Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has called Ajinkya Rahane to take up Virat Kohli’s no. four spot in the batting order for the remainder of the four-match Test series against Australia as the southpaw said that the stand-in skipper needs to lead from the front in the Boxing Day Test.

Gambhir is also in support of India bringing in KL Rahul at number five, which means Pujara at three and Rahane at four for India in the batting order at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The World Cup-winning cricketer also opined that Prithvi Shaw is “low on confidence” and Shubman Gill should take his place in the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

It is being heavily reported that India are looking to make as many as four changes in the squad with Gill replacing Shaw, Rishabh Pant taking Wriddhiman Saha’s place. Mohammed Siraj is set to replace Mohammed Shami with KL Rahul coming in for Virat Kohli. There are chances that Ravindra Jadeja may start ahead of Hanuma Vihari.&nbsp;

"I think he is low on confidence (Prithvi Shaw), that's why I want to see Shubman Gill at the top with Mayank Agarwal. I want to see Cheteshwar Pujara on No: 3, and Ajinkya Rahane on No.4 and not at the 5th spot," Gambhir told Star Sports Cricket Connected.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-have-opened-up-some-scars-australias-joe-burns-wants-hosts-to-continue-onslaught-vs-india-351337" hreflang="en">We have opened up some scars: Australia's Joe Burns wants hosts to continue onslaught vs India</a>

"If Rahane is the captain, he has to lead from the front - so, in place of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane should take the 4th spot. KL Rahul should bat at No. 5, Rishabh Pant at 6, Ravindra Jadeja at 7, Ashwin at 8 and then 3 seamers - I want the team to get in with 5 bowlers."

India have already started practising for the Boxing Day Test with the visitors hitting the nets on Wednesday at the MCG. 
&nbsp;

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has called Ajinkya Rahane to take up Virat Kohli’s no. four spot in the batting order for the remainder of the four-match Test series against Australia as the southpaw said that the stand-in skipper needs to lead from the front in the Boxing Day Test.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has called Ajinkya Rahane to take up Virat Kohli’s no. four spot in the batting order for the remainder of the four-match Test series against Australia as the southpaw said that the stand-in skipper needs to lead from the front in the Boxing Day Test. Gambhir is also in support of India bringing in KL Rahul at number five, which means Pujara at three and Rahane at four for India in the batting order at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The World Cup-winning cricketer also opined that Prithvi Shaw is “low on confidence” and Shubman Gill should take his place in the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? It is being heavily reported that India are looking to make as many as four changes in the squad with Gill replacing Shaw, Rishabh Pant taking Wriddhiman Saha’s place. Mohammed Siraj is set to replace Mohammed Shami with KL Rahul coming in for Virat Kohli. There are chances that Ravindra Jadeja may start ahead of Hanuma Vihari. "I think he is low on confidence (Prithvi Shaw), that's why I want to see Shubman Gill at the top with Mayank Agarwal. I want to see Cheteshwar Pujara on No: 3, and Ajinkya Rahane on No.4 and not at the 5th spot," Gambhir told Star Sports Cricket Connected. ALSO READ: We have opened up some scars: Australia's Joe Burns wants hosts to continue onslaught vs India "If Rahane is the captain, he has to lead from the front - so, in place of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane should take the 4th spot. KL Rahul should bat at No. 5, Rishabh Pant at 6, Ravindra Jadeja at 7, Ashwin at 8 and then 3 seamers - I want the team to get in with 5 bowlers." India have already started practising for the Boxing Day Test with the visitors hitting the nets on Wednesday at the MCG.

Gautam Gambhir gives his take on Team India's combination for Boxing Day Test vs Australia

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi continues to shatter the record books and achieved an iconic milestone on Tuesday as he surpassed Pele’s record of scoring most goals for a single club. Messi helped Barcelona win 3-0 against Valladolid in La Liga and also surpassed the landmark in his trophy-laden career.&nbsp;

Messi scored his 664th goal for the La Liga giants on Tuesday and surpassed Pele’s record of 643 goals for Brazilian club Santos from 1956 to 1974. After surpassing Pele’s record, Messi took to social media platform Instagram to share a heartfelt post as he thanked his family, teammates and his well-wishers.

"When I started playing football, I never thought I would break any records, especially the one I broke today, which was Pele's. I can only thank everyone who's helped me all these years, my teammates, my family, my friends, and everyone who supports me every day," Messi wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-overtakes-peles-goal-record-as-atletico-cement-liga-lead-351743" hreflang="en">Messi overtakes Pele's goal record as Atletico cement Liga lead</a>

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While Messi scored 644 goals in 749 matches, Pele was far quicker in getting to the milestone as he took just 655 matches for Santon to score 643 goals. Messi netted his first Barca goal in 2015 and has gone on to play 17 seasons with the Catalan giants. The Argentine maestro has won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies with Barcelona.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-nba-to-super-bowl-heres-complete-list-of-winners-in-2020-350549" hreflang="en">From NBA to Super Bowl: Here's complete list of winners in 2020</a>

Recently when Messi equalised Pele’s record, the Brazilian lavished praises on the Barcelona star.

"Congratulations on your historical record, Lionel. But above all, congratulations on your beautiful career at Barcelona. Stories like ours, of loving the same club for so long, unfortunately will be ever rarer in football. I admire you a lot," Pele wrote in a social media post.

 
&nbsp;

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi continues to shatter the record books and achieved an iconic milestone on Tuesday as he surpassed Pele’s record of scoring most goals for a single club.

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi continues to shatter the record books and achieved an iconic milestone on Tuesday as he surpassed Pele’s record of scoring most goals for a single club. Messi helped Barcelona win 3-0 against Valladolid in La Liga and also surpassed the landmark in his trophy-laden career. Messi scored his 664th goal for the La Liga giants on Tuesday and surpassed Pele’s record of 643 goals for Brazilian club Santos from 1956 to 1974. After surpassing Pele’s record, Messi took to social media platform Instagram to share a heartfelt post as he thanked his family, teammates and his well-wishers. "When I started playing football, I never thought I would break any records, especially the one I broke today, which was Pele's. I can only thank everyone who's helped me all these years, my teammates, my family, my friends, and everyone who supports me every day," Messi wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Messi overtakes Pele's goal record as Atletico cement Liga lead View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) × While Messi scored 644 goals in 749 matches, Pele was far quicker in getting to the milestone as he took just 655 matches for Santon to score 643 goals. Messi netted his first Barca goal in 2015 and has gone on to play 17 seasons with the Catalan giants. The Argentine maestro has won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies with Barcelona. ALSO READ: From NBA to Super Bowl: Here's complete list of winners in 2020 Recently when Messi equalised Pele’s record, the Brazilian lavished praises on the Barcelona star. "Congratulations on your historical record, Lionel. But above all, congratulations on your beautiful career at Barcelona. Stories like ours, of loving the same club for so long, unfortunately will be ever rarer in football. I admire you a lot," Pele wrote in a social media post.

Lionel Messi posts heartfelt message after breaking Pele's all-time goalscoring record

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina along with singer Guru Randhawa were arrested in Mumbai after a raid at the Dragonfly club for breaching COVID-19 norms. Both Raina and Randhawa were released on bail.

A total of 34 people were arrested in the raid at Mumbai’s Dragonfly club including seven staff members, according to India Today.&nbsp;They were booked for violating coronavirus protocols.

A senior officer of the Sahar police station said singer Randhawa and cricketer Raina were among the 34 arrested and booked for breaching the norms before being released on bail.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-taking-the-knee-to-joining-protests-athletes-who-contributed-to-black-lives-matter-movement-349554" hreflang="en">From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

As many as 34 including the likes of Raina and Randhawa were booked under Section 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life), 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC and provisions of NMDA.

The raid and arrests were carried out at the Dragonfly club for keeping the premises open beyond permissible time limit and not following the COVID-19 protocols.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-arjun-rampal-gets-summoned-by-ncb-for-the-second-time-351494" hreflang="en">Arjun Rampal gets summoned by NCB for the second time</a>

On Monday, Maharashtra government had announced night curfew in municipal corporation areas as steps to curb COVID-19 amid concerns surrounding a new coronavirus variant in the UK.

Ahead of the New Year festive week, the Maharashtra government has already announced a series of restriction on public activity from December 22 to January 5.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina along with singer Guru Randhawa were arrested in Mumbai after a raid at the Dragonfly club for breaching COVID-19 norms. Both Raina and Randhawa were released on bail.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina along with singer Guru Randhawa were arrested in Mumbai after a raid at the Dragonfly club for breaching COVID-19 norms. Both Raina and Randhawa were released on bail. A total of 34 people were arrested in the raid at Mumbai’s Dragonfly club including seven staff members, according to India Today. They were booked for violating coronavirus protocols. A senior officer of the Sahar police station said singer Randhawa and cricketer Raina were among the 34 arrested and booked for breaching the norms before being released on bail. ALSO READ: From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement As many as 34 including the likes of Raina and Randhawa were booked under Section 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life), 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC and provisions of NMDA. The raid and arrests were carried out at the Dragonfly club for keeping the premises open beyond permissible time limit and not following the COVID-19 protocols. ALSO READ: Arjun Rampal gets summoned by NCB for the second time On Monday, Maharashtra government had announced night curfew in municipal corporation areas as steps to curb COVID-19 amid concerns surrounding a new coronavirus variant in the UK. Ahead of the New Year festive week, the Maharashtra government has already announced a series of restriction on public activity from December 22 to January 5.

Suresh Raina, Guru Randhawa arrested and booked in raid at Mumbai club

In what comes as a huge blow to Indian cricket team, pacer Mohammed Shami, whose bowling hand was fractured during the third day of the Adelaide Test, has been advised six weeks of rest and will be flying back to India on Wednesday.

Shami will have to undergo a brief period of quarantine in India. The 30-year-old was hit by a bouncer from Aussie pacer Pat Cummins and couldn’t pick the bat in pain. However, in the latest development, Shami will not be available for the remainder of the series due to fractured hand and has been advised six weeks of rest.&nbsp;

"Shami has been advised six weeks of rest and he will be leaving for India on Wednesday," a source told IANS.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

Shami is likely to be fit by the end of January after undergoing six-week rest period and is expected to be available for India’s full-fledged home series against England, scheduled to start from February 4.

Shami’s injury comes at a wrong time for India with the visitors already missing skipper Virat Kohli from second Test onwards. Shami was one of the heroes for India when they visited Down Under in 2018-19 and ended up clinching the historic series 2-1.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini are set to replace Shami in the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-hope-mark-waugh-predicts-australia-to-whitewash-india-in-border-gavaskar-trophy-351627" hreflang="en">'No hope': Mark Waugh predicts Australia to whitewash India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a>

A couple of more changes are expected in the line-up with Shubman Gill and KL Rahul likely to be slotted in for Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant set to replace Wriddhiman Saha. Ravindra Jadeja is also in contention to replace Hanuma Vihar in the playing XI, as per reports.

In what comes as a huge blow to Indian cricket team, pacer Mohammed Shami, whose bowling hand was fractured during the third day of the Adelaide Test, has been advised six weeks of rest and will be flying back to India on Wednesday.

In what comes as a huge blow to Indian cricket team, pacer Mohammed Shami, whose bowling hand was fractured during the third day of the Adelaide Test, has been advised six weeks of rest and will be flying back to India on Wednesday. Shami will have to undergo a brief period of quarantine in India. The 30-year-old was hit by a bouncer from Aussie pacer Pat Cummins and couldn’t pick the bat in pain. However, in the latest development, Shami will not be available for the remainder of the series due to fractured hand and has been advised six weeks of rest. "Shami has been advised six weeks of rest and he will be leaving for India on Wednesday," a source told IANS. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? Shami is likely to be fit by the end of January after undergoing six-week rest period and is expected to be available for India’s full-fledged home series against England, scheduled to start from February 4. Shami’s injury comes at a wrong time for India with the visitors already missing skipper Virat Kohli from second Test onwards. Shami was one of the heroes for India when they visited Down Under in 2018-19 and ended up clinching the historic series 2-1. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini are set to replace Shami in the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. ALSO READ: 'No hope': Mark Waugh predicts Australia to whitewash India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy A couple of more changes are expected in the line-up with Shubman Gill and KL Rahul likely to be slotted in for Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant set to replace Wriddhiman Saha. Ravindra Jadeja is also in contention to replace Hanuma Vihar in the playing XI, as per reports.

Mohammed Shami advised 6 weeks' rest, to fly back to India on Wednesday

India, after humiliation in Adelaide, will move to Melbourne for the second Test against Australia in a bid to get back into the four-match Test series. India will be without skipper Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) with a massive task looming ahead for the Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, former Australian batsman&nbsp;Mark Waugh has said that there is no way India would be able to avoid a whitewash in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India were dismantled for just 36 runs in the second innings as Australia won the Adelaide Test comfortably by eight wickets. With many predicting India might bounce back in the series, Waugh has said there is ‘no hope’ for the Indian team.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-need-to-move-rohit-sharma-from-sydney-he-is-safe-bcci-official-351608" hreflang="en">No need to move Rohit Sharma from Sydney, he is safe: BCCI official</a>

“I thought Adelaide was the Test that they could win on paper and with Virat Kohli here for just the one Test. I thought the conditions would suit them.

“I just can’t see how they can bounce back (after) Australia whitewashed them on the third day.

“So ‘no’ is the answer four-nil to Australia," Mark Waugh told on Fox Cricket.

Former Aussie wicket-keeper Brad Haddin also backed Waugh’s statement as he said he is not sure whether India would be able to get back the energy on and off the field after the departure of Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

“If they are going to get back into the game, what I want to know is where they’re going to get their energy from,” Haddin said on Fox Cricket. “Virat Kohli is gone now and a lot of the energy comes off the back of what he does. He’s a world-class player, he’s their leader.

“I would have a look at bringing someone in like Rohit Sharma. If he comes out of quarantine and he’s in good knick and he’s fit enough to play, I’d put him straight in because I think they need a senior player like that to take the anxiety out of everything and just get everyone thinking about cricket again.”

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is likely to play in the third Test, scheduled to be played in Sydney from January 7, upon completing his 14-day mandatory quarantine phase. 
&nbsp;

India, after humiliation in Adelaide, will move to Melbourne for the second Test against Australia in a bid to get back into the four-match Test series. India will be without skipper Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) with a massive task looming ahead for the Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India.

India, after humiliation in Adelaide, will move to Melbourne for the second Test against Australia in a bid to get back into the four-match Test series. India will be without skipper Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) with a massive task looming ahead for the Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, former Australian batsman Mark Waugh has said that there is no way India would be able to avoid a whitewash in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India were dismantled for just 36 runs in the second innings as Australia won the Adelaide Test comfortably by eight wickets. With many predicting India might bounce back in the series, Waugh has said there is ‘no hope’ for the Indian team. ALSO READ: No need to move Rohit Sharma from Sydney, he is safe: BCCI official “I thought Adelaide was the Test that they could win on paper and with Virat Kohli here for just the one Test. I thought the conditions would suit them. “I just can’t see how they can bounce back (after) Australia whitewashed them on the third day. “So ‘no’ is the answer four-nil to Australia," Mark Waugh told on Fox Cricket. Former Aussie wicket-keeper Brad Haddin also backed Waugh’s statement as he said he is not sure whether India would be able to get back the energy on and off the field after the departure of Virat Kohli. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? “If they are going to get back into the game, what I want to know is where they’re going to get their energy from,” Haddin said on Fox Cricket. “Virat Kohli is gone now and a lot of the energy comes off the back of what he does. He’s a world-class player, he’s their leader. “I would have a look at bringing someone in like Rohit Sharma. If he comes out of quarantine and he’s in good knick and he’s fit enough to play, I’d put him straight in because I think they need a senior player like that to take the anxiety out of everything and just get everyone thinking about cricket again.” Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is likely to play in the third Test, scheduled to be played in Sydney from January 7, upon completing his 14-day mandatory quarantine phase.

