Thursday, December 31, 2020
सूर्यकुमार यादव ने 2020 के अपने बेस्ट मोमेंट के बारे में बताया
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WWE से रोमन रेंस ने की है खास मांग, 2021 में SmackDown के पहले एपिसोड में करेंगे बड़ा ऐलान?
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श्रीसंत ने की जबरदस्त गेंदबाजी, अपने आक्रामक तेवरों से बल्लेबाजों को डराया
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डेविड वॉर्नर के तीसरे टेस्ट मैच में खेलने को लेकर आई चौंकाने वाली प्रतिक्रिया
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नील वैगनर की जगह मैट हेनरी को न्यूजीलैंड टीम में शामिल किया गया
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REN vs THU Dream11 Prediction, प्लेइंग XI अपडेट आज के Big Bash League (BBL) मैच के लिए- 1 जनवरी, 2021
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WWE SmackDown प्रीव्यू: दिग्गज करेगा अपनी धमाकेदार वापसी, रोमन रेंस को मिलेगा नया दुश्मन?
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नए साल के मौके पर क्रिकेट जगत की ओर से भी मिलीं बधाइयां
टीम इंडिया नए साल के अवसर पर ऑस्ट्रेलिया में है। टीम ने मेलबर्न में जीत हासिल की। सिडनी में तीसरे मैच से पहले टीम मेलबर्न में ही ट्रेनिंग कर रही है। टीम इंडिया के सितारों और पूर्व क्रिकेटरों ने नए साल के मौके पर मुबारकबाद दी है। इसके अलावा नए ख्वाबों और अरमानों की बात की है।नए साल के मौके पर क्रिकेट जगत की ओर से भी काफी बधाइयां मिल रही हैं। भारतीय टीम तो इस समय ऑस्ट्रेलिया में है और खिलाड़ी वहीं से सोशल मीडिया पर नए साल के पोस्ट कर रहे हैं।
टीम इंडिया नए साल के अवसर पर ऑस्ट्रेलिया में है। टीम ने मेलबर्न में जीत हासिल की। सिडनी में तीसरे मैच से पहले टीम मेलबर्न में ही ट्रेनिंग कर रही है। टीम इंडिया के सितारों और पूर्व क्रिकेटरों ने नए साल के मौके पर मुबारकबाद दी है। इसके अलावा नए ख्वाबों और अरमानों की बात की है।
As we start afresh, hoping for a safer and happier 2021, let’s carry forward invaluable lessons from last year: to… https://t.co/GMIucGfhs6
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 1609480800000
Ram Ram ! Wish you a year filled with love , happiness and good health. May prosperity, strength and blessings gall… https://t.co/RLmoCZOHSX
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) 1609467171000
अजिंक्य रहाणे
Happy new year to everyone!! 🥳🥳#NewYear2021
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) 1609466352000
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New Zealand vs Pakistan: Kiwis name pacer Matt Henry as replacement for injured Neil Wagner ahead of second Test
Christchurch: Fast bowler Matt Henry was on Friday named as replacement for the injured left-arm pacer Neil Wagner in the New Zealand squad for the second Test against Pakistan, starting on Sunday.
Wagner was struck by Pakistan speedster Shaheen Afridi yorker while batting on the second day of the first Test, sustaining undisplaced fractures in both the fourth and fifth toes of his right foot.
Wagner's recovery is expected to be approximately six weeks, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in a statement.
Coach Gary Stead said Henry brings Test experience and local knowledge to the squad.
"Matt has been in good form with the ball having recently taken 6-53 for New Zealand A against the Pakistan Shaheens (A side) in December," Stead said.
"We're still a couple of days out from the Test, so need to take a look at the surface while also assessing our options for best-possible team make-up," he added.
New Zealand won the first Test by 101 runs to take 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling (wk), Will Young.
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Neymar laughs off reports of New Year's party for 500 guests in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro: Neymar laughed off controversy Thursday over reports he was throwing a mega New Year's party for 500 guests, posting a video online of preparations for what he called a "low-key dinner" with family and friends.
The superstar footballer has faced a flood of criticism in his native Brazil and beyond over reports that despite the coronavirus pandemic he was ringing in 2021 with a week-long bash for hundreds of people at his mansion outside Rio de Janeiro.
However, he took to Instagram several hours before midnight to show his New Year's Eve plans, which he described as small-scale.
The 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain striker posted a video of a dinner table that appeared to be for about 40 guests, decked out with white flowers and an empty chair between each place setting.
"Marvellous decoration for this beautiful, low-key little dinner at home, with social distancing," he said.
"And it's not for 500 people, ok?" he added with a laugh.
"Social distancing. Everyone tested," he wrote in a caption.
Earlier, he posted videos of himself and his nine-year-old son getting what he called his "50th test" for the new coronavirus.
Neymar, who hasn't played since injuring his ankle against Lyon on December 13, had previously avoided commenting on reports about his supposed party in the seaside town of Mangaratiba.
Rio de Janeiro state prosecutors have opened an investigation into the reports.
They said Neymar denied on Thursday hosting any party in Mangaratiba, according to news site G1.
The footballer has reportedly travelled to Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil to ring in the New Year there.
His press office did not immediately respond to questions from AFP on his plans.
Brazil has the second-highest death toll in the pandemic, after the United States, with nearly 195,000 people killed by Covid-19.
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साल 2021 में इन 7 युवा खिलाड़ियों पर रहेगी सबकी नजरें
साल 2021 की शुरुआत हो चुकी है। कोरोना वायरस महामारी के चलते 2020 में क्रिकेट के मैदान पर ज्यादा रोमांच देखने को नहीं मिला। कई सीरीज और टूर्नमेंट रद्द या स्थगित हुए। टी20 वर्ल्ड कप क्रिकेट इनमें से एक था। बीते साल ऑस्ट्रेलिया में टी20 वर्ल्ड कप खेला जाना था। कोरोना के चलते उसे 2021 के लिए टाल दिया गया वहीं 2021 के टी20 वर्ल्ड कप को 2022 के लिए स्थगित कर दिया गया। तो नए साल में कौन से युवा खिलाड़ी दिखा सकते हैं दम...टीम इंडिया की बैंच स्ट्रेंथ की खूब तारीफ होती है। युवा खिलाड़ी आगे बढ़कर जिम्मेदारी लेते हैं। हर साल कुछ नए खिलाड़ी अपना दम दिखाते हैं। तो एक नजर डालते हैं कि कौन से सात खिलाड़ी 2021 में अपनी छाप छोड़ सकते हैं।
साल 2021 की शुरुआत हो चुकी है। कोरोना वायरस महामारी के चलते 2020 में क्रिकेट के मैदान पर ज्यादा रोमांच देखने को नहीं मिला। कई सीरीज और टूर्नमेंट रद्द या स्थगित हुए। टी20 वर्ल्ड कप क्रिकेट इनमें से एक था। बीते साल ऑस्ट्रेलिया में टी20 वर्ल्ड कप खेला जाना था। कोरोना के चलते उसे 2021 के लिए टाल दिया गया वहीं 2021 के टी20 वर्ल्ड कप को 2022 के लिए स्थगित कर दिया गया। तो नए साल में कौन से युवा खिलाड़ी दिखा सकते हैं दम...
