<p>Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Monday lashed out at Australian captain Tim Paine for sledging Ravichandran Ashwin during the drawn Sydney Test as he said that his behaviour was unbefitting of a leader and could ultimately cost him his leadership duties. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia’s lethal bowling attack was unable to run past the Indian batting unit as the visitors hung on for a memorable draw at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't know I am not an Australian selector, but his days as captain are numbered. If you allow the Indian team to bat 130-odd overs without getting wickets, this is a very good Australian attack. The bowling changes, the field placements, everything could have made a difference to the result," Gavaskar told India Today. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Paine’s dropped catches resulted in Australia failing to dismiss the Indian batting unit in the second innings. Even after exchanging war of words with Ashwin to break his concentration, Paine dropped Vihari’s catch which was the final nail in the coffin for the hosts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-3rd-test-bruised-and-broken-but-sydney-was-conquered-356068" hreflang="en">Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'</a></strong></p>

<p>"Tim Paine was more interested in talking to the batsman rather than his field placing and bowling changes. So I won't be surprised if there is a change in the Australian captaincy after the series is over," Gavaskar said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Paine dropped three catches during the match. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you drop simple catches, Rishabh Pant got two edges, they were not difficult catches, the last one which he missed off Vihari was also which he could have left to the first slip," the former India skipper said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"He was a little bit disturbed, his concentration was not thereafter that little episode with R Ashwin." In the 122nd over, Paine could be heard on stump mic, trying to sledge Ashwin. He even used an abusive word during the chatter. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disgrace-fans-slam-steve-smith-tim-paine-matthew-wade-for-wayward-antics-in-sydney-test-355990" hreflang="en">'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test</a></strong></p>

<p>"First and foremost, it was unbefitting of a captain of a national team to be talking about something other than cricket," Gavaskar said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"By all means, you want to have a go at the opposition, you talk about their cricket, you can tell the batsmen he doesn't know how to play, you can say he is no good. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"All those kinds of things are completely acceptable because you're talking cricket. But when you talk about something else, it shows your frustration. It shows you are not able to bear the fact that the opposition is putting up a fight." &nbsp;</p>

<p>India stood firm as Ashwin and Vihari battled pain to register the draw to keep the hopes of winning consecutive Test series in Australia alive. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"But see, this game, I had the former Australian captain sitting next to me and doing commentary. He said this game has a wonderful way of coming back and biting you on the back. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Your best bet is to concentrate on the game and try not to upset the opposition with this kind of nonsense that has no place in the game," Gavaskar said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Paine, on the other hand, defended himself as he said no harm was done and it was all part of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There was a bit of by-play going on. They were wasting a bit of time, we were getting a bit frustrated, we let him know, he had a bit of say back and again it's all part of the game. No harm done," he said during the virtual post-match press conference. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India will take on Australia in the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane from January 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With PTI Inputs)</em></p>


Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Monday lashed out at Australian captain Tim Paine for sledging Ravichandran Ashwin during the drawn Sydney Test as he said that his behaviour was unbefitting of a leader and could ultimately cost him his leadership duties.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Monday lashed out at Australian captain Tim Paine for sledging Ravichandran Ashwin during the drawn Sydney Test as he said that his behaviour was unbefitting of a leader and could ultimately cost him his leadership duties. Australia’s lethal bowling attack was unable to run past the Indian batting unit as the visitors hung on for a memorable draw at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. "I don't know I am not an Australian selector, but his days as captain are numbered. If you allow the Indian team to bat 130-odd overs without getting wickets, this is a very good Australian attack. The bowling changes, the field placements, everything could have made a difference to the result," Gavaskar told India Today. Paine’s dropped catches resulted in Australia failing to dismiss the Indian batting unit in the second innings. Even after exchanging war of words with Ashwin to break his concentration, Paine dropped Vihari’s catch which was the final nail in the coffin for the hosts. ALSO READ: Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered' "Tim Paine was more interested in talking to the batsman rather than his field placing and bowling changes. So I won't be surprised if there is a change in the Australian captaincy after the series is over," Gavaskar said. Paine dropped three catches during the match. "If you drop simple catches, Rishabh Pant got two edges, they were not difficult catches, the last one which he missed off Vihari was also which he could have left to the first slip," the former India skipper said. "He was a little bit disturbed, his concentration was not thereafter that little episode with R Ashwin." In the 122nd over, Paine could be heard on stump mic, trying to sledge Ashwin. He even used an abusive word during the chatter. ALSO READ: 'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test "First and foremost, it was unbefitting of a captain of a national team to be talking about something other than cricket," Gavaskar said. "By all means, you want to have a go at the opposition, you talk about their cricket, you can tell the batsmen he doesn't know how to play, you can say he is no good. "All those kinds of things are completely acceptable because you're talking cricket. But when you talk about something else, it shows your frustration. It shows you are not able to bear the fact that the opposition is putting up a fight." India stood firm as Ashwin and Vihari battled pain to register the draw to keep the hopes of winning consecutive Test series in Australia alive. "But see, this game, I had the former Australian captain sitting next to me and doing commentary. He said this game has a wonderful way of coming back and biting you on the back. "Your best bet is to concentrate on the game and try not to upset the opposition with this kind of nonsense that has no place in the game," Gavaskar said. Paine, on the other hand, defended himself as he said no harm was done and it was all part of the game. "There was a bit of by-play going on. They were wasting a bit of time, we were getting a bit frustrated, we let him know, he had a bit of say back and again it's all part of the game. No harm done," he said during the virtual post-match press conference. India will take on Australia in the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane from January 15. (With PTI Inputs)

'His days as captain are numbered': Sunil Gavaskar rips into Tim Paine for unruly conduct

<p>Former American football player Steve Gleason once said, “from adversity, heroes are born”. And the Indian cricket team replicated the same in what will be remembered as one of the most memorable draws in the world of Test cricket. Bruised, battered, wrote off, hardly a few gave India a chance to survive the entire Day 5 of the Sydney Test, against a world-class Australian bowling attack, after losing both the openers – Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill – a day before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India lost skipper Ajinkya Rahane in the second over of Day 5 and suddenly social media went abuzz, especially the Australian fans. Surely, it was a matter of time. India still had their modern-day wall, on Rahul Dravid’s birthday, to pull off a great escape. But what about others? Almost everyone was injured. But remember what Gleason said?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cheteshwar Pujara was criticised by a section of fans and pundits, over his strike-rate and ‘intent’ ahead of the second innings in Sydney. The same Pujara, whose strike-rate and ‘intent’ was richly praised when India registered their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil in 2018/19. Pujara went into his bubble and did what he does the best. Defend. With a strike-rate of 37.56, Pujara batted with heart and grit as he faced 205 deliveries to score 77 runs. No one questioned his ‘intent’ this time as with every delivery which Pujara left or blocked, India were crawling towards their target. Do remember, what Gleason once said...</p>

<p><img alt="Pujara" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1e13c75-1f89-4eeb-8d34-f3a44dabeabc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8YF2MB.jpg" /></p>

<p>After Rahane’s dismissal, walked in Rishabh Pant, who himself has struggled to score consistent runs of late. At a time when everyone expected Hanuma Vihari to come out, the youngster took the centre-stage. He defended and left well and then took on the Australian bowlers, which pushed the hosts on the back-foot, despite being in charge of the game. What followed was a scintillating show of pure stroke-playing. Yes, he was dropped by Tim Paine. But surely, the youngster deserved a bit of luck after what has been a tough last year for him. Oh yes, even Pant was not fully fit. He had coped a blow on his elbow and was unable to keep wickets in the second innings. He was even struggling to lift the water bottle during the drinks break. Even though Steve Smith may have scuff up Pant’s guard, he couldn’t scuff up Pant’s heart and resilience. He scored a blockbuster 97 off 118 deliveries. Remember what Gleason said?&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hard work truly pays off 💪. Happy to contribute to the team. Well done boys. 👏 On to Brisbane. ⏭️ <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/RIhpNUsFoI">pic.twitter.com/RIhpNUsFoI</a></p>
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17/status/1348545798649204737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hanuma Vihari, whose spot in the playing XI was questioned by many, surely would have hung around for a bit. But then who can predict injuries? Vihari pulled a hamstring and was down in immense pain. The physio and medical staff kept on attending and giving him heavy dosage of painkillers. The 27-year-old, who was getting starts but was failing to register a big score, didn’t even flinch once in all the 161 deliveries he faced.&nbsp;Remember what Gleason said?&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Vihari" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab8abbb2-0e7a-41b4-b9e2-9bb5c729c434" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8YH9H3%20%281%29.jpg" /></p>

<p>Ravindra Jadeja was out with a fractured thumb. Indian pacer Navdeep Saini was spotted peeling off a banana for Jadeja in the stands. How could have Jadeja faced the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood when he was not even able to peel off a banana? Well, that will remain a question forever. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A bit of teamwork, Saini peeling the banana for Jadeja 😅 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/O0KYKZT1a9">pic.twitter.com/O0KYKZT1a9</a></p>
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/7Cricket/status/1348491515467870209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been one of the standout performers of the series, tweaked his back and wasn’t even able to tie his shoelaces (according to his wife) ahead of the game on Day 5 of the Sydney Test. How did he face the likes of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood, or even take a giant stride out to tackle Nathan Lyon? Well, he did, for 128 deliveries. Remember what Gleason said? &nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Ashwin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d4aefd8-6613-4f6c-883b-3f047df775c0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8YH9XR.jpg" /></p>

<p>Almost all the Indian players have been stuck in bio-secure bubbles since the preparation for the Indian Premier League 2020 began. And they have obliged with all the bio-secure bubble protocols that have been put in place by Cricket Australia and the Australian government so far. There have been controversies, harsh reportage after the ‘Adelaide Horror’ but this Indian team has shown what real toughness is. The Indian players had to face racist chants from the crowd but they held their fort with courage and determination. &nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Siraj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec3e810a-0f90-4882-8f36-2b20223d7991" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8YG7MH.jpg" /></p>

<p>After suffering the worst Test defeat in Adelaide, they bounced back strong in Melbourne to level the series. Surely, many must have thought this is the only win they can get in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. What can this Indian team do without their talismanic captain Virat Kohli, ace speedsters Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav? Even KL Rahul was ruled out. Let's not even bring Ishant Sharma, who has been the go-to bowler for India in Test cricket, into the conversation. Yes, he was ruled out of the Test series with an injury before the players flew Down Under. But remember, what Gleason said?&nbsp;</p>

<p>India may not have won the Test match but this draw is no less than a win for Indian fans and as captain, Rahane said after the Sydney Test: "This was as good as winning a Test match". Ask the physios, the masseurs, everyone accompanying the Indian team, even the fans sitting at home,&nbsp;they will say this draw is indeed a win.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Moments to cherish for a long time 👏👏<br />
<br />
Visuals from inside the dressing room as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> pull off a remarkable draw at the SCG 🏟️<br />
<br />
Exclusive interview coming up shortly on <a href="https://t.co/uKFHYdKZLG">https://t.co/uKFHYdKZLG</a>. Stay tuned! <a href="https://t.co/7dE0OcWqBb">pic.twitter.com/7dE0OcWqBb</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1348583441139257344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The final Test between India and Australia will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane – a ground where the Aussies last lost a Test match in the year 1988. And surely, everyone must be&nbsp;already ruling&nbsp;out this injury-plagued Indian team. But do you remember, what Gleason once said?&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former American football player Steve Gleason once said, “from adversity, heroes are born”. And the Indian cricket team replicated the same in what will be remembered as one of the most memorable draws in the world of Test cricket.

Former American football player Steve Gleason once said, “from adversity, heroes are born”. And the Indian cricket team replicated the same in what will be remembered as one of the most memorable draws in the world of Test cricket. Bruised, battered, wrote off, hardly a few gave India a chance to survive the entire Day 5 of the Sydney Test, against a world-class Australian bowling attack, after losing both the openers – Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill – a day before. India lost skipper Ajinkya Rahane in the second over of Day 5 and suddenly social media went abuzz, especially the Australian fans. Surely, it was a matter of time. India still had their modern-day wall, on Rahul Dravid’s birthday, to pull off a great escape. But what about others? Almost everyone was injured. But remember what Gleason said? Cheteshwar Pujara was criticised by a section of fans and pundits, over his strike-rate and ‘intent’ ahead of the second innings in Sydney. The same Pujara, whose strike-rate and ‘intent’ was richly praised when India registered their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil in 2018/19. Pujara went into his bubble and did what he does the best. Defend. With a strike-rate of 37.56, Pujara batted with heart and grit as he faced 205 deliveries to score 77 runs. No one questioned his ‘intent’ this time as with every delivery which Pujara left or blocked, India were crawling towards their target. Do remember, what Gleason once said... After Rahane’s dismissal, walked in Rishabh Pant, who himself has struggled to score consistent runs of late. At a time when everyone expected Hanuma Vihari to come out, the youngster took the centre-stage. He defended and left well and then took on the Australian bowlers, which pushed the hosts on the back-foot, despite being in charge of the game. What followed was a scintillating show of pure stroke-playing. Yes, he was dropped by Tim Paine. But surely, the youngster deserved a bit of luck after what has been a tough last year for him. Oh yes, even Pant was not fully fit. He had coped a blow on his elbow and was unable to keep wickets in the second innings. He was even struggling to lift the water bottle during the drinks break. Even though Steve Smith may have scuff up Pant’s guard, he couldn’t scuff up Pant’s heart and resilience. He scored a blockbuster 97 off 118 deliveries. Remember what Gleason said? Hard work truly pays off 💪. Happy to contribute to the team. Well done boys. 👏 On to Brisbane. ⏭️ @BCCI pic.twitter.com/RIhpNUsFoI — Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) January 11, 2021 × Hanuma Vihari, whose spot in the playing XI was questioned by many, surely would have hung around for a bit. But then who can predict injuries? Vihari pulled a hamstring and was down in immense pain. The physio and medical staff kept on attending and giving him heavy dosage of painkillers. The 27-year-old, who was getting starts but was failing to register a big score, didn’t even flinch once in all the 161 deliveries he faced. Remember what Gleason said? Ravindra Jadeja was out with a fractured thumb. Indian pacer Navdeep Saini was spotted peeling off a banana for Jadeja in the stands. How could have Jadeja faced the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood when he was not even able to peel off a banana? Well, that will remain a question forever. A bit of teamwork, Saini peeling the banana for Jadeja 😅 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/O0KYKZT1a9 — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 11, 2021 × Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been one of the standout performers of the series, tweaked his back and wasn’t even able to tie his shoelaces (according to his wife) ahead of the game on Day 5 of the Sydney Test. How did he face the likes of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood, or even take a giant stride out to tackle Nathan Lyon? Well, he did, for 128 deliveries. Remember what Gleason said? Almost all the Indian players have been stuck in bio-secure bubbles since the preparation for the Indian Premier League 2020 began. And they have obliged with all the bio-secure bubble protocols that have been put in place by Cricket Australia and the Australian government so far. There have been controversies, harsh reportage after the ‘Adelaide Horror’ but this Indian team has shown what real toughness is. The Indian players had to face racist chants from the crowd but they held their fort with courage and determination. After suffering the worst Test defeat in Adelaide, they bounced back strong in Melbourne to level the series. Surely, many must have thought this is the only win they can get in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. What can this Indian team do without their talismanic captain Virat Kohli, ace speedsters Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav? Even KL Rahul was ruled out. Let's not even bring Ishant Sharma, who has been the go-to bowler for India in Test cricket, into the conversation. Yes, he was ruled out of the Test series with an injury before the players flew Down Under. But remember, what Gleason said? India may not have won the Test match but this draw is no less than a win for Indian fans and as captain, Rahane said after the Sydney Test: "This was as good as winning a Test match". Ask the physios, the masseurs, everyone accompanying the Indian team, even the fans sitting at home, they will say this draw is indeed a win. Moments to cherish for a long time 👏👏 Visuals from inside the dressing room as #TeamIndia pull off a remarkable draw at the SCG 🏟️ Exclusive interview coming up shortly on https://t.co/uKFHYdKZLG. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/7dE0OcWqBb — BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2021 × The final Test between India and Australia will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane – a ground where the Aussies last lost a Test match in the year 1988. And surely, everyone must be already ruling out this injury-plagued Indian team. But do you remember, what Gleason once said?

Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'

<p>The injury woes of the Indian cricket team continue as the hero of Sydney Test, Hanuma Vihari, is unlikely to feature in the fourth and final Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, starting January 15, due to a hamstring tear that could keep the 27-year-old out of action for a considerable time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report in PTI, Vihari was taken for scans after the end of the Sydney Test and reports are expected by Monday evening or Tuesday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, a BCCI source has said that Vihari is likely to be out of Brisbane Test with a hamstring tear. Vihari scored an unbeaten 23 off 161 to save the match for India along with Ravichandran Ashwin. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“The extent of Vihari’s tear can only be ascertained after the scan reports come through. But even if it’s a grade 1 tear, he is out for at least four weeks and then will need some rehabilitation time. So it’s not only Brisbane Test but also, he won’t be a part of England Tests at home,” a senior source told PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bruised-and-broken-but-sydney-was-conquered-356068" hreflang="en">Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian team will not be missing Vihari in the home series against England with India preferring an extra bowler in home conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vihari will again be needed on seaming tracks on England soil where India generally go with an extra batsman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vihari is expected to be replaced by either Wriddhiman Saha or Mayank Agarwal. With Saha, Rishabh Pant will play as a pure batsman while Mayank can take on the second new ball in the middle order. However, out-of-form Prithvi Shaw remains out of contention in all likelihood.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/as-good-as-winning-a-test-match-ajinkya-rahane-lauds-team-india-for-sydney-heroics-356007" hreflang="en">'As good as winning a Test match': Ajinkya Rahane lauds Team India for Sydney heroics</a></strong></p>

<p>Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain-killers in a bid to carry on with their batting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shardul Thakur is likely to be part of the playing XI as a replacement for injured Ravindra jadeja with Thangasaru Natarajan also in the fray. Shardul was in contention to be part of Sydney Test but Navdeep Saini clinched the spot on a flat deck.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;</p>


The injury woes of the Indian cricket team continue as the hero of Sydney Test, Hanuma Vihari, is unlikely to feature in the fourth and final Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, starting January 15, due to a hamstring tear that could keep the 27-year-old out of action for a considerable time.

