WEDNESDAY 31 JULY 2019 SPORT 17 Test is the pinnacle of our sport. It is the very essence of cricket and the majority of CRICKET RACING players want to strive to play the purist form of England’s the game. The ICC World Test Championship is fast bowler Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Qatar Goodwood Festival another brilliant initiative for the sport, James Anderson 3rd and final ODI, (D/N) Day 2 at Goodwood

adding context and relevance to every series. ACTION in Colombo Racecourse, United Kingdom TODAY’S Tsonga achieves career Murray ‘close’ to singles return first in Washington REUTERS AFP Wimbledon crowns, WASHINGTON WASHINGTON warned he has hopes of regaining his peak form. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga turned back the clock to defeat Canadian Three-time Grand Slam “I’m playing better than Brayden Schnur 6-4, 7-6(2) at the Citi Open in Washington champion Andy Murray I was last year. I can extend on Monday in his first match at the tournament. (pictured) says he is “quite close” my leg behind me. I can push The 34-year-old Frenchman pumped his fists, leapt in the to being able to play singles off for serves. It’s brilliant,” air and did a series of twirls after Schnur sent a backhand long matches and a “best-case he said. on match point to end the first-round match on a scorching scenario” could see it happen at “The question I have I’ll play singles as day in the nation’s capital. Cincinnati in two weeks. now is why not? Why soon as I feel ready. Tsonga, who was once ranked as high as world number The 32-year-old British star, can’t I get back where five but is now 70th, looked sharp but will have his work cut who feared he could be forced I was? What’s the I’m going to practise out for him in the second round when he faces second-seeded into retirement before under- reason? There isn’t singles and play Karen Khachanov. going right hip surgery in one. It just takes doubles to compete Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, France’s Adrian Mannarino and January, returned to the court in time.” and each week I’ll Americans Bjorn Fratangelo and Tim Smyczek were among June but has played only doubles Earlier this the other players to advance on Monday, when play was inter- while rehabilitating and seeing month at Wim- see. I’ll keep on that rupted for a while by rain. how his hip responds. bledon, Murray path until I’m ready. On the women’s side of the draw, Lauren Davis put a quick “In terms of said it would be up Best case scenario end to Canadian Eugenie Bouchard’s tournament with a con- moving and to 18 months vincing 6-1 6-2 win. feeling and before he returned probably would be Davis, a finalist at the tournament in 2016, ended the match waking up the to singles and the Cincinnati. If I wasn’t with an emphatic overhead and will face fellow American next day, I’m US Open was a in Cincinnati, I would Sofia Kenin in the second round. feeling good,” Murray said. “I’m “pretty unlikely” probably wait until Other first-round winners included Russia’s Anna Kalin- quite close but there’s stuff that prospect. skaya, American Jessica Pegula and Poland’s Iga Swiatek. would need to get better.” “I’m closer after the US Open: Murray, paired with brother than what I maybe Andy Murray Jamie in men’s doubles at the thought I was,” ATP Washington Open, said Murray said. Monday he feels no hip pain and “After Wimbledon 3 a.m., weeping at the end of the Vandeweghe wins in will practice singles this week I started doing a few match he was so overcome with while playing doubles and plans singles drills. At one emotion at gutting out a win comeback from injury to do so against next week in point brief practices. It through the pain. He withdrew Canada. felt great.” later that day. AFP “I’ll play singles as soon as I “This latest comeback I “Here last year I was just in a LOS ANGELES feel ready,” Murray said. “I’m didn’t have any particularly lot of pain,” Murray said. “I was going to practise singles and play high hopes. I’ve had high struggling a lot. It was really bad. American Coco Vandeweghe made a winning return to the doubles to compete and each hopes for most of them to be I’d have to get I was upset. My hip was really, WTA tour on Monday, beating Marie Bouzkova 6-2, 6-4 in the week I’ll see. I’ll keep on that path before.” back in the gym and really painful.” first round in San Jose. until I’m ready.” Murray played a set on get my cardio better.” After trading harsh words It was her first match in 10 months. Murray, the former world Sunday and about eight games Murray’s most with tournament officials then, Vandeweghe, once ranked as high as ninth in the world, number one who is now ranked on Monday in the US capital recent singles match was both Murray and organizers have hadn’t played a WTA singles match since falling in the first 222nd, downplayed the idea he heat but is missing match a five-set first-round loss moved past the tough moment. round of the China Open last September, having been slowed might compete in the US Open, fitness instead of fighting hip at the Australian Open in “What happened last year for much of 2018 by a nagging ankle injury that was followed which starts August 26, but didn’t pain. January to Spaniard was a shame,” Murray said. “I by a foot injury. slam the door on the “The conditions here are Roberto Bautista Agut. was going