देवदत्त पडिक्कल
रॉयल चैलेंजर्स बैंगलोर के इस सलामी बल्लेबाज पर 2021 में खास नजरें होंगी। उन्होंने आईपीएल में 15 मैचों में 473 रन बनाए। वह बैंगलोर के लिए सबसे ज्यादा रन बनाने वाले बल्लेबाज रहे। उनका स्ट्राइक रेट 124.80 का रहा। पडिक्कल ने कप्तान विराट कोहली से भी ज्यादा रन बनाए।
बाएं हाथ के इस खिलाड़ी ने 11 साल की उम्र में क्रिकेट खेलना शुरू किया। देवदत्त ने कर्नाटक प्रीमियर लीग 2017 में 53 गेंद पर 72 रन बनाए। इसके अलावा उन्होंने कर्नाटक के लिए अंडर-19 मैचों में शानदार खेल दिखाया। इसके बाद उनके करियर में थोड़ा गिरावट नजर आई।
2018 की कूच बिहार ट्रोफी में उन्होंने 829 रन बनाए। वह टूर्नमेंट में सबसे ज्यादा रन बनाने वाले बल्लेबाजों की लिस्ट में चौथे पायदान पर थे। ऐसी भी खबरें हैं टीम प्रबंधन उन्हें वैकल्पिक सलामी बल्लेबाज के रूप में भी तैयार कर रहा है।
मोहम्मद सिराज
मोहम्मद सिराज इंडियन प्रीमियर लीग 2020 में खेलने के बाद भारतीय टीम के साथ ऑस्ट्रेलिया रवाना हो गए। सिराज ऑस्ट्रेलिया में ही थे जब उनके पिता का निधन हो गया। लेकिन वह भारत नहीं लौटे। उन्होंने अपने पिता के सपने को पूरा करने के लिए ऑस्ट्रेलिया में ही रहे। सिराज विराट कोहली की स्कीम का अहम हिस्सा नजर आते हैं। सिराज एक आक्रामक तेज गेंदबाज हैं। इस साल भारतीय टीम को काफी क्रिकेट खेलना है और इस दौरान काफी युवाओं को मौका मिल सकता है।
प्रियम गर्ग
प्रियम गर्ग भी अंडर-19 क्रिकेट से निकले एक और सितारे हैं। अंडर-19 के कप्तान रहे गर्ग ने इस साल आईपीएल में सनराइजर्स हैदराबाद का प्रतिनिधित्व किया। उन्हें 2019 में भारतीय अंडर-19 टीम का कप्तान बनाया गया। इसके बाद 2020 अंडर-19 वर्ल्ड कप में उनकी कप्तानी में टीम ने फाइनल तक का सफर तय किया। प्रियम जब 11 साल के थे तो उनकी माता का निधन हो गया था। प्रियम ने लिस्ट ए में अपनी पहली डबल सेंचुरी लगाई। वह देवधर ट्रोफी में भारतीय सी टीम की ओर से खेले थे। उनकी टीम रनर्स-अप रही थी। 2018-19 के अपने पहले ही रणजी ट्रोफी सीजन में उन्होंने 800 से ज्यादा रन बनाए थे। उत्तर प्रदेश के इस बल्लेबाज ने गोवा के खिलाफ अपने डेब्यू मैच में सेंचुरी लगाई थी। गर्ग की चाहत सचिन तेंडुलकर से मिलकर क्रिकेट टिप्स लेना चाहते हैं।
रवि बिश्नोई
रवि बिश्नोई, अंडर-19 क्रिकेट टीम का हिस्सा थे। इस साल उन्होंने आईपीएल डेब्यू किया। वह किंग्स इलेवन पंजाब की ओर से खेले। उन्होंने 14 मैचों में 12 विकेट लिए। लेग स्पिनर बिश्नोई ने अंडर-19 वर्ल्ड कप में 17 विकेट लिए। राजस्थान के जोधपुर के रहने वाले बिश्नोई अपनी गुगली के लिए फेमस हैं।
शुभमन गिल
इस युवा सितारे ने ऑस्ट्रेलिया के खिलाफ टेस्ट डेब्यू किया। उन्होंने छोटी लेकिन उपयोगी पारियां खेलीं। मेलबर्न में उन्होंने पहली पारी में 45 और दूसरी में नाबाद 35 रन बनाए। उनके रवैये और शॉट सिलेक्शन ने सभी को प्रभावित किया। गिल ने अंडर-19 वर्ल्ड कप में भी दमदार खेल दिखाया था। साल 2018 में वर्ल्ड कप का खिताब जीतने वाली टीम का वह हिस्सा थे। गिल अगर मौकों को भुनाते रहे तो उन्हें जल्द ही सीमित ओवरों के प्रारूप में भी और मौके मिल सकते हैं।
सूर्यकुमार यादव
सूर्यकुमार यादव लगातार भारतीय टीम में दस्तक दे रहे हैं। उनकी उम्र 30 साल है लेकिन उन्हें अभी तक अंतरराष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट खेलने का मौका नहीं मिला। आईपीएल में लगातार अच्छे प्रदर्शन के बाद उन्हें टीम इंडिया का बड़ा दावेदार कहा जा रहा है। ऑस्ट्रेलिया दौरे पर जब उनका चयन नहीं हुआ तो सिलेक्शन कमिटी को काफी आलोचना का सामना करना पड़ा था। यादव में आक्रामकता तो है ही साथ ही धैर्य और संयम भी नजर आता है। वह परंपरागत क्रिकेटीय शॉट्स के साथ तेजी से रन बना सकते हैं। उम्मीद की जा सकती है कि साल 2021 सूर्यकुमार यादव के लिए टीम इंडिया का टिकट लेकर आएगा।
टी. नटराजन
सनराइजर्स हैदराबाद के इस तेज गेंदबाज ने आईपीएल 2020 में बहुत अच्छा खेल दिखाया। उनकी सटीक यॉर्कर और रफ्तार ने अपना खूब दम दिखाया। इसके बाद उन्हें ऑस्ट्रेलिया दौरे पर सीमित ओवरों की टीम में चुना गया। यहां वह कप्तान विराट कोहली की उम्मीदों पर खरे उतरे। नटराजन ने लंबा संघर्ष किया। मुश्किल हालात से निकलकर उन्होंने टीम इंडिया का सफर तय किया। अभी तक मिले सीमित मौकों में उन्होंने अपने प्रदर्शन से प्रभावित किया। इस साल भारत को टी20 वर्ल्ड कप में खेलना है। और नटराजन टीम की प्लानिंग का अहम हिस्सा हो सकते हैं।
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India vs Australia: We have fallen into Indians' trap a few times, admits Marnus Labuschagne
Melbourne: The Indian bowlers, led by the crafty Ravichandran Ashwin, have successfully trapped Australian batsmen in the first two Tests, conceded Marnus Labuschagne but vehemently defended Steve Smith, who is currently going through a poor run of form.
Australia have been all out for 191, 195 and 200 in three out of four innings with Ashwin getting 10 wickets so far dismissing Smith twice and Labuschagne once.
"I've never faced Ashwin before until this series. You don't have the stats that Ravi has without being a great bowler and also a great thinker," the 26-year-old said during a virtual press conference.
"He's (Ashwin) obviously come in really prepared and they're being really crafty with their field and what they're trying to do. We have fallen into their trap a few times," he admitted Australia's inability to counter both pace and spin.
The Indian bowling attack, on the other hand, has executed its plans to perfection, leaving a heavy leg side field to cut down their run rate and not allowed them to cross 200-mark in both the Tests.
"They are very disciplined in their bowling and have come up with a plan in both spin and pace...They've held it that straight line and made us face a lot of balls," Labuschagne said.
He defended Smith for his underwhelming show.
"Call it what you want to call it, but not long ago he got two hundreds of 60-odd balls in ODIs (against India at Sydney)."
Asked what could be the reason for Smith's sudden bad patch, Labuschagne said: "He's not short of runs maybe, I mean, he has played a lot of white ball cricket and he probably hasn't had as much time against the red ball as he would have liked.
"That's the reality of cricket and of this COVID situation."
Labuschagne reminded everyone about Smith's staggering Test average and this current series could just be an aberration.
"He averages 60-plus after 80-odd games (75). He's shown he's consistent even from the start of his career to now. He just keeps putting the runs on the board.
In fact, Indians have created a leg-side field and blocked their run-scoring opportunities.
"They've certainly come in with a plan, making sure that they're really not leaving stamps and and having a really heavy leg side field....
"....It obviously slows the scoring rate down because you know those shots that you do get on your legs, go for one or four," he explained.
"And then they're always keeping those catches in the game. We also need to come up with ways to put them under pressure."
The Aussie No 3 had scored three centuries and a double at the SCG in the home series against Pakistan and New Zealand but he's not been able to cross a half-century from four innings so far in this series.
"We've just got to keep finding ways, keep hitting balls in the training and keep finding ways to get out there."
