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ItalianItali FA President Smith 'in best hopefulhopefu small number shape' despite of fans can attend not picking up bat matches in months

TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020 La Liga announces fixtures as restart looms REUTERS – BARCELONA

Barcelona will recommence Teams return to full training their bid to defend the Spanish title on Saturday June 13 away AFP – MADRID to Real Mallorca after a three- month pause due to the La Liga clubs returned to full training yesterday for the first time COVID-19 pandemic, while Real in almost three months as Real Madrid and Barcelona stepped Madrid will host Eibar on June up preparations ahead of the season restarting on June 11. 14, organisers La Liga It has been 82 days since the Spanish top-flight suspended announced yesterday. fixtures due to the coronavirus pandemic and teams will have The season kick backs into only 10 days training all together before competitive games action with a local derby resume. between Sevilla and Real Betis A staggered programme allowed players to return to training on June 11 and there will be fix- grounds for individual work on May 4 before clubs were given tures for the following seven permission to train in groups of up to 10 on May 18 and then 14 days, with Barca hosting confirmed, as they are currently La Liga announces fixture list for the first two rounds, a few days later. Leganes on June 16 and Real renovating their Santiago starting with Sevilla against Real Betis in the Seville Barcelona and Madrid were among those to begin full ses- playing at home to Valencia on Bernabeu home. derby on June 11. sions yesterday as the two rivals get set to renew their title tussle, June 18. Levante will also be making Barcelona will play away at Real Mallorca on June 13 which has Barca sitting two points clear at the top of the table As in the Bundesliga, which adjustments to their Ciutat de before Madrid host Eibar on June 14. with 11 games left to play. earlier in May became the first Valencia stadium when the major European league to start season starts up again and con- up again after being disrupted firmed last week they will play Organisers have only have died from the pandemic, the stadiums we have created noise. This way, the players will by the pandemic, all La Liga their final home games in the released scheduling details for whereby fans will be encouraged this initiative so they can play a also be able to hear the support matches until the end of the town of La Nucia, more than 150 the first two rounds of fixtures to make audio recordings of part in the return of the compe- of their fans.” The Spanish top- season will take place without kilometres away from their although La Liga chief Javier themselves applauding the tition and show their support for flight is poised to be the second spectators. usual ground. Tebas confirmed that there will victims, which will then be the heroes of COVID-19,” Tebas of Europe’s top five leagues to Real Madrid will play their Barca were leading Real by be matches every day of the transmitted in the stadium and told television network resume after the Bundesliga, remaining six home games at two points after 27 matches week until the season is com- broadcast on television in the Movistar. with England’s Premier League the 6,000-capacity Estadio when the campaign was post- pleted on July 19. 20th minute of each match. “We want them to feel close re-starting on June 17 and Italy’s Alfredo di Stefano based at their poned back in March due to the Tebas also gave details of a “Fans make football so to their clubs even though they Serie A kicking off again on June training ground, a league source novel coronavirus outbreak. planned tribute to those who special and as they cannot be in will be in the stadiums making 20. Japan race cancelled over pandemic What now for as MotoGP concentrates on Europe tennis in 2020? AFP – TOKYO The first, on July 19, would be the new season-opener, with Dorna suggesting AFP – PARIS The Japanese MotoGP was cancelled over slotting in the second race at the same the coronavirus yesterday as organisers circuit on July 26. Professional tennis has been in cold storage since March due said they would concentrate on holding A round of the Superbike Champi- to the coronavirus pandemic with tournaments unlikely to as many races as possible in Europe this onship was also proposed for Jerez on resume before August. year. August 2. Here are some talking points as the sport heads into June: The scrapping of the October 16-18 The opening legs, if approved, are most race in Motegi follows the axing of the Aus- likely to be held without spectators, and Fans in or out at US Open and Roland Garros? tralian MotoGP, which was due to be held with restrictions on the number of people In 2019, the US Open attracted a record crowd of almost a week later. allowed in the paddock. REVISED 2020 CALENDAR 740,000 to its sprawling Billie Jean King Tennis Centre in “The situations in Japan and Europe There have also been talks about New York. The French Open last year at Roland Garros JULY 19: are unpredictable,” said Kaoru Tanaka, holding the French MotoGP, which was Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez (to be confirmed) brought in 520,000 paying customers. JULY 26: President of Mobilityland, which owns the scheduled for May, in October instead. Grand Prix of Andalusia at Jerez (to be However, the 2020 editions of the two remaining Grand Twin Ring Motegi circuit. “The MotoGP family is working very confirmed) Slam events on the calendar will look very different with the AUGUST 9: “As a result of our discussions with hard to be able to restart the racing season Czech Grand Prix at Brno chance of them being played behind closed doors a real pos- AUGUST 16: Dorna, the managerial body of the series, and hold as many events as possible, and Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg’s sibility to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. we agreed that we have no choice but to in the safest way possible,” said Carmelo Red Bull Ring Roger Federer, whose 20-Grand Slam title haul includes cancel the Japanese GP in order to com- Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. SEPTEMBER 13: San Marino Grand Prix at Misano five titles at the US Open and one in Paris, is not keen on plete the season.” “(MotoGP organisers) have decided SEPTEMBER 27: Aragon Grand Prix at Alcaniz seeing rows and rows of empty seats. The first 11 races of the MotoGP season that, until mid-November, MotoGP will OCTOBER 4: Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram As far as the rescheduled Roland Garros in September have been either postponed or cancelled, remain in Europe to do as many European NOVEMBER 1: Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang and October is concerned, Jean-Francois Vilotte, the Director- and there have been discussions about MotoGP events as we are able to. NOVEMBER 15: Grand Prix of the Americas at General of the French Tennis Federation (FFT), said: “The how to preserve as much as possible of “Therefore, overseas events, if at all Austin, Texas aim is that there will be spectators.” the European calendar. possible, should be scheduled after mid- NOVEMBER 22: Argentinian Grand Prix at Termas At the moment, the sport hopes to November -- which would be too late in de Rio Hondo Money matters? resume with back-to-back races at Jerez, the year for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan NOVEMBER 29: Valencia Grand Prix at Ricardo There has been no prize money to play for over the best Spain. to be held.” Tormo circuit part of three months but that hasn’t stopped it being dis- cussed. The ATP and WTA tours, the International Tennis Federation and the four Grand Slam tournaments -- the Aus- tralian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open PGA Tour wants competitors to take backed a fund worth more than $6m to support low-ranked players hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. World number one Novak Djokovic had already said that he, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal -- the sport’s biggest COVID-19 test before attending events earners with over $100m each banked in prize money alone -- were also willing to help. However, world number three REUTERS – FLORIDA Golfer Ben Kolb wears be quarantined while a “disin- Dominic Thiem was not keen on giving money to lower- a mask as he tees off at fecting/decontaminating ranked players. While COVID-19 testing will be Torrey Pines golf course response” is implemented to a condition of competition when in San Diego, California in ensure all possible items and Are we making an exhibition of ourselves? the PGA Tour resumes next this May 4 file photo. surfaces touched by the There is some tennis going on in the world at a series of week, at-home tests before trav- infected individual are quickly tightly-controlled exhibition events. elling to a tournament are cleaned. Germany kicked it off on May 1 with an eight-man exhi- “strongly encouraged” but not If a participant is denied bition in the tiny town of Hoehr-Grenzhausen, near Koblenz required, according to a partic- access to a tournament due to a which featured Dustin Brown, who famously defeated Rafael ipant resource guide issued positive COVID-19 test, they Nadal at Wimbledon in 2015. yesterday. must receive medical clearance Strict rules over health and safety meant there were no The 34-page guide obtained from their doctor before being fans, no ball boys or girls and no line judges. There was just by Reuters states players and allowed to participate in future a chair umpire. Handshakes were banned, players handled caddies must begin self- PGA Tour events. their own towels and brought their own water and fruit to screening for seven days prior The participant resource the clay courts. Similar events followed in the US before Petra to tournament travel. guide also says players and Kvitova won an all-Czech event in Prague last week. The self-screening process “We all look forward to a Upon arriving in a tour- caddies must have social dis- Other exhibitions are scheduled including a World Team includes a daily questionnaire return to normalcy, and that day nament host city, players and tancing requirements in the Tennis tournament in West Virginia in July fea- and temperature readings. Any will come. In the meantime, we caddies must proceed to the forefront of their minds, always turing Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin participant who tests positive at ask that you embrace the nec- testing site to receive a nasal staying