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Football returns as Broad at peak of QSL dedicates powers: Former round 18 to England captain healthcare workers Strauss

TUESDAY 28 JULY 2020

Academy graduates its 13th batch of future stars beIN SPORTS secures two-year MLB Aspire Academy's Class of 2020 broadcast deal

THE PENINSULA – DOHA steps out for challenges ahead beIN MEDIA GROUP and Major League Baseball (MLB) have THE PENINSULA – DOHA announced a two-year media rights renewal agreement for 2020 and 2021 seasons. The academic year 2019-20 is a time The agreement will see beIN that people at Aspire Academy are SPORTS broadcast the two MLB going to remember for a long time. seasons across 24 territories in the Despite the suspension of on-campus Middle East and North Africa classes due to the COVID-19 outbreak, (MENA) and in France. Aspire Academy’s faculty and staff was The delayed and shortened still able to offer the many services 2020 MLB season begins on July 23 student-athletes rely on, even if they and is set to finish on September 27. were moved online, over the phone or For baseball fans in France and offered in a slightly different format. in the MENA, beIN will be the Training sessions were also shifted to exclusive home of MLB’s most the students’ homes and executed popular events – the MLB All Star under the coaches’ remote supervision. Game, the World Series, and MLB But this year is not only going to be Play-offs until the end of the 2021 remembered for how the people at season. Aspire successfully dealt with these In addition, beIN SPORTS will challenges, it is also a year that will be broadcast a minimum of two MLB remembered for the highest number matches per week throughout the of students that has ever graduated regular season. from the Academy within a single year. Commenting on beIN SPORTS’ Altogether the “Class of 2020” consists latest deal, Richard Verow, Chief of 42 graduates, among them 19 Sports Officer at beIN MEDIA football players, 14 competing in ath- GROUP, said: “We are delighted to letics, 2 in squash, 2 in table tennis, 3 have renewed our agreement with in shooting, 1 in fencing and 1 in golf. Major League Baseball until 2021 In total, 443 student-athletes have for fans in France and across the graduated from Aspire since 2008. Middle East and North Africa. With Due to the global pandemic the sit- dedicated programmes on screen, uation for the Grade 12-students was our subscribers will enjoy, once different compared to their prede- effort of Aspire Academy’s faculty hurdles event and represented Qatar again, the best of American baseball cessors. Their final exams in June during the COVID-19 outbreak. at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics on beIN SPORTS.” marked the first time they returned to “I know that it has been a chal- Championships in Doha. Aspire Academy after the nationwide lenging few month, especially for the Being described by his teachers as closure of schools in Qatar on the 10th teachers of Aspire Academy making I advise my colleagues to keep a well-respected student, who is a hard of March 2020. Stringent measures to sure that our students still have access their enduring readiness in worker, eager to succeed and a role safeguard and follow procedure in to the best available education through sports and not to give up on model when it comes to teamwork, his observing COVID-19 regulations were distance learning, while juggling work, difficult times and face coaches characterised his attitude, laid down and put in place to guar- homelife and the worries of a pan- challenges to reach the top. I motivation and work ethic as second antee the well-being of students and demic. The effort of the administration, thank my family, who supported to none. staff during the time of their exams. the resident educators and the student The 18-year-old Qatari praised the me to get to this point, as well Due to COVID-19, the graduation cer- affairs staff of Aspire Academy’s edu- support the student-athletes had emony had to be cancelled. cation department has been tre- as the teachers and all the received during the pandemic that Aspire Academy Director General, mendous as they kept in touch with members of my second family, enabled them to take the final exams Ivan Bravo applauded the efforts in a students and parents and thereby Aspire: Qatari track-and-field well prepared. According to him, very special year. ensured the smooth transition to dis- athlete Owaab Barrow Aspire had a great impact on his life. “No one could have imagined that tance learning and fostered the “After joining Aspire, I gained many these students’ final year was going to relationship.” skills notably striking a good balance Klopp wins LMA be so disrupted and the way the aca- Aspire Academy School Principal one of the main reasons you enrolled between sports and studies and I demic and the sporting season would Jassem Al Jaber praised the graduating at Aspire Academy. Always remember learned the meaning of responsibility Manager of the need to be completed. But the way that class for their effective participation, that you have a home in Aspire. We and respect for time. I have made many they have risen to the challenge speaks their spirit of teamwork and their sharp are