The injury woes of the Indian cricket team continue as the hero of Sydney Test, Hanuma Vihari, is unlikely to feature in the fourth and final Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, starting January 15, due to a hamstring tear that could keep the 27-year-old out of action for a considerable time. According to a report in PTI, Vihari was taken for scans after the end of the Sydney Test and reports are expected by Monday evening or Tuesday morning. However, a BCCI source has said that Vihari is likely to be out of Brisbane Test with a hamstring tear. Vihari scored an unbeaten 23 off 161 to save the match for India along with Ravichandran Ashwin. “The extent of Vihari’s tear can only be ascertained after the scan reports come through. But even if it’s a grade 1 tear, he is out for at least four weeks and then will need some rehabilitation time. So it’s not only Brisbane Test but also, he won’t be a part of England Tests at home,” a senior source told PTI. ALSO READ: Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered' The Indian team will not be missing Vihari in the home series against England with India preferring an extra bowler in home conditions. Vihari will again be needed on seaming tracks on England soil where India generally go with an extra batsman. Vihari is expected to be replaced by either Wriddhiman Saha or Mayank Agarwal. With Saha, Rishabh Pant will play as a pure batsman while Mayank can take on the second new ball in the middle order. However, out-of-form Prithvi Shaw remains out of contention in all likelihood. ALSO READ: 'As good as winning a Test match': Ajinkya Rahane lauds Team India for Sydney heroics Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain-killers in a bid to carry on with their batting. Shardul Thakur is likely to be part of the playing XI as a replacement for injured Ravindra jadeja with Thangasaru Natarajan also in the fray. Shardul was in contention to be part of Sydney Test but Navdeep Saini clinched the spot on a flat deck. (With PTI inputs)

Hanuma Vihari ruled out of Brisbane Test, Shardul Thakur favourite to replace Ravindra Jadeja

<p>Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane lauded his team’s resilience and grit after India held on to a draw in the third Test against Australia. Rahane said the draw felt like a win as the injury-plagued Indian batting unit battled for a draw.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India started the final day of the Sydney Test at 98-2 after losing openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma before the end of Day 4. Rahane was sent packing in the second over of Day 5 by Nathan Lyon with India needing another 309 to win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Cheteshwar Pujar continued to grind it out, it was Rishabh Pant, with elbow pain, who hammered 97. After the duo’s dismissal, Hanuma Vihari, nursing a hamstring injury, defied all the odds along with Ravichandran Ashwin, who had treatment on his ribs, to register a memorable draw for India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pair faced 256 balls and scored just 62 runs, helping steer India to 334 for five and safety at the close. The four-Test series stands at 1-1 ahead of the final game in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disgrace-fans-slam-steve-smith-tim-paine-matthew-wade-for-wayward-antics-in-sydney-test-355990" hreflang="en">'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test</a></strong></p>

<p>"This was as good as winning a Test match," said Rahane. "When you come abroad and play a match like this, it was really special, as good as a victory."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our talk coming into this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result," he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"So really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for two and getting them all out for 338 was really good."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane credited all the players for sticking together as a unit while mentioning Pant, Vihari and Ashwin for showing hunger and character.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/really-proud-sachin-tendulkar-leads-wishes-for-team-india-after-unforgettable-draw-in-sydney-355962" hreflang="en">'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<p>"We had that strategy and it paid off. Credit to him (Pant) going out at five, the way he counter-attacked, the way he managed his innings throughout the day was really good to see. We know he can win a game for us from any situation, we have that belief and I think he is improving. And Vihari was batting really well. The last few Test matches, unfortunately, he hasn't been able to get those big scores," Rahane added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But today, that knock was really special. To show that motivation, to show that hunger, to hang in there for your team was really good and that's what we want from each and every individual -- to show that character on the field."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane even took to social media platform Twitter to post a heartfelt post as the visitors shift their focus on Gabba Test now: "Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now. <a href="https://t.co/4VBZGCvbnp">pic.twitter.com/4VBZGCvbnp</a></p>
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88/status/1348548286123180034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>With series locked at 1-1, India will now try and defy all the odds once again to win consecutive Test series on Australian soil. The fourth and final Test of the series between India and Australia is set to be played from January 15 at The Gabba in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane lauded his team’s resilience and grit after India held on to a draw in the third Test against Australia. Rahane said the draw felt like a win as the injury-plagued Indian batting unit battled for a draw.

Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane lauded his team’s resilience and grit after India held on to a draw in the third Test against Australia. Rahane said the draw felt like a win as the injury-plagued Indian batting unit battled for a draw. India started the final day of the Sydney Test at 98-2 after losing openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma before the end of Day 4. Rahane was sent packing in the second over of Day 5 by Nathan Lyon with India needing another 309 to win. As Cheteshwar Pujar continued to grind it out, it was Rishabh Pant, with elbow pain, who hammered 97. After the duo’s dismissal, Hanuma Vihari, nursing a hamstring injury, defied all the odds along with Ravichandran Ashwin, who had treatment on his ribs, to register a memorable draw for India. The pair faced 256 balls and scored just 62 runs, helping steer India to 334 for five and safety at the close. The four-Test series stands at 1-1 ahead of the final game in Brisbane. ALSO READ: 'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test "This was as good as winning a Test match," said Rahane. "When you come abroad and play a match like this, it was really special, as good as a victory." "Our talk coming into this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result," he said. "So really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for two and getting them all out for 338 was really good." Rahane credited all the players for sticking together as a unit while mentioning Pant, Vihari and Ashwin for showing hunger and character. ALSO READ: 'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney "We had that strategy and it paid off. Credit to him (Pant) going out at five, the way he counter-attacked, the way he managed his innings throughout the day was really good to see. We know he can win a game for us from any situation, we have that belief and I think he is improving. And Vihari was batting really well. The last few Test matches, unfortunately, he hasn't been able to get those big scores," Rahane added. "But today, that knock was really special. To show that motivation, to show that hunger, to hang in there for your team was really good and that's what we want from each and every individual -- to show that character on the field." Rahane even took to social media platform Twitter to post a heartfelt post as the visitors shift their focus on Gabba Test now: "Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now." Bruised. Broken. But never short of character. Really happy with how the boys fought till the end. Lots to learn and improve as we look forward to Brisbane now. pic.twitter.com/4VBZGCvbnp — Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) January 11, 2021 × With series locked at 1-1, India will now try and defy all the odds once again to win consecutive Test series on Australian soil. The fourth and final Test of the series between India and Australia is set to be played from January 15 at The Gabba in Brisbane.

'As good as winning a Test match': Ajinkya Rahane lauds Team India for Sydney heroics

<p>Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite many injuries and blows, Indian cricketers displayed immense courage and unity to play 131 overs in the second innings of the Sydney Test to clinch a draw. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the heroes of the Sydney Test as they blunted a threatening Australian bowling attack to register a draw. &nbsp;</p>

<p>However, fans were left furious when the camera spotted Steve Smith scuff up Rishabh Pant’s batting guard during the drinks break on Day 5 of the Sydney Test – at a time when the southpaw was going all-out against the Aussies. He ended up scoring 97 off 118 deliveries in what was one of the finest counter-attacking knocks on Day 5 on Australian soil. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/really-proud-sachin-tendulkar-leads-wishes-for-team-india-after-unforgettable-draw-in-sydney-355962" hreflang="en">'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease. Par kuch kaam na aaya. Khaaya peeya kuch nahi, glass toda barana.<br />
But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today. Seena chonda ho gaya yaar. <a href="https://t.co/IfttxRXHeM">pic.twitter.com/IfttxRXHeM</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1348528230655950850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SteveSmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SteveSmith</a> once a cheater always a cheater...😡😡😡 Cricket Don't Deserve You... <a href="https://t.co/ChxUGPubHk">pic.twitter.com/ChxUGPubHk</a></p>
— STR (@AmourAnand) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmourAnand/status/1348494382337384448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"The wicket was pretty benign. It always means a lot when you score a hundred. Scoring at my homeground was special.” Steve Smith.<br />
<br />
And how special was it to erase Pant’s batting guard marks? Take it it was very very special. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coward</a><br />
<a href="https://t.co/uTi3klbU7N">pic.twitter.com/uTi3klbU7N</a></p>
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMP86793444/status/1348558475379539968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If life gives a second chance use it like warner not like Smith <a href="https://t.co/01ZCQGjQkO">pic.twitter.com/01ZCQGjQkO</a></p>
— Monkey. D. Garp (@Prasanthtarak9) <a href="https://twitter.com/Prasanthtarak9/status/1348558367334100993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/against-all-odds-injury-plagued-team-india-seal-memorable-draw-in-sydney-355939" hreflang="en">Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<p>As Pant and Pujara departed, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin kept on going to frustrate the hosts. Vihari, who pulled his hamstring soon, kept on defending despite not able to take singles due to pain. Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain killers and defied all odds to take India over the line to register the draw. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Matthew Wade threw the ball towards Vihari quite a few times and the ball ended up hitting the Indian batsman. Australia’s way of trying to break India’s concentration didn’t work as the visitors held the fort. But the behaviour did irritate fans on social media. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wade is frustrated after realising that ashwin playing more sensible cricket then him<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/mGCAQVL0Oz">pic.twitter.com/mGCAQVL0Oz</a></p>
— Deepak Yadav (@007deepak_) <a href="https://twitter.com/007deepak_/status/1348527274987978755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aussies showing their true colours - why am I not surprised 🤦<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDtest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDtest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vihari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vihari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Payne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Payne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stevesmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stevesmith</a> <a href="https://t.co/0quJIEhL2A">pic.twitter.com/0quJIEhL2A</a></p>
— Nimisha Ahuja (@Nims_Ahuja) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nims_Ahuja/status/1348517665816469507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vihari has been hit twice on the body while Wade throwing it, Vihari hasn't said single word but just smiled.</p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1348522159790907394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wade hit Vihari trying to run-out, who isn't even going for an easy single. Do you think he would be wandering out for fun, you idiot? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1348508668212334597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Even Australian skipper Tim Paine got involved in a war of words with Ravichandran Ashwin but the latter kept his cool and gave some savage replies to the Aussie. As time kept on ticking, Paine's sledging and frustration grew. While Ashwin kept his concentration, Paine ended up dropping Vihari’s catch at a crucial juncture of the game.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I want Ashwin's autograph 😂. Roasted the "temporary captain" Tim Paine<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stevesmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stevesmith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wade</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimPaine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimPaine</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkH8SoYKzS">pic.twitter.com/IkH8SoYKzS</a></p>
— ARYAN TRIPATHI (@AryanTripathi_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AryanTripathi_2/status/1348535206421032961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Conversation between Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin.<br />
<br />
Paine: "Can't wait for the Gabba Test".<br />
<br />
Ravi Ashwin: "Can't wait to see you in India, that will be your last series". <a href="https://t.co/0yWs9jLUqW">pic.twitter.com/0yWs9jLUqW</a></p>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1348521355596075008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Paine, if you don’t stop talking....Batsman isn’t going to bat. Simple. Let your gloves do the talking. You’re considered to be the good boy of Australian cricket....live up to the reputation. At least. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a></p>
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1348517169194094598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who here has lost respect for Steve Smith and Tim Paine? Because I have. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Jay (@bhavsarJ2_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhavsarJ2_0/status/1348500158640578561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is quite funny how often Tim Paine's sledges are "well nobody likes you and people like me" <a href="https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg">https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg</a></p>
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/benjonescricket/status/1348539004657020928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>India drew the Sydney Test after showing immense grit, resilience and character and will now try to defy all the odds, once again when they take the field at The Gabba in Brisbane for the fourth Test in a bid to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1.

Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1. Despite many injuries and blows, Indian cricketers displayed immense courage and unity to play 131 overs in the second innings of the Sydney Test to clinch a draw. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the heroes of the Sydney Test as they blunted a threatening Australian bowling attack to register a draw. However, fans were left furious when the camera spotted Steve Smith scuff up Rishabh Pant’s batting guard during the drinks break on Day 5 of the Sydney Test – at a time when the southpaw was going all-out against the Aussies. He ended up scoring 97 off 118 deliveries in what was one of the finest counter-attacking knocks on Day 5 on Australian soil. ALSO READ: 'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease. Par kuch kaam na aaya. Khaaya peeya kuch nahi, glass toda barana. But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today. Seena chonda ho gaya yaar. pic.twitter.com/IfttxRXHeM — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 11, 2021 × #SteveSmith once a cheater always a cheater...😡😡😡 Cricket Don't Deserve You... pic.twitter.com/ChxUGPubHk — STR (@AmourAnand) January 11, 2021 × "The wicket was pretty benign. It always means a lot when you score a hundred. Scoring at my homeground was special.” Steve Smith. And how special was it to erase Pant’s batting guard marks? Take it it was very very special. #Cheat #Coward pic.twitter.com/uTi3klbU7N — Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) January 11, 2021 × If life gives a second chance use it like warner not like Smith pic.twitter.com/01ZCQGjQkO — Monkey. D. Garp (@Prasanthtarak9) January 11, 2021 × ALSO READ: Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney As Pant and Pujara departed, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin kept on going to frustrate the hosts. Vihari, who pulled his hamstring soon, kept on defending despite not able to take singles due to pain. Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain killers and defied all odds to take India over the line to register the draw. Matthew Wade threw the ball towards Vihari quite a few times and the ball ended up hitting the Indian batsman. Australia’s way of trying to break India’s concentration didn’t work as the visitors held the fort. But the behaviour did irritate fans on social media. Wade is frustrated after realising that ashwin playing more sensible cricket then him#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/mGCAQVL0Oz — Deepak Yadav (@007deepak_) January 11, 2021 × Aussies showing their true colours - why am I not surprised 🤦#AUSvsIND #AUSvINDtest #Australia #Vihari #Payne #stevesmith pic.twitter.com/0quJIEhL2A — Nimisha Ahuja (@Nims_Ahuja) January 11, 2021 × Vihari has been hit twice on the body while Wade throwing it, Vihari hasn't said single word but just smiled. — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 11, 2021 × Wade hit Vihari trying to run-out, who isn't even going for an easy single. Do you think he would be wandering out for fun, you idiot? #AUSvIND — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 11, 2021 × Even Australian skipper Tim Paine got involved in a war of words with Ravichandran Ashwin but the latter kept his cool and gave some savage replies to the Aussie. As time kept on ticking, Paine's sledging and frustration grew. While Ashwin kept his concentration, Paine ended up dropping Vihari’s catch at a crucial juncture of the game. I want Ashwin's autograph 😂. Roasted the "temporary captain" Tim Paine#INDvAUS #stevesmith #Wade #Ashwin #TimPaine pic.twitter.com/IkH8SoYKzS — ARYAN TRIPATHI (@AryanTripathi_2) January 11, 2021 × Conversation between Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin. Paine: "Can't wait for the Gabba Test". Ravi Ashwin: "Can't wait to see you in India, that will be your last series". pic.twitter.com/0yWs9jLUqW — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 11, 2021 × Paine, if you don’t stop talking....Batsman isn’t going to bat. Simple. Let your gloves do the talking. You’re considered to be the good boy of Australian cricket....live up to the reputation. At least. #AusvInd — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 11, 2021 × Who here has lost respect for Steve Smith and Tim Paine? Because I have. #AUSvIND — Jay (@bhavsarJ2_0) January 11, 2021 × It is quite funny how often Tim Paine's sledges are "well nobody likes you and people like me" https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg — Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) January 11, 2021 × India drew the Sydney Test after showing immense grit, resilience and character and will now try to defy all the odds, once again when they take the field at The Gabba in Brisbane for the fourth Test in a bid to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil. “Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match.

'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test

<p>Social media erupted in joy as India held Australia for a draw on Monday as the third Test in Sydney ended in a stalemate. Against all odds, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant pulled off a herculean effort to seal a memorable draw to keep the series alive at 1-1 going into the fourth and final Test in Brisbane. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Vihari, Pant, Jadeja were all in pain while Ashwin coped dangerous blows while batting as India hung out for a draw. While Pant belted the Aussie bowlers for scintillating 97 with pain in his elbow, Vihari played out 161 deliveries while being hamstrung. Ashwin, played out of skin, to stay at the crease as he faced 128 deliveries to frustrate the hosts. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/against-all-odds-injury-plagued-team-india-seal-memorable-draw-in-sydney-355939" hreflang="en">Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney</a></strong></p>

<h2>Most overs batted out by Asian teams in 4th innings in draws in Australia&nbsp;</h2>

<ul>
	<li><em><strong>131.0 Ind Sydney 2020/21 *&nbsp;</strong></em></li>
	<li>89.5 Ind Sydney 2014/15&nbsp;</li>
	<li>85.0 SL Cairns 2004&nbsp;</li>
	<li>75.0 Ind Adelaide 1980/81&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>“Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match. &nbsp;</p>

<h2>Here's how social media and cricketers reacted to India's memorable draw:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Really proud of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>!<br />
<br />
Special mention to <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheteshwar1</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Hanumavihari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hanumavihari</a> for the roles they’ve played brilliantly.<br />
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Any guesses in which dressing room the morale will be high? 😀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneTeamOneCause?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneTeamOneCause</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/hG60Iy6Lva">pic.twitter.com/hG60Iy6Lva</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1348532505796878336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India have about 11 fit players, dug heels in on bubble conditions in Brisbane, called out racial abuse, and batted 131 overs against Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Lyon for a draw so can still retain Trophy. I'm not sure there's ever been a salvage job to match that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a></p>
— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) <a href="https://twitter.com/danbrettig/status/1348530153052258304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pic1 - Till Rishabh Pant was at the crease.<br />
Pic2- Pujara, Vihari and Ashwin.<br />
<br />
And the combination of these 2 made it a fantastic Test Match. Feel so so proud of the Team,<br />
Pant showed why he needs to b treated differently &amp; d grit showed by Vihari, Pujara &amp; Ashwin was unbelievable <a href="https://t.co/aU3qN6O3JF">pic.twitter.com/aU3qN6O3JF</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1348532044456890371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even a half-strength, battled, bruised, injured, ridiculed, abused, bio-bubble fatigued India is difficult for a full strength Australia to beat at home. No praise high enough for this herculean effort. Told you this is a damn good team. Cherish it.<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/FT0eFgiau0">https://t.co/FT0eFgiau0</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1348530620742307842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A fitting birthday gift for Rahul Dravid 🎁<br />
<br />
An extraordinary display of resistance, fight and patience by India today 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/5RLA5aqnQp">pic.twitter.com/5RLA5aqnQp</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1348528958472536067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Loved the fight and determination of India all day today. Starting with Pant and Pujara, and then for Vihari and Ashwin to withstand Australia and look largely in control for most of the day was very impressive. Can't wait for Brisbane now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) <a href="https://twitter.com/RickyPonting/status/1348534192703893505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">'Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and cometh the team'. Extremely proud of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> for putting up a fight on Day 5. Special mention to <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Hanumavihari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hanumavihari</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/cheteshwar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheteshwar1</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a>. Well done, guys! Hello Brisbane 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a></p>
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah/status/1348528291251159040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Never giving up. Never backing down from a challenge. Great character and resilience displayed by the team. 🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TestCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TestCricket</a> at its best! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/l8CtOppu6q">pic.twitter.com/l8CtOppu6q</a></p>
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/mayankcricket/status/1348535032290267137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Loving Ashwin's bilingual performance here. Giving it back to Paine in English and mentoring Vihari in Tamil.<br />
Multi-tasking of the highest level while saving a Test. <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandvasu/status/1348522771639242755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">History tells us that powerful people come from powerful places. History was wrong! Powerful people make places powerful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsAUSTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsAUSTest</a> <a href="https://t.co/8vdhYktNm8">pic.twitter.com/8vdhYktNm8</a></p>
— Jennz 🗯️ (@jenzbenzy) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenzbenzy/status/1348535170492633089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/final-australia-india-test-gets-go-ahead-at-brisbanes-gabba-355934" hreflang="en">Final Australia-India Test gets go ahead at Brisbane's Gabba</a></strong></p>

<p>India were handed a target of 407 runs in what was being touted as an easy win for Australia by the pundits. &nbsp;</p>

<p>While Rohit and Gill started well for India, the visitors lost both the openers on Day 4. Rahane was sent packing early on Day 5 but Pujara, Pant, Vihari and Ashwin hung out there to seal a memorable draw.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Batting first, Australia posted 338 runs with India replying back by 244. While Australia batted well in their 312/6 (decl), it was India’s show in the second innings which stole the hearts of fans and sealed a draw for the team.&nbsp;</p>


Social media erupted in joy as India held Australia for a draw on Monday as the third Test in Sydney ended in a stalemate. Against all odds, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant pulled off a herculean effort to seal a memorable draw to keep the series alive at 1-1 going into the fourth and final Test in Brisbane.