through a tough time “To think that five months ago I wasn’t even walking, I’m possibility. tough and that’s the thing I’m Murray delayed his flight when it happened. I like it here. just full of tons of emotions,” the 27-year-old said after “Best case scenario probably needing. My conditioning isn’t home due to hip pain. I’m happy to be back and have wrapping up the victory with an ace on match point in one would be Cincinnati,” Murray great. My time in the gym has “It was completely the opportunity to play with my hour and 23 minutes. said. “If I wasn’t in Cincinnati, I been on strengthening the hip,” gone. I wasn’t even certain after brother again, which I haven’t She hadn’t won a singles match since June of 2018, and in would probably wait until after Murray said. the operation if I’d ever be done for three years.” her extended absence has dropped to 636th in the world. the US Open. “These last few months have healthy again,” Murray said. “A Jamie Murray, 33, won the “First and foremost, I was thinking of having fun,” she said “I wouldn’t want my first been brilliant. Just not being in few months later I’m feeling Washington doubles title last of her mindset coming into the tournament, for which she tournament to be playing best- pain, it’s amazing what that will better and feel like I can get back year with former partner Bruno received a wild card. of-five (sets) either.” do to you.” on the singles court.” Soares. The Murrays have not While she missed the first edition of the tournament in But Murray, whose Grand Murray said if he had to play Last year at Washington, played together since the 2016 San Jose last year, Vandeweghe was a two-time finalist in the Slam singles titles include the singles next week, “I could do it, Murray won a rain-delayed Rio Olympics but did help Brit- event’s previous incarnation in Stanford. 2012 US Open and 2013 and 2016 but to get where I would want third-round match at just after ain’s 2015 Davis Cup victory. Vandeweghe earned a second-round meeting with second- seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. Kenya makes strides on Marlins beat Arizona 11-6

AP doping, but hurdles remain MIAMI By the second inning, Caleb AFP Association of Athletics Federation Smith had infield dirt on his NAIROBI Between 2004 and August 2018, 138 Kenyan (IAAF) guidelines, Kenyan athletes jersey, his knee and the selected for the 2019 World Cham- backside of his pants, which is athletes tested positive for Kenya suffered international pionships starting in Doha in Sep- why his third inning of pitching embarrassment in 2016 when a performance-enhancing tember will be subject to a was less than clean. string of doping scandals brought drugs, according to a World minimum of four blood and urine Smith endured a bad the country famed for its distance Anti-Doping Agency. tests. stretch after a baserunning runners within a whisker of “Qualification will be done on adventure but recovered to disqualification from the Rio With the Tokyo Olympics time and testing,” says Jackson pitch seven innings and help Olympics. looming less than a year away, Tuwei, President of the Kenyan the Miami Marlins beat the “It was a time when Kenya Kenya is confident it will avoid Athletics Federation. Arizona Diamondbacks 11-6 faced an enormous challenge in a repeat of the Rio Games “We have made this very clear on Monday. terms of the very integrity of our controversy, even if more to all our athletes that those who Smith laid down a bunt in Miami Marlins starting sports,” said Japhter Rugut, who work needs to be done. want to go to worlds, must also the second and wound up at pitcher Caleb Smith throws heads the Anti-Doping Agency of qualify by being tested.” third base thanks to two errors in the first inning against the Kenya (ADAK), established in the But beyond the elite level, on the play. The next inning he Arizona Diamondbacks at wake of the scandal. tackling doping remains a monu- gave up three hits, including a Marlins Park in Miami, USA Kenya scraped through to Rio. currently suspended, according to mental challenge. three-run homer by Ketel on Monday. But while its sporting authorities the Athletics Integrity Unit. There are 4,000 top-level ath- Marte, and acknowledged his promised to clean up their act, Nevertheless, efforts to clean up letes registered with the athletics jaunt on the bases took a toll. Kenyan athletes have proved the sport are beginning to bear fruit. federation - four times more than “We need to keep oxygen below.500 for the first time innings. He has lost his past harder to convince. Since its inception, the number in France for example - stretching tanks in the dugout,” Smith since July 5. five decisions, and in the past A year after the scare, Jemima of anti-doping tests conducted by oversight resources. joked. “My legs were definitely “We’ve watched a lot of two starts his ERA has climbed Sumgong -- who in Rio won ADAK has mushroomed more than These athletes see running -- tired. It took probably two frustrating baseball these past from 3.77 to 4.52. Kenya’s first-ever Olympic gold in 10-fold, from about 100 in 2016 to and winning -- as the only way out innings to get my legs back four games,” manager Tony Carson Kelly hit his 13th the women’s marathon -- tested 1,150 in 2018. of a life of poverty, and go unde- under me.” Lovullo said. “The four games homer for Arizona, which