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


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

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

Kaepernick signs production deal for life documentary series

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


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

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

Tension mounts in Premier League relegation battle

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


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

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

Lin Dan retirement ends an era

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


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

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

All-rounders Stokes and Holder to lead from the front

<p>Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is back making headlines with his absurd claims as in his latest episode, the former all-rounder went back to his nine-year-old statement and said that Sachin Tendulkar was scared of facing Shoaib Akhtar.</p>

<p>Afridi said that Tendulkar won’t accept that he was scared to face Akhtar but added that he witnessed Tendulkar struggle against Akhtar during some of his spells.</p>

<p>“Dekhiye Sachin Tendulkar aapne muh se toh nahi kahega ki main dar raha hu. (Sachin obviously won’t say it himself that ‘I’m scared’) There were some spells from Shoaib Akhtar in which not only Sachin but some of the world’s best also got shaken up.</p>

<p>“When you are fielding at mid-off or covers, you can see it. You can sense the body language of a player. You can easily understand that a batsman is under pressure, he is not at his usual best. I’m not saying that Shoaib has scared Tendulkar always but there have been some spells from Shoaib that have pushed some of the world’s best including Tendulkar on to the backfoot,” Afridi told Zainab Abbas when he was asked about his statement in 2011 that Tendulkar was scared of facing Akhtar.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhonis-39th-birthday-proves-why-dhonism-is-permanent-311397" hreflang="en"><strong>MS Dhoni's 39th birthday proves why 'Dhonism' is permanent</strong></a></p>

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<p>In 2011, Akhtar, in his book ‘Controversially Yours’ had claimed that the Master Blaster was scared to face him and Afridi had backed his teammate’s claim. &nbsp;“He (Tendulkar) was scared of Shoaib. I have seen it myself. I was fielding at square leg and saw his legs trembling when Shoaib came on to bowl.”</p>

<p>Afridi further said that Tendulkar was scared of facing Saeed Ajmal during the World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-wi-ben-stokes-to-follow-joe-roots-advice-and-captain-england-his-way-311411" hreflang="en">ENG vs WI: Ben Stokes to follow Joe Root's advice and captain England 'his way'</a></strong></p>

<p>“It’s not a big deal, players do feel the pressure at times and it becomes difficult,” Afridi, who has scored 1524 runs in 67 ODIs and 709 runs from eights Tests against India.</p>

<p>Interestingly, Tendulkar holds a brilliant average of 41.60 against Akhtar in Test cricket while scoring 416 runs. Akhtar, on the other hand, dismissed him thrice. Whereas in ODIs, Tendulkar has scored 864 runs at an average of 45.47 and a strike-rate of 90.18 with the Rawalpindi Express dismissing the Master Blaster five times in 19 ODIs.</p>


Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is back making headlines with his absurd claims as in his latest episode, the former all-rounder went back to his nine-year-old statement and said that Sachin Tendulkar was scared of facing Shoaib Akhtar.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is back making headlines with his absurd claims as in his latest episode, the former all-rounder went back to his nine-year-old statement and said that Sachin Tendulkar was scared of facing Shoaib Akhtar. Afridi said that Tendulkar won’t accept that he was scared to face Akhtar but added that he witnessed Tendulkar struggle against Akhtar during some of his spells. “Dekhiye Sachin Tendulkar aapne muh se toh nahi kahega ki main dar raha hu. (Sachin obviously won’t say it himself that ‘I’m scared’) There were some spells from Shoaib Akhtar in which not only Sachin but some of the world’s best also got shaken up. “When you are fielding at mid-off or covers, you can see it. You can sense the body language of a player. You can easily understand that a batsman is under pressure, he is not at his usual best. I’m not saying that Shoaib has scared Tendulkar always but there have been some spells from Shoaib that have pushed some of the world’s best including Tendulkar on to the backfoot,” Afridi told Zainab Abbas when he was asked about his statement in 2011 that Tendulkar was scared of facing Akhtar. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni's 39th birthday proves why 'Dhonism' is permanent × In 2011, Akhtar, in his book ‘Controversially Yours’ had claimed that the Master Blaster was scared to face him and Afridi had backed his teammate’s claim. “He (Tendulkar) was scared of Shoaib. I have seen it myself. I was fielding at square leg and saw his legs trembling when Shoaib came on to bowl.” Afridi further said that Tendulkar was scared of facing Saeed Ajmal during the World Cup. ALSO READ: ENG vs WI: Ben Stokes to follow Joe Root's advice and captain England 'his way' “It’s not a big deal, players do feel the pressure at times and it becomes difficult,” Afridi, who has scored 1524 runs in 67 ODIs and 709 runs from eights Tests against India. Interestingly, Tendulkar holds a brilliant average of 41.60 against Akhtar in Test cricket while scoring 416 runs. Akhtar, on the other hand, dismissed him thrice. Whereas in ODIs, Tendulkar has scored 864 runs at an average of 45.47 and a strike-rate of 90.18 with the Rawalpindi Express dismissing the Master Blaster five times in 19 ODIs.

Sachin Tendulkar was scared of facing Shoaib Akhtar, Saeed Ajmal: Shahid Afridi strikes with absurd claim

<p>Ben Stokes on Wednesday will become the latest captain to lead England in Test cricket as the ace all-rounder will replace Joe Root for the first Test against West Indies in Southampton. Root is set to miss the opener to attend the birth of his second child. Ahead of the Southampton Test, Stokes said he will follow Root's advice and lead England in his own way.</p>

<p>Stokes revealed that he received a message from Root when he got his official photos for the Test series done in the blazer. Root simply left a message on the hanger which said 'Do it your way'.</p>

<p>"The best message that I have received was when I got my photos done yesterday (Monday) in the blazer," said the star all-rounder. "Rooty just left a message on the hanger which said 'Do it your way'.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-west-indies-preview-international-cricket-returns-to-life-311385" hreflang="en">England vs West Indies Preview: International cricket returns to life!</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Just because Joe is not here doesn't mean I am not going to use him: Ben Stokes</strong></h2>

<p>Stokes is even open to contacting Root if required during the course of the Test as the all-rounder said that with Root not being present with the squad doesn't mean England won't use him. Stokes further said that he was sure Root will always be available on call if needed.</p>

<p>"Just because Joe is not here doesn't mean I am not going to use him," said Stokes, who will be captaining a team for the first time since he was a teenager.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-rounders-stokes-and-holder-to-lead-from-the-front-311301" hreflang="en">All-rounders Stokes and Holder to lead from the front</a></strong></p>

<p>"With Joe and his personal situation, it's been about letting him deal with that. "I haven't been on him too much but I am sure when the Test match starts, I know for a fact he will be at home watching and I know that his phone will always be available for me to get in contact with him if I need to."</p>

<p>The first Test in Southampton, which will take place behind closed doors, will mark the return of international cricket after a prolonged break due to COVID-19. And Stokes is of the view that precautions taken by England and the West Indies could serve as a model for other sports.</p>

<p>"There are obviously a lot of rules and regulations that have been put in place for this to happen," said Stokes.</p>

<p>"I feel as though a lot of respect has been shown from both sides to make sure this works. Because if you get one thing wrong, it might blow this whole 'get the sport back on to the radar of people' further back.</p>

<p>"We'll be doing everything we can to make sure we don't mess it up."</p>

<p>Stokes said the absence of spectators would be no reason for England to let their standards slip in what will be a "massive occasion".</p>

<p>"We can't use that as an excuse to not feel up for this game because we know we have hundreds of thousands of people following us and wanting us to do well back home watching us on TV."</p>

<p>England and the West Indies will wear Black Lives Matter logos on their shirts in support of the campaign against racial injustice and Stokes said Tuesday his side planned a further "gesture", although he did not specify if this would mean taking a knee.</p>

<p>"We aren’t in any way shape or form showing support towards any political matters on the movement," said Stokes. "We are all about equality through society and sport."</p>


Ben Stokes on Wednesday will become the latest captain to lead England in Test cricket as the ace all-rounder will replace Joe Root for the first Test against West Indies in Southampton.

Ben Stokes on Wednesday will become the latest captain to lead England in Test cricket as the ace all-rounder will replace Joe Root for the first Test against West Indies in Southampton. Root is set to miss the opener to attend the birth of his second child. Ahead of the Southampton Test, Stokes said he will follow Root's advice and lead England in his own way. Stokes revealed that he received a message from Root when he got his official photos for the Test series done in the blazer. Root simply left a message on the hanger which said 'Do it your way'. "The best message that I have received was when I got my photos done yesterday (Monday) in the blazer," said the star all-rounder. "Rooty just left a message on the hanger which said 'Do it your way'. ALSO READ: England vs West Indies Preview: International cricket returns to life! Just because Joe is not here doesn't mean I am not going to use him: Ben Stokes Stokes is even open to contacting Root if required during the course of the Test as the all-rounder said that with Root not being present with the squad doesn't mean England won't use him. Stokes further said that he was sure Root will always be available on call if needed. "Just because Joe is not here doesn't mean I am not going to use him," said Stokes, who will be captaining a team for the first time since he was a teenager. ALSO READ: All-rounders Stokes and Holder to lead from the front "With Joe and his personal situation, it's been about letting him deal with that. "I haven't been on him too much but I am sure when the Test match starts, I know for a fact he will be at home watching and I know that his phone will always be available for me to get in contact with him if I need to." The first Test in Southampton, which will take place behind closed doors, will mark the return of international cricket after a prolonged break due to COVID-19. And Stokes is of the view that precautions taken by England and the West Indies could serve as a model for other sports. "There are obviously a lot of rules and regulations that have been put in place for this to happen," said Stokes. "I feel as though a lot of respect has been shown from both sides to make sure this works. Because if you get one thing wrong, it might blow this whole 'get the sport back on to the radar of people' further back. "We'll be doing everything we can to make sure we don't mess it up." Stokes said the absence of spectators would be no reason for England to let their standards slip in what will be a "massive occasion". "We can't use that as an excuse to not feel up for this game because we know we have hundreds of thousands of people following us and wanting us to do well back home watching us on TV." England and the West Indies will wear Black Lives Matter logos on their shirts in support of the campaign against racial injustice and Stokes said Tuesday his side planned a further "gesture", although he did not specify if this would mean taking a knee. "We aren’t in any way shape or form showing support towards any political matters on the movement," said Stokes. "We are all about equality through society and sport."

ENG vs WI: Ben Stokes to follow Joe Root's advice and captain England 'his way'

<p>There was a time Mahendra Singh Dhoni used to be active on social media platforms. Fans have witnessed his witty side on micro-blogging platform Twitter and some of the tweets on Ravindra Jadeja or Chris Gayle are a testament to that. However, in the last few years, Dhoni has simply walked away from social media. Even though his official accounts still get unprecedented traffic and mentions, Dhoni doesn’t tweet or post about anything, no matter what the situation is. And that is absolutely fine. He broke the records on the field and continues to do so off-the-field.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sir jadeja doesn't run to take the catch but the ball finds him and lands on his hand</p>
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni/status/321544297390436352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Life is all about taking the right decision,seeing Gayle bat today I think I took the right decision of being a wicket keeper.</p>
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni/status/326671233901019136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thala...what a man, what a journey! The Mahi Way brought to you with an exclusive song 'Mahi Ve' in Hindi and Thamizh! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/ps1TpL6QZQ">pic.twitter.com/ps1TpL6QZQ</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1280474477915107329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhoni was never a media-savvy guy, his relationship with media has mostly been through press conferences or rare interviews in past, and he is someone who doesn’t bother to garner attention through media. His appearances on social media platforms are little glimpses through Instagram live sessions of his wife Sakshi Dhoni or when Chennai Super Kings post something about him. But that is it for Dhoni and his presence on social media.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">2.1Million+ tweets in 24 hours span 🔥<br />
<br />
8.8B Potential Reach 💥<br />
5M Engagement 🎯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a><br />
<br />
Happy Birthday THALAIVA. <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MSDhoni</a> ♥️ <a href="https://t.co/O7NKWgpuSr">pic.twitter.com/O7NKWgpuSr</a></p>
— DHONIsm™ ❤️ (@DHONIism) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHONIism/status/1280479836721442816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You are My God MS DHONI<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a></p>
— Sharukh MSD™ (@StanMSD) <a href="https://twitter.com/StanMSD/status/1280479194867052544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Retweet if you’re proud fans of <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a>. 🙏🏻😇<br />
<br />
🚁 National Helicopter Day 🚁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/X8SdPsh3ZU">pic.twitter.com/X8SdPsh3ZU</a></p>
— MS Dhoni Fans Official (@msdfansofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/msdfansofficial/status/1280439954665947136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, such is the love for Dhoni that on his 39th birthday, hashtags like #HappyBirthdayDhoni, #HappyBirthdayMahi, #HappyBirthdayMSDhoni were top of the trending charts. The love for Dhoni is never-ending. Whatever he has achieved for Team India and Chennai Super Kings is historic and a benchmark for every cricketer but is there anyone who can be as cool as Dhoni?</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Highest Number of Authors Participated in the Cricketer's Brithday Tag<br />
<br />
1. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a> - 45.2K 💥<br />
2. HappyBirthdaySachin - 15.5K<br />
3. HappyBirthdayRohit - 13K <a href="https://t.co/CLvgMa1WOf">pic.twitter.com/CLvgMa1WOf</a></p>
— DHONIsm™ ❤️ (@DHONIism) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHONIism/status/1280482299688022019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>When India crashed out of the ICC World Cup 2019 after the heartbreaking defeat to New Zealand, rumours of his retirement started to follow. And in a blink of an eye, hashtags like #MSDhoniRetires and #DontRetireDhoni were an instant trend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Whenever Dhoni’s immense fanbase miss the former Indian captain, #MissYouDhoni, #MissYouMSD are seen on the trending section of Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Most Celebrated Name <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a></p>
— P A N T H E R™ (@CricSurya07) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricSurya07/status/1280461905379971072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>#HappyBirthdayDhoni touched 2.1 million tweets in a span of 24 hours. The potential reach stands at a staggering 8.8 billion with around 5 million engagements. On his 39th birthday, Dhoni’s official Twitter handle @MSDhoni was mentioned for around 1.6 million times and it is again a testament to how much fans love Dhoni.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1.6 MILLION Mentions for <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MSDhoni</a> twitter account in last 24 Hours. 🤩♥️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/tAh5g4WmFc">pic.twitter.com/tAh5g4WmFc</a></p>
— DHONIsm™ ❤️ (@DHONIism) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHONIism/status/1280484076705574918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wicket-keeper ✅<br />
Goalkeeper ✅<br />
<br />
Join us in wishing <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> a very <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthday</a> 🎂🥳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeroISL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeroISL</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ROJybYpEh">pic.twitter.com/2ROJybYpEh</a></p>
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague/status/1280359533651439616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Playing blockbuster knocks, finishing matches off in style, leading India to all ICC trophies, captaining CSK to three IPL trophies and much more. It is yet to be seen whether Dhoni will return to Indian colours or not but one thing for sure, his fandom and aura are just getting started. Imagine what will happen, if he simply tweets again!&nbsp;Again, happy 39th birthday MS Dhoni.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


There was a time Mahendra Singh Dhoni used to be active on social media platforms. Fans have witnessed his witty side on micro-blogging platform Twitter and some of the tweets on Ravindra Jadeja or Chris Gayle are a testament to that.

There was a time Mahendra Singh Dhoni used to be active on social media platforms. Fans have witnessed his witty side on micro-blogging platform Twitter and some of the tweets on Ravindra Jadeja or Chris Gayle are a testament to that. However, in the last few years, Dhoni has simply walked away from social media. Even though his official accounts still get unprecedented traffic and mentions, Dhoni doesn’t tweet or post about anything, no matter what the situation is. And that is absolutely fine. He broke the records on the field and continues to do so off-the-field. Sir jadeja doesn't run to take the catch but the ball finds him and lands on his hand — Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) April 9, 2013 × Life is all about taking the right decision,seeing Gayle bat today I think I took the right decision of being a wicket keeper. — Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) April 23, 2013 × Thala...what a man, what a journey! The Mahi Way brought to you with an exclusive song 'Mahi Ve' in Hindi and Thamizh! #HappyBirthdayDhoni #WhistlePodu @msdhoni 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/ps1TpL6QZQ — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) July 7, 2020 × Dhoni was never a media-savvy guy, his relationship with media has mostly been through press conferences or rare interviews in past, and he is someone who doesn’t bother to garner attention through media. His appearances on social media platforms are little glimpses through Instagram live sessions of his wife Sakshi Dhoni or when Chennai Super Kings post something about him. But that is it for Dhoni and his presence on social media. 2.1Million+ tweets in 24 hours span 🔥 8.8B Potential Reach 💥 5M Engagement 🎯#HappyBirthdayDhoni Happy Birthday THALAIVA. @MSDhoni ♥️ pic.twitter.com/O7NKWgpuSr — DHONIsm™ ❤️ (@DHONIism) July 7, 2020 × You are My God MS DHONI#HappyBirthdayDhoni | @msdhoni — Sharukh MSD™ (@StanMSD) July 7, 2020 × Retweet if you’re proud fans of @msdhoni. 🙏🏻😇 🚁 National Helicopter Day 🚁#HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/X8SdPsh3ZU — MS Dhoni Fans Official (@msdfansofficial) July 7, 2020 × However, such is the love for Dhoni that on his 39th birthday, hashtags like #HappyBirthdayDhoni, #HappyBirthdayMahi, #HappyBirthdayMSDhoni were top of the trending charts. The love for Dhoni is never-ending. Whatever he has achieved for Team India and Chennai Super Kings is historic and a benchmark for every cricketer but is there anyone who can be as cool as Dhoni? Highest Number of Authors Participated in the Cricketer's Brithday Tag 1. #HappyBirthdayDhoni - 45.2K 💥 2. HappyBirthdaySachin - 15.5K 3. HappyBirthdayRohit - 13K pic.twitter.com/CLvgMa1WOf — DHONIsm™ ❤️ (@DHONIism) July 7, 2020 × When India crashed out of the ICC World Cup 2019 after the heartbreaking defeat to New Zealand, rumours of his retirement started to follow. And in a blink of an eye, hashtags like #MSDhoniRetires and #DontRetireDhoni were an instant trend. Whenever Dhoni’s immense fanbase miss the former Indian captain, #MissYouDhoni, #MissYouMSD are seen on the trending section of Twitter. Most Celebrated Name @msdhoni #HappyBirthdayDhoni — P A N T H E R™ (@CricSurya07) July 7, 2020 × #HappyBirthdayDhoni touched 2.1 million tweets in a span of 24 hours. The potential reach stands at a staggering 8.8 billion with around 5 million engagements. On his 39th birthday, Dhoni’s official Twitter handle @MSDhoni was mentioned for around 1.6 million times and it is again a testament to how much fans love Dhoni. 1.6 MILLION Mentions for @MSDhoni twitter account in last 24 Hours. 🤩♥️#HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/tAh5g4WmFc — DHONIsm™ ❤️ (@DHONIism) July 7, 2020 × Wicket-keeper ✅ Goalkeeper ✅ Join us in wishing @msdhoni a very #HappyBirthday 🎂🥳#HeroISL pic.twitter.com/2ROJybYpEh — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) July 7, 2020 × Playing blockbuster knocks, finishing matches off in style, leading India to all ICC trophies, captaining CSK to three IPL trophies and much more. It is yet to be seen whether Dhoni will return to Indian colours or not but one thing for sure, his fandom and aura are just getting started. Imagine what will happen, if he simply tweets again! Again, happy 39th birthday MS Dhoni.

