Manchester City have become the dominant force in English football over the past decade but are still waiting for the final piece in the Abu Dhabi project jigsaw -- the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">Champions League</a> title.

Backed by Sheikh Mansour's immense wealth, inspired by Pep Guardiola's managerial genius and boasting a cast of superstars, the club have greedily scooped up 11 major trophies in nine years.

Yet the prize that has eluded them is the Champions League, which the owners crave above all else.

<a href="Manchester City win appeal at CAS as Champions League ban is lifted">Monday's ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)</a>, lifting a two-season UEFA ban from European competition, will give Guardiola's men a huge lift for this season and next as they chase elusive European glory.

They can now prepare for the second leg of their last-16 tie at home against Real Madrid, leading 2-1, safe in the knowledge that they will be back at Europe's top table next season.

City's great fear was if CAS upheld UEFA's ban, imposed in February, players would look to elsewhere and Guardiola himself could even lose interest.

Now they can not only retain their best players, but look to recruit more talent in a bid to take back the Premier League title from Liverpool.

"From a footballing perspective, it is good to know that Pep Guardiola may now extend his contract as City manager beyond next season, continuing to raise coaching standards in this country," said the Times.

"It is a joy to know that Kevin De Bruyne, the finest midfield player in the world on present form, may stay on, enchanting audiences with his extraordinary passing style."

City have already lifted the League Cup this season and are well-placed in the FA Cup.

But they know that to be considered a member of the established European elite, they must win the Champions League.

<h2>- Corporate giant -</h2>

The club's transformation from Premier League also-rans into a European force over the past 12 years has been remarkable.

For so many years they were the perennially underachieving neighbours of mighty Manchester United.

But under Mansour and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the struggling club have become a global footballing behemoth.

When Mansour and his Abu Dhabi United Group purchased City from Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra for £210 million ($265 million) on September 1, 2008, they arrived to find a club languishing in United's shadow after finishing 32 points behind the champions the previous season.

City's inferiority complex was well-founded after decades of failure. When United won an unprecedented treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in 1998/99, City were languishing in the third tier.

It is a different story at the Etihad now after four Premier League titles in the past nine seasons as well as a wealth of cup success.

The squad is brimful of international talent, led by global stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero, with Guardiola demanding the highest standards.

"People forget that 10 years ago it was unthinkable that City would get to this place," one former senior City executive told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper in 2018 -- a decade after the takeover.

"Building the club that Guardiola took over meant building a world-class team. Players had either never heard of us or weren't interested in us."

Mansour's first signing for City was Robinho, a Brazilian forward then regarded as one of the world's most promising youngsters.

That set the tone for the decade to come as Mansour kept spending until the silverware finally rolled in, starting with the club's first FA Cup for 42 years in 2011.&nbsp;

Then in a landmark moment, Roberto Mancini's side stole the Premier League title from United's grasp in 2012 thanks to&nbsp;Aguero's last-gasp winner against QPR.

Ferguson retired in 2013, sparking a decline at Old Trafford and paving the way for the club he derided as the "noisy neighbours" to fill the power vacuum in spectacular style.

The changes have not just been on the field, with huge investment also made in the state-of-the-art City Football Academy, while Mansour's City Football Group now have nine clubs in their global empire.

City are among the favourites to lift the Champions League this season -- a success that would now taste all the sweeter.

Manchester City have become the dominant force in English football over the past decade but are still waiting for the final piece in the Abu Dhabi project jigsaw -- the Champions League title.

Manchester City have become the dominant force in English football over the past decade but are still waiting for the final piece in the Abu Dhabi project jigsaw -- the Champions League title. Backed by Sheikh Mansour's immense wealth, inspired by Pep Guardiola's managerial genius and boasting a cast of superstars, the club have greedily scooped up 11 major trophies in nine years. Yet the prize that has eluded them is the Champions League, which the owners crave above all else. Monday's ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), lifting a two-season UEFA ban from European competition, will give Guardiola's men a huge lift for this season and next as they chase elusive European glory. They can now prepare for the second leg of their last-16 tie at home against Real Madrid, leading 2-1, safe in the knowledge that they will be back at Europe's top table next season. City's great fear was if CAS upheld UEFA's ban, imposed in February, players would look to elsewhere and Guardiola himself could even lose interest. Now they can not only retain their best players, but look to recruit more talent in a bid to take back the Premier League title from Liverpool. "From a footballing perspective, it is good to know that Pep Guardiola may now extend his contract as City manager beyond next season, continuing to raise coaching standards in this country," said the Times. "It is a joy to know that Kevin De Bruyne, the finest midfield player in the world on present form, may stay on, enchanting audiences with his extraordinary passing style." City have already lifted the League Cup this season and are well-placed in the FA Cup. But they know that to be considered a member of the established European elite, they must win the Champions League. - Corporate giant - The club's transformation from Premier League also-rans into a European force over the past 12 years has been remarkable. For so many years they were the perennially underachieving neighbours of mighty Manchester United. But under Mansour and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the struggling club have become a global footballing behemoth. When Mansour and his Abu Dhabi United Group purchased City from Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra for £210 million ($265 million) on September 1, 2008, they arrived to find a club languishing in United's shadow after finishing 32 points behind the champions the previous season. City's inferiority complex was well-founded after decades of failure. When United won an unprecedented treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in 1998/99, City were languishing in the third tier. It is a different story at the Etihad now after four Premier League titles in the past nine seasons as well as a wealth of cup success. The squad is brimful of international talent, led by global stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero, with Guardiola demanding the highest standards. "People forget that 10 years ago it was unthinkable that City would get to this place," one former senior City executive told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper in 2018 -- a decade after the takeover. "Building the club that Guardiola took over meant building a world-class team. Players had either never heard of us or weren't interested in us." Mansour's first signing for City was Robinho, a Brazilian forward then regarded as one of the world's most promising youngsters. That set the tone for the decade to come as Mansour kept spending until the silverware finally rolled in, starting with the club's first FA Cup for 42 years in 2011. Then in a landmark moment, Roberto Mancini's side stole the Premier League title from United's grasp in 2012 thanks to Aguero's last-gasp winner against QPR. Ferguson retired in 2013, sparking a decline at Old Trafford and paving the way for the club he derided as the "noisy neighbours" to fill the power vacuum in spectacular style. The changes have not just been on the field, with huge investment also made in the state-of-the-art City Football Academy, while Mansour's City Football Group now have nine clubs in their global empire. City are among the favourites to lift the Champions League this season -- a success that would now taste all the sweeter.

CAS ruling protects Champions League dream for Man City's Abu Dhabi owners

England should not be overly reliant on express pace in the next two tests against West Indies and must consider alternating Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, former quick Darren Gough has said.

England opted for the express speed of Archer and Wood and the experience of James Anderson in Southampton but lost by four wickets in the series opener.

“I’ve said from the start — rotate Archer and Wood,” Gough, who played 58 tests between 1994-2003, told Sky Sport Cricket.

“We got a bit carried away, seeing Wood bowl really quickly in South Africa. We’ve seen Archer do it, but it’s very hard to do it every single game.”

Gough said England should also bring back Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes for the second test, which begins on Thursday at Manchester’s Old Trafford.

“I would rest Wood and Anderson at Old Trafford and bring in Broad and Woakes,” Gough said.

“That would be my plan then, with back-to-back test matches, you bring Anderson and Wood back (for the third test).”

