<p>In a year where the entire world witnessed unprecedented circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis touched new heights in the field of athletics while shattering record books. Nicknamed ‘Mondo’, Armand Duplantis was not only immensely consistent during the 2020 Diamond League, the 21-year-old broke legendary Sergey Bubka’s 26-year-old outdoor world record in September 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Duplantis, who also holds the indoor world record of 6.18 meters set in Glasgow in February, came to the world scene after breaking age-group records while winning the silver medal at 2019 World Championships.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis – World Athletics Male Athlete of the Year 2020 – spoke about his unforgettable year 2020, record-breaking spree in Pole Vault, registering new world record, expectations in Tokyo Olympics and much more.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><img alt="Armand 'Mundo' Duplantis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74e82ebf-bbb9-4406-9d1d-99ef9149ffe3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8Q826L.jpg" /></p>

<p>Duplantis, who was a child prodigy born in a renowned Athletic family, started the year 2020 on a sharp note and registered a new world record of 6.18 metres (20 feet, 3 ¼ inches) in Glasgow in February. After months of lockdown due to the pandemic, Duplantis came back stronger and sharper to get hold of the outdoor world record at such a young age.</p>

<p>“2020 started off perfectly for me. I had the close to perfect indoor season where I was able to break the world record twice so I can't really complain. Everything felt right about the world and then 2 weeks after the indoor season closed the pandemic started to set in. Everything came to a screeching halt. All events I prepared for, the Olympics and the European Championships were postponed. But I was still able to come away with an outdoor season and get some good marks in even though it was a restricted season. I cannot complain how things worked out but it was definitely worse for other people,” Duplantis told WION in an exclusive interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Armand 'Mundo' Duplantis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="618d9a2a-7713-42c1-a493-a7808d6f182b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8Q8276.jpg" /></p>

<p>With the previous winners of World Athletics Male Athlete of the Year being the likes of Carl Lewis, Usain Bolt, Michael Johnson, Renaud Lavilennie among others, Duplantis, at just 21, has set the bar high.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Everyone was asking me if I could fill Usain Bolt's shoes when I broke the world record. I do not worry about it too much as we are different people who do different events. I go out there, try to jump high and just be genuine. I like putting on a show and everything else just works out,” Duplantis said.</p>

<p>And with success, come expectations. Many young athletes crumble under pressure. But Duplantis has his target clear from a very young age.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have expectations from a very young age but I also have very huge expectations from myself. I always believed as a kid that I was capable of breaking the world record and I thought that eventually, I would get up to the required heights and be chasing for Olympic golds. My expectations of myself always equalled what other people thought of me and that ensured I never stressed over what people thought of me. But yes, expectations have been higher than ever before,” Duplantis explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Armand 'Mundo' Duplantis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c0ba2280-88da-47ac-8ccd-f88bc8574d32" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8PV979.jpg" /></p>

<p>Duplantis went undefeated through the year and went on to broke the indoor and outdoor mark. The thrill and excitement of achieving a dream at a tender age follow.</p>

<p>Despite breaking Bubka’s record, Duplantis considers the former Ukrainian Pole Vaulter as the greatest that ever lived. However, the youngster wants to be better than everyone and set fresh benchmarks.</p>

<p>“Breaking the world record for the first time in Torun was a very crazy feeling. There was this rush of emotions that flooded through my body and it was hard to believe that it actually happened. I always dreamed of the day it would come and the moment and the second I went over the bar and realised what was happening I felt like I blacked out for a second and I remember running around and shouting like crazy. You do not get many such moments like that in your career and I will always cherish it,” the 21-year-old said.</p>

<p>“Bubka is still considered the greatest pole vaulter that ever lived. I want to be the best pole vaulter that ever lived and I want to go out there and do the things that he did and make it even better. I want to jump even higher and accomplish more. I want to do things that nobody has ever seen before and while there is a long way to go, I have made a good start,” he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MALE WORLD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR! ✨<br />
<br />
Mondo Duplantis is crowned Male Athlete of the Year at the 2020 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldAthleticsAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldAthleticsAwards</a><br />
<br />
Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/mondohoss600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mondohoss600</a> 👏 <a href="https://t.co/Kk7YX0P6do">pic.twitter.com/Kk7YX0P6do</a></p>
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldAthletics/status/1335252879586848768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>With Japan and International&nbsp;Olympic Association determined to go ahead with the Tokyo Olympics, athletes are gearing up for the quadrennial event. For Duplantis, it will be his first-ever Olympic appearance.</p>

<p>“Pole vault has a lot of surprises and anything can happen on any given day. I do not know how the conditions will be or how I will be feeling. I will go in there and make sure I am in the best shape possible and everything else works out. I am going to do everything I can to end up on the top of that podium,” Duplantis said.</p>

<p>“I have not been to an Olympics before but I can imagine it is very special., meeting people from all over the world and from all kinds of sports is really special thing. I understand everything will be different in Tokyo but the world is different now after the pandemic and one has to get used to it. For me restrictions or not, I hope the Olympics do take place,” he concluded.</p>


In a year where the entire world witnessed unprecedented circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis touched new heights in the field of athletics while shattering record books.

In a year where the entire world witnessed unprecedented circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis touched new heights in the field of athletics while shattering record books. Nicknamed ‘Mondo’, Armand Duplantis was not only immensely consistent during the 2020 Diamond League, the 21-year-old broke legendary Sergey Bubka’s 26-year-old outdoor world record in September 2020. Duplantis, who also holds the indoor world record of 6.18 meters set in Glasgow in February, came to the world scene after breaking age-group records while winning the silver medal at 2019 World Championships. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis – World Athletics Male Athlete of the Year 2020 – spoke about his unforgettable year 2020, record-breaking spree in Pole Vault, registering new world record, expectations in Tokyo Olympics and much more. × Duplantis, who was a child prodigy born in a renowned Athletic family, started the year 2020 on a sharp note and registered a new world record of 6.18 metres (20 feet, 3 ¼ inches) in Glasgow in February. After months of lockdown due to the pandemic, Duplantis came back stronger and sharper to get hold of the outdoor world record at such a young age. “2020 started off perfectly for me. I had the close to perfect indoor season where I was able to break the world record twice so I can't really complain. Everything felt right about the world and then 2 weeks after the indoor season closed the pandemic started to set in. Everything came to a screeching halt. All events I prepared for, the Olympics and the European Championships were postponed. But I was still able to come away with an outdoor season and get some good marks in even though it was a restricted season. I cannot complain how things worked out but it was definitely worse for other people,” Duplantis told WION in an exclusive interview. With the previous winners of World Athletics Male Athlete of the Year being the likes of Carl Lewis, Usain Bolt, Michael Johnson, Renaud Lavilennie among others, Duplantis, at just 21, has set the bar high. “Everyone was asking me if I could fill Usain Bolt's shoes when I broke the world record. I do not worry about it too much as we are different people who do different events. I go out there, try to jump high and just be genuine. I like putting on a show and everything else just works out,” Duplantis said. And with success, come expectations. Many young athletes crumble under pressure. But Duplantis has his target clear from a very young age. “I have expectations from a very young age but I also have very huge expectations from myself. I always believed as a kid that I was capable of breaking the world record and I thought that eventually, I would get up to the required heights and be chasing for Olympic golds. My expectations of myself always equalled what other people thought of me and that ensured I never stressed over what people thought of me. But yes, expectations have been higher than ever before,” Duplantis explained. Duplantis went undefeated through the year and went on to broke the indoor and outdoor mark. The thrill and excitement of achieving a dream at a tender age follow. Despite breaking Bubka’s record, Duplantis considers the former Ukrainian Pole Vaulter as the greatest that ever lived. However, the youngster wants to be better than everyone and set fresh benchmarks. “Breaking the world record for the first time in Torun was a very crazy feeling. There was this rush of emotions that flooded through my body and it was hard to believe that it actually happened. I always dreamed of the day it would come and the moment and the second I went over the bar and realised what was happening I felt like I blacked out for a second and I remember running around and shouting like crazy. You do not get many such moments like that in your career and I will always cherish it,” the 21-year-old said. “Bubka is still considered the greatest pole vaulter that ever lived. I want to be the best pole vaulter that ever lived and I want to go out there and do the things that he did and make it even better. I want to jump even higher and accomplish more. I want to do things that nobody has ever seen before and while there is a long way to go, I have made a good start,” he added. MALE WORLD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR! ✨ Mondo Duplantis is crowned Male Athlete of the Year at the 2020 #WorldAthleticsAwards Congratulations @mondohoss600 👏 pic.twitter.com/Kk7YX0P6do — World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) December 5, 2020 × With Japan and International Olympic Association determined to go ahead with the Tokyo Olympics, athletes are gearing up for the quadrennial event. For Duplantis, it will be his first-ever Olympic appearance. “Pole vault has a lot of surprises and anything can happen on any given day. I do not know how the conditions will be or how I will be feeling. I will go in there and make sure I am in the best shape possible and everything else works out. I am going to do everything I can to end up on the top of that podium,” Duplantis said. “I have not been to an Olympics before but I can imagine it is very special., meeting people from all over the world and from all kinds of sports is really special thing. I understand everything will be different in Tokyo but the world is different now after the pandemic and one has to get used to it. For me restrictions or not, I hope the Olympics do take place,” he concluded.

Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis: I want to be the best pole vaulter to ever live | Exclusive Interview

<p>Thangarasu Natarajan, who was a sensation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, on Friday was included in the Indian squad for the last two Tests against Australia as the 29-year-old replaced an injured Umesh Yadav in the team. Natarajan started India’s tour of Australia as a net bowler and now is part of the Test squad after earning maiden caps for India in T20Is and ODIs against the Aussies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Natarajan could potentially go onto make his Test debut and become the only player to earn national caps in all three formats of the game, in the same series, despite not being in the original squad. However, as per reports, Shardul Thakur, who replaced the injured Mohammed Shami in the squad, is ahead in the pecking order to be in the Indian playing XI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the most inspiring stories of the year 2020, Natarajan touched new heights with his sensational bowling displays in IPL 2020 for Sunrisers Hyderabad where he scalped 16 wickets with an economy rate of 8.02. His ability to bowl yorkers at will earned him plaudits from all corners.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-announce-squad-for-last-two-test-vs-australia-rohit-sharma-appointed-vice-captain-353820" hreflang="en">India announce squad for last two Test vs Australia, Rohit Sharma appointed vice-captain</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">T. Natarajan has been included in the Test squad as a replacement for Umesh Yadav.<br />
<br />
What a way to start 2021! 🧡 Wishing Umesh a speedy recovery 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeepRising?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeepRising</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Natarajan_91?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Natarajan_91</a> <a href="https://t.co/5AFLjNmHTk">pic.twitter.com/5AFLjNmHTk</a></p>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/1344928286116220928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NEWS: T Natarajan to replace Umesh Yadav in India’s Test squad. <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><br />
<br />
Details 👉 <a href="https://t.co/JeZLOQaER3">https://t.co/JeZLOQaER3</a> <a href="https://t.co/G9oXK5MQUE">pic.twitter.com/G9oXK5MQUE</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1344925524318068738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, on Friday, Umesh Yadav, who was ruled out of the Test series due to a calf injury, was blessed with a baby girl as the Indian pacer starts the new year on a great personal note.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a></strong></p>

<h2>BCCI Statement on Indian Test squad for last two Tests vs Australia:&nbsp;</h2>

<p>"Umesh Yadav sustained a strain in his left calf muscle on Day 3 of the second Border-Gavaskar Test in Melbourne. He underwent scans later in the day. The fast bowler will not recover completely ahead of the remaining two Test matches and has been ruled out of the series.</p>

<p>The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named T Natarajan as Yadav’s replacement. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Shardul Thakur was added to the Test squad as Mohd. Shami's replacement after the senior fast bowler suffered a hairline fracture in his right forearm. Both Shami and Umesh Yadav will head to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further rehabilitation of their injuries."</p>

<p><strong>Team India Test squad</strong>: Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan</p>


Thangarasu Natarajan, who was a sensation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, on Friday was included in the Indian squad for the last two Tests against Australia as the 29-year-old replaced an injured Umesh Yadav in the team.

Thangarasu Natarajan, who was a sensation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, on Friday was included in the Indian squad for the last two Tests against Australia as the 29-year-old replaced an injured Umesh Yadav in the team. Natarajan started India’s tour of Australia as a net bowler and now is part of the Test squad after earning maiden caps for India in T20Is and ODIs against the Aussies. Natarajan could potentially go onto make his Test debut and become the only player to earn national caps in all three formats of the game, in the same series, despite not being in the original squad. However, as per reports, Shardul Thakur, who replaced the injured Mohammed Shami in the squad, is ahead in the pecking order to be in the Indian playing XI. One of the most inspiring stories of the year 2020, Natarajan touched new heights with his sensational bowling displays in IPL 2020 for Sunrisers Hyderabad where he scalped 16 wickets with an economy rate of 8.02. His ability to bowl yorkers at will earned him plaudits from all corners. ALSO READ: India announce squad for last two Test vs Australia, Rohit Sharma appointed vice-captain T. Natarajan has been included in the Test squad as a replacement for Umesh Yadav. What a way to start 2021! 🧡 Wishing Umesh a speedy recovery 💪#AUSvIND #OrangeArmy #KeepRising @Natarajan_91 pic.twitter.com/5AFLjNmHTk — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) January 1, 2021 × NEWS: T Natarajan to replace Umesh Yadav in India’s Test squad. #TeamIndia #AUSvIND Details 👉 https://t.co/JeZLOQaER3 pic.twitter.com/G9oXK5MQUE — BCCI (@BCCI) January 1, 2021 × Meanwhile, on Friday, Umesh Yadav, who was ruled out of the Test series due to a calf injury, was blessed with a baby girl as the Indian pacer starts the new year on a great personal note. ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners BCCI Statement on Indian Test squad for last two Tests vs Australia: "Umesh Yadav sustained a strain in his left calf muscle on Day 3 of the second Border-Gavaskar Test in Melbourne. He underwent scans later in the day. The fast bowler will not recover completely ahead of the remaining two Test matches and has been ruled out of the series. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named T Natarajan as Yadav’s replacement. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Shardul Thakur was added to the Test squad as Mohd. Shami's replacement after the senior fast bowler suffered a hairline fracture in his right forearm. Both Shami and Umesh Yadav will head to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further rehabilitation of their injuries." Team India Test squad: Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan

T Natarajan named in Indian Test squad vs Australia, replaces injured Umesh Yadav

<p class="MsoNormal">The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday announced the Indian squad for the last two Tests against Australia, scheduled to be played in Melbourne and Brisbane respectively. While Ajinkya Rahane continues to lead the side in the absence of Virat Kohli whereas Rohit Sharma has been named as the vice-captain of the Test squad, replacing Cheteshwar Pujara who deputised Rahane in the Boxing Day Test.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Thangarasu Natarajan and Shardul Thakur have also been added to the Indian Test squad with the duo competing for the third pacer’s spot in the Indian playing XI along with Navdeep Saini. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Pujara, Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj continue to be in the squad for the last two Tests against Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/yearender-2020-how-sportspersons-set-social-media-on-fire-in-coronavirus-hit-year-353667" hreflang="en">Yearender 2020: How sportspersons set social media on fire in coronavirus-hit year</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Rohit Sharma’s promotion for the vice-captain of the Indian team suggests that the Hitman in all likelihood will start for the visitors in the third Test, scheduled to start on January 7 in Sydney. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">India and Australia are firmly locked 1-1 in the four-match Test series. While Australia won the first Test in Adelaide by eight wickets, India bounced back in Melbourne to win the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets to level the series.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a></strong></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">BCCI statement on Indian Test squad for last two Tests vs Australia: <o:p></o:p></h2>

<p style="margin-top:0cm;background:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;color:#0F1D3A">"Umesh Yadav sustained a strain in his left calf muscle on Day 3 of the second Border-Gavaskar Test in Melbourne. He underwent scans later in the day. The fast bowler will not recover completely ahead of the remaining two Test matches and has been ruled out of the series.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p style="margin-top:0cm;background:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;
color:#0F1D3A">"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named T Natarajan as Yadav’s replacement. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Shardul Thakur was added to the Test squad as Mohd. Shami's replacement after the senior fast bowler suffered a hairline fracture in his right forearm. Both Shami and Umesh Yadav will head to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further rehabilitation of their injuries."</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Team India Test squad: </strong>Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday announced the Indian squad for the last two Tests against Australia, scheduled to be played in Melbourne and Brisbane respectively.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday announced the Indian squad for the last two Tests against Australia, scheduled to be played in Melbourne and Brisbane respectively. While Ajinkya Rahane continues to lead the side in the absence of Virat Kohli whereas Rohit Sharma has been named as the vice-captain of the Test squad, replacing Cheteshwar Pujara who deputised Rahane in the Boxing Day Test. Thangarasu Natarajan and Shardul Thakur have also been added to the Indian Test squad with the duo competing for the third pacer’s spot in the Indian playing XI along with Navdeep Saini. Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Pujara, Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj continue to be in the squad for the last two Tests against Australia. ALSO READ: Yearender 2020: How sportspersons set social media on fire in coronavirus-hit year Rohit Sharma’s promotion for the vice-captain of the Indian team suggests that the Hitman in all likelihood will start for the visitors in the third Test, scheduled to start on January 7 in Sydney. India and Australia are firmly locked 1-1 in the four-match Test series. While Australia won the first Test in Adelaide by eight wickets, India bounced back in Melbourne to win the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets to level the series. ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners BCCI statement on Indian Test squad for last two Tests vs Australia: "Umesh Yadav sustained a strain in his left calf muscle on Day 3 of the second Border-Gavaskar Test in Melbourne. He underwent scans later in the day. The fast bowler will not recover completely ahead of the remaining two Test matches and has been ruled out of the series. "The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named T Natarajan as Yadav’s replacement. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Shardul Thakur was added to the Test squad as Mohd. Shami's replacement after the senior fast bowler suffered a hairline fracture in his right forearm. Both Shami and Umesh Yadav will head to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further rehabilitation of their injuries." Team India Test squad: Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan

India announce squad for last two Test vs Australia, Rohit Sharma appointed vice-captain

<p>Los Angeles superstar LeBron James celebrated his 36th birthday Wednesday with another NBA milestone, scoring double-digit points for the 1,000th straight game in the Lakers' 121-107 victory over the Spurs in San Antonio.</p>

<p>James finished with 26 points to extend his already record streak of double-digit games in the regular season.</p>

<p>He sealed the milestone midway through the second quarter with a turnaround jump hook that gave the Lakers a 46-37 lead.</p>

<p>"I just try to live in the moment and just try to continue to get better with my game, try to get better with my teammates and try to just maximize when I'm on the floor," said James, who is in his 18th NBA campaign after leading the Lakers to the 2020 title in the league's quarantine bubble in Orlando.</p>

<p>"I've been blessed to play the game that I love for 18 years and hopefully I can continue to play at a high level," he said.</p>

<p>James' double-digit scoring streak began on January 6, 2007, when he was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p>

<p>"It's a tribute to his tenacity level ... his commitment to excellence," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said before the game. "He deserves a lot of credit for being the consummate professional. His mental state along with his physical state really makes him really special."</p>

<p>Shortly after James reached the milestone, Popovich was ejected from the contest for arguing with officials.</p>

<p>Assistant Becky Hammon took over on the Spurs bench, becoming the first woman to direct a team in an NBA game.</p>

<p>Anthony Davis scored 20 points and pulled down nine rebounds for the Lakers, newcomer Dennis Schroder added 21 points and four assists.</p>

<p>Wesley Matthews had his best game since joining the champions, scoring 18 points off the bench as he made all six of his three-point attempts.</p>

<h2>- Humbled Heat bounce back -</h2>

<p>In early action, the Miami Heat rebounded from an embarrassing 47-point loss to Milwaukee with a 119-108 NBA victory over the Bucks.</p>

<p>The Heat didn't have to wait long for revenge as they hosted the Bucks for the second straight night.</p>

<p>Goran Dragic came off the bench to lead Miami with 26 points, Bam Adebayo added 22 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists and Tyler Herro scored 21 points with a career-best 15 rebounds as the Heat rallied to stave off another home defeat.</p>

<p>The Bucks had dominated on Tuesday with an NBA-record 29 three-pointers in their 144-97 triumph.</p>

<p>The Bucks, fueled by a triple-double of 26 points 13 rebounds and 10 assists from two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, looked like making it two wins in a row when they led by 14 in the third quarter.</p>

<p>Donte DiVincenzo scored 15 points and Jrue Holiday added 13 for the Bucks, but the Heat rallied despite missing Jimmy Butler for the second straight game.</p>

<p>"You want to constantly develop some grit and toughness during the course of a long season, and our guys responded in an appropriate fashion," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who acknowledged before the game that there was "a lot of anger and frustration" after the blowout loss on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"As well there should have been," he said.</p>

<p>In Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving scored 17 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and Kevin Durant added 33 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the Nets dealt the Atlanta Hawks their first defeat of the young season, 145-141.</p>

<p>Irving's late burst helped the Celtics withstand 30-point performances from Atlanta's Trae Young and John Collins.</p>

<p>Boston, powered by Jaylen Brown's career-high 42 points, defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 116-111.</p>

<p>The Celtics led by 12 points after the opening quarter and took full control with a 17-0 scoring run in the second period.</p>

<p>Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who missed two games with a mouth injury from an elbow to the face, returned in a protective mask to score a game-high 28 points in his team's 128-105 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.</p>


Los Angeles superstar LeBron James celebrated his 36th birthday Wednesday with another NBA milestone, scoring double-digit points for the 1,000th straight game in the Lakers' 121-107 victory over the Spurs in San Antonio.

Los Angeles superstar LeBron James celebrated his 36th birthday Wednesday with another NBA milestone, scoring double-digit points for the 1,000th straight game in the Lakers' 121-107 victory over the Spurs in San Antonio. James finished with 26 points to extend his already record streak of double-digit games in the regular season. He sealed the milestone midway through the second quarter with a turnaround jump hook that gave the Lakers a 46-37 lead. "I just try to live in the moment and just try to continue to get better with my game, try to get better with my teammates and try to just maximize when I'm on the floor," said James, who is in his 18th NBA campaign after leading the Lakers to the 2020 title in the league's quarantine bubble in Orlando. "I've been blessed to play the game that I love for 18 years and hopefully I can continue to play at a high level," he said. James' double-digit scoring streak began on January 6, 2007, when he was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. "It's a tribute to his tenacity level ... his commitment to excellence," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said before the game. "He deserves a lot of credit for being the consummate professional. His mental state along with his physical state really makes him really special." Shortly after James reached the milestone, Popovich was ejected from the contest for arguing with officials. Assistant Becky Hammon took over on the Spurs bench, becoming the first woman to direct a team in an NBA game. Anthony Davis scored 20 points and pulled down nine rebounds for the Lakers, newcomer Dennis Schroder added 21 points and four assists. Wesley Matthews had his best game since joining the champions, scoring 18 points off the bench as he made all six of his three-point attempts. - Humbled Heat bounce back - In early action, the Miami Heat rebounded from an embarrassing 47-point loss to Milwaukee with a 119-108 NBA victory over the Bucks. The Heat didn't have to wait long for revenge as they hosted the Bucks for the second straight night. Goran Dragic came off the bench to lead Miami with 26 points, Bam Adebayo added 22 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists and Tyler Herro scored 21 points with a career-best 15 rebounds as the Heat rallied to stave off another home defeat. The Bucks had dominated on Tuesday with an NBA-record 29 three-pointers in their 144-97 triumph. The Bucks, fueled by a triple-double of 26 points 13 rebounds and 10 assists from two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, looked like making it two wins in a row when they led by 14 in the third quarter. Donte DiVincenzo scored 15 points and Jrue Holiday added 13 for the Bucks, but the Heat rallied despite missing Jimmy Butler for the second straight game. "You want to constantly develop some grit and toughness during the course of a long season, and our guys responded in an appropriate fashion," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who acknowledged before the game that there was "a lot of anger and frustration" after the blowout loss on Tuesday. "As well there should have been," he said. In Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving scored 17 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and Kevin Durant added 33 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the Nets dealt the Atlanta Hawks their first defeat of the young season, 145-141. Irving's late burst helped the Celtics withstand 30-point performances from Atlanta's Trae Young and John Collins. Boston, powered by Jaylen Brown's career-high 42 points, defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 116-111. The Celtics led by 12 points after the opening quarter and took full control with a 17-0 scoring run in the second period. Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who missed two games with a mouth injury from an elbow to the face, returned in a protective mask to score a game-high 28 points in his team's 128-105 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

'King' James celebrates birthday with milestone in Lakers win

<p>Brazilian prosecutors said Wednesday they were&nbsp;investigating reports that football star Neymar has organized a New Year's Eve mega-party at his luxury home near Rio de Janeiro, despite public health measures to curb rising coronavirus deaths.</p>

<p>Sources close to the striker denied he had plans to host such an extravaganza, while the Paris Saint-German player added to the mystery by simply posting pictures of himself with a friend on a yacht off a beach in the southern state of Santa Catarina.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Rio Prosecutor's Office said in a statement that it had opened an investigation after receiving "several claims, based on information released by the press, about the events sponsored by the player Neymar."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prosecutor's office also urged Neymar, as well as the exclusive community where his mansion is located and another neighboring residential complex, to urgently provide clarifications as to "the number of guests, the organization of parties and any health measures they might have put in place."</p>

<p>One of Neymar's assistants told AFP he had did not know whether the player will see in 2021 in his luxury mansion in Mangaratiba, a small town 130 km (85 miles) from Rio, or if he will stay in Santa Catarina.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports about a planned party attended by between 150 and 500 people triggered a wave of criticism at a time when scientists in Brazil, one of the worst-hit countries in the world, are pushing for social distancing and isolation to avoid worsening a pandemic that has already cost some 194,000 lives there.</p>

<p>Such a party would not, however, be illegal, since the state of Rio de Janeiro has not banned parties in private residences and the Mangaratiba city council admitted it did not have the power to intervene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The AFP flew over the area where the mansion is located on Wednesday, without observing any signs of party preparations on the grounds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Neymar bought the mansion in 2016 and according to media reports, the 10,000 square meter property features a helipad, tennis courts, a spa, a sauna, a massage room, a gym and areas for food and drinks.</p>


Brazilian prosecutors said Wednesday they were investigating reports that football star Neymar has organized a New Year's Eve mega-party at his luxury home near Rio de Janeiro, despite public health measures to curb rising coronavirus deaths.

Brazilian prosecutors said Wednesday they were investigating reports that football star Neymar has organized a New Year's Eve mega-party at his luxury home near Rio de Janeiro, despite public health measures to curb rising coronavirus deaths. Sources close to the striker denied he had plans to host such an extravaganza, while the Paris Saint-German player added to the mystery by simply posting pictures of himself with a friend on a yacht off a beach in the southern state of Santa Catarina. The Rio Prosecutor's Office said in a statement that it had opened an investigation after receiving "several claims, based on information released by the press, about the events sponsored by the player Neymar." The prosecutor's office also urged Neymar, as well as the exclusive community where his mansion is located and another neighboring residential complex, to urgently provide clarifications as to "the number of guests, the organization of parties and any health measures they might have put in place." One of Neymar's assistants told AFP he had did not know whether the player will see in 2021 in his luxury mansion in Mangaratiba, a small town 130 km (85 miles) from Rio, or if he will stay in Santa Catarina. Media reports about a planned party attended by between 150 and 500 people triggered a wave of criticism at a time when scientists in Brazil, one of the worst-hit countries in the world, are pushing for social distancing and isolation to avoid worsening a pandemic that has already cost some 194,000 lives there. Such a party would not, however, be illegal, since the state of Rio de Janeiro has not banned parties in private residences and the Mangaratiba city council admitted it did not have the power to intervene. The AFP flew over the area where the mansion is located on Wednesday, without observing any signs of party preparations on the grounds. Neymar bought the mansion in 2016 and according to media reports, the 10,000 square meter property features a helipad, tennis courts, a spa, a sauna, a massage room, a gym and areas for food and drinks.

Brazil prosecutors investigate alleged Neymar New Years party

<p>Liverpool squandered the chance to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League in the final English top-flight match of 2020 after being held to a goalless draw by Newcastle on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The 0-0 stalemate at St James' Park means the champions go into the New Year with a three-point lead over Manchester United, having played a game more.</p>

<p>But they will rue their missed chances in a match in which they enjoyed nearly three-quarters of possession.</p>

<p>Mohamed Salah -- top of the Premier League goalscoring charts with 13 goals -- missed the target either side of half-time with just goalkeeper Karl Darlow to beat and strike-partner Roberto Firmino saw two headers superbly saved.</p>

<p>Three days after lowly West Brom snatched a point at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp's men, who have now won only two of their eight league away games this season, were frustrated once again, although it took a late goal-line clearance from Fabian Schar and Darlow's brilliance to keep them at bay.</p>

<p>Klopp rued his side's profligacy in front of goal.</p>

<p>"You might not think I have to tip my hat to my team but I like the performance," he told the BBC. "It was really good. Can we play better football? Yes, but in this game we did more than enough to win it.</p>

<p>"I think we had four 100 percent chances. We have won against Newcastle before with fewer chances. Tonight we didn't but we accept that. I am happy with the things I saw tonight and I can really work with that.</p>

<p>"The boys are frustrated and rightly so but not about the performance. It is a basis to build on for the next few days, weeks, months."</p>

<p>Newcastle, who came into the match without a win in four games in all competitions, started positively, with returning striker Callum Wilson almost catching goalkeeper Alisson Becker unaware with a speculative early shot.</p>

<p>The Reds needed Alisson to be at his best to deny Wilson once again 10 minutes later after he had outpaced defender Nathaniel Phillips.</p>

<h2>- Liverpool wasteful -</h2>

<p>Liverpool should have been ahead 11 minutes before the break when Salah beat the offside trap to control the ball in front of the advancing Darlow, only to stab his shot wide of the post, and the keeper produced a fine reaction save in stoppage time to repel Firmino's header from point-blank range.</p>

<p>Mane headed into the side-netting from Trent Alexander-Arnold's 49th-minute corner and when Liverpool turned the screw, with Mane going through his full repertoire of tricks, the Magpies' rearguard came under increasing pressure.</p>

<p>Salah had another chance to break the deadlock midway through the second half when he was played in by Firmino but, after steadying himself, directed his effort past the upright.</p>

<p>Firmino was equally wasteful when presented with a glorious chance at the far post as Newcastle rode their luck.</p>

<p>It nearly got much better for the Magpies 11 minutes from time when Ciaran Clark met Matt Ritchie's free-kick with a downward header that Alisson had to turn away.</p>

<p>But Schar hacked the ball off his own line ahead of Mane seconds later and Darlow brilliantly clawed away another Firmino header at the death to preserve his clean sheet.</p>

<p>Klopp's men finish the calendar year on 33 points from 16 games, three clear of United, who have 30 points after 15 matches.</p>

<p>The two teams, with a combined 39 English titles between them, meet on January 17 at Anfield.</p>


Liverpool squandered the chance to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League in the final English top-flight match of 2020 after being held to a goalless draw by Newcastle on Wednesday.

Liverpool squandered the chance to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League in the final English top-flight match of 2020 after being held to a goalless draw by Newcastle on Wednesday. The 0-0 stalemate at St James' Park means the champions go into the New Year with a three-point lead over Manchester United, having played a game more. But they will rue their missed chances in a match in which they enjoyed nearly three-quarters of possession. Mohamed Salah -- top of the Premier League goalscoring charts with 13 goals -- missed the target either side of half-time with just goalkeeper Karl Darlow to beat and strike-partner Roberto Firmino saw two headers superbly saved. Three days after lowly West Brom snatched a point at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp's men, who have now won only two of their eight league away games this season, were frustrated once again, although it took a late goal-line clearance from Fabian Schar and Darlow's brilliance to keep them at bay. Klopp rued his side's profligacy in front of goal. "You might not think I have to tip my hat to my team but I like the performance," he told the BBC. "It was really good. Can we play better football? Yes, but in this game we did more than enough to win it. "I think we had four 100 percent chances. We have won against Newcastle before with fewer chances. Tonight we didn't but we accept that. I am happy with the things I saw tonight and I can really work with that. "The boys are frustrated and rightly so but not about the performance. It is a basis to build on for the next few days, weeks, months." Newcastle, who came into the match without a win in four games in all competitions, started positively, with returning striker Callum Wilson almost catching goalkeeper Alisson Becker unaware with a speculative early shot. The Reds needed Alisson to be at his best to deny Wilson once again 10 minutes later after he had outpaced defender Nathaniel Phillips. - Liverpool wasteful - Liverpool should have been ahead 11 minutes before the break when Salah beat the offside trap to control the ball in front of the advancing Darlow, only to stab his shot wide of the post, and the keeper produced a fine reaction save in stoppage time to repel Firmino's header from point-blank range. Mane headed into the side-netting from Trent Alexander-Arnold's 49th-minute corner and when Liverpool turned the screw, with Mane going through his full repertoire of tricks, the Magpies' rearguard came under increasing pressure. Salah had another chance to break the deadlock midway through the second half when he was played in by Firmino but, after steadying himself, directed his effort past the upright. Firmino was equally wasteful when presented with a glorious chance at the far post as Newcastle rode their luck. It nearly got much better for the Magpies 11 minutes from time when Ciaran Clark met Matt Ritchie's free-kick with a downward header that Alisson had to turn away. But Schar hacked the ball off his own line ahead of Mane seconds later and Darlow brilliantly clawed away another Firmino header at the death to preserve his clean sheet. Klopp's men finish the calendar year on 33 points from 16 games, three clear of United, who have 30 points after 15 matches. The two teams, with a combined 39 English titles between them, meet on January 17 at Anfield.

Liverpool miss chance to stretch lead after Newcastle stalemate

<p>F1 Driver Lewis Hamilton has been knighted in Britain’s traditional New Year Honours list after equalising legendary driver Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula One world titles. Hamilton, with the accolade, becomes the first active F1 driver to achieve the feat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The New Year Honours list recognises outstanding achievements in various fields including showbusiness, sport and politics while contributions of everyday citizens.<br />
Hamilton, 35, also surpassed Schumacher’s record number of career race wins during a phenomenal season in 2020 that was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A group of British lawmakers, in November, called for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to recommend Hamilton for knighthood.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/authorities-say-theyre-powerless-to-halt-neymar-party-353461" hreflang="en">Authorities say they're powerless to halt Neymar party</a></strong></p>

<p>Hamilton, who resides in Monaco, has faced criticism in the past over tax issues but has insisted he pays a substantial amount of tax in Britain.</p>

<p>The Briton has been one of the outspoken supporters of equality, diversity and the environment in 2020 and made several hard statements on human rights related to democracy and racism.</p>

<p>Whereas former Leeds Rhinos rugby player Rob Burrow was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).</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>Burrow said: "(The year) 2020 has taught us all to appreciate the gifts we have and it is my honour and privilege to accept this award on behalf of all the MND community.</p>

<p>"I hope it gives people hope that we are not ignored and the drive for more research and support to end MND will not stop."</p>

<p>Former footballers and the last surviving members of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, Jimmy Greaves and Ron Flowers have been honoured with MBEs as well.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


F1 Driver Lewis Hamilton has been knighted in Britain’s traditional New Year Honours list after equalising legendary driver Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula One world titles.

