Irfan Pathan has said that David Warner's unacceptable captaincy was one of the fundamental reasons behind the Sunrisers Hyderabad's helpless run in IPL 2021.&nbsp;

Sunrisers Hyderabad gave over control to Kane Williamson after enduring losses in five of their six matches under David Warner's captaincy. Notwithstanding, the move didn't yield prompt profits as the Orange Army was given a 55-run drubbing to the Rajasthan Royals.&nbsp;

During a conversation on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan expressed shock at Sunrises Hyderabad's lifeless shows in IPL 2021 and called attention to that David Warner's captaincy and batting are to be accused generally.

"They surprised us. They were a top-four team for me. SRH's biggest problem was David Warner's captaincy, the way he was managing the team, and the way he was batting. He was batting very cautiously," he said.

"When Kane Williamson was made the captain later, it means franchise was not happy with him, the way he was making the decisions," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-hundred-smriti-mandhana-to-play-for-southern-brave-harmanpreet-to-represent-manchester-originals-384105" hreflang="en">The Hundred: Smriti Mandhana to play for Southern Brave, Harmanpreet to represent Manchester Originals</a>

The Sunrisers Hyderabad executives expressed they eased David Warner of his obligations as they needed to go with an overseas all-rounder. With Jonny Bairstow and Kane Williamson in great structure, they didn't have some other alternative yet to avoid Warner with regards to their playing XI and accordingly change the skipper also.

While featuring the absence of involvement with the Sunrisers Hyderabad middle order, Irfan Pathan scrutinized the choice of not playing Kedar Jadhav in the underlying phases of the league.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-pat-cummins-to-virat-kohli-cricketing-stalwarts-who-contributed-in-indias-fight-against-covid-19-381735" hreflang="en">From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19</a>

"We always talk about SRH that they don't have any experienced players in the middle. Kedar Jadhav did not play at the start although he is an experienced player. They played Suchith for a couple of matches and then again dropped him,"&nbsp;he said.

"They will have to improve their combination and they do not have an out-and-out quick bowler, who can consistently bowl around 140 kph and keep performing on flat pitches," – he signed off. 
&nbsp;

Irfan Pathan has said that David Warner's unacceptable captaincy was one of the fundamental reasons behind the Sunrisers Hyderabad's helpless run in IPL 2021. Sunrisers Hyderabad gave over control to Kane Williamson after enduring losses in five of their six matches under David Warner's captaincy.

Irfan Pathan has said that David Warner's unacceptable captaincy was one of the fundamental reasons behind the Sunrisers Hyderabad's helpless run in IPL 2021. Sunrisers Hyderabad gave over control to Kane Williamson after enduring losses in five of their six matches under David Warner's captaincy. Notwithstanding, the move didn't yield prompt profits as the Orange Army was given a 55-run drubbing to the Rajasthan Royals. During a conversation on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan expressed shock at Sunrises Hyderabad's lifeless shows in IPL 2021 and called attention to that David Warner's captaincy and batting are to be accused generally. "They surprised us. They were a top-four team for me. SRH's biggest problem was David Warner's captaincy, the way he was managing the team, and the way he was batting. He was batting very cautiously," he said. "When Kane Williamson was made the captain later, it means franchise was not happy with him, the way he was making the decisions," he added. ALSO READ: The Hundred: Smriti Mandhana to play for Southern Brave, Harmanpreet to represent Manchester Originals The Sunrisers Hyderabad executives expressed they eased David Warner of his obligations as they needed to go with an overseas all-rounder. With Jonny Bairstow and Kane Williamson in great structure, they didn't have some other alternative yet to avoid Warner with regards to their playing XI and accordingly change the skipper also. While featuring the absence of involvement with the Sunrisers Hyderabad middle order, Irfan Pathan scrutinized the choice of not playing Kedar Jadhav in the underlying phases of the league. ALSO READ: From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19 "We always talk about SRH that they don't have any experienced players in the middle. Kedar Jadhav did not play at the start although he is an experienced player. They played Suchith for a couple of matches and then again dropped him," he said. "They will have to improve their combination and they do not have an out-and-out quick bowler, who can consistently bowl around 140 kph and keep performing on flat pitches," – he signed off.

'David Warner's captaincy was the biggest problem': Irfan Pathan points out SRH's downfall in IPL 2021

Serena Williams admitted that she hasn't "really thought much about" whether she will travel to Tokyo for the rescheduled&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;in July.

The 39-year-old, speaking at a press conference in Rome on Monday, May 10, hinted that if she was unable to travel to Tokyo with 3-year-old daughter Olympia, she would not go, saying: "I haven't spent 24 hours without her", but added:

"I've really been taking it one day at a time to a fault and I definitely need to figure out my next move."

Williams is in Rome to play her first match since her Australian Open semi-final exit in February but the American does not feel unprepared for the WTA 1000 event having had enough practice beforehand.

"I trained for the past two-and-a-half weeks at Patrick's (coach Mouratoglou's) academy, and then training a lot on the clay in the United States with team members," she said.

"So we had intense, several weeks of training, very intense.

"I feel good. I'm in Rome. I'm going to have some good matches here hopefully, and then I will be at another Grand Slam which always makes me excited."

The French Open begins at Roland Garros later this month and has been the least rewarding of the four majors for Williams, who won the last of her 23 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 2017 before giving birth to Olympia.

She will probably fancy her chances more on the grass courts of Wimbledon, which will return with a raft of changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year after being canceled last year for the first time since World War II.

&nbsp;

Serena Williams admitted that she hasn't "really thought much about" whether she will travel to Tokyo for the rescheduled Olympics in July. The 39-year-old, speaking at a press conference in Rome on Monday, May 10, hinted that if she was unable to travel to Tokyo with 3-year-old daughter Olympia, she would not go, saying: "I haven't spent 24 hours without her", but added: "I've really been taking it one day at a time to a fault and I definitely need to figure out my next move.