Former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be unfair to criticise Archer, who claimed three second-innings wickets in Southampton, for not bowling consistently in excess of 90 miles per hour.

“The body just doesn’t allow you to do it every single over that you bowl,” Vaughan told BBC Radio 5.

“But when you get that click, that six or seven overs where everything is in sync and you see the ball flying down at 90mph-plus causing chaos, that’s why you put Jofra Archer in your team.”

England should not be overly reliant on express pace in the next two tests against West Indies and must consider alternating Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, former quick Darren Gough has said.

England should not be overly reliant on express pace in the next two tests against West Indies and must consider alternating Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, former quick Darren Gough has said. England opted for the express speed of Archer and Wood and the experience of James Anderson in Southampton but lost by four wickets in the series opener. “I’ve said from the start — rotate Archer and Wood,” Gough, who played 58 tests between 1994-2003, told Sky Sport Cricket. “We got a bit carried away, seeing Wood bowl really quickly in South Africa. We’ve seen Archer do it, but it’s very hard to do it every single game.” Gough said England should also bring back Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes for the second test, which begins on Thursday at Manchester’s Old Trafford. “I would rest Wood and Anderson at Old Trafford and bring in Broad and Woakes,” Gough said. “That would be my plan then, with back-to-back test matches, you bring Anderson and Wood back (for the third test).” Former captain Michael Vaughan said it would be unfair to criticise Archer, who claimed three second-innings wickets in Southampton, for not bowling consistently in excess of 90 miles per hour. “The body just doesn’t allow you to do it every single over that you bowl,” Vaughan told BBC Radio 5. “But when you get that click, that six or seven overs where everything is in sync and you see the ball flying down at 90mph-plus causing chaos, that’s why you put Jofra Archer in your team.”

ENG vs WI: Darren Gough suggests England rotate Jofra Archer and Mark Wood

With international cricket opening up, all eyes are on India as to when cricketing action will kick-start in the country. While the situation in the country is still grim with COVID-19 cases rising every day, fans are hopeful that live-action will commence soon. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) hands are tied as they can’t finalise any decision relating to the resumption of cricket in India without the approval of the central government and respective state governments.&nbsp;

The BCCI is keen to start cricket action, at least practice sessions, by the next month or so but would require approvals from central and state governments. And the Indian board is still expecting a topsy-turvy season with a lot of tweaks given the quarantine rules and other health guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-india-matches-are-pcb-chairman-ehsan-mani-opines-on-indo-pak-bilateral-cricket-series-313192" hreflang="en">'Pakistan-India matches are...' - PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani opines on Indo-Pak bilateral cricket series</a>

"Please remember, without the central government and respective state government approvals, the BCCI cannot do anything," TOI quoted a source as saying in a report.

<h2>Changes in proposed schedule likely</h2>

"The present (interim) schedule for Australia tour was released by Cricket Australia (CA) with the first Test to begin on December 3. Also, to note is a three-match T20 series that was scheduled ahead of the Tests, to be followed by a three-match ODI series," added the source.

Cricket Australia (CA) had earlier announced the schedule of India’s tour. However, with the T20 World Cup set to be postponed, there could be quite a few changes in the schedule of India’s tour of Australia The start of the Test series could very well be pushed by a week.&nbsp;

"One of those two - either T20s or ODIs - will have to be cancelled. Most likely the T20s because the format was put in place keeping the T20 World Cup in Australia in mind. Now, that' not happening, and IPL is. The start of the Test series will also be pushed by a week," say those in the know.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-west-indies-five-things-we-learned-from-the-first-test-312971" hreflang="en">England vs West Indies: Five things we learned from the first Test</a>

The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly sounded confident about India’s tour of Australia but asked for a ‘shorter quarantine’ window in order to allow players to train soon after reaching the country. However, CA is yet to respond to the request.&nbsp;

Forthcoming England’s tour of India where both the countries were scheduled to play five Tests could be reduced to three followed by T20Is and ODIs. &nbsp;

"The president talked about a shortened quarantine. What he may have meant was that players will go through two separate Corona tests before leaving for Australia and two tests after landing there and if all are negative, health authorities are indicating that two weeks of lockdown won't be necessarily mandatory. Teams can start practice," say sources.

"Changes will be made to that schedule too. England are likely to play three Tests in India instead of five, followed by five T20s and five ODIs. That will also help compensate the host broadcaster who lost the India-South Africa series in March due to Covid," sources added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the fate of the ICC T20 World Cup is set to be announced on July 15. 
&nbsp;

With international cricket opening up, all eyes are on India as to when cricketing action will kick-start in the country. While the situation in the country is still grim with COVID-19 cases rising every day, fans are hopeful that live-action will commence soon.

With international cricket opening up, all eyes are on India as to when cricketing action will kick-start in the country. While the situation in the country is still grim with COVID-19 cases rising every day, fans are hopeful that live-action will commence soon. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) hands are tied as they can’t finalise any decision relating to the resumption of cricket in India without the approval of the central government and respective state governments. The BCCI is keen to start cricket action, at least practice sessions, by the next month or so but would require approvals from central and state governments. And the Indian board is still expecting a topsy-turvy season with a lot of tweaks given the quarantine rules and other health guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: 'Pakistan-India matches are...' - PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani opines on Indo-Pak bilateral cricket series "Please remember, without the central government and respective state government approvals, the BCCI cannot do anything," TOI quoted a source as saying in a report. Changes in proposed schedule likely "The present (interim) schedule for Australia tour was released by Cricket Australia (CA) with the first Test to begin on December 3. Also, to note is a three-match T20 series that was scheduled ahead of the Tests, to be followed by a three-match ODI series," added the source. Cricket Australia (CA) had earlier announced the schedule of India’s tour. However, with the T20 World Cup set to be postponed, there could be quite a few changes in the schedule of India’s tour of Australia The start of the Test series could very well be pushed by a week. "One of those two - either T20s or ODIs - will have to be cancelled. Most likely the T20s because the format was put in place keeping the T20 World Cup in Australia in mind. Now, that' not happening, and IPL is. The start of the Test series will also be pushed by a week," say those in the know. ALSO READ: England vs West Indies: Five things we learned from the first Test The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly sounded confident about India’s tour of Australia but asked for a ‘shorter quarantine’ window in order to allow players to train soon after reaching the country. However, CA is yet to respond to the request. Forthcoming England’s tour of India where both the countries were scheduled to play five Tests could be reduced to three followed by T20Is and ODIs. "The president talked about a shortened quarantine. What he may have meant was that players will go through two separate Corona tests before leaving for Australia and two tests after landing there and if all are negative, health authorities are indicating that two weeks of lockdown won't be necessarily mandatory. Teams can start practice," say sources. "Changes will be made to that schedule too. England are likely to play three Tests in India instead of five, followed by five T20s and five ODIs. That will also help compensate the host broadcaster who lost the India-South Africa series in March due to Covid," sources added. Meanwhile, the fate of the ICC T20 World Cup is set to be announced on July 15.

'BCCI can't do anything without government approvals' - India's 2021-21 cricket schedule hangs in balance

A bilateral series between India and Pakistan could be helpful for international cricket, Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said while reflecting on the current health of international cricket. However, Mani said that the PCB doesn’t take India-Pakistan bilateral series into account while planning their schedule.

