Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier has been handed a four-match ban while being slapped by a £40,000 fine for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-eric-diers-confrontation-with-fan-during-match-mourinho-defends-it-284377"> confronting a supporter&nbsp;by climbing into the stands after Spurs’ exit to Norwich in FA Cup</a>.

Football Association sanction the ban on the England international on a charge of misconduct for the incident, which took place on March 4, when football was played with fans in the stadium.

Dier, after Spur’s lost the penalty shootout against Norwich, saw his brother being abused by a fan and climbed into the stands to his aid. While there was no physical exchange, the matter was not pursued by the police after a brief investigation. However, the FA decided to punish Dier.

"Eric Dier has been suspended for four matches with immediate effect, fined £40,000 ($50,000) and warned as to his future conduct following a breach of FA Rule E3," it said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-eric-diers-confrontation-with-fan-during-match-mourinho-defends-it-284377">Watch: Eric Dier's confrontation with fan during match, Mourinho defends it</a>

"The Tottenham Hotspur FC player admitted that his actions at the conclusion of a fixture against Norwich City FC in The FA Cup on 4 March 2020 were improper but denied that they were also threatening.

"An independent regulatory commission subsequently found Eric Dier's actions to be threatening."

The ban rules Dier out of all but one of Spur’s remaining <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> matches is set to anger his manager Jose Mourinho, who defended his player. Recently, the Portuguese said that he didn’t expect Dier to receive any punishment after the FA chose not to sanction Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi for grabbing Neal Maupay around the neck.

Dier’s absence is set to be a massive blow for Spurs who are in race to secure European football next season. The England international has been the first choice in central defence since the 2019-20 season restarted in June. 
&nbsp;

<o:p></o:p>

Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier has been handed a four-match ban while being slapped by a £40,000 fine for confronting a supporter by climbing into the stands after Spurs’ exit to Norwich in FA Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier has been handed a four-match ban while being slapped by a £40,000 fine for confronting a supporter by climbing into the stands after Spurs’ exit to Norwich in FA Cup. Football Association sanction the ban on the England international on a charge of misconduct for the incident, which took place on March 4, when football was played with fans in the stadium. Dier, after Spur’s lost the penalty shootout against Norwich, saw his brother being abused by a fan and climbed into the stands to his aid. While there was no physical exchange, the matter was not pursued by the police after a brief investigation. However, the FA decided to punish Dier. "Eric Dier has been suspended for four matches with immediate effect, fined £40,000 ($50,000) and warned as to his future conduct following a breach of FA Rule E3," it said in a statement. Watch: Eric Dier's confrontation with fan during match, Mourinho defends it "The Tottenham Hotspur FC player admitted that his actions at the conclusion of a fixture against Norwich City FC in The FA Cup on 4 March 2020 were improper but denied that they were also threatening. "An independent regulatory commission subsequently found Eric Dier's actions to be threatening." The ban rules Dier out of all but one of Spur’s remaining Premier League matches is set to anger his manager Jose Mourinho, who defended his player. Recently, the Portuguese said that he didn’t expect Dier to receive any punishment after the FA chose not to sanction Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi for grabbing Neal Maupay around the neck. Dier’s absence is set to be a massive blow for Spurs who are in race to secure European football next season. The England international has been the first choice in central defence since the 2019-20 season restarted in June.

Tottenham Hotspur's Eric Dier handed four-game ban over fan confrontation

India's squash star Joshna Chinappa has broken back into the top-10 of the PSA world rankings following the shock retirement of Egyptian world number one Raneem El Welily.

Joshna, who has not played since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, moved up a spot to be in 10th position. 
The 33-year-old had entered the top-10 for the first time in 2016. Dipika Pallikal is the other Indian female player who has achieved the feat.

Egypt's Nouran Gohar is the new world number one following Raneem's retirement. Raneem had held the top spot for 19 months before announcing a sudden retirement last month.

India's top male player Saurav Ghosal remains 13th in the latest rankings. The PSA tour is suspended until at least mid August due to the coronavirus outbreak.

India's squash star Joshna Chinappa has broken back into the top-10 of the PSA world rankings following the shock retirement of Egyptian world number one Raneem El Welily.

India's squash star Joshna Chinappa has broken back into the top-10 of the PSA world rankings following the shock retirement of Egyptian world number one Raneem El Welily. Joshna, who has not played since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, moved up a spot to be in 10th position. The 33-year-old had entered the top-10 for the first time in 2016. Dipika Pallikal is the other Indian female player who has achieved the feat. Egypt's Nouran Gohar is the new world number one following Raneem's retirement. Raneem had held the top spot for 19 months before announcing a sudden retirement last month. India's top male player Saurav Ghosal remains 13th in the latest rankings. The PSA tour is suspended until at least mid August due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Joshna breaks back into the world's top-10 following Raneem's retirement

The 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN reported Tuesday, saying an official announcement is expected Wednesday.

Citing a source not authorized to speak publicly, ESPN said the biennial match play showdown between the United States and Europe, scheduled for September 25-27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, will be delayed until a similar date in 2021.

"There will not be a Ryder Cup this year," the source told the US sports news outlet.&nbsp;

"The Ryder Cup will go to 2021, the Presidents Cup to 2022 and then they will alternate from there."

The PGA of America and European Tour are expected to release the information officially on Wednesday.

The news comes as no surprise in a sports year turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

British newspapers the Telegraph and the Guardian reported weeks ago that the Ryder Cup would be postponed, although the PGA of America has declined to comment so far.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Spectators 'essential' -</h2>

&nbsp;

Passionate fan involvement -- in a sport more known for a sedate atmosphere -- has long been a hallmark of the Ryder Cup.

With COVID-19 cases still soaring in the United States, it seems unlikely fans would be admitted to the event on its regularly scheduled dates.

Even if a limited number were allowed, travel restrictions could still be a factor for fans wanting to come from Europe.

World number one Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and fellow four-time major champion Brooks Koepka of the United States have both said they would not want to see the matches played without spectators, whose cheers and songs create much of the atmosphere that makes the team event unique.

US captain Steve Stricker and Europe captain Padraig Harrington of Ireland have agreed they don't want to see a Ryder Cup without spectators.

"I think the majority of players would like to see it pushed back until 2021 so that they can play in front of the atmosphere they want to play," McIlroy told BBC Northern Ireland back in May, when England's Lee Westwood said spectators were "essential" to the event.

Golf, like virtually all professional sports, shut down in March amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The US PGA Tour has resumed play but has yet to admit spectators to tournaments.

The European Tour won't resume until July 22, with COVID-19 testing and social distancing in place and without spectators on the course.

But the Ryder Cup isn't the only big COVID casualty on the golf calendar.&nbsp;

The British Open, scheduled for July at Royal St. George's Golf Club in Kent, was cancelled.

The Masters was pushed from April to November, the PGA Championship switched from May to August and the US Open moved from June to September.

The rescheduling of the Ryder Cup for 2021 will impact the Presidents Cup, the biennial match play contest between the United States and an International team from non-European countries.

ESPN reported that the Presidents Cup -- scheduled for September 30-October 3 at Quail Hollow in North Carolina -- will now be held in 2022.

The 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN reported Tuesday, saying an official announcement is expected Wednesday.

The 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN reported Tuesday, saying an official announcement is expected Wednesday. Citing a source not authorized to speak publicly, ESPN said the biennial match play showdown between the United States and Europe, scheduled for September 25-27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, will be delayed until a similar date in 2021. "There will not be a Ryder Cup this year," the source told the US sports news outlet. "The Ryder Cup will go to 2021, the Presidents Cup to 2022 and then they will alternate from there." The PGA of America and European Tour are expected to release the information officially on Wednesday. The news comes as no surprise in a sports year turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic. British newspapers the Telegraph and the Guardian reported weeks ago that the Ryder Cup would be postponed, although the PGA of America has declined to comment so far. - Spectators 'essential' - Passionate fan involvement -- in a sport more known for a sedate atmosphere -- has long been a hallmark of the Ryder Cup. With COVID-19 cases still soaring in the United States, it seems unlikely fans would be admitted to the event on its regularly scheduled dates. Even if a limited number were allowed, travel restrictions could still be a factor for fans wanting to come from Europe. World number one Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and fellow four-time major champion Brooks Koepka of the United States have both said they would not want to see the matches played without spectators, whose cheers and songs create much of the atmosphere that makes the team event unique. US captain Steve Stricker and Europe captain Padraig Harrington of Ireland have agreed they don't want to see a Ryder Cup without spectators. "I think the majority of players would like to see it pushed back until 2021 so that they can play in front of the atmosphere they want to play," McIlroy told BBC Northern Ireland back in May, when England's Lee Westwood said spectators were "essential" to the event. Golf, like virtually all professional sports, shut down in March amid the coronavirus pandemic. The US PGA Tour has resumed play but has yet to admit spectators to tournaments. The European Tour won't resume until July 22, with COVID-19 testing and social distancing in place and without spectators on the course. But the Ryder Cup isn't the only big COVID casualty on the golf calendar. The British Open, scheduled for July at Royal St. George's Golf Club in Kent, was cancelled. The Masters was pushed from April to November, the PGA Championship switched from May to August and the US Open moved from June to September. The rescheduling of the Ryder Cup for 2021 will impact the Presidents Cup, the biennial match play contest between the United States and an International team from non-European countries. ESPN reported that the Presidents Cup -- scheduled for September 30-October 3 at Quail Hollow in North Carolina -- will now be held in 2022.