MS Dhoni's 39th birthday proves why 'Dhonism' is permanent

<p>No fans in the stadiums, COVID substitutions, no usage saliva, no hugging, no high-fives and hand santizers placed nearby the boundary ropes. Cricket will be back on July 8 (Wednesday) in a different look, but the players and fans will be eager to get back into the action, albeit with a change.&nbsp;England and the West Indies are set to be the first two sides to restart international cricket following a prolonged break due to COVID-19 outbreak as the Ageas Bowl in Southampton will witness the red cherry swing again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both England and West Indies have been staying and practising in the much-talked-about ‘bio-secure bubble’ and so far, it has reaped rewards with zero cases of the coronavirus among both the teams.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have been following 6️⃣ of our men’s and women’s players on the Road to Return from lockdown to international cricket! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏<br />
<br />
Watch Episode 1 with <a href="https://twitter.com/MAWood33?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MAWood33</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/chriswoakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chriswoakes</a> 👇<br />
<br />
w/ <a href="https://twitter.com/RL_Cricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RL_Cricket</a></p>
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1280094390266953730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>While the cricket community has been deprived of any sort of live-action for more than three months now, the fact that the gentlemen’s game is returning with its longest format of the game will also be fruitful for the traditional format with billions of eyes tuning in to see the likes of James Anderson, Kemar Roach, Ben Stokes, Jason Holder and others in action.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvWI</a> Wonder if we can expect to see a celebration dance from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MenInMaroon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MenInMaroon</a>? 👀🕺🏽🌴<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewNorm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewNorm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayingSafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayingSafe</a> <a href="https://t.co/b8tZDm8adT">pic.twitter.com/b8tZDm8adT</a></p>
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/windiescricket/status/1280457073910841344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-rounders-stokes-and-holder-to-lead-from-the-front-311301" hreflang="en">All-rounders Stokes and Holder to lead from the front</a></strong></p>

<p>The build-up to the series has been on a really cautious note with regular tests, all safety measures in place. The warm-up matches gave an insight on how cricket will be played post the COVID-19 era.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The mere fact that we are getting the opportunity to play cricket, you know I think we should cherish it. Many organisations around the world are taking pay cuts, cricketing organisations as well and we've suddenly got an opportunity now to continue to make money. So, a lot of things to be thankful for and I think in the context of the situation now, we've just got to be thankful and make sure that we relish the opportunity and grab it with both hands,” said Windies captain Jason Holder ahead of the series opener in Southampton.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Get in the mood for our series against <a href="https://twitter.com/windiescricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@windiescricket</a> starting tomorrow by watching back <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmy9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jimmy9</a>'s best Test bowling figures of 7/42! 😍 <a href="https://t.co/gnqwHstZ8e">pic.twitter.com/gnqwHstZ8e</a></p>
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1280396440729194496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>In what can be termed as another major change, the neutral umpires rule has been temporarily scrapped while keeping the logistical challenges in mind. And yes, there will be three DRS reviews instead of two in each innings.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-pakistan-ecb-announces-full-fixtures-for-test-and-t20i-series-311132" hreflang="en">England vs Pakistan: ECB announces full fixtures for Test and T20I series</a></strong></p>

<p>West Indies defied the odds and handed a series defeat to England in the Caribbean in 2019 and would be hopeful of replicating the same kind of form when they take to the field on Wednesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">TRAINING DAY: The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MenInMaroon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MenInMaroon</a> put in some WORK today! 💪🏾WI are finalizing preparations for the first test of the Sandals Tour of England 2020, starting on Wednesday! 🙌🏿<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketIsBack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketIsBack</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MenInMaroon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MenInMaroon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIReady?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIReady</a> 🌴🏏 <a href="https://t.co/ZPzYbzA05p">pic.twitter.com/ZPzYbzA05p</a></p>
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/windiescricket/status/1280256046636900353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another major aspect of the much-awaited series will see the players join the Black Lives Matter movement with both the sides set to sport BLM logos on their collars in solidarity with the global fight against racism.</p>

<p>The outcome of the series will only be clear after it is concluded but one thing is for sure, cricket is back and everyone is thankful for it. &nbsp;</p>


No fans in the stadiums, COVID substitutions, no usage saliva, no hugging, no high-fives and hand santizers placed nearby the boundary ropes. Cricket will be back on July 8 (Wednesday) in a different look, but the players and fans will be eager to get back into the action, albeit with a change.

No fans in the stadiums, COVID substitutions, no usage saliva, no hugging, no high-fives and hand santizers placed nearby the boundary ropes. Cricket will be back on July 8 (Wednesday) in a different look, but the players and fans will be eager to get back into the action, albeit with a change. England and the West Indies are set to be the first two sides to restart international cricket following a prolonged break due to COVID-19 outbreak as the Ageas Bowl in Southampton will witness the red cherry swing again. Both England and West Indies have been staying and practising in the much-talked-about ‘bio-secure bubble’ and so far, it has reaped rewards with zero cases of the coronavirus among both the teams. We have been following 6️⃣ of our men’s and women’s players on the Road to Return from lockdown to international cricket! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏 Watch Episode 1 with @MAWood33 @chriswoakes 👇 w/ @RL_Cricket — England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 6, 2020 × While the cricket community has been deprived of any sort of live-action for more than three months now, the fact that the gentlemen’s game is returning with its longest format of the game will also be fruitful for the traditional format with billions of eyes tuning in to see the likes of James Anderson, Kemar Roach, Ben Stokes, Jason Holder and others in action. #ENGvWI Wonder if we can expect to see a celebration dance from the #MenInMaroon? 👀🕺🏽🌴#NewNorm #StayingSafe pic.twitter.com/b8tZDm8adT — Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 7, 2020 × ALSO READ: All-rounders Stokes and Holder to lead from the front The build-up to the series has been on a really cautious note with regular tests, all safety measures in place. The warm-up matches gave an insight on how cricket will be played post the COVID-19 era. "The mere fact that we are getting the opportunity to play cricket, you know I think we should cherish it. Many organisations around the world are taking pay cuts, cricketing organisations as well and we've suddenly got an opportunity now to continue to make money. So, a lot of things to be thankful for and I think in the context of the situation now, we've just got to be thankful and make sure that we relish the opportunity and grab it with both hands,” said Windies captain Jason Holder ahead of the series opener in Southampton. Get in the mood for our series against @windiescricket starting tomorrow by watching back @jimmy9's best Test bowling figures of 7/42! 😍 pic.twitter.com/gnqwHstZ8e — England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 7, 2020 × In what can be termed as another major change, the neutral umpires rule has been temporarily scrapped while keeping the logistical challenges in mind. And yes, there will be three DRS reviews instead of two in each innings. ALSO READ: England vs Pakistan: ECB announces full fixtures for Test and T20I series West Indies defied the odds and handed a series defeat to England in the Caribbean in 2019 and would be hopeful of replicating the same kind of form when they take to the field on Wednesday. TRAINING DAY: The #MenInMaroon put in some WORK today! 💪🏾WI are finalizing preparations for the first test of the Sandals Tour of England 2020, starting on Wednesday! 🙌🏿#CricketIsBack #MenInMaroon #WIReady 🌴🏏 pic.twitter.com/ZPzYbzA05p — Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 6, 2020 × Another major aspect of the much-awaited series will see the players join the Black Lives Matter movement with both the sides set to sport BLM logos on their collars in solidarity with the global fight against racism. The outcome of the series will only be clear after it is concluded but one thing is for sure, cricket is back and everyone is thankful for it.

England vs West Indies Preview: International cricket returns to life!

<p>Swiss maestro Roger Federer has set his eyes on the 2021 season including the postponed Tokyo Olympics as he continues to recover from two knee surgeries. The world-record holder on Monday said that he is not yet at his top-level tennis but he is on his way to reach his peak again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I feel much better again,” Federer said when taking questions from fans online. “I’m not at the level where I can play (tennis) fully yet.”</p>

<p>Federer has a record 20 Grand Slam singles titles but has never bagged an Olympic gold medal in singles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My goal is to play Tokyo 2021. It's a wonderful city. I met my wife in my first Olympics in 2000. It's a special event for me,” said Federer, speaking at the launch of his sneaker with On called ‘The Roger’.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-missing-wimbledon-but-aiming-to-be-back-in-2021-311165" hreflang="en">Roger Federer 'missing' Wimbledon but aiming to be back in 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>“The goal is really that I’m ready for next year,” Federer said.</p>

<p>The Olympic final is slated for August 1, 2020 start, one week before the Swiss ace turns 40. Federer has won a doubles gold with Swiss teammate Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Games.</p>

<p>Federer, last month, had revealed had “an additional quick arthroscopic procedure” on his right knee some week earlier. The setback in rehab from the knee surgery in February didn’t cost Federer any tournament as the sport was shut due to COVID-19 pandemic. But it is set to get back to life next month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federer further recalled his iconic win in 2001 over Pete Sampras while calling him as the most significant match that has helped him define his career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I felt like if I can beat Pete Sampras at Wimbledon I can beat anyone anywhere,” Federer said in response to a fan’s question.</p>


Swiss maestro Roger Federer has set his eyes on the 2021 season including the postponed Tokyo Olympics as he continues to recover from two knee surgeries. The world-record holder on Monday said that he is not yet at his top-level tennis but he is on his way to reach his peak again.

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has set his eyes on the 2021 season including the postponed Tokyo Olympics as he continues to recover from two knee surgeries. The world-record holder on Monday said that he is not yet at his top-level tennis but he is on his way to reach his peak again. “I feel much better again,” Federer said when taking questions from fans online. “I’m not at the level where I can play (tennis) fully yet.” Federer has a record 20 Grand Slam singles titles but has never bagged an Olympic gold medal in singles. "My goal is to play Tokyo 2021. It's a wonderful city. I met my wife in my first Olympics in 2000. It's a special event for me,” said Federer, speaking at the launch of his sneaker with On called ‘The Roger’. ALSO READ: Roger Federer 'missing' Wimbledon but aiming to be back in 2021 “The goal is really that I’m ready for next year,” Federer said. The Olympic final is slated for August 1, 2020 start, one week before the Swiss ace turns 40. Federer has won a doubles gold with Swiss teammate Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Games. Federer, last month, had revealed had “an additional quick arthroscopic procedure” on his right knee some week earlier. The setback in rehab from the knee surgery in February didn’t cost Federer any tournament as the sport was shut due to COVID-19 pandemic. But it is set to get back to life next month. Federer further recalled his iconic win in 2001 over Pete Sampras while calling him as the most significant match that has helped him define his career. “I felt like if I can beat Pete Sampras at Wimbledon I can beat anyone anywhere,” Federer said in response to a fan’s question.

Roger Federer targets Olympic gold in 2021, reveals special relation with Tokyo

<p>The match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> saw a moment where Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min confronted the latter while shouting and shoving his shoulder before being separated by teammates in what was a furious row on Monday.</p>

<p>The usually calm Son responded angrily and charged towards Lloris before being kept apart by teammates Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko as the altercation threatened to boil over. The French goalkeeper was furious after Son failed to close down a loose ball in the midfield before Everton attacked the goal through Richarlison.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hugo Lloris and Son Hueng-min clash!&nbsp;</strong></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hugo Lloris &amp; Son clashing with each other at half-time 😳 <a href="https://t.co/jjVeKy36AR">pic.twitter.com/jjVeKy36AR</a></p>
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1280228212199522304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I think to concede a chance a few seconds before half-time because we didn't make a press annoyed me. But yeah, that's football," Lloris said.</p>

<p>However, both Son and Lloris hugged it out before the start of the second half and event at the final whistle as Tottenham secured their second win since the restart.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tension-mounts-in-premier-league-relegation-battle-311306" hreflang="en">Tension mounts in Premier League relegation battle</a></strong></p>

<p>"It just belongs to the changing room. Outside you can say whatever you want. What happened is just part of football sometimes," Lloris said.</p>

<p>"Let's be honest, we are in a situation we are not happy with so we have to fight, to make sure we all go in the same direction. Most important is to stay focused on the team. We can only do it as a team. When you play a season like this one it's very easy to fall apart but we showed we are still together. There is no problem at all. You could see after the game we were fine."</p>

<p>Whereas, when asked about the face-off, manager Jose Mourinho was “delighted” as it showed a desire to win. In a typical Mourinho style, the Portuguese said a team of nice boys can only win the Fair Play Cup, which he has no interest in winning.</p>

<p>"That's beautiful. It's probably as a consequence of our meetings, so if you want to blame someone blame me," he said.</p>

<p>"I asked them to demand more from each other and put colleagues under pressure. It was the situation of the first half where an amazing kid, a team boy like Sonny, that the captain thought 'you have to do more'.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/matic-extends-manchester-united-contract-until-2023-311171" hreflang="en">Matic extends Manchester United contract until 2023</a></strong></p>

<p>"A team of nice boys, the only thing they can win at the end of the season is the Fair Play Cup. Something I have never won and have no interest in winning.</p>

<p>"What happened should not happen on the pitch, it should happen inside the dressing room, but I promise you my winning teams we had big fights in the team."</p>

<p>Tottenham Hotspur’s second win in their last 10 games in all competition made them jumped to eight spot, one point behind arch-rivals Arsenal.</p>


The match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in the Premier League saw a moment where Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min confronted the latter while shouting and shoving his shoulder before being separated by teammates in what was a furious row on Monday.

The match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in the Premier League saw a moment where Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min confronted the latter while shouting and shoving his shoulder before being separated by teammates in what was a furious row on Monday. The usually calm Son responded angrily and charged towards Lloris before being kept apart by teammates Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko as the altercation threatened to boil over. The French goalkeeper was furious after Son failed to close down a loose ball in the midfield before Everton attacked the goal through Richarlison. Hugo Lloris and Son Hueng-min clash! Hugo Lloris & Son clashing with each other at half-time 😳 pic.twitter.com/jjVeKy36AR — Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 6, 2020 × "I think to concede a chance a few seconds before half-time because we didn't make a press annoyed me. But yeah, that's football," Lloris said. However, both Son and Lloris hugged it out before the start of the second half and event at the final whistle as Tottenham secured their second win since the restart. ALSO READ: Tension mounts in Premier League relegation battle "It just belongs to the changing room. Outside you can say whatever you want. What happened is just part of football sometimes," Lloris said. "Let's be honest, we are in a situation we are not happy with so we have to fight, to make sure we all go in the same direction. Most important is to stay focused on the team. We can only do it as a team. When you play a season like this one it's very easy to fall apart but we showed we are still together. There is no problem at all. You could see after the game we were fine." Whereas, when asked about the face-off, manager Jose Mourinho was “delighted” as it showed a desire to win. In a typical Mourinho style, the Portuguese said a team of nice boys can only win the Fair Play Cup, which he has no interest in winning. "That's beautiful. It's probably as a consequence of our meetings, so if you want to blame someone blame me," he said. "I asked them to demand more from each other and put colleagues under pressure. It was the situation of the first half where an amazing kid, a team boy like Sonny, that the captain thought 'you have to do more'. ALSO READ: Matic extends Manchester United contract until 2023 "A team of nice boys, the only thing they can win at the end of the season is the Fair Play Cup. Something I have never won and have no interest in winning. "What happened should not happen on the pitch, it should happen inside the dressing room, but I promise you my winning teams we had big fights in the team." Tottenham Hotspur’s second win in their last 10 games in all competition made them jumped to eight spot, one point behind arch-rivals Arsenal.