Social media erupted in joy as India held Australia for a draw on Monday as the third Test in Sydney ended in a stalemate. Against all odds, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant pulled off a herculean effort to seal a memorable draw to keep the series alive at 1-1 going into the fourth and final Test in Brisbane. The likes of Vihari, Pant, Jadeja were all in pain while Ashwin coped dangerous blows while batting as India hung out for a draw. While Pant belted the Aussie bowlers for scintillating 97 with pain in his elbow, Vihari played out 161 deliveries while being hamstrung. Ashwin, played out of skin, to stay at the crease as he faced 128 deliveries to frustrate the hosts. ALSO READ: Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney Most overs batted out by Asian teams in 4th innings in draws in Australia 131.0 Ind Sydney 2020/21 * 89.5 Ind Sydney 2014/15 85.0 SL Cairns 2004 75.0 Ind Adelaide 1980/81 “Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match. Here's how social media and cricketers reacted to India's memorable draw: Really proud of #TeamIndia! Special mention to @RishabhPant17, @cheteshwar1, @ashwinravi99 and @Hanumavihari for the roles they’ve played brilliantly. Any guesses in which dressing room the morale will be high? 😀#OneTeamOneCause #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/hG60Iy6Lva — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 11, 2021 × India have about 11 fit players, dug heels in on bubble conditions in Brisbane, called out racial abuse, and batted 131 overs against Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Lyon for a draw so can still retain Trophy. I'm not sure there's ever been a salvage job to match that #AusvInd — Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) January 11, 2021 × Pic1 - Till Rishabh Pant was at the crease. Pic2- Pujara, Vihari and Ashwin. And the combination of these 2 made it a fantastic Test Match. Feel so so proud of the Team, Pant showed why he needs to b treated differently & d grit showed by Vihari, Pujara & Ashwin was unbelievable pic.twitter.com/aU3qN6O3JF — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 11, 2021 × Even a half-strength, battled, bruised, injured, ridiculed, abused, bio-bubble fatigued India is difficult for a full strength Australia to beat at home. No praise high enough for this herculean effort. Told you this is a damn good team. Cherish it. #AUSvsIND https://t.co/FT0eFgiau0 — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 11, 2021 × A fitting birthday gift for Rahul Dravid 🎁 An extraordinary display of resistance, fight and patience by India today 🙌#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/5RLA5aqnQp — ICC (@ICC) January 11, 2021 × Loved the fight and determination of India all day today. Starting with Pant and Pujara, and then for Vihari and Ashwin to withstand Australia and look largely in control for most of the day was very impressive. Can't wait for Brisbane now. #AUSvIND — Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) January 11, 2021 × 'Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and cometh the team'. Extremely proud of #TeamIndia for putting up a fight on Day 5. Special mention to @RishabhPant17, @Hanumavihari, @cheteshwar1 & @ashwinravi99. Well done, guys! Hello Brisbane 🇮🇳 #AUSvsIND — Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 11, 2021 × Never giving up. Never backing down from a challenge. Great character and resilience displayed by the team. 🇮🇳#TestCricket at its best! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/l8CtOppu6q — Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) January 11, 2021 × Loving Ashwin's bilingual performance here. Giving it back to Paine in English and mentoring Vihari in Tamil. Multi-tasking of the highest level while saving a Test. @ashwinravi99 #AUSvIND — Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) January 11, 2021 × History tells us that powerful people come from powerful places. History was wrong! Powerful people make places powerful #AUSvIND#INDvsAUSTest pic.twitter.com/8vdhYktNm8 — Jennz 🗯️ (@jenzbenzy) January 11, 2021 × ALSO READ: Final Australia-India Test gets go ahead at Brisbane's Gabba India were handed a target of 407 runs in what was being touted as an easy win for Australia by the pundits. While Rohit and Gill started well for India, the visitors lost both the openers on Day 4. Rahane was sent packing early on Day 5 but Pujara, Pant, Vihari and Ashwin hung out there to seal a memorable draw. Batting first, Australia posted 338 runs with India replying back by 244. While Australia batted well in their 312/6 (decl), it was India’s show in the second innings which stole the hearts of fans and sealed a draw for the team.

'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney

<p>Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is open to Mesut Ozil leaving the Gunners this month afer freezing the German playmaker out of his squad this season.</p>

<p>Despite reportedly being the highest earner at the club, Ozil has not featured since a 1-0 win over West Ham on March 7.</p>

<p>The 32-year-old has only six months left on his contract and is now free to talk to other clubs over a pre-contract agreement for next season.</p>

<p>However, he could bring to an end his eight-year stay in London in the coming weeks, with reports in Turkey saying Ozil is close to agreeing a deal with Fenerbahce.</p>

<p>"We will discuss internally what the best situation for him is for the near future, obviously with the player and the agent too, and try to find the best solution for everyone," said Arteta on Thursday.</p>

<p>"If something was sorted this month, it's because it is good for both parties, it is good for Mesut and his future, and it's good for the club. If that's the case, we will move forward. If it's not the case the player will stay here."</p>

<p>Ozil was left out of Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads for this season, but is free to face Newcastle in the FA Cup third round on Saturday if selected.</p>

<p>Clubs can make changes to those squads after the January transfer window, but Arteta hinted he is not likely to change his mind on Ozil's exclusion even if he remains at the Emirates for another six months.</p>

<p>"We know that we have a really important player who is one of the key players in the past few seasons for this football club," added Arteta, who played alongside Ozil for three seasons at Arsenal before retiring in 2016.</p>

<p>"We have to make a decision. I had to make a decision and I made it. I knew the consequences of it and now we're going to have to make another one in January.</p>

<p>"We will just (be) putting the balance on what is the best thing for the club and the best thing for the team, and what the intentions of the player are, and we will try to find the right solutions for that."</p>

<p>Arteta also confirmed that 19-year-old defender Omar Rekik is close to joining the club from Hertha Berlin.</p>


Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is open to Mesut Ozil leaving the Gunners this month afer freezing the German playmaker out of his squad this season. Despite reportedly being the highest earner at the club, Ozil has not featured since a 1-0 win over West Ham on March 7.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is open to Mesut Ozil leaving the Gunners this month afer freezing the German playmaker out of his squad this season. Despite reportedly being the highest earner at the club, Ozil has not featured since a 1-0 win over West Ham on March 7. The 32-year-old has only six months left on his contract and is now free to talk to other clubs over a pre-contract agreement for next season. However, he could bring to an end his eight-year stay in London in the coming weeks, with reports in Turkey saying Ozil is close to agreeing a deal with Fenerbahce. "We will discuss internally what the best situation for him is for the near future, obviously with the player and the agent too, and try to find the best solution for everyone," said Arteta on Thursday. "If something was sorted this month, it's because it is good for both parties, it is good for Mesut and his future, and it's good for the club. If that's the case, we will move forward. If it's not the case the player will stay here." Ozil was left out of Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads for this season, but is free to face Newcastle in the FA Cup third round on Saturday if selected. Clubs can make changes to those squads after the January transfer window, but Arteta hinted he is not likely to change his mind on Ozil's exclusion even if he remains at the Emirates for another six months. "We know that we have a really important player who is one of the key players in the past few seasons for this football club," added Arteta, who played alongside Ozil for three seasons at Arsenal before retiring in 2016. "We have to make a decision. I had to make a decision and I made it. I knew the consequences of it and now we're going to have to make another one in January. "We will just (be) putting the balance on what is the best thing for the club and the best thing for the team, and what the intentions of the player are, and we will try to find the right solutions for that." Arteta also confirmed that 19-year-old defender Omar Rekik is close to joining the club from Hertha Berlin.

Arsenal exit for Ozil could be 'best solution', says Arteta

<p>England's Jonny Bairstow Thursday said the addition of South African great Jacques Kallis as batting consultant is a "fantastic addition" to their squad during the Sri Lanka tour.</p>

<p>The 45-year-old Kallis has flown in from South Africa to join England for their two-Test series in Sri Lanka starting January 14.</p>

<p>Bairstow, who is expected to make his Test return after more than a year, is looking forward to working with the class of Kallis, whom he rates as the "best ever all-rounder".</p>

<p>"I think it is a fantastic addition, someone of Jacques' calibre," Bairstow told reporters in a virtual chat from his hotel room in Hambantota.</p>

<p>"The things he has done within the game, in my eyes he is the best all-rounder that there has ever been.</p>

<p>"Someone that batted at the top of the order, caught absolute flies at slip and got so many wickets as well."</p>

<p>Kallis scored 13,289 runs at an average of over 55 in 166 Tests and took 292 wickets with his pace bowling during his 19-year-old international career.</p>

<p>Only India's Sachin Tendulkar and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting have scored more runs than the former Proteas all-rounder in the five-day format.</p>

<p>Bairstow, 31, believes he has a lot to learn from the South African legend who is in isolation in Sri Lanka and should join the squad on Friday.</p>

<p>"There are so many different aspects you could speak to him about.&nbsp;I am really intrigued to spend more time with him and gauge and understand the process," said Bairstow.</p>

<p>"Because to string all three bits together so successfully, over such a long period of time, is a skill in itself.</p>

<p>"It's great to have Jacques around and I am really looking forward to spending some time with him and working with him."</p>

<p>The England team, led by Joe Root, underwent their second training session in Hambantota on Thursday after an early setback when all-rounder Moeen Ali tested positive for Covid 19.</p>


England's Jonny Bairstow Thursday said the addition of South African great Jacques Kallis as batting consultant is a "fantastic addition" to their squad during the Sri Lanka tour.

England's Jonny Bairstow Thursday said the addition of South African great Jacques Kallis as batting consultant is a "fantastic addition" to their squad during the Sri Lanka tour. The 45-year-old Kallis has flown in from South Africa to join England for their two-Test series in Sri Lanka starting January 14. Bairstow, who is expected to make his Test return after more than a year, is looking forward to working with the class of Kallis, whom he rates as the "best ever all-rounder". "I think it is a fantastic addition, someone of Jacques' calibre," Bairstow told reporters in a virtual chat from his hotel room in Hambantota. "The things he has done within the game, in my eyes he is the best all-rounder that there has ever been. "Someone that batted at the top of the order, caught absolute flies at slip and got so many wickets as well." Kallis scored 13,289 runs at an average of over 55 in 166 Tests and took 292 wickets with his pace bowling during his 19-year-old international career. Only India's Sachin Tendulkar and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting have scored more runs than the former Proteas all-rounder in the five-day format. Bairstow, 31, believes he has a lot to learn from the South African legend who is in isolation in Sri Lanka and should join the squad on Friday. "There are so many different aspects you could speak to him about. I am really intrigued to spend more time with him and gauge and understand the process," said Bairstow. "Because to string all three bits together so successfully, over such a long period of time, is a skill in itself. "It's great to have Jacques around and I am really looking forward to spending some time with him and working with him." The England team, led by Joe Root, underwent their second training session in Hambantota on Thursday after an early setback when all-rounder Moeen Ali tested positive for Covid 19.

Bairstow hails Kallis as 'fantastic addition' for England

<p>Premier League clubs shrugged off the coronavirus crisis to splash out £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) in the summer transfer window but reality is expected to bite in a depressed market this month.</p>

<p>Since the last window closed in early October, hopes for a large-scale return of fans have been dashed by soaring infection rates across England, which have led to another national lockdown.</p>

<p>Football is feeling the strain. Forty positive Covid-19 cases were discovered over two rounds of Premier League testing in late December and early January, with three matches postponed.</p>

<p>This led to fears that another season could be interrupted by the pandemic, with clubs taking a fresh financial hit, even if Premier League bosses insist the season will continue.</p>

<p>"It's not the best situation for the whole planet, so why should it be for a football club," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Thursday.</p>

<p>Other potential revenue streams have also dried up. A plan to televise matches on pay-per-view to mitigate the loss of matchday income was quickly dropped after a supporter backlash.</p>

<h2>- Buyer's market -</h2>

<p>Clubs on the continent were far more cautious in the summer window, with La Liga and Bundesliga clubs even running at a transfer surplus.</p>

<p>Premier League clubs found they were unable to offload players for the fees they had hoped for. The net spend of around £800 million was the second-highest on record in a single window and could have consequences for the market over the next month.</p>

<p>January tends to be a seller's market, with buyers panicked into improving their squads after a disappointing start to the season.</p>

<p>However, this time around a number of the biggest Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham, are desperate to offload players to trim bloated squads and cut wage bills.</p>

<p>United and Spurs have already posted major losses from the 2018/19 season, when stadiums were open for two-thirds of the season.</p>

<p>Tottenham expect to lose £150 million in revenue for the 2020/21 season alone due to the impact of the pandemic on matchday income and the cancellation of events such as NFL games and concerts.</p>

<p>Chelsea's £32.5 million profit for last season came in a campaign when they were serving a transfer ban and they benefited from £150 million of sales, with the departures of Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata.</p>

<p>The £220 million the Blues spent in the summer is not reflected in those figures and sales are the priority over signings at Stamford Bridge despite a run of one win in six league games.</p>

<h2>- Brexit effect -</h2>

<p>The impact of Covid-19 is not the only factor limiting clubs' options this month, with new Brexit rules on work permits for European Union nationals coming into force on January 1.</p>

<p>West Brom boss Sam Allardyce was the first top-flight manager to express his frustration at the new rules, with three of his transfer targets ruled out because they would not pass the new points-based system.</p>

<p>Points will be awarded for senior and youth international appearances, club appearances and the pedigree of the selling club.</p>

<p>Major signings should not have any trouble fulfilling the criteria but the new system will have a radical impact on clubs' ability to recruit young players from Europe.</p>

<p>Britain no longer benefits from an exception to FIFA's rules that allows youth players to sign for clubs in another EU state, under which Cesc Fabregas and Paul Pogba first came to England.</p>

<h2>- Liverpool to make a move? -</h2>

<p>Just 10 points separate leaders Liverpool from Leeds in 12th in the most wide open title race for many years.</p>

<p>Manchester United and Manchester City would overtake the champions at the top if they win their games in hand.</p>

<p>Klopp admitted in normal circumstances he would definitely be in the market for a centre-back this month after losing Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez for the rest of the season and with Joel Matip also currently sidelined.</p>

<p>However, the economic impact of empty stadiums may force him to make do with a defence patched up by midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson playing out of position.</p>

<p>"You have three senior centre-halves all injured - is that a situation where usually we would do something? Yes, definitely, but we are not in that situation so I don't know if something will happen or not," Klopp added.</p>

<p>"We have to deal with the situation like we did it so far and we have to get through this."</p>


Premier League clubs shrugged off the coronavirus crisis to splash out £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) in the summer transfer window but reality is expected to bite in a depressed market this month.

Premier League clubs shrugged off the coronavirus crisis to splash out £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) in the summer transfer window but reality is expected to bite in a depressed market this month. Since the last window closed in early October, hopes for a large-scale return of fans have been dashed by soaring infection rates across England, which have led to another national lockdown. Football is feeling the strain. Forty positive Covid-19 cases were discovered over two rounds of Premier League testing in late December and early January, with three matches postponed. This led to fears that another season could be interrupted by the pandemic, with clubs taking a fresh financial hit, even if Premier League bosses insist the season will continue. "It's not the best situation for the whole planet, so why should it be for a football club," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Thursday. Other potential revenue streams have also dried up. A plan to televise matches on pay-per-view to mitigate the loss of matchday income was quickly dropped after a supporter backlash. - Buyer's market - Clubs on the continent were far more cautious in the summer window, with La Liga and Bundesliga clubs even running at a transfer surplus. Premier League clubs found they were unable to offload players for the fees they had hoped for. The net spend of around £800 million was the second-highest on record in a single window and could have consequences for the market over the next month. January tends to be a seller's market, with buyers panicked into improving their squads after a disappointing start to the season. However, this time around a number of the biggest Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham, are desperate to offload players to trim bloated squads and cut wage bills. United and Spurs have already posted major losses from the 2018/19 season, when stadiums were open for two-thirds of the season. Tottenham expect to lose £150 million in revenue for the 2020/21 season alone due to the impact of the pandemic on matchday income and the cancellation of events such as NFL games and concerts. Chelsea's £32.5 million profit for last season came in a campaign when they were serving a transfer ban and they benefited from £150 million of sales, with the departures of Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata. The £220 million the Blues spent in the summer is not reflected in those figures and sales are the priority over signings at Stamford Bridge despite a run of one win in six league games. - Brexit effect - The impact of Covid-19 is not the only factor limiting clubs' options this month, with new Brexit rules on work permits for European Union nationals coming into force on January 1. West Brom boss Sam Allardyce was the first top-flight manager to express his frustration at the new rules, with three of his transfer targets ruled out because they would not pass the new points-based system. Points will be awarded for senior and youth international appearances, club appearances and the pedigree of the selling club. Major signings should not have any trouble fulfilling the criteria but the new system will have a radical impact on clubs' ability to recruit young players from Europe. Britain no longer benefits from an exception to FIFA's rules that allows youth players to sign for clubs in another EU state, under which Cesc Fabregas and Paul Pogba first came to England. - Liverpool to make a move? - Just 10 points separate leaders Liverpool from Leeds in 12th in the most wide open title race for many years. Manchester United and Manchester City would overtake the champions at the top if they win their games in hand. Klopp admitted in normal circumstances he would definitely be in the market for a centre-back this month after losing Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez for the rest of the season and with Joel Matip also currently sidelined. However, the economic impact of empty stadiums may force him to make do with a defence patched up by midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson playing out of position. "You have three senior centre-halves all injured - is that a situation where usually we would do something? Yes, definitely, but we are not in that situation so I don't know if something will happen or not," Klopp added. "We have to deal with the situation like we did it so far and we have to get through this."

Coronavirus, Brexit tame Premier League spending

<p>Tokyo Olympics organisers insisted Friday that the coronavirus-postponed Games will still go ahead despite Japan declaring a state of emergency less than 200 days before the opening ceremony.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday announced the month-long measure covering the greater Tokyo area, taking effect from Friday, as the country battles a surge in infections.</p>

<p>Tokyo 2020 chiefs have already said that another postponement of the Games -- set to begin on July 23 -- is out of the question.</p>

<p>And they insisted Friday that the emergency would not derail plans.</p>

<p>"This declaration of emergency offers an opportunity to get the Covid-19 situation under control and for Tokyo 2020&nbsp;to plan for a safe and secure Games this summer, and we will proceed with the necessary preparations accordingly," organisers said in a statement.</p>

<p>Suga said Thursday that Japan is committed to holding a "safe and secure" Olympics, and that he believes public mood will change when the country begins vaccinations, currently scheduled for late next month.</p>

<p>International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound told the BBC he could not "be certain" the Games will go ahead, because "the ongoing elephant in the room would be the surges in the virus".</p>


Tokyo Olympics organisers insisted Friday that the coronavirus-postponed Games will still go ahead despite Japan declaring a state of emergency less than 200 days before the opening ceremony.

Tokyo Olympics organisers insisted Friday that the coronavirus-postponed Games will still go ahead despite Japan declaring a state of emergency less than 200 days before the opening ceremony. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday announced the month-long measure covering the greater Tokyo area, taking effect from Friday, as the country battles a surge in infections. Tokyo 2020 chiefs have already said that another postponement of the Games -- set to begin on July 23 -- is out of the question. And they insisted Friday that the emergency would not derail plans. "This declaration of emergency offers an opportunity to get the Covid-19 situation under control and for Tokyo 2020 to plan for a safe and secure Games this summer, and we will proceed with the necessary preparations accordingly," organisers said in a statement. Suga said Thursday that Japan is committed to holding a "safe and secure" Olympics, and that he believes public mood will change when the country begins vaccinations, currently scheduled for late next month. International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound told the BBC he could not "be certain" the Games will go ahead, because "the ongoing elephant in the room would be the surges in the virus".

Tokyo Olympics 'safe and secure' despite virus emergency: organisers

<p>A resurgent Steve Smith smacked his 27th Test century before being the last man out as India snared eight wickets Friday then safely negotiated a fiery spell before tea to trail Australia by 312 runs on day two of the third Test.</p>

<p>On an overcast morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the hosts resumed at 166 for two after losing 35 overs to showers on day one, when David Warner was dismissed for five and Will Pucovski 62.</p>

<p>Despite more rain delays, they were going well until Marnus Labuschagne was out for 91, sparking a collapse with only Mitchell Starc (24) showing defiance as Smith made 131.</p>

<p>They were eventually dimissed for 338, with spinner Ravindra Jadeja taking 4-62 and Jasprit Bumrah and Navdeep Saini grabbing two each to keep India in the hunt with the four-Test series finely poised at 1-1.</p>

<p>India negotiated a tricky nine overs before tea to be 26 without loss. Rohit Sharma, back in the side after a long injury absence, was on 11 and Shubman Gill 14.</p>

<p>Smith, who averages over 61, failed to reach double figures in the first two Tests at Adelaide and Melbourne but roared back to life on his home ground, reaching his ton off 201 balls before a late flurry as wickets tumbled around him.</p>

<p>He looked comfortable throughout, crunching a four off Bumrah on the first ball he faced from India's top bowler Friday to signal his intent.</p>

<p>He survived an ambitious lbw review on 41&nbsp;before bringing up a patient century then letting rip, adding a quickfire 31 before being the last one to go, run out by Jadeja's fabulous direct hit.</p>

<p>Labuschagne resumed the day on 67 and Smith 31, with both men making the most of a relatively flat pitch to bring up a 100-partnership.</p>

<p>It was a typically gritty innings from Labuschagne on a ground where he scored 215 this time last year against New Zealand.</p>

<p>But as he closed in on a fifth Test century, he was bamboozled by Jadeja.</p>

<p>Facing a ball that took extra bounce, he thick-edged it to Ajinkya Rahane at slip, with the Indian skipper taking a sharp catch.</p>

<p>At the other end, Smith looked ominous and brought up a 30th Test half-century, drilling Ravi Ashwin down the ground before light rain set in.</p>

<p>On their return from 24 minutes off the field, following an earlier eight-minute break, Matthew Wade was undone by his natural aggression, recklessly skying a Jadeja ball to Bumrah.</p>

<p>Cameron Green went without scoring, trapped plumb lbw by Bumrah who then clattered the stumps of Tim Paine (1) with a beautiful delivery that nipped back.</p>

<p>Pat Cummins was bowled by Jadeja for nought as Smith began running out of partners.</p>

<p>He found an ally briefly in Starc to ensure he made his century, before the tailenders were mopped up.</p>


A resurgent Steve Smith smacked his 27th Test century before being the last man out as India snared eight wickets Friday then safely negotiated a fiery spell before tea to trail Australia by 312 runs on day two of the third Test.