Golf's Ryder Cup to be postponed: report

Rain delayed the start on Wednesday of the first Test between England and the West Indies at Southampton, the first international match since March.

The eagerly anticipated fixture marks the sport's global return from months of coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

But as the players warmed up on the outfield under grey skies, there was sufficient rain for the Ageas Bowl pitch to remain fully covered and prevent the toss taking place at 0930 GMT as scheduled.

No spectators will be allowed to attend the three-Test series, which concludes with two matches at Old Trafford.

Players and officials are staying at on-site hotels to stop the spread of COVID-19, with bowlers unable to use saliva to shine the ball as a health measure.

LIVE |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-west-indies-1st-test-day-1-live-updates-toss-delayed-due-to-gloomy-weather-311592" hreflang="en">England vs West Indies 1st Test, Day 1 Live Updates: Toss delayed due to gloomy weather</a>

International travel restrictions mean that, for the first time since 2002, both on-field umpires came from one of the competing teams, with English officials Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth in the middle.

Match referee Chris Broad could find himself presiding over a match involving his son Stuart if the England paceman is selected in the hosts' final XI.

But any disciplinary issues are set to be referred to a remote referee.

Ben Stokes will captain England for the first time, with regular skipper Joe Root missing the match because of the birth of his second child.

West Indies have not won a Test series in England since 1988 but they hold the Wisden Trophy after a 2-1 series win in the Caribbean last year.

Jason Holder's side have gone ahead with the tour even though Britain has the highest virus toll in Europe, with more than 44,000 deaths.

Rain delayed the start on Wednesday of the first Test between England and the West Indies at Southampton, the first international match since March. The eagerly anticipated fixture marks the sport's global return from months of coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

Rain delayed the start on Wednesday of the first Test between England and the West Indies at Southampton, the first international match since March. The eagerly anticipated fixture marks the sport's global return from months of coronavirus-enforced lockdown. But as the players warmed up on the outfield under grey skies, there was sufficient rain for the Ageas Bowl pitch to remain fully covered and prevent the toss taking place at 0930 GMT as scheduled. No spectators will be allowed to attend the three-Test series, which concludes with two matches at Old Trafford. Players and officials are staying at on-site hotels to stop the spread of COVID-19, with bowlers unable to use saliva to shine the ball as a health measure. LIVE | England vs West Indies 1st Test, Day 1 Live Updates: Toss delayed due to gloomy weather International travel restrictions mean that, for the first time since 2002, both on-field umpires came from one of the competing teams, with English officials Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth in the middle. Match referee Chris Broad could find himself presiding over a match involving his son Stuart if the England paceman is selected in the hosts' final XI. But any disciplinary issues are set to be referred to a remote referee. Ben Stokes will captain England for the first time, with regular skipper Joe Root missing the match because of the birth of his second child. West Indies have not won a Test series in England since 1988 but they hold the Wisden Trophy after a 2-1 series win in the Caribbean last year. Jason Holder's side have gone ahead with the tour even though Britain has the highest virus toll in Europe, with more than 44,000 deaths.

Rain delays international cricket's return in England-West Indies Test

Key worker heroes from across the cricket family were on Wednesday honoured by having their names displayed on the training shirts of the England Men’s Test team ahead of the start of the first #raisethebat Test against the West Indies.

The three-Test series, taking place behind closed doors, is honouring and celebrating the heroes who have been going above and beyond to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the England Men’s players and coaches took to the pitch at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, wearing the names of key workers on their training shirts before the start of the match. The people named on the shirts were all nominated by their local cricket clubs and include teachers, doctors, nurses, carers and other vital professions.

Each key worker will now receive the shirt bearing their name, signed by the player who wore it, to thank them for the work they’ve been doing. Their names and photos will also be highlighted in broadcast partners’ Sky and BBC’s coverage and displayed across the ground on the big screens and LED banners.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-west-indies-1st-test-day-1-live-updates-stokes-and-holder-face-off-as-international-cricket-returns-311592" hreflang="en">England vs West Indies 1st Test, Day 1 Live Updates: Stokes and Holder face-off as international cricket returns</a>

Ben Stokes, who is captaining England in the first Test while Joe Root is away for the birth of his second child, took to the pitch wearing the name of Durham-local Dr Vikas Kumar, a specialist in anaesthetics and critical care at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Through the pandemic, Dr Kumar, a keen cricketer who plays at Cowgate Cricket Club in Newcastle and the Gilli Boys Amateur Club in Darlington, has been working on the frontline while also being there for his family at home.

Ben Stokes said:&nbsp;“We’re only able to play this Test match because of the amazing job that key workers up and down the country have done to help us through this pandemic. Wearing their names is a real honour for us, and is a small sign of our appreciation for the incredible work they have done. They have truly gone in to bat for us all, and it makes me proud of how the whole cricket family has responded to help us get through these unprecedented times.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-wi-1st-test-weather-updates-and-forecast-for-day-1-in-southampton-311576" hreflang="en">ENG vs WI 1st Test: Weather updates and forecast for Day 1 in Southampton</a>

Dr Vikas Kumar, whose name featured on Ben Stokes’s shirt, said:&nbsp;“The past four months have been very difficult, but it was a wonderful surprise to find out that Ben Stokes of all people is wearing my name on his training shirt. So many of my colleagues at work and at the cricket club have been working so hard and made big sacrifices, so this is for them as well.”

The other key workers being celebrated today include:

<ul data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Dr Samara Afzal, a GP in Birmingham, who shared the moment with Chris Woakes, also a West-Midlands local. Dr Afzal is a chief medical adviser to the National Asian Cricket Council and last year supported a successful pilot which used cricket as a way to get her female patients from the South Asian community more action.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Sussex-based paramedic Joe Wheatley is one of those honoured, with Sussex player Jofra Archer wearing the Barcombe Cricket Club member’s name on his training shirt. Joe offers fantastic support to those he treats and their families, often being a patient’s first contact with medical staff during an emergency. When he’s not driving an ambulance, he’s manning the heavy roller as Barcombe’s groundsman and has kept the pitches maintained throughout the postponement of recreational cricket.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Chris Tall is a pillar of his local cricket club, Newark Ransome &amp; Marles Cricket Club, where he volunteers as groundsman, coach and on the committee. He had to step away from his club as the pandemic developed, however, to focus his attention on caring for the residents in the care home at which he works. His efforts and sacrifices at such a crucial time led to his teammates nominating him. This morning he featured on the shirt of Stuart Broad who plays for Chris’s home county of Nottinghamshire.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Pace bowler Mark Wood will recognise local hero Susan Bainbridge on his training shirt. Susan is a volunteer at the North East Ambulance Service but in her spare time runs Zumba classes for older people throughout Teesdale. During the pandemic, the Middleton-in-Teesdale cricketer has taken her exercise classes online through Zoom to ensure the community can keep active.</li>
</ul>

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said:&nbsp;“Along with fans up and down the country, we are very excited that our England Men’s players are back on the cricket field today. However, we will never forget those we’ve lost and the sacrifices made by so many people during this pandemic. Key workers and volunteers across the country have often put their own lives on the line to keep us safe, and it’s right that today we say a small thank you to some of those from the cricket family who have done us so proud.”