positive for the banned substance It has created biological pass- tected by the checks and controls Smith (7-4) allowed only here in Miami was clumsy totaled 24 hits in the series. erythropoietin (EPO) and was ports for about 40 elite athletes to as Kenya focuses on its elite one other run, struck out nine baseball, and we’re not a Rojas’ homer came in the suspended. track their data over time, a devel- athletes. and retired his final 10 batters. clumsy team.” Marlins’ six-run second, which In 2018, three-time world opment made possible by the With the Tokyo Olympics The left-hander has won his Miami’s Miguel Rojas also included the errors on champion and Olympic 1,500 metre opening of a WADA-approved looming less than a year away, past four decisions for the homered for the third game in Smith’s bunt that scored two winner, Asbel Kiprop, tested pos- blood testing laboratory in Nairobi Kenya is confident it will avoid a team with the National a row, increasing his season runs. Kelly fielded the bunt and itive for EPO and was also banned. in 2018. repeat of the Rio Games contro- League’s worst record. total to four. Teammate Brian made a wild throw to first. Between 2004 and August ADAK, under its slogan “Stay versy, even if more work needs to The Diamondbacks (53-54) Anderson added his 15th Smith then continued to 2018, 138 Kenyan athletes tested Clean, Win Right”, has also be done. lost three of four in the series, homer and his second in two second, where he slid and then positive for performance- launched a nation-wide awareness- “For now, there are signs that making it more likely they’ll games. continued to third when the enhancing drugs, according to raising program aimed at athletes, our joint efforts are working and be sellers at this week’s trade Both homers came off throw there eluded left fielder World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA. coaches and medical staff. that we are on the right track,” says deadline. They’re outscored rookie Merrill Kelly (7-11), who Tim Locastro as he tried to Thirty-six Kenyan runners are In line with International Clothier. opponents by 61 runs but are allowed seven runs in six cover the base. 18 SPORT WEDNESDAY 31 JULY 2019 India’s ‘lame duck’ selectors under fire over WI series

AFP NEW DELHI three Twenty20 internationals, “We have to find a way to for the West Indies did not go minutes for his Tests and 17 ODI between 1998 three one-day matches and two move beyond the last-four stage. through the normal protocol. reappointment.” and 2000, said selecting a side Tests starting on Saturday. Kohli, Look at what England did in the He said the selection com- He added: “By bypassing the is specialised job and experience Indian cricketing greats Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, recent World Cup. mittee did not meet to reappoint procedure, the message that as a player alone does not guar- slammed the national selectors K.L. Rahul, Rishabh Pant and ?Learning from 2015, they Kohli as captain. goes out is that while the players antee success. for making too many changes Ravindra Jadeja are the only transformed themselves into “That they selected the team like Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh “If international experience and accused them of bowing players selected in all three world beaters.” for West Indies without first Karthik get dropped after below is the case, then many ex-crick- down to skipper Virat Kohli, formats for the tour, while rising Ganguly said there had to be having a meeting to select the expectations performance, the eters, who have played a lot of with Sunil Gavaskar calling them stars Manish Pandey and “clear” communications captain brings up the question captain continues despite much first-class matches can never “lame ducks” ahead of the West Shreyas Iyer are in the limited- between the selectors, team of whether Virat Kohli is the below par expectations where ever dream to become India Indies series. overs team. management and players. captain of the team at his or the the team did not even reach the selectors,” said Prasad. Pressure has mounted since “I’m opposed to too many “We don’t need cameos only, selection committee’s pleasure,” final.” “We have utmost respect for India lost their World Cup semi- players being moved around. I’m we need match-winning innings Gavaskar wrote in the Mid-Day Selectors’ chairman M.S.K. the legendary cricketers,” he final against New Zealand, with for stability, not a stop-start type or spells. Learn from Virat, Rohit newspaper. Prasad rejected the criticism, insisted. former captains Gavaskar and of an environment,” Ganguly (Sharma) and (Jasprit) Bumrah... “To the best of our telling the Press Trust of India “In fact, more than getting Sourav Ganguly leading the told The Print news website. Mohammed Shami too.” knowledge his appointment was news agency that pundits’ jibes hurt by this kind of comments, onslaught. “We haven’t won a global Gavaskar launched his till the World Cup. After that, it only make the selectors it only makes this selection com- India have brought in a host tournament since the 2013 “lame ducks” attack because was incumbent on the selectors “stronger”. mittee stronger, committed and of younger players for their Champions Trophy. Kohli’s appointment as skipper to meet even if it was for five Prasad, who played just six united.”

