<p>Gareth Bale said Tuesday that he plans to resume his Real Madrid career once his loan at Tottenham expires at the end of this season.</p>

<p>Wales forward Bale returned for a second spell with Tottenham in September after being frozen out by Real manager Zinedine Zidane.</p>

<p>He has endured a difficult time back in the Premier League, plagued by fitness issues, inconsistent form and a dispute with Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho over his readiness for an FA Cup tie at Everton.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 31-year-old's Madrid contract runs until the end of the 2021-22 season and he revealed he will head back to Spain after the delayed Euro 2020 this summer.</p>

<p>"There's no distraction for me," Bale told a press conference. "I think the main reason I came to Spurs this year was to play football first and foremost.</p>

<p>"Going into the Euros I wanted to be match-fit. The original plan was to do a season at Spurs and after the Euros still have a year left at Real Madrid.</p>

<p>"My plan is to go back, that's as far I have planned."</p>

<p>Mourinho said earlier this month that Bale's future beyond the end of the season was a matter for Real.</p>

<p>Finally showing signs of his best form, Bale -- a four-time Champions League winner with Real - recently scored six goals in six games.</p>

<p>But Bale found himself back on the bench for Tottenham's shock Europa League exit at Dinamo Zagreb last Thursday and their Premier League win against Aston Villa on Sunday.</p>

<p>His spell among the substitutes has at least kept Bale fit for Wales' forthcoming matches.</p>

<p>Wales head to Belgium for their opening World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, host Mexico in a friendly on Saturday and take on the Czech Republic in their second qualifier next Tuesday.</p>

<p>With a busy international schedule looming, Bale is eager to put his club issues to one side for now.</p>

<p>"I'm feeling fresh and ready to go. I always think when things aren't going too well at a club, it's nice to get away, especially mentally, get away from the club environment," he said.</p>

<p>"Definitely it can be a benefit. We focus on these games for Wales, which are very important for us.</p>

<p>"We forget club life and concentrate on this."</p>


Gareth Bale said Tuesday that he plans to resume his Real Madrid career once his loan at Tottenham expires at the end of this season. Wales forward Bale returned for a second spell with Tottenham in September after being frozen out by Real manager Zinedine Zidane.

Gareth Bale said Tuesday that he plans to resume his Real Madrid career once his loan at Tottenham expires at the end of this season. Wales forward Bale returned for a second spell with Tottenham in September after being frozen out by Real manager Zinedine Zidane. He has endured a difficult time back in the Premier League, plagued by fitness issues, inconsistent form and a dispute with Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho over his readiness for an FA Cup tie at Everton. The 31-year-old's Madrid contract runs until the end of the 2021-22 season and he revealed he will head back to Spain after the delayed Euro 2020 this summer. "There's no distraction for me," Bale told a press conference. "I think the main reason I came to Spurs this year was to play football first and foremost. "Going into the Euros I wanted to be match-fit. The original plan was to do a season at Spurs and after the Euros still have a year left at Real Madrid. "My plan is to go back, that's as far I have planned." Mourinho said earlier this month that Bale's future beyond the end of the season was a matter for Real. Finally showing signs of his best form, Bale -- a four-time Champions League winner with Real - recently scored six goals in six games. But Bale found himself back on the bench for Tottenham's shock Europa League exit at Dinamo Zagreb last Thursday and their Premier League win against Aston Villa on Sunday. His spell among the substitutes has at least kept Bale fit for Wales' forthcoming matches. Wales head to Belgium for their opening World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, host Mexico in a friendly on Saturday and take on the Czech Republic in their second qualifier next Tuesday. With a busy international schedule looming, Bale is eager to put his club issues to one side for now. "I'm feeling fresh and ready to go. I always think when things aren't going too well at a club, it's nice to get away, especially mentally, get away from the club environment," he said. "Definitely it can be a benefit. We focus on these games for Wales, which are very important for us. "We forget club life and concentrate on this."

Bale expects Real return after Spurs loan

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has provided an update on the injuries sustained by Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer during the first ODI against England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Both Rohit and Iyer sustained injuries while batting and fielding respectively and didn't take the field in the second innings of the match.</p>

<p>Shreyas Iyer has&nbsp;subluxated his left shoulder in the 8th over while fielding. The Indian batsman has been taken for further scans and won't take any further part in the ongoing first ODI against England. Whereas Rohit Sharma&nbsp;was hit on the right elbow while batting and felt some pain later and won't take the field.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-one-is-for-my-dad-krunal-pandya-gets-emotional-after-smashing-fastest-ever-50-on-odi-debut-watch-372550" hreflang="en">This one is for my dad: Krunal Pandya gets emotional after smashing fastest-ever 50 on ODI debut - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, India posted a mammoth total of 317/5 in 50 overs following a late blitz by debutant Krunal Pandya and KL Rahul. Earlier on the day, Shikhar Dhawan scored 98 runs to give India a good start while Virat Kohli also scored a sublime 56.</p>

<p>England, in reply, started the chase in a blistering fashion as openers Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy went after the Indian bowlers from the word go. The duo stitched a 135-run stand in just 14.2 overs before Roy was sent packing by Prasidh Krishna whereas&nbsp;Bairstow departed for 94.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-provide-injury-update-on-eoin-morgan-and-sam-billings-372523" hreflang="en">England provide injury update on Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings</a></strong></p>

<p>The visitors would be confident of chasing down the score following the kind of start they enjoyed. However, Indian bowlers would be looking to pick a couple of quick wickets to put pressure on England.&nbsp;After 24.1 overs, England were 175/4.</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has provided an update on the injuries sustained by Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer during the first ODI against England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has provided an update on the injuries sustained by Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer during the first ODI against England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Both Rohit and Iyer sustained injuries while batting and fielding respectively and didn't take the field in the second innings of the match. Shreyas Iyer has subluxated his left shoulder in the 8th over while fielding. The Indian batsman has been taken for further scans and won't take any further part in the ongoing first ODI against England. Whereas Rohit Sharma was hit on the right elbow while batting and felt some pain later and won't take the field. ALSO READ: This one is for my dad: Krunal Pandya gets emotional after smashing fastest-ever 50 on ODI debut - Watch Meanwhile, India posted a mammoth total of 317/5 in 50 overs following a late blitz by debutant Krunal Pandya and KL Rahul. Earlier on the day, Shikhar Dhawan scored 98 runs to give India a good start while Virat Kohli also scored a sublime 56. England, in reply, started the chase in a blistering fashion as openers Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy went after the Indian bowlers from the word go. The duo stitched a 135-run stand in just 14.2 overs before Roy was sent packing by Prasidh Krishna whereas Bairstow departed for 94. ALSO READ: England provide injury update on Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings The visitors would be confident of chasing down the score following the kind of start they enjoyed. However, Indian bowlers would be looking to pick a couple of quick wickets to put pressure on England. After 24.1 overs, England were 175/4.