always happy to see you again and sporting achievements and academi- Year award highly of their inner will, character and vision, that enabled them make to to offer you our support whenever you cally, I developed my Arabic language, focus. This special determination does proceed towards the achievement of might need it in the future,” he said. especially in writing. REUTERS – LONDON not simply apply to how you complete their goals in sports and school and One of the stand-out graduates of "I advise my colleagues to keep a diploma, but rather about how you that they could obtain the desired out- Aspire Academy’s Class of 2020 is their enduring readiness in sports and Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp was manage to push forward under difficult comes during this difficult period. track-and-field athlete Owaab Barrow, not to give up on difficult times and named League Managers’ Associ- situations the rest of your life,” Bravo “My advice to you is to continue who has been a part-time athlete with face challenges to reach the top. I thank ation (LMA) manager of the year said. the journey that you started at Aspire Aspire for four years prior to joining my family, who supported me to get yesterday after guiding the Badr Al Hay, Aspire Academy’s in higher education institutes while ful- the Academy full-time in 2019. During to this point, as well as the teachers Merseyside club to their first top- Director of Education and Student filling your dreams and our vision to this time won the gold medal at 2018 and all the members of my second flight title in 30 years. Affairs also paid tribute to the great become successful athletes, which was Youth Olympic Games in the 110m family, Aspire,” Barrow said. Klopp’s Liverpool side won the Premier League title with seven games to spare and they finished the season 18 points clear at the top of the table. The German coach pipped Murray ‘mentally’ planning fforor UUSS OOpenpen Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, Wycombe Wanderers manager AFP – LONDON tennis season over “continueded uncertainties”.uncertainties”. Gareth Ainsworth and last year’s Several leading figuress have cast doubts ooverver tthehe winner Chris Wilder of Sheffield Andy Murray (pictured) is “mentally” planning for next US Open, including worldd number one NovakNovak United to the Alex Ferguson Trophy month’s US Open but admits he is apprehensive about the Djokovic, who earlier this monthnth said -- named after the former Man- return of tennis following the coronavirus shutdown. he was undecided over whetherether chester United manager. The former world number one is taking part in the Battle to travel for the “I’m absolutely delighted to be of the Brits Team Tennis event in London this week and tournament. named the winner ... for this won- remains focused on the showpiece hard-court event in New “Hopefully it can go derful Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy, York, scheduled to start on August 31. ahead but, if not, I’m also named after a man that I admire so The British player told the Metro he was expecting the OK with that,” Murray said much,” Klopp said. US Open, which he won in 2012, to go ahead. in comments reported by thehe “Everything we have accom- “We have to try and prepare that way,” he said. “We were Guardian. plished at Liverpool this year saying four or five weeks ago, you know, we were pretty “It’s not like I’m saying it must go couldn’t have been done without the sceptical about it but mentally at some stage you need to ahead. We need to try to get backack to competing superb input of my coaching staff; start preparing and planning for that.” “I’m planning to try when it’s safe to do so. Somee sports have gone they make us a really special bunch and be there in shape for the US Open,” he added. “If it wasn’t back, and seem to have donene pretty well -- of football brains. happening my schedule for practising, my rehab would all football, for example. The issueue for us is the “I love to work with my coaches, be a bit different. So yeah, mentally I’m planning for it to go travel.” Murray, still workingng his way my players and everyone at LFC and, ahead.” The three-time Grand Slam champion said he was back from injury, suggested hehe would of course, I am thankful for the still “apprehensive” but hopes tennis can follow other sports probably try to compete at thehe ATP support from all our wonderful Liv- back into action after the long lay-off. Western and Southern Open, whichwhich erpool fans.” Bielsa landed the Top-level men’s and women’s tennis has been suspended has been switched to Flushinghing Championship award after guiding since March. Tennis chiefs last week cancelled a tournament Meadows, as a warm-up eventent his side to the title and a return to in Washington DC due to mark the resumption of the men’s ahead of the US Open. the Premier League after an absence of 16 years. 22 SPORT TUESDAY 28 JULY 2020

Michael Thompson Al Sadd's Akram Afif (centre) of the United wearing a jersey that reads States poses with 'Thank You' in honour of the the trophy after efforts of healthcare workers winning the 3M and all those combating the Open in Blaine, pandemic during their QNB Minnesota, on Stars league match against Al Sunday. Khor on Saturday.