Premier League: Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min involve in furious row - Watch

<p>As the clock struck 12 o'clock in the midnight, entire cricket fraternity, fans from all over the world started wishing the legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni a very happy birthday. From Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Chennai Super Kings, the BCCI to millions of cricket lovers showered their love for Dhoni by wishing him on his 39th birth anniversary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, the #HappyBirthdayDhoni and #HappyBirthdayMSDhoni started trending on social media platform Twitter hours before midnight as fans geared up to wish ‘Thala’ on his special day. Such is the aura of Dhoni that even Cricket Australia posted a video compilation of some of the biggest sixes smashed by ‘Mahi’. The newly-released song by West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo makes the day even more special.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ms-dhoni-turns-39-check-out-some-of-his-coolest-records-311213">IN PICS |&nbsp;MS Dhoni turns 39! Check out some of his coolest records</a></p>

<h2><strong>Wishes pour in on MS Dhoni's 39th birthday:</strong></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy b'day Mahi bhai. Wish you good health and happiness always. God bless you 🙏😃 <a href="https://t.co/i9zR4Zb5A3">pic.twitter.com/i9zR4Zb5A3</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1280358762608422912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One man, countless moments of joy! 🇮🇳🙌<br />
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Let’s celebrate <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a>'s birthday by revisiting some of his monstrous sixes! 📽️💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1280208652020768768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>While Dhoni last took to the cricket field in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019, fans have been waiting to catch a glimpse of MSD smashing it all over the park. In normal circumstances, Dhoni would have played in IPL 2020 and might have again taken CSK to the playoffs, which has become a regularity.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cooling off with Mr Cool. Happy birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a>. <a href="https://t.co/fZQgGGRcD4">pic.twitter.com/fZQgGGRcD4</a></p>
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/1280393851933351938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A heartfelt letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> from none other than namma <a href="https://twitter.com/JadhavKedar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JadhavKedar</a>! 🦁💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/InsideCricket07?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@InsideCricket07</a> <a href="https://t.co/df4VhwF2Sb">pic.twitter.com/df4VhwF2Sb</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1280390173486837761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai's Super Kids launch their own helicopters! 🚁 Watch the full video on <a href="https://t.co/GNjiqx4ZhM">https://t.co/GNjiqx4ZhM</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/TurKiweLHO">pic.twitter.com/TurKiweLHO</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1280363959363592192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, despite Dhoni being out of the field for almost a year now, his fandom seems to be on a never before seen rise. Wishes, tributes and love for Dhoni followed and will continue to follow throughout the day.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Lions roar in their wishes and recount their favourite memory with this ever-favourite man! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/UBlPU5BSvc">pic.twitter.com/UBlPU5BSvc</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1280211506680872961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Unique stats, fan letters, well-articulated threads are a small token of gesture by the fans to Dhoni for fulfilling the dreams of more than a billion people. Be it winning all the ICC trophies or taking India to No. 1 Test spot, Team India, under the leadership of Dhoni, has witnessed an epic rise and continue to reap the rewards to date.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A level-headed human being who always places the team ahead of his individual milestones - a true definition of a visionary leader.⠀ ⠀<br />
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Happy birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> bhai! Wishing you a helicop'terrific' year ahead. 🚁🙌🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/uEkKMb7r1o">pic.twitter.com/uEkKMb7r1o</a></p>
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/mayankcricket/status/1280389062524678144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MS Dhoni: India's Mr. 360! Behind point, behind square, down the wicket... Thala's 359 international sixes have covered all parts of the ground! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayDhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/XsHg7rAxMd">pic.twitter.com/XsHg7rAxMd</a></p>
— 🏏FlashScore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlashCric/status/1280387324069711872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One of the biggest hitters we've ever seen!<br />
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MS Dhoni turns 39 today, and here are his best sixes in Australia! 🥳 <a href="https://t.co/AtBBFMib3F">pic.twitter.com/AtBBFMib3F</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1280306360714838016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Whether Dhoni will return to Indian colours remains a mystery but one thing for sure, the legend of Dhoni will live forever. And keeping aside all the speculations, we all can just enjoy the ride. If you are missing seeing Dhoni in action, just switch the tabs and witness how he hammered it while he was training for CSK at the Chepauk before the lockdown was implemented. Happy 39th birthday, MS Dhoni.&nbsp;</p>


As the clock struck 12 o'clock in the midnight, entire cricket fraternity, fans from all over the world started wishing the legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni a very happy birthday.

As the clock struck 12 o'clock in the midnight, entire cricket fraternity, fans from all over the world started wishing the legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni a very happy birthday. From Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Chennai Super Kings, the BCCI to millions of cricket lovers showered their love for Dhoni by wishing him on his 39th birth anniversary. In fact, the #HappyBirthdayDhoni and #HappyBirthdayMSDhoni started trending on social media platform Twitter hours before midnight as fans geared up to wish ‘Thala’ on his special day. Such is the aura of Dhoni that even Cricket Australia posted a video compilation of some of the biggest sixes smashed by ‘Mahi’. The newly-released song by West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo makes the day even more special. IN PICS | MS Dhoni turns 39! Check out some of his coolest records Wishes pour in on MS Dhoni's 39th birthday: Happy b'day Mahi bhai. Wish you good health and happiness always. God bless you 🙏😃 pic.twitter.com/i9zR4Zb5A3 — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 7, 2020 × One man, countless moments of joy! 🇮🇳🙌 Let’s celebrate @msdhoni's birthday by revisiting some of his monstrous sixes! 📽️💪#HappyBirthdayDhoni — BCCI (@BCCI) July 6, 2020 × While Dhoni last took to the cricket field in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019, fans have been waiting to catch a glimpse of MSD smashing it all over the park. In normal circumstances, Dhoni would have played in IPL 2020 and might have again taken CSK to the playoffs, which has become a regularity. Cooling off with Mr Cool. Happy birthday @msdhoni. pic.twitter.com/fZQgGGRcD4 — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) July 7, 2020 × A heartfelt letter to #Thala @msdhoni from none other than namma @JadhavKedar! 🦁💛 #HappyBirthdayDhoni @InsideCricket07 pic.twitter.com/df4VhwF2Sb — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) July 7, 2020 × Chennai's Super Kids launch their own helicopters! 🚁 Watch the full video on https://t.co/GNjiqx4ZhM. #HappyBirthdayDhoni #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/TurKiweLHO — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) July 7, 2020 × However, despite Dhoni being out of the field for almost a year now, his fandom seems to be on a never before seen rise. Wishes, tributes and love for Dhoni followed and will continue to follow throughout the day. The Lions roar in their wishes and recount their favourite memory with this ever-favourite man! #HappyBirthdayDhoni #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/UBlPU5BSvc — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) July 6, 2020 × Unique stats, fan letters, well-articulated threads are a small token of gesture by the fans to Dhoni for fulfilling the dreams of more than a billion people. Be it winning all the ICC trophies or taking India to No. 1 Test spot, Team India, under the leadership of Dhoni, has witnessed an epic rise and continue to reap the rewards to date. × A level-headed human being who always places the team ahead of his individual milestones - a true definition of a visionary leader.⠀ ⠀ Happy birthday @msdhoni bhai! Wishing you a helicop'terrific' year ahead. 🚁🙌🏻#HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/uEkKMb7r1o — Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) July 7, 2020 × MS Dhoni: India's Mr. 360! Behind point, behind square, down the wicket... Thala's 359 international sixes have covered all parts of the ground! #HappyBirthdayDhoni pic.twitter.com/XsHg7rAxMd — 🏏FlashScore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) July 7, 2020 × One of the biggest hitters we've ever seen! MS Dhoni turns 39 today, and here are his best sixes in Australia! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/AtBBFMib3F — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 7, 2020 × Whether Dhoni will return to Indian colours remains a mystery but one thing for sure, the legend of Dhoni will live forever. And keeping aside all the speculations, we all can just enjoy the ride. If you are missing seeing Dhoni in action, just switch the tabs and witness how he hammered it while he was training for CSK at the Chepauk before the lockdown was implemented. Happy 39th birthday, MS Dhoni.

Happy Birthday MS Dhoni: World unites to celebrate as wishes and tributes pour in for MSD

<p>West Indies are set to field their latest fast-bowling quartet during this week's first Test against England in Southampton, with the likes of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, captain Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph all vying to make an impact.</p>

<p>The Caribbean has a long and proud history of producing top-class fast bowlers.</p>

<p>AFP Sport looks back at some previous West Indies pace attacks in England:</p>

<h2>1980: Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Colin Croft</h2>

<p>-- The original 'fearsome foursome' revolutionised world cricket under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd by ensuring there was no respite for batsmen even when the shine had gone off the ball.</p>

<p>Although all capable of being genuinely quick, the guile of Roberts, the speed through the air of Holding, the steepling bounce and crushing yorkers of the 6ft 8in Garner and the awkwardness of Croft, from wide of the crease or around the wicket, meant they each posed different problems for batsmen.</p>

<p>Meanwhile this series also saw Malcolm Marshall, arguably the greatest West Indies fast bowler of them all, start to establish himself in the side.</p>

<p>Even so, the West Indies only won the series 1-0, with Roberts taking eight wickets in a two-wicket win in the opener at Trent Bridge before the other four matches were all drawn largely due to weather interruptions.</p>

<h2>1984: Marshall, Garner, Holding, Eldine Baptiste</h2>

<p>-- The 'Blackwash' team hammered England 5-0. The writing was on the wall for the hosts when Marshall struck debutant Andy Lloyd on the head with a bouncer in the series opener, with the batsman never playing another Test.</p>

<p>Marshall's mastery was evident when he took seven for 53 in the third Test at Headingley despite a broken thumb an he finished the series with 24 wickets at 18.20 despite missing a match through injury. Barbados team-mate Garner took 29 wickets at 18.62.</p>

<h2>1988: Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Winston Benjamin/Patrick Patterson</h2>

<p>-- West Indies won 4-0 in a series where England's disarray was summed up by the fact they got through four captains.</p>

<p>Marshall, capable of both sheer pace and late movement, led the way with 35 wickets at a staggeringly low average of 12.65 apiece, with Ambrose -- soon to become the leader of the attack -- and Walsh offering excellent support.</p>

<h2>1995: Ambrose, Walsh, Kenny Benjamin, Ian Bishop</h2>

<p>-- With the likes of batting greats Gordon Greenidge and Vivian Richards having now both retired, the West Indies found themselves held to a 2-2 draw in a six-Test series.</p>

<p>But all four frontline bowlers still took more than 21 wickets each.</p>

<p>Nevertheless there were signs the West Indies were not the force they had been and in 2000 England beat them in a series for the first time in 31 years.</p>


West Indies are set to field their latest fast-bowling quartet during this week's first Test against England in Southampton, with the likes of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, captain Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph all vying to make an impact.

West Indies are set to field their latest fast-bowling quartet during this week's first Test against England in Southampton, with the likes of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, captain Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph all vying to make an impact. The Caribbean has a long and proud history of producing top-class fast bowlers. AFP Sport looks back at some previous West Indies pace attacks in England: 1980: Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Colin Croft -- The original 'fearsome foursome' revolutionised world cricket under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd by ensuring there was no respite for batsmen even when the shine had gone off the ball. Although all capable of being genuinely quick, the guile of Roberts, the speed through the air of Holding, the steepling bounce and crushing yorkers of the 6ft 8in Garner and the awkwardness of Croft, from wide of the crease or around the wicket, meant they each posed different problems for batsmen. Meanwhile this series also saw Malcolm Marshall, arguably the greatest West Indies fast bowler of them all, start to establish himself in the side. Even so, the West Indies only won the series 1-0, with Roberts taking eight wickets in a two-wicket win in the opener at Trent Bridge before the other four matches were all drawn largely due to weather interruptions. 1984: Marshall, Garner, Holding, Eldine Baptiste -- The 'Blackwash' team hammered England 5-0. The writing was on the wall for the hosts when Marshall struck debutant Andy Lloyd on the head with a bouncer in the series opener, with the batsman never playing another Test. Marshall's mastery was evident when he took seven for 53 in the third Test at Headingley despite a broken thumb an he finished the series with 24 wickets at 18.20 despite missing a match through injury. Barbados team-mate Garner took 29 wickets at 18.62. 1988: Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Winston Benjamin/Patrick Patterson -- West Indies won 4-0 in a series where England's disarray was summed up by the fact they got through four captains. Marshall, capable of both sheer pace and late movement, led the way with 35 wickets at a staggeringly low average of 12.65 apiece, with Ambrose -- soon to become the leader of the attack -- and Walsh offering excellent support. 1995: Ambrose, Walsh, Kenny Benjamin, Ian Bishop -- With the likes of batting greats Gordon Greenidge and Vivian Richards having now both retired, the West Indies found themselves held to a 2-2 draw in a six-Test series. But all four frontline bowlers still took more than 21 wickets each. Nevertheless there were signs the West Indies were not the force they had been and in 2000 England beat them in a series for the first time in 31 years.

West Indies unleash latest 'Fab Four' in England

<p>A bulked-up Bryson DeChambeau, who has been knocking on the door since the PGA Tour’s return from a COVID-19 hiatus, finally blew it open as he cruised to victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit on Sunday.</p>

<p>World number 10 DeChambeau, who arrived at Detroit Golf Club riding an impressive streak of six consecutive top-10 finishes, shot a seven-under-par 65 to reach 23 under on the week, three shots ahead of overnight leader Matthew Wolff (71).</p>

<p>DeChambeau, who re-emerged from the break in mid-June packing serious muscle and startling distance off the tee, began the day three shots back of Wolff but wasted little time taking over top spot on the leaderboard.</p>

<p>The American had four birdies through seven holes, and then added another at the par-four 10th where he drained a 22-foot putt to take complete control.</p>

<p>DeChambeau’s lone miscue came at the par-five 14th where he made bogey, which opened the door as Wolff shrugged off a rough front nine and made a late charge.</p>

<p>But DeChambeau finished his round with three consecutive birdies to secure his sixth PGA Tour victory. The win marks DeChambeau’s fourth straight PGA Tour season with a triumph.</p>

<p>“This is a little emotional for me because I did do something a little different, I changed my body, changed my mindset in the game and I was able to accomplish a win while playing a completely different style of golf,” said DeChambeau.</p>

<p>“And it’s pretty amazing to see that and I hope it’s an inspiration to a lot of people that if they set their mind to it, you can accomplish it. It just takes a lot of hard work.”</p>

<p>Wolff, who was seeking his second PGA Tour title, struggled early and was three over after 10 holes, five shots off the pace, and seemingly out of contention until the par-four 12th where he made the first of four birdies over a six-hole stretch.</p>

<p>Wolff had a chance to move to within one shot of DeChambeau but his 14-foot eagle putt at the penultimate hole stopped just short of the cup.</p>

<p>Kevin Kisner (66) finished five shots back of DeChambeau in third place while former Masters champion Danny Willett (66) was among a group of four golfers a further two shots back.</p>


A bulked-up Bryson DeChambeau, who has been knocking on the door since the PGA Tour’s return from a COVID-19 hiatus, finally blew it open as he cruised to victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit on Sunday.

A bulked-up Bryson DeChambeau, who has been knocking on the door since the PGA Tour’s return from a COVID-19 hiatus, finally blew it open as he cruised to victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit on Sunday. World number 10 DeChambeau, who arrived at Detroit Golf Club riding an impressive streak of six consecutive top-10 finishes, shot a seven-under-par 65 to reach 23 under on the week, three shots ahead of overnight leader Matthew Wolff (71). DeChambeau, who re-emerged from the break in mid-June packing serious muscle and startling distance off the tee, began the day three shots back of Wolff but wasted little time taking over top spot on the leaderboard. The American had four birdies through seven holes, and then added another at the par-four 10th where he drained a 22-foot putt to take complete control. DeChambeau’s lone miscue came at the par-five 14th where he made bogey, which opened the door as Wolff shrugged off a rough front nine and made a late charge. But DeChambeau finished his round with three consecutive birdies to secure his sixth PGA Tour victory. The win marks DeChambeau’s fourth straight PGA Tour season with a triumph. “This is a little emotional for me because I did do something a little different, I changed my body, changed my mindset in the game and I was able to accomplish a win while playing a completely different style of golf,” said DeChambeau. “And it’s pretty amazing to see that and I hope it’s an inspiration to a lot of people that if they set their mind to it, you can accomplish it. It just takes a lot of hard work.” Wolff, who was seeking his second PGA Tour title, struggled early and was three over after 10 holes, five shots off the pace, and seemingly out of contention until the par-four 12th where he made the first of four birdies over a six-hole stretch. Wolff had a chance to move to within one shot of DeChambeau but his 14-foot eagle putt at the penultimate hole stopped just short of the cup. Kevin Kisner (66) finished five shots back of DeChambeau in third place while former Masters champion Danny Willett (66) was among a group of four golfers a further two shots back.

Golf: DeChambeau muscles his way to three-shot victory in Detroit

<p>Formula One came back with a bang on Sunday as Finland’s Valtteri Bottas won a dramatic Austrian season-opener for champions Mercedes in a race with only 11 finishers and no spectators.</p>

<p>Charles Leclerc finished a surprise second for struggling Ferrari with McLaren’s Lando Norris celebrating his first F1 podium after a time penalty dropped Mercedes’ six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton to fourth.</p>

<p>“I managed to keep it together and control the race from my side and it’s a good start to the season,” said Bottas, who started on pole position and had to keep his cool through three safety car periods.</p>

<p>Norris, at 20 the youngest driver in the race and now the youngest Briton to stand on an F1 podium, also claimed a bonus point for fastest lap.</p>

<p>The race, on a sunny afternoon at the scenic Red Bull Ring was behind closed doors — a Formula One first — due to the COVID-19 pandemic that had put the season on hold since March.</p>

<p>The drivers gathered on the grid before the start in a show of unity against racism, with Hamilton and 13 others taking a knee in solidarity.</p>

<p>Spaniard Carlos Sainz made it a double points haul for McLaren in fifth, with Sergio Perez sixth for Racing Point and Pierre Gasly seventh for AlphaTauri.</p>

<p>Esteban Ocon, who last raced in 2018, took eighth for Renault on his return while Antonio Giovinazzi bagged ninth for Alfa Romeo and Sebastian Vettel, who had another nightmare, completed the top 10 for Ferrari.</p>

<p>Canadian Nicholas Latifi was the last car running with 11th for Williams.</p>

<p>There was drama even before the race when stewards performed a U-turn after a Red Bull challenge and dropped Hamilton from the front row to fifth on the grid for a qualifying error.</p>

<p>That also promoted Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to the front row alongside Bottas.</p>

<p>Any hopes the Dutchman had of completing a hat-trick of Austrian wins disappeared when he suffered an early technical problem and became the season’s first retirement.</p>

<p>“I think it would have been an easy podium and third would have been a decent start to the season but what can you do?,” he said.</p>

<h2>SAFETY CAR</h2>

<p>The first safety car was deployed when Haas’s Kevin Magnussen spun off on lap 26 and it then came out again when George Russell parked up his stricken Williams.</p>

<p>The third was after Kimi Raikkonen’s Alfa Romeo turned into a three-wheeler, a loose wheel bouncing off and across the track.</p>

<p>Bottas had Hamilton in his mirrors soon enough but the Briton was handed a five-second time penalty for causing a collision with Red Bull’s Alex Albon while defending second place.</p>

<p>The Thai spun off into the gravel, his podium hopes gone.</p>

<p>“It’s not been a great weekend for me, yesterday was entirely my fault and to get a penalty today... it is what it is,” said Hamilton.</p>

<p>Leclerc, whose team had struggled in qualifying with Vettel failing even to make the top 10, moved up to third against all expectations — which became second after the chequered flag.</p>

<p>“It feels like a victory today,” said the Monegasque.</p>

<p>Perez, who ran as high as third, lost out to Norris two laps from the end but the Mexican was already carrying a time penalty for speeding in the pit lane.</p>

<p>Anyone who had feared Mercedes enjoying a race of their own, after dominating practice and qualifying, need not have worried. They fretted over gearbox sensors and possible kerb damage as he race wore on.</p>

<p>The second race is at the same circuit next weekend, another Formula One first.</p>


Formula One came back with a bang on Sunday as Finland’s Valtteri Bottas won a dramatic Austrian season-opener for champions Mercedes in a race with only 11 finishers and no spectators.