1st ODI: BCCI gives update on Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer's injury

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9e613e15-c711-452c-88c0-93435482eb98}{14}" paraid="1004024442" >Krunal Pandya on Tuesday created a world record of scoring the fastest half-century on debut in ODI cricket as he smashed a 26-ball 50 to rescue India from a difficult spot in the first ODI against England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. While Krunal hammered the English bowlers all over the park, the left-handed all-rounder got emotional after the end of the innings and was spotted hugging his brother Hardik Pandya and crying.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9e613e15-c711-452c-88c0-93435482eb98}{68}" paraid="1684600208" >“This one is for my dad. I did get emotional (holding back tears),” Krunal told Star Sports after the end of India's innings as the hosts posted a mammoth score of 317/5 in 50 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9e613e15-c711-452c-88c0-93435482eb98}{75}" paraid="896976519" >Krunal also became the 15th&nbsp;Indian batsman to score 50+ runs on debut in ODI cricket with Faiz Fazal being the last to achieve the feat in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9e613e15-c711-452c-88c0-93435482eb98}{75}" paraid="896976519" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-provide-injury-update-on-eoin-morgan-and-sam-billings-372523" hreflang="en">England provide injury update on Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is all heart 💙🫂<br />
<br />
A teary moment for ODI debutant <a href="https://twitter.com/krunalpandya24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@krunalpandya24</a> post his brilliant quick-fire half-century💥💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://t.co/w3x8pj18CD">pic.twitter.com/w3x8pj18CD</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1374342265338929160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Century stand ✅<br />
Half centuries for <a href="https://twitter.com/klrahul11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@klrahul11</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/krunalpandya24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@krunalpandya24</a> ✅<br />
300+ on the board ✅<br />
<br />
Brilliant batting display from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> as they post 317/5 in 50 overs. <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/9iU3lmZQBz">pic.twitter.com/9iU3lmZQBz</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1374335793439723520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The all-rounder also looked emotional when he was handed his debut ODI cap before the start of the match and waived his Team India cap towards the sky while remembering his late father.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8eff4d30-ba43-4558-986a-7ebb8457b5d1}{197}" paraid="310814271" >Hardik and Krunal's father – Himanshu Pandya – had passed away earlier on January 16 this year at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Both Hardik and Krunal had posted emotional tributes to their father on social media platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8eff4d30-ba43-4558-986a-7ebb8457b5d1}{197}" paraid="310814271" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-becomes-fastest-to-10000-international-runs-on-home-soil-372515" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli becomes fastest to 10,000 international runs on home soil</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bec601b6-e636-47c0-b14e-2719ad4f9469}{146}" paraid="2142811689" >"Cannot get over the feeling that you have left us. Still processing the loss and emptiness that you have left behind. There were so many things left to say and do. Miss you&nbsp;everyday&nbsp;Papa. Wanted to thank everyone who took the time out to message me and share this loss," Krunal wrote on Instagram after his father passed away.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CK1DC7yAn26/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CK1DC7yAn26/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CK1DC7yAn26/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CK1DC7yAn26/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Krunal himanshu Pandya (@krunalpandya_official)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Krunal gave a fitting tribute to his father by smashing the fastest 50 on debut in ODI cricket and helped India get into a strong position heading into the second innings of the match.&nbsp;</p>


Krunal Pandya on Tuesday created a world record of scoring the fastest half-century on debut in ODI cricket as he smashed a 26-ball 50 to rescue India from a difficult spot in the first ODI against England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

Krunal Pandya on Tuesday created a world record of scoring the fastest half-century on debut in ODI cricket as he smashed a 26-ball 50 to rescue India from a difficult spot in the first ODI against England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. While Krunal hammered the English bowlers all over the park, the left-handed all-rounder got emotional after the end of the innings and was spotted hugging his brother Hardik Pandya and crying. “This one is for my dad. I did get emotional (holding back tears),” Krunal told Star Sports after the end of India's innings as the hosts posted a mammoth score of 317/5 in 50 overs. Krunal also became the 15th Indian batsman to score 50+ runs on debut in ODI cricket with Faiz Fazal being the last to achieve the feat in 2016. ALSO READ: England provide injury update on Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings This is all heart 💙🫂 A teary moment for ODI debutant @krunalpandya24 post his brilliant quick-fire half-century💥💥@hardikpandya7 #TeamIndia #INDvENG @Paytm pic.twitter.com/w3x8pj18CD — BCCI (@BCCI) March 23, 2021 × Century stand ✅ Half centuries for @klrahul11 & @krunalpandya24 ✅ 300+ on the board ✅ Brilliant batting display from #TeamIndia as they post 317/5 in 50 overs. @Paytm #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/9iU3lmZQBz — BCCI (@BCCI) March 23, 2021 × The all-rounder also looked emotional when he was handed his debut ODI cap before the start of the match and waived his Team India cap towards the sky while remembering his late father. Hardik and Krunal's father – Himanshu Pandya – had passed away earlier on January 16 this year at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Both Hardik and Krunal had posted emotional tributes to their father on social media platforms. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli becomes fastest to 10,000 international runs on home soil "Cannot get over the feeling that you have left us. Still processing the loss and emptiness that you have left behind. There were so many things left to say and do. Miss you everyday Papa. Wanted to thank everyone who took the time out to message me and share this loss," Krunal wrote on Instagram after his father passed away. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Krunal himanshu Pandya (@krunalpandya_official) × Krunal gave a fitting tribute to his father by smashing the fastest 50 on debut in ODI cricket and helped India get into a strong position heading into the second innings of the match.

This one is for my dad: Krunal Pandya gets emotional after smashing fastest-ever 50 on ODI debut - Watch

<p>When the Tokyo Olympics torch relay kicks off in Fukushima on Thursday, runners are hoping it will show the world the area is no "nuclear wasteland", a decade after the 2011 disaster.</p>

<p>The pandemic might have overshadowed a Games once billed as the "Recovery Olympics" after the earthquake and tsunami catastrophe, but Fukushima torchbearers say the relay can show their home in a new light.</p>

<p>"From afar, Fukushima might look like a place where time has stood still," Hanae Nojiri, a reporter with a local TV station who will take part in the relay, told AFP.</p>

<p>"But when people see the spectators lining the roads and the passion of the runners, I think they'll update their image of the place."</p>

<p>The virus-delayed torch relay begins about 20 miles (32 kilometres) from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant that went into meltdown when the massive quake and tsunami struck on March 11, 2011.</p>

<p>Around 18,500 people were left dead or missing, most of them victims of the devastating tsunami.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tens of thousands were forced to flee their homes, with radiation making some areas uninhabitable for years.</p>

<p>The area's recovery is not complete even now, but residents are ready to show the world how much progress has been made.</p>

<p>The torch relay will start at the J-Village football training facility, which was once the front-line command centre for the clean-up operation at the nuclear plant.</p>

<p>Now it has been restored to its original purpose, with pristine green pitches welcoming the footballers who train there.</p>

<p>"I think it's very meaningful that the relay will start from Fukushima 10 years after the disaster," said Nojiri.</p>

<h2>- 'Mixed feelings' -</h2>

<p>The Olympics and the relay were delayed by a year because of the pandemic and ongoing virus fears mean the torch festivities have been pared back, with the departure ceremony and first leg closed to the public.</p>