Another area that is ailing the home side are the number of dropped catches.
In the Boxing Day Test, they grassed as many as eight catches including two by Labuschagne.
"All of our fielders are working really hard on their exact position. If you are short leg, or leg slip or bat pad, or fielding in the slips, we are all working really hard.
"It's maybe a concentration thing, maybe a focus thing, but it's definitely not a work ethic thing," he concluded.
The third Test will be live and exclusive on Sony Six, Sony Ten 3 (Hindi) and Sony Ten 1 channels from Thursday 5am onwards.
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Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland back in action as German top-flight league returns post winter break
Berlin: Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland is expected to make an eagerly awaited return from injury as his side look to battle back into the Bundesliga top four with a win over high-fliers Wolfsburg on Sunday.
The prolific Norwegian prodigy has missed the last four league games and the last seven in all competitions after picking up a hamstring injury in early December.
Yet the 20-year-old returned to team training this week, and Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc confirmed that he would be back in action this weekend.
"Erling’s recovery has gone well. We are working on the assumption that he can play against Wolfsburg," said Zorc.
Haaland’s return is timely, with his side in desperate need of a win after a miserable run of form before Christmas saw them drop to fifth in the table, eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich and two behind Sunday's opponents Wolfsburg.
Dortmund sacked coach Lucien Favre after they were thrashed by promoted side Stuttgart in mid-December, before suffering a shock away defeat to minnows Union Berlin in their second game under caretaker boss Edin Terzic.
Defeat to Wolfsburg would see Dortmund lose four home league games in a row for the first time in 20 years.
"The most important thing is that we start well and end well," said Haaland, who has scored 17 goals in 14 games in all competitions this season.
In a season squashed by the coronavirus pandemic, many Bundesliga clubs have had just a week off in the shortest winter break in the league’s history.
Yet after their pre-Christmas cup tie was postponed until January, champions Bayern have had an extra week to recover and are expected to waltz past struggling Mainz on Sunday and defend their two-point lead at the top of the table.
Second from bottom and without a win in six games, Mainz parted ways with both their coach and sporting director over Christmas. Huddersfield boss Jan Siewert will take the reins as interim coach against Bayern.
There has also been a changing of the guard at bottom club Schalke, where new coach Christian Gross will take charge of his first game away to Hertha Berlin on Saturday.
Former Tottenham and Stuttgart coach Gross has been charged with leading Schalke out of danger and ending their miserable winless streak of 29 games.
Having not won since last January, the seven-time German champions are now just two games away from equalling Tasmania Berlin’s unwanted record of 31 games without a win, set back in 1966.
One to watch: Manuel Neuer
Fresh from his coronation as the world’s best goalkeeper, the Bayern stopper is just one game away from equalling Oliver Kahn’s club record of 196 Bundesliga clean sheets, a milestone he has been chasing in vain for more than two months.
If he fails again to reach Kahn’s mark against Mainz, Neuer will have gone nine league games without a clean sheet for only the second time in his Bayern career.
Key stats
150 - RB Leipzig will celebrate their 150th Bundesliga game when they take on Stuttgart on Saturday. They have won 80 of them so far, more than any other German club at the same milestone.
50 - Weeks since Schalke’s last Bundesliga win in January last year. The league’s bottom club are just two games away from equalling Tasmania Berlin’s unwanted record of 31 games without a win.
10 - Goals Erling Braut Haaland has scored in his eight league games for Borussia Dortmund this season. The Norwegian is set to make his first appearance in a month against Wolfsburg.
Fixtures (all times 1430 GMT unless stated)
Saturday
Werder Bremen v Union Berlin, Arminia Bielefeld v Borussia Moenchengladbach, Cologne v Augsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Freiburg, Hertha Berlin v Schalke (1730), Stuttgart v RB Leipzig (1930)
Sunday
Borussia Dortmund v Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich v Mainz (1700)
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Indian Team Schedule 2021- साल 2021 में टीम इंडिया का पूरा शेड्यूल
नई दिल्ली साल 2020 क्रिकेट फैंस के लिए बहुत अच्छा नहीं रहा। कोरोना वायरस के चलते कई टूर्नमेंट्स को रद्द या स्थगित करना पड़ा। इंटरनैशनल क्रिकेट जुलाई में इंग्लैंड में वेस्टइंडीज की मेजबानी के साथ लौटा। भारतीय टीम की बात करें तो उसने साल की शुरुआत फरवरी में न्यूजीलैंड के खिलाफ सीरीज खेली। और उसके बाद साल के अंत में ऑस्ट्रेलिया के खिलाफ नवंबर में अंतरराष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट खेला। साल 2020 में जहां खिलाड़ियों को मजबूरी में खेल से दूर रहना पड़ा वहीं उम्मीद की जा रही है कि 2021 काफी बेहतर होगा। 2021 में काफी टाइट है। टीम को कई टीमों की मेजबानी करनी है और कई दौरे भी करने हैं। इसके अलावा टी20 वर्ल्ड कप और एशिया कप भी खेलना है। भारतीय क्रिकेट कंट्रोल बोर्ड (BCCI) ने अभी तक आधिकारिक शेड्यूल जारी नहीं किया है लेकिन रिपोर्ट्स के अनुसार टीम इंडिया को इस साल 14 टेस्ट, 16 वनडे और 23 टी20 इंटरनैशनल मुकाबले खेलने हैं। इसमें एशिया कप और टी20 वर्ल्ड कप शामिल नहीं हैं। भारत का ऑस्ट्रेलिया दौरा (जनवरी)भारतीय टीम जनवरी में अपना ऑस्ट्रेलिया दौरा जारी रखेगी। चार टेस्ट मैचों की सीरीज फिलहाल 1-1 से बराबर है। सीरीज में अभी दो मैच और खेले जाने हैं। तीसरा टेस्ट सिडनी में खेला जाएगा जिसकी शुरुआत 7 जनवरी से होगी। चौथा और आखिरी टेस्ट मैच 15 जनवरी से ब्रिसबन में खेला जाएगा। इंग्लैंड का भारत दौरा- फरवरी से मार्चऑस्ट्रेलिया दौरा समाप्त होने के बाद टीम इंडिया स्वदेश लौट आएगी। इसके बाद फरवरी-मार्च में भारतीय टीम इंग्लैंड की मेजबानी करेगी। 5 फरवरी से शुरू हो रहे इस दौरे पर इंग्लैंड की टीम भारत के खिलाफ चार टेस्ट मैच, पांच T20I और तीन ODI मैच खेलेगी। पहला टेस्ट मैच 5 फरवरी से, दूसरा टेस्ट मैच 13 फरवरी से, तीसरा टेस्ट मैच 24 फरवरी से और आखिरी टेस्ट मैच 4 मार्च से खेला जाएगा। 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 मार्च को क्रम से पहला, दूसरा, तीसरा, चौथा, पांचवां टी20 इंटरनैशनल मैच खेला जाएगा। 23, 26, 28 मार्च को क्रम से तीन वनडे इंटरनैशनल मैच खेले जाएंगे। IPL 2021 - अप्रैल-मईइंडियन प्रीमियर लीग का अगला सीजन अप्रैल से मई के बीच खेल जाना शेड्यूल है। आईपीएल 2020 बीते साल सितंबर से नवंबर के बीच यूएई में खेला गया। कोविड-19 के चलते इस टूर्नमेंट का आयोजन खाली स्टेडियमों में भारत के बाहर करवाया गया। अगर परिस्थितियां सुधरती हैं तो इस साल इसका आयोजन भारत में करवाया जा सकता है। भारत का श्रीलंका दौरा (जून-जुलाई)आईपीएल खत्म होने के बाद भारतीय टीम श्रीलंका का दौरा करेगी। यहां टीम को तीन वनडे इंटरनैशनल और पांच टी20 इंटरनैशनल मैच खेलने हैं। भारतीय टीम सीरीज समाप्त होने के बाद भी वहीं रहेगी और फिर एशिया कप का हिस्सा होगी। भारत का जिम्बाब्वे दौरा (जुलाई)श्रीलंका दौरे के बाद भारतीय टीम को जुलाई में जिम्बाब्वे का दौरा करेगी। यहां टीम सीमित ओवरों की सीरीज खेलेगी। यह दौरा 2020 में होना था लेकिन कोविड-19 की परिस्थिति के चलते इसे टालना पड़ा। इस दौरे पर भारतीय टीम में नए चेहरे देखने को मिल सकते हैं। भारत का इंग्लैंड दौरा (अगस्त-सितंबर)साल की शुरुआत में इंग्लैंड की मेजबानी करने के बाद भारतीय टीम पांच टेस्ट मैचों की सीरीज के लिए वहां का दौरा करेगी। टीम इंडिया के लिए यह सीरीज काफी चुनौतीपूर्ण हो सकती है। टेस्ट चैंपियनशिप के लिहाज से भी इसे अहम माना जा रहा है। साउथ अफ्रीका का भारत दौरा (अक्टूबर)भारतीय टीम अक्टूबर में साउथ अफ्रीका की मेजबानी करेगी। टी20 वर्ल्ड कप से पहले भारतीय टीम साउथ अफ्रीका के खिलाफ अक्टूबर में सीरीज खेलेगी। आईसीसी टी20 वर्ल्ड कप 2021भारत टी20 वर्ल्ड कप की मेजबानी करेगा। भारतीय टीम ने अभी तक सिर्फ एक बार 2007 में टी20 वर्ल्ड कप जीता है। इस बार घरेलू मैदान पर टीम इस टूर्नमेंट को जरूर जीतना चाहेगी। न्यूजीलैंड का भारत दौरा (नवंबर-दिसंबर)टीम इंडिया नवंबर-दिसंबर में दो टेस्ट और तीन टी20 इंटरनैशनल के लिए न्यूजीलैंड की मेजबानी करेगी। भारत का साउथ अफ्रीका दौरा (दिसंबर) भारतीय टीम साल के अंत में साउथ अफ्रीका का दौरा करेगी जहां वह तीन टेस्ट और इतने ही टी20 इंटरनैशनल मैच खेलेगी।
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Premier League: Manchester United eye summit after Liverpool drop points; Chelsea face City test
London: Liverpool will start 2021 in a familiar position at the top of the Premier League but with a rejuvenated Manchester United leading a pack of challengers who are all within striking distance.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side would join the champions on 33 points if they beat Aston Villa on Friday, with Jurgen Klopp's men not in action until Monday.