Serena Williams admitted that she hasn't "really thought much about" whether she will travel to Tokyo for the rescheduled Olympics in July. The 39-year-old, speaking at a press conference in Rome on Monday, May 10, hinted that if she was unable to travel to Tokyo with 3-year-old daughter Olympia, she would not go, saying: "I haven't spent 24 hours without her", but added: "I've really been taking it one day at a time to a fault and I definitely need to figure out my next move." Williams is in Rome to play her first match since her Australian Open semi-final exit in February but the American does not feel unprepared for the WTA 1000 event having had enough practice beforehand. "I trained for the past two-and-a-half weeks at Patrick's (coach Mouratoglou's) academy, and then training a lot on the clay in the United States with team members," she said. "So we had intense, several weeks of training, very intense. "I feel good. I'm in Rome. I'm going to have some good matches here hopefully, and then I will be at another Grand Slam which always makes me excited." The French Open begins at Roland Garros later this month and has been the least rewarding of the four majors for Williams, who won the last of her 23 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 2017 before giving birth to Olympia. She will probably fancy her chances more on the grass courts of Wimbledon, which will return with a raft of changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year after being canceled last year for the first time since World War II.

Serena Williams unsure of Tokyo Olympics participation

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach has been forced to postpone a visit to Japan, organisers said Monday, after a coronavirus state of emergency was extended less than three months before the Tokyo Games.

Bach's trip was scheduled for May 17-18 but organisers "decided to postpone it based on various situations including the (government's) extension of a virus state of emergency".

It is just the latest coronavirus disruption for the postponed 2020 Games, which have seen several test events cancelled, postponed or moved.

An athletics test event involving more than 400 competitors took place behind closed doors at Tokyo's Olympic Stadium on Sunday.

The Japanese government and Olympic officials insist the virus-postponed Games can go ahead safely this summer, although polls show most Japanese people support cancellation or another delay.

In a statement, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee said it hoped the visit could go ahead "as soon as possible" and would continue to assess the coronavirus situation. Japanese media said organisers planned to reschedule Bach's visit for June.

Japan's state of emergency, which is less strict than blanket lockdowns in other countries, was last week extended to the end of May in the hardest hit regions, including Tokyo.

Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo 2020 Games, said Friday it would be "very difficult" to arrange the visit given the state of emergency.

Japan's Covid-19 outbreak remains much smaller than in many countries, with around 10,800 deaths.

But its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and some areas have seen record cases as more infectious variants drive fresh waves of contagion.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was forced on the defensive on Monday, insisting in parliament he has "never put the Olympics first" and that his priority remains "the lives and health of the Japanese people".

<h2>-&nbsp;Torch relay hit -</h2>

IOC vice-president John Coates told AFP on Saturday that nothing could stop the Tokyo Olympics from going ahead,&nbsp;despite ongoing risks from Covid-19.

More than 10,000 athletes from 200 countries and regions are set to travel to Tokyo for the Games, with a decision on how many domestic fans -- if any -- can attend set for June.

A poll published Monday by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun daily found 59 percent of respondents want to cancel the postponed 2020 Games, which will open on July 23. The poll did not offer the option of a further postponement.

A separate survey by the TBS broadcaster found 37 percent back cancellation, while 28 percent want the Games delayed again.

And an online petition urging the Games to be cancelled has gathered more than 315,000 signatures since Wednesday.

But Games organisers insist the mega-event can be held safely with strict virus rules.

US drugs giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech on Thursday announced a deal with the IOC to provide vaccines to athletes and their delegations.

Japan's own vaccine programme is progressing cautiously, however, with around one percent of the population having received two shots so far.

An increasing number of sections of the Olympic torch relay have been scaled back and moved off-road to prevent people from gathering to watch.

Japanese media reported on Monday that two more regions will scrap the public relay -- Hyogo prefecture, which is under the state of emergency, and Okayama, also seeing a surge in virus cases.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach has been forced to postpone a visit to Japan, organisers said Monday, after a coronavirus state of emergency was extended less than three months before the Tokyo Games.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach has been forced to postpone a visit to Japan, organisers said Monday, after a coronavirus state of emergency was extended less than three months before the Tokyo Games. Bach's trip was scheduled for May 17-18 but organisers "decided to postpone it based on various situations including the (government's) extension of a virus state of emergency". It is just the latest coronavirus disruption for the postponed 2020 Games, which have seen several test events cancelled, postponed or moved. An athletics test event involving more than 400 competitors took place behind closed doors at Tokyo's Olympic Stadium on Sunday. The Japanese government and Olympic officials insist the virus-postponed Games can go ahead safely this summer, although polls show most Japanese people support cancellation or another delay. In a statement, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee said it hoped the visit could go ahead "as soon as possible" and would continue to assess the coronavirus situation. Japanese media said organisers planned to reschedule Bach's visit for June. Japan's state of emergency, which is less strict than blanket lockdowns in other countries, was last week extended to the end of May in the hardest hit regions, including Tokyo. Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo 2020 Games, said Friday it would be "very difficult" to arrange the visit given the state of emergency. Japan's Covid-19 outbreak remains much smaller than in many countries, with around 10,800 deaths. But its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and some areas have seen record cases as more infectious variants drive fresh waves of contagion. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was forced on the defensive on Monday, insisting in parliament he has "never put the Olympics first" and that his priority remains "the lives and health of the Japanese people". - Torch relay hit - IOC vice-president John Coates told AFP on Saturday that nothing could stop the Tokyo Olympics from going ahead, despite ongoing risks from Covid-19. More than 10,000 athletes from 200 countries and regions are set to travel to Tokyo for the Games, with a decision on how many domestic fans -- if any -- can attend set for June. A poll published Monday by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun daily found 59 percent of respondents want to cancel the postponed 2020 Games, which will open on July 23. The poll did not offer the option of a further postponement. A separate survey by the TBS broadcaster found 37 percent back cancellation, while 28 percent want the Games delayed again. And an online petition urging the Games to be cancelled has gathered more than 315,000 signatures since Wednesday. But Games organisers insist the mega-event can be held safely with strict virus rules. US drugs giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech on Thursday announced a deal with the IOC to provide vaccines to athletes and their delegations. Japan's own vaccine programme is progressing cautiously, however, with around one percent of the population having received two shots so far. An increasing number of sections of the Olympic torch relay have been scaled back and moved off-road to prevent people from gathering to watch. Japanese media reported on Monday that two more regions will scrap the public relay -- Hyogo prefecture, which is under the state of emergency, and Okayama, also seeing a surge in virus cases.