at least six feet away and 2017 US Open winner Sloane Stephens. a tournament will only receive essary measures outlined in this swab test and thermal screening. from others, whenever Andy Murray will return from his latest a stipend from the PGA Tour if document for the safety of eve- The PGA Tour said it hopes possible. injury problem on June 23 in a charity tour- they took an at-home test before ryone in our PGA Tour family.” to provide results in a matter of “This plan cannot be suc- nament in London. travelling and tested negative. The PGA Tour, which has hours and players will have cessful unless each of you Nick Kyrgios joins Dominic “Without a vaccine, we know been dormant since March 12, access to practice areas while commits to following the guide- Thiem at a grasscourt event - likely the that we cannot mitigate all risk returns to action next week at they await their result. lines set forth,” said Monahan. only one this summer - at Berlin’s whether at work or in our daily Colonial Country Club in Fort Once a negative test result “It starts with taking the Tempelhof Airport from July lives. However, the plan we are Worth, Texas. The world’s top is received, players will be proper safety precautions at 17-19. implementing is designed to five golfers headlines a stacked issued a wristband or lanyard home, such as social distancing reduce the risk as much as pos- field at the June 11-14 tour- that grants them access to the and proper hygiene, and then sible,” PGA Tour Commissioner nament that will be closed to locker room and clubhouse. carrying those forward into your Jay Monahan said in the guide. spectators. Those who test positive will return to competition.” 06 SPORT TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020

NHL plans to test Horse racing marks return of players for COVID-19 daily if games resume

English sport at Newcastle AP – OHIO

REUTERS – LONDON Jockey Silvestre De Sousa (second, left) guiding Art Power towards the finish line to win The Betway Novice Nick Foligno watches Ohio Governor Mike Stakes (Div II) at Newcastle Racecourse, as racing resumes behind closed doors following the COVID-19 DeWine’s coronavirus briefings and appreciates The thrum of hooves pounding the outbreak, yesterday. the value of the information. ground returned to Newcastle race- It is part of the reason the Columbus captain course yesterday as competitive supports NHL players undergoing daily testing if sport resumed in England after the the season resumes. shutdown because of the COVID-19 “Testing is a must because it’s the only way pandemic. you’re going to know and feel confident every time In normal times the 1pm at New- you step on the ice that everyone is in the same castle would barely register beyond boat as you and you can play the game to the best the Racing Post and the country’s of your ability,” Foligno said. betting shops. The first major North American professional But as Zodiackos, a 22-1 shot sports league to announce a format for its potential ridden by Jimmy Sullivan, galloped return to competition also has a comprehensive past the winning post on the all- COVID-19 testing strategy. There are screening weather circuit, it represented a big protocols in place for voluntary workouts and leap forward in the nation’s quest training camp in the hands of individual teams. to return to some kind of sporting Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly also said the NHL normality. plans to test all players every day when games “I was so nervous about today start happening. as there is was a lot of expectation “We will have a rigorous daily testing protocol on us as we are the first sport back,” where players are tested every evening and those Martin Cruddace, CEO of ARC racing results are obtained before they would leave their who own the course, said of the hotel rooms the next morning, so we’ll know if we 10-race card, featuring 45 jockeys have a positive test and whether the player has to and 120 horses. self-quarantine himself as a result of that positive “It’s behind us now and we have test,” Daly said. to demonstrate we can do this sport “It’s expensive, but we think it’s really a foun- safely.” dational element of what we’re trying to With Premier League football check on arrival and adhered to With Premier League football “The Newcastle markets have accomplish.” gearing up for a return on June 17, strict social-distancing rules. gearing up for a return on June been really lively this morning Each test costs approximately $125, the league all eyes were on Newcastle after the Jockeys wore face masks during 17, all eyes were on Newcastle with volume and turnover well says, and Commissioner Gary Bettman estimated government on Saturday gave the the race. after the government on ahead of what you could expect 25,000-35,000 will be needed to get through the green light for a return of compet- “I think we’re slightly fortunate Saturday gave the green light for Newcastle on a Monday playoffs - a price tag, he concedes, of “millions of itive sport in England, provided because we’re not a contact sport for a return of competitive afternoon,” a spokesman for dollars.” But athletes have plenty of concerns about strict criteria, including no spec- and I think that gives us confidence sport in England, provided Betfair said. risking their