Formula One came back with a bang on Sunday as Finland’s Valtteri Bottas won a dramatic Austrian season-opener for champions Mercedes in a race with only 11 finishers and no spectators. Charles Leclerc finished a surprise second for struggling Ferrari with McLaren’s Lando Norris celebrating his first F1 podium after a time penalty dropped Mercedes’ six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton to fourth. “I managed to keep it together and control the race from my side and it’s a good start to the season,” said Bottas, who started on pole position and had to keep his cool through three safety car periods. Norris, at 20 the youngest driver in the race and now the youngest Briton to stand on an F1 podium, also claimed a bonus point for fastest lap. The race, on a sunny afternoon at the scenic Red Bull Ring was behind closed doors — a Formula One first — due to the COVID-19 pandemic that had put the season on hold since March. The drivers gathered on the grid before the start in a show of unity against racism, with Hamilton and 13 others taking a knee in solidarity. Spaniard Carlos Sainz made it a double points haul for McLaren in fifth, with Sergio Perez sixth for Racing Point and Pierre Gasly seventh for AlphaTauri. Esteban Ocon, who last raced in 2018, took eighth for Renault on his return while Antonio Giovinazzi bagged ninth for Alfa Romeo and Sebastian Vettel, who had another nightmare, completed the top 10 for Ferrari. Canadian Nicholas Latifi was the last car running with 11th for Williams. There was drama even before the race when stewards performed a U-turn after a Red Bull challenge and dropped Hamilton from the front row to fifth on the grid for a qualifying error. That also promoted Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to the front row alongside Bottas. Any hopes the Dutchman had of completing a hat-trick of Austrian wins disappeared when he suffered an early technical problem and became the season’s first retirement. “I think it would have been an easy podium and third would have been a decent start to the season but what can you do?,” he said. SAFETY CAR The first safety car was deployed when Haas’s Kevin Magnussen spun off on lap 26 and it then came out again when George Russell parked up his stricken Williams. The third was after Kimi Raikkonen’s Alfa Romeo turned into a three-wheeler, a loose wheel bouncing off and across the track. Bottas had Hamilton in his mirrors soon enough but the Briton was handed a five-second time penalty for causing a collision with Red Bull’s Alex Albon while defending second place. The Thai spun off into the gravel, his podium hopes gone. “It’s not been a great weekend for me, yesterday was entirely my fault and to get a penalty today... it is what it is,” said Hamilton. Leclerc, whose team had struggled in qualifying with Vettel failing even to make the top 10, moved up to third against all expectations — which became second after the chequered flag. “It feels like a victory today,” said the Monegasque. Perez, who ran as high as third, lost out to Norris two laps from the end but the Mexican was already carrying a time penalty for speeding in the pit lane. Anyone who had feared Mercedes enjoying a race of their own, after dominating practice and qualifying, need not have worried. They fretted over gearbox sensors and possible kerb damage as he race wore on. The second race is at the same circuit next weekend, another Formula One first.

Bottas wins dramatic Austrian opener

<p>The Austrian Grand Prix was a roller-coaster ride in every sense. While Finland’s Valtteri Bottas won a dramatic Austrian season-opener for champions Mercedes in a race with only 11 finishers and no spectators, the humdinger of a race witnessed yet another crash between Lewis Hamilton and Alex Albon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamilton made contact with Albon just on the Turn Five towards the end of the race with the latter clearly ahead with charge, in third, with softer tires than the Mercedes following a late Safety Car as he appeared to have gotten ahead of the six-time world champion.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hamilton-Albon: A racing incident?</strong></h2>

<p>Even though Hamilton believes the collision with Albon was a “racing incident” despite receiving a penalty, the Red Bull driver didn’t share the same view.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bottas-wins-dramatic-austrian-opener-311001" hreflang="en">Bottas wins dramatic Austrian opener</a></strong></p>

<p>Hamilton was given a 5s penalty which ended up costing him a podium with Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris skipping past him. Albon, on the other hand, went spinning and dropped down the field and retired from the race he reckons he could have won.&nbsp;<br />
It is not the first time that Hamilton has been penalised for colliding with Albon having pushed into the Red Bull last year at Interlagos.</p>

<p>“This guy is such a sore loser,” a furious Albon said on team radio immediately after the spin.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">History repeats itself for Albon and Hamilton 😭<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustrianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustrianGP</a> 🇦🇹 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/3FR1oxG2cd">pic.twitter.com/3FR1oxG2cd</a></p>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1279803221389819904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"[It was] a really unfortunate scenario with Alex," Hamilton told Sky F1 after the Austrian GP. "I can't believe we've come together again.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamiltons-path-to-seventh-world-title-may-begin-on-its-knees-310834" hreflang="en">Lewis Hamilton's path to seventh world title may begin on its knees</a></strong></p>

<p>"It really felt like a racing incident but either way I'll take whatever penalty they feel I deserve and move forwards."</p>

<p>But Albon and Red Bull were less than happy with the Mercedes star.</p>

<p>"I felt Brazil was a bit more 50/50, this one I felt like I did the move already and I was kind of already focused on Bottas in front," said a frustrated Albon. "It was so late for contact.</p>

<p>"There's always a risk of overtaking on the outside but I gave as much space as I really could, I was right on the edge.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reaction from both sides after more late drama involving Alex Albon and Lewis Hamilton 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustrianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustrianGP</a> 🇦🇹 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/3j6oikLJj9">pic.twitter.com/3j6oikLJj9</a></p>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1279860348028256256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I thought as long as I give him all the space I can give him, it's up to him if he wants to crash or not."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Austrian Grand Prix was a roller-coaster ride in every sense. While Finland’s Valtteri Bottas won a dramatic Austrian season-opener for champions Mercedes in a race with only 11 finishers and no spectators, the humdinger of a race witnessed yet another crash between Lewis Hamilton and Alex Albon.

The Austrian Grand Prix was a roller-coaster ride in every sense. While Finland’s Valtteri Bottas won a dramatic Austrian season-opener for champions Mercedes in a race with only 11 finishers and no spectators, the humdinger of a race witnessed yet another crash between Lewis Hamilton and Alex Albon. Hamilton made contact with Albon just on the Turn Five towards the end of the race with the latter clearly ahead with charge, in third, with softer tires than the Mercedes following a late Safety Car as he appeared to have gotten ahead of the six-time world champion. Hamilton-Albon: A racing incident? Even though Hamilton believes the collision with Albon was a “racing incident” despite receiving a penalty, the Red Bull driver didn’t share the same view. ALSO READ: Bottas wins dramatic Austrian opener Hamilton was given a 5s penalty which ended up costing him a podium with Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris skipping past him. Albon, on the other hand, went spinning and dropped down the field and retired from the race he reckons he could have won. It is not the first time that Hamilton has been penalised for colliding with Albon having pushed into the Red Bull last year at Interlagos. “This guy is such a sore loser,” a furious Albon said on team radio immediately after the spin. History repeats itself for Albon and Hamilton 😭#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/3FR1oxG2cd — Formula 1 (@F1) July 5, 2020 × "[It was] a really unfortunate scenario with Alex," Hamilton told Sky F1 after the Austrian GP. "I can't believe we've come together again. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton's path to seventh world title may begin on its knees "It really felt like a racing incident but either way I'll take whatever penalty they feel I deserve and move forwards." But Albon and Red Bull were less than happy with the Mercedes star. "I felt Brazil was a bit more 50/50, this one I felt like I did the move already and I was kind of already focused on Bottas in front," said a frustrated Albon. "It was so late for contact. "There's always a risk of overtaking on the outside but I gave as much space as I really could, I was right on the edge. Reaction from both sides after more late drama involving Alex Albon and Lewis Hamilton 👀#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/3j6oikLJj9 — Formula 1 (@F1) July 5, 2020 × "I thought as long as I give him all the space I can give him, it's up to him if he wants to crash or not."

Austrian GP: Lewis Hamilton-Alex Albon get into dramatic collision yet again - Watch

<p>Manchester United's Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic has extended his contract at Old Trafford through to June 2023, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> club said in a statement&nbsp;<a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/nemanja-matic-signs-new-contract-with-manchester-united-to-2023">here</a>&nbsp;on Monday.</p>

<p>The 31-year-old, who joined United in 2017, has enjoyed a dramatic improvement in form as the team’s enforcer since the January arrival of Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes.</p>

<p>“I am delighted that Nemanja has signed a new contract, I know his experience, professionalism and leadership will be invaluable to this young talented group,” United manager Old Gunnar Solskjaer said.</p>

<p>“He remains hugely ambitious and determined which will be vital as we look to achieve our aims over the coming years.”</p>

<p>United are unbeaten in their last 16 matches in all competitions and, apart from chasing a top-four finish in the Premier League, the are also still in contention to win the FA Cup and the Europa League.</p>

<p>Having rediscovered his holding midfield qualities alongside Fernandes and Frenchman Paul Pogba, who is back from a long-term injury, Matic said he was looking forward to fresh challenges.</p>


Manchester United's Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic has extended his contract at Old Trafford through to June 2023, the Premier League club said in a statement here on Monday.

Manchester United's Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic has extended his contract at Old Trafford through to June 2023, the Premier League club said in a statement here on Monday. The 31-year-old, who joined United in 2017, has enjoyed a dramatic improvement in form as the team’s enforcer since the January arrival of Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes. “I am delighted that Nemanja has signed a new contract, I know his experience, professionalism and leadership will be invaluable to this young talented group,” United manager Old Gunnar Solskjaer said. “He remains hugely ambitious and determined which will be vital as we look to achieve our aims over the coming years.” United are unbeaten in their last 16 matches in all competitions and, apart from chasing a top-four finish in the Premier League, the are also still in contention to win the FA Cup and the Europa League. Having rediscovered his holding midfield qualities alongside Fernandes and Frenchman Paul Pogba, who is back from a long-term injury, Matic said he was looking forward to fresh challenges.

Matic extends Manchester United contract until 2023

<p>Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton has said he was “silenced” earlier in his Formula One career over his plans to protest racism by taking a knee.</p>

<p>The Mercedes driver was one of 14 who knelt before Sunday’s season-opening Austrian Grand Prix.</p>

<p>Afterwards Hamilton spoke of a discussion he had years ago with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose kneeling protests in 2016 became a symbol of the fight against racial injustice.</p>

<p>“He sat down for the national anthem and got a lot of backlash ... I thought that was a really powerful statement that he made and he lost his job,” said the Briton.</p>

<p>“I had actually spoken to him a couple of years ago shortly after that for the U.S. Grand Prix and I had a helmet and everything made in red with his number on the top.</p>

<p>“But back then I was kind of silenced, I was told to kind of back down, don’t support it. Which I will say that I regret. So it was important for me to make sure that during this period of time I did my part.”</p>

<p>Formula One’s only Black driver did not say who had told him not to kneel.</p>

<p>Hamilton wore a different T-shirt to the other 20 drivers on Sunday, his reading ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the front instead of ‘End Racism’. He said he had yet to decide what to do for future races.</p>

<p>“Whether that’s continuing to take the knee, I don’t know there’s going to be opportunities to do that. I definitely don’t want to do it on national anthems,” he said.</p>

<p>The 35-year-old recently took part in a ‘Black Lives Matter’ march in London but said he was supporting racial equality rather than taking any political stance.</p>

<p>“When I wear the shirt and when I speak out, that’s what I’m supporting. I’m not supporting necessarily the political movements,” he added.</p>

<p>Hamilton, whose car has changed from silver to black for the season, said he would continue to speak out.</p>

<p>“There has been awareness for a few weeks and what we don’t need is for it to die a silent death and disappear and see no change,” he said. “I could be the guinea pig there. I’ve got to keep speaking out.”</p>


Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton has said he was “silenced” earlier in his Formula One career over his plans to protest racism by taking a knee. The Mercedes driver was one of 14 who knelt before Sunday’s season-opening Austrian Grand Prix.

Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton has said he was “silenced” earlier in his Formula One career over his plans to protest racism by taking a knee. The Mercedes driver was one of 14 who knelt before Sunday’s season-opening Austrian Grand Prix. Afterwards Hamilton spoke of a discussion he had years ago with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose kneeling protests in 2016 became a symbol of the fight against racial injustice. “He sat down for the national anthem and got a lot of backlash ... I thought that was a really powerful statement that he made and he lost his job,” said the Briton. “I had actually spoken to him a couple of years ago shortly after that for the U.S. Grand Prix and I had a helmet and everything made in red with his number on the top. “But back then I was kind of silenced, I was told to kind of back down, don’t support it. Which I will say that I regret. So it was important for me to make sure that during this period of time I did my part.” Formula One’s only Black driver did not say who had told him not to kneel. Hamilton wore a different T-shirt to the other 20 drivers on Sunday, his reading ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the front instead of ‘End Racism’. He said he had yet to decide what to do for future races. “Whether that’s continuing to take the knee, I don’t know there’s going to be opportunities to do that. I definitely don’t want to do it on national anthems,” he said. The 35-year-old recently took part in a ‘Black Lives Matter’ march in London but said he was supporting racial equality rather than taking any political stance. “When I wear the shirt and when I speak out, that’s what I’m supporting. I’m not supporting necessarily the political movements,” he added. Hamilton, whose car has changed from silver to black for the season, said he would continue to speak out. “There has been awareness for a few weeks and what we don’t need is for it to die a silent death and disappear and see no change,” he said. “I could be the guinea pig there. I’ve got to keep speaking out.”

Lewis Hamilton regrets being 'silenced' on taking a knee in the past

<p>Seven Women's NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Monday's scheduled team arrivals at a Florida bubble, with one team delaying its arrival until at least Saturday.</p>

<p>The 12-team league announced on Monday tests of 137 WNBA players between June 28 and July 5 returned seven positives for coronavirus, although no names or clubs were revealed.</p>

<p>Under US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations followed by the league, players who test positive will self-isolate until being cleared by a physician, generally after two negative tests at least 24 hours apart.</p>

<p>The Indiana Fever will delay travel to the IMG Academy at Bradenton, Florida, by at least five days, the league said, "in an abundance of caution due to the CDC's close contact self-quarantine requirements."</p>

<p>Players and staff from the other 11 clubs were set to arrive Monday at IMG Academy to start a virus-delayed 2020 season.</p>

<p>WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced last month the league would stage a season at IMG Academy that would include 22 games for each team without spectators starting in late July after pre-season training workouts.</p>

<p>Cases of COVID-19 have spiked in Florida in recent days after state officials welcomed teams into bubble isolation plans to stage seasons. The NBA and Major League Soccer are using bubbles at Disney World in Orlando to play games despite the deadly virus.</p>


Seven Women's NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Monday's scheduled team arrivals at a Florida bubble, with one team delaying its arrival until at least Saturday.

Seven Women's NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Monday's scheduled team arrivals at a Florida bubble, with one team delaying its arrival until at least Saturday. The 12-team league announced on Monday tests of 137 WNBA players between June 28 and July 5 returned seven positives for coronavirus, although no names or clubs were revealed. Under US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations followed by the league, players who test positive will self-isolate until being cleared by a physician, generally after two negative tests at least 24 hours apart. The Indiana Fever will delay travel to the IMG Academy at Bradenton, Florida, by at least five days, the league said, "in an abundance of caution due to the CDC's close contact self-quarantine requirements." Players and staff from the other 11 clubs were set to arrive Monday at IMG Academy to start a virus-delayed 2020 season. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced last month the league would stage a season at IMG Academy that would include 22 games for each team without spectators starting in late July after pre-season training workouts. Cases of COVID-19 have spiked in Florida in recent days after state officials welcomed teams into bubble isolation plans to stage seasons. The NBA and Major League Soccer are using bubbles at Disney World in Orlando to play games despite the deadly virus.

Seven Women's NBA players positive, Fever delays trip

<p>Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021. The 38-year-old had earlier announced that the will not take to the court until next year after undergoing two knee surgeries this year.</p>

<p>Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II due to COVID-19 pandemic and this week was supposed to be the second week of the grass-court Grand Slam, where Federer has lifted a record eight men’s singles titles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federer said that he is preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year as he wishes to play Wimbledon next year.</p>

<p>"Personally, it has been very pleasant to stay in the same place for a long time, I hadn't experienced that for more than 25 years," Federer said at the launch of the "Roger Center Court".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovics-event-taught-us-to-be-cautious-french-open-director-311144" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic's event taught us to be cautious: French Open director</a></strong></p>

<p>"But of course I miss Wimbledon, of course, I would like to be there currently playing on Centre Court for a place in the second week.</p>

<p>"Clearly, one of my big goals, and that's why I do recovery work every day and work so hard, and why I'm preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year, is because I hope to play at Wimbledon next year."</p>

<p>Federer added that the COVID-19 lockdown has given him the chance to heal properly following the surgeries but said he will have to be patient in a bid to return back to the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Combined with my operations, it was an important moment for me, (to know) if I wanted to continue," he said.</p>

<p>"It's very easy to say but it's a long way to come back, you have to be patient, it also was a time for reflection.</p>

<p>"We were in the mountains, isolated, we didn't see anyone, I didn't see my parents for almost three months, we were very serious and strict."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wion-exclusive-raninder-singh-hosting-bilateral-events-only-option-to-keep-olympic-team-sharp-310550" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive| Raninder Singh: Hosting bilateral events only option to keep Olympic team sharp</a></strong></p>

<p>The ATP and WTA Tours are set to commence in August despite many pro-tennis players having contracted the dreaded virus.</p>

<p>The US Open is set to be the first Grand Slam following the resumption of tennis and will be played behind closed doors in New York on August 31. However, fans will be allowed to attend the Roland Garros on September 24.</p>

<p>The Swiss icon will also hope to bag the Olympic singles gold for the first time at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in Japan, with the final to be played a week before his 40th birth anniversary.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021.

Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021. The 38-year-old had earlier announced that the will not take to the court until next year after undergoing two knee surgeries this year. Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II due to COVID-19 pandemic and this week was supposed to be the second week of the grass-court Grand Slam, where Federer has lifted a record eight men’s singles titles. Federer said that he is preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year as he wishes to play Wimbledon next year. "Personally, it has been very pleasant to stay in the same place for a long time, I hadn't experienced that for more than 25 years," Federer said at the launch of the "Roger Center Court". ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's event taught us to be cautious: French Open director "But of course I miss Wimbledon, of course, I would like to be there currently playing on Centre Court for a place in the second week. "Clearly, one of my big goals, and that's why I do recovery work every day and work so hard, and why I'm preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year, is because I hope to play at Wimbledon next year." Federer added that the COVID-19 lockdown has given him the chance to heal properly following the surgeries but said he will have to be patient in a bid to return back to the court. "Combined with my operations, it was an important moment for me, (to know) if I wanted to continue," he said. "It's very easy to say but it's a long way to come back, you have to be patient, it also was a time for reflection. "We were in the mountains, isolated, we didn't see anyone, I didn't see my parents for almost three months, we were very serious and strict." ALSO READ: WION Exclusive| Raninder Singh: Hosting bilateral events only option to keep Olympic team sharp The ATP and WTA Tours are set to commence in August despite many pro-tennis players having contracted the dreaded virus. The US Open is set to be the first Grand Slam following the resumption of tennis and will be played behind closed doors in New York on August 31. However, fans will be allowed to attend the Roland Garros on September 24. The Swiss icon will also hope to bag the Olympic singles gold for the first time at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in Japan, with the final to be played a week before his 40th birth anniversary.

Roger Federer 'missing' Wimbledon but aiming to be back in 2021

<p>Sreesanth is all set to make his comeback to the cricket field after a seven-year-break. The 37-year-old's aspiration to be back on the field was bolstered by Kerala coach Tinu Yohanan's words of motivation and the right-handed seamer is looking forward to hitting the ground running and help Kerala win trophies in the domestic circuit. With lofty goals and passion, Sreesanth is gearing up to bridge the lost gap while learning and sharing his experience with the young guns of Indian cricket.</p>

<p>In an exclusive chat with WION, Sreesanth opened up about life in lockdown, training phase, what goals he has set for himself, changing landscape of cricket, IPL 2020, Michael Jordan's mental conditioning coach Tim Grover, his ultimate Team India XI (present) and much more.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan Chakraborty: </strong>Thank you Sreesanth for your time, how did the lockdown phase go for you?</p>

<p><strong>Sreesanth:</strong> It’s treating me well. I did say that people need to stick to their house to curb the spread and honestly, there are certain jobs which can be done from home. But imagine me, I have been in lockdown for close to seven years now. I missed the thing I love – play cricket. But thankfully, it is during the coronavirus pandemic that I got a green signal from Kerala Cricket Association so it has been a blessing in disguise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I am spending a lot of time with my family. I love to read and write and I am reading a lot now, and trying to get my values right. I have been training in my home and I will be back again at the nets soon. But I urge people to stay indoors and as a wise man once said, ‘you have to win the war and small battles matter a lot’. I am not a wise man but I say that to be a national hero, stay indoors and if you really need to go out then take all the precautions. Don’t be lazy when it comes to hygiene.</p>

<p>I am writing something on whatever has happened in the last couple of months, I am writing on the lines of ‘loneliness is equal to geniuses’. The emphasis is on meditation and focus will be on ‘enjoy yourself during this time.’ Another thing I learned is painting and I am thinking of starting a YouTube channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>SC: </strong>How has your body been responding to the resumption of practice and full-fledged training for cricket?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Sreesanth: </strong>God has been extremely kind. A 37-year-old is trying to make a comeback to international cricket. I think the break has been a blessing in disguise for my body as it helped me to freshen up my mind, I try to think positively. I did a couple of movies which helped remain in good shape but when it comes to cricket, the Celebrity Cricket League helped me be into cricket. I worked with Dilip Vengsarkar sir there. So being a bowling coach helped me a lot in keeping my fitness in check. I was 100-102 kgs before I went to Bigg Boss but with no food there, it helped me lose some weight (laughs). Ayurveda and Indian food has helped me keep my fitness intact and I would advise everyone to at least try it. It is miraculous.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For match fitness, yes, I have to play a lot and I am looking forward to it. I am fresh and raring to go. Some players who used to play with me have retired because they are mentally and physically tired but that is not the case for me as I haven’t played for the last seven years. So yes, I am there for the long run now.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Sreesanth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="762b8e60-d6b0-4833-955b-fa0fda66aa06" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Del143706.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>SC:</strong> But let’s be honest here, playing one match is a different thing but playing an entire season is a different ball game. Do you think your body is ready to sustain that sort of pressure?</p>

<p><strong>Sreesanth: </strong>Absolutely! When you are a youngster, an under-19 cricketer, you can afford to not sleep in time and eat healthily. But at my age, you have to be very particular about how you maintain your lifestyle. I am enjoying a healthy lifestyle now. In my opinion, it is all about mindset. I am not physically or mentally exhausted. After this long break, I am feeling like a youngster. I am not here for a season, I am here to sustain four or five seasons. My goal is to help Kerala win and help youngsters grow and then move to some of the smaller teams. I don’t want to hold onto a youngster’s position and rather would pass on my experience for them to learn from it.&nbsp;<br />
During this break, I have learned about different types of training, recovery training and all. So that will help me a lot. I am a positive person and Sreesanth was never a realistic person. I will defy all the odds again. And my message to all, don’t think about age, just lock on a target and work on that.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>SC:</strong> Cricket has completely in these last seven years. Are you prepared to learn and grasp things from youngsters and be a better bowler?</p>

<p><strong>Sreesanth:</strong> The way I look at this is that it will be a debut match for me. It is all about the experience. You have to accept that there are better players. Yes, I have to learn a lot about the changed rules. I didn’t know that there were two new white balls and I have no shame in accepting that. Thanks to Sachin Baby, Sanju Samson, Basil Thampi and others, they all have way more experience in the last seven years. They have played the IPL and know modern cricket. I have so many things to learn from them. I still have that out-swinger, I can still bowl toe-crushing yorkers. I still have that in-cutter from which I got Sachin paaji (Sachin Tendulkar) out in 2005.</p>

<p>But yes, I do accept that I have so many things to learn from the younger players. I am not worried about spit-ban, just bowl your heart out. If you have proper priorities, you won’t have any problem in life. I want to leave a legacy and set fresh benchmarks.</p>

<p><strong>SC:</strong> Kerala’s performance wasn’t up to the mark but the pace attack with the likes of Basil Thampi, KM Asif looks pretty decent on paper and your addition could further bolster it. Do you look at it as competition for places?</p>

<p><strong>Sreesanth:</strong> We have fast bowlers who could represent the country at any given day. I am not here to compete. Something I have written ‘everybody knows what they want to be but most of them don’t know what they want to become’. I exactly know who I want to be. I can never get my seven years back but I am so grateful that I got to learn so much thing about life. There is no ego now, there is no competition. I am here to help. I will be starting Sreesanth Sports Academy soon, and that will be a small contribution to help the youngsters from my side. I will help each and everyone to better than me and then only I can be better than them. And if I end up with good performances, then hopefully I will be back playing for the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Sreesanth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4729c061-8f6c-4685-bec9-184a46de0931" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Del465036.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>SC: </strong>What about your aspirations for IPL?</p>

<p><strong>Sreesanth:</strong> I will definitely put my name if my association allows. I think I am a good enough bowler and if any franchise contacts me before the auctions then I would love to be back in IPL. I have done decently in these last seven years. I have done movies, reality shows and I have continued to earn for my family. But I am not worrying about the results that is something I am preaching. Seven years is a long time for the season but for me, it was like a life sentence and I am ready to help and learn.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>SC:</strong> How was your time learning from Michael Jordan’s mental conditioning coach Tim Grover?</p>

<p><strong>Sreesanth: </strong>What he was teaching is being unapologetic. I learned a lot about how Michael Jordan created his legacy. Again coronavirus has been a blessing in disguise, otherwise, I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to learn from him. He is brute honest, something I learned from him. Being yourself, being your own competition is something which he taught me. That is what Tim Grover taught me but equally, Ramji Srinivasan has been a big help for me. He was the one who told me to run for 30 minutes or else I wouldn’t survive the physical intensity of the sport.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>SC:</strong> A chat with Sreesanth is incomplete without that South Africa tour. Almost everyone knows about the Andre Nel incident but not many how Jacques Rudolph triggered you.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Sreesanth:</strong> Every day you learn. I have to thank Dada (Sourav Ganguly). Initially, I had no clue about how to bowl to left-handers. I just used to release the ball and hope that the batsman would get LBW or bowler. But it was Dada who told me ‘I know you struggle against left-handers so let’s practice’. So I used to bowl him in the nets. He helped me with the angle, release point and other technicalities. You know, when you bowl to the best, you become the best. When there are legends like Dada, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir are there in the dressing room and for that matter Murali Vijay, Dinesh Karthik have good technique.</p>

<p><img alt="Sreesanth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="130ffd56-a672-47db-8f0f-32b63b7efeb5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_DV1020215.jpg" /></p>

<p>So I have to thank these people behind my success there. It was not easy to be part of that team but again I am thankful to them for making me learn so much. I know a lot of people laugh after I hit Andre Nel for that six but they don’t realise that he was saying all the wrong things about me and my country. I just wanted to tame him. And even know I am obsessed with the game. Jacques Rudolph said that there is nothing to worry about Indian bowling apart from Zaheer Khan, who is also making his comeback. And since then he faced me four times, and all the time he got out for ducks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>SC:</strong> On a final note, what will be your Indian team with you included in the XI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Sreesanth:</strong> Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, KL Rahul, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Sreesanth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I firmly believe in one team for all formats. Suresh Raina is someone who deserves a lot more appreciation. And with all due respect to Virat, Rohit will captain in T20s and Kohli can take the captain’s band in all other formats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Sreesanth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fec71dc7-a36a-4544-a1dc-8c951cc3dc2b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_DV1013110.jpg" /></p>

<p>And before I leave, I wanted to say something: Whenever you face a situation be it difficult, easy, super easy, impossible. Change, adapt and improvise. Make sure, you are doing it physically, mentally and spiritually. Another thing I wanted to say, when you do all these things together, it changes the look like a walk in the park. Every battle out there is a victory. Don’t even lose the battle. Don’t give up. Stick to your plan and you will achieve greatness. God bless you all. If I can, anybody can. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Sreesanth is all set to make his comeback to the cricket field after a seven-year-break. The 37-year-old's aspiration to be back on the field was bolstered by Kerala coach Tinu Yohanan's words of motivation and the right-handed seamer is looking forward to hitting the ground running and help Kerala win trophies in the domestic circuit.

Sreesanth is all set to make his comeback to the cricket field after a seven-year-break. The 37-year-old's aspiration to be back on the field was bolstered by Kerala coach Tinu Yohanan's words of motivation and the right-handed seamer is looking forward to hitting the ground running and help Kerala win trophies in the domestic circuit. With lofty goals and passion, Sreesanth is gearing up to bridge the lost gap while learning and sharing his experience with the young guns of Indian cricket. In an exclusive chat with WION, Sreesanth opened up about life in lockdown, training phase, what goals he has set for himself, changing landscape of cricket, IPL 2020, Michael Jordan's mental conditioning coach Tim Grover, his ultimate Team India XI (present) and much more. × Subhayan Chakraborty: Thank you Sreesanth for your time, how did the lockdown phase go for you? Sreesanth: It’s treating me well. I did say that people need to stick to their house to curb the spread and honestly, there are certain jobs which can be done from home. But imagine me, I have been in lockdown for close to seven years now. I missed the thing I love – play cricket. But thankfully, it is during the coronavirus pandemic that I got a green signal from Kerala Cricket Association so it has been a blessing in disguise. I am spending a lot of time with my family. I love to read and write and I am reading a lot now, and trying to get my values right. I have been training in my home and I will be back again at the nets soon. But I urge people to stay indoors and as a wise man once said, ‘you have to win the war and small battles matter a lot’. I am not a wise man but I say that to be a national hero, stay indoors and if you really need to go out then take all the precautions. Don’t be lazy when it comes to hygiene. I am writing something on whatever has happened in the last couple of months, I am writing on the lines of ‘loneliness is equal to geniuses’. The emphasis is on meditation and focus will be on ‘enjoy yourself during this time.’ Another thing I learned is painting and I am thinking of starting a YouTube channel. SC: How has your body been responding to the resumption of practice and full-fledged training for cricket? Sreesanth: God has been extremely kind. A 37-year-old is trying to make a comeback to international cricket. I think the break has been a blessing in disguise for my body as it helped me to freshen up my mind, I try to think positively. I did a couple of movies which helped remain in good shape but when it comes to cricket, the Celebrity Cricket League helped me be into cricket. I worked with Dilip Vengsarkar sir there. So being a bowling coach helped me a lot in keeping my fitness in check. I was 100-102 kgs before I went to Bigg Boss but with no food there, it helped me lose some weight (laughs). Ayurveda and Indian food has helped me keep my fitness intact and I would advise everyone to at least try it. It is miraculous. For match fitness, yes, I have to play a lot and I am looking forward to it. I am fresh and raring to go. Some players who used to play with me have retired because they are mentally and physically tired but that is not the case for me as I haven’t played for the last seven years. So yes, I am there for the long run now. SC: But let’s be honest here, playing one match is a different thing but playing an entire season is a different ball game. Do you think your body is ready to sustain that sort of pressure? Sreesanth: Absolutely! When you are a youngster, an under-19 cricketer, you can afford to not sleep in time and eat healthily. But at my age, you have to be very particular about how you maintain your lifestyle. I am enjoying a healthy lifestyle now. In my opinion, it is all about mindset. I am not physically or mentally exhausted. After this long break, I am feeling like a youngster. I am not here for a season, I am here to sustain four or five seasons. My goal is to help Kerala win and help youngsters grow and then move to some of the smaller teams. I don’t want to hold onto a youngster’s position and rather would pass on my experience for them to learn from it. During this break, I have learned about different types of training, recovery training and all. So that will help me a lot. I am a positive person and Sreesanth was never a realistic person. I will defy all the odds again. And my message to all, don’t think about age, just lock on a target and work on that. SC: Cricket has completely in these last seven years. Are you prepared to learn and grasp things from youngsters and be a better bowler? Sreesanth: The way I look at this is that it will be a debut match for me. It is all about the experience. You have to accept that there are better players. Yes, I have to learn a lot about the changed rules. I didn’t know that there were two new white balls and I have no shame in accepting that. Thanks to Sachin Baby, Sanju Samson, Basil Thampi and others, they all have way more experience in the last seven years. They have played the IPL and know modern cricket. I have so many things to learn from them. I still have that out-swinger, I can still bowl toe-crushing yorkers. I still have that in-cutter from which I got Sachin paaji (Sachin Tendulkar) out in 2005. But yes, I do accept that I have so many things to learn from the younger players. I am not worried about spit-ban, just bowl your heart out. If you have proper priorities, you won’t have any problem in life. I want to leave a legacy and set fresh benchmarks. SC: Kerala’s performance wasn’t up to the mark but the pace attack with the likes of Basil Thampi, KM Asif looks pretty decent on paper and your addition could further bolster it. Do you look at it as competition for places? Sreesanth: We have fast bowlers who could represent the country at any given day. I am not here to compete. Something I have written ‘everybody knows what they want to be but most of them don’t know what they want to become’. I exactly know who I want to be. I can never get my seven years back but I am so grateful that I got to learn so much thing about life. There is no ego now, there is no competition. I am here to help. I will be starting Sreesanth Sports Academy soon, and that will be a small contribution to help the youngsters from my side. I will help each and everyone to better than me and then only I can be better than them. And if I end up with good performances, then hopefully I will be back playing for the country. SC: What about your aspirations for IPL? Sreesanth: I will definitely put my name if my association allows. I think I am a good enough bowler and if any franchise contacts me before the auctions then I would love to be back in IPL. I have done decently in these last seven years. I have done movies, reality shows and I have continued to earn for my family. But I am not worrying about the results that is something I am preaching. Seven years is a long time for the season but for me, it was like a life sentence and I am ready to help and learn. SC: How was your time learning from Michael Jordan’s mental conditioning coach Tim Grover? Sreesanth: What he was teaching is being unapologetic. I learned a lot about how Michael Jordan created his legacy. Again coronavirus has been a blessing in disguise, otherwise, I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to learn from him. He is brute honest, something I learned from him. Being yourself, being your own competition is something which he taught me. That is what Tim Grover taught me but equally, Ramji Srinivasan has been a big help for me. He was the one who told me to run for 30 minutes or else I wouldn’t survive the physical intensity of the sport. SC: A chat with Sreesanth is incomplete without that South Africa tour. Almost everyone knows about the Andre Nel incident but not many how Jacques Rudolph triggered you. Sreesanth: Every day you learn. I have to thank Dada (Sourav Ganguly). Initially, I had no clue about how to bowl to left-handers. I just used to release the ball and hope that the batsman would get LBW or bowler. But it was Dada who told me ‘I know you struggle against left-handers so let’s practice’. So I used to bowl him in the nets. He helped me with the angle, release point and other technicalities. You know, when you bowl to the best, you become the best. When there are legends like Dada, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir are there in the dressing room and for that matter Murali Vijay, Dinesh Karthik have good technique. So I have to thank these people behind my success there. It was not easy to be part of that team but again I am thankful to them for making me learn so much. I know a lot of people laugh after I hit Andre Nel for that six but they don’t realise that he was saying all the wrong things about me and my country. I just wanted to tame him. And even know I am obsessed with the game. Jacques Rudolph said that there is nothing to worry about Indian bowling apart from Zaheer Khan, who is also making his comeback. And since then he faced me four times, and all the time he got out for ducks. SC: On a final note, what will be your Indian team with you included in the XI. Sreesanth: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, KL Rahul, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Sreesanth. I firmly believe in one team for all formats. Suresh Raina is someone who deserves a lot more appreciation. And with all due respect to Virat, Rohit will captain in T20s and Kohli can take the captain’s band in all other formats. And before I leave, I wanted to say something: Whenever you face a situation be it difficult, easy, super easy, impossible. Change, adapt and improvise. Make sure, you are doing it physically, mentally and spiritually. Another thing I wanted to say, when you do all these things together, it changes the look like a walk in the park. Every battle out there is a victory. Don’t even lose the battle. Don’t give up. Stick to your plan and you will achieve greatness. God bless you all. If I can, anybody can.

