Indian Super League (ISL) club Odisha FC on Tuesday sacked head coach Stuart Baxter following his insensitive rape analogy to&nbsp;criticize&nbsp;refereeing decision in the post-match interview following team's 1-0 defeat against Jamshedpur FC&nbsp;

While Odisha FC on Monday said that they are appalled at the remarks made by Baxter where he referred to rape while talking about referring decisions in the match against Jamshedpur FC, the club on Tuesday followed the development by sacking the Briton.&nbsp;

"Odisha FC has decided to terminate Head Coach, Stuart Baxter's contract with immediate effect. The interim coach for the remainder of the season will be announced soon,” the club said in a statement on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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Odisha FC has decided to terminate Head Coach, Stuart Baxter's contract with immediate effect. 
 
The interim coach for the remainder of the season will be announced soon.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OdishaFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OdishaFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/FcrMPCDn5h">pic.twitter.com/FcrMPCDn5h</a>
— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OdishaFC/status/1356505984693374980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Baxter, the 67-year-old head coach from England, had questioned a decision made against his team in the post-match interview.&nbsp;

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“I have to say, you need decisions to go your way and I don’t know what we have to do get a penalty. One of my players would have to rape or get raped in the box to get a penalty,” he was heard saying in the interview.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The club&nbsp;put forward an apology straight away as they said: “The Club is appalled at the comments made by Head Coach, Stuart Baxter during the post-match interview today. It is completely unacceptable whatever the context and does not reflect the values of the club. We, at Odisha FC, unreservedly apologize and the club management will handle this matter internally.”&nbsp;

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We, at Odisha FC, unreservedly apologize and the club management will handle this matter internally.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OdishaFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OdishaFC</a>
— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OdishaFC/status/1356303576814002181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Talking about the match, Mohammad&nbsp;Mobashir&nbsp;Rahman's 41st-minute strike helped Jamshedpur FC record a 1-0 win over Odisha FC.&nbsp;

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The controversial decision by the referee came late in the game when Odisha FC's Diego Mauricio was tripped in the penalty box by TP&nbsp;Rehenesh&nbsp;but the referee didn't give the penalty.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Odisha FC are lying bottom of the points table after 14 league matches, registering just a win and five draws.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Odisha FC on Tuesday sacked head coach Stuart Baxter following his insensitive rape analogy to criticize refereeing decision in the post-match interview following team's 1-0 defeat against Jamshedpur FC While Odisha FC on Monday said that they are appalled at the remarks made by Baxter where he referred to rape while talking about referring decisions in the match against Jamshedpur FC, the club on Tuesday followed the development by sacking the Briton.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Odisha FC on Tuesday sacked head coach Stuart Baxter following his insensitive rape analogy to criticize refereeing decision in the post-match interview following team's 1-0 defeat against Jamshedpur FC While Odisha FC on Monday said that they are appalled at the remarks made by Baxter where he referred to rape while talking about referring decisions in the match against Jamshedpur FC, the club on Tuesday followed the development by sacking the Briton. "Odisha FC has decided to terminate Head Coach, Stuart Baxter's contract with immediate effect. The interim coach for the remainder of the season will be announced soon,” the club said in a statement on Tuesday. Odisha FC has decided to terminate Head Coach, Stuart Baxter's contract with immediate effect. The interim coach for the remainder of the season will be announced soon.#OdishaFC pic.twitter.com/FcrMPCDn5h — Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) February 2, 2021 × Baxter, the 67-year-old head coach from England, had questioned a decision made against his team in the post-match interview. ALSO READ: Liverpool bolster defence, Minamino off to Saints as window shuts “I have to say, you need decisions to go your way and I don’t know what we have to do get a penalty. One of my players would have to rape or get raped in the box to get a penalty,” he was heard saying in the interview. The club put forward an apology straight away as they said: “The Club is appalled at the comments made by Head Coach, Stuart Baxter during the post-match interview today. It is completely unacceptable whatever the context and does not reflect the values of the club. We, at Odisha FC, unreservedly apologize and the club management will handle this matter internally.” We, at Odisha FC, unreservedly apologize and the club management will handle this matter internally.#OdishaFC — Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) February 1, 2021 × Talking about the match, Mohammad Mobashir Rahman's 41st-minute strike helped Jamshedpur FC record a 1-0 win over Odisha FC. ALSO READ: Fan-free Tokyo Paralympics can still have major impact, says IPC chief The controversial decision by the referee came late in the game when Odisha FC's Diego Mauricio was tripped in the penalty box by TP Rehenesh but the referee didn't give the penalty. Meanwhile, Odisha FC are lying bottom of the points table after 14 league matches, registering just a win and five draws.

ISL club Odisha FC sack head coach Stuart Baxter after shocking rape analogy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) have decided to allow crowds at 50 per cent capacity in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;

According to a report in PTI, the issue was discussed again by the TNCA members after fresh COVID-19 guidelines on entry of spectators inside sporting venues were issued. The move was given a green signal after a meeting between BCCI and TNCA officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We discussed the issue of allowing spectators for second India vs England Test following fresh COVID-19 guidelines by the Central government permitting crowds at sporting venues and also the state government's SOPs given on Sunday," the TNCA official told PTI.&nbsp;

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"It has been decided by the BCCI and TNCA to allow 50 per cent spectators for the second Test by following all safety protocols."&nbsp;

The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has a crowd capacity of 50,000. The first Test commences on Friday and will be played behind closed doors. Notably, crowds have already been allowed for the third and fourth Test in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

The official further said that media would also be allowed to cover both the Tests from the press box at the stadium.&nbsp;

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Earlier, the BCCI and TNCA had decided that the first two matches in Chennai would be held behind closed doors but the decision was revised after home ministry's guidelines on easing of&nbsp;restrictions on public movement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The official said there was little time to allow entry of spectators for the opening Test.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"There is little time to make arrangements for&nbsp;spectators&nbsp;entry for the first Test so the crowd cannot be allowed. Though the gap between the two Tests is only three days, we are confident that arrangements can be made for (50 per cent) fans in the second Test keeping the safety norms in mind," the official added.&nbsp;

(From PTI inputs)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) have decided to allow crowds at 50 per cent capacity in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) have decided to allow crowds at 50 per cent capacity in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. According to a report in PTI, the issue was discussed again by the TNCA members after fresh COVID-19 guidelines on entry of spectators inside sporting venues were issued. The move was given a green signal after a meeting between BCCI and TNCA officials. "We discussed the issue of allowing spectators for second India vs England Test following fresh COVID-19 guidelines by the Central government permitting crowds at sporting venues and also the state government's SOPs given on Sunday," the TNCA official told PTI. ALSO READ: BCCI in touch with government to get Indian cricketers vaccinated: Report "It has been decided by the BCCI and TNCA to allow 50 per cent spectators for the second Test by following all safety protocols." The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has a crowd capacity of 50,000. The first Test commences on Friday and will be played behind closed doors. Notably, crowds have already been allowed for the third and fourth Test in Ahmedabad. The official further said that media would also be allowed to cover both the Tests from the press box at the stadium. ALSO READ: India vs England: Gautam Gambhir predicts scoreline of Test series Earlier, the BCCI and TNCA had decided that the first two matches in Chennai would be held behind closed doors but the decision was revised after home ministry's guidelines on easing of restrictions on public movement. The official said there was little time to allow entry of spectators for the opening Test. "There is little time to make arrangements for spectators entry for the first Test so the crowd cannot be allowed. Though the gap between the two Tests is only three days, we are confident that arrangements can be made for (50 per cent) fans in the second Test keeping the safety norms in mind," the official added. (From PTI inputs)

Crowd allowed at 50 per cent capacity for India vs England 2nd Test

Japanese spearhead Kei Nishikori admitted Monday he was "very sore" as he resumes training after two weeks in hard lockdown, as their ATP Cup team frets on doubles specialist Ben McLachlan who is stuck in New Zealand.

Former top-five star Nishikori was among 72 players forced to stay in their rooms 24 hours a day after Covid-19 cases were detected on charter flights bringing them to Melbourne for the Australian Open.

Others were permitted five-hour daily blocks outside to train.

"It is obviously not easy. My body is reacting very tough," said Nishikori, who has slipped to 41 in the world after a series of injuries.&nbsp;

"Very sore everything. But I have still two more days, so I should be okay."

Japan open their ATP Cup campaign on Wednesday against Russia, with Nishikori facing world number four Daniil Medvedev and Yoshohito Nishioka up against eighth-ranked Andrey Rublev.

McLachlan, who has a New Zealand father and Japanese mother, is due to play doubles but is yet to arrive in Australia.

His plans were thrown into disarray when Australia halted its quarantine-free travel for New Zealanders last month after their first case of Covid-19 community transmission in more than two months.

The suspension has now been lifted and McLachlan is hoping to be on a flight Tuesday.

"For a while Ben was telling us he had few options, that they were going to reschedule his route, itinerary," Japan team captain Max Mirnyi said.

"Only yesterday he confirmed they put him on a flight coming in tomorrow during the day."

Japanese spearhead Kei Nishikori admitted Monday he was "very sore" as he resumes training after two weeks in hard lockdown, as their ATP Cup team frets on doubles specialist Ben McLachlan who is stuck in New Zealand.

Japanese spearhead Kei Nishikori admitted Monday he was "very sore" as he resumes training after two weeks in hard lockdown, as their ATP Cup team frets on doubles specialist Ben McLachlan who is stuck in New Zealand. Former top-five star Nishikori was among 72 players forced to stay in their rooms 24 hours a day after Covid-19 cases were detected on charter flights bringing them to Melbourne for the Australian Open. Others were permitted five-hour daily blocks outside to train. "It is obviously not easy. My body is reacting very tough," said Nishikori, who has slipped to 41 in the world after a series of injuries. "Very sore everything. But I have still two more days, so I should be okay." Japan open their ATP Cup campaign on Wednesday against Russia, with Nishikori facing world number four Daniil Medvedev and Yoshohito Nishioka up against eighth-ranked Andrey Rublev. McLachlan, who has a New Zealand father and Japanese mother, is due to play doubles but is yet to arrive in Australia. His plans were thrown into disarray when Australia halted its quarantine-free travel for New Zealanders last month after their first case of Covid-19 community transmission in more than two months. The suspension has now been lifted and McLachlan is hoping to be on a flight Tuesday. "For a while Ben was telling us he had few options, that they were going to reschedule his route, itinerary," Japan team captain Max Mirnyi said. "Only yesterday he confirmed they put him on a flight coming in tomorrow during the day."

Nishikori 'sore' as Japan fret on player stuck in New Zealand

Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool muscled their way back into the Premier League title race with a 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday after Thomas Tuchel celebrated his first victory as Chelsea boss.

Jurgen Klopp's injury-hit champions appeared to have lost their way after a five-game winless spell but are back on track after beating Tottenham and West Ham in the space of 72 hours.

Earlier, defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso showed Chelsea's misfiring strikers the way, producing stunning finishes in a 2-0 win against toothless Burnley.

Leicester, looking to close to within two points of leaders Manchester City, lost 3-1 to Leeds and Tottenham went down 1-0 to Brighton in the evening kick-off.

Defeat for Brendan Rodgers' Foxes meant Liverpool -- with no fit senior centre-backs and missing forward Sadio Mane -- had the chance to climb to third in the table.

Two goals from Egypt international Salah and a late Georginio Wijnaldum effort lifted them to 40 points after 21 games, a single point behind Manchester United and four behind leaders Manchester City.

Salah, who had not scored in six Premier League matches, put the visitors ahead in the 57th minute with a fine curling lob over Lukasz Fabianski and added the second after a lightning break following a West Ham corner.

Liverpool grabbed a third when substitutes Roberto Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain combined to set up Wijnaldum for a tap-in before a late consolation for West Ham's Craig Dawson.

Salah is the first player to score at least 20 goals in all competitions in four consecutive seasons for Liverpool since Ian Rush in the 1980s.

"It was a great game, a very professional game, very controlled against usually a flying side," Klopp told Sky Sports.

"We didn't create enough in the first half. We made little adjustments at half-time and it paid off. We scored three unbelievable goals."

"These boys are a really good group," he added. "They're not happy at not being successful, not winning, but they always have the right attitude."

<h2>- Tuchel celebrates -</h2>

Chelsea manager Tuchel celebrated his first victory as manager of the Stamford Bridge club.

The former Paris Saint-Germain boss was brought in to replace Frank Lampard last week with a brief to haul the stuttering side back into the race for Champions League spots.

He oversaw a frustrating goalless draw against Wolves in midweek but two moments of magic from Azpilicueta and forgotten man Alonso mean the German has four points from six.

Tuchel said the victory would infuse his side with confidence but admitted they needed to sharpen up their finishing after both goals came from defenders.

"It should be a signal to our guys up front that we needed defensive players to score," he told BT Sport.

"We lacked precision in the last pass and touch, but in the finishing we will work on this absolutely. We had a lot of touches, half-chances and deliveries in the box, but in the end I could not care less."

Leicester, unbeaten in seven Premier League games heading into their match against Leeds at the King Power Stadium, had a chance to put real pressure on Manchester City.

Harvey Barnes gave the home side the lead in the 13th minute but Leeds were level just 127 seconds later when Patrick Bamford set up Stuart Dallas, who beat Kasper Schmeichel with a low finish.

Bamford struck a superb shot into the top corner to put the visitors ahead in the 70th minute and teed up Jack Harrison for a tap-in.

"We have to go away and learn from that and then look to get back to winning ways on Wednesday," said Rodgers, who is missing leading scorer Jamie Vardy.

Jose Mourinho's Spurs, without the injured Harry Kane, slipped to their second successive defeat, courtesy of a first-half goal for Brighton's Leandro Trossard.

Tottenham, who topped the table last month, remain in sixth place, 11 points behind City and six behind fourth-placed Leicester, though they have a game in hand.

Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool muscled their way back into the Premier League title race with a 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday after Thomas Tuchel celebrated his first victory as Chelsea boss.

Mohamed Salah scored twice as Liverpool muscled their way back into the Premier League title race with a 3-1 win at West Ham on Sunday after Thomas Tuchel celebrated his first victory as Chelsea boss. Jurgen Klopp's injury-hit champions appeared to have lost their way after a five-game winless spell but are back on track after beating Tottenham and West Ham in the space of 72 hours. Earlier, defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso showed Chelsea's misfiring strikers the way, producing stunning finishes in a 2-0 win against toothless Burnley. Leicester, looking to close to within two points of leaders Manchester City, lost 3-1 to Leeds and Tottenham went down 1-0 to Brighton in the evening kick-off. Defeat for Brendan Rodgers' Foxes meant Liverpool -- with no fit senior centre-backs and missing forward Sadio Mane -- had the chance to climb to third in the table. Two goals from Egypt international Salah and a late Georginio Wijnaldum effort lifted them to 40 points after 21 games, a single point behind Manchester United and four behind leaders Manchester City. Salah, who had not scored in six Premier League matches, put the visitors ahead in the 57th minute with a fine curling lob over Lukasz Fabianski and added the second after a lightning break following a West Ham corner. Liverpool grabbed a third when substitutes Roberto Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain combined to set up Wijnaldum for a tap-in before a late consolation for West Ham's Craig Dawson. Salah is the first player to score at least 20 goals in all competitions in four consecutive seasons for Liverpool since Ian Rush in the 1980s. "It was a great game, a very professional game, very controlled against usually a flying side," Klopp told Sky Sports. "We didn't create enough in the first half. We made little adjustments at half-time and it paid off. We scored three unbelievable goals." "These boys are a really good group," he added. "They're not happy at not being successful, not winning, but they always have the right attitude." - Tuchel celebrates - Chelsea manager Tuchel celebrated his first victory as manager of the Stamford Bridge club. The former Paris Saint-Germain boss was brought in to replace Frank Lampard last week with a brief to haul the stuttering side back into the race for Champions League spots. He oversaw a frustrating goalless draw against Wolves in midweek but two moments of magic from Azpilicueta and forgotten man Alonso mean the German has four points from six. Tuchel said the victory would infuse his side with confidence but admitted they needed to sharpen up their finishing after both goals came from defenders. "It should be a signal to our guys up front that we needed defensive players to score," he told BT Sport. "We lacked precision in the last pass and touch, but in the finishing we will work on this absolutely. We had a lot of touches, half-chances and deliveries in the box, but in the end I could not care less." Leicester, unbeaten in seven Premier League games heading into their match against Leeds at the King Power Stadium, had a chance to put real pressure on Manchester City. Harvey Barnes gave the home side the lead in the 13th minute but Leeds were level just 127 seconds later when Patrick Bamford set up Stuart Dallas, who beat Kasper Schmeichel with a low finish. Bamford struck a superb shot into the top corner to put the visitors ahead in the 70th minute and teed up Jack Harrison for a tap-in. "We have to go away and learn from that and then look to get back to winning ways on Wednesday," said Rodgers, who is missing leading scorer Jamie Vardy. Jose Mourinho's Spurs, without the injured Harry Kane, slipped to their second successive defeat, courtesy of a first-half goal for Brighton's Leandro Trossard. Tottenham, who topped the table last month, remain in sixth place, 11 points behind City and six behind fourth-placed Leicester, though they have a game in hand.

Liverpool back in the groove as Tuchel celebrates first Chelsea win

Jose Mourinho admitted his "sad" Tottenham flops "lacked energy" after Leandro Trossard rocked their top four challenge as the Brighton forward sealed a shock 1-0 win on Sunday.

Mourinho's side were hoping to get back on track after losing to Liverpool on Thursday, but instead they suffered a damaging second successive defeat.

Trossard netted in the first half at the Amex Stadium and, with Tottenham's Harry Kane sidelined by injury, the visitors lacked the quality to salvage an equaliser.

Tottenham are languishing in sixth place, with just two wins in their last nine Premier League matches.

They trail six points behind fourth placed Leicester, albeit with a game in hand, after only their second defeat in 10 away league games this season.

Mourinho conceded his players were feeling sorry for themselves and couldn't find the drive to rescue a point.

"We didn't start well. In the first half I felt the team was probably too sad with the goal conceded and the situation," Mourinho said.