'No hope': Mark Waugh predicts Australia to whitewash India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

FIFA on Tuesday announced that it has filed a criminal complaint against former president Sepp Blatter over the finances of its loss-making museum in Zurich. FIFA, in a statement, said that a criminal complaint has been lodged against Blatter with Zurich’s cantonal prosecutor as evidence of suspected criminal mismanagement by FIFA’s former management and companies appointed by them.&nbsp;

In a statement, FIFA said it had "lodged a criminal complaint with Zurich's cantonal prosecutor as evidence of suspected criminal mismanagement by FIFA's former management and companies appointed by them in relation to the (museum) has surfaced."&nbsp;

Blatter's lawyer, Lorenz Erni, told AFP "the accusations are unfounded" and denied wrongdoing.

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As per FIFA, the museum generated a bill of 500 million Swiss francs (462 million euros) that instead "could and should have been channeled into the development of global football".

"We came to the conclusion that we had no choice other than to report the case to state prosecutors, not least because the current management of FIFA also has fiduciary responsibilities to the organisation and we intend to live up to them, even if those before us dismally failed to," said FIFA deputy secretary general Alasdair Bell.

The Zurich-based museum, which is a marquee Blatter project, was inaugurated in February 2016 by current FIFA president Gianni Infantino after he was elected as Blatter’s successor.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fourth-stadium-for-fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-unveiled-351009" hreflang="en">Fourth stadium for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 unveiled</a>

Blatter was suspended from football for six years over a two million Swiss franc payment to then UEFA boss Michel Platini.

FIFA went on to invest 140 million Swiss frans ($138.6 million) in the museum, which is spread over three floors. However, it lost $50 million in its inaugural year of operating and attracted an average of 11,000 visitors a month – half the target of what Blatter had anticipated.

(With AFP inputs)

FIFA on Tuesday announced that it has filed a criminal complaint against former president Sepp Blatter over the finances of its loss-making museum in Zurich. FIFA, in a statement, said that a criminal complaint has been lodged against Blatter with Zurich’s cantonal prosecutor as evidence of suspected criminal mismanagement by FIFA’s former management and companies appointed by them.

FIFA on Tuesday announced that it has filed a criminal complaint against former president Sepp Blatter over the finances of its loss-making museum in Zurich. FIFA, in a statement, said that a criminal complaint has been lodged against Blatter with Zurich’s cantonal prosecutor as evidence of suspected criminal mismanagement by FIFA’s former management and companies appointed by them. In a statement, FIFA said it had "lodged a criminal complaint with Zurich's cantonal prosecutor as evidence of suspected criminal mismanagement by FIFA's former management and companies appointed by them in relation to the (museum) has surfaced." Blatter's lawyer, Lorenz Erni, told AFP "the accusations are unfounded" and denied wrongdoing. ALSO READ: Nobby Stiles' brain injury caused by heading ball, doctor says As per FIFA, the museum generated a bill of 500 million Swiss francs (462 million euros) that instead "could and should have been channeled into the development of global football". "We came to the conclusion that we had no choice other than to report the case to state prosecutors, not least because the current management of FIFA also has fiduciary responsibilities to the organisation and we intend to live up to them, even if those before us dismally failed to," said FIFA deputy secretary general Alasdair Bell. The Zurich-based museum, which is a marquee Blatter project, was inaugurated in February 2016 by current FIFA president Gianni Infantino after he was elected as Blatter’s successor. ALSO READ: Fourth stadium for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 unveiled Blatter was suspended from football for six years over a two million Swiss franc payment to then UEFA boss Michel Platini. FIFA went on to invest 140 million Swiss frans ($138.6 million) in the museum, which is spread over three floors. However, it lost $50 million in its inaugural year of operating and attracted an average of 11,000 visitors a month – half the target of what Blatter had anticipated. (With AFP inputs)

FIFA lodges criminal complaint against Sepp Blatter over loss-making museum

The latest outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Sydney has left everyone concerned over the fate of the third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7. While there are reports that the Melbourne Cricket Ground might host the second and third Test after the latest cluster in Sydney, there are concerns surrounding the safety of Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who is undergoing quarantine in Sydney.

However, a BCCI official has confirmed that Rohit will continue to undergo quarantine in Sydney and the Indian cricket board and the team management is&nbsp;in constant touch with the ‘Hitman’.&nbsp;

"He doesn't need to move from Sydney. He is safe and is in a bio-secure environment undergoing quarantine. While he is alone in his room, the Indian board as well as the team management is constantly in touch with him. If there was any emergency or if we felt that he needed to get out of Sydney, we would. But for now, he is completely safe there," the BCCI official told ANI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-releases-statement-after-getting-booked-in-mumbai-351599" hreflang="en">Suresh Raina releases statement after getting booked in Mumbai</a>

When asked about the endurance programme which the physio handed over to Rohit when he left for Australia following the completion of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, the official said:

"He is being monitored by the physios and he is doing his regular endurance work in his room. It is all about keeping fit and ready for action when it comes to hitting the ground running."

Cricket Australia on Sunday stated the Sydney Test is still on track despite the fresh coronavirus cluster in Sydney. However, there are reports that the third Test may be hosted by Melbourne along with the Boxing Day Test.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

"The third Test is more than two-and-a-half weeks away, which provides us with time to assess the evolving public health situation on the northern beaches of Sydney. We have made no changes to our schedule and our preference remains to play the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia's Interim CEO said in an official statement.

"Cricket Australia has developed a solid track record of delivery throughout this most challenging of summers and will continue to make appropriate and proportionate decisions in consultation with our biosecurity team, governments, State &amp; Territory Associations, the Australian Cricketers' Association, our partners and venues," he added.

The latest outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Sydney has left everyone concerned over the fate of the third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7.

The latest outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Sydney has left everyone concerned over the fate of the third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to start from January 7. While there are reports that the Melbourne Cricket Ground might host the second and third Test after the latest cluster in Sydney, there are concerns surrounding the safety of Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who is undergoing quarantine in Sydney. However, a BCCI official has confirmed that Rohit will continue to undergo quarantine in Sydney and the Indian cricket board and the team management is in constant touch with the ‘Hitman’. "He doesn't need to move from Sydney. He is safe and is in a bio-secure environment undergoing quarantine. While he is alone in his room, the Indian board as well as the team management is constantly in touch with him. If there was any emergency or if we felt that he needed to get out of Sydney, we would. But for now, he is completely safe there," the BCCI official told ANI. ALSO READ: Suresh Raina releases statement after getting booked in Mumbai When asked about the endurance programme which the physio handed over to Rohit when he left for Australia following the completion of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, the official said: "He is being monitored by the physios and he is doing his regular endurance work in his room. It is all about keeping fit and ready for action when it comes to hitting the ground running." Cricket Australia on Sunday stated the Sydney Test is still on track despite the fresh coronavirus cluster in Sydney. However, there are reports that the third Test may be hosted by Melbourne along with the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? "The third Test is more than two-and-a-half weeks away, which provides us with time to assess the evolving public health situation on the northern beaches of Sydney. We have made no changes to our schedule and our preference remains to play the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia's Interim CEO said in an official statement. "Cricket Australia has developed a solid track record of delivery throughout this most challenging of summers and will continue to make appropriate and proportionate decisions in consultation with our biosecurity team, governments, State & Territory Associations, the Australian Cricketers' Association, our partners and venues," he added.

No need to move Rohit Sharma from Sydney, he is safe: BCCI official

Former Indian cricketer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-guru-randhawa-arrested-and-booked-in-raid-at-mumbai-club-351548">Suresh Raina was arrested in Mumbai after a raid at the Dragonfly club</a> for breaching COVID-19 norms. Raina among 34 others was arrested and booked for violating COVID-19 protocols but was released on bail. Now, Raina has released a statement following the incident as his management team said that the former Indian cricketer was invited for a quick dinner post a shoot in Mumbai after which he was scheduled to board a flight to Delhi.

The statement adds that Raina was unaware of the local timings and protocols and immediately complied with the procedures laid out by the authorities, once pointed out. It further reads that Raina regrets the unfortunate and unintentional incident and holds the rules and laws laid out by the government bodies with the highest regard.&nbsp;

<h2>Statement from Suresh Raina's management:</h2>

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Statement from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SureshRaina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SureshRaina</a> management following the incident last night in Mumbai. <a href="https://t.co/wjORTxBeii">pic.twitter.com/wjORTxBeii</a>
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricSubhayan/status/1341339103720194049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A senior officer of the Sahar police station said that singer Guru Randhawa and cricketer Suresh Raina were among the 34 arrested booked for breaching COVID-19 norms before being released on bail.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-vs-pakistan-3rd-t20i-halted-due-to-sun-351578" hreflang="en">New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I halted due to sun!</a>

As many as 34 including the likes of Raina and Randhawa were booked under Section 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life), 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC and provisions of NMDA.

The raid was conducted at the Dragonfly club for keeping the venue open beyond time limit and not following the coronavirus protocols.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

Ahead of the New Year festive week, the Maharashtra government has already announced a series of restriction on public activity from December 22 to January 5.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina was arrested in Mumbai after a raid at the Dragonfly club for breaching COVID-19 norms. Raina among 34 others was arrested and booked for violating COVID-19 protocols but was released on bail.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina was arrested in Mumbai after a raid at the Dragonfly club for breaching COVID-19 norms. Raina among 34 others was arrested and booked for violating COVID-19 protocols but was released on bail. Now, Raina has released a statement following the incident as his management team said that the former Indian cricketer was invited for a quick dinner post a shoot in Mumbai after which he was scheduled to board a flight to Delhi. The statement adds that Raina was unaware of the local timings and protocols and immediately complied with the procedures laid out by the authorities, once pointed out. It further reads that Raina regrets the unfortunate and unintentional incident and holds the rules and laws laid out by the government bodies with the highest regard. Statement from Suresh Raina's management: Statement from #SureshRaina management following the incident last night in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/wjORTxBeii — Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) December 22, 2020 × A senior officer of the Sahar police station said that singer Guru Randhawa and cricketer Suresh Raina were among the 34 arrested booked for breaching COVID-19 norms before being released on bail. ALSO READ: New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I halted due to sun! As many as 34 including the likes of Raina and Randhawa were booked under Section 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life), 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC and provisions of NMDA. The raid was conducted at the Dragonfly club for keeping the venue open beyond time limit and not following the coronavirus protocols. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? Ahead of the New Year festive week, the Maharashtra government has already announced a series of restriction on public activity from December 22 to January 5.

Suresh Raina releases statement after getting booked in Mumbai

The third T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan at the McLean Park in Napier came to an abrupt halt during the 12 over as the Kiwi duo of Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips struggled to see the ball as the sunset over the stadium.

Phillips was heard saying to the on-field umpire that seeing Pakistan bowler Haris Rauf’s slower ball was tough due to the awkward light angle of the sun.

Phillips during the brief halt said that it wasn’t the best of time to lose a wicket because of the sunlight while adding they want to continue the momentum after the play resumes.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

“For me, that was a little big niggly and for me and Dev starting to get underway, I didn’t think it was a great time to lose a wicket because of the sun,” Phillips told the Spark Sport broadcast during the brief break.

“We don’t like to make excuses, but for us in this situation of the game, we’d rather keep our momentum going. That’s a big positive we’ve managed to get off for a little bit.

“Now we’ve got to start again and see what the next over presents.”

Notably, it is not the first time play has been stopped due to sunlight position at the McLean Park in Napier. In January 2019, the ODI match between New Zealand and India suffered a half for more than half an hour due to the same reason.

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In 2017, a T20I match between New Zealand and Bangladesh also suffered a similar fate while there have been constant breaks in play during domestic matches in Napier.

The tricky awkward angle of the sunset at McLean Park is due to the pitches being at an east-west alignment while most of the cricket venues around the world have pitches running north and south.&nbsp;

“There is a precedence set at this ground as well. It’s not like they’re doing something crazy,” former Kiwi batsman Mark Richardson said in commentary.

“What happens, you can see the McLean Park stand where it’s got ‘McLean Park’ written on it. The sun comes down and it’s just sitting above the stand on the roof, but it also drops down and it starts shining at a lower level through the windows at the back of the stand – and that can cause some major issues as well. It’s a quirk of this ground.”

Richardson added that the venue staff can put an end to the persisting issue by adding a massive portable object to block the sunlight.&nbsp;

“I’m sorry I’ve got to say – I know it’s a quirk and I know you can’t do much with the sun – but there really should’ve been something (done) to manage this, a structure added on in the knowledge they’re going to get these night games here at McLean Park,” Richardson said.

“They should’ve done something about it, they had time to do it.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan are on the verge of winning the final T20I and end the series on a high after losing the first two T20Is against New Zealand. The two sides will then lock horns in a two-match Test series starting from December 26. 
&nbsp;

The third T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan at the McLean Park in Napier came to an abrupt halt during the 12 over as the Kiwi duo of Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips struggled to see the ball as the sunset over the stadium.

The third T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan at the McLean Park in Napier came to an abrupt halt during the 12 over as the Kiwi duo of Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips struggled to see the ball as the sunset over the stadium. Phillips was heard saying to the on-field umpire that seeing Pakistan bowler Haris Rauf’s slower ball was tough due to the awkward light angle of the sun. Phillips during the brief halt said that it wasn’t the best of time to lose a wicket because of the sunlight while adding they want to continue the momentum after the play resumes. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? “For me, that was a little big niggly and for me and Dev starting to get underway, I didn’t think it was a great time to lose a wicket because of the sun,” Phillips told the Spark Sport broadcast during the brief break. “We don’t like to make excuses, but for us in this situation of the game, we’d rather keep our momentum going. That’s a big positive we’ve managed to get off for a little bit. “Now we’ve got to start again and see what the next over presents.” Notably, it is not the first time play has been stopped due to sunlight position at the McLean Park in Napier. In January 2019, the ODI match between New Zealand and India suffered a half for more than half an hour due to the same reason. ALSO READ: England hire South African batting legend Kallis for Sri Lanka tour In 2017, a T20I match between New Zealand and Bangladesh also suffered a similar fate while there have been constant breaks in play during domestic matches in Napier. The tricky awkward angle of the sunset at McLean Park is due to the pitches being at an east-west alignment while most of the cricket venues around the world have pitches running north and south. “There is a precedence set at this ground as well. It’s not like they’re doing something crazy,” former Kiwi batsman Mark Richardson said in commentary. “What happens, you can see the McLean Park stand where it’s got ‘McLean Park’ written on it. The sun comes down and it’s just sitting above the stand on the roof, but it also drops down and it starts shining at a lower level through the windows at the back of the stand – and that can cause some major issues as well. It’s a quirk of this ground.” Richardson added that the venue staff can put an end to the persisting issue by adding a massive portable object to block the sunlight. “I’m sorry I’ve got to say – I know it’s a quirk and I know you can’t do much with the sun – but there really should’ve been something (done) to manage this, a structure added on in the knowledge they’re going to get these night games here at McLean Park,” Richardson said. “They should’ve done something about it, they had time to do it.” Meanwhile, Pakistan are on the verge of winning the final T20I and end the series on a high after losing the first two T20Is against New Zealand. The two sides will then lock horns in a two-match Test series starting from December 26.

New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I halted due to sun!