England’s Joe Root and India search for a coach good coach Graham Thorpe during nets at Edgbaston, at man-management, planning Birmingham, yesterday. REUTERS “Technical knowledge is Former Test all-rounder MUMBAI obviously important because Shastri was appointed head without that you can’t plan.” coach in 2017, succeeding The Indian cricket board (BCCI) Applications have been former captain Anil Kumble who is looking for an efficient planner invited for the positions of head stepped down after falling out with strong man-management coach, batting coach, with Kohli despite a successful skills to guide the senior national coach, fielding coach, physio- run while in charge of the team. team, a member of the panel therapist, strength and condi- Under Shastri, who also had entrusted with the task of tioning coach as well as an a previous stint as India’s team selecting a new head coach said administrative manager. director, India won a maiden yesterday. The contract of the current Test series in Australia earlier BCCI has invited applications coaching staff was set to expire this year and are ranked number for the position of head coach after the World Cup but they one in the world in the format. and support staff for the men’s were handed an extension till the They also reached the semi- side, with incumbent Ravi tour of the West Indies, starting finals of the 50-over World Cup Shastri and his team given auto- Aug 3, where India play three where they were beaten by matic entry in the recruitment Twenty20 internationals, three runners-up New Zealand. process. ODIs and two Tests. Asked if the panel would The deadline for applications Before departing for the tour, consult Kohli before picking the expired yesterday and the short- India captain Virat Kohli backed next coach, Gaekwad said it was ‘Hungrier’ Warner out of listed candidates will be inter- Shastri to continue in the job. not mandatory. viewed by a Cricket Advisory “With Ravi bhai (big brother) “We chose the women’s Committee comprising cricket all of us have a great camara- coach, we didn’t have any inputs great Kapil Dev, former batsman derie, everyone in the team from anyone,” he said. “It’s not exile, targeting Ashes tons and coach Anshuman Gaekwad shares mutual respect,” Kohli compulsory that we have to talk and former women’s captain told reporters on Monday. “And to them or not talk to them, REUTERS in 2013. Needs must, however, dismissal I got some pretty good Shanta Rangaswamy. we have done really well either way. SYDNEY and his recall to the Test side balls, and that’s what happens “You have to be a good man together as a group. “It all depends on the BCCI... along with Steve Smith became in this game and you’ve got to manager and a good planner,” “We’ll definitely be very We haven’t had a dialogue still It was only in March last year inevitable when Australia lost a try to forget about that and don’t Gaekwad said by phone. “These happy if he continues as coach, with the BCCI, we have just been that a tearful David Warner sat home Test series to India for the over-think it. are the two aspects which are but as I said it is upon the CAC to intimated. in a lecture theatre at the Sydney first time around the New Year. “I know the Lord’s Test I was most important. There are other seek my advice or opinion if they “It’s a big job appointing the Cricket Ground and told the Permanently banned from a bit upset and missed out and aspects which you have to take want. Right now, I haven’t been head coach of the Indian men’s assembled media he was holding a leadership role in the the other boy got 200. They’re into consideration. contacted at all.” team and the other coaches.” resigned to never playing for team after the ball-tampering always in the back of your mind, Australia again. saga, the former vice captain will but now I’m just a bit hungrier Some 17 months on, with his be looking to do what he does and determined to play that rehabilitation after a one-year best -- put his team on the front longer innings.” Langer predicts hostile reception ball-tampering ban apparently foot with a torrent of runs. Certainly whatever moral completed, the 32-year-old will There have been 6,363 of qualms people might have about return to the Test arena at Edg- them in with 1,520 Warner, he has proved again this for Bancroft from England fans baston on Thursday at the start of them coming against England year that there is absolutely of his sixth Ashes series. but the pugnacious left-hander nothing wrong with his batting. AFP ball-tampering actually, but we’ll The opener has kept his own does have one statistical He topped the run-scoring BIRMINGHAM scandal in South find out. He’s a good counsel on the Newlands anomaly that he is keen to fix charts with 692 in the Indian Africa last year kid and as tough as incident since that media con- over the five-test series. Premier League and was second Australia coach Justin Langer would be in Aus- anyone you could ference and preferred to let his Of his 21 Test hundreds, behind Rohit Sharma at the (pictured) says an Ashes return tralia’s XI. meet. To endure the bat do the talking on the road three have come in Ashes Tests Cricket World Cup in England for Cameron Bancroft would be “It would be a scrutiny of the past back from perdition. but none in England and he still with 647. “a great story” but knows he will great story if he 14 months, espe- He cannot but be aware that remembers two that got away Warner has always had the face a hostile reception from comes back into the cially the first part there are those back home who in the second Test of the 2015 ability to produce batting pyro- England fans after his ball- team,” Langer said of it, I think he’s had make him the main instigator of series when he scored 38 and 83 technics but he believes his year tampering ban. at Edgbaston a pretty good dress the plot to tamper with the ball while Smith plundered a double of exile playing club cricket in Bancroft, 26, is set to open yesterday. rehearsal.” and believe he should not be century at Lord’s. Sydney has added patience to his the batting in tomorrow’s first “His development after what Langer confirmed batsman representing his country. “I haven’t got a hundred (in game that will perhaps serve him Test at Edgbaston, with Aus- happened in Cape Town