Cricket Australia has released a statement in the wake of match-fixing allegations in several matches involving India, Sri Lanka, Australia and England last year.

According to the sting operation done by Al Jazeera television network, the match might have been played on a pitch doctored at the behest of match-fixers. The incident prompted the ICC to launch an investigation into the matter and said they were aware of the allegations.

Now, Cricket Australia has said it wasn't aware of any "credible evidence" linking two of its players to match-fixing.

CA chief James Sutherland urged the Qatari broadcaster to hand over its footage to the International Cricket Council following Sunday's documentary and pledged a full investigation if necessary.

"Although not having been provided an opportunity to view the documentary or any raw footage, our long-standing position on these matters is that credible claims will be treated very seriously and fully investigated," Sutherland said in a statement.

"Cricket Australia will continue to fully cooperate with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in its review of the matter. Neither the ICC or Cricket Australia is aware of any credible evidence linking Australian players to corruption in the game."

Sutherland also said, "Cricket Australia will continue to fully co-operate with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in its review of the matter."

He also urged Al Jazeera to provide all un-edited materials and any other evidence to the ICC investigation team so that a full and thorough investigation can be conducted.

The Al Jazeera programme claimed pitches were doctored to achieve desired results at Galle International Stadium, where Australia lost all their 20 wickets and were beaten by Sri Lanka inside three days in 2016.

They also made match-fixing allegations against England in their innings defeat to India in Chennai, which England captain Joe Root described as "outrageous".

The documentary made reference to the 2016 Test between Australia and Sri Lanka, where it claimed criminals had placed money on the game not ending in a draw, before it was wrapped up on the third day.

The names of the Australian players were bleeped out by Al Jazeera and the period of play under suspicion was also not revealed. 
&nbsp;

CA chief James Sutherland urged the Qatari broadcaster to hand over its footage to the International Cricket Council (ICC)

Cricket Australia has released a statement in the wake of match-fixing allegations in several matches involving India, Sri Lanka, Australia and England last year. According to the sting operation done by Al Jazeera television network, the match might have been played on a pitch doctored at the behest of match-fixers. The incident prompted the ICC to launch an investigation into the matter and said they were aware of the allegations. Now, Cricket Australia has said it wasn't aware of any "credible evidence" linking two of its players to match-fixing. CA chief James Sutherland urged the Qatari broadcaster to hand over its footage to the International Cricket Council following Sunday's documentary and pledged a full investigation if necessary. "Although not having been provided an opportunity to view the documentary or any raw footage, our long-standing position on these matters is that credible claims will be treated very seriously and fully investigated," Sutherland said in a statement. "Cricket Australia will continue to fully cooperate with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in its review of the matter. Neither the ICC or Cricket Australia is aware of any credible evidence linking Australian players to corruption in the game." Sutherland also said, "Cricket Australia will continue to fully co-operate with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in its review of the matter." He also urged Al Jazeera to provide all un-edited materials and any other evidence to the ICC investigation team so that a full and thorough investigation can be conducted. The Al Jazeera programme claimed pitches were doctored to achieve desired results at Galle International Stadium, where Australia lost all their 20 wickets and were beaten by Sri Lanka inside three days in 2016. They also made match-fixing allegations against England in their innings defeat to India in Chennai, which England captain Joe Root described as "outrageous". The documentary made reference to the 2016 Test between Australia and Sri Lanka, where it claimed criminals had placed money on the game not ending in a draw, before it was wrapped up on the third day. The names of the Australian players were bleeped out by Al Jazeera and the period of play under suspicion was also not revealed.

No 'credible evidence' to link Australian players to corruption: Cricket Australia

Former Australia skipper Steve Smith, who is serving a 12-month ban for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal, may return to the ground next month.

Smith has been named as one of the 10 marquee players for the proposed Global T20 Canada league.

As per reports, if the tournament proceeds as scheduled in June, it will mark Smith's first cricket action since Cricket Australia (CA) had put a 12-month ban on him from all international and domestic cricket.

However, the ban doesn't extend to club cricket or global leagues, but Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan chose to drop him for the 2018 edition.

Besides Smith, explosive opener Chris Lynn is the other Australian in the list which also features Shahid Afridi (Pakistan), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Darren Sammy (West Indies) and David Miller (South Africa).

The tournament will be commenced from June 28 to July 15 and comprises six teams - five from Canada and one Cricket West Indies representative team - playing 22 matches.&nbsp 
&nbsp

It will be Smith's first cricket action since Cricket Australia (CA) had put a 12-month ban on him from all international and domestic cricket

Former Australia skipper Steve Smith, who is serving a 12-month ban for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal, may return to the ground next month. Smith has been named as one of the 10 marquee players for the proposed Global T20 Canada league. As per reports, if the tournament proceeds as scheduled in June, it will mark Smith's first cricket action since Cricket Australia (CA) had put a 12-month ban on him from all international and domestic cricket. However, the ban doesn't extend to club cricket or global leagues, but Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan chose to drop him for the 2018 edition. Besides Smith, explosive opener Chris Lynn is the other Australian in the list which also features Shahid Afridi (Pakistan), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Darren Sammy (West Indies) and David Miller (South Africa). The tournament will be commenced from June 28 to July 15 and comprises six teams - five from Canada and one Cricket West Indies representative team - playing 22 matches.

Despite ban, Steve Smith returns to cricket world next month

<div style="text-align:start -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">
<div style="margin:0px">The wife of disgraced Australian cricketer David Warner revealed on&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;that she suffered a miscarriage in the aftermath of her husband's part in a ball-tampering scandal that rocked the game. </div>

<div style="margin:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="margin:0px">Candice Warner said the couple lost the baby a week after his tearful press conference in Sydney in late March after he was sent home from Australia's tour of South Africa and banned for a year. </div>

<div style="margin:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="margin:0px">She attributed the loss to stress and an arduous flight home, describing the couple's devastation at realising she was miscarrying. "I called Dave to the bathroom and told him I was bleeding. We knew I was miscarrying. We held one another and cried," she told the Australian Women's Weekly magazine.&nbsp;</div>
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<div style="text-align:start -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">
<div style="margin:0px">"The miscarriage was a heartbreaking end to a horror tour. The ordeal from the public humiliations to the ball-tampering had taken its toll and, from that moment, we decided nothing will impact our lives like that again."&nbsp; The couple already has two children, Ivy Mae, 3, and Indi Rae, 2, and Warner said she discovered she was pregnant again in Cape Town. "We were overwhelmed, knowing another little Warner was on the way," she said. "I don't think either of us realised how much we longed for this baby." -&nbsp;</div>
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<div style="text-align:start -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">
<div style="margin:0px">Australia's tour of South Africa had started badly, with Warner charged with bringing the game into disrepute during the first Test for an altercation with Quinton de Kock. Warner claimed de Kock made a "vile and disgusting" remark about his wife.</div>
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<div style="text-align:start -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">
<div style="margin:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="margin:0px">"That attack during the first Test in Durban when Quinton called me names -- I should've known it wasn't going to end well," said Candice Warner.</div>
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<div style="margin:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="margin:0px">She said she was watching on TV with her two children when the ball-tampering incident flared up during the third Test and "I sat slumped on the bed and wondered if I could take any more."&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="text-align:start -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">
<div style="margin:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="margin:0px">In the aftermath, her husband wanted to return to Australia with Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, who were also involved in the scandal, but they were put on separate flights with the Warner family handed the longest route back.</div>
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<div style="text-align:start -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">
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<div style="margin:0px">"We got the longest and tough route. No one knew I was pregnant and Dave did everything to get me home safely, fearing any more strain could affect our unborn child," she said, adding that she was in "a bad state".</div>
</div>

<div style="text-align:start -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">
<div style="margin:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="margin:0px">On arrival in Sydney, they were met with a media scrum, adding to the ordeal. "We'd been assured it was a private exit and we'd managed to leave quietly from Johannesburg," she told the magazine.</div>
</div>

<div style="text-align:start -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">
<div style="margin:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="margin:0px">"I was completely gutted when I saw the media -- especially after 23 hours flying, knowing the world had no idea I was carrying our third child." Her husband, banned from state and international cricket for his part in the plan to use sandpaper to tamper with the ball, will begin his road to redemption by playing club cricket with Sydney's Randwick Petersham from September.</div>
</div>

"That attack during the first Test in Durban when Quinton called me names -- I should've known it wasn't going to end well," said Candice Warner

The wife of disgraced Australian cricketer David Warner revealed on Thursday that she suffered a miscarriage in the aftermath of her husband's part in a ball-tampering scandal that rocked the game. Candice Warner said the couple lost the baby a week after his tearful press conference in Sydney in late March after he was sent home from Australia's tour of South Africa and banned for a year. She attributed the loss to stress and an arduous flight home, describing the couple's devastation at realising she was miscarrying. "I called Dave to the bathroom and told him I was bleeding. We knew I was miscarrying. We held one another and cried," she told the Australian Women's Weekly magazine. "The miscarriage was a heartbreaking end to a horror tour. The ordeal from the public humiliations to the ball-tampering had taken its toll and, from that moment, we decided nothing will impact our lives like that again." The couple already has two children, Ivy Mae, 3, and Indi Rae, 2, and Warner said she discovered she was pregnant again in Cape Town. "We were overwhelmed, knowing another little Warner was on the way," she said. "I don't think either of us realised how much we longed for this baby." - Australia's tour of South Africa had started badly, with Warner charged with bringing the game into disrepute during the first Test for an altercation with Quinton de Kock. Warner claimed de Kock made a "vile and disgusting" remark about his wife. "That attack during the first Test in Durban when Quinton called me names -- I should've known it wasn't going to end well," said Candice Warner. She said she was watching on TV with her two children when the ball-tampering incident flared up during the third Test and "I sat slumped on the bed and wondered if I could take any more." In the aftermath, her husband wanted to return to Australia with Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, who were also involved in the scandal, but they were put on separate flights with the Warner family handed the longest route back. "We got the longest and tough route. No one knew I was pregnant and Dave did everything to get me home safely, fearing any more strain could affect our unborn child," she said, adding that she was in "a bad state". On arrival in Sydney, they were met with a media scrum, adding to the ordeal. "We'd been assured it was a private exit and we'd managed to leave quietly from Johannesburg," she told the magazine. "I was completely gutted when I saw the media -- especially after 23 hours flying, knowing the world had no idea I was carrying our third child." Her husband, banned from state and international cricket for his part in the plan to use sandpaper to tamper with the ball, will begin his road to redemption by playing club cricket with Sydney's Randwick Petersham from September.

David Warner's wife suffered miscarriage after ball-tampering scandal

In a tragic incident, a 20-year-old Indian student has died after falling off rocks into the ocean from a popular tourist attraction in Western Australia while trying to take a selfie, media reports said.

Ankit was with friends when he slipped off the 40-metre precipice at The Gap, near the historic port town of Albany, the ABC news reported.

He was studying in Perth, and had been running and jumping on the rocks before he slipped and plunged into the ocean while taking a photo with friends on Thursday, the report said.

His body was recovered from the water just over an hour later following a search involving a rescue helicopter.

"He was just very careful, just to take a picture and he just slipped down there, on the hill," his friend was quoted as saying by the report.

Police are still trying to contact the student's parents.

"A young male has gone into the water, and sadly lost their life. This is such a tragic event," said Dominic Wood, Great Southern District superintendent.

All I know at this stage is that there is a small group, we think of about five young adults, they were down here within the vicinity of the platform behind me around the rocks," Wood said.

"It is a dangerous area but if you take precautions and stay between the bounds, then these things won't happen."

The site was briefly closed two years ago to add a viewing platform and railings and warning signs near the edge.

Ankit was with friends when he slipped off the 40-metre precipice at The Gap, near the historic port town of Albany, the ABC news reported.

In a tragic incident, a 20-year-old Indian student has died after falling off rocks into the ocean from a popular tourist attraction in Western Australia while trying to take a selfie, media reports said. Ankit was with friends when he slipped off the 40-metre precipice at The Gap, near the historic port town of Albany, the ABC news reported. He was studying in Perth, and had been running and jumping on the rocks before he slipped and plunged into the ocean while taking a photo with friends on Thursday, the report said. His body was recovered from the water just over an hour later following a search involving a rescue helicopter. "He was just very careful, just to take a picture and he just slipped down there, on the hill," his friend was quoted as saying by the report. Police are still trying to contact the student's parents. "A young male has gone into the water, and sadly lost their life. This is such a tragic event," said Dominic Wood, Great Southern District superintendent. All I know at this stage is that there is a small group, we think of about five young adults, they were down here within the vicinity of the platform behind me around the rocks," Wood said. "It is a dangerous area but if you take precautions and stay between the bounds, then these things won't happen." The site was briefly closed two years ago to add a viewing platform and railings and warning signs near the edge.

Indian student in Australia plunges to death while taking selfie

India's refusal to play a day-night Test in Adelaide is "selfish" and hinders efforts to reinvigorate test cricket, Australia's former test batsman Mark Waugh said on Wednesday.

India have declined to play their maiden day-night test against Australia, leaving the Dec. 6-10 series-opener in Adelaide a day match, and remain the lone frontline team not to have featured in one.

"It's a little bit selfish from India's point of view because we need to revitalise Test cricket," Waugh said on Australia's Big Sports Breakfast radio show.

"Day-night test cricket in some countries is going to be one of those ingredients that could transform test cricket back to where it should be."