"There was a lack of energy. In the last 25, 30 minutes they gave everything but of course with some limitations.

"The boys showed great spirit in the second half and showed they are suffering. They tried to fight against that sadness."

The title bid that looked possible for Tottenham in December is fading fast as leaders Manchester City are now 11 points clear of the north Londoners.

A victory against seventh-placed Chelsea on Thursday is essential to halt Tottenham's sudden decline away from the Champions League places.

"I have nothing negative to say about them. I leave the game with a good feeling about my boys because they tried hard in the second half," Mourinho added.

Fourth-bottom Brighton moved seven points clear of the relegation zone after extending their unbeaten league run to three matches.

The Seagulls were the only team in the top four divisions in England without a home league victory this season, but they finally ended that dismal sequence at the 11th attempt.

<h2>- Spluttering Spurs -</h2>

Gareth Bale was handed only his second league start since returning for his second spell at Tottenham.

The on-loan Real Madrid forward replaced Kane, who suffered his latest in a long list of ankle problems against Liverpool, but once again he failed to impress.

Brighton nearly made the perfect start when Pascal Gross hit the outside of the post after good work from Alexis Mac Allister.

Mac Allister fired over from long range soon after as Brighton's vibrant start pushed Tottenham onto the back foot.

The hosts deservedly took the lead with a flowing move in the 17th minute.

Mac Allister picked out Gross and his cut back found Trossard for a clinical close-range finish.

Son Heung-min led Tottenham's first incisive raid when he found Steven Bergwijn on the edge of the penalty area, but the forward dragged his shot wide.

Bale was subdued in attack but the Wales star came in useful at the other end when he nodded clear just as Lewis Dunk's header was flying towards the top corner.

Mourinho sent on Carlos Vinicius in place of centre-back Davinson Sanchez at half-time.

The on-loan Benfica striker made an immediate impact with a towering leap to meet Bale's corner with a header that was blocked by Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez.

Tottenham still couldn't find their rhythm and, after Hugo Lloris saved well from Ben White's deflected effort, Mourinho hauled off the disappointing Bale and introduced Lucas Moura.

It made no difference and Brighton could have doubled their lead when Mac Allister shot into the side-netting from a tight angle before Neal Maupay headed wide from Solly March's cross.

Vinicius offered a glimmer of hope with a powerful effort from the edge of the area that Sanchez pushed away, but it was too little too late for spluttering Tottenham.

Jose Mourinho admitted his "sad" Tottenham flops "lacked energy" after Leandro Trossard rocked their top four challenge as the Brighton forward sealed a shock 1-0 win on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho admitted his "sad" Tottenham flops "lacked energy" after Leandro Trossard rocked their top four challenge as the Brighton forward sealed a shock 1-0 win on Sunday. Mourinho's side were hoping to get back on track after losing to Liverpool on Thursday, but instead they suffered a damaging second successive defeat. Trossard netted in the first half at the Amex Stadium and, with Tottenham's Harry Kane sidelined by injury, the visitors lacked the quality to salvage an equaliser. Tottenham are languishing in sixth place, with just two wins in their last nine Premier League matches. They trail six points behind fourth placed Leicester, albeit with a game in hand, after only their second defeat in 10 away league games this season. Mourinho conceded his players were feeling sorry for themselves and couldn't find the drive to rescue a point. "We didn't start well. In the first half I felt the team was probably too sad with the goal conceded and the situation," Mourinho said. "There was a lack of energy. In the last 25, 30 minutes they gave everything but of course with some limitations. "The boys showed great spirit in the second half and showed they are suffering. They tried to fight against that sadness." The title bid that looked possible for Tottenham in December is fading fast as leaders Manchester City are now 11 points clear of the north Londoners. A victory against seventh-placed Chelsea on Thursday is essential to halt Tottenham's sudden decline away from the Champions League places. "I have nothing negative to say about them. I leave the game with a good feeling about my boys because they tried hard in the second half," Mourinho added. Fourth-bottom Brighton moved seven points clear of the relegation zone after extending their unbeaten league run to three matches. The Seagulls were the only team in the top four divisions in England without a home league victory this season, but they finally ended that dismal sequence at the 11th attempt. - Spluttering Spurs - Gareth Bale was handed only his second league start since returning for his second spell at Tottenham. The on-loan Real Madrid forward replaced Kane, who suffered his latest in a long list of ankle problems against Liverpool, but once again he failed to impress. Brighton nearly made the perfect start when Pascal Gross hit the outside of the post after good work from Alexis Mac Allister. Mac Allister fired over from long range soon after as Brighton's vibrant start pushed Tottenham onto the back foot. The hosts deservedly took the lead with a flowing move in the 17th minute. Mac Allister picked out Gross and his cut back found Trossard for a clinical close-range finish. Son Heung-min led Tottenham's first incisive raid when he found Steven Bergwijn on the edge of the penalty area, but the forward dragged his shot wide. Bale was subdued in attack but the Wales star came in useful at the other end when he nodded clear just as Lewis Dunk's header was flying towards the top corner. Mourinho sent on Carlos Vinicius in place of centre-back Davinson Sanchez at half-time. The on-loan Benfica striker made an immediate impact with a towering leap to meet Bale's corner with a header that was blocked by Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez. Tottenham still couldn't find their rhythm and, after Hugo Lloris saved well from Ben White's deflected effort, Mourinho hauled off the disappointing Bale and introduced Lucas Moura. It made no difference and Brighton could have doubled their lead when Mac Allister shot into the side-netting from a tight angle before Neal Maupay headed wide from Solly March's cross. Vinicius offered a glimmer of hope with a powerful effort from the edge of the area that Sanchez pushed away, but it was too little too late for spluttering Tottenham.

'Sad' Spurs stunned as Trossard boosts Brighton

Paris Saint-Germain suffered their first defeat under Mauricio Pochettino as lowly Lorient fought back to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory on Sunday, allowing Lille to go top of Ligue 1.

Neymar scored two penalties but the visitors collapsed late on at the Stade du Moustoir, as Nigerian Terem Moffi netted an injury-time winner.

PSG drop to third, one point behind second-placed Lyon, with Lille a further two points ahead after their 1-0 win over Dijon.

"We have to keep the positive aspects and move forward," said former Tottenham manager Pochettino.

"Accidents happen in football. We have to keep working. It makes us realise that it can happen if we don't play at 100 percent."

It was the first defeat in six games as PSG coach for Pochettino since he took over from the sacked Thomas Tuchel.

The win takes struggling Lorient into the relegation play-off spot.

"(Moffi's goal) was magical. Against PSG, it's even crazier," said Lorient's Laurent Abergel, who scored the opening goal.

"For a Marseille fan like me, the first dream is perhaps to play for OM and the second to beat PSG."

Lorient started brightly and had the first real shot in anger in the 30th minute, as Adrian Grbic's long-range strike had to be pushed away by PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico.

The hosts did take the lead six minutes later, though, as PSG failed several times to clear and Abergel picked out the top corner with the outside of his left boot.

Neymar levelled on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot with his fifth league goal of the season.

PSG improved after the break and took the lead in the 57th minute as Houboulang Mendes, who also conceded the first penalty, brought down Mauro Icardi and Neymar again made no mistake.

It was the first time since Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2015 that a PSG player had netted two spot-kicks in a Ligue 1 match.

The visitors pressed for a third, but Lorient goalkeeper Matthieu Dreyer made an excellent stop to keep out an Icardi header.

That proved to be crucial, as the stubborn home side equalised in the 80th minute.

Substitute Yoane Wissa scored an excellent individual goal, his sixth of his first full campaign as a top-flight player.

PSG went in search of a winner, but the closest they came saw full-back Layvin Kurzawa's drive fly narrowly wide.

They over-committed in the second minute of added time, leaving no defenders within 60 yards of their own goal as Moffi was sent racing clean through.

The 21-year-old, on as a sub, slotted the ball into the bottom corner to spark wild celebrations for the home team.

<h2>- Lille march on -</h2>

Christophe Galtier's Lille took full advantage of PSG's slip-up with their fourth straight league success.

Sven Botman missed an early chance for the home side against Dijon, but Lille took a 29th-minute lead through Yusuf Yazici.

It was the 24-year-old Turkish international's sixth league goal of the season, despite having only made seven starts in the Ligue 1 campaign.

Jonathan Bamba wasted an excellent opportunity to double the lead midway through the second half when he headed over from close range, but Lille comfortably saw out victory.

"Now, we are in the shoes of the hunted," said Lille coach Galtier. "You have to appreciate it and take it on. We'll see how we react."

Lille are bidding for their first major trophy since winning both Ligue 1 and the French Cup in 2011.

Monaco are also in the hunt after their fifth win on the bounce, 2-1 at Nantes, which puts Nico Kovac's side six points behind leaders Lille and just three behind PSG in the hunt for Champions League spots.

Guillermo Maripan headed home the opener in first half stoppage time, and Kevin Volland doubled their lead just before the hour mark.

Renaud Emond pulled one back for Nantes with eight minutes remaining despite Nicolas Pallois having been sent off for dissent 10 minutes before, but remain winless under new coach Raymond Domenech.

Paris Saint-Germain suffered their first defeat under Mauricio Pochettino as lowly Lorient fought back to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory on Sunday, allowing Lille to go top of Ligue 1.

Paris Saint-Germain suffered their first defeat under Mauricio Pochettino as lowly Lorient fought back to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory on Sunday, allowing Lille to go top of Ligue 1. Neymar scored two penalties but the visitors collapsed late on at the Stade du Moustoir, as Nigerian Terem Moffi netted an injury-time winner. PSG drop to third, one point behind second-placed Lyon, with Lille a further two points ahead after their 1-0 win over Dijon. "We have to keep the positive aspects and move forward," said former Tottenham manager Pochettino. "Accidents happen in football. We have to keep working. It makes us realise that it can happen if we don't play at 100 percent." It was the first defeat in six games as PSG coach for Pochettino since he took over from the sacked Thomas Tuchel. The win takes struggling Lorient into the relegation play-off spot. "(Moffi's goal) was magical. Against PSG, it's even crazier," said Lorient's Laurent Abergel, who scored the opening goal. "For a Marseille fan like me, the first dream is perhaps to play for OM and the second to beat PSG." Lorient started brightly and had the first real shot in anger in the 30th minute, as Adrian Grbic's long-range strike had to be pushed away by PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico. The hosts did take the lead six minutes later, though, as PSG failed several times to clear and Abergel picked out the top corner with the outside of his left boot. Neymar levelled on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot with his fifth league goal of the season. PSG improved after the break and took the lead in the 57th minute as Houboulang Mendes, who also conceded the first penalty, brought down Mauro Icardi and Neymar again made no mistake. It was the first time since Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2015 that a PSG player had netted two spot-kicks in a Ligue 1 match. The visitors pressed for a third, but Lorient goalkeeper Matthieu Dreyer made an excellent stop to keep out an Icardi header. That proved to be crucial, as the stubborn home side equalised in the 80th minute. Substitute Yoane Wissa scored an excellent individual goal, his sixth of his first full campaign as a top-flight player. PSG went in search of a winner, but the closest they came saw full-back Layvin Kurzawa's drive fly narrowly wide. They over-committed in the second minute of added time, leaving no defenders within 60 yards of their own goal as Moffi was sent racing clean through. The 21-year-old, on as a sub, slotted the ball into the bottom corner to spark wild celebrations for the home team. - Lille march on - Christophe Galtier's Lille took full advantage of PSG's slip-up with their fourth straight league success. Sven Botman missed an early chance for the home side against Dijon, but Lille took a 29th-minute lead through Yusuf Yazici. It was the 24-year-old Turkish international's sixth league goal of the season, despite having only made seven starts in the Ligue 1 campaign. Jonathan Bamba wasted an excellent opportunity to double the lead midway through the second half when he headed over from close range, but Lille comfortably saw out victory. "Now, we are in the shoes of the hunted," said Lille coach Galtier. "You have to appreciate it and take it on. We'll see how we react." Lille are bidding for their first major trophy since winning both Ligue 1 and the French Cup in 2011. Monaco are also in the hunt after their fifth win on the bounce, 2-1 at Nantes, which puts Nico Kovac's side six points behind leaders Lille and just three behind PSG in the hunt for Champions League spots. Guillermo Maripan headed home the opener in first half stoppage time, and Kevin Volland doubled their lead just before the hour mark. Renaud Emond pulled one back for Nantes with eight minutes remaining despite Nicolas Pallois having been sent off for dissent 10 minutes before, but remain winless under new coach Raymond Domenech.

PSG suffer first defeat under Pochettino to allow Lille to move top

Lionel Messi underlined his worth to Barcelona by scoring a sensational free-kick on Sunday but Atletico Madrid are in charge of La Liga after beating Cadiz to stand 10 points clear at the top of the table.&nbsp;

Messi's stunning effort in a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao had been matched by the Argentinian's friend and former team-mate Luis Suarez, who earlier curled in a superb free-kick of his own in Atletico's 4-2 victory over Cadiz.&nbsp;

Atletico end the weekend even further ahead after Real Madrid's defeat by Levante on Saturday, which means Zinedine Zidane's side are now level with Barca on points, both of them struggling to keep pace in the title race.

"Every game is an important step towards reaching the goal we set ourselves at the start of the season," said Diego Simeone. "We have to keep pushing each other."

Barca's win at least maintains their momentum while Messi's 650th club goal may have carried extra satisfaction for the Argentinian, who had the details of his contract published in the Spanish newspaper El Mundo on Saturday night.&nbsp;

El Mundo claimed the deal signed by Messi in 2017 shows he could earn up to 555 million euros over its four years, describing it as "the colossal contract that ruined Barcelona".&nbsp;

"Someone has done it with bad intentions to cause problems," said Ronald Koeman. "You have to respect a player who has given so much to Spanish football and to this club. I didn't have any doubts that it wouldn't affect him on the pitch."

Few can argue with Messi's contribution in that regard, with the 33-year-old showing against Bilbao why the club have gone to such lengths to keep him.&nbsp;

Bilbao briefly drew level through a Jordi Alba own-goal early in the second half but Antoine Griezmann's strike secured Barca their third consecutive victory, with Ousmane Dembele and Frenkie de Jong both impressive again.&nbsp;

Asked what Messi worth is to the team, Griezmann said: "What a question, we are enjoying him, he is a legend. I hope we can keep enjoying him for many more years."

<h2>- Suarez haunts Barca -</h2>

But Barcelona continue to be haunted by the spectre of Suarez, whose tremendous free-kick and then a penalty helped Atletico push their advantage into double figures.&nbsp;

While Messi's free-kick was closer and bent perfectly into the top right-hand corner, Suarez's shot was further out and hit harder, a fizzing effort that curled into the left side of the net.

"The other day they were practising free-kicks," said Simeone. "I told him we had not seen him score many goals from free-kicks so that's why I smiled when I saw him score this one."

"After spending so long at Barca with Messi, it was difficult," added Suarez.

He was the driving force again, his two goals making it nine in his last eight games and 14 now for the season.&nbsp;

His goals and assists have now earned Atletico 12 extra points in the league, with Barcelona's decision to let him leave, especially for title rivals, seeming more misjudged by the week.&nbsp;

It could get even worse for them and Real Madrid, given Simeone's side still have a game in hand over each of them.&nbsp;

Both would have been given hope by a rousing display from newly-promoted Cadiz, who were inspired by the relentless Alvaro Negredo.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old scored twice, could have had a hat-trick and certainly did not deserve to be on the losing side.

But Suarez's double, between goals from Saul Niguez and Koke late on, sealed another three points for Atletico, who now have the La Liga crown within reach, even with half of the season left to play.

Lionel Messi underlined his worth to Barcelona by scoring a sensational free-kick on Sunday but Atletico Madrid are in charge of La Liga after beating Cadiz to stand 10 points clear at the top of the table.

Lionel Messi underlined his worth to Barcelona by scoring a sensational free-kick on Sunday but Atletico Madrid are in charge of La Liga after beating Cadiz to stand 10 points clear at the top of the table. Messi's stunning effort in a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao had been matched by the Argentinian's friend and former team-mate Luis Suarez, who earlier curled in a superb free-kick of his own in Atletico's 4-2 victory over Cadiz. Atletico end the weekend even further ahead after Real Madrid's defeat by Levante on Saturday, which means Zinedine Zidane's side are now level with Barca on points, both of them struggling to keep pace in the title race. "Every game is an important step towards reaching the goal we set ourselves at the start of the season," said Diego Simeone. "We have to keep pushing each other." Barca's win at least maintains their momentum while Messi's 650th club goal may have carried extra satisfaction for the Argentinian, who had the details of his contract published in the Spanish newspaper El Mundo on Saturday night. El Mundo claimed the deal signed by Messi in 2017 shows he could earn up to 555 million euros over its four years, describing it as "the colossal contract that ruined Barcelona". "Someone has done it with bad intentions to cause problems," said Ronald Koeman. "You have to respect a player who has given so much to Spanish football and to this club. I didn't have any doubts that it wouldn't affect him on the pitch." Few can argue with Messi's contribution in that regard, with the 33-year-old showing against Bilbao why the club have gone to such lengths to keep him. Bilbao briefly drew level through a Jordi Alba own-goal early in the second half but Antoine Griezmann's strike secured Barca their third consecutive victory, with Ousmane Dembele and Frenkie de Jong both impressive again. Asked what Messi worth is to the team, Griezmann said: "What a question, we are enjoying him, he is a legend. I hope we can keep enjoying him for many more years." - Suarez haunts Barca - But Barcelona continue to be haunted by the spectre of Suarez, whose tremendous free-kick and then a penalty helped Atletico push their advantage into double figures. While Messi's free-kick was closer and bent perfectly into the top right-hand corner, Suarez's shot was further out and hit harder, a fizzing effort that curled into the left side of the net. "The other day they were practising free-kicks," said Simeone. "I told him we had not seen him score many goals from free-kicks so that's why I smiled when I saw him score this one." "After spending so long at Barca with Messi, it was difficult," added Suarez. He was the driving force again, his two goals making it nine in his last eight games and 14 now for the season. His goals and assists have now earned Atletico 12 extra points in the league, with Barcelona's decision to let him leave, especially for title rivals, seeming more misjudged by the week. It could get even worse for them and Real Madrid, given Simeone's side still have a game in hand over each of them. Both would have been given hope by a rousing display from newly-promoted Cadiz, who were inspired by the relentless Alvaro Negredo. The 35-year-old scored twice, could have had a hat-trick and certainly did not deserve to be on the losing side. But Suarez's double, between goals from Saul Niguez and Koke late on, sealed another three points for Atletico, who now have the La Liga crown within reach, even with half of the season left to play.

