NNBABA | Page 5 HHORSEORSE RRACINGACING | Page 7 Doncic makes I never relax — winning return you become as Mavericks vulnerable: down Spurs jockey Doyle

Saturday, December 28, 2019 FOOTBALL Jumada I 2, 1441 AH Firmino double as GULF TIMES Liverpool thrash Leicester City SPORT Page 2

CRICKET England rally aft er relentless South African bowling display Philander took four for 16 as England is bowled out for 181; visitors strike back to reduce hosts to 72 for 4 at stumps

AFP Centurion, South Africa Scorecard SOUTH AFRICA 1st inn (o/n 277-9) J. Bairstow b Nortje 1 ernon Philander led a D. Elgar c Buttler b Anderson 0 J. Buttler c De Kock b Philander 12 relentless South African A. Markram c Bairstow b Curran S. Curran c Hamza b Rabada 20 bowling performance 20 before England fought J. Archer b Philander 3 Vback on the second day of the Z. Hamza c Stokes b Broad 39 S. Broad c Elgar b Rabada 2 fi rst Test at Centurion’s Super- F. du Plessis c Root b Broad 29 J. Anderson 0 Sport Park yesterday. H. van der Dussen c Root b Curran Extras (b4, lb5, nb2, w5) 16 Philander took four for 16 in 6 14.2 overs as South Africa ap- Total (53.2 overs) 181 Q. de Kock c Buttler b Curran 95 peared to have taken control by Fall of : 1-11 (Burns), D. Pretorius c Root b Curran 33 bowling out England for 181, a 2-15 (Sibley), 3-70 (Root), 4-142 fi rst innings lead of 103. V. Philander c Buttler b Broad 35 (Denly), 5-143 (Bairstow), 6-150 But England struck hard at K. Maharaj c Stokes b Archer 6 (Stokes), 7-176 (Curran), 8-176 the start of the second innings. (Buttler), 9-181 (Broad) South Africa were 72 for four at K. Rabada b Broad 12 Bowling: the close, an overall lead of 175 on A. Nortje not out 0 Rabada 15-1-68-3 (2nb), Philander 14.2-8-16-4, Pretorius a pitch which has proved diffi cult Extras (lb4, nb2, w3) 9 for batsmen throughout. 8-2-23-1, Nortje 12-2-47-2 (1w), Philander, 34, who has an- Total (84.3 overs) 284 Maharaj 4-1-18-0 nounced he will retire from inter- Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Elgar), 2-32 national at the end of the (Markram), 3-71 (Hamza), 4-97 SOUTH AFRICA 2nd inn four-Test series, produced a mas- (Van der Dussen), 5-111 (Du Ples- A. Markram lbw b Anderson 2 ter class of control to complement sis), 6-198 (Pretorius), 7-245 (De D.Elgar c Buttler b Archer 22 the strike power of fast bowlers Kock), 8-252 (Maharaj), 9-277 (three for 68) and (Rabada) Z. Hamza c Buttler b Broad 4 (two for 47). Bowling: Anderson 20-4-69-1, F. du Plessis c Curran b Archer 20 Wicketkeeper Quinton de Broad 18.3-4-58-4 (1nb, 1w), H. van der Dussen not out 17 Kock equalled the South Afri- Curran 20-5-58-4 (2w), Archer A. Nortje not out 4 can Test record by holding six 19-4-65-1(1nb), Root 4-0-26-0, catches, a feat which had been Denly 3-0-4-0 Extras (b1, lb1, nb1) 3 accomplished six times before Total (4 wkts, 20 overs) 72 — on four occasions by new head ENGLAND 1st inn Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Markram), coach Mark Boucher. R. Burns c De Kock b Philander 9 2-25 (Hamza), 3-29 (Elgar), 4-62 Joe Denly hit a half-century for England after a shaky start. D. Sibley c De Kock b Rabada 4(Du Plessis) He shared in partnerships of 55 J. Denly c De Kock b Pretorius 50 Bowling: Anderson 4-0-19-1, Broad 5-2-6-1, Archer 6-1-37-2 for the third with J. Root c De Kock b Philander 29 Joe Root (29) and 72 for the fourth (1nb), Curran 4-2-8-0, Stokes wicket with (35). B. Stokes c De Kock b Nortje 35 1-1-0-0 Denly was dropped on nought and took 28 balls to score his fi rst Zubayr Hamza was caught by add 33 for the fourth run as Philander had an opening wicketkeeper Jos Buttler down wicket before Du Plessis, who had spell of one wicket for no runs in the leg side before Elgar was hooked a fi red-up Archer for six, fi ve overs. caught behind for 22 off Jofra was caught at long leg when he But Denly survived the initial Archer’s second ball to reduce played another hook shot. storm and gradually England’s Jofra Archer (left) is bowled out by South Africa’s Vernon Philander (also inset) on second day of the first Test at Centurion, South South Africa to 29 for three. Van der Dussen survived to the asserted himself to make 50 off Africa, yesterday. (Reuters/AFP) ap- close on 17 not out, with night- 111 balls with nine fours. peared to have been caught by watchman Anrich Nortje. Archer England collapsed, however, bowled Jonny Bairstow for one with his fi fth From a promising position at Dean Elgar with the fi rst ball of Ben Stokes at second slip off was spoken to by the umpires after Denly was caught behind off in the next over and then claimed catch of the innings. 142 for three, England lost their the match on Thursday, again Sam Curran when he had fi ve but in the penultimate over of the an inside edge to give all-rounder the key wicket of Stokes when he last seven wickets for 39 runs. claimed a wicket in his fi rst over an umpire’s review showed the day after bowling two high full his fi rst Test switched to bowling around the FIRED UP But wickets continued to fall when played ball had bounced just before it tosses while attempting to bowl wicket. wicket and induced a loose drive Nortje bowled at high pace, with when South Africa batted again. around his pads and was leg be- reached a diving Stokes. slower deliveries. The fi rst was Fast bowler Anrich Nortje which presented wicketkeeper a top speed of 149kmh. James Anderson, who dismissed fore wicket. Van der Dussen helped captain no-balled.

BOTTOMLINE Russia challenges WADA doping ban AFP greement with WADA will trigger Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 “First of all, it would be a pub- a doping testing laboratory that Moscow, Russia an appeal process against the ban World Cup in Qatar, over manip- lic hearing,” he said, adding that was handed to WADA earlier this at the Lausanne-based Court of ulated doping data. some offi cials could request that year as part of a compliance re- Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Under the sanctions, Russians the Court of Arbitration for Sport instatement process. ussia yesterday formally Ganus, whose rigorous stance will still be allowed to compete, toughen up rather than soften the The signifi cant extent of state- contested a four-year puts him at odds with his own but only as neutrals and if they can punishment against Russia. sponsored doping in Russia, ban from major sporting government and supervisory demonstrate that they were not He referred to the position of notably between 2011 and 2015, events over doping vio- board, argues that Moscow needs part of what WADA believes was a United States Anti-Doping Agen- was revealed in an independent Rlations that President Vladimir to accept the sanctions and own state-sponsored system of doping. cy chief Travis Tygart who has report by sports lawyer Richard Putin has condemned as “un- up to its faults in order to be able Putin has called the sanctions called for a blanket ban on Russian McLaren, released in 2016. just,” the head of its RUSADA to reform. He, however, said he politically motivated, indicating athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. The issue has dealt a colossal anti-doping agency said. was obliged to relay the position a lengthy legal battle loomed. Tygart said that allowing blow to the status of post-Soviet “In accordance with estab- of the supervisory board. He argued that the majority of “neutral” Russian athletes to Russia as a major sports power lished procedure, today we have He said he also sent a letter to Russian athletes were clean and compete at the Olympics in 2016 after hosting events such as the sent a package of documents to WADA informing the anti-dop- should not be deprived of the and 2018 had been ineff ective. 2013 World Athletics Champion- the World Anti-Doping Agency,” ing agency of his personal stance. right to compete under the Rus- “WADA must get tougher and ships, the 2014 Winter Olympics RUSADA director general Yury “I regret to inform you that all sian fl ag due to the actions of impose the full restriction on in Sochi and the 2018 World Cup. Ganus told reporters in Moscow. my attempts, including attempts some individuals. Russian athlete participation in The Sochi Games later became “The package contains a notice to introduce changes to the RU- the Olympics that the rules al- notorious for the number of dop- about disagreement with WADA SADA notice, have failed,” said ‘CONSIDERABLE RISKS’ low,” Tygart said in November. ing violations by prominent Rus- sanctions.” the letter. Ganus warned that contest- Speaking to AFP on Thursday, sian athletes. Ganus, who has long argued Ganus told AFP on Thursday ing the doping ban could in fact Ganus said he had information The doping scandal has also for a major crackdown by Russia that “it is practically impossible” make matters worse because CAS that his British counterpart could divided Russian sports stars, against doping cheats, warned to contest the ban. could make sanctions against also call for severe sanctions with three-time world champion that the legal challenge could WADA this month banned Russia more severe. against Russia. high jumper Mariya Lasitskene backfi re, however. Russia for four years from major “We are creating a platform for The suspension was handed to calling for sports offi cials to be Russia’s anti-doping agency director general Yury Ganus holds a press The formal statement of disa- global events, including the 2020 it. We are creating risks,” he said. Russia over falsifying data from held to account over the ban. conference in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Saturday, December 28, 2019 FOOTBALL

REPORT PREVIEW Firmino double as Relentless Reds have Liverpool thrash no time for Leicester City 4-0 refl ection Two heavy defeats in five days have proved to be a reality check for Leicester’s title ambitions with their focus now on making sure they hold off the chasing pack

Liverpool’s English midfielder James Milner (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal against Leicester City.

