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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018

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PERTH: Australia’s paceman makes an unsuccessful attempt to India’s batsman Umesh Yadav (L) during day five of the second match between Australia and India in Perth yesterday. —AFP Australia’s first win since ‘sandpapergate’

India lose their last five for just 21 runs

PERTH: Australia was a relieved Indian counterpart on the third and fourth fourth day, India’s hope rested on overnight batsmen and the last four wickets followed quickly. man after his team beat India by 146 runs in Perth yes- days, said the overwhelming emotion was relief at Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant. The last man to fall was Jasprit Bumrah, who went terday to level the series with their first Test win since finally being able to put a dark period in Australian for a big shot but only succeeded in skying a chance the ball-tampering ‘sandpapergate’ scandal that cricket behind them. “I’m relieved personally,” he said. TAIL FOLDS back to bowler . The fourth-match series rocked international cricket. “It’s been hard work-the first two Tests of this series However, Vihari added just four to his overnight now heads to Melbourne, with the famous Boxing Day Set 287 to win, India resumed at 115 for five on the have been really tough. “We’ve got some inexperi- score and fell to Mitchell Starc, who took 3-46, for 28. Test starting on December 26 and India looking to final day and never threatened to pull off a miraculous enced players in terms of Test matches played, to get a The right-hander tried to flick the ball through the leg regroup as they seek to win their first-ever Test series victory, losing their last five wickets for just 21 runs. win like that against the best Test team in the world is side, ballooned a simple catch to Harris at midwicket in Australia. — AFP India were dismissed for 140, with spinner Nathan going to give them a huge boost of confidence.” Lyon claiming 3-39 to finish with eight wickets for the match and guide the home team to a drought-break- KOHLI DEFENDS SELECTIONS ing success, their first in seven Tests spanning almost Kohli defended his side’s decision to play four fast 10 months. It was Paine’s first Test win in five matches bowlers instead of picking Ravindra Jadeja to replace since taking over from the suspended in injured spinner Ravi Ashwin. Despite the lively and at Messi claims record , and also the first victory for new coach times unpredictable , Kohli said the Indians , coming in his hometown. were confident they could chase down the target, but fifth Golden Shoe Paine, who was involved in a verbal spat with paid credit to the Australian bowlers. “We had the belief we could do it,” he said. “They BARCELONA: Lionel Messi collected a record fifth were more relentless and got the balls in the right Golden Shoe award yesterday for finishing last sea- areas for long enough.” Both captains played down son as the top goalscorer in Europe. the on-field banter during the match, saying it never The striker scored 34 goals in 68 games for Esperance edge crossed the line of what was acceptable. Barcelona, putting him ahead of Liverpool’s Australia’s previous Test win was against South Mohamed Salah and Tottenham’s Harry Kane. Africa at St George’s Park in March. It was during the Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award four Chivas at Club following Test at Newlands that times, hit 26 goals in 52 matches for Real Madrid. was caught using sandpaper to alter the ball and After being prsented with his latest prize in Australian cricket was plunged into turmoil. Barcelona, Messi said: “The truth is I had no idea this World Cup The scandal led to lengthy suspensions from would happen when I started. I dreamt of playing for Bancroft, Smith and opener professional football and enjoying success, I love the AL-AIN: African champions Esperance and saw Paine appointed as skipper game, but I never imagined I would have so much. defeated Mexico’s Chivas 6-5 on penalties to just months after being recalled to the side. Australia’s “I enjoy the work, the effort, I’m at the best team claim fifth place at the Club World Cup fol- best result in the four previous Tests since the scan- in the world and play with the best team-mates in lowing a 1-1 draw in the United Arab dal was narrowly hanging on for a draw against the world, so everything is easier.” The ceremony Emirates. Walter Sandoval converted an early Pakistan in Dubai. was attended by Barcelona president Josep Maria penalty to give CONCACAF champions They had also won only six of 22 one-day interna- Bartomeu, as well as fellow players like Sergio Chivas the lead, but Tunisian side Esperance tionals and matches since the scandal. Paine Busquets and Sergi Roberto. levelled before half-time through a praised the efforts of openers and Messi also discussed Monday’s Champions League Mohammed Belaili spot-kick. Marcus Harris on the first day, saying their draw, which pitted Barca against Lyon in the round of Lionel Messi Copa Libertadores winners River Plate partnership was critical to the final result, and lauded 16. “Lyon will be a complicated opponent,” Messi said. the growing leadership of Lyon. “Even if they are not known as one of the strongest meet UAE champions Al Ain later in the first tunity is there for us. We have several Frenchmen in semi-final, with Real Madrid set to take on He said he expected Finch, who split an index fin- teams, they are dangerous as they showed against ger while in the second innings, to be fit for Manchester City, one of the best teams in the world. the team like Samuel Umtiti and Malcom, who played Kashima Antlers in the other last-four clash in France, so perhaps they can help as well.” — AFP today. —AFP the third Test in Melbourne in eight days. Having “It will be difficult to go through, but the oppor- already lost first innings centurion Kohli for 17 on the