has Usman Khawaja, who missed Indeed, there are some in England),” Warner told reporters best in the test arena. tralia’s top order also likely to been extraordinary.” Australia’s World Cup semi-final Australia who believe Warner last week. “I think you saw that during feature David Warner and Steve Langer, a former Australia defeat by England at Edgbaston should never have worn the “I think when I look back the (World Cup) that I hung in Smith. opener, said: “We know what the with a hamstring injury, had baggy green cap again after and reflect on how I’ve played there a lot, the old me probably If that is the case, it would reception is going to be. There’s been passed fit and would play punching now England captain over here, I fought hard, in the would have thrown the bat at it mean all three players who were nothing we can do about it. We in the opening match of the five- Joe Root in a Birmingham pub first innings I think besides one quite often,” he added. banned for their roles in the don’t know (how he will cope) Test series. Four memorable Ashes series

AFP LONDON assured. But Australia edged their way closer who had become an odds-setter for British book- day of the penultimate Test in Adelaide. Australia before last man Michael Kasprowicz was caught maker Ladbrokes, making them 500/1 outsiders won the series 4-1, with England captain Mike behind off Steve Harmison to give England victory to win the match. Denness dropping himself at one stage. England and Australia begin the latest edition of by a mere two runs. Botham’s astonishing counter-attack innings England’s only win came in the final Test when the Ashes at Edgbaston tomorrow, with the home The third Test was drawn and England sur- of 149 not out, however, meant Australia were set Thomson was missing through injury and Lillee side looking to wrestle back the urn. vived a brilliant four- burst from leg-spin a target of 130 before fast bowler Bob Willis’s broke down early. We look at four of the most memorable series great Shane Warne to win the fourth Test at Trent inspired 8-43 saw England to an astounding 18-run between cricket’s oldest rivals: Bridge. England, now needing a draw at 2-1 up to win. Botham’s scarcely believable return of five 1948: Australia’s ‘Invincibles’ An Australia side 2005: England win Ashes thriller The 2005 regain the Ashes, were in danger of defeat on the for one in 28 balls at Edgbaston ensured England captained by Don Bradman in his final Test series Ashes was one of the greatest series in cricket last day at the Oval until Kevin Pietersen’s breath- won the fourth Test by 29 runs. swept all before them in an undefeated tour during history and saw England triumph over their fiercest taking 158 and a fine fifty from Ashes Giles rescued There were more heroics in the fifth Test when which they won the Ashes 4-0. rivals for the first time in nearly 19 years. them following a top-order collapse. Botham’s blistering 118 set up a 103-run victory Underlying their superiority, Australia were It appeared to be business as usual for long- at Old Trafford that clinched the series. set a seemingly impossible target of 404 on the suffering England fans when Australia won the 1981: Botham’s Ashes Rarely has one man done last day to win the fourth Test at Headingley. first Test at Lord’s by 239 runs. as much to win an Ashes as Ian Botham in 1981. 1974/5: Lillee and Thomson run riot Australia’s Yet they got there for the loss of just three But when Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath He started the series as England captain but, Dennis Lillee was returning from a back injury , with Arthur Morris making 182 and was ruled out of the second Test at Edgbaston after after a defeat in the first Test at Nottingham and and fellow fast bowler Jeff Thomson’s previous Bradman an unbeaten 173. But the series is best treading on a ball during practice on the morning the embarrassment of bagging a pair in a draw at Test had yielded unimpressive figures of 0-110. remembered for Bradman’s final Test innings at of the match, England took charge. Lord’s, Botham resigned as skipper. Yet they still ran through England’s batsmen the Oval when, needing four for an average of England’s Andrew Flintoff starred with both England were still in dire straits after being in frightening fashion. In the first four-and-a-half exactly a hundred, he was bowled for a duck by bat and ball and when Australia were 175-8, made to follow-on in the third Test at Headingley, Tests Thomson took 33 wickets at 17.93 before he leg-spinner Eric Hollies and had to make do with chasing 282 for victory, a home win looked with former England wicketkeeper Godfrey Evans, damaged his shoulder playing tennis on the rest a mark of 99.94. WEDNESDAY 31 JULY 2019 SPORT 19 PSG sign Bale left out of Real Madrid Everton’s squad for Munich friendlies Gueye AFP for a Premier League return. pay structure at the north MADRID Real Madrid held up the London club. proposed transfer to Jiangsu Bale’s agent Jonathan REUTERS Gareth Bale’s future at Real Suning on Sunday in a Barnett has already insisted PARIS Madrid took another twist dispute over the fee and the that any deal which sees the when he was left out of the Chinese club announced Welshman leave the Paris St Germain have signed Everton Spanish side’s squad for two Monday they had signed Bernabeu would have to be midfielder Idrissa Gueye (pictured) on a friendly matches in Munich, Croatian striker Ivan Santini a permanent one and not one four-year contract, the French champions starting with yesterday’s from Anderlecht instead. that sees him shipped out on said yesterday. game against his old club Bale, 30, has been at the loan. The 29-year-old Senegal international Tottenham Hotspur. centre of transfer talk since Bale was not the only joined Everton from Aston Villa in 2016 “Bale did not travel in Zinedine Zidane returned as familiar name missing from and made 108 appearances for the Mer- order to resolve his future,” coach of Real in March. the 24-man squad for seyside club. He spent five years at Lille Spanish sports daily Marca The Frenchman has Munich. Goalkeeper Thibaut before moving to England, winning a reported yesterday, adding made no secret of his desire Courtois, who shipped seven league and cup double with the French that Real