SPORT SPORT | 09 SPORT | 11 Sam Cane Andreescu to lead stays focused All Blacks on becoming in new era world No. 1

THURSDAY 7 MAY 2020 Football set to ‘temporarily’ allow five substitutions

AFP – LAUSANNE body FIFA and is expected to be can make changes would to implement the change, a fixture schedule that could be implementing the measure will validated by the International remove the incentive to do so source said, but they will be free even more packed than usual be “at the discretion of the Football’s lawmakers are this Football Association Board purely for time-wasting to do so as soon as they restart potentially leading to an organiser of each week set to announce a (IFAB) tomorrow. purposes. after almost all football around “increased risk of injuries”. competition”. “temporary” change to the laws The IFAB said last week that A sixth change may also be the world shut down in mid- While the measure is “If the measure is still in of the sport allowing teams to it was working with FIFA on a permitted in matches that go to March because of the intended to be temporary, it force, UEFA could then adopt it make up to five substitutions in “temporary dispensation of Law extra time. pandemic. could be maintained for the for the Euro,” a source said. games when the sport resumes 3 (The Players) allowing com- Currently teams can make The German Bundesliga is whole of the 2020-21 season It remains to be seen if the after the coronavirus-induced petitions to give teams the three substitutions during set to be the first leading and right through to the next measure could be left in place suspension. option to use a maximum of five games, although since 2018 European league to restart later European Championship, which permanently, but doing so may The proposal to help teams substitutes on up to three occa- teams have been allowed to this month. was postponed by a year until play into the hands of the cope with likely fixture con- sions during the match, plus at make a fourth substitution in The IFAB’s objective is to June and July 2021 because of wealthiest clubs with the largest gestion in a packed calendar half-time.” Limiting the number extra time. “protect players’ health” when the pandemic. squads and greatest strength in was made by world governing of occasions on which teams Leagues will not be obliged matches do resume, with a FIFA have said that depth. ‘I’m healed’: Dybala gets all-clear after virus attack

AFP – MILAN

Juventus star Paulo Dybala revealed yesterday that he has been given the all-clear almost a month-and-a-half after contracting coronavirus. “Many people talked in the past weeks ... but I can finally confirm that I am healed. Thank you once again for your support and my thoughts on all who are still suffering from it. Take care,” tweeted the 26-year-old. Dybala was one of three Juventus players to test pos- itive along with Italy defender Daniele Rugani and France’s Blaise Matuidi. Rugani was the first Italian top-flight footballer diag- nosed with the virus on March 11. Both he and World Cup winner Matuidi recovered FROM LEFT: Bayern Munich’s Alvaro Odriozola, Michael Cuisance, head mid-April. coach Hansi Flick, Jerome Boateng, Lucas Hernandez and Lars Lukas Dybala was diagnosed on March 22, along with his Mai train at the football team’s training grounds in Munich, southern girlfriend Oriana, who recovered sooner from the disease Germany, on Tuesday. which has killed nearly 30,000 people in Italy. Dybala also posted a picture of himself on Instagram with his arms outstretched looking at the sky: “My face says it all, I’m finally cured from COVID-19.” Italian champions Juventus also confirmed that their Argentine Bundesliga given go ahead star had recovered. “Dybala performed, as per protocol, a double check with diagnostic tests (swabs) for Coronavirus (COVID 19), which came back with negative results,” Juventus said in a statement. for return without spectators “The player has, therefore, recovered and will no longer be subjected to the home isolation regime.” REUTERS – BERLIN are expected to be given. The German league is At the bottom, Werder Bremen “Today’s decision is good news set to become the first and Paderborn are in the drop Germany’s Bundesliga is set to for the Bundesliga and the 2nd of Europe’s top soccer zone with Fortuna Duesseldorf in become the first of Europe’s top Bundesliga,” said DFL chief exec- 16th, which is the relegation/pro- Serbia and Croatia to soccer leagues to get under way utive Christian Seifert. leagues to get under motion playoff spot. Germany’s following the novel coronavirus “It comes with a great respon- way following the novel professional teams have been resume action in May stoppage after the government said sibility for the clubs and their coronavirus stoppage. training since mid-April, divided yesterday that it could re-start in employees to implement the into small groups and under strict ANATOLIA – ANKARA the second half of May. medical and organisational conditions, including extensive The government said the Bun- requirements in a disciplined of the coronavirus outbreak. testing of all players and coaching Football contests in Serbia and Croatia will continue late desliga and second-tier 2. Bun- manner.” Officials from the 16 states held staff. May spurring fears of pandemic, football bodies of both desliga could restart without spec- He added that “games without a teleconference with Merkel yes- On Monday, the DFL said it had countries announced yesterday. tators, adding that the German stadium spectators are not an ideal terday to discuss easing the coun- registered 10 positive cases in a “Calendar for the rest of the season was adopted, soccer league (DFL) would decide solution for anyone.” try’s lockdown measures. blanket test of 1,724 players and and 27th round is to be played on May 30, and the last, on the exact dates. “However, in a crisis that The coronavirus outbreak has staff at its 36 first and second 30th round will be played on June 20,” Serbian football Chancellor Angela Merkel threatens the existence of some brought football to a standstill division clubs. authority said on its website. made the announcement, which clubs, it is the only way to around the world and Germany’s “I would like to thank the pol- The Serbian Football Association added that the four had been widely expected, as part ensure the continued existence progress is likely to be closely iticians for their decision today remaining rounds in the Super League would be held of measures to begin easing the of the leagues in their current form.” watched by other leagues. which has given us the opportunity within the 2019-2020 season as there will be no playoffs country’s lockdown aimed at A government statement also Bayern Munich, chasing an to end the Bundesliga season,” said and playout games. halting the spread of the virus. said teams would have to go into eighth successive title, currently Bayern Munich chief executive In addition to Serbia, another Balkan country, Croatia, The DFL is due to hold an quarantined training camps ahead lead the table with 55 points from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. will resume football on the same day. assembly with its 36 member of the restart. 