Thompson claims second PGA Tour victory at 3M Open

Football returns as QSL dedicates MINNESOTA REUTERS –

American Michael Thompson won the 3M Open in Blaine, Minnesota by two strokes to claim his round 18 to healthcare workers second career PGA Tour victory and his first in seven years. THE PENINSULA – DOHA uniform in a show of trib- to 41 following QSL STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 18 tested positive for The 35-year-old was solid throughout the ute to the medical staff. their come-from- COVID-19 ahead tournament and didn’t buckle under pressure, Football action returned to The tournament, which behind 2-1 victory POS/CLUB M W L D GD P of their match sinking a 12-foot putt on the par-five 18th to Qatar after a four-month was stopped on March 7, over Qatar SC, who 1: Al Duhail 18 13 1 4 19 43 against Al Khor. seal the win under sunny skies at TPC Twin break which was caused by resumed in accordance with stayed in ninth 2: Al Rayyan 18 12 1 5 21 41 “A few days Cities. the coronavirus (COVID-19) the precautionary measures position with 17 3: Al Sadd 18 11 5 2 47 35 ago, following “It has been a long time,” an emotional pandemic as the 2019-20 as per the general plan and points. 4: Al Gharafa 18 9 5 4 6 31 the QSL protocol, Thompson said after his round of four-under season of the QNB Stars protocol developed by the Al Sadd stayed 5: Al Arabi 18 6 6 6 2 24 I tested positive in 67. League (QSL) resumed last QSL in co-operation with third and still in 6: Al Sailiya 18 7 8 3 -3 24 the last COVID-19 “I’m really sad my wife and kids aren’t here weekend. Ministry of Public Health. contention for the 7: Al Wakrah 18 5 8 5 -3 20 test. Fortunately, to celebrate this with me. I can’t wait to see Al Duhail maintained Week 18 matches were title with a 2-1 8: Al Ahli 18 5 9 4 -9 19 I’m feeling ok, them. Babe, I love you,” he said. the lead despite a minor played on July 24, 25 and win over Al Khor, 9: Qatar SC 18 4 9 5 -7 17 but I will be iso- Thompson, who was tied for the lead coming setback following their 26, with two games on each a repeat of the result 10: Umm Salal 18 3 9 6 -18 15 lated until I am into Sunday’s final round, produced his best one-all draw with Umm day. A total of 13 goals were of their first-leg 11: Al Khor 18 3 10 5 -9 14 given the all clear. shot on the par-four 16th, where his long shot Salal as Round 18 of the scored, while two fixtures match. The reign- 12: Al Shahania 18 2 9 7 -18 13 When the health from the greenside bunker landed a couple feet League was dedicated to ended in draws. ing champions now services allow it, I from the hole. frontline workers . Despite the long break have 35 points. will be very eager He made the birdie putt to retake the lead In appreciation and grat- and unusual preparatory The defeat made Al Khor Al Shahania, under Nabil to return to my daily rou- and never looked back, finishing 19-under 265 itude for the great efforts of stages, the teams put up (14 points) slip to 11th, whereas Anwar who was assistant to tine and to work," Xavi told for the tournament, which was played without healthcare workers and all spirited fights. All positions Umm Salal, having 15 points, recently-departed Spanish Al Sadd's web site. fans in attendance to limit the spread of the those combating the pan- in the standings remained helped themselves in the bat- coach Jose Murcia, are on 13 There was one notable novel coronavirus. demic and as a thank-you the same but for Al Khor and tle to avoid relegation. points, one point behind 11th- injury during the weekend, Fellow American Adam Long finished message from the QSL and Umm Salal swapping 10th Al Gharafa remained placed Al Khor, while Al Ahli Al Duhail's defender Ahmed second after carding 17-under 267 for the tour- clubs, a special logo was and 11th spots after the lat- fourth in the table and moved stayed eighth with 19 points. Yasser who faced and unfor- nament while nine players tied for third at placed on all players’ jerseys. ter held leaders Al Duhail to on to 31 points with a 1-0 ver- Al Wakrah and Al Sailiya tunate incident during their 16-under including Tony Finau, Max Homa and Before the week’s open- a 1-1 draw. dict against Al Arabi, who played out a goalless draw match against Umm Salal. Richy Werenski. ing match between Al Gharafa Thus, the title race heated stood on 24 points. to remain seventh and sixth The injury will keep him With the win, Thompson, who came into and Al Arabi, a doctor per- up as a result of Al Duhail Al Shahania, staring at respectively with 20 and 24 away from the stadiums for the tournament ranked 218 in the world, will formed the honorary kick-off, dropping points. relegation as the basement points. 