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JuventusJu reach Coach Misbah Cup final as says no strings actionac resumes attached to in Italy England tour

SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020 Goretzka keeps Bayern on track for title AP – BERLIN were put on ice earlier after BUNDESLIGA RESULTS Erling Haaland scored in the Bayern Munich’s German midfielder Leon Goretzka (left) heads the ball during the Leon Goretzka scored late for fifth minute of injury time for Wolfsburg 2 (Weghorst 14, 27-pen) German Bundesliga match against Borussia Bayern Munich to take another Dortmund to beat Fortuna Düs- Freiburg 2 (Hoeler 43, Sallai 46) Moenchengladbach in Munich, yesterday. step closer to a record- seldorf 1-0. Fortuna Duesseldorf 0 extending eighth straight Dortmund labored for long Bundesliga title after beating periods in Düsseldorf, where Borussia Dortmund 1 (Haaland 90+5) Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-1 Achraf Hakimi missed the vis- Hertha Berlin 1 (Piatek 24) yesterday. itors’ biggest chance in a one- Goretzka capitalised on a on-one with goalkeeper Eintracht Frankfurt 4 (Dost 51, Silva 62, lapse in concentration in the Florian Kastenmeier, who also 86, Ndicka 69) visiting defense when he struck had little difficulty dealing with Cologne 1 (Cordoba 90+2) Union in the 86th minute, firing inside Julian Brandt’s effort. Berlin 2 (Friedrich 39, Gentner 67) the far post after being picked Raphaël Guerreiro thought out by Benjamin Pavard. he’d equalized in the 65th, Paderborn 1 (Sabiri 66) Werder The win kept Bayern seven when he finished off a coun- Bremen 5 (Klaassen 20, 39, Osako 34, points clear of Borussia terattack with a volley past Eggestein 60, Fuellkrug 90) Dortmund with three rounds Kastenmeier. However, the to play. goal was ruled out through VAR Bayern Munich 2 (Zirkzee 26, Goretzka Bayern’s opener was set up after he was adjudged to have by Gladbach goalkeeper Yann controlled the ball with his 86) Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 Sommer in the 26th when he arm. (Pavard 37-og) passed straight to Joshua Düsseldorf substitute Zirkzee, who gratefully Steven Skrzybski struck the Playing today returned the ball to the post twice in the closing stages. Mainz vs Augsburg (1330), Schalke vs unguarded net. But it was to be another Bayer Leverkusen (1600) Gladbach had been the substitute, the 19-year-old better side. Jonas Hofmann had Haaland, who powered home Played on Friday a goal ruled out through VAR a header from Manuel Akanji’s Hoffenheim 0 RB Leipzig 2 (Olmo 9, 11) for offside, and Manuel Neuer cross in the 95th minute to denied Breel Embolo, who also keep alive Dortmund’s slim missed the rebound. title hopes. Bayern’s goal dif- behind Düsseldorf on goal dif- All Bundesliga games are bringing down Bad Dost just of the round. Japanese mid- But the visitors regrouped ference is vastly superior to ference. Düsseldorf is third from being played without fans and before the line. The defender fielder Daichi Kamada dribbled and equalized through Pavard’s Dortmund’s so a draw would bottom in the relegation playoff amid strict hygiene measures was initially shown his second past three Hertha defnders and own goal in the 37th. The have been little use to Lucien place. Paderborn has 20 points, since the league resumed on yellow card and Frankfurt cut the ball back for André Silva French defender tried to stop Favre’s side. while Bremen and Düsseldorf May 16 to reduce the threat of awarded a penalty, but the to score with the back of his Patrick Herrmann’s cross from The Swiss coach appeared have 28. coronavirus infections. decision was changed to a heel. reaching Hofmann at the back to injure himself in the Union Berlin boosted its Hertha Berlin was to rue straight red and a free kick Perhaps inspired, Danny da post but couldn’t help celebrations. survival hopes beating Cologne Dedryck Boyata’s sending off after a VAR consultation. Costa eluded four Hertha deflecting it past Neuer. Last-placed Paderborn was 2-1. before the break as Eintracht However, TV replays showed defenders before setting up Pavard atoned by setting up virtually relegated in a 5-1 “Soccer without fans is Frankfurt came from behind little if no contact. Evan Ndicka for Frankfurt’s Goretzka for the winner. defeat at home to Werder nothing,” read a banner behind to win 4-1. Frankfurt’s second goal in third in the 69th. Silva wrapped Bayern’s title celebrations Bremen, which moved just one of the goals in Paderborn. Boyata was sent off for the 62nd was arguably the goal it up in the 86th. Silva, Cavani Al Attiyah to to leave PSG vie for fourth AFP – PARIS