F1 Driver Lewis Hamilton has been knighted in Britain’s traditional New Year Honours list after equalising legendary driver Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula One world titles. Hamilton, with the accolade, becomes the first active F1 driver to achieve the feat. The New Year Honours list recognises outstanding achievements in various fields including showbusiness, sport and politics while contributions of everyday citizens. Hamilton, 35, also surpassed Schumacher’s record number of career race wins during a phenomenal season in 2020 that was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A group of British lawmakers, in November, called for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to recommend Hamilton for knighthood. ALSO READ: Authorities say they're powerless to halt Neymar party Hamilton, who resides in Monaco, has faced criticism in the past over tax issues but has insisted he pays a substantial amount of tax in Britain. The Briton has been one of the outspoken supporters of equality, diversity and the environment in 2020 and made several hard statements on human rights related to democracy and racism. Whereas former Leeds Rhinos rugby player Rob Burrow was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 Burrow said: "(The year) 2020 has taught us all to appreciate the gifts we have and it is my honour and privilege to accept this award on behalf of all the MND community. "I hope it gives people hope that we are not ignored and the drive for more research and support to end MND will not stop." Former footballers and the last surviving members of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, Jimmy Greaves and Ron Flowers have been honoured with MBEs as well.

Lewis Hamilton knighted in UK's New Year Honours list

<p>The Australian batting unit has been central to widespread criticism for their poor run with the willow in the ongoing four-match Test series against India, which is locked at 1-1 after the conclusion of first two Test. The form of Aussie batters has irked former captain Ricky Ponting as he said the hosts haven’t shown enough intent in the Border-Gavaskar series.</p>

<p>While discussing the first two Tests on the ‘Unplayable Podcast’, Ponting said that lack of drives and pull shots from the Australian batsman haven’t helped their cause with the hosts desperately looking to win the series after losing it last time in 2018-19.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-should-be-ready-to-go-warner-may-play-the-third-test-even-if-he-is-not-100-fit-353609" hreflang="en">'He should be ready to go': Warner may play the third Test even if he is not 100% fit</a></strong></p>

<p>“I can count on one hand in Two Test matches how many pull shots have been played, how many drives down the ground have you seen? You can’t tell me there haven’t been short balls bowled or full balls bowled. There have been enough,” said Ponting.</p>

<p>Ponting further took a sly jibe at the Aussie batsmen as he said that the likes of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane played more pull shots than the hosts have played in the first two Tests.</p>

<p>“We saw today, I know it was a small total and it is easier to go and play your shots, but Shubman Gill &amp; Ajinkya Rahane played more good pull shots than I think Australia have played in the two Tests. For Indian batsmen to do that against our attack &amp; for ours to not, it’ll be a cop-out to just say their bowlers were good,” Ponting further said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-ajinkya-rahane-gets-his-name-engraved-mcg-honours-board-for-2nd-time-353455" hreflang="en">India's Ajinkya Rahane gets his name engraved MCG honours board for 2nd time</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, this is the first time since 1988 that a single Australian player failed to score a half-century in a home Test match.</p>

<p>India and Australia will next lock horns in the third Test, scheduled to start from January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Australian batting unit has been central to widespread criticism for their poor run with the willow in the ongoing four-match Test series against India, which is locked at 1-1 after the conclusion of first two Test.

The Australian batting unit has been central to widespread criticism for their poor run with the willow in the ongoing four-match Test series against India, which is locked at 1-1 after the conclusion of first two Test. The form of Aussie batters has irked former captain Ricky Ponting as he said the hosts haven’t shown enough intent in the Border-Gavaskar series. While discussing the first two Tests on the ‘Unplayable Podcast’, Ponting said that lack of drives and pull shots from the Australian batsman haven’t helped their cause with the hosts desperately looking to win the series after losing it last time in 2018-19. ALSO READ: 'He should be ready to go': Warner may play the third Test even if he is not 100% fit “I can count on one hand in Two Test matches how many pull shots have been played, how many drives down the ground have you seen? You can’t tell me there haven’t been short balls bowled or full balls bowled. There have been enough,” said Ponting. Ponting further took a sly jibe at the Aussie batsmen as he said that the likes of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane played more pull shots than the hosts have played in the first two Tests. “We saw today, I know it was a small total and it is easier to go and play your shots, but Shubman Gill & Ajinkya Rahane played more good pull shots than I think Australia have played in the two Tests. For Indian batsmen to do that against our attack & for ours to not, it’ll be a cop-out to just say their bowlers were good,” Ponting further said. ALSO READ: India's Ajinkya Rahane gets his name engraved MCG honours board for 2nd time Notably, this is the first time since 1988 that a single Australian player failed to score a half-century in a home Test match. India and Australia will next lock horns in the third Test, scheduled to start from January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

'I can count on one hand...' - Ricky Ponting left fuming over Australian batsmen's shot selection in Test series

<p>India's 1975 hockey World Cup-winning and 1972 Olympics bronze-winning team member Michael Kondo died at a hospital here on Thursday due to age-related ailments. He was 73 and is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.</p>

<p>"Michael Kindo passed away at the Ispat General Hospital due to age-related problems. He was bed-ridden for quite some time and was also suffering from depression," a family source told PTI.</p>

<p>"His last rites will be completed tomorrow as his daughters are reaching only then."</p>

<p>Hockey India condoled his death. Kindo, a full back in his playing days, was a member of the team that won the lone World Cup for India in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur, beating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. He was also in the team that won a bronze medal in the 1972 Olympics in Munich. He scored three goals in that edition of the Games.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You'll live forever in our hearts, Michael!🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPMichaelKindo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPMichaelKindo</a>💙 <a href="https://t.co/Sd1CYHRxB3">pic.twitter.com/Sd1CYHRxB3</a></p>
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreTeamIndia/status/1344626214703513600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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India's 1975 hockey World Cup-winning and 1972 Olympics bronze-winning team member Michael Kondo died at a hospital here on Thursday due to age-related ailments.

India's 1975 hockey World Cup-winning and 1972 Olympics bronze-winning team member Michael Kondo died at a hospital here on Thursday due to age-related ailments. He was 73 and is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. "Michael Kindo passed away at the Ispat General Hospital due to age-related problems. He was bed-ridden for quite some time and was also suffering from depression," a family source told PTI. "His last rites will be completed tomorrow as his daughters are reaching only then." Hockey India condoled his death. Kindo, a full back in his playing days, was a member of the team that won the lone World Cup for India in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur, beating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. He was also in the team that won a bronze medal in the 1972 Olympics in Munich. He scored three goals in that edition of the Games. You'll live forever in our hearts, Michael!🙏#RIPMichaelKindo💙 pic.twitter.com/Sd1CYHRxB3 — Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) December 31, 2020 ×

Hockey legend Michael Kindo, 73, passes away

<p>Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said that Britain should feel proud to have "ambassador of the calibre of Lewis Hamilton" after the iconic Formula One World champions was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list.</p>

<p>Hamilton has been honoured with the accolade after a record-breaking year where he surpassed Michael Schumacher’s all-time win tally and equalled the German by winning a seventh world title.</p>

<p>Wolff has witnessed Hamilton’s success at Mercedes after the Briton switched sides from McLaren in 2013. Since then, Hamilton has won six of his seven world titles with Mercedes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-knighted-in-uks-new-year-honours-list-353538" hreflang="en">Lewis Hamilton knighted in UK's New Year Honours list</a></strong></p>

<p>The Mercedes boss hailed the 35-year-old for his incredible sporting success while lauding his efforts to battle discrimination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The news that he is to receive a knighthood shows that he is now receiving the recognition he has earned during a career of unparalleled success in motorsport," said Wolff.</p>

<p>"The UK can be very proud to have a champion and ambassador of the calibre of Sir Lewis Hamilton."</p>

<p>Hamilton, who resides in Monaco, has faced severe criticism in the past over his tax arrangements but has said that he still pays a substantial amount of tax in Britain. Hamilton is among the top 5,000 highest tax-paying people in the UK.</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>The Briton won his record-equalling title against the backdrop of his battle against injustices. Lending his support to racial discrimination issues, Hamilton took a knee before all his F1 2020 races while Mercedes changed their livery from silver to black to highlight the issue of discrimination.</p>

<p>Britain's Damon Hill, world champion in 1996, told Sky News: "Lewis has stood up for issues that are close to his heart and affect everyone.</p>

<p>"In our sport, it is very rare for a driver to get involved in anything that is outside of Formula One. But Lewis has said this affects every black person and he stood up at a time when it could have destabilised his career and destabilised his concentration on the championship."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said that Britain should feel proud to have "ambassador of the calibre of Lewis Hamilton" after the iconic Formula One World champions was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said that Britain should feel proud to have "ambassador of the calibre of Lewis Hamilton" after the iconic Formula One World champions was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list. Hamilton has been honoured with the accolade after a record-breaking year where he surpassed Michael Schumacher’s all-time win tally and equalled the German by winning a seventh world title. Wolff has witnessed Hamilton’s success at Mercedes after the Briton switched sides from McLaren in 2013. Since then, Hamilton has won six of his seven world titles with Mercedes. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton knighted in UK's New Year Honours list The Mercedes boss hailed the 35-year-old for his incredible sporting success while lauding his efforts to battle discrimination. "The news that he is to receive a knighthood shows that he is now receiving the recognition he has earned during a career of unparalleled success in motorsport," said Wolff. "The UK can be very proud to have a champion and ambassador of the calibre of Sir Lewis Hamilton." Hamilton, who resides in Monaco, has faced severe criticism in the past over his tax arrangements but has said that he still pays a substantial amount of tax in Britain. Hamilton is among the top 5,000 highest tax-paying people in the UK. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 The Briton won his record-equalling title against the backdrop of his battle against injustices. Lending his support to racial discrimination issues, Hamilton took a knee before all his F1 2020 races while Mercedes changed their livery from silver to black to highlight the issue of discrimination. Britain's Damon Hill, world champion in 1996, told Sky News: "Lewis has stood up for issues that are close to his heart and affect everyone. "In our sport, it is very rare for a driver to get involved in anything that is outside of Formula One. But Lewis has said this affects every black person and he stood up at a time when it could have destabilised his career and destabilised his concentration on the championship."

Britain should be 'proud' of knighted Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes' Toto Wolff

<p>With Rohit Sharma joining Team India’s training session on Thursday, debates and discussions are taking place on who the Hitman will replace in the playing XI for the third Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has opined on his options of Indian openers in the New Year’s Test at the SCG.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit’s availability and Umesh Yadav’s injury have complicated the selection for Team India in the third Test. Gavaskar, when asked about his preferred choice of openers for the third Test, said that he would keep Mayank Agarwal in the playing XI and pair him up with Rohit Sharma. The Little Master added that Shubman Gill, who impressed everyone in his Test debut, should be moved to number five to accommodate Rohit at the top and replace Hanuma Vihari.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umesh-yadav-ruled-out-of-australia-tour-due-to-calf-injury-353571" hreflang="en">Umesh Yadav ruled out of Australia tour due to calf injury</a></strong></p>

<p>“I would be keeping Mayank Agarwal. I know he’s not looked good but he’s a quality player. I would keep him in the side and open the batting with Rohit,” Gavaskar told Sanjay Manjrekar on Sony Sports Network.</p>

<p>Gavaskar further said, "Despite the fact that Shubman Gill has looked so good at the top, I’d look to bat him at No.5. I’m not too sure, that with his approach he would be too successful at the opening position also at the U19 level he was batting down the order so I think for Shubman Gill no.5 would be the ideal position. The rest of the team should remain same and obviously if Gill bats at five, Vihari goes out automatically.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-rankings-kane-williamson-overtakes-smith-kohli-as-top-test-batsman-ajinkya-rahane-enters-top-10-353560" hreflang="en">ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman; Ajinkya Rahane enters Top 10</a></strong></p>

<p>Moreover, the third Test will be hosted by Sydney Cricket Ground despite a fresh COVID-19 cluster in the city. Cricket Australia are hopeful of having crowds at 50 per cent capacity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after India bounced back strongly to level the series 1-1 in Melbourne.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With Rohit Sharma joining Team India’s training session on Thursday, debates and discussions are taking place on who the Hitman will replace in the playing XI for the third Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

With Rohit Sharma joining Team India’s training session on Thursday, debates and discussions are taking place on who the Hitman will replace in the playing XI for the third Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has opined on his options of Indian openers in the New Year’s Test at the SCG. Rohit’s availability and Umesh Yadav’s injury have complicated the selection for Team India in the third Test. Gavaskar, when asked about his preferred choice of openers for the third Test, said that he would keep Mayank Agarwal in the playing XI and pair him up with Rohit Sharma. The Little Master added that Shubman Gill, who impressed everyone in his Test debut, should be moved to number five to accommodate Rohit at the top and replace Hanuma Vihari. ALSO READ: Umesh Yadav ruled out of Australia tour due to calf injury “I would be keeping Mayank Agarwal. I know he’s not looked good but he’s a quality player. I would keep him in the side and open the batting with Rohit,” Gavaskar told Sanjay Manjrekar on Sony Sports Network. Gavaskar further said, "Despite the fact that Shubman Gill has looked so good at the top, I’d look to bat him at No.5. I’m not too sure, that with his approach he would be too successful at the opening position also at the U19 level he was batting down the order so I think for Shubman Gill no.5 would be the ideal position. The rest of the team should remain same and obviously if Gill bats at five, Vihari goes out automatically.” ALSO READ: ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman; Ajinkya Rahane enters Top 10 Moreover, the third Test will be hosted by Sydney Cricket Ground despite a fresh COVID-19 cluster in the city. Cricket Australia are hopeful of having crowds at 50 per cent capacity. The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after India bounced back strongly to level the series 1-1 in Melbourne.

Rohit, Shubman or Mayank? Sunil Gavaskar picks his Indian openers for 3rd Test vs Australia

<p>The Australia-India women’s ODI series slated for next month has been postponed to next season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.</p>

<p>CA boss Nick Hockley said Australia would host India’s women next season with three extra Twenty20 internationals added to the schedule on top of the three ODIs originally earmarked for January.</p>

<p>“We had initially hoped to play India this summer, however the impact of the global pandemic made it necessary to postpone until next season,” Hockley said in a media release.</p>

<p>Australia are currently hosting the India men’s team in a four-test series.</p>

<p>Australia defeated India in the women’s T20 World Cup final in March at the Melbourne Cricket Ground the last time the teams met.</p>


The Australia-India women’s ODI series slated for next month has been postponed to next season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cricket Australia said on Thursday. CA boss Nick Hockley said Australia would host India’s women next season with three extra Twenty20 internationals added to the schedule on top of the three ODIs originally earmarked for January.

The Australia-India women’s ODI series slated for next month has been postponed to next season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cricket Australia said on Thursday. CA boss Nick Hockley said Australia would host India’s women next season with three extra Twenty20 internationals added to the schedule on top of the three ODIs originally earmarked for January. “We had initially hoped to play India this summer, however the impact of the global pandemic made it necessary to postpone until next season,” Hockley said in a media release. Australia are currently hosting the India men’s team in a four-test series. Australia defeated India in the women’s T20 World Cup final in March at the Melbourne Cricket Ground the last time the teams met.

Australia vs India women's ODI series postponed due to COVID

<p>Indian pacer Umesh Yadav has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against Australia. Umesh, who limped off in pain after pulling his calf muscle on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test, left for India on Monday in a bid to recover in time for the upcoming England series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Umesh’s injury leaves the Indian bowling unit even more depleted. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, key bowler&nbsp;Mohammed Shami was ruled out of the series due to fractured hand. Shardul Thakur or T Natarajan, who were a part of Indian side as net bowlers, are likely to start in the third Test against Australia, scheduled to start at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 7.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-rankings-kane-williamson-overtakes-smith-kohli-as-top-test-batsman-ajinkya-rahane-enters-top-10-353560" hreflang="en">ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman; Ajinkya Rahane enters Top 10</a></strong></p>

<p>"His scans came in and he will miss the third and fourth game. So, there was no point in holding him back and it is better that he returns to the country and undergoes rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He left on Wednesday night," a source privy to the development told ANI.</p>

<p>Umesh underwent scans after suffering pain in his calf muscle while bowling on Day 3 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Despite missing Umesh, the Indian team put up an inspirational performance to come back into the series and win the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-rankings-kane-williamson-overtakes-smith-kohli-as-top-test-batsman-ajinkya-rahane-enters-top-10-353560" hreflang="en">ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman; Ajinkya Rahane enters Top 10</a></strong></p>

<p>"With limited options available, the team management can ask for Natarajan to be added to the squad," the source added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, with the likes of Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur and T Natarajan all in the fray to be in the playing XI against Australia in the third Test, it would be interesting to see who the Indian team management picks in the playing XI.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian pacer Umesh Yadav has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against Australia. Umesh, who limped off in pain after pulling his calf muscle on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test, left for India on Monday in a bid to recover in time for the upcoming England series.

Indian pacer Umesh Yadav has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against Australia. Umesh, who limped off in pain after pulling his calf muscle on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test, left for India on Monday in a bid to recover in time for the upcoming England series. Umesh’s injury leaves the Indian bowling unit even more depleted. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, key bowler Mohammed Shami was ruled out of the series due to fractured hand. Shardul Thakur or T Natarajan, who were a part of Indian side as net bowlers, are likely to start in the third Test against Australia, scheduled to start at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 7. ALSO READ: ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman; Ajinkya Rahane enters Top 10 "His scans came in and he will miss the third and fourth game. So, there was no point in holding him back and it is better that he returns to the country and undergoes rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He left on Wednesday night," a source privy to the development told ANI. Umesh underwent scans after suffering pain in his calf muscle while bowling on Day 3 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Despite missing Umesh, the Indian team put up an inspirational performance to come back into the series and win the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets. ALSO READ: ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman; Ajinkya Rahane enters Top 10 "With limited options available, the team management can ask for Natarajan to be added to the squad," the source added. However, with the likes of Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur and T Natarajan all in the fray to be in the playing XI against Australia in the third Test, it would be interesting to see who the Indian team management picks in the playing XI.