<h2 data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">English players wearing the name of key workers:</h2>

Ben Foakes – Emily Blakemore, Nurse

Ollie Robinson – Dr Nasir Ali, Emergency Medicine Consultant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Jofra Archer – Joe Wheatley, Paramedic

Jack Leach – Ollie Clarke, NHS volunteer

Olly Stone – Holly Buxton, Organiser of the COVID-19 Community Workforce for the elderly

Dominic Bess – Wendy Morris, Nurse

Mark Wood – Susan Bainbridge, NEAS Ambulance Volunteer

Stuart Broad – Chris Tall , Care Home Worker

James Anderson – Tom Field, Nurse Practitioner

Dan Lawrence – Richard Freeman, Police Officer

Joe Denly – Anna Tunnicliff, A&amp;E Sister

Zak Crawley – Debi Armstrong, Specialist Nurse

Craig Overton – Dale Hardy, Head Teacher at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy

James Bracey – Harikrishna Shah, Clinic Coordinator

Chris Woakes – Dr Samara Afzal – Doctor

Ben Stokes – Dr Vikas Kumar, Specialist in Anaesthetics and Critical Care

Saqib Mahmood – Kishan Aghada, Physiotherapist

Sam Curran – Victor Hinds, Hospital Distribution Officer

Ollie Pope – Yahya Hafejee, Support Leader at Department for Work and Pensions

Rory Burns – Sharmyn Kennedy, Teacher

Jos Buttler – Dr Jamasp Kaikhusroo Dastur, Surgeon

Dom Sibley – Mohammed Banaris, Operations Manager for G4S and ran COVID-19 testing centre

Chris Silverwood – Matthew Rammell, Respiratory Physiotherapist

Graham Thorpe – Dr Chris Boyson, Doctor

Phil Scott – Chantel Jacklin, Healthcare Assistant&nbsp;

Key worker heroes from across the cricket family were on Wednesday honoured by having their names displayed on the training shirts of the England Men’s Test team ahead of the start of the first #raisethebat Test against the West Indies.

Key worker heroes from across the cricket family were on Wednesday honoured by having their names displayed on the training shirts of the England Men’s Test team ahead of the start of the first #raisethebat Test against the West Indies. The three-Test series, taking place behind closed doors, is honouring and celebrating the heroes who have been going above and beyond to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the England Men’s players and coaches took to the pitch at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, wearing the names of key workers on their training shirts before the start of the match. The people named on the shirts were all nominated by their local cricket clubs and include teachers, doctors, nurses, carers and other vital professions. Each key worker will now receive the shirt bearing their name, signed by the player who wore it, to thank them for the work they’ve been doing. Their names and photos will also be highlighted in broadcast partners’ Sky and BBC’s coverage and displayed across the ground on the big screens and LED banners. ALSO READ: England vs West Indies 1st Test, Day 1 Live Updates: Stokes and Holder face-off as international cricket returns Ben Stokes, who is captaining England in the first Test while Joe Root is away for the birth of his second child, took to the pitch wearing the name of Durham-local Dr Vikas Kumar, a specialist in anaesthetics and critical care at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Through the pandemic, Dr Kumar, a keen cricketer who plays at Cowgate Cricket Club in Newcastle and the Gilli Boys Amateur Club in Darlington, has been working on the frontline while also being there for his family at home. Ben Stokes said: “We’re only able to play this Test match because of the amazing job that key workers up and down the country have done to help us through this pandemic. Wearing their names is a real honour for us, and is a small sign of our appreciation for the incredible work they have done. They have truly gone in to bat for us all, and it makes me proud of how the whole cricket family has responded to help us get through these unprecedented times.” ALSO READ: ENG vs WI 1st Test: Weather updates and forecast for Day 1 in Southampton Dr Vikas Kumar, whose name featured on Ben Stokes’s shirt, said: “The past four months have been very difficult, but it was a wonderful surprise to find out that Ben Stokes of all people is wearing my name on his training shirt. So many of my colleagues at work and at the cricket club have been working so hard and made big sacrifices, so this is for them as well.” The other key workers being celebrated today include: Dr Samara Afzal, a GP in Birmingham, who shared the moment with Chris Woakes, also a West-Midlands local. Dr Afzal is a chief medical adviser to the National Asian Cricket Council and last year supported a successful pilot which used cricket as a way to get her female patients from the South Asian community more action. Sussex-based paramedic Joe Wheatley is one of those honoured, with Sussex player Jofra Archer wearing the Barcombe Cricket Club member’s name on his training shirt. Joe offers fantastic support to those he treats and their families, often being a patient’s first contact with medical staff during an emergency. When he’s not driving an ambulance, he’s manning the heavy roller as Barcombe’s groundsman and has kept the pitches maintained throughout the postponement of recreational cricket. Chris Tall is a pillar of his local cricket club, Newark Ransome & Marles Cricket Club, where he volunteers as groundsman, coach and on the committee. He had to step away from his club as the pandemic developed, however, to focus his attention on caring for the residents in the care home at which he works. His efforts and sacrifices at such a crucial time led to his teammates nominating him. This morning he featured on the shirt of Stuart Broad who plays for Chris’s home county of Nottinghamshire. Pace bowler Mark Wood will recognise local hero Susan Bainbridge on his training shirt. Susan is a volunteer at the North East Ambulance Service but in her spare time runs Zumba classes for older people throughout Teesdale. During the pandemic, the Middleton-in-Teesdale cricketer has taken her exercise classes online through Zoom to ensure the community can keep active. Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “Along with fans up and down the country, we are very excited that our England Men’s players are back on the cricket field today. However, we will never forget those we’ve lost and the sacrifices made by so many people during this pandemic. Key workers and volunteers across the country have often put their own lives on the line to keep us safe, and it’s right that today we say a small thank you to some of those from the cricket family who have done us so proud.” English players wearing the name of key workers: Ben Foakes – Emily Blakemore, Nurse Ollie Robinson – Dr Nasir Ali, Emergency Medicine Consultant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Jofra Archer – Joe Wheatley, Paramedic Jack Leach – Ollie Clarke, NHS volunteer Olly Stone – Holly Buxton, Organiser of the COVID-19 Community Workforce for the elderly Dominic Bess – Wendy Morris, Nurse Mark Wood – Susan Bainbridge, NEAS Ambulance Volunteer Stuart Broad – Chris Tall , Care Home Worker James Anderson – Tom Field, Nurse Practitioner Dan Lawrence – Richard Freeman, Police Officer Joe Denly – Anna Tunnicliff, A&E Sister Zak Crawley – Debi Armstrong, Specialist Nurse Craig Overton – Dale Hardy, Head Teacher at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy James Bracey – Harikrishna Shah, Clinic Coordinator Chris Woakes – Dr Samara Afzal – Doctor Ben Stokes – Dr Vikas Kumar, Specialist in Anaesthetics and Critical Care Saqib Mahmood – Kishan Aghada, Physiotherapist Sam Curran – Victor Hinds, Hospital Distribution Officer Ollie Pope – Yahya Hafejee, Support Leader at Department for Work and Pensions Rory Burns – Sharmyn Kennedy, Teacher Jos Buttler – Dr Jamasp Kaikhusroo Dastur, Surgeon Dom Sibley – Mohammed Banaris, Operations Manager for G4S and ran COVID-19 testing centre Chris Silverwood – Matthew Rammell, Respiratory Physiotherapist Graham Thorpe – Dr Chris Boyson, Doctor Phil Scott – Chantel Jacklin, Healthcare Assistant

ENG vs WI: Ben Stokes leads tribute with key worker names featuring on his team’s shirts as first Test gets under way

The BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly turned 48 on Wednesday as wishes poured in for the former Indian skipper from all corners of the world. Known to be as one of the most daring captains, Ganguly changed the landscape of Indian cricket with his aggressive nature and hunger to win matches for India. Not only did he pulled India out of the grim scenario pertaining to match-fixing scandals in the late 90s, but the swashbuckling left-handed batsmen also formed a young team and went on to achieve great heights for the Men in Blue.&nbsp;

The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and many others took to social media platform Twitter to post wishes for Dada on his 48th birthday.

