08 SPORT THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 09

The sports achievements 2020 Slick show all the way as Qatar hosts events, unveils stadiums

RIZWAN REHMAT capital’s city second European Tour THE PENINSULA golf venue. On Qatar’s National Day, the Australian football great Tim Supreme Committee for Two football giants. Twevlve Cahill said at the time: “Although I & Legacy (SC) unveiled thousand screaming fans. One would have much preferred to be the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, the magnificent stadium. there in person, I was still honoured fourth stadium of the 2022 The setting could not have been and excited to take part virtually more alluring for a sports fan in when the completion of Education FIFA World Cup to be Qatar. On Qatar’s National Day, the City Stadium – the third tour- inaugurated in Qatar. Supreme Committee for Delivery nament-ready venue for the next The 40,000-seater marked the & Legacy (SC) unveiled the Ahmad FIFA World Cup – was marked in special occasion with the Amir Bin Ali Stadium, the fourth stadium Doha, Qatar. Having been there for Cup final between Al Sadd and of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be the opening of Al Janoub Stadium, inaugurated in Qatar. in May 2019, I can vouch that there Al Arabi, watched by the Amir The 40,000-seater marked the is nothing like seeing these stunning H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad special occasion with a final buildings up close – however the Al Thani, FIFA President Gianni between Al Sadd and Al Arabi. The digital launch of Education City Infantino, UEFA President two football clubs with the largest Stadium, dedicated to frontline Aleksander Ceferin and the AFC fan bases in Qatar battled for the workers, was a fitting tribute con- chief Shaikh Salman bin Amir Cup title - which was won by sidering the challenges the world Al Sadd - after a match that was has faced throughout 2020.” Ebrahim Al Khalifa along with The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and President of Qatar Amir H H Sheikh hands over the trophy to Al Sadd skipper Hassan Al Haydoswatched by the Amir H H Sheikh In another key sporting scores of dignitaries. Olympic Committee and Chairman of Doha 2030, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, receivie a document from OCA President SheikhWorld No.1 Ali Farag lifts the trophy in the presence of Qatar Olympic after the 2020Amir Cup final played at the brand new Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in this December Tamim18 bin Hamad Al Thani, FIFA moment to remember from this Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah during the 39th Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly Meeting in Muscat, where Doha was announcedCommittee President, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, and President file photo. Al Sadd beat Al Arabi 2-1 in the Amir Cup final. President Gianni Infantino, UEFA year includes Qatar hosting two as the host of the 2030 Asian Games. of Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation Nasser bin Ghanim President Aleksander Ceferin and month-long football events - the Al Khelaifi after winning the Qatar Classic Squash Championship 2020 in this November 7 file photo. FIFA President Gianni Infantino duringthe AFC chief Shaikh Salman bin matches of the East and West Zones Tonight (December 18, a visit to the under-construction Ebrahim Al Khalifa along with of the 2020 AFC Champions Doha wins Lusail Stadium, the venue of the scores of dignitaries. League. Both events - hosted in 2020) was an 2022 FIFA World Cup final. A spectacular fireworks show Sept-Oct and Nov-Dec windows - immensely proud added glitter to a memorable were completed by creating 2030 Asian occasion for Qatar and the occasion as coach Xavi’s Al Sadd bubble-to-bubble environment people of Al Rayyan. It was celebrated winning the Amir Cup around the team hotels, training a culmination of a rigorous title for the 17th time in the club’s facilities and the match venues. history. For Al Arabi’s coach Heimir Statistics released by SC show a Games bid race effort taken by multiple Hallgrimson and his players, it was total of 48,323 COVID-19 tests were stakeholders across several a day to cherish as they reached carried out across the AFC Cham- months, beginning with the RIZWAN REHMAT the title clash of Qatar’s most pions League matches and the Amir THE PENINSULA AFC Champions League, popular football tournament after Cup final. With expert help and until tonight where we saw 27 years. guidelines coming from the Min- On December1 16,6, 2020, 2020, ThereThere wawass a wwholehole tteameam thousands of fans safely And yes, a little away from the istry of Public Health (MOPH), the 2030 Asiann GamesGames thathatt wworkedorked harhardd iinsidenside match intensity, the world approv- Qatar won praise from far and wide were awardedd to to Do Dohaha anandd ououtsidetside thethe enjoying the spectacle. We ingly celebrated the inauguration as the region struggled to complete after the Qatariri cacapitalpital are looking forward to of the stadium two years ahead of sports events that were put on hold - also knownn as tthehe comcommittee.mittee. II tthankhank HHisis hosting more safe and schedule. in March. More than 900 players sports capitalal of ththee HiHighnessghness the Amir Sheikh secure events in the coming FIFA President Infantino, who and backroom staff from 30 teams region - wwonon tthehe Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani months, and we sincerely has made a series of visits to Qatar played in a total of 76 matches. The Olympic Counciluncil of and everyoneeveryone who Al Duhail emerged QNB Stars League 2019-2020 hope that the world will in the last four months, was partic- SC said it ‘constituted the largest feeling,” the World No. 1 added. Asia (OCA) votee in in a a bid bid ssupportedupported our bid ffileile -- champions on August 21 with a record of 16 wins, ularly thrilled with the fourth 2022 bubble-to-bubble sporting event On September 26, Doha race with SauSaudidi from the Ministry of 4 losses and 2 draws. quickly overcome the World Cup venue getting match since the outbreak of the COVID-19 created a bio-secure environment candidate cityy RiyaRiyadh.dh. from the Ministry of pandemic and resume life ready. pandemic’. for the last round of the 2020 The long-awaitedawaited Foreign AAffairsffairs and alalll and sports as we’ve always “Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is a AFC President Shaikh Salman Diamond League. The final meet announcementent wwasas ambassadors abroad. It ambassadors abroad. It Pole Vault world record Over the last three months, Qatar has shown the world how wonderful venue for football. The in a statement posted on the AFC attracted 27 World and Olympic made by OCAA PresPres-- was a long and arduous enjoyed them: was a long and arduous holder Armand ((Mondo)Mondo) Nasser