Interview | I want to leave a legacy and set fresh benchmarks: Sreesanth

<p>The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday announced that the Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford will host England’s international matches, behind closed doors, against Ireland and Pakistan. Pakistan, who arrived in the UK on June 28 have already started their preparation ahead of the Test and T20I series while undergoing a 14-day isolation period in Worcester.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the Test series, Pakistan will play two four-day internal warm-up matches before the start of the series, scheduled for an August 5 start. The final two Tests will be played at the Ageas Bowl from Thursday 13 August and Friday 21 August.</p>

<p>Whereas the three-match T20I series will take place at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday 28 August, Sunday 30 August and the final match of the tour on Tuesday 1 September.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/interview-i-want-to-leave-a-legacy-and-set-fresh-benchmarks-sreesanth-311099" hreflang="en">Interview | I want to leave a legacy and set fresh benchmarks: Sreesanth</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pakistan's first training session in England 🇵🇰<br />
<br />
📸 <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRealPCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/zH2BTTXV57">pic.twitter.com/zH2BTTXV57</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1278010422776512523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>England vs Pakistan Test Series: Full Schedule</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>1st Test v Pakistan: 5-9 August at Emirates Old Trafford (11.00am start)</li>
	<li>2nd Test v Pakistan: 13-17 August at The Ageas Bowl (11.00am start)</li>
	<li>3rd Test v Pakistan: 21-25 August at The Ageas Bowl (11.00am start)</li>
</ul>

<h2>England vs Pakistan T20I Series: Full schedule</h2>

<ul>
	<li>1st IT20 v Pakistan: Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start)</li>
	<li>2nd IT20 v Pakistan: Sunday 30 August at Emirates Old Trafford (2.30pm start)</li>
	<li>3rd IT20 v Pakistan: Tuesday 1 September at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start)</li>
</ul>

<p>Furthermore, Ireland will arrive in the UK on July 18 before starting the three-match ODI series from July 30. The second ODI will be played on August 1 before the final match of the series on August 4.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-offers-to-host-ipl-after-uae-and-sri-lanka-confirms-bcci-official-311116" hreflang="en">New Zealand offers to host IPL after UAE and Sri Lanka, confirms BCCI official</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>England vs Ireland ODI Series: Full schedule</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>1st ODI v Ireland: Thursday 30 July at The Ageas Bowl (2.00pm start D/N)</li>
	<li>2nd ODI v Ireland: Saturday 1 August at The Ageas Bowl (2.00pm D/N)</li>
	<li>3rd ODI v Ireland: Tuesday 4 August at The Ageas Bowl (2.00pm D/N)</li>
</ul>

<p>Talks for England Women to host a tri-series against India and South Africa are going well and a final call could be taken soon on the series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “Confirmation of these matches against Ireland and Pakistan is another important step for our game as we begin to safely stage international cricket again, but also to minimise the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, on cricket at all levels.</p>

<p>“It has taken significant effort and expertise to allow us to reach a position where cricket is now ready and able to return to the field of play from the elite level to recreational cricket.</p>

<p>“We owe a significant debt of gratitude to the players, staff and administrators of the Cricket West Indies, Cricket Ireland, and the Pakistan Cricket Board for their willingness and co-operation to get international cricket back up and running and allow these matches to be staged. We also continue to explore options for our England Men to play white-ball series against Australia this summer and hope to have news on those series soon.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday announced that the Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford will host England’s international matches, behind closed doors, against Ireland and Pakistan.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday announced that the Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford will host England’s international matches, behind closed doors, against Ireland and Pakistan. Pakistan, who arrived in the UK on June 28 have already started their preparation ahead of the Test and T20I series while undergoing a 14-day isolation period in Worcester. Ahead of the Test series, Pakistan will play two four-day internal warm-up matches before the start of the series, scheduled for an August 5 start. The final two Tests will be played at the Ageas Bowl from Thursday 13 August and Friday 21 August. Whereas the three-match T20I series will take place at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday 28 August, Sunday 30 August and the final match of the tour on Tuesday 1 September. WATCH: Interview | I want to leave a legacy and set fresh benchmarks: Sreesanth Pakistan's first training session in England 🇵🇰 📸 @TheRealPCB pic.twitter.com/zH2BTTXV57 — ICC (@ICC) June 30, 2020 × England vs Pakistan Test Series: Full Schedule 1st Test v Pakistan: 5-9 August at Emirates Old Trafford (11.00am start) 2nd Test v Pakistan: 13-17 August at The Ageas Bowl (11.00am start) 3rd Test v Pakistan: 21-25 August at The Ageas Bowl (11.00am start) England vs Pakistan T20I Series: Full schedule 1st IT20 v Pakistan: Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start) 2nd IT20 v Pakistan: Sunday 30 August at Emirates Old Trafford (2.30pm start) 3rd IT20 v Pakistan: Tuesday 1 September at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start) Furthermore, Ireland will arrive in the UK on July 18 before starting the three-match ODI series from July 30. The second ODI will be played on August 1 before the final match of the series on August 4. ALSO READ: New Zealand offers to host IPL after UAE and Sri Lanka, confirms BCCI official England vs Ireland ODI Series: Full schedule 1st ODI v Ireland: Thursday 30 July at The Ageas Bowl (2.00pm start D/N) 2nd ODI v Ireland: Saturday 1 August at The Ageas Bowl (2.00pm D/N) 3rd ODI v Ireland: Tuesday 4 August at The Ageas Bowl (2.00pm D/N) Talks for England Women to host a tri-series against India and South Africa are going well and a final call could be taken soon on the series. ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “Confirmation of these matches against Ireland and Pakistan is another important step for our game as we begin to safely stage international cricket again, but also to minimise the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, on cricket at all levels. “It has taken significant effort and expertise to allow us to reach a position where cricket is now ready and able to return to the field of play from the elite level to recreational cricket. “We owe a significant debt of gratitude to the players, staff and administrators of the Cricket West Indies, Cricket Ireland, and the Pakistan Cricket Board for their willingness and co-operation to get international cricket back up and running and allow these matches to be staged. We also continue to explore options for our England Men to play white-ball series against Australia this summer and hope to have news on those series soon.”

England vs Pakistan: ECB announces full fixtures for Test and T20I series

<p>After the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka, New Zealand has offered to host the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> if the money-spinning tournament can’t be held in India amid COVID-19 pandemic. With the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-set-to-be-postponed-this-week-bcci-to-start-planning-for-ipl-2020-311015">postponement of T20 World Cup 2020 inevitable</a>, a window has popped up for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> with the BCCI zeroing in on the September-November window for the tournament.</p>

<p>While the Indian cricket board’s first choice of host will be India but with the rising cases of coronavirus, chances look grim. India has the third in the list to have most COVID-19 cases behind Brazil and the USA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Staging the event in India has to be the first choice but in case it is not safe to have it, then we will look at the overseas options.<br />
After UAE and Sri Lanka, New Zealand has also offered to host the IPL," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.</p>

<p>"We will sit down with all stakeholders (broadcaster, teams, etc) and take a call. The safety of the players is paramount. There will be no compromise on that," the official said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/interview-i-want-to-leave-a-legacy-and-set-fresh-benchmarks-sreesanth-311099" hreflang="en">Interview | I want to leave a legacy and set fresh benchmarks: Sreesanth</a></strong></p>

<p>The IPL has been held abroad in the past with the UAE and South Africa being the hosts of the tournament previously. The 2009 edition was staged in South Africa due to general election and the UAE hosted a few matches in 2014 due to the same reason. However, in 2019, the BCCI did schedule the IPL in India while avoiding clashes with poll dates in different states.</p>

<h2><strong>Time difference a major issue with New Zealand</strong></h2>

<p>However, India has a seven and half hour time difference with New Zealand which could affect the viewership of matches. Even apart from Hamilton and Auckland, venues in Wellington, Christchurch, Napier and Dunedin will need air travel.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/questions-will-be-raised-if-ipl-2020-happens-but-t20-world-cup-is-postponed-inzamam-ul-haq-311059" hreflang="en">Questions will be raised if IPL 2020 happens but T20 World Cup is postponed: Inzamam-ul-Haq</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The BCCI official further said that the date of IPL Governing Council Meeting will be announced soon where the issues relating to IPL and Chinese sponsorship deals in the tournament will be discussed.</p>

<p>The BCCI has a five-year-deal in place for IPL title rights with Chinese mobile phone maker Vivo, which fetches the Indian board a mammoth Rs 440 crore annually till 2022.</p>


After the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka, New Zealand has offered to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 if the money-spinning tournament can’t be held in India amid COVID-19 pandemic.

After the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka, New Zealand has offered to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 if the money-spinning tournament can’t be held in India amid COVID-19 pandemic. With the postponement of T20 World Cup 2020 inevitable, a window has popped up for IPL with the BCCI zeroing in on the September-November window for the tournament. While the Indian cricket board’s first choice of host will be India but with the rising cases of coronavirus, chances look grim. India has the third in the list to have most COVID-19 cases behind Brazil and the USA. "Staging the event in India has to be the first choice but in case it is not safe to have it, then we will look at the overseas options. After UAE and Sri Lanka, New Zealand has also offered to host the IPL," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "We will sit down with all stakeholders (broadcaster, teams, etc) and take a call. The safety of the players is paramount. There will be no compromise on that," the official said. WATCH: Interview | I want to leave a legacy and set fresh benchmarks: Sreesanth The IPL has been held abroad in the past with the UAE and South Africa being the hosts of the tournament previously. The 2009 edition was staged in South Africa due to general election and the UAE hosted a few matches in 2014 due to the same reason. However, in 2019, the BCCI did schedule the IPL in India while avoiding clashes with poll dates in different states. Time difference a major issue with New Zealand However, India has a seven and half hour time difference with New Zealand which could affect the viewership of matches. Even apart from Hamilton and Auckland, venues in Wellington, Christchurch, Napier and Dunedin will need air travel. ALSO READ: Questions will be raised if IPL 2020 happens but T20 World Cup is postponed: Inzamam-ul-Haq The BCCI official further said that the date of IPL Governing Council Meeting will be announced soon where the issues relating to IPL and Chinese sponsorship deals in the tournament will be discussed. The BCCI has a five-year-deal in place for IPL title rights with Chinese mobile phone maker Vivo, which fetches the Indian board a mammoth Rs 440 crore annually till 2022.

New Zealand offers to host IPL after UAE and Sri Lanka, confirms BCCI official

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-set-to-be-postponed-this-week-bcci-to-start-planning-for-ipl-2020-311015">With reports surfacing that the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 is set to be postponed while opening up a window for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq has said that questions will be raised if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> is conducted during the same window allotted to the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the ICC is yet to officially announce the fate of T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Australia from October 18 to November 15, latest reports suggest that the showpiece tournament will be deferred when ICC officials meet on Friday (July 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“There are rumours that the World Cup was clashing with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> and the Australia-India series, therefore, it (T20 World Cup) won’t take place,” Inzamam, who scored 8830 runs in 120 Tests and 11739 runs in 378 ODIs for Pakistan, said in his YouTube channel on Sunday.</p>

<p>“The Indian board is strong and has control in the International Cricket Council (ICC). If Australia says that we cannot hold the World Cup because of the COVID-19 pandemic, then their stance will be easily accepted, but if any such kind event happens during the same time, then questions will be raised,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankas-kusal-mendis-granted-bail-over-deadly-accident-agrees-to-pay-1-million-in-compensation-311051" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis granted bail over deadly accident, agrees to pay 1 million in compensation</a></strong></p>

<p>Inzamam is of the view that ICC should not give priority to private leagues (IPL) over international cricket as it will lead to players focusing on private leagues rather than international cricket. However, he did agree that hosting 16 teams for the T20 World Cup is not an easy task.</p>

<h2><strong>ICC should not be allowed to give priority to private leagues: Inzamam-ul-Haq</strong></h2>

<p>“People will think, if a country could host 12 to 14 teams (16 teams), then why the ICC could not look after the teams after all Australia is such an advanced country. Another thing is the ICC should not be allowed to give priority to private leagues (IPL) on international cricket. This will lead to young players forcing on private leagues other than international matches.</p>

<p>“Australia can say that it was difficult for it to manage 18 teams (16) for the mega event as it is not easy. Likewise, the Pakistan team was in England in a hotel and all the facilities were being provided there, therefore, it has not been easy to manage 18 teams (16),” he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-unleash-latest-fab-four-in-england-311008" hreflang="en">West Indies unleash latest 'Fab Four' in England</a></strong></p>

<p>Even the fate of Asia Cup 2020 hangs in balance. The tournament was originally scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan but the PCB agreed on a neutral venue for security reasons. However, there has been no word on the fate of the tournament scheduled in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Inzamam said: “I have also heard that objections are also raised on the dates of the Asia Cup as it is clashing with some other event.</p>

<p>“The ICC, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and all cricket boards should sit together and give a strong message that any such kind of impression (giving priority to private leagues instead of international cricket), won’t take place,” he said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With reports surfacing that the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 is set to be postponed while opening up a window for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq has said that questions will be raised if the IPL is conducted during the same window allotted to the T20 World Cup.

With reports surfacing that the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 is set to be postponed while opening up a window for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq has said that questions will be raised if the IPL is conducted during the same window allotted to the T20 World Cup. While the ICC is yet to officially announce the fate of T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Australia from October 18 to November 15, latest reports suggest that the showpiece tournament will be deferred when ICC officials meet on Friday (July 10). “There are rumours that the World Cup was clashing with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Australia-India series, therefore, it (T20 World Cup) won’t take place,” Inzamam, who scored 8830 runs in 120 Tests and 11739 runs in 378 ODIs for Pakistan, said in his YouTube channel on Sunday. “The Indian board is strong and has control in the International Cricket Council (ICC). If Australia says that we cannot hold the World Cup because of the COVID-19 pandemic, then their stance will be easily accepted, but if any such kind event happens during the same time, then questions will be raised,” he said. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis granted bail over deadly accident, agrees to pay 1 million in compensation Inzamam is of the view that ICC should not give priority to private leagues (IPL) over international cricket as it will lead to players focusing on private leagues rather than international cricket. However, he did agree that hosting 16 teams for the T20 World Cup is not an easy task. ICC should not be allowed to give priority to private leagues: Inzamam-ul-Haq “People will think, if a country could host 12 to 14 teams (16 teams), then why the ICC could not look after the teams after all Australia is such an advanced country. Another thing is the ICC should not be allowed to give priority to private leagues (IPL) on international cricket. This will lead to young players forcing on private leagues other than international matches. “Australia can say that it was difficult for it to manage 18 teams (16) for the mega event as it is not easy. Likewise, the Pakistan team was in England in a hotel and all the facilities were being provided there, therefore, it has not been easy to manage 18 teams (16),” he said. ALSO READ: West Indies unleash latest 'Fab Four' in England Even the fate of Asia Cup 2020 hangs in balance. The tournament was originally scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan but the PCB agreed on a neutral venue for security reasons. However, there has been no word on the fate of the tournament scheduled in September. Inzamam said: “I have also heard that objections are also raised on the dates of the Asia Cup as it is clashing with some other event. “The ICC, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and all cricket boards should sit together and give a strong message that any such kind of impression (giving priority to private leagues instead of international cricket), won’t take place,” he said.

Questions will be raised if IPL 2020 happens but T20 World Cup is postponed: Inzamam-ul-Haq

<p>Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Mendis found himself in massive trouble after he was arrested on Sunday over an accident that killed a man in Panadure, Sri Lanka. Panadura Additional Magistrate on Monday granted bail for Mendis on two sureties worth 1 million Sri Lankan rupees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Panadura Additional Magistrate further ordered that a compensation worth 1 million rupees to be paid to victim’s family. The 64-year-old resident of Gorakapola, Panadura, who was riding a bicycle, died after the SUV driven by the Sri Lankan cricketer crashed in the Horethuduwa area. As reported by the police, the pedestrian died instantly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-batsman-kusal-mendis-arrested-over-fatal-crash-310830" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Mendis arrested over fatal crash</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, Mendis was named in the 16-man squad for the two-match Test series scheduled against England in March before the rubber was called off due to the coronavirus outbreak. The mainstay of Sri Lankan batting-order, Mendis was also named in the squad which resumed training post-COVID-crisis.</p>

<p>Mendis has represented Sri Lanka in 44 Tests, 76 ODIs and 26 T20Is, amassing 2995 runs, 2164 runs and 484 runs respectively. The middle-order batsman has nine international centuries under his belt along with 28 half-centuries.</p>

<h2><strong>A gloomy season for Sri Lankan cricket</strong></h2>

<p>Things have been gloomy in Sri Lankan cricket of-late with allegations of match-fixing in the ICC World Cup 2011 by former sports minister and the arrest of Shehan Madushanka, who was found in possession of drugs.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-set-to-be-postponed-this-week-bcci-to-start-planning-for-ipl-2020-311015" hreflang="en">T20 World Cup set to be postponed this week, BCCI to start planning for IPL 2020</a></strong></p>

<p>Even though the allegations of match-fixing were dismissed due to lack of evidence, Sri Lankan cricket icons Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene along with Upul Tharanga were grilled by the SIU. Even Aravinda de Silva, who was the chief selector during the 2011 World Cup, was also questioned by the investigating team.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Mendis found himself in massive trouble after he was arrested on Sunday over an accident that killed a man in Panadure, Sri Lanka. Panadura Additional Magistrate on Monday granted bail for Mendis on two sureties worth 1 million Sri Lankan rupees.

Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Mendis found himself in massive trouble after he was arrested on Sunday over an accident that killed a man in Panadure, Sri Lanka. Panadura Additional Magistrate on Monday granted bail for Mendis on two sureties worth 1 million Sri Lankan rupees. The Panadura Additional Magistrate further ordered that a compensation worth 1 million rupees to be paid to victim’s family. The 64-year-old resident of Gorakapola, Panadura, who was riding a bicycle, died after the SUV driven by the Sri Lankan cricketer crashed in the Horethuduwa area. As reported by the police, the pedestrian died instantly. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Mendis arrested over fatal crash Earlier, Mendis was named in the 16-man squad for the two-match Test series scheduled against England in March before the rubber was called off due to the coronavirus outbreak. The mainstay of Sri Lankan batting-order, Mendis was also named in the squad which resumed training post-COVID-crisis. Mendis has represented Sri Lanka in 44 Tests, 76 ODIs and 26 T20Is, amassing 2995 runs, 2164 runs and 484 runs respectively. The middle-order batsman has nine international centuries under his belt along with 28 half-centuries. A gloomy season for Sri Lankan cricket Things have been gloomy in Sri Lankan cricket of-late with allegations of match-fixing in the ICC World Cup 2011 by former sports minister and the arrest of Shehan Madushanka, who was found in possession of drugs. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup set to be postponed this week, BCCI to start planning for IPL 2020 Even though the allegations of match-fixing were dismissed due to lack of evidence, Sri Lankan cricket icons Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene along with Upul Tharanga were grilled by the SIU. Even Aravinda de Silva, who was the chief selector during the 2011 World Cup, was also questioned by the investigating team.

Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis granted bail over deadly accident, agrees to pay 1 million in compensation

<p>Antoine Griezmann answered his critics in style on Sunday by scoring with a sensational chip as Barcelona thrashed Villarreal 4-1 to keep their faint La Liga title hopes alive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the humiliation of being brought on in the 90th minute against his former club Atletico Madrid, Griezmann was back in the starting line-up at La Ceramica and repaid the faith with a stunning goal, teed up by Lionel Messi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was the kind of goal only great players can score," said Barcelona coach Quique Setien. "He played a spectacular match."</p>

<p>Messi also laid on a curling Luis Suarez shot into the top corner after Gerard Moreno cancelled out a Pau Torres own-goal that had put Barca in front. Ansu Fati then added a fourth late on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An impressive victory for Setien's side reduces the gap back to four points behind Real Madrid, who earlier ground out another 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames, with a Sergio Ramos penalty proving the difference.</p>

<p>Madrid's resilient performance, and their third 1-0 victory in a row, offered a stark contrast to a goal-fest from Barcelona that was certainly easier on the eye but instructive on the title race too.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An end-to-end contest, full of chances for both sides, showed Messi, Suarez and Griezmann at their free-flowing best yet the defence was opened up with ease by Villarreal, who might have scored more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Madrid's discipline and organisation has made them firm favourites with four games remaining.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We needed this match a while ago," admitted Setien. "We have to keep adding points and we'll see what happens."</p>

<p>Griezmann had experienced his lowest moment since joining Barcelona on Tuesday in the draw against Atletico but this was the perfect response.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He celebrated his goal by sharing a warm embrace with Messi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Villarreal looked a difficult opponent after winning five games out of six since the restart, a run that has put them in in touching distance of the top four.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This defeat leaves them three points behind Sevilla, who play Eibar on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first half was perhaps the most entertaining in La Liga since the restart, with four goals and chances for two or three more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barca were ahead within three minutes, Torres diverting Jordi Alba's cross into his own net under pressure from Griezmann at the near post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>- Ramos on the spot -</h2>

<p>But Villarreal were level 11 minutes later as a superb pass from Samuel Chukwueze sent Paco Alcacer scampering in down the right and he did brilliantly to switch to Santi Cazorla on the opposite side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cazorla's drive was parried but only to Moreno, who finished.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi laid on two sumptuous assists before half-time but the finishes were even better.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After chesting the ball down in the centre circle, Messi touched and turned, leaving his marker for dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He drove through two Villarreal defenders before pushing the ball left to Suarez, who arrived from the angle on the edge of the box and curled first time into the far corner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If that was power, Griezmann's was finesse, Messi and Suarez combining before Messi dragged back to the Frenchman, who caressed a delightful chip over Sergio Asenjo and in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi thought he had his goal in the second half but Arturo Vidal was offside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suarez was taken off, presumably rested, and Fati added a fourth off the bench. The teenager cut in from the left and pulled his shot back inside the near post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After edging out Getafe on Thursday, through a Ramos spot-kick, Madrid repeated the trick at San Mames, their captain's nerve from the spot combining with a gutsy display for a pivotal win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ramos was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty himself late on when, off the ball, he seemed to slip and tread on the foot of Raul Garcia, but Madrid escaped.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead, the defender's 10th goal of the season, the best tally of his career, proved decisive.</p>

<p>"It's a massive win," said Ramos. "We knew today was going to be one of the biggest games that we have left.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's always a difficult game away at Bilbao and we saw it like that. We're happy with another crucial three points that put more pressure on Barcelona."&nbsp;</p>


Antoine Griezmann answered his critics in style on Sunday by scoring with a sensational chip as Barcelona thrashed Villarreal 4-1 to keep their faint La Liga title hopes alive.

Antoine Griezmann answered his critics in style on Sunday by scoring with a sensational chip as Barcelona thrashed Villarreal 4-1 to keep their faint La Liga title hopes alive. After the humiliation of being brought on in the 90th minute against his former club Atletico Madrid, Griezmann was back in the starting line-up at La Ceramica and repaid the faith with a stunning goal, teed up by Lionel Messi. "It was the kind of goal only great players can score," said Barcelona coach Quique Setien. "He played a spectacular match." Messi also laid on a curling Luis Suarez shot into the top corner after Gerard Moreno cancelled out a Pau Torres own-goal that had put Barca in front. Ansu Fati then added a fourth late on. An impressive victory for Setien's side reduces the gap back to four points behind Real Madrid, who earlier ground out another 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames, with a Sergio Ramos penalty proving the difference. Madrid's resilient performance, and their third 1-0 victory in a row, offered a stark contrast to a goal-fest from Barcelona that was certainly easier on the eye but instructive on the title race too. An end-to-end contest, full of chances for both sides, showed Messi, Suarez and Griezmann at their free-flowing best yet the defence was opened up with ease by Villarreal, who might have scored more. Madrid's discipline and organisation has made them firm favourites with four games remaining. "We needed this match a while ago," admitted Setien. "We have to keep adding points and we'll see what happens." Griezmann had experienced his lowest moment since joining Barcelona on Tuesday in the draw against Atletico but this was the perfect response. He celebrated his goal by sharing a warm embrace with Messi. Villarreal looked a difficult opponent after winning five games out of six since the restart, a run that has put them in in touching distance of the top four. This defeat leaves them three points behind Sevilla, who play Eibar on Monday. The first half was perhaps the most entertaining in La Liga since the restart, with four goals and chances for two or three more. Barca were ahead within three minutes, Torres diverting Jordi Alba's cross into his own net under pressure from Griezmann at the near post. - Ramos on the spot - But Villarreal were level 11 minutes later as a superb pass from Samuel Chukwueze sent Paco Alcacer scampering in down the right and he did brilliantly to switch to Santi Cazorla on the opposite side. Cazorla's drive was parried but only to Moreno, who finished. Messi laid on two sumptuous assists before half-time but the finishes were even better. After chesting the ball down in the centre circle, Messi touched and turned, leaving his marker for dead. He drove through two Villarreal defenders before pushing the ball left to Suarez, who arrived from the angle on the edge of the box and curled first time into the far corner. If that was power, Griezmann's was finesse, Messi and Suarez combining before Messi dragged back to the Frenchman, who caressed a delightful chip over Sergio Asenjo and in. Messi thought he had his goal in the second half but Arturo Vidal was offside. Suarez was taken off, presumably rested, and Fati added a fourth off the bench. The teenager cut in from the left and pulled his shot back inside the near post. After edging out Getafe on Thursday, through a Ramos spot-kick, Madrid repeated the trick at San Mames, their captain's nerve from the spot combining with a gutsy display for a pivotal win. Ramos was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty himself late on when, off the ball, he seemed to slip and tread on the foot of Raul Garcia, but Madrid escaped. Instead, the defender's 10th goal of the season, the best tally of his career, proved decisive. "It's a massive win," said Ramos. "We knew today was going to be one of the biggest games that we have left. "It's always a difficult game away at Bilbao and we saw it like that. We're happy with another crucial three points that put more pressure on Barcelona."

Griezmann stars against Villarreal as Barca keep title hopes alive

<p>The T20 World Cup 2020 to be hosted by Australia in October-November is set to be postponed when the ICC officials meet this Friday. For the last couple of months, the ICC has been delaying a final call on the T20 World Cup as it wants to make a correct call. However, a decision on the showpiece event looks inevitable now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The postponement of T20 World Cup may open up a window for the BCCI to conduct the much-talked-about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> which has also been postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There has been a lot of talks about the postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020, which could be pushed back to 2022 as India is scheduled to host the 2021 edition of the tournament with the 50-over World Cup in 2023 also scheduled to be played in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-unleash-latest-fab-four-in-england-311008" hreflang="en">West Indies unleash latest 'Fab Four' in England</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>T20 World Cup 2020 postponement inevitable, BCCI working on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a>'s schedule</strong></h2>

<p>The report also states that the Cricket Australia has asked its players to prepare for a limited-overs away series against England in mid-September. The BCCI is also chalking out a tentative window for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL 2020</a>, irrespective of ICC’s call on the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The year started on a horrible note and there's been no relief on any front. But as time goes by, we need to take things head-on and ensure that we remain prepared for any eventuality. Cricket is no different. It is time for the BCCI to start planning for the year ahead," Dhumal told TOI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-batsman-kusal-mendis-arrested-over-fatal-crash-310830" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Mendis arrested over fatal crash</a></strong></p>

<p>The IPL 2020 was originally scheduled to commence in March but was suspended indefinitely following the COVID-19 outbreak. The ICC is yet to officially decide on the T20 World Cup and with officials publicly claiming that it would be unrealistic for Australia to host the showpiece event, at this point of time, the final verdict is awaited from the ICC.</p>


The T20 World Cup 2020 to be hosted by Australia in October-November is set to be postponed when the ICC officials meet this Friday. For the last couple of months, the ICC has been delaying a final call on the T20 World Cup as it wants to make a correct call.

The T20 World Cup 2020 to be hosted by Australia in October-November is set to be postponed when the ICC officials meet this Friday. For the last couple of months, the ICC has been delaying a final call on the T20 World Cup as it wants to make a correct call. However, a decision on the showpiece event looks inevitable now. The postponement of T20 World Cup may open up a window for the BCCI to conduct the much-talked-about Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 which has also been postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a lot of talks about the postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020, which could be pushed back to 2022 as India is scheduled to host the 2021 edition of the tournament with the 50-over World Cup in 2023 also scheduled to be played in the country. ALSO READ: West Indies unleash latest 'Fab Four' in England T20 World Cup 2020 postponement inevitable, BCCI working on IPL's schedule The report also states that the Cricket Australia has asked its players to prepare for a limited-overs away series against England in mid-September. The BCCI is also chalking out a tentative window for the IPL 2020, irrespective of ICC’s call on the T20 World Cup. "The year started on a horrible note and there's been no relief on any front. But as time goes by, we need to take things head-on and ensure that we remain prepared for any eventuality. Cricket is no different. It is time for the BCCI to start planning for the year ahead," Dhumal told TOI. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Mendis arrested over fatal crash The IPL 2020 was originally scheduled to commence in March but was suspended indefinitely following the COVID-19 outbreak. The ICC is yet to officially decide on the T20 World Cup and with officials publicly claiming that it would be unrealistic for Australia to host the showpiece event, at this point of time, the final verdict is awaited from the ICC.

T20 World Cup set to be postponed this week, BCCI to start planning for IPL 2020

<p>West Ham rocked Chelsea's top-four hopes and boosted their survival bid with a dramatic 3-2 win, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice as Arsenal climbed back into European contention with a 4-0 thrashing of Norwich on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Chelsea were hoping to take advantage of third-placed Leicester's 2-1 defeat at Everton earlier in the day, but instead the Blues were beaten for the first time since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> restart.</p>

<p>West Ham were denied the opening goal at the London Stadium when VAR ruled Michail Antonio was offside as he lay on the ground while Tomas Soucek slotted home.</p>

<p>Willian fired Chelsea ahead from the penalty spot five minutes before half-time after Issa Diop tripped Christian Pulisic.</p>

<p>Soucek headed home in first-half stoppage time as West Ham finally scored their first goal since the restart.</p>

<p>Antonio put West Ham in front in the 51st minute when he slid in to convert Jarrod Bowen's cross.</p>

<p>Willian's superb 70th-minute free-kick drew Chelsea level, but it was West Ham who broke away to win it in the 89th minute when substitute Andriy Yarmolenko finished a brilliant counter attack.</p>

<p>Chelsea are one point behind Leicester and only two ahead of Manchester United and Wolves as the race to qualify for the Champions League hots up with six games left.</p>

<p>"It's the story of our season. It's been a good season but there have been so many of these moments," Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said.</p>

<p>"I'm not happy with any of the goals. There were details in the game which we knew but we lost because we didn't get them right.</p>

<p>"It's why we are fighting for the top four and not first or second. We don't get things right as much as the big boys do."</p>

<p>West Ham's crucial first win since the restart moved them three points clear of the relegation zone.</p>

<p>At the Emirates Stadium, Aubameyang moved alongside Jamie Vardy as the Premier League's top scorer on 19 goals on a night of contrasting fortunes for the Golden Boot contenders.</p>

<p>Arsenal registered a third straight win to move up to seventh against a Norwich side ever more resigned to relegation.</p>

<p>Canaries keeper Tim Krul did his side no favours by gifting the opener to Aubameyang when he was caught trying to dribble past the Gabon international.</p>

<p>Aubameyang's first saw him reach 50 Premier League goals in 79 appearances -- making him the fastest Arsenal player to reach that landmark.</p>

<p>"A player that is able to score as many goals as he has done in that short space of time tells you everything about the importance that he has for us," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.</p>

<p>Aubameyang turned provider for Granit Xhaka to make it 2-0 before half-time and was then handed another gift when Norwich striker Josip Drmic teed him up to make it 3-0.</p>

<p>Cedric Soares, signed from Southampton in January, made his debut one to remember with a long-range strike nine minutes from time to round off the scoring.</p>

<h2>- Leicester lose more ground -</h2>

<p>Leicester are headed in the opposite direction as their winless run since English football's restart from the coronavirus pandemic stretched to four games.</p>

<p>Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson's penalty gave Everton the perfect start at Goodison Park.</p>

<p>Kelechi Iheanacho's fortunate goal as the ball ricocheted in off his face reduced Leicester's arrears and they pressed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages.</p>

<p>"Our form hasn't been the best for a period now but we still have it in our hands to achieve what would be a dream for us, getting into the top four," said Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.</p>

<p>At the bottom of the table, Bournemouth also suffered a huge blow in their battle to beat the drop with a humiliating 4-1 home defeat by Newcastle.</p>

<p>Dwight Gayle, Sean Longstaff, Miguel Almiron and Valentino Lazaro were on target for the Magpies.</p>

<p>Bournemouth remain in the bottom three and the margin of defeat could also prove costly as they drop below Aston Villa on goal difference into 19th.</p>


West Ham rocked Chelsea's top-four hopes and boosted their survival bid with a dramatic 3-2 win, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice as Arsenal climbed back into European contention with a 4-0 thrashing of Norwich on Wednesday.

West Ham rocked Chelsea's top-four hopes and boosted their survival bid with a dramatic 3-2 win, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice as Arsenal climbed back into European contention with a 4-0 thrashing of Norwich on Wednesday. Chelsea were hoping to take advantage of third-placed Leicester's 2-1 defeat at Everton earlier in the day, but instead the Blues were beaten for the first time since the Premier League restart. West Ham were denied the opening goal at the London Stadium when VAR ruled Michail Antonio was offside as he lay on the ground while Tomas Soucek slotted home. Willian fired Chelsea ahead from the penalty spot five minutes before half-time after Issa Diop tripped Christian Pulisic. Soucek headed home in first-half stoppage time as West Ham finally scored their first goal since the restart. Antonio put West Ham in front in the 51st minute when he slid in to convert Jarrod Bowen's cross. Willian's superb 70th-minute free-kick drew Chelsea level, but it was West Ham who broke away to win it in the 89th minute when substitute Andriy Yarmolenko finished a brilliant counter attack. Chelsea are one point behind Leicester and only two ahead of Manchester United and Wolves as the race to qualify for the Champions League hots up with six games left. "It's the story of our season. It's been a good season but there have been so many of these moments," Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said. "I'm not happy with any of the goals. There were details in the game which we knew but we lost because we didn't get them right. "It's why we are fighting for the top four and not first or second. We don't get things right as much as the big boys do." West Ham's crucial first win since the restart moved them three points clear of the relegation zone. At the Emirates Stadium, Aubameyang moved alongside Jamie Vardy as the Premier League's top scorer on 19 goals on a night of contrasting fortunes for the Golden Boot contenders. Arsenal registered a third straight win to move up to seventh against a Norwich side ever more resigned to relegation. Canaries keeper Tim Krul did his side no favours by gifting the opener to Aubameyang when he was caught trying to dribble past the Gabon international. Aubameyang's first saw him reach 50 Premier League goals in 79 appearances -- making him the fastest Arsenal player to reach that landmark. "A player that is able to score as many goals as he has done in that short space of time tells you everything about the importance that he has for us," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. Aubameyang turned provider for Granit Xhaka to make it 2-0 before half-time and was then handed another gift when Norwich striker Josip Drmic teed him up to make it 3-0. Cedric Soares, signed from Southampton in January, made his debut one to remember with a long-range strike nine minutes from time to round off the scoring. - Leicester lose more ground - Leicester are headed in the opposite direction as their winless run since English football's restart from the coronavirus pandemic stretched to four games. Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson's penalty gave Everton the perfect start at Goodison Park. Kelechi Iheanacho's fortunate goal as the ball ricocheted in off his face reduced Leicester's arrears and they pressed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages. "Our form hasn't been the best for a period now but we still have it in our hands to achieve what would be a dream for us, getting into the top four," said Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers. At the bottom of the table, Bournemouth also suffered a huge blow in their battle to beat the drop with a humiliating 4-1 home defeat by Newcastle. Dwight Gayle, Sean Longstaff, Miguel Almiron and Valentino Lazaro were on target for the Magpies. Bournemouth remain in the bottom three and the margin of defeat could also prove costly as they drop below Aston Villa on goal difference into 19th.