“Happy birthday Dadi! Hope our off-field partnership keeps going strong like our on-field ones. Wish you a blessed year ahead,” wrote Tendulkar on Twitter.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-monty-panesar-on-england-vs-west-indies-series-ben-stokes-new-norms-and-more-311445" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Monty Panesar on England vs West Indies series, Ben Stokes, new norms and more</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Happy birthday Dadi! 
Hope our off-field partnership keeps going strong like our on-field ones. Wish you a blessed year ahead. <a href="https://t.co/jOmq9XN07w">pic.twitter.com/jOmq9XN07w</a>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1280724561227444224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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&nbsp;

Whereas Kohli posted a short and sweet message for Ganguly as the current Indian skipper wrote: “Happy birthday dada. God bless you @SGanguly99”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Happy birthday dada. God bless you 😇 <a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SGanguly99</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y5knMuTpci">pic.twitter.com/Y5knMuTpci</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1280742845205237760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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&nbsp;

Yuvraj Singh, who like many others made his debut under Ganguly’s leadership, wrote: “Happy Birthday to the undisputed Dada of Indian Cricket Birthday cake You have always led from the front, showing us what it means to be a true leader. I have learnt a lot from you &amp; hope to become to others what you are to me. You are our eternal captain @SGanguly99 #HappyBirthdayDada”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Happy Birthday to the undisputed Dada of Indian Cricket 🎂 You have always led from the front, showing us what it means to be a true leader. I have learnt a lot from you &amp; hope to become to others what you are to me. You are our eternal captain🙇<a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SGanguly99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDada?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDada</a> <a href="https://t.co/MJKAwgGw1r">pic.twitter.com/MJKAwgGw1r</a>
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1280742157578461190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Happy Birthday Dada💙<a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SGanguly99</a> 🎂🎂 
The man who revolutionalized Indian cricket 🇮🇳 
Your contribution to cricket both as a player, and a captain will be admired by the generations to come! 
Have a fabulous year ahead🙏 <a href="https://t.co/QRM29CdN6C">pic.twitter.com/QRM29CdN6C</a>
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1280719736502775808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Happy birthday dada <a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SGanguly99</a> wish you the best going forward.. <a href="https://t.co/RGfoKPoYct">pic.twitter.com/RGfoKPoYct</a>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1280737225341153280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Enough said. ❤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayGanguly?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayGanguly</a> <a href="https://t.co/jzD7F5sCzQ">pic.twitter.com/jzD7F5sCzQ</a>
— North Stand Gang - Wankhede (@NorthStandGang) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorthStandGang/status/1280753769907539969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ganguly represented India in 113 Tests and 311 ODIs scoring 7212 runs and 11,363 runs respectively. Furthermore, Dada also picked up 32 and 100 wickets in Tests and ODIs respectively. 
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The BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly turned 48 on Wednesday as wishes poured in for the former Indian skipper from all corners of the world. Known to be as one of the most daring captains, Ganguly changed the landscape of Indian cricket with his aggressive nature and hunger to win matches for India.

The BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly turned 48 on Wednesday as wishes poured in for the former Indian skipper from all corners of the world. Known to be as one of the most daring captains, Ganguly changed the landscape of Indian cricket with his aggressive nature and hunger to win matches for India. Not only did he pulled India out of the grim scenario pertaining to match-fixing scandals in the late 90s, but the swashbuckling left-handed batsmen also formed a young team and went on to achieve great heights for the Men in Blue. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and many others took to social media platform Twitter to post wishes for Dada on his 48th birthday. “Happy birthday Dadi! Hope our off-field partnership keeps going strong like our on-field ones. Wish you a blessed year ahead,” wrote Tendulkar on Twitter. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Monty Panesar on England vs West Indies series, Ben Stokes, new norms and more Happy birthday Dadi! Hope our off-field partnership keeps going strong like our on-field ones. Wish you a blessed year ahead. pic.twitter.com/jOmq9XN07w — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 8, 2020 × Whereas Kohli posted a short and sweet message for Ganguly as the current Indian skipper wrote: “Happy birthday dada. God bless you @SGanguly99” Happy birthday dada. God bless you 😇 @SGanguly99 pic.twitter.com/Y5knMuTpci — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 8, 2020 × Yuvraj Singh, who like many others made his debut under Ganguly’s leadership, wrote: “Happy Birthday to the undisputed Dada of Indian Cricket Birthday cake You have always led from the front, showing us what it means to be a true leader. I have learnt a lot from you & hope to become to others what you are to me. You are our eternal captain @SGanguly99 #HappyBirthdayDada” Happy Birthday to the undisputed Dada of Indian Cricket 🎂 You have always led from the front, showing us what it means to be a true leader. I have learnt a lot from you & hope to become to others what you are to me. You are our eternal captain🙇@SGanguly99 #HappyBirthdayDada pic.twitter.com/MJKAwgGw1r — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 8, 2020 × Happy Birthday Dada💙@SGanguly99 🎂🎂 The man who revolutionalized Indian cricket 🇮🇳 Your contribution to cricket both as a player, and a captain will be admired by the generations to come! Have a fabulous year ahead🙏 pic.twitter.com/QRM29CdN6C — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) July 8, 2020 × Happy birthday dada @SGanguly99 wish you the best going forward.. pic.twitter.com/RGfoKPoYct — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 8, 2020 × Enough said. ❤#HappyBirthdayGanguly pic.twitter.com/jzD7F5sCzQ — North Stand Gang - Wankhede (@NorthStandGang) July 8, 2020 × Ganguly represented India in 113 Tests and 311 ODIs scoring 7212 runs and 11,363 runs respectively. Furthermore, Dada also picked up 32 and 100 wickets in Tests and ODIs respectively.

Happy Birthday Sourav Ganguly: From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, wishes pour in for 'Dada'

International cricket is finally back with England and West Indies set to lock horns in the first Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton after a break of more than 115 days. However, things might not be so rosy for the players and fans as rain gods are set to play spoilsport throughout the course of the series opener in Southampton with the weather forecast predicting light to heavy showers.&nbsp;

While strict safety measures, social distancing guidelines and new rules such as saliva ban and COVID substitutions are ready to be tested in the international circuit, no one can help when it comes to the wrath of nature.&nbsp;

The match will be played without fans in the stadiums and fake crowd noise and music to enhance the atmosphere will be implemented in the stadium.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-monty-panesar-on-england-vs-west-indies-series-ben-stokes-new-norms-and-more-311445" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Monty Panesar on England vs West Indies series, Ben Stokes, new norms and more</a>

<h2>Rain to play spoilsport in Southampton?</h2>

For fans, who have been eagerly waiting for the three-match Test series, the Day 1 and Day 2 of the Southampton Test might very well be interrupted due to rain. While the entire day is not expected to be washed out, frequent breaks could happen due to the rain gods making their presence felt. On Wednesday morning, it was a stop and a go for the rain gods in Southampton but media present there said they expect around 50 overs to be played on Day 1.

<img alt="Southampton weather update" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bac17e6f-0e88-4949-b9e4-29b458e820c8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rain.JPG" />

Dark clouds are predicted to make way for sunny spells with temperatures set to tickle between 9-24 degrees Celcius. Humidity could be around 83 per cent.

The pitch is expected to be on the slower side but with moisture expected to creep in, pacers could have fun on the Ageas Bowl track.&nbsp; 
England go into the series as favourites and will bank on their bowling attack to do much of the damage.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

International cricket is finally back with England and West Indies set to lock horns in the first Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton after a break of more than 115 days.

International cricket is finally back with England and West Indies set to lock horns in the first Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton after a break of more than 115 days. However, things might not be so rosy for the players and fans as rain gods are set to play spoilsport throughout the course of the series opener in Southampton with the weather forecast predicting light to heavy showers. While strict safety measures, social distancing guidelines and new rules such as saliva ban and COVID substitutions are ready to be tested in the international circuit, no one can help when it comes to the wrath of nature. The match will be played without fans in the stadiums and fake crowd noise and music to enhance the atmosphere will be implemented in the stadium. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Monty Panesar on England vs West Indies series, Ben Stokes, new norms and more Rain to play spoilsport in Southampton? For fans, who have been eagerly waiting for the three-match Test series, the Day 1 and Day 2 of the Southampton Test might very well be interrupted due to rain. While the entire day is not expected to be washed out, frequent breaks could happen due to the rain gods making their presence felt. On Wednesday morning, it was a stop and a go for the rain gods in Southampton but media present there said they expect around 50 overs to be played on Day 1. Dark clouds are predicted to make way for sunny spells with temperatures set to tickle between 9-24 degrees Celcius. Humidity could be around 83 per cent. The pitch is expected to be on the slower side but with moisture expected to creep in, pacers could have fun on the Ageas Bowl track. England go into the series as favourites and will bank on their bowling attack to do much of the damage.