The Adelaide Test may not have gone as per the plans for the Indian team but there were some positives to take for the visitors despite the crushing eight-wicket defeat to Australia. Ravichandran Ashwin bamboozled the Australian batsmen, including Steve Smith, as he picked up four wickets in the first innings to restrict Australia to just 190 runs.&nbsp;

Smith, who is one of the finest batsmen of this generation, hailed Ashwin for executing his plans to perfection. Ashwin kept Smith silent during his 29-ball stay at the pitch in the first innings before dismissing him with a ripper. Ashwin bowled a few off-spinners before firing a straighter one to Smith as the Aussie batter edged it to the first slip, where Ajinkya Rahane took a sharp catch.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-guru-randhawa-arrested-and-booked-in-raid-at-mumbai-club-351548" hreflang="en">Suresh Raina, Guru Randhawa arrested and booked in raid at Mumbai club</a>

Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Smith lauded Ashwin while terming him a ‘world-class performer’.&nbsp;

"No (when asked about if his dismissal was a case of preparing too hard for the pace battery of India). I just knicked one that didn't spin; unfortunately that happens sometimes. I thought it was pretty well bowled, to be honest. The two balls prior spun a bit and got a bit grip of the wicket and the next one was kind of side-spin which skidded off. I didn't play as well as I would have liked. It was some decent bowling," Smith said while replying to a query from ANI.&nbsp;

"Playing in Australia and playing in India is a bit different; the ball doesn't spin as much as it spins in India. He is a good bowler, he has played a lot of cricket now. He is a world-class performer," he further said.&nbsp;

"I know he got the better of me the other day; hopefully, I will learn something and move forward and play him a little bit better in the next game," Smith added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

Smith admitted that he needs to adapt quickly to spin bowling which India have to offer in the four-match Test series while adding that spinners who do well in Australia are generally the ones who get over the top.

"He tried to bowl from round the wicket and skid it on. It was a good piece of bowling. Part of playing anywhere is adapting," said Smith during a virtual press conference.&nbsp;

"I too couldn't bat the same against spinners in India as I do here. You gotta adapt. Spinners that do well here are generally who get over the top," he added.

India head into the Boxing Day Test without Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injured) with Ajinkya Rahane set to lead the side in the Test, starting December 26 in Melbourne. 
&nbsp;

The Adelaide Test may not have gone as per the plans for the Indian team but there were some positives to take for the visitors despite the crushing eight-wicket defeat to Australia.

The Adelaide Test may not have gone as per the plans for the Indian team but there were some positives to take for the visitors despite the crushing eight-wicket defeat to Australia. Ravichandran Ashwin bamboozled the Australian batsmen, including Steve Smith, as he picked up four wickets in the first innings to restrict Australia to just 190 runs. Smith, who is one of the finest batsmen of this generation, hailed Ashwin for executing his plans to perfection. Ashwin kept Smith silent during his 29-ball stay at the pitch in the first innings before dismissing him with a ripper. Ashwin bowled a few off-spinners before firing a straighter one to Smith as the Aussie batter edged it to the first slip, where Ajinkya Rahane took a sharp catch. ALSO READ: Suresh Raina, Guru Randhawa arrested and booked in raid at Mumbai club Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Smith lauded Ashwin while terming him a ‘world-class performer’. "No (when asked about if his dismissal was a case of preparing too hard for the pace battery of India). I just knicked one that didn't spin; unfortunately that happens sometimes. I thought it was pretty well bowled, to be honest. The two balls prior spun a bit and got a bit grip of the wicket and the next one was kind of side-spin which skidded off. I didn't play as well as I would have liked. It was some decent bowling," Smith said while replying to a query from ANI. "Playing in Australia and playing in India is a bit different; the ball doesn't spin as much as it spins in India. He is a good bowler, he has played a lot of cricket now. He is a world-class performer," he further said. "I know he got the better of me the other day; hopefully, I will learn something and move forward and play him a little bit better in the next game," Smith added. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? Smith admitted that he needs to adapt quickly to spin bowling which India have to offer in the four-match Test series while adding that spinners who do well in Australia are generally the ones who get over the top. "He tried to bowl from round the wicket and skid it on. It was a good piece of bowling. Part of playing anywhere is adapting," said Smith during a virtual press conference. "I too couldn't bat the same against spinners in India as I do here. You gotta adapt. Spinners that do well here are generally who get over the top," he added. India head into the Boxing Day Test without Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injured) with Ajinkya Rahane set to lead the side in the Test, starting December 26 in Melbourne.

'World-class performer': Steve Smith hails Ravichandran Ashwin for terrific display in Adelaide Test

South African cricket icon Jacques Kallis will be a batting consultant for England's tour of Sri Lanka, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Monday.&nbsp;

The 45-year-old is third on the all-time list of Test run-scorers with 13,289 --he also took 292 wickets.

Kallis coached Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League and worked with the South Africa team, but was not part of the set-up for England's recent coronavirus-disrupted tour.

"Former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis joins the England setup for the first time as batting coaching consultant," the ECB said in a statement.

England will leave for Sri Lanka on January 2 and play two Tests before going on to tour India.

Both Tests will be played in Galle, starting on 14 January and 22 January.

It will be England's first tour since the visit to South Africa had to be brought to a premature end earlier this month after two members of the touring party tested positive for Covid-19. They later tested negative.&nbsp;

England played all three of the scheduled Twenty 20 internationals but none of the three ODIs, the first of which was postponed after a positive test in the South African entourage.

South African cricket icon Jacques Kallis will be a batting consultant for England's tour of Sri Lanka, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Monday. The 45-year-old is third on the all-time list of Test run-scorers with 13,289 --he also took 292 wickets.

South African cricket icon Jacques Kallis will be a batting consultant for England's tour of Sri Lanka, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Monday. The 45-year-old is third on the all-time list of Test run-scorers with 13,289 --he also took 292 wickets. Kallis coached Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League and worked with the South Africa team, but was not part of the set-up for England's recent coronavirus-disrupted tour. "Former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis joins the England setup for the first time as batting coaching consultant," the ECB said in a statement. England will leave for Sri Lanka on January 2 and play two Tests before going on to tour India. Both Tests will be played in Galle, starting on 14 January and 22 January. It will be England's first tour since the visit to South Africa had to be brought to a premature end earlier this month after two members of the touring party tested positive for Covid-19. They later tested negative. England played all three of the scheduled Twenty 20 internationals but none of the three ODIs, the first of which was postponed after a positive test in the South African entourage.

England hire South African batting legend Kallis for Sri Lanka tour

Manchester City's strikers will have to rediscover their scoring touch because reinforcements will not be signed in January, manager Pep Guardiola has said.

Guardiola explained that even with the backing of their Abu Dhabi owners, City were subject to the same financial pressures as their rivals due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

City have scored only twice in their last three league games but hope to welcome back Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus for Tuesday's League Cup quarter-final with Arsenal.

However, the League Cup holders' record goalscorer Argentinian Sergio Aguero is sidelined by an undisclosed issue having had knee and illness problems already this season.

Asked about the prospect of new blood coming to the club, Guardiola replied: "No I don't think so because the economic situation around the world is what it is.

"All the clubs struggle -- we are not an exception."

City are eight points adrift of champions Liverpool after 14 matches as they bid to reclaim the title Jurgen Klopp's side took off them last season.

Guardiola says the lack of goals harms their chances of catching Liverpool but he hopes City will be more clinical against out-of-form Arsenal.

"We are creating clear chances that we cannot score and when this happens we are always going to suffer," he said.

"That's why I'm not able to say how we will be this season.

"Game by game is the only thing I can do and now we go to London to play Arsenal in the League Cup."

Guardiola, though, can be thankful that dspite the misfiring front line his defence have been in miserly form with seven clean sheets in their last eight matches in all competitions.&nbsp;

"It's incredible -- that is how we can still be there, knocking on the door of teams above us," said Guardiola.

"We need it to be stable and maybe one day players will be fresh to score the goals."

Manchester City's strikers will have to rediscover their scoring touch because reinforcements will not be signed in January, manager Pep Guardiola has said. Guardiola explained that even with the backing of their Abu Dhabi owners, City were subject to the same financial pressures as their rivals due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Manchester City's strikers will have to rediscover their scoring touch because reinforcements will not be signed in January, manager Pep Guardiola has said. Guardiola explained that even with the backing of their Abu Dhabi owners, City were subject to the same financial pressures as their rivals due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. City have scored only twice in their last three league games but hope to welcome back Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus for Tuesday's League Cup quarter-final with Arsenal. However, the League Cup holders' record goalscorer Argentinian Sergio Aguero is sidelined by an undisclosed issue having had knee and illness problems already this season. Asked about the prospect of new blood coming to the club, Guardiola replied: "No I don't think so because the economic situation around the world is what it is. "All the clubs struggle -- we are not an exception." City are eight points adrift of champions Liverpool after 14 matches as they bid to reclaim the title Jurgen Klopp's side took off them last season. Guardiola says the lack of goals harms their chances of catching Liverpool but he hopes City will be more clinical against out-of-form Arsenal. "We are creating clear chances that we cannot score and when this happens we are always going to suffer," he said. "That's why I'm not able to say how we will be this season. "Game by game is the only thing I can do and now we go to London to play Arsenal in the League Cup." Guardiola, though, can be thankful that dspite the misfiring front line his defence have been in miserly form with seven clean sheets in their last eight matches in all competitions. "It's incredible -- that is how we can still be there, knocking on the door of teams above us," said Guardiola. "We need it to be stable and maybe one day players will be fresh to score the goals."

Guardiola says no new striker for City due to Covid impact

Tammy Abraham hit a quickfire late double on Monday as Chelsea beat West Ham 3-0 to reignite their Premier League challenge after a consecutive defeats.

The Hammers proved tricky opponents at an empty Stamford Bridge but lacked the firepower to hurt Frank Lampard's men, who led early through Thiago Silva's bullet header.

Chelsea enjoyed a strong start to the season before losses to Everton and Wolves checked their progress but the victory at the London Stadium lifts them into fifth spot.

Champions Liverpool have opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table but behind them, just seven points separate second-placed Leicester from 11th-placed Wolves.

"It was nice to see that at the end because we had a period at 1-0 where it was tough, we dealt with that well," Lampard told the BBC.

"We dropped off slightly and it was important tonight we came back," he added. "There were loads of things for the team to show their character -- we want more.

"Christmas has been changed for everybody this year. For the lads we just have to prepare for Arsenal, it's a busy time of year for us."

West Ham had the ball in the net in the seventh minute after a cleverly worked free kick but Declan Rice was denied by the off-side flag after an impressive finish from a tight angle.

Three minutes later Chelsea were in front when Silva powered home a header from Mason Mount's corner.

The Brazilian found the net from close range after a well-timed run, leaving West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski rooted to the spot.

Chelsea enjoyed the lion's share of possession after their goal without creating much of note but West Ham worked their way into the game as the half wore on.

<h2>- Werner goal drought -</h2>

Timo Werner, who has not scored for Chelsea since early November, had a golden chance to double their lead in the closing minutes of the first period but got the ball caught under his feet and Fabianski saved comfortably.

David Moyes's team&nbsp;made life uncomfortable for the home side after the break but did not make the most of their regular forays forward despite the introduction of forward Said Benrahma.

They were made to pay when Abraham, back in the starting XI, doubled Chelsea's lead with 12 minutes to go, settling their nerves and ending his own drought.

Werner cut inside and saw his scuffed shot tapped in by the England international, who was played onside by Aaron Cresswell.

Two minutes later Chelsea were 3-0 up when Abraham fired home from a tight angle after Fabianski had done well to keep out Christian Pulisic's header.

That made it the eighth time Chelsea have scored at least three goals in a Premier League match this season -- and they nearly had a fourth when Werner struck the crossbar with two minutes left.&nbsp;

The win lifts Chelsea to 25 points -- one behind fourth-placed Everton -- while West Ham stay in 10th place.

Earlier, Burnley beat Wolves 2-1 to climb out of the Premier League's relegation zone, thanks to goals from Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.

Tammy Abraham hit a quickfire late double on Monday as Chelsea beat West Ham 3-0 to reignite their Premier League challenge after a consecutive defeats. The Hammers proved tricky opponents at an empty Stamford Bridge but lacked the firepower to hurt Frank Lampard's men, who led early through Thiago Silva's bullet header.

Tammy Abraham hit a quickfire late double on Monday as Chelsea beat West Ham 3-0 to reignite their Premier League challenge after a consecutive defeats. The Hammers proved tricky opponents at an empty Stamford Bridge but lacked the firepower to hurt Frank Lampard's men, who led early through Thiago Silva's bullet header. Chelsea enjoyed a strong start to the season before losses to Everton and Wolves checked their progress but the victory at the London Stadium lifts them into fifth spot. Champions Liverpool have opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table but behind them, just seven points separate second-placed Leicester from 11th-placed Wolves. "It was nice to see that at the end because we had a period at 1-0 where it was tough, we dealt with that well," Lampard told the BBC. "We dropped off slightly and it was important tonight we came back," he added. "There were loads of things for the team to show their character -- we want more. "Christmas has been changed for everybody this year. For the lads we just have to prepare for Arsenal, it's a busy time of year for us." West Ham had the ball in the net in the seventh minute after a cleverly worked free kick but Declan Rice was denied by the off-side flag after an impressive finish from a tight angle. Three minutes later Chelsea were in front when Silva powered home a header from Mason Mount's corner. The Brazilian found the net from close range after a well-timed run, leaving West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski rooted to the spot. Chelsea enjoyed the lion's share of possession after their goal without creating much of note but West Ham worked their way into the game as the half wore on. - Werner goal drought - Timo Werner, who has not scored for Chelsea since early November, had a golden chance to double their lead in the closing minutes of the first period but got the ball caught under his feet and Fabianski saved comfortably. David Moyes's team made life uncomfortable for the home side after the break but did not make the most of their regular forays forward despite the introduction of forward Said Benrahma. They were made to pay when Abraham, back in the starting XI, doubled Chelsea's lead with 12 minutes to go, settling their nerves and ending his own drought. Werner cut inside and saw his scuffed shot tapped in by the England international, who was played onside by Aaron Cresswell. Two minutes later Chelsea were 3-0 up when Abraham fired home from a tight angle after Fabianski had done well to keep out Christian Pulisic's header. That made it the eighth time Chelsea have scored at least three goals in a Premier League match this season -- and they nearly had a fourth when Werner struck the crossbar with two minutes left. The win lifts Chelsea to 25 points -- one behind fourth-placed Everton -- while West Ham stay in 10th place. Earlier, Burnley beat Wolves 2-1 to climb out of the Premier League's relegation zone, thanks to goals from Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.

Abraham at the double as Chelsea sink West Ham

Talismanic Australia batsman Steve Smith said Tuesday he would love Sydney to host the new year Test against India as planned, despite the city currently battling a coronavirus outbreak.

"Personally I'd love Sydney to happen, I love playing at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground), it's my home ground," Smith said.

Australia's largest city has been virtually sealed off from the largely virus-free rest of the country after a cluster of coronavirus cases were uncovered, raising serious doubts about the third Test which is scheduled to start on January 7.&nbsp;

"I think everyone's preference here would be to play in Sydney, but we will always be guided by experts," Smith said.&nbsp;

If the Sydney clash goes ahead, the players could have problems travelling to Brisbane for the final Test a week later after Queensland effectively closed its border to Sydney.

The second Test starts in Melbourne on Boxing Day and back-to-back Tests there could be an option.

Otherwise, they could return to Adelaide, where Australia won the opening Test by eight wickets on Saturday, or host two in a row in Brisbane.

Australia are currently leading the Test series 1-0, after an Indian second-innings batting collapse in Adelaide.&nbsp;

India were bowled out for their record Test low of 36 by Australia's trio of fast bowlers led by Josh Hazlewood, who took five wickets for eight runs, Pat Cummins who grabbed &nbsp;four, backed up by Mitchell Starc.&nbsp;

Smith said that victory rested on one of the best performances he had seen from a group of Australian pace bowlers.&nbsp;

"I played a lot of cricket with all three of those fast bowlers and I reckon the length they bowled consistently was as good as I've seen," he said.

"The lengths they were hitting were just impeccable."&nbsp;

Smith refused to be drawn on whether India, who will now be without Virat Kohli, could bounce back in the second Test beginning on Boxing Day in Melbourne.&nbsp;

"Every individual is different -- the way they take their dismissals, how they think about the game after it's finished," he said.