But just seven points separate Liverpool from their next opponents Southampton, all the way down in ninth spot, giving clubs a chance to dream.
AFP Sport looks at some of the main talking points ahead of the weekend action in the English top-flight.
Liverpool v United battle?
Jurgen Klopp said he was not "overly frustrated" after seeing his side held to a goalless draw at Newcastle on Wednesday.
But the squandered points denied Liverpool the comfort of a five-point lead over bitter rivals United heading into the New Year.
The leaders have now drawn three of their past five Premier League games, including last weekend's disappointing 1-1 draw against struggling West Brom.
Midfielder James Milner has noticed Manchester United's rise and has warned injury-hit Liverpool that they must "kick on" or risk losing their crown.
Liverpool and United are the two most successful clubs in English football history but have rarely been at their best at the same time.
It would take a brave punter to back against Liverpool, and Manchester City are tipped by the bookies as more likely winners than their neighbours.
But despite lingering questions over United's defence, there is a sense of momentum at Old Trafford and a growing belief that they could mount a proper title challenge for the first time since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Chelsea face Man City test
The most eye-catching game of the weekend pits Frank Lampard's Chelsea against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday— coronavirus permitting.
New-look Chelsea appeared to have found a good balance after an early defeat to Liverpool, embarking on a long unbeaten run, but have lost their way in recent weeks, taking just four points from their past five matches.
They now find themselves level on 26 points with City, who also have two games in hand after quietly putting together an impressive string of results following a slow start to the campaign.
Despite the cluster of teams within striking range of the Premier League summit, neither manager will want to risk falling further behind Liverpool, who have the capability to go on a long unbeaten run.
The reason Guardiola's team have an extra game in hand is because their match against Everton this week was postponed over a Covid-19 outbreak at City.
First-team training has resumed and the club said a fresh round of testing had not revealed any new positive cases.
Following the update from City, the Premier League issued a statement confirming the game at Chelsea on Sunday currently remains on.
Frustrated Mourinho
Just a few short weeks ago Jose Mourinho's Tottenham were top of the Premier League and looking every inch credible challengers.
Now they are seven points off the pace after two draws and two defeats in their past four matches— and had to face the further frustration this week of a coronavirus-enforced postponement.
Mourinho said his side should be doing more to kill games after conceding late in a disappointing 1-1 draw at Wolves.
His mood was not helped by the postponement of Spurs' home match against Fulham on Wednesday with three hours' notice after a coronavirus outbreak in the visitors' camp.
Tottenham host free-scoring Leeds on Sunday in a mouthwatering clash, with Marcelo Bielsa's men just three points behind Spurs after bouncing back from their 6-2 Old Trafford humbling with two wins.
Fixtures
Friday (GMT)
Everton v West Ham (1730), Manchester United v Aston Villa (2000)
Saturday
Tottenham v Leeds (1230), Crystal Palace v Sheffield United (1500), Brighton v Wolves (1730), West Brom v Arsenal (2000)
Sunday
Burnley v Fulham (1200), Newcastle v Leicester (1415), Chelsea v Manchester City (1630)
Monday
Southampton v Liverpool (2000)
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Premier League: Manchester United's Edinson Cavani handed three-match ban for racial term in social media post
London: Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani has been banned for three matches and fined £100,000 for using a racial term in a social media post, the Football Association announced on Thursday.
The 33-year-old summer signing produced a match-winning display at Southampton on 29 November, providing an assist for Bruno Fernandes before netting a two goals in a 3-2 comeback win.
Cavani posted a social media message on Instagram shortly after the match, replying to a message of congratulations using the Spanish term "negrito" (small black person).
The Uruguayan swiftly deleted the post and issued an apology after being made aware of the connotations, with the player releasing an apologetic statement saying he was "completely opposed to racism".
But the FA has now punished the striker after he admitted breaching FA Rule E3.
"A comment posted on the Manchester United FC striker's Instagram page was insulting, abusive, improper and brought the game into disrepute," the FA said in a statement.
"The post also constitutes an 'aggravated breach'... as it included reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin," the statement added.
Manchester United issued a statement saying Cavani was not aware his words could have been misconstrued and "sincerely apologised" for the post and to anyone who was offended.
"Despite his honest belief that he was simply sending an affectionate thank you in response to a congratulatory message from a close friend, he chose not to contest the charge out of respect for, and solidarity with, the FA and the fight against racism in football," the club said.
United said they hoped the independent regulatory commission appointed to decide the sanction would make it clear in its written reasons that the former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player "is not a racist, nor was there any racist intent in relation to his post".
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New Zealand vs Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq says visitors played with 'fatigued bodies and mindset'
Karachi: Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq is not disappointed with the performance of his team on the ongoing tour of New Zealand, saying his players competed with fatigued body and mind.
Pakistan lost the T20 series before the 101-run defeat in the first Test.
"People have to understand that we have been through a very tough time in New Zealand. After 14-days of total quarantine for the players to still perform like they did in the T20 series and Test match with fatigued bodies and mindset," Misbah said in an interview.
"There are a lot of positives for us on this tour."
The former captain stressed that it had been very tough for the players to remain in total quarantine where they couldn't even exercise properly.
"But the players put all that behind them and had only six days to prepare for the T20 series including the travelling and all."
"I think we performed competitively in the T20 series and if not for some mistakes at crucial times like our fielding and top order failure we could even have won the T20 series."
He said injury issues to Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan had also hit the team but it remained competitive.
"The plus points for have been the performance of Rizwan the way he has taken responsibility even as captain and batsman. The way Fawad Alam has come to the front and played so well and the way Faheem Ashraf has come back strongly. These are all positives for us."
Misbah said he was happy that the team remained competitive and resilient throughout the first Test and unluckily lost the match in the final session with a few overs to go.