Reuters “So that sounds in my ear Manchester negative, so why should we think about something like that? We are just focused on iverpool’s resounding the next (games). 4-0 win at second- “We play Wolves, Sheffi eld placed Leicester City United, Everton (in the FA Cup on Boxing Day sent third round), Tottenham and Lthem 13 points clear at the Manchester United in the next top of the Premier League but fi ve games. That doesn’t sound Juergen Klopp’s side have no like anything is decided in my time or inclination to bask in ears, to be honest,” he said. their success. Barring an unlikely Liver- Tomorrow, Liverpool are pool collapse, the closest bat- back in action against Wolver- tles this season are going to be hampton Wanderers at Anfi eld for the top four places and at before another tricky home the bottom of the table. game against Sheffi eld United Chelsea need to quickly sort on Thursday. out their form — they have lost Wolves are a team capable of fi ve of their last seven league upsetting anyone in the league games — and on Sunday they but there was nothing in the make the short trip across Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino scores their first goal against Leicester City. At bottom, manager Jurgen Klopp congratulates Trent Alexander-Arnold after the win. impressive swatting aside of London to face Arsenal in Leicester that suggests Liver- Mikel Arteta’s fi rst home game pool are about to stumble. in charge. AFP Alexander-Arnold was a con- “We take this as inspiration, They have the joint biggest Chelsea have been better Leicester stant threat rampaging forward that’s the level. Those are prob- lead in top-fl ight history at away from Stamford Bridge from right-back and stung ably the two best teams in the this stage of the campaign and this season, with six wins in Kasper Schmeichel’s palms world at the minute and that’s no team has ever failed to win nine, but the Gunners, down in urgen Klopp insisted it inside the fi rst minute before the level we have to aspire to the title with an advantage of 11th place, sorely need to kick- is not yet party time for Klopp soon had his head in his be.” this size. start their season if they are to Liverpool despite tight- hands when Sadio Mane some- Liverpool, by contrast, dem- Already there is talk of have any chance of European ening their grip on the how spooned Mohamed Salah’s onstrated why they are Cham- Liverpool going through the football next term. PremierJ League title race with a dangerous cross wide. pions League winners and league entire season unbeaten Leicester have suff ered suc- dominant 4-0 thrashing of sec- An opener for the runaway Premier League champions in — matching the ‘The Invin- cessive defeats, to Manchester ond-placed Leicester to open league leaders was only a mat- waiting. cibles’ of Arsenal in 2003/04 City and Liverpool, and will be up a 13-point lead at the top of ter of time and duly arrived just Klopp’s men fi nally had the and Preston North End in anxious to keep their Champi- the table. after the half hour mark when breathing space they desired 1888/89. ons League push on track with Roberto Firmino scored Alexander-Arnold’s cross was via the arm of Caglar Soyuncu It may be predictable but a win at struggling West Ham twice from Trent Alexander- headed powerfully down past as he handled Alexander-Ar- Klopp is surely wise to avoid United. Arnold crosses either side of Schmeichel. nold’s corner 20 minutes from such discussions, especially Manchester City, who are James Milner’s penalty before The Danish goalkeeper had time. Milner had only been on as his club have never won the at Wolves later on Friday, host the brilliant Alexander-Arnold ensured Leicester’s 3-1 defeat the fi eld a matter of seconds Premier League and are with- surprise package, promoted rounded off the scoring himself. at Manchester City on Saturday and stroked home the penalty out a domestic league title for Sheffi eld United who are in Liverpool also have a game in was not far more comprehen- with his fi rst touch. 30 years. sixth place, on Sunday. hand over Leicester and seem sive and needed to be at his best Three minutes later, Firmino “I can write the stories my- Manchester United, fresh destined to fi nally end a 30- again to keep the Foxes in the doubled his tally of goals and self: the fi rst story is that never from hammering Newcas- year wait to win the title. game as he saved one-on-one Alexander-Arnold added a before in the history of foot- tle United 4-1 on Boxing Day, “With all the things around from Mane moments later. third assist with a driven low ball, British football at least, have a short trip to Burnley, us, the biggest quality of my Two heavy defeats in fi ve cross that the Brazilian expertly has a team had a bigger lead while Spurs are away to bot- boys is that we are not listen- days have proved to be a real- cushioned before slotting into and lost the lead,” said Klopp. tom club Norwich City. ing really, we are completely ity check for Leicester’s title the top corner. Alexander-Ar- focused on what we have to do,” ambitions with their focus now nold then capped a magnifi cent Klopp told Amazon Prime. on making sure they hold off a performance by blasting low ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “I’m really good at partying chasing pack including Chel- and hard beyond Schmeichel my friends will tell you, but I sea, Tottenham and Manches- into the bottom corner. never wanted to have a party ter United to secure a return to The Boxing Day card marks without a reason. the Champions League. the halfway point of the Pre- ‘Phenomenal’ “If there is something to cel- “It’s important there is a mier League season, but even ebrate I will tell you, until then little bit of perspective,” said with half the season to play, we will work.” Schmeichel. “If you told us we Liverpool’s march towards the Alexander-Arnold Fresh from winning the Club would be in the position we are title looks unstoppable.“It World Cup for the fi rst time in showed no sign of fatigue from ule as they outclassed the Foxes at the start of the season we is theirs to lose,” added Sch- Qatar on Saturday, Klopp’s men a congested December sched- from start to fi nish. would have taken it. meichel. hailed aft er victory

Reuters Liverpool manager Rodgers in BOTTOMLINE London 2015, but has excelled in Juer- gen Klopp’s back line making eight league assists this sea- eicester City manager son. “For me, he plays full back Title race ‘over’ for everyone, except Liverpool, Klopp Brendan Rodgers de- as a midfi eld player. His range scribed Liverpool right of passing is phenomenal... he DPA side after two goals from Roberto Firmino produced a 4-0 win that even then did not next game on Sunday, while Sheffi eld back Trent Alexander- was a midfi elder as a young- and one each from James Milner and Trent do justice to their superiority. United, Everton, Tottenham and Man- LArnold’s range of passing as ster,” Rodgers told a news con- London Alexander-Arnold sent them 13 points “This was the night when it became chester United follow in quick succession. “phenomenal” and said the ference. clear at the top of the Premier League. clear that the title race is now surely over.” “That doesn’t sound like anything is 21-year-old’s attacking in- “His quality, the experienc- nbeaten Liverpool have dropped Thierry Henry, who won two Premier Klopp pointed out that with only 18 of decided in my ears, to be honest,” he said. stincts were as good as that of es he has gained, for Juergen he just two points in 18 matches League titles with Arsenal, said on Ama- the 38 games having been played, there “We have to play all of them and we try a midfi elder. has been absolutely amazing. this season — after only one de- zon Prime that the title race was over. is still time for things to go wrong, even with all we have to make sure we are ready. Alexander-Arnold provided Trent is up there and is very feat in 38 league games in the “For me, yes,” the Frenchman said. “It though they have earned 52 of a possible The number is absolutely not relevant two assists for Roberto Firmi- much England’s number one Ulast Premier League campaign when they was always going to be a matter of when, 54 points. to us.” Leicester manager Brendan Rodg- no and scored late as the Pre- (right back) and playing con- fi nished a point behind champions Man- they are unstoppable. What they are do- “I can write the stories myself: the fi rst ers, who was the manager at Liverpool mier League leaders blasted sistently at a high level.” chester City. ing is frightening.” The BBC’s chief foot- story is that never before in the history when they let slip a big lead in 2013-14, past second-placed Leicester Klopp said Alexander-Ar- Liverpool’s 4-0 demolition of their ball writer, Phil McNulty said that Liv- of football, British football at least, has a said he felt they would go on to win the 4-0 on Thursday to open up a nold’s crossing, which also led closest rivals, Leicester City, on Boxing erpool’s 14-point lead over Manchester team had a bigger lead and lost the lead,” title. 13-point gap at the top with a to a penalty against Leicester, Day may just be the victory that helps City was too big a gap for the champions Klopp said. “They’re a fantastic team and the confi - game in hand. was exceptional but he batted them end their 30-year wait for the top- to breach. “So that sounds in my ear negative, so dence is high,” he said. The academy graduate be- away questions on whether fl ight title. “If they will not say it, then others will,” why should we think about something “They have enough quality and experi- gan his career in central mid- the right back was the best The British media and pundits were he said. “And it can be said with some cer- like that? We are just focused on the next ence to get the job done, though there is fi eld and got his fi rst taste of player in the world in that po- united in their praise for Juergen Klopp’s tainty after the manner in which the Reds (games).Liverpool play Wolves in their still a lot to do.” senior soccer under former sition. Gulf Times Saturday, December 28, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Mourinho hopeful Ndombele will Lampard seeks return to action against Norwich