Smith said playing a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was always special.

"It's sort of like a dream come true in a way I think, as a kid I always wanted to play in a Boxing Day Test match, I always remember watching the Boxing Day Tests at home with the family after Christmas.&nbsp;

"To walk out on Boxing Day and play, you sort of get the shivers down your spine and the hairs on the back of your neck rise up and it's just a great feeling."&nbsp;

Talismanic Australia batsman Steve Smith said Tuesday he would love Sydney to host the new year Test against India as planned, despite the city currently battling a coronavirus outbreak.

Talismanic Australia batsman Steve Smith said Tuesday he would love Sydney to host the new year Test against India as planned, despite the city currently battling a coronavirus outbreak. "Personally I'd love Sydney to happen, I love playing at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground), it's my home ground," Smith said. Australia's largest city has been virtually sealed off from the largely virus-free rest of the country after a cluster of coronavirus cases were uncovered, raising serious doubts about the third Test which is scheduled to start on January 7. "I think everyone's preference here would be to play in Sydney, but we will always be guided by experts," Smith said. If the Sydney clash goes ahead, the players could have problems travelling to Brisbane for the final Test a week later after Queensland effectively closed its border to Sydney. The second Test starts in Melbourne on Boxing Day and back-to-back Tests there could be an option. Otherwise, they could return to Adelaide, where Australia won the opening Test by eight wickets on Saturday, or host two in a row in Brisbane. Australia are currently leading the Test series 1-0, after an Indian second-innings batting collapse in Adelaide. India were bowled out for their record Test low of 36 by Australia's trio of fast bowlers led by Josh Hazlewood, who took five wickets for eight runs, Pat Cummins who grabbed four, backed up by Mitchell Starc. Smith said that victory rested on one of the best performances he had seen from a group of Australian pace bowlers. "I played a lot of cricket with all three of those fast bowlers and I reckon the length they bowled consistently was as good as I've seen," he said. "The lengths they were hitting were just impeccable." Smith refused to be drawn on whether India, who will now be without Virat Kohli, could bounce back in the second Test beginning on Boxing Day in Melbourne. "Every individual is different -- the way they take their dismissals, how they think about the game after it's finished," he said. Smith said playing a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was always special. "It's sort of like a dream come true in a way I think, as a kid I always wanted to play in a Boxing Day Test match, I always remember watching the Boxing Day Tests at home with the family after Christmas. "To walk out on Boxing Day and play, you sort of get the shivers down your spine and the hairs on the back of your neck rise up and it's just a great feeling."

Smith hopes virus-hit Sydney can still host third India Test

The "baggy green" worn on Test debut in 1928 by Australia's greatest batsman Donald Bradman has sold for Aus$450,000 (US$340,000), a record for one of the cricket legend's caps.

Bradman, who retired with an all-time highest Test batting average of 99.94, wore the cap during the first match of his Test career against England.

Pickles auction house said Tuesday the&nbsp;baggy green had been bought by the businessman Peter Freedman, whom is the Australian founder of RODE Microphones, after initially failing to sell under the hammer.

"After negotiations the final bid and highest offer was the $450,000," Pickles executive manager Gavin Dempsey told AFP.&nbsp;

"It's still, for a Bradman cap, on record the highest price paid on the open market."

In June, Freeman spent US$6 million on a guitar played by grunge rock icon Kurt Cobain, making it the most expensive guitar in history.

Freedman said he would put Bradman's cap on display around Australia, similar to global tour plans he previously announced for the Nirvana front man's guitar.

"All too often, memorabilia such as this ends up spending its life on the wall of some board room or in some basement bar of a well-heeled sports fanatic," Freedman said in a statement.

"I want as many people to enjoy it as possible."

Bradman had gifted the cap to his neighbour, accountant Peter Dunham, who local media reported was jailed in May for eight years over a multimillion-dollar fraud.

Pickles said the cap was sold on behalf of an insolvency firm seeking to recoup some of the investors' losses.

The latest sale exceeds the Aus$425,000 (US$321,000) paid for the cap worn during his final Test in 1948 by Bradman, who died in 2001 aged 92.

However, it fell well below the Aus$1 million (US$756,000) paid for spin legend Shane Warne's baggy green when it was auctioned off to help Australian bushfire victims earlier this year.

The "baggy green" worn on Test debut in 1928 by Australia's greatest batsman Donald Bradman has sold for Aus$450,000 (US$340,000), a record for one of the cricket legend's caps.

The "baggy green" worn on Test debut in 1928 by Australia's greatest batsman Donald Bradman has sold for Aus$450,000 (US$340,000), a record for one of the cricket legend's caps. Bradman, who retired with an all-time highest Test batting average of 99.94, wore the cap during the first match of his Test career against England. Pickles auction house said Tuesday the baggy green had been bought by the businessman Peter Freedman, whom is the Australian founder of RODE Microphones, after initially failing to sell under the hammer. "After negotiations the final bid and highest offer was the $450,000," Pickles executive manager Gavin Dempsey told AFP. "It's still, for a Bradman cap, on record the highest price paid on the open market." In June, Freeman spent US$6 million on a guitar played by grunge rock icon Kurt Cobain, making it the most expensive guitar in history. Freedman said he would put Bradman's cap on display around Australia, similar to global tour plans he previously announced for the Nirvana front man's guitar. "All too often, memorabilia such as this ends up spending its life on the wall of some board room or in some basement bar of a well-heeled sports fanatic," Freedman said in a statement. "I want as many people to enjoy it as possible." Bradman had gifted the cap to his neighbour, accountant Peter Dunham, who local media reported was jailed in May for eight years over a multimillion-dollar fraud. Pickles said the cap was sold on behalf of an insolvency firm seeking to recoup some of the investors' losses. The latest sale exceeds the Aus$425,000 (US$321,000) paid for the cap worn during his final Test in 1948 by Bradman, who died in 2001 aged 92. However, it fell well below the Aus$1 million (US$756,000) paid for spin legend Shane Warne's baggy green when it was auctioned off to help Australian bushfire victims earlier this year.

Don Bradman's debut 'baggy green' cap sold for record Aus$450,000

International cricket found a way through this year's coronavirus pandemic but the strain of 'bubble life' was evident by the end of 2020.

The women's Twenty20 World Cup, won by Australia in front of a Melbourne crowd of more than 86,000 on March 8, escaped the ravages of Covid-19 but the men's game soon ground to a halt during an Australia-New Zealand series.

In a perfect summary of the topsy-turvy cricket year, India eventually went to Australia and were bowled out for 36 in a humiliating first Test defeat.

After the March lockdown, international cricket, sustained by the broadcast income from tours and tournaments, did not resume again until the England-West Indies Test series in July.

That month also saw the International Cricket Council announce it was postponing this year's men's World Twenty20 in Australia until 2022.

The England-West Indies series, played at the 'bio-secure' venues of Southampton and Manchester, established a template for cricket amid the pandemic and spared the England and Wales Cricket Board, one of the wealthier national governing bodies, from a crippling financial hit.

But the ECB still postponed its new domestic Hundred tournament, a 100 balls per side competition for men and women, while announcing 62 redundancies and pay cuts for players.

The ECB also forecast a loss of more than £100 million ($135 million) this year, potentially rising to £200 million in 2021.

West Indies won the first Test but lost the series.

Together with Pakistan, another of world cricket's financially poorer leading sides, the West Indies spent much of 2020 on the road, the two teams travelling to both England and New Zealand.

West Indies captain Jason Holder, who played in another bubble during a lucrative Indian Premier League moved to the United Arab Emirates on health grounds, articulated the stresses of cricket in confinement.

<h2>- 'Room gets smaller' -</h2>

"Going from bubble to bubble, being isolated in a room, sometimes the room just gets smaller and smaller by the second," said Holder following the second of West Indies' two innings defeats in New Zealand earlier this month.

Meanwhile England's Tom Banton and Tom Curran both withdrew from Australia's Big Bash League after citing bubble fatigue.&nbsp;

December saw England abandon their tour of South Africa after breaches of their hotel bubble.

Michael Vaughan branded the decision "alarming", with the former England captain writing in the Daily Telegraph: "I worry that in future it will only be the rich nations that can put on cricket in bio-secure bubbles."

But Judge Zak Yacoob, the interim board chairman of Cricket South Africa, criticised "an awkward narrative coming out that third-world countries can't manage these things properly".

England and West Indies took the knee as a response to the global Black Lives Matter protests against racial injustice.

Holder, however, was among those who criticised the ECB for abandoning the gesture during subsequent series against Pakistan and Australia, with Australia opting instead for a 'barefoot circle', in solidarity with Indigenous Australians, at the start of their home season.&nbsp;

November saw the ICC elect a new chairman in Greg Barclay, with the New Zealander questioning the future of a World Test Championship where the inaugural edition's points system had to be altered after several series fell victim to Covid-19.

Pre-pandemic fears that compressed touring schedules skewed the balance too heavily in favour of the home side were highlighted again by India's collapse to their record low total in an eight-wicket defeat by Australia in the first Test at Adelaide on Saturday, albeit fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood performed superbly against a side who had made 244 in the first innings.

While Pakistan overcame longstanding security concerns to persuade England, Australia and New Zealand to tour the country in 2021, the year ended with fast bowler Mohammad Amir announcing his international retirement in protest at his "shabby" treatment.

Amir had been one of the most exciting players in world cricket when he was given a five-year ban after being involved in a spot-fixing case during the 2010 Lord's Test.

The highlight of his return came when he took three wickets as Pakistan beat arch-rivals India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final.

Amir's admirers hoped his international retirement would be short-lived, despite the 28-year-old saying he had been "mentally tortured" by team management.

But what sort of global game he might come back to remained to be seen.

International cricket found a way through this year's coronavirus pandemic but the strain of 'bubble life' was evident by the end of 2020. The women's Twenty20 World Cup, won by Australia in front of a Melbourne crowd of more than 86,000 on March 8, escaped the ravages of Covid-19 but the men's game soon ground to a halt during an Australia-New Zealand series.

International cricket found a way through this year's coronavirus pandemic but the strain of 'bubble life' was evident by the end of 2020. The women's Twenty20 World Cup, won by Australia in front of a Melbourne crowd of more than 86,000 on March 8, escaped the ravages of Covid-19 but the men's game soon ground to a halt during an Australia-New Zealand series. In a perfect summary of the topsy-turvy cricket year, India eventually went to Australia and were bowled out for 36 in a humiliating first Test defeat. After the March lockdown, international cricket, sustained by the broadcast income from tours and tournaments, did not resume again until the England-West Indies Test series in July. That month also saw the International Cricket Council announce it was postponing this year's men's World Twenty20 in Australia until 2022. The England-West Indies series, played at the 'bio-secure' venues of Southampton and Manchester, established a template for cricket amid the pandemic and spared the England and Wales Cricket Board, one of the wealthier national governing bodies, from a crippling financial hit. But the ECB still postponed its new domestic Hundred tournament, a 100 balls per side competition for men and women, while announcing 62 redundancies and pay cuts for players. The ECB also forecast a loss of more than £100 million ($135 million) this year, potentially rising to £200 million in 2021. West Indies won the first Test but lost the series. Together with Pakistan, another of world cricket's financially poorer leading sides, the West Indies spent much of 2020 on the road, the two teams travelling to both England and New Zealand. West Indies captain Jason Holder, who played in another bubble during a lucrative Indian Premier League moved to the United Arab Emirates on health grounds, articulated the stresses of cricket in confinement. - 'Room gets smaller' - "Going from bubble to bubble, being isolated in a room, sometimes the room just gets smaller and smaller by the second," said Holder following the second of West Indies' two innings defeats in New Zealand earlier this month. Meanwhile England's Tom Banton and Tom Curran both withdrew from Australia's Big Bash League after citing bubble fatigue. December saw England abandon their tour of South Africa after breaches of their hotel bubble. Michael Vaughan branded the decision "alarming", with the former England captain writing in the Daily Telegraph: "I worry that in future it will only be the rich nations that can put on cricket in bio-secure bubbles." But Judge Zak Yacoob, the interim board chairman of Cricket South Africa, criticised "an awkward narrative coming out that third-world countries can't manage these things properly". England and West Indies took the knee as a response to the global Black Lives Matter protests against racial injustice. Holder, however, was among those who criticised the ECB for abandoning the gesture during subsequent series against Pakistan and Australia, with Australia opting instead for a 'barefoot circle', in solidarity with Indigenous Australians, at the start of their home season. November saw the ICC elect a new chairman in Greg Barclay, with the New Zealander questioning the future of a World Test Championship where the inaugural edition's points system had to be altered after several series fell victim to Covid-19. Pre-pandemic fears that compressed touring schedules skewed the balance too heavily in favour of the home side were highlighted again by India's collapse to their record low total in an eight-wicket defeat by Australia in the first Test at Adelaide on Saturday, albeit fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood performed superbly against a side who had made 244 in the first innings. While Pakistan overcame longstanding security concerns to persuade England, Australia and New Zealand to tour the country in 2021, the year ended with fast bowler Mohammad Amir announcing his international retirement in protest at his "shabby" treatment. Amir had been one of the most exciting players in world cricket when he was given a five-year ban after being involved in a spot-fixing case during the 2010 Lord's Test. The highlight of his return came when he took three wickets as Pakistan beat arch-rivals India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Amir's admirers hoped his international retirement would be short-lived, despite the 28-year-old saying he had been "mentally tortured" by team management. But what sort of global game he might come back to remained to be seen.

Will cricket's bubble burst in 2021?

Lewis Hamilton was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday, rounding off a remarkable year in which he became Formula One world champion for a seventh time.

Hamilton, 35, beat off competition from Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and jockey Hollie Doyle, who finished second and third respectively, to collect British sport’s premier annual award for a second time after winning it in 2014.

Hamilton won his fourth consecutive world title this year to match Michael Schumacher’s record of seven crowns.

Premier League champions Liverpool were named Team of the Year and their manager Juergen Klopp won Coach of the Year. Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford won the Expert Special Panel Award for his school meal campaign.

Lewis Hamilton was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday, rounding off a remarkable year in which he became Formula One world champion for a seventh time.

Lewis Hamilton was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday, rounding off a remarkable year in which he became Formula One world champion for a seventh time. Hamilton, 35, beat off competition from Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and jockey Hollie Doyle, who finished second and third respectively, to collect British sport’s premier annual award for a second time after winning it in 2014. Hamilton won his fourth consecutive world title this year to match Michael Schumacher’s record of seven crowns. Premier League champions Liverpool were named Team of the Year and their manager Juergen Klopp won Coach of the Year. Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford won the Expert Special Panel Award for his school meal campaign.

Hamilton voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Liverpool surged ahead at the top of the Premier League in record-setting fashion by thrashing Crystal Palace 7-0, while the Manchester giants kept their title challenges afloat in contrasting fashion as City edged past Southampton and United demolished Leeds 6-2.

At the other end of the table, Arsenal are looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone after an eighth defeat in 12 league games at Everton.

Here, AFP Sport looks at three talking points from the Premier League weekend.

<h2>Liverpool take control</h2>

The defending champions rounded off what could be a seminal week in the title race by winning an away game in the top flight by seven goals for the first time at Selhurst Park.

Jurgen Klopp's men had opened up a three-point lead at the top of the table thanks to Roberto Firmino's last-minute winner against Tottenham in midweek and now enjoy a four-point advantage over Leicester, who inflicted another defeat on Spurs to move second.

Firmino's lack of goals had been one of Liverpool's early-season issues, but the Brazilian scored twice at Selhurst Park, as did Mohamed Salah despite only coming off the bench for the final 35 minutes.

Sadio Mane also ended a nine-game goal drought as Klopp acknowledged his front three "clicked" into gear.