Messi shows his worth but Suarez double stretches Atletico lead

Two of the candidates in Barcelona's presidential election, Joan Laporta and Victor Font, insisted on Monday that Lionel Messi "generates more" than he earns, after his "colossal" club contract was published in a Spanish newspaper.&nbsp;

"Leo generates much more income than the money he costs," Joan Laporta, who is seeking to regain the presidency, told Rac1 radio.&nbsp;

"We have done a study and he generates a third of Barca's total income."

"It's not only the economic return," Laporta said. "But also the emotional and sporting return, and the vivid moments he gives us."&nbsp;

Messi is in the last year of his contract.&nbsp;

On Sunday, under the headline "the colossal contract that ruins Barcelona", El Mundo published details of the current deal, signed in 2017. It said Messi could have earned 555 million euros ($674 million) by the time the deal expires.

Barcelona responded by saying it was not the source of the leak and it planned to sue El Mundo. The club did not, however, contradict the details.

Laporta is one of three candidates for the election on March 7. One of his rivals, Font, spoke on Onda Cero radio.

"To imply that Barca is ruined because of Messi is an absolutely erroneous conclusion," he said.&nbsp;

Both candidates condemned the "leak" to the Madrid newspaper and both promised they would do everything to keep Messi at Barca.&nbsp;

"We have to do everything possible to keep Messi, in 2017 and today too," said Font.

Laporta, the president when Messi first broke into the Barcelona team, agreed.

"I will do everything possible to keep Messi at Barca. I have had signals that he is happy in Barcelona, that he wants to stay."

Two of the candidates in Barcelona's presidential election, Joan Laporta and Victor Font, insisted on Monday that Lionel Messi "generates more" than he earns, after his "colossal" club contract was published in a Spanish newspaper.

Two of the candidates in Barcelona's presidential election, Joan Laporta and Victor Font, insisted on Monday that Lionel Messi "generates more" than he earns, after his "colossal" club contract was published in a Spanish newspaper. "Leo generates much more income than the money he costs," Joan Laporta, who is seeking to regain the presidency, told Rac1 radio. "We have done a study and he generates a third of Barca's total income." "It's not only the economic return," Laporta said. "But also the emotional and sporting return, and the vivid moments he gives us." Messi is in the last year of his contract. On Sunday, under the headline "the colossal contract that ruins Barcelona", El Mundo published details of the current deal, signed in 2017. It said Messi could have earned 555 million euros ($674 million) by the time the deal expires. Barcelona responded by saying it was not the source of the leak and it planned to sue El Mundo. The club did not, however, contradict the details. Laporta is one of three candidates for the election on March 7. One of his rivals, Font, spoke on Onda Cero radio. "To imply that Barca is ruined because of Messi is an absolutely erroneous conclusion," he said. Both candidates condemned the "leak" to the Madrid newspaper and both promised they would do everything to keep Messi at Barca. "We have to do everything possible to keep Messi, in 2017 and today too," said Font. Laporta, the president when Messi first broke into the Barcelona team, agreed. "I will do everything possible to keep Messi at Barca. I have had signals that he is happy in Barcelona, that he wants to stay."

Barcelona presidential rivals insist Messi is worth it

With the conclusion of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to host&nbsp;senior men's, senior women's and Under-19 men's 50-over competitions along with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While India has fought the battle against COVID-19 bravely, the BCCI is reportedly looking to get its players vaccinated as early as possible to&nbsp;continue hosting tournaments without a hitch.&nbsp;

The first phase of COVID-19 vaccination has already started a couple of weeks back with frontline workers and sanitation workers first in the line to be vaccinated. According to a report in&nbsp;ESPNCricinfo, the BCCI is in touch with the government in a&nbsp;bid to&nbsp;get its players vaccinated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since cricket has resumed after a prolonged break due to COVID-19, players and staff are undergoing strict quarantine before the start of a series and are required to&nbsp;follow all the health protocols inside the bio-secure bubble.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/government-allocates-inr-282692-crore-to-sports-budget-360684" hreflang="en">Government allocates INR 2826.92 crore to sports budget</a>

"It is tough but at least this way we are getting to play. We are working on getting our players vaccinated. The government's directive is that frontline workers and the most vulnerable will be the first to get vaccinated, but we are in touch with the government to get our players vaccinated," BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal&nbsp;was quoted as&nbsp;saying.&nbsp;

While a full-fledged home series against England is set to commence on February 5, there are high chances that fans would be back inside the stadium, from second Test onwards, with a 50 per cent capacity allowance.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-gautam-gambhir-predicts-scoreline-of-test-series-360669" hreflang="en">India vs England: Gautam Gambhir predicts scoreline of Test series</a>

Meanwhile, after all the frontline workers, senior citizens with comorbidities would be next in the line to get COVID-19 vaccination and it would be interesting to see what the government decides after talks with the BCCI.&nbsp;

With the conclusion of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to host senior men's, senior women's and Under-19 men's 50-over competitions along with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

With the conclusion of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to host senior men's, senior women's and Under-19 men's 50-over competitions along with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While India has fought the battle against COVID-19 bravely, the BCCI is reportedly looking to get its players vaccinated as early as possible to continue hosting tournaments without a hitch. The first phase of COVID-19 vaccination has already started a couple of weeks back with frontline workers and sanitation workers first in the line to be vaccinated. According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, the BCCI is in touch with the government in a bid to get its players vaccinated. Since cricket has resumed after a prolonged break due to COVID-19, players and staff are undergoing strict quarantine before the start of a series and are required to follow all the health protocols inside the bio-secure bubble. ALSO READ: Government allocates INR 2826.92 crore to sports budget "It is tough but at least this way we are getting to play. We are working on getting our players vaccinated. The government's directive is that frontline workers and the most vulnerable will be the first to get vaccinated, but we are in touch with the government to get our players vaccinated," BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal was quoted as saying. While a full-fledged home series against England is set to commence on February 5, there are high chances that fans would be back inside the stadium, from second Test onwards, with a 50 per cent capacity allowance. ALSO READ: India vs England: Gautam Gambhir predicts scoreline of Test series Meanwhile, after all the frontline workers, senior citizens with comorbidities would be next in the line to get COVID-19 vaccination and it would be interesting to see what the government decides after talks with the BCCI.

BCCI in touch with government to get Indian cricketers vaccinated: Report

Star forward Harry Kane is "optimistic" about returning from his latest injury setback in two weeks, Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho said on Monday.&nbsp;

Kane was largely missed during Spurs’ dismal 1-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion after damaging both the ankles in last week's 3-1 loss against defending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> champion Liverpool.&nbsp;

The England skipper has since undergone scans and is optimistic about a swift recovery. However, Kane is all set to miss home matches against Chelsea and West Brom while also missing FA Cup fifth round match against Everton. Kane could be back to face Manchester City on February 13.&nbsp;

"The news is pretty good news," Mourinho told club media. "After Liverpool, no idea. Then the next day we were thinking about three weeks, something like that. &nbsp;

"I do not want to be super-optimistic but Harry is optimistic.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sad-spurs-stunned-as-trossard-boosts-brighton-360579" hreflang="en">'Sad' Spurs stunned as Trossard boosts Brighton</a>

"He has the experience of some injuries in ankles and in Harry's mind it is a couple of weeks, so let's see if he is right."&nbsp;

Kane has contributed to Tottenham Hotspur's 23 of 34 Premier League goals in the ongoing 2020-21 season.&nbsp;

While Real Madrid loanee Gareth Bale was given a rare start but the Welshman failed to impress.&nbsp;

Spurs, who were atop the Premier League standings in December, have won just two of their last nine league matches.&nbsp;

Captain Hugo Lloris said the team were lacking confidence as they prepare to host Chelsea on Thursday. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-back-in-the-groove-as-tuchel-celebrates-first-chelsea-win-360580" hreflang="en">Liverpool back in the groove as Tuchel celebrates first Chelsea win</a>

"It's the moment to stick together but there is a lot of disappointment from the players, from the manager and coaching staff, from the fans because we expect more from us," he said.&nbsp;

"It's a situation we need to fix as a team. The confidence will be back as soon as we get one good result."&nbsp;

Star forward Harry Kane is "optimistic" about returning from his latest injury setback in two weeks, Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho said on Monday. Kane was largely missed during Spurs’ dismal 1-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion after damaging both the ankles in last week's 3-1 loss against defending Premier League champion Liverpool.

Star forward Harry Kane is "optimistic" about returning from his latest injury setback in two weeks, Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho said on Monday. Kane was largely missed during Spurs’ dismal 1-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion after damaging both the ankles in last week's 3-1 loss against defending Premier League champion Liverpool. The England skipper has since undergone scans and is optimistic about a swift recovery. However, Kane is all set to miss home matches against Chelsea and West Brom while also missing FA Cup fifth round match against Everton. Kane could be back to face Manchester City on February 13. "The news is pretty good news," Mourinho told club media. "After Liverpool, no idea. Then the next day we were thinking about three weeks, something like that. "I do not want to be super-optimistic but Harry is optimistic. ALSO READ: 'Sad' Spurs stunned as Trossard boosts Brighton "He has the experience of some injuries in ankles and in Harry's mind it is a couple of weeks, so let's see if he is right." Kane has contributed to Tottenham Hotspur's 23 of 34 Premier League goals in the ongoing 2020-21 season. While Real Madrid loanee Gareth Bale was given a rare start but the Welshman failed to impress. Spurs, who were atop the Premier League standings in December, have won just two of their last nine league matches. Captain Hugo Lloris said the team were lacking confidence as they prepare to host Chelsea on Thursday. ALSO READ: Liverpool back in the groove as Tuchel celebrates first Chelsea win "It's the moment to stick together but there is a lot of disappointment from the players, from the manager and coaching staff, from the fans because we expect more from us," he said. "It's a situation we need to fix as a team. The confidence will be back as soon as we get one good result."

Harry Kane 'optimistic' of swift recovery from ankle injury, says Jose Mourinho

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt on the national sports budget as the central government on Monday allocated Rs 2596.14 crore for the financial year 2021-22 -- a reduction of Rs 230.78 crore when compared to the amount earmarked initially for the previous year.

In the last financial year, the government had allocated Rs 2826.92 crore for sports, which was later revised to Rs 1800.15 crore because of the lack of activity caused by the pandemic. This year's allocated amount is Rs 795.99 crore more than the revised budget of 2020-21.

However, the spending last year was severely impacted after Tokyo Olympics was postponed, domestic events were cancelled in almost all sports and no foreign training and competition was possible for most of the Indian athletes.

The sports ministry bears the cost of all foreign training and competition, including participation in the Olympics.

"Initially, sports was allocated Rs 2826.92 in last year's budget which was later revised to Rs 1800.15 after all sporting events across the world came to a halt because of the COVID-19 pandemic," a sports ministry official told PTI, hinting why comparison should not be made with the revised budget of last year.

"There was hardly any activity last year as most of the national camps were closed because of the lockdown.

"In terms of infrastructure development and upgradation of stadiums too, there was hardly any progress because of the pandemic," the official added, without divulging further details.

The government's flagship Khelo India programme was handed the biggest reduction -- of Rs 232.71 crore -- among all sports heads for the 2021-22 budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday.

The financial allocation towards Khelo India programme, which got Rs 890.42 crore in the last budget, was reduced to Rs 657.71 core. The Sports Authority of India, whose allocation was reduced to Rs 500 crore in the last budget, got a substantial hike this time with the government proposing an increase of Rs 160.41 crore taking the total to Rs 660.41 crore.

The SAI is the nodal organisation to manage nationals camps, provide infrastructure, equipment and other logistics to the country's sportspersons. The allocation towards National Sports Federations (NSFs), which received a cold shoulder in the last budget, was also hiked by Rs 35 crore to Rs 280 crore.

As far as incentives for sportspersons are concerned, the budget has proposed to further slash the amount from Rs 70 crore to Rs 53 crore. The budget for National Sports Development Fund has also been halved to Rs 25 crore. The allocation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games-SAI stadia renovation was also slashed to Rs 30 crore from Rs 75 last year.

National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons will continue to get the same amount of Rs 2 crore as earlier, while, at Rs 50 crore, there was also no change in the allocation for the enhancement of sports facilities in Jammu and Kashmir. The Laxmi Bai National Institute of Physical Education will continue to get Rs 55 crore, while contribution to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has been increased to Rs 2.5 crore from Rs 2 crore

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt on the national sports budget as the central government on Monday allocated Rs 2596.14 crore for the financial year 2021-22 -- a reduction of Rs 230.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt on the national sports budget as the central government on Monday allocated Rs 2596.14 crore for the financial year 2021-22 -- a reduction of Rs 230.78 crore when compared to the amount earmarked initially for the previous year. In the last financial year, the government had allocated Rs 2826.92 crore for sports, which was later revised to Rs 1800.15 crore because of the lack of activity caused by the pandemic. This year's allocated amount is Rs 795.99 crore more than the revised budget of 2020-21. However, the spending last year was severely impacted after Tokyo Olympics was postponed, domestic events were cancelled in almost all sports and no foreign training and competition was possible for most of the Indian athletes. The sports ministry bears the cost of all foreign training and competition, including participation in the Olympics. "Initially, sports was allocated Rs 2826.92 in last year's budget which was later revised to Rs 1800.15 after all sporting events across the world came to a halt because of the COVID-19 pandemic," a sports ministry official told PTI, hinting why comparison should not be made with the revised budget of last year. "There was hardly any activity last year as most of the national camps were closed because of the lockdown. "In terms of infrastructure development and upgradation of stadiums too, there was hardly any progress because of the pandemic," the official added, without divulging further details. The government's flagship Khelo India programme was handed the biggest reduction -- of Rs 232.71 crore -- among all sports heads for the 2021-22 budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday. The financial allocation towards Khelo India programme, which got Rs 890.42 crore in the last budget, was reduced to Rs 657.71 core. The Sports Authority of India, whose allocation was reduced to Rs 500 crore in the last budget, got a substantial hike this time with the government proposing an increase of Rs 160.41 crore taking the total to Rs 660.41 crore. The SAI is the nodal organisation to manage nationals camps, provide infrastructure, equipment and other logistics to the country's sportspersons. The allocation towards National Sports Federations (NSFs), which received a cold shoulder in the last budget, was also hiked by Rs 35 crore to Rs 280 crore. As far as incentives for sportspersons are concerned, the budget has proposed to further slash the amount from Rs 70 crore to Rs 53 crore. The budget for National Sports Development Fund has also been halved to Rs 25 crore. The allocation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games-SAI stadia renovation was also slashed to Rs 30 crore from Rs 75 last year. National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons will continue to get the same amount of Rs 2 crore as earlier, while, at Rs 50 crore, there was also no change in the allocation for the enhancement of sports facilities in Jammu and Kashmir. The Laxmi Bai National Institute of Physical Education will continue to get Rs 55 crore, while contribution to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has been increased to Rs 2.5 crore from Rs 2 crore

Government allocates INR 2826.92 crore to sports budget

At the stadium and behind the scenes, security officials in Tampa are bracing for a daunting range of potential threats to the Super Bowl this year, from COVID-19 and domestic terror attacks to unruly crowds cheering on their home team.

The National Football League championship, which requires security coordination from some 70 local, state and federal agencies, will be played under unprecedented threat conditions with a national domestic terrorism advisory in place following the U.S. Capitol siege on Jan. 6 and the COVID-19 pandemic raging. It will also be the first Super Bowl matchup featuring a team - the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - on its home turf.

Officials have been planning the event’s security for a year, according to FBI Special-Agent-in-Charge Michael McPherson, but recent political and public health crises and the cancellation of Super Bowl week events have caused the massive operation to adapt to a shifting threat picture.

Super Bowl LV is classified as a SEAR-1 event by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), meaning it receives the highest level of federal resources, including explosive detection canine teams, cyber risk assessments and air security.

The FBI Tampa field office, led by McPherson, will be hosting more than a dozen agencies at an intelligence operation center where agents will collect, analyze and disseminate intelligence related to the Super Bowl and communicate with other units around the country.

Fresh on their minds is an advisory issued by the DHS last week, which warned of the persistent threat of domestic terror attacks in the U.S. by “violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition.”

Like all FBI offices, McPherson’s Tampa office has been charged with chasing leads on subjects who may have been involved in the Jan. 6 attack. The agency may increase its surveillance of any local subjects leading up to the game, even if they do not pose an apparent threat to the Super Bowl, McPherson said.

“We saw what happened in DC and if someone might want to make a political statement... it’s something we would be thinking about,” he said.

Hundreds of law enforcement officials, on horseback, in golf carts, and with canine units, will be posted on the grounds of the Raymond James stadium and the Tampa Riverwalk, where the game and other lead-up events will take place this week, said Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan.

Those officers and their partners behind the scenes will be prepared for potentially violent political demonstrations in the wake of the DHS’ warning.

“We are planning for any type of demonstration, doesn’t matter what their message is,” Dugan said.

<h2>HOME TURF</h2>

Due to COVID-19, many events leading up to the game have been pared down or made virtual and the stadium will only hold 22,000 attendees, a third of its capacity.

These measures have eased the burden slightly on law enforcement officers, who now have fewer physical venues to secure.

But with fewer planned events, and the enthusiasm of a hometown crowd, officials are expecting they will need to monitor spontaneous, local gatherings that could draw energized masses - especially if the Bucs are victorious.

“When we realized the Buccaneers were going to be in it, we started thinking about how else do we have to adjust our footprint,” McPherson said.