AFP since October with a hamstring creative spark London injury. After only two sessions under Mourinho, he told the Portu- ottenham Hotspur man- guese manager he was ready to ager Jose Mourinho play against Brighton if needed. hopes club-record sign- “Lamela, he was fantastic,” ing Tanguy Ndombele said Mourinho. “I think it was Twill declare himself fi t to play at 56 or 57 days that he didn’t train from attackers Norwich today. with the team. The Spurs boss has revealed “He came to me and said, ‘I ‘You cannot have 70% of possession and control and not do more’ that the French midfi elder asked think you need me because you not to be included for Thursday’s are in trouble with injuries, sus- Boxing Day win over Brighton as pensions, no Sonny. If you want he was concerned he might not me I am there. If you need me for be fi t. But he has trained since 10 or 15 minutes I’m there’. and now Mourinho is looking “That’s the kind of thing that to help him fi ll a midfi eld gap touches me. I like players that caused by the absence of the make sacrifi ces for the team.” suspended Harry Winks and Spurs beat Brighton 2-1 to Moussa Sissoko, while Son He- move to within three points ung-min is also serving a ban of fourth-placed Chelsea fol- and Dele Alli looked to be strug- lowing the Blues shock loss to gling in the latter stages against Southampton. They could draw the Seagulls. level on points with their Lon- Mourinho, asked if he was up- don rivals if they win at Carrow set by the decision of Ndombele, Road before Chelsea’s next game whose transfer from Lyon could tomorrow. yet cost Spurs some 70mn euros There was a 12-point diff er- ($79mn, £63mn), to make him- ence between the two teams self unavailable against Bright- when Mourinho took over at on, answered: “I think Ndombe- Tottengham but the former le was honest. Football players Chelsea and Manchester United like to play football. manager believes it will still be “For him to say, ‘I don’t feel diffi cult for Tottenham to fi nish confi dent, I don’t feel in the best in the top four. condition due to my previous “I started with minus 12 injuries’, he was just being hon- here. With minus 12 you have est. to recover 12 points. It’s a lot of “And we had solutions. We points,” he said. had (Eric) Dier, we had (Harry) “A couple of days ago we were Winks, we have (Oliver) Skipp minus three and we had a chance who is a great kid fi ghting to im- to go to zero. Right. prove, for a place. “But the problem is during the Erik Lamela, however, had recovery process we’re not going no qualms about throwing to win all the time and the other back himself into the fray, even teams aren’t going to lose all the though he has been sidelined time.”

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard looks disappointed during his team’s match against Southampton on Thursday.

Reuters about the players particularly in games clear chances at goal.” and I enjoyed it,” Coleman told the Ever- London like that,” Lampard told reporters when Chelsea travel to 11th-placed Arsenal ton website. asked if Thursday’s performance had tomorrow. “He’s a manager who, when he speaks, nudged him in a certain direction on Meanwhile, Everton defender Seamus you listen. When he walks into a room, helsea boss Frank Lampard said transfers. Coleman said the club’s players were you perk up. He’s made a few tweaks and his attacking players had to Fourth-placed Chelsea — beaten by learning from one of the best in manager I think our performance...deserved three do more to break down visit- Bournemouth on their own patch ear- Carlo Ancelotti, who tweaked their de- points. ing teams after Thursday’s 2-0 lier this month — last lost two successive fensive formation in Thursday’s 1-0 Pre- “A manager with his track record...as a lossC to Southampton left them with two games at home in November 2011 under mier League victory over Burnley. club we should be proud, we should em- straight Premier League defeats at Stam- Andre Villas-Boas. Italian Ancelotti, a Champions League brace it as players, soak it all up and learn ford Bridge for the fi rst time in eight They were beaten by West Ham Unit- winner with AC Milan and Real Madrid, from the best. Hopefully this can kick years. ed at Stamford Bridge last month and replaced the sacked Marco Silva last Sat- us on.” It was a second successive clean Goals from Michael Obafemi and Lampard said that his front line had to urday and changed Everton’s formation sheet for Everton and the club are un- Nathan Redmond gave improving South- respond.“Players have to go one v one from a 4-4-2 under interim manager beaten in four league matches to sit 13th ampton a surprise win while Chelsea’s if you’re an off ensive player, play round Duncan Ferguson to a fl uid 3-5-2. with 22 points, having dropped to the struggles against a tight defence left the corner, mix up your game and break He enjoyed a winning start thanks to relegation zone before Silva’s dismissal Lampard facing questions on whether he defensive lines because teams aren’t stu- an 80th-minute Dominic Calvert-Lewin earlier this month. needs to add creative players in the Janu- pid,” Lampard added. header at Goodison Park while the team Everton travel to 10th-placed Newcas- ary transfer window. “They’re well organised and you need produced a number of chances going for- tle United today. Chelsea have been cleared to sign play- to do more in an attacking sense. ward, with 21 shots on goal. “I think momentum’s been building ers in January after the Court of Arbitra- “You cannot have 70% of possession “It was something the manager worked from the few games Duncan had, so we’ll tion for Sport this month halved a trans- and control, particularly the fi rst half, on during the week — when we have the rest up, get ready to go again...hopefully fer ban imposed on the club. and not do more, not hit better crosses, ball to drop into a back three. I was happy it’ll be another three points and we can “I learn about the players, and I learn not hit better fi nal passes, not get more to do it, we did it for a few days in training keep climbing that table.”

BOTTOMLINE Swedish star Ibrahimovic set CHALLENGE Guardiola says for AC Milan return: reports replacing Aguero AFP Milan will be a tough task

Reuters Aguero is back in contention weden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reached Manchester to start Friday’s Premier League agreement to join AC Milan on an initial six- match against eighth-placed month contract, according to multiple reports in Wolverhampton Wanderers, Italy yesterday. anchester City man- having fully recovered from a SIbrahimovic has accepted Milan’s proposal and is ready ager Pep Guardiola thigh injury. to sign a deal to return to the former European giants said he will face a Guardiola’s side is looking to within the next two days, Gazzetta Dello Sport and Sky diffi cult challenge leapfrog Leicester City into sec- Sports Italia reported. Min replacing Sergio Aguero if ond place behind Liverpool with Ibrahimovic will reportedly sign a six-month contract the Argentine striker decides to a third straight league win. worth about 3mn euros ($3.3mn) with a renewal option leave the club at the end of his The manager said Aguero’s for another year, linked to certain conditions such as goals contract in 2021. future at Manchester City would and appearances. Since joining City in 2011, the depend on both his physical The 38-year-old striker confi rmed his departure from 31-year-old Aguero has become condition and his desire to stay. Los Angeles Galaxy last month following the club’s elimi- the club’s record scorer with 244 “I haven’t spoken with him nation from the Major League Soccer playoff s. goals in all competitions. He has and don’t know his intentions,” The Swede should be available to coach Stefano Pioli as already found the net 13 times the Spaniard said. “Sometimes early as December 30, the date of the resumption of train- this season despite battling in- you’ve to take a decision but ing at Milanello. AC Milan are reeling after a 5-0 thrash- juries. with most of the cases the play- ing against Atalanta last weekend, their worst defeat in “Sergio is irreplaceable,” ers decide.” 21 years, and are struggling 11th in the Serie A table. The Guardiola told the British media. “He’s done incredibly well. team’s fi rst game after the winter break will be at home “It’ll be one of the toughest asks I’ve never seen a big star like him against Sampdoria on January 6. to replace him. We have another be so humble, so funny,” Guar- It is hoped that Ibrahimovic will bring some leadership ance” against Atalanta. them to their last Serie A title, and scoring 42 goals in 61 incredible striker in Gabriel Je- diola said. “It’s a joy to work and a winning mentality to the locker room. “We will have to wake up and react. It will not be a good league appearances. He also won three league titles with sus and maybe another one will with him and how he accepts Milan club manager Zvonimir Boban, a former midfi eld Christmas,” said the Croatian. Ibrahimovic played for two Inter Milan, and two with Juventus, which were both re- come when Sergio leaves but my decisions when it sometimes great with the club, slammed “an embarrassing perform- seasons between 2010 and 2012 with AC Milan, helping voked following the ‘Calciopoli’ match-fi xing scandal. he’s irreplaceable.” doesn’t work for him.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, December 28, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY Tandy appointed Scotland’s defence coach AFP Scottish Rugby also announced they Russia at this year’s World Cup, re- cruits, said: “It’s great to bring some- the former Scotland playmaker took “We wish him all the best in his new London had hired former France prop Pieter de cording back-to-back clean sheets but one of Steve Tandy’s experience on charge of the Test side. challenge, working with the country Villiers to work as a scrum coach on still exited at the group stage following board. “As team-mates back at the Borders he grew up in. I’m sure he’ll do a great a “short-term capacity” through the decisive defeats by Ireland and Japan. “We’re also pleased to welcome Pi- we talked a lot about the possibility of job,” he added. cotland have appointed former upcoming Six Nations. “Defence is a huge part of the eter into the group. He’s passionate going into coaching, then we used to Taylor is the latest recruit to new Ospreys boss Steve Tandy as Tandy, in charge of Welsh regional game which I am extremely passion- about the scrum.” share notes and learnings as we began Wallabies’ coach Dave Rennie’s staff their new defence coach after side the Ospreys for six seasons until ate about. With my experiences from Brisbane-born Taylor — who played our coaching careers on opposite sides in a matter iof weeks after ex-England announcing earlier yesterday 2018, joins the Scotland set-up from both the northern and southern hemi- for Scotland A thanks to his Fife par- of the world,” said Townsend. attack coach Scott Wisemantel came thatS head coach Gregor Townsend’s Australian Super Rugby side Wara- spheres, I feel I can add to the Scotland ents — joined the Scotland set-up as “Matt is passionate about coaching on board. deputy Matt Taylor had been allowed tahs, having helped developed the set up moving forward,” said Tandy in both defence coach for the national — helping players and the team im- Scotland begin the 2020 Six Na- to join Australia with immediate ef- New South Wales side’s ‘blue wall’. a Scottish Rugby Union statement. team and the Glasgow before prove, and also continually striving to tions Championship away to Ireland fect. Scotland shut out both Samoa and Townsend, welcoming his new re- becoming a full-time assistant when be a better coach. on February 1.

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Xhaka wants Hertha move in Guardiola all January: agent praise for Aguero ‘I’ve never seen as big a star as him be so humble, such a funny guy...’

