Sport THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 Kohli absence creates 'void and opportunity': India legend Tendulkar When you lose an experienced player like this there is without any doubt a void. Some youngster is going to get a chance to play in his spot and that's an opportunity for someone else.

Sachin Tendulkar Sport |09

QBF MEN'S LEAGUE: YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Al Arabi beat Al Ahli 81-61 Al Wakrah beat Al Rayyan 91-77

WORLD CUP 2022: QATAR'S FIXTURES European qualifiers will help Qatar AT EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS Qatar vs Luxembourg March 24, 2021 team get stronger, says Sanchez Qatar vs Azerbaijan March 27, 2021 THETHE PPENINSULAENINSULA – DDOHA adopted ahead of Euro 2016. “What I can say is all the Qatar vs Ireland “For me this is another great There’s every chance we teams in our group are strong. March 30, 2021 CoachCoach FelixFelix Sanchez step that QFA has taken to help could be playing against "We have Portugal who are yesterdayye said improve our national team,” the Euro champions. Portugal Qatar vs Serbia European sides at the September 1, 2021 QFA’sQ Sanchez said yesterday. World Cup in 2022. We will be favourite in this group. decision to “This will help us reach the It will be a good game against Qatar vs Portugal are also playing Copa feature in 2022 FIFA World Cup in the best them. September 4, 2021 America and the EEuropean possible manner by playing in “We will play a team that Luxembourg vs Qatar qualifiersqu as a European qualifiers. All these CONCACAF Gold Cup next is at the highest level. It will be September 7, 2021 guestgue team games will be exciting and year. This is good good for is to play against Portugal vs Qatar wouwould benefit interesting. planning: Felix Sanchez them. It will be good expe- thethe QQatar team’s “There’s every chance we rience for us. We will have the October 9, 2021 preparationprepa ahead could be playing against chance to play highly compet- Ireland vs Qatar of the 2022 FIFA European sides at the World itive teams. October 12, 2021 WorldWorld CuCup.p. Cup in 2022. We are also playing be good preparation for us going “Ireland and Serbia will be vs OnOn TuesdayTuesd it was Copa America and the CON- into the World Cup. great games as well. All these Serbia Qatar announced QaQatar team will CACAF Gold Cup next year. This “We have a fantastic oppor- sides are ranked well. I think it November 11, 2021 appearappear in tthehe European is good planning,” he said. tunity to play against top sides is a great opportunity to play Azerbaijan vs Qatar qualifiersqualifiers aas a ‘guest “We are going to play teams and improve our game,” against them soon,” Sanchez November 14, 2021 team’,team’, a step that France not just from Asia now. This will Sanchez said. said. stars as PSG top group; Real Madrid reach last 16