<p>Cheering is forbidden along the route, which will criss-cross Japan and involve around 10,000 runners, and the relay will be suspended if large crowds gather.</p>

<p>Yumiko Nishimoto, a torchbearer on the first day, has "mixed feelings" over the behind-closed-doors departure ceremony, which features a simplified programme with a reduced number of performers.</p>

<p>"Local people were looking forward to it, and some of them wanted to go and watch," said Nishimoto, who leads a community project to plant 20,000 cherry trees, one of the initiatives to restore the area.</p>

<p>"I wonder if organisers could have made more of an effort, considering it's an outdoor event. The situation with infections is not the same here as it is in Tokyo."</p>

<p>But Nishimoto is determined not to let the virus put a dampener on the occasion, which she sees as a chance to show "both positive and negative aspects" of Fukushima's recovery.</p>

<p>Organisers have been keen to play up the benefits of hosting the Olympics for areas affected by the disaster.</p>

<p>But parts of the region remain off-limits due to high radiation, and some hollowed-out towns are still struggling to lure people back to rebuild their communities.</p>

<p>"The torch relay will pass through areas where people still can't return, and you can't cover that up -- that's the reality and you need to understand that," said Nojiri.</p>

<p>"But a lot of people are moving forward and living life with a smile on their faces, and I want people to see that."</p>

<h2>- 'Back on its feet' -</h2>

<p>William McMichael, a Canadian lecturer at Fukushima University who has lived in the area since 2007, has been inviting overseas students since the disaster, in the hope of changing perceptions.</p>

<p>"There was a huge gap between what the world was saying about Fukushima and what was actually going on here," McMichael said, arguing it was portrayed as "a nuclear wasteland" outside of Japan.</p>

<p>McMichael, who will run on the third day of the relay, wants the world to see what Fukushima is really like and hopes residents will "realise that the whole world is still thinking about them".</p>

<p>Fukushima will also play an active part in the Games, hosting Olympic baseball and softball.</p>

<p>And Nojiri thinks the region can offer the world important lessons and hope at a tough time.</p>

<p>"Ten years ago, Fukushima went through a disaster that other countries haven't experienced, but it got back on its feet," she said.</p>

<p>"I want people to see that positive attitude, especially now with the world facing up to a crisis."</p>


When the Tokyo Olympics torch relay kicks off in Fukushima on Thursday, runners are hoping it will show the world the area is no "nuclear wasteland", a decade after the 2011 disaster.

When the Tokyo Olympics torch relay kicks off in Fukushima on Thursday, runners are hoping it will show the world the area is no "nuclear wasteland", a decade after the 2011 disaster. The pandemic might have overshadowed a Games once billed as the "Recovery Olympics" after the earthquake and tsunami catastrophe, but Fukushima torchbearers say the relay can show their home in a new light. "From afar, Fukushima might look like a place where time has stood still," Hanae Nojiri, a reporter with a local TV station who will take part in the relay, told AFP. "But when people see the spectators lining the roads and the passion of the runners, I think they'll update their image of the place." The virus-delayed torch relay begins about 20 miles (32 kilometres) from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant that went into meltdown when the massive quake and tsunami struck on March 11, 2011. Around 18,500 people were left dead or missing, most of them victims of the devastating tsunami. Tens of thousands were forced to flee their homes, with radiation making some areas uninhabitable for years. The area's recovery is not complete even now, but residents are ready to show the world how much progress has been made. The torch relay will start at the J-Village football training facility, which was once the front-line command centre for the clean-up operation at the nuclear plant. Now it has been restored to its original purpose, with pristine green pitches welcoming the footballers who train there. "I think it's very meaningful that the relay will start from Fukushima 10 years after the disaster," said Nojiri. - 'Mixed feelings' - The Olympics and the relay were delayed by a year because of the pandemic and ongoing virus fears mean the torch festivities have been pared back, with the departure ceremony and first leg closed to the public. Cheering is forbidden along the route, which will criss-cross Japan and involve around 10,000 runners, and the relay will be suspended if large crowds gather. Yumiko Nishimoto, a torchbearer on the first day, has "mixed feelings" over the behind-closed-doors departure ceremony, which features a simplified programme with a reduced number of performers. "Local people were looking forward to it, and some of them wanted to go and watch," said Nishimoto, who leads a community project to plant 20,000 cherry trees, one of the initiatives to restore the area. "I wonder if organisers could have made more of an effort, considering it's an outdoor event. The situation with infections is not the same here as it is in Tokyo." But Nishimoto is determined not to let the virus put a dampener on the occasion, which she sees as a chance to show "both positive and negative aspects" of Fukushima's recovery. Organisers have been keen to play up the benefits of hosting the Olympics for areas affected by the disaster. But parts of the region remain off-limits due to high radiation, and some hollowed-out towns are still struggling to lure people back to rebuild their communities. "The torch relay will pass through areas where people still can't return, and you can't cover that up -- that's the reality and you need to understand that," said Nojiri. "But a lot of people are moving forward and living life with a smile on their faces, and I want people to see that." - 'Back on its feet' - William McMichael, a Canadian lecturer at Fukushima University who has lived in the area since 2007, has been inviting overseas students since the disaster, in the hope of changing perceptions. "There was a huge gap between what the world was saying about Fukushima and what was actually going on here," McMichael said, arguing it was portrayed as "a nuclear wasteland" outside of Japan. McMichael, who will run on the third day of the relay, wants the world to see what Fukushima is really like and hopes residents will "realise that the whole world is still thinking about them". Fukushima will also play an active part in the Games, hosting Olympic baseball and softball. And Nojiri thinks the region can offer the world important lessons and hope at a tough time. "Ten years ago, Fukushima went through a disaster that other countries haven't experienced, but it got back on its feet," she said. "I want people to see that positive attitude, especially now with the world facing up to a crisis."