Paris Saint-Germain sporting title at 43rd director Leonardo has confirmed that veteran duo Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani will not stay Dakar Rally with the French champions with their contracts due to expire at THE PENINSULA – DOHA the end of this month. “Yes, we are coming to the Qatar's three-time Dakar Rally end,” Leonardo said in an Qatar SC players, technical and administrative staff wait for their turn for COVID-19 tests champion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah interview with newspaper Le at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Stadium yesterday. The tests are being conducted as part will give another shot at the pres- Journal du Dimanche. of arrangements for the players’ training ahead of the resumption of 2019-20 season QNB tigious title during the 43rd edition “It has been a very difficult Stars League (QSL). RIGHT: Al Sadd's coach Xavi Hernandez undergoes a PCR test. of the competition. decision to reach. These are Qatar News Agency (QNA) yes- players who have marked the terday reported that the champion history of the club and you rally driver will compete at next wonder if you should carry on year's event in Saudi Arabia. a little longer together or if it’s QSAT holds first virtual hearing Al Attiyah's French co-driver best to avoid staying a year too Matthieu Baumel had tweeted earlier, long. We needed to make the THE PENINSULA – DOHA from different locations across also added that the measures saying: " We are ready for next @ right decision, including in eco- four different countries. taken by the QSAF including dakar and you ? @AlAttiyahN @mat- nomic terms and in terms of the The Qatar Sports Arbitration During the hearing, the tri- the Emergency Provisions of thieubaumel @TGReurope" next generation of players Tribunal (QSAT) held its first bunal heard the oral argu- the Coronavirus (COVID-19) The pair finished second behind coming through.” virtual hearing recently. ments of the parties through which was approved by Spanish driver Carlos Sainz Sr. In It was widely reported The hearing, conducted employing the state-of-the- QSAF’s General Assembly and Saudi Arabia. earlier this week that Brazilian using a virtual platform as part art audio and visual tech- the electronic infrastructure Next year's rally will begin on centre-back Silva, the PSG of the operational plan nology. In his statement, employed were aiming to January 3 in Jeddah and conclude in captain who turns 36 later this approved by Qatar Sports Ibrahim Khalil Al Muhannadi, ensure that access to justice is the same coastal city 12 days later year, would not be kept on at Arbitration Foundation (QSAF) President of QSAF, expressed maintained during the pan- after 11 stages and a special stage that the Parc des Princes, where he to combat the impact of Coro- his satisfaction that the first demic and to preserve the will determine the starting order for arrived from AC Milan in 2012. navirus (COVID-19) pandemic. virtual session was held suc- rights of the parties. the opening special. Silva’s contract is due to During the hearing, all parties cessfully, especially that it Further details about QSAF The event, launched in 1979 with expire at the end of this month, including the arbitrators, QSAT included parties located are available at the Founda- Ibrahim Khalil Al Muhannadi, its original route between Paris and as is that of Uruguayan Cavani. staff and lawyers all appeared outside Qatar. Al Muhannadi tion's web site, www.qsaf.qa. President of QSAF the Senegalese capital Dakar, moved to Saudi Arabia this year after a decade in SouSouthth Former Pakistan skipper Afridi contracts coronavirus America.America. AFP – KARACHI recovery, Inshallah (God willing),” he Afridi stills holds the record for “Brother your services toto our added. hitting the most sixes in one day inter- homeland especially in the lastast few Pakistan’s well-loved former cricket His career, spanning1996 to 2018, nationals, striking 351 in 398 matches. months are forever etched iinn ouourr captain Shahid Afridi (pictured) took off when he smashed a 37-ball Since retiring from international hearts. We all know the fighter thathat youyou yesterday said he had tested positive hundred in only his second cricketcr in 2018, Afridi has been active are, sending all the prayers pos-os- for coronavirus, as thehe pandemicpandemic accel-accel- oone-dayne-day international, inin charity work through his own foun- sible, wish you a speedy recoveryy erates across Pakistan.tan. against Sri Lanka in dation.d He has been providing food and good health,” tweeted long The 40-year-oldd