"If you remember we had also come close to winning a Test in England and now the way we lost the first Test in New Zealand, I think it is a matter of time before we can start winning consistently."
Misbah said the emergence of young players was a big plus for Pakistan cricket and they would all get better with exposure and grooming.
"Players like Abdullah Shafiq, Haider, Khushdil, Hasnain, Haris Rauf etc are a very good lot and some have already performed well but they will only get better with time."
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Former Manchester United, Scotland manager Tommy Docherty passes away aged 92
London: Former Manchester United and Scotland manager Tommy Docherty has died at the age of 92 following a long illness, his family announced on Thursday.
"The Doc" made more than 300 appearances for Preston, also playing for Celtic, Arsenal and Chelsea, and won 25 caps for Scotland.
He went on to manage 12 clubs — including Chelsea, Aston Villa and Derby — and had a spell in charge of Scotland.
He won the League Cup as Chelsea boss but was best known for his five-year spell at Old Trafford, overseeing an FA Cup final win over Bob Paisley's Liverpool in 1977.
"Tommy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home," a family spokesman told Britain's Press Association.
"He was a much-loved husband, father and papa and will be terribly missed."
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tommy Docherty, who led us to FA Cup victory in 1977 with a thrilling, attacking team in the best traditions of Manchester United.
Everyone at the club sends sincere condolences to Tommy’s loved ones. pic.twitter.com/KLRsRJwIIv
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 31, 2020
Docherty was irrepressible, outspoken and often controversial, accruing a seemingly endless supply of anecdotes, quips and one-liners.
In December 1972, with Scotland on their way to the 1974 World Cup finals in West Germany, he quit as manager to take over at Manchester United.
"One of my biggest regrets was leaving the Scotland job when I did," he later said.
The Red Devils were relegated to the second division in 1974, but stormed back the next season as champions.
After surprisingly losing the 1976 FA Cup final 1-0 to Second Division Southampton, he led United to the FA Cup final again the following year when they beat favourites Liverpool 2-1.
However, celebrations did not last as he was almost immediately sacked for having an affair with the wife of club physiotherapist Laurie Brown.
Docherty later married Mary Brown and they remained together until his death. They had two children, while he had four children with Agnes, who died in 2002.
Subsequently he worked as an after-dinner speaker and media pundit.
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Kane Williamson says leapfrogging Virat Kohli, Steve Smith on ICC Test rankings 'surprising and humbling'
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand: Talismanic New Zealand captain Kane Williamson says it is "surprising and humbling" to leapfrog star Australia batsman Steve Smith and India skipper Virat Kohli to the top spot in the ICC Test rankings.
Williamson (890) gained 13 rating points for his player-of-the-match effort of 129 and 21 in New Zealand's 101-run win over Pakistan in the first Test to end the year at the top position on Thursday.
He dethroned Smith, who slipped to the third spot after managing scores of 0 and 8 in the two innings against India at the MCG. Kohli (879) is at second, 11 points behind Williamson and two more than Smith.
"Those two players (Virat Kohli and Steve Smith) are the best. For me, sneak up ahead of someone (like them) is very surprising and humbling," Williamson said in a video posted on the ICC's Twitter handle.
🗣️ "It was a great game to be involved in. We seem to have many tight finishes against Pakistan. The last three have gone to the last 25 minutes of the last day."
🎥 Kane Williamson reflects on the thrilling finish in the first #NZvPAK Test match at the Bay Oval ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/FVpdzV2eZh
— ICC (@ICC) December 31, 2020
"Those are the two players year and year out in all formats moving the game forward, very fortunate to play against these guys," said the 30-year-old right handed batsman.
Williamson had briefly occupied the top spot towards the end of 2015 before Kohli and Smith soared ahead of him.
"It's about trying to do as much as you can for the team. If you can contribute as much as you can and it can be reflected on the rankings, that's really cool," he said.
Williamson said his focus was on helping New Zealand achieve success across all formats and personal milestones are just a byproduct of that process.
New Zealand clinched a last-session thriller in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan in Mount Maunganui after the visitors put up a valiant fight.
"It was a great game to be involved in. We seem to have many tight finishes against Pakistan. The last three have gone to the last 25 minutes of the last day. Both teams fought incredibly hard.
"I think we had moments although the resistance put up by Pakistan on the last day was incredibly strong. It is really exciting to cross the line and hunt for an opportunity for the World Test Championship," said Williamson.
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भारतीय गेंदबाजों ने कैसी लगाई ऑस्ट्रेलियाई बल्लेबाजी पर लगाम
द्वैपायन दत्ता टेस्ट क्रिकेट में रन-रेट बहुत ज्यादा मायने नहीं रखती लेकिन अतीत में ऑस्ट्रेलिया का दौरा करने वाली भारतीय टीमें मेजबान टीम पर लगाम नहीं लगा पाती थीं। इसी वजह से ऑस्ट्रेलिया में उन्हें काफी परेशानियों का सामना करना पड़ता था। हालांकि 2018-19 से जब से विराट कोहली की टीम ने ऑस्ट्रेलिया में टेस्ट सीरीज जीती, तब से ऑस्ट्रेलियाई टीम की रन रेट में काफी गिरावट दर्ज की गई है। पिछली 11 पारियों (2018-19 में आठ और मौजूदा सीरीज में 3) में ऑस्ट्रेलियाई टीम 3 रन प्रति ओवर की दर को सिर्फ एक बार हासिल कर पाई है। वह भी पर्थ में जहां उन्होंने टेस्ट मैच में जीत हासिल की थी। बाकी अन्य पारियों की बात करें तो यह हमेशा तीन से नीचे रही। मौजूदा सीरीज में ऐडिलेड टेस्ट मैच की, जहां ऑस्ट्रेलिया ने आसानी से जीत दर्ज की, दूसरी पारी को छोड़ दिया जाए तो ऑस्ट्रेलिया की रन रेट 2.67, 2 और 2.65 रही है। ऑस्ट्रेलियाई बल्लेबाज कहीं भी भारतीय गेंदबाजों पर हावी नहीं हो पाए हैं। वहीं अगर 2014-15 की सीरीज की बात करें तो इस दौरान ऑस्ट्रेलिया ने 4.31, 4.21, 3.73, 5.63, 3.73, 3.24, 3.76 और 6.23 रन प्रति ओवर की दर से रन बनाए थे। यह सीरीज ऑस्ट्रेलिया ने 2-0 से जीत हासिल की थी। एक बार भी भारतीय गेंदबाजी आक्रमण ऑस्ट्रेलिया पर लगाम नहीं लगा पाया। कभी-कभी जब भारतीय टीम ने ऑस्ट्रेलिया को दबाव में लाने की भी कोशिश की तब कंगारू टीम ने काउंटर अटैक कर खुद को उस परिस्थिति से बाहर निकाला। 2018-19 में भारतीय टीम के मैनेजर रहे सुनील सुब्रह्मणयन ने हमारे सहयोगी टाइम्स ऑफ इंडिया को बताया, 'ऑस्ट्रेलियाई बल्लेबाजी पर लगाम लगाने के लिए यह भारतीय टीम प्रबंधन का काफी सोचा-समझा प्लान था। टीम प्रबंधन तेज गेंदबाजों को संभालने के लिए काफी वैज्ञानिक सोच अपनाती है।' इसमें विपक्षी टीम के हर खिलाड़ी का अलग-अलग आकलन किया गया। हालांकि सुब्रहम्यन का कहना है कि बीते 20 साल से कॉमन प्रैक्टिस रही है। पूर्व ट्रेनर शंकर बसु द्वारा शुरू की गई DNA टेस्टिंग ने को अपनी पूर्ण क्षमता हासिल करने में काफी मदद की। इस टेस्ट की रिपोर्ट के आधार पर यह नतीजा निकाला गया कि कोई गेंदबाज कितना वर्कलोड संभाल सकता है, वह कितने वक्त तक कितनी रफ्तार से गेंदबाजी कर सकता है। टी नटराजन का ऐक्शन सुधारने वाले और ऑफ स्पिनर रविचंद्रन अश्विन के साथ काम करने वाले सुब्रह्मयन ने कहा 'अब शमी जानते हैं कि वह अपने चौथे स्पैल में भी 145 किलोमीटर प्रति घंटे की रफ्तार से गेंदबाजी का प्रयास कर सकते हैं। बिना ब्रेकडाउन के डर के। यह कुछ ऐसा ही है कि हर गेंदबाज किसी मशीन की तरह गेंदबाजी कर सकता है यह जानते हुए कि उसकी क्षमता कितनी है।' हालांकि पूर्व मैनेजर यह भी मानते हैं कि ऑस्ट्रेलियाई बल्लेबाजी में एक्स-फैक्टर का अभाव है जिसकी वजह से भारतीय टीम को काफी फायदा हो रहा है। 2018-19 में जहां डेविड वॉर्नर और स्टीव स्मिथ टीम का हिस्सा नहीं थे। स्मिथ इस सीरीज में काफी खराब फॉर्म से जूझ रहे हैं और वॉर्नर चोट के कारण शुरुआती दो मैच नहीं खेल पाए। उन्होंने कहा, 'बाकी ऑस्ट्रेलियाई बल्लेबाजों का रवैया काफी हैरान करने वाला है। उनके खिलाफ योजना तैयार करना आसान है।'