Madrid were still in to offload Bale who joined goals last week against club in 2011. talks with Chinese side Real Madrid in a then world Atletico Madrid, is injured Financial details of the deal were not Jiangsu Suning who had record £85m move from Tot- while James Rodriguez came disclosed, but British media reported offered the Welshman a tenham in 2013. back late from holiday after earlier that PSG would pay about £30m three-year-deal worth £1m The Spanish press has playing for Colombia in the ($36.49m) for the player. ($1.1m) a week. been mooting a possible Copa America. “I’m immensely proud to sign for Paris However the Chinese return to Champions League Following the Spurs Saint Germain,” Gueye said in a statement club appear to have shut the finalists Tottenham although match, Real will face either on PSG’s website. door on Bale and sports daily Bale’s salary demands are Fenerbahce or Bayern Gareth Bale As says he could be headed likely to be far beyond the Munich today. Pacer Anderson England’s We are awaiting the ICC World Test Championship with great enthusiasm as it adds context to biggest threat to Aussies the longest format of the game. Test cricket is very challenging and coming out on top in REUTERS No other seam or swing the traditional form is EDGBASTON bowler has taken more always highly satisfying. wickets in Test match The Indian team has England’s World Cup success came cricket than Anderson Sri Lanka done really well in with a new-look pace attack but they who is England’s all-time are likely to pin their Ashes hopes recent years and will be top wicket-taker, with 575 on the tried and trusted Jimmy to honour fancying its chances in Anderson (pictured). victims in a Test career the championship: Indian England’s all-time top wicket- dating back to 2003. retired quick captain Virat Kohli taker, with 575 victims in a Test career dating back to 2003, will turn Kulasekara 37 before tomorrow’s first Test Anderson, believes the Englishman against Australia at Edgbaston. will be a key factor in the series, REUTERS The Lancashire seamer expects even if some believe it will be his last COLOMBO to have recovered from a “low-grade against the traditional rivals. calf muscle tear” in time for the start “On home soil with the Dukes Sri Lanka will dedicate today’s The World Test of the Ashes series and is expected ball, he’s the best in the world third and final match of their Championship is a to take on the new-ball duties. bowling in those conditions. He is a ongoing one-day series with fantastic initiative. We The pace of Jofra Archer, Mark big player and if he has a big series Bangladesh to Nuwan love playing Test cricket, Wood and Chris Woakes was a key for England, Australia will find it Kulasekara following the seam it remains hugely popular part of England’s World Cup tough,” said McGrath. bowler’s retirement from in Australia and we’re triumph but with Wood out Anderson’s 575 wickets have international cricket, the coun- injured and Archer battling a side come in 148 Tests and place him try’s cricket board (SLC) has fortunate that it enjoys strain, Anderson and his long- fourth on the all-time list behind said. great support at home standing new-ball partner Stuart spinners Muttiah Muralitharan, Kulasekara will be invited among players, the Broad look set to give Joe Root’s Shane Warne and Anil Kumble. to watch the match in Colombo media and the public. To attack a familiar look. Root could well use the pace of where he will be honoured at wear the baggy green No other seam or swing Archer in short blasts while relying a ceremony for his services to is the ultimate for all bowler has taken more on Anderson to move the ball Sri Lankan cricket. wickets in Test match cricket through the air and off the seam. Kulasekara, 37, made his Australian cricketers than Anderson and he is The last time Anderson faced ODI debut against England in and if the Championship particularly effective in the Australians in an Edgbaston 2003. helps to ensure that all English conditions. Test, in 2015, he took six for 47 in He took 199 wickets in 184 countries make Tests a Former Aussie a devastating performance that ODIs and last played for his high priority then that paceman Glenn bowled out the tourists for 136 in country in an ODI against Zim- has to be good news for McGrath, who their first innings before England babwe in 2017. saw his long- went on to win by eight wickets. He played 21 Tests and was the game in general and standing record He also took five wickets in his part of the Lankan side that the continuing health of of 563 over- first Test at the venue against the won the Twenty20 World Cup the format in particular: taken by Australians in 2009. in 2014 and in the team that Australian captain Tim Paine finished runners-up to India at the 2011 50-overs World Cup. World Test Championship kicks off new era REUTERS England’s Joe Root (fourth left) takes a catch to dismiss Ireland’s WHO ARE PLAYING? MUMBAI Andy McBrine during their Test match played at the Lord’s Cricket Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ground in London, Britain in this July 26 file photo. Lord’s will host India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Test cricket will cease to be just a the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in June 2021. Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies bilateral affair from tomorrow when will compete in the first cycle. England host Australia in the opening Three remaining teams - Afghan- Ashes contest at Edgbaston to kick off istan, Ireland and Zimbabwe - can play the widely-anticipated World Test Tests but those will not be part of the Championship (WTC). WTC. The International Cricket Council The second WTC cycle is scheduled (ICC) has been determined to create a from June 2021 to April 2023. meaningful competition for the longest POINTS? form of the game and the WTC is There will be 120 points on offer for expected to provide the much-needed each series and will be distributed over boost to test, which is typically played the number of games. For example, a over two-innings-a-side and upto five two-test series will mean 60 points for days. each match while a three-Test series The long-awaited Championship, will award 40 points each. involving the top nine Test nations