantine period in the UAE. The SOPs have been created on the lines of the England and Wales Cricket Board for the Test series against the WIndies. All the players will need to enter the bio-bubble together. Even the teams won’t be permitted to change hotels once they are allotted. Franchises will have to work out the logistics and hotel arrangements with the board helping them to get discounts during bookings. The BCCI will hand over SOPs to broadcasters and match officials, as well. “We don’t want to take risks. At least for the early part of the tournament, the games will be played behind closed doors,” the official said.

No fans and 4 tests in two weeks for players as IPL 2020 gears up for commencement

<p>Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and his partner, Natasa Stankovic, have welcomed their first child – a baby boy as the couple took to social media platform to announce the happy news. Hardik posted a photograph of himself holding the hand of the newborn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are blessed with our baby boy,” Hardik wrote on photo-blogging Instagram.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDQx8yCF-SX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">We are blessed with our baby boy ❤️🙏🏾</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hardikpandya93/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Hardik Pandya</a> (@hardikpandya93) on <time datetime="2020-07-30T10:03:58+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jul 30, 2020 at 3:03am PDT</time></p>
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<p>As soon as Hardik announced the news of the birth of his first child, congratulatory messages poured in from everyone.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to the couple and a warm welcome to Pandya Jr. 👨‍👨‍👦 <a href="https://t.co/Dmbqm7OQAp">https://t.co/Dmbqm7OQAp</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1288791410640957441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations Brotherman ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a> <a href="https://t.co/FG0CjjqGad">https://t.co/FG0CjjqGad</a></p>
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) <a href="https://twitter.com/yuzi_chahal/status/1288787424563195904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations my brother <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a> on the birth of your son! Lots of love to Natasa, the beautiful boy and you ❤️🤗 Hope everyone is healthy 😊 <a href="https://t.co/PPwsaSeMIM">https://t.co/PPwsaSeMIM</a></p>
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25/status/1288786646645616641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hardik had announced then news of Natasa’s pregnancy in Instagram on May 31 as he asked everyone to shower their blessings and well-wishes. On the same day, the flamboyant all-rounder had tied the knot with the Bollywood actress during lockdown. The couple got engaged in January 2002 and now they are set to become proud parents.</p>

<p>“Hardik and I have shared a memorable journey together so far and now, it’s only going to get better. Together, we are excited to welcome a new life into our lives very soon. We’re super excited for this new step of our life together and humbly ask your blessings and well wishes,” Natasa had written on Instagram. The same pictures were also re-posted by Hardik on his Instagram page.</p>

<p>Hardik Pandya blessed with baby boy.Hardik Pandya blessed with baby boy. KEY HIGHLIGHTSHardik Pandya has been blessed with a baby boyThe Indian all-rounder had tied the knot with Natasa Stankovic during the lockdownThe couple had announced their engagement in January 2020</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Hardik has been away from international cricket since September 2019 due to a back injury. He was supposed to make a comeback to the Indian team against South Africa in March but the series was suspended due to COVID-19 outbreak. In October 2019, Hardik underwent a back surgery in London, which ruled him out for a couple of months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He made a comeback in the DY Patil Trophy and scored runs heavily in his blazing style while impressing the selectors. Hardik will next be seen in the IPL 2020 which is scheduled to take place in the UAE.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and his partner, Natasa Stankovic, have welcomed their first child – a baby boy as the couple took to social media platform to announce the happy news.

