<p>Paris Saint-Germain forward Angel Di Maria was the victim of a burglary during Sunday's loss to Nantes, while robbers also targeted the family home of captain Marquinhos, the latest in a spate of thefts at the club.</p>

<p>Thieves stole jewellery and watches from the house of Argentine international Di Maria in the western Paris suburbs, but "there was no violence" involved, sources told AFP on Monday.</p>

<p>According to the police's special anti-robbery squad, the player's family was home at the time but "didn't come across" the thieves, a source close to the case explained.</p>

<p>They "didn't hear anything" during the ransacking of a safe located upstairs in the home in Neuilly, a police source added. The value of stolen goods has yet to be assessed but is said to be less than 500,000 euros ($600,000).</p>

<p>Di Maria last week signed a one-year extension to his PSG contract until 2022. He was replaced an hour into the 2-1 loss to Nantes following a discussion between sporting director Leonardo and coach Mauricio Pochettino.</p>

<p>The family home of Brazil international Marquinhos was also robbed in the Paris region.</p>

<p>The player's father and two sisters were home during the break-in. A police source said the father was struck in the ribs by the attackers but no injuries were sustained. Several bags containing valuables were stolen, the contents of which have yet to be determined.</p>

<p>PSG forward Mauro Icardi was the victim of a break-in at his home last month. Thiago Silva, Dani Alves and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting were also robbed in recent years while playing for the club.</p>

<p>The commotion off the field seemed to affect PSG's players as Nantes dealt the French champions a seventh Ligue 1 defeat of the season.</p>

<p>"It's not an excuse but there has been an unusual drop in energy," Pochettino said after the match. "We spoke with the players but not about what happened in terms of the football."</p>

<p>"There are situations outside the game which must be considered."</p>

<p>Di Maria previously admitted that an attempted robbery on his family's home during his one year at Manchester United, in 2014-15, had left him keen to leave the Premier League club.</p>


Paris Saint-Germain forward Angel Di Maria was the victim of a burglary during Sunday's loss to Nantes, while robbers also targeted the family home of captain Marquinhos, the latest in a spate of thefts at the club.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Angel Di Maria was the victim of a burglary during Sunday's loss to Nantes, while robbers also targeted the family home of captain Marquinhos, the latest in a spate of thefts at the club. Thieves stole jewellery and watches from the house of Argentine international Di Maria in the western Paris suburbs, but "there was no violence" involved, sources told AFP on Monday. According to the police's special anti-robbery squad, the player's family was home at the time but "didn't come across" the thieves, a source close to the case explained. They "didn't hear anything" during the ransacking of a safe located upstairs in the home in Neuilly, a police source added. The value of stolen goods has yet to be assessed but is said to be less than 500,000 euros ($600,000). Di Maria last week signed a one-year extension to his PSG contract until 2022. He was replaced an hour into the 2-1 loss to Nantes following a discussion between sporting director Leonardo and coach Mauricio Pochettino. The family home of Brazil international Marquinhos was also robbed in the Paris region. The player's father and two sisters were home during the break-in. A police source said the father was struck in the ribs by the attackers but no injuries were sustained. Several bags containing valuables were stolen, the contents of which have yet to be determined. PSG forward Mauro Icardi was the victim of a break-in at his home last month. Thiago Silva, Dani Alves and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting were also robbed in recent years while playing for the club. The commotion off the field seemed to affect PSG's players as Nantes dealt the French champions a seventh Ligue 1 defeat of the season. "It's not an excuse but there has been an unusual drop in energy," Pochettino said after the match. "We spoke with the players but not about what happened in terms of the football." "There are situations outside the game which must be considered." Di Maria previously admitted that an attempted robbery on his family's home during his one year at Manchester United, in 2014-15, had left him keen to leave the Premier League club.

PSG loss overshadowed by thefts at Di Maria, Marquinhos homes

<p>England's remaining three Twenty20 internationals against India will be played behind closed doors because of a surge in coronavirus cases, authorities said Monday.</p>

<p>India's cricket board said the 110,000 capacity Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad would be empty for the games on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.</p>

<p>All five games are being played in the main city in Gujarat state. The series is so far level 1-1.</p>

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has become increasingly wary as Covid-19 cases have surged in many major cities in the past two weeks.</p>

<p>"The decision was arrived at following detailed discussions with the state and local health authorities," said a BCCI statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The BCCI will continue to comply with all the regulations put in place to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus and will always put the health and safety of its fans and stakeholders at the top."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 25,000-plus new cases reported each day across India since the weekend is the highest number since mid-December.</p>

<p>Numbers had been falling since September and India has embarked on a mass vaccination campaign but experts have blamed a slackening of social distancing and mask-wearing for the increase.</p>

<p>An England spokesman expressed confidence that the measure would not have an impact the team.</p>

<p>"Aside from meaning there will be considerably less noise in the stadium it doesn’t materially affect us," said the spokesman.</p>

<p>"We remain in our bubble and even when crowds were in attendance we never came into contact with any of them, and the ball was sanitised whenever it was hit into the stands."</p>

<p>The stadium has put 55,000 tickets on sale for each game and the first two matches saw a big turnout.</p>


England's remaining three Twenty20 internationals against India will be played behind closed doors because of a surge in coronavirus cases, authorities said Monday.

England's remaining three Twenty20 internationals against India will be played behind closed doors because of a surge in coronavirus cases, authorities said Monday. India's cricket board said the 110,000 capacity Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad would be empty for the games on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. All five games are being played in the main city in Gujarat state. The series is so far level 1-1. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has become increasingly wary as Covid-19 cases have surged in many major cities in the past two weeks. "The decision was arrived at following detailed discussions with the state and local health authorities," said a BCCI statement. "The BCCI will continue to comply with all the regulations put in place to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus and will always put the health and safety of its fans and stakeholders at the top." The 25,000-plus new cases reported each day across India since the weekend is the highest number since mid-December. Numbers had been falling since September and India has embarked on a mass vaccination campaign but experts have blamed a slackening of social distancing and mask-wearing for the increase. An England spokesman expressed confidence that the measure would not have an impact the team. "Aside from meaning there will be considerably less noise in the stadium it doesn’t materially affect us," said the spokesman. "We remain in our bubble and even when crowds were in attendance we never came into contact with any of them, and the ball was sanitised whenever it was hit into the stands." The stadium has put 55,000 tickets on sale for each game and the first two matches saw a big turnout.

India-England games go behind closed doors because of pandemic

<p>Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have signed a deal for two all-British world heavyweight title unification fights, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn said on Monday.</p>

<p>Confirming the agreement, Hearn told ESPN: "The hard part is always getting everybody to put pen to paper.</p>

<p>"But this was a major effort from all parties to get this over the line. You had rival promoters, rival networks and rival fighters."</p>

<p>Hearn said a venue for the fights, in which Joahua's WBA, IBF and WBO titles and Fury's WBC belt will be on the line, is set to be confirmed "within the next month".</p>

<p>According to reports, Saudi Arabia, where Joshua won a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019, is the frontrunner to host both fights.</p>

<p>But Hearn told ESPN he "already had approaches from eight or nine sites" across the Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe and America.</p>

<p>"We'd like to get a site deal confirmed in the next month," he said.</p>

<p>Both Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, are expected to earn £100 million ($139 million) each, with the purse split 50-50 for the first fight and 60-40 for the rematch in favour of the defending champion.</p>

<p>Since avenging a shock defeat to Ruiz, Joshua has defended his WBA, IBF and WBO titles against Kubrat Pulev in London in December.</p>

<p>Fury has not fought for more than a year since defeating Deontay Wilder in February 2020 to claim the WBC title.</p>


Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have signed a deal for two all-British world heavyweight title unification fights, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn said on Monday. Confirming the agreement, Hearn told ESPN: "The hard part is always getting everybody to put pen to paper.

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have signed a deal for two all-British world heavyweight title unification fights, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn said on Monday. Confirming the agreement, Hearn told ESPN: "The hard part is always getting everybody to put pen to paper. "But this was a major effort from all parties to get this over the line. You had rival promoters, rival networks and rival fighters." Hearn said a venue for the fights, in which Joahua's WBA, IBF and WBO titles and Fury's WBC belt will be on the line, is set to be confirmed "within the next month". According to reports, Saudi Arabia, where Joshua won a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019, is the frontrunner to host both fights. But Hearn told ESPN he "already had approaches from eight or nine sites" across the Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe and America. "We'd like to get a site deal confirmed in the next month," he said. Both Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, are expected to earn £100 million ($139 million) each, with the purse split 50-50 for the first fight and 60-40 for the rematch in favour of the defending champion. Since avenging a shock defeat to Ruiz, Joshua has defended his WBA, IBF and WBO titles against Kubrat Pulev in London in December. Fury has not fought for more than a year since defeating Deontay Wilder in February 2020 to claim the WBC title.

Joshua, Fury sign two-fight heavyweight unification deal: promoter

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{022cd918-1034-47fa-90c6-0b959c2c3f0f}{94}" paraid="299054925" >The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has just avoided being hit with demerit points after the pitch for the pink-ball Test, which was also the first international match in the refurbished stadium, was rated as&nbsp;"average" despite the match lasting only two days.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f44cc486-b9aa-4eda-9b82-fe864884690a}{18}" paraid="1639972674" >Cricket stadiums can be suspended for a year if they pick five demerit points and for two years if they pick 10. Notably, a “below average" rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee brings a point, a "poor”&nbsp;rating deducts three points while the lowest rating of "unfit" comes with five.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8c4e9271-f351-4e4b-95b3-ddf874bc665c}{233}" paraid="469067671" >Interestingly, demerit points remain active for a rolling five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fec7c4ad-3276-4d8a-8edd-ac95a5c4ab51}{174}" paraid="1398027266" >The Virat Kohli-led India won the third Test inside two days after 30 wickets were taken in five sessions on a 'turning' track at the Narendra Modi Stadium – which is the world's largest cricket venue with a whopping 132,000 seating capacity.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fec7c4ad-3276-4d8a-8edd-ac95a5c4ab51}{174}" paraid="1398027266" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{48b22e00-b93b-44c2-97ee-5b47e5196268}{55}" paraid="701715599" >Former India fast bowler&nbsp;Javagal&nbsp;Srinath was the match referee for the four-match series, which the hosts won 3-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{5}" paraid="356100075" >England were bundled out for 81 in their second innings with both sides failing to reach 150 runs in what was the shortest Test match (completed) since 1935.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{32}" paraid="1944364780" >Several former England players and pundits questioned the suitability of the pitch while their Indian counterparts said the poor batting was due to the pink ball, which replaces the traditional red balls for day-night test matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{32}" paraid="1944364780" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-problem-in-that-first-game-michael-atherton-explains-what-helped-virat-kohli-roar-back-to-form-370577" hreflang="en">'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{50}" paraid="1722523466" >The pitch for the second test at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, which assisted spinners from the first session and ended on the fourth day when India sealed a 317-run win, also earned an “average” rating.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{68}" paraid="1045412067" >Chennai’s pitch for the opening test, which saw an England victory, was rated “very good” while the playing surface for the fourth and final match in Ahmedabad was marked “good”.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{56f6737e-dbc8-4746-a783-2ea85164d2e2}{17}" paraid="922882262" >(With Reuters inputs)&nbsp;</p>


The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has just avoided being hit with demerit points after the pitch for the pink-ball Test, which was also the first international match in the refurbished stadium, was rated as "average" despite the match lasting only two days.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has just avoided being hit with demerit points after the pitch for the pink-ball Test, which was also the first international match in the refurbished stadium, was rated as "average" despite the match lasting only two days. Cricket stadiums can be suspended for a year if they pick five demerit points and for two years if they pick 10. Notably, a “below average" rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee brings a point, a "poor” rating deducts three points while the lowest rating of "unfit" comes with five. Interestingly, demerit points remain active for a rolling five years. The Virat Kohli-led India won the third Test inside two days after 30 wickets were taken in five sessions on a 'turning' track at the Narendra Modi Stadium – which is the world's largest cricket venue with a whopping 132,000 seating capacity. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath was the match referee for the four-match series, which the hosts won 3-1. England were bundled out for 81 in their second innings with both sides failing to reach 150 runs in what was the shortest Test match (completed) since 1935. Several former England players and pundits questioned the suitability of the pitch while their Indian counterparts said the poor batting was due to the pink ball, which replaces the traditional red balls for day-night test matches. ALSO READ: 'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form The pitch for the second test at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, which assisted spinners from the first session and ended on the fourth day when India sealed a 317-run win, also earned an “average” rating. Chennai’s pitch for the opening test, which saw an England victory, was rated “very good” while the playing surface for the fourth and final match in Ahmedabad was marked “good”. (With Reuters inputs)

ICC rates Ahmedabad pitch for two-day test match 'average'

<p>Wicketkeeper-batsman Vishnu Vinod and left-arm medium-fast bowler Lukman Meriwala are eager to show their mettle under Captain Shreyas Iyer and Coach Ricky Ponting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The talented domestic players were picked up by the Delhi Capitals at their base price of Rs 20 lakh in the IPL Auction on 18 February 2021.</p>

<p>Vishnu Vinod, who plays for Kerala in domestic cricket, has scored 906 runs, taken 10 catches and effected 5 stumpings in 35 matches in his T20 career. Meanwhile, Lukman Meriwala has picked up 72 wickets in 44 matches at an average of 14.54 in T20s. The 29-year-old, who plays for Baroda in domestic cricket, finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 with 15 scalps.</p>

<p>Vishnu Vinod expressed that he is looking forward to playing alongside Australian superstar Steve Smith in the upcoming IPL, "I am excited to play in a team of youngsters who were last year’s finalists. It will be exciting to play alongside Steve Smith and to be coached by Ricky Ponting. I am also looking forward to play under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy as well."</p>

<p>The 27-year-old, who played three matches for RCB in IPL 2017, spoke about his experience of sharing the dressing room with AB de Villiers, " I look up to AB de Villiers. I was in awe of AB when I saw him and got to be with him in person. I was too shy to even talk to him. During a team meeting, he once told me 'I will be watching you'. He told me to practice breathing while batting to help me attain clarity while thinking and playing. I have been practising that ever since he told me."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Lukman Meriwala is looking forward to spending time with Delhi Capitals' speedsters Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Kagiso Rabada. "I am really happy to join the Delhi Capitals. My family and the people in my village are also very happy. I am looking forward to speaking with Ishant (Sharma) bhai, Umesh (Yadav) bhai and Kagiso Rabada in the camp. Whenever I make a mistake, I will speak to them and work on my mistakes."</p>

<p>After a fantastic performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021, the fast bowler expected to be picked by an IPL team in the auction. However, it was still a surreal feeling for the 29-year-old when he heard that he had been acquired by an IPL team for the first time in his life.</p>

<p>"When the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 was held, I didn't think about anything else and focussed on only that tournament. After doing well there, I expected to be picked by an IPL team this year. When the auction was going on, I was practising in the nets in Surat. The Vijay Hazare Trophy was going on that time. Our team's (Baroda) video analyst came to the nets and told me that I have been picked by Delhi Capitals. I stopped bowling immediately and was so happy to hear the news. Our nets session was also paused for five minutes as all the players in my team congratulated me," said Meriwala.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-i-first-arrived-at-chennai-csks-lungi-ngidi-reveals-how-ms-dhoni-gave-him-goosebumps-370702" hreflang="en">'When I first arrived at Chennai...': CSK's Lungi Ngidi reveals how MS Dhoni gave him 'goosebumps'</a></strong></p>

<p>The fast bowler has had to endure a long and hard journey until he achieved his IPL dream. Meriwala had given up on cricket at one point, but with his father's support, he has worked his way up the levels of professional cricket.</p>

<p>"I started playing cricket in 2003, but I was playing only club cricket then and I couldn't find a way to move forward. So, I lost hope and gave up cricket, and started working as a welder in 2007. After around two years, my father told me that he would support my career no matter what. Then I played a U-19 tournament for Baroda. After which, I kept working hard and kept moving up the ranks. After returning to cricket in 2009, I made my Ranji Trophy debut in 2017," said the 29-year-old.</p>


Wicketkeeper-batsman Vishnu Vinod and left-arm medium-fast bowler Lukman Meriwala are eager to show their mettle under Captain Shreyas Iyer and Coach Ricky Ponting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Vishnu Vinod and left-arm medium-fast bowler Lukman Meriwala are eager to show their mettle under Captain Shreyas Iyer and Coach Ricky Ponting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The talented domestic players were picked up by the Delhi Capitals at their base price of Rs 20 lakh in the IPL Auction on 18 February 2021. Vishnu Vinod, who plays for Kerala in domestic cricket, has scored 906 runs, taken 10 catches and effected 5 stumpings in 35 matches in his T20 career. Meanwhile, Lukman Meriwala has picked up 72 wickets in 44 matches at an average of 14.54 in T20s. The 29-year-old, who plays for Baroda in domestic cricket, finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 with 15 scalps. Vishnu Vinod expressed that he is looking forward to playing alongside Australian superstar Steve Smith in the upcoming IPL, "I am excited to play in a team of youngsters who were last year’s finalists. It will be exciting to play alongside Steve Smith and to be coached by Ricky Ponting. I am also looking forward to play under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy as well." The 27-year-old, who played three matches for RCB in IPL 2017, spoke about his experience of sharing the dressing room with AB de Villiers, " I look up to AB de Villiers. I was in awe of AB when I saw him and got to be with him in person. I was too shy to even talk to him. During a team meeting, he once told me 'I will be watching you'. He told me to practice breathing while batting to help me attain clarity while thinking and playing. I have been practising that ever since he told me." ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom Meanwhile, Lukman Meriwala is looking forward to spending time with Delhi Capitals' speedsters Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Kagiso Rabada. "I am really happy to join the Delhi Capitals. My family and the people in my village are also very happy. I am looking forward to speaking with Ishant (Sharma) bhai, Umesh (Yadav) bhai and Kagiso Rabada in the camp. Whenever I make a mistake, I will speak to them and work on my mistakes." After a fantastic performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021, the fast bowler expected to be picked by an IPL team in the auction. However, it was still a surreal feeling for the 29-year-old when he heard that he had been acquired by an IPL team for the first time in his life. "When the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 was held, I didn't think about anything else and focussed on only that tournament. After doing well there, I expected to be picked by an IPL team this year. When the auction was going on, I was practising in the nets in Surat. The Vijay Hazare Trophy was going on that time. Our team's (Baroda) video analyst came to the nets and told me that I have been picked by Delhi Capitals. I stopped bowling immediately and was so happy to hear the news. Our nets session was also paused for five minutes as all the players in my team congratulated me," said Meriwala. ALSO READ: 'When I first arrived at Chennai...': CSK's Lungi Ngidi reveals how MS Dhoni gave him 'goosebumps' The fast bowler has had to endure a long and hard journey until he achieved his IPL dream. Meriwala had given up on cricket at one point, but with his father's support, he has worked his way up the levels of professional cricket. "I started playing cricket in 2003, but I was playing only club cricket then and I couldn't find a way to move forward. So, I lost hope and gave up cricket, and started working as a welder in 2007. After around two years, my father told me that he would support my career no matter what. Then I played a U-19 tournament for Baroda. After which, I kept working hard and kept moving up the ranks. After returning to cricket in 2009, I made my Ranji Trophy debut in 2017," said the 29-year-old.