Umesh Yadav ruled out of Australia tour due to calf injury

<p>New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Thursday overtook Australia’s Steven Smith and Indian captain Virat Kohli&nbsp;to become the number one Test batsman in the latest ICC rankings.</p>

<p>Williamson jumped from third to first after his Man of the Match effort leading the Black Caps to a memorable 101-run win against Pakistan while scoring a splendid 129 runs in the first innings and a rapid 21 in the second when New Zealand were trying to stretch the lead before declaring.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How it started v how it's going 😅 <a href="https://t.co/XKyEJUgUAS">pic.twitter.com/XKyEJUgUAS</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1344513625109782529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a></strong></p>

<p>Williamson described the feeling as “humbling” to overtake Smith, who was atop the ICC Test Rankings for 313 days in 2020, Kohli, who was sitting numero uno for 51 days. Smith dipped to third in the ICC rankings behind Kohli after registering scores of duck and eight in Australia’s second Test against India where Kohli was on paternity leave.</p>

<p>"They are incredible players of our generation," Williamson said as he arrived in Christchurch ahead of the second Pakistan Test which starts on Sunday.</p>

<p>"Those two players are the best so for me to sneak up perhaps in some way, is very surprising and humbling."&nbsp;</p>

<p>All three of Williamson, Smith and Kohli were named in the ICC Team of the Decade while the Aussie was named the Male Test Player of the Decade. Kohli, on the other hand, was awarded Best ODI Player of the Decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALOS READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-knighted-in-uks-new-year-honours-list-353538" hreflang="en">Lewis Hamilton knighted in UK's New Year Honours list</a></strong></p>

<p>Williamson, after achieving number one rank in ICC rankings, would be looking to guide New Zealand to another win against Pakistan in the second Test to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India's Ajinkya Rahane jumped five places to be in the fifth spot after a sensational century in the Boxing Day Test vs Australia where he helped India to achieve an eight-wicket win to equalise the series 1-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the bowlers' list, Mitchell Starc entered top five, jumping two spot after his performance in the Test series against India. Ravichandran Ashwin continued to reap rewards for his good run of form as he now sits in the seventh spot in the list.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇦🇺 Mitchell Starc enters top five<br />
🇮🇳 R Ashwin jumps to No.7<br />
🇮🇳 Jasprit Bumrah becomes No.9<br />
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Latest update in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Test Rankings 👉 <a href="https://t.co/OMjjVwOboH">https://t.co/OMjjVwOboH</a> <a href="https://t.co/RLU1nMpfoV">pic.twitter.com/RLU1nMpfoV</a></p>
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New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Thursday overtook Australia’s Steven Smith and Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the number one Test batsman in the latest ICC rankings.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Thursday overtook Australia’s Steven Smith and Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the number one Test batsman in the latest ICC rankings. Williamson jumped from third to first after his Man of the Match effort leading the Black Caps to a memorable 101-run win against Pakistan while scoring a splendid 129 runs in the first innings and a rapid 21 in the second when New Zealand were trying to stretch the lead before declaring. How it started v how it's going 😅 pic.twitter.com/XKyEJUgUAS — ICC (@ICC) December 31, 2020 × ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners Williamson described the feeling as “humbling” to overtake Smith, who was atop the ICC Test Rankings for 313 days in 2020, Kohli, who was sitting numero uno for 51 days. Smith dipped to third in the ICC rankings behind Kohli after registering scores of duck and eight in Australia’s second Test against India where Kohli was on paternity leave. "They are incredible players of our generation," Williamson said as he arrived in Christchurch ahead of the second Pakistan Test which starts on Sunday. "Those two players are the best so for me to sneak up perhaps in some way, is very surprising and humbling." All three of Williamson, Smith and Kohli were named in the ICC Team of the Decade while the Aussie was named the Male Test Player of the Decade. Kohli, on the other hand, was awarded Best ODI Player of the Decade. ALOS READ: Lewis Hamilton knighted in UK's New Year Honours list Williamson, after achieving number one rank in ICC rankings, would be looking to guide New Zealand to another win against Pakistan in the second Test to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Meanwhile, India's Ajinkya Rahane jumped five places to be in the fifth spot after a sensational century in the Boxing Day Test vs Australia where he helped India to achieve an eight-wicket win to equalise the series 1-1. In the bowlers' list, Mitchell Starc entered top five, jumping two spot after his performance in the Test series against India. Ravichandran Ashwin continued to reap rewards for his good run of form as he now sits in the seventh spot in the list. 🇦🇺 Mitchell Starc enters top five 🇮🇳 R Ashwin jumps to No.7 🇮🇳 Jasprit Bumrah becomes No.9 Latest update in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Rankings 👉 https://t.co/OMjjVwOboH pic.twitter.com/RLU1nMpfoV — ICC (@ICC) December 31, 2020 ×

ICC Rankings: Kane Williamson overtakes Smith, Kohli as top Test batsman; Ajinkya Rahane enters Top 10

<p>Australian authorities are asking fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) not to cheer too loudly during the third test against India next week as the city grapples with an outbreak of COVID-19.</p>

<p>The New South Wales (NSW) government restricted movement and tightened curbs on gatherings in Sydney on Wednesday, as the state recorded 18 new cases.</p>

<p>Despite public gatherings being capped at 30, authorities have given the green light to a half-capacity crowd at the 48,000-seat SCG, though fans will be asked to keep a lid on their cheering.</p>

<p>“We will be handing out masks on public transport going into the SCG, and advising people to wear masks when they are not physically at their seat,” New South Wales Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant told a media briefing on Wednesday.</p>

<p>“We also are asking people to ensure that they recognise (rules) around screaming and chanting, particularly when they are not in their fixed location.”</p>

<p>After weeks without a new case of COVID-19, NSW has recorded more than 100 infections linked to a recent outbreak in the city’s northern beaches.</p>

<p>Governing body Cricket Australia considered moving the third test to Melbourne but on Tuesday confirmed it would plough ahead with Sydney as scheduled from Jan. 7.</p>

<p>The players and staff are in Melbourne following the traditional ‘Boxing Day’ test, which India won on Tuesday by eight wickets, levelling the four-match series at 1-1.</p>


Australian authorities are asking fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) not to cheer too loudly during the third test against India next week as the city grapples with an outbreak of COVID-19.

Australian authorities are asking fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) not to cheer too loudly during the third test against India next week as the city grapples with an outbreak of COVID-19. The New South Wales (NSW) government restricted movement and tightened curbs on gatherings in Sydney on Wednesday, as the state recorded 18 new cases. Despite public gatherings being capped at 30, authorities have given the green light to a half-capacity crowd at the 48,000-seat SCG, though fans will be asked to keep a lid on their cheering. “We will be handing out masks on public transport going into the SCG, and advising people to wear masks when they are not physically at their seat,” New South Wales Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant told a media briefing on Wednesday. “We also are asking people to ensure that they recognise (rules) around screaming and chanting, particularly when they are not in their fixed location.” After weeks without a new case of COVID-19, NSW has recorded more than 100 infections linked to a recent outbreak in the city’s northern beaches. Governing body Cricket Australia considered moving the third test to Melbourne but on Tuesday confirmed it would plough ahead with Sydney as scheduled from Jan. 7. The players and staff are in Melbourne following the traditional ‘Boxing Day’ test, which India won on Tuesday by eight wickets, levelling the four-match series at 1-1.

Shhhh! Fans urged to cheer quietly at SCG amid COVID outbreak

<p>The Milwaukee Bucks set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game, draining 29 from beyond the arc in a 144-97 blowout win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The Heat, who stunned the top-seeded Bucks in the second round of the 2020 Eastern Conference playoffs en route to the NBA Finals, never got a look in, trailing by as many as 51 in a game Milwaukee led all the way.</p>

<p>Sam Merrill drilled the record-breaking 28th three-pointer of the game, surpassing the 27 set by the Houston Rockets against the Phoenix Suns on April 7, 2019.</p>

<p>Jrue Holiday had six three-pointers on the way to 24 points. Khris Middleton, who led the Bucks with 25 points, made four of five from three-point range.</p>

<p>Starting guard Donte DiVincenzo's 17 points included five three-pointers, and Brook Lopez had three treys on the way to 14 points.</p>

<p>Two-time reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo was the only Bucks starter not to make a three-pointer, coming up empty on two attempts in a nine-point performance.</p>

<p>His brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo drained one three-pointer for the family on the way to five points off the bench for the Bucks, who simply steamrolled a Heat team that was without injured forward Jimmy Butler.</p>

<p>"Honestly, (we) just played hard," Holiday said. "We know the Heat way and how they're going to come out and play no matter who's playing.</p>

<p>"So we just wanted to take that approach."</p>

<p>It was a bounce-back win for the Bucks, who were blown out 130-110 by the Knicks in New York on Sunday.</p>

<p>"Last game in New York, we didn't show what we wanted to show," Holiday said.</p>

<p>They left no doubt in this one, leading by as many as 24 points on the way to a 46-26 first-quarter lead and never let up.</p>

<p>"Some nights, the basketball golds are with you a little bit, and it was probably one of those nights for us," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said.</p>

<p>"But I liked our defense, too. I think the energy on both ends of the court feeds and builds on each other and good things will happen."</p>

<p>The Bucks' previous record for three-pointers in a game was 22, against the Sacramento Kings on November 4, 2018.</p>

<p>The most the Heat had given up before was 24.</p>

<p>"It looked like they had been thinking about this game for 80 days," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, whose team will get a chance to avenge the embarrassing defeat when they host the Bucks again on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The Los Angeles Clippers also rebounded from a big defeat.</p>

<p>Two days after a 124-73 loss to the Dallas Mavericks the Clippers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-101.</p>

<p>Lou Williams scored 20 points off the bench to lead seven Clippers players who scored in double figures.</p>

<p>"We knew coming tonight we had to do better," said Clippers center Serge Ibaka, who scored 16 points. "We had to be aggressive, just play team basketball."</p>

<p>The Philadelphia 76ers, coming off a lopsided loss to Cleveland, beat the Toronto Raptors 100-93.</p>

<p>Center Joel Embiid, who sat out Sunday's 24-point loss to the Cavaliers with a tight back, led the Sixers with 29 points and 16 rebounds.</p>

<h2>- Randle leads Knicks -</h2>

<p>Elsewhere, Julius Randle posted a triple-double of 28 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the New York Knicks to a 95-86 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p>

<p>But Russell Westbrook's triple-double of 21 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists -- his third in as many appearances in the young season -- again went for nothing as his Washington Wizards fell 115-107 to the Chicago Bulls.</p>

<p>Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 23 points, and Wendell Carter Jr. added a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds as Chicago notched their first win of the season.</p>

<p>Denver center Nikola Jokic also had a triple-double in a losing effort, his 26 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists not enough in the Nuggets' 125-115 loss to the Sacramento Kings -- who were led by the 24 points of De'Aaron Fox.</p>


The Milwaukee Bucks set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game, draining 29 from beyond the arc in a 144-97 blowout win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday. The Heat, who stunned the top-seeded Bucks in the second round of the 2020 Eastern Conference playoffs en route to the NBA Finals, never got a look in, trailing by as many as 51 in a game Milwaukee led all the way.

The Milwaukee Bucks set an NBA record for three-pointers in a game, draining 29 from beyond the arc in a 144-97 blowout win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday. The Heat, who stunned the top-seeded Bucks in the second round of the 2020 Eastern Conference playoffs en route to the NBA Finals, never got a look in, trailing by as many as 51 in a game Milwaukee led all the way. Sam Merrill drilled the record-breaking 28th three-pointer of the game, surpassing the 27 set by the Houston Rockets against the Phoenix Suns on April 7, 2019. Jrue Holiday had six three-pointers on the way to 24 points. Khris Middleton, who led the Bucks with 25 points, made four of five from three-point range. Starting guard Donte DiVincenzo's 17 points included five three-pointers, and Brook Lopez had three treys on the way to 14 points. Two-time reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo was the only Bucks starter not to make a three-pointer, coming up empty on two attempts in a nine-point performance. His brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo drained one three-pointer for the family on the way to five points off the bench for the Bucks, who simply steamrolled a Heat team that was without injured forward Jimmy Butler. "Honestly, (we) just played hard," Holiday said. "We know the Heat way and how they're going to come out and play no matter who's playing. "So we just wanted to take that approach." It was a bounce-back win for the Bucks, who were blown out 130-110 by the Knicks in New York on Sunday. "Last game in New York, we didn't show what we wanted to show," Holiday said. They left no doubt in this one, leading by as many as 24 points on the way to a 46-26 first-quarter lead and never let up. "Some nights, the basketball golds are with you a little bit, and it was probably one of those nights for us," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "But I liked our defense, too. I think the energy on both ends of the court feeds and builds on each other and good things will happen." The Bucks' previous record for three-pointers in a game was 22, against the Sacramento Kings on November 4, 2018. The most the Heat had given up before was 24. "It looked like they had been thinking about this game for 80 days," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, whose team will get a chance to avenge the embarrassing defeat when they host the Bucks again on Wednesday. The Los Angeles Clippers also rebounded from a big defeat. Two days after a 124-73 loss to the Dallas Mavericks the Clippers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-101. Lou Williams scored 20 points off the bench to lead seven Clippers players who scored in double figures. "We knew coming tonight we had to do better," said Clippers center Serge Ibaka, who scored 16 points. "We had to be aggressive, just play team basketball." The Philadelphia 76ers, coming off a lopsided loss to Cleveland, beat the Toronto Raptors 100-93. Center Joel Embiid, who sat out Sunday's 24-point loss to the Cavaliers with a tight back, led the Sixers with 29 points and 16 rebounds. - Randle leads Knicks - Elsewhere, Julius Randle posted a triple-double of 28 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the New York Knicks to a 95-86 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. But Russell Westbrook's triple-double of 21 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists -- his third in as many appearances in the young season -- again went for nothing as his Washington Wizards fell 115-107 to the Chicago Bulls. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 23 points, and Wendell Carter Jr. added a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds as Chicago notched their first win of the season. Denver center Nikola Jokic also had a triple-double in a losing effort, his 26 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists not enough in the Nuggets' 125-115 loss to the Sacramento Kings -- who were led by the 24 points of De'Aaron Fox.

Bucks' long-range barrage buries Heat, Clippers bounce back

<p>Manchester United are recreating the habit of late winners that could lead to an unexpected Premier League title challenge, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.</p>

<p>Marcus Rashford's deflected strike deep into stoppage time beat Wolves 1-0 on Tuesday to move United up to second and within two points of leaders Liverpool.</p>

<p>After come from behind wins at Brighton and Southampton already this season, United have now won three of their first 15 games of the season in added time, a trait Solskjaer knows well from his playing career at Old Trafford under Alex Ferguson.</p>

<p>"It's one of the points we brought up early in the season, that we didn't win many points towards the end of games," said Solskjaer.</p>

<p>"We have a tradition for it at this club. &nbsp;Obviously we've normally got many more supporters helping us to do that.</p>

<p>"Now we've won many more points towards the end of games and that's both a mental aspect and a physical aspect."</p>

<p>United laboured for long spells against a youthful Wolves side despite having a day's extra rest than the visitors, who were in action just 48 hours previously against Tottenham.</p>

<p>But Solskjaer described snatching victory from an uninspired performance as a "big step forward" as United beat Wolves for the first time in five meetings between the sides since Nuno Espirito Santo's men returned to the top flight two-and-a-half-years ago.</p>

<p>"We didn't perform as well as we want to do but we win a game against a very difficult side to play against," added Solskjaer.</p>

<p>"We've struggled against them, this is the first win in the league. We've played them seven times (over the past three seasons) and there has never been many goals in the games.</p>

<p>"This is a big step forward that you don't perform, but you still win."</p>

<p>United's victory continues an excellent run of 23 points from the last possible 27 to mount a title challenge that looked unlikely after winning just two of their opening six league games.</p>

<p>Solskjaer's men host Aston Villa on New Year's Day before travelling to face Liverpool on January 17, in a match which could have huge ramifications on the title race.</p>

<p>"We cannot get too far ahead of ourselves," said Solskjaer. "We've got to a decent position at the moment but we are not even halfway, there is a long, long way to go."</p>

<p>Defeat was harsh on Wolves, who competed manfully given the tight turnaround for two hugely demanding fixtures.</p>

<p>However, the visitors again lacked a goal threat in the absence of Raul Jimenez, who is expected to miss much of the rest of the season due to a fractured skull.</p>

<p>"This is football and a learning process," said Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo. "It's cruel in the moment but you can't stay feeling sorry. You have to move forward."</p>

<p>The last clash between the sides at Old Trafford in February was Bruno Fernandes's debut for United.</p>

<p>The Portuguese has had a transformative impact on the United's fortunes, but he could not beat international teammate Patricio with by far the hosts' best chance of the first-half as he snuck in at the back post to meet Mason Greenwood's cross.</p>

<p>Solskjaer lauded Edinson Cavani's predatory instincts on the eve of the game, suggesting the Uruguayan will be handed an extension to his contract for next season.</p>

<p>The 33-year-old did find the net with his only chance 20 minutes from time, but was offside as the ball broke his way from a corner.</p>

<p>Instead it was Rashford who made the telling impact as he raced onto Fernandes's hopeful long ball over the top.</p>

<p>The England international cut inside, but Patricio looked to have his shot covered until it hit Saiss and flew in at the near post.</p>


Manchester United are recreating the habit of late winners that could lead to an unexpected Premier League title challenge, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Manchester United are recreating the habit of late winners that could lead to an unexpected Premier League title challenge, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Marcus Rashford's deflected strike deep into stoppage time beat Wolves 1-0 on Tuesday to move United up to second and within two points of leaders Liverpool. After come from behind wins at Brighton and Southampton already this season, United have now won three of their first 15 games of the season in added time, a trait Solskjaer knows well from his playing career at Old Trafford under Alex Ferguson. "It's one of the points we brought up early in the season, that we didn't win many points towards the end of games," said Solskjaer. "We have a tradition for it at this club. Obviously we've normally got many more supporters helping us to do that. "Now we've won many more points towards the end of games and that's both a mental aspect and a physical aspect." United laboured for long spells against a youthful Wolves side despite having a day's extra rest than the visitors, who were in action just 48 hours previously against Tottenham. But Solskjaer described snatching victory from an uninspired performance as a "big step forward" as United beat Wolves for the first time in five meetings between the sides since Nuno Espirito Santo's men returned to the top flight two-and-a-half-years ago. "We didn't perform as well as we want to do but we win a game against a very difficult side to play against," added Solskjaer. "We've struggled against them, this is the first win in the league. We've played them seven times (over the past three seasons) and there has never been many goals in the games. "This is a big step forward that you don't perform, but you still win." United's victory continues an excellent run of 23 points from the last possible 27 to mount a title challenge that looked unlikely after winning just two of their opening six league games. Solskjaer's men host Aston Villa on New Year's Day before travelling to face Liverpool on January 17, in a match which could have huge ramifications on the title race. "We cannot get too far ahead of ourselves," said Solskjaer. "We've got to a decent position at the moment but we are not even halfway, there is a long, long way to go." Defeat was harsh on Wolves, who competed manfully given the tight turnaround for two hugely demanding fixtures. However, the visitors again lacked a goal threat in the absence of Raul Jimenez, who is expected to miss much of the rest of the season due to a fractured skull. "This is football and a learning process," said Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo. "It's cruel in the moment but you can't stay feeling sorry. You have to move forward." The last clash between the sides at Old Trafford in February was Bruno Fernandes's debut for United. The Portuguese has had a transformative impact on the United's fortunes, but he could not beat international teammate Patricio with by far the hosts' best chance of the first-half as he snuck in at the back post to meet Mason Greenwood's cross. Solskjaer lauded Edinson Cavani's predatory instincts on the eve of the game, suggesting the Uruguayan will be handed an extension to his contract for next season. The 33-year-old did find the net with his only chance 20 minutes from time, but was offside as the ball broke his way from a corner. Instead it was Rashford who made the telling impact as he raced onto Fernandes's hopeful long ball over the top. The England international cut inside, but Patricio looked to have his shot covered until it hit Saiss and flew in at the near post.