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and his partner, Natasa Stankovic, have welcomed their first child – a baby boy as the couple took to social media platform to announce the happy news. Hardik posted a photograph of himself holding the hand of the newborn. “We are blessed with our baby boy,” Hardik wrote on photo-blogging Instagram. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best View this post on Instagram We are blessed with our baby boy ❤️🙏🏾 A post shared by Hardik Pandya (@hardikpandya93) on Jul 30, 2020 at 3:03am PDT × As soon as Hardik announced the news of the birth of his first child, congratulatory messages poured in from everyone. Congratulations to the couple and a warm welcome to Pandya Jr. 👨‍👨‍👦 https://t.co/Dmbqm7OQAp — BCCI (@BCCI) July 30, 2020 × Congratulations Brotherman ❤️ @hardikpandya7 https://t.co/FG0CjjqGad — Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) July 30, 2020 × Congratulations my brother @hardikpandya7 on the birth of your son! Lots of love to Natasa, the beautiful boy and you ❤️🤗 Hope everyone is healthy 😊 https://t.co/PPwsaSeMIM — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 30, 2020 × Hardik had announced then news of Natasa’s pregnancy in Instagram on May 31 as he asked everyone to shower their blessings and well-wishes. On the same day, the flamboyant all-rounder had tied the knot with the Bollywood actress during lockdown. The couple got engaged in January 2002 and now they are set to become proud parents. “Hardik and I have shared a memorable journey together so far and now, it’s only going to get better. Together, we are excited to welcome a new life into our lives very soon. We’re super excited for this new step of our life together and humbly ask your blessings and well wishes,” Natasa had written on Instagram. The same pictures were also re-posted by Hardik on his Instagram page. Hardik Pandya blessed with baby boy.Hardik Pandya blessed with baby boy. KEY HIGHLIGHTSHardik Pandya has been blessed with a baby boyThe Indian all-rounder had tied the knot with Natasa Stankovic during the lockdownThe couple had announced their engagement in January 2020 Meanwhile, Hardik has been away from international cricket since September 2019 due to a back injury. He was supposed to make a comeback to the Indian team against South Africa in March but the series was suspended due to COVID-19 outbreak. In October 2019, Hardik underwent a back surgery in London, which ruled him out for a couple of months. He made a comeback in the DY Patil Trophy and scored runs heavily in his blazing style while impressing the selectors. Hardik will next be seen in the IPL 2020 which is scheduled to take place in the UAE.

Hardik Pandya, Natasa Stankovic blessed with a baby boy - See photograph

<p>After IPL Governing Council Chairman confirmed that the 13 edition of the tournament will take place from September 19 to November 8, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to shift the final to November 10 while keeping the schedule of India’s tour of Australia in mind.</p>

<p>With the change in schedule, the Indian team can directly depart from the UAE to Australia instead of coming back to India.</p>

<p>However, the starting date of the tournament is unlikely to be changed which means IPL 2020 might be played for 53 days instead of 51. The final call will be taken at the IPL Governing Council meeting which is scheduled to take place on August 2.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-marnus-labuschagne-thriving-to-be-the-best-316956" hreflang="en">Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best</a></strong></p>

<p>November 10, comes in Diwali week, which will make the host broadcaster happy. But the primary reason for the change is said to the due to the commitment made to Cricket Australia which will see the Indian players take a direct flight from the UAE to Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Even if the players are left without any IPL matches, they will continue to remain in UAE and participate in a camp there,” TOI quoted sources as saying. “As soon as the IPL is over, the remaining players busy playing the final knockout matches of the league will join the rest and the entire team will fly together from there”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anti-doping-measures-at-ipl-nada-might-outsource-sample-collection-316804" hreflang="en">Anti-Doping measures at IPL: NADA might outsource sample collection</a></strong></p>

<p>With the Aussie tour also a lengthy assignment, the Indian players in the squad would not return home for the rest of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Player might get irked with the move given the present of bio-secure protocols which keeps the player confine to a hotel.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


After IPL Governing Council Chairman confirmed that the 13 edition of the tournament will take place from September 19 to November 8, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to shift the final to November 10 while keeping the schedule of India’s tour of Australia in mind.