Notably, India and Pakistan have not held any bilateral series due to sour diplomatic relationship but both the arch-rivals continue to lock horns in International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events. The last time both the team met was in the ICC World Cup 2019, where the Men in Blue continued their winning run against Pakistan in 50-over World Cup.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-west-indies-five-things-we-learned-from-the-first-test-312971" hreflang="en">England vs West Indies: Five things we learned from the first Test</a>

<h2>Pakistan-India matches are the most-watched cricket matches in the world: Ehsan Mani</h2>

"Pakistan-India matches are the most-watched cricket matches in the world[...] It is good for the health of global cricket that we play against each other, however, in our planning we do not take into account any bilateral series against India," Mani told Cricbuzz.

Recently, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../official-asia-cup-2020-postponed-sri-lanka-to- host-tournament-in-2021-311999">Asia Cup 2020 became the latest victim of the coronavirus pandemic as the event was postponed to 2021</a>. Notably, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have swapped hosting rights, which allows the latter to host the event in 2021 with Pakistan taking the baton in 2022.

Mani is of the view that the financial impact of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../official-asia-cup-2020-postponed-sri-lanka-to- host-tournament-in-2021-311999">postponement of Asia Cup</a> on Pakistan is minimal while adding Sri Lanka was given the hosting rights as they would be in “a better position” as compared to other countries due to COVID-19.&nbsp;

"The financial impact on Pakistan is minimal; the importance of the Asia Cup is that it generates funds for the development of the emerging cricket nations in Asia. There is [a] complete consensus within ACC on the timing of the Asia Cup," Mani said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-are-still-unsure-few-franchises-losing-hope-of-ipl-2020-312380" hreflang="en">'We are still unsure': Few franchises 'losing hope' of IPL 2020</a>

Talking about PCB's relations with BCCI, he said that the PCB has "issues" with the latter but "I do not have a fear that some countries will put their interests ahead of what is good for the game as a whole."

"We all owe a duty of care to the global game and the well-being of world cricket and not put our short term interests before it," Mani added. 
&nbsp;

A bilateral series between India and Pakistan could be helpful for international cricket, Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said while reflecting on the current health of international cricket.

A bilateral series between India and Pakistan could be helpful for international cricket, Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said while reflecting on the current health of international cricket. However, Mani said that the PCB doesn’t take India-Pakistan bilateral series into account while planning their schedule. Notably, India and Pakistan have not held any bilateral series due to sour diplomatic relationship but both the arch-rivals continue to lock horns in International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events. The last time both the team met was in the ICC World Cup 2019, where the Men in Blue continued their winning run against Pakistan in 50-over World Cup. ALSO READ: England vs West Indies: Five things we learned from the first Test Pakistan-India matches are the most-watched cricket matches in the world: Ehsan Mani "Pakistan-India matches are the most-watched cricket matches in the world[...] It is good for the health of global cricket that we play against each other, however, in our planning we do not take into account any bilateral series against India," Mani told Cricbuzz. Recently, the Asia Cup 2020 became the latest victim of the coronavirus pandemic as the event was postponed to 2021. Notably, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have swapped hosting rights, which allows the latter to host the event in 2021 with Pakistan taking the baton in 2022. Mani is of the view that the financial impact of postponement of Asia Cup on Pakistan is minimal while adding Sri Lanka was given the hosting rights as they would be in “a better position” as compared to other countries due to COVID-19. "The financial impact on Pakistan is minimal; the importance of the Asia Cup is that it generates funds for the development of the emerging cricket nations in Asia. There is [a] complete consensus within ACC on the timing of the Asia Cup," Mani said. ALSO READ: 'We are still unsure': Few franchises 'losing hope' of IPL 2020 Talking about PCB's relations with BCCI, he said that the PCB has "issues" with the latter but "I do not have a fear that some countries will put their interests ahead of what is good for the game as a whole." "We all owe a duty of care to the global game and the well-being of world cricket and not put our short term interests before it," Mani added.

'Pakistan-India matches are...' - PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani opines on Indo-Pak bilateral cricket series

International cricket returned with a bang! Test cricket returned with its nerve-wracking sessions and battle between the willow and the red cherry. Before the first Test between England and the West Indies commenced at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, there were whispers how it would pan out. Will players be fully up for it, will not playing cricket for 117 days take a toll on the players? And every question was thrown out of the window as both England and West Indies produced cricket of the highest quality upon the return of international cricket.

The West Indies led by the ever-dependable Jason Holder clinched a fairly comfortable four-wicket win in Southampton while taking a 1-0 lead in the series. While the word comfortable may sound like a cake-walk, it wasn’t the case at all. The game felt like a pendulum as the dong moved to and fro between the two sides with each passing session.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3676f325-c533-4397-b4be-d3daf98c92b1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UT9P1_0.jpg" />

Day 1 started with a game of hide&nbsp;and seek with the rain gods as the world witnessed little action on the first day. After a delayed start, England’s Test skipper for the match, Ben Stokes opted to bat first under overseas condition, on a pitch which certainly had some sort of moisture due to persistent rain in the build-up to the match. The move to bat first raised a few eyebrows.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66409bb2-a364-4f31-b5e1-085b48f4529d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UV91P.jpg" />

The red ball, on which saliva can’t be used due to the ban imposed by the ICC to curb the spread of coronavirus, was handed over to Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel. But before the first ball of the match was bowled, all the players and staff took a knee in support for the Black Lives Matter movement.&nbsp;Ten balls into the game, Dom Sibley’s stumps were dislodged by a peach by Gabriel. The ball moved a bit but to some extent, it was a rusty judgement by the English opener. Rory Burns and Joe Denly took charge in the middle and saw off a splendid spell of bowling by Roach and Gabriel.&nbsp;

However, it was Gabriel again who produced magic to send the ball through the gates of Denly, reminding the Englishman of his IPL debut for KKR. Burns was next to follow and it was Gabriel again who did the damage.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d00f713-3693-4c58-98d4-de81bed1751c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UV9PE.jpg" />

Following the initial spell by Gabriel and Roach, it was time for ‘Captain West Indies’ to stand up and produce what he has been doing for the last few years. Even though Holder is not someone who would terrorise batsmen with his pace, he showed what damage testing line and length can do. Holder made the ball talk and there were three edges straight to the keeper Shane Dowrich as Ben Stokes (43), Ollie Pope (12) and Jos Buttler (35) were sent packing by the number one all-rounder in Test cricket.&nbsp;

Dom Bess kept the scoreboard ticking with a handy 31 not-out but the Holder and Gabriel were too hot to handle for the English lower-order as the hosts were bundled out for 204. Holder with six, Gabriel with four, shared all the wickets among themselves.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c780aae9-5634-4505-ae22-b6d8d13f986f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UW3JK.jpg" />

For the West Indies, openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell saw off the initial spell by James Anderson and Jofra Archer before taking the field on a bright sunny day on Day 3. A superb 65 by Brathwaite laid the platform for the visitors despite Campbell (28) and Shai Hope (16) departing without scoring much. Shamarh Brooks (39) showed glimpses of his highly-rated talent but it was Roston Chase’s 47 off 142 which built the&nbsp;road for the West Indies win. Dowrich with his gritty 61 threw some confidence and a lead of over 100 runs.&nbsp;