com- The five-Test Ashes series will award peting in a league across two years, has 24 points each. A tied match will be been designed to give more meaning to worth half the points available while a Test series. formats,” ICC General Manager Geoff awarded for every single game and the format after every two-year cycle. Each draw will fetch a third of the points. “The World Test Championship will Allardice said in a statement. two teams who top the points table will series will comprise a minimum of two TIED OR DRAWN FINAL? bring relevance and context to bilateral WHAT IS WTC? play in a one-off World Test Champi- and maximum of five tests and matches If the final ends in a tie or a draw, test cricket over the next two years, cre- The nine top-ranked sides will play onship Final in June 2021 at Lord’s. can also be played outside the WTC. the two teams will be named joint cham- ating a pinnacle event for the five-day three series each at home and away over The winners will be crowned World Only matches previously identified as pions. The first cycle of the WTC will format, just as the World Cups for men two years to determine the best Test Test Champions. part of the WTC will count towards the consist of five-day matches and will and women do in the ODI and T20I team in the world. Points will be There will be a new winner in the championship. include day-night matches. WEDNESDAY 31 JULY 2019 20

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 19 Former World Fast bowler No.1 Andy Murray Anderson is ‘close’ to singles England’s biggest return threat to Aussies Qatar Goodwood Festival off to a thrilling start THE PENINSULA calendar. The mile-long race will O’Meara, had to wait for a gap DOHA start at 07:25 pm Doha time. to appear on the rail, but Genny Haynes, ARO Com- managed to thread a passage in The QREC-sponsored Qatar mercial and Finance Director the closing stages under a Goodwood Festival continues said: “Every year the quality of superb ride by Danny Tudhope, today, with a host of top quality entries for this race exceeds our who is chasing his first jockeys’ races being lined up. expectations. We are delighted championship success this Highlights of today’s races that we have the first four home season, to score by a include the mile-long Qatar Inter- from last year’s race which is half-length. national Stakes (Gr1PA). The always a very competitive event The Chelsea Barracks Arabian Racing Organisation as you would expect with a such Handicap Stakes (Class 2) (ARO) announced a high-class a valuable prize.” Trainer John Gallagher was field of eight runners which was As Day 1 started, thrilling “buzzing” with the success of declared for the Qatar Interna- action was already there. On a Green Power in the £30,000 tional Stakes (Gr1PA) run as part day of high-class action at the, Chelsea Barracks Handicap over of the festival. Stradivarius recorded his third five furlongs. Ridden by PJ They include five individual straight victory in the Qatar McDonald, the four-year-old Group 1 PA winners, the high- Goodwood Cup Gr 1 and H E The President of Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federations, Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah son of Kheleyf ran on strongly light of which are H H Sheikh Sherida Al Kaabi’s Fuwayrit was (second, left), presenting the Qatar Goodwood Stakes trophy to the owner of Stradivarius, to snatch victory close home, Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani’s the runner up of the European Bjorn Nielsen, on the opening day of the QREC-sponsored Qatar Goodwood Festival yesterday. defeating the Ruth Carr-trained Tayf the winner in 2017, H H Breeders Fund EFB Maiden Poyle Vinnie by a head. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Stakes. from the Mark Johnston-trained Johnston-trained Fuwayrit, the second horse to win back-to- The Unibet Fillies Al Thani’s Ebraz who was Dee Ex Bee in second. The mount of Ryan Moore. back renewals of the G2 Qatar Handicap Stakes (Class 3) runner-up in the last two Qatar Goodwood Cup Charlie Appleby-trained Cross Qatar Vintage Stakes Lennox Stakes with a smooth Maid For Life provided renewals. Also declared is Stakes (Gr 1) Counter was third. (Gr 2) success in the seven-furlong Newmarket trainer Charlie Fel- Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Stradivarius recorded a third European Breeders Fund The Charlie Appleby-trained contest. Ridden by Gerald lowes with victory in the con- Al Attiya’s Rodess Du Loup who victory in the Qatar Goodwood EBF Maiden Stakes Pinatubo had a spectacular Mosse, the five-year-old cluding race on Day 1 of the won both the French and the Cup. Ridden by Frankie Dettori A young horse for the future triumph in the G2 Qatar Vintage quickened up smartly to by a Qatar Goodwood Festival, the English Derby’s last year, as well and trained by John Gosden, the emerged from the European Stakes. The son of Shamardal, length from the James Tate- Unibet Fillies’ Handicap over a as 2016 UK Derby winner superstar stayer extended his Breeders Fund EBF Maiden. The who won this race in 2004], was trained Hey Gaman in second. mile. Lightning Bolt and Muraaqib the unbeaten sequence to eight wins John Quinn trained-Cobra Eye, sent off by jockey James Doyle Unibet Handicap Ridden by PJ McDonald, winner of the last renewal. with a vintage display in the two- a two-year-old, became a to win by five lengths from the Fayez captured the opening the three-year-old daughter The prize fund for the Qatar mile contest. The five-year-old second winner on the card for Clive Cox-trained Positive who race of the Qatar Goodwood of Nathaniel edged ahead close International Stakes is travelled powerfully into con- Frankie Dettori who nursed his came second. Festival with a dramatic victory home to score by a half-length, £400,000, with £200,000 to the tention in the home straight and mount to a short-head victory Qatar Lennox Stakes (Gr 2) in the 10-furlong handicap. defeating the Mark Johnston- winner and is the most valuable displayed his customary turn of over runner-up the H E Sherida The David Elsworth-trained Second-last entering the home trained Warning Fire in race in the UK Arabian racing foot to win eased down by a neck Al Kaabi-owned and Mark Sir Dancealot became the straight, Fayez, trained by David second.