Solskjaer sees Man Utd of old in late win over Wolves

<p>Thailand's badminton chief pledged that next month's restart tournaments will be the "safest in the world" on Wednesday after heavyweights China withdrew because of coronavirus restrictions.</p>

<p>China's pull-out blows a big hole in the draw for the three world tour events from January 12 in Bangkok, the first in Asia since Covid-19 shut down the sport in March.</p>

<p>Badminton Association of Thailand president Patama Leeswadtrakul said China's anti-coronavirus rules prevented the team, which includes men's Olympic champion Chen Long and women's world number two Chen Yufei, from travelling.</p>

<p>"The reason is that the Chinese government doesn't allow them to go out of the country -- not just for the sport of badminton but for all kinds of athletes," Patama told AFP.</p>

<p>The three back-to-back tournaments, in bio-secure "bubble" conditions and behind closed doors, culminate in the delayed 2020 World Tour Finals from January 27.</p>

<p>Patama said the Thai government has been working to ensure top standards of health, including isolating players the minute they get off their flights.</p>

<p>"This bubble competition will be the safest in the world," Patama said. "After January 4, no one is allowed to enter this bubble and all the measures and protocol are very strict for the health and safety of everyone."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She admitted that the prospect of playing without fans was a concern for some competitors, who are worried about how it may affect their performances.</p>

<p>"Our badminton players also mention these same feelings... But we have to seal everyone in the bubble for the best health this time," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are the only tournament that can host in this world at this time -- I mean internationally, globally, at this time of resurgence."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thailand has seen a low toll from the virus since it registered the first case outside of China in January.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But new outbreaks in recent weeks have prompted the government to put certain areas under partial restrictions after months of relative normalcy.&nbsp;</p>


Thailand's badminton chief pledged that next month's restart tournaments will be the "safest in the world" on Wednesday after heavyweights China withdrew because of coronavirus restrictions.

Thailand's badminton chief pledged that next month's restart tournaments will be the "safest in the world" on Wednesday after heavyweights China withdrew because of coronavirus restrictions. China's pull-out blows a big hole in the draw for the three world tour events from January 12 in Bangkok, the first in Asia since Covid-19 shut down the sport in March. Badminton Association of Thailand president Patama Leeswadtrakul said China's anti-coronavirus rules prevented the team, which includes men's Olympic champion Chen Long and women's world number two Chen Yufei, from travelling. "The reason is that the Chinese government doesn't allow them to go out of the country -- not just for the sport of badminton but for all kinds of athletes," Patama told AFP. The three back-to-back tournaments, in bio-secure "bubble" conditions and behind closed doors, culminate in the delayed 2020 World Tour Finals from January 27. Patama said the Thai government has been working to ensure top standards of health, including isolating players the minute they get off their flights. "This bubble competition will be the safest in the world," Patama said. "After January 4, no one is allowed to enter this bubble and all the measures and protocol are very strict for the health and safety of everyone." She admitted that the prospect of playing without fans was a concern for some competitors, who are worried about how it may affect their performances. "Our badminton players also mention these same feelings... But we have to seal everyone in the bubble for the best health this time," she said. "We are the only tournament that can host in this world at this time -- I mean internationally, globally, at this time of resurgence." Thailand has seen a low toll from the virus since it registered the first case outside of China in January. But new outbreaks in recent weeks have prompted the government to put certain areas under partial restrictions after months of relative normalcy.

Thailand pledges 'world's safest' badminton as China pull out

<p>New Zealand beat Pakistan by 101 runs on Wednesday after a thrilling finish to the first Test in Mount Maunganui, where the visitors were just 27 balls from pulling off a battling draw.</p>

<p>Tail-enders Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah blocked for seven overs in fading light before Naseem was caught and bowled by spinner Mitchell Santner for one, ending Pakistan's resistance.</p>

<p>The end for Pakistan had begun when Kyle Jamieson, celebrating his 26th birthday, broke the 165-run fifth-wicket stand by Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan.</p>

<p>The victory was crucial for New Zealand, who need to sweep the two-Test series to have a chance of making the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June.</p>

<p>Once Jamieson claimed the crucial wicket of Rizwan, lbw for 60, Neil Wagner -- bowling despite breaking two toes while batting -- removed Alam for 102 and New Zealand were into the tail as Pakistan folded from 240 for four to be all out for 271.</p>

<p>Jamieson produced a particularly miserly spell after the tea break when he sent down nine overs and took two for four.</p>

<p>Apart from when Pakistan whipped out the New Zealand openers cheaply on day one, the match had been in New Zealand's control until Rizwan, the stand-in skipper, joined Alam in the middle with Pakistan 75 for four on the final morning.</p>

<p>New Zealand required six more wickets, Pakistan needed 298 runs and more than 78 overs remained.</p>

<p>By tea, Alam and Rizwan were still together, Pakistan had narrowed the target to 158 in 36 overs and New Zealand still needed six wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Jamieson removed Rizwan 11 overs into the final session.</p>

<p>Jamieson had gone close several times previously, and even his lbw shout against Rizwan was turned down before the umpire's decision was overturned on review.</p>

<p>Alam, who had occupied the crease with Rizwan for more than 63 overs, lasted three more overs until he gloved a Wagner short ball to wicketkeeper BJ Watling down the leg side.</p>

<p>Alam had been discarded by Pakistan in 2009 after three Tests and a best innings of 168, and since his recall this year his highest score was 21 against England in August.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were a few loose shots early in his innings and a nerve-wracking moment when a ball ricocheted off his arm and bounced dangerously close to the stumps.</p>

<p>Otherwise, he staunchly held his own through 269 deliveries before bringing up his century with a four off Wagner, but scored only two more runs off his next 33 balls before his dismissal.</p>

<p>New Zealand's frontline pace bowlers Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Wagner, Jamieson and Santner each took two wickets.</p>


New Zealand beat Pakistan by 101 runs on Wednesday after a thrilling finish to the first Test in Mount Maunganui, where the visitors were just 27 balls from pulling off a battling draw.

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 101 runs on Wednesday after a thrilling finish to the first Test in Mount Maunganui, where the visitors were just 27 balls from pulling off a battling draw. Tail-enders Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah blocked for seven overs in fading light before Naseem was caught and bowled by spinner Mitchell Santner for one, ending Pakistan's resistance. The end for Pakistan had begun when Kyle Jamieson, celebrating his 26th birthday, broke the 165-run fifth-wicket stand by Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan. The victory was crucial for New Zealand, who need to sweep the two-Test series to have a chance of making the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June. Once Jamieson claimed the crucial wicket of Rizwan, lbw for 60, Neil Wagner -- bowling despite breaking two toes while batting -- removed Alam for 102 and New Zealand were into the tail as Pakistan folded from 240 for four to be all out for 271. Jamieson produced a particularly miserly spell after the tea break when he sent down nine overs and took two for four. Apart from when Pakistan whipped out the New Zealand openers cheaply on day one, the match had been in New Zealand's control until Rizwan, the stand-in skipper, joined Alam in the middle with Pakistan 75 for four on the final morning. New Zealand required six more wickets, Pakistan needed 298 runs and more than 78 overs remained. By tea, Alam and Rizwan were still together, Pakistan had narrowed the target to 158 in 36 overs and New Zealand still needed six wickets. But Jamieson removed Rizwan 11 overs into the final session. Jamieson had gone close several times previously, and even his lbw shout against Rizwan was turned down before the umpire's decision was overturned on review. Alam, who had occupied the crease with Rizwan for more than 63 overs, lasted three more overs until he gloved a Wagner short ball to wicketkeeper BJ Watling down the leg side. Alam had been discarded by Pakistan in 2009 after three Tests and a best innings of 168, and since his recall this year his highest score was 21 against England in August. There were a few loose shots early in his innings and a nerve-wracking moment when a ball ricocheted off his arm and bounced dangerously close to the stumps. Otherwise, he staunchly held his own through 269 deliveries before bringing up his century with a four off Wagner, but scored only two more runs off his next 33 balls before his dismissal. New Zealand's frontline pace bowlers Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Wagner, Jamieson and Santner each took two wickets.

New Zealand end Pakistan defiance for thrilling Test win

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> on Wednesday postponed the match between Tottenham Hotspur versus Fulham after the Cottagers recorded multiple positive COVID-19 tests on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Spurs versus Fulham was set to start at 18:00 GMT on Wednesday at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium but was postponed amid rising fears of COVID-19 outbreak in the English top-flight. It is the second Premier League fixture to be postponed this week after Manchester City’s match against Everton was deferred following “an increase in positive COVID-19 test results” at City.</p>

<p>Fulham recorded a number of positive cases for the coronavirus in the first round of testing across the Premier League. The clubs in Tier 4 are needed to test twice a week in a bid to halt the rising cases of the virus.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-the-premier-league-get-suspended-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-353425" hreflang="en">Will the Premier League get suspended? Here's everything you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday, the Premier League announced that it had record 18 positive cases last week – the most since the pandemic started. The likes of Arsenal and Sheffield United have all confirmed positive cases this week.</p>

<p>Even Fulham manager Scott Parker, in his press conference on Tuesday, said that he had tested negative for the virus on Sunday and hence, was allowed to return to the training ground at the start of this week.</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday, Spurs manager Jose Mourinho took a cheeky jibe at the Premier League for lack of clarity regarding the scheduling of matches with the Premier League Board delaying the final call just hours before the kick-off time.</p>

<p>Mourinho took to micro-blogging platform Instagram as he posted a video of his staff four hours before the scheduled kick-off time: “Match at 6 pm... We still don’t know if we play. Best league in the world,” he captioned the post.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/im-very-concerned-west-broms-sam-allardyce-calls-for-circuit-break-in-premier-league-353384" hreflang="en">'I'm very concerned...' - West Brom's Sam Allardyce calls for 'circuit-break' in Premier League</a></strong></p>

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<h2>Premier League statement on Tottenham Hostpur vs Fulham:&nbsp;</h2>

<p>"The match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, due to be played at 18:00 GMT this evening, has been postponed following a Premier League Board meeting this afternoon.</p>

<p>"Fulham lodged a request with the Premier League Board to rearrange the fixture following a significant rise in positive COVID-19 cases, as well as a number of players showing symptoms today.</p>

<p>"The Premier League Board has consulted its medical advisors and the decision to postpone the game has been taken as a precaution and with the health of players and staff as the priority. The group will now be retested immediately.</p>

<p>"With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the Premier League continues to have full confidence in its COVID-19 protocols and being able to continue to play our fixtures as scheduled.</p>

<p>"The League wishes those with COVID-19 a safe and speedy recovery and will rearrange the postponed fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham in due course."</p>


The Premier League on Wednesday postponed the match between Tottenham Hotspur versus Fulham after the Cottagers recorded multiple positive COVID-19 tests on Tuesday.

The Premier League on Wednesday postponed the match between Tottenham Hotspur versus Fulham after the Cottagers recorded multiple positive COVID-19 tests on Tuesday. Spurs versus Fulham was set to start at 18:00 GMT on Wednesday at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium but was postponed amid rising fears of COVID-19 outbreak in the English top-flight. It is the second Premier League fixture to be postponed this week after Manchester City’s match against Everton was deferred following “an increase in positive COVID-19 test results” at City. Fulham recorded a number of positive cases for the coronavirus in the first round of testing across the Premier League. The clubs in Tier 4 are needed to test twice a week in a bid to halt the rising cases of the virus. ALSO READ: Will the Premier League get suspended? Here's everything you need to know On Tuesday, the Premier League announced that it had record 18 positive cases last week – the most since the pandemic started. The likes of Arsenal and Sheffield United have all confirmed positive cases this week. Even Fulham manager Scott Parker, in his press conference on Tuesday, said that he had tested negative for the virus on Sunday and hence, was allowed to return to the training ground at the start of this week. Earlier on Wednesday, Spurs manager Jose Mourinho took a cheeky jibe at the Premier League for lack of clarity regarding the scheduling of matches with the Premier League Board delaying the final call just hours before the kick-off time. Mourinho took to micro-blogging platform Instagram as he posted a video of his staff four hours before the scheduled kick-off time: “Match at 6 pm... We still don’t know if we play. Best league in the world,” he captioned the post. ALSO READ: 'I'm very concerned...' - West Brom's Sam Allardyce calls for 'circuit-break' in Premier League View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jose Mourinho (@josemourinho) × Premier League statement on Tottenham Hostpur vs Fulham: "The match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, due to be played at 18:00 GMT this evening, has been postponed following a Premier League Board meeting this afternoon. "Fulham lodged a request with the Premier League Board to rearrange the fixture following a significant rise in positive COVID-19 cases, as well as a number of players showing symptoms today. "The Premier League Board has consulted its medical advisors and the decision to postpone the game has been taken as a precaution and with the health of players and staff as the priority. The group will now be retested immediately. "With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the Premier League continues to have full confidence in its COVID-19 protocols and being able to continue to play our fixtures as scheduled. "The League wishes those with COVID-19 a safe and speedy recovery and will rearrange the postponed fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham in due course."