IPL 2021: Vishnu Vinod, Lukman Meriwala share their excitement about joining Delhi Capitals

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b6ee25a9-f93f-48d7-9cb2-6a0d14762481}{101}" paraid="1643780392" >Eoin Morgan is set to achieve an iconic landmark in T20I cricket when he takes the field on Tuesday for the third T20I against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Morgan is set to play his 100th&nbsp;T20I match and thus, will become the first England player and fourth overall to achieve the milestone.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b6ee25a9-f93f-48d7-9cb2-6a0d14762481}{109}" paraid="1453500058" >The likes of Shoaib Malik, Rohit Sharma and Ross Taylor are the only three players to have played 100 or more T20I matches for their respective countries and Morgan is set to join the elite list on Tuesday. Notably, the likes of Martin Guptill, Mohammad Hafeez and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi are the other players to have played 99 T20Is.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b6ee25a9-f93f-48d7-9cb2-6a0d14762481}{109}" paraid="1453500058" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{132}" paraid="84569411" >- Most T20I&nbsp;matches:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{197}" paraid="1359943956" >Shoaib Malik - 116&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{206}" paraid="1290461971" >Rohit Sharma - 108&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{215}" paraid="645408326" >Ross Taylor - 102&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{224}" paraid="1836135725" ><strong><em>EOIN MORGAN - 99&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{233}" paraid="2106436433" >Martin Guptill - 99&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{242}" paraid="2006391594" >Mohammad Hafeez - 99&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea37f2eb-bbed-4f96-8d02-7a5cf82f8c6d}{251}" paraid="878802536" >Shahid Afridi&nbsp;–&nbsp;99&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bc0f2ca2-5320-43f9-9c0c-b577f605f142}{101}" paraid="1278267921" >Morgan would hope to make his 100th&nbsp;match more memorable by taking a lead in the five-T20I series against India. The T20I series is firmly locked at 1-1 after two matches with England winning the opener and India bouncing back in the second T20I.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{00d79571-7c2b-4a3f-8c1b-de85cc81bfe4}{47}" paraid="1081849313" >While England outplayed the hosts in the first T20I, India bounced back strongly after heroics from debutant Ishan Kishan and skipper Virat Kohli.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{00d79571-7c2b-4a3f-8c1b-de85cc81bfe4}{47}" paraid="1081849313" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/record-breaking-virat-kohli-achieves-iconic-milestone-in-t20i-cricket-370598" hreflang="en">Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{919be3b9-73c1-440f-a35c-a53d3beb4838}{149}" paraid="20223875" >“We were probably in and around par, but India bowled well and there's slightly less pace today on the pitch. They put us on the back foot from the start and pace off the ball is always challenging for players. I am glad we played on this wicket, but little disappointed with the way we played,” Morgan had said after the end of the second T20I against India.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb14f0b6-fd6d-41f4-837a-57f7bf1c8566}{41}" paraid="1728093153" >“There's always an advantage in chasing statistically and the disappointing area is we couldn't counter the opposition attack in the first ten overs. The two guys at the top always try and be aggressive as they can and stick with the process. We were always going to&nbsp;miss him (Mark Wood) and hopefully, he will be fit before the next game. We will be practising and the next game is on red soil and there might be more turn,” he added hinting there would be more spin on offer in the third T20I.&nbsp;</p>


Eoin Morgan is set to achieve an iconic landmark in T20I cricket when he takes the field on Tuesday for the third T20I against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Eoin Morgan is set to achieve an iconic landmark in T20I cricket when he takes the field on Tuesday for the third T20I against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Morgan is set to play his 100th T20I match and thus, will become the first England player and fourth overall to achieve the milestone. The likes of Shoaib Malik, Rohit Sharma and Ross Taylor are the only three players to have played 100 or more T20I matches for their respective countries and Morgan is set to join the elite list on Tuesday. Notably, the likes of Martin Guptill, Mohammad Hafeez and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi are the other players to have played 99 T20Is. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom - Most T20I matches: Shoaib Malik - 116 Rohit Sharma - 108 Ross Taylor - 102 EOIN MORGAN - 99 Martin Guptill - 99 Mohammad Hafeez - 99 Shahid Afridi – 99 Morgan would hope to make his 100th match more memorable by taking a lead in the five-T20I series against India. The T20I series is firmly locked at 1-1 after two matches with England winning the opener and India bouncing back in the second T20I. While England outplayed the hosts in the first T20I, India bounced back strongly after heroics from debutant Ishan Kishan and skipper Virat Kohli. ALSO READ: Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket “We were probably in and around par, but India bowled well and there's slightly less pace today on the pitch. They put us on the back foot from the start and pace off the ball is always challenging for players. I am glad we played on this wicket, but little disappointed with the way we played,” Morgan had said after the end of the second T20I against India. “There's always an advantage in chasing statistically and the disappointing area is we couldn't counter the opposition attack in the first ten overs. The two guys at the top always try and be aggressive as they can and stick with the process. We were always going to miss him (Mark Wood) and hopefully, he will be fit before the next game. We will be practising and the next game is on red soil and there might be more turn,” he added hinting there would be more spin on offer in the third T20I.

Eoin Morgan set to become 1st England cricketer to play 100 T20Is

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{92f7709d-cfac-44c0-b79c-e271155a26cf}{99}" paraid="1991790850" >South African speedster Lungi Ngidi has revealed how he was left in awe of MS Dhoni after joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. The Proteas bowler has further revealed how he was taken aback by Dhoni's aura, which gave him goosebumps while adding he is eager to play under 'Captain Cool’ again in IPL 2021, starting from April 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a16e4757-27e8-4f9d-b041-50039f6f34a0}{206}" paraid="1705237943" >"When I first arrived at Chennai, you'd walk out and you'd hear the crowd chant his name, you would get goosebumps and they're not even talking about you. He is massive for cricket, massive for Chennai. Like everyone says, Captain Cool," Ngidi told&nbsp;ESPNCricinfo.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{09b08fca-9025-4383-83ee-aba9445bcc3d}{203}" paraid="541123403" >Ngidi scalped 11 wickets from seven matches in 2018 before opting out of the next edition due to injury. In IPL 2020, Ngidi played four matches but picked up nine wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{09b08fca-9025-4383-83ee-aba9445bcc3d}{203}" paraid="541123403" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37fd5ae7-d404-4fc7-919c-09342a7c3745}{110}" paraid="502057297" >The South African quick bowler hailed Dhoni for the way he carries himself while also lauding his nature of keeping his emotions in check.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37fd5ae7-d404-4fc7-919c-09342a7c3745}{119}" paraid="1898479982" >"He's been very consistent; that's the one thing I was amazed at the most… his consistency and how he carries himself, behaves as a captain. For me, that was one of the most amazing things. Never showing too much emotion but when you'd need to get a bit of a pick-up talk from the captain, he'd give it to you. Very amazing man and very happy to be playing under him," Ngidi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37fd5ae7-d404-4fc7-919c-09342a7c3745}{128}" paraid="1529109829" >CSK added the likes of Moeen Ali,&nbsp;Krishnappa Gowtham, Cheteshwar Pujara, M Harisankar Reddy, K Bhagath Varma and C Hari Nishanth&nbsp;to their squad in the IPL 2021 auction and Ngidi is looking forward to playing with them in the tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37fd5ae7-d404-4fc7-919c-09342a7c3745}{128}" paraid="1529109829" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/record-breaking-virat-kohli-achieves-iconic-milestone-in-t20i-cricket-370598" hreflang="en">Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37fd5ae7-d404-4fc7-919c-09342a7c3745}{182}" paraid="521122859" >"The combination is going to be interesting to see. Who plays, who misses out but the coaching staff and the captain get along very well and they've always got plans to fix things. So, I'm really excited to see how the guys are going to get it this year," the fast bowler said.&nbsp;</p>


South African speedster Lungi Ngidi has revealed how he was left in awe of MS Dhoni after joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.

South African speedster Lungi Ngidi has revealed how he was left in awe of MS Dhoni after joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. The Proteas bowler has further revealed how he was taken aback by Dhoni's aura, which gave him goosebumps while adding he is eager to play under 'Captain Cool’ again in IPL 2021, starting from April 9. "When I first arrived at Chennai, you'd walk out and you'd hear the crowd chant his name, you would get goosebumps and they're not even talking about you. He is massive for cricket, massive for Chennai. Like everyone says, Captain Cool," Ngidi told ESPNCricinfo. Ngidi scalped 11 wickets from seven matches in 2018 before opting out of the next edition due to injury. In IPL 2020, Ngidi played four matches but picked up nine wickets. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom The South African quick bowler hailed Dhoni for the way he carries himself while also lauding his nature of keeping his emotions in check. "He's been very consistent; that's the one thing I was amazed at the most… his consistency and how he carries himself, behaves as a captain. For me, that was one of the most amazing things. Never showing too much emotion but when you'd need to get a bit of a pick-up talk from the captain, he'd give it to you. Very amazing man and very happy to be playing under him," Ngidi added. CSK added the likes of Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham, Cheteshwar Pujara, M Harisankar Reddy, K Bhagath Varma and C Hari Nishanth to their squad in the IPL 2021 auction and Ngidi is looking forward to playing with them in the tournament. ALSO READ: Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket "The combination is going to be interesting to see. Who plays, who misses out but the coaching staff and the captain get along very well and they've always got plans to fix things. So, I'm really excited to see how the guys are going to get it this year," the fast bowler said.

'When I first arrived at Chennai...': CSK's Lungi Ngidi reveals how MS Dhoni gave him 'goosebumps'

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f966e8c2-7acf-478e-9452-5e17aad0c103}{33}" paraid="340136393" >England opener Jason Roy is confident that England would make a comeback in the ongoing five-match T20I series against India. The T20I series between India and England is firmly locked at 1-1 with the hosts winning the second T20I by seven wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7b9e9e42-7ff9-420a-ac8c-8fc0ba5c1b6c}{123}" paraid="2019792913" >Roy, who has been on a good run of form in the series with scores of 49 and 46, said India are a class team&nbsp;while adding the visitors are full of confidence heading into the crucial third match of the series, scheduled to be played on Tuesday in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a2d5bfbb-2dbf-4eb0-afeb-5d9f2a83b355}{16}" paraid="483127157" >"I am very confident that we can bounce back. India is a class team, but the way we started the series in the first game, was a bit comprehensive than what they gave us last night. I think going into the third game, we are full of confidence, in the last eight overs of our batting yesterday, we found it a bit difficult, we are a&nbsp;fast-learning&nbsp;side so I am confident that we will bounce back," said Roy during a virtual press conference on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{737a1c1c-470a-403b-9091-2ad93565b1c0}{239}" paraid="1069791274" >"I learnt that I am staying on my shots a little bit more. You saw a couple of my reverse sweeps, I missed some of the balls but I rectified it during the course of my innings and it is just a pitch where you have to pick your bowler. Unfortunately, the bowler I picked got me out, Washington was the guy I was looking to target, unfortunately, it did not go my way. It was a slow and tough pitch, they made light work of it," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{737a1c1c-470a-403b-9091-2ad93565b1c0}{239}" paraid="1069791274" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a2d5bfbb-2dbf-4eb0-afeb-5d9f2a83b355}{40}" paraid="143887415" >Roy, like the first T20I, was looking for a big score in the second match, but similar to the series opener, Washington Sundar dismissed him just before his half-century. Roy said that he is still looking to get a big score.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{74e28992-992e-4032-b1d0-f139101f7d47}{63}" paraid="1600158707" >The England opener shared his thoughts on the bio-secure bubble life and how challenging it has been for the players.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0b779cfd-2fb4-4fd9-ac5d-a35f4c538ed0}{218}" paraid="156054191" >"I think the whole squad has played a huge amount of cricket in the sub-continent, playing in this five-match series and then the ODIs, it will hold us in good stead. Last night, we made a few mistakes, it is all fun. Still looking for that big score, those 40s are great, but to get a competitive total in T20Is, you need someone getting a big score. There is still a lot to improve on," said Roy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{737a1c1c-470a-403b-9091-2ad93565b1c0}{251}" paraid="1095752687" >"I just think the last year has been a huge learning curve, everything that went on with Covid-19 and bubble life, with all this stuff that could cloud your judgment, it has been a huge learning curve. That is all behind me and I am looking forward to the next innings. I think that's my target, my mindset is to get the best possible start for the team, put aside how I might be feeling, my job is to not mess around, really," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{737a1c1c-470a-403b-9091-2ad93565b1c0}{251}" paraid="1095752687" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/record-breaking-virat-kohli-achieves-iconic-milestone-in-t20i-cricket-370598" hreflang="en">Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f966e8c2-7acf-478e-9452-5e17aad0c103}{8}" paraid="576991010" >Further elaborating on his point, Roy said: "To score a hundred in the T20 format, you need to be ultra-aggressive. You are looking to face a maximum of 60 balls and then scoring a hundred, you need to be aggressive. It is a mixture of aggression and pretty calculated stuff if you want to get those big scores. If you live by the sword, you need to be willing to die by it."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f966e8c2-7acf-478e-9452-5e17aad0c103}{20}" paraid="811081445" >When asked about his take on ECB's rotation policy, Roy said: "It is quite an easy stance to take from outside of these bubbles. I think the rest side of the things is coming as the mental well-being of players needs to be looked at. We are here for three weeks, but the Test team first went on to Sri Lanka, and then it was here. That is mentally taxing on you and your family, so from my point of view, they are just taking a mental rest and it is not anything physical. This environment is quite demanding."&nbsp;</p>


England opener Jason Roy is confident that England would make a comeback in the ongoing five-match T20I series against India. The T20I series between India and England is firmly locked at 1-1 with the hosts winning the second T20I by seven wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

England opener Jason Roy is confident that England would make a comeback in the ongoing five-match T20I series against India. The T20I series between India and England is firmly locked at 1-1 with the hosts winning the second T20I by seven wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Roy, who has been on a good run of form in the series with scores of 49 and 46, said India are a class team while adding the visitors are full of confidence heading into the crucial third match of the series, scheduled to be played on Tuesday in Ahmedabad. "I am very confident that we can bounce back. India is a class team, but the way we started the series in the first game, was a bit comprehensive than what they gave us last night. I think going into the third game, we are full of confidence, in the last eight overs of our batting yesterday, we found it a bit difficult, we are a fast-learning side so I am confident that we will bounce back," said Roy during a virtual press conference on Monday. "I learnt that I am staying on my shots a little bit more. You saw a couple of my reverse sweeps, I missed some of the balls but I rectified it during the course of my innings and it is just a pitch where you have to pick your bowler. Unfortunately, the bowler I picked got me out, Washington was the guy I was looking to target, unfortunately, it did not go my way. It was a slow and tough pitch, they made light work of it," he added. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom Roy, like the first T20I, was looking for a big score in the second match, but similar to the series opener, Washington Sundar dismissed him just before his half-century. Roy said that he is still looking to get a big score. The England opener shared his thoughts on the bio-secure bubble life and how challenging it has been for the players. "I think the whole squad has played a huge amount of cricket in the sub-continent, playing in this five-match series and then the ODIs, it will hold us in good stead. Last night, we made a few mistakes, it is all fun. Still looking for that big score, those 40s are great, but to get a competitive total in T20Is, you need someone getting a big score. There is still a lot to improve on," said Roy. "I just think the last year has been a huge learning curve, everything that went on with Covid-19 and bubble life, with all this stuff that could cloud your judgment, it has been a huge learning curve. That is all behind me and I am looking forward to the next innings. I think that's my target, my mindset is to get the best possible start for the team, put aside how I might be feeling, my job is to not mess around, really," he added. ALSO READ: Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket Further elaborating on his point, Roy said: "To score a hundred in the T20 format, you need to be ultra-aggressive. You are looking to face a maximum of 60 balls and then scoring a hundred, you need to be aggressive. It is a mixture of aggression and pretty calculated stuff if you want to get those big scores. If you live by the sword, you need to be willing to die by it." When asked about his take on ECB's rotation policy, Roy said: "It is quite an easy stance to take from outside of these bubbles. I think the rest side of the things is coming as the mental well-being of players needs to be looked at. We are here for three weeks, but the Test team first went on to Sri Lanka, and then it was here. That is mentally taxing on you and your family, so from my point of view, they are just taking a mental rest and it is not anything physical. This environment is quite demanding."

Confident England will bounce back against India, says Jason Roy ahead of 3rd T20I

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9153f47f-0a93-4685-9199-a06f1fc7c1c3}{103}" paraid="265794479" >Former England pacer Ryan Sidebottom has achieved it all when it comes to playing international cricket. From making international debut at the iconic Lord's, picking up a Test hat-trick against New Zealand,&nbsp;to winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2010, Sidebottom's achievements speak for themselves. A left-arm pacer who could swing it big and a fierce competitor on the field, Sidebottom is&nbsp;turning the clock back&nbsp;in the Road Safety World Series for England Legends – almost 11 years since hanging his boots from international cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{81819fd5-dc20-4f65-bd2e-0d673b02c627}{66}" paraid="361520939" >In an exclusive interview with WION, Ryan Sidebottom, who played 65 matches for England across formats, talked about his experience of playing in India against the legends of the game while also sharing his take on ongoing England's tour of India, the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and who he feels is the best batsman in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{81819fd5-dc20-4f65-bd2e-0d673b02c627}{66}" paraid="361520939" ><img alt="Ryan Sidebottom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8cd1be0e-ab22-4df1-81d2-1f2a69ac9ee0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_DV320060.jpg" /></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c68d87ee-6d0e-4483-b3d5-b61c4d1ee533}{2}" paraid="480994463" >With 50 per cent crowd allowed inside the stadiums for the Road Safety World Series, the fans have been at their best to cheer for the greats of the game. With the likes of&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar,&nbsp;Brian Lara,&nbsp;Kevin Pietersen,&nbsp;Tillakaratne&nbsp;Dilshan, Jonty Rhodes among other&nbsp;legends&nbsp;participating in the tournament, the crowd has made sure to give the former stars a great reception on the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c3d98f37-51e9-41fb-9774-22936f2ff789}{214}" paraid="1684605402" >When asked about his experience of playing in India, Sidebottom told WION: “It has been great! The people here are so welcoming and the hospitality is just unbelievable. To be able to play with and against some of the legends of the game is an&nbsp;honour. The crowd has been incredible. The noise level they produce in the ground is unmatchable. To be back on the field after many years with all other players feels great and to be able to play in front of crowd after a tough year for all is great.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3810cb70-48b0-4d12-b8e0-5b81b0c4d7a6}{36}" paraid="330338323" >“Everyone here is in good spirits. We are playing for a good cause, to increase awareness around&nbsp;road safety. It is great to catch up with all the mates. We all want to play good cricket and entertain the crowd.&nbsp;Thank you so much for coming in and supporting us and other teams participating in the Road Safety World Series. It has been a surreal experience playing in front of the crowd. Keep coming and supporting us as we continue to play for a good cause.” the former England left-arm pacer added.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3810cb70-48b0-4d12-b8e0-5b81b0c4d7a6}{36}" paraid="330338323" ><img alt="Ryan Sidebottom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15d266e5-a070-490e-8b35-2e0d2e77629a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EwbzphbUYA8Zbe5_0.jpg" />&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{672403ec-1856-4a6d-a97a-eadbacb72e4e}{211}" paraid="189387817" >The match between India Legends and England Legends has been hailed as the best match of the&nbsp;Road Safety World Series&nbsp;so far. While Kevin Pietersen smashed it all over the park for England Legends, the likes of Irfan Pathan and Manpreet&nbsp;Gony&nbsp;took the match to the last over of the match with Sidebottom successfully defending 19 runs – as he did against India in the T20 World Cup back in 2009.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{672403ec-1856-4a6d-a97a-eadbacb72e4e}{211}" paraid="189387817" ><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-virat-kohli-369784" hreflang="en">England favourites to win T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{672403ec-1856-4a6d-a97a-eadbacb72e4e}{211}" paraid="189387817" >"Great to be back playing with some greats of the game"</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cc45b37e-3adc-443e-a720-68c15447d2ea}{71}" paraid="1118966016" >"It was great. To play against greats like&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag among so many others is a huge&nbsp;honour. The crowd was going bonkers when we played against them. KP&nbsp;(Kevin Pietersen)&nbsp;did really well with the bat to put us in a strong position, Monty Panesar was superb with the ball. But to be honest my heart is still racing thinking about the hitting from Irfan and&nbsp;Gony.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{771c533b-edd9-49eb-8d59-53cdb74b8736}{160}" paraid="1697944827" >"Thankfully, we won and it was great fun to be involved in such a high-octane match.&nbsp;The stats popped up after the match ended and the guys started to share on our chat group, it was a nice moment and we all had a good laugh,” Sidebottom, who has 79 Test wickets,&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deja vu, boys are still buzzing from the amazing game last night. No wonder <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPL</a> is the best T20 league in the world. India is the place to be. <a href="https://twitter.com/RSWorldSeries?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RSWorldSeries</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KP24</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianLara?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianLara</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanSidebottom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RyanSidebottom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Hoggy602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hoggy602</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmyt20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jimmyt20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/scho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@scho</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sonamakapoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sonamakapoor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/karanjohar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@karanjohar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilSharmaK9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KapilSharmaK9</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/IhInhtwUqz">pic.twitter.com/IhInhtwUqz</a></p>
— Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) <a href="https://twitter.com/MontyPanesar/status/1369518301420736512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Coming to international cricket,&nbsp;England suffered a 3-1 series defeat to India in the recently concluded four-Test series with Virat Kohli &amp; Co making a comeback after losing the opener by 227 runs. Sidebottom reckons India simply outplayed England on their home conditions&nbsp;while adding England simply didn't have answers for the way hosts played.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20i-series-against-india-an-opportunity-to-prepare-for-world-cup-says-englands-eoin-morgan-369789" hreflang="en">T20I series against India an opportunity to prepare for World Cup, says England's Eoin Morgan</a></strong></p>