Al football can continue to be played and fans remain engaged atmosphere is incredible, with the website said: “On behalf of the medallists. Thrilling performances ident SheikhAhm Ahmadad A All campaicampaign.gn. II ggiveive tthankshanks toto DuplantisDuplantis comcompletedpleted Khater,hater, CEO,CEO, FIFA WorWorldld seats extremely close to the pitch. Asian football family, I want to on the track and field provided a Fahad Al Sabahabah ooff despite the COVID-19 pandemic that we are all facing. The God that we will be an unbeaten seasseason,on, Cupup QatarQatar Even with a socially-distanced underline our gratitude once again fitting end to the coronavirus- Kuwait after ccountingounting God that we will be Amir Cup Final 2020, which helped inaugurate the fourth hosting the Asian Games edgingedging AAmericanmerican worworldld 2022 LLC crowd, I could feel the passion for to the Qatar Football Association, affected season. World record of votes was heldeld at at J WJW hosting the Asian Games 022 LLC FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium, as well as the AFC Champions championchampion SSamam KendricksKendricks the game. I am sure this will be a the Qatar Authorities and all our holder Armand (Mondo) Duplantis, Marriot Hotelel in the aagain.gain. Qatar has become aa League Final, welcomed more than 10,000 fans back into the perfect football arena in 2022 when participating clubs. It was an World champion Hellen Obiri and Omani capital.l. sign of Asia’s confidence: onon SeSeptemberptember26 26 in in a a bio- bio- sign of Asia’s confidence: secure environment durinduringg stands for each match. I was present for both matches and it hosts matches during the World incredible team effort that show- double Olympic champion Elaine “I can now Doha 20302030 BiBidd Cup. I would like to congratulate cased the unity and solidarity of Thompson-Herah clinched vic- announce... tthathat tthehe thethe last round of the 2020 saw first-hand the seamless health and safety protocols put CCommitteeommittee CChairmanhairman HH EE DiamondDiamond LLeagueeague wwhichhich in place by Qatar and the Local Organising Committee, which Qatar on the completion of this Asian football. I must also thank our tories as the 2020 Diamond League city who hhadad the latest World Cup project. The broadcast partners, our loyal concluded with a grand one-day highest vote aandnd will SSheikhheikh Joaan bin attracted 2727 World World and and ensured players and fans could confidently compete and country is very well prepared for sponsors as well as the media and event at the Qatar Sports Club host 2030 is Doha,”oha,” the the Hamad Al Thani OlympicOlympic medallists at the watch the matches. Qatar has set a benchmark for the safe the next World Cup and on track our passionate fans, so many of Stadium in Doha. OCA Presidentent sasaidid QatarQatarS SportsportsC lubClub Stadium Stadium resumption of football in the COVID-19 world: to host a memorable version of the whom continue to be engaged in Duplantis, who broke Sergey raising a pplacardlacard in DDoha.oha. FIFA President Gianni Infantino tournament – the first in the Middle record numbers. And finally, but Bubka’s 26-year-old outdoor showing Dohaa printed East and Arab world, and the most importantly, to the medical world record of 6.14 metres in on it. second in Asia,” Infantino said. team in Qatar, our doctors, and Rome in September, finished the This is willl bebe thethe secosecondnd ttimeime that that Doh Dohaawia wi willll g getet t oto COVID-19 has had such a huge impact on football this year In what could be termed as a front-liners as well as the dele- 2020 season undefeated edging host the Asiann Games.Games. InIn DecemberDecember 2006,2006, DohaDoha stastagedged QatarQatar major accomplishment in trying gation in Qatar. Our achievements American world champion Sam the then ‘biggestest and and best’ best’ Asian Asian Games Games bringing bringing togethe togetherr and nothing has demonstrated that more so than teams hosted two circumstances, Qatar unveiled its would not have been possible Kendricks, the last man to beat more than 10,000000 athlete athletes,s, o officialsfficials and and media media folks folks for for hosted two playing in empty stadiums and fans being restricted from month-long On behalf of the Asian third World Cup stadium - ready without you, and this success is a him, and London 2012 gold med- the two-weekk gatgathering.thihering. month-long football family and the watching the game they love. Watching the Amir Cup final footballfootball eventsevents for match use - earlier this year. To tribute to all of you who have allist Renaud Lavillenie of France. The Doha 22030030 Bid Bid Committee, Committee, headed headed by by Chair Chairmanman - the matches of Asian Football 2020 in Qatar and seeing the country’s fourth FIFA World honour the health workers in Qatar shown great resolve and trophy in the club’s history. Junior Ahmed Al Thani formally handing Duplantis, 20, won all 16 of his H E Sheikh Joaanaan bin Hamad Al Thani, was ppresentresent in in - the matches of thethe EastEast andand WestWest Confederation, I want to Cup™ venue inaugurated was a special moment for me and and around the world, the SC put commitment.” Negrao scored twice, helping Ulsan the country’s bid book to AFC Pres- meetings in 2020 as well as twice Muscat wheree the entire OCA familfamilyy jjoinedoined inin forfor thethe Zones of the 2020 together a digital ceremony After watching the AFC Cham- have a strong comeback from a 1-0 ident Sheikh Salman. breaking the world record and pro- OCA voting procedure.rocedure. Zones of the 2020 underline our gratitude also another special moment for the recovery of football AFCAFC ChampionsChampions marking the opening of the Edu- pions League final hosted in Doha deficit in the thrilling final. Not just in football, Qatar also ducing the best-ever outdoor jump “There wasas aa wholewhole teamteam thatthat workedworked hardhard insideinside League. Both once again to the Qatar worldwide, as we witnessed fans once again singing in the League. Both cation City Stadium in June this on December 19, the AFC President After the pulsating final, the successfully organised other major of 6.15 metres. and outside thee committee.committee. II thankthank HisHis HiHighnessghness the the events - hosted events - hosted Football Association, the stands. Qatar managed to welcome these fans safely thanks year, three months after the congratulated Korean giants Ulsan AFC President said: “On behalf of competitions during the pandemic- “It’s been a fantastic season Amir Sheikh TaTamimmim bibinn HHamadamad Al Al T Thanihani and and e eve-ve- in Sept-Oct and in Sept-Octand Qatari authorities and all to the COVID-19 prevention measures put in place. We COVID-19 pandemic around the Hyundai for their winning run in the AFC and Asian football family, ravaged sports season. and I enjoyed sharing the moment ryone who