With West Brom, Newcastle and Southampton to come over the festive period, Liverpool could quickly pull away from the pack unless some of the other contenders quickly find some consistency.

Chelsea have also lost their last two games prior to hosting West Ham on Monday, while City again struggled to take their chances despite seeing off high-flying Southampton.

<h2>Are Man Utd title contenders?</h2>

Should United win their game in hand, they would be Liverpool's closest challengers as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men climbed into third, five points off the top, after hitting Leeds for six.

Slow starts and poor home form have blighted United's season so far, but both were quickly forgotten as Scott McTominay scored twice inside the first three minutes in the first league meeting between the Red Devils and Leeds for 16 years.

Solskjaer's men have plenty of reason to want to reel in Liverpool as they could equal United's record tally of 20 English top-flight titles should they retain the Premier League.

Doubts remain over United's consistency and defence as Leeds could have had plenty more than two goals to show for their trip to Old Trafford.

However, in Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani they have the firepower to mount a title challenge and are the form team in the league over the past two months.

Since losing at home to Arsenal on November 1, United have won six and drawn one of their last seven league games with the only dropped points coming against City last weekend.

<h2>Arsenal facing relegation battle</h2>

That victory at Old Trafford was Arsenal's last in the league as their first full season under Mikel Arteta has spiralled from aiming to reach the Champions League to hoping to avoid the Championship next season.

The Gunners were undone in familiar fashion at Goodison Park as self-inflicted damage from Rob Holding's own goal and an inability to create chances despite dominating possession saw Everton emerge 2-1 winners.

After winning the FA Cup win August, Arteta earned a promotion from first-team coach to manager, affording him more control over recruitment.

But the Spaniard is now the favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked with Arsenal just four points above the relegation zone and facing Chelsea next on Boxing Day.

Liverpool surged ahead at the top of the Premier League in record-setting fashion by thrashing Crystal Palace 7-0, while the Manchester giants kept their title challenges afloat in contrasting fashion as City edged past Southampton and United demolished Leeds 6-2.

Liverpool surged ahead at the top of the Premier League in record-setting fashion by thrashing Crystal Palace 7-0, while the Manchester giants kept their title challenges afloat in contrasting fashion as City edged past Southampton and United demolished Leeds 6-2. At the other end of the table, Arsenal are looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone after an eighth defeat in 12 league games at Everton. Here, AFP Sport looks at three talking points from the Premier League weekend. Liverpool take control The defending champions rounded off what could be a seminal week in the title race by winning an away game in the top flight by seven goals for the first time at Selhurst Park. Jurgen Klopp's men had opened up a three-point lead at the top of the table thanks to Roberto Firmino's last-minute winner against Tottenham in midweek and now enjoy a four-point advantage over Leicester, who inflicted another defeat on Spurs to move second. Firmino's lack of goals had been one of Liverpool's early-season issues, but the Brazilian scored twice at Selhurst Park, as did Mohamed Salah despite only coming off the bench for the final 35 minutes. Sadio Mane also ended a nine-game goal drought as Klopp acknowledged his front three "clicked" into gear. With West Brom, Newcastle and Southampton to come over the festive period, Liverpool could quickly pull away from the pack unless some of the other contenders quickly find some consistency. Chelsea have also lost their last two games prior to hosting West Ham on Monday, while City again struggled to take their chances despite seeing off high-flying Southampton. Are Man Utd title contenders? Should United win their game in hand, they would be Liverpool's closest challengers as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men climbed into third, five points off the top, after hitting Leeds for six. Slow starts and poor home form have blighted United's season so far, but both were quickly forgotten as Scott McTominay scored twice inside the first three minutes in the first league meeting between the Red Devils and Leeds for 16 years. Solskjaer's men have plenty of reason to want to reel in Liverpool as they could equal United's record tally of 20 English top-flight titles should they retain the Premier League. Doubts remain over United's consistency and defence as Leeds could have had plenty more than two goals to show for their trip to Old Trafford. However, in Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani they have the firepower to mount a title challenge and are the form team in the league over the past two months. Since losing at home to Arsenal on November 1, United have won six and drawn one of their last seven league games with the only dropped points coming against City last weekend. Arsenal facing relegation battle That victory at Old Trafford was Arsenal's last in the league as their first full season under Mikel Arteta has spiralled from aiming to reach the Champions League to hoping to avoid the Championship next season. The Gunners were undone in familiar fashion at Goodison Park as self-inflicted damage from Rob Holding's own goal and an inability to create chances despite dominating possession saw Everton emerge 2-1 winners. After winning the FA Cup win August, Arteta earned a promotion from first-team coach to manager, affording him more control over recruitment. But the Spaniard is now the favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked with Arsenal just four points above the relegation zone and facing Chelsea next on Boxing Day.

Three talking points from the Premier League

Manchester United blitzed Leeds 6-2 to climb to third in the Premier League on Sunday as Leicester put a major dent in Tottenham's title challenge.

The first league battle in 16 years between bitter rivals United and Leeds was keenly anticipated but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men proved far too strong at an empty Old Trafford.

United, who made a stuttering start to the season, now have 26 points -- five behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.

They are a point adrift of second-placed Leicester, who beat Spurs 2-0 earlier to complete a miserable few days for Jose Mourinho.

United have won all six of their away games in the Premier League this season but had won just one match at home before Sunday.

Leeds were expected to provide a stern examination of United's rickety defence but Scott McTominay scored the earliest double in Premier League history, putting his side 2-0 up inside three minutes.

Marcelo Bielsa's determination to play in the same wide-open style no matter the opposition backfired as the visitors were 4-0 down in the 37th minute, with further goals from Bruno Fernandes and Victor Lindelof.

Liam Cooper pulled one back for Leeds late in the first half but United were back on the rampage after the break.

Daniel James made it 5-1 and Fernandes scored his second from the penalty spot before Stuart Dallas reduced the deficit.

A buzzing Solskjaer said the performance was "fantastic" from the first minute.

"Just imagine if there were 75,000 people in, it would have gone down in history as one of the great performances against Leeds," he told Sky Sports.

"We had to earn the right by running as much as them, that's a challenge. It could have been 12-4 -- It's that kind of game."

But the Norwegian refused to get carried away with talk about United's league position after their sixth win in seven league games.

"We are not even at the halfway point," he added. "The league position is not something we look at. We look at the improvement of the team.

"Now we are getting fitter and stronger. Our fans needed that one."

<h2>- Spurs stumble -</h2>

Spurs were top of the table until a last-minute winner for Liverpool gave the champions a 2-1 victory on Wednesday.

They now find themselves all the way back in fifth spot -- six points adrift of the champions after a damaging defeat.

Jamie Vardy put away-day specialists Leicester ahead from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time after Serge Aurier barged Wesley Fofana over.

Spurs had a huge escape early in the second half as James Maddison had a goal ruled out for the most marginal of offsides.

But Leicester doubled their lead just before the hour mark via an own goal.

Vardy capitalised on some bad defending by Moussa Sissoko and his header across goal deflected off Toby Alderweireld and into the net.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers described his team, who have won six of their seven away games this season, as "outstanding".

But he told Sky Sports: "We have to start winning at home. The group is learning all the time and that's why we're nowhere near the finished product."

Mourinho must now lift his team after a miserable few days.

"It is not a good week in terms of results," said the Spurs boss. "We could be here as the ones that broke Liverpool's record at Anfield and going into this game on a high.

"We started this game from the low of that disappointment and not getting what we deserved from that match, but Leicester also lost in their last match but came with a positive attitude. It's a game that we've lost with the penalty and the own goal."

Sam Allardyce's return to the Premier League as West Brom manager got off to a terrible start as the Baggies were outclassed 3-0 by local rivals Aston Villa, who moved up to ninth.

Anwar El Ghazi put Villa ahead inside five minutes before Jake Livermore's red card for a lunge on Jack Grealish gave Allardyce's men a mountain to climb.

Dean Smith's side dominated the entire match but had to wait until six minutes from time to double their lead when Grealish teed up Bertrand Traore for a composed finish before El Ghazi rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot after Grealish had been fouled in the box.

West Brom remain second bottom, three points off safety.

Bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United doubled their points tally for the season but were cruelly denied a first win of the campaign after Brighton's Danny Welbeck cancelled out Jayden Bogle's opener in a 1-1 draw.

Manchester United blitzed Leeds 6-2 to climb to third in the Premier League on Sunday as Leicester put a major dent in Tottenham's title challenge. The first league battle in 16 years between bitter rivals United and Leeds was keenly anticipated but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men proved far too strong at an empty Old Trafford.

Manchester United blitzed Leeds 6-2 to climb to third in the Premier League on Sunday as Leicester put a major dent in Tottenham's title challenge. The first league battle in 16 years between bitter rivals United and Leeds was keenly anticipated but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men proved far too strong at an empty Old Trafford. United, who made a stuttering start to the season, now have 26 points -- five behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand. They are a point adrift of second-placed Leicester, who beat Spurs 2-0 earlier to complete a miserable few days for Jose Mourinho. United have won all six of their away games in the Premier League this season but had won just one match at home before Sunday. Leeds were expected to provide a stern examination of United's rickety defence but Scott McTominay scored the earliest double in Premier League history, putting his side 2-0 up inside three minutes. Marcelo Bielsa's determination to play in the same wide-open style no matter the opposition backfired as the visitors were 4-0 down in the 37th minute, with further goals from Bruno Fernandes and Victor Lindelof. Liam Cooper pulled one back for Leeds late in the first half but United were back on the rampage after the break. Daniel James made it 5-1 and Fernandes scored his second from the penalty spot before Stuart Dallas reduced the deficit. A buzzing Solskjaer said the performance was "fantastic" from the first minute. "Just imagine if there were 75,000 people in, it would have gone down in history as one of the great performances against Leeds," he told Sky Sports. "We had to earn the right by running as much as them, that's a challenge. It could have been 12-4 -- It's that kind of game." But the Norwegian refused to get carried away with talk about United's league position after their sixth win in seven league games. "We are not even at the halfway point," he added. "The league position is not something we look at. We look at the improvement of the team. "Now we are getting fitter and stronger. Our fans needed that one." - Spurs stumble - Spurs were top of the table until a last-minute winner for Liverpool gave the champions a 2-1 victory on Wednesday. They now find themselves all the way back in fifth spot -- six points adrift of the champions after a damaging defeat. Jamie Vardy put away-day specialists Leicester ahead from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time after Serge Aurier barged Wesley Fofana over. Spurs had a huge escape early in the second half as James Maddison had a goal ruled out for the most marginal of offsides. But Leicester doubled their lead just before the hour mark via an own goal. Vardy capitalised on some bad defending by Moussa Sissoko and his header across goal deflected off Toby Alderweireld and into the net. Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers described his team, who have won six of their seven away games this season, as "outstanding". But he told Sky Sports: "We have to start winning at home. The group is learning all the time and that's why we're nowhere near the finished product." Mourinho must now lift his team after a miserable few days. "It is not a good week in terms of results," said the Spurs boss. "We could be here as the ones that broke Liverpool's record at Anfield and going into this game on a high. "We started this game from the low of that disappointment and not getting what we deserved from that match, but Leicester also lost in their last match but came with a positive attitude. It's a game that we've lost with the penalty and the own goal." Sam Allardyce's return to the Premier League as West Brom manager got off to a terrible start as the Baggies were outclassed 3-0 by local rivals Aston Villa, who moved up to ninth. Anwar El Ghazi put Villa ahead inside five minutes before Jake Livermore's red card for a lunge on Jack Grealish gave Allardyce's men a mountain to climb. Dean Smith's side dominated the entire match but had to wait until six minutes from time to double their lead when Grealish teed up Bertrand Traore for a composed finish before El Ghazi rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot after Grealish had been fouled in the box. West Brom remain second bottom, three points off safety. Bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United doubled their points tally for the season but were cruelly denied a first win of the campaign after Brighton's Danny Welbeck cancelled out Jayden Bogle's opener in a 1-1 draw.

Man Utd hammer out Premier League title warning as Spurs stumble again

Karim Benzema scored the opening goal and created two others as Real Madrid won 3-1 at Eibar on Sunday to move level on points with city rivals Atletico at the top of La Liga.

Benzema and Luka Modric scored inside the first 13 minutes in the Basque Country to put Zinedine Zidane's men on their way to a fourth straight league win, with Lucas Vazquez scoring a late third after Garcia Kike pulled one back for Eibar.

Real sit behind Atletico on goal difference, but have the better head-to-head record, which is how level teams are split at the end of the season.

Diego Simeone's Atletico have two games in hand, though, after Saturday's 3-1 success against Elche.

Fifth-placed Barcelona are eight points adrift of the Madrid pair following their 2-2 draw this weekend with Valencia.

Eibar started brightly, but fell behind in the sixth minute as Rodrygo fed Benzema to slot in his seventh league goal of the season.

Benzema, who was hailed by compatriot Zidane as the greatest ever French centre-forward earlier this week, created the second goal seven minutes later, cutting inside and picking out Modric who fired home right-footed.

The striker should have doubled his tally in the 16th minute, but he headed Modric's cross past the post.

Real went close to a third goal again when home goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic kept out Rodrygo's close-range effort, but Eibar got themselves back into the match in spectacular style before the half-hour mark.

Kike collected the ball outside the area before curling a fine finish past Thibaut Courtois.

Benzema thought he had restored the visitors' two-goal lead before half-time, but was flagged for a marginal offside, with VAR upholding the linesman's decision.

Eibar, sitting 14th in the table, wasted an excellent chance to equalise 11 minutes after the break, as Takashi Inui shot wide following a rare mistake from Real captain Sergio Ramos.

The reigning champions struggled to put the game to bed in the second half, with Marco Asensio striking a free-kick narrowly off target shortly after coming on as a substitute.

The capital giants survived a late scare when VAR decided not to award Eibar a penalty after the ball struck Ramos's arm.

Vazquez wrapped up the points in injury time with a cool finish from a tight angle, having been played in by Benzema.

Earlier on Sunday, former Spain international Roberto Soldado scored twice as Granada moved into sixth with a 2-0 win over Real Betis, while Getafe beat Cadiz 2-0 and Celta Vigo made it four straight victories by seeing off Alaves by the same scoreline.

Karim Benzema scored the opening goal and created two others as Real Madrid won 3-1 at Eibar on Sunday to move level on points with city rivals Atletico at the top of La Liga.

Karim Benzema scored the opening goal and created two others as Real Madrid won 3-1 at Eibar on Sunday to move level on points with city rivals Atletico at the top of La Liga. Benzema and Luka Modric scored inside the first 13 minutes in the Basque Country to put Zinedine Zidane's men on their way to a fourth straight league win, with Lucas Vazquez scoring a late third after Garcia Kike pulled one back for Eibar. Real sit behind Atletico on goal difference, but have the better head-to-head record, which is how level teams are split at the end of the season. Diego Simeone's Atletico have two games in hand, though, after Saturday's 3-1 success against Elche. Fifth-placed Barcelona are eight points adrift of the Madrid pair following their 2-2 draw this weekend with Valencia. Eibar started brightly, but fell behind in the sixth minute as Rodrygo fed Benzema to slot in his seventh league goal of the season. Benzema, who was hailed by compatriot Zidane as the greatest ever French centre-forward earlier this week, created the second goal seven minutes later, cutting inside and picking out Modric who fired home right-footed. The striker should have doubled his tally in the 16th minute, but he headed Modric's cross past the post. Real went close to a third goal again when home goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic kept out Rodrygo's close-range effort, but Eibar got themselves back into the match in spectacular style before the half-hour mark. Kike collected the ball outside the area before curling a fine finish past Thibaut Courtois. Benzema thought he had restored the visitors' two-goal lead before half-time, but was flagged for a marginal offside, with VAR upholding the linesman's decision. Eibar, sitting 14th in the table, wasted an excellent chance to equalise 11 minutes after the break, as Takashi Inui shot wide following a rare mistake from Real captain Sergio Ramos. The reigning champions struggled to put the game to bed in the second half, with Marco Asensio striking a free-kick narrowly off target shortly after coming on as a substitute. The capital giants survived a late scare when VAR decided not to award Eibar a penalty after the ball struck Ramos's arm. Vazquez wrapped up the points in injury time with a cool finish from a tight angle, having been played in by Benzema. Earlier on Sunday, former Spain international Roberto Soldado scored twice as Granada moved into sixth with a 2-0 win over Real Betis, while Getafe beat Cadiz 2-0 and Celta Vigo made it four straight victories by seeing off Alaves by the same scoreline.