all-rounder, NairobiNairobi in 11996.996. donationsd to people in remote areas time team-mate Shoaib Malik. known for toweringng sixes and TheThe recordrecord wwasas ofo Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balo- Another former team-mate distinctive celebrationsations after later broken bbyy New chistanch provinces hit by the impact of Mohammad Hafeez describedd taking a wicket ass a bowler,bowler, ZZealand’sealand’s Corey theth virus and the lockdown. Afridi as a “fighter by nature” in revealed his illness oonn Twitter.Twitter. AAndersonnderson ((3636 ball “I am happy to serve my people but a message of support. Fans “I’ve been feelingling unwelunwelll hundred in 2014)2014) and I am doing all precautions with mask have also rallied round the since Thursday; mymy body had ABAB de Villiers ((3131 balballsls anda disinfection so its a risk worth cricketer on social media. been aching badly.y. I’ve been in 2015).2015). taking,”ta he told AFP last week. “You have faced many tested and unfortunatelyunately “These are very hard times on challenges in cricket and we I’m covid positive,” AAfridifridi humanityh across the world...” Pakistan have seen you come out on topp said. CricketC Board and fellow former and this virus is no different, smashmash “Need prayerss playersp were quick to offer their it out of the park & get well soon,” for a speedy support to Afridi. tweeted one fan. 06 SPORT SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020 Juventus reach Cup final as action resumes in Italy

AFP – ROME peninsula have died because of the coronavirus with the vast majority in Juventus reached the Italian Cup final northern regions like Piedmont and after a goalless draw with 10-man AC Lombardy which host Juve and Milan. Milan in the semi-final, second leg in Both teams held a minute’s silence Turin on the day football returned to before kick-off for those who lost their Italy after three months away. lives to the virus before breaking out Serie A champions Juve advanced into applause for healthcare workers, on away goals to Wednesday’s final in three of whom were stood in the centre Rome thanks to February’s 1-1 first-leg circle. draw at the San Siro, despite an under- Juventus players warmed up before par display against a Milan side who the match in T-shirts with the message played 74 minutes with a man less and “No Racism”, while Milan wore tops which featured a missed Cristiano on with “Black Lives Matter” written Ronaldo penalty. on them, in solidarity with global pro- At the capital’s Stadio Olimpico, tests over the death of George Floyd. Maurizio Sarri’s side will face either Juventus’ Brazilian forward Douglas Costa (right) and AC Milan’s Italian defender The few fans hanging around the Napoli or Inter Milan, the last side Juve Andrea Conti vie for the ball during the Italian Cup (Coppa Italia) semi-final second Allianz Stadium told AFP that they faced before football entered into its leg match played at the Allianz stadium in Turin, on Friday. were happy to see football come back coronavirus-enforced hiatus in March. as the country edges towards Napoli take on Antonio Conte’s normality. Inter at Naples’ Stadio San Paolo on long absence from the pitch, with Juve away side, they found themselves a with another header 10 minutes from However they were sad that Saturday with a 1-0 lead from the first -- missing the likes of Giorgio Chiellini man down seconds later when Ante the end. matches had to take place without the leg, in another match set for an eery and Gonzalo Higuain -- roaring out of Rebic kicked Danilo in the head. However Juve also had their passionate support that accompanies atmosphere without supporters. the blocks and Milan putting in some With Zlatan Ibrahimovic out chances, with Milan stopper Gianluigi most matches in Italy. “It was odd and difficult at the start, questionable challenges to try to stop injured and Samu Castillejo suspended, Donnarumma doing well to keep out “It’s hard for a team not to be able playing in an empty stadium after 90 themselves from being overrun. Stefano Pioli’s side were missing some Blaise Matuidi’s thumping close range to count on the presence of the days away,” said Leonardo Bonucci to Juve should have been ahead in firepower going forward, but managed effort on the half-hour mark, and two cheering fans,” said Massimiliano public broadcaster RAI 1. with just 15 minutes on the clock when to create problems for Juve despite great efforts from Paulo Dybala and Balduzzi, 47, from Bergamo, one of the “We’ve shaken off a dark moment Andrea Conti clipped the ball in the spending most of the match on the Alex Sandro late