West Ham stun Chelsea, Aubameyang fires Arsenal revival

<p>Max Verstappen will seek a hat-trick of home wins for Red Bull and an early lead in the drivers championship at this weekend's delayed and somewhat surreal season-opening Austrian Grand Prix.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For everyone involved, the race will be an unprecedented experience – the calendar is unknown beyond the first eight races in Europe in 10 weeks, all to be run behind closed doors and severe limitations introduced with a new paddock protocol forbidding meetings.</p>

<p>As racing returns, the COVID-19 virus remains in circulation, which requires all participants to be tested before travel to Austria on private chartered jets, ongoing tests, the separation of teams and car crews into "bubbles" and controlled hotels.</p>

<p>Teams are cut to a maximum of 80 staff, all in protective equipment, there will be no sponsors, no guests and only a limited number of accredited broadcast and written news media.</p>

<p>Journalists, limited to a dozen instead of 300 or more, have to pass a test within 72 hours in advance of arrival and will not be allowed to leave the media centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All interviews and news conferences will take place by video.</p>

<p>The teams will be kept isolated, based in tents with awnings instead of their usual grand motorhomes – and there is expected to be a synchronised taking the knee by the drivers on the grid, to support Black Lives Matter, ahead of Sunday's race.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterwards, there will be no podium ceremony.</p>

<p>When the race begins, it will end the longest gap between races in the sport since 1962, but with two successive races in Austria and then one in Hungary, the pressure will be immediate and intense.</p>

<p>Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: "There's been a long drought. We all do this because we love it. We've missed it, so we can't wait to start."</p>

<p>"It's going to be exciting and intense. The races come thick and fast."</p>

<p>Dutch driver Verstappen, who bullied his way past Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc to triumph in front of a mass of his "orange army" of fans last year, says he is unfazed by high expectations or the absence of spectators at the Red Bull Ring, a remote and compact circuit in the Styrian Alps.</p>

<p>"I am not thinking about a hat-trick," he said.</p>

<p>"The most important thing for me is to have a competitive car and to perform at my best.</p>

<p>"I never consider myself as a favourite because, actually, when you look at the track, it's not even our best one, but last year it was very warm and we were good at keeping the engine cool.</p>

<p>"So I don't expect an easy win – I think Mercedes will be very strong again and they are the ones to beat."</p>

<p>Verstappen, who has kept a low profile during the lockdown, delivered three wins and eight podiums last year as Lewis Hamilton claimed his sixth title with Mercedes, who this year seek an unprecedented seventh constructors' and drivers' double in succession.</p>

<p>Verstappen and team-mate Alex Albon will have an upgraded Honda engine package, developed since the coronavirus lockdown ended, to boost them at the contest in the Styrian Alps where the 800-metre altitude can affect engine performance.</p>

<p>Mercedes will also have an updated package while Ferrari, struggling to match them in pre-season testing, announced Tuesday that they are updating their cars for the third race in Hungary.</p>

<p>Hamilton this year bids for a record-equalling seventh drivers title as he campaigns passionately for greater diversity, and against racism, in the sport.</p>

<p>"We are preparing the best way we can for what is going to be the most difficult season that F1 and all of us have experienced," he said in a video from the team, which – at his prompting -- is running black livery this year to support equality and diversity.</p>


Max Verstappen will seek a hat-trick of home wins for Red Bull and an early lead in the drivers championship at this weekend's delayed and somewhat surreal season-opening Austrian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen will seek a hat-trick of home wins for Red Bull and an early lead in the drivers championship at this weekend's delayed and somewhat surreal season-opening Austrian Grand Prix. For everyone involved, the race will be an unprecedented experience – the calendar is unknown beyond the first eight races in Europe in 10 weeks, all to be run behind closed doors and severe limitations introduced with a new paddock protocol forbidding meetings. As racing returns, the COVID-19 virus remains in circulation, which requires all participants to be tested before travel to Austria on private chartered jets, ongoing tests, the separation of teams and car crews into "bubbles" and controlled hotels. Teams are cut to a maximum of 80 staff, all in protective equipment, there will be no sponsors, no guests and only a limited number of accredited broadcast and written news media. Journalists, limited to a dozen instead of 300 or more, have to pass a test within 72 hours in advance of arrival and will not be allowed to leave the media centre. All interviews and news conferences will take place by video. The teams will be kept isolated, based in tents with awnings instead of their usual grand motorhomes – and there is expected to be a synchronised taking the knee by the drivers on the grid, to support Black Lives Matter, ahead of Sunday's race. Afterwards, there will be no podium ceremony. When the race begins, it will end the longest gap between races in the sport since 1962, but with two successive races in Austria and then one in Hungary, the pressure will be immediate and intense. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: "There's been a long drought. We all do this because we love it. We've missed it, so we can't wait to start." "It's going to be exciting and intense. The races come thick and fast." Dutch driver Verstappen, who bullied his way past Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc to triumph in front of a mass of his "orange army" of fans last year, says he is unfazed by high expectations or the absence of spectators at the Red Bull Ring, a remote and compact circuit in the Styrian Alps. "I am not thinking about a hat-trick," he said. "The most important thing for me is to have a competitive car and to perform at my best. "I never consider myself as a favourite because, actually, when you look at the track, it's not even our best one, but last year it was very warm and we were good at keeping the engine cool. "So I don't expect an easy win – I think Mercedes will be very strong again and they are the ones to beat." Verstappen, who has kept a low profile during the lockdown, delivered three wins and eight podiums last year as Lewis Hamilton claimed his sixth title with Mercedes, who this year seek an unprecedented seventh constructors' and drivers' double in succession. Verstappen and team-mate Alex Albon will have an upgraded Honda engine package, developed since the coronavirus lockdown ended, to boost them at the contest in the Styrian Alps where the 800-metre altitude can affect engine performance. Mercedes will also have an updated package while Ferrari, struggling to match them in pre-season testing, announced Tuesday that they are updating their cars for the third race in Hungary. Hamilton this year bids for a record-equalling seventh drivers title as he campaigns passionately for greater diversity, and against racism, in the sport. "We are preparing the best way we can for what is going to be the most difficult season that F1 and all of us have experienced," he said in a video from the team, which – at his prompting -- is running black livery this year to support equality and diversity.

Formula One in brave new world as Verstappen seeks repeat Austria triumph

<p>Australia on Thursday announced plans to ditch the English Dukes ball in domestic cricket and revert to using only the traditional Kookaburra for the next Sheffield Shield season.</p>

<p>Cricket Australia introduced the Dukes ball in 2016 and they were used in the second half of each Shield season to try to accustom players to conditions in England, where Australian batsmen had often struggled.</p>

<p>Dukes balls tend to have a more pronounced seam, enabling them swing further and for longer when new than the Australian-made Kookaburras.</p>

<p>Cricket Australia's head of operations Peter Roach said reverting to the Kookaburra was the right move at this time.</p>

<p>"The introduction of the Dukes ball has been a worthwhile exercise, particularly in the lead-up to overseas Ashes series where the Dukes is used so well by our English opponents," he said.</p>

<p>"We have been happy with how the ball has performed when used in Australian conditions over the past four seasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We do, however, feel that reverting to one ball for 2020-21 will provide the consistent examination of our players over a full season that (Cricket Australia) and the states are presently seeking," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>While England continue to use Dukes, the Kookaburra is used for Tests in many other parts of the world and widely in limited-overs cricket.</p>

<p>Roach said Cricket Australia could consider reintroducing Dukes balls closer to the next Ashes series in England, which is due to take place in 2023.</p>


Australia on Thursday announced plans to ditch the English Dukes ball in domestic cricket and revert to using only the traditional Kookaburra for the next Sheffield Shield season.

Australia on Thursday announced plans to ditch the English Dukes ball in domestic cricket and revert to using only the traditional Kookaburra for the next Sheffield Shield season. Cricket Australia introduced the Dukes ball in 2016 and they were used in the second half of each Shield season to try to accustom players to conditions in England, where Australian batsmen had often struggled. Dukes balls tend to have a more pronounced seam, enabling them swing further and for longer when new than the Australian-made Kookaburras. Cricket Australia's head of operations Peter Roach said reverting to the Kookaburra was the right move at this time. "The introduction of the Dukes ball has been a worthwhile exercise, particularly in the lead-up to overseas Ashes series where the Dukes is used so well by our English opponents," he said. "We have been happy with how the ball has performed when used in Australian conditions over the past four seasons. "We do, however, feel that reverting to one ball for 2020-21 will provide the consistent examination of our players over a full season that (Cricket Australia) and the states are presently seeking," he added. While England continue to use Dukes, the Kookaburra is used for Tests in many other parts of the world and widely in limited-overs cricket. Roach said Cricket Australia could consider reintroducing Dukes balls closer to the next Ashes series in England, which is due to take place in 2023.

Australia revert to using Kookaburra balls only in domestic cricket

<p>Former Zimbabwe cricketer Grant Flower, who was Pakistan’s batting coach between 2014 and 2019, made a shocking claim as he said Younis Khan once disagreed with his batting tips so much that he brought a knife to his throat and then-Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur had to intervene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Flower, while narrating his experience as the batting coach of Pakistan cricket team, recalled some of the “tough characters” in the dressing room who didn’t take his advice well. However, Flower said that some incidents are part of coaching while being thankful for his splendid career as a cricketer and coach.</p>

<h2><strong>Younis Khan… quite tough to master: Grant Flower</strong></h2>

<p>“Younis Khan… quite tough to master,” said Flower on Following On Cricket Podcast. “Obviously, a brilliant career. I remember one incident in Brisbane, during the Test, at breakfast, I tried to give him a bit of batting advice, not that my career was anywhere near his regarding stats, as he is the highest scorer in Pakistan Test cricket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/n-srinivasan-lashes-out-at-anti-indian-shashank-manohar-for-causing-damage-to-indian-cricket-as-icc-chairman-310182" hreflang="en">N Srinivasan lashes out at 'anti-Indian' Shashank Manohar for causing damage to Indian cricket as ICC chairman</a></strong></p>

<p>“But he didn’t take kindly to my advice and brought a knife to my throat, with Mickey Arthur sitting alongside, who had to intervene. Yeah, it’s been interesting. But that’s part of coaching. It makes it a hell of a journey, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I’m very fortunate to be in the position I am.”</p>

<p>Flower further called Ahmed Shehzad as another “interesting character” in the Pakistan team as he said he is rebellious but added that sometimes being rebel makes them better players but sometimes it may not bear fruits.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-back-in-different-look-as-england-bowlers-give-first-glimpse-of-post-covid-celebrations-watch-310143" hreflang="en">Cricket back in different look as England bowlers give first glimpse of post-COVID celebrations</a></strong></p>

<p>“He is a very skilful batter, but quite rebellious. Every team has got their rebel. Sometimes it makes them better players, sometimes maybe not so.”</p>

<p>Flower, who is now part of the Sri Lankan coaching staff had earlier in 2019, said that one thing he would not miss being in Pakistan were “backstabbing ex-players”.</p>


Former Zimbabwe cricketer Grant Flower, who was Pakistan’s batting coach between 2014 and 2019, made a shocking claim as he said Younis Khan once disagreed with his batting tips so much that he brought a knife to his throat and then-Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur had to intervene.

Former Zimbabwe cricketer Grant Flower, who was Pakistan’s batting coach between 2014 and 2019, made a shocking claim as he said Younis Khan once disagreed with his batting tips so much that he brought a knife to his throat and then-Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur had to intervene. Flower, while narrating his experience as the batting coach of Pakistan cricket team, recalled some of the “tough characters” in the dressing room who didn’t take his advice well. However, Flower said that some incidents are part of coaching while being thankful for his splendid career as a cricketer and coach. Younis Khan… quite tough to master: Grant Flower “Younis Khan… quite tough to master,” said Flower on Following On Cricket Podcast. “Obviously, a brilliant career. I remember one incident in Brisbane, during the Test, at breakfast, I tried to give him a bit of batting advice, not that my career was anywhere near his regarding stats, as he is the highest scorer in Pakistan Test cricket. ALSO READ: N Srinivasan lashes out at 'anti-Indian' Shashank Manohar for causing damage to Indian cricket as ICC chairman “But he didn’t take kindly to my advice and brought a knife to my throat, with Mickey Arthur sitting alongside, who had to intervene. Yeah, it’s been interesting. But that’s part of coaching. It makes it a hell of a journey, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I’m very fortunate to be in the position I am.” Flower further called Ahmed Shehzad as another “interesting character” in the Pakistan team as he said he is rebellious but added that sometimes being rebel makes them better players but sometimes it may not bear fruits. WATCH: Cricket back in different look as England bowlers give first glimpse of post-COVID celebrations “He is a very skilful batter, but quite rebellious. Every team has got their rebel. Sometimes it makes them better players, sometimes maybe not so.” Flower, who is now part of the Sri Lankan coaching staff had earlier in 2019, said that one thing he would not miss being in Pakistan were “backstabbing ex-players”.

‘Younis Khan held a knife to my throat’: Grant Flower on his stint as Pakistan batting coach

<p>Former BCCI president N Srinivasan has slammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shashank-manohar-quits-as-icc-chairman-imran-khawaja-named-interim-head-309930">Shashank Manohar, who stepped down from the post of ICC chairman</a> on Wednesday, for causing damage to Indian cricket while being in charge of the ICC. Apparently, BCCI’s power in the world of cricket has taken a hit since Manohar took charge of the ICC as first independent chairman.</p>

<p>Srinivasan termed Manohar as ‘anti-Indian’ while adding that he has hurt India’s finances in the game and importance in world cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“My personal view is he has done so much damage to Indian cricket that every person involved in Indian cricket will be happy (with his exit). He has hurt India’s finances in the game, has hurt India's chances at the ICC, he has been anti-Indian and has reduced India's importance in world cricket. He is running away now because he knows he will not get any bow from the Indian leadership. He has caused huge damage,” Srinivasan told TOI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/windies-coach-simmons-wont-be-sacked-over-funeral-attendance-310114" hreflang="en">Windies coach Simmons won't be sacked over funeral attendance</a></strong></p>

<p>Under Manohar’s tenure, the BCCI and ICC have been involved in a tussle over several financial issues. Srinivasan claimed that Manohar is running away because he had no chance to continue at the charge of the ICC.</p>

<p>“Ever since the new leadership has come into BCCI, Shashank knew he could not afford to represent India and use that as a vehicle for his convenience. He knew he had no chance (to continue) and therefore he has run away”.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-back-in-different-look-as-england-bowlers-give-first-glimpse-of-post-covid-celebrations-watch-310143" hreflang="en">Cricket back in different look as England bowlers give first glimpse of post-COVID celebrations</a></strong></p>

<p>After Jagmohan Dalmiya passed away in 2015, Manohar took over the charge as BCCI president and India put forward his name for the ICC job.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shashank-manohar-quits-as-icc-chairman-imran-khawaja-named-interim-head-309930">ICC confirmed the news of Manohar stepping down </a>as the governing body said: "ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar has stepped down after two, two-year tenures at its helm. The ICC Board met today and agreed that Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja will assume the responsibilities of the Chairperson until a successor is elected."</p>


Former BCCI president N Srinivasan has slammed Shashank Manohar, who stepped down from the post of ICC chairman on Wednesday, for causing damage to Indian cricket while being in charge of the ICC.

Former BCCI president N Srinivasan has slammed Shashank Manohar, who stepped down from the post of ICC chairman on Wednesday, for causing damage to Indian cricket while being in charge of the ICC. Apparently, BCCI’s power in the world of cricket has taken a hit since Manohar took charge of the ICC as first independent chairman. Srinivasan termed Manohar as ‘anti-Indian’ while adding that he has hurt India’s finances in the game and importance in world cricket. “My personal view is he has done so much damage to Indian cricket that every person involved in Indian cricket will be happy (with his exit). He has hurt India’s finances in the game, has hurt India's chances at the ICC, he has been anti-Indian and has reduced India's importance in world cricket. He is running away now because he knows he will not get any bow from the Indian leadership. He has caused huge damage,” Srinivasan told TOI. ALSO READ: Windies coach Simmons won't be sacked over funeral attendance Under Manohar’s tenure, the BCCI and ICC have been involved in a tussle over several financial issues. Srinivasan claimed that Manohar is running away because he had no chance to continue at the charge of the ICC. “Ever since the new leadership has come into BCCI, Shashank knew he could not afford to represent India and use that as a vehicle for his convenience. He knew he had no chance (to continue) and therefore he has run away”. WATCH: Cricket back in different look as England bowlers give first glimpse of post-COVID celebrations After Jagmohan Dalmiya passed away in 2015, Manohar took over the charge as BCCI president and India put forward his name for the ICC job. Earlier on Wednesday, ICC confirmed the news of Manohar stepping down as the governing body said: "ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar has stepped down after two, two-year tenures at its helm. The ICC Board met today and agreed that Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja will assume the responsibilities of the Chairperson until a successor is elected."

N Srinivasan lashes out at 'anti-Indian' Shashank Manohar for causing damage to Indian cricket as ICC chairman

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