ENG vs WI 1st Test: Weather updates and forecast for Day 1 in Southampton

ESPN Films will produce a documentary series about the life of NFL quarterback and civil rights advocate Colin Kaepernick as part of a wide-ranging production deal announced by Walt Disney Co on Monday.

Under the arrangement, Kaepernick’s company Ra Vision Media will produce scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social justice and the quest for equity, a statement from Disney said.

Kaepernick, whose kneeling protests sparked debate and became a symbol of the fight against racial injustice, filed a grievance against the NFL in 2017, claiming collusion as no teams signed him after he parted ways with the San Francisco 49ers. He and the NFL settled in 2019.

“Colin’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain,” said Bob Iger, Disney’s executive chairman.

The docuseries will focus on the last five years of Kaepernick’s life through interviews and archival footage.

Kaepernick said that he hopes to “elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives” through the partnership, which will included scripted and unscripted programs.

ESPN Films will produce a documentary series about the life of NFL quarterback and civil rights advocate Colin Kaepernick as part of a wide-ranging production deal announced by Walt Disney Co on Monday.

ESPN Films will produce a documentary series about the life of NFL quarterback and civil rights advocate Colin Kaepernick as part of a wide-ranging production deal announced by Walt Disney Co on Monday. Under the arrangement, Kaepernick’s company Ra Vision Media will produce scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social justice and the quest for equity, a statement from Disney said. Kaepernick, whose kneeling protests sparked debate and became a symbol of the fight against racial injustice, filed a grievance against the NFL in 2017, claiming collusion as no teams signed him after he parted ways with the San Francisco 49ers. He and the NFL settled in 2019. “Colin’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain,” said Bob Iger, Disney’s executive chairman. The docuseries will focus on the last five years of Kaepernick’s life through interviews and archival footage. Kaepernick said that he hopes to “elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives” through the partnership, which will included scripted and unscripted programs.

Kaepernick signs production deal for life documentary series

Tension is mounting at the bottom of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League </a>as the fight to avoid relegation heads towards a dramatic conclusion.

With just five games left, rock bottom Norwich are seven points from safety and are sliding towards the Championship.

Bournemouth and Aston Villa, who currently fill the remaining two places in the relegation zone, are locked in a four-team battle for survival with fellow strugglers Watford and West Ham.&nbsp;

AFP Sport takes a closer look at the teams scrapping to preserve their top-flight status:

<h2>Bournemouth</h2>

Thrashed 5-2 at Manchester United on Saturday, Eddie Howe's side are in free-fall after an eight-game winless run featuring five successive defeats.

The second bottom Cherries, one point from safety, face Tottenham, Leicester and Manchester City in their next three games.

That sequence that will surely determine whether Bournemouth can extend their five-season stay in the top-flight for another year.

Bournemouth's lack of goals has been a huge part of their downfall, with the starting line-up at Old Trafford managing just eight between them so far this season.

"Games are running out. If we're going to stay in the division, we're going to have to start picking up points," Bournemouth winger Junior Stanislas said.

"We'll have no excuses. We can't keep talking. It's time for action.

"There's no reason why from now until the end of the season we can't pick points up."

<h2>Aston Villa</h2>

A wretched run of nine matches without a win has left third bottom Villa one point from safety.

Dubious pre-season investment in several underwhelming signings have left Villa relying on captain Jack Grealish to inspire their survival bid.

But Dean Smith's side have lost three of their five games since the restart and still have to face Manchester United and Arsenal before a potential final-day shootout with West Ham.

They could count themselves unfortunate not to have secured what would have been a point at Anfield in Sunday's 2-0 defeat against champions Liverpool.

That obdurate display offered hope that Villa could still avoid an immediate return to the Championship, but Smith knows they will have to be more ruthless to achieve that aim.

"I don't want to be a valiant loser, we're scrapping for points," Smith said.

"To out-shoot Liverpool at home at Anfield, in terms of efforts on goal, it's excellent, but we need to take our opportunities. We never found the quality in the final third they did."

<h2>Watford</h2>

Saturday's 3-0 drubbing at Chelsea condemned Watford to a third consecutive loss, leaving them perilously positioned one point above the bottom three.

Nigel Pearson's fourth bottom team have not won just their stunning 3-0 success against Liverpool on February 29.

After five years in the top-flight, the Hornets, who face Manchester City and Arsenal in their last two games, could find their fate settled by Tuesday's home clash with Norwich and a visit to West Ham on July 17.

"The important thing is we understand our situation, that we don't fear it," said Pearson, whose men have managed just two goals in their last five games.

"We need to show fighting spirit, and we also need to have the ability to still make good decisions."

<h2>West Ham</h2>

Sitting four clear of the relegation zone in 16th place, West Ham are in the best position to stay up thanks to their surprise 3-2 win over Chelsea last week.

Twice blowing the lead in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Newcastle was a setback in their survival bid, but David Moyes' side have control of their own destiny.

West Ham have now lost 24 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, more than any other side.

But with games against Norwich, Watford and Aston Villa to come, their forward Michail Antonio is confident of beating the drop.

"The mindset for our next few games is that we want three points from each of them, and that's what we believe we can get," said Antonio, whose club have not been in the Championship since 2012.

"Now we've managed to show our attacking form and we are scoring goals, we need to shore up our back as well."

Tension is mounting at the bottom of the Premier League as the fight to avoid relegation heads towards a dramatic conclusion. With just five games left, rock bottom Norwich are seven points from safety and are sliding towards the Championship.

Tension is mounting at the bottom of the Premier League as the fight to avoid relegation heads towards a dramatic conclusion. With just five games left, rock bottom Norwich are seven points from safety and are sliding towards the Championship. Bournemouth and Aston Villa, who currently fill the remaining two places in the relegation zone, are locked in a four-team battle for survival with fellow strugglers Watford and West Ham. AFP Sport takes a closer look at the teams scrapping to preserve their top-flight status: Bournemouth Thrashed 5-2 at Manchester United on Saturday, Eddie Howe's side are in free-fall after an eight-game winless run featuring five successive defeats. The second bottom Cherries, one point from safety, face Tottenham, Leicester and Manchester City in their next three games. That sequence that will surely determine whether Bournemouth can extend their five-season stay in the top-flight for another year. Bournemouth's lack of goals has been a huge part of their downfall, with the starting line-up at Old Trafford managing just eight between them so far this season. "Games are running out. If we're going to stay in the division, we're going to have to start picking up points," Bournemouth winger Junior Stanislas said. "We'll have no excuses. We can't keep talking. It's time for action. "There's no reason why from now until the end of the season we can't pick points up." Aston Villa A wretched run of nine matches without a win has left third bottom Villa one point from safety. Dubious pre-season investment in several underwhelming signings have left Villa relying on captain Jack Grealish to inspire their survival bid. But Dean Smith's side have lost three of their five games since the restart and still have to face Manchester United and Arsenal before a potential final-day shootout with West Ham. They could count themselves unfortunate not to have secured what would have been a point at Anfield in Sunday's 2-0 defeat against champions Liverpool. That obdurate display offered hope that Villa could still avoid an immediate return to the Championship, but Smith knows they will have to be more ruthless to achieve that aim. "I don't want to be a valiant loser, we're scrapping for points," Smith said. "To out-shoot Liverpool at home at Anfield, in terms of efforts on goal, it's excellent, but we need to take our opportunities. We never found the quality in the final third they did." Watford Saturday's 3-0 drubbing at Chelsea condemned Watford to a third consecutive loss, leaving them perilously positioned one point above the bottom three. Nigel Pearson's fourth bottom team have not won just their stunning 3-0 success against Liverpool on February 29. After five years in the top-flight, the Hornets, who face Manchester City and Arsenal in their last two games, could find their fate settled by Tuesday's home clash with Norwich and a visit to West Ham on July 17. "The important thing is we understand our situation, that we don't fear it," said Pearson, whose men have managed just two goals in their last five games. "We need to show fighting spirit, and we also need to have the ability to still make good decisions." West Ham Sitting four clear of the relegation zone in 16th place, West Ham are in the best position to stay up thanks to their surprise 3-2 win over Chelsea last week. Twice blowing the lead in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Newcastle was a setback in their survival bid, but David Moyes' side have control of their own destiny. West Ham have now lost 24 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, more than any other side. But with games against Norwich, Watford and Aston Villa to come, their forward Michail Antonio is confident of beating the drop. "The mindset for our next few games is that we want three points from each of them, and that's what we believe we can get," said Antonio, whose club have not been in the Championship since 2012. "Now we've managed to show our attacking form and we are scoring goals, we need to shore up our back as well."