In Dugan’s view, the most prominent security concern “is crowd control”.

With thousands of security officials, athletes and fans congregating comes another underlying, but hardly overlooked threat: the contagious virus that has so far killed more than 430,000 Americans.

“One of my greater concerns about this is making sure we have healthy people to execute the plan,” McPherson said, adding that he was urging his officers to follow health protocols so the virus cannot “hinder operations”.

While the mayor of Tampa has mandated mask-wearing around the stadium during Super Bowl week, Chief Dugan, who recovered from his own bout of COVID-19 last week, said he did not anticipate his officers would enforce COVID-19 measures besides reminding people to social distance.

“We really don’t want to get into being the mask police,” he said. “We’re just going to rely on people being responsible citizens.”

At the stadium and behind the scenes, security officials in Tampa are bracing for a daunting range of potential threats to the Super Bowl this year, from COVID-19 and domestic terror attacks to unruly crowds cheering on their home team.

At the stadium and behind the scenes, security officials in Tampa are bracing for a daunting range of potential threats to the Super Bowl this year, from COVID-19 and domestic terror attacks to unruly crowds cheering on their home team. The National Football League championship, which requires security coordination from some 70 local, state and federal agencies, will be played under unprecedented threat conditions with a national domestic terrorism advisory in place following the U.S. Capitol siege on Jan. 6 and the COVID-19 pandemic raging. It will also be the first Super Bowl matchup featuring a team - the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - on its home turf. Officials have been planning the event’s security for a year, according to FBI Special-Agent-in-Charge Michael McPherson, but recent political and public health crises and the cancellation of Super Bowl week events have caused the massive operation to adapt to a shifting threat picture. Super Bowl LV is classified as a SEAR-1 event by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), meaning it receives the highest level of federal resources, including explosive detection canine teams, cyber risk assessments and air security. The FBI Tampa field office, led by McPherson, will be hosting more than a dozen agencies at an intelligence operation center where agents will collect, analyze and disseminate intelligence related to the Super Bowl and communicate with other units around the country. Fresh on their minds is an advisory issued by the DHS last week, which warned of the persistent threat of domestic terror attacks in the U.S. by “violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition.” Like all FBI offices, McPherson’s Tampa office has been charged with chasing leads on subjects who may have been involved in the Jan. 6 attack. The agency may increase its surveillance of any local subjects leading up to the game, even if they do not pose an apparent threat to the Super Bowl, McPherson said. “We saw what happened in DC and if someone might want to make a political statement... it’s something we would be thinking about,” he said. Hundreds of law enforcement officials, on horseback, in golf carts, and with canine units, will be posted on the grounds of the Raymond James stadium and the Tampa Riverwalk, where the game and other lead-up events will take place this week, said Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan. Those officers and their partners behind the scenes will be prepared for potentially violent political demonstrations in the wake of the DHS’ warning. “We are planning for any type of demonstration, doesn’t matter what their message is,” Dugan said. HOME TURF Due to COVID-19, many events leading up to the game have been pared down or made virtual and the stadium will only hold 22,000 attendees, a third of its capacity. These measures have eased the burden slightly on law enforcement officers, who now have fewer physical venues to secure. But with fewer planned events, and the enthusiasm of a hometown crowd, officials are expecting they will need to monitor spontaneous, local gatherings that could draw energized masses - especially if the Bucs are victorious. “When we realized the Buccaneers were going to be in it, we started thinking about how else do we have to adjust our footprint,” McPherson said. In Dugan’s view, the most prominent security concern “is crowd control”. With thousands of security officials, athletes and fans congregating comes another underlying, but hardly overlooked threat: the contagious virus that has so far killed more than 430,000 Americans. “One of my greater concerns about this is making sure we have healthy people to execute the plan,” McPherson said, adding that he was urging his officers to follow health protocols so the virus cannot “hinder operations”. While the mayor of Tampa has mandated mask-wearing around the stadium during Super Bowl week, Chief Dugan, who recovered from his own bout of COVID-19 last week, said he did not anticipate his officers would enforce COVID-19 measures besides reminding people to social distance. “We really don’t want to get into being the mask police,” he said. “We’re just going to rely on people being responsible citizens.”

Super Bowl security officers prep for triple threat of pandemic, politics and hometown crowds

France's Corentin Moutet burnished his credentials with a battling come-from-behind win over American Frances Tiafoe, but his veteran compatriot Richard Gasquet crashed at the first hurdle as the ATP Tour resumed Monday.

NextGen star Moutet, 21, posted a career-best result when he stormed into the final of the Qatar Open as a qualifier last year, finishing runner-up to Russian world number eight Andrey Rublev.

And he started 2021 well, ousting 2019 Australian Open quarter-finalist Tiafoe 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the Murray River Open, one of two ATP events being run concurrently at Melbourne Park ahead of next week's Australian Open.

"It was so nice to play a match," Moutet said.&nbsp;

"It was a long time since I've played, especially in front of people. It wasn't an easy one, because I had to play against a tough opponent who is a great player. A tough match, but definitely a lot of pleasure."

But 14th seed Gasquet didn't fare as well, crashing to 194th ranked American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6 (7/2), 7-5.

Fellow American Tommy Paul, the 15th seed, was another winner, motoring past Briton Cameron Norrie in three sets.

Top seeds Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov had byes into the second round.

Slovenian 13th seed Aljaz Bedene and big-serving South African Kevin Anderson were among the winners in the Great Ocean Road Classic.

The biggest names in the game, including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, are playing the ATP Cup teams event, which gets underway in Melbourne on Tuesday.

France's Corentin Moutet burnished his credentials with a battling come-from-behind win over American Frances Tiafoe, but his veteran compatriot Richard Gasquet crashed at the first hurdle as the ATP Tour resumed Monday.

France's Corentin Moutet burnished his credentials with a battling come-from-behind win over American Frances Tiafoe, but his veteran compatriot Richard Gasquet crashed at the first hurdle as the ATP Tour resumed Monday. NextGen star Moutet, 21, posted a career-best result when he stormed into the final of the Qatar Open as a qualifier last year, finishing runner-up to Russian world number eight Andrey Rublev. And he started 2021 well, ousting 2019 Australian Open quarter-finalist Tiafoe 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the Murray River Open, one of two ATP events being run concurrently at Melbourne Park ahead of next week's Australian Open. "It was so nice to play a match," Moutet said. "It was a long time since I've played, especially in front of people. It wasn't an easy one, because I had to play against a tough opponent who is a great player. A tough match, but definitely a lot of pleasure." But 14th seed Gasquet didn't fare as well, crashing to 194th ranked American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6 (7/2), 7-5. Fellow American Tommy Paul, the 15th seed, was another winner, motoring past Briton Cameron Norrie in three sets. Top seeds Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov had byes into the second round. Slovenian 13th seed Aljaz Bedene and big-serving South African Kevin Anderson were among the winners in the Great Ocean Road Classic. The biggest names in the game, including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, are playing the ATP Cup teams event, which gets underway in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Moutet upsets Tiafoe, Gasquet crashes as ATP Tour resumes

The four-match Test series between India and England is all set to commence from February 5 with two matches scheduled to be played in Chennai and the remaining two in Ahmedabad. While India haven't lost a Test series since 2012, England remain the last team to defeat&nbsp;India at home in the longest format of the game.&nbsp;

However, ahead of the much-awaited four-Test series between India and England, former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir has said that he doesn't see the Joe Root-led side winning any of the Test matches in the impending series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gambhir while giving a slight advantage to England for the pink-ball Test said England don't have quality spinners who can&nbsp;utilise&nbsp;the Indian conditions to perfection.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-team-to-start-full-group-training-from-tuesday-as-all-covid-19-tests-return-negative-360640" hreflang="en">England team to start full-group training from Tuesday as all COVID-19 tests return negative</a>

“It has to be 3-0 India or probably 3-1. I’m only going to give a Pink Ball Test match, probably 50-50 to England just from the conditions point of view. I don’t see England winning any of the Test matches with the kind of spin attack they’ve got,” Gambhir&nbsp;said on Star Sports show Game Plan.&nbsp;

England head into the four-Test series versus India on the back of&nbsp;2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka. Gambhir has said facing the likes of Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;or Ravichandran Ashwin would be a different game altogether for the visitors.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-virat-kohli-on-verge-of-shattering-twin-records-against-england-360627" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli on verge of shattering twin records against England</a>

“This is going to be a completely different challenge for someone like Joe Root. Yes, he has played really well in Sri Lanka, but when you have to face people like Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;on any wicket, or for that matter, Ravichandran Ashwin, when his confidence is sky-high after what he has done in Australia, I am sure it is going to be a completely different beast and a completely different ball game,” he added.&nbsp;

India will also welcome their skipper Virat Kohli back in the squad. Kohli had left Australia after the Adelaide Test to attend the birth of his first child.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 aria-level="2" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{50a41408-c45d-42d0-b2ec-9a0abb7a4137}{10}" paraid="768632653" role="heading" >England Tour of India: Full Schedule&nbsp;</h2>

Tests&nbsp;

Friday 5-9 February:&nbsp;1st Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai&nbsp;

Saturday 13-17 February:&nbsp;2nd Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai&nbsp;

Wednesday 24-28 February: 3rd&nbsp;Test - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Thursday 4-8 March: 4th&nbsp;Test – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

T20Is&nbsp;

Friday 12 March:&nbsp;1st T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Sunday 14 March:&nbsp;2nd T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Tuesday 16 March:&nbsp;3rd T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Thursday 18 March:&nbsp;4th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Saturday 20 March:&nbsp;5th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

ODIs&nbsp;

Tuesday 23 March:&nbsp;1st ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune&nbsp;

Friday 26 March:&nbsp;2nd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune&nbsp;

Sunday 28 March:&nbsp;3rd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune&nbsp;

Monday 29 March:&nbsp;Touring party departs India&nbsp;

The four-match Test series between India and England is all set to commence from February 5 with two matches scheduled to be played in Chennai and the remaining two in Ahmedabad.

The four-match Test series between India and England is all set to commence from February 5 with two matches scheduled to be played in Chennai and the remaining two in Ahmedabad. While India haven't lost a Test series since 2012, England remain the last team to defeat India at home in the longest format of the game. However, ahead of the much-awaited four-Test series between India and England, former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir has said that he doesn't see the Joe Root-led side winning any of the Test matches in the impending series. Gambhir while giving a slight advantage to England for the pink-ball Test said England don't have quality spinners who can utilise the Indian conditions to perfection. ALSO READ: England team to start full-group training from Tuesday as all COVID-19 tests return negative “It has to be 3-0 India or probably 3-1. I’m only going to give a Pink Ball Test match, probably 50-50 to England just from the conditions point of view. I don’t see England winning any of the Test matches with the kind of spin attack they’ve got,” Gambhir said on Star Sports show Game Plan. England head into the four-Test series versus India on the back of 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka. Gambhir has said facing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah or Ravichandran Ashwin would be a different game altogether for the visitors. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli on verge of shattering twin records against England “This is going to be a completely different challenge for someone like Joe Root. Yes, he has played really well in Sri Lanka, but when you have to face people like Jasprit Bumrah on any wicket, or for that matter, Ravichandran Ashwin, when his confidence is sky-high after what he has done in Australia, I am sure it is going to be a completely different beast and a completely different ball game,” he added. India will also welcome their skipper Virat Kohli back in the squad. Kohli had left Australia after the Adelaide Test to attend the birth of his first child. England Tour of India: Full Schedule Tests Friday 5-9 February: 1st Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Saturday 13-17 February: 2nd Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Wednesday 24-28 February: 3rd Test - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Thursday 4-8 March: 4th Test – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad T20Is Friday 12 March: 1st T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Sunday 14 March: 2nd T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Tuesday 16 March: 3rd T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Thursday 18 March: 4th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Saturday 20 March: 5th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad ODIs Tuesday 23 March: 1st ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Friday 26 March: 2nd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Sunday 28 March: 3rd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Monday 29 March: Touring party departs India

India vs England: Gautam Gambhir predicts scoreline of Test series

England cricket team is all set to commence training as a full group on Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium after all PCR tests returned negative ahead of the four-Test series starting from&nbsp;February 5. Thus far, only the troika of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Rory burns were practising as they had reached India days before their team-mates and completed their quarantine period before the rest of the squad.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Stokes, Archer and Burns will now gear up to welcome the rest of the team&nbsp;with England set to commence final preparations ahead of the first Test in Chennai, scheduled to kick-start from February 5.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, England team will take the field at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai for the first time as a full group since landing in India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-virat-kohli-on-verge-of-shattering-twin-records-against-england-360627" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli on verge of shattering twin records against England</a>

England are coming at the back of a fantastic 2-0 Test series win against Sri Lanka as the Joe Root-led side dominated the proceedings in both the matches. Whereas India will be high on confidence after their historic 2-1&nbsp;triumph against Australia in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With both England and India in form, the four-match Test series promises to be a great spectacle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, England's Jos Buttler welcomed the challenges of keeping wickets in India as he said that the turning tracks&nbsp;can sometimes be a tricky ask for a&nbsp;glovesman.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/definitely-want-to-be-part-of-pujara-confident-of-playing-in-ipl-360384" hreflang="en">'Definitely want to be part of': Pujara confident of playing in IPL</a>

"There's some big challenges keeping wicket, the way the pitch will change and deteriorate over the five days," Buttler told a video conference on Saturday.&nbsp;

"There's less carry for the seam bowlers than we're used to in England or Australia and South Africa.&nbsp;So&nbsp;you're standing quite close and a lot of the chances are very quick reactive chances.&nbsp;And then obviously the challenge of standing up to the spinners when the ball starts to turn..."

<h2 aria-level="2" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{50a41408-c45d-42d0-b2ec-9a0abb7a4137}{10}" paraid="768632653" role="heading" >England Tour of India: Full Schedule&nbsp;</h2>

Tests&nbsp;

Friday 5-9 February:&nbsp;1st Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai&nbsp;

Saturday 13-17 February:&nbsp;2nd Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai&nbsp;

Wednesday 24-28 February: 3rd&nbsp;Test - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Thursday 4-8 March: 4th&nbsp;Test – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

T20Is&nbsp;

Friday 12 March:&nbsp;1st T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Sunday 14 March:&nbsp;2nd T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Tuesday 16 March:&nbsp;3rd T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Thursday 18 March:&nbsp;4th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Saturday 20 March:&nbsp;5th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

ODIs&nbsp;

Tuesday 23 March:&nbsp;1st ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune&nbsp;

Friday 26 March:&nbsp;2nd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune&nbsp;

Sunday 28 March:&nbsp;3rd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune&nbsp;

Monday 29 March:&nbsp;Touring party departs India&nbsp;

England cricket team is all set to commence training as a full group on Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium after all PCR tests returned negative ahead of the four-Test series starting from February 5.

England cricket team is all set to commence training as a full group on Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium after all PCR tests returned negative ahead of the four-Test series starting from February 5. Thus far, only the troika of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Rory burns were practising as they had reached India days before their team-mates and completed their quarantine period before the rest of the squad. Stokes, Archer and Burns will now gear up to welcome the rest of the team with England set to commence final preparations ahead of the first Test in Chennai, scheduled to kick-start from February 5. On Tuesday, England team will take the field at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai for the first time as a full group since landing in India. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli on verge of shattering twin records against England England are coming at the back of a fantastic 2-0 Test series win against Sri Lanka as the Joe Root-led side dominated the proceedings in both the matches. Whereas India will be high on confidence after their historic 2-1 triumph against Australia in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With both England and India in form, the four-match Test series promises to be a great spectacle. Meanwhile, England's Jos Buttler welcomed the challenges of keeping wickets in India as he said that the turning tracks can sometimes be a tricky ask for a glovesman. ALSO READ: 'Definitely want to be part of': Pujara confident of playing in IPL "There's some big challenges keeping wicket, the way the pitch will change and deteriorate over the five days," Buttler told a video conference on Saturday. "There's less carry for the seam bowlers than we're used to in England or Australia and South Africa. So you're standing quite close and a lot of the chances are very quick reactive chances. And then obviously the challenge of standing up to the spinners when the ball starts to turn..." England Tour of India: Full Schedule Tests Friday 5-9 February: 1st Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Saturday 13-17 February: 2nd Test – India v England, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Wednesday 24-28 February: 3rd Test - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Thursday 4-8 March: 4th Test – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad T20Is Friday 12 March: 1st T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Sunday 14 March: 2nd T20I – India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Tuesday 16 March: 3rd T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Thursday 18 March: 4th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad Saturday 20 March: 5th T20I - India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad ODIs Tuesday 23 March: 1st ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Friday 26 March: 2nd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Sunday 28 March: 3rd ODI - India v England, MCA Stadium, Pune Monday 29 March: Touring party departs India

England team to start full-group training from Tuesday as all COVID-19 tests return negative

Virat Kohli will be back in action with the Indian skipper returning back to the squad for the full-fledged home series against England. Kohli had missed&nbsp;the last three Tests against Australia on paternity leave, to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. Kohli has always enjoyed batting against England and the swashbuckling batsman will be eyeing twin records when he takes the field for the four-Test series, starting February 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar holds the record of scoring most runs at home against England and Kohli is 489 runs away from achieving the iconic feat. While Kohli is currently sixth in the list with 843 runs from 9 home matches against England, Gavaskar accumulated 1331 runs in 22 matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Gavaskar, Gundappa Viswanath (1022 runs in 17 matches),&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar (960 runs in 15 matches), Vijay Manjrekar (885 runs in 11 matches) and ML Jaisimha (843&nbsp;runs in 10 matches) are head of Kohli in the list but the Indian skipper, with his run-scoring record against England, is&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;to topple the greats and take the&nbsp;numero&nbsp;uno spot.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-players-look-bit-scared-under-virat-kohli-opines-lee-360608" hreflang="en">Indian players look 'bit scared' under Virat Kohli, opines Lee</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5254dd4b-51a7-44c3-a4a8-d490dcbc5040}{167}" paraid="952450856" >Most runs scored&nbsp;vs&nbsp;England in home Test&nbsp;matches:&nbsp;</h2>

Sunil Gavaskar - 1331 runs in 22 matches&nbsp;

Gundappa Viswanath - 1022 runs in 17 matches&nbsp;

Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar - 960 runs in 15 matches&nbsp;

Vijay Manjrekar - 885 runs in 11 matches&nbsp;

ML Jaisimha - 843 runs in 10 matches&nbsp;

Virat Kohli - 843 runs in 9 matches&nbsp;

Cheteshwar Pujara - 839 runs in 9 matches&nbsp;

<img alt="Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="06a54f9f-eb67-4ad0-8568-613891859b71" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1834P9.jpg" />

Kohli will also look to break Ricky Ponting's record of scoring most centuries as captain in home Test matches. While Ponting had scored 11 centuries and 3555 runs as captain in home Tests, Kohli has 10 records and 2699 runs.&nbsp;Currently, Kohli is locked with Greg Chappell, Steve Smith with 10 centuries in home Tests as a captain.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/definitely-want-to-be-part-of-pujara-confident-of-playing-in-ipl-360384" hreflang="en">'Definitely want to be part of': Pujara confident of playing in IPL</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{88fa032b-872e-4b3f-9a1e-81eb4a6ef9b6}{104}" paraid="1923951398" >Most&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;as captain in home Test&nbsp;matches:&nbsp;</h2>

Ricky Ponting - 11&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;in 39 matches&nbsp;

Greg Chappell - 10&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;in 33 matches&nbsp;

Virat Kohli - 10&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;in 26 matches&nbsp;

Steve Smith - 10&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;in 20 matches&nbsp;

Don Bradman - 9&nbsp;centuries&nbsp;in 15 matches&nbsp;

Virat Kohli will be back in action with the Indian skipper returning back to the squad for the full-fledged home series against England. Kohli had missed the last three Tests against Australia on paternity leave, to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma.