health to get back to work, and regular tators and a raft of health measures, to go first,” Cruddace said. strict criteria, including no A packed day of racing at New- testing is something players insisted on. were met. “But, of course, we are paying spectators and a raft of health castle features 10 races, 45 jockeys “You need testing at a level sufficient to be con- No horse-racing has taken place particular attention to every detail and 120 horses, but no owners, fident that you’re going to be on top of anything measures, were met. for 76 days and the resumption was we could possibly think of.” British punters or bookmakers. which might happen,” NHL Players’ Association possible only in a tightly-controlled horse-racing is estimated to con- As other sports prepare for a executive director Don Fehr said. environment. tribute around £4bn ($4.96bn) into return, horse-racing will take “If that turns out to be daily, and that’s available, Access to the course was limited the economy, with 20,000 people return of racing at Newcastle will centre stage this week with other that’s OK. That would be good. If it turns out that and everyone present had to have involved directly or indirectly in the pave the way for more sports to courses opening up and this that’s not quite what we need and we can get by completed a medical questionnaire industry. resume, the bookmakers are also weekend Newmarket hosting the with a little less, that’s OK.” online, undergone a temperature While sports fans will hope the breathing a sigh of relief. prestigious 2,000 Guineas. Infectious disease expert Dr. Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security isn’t quite sure how often athletes should be tested to ensure they are virus-free. He said United extend testing in German soccer will help other leagues determine the right frequency, which also depends Ighalo’s loan deal on the type of quarantine and exposure risks players will have. until January 2021 “We do know that people that have increased contact with each other are going to have more AFP – LONDON opportunity to spread the virus, and hockey is one of the sports where individuals do have a lot of Manchester United contact with each other,” Adalja said. extended Odion “I would say that they’re going to have to be Ighalo’s (pictured) more aggressive than other leagues in terms of loan spell until testing.” January 2021 While players vary on their general concern yesterday to ensure about contracting the virus by resuming the season, the Nigerian striker many seem to be on board with frequent testing. will be able to finish “Having it each and every day begins to limit the 2019/20 season the potential of getting the virus,” Edmonton player with the Premier Juventus' Portuguese representative Darnell Nurse said. League club. star Christiano Ronaldo “If that’s what it takes, that’s what the profes- Ighalo’s initial and team-mates in action sionals who are in this field and tackle these chal- loan deal from Shanghai Shenhua expired during a training session lenges each and every day, if that’s what they at the end of May, but the 30-year-old has at the Juventus Center in believe is the best option, then that’s the way you been rewarded for an impressive return Vinovo on Sunday. have to go.” of four goals in eight appearances for PICTURE: TWITTER / Team-mate Connor McDavid and Toronto United before football was shut down by @JUVENTUSFCEN captain John Tavares, who are members of the the coronavirus pandemic in March. NHL/NHLPA Return to Play committee, deferred “Manchester United have reached to experts on how often players should be tested. agreement with Shanghai Greenland McDavid added, “I think you have to get tested in Shenhua to extend the loan deal for Odion Italian FA President hopeful small a time like this, and you want to get tested as fre- Ighalo,” United said in a statement. quently as you can to catch it right away.” “He will now remain with the Reds Daly said one person testing positive for the until 31 January 2021, enabling him to build number of fans can attend matches coronavirus would not necessarily mean another on an impressive start to life with the club pause for the NHL. Leaguewide testing done daily he supported as a boy.” Ighalo could prove AFP – MILAN who can attend the match with “Certainly it is premature would allow the isolation of an infected player, an important addition to Ole Gunnar Sol- all necessary precautions.” today but with the resumption coach or staff member before the start of an skjaer’s squad ahead of a packed schedule Italian football federation Pres- Italian football has been sus- of the championship, there outbreak. once games get back under way later this ident (FIGC) Gabriele Gravina pended since March 9 because could be a new little signal of “If one guy tests positive, I see it as unlikely month. said yesterday he hoped that a of the coronavirus pandemic hope for our country,” con- that other guys don’t test positive, but in assessing The Premier League is due to return small number of fans will be able which has killed over 33,500 in tinued Gravina. everybody I have to believe that they’ll probably on June 17 and United could face up to 12 to attend matches before the the country, but will return to “It would also be a way to find it,” Montreal player rep Paul Byron said. “What