Stradivarius records third straight victory in Qatar Goodwood Cup Gr 1 on the opening day.

Top quality field announced for today’s Qatar International Stakes (Gr1/PA)

Al Sadd beat Semenya to miss Sabadell FC 4-1 Doha Worlds after in last friendly Swiss court ruling

THE PENINSULA AFP DOHA PARIS

Captain Hassan Al Haydos and Ali Asad scored Caster Semenya will not defend her world 800m title in Doha two goals each as Al Sadd sealed a brilliant 4-1 in September after a Swiss judge overruled a temporary win against Sabadell FC in the third and final suspension on the IAAF’s controversial testosterone-curbing friendly match during their pre-season training rules, her representatives said yesterday. camp in Spain on Monday. The ruling means the 28-year-old can no longer compete in Al Sadd drew their first friendly match with events between the 400m and mile, as she did in June and July. Palamos and lost the second fixture. The World Championships are scheduled between September Al Sadd will continue to train after their return 28-October 6 in the Qatari capital. to for the new season which begins on August 21. “I am very disappointed to be kept from defending my hard- After their arrival in Doha, Al Sadd will prepare earned title, but this will not deter me from continuing my fight for their two AFC Champions League matches (Aug for the human rights of all of the female athletes concerned,” 6 and 13) against Al Duhail. Iraqi star Mohanad Ali (centre) holding an Al Duhail jersey with coach Rui Faria and said the South African who is also a two-time Olympic gold Coached by former skipper and Barcelona a club official during a press conference in Doha, yesterday. medallist. legend Xavi Hernandez, Al Sadd will begin the new Semenya’s representatives said in a statement yesterday QNB Stars League season on August 21 with a that, “a single judgege of the Swiss Federal match against Al Wakrah. Supreme Court reversedrsed prior rulingsrulings that Al Duhail welcome Iraqi had temporarily suspendedspended thethe IAAF regulations pendingg the outcome ooff Caster’s appeal againstainst thethe CAS international Mohanad Ali award”. “In this latest decision,decision, the THE PENINSULA He was Iraq’s standout training camp in Portimao, Supreme Court emphasisedmphasised the DOHA performer at this year’s Portugal. strict requirementsts andand highhigh Asian Cup, scoring two Al Duhail will kickoff thresholds for the interiminterim sus-sus- Qatari football giants Al group stage goals to secure their season when they pension of CAS awardsrds anandd ffoundound Duhail yesterday unveiled their path to the knockouts, meet home rivals Al Sadd that these were not fulfilled.”fulfilled.” their newest recruit, Iraqi where they were eventually in the AFC Champions Dorothee Schramm,mm, tthehe llawyerawyer star Mohanad Ali, during a beaten by Qatar. League on August 6 and 13. leading Semenya’s appeal,ppeal, added that press conference held in International media On August 17, the same the judge had madede a “procedural“procedural An action Doha. had earlier reported that two teams will clash in the decision” that has no impact on tthehe during the The 19-year-old striker giant European clubs in the one-off season-launching appeal itself. friendly was a regular starter for calibre of Juventus were Sheikh Jassim Cup. “We will continuenue to pursue match Iraqi national team since also interested in securing The 2017/18 QNB Stars Caster’s appeal and fightfight for between he first represented the his services. League champions will her fundamental humanuman Al Sadd and country in 2017, and has Mohanad will join his take on Qatar SC in their rights. A race is alwaysways scored nine goals in 18 team-mates who returned opening match of the decided at the finishnish Sabadell FC. Caster Semenya appearances. following a pre-season League on August 21. line.”