Fukushima hopes Olympic torch will shine light on recovery

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a9429eda-f8c1-4f91-ace1-a5af9874abad}{113}" paraid="1824210631" >England cricket team has been handed an injury issues after Sam Billings left the field while holding his shoulder during the first ODI against India at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Tuesday. Billings stood near the boundary rope as he dived in a bid to save a four. Even England skipper Eoin Morgan was forced out of the field after suffering a split webbing between his right thumb and index finger.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a9429eda-f8c1-4f91-ace1-a5af9874abad}{113}" paraid="1824210631" >&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6c626ebc-8383-439f-b826-6907acce1594}{112}" paraid="428777970" >However, the awkward landing put Billings in pain as he stood up and walked off the field after being attended by the England medical team. Now, it has been confirmed that Billings has "sprained his collarbone joint" but the issue is not&nbsp;related to the shoulder injury he suffered back in 2019, which ruled him out of the ICC World Cup 2019 – won by England.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6c626ebc-8383-439f-b826-6907acce1594}{112}" paraid="428777970" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-becomes-fastest-to-10000-international-runs-on-home-soil-372515" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli becomes fastest to 10,000 international runs on home soil</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e27d0187-1acb-4623-aef1-f365050b9128}{126}" paraid="341551624" >England team spokesperson said: “Sam Billings has sprained his collar bone joint. It’s not related to the previous shoulder injury he suffered in 2019. It’s sore, he’s currently receiving treatment and we are hopeful he will be able to bat later.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e27d0187-1acb-4623-aef1-f365050b9128}{126}" paraid="341551624" >On Eoin Morgan: "Eoin has split the webbing between his right thumb and index finger. He has had four stitches inserted by the England team doctor. He expects to be able to bat."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After splitting the webbing on his right hand, Morgs has had four stitches.<br />
<br />
He expects to be able to bat later.<br />
<br />
🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 <a href="https://t.co/5GJeEi3rwP">pic.twitter.com/5GJeEi3rwP</a></p>
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1374330659796312064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Billings, after the ODI series against India, is set to play for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL). The ongoing series is being seen as Billings’ opportunity, like other fringe players, to stake claim to England's 50-over and T20I side.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2d7fb736-a778-4c97-8de5-4e54f23158c7}{149}" paraid="1944155745" >Liam Livingstone replaced Billings in the field and took the catch of Shreyas Iyer to dismiss the latest Lancashire recruit.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2d7fb736-a778-4c97-8de5-4e54f23158c7}{149}" paraid="1944155745" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-nca-conducts-level-2-coaching-courses-for-international-and-domestic-cricketers-372502" hreflang="en">BCCI-NCA conducts Level 2 coaching courses for international and domestic cricketers</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b1977dde-cf23-4aac-95f3-c7c979a548da}{14}" paraid="1574051360" >England would be hoping to salvage some pride in the ODI series after being thumped by India in the Test and T20I series.&nbsp;</p>


England cricket team has been handed an injury issues after Sam Billings left the field while holding his shoulder during the first ODI against India at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Tuesday.

England cricket team has been handed an injury issues after Sam Billings left the field while holding his shoulder during the first ODI against India at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Tuesday. Billings stood near the boundary rope as he dived in a bid to save a four. Even England skipper Eoin Morgan was forced out of the field after suffering a split webbing between his right thumb and index finger. However, the awkward landing put Billings in pain as he stood up and walked off the field after being attended by the England medical team. Now, it has been confirmed that Billings has "sprained his collarbone joint" but the issue is not related to the shoulder injury he suffered back in 2019, which ruled him out of the ICC World Cup 2019 – won by England. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli becomes fastest to 10,000 international runs on home soil England team spokesperson said: “Sam Billings has sprained his collar bone joint. It’s not related to the previous shoulder injury he suffered in 2019. It’s sore, he’s currently receiving treatment and we are hopeful he will be able to bat later.” On Eoin Morgan: "Eoin has split the webbing between his right thumb and index finger. He has had four stitches inserted by the England team doctor. He expects to be able to bat." After splitting the webbing on his right hand, Morgs has had four stitches. He expects to be able to bat later. 🇮🇳 #INDvENG 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/5GJeEi3rwP — England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 23, 2021 × Billings, after the ODI series against India, is set to play for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL). The ongoing series is being seen as Billings’ opportunity, like other fringe players, to stake claim to England's 50-over and T20I side. Liam Livingstone replaced Billings in the field and took the catch of Shreyas Iyer to dismiss the latest Lancashire recruit. ALSO READ: BCCI-NCA conducts Level 2 coaching courses for international and domestic cricketers England would be hoping to salvage some pride in the ODI series after being thumped by India in the Test and T20I series.

England provide injury update on Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{87e76b02-04ea-4aee-b02b-33bb19408bd1}{64}" paraid="798291175" >Virat Kohli on Tuesday shattered the record books again as he registered another elusive achievement in international cricket to his name during the first ODI between India and England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. While the wait for&nbsp;the 71st&nbsp;international century continued for Kohli as he was dismissed for 56, the Indian skipper achieved an elusive record while surpassing the likes of Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9685e744-db6c-42a5-ba98-c0d8c743f6bd}{126}" paraid="997542113" >Kohli, with his 56-run knock against England, became the fastest player to score 10,000 international runs on home soil&nbsp;as the swashbuckling batsman touched the landmark in just 195 innings. While Kohli became the seventh player to achieve the feat, the Indian captain was the fastest to the record as he continues to set high benchmarks in the world of cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9685e744-db6c-42a5-ba98-c0d8c743f6bd}{126}" paraid="997542113" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-nca-conducts-level-2-coaching-courses-for-international-and-domestic-cricketers-372502" hreflang="en">BCCI-NCA conducts Level 2 coaching courses for international and domestic cricketers</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{562b3805-3368-49d0-9805-562fbc9ab6e7}{148}" paraid="502430888" >Not only that, Kohli also surpassed Kallis in the list of most 50+ scores in ODI cricket. Kohli, with his half-century in the first ODI in Pune, now has 104 50+ scores in ODIs and is now just behind&nbsp;Ricky Ponting (112), Kumar Sangakkara (118) and&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar (145) in the list.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cf5bb2e7-95d6-4b31-ab00-63d55dc36b6b}{234}" paraid="1975187165" >Most International&nbsp;runs&nbsp;on home soil:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5611adb9-651c-48b7-bd3e-3917439ae881}{109}" paraid="725342797" >14192 -&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2c75adf0-c013-4eff-a5d8-f813382f09f9}{8}" paraid="522936735" >13117 - Ricky&nbsp;Ponting&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2c75adf0-c013-4eff-a5d8-f813382f09f9}{40}" paraid="1297377411" >&nbsp;12305 - Jacques Kallis&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2c75adf0-c013-4eff-a5d8-f813382f09f9}{51}" paraid="1945800069" >12043 - Kumar Sangakkara&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2c75adf0-c013-4eff-a5d8-f813382f09f9}{71}" paraid="1665394632" >11679 - M&nbsp;Jayawardene&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2c75adf0-c013-4eff-a5d8-f813382f09f9}{83}" paraid="1244847474" ><em><strong>10000* - Virat Kohli&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2c75adf0-c013-4eff-a5d8-f813382f09f9}{83}" paraid="1244847474" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-rankings-indias-17-year-old-shafali-verma-becomes-no-1-t20i-batter-372492" hreflang="en">ICC Rankings: India's 17-year-old Shafali Verma becomes no. 1 T20I batter</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5611adb9-651c-48b7-bd3e-3917439ae881}{163}" paraid="1436379263" >Meanwhile, India would be looking to carry the good run of form from Test and T20Is to ODI cricket against world champions England. The Kohli-led India had defeated England 3-1 in the Test series while winning the five-match T20I series 3-2.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli on Tuesday shattered the record books again as he registered another elusive achievement in international cricket to his name during the first ODI between India and England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