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फॉर्म्युला-वन ड्राइवर लुईस हैमिल्टन को मिली 'सर' की उपाधि
लंदन चैंपियन फॉर्म्युला-वन ड्राइवर के नाम के आगे अब 'सर' लगाया जाएगा। ब्रिटेन की महारानी क्वीन एलिजाबेथ द्वितीय की ओर से हर नए साल की की शुरुआत पर अलग-अलग क्षेत्रों में उत्कृष्ट काम करने वालों की सम्मान सूची जारी होती है। इस बार सूची में हैमिल्टन का नाम भी है। उन्हें नाइटहुड से सम्मानित किया जाएगा। यह ब्रिटेन में दिया जाने वाला सबसे बड़ा नागरिक सम्मान है। यह उपलब्धि हासिल करने वाले वह छठे एफ-1 चालक हैं। हैमिल्टन ने इसी साल शुमाकर के सबसे ज्यादा 91 रेस जीतने के रेकॉर्ड को तोड़ा है। हैमिल्टन यह सम्मान पाने वाले छठे फॉर्म्युला वन ड्राइवर हैं। हैमिल्टन से पहले सर जैकी स्टीवर्ट, सर स्टर्लिंग मॉस, सर फ्रैंक विलियम्स, सर पैट्रिक हेड और सर जैक बॉथम को पहले नाइटहुड से सम्मानित किया जा चुका है। बता दें कि लुईस हैमिल्टन को लॉरियस वर्ल्ड स्पोर्ट्स मैन ऑफ द इयर, बीसीसी स्पोर्ट्स पर्सनालिटी ऑफ द ईयर, जीक्यू गेम चेंजर ऑफ द ईयर का खिताब भी मिल चुका है।
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Pakistan to play 10 bilateral series this year aside from T20 World Cup, says PCB chief Ehsan Mani
Karachi: Pakistan will engage in 10 bilateral series next year apart from the World T20 Cup assignment, PCB chairman Ehsan Mani has said.
Mani said in a podcast that Pakistan had lined up 10 bilateral series in the new year and would play around nine Tests, 20 ODIs and 39 T20 matches as there would be no shortage of cricket for players.
"New Zealand are coming over before the World T20 Cup. Next in is England to play two T20 matches and both teams will then leave for the event in India," he said.
Mani said South Africa had sent their delegation to Pakistan to assess the Covid-19 protocols and security arrangements and they have agreed to send their team in January for two Tests and three T20 matches.
According to details, New Zealand will first come over in September-October to play three ODIs and three T20 internationals before leaving for the World Cup.
The day the New Zealand team leaves for India, England will reach Pakistan for their two T20 matches.
Mani said the board was totally behind the national team management of head coach, Misbah-ul-Haq, coaches, Waqar Younis and Younis Khan and the support staff.
"I don't think we can have a better management and support staff."
"We have the best and it can't be better. We have also started inducting elite former players into our high performance centre and domestic cricket teams."
Mani also said that the board realised that Misbah could only work with the available resources and overall selection has been fair.
"Misbah is not alone; he has the support of Waqar and Younis Khan and all of them are people who have played and done well everywhere for Pakistan."
The PCB chief also made it clear that Pakistan had got no financial benefit from sending its team to England in the summer but it was a decision taken after much thought for the sake of world cricket in the pandemic.
He also said the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had approached the PCB themselves for the short tour to Pakistan and the decision to hold the series later in the year was taken to ensure England's full strength side came to Pakistan.
"All these positive things happening are only possible when the management in the board is professional."
Mani also said that the Board was working on methods to slowly allow back crowds to matches in coming days.
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Wednesday, December 30, 2020
भारतीय महिला टीम का ऑस्ट्रेलिया दौरा अगले सत्र के लिए स्थगित, चोपड़ा ने उठाए सवाल
मेलबर्न भारतीय का ऑस्ट्रेलिया दौरा अगले सत्र के लिए स्थगित हो गया और कोरोना महामारी के कारण जारी ब्रेक के बीच अब अंतरराष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट की बहाली के लिए टीम को और इंतजार करना होगा। भारतीय टीम ने आखिरी अंतरराष्ट्रीय मैच मार्च में टी20 विश्व कप फाइनल खेला था। भारतीय टीम को 22 जनवरी को कैनबरा में, 25 जनवरी को मेलबर्न में और 28 जनवरी को होबर्ट में वनडे खेलना था। इस बीच पूर्व भारतीय सलामी बल्लेबाज आकाश चोपड़ा ने इस पर सवाल उठाए हैं। उन्होंने कहा है कि कोरोना काल में जब पुरुषों की टीम क्रिकेट खेल सकती है तो महिला टीम क्यों नहीं। क्रिकेट ऑस्ट्रेलिया ने कहा कि अब यह दौरा 2022 विश्व कप की तैयारी का हिस्सा होगा जो मार्च अप्रैल में होना है। इसके साथ तीन टी20 भी खेले जाएंगे। क्रिकेट ऑस्ट्रेलिया के मुख्य कार्यकारी अधिकारी निक हॉकली ने एक बयान में कहा, ‘हमें उम्मीद है कि अगले सत्र में भारत और ऑस्ट्रेलिया की टीमों के बीच बड़ी सीरीज खेली जाएगी जो दोनों देशों के दर्शकों के लिए काफी रोमांचक होगी।’ इसमें कहा गया,‘पहले यह दौरा इसी सत्र में होना था लेकिन कोरोना महामारी के कारण इसे अगले सत्र तक स्थगित कर दिया गया ।’क्रिकेट आस्ट्रेलिया ने कहा कि दौरे की तारीखों और स्थानों का ऐलान जल्दी ही किया जाएगा।
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Pritam Gandhe replaces COVID-positive Trevor Gonsalves as Vidarbha coach
Nagpur: The Vidarbha Cricket Association has named Pritam Gandhe as the coach of its senior team for the upcoming domestic season after earlier coach Trevor Gonsalves tested positive for COVID-19.
With the 2020-21 domestic season beginning with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy from 10 January, Vidarbha had appointed Gonsalves as it's coach.
"Vidarbha Cricket Association appoints former captain & former coach Pritam Gandhe as coach for the Vidarbha senior team. The appointment was necessitated after the earlier coach Trevor Gonsalves tested positive for Covid-19," the cricket body said in a release.
"Gonsalves report came after one of the test being conducted by VCA for the VCA players & support staff, who will participate in the forthcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. No other players have tested positive."
The VCA has also asked its selectors to select four more players after the BCCI decided to allow a total of 22 players in each team, the statement said.
Vidarbha, who have won back-to-back Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup titles in the past, are placed in Elite Group D and will play their league games in Indore.
The squad will be led by Ganesh Satish and the team will depart on 2 January.
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Kane Williamson overtakes Steve Smith and Virat Kohli to become No 1 in ICC Test batsmen rankings
Christchurch: New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has overtaken Australia's Steve Smith and India captain Virat Kohli to be the number one Test batsman in the world in the latest ICC rankings released Thursday.