Olympic chief's Japan visit postponed over virus as Games loom

India women’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will be seen playing in upcoming edition of The Hundred. While Harmanpreet is set to represent Manchester Originals, Mandhana will be seen playing for Southern Brave. <o:p></o:p>

According to a report in ANI, NOCs have been granted to five women players to participate in The Hundred. <o:p></o:p>

“The NOC has already been given to both Harmanpreet and Smriti. Harmanpreet will represent Manchester Originals while Smriti will play for Southern Brave in the inaugural edition of the competition," a source told ANI.<o:p></o:p>

The report also stated that teen sensation Shafali Verma will also be seen playing in The Hundred after being granted NOC by the BCCI. The swashbuckling opener will be seen playing for Birmingham Phoenix.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-win-2nd-test-against-zimbabwe-by-innings-to-secure-series-384056" hreflang="en">Pakistan win 2nd Test against Zimbabwe by innings to secure series</a><o:p></o:p>

"It is delightful news not just for Shafali but for Indian women's cricket that there will be five Indian players in the inaugural edition of The Hundred. She will reunite with her Sydney Sixers coach Ben Sawyer and the experience should help her grow further in what has already been a very positive road forward for the youngster," the source told ANI. <o:p></o:p>

Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues are the other two Indian cricketers who have been handed the NOC by the BCCI to play in the inaugural edition of The Hundred. The 100-ball tournament, the brainchild of ECB, will be feature eight teams.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-gets-his-first-covid-19-vaccine-jab-urges-others-to-get-vaccinated-384049" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli gets his first COVID-19 vaccine jab, urges others to get vaccinated</a>

The first match in the competition will be played between the women's teams of Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals on July 21. <o:p></o:p>

Harmanpreet, Smriti, Jemimah, and Deepti were the Indian players who had played in the now-defunct Kia Super League (KSL), ECB's domestic T20 tournament. The inaugural season of The Hundred was set to be played last year, but it got postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

India women’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will be seen playing in upcoming edition of The Hundred. While Harmanpreet is set to represent Manchester Originals, Mandhana will be seen playing for Southern Brave.

India women’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will be seen playing in upcoming edition of The Hundred. While Harmanpreet is set to represent Manchester Originals, Mandhana will be seen playing for Southern Brave. According to a report in ANI, NOCs have been granted to five women players to participate in The Hundred. “The NOC has already been given to both Harmanpreet and Smriti. Harmanpreet will represent Manchester Originals while Smriti will play for Southern Brave in the inaugural edition of the competition," a source told ANI. The report also stated that teen sensation Shafali Verma will also be seen playing in The Hundred after being granted NOC by the BCCI. The swashbuckling opener will be seen playing for Birmingham Phoenix. ALSO READ: Pakistan win 2nd Test against Zimbabwe by innings to secure series "It is delightful news not just for Shafali but for Indian women's cricket that there will be five Indian players in the inaugural edition of The Hundred. She will reunite with her Sydney Sixers coach Ben Sawyer and the experience should help her grow further in what has already been a very positive road forward for the youngster," the source told ANI. Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues are the other two Indian cricketers who have been handed the NOC by the BCCI to play in the inaugural edition of The Hundred. The 100-ball tournament, the brainchild of ECB, will be feature eight teams. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli gets his first COVID-19 vaccine jab, urges others to get vaccinated The first match in the competition will be played between the women's teams of Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals on July 21. Harmanpreet, Smriti, Jemimah, and Deepti were the Indian players who had played in the now-defunct Kia Super League (KSL), ECB's domestic T20 tournament. The inaugural season of The Hundred was set to be played last year, but it got postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Hundred: Smriti Mandhana to play for Southern Brave, Harmanpreet to represent Manchester Originals

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for April which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2021, for his consistent and outstanding performances across all formats in the recently concluded series against South Africa and was chosen as the April winner by fans and the ICC voting academy.

Babar's match-winning 82-ball 94 in the third ODI against South Africa helped him gain 13 rating points to reach a career-best 865 points. He also contributed 122 from 59 balls in Pakistan’s successful chase in the third match of a T20I series against the same opposition.

Commenting on Azam’s performance in April, Ramiz Raja representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “The world bats in two ways in white ball cricket. One way is to destroy attacks with muscle and force and then there is the Babar Azam way, like conducting a batting symphony with punch, panache and flair, and he deserves to win this award.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-win-2nd-test-against-zimbabwe-by-innings-to-secure-series-384056" hreflang="en">Pakistan win 2nd Test against Zimbabwe by innings to secure series</a>

From the Australian camp, Alyssa Healy was deservingly named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for April 2021. Healy’s consistency with the bat has been a significant part of Australia’s dominance, showing her class in all conditions and against all types of bowling in the recent series against New Zealand. Healy played three ODIs versus New Zealand, scoring 155 runs at an average of 51.66 and a strike rate of 98.72. Her efforts saw her finish as the leading run-scorer in Australia’s series victory over New Zealand that extended their record-winning streak to 24 ODIs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-gets-his-first-covid-19-vaccine-jab-urges-others-to-get-vaccinated-384049" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli gets his first COVID-19 vaccine jab, urges others to get vaccinated</a>

Commenting on Healy’s performance in April, Ian Bishop representing the ICC Voting Academy added: “Healy deserves to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month - April as she added the runs at the top consistently and at a good tempo to help set up Australia's scoring in chases and target setting across all three games of their record-breaking series.”&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for April which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for April which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year. Pakistan’s Babar Azam won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2021, for his consistent and outstanding performances across all formats in the recently concluded series against South Africa and was chosen as the April winner by fans and the ICC voting academy. Babar's match-winning 82-ball 94 in the third ODI against South Africa helped him gain 13 rating points to reach a career-best 865 points. He also contributed 122 from 59 balls in Pakistan’s successful chase in the third match of a T20I series against the same opposition. Commenting on Azam’s performance in April, Ramiz Raja representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “The world bats in two ways in white ball cricket. One way is to destroy attacks with muscle and force and then there is the Babar Azam way, like conducting a batting symphony with punch, panache and flair, and he deserves to win this award.” ALSO READ: Pakistan win 2nd Test against Zimbabwe by innings to secure series From the Australian camp, Alyssa Healy was deservingly named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for April 2021. Healy’s consistency with the bat has been a significant part of Australia’s dominance, showing her class in all conditions and against all types of bowling in the recent series against New Zealand. Healy played three ODIs versus New Zealand, scoring 155 runs at an average of 51.66 and a strike rate of 98.72. Her efforts saw her finish as the leading run-scorer in Australia’s series victory over New Zealand that extended their record-winning streak to 24 ODIs. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli gets his first COVID-19 vaccine jab, urges others to get vaccinated Commenting on Healy’s performance in April, Ian Bishop representing the ICC Voting Academy added: “Healy deserves to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month - April as she added the runs at the top consistently and at a good tempo to help set up Australia's scoring in chases and target setting across all three games of their record-breaking series.”