Virat Kohli on Tuesday shattered the record books again as he registered another elusive achievement in international cricket to his name during the first ODI between India and England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. While the wait for the 71st international century continued for Kohli as he was dismissed for 56, the Indian skipper achieved an elusive record while surpassing the likes of Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara among others. Kohli, with his 56-run knock against England, became the fastest player to score 10,000 international runs on home soil as the swashbuckling batsman touched the landmark in just 195 innings. While Kohli became the seventh player to achieve the feat, the Indian captain was the fastest to the record as he continues to set high benchmarks in the world of cricket. ALSO READ: BCCI-NCA conducts Level 2 coaching courses for international and domestic cricketers Not only that, Kohli also surpassed Kallis in the list of most 50+ scores in ODI cricket. Kohli, with his half-century in the first ODI in Pune, now has 104 50+ scores in ODIs and is now just behind Ricky Ponting (112), Kumar Sangakkara (118) and Sachin Tendulkar (145) in the list. Most International runs on home soil: 14192 - Sachin Tendulkar 13117 - Ricky Ponting 12305 - Jacques Kallis 12043 - Kumar Sangakkara 11679 - M Jayawardene 10000* - Virat Kohli ALSO READ: ICC Rankings: India's 17-year-old Shafali Verma becomes no. 1 T20I batter Meanwhile, India would be looking to carry the good run of form from Test and T20Is to ODI cricket against world champions England. The Kohli-led India had defeated England 3-1 in the Test series while winning the five-match T20I series 3-2.

Virat Kohli becomes fastest to 10,000 international runs on home soil

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) National Cricket Academy (NCA) has conducted two Fast Track Level 2 coaching courses of international cricketers and cricketers who have played over 75 First-Class matches in what was a first-of-its-kind initiative. The courses were divided into two phases keeping the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in mind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hybrid Model coaching courses were delivered online and physically as well. Phase 1 of the course was held online over four days whereas Phase 2 was conducted at the NCA in Bengaluru across four more days.</p>

<p>Some of the attendees included the likes of Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Abhinav Mukund, Ramesh Powar, Wasim Jaffer, Sarandeep Singh, Debashish Mohanty, Vinay Kumar, Lakshmipathy Balaji and Robin Uthappa.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-rankings-indias-17-year-old-shafali-verma-becomes-no-1-t20i-batter-372492" hreflang="en">ICC Rankings: India's 17-year-old Shafali Verma becomes no. 1 T20I batter</a></strong></p>

<p>A wide array of topics was covered, including Skill Acquisition, Applied Biomechanics in Pace Bowling, Spin Bowling, Batting, Wicket-Keeping, Building Social and Personal Competence, Video Analysis etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Mr Sourav Ganguly, President, BCCI: "</strong>The experience gained through the rigours of playing first-class and international cricket coupled with knowledge of the technical and tactical intricacies of our game makes for a great combination for a coach. I believe we have some of the best coaching talents in the world and these courses conducted by the NCA will greatly benefit not only those that have participated in it but also the next generation of cricketers who will be coached by these coaches."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-odis-virat-kohli-eyes-sachin-tendulkar-ricky-pontings-elusive-records-372383" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG ODIs: Virat Kohli eyes Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting's elusive records</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Mr Jay Shah, Secretary, BCCI:</strong>&nbsp;"The BCCI has always looked to support the growth and development of its coaches and these courses are a testament to that. It is heartening to see former and current cricketers taking up this opportunity to upskill themselves as coaches. The future of Indian Cricket continues to remain bright given the continued involvement and enthusiasm of some of our cricketers even post their playing careers."</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) National Cricket Academy (NCA) has conducted two Fast Track Level 2 coaching courses of international cricketers and cricketers who have played over 75 First-Class matches in what was a first-of-its-kind initiative.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) National Cricket Academy (NCA) has conducted two Fast Track Level 2 coaching courses of international cricketers and cricketers who have played over 75 First-Class matches in what was a first-of-its-kind initiative. The courses were divided into two phases keeping the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in mind. The Hybrid Model coaching courses were delivered online and physically as well. Phase 1 of the course was held online over four days whereas Phase 2 was conducted at the NCA in Bengaluru across four more days. Some of the attendees included the likes of Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Abhinav Mukund, Ramesh Powar, Wasim Jaffer, Sarandeep Singh, Debashish Mohanty, Vinay Kumar, Lakshmipathy Balaji and Robin Uthappa. ALSO READ: ICC Rankings: India's 17-year-old Shafali Verma becomes no. 1 T20I batter A wide array of topics was covered, including Skill Acquisition, Applied Biomechanics in Pace Bowling, Spin Bowling, Batting, Wicket-Keeping, Building Social and Personal Competence, Video Analysis etc. Mr Sourav Ganguly, President, BCCI: "The experience gained through the rigours of playing first-class and international cricket coupled with knowledge of the technical and tactical intricacies of our game makes for a great combination for a coach. I believe we have some of the best coaching talents in the world and these courses conducted by the NCA will greatly benefit not only those that have participated in it but also the next generation of cricketers who will be coached by these coaches." ALSO READ: IND vs ENG ODIs: Virat Kohli eyes Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting's elusive records Mr Jay Shah, Secretary, BCCI: "The BCCI has always looked to support the growth and development of its coaches and these courses are a testament to that. It is heartening to see former and current cricketers taking up this opportunity to upskill themselves as coaches. The future of Indian Cricket continues to remain bright given the continued involvement and enthusiasm of some of our cricketers even post their playing careers."

BCCI-NCA conducts Level 2 coaching courses for international and domestic cricketers

<p>India opener Shafali Verma is back at the top of the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings after a fine show in the first two matches of the ongoing three-match series against South Africa in Lucknow.</p>

<p>The 17-year-old big-hitter, who had grabbed the top position for the first time after helping her side reach the knockout phase of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup last year in Australia, has leapfrogged Australia’s Beth Mooney with scores of 23 and 47.</p>

<p>South Africa opener Lizelle Lee is another one to gain in the T20I rankings even though the big-hitting opener lost her top spot in the ODI rankings within a week of replacing England’s Tammy Beaumont. Lee has gained three slots to reach 11th position among T20I batters after a match-winning 70 helped South Africa to a winning 2-0 lead.</p>

<p>Laura Wolvaardt has risen five places to 24th after guiding her team to victory with an unbeaten 53 in the second match while captain Sune Luus (up five places to 38th) and Nadine de Klerk (up three places to 74th) are the other South Africans to advance in the batting list.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Look who's back on 🔝<br />
<br />
India opener <a href="https://twitter.com/TheShafaliVerma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheShafaliVerma</a> regains the No.1 spot in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Women's T20I Rankings.<br />
<br />
Full list: <a href="https://t.co/py2wQA3VZq">https://t.co/py2wQA3VZq</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1374275174397214720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>De Klerk, who bowls medium pace, has also moved up five places to 68th among bowlers while seamer Ayabonga Khaka (up two places to 35th) and left-arm spinner Nonkululek Mlaba (up 14 places to 75th) have also progressed in the latest weekly update to the women’s rankings, carried out on Tuesdays.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nz-vs-ban-soft-signal-overturned-as-kyle-jamiesons-catch-triggers-controversy-watch-372490" hreflang="en">NZ vs BAN: Soft-signal overturned as Kyle Jamieson's 'catch' triggers controversy - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>For India, Deepti Sharma has moved up four places to 40th and teenager Richa Ghosh has rocketed 59 places to 85th among batters while young all-rounder Harleen Deol has progressed in both lists, up 262 places to 99th among batters and up 76 places to 146th among bowlers. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad has advanced from 34th to 25th.</p>