in the second half. country’s worst-hit areas. for the whole world. I hope being back penalty area with his elbow and con- back foot. The match was played on the day “I believe that there should always will offer the fans at home a bit of hope ceded a penalty after a VAR check. Hakan Calhanoglu had Milan’s best Italy would have kicked off Euro 2020 be cheering at the stadium. Unfortu- and joy. We want to give them some- Ronaldo hit the woodwork with the chance two minutes after the restart, in Rome had the tournament not been nately, with what happened, we can thing more on Wednesday.” resulting spot-kick, but while that flashing a free header wide, while postponed for a year. only keep on waiting and hope that A feisty start belied the two teams’ should have been a reprieve for the Simon Kjaer should have done better More than 34,000 people on the everything will go well.”

Harold Varner III of the United States NBA: Irving Virus shutdown plays his shot from the ninth tee during the second round of the lobbies players Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial brings coaches’ Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, against restart struggles on Friday. as protest to the fore AGENCIES – NEW YORK Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie REUTERS – MUMBAI Irving reportedly opposes the NBA restart plan, and he Financial aid has slowly trickled in for lobbied fellow players on tennis players in the lower echelons of the Friday to sit out the scheduled sport during the COVID-19 shutdown but resumption of play as a the vast majority of men and women who protest against racism, coach them for a living have been left to multiple media outlets fend for themselves. reported. Some, like Simona Halep’s coach According to The Athletic’s Darren Cahill, continue to be paid for their Shams Charania, Irving told work but the Australian acknowledges he more than 80 NBA players on is one of the lucky ones and that more help a conference call, “I don’t needs to be extended for those who are Varner leads as McIlroy support going into Orlando. such a key part of a player’s success. I’m not with the systematic “I know I’m privileged because I work racism and the (expletive). with a great player, and Simona has always Something smells a little fishy. looked after me and still does,” he told ... I’m willing to give up eve- Reuters from Adelaide. charges in PGA return rything I have (for social “So I’m one of the lucky ones but I know reform).” that I’m one of the few. In the main draw AFP – LOS ANGELES CHARLES SCHWAB Floyd spent pinned down by a Turner Sports’ Taylor of men’s or women’s tournaments there CHALLENGE SCORES white police officer kneeling on his Rooks tweeted, “Sources tell are 128 players (and) there might be 100 Harold Varner overcame a triple- neck. me majority of the NBA call coaches that turn up in those bogey start to maintain the lead at Leading scores after Friday’s second Spieth, another back nine starter, was on social justice reform. tournaments. the halfway stage of the Charles round of the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab had the lead after six birdies in his It lasted for about 2 hours, but “The vast majority of those coaches Schwab Challenge as the hard- Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas (USA unless first 11 holes but four-putted for over an hour was dedicated have made nothing through this period, charging Rory McIlroy and Jordan noted, par-70): double bogey at the third and took to that. and it’s been incredibly tough.” Spieth appear poised to strike. a bogey at the par-three fourth after "While they are absolutely

In May, tennis governing bodies said Varner, one of three black missing the green. all concerned about COVID they raised over $6m to help about 800 players in the top 200 in the world 129 - Harold Varner 63-66 He bounced back with birdie and that was a vital part of singles and doubles players, while the rankings, fired a four-under-par 66 130 - Jordan Spieth 65-65, Bryson putts from 16 feet at the fifth and 12 conversation. Racial injustice International Tennis Federation, which at Colonial Country Club to reach DeChambeau 65-65 feet at the sixth to stay on Varner’s is the #1 talking point.” runs the feeder circuit for the men’s ATP 11-under 129 after 36 holes in the 131 - Xander Schauffele 65-66, Collin heels. An unnamed “widely and women’s WTA tours, added another US PGA Tour’s return event after a Morikawa 64-67, Rory McIlroy (NIR) 68-63 McIlroy opened at the 10th hole respected” player told ESPN’s $350,000 for those ranked between three-month shutdown due to the 132 - Justin Thomas 64-68, Daniel Berger and birdied three times on the back Adrian Wojnarowski, “Once 501-700. new coronavirus pandemic. 