matches in little over a month should they season finishes. action mid-June with the season reward enthusiasts after a par- would happen if half your team or four or five or also progress in the FA Cup. “Fans in stadiums? It is my scheduled to end in early August. ticularly difficult period.” six guys test positive at one time?” Solskjaer’s men are also due to resume heartfelt wish to be able to see a Matches will be played Cinemas and theatres will be able League and team officials have stressed they their Europa League campaign in August. small presence in stadium for the behind closed doors and to reopen in Italy from June 15 would only use thousands of tests if that number “They (Shanghai) have been great end of the championship,” adhering to a strict health with limited places and following does not endanger the supply for the general towards us, allowing him to play for his Gravina told Italian radio. protocol. social distancing rules. public, a concern Adalja broached for all sports. dream club,” said Solskjaer last week. “It seems unthinkable that in But there have been growing “I’m following the situation Bettman said medical experts told the NHL that “It’s been a dream for him and hope- a stadium with 60,000 or 80,000 calls for stadiums to be opened for cinemas, theatres, cultural by the time games could resume this summer, fully he can finish what he started and win seats, there is no space for a to supporters in a limited events,” added the FIGC 25,000-30,000 would be “a relatively insignif- a trophy with us.” minimal percentage of spectators capacity where conditions allow. President. icant number.” MLB players offer 114-game season, no more pay cuts: Source AP – NEW YORK The person spoke on con- have salaries total about $2.8bn. ballparks. They also asked for schedule with prorated salaries dition of anonymity because no The plan was given to MLB $100m more in salary to be and clubs would combine to Major League Baseball players details were announced. during an 80-minute digital advanced during the lose $640,000 for each addi- ignored claims by clubs that Opening day would be June meeting among Commissioner resumption of spring training. tional game. they need to take additional pay 30 and the regular season Rob Manfred, deputy commis- A player would receive The union has questioned cuts, instead proposing they would end October 31, nearly sioner Dan Halem, union head about 70% of his salary, or the accounting. receive a far higher percentage five weeks after the September Tony Clark and union chief 114/162nds, under the union MLB’s offer called for spring of salaries and a commit to a 27 conclusion that MLB’s pro- negotiator Bruce Meyer. The While management pro- plan. training to resume in mid-June longer schedule as part of a posal stuck to from the season’s meeting was contentious, a posed an expanded postseason The union and MLB agreed and for the season to start counteroffer to start the coro- original schedule. The union person familiar with it said. for 2020 only, the union offered March 26 that players would around the Fourth of July. The navirus-delayed season. offered scheduling flexibility to Like MLB, the union would it for this year and next. receive prorated shares of sal- club proposal would take the Players proposed a 114- include more doubleheaders as increase postseason teams from Players proposed new aries, part of the deal in which prorated salaries and reduce game regular season on Sunday, baseball crams the games into 10 to 14. But unlike MLB, the events that could increase if the season is scrapped each them again in a sliding scale. up from 82 in management’s 123 days, leaving little room for players’ proposal would extend revenue, such as a postseason player was guaranteed service Those at the $563,500 offer, a person familiar with the days off. the postseason about a month or offseason All-Star Game and/ time for 2020 matching what minimum would get about 47% plan told The Associated Press. MLB’s proposal today past its usual end. MLB has said or Home Run Derby, to wear the player earned in 2019. and those at the top -- led by Done that way, the World Series would lower 2020 salaries from it is worried about a second broadcast microphones on the MLB told the union that Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole at could extend past about $4bn to approximately wave of the coronavirus in the field and participate in tele- players would get 89% of $36m - would receive less than Thanksgiving. $1.2bn. The union’s offer would autumn. vision programming away from revenue in an 82-game 23%. TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020 SPORT 07 Smith ‘in best shape’ despite Australia batting not picking up bat in months star Steve Smith