A resurgent Steve Smith smacked his 27th Test century before being the last man out as India snared eight wickets Friday then safely negotiated a fiery spell before tea to trail Australia by 312 runs on day two of the third Test. On an overcast morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the hosts resumed at 166 for two after losing 35 overs to showers on day one, when David Warner was dismissed for five and Will Pucovski 62. Despite more rain delays, they were going well until Marnus Labuschagne was out for 91, sparking a collapse with only Mitchell Starc (24) showing defiance as Smith made 131. They were eventually dimissed for 338, with spinner Ravindra Jadeja taking 4-62 and Jasprit Bumrah and Navdeep Saini grabbing two each to keep India in the hunt with the four-Test series finely poised at 1-1. India negotiated a tricky nine overs before tea to be 26 without loss. Rohit Sharma, back in the side after a long injury absence, was on 11 and Shubman Gill 14. Smith, who averages over 61, failed to reach double figures in the first two Tests at Adelaide and Melbourne but roared back to life on his home ground, reaching his ton off 201 balls before a late flurry as wickets tumbled around him. He looked comfortable throughout, crunching a four off Bumrah on the first ball he faced from India's top bowler Friday to signal his intent. He survived an ambitious lbw review on 41 before bringing up a patient century then letting rip, adding a quickfire 31 before being the last one to go, run out by Jadeja's fabulous direct hit. Labuschagne resumed the day on 67 and Smith 31, with both men making the most of a relatively flat pitch to bring up a 100-partnership. It was a typically gritty innings from Labuschagne on a ground where he scored 215 this time last year against New Zealand. But as he closed in on a fifth Test century, he was bamboozled by Jadeja. Facing a ball that took extra bounce, he thick-edged it to Ajinkya Rahane at slip, with the Indian skipper taking a sharp catch. At the other end, Smith looked ominous and brought up a 30th Test half-century, drilling Ravi Ashwin down the ground before light rain set in. On their return from 24 minutes off the field, following an earlier eight-minute break, Matthew Wade was undone by his natural aggression, recklessly skying a Jadeja ball to Bumrah. Cameron Green went without scoring, trapped plumb lbw by Bumrah who then clattered the stumps of Tim Paine (1) with a beautiful delivery that nipped back. Pat Cummins was bowled by Jadeja for nought as Smith began running out of partners. He found an ally briefly in Starc to ensure he made his century, before the tailenders were mopped up.

Smith smacks 27th Test century as India trail Australia by 312

<p>Former Australian cricketers Shane Warne&nbsp;and Andrew Symonds on Friday made expletive-laden on-air gaffe as they ridiculed Aussie batsman Marnus Labuschagne for his eccentric mannerism while he was batting on Day 2 of the ongoing Sydney Test against India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Aussie duo tore into Labuschagne’s eerie mannerism on the field but were apparently unaware that the cameras were rolling. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Warne and Symonds made the on-air gaffe when they were preparing to call the Big Bash League (BBL) match between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades. The video has since gone viral on social media platforms. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The conversation between Warne and Symonds start with the former saying that Labuschagne’s leg-spin might come handy if he is introduced into the attack on the second day of the Sydney Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Do something now to his ADD (attention deficit disorder) f***ing pills," Symonds said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hes-the-next-big-thing-cricket-fraternity-left-awestruck-by-shubman-gill-after-maiden-half-century-355414" hreflang="en">'He's the next big thing' - Cricket fraternity left awestruck by Shubman Gill after maiden half-century</a></strong></p>

<p>"Yeah, f---," Warne responded. "Jeez, it's annoying. 'No!' Just f---ing bat properly," Warne said, referring to Labuschagne's unorthodox batting style. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Symonds went on to suggest: "we'll have to give him the hog pile" – a term which refers to a group of people jumping on top of a person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mate, if you keep that shit up we're going to have to squash your guts out your a--e," Symonds said with Warne bursting into a laugh.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ahh Kayo, thank you for this <a href="https://t.co/Jy6PfTpvYK">pic.twitter.com/Jy6PfTpvYK</a></p>
— Lenny Phillips (@lenphil29) <a href="https://twitter.com/lenphil29/status/1347443367651680257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kayo Sports, a subsidiary of Foxtel, issued an apology on Twitter. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of @kayosports and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise," the streaming service tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sydney-test-smiths-27th-test-ton-gills-class-steal-thunders-as-day-2-ends-in-balance-355357" hreflang="en">Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/lenphil29?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lenphil29</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rpjward?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rpjward</a> our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayosports</a> and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise.</p>
— Kayo Sports (@kayosports) <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports/status/1347475408027930628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, Steve Smith, who scored a terrific century – his 27th in Test cricket – was not targetted by Warne and Symonds despite having similar behavioural traits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, Australian team management is aware of the comments made by Symonds and Warne but a team spokesperson, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, has hinted that the matter is unlikely to be escalated during the crucial encounter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, Warne helped Labuschagne with leg-spin bowling tips during the Ashes 2019.</p>

<p>Earlier in the Test series, Warne found himself in hot water after calling Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve' during the Adelaide Test. Fans expressed their displeasure on social media after Warne's comments as they stated the reference of racial discrimination of the word 'Steve'.&nbsp;</p>


Former Australian cricketers Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds on Friday made expletive-laden on-air gaffe as they ridiculed Aussie batsman Marnus Labuschagne for his eccentric mannerism while he was batting on Day 2 of the ongoing Sydney Test against India.

Former Australian cricketers Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds on Friday made expletive-laden on-air gaffe as they ridiculed Aussie batsman Marnus Labuschagne for his eccentric mannerism while he was batting on Day 2 of the ongoing Sydney Test against India. The Aussie duo tore into Labuschagne’s eerie mannerism on the field but were apparently unaware that the cameras were rolling. Warne and Symonds made the on-air gaffe when they were preparing to call the Big Bash League (BBL) match between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades. The video has since gone viral on social media platforms. The conversation between Warne and Symonds start with the former saying that Labuschagne’s leg-spin might come handy if he is introduced into the attack on the second day of the Sydney Test. "Do something now to his ADD (attention deficit disorder) f***ing pills," Symonds said. ALSO READ: 'He's the next big thing' - Cricket fraternity left awestruck by Shubman Gill after maiden half-century "Yeah, f---," Warne responded. "Jeez, it's annoying. 'No!' Just f---ing bat properly," Warne said, referring to Labuschagne's unorthodox batting style. Symonds went on to suggest: "we'll have to give him the hog pile" – a term which refers to a group of people jumping on top of a person. "Mate, if you keep that shit up we're going to have to squash your guts out your a--e," Symonds said with Warne bursting into a laugh. Ahh Kayo, thank you for this pic.twitter.com/Jy6PfTpvYK — Lenny Phillips (@lenphil29) January 8, 2021 × Kayo Sports, a subsidiary of Foxtel, issued an apology on Twitter. "Our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of @kayosports and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise," the streaming service tweeted. ALSO READ: Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance Hey @lenphil29 @rpjward our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of @kayosports and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise. — Kayo Sports (@kayosports) January 8, 2021 × Notably, Steve Smith, who scored a terrific century – his 27th in Test cricket – was not targetted by Warne and Symonds despite having similar behavioural traits. Reportedly, Australian team management is aware of the comments made by Symonds and Warne but a team spokesperson, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, has hinted that the matter is unlikely to be escalated during the crucial encounter. Interestingly, Warne helped Labuschagne with leg-spin bowling tips during the Ashes 2019. Earlier in the Test series, Warne found himself in hot water after calling Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve' during the Adelaide Test. Fans expressed their displeasure on social media after Warne's comments as they stated the reference of racial discrimination of the word 'Steve'.

Shane Warne, Andrew Symonds involved in expletive-laden mocking of Marnus Labuschagne on-air

<p>Brisbane's snap coronavirus lockdown raised fresh concerns over the final cricket Test on Friday as India insisted they should avoid quarantine in the Australian city.</p>

<p>The three-day lockdown, starting Friday, over a single case of the infectious UK strain follows days of reports that India are unhappy about having to undergo another round of isolation.</p>

<p>Australia and India are currently playing the third Test in Sydney and are due to travel north to Queensland for the final game starting on January 15.</p>

<p>"We have written to CA (Cricket Australia) asking them to relax the quarantine rule in Brisbane," a Board of Control for Cricket in India official told AFP.</p>

<p>"The team has already undergone isolation after landing in Australia from the UAE (after the Indian Premier League in November)."</p>

<p>Queensland state authorities said the Brisbane Test was "not impacted"&nbsp;by the new lockdown. Australia's different states set their own coronavirus restrictions.</p>

<p>"Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia&nbsp;will continue to work with the Queensland government to ensure the Test is delivered safely," a statement said.</p>

<p>Batting great Sunil Gavaskar said India's players want to enjoy the same freedoms as other people in Australia.</p>

<p>"In Sydney, there are people coming to the ground and then going back and having dinner at a restaurant or having a gathering of 20, 30 people in a pub," Gavaskar said during commentary for Channel Seven on Friday.</p>

<p>"What they're saying is they should also be allowed to do something similar. You could have a situation where the ball goes into the crowd, somebody from the crowd touches the ball."</p>

<p>The former captain added: "The Queensland government is fully entitled to protect its people. Similarly, I believe the BCCI is fully entitled to protect its team."</p>

<p>The tour has been hit by several virus-related problems, with spectator numbers severely limited in the ongoing Sydney match due to an outbreak in the city.</p>

<p>The Melbourne Test was named a possible Covid-19 spreading event, and five Indian players were caught apparently breaching the biosecurity bubble by eating at a restaurant.</p>

<p>The series is level at 1-1 after India bounced back from their opening loss to beat the hosts in the Boxing Day Test.</p>


Brisbane's snap coronavirus lockdown raised fresh concerns over the final cricket Test on Friday as India insisted they should avoid quarantine in the Australian city.

Brisbane's snap coronavirus lockdown raised fresh concerns over the final cricket Test on Friday as India insisted they should avoid quarantine in the Australian city. The three-day lockdown, starting Friday, over a single case of the infectious UK strain follows days of reports that India are unhappy about having to undergo another round of isolation. Australia and India are currently playing the third Test in Sydney and are due to travel north to Queensland for the final game starting on January 15. "We have written to CA (Cricket Australia) asking them to relax the quarantine rule in Brisbane," a Board of Control for Cricket in India official told AFP. "The team has already undergone isolation after landing in Australia from the UAE (after the Indian Premier League in November)." Queensland state authorities said the Brisbane Test was "not impacted" by the new lockdown. Australia's different states set their own coronavirus restrictions. "Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia will continue to work with the Queensland government to ensure the Test is delivered safely," a statement said. Batting great Sunil Gavaskar said India's players want to enjoy the same freedoms as other people in Australia. "In Sydney, there are people coming to the ground and then going back and having dinner at a restaurant or having a gathering of 20, 30 people in a pub," Gavaskar said during commentary for Channel Seven on Friday. "What they're saying is they should also be allowed to do something similar. You could have a situation where the ball goes into the crowd, somebody from the crowd touches the ball." The former captain added: "The Queensland government is fully entitled to protect its people. Similarly, I believe the BCCI is fully entitled to protect its team." The tour has been hit by several virus-related problems, with spectator numbers severely limited in the ongoing Sydney match due to an outbreak in the city. The Melbourne Test was named a possible Covid-19 spreading event, and five Indian players were caught apparently breaching the biosecurity bubble by eating at a restaurant. The series is level at 1-1 after India bounced back from their opening loss to beat the hosts in the Boxing Day Test.

Brisbane virus lockdown raises concerns over cricket Test

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6cb15615-ea01-4675-a7e3-a57d68928629}{142}" paraid="896571717" >Aston Villa have confirmed that their Friday’s FA Cup third-round encounter against Liverpool will be played as per scheduled despite many of their first-team players and staff testing positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ea56cd79-1dca-4a9d-b2c9-6ea99ae7426c}{56}" paraid="1860724502" >Villa were forced to shut their training ground on Thursday with concerns that they would have to forfeit their match&nbsp;against&nbsp;Jurgen Klopp’s side.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d18116e0-c88f-43d3-9452-302121aa94a5}{255}" paraid="1885788301" >"Aston Villa can confirm that the Emirates FA Cup third-round tie with Liverpool will be played at Villa Park this evening," read a brief statement on the club's website.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3f2eda50-45d1-4b0f-b778-b1ec05a438b8}{26}" paraid="1732816023" >As per reports, no first-team player will participate in the FA Cup tie with 10 players in the first-team bubble testing positive for the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3f2eda50-45d1-4b0f-b778-b1ec05a438b8}{26}" paraid="1732816023" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-exit-for-ozil-could-be-best-solution-says-arteta-355324" hreflang="en">Arsenal exit for Ozil could be 'best solution', says Arteta</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1e44dfe2-1d28-479e-8611-ef52e7e84ea7}{53}" paraid="642968733" >With no Steve Bruce available, under-23s coach Mark Delaney is expected to take charge of a side assembled with under-18 and under-23 players.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9696dbea-7374-4a54-bf24-7e3ab6589b57}{100}" paraid="1099793882" >The recent outbreak at Villa also put their upcoming Premier League matches in doubt. They are set to face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday before taking on Everton on January&nbsp;16.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8d51b05d-afd5-4468-a7a4-dc2c96993310}{11}" paraid="1675415798" >There are further concerns over the Premier League 2020-21 season fate with infection rising sharply in Britain.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8d51b05d-afd5-4468-a7a4-dc2c96993310}{11}" paraid="1675415798" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-brexit-tame-premier-league-spending-355319" hreflang="en">Coronavirus, Brexit tame Premier League spending</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a3f3431c-2c3c-4759-a60d-36882b2f58ae}{50}" paraid="1480006862" >A record-high 40 positive tests were detected among Premier League players and staff in the week between December 28 and January 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a3f3431c-2c3c-4759-a60d-36882b2f58ae}{62}" paraid="127167830" >Newcastle United’s match against Aston Villa in December 2020 was the first top-flight match to get postponed by COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b2e877b4-62a0-4c27-b641-6bd3569a419b}{47}" paraid="1385479716" >Magpies manager Steve Bruce questioned the morality of playing on as the pandemic worsens.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5ba659e1-2e42-45b7-8242-f5d5ca728cd4}{238}" paraid="514474188" >"The speed which it hit our club within a week, and ripped through, is something which all clubs will be looking at now," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5ba659e1-2e42-45b7-8242-f5d5ca728cd4}{247}" paraid="638919862" >"It's difficult to contain and it leaves people sick. Financially it's right to play on but morally, for me, it's probably wrong."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5ba659e1-2e42-45b7-8242-f5d5ca728cd4}{97}" paraid="1409819267" >&nbsp;</p>


Aston Villa have confirmed that their Friday’s FA Cup third-round encounter against Liverpool will be played as per scheduled despite many of their first-team players and staff testing positive for coronavirus.

Aston Villa have confirmed that their Friday’s FA Cup third-round encounter against Liverpool will be played as per scheduled despite many of their first-team players and staff testing positive for coronavirus. Villa were forced to shut their training ground on Thursday with concerns that they would have to forfeit their match against Jurgen Klopp’s side. "Aston Villa can confirm that the Emirates FA Cup third-round tie with Liverpool will be played at Villa Park this evening," read a brief statement on the club's website. As per reports, no first-team player will participate in the FA Cup tie with 10 players in the first-team bubble testing positive for the virus. ALSO READ: Arsenal exit for Ozil could be 'best solution', says Arteta With no Steve Bruce available, under-23s coach Mark Delaney is expected to take charge of a side assembled with under-18 and under-23 players. The recent outbreak at Villa also put their upcoming Premier League matches in doubt. They are set to face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday before taking on Everton on January 16. There are further concerns over the Premier League 2020-21 season fate with infection rising sharply in Britain. ALSO READ: Coronavirus, Brexit tame Premier League spending A record-high 40 positive tests were detected among Premier League players and staff in the week between December 28 and January 3. Newcastle United’s match against Aston Villa in December 2020 was the first top-flight match to get postponed by COVID-19 outbreak. Magpies manager Steve Bruce questioned the morality of playing on as the pandemic worsens. "The speed which it hit our club within a week, and ripped through, is something which all clubs will be looking at now," he said. "It's difficult to contain and it leaves people sick. Financially it's right to play on but morally, for me, it's probably wrong."

FA Cup: Aston Villa confirm Liverpool match to go ahead despite coronavirus outbreak

<p>Zinedine Zidane has tested negative for Covid-19 and has been given the green light to oversee Real Madrid's game at Osasuna on Saturday, a source at the club said.</p>

<p>The Frenchman had been self-isolating since Thursday after contact with a person infected with the virus.</p>

<p>"He's negative and the league have given him their okay," the source told AFP.</p>

<p>Real Madrid are second in La Liga after a run of seven wins in eight games, including a crucial win over leaders Atletico Madrid who are two points ahead with two games in hand.</p>


Zinedine Zidane has tested negative for Covid-19 and has been given the green light to oversee Real Madrid's game at Osasuna on Saturday, a source at the club said.

Zinedine Zidane has tested negative for Covid-19 and has been given the green light to oversee Real Madrid's game at Osasuna on Saturday, a source at the club said. The Frenchman had been self-isolating since Thursday after contact with a person infected with the virus. "He's negative and the league have given him their okay," the source told AFP. Real Madrid are second in La Liga after a run of seven wins in eight games, including a crucial win over leaders Atletico Madrid who are two points ahead with two games in hand.