It was a lacklustre performance by the English bowlers in the first innings. While Jimmy Anderson looked like a lone warrior, swinging the ball away or even bringing it back with a break of the wrist, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood with speeds of over 90 mph looked like a mere shadow of themselves. Their barrage of bouncers was firmly dealt by before Stokes took it upon himself to do the damage. The end result? Four wickets for the number two ranked Test all-rounder in the world. Credit to Dom Bess, who toiled hard in his 19 overs to pick up two crucial wickets of Hope and Blackwood. The West Indies ended up posting 318 runs on the board.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2a8be025-6311-4e42-84ff-d52ff0a21cc2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UY6ZC.jpg" />

With the sun out and a relatively drier and flatter track, Rory Burns and Dom Sibley stitched a 72-run opening stand before the former was sent packing Roston Chase, visitors’ only spin option. Sibley went on to score a half-century before falling prey to Gabriel. Joe Denly and Zak Crawley tried putting a partnership but the former was again subjected to a soft dismissal, falling for his own mishaps, again and again.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4bfc65ec-6dec-4fa1-8893-a7f84545285a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V03TP.jpg" />

Stokes came up with a counter-attacking mood and scored a quick-fire 46 off 79 but&nbsp;Alzarri Joseph, after going wicket-less in the first innings, found the bullseye by dismissing Stokes and Crawley. Gabriel came back to life again and wreaked havoc while sending the lower and lower-middle order back to pavilion. Another impressive performance by the veteran and a fifer to his name. England were bundled out for 313 as the West Indies were given a target of 200 runs.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bda5b095-e796-4e14-b4d5-2a05210204a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V08O7.jpg" />

There was scrutiny towards Jofra Archer for being lazy in the first innings and many could sense he would come alive in the second innings, and that is what exactly happened. John Campbell was retired-hurt and Brathwaite was walking back to the hut in no time after the West Indies started their chase.

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e155a85-85c6-42eb-961d-e56f9ddffbc3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V22MS_0.jpg" />

Mark Wood too clocked up his intensity and got rid of Shai Hope as the visitors saw them reeling at 27-3. Brooks again fall victim to Archer’s class and bagged a five-ball duck.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab4dbf4e-31e6-421d-8c85-69bb1c8a6d58" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V25AV_1.jpg" />

As England bowlers dominated the first 15 overs, everyone started to come at the edge of their seats anticipating a West Indies collapse. However, Chase and Blackwood had other plans. While Chase scored a gritty 37, Blackwood was the man of the hour for the West Indies as he scored 95. Dowrich chipped in with 20. Campbell came back to bat again and stitched winning partnership with skipper Holder to hand the West Indies an all-important win.

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="730f1743-dcb8-4323-ba6c-dfd35db954ae" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V2520.jpg" />

A forgettable start for Stokes as a captain. And for Holder, he continues to cement his own legacy in the history books.&nbsp;

The first Test post-pandemic goes to the West Indies as visitors take a 1-0 in the series. Man of the match, Shannon Gabriel. 
&nbsp;

International cricket returned with a bang! Test cricket returned with its nerve-wracking sessions and battle between the willow and the red cherry. Before the first Test between England and the West Indies commenced at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, there were whispers how it would pan out.

International cricket returned with a bang! Test cricket returned with its nerve-wracking sessions and battle between the willow and the red cherry. Before the first Test between England and the West Indies commenced at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, there were whispers how it would pan out. Will players be fully up for it, will not playing cricket for 117 days take a toll on the players? And every question was thrown out of the window as both England and West Indies produced cricket of the highest quality upon the return of international cricket. The West Indies led by the ever-dependable Jason Holder clinched a fairly comfortable four-wicket win in Southampton while taking a 1-0 lead in the series. While the word comfortable may sound like a cake-walk, it wasn’t the case at all. The game felt like a pendulum as the dong moved to and fro between the two sides with each passing session. Day 1 started with a game of hide and seek with the rain gods as the world witnessed little action on the first day. After a delayed start, England’s Test skipper for the match, Ben Stokes opted to bat first under overseas condition, on a pitch which certainly had some sort of moisture due to persistent rain in the build-up to the match. The move to bat first raised a few eyebrows. The red ball, on which saliva can’t be used due to the ban imposed by the ICC to curb the spread of coronavirus, was handed over to Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel. But before the first ball of the match was bowled, all the players and staff took a knee in support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Ten balls into the game, Dom Sibley’s stumps were dislodged by a peach by Gabriel. The ball moved a bit but to some extent, it was a rusty judgement by the English opener. Rory Burns and Joe Denly took charge in the middle and saw off a splendid spell of bowling by Roach and Gabriel. However, it was Gabriel again who produced magic to send the ball through the gates of Denly, reminding the Englishman of his IPL debut for KKR. Burns was next to follow and it was Gabriel again who did the damage. Following the initial spell by Gabriel and Roach, it was time for ‘Captain West Indies’ to stand up and produce what he has been doing for the last few years. Even though Holder is not someone who would terrorise batsmen with his pace, he showed what damage testing line and length can do. Holder made the ball talk and there were three edges straight to the keeper Shane Dowrich as Ben Stokes (43), Ollie Pope (12) and Jos Buttler (35) were sent packing by the number one all-rounder in Test cricket. Dom Bess kept the scoreboard ticking with a handy 31 not-out but the Holder and Gabriel were too hot to handle for the English lower-order as the hosts were bundled out for 204. Holder with six, Gabriel with four, shared all the wickets among themselves. For the West Indies, openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell saw off the initial spell by James Anderson and Jofra Archer before taking the field on a bright sunny day on Day 3. A superb 65 by Brathwaite laid the platform for the visitors despite Campbell (28) and Shai Hope (16) departing without scoring much. Shamarh Brooks (39) showed glimpses of his highly-rated talent but it was Roston Chase’s 47 off 142 which built the road for the West Indies win. Dowrich with his gritty 61 threw some confidence and a lead of over 100 runs. It was a lacklustre performance by the English bowlers in the first innings. While Jimmy Anderson looked like a lone warrior, swinging the ball away or even bringing it back with a break of the wrist, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood with speeds of over 90 mph looked like a mere shadow of themselves. Their barrage of bouncers was firmly dealt by before Stokes took it upon himself to do the damage. The end result? Four wickets for the number two ranked Test all-rounder in the world. Credit to Dom Bess, who toiled hard in his 19 overs to pick up two crucial wickets of Hope and Blackwood. The West Indies ended up posting 318 runs on the board. With the sun out and a relatively drier and flatter track, Rory Burns and Dom Sibley stitched a 72-run opening stand before the former was sent packing Roston Chase, visitors’ only spin option. Sibley went on to score a half-century before falling prey to Gabriel. Joe Denly and Zak Crawley tried putting a partnership but the former was again subjected to a soft dismissal, falling for his own mishaps, again and again. Stokes came up with a counter-attacking mood and scored a quick-fire 46 off 79 but Alzarri Joseph, after going wicket-less in the first innings, found the bullseye by dismissing Stokes and Crawley. Gabriel came back to life again and wreaked havoc while sending the lower and lower-middle order back to pavilion. Another impressive performance by the veteran and a fifer to his name. England were bundled out for 313 as the West Indies were given a target of 200 runs. There was scrutiny towards Jofra Archer for being lazy in the first innings and many could sense he would come alive in the second innings, and that is what exactly happened. John Campbell was retired-hurt and Brathwaite was walking back to the hut in no time after the West Indies started their chase. Mark Wood too clocked up his intensity and got rid of Shai Hope as the visitors saw them reeling at 27-3. Brooks again fall victim to Archer’s class and bagged a five-ball duck. As England bowlers dominated the first 15 overs, everyone started to come at the edge of their seats anticipating a West Indies collapse. However, Chase and Blackwood had other plans. While Chase scored a gritty 37, Blackwood was the man of the hour for the West Indies as he scored 95. Dowrich chipped in with 20. Campbell came back to bat again and stitched winning partnership with skipper Holder to hand the West Indies an all-important win. A forgettable start for Stokes as a captain. And for Holder, he continues to cement his own legacy in the history books. The first Test post-pandemic goes to the West Indies as visitors take a 1-0 in the series. Man of the match, Shannon Gabriel.