25 games, four ahead of Borussia “This ensures that sporting The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has decided clubs today followed by a news The league has been on Dortmund with RB Leipzig third decisions are made on the pitch the football competitions in the country will resume on conference in which more details hold since mid-March because on 50. and not at the green table.” May 30. Canada confirms race walk and marathon Australian Open at risk due to pandemic: Tiley REUTERS – MUMBAI next year’s Australian Open (AO) would not runs the women’s circuit, have suspended all nominees for Tokyo escape the impact of the pandemic. tournaments at least until mid-July after coun- Next year’s Australian Open could be cancelled “Worst-case scenario is no AO,” he told the tries started locking down borders to contain REUTERS – TORONTO due to the COVID-19 pandemic and even if the Australian Associated Press. the spread of the corona- virus. Some first Grand Slam of 2021 goes ahead fans from “Our best-case scenario at this point players, both current and past, have Canadian race walker Evan Dunfee, the world abroad will not be able to attend, Tennis Australia is having an AO with players that we said championship 50km bronze medallist, and mara- chief Craig Tiley said yesterday. can get in here with quarantining they thoners Trevor Hofbauer and Dayna Pidhoresky The tennis season was halted in early March techniques and Australian-only fear the have been nominated for their events at the due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, fans.” remainder of the 2020 season delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Athletics Canada which has infected more than 3.68 million Australia has had less than could be wiped out. Tiley has previ- said yesterday. people around the world while killing over 7,000 confirmed cases of the ously said he expected tennis to lose the The International Olympic Committee 256,000, according to a Reuters tally. novel coronavirus. Fewer than 1,000 remainder of the season to the pandemic. announced in March that athletes already qual- The Australian Open was able to take place people are still sick, though 96 people “There’s four scenarios and we’ve mod- ified for the Tokyo Olympics would retain their in January as scheduled but French Open organ- have died from the virus. elled everything,” he said yesterday. spots at the Games, which were pushed back a isers have moved the clay-court major back to The country is expected to “We’ve modelled the times we have to year to July 23 to August 8, 2021 due to the novel September from its May start while Wimbledon announce on Friday a loosening of make decisions, dates we have to make coronavirus outbreak. has been cancelled. The fate of the US Open in social distancing restrictions with curbs on decisions, who it impacts, how it’s going to Dunfee bettered the Olympic 50 km race walk New York is expected to be decided next month. most businesses removed by July. impact them. We’ve done that for 670 staff. qualification standard of 3 hours, 50 minutes at Tennis Australia Chief Executive Tiley said The men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which We’ve done that for all of our partners -- a race in Japan last year, coming in one minute our media partners, our sponsors faster. Hofbauer and Pidhoresky both met the and for all the governments and nomination criteria by winning the 2019 places we rent facilities. And now Canadian Marathon Championships in Toronto we’re working on the international last October. playing group and getting them to Canada has two spots in the women’s mar- understand what each of those sce- athon and although three runners have met the narios are and what it means for Olympic standard, Athletics Canada said it will them and how we can action it. wait to fill the entry. THURSDAY 7 MAY 2020 SPORTSPORT 09

Sam Cane of New Zealand Australia runs with the ball during England coach a match against France in Wellington, in this June 16, warns contact appoint Cane to lead 2018 file photo. interim CEO training ‘will to begin take time’ All Blacks AFP – LONDON rebuilding England forwards coach Matt AP – SYDNEY Proudfoot has warned it will take time for contact training to resume Rugby Australia appointed Rob in new era as rugby union tries to steer a Clarke as interim chief exec- course through the coronavirus utive to replace Raelene Castle REUTERS – WELLINGTON rugby-mad New Zealand after crisis. after more boardroom more than a decade of world The spread of COVID-19 manoeuvring led one of the top A bull neck and surfeit of domination. has brought the sport to a leadership contenders to quit courage come in handy in rugby, The All Blacks’ ability to standstill, with the English rugby yesterday. and Sam Cane has relied heavily regenerate under Steve union predicting a huge financial hit Clarke, a former chief oper- on both to overcome a horrifying Hansen’s successor and if the autumn internationals are ating officer at the sport’s injury and become the man to former assistant Ian Foster cancelled. national governing body, said lead the All Blacks into a new will be under scrutiny raising Proudfoot, who was behind the he would take the job on a era. from fans spoiled on hopes that Springbok pack’s World Cup final short-term basis to help the The 28-year-old openside success. rugby might mauling of England in Japan last year, troubled union navigate the flanker was named Kieran Foster is con- return soon, and is currently in his native South Africa, fallout from the shutdown amid Read’s successor as New vinced he has the even tests with where he has been in touch with the the coronavirus pandemic. Zealand on Tuesday, less right man to neighbouring Aus- Red