supportedpported our bid file - from theMin Min-- Nov-Dec windows Nov-Dec windows welcome these measures but are all hopeful we can get back globe pulled the brakes on the an event that did not look like fin- I would like to congratulate both On November 7, after a week tonight with the guys. I enjoyed the istry of Foreignign Affairs and all ambassadors - were completed our Member Associations - were completed and their participating to normal competition and fan attendance as soon as sports calendar. The Education City ishing when COVID-19 pandemic Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai for of intense battles, World No.1 Ali jump and the rivalry with Sam. It’s abroad,” Sheikhikh Joaan told media after the by creating Stadium is no ordinary football forced cancellation of events earlier producing a memorable night of Farag retained the Qatar Classic been fun with him as we have announcement.nt. bubble-to-bubbleby creating clubs for the successful possible: UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin venue. The 40,000-seater is sur- in the year. Ulsan Hyundai beat spectacular football. Ulsan Squash Championship title by always got back at each other,” said “It was a longong and arduous campaicampaign.gn. II bubbenvironmentle-to-bubble completion of the AFC rounded by leading universities and Iranian giants Persepolis 2-1 in the Hyundai deserve our praise for beating New Zealand’s Paul Coll Duplantis after his win in Doha. give thanks to GGodod tthathat wewe wwillill be be hhostingosting aroundenv theironm teament Champions League. It was the Education City Golf Course, the final, winning its second ACL showcasing outstanding quality, in an absorbing final at the Khalifa “It’s been a roller-coaster year the Asian Gameses agai again.n. Q Qataratar has has become become arouhotels,nd t hetraining team an incredible team effort and I would like to congratulate International & Squash Complex. sort of. I broke the indoor world a sign of Asia’s confidence,”confidence,” hehe addedadded.. facilitieshotels, andtraining the everyone, from the players, offi- ’s Farag, who won his first record earlier in the year and I was facimatchlities venues.and the that showcased the unity cials as well as the backroom staff, Qatar Classic title in 2018, managed enjoying the season but, all of a match venues. venues. and solidarity of Asian all of those working behind the a 11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9 victory after sudden, the pandemic came and conducted onlinenline eeventsvents fforor football. My thanks also go scenes for their resilience and 61 minutes of top-notch action in everything shut down and no one national driversrs aandnd riridersders a andnd to the medical team in commitment. Today, we celebrate the final watched by Qatar Olympic knew what will happen next. It’s for those fromom overseasoverseas,, Qatar, our doctors, and the best of Asian club football, but Committee (QOC) President, H E great back and I hope things keep bringing togetherether some we also salute your remarkable Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, improving,” he added. much-needed cocomfortmfort fforor front liners as well as the spirit and sacrifice.” and President of Qatar Tennis, On the domestic front, the motorsport lovers.vers. delegation in Qatar. Our In August 2020, QFA officially Squash and Badminton Federation Qatar Stars League (QSL) in late The Qatar BBasketballasketball achievements would not announced that it is bidding to host Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi. July resumed matches that were Federation, thehe QataQatarr have been possible without the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The Qatar “The first time I couldn’t put on hold in March. Volleyball Association,ociation, bid file - presented in four phases believe it and this time around I QSL’s 2019-20 season was the Qatar Table TennisTennis you and this success is a as per AFC directives - showcases can’t believe it even more,” said completed in August and the Association andd Q Qataratar tribute to all of you who Qatar’s desire to host the conti- Farag, who collected over $26,000 2020-21 season successfully Handball Associationiation have shown great resolve nent’s biggest football event for the for his title win in the $175,000 kicked off in September. The also wrapped uupp and commitment: third time having staged it in 1988 PSA’s Platinum event. Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Fed- their incompleteete AFC and 2011. “When I was younger, I used eration (QMMF) also smoothly events in the lastast President, Shaikh Salman During the break in the Amir to watch the Qatar Classic and see wrapped all of its postponed three months. bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa Cup final on December 18, 2020, all the great names of our sport events in three months starting the Qatar bid logo was also lifting that trophy and I could only in October. unveiled with the QFA President imagine standing there one day. In the summer - when there Al Sadd players and officials celebrate after winning the Amir Cup final. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin To do it twice is an amazing was no sports activity - QMMF Sport

THURSDAYT 31 DECEMBER 2020 ChristianoC Ronaldo plans ‘many yyears’ playing as 36th birthday looms I still feel good, sharp and in a good moment in my life. I hope tot play many, many years more, but you never know. If you feelf motivated, it doesn’t matter. Cristiano now is good.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sport |11

QVA SENIOR MEN'S LEAGUE: Police beat Al Ahli 3-1 (25-22, 30-32, 25-18, 25-20); Qatar SC beat Al Khor 3-0 (25-20, 25-11, 25-23) Gaby De Faust storms to Dukhan Cup win

THE PENINSULA – DOHA 22ND RACE MEETING - DUKHAN CUP Injaaz Stud's Gaby De Faust (FR) WINNERS yesterday emerged victorious in the feature race of the Dukhan Cup at Al DUKHAN CUP Rayyan racetrack. Horse: Gaby De Faust (FR), Michael Forest rode the Trainer: Mohammed Riyaz Mohammed Riyaz-trained 4-year- Ibrahim Kasim, Jockey: old filly to an impressive win in the Michael Forest 1700m run for 3-year-old Purebred THOROUGHBREDS (Class 2) Arabian fillies & mares as the winners Izzthatright (IRE), Zuhair Mohsen bagged the top prize of the day, Zuhair Maki, Ali Khalid Al worth QR57,000. Mosallam Dabaab (FR), traned by Alban Elie PUREBRED ARABIAN Marie De Mieulle and ridden by Gaby De Faust's team members celebrate with the trophy after Injaaz Stud's 4-year-old filly HANDICAP Ronan Thomas, missed the win by a yesterday emerged victorious in the feature race of the Dukhan Cup at Al Rayyan racetrack. 