Reuters “Arsenal were informed London about all the steps, the player and Hertha are clear. It is only rsenal midfi elder (a matter of) the transfer fee Granit Xhaka wants for the clubs.” to leave the Premier Xhaka was signed from League club in the Borussia Monchengladbach in JanuaryA transfer window and 2016 for around 30mn pounds sign with Bundesliga side Her- ($39mn) and has made 150 tha Berlin, the player’s agent appearances since, scoring 11 has said. goals and providing 17 assists. Xhaka has had a fractured New boss Arteta had pub- relationship with the fans licly backed Xhaka to succeed since he reacted angrily to be- at the north London club, even ing booed when he was substi- mentioning that the Swiss in- tuted against Crystal Palace in ternational was on his trans- October. fer list when he was assistant He was subsequently manager at Manchester City. stripped of captaincy by However, the agent said the former manager Unai Emery. Spanish coach had privately “Look, I will say it frankly told Xhaka that he was free to and honestly, we are in agree- leave the club in the close sea- ment with Hertha BSC and son, which irked the 27-year- would like to go to Berlin,” old. Xhaka’s agent Jose Noguera Hertha are 12th in the stand- told Swiss publication Blick. ings with 19 points — four “We told Arsenal’s (head points above the relegation of football) Raul Sanllehi and zone — while Arsenal, who sports director Edu as well as host Chelsea on Sunday, are the new coach Mikel Arteta. 11th.

Manchester City’s Argentinian star Sergio Aguero.

AFP (tasks). Sergio is irreplaceable,” said Guar- Aguero’s eff orts in the three-and-a- City’s modern history, especially since the Shin to take over struggling Indonesia Manchester diola. half seasons that Guardiola has been in pre-season departure of former captain “We have an incredible other striker in charge at the Etihad have been all the Vincent Kompany, and while Guardiola Gabriel Jesus and maybe another one will more impressive given many thought the would be open to the possibility of Aguero Jakarta: Former South Korea pointment of Shin, 50, comes ep Guardiola believes Sergio come when Sergio leaves. But he is irre- Argentina international would not fi t into remaining beyond 2021, he does not feel it coach Shin Tae-yong has been after the PSSI sacked Scotsman Aguero is “irreplaceable” as the placeable.” the Catalan manager’s demanding style of likely. tapped to take over Indonesia’s Simon McMenemy in Novem- Manchester City forward enters Aguero played a pivotal role when City play. Jesus was seen as an immediate suc- “I don’t know. He can stay but it de- struggling national team, the ber with Indonesia bottom of the fi nal 18 months of his glorious were crowned champions of England for cessor to Aguero but the veteran had other pends on his physical condition and de- country’s football association their 2022 World Cup qualifying Pcareer in English football. the fi rst time in 44 years when his last- ideas and, after leading City to that mem- sire,” he said. “But I didn’t speak with him said yesterday group on zero points from five The record-breaking Argentinian is gasp winner against QPR took them to the orable maiden Premier League title in and I don’t know his intentions.” Shin, who led South Korea at games. Indonesia also floun- likely to be on the bench for the reign- 2011/12 Premier League title. 2012, has been a central fi gure during the David Silva is also due to leave City af- last year’s World Cup in Russia dered in last year’s Southeast ing Premier League champions visit to “The most important moment of this most successful years in the club’s history. ter the end of the season, with Guardiola — where they famously ousted Asian championship, the Suzuki Wolves as he continues his recovery from club, more important than if one day “He’s responded incredibly well,” said openly conceding he has no hope of talk- defending champions Germany Cup, where they finished fourth a thigh problem. this club wins the Champions League, Guardiola. ing the Spain international into staying at — is expected to be formally out of five teams in their group. That injury has sidelined the 31-year- is the moment when Sergio scored that “I’ve never seen as big a star as him be the Etihad. But, unlike Aguero, Guardiola unveiled on Saturday. Indonesia have had significant old since the end of November and given goal, against QPR to win the fi rst Pre- so humble, such a funny guy, and it is a does not expect to sign a replacement for “We have invited Shin to finalise problems off the pitch, with the Guardiola a taste of what life will be like mier League (2012) after I don’t know how joy to work with him and how he accepts Silva, a player many believe to be the best the contract. After that he will two former chairmen leaving when Aguero’s contract ends next year. many years,” said Guardiola. sometimes my decisions even when it has foreign import in Premier League history. be introduced later on Satur- the PSSI this year amid match- The City manager does not expect to be “That moment is much better than four not worked for him. “In this position, we’re not going to do day,” Mochamad Iriawan, chair- fixing allegations. able to talk Aguero into changing his plans titles in one season or whatever. And he “As big a star as him don’t (usually) ac- anything,” he said. “Maybe I’1l change my man of the Football Association In October, Indonesia’s football to end his career in his homeland and that was THE guy. More than anything, more cept that. I’ve worked with other stars — mind but we have other priorities. I have of Indonesia (PSSI), said in a association was slapped with a will leave Guardiola with the thankless than the goals he has done at this club. who believe they’re bigger stars than Ser- enough there. statement. $45,000 FIFA fine over crowd task of replacing a man who has, to date, “But sooner or later it is going to hap- gio and they were not — and it was more “Bernardo can play there, Phil (Foden) “Hopefully all the process will chaos that erupted at a match scored 244 times for his club. pen (Aguero’s departure), he’ll decide diffi cult to handle them or be with them.” is there, we have (Ilkay) Gundogan and run well.” The expected ap- against Malaysia in Jakarta. “I’d say it will be one of the toughest when.” Aguero remains such a crucial fi gure in Kevin (De Bruyne).”

BOTTOMLINE Solskjaer slams festive season fi xture pile-up AFP modern notions of rest and re- One — the game was over after 45 possible once in a while but not London covery. minutes. Two — we are young,” when it is as tight as this.” But such is the commercial ap- the former United striker added. The Norwegian, asked if Eng- peal of the traditionally congested “We have a great chance lish football might change its anchester United’s programme that change does not against Burnley to perform at the ways, replied: “You are a tradi- Ole Gunnar Solsk- appear likely anytime soon, even best level because our boys, when tionalist country. You like your jaer has become the though Jurgen Klopp, the man- you are 23, which is the average traditions. I can’t see it being latest Premier League ager of runaway leaders Liverpool age of the outfi eld starting play- changed, no. But it should be.” Mmanager to complain about the said recently it was a “crime” for ers (against Newcastle), that will As for how he coped during his “unfair” packed programme of teams to have to play on both De- make it easier for us to recover playing days, Solskjaer jokingly fi xtures over Christmas and New cember 26 and 27. than Burnley, for example. I think. said: “It was easy for me. I was Year. “I don’t think it is fair on the “They played until the end on the bench all the time! I never United play their fi nal league boys at all,” said United manager against Everton. We were done played 90 minutes twice in three match of 2019 against Burnley to- Solskjaer. “I don’t think it is fair after 45 minutes and used the sec- days. day, just over 48 hours since com- to be expected to perform at the ond half as recovery. “Maybe I did one year. I scored peting a 4-1 comeback win over best of your level, both mentally “But it is not fair, especially against Villa and Ipswich. You Newcastle. and physically, 48 hours after you when a game at Watford has just have to look after yourself. Those matches form part of have played. gone and there will be a game New “You have to eat the right a sequence of seven games in 21 “But I think we are in the best Years’ Day. things, drink the right things, days that is hard to square with position to perform on Saturday. “Two games in three days is sleep well.” Gulf Times Saturday, December 28, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Raiders’ RB Jacobs undergoes surgery Doncic makes for leg infection

Reuters “Unfortunately, he does Los Angeles have a skin infection and that, I think, will be OK, but it’s the shoulder. It’s been the shoul- akland Raiders der, it is the shoulder, and winning return as rookie running back that’s the area that we’ve got Josh Jacobs under- to take a good look at.” went surgery to treat Jacobs has rushed for 1,150 aO skin infection on his leg, the yards and seven touchdowns team announced Thursday. in 13 games since being se- “Josh Jacobs woke up lected by the Raiders with the with discomfort in his leg on 24th overall pick of the 2019 Wednesday and he was evalu- NFL Draft. Mavs down Spurs ated and treated for a superfi - DeAndre Washington cial skin infection,” the state- would be in line to start if ‘When you miss four or five games, it’s diff erent, but it was great being back and we won’ ment said. Jacobs cannot play for Oak- The statement came after land (7-8), which will need a Jacobs wrote about the proce- fair amount of help in order to dure on an Instagram story on qualify for the playoff s. Wednesday. In addition to defeating the “Surgery went great fast- Broncos (6-9) in Denver to- est surgery ever,” Jacobs wrote morrow, Oakland also needs before later removing the to have the Indianapolis Colts post. He also posted a picture (7-8) beat the Jacksonville with his lower leg wrapped in Jaguars (5-10), the Tennessee bandages. Titans (8-7) lose to the Hou- Jacobs followed up that In- ston Texans (10-5) and the stagram story by writing, “It’s Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) fall not a football injury just had to the Baltimore Ravens (13- an infection.” 2). The 21-year-old back has Also, the Raiders need a missed two of the Raiders’ victory from one of four teams past three games with a frac- — the New England Patriots tured right shoulder. (vs. Miami Dolphins), Chi- Raiders coach Jon Gruden cago Bears (vs. Minnesota Vi- said Thursday, “He has a skin kings), Los Angeles Chargers infection and that will have (vs. Kansas City Chiefs) and nothing to do with his play- Detroit Lions (vs. Green Bay ing status. His shoulder is the Packers) — in order to gain a issue and we’re anxious to see strength-of-victory tiebreak- how he is. er over the Steelers.