After IPL Governing Council Chairman confirmed that the 13 edition of the tournament will take place from September 19 to November 8, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to shift the final to November 10 while keeping the schedule of India’s tour of Australia in mind. With the change in schedule, the Indian team can directly depart from the UAE to Australia instead of coming back to India. However, the starting date of the tournament is unlikely to be changed which means IPL 2020 might be played for 53 days instead of 51. The final call will be taken at the IPL Governing Council meeting which is scheduled to take place on August 2. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best November 10, comes in Diwali week, which will make the host broadcaster happy. But the primary reason for the change is said to the due to the commitment made to Cricket Australia which will see the Indian players take a direct flight from the UAE to Australia. “Even if the players are left without any IPL matches, they will continue to remain in UAE and participate in a camp there,” TOI quoted sources as saying. “As soon as the IPL is over, the remaining players busy playing the final knockout matches of the league will join the rest and the entire team will fly together from there”. ALSO READ: Anti-Doping measures at IPL: NADA might outsource sample collection With the Aussie tour also a lengthy assignment, the Indian players in the squad would not return home for the rest of the year. Player might get irked with the move given the present of bio-secure protocols which keeps the player confine to a hotel.

IPL 2020: BCCI likely to postpone final from November 8 to 10 - Report

<p>Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal’s suspension has been reduced to 18 months after a trial procedure with independent adjudicator Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, a former Supreme Court judge, Justice (retd). Akmal was earlier handed a three-year ban on April 27 by a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) disciplinary panel, which found him guilty of breaching Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code over two separate incidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akmal’s suspension, which started ahead of this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) in February, will stay in effect until August 2021, and comes as a huge relief for the 30-year-old.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruptin Code relates to: "Failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/broad-says-he-could-be-last-paceman-in-500-club-316665" hreflang="en">Broad says he could be last paceman in '500 club'</a></strong></p>

<p>Akmal was provisionally suspended on February 17 and was withdrawn from PSL 2020 and was later charged by the PCB on March 20 after which his case was handed over to the PCB Disciplinary Panel. He didn’t contest the charges before an Anti-Corruption Tribunal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistan batsman decided to appeal against the length of the three-year suspension on May 19 after which an independent adjudicator was appointed.</p>

<p>Akmal’s appeal was based on the narrative that players who were found guilty of similar incidents were handed lighter sanctions. Mohammad Irfan was banned for six months in 2017 whereas Mohammad Nawaz was handed a two-month ban. Akmal was handed a lengthy sanction for failing to show sufficient remorse but it has now been slashed to 18 months.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jason-holder-wants-england-to-reciprocate-with-windies-tour-316657" hreflang="en">Jason Holder wants England to reciprocate with Windies tour</a></strong></p>

<p>Akmal’s 18-month suspension is the latest development in the once-promising career troubled by controversies. Before the corruption allegations in February, Akmal had allegedly misbehaved with a staff member after failing a fitness test. However, the PCB had put the episode as “misunderstanding” after an inquiry.</p>


Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal’s suspension has been reduced to 18 months after a trial procedure with independent adjudicator Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, a former Supreme Court judge, Justice (retd).

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal’s suspension has been reduced to 18 months after a trial procedure with independent adjudicator Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, a former Supreme Court judge, Justice (retd). Akmal was earlier handed a three-year ban on April 27 by a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) disciplinary panel, which found him guilty of breaching Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code over two separate incidents. Akmal’s suspension, which started ahead of this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) in February, will stay in effect until August 2021, and comes as a huge relief for the 30-year-old. The Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruptin Code relates to: "Failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code". ALSO READ: Broad says he could be last paceman in '500 club' Akmal was provisionally suspended on February 17 and was withdrawn from PSL 2020 and was later charged by the PCB on March 20 after which his case was handed over to the PCB Disciplinary Panel. He didn’t contest the charges before an Anti-Corruption Tribunal. The Pakistan batsman decided to appeal against the length of the three-year suspension on May 19 after which an independent adjudicator was appointed. Akmal’s appeal was based on the narrative that players who were found guilty of similar incidents were handed lighter sanctions. Mohammad Irfan was banned for six months in 2017 whereas Mohammad Nawaz was handed a two-month ban. Akmal was handed a lengthy sanction for failing to show sufficient remorse but it has now been slashed to 18 months. ALSO READ: Jason Holder wants England to reciprocate with Windies tour Akmal’s 18-month suspension is the latest development in the once-promising career troubled by controversies. Before the corruption allegations in February, Akmal had allegedly misbehaved with a staff member after failing a fitness test. However, the PCB had put the episode as “misunderstanding” after an inquiry.