6¾-length as they finished second Bsheer (USA), Hossin ahead of Safae (FR), guided by Ivan Mohammad Ashour, Faleh Rossi. Bughanaim LOCAL THOROUGHBRED Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (Class 4) race, Al Rabban Racing's Sha- Jockey Michael Forest MAIDEN PLATE (QREC) Racing Manager Abdulla waaheq (IRE) clinched a victory with guiding Mohammed Riyaz Mater (QA), Hamad Ahmed Rashid Al Kubaisi presented trophies Thomas in the saddle. The De Mieulle- Ibrahim Kasim-trained Gaby to the winners of the QR100,000 trained 4-year-old gelding eased to De Faust to victory in the Al Malki Al Jehani, Faleh Dukhan Cup. a 4-length win in the 1700m run. Dukhan Cup. Bughanaim It was the third win for Injaaz Earlier, Abdul Rahman bin THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN Stud, after Izzthatright (IRE) won the Hamad bin Abdul Rahman Al Atti- PLATE (Class 6) Class 2 Thoroughbred class and yah's Third World (IRE) (Dansili) won Golden Bear (IRE), Mohammed Golden Bear (IRE) landed the Thor- a TB Novice Plate on dirt. Meteb Ali Hussain Afroz, Meteb Ali oughbred Maiden Plate earlier in the Al Saqqa rode the Jassim Ghazali- Al-Marri meet. trained 4-year-old colt to an PUREBRED ARABIAN Ali Khalid Al Mosallam rode the impressive 9¾-length win in the MAIDEN PLATE (Rated 70 & Zuhair Mohsen-trained 8-year-old 1900m run. Below) gelding Izzthatright to a 2¼-legnth Mubarak Zayed Shahwani's Satam (FR), Mansoor Mesfer H A win in the 5f run. Satam (FR) bagged a Purebred Golden Bear was guided by Meteb Arabian Maiden Plate (0-70) when Al Hajri, Tomas Lukasek THOROUGHBRED NOVICE Ali Al Saaq as the Mohammed Tomas Lukasek rode the Mansoor Hussain-trained 2-year-old gelding Mesfer Al Hajri-trained 5YO horse PLATE (Class 6) secured a 2-length win in the 6f run. to a ¾-length win in the 1700 run for Third World (IRE), Gassim Meanwhile, Faleh Bughanaim 4-6-year-olds. Mohammad Ghazali, Meteb Ali yesterday guided Al Shaqab Racing's In the first race of the day, Hamad Al Marri homebred Bsheer (USA) to win the Ahmed Hassan Al Malki Al Jehan's THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP Purebred Arabian Handicap (0-90) homebred Mater (QA) won the Local (Class 4) by a neck. The Hossin Ashour-trained TB Maiden Plate. Faleh Bughanaim Shawaaheq (IRE), Alban Elie 8-year-old gelding to a neck win in rode the Hamad Al Jehani-trained Marie De Mieulle, Ronan the 1900m run 3-year-old colt to a ½-length win in Thomas In the Thoroughbred Handicap the 6f run. QOC Beach Games: Al Shahaniya, Doha through to men’s football final

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Action during the semi-finals of the beach football tournament of the Qatar Olympic Committee Beach Games at Aspire After 10 days of exhila- Zone yesterday. rating action at the maiden QOC Beach Games, the men’s beach football finalists emerged with Al Shahaniya and Team Doha heading for the showdown on Saturday. On Tuesday evenning, Osaka, Lewandowski named Al Shahaniya ended Al Ennabi’s fine run at the legacy tournament with Best Athletes of 2020 by AIPS a 3-1 victory in the first match of the day while AIPS/THE PENINSULA – LAUSANNE Munich in 2020, including the UEFA Super Team Doha defeated Cup and the German Super Cup. Madinat Khalifa 4-2 in the Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka and Three-time Grand Slam champion other encounter. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski have Osaka topped the AIPS poll for Best Playing against a been named the AIPS Best Athletes of Female Athlete with 526 points ahead of determined Al Ennabi 2020. Venezuelan triple jump world indoor side, Al Shahaniya Bayern Munich won the AIPS Best record-holder Yulimar Rojas (331 points) ensured their defence Team of 2020 after breaking a plethora and American tennis legend Serena Wil- formation was highly of records en route to winning five tro- liams, who won her 73rd WTA title at the effective in curtailing the phies. This is the result of a poll by the 2020 ASB Classic, in third with 327 rampaging attacks of the International Sport Press Association points. Al Ennabi lads who were (AIPS), where a panel of 422 journalists Osaka, 23-year-old, born in Chūō-ku, the highest scoring side from 116 countries voted for the Cham- Japan, to a Japanese mother and a Haitian at the tournament pions of 2020. father, moved with her family to New having netted a total of It is the first time that Lewandowski York when she was three. She first 11 goals in their first two Action during the beach volleyball and Osaka are winning the prestigious grabbed the headlines in 2016 at the age matches. semi-finals. accolade which attracts votes from a vast of 19, when she won the Women’s Tour Al Ennabi had wal- network of professionals across the world Association (WTA) Newcomer of the Year loped Al Wukair 7-0 in annually. award after reaching her first WTA final their first match before two minutes left in the team were left to rue their matches will be between Bayern Munich goal machine Lewand- and rising to a career-high ranking of No. trouncing Madinat game. several missed chances as Al Hazm versus Al Ruwais owski garnered 620 points, enough to see 40. Khalifa 4-1 to set up the As much as Al Ennabi the game would have and Al Nosour against Al off British seven-time Formula One world Her US Open championship victory last-four clash against Al tried to close the deficit, ended differently were Said. champion Lewis Hamilton on 546 points surely qualifies as one of the highlights of Shahaniya. a resolute Al Shahaniyah they more clinical in front In beach volleyball and Spanish 20-time tennis Grand Slam the 2020 tennis season not just for her Unlike their previous wall of defence was too of goal. semi-finals which took winner Rafael Nadal in third with 378 impressive athleticism but also for her encounters, however, the much for them to pene- Sporting action con- place last evening, Al points. extraordinary activism. situation was different in trate with the goalkeeper tinues on Wednesday in Nujum and Al Adaam Lewandowski, 32-year-old, born in Osaka highlighted racial and social the semis for the Al standing like the rock of the men’s event with the booked their berths in the Warsaw, Poland, has been in blistering injustice throughout her run at the tour- Ennabi team as it was Al Gibraltar between the beach volleyball’s semi- final. form over the last year, contributing a nament, where she wore seven black Shahaniya who powered sticks - thwarting every finals involving Al Adaam Over 500 male and whopping 55 goals in 47 games to Bayern masks bearing the names of different to a 2-0 lead before the goal attempt. and Lusail, and Al Nojoom female athletes are par- Munich’s exceptional 2019/20 treble victims, one for each round. former got one back. Meanwhile, in the versus Zekreet on the ticipating in the maiden triumph. Bayern Munich, six-time UEFA Cham- Just as Al Ennabi were second semis clash, Team card. QOC Beach Games, a He won the German league and cup pions League winners, were dominant in attempting to stage a Doha got the better of However, in beach legacy event of the 2019 double as well as the Champions League the Best Team poll, receiving a total of comeback in the second Madinat Khalifa with a handball, Al Fohoud will ANOC World Beach with Bayern and finished as top scorer in 1317 points, followed by reigning Premier half, Al Shahaniya 4-2 defeat to set up the be up against Al Soqour Games Doha, which is all three competitions – top scorer for the League champions Liverpool with 753 pounced on an error from final clash against Al while Al Nomour faces Al being held over two third time in a row in the Bundesliga and points, while 2020 NBA champions Los their opponents’ defence Shahaniya. Khafji in the quarter- weeks until January 2, fourth successive year in the DFB Cup. He Angeles Lakers had to settle for third place to extend their lead with The Madinat Khalifa finals. The other two 2021. won five trophies in total with Bayern with 658 points. THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 11 From Kobe to Maradona, a year of staggering losses in sports