England vs West Indies 1st Test: Blackwood, Gabriel steal show as visitors take 1-0 lead in series

Tottenham Hotspur defender Serge Aurier's younger brother Christopher Aurier&nbsp;was killed in a shooting in Toulouse, France on Monday, as per reports in what comes as a huge shock for the footballing world. As per reports, the gunman fled from the scene and investigation has started on the horrific incident that took place in the early hours of Monday morning.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old was injured in the abdomen when emergency services arrived on the scene at 5:00 am local time but succumbed to the injuries in hospital, the fire service said as per AFP.

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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/factbox-manchester-citys-european-ban-overturned-by-cas-312972" hreflang="en">Factbox - Manchester City's European ban overturned by CAS</a>

The victim of the shooting incident, Christopher plays football in French fifth-division team Toulouse Rodeo while his brother is a renowned superstar who plays for Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. Serge Aurier earlier used to play for Paris Saint-Germain before switching for the North London club.

Christopher came through the ranks at Lens like his elder brother Serge, an Ivorian international and former PSG full-back, but failed to break through at the highest level.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-win-appeal-at-cas-as-champions-league-ban-is-lifted-312955" hreflang="en">Manchester City win appeal at CAS as Champions League ban is lifted</a>

It is unclear whether Serge will travel to Toulouse or whether he will participate in the remaining Premier League matches for Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Serge Aurier's younger brother Christopher Aurier was killed in a shooting in Toulouse, France on Monday, as per reports in what comes as a huge shock for the footballing world.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Serge Aurier's younger brother Christopher Aurier was killed in a shooting in Toulouse, France on Monday, as per reports in what comes as a huge shock for the footballing world. As per reports, the gunman fled from the scene and investigation has started on the horrific incident that took place in the early hours of Monday morning. The 26-year-old was injured in the abdomen when emergency services arrived on the scene at 5:00 am local time but succumbed to the injuries in hospital, the fire service said as per AFP. We are with you, @Serge_Aurier 💙 pic.twitter.com/jI0vHHqfy5 — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 13, 2020 × ALSO READ: Factbox - Manchester City's European ban overturned by CAS The victim of the shooting incident, Christopher plays football in French fifth-division team Toulouse Rodeo while his brother is a renowned superstar who plays for Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. Serge Aurier earlier used to play for Paris Saint-Germain before switching for the North London club. Christopher came through the ranks at Lens like his elder brother Serge, an Ivorian international and former PSG full-back, but failed to break through at the highest level. ALSO READ: Manchester City win appeal at CAS as Champions League ban is lifted It is unclear whether Serge will travel to Toulouse or whether he will participate in the remaining Premier League matches for Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Serge Aurier's brother shot dead in Toulouse

Manchester City on Monday won their appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in their case against UEFA relating to a two-year ban on participating in the UEFA Champions League. Man City are set to play in the Champions League next season.

Earlier, Man City were handed a two-year ban from participating in European competitions as the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) found the Blues guilty of contravening UEFA's Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play (FFP) Regulations. The club had filed an appeal at the CAS and the verdict came out on Monday. UEFA had also ordered Man City to pay a fine of 30 million euros beside their two-year ban.&nbsp;

Manchester City, from day one, had pleaded guilty in the case which started from hacked e-mails obtained by Football Leaks and published by Der Spiegel. UEFA had started their investigation based on the allegations by 'certain publications' and found the club guilty.&nbsp;

However, the club will breathe a sigh of relief as they are now free to participate in the Europe's elite competition. However, Man City will have to pay a fine of 10 million euros&nbsp;for&nbsp;contravening&nbsp;Article 56 of the Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations.

Statement from the Man City: "Whilst Manchester City and its legal advisors are yet to review the full ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the Club welcomes the implications of today’s ruling as a validation of the Club’s position and the body of evidence that it was able to present. The Club wishes to thank the panel members for their diligence and the due process that they administered."

Statement from UEFA:&nbsp;"UEFA takes note of decision to reduce sanction imposed on Man City. Notes panel found that there was insufficient conclusive evidence to uphold all of CFCB’s conclusions in this specific case + many of alleged breaches were time-barred due to the 5 year time period.

"Over the last few years, Financial Fair Play has played a significant role in protecting clubs and helping them become financially sustainable and UEFA and ECA remain committed to its principles."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-west-indies-1st-test-blackwood-gabriel-steal-show-as-visitors-take-1-0-lead-in-series-312816" hreflang="en">England vs West Indies 1st Test: Blackwood, Gabriel steal show as visitors take 1-0 lead in series</a>

<h2>Full statement from CAS on Man City vs UEFA:</h2>

"The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its decision in the arbitration procedure between Manchester City Football Club and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

"The case concerns an appeal filed by Manchester City FC (MCFC) against the decision of the Adjudicatory Chamber of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) dated 14 February 2020 in which it was deemed to have contravened UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations and sanctioned with exclusion from participation in UEFA club competitions in the next two seasons and ordered to pay a fine of EUR 30 million.

"The Panel of arbitrators in charge of the matter, composed of Mr Rui Botica Santos (Portugal), President, Prof. Ulrich Haas (Germany) and Mr Andrew McDougall QC (France), conducted a hearing with the parties, their legal representatives, witnesses and experts on 8, 9 and 10 June 2020.

"Following the hearing, the CAS Panel deliberated and concluded that the decision issued on 
14 February 2020 by the Adjudicatory Chamber of the CFCB should be set aside and replaced by the 
following:

a.) MCFC has contravened Article 56 of the Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations. 
b.) MCFC shall pay a fine of EUR 10,000,000 to the UEFA, within 30 days as from the date of 
issuance of the arbitral award.

"The CAS award emphasized that most of the alleged breaches reported by the Adjudicatory Chamber of the CFCB were either not established or time-barred. As the charges with respect to any dishonest concealment of equity funding were clearly more significant violations than obstructing the CFCB’s investigations, it was not appropriate to impose a ban on participating in UEFA’s club competitions for MCFC’s failure to cooperate with the CFCB’s investigations alone.

"However, considering i) the financial resources of MCFC; ii) the importance of the cooperation of clubs in investigations conducted by the CFCB, because of its limited investigative means; and iii) MCFC’s disregard of such principle and its obstruction of the investigations, the CAS Panel found that a significant fine should be imposed on MCFC and considered it appropriate to reduce UEFA’s initial fine by 2/3, i.e. to the amount of EUR 10 million.

"The final award with reasons will be published on the CAS website in a few days."

Manchester City on Monday won their appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in their case against UEFA relating to a two-year ban on participating in the UEFA Champions League.