65-67, Justin Rose (ENG) 63-69, Gary side before sinking a 23-foot eagle we start playing basketball But there has been little help for “I have learned a lot about Woodland 65-67, Branden Grace (RSA) putt at the par-five first hole and fol- again, the news will turn from coaches. myself through adversity. America lowing with a 10-foot birdie putt at systemic racism to who did 66-66 The ITF has made a range of learning is going through adversity right now the second. what in the game last night. resources on its academy platform so it is pretty eye-opening,” said 133 - Corey Conners (CAN) 66-67, Joel Back-to-back birdies at the sixth "It’s a crucial time for us available for free during the shutdown Varner, later referring to protests Dahmen 68-65 and seventh put McIlroy one stroke to be able to play and blend while the ATP Tour announced an initi- against the death of George Floyd, 134 - Bubba Watson 68-66, Brian Harman off the course record but a losing that and impact what’s hap- ative this week that will give fans the a black man killed recently as he 65-69, Peter Uihlein 69-65, JT Poston bogey dropped him two off Varner’s pening in our communities. chance to bid for sessions with top coaches. was detained by white police 68-66, Abrahamam Ancer (MEX) 6464-70 70 pace.pace. We are asking ourselves, Funds raised from the sessions will go officers. 135 - Im Sung-Jaeg-Jae ‘Where and how can we to the tour’s Coaches Committee to support Jordan Spieth and Bryson (KOR) 66-69, Rafaelafael make the biggest impact?’ its members. DeChambeau are tied for second, Cabrera (ESP)SP) Mental health is part of the one stroke back after a second con- 68-67, Patrickick discussion, too, and how we secutive 65s, while world number handle all of that in a Rodgers 67-68,68, one McIlroy fired a 63 to join Collin bubble.” Morikawa and Xander Schauffele Mark Hubbardbard Some star players on the France plans low-key sharing third on 131. 67-68, Tyler Duncanuncan Rory call shared their view that England’s Justin Rose and 65-70, Harry HiggsHiggs McIlroy sitting out the remainder of tennis return in July American Justin Thomas are tied for 70-65 the season would adversely seventh. impact their economic AFP – PARIS This week’s Charles Schwab outlook not just this season Challenge is full of firsts, the biggest birdies from fourfour feetfeet but moving forward, French tennis announced a cautious step out of change being the absence of at 11 and 10 feeteet at tthehe according to Yahoo Sports’ the coronavirus lockdown yesterday with the spectators. par-three 12th2th and Vincent Goodwill. announcement of the return of professional Players have to undergo temper- par-three 16thth holes. The report added that the tournaments in July including a mini-tour on ature screenings, regular COVID-19 “If you goinggoing to stars warned their peers that the Riviera. testing and practice social make a tripleple do iitt the players union’s leverage The idea of a small tour in the south has distancing. while you arere playing is low in the middle of the been pushed for a while by former French pro- “When that first birdie putt went well,” said VarnerVarner,, coronavirus pandemic. fessional Thierry Ascione and it will be “created in and I didn’t get a clap ... my hand seeking his first PGA Yahoo Sports’ Chris and organised” by the French Tennis Feder- was trying to go up to wave to Tour win. Haynes’ reported that Irving ation (FFT) as the “Challenge Elite FFT”. someone in the gallery, but there’s After a bogeyogey at 18, said he would support the It will be made up of three tournaments obviously no one there,” McIlroy Varner closedsed witwithh a players if they decided to with events in Nice (July 6-11), Cannes (July said. flourish that ststartedarted wiwithth proceed with the scheduled 13-18), and Villeneuve-Loubet (July 20-25). The field includes 15 of the a 31-foot birdiedie putt at thethe restart near Orlando. The events will be open to 24 men and 12 world’s top 20 players, but some par-three ffourth.ourth. He The league plan calls for women. Most of the places will be reserved for bigger names from outside of North made three momorere in 22 teams with a chance to players whose rankings would, at the least, allow America skipped it because trav- a row, the lastast a advance in the play-offs to be them to enter the qualifying rounds of Grand elling to the US would mean two- 20-footer at sseven,even, sequestered at the Walt Slam events. weeks quarantine. and closed withwith a Disney World Resort. The semi-finals