India's reluctance is attributed to their pink-ball inexperience but Waugh, who will step down from his role as a national twenty20 selector in August, is baffled by their refusal given the depth in the Virat Kohli-led squad.

"Their team is pretty well suited to day-night cricket, they've got a string of fast bowlers, so they don't just rely on the spinners, and their batsman are technically very good as well," Waugh explained.

"So for the greater good of the game, I would have loved to have seen that as a day-night Test."

India play three twenty20 internationals, four tests and three one-day internationals in their tour of Australia from November to January.

India's refusal to play a day-night Test in Adelaide is "selfish" and hinders efforts to reinvigorate test cricket,

India's refusal to play a day-night Test in Adelaide is "selfish" and hinders efforts to reinvigorate test cricket, Australia's former test batsman Mark Waugh said on Wednesday. India have declined to play their maiden day-night test against Australia, leaving the Dec. 6-10 series-opener in Adelaide a day match, and remain the lone frontline team not to have featured in one. "It's a little bit selfish from India's point of view because we need to revitalise Test cricket," Waugh said on Australia's Big Sports Breakfast radio show. "Day-night test cricket in some countries is going to be one of those ingredients that could transform test cricket back to where it should be." India's reluctance is attributed to their pink-ball inexperience but Waugh, who will step down from his role as a national twenty20 selector in August, is baffled by their refusal given the depth in the Virat Kohli-led squad. "Their team is pretty well suited to day-night cricket, they've got a string of fast bowlers, so they don't just rely on the spinners, and their batsman are technically very good as well," Waugh explained. "So for the greater good of the game, I would have loved to have seen that as a day-night Test." India play three twenty20 internationals, four tests and three one-day internationals in their tour of Australia from November to January.

India's decision not to play day-night Test is 'selfish': Mark Waugh

A number of African athletes who went missing from the Commonwealth Games last month have resurfaced seeking advice on gaining asylum in Australia, refugee advocates said Tuesday.

More than a dozen were suspected of fleeing during the showpiece event on the Gold Coast.

Among them were competitors from Rwanda, Uganda and Sierra Leone, while authorities have also been seeking to verify the whereabouts of eight athletes from conflict-hit Cameroon -- one third of the central African country's 24-strong team.&nbsp

The Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) group in Sydney said it had received enquiries from several of them but declined to reveal the exact number or the countries of origin.

"Every person who seeks asylum in Australia should be subject to the same thorough investigation of their claims, be they students, visitors, workers or athletes," RACS solicitor Sarah Dale said in a statement.

"The men, women and families who are recognised as needing protection in Australia are allowed to remain only after a complex and difficult process."

The athletes' visas were due to expire at midnight on Tuesday and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton warned anyone who overstayed would be forcibly removed from the country. &nbsp

"If people have claims to make, or they have submissions to put to the department, then we'll consider all of that in due course," Dutton told reporters Tuesday.&nbsp

"But if people have breached their visa conditions -- like anyone else, they're expected to operate within the law, and enforcement action will take place to identify those people and to deport them if they don't self-declare."

Those seeking to stay in Australia can apply for bridging visas to remain in the country while their claim for asylum is being heard.&nbsp

&nbsp

A number of African athletes who went missing from the Commonwealth Games last month have resurfaced seeking advice on gaining asylum in Australia

A number of African athletes who went missing from the Commonwealth Games last month have resurfaced seeking advice on gaining asylum in Australia, refugee advocates said Tuesday. More than a dozen were suspected of fleeing during the showpiece event on the Gold Coast. Among them were competitors from Rwanda, Uganda and Sierra Leone, while authorities have also been seeking to verify the whereabouts of eight athletes from conflict-hit Cameroon -- one third of the central African country's 24-strong team. The Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) group in Sydney said it had received enquiries from several of them but declined to reveal the exact number or the countries of origin. "Every person who seeks asylum in Australia should be subject to the same thorough investigation of their claims, be they students, visitors, workers or athletes," RACS solicitor Sarah Dale said in a statement. "The men, women and families who are recognised as needing protection in Australia are allowed to remain only after a complex and difficult process." The athletes' visas were due to expire at midnight on Tuesday and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton warned anyone who overstayed would be forcibly removed from the country. "If people have claims to make, or they have submissions to put to the department, then we'll consider all of that in due course," Dutton told reporters Tuesday. "But if people have breached their visa conditions -- like anyone else, they're expected to operate within the law, and enforcement action will take place to identify those people and to deport them if they don't self-declare." Those seeking to stay in Australia can apply for bridging visas to remain in the country while their claim for asylum is being heard.

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India have declined to play their maiden day-night test against Australia, leaving the series-opener in Adelaide a day match, Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday.

The Australian board had hoped India would agree to a floodlit match for the Dec. 6-10 test at Adelaide Oval, where the home side have beaten England, South Africa and New Zealand in pink-ball matches over the past three home summers.

"We can confirm that we have received advice from the Board of Control for Cricket in India that it is not prepared to participate in a proposed Day-Night test in Adelaide this summer," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

"As a result, we can now confirm the test match will be a day format."

Most established test-playing nations have competed in the new format, but India remains a hold-out.

A series-opener under lights against experienced pink ball cricketers Australia would have been a tough introduction to the tour for Virat Kohli's side, however.

South Africa were also initially reluctant to play their 2016 test under lights at Adelaide, fearing the hosts would have an unfair advantage. They duly lost by seven wickets.

After Adelaide, Australia host India in traditional day tests in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

Australia have scheduled a day-night test against Sri Lanka in Brisbane during their two-match series starting in January.

Most established test-playing nations have competed in the new format, but India remains a hold-out

India have declined to play their maiden day-night test against Australia, leaving the series-opener in Adelaide a day match, Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday. The Australian board had hoped India would agree to a floodlit match for the Dec. 6-10 test at Adelaide Oval, where the home side have beaten England, South Africa and New Zealand in pink-ball matches over the past three home summers. "We can confirm that we have received advice from the Board of Control for Cricket in India that it is not prepared to participate in a proposed Day-Night test in Adelaide this summer," Cricket Australia said in a statement. "As a result, we can now confirm the test match will be a day format." Most established test-playing nations have competed in the new format, but India remains a hold-out. A series-opener under lights against experienced pink ball cricketers Australia would have been a tough introduction to the tour for Virat Kohli's side, however. South Africa were also initially reluctant to play their 2016 test under lights at Adelaide, fearing the hosts would have an unfair advantage. They duly lost by seven wickets. After Adelaide, Australia host India in traditional day tests in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Australia have scheduled a day-night test against Sri Lanka in Brisbane during their two-match series starting in January.

India decline day-night test v Australia

Former Australian captain of men's cricket Steve Smith is currently serving a 12-month ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal which was revealed in March 2018 when Australia men's cricket team was touring South Africa for a four-Test match series.

During the third Test at Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball by using sandpaper in order to ‘reverse swing’ the ball.

The incident was caught in various cameras around the ground. Bancroft and Smith accepted that they were involved in the ball tampering mess and eventually punishments followed and with it came the tears- live on TV.

On Friday, May 4, Steve Smith shared a picture with his wife Dani Willis and thanked fans and followers who have supported him during his difficult times through letters and emails.

"I have had some time away to come to terms with everything and now it’s time to get back into it. The amount of emails and letters I have received has been incredible and I have been extremely humbled by the enormous amount of support you have given me," said former Australian skipper Steve Smith.

He also said, "I now have a lot to do to earn back your trust."&nbsp

Here is the post:

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<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiVyq5XBHc0/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">It’s great to be back home in Australia. I have had some time away to come to terms with everything and now it’s time to get back into it. The amount of emails and letters I have received has been incredible and I have been extremely humbled by the enormous amount of support you have given me. I now have a lot to do to earn back your trust. To my Mum, Dad and Dani you have been my rock through this and I can’t thank you enough. Family is the most important thing in the world and I thank you for your love and support.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/steve_smith49/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Steve Smith</a> (@steve_smith49) on <time datetime="2018-05-04T03:30:28+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 3, 2018 at 8:30pm PDT</time>
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&nbsp

Steve Smith is currently serving a 12-month ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal

Former Australian captain of men's cricket Steve Smith is currently serving a 12-month ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal which was revealed in March 2018 when Australia men's cricket team was touring South Africa for a four-Test match series. During the third Test at Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball by using sandpaper in order to ‘reverse swing’ the ball. The incident was caught in various cameras around the ground. Bancroft and Smith accepted that they were involved in the ball tampering mess and eventually punishments followed and with it came the tears- live on TV. On Friday, May 4, Steve Smith shared a picture with his wife Dani Willis and thanked fans and followers who have supported him during his difficult times through letters and emails. "I have had some time away to come to terms with everything and now it’s time to get back into it. The amount of emails and letters I have received has been incredible and I have been extremely humbled by the enormous amount of support you have given me," said former Australian skipper Steve Smith. He also said, "I now have a lot to do to earn back your trust." Here is the post: It’s great to be back home in Australia. I have had some time away to come to terms with everything and now it’s time to get back into it. The amount of emails and letters I have received has been incredible and I have been extremely humbled by the enormous amount of support you have given me. I now have a lot to do to earn back your trust. To my Mum, Dad and Dani you have been my rock through this and I can’t thank you enough. Family is the most important thing in the world and I thank you for your love and support. A post shared by Steve Smith (@steve_smith49) on May 3, 2018 at 8:30pm PDT ×

Have a lot to do to earn back trust: Steve Smith

Australia may still be dealing with the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal but World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten has no doubts they will bounce back and be challenging for one-day cricket's most coveted trophy next year.

The Cape Town scandal in March rocked cricket in Australia to its core and resulted, among other punishments, in lengthy suspensions for then skipper Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner - both key limited overs batsmen.

They will have served their 12-month bans before the World Cup gets underway at the Oval on May 30 but many wonder if Australia, under an as yet unidentified captain, can defend the title they won on home soil three years ago.

"You can never count Australia out of any big tournament," South African Kirsten, who coached India to their 2011 World Cup triumph, told.

"They are the most consistent team across big tournaments and I am sure they will be ready to compete at the next World Cup."

Australia unveiled Justin Langer as the new coach on Thursday, succeeding Darren Lehmann who stepped down despite being cleared by Cricket Australia of any wrongdoing in Cape Town.

Kirsten has also been impressed by the recent progress of Australia's Ashes protagonists, England, whose white-ball resurgence was reflected by their rise to the top spot in ODI rankings on Thursday.

"All the teams have got closer and it really is open for any team to win the big tournaments," said Kirsten.

"England are playing an aggressive and exciting brand of cricket and it has certainly put them in a great position to contend in all tournaments."

The former opener reckoned the gap between top teams has been narrowing over the last decade and next year's tournament could be one of the most open in World Cup history.

South Africa's penchant to implode at World Cups has earned them the "chokers" tag but Kirsten has no doubt that their talismanic batsman AB de Villiers will not be alone in his determination to end the barren run.

"South Africa has built a team where you have a number of match winners," said Kirsten who is working with de Villiers as the batting coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

"AB is one of them and he will be doing all he can to make sure he contributes as he always does."

Kirsten plans to open an academy in the western Indian city of Pune by July and is scouting for talents in five other cities in the cricket-mad country.

"This is our first international academy and we are really excited to begin with Pune," he said.

"We will be building a state-of-the-art facility in Pune with an indoor training centre as well as outdoor facilities catering for all year.

"There will be practical work done as well as theoretical work where our team will look to cover aspects such as leadership, tactics, strategy, and captaincy to name a few."

Australia unveiled Justin Langer as the new coach on Thursday, succeeding Darren Lehmann who stepped down despite being cleared by Cricket Australia of any wrongdoing in Cape Town

Australia may still be dealing with the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal but World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten has no doubts they will bounce back and be challenging for one-day cricket's most coveted trophy next year. The Cape Town scandal in March rocked cricket in Australia to its core and resulted, among other punishments, in lengthy suspensions for then skipper Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner - both key limited overs batsmen. They will have served their 12-month bans before the World Cup gets underway at the Oval on May 30 but many wonder if Australia, under an as yet unidentified captain, can defend the title they won on home soil three years ago. "You can never count Australia out of any big tournament," South African Kirsten, who coached India to their 2011 World Cup triumph, told. "They are the most consistent team across big tournaments and I am sure they will be ready to compete at the next World Cup." Australia unveiled Justin Langer as the new coach on Thursday, succeeding Darren Lehmann who stepped down despite being cleared by Cricket Australia of any wrongdoing in Cape Town. Kirsten has also been impressed by the recent progress of Australia's Ashes protagonists, England, whose white-ball resurgence was reflected by their rise to the top spot in ODI rankings on Thursday. "All the teams have got closer and it really is open for any team to win the big tournaments," said Kirsten. "England are playing an aggressive and exciting brand of cricket and it has certainly put them in a great position to contend in all tournaments." The former opener reckoned the gap between top teams has been narrowing over the last decade and next year's tournament could be one of the most open in World Cup history. South Africa's penchant to implode at World Cups has earned them the "chokers" tag but Kirsten has no doubt that their talismanic batsman AB de Villiers will not be alone in his determination to end the barren run. "South Africa has built a team where you have a number of match winners," said Kirsten who is working with de Villiers as the batting coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. "AB is one of them and he will be doing all he can to make sure he contributes as he always does." Kirsten plans to open an academy in the western Indian city of Pune by July and is scouting for talents in five other cities in the cricket-mad country. "This is our first international academy and we are really excited to begin with Pune," he said. "We will be building a state-of-the-art facility in Pune with an indoor training centre as well as outdoor facilities catering for all year. "There will be practical work done as well as theoretical work where our team will look to cover aspects such as leadership, tactics, strategy, and captaincy to name a few."