Tottenham Hotspur vs Fulham postponed as COVID-19 cases hit Premier League

<p>With as many as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-18-new-positive-covid-19-cases-from-latest-round-of-testing-353173">18 COVID-19 positive results</a> in the latest round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> testing, calls are being made for the English top-flight league to take a break for a couple of weeks. While the likes of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/im-very-concerned-west-broms-sam-allardyce-calls-for-circuit-break-in-premier-league-353384">Sam Allardyce has already called for a two-break “circuit-break”</a>, will the Premier League witness a break again as the new coronavirus strain wreaks havoc in the United Kingdom?</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> match between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-citys-clash-at-everton-postponed-due-to-multiple-covid-19-cases-353016">Everton and Manchester City was postponed</a> at the last hour amid concerns of an outbreak within the City squad. The training ground of Manchester City has already been shut indefinitely with deep cleaning taking place after another round of testing on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A number of positive COVID-19 cases at Fulham has also put their match against Tottenham Hotspur, on Wednesday, in doubt with a final call expected to be taken by the Premier League Board soon. Earlier in December, the match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United also suffered postponement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After postponing the match between Man City and Everton, the Premier League stated that decisions to rearrange games are only in "exceptional" circumstances and judged on "case-by-case basis".</p>

<h2>What do Premier League rules say about postponement?</h2>

<p>“Permission will not be granted to postpone a League Match where the applicant Club has 14 or more Players listed on its Squad List available.”</p>

<h2>Will the Premier League get postponed, again?</h2>

<p>Latest reports suggest that no discussions have taken place either formally or informally about a break and in all likelihood, matches will continue. However, the Premier League has ramped up the COVID-19 testing with two tests mandatory for all Premier League clubs from January.</p>

<h2>What have Premier League managers said?</h2>

<p><strong>Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</strong>: “It’s not something I’ve thought about a lot. I think our players have been really good in following protocols and rules. That’s part of the job here, that we as clubs follow the protocols given. I can’t see the benefit in having a circuit break, whatever it’s going to be called.</p>

<p>“Because when are we going to play the games? We all know this year is so difficult, but I don’t think stopping the games is going to make a big, big change.”</p>

<p><strong>West Brom boss Sam Allardyce:</strong> “Everyone’s safety is more important than anything else. When I listen to the news the variant virus transmits quicker than the original virus [so] we can only do the right thing which is have a circuit break.</p>

<p>“I am 66 years old and the last thing I want to do is catch Covid. I’m very concerned for myself and football in general. If that’s what needs to be done we need to do it. We had one positive this week and it seems to be creeping around no matter how hard we try.”</p>

<p><strong>Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo:</strong> “The rising of the cases is increasing massively over the country and we are not an exception.<br />
“Some things are impossible to avoid. If there’s a break coming, then people have to sit down and see if it’s for the better.”<br />
Brighton boss Graham Potter: “Whatever the people think is the right thing to do, for the health of our community, that’s the most important thing. Whatever is deemed right, that’s what we’ll do.”</p>

<p><strong>Burnley boss Sean Dyche</strong>: “We’ve got protocols in place and everyone has tried to align with the protocols. But that doesn’t stop everything.</p>

<p>“I just hope it stays outside of football as best it can. If the numbers keep rising we’ll have to deal with that accordingly.”</p>

<p><strong>Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder</strong>: “We’ve lost five members of staff and some players as well. I think it’s the start of something. We’re going through the process and I’m doing the best I can to keep it away from the players.</p>

<p>“But sometimes it’s virtually impossible. We’ve seen the rise in cases right the way through, so we’re just going to have to battle on.”</p>

<h2>Premier League COVID-19 tests results:&nbsp;</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Round 1: 31 Aug-6 Sep – 1,605 tested, with three testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 2: 7-13 Sep – 2,131 tested, with four testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 3: 14-20 Sep – 1,574 tested, with three testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 4: 21-27 Sep – 1,595 tested, with 10 testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 5: 28 Sep-4 Oct – 1,587 tested, with nine testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 6: 5-11 Oct – 1,128 tested, with five testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 7: 12-18 Oct – 1,575 tested, with eight testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 8: 19-25 Oct – 1,609 tested, with two testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 9: 26 Oct-1 Nov – 1,446 tested, with four testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 10: 2-8 Nov – 1,646 tested, with four testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 11: 9-15 Nov – 1,207 tested, with 16 testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 12: 16-22 Nov – 1,530 tested, with eight testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 13: 23-29 Nov – 1,381 tested, with 10 testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 14: 30 Nov-6 Dec – 1,483 tested with 14 testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 15: 7-13 Dec – 1,549 tested with six testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 16: 14-20 Dec – 1,569 tested with seven testing positive.</li>
	<li>Round 17: 21-27 Dec – 1,479 tested with 18 testing positive.</li>
</ul>


With as many as 18 COVID-19 positive results in the latest round of Premier League testing, calls are being made for the English top-flight league to take a break for a couple of weeks.

With as many as 18 COVID-19 positive results in the latest round of Premier League testing, calls are being made for the English top-flight league to take a break for a couple of weeks. While the likes of Sam Allardyce has already called for a two-break “circuit-break”, will the Premier League witness a break again as the new coronavirus strain wreaks havoc in the United Kingdom? The Premier League match between Everton and Manchester City was postponed at the last hour amid concerns of an outbreak within the City squad. The training ground of Manchester City has already been shut indefinitely with deep cleaning taking place after another round of testing on Tuesday. A number of positive COVID-19 cases at Fulham has also put their match against Tottenham Hotspur, on Wednesday, in doubt with a final call expected to be taken by the Premier League Board soon. Earlier in December, the match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United also suffered postponement. After postponing the match between Man City and Everton, the Premier League stated that decisions to rearrange games are only in "exceptional" circumstances and judged on "case-by-case basis". What do Premier League rules say about postponement? “Permission will not be granted to postpone a League Match where the applicant Club has 14 or more Players listed on its Squad List available.” Will the Premier League get postponed, again? Latest reports suggest that no discussions have taken place either formally or informally about a break and in all likelihood, matches will continue. However, the Premier League has ramped up the COVID-19 testing with two tests mandatory for all Premier League clubs from January. What have Premier League managers said? Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: “It’s not something I’ve thought about a lot. I think our players have been really good in following protocols and rules. That’s part of the job here, that we as clubs follow the protocols given. I can’t see the benefit in having a circuit break, whatever it’s going to be called. “Because when are we going to play the games? We all know this year is so difficult, but I don’t think stopping the games is going to make a big, big change.” West Brom boss Sam Allardyce: “Everyone’s safety is more important than anything else. When I listen to the news the variant virus transmits quicker than the original virus [so] we can only do the right thing which is have a circuit break. “I am 66 years old and the last thing I want to do is catch Covid. I’m very concerned for myself and football in general. If that’s what needs to be done we need to do it. We had one positive this week and it seems to be creeping around no matter how hard we try.” Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo: “The rising of the cases is increasing massively over the country and we are not an exception. “Some things are impossible to avoid. If there’s a break coming, then people have to sit down and see if it’s for the better.” Brighton boss Graham Potter: “Whatever the people think is the right thing to do, for the health of our community, that’s the most important thing. Whatever is deemed right, that’s what we’ll do.” Burnley boss Sean Dyche: “We’ve got protocols in place and everyone has tried to align with the protocols. But that doesn’t stop everything. “I just hope it stays outside of football as best it can. If the numbers keep rising we’ll have to deal with that accordingly.” Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder: “We’ve lost five members of staff and some players as well. I think it’s the start of something. We’re going through the process and I’m doing the best I can to keep it away from the players. “But sometimes it’s virtually impossible. We’ve seen the rise in cases right the way through, so we’re just going to have to battle on.” Premier League COVID-19 tests results: Round 1: 31 Aug-6 Sep – 1,605 tested, with three testing positive. Round 2: 7-13 Sep – 2,131 tested, with four testing positive. Round 3: 14-20 Sep – 1,574 tested, with three testing positive. Round 4: 21-27 Sep – 1,595 tested, with 10 testing positive. Round 5: 28 Sep-4 Oct – 1,587 tested, with nine testing positive. Round 6: 5-11 Oct – 1,128 tested, with five testing positive. Round 7: 12-18 Oct – 1,575 tested, with eight testing positive. Round 8: 19-25 Oct – 1,609 tested, with two testing positive. Round 9: 26 Oct-1 Nov – 1,446 tested, with four testing positive. Round 10: 2-8 Nov – 1,646 tested, with four testing positive. Round 11: 9-15 Nov – 1,207 tested, with 16 testing positive. Round 12: 16-22 Nov – 1,530 tested, with eight testing positive. Round 13: 23-29 Nov – 1,381 tested, with 10 testing positive. Round 14: 30 Nov-6 Dec – 1,483 tested with 14 testing positive. Round 15: 7-13 Dec – 1,549 tested with six testing positive. Round 16: 14-20 Dec – 1,569 tested with seven testing positive. Round 17: 21-27 Dec – 1,479 tested with 18 testing positive.

Will the Premier League get suspended? Here's everything you need to know

<p>Liverpool sharpshooter Mohamed Salah will be a star in demand during 2021 with Egypt wanting him not only for World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, but also the Olympic Games. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The record seven-time African champions face between six and eight World Cup matches and two in the Cup of Nations as the continent plays catch-up after 2020 schedules were severely affected by the coronavirus.</p>

<p>Qualifiers for the Olympics are permitted three over-age players in a tournament otherwise restricted to under-23 footballers and Salah tops the Egyptian wish list as they plan for Tokyo. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Here, AFP Sport outlines what lies ahead for African football with a new Confederation of African Football (CAF) president set to be elected in March after incumbent Ahmad Ahmad was banned for five years by FIFA.</p>

<h2>World Cup</h2>

<p>Salah and fellow former African Footballer of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will come face to face in Group F where Gabon are likely to pose the biggest threat to Egypt.</p>

<p>Libya, who cannot play at home because of a violent struggle for political control of the oil-rich country, and off-form Angola are also in the section and only the team finishing first survive. &nbsp;</p>

<p>African champions Algeria, Tunisia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo are seeded to win the 10 groups and reach the two-leg final phase.</p>

<h2>Cup of Nations</h2>

<p>Among the last 10 champions, 2012 title-holders Zambia are in most danger of missing the 24-team tournament in Cameroon, which has been put back one year to the beginning of 2022 because of Covid-19.</p>

<p>The Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) are last in a group where defending champions Algeria have already qualified, Zimbabwe lie second and Botswana third.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zambia have lost three of four qualifiers and host Algeria and visit Zimbabwe during March as they try to avoid missing three consecutive Cup of Nations finals.</p>

<h2>Nations Championship</h2>

<p>Hosts Cameroon hope to emulate 2018 champions Morocco and win at home a 16-team competition reserved for footballers playing in their country of birth.</p>

<p>It will be a tough task for the Cameroonians, though, after a change of coaches and disappointing warm-up results for the January 16-February 7 tournament.</p>

<p>Qualifying was riddled with shocks and Algeria, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Senegal were eliminated while former champions Tunisia withdrew after securing a place, citing fixture congestion.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Olympic Games</h2>

<p>Africa has collected two gold, a silver and two bronze medals from the last seven Olympic Games football tournaments with Nigeria winning in 1996 and Cameroon emulating them four years later.</p>

<p>Neither country will be in Tokyo, however, with Egypt, the Ivory Coast and South Africa the African representatives.</p>

<p>It will be the 11th appearance by Egypt -- a record for an African nation -- and their best showings were finishing fourth at the 1928 Amsterdam and 1964 Tokyo Games.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Champions League</h2>

<p>Al Ahly of Egypt will not only defend the Champions League title, but also face Renaissance Berkane of Morocco in the CAF Super Cup, and try to improve a poor FIFA Club World Cup record.</p>

<p>The greatest threats to the Red Devils in the Champions League are likely to come from Cairo neighbours Zamalek, Casablanca clubs Raja and Wydad and Esperance Tunis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahly have regularly flopped in the Club World Cup, losing nine of 12 matches in five appearances, including a 5-1 trouncing by Mexicans Monterrey. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Confederation Cup</h2>

<p>Berkane defeated expensively assembled Egyptian outfit Pyramids in the 2020 final and both look among the strongest contenders again. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Etoile Sahel of Tunisia, the only club to win all five current and past CAF competitions, and 2015 Confederation Cup runners-up Orlando Pirates of South Africa could go far.</p>

<p>Champions League last 32 losers join the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League at the playoffs stage and they could include CS Sfaxien of Tunisia, winners of the Confederation Cup a record three times.</p>

<h2>CAF presidency</h2>

<p>Malagasy Ahmad was a hot favourites to secure a second term as CAF president until FIFA barred him from all football activities for five years.</p>

<p>A FIFA statement said the 60 year old had "breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts and other benefits, mismanaged funds and abused his position as the CAF president".</p>

<p>With Ahmad sidelined, Ivorian Jacques Anouma, Mauritanian Ahmed Yahya, Senegalese Augustin Senghor and South African Patrice Motsepe will contest the election in Rabat on March 12.</p>

<h2>TV blackout</h2>

<p>Football followers in the many African countries where Johannesburg-based SuperSport provide coverage of CAF competitions will be hoping for the end of a blackout with the Nations Championship looming.</p>

<p>CAF last year ended a $1 billion (815 million euros) contract with French company Lagardere, due to run until 2028, after a Cairo court said the agreement breached Egyptian competition rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SuperSport, who screened matches along with Canal+ (French) and BeIN Sports (Arabic), said they could not continue as they had signed a contract with Lagardere. &nbsp;</p>


Liverpool sharpshooter Mohamed Salah will be a star in demand during 2021 with Egypt wanting him not only for World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, but also the Olympic Games.

Liverpool sharpshooter Mohamed Salah will be a star in demand during 2021 with Egypt wanting him not only for World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, but also the Olympic Games. The record seven-time African champions face between six and eight World Cup matches and two in the Cup of Nations as the continent plays catch-up after 2020 schedules were severely affected by the coronavirus. Qualifiers for the Olympics are permitted three over-age players in a tournament otherwise restricted to under-23 footballers and Salah tops the Egyptian wish list as they plan for Tokyo. Here, AFP Sport outlines what lies ahead for African football with a new Confederation of African Football (CAF) president set to be elected in March after incumbent Ahmad Ahmad was banned for five years by FIFA. World Cup Salah and fellow former African Footballer of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will come face to face in Group F where Gabon are likely to pose the biggest threat to Egypt. Libya, who cannot play at home because of a violent struggle for political control of the oil-rich country, and off-form Angola are also in the section and only the team finishing first survive. African champions Algeria, Tunisia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo are seeded to win the 10 groups and reach the two-leg final phase. Cup of Nations Among the last 10 champions, 2012 title-holders Zambia are in most danger of missing the 24-team tournament in Cameroon, which has been put back one year to the beginning of 2022 because of Covid-19. The Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) are last in a group where defending champions Algeria have already qualified, Zimbabwe lie second and Botswana third. Zambia have lost three of four qualifiers and host Algeria and visit Zimbabwe during March as they try to avoid missing three consecutive Cup of Nations finals. Nations Championship Hosts Cameroon hope to emulate 2018 champions Morocco and win at home a 16-team competition reserved for footballers playing in their country of birth. It will be a tough task for the Cameroonians, though, after a change of coaches and disappointing warm-up results for the January 16-February 7 tournament. Qualifying was riddled with shocks and Algeria, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Senegal were eliminated while former champions Tunisia withdrew after securing a place, citing fixture congestion. Olympic Games Africa has collected two gold, a silver and two bronze medals from the last seven Olympic Games football tournaments with Nigeria winning in 1996 and Cameroon emulating them four years later. Neither country will be in Tokyo, however, with Egypt, the Ivory Coast and South Africa the African representatives. It will be the 11th appearance by Egypt -- a record for an African nation -- and their best showings were finishing fourth at the 1928 Amsterdam and 1964 Tokyo Games. Champions League Al Ahly of Egypt will not only defend the Champions League title, but also face Renaissance Berkane of Morocco in the CAF Super Cup, and try to improve a poor FIFA Club World Cup record. The greatest threats to the Red Devils in the Champions League are likely to come from Cairo neighbours Zamalek, Casablanca clubs Raja and Wydad and Esperance Tunis. Ahly have regularly flopped in the Club World Cup, losing nine of 12 matches in five appearances, including a 5-1 trouncing by Mexicans Monterrey. Confederation Cup Berkane defeated expensively assembled Egyptian outfit Pyramids in the 2020 final and both look among the strongest contenders again. Etoile Sahel of Tunisia, the only club to win all five current and past CAF competitions, and 2015 Confederation Cup runners-up Orlando Pirates of South Africa could go far. Champions League last 32 losers join the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League at the playoffs stage and they could include CS Sfaxien of Tunisia, winners of the Confederation Cup a record three times. CAF presidency Malagasy Ahmad was a hot favourites to secure a second term as CAF president until FIFA barred him from all football activities for five years. A FIFA statement said the 60 year old had "breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts and other benefits, mismanaged funds and abused his position as the CAF president". With Ahmad sidelined, Ivorian Jacques Anouma, Mauritanian Ahmed Yahya, Senegalese Augustin Senghor and South African Patrice Motsepe will contest the election in Rabat on March 12. TV blackout Football followers in the many African countries where Johannesburg-based SuperSport provide coverage of CAF competitions will be hoping for the end of a blackout with the Nations Championship looming. CAF last year ended a $1 billion (815 million euros) contract with French company Lagardere, due to run until 2028, after a Cairo court said the agreement breached Egyptian competition rules. SuperSport, who screened matches along with Canal+ (French) and BeIN Sports (Arabic), said they could not continue as they had signed a contract with Lagardere.