<h2>"Credit to India for dominating the Test series"</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5bd41d0a-90eb-47dd-b1d5-c37923e3b2b4}{47}" paraid="1389217727" >“Credit to India, they were simply brilliant in their home conditions. I feel England could have done a lot better when they batted first. The first Test win was great but India got their basics right in the next matches to rightly win the series. England were dominated and outplayed, and for that, we have to credit the Indian players and not shift the focus on pitches because both the teams play on it and it is equal for everyone involved in that particular match. The likes of&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;and Ashwin were great&nbsp;with&nbsp;the ball and the Indian batters showed how to bat on those pitches in Chennai and Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{409dffc3-e915-4ca3-9e2d-067b0592889d}{198}" paraid="550905825" >“Also, I feel it was a great opportunity for English players to be heroes and inspire&nbsp;millions as the Test series was on free-to-air television,” the former England pacer said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5bd41d0a-90eb-47dd-b1d5-c37923e3b2b4}{2}" paraid="1430150330" >Ongoing England's tour of India has seen the visitors being&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;for their rotation policy. While the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali among a few others couldn't play the complete four-match Test series due to England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) strict rotation policy, former players and pundits have&nbsp;not minced their words while&nbsp;criticising&nbsp;the&nbsp;rotation tradition. However, Sidebottom has a different take on the matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bbc2b322-28e3-4de7-80c5-4ad3cc1640c0}{5}" paraid="2083264235" >“Look, I would have been against it had it been normal days for us as human beings. Bio-bubble life is not easy and different individuals react to certain conditions differently. For me, Test cricket is the&nbsp;pinnacle&nbsp;and then come other formats so I would always prefer the best players playing&nbsp;red-ball cricket. But with players staying away from their families for long periods and sometimes confined to their hotel rooms, you know it is not easy,” Sidebottom opined.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bbc2b322-28e3-4de7-80c5-4ad3cc1640c0}{5}" paraid="2083264235" ><img alt="Ryan Sidebottom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="63617ead-3d55-4b0e-8e79-bea5d93f5ca3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Was2203549.jpg" /></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{816ae230-339f-4a54-bb58-ee46580cae80}{37}" paraid="1383505858" >After the completion of the four-Test series between India and England, both sides have started their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India later in the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{816ae230-339f-4a54-bb58-ee46580cae80}{37}" paraid="1383505858" >England one of the favourites for T20 World Cup but don't rule out India: Ryan Sidebottom</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c680a41f-41d9-40ae-b910-9a1966ebb9b8}{69}" paraid="1629325543" >Sidebottom feels England will&nbsp;be one of the&nbsp;favourites&nbsp;to win the T20 World Cup given the brand of white-ball cricket they have played in recent times. However, the former left-arm paceman has said that teams like India and Australia will be a force to reckon with in the much-awaited tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{480beaba-2684-4330-990f-3f5d29dcc2e7}{5}" paraid="1801933108" >“England&nbsp;will&nbsp;be one of the&nbsp;favourites&nbsp;to win the T20 World Cup. The way England have approached their limited-overs cricket is refreshing to watch and that helped them win the 50-over World Cup in 2019. But there are some great sides. Don't rule out India, Australia, the West Indies among others, they all have quality players at their helm,&nbsp;so I feel it would be a fantastic tournament to watch and the contest would be really tight. I hope, England would&nbsp;be able to win it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{480beaba-2684-4330-990f-3f5d29dcc2e7}{5}" paraid="1801933108" ><img alt="Ryan Sidebottom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="032cc74e-cdcf-427f-9f8c-e647e0eb3d2f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Was3085219.jpg" /></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8ef46fee-f893-427c-830e-d984f599f49b}{9}" paraid="1895819911" >Sidebottom, whose career was cut short due to persistent injury issues, hailed the quality of pacer in international cricket while also lauding the fitness levels of today's cricketers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dfdac813-8ee3-448c-b24d-6cac790aa659}{149}" paraid="1651370133" >When asked what does he make of the&nbsp;quality of&nbsp;pacers in international cricket, the 2010 T20 World Cup winner said:&nbsp;“There are some fantastic pacers going around. The likes of Pat Cummins, Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Kagiso&nbsp;Rabada, Trent Boult,&nbsp;Jofra Archer&nbsp;so many good pacers.&nbsp;The quality of pace bowling which we have witnessed in the last few years have been top-notch. The fitness levels of today's players are on different levels&nbsp;and it is a great spectacle to see them steaming in and bowling with good pace across formats.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dfdac813-8ee3-448c-b24d-6cac790aa659}{149}" paraid="1651370133" >"Virat Kohli the best in the business"</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0ca6a451-9404-43f9-82bd-a0bc3a906cb6}{228}" paraid="430970072" >When asked who, according to him, is the best player currently, the former England pacer said: “When we talk about the best in the business, the name of Virat Kohli comes to my mind.&nbsp;He is pretty good, isn't he?”&nbsp;</p>


Former England pacer Ryan Sidebottom has achieved it all when it comes to playing international cricket. From making international debut at the iconic Lord's, picking up a Test hat-trick against New Zealand, to winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2010, Sidebottom's achievements speak for themselves.

Former England pacer Ryan Sidebottom has achieved it all when it comes to playing international cricket. From making international debut at the iconic Lord's, picking up a Test hat-trick against New Zealand, to winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2010, Sidebottom's achievements speak for themselves. A left-arm pacer who could swing it big and a fierce competitor on the field, Sidebottom is turning the clock back in the Road Safety World Series for England Legends – almost 11 years since hanging his boots from international cricket. In an exclusive interview with WION, Ryan Sidebottom, who played 65 matches for England across formats, talked about his experience of playing in India against the legends of the game while also sharing his take on ongoing England's tour of India, the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and who he feels is the best batsman in the world. With 50 per cent crowd allowed inside the stadiums for the Road Safety World Series, the fans have been at their best to cheer for the greats of the game. With the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Kevin Pietersen, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Jonty Rhodes among other legends participating in the tournament, the crowd has made sure to give the former stars a great reception on the ground. When asked about his experience of playing in India, Sidebottom told WION: “It has been great! The people here are so welcoming and the hospitality is just unbelievable. To be able to play with and against some of the legends of the game is an honour. The crowd has been incredible. The noise level they produce in the ground is unmatchable. To be back on the field after many years with all other players feels great and to be able to play in front of crowd after a tough year for all is great.” “Everyone here is in good spirits. We are playing for a good cause, to increase awareness around road safety. It is great to catch up with all the mates. We all want to play good cricket and entertain the crowd. Thank you so much for coming in and supporting us and other teams participating in the Road Safety World Series. It has been a surreal experience playing in front of the crowd. Keep coming and supporting us as we continue to play for a good cause.” the former England left-arm pacer added. The match between India Legends and England Legends has been hailed as the best match of the Road Safety World Series so far. While Kevin Pietersen smashed it all over the park for England Legends, the likes of Irfan Pathan and Manpreet Gony took the match to the last over of the match with Sidebottom successfully defending 19 runs – as he did against India in the T20 World Cup back in 2009. WATCH: England favourites to win T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli "Great to be back playing with some greats of the game" "It was great. To play against greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag among so many others is a huge honour. The crowd was going bonkers when we played against them. KP (Kevin Pietersen) did really well with the bat to put us in a strong position, Monty Panesar was superb with the ball. But to be honest my heart is still racing thinking about the hitting from Irfan and Gony. "Thankfully, we won and it was great fun to be involved in such a high-octane match. The stats popped up after the match ended and the guys started to share on our chat group, it was a nice moment and we all had a good laugh,” Sidebottom, who has 79 Test wickets, said. Deja vu, boys are still buzzing from the amazing game last night. No wonder @IPL is the best T20 league in the world. India is the place to be. @RSWorldSeries @sachin_rt @KP24 @BrianLara @RyanSidebottom @Hoggy602 @jimmyt20 @scho @sonamakapoor @karanjohar @KapilSharmaK9 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/IhInhtwUqz — Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) March 10, 2021 × Coming to international cricket, England suffered a 3-1 series defeat to India in the recently concluded four-Test series with Virat Kohli & Co making a comeback after losing the opener by 227 runs. Sidebottom reckons India simply outplayed England on their home conditions while adding England simply didn't have answers for the way hosts played. ALSO READ: T20I series against India an opportunity to prepare for World Cup, says England's Eoin Morgan "Credit to India for dominating the Test series" “Credit to India, they were simply brilliant in their home conditions. I feel England could have done a lot better when they batted first. The first Test win was great but India got their basics right in the next matches to rightly win the series. England were dominated and outplayed, and for that, we have to credit the Indian players and not shift the focus on pitches because both the teams play on it and it is equal for everyone involved in that particular match. The likes of Axar and Ashwin were great with the ball and the Indian batters showed how to bat on those pitches in Chennai and Ahmedabad. “Also, I feel it was a great opportunity for English players to be heroes and inspire millions as the Test series was on free-to-air television,” the former England pacer said. Ongoing England's tour of India has seen the visitors being criticised for their rotation policy. While the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali among a few others couldn't play the complete four-match Test series due to England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) strict rotation policy, former players and pundits have not minced their words while criticising the rotation tradition. However, Sidebottom has a different take on the matter. “Look, I would have been against it had it been normal days for us as human beings. Bio-bubble life is not easy and different individuals react to certain conditions differently. For me, Test cricket is the pinnacle and then come other formats so I would always prefer the best players playing red-ball cricket. But with players staying away from their families for long periods and sometimes confined to their hotel rooms, you know it is not easy,” Sidebottom opined. After the completion of the four-Test series between India and England, both sides have started their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India later in the year. England one of the favourites for T20 World Cup but don't rule out India: Ryan Sidebottom Sidebottom feels England will be one of the favourites to win the T20 World Cup given the brand of white-ball cricket they have played in recent times. However, the former left-arm paceman has said that teams like India and Australia will be a force to reckon with in the much-awaited tournament. “England will be one of the favourites to win the T20 World Cup. The way England have approached their limited-overs cricket is refreshing to watch and that helped them win the 50-over World Cup in 2019. But there are some great sides. Don't rule out India, Australia, the West Indies among others, they all have quality players at their helm, so I feel it would be a fantastic tournament to watch and the contest would be really tight. I hope, England would be able to win it. Sidebottom, whose career was cut short due to persistent injury issues, hailed the quality of pacer in international cricket while also lauding the fitness levels of today's cricketers. When asked what does he make of the quality of pacers in international cricket, the 2010 T20 World Cup winner said: “There are some fantastic pacers going around. The likes of Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Jofra Archer so many good pacers. The quality of pace bowling which we have witnessed in the last few years have been top-notch. The fitness levels of today's players are on different levels and it is a great spectacle to see them steaming in and bowling with good pace across formats.” "Virat Kohli the best in the business" When asked who, according to him, is the best player currently, the former England pacer said: “When we talk about the best in the business, the name of Virat Kohli comes to my mind. He is pretty good, isn't he?”

Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom

In Pics: Jasprit Bumrah gets bowled over, marries Sanjana Ganesan in Goa

<p>Spectators will be barred from the start of the Tokyo Olympics torch relay, organisers said Monday, announcing a pared-back launch ceremony.</p>

<p>"The Grand Start ceremony and the first section of the Fukushima Torch Relay... will not be open to the public, but it will be broadcast live via a Tokyo 2020 official channel," Tokyo 2020 said in a statement.</p>

<p>The announcement comes ahead of a decision on whether fans from overseas will be allowed to enter Japan for the coronavirus-delayed Games, which is expected to be taken before the torch relay begins on March 25.</p>


Spectators will be barred from the start of the Tokyo Olympics torch relay, organisers said Monday, announcing a pared-back launch ceremony. "The Grand Start ceremony and the first section of the Fukushima Torch Relay.

Spectators will be barred from the start of the Tokyo Olympics torch relay, organisers said Monday, announcing a pared-back launch ceremony. "The Grand Start ceremony and the first section of the Fukushima Torch Relay... will not be open to the public, but it will be broadcast live via a Tokyo 2020 official channel," Tokyo 2020 said in a statement. The announcement comes ahead of a decision on whether fans from overseas will be allowed to enter Japan for the coronavirus-delayed Games, which is expected to be taken before the torch relay begins on March 25.

Spectators barred from Tokyo Olympics torch relay start: organisers

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{017a06bf-f918-411c-a84f-ee3b11507c5b}{174}" paraid="1030069183" >Virat Kohli continues to shatter the record books as on Sunday the Indian skipper became the first-ever player to score 3000 international runs following his unbeaten 73 off 49 deliveries in the second T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{017a06bf-f918-411c-a84f-ee3b11507c5b}{182}" paraid="1480597471" >Courtesy half-centuries by debutant Ishan Kishan and Kohli, India chased down a target of 165 runs in 17.5 overs to&nbsp;equalise&nbsp;the five-match series 1-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b5324984-ca28-48ac-bdc6-93c30d8c04ad}{74}" paraid="599031293" >Kohli, who was 72 runs away from the iconic landmark of scoring 3000 T20I runs, hammered an unbeaten 73 to become the first-ever player to amass 3000 T20I runs. The Indian skipper finished the match off in style with two glorious strokes – a flicked boundary and a pulled six off Chris Jordan.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b5324984-ca28-48ac-bdc6-93c30d8c04ad}{74}" paraid="599031293" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-problem-in-that-first-game-michael-atherton-explains-what-helped-virat-kohli-roar-back-to-form-370577" hreflang="en">'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d3ac331f-5340-4368-86b5-a73e5d6e23f1}{214}" paraid="30886786" >The Indian skipper now has scored 6001 runs in 87 T20Is since making his debut in Zimbabwe in 2010. He now is the only player to have an average of 50+ in all three formats of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3253f81d-be0d-4334-9d22-a0e9c8c8774a}{211}" paraid="852689009" >Moreover, Kohli is also the leading run-scorer in the Indian&nbsp;Premier&nbsp;League (IPL) with as many as 5878 runs in 192 matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6f5662ee-a240-4d3e-b58b-bd67f11c1b30}{126}" paraid="186759287" >Kohli, who recorded a duck in the first T20I against England, said he shifted his focus back on the basics of the game after having a chat with former South Africa captain and RCB team-mate AB de Villiers before the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6f5662ee-a240-4d3e-b58b-bd67f11c1b30}{126}" paraid="186759287" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-problem-in-that-first-game-michael-atherton-explains-what-helped-virat-kohli-roar-back-to-form-370577" hreflang="en">'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{98da5294-18fe-4ec8-a544-25565e9b5a7f}{11}" paraid="971783317" >“I had to shift the focus back to the basics of the game and I always take pride in doing the job for the team. Just kept my eyes on the ball and my wife is here and she keeps telling me a lot of things about what I need to do. We have great management that keeps us in the right space. And&nbsp;also&nbsp;I had a special chat with ABD before the start of the game and he just told me to watch the ball. That's exactly what I did,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli continues to shatter the record books as on Sunday the Indian skipper became the first-ever player to score 3000 international runs following his unbeaten 73 off 49 deliveries in the second T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli continues to shatter the record books as on Sunday the Indian skipper became the first-ever player to score 3000 international runs following his unbeaten 73 off 49 deliveries in the second T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Courtesy half-centuries by debutant Ishan Kishan and Kohli, India chased down a target of 165 runs in 17.5 overs to equalise the five-match series 1-1. Kohli, who was 72 runs away from the iconic landmark of scoring 3000 T20I runs, hammered an unbeaten 73 to become the first-ever player to amass 3000 T20I runs. The Indian skipper finished the match off in style with two glorious strokes – a flicked boundary and a pulled six off Chris Jordan. ALSO READ: 'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form The Indian skipper now has scored 6001 runs in 87 T20Is since making his debut in Zimbabwe in 2010. He now is the only player to have an average of 50+ in all three formats of the game. Moreover, Kohli is also the leading run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with as many as 5878 runs in 192 matches. Kohli, who recorded a duck in the first T20I against England, said he shifted his focus back on the basics of the game after having a chat with former South Africa captain and RCB team-mate AB de Villiers before the match. ALSO READ: 'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form “I had to shift the focus back to the basics of the game and I always take pride in doing the job for the team. Just kept my eyes on the ball and my wife is here and she keeps telling me a lot of things about what I need to do. We have great management that keeps us in the right space. And also I had a special chat with ABD before the start of the game and he just told me to watch the ball. That's exactly what I did,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.

Record-breaking Virat Kohli achieves iconic milestone in T20I cricket

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{854d2974-4ef5-4a86-b2b1-fe5368bb7f33}{222}" paraid="1100566251" >Brazilian legend Pele on Sunday congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo on “breaking his record" of goals scored in official matches after the Portuguese stalwart netted a hat-trick for Juventus in a 3-1 win over Cagliari in Serie A to complete a whopping 770 goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1594ea42-81ce-4305-bd78-0c212f3d8bed}{244}" paraid="1251801025" >Ronaldo, took to the photo-blogging platform Instagram, as he said that he could now claim the record while adding he could have never dreamed of breaking Pele's record. Ronaldo had matched Pele's record of 767 goals on March 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0e3abfc0-8ec2-427b-b5f1-f81663ee7b86}{188}" paraid="1840530280" >"I'm filled with joy and pride as I acknowledge the goal that puts me on top of the World's goalscoring list, overcoming Pele’s record, something that I could never have dreamed of while growing up as a child from Madeira," Ronaldo wrote.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Pele, 80, wrote on Instagram that he admires Ronaldo a lot and love watching him play. The Brazilian great added that his only regret is not being able to give Ronaldo a hug today.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0e3abfc0-8ec2-427b-b5f1-f81663ee7b86}{199}" paraid="15250372" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-hits-back-with-hat-trick-inter-extend-lead-370556" hreflang="en">Ronaldo hits back with hat-trick, Inter extend lead</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{854d2974-4ef5-4a86-b2b1-fe5368bb7f33}{51}" paraid="1474119654" >Brazilian great Pele, 80, wrote on Instagram to his 5.8 million followers: "Congratulations on breaking my record of goals in official matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{854d2974-4ef5-4a86-b2b1-fe5368bb7f33}{60}" paraid="953346589" >"I admire you a lot, I love watching you play and this is no secret to anyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{854d2974-4ef5-4a86-b2b1-fe5368bb7f33}{69}" paraid="1237677037" >"My only regret is not being able to give you a hug today."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{854d2974-4ef5-4a86-b2b1-fe5368bb7f33}{78}" paraid="1545818984" >"Cristiano life is a solo flight. Each makes his own journey. And what a beautiful journey you are having!"&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Pele, who is the only player in football history to win three World Cups – has claimed to have scored a total of 1,283 goals including the ones in unofficial matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{006729b8-483b-4b6d-a376-ae9c03e8d832}{159}" paraid="695187293" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-beat-10-man-tottenham-man-utd-hold-off-west-ham-370553" hreflang="en">Arsenal beat 10-man Tottenham, Man Utd hold off West Ham</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{973a9afb-bcaf-4e64-8d2d-1124376f4a7d}{92}" paraid="478824863" >Whereas, Ronaldo's tally&nbsp;includes&nbsp;668 for his club sides&nbsp;- five with Sporting Lisbon, 118 for Manchester United, 450 for Real Madrid and 95 for Juventus. He has also scored 120 for Portugal.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0129c31d-1ec0-4097-a43b-32de01edee65}{29}" paraid="1879865700" >However, social media has put Czech legend Josef Bican on 805 goals, ahead of both Ronaldo and Pele.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2a0af23d-9a90-4523-b95d-ccfbd8d47e46}{242}" paraid="113076049" >Former Brazilian striker Romario also claims to have scored 1,000 career goals including unofficial matches. Other sources attribute 772 to him.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{854d2974-4ef5-4a86-b2b1-fe5368bb7f33}{1}" paraid="523811361" >(With AFP inputs)&nbsp;</p>


Brazilian legend Pele on Sunday congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo on “breaking his record" of goals scored in official matches after the Portuguese stalwart netted a hat-trick for Juventus in a 3-1 win over Cagliari in Serie A to complete a whopping 770 goals.