San Antonio Spurs guard Bryn Forbes (right) saves a ball from going out of bounds in front of Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic (centre) during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP Tim Frazier added 17 points and six as- game. The injury-depleted Nets connect- RESULTS Los Angeles sists, Blake Griffi n scored 14 points with 11 ed on just 21 of 78 shots from the fi eld. rebounds and Andre Drummond added 14 Their 26.9% shooting was the worst File photo of the Oakland Raiders’ Josh Jacobs (left) with Utah 121-115 Portland points and 10 rebounds. Detroit, up 68- in the league this year — worse than the teammate Trevor Davis. (Sam Riche/TNS) uka Doncic made a winning return New York 94-82 Brooklyn 48 at halftime, out-scored the Wizards 29.9% shooting performance of the Chi- from a four-game injury absence Minnesota 105-104 Sacramento 38-28 in the third to put the game away, cago Bulls against Toronto in November. on Thursday, scoring 24 points giving coach Dwane Casey a chance to rest Memphis 110-97 Oklahoma to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a players — including the banged-up Griffi n IRVING ABSENT Redskins RB Peterson ponders L102-98 NBA victory over the San Antonio Dallas 102-98 San Antonio — in the fourth quarter. “We were just sharp,” Randle said. “To playing until 40 Spurs. Detroit 132-102 Washington To make matters worse for Washington, hold that team to 82 points, 14 points in Doncic, whose eight triple-doubles are All-Star Bradley Beal left the court in the the paint, is just really, really sharp. Adrian Peterson is showing yards and five touchdowns in the most in the NBA this season, added four points. But the Spurs’ Derrick White fourth quarter with soreness in his right “We grinded the whole way, played a few signs of slowing down at 14 games as he prepares for 10 rebounds and eight assists in his fi rst missed a three-pointer with 5.8 seconds lower leg. complete basketball game and we got the 34 years old. this week’s regular-season game since he sprained his right ankle in a remaining, and Doncic corralled the re- He said he’d felt discomfort in the fi rst win.” If the Washington Redskins finale against the Dallas December 14 game against Miami. bound to close it out. half. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow Brooklyn star Kyrie Irving missed his running back gets his way, Cowboys. He is 180 yards shy “Felt good,” a smiling Doncic said, al- Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 17 points, and and evaluate it,” coach Scott Brooks said. 19th straight game as he continues to re- he will keep playing until a of posting his ninth career though he added: “It was like I was run- Kristaps Porzingis and Dorian Finney- In New York, Julius Randle drained a cover from a right shoulder injury, with milestone birthday six years 1,000-yard campaign in 13 ning a marathon, I was so tired. Smith added 13 apiece for the Mavs. career-high fi ve three-pointers on the Nets coach Kenny Atkinson off ering little from now. seasons. “When you miss four or fi ve games, it’s DeMar DeRozan led San Antonio, scor- way to 33 points to lead the Knicks to a information on when he might return. “I can see myself playing The Oklahoma product diff erent, but it was great being back and ing 16 of his 21 points in the second half. 94-82 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in “I think we’re still in the rehab process,” to 40,” Peterson told NFL already ranks fifth all-time we won,” added Doncic, who played with- In Detroit, the Pistons snapped a fi ve- a cross-town clash at the Barclays Center. Atkinson said, adding that he didn’t think Network’s Jane Slater on with 14,138 rushing yards out any minutes restriction. game skid with a 132-102 rout of the Marcus Morris scored 22 points for the Irving and the Nets had reached the point Thursday. “People look at that and fourth all-time with 111 The Mavericks led by 17 points with Washington Wizards. Knicks, who snapped a three-game skid of contemplating surgery. and say, ‘Oh my God, that’s rushing touchdowns. The 4:07 left to play. Detroit matched their season high for with their fi rst win over the Nets in three “We’re (in) on-court workout situation crazy.’ But they’ve been doing only running backs ahead San Antonio scored the last 13 points of points as they turned the tables on a team meetings this season. but the contact just hasn’t been cleared that for the past two years of him on the scoring list are the game but couldn’t completely close that had beaten them twice already this Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 25 yet,” he said of Irving’s progress. “I think and, surprise, I’m still able to Emmitt Smith (164), LaDainian the gap. season. Christian Wood led the Pistons points on 5 of 15 shooting. that’s the next hurdle. I wish I could tell do it at a high level.” Tomlinson (145) and Marcus Rudy Gay’s three-pointer with 38.6 with 22 points and seven rebounds off the Randle connected on 14 of 26 from you when that is. Peterson has 820 rushing Allen (123). Reuters seconds left pulled San Antonio within bench. the fi eld for his second straight 30-point “Hopefully sooner rather than later.”

NFL Seahawks, 49ers battle for division crown in season fi nale AFP 33-year-old running back Lynch Turbin after injuries to C.J. Prosise tory over at the New York Giants. Los Angeles can make an immediate impact and Chris Carson. The Eagles are riding a season-high even though he hasn’t played since The NFC West is one of two divi- three-game winning streak that midway through last season with sion titles still up for grabs as all 32 includes their win last week over east Mode is back in Seat- Oakland. Seahawks quarterback teams are in action tomorrow. division rivals Dallas — who now tle as Marshawn Lynch re- Wilson said he was “super-excited” Five teams are in contention for must beat the Redskins and hope for turns tomorrow to the Sea- to welcome back Lynch, and added two remaining playoff berths and Philadelphia to falter. hawks, who host the San that to his eye “Beast Mode” hasn’t six clubs have a shot at three re- The Giants aren’t shy about their FranciscoB 49ers in the fi nal game lost a step. maining fi rst-round byes. desire to play spoiler to the Eagles’ of the NFL regular season with the “He’s been working,” Wilson The Green Bay Packers can clinch playoff aspirations. NFC West division title on the line. said. “He looks great, looks explo- a fi rst-round bye with a victory over In the AFC, Tom Brady and the The 49ers can clinch home-fi eld sive, looks fast, looks strong as ever. the Detroit Lions — who have lost New England Patriots have clinched advantage throughout the NFC He’s got some special things he can eight straight. their 11th straight AFC East title, playoff s with a victory over Russell do.” If the Packers win and San Fran- and can secure a fi rst-round bye Wilson and the Seahawks. While the loser of the game will cisco lose, Green Bay can also secure with a victory over the Miami Dol- If the 12-3 Niners falter, the Sea- still make the playoff s as a wild card, home fi eld advantage. phins. hawks could gain home fi eld advan- Seattle coach Pete Carroll said the The New Orleans Saints’ post- The playoff -bound Houston Tex- tage with a win and defeats for both Seahawks were “thrilled” to fi nd season schedule could also be af- ans host a Tennessee Titans team Green Bay and New Orleans. themselves playing for the division fected by the outcome in Seattle. who can earn a playoff berth with a “Can’t wait for it,” 49ers quarter- and a possible fi rst-round bye. Drew Brees and the Saints can win. back Jimmy Garoppolo said of the “It’s the last week of the season, secure home fi eld advantage with The Baltimore Ravens, already loud, hostile environment of Cen- playing for everything, for a division a victory at Carolina and defeats or assured of the top seed in the AFC, turyLink Field. and all that,” Carroll said. “It is what ties by either San Francisco or Green are expected to rest starters includ- San Francisco arrive as favourites, we aim for.” Bay. ing quarterback Lamar Jackson not least because of the rash of inju- Garoppolo admitted he was “kind The Philadelphia Eagles have the when they take on the Pittsburgh ries aff ecting Seattle that prompted of surprised” by the Seahawks deci- upper hand in the battle for the NFC Steelers — who are still in the chase Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks (centre) is sacked by Chandler Jones of the Arizona Cardinals in the Seahawks to take a chance that sion to bring in Lynch and Robert East. They can lock it up with a vic- for a playoff berth. the second quarter on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Wash. (Getty Images/TNS) Gulf Times 6 Saturday, December 28, 2019 SPORT

NFL Beast Mode is back. Can Lynch’s shock comeback save Seattle? Few athletes are so perfectly built for a team as Lynch is for the Seahawks – and his return may be what injury-hit Seattle need