Virat Kohli will be back in action with the Indian skipper returning back to the squad for the full-fledged home series against England. Kohli had missed the last three Tests against Australia on paternity leave, to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. Kohli has always enjoyed batting against England and the swashbuckling batsman will be eyeing twin records when he takes the field for the four-Test series, starting February 5. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar holds the record of scoring most runs at home against England and Kohli is 489 runs away from achieving the iconic feat. While Kohli is currently sixth in the list with 843 runs from 9 home matches against England, Gavaskar accumulated 1331 runs in 22 matches. After Gavaskar, Gundappa Viswanath (1022 runs in 17 matches), Sachin Tendulkar (960 runs in 15 matches), Vijay Manjrekar (885 runs in 11 matches) and ML Jaisimha (843 runs in 10 matches) are head of Kohli in the list but the Indian skipper, with his run-scoring record against England, is favourite to topple the greats and take the numero uno spot. ALSO READ: Indian players look 'bit scared' under Virat Kohli, opines Lee Most runs scored vs England in home Test matches: Sunil Gavaskar - 1331 runs in 22 matches Gundappa Viswanath - 1022 runs in 17 matches Sachin Tendulkar - 960 runs in 15 matches Vijay Manjrekar - 885 runs in 11 matches ML Jaisimha - 843 runs in 10 matches Virat Kohli - 843 runs in 9 matches Cheteshwar Pujara - 839 runs in 9 matches Kohli will also look to break Ricky Ponting's record of scoring most centuries as captain in home Test matches. While Ponting had scored 11 centuries and 3555 runs as captain in home Tests, Kohli has 10 records and 2699 runs. Currently, Kohli is locked with Greg Chappell, Steve Smith with 10 centuries in home Tests as a captain. ALSO READ: 'Definitely want to be part of': Pujara confident of playing in IPL Most centuries as captain in home Test matches: Ricky Ponting - 11 centuries in 39 matches Greg Chappell - 10 centuries in 33 matches Virat Kohli - 10 centuries in 26 matches Steve Smith - 10 centuries in 20 matches Don Bradman - 9 centuries in 15 matches

IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli on verge of shattering twin records against England

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Lee reckons that Indian cricketers look a bit "scared" under the leadership of Virat Kohli while adding he would have Ajinkya Rahane as the captain of the Indian Test team.&nbsp;

Rahane took over the charge in Kohli’s absence in the last three Test against Australia and led the visitors to a historic 2-1 series win Down Under. Kohli had missed the last three Tests versus Australia due to paternity leave.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rahane led a bruised and battered Indian outfit, lacking experience, to wins in Melbourne and Brisbane as he became the second Indian captain after Kohli to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/union-budget-2021-nirmala-sitharaman-recalls-team-indias-historic-gabba-win-in-australia-360577" hreflang="en">Union Budget 2021: Nirmala Sitharaman recalls Team India's historic Gabba win in Australia</a>

Kohli had left the Indian team after the series opener in Adelaide to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. However, the Indian skipper will be back in the upcoming four-Test series against England starting February 5.&nbsp;

"Look, I think for the team he is and I would have him as captain. Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all time. But I just feel that he is almost revered by the players within the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"They're almost scared to put a foot out of line. He demanded absolute professionalism from the Indian team. The players had to be fit, they had to great in field and good catching, but they almost appear a bit scared. I just see a really relaxed team under Rahane," Lee, the older brother of Brett Lee, said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-jos-buttler-ready-for-wicket-keeping-challenge-on-indias-pitches-360298" hreflang="en">England's Jos Buttler ready for wicket keeping 'challenge' on India's pitches</a>

"Will Kohli give up the captaincy? I doubt it. If I was an Indian selector, and I'm not, but if I was, I would have Rahane captain the team and instead let Kohli go and do all his batting. And I think the team would function a lot better. But time would tell," Lee, who played 45 ODIs for Australia, added.&nbsp;

India's next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5. India and England will play four Test, five T20Is and three ODIs.&nbsp;

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Lee reckons that Indian cricketers look a bit "scared" under the leadership of Virat Kohli while adding he would have Ajinkya Rahane as the captain of the Indian Test team.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Lee reckons that Indian cricketers look a bit "scared" under the leadership of Virat Kohli while adding he would have Ajinkya Rahane as the captain of the Indian Test team. Rahane took over the charge in Kohli’s absence in the last three Test against Australia and led the visitors to a historic 2-1 series win Down Under. Kohli had missed the last three Tests versus Australia due to paternity leave. Rahane led a bruised and battered Indian outfit, lacking experience, to wins in Melbourne and Brisbane as he became the second Indian captain after Kohli to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. ALSO READ: Union Budget 2021: Nirmala Sitharaman recalls Team India's historic Gabba win in Australia Kohli had left the Indian team after the series opener in Adelaide to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. However, the Indian skipper will be back in the upcoming four-Test series against England starting February 5. "Look, I think for the team he is and I would have him as captain. Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all time. But I just feel that he is almost revered by the players within the team. "They're almost scared to put a foot out of line. He demanded absolute professionalism from the Indian team. The players had to be fit, they had to great in field and good catching, but they almost appear a bit scared. I just see a really relaxed team under Rahane," Lee, the older brother of Brett Lee, said. ALSO READ: England's Jos Buttler ready for wicket keeping 'challenge' on India's pitches "Will Kohli give up the captaincy? I doubt it. If I was an Indian selector, and I'm not, but if I was, I would have Rahane captain the team and instead let Kohli go and do all his batting. And I think the team would function a lot better. But time would tell," Lee, who played 45 ODIs for Australia, added. India's next assignment will be a full-fledged home series against England starting from February 5. India and England will play four Test, five T20Is and three ODIs.

Indian players look 'bit scared' under Virat Kohli, opines Lee

After being praised by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during 'Mann Ki Baat', the Indian cricket team was lauded by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/budget">Budget 2021 </a>speech on Monday.&nbsp;

Heaping praise on the Indian cricket team and its performance in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/nirmala-sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> said that that Team India's performance Down Under reminded everyone of human qualities, particularly youth, and their will to succeed. &nbsp;

<h2>Team India's win in Australia epitomise abundant promise: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</h2>

"I can't help but recall the joy that we as a cricket-loving nation felt after the team India's recent spectacular success in Australia. &nbsp;

"It has reminded us of all the qualities that we as people, particularly our youth, epitomise having abundant promise and the unsuppressed first to perform and to succeed," Nirmala Sitharaman said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/teams-hard-work-was-inspiring-pm-narendra-modi-praises-team-india-for-historic-win-in-australia-360414">PM Narendra Modi praises Team India for historic win in Australia</a>

While India started the series with a devastating defeat in Adelaide, the visitors, in the absence of some of their biggest stars, bounced back to win the Melbourne Test, draw the Sydney Test and defy all the odds to win the Gabba Test as they scripted history by winning two Test series on the bounce on Australian soil.&nbsp;

Before lauding the Indian team, Sitharaman also recalled Rabindranath Tagore's words: "Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark."&nbsp;

Presenting one of the most-awaited Budget, Sitharaman announced ₹2,83,846 lakh crore for health and wellness sector which also includes ₹35,000 crore for Covid-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2021-two-more-vaccines-expected-soon-says-nirmala-sitharaman-360542">Union Budget 2021: Two more vaccines expected soon, says Nirmala Sitharaman</a>

With COVID-19 pandemic bringing down country's GDP growth to a mere 4 per cent, the Union Budget 2021 proposals rest on six pillars: Health and Well-Being, Physical and Financial capital and infrastructure, Inclusive Development for Aspirational India, Reinvigorating Human Capital, Innovation and R&amp;D, Minimum Govt., Maximum Governance&nbsp;

After being praised by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during 'Mann Ki Baat', the Indian cricket team was lauded by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Budget 2021 speech on Monday.

After being praised by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during 'Mann Ki Baat', the Indian cricket team was lauded by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Budget 2021 speech on Monday. Heaping praise on the Indian cricket team and its performance in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Nirmala Sitharaman said that that Team India's performance Down Under reminded everyone of human qualities, particularly youth, and their will to succeed. Team India's win in Australia epitomise abundant promise: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman "I can't help but recall the joy that we as a cricket-loving nation felt after the team India's recent spectacular success in Australia. "It has reminded us of all the qualities that we as people, particularly our youth, epitomise having abundant promise and the unsuppressed first to perform and to succeed," Nirmala Sitharaman said. ALSO READ: PM Narendra Modi praises Team India for historic win in Australia While India started the series with a devastating defeat in Adelaide, the visitors, in the absence of some of their biggest stars, bounced back to win the Melbourne Test, draw the Sydney Test and defy all the odds to win the Gabba Test as they scripted history by winning two Test series on the bounce on Australian soil. Before lauding the Indian team, Sitharaman also recalled Rabindranath Tagore's words: "Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark." Presenting one of the most-awaited Budget, Sitharaman announced ₹2,83,846 lakh crore for health and wellness sector which also includes ₹35,000 crore for Covid-19 vaccines. ALSO READ: Union Budget 2021: Two more vaccines expected soon, says Nirmala Sitharaman With COVID-19 pandemic bringing down country's GDP growth to a mere 4 per cent, the Union Budget 2021 proposals rest on six pillars: Health and Well-Being, Physical and Financial capital and infrastructure, Inclusive Development for Aspirational India, Reinvigorating Human Capital, Innovation and R&D, Minimum Govt., Maximum Governance

Union Budget 2021: Nirmala Sitharaman recalls Team India's historic Gabba win in Australia

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/wwe-news">WWE</a> Royal Rumble 2021 sprung a few surprises as the Pay-Per-View event enthralled the fans with some high-octane action on and off the ring. While Bianca Belaire booked her spot in&nbsp;WrestleMania&nbsp;37, Edge scripted history to win the Men's Royal Rumble despite being the first entrant in the match. Whereas Roman Reigns defeated Kevin Owens to retain his title in what was a nail-biting Last Man Standing match.&nbsp;

With Royal Rumble 2021 now done and dusted and focus shifting to the much-awaited&nbsp;WrestleMania&nbsp;37, let us take a look at the list of winners in the recently concluded Royal Rumble 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Women's Royal Rumble: Bianca Belair, who entered the Royal Rumble at the third spot, made four eliminations with Rhea Ripley being the final&nbsp;victim. Belair can now challenge either of Sasha Banks or Asuka at&nbsp;Wrestlemania&nbsp;37, scheduled to be held in April.&nbsp;

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Putting the EST in wrESTlemania! 
I DID IT!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoyalRumble</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESTofWWE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESTofWWE</a> <a href="https://t.co/nHWX1hBw9Q">pic.twitter.com/nHWX1hBw9Q</a>
— Bianca Belair (@BiancaBelairWWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/BiancaBelairWWE/status/1356122446517121025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens: The match was arguably the best of the night with both the WWE superstars taking extreme punishments and going to the limit to win the match. While Owens came close to winning the championship after a long wait of four years, Reigns&nbsp;attacked the referee before three counts could be completed. Reigns ended the match with a submission move on Owens.&nbsp;

Goldberg vs Drew McIntyre: Another much-awaited match came to its conclusion as McIntyre retained his championship belt despite taking multiple hits including Goldberg's trademark spears and jackhammer. However, McIntyre finished the match with a Claymore Kick to continue his dominating run.&nbsp;

Charlotte Flair and Asuka vs Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax:&nbsp;The team of Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler defeated Charlotte Flair and Asuka to regain the women's tag team titles.&nbsp;

Sasha Banks vs Carmella: Sasha Banks retained her Smackdown Women Championship with a&nbsp;victory&nbsp;over Carmella.&nbsp;

Men's Royal Rumble: Entering the match at the first spot, Edge won the Royal Rumble for the second time in his career. With only Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman, Christian and Edge remaining in the ring,&nbsp;the latter took the chances as he waited for Rollins to&nbsp;eliminate&nbsp;Christian before pouncing on the chance to throw Rollins out of the ring and win the event.&nbsp;

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11 years to the day, <a href="https://twitter.com/EdgeRatedR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EdgeRatedR</a> WINS his second <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoyalRumble</a> Match! <a href="https://t.co/1n1O2b6E4M">pic.twitter.com/1n1O2b6E4M</a>
— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1356087361562619904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The WWE Royal Rumble 2021 sprung a few surprises as the Pay-Per-View event enthralled the fans with some high-octane action on and off the ring. While Bianca Belaire booked her spot in WrestleMania 37, Edge scripted history to win the Men's Royal Rumble despite being the first entrant in the match.

The WWE Royal Rumble 2021 sprung a few surprises as the Pay-Per-View event enthralled the fans with some high-octane action on and off the ring. While Bianca Belaire booked her spot in WrestleMania 37, Edge scripted history to win the Men's Royal Rumble despite being the first entrant in the match. Whereas Roman Reigns defeated Kevin Owens to retain his title in what was a nail-biting Last Man Standing match. With Royal Rumble 2021 now done and dusted and focus shifting to the much-awaited WrestleMania 37, let us take a look at the list of winners in the recently concluded Royal Rumble 2021. Women's Royal Rumble: Bianca Belair, who entered the Royal Rumble at the third spot, made four eliminations with Rhea Ripley being the final victim. Belair can now challenge either of Sasha Banks or Asuka at Wrestlemania 37, scheduled to be held in April. Putting the EST in wrESTlemania! I DID IT!#RoyalRumble #ESTofWWE pic.twitter.com/nHWX1hBw9Q — Bianca Belair (@BiancaBelairWWE) February 1, 2021 × Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens: The match was arguably the best of the night with both the WWE superstars taking extreme punishments and going to the limit to win the match. While Owens came close to winning the championship after a long wait of four years, Reigns attacked the referee before three counts could be completed. Reigns ended the match with a submission move on Owens. Goldberg vs Drew McIntyre: Another much-awaited match came to its conclusion as McIntyre retained his championship belt despite taking multiple hits including Goldberg's trademark spears and jackhammer. However, McIntyre finished the match with a Claymore Kick to continue his dominating run. Charlotte Flair and Asuka vs Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax: The team of Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler defeated Charlotte Flair and Asuka to regain the women's tag team titles. Sasha Banks vs Carmella: Sasha Banks retained her Smackdown Women Championship with a victory over Carmella. Men's Royal Rumble: Entering the match at the first spot, Edge won the Royal Rumble for the second time in his career. With only Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman, Christian and Edge remaining in the ring, the latter took the chances as he waited for Rollins to eliminate Christian before pouncing on the chance to throw Rollins out of the ring and win the event. 11 years to the day, @EdgeRatedR WINS his second #RoyalRumble Match! pic.twitter.com/1n1O2b6E4M — WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2021 ×

Royal Rumble 2021: Edge scripts history, Bianca Belair set to headline WrestleMania 27

Cricket Australia on Wednesday concluded that Indian players were racially&nbsp;abused&nbsp;during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground but cleared six people,&nbsp;who were kicked out of the stadium, of any charges&nbsp;following a probe.&nbsp;

Cricket chiefs and New South Wales police launched a probe after pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;complained about being target of discriminatory chants while they fielded by the boundary ropes on day three of the Sydney Test earlier in January.&nbsp;

On day four, the play was halted for close to 10 minutes when Siraj ran towards the umpires from the fine-leg boundary and pointed into the crowd.&nbsp;Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane was also seen having a word with the on-field umpires.&nbsp;

As many as six men were removed from their allocated seats and taken away by the stewards. However, they have now been cleared of any charges.&nbsp;

"CA confirms that members of the Indian cricket team were subjected to racial abuse," the governing body's integrity chief Sean Carroll said in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-axe-wade-keep-paine-as-captain-for-south-africa-test-tour-359588" hreflang="en">Australia axe Wade, keep Paine as captain for South Africa Test tour</a>

"CA's own investigation into the matter remains open, with CCTV footage, ticketing data and interviews with spectators still being&nbsp;analysed&nbsp;in an attempt to locate those responsible."&nbsp;&nbsp;

But it added: "CA's investigation concluded that the spectators filmed and/or photographed by media in the Brewongle Stand concourse at the conclusion of the 86th over on day four of the Test&nbsp;did not engage in racist&nbsp;behaviour."&nbsp;

Even veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said it was not the first time there&nbsp;had been such issues in Sydney.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's definitely not acceptable in this day and age... we must make sure it doesn't happen again," he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-reacts-to-captaincy-debate-ahead-of-england-series-359483" hreflang="en">Ajinkya Rahane reacts to captaincy debate ahead of England series</a>

Cricket Australia issued&nbsp;a&nbsp;heartfelt apology to India at that time as the cricket body said anyone found guilty would face consequences and referral to the police.&nbsp;

The Australian board has forwarded the findings to the International Cricket Council while the New South&nbsp;Wales Police continues to investigate.&nbsp;

After the conclusion of the tour, pacer Siraj had revealed that on-field umpires gave India the option to walk out of the field but skipper Rahane, standing in for Virat Kohli, stood his ground and said they want to play due&nbsp;to the sheer respect for the game.&nbsp;

India won the four-Test series 2-1 in what was a historic achievement by the visitors.&nbsp;

Cricket Australia on Wednesday concluded that Indian players were racially abused during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground but cleared six people, who were kicked out of the stadium, of any charges following a probe.