Tension mounts in Premier League relegation battle

The retirement of two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan signals the end of a golden era of Chinese sporting superstars, state media said on Tuesday.

Arguably the greatest badminton player of all time, the 36-year-old said on Saturday that he was bringing the curtain down on a career that also brought five world titles.

NBA All-Star Yao Ming, Olympic gold-medal hurdler Liu Xiang and two-time tennis Grand Slam champion Li Na have all retired in the last decade.

"With the 'Super Dan' curtain call, people cannot help but sigh," Xinhua news agency said.

"The era of the superstar that once belonged to Chinese sports has faded.

"When will the next Lin Dan appear? Or when will the next Yao Ming, Liu Xiang and Li Na appear?&nbsp;

"Where is the next Chinese sports superstar who will create a collective memory for us?"

The quartet were not just world leaders in their sport and popular in China, but also had "considerable influence in the international arena and became a window for the world to understand China," Xinhua said.

Of prominent Chinese athletes left, women's volleyball player Zhu Ting has the potential to rise to superstar level, Xinhua said, while disgraced swimmer Sun Yang "enjoys high popularity (in China), but unfortunately he is banned".

The 28-year-old is appealing against an eight-year ban for refusing to give a doping sample. The three-time Olympic freestyle champion's career will effectively be over if he loses his appeal at the Swiss Federal Tribunal.

China has world champions in other sports, and finished third behind the United States and Britain in the medal table at the Rio 2016&nbsp;Olympics, but they are not generally well-known even inside the country, Xinhua said.

Table tennis player Zhang Jike, another three-time Olympic gold medallist, deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Lin, said the Oriental Sports Daily.

But at 32 his best days are behind him and as far back as 2016 he signalled his intention to retire, before having a change of heart.

"When will the next Lin Dan and China's next sports superstar appear again?" asked the newspaper.

"This question may not be answered in a short space of time."

The retirement of two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan signals the end of a golden era of Chinese sporting superstars, state media said on Tuesday. Arguably the greatest badminton player of all time, the 36-year-old said on Saturday that he was bringing the curtain down on a career that also brought five world titles.

The retirement of two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan signals the end of a golden era of Chinese sporting superstars, state media said on Tuesday. Arguably the greatest badminton player of all time, the 36-year-old said on Saturday that he was bringing the curtain down on a career that also brought five world titles. NBA All-Star Yao Ming, Olympic gold-medal hurdler Liu Xiang and two-time tennis Grand Slam champion Li Na have all retired in the last decade. "With the 'Super Dan' curtain call, people cannot help but sigh," Xinhua news agency said. "The era of the superstar that once belonged to Chinese sports has faded. "When will the next Lin Dan appear? Or when will the next Yao Ming, Liu Xiang and Li Na appear? "Where is the next Chinese sports superstar who will create a collective memory for us?" The quartet were not just world leaders in their sport and popular in China, but also had "considerable influence in the international arena and became a window for the world to understand China," Xinhua said. Of prominent Chinese athletes left, women's volleyball player Zhu Ting has the potential to rise to superstar level, Xinhua said, while disgraced swimmer Sun Yang "enjoys high popularity (in China), but unfortunately he is banned". The 28-year-old is appealing against an eight-year ban for refusing to give a doping sample. The three-time Olympic freestyle champion's career will effectively be over if he loses his appeal at the Swiss Federal Tribunal. China has world champions in other sports, and finished third behind the United States and Britain in the medal table at the Rio 2016 Olympics, but they are not generally well-known even inside the country, Xinhua said. Table tennis player Zhang Jike, another three-time Olympic gold medallist, deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Lin, said the Oriental Sports Daily. But at 32 his best days are behind him and as far back as 2016 he signalled his intention to retire, before having a change of heart. "When will the next Lin Dan and China's next sports superstar appear again?" asked the newspaper. "This question may not be answered in a short space of time."

Lin Dan retirement ends an era

Two of the world's best all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Jason Holder will be captaining their respective sides when England face the West Indies in the first Test at Southampton starting Wednesday.

Holder tops the ICC's Test all-rounder rankings, with fellow paceman Stokes in second place as international cricket resumes for the first time since March 2 following the coronavirus lockdown.

They both average in the 30s with the bat, with Holder's bowling mark of 26.37 slightly more economical than Stokes' 32.68.

But while Holder, 28, is a seasoned skipper, Wednesday's match will be the first time the 29-year-old Stokes has captained a cricket team since he was a teenager.

England's talisman has been thrust into the role, with regular skipper Joe Root missing the series opener to attend the birth of his second child.

Pace-bowling all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff saw their individual games decline with the cares of the England captaincy.

The concern is that something similar will happen to Stokes, a key figure in England's World Cup triumph last year when his spectacular century also saw the team to a remarkable win over Australia in an Ashes Test at Headingley.

It appeared any chance of Stokes becoming England captain disappeared when he was charged with affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub.

But after being found not guilty at a 2018 trial, he regained a position of responsibility as Root's vice-captain.

"After that happened it was 'right, what am I going to do from this point forward?," Stokes said last week. "I'm quite proud to say I'm in this situation (of being England captain) through hard work and determination."

<h2>- 'Get on top of Ben' -</h2>

Holder was made captain of the West Indies' one-day side aged just 23.

A year later he was put in charge of the Test side against a backdrop of administrative chaos that included bitter rows between senior players and administrators.

Sympathy for his plight has sometimes overshadowed recognition of his cricketing skill.

Holder, however, showed his class with an unbeaten double century against England in the first Test at his Barbados home ground during a 381-run win last year that sent the West Indies on the way to a series victory.

"Hopefully Jason can do what's necessary to get on top of Ben in this first Test," said West Indies coach Phil Simmons.

"Jason has played enough Test cricket now to know what he's working on and, mentally, he's where he wants to be.

"I think Ben is one of them who leads from the front. That's to be shown by all his exploits before in cricket and we will have to make sure that we get on to him very early, because he likes to do what is necessary for his team."

Two of the world's best all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Jason Holder will be captaining their respective sides when England face the West Indies in the first Test at Southampton starting Wednesday.

Two of the world's best all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Jason Holder will be captaining their respective sides when England face the West Indies in the first Test at Southampton starting Wednesday. Holder tops the ICC's Test all-rounder rankings, with fellow paceman Stokes in second place as international cricket resumes for the first time since March 2 following the coronavirus lockdown. They both average in the 30s with the bat, with Holder's bowling mark of 26.37 slightly more economical than Stokes' 32.68. But while Holder, 28, is a seasoned skipper, Wednesday's match will be the first time the 29-year-old Stokes has captained a cricket team since he was a teenager. England's talisman has been thrust into the role, with regular skipper Joe Root missing the series opener to attend the birth of his second child. Pace-bowling all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff saw their individual games decline with the cares of the England captaincy. The concern is that something similar will happen to Stokes, a key figure in England's World Cup triumph last year when his spectacular century also saw the team to a remarkable win over Australia in an Ashes Test at Headingley. It appeared any chance of Stokes becoming England captain disappeared when he was charged with affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub. But after being found not guilty at a 2018 trial, he regained a position of responsibility as Root's vice-captain. "After that happened it was 'right, what am I going to do from this point forward?," Stokes said last week. "I'm quite proud to say I'm in this situation (of being England captain) through hard work and determination." - 'Get on top of Ben' - Holder was made captain of the West Indies' one-day side aged just 23. A year later he was put in charge of the Test side against a backdrop of administrative chaos that included bitter rows between senior players and administrators. Sympathy for his plight has sometimes overshadowed recognition of his cricketing skill. Holder, however, showed his class with an unbeaten double century against England in the first Test at his Barbados home ground during a 381-run win last year that sent the West Indies on the way to a series victory. "Hopefully Jason can do what's necessary to get on top of Ben in this first Test," said West Indies coach Phil Simmons. "Jason has played enough Test cricket now to know what he's working on and, mentally, he's where he wants to be. "I think Ben is one of them who leads from the front. That's to be shown by all his exploits before in cricket and we will have to make sure that we get on to him very early, because he likes to do what is necessary for his team."