By Oliver Connolly The Guardian

east Mode is back. The coolest athlete in the NFL has returned to Seattle. And he did so in theB most Marshawn Lynch-y way possible: A press conference that lasted all of 12 seconds. Unifying the player I least want to tackle and player I most want to have a drink with championship belts is hard. Here’s the entire list of players who’ve held both honours in the modern era: Rob Gronkowski; Marshawn Lynch. That’s it. The league is better with Lynch in it. He makes football fun, which is the entire point of this enterprise (unless you own one of the teams). He is the author of such classics as: ‘I’m just here so I won’t get fi ned’; the pre- game Hannibal Lecter mask; the mid-game candy scoffi ng; the post-game injury cart joy-riding; a home and a run of professional a car-crash style with a child-like and the greatest run in playoff success with the Seahawks that glee. history. He became the physical has never been matched at his That is borderline bullying. embodiment of all that was great other stops. Lynch is undeniably a lesser about those Seahawks teams from There was nothing like Lynch player than he was at the apex 2011-14, which averaged 12 wins running alongside that Seattle of his powers. He has missed 19 a season and reached two Super roar. His best runs felt like cul- games combined in the last three Bowls. They were all swagger and tural earthquakes. They always seasons he’s played in the league. venom and brute force and they seemed to come along in the most But there’s a chance, even it’s a were loudly sand proudly them- important moments. slim one, that he adds the missing selves, whether than conformed Adrian Peterson is the only spark to the Seahawks off ense. to the understood norms or not. kind of, sort of comparison. Right now, they’re completely Lynch is a true one-of-one, Both were overwhelming reliant on Russell Wilson to bail an endangered species in the physical forces. Both were feared them out. Nobody has done more age of media training and care- by defenders and defensive with less this year – again: fully crafted public images. Most coordinators: there’s no sche- The Seahawks are only the professional athletes treat their matic invention you can design second team in history to win media obligations as a compul- to stop a running back sprinting 10 one-score (games decided by sory nuisance. Lynch turned his through your linebacker’s face eight points or fewer). Football disdain into a sport all of its own. mask. Peterson, on the whole, coaches like to put that down Returning with a press confer- was the better player of the two. to heart and grit and prepared- ence that lasted longer than it He ran with the same combina- ness and other such intangibles, takes to munch on a handful of tion of pace and power and grace. despite all the historical data Skittles feels appropriate. But there was less barbarism to indicating winning close is not a The move has a slight whiff of Peterson’s best runs. He saw a skill: it’s a confl uence of luck and desperation about it. Lynch, who hole few could, hit it with force, small sample sizes. The Seahawks turns 34 in April, looked close to and cranked to a gear that nobody are a good team with an infl ated cooked during his fi nal days in on the fi eld could compete with. record; one with the chance to Oakland. But the Seahawks were It was like someone had perfected win the NFC West if they beat the desperate for running back help the art, and there was nothing Niners on Sunday night. But they in the wake of season-ending anybody could do to stop it – not just happen to be a good average injuries to Chris Carson and CJ even the injury gods. team with an MVP-calibre quar- Prosise. And they wanted people Lynch runs were (are?) chaos. terback, giving them a shot at a who knew their system – not just He has always had a knack for deep playoff run, if Wilson is able the scheme, but the culture – so changing speed and direction to get some kind of help. they rolled back the years and with an abruptness that confuses A competent run game, even added Lynch, along with his old defenders. Someone so big, so one that is less than average, running mate Robert Turbin. thick, shouldn’t be able to shift just might keep linebackers and This is the second time Lynch all that weight that quick, they’d members of the secondary on has come out of retirement, think. Lynch would burst over their toes, making life a little initially bowing out from Seattle here, then cutback there, then easier for Wilson and Seattle’s re- after the 2015 season and later re- launch someone into the air and ceivers. Any hint of help and this turning to play for his hometown chuck someone to the ground – Seahawks off ence will vault from Oakland Raiders in 2017, before sometimes in the same move- decent to very good in a hurry. Do retiring again after 2018. ment – before barrelling between that, and the team has a chance to In this February 1, 2015, picture, Seattle Seahawks Something just feels right a fresh pair of defenders. It was go in anywhere and beat anyone running back Marshawn Lynch (also top left) warms up about Lynch being back in Seat- like an overly enthusiastic gym in the playoff s, whether the before Super Bowl XLIV at the University of Phoenix tle. He was built by Oakland, was teacher playing pickup against a defence holds up its end of the Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, United States. (TNS) loyal to its people, but he found bunch of fi fth-graders. He played bargain or not.

FOCUS World’s richest cycling race puts keirin in spotlight before Olympics

By Justin McCurry “The main goal for me, and pan’s fi rst in the men’s event since from the curse of gambling The Guardian for the riders too, is to be good at 2003. Nitta, Tomohiro Fukaya addiction. the keirin at the Olympics,” Vetu, and Yoshitaku Nagasako won More than 70 years later, keirin a former French national team the men’s team sprint title at the continues to occupy an uneasy housands of people track cyclist, told the Guardian Brisbane leg of the World Cup this place in the Japanese sport- armed with betting after a training session at Izu month, with Yumi Kajiwara taking ing fi rmament because of its slips will pack into an Velodrome, the venue for the gold in the women’s omnium in association with gambling. The ageing velodrome on the Olympic cycling events. “I’m Hong Kong. grand prix is one of the few occa- Toutskirts of Tokyo this weekend always telling the riders: ‘This is The world’s fi rst keirin race sions when the sport attracts the to watch nine cyclists compete a Japanese event, so you have to was held in the south-western attention of terrestrial TV chan- for the title of Japan’s keirin bring it back home to Japan. It’s city of Kokura – present-day nels, but it has made attempts champion. your property.’ We are working Kitakyushu – three years after to modernise in recent years. The Keirin Grand Prix is one every day for that.” the end of the second world war. The women’s event, banned in of the highlights of the Japanese Two of the men on Vetu’s team The city’s mayor had cobbled 1964, was resurrected in 2012 to sporting calendar – and one of – Yudai Nitta and Yuta Waki- together the funds to build a broaden keirin’s appeal, while a the richest. The fi rst man over the moto – will compete in the grand dirt-covered track he hoped small number of foreign cyclists line after six laps of the Tachikawa prix, along with Yuka Kobayashi, would off er a distraction for are invited to compete in Japan track will end the day a little under who is among the favourites for the city’s war-weary residents every year, including Chris Hoy $1mn (£768,000) better off , and the women’s title. “The riders – particularly local men who in the mid-2000s and, this year, secure a place in the history of an I have on the Olympic team are had only recently swapped their Joe Truman, a member of the event that grew out of the ruins of really pure,” says Vetu. “They military uniforms for overalls British track cycling team. war more than seven decades ago. are not doing this for money. In – and raise cash for Kokura’s Vetu said he understood the Now, as Tokyo prepares to host the other countries like China an reconstruction. lure of professional keirin, and 2020 Olympics, the best of Japan’s Olympic gold is a route to money, More than 50,000 people will be among the spectators at 2,200 keirin cyclists are aiming to but that doesn’t matter here, flocked to the Kokura Velo- Tachikawa. “I knew about the bring international success to the because they already have money Japan’s Kiyofumi Nagai stands alongside Britain’s Ross Edgar (left) and Chris Hoy (centre) after the men’s drome over four days of racing, grand prix before I came to Japan country that gave the event to the from professional keirin. Nitta keirin final at the 2008 Olympics. (AFP) placing a total of 19.73mn yen three years ago, but you never rest of the world. has been dreaming about the in bets – a massive sum at the get a real feeling for that race Japanese professional rid- Olympics since he was a kid.” ences in the rules between the Kohei Gunji, who earned However under the guidance of time. Keirin – whose two kanji – the electric atmosphere, the ers can earn huge sums on the International keirin, in which domestic version and its UCI 68.5mn yen (£480,000) during Vetu and his assistant, the former characters can be read as “com- craziness – until you see it for domestic circuit but have failed riders follow a pacer bike around counterpart. Head-butting and the fi rst 11 months of the year, will Australian track cyclist Jason Nib- pete” and “wheel” – quickly yourself,” he said. to turn this into medal-winning a 250m track before sprint- shoulder barging are a feature of be in the grand prix lineup for the lett, Japan’s athletes are making spread to other towns and “So I’m happy that some performances against their ing to the fi nish line, made its the sport in Japan, where riders fi rst time but, like several other their presence felt on the interna- cities. But keirin’s early history members of the team are taking international rivals. The country Olympic debut at the 2000 from the same region collaborate elite riders, has no Olympic ambi- tional track. At last year’s Track was blighted by violence, al- part this year, not for the money, has won only one keirin Olympic Sydney Games. The women’s on tracks of up to 500m. But it tions. “There are riders I know Cycling World Championships, legations of race fixing, illegal but because they will be putting medal – a bronze for Kiyofumi event appeared 12 years later in is the promise of making huge who are taking time away from Tomoyuki Kawabata became the betting arranged by yakuza themselves under a lot of pres- Nagai in Beijing in 2008. Benoit London, where Britain’s Victoria sums of money in Japan that professional keirin to prepare for fi rst Japanese man to win a keirin crime syndicates and growing sure, with spectators yelling at Vetu, the head coach of Japan’s Pendleton won gold. keeps many promising young the Olympics,” Gunji said in an in- medal for a quarter of a century. calls from women’s groups and them from the stands. You can’t track team, is aiming to remedy Some keirin watchers attribute riders away from the interna- terview last year. “I’ll be cheering Yuta Wakimoto won keirin gold at teachers’ unions to close ve- get better preparation for the that in Tokyo next year. Japan’s lack of success to diff er- tional circuit. them on, but it’s not for me.” a World Cup meet last year – Ja- lodromes and protect children Olympics than that.” Gulf Times Saturday, December 28, 2019 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING I never relax – you become vulnerable: jockey Doyle The British female jockey of the year, who rode the Al Rayyan Stakes winner Maystar for trainer Archie Watson on Qatar Oaks Day last week, on weight-training, festive eating and getting her own back in the saddle