Benzema stars as Real Madrid move level with Atletico at La Liga summit

New Zealand are set to take on Pakistan in the third and final T20I at the McLean Park in Napier. New Zealand have already won the three-match T20I series 2-0 and would be looking to clean-sweep the series when they take on Pakistan on Tuesday.

New Zealand have so far dominated Pakistan in each and every department of the game while winning the first two matches with five wickets and nine wickets respectively.

Pakistan have looked out of depth in the T20I series but would be hoping to salvage some pride in the final T20I of the series before heading into the two-match Test series starting from December 26 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

<h2>When and what time will New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I begin?</h2>

New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I will begin at 11:30 AM IST on December 22. The toss will take place at 11:00 AM IST.

<h2>Where will New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I take place?</h2>

New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I match will be held at the McLean Park, Napier.

<h2>Which channel will telecast New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I on TV?</h2>

New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I will not have a live telecast in India.

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I?</h2>

The match can be live-streamed on the FanCode app.

&nbsp;

New Zealand are set to take on Pakistan in the third and final T20I at the McLean Park in Napier. New Zealand have already won the three-match T20I series 2-0 and would be looking to clean-sweep the series when they take on Pakistan on Tuesday.

New Zealand are set to take on Pakistan in the third and final T20I at the McLean Park in Napier. New Zealand have already won the three-match T20I series 2-0 and would be looking to clean-sweep the series when they take on Pakistan on Tuesday. New Zealand have so far dominated Pakistan in each and every department of the game while winning the first two matches with five wickets and nine wickets respectively. Pakistan have looked out of depth in the T20I series but would be hoping to salvage some pride in the final T20I of the series before heading into the two-match Test series starting from December 26 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? When and what time will New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I begin? New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I will begin at 11:30 AM IST on December 22. The toss will take place at 11:00 AM IST. Where will New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I take place? New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I match will be held at the McLean Park, Napier. Which channel will telecast New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I on TV? New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I will not have a live telecast in India. How to watch the live streaming of New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I? The match can be live-streamed on the FanCode app.

NZ vs PAK, 3rd T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch New Zealand vs Pakistan?

Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw is likely to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, scheduled to start from January 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While there are calls for Shubman Gill to replace Shaw in the opening slot, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on who should replace Shaw as the opener in Indian playing XI.

Shaw has looked out of form since the Indian Premier League and continued his poor run of form in the warm-up matches against Australia A. However, he was handed a start in the Adelaide Test, which ended up in Australia’s favour with Shaw returning with scores of 0 and 4.&nbsp;

India lost the Adelaide Test by eight wickets after a historic collapse but are looking to make a few changes into the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-will-go-out-new-faces-will-come-in-but-what-about-mr-ravi-shastri-351379" hreflang="en">Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?</a>

Gavaskar has said that KL Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw in the Indian playing XI in the Boxing Day Test. Rahul has been in superb touch in limited-overs cricket but his past form in Test cricket has been shoddy.&nbsp;

“India will look at making 2 changes. Firstly, maybe Kl Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw as an opener. At No. 5 or No. 6, Shubman Gill should come in. His form has been good. Things can change if we start well,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak.

With India missing Virat Kohli for the remainder of the Test series, Gavaskar said Gill can slot in at number 5 or 6.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-virat-kohli-to-hold-special-team-meeting-before-leaving-for-india-351326" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India</a>

“India should start the Melbourne Test well, it’s necessary for them to step onto the ground with a lot of positivity. Australia’s weak point is their batting,” said Gavaskar.

“India have to believe that they can come back in the remainder of the Test series. If India don’t find the positivity, then there 4-0 series loss can happen. But if they have positivity, why not? It can happen (comeback). It’s natural that there is anger after such a performance. But in cricket, anything can happen. Look at how the scene was yesterday, and what has happened today,” he explained. 
&nbsp;

Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw is likely to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, scheduled to start from January 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw is likely to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, scheduled to start from January 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While there are calls for Shubman Gill to replace Shaw in the opening slot, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on who should replace Shaw as the opener in Indian playing XI. Shaw has looked out of form since the Indian Premier League and continued his poor run of form in the warm-up matches against Australia A. However, he was handed a start in the Adelaide Test, which ended up in Australia’s favour with Shaw returning with scores of 0 and 4. India lost the Adelaide Test by eight wickets after a historic collapse but are looking to make a few changes into the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri? Gavaskar has said that KL Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw in the Indian playing XI in the Boxing Day Test. Rahul has been in superb touch in limited-overs cricket but his past form in Test cricket has been shoddy. “India will look at making 2 changes. Firstly, maybe Kl Rahul should replace Prithvi Shaw as an opener. At No. 5 or No. 6, Shubman Gill should come in. His form has been good. Things can change if we start well,” Gavaskar told Sports Tak. With India missing Virat Kohli for the remainder of the Test series, Gavaskar said Gill can slot in at number 5 or 6. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India “India should start the Melbourne Test well, it’s necessary for them to step onto the ground with a lot of positivity. Australia’s weak point is their batting,” said Gavaskar. “India have to believe that they can come back in the remainder of the Test series. If India don’t find the positivity, then there 4-0 series loss can happen. But if they have positivity, why not? It can happen (comeback). It’s natural that there is anger after such a performance. But in cricket, anything can happen. Look at how the scene was yesterday, and what has happened today,” he explained.

Sunil Gavaskar wants this batsman to replace Prithvi Shaw in Boxing Day Test vs Australia

A doctor looking into the links between football and dementia has said that England’s World Cup winning midfielder Nobby Stiles, who passed away aged 78 in October, suffered severe brain damage from repeatedly heading the ball. The latest development has once again raised question marks on whether heading should be banned during training sessions.

Stiles, who played on the World Cup-winning team in 1966, had been diagnosed with dementia, like many of his teammates including Jack and Bobby Charlton.

Stiles’ family said that they had donated his brain to a research study led by neuropathologist Willie Stewart.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-voted-bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year-351307" hreflang="en">Hamilton voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year</a>

“He told us that the damage to my dad’s brain was very severe and could only be explained by him heading the ball over the sustained period of his career,” Stiles’ son John told the Daily Mail.

“It confirmed what he had believed for a long time.”

According to Stewart, “brain injury and head impacts” were the only risk factors in the type of brain damage Stiles had suffered.

“With Nobby, there is no recorded history of him sustaining a brain injury or concussion,” he told the newspaper. “Hence we propose his risk came from heading the ball.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/three-talking-points-from-the-premier-league-351306" hreflang="en">Three talking points from the Premier League</a>

“While he may have headed the ball a certain number of times in a match, like many others he would have been subject to countless impacts in training sessions. Every single impact could have caused damage.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has called on clubs and leagues of English football to chalk out a strategy to monitor and adapt training. They have asked the clubs to monitor and adapt training while coming up with techniques to protect the long-term health of players.

A doctor looking into the links between football and dementia has said that England’s World Cup winning midfielder Nobby Stiles, who passed away aged 78 in October, suffered severe brain damage from repeatedly heading the ball.

A doctor looking into the links between football and dementia has said that England’s World Cup winning midfielder Nobby Stiles, who passed away aged 78 in October, suffered severe brain damage from repeatedly heading the ball. The latest development has once again raised question marks on whether heading should be banned during training sessions. Stiles, who played on the World Cup-winning team in 1966, had been diagnosed with dementia, like many of his teammates including Jack and Bobby Charlton. Stiles’ family said that they had donated his brain to a research study led by neuropathologist Willie Stewart. ALSO READ: Hamilton voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year “He told us that the damage to my dad’s brain was very severe and could only be explained by him heading the ball over the sustained period of his career,” Stiles’ son John told the Daily Mail. “It confirmed what he had believed for a long time.” According to Stewart, “brain injury and head impacts” were the only risk factors in the type of brain damage Stiles had suffered. “With Nobby, there is no recorded history of him sustaining a brain injury or concussion,” he told the newspaper. “Hence we propose his risk came from heading the ball. ALSO READ: Three talking points from the Premier League “While he may have headed the ball a certain number of times in a match, like many others he would have been subject to countless impacts in training sessions. Every single impact could have caused damage.” The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has called on clubs and leagues of English football to chalk out a strategy to monitor and adapt training. They have asked the clubs to monitor and adapt training while coming up with techniques to protect the long-term health of players.

Nobby Stiles' brain injury caused by heading ball, doctor says

Randy Orton defeated The Fiend at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/wwe-news">WWE</a> TLC pay-per-view to win the Firefly Inferno match, which was the main event of the evening. To everyone’s surprise, Randy Orton set The Fiend ablaze to close out the match as the latter’s body burned and Orton signed off with his signature pose. But how did <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/wwe-news">WWE</a> pull off such a dangerous stunt on live TV?

Paul Davis of WrestlingNews.co, in his latest report, has revealed how Orton managed to set The Fiend on fire in front of millions. Earlier, WrestleVotes had reported that the match was pre-recorded in the afternoon.

Adding to it, David stated that both WWE Superstars stopped mid-way multiple times to carry a bunch of retakes in a bid to complete one of the most amazing scenes in WWE history. The retakes included the scene where The Fiend placed Orton in a rocking chair and tried to set him on fire. However, Orton moved away at the last second.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-undertaker-retires-final-farewell-a-look-back-at-the-evolution-of-deadman-307633" hreflang="en">The Undertaker retires: A look back at the evolution of 'Deadman'</a>

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🤯 The Fiend v Orton rules PERIOD. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWETLC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWETLC</a> <a href="https://t.co/pB4NRmWXWo">pic.twitter.com/pB4NRmWXWo</a>
— Meli (@AnaMelissa15) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnaMelissa15/status/1340855966225588224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Damn Randy Orton killed the fiend <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWETLC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWETLC</a> <a href="https://t.co/KqHddk4vHq">pic.twitter.com/KqHddk4vHq</a>
— The Real One (@WWEREALONE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWEREALONE/status/1340855143559016448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Randy Orton had lit The Fiend on fire! 🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWETLC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWETLC</a> <a href="https://t.co/19IxWylxZL">pic.twitter.com/19IxWylxZL</a>
— HeelByNature.com (@HeelByNatureYT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeelByNatureYT/status/1340854978387165184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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RANDY ORTON BURNS BRAY WYATT IN A CASKET AND FIEND SHOWS UP 
 
This was great.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWERAW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWERAW</a> <a href="https://t.co/dnioT44oMf">pic.twitter.com/dnioT44oMf</a>
— IBeast (@x_Beast17_x) <a href="https://twitter.com/x_Beast17_x/status/1338689592917110785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Moreover, the last scene of the match where Orton poured in gasoline before setting The Fiend on fire was massively edited by the WWE production and a dummy was used to make it look real. David added that the WWE had personnel ready with fire extinguishers to put off fires during the match.

In the WWE storyline, Randy Orton has finished The Fiend and the match is being hailed by the fans on social media platforms. In the coming weeks, The Fiend could either come back immediately to take revenge from Orton or take some time off before coming back on live TV. Alexa Bliss is also on vacation and it would be intriguing to see how the WWE uses her in the storyline.

Randy Orton defeated The Fiend at the WWE TLC pay-per-view to win the Firefly Inferno match, which was the main event of the evening. To everyone’s surprise, Randy Orton set The Fiend ablaze to close out the match as the latter’s body burned and Orton signed off with his signature pose.

Randy Orton defeated The Fiend at the WWE TLC pay-per-view to win the Firefly Inferno match, which was the main event of the evening. To everyone’s surprise, Randy Orton set The Fiend ablaze to close out the match as the latter’s body burned and Orton signed off with his signature pose. But how did WWE pull off such a dangerous stunt on live TV? Paul Davis of WrestlingNews.co, in his latest report, has revealed how Orton managed to set The Fiend on fire in front of millions. Earlier, WrestleVotes had reported that the match was pre-recorded in the afternoon. Adding to it, David stated that both WWE Superstars stopped mid-way multiple times to carry a bunch of retakes in a bid to complete one of the most amazing scenes in WWE history. The retakes included the scene where The Fiend placed Orton in a rocking chair and tried to set him on fire. However, Orton moved away at the last second. ALSO READ: The Undertaker retires: A look back at the evolution of 'Deadman' 🤯 The Fiend v Orton rules PERIOD. #WWETLC pic.twitter.com/pB4NRmWXWo — Meli (@AnaMelissa15) December 21, 2020 × Damn Randy Orton killed the fiend #WWETLC pic.twitter.com/KqHddk4vHq — The Real One (@WWEREALONE) December 21, 2020 × Randy Orton had lit The Fiend on fire! 🔥 #WWETLC pic.twitter.com/19IxWylxZL — HeelByNature.com (@HeelByNatureYT) December 21, 2020 × RANDY ORTON BURNS BRAY WYATT IN A CASKET AND FIEND SHOWS UP This was great.#WWERAW pic.twitter.com/dnioT44oMf — IBeast (@x_Beast17_x) December 15, 2020 × Moreover, the last scene of the match where Orton poured in gasoline before setting The Fiend on fire was massively edited by the WWE production and a dummy was used to make it look real. David added that the WWE had personnel ready with fire extinguishers to put off fires during the match. In the WWE storyline, Randy Orton has finished The Fiend and the match is being hailed by the fans on social media platforms. In the coming weeks, The Fiend could either come back immediately to take revenge from Orton or take some time off before coming back on live TV. Alexa Bliss is also on vacation and it would be intriguing to see how the WWE uses her in the storyline.

How WWE pulled off Randy Orton vs The Fiend Firefly Inferno match at TLC

“If you look at the last three years, we [Indian cricket team] have won nine matches overseas and three series (against West Indies and twice in Sri Lanka). I can't see any other Indian team in the last 15-20 years that have had the same run in such a short time, and you have had some great players playing in those series. So the promise is there, and it's just about getting tougher mentally,” Indian head coach Ravi Shastri had said about the Indian team with beaming pride in 2018 just after England handed a painful 4-1 Test series defeat.

In July 2017, Ravi Shastri was appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team after Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble (former Indian head coach)&nbsp;didn’t get together well enough, which resulted in the latter resigning from his post – a saga well documented in public.&nbsp;

Since Shastri’s appointment, India have defeated Sri Lanka (home and away), South Africa (home), the West Indies (home and away), Bangladesh (home), Afghanistan (one-off Test at home) and Australia (away) but have suffered glaring defeats against England (away), South Africa (away) and New Zealand (away).

The latest addition into the matches India have played under Shastri’s tenure as head coach is the Adelaide Horror, where the Virat Kohli-led visitors were skittled out for 36 runs in the second innings with none of the batters managing to get to double digits.

<img alt="India vs Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b77ee441-0488-46bc-8622-41e15f4c1e9e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XF7WC.jpg" />

India may well go onto turn the tables and win the series (a mammoth task)&nbsp;but the scars of 36 have been etched into the hearts of the Indian cricket fans forever.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indias-self-destructive-duo-fire-shastri-and-axe-captain-kohli-save-india-please-bcci-350981" hreflang="en">India's self destructive duo: Fire Shastri and axe captain Kohli, save India please BCCI</a>

Ravi Shastri has always sounded bullish about Indian team and the talent it possesses, no second thought about it because it is indeed a supremely talented bunch of players. The bowling attack is arguably the best Indian team has had so far in their history. The batting unit led by Virat Kohli consists of quality players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari – all of them have stood out in some series or another but the questions remain; is this Indian team utilizing its potential collectively? When will Ravi Shastri and co. start producing results overseas? Why does India often get tactically outclassed on foreign soil?