All-rounders Stokes and Holder to lead from the front

International cricket will be back breathing after a prolonged break of 115 days as England and the West Indies gear up to lock horns at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from July 8 (Wednesday). However, cricket will be back in a different look with new norms, safety guidelines in place. On paper, both England and the West Indies look strong but what will probably define the series is the hunger to win.&nbsp;

Former England international Monty Panesar, in an exclusive interview with WION, spoke about the much-awaited Test series, saliva ban and the new norms, the new Test captain in Ben Stokes, English top-order vs West Indies bowlers, the lack of world-class spinners in English set-up, the rising star Amar Virdi, his performances in the 2007 series against West Indies, the impact of Bishan Singh Bedi in his career and much more.

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Subhayan Chakraborty: Thank you for joining in, Monty. How has been life in lockdown for you?

Monty Panesar: It’s been good actually. I have been trying to exercise daily, keeping myself fit. We are also seeing re-opening of pubs in our country. So it is getting back to normal.&nbsp;

SC: What is your take on the saliva ban and all the new norms that have been introduced?

Monty Panesar: Yes, I think it (saliva ban) is a really good idea. It is good to see that we have the saliva ban because the last thing we need after a Test match is some of the players being positive for COVID-19. I think it is a very good decision that they (ICC) have made. &nbsp;

SC: How will the saliva ban impact the spinners?

Monty Panesar: Well, I think the spinners won’t be able to drift it as much. You can’t use the shine on the ball. But still, it doesn’t get the spinner getting good shape on the ball, good turn. So they have to work hard to get revolutions on the ball.&nbsp;

SC: How do you think the series is going to pan out after such a long break?

Monty Panesar: I think this series will be closely fought. It really depends on how the top six or top four England batsmen play. This is one of the most inexperienced batting line-ups England have had for a long-long time. So I think, the battle is going to be between the top four English batsmen versus the West Indies bowlers. If England get a good start and top six batters do really well especially youngsters, then I think England should win the series. But the critical factor that everyone would be watching during the Test match is the West Indies fast bowlers, who seem to be a lot stronger now against the England top order.

English batsmen could struggle a bit because the West Indies fast bowlers have got some experience now. They have got the likes of Jason Holder, he was the overseas player in Northamptonshire, Kemar Roach, he was at Worcestershire. So they are familiar with County cricket and Shanon Gabriel could be the difference between the two sides. I think, for West Indies to win the Test at Southampton, they need to bowl England out very cheaply because James Anderson and Co. would be equal at their task in those bowling conditions, no doubt about that. But West Indies, whenever they come to bowl they will have to get England out cheaply and that is the only way they are going to win the Test match. Anything above 300 and West Indies will struggle. &nbsp;

<img alt="Jason Holder" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8024fa0b-bdff-40d4-ae23-495bf1a11ba5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EcCP_xyXYAAZmRt%20%281%29.jpg" />

SC: And your thoughts on handing the captaincy to Ben Stokes? Kevin Pietersen seems to be completely against it...

Monty Panesar: I hope that it is just a one-off. We know it is going to be a one-off but I really hope he doesn’t have the ambitions to become the captain after Joe Root because he is an X-factor player. He is equally good at batting, bowling and fielding. And I haven’t seen many cricketers who have managed to sustain their all-round abilities and captain the team at the same time. The likes of Kapil Dev and Imran Khan, they come to mind which is a very very long time ago. But there aren’t many top all-rounders who are captaining the team and performing because it is just too much. You are asking too much of a player.&nbsp;

But it is Ben Stokes – the BBC Personality of the Year, Wisden Cricketer of the Year, he won the match at Headingley, he won the World Cup. This guy is a superman. Ben Stokes is Box Office. Ben Stokes is, at the moment, the most valuable cricketer in the world. And only he knows if he can captain the team and do everything else. It is an impossible task but we saw the Headingley Test and he made it possible. So this guy is a once in a lifetime cricketer.&nbsp;

<img alt="Ben Stokes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7143c8d1-f5c3-43fa-ad95-12762fe0bf93" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1MN0XE.jpg" />

And if he wants to take up captaincy after Joe Root then it is completely upon him. You know, it is interesting – how many cricketers would have turned around their career after that incident in Bristol. There are a lot of cricketers who like to keep themselves steady, keep their noses clean and just keep performing. Do the good things and be the yes boys, as you call them in the squad and keep performing well.&nbsp;

Look at the mental toughness Ben Stokes has shown. I don’t think there would have been any cricketer in the world if you put them in the same situation of what happened in Bristol and turn around the career in 24 months. No cricketer in the world would have been able to do that, only Ben Stokes.

SC: Monty, another major deficiency in England set-up has been the failure to produce world-class spinners. We haven’t seen any mind-boggling talent since you or Graeme Swann called it quits. What is your take on that?

Monty Panesar: England don’t need world-class spinners. We have world-class bowlers. We have the same partnership as the likes of Wasim Akram-Waqar Younis had, the same partnership Glenn McGrath-Shane Warne had. We have Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad. We are in a lucky position. If you look at the history of Test cricket, these two bowlers are probably going to be there as the greatest of all time. So we don’t need world-class spinners. We can afford to play an extra batter, who bowls spin – what the likes of Moeen Ali did, what Dom Bess is doing right now. And if it is a turning wicket and we need a specialist spinner then we have the likes of Jack Leach, Amar Virdi. We are very lucky to have world-class bowlers in Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad.&nbsp;

<img alt="Monty Panesar in conversation with WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a3d85a7-c6dc-4d9c-a12d-6cb62ca0b2b4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1J223G.jpg" />

SC: When West Indies visited England in 2007, you picked up 23 wickets. What was your mindset and tactics during that series and how English spinners can replicate that kind of performance in this series?

Monty Panesar: They have to use the pace of the ball, have a good shape on the ball. And if Ben Stokes has to captain Dom Bess then give him a chance. Have a couple of men out, protect him. If he drags one short or put a bit of pace on the ball, he gets cut easily. As a spinner, when you are trying to get fingers on the ball, get that shape. In India, you don’t need to get great shape on the ball as wickets turn. You just have to land the ball and it turns. But in England, you have to get a good shape, good flight and then you have to use your fingers to get the turn and that requires a lot of energy. Dom Bess did that in South Africa, his action is changed. Harinath has done a brilliant job in identifying how to get the best out of him and you know, it is all about timing. If he gets it wrong early on then it is Ben Stokes’ job to protect him early doors, just to give him a chance to get set.

<img alt="Monty Panesar in conversation with WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6979995-00c0-4637-b672-129c8cddc850" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Hkg9308724.jpg" />

SC: And what are your thoughts on Amar Virdi. He is another spinner from the Sikh community after yourself and has really impressed in domestic circuit…

Monty Panesar: He is a good spinner. He has got a good coach in Saqlain Mushtaq, who has really helped him master that action. He is one who is not afraid to flight, to give air to the ball, trying to get shape on the ball, trying to get a batsman out. What I like about him is that he has that courage to back him. I see a lot of spinners just bowling into the pitch and bowl defensively. But he still gives that air, he is still looking to attack. But I think the ideal situation would be to play him in a turning track, on a helpful track. I have seen a lot of spinners who come through the ranks but disappear after failing early on. And you don’t want to happen. I would rather hand him a debut when conditions are in favour of him. He is a very exciting prospect.&nbsp;

<img alt="Amar Virdi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2e3bb18-e2ce-4e1c-a8ed-3f2bd7fe1f0d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GettyImages-825583592-e1511784583110.jpg" />

SC: One thing I wanted to ask you about is the impact of Bishan Singh Bedi on your career. Can you tell us something about how you looked up to him in your early cricketing days?

<img alt="Bishan Singh Bedi and Monty Panesar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7dd84b7-c114-4e81-80a8-e1cfe3ccc09e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/bediDM0708_468x334.jpg" />

Monty Panesar: I tried to emulate as much as I could. I used to ask my Under-19 coach, ‘what is the difference between me and Sir Bishan Bedi. He just used to hang the ball in the air, with the shape of his wrist and the revolutions on the ball and the deception of the action. His action is so effortless but with so many revolutions on the ball. And when it bounces, it is slow in the air but accelerates off the pitch. You know, I got close when I was at my best but couldn’t do it all the time. That’s what makes him different from every other spinner. He was able to get that ball to hover in the air. In England, you are always fearful that if I flight the ball and don’t get enough revs, it just gets whacked for six and the captain will take me off. So you know, it is really tough to get things going from the word go. It takes a bit of time to get that ball to hang in the air with those revs.&nbsp;

SC: Monty, as we wrap up the interview. Who do you think will end up being the top run-scorer, highest wicket-taker in the series? 
Monty Panesar: Jos Buttler for a top-run scorer and James Anderson for the highest-wicket taker. England to win the series as I really don’t see West Indies getting England out cheaply in every innings of the series. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

International cricket will be back breathing after a prolonged break of 115 days as England and the West Indies gear up to lock horns at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from July 8 (Wednesday).