AP - NEW YORK before becoming a TV voice The Packers also There were so many this year. Sports in 2020 of the game. mourned defensive was an unending state of mourning. It was as if Ford was the dependable greats Herb Adderley, every week, sometimes days, another luminary “Chairman of the Board,” a Willie Wood and Willie fell, bringing a cascade of condolence and left-hander who played on Davis while the Dol- remembrance. six title winners and might phins did likewise with It began New Year’s Day, a harbinger of what have been the greatest running back Jim Kiick. the year held, with the deaths of David Stern and starting pitcher in New York Two linebackers were Don Larsen. Not long after came a seismic jolt, Yankees history. In St. Louis, remembered: Mike the helicopter crash of Kobe Bryant in the fog- Gibson struck palpable fear Curtis, who helped the shrouded California hills that reverberated across into batters. He won seven Colts win a Super Bowl, sports and across continents. straight World Series starts and Kevin Greene, his Deep into the year, a bookend to Bryant, and in 1968 had a 1.12 ERA. long blond hair flowing Diego Maradona died from a heart attack in Baseball responded by low- while in manic pursuit Argentina weeks after brain surgery, the waves ering the mound the next of quarterbacks. Tom of grief rippling across soccer. It seemed a whole year. A month earlier, Car- Dempsey, born without wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame was ripped dinals fans also grieved for toes on his kicking foot, away -- Al Kaline, Tom Seaver, Lou Brock, Bob Brock, who came over from made a then-record Gibson, Whitey Ford, Joe Morgan, Phil Niekro. the Cubs and became one of 63-yard field goal. His Football lost a big piece of its heart: Don Shula, the game’s great leadoff was among the Gale Sayers, Paul Hornung, Bobby Mitchell. Gone hitters and base stealers. COVID-19 deaths. from college basketball was John Thompson, as Three days earlier, it was Among the coaches lost: imposing and important a coach as any. Seaver. He was “Tom Ter- Joe Bugel, Pat Dye, The losses, of course, came against a rific” and “The Franchise,” Johnny Majors, Ray backdrop of a pandemic, its number of fatalities both nicknames apt. Seaver Perkins, George Perles, rolled out daily on TV screens. Sports took its shook the mindset of the New Argentina coach Diego Maradona before the match between Argentina and Nigeria at the FIFA Pepper Rodgers, place in the grim procession, even if COVID-19 York Mets. He was a three- 2010 World Cup at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa, in this June 12, 2010, file Harland Svare, Sam was not listed on the death certificate. For fans time Cy Young Award winner photo. Maradona died on November 25, 2020. Wyche. of a certain age, it was as if the lights dimmed and cornerstone of a team he Hockey sent off on a generation of players who long illuminated transformed from woe- down the best of players and won eight straight Henri Richard, the the game. begone to World Series champion in 1969. Niekro titles with the Boston Celtics before coaching diminutive center who won a record 11 Stanley What was left were snapshots and YouTube won 318 games and pitched until he was 48, his them to another two. Jones played on those Bill Cups with the Montreal Canadiens. He was the montages and endless conversations -- the knuckleball dancing and mystifying batters Russell teams with two Hall of Famers who died “Pocket Rocket” and younger brother of superstar soaring move to the basket, the steely command across the decades. in 2020: Thompson and Tom Heinsohn, who Maurice “Rocket” Richard. There was also Eddie on the mound, the slashing run past tacklers, the Larsen was 81-91 over 14 big league seasons, would go on to coach and broadcast for the Shack, the always entertaining winner of four burst of an impossible goal. It’s all a fan could but on one October day in 1956 the gods of the Celtics. Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs; and ask for. game visited an Everyman. The Yankees pitcher Gone, too, were Wes Unseld, with his Dale Hawerchuk, who spent 16 years in the NHL, Bryant was among nine who died that did what no one in baseball ever had -- throw a whipping outlet passes, star sixth man Cliff Rob- notably with the Winnipeg Jets. January day, including 13-year-old daughter perfect game in the World Series. inson, Harlem Globetrotter dribbling wizard The Olympic flame flickered for Rafer Gianna. He was 41, less than four years removed Baseball also remembered Dick Allen, a Curly Neal and ex-ABA Commissioner Mike Johnson. He won a gold medal at the 1960 Rome from the NBA, and on his way to a youth tour- fearsome slugger and seven-time All-Star who Storen. There was a roster of coaches in Jerry Games in the decathlon, an event that com- nament. Bryant is the game’s fourth-leading withstood torrents of abuse in Philadelphia. Two Sloan, Eddie Sutton, Lou Henson, Carl Tacy, Billy manded far more prestige then than today. Eight scorer. He spent 20 years with the Los Angeles other hard hitters left: Jim Wynn, the Astros’ “Toy Tubbs and Morgan Wootten. years later he helped subdue Robert F Kennedy’s Lakers, 18 as an All-Star, and won five titles. He Cannon,” and Bob Watson, who later with the The NFL lost dazzling running backs in assassin. Kurt Thomas in 1978 became the first was a generational player who left an imprint Yankees became the first Black general manager Sayers, Hornung and Mitchell. US male gymnast to win a world title but lost an with his swoops and scores, his touch and grit. to win a World Series. Sayers played only seven seasons but his Olympic shot in 1980 because of the boycott. Purple and gold became colors of mourning. “It Three Dodgers went in the space of a week open field running with the Chicago Bears There were farewells in golf for Mickey doesn’t make no sense,” the Lakers’ LeBron -- reliever Ron Perranoski and outfielders became the stuff of legend. His fame grew Wright, who won 13 majors and gave the early James