<img alt="India vs Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="179db4ef-827b-4459-ba0c-173edb9ec23a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XF6G3.jpg" />

India have been dominating home series and that has been the case for long, long before Ravi Shastri. The 2-1 Border Gavaskar Trophy win in 2018-19 was historic, no shadow of doubt about it. Then Australia were without David Warner and Steve Smith, and India pounced on each and every opportunity that came towards them in the series and registered their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil and became the first Asian side to do so. Fair enough. But did the Indian team utilize the momentum and became a better side? No.

Let’s not even go back to Freedom Trophy, when India visited South Africa in 2017-18 or even the Pataudi Trophy, when India visited England in 2018. India lost both the series. Some will say due to poor reading of conditions, many will say India were tactically and technically outclassed by the hosts.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/warne-vs-tendulkar-monkeygate-5-classic-australia-vs-india-encounters-349950" hreflang="en">Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters</a>

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, India were humiliated by New Zealand and ended up losing the series 2-0. Completely dominated and outclassed by the Kane Williamson-led outfit. Then the pandemic struck and the series drubbing slowly took a backseat amid the chaos of daily life. However, the Adelaide Horror has freshened up the sour memories and fans are asking, what is Ravi Shastri doing to get this talented bunch of players up and running in full flow?

<img alt="Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8b9744d3-6c89-487c-a62c-5ed4b16e9117" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XF4TE.jpg" />

The current Indian squad is pretty much similar to when it visited Down Under in 2018-19. So what went so wrong in Adelaide? The pink-ball? India got ample practice including a warm-up game to gear up for the game. Or is the Indian cricket team bearing the weight of being clueless on the tactical front, especially when it comes to batting? The same old road map which was torn apart by the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon in Adelaide.&nbsp;

<img alt="Mayank Agarwal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="152d4b6a-318c-4bbb-b454-f3c2d2650a6d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8XF628.jpg" />

Shastri was handed a contract extension in June 2019, until the ICC World Cup 2021. But has the head coach of the Indian cricket team justified his role and position by suffering defeats after defeats in away series (barring Australia 2018-19) against major opposition?&nbsp;

Good vocabulary and booming voice may sound good in the commentary box or in press conferences - where Ravi Shastri is generally not seen after series defeats. But when it comes to the Indian cricket team, the fans demand result, which in all fairness, has been a disappointing course under Shastri’s tenure - be it in away series or in ICC tournaments. And let’s not even discuss the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-final, where the Indian team was left shattered and clueless by New Zealand bowlers.&nbsp;

<img alt="Ravi Shastri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ee0eb9e-44d7-4c6f-9c4e-80f2b7730e05" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1NN955.jpg" />

The Indian cricket team is well capable of coming back strong. These players are a talented bunch. New faces will come in. Players who underperform are often mercilessly cropped out but what about the underperforming head coach of the Indian team? Is there an answer now or will India wait till three forthcoming World Cups, in 2021, 22 and 23? Or if everyone is content with India thrashing Sri Lanka, West Indies or Bangladesh (with all due respect to these teams), then let it be.&nbsp;

“If you look at the last three years, we [Indian cricket team] have won nine matches overseas and three series (against West Indies and twice in Sri Lanka). I can't see any other Indian team in the last 15-20 years that have had the same run in such a short time, and you have had some great players playing in those series.

“If you look at the last three years, we [Indian cricket team] have won nine matches overseas and three series (against West Indies and twice in Sri Lanka). I can't see any other Indian team in the last 15-20 years that have had the same run in such a short time, and you have had some great players playing in those series. So the promise is there, and it's just about getting tougher mentally,” Indian head coach Ravi Shastri had said about the Indian team with beaming pride in 2018 just after England handed a painful 4-1 Test series defeat. In July 2017, Ravi Shastri was appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team after Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble (former Indian head coach) didn’t get together well enough, which resulted in the latter resigning from his post – a saga well documented in public. Since Shastri’s appointment, India have defeated Sri Lanka (home and away), South Africa (home), the West Indies (home and away), Bangladesh (home), Afghanistan (one-off Test at home) and Australia (away) but have suffered glaring defeats against England (away), South Africa (away) and New Zealand (away). The latest addition into the matches India have played under Shastri’s tenure as head coach is the Adelaide Horror, where the Virat Kohli-led visitors were skittled out for 36 runs in the second innings with none of the batters managing to get to double digits. India may well go onto turn the tables and win the series (a mammoth task) but the scars of 36 have been etched into the hearts of the Indian cricket fans forever. ALSO READ: India's self destructive duo: Fire Shastri and axe captain Kohli, save India please BCCI Ravi Shastri has always sounded bullish about Indian team and the talent it possesses, no second thought about it because it is indeed a supremely talented bunch of players. The bowling attack is arguably the best Indian team has had so far in their history. The batting unit led by Virat Kohli consists of quality players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari – all of them have stood out in some series or another but the questions remain; is this Indian team utilizing its potential collectively? When will Ravi Shastri and co. start producing results overseas? Why does India often get tactically outclassed on foreign soil? India have been dominating home series and that has been the case for long, long before Ravi Shastri. The 2-1 Border Gavaskar Trophy win in 2018-19 was historic, no shadow of doubt about it. Then Australia were without David Warner and Steve Smith, and India pounced on each and every opportunity that came towards them in the series and registered their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil and became the first Asian side to do so. Fair enough. But did the Indian team utilize the momentum and became a better side? No. Let’s not even go back to Freedom Trophy, when India visited South Africa in 2017-18 or even the Pataudi Trophy, when India visited England in 2018. India lost both the series. Some will say due to poor reading of conditions, many will say India were tactically and technically outclassed by the hosts. ALSO READ: Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters Just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, India were humiliated by New Zealand and ended up losing the series 2-0. Completely dominated and outclassed by the Kane Williamson-led outfit. Then the pandemic struck and the series drubbing slowly took a backseat amid the chaos of daily life. However, the Adelaide Horror has freshened up the sour memories and fans are asking, what is Ravi Shastri doing to get this talented bunch of players up and running in full flow? The current Indian squad is pretty much similar to when it visited Down Under in 2018-19. So what went so wrong in Adelaide? The pink-ball? India got ample practice including a warm-up game to gear up for the game. Or is the Indian cricket team bearing the weight of being clueless on the tactical front, especially when it comes to batting? The same old road map which was torn apart by the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon in Adelaide. Shastri was handed a contract extension in June 2019, until the ICC World Cup 2021. But has the head coach of the Indian cricket team justified his role and position by suffering defeats after defeats in away series (barring Australia 2018-19) against major opposition? Good vocabulary and booming voice may sound good in the commentary box or in press conferences - where Ravi Shastri is generally not seen after series defeats. But when it comes to the Indian cricket team, the fans demand result, which in all fairness, has been a disappointing course under Shastri’s tenure - be it in away series or in ICC tournaments. And let’s not even discuss the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-final, where the Indian team was left shattered and clueless by New Zealand bowlers. The Indian cricket team is well capable of coming back strong. These players are a talented bunch. New faces will come in. Players who underperform are often mercilessly cropped out but what about the underperforming head coach of the Indian team? Is there an answer now or will India wait till three forthcoming World Cups, in 2021, 22 and 23? Or if everyone is content with India thrashing Sri Lanka, West Indies or Bangladesh (with all due respect to these teams), then let it be.

Players will go out, new faces will come in. But what about Mr Ravi Shastri?

Australian opener Joe Burns came back to form in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, where he scored an unbeaten 51 while chasing 90-run target. Burns has been central to criticism due to his poor form in the longest format of the game but the Aussie opener, after getting backing from the Australian team management, answered his critics with a cracking 51 not-out to help Australia win the Adelaide Test by eight wickets and take 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.

India were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings – their lowest score in Test cricket – and first instance, where none of the Indian players managed to score in double figures. Burns said that Australia have opened up a few scars in the Indian dressing room while adding Virat Kohli (out due to paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (out due to fractured hand) will be big misses for the Indian team.

However, Burns said that despite missing Kohli and Shami, Indian team has world-class players to replace them and expected them to pose tough challenge in the remainder of the series.

"We know we have opened up some scars.

"We just have to prepare well, start well, carry on the momentum from the first Test.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-virat-kohli-to-hold-special-team-meeting-before-leaving-for-india-351326" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India</a>

"Shami and Virat are obviously big losses for India ... it's always hard to replace world-class players like that.

"In saying that, the Indian team has very good depth as well. So they're still going to be very challenging."

"The next Test is going to play a crucial role in the result of the series," Burns told reporters.

Burns was bullish about Australia being the best team in the world and rightly so as the Baggy Greens will now look to extend their lead at the top of ICC World Test Championship table and book a spot for the final at Lord’s in 2021.&nbsp;

"We're the best team in the world. We're confident against everyone at every venue.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-after-adelaide-horror-indian-team-set-to-make-5-changes-in-playing-xi-351314" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI</a>

"Our bowlers are unbelievable ... they have done it for a long time.

"We know - game in, game out - they're going to be doing that and putting pressure on the opposition. It's a great luxury."

India are now expected to make four or five changes into the playing XI after the Adelaide drubbing with Australia likely to remain unchanged unless David Warner passes his fitness Test ahead of the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australian opener Joe Burns came back to form in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, where he scored an unbeaten 51 while chasing 90-run target. Burns has been central to criticism due to his poor form in the longest format of the game but the Aussie opener, after getting backing from the Australian team management, answered his critics with a cracking 51 not-out to help Australia win the Adelaide Test by eight wickets and take 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.

Australian opener Joe Burns came back to form in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, where he scored an unbeaten 51 while chasing 90-run target. Burns has been central to criticism due to his poor form in the longest format of the game but the Aussie opener, after getting backing from the Australian team management, answered his critics with a cracking 51 not-out to help Australia win the Adelaide Test by eight wickets and take 1-0 lead in the four-Test series. India were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings – their lowest score in Test cricket – and first instance, where none of the Indian players managed to score in double figures. Burns said that Australia have opened up a few scars in the Indian dressing room while adding Virat Kohli (out due to paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (out due to fractured hand) will be big misses for the Indian team. However, Burns said that despite missing Kohli and Shami, Indian team has world-class players to replace them and expected them to pose tough challenge in the remainder of the series. "We know we have opened up some scars. "We just have to prepare well, start well, carry on the momentum from the first Test. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India "Shami and Virat are obviously big losses for India ... it's always hard to replace world-class players like that. "In saying that, the Indian team has very good depth as well. So they're still going to be very challenging." "The next Test is going to play a crucial role in the result of the series," Burns told reporters. Burns was bullish about Australia being the best team in the world and rightly so as the Baggy Greens will now look to extend their lead at the top of ICC World Test Championship table and book a spot for the final at Lord’s in 2021. "We're the best team in the world. We're confident against everyone at every venue. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI "Our bowlers are unbelievable ... they have done it for a long time. "We know - game in, game out - they're going to be doing that and putting pressure on the opposition. It's a great luxury." India are now expected to make four or five changes into the playing XI after the Adelaide drubbing with Australia likely to remain unchanged unless David Warner passes his fitness Test ahead of the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

We have opened up some scars: Australia's Joe Burns wants hosts to continue onslaught vs India

The Indian cricket team was left red-faced by the brilliance of Australian pacers as the visitors were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, which Australia comfortably won by 8 wickets with two days in hand. While India have plenty of time in hands to turn things around, they would be without their captain Virat Kohli for the remainder of the series with the talismanic batsman set to leave for India on paternity leave.&nbsp;

Before heading back to India, Kohli will hold a special team meeting ahead of the Boxing Day Test in the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Indian skipper will try and boost the confidence of the players as the holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy eye a comeback into the four-Test series after going 1-0 down.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-after-adelaide-horror-indian-team-set-to-make-5-changes-in-playing-xi-351314" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI</a>

After getting skittled out for 36 and with no batsman registering scores in double-digits, keeping the team morale high could be an issue and to motivate his teammates, Kohli would be sitting to motivate and provide confidence to the squad.&nbsp;

"The emphasis of the meeting will be to motivate and give confidence to the young boys for the rest of the series," a source told TOI.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane is set to lead the Indian team for the remaining three Test matches in Kohli’s absence.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indias-self-destructive-duo-fire-shastri-and-axe-captain-kohli-save-india-please-bcci-350981" hreflang="en">India's self destructive duo: Fire Shastri and axe captain Kohli, save India please BCCI</a>

After the Adelaide disaster, Kohli rued the lack of intent shown by the Indian batsmen on Day 3 of the match as they went on to suffer an eight-wicket defeat.

"Very hard to put those feelings into words. We had a lead of 60-odd coming and just collapsed. When you work hard for two days and put yourself in a strong position and then an hour puts you in a position where it's literally impossible to win," Kohli said in the post-match presentation.

"I think we should have showed a little more intent today. They (Australians) bowled in similar kind of areas in the first innings as well but probably our mindset was to score runs."

The Indian cricket team was left red-faced by the brilliance of Australian pacers as the visitors were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, which Australia comfortably won by 8 wickets with two days in hand.

The Indian cricket team was left red-faced by the brilliance of Australian pacers as the visitors were bundled out for 36 runs in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, which Australia comfortably won by 8 wickets with two days in hand. While India have plenty of time in hands to turn things around, they would be without their captain Virat Kohli for the remainder of the series with the talismanic batsman set to leave for India on paternity leave. Before heading back to India, Kohli will hold a special team meeting ahead of the Boxing Day Test in the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Indian skipper will try and boost the confidence of the players as the holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy eye a comeback into the four-Test series after going 1-0 down. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI After getting skittled out for 36 and with no batsman registering scores in double-digits, keeping the team morale high could be an issue and to motivate his teammates, Kohli would be sitting to motivate and provide confidence to the squad. "The emphasis of the meeting will be to motivate and give confidence to the young boys for the rest of the series," a source told TOI. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane is set to lead the Indian team for the remaining three Test matches in Kohli’s absence. ALSO READ: India's self destructive duo: Fire Shastri and axe captain Kohli, save India please BCCI After the Adelaide disaster, Kohli rued the lack of intent shown by the Indian batsmen on Day 3 of the match as they went on to suffer an eight-wicket defeat. "Very hard to put those feelings into words. We had a lead of 60-odd coming and just collapsed. When you work hard for two days and put yourself in a strong position and then an hour puts you in a position where it's literally impossible to win," Kohli said in the post-match presentation. "I think we should have showed a little more intent today. They (Australians) bowled in similar kind of areas in the first innings as well but probably our mindset was to score runs."

AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli to hold special team meeting before leaving for India

The Indian cricket team suffered utter humiliation in their eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the Adelaide Test as Australia got off to a perfect start to take an early 1-0 lead into the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy. For the first time in their history, none of the Indian batsmen got into double figures while registering the lowest Test score for India. And after the Adelaide horror, Indian team is set to make landslide changes into the playing XI for the second Test, which will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26.