Rose squad via social media. “The game is facing some than two years after breaking his lead the tralia if circum- The lack of routine physical unprecedented challenges and neck in a 32-30 win over South playing stances allow. training in lockdown is a par- like all rugby supporters and Africa in Pretoria. The collision group Foster said having ticular problem for for- people working within the game, with Springboks loose forward into Cane confirmed as wards and Proudfoot, I want to see Australian rugby Francois Louw left Cane in con- the leader would help the speaking via a get through this and emerge on siderable pain, yet few would new era, even if “gut feel” played team be ready to play conference the other side with greater cer- have known it as he walked a part in Cane beating out their best at short order. call yes- tainty and a positive outlook,” from the field at Loftus Versfeld. veteran lock Sam Whitelock for Much like predecessor terday, said Clarke said in a statement. Following surgery a few the job. Read, plainspoken Cane is it would Rugby Australia chairman days later, Cane remarked that “He’s ready for it, he’s had a ruthless force on the field take time for Paul McLean said Clarke’s his sturdy neck had not only some great mentors in this All but quite amiable off it. players to regain match fitness. primary role would be to help saved his rugby career but may Blacks group over the last eight After knocking out World Rugby issued guidelines implement restructure plans. also have kept him out of a years and he’s a good learner,” Ireland centre Robbie on Tuesday, saying that a return to Clarke’s appointment was wheelchair. Foster told reporters Henshaw in a bone-jarring full training would require “a announced hours after Peter “I may not be standing yesterday. tackle in Dublin in 2016, Cane reduction in personal social-dis- Wiggs, who had been widely without it,” he said. Cane can also keep a secret, sought out his phone number tancing measures or a specific gov- touted as RA’s next chairman, While Cane worried he with Foster having tapped him and texted him the next day to ernment exemption”. quit the board following a might never return to the playing as captain in February before the see how he was recovering. Proudfoot said strength and con- dispute over the CEO field he had few fears about outbreak of the new coronavirus Cane, who grew up on his ditioning coaches had been in contact recruitment process. plunging back into the thick of triggered a global shutdown of parents’ deer farm in the with players and clubs to formulate The two-time world the action once given the all- sport. Rotorua District, said being programmes tailored to individuals. champion Wallabies have clear a year ago. He reclaimed The plan was to announce named skipper was unlikely to “Rather than a generic programme slumped to seventh in the the All Blacks number seven the 68-test flanker’s change him. that most teams would follow, we’ve international rankings since jersey and duly joined in their appointment a few weeks into Cane told reporters yes- tried to look at the player from a losing the 2015 Rugby World unsuccessful World Cup hat- the Super Rugby season but the terday: “I’d like to think I got holistic point of view -- where could Cup final to New Zealand. An trick bid in Japan. competition was halted in selected for this role because of we improve him in his home envi- Australian club hasn’t reached The semi-final elimination March. the person I am -- and because ronment where we couldn’t have the Super Rugby final since the at the hands of England was a COVID-19 infection rates of that I don’t really want to improved him in camp? “Contact Sydney-based Waratahs won bitter pill to swallow for have plunged in New Zealand, change." training is something that is going to the title in 2014. take a bit of time.”

Patrick Ewing Taiwan to allow fans back to stadiums Harrington accidentally REUTERS – TAIPEI Both the baseball and soccer sell tickets on a “real name” basis unveils Donald as Ryder seasons got underway in Taiwan with designated seats, meaning Taiwan will start allowing baseball last month, but without spectators, authorities can more easily trace Cup vice-captain fans back into stadiums this week providing rare live action for fans people if there are any infections as the government begins relaxing at home at a time when the pan- linked back to attending the REUTERS – LONDON some controls implemented to demic has shut down most profes- matches. prevent the spread of the corona- sional sport around the globe. Fans will be required to Europe captain Padraig Harrington let slip that virus, the health minister said Health Minister Chen Shih- undergo temperature checks and former world number one Luke Donald is one yesterday. chung told reporters that 1,000 wear face masks, and seats will be of his vice-captains at this year’s Ryder Cup Taiwan has been relatively suc- spectators would be allowed in to kept 1 metre (3.2 ft) apart, it said. during a live broadcast yesterday. cessful at controlling the virus, with baseball matches on Friday in “Wear your mask properly and Harrington was on the Sky Sports Golf Show 439 cases to date and 6 deaths, with Taipei and the central city of show our unity and discipline. Let discussing, among other things, whether this only 100 active infections, thanks Taichung. the world see the pride of Taiwan,” year’s event would have to be played without to early prevention and detection “Starting from the 8th, fans will the league wrote in a Facebook fans present due to the COVID-19 pandemic efforts. The island has never gone be allowed in for professional post on Wednesday, adding they when he let the cat out of the bag. into total lockdown though the baseball games,” Chen said. will be the world’s first professional “I’m trying to be prepared as much I can,” he government has promoted social Taiwan’s baseball league said baseball league to allow audiences said. “I’ve had phone calls today with (Ryder Cup distancing and face masks. in a separate statement that it will back in. director) Guy Kinnings and yesterday I talked to Luke, my new... whoa, I possibly said the word, Ewing reveals then... one of my vice-captains. “Is this live? That is not to be announced yet!” ‘Dream Team’ Donald tweeted a clip of the interview, accom- South Korea season panied by the message: “I thought this was sup- gold stolen posed to be a secret @padraig_h,” prompting a reply from his skipper. AFP – LOS