Gary Kirsten sees recovering Australia as genuine World Cup contenders

"The Prince of cricket" - Brian Charles Lara, the former&nbsp;International cricketer turned 49 today.

He is acknowledged as one of the best cricketers&nbsp;of his times due to some great innings he played for his side.&nbsp;

Former West Indies batsmen, Brian Lara&nbsp;holds several records and some are still unbroken.

Lara slammed his maiden Test century and scored 277 runs against Australia in 1993.

Brian Lara became the first and only player to score 350+ scores twice in Test history and also hold the world record of scoring most runs in a single over in Test cricket.

Wishes poured in from all over&nbsp;the world on Twitter wishing the great cricket legend.&nbsp;

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If at all someone turned batting into a fine arts masterclass, it has to be this man. No other left handed Batsman has fascinated me as much as him. Played BEST playing against the BEST. Wishing the Greatest and My most favorite <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianLara?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianLara</a> Happiest of Birthdays ?? <a href="https://t.co/1CXCKsDbqz">pic.twitter.com/1CXCKsDbqz</a>
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) <a href="https://twitter.com/hemangkbadani/status/991590502439923712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Happiest birthday to one of the Greatest <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianLara?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianLara</a> <a href="https://t.co/GVjsGCysHG">pic.twitter.com/GVjsGCysHG</a>
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) <a href="https://twitter.com/vikrantgupta73/status/991607819672604673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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11,953 Test runs - #1 for Windies 
10,405 ODI runs - #1 for Windies 
The Test record score - 400* 
The first-class record score - 501* 
 
Happy birthday to the legendary <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianLara?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianLara</a>! <a href="https://t.co/jLE1XCZnIo">pic.twitter.com/jLE1XCZnIo</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/991603202452795392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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?? Happy Birthday to <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianLara?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianLara</a>! 
 
3⃣0⃣ matches 
5⃣1⃣ innings 
3⃣0⃣9⃣9⃣ runs 
5⃣0⃣1⃣* HS 
6⃣3⃣.2⃣4⃣ average 
6⃣ 5⃣0⃣s 
1⃣2⃣ 1⃣0⃣0⃣s 
 
Bears legend! ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YouBears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YouBears</a> <a href="https://t.co/xiYkQcPHQf">pic.twitter.com/xiYkQcPHQf</a>
— Warwickshire CCC ? (@WarwickshireCCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarwickshireCCC/status/991593293002620928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Happy birthday Brian Lara. 
 
- Only man to score 400 runs in a Test innings. 
 
- Only man to score 500 runs in a first class innings. 
 
- Only man to break the record of highest individual score in Tests twice.
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeerviBharath/status/991611107423936513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The only batsman to score a quadruple hundred (400*) in Test cricket and a quintiple hundred (501*) in First Class cricket 
 
Happy birthday to the Prince of Trinidad, <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianLara?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianLara</a> <a href="https://t.co/KfMepBbdZH">pic.twitter.com/KfMepBbdZH</a>
— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/circleofcricket/status/991562453371715584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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? Happy Birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianLara?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianLara</a> 
 
Here he is in his last appearance at Lord's, playing in the Bicentenary Match in 2014. What is your favourite Lara memory? ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveLords?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LoveLords</a> <a href="https://t.co/1vzmlxcis5">pic.twitter.com/1vzmlxcis5</a>
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/HomeOfCricket/status/991560416768811008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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?x 400 - just the kind of ? one of cricket's greatest batsmen, <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianLara?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianLara</a>, deserves on his birthday! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayLara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayLara</a> <a href="https://t.co/vIRV1D5MjH">pic.twitter.com/vIRV1D5MjH</a>
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/991535277607981056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Former West Indies run machine Brian Lara turns 49 today. He holds the records for highest score in first-class cricket (501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham) and Tests (400no against England) <a href="https://t.co/m3a4KPzQwb">pic.twitter.com/m3a4KPzQwb</a>
— PA Sport (@pasport) <a href="https://twitter.com/pasport/status/991562863922831360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Cricket Australia video today: Ian Healy master of the stumping. He was. <a href="https://t.co/zfKfeLKUlA">https://t.co/zfKfeLKUlA</a> 
 
Here’s a stumping they missed though:<a href="https://t.co/1YyWbEit62">https://t.co/1YyWbEit62</a>
— Osman Samiuddin (@OsmanSamiuddin) <a href="https://twitter.com/OsmanSamiuddin/status/991169082937544704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He played his last match on April 21, 2007, against England and scored 18 runs. While interacting with media post-match he asked, "Did I entertain?" to sum up his entire career.

Lara is acknowledged as one of the best cricketers of his times

"The Prince of cricket" - Brian Charles Lara, the former International cricketer turned 49 today. He is acknowledged as one of the best cricketers of his times due to some great innings he played for his side. Former West Indies batsmen, Brian Lara holds several records and some are still unbroken. Lara slammed his maiden Test century and scored 277 runs against Australia in 1993. Brian Lara became the first and only player to score 350+ scores twice in Test history and also hold the world record of scoring most runs in a single over in Test cricket. Wishes poured in from all over the world on Twitter wishing the great cricket legend. If at all someone turned batting into a fine arts masterclass, it has to be this man. No other left handed Batsman has fascinated me as much as him. Played BEST playing against the BEST. Wishing the Greatest and My most favorite @BrianLara Happiest of Birthdays ?? pic.twitter.com/1CXCKsDbqz — Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) May 2, 2018 × Happiest birthday to one of the Greatest @BrianLara pic.twitter.com/GVjsGCysHG — Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) May 2, 2018 × 11,953 Test runs - #1 for Windies 10,405 ODI runs - #1 for Windies The Test record score - 400* The first-class record score - 501* Happy birthday to the legendary @BrianLara! pic.twitter.com/jLE1XCZnIo — ICC (@ICC) May 2, 2018 × ?? Happy Birthday to @BrianLara! 3⃣0⃣ matches 5⃣1⃣ innings 3⃣0⃣9⃣9⃣ runs 5⃣0⃣1⃣* HS 6⃣3⃣.2⃣4⃣ average 6⃣ 5⃣0⃣s 1⃣2⃣ 1⃣0⃣0⃣s Bears legend! ?#YouBears pic.twitter.com/xiYkQcPHQf — Warwickshire CCC ? (@WarwickshireCCC) May 2, 2018 × Happy birthday Brian Lara. - Only man to score 400 runs in a Test innings. - Only man to score 500 runs in a first class innings. - Only man to break the record of highest individual score in Tests twice. — Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) May 2, 2018 × The only batsman to score a quadruple hundred (400*) in Test cricket and a quintiple hundred (501*) in First Class cricket Happy birthday to the Prince of Trinidad, @BrianLara pic.twitter.com/KfMepBbdZH — Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) May 2, 2018 × ? Happy Birthday @BrianLara Here he is in his last appearance at Lord's, playing in the Bicentenary Match in 2014. What is your favourite Lara memory? ? #LoveLords pic.twitter.com/1vzmlxcis5 — Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) May 2, 2018 × ?x 400 - just the kind of ? one of cricket's greatest batsmen, @BrianLara, deserves on his birthday! #HappyBirthdayLara pic.twitter.com/vIRV1D5MjH — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 2, 2018 × Former West Indies run machine Brian Lara turns 49 today. He holds the records for highest score in first-class cricket (501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham) and Tests (400no against England) pic.twitter.com/m3a4KPzQwb — PA Sport (@pasport) May 2, 2018 × Cricket Australia video today: Ian Healy master of the stumping. He was. https://t.co/zfKfeLKUlA Here’s a stumping they missed though:https://t.co/1YyWbEit62 — Osman Samiuddin (@OsmanSamiuddin) May 1, 2018 × He played his last match on April 21, 2007, against England and scored 18 runs. While interacting with media post-match he asked, "Did I entertain?" to sum up his entire career.

Wishes pour in as legendary cricketer Brian Lara turns 49 today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and felicitated the medal winners of recently concluded Commonwealth Games. India finished the Games with 66 medals, including 26 gold medals, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals.

Indian contingent met the expectations of the nation and bettered their tally of medals from 2014 Glasgow Games.&nbsp;

On Monday, PM Modi congratulated the medal winners and also complimented those who could not win medals but had performed creditably.

The felicitation ceremony was held at PM's residence and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore was present at the event.

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Delhi: PM Narendra Modi interacted with medal winners of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames2018</a> at Lok Kalyan Marg. PM said that accomplishments in the sporting arena inspire everyone. <a href="https://t.co/plSGzKqv6Q">pic.twitter.com/plSGzKqv6Q</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/990882201553309696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While interacting with the players, PM Modi said, "Accomplishments in the sporting arena inspire everyone. Their sporting feats have raised India`s stature. Whenever an Indian sportsperson wins on the global sporting stage, it is the Indian flag that rises."

PM Modi gave the example of Mary Kom, five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist who clinched her first CWG gold medal in 45-48 kg boxing event.

He mentioned Pullela Gopichand, who is mentoring many badminton players after an immensely successful career as a player.

Modi said that besides talent, training, concentration and hard work, mental toughness was also important for sportspersons. In this context, he mentioned the benefits of yoga.

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Thank u so much for felicitating us sir .. <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> ...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames2018</a> ..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indianbadmintonteam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indianbadmintonteam</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/Je4aXrO7CP">pic.twitter.com/Je4aXrO7CP</a>
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina/status/990893002150170625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and congratulated the medal winners of recently concluded Commonwealth Games

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and felicitated the medal winners of recently concluded Commonwealth Games. India finished the Games with 66 medals, including 26 gold medals, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals. Indian contingent met the expectations of the nation and bettered their tally of medals from 2014 Glasgow Games. On Monday, PM Modi congratulated the medal winners and also complimented those who could not win medals but had performed creditably. The felicitation ceremony was held at PM's residence and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore was present at the event. Delhi: PM Narendra Modi interacted with medal winners of #CommonwealthGames2018 at Lok Kalyan Marg. PM said that accomplishments in the sporting arena inspire everyone. pic.twitter.com/plSGzKqv6Q — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2018 × While interacting with the players, PM Modi said, "Accomplishments in the sporting arena inspire everyone. Their sporting feats have raised India`s stature. Whenever an Indian sportsperson wins on the global sporting stage, it is the Indian flag that rises." PM Modi gave the example of Mary Kom, five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist who clinched her first CWG gold medal in 45-48 kg boxing event. He mentioned Pullela Gopichand, who is mentoring many badminton players after an immensely successful career as a player. Modi said that besides talent, training, concentration and hard work, mental toughness was also important for sportspersons. In this context, he mentioned the benefits of yoga. Thank u so much for felicitating us sir .. @narendramodi @PMOIndia ...#CommonwealthGames2018 ..#Indianbadmintonteam ?? pic.twitter.com/Je4aXrO7CP — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) April 30, 2018 ×

PM Modi felicitates CWG medal winners, tells them benefits of yoga

Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Saturday the country will send a military patrol aircraft to monitor North Korean vessels suspected of transferring prohibited goods in defiance of United Nations sanctions.

Canada also plans to deploy patrol aircraft for such activities, and surveillance planes from both countries will be based in the US&nbspmilitary's Kadena air base on Japan's southern island of Okinawa, the Japanese government said in a separate statement.

The announcements came a day after the leaders of North and South Korea pledged at an historic summit to work for the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

However, US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, who is also set to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said he would maintain pressure on Pyongyang through sanctions that were imposed in a bid to rein in the North's missile and nuclear programmes.

Australia, a staunch US&nbspally, also promised to keep up economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea.

"We do have a P-8A surveillance aircraft that is going to be working in the region to monitor compliance with sanctions, and that is part of our collaboration with our partners in that exercise to enforce those UN&nbspsanctions," Turnbull said, speaking during a televised news conference.

"What has been occurring is that sanctions have been evaded by transferring materials from ship to ship...to add to the surveillance of the area enables that to be identified and then, of course, those who are a party to that to be held responsible and brought to account."

Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said pressure had to be kept on North Korea to ensure the Korean peninsula was denuclearised.

The move by Australia and Canada to deploy patrol aircraft comes after a British warship arrived in Japan this month to join efforts to police UN&nbspsanctions imposed on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programmes.

"Japan welcomes these (surveillance) activities from the view point of upholding the maximum pressure on North Korea while maintaining the solidarity of the international community," the Japanese government said in a statement, referring to the moves by Australia, Canada and Britain.

Senior US&nbspofficials said in February the Trump administration and key Asian allies were preparing to expand interceptions of ships suspected of violating the sanctions on North Korea. The strategy called for closer tracking of ships suspected of carrying banned weapons components and other prohibited cargo to and from North Korea.