Real Madrid coach Zidane gets Covid clearance

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{33263d25-4ad8-4c68-b7d4-df7a02a6e26e}{108}" paraid="1727118156" >Young Indian batsman&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill has already impressed many with his stroke-play and solid technique in the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia. Gill, who made his Test debut&nbsp;in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, registered his first Test half-century on Day 2 of the Sydney Test.&nbsp;Gill’s batting and maturity impressed many including former cricketers and fans as they hailed the youngster as one of the best young talents in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Gill for his solid defence as well as attacking stroke-play.</p>

<p>"I wish Shubman Gill could have carried on from that half-century to century. What we saw in this innings confirms that he is one of India's brightest prospects. He got behind the line, he has got wonderful ray for shots, as I said, he played some sparkling and spanking shots but basically, the way he got behind the line of the ball was so, so impressive and that is the thing actually you want to look at the opening batsman, how quickly and how confidently they get behind the line of the ball. Shubman Gill's defence was as good as his attacking batting and that is why I think he has got a big career ahead of him," Gavaskar said on Sony Network after the end of Day 2.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whos-your-favourite-player-marnus-labuschagne-involved-in-a-banter-with-shubman-gill-355398" hreflang="en">'Who’s your favourite player?': Marnus Labuschagne involved in a banter with Shubman Gill</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{33263d25-4ad8-4c68-b7d4-df7a02a6e26e}{108}" paraid="1727118156" >WATCH: Shubman Gill impresses with quality stroke-play against Australia</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Baby 🐐<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shubmangill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shubmangill</a> <a href="https://t.co/YjK9ZzkTcJ">pic.twitter.com/YjK9ZzkTcJ</a></p>
— ✨☬ (@Kourageous__) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kourageous__/status/1347439218520444928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey, on-air, said Gill is becoming his&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;player.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{374bfddd-20e8-4387-bfbf-45d8daa1ce6d}{199}" paraid="1464803329" >Whereas&nbsp;Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik, who has seen Gill in close quarters,&nbsp;wrote on Twitter “a star has arrived”.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A ⭐️ has arrived. Good start Gilly! You looked good the whole time. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the dismissal.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/WHVyN3J0QY">pic.twitter.com/WHVyN3J0QY</a></p>
— DK (@DineshKarthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1347437041772945409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former&nbsp;England captain Michael Vaughan termed Gill as the “next big thing in Test cricket”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{313297f6-9aa6-4c73-ad19-e0cd21ebf78e}{32}" paraid="1937048276" >“You could argue @RealShubmanGill is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... #AUSvIND,” tweeted Michael Vaughan.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{313297f6-9aa6-4c73-ad19-e0cd21ebf78e}{32}" paraid="1937048276" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sydney-test-smiths-27th-test-ton-gills-class-steal-thunders-as-day-2-ends-in-balance-355357" hreflang="en">Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You could argue <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1347486816987996160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>While VVS Laxman was all praise for Gill’s batting technique and clarity of thought.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{520d7cb5-9793-45db-b4da-fa4fb6d85111}{150}" paraid="374400573" >“For someone playing only his 2nd test match @RealShubmanGill looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid&nbsp;defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. #AUSvsIND,” Laxman said in a tweet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For someone playing only his 2nd test match <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a></p>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1347418499069562882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag lavished praise on Gill as he said the youngster looks the real deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{520d7cb5-9793-45db-b4da-fa4fb6d85111}{176}" paraid="1413519121" >“Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout.&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun&nbsp;moment,&nbsp;courtesy&nbsp;Bumrah,” tweeted Sehwag.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout. Shubman Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun moment , courtesy Bumrah <a href="https://t.co/7Ts7vhbZzW">pic.twitter.com/7Ts7vhbZzW</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1347470383746740224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar, who is one of the commentators in the ongoing series, branded Gill as “potential world-class player”.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5bc137c6-1f04-4ebb-8597-4bf5cd47f390}{125}" paraid="2136604830" >“Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through&nbsp;Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world-class player of the future in&nbsp;Shubman&nbsp;Gill,” said Manjrekar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world class player of the future in Shubman Gill. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/1347478295852421128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Most elegant opening pair of recent times? Yes sir! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohithSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohithSharma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShubhamGill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShubhamGill</a></p>
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IrfanPathan/status/1347454513150455808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He is just starting out but Shubman Gill is the real thing.</p>
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1347483434826878983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a> was all praise for <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> after the youngster scored his maiden Test fifty at the SCG. 👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/wTTGu3HwB3">pic.twitter.com/wTTGu3HwB3</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1347486330373038081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy Shubman Gill day everyone <a href="https://t.co/9STjcC8eb8">https://t.co/9STjcC8eb8</a></p>
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) <a href="https://twitter.com/scottbstyris/status/1347422757051461632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shubman Gill looks the part,times the ball so well. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZAbbasOfficial/status/1347429468860723200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gill became the youngest Indian opener to register a half-century on Australian soil in Test cricket. However, he was soon sent packing by Pat Cummins for 50.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{45b19c7f-71cc-4ce1-abdb-d3a41b5f000e}{172}" paraid="1474538236" >At the end of Day 2, India were still behind by 242 runs as the visitors ended the day with 96/2 on the board.&nbsp;</p>


Young Indian batsman Shubman Gill has already impressed many with his stroke-play and solid technique in the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia. Gill, who made his Test debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, registered his first Test half-century on Day 2 of the Sydney Test.

Young Indian batsman Shubman Gill has already impressed many with his stroke-play and solid technique in the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia. Gill, who made his Test debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, registered his first Test half-century on Day 2 of the Sydney Test. Gill’s batting and maturity impressed many including former cricketers and fans as they hailed the youngster as one of the best young talents in the world. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Gill for his solid defence as well as attacking stroke-play. "I wish Shubman Gill could have carried on from that half-century to century. What we saw in this innings confirms that he is one of India's brightest prospects. He got behind the line, he has got wonderful ray for shots, as I said, he played some sparkling and spanking shots but basically, the way he got behind the line of the ball was so, so impressive and that is the thing actually you want to look at the opening batsman, how quickly and how confidently they get behind the line of the ball. Shubman Gill's defence was as good as his attacking batting and that is why I think he has got a big career ahead of him," Gavaskar said on Sony Network after the end of Day 2. ALSO READ: 'Who’s your favourite player?': Marnus Labuschagne involved in a banter with Shubman Gill WATCH: Shubman Gill impresses with quality stroke-play against Australia Baby 🐐#Shubmangill pic.twitter.com/YjK9ZzkTcJ — ✨☬ (@Kourageous__) January 8, 2021 × Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey, on-air, said Gill is becoming his favourite player. Whereas Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik, who has seen Gill in close quarters, wrote on Twitter “a star has arrived”. A ⭐️ has arrived. Good start Gilly! You looked good the whole time. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the dismissal.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/WHVyN3J0QY — DK (@DineshKarthik) January 8, 2021 × Former England captain Michael Vaughan termed Gill as the “next big thing in Test cricket” “You could argue @RealShubmanGill is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... #AUSvIND,” tweeted Michael Vaughan. ALSO READ: Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance You could argue @RealShubmanGill is the next big thing in Test Cricket ... My prediction is he is .... #AUSvIND — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 8, 2021 × While VVS Laxman was all praise for Gill’s batting technique and clarity of thought. “For someone playing only his 2nd test match @RealShubmanGill looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. #AUSvsIND,” Laxman said in a tweet. For someone playing only his 2nd test match @RealShubmanGill looks very assured at the wicket. Good solid defence, positive stroke play and clarity of thought. Definitely has a very bright future for India in all the 3 formats. #AUSvsIND — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 8, 2021 × Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag lavished praise on Gill as he said the youngster looks the real deal. “Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout. Shubman Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun moment, courtesy Bumrah,” tweeted Sehwag. Excellent performance by Jadeja with the ball and in the field with taht brilliant runout. Shubman Gill looks the real deal. Excellent composure and loved his backfoot play. But really enjoyed this fun moment , courtesy Bumrah pic.twitter.com/7Ts7vhbZzW — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 8, 2021 × Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar, who is one of the commentators in the ongoing series, branded Gill as “potential world-class player”. “Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world-class player of the future in Shubman Gill,” said Manjrekar. Such a nice satisfying day of Test cricket to watch. Saw excellence in batting through Steve Smith. Excellence in fielding thanks to Jadeja and potential world class player of the future in Shubman Gill. #AUSvIND — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 8, 2021 × Most elegant opening pair of recent times? Yes sir! #RohithSharma #ShubhamGill — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 8, 2021 × He is just starting out but Shubman Gill is the real thing. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 8, 2021 × .@imjadeja was all praise for @RealShubmanGill after the youngster scored his maiden Test fifty at the SCG. 👏👏#TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/wTTGu3HwB3 — BCCI (@BCCI) January 8, 2021 × Happy Shubman Gill day everyone https://t.co/9STjcC8eb8 — Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) January 8, 2021 × Shubman Gill looks the part,times the ball so well. #AUSvIND — zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) January 8, 2021 × Gill became the youngest Indian opener to register a half-century on Australian soil in Test cricket. However, he was soon sent packing by Pat Cummins for 50. At the end of Day 2, India were still behind by 242 runs as the visitors ended the day with 96/2 on the board.

'He's the next big thing' - Cricket fraternity left awestruck by Shubman Gill after maiden half-century

<p>A champion on the field and a self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ off it, West Indies’ veteran cricketer Chris Gayle is one of the biggest names set to feature in this year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, and the Jamaican left-hander is already looking forward to the tournament which takes place from January 28 to&nbsp;February 6&nbsp;in the UAE.</p>

<p>Speaking from his home in Jamaica, Gayle said he is looking forward to taking part in this year’s edition of cricket’s new avatar. “At the moment, I’m actually getting some well-needed rest but keeping the Abu Dhabi T10 League in mind, I’m going to start some training soon and get ready to be back in business," he said.</p>

<p>Expressing his delight at returning to take part in the league after a gap of two seasons, Gayle stated, “First of all, I want to say that it’s good to be back. I’ve missed the past two seasons, so it’s good to be back within T10. There are lots of talented players who will be on show, with the likes of Kieron Pollard and the other international players. So I’m definitely looking forward to be back with Team Abu Dhabi. South Africa’s Chris Morris is also in my team, and I’ve played with him before, so it’s good to be back playing with him and the boys again.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-keep-a-few-people-quiet-steve-smith-shuts-down-critics-with-27th-test-century-355380" hreflang="en">'Will keep a few people quiet': Steve Smith shuts down critics with 27th Test century</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about the impact that T10 has had on cricket, and the potential it holds globally, Gayle added, “I would absolutely love to see T10 within the Olympics. It would be something huge for the sport from a general point of view. I also think T10 can be (held) within the United States also since it’s a big platform. I think most people don’t recognize the States for cricket, but T10 is very much suitable to be held within the USA, and I believe it can help generate bigger revenues as well.”</p>

<p>“The organizers of the Abu Dhabi T10 League have (built) something fantastic here, so we should now look to spread it and we can get more guys involved and more countries involved within T10 for sure,” added the West Indian.</p>

<p>Speaking about his experience of playing in the T10 League and looking forward to this season, Gayle said, “The first time I played T10 it was really exciting, fun and swashbuckling. I really liked it because it was just powerhouse hitting from ball one, and all the guys enjoyed it. We had a good time as well, so like I said, being back and playing in Abu Dhabi now, it is a better wicket to bat on now, so more runs can be scored. I think that happened last year as well in Abu Dhabi – the scoring percentage rate is certainly higher now, so it’s good luck to the bowlers.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iocs-senior-official-says-tokyo-olympics-uncertain-due-to-coronavirus-surge-355388" hreflang="en">IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge</a></strong></p>

<p>Signing off, the legendary cricketer also had some piece of advice for the youngsters who look up to him. He said, “I believe you can always look at a particular player, but not necessarily try and be that person – you need to be who you are. You need to know your weaknesses and your strengths, and you can pick certain key moments or things from that player’s game, but put it within your game. Don’t try to say, ‘Hey, I want to be a Chris Gayle’. I always want someone to be in their own individual rights to actually say, ‘This is me, this is who I want to be’. I would just tell the youngsters to be confident about themselves, and just get the job done.”</p>


A champion on the field and a self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ off it, West Indies’ veteran cricketer Chris Gayle is one of the biggest names set to feature in this year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, and the Jamaican left-hander is already looking forward to the tournament which takes place from January 28 to February 6 in the UAE.

A champion on the field and a self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ off it, West Indies’ veteran cricketer Chris Gayle is one of the biggest names set to feature in this year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, and the Jamaican left-hander is already looking forward to the tournament which takes place from January 28 to February 6 in the UAE. Speaking from his home in Jamaica, Gayle said he is looking forward to taking part in this year’s edition of cricket’s new avatar. “At the moment, I’m actually getting some well-needed rest but keeping the Abu Dhabi T10 League in mind, I’m going to start some training soon and get ready to be back in business," he said. Expressing his delight at returning to take part in the league after a gap of two seasons, Gayle stated, “First of all, I want to say that it’s good to be back. I’ve missed the past two seasons, so it’s good to be back within T10. There are lots of talented players who will be on show, with the likes of Kieron Pollard and the other international players. So I’m definitely looking forward to be back with Team Abu Dhabi. South Africa’s Chris Morris is also in my team, and I’ve played with him before, so it’s good to be back playing with him and the boys again.” ALSO READ: 'Will keep a few people quiet': Steve Smith shuts down critics with 27th Test century Talking about the impact that T10 has had on cricket, and the potential it holds globally, Gayle added, “I would absolutely love to see T10 within the Olympics. It would be something huge for the sport from a general point of view. I also think T10 can be (held) within the United States also since it’s a big platform. I think most people don’t recognize the States for cricket, but T10 is very much suitable to be held within the USA, and I believe it can help generate bigger revenues as well.” “The organizers of the Abu Dhabi T10 League have (built) something fantastic here, so we should now look to spread it and we can get more guys involved and more countries involved within T10 for sure,” added the West Indian. Speaking about his experience of playing in the T10 League and looking forward to this season, Gayle said, “The first time I played T10 it was really exciting, fun and swashbuckling. I really liked it because it was just powerhouse hitting from ball one, and all the guys enjoyed it. We had a good time as well, so like I said, being back and playing in Abu Dhabi now, it is a better wicket to bat on now, so more runs can be scored. I think that happened last year as well in Abu Dhabi – the scoring percentage rate is certainly higher now, so it’s good luck to the bowlers.” ALSO READ: IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge Signing off, the legendary cricketer also had some piece of advice for the youngsters who look up to him. He said, “I believe you can always look at a particular player, but not necessarily try and be that person – you need to be who you are. You need to know your weaknesses and your strengths, and you can pick certain key moments or things from that player’s game, but put it within your game. Don’t try to say, ‘Hey, I want to be a Chris Gayle’. I always want someone to be in their own individual rights to actually say, ‘This is me, this is who I want to be’. I would just tell the youngsters to be confident about themselves, and just get the job done.”

'Would love to see T10 within the Olympics,' states Chris Gayle ahead of new season

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{aab12d8b-98f4-4d29-a013-89781d808e96}{22}" paraid="448048261" >Dick Pound, the longest-serving member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has raised doubts&nbsp;over the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics as the said he “can’t be certain” about the Games due to the continued spread of the dreaded COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6abac9a6-25f7-4032-af3c-761a022840f8}{181}" paraid="380608351" >“I can’t be certain because the ongoing elephant in the room would be the surges in the virus,”&nbsp;Pound told the BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{14f57956-4a15-4b49-a245-d76e89b98434}{137}" paraid="1451973410" >Pound’s statement comes after the IOC said it has “full confidence” in the Tokyo Olympic&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;and remains committed to the quadrennial event going ahead as per the revised scheduled in July despite Tokyo going under a state of emergency on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{13389e1c-3c06-44e5-9092-8ca273cee01b}{56}" paraid="643203021" >The Japanese capital is witnessing the third wave of infections in recent weeks which prompted prime minister Yoshihide Suga to declare a month-long state of emergency in Tokyo and three&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{13389e1c-3c06-44e5-9092-8ca273cee01b}{56}" paraid="643203021" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-japan-postpones-torch-exhibitions-over-covid-19-fears-355068" hreflang="en">Olympics: Japan postpones torch exhibitions over COVID-19 fears</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c0e7ef64-2d16-4a47-af14-0a1fa26baee9}{169}" paraid="748439607" >Pound further said that all Olympic-bound athletes should be vaccinated as a priority. In November 2020, IOC President Thomas Bach had urged athletes to get vaccinated before the Games but said it would not be mandatory for the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{43a1f8d1-586e-4490-856d-c201613ab3b5}{127}" paraid="2060097049" >On Thursday, the IOC responded to the state of emergency announced in Tokyo as they said they are fully committed and concentrated on delivering a safe and successful Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in the summer.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{115d0e3a-62d8-4044-8ae7-aafa2a5cb7f1}{106}" paraid="2074214892" >“The IOC has full confidence in the Japanese authorities and the measures they are taking,” it said in a statement released to Kyodo News.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a1d94a3a-fb71-4ace-b9c0-9a576ca12caa}{16}" paraid="19946332" >“Together with our Japanese partners, we continue to be fully concentrated and committed to the safe and successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 this summer.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a1d94a3a-fb71-4ace-b9c0-9a576ca12caa}{16}" paraid="19946332" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-safe-and-secure-despite-virus-emergency-organisers-355315" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 'safe and secure' despite virus emergency: organisers</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a1d94a3a-fb71-4ace-b9c0-9a576ca12caa}{25}" paraid="83543269" >Tokyo announced a record 2,447 new COVID-19 cases before the state of emergency was declared by the Japanese&nbsp;PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{794dc089-20bc-46bd-a795-c9116eb5cc16}{219}" paraid="622795456" >The Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are scheduled to commence on July 23 with Paralympics set to open on August 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1e0ee3f2-6f54-48a5-bb7f-09665d48421f}{189}" paraid="371010129" >Earlier, in a New Year video message, Bach had called Tokyo&nbsp;“still the best prepared Olympic city ever” and thanked Japan for its commitment and determination to organize the games “in a safe and secure way for all the participants” that will fit a post-coronavirus world.&nbsp;</p>


Dick Pound, the longest-serving member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has raised doubts over the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics as the said he “can’t be certain” about the Games due to the continued spread of the dreaded COVID-19.

Dick Pound, the longest-serving member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has raised doubts over the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics as the said he “can’t be certain” about the Games due to the continued spread of the dreaded COVID-19. “I can’t be certain because the ongoing elephant in the room would be the surges in the virus,” Pound told the BBC. Pound’s statement comes after the IOC said it has “full confidence” in the Tokyo Olympic organisers and remains committed to the quadrennial event going ahead as per the revised scheduled in July despite Tokyo going under a state of emergency on Thursday. The Japanese capital is witnessing the third wave of infections in recent weeks which prompted prime minister Yoshihide Suga to declare a month-long state of emergency in Tokyo and three neighbouring areas. ALSO READ: Olympics: Japan postpones torch exhibitions over COVID-19 fears Pound further said that all Olympic-bound athletes should be vaccinated as a priority. In November 2020, IOC President Thomas Bach had urged athletes to get vaccinated before the Games but said it would not be mandatory for the event. On Thursday, the IOC responded to the state of emergency announced in Tokyo as they said they are fully committed and concentrated on delivering a safe and successful Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in the summer. “The IOC has full confidence in the Japanese authorities and the measures they are taking,” it said in a statement released to Kyodo News. “Together with our Japanese partners, we continue to be fully concentrated and committed to the safe and successful delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 this summer.” ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 'safe and secure' despite virus emergency: organisers Tokyo announced a record 2,447 new COVID-19 cases before the state of emergency was declared by the Japanese PM. The Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are scheduled to commence on July 23 with Paralympics set to open on August 24. Earlier, in a New Year video message, Bach had called Tokyo “still the best prepared Olympic city ever” and thanked Japan for its commitment and determination to organize the games “in a safe and secure way for all the participants” that will fit a post-coronavirus world.

IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge

<p>Australian batting maestro Steve Smith on Friday roared back to form with his 27th Test century in the ongoing third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Smith nullified the threat posed by the Indian bowlers on a flat Sydney track as he played some delightful strokes to find his form back. After completing a fantastic knock of 131, Smith said that this knock should keep a few of his critics quiet. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith, who had scores of 1, 1*, 8, 0 against India in the first two Tests, found his mojo back as he played with intent on Day 1 before continuing his strokes on the second day of the Sydney Test. Smith, who has been troubled by Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the series, took on the Indian bowlers as he quickly settled at the crease. &nbsp;</p>

<p>After his 27th Test ton, Smith revealed that he was reading about himself and his batting form over the last couple of weeks and was looking to shut his critics. Smith went through a lean patch after scoring consecutive centuries in the ODI series against India. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sydney-test-smiths-27th-test-ton-gills-class-steal-thunders-as-day-2-ends-in-balance-355357" hreflang="en">Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance</a></strong></p>

<p>Smith now jointly holds the record of scoring most number of Test centuries against India along with the likes of Ricky Ponting, Viv Richards and Sir Gary Sobers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm reading lots of things people say about out of form, but think there's a difference between out of form and out of runs so it was just nice to score a few and maybe keep a few people quiet," Smith told the broadcasters during the innings break.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-becomes-first-player-to-smash-100-international-sixes-against-australia-355335" hreflang="en">Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>Smith, with Marnus Labuschagne, stitched a 100-run partnership for the third wicket before batting with the middle-order and Australian tail. He was the last Australian batsmen to get out in the first innings, that too after a sensational piece of fielding by Ravindra Jadeja.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia posted 338 on board with India replying back with 96/2 at the end of Day 2’s play.&nbsp;</p>


Australian batting maestro Steve Smith on Friday roared back to form with his 27th Test century in the ongoing third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australian batting maestro Steve Smith on Friday roared back to form with his 27th Test century in the ongoing third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Smith nullified the threat posed by the Indian bowlers on a flat Sydney track as he played some delightful strokes to find his form back. After completing a fantastic knock of 131, Smith said that this knock should keep a few of his critics quiet. Smith, who had scores of 1, 1*, 8, 0 against India in the first two Tests, found his mojo back as he played with intent on Day 1 before continuing his strokes on the second day of the Sydney Test. Smith, who has been troubled by Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the series, took on the Indian bowlers as he quickly settled at the crease. After his 27th Test ton, Smith revealed that he was reading about himself and his batting form over the last couple of weeks and was looking to shut his critics. Smith went through a lean patch after scoring consecutive centuries in the ODI series against India. ALSO READ: Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance Smith now jointly holds the record of scoring most number of Test centuries against India along with the likes of Ricky Ponting, Viv Richards and Sir Gary Sobers. "I'm reading lots of things people say about out of form, but think there's a difference between out of form and out of runs so it was just nice to score a few and maybe keep a few people quiet," Smith told the broadcasters during the innings break. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia Smith, with Marnus Labuschagne, stitched a 100-run partnership for the third wicket before batting with the middle-order and Australian tail. He was the last Australian batsmen to get out in the first innings, that too after a sensational piece of fielding by Ravindra Jadeja. Australia posted 338 on board with India replying back with 96/2 at the end of Day 2’s play.