By Chris Cook The Guardian

t is a time of year for sports enthusiasts to remember those less fortunate than themselves, which obviously Iincludes jockeys, whose line of work means Christmas dinner is limited to a mouthful of turkey and a brussel sprout if they are lucky. So runs the cliche, but it does not apply to Hollie Doyle, the newly crowned female jockey of the year, whose naturally low weight is just one of many reasons for her to be cheerful. Knowing she planned to ride on Boxing Day, it seems fair to ask Doyle if she can allow herself to indulge in any festive food when the 23-year-old spends Christ- mas with her parents in Her- efordshire. “I’ll eat what I want,” she says, happily. “I don’t watch my weight. I eat what I want, when I want. So lucky!” Doyle generally hovers around the 8st (almost 51kgs) mark, though she can go lower if re- quired, and it is not only in the area of diet that this gives her an advantage over most of her weighing room colleagues. It also gives her the freedom to pack on a bit of muscle and she has worked tirelessly over the last 18 months to improve her strength, with visible results on the track. We meet at Oaksey House, the Injured Jockeys Fund’s £5mn rehab and gym facility in Lam- bourn. Doyle is a regular. On a Jockey Hollie Doyle (left, also inset) rides Maystar to victory in the Al Rayyan Stakes on Qatar Oaks Day at Al Rayyan Park in Doha on December 20, 2019, ahead of Think Big, ridden by Tomas Lukasek. PICTURES: Juhaim typical day, she will ride three lots up the gallops for local train- she can gain muscle without it stupidly.” Switching to strength and they can hold the strong- There is to be no let-up, no ing back at Gatwick, she drove opponent. “It is quite satis- er Archie Watson, whose support aff ecting her in terms of weight work made her half a stone heav- est of horses. It’s technique. time off to celebrate her land- straight to Kempton, the record fying that people that once has allowed her to fl ourish, then gain. ier. It also appears to have made Strength helps. The stronger you mark achievement. “My biggest still in her sights at the time, and thought you wouldn’t be good work out here before driving to “She had 110kg from the her tougher to beat. can be, the better. But a lot of fear is probably failure and I nev- rode a 25-1 winner. enough and said things to you the races. ground today on a dead lift and “It defi nitely has helped me, people can’t aff ord to be putting er relax or give myself an inch to Naturally competitive, Doyle … fellow jockeys, they do it to Oaksey House’s strength and she jumped up on a box as high as mentally. If you can lift 120kg up muscle mass on, because of their take a step back, ‘cos I think then says she played scrum-half in a everyone … I like thinking to conditioning coach, Gavin Egan, her shoulders. She squat-lifted there, then mentally I know I’m weight.” you’re making yourself very vul- boys’ contact rugby team when myself, yeah, I remember when reports “massive improvement” 60kg, I think. And then she did a strong. So I’m going into a race Doyle’s previous best tally of nerable. You know what it’s like she was 10. you said that. I don’t really get in the time he has been work- boxing session.” knowing I am strong and it makes winners in a year was 59 but in in racing …” “I had to give up because I that intimidated. You can eas- ing with Doyle. “I would imag- Doyle is rueful as she recalls you feel confi dent. 2019, having teamed up with In late November, when Flat never grew. I’ve been this height ily get pushed around in racing. ine she’s one of the strongest, her apprentice days, when a re- “But I don’t personally think Watson, she has shattered that. At racing had its quietest week of since then. And all the boys got I used to get pushed around all pound-for-pound jockeys in the gime of long runs got her very brute strength is so important. the time of writing, she is on 112, the year, she and her partner, massive and I was just getting the time when I first started. If country,” he says. “There’s very cardio-fi t, at a cost. “I didn’t re- You have to be a bit of a horse- a new record for a female rider in fellow jockey Tom Marquand, knocked around.” people can intimidate you, they few that would come in and lift ally need to do that because I was man. You see people that haven’t Britain, placing her ninth among allowed themselves a few days Since she switched to race- will. You’ve just got to hold your as heavy as Hollie. She’s so light, just getting lighter and lighter, got an ounce of muscle on them all Flat-racing jockeys this year. in the Caribbean. After land- riding, she has been a tougher ground.”

SKIING TAKING A STAND Pogba launches Paris blitzes ‘Stelvio’ for fourth anti-racism protest World Cup downhill in Bormio

AFP Bormio, Italy

taly’s Dominik Paris re- newed his love aff air with his home slope winning the men’s World Cup downhill Iin Bormio yesterday for a fourth Manchester United’s Paul Pogba (left) wore wristbands that read time. ‘No to racism’ and ‘We are one’ during warm-up ahead of the match The 30-year-old set a blis- against Newcastle on Thursday before presenting it to a young fan in tering 1min 49.56sec down the the crowd. (Instagram/paulpogba) icy ‘Stelvio’ piste in the Italian Alps to fi nish 0.39sec ahead of AFP Pogba said of the wristbands to Switzerland’s Beat Feuz with London, United Kingdom Britain’s Press Association news Austria’s Matthias Mayer third agency. “I mean, I’ve been think- at 0.42sec. ing about doing this but I don’t “It’s icy, pumpy and that’s anchester United want to go through the UEFA or what I think is the real down- midfi elder Paul the FIFA. I (have) done it myself. hill,” said the skier from north- Pogba has decided “I think we have the chance to ern Italy after his fi fth win on his to make a personal have this power to show things in home piste where he achieved Mprotest against racism following football, on TV. People see it so I his fi rst World Cup victory back the ongoing “ignorance” dem- think that will make people un- in 2012. onstrated at football stadiums derstand some things. “It’s not my slope, it’s my throughout Europe. “I think it’s ignorance. Igno- home course. I know what I have The 26-year-old France star rance and stuff like that, and just to do on this hill, but I can’t ex- came off the bench during Unit- to show people that you are all plain why I’m so fast.” ed’s a 4-1 win win away to New- one. We are all one.” Paris claimed his fi rst World castle on Thursday, when he Pogba was subjected to racism Cup win this season and 17th of Yesterday’s race replaced the points behind Norway’s Henrik But Paris has shown himself The world super-G champion wore black and white wristbands on social media at the start of the his career, of which 13 are in the cancelled event at Val Gardena Kristoff ersen, and second in the to be the speed king since the can match their record today. during the warm-up. ‘No to rac- season and he also mentioned downhill, for a total of 35 podium last week and was reduced to downhill 36 points adrift of Feuz. beginning of last season, win- “Racing at home is always ism’ and ‘We are one’ read the Antonio Rudiger after the Chel- fi nishes since his debut in 2008. 2.95km with the full-length race ning eight races — fi ve downhill great, you have your public, your wristbands that Pogba asked his sea defender was subjected to al- “I risked enough today. At Car- scheduled for today’s downhill. ‘BEYOND YOUR LIMIT’ and three super-G. tifosi (fans) and everyone is here teammates to join him in wearing leged racist abuse at Tottenham centina I lost a bit of speed but I “Dominik in a level of his World Cup downhill champion Austrian great Marcel Hir- to watch you,” he said. before the match, with the World last weekend. saved myself,” he continued. “I own,” said Mayer. Feuz, winner in Beaver Creek, scher’s retirement has thrown “There’s a lot of pressure so Cup winner then presenting his “I mean, a lot of players in a lot didn’t want to happen like in Lake “It was a close race today be- Colorado, was competing with the field wide open in the bat- you push a little bit more beyond to a young fan in the crowd. of leagues — not only in Premier Louise where in two races I sud- tween me and Beat (for second).” a broken fi nger picked up in the tle for the overall World Cup your limit. Pogba later posted an image of League, in Italy, Spain, every- denly found myself second.” It was also Paris’s third Super-G in Val Gardena. title. “I don’t know if I’m a record that moment on Instagram with a where — and we keep hearing The Carcentina diagonal is consecutive downhill win in The Swiss skier still claimed His 13 downhill wins see him man, but I’m feeling very great on Martin Luther King quote — “Hate this (racism),” said Pogba. one of the most spectacular and Bormio. He also won the Super- his third podium in as many rac- close in on the record of 14 wins the Stelvio and on this course,” he cannot drive out hate, only love “We are just football players, diffi cult parts of the technically G last season. es. Germany’s Thomas Dressen, achieved by both Norway’s Ak- added of the piste which will host can do that” — and the hashtag we want to enjoy that. The fans challenging Stelvio, which covers Paris moves up to second in the winner in Lake Louise, fi nished sel Lund Svindal and Austria’s men’s alpine skiing at the 2026 #NoToRacismWeAllOne. needs to enjoy coming and seeing 3.25km with a drop of 1,010m. overall World Cup standings, 30 ninth. Michael Walchhofer. Winter Olympics. “It was my idea to do that,” some nice football and that’s it.”

Saturday, December 28, 2019 GULF TIMES CRICKET

BOXING DAY TEST SPOTLIGHT Archer in no-ball controversy Head’s ton and early AFP “For me it’s plain and sim- Centurion ple. You are setting an exam- ple for the rest of the people looking into this game. You ngland’s Jofra Archer have to make the right call. was no-balled and Are you going to tolerate it at warned for a high no- another game or are we going ball but appeared to to put a stop to it right here?” NZ wickets put escapeE sanction for a second Square leg umpire Chris high in a controver- Gaff aney signalled no-ball sial end to the second day of when an attempted slower the fi rst Test yesterday. ball by the England fast bowler South African captain Faf went past nightwatchman du Plessis and coach Mark Anrich Nortje in the penulti- Boucher were understood to mate over of a dramatic day have approached match ref- during which 15 wickets fell. Australia in control eree Andy Pycroft after the The next delivery also close of play but there was no was high and full, which had ‘It’s pretty cool to score a Boxing Day hundred, nice to get my opportunity’ immediate statement on what Nortje falling to the turf to transpired. avoid being hit, as Archer “The has de- again tried to bowl his slower ferred the situation for com- “knuckle” ball. ment to the International Umpire Gaff aney appeared Cricket Council communica- to start signalling another no- tions department. We have ball, which could have result- been asked to leave it to them,” ed in Archer not being allowed said a South African team to bowl again according to spokesperson. International Cricket Council “There was a little bit of regulations. But he seemed to conversation going on after check his signal. The umpires the game,” said South African spoke to Archer and the over opening bowler Vernon Phi- was called. lander. England batsman Joe Denly, “The umpires have to deal who was fi elding at leg slip, with it. Hopefully they will said he was surprised that make the right call.” Archer had attempted two Although Philander said it successive slower balls but was a matter for the umpires said he felt the second one had he off ered his own opinion. “just missed the stumps”.