Williamson leaped from third to first after his player-of-the-match effort leading the Black Caps to a 101-run victory over Pakistan this week, scoring 129 in the first innings and a rapid 21 in the second when New Zealand were building a lead before declaring.
The New Zealand skipper described it as "humbling" to overtake Smith, who held the top spot for 313 days this year, and Kohli, who was number one for 51 days.
Smith slipped to third in the rankings behind Kohli following scores of nought and eight in Australia's second Test against India while Kohli was on paternity leave.
"They are incredible players of our generation," Williamson said as he arrived in Christchurch ahead of the second Pakistan Test which starts on Sunday.
"Those two players are the best so for me to sneak up perhaps in some way, is very surprising and humbling."
All three players were this week named in the International Cricket Council's team of the decade with Smith also named as the individual Test player of the decade. Kohli took the award for the best one-day player.
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India vs Australia: Shardul Thakur to replace injured Umesh Yadav in third Test, says report
New Delhi: The Indian team management is likely to prefer Shardul Thakur over left-arm pace sensation Thangarasu Natarajan in the third Test against Australia in place of injured Umesh Yadav.
According to sources, senior pacer Yadav, who had earlier missed the third Test due to a calf muscle tear, is heading home for rehabilitation after being ruled out of the fourth and final Test in Brisbane as well.
The third Test begins in Sydney from 7 January.
"While people are excited about the brilliant progress shown by T Natarajan, we mustn''t forget he has played only one first class match for Tamil Nadu. And Shardul has been a seasoned domestic red ball pacer for Mumbai," a BCCI source privy to developments in Australia told PTI on Thursday.
"Shardul was really unfortunate that his Test debut against West Indies ended abruptly due to injury even before he could bowl an over. He has been shaping up well and might replace Umesh in the playing XI," the source added.
The final call will be taken by the head coach Ravi Shastri, stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane and bowling coach Bharath Arun after reaching Sydney.
Shardul has so far played 62 first class games and has 206 wickets to show for his efforts.
Another aspect that India would like to address ahead of the Third Test is a long tail that has affected the team.
Shardul has six first class half centuries and during his stint with the national team in white ball games, he has proved to be a decent batsman.
"Obviously the next few training sessions will be important and that''s why the final call is likely to be taken in Sydney," the source said.
As far as Yadav is concerned, he is expected to head off to National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for extensive rehab programme.
The 33-year-old had hobbled off the field after suffering the injury during the third day of the Boxing Day Test.
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विराट कोहली और स्टीव स्मिथ को पछाड़कर केन विलियमसन बने नंबर वन टेस्ट बल्लेबाज
दुबई न्यूजीलैंड के कप्तान केन विलियमसन स्टीव स्मिथ और को पछाड़कर आईसीसी टेस्ट बल्लेबाजों की रैंकिंग में पहले स्थान पर पहुंच गए हैं। उन्होंने पाकिस्तान के खिलाफ पहले टेस्ट में शानदार सेंचुरी लगाई थी। विलियमसन साल 2015 के अंत में कुछ समय के लिए पहले नंबर पर हे थे। इस साल भी स्मिथ सबसे ज्यादा 313 दिन के लिए पहले पायदान पर रहे वहीं कोहली 51 दिन के लिए नंबर वन रहे। साल के आखिर दिन विलियमसन पहले स्थान पर आ गए हैं। गुरुवार को साल के आखिरी अपडेट में ऑस्ट्रेलिया और भारत के बीच हुए मेलबर्न टेस्ट और साउथ अफ्रीका व श्रीलंका के बीच हुए टेस्ट को भी शामिल किया गया। विलियमसन को 129 और 21 रन की अपनी पारियों की वजह से 13 रेटिंग अंक मिले। इसके बाद वह कोहली से 11 और स्मिथ से 13 अंक आगे हो गए।
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India vs Australia: Hosts willing to play David Warner in Sydney even if opener is not fully fit
Melbourne: A struggling Australia are prepared to risk playing seasoned opener David Warner in the third Test against India even if he is not 100% fit, assistant coach Andrew McDonald said on Thursday.
The third Test is scheduled to be played in Sydney from 7-11 January.
In the absence of Warner, who was recovering from a groin muscle tear, Australia's batting failed miserably in the first two matches.
"That's a real, clear option. He may not be 100 per cent fit — who is coming off an injury? You never know until you get out there," McDonald said during a virtual press conference.
"Look, if he's 90-95% fit and the conversation is that he's fit enough to be able to go out there and perform his duties for the team, then I'm sure that'll be a conversation the coach has with the player.
"Most times Justin (Langer) is pretty open with the players in terms of giving them accountability around that."
Warner has been named in the squad along with Victorian young gun Will Pucovski for the third Test as Australia look to bounce back from the eight-wicket loss in the Boxing Day Test here.
McDonald said Warner is optimistic about making a comeback in Sydney.
"He's (Warner) very optimistic that he should be ready to go, which is a great news for us. We are really excited to have him back.
"I'm sure that he's excited to come back into the group as well. There's nothing worse than being injured when you are at the top of your game as David has been over a period of time."
Pucovski, too, is set for a potential debut after the youngster suffered a concussion in the first warm-up match against the Indians earlier this month.
"He will be put through tests whatever it needs to be put through to make himself available for selection to potentially open the batting. So it's good to have a little bit of depth out there."
One of the biggest setbacks for the Aussies so far has been a rare slump in form for batting mainstay Steve Smith, who has so far scored only 10 runs in four innings in the series.
"I wouldn't be too quick to be judging Steve Smith not looking good in the middle. He looks pretty solid and hitting the ball well at the nets," McDonald said.
Asked if life in a bio-bubble was affecting Smith, he said: "No, none whatsoever. Obviously we worked closely at UAE with the Rajasthan Royals and there's nothing to suggest that there's a link there.
"I'm sure ideally you would prefer to be with your family around Christmas time and Justin addressed that. Some players and staff members unfortunately are going to be disconnected from family during Christmas time, less than ideal there's no doubt.
"Yeah, it's a challenge to rebound. The world's best players usually rebound. He's (Smith) in a really good space to be honest, come Sydney Test."
The assistant coach had a similar opinion for Marnus Labuschagne, who missed out on fifties in both Adelaide and Melbourne.
"Technically they're ready to go. It's about how they score their runs and how they're going to combat these attacks from Indian bowlers. Yes, they want to make sure that they are technically in a good space but it's more about the method now."
The Australian batsmen were strangled down the leg-side with brilliant bowling strategy by the Indians.
"Probably the question for me at the moment is the technical or technically the way that India have prepared and able to probably control particularly with that sort of leg side theory, so to speak," he said.
In the second Test, India skipper Ajinkya Rahane introduced his star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as early as the 11th over, and he delivered by dismissing Matthew Wade and Smith in his first spell to help his team bowl out Australia for 195 in their first innings.
McDonald said they were surprised to see the bounce and turn on the MCG wicket.
"I think one of the things that really surprised everyone was the surface at the MCG on Boxing Day. It hasn't been what we've normally assumed to be flat strength.
"We weren't expecting the spin to play a significant role at MCG on day one in particular. It spun and bounced off the main part of the surface. So, to me the wicket probably surprised us a little bit.
"We probably weren't able to adapt quick enough during that period of time to combat Indian bowlers," McDonald concluded.
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Leeds United condemn social media abuse of Karen Carney after club mocks pundit on Twitter
Leeds United have condemned the online abuse aimed at Karen Carney after the Premier League club mocked a comment made by the former England player while working on a match broadcast.
But Leeds did not delete the tweet that took exception to Carney suggesting the club benefited from a three-month pause in play last season due to the pandemic as it secured promotion back to the top division after a 16-year exile.
Leeds posted a clip filmed by a supporter off Amazon Prime’s coverage of Leeds’ 5-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night. It led to sexist abuse being targeted at Carney.
Leeds said it “completely condemns any abuse received” by Carney but did not delete the original tweet.
“Everyone at our club respects Karen greatly for all she has achieved in the game, as well as her work in the media and the charity work she undertakes,” Leeds said in a statement.