The announcements came a day after the leaders of North and South Korea pledged at an historic summit to work for the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula

Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Saturday the country will send a military patrol aircraft to monitor North Korean vessels suspected of transferring prohibited goods in defiance of United Nations sanctions. Canada also plans to deploy patrol aircraft for such activities, and surveillance planes from both countries will be based in the US&nbspmilitary's Kadena air base on Japan's southern island of Okinawa, the Japanese government said in a separate statement. The announcements came a day after the leaders of North and South Korea pledged at an historic summit to work for the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. However, US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, who is also set to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said he would maintain pressure on Pyongyang through sanctions that were imposed in a bid to rein in the North's missile and nuclear programmes. Australia, a staunch US&nbspally, also promised to keep up economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea. "We do have a P-8A surveillance aircraft that is going to be working in the region to monitor compliance with sanctions, and that is part of our collaboration with our partners in that exercise to enforce those UN&nbspsanctions," Turnbull said, speaking during a televised news conference. "What has been occurring is that sanctions have been evaded by transferring materials from ship to ship...to add to the surveillance of the area enables that to be identified and then, of course, those who are a party to that to be held responsible and brought to account." Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said pressure had to be kept on North Korea to ensure the Korean peninsula was denuclearised. The move by Australia and Canada to deploy patrol aircraft comes after a British warship arrived in Japan this month to join efforts to police UN&nbspsanctions imposed on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programmes. "Japan welcomes these (surveillance) activities from the view point of upholding the maximum pressure on North Korea while maintaining the solidarity of the international community," the Japanese government said in a statement, referring to the moves by Australia, Canada and Britain. Senior US&nbspofficials said in February the Trump administration and key Asian allies were preparing to expand interceptions of ships suspected of violating the sanctions on North Korea. The strategy called for closer tracking of ships suspected of carrying banned weapons components and other prohibited cargo to and from North Korea.

Australia, Canada to send military aircraft to monitor North Korean ships

Dave Richardson, chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked an internal panel to suggest some harsh punishments to the players for misbehaving and cheating on the field.

In a recent media interaction, Richardson said that the punishment for misbehaviour and cheating were inadequate and the rules to check the code and conduct of players must get strengthen.

Richardson indicated the recent ball-tampering saga which was revealed last month when Australia men's cricket team was touring South Africa and were defeated by the hosts in the Test series

During the third Test at Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball by using sandpaper in order to ‘reverse swing’ the ball.

The incident was caught in various cameras on the ground. Bancroft and Smith accepted that they were involved in the ball tampering mess and eventually punishments followed and with it came the tears- live on TV.

ICC had given one day ban to former Australian captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft for their involvements in the ball-tampering scandal.

On the other hand, 12 months bans were handed out to Smith and Warner and also a 9-month ban was handed out to the main culprit Cameron Bancroft.

ICC's Cricket Committee, chaired by former India captain Anil Kumble, will review the current ICC code of conduct and recommend suitable punishments for rogue behaviour.

Borrowing soccer's red and yellow cards and handing out instant punishment would be considered, though Richardson was sceptical about the idea of using cards. He further said that currently, under the existing laws the, however, the umpire has the authority to mark a penalty for 5 runs on the team breaking the rules.

Richardson said it could prove a major step towards cricket's Olympic inclusion at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Dave Richardson, chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked an internal panel to suggest some harsh punishments to the players for misbehaving and cheating on the field

Dave Richardson, chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked an internal panel to suggest some harsh punishments to the players for misbehaving and cheating on the field. In a recent media interaction, Richardson said that the punishment for misbehaviour and cheating were inadequate and the rules to check the code and conduct of players must get strengthen. Richardson indicated the recent ball-tampering saga which was revealed last month when Australia men's cricket team was touring South Africa and were defeated by the hosts in the Test series During the third Test at Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball by using sandpaper in order to ‘reverse swing’ the ball. The incident was caught in various cameras on the ground. Bancroft and Smith accepted that they were involved in the ball tampering mess and eventually punishments followed and with it came the tears- live on TV. ICC had given one day ban to former Australian captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft for their involvements in the ball-tampering scandal. On the other hand, 12 months bans were handed out to Smith and Warner and also a 9-month ban was handed out to the main culprit Cameron Bancroft. ICC's Cricket Committee, chaired by former India captain Anil Kumble, will review the current ICC code of conduct and recommend suitable punishments for rogue behaviour. Borrowing soccer's red and yellow cards and handing out instant punishment would be considered, though Richardson was sceptical about the idea of using cards. He further said that currently, under the existing laws the, however, the umpire has the authority to mark a penalty for 5 runs on the team breaking the rules. Richardson said it could prove a major step towards cricket's Olympic inclusion at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

'Red' and 'yellow' cards in cricket could be considered: ICC chief

In the game of Cricket, few knocks are so big in the magnificence that they become an epic to narrate to the future generations. Let's take a look at few of such heroics - Kapil's 175 in the 1983 World Cup, Laxman's 281 against Australia in 2001 Kolkata Test, Dravid double century in Adelaide Test in 2003.

Our master blaster Sachin Tendulkar played two such back to back knocks, exactly 20 years back in Sharjah against Australia during an ODI triangular series. These were two whirlwind centuries, first on 22nd April 1998 and other on 24th April 1998.

Those two knocks were destructive, alluring, spectator's delight and they comprehensively decimated Australians. They became immortal and till date considered as two of best ever ODI knocks.

It was an ODI triangular series between India, Australia and New Zealand in Sharjah during April 1998. On 22nd April 1998, last league match was played between India and Australia. By then Australia had already qualified for the final. India on other hand had a task in hand to surpass New Zealand on the net run rate in the final match to reach final.

Australia batted first and scored a mammoth 284 runs in 50 overs. India had to score a minimum 254 runs in the second innings to beat New Zealand on run rate. In response, India struggled and lost four wickets by 29th over and the score was 138. VVS Laxman joined Tendulkar after the fall of 4th wicket. At this moment, the match was interrupted by a dust-storm. India's innings was shortened by four overs and India’s target became even more stringent.

But then Tendulkar unleashed himself. Once match resumed after the dust-storm, Tendulkar started smashing each of the Australians bowlers. India qualified for the final. The dominance of Tendulkar's knock can be gauged from the fact that he scored 143 out of the team's total of 250 and Nayan Mongia with 35 was the second highest scorer for India.

Two days later on 24th April 1998, final was played between India and Australia. Australia batted first and scored 272 runs. India started the chase and Tendulkar resumed his onslaught. He scored a swashbuckling 134 and India chased the total with immaculate ease.

Here it is also important to know a bit of few other events proceeding April 1998. Tendulkar replaced Azhar as Indian captain in 1996. He was the heir apparent for years before he got the baton from Azhar in 1996. Sachin's success as captain, however, was rather tepid. India lost the Test series in South Africa and in West Indies.

Tendulkar was sacked from the captaincy towards the end of 1997. Tendulkar was taken aback he was disappointed.

Years later Tendulkar confessed his disappointment unequivocally in his biographical film Sachin: A Billion Dreams. Sachin was hurt, pained and all that was vented out through his bat during 1998. Moreover, he was free from the pressure of captaincy.

Coming back to April 1998 in Sharjah. It was ruthless hitting at Sharjah by Tendulkar. The important thing was that Tendulkar scored those centuries with the strike rate of more than 100 but he wasn’t really slogging. He was hitting 4s and 6s via genuinely brilliant cricketing shots. The memorable thing is that how Tony Grieg was going bonkers in the commentary box every time Tendulkar dispatched ball over the rope.

1998 was actually the best year of Sachin’s career. The whole world was in awe of him during that year and those two knocks were icing on the cake.

There are interesting anecdotes endorsing the cult status during that period.

Great Australian bowler, Dennis Lillee told something very interesting about that carnage at Sharjah. Australian fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz went to the great Lillee for some tips to get Tendulkar out early in the innings. Lillee told him point-blank "Dude, the kind of form Tendulkar is in, you shouldn’t even think of getting him out. All you can afford is to plan to control the deluge of runs a bit".

A few years later in an interview, Indian coach during 1998 Anshuman Gaikwad spoke about Tendulkar in 1998. He said that during the last league match on 22nd April when there was the interruption in the match due to sand-storm Gaikwad disappointing sensing an inevitable ouster of his team from the tournament. Sachin went over to Gaikwad and said, "Don’t worry coach. Let the game resumed. For sure I am going to pull this one for the side".

So Tendulkar has not only scoring runs, he also knew that he was going to score them. That was the level of his self-confidence.

20 years have gone past since that desert-storm called Sachin at Sharjah, but class act of great man enthrals fans like me even today.

Watch the video here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sachin Tendulkar- <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DesertStrom?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DesertStrom</a>?️ 143 v <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sharjah?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sharjah</a> 22nd April 1998?? *Pure Gold* One of The Greatest. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SachinTendulkar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SachinTendulkar</a> & Tony Grieg Commentary. The little man has hit the big fella for Six! He's half his size! 
Whadda Player, Whadda Wonderful Player <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> 
CC- Fox Sports <a href="https://t.co/lMrCxmf1SO">pic.twitter.com/lMrCxmf1SO</a>
— Sachin Tendulkar ?? FC (@CrickeTendulkar) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrickeTendulkar/status/987888726226464769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar played two such back to back knocks, exactly 20 years back in Sharjah against Australia during an ODI triangular series. These were two whirlwind centuries, first on 22nd April 1998 and other on 24th April 1998.

In the game of Cricket, few knocks are so big in the magnificence that they become an epic to narrate to the future generations. Let's take a look at few of such heroics - Kapil's 175 in the 1983 World Cup, Laxman's 281 against Australia in 2001 Kolkata Test, Dravid double century in Adelaide Test in 2003. Our master blaster Sachin Tendulkar played two such back to back knocks, exactly 20 years back in Sharjah against Australia during an ODI triangular series. These were two whirlwind centuries, first on 22nd April 1998 and other on 24th April 1998. Those two knocks were destructive, alluring, spectator's delight and they comprehensively decimated Australians. They became immortal and till date considered as two of best ever ODI knocks. It was an ODI triangular series between India, Australia and New Zealand in Sharjah during April 1998. On 22nd April 1998, last league match was played between India and Australia. By then Australia had already qualified for the final. India on other hand had a task in hand to surpass New Zealand on the net run rate in the final match to reach final. Australia batted first and scored a mammoth 284 runs in 50 overs. India had to score a minimum 254 runs in the second innings to beat New Zealand on run rate. In response, India struggled and lost four wickets by 29th over and the score was 138. VVS Laxman joined Tendulkar after the fall of 4th wicket. At this moment, the match was interrupted by a dust-storm. India's innings was shortened by four overs and India’s target became even more stringent. But then Tendulkar unleashed himself. Once match resumed after the dust-storm, Tendulkar started smashing each of the Australians bowlers. India qualified for the final. The dominance of Tendulkar's knock can be gauged from the fact that he scored 143 out of the team's total of 250 and Nayan Mongia with 35 was the second highest scorer for India. Two days later on 24th April 1998, final was played between India and Australia. Australia batted first and scored 272 runs. India started the chase and Tendulkar resumed his onslaught. He scored a swashbuckling 134 and India chased the total with immaculate ease. Here it is also important to know a bit of few other events proceeding April 1998. Tendulkar replaced Azhar as Indian captain in 1996. He was the heir apparent for years before he got the baton from Azhar in 1996. Sachin's success as captain, however, was rather tepid. India lost the Test series in South Africa and in West Indies. Tendulkar was sacked from the captaincy towards the end of 1997. Tendulkar was taken aback he was disappointed. Years later Tendulkar confessed his disappointment unequivocally in his biographical film Sachin: A Billion Dreams. Sachin was hurt, pained and all that was vented out through his bat during 1998. Moreover, he was free from the pressure of captaincy. Coming back to April 1998 in Sharjah. It was ruthless hitting at Sharjah by Tendulkar. The important thing was that Tendulkar scored those centuries with the strike rate of more than 100 but he wasn’t really slogging. He was hitting 4s and 6s via genuinely brilliant cricketing shots. The memorable thing is that how Tony Grieg was going bonkers in the commentary box every time Tendulkar dispatched ball over the rope. 1998 was actually the best year of Sachin’s career. The whole world was in awe of him during that year and those two knocks were icing on the cake. There are interesting anecdotes endorsing the cult status during that period. Great Australian bowler, Dennis Lillee told something very interesting about that carnage at Sharjah. Australian fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz went to the great Lillee for some tips to get Tendulkar out early in the innings. Lillee told him point-blank "Dude, the kind of form Tendulkar is in, you shouldn’t even think of getting him out. All you can afford is to plan to control the deluge of runs a bit". A few years later in an interview, Indian coach during 1998 Anshuman Gaikwad spoke about Tendulkar in 1998. He said that during the last league match on 22nd April when there was the interruption in the match due to sand-storm Gaikwad disappointing sensing an inevitable ouster of his team from the tournament. Sachin went over to Gaikwad and said, "Don’t worry coach. Let the game resumed. For sure I am going to pull this one for the side". So Tendulkar has not only scoring runs, he also knew that he was going to score them. That was the level of his self-confidence. 20 years have gone past since that desert-storm called Sachin at Sharjah, but class act of great man enthrals fans like me even today. Watch the video here: Sachin Tendulkar- #DesertStrom?️ 143 v #Aus #Sharjah 22nd April 1998?? *Pure Gold* One of The Greatest. #SachinTendulkar & Tony Grieg Commentary. The little man has hit the big fella for Six! He's half his size! Whadda Player, Whadda Wonderful Player @sachin_rt CC- Fox Sports pic.twitter.com/lMrCxmf1SO — Sachin Tendulkar ?? FC (@CrickeTendulkar) April 22, 2018 × (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Relive the Master Blaster's two master knocks against the Aussies 20 years ago

Recently, 12 months bans were handed out to former Australian captain Steve Smith and vice-captain &nbsp;David Warner and also a 9-month ban was handed out to the main culprit Cameron Bancroft for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal.