Manchester City on Monday won their appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in their case against UEFA relating to a two-year ban on participating in the UEFA Champions League. Man City are set to play in the Champions League next season. Earlier, Man City were handed a two-year ban from participating in European competitions as the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) found the Blues guilty of contravening UEFA's Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play (FFP) Regulations. The club had filed an appeal at the CAS and the verdict came out on Monday. UEFA had also ordered Man City to pay a fine of 30 million euros beside their two-year ban. Manchester City, from day one, had pleaded guilty in the case which started from hacked e-mails obtained by Football Leaks and published by Der Spiegel. UEFA had started their investigation based on the allegations by 'certain publications' and found the club guilty. However, the club will breathe a sigh of relief as they are now free to participate in the Europe's elite competition. However, Man City will have to pay a fine of 10 million euros for contravening Article 56 of the Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations. Statement from the Man City: "Whilst Manchester City and its legal advisors are yet to review the full ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the Club welcomes the implications of today’s ruling as a validation of the Club’s position and the body of evidence that it was able to present. The Club wishes to thank the panel members for their diligence and the due process that they administered." Statement from UEFA: "UEFA takes note of decision to reduce sanction imposed on Man City. Notes panel found that there was insufficient conclusive evidence to uphold all of CFCB’s conclusions in this specific case + many of alleged breaches were time-barred due to the 5 year time period. "Over the last few years, Financial Fair Play has played a significant role in protecting clubs and helping them become financially sustainable and UEFA and ECA remain committed to its principles." ALSO READ: England vs West Indies 1st Test: Blackwood, Gabriel steal show as visitors take 1-0 lead in series Full statement from CAS on Man City vs UEFA: "The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its decision in the arbitration procedure between Manchester City Football Club and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). "The case concerns an appeal filed by Manchester City FC (MCFC) against the decision of the Adjudicatory Chamber of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) dated 14 February 2020 in which it was deemed to have contravened UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations and sanctioned with exclusion from participation in UEFA club competitions in the next two seasons and ordered to pay a fine of EUR 30 million. "The Panel of arbitrators in charge of the matter, composed of Mr Rui Botica Santos (Portugal), President, Prof. Ulrich Haas (Germany) and Mr Andrew McDougall QC (France), conducted a hearing with the parties, their legal representatives, witnesses and experts on 8, 9 and 10 June 2020. "Following the hearing, the CAS Panel deliberated and concluded that the decision issued on 14 February 2020 by the Adjudicatory Chamber of the CFCB should be set aside and replaced by the following: a.) MCFC has contravened Article 56 of the Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations. b.) MCFC shall pay a fine of EUR 10,000,000 to the UEFA, within 30 days as from the date of issuance of the arbitral award. "The CAS award emphasized that most of the alleged breaches reported by the Adjudicatory Chamber of the CFCB were either not established or time-barred. As the charges with respect to any dishonest concealment of equity funding were clearly more significant violations than obstructing the CFCB’s investigations, it was not appropriate to impose a ban on participating in UEFA’s club competitions for MCFC’s failure to cooperate with the CFCB’s investigations alone. "However, considering i) the financial resources of MCFC; ii) the importance of the cooperation of clubs in investigations conducted by the CFCB, because of its limited investigative means; and iii) MCFC’s disregard of such principle and its obstruction of the investigations, the CAS Panel found that a significant fine should be imposed on MCFC and considered it appropriate to reduce UEFA’s initial fine by 2/3, i.e. to the amount of EUR 10 million. "The final award with reasons will be published on the CAS website in a few days."

Manchester City win appeal at CAS as Champions League ban is lifted

Factbox on Premier League club Manchester City’s two-year UEFA ban from European soccer which was was overturned by the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) on Monday.

* In February, Manchester City were banned from European competition for the next two seasons and fined 30 million euros ($33.95 million) by European Soccer’s governing body UEFA after an investigation into alleged breaches of its Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

* FFP rules, introduced in 2011, are designed to prevent clubs receiving unlimited funds through inflated sponsorship deals with organisations related to owners.

Clubs that breach rules can be barred from European competition but negotiated settlements are more common.

* UEFA opened an investigation into City in March 2019 after the publication of ‘Football Leaks’ documents led to allegations that the club’s Abu Dhabi owners inflated sponsorship agreements to comply with the FFP requirements.

* The leaked documents included club emails which referred to money being “routed” through sponsors. Reuters was unable to verify if such payments were made.

* As well as questioning the nature of the documents, City were unhappy at the way in which UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) conducted the investigation.

* The CFCB said when City were banned that the club broke rules by “overstating sponsorship revenue in its accounts and in the break-even information submitted to UEFA between 2012 and 2016”.

It added the club had “failed to cooperate in the investigation”.

* City denied any wrongdoing, adding they had not received a fair hearing and appealed to sport’s highest court.

* CAS said on Monday after overturning the ban that City would be fined 10 million euros for failing to cooperate with UEFA.

($1 = 0.8835 euros)

Factbox on Premier League club Manchester City’s two-year UEFA ban from European soccer which was was overturned by the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) on Monday.

Factbox on Premier League club Manchester City’s two-year UEFA ban from European soccer which was was overturned by the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) on Monday. * In February, Manchester City were banned from European competition for the next two seasons and fined 30 million euros ($33.95 million) by European Soccer’s governing body UEFA after an investigation into alleged breaches of its Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. * FFP rules, introduced in 2011, are designed to prevent clubs receiving unlimited funds through inflated sponsorship deals with organisations related to owners. Clubs that breach rules can be barred from European competition but negotiated settlements are more common. * UEFA opened an investigation into City in March 2019 after the publication of ‘Football Leaks’ documents led to allegations that the club’s Abu Dhabi owners inflated sponsorship agreements to comply with the FFP requirements. * The leaked documents included club emails which referred to money being “routed” through sponsors. Reuters was unable to verify if such payments were made. * As well as questioning the nature of the documents, City were unhappy at the way in which UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) conducted the investigation. * The CFCB said when City were banned that the club broke rules by “overstating sponsorship revenue in its accounts and in the break-even information submitted to UEFA between 2012 and 2016”. It added the club had “failed to cooperate in the investigation”. * City denied any wrongdoing, adding they had not received a fair hearing and appealed to sport’s highest court. * CAS said on Monday after overturning the ban that City would be fined 10 million euros for failing to cooperate with UEFA. ($1 = 0.8835 euros)

Factbox - Manchester City's European ban overturned by CAS

International cricket returned from lockdown in style as the West Indies beat England by four wickets in the first Test at Southampton.

AFP Sport looks at five key points from a match that took place against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

<h2>Holder heroics</h2>

West Indies captain Jason Holder led from the front by taking a Test-best 6-42 in England's lowly first-innings 204 and the world's top-ranked all-rounder twice dismissed home counterpart Ben Stokes in this match as well.

He also showed plenty of tactical skill in the way he deployed his bowlers and had Stokes caught by the finer of two gully fielders he had cleverly deployed for the England talisman to spark a collapse that saw the hosts lose five wickets for 30 runs on Saturday.

<h2>Buttler's bad service</h2>

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler's run of low scores in Test cricket continued with innings of 35 and nine at Southampton.

He was recalled to the Test side in one of Ed Smith's first acts as national selector in the hope he could transfer his one-day batting form into the five-day game.

But Buttler is now averaging a mediocre 21.38 from his last 11 Tests and the World Cup-winner also dropped Jermaine Blackwood on 20 before the West Indies batsman made a match-clinching 95 on Sunday.