Brazilian legend Pele on Sunday congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo on “breaking his record" of goals scored in official matches after the Portuguese stalwart netted a hat-trick for Juventus in a 3-1 win over Cagliari in Serie A to complete a whopping 770 goals. Ronaldo, took to the photo-blogging platform Instagram, as he said that he could now claim the record while adding he could have never dreamed of breaking Pele's record. Ronaldo had matched Pele's record of 767 goals on March 2. "I'm filled with joy and pride as I acknowledge the goal that puts me on top of the World's goalscoring list, overcoming Pele’s record, something that I could never have dreamed of while growing up as a child from Madeira," Ronaldo wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) × Pele, 80, wrote on Instagram that he admires Ronaldo a lot and love watching him play. The Brazilian great added that his only regret is not being able to give Ronaldo a hug today. ALSO READ: Ronaldo hits back with hat-trick, Inter extend lead Brazilian great Pele, 80, wrote on Instagram to his 5.8 million followers: "Congratulations on breaking my record of goals in official matches. "I admire you a lot, I love watching you play and this is no secret to anyone. "My only regret is not being able to give you a hug today." "Cristiano life is a solo flight. Each makes his own journey. And what a beautiful journey you are having!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pelé (@pele) × Pele, who is the only player in football history to win three World Cups – has claimed to have scored a total of 1,283 goals including the ones in unofficial matches. ALSO READ: Arsenal beat 10-man Tottenham, Man Utd hold off West Ham Whereas, Ronaldo's tally includes 668 for his club sides - five with Sporting Lisbon, 118 for Manchester United, 450 for Real Madrid and 95 for Juventus. He has also scored 120 for Portugal. However, social media has put Czech legend Josef Bican on 805 goals, ahead of both Ronaldo and Pele. Former Brazilian striker Romario also claims to have scored 1,000 career goals including unofficial matches. Other sources attribute 772 to him. (With AFP inputs)

'I admire you a lot': Pele congratulates Cristiano Ronaldo for breaking his goal record

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{93825dd0-1580-4658-b889-89d40a4d4127}{161}" paraid="223267855" >Former England cricketer Michael Atherton has&nbsp;analysed&nbsp;what helped Virat Kohli roar back into form during the second T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad where the Indian skipper scored an unbeaten 73 off 49 deliveries to help India&nbsp;equalise&nbsp;the five-match series 1-1 on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2781690b-3cd2-4103-8e3f-8601787894fa}{244}" paraid="1250896145" >Kohli was dismissed for a duck in the first T20I and fans and pundits had started to worry about Indian skipper's dip in form. However, the swashbuckling batsman looked at his best as he hammered the England bowlers all over the park to seal a comprehensive win for the hosts.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{65cbedbf-ac8a-4209-8a43-d8cb674dba11}{81}" paraid="1681488008" >Atherton reckons Kohli was helped out by the debutant Ishan Kishan, who smashed 56 runs off 32 deliveries to lay the platform for India. The former England cricketer said that&nbsp;Ishan's blistering knock took the pressure off Kohli and helped him play his natural game.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{50eb8665-0470-4f2e-a685-b888f0b1bf90}{227}" paraid="1531004164" >"I think Virat felt under a little bit of pressure in that first game because of what he'd said in the press conference about India playing a slightly more aggressive game," the former England skipper told Sky Sports.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{50eb8665-0470-4f2e-a685-b888f0b1bf90}{227}" paraid="1531004164" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-kishan-help-india-register-convincing-win-over-england-in-2nd-t20i-370454" hreflang="en">Kohli, Kishan help India register convincing win over England in 2nd T20I</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7e4cb9c7-85c7-4370-8198-359366454dd6}{140}" paraid="1449013881" >"The problem in that first game, with the line-up that India had was that they had quite a lot of similar players in the top-order and I think Kohli felt pressured. 'I've talked the talk, let's walk it now' and it's not really his game.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7e4cb9c7-85c7-4370-8198-359366454dd6}{147}" paraid="1788877336" >"He's (Kohli) an elite player and scores very quickly but not like a (Rishabh) Pant or, indeed, an Ishan Kishan.&nbsp;So&nbsp;when that young man came in and played the way that he did, I think that just allowed Kohli to come in and play his natural game," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7e4cb9c7-85c7-4370-8198-359366454dd6}{154}" paraid="1727745235" >"He's not playing the type of shot he got out to the other day, where he is backing away and trying to manufacture something. He's just playing a more orthodox type of innings for him, even though he's still striking quickly and getting those fast hands through the ball in those leg-side shots that he plays so well," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7e4cb9c7-85c7-4370-8198-359366454dd6}{168}" paraid="68276814" >"I definitely felt this was a more Kohli-like performance than in the first game," Atherton signed off.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7e4cb9c7-85c7-4370-8198-359366454dd6}{168}" paraid="68276814" ><strong>ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-virat-kohli-369784" hreflang="en">England favourites to win T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{32613a47-8ca7-4c23-82b2-d4651d95c85d}{112}" paraid="673705148" >Kohli, after the seven-wicket win in the second T20I against England, lauded Ishan's fearless knock as he said he is a calculated character and is not restless.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{32613a47-8ca7-4c23-82b2-d4651d95c85d}{75}" paraid="981971495" >“I tried to do what I can but he kept following his instincts and it was a quality innings on debut. When you play in the IPL with such dominance like he has and he is a fearless character and he knew that he was hitting the ball well and he is very calculated and not restless. Today that counterattacking innings from him and that partnership was needed. I had to shift the focus back to the basics of the game and I always take pride in doing the job for the team,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation to the host broadcasters.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fa4bef8e-dd99-4fe7-83f4-b6cd5c3d02ed}{187}" paraid="1435625984" >India will look to take a lead in the five-T20I series when they play England in the third T20I on Tuesday in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7e4cb9c7-85c7-4370-8198-359366454dd6}{13}" paraid="738692707" >&nbsp;</p>


Former England cricketer Michael Atherton has analysed what helped Virat Kohli roar back into form during the second T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad where the Indian skipper scored an unbeaten 73 off 49 deliveries to help India equalise the five-match series 1-1 on Sunday.

Former England cricketer Michael Atherton has analysed what helped Virat Kohli roar back into form during the second T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad where the Indian skipper scored an unbeaten 73 off 49 deliveries to help India equalise the five-match series 1-1 on Sunday. Kohli was dismissed for a duck in the first T20I and fans and pundits had started to worry about Indian skipper's dip in form. However, the swashbuckling batsman looked at his best as he hammered the England bowlers all over the park to seal a comprehensive win for the hosts. Atherton reckons Kohli was helped out by the debutant Ishan Kishan, who smashed 56 runs off 32 deliveries to lay the platform for India. The former England cricketer said that Ishan's blistering knock took the pressure off Kohli and helped him play his natural game. "I think Virat felt under a little bit of pressure in that first game because of what he'd said in the press conference about India playing a slightly more aggressive game," the former England skipper told Sky Sports. ALSO READ: Kohli, Kishan help India register convincing win over England in 2nd T20I "The problem in that first game, with the line-up that India had was that they had quite a lot of similar players in the top-order and I think Kohli felt pressured. 'I've talked the talk, let's walk it now' and it's not really his game. "He's (Kohli) an elite player and scores very quickly but not like a (Rishabh) Pant or, indeed, an Ishan Kishan. So when that young man came in and played the way that he did, I think that just allowed Kohli to come in and play his natural game," he added. "He's not playing the type of shot he got out to the other day, where he is backing away and trying to manufacture something. He's just playing a more orthodox type of innings for him, even though he's still striking quickly and getting those fast hands through the ball in those leg-side shots that he plays so well," he said. "I definitely felt this was a more Kohli-like performance than in the first game," Atherton signed off. ALSO WATCH: England favourites to win T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli Kohli, after the seven-wicket win in the second T20I against England, lauded Ishan's fearless knock as he said he is a calculated character and is not restless. “I tried to do what I can but he kept following his instincts and it was a quality innings on debut. When you play in the IPL with such dominance like he has and he is a fearless character and he knew that he was hitting the ball well and he is very calculated and not restless. Today that counterattacking innings from him and that partnership was needed. I had to shift the focus back to the basics of the game and I always take pride in doing the job for the team,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation to the host broadcasters. India will look to take a lead in the five-T20I series when they play England in the third T20I on Tuesday in Ahmedabad.

'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form

<p>Two seasons ago as Manchester City won the first ever domestic treble of trophies in England, Pep Guardiola branded the possibility of ever doing a quadruple "almost impossible".</p>

<p>A season characterised by injuries, fixture congestion, player fatigue, coronavirus infections, and for City no pre-season, should have made the feat more improbable than ever.</p>

<p>Yet, City remain on course to prove Guardiola's prediction wrong.</p>

<p>A commanding 14-point lead at the top of the Premier League means it is a matter of when not if a third title in four years is sealed.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Guardiola's men head to Budapest for what should have been the home leg of their Champions League last 16 tie holding a 2-0 first leg advantage over Borussia Monchengladbach.</p>

<p>Next weekend they travel to Everton in the FA Cup quarter-finals, while a League Cup final with Tottenham awaits in April.</p>

<p>City's 23rd win in 24 games in all competitions at Fulham on Saturday exemplified how Guardiola has managed his side into this position.</p>

<p>Fresh from beating Liverpool at Anfield and just one defeat in six games, Fulham were swotted aside 3-0 despite City making seven changes.</p>

<p>That took Guardiola's tally of changes in the Premier League this season to a league high 94.</p>

<p>Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez were among the star names to spend the full 90 minutes resting on the bench, while Raheem Sterling was not even included in the matchday squad.</p>

<p>"What we have done the last two, three, four months, everybody is involved," said Guardiola.</p>

<p>"Sometimes it is difficult but everyone has to make a contribution to win games and we will arrive at the end of the season fighting as best as possible."</p>

<h2>- Pandemic proof squad -</h2>

<p>As the crunch of a year without fans through the gates due to Covid-19 restrictions has hit even European football's wealthiest clubs, it is perhaps no surprise that backed by Abu Dhabi state wealth, City have proved more pandemic proof.</p>

<p>After being thrashed 5-2 at home by Leicester in their second game of the season, Guardiola was afforded the funds to splash out £62 million ($86 million) on centre-back Ruben Dias from Benfica.</p>

<p>City had already previously spent over £300 million on defenders in Guardiola's reign on Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy, Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nathan Ake.</p>

<p>On top of the arrivals of Dias and Ake, the signing of Ferran Torres took City's summer spend over £120 million.</p>

<p>But it is Dias' presence that has had a transformational impact.</p>

<p>The Portuguese international is one of the few men Guardiola refuses to rotate, starting all but one Premier League game since he joined the club in September.</p>

<p>Dias has also brought the best out of John Stones after two poor seasons since a starring role at the 2018 World Cup for the England international.</p>

<p>"We all know our roles and responsibilities," said Stones after opening the scoring against Fulham.</p>

<p>"We've all played so many games. We know the squad's rotated because of the schedule or whatever it might be the manager decides."</p>

<p>For all City's domestic success, Guardiola's team selection at the weekend made it perfectly clear that the Champions League remains the priority.</p>

<p>The only major trophy to escape the Catalan since he arrived in Manchester five years ago is the one the club's owners brought him to the club to deliver.</p>

<p>But rarely have City's resources also given them such an advantage in Europe.</p>

<p>With Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain still involved in tight title races and Barcelona and Juventus already out of the competition, City can afford the luxury of cruising towards the finishing line in the Premier League, while saving their energy for the Champions League.</p>


Two seasons ago as Manchester City won the first ever domestic treble of trophies in England, Pep Guardiola branded the possibility of ever doing a quadruple "almost impossible".

Two seasons ago as Manchester City won the first ever domestic treble of trophies in England, Pep Guardiola branded the possibility of ever doing a quadruple "almost impossible". A season characterised by injuries, fixture congestion, player fatigue, coronavirus infections, and for City no pre-season, should have made the feat more improbable than ever. Yet, City remain on course to prove Guardiola's prediction wrong. A commanding 14-point lead at the top of the Premier League means it is a matter of when not if a third title in four years is sealed. On Tuesday, Guardiola's men head to Budapest for what should have been the home leg of their Champions League last 16 tie holding a 2-0 first leg advantage over Borussia Monchengladbach. Next weekend they travel to Everton in the FA Cup quarter-finals, while a League Cup final with Tottenham awaits in April. City's 23rd win in 24 games in all competitions at Fulham on Saturday exemplified how Guardiola has managed his side into this position. Fresh from beating Liverpool at Anfield and just one defeat in six games, Fulham were swotted aside 3-0 despite City making seven changes. That took Guardiola's tally of changes in the Premier League this season to a league high 94. Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez were among the star names to spend the full 90 minutes resting on the bench, while Raheem Sterling was not even included in the matchday squad. "What we have done the last two, three, four months, everybody is involved," said Guardiola. "Sometimes it is difficult but everyone has to make a contribution to win games and we will arrive at the end of the season fighting as best as possible." - Pandemic proof squad - As the crunch of a year without fans through the gates due to Covid-19 restrictions has hit even European football's wealthiest clubs, it is perhaps no surprise that backed by Abu Dhabi state wealth, City have proved more pandemic proof. After being thrashed 5-2 at home by Leicester in their second game of the season, Guardiola was afforded the funds to splash out £62 million ($86 million) on centre-back Ruben Dias from Benfica. City had already previously spent over £300 million on defenders in Guardiola's reign on Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy, Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nathan Ake. On top of the arrivals of Dias and Ake, the signing of Ferran Torres took City's summer spend over £120 million. But it is Dias' presence that has had a transformational impact. The Portuguese international is one of the few men Guardiola refuses to rotate, starting all but one Premier League game since he joined the club in September. Dias has also brought the best out of John Stones after two poor seasons since a starring role at the 2018 World Cup for the England international. "We all know our roles and responsibilities," said Stones after opening the scoring against Fulham. "We've all played so many games. We know the squad's rotated because of the schedule or whatever it might be the manager decides." For all City's domestic success, Guardiola's team selection at the weekend made it perfectly clear that the Champions League remains the priority. The only major trophy to escape the Catalan since he arrived in Manchester five years ago is the one the club's owners brought him to the club to deliver. But rarely have City's resources also given them such an advantage in Europe. With Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain still involved in tight title races and Barcelona and Juventus already out of the competition, City can afford the luxury of cruising towards the finishing line in the Premier League, while saving their energy for the Champions League.

Man City's rich resources make 'impossible' quadruple quest a reality

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at his critics with a quick-fire hat-trick as Juventus brushed aside Cagliari 3-1 on Sunday, five days after their Champions League elimination, while Inter Milan moved nine points clear at the Serie A summit.</p>

<p>Portuguese star Ronaldo bore the brunt of the criticism for Juve's latest European flop after failing to score in either leg of the last-16 defeat by Porto, while also being partly at fault for what proved to be the winning goal.</p>

<p>But the 36-year-old scored a header after less than nine minutes at the Sardegna Arena, added a second from the penalty spot, and completed a 'perfect' treble on 32 minutes with a fine left-footed strike.</p>

<p>Defending champions Juventus are 10 points behind Inter Milan, who beat Torino 2-1 earlier Sunday, but with a game in hand.</p>

<p>Andrea Pirlo's side pulled just one point behind second-placed AC Milan, who host Napoli later Sunday, as they try to keep their push for a 10th consecutive Scudetto alive.</p>

<p>Ronaldo broke the deadlock early on, rising high to nod in a Juan Cuadrado corner.</p>

<p>But he could have been sent off after a quarter of an hour, receiving only a yellow card for dangerous play as his boot struck Cagliari goalkeeper Alessio Cragno in the face while attempting to meet a Federico Chiesa cross.</p>

<p>Ronaldo's second came from the penalty spot in the 24th minute after being brought down by Cragno.</p>

<p>He completed the 57th treble of his career when he collected Chiesa's pass and blasted a left-footed strike into the Cagliari net, at the only stadium in the Italian top flight where he had not previously scored.</p>

<p>Ronaldo is the leading scorer in Serie A with 23 goals this season, ahead of Inter's Romelu Lukaku, who has 19.</p>

<p>It was his third hat-trick for Juventus since joining in 2018, after also putting three past Cagliari in the league last season and in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid in 2019.</p>

<p>Before kick-off, Juventus chief football officer Fabio Paratici dismissed talk about Ronaldo's future.</p>

<p>"It makes me laugh. I would never have imagined discussing the value of Cristiano Ronaldo," said Paratici.</p>

<p>"It's a privilege to have him with us, he's part of our future."</p>

<p>Cagliari, two points above the relegation zone, pulled a goal back through Giovanni Simeone in the 61st minute.</p>

<h2>- Martinez pulls Inter clear -</h2>

<p>Lautaro Martinez scored a brilliant 85th-minute winner for Inter in a tight game against 18th-placed Torino.</p>

<p>Antonio Conte's Inter once again needed their strike duo of Lukaku and Martinez to find a way to win in Turin.</p>

<p>Christian Eriksen came off the bench on 56 minutes and had an immediate impact, playing a part in the move which resulted in Torino defender Armando Izzo fouling Martinez in the penalty area.</p>

<p>Lukaku fired home the resulting spot-kick in the 62nd minute.</p>

<p>Inter looked to be wobbling when Antonio Sanabria pulled Torino level eight minutes later, finishing off goalmouth scramble.</p>

<p>But Martinez snatched the victory by getting his head to an Alexis Sanchez cross for his 14th league goal this term.</p>

<p>Inter stretched their winning run to eight matches to move further ahead of AC Milan.</p>

<p>"Victories like these are crucial," said Inter assistant coach Cristian Stellini, with Antonio Conte serving a touchline ban.</p>

<p>"The three points were also vital for Torino who gave little away."</p>

<p>Injury-hit Roma dropped to fifth, two points behind Atalanta and the Champions League berths after falling 2-0 at 19th-placed Parma who earned their first win since November 30.</p>

<p>Valentin Mihaila opened the scoring on nine minutes following a cross from fellow Romanian Dennis Man.</p>

<p>Hernani added a second from the spot in the second half to secure a valuable win which moves Parma a point behind Torino, who have played two games fewer because of a coronavirus outbreak, and three from safety.</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at his critics with a quick-fire hat-trick as Juventus brushed aside Cagliari 3-1 on Sunday, five days after their Champions League elimination, while Inter Milan moved nine points clear at the Serie A summit.

Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at his critics with a quick-fire hat-trick as Juventus brushed aside Cagliari 3-1 on Sunday, five days after their Champions League elimination, while Inter Milan moved nine points clear at the Serie A summit. Portuguese star Ronaldo bore the brunt of the criticism for Juve's latest European flop after failing to score in either leg of the last-16 defeat by Porto, while also being partly at fault for what proved to be the winning goal. But the 36-year-old scored a header after less than nine minutes at the Sardegna Arena, added a second from the penalty spot, and completed a 'perfect' treble on 32 minutes with a fine left-footed strike. Defending champions Juventus are 10 points behind Inter Milan, who beat Torino 2-1 earlier Sunday, but with a game in hand. Andrea Pirlo's side pulled just one point behind second-placed AC Milan, who host Napoli later Sunday, as they try to keep their push for a 10th consecutive Scudetto alive. Ronaldo broke the deadlock early on, rising high to nod in a Juan Cuadrado corner. But he could have been sent off after a quarter of an hour, receiving only a yellow card for dangerous play as his boot struck Cagliari goalkeeper Alessio Cragno in the face while attempting to meet a Federico Chiesa cross. Ronaldo's second came from the penalty spot in the 24th minute after being brought down by Cragno. He completed the 57th treble of his career when he collected Chiesa's pass and blasted a left-footed strike into the Cagliari net, at the only stadium in the Italian top flight where he had not previously scored. Ronaldo is the leading scorer in Serie A with 23 goals this season, ahead of Inter's Romelu Lukaku, who has 19. It was his third hat-trick for Juventus since joining in 2018, after also putting three past Cagliari in the league last season and in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid in 2019. Before kick-off, Juventus chief football officer Fabio Paratici dismissed talk about Ronaldo's future. "It makes me laugh. I would never have imagined discussing the value of Cristiano Ronaldo," said Paratici. "It's a privilege to have him with us, he's part of our future." Cagliari, two points above the relegation zone, pulled a goal back through Giovanni Simeone in the 61st minute. - Martinez pulls Inter clear - Lautaro Martinez scored a brilliant 85th-minute winner for Inter in a tight game against 18th-placed Torino. Antonio Conte's Inter once again needed their strike duo of Lukaku and Martinez to find a way to win in Turin. Christian Eriksen came off the bench on 56 minutes and had an immediate impact, playing a part in the move which resulted in Torino defender Armando Izzo fouling Martinez in the penalty area. Lukaku fired home the resulting spot-kick in the 62nd minute. Inter looked to be wobbling when Antonio Sanabria pulled Torino level eight minutes later, finishing off goalmouth scramble. But Martinez snatched the victory by getting his head to an Alexis Sanchez cross for his 14th league goal this term. Inter stretched their winning run to eight matches to move further ahead of AC Milan. "Victories like these are crucial," said Inter assistant coach Cristian Stellini, with Antonio Conte serving a touchline ban. "The three points were also vital for Torino who gave little away." Injury-hit Roma dropped to fifth, two points behind Atalanta and the Champions League berths after falling 2-0 at 19th-placed Parma who earned their first win since November 30. Valentin Mihaila opened the scoring on nine minutes following a cross from fellow Romanian Dennis Man. Hernani added a second from the spot in the second half to secure a valuable win which moves Parma a point behind Torino, who have played two games fewer because of a coronavirus outbreak, and three from safety.