ANGELES openers score with “Sorry about that. News was too good to keep under wraps! Welcome to the Team,” Harrington Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing MLB-craving Americans responded. has revealed two Olympic gold Donald joins Sweden’s Robert Karlsson as medals and a college part of Harrington’s brain trust for the biennial basketball championship ring REUTERS – SEOUL event, which is scheduled to take place from Sep- were stolen during a burglary tember 25-27 at Whistling Straits in at his home several years ago. As Mo Chang-min of South Korean baseball club NC Dinos Wisconsin. In an interview with the tossed the bat after knocking the ball over the fence for the syndicated “Dan Patrick season’s first back-to-back home-runs on Tuesday, elated Show” radio and television American fans watching the game on ESPN flocked to social program, Ewing said the gold media. Golf: 2020 Amateur he won as part of the 1992 “Guys got swag in this league,” one viewer wrote on “Dream Team” was among the Twitter, while another said, “The bat flip is awesome. Team Worlds cancelled items stolen. MLB needs this!” With Major League Baseball (MLB) “My house got broken into on hold amid the global coronavirus pandemic, due to coronavirus in New York at one point and ESPN reached a deal to broadcast games of the they stole my medals,” Ewing Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), which kicked off its REUTERS – LONDON said. season on Tuesday after a five-week delay. Ewing’s 1984 Olympic gold More than 6,300 people liked a video of Mo’s homer This year’s World Amateur Team Champion- medal and his NCAA champi- posted on an official ESPN account, in which an eagerly ships (WATC), scheduled for October, have been onship ring won with Geor- commentator said: “That was a bat flip, there was our first cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the getown were also stolen. bat flip. Back-to-back jacks!” Some US fans of LG Twins, International Golf Federation (IGF) said Ewing, who is now Geor- which defeated Doosan Bears 8-2 in a popular yesterday. getown’s head coach, said he annual “Children’s Day Derby,” posted pictures The biennial amateur golf competition, which recovered his college cham- of slugger Kim Hyun-soo who engineered dates back to 1958, had previously been moved pionship ring when it was put the victory with a two- on the Bears’ page. from Hong Kong to Singapore due to political up for sale on eBay. NC Dinos, whose mascot is dinosaur and unrest. Ewing said he later owned by local online game giant NC Soft, “This unprecedented decision was due to obtained replacement gold was a smash hit especially among North the global COVID-19 pandemic and the uncer- medals after calling USA Bas- Carolinians. Abbreviated as NC, the state of a tainty that this has caused to ensuring that the ketball director Jerry 10.5 million population has no MLB team based 2020 WATC could be staged successfully,” IGF Colangelo. there and is rich in fossils of dinosaurs. Executive Director Antony Scanlon said in a “He took care of me,” Local media sport writers have seen an statement. Ewing said of Colangelo. “He’s explosive rise in international interest. Yoo Jee-ho, “Most importantly, it was made to safeguard a great guy.” the sole English-language sport reporter for South the health and safety of all athletes, officials and Ewing said he believed his Korea’s Yonhap news agency, said he has gotten volunteers at the 2020 WATC.” house had been deliberately more than 1,000 Twitter followers over the past Scanlon added that scheduling and logis- targeted for burglary. couple of days. tical issues had made it impossible to move the “Sometimes it sucks to be South Korea’s football association K-League has event to 2021 and that the IGF was looking well-known,” Ewing said. Hanwha Eagles’ Jared Hoying is said it will live stream the season opener on Friday forward to staging the competition successfully Ewing played 17 seasons in tagged out during a KBO Regular between Hyundai Motors FC and Suwon Samsung in 2022. the NBA, mostly for the New season match against SK Wyverns in Bluewings on YouTube and Twitter, hoping to attract The golf calendar has been ravaged by the York Knicks, earning 11 All- Incheon, South Korea, on Tuesday. international fans. outbreak, with three of the sport’s four majors Star selections. re-scheduled and the British Open cancelled. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 7 MAY 2020 If you think England Virat is good MCC to extend chairman Sangakkara’s termterm captain REUTERS – LONDON non-British President of the MCC, normally serveseerrvvee forforor a ttwelve-wewelvlve-e- to watch, the custodian of cricket’s laws, when month period,odod, itt isis notnonot unprece-ununprprecece- Morgan goes Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar he took over in October last year. dented for longeronongger ttetermsermrms toto bbee iniintro-nttrro- Sangakkara will be offered a The disruption caused by the duced to respondesspopondnd ttoo exeextraordinaryxtrtraoaordrdiinnaarry to bat for have a look one-year extension as President of outbreak prompted the MCC com- circumstances,”nceces,s ” MCCMCMCC sasaidaidid iinn a the Marylebone Cricket Club in the mittee to offer the 42-year-old to statement,, ccitingititining tththehe at Babar bat, “extraordinary circumstances” continue until September 30, 2021, stints of Lordorrdd HHawkeawawkeke T10 format resulting from the COVID-19 a motion likely to be approved in its (1914-18) andnd StanleyStStananleey says Moody pandemic, the MCC said yesterday. June 24 annual general meeting. Christophersonhehersrsonon at Olympics Sangakkara became the first “Whilst Presidents of MCC only (1939-45). IANS - REUTERS - LONDON Former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody believes Pakistan England’s World Cup winning batsman Babar Azam has captain says grown by leaps and bounds in cricket’s 10-overs format recent times and will “defi- would be ideal for a global nitely” be among the top five multi-sport event such as the batsmen of the decade in Test Olympics as the entire tour- cricket in the near future. nament could be squeezed into “He (Babar) has emerged 10 days. over the last year or so into Cricket featured at the something that is going to be 1900 Olympics and was played so special. We talked about in the 1998 Commonwealth how is so good on Games but has largely been the eye as a batsman. If you absent from multi-sport think Virat Kohli is good