Umar Akmal's ban halved to 18 months by Independent Adjudicator

<p>Stuart Broad said changes to the global cricket calendar could mean he will be the last paceman to take 500 Test wickets.</p>

<p>Broad reached the landmark figure by trapping Kraigg Brathwaite plumb lbw as England completed a dominant 269-run win in the third Test against the West Indies at Old Trafford on Tuesday that saw the hosts to a 2-1 series victory.</p>

<p>The 34-year-old Broad is only the seventh bowler in history to have taken 500 Test wickets and the fourth quick.</p>

<p>When Fred Trueman became the first man to take 300 Test wickets back in 1964, the outstanding England fast bowler, asked if anyone might break his record, reportedly replied: "Aye, but whoever does will be bloody tired."</p>

<p>Broad, whose one-day international career was effectively ended by England in 2016 to keep him going in the Test match arena, said scheduling would now be the issue for a fast bowler wanting to join him in the '500 club'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Someone is going to have to play a lot of cricket because there is a lot of competition out there, between different T20 leagues franchises, 100-ball."</p>

<p>Broad, who also marked his 140th Test with a match haul of 10-67, added: "I feel very lucky to have played for England in an era where we've played a lot of Test cricket in the summer and a lot in the winter.</p>

<p>"I think there's talk of thinning the amount of Tests we play in a summer down."</p>

<p>Among active bowlers, only Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon, with 390 Test wickets, would appear to have much hope of becoming the eighth member of a select group.</p>

<h2>- Anderson inspiration -</h2>

<p>"You need a lot of Test matches to get 500 wickets," said Broad.</p>

<p>"I think there'll be people who have the talent to get the numbers but whether they'll be able to play the amount of Test cricket the seam bowlers have to get that feat remains to be seen," he added.</p>

<p>Broad's longtime new-ball colleague James Anderson, who is approaching 600 Test wickets, suggested before play Tuesday that the Nottinghamshire seamer could surpass his eventual tally.</p>

<p>"I've never even thought about that," said Broad. "(But) why not try and follow in Jimmy's footsteps? He's been wonderful to play with.</p>

<p>"If I keep bowling the way I am for the next few years then I wouldn't rule anything out."</p>

<p>Broad ended the West Indies series as the leading bowler on either side, with 16 wickets at a miserly average of 10.93, despite being controversially left out of England's defeat in the first Test at Southampton.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I thought 'where am I going here?'" admitted Broad. "I'm glad I stayed strong because I'm very happy two weeks later."</p>


Stuart Broad said changes to the global cricket calendar could mean he will be the last paceman to take 500 Test wickets. Broad reached the landmark figure by trapping Kraigg Brathwaite plumb lbw as England completed a dominant 269-run win in the third Test against the West Indies at Old Trafford on Tuesday that saw the hosts to a 2-1 series victory.