Cricket Australia on Wednesday concluded that Indian players were racially abused during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground but cleared six people, who were kicked out of the stadium, of any charges following a probe. Cricket chiefs and New South Wales police launched a probe after pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah complained about being target of discriminatory chants while they fielded by the boundary ropes on day three of the Sydney Test earlier in January. On day four, the play was halted for close to 10 minutes when Siraj ran towards the umpires from the fine-leg boundary and pointed into the crowd. Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane was also seen having a word with the on-field umpires. As many as six men were removed from their allocated seats and taken away by the stewards. However, they have now been cleared of any charges. "CA confirms that members of the Indian cricket team were subjected to racial abuse," the governing body's integrity chief Sean Carroll said in a statement. ALSO READ: Australia axe Wade, keep Paine as captain for South Africa Test tour "CA's own investigation into the matter remains open, with CCTV footage, ticketing data and interviews with spectators still being analysed in an attempt to locate those responsible." But it added: "CA's investigation concluded that the spectators filmed and/or photographed by media in the Brewongle Stand concourse at the conclusion of the 86th over on day four of the Test did not engage in racist behaviour." Even veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said it was not the first time there had been such issues in Sydney. "It's definitely not acceptable in this day and age... we must make sure it doesn't happen again," he said. ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane reacts to captaincy debate ahead of England series Cricket Australia issued a heartfelt apology to India at that time as the cricket body said anyone found guilty would face consequences and referral to the police. The Australian board has forwarded the findings to the International Cricket Council while the New South Wales Police continues to investigate. After the conclusion of the tour, pacer Siraj had revealed that on-field umpires gave India the option to walk out of the field but skipper Rahane, standing in for Virat Kohli, stood his ground and said they want to play due to the sheer respect for the game. India won the four-Test series 2-1 in what was a historic achievement by the visitors.

Cricket Australia confirms Indian players racially abused at the SCG

The coronavirus pandemic could cost Europe's 20 highest earning football clubs over two billion euros ($2.4 billion, £1.4 billion), according to forecasts from financial experts Deloitte.

Deloitte's latest Football Money League report shows that revenues of the 20 clubs analysed fell by 1.1 billion euros in the 2019/20 season due to closed stadiums and television rebates.

Some of that revenue will be recouped in the accounts for the 2020/21 season. The financial year at most clubs ends on June 30, meaning some prize money and broadcast income for domestic leagues and European competitions that completed beyond that date is not included in last season's figures.&nbsp;

However, the ongoing effects of the virus will make an even bigger dent on club finances in 20/21 with stadia largely shut to supporters across the continent for the entire season so far and little sign of restrictions being eased.

Even as the games have gone on behind closed doors, broadcasters have been compensated for a disruption to the original schedule and the lack of atmosphere produced by empty stadiums.

Rebates for Europe's 'top five' leagues in England, Spain, Germany, France and Italy, and UEFA's Champions League and Europa League competitions already total almost 1.2 billion euros.

"We usually release our money league and talk about the growth in revenue but of course football is not immune to the Covid-19 pandemic," said Tim Bridge of Deloitte's Sports Business Group.

"The revenue that's been missed out on is driven by the lack of fans in the stadium, the lack of interaction on a matchday - fans spending in the club shop and buying food and drink - and there is an element that relates to revenue that broadcasters have either clawed back or deferred to next year."

Spanish giants Barcelona maintained their position at the top of the revenue table despite their income falling 15 percent to 715 million euros.

However, the Catalans are still mired in an economic crisis due to spiralling debts of 1.2 billion euros according to accounts released by the club on Monday.

Real Madrid remain second, just 200,000 euros behind Barca's revenue.

Bayern Munich leapfrogged Manchester United into third due to the latter missing out on Champions League football last season.

In fourth, United are still the highest ranking English club among seven Premier League sides -- also featuring Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton -- in the top 20.

Zenit St Petersburg are the only club outside the top five leagues among the list.

The impact of the pandemic has seen some of the biggest clubs push through competition reform to guarantee bigger revenues.

Speculation has mounted over a breakaway European Super League, but last week FIFA and UEFA warned any players that took part in such a competition would risk being banned from major international tournaments such as the World Cup.

The coronavirus pandemic could cost Europe's 20 highest earning football clubs over two billion euros ($2.4 billion, £1.4 billion), according to forecasts from financial experts Deloitte.

The coronavirus pandemic could cost Europe's 20 highest earning football clubs over two billion euros ($2.4 billion, £1.4 billion), according to forecasts from financial experts Deloitte. Deloitte's latest Football Money League report shows that revenues of the 20 clubs analysed fell by 1.1 billion euros in the 2019/20 season due to closed stadiums and television rebates. Some of that revenue will be recouped in the accounts for the 2020/21 season. The financial year at most clubs ends on June 30, meaning some prize money and broadcast income for domestic leagues and European competitions that completed beyond that date is not included in last season's figures. However, the ongoing effects of the virus will make an even bigger dent on club finances in 20/21 with stadia largely shut to supporters across the continent for the entire season so far and little sign of restrictions being eased. Even as the games have gone on behind closed doors, broadcasters have been compensated for a disruption to the original schedule and the lack of atmosphere produced by empty stadiums. Rebates for Europe's 'top five' leagues in England, Spain, Germany, France and Italy, and UEFA's Champions League and Europa League competitions already total almost 1.2 billion euros. "We usually release our money league and talk about the growth in revenue but of course football is not immune to the Covid-19 pandemic," said Tim Bridge of Deloitte's Sports Business Group. "The revenue that's been missed out on is driven by the lack of fans in the stadium, the lack of interaction on a matchday - fans spending in the club shop and buying food and drink - and there is an element that relates to revenue that broadcasters have either clawed back or deferred to next year." Spanish giants Barcelona maintained their position at the top of the revenue table despite their income falling 15 percent to 715 million euros. However, the Catalans are still mired in an economic crisis due to spiralling debts of 1.2 billion euros according to accounts released by the club on Monday. Real Madrid remain second, just 200,000 euros behind Barca's revenue. Bayern Munich leapfrogged Manchester United into third due to the latter missing out on Champions League football last season. In fourth, United are still the highest ranking English club among seven Premier League sides -- also featuring Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton -- in the top 20. Zenit St Petersburg are the only club outside the top five leagues among the list. The impact of the pandemic has seen some of the biggest clubs push through competition reform to guarantee bigger revenues. Speculation has mounted over a breakaway European Super League, but last week FIFA and UEFA warned any players that took part in such a competition would risk being banned from major international tournaments such as the World Cup.

Europe's top clubs face two billion euro coronavirus hit - report

Manchester City thrashed West Brom 5-0 to move back top of the Premier League on Tuesday as Arsenal aided their push towards the European places with a 3-1 win at Southampton.

City have now won 11 consecutive games since West Brom earned a shock 1-1 draw at the Etihad last month.

Pep Guardiola's men have hit top form since and did not miss the presence of the injured Kevin De Bruyne in blowing away the Baggies by scoring four goals before half-time.

Ilkay Gundogan opened the floodgates by curling home from the edge of the box before Joao Cancelo's controversial strike doubled City's lead.

The West Brom defence was distracted by a wrongly raised offside flag before the Portuguese full-back found the net, but the goal stood after a VAR review.

Gundogan then took his tally to seven goals in his last eight league games before Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling rounded off the scoring.

"There's not really a secret," Gundogan said of his scoring streak. "I'm just in the right spaces at the right moment. I'm in a bit more of an offensive role, if I get the chance close to the box I try to make the right decisions."

West Brom have now conceded 17 goals in Sam Allardyce's four home games in charge as they remain second bottom of the table, six points off safety.

<h2>- Arsenal on the rise -</h2>

Guardiola's former assistant Mikel Arteta is also enjoying a fine run of form as Arsenal have taken 16 from the last possible 18 points.

The Gunners avenged their FA Cup to Southampton at the weekend despite falling behind after three minutes to Stuart Armstrong's sweet strike.

Nicolas Pepe quickly levelled before Bukayo Saka rounded Alex McCarthy and slotted home to give the visitors at half-time lead.

"I think we were good from the start. We conceded a goal from a corner but responded straight away," said Arteta.

"It showed a lot of intelligent and resilience from the team in the way they managed the game."

Alexandre Lacazette sealed a vital three points 18 minutes from time as Arsenal moved up to eighth and within five points of the top four.

<h2>- West Ham go fourth -</h2>

West Ham occupy the fourth Champions League place as Tomas Soucek scored twice in a 3-2 win at Crystal Palace.

The Hammers suffered an early setback when Wilfried Zaha put Palace in front after just three minutes.

But the stronger mentality that David Moyes has lauded in West Ham this season showed as Soucek struck twice in 16 minutes to turn the game around.

Only Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has scored more Premier League goals from midfield than the Czech since he joined from Slavia Prague a year ago.

Craig Dawson headed in Jarrod Bowen's corner 25 minutes from time to make it 3-1 before Michy Batshuayi scored a late consolation for Palace.

A sixth consecutive win in all competitions takes Moyes's men above Liverpool in the table and Jurgen Klopp's struggling Reds will be wary of their trip to the London Stadium on Sunday.

At the other end of the table, Newcastle lost 2-1 at home to Leeds to stretch their winless run to 11 games

"This league is demanding and cruel at times," said beleaguered Magpies boss Steve Bruce.

Raphinha slotted home Rodrigo's cut-back to give Marcelo Bielsa's men a deserved half-time lead.

Miguel Almiron levelled with Newcastle's first goal for five games early in the second half, but parity lasted only four minutes before Jack Harrison's sensational finish with the outside of his left foot claimed all three points for the visitors.

Newcastle have a seven-point cushion over the bottom three, but have now played two games more than Fulham in 18th.

Manchester City thrashed West Brom 5-0 to move back top of the Premier League on Tuesday as Arsenal aided their push towards the European places with a 3-1 win at Southampton.

Manchester City thrashed West Brom 5-0 to move back top of the Premier League on Tuesday as Arsenal aided their push towards the European places with a 3-1 win at Southampton. City have now won 11 consecutive games since West Brom earned a shock 1-1 draw at the Etihad last month. Pep Guardiola's men have hit top form since and did not miss the presence of the injured Kevin De Bruyne in blowing away the Baggies by scoring four goals before half-time. Ilkay Gundogan opened the floodgates by curling home from the edge of the box before Joao Cancelo's controversial strike doubled City's lead. The West Brom defence was distracted by a wrongly raised offside flag before the Portuguese full-back found the net, but the goal stood after a VAR review. Gundogan then took his tally to seven goals in his last eight league games before Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling rounded off the scoring. "There's not really a secret," Gundogan said of his scoring streak. "I'm just in the right spaces at the right moment. I'm in a bit more of an offensive role, if I get the chance close to the box I try to make the right decisions." West Brom have now conceded 17 goals in Sam Allardyce's four home games in charge as they remain second bottom of the table, six points off safety. - Arsenal on the rise - Guardiola's former assistant Mikel Arteta is also enjoying a fine run of form as Arsenal have taken 16 from the last possible 18 points. The Gunners avenged their FA Cup to Southampton at the weekend despite falling behind after three minutes to Stuart Armstrong's sweet strike. Nicolas Pepe quickly levelled before Bukayo Saka rounded Alex McCarthy and slotted home to give the visitors at half-time lead. "I think we were good from the start. We conceded a goal from a corner but responded straight away," said Arteta. "It showed a lot of intelligent and resilience from the team in the way they managed the game." Alexandre Lacazette sealed a vital three points 18 minutes from time as Arsenal moved up to eighth and within five points of the top four. - West Ham go fourth - West Ham occupy the fourth Champions League place as Tomas Soucek scored twice in a 3-2 win at Crystal Palace. The Hammers suffered an early setback when Wilfried Zaha put Palace in front after just three minutes. But the stronger mentality that David Moyes has lauded in West Ham this season showed as Soucek struck twice in 16 minutes to turn the game around. Only Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has scored more Premier League goals from midfield than the Czech since he joined from Slavia Prague a year ago. Craig Dawson headed in Jarrod Bowen's corner 25 minutes from time to make it 3-1 before Michy Batshuayi scored a late consolation for Palace. A sixth consecutive win in all competitions takes Moyes's men above Liverpool in the table and Jurgen Klopp's struggling Reds will be wary of their trip to the London Stadium on Sunday. At the other end of the table, Newcastle lost 2-1 at home to Leeds to stretch their winless run to 11 games "This league is demanding and cruel at times," said beleaguered Magpies boss Steve Bruce. Raphinha slotted home Rodrigo's cut-back to give Marcelo Bielsa's men a deserved half-time lead. Miguel Almiron levelled with Newcastle's first goal for five games early in the second half, but parity lasted only four minutes before Jack Harrison's sensational finish with the outside of his left foot claimed all three points for the visitors. Newcastle have a seven-point cushion over the bottom three, but have now played two games more than Fulham in 18th.

Man City go top, Arsenal gain revenge on Southampton

Christian Eriksen scored a last-gasp winner as Inter Milan advanced to the Italian Cup semi-finals on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over 10-man AC Milan in a fiery derby clash.

The quarter-final at the San Siro was overshadowed by a row between star strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku, who both scored on the night, with the Swede later sent off in the second half.

Tensions were high with Lukaku missing the chance to put Inter ahead on 20 minutes as Milan goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu, standing in for the suspended Gianluigi Donnarumma, saved with his foot.

And it was Ibrahimovic who grabbed the opener on the half-hour after connecting with Soualiho Meite's headed cross, firing in low from the right with the ball bouncing in off the far post.

Former Manchester United teammates Ibrahimovic and Lukaku then clashed angrily before the half-time whistle.

Ibrahimovic taunted Lukaku and infuriated the Belgian by laughing in his face with the pair going head-to-head.

The duo traded insults as they headed towards the tunnel with a furious Lukaku being restrained by his teammates.

Both players were booked over the incident.

Ibrahimovic got his marching orders when he picked up a second yellow card 15 minutes after the break for bringing down Aleksandar Kolarov.

"The booking for the dispute with Lukaku certainly influenced Ibrahimovic's dismissal," said Milan coach Stefano Pioli.

"He apologised like the great champion he is. But it wasn't easy with a man less.

"I didn't hear what they said but they are old enough to take care of themselves. We have to look ahead."

Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte said he was happy to see Lukaku's reaction.

"I was pleased to see Romelu like this," said Conte.&nbsp;

"Ibra has the wickedness of a winner. I think that Romelu, also from this point of view, is growing.&nbsp;

"For us he's important, and if he gets angry every now and then I'm pleased." &nbsp;

Italy's top two teams in the league this season were looking to bounce back after a disappointing weekend of Serie A action.

Leaders AC Milan lost to Atalanta, as Inter missed the chance to move equal on points with the leaders after a goalless draw at Udinese.

Ibrahimovic scored a brace the last time they met in a 2-1 league win in October, with Lukaku also netting for Inter.

Rafael Leao's foul on Nicolo Barella gave Inter a penalty after 71 minutes with Lukaku stepping up to fire in via the underside of the crossbar.

Eriksen came off the bench with two minutes to go and the out-of-favour Danish midfielder scored the winner deep into stoppage time with a sensational free-kick after a change in referee because of injury.

Inter go through to meet either Juventus or Serie B side SPAL in the two-legged semi-final on February 3 and 10.

Christian Eriksen scored a last-gasp winner as Inter Milan advanced to the Italian Cup semi-finals on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over 10-man AC Milan in a fiery derby clash.

Christian Eriksen scored a last-gasp winner as Inter Milan advanced to the Italian Cup semi-finals on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over 10-man AC Milan in a fiery derby clash. The quarter-final at the San Siro was overshadowed by a row between star strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku, who both scored on the night, with the Swede later sent off in the second half. Tensions were high with Lukaku missing the chance to put Inter ahead on 20 minutes as Milan goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu, standing in for the suspended Gianluigi Donnarumma, saved with his foot. And it was Ibrahimovic who grabbed the opener on the half-hour after connecting with Soualiho Meite's headed cross, firing in low from the right with the ball bouncing in off the far post. Former Manchester United teammates Ibrahimovic and Lukaku then clashed angrily before the half-time whistle. Ibrahimovic taunted Lukaku and infuriated the Belgian by laughing in his face with the pair going head-to-head. The duo traded insults as they headed towards the tunnel with a furious Lukaku being restrained by his teammates. Both players were booked over the incident. Ibrahimovic got his marching orders when he picked up a second yellow card 15 minutes after the break for bringing down Aleksandar Kolarov. "The booking for the dispute with Lukaku certainly influenced Ibrahimovic's dismissal," said Milan coach Stefano Pioli. "He apologised like the great champion he is. But it wasn't easy with a man less. "I didn't hear what they said but they are old enough to take care of themselves. We have to look ahead." Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte said he was happy to see Lukaku's reaction. "I was pleased to see Romelu like this," said Conte. "Ibra has the wickedness of a winner. I think that Romelu, also from this point of view, is growing. "For us he's important, and if he gets angry every now and then I'm pleased." Italy's top two teams in the league this season were looking to bounce back after a disappointing weekend of Serie A action. Leaders AC Milan lost to Atalanta, as Inter missed the chance to move equal on points with the leaders after a goalless draw at Udinese. Ibrahimovic scored a brace the last time they met in a 2-1 league win in October, with Lukaku also netting for Inter. Rafael Leao's foul on Nicolo Barella gave Inter a penalty after 71 minutes with Lukaku stepping up to fire in via the underside of the crossbar. Eriksen came off the bench with two minutes to go and the out-of-favour Danish midfielder scored the winner deep into stoppage time with a sensational free-kick after a change in referee because of injury. Inter go through to meet either Juventus or Serie B side SPAL in the two-legged semi-final on February 3 and 10.