Salah faces hectic 2021 with Egypt, CAF to elect new president

<p>New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner is being hailed as a hero after the Black Caps won the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the Bay Oval by 101 runs. Wagner defied all the odds and shrugged off the pain of two broken toes to help New Zealand win the first Test against Pakistan and become the number one ranked Test side in the world for the first time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wagner suffered fractures in two toes after a Shaheen Afridi yorker left him in pain during New Zealand’s first innings. However, Wagner took the field and bowled for his country to help them win the Test match in incredible fashion. Wagner finished the match with four wickets despite having two fractured toes in his right foot. The Kiwi was cleared to play by the medics given he could bear the pain of fractured toes – something which he did.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The foot they’re all talking about! <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilWagner13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NeilWagner13</a> ran in today with a fractured toe, claiming 2-50 👏🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketNation</a> <a href="https://t.co/TRW7AwDop0">pic.twitter.com/TRW7AwDop0</a></p>
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1343468393375010818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Wagner dismissed a well-settled Fawad Alam for 102 during a marathon 11-over spell on the fifth day to put the hopes of Pakistan team of winning or drawing the match to bed. New Zealand ended up winning the Test by 101 runs with just 27 deliveries remaining from the close.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-pip-india-for-second-spot-in-icc-world-test-championship-points-table-353353" hreflang="en">New Zealand pip India for second spot in ICC World Test Championship points table</a></strong></p>

<p>"People talk about the size of his heart in terms of what he does on the cricket field, but to have a couple of broken toes, and he was in a lot of pain - I want to be careful here because he's probably going to listen to this (laughs) - but he was in a lot of pain," Williamson said after the end of the first Test against Pakistan. "He was going off and getting injections and numbing his foot. We tried to use him when the injection was taking effect. It was kind of unique for all of us.</p>

<p>"His appetite and motivation to be out there and try and make a difference for the team is huge. I think we haven't seen any bigger than the effort he put in across this Test match with a couple of broken toes. He just kept running in, and obviously, it had an impact on his ability to operate at 100% but he still came in and got the breakthrough like he does for us so often when he's at full strength. A very, very special effort from Wags, one that the team appreciated. We needed him out there, and he delivered."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-end-pakistan-defiance-for-thrilling-test-win-353315" hreflang="en">New Zealand end Pakistan defiance for thrilling Test win</a></strong></p>

<p>Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan also echoed Williamson’s views as he said his attitude sets him apart from others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I just told him he’s mad. He’s a different guy. His attitude is everything, his aggression is very beautiful,” Rizwan said.</p>

<h2>Here's how social media reacted to Neil Wagner shrugging off the pain to bowl for New Zealand:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Neil Wagner. There aren't enough words<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a></p>
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/andymcg_cricket/status/1344140323207798785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Neil Wagner. 11 overs on the trot and with a fractured toe. 👏 (I hope it doesn't make it worse) but respect! Giving it his all. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPak</a></p>
— Naeemah Benjamin (@NaeemahBenjamin) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaeemahBenjamin/status/1344143073182445569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hats off to Neil Wagner.. Mann what a fighter he is.. With fractured toe he gave everything for his team.. Every team wants a fighter like him.. Salute man.. 🔥👏🙌👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wagner?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wagner</a></p>
— Aviral Rai (@cric_fan23) <a href="https://twitter.com/cric_fan23/status/1344158595567349760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And am speechless for Neil Wagner.. It's his 9th over on the trot after the tea break..He is bowling with a fractured toe.. What a dedication! Salute man👏👏❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a></p>
— Debashish Sarangi (@Plumb_infront) <a href="https://twitter.com/Plumb_infront/status/1344137911269093376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Neil Wagner is an absolute mad man. Fast bowlers find it difficult to bowl an 8 over spell, even when fit. This man has bowled an 8 over spell (and counting) with a broken foot. God knows what stuff is he made up of. Just hope he isn't out for long after this test.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a></p>
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) <a href="https://twitter.com/gurkiratsgill/status/1344137566300225536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This guy Neil Wagner is a bowling machine, the way He runs in &amp; puts all his effort by banging the ball short &amp; with Marathon spells.</p>
— Mani 🇵🇰 (@TweetsMani14) <a href="https://twitter.com/TweetsMani14/status/1344134125733752832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Whereas Wagner said that he takes a lot of pride in pulling off something like this as he knows Test matches don’t come easy. The Kiwi speedster added that he never wants to sit on the sidelines and watch other people grind it out for the team.</p>

<p>"I do take a lot of pride in something like that," Wagner said about bowling through the pain. "But it comes down to the team. There's still a way of contributing for them. I wouldn't be wanting to sit on the side with my foot up and watching the boys doing the hard work out there, and I can't be there to help out. I feel I'll be left out, I have a bit of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Injuries happen and it's unlucky, but I can still walk, I can still do things, I can run. It's not going to stop me. It's sore and it's uncomfortable but it's just one of those things you have to deal with.</p>

<p>"Test matches don't come easy. Playing for your country is never anything you can take for granted. I know how bloody hard I had to work to get to where I am now and I'm sure as hell not going to sit on the side and watch other people do it. I want to be part of it and playing my part. Unless they carry me off on a stretcher, I'm going to try and do everything I can, I guess."</p>

<p>New Zealand will look to carry the winning momentum when they take the field for the second and final Test against Pakistan from January 3 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner is being hailed as a hero after the Black Caps won the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the Bay Oval by 101 runs. Wagner defied all the odds and shrugged off the pain of two broken toes to help New Zealand win the first Test against Pakistan and become the number one ranked Test side in the world for the first time.

New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner is being hailed as a hero after the Black Caps won the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the Bay Oval by 101 runs. Wagner defied all the odds and shrugged off the pain of two broken toes to help New Zealand win the first Test against Pakistan and become the number one ranked Test side in the world for the first time. Wagner suffered fractures in two toes after a Shaheen Afridi yorker left him in pain during New Zealand’s first innings. However, Wagner took the field and bowled for his country to help them win the Test match in incredible fashion. Wagner finished the match with four wickets despite having two fractured toes in his right foot. The Kiwi was cleared to play by the medics given he could bear the pain of fractured toes – something which he did. The foot they’re all talking about! @NeilWagner13 ran in today with a fractured toe, claiming 2-50 👏🏽#NZvPAK #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/TRW7AwDop0 — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 28, 2020 × Wagner dismissed a well-settled Fawad Alam for 102 during a marathon 11-over spell on the fifth day to put the hopes of Pakistan team of winning or drawing the match to bed. New Zealand ended up winning the Test by 101 runs with just 27 deliveries remaining from the close. ALSO READ: New Zealand pip India for second spot in ICC World Test Championship points table "People talk about the size of his heart in terms of what he does on the cricket field, but to have a couple of broken toes, and he was in a lot of pain - I want to be careful here because he's probably going to listen to this (laughs) - but he was in a lot of pain," Williamson said after the end of the first Test against Pakistan. "He was going off and getting injections and numbing his foot. We tried to use him when the injection was taking effect. It was kind of unique for all of us. "His appetite and motivation to be out there and try and make a difference for the team is huge. I think we haven't seen any bigger than the effort he put in across this Test match with a couple of broken toes. He just kept running in, and obviously, it had an impact on his ability to operate at 100% but he still came in and got the breakthrough like he does for us so often when he's at full strength. A very, very special effort from Wags, one that the team appreciated. We needed him out there, and he delivered." ALSO READ: New Zealand end Pakistan defiance for thrilling Test win Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan also echoed Williamson’s views as he said his attitude sets him apart from others. “I just told him he’s mad. He’s a different guy. His attitude is everything, his aggression is very beautiful,” Rizwan said. Here's how social media reacted to Neil Wagner shrugging off the pain to bowl for New Zealand: Neil Wagner. There aren't enough words#NZvPAK — Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) December 30, 2020 × Neil Wagner. 11 overs on the trot and with a fractured toe. 👏 (I hope it doesn't make it worse) but respect! Giving it his all. #NZvPak — Naeemah Benjamin (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 30, 2020 × Hats off to Neil Wagner.. Mann what a fighter he is.. With fractured toe he gave everything for his team.. Every team wants a fighter like him.. Salute man.. 🔥👏🙌👏#NZvPAK#wagner — Aviral Rai (@cric_fan23) December 30, 2020 × And am speechless for Neil Wagner.. It's his 9th over on the trot after the tea break..He is bowling with a fractured toe.. What a dedication! Salute man👏👏❤️ #NZvPAK — Debashish Sarangi (@Plumb_infront) December 30, 2020 × Neil Wagner is an absolute mad man. Fast bowlers find it difficult to bowl an 8 over spell, even when fit. This man has bowled an 8 over spell (and counting) with a broken foot. God knows what stuff is he made up of. Just hope he isn't out for long after this test.#NZvPAK — Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) December 30, 2020 × This guy Neil Wagner is a bowling machine, the way He runs in & puts all his effort by banging the ball short & with Marathon spells. — Mani 🇵🇰 (@TweetsMani14) December 30, 2020 × Whereas Wagner said that he takes a lot of pride in pulling off something like this as he knows Test matches don’t come easy. The Kiwi speedster added that he never wants to sit on the sidelines and watch other people grind it out for the team. "I do take a lot of pride in something like that," Wagner said about bowling through the pain. "But it comes down to the team. There's still a way of contributing for them. I wouldn't be wanting to sit on the side with my foot up and watching the boys doing the hard work out there, and I can't be there to help out. I feel I'll be left out, I have a bit of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Injuries happen and it's unlucky, but I can still walk, I can still do things, I can run. It's not going to stop me. It's sore and it's uncomfortable but it's just one of those things you have to deal with. "Test matches don't come easy. Playing for your country is never anything you can take for granted. I know how bloody hard I had to work to get to where I am now and I'm sure as hell not going to sit on the side and watch other people do it. I want to be part of it and playing my part. Unless they carry me off on a stretcher, I'm going to try and do everything I can, I guess." New Zealand will look to carry the winning momentum when they take the field for the second and final Test against Pakistan from January 3 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

'He's mad!' - New Zealand's Neil Wagner hailed as 'inspiration' for bowling with fractured toe

<p>The prestigious BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells that was scheduled to be held in California in March has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns, organisers said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>It marks the second consecutive year the dual ATP-WTA hardcourt event, which is often called the “fifth major” after the four Grand Slam tournaments, has been impacted by the virus as the 2020 edition was cancelled.</p>

<p>“The tournament is proactively working with the ATP and WTA Tours as well as title sponsor BNP Paribas to confirm dates later in the year to hold the event,” tournament organisers said in a statement.</p>

<p>“Details will be released in the near future as plans are finalised.”</p>

<p>The event, which next year was scheduled to be held March 8-21, attracts the game’s top players from both the men’s and women’s sides and in 2019 drew a record 475,000 fans over its two-week run.</p>

<p>The 2020 edition was the first major professional sporting event in the United States cancelled in wake of the coronavirus, on the eve of its scheduled start.</p>

<p>Men’s tennis governing body ATP also announced the 2021 Indian Wells postponement but said that all subsequent sections of the 2021 calendar, beginning with the spring clay-court season, remain unchanged at this time.</p>

<p>The start of the 2021 Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam, has already been delayed for three weeks until Feb. 8 due to the country’s strict border rules to curb the spread of the coronavirus.</p>


The prestigious BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells that was scheduled to be held in California in March has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns, organisers said on Tuesday.

The prestigious BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells that was scheduled to be held in California in March has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns, organisers said on Tuesday. It marks the second consecutive year the dual ATP-WTA hardcourt event, which is often called the “fifth major” after the four Grand Slam tournaments, has been impacted by the virus as the 2020 edition was cancelled. “The tournament is proactively working with the ATP and WTA Tours as well as title sponsor BNP Paribas to confirm dates later in the year to hold the event,” tournament organisers said in a statement. “Details will be released in the near future as plans are finalised.” The event, which next year was scheduled to be held March 8-21, attracts the game’s top players from both the men’s and women’s sides and in 2019 drew a record 475,000 fans over its two-week run. The 2020 edition was the first major professional sporting event in the United States cancelled in wake of the coronavirus, on the eve of its scheduled start. Men’s tennis governing body ATP also announced the 2021 Indian Wells postponement but said that all subsequent sections of the 2021 calendar, beginning with the spring clay-court season, remain unchanged at this time. The start of the 2021 Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam, has already been delayed for three weeks until Feb. 8 due to the country’s strict border rules to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Indian Wells postponed due to COVID-19 concerns

<p>Concerns continue to grow for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> after the English top-flight confirmed 18 positive COVID-19 cases in its latest round of testing. While the match between Everton and Manchester City was postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak withing the City squad, rest of the matches went ahead despite players and staff being tested positive for the dreaded virus.</p>

<p>West Bromwich Albion head coach Sam Allardyce has also revealed that the club had a positive coronavirus test this week while calling for ‘circuit-break’ to curb the rising cases within the English top-flight.</p>

<p>Moreover, the lower division leagues have been hit massively by COVID-19. The League One, in the 2020-21 season, witnessed 29 postponed matches, League Two 11 matches, Championship 4 matches and two matches in Premier League.</p>

<p><strong>TRENDING |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-lionel-messis-reaction-after-disappointing-draw-against-eibar-goes-viral-353378" hreflang="en">WATCH- Lionel Messi's reaction after disappointing draw against Eibar goes viral!</a></strong></p>

<p>The Premier League announced its highest number of positive cases on Tuesday since it began weekly testing in May, with 18 out of 1,479 tests coming back positive.</p>

<p>Reportedly, the Premier League match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday is also in doubt due to positive cases in Fulham squad.<br />
While there are no plans for the Premier League to pause the current season, Allardyce, speaking after West Brom's 5-0 home loss to Leeds United, said: "Everyone's safety is more important than anything else.</p>

<p>"When I listen to the news the variant virus transmits quicker than the original virus [so] we can only do the right thing which is have a circuit break.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/solskjaer-sees-man-utd-of-old-in-late-win-over-wolves-353320" hreflang="en">Solskjaer sees Man Utd of old in late win over Wolves</a></strong></p>

<p>"I am 66 years old and the last thing I want to do is catch Covid. I'm very concerned for myself and football in general. If that's what needs to be done we need to do it.</p>

<p>"We had one positive this week and it seems to be creeping around no matter how hard we try."</p>


Concerns continue to grow for the Premier League after the English top-flight confirmed 18 positive COVID-19 cases in its latest round of testing. While the match between Everton and Manchester City was postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak withing the City squad, rest of the matches went ahead despite players and staff being tested positive for the dreaded virus.

Concerns continue to grow for the Premier League after the English top-flight confirmed 18 positive COVID-19 cases in its latest round of testing. While the match between Everton and Manchester City was postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak withing the City squad, rest of the matches went ahead despite players and staff being tested positive for the dreaded virus. West Bromwich Albion head coach Sam Allardyce has also revealed that the club had a positive coronavirus test this week while calling for ‘circuit-break’ to curb the rising cases within the English top-flight. Moreover, the lower division leagues have been hit massively by COVID-19. The League One, in the 2020-21 season, witnessed 29 postponed matches, League Two 11 matches, Championship 4 matches and two matches in Premier League. TRENDING | WATCH- Lionel Messi's reaction after disappointing draw against Eibar goes viral! The Premier League announced its highest number of positive cases on Tuesday since it began weekly testing in May, with 18 out of 1,479 tests coming back positive. Reportedly, the Premier League match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday is also in doubt due to positive cases in Fulham squad. While there are no plans for the Premier League to pause the current season, Allardyce, speaking after West Brom's 5-0 home loss to Leeds United, said: "Everyone's safety is more important than anything else. "When I listen to the news the variant virus transmits quicker than the original virus [so] we can only do the right thing which is have a circuit break. ALSO READ: Solskjaer sees Man Utd of old in late win over Wolves "I am 66 years old and the last thing I want to do is catch Covid. I'm very concerned for myself and football in general. If that's what needs to be done we need to do it. "We had one positive this week and it seems to be creeping around no matter how hard we try."

'I'm very concerned...' - West Brom's Sam Allardyce calls for 'circuit-break' in Premier League

<p>India completed a memorable triumph in Melbourne as the visitors defeated Australia by eight wickets to equalise the four-match Test series 1-1. While there is still a sense of jubilation among fans, the captain of the Indian cricket team Ajinkya Rahane on Wednesday posted a heartfelt letter for all the fans for the support they have received after winning the Boxing Day Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane, who is leading the Indian side in the absence of Virat Kohli, expressed his gratitude for all the love and support coming towards the Indian cricket team. Rahane further wrote that the biggest reward for the Indian cricket team has been the ability to put a smile on the faces of cricket lovers.&nbsp;<br />
The centurion in the MCG Test concluded by saying that the Indian cricket team continues to seek support and good wishes from everyone for the final two Test matches against Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-joins-ms-dhoni-in-a-rare-list-as-india-win-boxing-day-test-vs-australia-353117" hreflang="en">Ajinkya Rahane joins MS Dhoni in a rare list as India win Boxing Day Test vs Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>“I would like to express my gratitude for all the love and support we've received. The biggest reward for us as a team has been the ability to bring a smile on the faces of all those Indians that follow the sport,” Rahane posted on Twitter.</p>

<p>“We continue to seek your support and good wishes as we work hard for the next two matches,” the stand-in Indian skipper concluded.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/tJdduct5Pl">pic.twitter.com/tJdduct5Pl</a></p>
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88/status/1344213385211039750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>India, after suffering humiliation in the Adelaide Test, showed immense character to bounce back and dominate Australia in the Boxing Day Test, played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rahane was one of the orchestrators of the memorable win as he led the side with a fantastic century in the first innings.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/couldnt-be-happier-for-jinks-virat-kohli-lauds-ajinkya-rahane-co-for-historic-win-in-boxing-day-test-353106" hreflang="en">'Couldn't be happier for Jinks' - Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane &amp; Co. for historic win in Boxing Day Test</a></strong></p>

<p>Rahane’s aggressive captaincy and shrewd decision making was largely praised by pundits and former cricketers as India bounced back to level the series 1-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and Australia will lock horns in the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


India completed a memorable triumph in Melbourne as the visitors defeated Australia by eight wickets to equalise the four-match Test series 1-1. While there is still a sense of jubilation among fans, the captain of the Indian cricket team Ajinkya Rahane on Wednesday posted a heartfelt letter for all the fans for the support they have received after winning the Boxing Day Test.

India completed a memorable triumph in Melbourne as the visitors defeated Australia by eight wickets to equalise the four-match Test series 1-1. While there is still a sense of jubilation among fans, the captain of the Indian cricket team Ajinkya Rahane on Wednesday posted a heartfelt letter for all the fans for the support they have received after winning the Boxing Day Test. Rahane, who is leading the Indian side in the absence of Virat Kohli, expressed his gratitude for all the love and support coming towards the Indian cricket team. Rahane further wrote that the biggest reward for the Indian cricket team has been the ability to put a smile on the faces of cricket lovers. The centurion in the MCG Test concluded by saying that the Indian cricket team continues to seek support and good wishes from everyone for the final two Test matches against Australia. ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane joins MS Dhoni in a rare list as India win Boxing Day Test vs Australia “I would like to express my gratitude for all the love and support we've received. The biggest reward for us as a team has been the ability to bring a smile on the faces of all those Indians that follow the sport,” Rahane posted on Twitter. “We continue to seek your support and good wishes as we work hard for the next two matches,” the stand-in Indian skipper concluded. Thank you 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tJdduct5Pl — Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) December 30, 2020 × India, after suffering humiliation in the Adelaide Test, showed immense character to bounce back and dominate Australia in the Boxing Day Test, played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rahane was one of the orchestrators of the memorable win as he led the side with a fantastic century in the first innings. ALSO READ: 'Couldn't be happier for Jinks' - Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane & Co. for historic win in Boxing Day Test Rahane’s aggressive captaincy and shrewd decision making was largely praised by pundits and former cricketers as India bounced back to level the series 1-1. India and Australia will lock horns in the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7.