England have Ben Foakes in their squad, with the Surrey wicketkeeper -- arguably a better gloveman than Buttler -- boasting a Test batting average of 41.30.&nbsp;

Foakes has also made one Test hundred in five matches compared to Buttler's one in 42.

<h2>Denly debate</h2>

The 33-year-old is in the England side as a specialist batsman but his dismissal for 29 on the fourth day means he has gone eight Test innings without reaching 40.

One of either Denly or Zak Crawley, who made 76 on Saturday, is set to make way when captain Joe Root returns for the second Test.

And it increasingly looks like Denly will be dropped with his innings on Saturday, which ended when he tamely chipped off-spinner Roston Chase to short midwicket, another example of an infuriating habit of throwing his wicket away after a sound start.&nbsp;

<h2>No crowds but plenty of passion</h2>

Spectators are barred from this three-match series as a health measure to combat COVID-19.

That had raised fears players might not be able to replicate their usual levels of intensity &nbsp;but there was no lack of effort or skill, even though England stand-in skipper Ben Stokes admitted the atmosphere was "strange". &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Umpires need to get their eye in</h2>

This was an awkward match for English officials Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough after the International Cricket Council relaxed rules on home umpires standing in Tests because of virus restrictions.

At one stage the pair saw five successive decisions overturned on review in favour of the West Indies.

The ICC have given teams an additional review each innings of this series to compensate for the lack of neutral officials and this Test was a reminder that umpires, just as much as players, need match time before entering the international arena.

International cricket returned from lockdown in style as the West Indies beat England by four wickets in the first Test at Southampton. AFP Sport looks at five key points from a match that took place against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

International cricket returned from lockdown in style as the West Indies beat England by four wickets in the first Test at Southampton. AFP Sport looks at five key points from a match that took place against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic. Holder heroics West Indies captain Jason Holder led from the front by taking a Test-best 6-42 in England's lowly first-innings 204 and the world's top-ranked all-rounder twice dismissed home counterpart Ben Stokes in this match as well. He also showed plenty of tactical skill in the way he deployed his bowlers and had Stokes caught by the finer of two gully fielders he had cleverly deployed for the England talisman to spark a collapse that saw the hosts lose five wickets for 30 runs on Saturday. Buttler's bad service England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler's run of low scores in Test cricket continued with innings of 35 and nine at Southampton. He was recalled to the Test side in one of Ed Smith's first acts as national selector in the hope he could transfer his one-day batting form into the five-day game. But Buttler is now averaging a mediocre 21.38 from his last 11 Tests and the World Cup-winner also dropped Jermaine Blackwood on 20 before the West Indies batsman made a match-clinching 95 on Sunday. England have Ben Foakes in their squad, with the Surrey wicketkeeper -- arguably a better gloveman than Buttler -- boasting a Test batting average of 41.30. Foakes has also made one Test hundred in five matches compared to Buttler's one in 42. Denly debate The 33-year-old is in the England side as a specialist batsman but his dismissal for 29 on the fourth day means he has gone eight Test innings without reaching 40. One of either Denly or Zak Crawley, who made 76 on Saturday, is set to make way when captain Joe Root returns for the second Test. And it increasingly looks like Denly will be dropped with his innings on Saturday, which ended when he tamely chipped off-spinner Roston Chase to short midwicket, another example of an infuriating habit of throwing his wicket away after a sound start. No crowds but plenty of passion Spectators are barred from this three-match series as a health measure to combat COVID-19. That had raised fears players might not be able to replicate their usual levels of intensity but there was no lack of effort or skill, even though England stand-in skipper Ben Stokes admitted the atmosphere was "strange". Umpires need to get their eye in This was an awkward match for English officials Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough after the International Cricket Council relaxed rules on home umpires standing in Tests because of virus restrictions. At one stage the pair saw five successive decisions overturned on review in favour of the West Indies. The ICC have given teams an additional review each innings of this series to compensate for the lack of neutral officials and this Test was a reminder that umpires, just as much as players, need match time before entering the international arena.

England vs West Indies: Five things we learned from the first Test

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar has renewed demands for cricket rules to give greater weight to TV playbacks over umpires in making LBW decisions.

Tendulkar, a long-standing critic of the decision review system (DRS), returned to the fray after multiple LBW calls in the West Indies' victory over England in the first Test.

If a ball-tracking playback shows that less than 50 percent of a ball would hit the stumps then the umpire has the discretion to reject a leg-before-wicket appeal.

If an umpire rules a batsman not out and the fielding side calls for a review, 50 per cent of the ball must be hitting the stumps for the third umpire to overturn the on-field call.

Tendulkar feels this is unfair and wants the International Cricket Council to rethink the system.

"One thing I don't agree with, with the ICC, is the DRS they've been using for quite some time," Tendulkar said in an online conversation with West Indies legend Brian Lara.

The former India captain said the playback should trump the umpire no matter how much of the ball would hit the wickets.

"The only reason they (the batsman or the bowler) have gone upstairs is because they are unhappy with the on-field decision," said Tendulkar.

"So when the decision goes to the third umpire, let the technology take over; just like in tennis -- it's either in or out, there's nothing in between."

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh backed Tendulkar's position, saying&nbsp;on Twitter it was "1,000 percent correct".

India was the last Test nation to embrace DRS, in 2016. It was rumoured that Tendulkar had led opposition to the technology until his retirement in 2013.

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar has renewed demands for cricket rules to give greater weight to TV playbacks over umpires in making LBW decisions. Tendulkar, a long-standing critic of the decision review system (DRS), returned to the fray after multiple LBW calls in the West Indies' victory over England in the first Test.

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar has renewed demands for cricket rules to give greater weight to TV playbacks over umpires in making LBW decisions. Tendulkar, a long-standing critic of the decision review system (DRS), returned to the fray after multiple LBW calls in the West Indies' victory over England in the first Test. If a ball-tracking playback shows that less than 50 percent of a ball would hit the stumps then the umpire has the discretion to reject a leg-before-wicket appeal. If an umpire rules a batsman not out and the fielding side calls for a review, 50 per cent of the ball must be hitting the stumps for the third umpire to overturn the on-field call. Tendulkar feels this is unfair and wants the International Cricket Council to rethink the system. "One thing I don't agree with, with the ICC, is the DRS they've been using for quite some time," Tendulkar said in an online conversation with West Indies legend Brian Lara. The former India captain said the playback should trump the umpire no matter how much of the ball would hit the wickets. "The only reason they (the batsman or the bowler) have gone upstairs is because they are unhappy with the on-field decision," said Tendulkar. "So when the decision goes to the third umpire, let the technology take over; just like in tennis -- it's either in or out, there's nothing in between." Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh backed Tendulkar's position, saying on Twitter it was "1,000 percent correct". India was the last Test nation to embrace DRS, in 2016. It was rumoured that Tendulkar had led opposition to the technology until his retirement in 2013.

Tendulkar slams loopholes in umpire referral system

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s only Black driver, raised a clenched fist on the podium on Sunday after taking his first victory of the season at Austria’s Red Bull Ring.

The Briton, a six-times world champion who is now six wins short of equalling Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91, has been outspoken in support of anti-racism campaigners and for equal opportunities.

The Mercedes driver had earlier taken a knee on the starting grid with some of the other drivers while wearing a T-shirt with ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the front. The world television feed quickly cut away to a Red Bull stunt parachutist, however.

The race itself was run without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hamilton, 35, also has Black Lives Matter written on his race helmet.