Babar Azam and Alyssa Healy voted ICC Players of the Month for April 2021

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka said Sunday she favoured a "discussion" taking place over the Olympic Games taking place as Tokyo reels from a new coronavirus surge.

A virus state of emergency in Japan's capital city and other parts of the country was extended on Friday, less than three months before the delayed Games are due to begin.

There has been increasing pressure from the Japanese public to cancel the Olympics, which have already been postponed once from its original dates last summer due to the pandemic.

"For me, I feel like if it's putting people at risk and if it's making people very uncomfortable, then it definitely should be a discussion, which I think it is as of right now," the four-time Grand Slam winner said ahead of the Rome WTA tournament.

"Of course I would say I want the Olympics to happen, because I'm an athlete and that's sort of what I have been waiting for my entire life.&nbsp;

"But I think that there is so much important stuff going on, and especially the past year, I think a lot of unexpected things have happened.

"At the end of the day I'm just an athlete, and there is a whole pandemic going on."

More than 10,000 athletes from 200 countries and regions are set to travel to Tokyo for the Games, with a decision on how many domestic fans -- if any -- can attend to be taken in June.

More than 300,000 people have signed an online petition titled "Cancel the Tokyo Olympics to protect our lives", launched Wednesday by a lawyer and former Tokyo gubernatorial candidate.

Japan's has recorded just over 10,500 deaths from Covid-19, much lower than in many other countries, but its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and some areas have seen record cases as more infectious variants drive fresh waves of contagion.

Australian Open champion Osaka confirmed that she had been vaccinated.

"I have gotten vaccinated, so I think that at the end of the day you can't force anyone to be vaccinated, but I think if you're going into the Olympics and whatever makes the host country happy," she continued.

"For me I feel like whatever makes everyone more comfortable and more safe, and I think that, you know, there is going to be a lot of people entering the country so they definitely have to make the right decisions on that."

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka said Sunday she favoured a "discussion" taking place over the Olympic Games taking place as Tokyo reels from a new coronavirus surge.

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka said Sunday she favoured a "discussion" taking place over the Olympic Games taking place as Tokyo reels from a new coronavirus surge. A virus state of emergency in Japan's capital city and other parts of the country was extended on Friday, less than three months before the delayed Games are due to begin. There has been increasing pressure from the Japanese public to cancel the Olympics, which have already been postponed once from its original dates last summer due to the pandemic. "For me, I feel like if it's putting people at risk and if it's making people very uncomfortable, then it definitely should be a discussion, which I think it is as of right now," the four-time Grand Slam winner said ahead of the Rome WTA tournament. "Of course I would say I want the Olympics to happen, because I'm an athlete and that's sort of what I have been waiting for my entire life. "But I think that there is so much important stuff going on, and especially the past year, I think a lot of unexpected things have happened. "At the end of the day I'm just an athlete, and there is a whole pandemic going on." More than 10,000 athletes from 200 countries and regions are set to travel to Tokyo for the Games, with a decision on how many domestic fans -- if any -- can attend to be taken in June. More than 300,000 people have signed an online petition titled "Cancel the Tokyo Olympics to protect our lives", launched Wednesday by a lawyer and former Tokyo gubernatorial candidate. Japan's has recorded just over 10,500 deaths from Covid-19, much lower than in many other countries, but its vaccine rollout is moving slowly and some areas have seen record cases as more infectious variants drive fresh waves of contagion. Australian Open champion Osaka confirmed that she had been vaccinated. "I have gotten vaccinated, so I think that at the end of the day you can't force anyone to be vaccinated, but I think if you're going into the Olympics and whatever makes the host country happy," she continued. "For me I feel like whatever makes everyone more comfortable and more safe, and I think that, you know, there is going to be a lot of people entering the country so they definitely have to make the right decisions on that."

Osaka wants 'discussion' on Olympics amid virus surge in Japan

Pakistan won the second Test against Zimbabwe by an innings and 147 runs on Monday to wrap up a two-match series that they dominated.

The fourth day of the Test in Harare lasted just over 20 minutes as Pakistan, needing a single wicket, had Luke Jongwe caught by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan to give Shaheen Shah Afridi his fifth wicket.

Zimbabwe, who resumed at 220 for nine, were all out for 231.

It was the fourth successive series win for Pakistan on a southern Africa tour.

They beat South Africa 2-1 in one-day internationals and 3-1 in Twenty20 internationals before defeating Zimbabwe 2-1 in a T20 series.

They won the first Test against Zimbabwe by an innings and 116 runs.

Pakistan won the second Test against Zimbabwe by an innings and 147 runs on Monday to wrap up a two-match series that they dominated. The fourth day of the Test in Harare lasted just over 20 minutes as Pakistan, needing a single wicket, had Luke Jongwe caught by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan to give Shaheen Shah Afridi his fifth wicket.

Pakistan won the second Test against Zimbabwe by an innings and 147 runs on Monday to wrap up a two-match series that they dominated. The fourth day of the Test in Harare lasted just over 20 minutes as Pakistan, needing a single wicket, had Luke Jongwe caught by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan to give Shaheen Shah Afridi his fifth wicket. Zimbabwe, who resumed at 220 for nine, were all out for 231. It was the fourth successive series win for Pakistan on a southern Africa tour. They beat South Africa 2-1 in one-day internationals and 3-1 in Twenty20 internationals before defeating Zimbabwe 2-1 in a T20 series. They won the first Test against Zimbabwe by an innings and 116 runs.

Pakistan win 2nd Test against Zimbabwe by innings to secure series

Fake cheers, empty seats and the sound of pounding feet: welcome to the Covid-era Tokyo Olympics, which Japan seems determined to hold at all costs.

An athletics test event brought home the reality of hosting an Olympics during the pandemic, with athletes competing in a muted atmosphere and excitement hard to muster.

Foot-strikes echoed around Tokyo's 68,000-capacity Olympic Stadium during Sunday's track events, with recorded crowd noises reaching a crescendo as the runners approached the finish.

A fanfare of music greeted the end of the race, before the runners quickly departed down the tunnel, leaving a smattering of media and officials in the otherwise empty stadium.