Stuart Broad said changes to the global cricket calendar could mean he will be the last paceman to take 500 Test wickets. Broad reached the landmark figure by trapping Kraigg Brathwaite plumb lbw as England completed a dominant 269-run win in the third Test against the West Indies at Old Trafford on Tuesday that saw the hosts to a 2-1 series victory. The 34-year-old Broad is only the seventh bowler in history to have taken 500 Test wickets and the fourth quick. When Fred Trueman became the first man to take 300 Test wickets back in 1964, the outstanding England fast bowler, asked if anyone might break his record, reportedly replied: "Aye, but whoever does will be bloody tired." Broad, whose one-day international career was effectively ended by England in 2016 to keep him going in the Test match arena, said scheduling would now be the issue for a fast bowler wanting to join him in the '500 club'. "Someone is going to have to play a lot of cricket because there is a lot of competition out there, between different T20 leagues franchises, 100-ball." Broad, who also marked his 140th Test with a match haul of 10-67, added: "I feel very lucky to have played for England in an era where we've played a lot of Test cricket in the summer and a lot in the winter. "I think there's talk of thinning the amount of Tests we play in a summer down." Among active bowlers, only Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon, with 390 Test wickets, would appear to have much hope of becoming the eighth member of a select group. - Anderson inspiration - "You need a lot of Test matches to get 500 wickets," said Broad. "I think there'll be people who have the talent to get the numbers but whether they'll be able to play the amount of Test cricket the seam bowlers have to get that feat remains to be seen," he added. Broad's longtime new-ball colleague James Anderson, who is approaching 600 Test wickets, suggested before play Tuesday that the Nottinghamshire seamer could surpass his eventual tally. "I've never even thought about that," said Broad. "(But) why not try and follow in Jimmy's footsteps? He's been wonderful to play with. "If I keep bowling the way I am for the next few years then I wouldn't rule anything out." Broad ended the West Indies series as the leading bowler on either side, with 16 wickets at a miserly average of 10.93, despite being controversially left out of England's defeat in the first Test at Southampton. "I thought 'where am I going here?'" admitted Broad. "I'm glad I stayed strong because I'm very happy two weeks later."

Broad says he could be last paceman in '500 club'

<p>Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo could face sanctions for failing to turn up at training with Barcelona, who concluded a deal to sell him to Juventus a month ago.</p>

<p>The Catalan club say the player is under contract until the end of the season and have demanded he return, with the local press claiming he was in his native Brazil.</p>

<p>"The player has not joined the squad as expected and we are considering a course of action," a club statement said.</p>

<p>Arthur has been sold to Juventus in a deal worth 72 million euros ($81 million) with Bosnian playmaker Miralem Pjanic moving in the opposite direction for a similar fee at season's end.</p>

<p>The player had been reluctant to leave the Camp Nou and even released a statement in April, insisting his "idea was clear" and that he wanted to play at Barcelona "for many years".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barca coach Quique Setien said in a press conference at the time of the sale: "We expect the greatest commitment from him until the last day he is here."</p>

<p>Spanish sports daily Mundo Deportivo say the player maintains Setien had told him he had played his last game with the La Liga club. Arthur has not featured for Barca since the transfer was announced on June 29.</p>

<p>Barcelona resumed training on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League last-16 second leg with Napoli next month.</p>


Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo could face sanctions for failing to turn up at training with Barcelona, who concluded a deal to sell him to Juventus a month ago.

Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo could face sanctions for failing to turn up at training with Barcelona, who concluded a deal to sell him to Juventus a month ago. The Catalan club say the player is under contract until the end of the season and have demanded he return, with the local press claiming he was in his native Brazil. "The player has not joined the squad as expected and we are considering a course of action," a club statement said. Arthur has been sold to Juventus in a deal worth 72 million euros ($81 million) with Bosnian playmaker Miralem Pjanic moving in the opposite direction for a similar fee at season's end. The player had been reluctant to leave the Camp Nou and even released a statement in April, insisting his "idea was clear" and that he wanted to play at Barcelona "for many years". Barca coach Quique Setien said in a press conference at the time of the sale: "We expect the greatest commitment from him until the last day he is here." Spanish sports daily Mundo Deportivo say the player maintains Setien had told him he had played his last game with the La Liga club. Arthur has not featured for Barca since the transfer was announced on June 29. Barcelona resumed training on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League last-16 second leg with Napoli next month.