to events, which some say has watch, have a look at Babar restricted its growth beyond Azam bat. My gosh, he is some- the traditional pockets. thing special,” Moody said in The 2022 Commonwealth The Pitch Side Experts Podcast Gary O’Hara, volunteer groundsman and semi-retired player for Crown Taverners in the Hampshire cricket league, mows the grass on Games in Birmingham will as quoted by cricketpakistan. the ground in front of the club house at Crown Taverners Cricket Club in Camberley, southwest of London, in this May 2, 2020, file photo. feature a women’s com.pk . The Hampshire cricket league were due to open their season next weekend were it not for the coronavirus lockdown. Now a limited competition but Morgan says “I think in the next five to staff of three work with social distancing measures in place to maintain the cricket ground until play can resume. the T10 format would be a 10 years, he will definitely be better fit than T20, 50 overs or in your top five (batsmen of the . decade) without a question,” “The one thing that T10 he added. offers above the three formats The former Sunrisers Replace WTC with Ashes, that makes it so appealing to Hyderabad coach, however, an Olympic Games or a Com- admitted considering Azam’s monwealth Games is the fact statistics at the moment, it is that you can play a whole very difficult to put him in the tournament in the space of 10 top five current batsmen. Indo-Pak Test series: Hogg days,” he said in a video call. “I think, in the next 5-10 “To have a tournament in years, he will be on your top IANS - MELBOURNE instead,” Hogg said. “But on the flip side of can to support them through the process,” such a short space of time five position. Even though he not having India there, where do they play? the statement added. maximises the opportunity has played 26 matches but in Former Australia cricketer Brad Hogg came They play a four-match series against Cricket Tasmania Chief Executive and the exposure that it will half of those matches he was up with a radical suggestion to catch the Pakistan during the Christmas period -- Dominic Baker, meanwhile, said coming have for the sport. When you not considered even part of the imagination of fans when cricket finally two macthes in Pakistan and two matches into this period, their financial position was can play a cricket tournament main batting line-up for returns to the field in the post lockdown in India. relatively good as they were able to signif- in eight-10 days it really does Pakistan,” he said. era. “We have not seen it (Indo-Pak Test icantly reduce their levels of debt over make it appealing, and on top “I think at the moment, it Hogg suggested that the ongoing World series) for a while and the public is starving recent years, however the immediate and of that it really would be is very hard to justify him at Test Championship be replaced with an for it,” he added. future impacts of coronavirus have led them extremely entertaining,” said that position given his sta- Ashes series and a high-voltage clash Meanwhile, Cricket Tasmania yesterday to this unenviable situation. the 33-year-old. But Morgan, tistics. Away from home he is between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. announced it has decided to axe some of “With reductions in revenue from who plays for the IPL’s Kolkata only averaging 37 and at home “The pandemic has opened the door for its staff to meet the financial challenges Cricket Australia; no events at the Blund- franchise, said T10 has its own he is averaging 67. But we ultimate cricket rebirth,” Hogg said in a posed by the ongoing coronavirus stone Arena Function Centre; and cancel- merits. have to consider that he has video uploaded on his YouTube channel. pandemic. lation of major events like the One Day “The most important part hardly played away from “Viewers want to see some competitive In a statement, it announced an organ- International in March and this year’s AFL of a T20 game is always overs home and a lot of those games cricket, so scrap the World Test Champi- isational redesign in response to the impacts matches, it would be negligent of us to not 10 to 20,” said Morgan, who away were during the early onship (WTC) for a while and get a couple of COVID-19. mitigate the risks that this new landscape also captains Delhi Bulls in the part of his career,” Moody of series that are really going to ignite the “It is an unfortunate consequence of the poses,” Baker said. “Sport will survive and Abu Dhabi T10 competition. added. interest around the world.” redesign that a number of roles in the will remain ingrained in the Australian way “But if you look at a T10 Azam, who recently broke India are currently scheduled to travel business will no longer exist. While some of life. The future will see us doing more game, the earlier overs are the in the top five Test batters in to Australia for a blockbuster Test series of the roles being made redundant are cur- with less, but we will ensure that our asso- most important. You need to ICC rankings, has so far played later this year and Hogg suggested it should rently vacant and will not be filled, there ciation survives with it,” he added. make the most of that very 26 Tests, 74 ODIs and 38 T20Is be scrapped and ’s troops should will regretfully be some job losses. The entire sporting calendar has come short powerplay, so who you in which he has amassed 1850, play England instead. “We acknowledge the very personal to a standstill because of the coronavirus put in those key positions and 3359 and 1471 runs “Firstly scrap this summer’s India series impact this will have on the individuals outbreak which has so far claimed more in the form that they’re in, is respectively. against Australia and have the Ashes played involved, and the business will do what it than 250,000 lives worldwide. the most critical factor.” Akram, Babar share tricks of Young Pant needs backing of trade with women cricketers the Indian selectors: Nehra