Late Eriksen winner sends Inter into Italian Cup semis as Ibrahimovic sees red

Matthew Wade was axed Wednesday for Australia's Test series in South Africa after failing to fire against India, while under-pressure Tim Paine retained the captaincy.

Wade played all four games in the tense 2-1 home summer series loss to India, including two as makeshift opener in place of the injured David Warner.

But he managed just 173 from his eight innings, with some rash shots ultimately costing him his place in the side and seeing him replaced by Alex Carey as back-up wicketkeeper.

Instead, Wade will join Australia's Twenty20 squad on their tour of New Zealand as vice-captain to the out-of-form Aaron Finch.

Australia are due to play three Tests in South Africa. The tour was originally scheduled for February and March, but the dates have yet to be locked in due to concerns over coronavirus.

Cricket Australia Wednesday reiterated its commitment to making the trip, with the Tests expected to take place in March or April.&nbsp;

The five-game T20 tour of New Zealand runs from February 22 to March 7, clashing with South Africa, meaning a host of players including Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins were not available.

Wade was the main casualty from the India series, with the squad otherwise much the same.

Uncapped bowlers Sean Abbott, Michael Neser, and Mitchell Swepson are again included, with fellow quick Mark Steketee and Carey the only newcomers.

Carey's inclusion was seen as significant, with the 29-year-old, who has excelled for Australia in limited overs internationals, tipped as a potential successor as captain to Paine, 36.

Paine had a sub-par series against India, particularly the last two Tests when he dropped a slew of chances and came under fire over his bowling changes, field placings and decisions on when to declare.

He was also fined for an expletive-laden rant at an umpire and forced to apologise after an ugly verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin, all of which put his captaincy under the microscope.

<h2>- 'Wide of the mark' -</h2>

But National Selector Trevor Hohns insisted Paine was still the right man for the job.

"Tim Paine was excellent at number seven against India and as a batsman, wicketkeeper and captain still has much to offer in the Test arena," he said.

Cricket Australia's National Teams chief Ben Oliver also gave Paine his backing.

"Tim has the support of the team, the coach and everyone else at Cricket Australia and the result of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series has done nothing to diminish that," he said.

"After a series that attracted so much global interest, it was inevitable there'd be scrutiny. But some of the commentary surrounding Tim and his position as Test captain has been wide of the mark."

The absence of several T20 regulars opened the door for some fresh faces to make the trip to New Zealand, with three uncapped players in the squad including teenage leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha.

The other rookies are opener and gloveman Josh Philippe and fast bowler Riley Meredith.

Paceman Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff and spinner Ashton Agar make their return to Australian colours after lengthy injury layoffs.

&nbsp;

Test squad for South Africa: Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

T20 squad for New Zealand: Aaron Finch (capt), Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, D'Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa

Matthew Wade was axed Wednesday for Australia's Test series in South Africa after failing to fire against India, while under-pressure Tim Paine retained the captaincy.

Matthew Wade was axed Wednesday for Australia's Test series in South Africa after failing to fire against India, while under-pressure Tim Paine retained the captaincy. Wade played all four games in the tense 2-1 home summer series loss to India, including two as makeshift opener in place of the injured David Warner. But he managed just 173 from his eight innings, with some rash shots ultimately costing him his place in the side and seeing him replaced by Alex Carey as back-up wicketkeeper. Instead, Wade will join Australia's Twenty20 squad on their tour of New Zealand as vice-captain to the out-of-form Aaron Finch. Australia are due to play three Tests in South Africa. The tour was originally scheduled for February and March, but the dates have yet to be locked in due to concerns over coronavirus. Cricket Australia Wednesday reiterated its commitment to making the trip, with the Tests expected to take place in March or April. The five-game T20 tour of New Zealand runs from February 22 to March 7, clashing with South Africa, meaning a host of players including Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins were not available. Wade was the main casualty from the India series, with the squad otherwise much the same. Uncapped bowlers Sean Abbott, Michael Neser, and Mitchell Swepson are again included, with fellow quick Mark Steketee and Carey the only newcomers. Carey's inclusion was seen as significant, with the 29-year-old, who has excelled for Australia in limited overs internationals, tipped as a potential successor as captain to Paine, 36. Paine had a sub-par series against India, particularly the last two Tests when he dropped a slew of chances and came under fire over his bowling changes, field placings and decisions on when to declare. He was also fined for an expletive-laden rant at an umpire and forced to apologise after an ugly verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin, all of which put his captaincy under the microscope. - 'Wide of the mark' - But National Selector Trevor Hohns insisted Paine was still the right man for the job. "Tim Paine was excellent at number seven against India and as a batsman, wicketkeeper and captain still has much to offer in the Test arena," he said. Cricket Australia's National Teams chief Ben Oliver also gave Paine his backing. "Tim has the support of the team, the coach and everyone else at Cricket Australia and the result of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series has done nothing to diminish that," he said. "After a series that attracted so much global interest, it was inevitable there'd be scrutiny. But some of the commentary surrounding Tim and his position as Test captain has been wide of the mark." The absence of several T20 regulars opened the door for some fresh faces to make the trip to New Zealand, with three uncapped players in the squad including teenage leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha. The other rookies are opener and gloveman Josh Philippe and fast bowler Riley Meredith. Paceman Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff and spinner Ashton Agar make their return to Australian colours after lengthy injury layoffs. Test squad for South Africa: Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner T20 squad for New Zealand: Aaron Finch (capt), Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, D'Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa

Australia axe Wade, keep Paine as captain for South Africa Test tour

The first Tokyo Olympics test event of 2021 will be postponed due to travel restrictions under Japan's coronavirus state of emergency, media reported Wednesday.

The artistic swimming test event -- which will double as the sport's final qualifier for the Games, and is set to feature around 10 countries -- was scheduled to be held at the Tokyo Aquatics Center from March 4-7.

It could now be held in April or May, according to several Japanese media outlets citing sources close to the matter.

The International Swimming Federation (FINA) and Japan Swimming Federation (JASF) have determined travel restrictions on foreign nationals coming into Japan would make the event too difficult to organise, the reports said.

FINA, JASF and Tokyo 2020 did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Japan's borders are currently all but closed to foreign visitors, with Tokyo and other parts of the country under a state of emergency until at least February 7.

Athletes coming to Japan to prepare for the coronavirus-postponed 2020 Games had been exempt from the entry ban, but the government revoked the privilege earlier this month.

The artistic swimming event was set to be the first test event to be held with anti-virus measures in place.

In December, Tokyo 2020 chiefs unveiled a 53-page anti-virus rulebook that they say will allow the Games to be held safely without a vaccine, even if the pandemic is not yet under control.

The first Tokyo Olympics test event of 2021 will be postponed due to travel restrictions under Japan's coronavirus state of emergency, media reported Wednesday. The artistic swimming test event -- which will double as the sport's final qualifier for the Games, and is set to feature around 10 countries -- was scheduled to be held at the Tokyo Aquatics Center from March 4-7.

The first Tokyo Olympics test event of 2021 will be postponed due to travel restrictions under Japan's coronavirus state of emergency, media reported Wednesday. The artistic swimming test event -- which will double as the sport's final qualifier for the Games, and is set to feature around 10 countries -- was scheduled to be held at the Tokyo Aquatics Center from March 4-7. It could now be held in April or May, according to several Japanese media outlets citing sources close to the matter. The International Swimming Federation (FINA) and Japan Swimming Federation (JASF) have determined travel restrictions on foreign nationals coming into Japan would make the event too difficult to organise, the reports said. FINA, JASF and Tokyo 2020 did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Japan's borders are currently all but closed to foreign visitors, with Tokyo and other parts of the country under a state of emergency until at least February 7. Athletes coming to Japan to prepare for the coronavirus-postponed 2020 Games had been exempt from the entry ban, but the government revoked the privilege earlier this month. The artistic swimming event was set to be the first test event to be held with anti-virus measures in place. In December, Tokyo 2020 chiefs unveiled a 53-page anti-virus rulebook that they say will allow the Games to be held safely without a vaccine, even if the pandemic is not yet under control.

Tokyo Olympics test event to be postponed: reports

Ireland opener Paul Stirling and Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz have made notable gains in the ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings after some fine performances in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League.

Stirling has gained eight slots to reach 20th place after scoring 285 runs against Afghanistan which included centuries in the second and third matches. The valiant effort in the series in Abu Dhabi, that his team lost 3-0, has taken him to the top of the run aggregate in the championship with 441 runs in six matches.

Stirling also scored 135 runs in his side’s preceding series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which was not part of the Super League and which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Off-spinner Mehidy was the most successful bowler in the series against the West Indies which his side swept 3-0 and his effort reflects in the latest update to the ODI rankings. Mehidy has progressed nine spots to take fourth position after grabbing seven wickets including a haul of four for 25 in the second ODI that won him the player of the match award.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
↗️ Mehidy Hasan storms into top five 
↗️ Mustafizur Rahman enters top 10 
↗️ Shakib Al Hasan moves up 15 spots 
 
Bangladesh bowlers sizzle in the latest <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings! 
 
📈 Full rankings: <a href="https://t.co/tHR5rKl2SH">https://t.co/tHR5rKl2SH</a> <a href="https://t.co/2uDyRgfznH">pic.twitter.com/2uDyRgfznH</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1354341072625917953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-admitted-to-hospital-again-to-undergo-another-angioplasty-on-thursday-359632" hreflang="en">Sourav Ganguly admitted to hospital again, to undergo another angioplasty on Thursday</a>

Left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s six wickets in the series have lifted him from 19th to eighth position while other Bangladesh players to gain in the latest rankings update include Shakib Al Hasan (up 15 places to 13th among bowlers) and Mushfiqur Rahim (up one place to 15th among batsmen) after their player of the match performances in the first and third matches, respectively.&nbsp;

Captain Tamim Iqbal (up one place to 22nd) and Mahmudullah (up five places to 49th) among batsmen and Mohammad Saifuddin (up three places to 43rd) among bowlers have also advanced for Bangladesh while West Indies fast bowler Alzari Joseph has gained 11 slots to reach 34th position.

In other gains for Ireland players, Curtis Campher has advanced 81 places and is 100th among batsmen. Andy McBrine has gained two slots to reach 33rd position and Simi Singh has progressed 30 places to reach 64th among bowlers.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-fawad-alam-joins-ravi-bopara-in-exclusive-club-after-third-test-century-359677" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Fawad Alam joins Ravi Bopara in exclusive club after third Test century</a>

Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Shahidi (70th to 66th), Rashid Khan (96th to 89th) and Javed Ahmadi (103rd to 99th) have gained in the rankings for batsmen. &nbsp;

The UAE also saw some gains for its players with Muhammad Usman advancing five places to reach 78th position after slamming a century in the first match of the series and Rohan Mustafa gain six slots to reach 55th among bowlers.

Ireland opener Paul Stirling and Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz have made notable gains in the ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings after some fine performances in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League.

Ireland opener Paul Stirling and Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz have made notable gains in the ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings after some fine performances in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. Stirling has gained eight slots to reach 20th place after scoring 285 runs against Afghanistan which included centuries in the second and third matches. The valiant effort in the series in Abu Dhabi, that his team lost 3-0, has taken him to the top of the run aggregate in the championship with 441 runs in six matches. Stirling also scored 135 runs in his side’s preceding series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which was not part of the Super League and which ended in a 1-1 draw. Off-spinner Mehidy was the most successful bowler in the series against the West Indies which his side swept 3-0 and his effort reflects in the latest update to the ODI rankings. Mehidy has progressed nine spots to take fourth position after grabbing seven wickets including a haul of four for 25 in the second ODI that won him the player of the match award. ↗️ Mehidy Hasan storms into top five ↗️ Mustafizur Rahman enters top 10 ↗️ Shakib Al Hasan moves up 15 spots Bangladesh bowlers sizzle in the latest @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings! 📈 Full rankings: https://t.co/tHR5rKl2SH pic.twitter.com/2uDyRgfznH — ICC (@ICC) January 27, 2021 × ALSO READ: Sourav Ganguly admitted to hospital again, to undergo another angioplasty on Thursday Left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s six wickets in the series have lifted him from 19th to eighth position while other Bangladesh players to gain in the latest rankings update include Shakib Al Hasan (up 15 places to 13th among bowlers) and Mushfiqur Rahim (up one place to 15th among batsmen) after their player of the match performances in the first and third matches, respectively. Captain Tamim Iqbal (up one place to 22nd) and Mahmudullah (up five places to 49th) among batsmen and Mohammad Saifuddin (up three places to 43rd) among bowlers have also advanced for Bangladesh while West Indies fast bowler Alzari Joseph has gained 11 slots to reach 34th position. In other gains for Ireland players, Curtis Campher has advanced 81 places and is 100th among batsmen. Andy McBrine has gained two slots to reach 33rd position and Simi Singh has progressed 30 places to reach 64th among bowlers. ALSO READ: Pakistan's Fawad Alam joins Ravi Bopara in exclusive club after third Test century Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Shahidi (70th to 66th), Rashid Khan (96th to 89th) and Javed Ahmadi (103rd to 99th) have gained in the rankings for batsmen. The UAE also saw some gains for its players with Muhammad Usman advancing five places to reach 78th position after slamming a century in the first match of the series and Rohan Mustafa gain six slots to reach 55th among bowlers.

Stirling, Mehidy gain big in ODI Rankings after fine outings in WC Super League

The president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Sourav Ganguly has been admitted to&nbsp;Apollo Hospital in Kolkata after he complained of chest pain on Wednesday.&nbsp;Further test reports suggest that Ganguly will need two more stents to be implanted and the angioplasty is likely to be conducted on Thursday in presence of noted cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty.

According to reports, Ganguly had felt&nbsp;a slight pain in his chest on Tuesday but the pain increased on Wednesday&nbsp;and hence, he was shifted to the hospital without taking any further risks. He was rushed to the hospital for further check-up. He&nbsp;is currently stable and is likely to remain hospitalised for a couple of days.

"Dr Saptarshi Basu &amp; Dr Saroj Mondal of Woodlands hospital are attending Sourav Ganguly. Dr Aftab Khan will do the stenting at Apollo hospital tomorrow in presence of Dr Devi Shetty," said&nbsp;Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata in a statement.

Ganguly had suffered a mild heart attack earlier in January after which the former Indian captain was immediately admitted to Kolkata's Woodlands Hospital. Ganguly had suffered a sudden blackout during a workout session at his Behala resident on January 2.

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Angioplasty was successfully carried on Ganguly's right coronary artery after the 48-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest. However, the other two damaged arteries too needed angioplasty but the doctors, after consulting Ganguly and his family, decided that the procedure would be done at a later date.

Ganguly was diagnosed with three blocked coronary arteries after which a stent was inserted in one to remove the blockage.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-england-cricket-team-arrives-in-chennai-for-test-series-versus-india-359613" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: England cricket team arrives in Chennai for Test series versus India</a>

<article>
Earlier in January, Ganguly was attended by noted cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty, who had hinted that the 48-year-old may require an angioplasty at a later date but had confidently said that the former Indian captain can continue to work normally. The noted surgeon had said that the 48-year-old will be ready for next course of procedures or medical intervention after 2-3 weeks.

After being discharged from Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata, earlier in January, Ganguly had said:&nbsp;"I thank the doctors at the hospital for the treatment. I am absolutely fine. Hopefully, I will be ready to fly soon.
</article>

The president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Sourav Ganguly has been admitted to Apollo Hospital in Kolkata after he complained of chest pain on Wednesday.

The president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Sourav Ganguly has been admitted to Apollo Hospital in Kolkata after he complained of chest pain on Wednesday. Further test reports suggest that Ganguly will need two more stents to be implanted and the angioplasty is likely to be conducted on Thursday in presence of noted cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty. According to reports, Ganguly had felt a slight pain in his chest on Tuesday but the pain increased on Wednesday and hence, he was shifted to the hospital without taking any further risks. He was rushed to the hospital for further check-up. He is currently stable and is likely to remain hospitalised for a couple of days. "Dr Saptarshi Basu & Dr Saroj Mondal of Woodlands hospital are attending Sourav Ganguly. Dr Aftab Khan will do the stenting at Apollo hospital tomorrow in presence of Dr Devi Shetty," said Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata in a statement. Ganguly had suffered a mild heart attack earlier in January after which the former Indian captain was immediately admitted to Kolkata's Woodlands Hospital. Ganguly had suffered a sudden blackout during a workout session at his Behala resident on January 2. ALSO READ: IPL 2021 auction to be held on February 18 in Chennai Angioplasty was successfully carried on Ganguly's right coronary artery after the 48-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest. However, the other two damaged arteries too needed angioplasty but the doctors, after consulting Ganguly and his family, decided that the procedure would be done at a later date. Ganguly was diagnosed with three blocked coronary arteries after which a stent was inserted in one to remove the blockage. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: England cricket team arrives in Chennai for Test series versus India Earlier in January, Ganguly was attended by noted cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty, who had hinted that the 48-year-old may require an angioplasty at a later date but had confidently said that the former Indian captain can continue to work normally. The noted surgeon had said that the 48-year-old will be ready for next course of procedures or medical intervention after 2-3 weeks. After being discharged from Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata, earlier in January, Ganguly had said: "I thank the doctors at the hospital for the treatment. I am absolutely fine. Hopefully, I will be ready to fly soon.