28 days , which means that he now be eligible to compete at next month’s PGA while Al Sadd players, ahead Al Duhail are on 43 points, side, did well in beating Al The talk of the week will be away from the team Championship in San Francisco. of their game against Al Khor, but Al Rayyan closed the gap Ahli to earn three crucial was Barcelona great and in the upcoming matches, the Thompson’s only other victory came at the came out in health sector with them as The Lions moved points. Al Sadd's coach Xavi being club announced. Honda Classic in 2013. He was a runner up at the 2012 US Open. Next up for Thompson is the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational in Memphis starting Thursday and then the PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco the following week. “That’s what makes this game so unbe- It has a sweet taste. Winning lievable is that we have to play for our job every is hard and this club has been year,” he said. winning for so many years. “To know that I have security for two more Every year it is harder. There years and to get into all those tournaments ... it’s just a huge bonus. I’ll have to get my mind is nothing acquired in sport right for sweating next week, but oh man, it’s and it is not easy to stay at just so exciting.” this level. It has been a very USPGA 3M OPEN SCORES hard, very long, strange Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates season. To succeed in being 265 - with team-mates after Michael Thompson 64-66-68-67 267 - champions with two rounds scoring their first goal Adam Long 68-72-63-64 268 - Robby Shelton 68-68-68-64, Emiliano Grillo (ARG) to go, is the great merit of this against Sampdoria 71-68-64-65, Charles Howell 71-65-67-65, Alex Noren (SWE) during their Serie A group: Coach Maurizio Sarri 67-69-66-66, Max Homa 65-72-64-67, Cameron Tringale after winning his first league match played at the 69-70-63-66, Tony Finau 65-66-69-68, Charl Schwartzel Allianz Stadium in title with Juventus (RSA) 66-68-66-68, Richy Werenski 63-67-68-70 Turin, Italy, on Sunday. 270 - Bo Hoag 65-73-69-63, Matthew Wolff 65-68-70- 67, Zhang Xinjun (CHN) 65-67-71-67, Cameron Davis (AUS) 67-66-69-68, Ryan Moore 65-70-67-68, Nick Watney 65-69-68-68 271 - Dylan Frittelli (RSA) 68-67-70-66, Doug Ghim Ronaldo powers Juve 70-68-67-66, Sepp Straka (AUT) 70-67-71-63, Talor Gooch 66-65-72-68, Harris English 70-65-67-69 272 - Pat Perez 70-69-66-67, Henik Norlander (SWE) to ninth straight title 70-70-67-65, Aaron Baddeley (AUS) 66-73-69-64 273 - Brice Garnett 70-67-68-68, Danny Lee (NZL) 67-68- 69-69, Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 73-66-66-68, Hank Lebioda REUTERS – MILAN led the Turin side to the first three 69-70-65-69, Michael Gilgic (CAN) 72-68-68-65, Chase titles of their present run, are on 76 Koepka 70-68-72-63 Juventus won Serie A for the ninth and Atalanta and Lazio have 75 each. season in a row when Cristiano Samp, who have climbed away Ronaldo set them on the way to a 2-0 from the relegation zone in the last win over Sampdoria on Sunday few rounds and are 15th, had Morten Alfred Dunhill Links although the Portuguese veteran Thorsby sent off for second bookable missed a late penalty. offence in the 76th minute. Championship called off The 35-year-old broke the Juve went ahead from a free kick deadlock in first-half stoppage time when Miralem Pjanic rolled the ball with his 31st league goal of the season to Ronaldo and the Portuguese swept REUTERS – KINGSBARNS and Federico Bernardeschi added the the ball home. Sampdoria had a second as Juve moved seven points flurry of chances early in the second This year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship clear of Inter Milan. half. Mehdi Leris sidefooted wide, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic, Juve, in their first season under Szczesny had to turn a looping the European Tour announced yesterday. coach Maurizio Sarri, clinched the Ramirez free kick around his post The event due to be held from October 1-4 title with two games to spare despite and Lorenzo Tonelli sent a powerful across the Old Course at St Andrews, the Cham- a stuttering run in which they won header narrowly wide from the pionship Course at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, only one out of five matches before resulting corner. and would have been celebrating its 20th Sunday. Sarri, who claimed the first After those let-offs, Juve doubled anniversary. major Italian title of his career, their