Ronaldo hits back with hat-trick, Inter extend lead

<p>World champion Lewis Hamilton saw Max Verstappen top the times in Formula One testing on Sunday and predicted the Dutch star's Red Bull team will be "a different animal" when the season starts in two weeks' time.</p>

<p>Verstappen, who was third behind Hamilton and the Briton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in the 2020 championship, timed a best lap of 1:28.960 on Sunday.</p>

<p>That proved to be the fastest time of the three-day session.</p>

<p>However, rookie Yuki Tsunoda, the first Japanese driver to compete in Formula One since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014, also laid down a marker.</p>

<p>His time on Sunday of 1:29.053 in his AlphaTauri was the second best overall of the week.</p>

<p>Verstappen had also topped the charts on Friday on the opening day at the dusty Sakhir circuit which will also stage the season opener on March 28.</p>

<p>"They are looking strong," said seven-time champion Hamilton.</p>

<p>"They're going to be a different machine or animal this year with, I think, a really good, strong line-up for two drivers and a really good car."</p>

<p>However, Hamilton insisted he was unconcerned as Verstappen had won the last race of 2020 in Abu Dhabi and had momentum on his side.</p>

<p>"Having seen them winning the last race you can only assume they're going to be right there if not at the front, at the first race.</p>

<p>"It's going to be a great, long battle with them through the year," he added.</p>

<p>Verstappen, too, was keen to douse expectations that this could be the year that Red Bull break Mercedes' stranglehold.</p>

<p>"I don't think we are the favourites," Verstappen said.</p>

<p>Carlos Sainz, in a Ferrari, Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen and Hamilton rounded out the top five on Sunday in what also proved to be their top times of the week.</p>

<h2>Third and final day times:</h2>

<p>1. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) 1:28.960 (64 laps), 2. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/Alpha Tauri-Honda) 1:29.053 (91), 3. Carlos Sainz (ESP/Ferrari) 1:29.611 (79), 4. Kimi Raikkonen (ITA/Alfa Romeo-Ferrari) 1:29.766 (166), 5. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:30.025 (54), 6. George Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes) 1:30.117 (158), 7. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:30.144 (76), 8. Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull-Honda) 1:30.187 (49), 9. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine-Renault) 1:30.318 (128), 10. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 1:30.486 (80), 11. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:30.661 (56), 12. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpha Tauri-Honda) 1:30.828 (76), 13. Esteban Ocon (FRA-Alpine/Renault) 1:31.310 (61), 14. Nikita Mazepin (RUS/Haas-Ferrari) 1:31.531 (67), 15. Mick Schumacher (GER/Haas-Ferrari) 1:32.053 (78), 16. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:32.406 (86), 17. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:35.041 (56), 18. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:36.100 (80)</p>


World champion Lewis Hamilton saw Max Verstappen top the times in Formula One testing on Sunday and predicted the Dutch star's Red Bull team will be "a different animal" when the season starts in two weeks' time.

World champion Lewis Hamilton saw Max Verstappen top the times in Formula One testing on Sunday and predicted the Dutch star's Red Bull team will be "a different animal" when the season starts in two weeks' time. Verstappen, who was third behind Hamilton and the Briton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in the 2020 championship, timed a best lap of 1:28.960 on Sunday. That proved to be the fastest time of the three-day session. However, rookie Yuki Tsunoda, the first Japanese driver to compete in Formula One since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014, also laid down a marker. His time on Sunday of 1:29.053 in his AlphaTauri was the second best overall of the week. Verstappen had also topped the charts on Friday on the opening day at the dusty Sakhir circuit which will also stage the season opener on March 28. "They are looking strong," said seven-time champion Hamilton. "They're going to be a different machine or animal this year with, I think, a really good, strong line-up for two drivers and a really good car." However, Hamilton insisted he was unconcerned as Verstappen had won the last race of 2020 in Abu Dhabi and had momentum on his side. "Having seen them winning the last race you can only assume they're going to be right there if not at the front, at the first race. "It's going to be a great, long battle with them through the year," he added. Verstappen, too, was keen to douse expectations that this could be the year that Red Bull break Mercedes' stranglehold. "I don't think we are the favourites," Verstappen said. Carlos Sainz, in a Ferrari, Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen and Hamilton rounded out the top five on Sunday in what also proved to be their top times of the week. Third and final day times: 1. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) 1:28.960 (64 laps), 2. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/Alpha Tauri-Honda) 1:29.053 (91), 3. Carlos Sainz (ESP/Ferrari) 1:29.611 (79), 4. Kimi Raikkonen (ITA/Alfa Romeo-Ferrari) 1:29.766 (166), 5. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:30.025 (54), 6. George Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes) 1:30.117 (158), 7. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:30.144 (76), 8. Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull-Honda) 1:30.187 (49), 9. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine-Renault) 1:30.318 (128), 10. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 1:30.486 (80), 11. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:30.661 (56), 12. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpha Tauri-Honda) 1:30.828 (76), 13. Esteban Ocon (FRA-Alpine/Renault) 1:31.310 (61), 14. Nikita Mazepin (RUS/Haas-Ferrari) 1:31.531 (67), 15. Mick Schumacher (GER/Haas-Ferrari) 1:32.053 (78), 16. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:32.406 (86), 17. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:35.041 (56), 18. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:36.100 (80)

'Different animal' Verstappen tops F1 testing as Tsunoda makes mark

<p>Arsenal bounced back from Erik Lamela's stunning Rabona to open the scoring in the north London derby to beat Tottenham 2-1 on Sunday, as Manchester United and Leicester tightened their grip on a top-four finish in the Premier League.</p>

<p>United edged out fifth-placed West Ham 1-0 thanks to Craig Dawson's own goal to remain a point ahead of Leicester, who thrashed bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United 5-0.</p>

<p>On a costly afternoon for Spurs' hopes of a top-four finish, Tottenham also lost Son Heung-min to a hamstring injury at the Emirates, while Lamela went from hero to villain for the visitors with a needless second-half red card.</p>

<p>Arsenal's afternoon did not start well with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropped to the bench for a breach of discipline, reportedly after turning up late for the squad's pre-match meeting.</p>

<p>Lamela was introduced to replace Son early on and the Argentine opened the scoring in sensational style against the run of play as he wrapped his left foot around his right to fire into the bottom corner.</p>

<p>Emile Smith Rowe and Cedric Soares hit the woodwork either side of Lamela's strike but the hosts finally got their reward for a dominant first-half performance when Martin Odegaard's shot deflected in off Toby Alderweireld for his first Premier League goal.</p>

<p>"I think we played really bad in the first half," said Spurs boss Jose Mourinho. "The 1-1 was not a fair reflection of the first half. We were poor, defending bad, no intensity, no pressing, some important players hiding."</p>

<p>Alexandre Lacazette captained the Gunners in Aubameyang's absence and also took the Gabon international's duties from the penalty spot after the French striker was brought down by Davinson Sanchez inside the area.</p>

<p>Lacazette sent his international teammate Hugo Lloris the wrong way from the spot to claim a much-needed win to keep Arsenal's slim hopes of finishing in the top four alive.</p>

<p>Lamela was given his marching orders 15 minutes from time for a second bookable offence.</p>

<p>Despite their numerical disadvantage, though, Tottenham's best spell came with 10 men as Harry Kane had a goal ruled out for offside before the England captain hit the post and Sanchez's follow-up effort was cleared off the line by Gabriel Magalhaes.</p>

<p>"The last 10 minutes was the worst we've played," said Arteta. "We could not manage the game, we could not manage the tension."</p>

<p>Arteta's side are now 10 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand, while Spurs remain six points behind the Blues in seventh.</p>

<h2>- More Man Utd misery for Moyes -</h2>

<p>West Ham missed the chance to move into the top four as former Man Utd boss David Moyes remains winless in 15 visits to Old Trafford as the opposition manager.</p>

<p>The Hammers' conservative approach was punished by one moment of misfortune eight minutes into the second half as Dawson turned a Bruno Fernandes corner into his own net.</p>

<p>Mason Greenwood also hit the post either side of half-time for United, who close the gap on runaway league leaders Manchester City to 14 points.</p>

<p>"It was a big weekend for us," said Solskjaer as Chelsea and Everton also lost ground in the top-four race on Saturday.</p>

<p>"This is a big three points because we know West Ham are challenging to get into the top four."</p>

<p>Kelechi Iheanacho scored a hat-trick as Leicester showed no mercy against the Blades in their first match since manager Chris Wilder departed on Saturday.</p>

<p>Iheanacho opened the floodgates seven minutes before half-time with a close-range finish from Jamie Vardy's pass after a flowing move.</p>

<p>Ayoze Perez's fine strike from the edge of the area 26 minutes from time doubled the Foxes' lead before Iheanacho produced two more fine finishes to take his tally to five goals in three games.</p>

<p>Ethan Ampadu's own goal sealed the rout for Brendan Rodgers' side, who now enjoy an eight-point cushion over West Ham.</p>

<p>In the battle to beat the drop, Brighton edged three points clear of third-bottom Fulham with a game in hand by winning a frenetic south-coast derby 2-1 over Southampton thanks to goals from Lewis Dunk and Leandro Trossard.</p>


Arsenal bounced back from Erik Lamela's stunning Rabona to open the scoring in the north London derby to beat Tottenham 2-1 on Sunday, as Manchester United and Leicester tightened their grip on a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Arsenal bounced back from Erik Lamela's stunning Rabona to open the scoring in the north London derby to beat Tottenham 2-1 on Sunday, as Manchester United and Leicester tightened their grip on a top-four finish in the Premier League. United edged out fifth-placed West Ham 1-0 thanks to Craig Dawson's own goal to remain a point ahead of Leicester, who thrashed bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United 5-0. On a costly afternoon for Spurs' hopes of a top-four finish, Tottenham also lost Son Heung-min to a hamstring injury at the Emirates, while Lamela went from hero to villain for the visitors with a needless second-half red card. Arsenal's afternoon did not start well with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropped to the bench for a breach of discipline, reportedly after turning up late for the squad's pre-match meeting. Lamela was introduced to replace Son early on and the Argentine opened the scoring in sensational style against the run of play as he wrapped his left foot around his right to fire into the bottom corner. Emile Smith Rowe and Cedric Soares hit the woodwork either side of Lamela's strike but the hosts finally got their reward for a dominant first-half performance when Martin Odegaard's shot deflected in off Toby Alderweireld for his first Premier League goal. "I think we played really bad in the first half," said Spurs boss Jose Mourinho. "The 1-1 was not a fair reflection of the first half. We were poor, defending bad, no intensity, no pressing, some important players hiding." Alexandre Lacazette captained the Gunners in Aubameyang's absence and also took the Gabon international's duties from the penalty spot after the French striker was brought down by Davinson Sanchez inside the area. Lacazette sent his international teammate Hugo Lloris the wrong way from the spot to claim a much-needed win to keep Arsenal's slim hopes of finishing in the top four alive. Lamela was given his marching orders 15 minutes from time for a second bookable offence. Despite their numerical disadvantage, though, Tottenham's best spell came with 10 men as Harry Kane had a goal ruled out for offside before the England captain hit the post and Sanchez's follow-up effort was cleared off the line by Gabriel Magalhaes. "The last 10 minutes was the worst we've played," said Arteta. "We could not manage the game, we could not manage the tension." Arteta's side are now 10 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand, while Spurs remain six points behind the Blues in seventh. - More Man Utd misery for Moyes - West Ham missed the chance to move into the top four as former Man Utd boss David Moyes remains winless in 15 visits to Old Trafford as the opposition manager. The Hammers' conservative approach was punished by one moment of misfortune eight minutes into the second half as Dawson turned a Bruno Fernandes corner into his own net. Mason Greenwood also hit the post either side of half-time for United, who close the gap on runaway league leaders Manchester City to 14 points. "It was a big weekend for us," said Solskjaer as Chelsea and Everton also lost ground in the top-four race on Saturday. "This is a big three points because we know West Ham are challenging to get into the top four." Kelechi Iheanacho scored a hat-trick as Leicester showed no mercy against the Blades in their first match since manager Chris Wilder departed on Saturday. Iheanacho opened the floodgates seven minutes before half-time with a close-range finish from Jamie Vardy's pass after a flowing move. Ayoze Perez's fine strike from the edge of the area 26 minutes from time doubled the Foxes' lead before Iheanacho produced two more fine finishes to take his tally to five goals in three games. Ethan Ampadu's own goal sealed the rout for Brendan Rodgers' side, who now enjoy an eight-point cushion over West Ham. In the battle to beat the drop, Brighton edged three points clear of third-bottom Fulham with a game in hand by winning a frenetic south-coast derby 2-1 over Southampton thanks to goals from Lewis Dunk and Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal beat 10-man Tottenham, Man Utd hold off West Ham

<p>Manchester United tightened their grip on a return to the Champions League next season with a 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday, but midfielder Scott McTominay lamented letting Manchester City storm clear at the top of the Premier League.</p>

<p>Victory over the fifth-placed Hammers moved United back above Leicester into second in the table and closed the gap on the runaway leaders to 14 points.</p>

<p>City have won 17 of their last 18 league games with their only defeat in that run coming against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men last weekend.</p>

<p>But United eased their local rivals' route to a third title in four years with a run of just two wins in eight games in prior to winning the Manchester derby.</p>

<p>"It's difficult to look at top four at the minute because we had a time when we were looking at the league," said McTominay, who was the closest United player to Craig Dawson when the West Ham defender headed into his own net for the only goal at Old Trafford.</p>

<p>"It was the chance for all of us to have a big push and show really what good players we are, but Man City have had a terrific run of games and we're just trying our best to keep on them."</p>

<p>Despite also having a game in hand on City, the Red Devils are unlikely to haul in Pep Guardiola's men but do now enjoy a nine-point cushion over West Ham in the battle for Champions League places.</p>

<p>"It was a big weekend for us," said Solskjaer as Chelsea, Everton and Tottenham also lost ground in the top-four race over the past two days.</p>

<p>"This is a big three points because we know West Ham are challenging to get into the top four."</p>

<p>Former United boss David Moyes has failed to win in 15 attempts as the visiting manager at Old Trafford and the Scot was left to rue an overly cautious approach before falling behind early in the second half.</p>

<p>Without the ineligible Jesse Lingard, who is on loan from United, Moyes also dropped Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma as club captain Mark Noble returned with full-back Ben Johnson playing in a more advanced midfield role.</p>

<p>"The way we set up didn't quite work," said Moyes. "We never really got up the park."</p>

<p>The home side were without the firepower of Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani due to injury, so Mason Greenwood got the chance to lead the line and came closest to opening the scoring in a first half of few chances.</p>

<p>Greenwood's fierce left-footed shot was brilliantly turned onto the post by Lukasz Fabianski as the 35-year-old Pole showed why he was handed a new one-year contract this week.</p>

<p>There was nothing Fabianski could do to stop the only goal as Dawson's header flashed into his own net from Bruno Fernandes's corner eight minutes into the second period.</p>

<p>Fabianski produced another fine save to deny Fernandes doubling United's lead shortly afterwards.</p>

<p>Moyes sent on Manuel Lanzini and Benrahma for the final 28 minutes and West Ham finally came to life as an attacking force.</p>

<p>As the visitors pushed forward, though, United became more dangerous on the counter-attack and Greenwood smashed against the post for a second time after a lung-bursting run from inside his own half.</p>

<p>The second goal did not come for the hosts, but an improved defensive record has been key to another season of progress under Solskjaer, which is reportedly set to see the Norwegian rewarded with a new contract.</p>

<p>United held out for a fourth consecutive Premier League clean sheet to close in on the much-needed resources of Champions League football next season after a full year without crowds at their 75,000 capacity home.</p>


Manchester United tightened their grip on a return to the Champions League next season with a 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday, but midfielder Scott McTominay lamented letting Manchester City storm clear at the top of the Premier League.

Manchester United tightened their grip on a return to the Champions League next season with a 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday, but midfielder Scott McTominay lamented letting Manchester City storm clear at the top of the Premier League. Victory over the fifth-placed Hammers moved United back above Leicester into second in the table and closed the gap on the runaway leaders to 14 points. City have won 17 of their last 18 league games with their only defeat in that run coming against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men last weekend. But United eased their local rivals' route to a third title in four years with a run of just two wins in eight games in prior to winning the Manchester derby. "It's difficult to look at top four at the minute because we had a time when we were looking at the league," said McTominay, who was the closest United player to Craig Dawson when the West Ham defender headed into his own net for the only goal at Old Trafford. "It was the chance for all of us to have a big push and show really what good players we are, but Man City have had a terrific run of games and we're just trying our best to keep on them." Despite also having a game in hand on City, the Red Devils are unlikely to haul in Pep Guardiola's men but do now enjoy a nine-point cushion over West Ham in the battle for Champions League places. "It was a big weekend for us," said Solskjaer as Chelsea, Everton and Tottenham also lost ground in the top-four race over the past two days. "This is a big three points because we know West Ham are challenging to get into the top four." Former United boss David Moyes has failed to win in 15 attempts as the visiting manager at Old Trafford and the Scot was left to rue an overly cautious approach before falling behind early in the second half. Without the ineligible Jesse Lingard, who is on loan from United, Moyes also dropped Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma as club captain Mark Noble returned with full-back Ben Johnson playing in a more advanced midfield role. "The way we set up didn't quite work," said Moyes. "We never really got up the park." The home side were without the firepower of Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani due to injury, so Mason Greenwood got the chance to lead the line and came closest to opening the scoring in a first half of few chances. Greenwood's fierce left-footed shot was brilliantly turned onto the post by Lukasz Fabianski as the 35-year-old Pole showed why he was handed a new one-year contract this week. There was nothing Fabianski could do to stop the only goal as Dawson's header flashed into his own net from Bruno Fernandes's corner eight minutes into the second period. Fabianski produced another fine save to deny Fernandes doubling United's lead shortly afterwards. Moyes sent on Manuel Lanzini and Benrahma for the final 28 minutes and West Ham finally came to life as an attacking force. As the visitors pushed forward, though, United became more dangerous on the counter-attack and Greenwood smashed against the post for a second time after a lung-bursting run from inside his own half. The second goal did not come for the hosts, but an improved defensive record has been key to another season of progress under Solskjaer, which is reportedly set to see the Norwegian rewarded with a new contract. United held out for a fourth consecutive Premier League clean sheet to close in on the much-needed resources of Champions League football next season after a full year without crowds at their 75,000 capacity home.