<p>There have also been some notable changes in the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings apart from Lee’s second short tenure at number one after her three days at the top in June 2018.</p>

<p>In the update to the longer format, which considered performances in the last match of the preceding ODI series between the two sides, Marizanne Kapp has moved from fourth to second among bowlers and overtaken West Indies’ Stafanie Taylor to second in the list of all-rounders led by Elysse Perry of Australia.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-explains-why-he-will-be-opening-for-rcb-in-ipl-2021-372287" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli explains why he will be opening for RCB in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>Mignon du Preez has gained four slots to reach 16th position after her knock of 57 while Anne Bosch has progressed in both the batting and bowling lists. She has gained 58 slots to reach 70th among batters and five places to 85th among bowlers. Tumi Sukhukhune has advanced eight places and is 37th.</p>

<p>For India, captain Mithali Raj, a formerly top-ranked batter, has moved up one place to eighth after an unbeaten 79 while Priya Punia has moved up to five places to 53rd. Gayakwad is up eight places to 38th among bowlers.</p>

<p>The 4-1 series win sees South Africa overtake England to second position in the ICC Women’s ODI Team Rankings while India remain fourth.</p>


India opener Shafali Verma is back at the top of the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings after a fine show in the first two matches of the ongoing three-match series against South Africa in Lucknow.

India opener Shafali Verma is back at the top of the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings after a fine show in the first two matches of the ongoing three-match series against South Africa in Lucknow. The 17-year-old big-hitter, who had grabbed the top position for the first time after helping her side reach the knockout phase of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup last year in Australia, has leapfrogged Australia’s Beth Mooney with scores of 23 and 47. South Africa opener Lizelle Lee is another one to gain in the T20I rankings even though the big-hitting opener lost her top spot in the ODI rankings within a week of replacing England’s Tammy Beaumont. Lee has gained three slots to reach 11th position among T20I batters after a match-winning 70 helped South Africa to a winning 2-0 lead. Laura Wolvaardt has risen five places to 24th after guiding her team to victory with an unbeaten 53 in the second match while captain Sune Luus (up five places to 38th) and Nadine de Klerk (up three places to 74th) are the other South Africans to advance in the batting list. Look who's back on 🔝 India opener @TheShafaliVerma regains the No.1 spot in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Women's T20I Rankings. Full list: https://t.co/py2wQA3VZq — ICC (@ICC) March 23, 2021 × De Klerk, who bowls medium pace, has also moved up five places to 68th among bowlers while seamer Ayabonga Khaka (up two places to 35th) and left-arm spinner Nonkululek Mlaba (up 14 places to 75th) have also progressed in the latest weekly update to the women’s rankings, carried out on Tuesdays. ALSO READ: NZ vs BAN: Soft-signal overturned as Kyle Jamieson's 'catch' triggers controversy - Watch For India, Deepti Sharma has moved up four places to 40th and teenager Richa Ghosh has rocketed 59 places to 85th among batters while young all-rounder Harleen Deol has progressed in both lists, up 262 places to 99th among batters and up 76 places to 146th among bowlers. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad has advanced from 34th to 25th. There have also been some notable changes in the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings apart from Lee’s second short tenure at number one after her three days at the top in June 2018. In the update to the longer format, which considered performances in the last match of the preceding ODI series between the two sides, Marizanne Kapp has moved from fourth to second among bowlers and overtaken West Indies’ Stafanie Taylor to second in the list of all-rounders led by Elysse Perry of Australia. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli explains why he will be opening for RCB in IPL 2021 Mignon du Preez has gained four slots to reach 16th position after her knock of 57 while Anne Bosch has progressed in both the batting and bowling lists. She has gained 58 slots to reach 70th among batters and five places to 85th among bowlers. Tumi Sukhukhune has advanced eight places and is 37th. For India, captain Mithali Raj, a formerly top-ranked batter, has moved up one place to eighth after an unbeaten 79 while Priya Punia has moved up to five places to 53rd. Gayakwad is up eight places to 38th among bowlers. The 4-1 series win sees South Africa overtake England to second position in the ICC Women’s ODI Team Rankings while India remain fourth.

ICC Rankings: India's 17-year-old Shafali Verma becomes no. 1 T20I batter

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0630cfbd-6b35-4530-8d98-e89de8e00586}{38}" paraid="1636628155" >In the world of cricket, umpire's soft-signal call has stirred up a couple of controversies lately. While the debate started during the fourth T20I between India and England when a catch by Dawid Malan to dismiss Suryakumar Yadav&nbsp;caught the eyes of fans and pundits, the soft-signal controversy&nbsp;was again up for debates during the second ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand after a close catch by bowler Kyle Jamieson.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ac9d221d-6ea4-4c66-8cf6-c842fb7333de}{19}" paraid="655912014" >Jamieson bowled a fuller delivery to Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal who fired the shot straight back to the Kiwi pacer.&nbsp;It looked like Jamieson&nbsp;had taken a clean catch just inches off the ground.&nbsp;While the on-field umpire Chris Brown gave the soft-signal as out, the decision was referred to the third umpire in a bid to have a closer look at it.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ac9d221d-6ea4-4c66-8cf6-c842fb7333de}{19}" paraid="655912014" >The third-umpire Wayne Knights&nbsp;went on to check multiple angles and replays suggested that Jamieson wasn't in complete control of the ball as it touched the pitch before the Kiwi pacer tumbled to the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee6be29a-dd44-4009-8aad-f64e7570ee02}{200}" paraid="418683119" >The third-umpire reversed the decision with Jamieson looking upset with the decision. Even his New Zealand team-mates looked visibly upset with the call.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How is this NOT a catch 😒 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/dO074dpRK2">pic.twitter.com/dO074dpRK2</a></p>
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxCricket/status/1374195184586526726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“I've got the ball on the ground and the player is not fully in control,” third umpire Knights said in the discussion with the on-field umpires.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6e3bac5-f81b-4114-bacb-734057e5175a}{106}" paraid="702366119" >As for the rulebook, the MCC law states: "The striker is out caught if a ball delivered by the bowler, not being a no-ball, touches his/her bat without having previously been in contact with any fielder, and is subsequently held by a fielder as a fair catch, as described in 33.2 and 33.3, before it touches the ground."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6e3bac5-f81b-4114-bacb-734057e5175a}{120}" paraid="1530947884" >Rule 33.3 further states: "The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his/her own movement."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6e3bac5-f81b-4114-bacb-734057e5175a}{127}" paraid="738692707" >Tamim Iqbal scored 78 runs off 108 deliveries with the decision by third-umpire playing a crucial role in his good knock. The controversial dropped catch happened when he was batting at 34.&nbsp;</p>


In the world of cricket, umpire's soft-signal call has stirred up a couple of controversies lately. While the debate started during the fourth T20I between India and England when a catch by Dawid Malan to dismiss Suryakumar Yadav caught the eyes of fans and pundits, the soft-signal controversy was again up for debates during the second ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand after a close catch by bowler Kyle Jamieson.