lead in 67th minute. Sampdoria The tournament is now set to be played from blamed their problems on the unique goalkeeper Emil Audero could not Sept. 30-Oct. 3 in 2021. situation caused by the three-month hold Ronaldo's shot and Bernard- The European Tour returned to action this coronavirus stoppage which led to eschi, who had replaced Danilo, month with back-to-back events in Austria, while the championship race finishing in snapped up the rebound. the British Masters last week was the first of six a hectic six weeks played at the Ronaldo's evening ended on a tournaments as part of the ‘UK Swing’. height of summer. sour note when he smashed a penalty All tournaments are played without spec- Juventus have 83 points while against the crossbar after Alex tators amid strict protocols to combat the threat Inter, whose coach Antonio Conte Sandro was fouled. of the novel coronavirus. TUESDAY 28 JULY 2020 SPORT 23 Broad at peak of powers: Ex-captain Strauss

AFP - MANCHESTER former in the third Test, also at that goes without saying,” he at an age where previous new- opening stand in a home Test the Manchester ground. told reporters. “They are two of ball bowlers would have long for four years. Andrew Strauss says Stuart The 34-year-old has taken England’s greatest of all time. since retired, although England “I think Sibley and Burns at Broad has never been in better eight in the match so “What has really impressed would, ideally, like them to keep the top of the order are made form as he closes in on 500 Test far and scored a dashing 62 in me with both of them is their going until the 2021/22 Ashes in of the right stuff temperamen- wickets, praising the “extraor- England’s first innings to change hunger to continue. For the two Australia. tally,” said former Middlesex dinary” hunger of the paceman the course of the game. of them to be so hungry is “For all of us let’s write them left-hander Strauss. and his long-time new-ball Strauss, who captained both extraordinary. off at our peril and let’s not be “They’ve both got quite partner Jimmy Anderson. Broad and Anderson, paid “I honestly don’t believe in a hurry to pension them off quirky games, but very effective Broad was kept waiting to tribute to their longevity. Stuart Broad has bowled much because they have both got a lot games. I think that is a big tick.” join Anderson in the six-strong “They’ve been a phe- better than this. There were a more to offer England,” said The ongoing third Test is “500 club” after yesterday’s nomenal opening partnership, couple of years where perhaps Strauss. also supporting the Ruth fourth-day he ‘lost’ his The former skipper also Strauss Foundation, which the washout in Eng- wrist a bit acknowledged the benefit of the ex-England skipper estab- land’s series and it was competition for places provided lished after his wife died from finale with the hard work for by fast bowlers Jofra Archer and a rare form of lung cancer West Indies at him bowling Mark Wood, giving England affecting non-smokers in Old Trafford left to enviable resources to call on. 2018. him stranded on right- Strauss said the key to Andrew Strauss This year’s #RedForRuth 499 Test wickets. handers. Broad’s success was his “com- initiative has already raised The bowler “This petitiveness”, with the Notting- more than £655,000 was controver- series so far hamshire seamer revealing he able to count on Broad and ($844,000) compared to last sially omitted he seems to felt “frustrated, angry and Anderson, they have struggled year’s inaugural total of over from England’s be equally gutted” at being left out of the for a pair of reliable Test £550,000 during an Ashes Test four- loss potent first Test. opening batsmen since at Lord’s, even though there in the first Test at against left “He is at his best when he Strauss’s retirement in 2012 are no fans at Old Trafford. Southampton and right- has something to prove,” said ended his partnership with Strauss said everyone but starred in the handers.” Strauss. “He’s had the bit Alastair Cook. involved in the Foundation series-levelling Both Broad between his teeth in these last But Strauss has been had been “blown away” by the win at Old and two Test matches and that has encouraged by the form of Rory public support, adding: “For Trafford and has Anderson, served him particularly well Burns and Dom Sibley, whose us to have gone sailing past been the who turns 38 over the course of his career.” partnership of 114 on Sunday what we raised last year is standout per- this week, are While England have been was England’s first century almost beyond belief.”