'Will keep a few people quiet': Steve Smith shuts down critics with 27th Test century

<p>The Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed some breathtaking display of cricket from both the sides. While Australia, batting first, got to a great position after a fine century from talisman Steve Smith, Indians bounced back strong with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as they day ended in balance. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia started the day strongly as Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continued their partnership with some great display of batting. While Labuschagne was unfortunate to miss out on his fifth Test century as he was dismissed for 91 by Ravindra Jadeja, Smith went on to register his 27th Test century. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith was the last Australian player to be dismissed, after a spellbinding direct hit from the deep by Ravindra Jadeja, as the former Aussie skipper watches wickets tumble from the other end before getting out. Australia ended up with 338 runs on board.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-becomes-first-player-to-smash-100-international-sixes-against-australia-355335" hreflang="en">Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>For India, Ravindra Jadeja picked up four wickets while Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Navdeep Saini scalped two each. Mohammed Siraj ended up with a wicket under his belt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian openers Rohit and Gill had a fine start as they stitched a crucial partnership of 70 runs off 27 overs before Rohit pushed a fuller delivery by Hazlewood too hard as the Aussie bowler took a sharp catch off his own bowling. Gill departed soon after completing his maiden half-century in international cricket. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bairstow-hails-kallis-as-fantastic-addition-for-england-355321" hreflang="en">Bairstow hails Kallis as 'fantastic addition' for England</a></strong></p>

<p>At the end of Day 2, veteran batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were at the crease for India and would be looking to score big in what has been a batting-friendly track at the Sydney Cricket Ground. &nbsp;</p>


The Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed some breathtaking display of cricket from both the sides. While Australia, batting first, got to a great position after a fine century from talisman Steve Smith, Indians bounced back strong with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as they day ended in balance.

The Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed some breathtaking display of cricket from both the sides. While Australia, batting first, got to a great position after a fine century from talisman Steve Smith, Indians bounced back strong with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as they day ended in balance. Australia started the day strongly as Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continued their partnership with some great display of batting. While Labuschagne was unfortunate to miss out on his fifth Test century as he was dismissed for 91 by Ravindra Jadeja, Smith went on to register his 27th Test century. Smith was the last Australian player to be dismissed, after a spellbinding direct hit from the deep by Ravindra Jadeja, as the former Aussie skipper watches wickets tumble from the other end before getting out. Australia ended up with 338 runs on board. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia For India, Ravindra Jadeja picked up four wickets while Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Navdeep Saini scalped two each. Mohammed Siraj ended up with a wicket under his belt. Indian openers Rohit and Gill had a fine start as they stitched a crucial partnership of 70 runs off 27 overs before Rohit pushed a fuller delivery by Hazlewood too hard as the Aussie bowler took a sharp catch off his own bowling. Gill departed soon after completing his maiden half-century in international cricket. ALSO READ: Bairstow hails Kallis as 'fantastic addition' for England At the end of Day 2, veteran batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were at the crease for India and would be looking to score big in what has been a batting-friendly track at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Sydney Test: Smith's 27th Test ton, Gill's class steal thunders as Day 2 ends in balance

<p>The Indian cricket team was off to a fine start in the first innings of the third Test match against Australia in Sydney with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill providing a solid start to the visitors. The duo stitched a 70-run opening stand before Rohit was dismissed for 26 by Josh Hazlewood. However, before his dismissal, Rohit achieved a rare feat in international cricket as he became the first-ever batsman to score 100 international sixes against Australia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit, who is regarded as one of the finest batsmen, danced down the track to dispatch a Nathan Lyon delivery over the long-on boundary and became the first batsman in history to smash 100 international sixes against Australia. &nbsp;</p>

<h2>Most sixes against Australia in international cricket &nbsp;</h2>

<p><strong>ROHIT SHARMA - 100* &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Eon Morgan - 63 &nbsp;</p>

<p>B McCullum - 61 &nbsp;</p>

<p>Sachin Tendulkar - 60&nbsp;</p>

<p>MS Dhoni - 60&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/smith-smacks-27th-test-century-as-india-trail-australia-by-312-355313" hreflang="en">Smith smacks 27th Test century as India trail Australia by 312</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Rohit, despite getting a good start, couldn’t make it count and was dismissed by Hazlewood after playing a lose straight push. The Aussie pacer held on to a good catch in his follow-through to complete the dismissal. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit’s opening partner Gill soon followed the Hitman soon after completing his maiden half-century in Test cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India ended Day 2 at 98/2 with Cheteshwar Pujara and skipper Ajinkya Rahane unbeaten for India. The visitors still trail by 242 runs and would be hoping to score big when they take the field on Day 3 of the Sydney Test. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" hreflang="en">From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020</a></strong></p>

<p>Batting first, Australia posted 338 runs courtesy a fine century by Steve Smith – his 27th in Test cricket as the Aussie star starts the new year with a bang.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian cricket team was off to a fine start in the first innings of the third Test match against Australia in Sydney with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill providing a solid start to the visitors.

The Indian cricket team was off to a fine start in the first innings of the third Test match against Australia in Sydney with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill providing a solid start to the visitors. The duo stitched a 70-run opening stand before Rohit was dismissed for 26 by Josh Hazlewood. However, before his dismissal, Rohit achieved a rare feat in international cricket as he became the first-ever batsman to score 100 international sixes against Australia. Rohit, who is regarded as one of the finest batsmen, danced down the track to dispatch a Nathan Lyon delivery over the long-on boundary and became the first batsman in history to smash 100 international sixes against Australia. Most sixes against Australia in international cricket ROHIT SHARMA - 100* Eon Morgan - 63 B McCullum - 61 Sachin Tendulkar - 60 MS Dhoni - 60 ALSO READ: Smith smacks 27th Test century as India trail Australia by 312 However, Rohit, despite getting a good start, couldn’t make it count and was dismissed by Hazlewood after playing a lose straight push. The Aussie pacer held on to a good catch in his follow-through to complete the dismissal. Rohit’s opening partner Gill soon followed the Hitman soon after completing his maiden half-century in Test cricket. Meanwhile, India ended Day 2 at 98/2 with Cheteshwar Pujara and skipper Ajinkya Rahane unbeaten for India. The visitors still trail by 242 runs and would be hoping to score big when they take the field on Day 3 of the Sydney Test. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 Batting first, Australia posted 338 runs courtesy a fine century by Steve Smith – his 27th in Test cricket as the Aussie star starts the new year with a bang.

Rohit Sharma becomes first player to smash 100 international sixes against Australia

<p>Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on Thursday that upcoming exhibitions of the Tokyo Olympics torch around the Japanese capital have been postponed “to reduce the flow of people and the further spread of COVID-19.”</p>

<p>The torch had been on display in certain municipalities at the end of last year and the exhibitions were due to restart on Thursday but as a state of emergency for Tokyo and three neighbouring prefectures will begin on Friday, the government chose to postpone all displays until the end of the month.</p>


Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on Thursday that upcoming exhibitions of the Tokyo Olympics torch around the Japanese capital have been postponed “to reduce the flow of people and the further spread of COVID-19.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on Thursday that upcoming exhibitions of the Tokyo Olympics torch around the Japanese capital have been postponed “to reduce the flow of people and the further spread of COVID-19.” The torch had been on display in certain municipalities at the end of last year and the exhibitions were due to restart on Thursday but as a state of emergency for Tokyo and three neighbouring prefectures will begin on Friday, the government chose to postpone all displays until the end of the month.

Olympics: Japan postpones torch exhibitions over COVID-19 fears

<p>Mauricio Pochettino's first match as Paris Saint-Germain coach ended in a 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne on Wednesday as his new team slipped three points behind Ligue 1 leaders Lyon.</p>

<p>The defending league champions fell behind early on to Romain Hamouma's strike before Moise Kean levelled soon after, but laboured in the second half and failed to find a winner.</p>

<p>"Of course I'm disappointed because we're PSG, we want to win," Pochettino told Telefoot. "I'm happy with the effort made by the players, by their attitude."</p>

<p>The former Tottenham boss was only confirmed as Thomas Tuchel's successor on Saturday, four days after the German's sacking was officially announced.</p>

<p>But the scale of the task facing the former PSG defender was laid out in front of him at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as the capital-city giants' title defence suffered another blow.</p>

<p>"This is just the beginning," added the 48-year-old Pochettino. "We have to get to know each other. It was difficult because the preparation was too short.</p>

<p>"It's positive but there are things to improve."</p>

<p>Lyon survived a late Lens comeback to extend their lead with a 3-2 win, with Memphis Depay's double proving crucial.</p>

<p>PSG did move into second, above Lille on goal difference, after Christophe Galtier's team slipped to a surprise 2-1 home loss to Angers.</p>

<p>Pochettino made just two changes to the final starting XI selected by Tuchel for the 4-0 win over Strasbourg before the winter break, with Moise Kean and Idrissa Gueye returning in place of Rafinha and Timothee Pembele.</p>

<p>PSG started well going forwards but looked vulnerable at the back and were made to pay in the 19th minute as Gueye carelessly lost possession on the edge of his own area.</p>

<p>Denis Bouanga had plenty of time to pick out Romain Hamouma, who tapped into the net.</p>

<p>But the visitors wasted little time in equalising as Kean repaid Pochettino's faith to score the first goal of the Argentinian's era, spinning and firing home after Marco Verratti's pass.</p>

<p>The Italian striker has now scored 10 goals for PSG since joining on loan from Everton in the close season.</p>

<p>But Les Verts, bidding to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches, continued to find gaping holes in the away defence and Keylor Navas had to make a smart, diving save to keep out Mathieu Debuchy's volley.</p>

<p>Paris dominated possession early in the second period, but Saint-Etienne had the better chances, with Bouanga denied by Navas and Hamouma having a penalty appeal turned down.</p>

<p>PSG started to pile on the pressure in the final 15 minutes, with Angel Di Maria forcing home goalkeeper Jessy Moulin into a smart low stop after Kylian Mbappe's clever dummy.</p>

<p>Substitute Pablo Sarabia wasted a golden late chance in injury time, blazing over with just Moulin to beat.</p>

<h2>- Depay fires Lyon further clear -</h2>

<p>At Groupama Stadium, Lyon raced into a three-goal lead over Lens through Depay's brace and a Steven Fortes own goal.</p>

<p>Rudi Garcia's OL, who led the top flight at Christmas for the first time since 2008, held on for a vital three points despite Florian Sotoca and Cheick Oumar Doucoure hitting back for Lens.</p>

<p>Lille, who were level on points with Lyon heading into the day, dropped to third as Romain Thomas scored twice in the first 10 minutes for Angers at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.</p>

<p>Burak Yilmaz pulled one back before the interval but the away side held on.</p>

<p>Marseille boosted their title hopes, though, as Dimitri Payet's 80th-minute strike helped secure a 3-1 home success against Montpellier.</p>

<p>Andre-Villas Boas' men are fifth, but only eight points behind Lyon with two games in hand.</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday, former France coach Raymond Domenech's reign at 17th-placed Nantes started with a drab goalless draw against fourth-placed Rennes.</p>

<p>"We have laid the first stone," said Domenech, who led France to the 2006 World Cup final.</p>

<p>"Now we must continue to improve."</p>

<p>Monaco moved into fifth with a 5-2 victory at 10-man Lorient, with Aleksandr Golovin and Kevin Volland among the scorers.</p>


Mauricio Pochettino's first match as Paris Saint-Germain coach ended in a 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne on Wednesday as his new team slipped three points behind Ligue 1 leaders Lyon.

Mauricio Pochettino's first match as Paris Saint-Germain coach ended in a 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne on Wednesday as his new team slipped three points behind Ligue 1 leaders Lyon. The defending league champions fell behind early on to Romain Hamouma's strike before Moise Kean levelled soon after, but laboured in the second half and failed to find a winner. "Of course I'm disappointed because we're PSG, we want to win," Pochettino told Telefoot. "I'm happy with the effort made by the players, by their attitude." The former Tottenham boss was only confirmed as Thomas Tuchel's successor on Saturday, four days after the German's sacking was officially announced. But the scale of the task facing the former PSG defender was laid out in front of him at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as the capital-city giants' title defence suffered another blow. "This is just the beginning," added the 48-year-old Pochettino. "We have to get to know each other. It was difficult because the preparation was too short. "It's positive but there are things to improve." Lyon survived a late Lens comeback to extend their lead with a 3-2 win, with Memphis Depay's double proving crucial. PSG did move into second, above Lille on goal difference, after Christophe Galtier's team slipped to a surprise 2-1 home loss to Angers. Pochettino made just two changes to the final starting XI selected by Tuchel for the 4-0 win over Strasbourg before the winter break, with Moise Kean and Idrissa Gueye returning in place of Rafinha and Timothee Pembele. PSG started well going forwards but looked vulnerable at the back and were made to pay in the 19th minute as Gueye carelessly lost possession on the edge of his own area. Denis Bouanga had plenty of time to pick out Romain Hamouma, who tapped into the net. But the visitors wasted little time in equalising as Kean repaid Pochettino's faith to score the first goal of the Argentinian's era, spinning and firing home after Marco Verratti's pass. The Italian striker has now scored 10 goals for PSG since joining on loan from Everton in the close season. But Les Verts, bidding to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches, continued to find gaping holes in the away defence and Keylor Navas had to make a smart, diving save to keep out Mathieu Debuchy's volley. Paris dominated possession early in the second period, but Saint-Etienne had the better chances, with Bouanga denied by Navas and Hamouma having a penalty appeal turned down. PSG started to pile on the pressure in the final 15 minutes, with Angel Di Maria forcing home goalkeeper Jessy Moulin into a smart low stop after Kylian Mbappe's clever dummy. Substitute Pablo Sarabia wasted a golden late chance in injury time, blazing over with just Moulin to beat. - Depay fires Lyon further clear - At Groupama Stadium, Lyon raced into a three-goal lead over Lens through Depay's brace and a Steven Fortes own goal. Rudi Garcia's OL, who led the top flight at Christmas for the first time since 2008, held on for a vital three points despite Florian Sotoca and Cheick Oumar Doucoure hitting back for Lens. Lille, who were level on points with Lyon heading into the day, dropped to third as Romain Thomas scored twice in the first 10 minutes for Angers at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Burak Yilmaz pulled one back before the interval but the away side held on. Marseille boosted their title hopes, though, as Dimitri Payet's 80th-minute strike helped secure a 3-1 home success against Montpellier. Andre-Villas Boas' men are fifth, but only eight points behind Lyon with two games in hand. Earlier on Wednesday, former France coach Raymond Domenech's reign at 17th-placed Nantes started with a drab goalless draw against fourth-placed Rennes. "We have laid the first stone," said Domenech, who led France to the 2006 World Cup final. "Now we must continue to improve." Monaco moved into fifth with a 5-2 victory at 10-man Lorient, with Aleksandr Golovin and Kevin Volland among the scorers.

PSG held in 'disappointed' Pochettino's first match, Lyon extend lead

<p>Pep Guardiola dedicated Manchester City's 2-0 win over Manchester United to reach a fourth consecutive League Cup final on Wednesday to the family of Colin Bell, a day after the City great died aged 74.</p>

<p>John Stones and Fernandinho were the unlikely goalscorers for Guardiola's men, who will face Jose Mourinho's Tottenham in the final at Wembley on April 25.</p>

<p>Bell scored 152 goals in 492 appearances for City during a 13-year career in which he won five major trophies.</p>

<p>City players warmed up in number eight shirts in honour of Bell's old number.</p>

<p>A minute's silence was held before kick-off with Bell's former teammate Mike Summerbee reduced to tears as he watched on from the stands.</p>

<p>"That's for him and his family. This person helps to build something for this club," said Guardiola.</p>

<p>"It is an incredible victory for us to beat United away and reach another final and, especially today, it is for him."</p>

<p>City now have the chance to equal Liverpool's record between 1981 and 1984 of winning four successive League Cups.</p>

<p>"I know the Carabao (League) Cup is not the Champions League but four times a row is incredible," added Guardiola. "I'm so impressed with the quality of this team."</p>

<h2>- 'Not enough' from United -</h2>

<p>Mourinho was United boss the last time they lifted a trophy in 2017 and the Red Devils' wait for silverware under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer goes on as they lost a fourth semi-final in the past two seasons.</p>

<p>"It's not psychological, sometimes you meet good teams in the semis," said Solskjaer, whose side also lost to City at this stage of the competition last season.</p>

<p>"We met the best team in England and for me we didn't have enough today.</p>

<p>"But we're getting closer. This is a much better Manchester United compared to a year ago in those semis, that's positive but not enough."</p>

<p>Both sides have hauled themselves back into contention for the Premier League title in recent weeks, but neither manager took the opportunity to rest key players as both made just two changes from the weekend.</p>

<p>Any fears of a repeat of the goalless draw between the sides last month in the league were quickly dispelled as both had goals ruled out inside the first five minutes.</p>

<p>Stones breathed a sigh of relief when his own goal was chalked off for offside by Marcus Rashford in the build-up before Ilkay Gundogan was also denied by the offside flag.</p>

<p>Zack Steffen was deputising for first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, who was one of City's absentees due to a coronavirus outbreak, and the American produced an incredible save to deny Bruno Fernandes his 16th goal of the season with a curling effort that was destined for the top corner.</p>

<p>City looked more like their old selves in a thrilling first-half performance to blow away Chelsea on Sunday and they were inches away from the opener thanks to a stunning move that started deep inside their own half and ended with Kevin De Bruyne smashing against the post from the edge of the area.</p>

<p>The deadlock was finally broken five minutes into the second half when Stones cushioned in Foden's free-kick with his thigh for his first goal in three years.</p>

<p>The England international's poor form saw him fall down the pecking order in recent seasons, but City have now kept nine clean sheets in the 11 games Stones has started this season as he has formed a formidable partnership with Ruben Dias.</p>

<p>City's issues this season have been at the other end and they again failed to make the most of their chances in the second half.</p>

<p>Joao Cancelo's piledriver flew just over before Dean Henderson made fine saves to deny Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez.</p>

<p>However, Henderson could only watch as Fernandinho volleyed into the bottom corner after United failed to clear a corner for his first goal in two years, seven minutes from time.</p>


Pep Guardiola dedicated Manchester City's 2-0 win over Manchester United to reach a fourth consecutive League Cup final on Wednesday to the family of Colin Bell, a day after the City great died aged 74.