Juventus-bound Arthur snubs Barca training

<p>International cricket's first major campaign since the coronavirus lockdown saw England triumph 2-1 in a three-Test series against the West Indies following a 269-run victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Below AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from a fascinating contest:</p>

<h2>- 'Bubble cricket' can work -</h2>

<p>Despite fears life in a bio-secure bubble, with teams holed up in onsite hotels and no spectators allowed into grounds to guard against the spread of COVID-19, might produce equally sterile cricket, both sides produced a high standard of play.</p>

<p>Fears a ban on shining the ball with saliva would neuter bowlers proved largely groundless, with sweat allied to seam movement off the pitch and helpful overhead conditions, allied to the skills of the attacks, ensuring batsmen had to work hard for their runs.</p>

<p>Meanwhile two England's 'big match' performers played key roles despite a lack of crowd support, with Ben Stokes scoring 176 and 78 not out in the second Test and paceman Stuart Broad becoming just the seventh bowler to take 500 Test wickets when he reached the landmark on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The one concerning moment came when England had to omit Jofra Archer from the second Test after it emerged the fast bowler had breached regulations by making an unauthorised trip home following the West Indies' four-wicket win in the series opener at Southampton.</p>

<p>England managing director Ashley Giles said Archer's error "could have cost us tens of millions of pounds" but he added the Sussex quick was a "fine young man" who would learn from his mistake.</p>

<h2>- Holding 'bouncers' still hitting the mark -&nbsp;</h2>

<p>This series may have been played in a bubble but it did not take place in a vacuum, with both teams -- and the match officials -- taking a knee before each Test in support of Black Lives Matter, a campaign given fresh global impetus by the death of George Floyd in police custody in the United States in May.</p>

<p>Former West Indies fast bowler turned television commentator Michael Holding, once the most feared of quicks, showed he could unleash a verbal, as well as physical, bouncer with an impassioned, off the cuff speech, on the first morning of the series as he called for a shake-up of the education system while criticising those who had told him to "get over" racism.</p>

<p>"How do you get rid of that (racism) in society? By educating both sides -- black and white," he insisted.</p>

<h2>- Challenge Gough at your peril -</h2>

<p>Due to travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic, this series saw the return of two home umpires standing in a Test, with teams granted an extra review per innings in recognition at the lack of neutral officials.</p>

<p>But when Michael Gough was in the middle for the second and third Tests at Old Trafford, his naked eye verdicts were repeatedly upheld by the Decision Review System. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The 40-year-old Englishman had a modest career as a Durham opening batsman, but Gough is fast becoming a top umpire.</p>


International cricket's first major campaign since the coronavirus lockdown saw England triumph 2-1 in a three-Test series against the West Indies following a 269-run victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

International cricket's first major campaign since the coronavirus lockdown saw England triumph 2-1 in a three-Test series against the West Indies following a 269-run victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Below AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from a fascinating contest: - 'Bubble cricket' can work - Despite fears life in a bio-secure bubble, with teams holed up in onsite hotels and no spectators allowed into grounds to guard against the spread of COVID-19, might produce equally sterile cricket, both sides produced a high standard of play. Fears a ban on shining the ball with saliva would neuter bowlers proved largely groundless, with sweat allied to seam movement off the pitch and helpful overhead conditions, allied to the skills of the attacks, ensuring batsmen had to work hard for their runs. Meanwhile two England's 'big match' performers played key roles despite a lack of crowd support, with Ben Stokes scoring 176 and 78 not out in the second Test and paceman Stuart Broad becoming just the seventh bowler to take 500 Test wickets when he reached the landmark on Tuesday. The one concerning moment came when England had to omit Jofra Archer from the second Test after it emerged the fast bowler had breached regulations by making an unauthorised trip home following the West Indies' four-wicket win in the series opener at Southampton. England managing director Ashley Giles said Archer's error "could have cost us tens of millions of pounds" but he added the Sussex quick was a "fine young man" who would learn from his mistake. - Holding 'bouncers' still hitting the mark - This series may have been played in a bubble but it did not take place in a vacuum, with both teams -- and the match officials -- taking a knee before each Test in support of Black Lives Matter, a campaign given fresh global impetus by the death of George Floyd in police custody in the United States in May. Former West Indies fast bowler turned television commentator Michael Holding, once the most feared of quicks, showed he could unleash a verbal, as well as physical, bouncer with an impassioned, off the cuff speech, on the first morning of the series as he called for a shake-up of the education system while criticising those who had told him to "get over" racism. "How do you get rid of that (racism) in society? By educating both sides -- black and white," he insisted. - Challenge Gough at your peril - Due to travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic, this series saw the return of two home umpires standing in a Test, with teams granted an extra review per innings in recognition at the lack of neutral officials. But when Michael Gough was in the middle for the second and third Tests at Old Trafford, his naked eye verdicts were repeatedly upheld by the Decision Review System. The 40-year-old Englishman had a modest career as a Durham opening batsman, but Gough is fast becoming a top umpire.