"It's weird running in a stadium with no fans," US sprinter Justin Gatlin said after winning the men's 100m.

"It feels almost like a time trial or kind of like an intra-squad meet."

The athletics meet, one of a series of test events taking place in Tokyo, involved more than 400 competitors, only nine of them from overseas.

The atmosphere could be similar at this summer's coronavirus-delayed Games, with overseas fans already barred and organisers set to decide in June how many domestic spectators can attend, if any at all.

Although the test events are unusual, they lend weight to the argument that the Olympics can be held despite the pandemic, which has left Tokyo and other areas under a state of emergency.

There was more noise outside the stadium on Sunday, with around 100 people protesting against an Olympics that polls show a majority of Japanese oppose.

"Covid-19 infection numbers are high in Tokyo and Osaka, with many severe cases," said protestor Takashi Sakamoto.

"I would like the money (for the Games) to be used in hospitals instead," he told AFP.

A new poll on Monday by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily found 59 percent of respondents want to cancel the postponed 2020 Games, which will open on July 23. The poll did not offer the option of a further postponement.

A separate survey by the TBS television channel found 37 percent back cancellation, while 28 percent want the Games delayed again.

<h2>- 'Beyond safe' -</h2>

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was forced on the defensive on Monday, insisting in parliament he has "never put the Olympics first" and his priority remains "the lives and health of the Japanese people."

An online petition urging the Games be cancelled has gathered more than 315,000 signatures since last Wednesday, but Games organisers insist the mega-event can be held safely with strict virus rules.

"I felt beyond safe," said Gatlin. "I've been tested every day, either saliva or nasal swab every morning.

"The bubble has been very successful. The only time I've seen the outside is when we get on the bus to go to the track."

The rules were similarly strict at the Diving World Cup the previous weekend, which featured more than 200 divers from almost 50 countries somersaulting in silence with no fans present.

"We've been spitting in tubes a lot," said British diver Tom Daley.

There were some frustrations, with Germany's sport director Lutz Buschkow describing the restrictions as slightly claustrophobic.

"The most disappointing thing is that we can't breathe any fresh air. That's a really big burden for the athletes and trainers," he told reporters.

"It would at least be nice if we got a chance to walk in the hotel garden or car park... it would be good if there was a way to fix these things."

Gatlin said he hoped organisers might be "just a little more lenient" come the Games, but that is unlikely.

In an indication of the risks, organisers reported two coronavirus cases during the events: a diving coach who tested positive on arrival in Japan and was quarantined, and a support member of a rowing team who tested positive during the competition.

But neither case forced a halt to events, and there were no immediate reports of additional cases being detected.

Fake cheers, empty seats and the sound of pounding feet: welcome to the Covid-era Tokyo Olympics, which Japan seems determined to hold at all costs. An athletics test event brought home the reality of hosting an Olympics during the pandemic, with athletes competing in a muted atmosphere and excitement hard to muster.

Fake cheers, empty seats and the sound of pounding feet: welcome to the Covid-era Tokyo Olympics, which Japan seems determined to hold at all costs. An athletics test event brought home the reality of hosting an Olympics during the pandemic, with athletes competing in a muted atmosphere and excitement hard to muster. Foot-strikes echoed around Tokyo's 68,000-capacity Olympic Stadium during Sunday's track events, with recorded crowd noises reaching a crescendo as the runners approached the finish. A fanfare of music greeted the end of the race, before the runners quickly departed down the tunnel, leaving a smattering of media and officials in the otherwise empty stadium. "It's weird running in a stadium with no fans," US sprinter Justin Gatlin said after winning the men's 100m. "It feels almost like a time trial or kind of like an intra-squad meet." The athletics meet, one of a series of test events taking place in Tokyo, involved more than 400 competitors, only nine of them from overseas. The atmosphere could be similar at this summer's coronavirus-delayed Games, with overseas fans already barred and organisers set to decide in June how many domestic spectators can attend, if any at all. Although the test events are unusual, they lend weight to the argument that the Olympics can be held despite the pandemic, which has left Tokyo and other areas under a state of emergency. There was more noise outside the stadium on Sunday, with around 100 people protesting against an Olympics that polls show a majority of Japanese oppose. "Covid-19 infection numbers are high in Tokyo and Osaka, with many severe cases," said protestor Takashi Sakamoto. "I would like the money (for the Games) to be used in hospitals instead," he told AFP. A new poll on Monday by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily found 59 percent of respondents want to cancel the postponed 2020 Games, which will open on July 23. The poll did not offer the option of a further postponement. A separate survey by the TBS television channel found 37 percent back cancellation, while 28 percent want the Games delayed again. - 'Beyond safe' - Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was forced on the defensive on Monday, insisting in parliament he has "never put the Olympics first" and his priority remains "the lives and health of the Japanese people." An online petition urging the Games be cancelled has gathered more than 315,000 signatures since last Wednesday, but Games organisers insist the mega-event can be held safely with strict virus rules. "I felt beyond safe," said Gatlin. "I've been tested every day, either saliva or nasal swab every morning. "The bubble has been very successful. The only time I've seen the outside is when we get on the bus to go to the track." The rules were similarly strict at the Diving World Cup the previous weekend, which featured more than 200 divers from almost 50 countries somersaulting in silence with no fans present. "We've been spitting in tubes a lot," said British diver Tom Daley. There were some frustrations, with Germany's sport director Lutz Buschkow describing the restrictions as slightly claustrophobic. "The most disappointing thing is that we can't breathe any fresh air. That's a really big burden for the athletes and trainers," he told reporters. "It would at least be nice if we got a chance to walk in the hotel garden or car park... it would be good if there was a way to fix these things." Gatlin said he hoped organisers might be "just a little more lenient" come the Games, but that is unlikely. In an indication of the risks, organisers reported two coronavirus cases during the events: a diving coach who tested positive on arrival in Japan and was quarantined, and a support member of a rowing team who tested positive during the competition. But neither case forced a halt to events, and there were no immediate reports of additional cases being detected.