Shame. Shame. Shame. Thicken up that skin y’all. Also, don’t come for @karenjcarney she’s a National treasure https://t.co/asIul7GGEX
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) December 30, 2020
American star Megan Rapinoe wrote “don’t come for @karenjcarney she’s a National treasure” as she posted “shame” above the tweet from Leeds.
Carney played 144 times for England, including at four World Cups.
“They (Leeds) outrun everyone and credit to them," Carney said on Amazon. "My only concern would be, would they blow up at the end of the season?
“We saw that in the last couple of seasons and I actually think they got promoted because of COVID, in terms of it gave them a bit of respite. I don’t know whether they would have gone up if they didn’t have that break.”
Leeds, which has often responded to criticism from pundits by mocking them on social media, only included the phrase “promoted because of COVID” in the club's tweet.
“Whether you agree with the comment or not, singling out & ridiculing an individual on an official club account is not what we’re here for,” the Women in Football group tweeted. “Karen Carney is a well-informed pundit. This tweet is inciteful & inappropriate. Not a good look now, or at any time.”
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani defended the club’s actions.
Radrizzani, replying to a tweet which said Leeds should be “ashamed” of their actions, wrote: “I take the responsibility of the club tweet. I consider that comment (from Carney) completely unnecessary and disrespectful to our club and particularly to the fantastic hard work of our players and coaches whom were understanding on the pitch for the last two Championship seasons by all stats.”
Radrizzani was supported by Brighton defender Ben White, who was an ever-present on loan at Leeds last season when Marcelo Bielsa’s side claimed 93 points from 46 games to finish 10 points clear of second-placed West Brom.
White posted three crying emojis and current Leeds player Mateusz Klich also used emojis to show disgust at Carney’s comments.
Leeds’ thrashing of West Brom lifted them to 11th in the Premier League with 23 points from 16 games.
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NBA: Becky Hammon becomes first woman to direct NBA team; Spurs go down to Lakers
San Antonio: Becky Hammon would have preferred a victory over history after becoming the first woman to direct an NBA team.
The assistant coach took over the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter after coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in a 121-107 loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
"I try not to think of the huge picture and huge aspect of it because it can be overwhelming," Hammon said. "I really have had no time to reflect. I have not had time to look at my phone. So, I don't know what's going on outside the AT&T Center."
Hammon and the Spurs already had a lot to contend with against the defending league champion Lakers.
James celebrated his 36th birthday with 26 points, eight assists and five rebounds in the Lakers' third double-digit victory. The teams will complete the two-game set Friday night.
"(I was) trying to get the guys in the right spots," Hammon said. "Trying to get them motivated. Obviously, it's a learning situation for all of us, but I would have loved to have walked out there with a win with the guys."
Popovich was ejected by official Tony Brown with 3:56 remaining in the second quarter. Popovich screamed at Brown and entered the court following a non-call on DeMar DeRozan's attempted layup and a subsequent attempted rebound by Drew Eubanks.
As he exited the court to applause from several of the team's family members in attendance, Popovich pointed a finger at Hammon and had a succinct message.
"You got 'em," Hammon said. "See? He doesn't treat us any differently than he does you guys."
Hammon took over the team's huddles during timeouts and walked the sideline following Popovich's ejection. Hammon was the first full-time female assistant coach in league history.
"Well deserved," Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. "I've talked to her before and she really knows her stuff and obviously she's here for a reason. She's equipped, intelligent (and the) guys have great respect for her. She's going to be a great coach one day."
A three-time All-American at Colorado State, Hammon played for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars in the WNBA as well as overseas before retiring to join Popovich's staff in 2014.
"Even in timeouts with Pop as head coach, she is quick on her feet," DeRozan said. "She tells us about defensive assignments, offensive sets we should run. Seeing her in the forefront, it would have definitely been cool to have won for her."
The Lakers contributed to Popovich's frustration and the Spurs' fortunes didn't get much better after the veteran coach exited.
Dennis Schroder had 21 points, Anthony Davis had 20 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers. Wesley Matthews was 6 for 6 on 3-pointers in scoring 18 points off the bench.
The Spurs opened with a 9-2 run, including an uncontested drive through the lane by Keldon Johnson for a two-handed slam. The Lakers responded with an 11-0 run that promoted a timeout by Popovich.
The Lakers took their first double-digit lead at 35-25 on Kyle Kuzma's 3-pointer with 1:14 remaining in the first quarter.
Dejounte Murray had a career-high 29 points, seven assists and seven rebounds.
"At the end of the day, it don't mean nothing, we lost," Murray said.
DeRozan added 23 for the Spurs, who lost their second straight after opening the season with two consecutive wins.
HEAT 119, BUCKS 108
Miami: The Miami Heat engineered a 58-point turnaround against the Milwaukee Bucks in 24 hours. And just like that, an embarrassing loss was avenged.
Goran Dragic scored 26 points, Bam Adebayo finished with 22 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds and the Heat beat the Bucks a day after Milwaukee made an NBA-record 29 3-pointers on the way to a 47-point romp on Miami’s home floor.
Tyler Herro had 21 points and grabbed a career-best 15 rebounds for Miami, which trailed by 14 early in the second half and rallied to get a split of the two-game, two-night series against the team that finished with the NBA’s best record in each of the past two regular seasons.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a triple-double — 26 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists — for the Bucks.
CELTICS 126, GRIZZLIES 107
Boston: Jaylen Brown scored 18 of his 42 points in the second quarter and Boston pulled away to its 10th straight victory over Memphis.
Brown matched his career best of 34 points with three minutes left in the third and tied a career-high with seven 3-pointers made. Jayson Tatum scored 16 points, and Marcus Smart had 14.
Hours after announcing they will be without leading scorer and reigning Rookie of the Year Ja Morant for three to five weeks because of a sprained ankle, the Grizzlies lost for the third time in four games. Jonas Valanciunas had 20 points and 11 rebounds for Memphis.
NETS 135, HAWKS 141
New York: Kyrie Irving shook off three rough quarters to score 17 of his 25 points in the fourth, Kevin Durant had 33 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, and Brooklyn handed Atlanta its first loss.
In the opener of a two-game series between the teams that was almost entirely about offense — the third game in Nets franchise where both teams had 100 points through three quarters — Irving couldn’t get into the act. He was just 3 for 16 from the field and getting badly outplayed by point guard counterpart Trae Young. But he made three 3-pointers in the final period after missing all seven through three as the Nets rallied to win after dropping two straight following their 2-0 start.
Young had 30 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, and John Collins had 30 points and 10 rebounds. The Hawks won their first three for the first time since 2016.
HORNETS 118, MAVERICKS 99
Dallas: LaMelo Ball scored 22 points, Miles Bridges had 20 points and 16 rebounds and Charlotte blew out Dallas in the Mavericks’ home opener.
Terry Rozier, who scored 18 points, hit a pair of 3-pointers early in a 14-0 run to start the second half, giving the Hornets a 25-point lead coming off their first win, over Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets.
Charlotte silenced Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, who are still without European sidekick Kristaps Porzingis as the 7-foot-3 Latvian recovers from knee surgery. Doncic had 12 points.
TRAIL BLAZERS 105, CLIPPERS 128
Los Angeles: Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points in his return from a two-game absence, Paul George added 23 points, and the Los Angeles Clippers breezed past the Portland Trail Blazers 128-105 on Wednesday night.
It was the Clippers’ second straight blowout win to close out the year. They beat Minnesota by 23 points a night earlier after bouncing back from an ugly 51-point defeat against Dallas last weekend.
Leonard and George came out firing to start the second half. They combined to score the Clippers' first nine points, extending their lead to 85-57.
George had 10 rebounds, while he and Leonard had seven assists each. Six Clippers scored in double figures. Lou Williams added 15 points off the bench.
CJ McCollum scored 25 points, making seven 3-pointers, to lead the Blazers, whose two-game winning streak ended. Damian Lillard made 14 of 15 free throws to finish with 20 points after missing 11 of 14 shots from the field. He was 0 of 8 from 3-point range.
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