England's Stuart Broad watches Sri Lanka announces his fielder in action during the third day of Premier League in August the third and AFP - COLOMBO stars who it says have agreed to play in the LPL. It also final Test against did not say if the Sri Lankan health authorities were the West indies Sri Lanka will resume top-level cricket with a new making an exception to quarantine rules for visiting at Manchester, Premier League tournament starting next month with players. Britain, on the participation of 70 international players, the cricket All those entering the island are currently required Sunday. Broad is board said yesterday. to quarantine for two weeks at state-managed centres just one wicket Sri Lanka Cricket said the proposed 23-match Lanka followed by another two weeks of self-quarantine. away from Premier League (LPL) involving five teams will start on The government had announced the reopening of August 28 and end on September 20. The matches will the country’s international airports to foreign tourists becoming only be played at four international venues on the island. from August 1, but it has since been put off indefinitely the seventh “Over 70 international players and 10 top notch amid fears of a second wave of infections. bowler to join coaches have already confirmed their availability to Sri Lanka has reported over 2,800 infections with the "500 club" take part in this tournament along with leading Sri at least 11 virus deaths since the first case, a Chinese after taking all Lankan national players,” the board said in a statement. woman tourist, tested positive on January 27. six West Indies The lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) is due to The England team abruptly pulled out of their two- start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September match Test series against Sri Lanka on March 13 as the wickets that fell 19. The UAE’s coronavirus rules require all visitors to pandemic spread. on Sunday. self-isolate for two weeks after arriving in the country. Since then, South Africa and Bangladesh have can- Sri Lanka Cricket did not name any of the foreign celled their scheduled tours of Sri Lanka. Rain frustrates England victory charge and Broad’s 500 bid

AFP - MANCHESTER

Rain wiped out the fourth day’s play at Old Trafford yesterday to frustrate England’s bid for a series- clinching win over the West Indies and keep Stuart Broad waiting for his 500th Test wicket. Bad weather meant the whole of the penultimate day’s play in the deciding third Test was washed out, with the umpires finally abandoning any hope of action soon after 4:00 pm (1500 GMT). England do, however, still have one day left to press for a win that would see them take the three- match series 2-1. Groundstaff hold a pitch cover as rain delays the Broad is just one wicket away from becoming only the seventh bowler to join the “500 club” start of play on the fourth day of the third Test after taking all six West Indies wickets that fell on Sunday. between England and the West Indies at Old Trafford, The 34-year-old paceman returned first-innings figures of 6-31 as West Indies were bundled Manchester, Britain, yesterday. out for 197 in reply to England’s 369, which included Broad’s dashing 62. And after England made 226-2 declared in their second innings, featuring ’ 90 and fifties from captain Joe Root and Dom Sibley, there was still time for Broad to strike twice by removing John Campbell and nightwatchman Kemar Roach. That left Broad, controversially omitted from West Indies’ win in the series opener at South- Willey, Topley get England recalls ampton, on 499 Test wickets. The only bowlers with more than 600 Test wickets are a trio of former spinners -- Sri Lanka’s AFP - MANCHESTER ODI squad: Eoin Morgan (Middlesex, capt), Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Australian Shane Warne (708) and India’s Anil Kumble (619). Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonny Bairstow (York- The only seamers ahead of Broad are his long-time England new-ball colleague James Anderson Left-arm pacemen David Willey and Reece shire, wkt), Tom Banton (Somerset), Sam Billings (589 wickets) and Australia’s Glenn McGrath (563) and the West Indies’ Courtney Walsh (519), both Topley were recalled to the England one-day (Kent, wkt), (Surrey), Liam Dawson of whom are retired. international squad announced yesterday for the (Hampshire), Joe Denly (Kent), West Indies will resume on 10-2, chasing an unlikely victory target of 399. three-match series against Ireland. (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), No side has made more to win in the fourth innings of an Old Trafford Test than England’s 294-4 The pair were included in a (Surrey), (Surrey), James Vince against New Zealand in 2008. 14-strong group for three games (July 30, Aug 1 (Hampshire), David Willey (Yorkshire) Reserves: West Indies, who hold the Wisden Trophy after a 2-1 win over Root’s men in the Caribbean last and Aug 4) at Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl Richard Gleeson (Lancashire), Lewis Gregory year, are bidding for their first Test series success in England since 1988. headquarters. (Somerset), (Lancashire) Wickets, runs and socially distanced fans -- cricket in the virus era