McTominay left with title race regret as Man Utd close in on top-four finish

<p>Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he believes Eden Hazard is "going to do very well" at the club as the Belgium star prepares for his latest comeback from injury.</p>

<p>Hazard has missed Madrid's past seven games with a thigh problem but could return, as could captain Sergio Ramos, against Elche on Saturday, a timely boost ahead of next week's Champions League clash with Atalanta.</p>

<p>"We're happy we're getting back Sergio and Eden for tomorrow. Our idea is they get some minutes, and then we'll see," Zidane told a news conference Friday.</p>

<p>Signed for 100 million euros from Chelsea in July 2019, Hazard has been restricted to just nine starts this season. He has suffered a series of injuries and also missed a game after testing positive for Covid-19.</p>

<p>"He looks well physically and emotionally. He's overcome all these injures, these aches and now he looks good, that's why he's with us and I hope he can play," said Zidane.</p>

<p>"He had a lengthy injury, that he hadn't had before, but he has a long contract and I think he's a player who, when he gets fit, is going to be great, I'm certain of it."</p>

<p>"It's difficult when a player has an injury and isn't 100%, but I'm sure he's going to do very well here," added Zidane. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Ramos, who turns 35 later this month, is available again following knee surgery in February. He hasn't played since January 14 and is out of contract at the end of the season.</p>

<p>"I don't know what's going to happen. What we want is for Sergio to stay here, that's what I can say as coach because he's an important player for us," said Zidane.</p>

<p>Ramos said Thursday "there is no news" regarding an extension but spoke of his desire to play until he is 40.</p>


Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he believes Eden Hazard is "going to do very well" at the club as the Belgium star prepares for his latest comeback from injury.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he believes Eden Hazard is "going to do very well" at the club as the Belgium star prepares for his latest comeback from injury. Hazard has missed Madrid's past seven games with a thigh problem but could return, as could captain Sergio Ramos, against Elche on Saturday, a timely boost ahead of next week's Champions League clash with Atalanta. "We're happy we're getting back Sergio and Eden for tomorrow. Our idea is they get some minutes, and then we'll see," Zidane told a news conference Friday. Signed for 100 million euros from Chelsea in July 2019, Hazard has been restricted to just nine starts this season. He has suffered a series of injuries and also missed a game after testing positive for Covid-19. "He looks well physically and emotionally. He's overcome all these injures, these aches and now he looks good, that's why he's with us and I hope he can play," said Zidane. "He had a lengthy injury, that he hadn't had before, but he has a long contract and I think he's a player who, when he gets fit, is going to be great, I'm certain of it." "It's difficult when a player has an injury and isn't 100%, but I'm sure he's going to do very well here," added Zidane. Ramos, who turns 35 later this month, is available again following knee surgery in February. He hasn't played since January 14 and is out of contract at the end of the season. "I don't know what's going to happen. What we want is for Sergio to stay here, that's what I can say as coach because he's an important player for us," said Zidane. Ramos said Thursday "there is no news" regarding an extension but spoke of his desire to play until he is 40.

Zidane confident Hazard will be success at Madrid

<p>Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says David de Gea is "touch and go" for Manchester United's Premier League clash with West Ham on Sunday after returning to England following the birth of his first child.</p>

<p>Despite the potential coronavirus-related quarantine headaches, the Red Devils boss allowed the 30-year-old to fly to Spain to be with his partner.</p>

<p>Dean Henderson has had a run in the side in the absence of United's number one, who has been inconsistent this season.</p>

<p>He impressed in Sunday's 2-0 win against Premier League leaders Manchester City but was criticised for allowing an injury-time header to beat him as AC Milan snatched a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the last-16 tie in the Europa League on Thursday.</p>

<p>Asked on Friday about De Gea's availability for the visit of West Ham, Solskjaer said: "David is back in Manchester. He is quarantining or self-isolating.</p>

<p>"He's just touch and go for Sunday, I think. I can't really know when he came back, so I'm not really sure if it was Monday or Tuesday that he arrived back in Manchester."</p>

<p>Current regulations allow travellers from Spain to be released from quarantine if they test negative for Covid-19 after five days of isolation.</p>

<p>Pushed to clarify De Gea's situation, the United boss added: "I think the rules are that he's got to stay at home.</p>

<p>"He's not training with us anyway. It's different if you travel away and compete so, no, he's not been training since he came back."</p>

<p>United, second in the Premier League, are counting the cost of a spate of injuries in forward positions.</p>

<p>Anthony Martial is a doubt after a hip complaint forced him off at half-time on Thursday, compounding the absence of fellow frontmen Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani.</p>

<p>"Anthony, he got a whack on his hip so that's another forward that we need to scan and have to look at," Solskjaer said.</p>

<p>"Definitely hope Marcus is back for next Thursday in Milan. I'm not sure if he'll make Sunday, but fingers crossed because we will need him.</p>

<p>"Edinson I don't think will be ready for Sunday."</p>

<p>Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek and Juan Mata are also set to be unavailable to face the high-flying Hammers.</p>


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says David de Gea is "touch and go" for Manchester United's Premier League clash with West Ham on Sunday after returning to England following the birth of his first child.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says David de Gea is "touch and go" for Manchester United's Premier League clash with West Ham on Sunday after returning to England following the birth of his first child. Despite the potential coronavirus-related quarantine headaches, the Red Devils boss allowed the 30-year-old to fly to Spain to be with his partner. Dean Henderson has had a run in the side in the absence of United's number one, who has been inconsistent this season. He impressed in Sunday's 2-0 win against Premier League leaders Manchester City but was criticised for allowing an injury-time header to beat him as AC Milan snatched a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the last-16 tie in the Europa League on Thursday. Asked on Friday about De Gea's availability for the visit of West Ham, Solskjaer said: "David is back in Manchester. He is quarantining or self-isolating. "He's just touch and go for Sunday, I think. I can't really know when he came back, so I'm not really sure if it was Monday or Tuesday that he arrived back in Manchester." Current regulations allow travellers from Spain to be released from quarantine if they test negative for Covid-19 after five days of isolation. Pushed to clarify De Gea's situation, the United boss added: "I think the rules are that he's got to stay at home. "He's not training with us anyway. It's different if you travel away and compete so, no, he's not been training since he came back." United, second in the Premier League, are counting the cost of a spate of injuries in forward positions. Anthony Martial is a doubt after a hip complaint forced him off at half-time on Thursday, compounding the absence of fellow frontmen Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani. "Anthony, he got a whack on his hip so that's another forward that we need to scan and have to look at," Solskjaer said. "Definitely hope Marcus is back for next Thursday in Milan. I'm not sure if he'll make Sunday, but fingers crossed because we will need him. "Edinson I don't think will be ready for Sunday." Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek and Juan Mata are also set to be unavailable to face the high-flying Hammers.

Solskjaer unsure about De Gea's return to Man Utd side after Spain trip

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6674c8f-9914-410a-b2b3-fd663ba08d5c}{193}" paraid="1667796822" >Virat Kohli on Friday registered a duck in the first T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Kohli, who is not going through a great run of form with the willow, recorded his third duck in ongoing England’s tour of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ad051b67-68f4-4631-b5bd-5f49a8ec4ed0}{195}" paraid="1100236653" >With the duck, Kohli registered an unwanted record previously set by former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly.&nbsp;Kohli now has recorded 14 international ducks as the captain of India, surpassing Ganguly who had 13 ducks&nbsp;while leading Team India.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{152b46ed-0477-48a3-81c1-402955c26378}{114}" paraid="999730695" >While Kohli and Ganguly hold the first two positions on the unwanted list respectively, the duo is followed by former captain MS Dhoni who had 11 ducks in his career as the captain. Whereas legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev recorded 10 ducks as&nbsp;the captain of India. Next in the list is former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin with 8 ducks.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6674c8f-9914-410a-b2b3-fd663ba08d5c}{193}" paraid="1667796822" ><strong>Most duck by an&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;captain in&nbsp;international cricket:&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6674c8f-9914-410a-b2b3-fd663ba08d5c}{253}" paraid="543556496" >14: Virat&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{667b7873-a1a3-4e30-83bd-62f05da3e054}{7}" paraid="1193546946" >13:&nbsp;Sourav&nbsp;Ganguly&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{667b7873-a1a3-4e30-83bd-62f05da3e054}{16}" paraid="1000961680" >11: MS Dhoni&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a52bf00f-7db7-4e5a-ac35-d0154a2f44b4}{56}" paraid="1980888825" >Kohli was dismissed by English spinner Adil Rashid in the third over after the Indian captain went for an uncanny slog over mid-off. However, he mistimed the ball as it travelled straight to the hands of the fielder.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7a3bdb9b-398d-4739-abb2-f2cb7573687c}{218}" paraid="1644761439" >"We were planning to do things like batting first in these conditions where bowling in the dew becomes a factor. It's a good way to prepare for the World Cup," Kohli had said at the toss.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7a3bdb9b-398d-4739-abb2-f2cb7573687c}{237}" paraid="389467942" >&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli on Friday registered a duck in the first T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Kohli, who is not going through a great run of form with the willow, recorded his third duck in ongoing England’s tour of India.

Virat Kohli on Friday registered a duck in the first T20I against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Kohli, who is not going through a great run of form with the willow, recorded his third duck in ongoing England’s tour of India. With the duck, Kohli registered an unwanted record previously set by former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly. Kohli now has recorded 14 international ducks as the captain of India, surpassing Ganguly who had 13 ducks while leading Team India. While Kohli and Ganguly hold the first two positions on the unwanted list respectively, the duo is followed by former captain MS Dhoni who had 11 ducks in his career as the captain. Whereas legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev recorded 10 ducks as the captain of India. Next in the list is former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin with 8 ducks. Most duck by an Indian captain in international cricket: 14: Virat Kohli 13: Sourav Ganguly 11: MS Dhoni Kohli was dismissed by English spinner Adil Rashid in the third over after the Indian captain went for an uncanny slog over mid-off. However, he mistimed the ball as it travelled straight to the hands of the fielder. "We were planning to do things like batting first in these conditions where bowling in the dew becomes a factor. It's a good way to prepare for the World Cup," Kohli had said at the toss.

Virat Kohli surpasses Sourav Ganguly in unwanted list during 1st T20I vs England

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a30ed1ac-83a4-4649-9011-f2ed664fd329}{210}" paraid="1443056091" >Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani has conveyed that their body&nbsp;is not in&nbsp;favour&nbsp;of conducting the Asia Cup T20 in the year 2021. Mani has already told the&nbsp;Pakistan Super League (PSL)&nbsp;franchise owners of PCB not being in&nbsp;favour&nbsp;of the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held&nbsp;later this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cd69d57c-2496-4227-8e6a-f886952441b4}{127}" paraid="695043581" >According to PTI, a PCB source has said that Mani conveyed the message to PSL&nbsp;franchise owners during a virtual meeting on Thursday soon after it was officially announced that the remaining matches of postponed PSL 6 would be played in June.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7a4c6187-5f2c-4a8b-9aa4-5312e59dcdd9}{146}" paraid="11060254" >Mani cleared the air to PSL franchises after the owners sought to know whether the dates were clashing with the Asia Cup T20.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7a4c6187-5f2c-4a8b-9aa4-5312e59dcdd9}{146}" paraid="11060254" ><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-after-james-anderson-rishabh-pant-reverse-swats-jofra-archer-for-6-370000" hreflang="en">Watch: After James Anderson, Rishabh Pant reverse-swats Jofra Archer for 6</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c69e0ae4-1c30-4abc-8bc7-a194f6a148bb}{101}" paraid="1374029257" >"Mani made it clear that&nbsp;there&nbsp;was little possibility of the tournament being held this year and it would be moved to 2023 due to the commitments of the participating teams," the source&nbsp;told PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a30ed1ac-83a4-4649-9011-f2ed664fd329}{76}" paraid="1542061572" >The PCB chairman said that new dates of the Asia Cup would be decided at Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) next meeting. The PSL 6 was postponed after the completion of 14 of the 34 matches were completed due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases among franchise players and officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{130ae031-b632-4908-a1f5-a76a3072e227}{128}" paraid="71706636" >The source added that a couple of franchise owners had insisted that the PSL should be held in April while asking the PCB to&nbsp;pressurise&nbsp;Cricket South Africa (CSA) to reschedule Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, scheduled in April.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{130ae031-b632-4908-a1f5-a76a3072e227}{128}" paraid="71706636" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-cusp-of-becoming-first-player-to-score-3000-t20i-runs-369971" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli on cusp of becoming first player to score 3000 T20I runs</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a6674c8f-9914-410a-b2b3-fd663ba08d5c}{140}" paraid="2091423068" >"But the PCB chairman made it clear they could not do this as they had good relations with CSA which had supported Pakistan cricket by sending its full test team to Pakistan in February," he said.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani has conveyed that their body is not in favour of conducting the Asia Cup T20 in the year 2021. Mani has already told the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise owners of PCB not being in favour of the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held later this year.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani has conveyed that their body is not in favour of conducting the Asia Cup T20 in the year 2021. Mani has already told the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise owners of PCB not being in favour of the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held later this year. According to PTI, a PCB source has said that Mani conveyed the message to PSL franchise owners during a virtual meeting on Thursday soon after it was officially announced that the remaining matches of postponed PSL 6 would be played in June. Mani cleared the air to PSL franchises after the owners sought to know whether the dates were clashing with the Asia Cup T20. TRENDING: Watch: After James Anderson, Rishabh Pant reverse-swats Jofra Archer for 6 "Mani made it clear that there was little possibility of the tournament being held this year and it would be moved to 2023 due to the commitments of the participating teams," the source told PTI. The PCB chairman said that new dates of the Asia Cup would be decided at Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) next meeting. The PSL 6 was postponed after the completion of 14 of the 34 matches were completed due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases among franchise players and officials. The source added that a couple of franchise owners had insisted that the PSL should be held in April while asking the PCB to pressurise Cricket South Africa (CSA) to reschedule Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, scheduled in April. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli on cusp of becoming first player to score 3000 T20I runs "But the PCB chairman made it clear they could not do this as they had good relations with CSA which had supported Pakistan cricket by sending its full test team to Pakistan in February," he said.

Pakistan Cricket Board not in favour of playing Asia Cup in 2021

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ab2d3cc-cbab-42b8-a1d2-14d25a73ff6f}{14}" paraid="493189462" >Rishabh Pant on Friday continued his fearless approach in international cricket as he left everyone awestruck with his reverse-swat against Jofra Archer in the first T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f224726b-6b1f-40cc-b2fb-6f20423fb7de}{172}" paraid="1948938954" >While it was not the best of start for Team India, who were asked to bat first after England won the toss and opted to field first, the hosts lost couple of quick wickets with the likes of Aadil Rashid, Archer and Mark Wood striking early with the new ball.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{378b4fdc-19ed-4cce-9407-f86a99be94e4}{134}" paraid="10732719" >Rishabh Pant was sent to bat first at number four after Kohli was dismissed for a duck by Rashid. Pant after playing a few deliveries, launched a stunning attack against Archer as he bagged a six and boundary to end the fourth over of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ca9ca48c-8cf1-47ae-9a4b-8ed2e57c6f8f}{252}" paraid="441295668" >Archer bowled a length delivery clocked at 141 kph, however, Pant, showing sheer audacity, reverse-swatted the English speedster for a massive six. This was not the first time Pant has reverse-swatted an English bowler in the ongoing full-fledged series.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ca9ca48c-8cf1-47ae-9a4b-8ed2e57c6f8f}{252}" paraid="441295668" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-cusp-of-becoming-first-player-to-score-3000-t20i-runs-369971" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli on cusp of becoming first player to score 3000 T20I runs</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ca9ca48c-8cf1-47ae-9a4b-8ed2e57c6f8f}{252}" paraid="441295668" >WATCH: Rishabh Pant's incredible reverse-swat against Jofra Archer</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rishabh Pant To Archer 😳🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishabhPant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishabhPant</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/PDkct1AmLo">pic.twitter.com/PDkct1AmLo</a></p>
— Kl Rahul (@KlRahulFanArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/KlRahulFanArmy/status/1370374504015261701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier in the Test series, Pant reverse-swatted legendary pacer James Anderson as fans and pundits hailed the southpaw for showing immense courage against one of the greatest bowlers of all-time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-1st-t20i-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-ind-vs-eng-match-online-and-tv-369957" hreflang="en">India vs England 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ENG match online and TV?</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rishabh Pant reverse scooping Jimmy Anderson with the new ball!<br />
<br />
Incredible confidence and ability 💥 <a href="https://t.co/1SJiOyuQA0">pic.twitter.com/1SJiOyuQA0</a></p>
— onlinecricketacademy (@onlinecricketac) <a href="https://twitter.com/onlinecricketac/status/1368118487084920833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>After 6 overs, India&nbsp;were&nbsp;22/3 after losing openers KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli cheaply.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{20d0b30f-7aa7-49e0-a319-d817cc4d6235}{227}" paraid="1672907678" >Lowest powerplay scores for India in T20Is:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{20d0b30f-7aa7-49e0-a319-d817cc4d6235}{236}" paraid="1535735886" >21/3 vs Pakistan, Dhaka, 2016&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{20d0b30f-7aa7-49e0-a319-d817cc4d6235}{245}" paraid="983311334" >22/3 vs England, Ahmedabad, Today&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{20d0b30f-7aa7-49e0-a319-d817cc4d6235}{254}" paraid="1068681153" >24/4 vs Australia, Bridgetown, 2010&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ef821ee-5d4d-4341-a07f-a4117c63406d}{47}" paraid="193185207" ><strong>India&nbsp;(Playing XI): </strong>KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ef821ee-5d4d-4341-a07f-a4117c63406d}{62}" paraid="731488329" ><strong>England&nbsp;(Playing XI):</strong> Jason Roy, Jos Buttler(w), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ef821ee-5d4d-4341-a07f-a4117c63406d}{38}" paraid="637708583" >&nbsp;</p>


Rishabh Pant on Friday continued his fearless approach in international cricket as he left everyone awestruck with his reverse-swat against Jofra Archer in the first T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Rishabh Pant on Friday continued his fearless approach in international cricket as he left everyone awestruck with his reverse-swat against Jofra Archer in the first T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While it was not the best of start for Team India, who were asked to bat first after England won the toss and opted to field first, the hosts lost couple of quick wickets with the likes of Aadil Rashid, Archer and Mark Wood striking early with the new ball. Rishabh Pant was sent to bat first at number four after Kohli was dismissed for a duck by Rashid. Pant after playing a few deliveries, launched a stunning attack against Archer as he bagged a six and boundary to end the fourth over of the match. Archer bowled a length delivery clocked at 141 kph, however, Pant, showing sheer audacity, reverse-swatted the English speedster for a massive six. This was not the first time Pant has reverse-swatted an English bowler in the ongoing full-fledged series. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli on cusp of becoming first player to score 3000 T20I runs WATCH: Rishabh Pant's incredible reverse-swat against Jofra Archer Rishabh Pant To Archer 😳🔥#RishabhPant • #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/PDkct1AmLo — Kl Rahul (@KlRahulFanArmy) March 12, 2021 × Earlier in the Test series, Pant reverse-swatted legendary pacer James Anderson as fans and pundits hailed the southpaw for showing immense courage against one of the greatest bowlers of all-time. ALSO READ: India vs England 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ENG match online and TV? Rishabh Pant reverse scooping Jimmy Anderson with the new ball! Incredible confidence and ability 💥 pic.twitter.com/1SJiOyuQA0 — onlinecricketacademy (@onlinecricketac) March 6, 2021 × After 6 overs, India were 22/3 after losing openers KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli cheaply. Lowest powerplay scores for India in T20Is: 21/3 vs Pakistan, Dhaka, 2016 22/3 vs England, Ahmedabad, Today 24/4 vs Australia, Bridgetown, 2010 India (Playing XI): KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal England (Playing XI): Jason Roy, Jos Buttler(w), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Watch: After James Anderson, Rishabh Pant reverse-swats Jofra Archer for 6

<p>Jose Mourinho expects Harry Kane to be fit to face Arsenal on Sunday after he had ice applied to his knee following a knock in Tottenham's 2-0 Europa League win over Dinamo Zagreb.</p>

<p>The 27-year-old England captain scored both Spurs goals in the first leg of the last-16 tie in London on Thursday.</p>

<p>He now has 26 goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season and was hailed by Dinamo boss Zoran Mamic as a "master of football."</p>

<p>Spurs manager Jose Mourinho is optimistic Kane will be fit for the north London derby.</p>

<p>"I hope so, I believe so," he said. "It is a big match, only big problems stop him to be there. Let's see the reaction tomorrow (Friday) but I am sure he will be fine."</p>

<p>Mourinho agreed with Mamic's glowing assessment of Kane, highlighting his intelligence.</p>

<p>"Some strikers score lots of goals and that is the most important thing in football for a striker, which he does," he said.</p>

<p>"But apart from that he understands every tip we give him, in terms of his positioning, movement, he understands the game very well.</p>

<p>"He feels the spaces, he looks around to see where other players are and he can affect the game. He is really a very good player."</p>

<p>Mourinho is delighted with the way his team have rebounded after a poor spell, winning their past five matches in all competitions.</p>

<p>They are now seventh in the Premier League table, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, with a game in hand. Arsenal are 10th.</p>

<p>Winning the Europa League would be another route into next season's Champions League.</p>

<p>The 58-year-old Portuguese boss would have liked one extra goal against Dinamo to give his side a bigger cushion.</p>

<p>"The result could be a little bit bigger," he said.</p>

<p>"A third goal would have come and fit very well in the reality of the game, but it is what it is.</p>

<p>"It's still open. We have to go there and play a serious match because at 2-0 we are not yet in the quarter-finals."</p>


Jose Mourinho expects Harry Kane to be fit to face Arsenal on Sunday after he had ice applied to his knee following a knock in Tottenham's 2-0 Europa League win over Dinamo Zagreb.