IANS - NEW DELHI IANS - LAHORE lost his place in the Indian team bit impulsive captain,” said the “I am thankful to and Babar in white-ball cricket to Rahul. 41-year-old. The Pakistan national women's team expressed Azam for taking their time out for us and the PCB Former India pacer Ashish Pant’s inconsistencies cost him Nehra, who played 17 Tests, its delight on being provided an opportunity to for providing this great learning opportunity.” Nehra believes young - as the Indian team man- 120 ODIs and 27 T20Is, also said interact with the crickets elite of the past and Right-arm medium-fast bowler Aiman keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, agement handed over the wick- that the current Indian team is present generations via video conference calls Anwar said: “I am thankful to the PCB for setting who was initially said to be M.S. etkeeping gloves to Rahul, who far from that of Australia of the earlier in the week. up our session with Wasim Akram, who I always Dhoni’s successor, needs took over the role with great 2000s. The Pakistan Cricket Board arranged two look forward to learn from. He provided some backing of the team ease. “This Indian team is far online sessions of the current internationals and invaluable tips about T20 bowling and told us management for a longer “I know he has missed his from the Australia team of that emerging players with legendary fast bowler about the art of reading a batter’s mind. duration. chances and there is no doubt era,” he said. Wasim Akram and leading batsman Babar Azam. “He shared the experiences of his playing “There are a lot of talented about it but then you have kept “You are talking about an The duo provided insights about how to days which will help me grow as a player. I am players but they should be him in the team because you Australian team which won 3 strategize and approach the game in different hopeful my interaction with him will help me backed for a longer duration. saw the potential in him at consecutive World Cups, conditions. emerge as a successful bowler.” Today also when we talk about 22-23 years,” Nehra said. reached the final in 1996, won The interactive sessions included wide- Diana Baig, right-arm medium-fast bowler, the number 5 and 6 slots in The former left-arm pacer 18-19 Test matches in home and ranging discussions from preparations for a said: “The session with Wasim Akram was very Indian ODI side, then we are also gave his views on Virat away conditions,” said Nehra, match to the execution of on-field tactics. inspirational. He spoke about how to use dif- not sure about it,” Nehra said Kohli’s captaincy, saying the who still holds the record for Akram and Babar stressed on the significance ferent variations in bowling. He shared how he while speaking to former Indian latter is still a work in progress best figures by an Indian bowler of hard work and physical fitness, while empha- handled pressure and how to maintain fitness cricketer Aakash Chopra on his when it comes to him in the role in World Cup. sising that patience and temperament remained as a fast bowler, which will help me a great deal.” show ‘Aakash Vani’. of a skipper. “It’s not like this Indian vital ingredients for success at the international Opener Muneeba Ali said: “Our session with “K L Rahul is playing on the “Virat Kohli as a player team can not reach there but I level. Babar Azam turned out to be beneficial for me 5th position and Pant, the needs no recognition as his believe the core group is very Reflecting on the sessions, Pakistan women’s as Babar shared his mind set with us along with person you were preparing to career graph tells the entire important. A person gets con- team captain Bismah Maroof said: “It is very his training regimes. This session helped me in succeed M.S. Dhoni, is serving story. Kohli as a player has done fused after watching many important that the players continue to use this understanding that how a world number one water,” he added. amazingly well, in captaincy I dishes on the table and so it’s time for their development and learn how they batsman operates in pressure situations. Before cricket was stopped still feel he is a work in important to have fewer but can approach the game in an effective manner “I look forward to implement what I have due to coronavirus, Pant had progress. I can say he is a little better dishes,” he added. when normalcy returns. These sessions are a learned when normalcy returns. I thank Babar great step in that direction and every player for taking his time and the PCB for arranging learnt a great deal from them. these sessions for us.” “Wasimsim Akram, who is one of the greatest Middle-orderMiddle order batter Iram Javed said: “I was Playing without fans is okay: Stokes players thisthis nation has produced, propro-- veryvery excited for our REUTERS - LONDON represent our country, we got three lions on our vided ann insinsightight in what made him sesession with Babar chest and there is a game that we are supposed such a greatreat player and his sessionsession Azam.A It was a won- England all-rounder says playing in to win,” Stokes told BBC Radio 5 Live. was a greateat inspiration for me and derful session in closed stadiums would not dampen the compet- “So whether it’s in front of nobody or, like we the teamm to wworkork hharderarder tthanhan which I got to itive side of matches and that players “would do are used to, in front of full crowd, I don’t think before. LListeningistening to him about learn a lot. He anything” to get cricket back on television screens it’s going to take that competitive side away. how he led PPakistanakistan in ddifferentifferent shareds experiences for fans to watch during the COVID-19 crisis. “It’s a completely different scenario to get situationsns and in pressurepressure was of handling pressure The spread of the novel coronavirus has our heads around, that there isn’t going to be the really helpful.elpful. as a captain and as a brought sport to a standstill. Staging games atmosphere or cheering that we’re used to when “It wwasas also wonderful to hehearar player.pla without spectators has been suggested as one we play international game. Babar AAzam,zam, who continues to “It was good to way to resume professional cricket. Stokes, a key part of England’s 2019 World impress the world with his hehear about how he England’s home series against West Indies Cup triumph, was not sure when cricket would pure skill,ill, on how sesets his goals and scheduled for June has been postponed, with the resume but felt bigger issues were at stake. he preparesares foforr wworks to achieve likelihood of those three tests being played later “We are still not 100% sure when that’s going a matchh aandnd them.th I look forward in the summer without fans. When asked if cricket to happen,” he said.“At the end of the day, cricket approachesches to implement what I might lose its competitive edge in such an atmos- is just a sport and the safety, health and well- differente n t havehav learned from him phere Stokes, 28, said that even without fans the being of everybody involved, not just in the team situations.ns. inin my game.” players would still be going out to win. but around cricket community, is important right Wasim Akram “Think about it, we are walking out to now.” THURSDAY 7 MAY 2020 SPORT 11