and final will be broadcast After an opening 63 to match 10-foot birdiee puttputt at Players will be on the FFT’s web channel. Britain’s late-starting Rose for the the ninth. restricted in where they can World tennis governing bodies are due to first-day lead, Varner took a seven The Tourur isis alsoalso go, and Bleacher Report’s announce soon whether or not the North at the par-four 10th hole to begin his holding a momentoment ooff Howard Beck reported that American part of the season will be played. second round, soaring off the tee and silence everyry round many players could refuse The US Open is still scheduled to run from finding a bunker and rough before at 8:46am, markingmarking to play because they “want August 24 to September 13 but several leading reaching the green. the time -- 8 minminutesutes more freedom of players have expressed reservations. Varner bounced back with 46 seconds --- GeorgeGeorge movement.” SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2020 SPORT 07

Salary cap No masks needed: Rugby fans in review chief warns against New Zealand return to stadium English AFP - DUNEDIN Chiefs we just kept Fans attend the Super Rugby match between the Otago trying to compete as rugby strike Highlanders and Waikato Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium More than 20,000 fans witnessed the much as we could and in Dunedin yesterday. Otago Highlanders edge a 28-27 thriller managed to just be on AFP - LONDON against the Waikato Chiefs yesterday as the right side of the New Zealand welcomed the return of ledger at the end.” The man behind the review of live sport after the coronavirus. As fans flowed the Premiership’s salary cap The highest profile sports fixture through the gates has warned English rugby worldwide since the pandemic, and one there was no sign of union about being dragged of the first with an unrestricted crowd, face masks or sani- into a players’ strike. did not disappoint, as Bryn Gatland’s tiser -- or the card- Paul Myners’ report, com- last-gasp drop goal settled a nail-biter board cut-outs used missioned after the Saracens’ in Dunedin. to fill empty stadiums scandal that will see the Gatland drilled the winning points in other countries reigning champions relegated, in the 79th minute, denying the Chiefs where crowds are still prompted a unanimous -- who are coached by his father, ex- barred. announcement this week by Wales boss Warren -- after they had “I don’t really the clubs to cut the cap from snatched the lead with their own drop have any health con- £6.4m ($8m) to £5m for the goal just a minute earlier. cerns,” said one fan, 2020/21 campaign. The Super Rugby Aotearoa game was who gave his name as This has sparked a furious played in a festival atmosphere at the Peter. row between the clubs and the Forsyth Barr Stadium just six days after Another spec- Rugby Players’ Association New Zealand declared itself free of tator, Wendy, said she (RPA). COVID-19 and lifted restrictions on mass feared New Zealand The RPA warned of a “sig- gatherings. nificant legal dispute unless “Actually being meaningful and genuine dia- able to watch a logue takes place urgently”. rugby game after That prompted the clubs quarantine, we’ve to accuse the RPA on Friday of come a long way soon. I’m bloody happy. I’m breakdown infringements. In a see- attempting to “sow division since COVID. I think sure rugby fans all over the sawing first half, the Highlanders took and create uncertainty”. New Zealand’s doing world have the same an early lead from a Mitch Hunt penalty But Myners, a former pretty good,” a fan feeling right now.” and after falling behind to a pair of British government finance named Jordan said. The Highlanders had McKenzie penalties, they hit the front minister, said current spending Gatland was only only one win from six again with Hunt converting tries by Ash on players’ wages was unsus- brought on to the games compared to the Dixon and Sio Tomkinson. tainable and urged both sides bench for the High- Chiefs’ four when the The Chiefs, finding space out wide, to pull back from the brink of landers after Josh 15-team, five-nation Super struck back with a Sean Wainui try and a full scale dispute. Ioane pulled out Rugby was suspended in another McKenzie penalty, before “Common sense would say with a groin strain, March because of the Marino Mikaele-Tu’u scored on the we need to sit down and have and came on for his coronavirus. stroke of half-time for the Highlanders constructive, respectful dis- game-winning But they looked a to turn with a 22-16 advantage while cussions,” Myners told The cameo near the end. sharper unit, despite two