AFP — SYDNEY they await the green light picked up his bat. “I long year-and-a-half since StarcStarc anandd NatNathanhan LyonLyon.. for competitive cricket to haven’t touched a bat, the World Cup and Ashes The squad has been Australia star Steve Smith start again, targeting a really. A couple of little and summer here. divideddivided into four groupsgroups admitted yesterday he has home one-day series drills at home but that’s “I’m refreshed and whowho alternate morning barely picked up a bat against Zimbabwe in about it,” said Smith, who ready to go,” he added. andand afternoon indoor gymgym since cricket shut down, August. has plundered more than If the virus had not andand skills sessions as but said he was in his best “I feel like I’ve had a 7,000 Test runs. struck, Smith would have partpart of COVID-19 physical shape in years. pre-season the last couple “I’ve just tried to been in the plane to Bang- return-to-trainingreturn-to-training The 30-year-old, the of months. Got myself into switch off from it a bit, ladesh this month for a protocols.protocols. world’s number one Test probably the best shape which I don’t do very two-Test series, after batsman, has been out of I’ve been in years. Lots of often. I was just focusing playing in the postponed action since March, when running, lots of gym stuff,” on getting myself fit and Indian Premier League. Australia’s one-day series Smith said. strong and refreshing He was one of six against New Zealand was “It’s been a couple of mentally. Cricket Australia-con- abandoned due to the months of good hard work “It’s been a bit dif- tracted players in the New coronavirus pandemic. and now back with the ferent but I’m sure in the South Wales squad who He returned to training boys, which is great.” long run it will probably be rejoined their state team- with his New South Wales But with no net a good thing to freshen up mates yesterday, including team-mates yesterday as practice, he has barely after what was a pretty David Warner, Mitchell Bumrah seeks ‘alternative’ Waqar urges Afridi and Gambhir to end to saliva on cricket ball social media war AFP — NEW DELHI half to become scuffed. Anil Kumble, chairman of the ICC AFP — NEW DELHI Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah cricket committee that recom- said cricket should seek an mended banning saliva, insisted Former Pakistan star Waqar In this file photo taken “alternative” for shining the ball the move was only an “interim Younis has called on Shahid on March 11, 2020 if the game’s governing body measure”. Afridi and Gautam Gambhir to I think Pakistan (and) Indian cricketer Jasprit ban the use of saliva during the Australian cricket ball man- end their social media war, and Bumrah prepares to India should play, coronavirus pandemic. ufacturer Kookaburra is devel- for India and Pakistan to bowl during a practice The International Cricket oping a wax applicator that resume playing cricket. and should play on a session. Council (ICC) is likely to allows players to shine the ball After being fierce on-field regular basis to avoid implement a ban for the game’s without using saliva or sweat. rivals, Pakistan’s Afridi and return when they meet next But its use would need a former Indian opener Gambhir depriving cricket week after receiving medical change in the laws of cricket have become involved in lovers: Waqar Younis advice that spit poses a which forbid the use of any arti- heated social media exchanges COVID-19 transmission risk. ficial substance to alter the ball. over the troubled Kashmir Handshakes, celebratory Test players have in the past region, which is claimed by played a series since 2012-2013 high-fives and hugs are also been accused of using lozenges, both countries. and have hit a new peak in ten- petroleum jelly and resin to Gambhir is now a law- sions over Kashmir, which they keep the shine on the ball, and maker in the Indian parliament, have fought over since their also scuffing it with bottle tops, while Afridi has his own foun- independence in 1947. trouser zippers, grit or dation and is a vocal activist. India frequently accuses likely to be off-limits when guidelines that we have to fingernails. Waqar advised the pair to Pakistan of organising militant If the ball is not international cricket resumes follow when we come back, but The most notorious recent “calm down” in an online chat attacks in the sector of the well maintained, with safety protocols in place. I feel there should be an incident was in 2018, when Aus- show. Himalayan region that it “I was not much of a hugger alternative. tralian players attempted to alter “The banter between administers. it’s difficult for the anyway, and not a high-five “If the ball is not well main- the ball with sandpaper during Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Waqar, 48, said a cricket bowlers. The grounds person as well, so that doesn’t tained, it’s difficult for the a Test against South Africa in Afridi has been going on for a series would boost relations are getting shorter trouble me a lot,” Bumrah said bowlers. The grounds are Cape Town, resulting in lengthy while now. I think they both got between the arch-rival in an ICC video chat with the getting shorter and shorter, the bans for the three involved -- to be smart, sensible, and calm neighbours. and shorter, the former West Indies pace wickets are becoming flatter Steve Smith, David Warner and down,” said Waqar. “I think that it would be the wickets are becoming bowler Ian Bishop and the ex- and flatter. So we need Cameron Bancroft. “It has been going on for biggest hit of the world,” said captain of South Africa, Shaun something.” Bumrah, who has emerged way too long. My advice to Waqar. flatter and flatter. So Pollock. Pace bowlers usually try to as India’s lead paceman since them is to maybe catch up “I think Pakistan (and) India we need something: “The only thing that make the ball