Fake cheers, empty seats: Tokyo gives glimpse of Covid-era Olympics

The captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli on Monday took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as he urged others to get inoculated “as soon as you can”. <o:p></o:p>

Kohli took to social media platform Instagram to share a photograph on his story on Monday as he took his first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine.<o:p></o:p>

Last week, Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma announced that they were organising a campaign to raise funds for COVID-19 relief work in India to help the country fight the devastating second wave of the dreaded virus. While Virat and Anushka donated USD 272, 534 (INR 2 crore) to the campaign while urging others to “come together and help our India”.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whatever-i-was-offering-ipl-market-wasnt-interested-harshal-patel-on-his-dream-comeback-384038" hreflang="en">'Whatever I was offering, IPL market wasn’t interested': Harshal Patel on his dream comeback</a>

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Virat Kohli takes first dose of COVID-19 vaccine <a href="https://t.co/1ogQmjldkJ">pic.twitter.com/1ogQmjldkJ</a>
— Subhayan Chakraborty #MaskUp (@CricSubhayan) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricSubhayan/status/1391656643289436160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The following day, the power couple announced that the campaign had received a whopping USD 490, 457 (INR 3.6 crore) in donations in just 24 hours. The Indian skipper said he was overwhelmed by the response.

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On Sunday, the Indian skipper thanked the frontline workers for putting their "lives at risk" to save others. "I have nothing but gratitude for all the healthcare and frontline workers, they put their lives at risk to save ours, for this we are in awe of their spirit and dedication," Kohli tweeted.

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I have nothing but gratitude for all the healthcare &amp; frontline workers, I am in awe of their spirit and dedication. I also want to thank all the people who came forward in such difficult times &amp; helped each other. India is grateful to have heroes like you.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InThisTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InThisTogether</a>🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/2YywzjRN4C">pic.twitter.com/2YywzjRN4C</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1391257413400080385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"We'd like to say a big thank you to all our healthcare and frontline workers, their dedication is truly inspiring. You continue to risk your lives for the nation, and for that, we are eternally grateful to you. You are the real heroes, for Virat and I, and for the nation," Anushka wrote on Twitter.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-pat-cummins-to-virat-kohli-cricketing-stalwarts-who-contributed-in-indias-fight-against-covid-19-381735" hreflang="en">From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19</a>

<o:p></o:p>

Kohli had returned to Mumbai following the postponement of IPL 2021. The T20 tournament was postponed after multiple COVID-19 cases across teams.<o:p></o:p>

The captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli on Monday took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as he urged others to get inoculated “as soon as you can”.

The captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli on Monday took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as he urged others to get inoculated “as soon as you can”. Kohli took to social media platform Instagram to share a photograph on his story on Monday as he took his first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. Last week, Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma announced that they were organising a campaign to raise funds for COVID-19 relief work in India to help the country fight the devastating second wave of the dreaded virus. While Virat and Anushka donated USD 272, 534 (INR 2 crore) to the campaign while urging others to “come together and help our India”. ALSO READ: 'Whatever I was offering, IPL market wasn’t interested': Harshal Patel on his dream comeback Virat Kohli takes first dose of COVID-19 vaccine pic.twitter.com/1ogQmjldkJ — Subhayan Chakraborty #MaskUp (@CricSubhayan) May 10, 2021 × The following day, the power couple announced that the campaign had received a whopping USD 490, 457 (INR 3.6 crore) in donations in just 24 hours. The Indian skipper said he was overwhelmed by the response. On Sunday, the Indian skipper thanked the frontline workers for putting their "lives at risk" to save others. "I have nothing but gratitude for all the healthcare and frontline workers, they put their lives at risk to save ours, for this we are in awe of their spirit and dedication," Kohli tweeted. I have nothing but gratitude for all the healthcare & frontline workers, I am in awe of their spirit and dedication. I also want to thank all the people who came forward in such difficult times & helped each other. India is grateful to have heroes like you.#InThisTogether🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/2YywzjRN4C — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 9, 2021 × "We'd like to say a big thank you to all our healthcare and frontline workers, their dedication is truly inspiring. You continue to risk your lives for the nation, and for that, we are eternally grateful to you. You are the real heroes, for Virat and I, and for the nation," Anushka wrote on Twitter. ALSO READ: From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19 Kohli had returned to Mumbai following the postponement of IPL 2021. The T20 tournament was postponed after multiple COVID-19 cases across teams.

Virat Kohli gets his first COVID-19 vaccine jab, urges others to get vaccinated

Juventus started the season looking to win a 10th straight Serie A title but instead find themselves in danger of missing out on a Champions League spot after a 3-0 home defeat by top-four rivals AC Milan on Sunday left them fifth with three games left.

Goals from Brahim Diaz, Ante Rebic, and Fikayo Tomori secured the win and sent Milan up to third on 72 points from 35 matches, leaving Juve a point behind fourth-placed Napoli and needing teams to drop points as they battle for a top-four finish.

Brahim curled home a stunning opener just before the break to give the visitors the halftime lead and they had a chance to extend the advantage in the 56th minute only for Franck Kessie's penalty to be saved by Wojciech Szczesny.

That miss did not prove costly, however, as substitute Rebic arrowed a fine strike into the net 12 minutes from time before defender Tomori, on loan from Chelsea, headed the third goal to seal a crucial win for Milan four minutes later.

"It was a very special night for us," Tomori told Sky Sport Italia. "This result and my goal made the night special.

"This victory gives us an advantage but nothing has been decided yet in the top-four race. Now we have to continue like this and stay focused for the next match against Torino."

Used to battling it out for the Scudetto in the past, Juve and Milan looked like two teams who were unsure of a top-four finish in a nervous first half.

Other than a header from Giorgio Chiellini, Juve struggled to create anything, with Cristiano Ronaldo unusually quiet.

Brahim lit up a poor first half after Szczesny did not get enough on a punch, with the Real Madrid loanee finding the top corner on his first start for Milan since March.

After the break, Juve did improve, with Ronaldo finally getting a shot away, but he could not find the target with his left foot, while Milan had to withdraw their top goalscorer this season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, due to an injury.

Chiellini's clumsy handball gifted Milan the chance to extend their lead, after a lengthy VAR review. However, Szczesny came to the rescue - the Pole's third penalty save from the last four spot-kicks he has faced in Serie A against Milan.

It was Ibrahimovic's replacement Rebic who effectively ended Juve's hopes of getting something from the match before Tomori picked an opportune moment to score his first goal for Milan.

The final whistle was greeted with wild scenes of celebration from Milan staff and players, with their first away league win at Juve since March 2011 putting them in a strong position to return to the Champions League, potentially at their opponent's expense.