down to 14-men with Vili Koroi in the Guardian. “It would be fool- In a tense finish, yellow cards and problems sin-bin. hardy for the players to feel Damian McKenzie’s at the breakdown in the After McKenzie and Hunt traded they’ve been pushed into a sit- drop goal put the opening game of Super penalties in the third quarter the Chiefs uation where they have to Chiefs ahead, only for Gatland to settle would have stayed locked down longer Rugby Aotearoa, an interim domestic regained the lead with an Anton Lienert- strike. If you’re an owner won- the contest with his long-distance reply “but I’m happy that we’re not. Nobody’s replacement for the wider Brown try and McKenzie’s drop goal dering how much longer you from nearly 40 metres. wearing masks, it’s good”. championship. before Gatland sealed the match. want to go on writing annual “I never imagined it would be like South Africa broadcaster Kaunda The fast-paced encounter was New Zealand recorded 1,154 con- cheques, nothing’s more likely that,” Highlanders captain Ash Dixon Ntunja tweeted: “Watching live rugby marred by a high count of 30 penalties, firmed coronavirus cases, including 22 to tip you over the line than said. “It wasn’t perfect but we gutsed it with a crowd at the stadium is some- 17 against the Highlanders, with referee deaths, but has now gone 22 days being exposed to industrial out and playing a quality side like the thing I didn’t think I would see anytime Paul Williams putting a special focus on without any new cases. action.” Vasant Raiji, world’s oldest Misbah says no strings ECB vows changes first-class attached to England tour to address racism cricketer, AFP - LONDON just the ECB but all cricketing in English cricket dies at 100 nations to help each other so Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq this game can grow. It’s REUTERS - LONDON (pictured) is adamant Paki- important for cricket fans in AFP - NEW DELHI stan’s upcoming tour of England Pakistan and also for Pakistan The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has acknowledged amid the coronavirus pandemic cricket that countries start that the sport is not immune to systemic racism and says it will Vasant Raiji, the world’s oldest is not dependent upon a return touring Pakistan.” address the issue and try to bring “meaningful and long-term first-class cricketer, died aged visit. Meanwhile Misbah said change” to the game. 100 in Mumbai yesterday, his Next month international Pakistan’s experience of playing Athletes across a range of sports have spoken out about son-in-law Sudarsahan cricket is set to resume for the ‘home’ games in the United racism after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died Nanavata told Indian media. first time since the outbreak as Arab Emirates without the on May 25 after a white policeman knelt on his neck for nearly Raiji, a right-handed England host the West Indies in “energy” provided by fans nine minutes in Minneapolis. batsman, played nine first- a three-Test series staged would stand them in good stead “We have listened carefully to those who have spoken out class matches between 1938 behind closed doors. for matches in England where in recent weeks about their experiences of being black in cricket, and 1950, scoring 277 runs at Pakistan are also meant to there will be no spectators on sport and society,” the ECB said in a statement. an average of 23.08. He was play three Tests, as well as three health grounds. “We admire them for being vocal on this crucial topic. also a cricket historian. Twenty20s, in a series more than 50,000 people have “Nobody understands it “We know that systemic racism spans institutions and “He (Raiji) passed away at scheduled to start on August 5, died from COVID-19 in Britain, better than us because we sectors across the country and we know that our sport is not 2.20 am in his sleep at his res- although the England and are also a financial minnow played much more cricket than immune. idence in Walkeshwar in South Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have compared to the ECB. any other team in the world “We truly believe that cricket is a game for everyone but Mumbai due to old-age,” his still to confirm the dates. But Pakistan chief selector with empty stadiums in the understand that sadly, barriers to its enjoyment exist for many son-in-law Sudarshan Nan- Major international teams and head coach Misbah, in a UAE,” he said. communities.” avati said. stopped touring Pakistan after conference call yesterday, “Obviously in a bigger Former England batsman Michael Carberry said cricket Indian batting great Sachin Sri Lanka’s team bus was