swing through the his Test debut in 2018, has somewhere around the world should play, and should play on Jasprit Bumrah interests me is the saliva bit,” air by shining one side on their claimed 68 wickets in 14 Tests and talk it out if you cannot a regular basis to avoid added the 26-year-old Bumrah. clothing aided by using sweat and 104 scalps in 64 one-day really calm it down.” depriving cricket lovers,” he “I don’t know what or saliva and leaving the other internationals. India and Pakistan have not said. Sri Lanka team trains with eye on international restart AFP — COLOMBO captain told reporters in the Embuldeniya, Lakshan capital Colombo. Sandakan, Dasun Shanaka and Sri Lanka’s national team trained “We want to start interna- Nuwan Pradeep. together yesterday for the first tional cricket. That’s why we are They will not be allowed to time in more than two-and-a- starting practice.” leave their hotel in Colombo or half months to sharpen their A 13-member squad began the practice venue for personal skills and fitness ahead of a a 12-day training session with errands, the cricket board said. potential restart of the interna- indoor fitness drills yesterday. Sri Lanka has reported 1,633 tional game, skipper Dimuth Ground training will start today. coronavirus infections, including Karunaratne said. The squad consists mostly of 11 deaths so far. Cricket in the country came bowlers, with governing body Sri The Test series against to a halt on March 13 when the Lanka Cricket saying on Sunday England was put off indefinitely visiting England team pulled out they needed more conditioning after the pandemic halted major In this handout photo released by the Sri on the second day of a four-day before returning to competitive sporting events worldwide. Lankan Cricket Media Division, Sri Lanka’s practice match ahead of their games. Coach Mickey Arthur had medical officials brief national cricket team two-Test series. Among those training were customised home-training members on measures to prevent the spread “I think it is high time to train Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, regimes for many players in the of COVID-19, in Colombo, yesterday. ourselves and get back to our Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa national team after the lockdown fitness level and skill levels,” the Fernando, Isuru Udana, Lasith was imposed. Govt will decide on ‘Weird’ playing without fans: Kvitova spectators at French REUTERS — MUMBAI special occasion for the years back, the feeling was really tough. But on the for the towels, so I just left Open: FTF President former world number two not the same. other hand it’s nice to have it on the bench,” she said in Petra Kvitova (pictured) to lift the trophyp y at her “I’m happyppy with the win the game-feeling again.” an interview. has 27 career titles bbutut home tennis club forfor susurere but iitt wwasa a dif- With motivation “For me it was pretty AFP — PARIS winning an all-Czech exhi-hi- wherewhere sshehe hadhad ferentferent kindkind ofo tour- lacking to practise and annoying and, of course, bition tournament lastst wonwon a WTAWTA nament,”nament,” saidsa the train, Kvitova found it the ball boys couldn’t hold The head of French tennis said yesterday he would week was a differentt eeventv e n t 30-year-old,30-year-ol who tough to mentally prepare it for me. And I didn’t know like a full house at the French Open but conceded experience for her and itt twotwo worewore tthehe dress for the event. The first we couldn’t shake hands only the government can decide if spectators can felt “weird” to play in thee sshehe had chosenc match was most difficult as after the match. It felt such attend the re-arranged tournament. absence of fans, thehe for the ppostponedos her focus was drawn to the an ungentleman-like Tickets bought for the event in its May-June slot two-time Wimbledonon FrenchFrench Open.Op empty stands. thing.” were reimbursed rather than transferred, prompting champion said. “Playing“ Pla It was after reaching Kvitova, currently fears the tournament, now due to start on September The Prague tournamentent withoutwithout fansfan was the semi-finals that she was ranked 12th, said she will 20, will be played behind closed doors. was one of the few globalbal very weird as well. able to concentrate more not enjoy being in quar- “The preferred option is to have a Roland Garros exhibition events held afterter “We“We hithit some on her game. antine ahead of a with as many spectators as possible,” French Tennis professional tennis wwasas unbeliunbelievablee But left with no other tournament. Federation (FTF) President Bernard Giudicelli said suspended in early Marchch winnerswinn and choice, Kvitova said players “It will be very difficult in a video call with French player Gael Montfils. as countries went intoo nobodyn o would learn to adapt. to be in quarantine in a “After that, depending on the health conditions, lockdown to contain wasw “For me it was really foreign country and the we will adapt to the directives the government gives the spread of clapping,cla different that I couldn’t hotel room for two weeks. us. The government will decide how many people COVID-19. so it’s have the towel between the It wouldn’t be very nice for can be there.” While it was still a beenb points. It took a while to go sure,” she said.