'The biggest reward for us...' - Ajinkya Rahane posts heartfelt message for fans after MCG triumph

<p>New Zealand on Wednesday pipped India for second spot in the ICC World Test Championship after the Kiwis defeated Pakistan by 101 runs in the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday. While Australia continue to lead the WTC points table, New Zealand now hold the second position with India slipping down to the third spot in the standings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rules of ICC World Test Championship were revised after it was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the new structure, the ICC WTC standings are now determined using percentage of points garnered by the teams. Hence, India, despite having more points than Australia and New Zealand are sitting below the two sides in the ICC World Test Championship points table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the latest ICC World Test Championship points table, Australia have the best points percentage with 0.77 and New Zealand have 0.75 to their name. Whereas India have a points percentage of 0.72 followed by England at 0.61.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-warner-will-pucovski-return-to-australian-squad-vs-india-joe-burns-dropped-353343" hreflang="en">David Warner, Will Pucovski return to Australian squad vs India; Joe Burns dropped</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">New Zealand keep themselves in contention of making it to the final of the ICC World Test Championship 🙌<br />
<br />
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC21</a> standings table after the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a> Test 👇 <a href="https://t.co/IZnHHIPT0S">pic.twitter.com/IZnHHIPT0S</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1344177313152430083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The latest structure was adopted after many bilateral series, under the ICC World Test Championship, were postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>According to the format of ICC WTC, a total of 120 points are up for grabs in a particular series. The points of the match are calculated on the basis of a number of matches in a series.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a></strong></p>

<p>With the final of ICC World Test Championship is scheduled to take place in July 2021 at the iconic Lord’s in England. However, there are still a few series to be played before the final as the participating teams gear up for a final push to play in the summit clash.&nbsp;</p>


New Zealand on Wednesday pipped India for second spot in the ICC World Test Championship after the Kiwis defeated Pakistan by 101 runs in the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday.

New Zealand on Wednesday pipped India for second spot in the ICC World Test Championship after the Kiwis defeated Pakistan by 101 runs in the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday. While Australia continue to lead the WTC points table, New Zealand now hold the second position with India slipping down to the third spot in the standings. The rules of ICC World Test Championship were revised after it was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the new structure, the ICC WTC standings are now determined using percentage of points garnered by the teams. Hence, India, despite having more points than Australia and New Zealand are sitting below the two sides in the ICC World Test Championship points table. According to the latest ICC World Test Championship points table, Australia have the best points percentage with 0.77 and New Zealand have 0.75 to their name. Whereas India have a points percentage of 0.72 followed by England at 0.61. ALSO READ: David Warner, Will Pucovski return to Australian squad vs India; Joe Burns dropped New Zealand keep themselves in contention of making it to the final of the ICC World Test Championship 🙌 The #WTC21 standings table after the first #NZvPAK Test 👇 pic.twitter.com/IZnHHIPT0S — ICC (@ICC) December 30, 2020 × The latest structure was adopted after many bilateral series, under the ICC World Test Championship, were postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the format of ICC WTC, a total of 120 points are up for grabs in a particular series. The points of the match are calculated on the basis of a number of matches in a series. ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners With the final of ICC World Test Championship is scheduled to take place in July 2021 at the iconic Lord’s in England. However, there are still a few series to be played before the final as the participating teams gear up for a final push to play in the summit clash.

New Zealand pip India for second spot in ICC World Test Championship points table

<p>Australia on Wednesday announced a strong 18-member squad for the third and fourth Tests against India as David Warner returned in the team for the hosts. The four-match Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after India made a resounding comeback in the Boxing Day Test to equalise the series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Warner and Will Pucovsi have been added in Australia’s Test squad with out-of-form opener Joe Burns dropped from the squad. Pacer Sean Abbott has also been declared fit for the remainder of the series and is one of the names in the 18-member squad.</p>

<p>Warner continues to recover from the groin injury and will replace Burns in the playing XI. Whereas Pucovski is in line to make his Test debut after suffering concussion while playing for Australia A against India earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 22-year-old will still be required to pass further tests before he is cleared to make a possible debut in Sydney.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t-natarajan-could-make-test-debut-in-third-test-vs-australia-as-umesh-yadav-suffers-calf-injury-353331" hreflang="en">T Natarajan could make Test debut in third Test vs Australia as Umesh Yadav suffers calf injury</a></strong></p>

<p>Should Pucovski make his Test debut in Sydney, Matthew Wade could be shifted to the middle order to replace out-of-form Travis Head in the playing XI.&nbsp;<br />
"Will is in the final stages of the graduated return to play protocols and has been symptom-free for some time," Australia’s selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement</p>

<p>"He will be fit to play in Sydney subject to completing the return to play protocols and an independent assessment.</p>

<p>"Joe Burns has been released from the squad and will return to the Brisbane Heat.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shhhh-fans-urged-to-cheer-quietly-at-scg-amid-covid-outbreak-353325" hreflang="en">Shhhh! Fans urged to cheer quietly at SCG amid COVID outbreak</a></strong></p>

<p>"Unfortunately, Joe's returns haven't been what he or the selectors would like or what we consider he is capable of.</p>

<p>"David has made strong progress in his recovery from injury and will be given every chance to play in Sydney with another seven days until the match.</p>

<p>"Sean has fully recovered from a calf strain and is also available for selection."</p>

<p><strong>Australia Test squad:</strong> Tim Paine (c), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner</p>

<p><strong>India Test squad:</strong> Virat Kohli (c) (first Test only), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australia on Wednesday announced a strong 18-member squad for the third and fourth Tests against India as David Warner returned in the team for the hosts. The four-match Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after India made a resounding comeback in the Boxing Day Test to equalise the series.

Australia on Wednesday announced a strong 18-member squad for the third and fourth Tests against India as David Warner returned in the team for the hosts. The four-match Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after India made a resounding comeback in the Boxing Day Test to equalise the series. Warner and Will Pucovsi have been added in Australia’s Test squad with out-of-form opener Joe Burns dropped from the squad. Pacer Sean Abbott has also been declared fit for the remainder of the series and is one of the names in the 18-member squad. Warner continues to recover from the groin injury and will replace Burns in the playing XI. Whereas Pucovski is in line to make his Test debut after suffering concussion while playing for Australia A against India earlier this month. The 22-year-old will still be required to pass further tests before he is cleared to make a possible debut in Sydney. ALSO READ: T Natarajan could make Test debut in third Test vs Australia as Umesh Yadav suffers calf injury Should Pucovski make his Test debut in Sydney, Matthew Wade could be shifted to the middle order to replace out-of-form Travis Head in the playing XI. "Will is in the final stages of the graduated return to play protocols and has been symptom-free for some time," Australia’s selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement "He will be fit to play in Sydney subject to completing the return to play protocols and an independent assessment. "Joe Burns has been released from the squad and will return to the Brisbane Heat. ALSO READ: Shhhh! Fans urged to cheer quietly at SCG amid COVID outbreak "Unfortunately, Joe's returns haven't been what he or the selectors would like or what we consider he is capable of. "David has made strong progress in his recovery from injury and will be given every chance to play in Sydney with another seven days until the match. "Sean has fully recovered from a calf strain and is also available for selection." Australia Test squad: Tim Paine (c), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner India Test squad: Virat Kohli (c) (first Test only), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj

David Warner, Will Pucovski return to Australian squad vs India; Joe Burns dropped

<p>Indian pacer Thangarasu Natarajan’s stocks continue to rise sharply as the left-arm pacer is likely to make his Test debut for India in the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Reportedly, T Natarajan has been added to the Indian Test squad after Umesh Yadav suffered a calf injury that is likely to keep him out of the New Year’s Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Natarajan came in the eyes of world cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad as the pacer impressed everyone with his sharp accuracy and ability to pick wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Natarajan was rewarded with Team India debut during the recently concluded ODI and T20I series against Australia. Natarajan took two wickets in his ODI debut and six wickets in the three-match T20I series at a splendid economy of 6.91.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shhhh-fans-urged-to-cheer-quietly-at-scg-amid-covid-outbreak-353325" hreflang="en">Shhhh! Fans urged to cheer quietly at SCG amid COVID outbreak</a></strong></p>

<p>With India looking to add variety in Umesh Yadav’s absence, Natarajan could get his Test debut ahead of Navdeep Saini.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The selectors had added Shardul Thakur (Mumbai paceman) as a replacement for Mohammed Shami (out with a fractured forearm), and there is Navdeep Saini too, but it's very much likely that Natrajan would be preferred given that he brings variation to the attack. Also, like&nbsp;Mitchell Starc does for Nathan Lyon, he would create footmarks which spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can exploit," a source told TOI on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-end-pakistan-defiance-for-thrilling-test-win-353315" hreflang="en">New Zealand end Pakistan defiance for thrilling Test win</a></strong></p>

<p>India will also be boosted by the availability of Rohit Sharma after the veteran Indian batsmen completed his 14-day hard quarantine on Wednesday. However, it would be interesting to see whether the visitors will make any more change to a winning combination.</p>

<p>India and Australia will lock horns in the third Test at the SCG, starting from January 7.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian pacer Thangarasu Natarajan’s stocks continue to rise sharply as the left-arm pacer is likely to make his Test debut for India in the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.

Indian pacer Thangarasu Natarajan’s stocks continue to rise sharply as the left-arm pacer is likely to make his Test debut for India in the third Test against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Reportedly, T Natarajan has been added to the Indian Test squad after Umesh Yadav suffered a calf injury that is likely to keep him out of the New Year’s Test. Natarajan came in the eyes of world cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad as the pacer impressed everyone with his sharp accuracy and ability to pick wickets. Natarajan was rewarded with Team India debut during the recently concluded ODI and T20I series against Australia. Natarajan took two wickets in his ODI debut and six wickets in the three-match T20I series at a splendid economy of 6.91. ALSO READ: Shhhh! Fans urged to cheer quietly at SCG amid COVID outbreak With India looking to add variety in Umesh Yadav’s absence, Natarajan could get his Test debut ahead of Navdeep Saini. "The selectors had added Shardul Thakur (Mumbai paceman) as a replacement for Mohammed Shami (out with a fractured forearm), and there is Navdeep Saini too, but it's very much likely that Natrajan would be preferred given that he brings variation to the attack. Also, like Mitchell Starc does for Nathan Lyon, he would create footmarks which spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can exploit," a source told TOI on Sunday. ALSO READ: New Zealand end Pakistan defiance for thrilling Test win India will also be boosted by the availability of Rohit Sharma after the veteran Indian batsmen completed his 14-day hard quarantine on Wednesday. However, it would be interesting to see whether the visitors will make any more change to a winning combination. India and Australia will lock horns in the third Test at the SCG, starting from January 7.

T Natarajan could make Test debut in third Test vs Australia as Umesh Yadav suffers calf injury

<p>India on Tuesday completed a remarkable comeback in the four-match Border-Gavaskar series against Australia as the visitors won the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Virat Kohli, who is in India on paternity leave, congratulated the Indian cricket team for their historic win at the MCG while especially lauding stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane for leading the entire team to the win.</p>

<p>India, without the likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, dominated the proceedings from the word go and showed immense character to bounce back from a scathing defeat in Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What a win this is, absolutely amazing effort by the whole team. Couldn't be happier for the boys and specially Jinks who led the team to victory amazingly. Onwards and upwards from here,” tweeted Kohli on Tuesday right after India’s eight-wicket win over Australia in the Boxing Day Test.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/border-gavaskar-trophy-india-wins-the-second-test-levels-series-at-1-1-353075" hreflang="en">Border–Gavaskar Trophy: India win&nbsp;the second Test, level series at 1-1</a></strong></p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a win this is, absolutely amazing effort by the whole team. Couldn't be happier for the boys and specially Jinks who led the team to victory amazingly. Onwards and upwards from here 💪🇮🇳</p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1343769773683830784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Indian bowlers didn’t let the Aussies settle in and wrapped up their innings on 195 runs before posting 326 runs courtesy a fine century from Rahane. Australia, in the second innings, failed to bounce back into the game and were bundled out for 200 runs. With a target of 70 runs, Indian openers Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal started the chase on a positive note but the latter was dismissed by Mitchell Starc. Cheteshwar Pujara, too, was sent packing soon by Pat Cummins.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-spirit-of-the-decade-award-when-ms-dhoni-recalled-ian-bell-during-nottingham-test-in-2011-watch-352933" hreflang="en">ICC Spirit of the Decade Award: When MS Dhoni recalled Ian Bell during Nottingham Test in 2011- Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Gill and Rahane made sure that India cross the winning line comfortably and bury the ghosts of Adelaide with ease.&nbsp;India have now levelled the four-match Test series 1-1 and will be looking to carry the momentum in the third Test.</p>

<p>“Really proud of all the players. Played really well. Want to give credit to the debutants Siraj and Gill, the character they showed after the Adelaide loss was great to see. Character was important for us, especially after losing Umesh in the second innings. The talk was all about showing the attitude and intent on the field. As I said, character. Adelaide was about one hour that took the game away from us. Lots to learn for even now. Australia applied themselves with their last five wickets,” said Rahane after the match.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


India on Tuesday completed a remarkable comeback in the four-match Border-Gavaskar series against Australia as the visitors won the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

India on Tuesday completed a remarkable comeback in the four-match Border-Gavaskar series against Australia as the visitors won the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Virat Kohli, who is in India on paternity leave, congratulated the Indian cricket team for their historic win at the MCG while especially lauding stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane for leading the entire team to the win. India, without the likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, dominated the proceedings from the word go and showed immense character to bounce back from a scathing defeat in Adelaide. “What a win this is, absolutely amazing effort by the whole team. Couldn't be happier for the boys and specially Jinks who led the team to victory amazingly. Onwards and upwards from here,” tweeted Kohli on Tuesday right after India’s eight-wicket win over Australia in the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Border–Gavaskar Trophy: India win the second Test, level series at 1-1 What a win this is, absolutely amazing effort by the whole team. Couldn't be happier for the boys and specially Jinks who led the team to victory amazingly. Onwards and upwards from here 💪🇮🇳 — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 29, 2020 × Indian bowlers didn’t let the Aussies settle in and wrapped up their innings on 195 runs before posting 326 runs courtesy a fine century from Rahane. Australia, in the second innings, failed to bounce back into the game and were bundled out for 200 runs. With a target of 70 runs, Indian openers Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal started the chase on a positive note but the latter was dismissed by Mitchell Starc. Cheteshwar Pujara, too, was sent packing soon by Pat Cummins. ALSO READ: ICC Spirit of the Decade Award: When MS Dhoni recalled Ian Bell during Nottingham Test in 2011- Watch However, Gill and Rahane made sure that India cross the winning line comfortably and bury the ghosts of Adelaide with ease. India have now levelled the four-match Test series 1-1 and will be looking to carry the momentum in the third Test. “Really proud of all the players. Played really well. Want to give credit to the debutants Siraj and Gill, the character they showed after the Adelaide loss was great to see. Character was important for us, especially after losing Umesh in the second innings. The talk was all about showing the attitude and intent on the field. As I said, character. Adelaide was about one hour that took the game away from us. Lots to learn for even now. Australia applied themselves with their last five wickets,” said Rahane after the match.

'Couldn't be happier for Jinks' - Virat Kohli lauds Ajinkya Rahane & Co. for historic win in Boxing Day Test

<p>Philadelphia 76ers' president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, whose tweet last year about Hong Kong protesters led to an NBA-China rift, is in trouble again for another social media posting.</p>

<p>The NBA said Monday it has issued Morey a $50,000 (40,961 euro) fine for violating the league's anti-tampering rule.</p>

<p>The penalty was imposed for a since-deleted social media post Morey made on December 20 regarding Houston Rockets star James Harden, the NBA's top scorer each of the past three seasons.</p>

<p>Harden has said he wants to be traded from the Rockets and one of the teams he indicated he would accept a deal to join was the 76ers.</p>

<p>The tweet celebrated a feat done by Harden a year earlier.</p>

<p>Morey&nbsp;knows Harden's talents well. Morey had served as general manager of the Rockets from 2007 until departing this past October and then joining the 76ers last month.</p>

<p>In October 2019, Morey sent tweets supportive of protests in Hong Kong, leading China to stop NBA television coverage for a year and sever sponsorship ties and other deals.</p>

<p>The 76ers are off to a 2-1 start to the 2020-21 campaign while the Rockets lost their opener after having a game postponed when they could not field a minimum eight players.</p>

<p>Absences were due to Covid-19 issues, including Harden needing to be isolated and tested after appearing at a party in violation of NBA safety protocols.</p>


Philadelphia 76ers' president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, whose tweet last year about Hong Kong protesters led to an NBA-China rift, is in trouble again for another social media posting.

Philadelphia 76ers' president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, whose tweet last year about Hong Kong protesters led to an NBA-China rift, is in trouble again for another social media posting. The NBA said Monday it has issued Morey a $50,000 (40,961 euro) fine for violating the league's anti-tampering rule. The penalty was imposed for a since-deleted social media post Morey made on December 20 regarding Houston Rockets star James Harden, the NBA's top scorer each of the past three seasons. Harden has said he wants to be traded from the Rockets and one of the teams he indicated he would accept a deal to join was the 76ers. The tweet celebrated a feat done by Harden a year earlier. Morey knows Harden's talents well. Morey had served as general manager of the Rockets from 2007 until departing this past October and then joining the 76ers last month. In October 2019, Morey sent tweets supportive of protests in Hong Kong, leading China to stop NBA television coverage for a year and sever sponsorship ties and other deals. The 76ers are off to a 2-1 start to the 2020-21 campaign while the Rockets lost their opener after having a game postponed when they could not field a minimum eight players. Absences were due to Covid-19 issues, including Harden needing to be isolated and tested after appearing at a party in violation of NBA safety protocols.

NBA fine 76ers exec Morey $50,000 for Harden tweet

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