England’s Jofra Archer (right) delivers a ball during the second day of the first Test against South Africa at Centurion yesterday. (AFP) Australia’s Travis Head (left) in action as New Zealand’s wicketkeeper BJ Watling looks on on the second day of the second Test at the MCG in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP)

AFP reaching three fi gures off 222 balls. land who were buoyed after snaring the short balls and one ballooned off Smith’s Melbourne “It’s very nice to contribute. It’s pretty vital wicket of Smith for 85 before lunch, bat handle and glove with Henry Nicholls India U-19 thrash South Africa cool to score a Boxing Day hundred, nice but then failed to capitalise. taking a fi ne one-handed catch at gully. in fi rst youth ODI to get my opportunity,” said Head, add- Smith looked set for a 27th Test century While deprived of another ton, it ustralia snatched two early ing that Paine counter-attacking when he and his fi fth in as many Tests at the Mel- marked a return to form for a player who, India has begun its prepa- the top scorer for South wickets to leave New Zealand came in helped. “It helped that Tim came bourne Cricket Ground before a Wagner uncharacteristically, had gone fi ve innings rations for next month’’s Africa as he played a pa- facing an uphill battle to stay out and struck the ball as well as he did, it bouncer ended his 242-ball knock. without a 50. U-19 World Cup on an tient knock of 64, consum- in the second Test yesterday as defi nitely took a lot of pressure off me. But It had been slow going as pace spear- New Zealand are playing their fi rst Box- emphatic note as they ing 91 balls. theyA chase the home team’s 467, built on credit to New Zealand, at times it was dif- heads Trent Boult, Southee and Wagner ing Day Test in Melbourne since 1987, with defeated South Africa by Ravi Bishnoi was the pick the back of a gritty 114 from Travis Head. fi cult and they stemmed the scoreboard.” kept the batsmen in check, with Smith Williamson winning the toss and opt- nine wickets in the first of the bowlers for India as At the close on day two, the Black Caps adding just eight to his overnight score in ing to bowl. Nearly 60,000 turned up to youth ODI in London on he scalped three wickets, were 44 for two with Tom Latham not out ‘WE KEPT FIGHTING’ more than an hour before he was out. watch yesterday after more than 80,000 Thursday. while Kartik Tyagi, Shub- nine and Ross Taylor on two as a series de- It was a patient innings from the 25-year- Wagner had been peppering him with on day one. After bowling out South hang Hegde and Atharva feat looms. old, who scored his only other century Africa on Thursday for a Ankolekar picked up two Captain Kane Williamson lasted only 14 (161) against Sri Lanka in Canberra. After mere 187 at the Buff alo wickets each. balls, skying a James Pattinson delivery to reaching his ton he began hitting out and Scorecard Park, India came out with Chasing the small target, fi nally fell to a Wagner full toss, slicing it wicketkeeper Tim Paine on nine while Tom AUSTRALIA 1st innings (overnight 257-4) (Smith), 6-434 (Paine), 7-435 (Starc), 8-458 a solid batting perform- Divyaansh Saxena (86 not Blundell, called up for the out-of-form Jeet to Mitchell Santner. (Head), 9-463 (Cummins), 10-467 (Lyon) ance and chased down out) and N Tilak Varma Raval, was out to Pat Cummins for 15. He was ably supported by the impres- J. Burns b Boult 0 the target with 45 balls to provided the visitors with The visitors need to win to square the sive Paine, who played an array of shots D. Warner c Southee b Wagner 41 Bowlers: Boult 31-3-91-1, Southee 33.1- spare. a perfect start as they 6-103-1, de Grandhomme 30-5-68-2, three-match series after crashing by 296 to notch his seventh Test half-century off M. Labuschagne b de Grandhomm 63 Batting first, the South Af- shared a 127-run stand to runs in the opening day-night clash in just 72 balls. The 35-year-old had a golden Wagner 38-11-83-4, Santner 20-1-82-0, rica Under-19 team folded almost seal the deal for Perth. opportunity to score a maiden ton, but he S. Smith c Nicholls b Wagner 85 Blundell 3-0-13-0 for 187 in 48.3 overs. In re- their team. Australia looked in complete control at blew it, out lbw to Wagner after a review. M. Wade c Watling b de Grandhomme 38 NEW ZEALAND 1st innings ply, India dished out a solid Varma was dismissed by tea on 431 for fi ve, but they then collapsed That brought Starc to the crease, but he T. Head c Snatner b Wagner 114 T. Latham not out 9 batting display to overhaul Achille Cloete after scoring to be all out for 467 within nine overs of lasted just three balls before spooning a the target, scoring 190 for 59. However, Saxena (86 T. Paine lbw Wagner 79 the restart. Skipper Paine departed for 79 Southee delivery to Williamson at mid-off . T. Blundell c Paine b Cummins 15 1 in 42.3 overs to take a 1-0 not out) was not aff ected seven balls after tea, with Mitchell Starc Cummins and Lyon managed just one run M. Starc c Williamson b Southee 1 K. Williamson c Paine b Pattinson 9 lead in the series. by the wicket and along gone soon after for one. Head, Cummins between them with Pattinson left not out 14. J. Pattinson not out 14 R. Taylor not out 2 Electing to bat, the hosts with Kumar Kushagra and Nathan Lyon rapidly followed with “I thought we kept fi ghting, kept trying dished out a below par (43 not out) helped India P. Cummins c Latham b Southee 0 Extras (lb3, b4, w1, nb1) 9 Neil Wagner (4-83) and Tim Southee (3- and that is one of the great characteristics performance as almost reach the target with 103) doing the damage. about this team, we keep giving everything,” N. Lyon c Wagner b Southee 1 Total (two wickets; 18 overs) 44 all their batsman, except utmost ease. Australia started the day at 257 for four said Wagner. “A tough day, but full credit Extras (lb22, b5, w4) 31 Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Blundell), 2-39 (Wil- Luke Beaufort, failed to The two teams will meet with on 77 and Head not out 25. to the Australian batsmen. It’s almost like Total (all out; 155.1 overs) 467 liamson) get going and couldn’t again in the second game Head came into the match under pres- they’ve been a step ahead of us, they showed convert their starts into of the three-match series Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Burns), 2-61 (Warner), Bowling: Starc 4-0-18-0, Cummins 7-3-8-1, sure after a lean spell, but silenced his a lot of patience and clear plans.” big scores. Beaufort was today. IANS 3-144 (Labuschagne), 4-216 (Wade), 5-284 Pattinson 5-1-9-1, Lyon 2-0-2-0 critics with only his second Test century, It was a big turnaround for New Zea-

Cricket Australia to develop COMMENT sustainability strategy Australia’s cricket board will “lessen the impact of climate look to finalise a “sustain- change on the natural environ- Kohli’s men fulfi lled my dream of ability strategy” in 2020 amid ment.” concerns that extreme heat “We acknowledge we have a brought by climate change role to play and our executive is risking players’ safety and team are currently in the proc- could lead to major disrup- ess of proactively developing winning Test series in Aus: Laxman tions to summer playing a strategy for sustainability,” schedules. Karina Keisler, CA’s commu- IANS ia for the fi rst time in their own backyard A hot, dry summer has already nications and stakeholder New Delhi which is my favourite moment of Indian seen a Big Bash League match engagement chief said in a cricket in 2019,” he added. Meanwhile, in Canberra abandoned mid- statement yesterday. veteran pacer Irfan Pathan was impressed way through due to hazardous “The strategy is in the early ormer India batsman VVS Lax- with the way the Indian fast bowling smoke from bushfires raging stages of development and man believes 2019 was a “very unit performed and for him, it was their across eastern Australia and significant progress will be good year” for Virat Kohli and his improvement which was the highlight a number of amateur-level made to bring this to life in boys during which they fulfi lled of 2019. “This year we saw India’’s fast hisF dream of the Indian team registering a bowlers bowl beautifully for the country and youth games have also 2020.” Australia were playing been called off due to health day two of the Boxing Day Test series win in Australia. and it’’s been one of the best fast bowling concerns. test against New Zealand For the fi rst time since 1947, India were line up’’s that we have seen,” said Pathan. A report released by the at the Melbourne Cricket able to register a Test series victory in “We saw the intent with which they Australian Conservation Ground yesterday where the Australia as they defeated the Tim Paine- bowled, they came in, bowled hard- Foundation yesterday warned temperature reached a high led side 2-1 in the four-match rubber. swinging deliveries, new or old ball it Australia’s premier Boxing Day of 23C (73F). Day five of the India had won the fi rst Test in Melbourne didn’t matter, I have really seen the growth test might have to be moved test on Monday, should it (December 6-10) last year by 31 runs in Ad- of Indian cricket especially in terms of fast to cooler months as the last that long, is forecast to elaide. They lost the second match (Decem- bowling which has been the highlight for number of extreme heat days be 41C. ber 14-18) in Perth by 146 runs. However, me this year,” he added. in Melbourne rises in coming The teams played the opening they came back strongly in the third Test in India won seven of the eight Tests they decades. match of their three-test series Melbourne (December 26-30), registering played this year, with one of them ending Governing body Cricket in Perth earlier this month a famous win by eight wickets. The fourth in a draw. They won 19 ODIs out of the 28 Australia said it acknowledged during a run of three consecu- and the fi nal Test (January 3-7) had ended in they played, and registered nine victories “a more holistic approach to tive days of 40C-plus weather. a draw in Sydney. was always to beat Australia in Australia but Nerolac Cricket Live Show. in 16 T20Is. sustainability” was required to — Reuters “It’’s been a very good year for Indian I was not able to achieve that in my career,” “I’’m so glad that this Indian team un- Even Kohli has said that 2019 was one of cricket but being a Test cricketer, my dream Laxman said while speaking on Star Sports’’ der Virat’’s leadership has beaten Austral- the best years for Indian cricket.