said. “But the universe just puts things in “Sweet” Lou Johnson and Jay Johnstone. A trio through “Brian’s Song,” a movie about friendship LPGA a big lift; and resplendently dressed Doug your life.” of second basemen -- Glenn Beckert, Frank and a dying teammate. Sanders, who won 20 times on the tour but never Maradona was the soul of Argentine soccer Bolling, Tony Taylor -- died as did John Hornung, the “Golden Boy” and Notre Dame a major. whose magic extended to Italy, where he McNamara, who in 1986 managed the Boston Heisman Trophy winner, helped forge the Green In auto racing: Stirling Moss, the adven- bewitched Napoli fans. He carried Argentina to Red Sox to within one strike of a World Series Bay Packers dynasty. He was suspended for a turesome British Formula One driver; versatile the 1986 World Cup title, his two goals in a quar- crown. And Phil Linz, the light-hitting backup year in 1963 for gambling. Hornung enjoyed the driver John Andretti of the famed racing family; terfinal against England among soccer’s greatest: whose harmonica playing on the team bus good life, the counterpoint to the stern Vince and Vicki Wood, a pioneering NASCAR racer who the “Hand of God” goal -- he later acknowledged became part of Yankees lore. Lombardi, and made no apologies for it. died at 101. it came with his hand, not head -- and another In basketball, Stern became NBA commis- Mitchell was tantalizingly fast. He split his Also making it to 100 was Robert Ryland, the in which he shredded an entire defense. He died sioner in 1984 and inherited a league in perilous career between Cleveland, where he teamed with first Black professional tennis player and later at 60, his health undercut by cocaine and obesity. financial shape. He sprung it to life, riding the Jim Brown, and Washington, where he became coach to Arthur Ashe and Serena and Venus Wil- One commentator in Argentina likened him to star power of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and the team’s first Black player. liams. In addition, Alex Olmedo, winner in 1959 the “great masters of music and painting.” Michael Jordan and reconfiguring the game for Shula once said that in judging greatness the of the Wimbledon and Australian champion- Kaline spent 22 years with the Detroit Tigers, the global marketplace. stats should speak for themselves. Here are his: ships; and five-time Grand Slam doubles champ elegantly covering right field and in 1955 hitting Thompson, a towel draped over his shoulder, He guided the Miami Dolphins to the only perfect Dennis Ralston. .340 at age 20 to become the youngest player to guided Georgetown to the 1984 NCAA champi- season in NFL history -- 17-0 in 1972 -- set a In soccer, some World Cup champions: Jack win the American League batting title. He was onship. He was the first Black coach to take the league record with 347 victories and coached in Charlton, with England in 1966; Paolo Rossi with simply Mr. Tiger. In Cincinnati, Morgan, his elbow title. Thompson was outspoken and big -- he six Super Bowls. “If there were a Mount Italy in 1982. Boxing paid tribute to British mid- twitching at the plate like the wing of an agitated could look at Patrick Ewing eye to eye -- and Rushmore for the NFL,” Dolphins owner Stephen dleweight champion Alan Minter and Roger May- chicken, was a maestro at second base, a two- fierce in defense of his players. Ross said, “Don Shula certainly would be chiseled weather, a world champ who trained nephew time MVP and vital part of the Big Red Machine There was K C Jones, the guard who shut into the granite.” Floyd Mayweather Jr. Qatar Basketball League Ronaldo plans ‘many years’ playing as 36th birthday looms

AP - MILAN A champions unu- Ronaldo said in Juventus’ Approaching his 36th birthday sually low in sixth the interview. Portuguese in February, Cristiano Ronaldo place - 10 points “But (the) has no intention of slowing behind leader AC forward Cristiano World Cup, it’s down. Milan - albeit with 25 Ronaldo reacts a dream.” “I still feel good, sharp and games remaining. during the Italian By then, in a good moment in my life,” “My eyes see the Serie A football Ronaldo will the Juventus and Portugal star future very, very match between hope to be said in a video interview. “I bright,” Ronaldo Juventus and back playing in hope to play many, many years said. “So, I’m happy Fiorentina in this front of full more, but you never know.” with that.” December 22, crowds again, The forward still has Happy too that 2020, file photo which the pan- another full season on his con- he has won titles at the Juventus demic restric- tract at Juventus, expiring in with Lisbon club stadium in Turin. tions still 2022 when retirement won’t be Sporting, Man- prevent in Italy considered. chester United, Real heading into “If you feel motivated, it Madrid and Juventus. 2021. doesn’t matter. Cristiano now Winning the Next year is good,” he said. “When I speak European Champi- will also see with the young boys, I’m always onship with Portugal Portugal giving advice to them that I say, in 2016 leaves the defend its title ‘Enjoy the moment because we World Cup as the in the Action from Al Sadd’s win over Qatar SC during their Qatar never know what’s going to only major prize to you have to be realistic as well.” rescheduled Basketball League game yesterday. Al Sadd won 89-61. BELOW: happen tomorrow. Something elude him. A taste of the 2022 World European Championship. Players battle for ball possession during the game between Al can happen in your life with “We have to have the steps Cup will come with friendlies “I don’t like to play in sta- Ahli and Al Khor. Al Ahli won 92-68. your family’.” under the ground because we next year against host nation diums without the fans,” he It’s tougher than expected won (in) 2016 and now we want Qatar. said. for Juventus this season, with to win the World Cup,” Ronaldo “I win (titles with) every “It’s like to go to the circus the nine-time defending Serie said. “Everything is possible, but club that I’ve played with,” and to (not) see clowns.” Fulham’s PL match at Spurs is called off

REUTERS - LONDON will be confirmed in due course.” The match “Match at 6 pm... We still don’t know if is the third in the English top flight to be we play. Best league in the world,” he wrote Fulham’s Premier League match at postponed due to COVID-19 cases after on Instagram https://www.instagram. Tottenham Hotspur that was scheduled to Newcastle United’s trip to Aston Villa earlier com/p/CJbK538JMf6. kick off at 1800 GMT yesterday has been this month was called off, as was Monday’s On Tuesday, the Premier League said called off due to a COVID-19 outbreak at match between Everton and Manchester 18 individuals had tested positive for the the West London club, Spurs said. City. new coronavirus, the most in a week this “The Premier League informed us of Both Newcastle and City reported season, with bottom side Sheffield United the decision this afternoon, with Fulham COVID-19 outbreaks at their clubs which also reporting a number of fresh cases in having requested the postponement on the forced them to lodge a request with the their camp. grounds of the number of COVID-19 pos- Premier League. Four hours before the However, the Blades’ match at Burnley itive cases among their players and staff,” game was scheduled to kick off, Spurs boss on Tuesday went ahead with only the Spurs said in a statement. Jose Mourinho said he was still in the dark players testing positive going into “Details of a new date for the fixture regarding the status of the match. self-isolation. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020 New Zealand end Burns dumped as defiance for thrilling Test win Warner, Pucovski get nod for 3rd Test