Juventus started the season looking to win a 10th straight Serie A title but instead find themselves in danger of missing out on a Champions League spot after a 3-0 home defeat by top-four rivals AC Milan on Sunday left them fifth with three games left.

Juventus started the season looking to win a 10th straight Serie A title but instead find themselves in danger of missing out on a Champions League spot after a 3-0 home defeat by top-four rivals AC Milan on Sunday left them fifth with three games left. Goals from Brahim Diaz, Ante Rebic, and Fikayo Tomori secured the win and sent Milan up to third on 72 points from 35 matches, leaving Juve a point behind fourth-placed Napoli and needing teams to drop points as they battle for a top-four finish. Brahim curled home a stunning opener just before the break to give the visitors the halftime lead and they had a chance to extend the advantage in the 56th minute only for Franck Kessie's penalty to be saved by Wojciech Szczesny. That miss did not prove costly, however, as substitute Rebic arrowed a fine strike into the net 12 minutes from time before defender Tomori, on loan from Chelsea, headed the third goal to seal a crucial win for Milan four minutes later. "It was a very special night for us," Tomori told Sky Sport Italia. "This result and my goal made the night special. "This victory gives us an advantage but nothing has been decided yet in the top-four race. Now we have to continue like this and stay focused for the next match against Torino." Used to battling it out for the Scudetto in the past, Juve and Milan looked like two teams who were unsure of a top-four finish in a nervous first half. Other than a header from Giorgio Chiellini, Juve struggled to create anything, with Cristiano Ronaldo unusually quiet. Brahim lit up a poor first half after Szczesny did not get enough on a punch, with the Real Madrid loanee finding the top corner on his first start for Milan since March. After the break, Juve did improve, with Ronaldo finally getting a shot away, but he could not find the target with his left foot, while Milan had to withdraw their top goalscorer this season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, due to an injury. Chiellini's clumsy handball gifted Milan the chance to extend their lead, after a lengthy VAR review. However, Szczesny came to the rescue - the Pole's third penalty save from the last four spot-kicks he has faced in Serie A against Milan. It was Ibrahimovic's replacement Rebic who effectively ended Juve's hopes of getting something from the match before Tomori picked an opportune moment to score his first goal for Milan. The final whistle was greeted with wild scenes of celebration from Milan staff and players, with their first away league win at Juve since March 2011 putting them in a strong position to return to the Champions League, potentially at their opponent's expense.

Juventus in danger of missing out on top four after loss to Milan

Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Harshal Patel has uncovered the history of his exciting return to the Indian Premier League. Harshal Patel felt that he wasn't offering the correct abilities to the franchise 'market' in 2018 which prompted an adjustment of outlook and made something happen totally.&nbsp;

In conversation with the Hindustan Times, Harshal Patel stated that for achievements and success, one should be adequately valiant to come up short 'spectacularly', in spite of what others say and trust in.

"It is all individual work, right? It is your journey, people will come and lend you a hand or give you a few words of confidence but at the end of the day, you have to put in the work, be willing to fail spectacularly. If you are brave enough to do that, then only you will get exceptional success. That is what I realized after the last season. In 2018 also, not getting a bid other than Delhi was a kick in the stomach. I realized whatever I was offering the market wasn’t interested. I needed to put myself in a position to win games for the team, which I was doing consistently at the domestic level. I just needed to have that change in mindset. That is what has happened probably in the last year-and-a-half," said Harshal Patel.

Harshal Patel has a rebound story like no other in the IPL. From playing only 7 matches joined in 2019 and 2020 for 5 wickets to featuring in all seven matches in 2021 and getting a whopping 17 wickets, is no mean accomplishment. These 17 wickets came at a professional best average of 15.12 and a strike&nbsp;rate of 9.88. His ability in the death overs made him his skipper's expert weapon, and their opponents’ most feared foe.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/remainder-of-ipl-2021-cant-happen-in-india-says-sourav-ganguly-384022" hreflang="en">'Remainder of IPL 2021 can't happen in India', says Sourav Ganguly</a>

Harshal Patel likewise talked about his on-field discussions with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. With respect to the previous, Harshal Patel uncovered an instant message towards the beginning of the period that caused him to feel certain about the Royal Challengers Bangalore stretch. He additionally hailed Virat Kohli for support of the bowlers to openly execute their arrangements in pressure circumstances.

"The moment I was traded, Virat sent me a message, “welcome back, you are going to play here”. That made a big impact on my confidence and I realized this is a team where I can finally showcase all my skills. He gives you the space to do your thing. Even if you don’t execute at times he understands better than anybody that on a batter’s day, if they get hold of a bowler, you are going to go for runs. Whenever we are unable to execute, or we stray from our plans, when we sit for the review the only talk is about what do we do to stay on the path, how do we stay in the mindset to execute more often than not. We don’t let any other noise come into that environment," said Harshal Patel.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-pat-cummins-to-virat-kohli-cricketing-stalwarts-who-contributed-in-indias-fight-against-covid-19-381735" hreflang="en">From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19</a>

"Who better to tell you about what’s going on than AB? He doesn’t talk a lot, he will let you do your own thing but if he finds you are out of depth or struggling, he will come up to chat. Before I came into bowl, he has probably seen seven or eight overs; he will give small pointers on what the wicket is doing, what the batters are trying to do, what are the deliveries will work. It is always short and concise chat," Harshal Patel signed off. 
<o:p></o:p>

Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Harshal Patel has uncovered the history of his exciting return to the Indian Premier League. Harshal Patel felt that he wasn't offering the correct abilities to the franchise 'market' in 2018 which prompted an adjustment of outlook and made something happen totally.

Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Harshal Patel has uncovered the history of his exciting return to the Indian Premier League. Harshal Patel felt that he wasn't offering the correct abilities to the franchise 'market' in 2018 which prompted an adjustment of outlook and made something happen totally. In conversation with the Hindustan Times, Harshal Patel stated that for achievements and success, one should be adequately valiant to come up short 'spectacularly', in spite of what others say and trust in. "It is all individual work, right? It is your journey, people will come and lend you a hand or give you a few words of confidence but at the end of the day, you have to put in the work, be willing to fail spectacularly. If you are brave enough to do that, then only you will get exceptional success. That is what I realized after the last season. In 2018 also, not getting a bid other than Delhi was a kick in the stomach. I realized whatever I was offering the market wasn’t interested. I needed to put myself in a position to win games for the team, which I was doing consistently at the domestic level. I just needed to have that change in mindset. That is what has happened probably in the last year-and-a-half," said Harshal Patel. Harshal Patel has a rebound story like no other in the IPL. From playing only 7 matches joined in 2019 and 2020 for 5 wickets to featuring in all seven matches in 2021 and getting a whopping 17 wickets, is no mean accomplishment. These 17 wickets came at a professional best average of 15.12 and a strike rate of 9.88. His ability in the death overs made him his skipper's expert weapon, and their opponents’ most feared foe. ALSO READ: 'Remainder of IPL 2021 can't happen in India', says Sourav Ganguly Harshal Patel likewise talked about his on-field discussions with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. With respect to the previous, Harshal Patel uncovered an instant message towards the beginning of the period that caused him to feel certain about the Royal Challengers Bangalore stretch. He additionally hailed Virat Kohli for support of the bowlers to openly execute their arrangements in pressure circumstances. "The moment I was traded, Virat sent me a message, “welcome back, you are going to play here”. That made a big impact on my confidence and I realized this is a team where I can finally showcase all my skills. He gives you the space to do your thing. Even if you don’t execute at times he understands better than anybody that on a batter’s day, if they get hold of a bowler, you are going to go for runs. Whenever we are unable to execute, or we stray from our plans, when we sit for the review the only talk is about what do we do to stay on the path, how do we stay in the mindset to execute more often than not. We don’t let any other noise come into that environment," said Harshal Patel. ALSO READ: From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19 "Who better to tell you about what’s going on than AB? He doesn’t talk a lot, he will let you do your own thing but if he finds you are out of depth or struggling, he will come up to chat. Before I came into bowl, he has probably seen seven or eight overs; he will give small pointers on what the wicket is doing, what the batters are trying to do, what are the deliveries will work. It is always short and concise chat," Harshal Patel signed off.

'Whatever I was offering, IPL market wasn’t interested': Harshal Patel on his dream comeback

Former cricketer Curtly Ambrose feels that it very well may be hard for West Indies to recover their brilliance days in light of the fact that the current crop of players likely don’t exactly comprehend what cricket means to the Caribbean public.&nbsp;

The West Indies ruled world cricket from the 70s to the mid-90s, caught hold of the initial two versions of the World Cup during this period. Be that as it may, their fortunes plunged definitely from the mid-90s, and they have not been a similar amazing powerhouse from that point forward.&nbsp;

Talking on Talk Sports Live, Curtly Ambrose bemoaned the absence of appreciation for the tradition of West Indies cricket among the current players.

“Most of the youngsters we have now probably don’t quite understand what cricket means to West Indians in the West Indies and abroad because cricket is the only sport that really unites Caribbean people.”

Explaining why he doesn't really accept that West Indies could be an extraordinary team once more, Curtly Ambrose said: “This is no disrespect to the players we have now because we have a couple of guys who have some quality in them and can become great, but what we have to understand is that I don’t think we will ever see those great, exceptional glory days again.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-have-very-good-chance-rahul-dravid-predicts-the-scoreline-of-england-vs-india-test-series-383930" hreflang="en">'India have very good chance': Rahul Dravid predicts the scoreline of England vs India Test series</a>

He further added that West Indies could think that it's hard to create legends like Viv Richards or Michael Holding later on.

“It’s going to be difficult to find another Viv Richards or a Haynes and Greenidge, a Brian Lara, Richie Richardson, you know, a Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, and the list goes on and on, Clive Lloyd. It’s going to be extremely difficult to find those quality players again.”

“When we were the best team in the word, West Indians all over the globe could walk and boast about how good we were because we were the best, so it’s going to be difficult to see those glory days again. Yes, we can be competitive and climb up the ICC rankings and be a force to be reckoned with again, but those glory days, I don’t think we will see them again.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-expresses-his-gratitude-towards-frontline-workers-amidst-covid-19-crisis-383915" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli expresses his 'gratitude' towards frontline workers amidst COVID-19 crisis</a>

West Indies are the reigning champs in the T20 World Cup; they additionally won the tournament in 2012. Be that as it may, they have battled to have an effect in ODIs and Tests over the most recent twenty years. 
&nbsp;

Former cricketer Curtly Ambrose feels that it very well may be hard for West Indies to recover their brilliance days in light of the fact that the current crop of players likely don’t exactly comprehend what cricket means to the Caribbean public.

Former cricketer Curtly Ambrose feels that it very well may be hard for West Indies to recover their brilliance days in light of the fact that the current crop of players likely don’t exactly comprehend what cricket means to the Caribbean public. The West Indies ruled world cricket from the 70s to the mid-90s, caught hold of the initial two versions of the World Cup during this period. Be that as it may, their fortunes plunged definitely from the mid-90s, and they have not been a similar amazing powerhouse from that point forward. Talking on Talk Sports Live, Curtly Ambrose bemoaned the absence of appreciation for the tradition of West Indies cricket among the current players. “Most of the youngsters we have now probably don’t quite understand what cricket means to West Indians in the West Indies and abroad because cricket is the only sport that really unites Caribbean people.” Explaining why he doesn't really accept that West Indies could be an extraordinary team once more, Curtly Ambrose said: “This is no disrespect to the players we have now because we have a couple of guys who have some quality in them and can become great, but what we have to understand is that I don’t think we will ever see those great, exceptional glory days again.” ALSO READ: 'India have very good chance': Rahul Dravid predicts the scoreline of England vs India Test series He further added that West Indies could think that it's hard to create legends like Viv Richards or Michael Holding later on. “It’s going to be difficult to find another Viv Richards or a Haynes and Greenidge, a Brian Lara, Richie Richardson, you know, a Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, and the list goes on and on, Clive Lloyd. It’s going to be extremely difficult to find those quality players again.” “When we were the best team in the word, West Indians all over the globe could walk and boast about how good we were because we were the best, so it’s going to be difficult to see those glory days again. Yes, we can be competitive and climb up the ICC rankings and be a force to be reckoned with again, but those glory days, I don’t think we will see them again.” ALSO READ: Virat Kohli expresses his 'gratitude' towards frontline workers amidst COVID-19 crisis West Indies are the reigning champs in the T20 World Cup; they additionally won the tournament in 2012. Be that as it may, they have battled to have an effect in ODIs and Tests over the most recent twenty years.

'I don’t think we will ever see those glory days again', says Curtly Ambrose

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