‘Impossible to Juventus stars undergo individual set date’ for Serie A return: training, await quarantined Ronaldo Sports Minister

AFP — MILAN “It would be surreal for a AFP — MILAN sports minister to demonise Giorgio Chiellini led the way as football,” he said after a news- Italy’s Sports Minister Juventus players returned to paper created a front-page Vincenzo Spadafora individual training at the team’s Captain Chiellini, 35, arrived early photo of him with a dagger warned yesterday that it sports centre, while Cristiano with Italy defender Leonardo about to burst a ball, with the was impossible to set a Ronaldo began two weeks’ Bonucci, wearing a black face mask, headline “Attack on Football”. date for a return to Serie coronavirus quarantine after “I hope to start again, but A action as the country returning to Italy. just after midfielder Aaron Ramsey. the government will decide ... grapples with the corona- Captain Chiellini, 35, arrived Playmaker Miralem Pjanic showed There is no opposition from me, virus pandemic. early with Italy defender up in the afternoon, along with Juan just the desire to evaluate a “We all hope that the Leonardo Bonucci, wearing a Cuadrado, Mattia De Sciglio, Federico restart only if the health of the championships can black face mask, just after mid- Bernardeschi and Daniele Rugani. people within the team group resume regularly, at the fielder Aaron Ramsey. Play- will be safeguarded. same time today it is maker Miralem Pjanic showed Serie A champions Juve said the “If the government is forced, impossible to set a certain up in the afternoon, along with training sessions, which are allowed and I hope not, to admit that the date,” Spadafora said Juan Cuadrado, Mattia De conditions (needed to resume) during question time in Sciglio, Federico Bernardeschi thanks to Sunday’s green light from are not there, my commitment the Italian parliament. and Daniele Rugani. the Italian interior ministry, “will will be twofold -- limit the “We must wait for Serie A champions Juve said take place on an individual basis and financial damage to clubs and data on the curve of con- the training sessions, which are with staggered arrivals to allow full support the whole world of tagions in the next two allowed thanks to Sunday’s sport. weeks, since only two Aaron Ramsey compliance with the regulations in green light from the Italian “Between ordinary and days ago the country during the individual force”. interior ministry, “will take extraordinary resources, we started the gradual phase training session. place on an individual basis and PIC: COURTESY will invest about one billion of reopening. with staggered arrivals to allow JUVENTUS WEBSITE euros ($1.08bn) for the sector “Only then will the full compliance with the regu- as a whole.” government be able to lations in force”. A meeting has been decide.” “After a day of tests and played in Juventus’ last match offering a glimmer of hope that until May 18, and it remains scheduled for today between Italian football has exams carried out yesterday at against Inter Milan on March 8 the 2019-20 season might yet uncertain whether matches can the Italian Football Federation been on hold since March J Medical, some of the Juventus behind closed doors. be saved. restart as the country battles the (FIGC) and members of the gov- 10 amid the COVID-19 players started training at the The five-time Ballon d’Or As well as Juventus, top- COVID-19 pandemic which has ernment’s Technical Scientific pandemic which has Continassa Training Centre, winner returned with his family flight clubs Atalanta, Bologna killed more than 29,000 in Italy. Committee to discuss the killed more than 29,000 where they officially began to Turin by private jet late on and Udinese also got back to “A realistic prediction can medical protocol for the people in Italy. their recovery to regain com- Monday, and is in quarantine training on Tuesday, with Sas- be made in mid-May,” resumption of group training. Players have been petitive form,” Juve added. awaiting tests. suolo and Lecce leading the way Spadafora said in an interview European federations have allowed to return to indi- Ronaldo’s return is more The interior ministry’s go- on Monday. with newspaper Corriere della a deadline of May 25 to inform vidual training in team uncertain after two months of ahead has allowed players to But sports minister Vin- Sera on Tuesday, denying he UEFA if their league will sports centres this week confinement on his native return to club training facilities cenzo Spadafora warned wanted to call a halt to the resume, and if so on what date but must wait until May 18 island of Madeira, having two weeks ahead of schedule, training in groups must wait season. and with what format. at the earliest to be allowed to train as a group. Today, the Italian Belgian season Football Federation Turkey to resume football (FIGC) will meet the gov- likely over as ernment’s Technical Sci- entific Committee to government discuss the medical pro- leagues in 2020 summer tocol for group training. “We hope the hearing suspends sport will give the green light ANATOLIA — ANKARA for team training sessions, until July 31 considering also that The football leagues in Turkey football does not allow for will resume in 2020 summer, safety distances or the use AFP — BRUSSELS the country’s football body of personal protective said yesterday. equipment,” continued The Belgian government “For now, we decided to Spadafora. announced yesterday it was start Turkish football leagues, The minister said the suspending all sporting competi- which were previously sus- pressure to resume tions until July 31, effectively pended [due to coronavirus], football was “quite putting an end to the country’s such as the Super Lig, first, incomprehensible in the football season as favoured by second, third divisions and eyes of millions of Italians most clubs. amateur leagues in the week worried about their health The decision was acknowl- of June 12, 13 and 14,” the and their work”. edged by the Pro League, the asso- Turkish Football Federation “The idea of estab- ciation of Belgian clubs, which will (TFF) President Nihat lishing now the date of review the “end of