In the world of cricket, umpire's soft-signal call has stirred up a couple of controversies lately. While the debate started during the fourth T20I between India and England when a catch by Dawid Malan to dismiss Suryakumar Yadav caught the eyes of fans and pundits, the soft-signal controversy was again up for debates during the second ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand after a close catch by bowler Kyle Jamieson. Jamieson bowled a fuller delivery to Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal who fired the shot straight back to the Kiwi pacer. It looked like Jamieson had taken a clean catch just inches off the ground. While the on-field umpire Chris Brown gave the soft-signal as out, the decision was referred to the third umpire in a bid to have a closer look at it. The third-umpire Wayne Knights went on to check multiple angles and replays suggested that Jamieson wasn't in complete control of the ball as it touched the pitch before the Kiwi pacer tumbled to the ground. The third-umpire reversed the decision with Jamieson looking upset with the decision. Even his New Zealand team-mates looked visibly upset with the call. How is this NOT a catch 😒 #NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/dO074dpRK2 — Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) March 23, 2021 × “I've got the ball on the ground and the player is not fully in control,” third umpire Knights said in the discussion with the on-field umpires. As for the rulebook, the MCC law states: "The striker is out caught if a ball delivered by the bowler, not being a no-ball, touches his/her bat without having previously been in contact with any fielder, and is subsequently held by a fielder as a fair catch, as described in 33.2 and 33.3, before it touches the ground." Rule 33.3 further states: "The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his/her own movement." Tamim Iqbal scored 78 runs off 108 deliveries with the decision by third-umpire playing a crucial role in his good knock. The controversial dropped catch happened when he was batting at 34.

NZ vs BAN: Soft-signal overturned as Kyle Jamieson's 'catch' triggers controversy - Watch

<p>Mohamed Salah has urged Liverpool to make the best of their "tough" season by pushing for Champions League glory.</p>

<p>Jurgen Klopp's side are certain to surrender the Premier League title after a miserable run sent the champions crashing down to seventh place.</p>

<p>The injury-hit Reds are 25 points behind leaders Manchester City and five points adrift of fourth placed Chelsea.</p>

<p>Qualifying for next season's Champions League via a top four finish will be tricky but not impossible.</p>

<p>Liverpool have shown signs of getting back on track after beating Leipzig in the Champions League last 16 second leg and Wolves in the Premier League.</p>

<p>With a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid looming in April, Egypt forward Salah wants his Liverpool team-mates to target European success.</p>

<p>"I'm happy about our last results, so hopefully we can just keep winning," Salah told Liverpool's website.</p>

<p>"It's tough for all of us because of the situation we have been through and our position in the Premier League, but I believe it's going to be better.</p>

<p>"In the Champions League we are doing good."</p>

<p>Despite Liverpool's poor run, Salah is still this season's joint Premier League top-scorer alongside Harry Kane on 17.</p>

<p>His own goalscoring has not suffered too badly as he has already reached 25 in all competitions for the third time in four seasons, but the forward is keen to focus on what he can do to help the side's progress.</p>

<p>"I don't want to just talk about my season because we play as a team, so I'd say it's a tough season for all of us and we just need to carry on and try to win games," Salah said.</p>

<p>"We're going to give our 100 per cent to win the next few games and hopefully we can do that and do good also in the Champions League."</p>


Mohamed Salah has urged Liverpool to make the best of their "tough" season by pushing for Champions League glory. Jurgen Klopp's side are certain to surrender the Premier League title after a miserable run sent the champions crashing down to seventh place.

Mohamed Salah has urged Liverpool to make the best of their "tough" season by pushing for Champions League glory. Jurgen Klopp's side are certain to surrender the Premier League title after a miserable run sent the champions crashing down to seventh place. The injury-hit Reds are 25 points behind leaders Manchester City and five points adrift of fourth placed Chelsea. Qualifying for next season's Champions League via a top four finish will be tricky but not impossible. Liverpool have shown signs of getting back on track after beating Leipzig in the Champions League last 16 second leg and Wolves in the Premier League. With a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid looming in April, Egypt forward Salah wants his Liverpool team-mates to target European success. "I'm happy about our last results, so hopefully we can just keep winning," Salah told Liverpool's website. "It's tough for all of us because of the situation we have been through and our position in the Premier League, but I believe it's going to be better. "In the Champions League we are doing good." Despite Liverpool's poor run, Salah is still this season's joint Premier League top-scorer alongside Harry Kane on 17. His own goalscoring has not suffered too badly as he has already reached 25 in all competitions for the third time in four seasons, but the forward is keen to focus on what he can do to help the side's progress. "I don't want to just talk about my season because we play as a team, so I'd say it's a tough season for all of us and we just need to carry on and try to win games," Salah said. "We're going to give our 100 per cent to win the next few games and hopefully we can do that and do good also in the Champions League."

Salah targets successful end to Liverpool's 'tough' season

<p>Steven Gerrard said he was surprised by England coach Gareth Southgate's decision to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold from the squad for their World Cup qualifiers and described the Liverpool defender as the "best English right back in the country".</p>

<p>Alexander-Arnold was left out of Southgate's 26-man squad last week for this month's 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against San Marino, Albania and Poland.</p>

<p>The 22-year-old has been a regular in the England squad since breaking into the side ahead of the 2018 World Cup but Southgate said his form had cost him his spot.</p>

<p>Southgate has an abundance of options at right back and named Manchester City's Kyle Walker, Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier and Chelsea's Reece James for the upcoming games.</p>

<p>Rangers manager Gerrard, who spent 17 seasons at Liverpool as a player, said the defender needed support to get him back on track.</p>

<p>"I think Trent is the best English right back in the country," former England midfielder Gerrard told British media.</p>

<p>"One thing I've learnt from being a player is you can't always be 10 out of 10. When you do come off, you need that support, love and attention from your manager more than anyone else.</p>

<p>"So I was surprised by the decision but that's my opinion and my opinion is not important in this. Gareth Southgate makes the decisions there. I don't necessarily agree with that decision, but I’m not the England manager."</p>

<p>England host San Marino on Thursday before playing away against Albania on Sunday and at home against Poland on March 31.</p>


Steven Gerrard said he was surprised by England coach Gareth Southgate's decision to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold from the squad for their World Cup qualifiers and described the Liverpool defender as the "best English right back in the country".

Steven Gerrard said he was surprised by England coach Gareth Southgate's decision to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold from the squad for their World Cup qualifiers and described the Liverpool defender as the "best English right back in the country". Alexander-Arnold was left out of Southgate's 26-man squad last week for this month's 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against San Marino, Albania and Poland. The 22-year-old has been a regular in the England squad since breaking into the side ahead of the 2018 World Cup but Southgate said his form had cost him his spot. Southgate has an abundance of options at right back and named Manchester City's Kyle Walker, Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier and Chelsea's Reece James for the upcoming games. Rangers manager Gerrard, who spent 17 seasons at Liverpool as a player, said the defender needed support to get him back on track. "I think Trent is the best English right back in the country," former England midfielder Gerrard told British media. "One thing I've learnt from being a player is you can't always be 10 out of 10. When you do come off, you need that support, love and attention from your manager more than anyone else. "So I was surprised by the decision but that's my opinion and my opinion is not important in this. Gareth Southgate makes the decisions there. I don't necessarily agree with that decision, but I’m not the England manager." England host San Marino on Thursday before playing away against Albania on Sunday and at home against Poland on March 31.