As the tampering scandal was revealed last month Australia men's cricket team was touring South Africa and were trounced by the hosts in the Test series.

During the third Test at Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball by using sandpaper in order to ‘reverse swing’ the ball, which in the end was their undoing.

The incident was caught in various cameras around the ground. Bancroft and Smith accepted that they were involved in the ball tampering mess and eventually punishments followed and with it came the tears- live on TV.

David Warner and Steve Smith were also ruled out by BCCI-led IPL tournament. As a result lost out on multiple-million dollar contracts playing for Hyderabad and Rajasthan, a costly mistake for the duo in the end.

Although, all three of them are serving bans but they are still there in the cover photo of Cricket Australia's official Twitter handle.

In the cover photo, the Australian team is standing in their national One-Day International jersey.

See image:

<img alt="steve smith, david warner.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/steve%20smith%2C%20david%20warner.jpg" width="770" />

Yesterday, Cricket Australia released a statement that a decision will be taken on who will replace Darren Lehmann as coach of the national men’s team. The final decision will be out "in coming weeks," ahead of Qantas Tour to England, which is in early June.

Steve Smith and David Warner are serving bans but they are still there in the cover photo of Cricket Australia's official Twitter handle

Recently, 12 months bans were handed out to former Australian captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner and also a 9-month ban was handed out to the main culprit Cameron Bancroft for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal. As the tampering scandal was revealed last month Australia men's cricket team was touring South Africa and were trounced by the hosts in the Test series. During the third Test at Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball by using sandpaper in order to ‘reverse swing’ the ball, which in the end was their undoing. The incident was caught in various cameras around the ground. Bancroft and Smith accepted that they were involved in the ball tampering mess and eventually punishments followed and with it came the tears- live on TV. David Warner and Steve Smith were also ruled out by BCCI-led IPL tournament. As a result lost out on multiple-million dollar contracts playing for Hyderabad and Rajasthan, a costly mistake for the duo in the end. Although, all three of them are serving bans but they are still there in the cover photo of Cricket Australia's official Twitter handle. In the cover photo, the Australian team is standing in their national One-Day International jersey. See image: Yesterday, Cricket Australia released a statement that a decision will be taken on who will replace Darren Lehmann as coach of the national men’s team. The final decision will be out "in coming weeks," ahead of Qantas Tour to England, which is in early June.

Cricket Australia blooper: Banned Steve Smith, David Warner still on official Twitter handle

Cricket Australia has released a statement that a decision will be taken on who will replace Darren Lehmann as coach of the national men’s team. The final decision will be out "in coming weeks," ahead of Qantas Tour to England, which is in early June.

Recently,&nbspDarren Lehmann had stepped down as the coach of Australia men's cricket team after the ball-tampering&nbspsaga which happened when team Australia&nbspwas touring to South Africa for a 4-match series.

The board members of Cricket Australia met on Friday to discuss the process to through which a new coach, as well as captain and deputy of men's ODI outfit, will be named.

Board chairman David Peever said recommendations for preferred candidates to fill those leadership positions will be sought from CA, with those names expected to be ratified and then publicly announced.

"The Board has asked management to provide recommendations regarding candidates for the men's head coach, ODI captain and ODI vice-captain," Peever said in a statement.

"The Board is anticipating receiving these recommendations in the coming weeks, with a view to making appointments ahead of the ODI tour to the UK.

"Once these appointments have been endorsed and finalised, announcements can then be made."

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Cricket Australia has confirmed that a decision on who will replace Darren Lehmann as coach of the national men’s team will be finalised "in coming weeks" <a href="https://t.co/4Dnjm42YC6">https://t.co/4Dnjm42YC6</a> <a href="https://t.co/9BSIGK5OOo">pic.twitter.com/9BSIGK5OOo</a>
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/987222652908552193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A few weeks back, 12 months bans were handed out to former captain Steve Smith, David Warner and also a 9-month ban was given to the main culprit Cameron Bancroft for their involvements in the ball-tampering scandal.

Cricket Australia has released a statement that a decision will be taken on who will replace Darren Lehmann as coach of the national men’s team

Cricket Australia has released a statement that a decision will be taken on who will replace Darren Lehmann as coach of the national men’s team. The final decision will be out "in coming weeks," ahead of Qantas Tour to England, which is in early June. Recently,&nbspDarren Lehmann had stepped down as the coach of Australia men's cricket team after the ball-tampering&nbspsaga which happened when team Australia&nbspwas touring to South Africa for a 4-match series. The board members of Cricket Australia met on Friday to discuss the process to through which a new coach, as well as captain and deputy of men's ODI outfit, will be named. Board chairman David Peever said recommendations for preferred candidates to fill those leadership positions will be sought from CA, with those names expected to be ratified and then publicly announced. "The Board has asked management to provide recommendations regarding candidates for the men's head coach, ODI captain and ODI vice-captain," Peever said in a statement. "The Board is anticipating receiving these recommendations in the coming weeks, with a view to making appointments ahead of the ODI tour to the UK. "Once these appointments have been endorsed and finalised, announcements can then be made." Cricket Australia has confirmed that a decision on who will replace Darren Lehmann as coach of the national men’s team will be finalised "in coming weeks" https://t.co/4Dnjm42YC6 pic.twitter.com/9BSIGK5OOo — cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) April 20, 2018 × A few weeks back, 12 months bans were handed out to former captain Steve Smith, David Warner and also a 9-month ban was given to the main culprit Cameron Bancroft for their involvements in the ball-tampering scandal.

Coach to be named 'in coming weeks': Cricket Australia

India finished third at the recently concluded 21st Commonwealth Games with 66 medals, including 26 gold medals, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals. There were many moments during&nbsp;the Games which will be cherished forever&nbsp;like Mary Kom, five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, won her first CWG medal by claiming gold in the women's 45-48kg boxing event and young champs like Anish, Mehuli and Manu Bhakar earned glory and made the nation proud.

However,&nbsp;shooters displayed an outstanding performance by bagging a total of 16 medals in different categories. 27 shooters took part in the event and clinched 16 medals out of which seven are gold.

Young shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the Commonwealth Games. In an exclusive interview with WION.com, Mehuli said, "I don't remember when was the last time I went to school."

With a smile on her face, she also said, "I am missing those (school) days but I wanted this life. I wanted&nbsp;to take part in all these competitions and I wanted all these things to happen."&nbsp;She further&nbsp;added that sports and&nbsp;success at the&nbsp;CWG has changed her life being a teenager.

Mehuli&nbsp;told WION.com about her preparations for CWG. She said,&nbsp;"It's about mental, technical and physical strength, so you have to work on these three things." She clearly mentioned that the performance is mainly depended on the mental, technical and physical strength of the athlete.

She also added, "I just go there to give my best and what I will get from there I don't think that." 17-year old shooting star&nbsp;feels, "It's about putting in the hard work and not thinking about the medals."

Another shooter, Heena Sidhu became the first Indian double medalist at the Commonwealth Games. She clinched gold in the women's 25m pistol (with a CWG record 38) and silver in the 10m air pistol. In an exclusive interaction with WION.com, she told about her ambition&nbsp;to take on world champions in the future events.

Heena said that practice and hard work&nbsp;are the most necessary elements&nbsp;before entering such big events. She further added, "We realise our mistakes from every match and we work on it and we hope that in next match we will be able to deliver better results."

Heena revealed her plans to take on the world champions and said she is "working on it," she further added, "It is about how you are improving every day, and if you are improving every day it means you are on the right track."

She also mentioned, "With all these medals we now feel confident in going into an important year with ASIAN games and World Championship."

Confident double medallist Heena said, "We have learned a lot of lessons, we have done few things right and few things wrong and as an athlete, we know where we went wrong."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/cwg-2018:-meet-gold-medallists-of-india-130569#photo-130566">In photos: Meet India's CWG gold medallists</a>

The shooting contingent stole the show by creating some game records. Sanjeev Rajput, who won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record said, " changing colour of the medal was the motive."

He talked about the struggles that he had made since 2006 when won the bronze medal in the Men's 50m Rifle Prone at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Also at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sanjeev won a silver medal.

He also mentioned how he prepared to convert his bronze medal to silver and silver&nbsp;to gold.&nbsp;

Here is the video, watch it again:

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tXqGfoTUqHA" width="560"></iframe></div>
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&nbsp;

17-year-old shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the 21st Commonwealth Games

India finished third at the recently concluded 21st Commonwealth Games with 66 medals, including 26 gold medals, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals. There were many moments during the Games which will be cherished forever like Mary Kom, five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, won her first CWG medal by claiming gold in the women's 45-48kg boxing event and young champs like Anish, Mehuli and Manu Bhakar earned glory and made the nation proud. However, shooters displayed an outstanding performance by bagging a total of 16 medals in different categories. 27 shooters took part in the event and clinched 16 medals out of which seven are gold. Young shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the Commonwealth Games. In an exclusive interview with WION.com, Mehuli said, "I don't remember when was the last time I went to school." With a smile on her face, she also said, "I am missing those (school) days but I wanted this life. I wanted to take part in all these competitions and I wanted all these things to happen." She further added that sports and success at the CWG has changed her life being a teenager. Mehuli told WION.com about her preparations for CWG. She said, "It's about mental, technical and physical strength, so you have to work on these three things." She clearly mentioned that the performance is mainly depended on the mental, technical and physical strength of the athlete. She also added, "I just go there to give my best and what I will get from there I don't think that." 17-year old shooting star feels, "It's about putting in the hard work and not thinking about the medals." Another shooter, Heena Sidhu became the first Indian double medalist at the Commonwealth Games. She clinched gold in the women's 25m pistol (with a CWG record 38) and silver in the 10m air pistol. In an exclusive interaction with WION.com, she told about her ambition to take on world champions in the future events. Heena said that practice and hard work are the most necessary elements before entering such big events. She further added, "We realise our mistakes from every match and we work on it and we hope that in next match we will be able to deliver better results." Heena revealed her plans to take on the world champions and said she is "working on it," she further added, "It is about how you are improving every day, and if you are improving every day it means you are on the right track." She also mentioned, "With all these medals we now feel confident in going into an important year with ASIAN games and World Championship." Confident double medallist Heena said, "We have learned a lot of lessons, we have done few things right and few things wrong and as an athlete, we know where we went wrong." In photos: Meet India's CWG gold medallists The shooting contingent stole the show by creating some game records. Sanjeev Rajput, who won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event with a games record said, " changing colour of the medal was the motive." He talked about the struggles that he had made since 2006 when won the bronze medal in the Men's 50m Rifle Prone at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Also at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sanjeev won a silver medal. He also mentioned how he prepared to convert his bronze medal to silver and silver to gold. Here is the video, watch it again: ×

Commonwealth Games: India's champion shooters speak to WION

India may have finished 3rd in the 21st Commonwealth Games but it finished way behind hosts Australia who seized 80 gold medals bagging 198 medals to finish on top.

The Commonwealth though does not have a "world standing" since only countries who were once the colony of Her Majesty take&nbsppart in the event, there is, of course, no China or US to threaten the top contenders.

The Commonwealth Games actually came into existence in the 1930s, it was aptly titled "British Empire Games", post-1950 it was called &nbspBritish Empire and Commonwealth Games, later in the 1970s British Empire was dropped and it was called "Commonwealth Games".

The former "colonies" take great pride in participating in the Games. There are over 70 countries which participate in the Games.

India, Australia and England mostly top the medals tally in most games, however, a look at India's performance in the Olympics is an altogether different story.

The Indian contingent is happy with 26 golds with sports analysts calling it a "gold rush" and gushing over how the team has topped its previous tally at Glasgow. However, in the rush to prove its credentials it must be noted that the Indian hockey team - both men & women- failed to win a single medal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-finish-with-66-medals-including-26-gold-at-21st-commonwealth-games--130531">Commonwealth Games: India finish third with 26 gold medals</a>

In shooting, India has been faring poorly against the Chinese at the Olympics(barring Abhinav Bindra's gold medal exploits at London in 2008).

With just two years to go for the Olympics in Russia, India must get over its "gold haze" quickly if it wants to challenge the best in the world.

A point to be noted: India's total medals tally is 66, Australia meanwhile has won 80 golds in all, a startling fact which best exemplifies how far the Indian team has fallen behind in world sports.

Add to this 2 Indian athletes were embroiled in the "no needle" policy and were sent back home embarrassing the Indian contingent.

It is time India looks beyond "Commonwealth" and devises a policy to win at the "real" game because the Empire no longer exists and the sun has set over the British long time ago, Brexit notwithstanding!