Jose Mourinho expects Harry Kane to be fit to face Arsenal on Sunday after he had ice applied to his knee following a knock in Tottenham's 2-0 Europa League win over Dinamo Zagreb. The 27-year-old England captain scored both Spurs goals in the first leg of the last-16 tie in London on Thursday. He now has 26 goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season and was hailed by Dinamo boss Zoran Mamic as a "master of football." Spurs manager Jose Mourinho is optimistic Kane will be fit for the north London derby. "I hope so, I believe so," he said. "It is a big match, only big problems stop him to be there. Let's see the reaction tomorrow (Friday) but I am sure he will be fine." Mourinho agreed with Mamic's glowing assessment of Kane, highlighting his intelligence. "Some strikers score lots of goals and that is the most important thing in football for a striker, which he does," he said. "But apart from that he understands every tip we give him, in terms of his positioning, movement, he understands the game very well. "He feels the spaces, he looks around to see where other players are and he can affect the game. He is really a very good player." Mourinho is delighted with the way his team have rebounded after a poor spell, winning their past five matches in all competitions. They are now seventh in the Premier League table, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, with a game in hand. Arsenal are 10th. Winning the Europa League would be another route into next season's Champions League. The 58-year-old Portuguese boss would have liked one extra goal against Dinamo to give his side a bigger cushion. "The result could be a little bit bigger," he said. "A third goal would have come and fit very well in the reality of the game, but it is what it is. "It's still open. We have to go there and play a serious match because at 2-0 we are not yet in the quarter-finals."

Spurs boss Mourinho expects 'master' Kane to be fit to face Arsenal

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a5c171f-7611-4e1f-a89e-eaff2b869fc3}{95}" paraid="1502822565" >Virat Kohli is on the verge of becoming the first player to score 3000 runs in T20I cricket. Kohli, who is just 72 runs away from the iconic landmark, will look to achieve the milestone when India&nbsp;take&nbsp;on England in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{57a89fae-a6bf-4e9d-9e28-65884b68516f}{5}" paraid="1623090834" >While Kohli continues&nbsp;to wait for his first century with the last ton for the Indian skipper coming more than a year ago, he would be looking to become the first player to touch a 3000-run landmark&nbsp;in T20 international cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{322cd553-7340-4ebc-9a4b-83e915b0d2c8}{98}" paraid="786005146" >Kohli is the leading run-scorer in T20I cricket with 2928 runs in 85 matches for India. In 79 innings in T20I cricket, Kohli has scored his runs at a splendid average of 50.48 and strike-rate of 138.43 including 25 fifties.&nbsp;The Indian skipper’s batting average is the second-highest in T20I cricket after Dawid Malan (minimum&nbsp;800 runs).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{322cd553-7340-4ebc-9a4b-83e915b0d2c8}{98}" paraid="786005146" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-1st-t20i-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-ind-vs-eng-match-online-and-tv-369957" hreflang="en">India vs England 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ENG match online and TV?</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fa4a48ee-6d67-4530-b1a3-794f274c61f6}{169}" paraid="2062368420" >The swashbuckling Indian batsman is 91 runs ahead of New Zealand’s Martin Guptill when it comes to scoring runs in T20I cricket followed by white-ball deputy Rohit Sharma, who has 2773 runs under his belt in 71 matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1f7ea8b1-ad01-47d7-9550-e52c6943d946}{79}" paraid="825861037" >Ahead of the match, Kohli said England are the team to beat in the shortest format of the game while adding the Eoin Morgan-led outfit is&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;to win the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1f7ea8b1-ad01-47d7-9550-e52c6943d946}{79}" paraid="825861037" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mithali-raj-becomes-first-indian-woman-to-score-10000-international-runs-369902" hreflang="en">Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1f7ea8b1-ad01-47d7-9550-e52c6943d946}{125}" paraid="379227819" >“I actually think it's England who will be the team to beat. They're the number one side in the world and the prime focus will be on them in this World Cups. All the other teams will be wary of the strengths that they bring on to the park and every other team would agree with what I say: it's England who are the&nbsp;favourites&nbsp;and that will not change regardless of how they think - Virat Kohli doesn't agree that India will be favorites,” Kohli said in the pre-match press conference.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli is on the verge of becoming the first player to score 3000 runs in T20I cricket. Kohli, who is just 72 runs away from the iconic landmark, will look to achieve the milestone when India take on England in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli is on the verge of becoming the first player to score 3000 runs in T20I cricket. Kohli, who is just 72 runs away from the iconic landmark, will look to achieve the milestone when India take on England in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While Kohli continues to wait for his first century with the last ton for the Indian skipper coming more than a year ago, he would be looking to become the first player to touch a 3000-run landmark in T20 international cricket. Kohli is the leading run-scorer in T20I cricket with 2928 runs in 85 matches for India. In 79 innings in T20I cricket, Kohli has scored his runs at a splendid average of 50.48 and strike-rate of 138.43 including 25 fifties. The Indian skipper’s batting average is the second-highest in T20I cricket after Dawid Malan (minimum 800 runs). ALSO READ: India vs England 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ENG match online and TV? The swashbuckling Indian batsman is 91 runs ahead of New Zealand’s Martin Guptill when it comes to scoring runs in T20I cricket followed by white-ball deputy Rohit Sharma, who has 2773 runs under his belt in 71 matches. Ahead of the match, Kohli said England are the team to beat in the shortest format of the game while adding the Eoin Morgan-led outfit is favourite to win the T20 World Cup. ALSO READ: Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs “I actually think it's England who will be the team to beat. They're the number one side in the world and the prime focus will be on them in this World Cups. All the other teams will be wary of the strengths that they bring on to the park and every other team would agree with what I say: it's England who are the favourites and that will not change regardless of how they think - Virat Kohli doesn't agree that India will be favorites,” Kohli said in the pre-match press conference.

Virat Kohli on cusp of becoming first player to score 3000 T20I runs

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3cb82167-df2a-4bff-8819-b73910022ac9}{152}" paraid="783596462" >India and England are set to start the five-match T20I series with the opener to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eaa30f9d-18a1-4161-89fe-466df39ff984}{179}" paraid="1745541981" >India, after winning the Test series, would be shifting their focus to the shortest format of the game against the winner of ICC World Cup 2019 – England. The hosts would be looking to test some new faces and combinations in the build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held later this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{973d4163-3d9f-42a1-a971-e5983fadb8fc}{44}" paraid="747048965" >The opening T20I between India and England promises to be a run-feast given it will be played on a fresh track in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f70d314e-cd89-4a53-abfc-65f0014a7fd5}{28}" paraid="1335635795" >Talking about the team combinations, England have a fully-fit squad to pick from. India, on the other hand, might chop and change a bit to test new players in the series. However, Kohli, ahead of the match, confirmed that KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma will open for India with Shikhar Dhawan.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f70d314e-cd89-4a53-abfc-65f0014a7fd5}{28}" paraid="1335635795" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mithali-raj-becomes-first-indian-woman-to-score-10000-international-runs-369902" hreflang="en">Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{216756bb-2f44-4d5b-9fa7-dcf6b476d4cc}{188}" paraid="1476666193" >All you need to know&nbsp;about&nbsp;India vs England 1st T20I&nbsp;match in Ahmedabad:&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{216756bb-2f44-4d5b-9fa7-dcf6b476d4cc}{212}" paraid="1692779502" >When&nbsp;and where will India vs England 1st T20I&nbsp;be played?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{216756bb-2f44-4d5b-9fa7-dcf6b476d4cc}{220}" paraid="499319840" >The first T20I of the five-match series between India and England will be played on March 12&nbsp;at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fc03e39b-4a1f-4090-be9f-fee2b07bf0f2}{173}" paraid="663463227" >What time will the first T20I match between India and England&nbsp;begin?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{13}" paraid="2017795900" >The&nbsp;first&nbsp;T20I between India and England will&nbsp;start&nbsp;at 7.00 PM IST. The toss will take place at 06:30 PM IST.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{29}" paraid="1042264036" >Which TV channels will&nbsp;telecast the first T20I match between India and England&nbsp;live?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{37}" paraid="1392695802" >The first T20I match between India and England will broadcast on Star Sports network.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{53}" paraid="66108665" >How can I watch the live streaming of the first T20I match between India and England?&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{61}" paraid="108079072" >The first T20I match between India and England will&nbsp;be&nbsp;live streamed&nbsp;on Disney +&nbsp;Hotstar&nbsp;app.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{77}" paraid="181787973" >India vs England, T20I series -&nbsp;Full Squads:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{93}" paraid="408008151" >India: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk),&nbsp;Yuzvendra&nbsp;Chahal, Varun Chakravarthy,&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel, Washington Sundar, Rahul&nbsp;Tewatia, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6294464f-98b5-43f6-a6ae-7adefdfbecea}{109}" paraid="423168489" >England: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, Mark Wood&nbsp;</p>


India and England are set to start the five-match T20I series with the opener to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. India, after winning the Test series, would be shifting their focus to the shortest format of the game against the winner of ICC World Cup 2019 – England.

India and England are set to start the five-match T20I series with the opener to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. India, after winning the Test series, would be shifting their focus to the shortest format of the game against the winner of ICC World Cup 2019 – England. The hosts would be looking to test some new faces and combinations in the build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held later this year. The opening T20I between India and England promises to be a run-feast given it will be played on a fresh track in Ahmedabad. Talking about the team combinations, England have a fully-fit squad to pick from. India, on the other hand, might chop and change a bit to test new players in the series. However, Kohli, ahead of the match, confirmed that KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma will open for India with Shikhar Dhawan. ALSO READ: Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs All you need to know about India vs England 1st T20I match in Ahmedabad: When and where will India vs England 1st T20I be played? The first T20I of the five-match series between India and England will be played on March 12 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. What time will the first T20I match between India and England begin? The first T20I between India and England will start at 7.00 PM IST. The toss will take place at 06:30 PM IST. Which TV channels will telecast the first T20I match between India and England live? The first T20I match between India and England will broadcast on Star Sports network. How can I watch the live streaming of the first T20I match between India and England? The first T20I match between India and England will be live streamed on Disney + Hotstar app. India vs England, T20I series - Full Squads: India: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Yuzvendra Chahal, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur England: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, Mark Wood

India vs England 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ENG match online and TV?

<p>Ilkay Gundogan has been named Premier League Player of the Month for the second time in a row. The German midfielder has retained the award following another exceptional month in which Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League.</p>

<p>During that period, Gundogan helped his team to break the domestic record for most consecutive wins (15), as well as the English top-flight record for wins from the start of the calendar year (9). His brace against Liverpool in City’s 4-1 win at Anfield helped to secure the first win there since 2003, before he notched a further two goals against Tottenham Hotspur in an impressive 3-0 triumph at the Etihad Stadium one week later.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-cricket-stars-bowled-over-by-vaccine-rollout-369925" hreflang="en">England cricket stars bowled over by vaccine rollout</a></strong></p>

<p>The 30-year-old saw off competition from City team-mate Joao Cancelo, as well as Bruno Fernandes, Harvey Barnes and Jesse Lingard to become the first German to ever receive the Premier League accolade twice.</p>

<p>Gundogan said: “I am very proud to win this award again – but I am most proud of being part of this amazing team.</p>

<p>“To win all our games in February, like we did in January, is amazing. I get the sense we are playing really good football and being part of that makes me happy.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/milan-grab-europa-league-last-16-edge-at-united-as-tottenham-arsenal-shine-369890" hreflang="en">Milan grab Europa League last 16 edge at United as Tottenham, Arsenal shine</a></strong></p>

<p>“Hopefully we can continue like this because, ultimately, winning trophies is what matters. I know all the squad want that to happen and we will try our best from now until the end of the season.”</p>


Ilkay Gundogan has been named Premier League Player of the Month for the second time in a row. The German midfielder has retained the award following another exceptional month in which Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Ilkay Gundogan has been named Premier League Player of the Month for the second time in a row. The German midfielder has retained the award following another exceptional month in which Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League. During that period, Gundogan helped his team to break the domestic record for most consecutive wins (15), as well as the English top-flight record for wins from the start of the calendar year (9). His brace against Liverpool in City’s 4-1 win at Anfield helped to secure the first win there since 2003, before he notched a further two goals against Tottenham Hotspur in an impressive 3-0 triumph at the Etihad Stadium one week later. ALSO READ: England cricket stars bowled over by vaccine rollout The 30-year-old saw off competition from City team-mate Joao Cancelo, as well as Bruno Fernandes, Harvey Barnes and Jesse Lingard to become the first German to ever receive the Premier League accolade twice. Gundogan said: “I am very proud to win this award again – but I am most proud of being part of this amazing team. “To win all our games in February, like we did in January, is amazing. I get the sense we are playing really good football and being part of that makes me happy. ALSO READ: Milan grab Europa League last 16 edge at United as Tottenham, Arsenal shine “Hopefully we can continue like this because, ultimately, winning trophies is what matters. I know all the squad want that to happen and we will try our best from now until the end of the season.”

Ilkay Gundogan named Premier League Player of the Month twice in a row

<p>Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has been joined by members of the England Men’s cricket team and the ECB’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nick Peirce, in a discussion about the Covid-19 vaccine, hosted by presenter Isa Guha.</p>

<p>In a new film released on Friday, teammates Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran virtually joined Professor Van-Tam for the question-and-answer session from India, where they are competing in their Twenty20 series.</p>

<p>At a time when some of England’s most famous cricket grounds, including Lord’s, are being used as centres to support the NHS vaccine rollout, the impact of the pandemic on the cricketing world has been felt for players and fans alike.</p>

<p>Discussing the national vaccine rollout, the players got the chance to ask Professor Van-Tam the questions on many people’s lips – “are there any side effects?”, “How does the vaccine protect people from coronavirus?” and “is it safe for all ethnic groups to take?”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mithali-raj-becomes-first-indian-woman-to-score-10000-international-runs-369902" hreflang="en">Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs</a></strong></p>

<p>With a noted rise in misinformation, Professor Van-Tam encouraged hesitant groups to seek information from trusted sources, reiterating that these effective vaccines are the best way to protect people from coronavirus and will save thousands of lives.</p>

<p>Separating fact from fiction, the players were informed that vaccines are tested through three phases of clinical trials to ensure they meet the gold standard and that, like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. However, most of these are mild and short-term, lasting no longer than a week, and not everyone gets them.</p>

<p>Professor Van-Tam addresses other questions from the players around safety, reassuring them that it the vaccine suitable for people from all ethnic backgrounds.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-gets-ioc-funded-chinese-coronavirus-jab-369895" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics gets IOC-funded Chinese coronavirus jab</a></strong></p>

<p>Whilst the national restrictions imposed to help tackle the spread of coronavirus mean that cricket fans have been unable to attend matches in the UK for the last year, with the incredible deployment speed of the Covid-19 vaccine, the ECB remains hopeful that stadiums will soon be full again if people take their vaccine when notified.</p>

<p>Concluding their chat, when asked if they would get their vaccine, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran together pledged that they would when called because they trust the advice from experts and their doctors that it’s safe and the best way for life to return to normality.</p>

<p>England cricketer, Chris Jordan, said: “It’s been a strange experience playing in empty stadiums and I can’t wait to have our fans back the team in person. Like many, I’ve had my own questions about the vaccine.</p>

<p>“With my understanding of the direction the world is heading in, and after speaking to Professor Van-Tam with my teammates, there’s no doubt in my mind that I will get the vaccine when it’s my turn.”</p>

<p>England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said: “It was a real pleasure to join some of England’s cricket players and answer their questions about the vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to protect people from COVID and will save thousands of lives. Over 22 million people have now had their first dose, if people follow the guidance then we all hope that people will be cheering our cricketers and other sport stars on from the stands again soon.”</p>

<p>Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said: “Our brilliant healthcare workers and volunteers across the country have been working flat out to give the vaccine to millions of people, including at the vaccination site at Lord’s Cricket Ground which has delivered more than 10,000 vaccinations. We are already seeing the real-world positive effect of the vaccine programme on reducing hospitalisations and deaths and I would urge everyone who is offered it to get their jab to protect yourself and those around you.”</p>

<p>Chief Medical Officer at England and Wales Cricket Board, Professor Nick Peirce, said: “I’m proud of the way the England Cricket Community has adapted to adhere to the strict Covid guidelines and supported the NHS vaccine rollout however they can. We join in encouraging everyone to do their own research through trusted sources, like the NHS website, to be sure of the facts and get their vaccine when called.”</p>

<p>Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden CBE, said: “Cricket has made an outstanding contribution throughout the pandemic, and it was a real pleasure to visit the Lord’s vaccine centre recently where volunteers, NHS staff and the cricket community were working together to knock Covid for six. I want to thank the England squad for joining us in encouraging people to take up the vaccine when they are notified. A successful vaccine rollout is the best way we can get everyone back safely watching and playing, and I want us to have a brilliant summer of cricket.”</p>

<p>To reach a time when fans can return to stadiums to watch cricket matches live, high vaccine uptake and maintaining the Hands. Face. Space key behaviours is very important.</p>

<p>The Covid-19 vaccination programme is the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history, with over 20 million vaccinations carried out to date.</p>

<p>New data shows that both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines significantly reduce severe COVID-19 in older adults and that the vaccines are working to reduce infections and save lives.</p>

<p>The UK’s vaccination programme is continuing to build up steadily with more people becoming eligible in the weeks and months in order of age and risk.&nbsp;</p>


Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has been joined by members of the England Men’s cricket team and the ECB’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nick Peirce, in a discussion about the Covid-19 vaccine, hosted by presenter Isa Guha.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has been joined by members of the England Men’s cricket team and the ECB’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nick Peirce, in a discussion about the Covid-19 vaccine, hosted by presenter Isa Guha. In a new film released on Friday, teammates Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran virtually joined Professor Van-Tam for the question-and-answer session from India, where they are competing in their Twenty20 series. At a time when some of England’s most famous cricket grounds, including Lord’s, are being used as centres to support the NHS vaccine rollout, the impact of the pandemic on the cricketing world has been felt for players and fans alike. Discussing the national vaccine rollout, the players got the chance to ask Professor Van-Tam the questions on many people’s lips – “are there any side effects?”, “How does the vaccine protect people from coronavirus?” and “is it safe for all ethnic groups to take?”. ALSO READ: Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs With a noted rise in misinformation, Professor Van-Tam encouraged hesitant groups to seek information from trusted sources, reiterating that these effective vaccines are the best way to protect people from coronavirus and will save thousands of lives. Separating fact from fiction, the players were informed that vaccines are tested through three phases of clinical trials to ensure they meet the gold standard and that, like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. However, most of these are mild and short-term, lasting no longer than a week, and not everyone gets them. Professor Van-Tam addresses other questions from the players around safety, reassuring them that it the vaccine suitable for people from all ethnic backgrounds. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics gets IOC-funded Chinese coronavirus jab Whilst the national restrictions imposed to help tackle the spread of coronavirus mean that cricket fans have been unable to attend matches in the UK for the last year, with the incredible deployment speed of the Covid-19 vaccine, the ECB remains hopeful that stadiums will soon be full again if people take their vaccine when notified. Concluding their chat, when asked if they would get their vaccine, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran together pledged that they would when called because they trust the advice from experts and their doctors that it’s safe and the best way for life to return to normality. England cricketer, Chris Jordan, said: “It’s been a strange experience playing in empty stadiums and I can’t wait to have our fans back the team in person. Like many, I’ve had my own questions about the vaccine. “With my understanding of the direction the world is heading in, and after speaking to Professor Van-Tam with my teammates, there’s no doubt in my mind that I will get the vaccine when it’s my turn.” England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said: “It was a real pleasure to join some of England’s cricket players and answer their questions about the vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to protect people from COVID and will save thousands of lives. Over 22 million people have now had their first dose, if people follow the guidance then we all hope that people will be cheering our cricketers and other sport stars on from the stands again soon.” Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said: “Our brilliant healthcare workers and volunteers across the country have been working flat out to give the vaccine to millions of people, including at the vaccination site at Lord’s Cricket Ground which has delivered more than 10,000 vaccinations. We are already seeing the real-world positive effect of the vaccine programme on reducing hospitalisations and deaths and I would urge everyone who is offered it to get their jab to protect yourself and those around you.” Chief Medical Officer at England and Wales Cricket Board, Professor Nick Peirce, said: “I’m proud of the way the England Cricket Community has adapted to adhere to the strict Covid guidelines and supported the NHS vaccine rollout however they can. We join in encouraging everyone to do their own research through trusted sources, like the NHS website, to be sure of the facts and get their vaccine when called.” Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden CBE, said: “Cricket has made an outstanding contribution throughout the pandemic, and it was a real pleasure to visit the Lord’s vaccine centre recently where volunteers, NHS staff and the cricket community were working together to knock Covid for six. I want to thank the England squad for joining us in encouraging people to take up the vaccine when they are notified. A successful vaccine rollout is the best way we can get everyone back safely watching and playing, and I want us to have a brilliant summer of cricket.” To reach a time when fans can return to stadiums to watch cricket matches live, high vaccine uptake and maintaining the Hands. Face. Space key behaviours is very important. The Covid-19 vaccination programme is the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history, with over 20 million vaccinations carried out to date. New data shows that both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines significantly reduce severe COVID-19 in older adults and that the vaccines are working to reduce infections and save lives. The UK’s vaccination programme is continuing to build up steadily with more people becoming eligible in the weeks and months in order of age and risk.