AFP - SYDNEY Australia yesterday included David Warner and debutant Will Pucovski in their squad for the third Test against India, with selectors ditching Joe Burns after a poor start to the series. Warner will return as he continues recovering from a groin injury, while Pucovski is also expected to be fit after a con- cussion, Australia said in a statement. Fast bowler Sean Abbott has also recovered from a calf strain and was included in the 18-man squad for the remainder of the four-Test series. But out-of-form Burns was released after struggling in the first two Tests. “Unfortunately, Joe’s returns haven’t been what he or the New Zealand celebrate their victory after taking the final on the fifth day of the first cricket Test match between New Zealand selectors would like or what we consider he is capable of,” and Pakistan at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui yesterday. national selector Trevor Hohns said. Although Warner was still recovering from his injury, AFP - MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND NEW ZEALAND VS PAKISTAN Jamieson struck first, 11 overs after the selectors were hoping the opener would be fit for the match NEW ZEALAND, 1st innings 431 (K. Williamson 129, B. Watling tea break, with the wicket of Rizwan, lbw at the Sydney Cricket Ground. New Zealand beat Pakistan by 101 runs in 73, R. Taylor 70, H. Nicholls 56; 4-109, Yasir Shah 3-113) for 60, before Wagner removed Alam for “David has made strong progress in his recovery from injury a thrilling finish to the first Test in Mount PAKISTAN, 1st innings 239 (F. Ashraf 91, M. Rizwan 71; Jamie- 102. and will be given every chance to play,” Hohns said. Maunganui yesterday, where the visitors son 3-35, Wagner 2-50) Jamieson produced a particularly The selection of Pucovski clears the way for the 22-year- were just 27 balls from escaping with a NEW ZEALAND, 2nd innings 180-5 dec. (T. Blundell 64, T. miserly spell after the tea break when he old to make his Test debut, after a blow to the helmet in a draw. Latham 53; Naseem Shah 3-55) sent down nine overs and took two for four. warm-up match earlier this month. The win tentatively put New Zealand PAKISTAN, 2nd innings (overnight 71-3) Apart from when Pakistan whipped out Australia won the opening Test in Adelaide by eight , top of the World rankings and kept alive S. Masood c Taylor b Southee ...... 0 the New Zealand openers cheaply on day with India levelling the series on Tuesday with an eight-wicket their chances of making the World Test c Watling b Boult ...... 0 one, the match had been in New Zealand’s win in Melbourne. Championship final. Azhar Ali c Watling b Boult ...... 38 control until Rizwan, the stand-in skipper, Despite an outbreak of Covid-19 in Sydney, Cricket Aus- After a 165-run fifth-wicket stand by H. Sohail c Santner b Southee ...... 9 joined Alam in the middle with Pakistan 75 tralia has confirmed the third Test will be held at the SCG on Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan the F. Alam c Watling b Wagner ...... 102 for four on the final morning. January 7, with players expected to arrive on January 4. M. Rizwan lbw Jamieson ...... 60 Test went into the final session with both F. Ashraf c Watling b Wagner ...... 19 They occupied the crease for more than The virus cluster, which emerged earlier this month, has sides in with a chance to win. Yasir. Shah c Southee b Jamieson ...... 0 63 overs until Jamieson struck 11 overs into forced authorities to put parts of the city in lockdown and place Pakistan needed 158 runs, New Zealand M. Abbas lbw Santner ...... 1 the final session. restrictions on travel to other states. required six wickets and 36 overs remained. S. Afridi ...... 8 Jamieson had gone close to taking a But officials were still confident the Test would be able to New Zealand Kane Williamson Naseem Shah c&b Santner ...... 1 wicket several times previously, and even go ahead before the teams travelled to Brisbane for the final put his faith in Neil Wagner, bowling on Extras (b16, lb7, w2 nb8) ...... 33 his lbw shout against Rizwan was turned Test on January 15. two broken toes, and the youngest of his Total (10 wickets; 123.3 overs) ...... 271 down before the umpire’s decision was Australia squad: Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Sean Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-0, 3-37, 4-75, 5-240, 6-242, 7-251, 8-259, pace quartet, Kyle Jamieson, to swing the 9-261, 10-271 overturned on review. Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis match towards the Black Caps. Bowling: Southee 23-8-33-2 (1w), Boult 25-9-72-2 (1w), Jamie- Alam lasted three more overs until he Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Wagner bowled a marathon 11 overs son 26-13-35-2, Wagner 28-9-55-2 (5nb), Santner 19.3-3-52-2 gloved a Wagner short ball to wicketkeeper Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, unchanged after tea and Jamieson -- on his (2nb), Williamson 2-1-1-0 BJ Watling down the leg side. Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner 26th birthday -- bowled nine. Result: New Zealand won by 101 runs Alam had been discarded by Pakistan They obliged with the wickets of Alam in 2009 after three Tests and a best innings and Rizwan. When Jamieson had Rizwan lbw for 60 of 168, and since his recall this year his “We saw an incredible spell from Kyle and Wagner removed Alam for 102, New highest score was 21 against England in and Wags together that did turn the match Zealand were into the tail as Pakistan folded August. when it was looking likely to run out into from 240 for four to be all out for 271. There were a few loose shots early a draw,” Williamson said, adding that with Tail-enders Shaheen Afridi and Naseem in his innings and a nerve-wracking so much at stake he could not contemplate Shah kept the draw option alive as long as moment when a ball ricocheted off his going defensive. they could, blocking for seven overs in arm and bounced dangerously close to “For us it was trying to win at all costs. fading light before Naseem was caught and the stumps. Going into that last session we still clearly bowled by spinner