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp

India may have finished 3rd in the 21st Commonwealth Games but it finished way behind hosts Australia who seized 80 gold medals bagging 198 medals to finish on top

India may have finished 3rd in the 21st Commonwealth Games but it finished way behind hosts Australia who seized 80 gold medals bagging 198 medals to finish on top. The Commonwealth though does not have a "world standing" since only countries who were once the colony of Her Majesty take&nbsppart in the event, there is, of course, no China or US to threaten the top contenders. The Commonwealth Games actually came into existence in the 1930s, it was aptly titled "British Empire Games", post-1950 it was called &nbspBritish Empire and Commonwealth Games, later in the 1970s British Empire was dropped and it was called "Commonwealth Games". The former "colonies" take great pride in participating in the Games. There are over 70 countries which participate in the Games. India, Australia and England mostly top the medals tally in most games, however, a look at India's performance in the Olympics is an altogether different story. The Indian contingent is happy with 26 golds with sports analysts calling it a "gold rush" and gushing over how the team has topped its previous tally at Glasgow. However, in the rush to prove its credentials it must be noted that the Indian hockey team - both men & women- failed to win a single medal. Commonwealth Games: India finish third with 26 gold medals In shooting, India has been faring poorly against the Chinese at the Olympics(barring Abhinav Bindra's gold medal exploits at London in 2008). With just two years to go for the Olympics in Russia, India must get over its "gold haze" quickly if it wants to challenge the best in the world. A point to be noted: India's total medals tally is 66, Australia meanwhile has won 80 golds in all, a startling fact which best exemplifies how far the Indian team has fallen behind in world sports. Add to this 2 Indian athletes were embroiled in the "no needle" policy and were sent back home embarrassing the Indian contingent. It is time India looks beyond "Commonwealth" and devises a policy to win at the "real" game because the Empire no longer exists and the sun has set over the British long time ago, Brexit notwithstanding! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: India should look beyond 'British Empire Games' to achieve greatness in sport

The Indian women's hockey team will look to put behind their semi-final disappointment as they take on World No. 2 England in the bronze medal play-off in the 21st Commonwealth Games here tomorrow.

The Indian team endured a disheartening 1-0 defeat against hosts Australia in the semi-final yesterday but they will have a chance to redeem themselves when they face England, a team they had defeated 2-1 in a pool A match.

However, it will be a tough encounter as England will also be aiming to finish their campaign on a good note after having lost their semi-final match against New Zealand.

India can take the positives from their performance in the semi-final as they kept a resolute defensive structure. However, the worrying aspect for the team could be their efforts in front of the opposition's goal where they were not efficient enough.

England, on the other hand, lost to New Zealand 1-2 in a penalty shoot-out after the scores remained 0-0 after regulation time.

The stand-out performer for the World No. 2 team was their goalkeeper Madeleine Hinch, who made a total of eight saves in the match, including one penalty corner. Both India and England endured defeats which must be hard to take for the players as they could not manage to progress to the Final match.

But India captain Rani Rampal is determined to make amends by securing the Bronze Medal.

"We are all very disappointed that we could not qualify for the Gold Medal match because it was our target for the Commonwealth Games.

But my team can take the positives from their performance against a strong Australian side who were playing in front of their home crowd," the 23-year-old forward said. "I felt we had our chances in the match, but we didn't manage to convert them.

However, we need to keep our chins up as we have an important match ahead of us against England. The Bronze Medal match gives us the opportunity to end our campaign on a good note and prepare for the future tournaments with confidence in ourselves," said Rani.

The Indian team endured a disheartening 1-0 defeat against hosts Australia in the semi-final

The Indian women's hockey team will look to put behind their semi-final disappointment as they take on World No. 2 England in the bronze medal play-off in the 21st Commonwealth Games here tomorrow. The Indian team endured a disheartening 1-0 defeat against hosts Australia in the semi-final yesterday but they will have a chance to redeem themselves when they face England, a team they had defeated 2-1 in a pool A match. However, it will be a tough encounter as England will also be aiming to finish their campaign on a good note after having lost their semi-final match against New Zealand. India can take the positives from their performance in the semi-final as they kept a resolute defensive structure. However, the worrying aspect for the team could be their efforts in front of the opposition's goal where they were not efficient enough. England, on the other hand, lost to New Zealand 1-2 in a penalty shoot-out after the scores remained 0-0 after regulation time. The stand-out performer for the World No. 2 team was their goalkeeper Madeleine Hinch, who made a total of eight saves in the match, including one penalty corner. Both India and England endured defeats which must be hard to take for the players as they could not manage to progress to the Final match. But India captain Rani Rampal is determined to make amends by securing the Bronze Medal. "We are all very disappointed that we could not qualify for the Gold Medal match because it was our target for the Commonwealth Games. But my team can take the positives from their performance against a strong Australian side who were playing in front of their home crowd," the 23-year-old forward said. "I felt we had our chances in the match, but we didn't manage to convert them. However, we need to keep our chins up as we have an important match ahead of us against England. The Bronze Medal match gives us the opportunity to end our campaign on a good note and prepare for the future tournaments with confidence in ourselves," said Rani.

Indian women's hockey team looks to end CWG campaign with bronze

17-year-old shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the&nbsp;10m air rifle event at the 21st Commonwealth Games. She represents India at the international junior shooting championships across the world. She was the only Indian among 123 competitors who reached the finals of junior shooting competition held in the Czech Republic in 2018. Mehuli finished seventh there.

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She is trained by none other than former Indian Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, Joydeep Karmarkar. After her heroics at the Commonwealth Games, Coach Karmarkar said, "It's a happy moment for us. This was her maiden appearance in CWG and getting into the final and then bagging silver in shoot-off is creditable."

"Still, I will go low about it and I would like to say, being a coach and a technical person, there is much scope for improvement," he added.

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Mehuli entered the CWG 2018 after bagging two bronze medals at the recently-concluded ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico.

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Mehuli hails from a small city Baidyabati, West Bengal and was declared the Best Shooter when she grabbed eleven medals at the 2017 National Championships.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded Mehuli for her outstanding performance at Commonwealth Games.

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Delighted to know that Mehuli Ghosh has won SILVER and Apurvi Chandela BRONZE in the Women's 10m Air Rifle event at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> Our shooters on target again <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a>
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It is amazing to see Indian athletes excel at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> Commonwealth Games. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> warmly congratulated Mehuli Ghosh on wins a Silver medal in the women’s 10m Air Rifle event and said that Mehuli joins the fast increasing list of medal winners from India. <a href="https://t.co/YkcvjXVmlq">pic.twitter.com/YkcvjXVmlq</a>
— Narendra Modi Office (@namo_office) <a href="https://twitter.com/namo_office/status/983298745402970112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the 21st Commonwealth Games

17-year-old shooting sensation Mehuli Ghosh won a silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the 21st Commonwealth Games. She represents India at the international junior shooting championships across the world. She was the only Indian among 123 competitors who reached the finals of junior shooting competition held in the Czech Republic in 2018. Mehuli finished seventh there. She is trained by none other than former Indian Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, Joydeep Karmarkar. After her heroics at the Commonwealth Games, Coach Karmarkar said, "It's a happy moment for us. This was her maiden appearance in CWG and getting into the final and then bagging silver in shoot-off is creditable." "Still, I will go low about it and I would like to say, being a coach and a technical person, there is much scope for improvement," he added. Mehuli entered the CWG 2018 after bagging two bronze medals at the recently-concluded ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mehuli hails from a small city Baidyabati, West Bengal and was declared the Best Shooter when she grabbed eleven medals at the 2017 National Championships. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded Mehuli for her outstanding performance at Commonwealth Games. Delighted to know that Mehuli Ghosh has won SILVER and Apurvi Chandela BRONZE in the Women's 10m Air Rifle event at #GC2018 Our shooters on target again #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 9, 2018 × It is amazing to see Indian athletes excel at the #GC2018 Commonwealth Games. PM @narendramodi warmly congratulated Mehuli Ghosh on wins a Silver medal in the women’s 10m Air Rifle event and said that Mehuli joins the fast increasing list of medal winners from India. pic.twitter.com/YkcvjXVmlq — Narendra Modi Office (@namo_office) April 9, 2018 ×

Meet Mehuli Ghosh - small town girl who rocked at 21st CWG

Hours after Michael Clarke announced to make an international cricket comeback to help his side cope up with the ball-tampering fallout, the former Australian skipper on Sunday backed out from the news.

The right-hand batsman took to his Twitter handle to confirm the same.

He further said that he had contacted Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland to help out the Test side following the suspensions of cricketers David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft.&nbsp

Clarkes' comeback news was doing the rounds after a leading publication published an article hinting that he might return as Australian skipper.

"This article is out of control! &nbspLet me make very clear that I &nbsphave not sent any formal offer to James Sutherland to come back and play cricket. I sent him a message as a friend offering to help Australian cricket in ANY way I could (this could mean mentoring the under 14s)," he tweeted.

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This article is out of control! Let me make very clear that I have not sent any formal offer to James Sutherland to come back and play cricket. I sent him a message as a friend offering to help Australian cricket in ANY way I could (this could mean mentoring the under 14s)
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) <a href="https://twitter.com/MClarke23/status/982772911407742978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I won’t be batting in the nets in India in preparation for a comeback ??? and as I have always said the game owes me nothing, I owe it everything. Have a great Sunday ??
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Clarke retired from international cricket in 2015 after his 115th and final Test of the unsuccessful Ashes tour of England.&nbsp

The right-hand batsman took to his Twitter handle to confirm the same

Hours after Michael Clarke announced to make an international cricket comeback to help his side cope up with the ball-tampering fallout, the former Australian skipper on Sunday backed out from the news. The right-hand batsman took to his Twitter handle to confirm the same. He further said that he had contacted Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland to help out the Test side following the suspensions of cricketers David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft. Clarkes' comeback news was doing the rounds after a leading publication published an article hinting that he might return as Australian skipper. "This article is out of control! &nbspLet me make very clear that I &nbsphave not sent any formal offer to James Sutherland to come back and play cricket. I sent him a message as a friend offering to help Australian cricket in ANY way I could (this could mean mentoring the under 14s)," he tweeted. This article is out of control! Let me make very clear that I have not sent any formal offer to James Sutherland to come back and play cricket. I sent him a message as a friend offering to help Australian cricket in ANY way I could (this could mean mentoring the under 14s) — Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) April 8, 2018 × I won’t be batting in the nets in India in preparation for a comeback ??? and as I have always said the game owes me nothing, I owe it everything. Have a great Sunday ?? — Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) April 8, 2018 × Clarke retired from international cricket in 2015 after his 115th and final Test of the unsuccessful Ashes tour of England.

'This article is out of control,'says Michael Clarke on his Australia comeback reports

Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Sunday.

India has become the only second country to win gold in the table tennis event in the history of Commonwealth Games. India has bagged seven gold medal in total so far, including three today.

World No. 58 Manika Batra first scored the biggest of her career by humbling world number four and multiple Olympic medallist Feng Tianwei 3-2 before brushing aside 100th-ranked Yihan Zhou 3-0 to engineer a sensational win over the mighty Singapore side.

While Batra was the architect of India's historic win, the experienced pairing of Madhurika Patkar and Mouma Das played the supporting role to perfection by winning the crucial doubles tie 3-1 (11-7 11-6 8-11 11-7) against Zhou and Mengyu Yu for a 2-1 lead in the final.

After Batra stunned Feng 3-2 (11-8 8-11 7-11 11-9 11-7) in the opening singles, Mengyu had equalised for Singapore with a straight game win over Patkar.

Batra then proved to be too good for Yihan, who failed to read her deceptive strokes. The Singaporean put a backhand long as the Indian completed a 3-0 (11-7 11-4 11-7), leading to wild celebrations.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyGold?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyGold</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyTeam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyTeam</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hurray?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hurray</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018TableTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018TableTennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ttfitweet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ttfitweet</a> <a href="https://t.co/UHBS2vZBw1">pic.twitter.com/UHBS2vZBw1</a>
— IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioaindia/status/982958938143342592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Take a Bow!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018TableTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018TableTennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> sends home their greetings and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldMedal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldMedal</a> ???form <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldCoast?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldCoast</a> Women's Team Event!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congratulations?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congratulations</a> Well done ladies...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MoumaDas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MoumaDas</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhurikaPatkar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhurikaPatkar</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManikaBatra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManikaBatra</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ttfitweet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ttfitweet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Media_SAI</a> <a href="https://t.co/66CHstxRef">pic.twitter.com/66CHstxRef</a>
— IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioaindia/status/982952712365948928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Making history today for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> Women's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TableTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TableTennis</a> team winning their first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gold?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gold</a>! So proud of you girls!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldQuest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldQuest</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldCoast?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoldCoast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018TableTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018TableTennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congratulations?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congratulations</a> <a href="https://t.co/YAn9I2Z0XP">pic.twitter.com/YAn9I2Z0XP</a>
— IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioaindia/status/982956569766670337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games

Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Sunday. India has become the only second country to win gold in the table tennis event in the history of Commonwealth Games. India has bagged seven gold medal in total so far, including three today. World No. 58 Manika Batra first scored the biggest of her career by humbling world number four and multiple Olympic medallist Feng Tianwei 3-2 before brushing aside 100th-ranked Yihan Zhou 3-0 to engineer a sensational win over the mighty Singapore side. While Batra was the architect of India's historic win, the experienced pairing of Madhurika Patkar and Mouma Das played the supporting role to perfection by winning the crucial doubles tie 3-1 (11-7 11-6 8-11 11-7) against Zhou and Mengyu Yu for a 2-1 lead in the final. After Batra stunned Feng 3-2 (11-8 8-11 7-11 11-9 11-7) in the opening singles, Mengyu had equalised for Singapore with a straight game win over Patkar. Batra then proved to be too good for Yihan, who failed to read her deceptive strokes. The Singaporean put a backhand long as the Indian completed a 3-0 (11-7 11-4 11-7), leading to wild celebrations. #HappyGold...#HappyTeam!#Hurray #TeamIndia #GC2018 #GC2018TableTennis @ttfitweet pic.twitter.com/UHBS2vZBw1 — IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) April 8, 2018 × Take a Bow!!#GC2018TableTennis #TeamIndia sends home their greetings and #GoldMedal ???form #GoldCoast Women's Team Event!!#Congratulations Well done ladies...#MoumaDas#MadhurikaPatkar#ManikaBatra#GC2018 @GC2018 @ttfitweet @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/66CHstxRef — IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) April 8, 2018 × Making history today for #TeamIndia Women's #TableTennis team winning their first #Gold! So proud of you girls!! #GoldQuest in #GoldCoast #GC2018 #CommonwealthGames #GC2018TableTennis #Congratulations pic.twitter.com/YAn9I2Z0XP — IOA - Team India (@ioaindia) April 8, 2018 ×

CWG 2018: Indian women's TT team grabs gold after historic victory against Singapore

Retired cricket Test captain Michael Clarke on Sunday offered to play for Australia for free to help the team recover after the downfall of his successor Steve Smith over a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

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&nbsp;

Smith and vice-captain David Warner were stripped of their leadership roles and banned from the sport for one year after a plot to alter the ball`s condition during the third Test in March.