England cricket stars bowled over by vaccine rollout

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{02735b40-effe-4d86-ab6b-4214491e5eb8}{165}" paraid="158170801" >Indian ODI captain Mithali Raj on Friday became the first Indian woman to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. The iconic batswoman achieved the feat in the third ODI against South Africa at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{aabf90da-0bb5-4e8b-9e89-c9b23aa79820}{213}" paraid="1755989430" >Mithali, who was playing her 212th WODI for India, scored 36 runs while touching the landmark of scoring a whopping 10,000 runs in international cricket across formats. With the milestone, Mithali became the second woman to reach 10,000 runs after&nbsp;former England captain Charlotte Edwards. The former England skipper remains the leading run-scorer&nbsp;in international cricket with 10,273 runs while Mithali is second on the list with 10,001 runs. Suzie Bates is far-third with 7,849 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2 aria-level="4" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fd105356-b9b0-49cc-85a6-7f740d879956}{173}" paraid="274035571" role="heading" >Most international runs in women's cricket</h2>

<table border="0" data-tablelook="1696" data-tablestyle="MsoTableGrid">
	<tbody>
		<tr role="row">
			<td data-celllook="69905" role="rowheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{44}" paraid="916050620" >Player&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="69905" role="columnheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{55}" paraid="1298462754" >Matches&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="69905" role="columnheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{66}" paraid="970979120" >Runs&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="69905" role="columnheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{77}" paraid="1134189551" >50s/100s&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr role="row">
			<td data-celllook="4369" role="rowheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{88}" paraid="1658117520" >Charlotte Edwards&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{99}" paraid="324519197" >309&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{110}" paraid="652958675" >10273&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{121}" paraid="105899195" >67/13&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr role="row">
			<td data-celllook="4369" role="rowheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{132}" paraid="1356634457" ><strong>Mithali Raj&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{143}" paraid="996172881" ><strong>311&nbsp;</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{154}" paraid="957540138" ><strong>10001&nbsp;</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{165}" paraid="1040093134" ><strong>75/8&nbsp;</strong></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr role="row">
			<td data-celllook="4369" role="rowheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{176}" paraid="805355290" >Suzie Bates&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{187}" paraid="440837905" >247&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{198}" paraid="1270525951" >7849&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{209}" paraid="734855006" >48/11&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr role="row">
			<td data-celllook="4369" role="rowheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{220}" paraid="989376338" >Stafanie Taylor&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{231}" paraid="1994626690" >234&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{242}" paraid="544030927" >7816&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a09e9e9e-433b-425a-a9b7-6a19334fa6fa}{253}" paraid="68981078" >57/5&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr role="row">
			<td data-celllook="4369" role="rowheader">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e4784ec1-a4b9-439b-9523-7af62ad75fa9}{9}" paraid="789802665" >Meg Lanning&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e4784ec1-a4b9-439b-9523-7af62ad75fa9}{20}" paraid="981522951" >194&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e4784ec1-a4b9-439b-9523-7af62ad75fa9}{31}" paraid="2105888713" >6900&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td data-celllook="4369">
			<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e4784ec1-a4b9-439b-9523-7af62ad75fa9}{42}" paraid="1385052917" >29/16&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/smriti-mandhana-becomes-first-ever-player-to-score-50-in-10-consecutive-odi-chases-369124" hreflang="en">Smriti Mandhana becomes first-ever player to score 50+ in 10 consecutive ODI chases</a></strong></p>

<p>Before the third ODI against South Africa, Mithali was 35 runs short of the milestone and was dismissed soon after getting to the feat. In 10 Tests, Mithali has scored 663 runs in 10 Tests while accumulating&nbsp;2,364 runs in 89 T20Is. The veteran Indian batswoman remains the leading scorer in WODI cricket with as many as 6,974 runs in her kitty.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{133e734f-4452-463c-8d8e-a0038d88970e}{185}" paraid="1385265770" >Prior to the third ODI, Smriti&nbsp;Mandhana&nbsp;had said: "Getting to 10,000 runs first or second is a huge thing. She is the first Indian to do that so I think it is something that shows how consistent she has been throughout her career. We have looked up to her, definitely a very proud feeling for all of us in the team."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{133e734f-4452-463c-8d8e-a0038d88970e}{185}" paraid="1385265770" ><strong>ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-jhulan-goswamis-spirit-of-cricket-moment-with-south-africas-nadine-de-klerk-369110" hreflang="en">WATCH: Jhulan Goswami's 'Spirit of Cricket' moment with South Africa's Nadine de Klerk</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{02735b40-effe-4d86-ab6b-4214491e5eb8}{121}" paraid="738692707" >Wishes and tributes poured in for Mithali on social media platforms just after she reached the milestone. From the likes of&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar to Wasim Jaffer, Mithali’s&nbsp;achievement&nbsp;was lauded by many.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{02735b40-effe-4d86-ab6b-4214491e5eb8}{121}" paraid="738692707" >"Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing 10,000 runs in International Cricket. Terrific achievement... Keep going strong!" Tendulkar tweeted. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer also joined Tendulkar to wish Mithali on her achievement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing 1️⃣0️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ runs in International Cricket.<br />
<br />
Terrific achievement... 👏🏻<br />
Keep going strong! 💪🏻 <a href="https://t.co/1D2ybiVaUt">pic.twitter.com/1D2ybiVaUt</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1370262251454742529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Taking to Twitter, Jaffer wrote, "Many congratulations on reaching 10,000 international runs @M_Raj03. Terrific achievement, a testament to your fitness, skill and dedication towards the game."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Many congratulations on reaching 10,000 international runs <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_Raj03</a> Terrific achievement, a testament to your fitness, skill and dedication towards the game🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/EnWgF5HniM">pic.twitter.com/EnWgF5HniM</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1370250686881951746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Here's how others wished Mithali Raj after she completed 10,000 international runs:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It has been a long journey this for Mithali. Enroute a few milestones have been reached and crossed. Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_Raj03</a> for yet another accomplishment. 10,000 international runs and counting... <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCIWomen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/BpMoem9rUF">pic.twitter.com/BpMoem9rUF</a></p>
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) <a href="https://twitter.com/chopraanjum/status/1370254226052411392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are glad we live in an era that has witnessed Mithali Raj truly rule the 🏏 world! 😍<br />
<br />
Here's to the first Indian woman, and second in the world, to score 10,000 international runs! 👏👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MithaliRaj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MithaliRaj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDWvSAW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDWvSAW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaTaiyarHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaTaiyarHai</a> <a href="https://t.co/ilPDsjVxG8">pic.twitter.com/ilPDsjVxG8</a></p>
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1370286368451039232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations, Mithali Raj 👏<br />
<br />
A modern-day legend. <a href="https://t.co/XyI89zWL47">pic.twitter.com/XyI89zWL47</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1370274150997053441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Modern-day Woman Thala <a href="https://t.co/HTuh3HQ7Id">https://t.co/HTuh3HQ7Id</a></p>
— S &amp; S (@FakeBcciWarrior) <a href="https://twitter.com/FakeBcciWarrior/status/1370287961879670785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The STAR of INDIAN CRICKET.<br />
<br />
ABSOLUTE LEGEND <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_Raj03</a> mam<br />
What an inspiration. <a href="https://t.co/qJqO0QHCfs">https://t.co/qJqO0QHCfs</a></p>
— Avinash 🇮🇳 (@awakenedavi) <a href="https://twitter.com/awakenedavi/status/1370286671640494081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An icon of the game.<br />
Just the second batswoman, and the first 🇮🇳 batswoman to cross the 10k run mark in the history of the game.<br />
Kudos to <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_Raj03</a> on this great achievement.👏<br />
Wishing her even more success in the future.👍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MithaliRaj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MithaliRaj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/kq9iHsjLQa">https://t.co/kq9iHsjLQa</a></p>
— Tejas (@jha_tejas26) <a href="https://twitter.com/jha_tejas26/status/1370281649724780548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Inspired the all girl ma'am. Congratulations 👏💐 <a href="https://t.co/eysXSsbmRK">https://t.co/eysXSsbmRK</a></p>
— Amit Anand (@Amitbunty1998) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amitbunty1998/status/1370279161281966081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mithali Raj made her debut In 1999, 4 different decades in highest level and completed 10,000 runs in 2021 - Captain, leader, Legend, Mithali. What a absolute champion in Women's cricket. <a href="https://t.co/or3qP7Rcb3">pic.twitter.com/or3qP7Rcb3</a></p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1370246236779900934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian ODI captain Mithali Raj on Friday became the first Indian woman to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. The iconic batswoman achieved the feat in the third ODI against South Africa at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday.

Indian ODI captain Mithali Raj on Friday became the first Indian woman to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. The iconic batswoman achieved the feat in the third ODI against South Africa at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday. Mithali, who was playing her 212th WODI for India, scored 36 runs while touching the landmark of scoring a whopping 10,000 runs in international cricket across formats. With the milestone, Mithali became the second woman to reach 10,000 runs after former England captain Charlotte Edwards. The former England skipper remains the leading run-scorer in international cricket with 10,273 runs while Mithali is second on the list with 10,001 runs. Suzie Bates is far-third with 7,849 runs. Most international runs in women's cricket Player Matches Runs 50s/100s Charlotte Edwards 309 10273 67/13 Mithali Raj 311 10001 75/8 Suzie Bates 247 7849 48/11 Stafanie Taylor 234 7816 57/5 Meg Lanning 194 6900 29/16 ALSO READ: Smriti Mandhana becomes first-ever player to score 50+ in 10 consecutive ODI chases Before the third ODI against South Africa, Mithali was 35 runs short of the milestone and was dismissed soon after getting to the feat. In 10 Tests, Mithali has scored 663 runs in 10 Tests while accumulating 2,364 runs in 89 T20Is. The veteran Indian batswoman remains the leading scorer in WODI cricket with as many as 6,974 runs in her kitty. Prior to the third ODI, Smriti Mandhana had said: "Getting to 10,000 runs first or second is a huge thing. She is the first Indian to do that so I think it is something that shows how consistent she has been throughout her career. We have looked up to her, definitely a very proud feeling for all of us in the team." ALSO: WATCH: Jhulan Goswami's 'Spirit of Cricket' moment with South Africa's Nadine de Klerk Wishes and tributes poured in for Mithali on social media platforms just after she reached the milestone. From the likes of Sachin Tendulkar to Wasim Jaffer, Mithali’s achievement was lauded by many. "Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing 10,000 runs in International Cricket. Terrific achievement... Keep going strong!" Tendulkar tweeted. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer also joined Tendulkar to wish Mithali on her achievement. Heartiest congratulations Mithali on completing 1️⃣0️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ runs in International Cricket. Terrific achievement... 👏🏻 Keep going strong! 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/1D2ybiVaUt — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 12, 2021 × Taking to Twitter, Jaffer wrote, "Many congratulations on reaching 10,000 international runs @M_Raj03. Terrific achievement, a testament to your fitness, skill and dedication towards the game." Many congratulations on reaching 10,000 international runs @M_Raj03 Terrific achievement, a testament to your fitness, skill and dedication towards the game🙌 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/EnWgF5HniM — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 12, 2021 × Here's how others wished Mithali Raj after she completed 10,000 international runs: It has been a long journey this for Mithali. Enroute a few milestones have been reached and crossed. Congrats @M_Raj03 for yet another accomplishment. 10,000 international runs and counting... @BCCIWomen @BCCI pic.twitter.com/BpMoem9rUF — Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) March 12, 2021 × We are glad we live in an era that has witnessed Mithali Raj truly rule the 🏏 world! 😍 Here's to the first Indian woman, and second in the world, to score 10,000 international runs! 👏👏👏#MithaliRaj #INDWvSAW #IndiaTaiyarHai pic.twitter.com/ilPDsjVxG8 — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 12, 2021 × Congratulations, Mithali Raj 👏 A modern-day legend. pic.twitter.com/XyI89zWL47 — ICC (@ICC) March 12, 2021 × Modern-day Woman Thala https://t.co/HTuh3HQ7Id — S & S (@FakeBcciWarrior) March 12, 2021 × The STAR of INDIAN CRICKET. ABSOLUTE LEGEND @M_Raj03 mam What an inspiration. https://t.co/qJqO0QHCfs — Avinash 🇮🇳 (@awakenedavi) March 12, 2021 × An icon of the game. Just the second batswoman, and the first 🇮🇳 batswoman to cross the 10k run mark in the history of the game. Kudos to @M_Raj03 on this great achievement.👏 Wishing her even more success in the future.👍#MithaliRaj #INDvSA https://t.co/kq9iHsjLQa — Tejas (@jha_tejas26) March 12, 2021 × Inspired the all girl ma'am. Congratulations 👏💐 https://t.co/eysXSsbmRK — Amit Anand (@Amitbunty1998) March 12, 2021 × Mithali Raj made her debut In 1999, 4 different decades in highest level and completed 10,000 runs in 2021 - Captain, leader, Legend, Mithali. What a absolute champion in Women's cricket. pic.twitter.com/or3qP7Rcb3 — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 12, 2021 ×

Mithali Raj becomes first Indian woman to score 10,000 international runs

<p>Competitors at this year's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Games will be offered coronavirus vaccines purchased from China, Olympic chief Thomas Bach announced Thursday in a significant move for the holding of the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games.</p>

<p>The Chinese Olympic Committee have made "an offer to make additional vaccine doses available to participants for Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022", Bach said.</p>

<p>"The IOC will pay for these additional doses of vaccines for the Olympic and Paralympic teams," he added.</p>

<p>"The IOC will also pay for two doses more that can be made available to people in that country," Bach said, describing it as a "demonstration of solidarity" in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>The Tokyo Games were originally scheduled for the summer of 2020, but were pushed back by one year as the coronavirus pandemic raged across the globe.</p>

<p>Bach has said there is "no reason to doubt" that the Games would open on July 23, but the promise of vaccination could help to allay competitors' fears.</p>

<p>Around 11,000 athletes are expected at the Tokyo Olympics and 3,000 at the Beijing Games, with 4,000 and around 500 for the respective Summer and Winter Paralympics.</p>

<p>Tellingly none of the IOC members who took the virtual floor on day two of the 137th IOC Session questioned the moral minefield of athletes jumping the vaccine queue.</p>

<p>Also avoided was the potential political hot potato of buying the Chinese vaccines as Beijing comes under increasing fire from rights groups and some governments amid claims that actions towards the Uighur and other minority groups in the northwestern region of Xinjiang amount to genocide.</p>

<p>Bach said the Chinese Olympic Committee, in cooperation with the IOC, was ready to make vaccine doses available in two ways.</p>

<p>"This can be via international partners or in countries where partnerships are already in place with the Chinese government," he said, without giving further details.</p>

<p>Bach, who said the IOC had signed up to a World Health Organisation vaccine equity declaration calling on all countries to be administering vaccines by April 7, added that a significant number of Olympic teams "have already been vaccinated".</p>

<p>"Another significant number have received a commitment from their governments or are in very positive discussions."</p>

<p>Tokyo 2020's CEO Toshiro Muto said he had no prior knowledge of the IOC's vaccine plan.</p>

<p>"First of all, did we receive information in advance? No. We had not obtained that information at all," Muto said.</p>

<p>"This is an issue regarding the IOC, so what president Bach was mentioning at the session, we listened to, we heard what he had to say, but I am in no position to make any comments in that regard."</p>

<h2>- No virus spreader -</h2>

<p>Bach also tried to play down the risks to Japan from hosting the Olympics, citing the fact that since September 2020, 270 international competitions had been held involving more than 30,000 athletes who had followed "rigorous health and safety protocols".</p>

<p>"Not a single one of these events turned into a virus spreader," Bach said, adding they had posed no danger to host communities: "It's clean and obvious proof."</p>

<p>Bach was at pains to reiterate that the IOC remains committed to holding a "successful and safe" Games this year, dismissing cancellation talk as "speculation".</p>

<p>Overseas spectators, however, are likely to be shut out, as Japanese organisers prioritise public health and safety.</p>

<p>Tokyo 2020's CEO Muto said that tickets will be refunded should spectators be unable to attend.</p>

<p>"That's a given," added John Coates, head of the IOC's coordination committee for the Tokyo Games, saying he was "mindful of the uncertainty".</p>

<p>James Macleod, the IOC's director of the National Olympic Committee relations department and of Olympic Solidarity, added that the Refugee Olympic Team, which made its debut in Rio in 2016, would feature more than 20 athletes in 10 sports in Tokyo.</p>


Competitors at this year's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Games will be offered coronavirus vaccines purchased from China, Olympic chief Thomas Bach announced Thursday in a significant move for the holding of the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games.

Competitors at this year's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Games will be offered coronavirus vaccines purchased from China, Olympic chief Thomas Bach announced Thursday in a significant move for the holding of the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games. The Chinese Olympic Committee have made "an offer to make additional vaccine doses available to participants for Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022", Bach said. "The IOC will pay for these additional doses of vaccines for the Olympic and Paralympic teams," he added. "The IOC will also pay for two doses more that can be made available to people in that country," Bach said, describing it as a "demonstration of solidarity" in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The Tokyo Games were originally scheduled for the summer of 2020, but were pushed back by one year as the coronavirus pandemic raged across the globe. Bach has said there is "no reason to doubt" that the Games would open on July 23, but the promise of vaccination could help to allay competitors' fears. Around 11,000 athletes are expected at the Tokyo Olympics and 3,000 at the Beijing Games, with 4,000 and around 500 for the respective Summer and Winter Paralympics. Tellingly none of the IOC members who took the virtual floor on day two of the 137th IOC Session questioned the moral minefield of athletes jumping the vaccine queue. Also avoided was the potential political hot potato of buying the Chinese vaccines as Beijing comes under increasing fire from rights groups and some governments amid claims that actions towards the Uighur and other minority groups in the northwestern region of Xinjiang amount to genocide. Bach said the Chinese Olympic Committee, in cooperation with the IOC, was ready to make vaccine doses available in two ways. "This can be via international partners or in countries where partnerships are already in place with the Chinese government," he said, without giving further details. Bach, who said the IOC had signed up to a World Health Organisation vaccine equity declaration calling on all countries to be administering vaccines by April 7, added that a significant number of Olympic teams "have already been vaccinated". "Another significant number have received a commitment from their governments or are in very positive discussions." Tokyo 2020's CEO Toshiro Muto said he had no prior knowledge of the IOC's vaccine plan. "First of all, did we receive information in advance? No. We had not obtained that information at all," Muto said. "This is an issue regarding the IOC, so what president Bach was mentioning at the session, we listened to, we heard what he had to say, but I am in no position to make any comments in that regard." - No virus spreader - Bach also tried to play down the risks to Japan from hosting the Olympics, citing the fact that since September 2020, 270 international competitions had been held involving more than 30,000 athletes who had followed "rigorous health and safety protocols". "Not a single one of these events turned into a virus spreader," Bach said, adding they had posed no danger to host communities: "It's clean and obvious proof." Bach was at pains to reiterate that the IOC remains committed to holding a "successful and safe" Games this year, dismissing cancellation talk as "speculation". Overseas spectators, however, are likely to be shut out, as Japanese organisers prioritise public health and safety. Tokyo 2020's CEO Muto said that tickets will be refunded should spectators be unable to attend. "That's a given," added John Coates, head of the IOC's coordination committee for the Tokyo Games, saying he was "mindful of the uncertainty". James Macleod, the IOC's director of the National Olympic Committee relations department and of Olympic Solidarity, added that the Refugee Olympic Team, which made its debut in Rio in 2016, would feature more than 20 athletes in 10 sports in Tokyo.

Tokyo Olympics gets IOC-funded Chinese coronavirus jab

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