Sourav Ganguly admitted to hospital again, to undergo another angioplasty on Thursday

Insurers are facing a $2-3 billion loss if the Tokyo Olympics are cancelled this year, amounting to the largest ever claim in the global event cancellation market, brokers say.

With less than six months until the Games are due to start, the competition will top the agenda when the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board meets this week.

The Olympic body, which will meet remotely, finds itself in a similar situation to March last year, when it postponed the Games by 12 months as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sport worldwide.

Much of Japan is now under a state of emergency due to a third wave of COVID-19 infections.

The IOC and Japanese organisers have been adamant that another postponement isn’t an option. So it appears more likely the Games would have to be cancelled, rather than postponed again, if they weren’t able to go ahead in Tokyo this summer.

Event cancellation insurers have had a tough year as a result of the pandemic, with festivals, conferences and sporting events postponed or cancelled the world over. Broker Howden estimates COVID-19 event cancellation losses at $5-6 billion.

But cancellation of the Olympics “would be by far the largest. Mind-blowingly,” said Simon Henderson, an executive director at broker Gallagher.

“The Olympics is a World Cup, it’s a tennis tournament, it’s an athletics tournament. It’s swimming, everything all in one - definitely a huge headache.”

Analysts at Jefferies have estimated the Tokyo Olympics is insured for around $2 billion, plus a further $600 million for hospitality.

The IOC takes out around $800 million of protection for each Summer Games, which covers most of the roughly $1 billion investment it makes in each host city.

In addition, the local organising committee in Tokyo will have taken out a further policy, estimated at around $650 million, while broadcasters are also insured for large sums.

“TV networks, sponsors, professional sports teams, entertainers and other organisations could all have event cancellation policies protecting their interests in the Olympics,” said Leigh Ann Rossi, chief operating officer at broker NFP Sports and Entertainment Group.

Such policies will have been bought years in advance and so would likely cover cancellation due to infectious diseases. Event cancellation policies taken out in the last year exclude that cover.

Many of the organisations involved in the Olympics would have been able to claim some costs as a result of last year’s postponement, for issues such as hiring venues or reprinting marketing brochures.

Tim Thornhill, a director at broker Tysers, said there was “no rule of thumb” as to how much of the total insured value of an event could be claimed under the postponement section of an event cancellation policy.

But brokers expect any payments made last year for postponement to be smaller than any cancellation pay-outs this year.

Lloyd’s of London insurers are among those active in the event cancellation market, along with international insurers, and global reinsurers such as Munich Re and Swiss Re.

Munich Re has a $500 million exposure to the Tokyo Olympics, one source previously told Reuters. Munich Re declined to comment.

Swiss Re has a $250 million exposure, its chief financial officer John Dacey told analysts last year.

German insurer Allianz has signed an eight-year insurance agreement with the IOC which took effect earlier this month, covering Winter and Summer Games, including the Summer Games in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028.

Given how far in advance Olympics policies are taken out, Paris will also likely be covered for postponement or cancellation due to infectious diseases, brokers said.

Insurers are facing a $2-3 billion loss if the Tokyo Olympics are cancelled this year, amounting to the largest ever claim in the global event cancellation market, brokers say.

Insurers are facing a $2-3 billion loss if the Tokyo Olympics are cancelled this year, amounting to the largest ever claim in the global event cancellation market, brokers say. With less than six months until the Games are due to start, the competition will top the agenda when the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board meets this week. The Olympic body, which will meet remotely, finds itself in a similar situation to March last year, when it postponed the Games by 12 months as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sport worldwide. Much of Japan is now under a state of emergency due to a third wave of COVID-19 infections. The IOC and Japanese organisers have been adamant that another postponement isn’t an option. So it appears more likely the Games would have to be cancelled, rather than postponed again, if they weren’t able to go ahead in Tokyo this summer. Event cancellation insurers have had a tough year as a result of the pandemic, with festivals, conferences and sporting events postponed or cancelled the world over. Broker Howden estimates COVID-19 event cancellation losses at $5-6 billion. But cancellation of the Olympics “would be by far the largest. Mind-blowingly,” said Simon Henderson, an executive director at broker Gallagher. “The Olympics is a World Cup, it’s a tennis tournament, it’s an athletics tournament. It’s swimming, everything all in one - definitely a huge headache.” Analysts at Jefferies have estimated the Tokyo Olympics is insured for around $2 billion, plus a further $600 million for hospitality. The IOC takes out around $800 million of protection for each Summer Games, which covers most of the roughly $1 billion investment it makes in each host city. In addition, the local organising committee in Tokyo will have taken out a further policy, estimated at around $650 million, while broadcasters are also insured for large sums. “TV networks, sponsors, professional sports teams, entertainers and other organisations could all have event cancellation policies protecting their interests in the Olympics,” said Leigh Ann Rossi, chief operating officer at broker NFP Sports and Entertainment Group. Such policies will have been bought years in advance and so would likely cover cancellation due to infectious diseases. Event cancellation policies taken out in the last year exclude that cover. Many of the organisations involved in the Olympics would have been able to claim some costs as a result of last year’s postponement, for issues such as hiring venues or reprinting marketing brochures. Tim Thornhill, a director at broker Tysers, said there was “no rule of thumb” as to how much of the total insured value of an event could be claimed under the postponement section of an event cancellation policy. But brokers expect any payments made last year for postponement to be smaller than any cancellation pay-outs this year. Lloyd’s of London insurers are among those active in the event cancellation market, along with international insurers, and global reinsurers such as Munich Re and Swiss Re. Munich Re has a $500 million exposure to the Tokyo Olympics, one source previously told Reuters. Munich Re declined to comment. Swiss Re has a $250 million exposure, its chief financial officer John Dacey told analysts last year. German insurer Allianz has signed an eight-year insurance agreement with the IOC which took effect earlier this month, covering Winter and Summer Games, including the Summer Games in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028. Given how far in advance Olympics policies are taken out, Paris will also likely be covered for postponement or cancellation due to infectious diseases, brokers said.

Insurers face 'mind-blowingly' large loss if Olympics cancelled

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and&nbsp;Romelu&nbsp;Lukaku on Tuesday faced-off in a heated war of words during the all-Milan Italian Cup quarter-finals as the AC Milan forward riled up his former Manchester United&nbsp;teammate&nbsp;by evoking&nbsp;voodism&nbsp;while calling him "a little donkey", according to reports.&nbsp;

Lukaku and Ibrahimovic were&nbsp;involved&nbsp;in a heated altercation after the referee blew the half-time whistle in the San Siro.&nbsp;Ibrahimovic taunted Lukaku and made him angry by laughing in his face before the duo went head-to-head.&nbsp;

"Go to your voodoo s**t, you little donkey," Ibrahimovic told Lukaku in English, alluding to an episode during Lukaku's time at Everton.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/late-eriksen-winner-sends-inter-into-italian-cup-semis-as-ibrahimovic-sees-red-359590" hreflang="en">Late Eriksen winner sends Inter into Italian Cup semis as Ibrahimovic sees red</a>

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Lukaku vs Ibrahimovic | What was said? 
 
Listened to the clip multiple times from 5 different broadcasts &amp; this is what i managed to pick up 👀<a href="https://t.co/hV9qENrQyS">pic.twitter.com/hV9qENrQyS</a>
— Karim (@Futball_Karim) <a href="https://twitter.com/Futball_Karim/status/1354364565476302848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The war of words with Lukaku that led to Zlatan Ibrahimović’s first yellow card in the first half: 
 
“Go do your voodoo s***, you little donkey!” (<a href="https://twitter.com/semo33xx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@semo33xx</a>) <a href="https://t.co/RbBMTuzFhj">pic.twitter.com/RbBMTuzFhj</a>
— Get Italian Football News (@_GIFN) <a href="https://twitter.com/_GIFN/status/1354176365298397184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In 2018, Everton's majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri had suggested that Lukaku declined a new Everton contract&nbsp;after heeding the advice of a voodoo message.&nbsp;However, the Belgian had rejected any notion of&nbsp;voodism&nbsp;influencing his decision to leave the Merseyside club.&nbsp;

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On Tuesday, Ibrahimovic and Lukaku traded insults and headed towards the tunnel. Lukaku was being restrained by his teammates.&nbsp;Both players were booked over the incident.&nbsp;Whereas Ibrahimovic went on to pick up his second yellow card 15 minutes after the half-time break.&nbsp;

Christian Eriksen scored the winner to take Inter into the semi-finals after goals by both Lukaku and&nbsp;Ibrahimovic.&nbsp;

Milan&nbsp;manager Stefano Pioli and his inter counterpart Antonio Conte played down the row, saying they had not heard the players' arguing and blamed any tension on the nature of the fixture as a Milan derby.&nbsp;

According to reports, Ibrahimovic&nbsp;apologised&nbsp;to his teammates for getting the red card but denied using racist terms towards Lukaku.&nbsp;

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku on Tuesday faced-off in a heated war of words during the all-Milan Italian Cup quarter-finals as the AC Milan forward riled up his former Manchester United teammate by evoking voodism while calling him "a little donkey", according to reports.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku on Tuesday faced-off in a heated war of words during the all-Milan Italian Cup quarter-finals as the AC Milan forward riled up his former Manchester United teammate by evoking voodism while calling him "a little donkey", according to reports. Lukaku and Ibrahimovic were involved in a heated altercation after the referee blew the half-time whistle in the San Siro. Ibrahimovic taunted Lukaku and made him angry by laughing in his face before the duo went head-to-head. "Go to your voodoo s**t, you little donkey," Ibrahimovic told Lukaku in English, alluding to an episode during Lukaku's time at Everton. ALSO READ: Late Eriksen winner sends Inter into Italian Cup semis as Ibrahimovic sees red Lukaku vs Ibrahimovic | What was said? Listened to the clip multiple times from 5 different broadcasts & this is what i managed to pick up 👀pic.twitter.com/hV9qENrQyS — Karim (@Futball_Karim) January 27, 2021 × The war of words with Lukaku that led to Zlatan Ibrahimović’s first yellow card in the first half: “Go do your voodoo s***, you little donkey!” (@semo33xx) pic.twitter.com/RbBMTuzFhj — Get Italian Football News (@_GIFN) January 26, 2021 × In 2018, Everton's majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri had suggested that Lukaku declined a new Everton contract after heeding the advice of a voodoo message. However, the Belgian had rejected any notion of voodism influencing his decision to leave the Merseyside club. ALSO READ: Man City go top, Arsenal gain revenge on Southampton On Tuesday, Ibrahimovic and Lukaku traded insults and headed towards the tunnel. Lukaku was being restrained by his teammates. Both players were booked over the incident. Whereas Ibrahimovic went on to pick up his second yellow card 15 minutes after the half-time break. Christian Eriksen scored the winner to take Inter into the semi-finals after goals by both Lukaku and Ibrahimovic. Milan manager Stefano Pioli and his inter counterpart Antonio Conte played down the row, saying they had not heard the players' arguing and blamed any tension on the nature of the fixture as a Milan derby. According to reports, Ibrahimovic apologised to his teammates for getting the red card but denied using racist terms towards Lukaku.

Watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Romelu Lukaku involved in heated war of words during Milan Derby

Pakistan batsman Fawad&nbsp;Alam&nbsp;on Wednesday scored a terrific century against South Africa in the first Test of the series at the National Stadium in Karachi. Fawad, with his third Test century, joined England&nbsp;all-rounder Ravi&nbsp;Bopara&nbsp;in an exclusive club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fawad and&nbsp;Bopara, both have converted all of their half-centuries into centuries – a feat achieved only by these two in Test cricket thrice. Fawad, who made his Test debut in 2009 for Pakistan, was not picked in the Test team for over 10 years before he featured for Pakistan in Test match in 2020, against England. While the duo don't have a single Test half-century to their names, they both have three Test centuries.&nbsp;

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The southpaw, with a unique technique, had slammed his maiden Test ton in his debut Test against Sri Lanka in 2009 before getting his second Test ton against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui in August 2020. He&nbsp;continues his good run of form at his home ground in Karachi to rescue Pakistan from a tough situation and convert his another fifty into hundred.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Whereas&nbsp;Bopara&nbsp;had slammed his three Test tons during West Indies' tour of England in 2009, in Bridgetown,&nbsp;Lord's and&nbsp;Chester-le-Street.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-england-cricket-team-arrives-in-chennai-for-test-series-versus-india-359613" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: England cricket team arrives in Chennai for Test series versus India</a>

Meanwhile, Fawad came into bat at a time when Pakistan&nbsp;were&nbsp;struggling on 27/4. The southpaw held his ground and stitched partnerships with Azhar Ali and Mohammed Rizwan before helping Pakistan take the first-innings lead with Faheem Ashraf.&nbsp;&nbsp;

South Africa, on Day 1 of the Karachi Test, looked to have an advantage in the game but Fawad's knock has forced Proteas to&nbsp;the&nbsp;back-foot.&nbsp;Pakistan have already taken a 50+ lead in the first innings with a set Fawad&nbsp;Alam&nbsp;and Faheem Ashraf in the middle for the hosts.&nbsp;

Pakistan batsman Fawad Alam on Wednesday scored a terrific century against South Africa in the first Test of the series at the National Stadium in Karachi. Fawad, with his third Test century, joined England all-rounder Ravi Bopara in an exclusive club.

Pakistan batsman Fawad Alam on Wednesday scored a terrific century against South Africa in the first Test of the series at the National Stadium in Karachi. Fawad, with his third Test century, joined England all-rounder Ravi Bopara in an exclusive club. Fawad and Bopara, both have converted all of their half-centuries into centuries – a feat achieved only by these two in Test cricket thrice. Fawad, who made his Test debut in 2009 for Pakistan, was not picked in the Test team for over 10 years before he featured for Pakistan in Test match in 2020, against England. While the duo don't have a single Test half-century to their names, they both have three Test centuries. ALSO READ: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly admitted to hospital again after chest pain The southpaw, with a unique technique, had slammed his maiden Test ton in his debut Test against Sri Lanka in 2009 before getting his second Test ton against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui in August 2020. He continues his good run of form at his home ground in Karachi to rescue Pakistan from a tough situation and convert his another fifty into hundred. Whereas Bopara had slammed his three Test tons during West Indies' tour of England in 2009, in Bridgetown, Lord's and Chester-le-Street. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: England cricket team arrives in Chennai for Test series versus India Meanwhile, Fawad came into bat at a time when Pakistan were struggling on 27/4. The southpaw held his ground and stitched partnerships with Azhar Ali and Mohammed Rizwan before helping Pakistan take the first-innings lead with Faheem Ashraf. South Africa, on Day 1 of the Karachi Test, looked to have an advantage in the game but Fawad's knock has forced Proteas to the back-foot. Pakistan have already taken a 50+ lead in the first innings with a set Fawad Alam and Faheem Ashraf in the middle for the hosts.

Pakistan's Fawad Alam joins Ravi Bopara in exclusive club after third Test century

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others".&nbsp;

The Serbian ace gave a list of suggestions to Tennis Australia last week on behalf of 72 players, who were unable to leave their hotel rooms in Melbourne after COVID-19 cases were detected on their planes to Australia. Reportedly, the list included shifting players into private houses with tennis courts and providing them with better meals.&nbsp;

The requests by Djokovic provoked a backlash as Australian media portrayed players as selfish while fellow tennis star Nick Kyrgios termed the Serb as a "tool".&nbsp;

Later, Djokovic published and open later to&nbsp;say his "good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued".&nbsp;

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"We all try to help each other," Spanish great Nadal told ESPN Tuesday from Adelaide, where he and Djokovic are quarantining ahead of the year's opening Grand Slam in Melbourne on February 8.&nbsp;

"Some need to make public everything they do to help others," he added, in remarks widely seen as referring to Djokovic. "Others... do it in a more private way without having to publish or advertise everything we're doing."&nbsp;

While most of the players are still undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period in Melbourne, Nadal, Djokovic and a few other superstars including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka were taken to Adelaide where they are due to play an exhibition on Friday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-they-wont-they-key-questions-for-troubled-tokyo-olympics-359408" hreflang="en">Will they, won't they? Key questions for troubled Tokyo Olympics</a>

While it sparked takes on preferential&nbsp;treatment, Nadal admitted it had been smoother sailing.&nbsp;

"In Adelaide, conditions have been better than most players in Melbourne," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"But there are players in Melbourne who have larger rooms where they can develop physical activities, others have smaller rooms and can't have contact with their coach and their physical trainer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Where's the line? It's an ethical issue. Everyone has their own opinion and they are all respectable."&nbsp;

Australian Open is set to commence from February 8.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others".

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others". The Serbian ace gave a list of suggestions to Tennis Australia last week on behalf of 72 players, who were unable to leave their hotel rooms in Melbourne after COVID-19 cases were detected on their planes to Australia. Reportedly, the list included shifting players into private houses with tennis courts and providing them with better meals. The requests by Djokovic provoked a backlash as Australian media portrayed players as selfish while fellow tennis star Nick Kyrgios termed the Serb as a "tool". Later, Djokovic published and open later to say his "good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued". ÁLSO READ: Florida offers to host Olympics if Tokyo backs out "We all try to help each other," Spanish great Nadal told ESPN Tuesday from Adelaide, where he and Djokovic are quarantining ahead of the year's opening Grand Slam in Melbourne on February 8. "Some need to make public everything they do to help others," he added, in remarks widely seen as referring to Djokovic. "Others... do it in a more private way without having to publish or advertise everything we're doing." While most of the players are still undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period in Melbourne, Nadal, Djokovic and a few other superstars including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka were taken to Adelaide where they are due to play an exhibition on Friday. ALSO READ: Will they, won't they? Key questions for troubled Tokyo Olympics While it sparked takes on preferential treatment, Nadal admitted it had been smoother sailing. "In Adelaide, conditions have been better than most players in Melbourne," he said. "But there are players in Melbourne who have larger rooms where they can develop physical activities, others have smaller rooms and can't have contact with their coach and their physical trainer. "Where's the line? It's an ethical issue. Everyone has their own opinion and they are all respectable." Australian Open is set to commence from February 8.

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal takes sly dig at Novak Djokovic over quarantine complaints

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