Gerrard surprised Southgate axed Alexander-Arnold

<p>Rahkeem Cornwall blasted a maiden Test half-century and dominated an eighth-wicket partnership of 90 with Joshua da Silva to lift the West Indies to 268 for eight in their first innings, a lead of 99 runs, at the close of the second day of the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Monday.</p>

<p>Outstanding seam bowling by Suranga Lakmal, who claimed his fourth five-wicket innings haul in 64 Tests, had restricted the home side to 171 for seven just after tea in reply to the tourists’ modest first-day effort of 169.</p>

<p>However, the burly Cornwall, selected primarily for his off-spin bowling but also well-known for his powerful hitting in the domestic game, joined wicketkeeper-batsman da Silva in first resisting the best efforts of the Sri Lankan bowlers before opening into an array of expansive strokes upon the arrival of the second new ball.</p>

<p>His unbeaten 60 has come of 79 balls with two sixes and nine fours embellishing an entertaining innings.</p>

<p>Da Silva, who is already building a reputation in his young international career for featuring in useful lower-order partnerships, was within sight of his second Test half-century when he fell for 46 just minutes before the close of play, caught behind off fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera attempting to ride a lifting delivery over the slip cordon.</p>

<p>“I needed to get some runs because I haven’t been showing the best I can do with the bat so far,” said Cornwall in reflecting on his innings. “I think we are in a very good position at this stage of the match. We need to come tomorrow and try and make the most of the first hour, then we can set up the match by having something to run at them in the second innings.”</p>

<p>Such a healthy advantage seemed out of the realms of possibility with Lakmal in full flow on the way to outstanding figures of five for 45 off 24 accurate overs.</p>

<p>When he dismissed Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph in quick succession after tea to complete the five-wicket haul, the Sri Lankans may have even entertained the prospect of erasing a minimal first innings deficit before the end of the day.</p>

<p>But their enthusiasm gradually ebbed away as the runs flowed and they now face a challenging prospect on the third day to mount the sort of second innings rearguard that has been almost non-existent on a miserable run which has seen them lose their last four Test matches.</p>

<p>There were only smiles on the Sri Lankans’ faces though at the start of the day when Lakmal prised out West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite without any addition to the overnight total.</p>

<p>He returned on a scorching afternoon to bowl Jermaine Blackwood cheaply through the gate off the inside-edge and then account for the dangerous Kyle Mayers for 45 via a second slip catch by Dhananjaya de Silva.</p>

<p>Mayers had punctuated long periods of virtual strokelessness with exciting power-hitting, striking six fours and two sixes in his innings before the experienced seamer got the better of him.</p>

<p>John Campbell played an unusually obdurate knock of 42, the left-handed opening batsman occupying 148 deliveries in getting to 42 before becoming Chameera’s first wicket of the day, although he should have dismissed Nkrumah Bonner in the pre-lunch period when the batsman’s edge to third slip was negated by a no-ball.</p>

<p>Campbell and Bonner put on 56 for the second wicket following Brathwaite’s demise, but they needed other moments of good fortune to survive against a persistent and varied bowling attack.</p>

<p>“Man of the Series” in his debut campaign in Bangladesh a month earlier, Bonner eventually fell for 31 just before lunch, adjudged leg-before when he missed an attempted pull to a short ball from left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya.</p>


Rahkeem Cornwall blasted a maiden Test half-century and dominated an eighth-wicket partnership of 90 with Joshua da Silva to lift the West Indies to 268 for eight in their first innings, a lead of 99 runs, at the close of the second day of the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Monday.

Rahkeem Cornwall blasted a maiden Test half-century and dominated an eighth-wicket partnership of 90 with Joshua da Silva to lift the West Indies to 268 for eight in their first innings, a lead of 99 runs, at the close of the second day of the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Monday. Outstanding seam bowling by Suranga Lakmal, who claimed his fourth five-wicket innings haul in 64 Tests, had restricted the home side to 171 for seven just after tea in reply to the tourists’ modest first-day effort of 169. However, the burly Cornwall, selected primarily for his off-spin bowling but also well-known for his powerful hitting in the domestic game, joined wicketkeeper-batsman da Silva in first resisting the best efforts of the Sri Lankan bowlers before opening into an array of expansive strokes upon the arrival of the second new ball. His unbeaten 60 has come of 79 balls with two sixes and nine fours embellishing an entertaining innings. Da Silva, who is already building a reputation in his young international career for featuring in useful lower-order partnerships, was within sight of his second Test half-century when he fell for 46 just minutes before the close of play, caught behind off fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera attempting to ride a lifting delivery over the slip cordon. “I needed to get some runs because I haven’t been showing the best I can do with the bat so far,” said Cornwall in reflecting on his innings. “I think we are in a very good position at this stage of the match. We need to come tomorrow and try and make the most of the first hour, then we can set up the match by having something to run at them in the second innings.” Such a healthy advantage seemed out of the realms of possibility with Lakmal in full flow on the way to outstanding figures of five for 45 off 24 accurate overs. When he dismissed Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph in quick succession after tea to complete the five-wicket haul, the Sri Lankans may have even entertained the prospect of erasing a minimal first innings deficit before the end of the day. But their enthusiasm gradually ebbed away as the runs flowed and they now face a challenging prospect on the third day to mount the sort of second innings rearguard that has been almost non-existent on a miserable run which has seen them lose their last four Test matches. There were only smiles on the Sri Lankans’ faces though at the start of the day when Lakmal prised out West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite without any addition to the overnight total. He returned on a scorching afternoon to bowl Jermaine Blackwood cheaply through the gate off the inside-edge and then account for the dangerous Kyle Mayers for 45 via a second slip catch by Dhananjaya de Silva. Mayers had punctuated long periods of virtual strokelessness with exciting power-hitting, striking six fours and two sixes in his innings before the experienced seamer got the better of him. John Campbell played an unusually obdurate knock of 42, the left-handed opening batsman occupying 148 deliveries in getting to 42 before becoming Chameera’s first wicket of the day, although he should have dismissed Nkrumah Bonner in the pre-lunch period when the batsman’s edge to third slip was negated by a no-ball. Campbell and Bonner put on 56 for the second wicket following Brathwaite’s demise, but they needed other moments of good fortune to survive against a persistent and varied bowling attack. “Man of the Series” in his debut campaign in Bangladesh a month earlier, Bonner eventually fell for 31 just before lunch, adjudged leg-before when he missed an attempted pull to a short ball from left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya.

Cornwall blasts West Indies back into contention

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Subhayan Chakraborty

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.