Pep Guardiola dedicated Manchester City's 2-0 win over Manchester United to reach a fourth consecutive League Cup final on Wednesday to the family of Colin Bell, a day after the City great died aged 74. John Stones and Fernandinho were the unlikely goalscorers for Guardiola's men, who will face Jose Mourinho's Tottenham in the final at Wembley on April 25. Bell scored 152 goals in 492 appearances for City during a 13-year career in which he won five major trophies. City players warmed up in number eight shirts in honour of Bell's old number. A minute's silence was held before kick-off with Bell's former teammate Mike Summerbee reduced to tears as he watched on from the stands. "That's for him and his family. This person helps to build something for this club," said Guardiola. "It is an incredible victory for us to beat United away and reach another final and, especially today, it is for him." City now have the chance to equal Liverpool's record between 1981 and 1984 of winning four successive League Cups. "I know the Carabao (League) Cup is not the Champions League but four times a row is incredible," added Guardiola. "I'm so impressed with the quality of this team." - 'Not enough' from United - Mourinho was United boss the last time they lifted a trophy in 2017 and the Red Devils' wait for silverware under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer goes on as they lost a fourth semi-final in the past two seasons. "It's not psychological, sometimes you meet good teams in the semis," said Solskjaer, whose side also lost to City at this stage of the competition last season. "We met the best team in England and for me we didn't have enough today. "But we're getting closer. This is a much better Manchester United compared to a year ago in those semis, that's positive but not enough." Both sides have hauled themselves back into contention for the Premier League title in recent weeks, but neither manager took the opportunity to rest key players as both made just two changes from the weekend. Any fears of a repeat of the goalless draw between the sides last month in the league were quickly dispelled as both had goals ruled out inside the first five minutes. Stones breathed a sigh of relief when his own goal was chalked off for offside by Marcus Rashford in the build-up before Ilkay Gundogan was also denied by the offside flag. Zack Steffen was deputising for first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, who was one of City's absentees due to a coronavirus outbreak, and the American produced an incredible save to deny Bruno Fernandes his 16th goal of the season with a curling effort that was destined for the top corner. City looked more like their old selves in a thrilling first-half performance to blow away Chelsea on Sunday and they were inches away from the opener thanks to a stunning move that started deep inside their own half and ended with Kevin De Bruyne smashing against the post from the edge of the area. The deadlock was finally broken five minutes into the second half when Stones cushioned in Foden's free-kick with his thigh for his first goal in three years. The England international's poor form saw him fall down the pecking order in recent seasons, but City have now kept nine clean sheets in the 11 games Stones has started this season as he has formed a formidable partnership with Ruben Dias. City's issues this season have been at the other end and they again failed to make the most of their chances in the second half. Joao Cancelo's piledriver flew just over before Dean Henderson made fine saves to deny Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez. However, Henderson could only watch as Fernandinho volleyed into the bottom corner after United failed to clear a corner for his first goal in two years, seven minutes from time.

Guardiola dedicates derby win to Man City legend Bell

<p>Ronald Koeman said Barcelona can still win La Liga after Lionel Messi scored twice on Wednesday in a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao.</p>

<p>Messi's double helped Barca reduce the gap behind La Liga's leaders Atletico Madrid to seven points, even if Atletico will be hard to catch, given they also have two games in hand.</p>

<p>Koeman admitted last week it would be "very difficult" to close the gap but was more optimistic after the victory at San Mames.</p>

<p>"There is always a chance," he said. "The season is very long and you can have ups and downs. It may be that one team that is doing very well will later find it difficult."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barca trailed to an early Inaki Williams strike but responded with a slick attacking performance that had Messi at the heart of it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was his cross that led to Pedri's equaliser and then the Argentinian could have had a hat-trick, only for VAR and the woodwork to intervene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But this was a vintage display from the 33-year-old, perhaps his best of the season so far, at a time when his future at Barcelona remains up in the air.</p>

<p>Only a late mistake took some of the shine off Messi's night, a poor pass allowing Iker Muniain to finish and make the result look closer than it was.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bilbao had scored in the third minute and the 90th, each time exposing Barcelona's defensive frailties that remain unsolved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yet in between, Koeman's team were able to dictate the match and demonstrate why going forward they are still a force to be reckoned with.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>- 'Team is growing' -</h2>

<p>"The team is growing, playing with more confidence," said Koeman. "Sometimes we look close to our best."</p>

<p>Pedri was excellent again, his sumptuous backheel for Messi's first goal another indication of the 18-year-old's&nbsp;talent and his understanding with his captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ousmane Dembele, meanwhile, enjoyed one of those virtuouso nights where his speed, invention and confidence made him look every bit like one of the world's most exciting players.</p>

<p>"Everything starts with the player himself," said Koeman. "He gives us a lot."</p>

<p>Bilbao were playing their first game under new coach Marcelino Garcia Toral, who led Valencia to win the last completed Copa del Rey by beating Barca in the final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was springing off the bench and clenching his fists in the third minute after Williams raced in behind, touching inside the scrambling Clement Lenglet before driving home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Barcelona were invigorated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sergino Dest should have scored after a neat exchange between Messi and Antoine Griezmann before Pedri did, Messi's looping cross to the back post cushioned back across for Pedri to nod in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dembele was almost unplayable, drifting inside one minute and darting forward the next but it was Pedri's vision that created Barca's second.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi sent him through, the youngster cutting inside before seeing Messi behind him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pedri backheeled, wrongfooting the Bilbao defence and goalkeeper, with Messi sliding in the finish.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Griezmann was denied after more good work by Dembele while Messi had a goal ruled out and then nicked the crossbar with a curling effort from distance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bilbao were still in it and might have equalised early in the second half, with the lively Williams and Raul Garcia both going close.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yet their hopes were dashed just after the hour when Messi struck again. He sent the ball wide to Griezmann via Pedri and when the pass came to the near post Messi was there to stroke in off the crossbar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi could have had his hat-trick but hit the post again when Dembele's cross was dummied by Griezmann before a misplaced Messi pass allowed Muniain to pull one back for Bilbao. It was Messi's first mistake of the night.&nbsp;</p>


Ronald Koeman said Barcelona can still win La Liga after Lionel Messi scored twice on Wednesday in a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao. Messi's double helped Barca reduce the gap behind La Liga's leaders Atletico Madrid to seven points, even if Atletico will be hard to catch, given they also have two games in hand.

Ronald Koeman said Barcelona can still win La Liga after Lionel Messi scored twice on Wednesday in a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao. Messi's double helped Barca reduce the gap behind La Liga's leaders Atletico Madrid to seven points, even if Atletico will be hard to catch, given they also have two games in hand. Koeman admitted last week it would be "very difficult" to close the gap but was more optimistic after the victory at San Mames. "There is always a chance," he said. "The season is very long and you can have ups and downs. It may be that one team that is doing very well will later find it difficult." Barca trailed to an early Inaki Williams strike but responded with a slick attacking performance that had Messi at the heart of it. It was his cross that led to Pedri's equaliser and then the Argentinian could have had a hat-trick, only for VAR and the woodwork to intervene. But this was a vintage display from the 33-year-old, perhaps his best of the season so far, at a time when his future at Barcelona remains up in the air. Only a late mistake took some of the shine off Messi's night, a poor pass allowing Iker Muniain to finish and make the result look closer than it was. Bilbao had scored in the third minute and the 90th, each time exposing Barcelona's defensive frailties that remain unsolved. Yet in between, Koeman's team were able to dictate the match and demonstrate why going forward they are still a force to be reckoned with. - 'Team is growing' - "The team is growing, playing with more confidence," said Koeman. "Sometimes we look close to our best." Pedri was excellent again, his sumptuous backheel for Messi's first goal another indication of the 18-year-old's talent and his understanding with his captain. Ousmane Dembele, meanwhile, enjoyed one of those virtuouso nights where his speed, invention and confidence made him look every bit like one of the world's most exciting players. "Everything starts with the player himself," said Koeman. "He gives us a lot." Bilbao were playing their first game under new coach Marcelino Garcia Toral, who led Valencia to win the last completed Copa del Rey by beating Barca in the final. He was springing off the bench and clenching his fists in the third minute after Williams raced in behind, touching inside the scrambling Clement Lenglet before driving home. But Barcelona were invigorated. Sergino Dest should have scored after a neat exchange between Messi and Antoine Griezmann before Pedri did, Messi's looping cross to the back post cushioned back across for Pedri to nod in. Dembele was almost unplayable, drifting inside one minute and darting forward the next but it was Pedri's vision that created Barca's second. Messi sent him through, the youngster cutting inside before seeing Messi behind him. Pedri backheeled, wrongfooting the Bilbao defence and goalkeeper, with Messi sliding in the finish. Griezmann was denied after more good work by Dembele while Messi had a goal ruled out and then nicked the crossbar with a curling effort from distance. Bilbao were still in it and might have equalised early in the second half, with the lively Williams and Raul Garcia both going close. Yet their hopes were dashed just after the hour when Messi struck again. He sent the ball wide to Griezmann via Pedri and when the pass came to the near post Messi was there to stroke in off the crossbar. Messi could have had his hat-trick but hit the post again when Dembele's cross was dummied by Griezmann before a misplaced Messi pass allowed Muniain to pull one back for Bilbao. It was Messi's first mistake of the night.

Messi double gives Barca renewed hope in La Liga title chase

<p>Federico Chiesa scored a brace as Juventus inflicted a first league defeat this season on Serie A leaders AC Milan, ending their 27-match unbeaten run with a 3-1 win on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Stefano Pioli's side maintained their one-point advantage over city rivals Inter Milan who missed a chance to go top with a 2-1 loss at Sampdoria.</p>

<p>AC Milan had been unbeaten since before the coronavirus lockdown last March, with a run of 12 matches without defeat to complete last season where they finished sixth, and 15 games this campaign.</p>

<p>But Chiesa, who joined from Fiorentina last October, bagged his first brace for the champions, scoring on 18 and 62 minutes in the San Siro with Weston McKennie getting a third with quarter of an hour to go.</p>

<p>"This defeat hurts," said Pioli.</p>

<p>"If there is an opponent against whom we have suffered it is Juventus, who have won the Scudetto for nine years in a row.</p>

<p>"But understanding how bad you feel after a defeat will also help us grow."</p>

<p>The hosts, chasing their first 'Scudetto' since 2011, had been hit hours before kick-off with the news that forward Ante Rebic and midfielder Rade Krunic had tested positive for Covid-19.</p>

<p>The absence of the pair was a blow for the side already without key players including their injured top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic for an eighth league game.</p>

<p>Juventus pair Alex Sandro and Juan Cuadrado were also out with coronavirus as the champions moved up to fourth, seven points behind Milan, but having played a game less.</p>

<p>"I saw the spirit of a team that wants to lead and win," said Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This match was crucial for us."</p>

<p>Chiesa has come into his own for Pirlo's side who had been dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo's goals this campaign.</p>

<p>Paulo Dybala provided the assists for both Chiesa's goals.</p>

<p>Chiesa rattled the woodwork minutes before picking up a clever Dybala back-heel flick to finish off after 18 minutes.</p>

<p>Rafael Leao send through for Davide Calabria to grab the equaliser four minutes before the break to keep Milan's hopes alive.</p>

<p>But Dybala again teeded up Chiesa to rifle in the second before the pair were replaced by McKennie and Dejan Kulusevski.</p>

<p>Kulusevski provided the pull back for McKennie to seal the victory after 76 minutes.</p>

<h2>- Inter miss out in Genoa -</h2>

<p>Inter's eight-match winning streak came to an halt earlier under the rain in Genoa.</p>

<p>Alexis Sanchez missed an early penalty for Antonio Conte's side who were tripped up by goals from former Inter players Antonio Candreva and Keita Balde.</p>

<p>"I'm sorry because I think we deserved something more. Lady luck was not on our side today," said Conte after their second league defeat this season after Milan last October.</p>

<p>Inter's leading scorer Romelu Lukaku started on the bench as the forward recovers from a muscular problem.</p>

<p>Sanchez started in the Belgian's place but missed the chance to give the visitors an early advantage with Emil Audero saving a penalty.</p>

<p>But Candreva made no mistake from the spot after 22 minutes, sending Samir Handanovic the wrong way after Samp were awarded a penalty for a Nicolo Barella handball.</p>

<p>Keita Balde added a second after 38 minutes following good work from Mikkel Damsgaard, the Danish winger sending the Senegalese forward through to coolly finish.</p>

<p>Lukaku came off the bench with just over an hour gone, two minutes before Stefan de Vrij's header from a Marcelo Brozovic corner reduced the deficit for the visitors.</p>

<p>Third-placed Roma closed the gap on Inter to three points, with a 3-1 win at bottom side Crotone with Borja Mayoral scoring twice and Henrikh Mkhitaryan adding a third from the penalty spot.</p>

<p>Sassuolo beat Genoa 2-1 to move fifth ahead of Napoli who fell to a shock defeat by the same scoreline to 10-man Spezia, for their first loss in their newly-named Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.</p>

<p>"I don't know how it's possible to lose a game like this, we had many shots on goal, I had a dozen myself," said Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne.</p>

<p>"I'm seeing a schizophrenic Napoli," blasted coach Gennaro Gattuso.</p>

<p>"It's not just bad luck, this season we're throwing away incredible matches. And that makes me furious."</p>

<p>Seventh-placed Atalanta beat Parma 3-0 to stay ahead of Lazio who got back winning 2-1 against Fiorentina.</p>


Federico Chiesa scored a brace as Juventus inflicted a first league defeat this season on Serie A leaders AC Milan, ending their 27-match unbeaten run with a 3-1 win on Wednesday.

Federico Chiesa scored a brace as Juventus inflicted a first league defeat this season on Serie A leaders AC Milan, ending their 27-match unbeaten run with a 3-1 win on Wednesday. Stefano Pioli's side maintained their one-point advantage over city rivals Inter Milan who missed a chance to go top with a 2-1 loss at Sampdoria. AC Milan had been unbeaten since before the coronavirus lockdown last March, with a run of 12 matches without defeat to complete last season where they finished sixth, and 15 games this campaign. But Chiesa, who joined from Fiorentina last October, bagged his first brace for the champions, scoring on 18 and 62 minutes in the San Siro with Weston McKennie getting a third with quarter of an hour to go. "This defeat hurts," said Pioli. "If there is an opponent against whom we have suffered it is Juventus, who have won the Scudetto for nine years in a row. "But understanding how bad you feel after a defeat will also help us grow." The hosts, chasing their first 'Scudetto' since 2011, had been hit hours before kick-off with the news that forward Ante Rebic and midfielder Rade Krunic had tested positive for Covid-19. The absence of the pair was a blow for the side already without key players including their injured top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic for an eighth league game. Juventus pair Alex Sandro and Juan Cuadrado were also out with coronavirus as the champions moved up to fourth, seven points behind Milan, but having played a game less. "I saw the spirit of a team that wants to lead and win," said Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo. "This match was crucial for us." Chiesa has come into his own for Pirlo's side who had been dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo's goals this campaign. Paulo Dybala provided the assists for both Chiesa's goals. Chiesa rattled the woodwork minutes before picking up a clever Dybala back-heel flick to finish off after 18 minutes. Rafael Leao send through for Davide Calabria to grab the equaliser four minutes before the break to keep Milan's hopes alive. But Dybala again teeded up Chiesa to rifle in the second before the pair were replaced by McKennie and Dejan Kulusevski. Kulusevski provided the pull back for McKennie to seal the victory after 76 minutes. - Inter miss out in Genoa - Inter's eight-match winning streak came to an halt earlier under the rain in Genoa. Alexis Sanchez missed an early penalty for Antonio Conte's side who were tripped up by goals from former Inter players Antonio Candreva and Keita Balde. "I'm sorry because I think we deserved something more. Lady luck was not on our side today," said Conte after their second league defeat this season after Milan last October. Inter's leading scorer Romelu Lukaku started on the bench as the forward recovers from a muscular problem. Sanchez started in the Belgian's place but missed the chance to give the visitors an early advantage with Emil Audero saving a penalty. But Candreva made no mistake from the spot after 22 minutes, sending Samir Handanovic the wrong way after Samp were awarded a penalty for a Nicolo Barella handball. Keita Balde added a second after 38 minutes following good work from Mikkel Damsgaard, the Danish winger sending the Senegalese forward through to coolly finish. Lukaku came off the bench with just over an hour gone, two minutes before Stefan de Vrij's header from a Marcelo Brozovic corner reduced the deficit for the visitors. Third-placed Roma closed the gap on Inter to three points, with a 3-1 win at bottom side Crotone with Borja Mayoral scoring twice and Henrikh Mkhitaryan adding a third from the penalty spot. Sassuolo beat Genoa 2-1 to move fifth ahead of Napoli who fell to a shock defeat by the same scoreline to 10-man Spezia, for their first loss in their newly-named Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. "I don't know how it's possible to lose a game like this, we had many shots on goal, I had a dozen myself," said Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne. "I'm seeing a schizophrenic Napoli," blasted coach Gennaro Gattuso. "It's not just bad luck, this season we're throwing away incredible matches. And that makes me furious." Seventh-placed Atalanta beat Parma 3-0 to stay ahead of Lazio who got back winning 2-1 against Fiorentina.

Juventus end AC Milan's 27-game unbeaten run in Serie A

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates may be surprised to learn the video and data analysis their coaches use was devised by scientists who used it to track the behaviour of mice, monkeys and human eye movements.</p>

<p>Ruben Saavedra, the Spanish CEO of Metrica Sports, says it is not a stretch to transfer the use of data to track the behaviour of mice and rats to the task of tracking "movement of players on the pitch".</p>

<p>Saavedra and Argentinian co-founder Bruno Dagnino -- who studied the eye movements of monkeys and humans -- found they shared more than an interest in science when they were studying for their PhDs in the Netherlands.</p>

<p>"We had two things in common: as Barcelona and Argentina fans, Lionel Messi was an easy link, and we were the only people on our courses who loved football," Saavedra told AFP in an interview.</p>

<p>"There are lots of nerds in science who do not have other hobbies and so he and I could talk football, which was nice."</p>

<p>The final part of the puzzle was complete with another Argentinian, Enzo Angilletta, who had a video production company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Togther they developed a system that integrates data with video analysis, which had been done only manually before. By marrying data and video they created what its developers call a "workflow of football analysts".</p>

<p>"Presenting graphs and raw data was not enough for clubs," said&nbsp;Saavedra.</p>

<p>The process is unusual in that it analyses technical skills and positioning during matches, rather than simply measure distance covered.</p>

<p>Thus, the national teams of Portugal and Paraguay, and clubs as far afield as Melbourne Victory and Santos in Brazil have benefited from the video and data analysis product, with the top clubs paying more 100,000 euros ($122,000) a year.</p>

<p>Thanks to that level of income, Metrica have been able to produce a free plan, Play Basic, a version of the analysis tool which is available to download for free to anybody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has already attracted a diverse clientele from academies in Africa to amateur players and coaches from rugby union, cricket and ice hockey.</p>

<p>"A few years ago we had to have cameras in stadia but it has evolved," he said.</p>

<p>"Now we can track any game on any video with our new technology.</p>

<p>"We are working to automate the manual work in acquiring the data so it will be affordable for some clubs, who now can only dream of having it."</p>

<p>Saavedra likes to think of Metrica Sports as a 'mini-Tesla', the electric car company, beginning with a high-end expensive product which can then by used to channel funds into the development and launch of a more affordable one.</p>

<p>"I like saying we follow the kind of model Tesla followed even if they are a huge company compared to Metrica.</p>

<p>"The first clients fund investment and development of technology which benefits them and at same time allows us to develop new technologies to cut costs.</p>

<p>"Making this technology accessible to teams like Stockport County or academies in Vietnam was possible because we partnered with the elite clubs first."</p>

<h2>- 'Click of a button' -</h2>

<p>However, while the price may stay at six figures for the elite clubs and national sides, the amount of time saved on the weary eyes of their respective video analysts is immeasurable.</p>

<p>"It was a very manual process before and this saves them tonnes of time," said Saavedra.</p>

<p>"Previously, a video analyst would sit and pause the match at every instance he wanted recording, that could take four or five hours to watch the whole game.</p>

<p>"With Metrica Sports, they simply click a few buttons and that same work is done in two or three minutes."</p>

<p>Saavedra uses an example of a coach telling two defenders never to be further than a specific distance from play.</p>

<p>"We can write an algorithm that shows every moment when they are further away than they should be as directed by the coach.</p>