Mitchell Santner for one, Otherwise he staunchly held his own had that opportunity, as did Pakistan, but ending Pakistan’s resistance. through 269 deliveries before bringing up in the context of the Test championship Pakistan captain Rizwan said that his century with a four off Wagner -- losing while trying to win was still a better despite the result, he was proud of the way scoring only two more runs off his next 33 Australia’s Steve Smith sends down a delivery during a bet than anything else. his side played. balls before his dismissal. training session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) “It was great coming away with the “We put in hard work, but you must give New Zealand’s frontline pace bowlers in Melbourne, a day after losing to India in the second result and the excitement of finishing so credit to the New Zealand team,” Rizwan Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Wagner, Jamieson cricket Test match. late in the piece obviously adds to that.” said. and Santner each took two wickets. Skippers laud ‘mad’ Wagner for bowling with broken toes

REUTERS - WELLINGTON Home captain Williamson also praised the “special effort from” team man Wagner. Rival captains Kane Williamson and Mohammad “He was going off and having injections and Rizwan paid rich tribute to New Zealand quick Neil numbing his foot and we were trying to use him Wagner who bowled with two broken toes to help when the injection was taking effect - it was kind the hosts win the tense opening Test against of unique for all of us,” Williamson said. Pakistan yesterday. “His appetite and motivation to be out there and Wagner played the last three days of the match try and make a difference for the team is huge and with the broken toes after being hit by a Shaheen we haven’t seen it any bigger than the effort he’s Afridi yorker in New Zealand’s first innings at the put in across this test match. It was a very, very Bay Oval. special effort from Wags, one that the team appre- The left-arm quick played through pain and ciated. We needed him out there and he delivered.” went on to claim two second innings wickets, The win fetched New Zealand 60 points and Pakistan’s Fawad Alam (centre) including of centurion Fawad Alam, as New Zealand they are third in the World Test Championship celebrates his century with teammate prevailed with 4.3 overs remaining in the Test. (WTC) standings -- behind Australia (76.6) and India Mohammad Rizwan during the fifth “I just told Kane Williamson he’s mad,” Rizwan (72.2) -- having earned 66.7% points from their com- day of the first cricket Test match told reporters after their 101-run defeat at Mount pleted matches. between New Zealand and Pakistan Maunganui. They will be seeking a second successive victory at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui “I know New Zealand are very proud of him, he in the final test at Christchurch from January 3 to yesterday. bowled so well with that attitude and aggression,” boost their chances of reaching the WTC final at he said. Lord’s in June. Boucher backs top six for 'IPL gave Gill, Siraj the 2nd Test versus Sri Lanka confidence to shine' REUTERS - MELBOURNE REUTERS - PRETORIA “We’ve got tough Test series “We just got 600, why coming up against Pakistan and Playing alongside top international players in the Indian South Africa will go into the would I want to change our Australia. It’s no time to start Premier League has developed a fearlessness in opener second Test against Sri Lanka batting order? In Test experimenting.” Shubman Gill and quick Mohammed Siraj, said India coach with the same top six batsmen cricket, you wait for your Boucher admits there will Ravi Shastri after the duo excelled in the second Test against but coach Mark Boucher opportunity to come. We’ve be the temptation to include Australia. acknowledges the return of fit- got a couple of very good leading strike bowler Kagiso Both Gill and Siraj were making their Test debuts in an again fast bowler Kagiso batters waiting in the wings Rabada but says they will have India side that had been thrashed inside three days in the Rabada is no certainty. and we will keep working to be “smart” over their use of Adelaide opener and they helped the tourists give Australia The home side will look to with them so they are him this season. a taste of the own medicine with an eight-wicket victory. wrap up the two-match series ready.” “Sometimes with bowlers Replacing an out-of-form Prithvi Shaw, Gill produced in the second Test that starts in Coach Mark Boucher you want to play a guy for the fluent knocks of 45 and 35 not out in the low-scoring contest Johannesburg on January 3, sake of playing him because he at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. having completed a convincing batting order?” he told is your top bowler, but you need Right-arm quick Siraj, coming in for injured seamer innings and 45-run victory in reporters. “In , you to consider his workloads, from Mohammed Shami, bowled with relentless hostility to claim the first in Pretoria. wait for your opportunity to a mental and physical side. five wickets. South Africa had not scored come. “We want to play KG “That’s the way, that’s the brand of cricket we’ve been more than 284 in any of their “We’ve got a couple of very (Rabada) all the time, but he has playing for the last three or four years,” Shastri said. previous 13 Test innings, good batters waiting in the got to get his workloads up or “I think a lot has to do with IPL. The fact that they share leading to question-marks wings and we will keep there is a high risk of him dressing rooms with international players, they rub shoulders around a number of their top working with them so they are getting injured.” India’s Shubman Gill pulls a ball with the best, that complex factor disappears very quickly.” six, but an impressive first ready. South Africa have included away as he leads India to victory Shastri was delighted with Siraj’s ability to bowl long spells innings total of 621, albeit “For now, it will be very dif- left-arm seamer Beuran Hen- over Australia on the fourth day and was particularly impressed by Gill’s flair. against an injury-depleted Sri ficult for me to swap a batting dricks in their squad for the of the second cricket Test match “In the second innings, it’s very easy to get into a shell but Lanka attack, has cemented order that has been through a second test after he passed between Australia and India he went out there and played his natural game. It was great Boucher’s thinking for now. couple of tough times of late COVID-19 protocols having played at the MCG in Melbourne from the team point of view,” the coach added. “We just got 600, why and played well. I’ll take the tested positive before the team on Tuesday. Ajinkya Rahane said Gill, 21, had showed a good mix of would I want to change our 600 and keep working on that. went into camp for the series. shotmaking and patience.