"I would do anything to help the Australian cricket team," the 37-year-old told Sydney`s Sunday Telegraph.&nbsp;

"Age is age. Is 17 too young? I`ve never cared about age. Brad Hogg played at 45. I don`t think it`s about a number. I think it`s about commitment and devotion.

"It`s like getting back on a bike. I`m as fit and healthy as I`ve ever been. The time away has been great for my body."

The former batsman, who is in India to cover the IPL and comments on the sport for Australia`s Nine Network, said he had messaged Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland but had not received a reply.

The ex-skipper retired in 2015 after his 115th and final Test of the Ashes series against England and said his experience could be useful for the embattled team either on or off the field.

"I`ve experienced a lot of great things in cricket but some tough times as well," he told the newspaper.

"I`ve got the experience to help these young players and that`s where our focus should be right now until the other guys come back."

Smith, Warner and bowler Cameron Bancroft -- who was banned for nine months -- decided not to challenge their sanctions imposed by CA last week.

This means Smith and Warner will not be eligible to play for Australia until March next year, with wicketkeeper Tim Paine appointed captain.

Clarke said the ball-tampering affair, as Australia slips to fourth in the world Test rankings, could set the team back for years.

"I`m worried about it. I don`t want us to be like the West Indies," he added.

"We`re not talking about the next five years. It`s the next six months and we need to fix it now. If Cricket Australia asks me, I`d drop everything to help out."

The ex-skipper retired in 2015 after his 115th and final Test of the Ashes series against England and said his experience could be useful for the embattled team either on or off the field.

Retired cricket Test captain Michael Clarke on Sunday offered to play for Australia for free to help the team recover after the downfall of his successor Steve Smith over a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. × Smith and vice-captain David Warner were stripped of their leadership roles and banned from the sport for one year after a plot to alter the ball`s condition during the third Test in March. "I would do anything to help the Australian cricket team," the 37-year-old told Sydney`s Sunday Telegraph. "Age is age. Is 17 too young? I`ve never cared about age. Brad Hogg played at 45. I don`t think it`s about a number. I think it`s about commitment and devotion. "It`s like getting back on a bike. I`m as fit and healthy as I`ve ever been. The time away has been great for my body." The former batsman, who is in India to cover the IPL and comments on the sport for Australia`s Nine Network, said he had messaged Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland but had not received a reply. The ex-skipper retired in 2015 after his 115th and final Test of the Ashes series against England and said his experience could be useful for the embattled team either on or off the field. "I`ve experienced a lot of great things in cricket but some tough times as well," he told the newspaper. "I`ve got the experience to help these young players and that`s where our focus should be right now until the other guys come back." Smith, Warner and bowler Cameron Bancroft -- who was banned for nine months -- decided not to challenge their sanctions imposed by CA last week. This means Smith and Warner will not be eligible to play for Australia until March next year, with wicketkeeper Tim Paine appointed captain. Clarke said the ball-tampering affair, as Australia slips to fourth in the world Test rankings, could set the team back for years. "I`m worried about it. I don`t want us to be like the West Indies," he added. "We`re not talking about the next five years. It`s the next six months and we need to fix it now. If Cricket Australia asks me, I`d drop everything to help out."

Michael Clarke offers to play for Australia after ball-tampering scandal

A Commonwealth Games athlete is in serious condition at a Gold Coast hospital after being diagnosed with malaria, officials said on Friday.

The 23-year-old, who has not been identified, is under close observation at Gold Coast University Hospital after being admitted on Thursday with the mosquito-borne disease.

"The patient received immediate treatment for malaria on arrival at GCUH," a statement from the organising committee said.&nbsp

"The patient remains admitted to GCUH in a serious condition and continues to be closely monitored."

The statement added that "there is no locally acquired malaria in mainland Australia".

The 23-year-old, who has not been identified, is under close observation at Gold Coast University Hospital after being admitted on Thursday with the mosquito-borne disease

A Commonwealth Games athlete is in serious condition at a Gold Coast hospital after being diagnosed with malaria, officials said on Friday. The 23-year-old, who has not been identified, is under close observation at Gold Coast University Hospital after being admitted on Thursday with the mosquito-borne disease. "The patient received immediate treatment for malaria on arrival at GCUH," a statement from the organising committee said. "The patient remains admitted to GCUH in a serious condition and continues to be closely monitored." The statement added that "there is no locally acquired malaria in mainland Australia".

Commonwealth Games athlete in serious condition with malaria

Australian cricket team's&nbspformer vice-captain David Warner on Thursday joined Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft in deciding not to contest the sanctions imposed on him by Cricket Australia (CA) for his role in last month`s ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

The Australian board&nbspslapped Smith and Warner with 12-months bans, while Bancroft, who was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball in the third test in Cape Town, was suspended for nine months.

Confirming the same, Warner took to his Twitter account and accepted the sanctions imposed on him.&nbsp

"I have today let Cricket Australia know that I fully accept the sanctions imposed on me," Warner said on his verified Twitter account on Thursday.

"I am truly sorry for my actions and will now do everything I can to be a better person, teammate and role model."

Smith and Bancroft confirmed on Wednesday that they had accepted the CA sanctions.

Cricket Australia slapped Warner with a 12-months ban

Australian cricket team's&nbspformer vice-captain David Warner on Thursday joined Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft in deciding not to contest the sanctions imposed on him by Cricket Australia (CA) for his role in last month`s ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. The Australian board&nbspslapped Smith and Warner with 12-months bans, while Bancroft, who was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball in the third test in Cape Town, was suspended for nine months. Confirming the same, Warner took to his Twitter account and accepted the sanctions imposed on him. "I have today let Cricket Australia know that I fully accept the sanctions imposed on me," Warner said on his verified Twitter account on Thursday. "I am truly sorry for my actions and will now do everything I can to be a better person, teammate and role model." Smith and Bancroft confirmed on Wednesday that they had accepted the CA sanctions.

Australia's Warner follows Smith, Bancroft, says 'won't challenge ban'

The World No. 6 Indian hockey team started the campaign with disappointment at Commonwealth Games as they were stunned by 2-3 by a lower-ranked Wales in a Group A clash.

For Wales, Lisa Daley (7th minute), Sian French (26th minute) and Natasha Marke-Jones (57th minute) scored and inspired the team to emerge victoriously and for India, while skipper Rani Rampal (34th minute) and Nikki Pradhan put India on the scoresheet.

"We needed to be energetic and play for attacking hockey. We pushed higher up, started attacking more and pressed," a disappointed Indian captain Rani Rampal said after the match.

Coach Harendra Singh was a lot critical of the performance and said the side needed to be better at penalty corner conversion.

"We conceded soft goals, which is concerning. We only had a 31 per cent conversion rate. We missed our chances despite having 50 per cent of our shots on goal. That's mainly down to the Welsh goalkeeper Roseanne Thomas who played superbly."

India will take on Malaysia in their second group match tomorrow.

Earlier today, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pm-modi-congratulates-mirabai-chanu-gururaja-for-their-achievements-at-cwg-128533">Mirabai Chanu</a>&nbsp;clinched the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pm-modi-congratulates-mirabai-chanu-gururaja-for-their-achievements-at-cwg-128533">first gold medal</a> for India at the ongoing the 21st Commonwealth Games.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-weightlifter-p-gururaja-opens-indias-account-wins-silver-128421">P Gururaja</a>&nbsp;openned India's medal account with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-weightlifter-p-gururaja-opens-indias-account-wins-silver-128421">silver medal</a>.

The World No. 6 Indian hockey team started the campaign with disappointment at Commonwealth Games as they were stunned by 2-3 by Wales

The World No. 6 Indian hockey team started the campaign with disappointment at Commonwealth Games as they were stunned by 2-3 by a lower-ranked Wales in a Group A clash. For Wales, Lisa Daley (7th minute), Sian French (26th minute) and Natasha Marke-Jones (57th minute) scored and inspired the team to emerge victoriously and for India, while skipper Rani Rampal (34th minute) and Nikki Pradhan put India on the scoresheet. "We needed to be energetic and play for attacking hockey. We pushed higher up, started attacking more and pressed," a disappointed Indian captain Rani Rampal said after the match. Coach Harendra Singh was a lot critical of the performance and said the side needed to be better at penalty corner conversion. "We conceded soft goals, which is concerning. We only had a 31 per cent conversion rate. We missed our chances despite having 50 per cent of our shots on goal. That's mainly down to the Welsh goalkeeper Roseanne Thomas who played superbly." India will take on Malaysia in their second group match tomorrow. Earlier today, Mirabai Chanu clinched the first gold medal for India at the ongoing the 21st Commonwealth Games. P Gururaja openned India's medal account with a silver medal.

Indian women's hockey team stunned 2-3 by Wales at Commonwealth Games

Former Australia captain Steve Smith and batsman Cameron Bancroft on Wednesday refused to challenge the sanctions imposed on them by Cricket Australia (CA) for their role in last month's ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Smith and former vice-captain David Warner were handed 12-month bans, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months after the latter was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball.

"I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country," Smith said on his verified Twitter account.&nbsp

"But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team.

"I won`t be challenging the sanctions. They`ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them."

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Bancroft followed suit and accepted his punishment.

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Now, Warner is the only player left to announce his decision.

Smith and Warner were stripped of their leadership positions for their role in the March 24 incident.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Now, Warner is the only player left to announce his decision.

Former Australia captain Steve Smith and batsman Cameron Bancroft on Wednesday refused to challenge the sanctions imposed on them by Cricket Australia (CA) for their role in last month's ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Smith and former vice-captain David Warner were handed 12-month bans, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months after the latter was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball. "I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country," Smith said on his verified Twitter account. "But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. "I won`t be challenging the sanctions. They`ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them." I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country. But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them. — Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) April 4, 2018 × Bancroft followed suit and accepted his punishment. Today I lodged the paperwork with Cricket Australia and will be accepting the sanction handed down. I would love to put this behind me and will do whatever it takes to earn back the trust of the Australian public. Thank you to all those who have sent messages of support — Cameron Bancroft (@cbancroft4) April 4, 2018 × Now, Warner is the only player left to announce his decision. Smith and Warner were stripped of their leadership positions for their role in the March 24 incident.

Smith, Bancroft not to challenge ball-tampering ban

Australian boxer Taylah Robertson has become the first medallist of the 21st Commonwealth Games without even stepping into the ring after she got a bye straight into the 51kg category women's semi-finals.

The 19-year-old has got what is called the lucky medal due to the small size of her draw, luck that eluded Indians, including the celebrated M C Mary Kom (48kg), who will fight her quarterfinal contest on April 8.

Robertson said she wouldn't stop just at a bronze in what is her debut appearance at the Games. India have not fielded any boxer in the 51kg category for women boxers. 
"I want the gold medal and I am not going into the ring here to win bronze," said Robertson.

"It's nice to have a medal but I want gold - and with all the training I've done, I want to earn it. I am not worried about who I meet in the semifinal, I am ready," she added.

Robertson's semifinal is scheduled for April 13, while the boxing competition will get underway at the Oxenford Studios on Thursday.

India will just have 2010 CWG gold-medallist Manoj Kumar (69kg) in action on Thursday.

Robertson said she wouldn't stop just at a bronze in what is her debut appearance at the Games.

Australian boxer Taylah Robertson has become the first medallist of the 21st Commonwealth Games without even stepping into the ring after she got a bye straight into the 51kg category women's semi-finals. The 19-year-old has got what is called the lucky medal due to the small size of her draw, luck that eluded Indians, including the celebrated M C Mary Kom (48kg), who will fight her quarterfinal contest on April 8. Robertson said she wouldn't stop just at a bronze in what is her debut appearance at the Games. India have not fielded any boxer in the 51kg category for women boxers. "I want the gold medal and I am not going into the ring here to win bronze," said Robertson. "It's nice to have a medal but I want gold - and with all the training I've done, I want to earn it. I am not worried about who I meet in the semifinal, I am ready," she added. Robertson's semifinal is scheduled for April 13, while the boxing competition will get underway at the Oxenford Studios on Thursday. India will just have 2010 CWG gold-medallist Manoj Kumar (69kg) in action on Thursday.