International cricket will be back breathing after a prolonged break of 115 days as England and the West Indies gear up to lock horns at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from July 8 (Wednesday). However, cricket will be back in a different look with new norms, safety guidelines in place. On paper, both England and the West Indies look strong but what will probably define the series is the hunger to win. Former England international Monty Panesar, in an exclusive interview with WION, spoke about the much-awaited Test series, saliva ban and the new norms, the new Test captain in Ben Stokes, English top-order vs West Indies bowlers, the lack of world-class spinners in English set-up, the rising star Amar Virdi, his performances in the 2007 series against West Indies, the impact of Bishan Singh Bedi in his career and much more. × Subhayan Chakraborty: Thank you for joining in, Monty. How has been life in lockdown for you? Monty Panesar: It’s been good actually. I have been trying to exercise daily, keeping myself fit. We are also seeing re-opening of pubs in our country. So it is getting back to normal. SC: What is your take on the saliva ban and all the new norms that have been introduced? Monty Panesar: Yes, I think it (saliva ban) is a really good idea. It is good to see that we have the saliva ban because the last thing we need after a Test match is some of the players being positive for COVID-19. I think it is a very good decision that they (ICC) have made. SC: How will the saliva ban impact the spinners? Monty Panesar: Well, I think the spinners won’t be able to drift it as much. You can’t use the shine on the ball. But still, it doesn’t get the spinner getting good shape on the ball, good turn. So they have to work hard to get revolutions on the ball. SC: How do you think the series is going to pan out after such a long break? Monty Panesar: I think this series will be closely fought. It really depends on how the top six or top four England batsmen play. This is one of the most inexperienced batting line-ups England have had for a long-long time. So I think, the battle is going to be between the top four English batsmen versus the West Indies bowlers. If England get a good start and top six batters do really well especially youngsters, then I think England should win the series. But the critical factor that everyone would be watching during the Test match is the West Indies fast bowlers, who seem to be a lot stronger now against the England top order. English batsmen could struggle a bit because the West Indies fast bowlers have got some experience now. They have got the likes of Jason Holder, he was the overseas player in Northamptonshire, Kemar Roach, he was at Worcestershire. So they are familiar with County cricket and Shanon Gabriel could be the difference between the two sides. I think, for West Indies to win the Test at Southampton, they need to bowl England out very cheaply because James Anderson and Co. would be equal at their task in those bowling conditions, no doubt about that. But West Indies, whenever they come to bowl they will have to get England out cheaply and that is the only way they are going to win the Test match. Anything above 300 and West Indies will struggle. SC: And your thoughts on handing the captaincy to Ben Stokes? Kevin Pietersen seems to be completely against it... Monty Panesar: I hope that it is just a one-off. We know it is going to be a one-off but I really hope he doesn’t have the ambitions to become the captain after Joe Root because he is an X-factor player. He is equally good at batting, bowling and fielding. And I haven’t seen many cricketers who have managed to sustain their all-round abilities and captain the team at the same time. The likes of Kapil Dev and Imran Khan, they come to mind which is a very very long time ago. But there aren’t many top all-rounders who are captaining the team and performing because it is just too much. You are asking too much of a player. But it is Ben Stokes – the BBC Personality of the Year, Wisden Cricketer of the Year, he won the match at Headingley, he won the World Cup. This guy is a superman. Ben Stokes is Box Office. Ben Stokes is, at the moment, the most valuable cricketer in the world. And only he knows if he can captain the team and do everything else. It is an impossible task but we saw the Headingley Test and he made it possible. So this guy is a once in a lifetime cricketer. And if he wants to take up captaincy after Joe Root then it is completely upon him. You know, it is interesting – how many cricketers would have turned around their career after that incident in Bristol. There are a lot of cricketers who like to keep themselves steady, keep their noses clean and just keep performing. Do the good things and be the yes boys, as you call them in the squad and keep performing well. Look at the mental toughness Ben Stokes has shown. I don’t think there would have been any cricketer in the world if you put them in the same situation of what happened in Bristol and turn around the career in 24 months. No cricketer in the world would have been able to do that, only Ben Stokes. SC: Monty, another major deficiency in England set-up has been the failure to produce world-class spinners. We haven’t seen any mind-boggling talent since you or Graeme Swann called it quits. What is your take on that? Monty Panesar: England don’t need world-class spinners. We have world-class bowlers. We have the same partnership as the likes of Wasim Akram-Waqar Younis had, the same partnership Glenn McGrath-Shane Warne had. We have Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad. We are in a lucky position. If you look at the history of Test cricket, these two bowlers are probably going to be there as the greatest of all time. So we don’t need world-class spinners. We can afford to play an extra batter, who bowls spin – what the likes of Moeen Ali did, what Dom Bess is doing right now. And if it is a turning wicket and we need a specialist spinner then we have the likes of Jack Leach, Amar Virdi. We are very lucky to have world-class bowlers in Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad. SC: When West Indies visited England in 2007, you picked up 23 wickets. What was your mindset and tactics during that series and how English spinners can replicate that kind of performance in this series? Monty Panesar: They have to use the pace of the ball, have a good shape on the ball. And if Ben Stokes has to captain Dom Bess then give him a chance. Have a couple of men out, protect him. If he drags one short or put a bit of pace on the ball, he gets cut easily. As a spinner, when you are trying to get fingers on the ball, get that shape. In India, you don’t need to get great shape on the ball as wickets turn. You just have to land the ball and it turns. But in England, you have to get a good shape, good flight and then you have to use your fingers to get the turn and that requires a lot of energy. Dom Bess did that in South Africa, his action is changed. Harinath has done a brilliant job in identifying how to get the best out of him and you know, it is all about timing. If he gets it wrong early on then it is Ben Stokes’ job to protect him early doors, just to give him a chance to get set. SC: And what are your thoughts on Amar Virdi. He is another spinner from the Sikh community after yourself and has really impressed in domestic circuit… Monty Panesar: He is a good spinner. He has got a good coach in Saqlain Mushtaq, who has really helped him master that action. He is one who is not afraid to flight, to give air to the ball, trying to get shape on the ball, trying to get a batsman out. What I like about him is that he has that courage to back him. I see a lot of spinners just bowling into the pitch and bowl defensively. But he still gives that air, he is still looking to attack. But I think the ideal situation would be to play him in a turning track, on a helpful track. I have seen a lot of spinners who come through the ranks but disappear after failing early on. And you don’t want to happen. I would rather hand him a debut when conditions are in favour of him. He is a very exciting prospect. SC: One thing I wanted to ask you about is the impact of Bishan Singh Bedi on your career. Can you tell us something about how you looked up to him in your early cricketing days? Monty Panesar: I tried to emulate as much as I could. I used to ask my Under-19 coach, ‘what is the difference between me and Sir Bishan Bedi. He just used to hang the ball in the air, with the shape of his wrist and the revolutions on the ball and the deception of the action. His action is so effortless but with so many revolutions on the ball. And when it bounces, it is slow in the air but accelerates off the pitch. You know, I got close when I was at my best but couldn’t do it all the time. That’s what makes him different from every other spinner. He was able to get that ball to hover in the air. In England, you are always fearful that if I flight the ball and don’t get enough revs, it just gets whacked for six and the captain will take me off. So you know, it is really tough to get things going from the word go. It takes a bit of time to get that ball to hang in the air with those revs. SC: Monty, as we wrap up the interview. Who do you think will end up being the top run-scorer, highest wicket-taker in the series? Monty Panesar: Jos Buttler for a top-run scorer and James Anderson for the highest-wicket taker. England to win the series as I really don’t see West Indies getting England out cheaply in every innings of the series.

Exclusive: Monty Panesar on England vs West Indies series, Ben Stokes, new norms and more

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Subhayan Chakraborty

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