According to a report in TOI, Indian team is set to make as many as five changes in the playing XI. Two of the five changes come forced with Virat Kohli leaving for India and Mohammed Shami down and out with a fractured hand. Apart from Kohli and Shami, the likes of Wriddhiman Saha, Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari are also expected to warm the bench in the Boxing Day Test.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-crickets-bubble-burst-in-2021-351308" hreflang="en">Will cricket's bubble burst in 2021?</a>

Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and either of Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini are set to be included in the playing XI as Indian team looks to bounce back after a catastrophic performance in Adelaide.&nbsp;

"Opener Prithvi Shaw could be replaced by KL Rahul, talented youngster Shubhman Gill will make his Test debut, replacing skipper Virat Kohli at No 4. Hanuma Vihari may make way for the fit-again Ravindra Jadeja. Wriddhiman Saha could lose his wicketkeeper's spot to Rishabh Pant, and either of Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini can replace injured pacer Mohammed Shami," a BCCI source told TOI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/warne-vs-tendulkar-monkeygate-5-classic-australia-vs-india-encounters-349950" hreflang="en">Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters</a>

Gill is likely to be slotted in at number four, the spot Virat Kohli bats in Test cricket while Rahul is expected to open the innings with Mayank Agarwal. Pant will come in as a natural replacement for Saha with Jadeja, if fit, likely to get in the team in place of Vihari, whose exclusion will come as a surprise if it happens.

With Siraj and Saini fighting for the third seamer’s spot in Shami’s absence, it would be interesting to see whom the Indian team management picks in the final team.

The Indian cricket team suffered utter humiliation in their eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the Adelaide Test as Australia got off to a perfect start to take an early 1-0 lead into the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy.

The Indian cricket team suffered utter humiliation in their eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the Adelaide Test as Australia got off to a perfect start to take an early 1-0 lead into the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy. For the first time in their history, none of the Indian batsmen got into double figures while registering the lowest Test score for India. And after the Adelaide horror, Indian team is set to make landslide changes into the playing XI for the second Test, which will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26. According to a report in TOI, Indian team is set to make as many as five changes in the playing XI. Two of the five changes come forced with Virat Kohli leaving for India and Mohammed Shami down and out with a fractured hand. Apart from Kohli and Shami, the likes of Wriddhiman Saha, Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari are also expected to warm the bench in the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Will cricket's bubble burst in 2021? Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and either of Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini are set to be included in the playing XI as Indian team looks to bounce back after a catastrophic performance in Adelaide. "Opener Prithvi Shaw could be replaced by KL Rahul, talented youngster Shubhman Gill will make his Test debut, replacing skipper Virat Kohli at No 4. Hanuma Vihari may make way for the fit-again Ravindra Jadeja. Wriddhiman Saha could lose his wicketkeeper's spot to Rishabh Pant, and either of Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini can replace injured pacer Mohammed Shami," a BCCI source told TOI. ALSO READ: Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters Gill is likely to be slotted in at number four, the spot Virat Kohli bats in Test cricket while Rahul is expected to open the innings with Mayank Agarwal. Pant will come in as a natural replacement for Saha with Jadeja, if fit, likely to get in the team in place of Vihari, whose exclusion will come as a surprise if it happens. With Siraj and Saini fighting for the third seamer’s spot in Shami’s absence, it would be interesting to see whom the Indian team management picks in the final team.

AUS vs IND: After Adelaide horror, Indian team set to make 5 changes in playing XI

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu is set to return to the court in January 2021 with three events scheduled to be held in Thailand. Sindhu, the 2019 World Champion and 2016 Olympic silver medalist, participated in her last competitive match at 2020 All England Open in March but has since been restricted from playing due to COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Sindhu is set to return to the badminton court and will participate in three tournaments in Thailand next month. The Yonex Thailand Open from January 12-17 will be Sindhu’s first tournament followed by the Toyota Thailand Open from January 19-24. She will wrap up the month with the World Tour Finals in Bangkok, subject to qualification, from January 27-31.

The Indian government has given a green signal to her request to have her physio and fitness trainer to accompany her in the three tournaments.&nbsp;

The services of her physio and trainer for these three tournaments has been sanctioned at an approximate cost of Rs. 8.25 lakhs, TOPS said in a statement.

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is a marquee program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in a bid to provide assistance to India’s elite athletes.

Sindhu has already sealed qualification for the Tokyo Olympics, which will go ahead at a rescheduled date in the summer of 2021. In October, Sindhu flew to London to work on nutrition and body analysis and is sweating hard to be at her optimum best when the Tokyo Olympics start.

"It (world champion tag) is an added advantage as well. But I have to make sure... the responsibilities are going to be a lot. Compared to 2016, it's going to be very different, people's expectations are a lot more. I understand that. I go with a mindset that I have to give my best and give my 100 percent. That's how I am going to approach it. I am confident that I will do well," PV Sindhu had told India Today last month. 
&nbsp;

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu is set to return to the court in January 2021 with three events scheduled to be held in Thailand. Sindhu, the 2019 World Champion and 2016 Olympic silver medalist, participated in her last competitive match at 2020 All England Open in March but has since been restricted from playing due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu is set to return to the court in January 2021 with three events scheduled to be held in Thailand. Sindhu, the 2019 World Champion and 2016 Olympic silver medalist, participated in her last competitive match at 2020 All England Open in March but has since been restricted from playing due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, Sindhu is set to return to the badminton court and will participate in three tournaments in Thailand next month. The Yonex Thailand Open from January 12-17 will be Sindhu’s first tournament followed by the Toyota Thailand Open from January 19-24. She will wrap up the month with the World Tour Finals in Bangkok, subject to qualification, from January 27-31. The Indian government has given a green signal to her request to have her physio and fitness trainer to accompany her in the three tournaments. The services of her physio and trainer for these three tournaments has been sanctioned at an approximate cost of Rs. 8.25 lakhs, TOPS said in a statement. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is a marquee program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in a bid to provide assistance to India’s elite athletes. Sindhu has already sealed qualification for the Tokyo Olympics, which will go ahead at a rescheduled date in the summer of 2021. In October, Sindhu flew to London to work on nutrition and body analysis and is sweating hard to be at her optimum best when the Tokyo Olympics start. "It (world champion tag) is an added advantage as well. But I have to make sure... the responsibilities are going to be a lot. Compared to 2016, it's going to be very different, people's expectations are a lot more. I understand that. I go with a mindset that I have to give my best and give my 100 percent. That's how I am going to approach it. I am confident that I will do well," PV Sindhu had told India Today last month.

PV Sindhu gears up to return in January 2021 with 3 events in Thailand

Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who was out of contract with Racing Point, will replace Alexander Albon at Red Bull in the 2021 season, the Formula One outfit announced on Friday. Perez will pair up with Max Verstappen for Red Bull team in 2021.<o:p></o:p>

The move for Perez means Malaysian driver Albon will be without a team for the 2021 season. However, he will remain with the Red Bull team as Test and Reserve Driver with focus on 2022 development.

<o:p></o:p>

"Red Bull Racing can today confirm that Sergio Perez will join the Team and race alongside Max Verstappen in the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship," the F1 team said in a statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-mahomes-to-giannis-athletes-with-biggest-contracts-in-sporting-history-350214" hreflang="en">From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history</a><o:p></o:p>

"Current driver Alex Albon remains an important member of the Team and takes on the role of Red Bull Racing Test and Reserve Driver with a key focus on 2022 development, simulator work and tyre testing," it added.<o:p></o:p>

“Charging into 2021 with @SChecoPerez! #HolaCheco,” tweeted Aston Martin Red Bull Racing on Twitter as they teased the announcement of Sergio Perez.

<o:p></o:p>

Reacting to the tweet, Racing Point replied: “You're getting one hell of a driver there guys. Huge congrats to you both.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-nba-to-super-bowl-heres-complete-list-of-winners-in-2020-350549" hreflang="en">From NBA to Super Bowl: Here's complete list of winners in 2020</a>

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You're getting one hell of a driver there guys. Huge congrats to you both 🙌
— BWT Racing Point F1 Team (@RacingPointF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RacingPointF1/status/1339936189353250818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Perez has been hailed as one of the F1’s fastest and most consistent drivers despite never enjoying equipment capable of producing podiums week in and week out. Perez has, thus far, scored 10 podiums and one win, during his 10-year stay in Grand Prix racing.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Perez made his debut in 2011 with Sauber and bagged his first podium in 2012 at the Malaysian GP before joining McLaren for the 2013 season. He later switched base to Force India, which was later renamed as Racing Point in 2019.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who was out of contract with Racing Point, will replace Alexander Albon at Red Bull in the 2021 season, the Formula One outfit announced on Friday.

Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who was out of contract with Racing Point, will replace Alexander Albon at Red Bull in the 2021 season, the Formula One outfit announced on Friday. Perez will pair up with Max Verstappen for Red Bull team in 2021. The move for Perez means Malaysian driver Albon will be without a team for the 2021 season. However, he will remain with the Red Bull team as Test and Reserve Driver with focus on 2022 development. "Red Bull Racing can today confirm that Sergio Perez will join the Team and race alongside Max Verstappen in the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship," the F1 team said in a statement. ALSO READ: From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history "Current driver Alex Albon remains an important member of the Team and takes on the role of Red Bull Racing Test and Reserve Driver with a key focus on 2022 development, simulator work and tyre testing," it added. “Charging into 2021 with @SChecoPerez! #HolaCheco,” tweeted Aston Martin Red Bull Racing on Twitter as they teased the announcement of Sergio Perez. Reacting to the tweet, Racing Point replied: “You're getting one hell of a driver there guys. Huge congrats to you both.” ALSO READ: From NBA to Super Bowl: Here's complete list of winners in 2020 You're getting one hell of a driver there guys. Huge congrats to you both 🙌 — BWT Racing Point F1 Team (@RacingPointF1) December 18, 2020 × Perez has been hailed as one of the F1’s fastest and most consistent drivers despite never enjoying equipment capable of producing podiums week in and week out. Perez has, thus far, scored 10 podiums and one win, during his 10-year stay in Grand Prix racing. Perez made his debut in 2011 with Sauber and bagged his first podium in 2012 at the Malaysian GP before joining McLaren for the 2013 season. He later switched base to Force India, which was later renamed as Racing Point in 2019.

Sergio Perez to race for Red Bull in F1 2021 season

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne’s has witnessed a rapid rise in the world of international cricket. From being a concussion substitute to Steve Smith in Ashes 2019 to being awarded the ICC Test Player of the Year 2019, Labuschagne has become one of the mainstays of the Australian top order. However, in the Adelaide Test against India, Labuschagne left Twitterati in splits with his unique leaves and “no run” calls as they played out a gritty knock of 47 against India on Day 2 of the day-night Test.

Labuschagne’s unique leaves are similar to that of Steve Smith, whom the youngster has idolized since coming into the international arena. Labuschagne’s leaves made headlines as it was pretty similar to Smith’s leaves but the youngster continued with his unique leaves during the first Test against India and even added “no run” calls to his armoury.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/netizens-troll-prithvi-shaw-for-poor-performance-with-bat-and-dropping-a-vital-catch-350765" hreflang="en">Netizens troll Prithvi Shaw for poor performance with bat and dropping a vital catch</a>

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Marnus displaying all his variations of the 'No Run!' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/gLQZjI50B7">pic.twitter.com/gLQZjI50B7</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1339859011244474369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Here's how Twitterati reacted to Labuschagne's leaves and 'no run' calls:</h2>

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This gotta be the Meme of the Week , Lol !!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilTwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilTwitter</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MemeTwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MemeTwitter</a> <a href="https://t.co/rWCRv6wSbh">pic.twitter.com/rWCRv6wSbh</a>
— Globe Trotter (@masala_dosai) <a href="https://twitter.com/masala_dosai/status/1339859730718547970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Nice ...now release it on Spotify
— Thala (@ssmbbakthudu) <a href="https://twitter.com/ssmbbakthudu/status/1339859320171765760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Can hear him saying this all my life without complaint 😂😂😂
— آفتاب 🇮🇳 (@Devastated_Soul) <a href="https://twitter.com/Devastated_Soul/status/1339859612766359552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Its better to shout " No Run" than running unknowing and loosing your captain😂
— Saajan (@Saajan_07) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saajan_07/status/1339861276344774656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Marnus to smith: whatever you do, I do even better 😂
— wijay (@bizayay) <a href="https://twitter.com/bizayay/status/1339863284787253249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Steve Smith 2.0 😁😁
— Najeeb ul Hasnain (@ImNajeebH) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImNajeebH/status/1339861341817860096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> 
 
Steve smith: <a href="https://t.co/xwIId8T0vq">pic.twitter.com/xwIId8T0vq</a>
— S O M E N A T H (@somenathpaul_) <a href="https://twitter.com/somenathpaul_/status/1339865936610820103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-cristiano-ronaldos-viral-reaction-after-losing-to-lewandowski-at-fifa-the-best-awards-350727" hreflang="en">WATCH- Cristiano Ronaldo's viral reaction after losing to Lewandowski at FIFA 'The Best' Awards</a>

Labuschagne scored a gritty 47 off 119 deliveries to help Australia post 191 runs on board in the first innings. Along with Labuschagne, skipper Tim Paine looked solid with the willow as he scored an unbeaten 73. However, India having posted 244 runs on board in the first innings, took a solid lead of 53 runs.&nbsp;

India started with Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal but lost the former after Pat Cummins bowled the youngster for four. India sent Jasprit Bumrah at number 3 as a night watchman. Both Bumrah and Agarwal saw off the last few overs of the day as India ended at 9/1 with a lead of 62 runs.&nbsp;

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne’s has witnessed a rapid rise in the world of international cricket. From being a concussion substitute to Steve Smith in Ashes 2019 to being awarded the ICC Test Player of the Year 2019, Labuschagne has become one of the mainstays of the Australian top order.

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne’s has witnessed a rapid rise in the world of international cricket. From being a concussion substitute to Steve Smith in Ashes 2019 to being awarded the ICC Test Player of the Year 2019, Labuschagne has become one of the mainstays of the Australian top order. However, in the Adelaide Test against India, Labuschagne left Twitterati in splits with his unique leaves and “no run” calls as they played out a gritty knock of 47 against India on Day 2 of the day-night Test. Labuschagne’s unique leaves are similar to that of Steve Smith, whom the youngster has idolized since coming into the international arena. Labuschagne’s leaves made headlines as it was pretty similar to Smith’s leaves but the youngster continued with his unique leaves during the first Test against India and even added “no run” calls to his armoury. ALSO READ: Netizens troll Prithvi Shaw for poor performance with bat and dropping a vital catch Marnus displaying all his variations of the 'No Run!' #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/gLQZjI50B7 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2020 × Here's how Twitterati reacted to Labuschagne's leaves and 'no run' calls: This gotta be the Meme of the Week , Lol !!#TamilTwitter#MemeTwitter pic.twitter.com/rWCRv6wSbh — Globe Trotter (@masala_dosai) December 18, 2020 × Nice ...now release it on Spotify — Thala (@ssmbbakthudu) December 18, 2020 × Can hear him saying this all my life without complaint 😂😂😂 — آفتاب 🇮🇳 (@Devastated_Soul) December 18, 2020 × Its better to shout " No Run" than running unknowing and loosing your captain😂 — Saajan (@Saajan_07) December 18, 2020 × Marnus to smith: whatever you do, I do even better 😂 — wijay (@bizayay) December 18, 2020 × Steve Smith 2.0 😁😁 — Najeeb ul Hasnain (@ImNajeebH) December 18, 2020 × #AUSvIND #INDvAUS Steve smith: pic.twitter.com/xwIId8T0vq — S O M E N A T H (@somenathpaul_) December 18, 2020 × ALSO READ: WATCH- Cristiano Ronaldo's viral reaction after losing to Lewandowski at FIFA 'The Best' Awards Labuschagne scored a gritty 47 off 119 deliveries to help Australia post 191 runs on board in the first innings. Along with Labuschagne, skipper Tim Paine looked solid with the willow as he scored an unbeaten 73. However, India having posted 244 runs on board in the first innings, took a solid lead of 53 runs. India started with Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal but lost the former after Pat Cummins bowled the youngster for four. India sent Jasprit Bumrah at number 3 as a night watchman. Both Bumrah and Agarwal saw off the last few overs of the day as India ended at 9/1 with a lead of 62 runs.

Watch: Marnus Labuschagne's 'leaves' and 'no run' calls leave Twitterati in splits

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