Aussie boxer becomes first CWG medallist without a fight

World champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu will be in focus for her high medal-winning chances but India's high-profile shuttlers and boxers will also be watched keenly when they open their campaigns at the 21st Commonwealth Games in Australia's Gold Coast on Thursday.

Competing in the 48kg category, Chanu, who claimed a silver at the 2014 CWG, is being considered a sure shot medal prospect for India as her personal best of 194kg stands over 10kg more than her nearest rival in the competition.

Chanu had become only the second Indian weightlifter after Karnam Malleswari to emerge a world champion in November 2017 when she created a new world record of 194kg - 85kg snatch and 109kg clean-and-jerk - to lift gold at the World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim, USA.

None of the lifters in her competition have touched even 180kg with her likely closest rival, Amanda Braddock of Canada, having a personal best of 173kg.

While Chanu's medal prospects make her the top draw for the Indian contingent, also in action will be the shuttlers, boxers, the women's hockey team and the table tennis players among others.

The hockey team had finished fifth the last time around and will be beginning its campaign against Wales tomorrow morning. The Indians had done well in the tour of South Korea coming into the Games, winning the series in a morale-boosting effort.

"We have practiced hard for these Games, I hope the results will reflect that," coach Harendra Singh said.

The most star-studded Indian line-up in the Games, the badminton squad, has a busy schedule on the first competition day. The team will be in action in the mixed event and has clashes lined up against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

While the Sri Lanka match is scheduled for morning, the face-off against the rivals from across the border is due in the second half of the day. The likes of PV Sindhu, K Srikanth are not expected to be stretched much in these matches.

After going all out to ensure that her father gets accommodation in the Games Village as an accredited official, including threatening a pullout, Saina Nehwal would be watched for how ferocious a performance she pulls off with the racquet.

Then there are the boxers. Only one of them - the 2010 CWG gold-medallist Manoj Kumar (69kg) - will be taking the ring on Thursday.

The veteran would be up against Nigeria's Osita Umeh in his opening clash and will be aiming to ensure that the focus firmly shifts from the needle controversy that marred the squad's build-up.

The controversy ended after their doctor Amol Patil was let off with a reprimand for not disposing syringes, used to administer multi-vitamins to one of the boxers, as per the stipulated norms.

On the squash court, Dipika Pallikal, Joshna Chinnappa, Sourav Ghosal and Harinder Pal Sandhu will kick off their singles campaigns.

Pallikal and Chinnappa had claimed the women's doubles gold in the 2014 Games and it remains to be seen whether a singles medal becomes a reality this time around.

The build-up to the Games has been far from ideal for them owing to the resignation of their foreign coach Achraf El Karargui due to differences with the national federation.

"We've never won a medal in an individual event before. It would be something special if he could do it," said national coach Cyrus Poncha, referring to current world No.13 and third seed Ghosal.

Another controversy-hit squad from India in action tomorrow is table tennis. One of their senior players, Soumyajit Ghosh, was dropped from the team owing to rape allegations, and the TT players would be eager to ensure that this CWG is best remembered for their exploits with the racquet.

While the women's team will square off against Vanautu and Fiji, the men's team comprising the likes of veteran A Sharath Kamal and G Sathiyan will be facing Trinidad and Tobago and Northen Ireland.

Away from the spotlight and having dealt with their fair share of selection controversies prior to the Games, the Indian men's team of artistic gymnasts will be presenting their challenge on the opening day of competition.

The spotlight here will be on comeback-man Ashish Kumar, who had scripted history by becoming the first Indian gymnast to claim CWG medals. He had claimed a bronze in floor exercise and a silver in vault.

Plagued by injuries ever since, Ashish would be aiming to reclaim the lost time with a strong showing here.

Also there would be the cyclists even though medal expectations from them are not too high. Nonetheless, a certain Deborah Herold's name continues to evoke some curiosity despite the former Asian medallist's lack of any recent achievements.

The men's and women's basketball teams will also be playing their respective opening matches tomorrow, against Cameroon and Jamaica.

Chanu had become only the second Indian weightlifter after Karnam Malleswari to emerge a world champion in November 2017 when she created a new world record of 194kg to lift gold at the World Weightlifting Championships in USA.

World champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu will be in focus for her high medal-winning chances but India's high-profile shuttlers and boxers will also be watched keenly when they open their campaigns at the 21st Commonwealth Games in Australia's Gold Coast on Thursday. Competing in the 48kg category, Chanu, who claimed a silver at the 2014 CWG, is being considered a sure shot medal prospect for India as her personal best of 194kg stands over 10kg more than her nearest rival in the competition. Chanu had become only the second Indian weightlifter after Karnam Malleswari to emerge a world champion in November 2017 when she created a new world record of 194kg - 85kg snatch and 109kg clean-and-jerk - to lift gold at the World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim, USA. None of the lifters in her competition have touched even 180kg with her likely closest rival, Amanda Braddock of Canada, having a personal best of 173kg. While Chanu's medal prospects make her the top draw for the Indian contingent, also in action will be the shuttlers, boxers, the women's hockey team and the table tennis players among others. The hockey team had finished fifth the last time around and will be beginning its campaign against Wales tomorrow morning. The Indians had done well in the tour of South Korea coming into the Games, winning the series in a morale-boosting effort. "We have practiced hard for these Games, I hope the results will reflect that," coach Harendra Singh said. The most star-studded Indian line-up in the Games, the badminton squad, has a busy schedule on the first competition day. The team will be in action in the mixed event and has clashes lined up against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. While the Sri Lanka match is scheduled for morning, the face-off against the rivals from across the border is due in the second half of the day. The likes of PV Sindhu, K Srikanth are not expected to be stretched much in these matches. After going all out to ensure that her father gets accommodation in the Games Village as an accredited official, including threatening a pullout, Saina Nehwal would be watched for how ferocious a performance she pulls off with the racquet. Then there are the boxers. Only one of them - the 2010 CWG gold-medallist Manoj Kumar (69kg) - will be taking the ring on Thursday. The veteran would be up against Nigeria's Osita Umeh in his opening clash and will be aiming to ensure that the focus firmly shifts from the needle controversy that marred the squad's build-up. The controversy ended after their doctor Amol Patil was let off with a reprimand for not disposing syringes, used to administer multi-vitamins to one of the boxers, as per the stipulated norms. On the squash court, Dipika Pallikal, Joshna Chinnappa, Sourav Ghosal and Harinder Pal Sandhu will kick off their singles campaigns. Pallikal and Chinnappa had claimed the women's doubles gold in the 2014 Games and it remains to be seen whether a singles medal becomes a reality this time around. The build-up to the Games has been far from ideal for them owing to the resignation of their foreign coach Achraf El Karargui due to differences with the national federation. "We've never won a medal in an individual event before. It would be something special if he could do it," said national coach Cyrus Poncha, referring to current world No.13 and third seed Ghosal. Another controversy-hit squad from India in action tomorrow is table tennis. One of their senior players, Soumyajit Ghosh, was dropped from the team owing to rape allegations, and the TT players would be eager to ensure that this CWG is best remembered for their exploits with the racquet. While the women's team will square off against Vanautu and Fiji, the men's team comprising the likes of veteran A Sharath Kamal and G Sathiyan will be facing Trinidad and Tobago and Northen Ireland. Away from the spotlight and having dealt with their fair share of selection controversies prior to the Games, the Indian men's team of artistic gymnasts will be presenting their challenge on the opening day of competition. The spotlight here will be on comeback-man Ashish Kumar, who had scripted history by becoming the first Indian gymnast to claim CWG medals. He had claimed a bronze in floor exercise and a silver in vault. Plagued by injuries ever since, Ashish would be aiming to reclaim the lost time with a strong showing here. Also there would be the cyclists even though medal expectations from them are not too high. Nonetheless, a certain Deborah Herold's name continues to evoke some curiosity despite the former Asian medallist's lack of any recent achievements. The men's and women's basketball teams will also be playing their respective opening matches tomorrow, against Cameroon and Jamaica.

2018 Commonwealth Games: Mirabai Chanu carries Indian hopes on Day 1

South Africa beat Australia by 492 runs on the fifth day of the fourth Test at the Wanderers Stadium on Tuesday to win the controversy-driven Test series by 3-1 against scandal hit tourists.&nbsp;

Australians were playing in the absence of their regular skipper Steve Smith as he was given a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia and 1 match ban by International Cricket Council for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal that happened in the third Test match.

Vernon Philander grabbed six wickets in a devastating spell of swing bowling as South Africa crushed Australia by a record 492 runs.

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada was awarded 'Player of the Series' and Vernon Philander was awarded 'Player of the Match' for his economical bowling in the last Test match.

"The game will always find a way to humble you, so you never stop learning,” said Kagiso Rabada.

The South African skipper said, "Since that first Test match, the guys were extremely motivated to come back."

Australian tried to draw the match and end the tour with a positive not but Philander ripped through their middle and lower order to finish with career-best figures of 6-21 and move to 204 test wickets.

South Africa completed their biggest victory over the Australians in tests in terms of runs, and also completed their first home series win over the demoralised visitors since 1970.

Morne Morkel, playing in his last Test, dismissed both opening batsmen in an impressive eight-over spell despite heavy strapping around his midriff.

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Congratulations Man of the Match <a href="https://twitter.com/VDP_24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VDP_24</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProteaFire?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProteaFire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/473ojCqKYU">pic.twitter.com/473ojCqKYU</a>
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/981104372183642112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congratulations Man of the Series <a href="https://twitter.com/KagisoRabada25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KagisoRabada25</a>! 
“The game will always find a way to humble you, so you never stop learning.” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProteaFire?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProteaFire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunfoilTest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunfoilTest</a> <a href="https://t.co/0FFqpUyjK1">pic.twitter.com/0FFqpUyjK1</a>
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/981105702298177536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Scorecard:

Final scores on the fifth day of the fourth Test between South Africa and Australia at the Wanderers Stadium on Tuesday:

South Africa, first innings, 488

Australia, first innings, 221

South Africa, second innings, 344-6 dec

Australia, second innings, 119

Result: South Africa won by 492 runs

Series: South Africa won 3-1

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And there’s the moment, congratulations South Africa on the 3-1 series victory! Take a bow <a href="https://twitter.com/mornemorkel65?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mornemorkel65</a>! What a journey! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProteaFire?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProteaFire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunfoilTest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunfoilTest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyMorneMoments?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyMorneMoments</a> <a href="https://t.co/BWt9nbyiMq">pic.twitter.com/BWt9nbyiMq</a>
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/981102054084050944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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“Purely on skill, they just outplayed us” - Tim Paine. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/knvBMjRMfe">pic.twitter.com/knvBMjRMfe</a>
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&nbsp;

South Africa completed their first home series win over the scandal-hit visitors since 1970

South Africa beat Australia by 492 runs on the fifth day of the fourth Test at the Wanderers Stadium on Tuesday to win the controversy-driven Test series by 3-1 against scandal hit tourists. Australians were playing in the absence of their regular skipper Steve Smith as he was given a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia and 1 match ban by International Cricket Council for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal that happened in the third Test match. Vernon Philander grabbed six wickets in a devastating spell of swing bowling as South Africa crushed Australia by a record 492 runs. South African pacer Kagiso Rabada was awarded 'Player of the Series' and Vernon Philander was awarded 'Player of the Match' for his economical bowling in the last Test match. "The game will always find a way to humble you, so you never stop learning,” said Kagiso Rabada. The South African skipper said, "Since that first Test match, the guys were extremely motivated to come back." Australian tried to draw the match and end the tour with a positive not but Philander ripped through their middle and lower order to finish with career-best figures of 6-21 and move to 204 test wickets. South Africa completed their biggest victory over the Australians in tests in terms of runs, and also completed their first home series win over the demoralised visitors since 1970. Morne Morkel, playing in his last Test, dismissed both opening batsmen in an impressive eight-over spell despite heavy strapping around his midriff. Congratulations Man of the Match @VDP_24! #ProteaFire #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/473ojCqKYU — Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) April 3, 2018 × Congratulations Man of the Series @KagisoRabada25! “The game will always find a way to humble you, so you never stop learning.” #ProteaFire #SAvAUS #SunfoilTest pic.twitter.com/0FFqpUyjK1 — Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) April 3, 2018 × Scorecard: Final scores on the fifth day of the fourth Test between South Africa and Australia at the Wanderers Stadium on Tuesday: South Africa, first innings, 488 Australia, first innings, 221 South Africa, second innings, 344-6 dec Australia, second innings, 119 Result: South Africa won by 492 runs Series: South Africa won 3-1 And there’s the moment, congratulations South Africa on the 3-1 series victory! Take a bow @mornemorkel65! What a journey! #ProteaFire #SAvAUS #SunfoilTest #MyMorneMoments pic.twitter.com/BWt9nbyiMq — Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) April 3, 2018 × “Purely on skill, they just outplayed us” - Tim Paine. #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/knvBMjRMfe — Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) April 3, 2018 ×

In absence of Steve Smith, South Africa destroy Australia by 492 runs in last Test

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