<p>"They can see the lines showing distance, red for further, yellow for closer, just at the click of a button."</p>

<p>The process is unusual in that it analyses technical skills and positioning during matches, rather than simply measure distance covered.</p>

<p>Saavedra's enthusiasm reflects his lack of regret at ditching neuroscience despite studying it for 14 years.</p>

<p>"I say football used to be my hobby and neuroscience was my job," he said.</p>

<p>"I flipped that and it is awesome."</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates may be surprised to learn the video and data analysis their coaches use was devised by scientists who used it to track the behaviour of mice, monkeys and human eye movements.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates may be surprised to learn the video and data analysis their coaches use was devised by scientists who used it to track the behaviour of mice, monkeys and human eye movements. Ruben Saavedra, the Spanish CEO of Metrica Sports, says it is not a stretch to transfer the use of data to track the behaviour of mice and rats to the task of tracking "movement of players on the pitch". Saavedra and Argentinian co-founder Bruno Dagnino -- who studied the eye movements of monkeys and humans -- found they shared more than an interest in science when they were studying for their PhDs in the Netherlands. "We had two things in common: as Barcelona and Argentina fans, Lionel Messi was an easy link, and we were the only people on our courses who loved football," Saavedra told AFP in an interview. "There are lots of nerds in science who do not have other hobbies and so he and I could talk football, which was nice." The final part of the puzzle was complete with another Argentinian, Enzo Angilletta, who had a video production company. Togther they developed a system that integrates data with video analysis, which had been done only manually before. By marrying data and video they created what its developers call a "workflow of football analysts". "Presenting graphs and raw data was not enough for clubs," said Saavedra. The process is unusual in that it analyses technical skills and positioning during matches, rather than simply measure distance covered. Thus, the national teams of Portugal and Paraguay, and clubs as far afield as Melbourne Victory and Santos in Brazil have benefited from the video and data analysis product, with the top clubs paying more 100,000 euros ($122,000) a year. Thanks to that level of income, Metrica have been able to produce a free plan, Play Basic, a version of the analysis tool which is available to download for free to anybody. It has already attracted a diverse clientele from academies in Africa to amateur players and coaches from rugby union, cricket and ice hockey. "A few years ago we had to have cameras in stadia but it has evolved," he said. "Now we can track any game on any video with our new technology. "We are working to automate the manual work in acquiring the data so it will be affordable for some clubs, who now can only dream of having it." Saavedra likes to think of Metrica Sports as a 'mini-Tesla', the electric car company, beginning with a high-end expensive product which can then by used to channel funds into the development and launch of a more affordable one. "I like saying we follow the kind of model Tesla followed even if they are a huge company compared to Metrica. "The first clients fund investment and development of technology which benefits them and at same time allows us to develop new technologies to cut costs. "Making this technology accessible to teams like Stockport County or academies in Vietnam was possible because we partnered with the elite clubs first." - 'Click of a button' - However, while the price may stay at six figures for the elite clubs and national sides, the amount of time saved on the weary eyes of their respective video analysts is immeasurable. "It was a very manual process before and this saves them tonnes of time," said Saavedra. "Previously, a video analyst would sit and pause the match at every instance he wanted recording, that could take four or five hours to watch the whole game. "With Metrica Sports, they simply click a few buttons and that same work is done in two or three minutes." Saavedra uses an example of a coach telling two defenders never to be further than a specific distance from play. "We can write an algorithm that shows every moment when they are further away than they should be as directed by the coach. "They can see the lines showing distance, red for further, yellow for closer, just at the click of a button." The process is unusual in that it analyses technical skills and positioning during matches, rather than simply measure distance covered. Saavedra's enthusiasm reflects his lack of regret at ditching neuroscience despite studying it for 14 years. "I say football used to be my hobby and neuroscience was my job," he said. "I flipped that and it is awesome."

Of mice and men: Keeping track of Ronaldo and co

<p>Aston Villa were forced to close their training ground on Thursday after two rounds of testing returned multiple positive cases of coronavirus among players and staff.</p>

<p>"A large number of first team players and staff returned positive tests after being routinely tested on Monday and immediately went into isolation," Villa said in a statement.</p>

<p>"A second round of testing was carried out immediately and produced more positive results today."</p>

<p>The Premier League club's FA Cup third round tie against Liverpool on Friday is now at risk of being postponed.</p>

<p>"First team training ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup match with Liverpool was cancelled," Villa's statement added.</p>

<p>"Discussions are ongoing between medical representatives of the Club, the Football Association and the Premier League."</p>

<p>Villa are the fourth Premier League club to suffer a Covid-19 outbreak in the last two months with growing concerns over whether the English top-flight can complete the season on schedule.</p>

<p>Three Premier League matches were postponed last week due to outbreaks at Manchester City and Fulham.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, a record high of 40 positive tests were detected among Premier League players and staff in the week between December 28 and January 3.</p>

<p>Southampton's FA Cup trip to Shrewsbury has already been postponed due to a number of positive cases at the League One club.</p>

<p>Wayne Rooney's Derby will fulfil their fixture at Chorley with a youth team after nine positive tests among first-team players and staff.</p>


Aston Villa were forced to close their training ground on Thursday after two rounds of testing returned multiple positive cases of coronavirus among players and staff.

Aston Villa were forced to close their training ground on Thursday after two rounds of testing returned multiple positive cases of coronavirus among players and staff. "A large number of first team players and staff returned positive tests after being routinely tested on Monday and immediately went into isolation," Villa said in a statement. "A second round of testing was carried out immediately and produced more positive results today." The Premier League club's FA Cup third round tie against Liverpool on Friday is now at risk of being postponed. "First team training ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup match with Liverpool was cancelled," Villa's statement added. "Discussions are ongoing between medical representatives of the Club, the Football Association and the Premier League." Villa are the fourth Premier League club to suffer a Covid-19 outbreak in the last two months with growing concerns over whether the English top-flight can complete the season on schedule. Three Premier League matches were postponed last week due to outbreaks at Manchester City and Fulham. On Tuesday, a record high of 40 positive tests were detected among Premier League players and staff in the week between December 28 and January 3. Southampton's FA Cup trip to Shrewsbury has already been postponed due to a number of positive cases at the League One club. Wayne Rooney's Derby will fulfil their fixture at Chorley with a youth team after nine positive tests among first-team players and staff.

Aston Villa training ground closed due to coronavirus outbreak

<p>As violence at the US Capitol underlined deep divisions in America on Wednesday, NBA players said the incident helped renew their commitment to fight racial injustice.</p>

<p>Boston Celtics and Miami Heat players knelt during the national anthem before their game in Miami on Wednesday, hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol as legislators met to certify Joe Biden's victory in the November election.</p>

<p>The players issued a joint statement referring not only to the chaotic events in Washington but also to the decision on Tuesday by prosecutors in Wisconsin not to charge the white police officer who shot and paralyzed Black man Jacob Blake in Kenosha last August.</p>

<p>Protests of Blake's shooting brought the NBA to a standstill for three days in August in a protest of racial injustice that soon spread across an array of sports.</p>

<p>"2021 is a new year, but some things have not changed," the Celtics and Heat players said in their statement.</p>

<p>"We play tonight's game with a heavy heart after yesterday's decision in Kenosha and knowing that protesters in our nation's capital are treated differently by political leaders depending on what side of certain issues they are on.</p>

<p>"The drastic difference between the way protesters this past spring and summer were treated and the encouragement given to today's protesters who acted illegally just shows how much more work we have to do.</p>

<p>"We have decided to play tonight's game to try to bring joy into people's lives.</p>

<p>"But we must not forget the injustices in our society, and we will continue to use our voices and our platform to highlight these issues and do everything we can to work for a more equal and just America."</p>

<p>In Philadelphia, 76ers coach Doc Rivers was blunt in his assessment of the scene at the Capitol.</p>

<p>"It's pretty disturbing and sad," he said. "I keep hearing, 'This is an attack on democracy.' It's not. Democracy will prevail. It always does.</p>

<p>"It shows a lot though. I'll say it because I don't think a lot of people want to -- could you imagine today if those were all Black people storming into the Capitol and what would've happened?</p>

<p>"It's a sad day in a lot of ways. But it's a part of what we are and so we have to solve it."</p>

<p>In Milwaukee, the host Bucks and the Detroit Pistons both took turnovers on their first possessions.</p>

<p>The Bucks won the opening tip off and NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo simply held the ball as all the players took a knee. On the ensuing Detroit possession, Pistons star Blake Griffin held the ball and all 10 players on court took a knee again.</p>

<p>Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr admitted that it was hard to concentrate on basketball.</p>

<p>"I started the day thinking about how we were going to guard Lou Williams without fouling him," Kerr said. "Suddenly that didn't seem quite as important.</p>

<p>"Just a bizarre scene, but a pretty clear reminder that the truth matters," Kerr said.</p>

<p>"A legitimate election is suddenly questioned by millions of people, including many of the people who are leading our country in government, because we've decided to -- over the last few years -- allow lies to be told. So, this is who we are," Kerr said. "You reap what you sow."</p>


As violence at the US Capitol underlined deep divisions in America on Wednesday, NBA players said the incident helped renew their commitment to fight racial injustice.

As violence at the US Capitol underlined deep divisions in America on Wednesday, NBA players said the incident helped renew their commitment to fight racial injustice. Boston Celtics and Miami Heat players knelt during the national anthem before their game in Miami on Wednesday, hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol as legislators met to certify Joe Biden's victory in the November election. The players issued a joint statement referring not only to the chaotic events in Washington but also to the decision on Tuesday by prosecutors in Wisconsin not to charge the white police officer who shot and paralyzed Black man Jacob Blake in Kenosha last August. Protests of Blake's shooting brought the NBA to a standstill for three days in August in a protest of racial injustice that soon spread across an array of sports. "2021 is a new year, but some things have not changed," the Celtics and Heat players said in their statement. "We play tonight's game with a heavy heart after yesterday's decision in Kenosha and knowing that protesters in our nation's capital are treated differently by political leaders depending on what side of certain issues they are on. "The drastic difference between the way protesters this past spring and summer were treated and the encouragement given to today's protesters who acted illegally just shows how much more work we have to do. "We have decided to play tonight's game to try to bring joy into people's lives. "But we must not forget the injustices in our society, and we will continue to use our voices and our platform to highlight these issues and do everything we can to work for a more equal and just America." In Philadelphia, 76ers coach Doc Rivers was blunt in his assessment of the scene at the Capitol. "It's pretty disturbing and sad," he said. "I keep hearing, 'This is an attack on democracy.' It's not. Democracy will prevail. It always does. "It shows a lot though. I'll say it because I don't think a lot of people want to -- could you imagine today if those were all Black people storming into the Capitol and what would've happened? "It's a sad day in a lot of ways. But it's a part of what we are and so we have to solve it." In Milwaukee, the host Bucks and the Detroit Pistons both took turnovers on their first possessions. The Bucks won the opening tip off and NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo simply held the ball as all the players took a knee. On the ensuing Detroit possession, Pistons star Blake Griffin held the ball and all 10 players on court took a knee again. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr admitted that it was hard to concentrate on basketball. "I started the day thinking about how we were going to guard Lou Williams without fouling him," Kerr said. "Suddenly that didn't seem quite as important. "Just a bizarre scene, but a pretty clear reminder that the truth matters," Kerr said. "A legitimate election is suddenly questioned by millions of people, including many of the people who are leading our country in government, because we've decided to -- over the last few years -- allow lies to be told. So, this is who we are," Kerr said. "You reap what you sow."

After chaos at Capitol NBA players reaffirm racial justice commitment

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{112a8058-a923-46de-b35d-bf1430f7bb65}{218}" paraid="1526667227" >Renowned Indian motorcycle racer CS Santosh on Wednesday suffered a horrific crash during the ongoing Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia and was put in a medically-induced coma. He was airlifted to a hospital in Riyadh after suffering the&nbsp;terrible crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7d5f8cd0-ad94-4869-b945-6afc1253ad6c}{242}" paraid="486344790" >The 37-year-old was representing the Hero&nbsp;MotoSports in one of the biggest rallies in the world and is now under 24-hour observation. Santosh has suffered a suspected head injury. According to reports, Santosh was conscious as the paramedics rushed to the scene before being airlifted to Riyadh.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In an unfortunate incident, <a href="https://twitter.com/cs_santosh22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cs_santosh22</a> suffered a crash in Stage 4 of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dakar2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dakar2021</a> today. He has been taken to a hospital in Riyadh. In the initial assessment, he seems stable.<br />
Join us in wishing him a speedy recovery. <a href="https://t.co/ePbtRIsBcT">pic.twitter.com/ePbtRIsBcT</a></p>
— Hero MotoSports (@hero_motosports) <a href="https://twitter.com/hero_motosports/status/1346803329024761857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-missing-my-dad-mohammed-siraj-on-getting-emotional-during-indian-national-anthem-355142" hreflang="en">'Was missing my dad': Mohammed Siraj on getting emotional during Indian national anthem</a></strong></p>

<p>The horrific crash took place on the same stage where Hero&nbsp;MotoSports rider Paulo Goncalves died while participating in the Dakar 2020. The team withdrew from the rally after Goncalves passed away following the severe crash.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{25934e78-b644-4682-9361-840b8f1525eb}{152}" paraid="1826545596" >Santosh suffered a massive crash, around 135 km into the stage on a gravel track, and forfeited the stage. Considered the world’s toughest&nbsp;off-road motorsport event, this was Santosh’s seventh attempt at the Dakar Rally. Notably, Santosh was the first Indian to participate in Dakar Rally in 2015 and went on to compete in two more editions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{25934e78-b644-4682-9361-840b8f1525eb}{152}" paraid="1826545596" >Hero Motorsports has now&nbsp;provided an update on CS Santosh's health:&nbsp;</h2>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Update on <a href="https://twitter.com/cs_santosh22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cs_santosh22</a>'s recovery. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dakar2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dakar2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/UMf8oHnUiZ">pic.twitter.com/UMf8oHnUiZ</a></p>
— Hero MotoSports (@hero_motosports) <a href="https://twitter.com/hero_motosports/status/1347198795549851648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" hreflang="en">From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{726529d7-2387-4863-9f1b-05247536c63e}{131}" paraid="2034237895" >Santosh suffered burns to his neck during the 2013 Abu Dhabi desert challenge after his Suzuki MX450X caught fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5c4b15fb-7dc9-425e-a366-73a91a2163d6}{234}" paraid="1674443099" >Dakar Rally, taking place from January 2-16, is divided into 12 stages with participants traversing 7646 km. The longest stage of the rally spans a total of 813 km.&nbsp;</p>


Renowned Indian motorcycle racer CS Santosh on Wednesday suffered a horrific crash during the ongoing Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia and was put in a medically-induced coma.

Renowned Indian motorcycle racer CS Santosh on Wednesday suffered a horrific crash during the ongoing Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia and was put in a medically-induced coma. He was airlifted to a hospital in Riyadh after suffering the terrible crash. The 37-year-old was representing the Hero MotoSports in one of the biggest rallies in the world and is now under 24-hour observation. Santosh has suffered a suspected head injury. According to reports, Santosh was conscious as the paramedics rushed to the scene before being airlifted to Riyadh. In an unfortunate incident, @cs_santosh22 suffered a crash in Stage 4 of #Dakar2021 today. He has been taken to a hospital in Riyadh. In the initial assessment, he seems stable. Join us in wishing him a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/ePbtRIsBcT — Hero MotoSports (@hero_motosports) January 6, 2021 × ALSO READ: 'Was missing my dad': Mohammed Siraj on getting emotional during Indian national anthem The horrific crash took place on the same stage where Hero MotoSports rider Paulo Goncalves died while participating in the Dakar 2020. The team withdrew from the rally after Goncalves passed away following the severe crash. Santosh suffered a massive crash, around 135 km into the stage on a gravel track, and forfeited the stage. Considered the world’s toughest off-road motorsport event, this was Santosh’s seventh attempt at the Dakar Rally. Notably, Santosh was the first Indian to participate in Dakar Rally in 2015 and went on to compete in two more editions. Hero Motorsports has now provided an update on CS Santosh's health: Update on @cs_santosh22's recovery. #Dakar2021 pic.twitter.com/UMf8oHnUiZ — Hero MotoSports (@hero_motosports) January 7, 2021 × ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 Santosh suffered burns to his neck during the 2013 Abu Dhabi desert challenge after his Suzuki MX450X caught fire. Dakar Rally, taking place from January 2-16, is divided into 12 stages with participants traversing 7646 km. The longest stage of the rally spans a total of 813 km.

Indian racer CS Santosh put into medically-induced coma after horrific crash in Dakar Rally

<p>Liverpool are unlikely to bolster their injury-hit defence this month due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, manager Jurgen Klopp revealed on Thursday.</p>

<p>The English champions are expected to be without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez for the rest of the season, while Joel Matip is also currently sidelined leaving Klopp without a senior recognised centre-back.</p>

<p>Midfielder Fabinho has deputised in central defence for most the season, while youngsters Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips have had to be drafted in.</p>

<p>Despite the closure of stadiums to fans due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Reds spent a reported £70 million in the summer transfer window on Konstantinos Tsimikas, Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota, all of whom have also had spells out due to injury.</p>

<p>"I cannot say definitely we will not do it, it's just not likely because of the situation in the world," said Klopp ahead of his side's trip to Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday. "It's not the best situation for the whole planet, so why should it be for a football club."</p>

<p>The German led Liverpool to winning the Champions League in 2018/19 and followed that up with the club's first league title for 30 years in 2020.</p>

<p>However, the financial springboard expected from that success has not materialised with the growing possibility of a full season with supporters through the gates.</p>

<p>"This club, with these owners, will always be very responsible with the things we do," added Klopp.</p>

<p>"If the world would be a normal place, everything would be fine, we won the league, won the Champions League, the club is in the best possible situation, then you have three senior centre-halves all injured - is that a situation where usually we would do something?</p>

<p>"Yes, definitely, but we are not in that situation so I don't know if something will happen or not.</p>

<p>"We have to deal with the situation like we did it so far and we have to get through this."</p>

<p>Liverpool still top the Premier League, but the injury toll has shown in recent weeks as they have failed to win in three league games for the first time since 2018 to see their advantage at the top of the table whittled away.</p>

<p>Manchester United are level on points with Klopp's men and have a game in hand to come at Burnley on Tuesday before the top two face off at Anfield on January 17.</p>


Liverpool are unlikely to bolster their injury-hit defence this month due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, manager Jurgen Klopp revealed on Thursday.

Liverpool are unlikely to bolster their injury-hit defence this month due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, manager Jurgen Klopp revealed on Thursday. The English champions are expected to be without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez for the rest of the season, while Joel Matip is also currently sidelined leaving Klopp without a senior recognised centre-back. Midfielder Fabinho has deputised in central defence for most the season, while youngsters Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips have had to be drafted in. Despite the closure of stadiums to fans due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Reds spent a reported £70 million in the summer transfer window on Konstantinos Tsimikas, Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota, all of whom have also had spells out due to injury. "I cannot say definitely we will not do it, it's just not likely because of the situation in the world," said Klopp ahead of his side's trip to Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday. "It's not the best situation for the whole planet, so why should it be for a football club." The German led Liverpool to winning the Champions League in 2018/19 and followed that up with the club's first league title for 30 years in 2020. However, the financial springboard expected from that success has not materialised with the growing possibility of a full season with supporters through the gates. "This club, with these owners, will always be very responsible with the things we do," added Klopp. "If the world would be a normal place, everything would be fine, we won the league, won the Champions League, the club is in the best possible situation, then you have three senior centre-halves all injured - is that a situation where usually we would do something? "Yes, definitely, but we are not in that situation so I don't know if something will happen or not. "We have to deal with the situation like we did it so far and we have to get through this." Liverpool still top the Premier League, but the injury toll has shown in recent weeks as they have failed to win in three league games for the first time since 2018 to see their advantage at the top of the table whittled away. Manchester United are level on points with Klopp's men and have a game in hand to come at Burnley on Tuesday before the top two face off at Anfield on January 17.

Klopp blames Covid crisis for lack of transfer funds at Liverpool

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