“We stand together and fight,” he said after posting on Instagram a picture of himself making the gesture on the Spielberg podium after collecting the 85th winner’s trophy of his F1 career.

“The team today took the knee which was just amazing to see that together we can learn, be open minded and conscious of what’s going on in the world.”

Hamilton had also clenched a fist while standing on his racing car, this season painted black rather than the usual silver.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s only Black driver, raised a clenched fist on the podium on Sunday after taking his first victory of the season at Austria’s Red Bull Ring.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s only Black driver, raised a clenched fist on the podium on Sunday after taking his first victory of the season at Austria’s Red Bull Ring. The Briton, a six-times world champion who is now six wins short of equalling Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91, has been outspoken in support of anti-racism campaigners and for equal opportunities. The Mercedes driver had earlier taken a knee on the starting grid with some of the other drivers while wearing a T-shirt with ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the front. The world television feed quickly cut away to a Red Bull stunt parachutist, however. The race itself was run without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamilton, 35, also has Black Lives Matter written on his race helmet. “We stand together and fight,” he said after posting on Instagram a picture of himself making the gesture on the Spielberg podium after collecting the 85th winner’s trophy of his F1 career. “The team today took the knee which was just amazing to see that together we can learn, be open minded and conscious of what’s going on in the world.” Hamilton had also clenched a fist while standing on his racing car, this season painted black rather than the usual silver.

Lewis Hamilton raises a fist after his first win of the season

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, often floated as a future Japanese premier, said on Monday the Olympics must go ahead next year as a symbol of world unity in overcoming the novel coronavirus, even as her city grapples with stubborn spikes in cases.

Japan has not seen an explosive coronavirus outbreak as suffered in some other places but a recent increase in cases in Tokyo, which accounts for more than a third of its more than 20,000 total, has fanned worries about a second wave of infections.

The 2020 Olympics were scheduled to start this month but were postponed because of the coronavirus. Koike has pledged to win public support for the Games, although a media survey showed a majority think they should be cancelled or postponed again.

“I want to host them as a symbol of the world coming together to overcome this tough situation and of strengthened bonds among humankind,” Koike told Reuters in an online interview.

She declined to specify a deadline for deciding if the Games could go ahead.

A media-savvy former television announcer who speaks English and Arabic, Koike is to many a paradox: a global thinker with a nationalist tinge; a political outsider who advanced with help from old-boy mentors, and a risk-taker who shied away from the big gamble of running for parliament in 2017 as head of her upstart “Party of Hope”.

The party floundered after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called a snap election.

Instead, Koike stayed on as Tokyo governor and has won plaudits for her straight-talking handling of the COVID-19 outbreak in contrast to what critics called Abe’s clumsy response.

She was re-elected by a landslide last week, reigniting talk she has a shot at becoming Japan’s first woman prime minister.

On Monday, she sought to brush such speculation aside.

“I’m happy that people have hopes for me but I received support for a second term as governor,” she said.

“I want to protect the lives and health of the people of Tokyo by addressing the immediate issue of policies for the coronavirus. That is my greatest mission.”

<h2>POLITICAL MACHINE?</h2>

Tokyo’s jump in COVID-19 cases comes as Abe’s government prepares to launch a campaign to promote domestic tourism, but that has raised concern about spreading the virus outside the capital.

Koike said it was important both to contain the virus and revive the slumping economy.

“At present, a tough situation continues but ... by taking a proper response in Tokyo, I want to advance both the prevention of infections and social and economic activity,” she said.

Tokyo accounts for about 20% of Japan’s economy.

Koike, who clashed with Abe’s administration over the timing of a state of emergency, and over which businesses to target for shutdowns, said she wanted greater clarity on local governments’ authority during the crisis.

A veteran member of parliament before defying Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to make her 2016 bid for governor, Koike also wants to make the metropolis a global financial centre by luring foreign talent.

Still, speculation persists that she could yet aim for Japan’s top job.

She has already broken several glass ceilings: first female governor of Tokyo, Japan’s first female defence minister and the first woman to run for LDP president.

But creating a new political machine to vault her to the top would be tough, political analysts said.

“Does she have what it takes to be prime minister? Absolutely. But she doesn’t have the political machine that can make it happen,” said a source who has advised Koike for years.

A return to the LDP fold would also face obstacles, given that mutual antagonism runs deep.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, often floated as a future Japanese premier, said on Monday the Olympics must go ahead next year as a symbol of world unity in overcoming the novel coronavirus, even as her city grapples with stubborn spikes in cases.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, often floated as a future Japanese premier, said on Monday the Olympics must go ahead next year as a symbol of world unity in overcoming the novel coronavirus, even as her city grapples with stubborn spikes in cases. Japan has not seen an explosive coronavirus outbreak as suffered in some other places but a recent increase in cases in Tokyo, which accounts for more than a third of its more than 20,000 total, has fanned worries about a second wave of infections. The 2020 Olympics were scheduled to start this month but were postponed because of the coronavirus. Koike has pledged to win public support for the Games, although a media survey showed a majority think they should be cancelled or postponed again. “I want to host them as a symbol of the world coming together to overcome this tough situation and of strengthened bonds among humankind,” Koike told Reuters in an online interview. She declined to specify a deadline for deciding if the Games could go ahead. A media-savvy former television announcer who speaks English and Arabic, Koike is to many a paradox: a global thinker with a nationalist tinge; a political outsider who advanced with help from old-boy mentors, and a risk-taker who shied away from the big gamble of running for parliament in 2017 as head of her upstart “Party of Hope”. The party floundered after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called a snap election. Instead, Koike stayed on as Tokyo governor and has won plaudits for her straight-talking handling of the COVID-19 outbreak in contrast to what critics called Abe’s clumsy response. She was re-elected by a landslide last week, reigniting talk she has a shot at becoming Japan’s first woman prime minister. On Monday, she sought to brush such speculation aside. “I’m happy that people have hopes for me but I received support for a second term as governor,” she said. “I want to protect the lives and health of the people of Tokyo by addressing the immediate issue of policies for the coronavirus. That is my greatest mission.” POLITICAL MACHINE? Tokyo’s jump in COVID-19 cases comes as Abe’s government prepares to launch a campaign to promote domestic tourism, but that has raised concern about spreading the virus outside the capital. Koike said it was important both to contain the virus and revive the slumping economy. “At present, a tough situation continues but ... by taking a proper response in Tokyo, I want to advance both the prevention of infections and social and economic activity,” she said. Tokyo accounts for about 20% of Japan’s economy. Koike, who clashed with Abe’s administration over the timing of a state of emergency, and over which businesses to target for shutdowns, said she wanted greater clarity on local governments’ authority during the crisis. A veteran member of parliament before defying Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to make her 2016 bid for governor, Koike also wants to make the metropolis a global financial centre by luring foreign talent. Still, speculation persists that she could yet aim for Japan’s top job. She has already broken several glass ceilings: first female governor of Tokyo, Japan’s first female defence minister and the first woman to run for LDP president. But creating a new political machine to vault her to the top would be tough, political analysts said. “Does she have what it takes to be prime minister? Absolutely. But she doesn’t have the political machine that can make it happen,” said a source who has advised Koike for years. A return to the LDP fold would also face obstacles, given that mutual antagonism runs deep.

Olympics must go ahead next year as symbol of overcoming COVID-19, Tokyo governor says

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Subhayan Chakraborty

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