rejected talk of a reciprocal picture, if we want to resume was “rife with racism” while fast bowler James Anderson said Tendulkar and former Aus- attacked by armed militants in arrangement. international cricket, we have the team will consider a joint anti-racism protest with West tralia captain Steve Waugh Lahore in 2009 and, although “It is not in our minds that to start it from somewhere.” Indies during their three-test series next month. visited Raiji at his Mumbai some have returned recently, we are coming and keeping in Misbah also wished Shahid The ECB said they had made progress in bringing the game home on his 100th birthday on it is 15 years since England last view something that the ECB Afridi well after his fellow to more people and that they would “break down barriers and January 26. visited the country. has to do for us in return,” he former Pakistan skipper reform our structures”. “His warmth and passion Cricket West Indies (CWI) said. “It is important for us to tweeted on Saturday he had “We will now work to engage community leaders and black for playing and watching president Ricky Skerritt told restart international cricket tested positive for the illness. influencers within cricket so that we can review and evolve Cricket was endearing,” Ten- ESPN Cricinfo on Friday a $3m somewhere, get the players “My prayers are with him, our existing inclusion and diversity work and specifically dulkar wrote of his meeting loan to CWI by the ECB in May, back on the ground. That is the all well wishes with him that he address the issues raised by the black community,” it added. with Raiji on Twitter following was not contingent upon his most important thing at the gets out of this soon,” said “From there, it is our overall desire to create demonstrable the announcement of the side touring England but rather moment.” Misbah. “I think he was doing action, in order to deliver meaningful and long-term change death. According to Indian a “helping hand” from one of Nevertheless, looking to the a lot of work in the area of Balo- that permeates every layer of the game.” sports statistician Mohandas the sport’s wealthiest major longer term, the former chistan and the northern areas On Friday, Vikram Solanki was appointed as Surrey's new Menon, New Zealand’s Alan bodies to one of its poorest. Pakistan captain added: “Obvi- just to help the people. head coach, the only person from a black, Asian or ethnic Burgess, who was 100 on May The Pakistan Cricket Board, ously, in a bigger picture, we Throughout the COVID situ- minority background in such a role among the 18 first-class 1, is now the world’s oldest who announced on Friday a are not expecting anything in ation he was helping the poor, counties. living first-class cricketer. touring squad at a time when return but overall, we want not doing a very good job.”

In this picture taken on January 26, 2020 Simmons puts faith in domino theory and received as a courtesy of cricket AFP- LONDON cards, a few things the guys are enjoying. When umpire Marcus you have characters like Jason Holder everyone Dominic Couto, Dominoes may be an unusual way to get ready is always laughing and enjoying themselves.” former players for cricket but West Indies coach Phil Simmons Simmons, himself a former West Indies all- India’s Sachin believes the traditional Caribbean past time will rounder, added: “The biggest challenge is Tendulkar (left) and help his squad’s morale ahead of their behind- boredom, but saying that in this scenario -- Australia’s Steve closed-doors Test series with England. because of doing nothing, no cricket being play Waugh celebrate The West Indies arrived in Manchester on for the last however many months -- that will the 100th birthday Tuesday and will now spend several weeks at take a while to come into play. The guys are of world’s oldest Old Trafford ahead of the first Test at South- hungry, they want to play and practise.” first-class cricketer ampton starting on July 8 before returning to In Britain, the BBC are currently screening India’s Vasant Raiji Lancashire for the final two matches. highlights of England-West Indies matches, most (center) in Mumbai. “There’s always dominoes -- as you can recently the 1984 Test at Lord’s where Gordon Raiji died aged imagine if you’ve been to the Caribbean that is a Greenidge scored an unbeaten double century 100 in Mumbai highly explosive form of entertainment,” in a stunning win after home captain David yesterday. Simmons told a conference call yesterday. Gower had set the tourists the then seemingly “We have a golf simulation centre, we have impossible task of scoring 342 in under a day.