Three things we learned from the England-West Indies series

<p>West Indies captain Jason Holder says he hopes England will reciprocate his team’s visit during the COVID-19 pandemic and tour the Caribbean later this year.</p>

<p>England’s board had projected losses of up to $491 million if no cricket could be played this summer and the West Indies were hailed for agreeing to play the three-test series despite the UK struggling to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>“We don’t know what’s going to happen after this series with the international calendar but if there is an opportunity for England to come over to the Caribbean before the end of the year that would help significantly,” Holder said after England wrapped up the series 2-1 on Tuesday.</p>

<p>“It’s been a tough last few years for us financially and we’ve taken a pay cut due to the circumstances. A tour hopefully, if it is possible before the end of 2020, would help keep us afloat.”</p>

<p>The series, which saw the return of international cricket, was played in a bio-secure environment and Holder said smaller cricket nations might not be able to cover the costs of setting up a similar “bubble” to host visitors safely.</p>

<p>“We only really make money from England, and I think India. We break even with Pakistan and Australia, and all the rest of the series we play are losses,” he said.</p>

<p>“But in these trying times only England, Australia and India can probably host cricket. Outside of that, the smaller territories are struggling financially to get cricket on.”</p>

<p>Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy also wanted England to reciprocate with a tour.</p>

<p>“Let’s see if appreciation for our efforts will go unnoticed. They need to give us at least 20 million for all that money we saved them,” Sammy tweeted.</p>


West Indies captain Jason Holder says he hopes England will reciprocate his team’s visit during the COVID-19 pandemic and tour the Caribbean later this year. England’s board had projected losses of up to $491 million if no cricket could be played this summer and the West Indies were hailed for agreeing to play the three-test series despite the UK struggling to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

West Indies captain Jason Holder says he hopes England will reciprocate his team’s visit during the COVID-19 pandemic and tour the Caribbean later this year. England’s board had projected losses of up to $491 million if no cricket could be played this summer and the West Indies were hailed for agreeing to play the three-test series despite the UK struggling to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. “We don’t know what’s going to happen after this series with the international calendar but if there is an opportunity for England to come over to the Caribbean before the end of the year that would help significantly,” Holder said after England wrapped up the series 2-1 on Tuesday. “It’s been a tough last few years for us financially and we’ve taken a pay cut due to the circumstances. A tour hopefully, if it is possible before the end of 2020, would help keep us afloat.” The series, which saw the return of international cricket, was played in a bio-secure environment and Holder said smaller cricket nations might not be able to cover the costs of setting up a similar “bubble” to host visitors safely. “We only really make money from England, and I think India. We break even with Pakistan and Australia, and all the rest of the series we play are losses,” he said. “But in these trying times only England, Australia and India can probably host cricket. Outside of that, the smaller territories are struggling financially to get cricket on.” Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy also wanted England to reciprocate with a tour. “Let’s see if appreciation for our efforts will go unnoticed. They need to give us at least 20 million for all that money we saved them,” Sammy tweeted.

Jason Holder wants England to reciprocate with Windies tour

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