season terms Ozdemir said in a video resumption of the cham- and conditions” during its general conference. pionship contrasts with assembly scheduled on May 15. He stated that the feder- the need to define the Club Brugge, who were 15 ation has now different sce- steps based on the trend This picture taken yesterday in Istanbul shows a logo of Turkish Football Fedaration (TFF) at points clear with 11 matches to narios to handle the corona- of the data,” he added. the entrance of the organisation’s headquarters. Turkey’s Super Lig will resume on June 12. play, would become Belgian virus process so that the foot- “I remind you that for champions if the league is ball’s actors will not be the moment the only declared over. harmed. suspended the local compe- match in response to the March 19 to stem the spread certain dates are for those “The Pro League takes note of Ozdemir said that they titions after the fatalities. pandemic. of coronavirus, which has countries that have the decision taken today by the will apply to the Turkish Ozdemir said that Turkey Champions League final infected more than 129,000 decided to block the National Security Council which Health Ministry so that the aims to complete the 2019- was initially scheduled for people in the country so far. championships.” plans to cancel professional new schedule for the games 2020 football season with the May 2020 but all UEFA com- Turkish Super Lig clubs France and the Neth- football competitions until July to be implemented and the support of all public offices. petitions, top-tier Champions Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, erlands have ended their 31,” it said in a statement. ministry will refer the issue He added hopefully that League and second-level Besiktas and Trabzonspor seasons but on “It goes without saying that the to the Coronavirus Scientific the football leagues will be Europa League are still on announced each resuming Wednesday Germany’s Pro League and its clubs will Advisory Board. completed by the end of July, hold. training sessions this week. Bundesliga got the green respect this decision.” “Following the joint works the championship cups to be Istanbul’s Ataturk Turkey, to date, has reg- light to restart behind The Belgian football league of the Health Ministry and sci- handed in on the pitch, and Olympic Stadium was named istered 3,520 virus-linked closed doors from recommended the season be entific board, they will decide Turkey will host 2020 UEFA the venue of the 2020 final. deaths while more than mid-May. declared finished early due to how the games will be Champions League final in It will host its second 73,200 people have European federations the coronavirus pandemic with played.” August. Champions League final after recovered. Earlier this week, have a deadline of May 25 the table accepted as final on He recalled that Turkish In March, European foot- one in 2005 between Italian President Recep Tayyip to inform UEFA if their April 2, becoming the first leagues were held behind ball’s governing body UEFA club AC Milan and England’s Erdogan outlined the coun- league will resume, and if European league to take such a closed doors after the first postponed three major Liverpool. try’s normalization schedule, so on what date and with measure. coronavirus case was seen on European finals including the Sporting events across saying that it would go ahead what format. March 11 and the federation Champions League final Turkey were suspended on “stage by stage.” Andreescu stays focused on becoming World No. 1

REUTERS — MUMBAI coronavirus pandemic. clay-court major to September RaonicRaonic and Eugenie Bouchard Andreescu, the first Canadian from May while Wimbledon havehave aalsolso bebeenen GGrandrand SSlamlam US Open champion Bianca to win a singles major, said the has been cancelled. singlessingles finalists.finalists. Andreescu (pictured) has lockdown had taught her to The fate of the US Open in AndreescuAndreescu and Auger-AliAuger-Ali-- discovered a powerful tool to I don’t know what take nothing for granted. New York is expected to be assime,assime, also 1919,, thanked Tennis compensate for limited the future has on “I have only been working decided next month. CanadaCanada for investing in devel-devel- training opportunities amid out right now,” Andreescu, “I don’t know what the opingoping a platform for the the COVID-19 lockdown as the hold but... I’m going who turns 20 next month, told future has on hold but... I’m future.future. Canadian teenager remains to give my best, I Eurosport’s Tennis Legends going to give my best, I don’t “Taking“Taking peoplepeople from focused on her goal to climb don’t like losing so podcast which will be released like losing so we’ll see but all over the country,countryy, to the top of the women’s today. that’s definitely the goal as gettinggetting out of their rankings. we’ll see but that’s “It is tough here in Toronto every other Grand Slam is as comfortcomfort zonezone as a Andreescu, currently definitely the goal as because they even closed the well,” added Andreescu, who federation,federation, is ranked sixth in the world, won every other Grand parks. So, nobody can play any reached a career-high ranking payingpayi ng her first WTA title at Indian tennis, basketball or even sit of four last year. resultsresults in thethe Wells last year and then beat Slam is as well: on a bench. But I have been “Because I want to reach years later,” Serena Williams in the finals Bianca Andreescu working in my mind. As much that number 1 spot. I really do.” Auger-Ali-Auger-Ali- at Toronto and again at the US as I can. It is a very powerful With Andreescu on the assimeassime sasaid.id. Open in Flushing Meadows to tool that I like to use.” women’s side and next gener- “There“There areare clinch her first Grand Slam The injury forced ation prospects Denis Shapo- somesome key crown. She has not played since and Andreescu to miss the year’s valov and Felix Auger-Aliassime cchangeshanges that But her climb up the her bid to return to competitive first major at the Australian on the men’s, the future of they made a few rankings was halted after she tennis suffered a further jolt Open, which went ahead as Canadian tennis is in good yearsyears ago that injured her left knee at the when the season was halted scheduled. But French Open hands. madem ade the WTA Finals last October. in March due to the novel organisers have postponed the The more experienced Milos difference.”difference.difference.”