AFP - LONDON some from rivals Middlesex -- to cheer to be a trained epidemiologist just to wearing masks (when indoors) and “There’s been a lot of talk about them on a day that even the unpre- place people in seats. We looked at a one-way systems, the way we are mindfulness during lockdown,” he Surrey cricketers and dictable British weather did not wish variety of models regarding socially seated in the ground. I hope this is the said. “A good day at the cricket ticks Ryan Patel on Sunday experienced to ruin with the sun making welcome distanced seating and that has been a start - not a one-off.” a lot of boxes. You are in the open air something no other sportsmen in if sporadic appearances. challenge.” Gregory Mumford joked it was with a crowd with whom you can England have enjoyed since March The spectators, some enjoying soft The members may have been there great for once the crowd at a friendly communicate if you wish or be in your when they strode to the wicket at The drinks, some in Panama hats, sat in for a day’s live cricket but for long- match “outnumbered the Surrey own thoughts. Oval - applause from a crowd alternate rows due to social distancing time member David Wright it was one pigeons.” “There can be a lot of positives desperate to witness live action in the rules. he doubted he would see. Mumford had brought his wife coming here.” flesh after the coronavirus lockdown. Those who came as a group or a “Probably six or eight weeks ago with him although he said she had Cafe owner Gail Hadley has been The Premier League football couple could sit beside each other in I thought, no probably won’t get to see been initially reluctant. coming to see Surrey for “donkey’s season has been played out in empty the 1845 Stand named after the year anything,” said. “But now I’m firmly “I think it got to the point when we years” and said she was very stadia -- cardboard cut-outs of fans the club was founded. of the view that this is perfectly pos- started to visit family there was a impressed with the way Surrey had at some grounds proving no substitute Richard Gould, the long-serving sible. It’s a nice moment. We’re back natural progression to do different dealt with the social distancing. for noise and atmosphere. Surrey chief executive, said lessons and it feels like you have never been things. Coming here it is nice to come “I think the way they’ve done it, Frankie Dettori and wonder mare had already been learned from Sun- away.” back to familiar territory. It provides it’s really well done,” she said on Enable were applauded into the day’s pilot scheme -- others follow at Wright, who fell under cricket’s reassurance more than anything.” Sunday. winners enclosure at Ascot after a his- the world snooker championships on spell watching it on TV with his father Mumford acknowledges that That’s music to Gould’s ears who toric third victory in the King George Friday and Glorious Goodwood racing back in the 1970s, says he would be unlike him and his wife, who live close acknowledges hosting such a pilot VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Sat- festival next Saturday. fine travelling farther afield to watch to the south London ground, some scheme is no bad thing for the profile urday by 30 people. “Primarily how you allocate seats,” his beloved Surrey. might think twice about coming if they of the club. However, they were on-course he said. “Normally with online tick- “I would be there like a shot,” said had to travel by public transport. “Always good for the profile,” he staff, trainers and owners. eting systems you fill your boots in Wright, who attended Sunday’s game However, he believes attending the said smiling. Stoneman and Patel had 1,000 terms of selling seats but this is a dif- with three friends. cricket can do wonders for the state “We like to show off sometimes, members -- mostly from Surrey but ferent scenario. You don’t really want “This feels perfectly safe. Everyone of mind. everyone does.”