REUTERS – PARIS Mbappe made it 3-0 three from Rodrygo through thethee minutes before the break with hands of Swiss keeper Yannannnn Neymar bagged a hat-trick as a penalty awarded after keeper Sommer. LiLLiverpool'sivev rppooo l'l s JaJJap-ap- Paris Saint-Germain topped Mert Gunok had brought down The German side were oout-utu - anaaneseese e mimmidfielderidfd ieieldder Champions League Group H Neymar. Mitchel Bakker had classed by the Spaniards butbutu TaTTakumikumi MMinaminoini amminno with a 5-1 home victory over followed up and tapped in but sneaked through from the groupoupup alsoala soso hhadad thethehe ballballl inn ttheheh Istanbul Basaksehir yesterday, he was ruled offside following as drew 0-0 at homeomome netnen t bubbutt thetthhe goggoalal wwasasas a day after the game was a VAR review and referee to Shakhtar Donetsk in the otherththeer notnoot awardedawwaarrddeed foffollowingollowowing suspended amid an alleged Makkelie gave PSG the game in Group B. a VARVAVAR review.rereviviewew. racist incident. spot-kick. Zinedine Zidane's side ffin-iinn- JuergenJuuerergegen KKlKlopploppp hahhadad The PSG and Basaksehir France striker Mbappe, 21, ished top with 10 points whilehih le fieldedfifielelded d a weakenedweweakkennedd aandndd players, as well as the three field became the youngest player to YESTERDAY’S RESULTS Gladbach came second wwithith youthfulyoy utu hhffull teamteaam inn tthehe referees, took a knee before score 20 goals in the Champions GROUP STAGE eight, pipping third-placed SShSha-ha- gamegagameme aagainstgagaininstt thetheh kickoff one day after both teams League. khtar due to their better head-eadad- bbobottomttttomom cclublluub ini tthehhee walked off in protest after the Neymar, who has scored six PSG 5-1 Istanbul Basaksehir to-head record. group.grgrouup.p Turkish side had accused the goals from five appearances in Midtjylland 1-1 Liverpool Meanwhile, Mohamed Salahalahh Elsewhere,ElE sesewwherre,e, aann assistant referee of using a the competition this season, Ajax 0-1 Atalanta became Liverpool's all-time totopop opoopportunistporttunu isst gogoaloalal bbyy racist word against their added the fourth five minutes Red Bull Salzburg 0-2 Atlético scorer in the Champions Leagueaggueu deddefenderefeenderr MMarioaariioo assistant coach Pierre Webo. into the second half with a pow- Madrid as they were held to a 1-1 drawraraw HeHHermosormrmososo aanandnd a sswsweeteeet Neymar struck three times erful strike from just inside the Bayern Munich 2-0 away to Denmark's Midtjyllandannd YannickYannn icick CarrascoCCaarrasscoo sstriketrrikke and Kylian Mbappe scored his area. having already secured top sspotpop t gavegag vvee AtleticoAtlletticco MadridMMaaddridd a Lokomotiv Moscow first goals in the competition in Basaksehir, who had drawn in Group D. 2-022-0 wwiwinin ata SSalzburgala zbbuurg inin a year as PSG, who had already two and lost three of their last Inter Milan 0-0 Shakhtar Salah put the Premiermieer GroupGrGrouo p A andaannd sentseentnt themtheem qualified for the last 16, five competitive games, had Donetsk League champions ahead inn ththehe intoiinnttoo tthehehe knonnockoutcckoout advanced from the group stage little to offer but they reduced Real Madrid 2-0 Borussia first minute, latching on ttoo a stages.sttaga eess. with 12 points, ahead of RB he arrears in the 57th thanks to M’gladbach poor backpass and burstingtiinng TheTThhe reresultessullt llefteft Leipzig thanks to their better a powerful Mehmet Topal Olympiacos 0-2 Porto goalwards before slipping thethhe AtAtleticoletit coo secondsececonond inin thethhee head-to-head record against volley. ball past goalkeeper Jesperper groupgroup onn nnineiinne pointspop iints ffromroom sissixix Manchester City 3-0 Olympique the German side. But PSG restored their four- Hansen. games,gag mees, sevensevvenn behindbehe innd grgroupoup Webo, who had been sent goal advantage when Mbappe, de Marseille The goal was Salah's 22nd2nnd winnerswiw nnnerers BayernBaayey rn MunichMunu icch whowwho off, had his red card suspended who had not netted in his nine in the Champions Leaguegug e sealedses aleed theirtheh ir pprogressrooggress earliereae rlier anandd Paris pending a UEFA investigation previous Champions League making him the club's recordcoordrd werewwere 22-0-00 hhomeomome wiwinnersinnners oovoverver Saint- into the incident and the Cam- appearances, tapped in from from helped scorer in the competition.ioon.n LokomotivLoL koomotiiv MMoMoscow.scow. Germain’s eroonian sat on the bench with Angel Di Maria’s pass on 62 Real Madrid reach the Cham- The Danes drew level in ththehe IIn MMilan,ilan, InInterter MiMilanllan wewwererere Brazilian the rest of the team’s staff. minutes. pions League knockout stages 62nd minute through an Alex-lex- knockedkknocked ououtt of tthehe CChampionshamppioonss forward Neymar opened the scoring Basaksehir, who were elim- with a convincing 2-0 home win ander Scholz penalty after LLiv-iv- LeagueLeague inin thetht e groupgroup stagestagge forffor Neymar in the 25th minute with a inated from all European com- yesterday over Borussia erpool keeper Caoimhin KKel-el- thethe thirdthird seasonseason iinn a rowrow afterafter celebrates splendid curled shot from petitions before kick-off, fin- Moenchengladbach, who also leher brought down Andersderrs beingbeing heheldldd ttoo a 0-000-0 drawdraw aatt after outside the area that went into ished bottom of the group with progressed to the last 16. Dreyer. The linesman had iini-nin - homehhomee byby ShakhtarShakhtar Donetsk,Donettskk, scoring the top corner. three points. Benzema ghosted into the tially flagged for offside but tthathah t whowhho werewere alsoallso eliminated.eliminated. his second A sharp counter-attack then Third-placed Manchester area unmarked to head home decision was overturned by In MManchester,aanchesster,r SSergioere gio goal against led Mbappe to play through United will play in the Europa a floated cross from Lucas VAR. AgueroAAguero came off the benchbench to Istanbul Neymar, who doubled the League last 32 after picking up Vazquez in the ninth minute Scholz had an effort ruleduled scorescore forfor ManchesterManchesterr CityCity as Basaksehir French champions’ lead with a nine points. and rose again to score in the out for offside in the 77t777th7th theythey cruisedcruised past OlympiqueOlympiquOlympique yesterday. cross shot in the 38th. In Madrid, two headed goals 32nd, this time powering a cross minute whileile MarseiMarseillelle 3-0 in GroupGroup C.C.

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema in action with Borussia Moenchengladbach’s Matthias Ginter during yesterday's Champions League match. Never saw Messi as a rival: Ronaldo Juventus’ REUTERS – BARCELONA Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s They defined the ‘El Clasico’ rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona for the Lionel Messi past decade but Cristiano Ronaldo said he has always got on well with Lionel before the match. Messi and never saw him as a rival. Ronaldo, now playing for Juventus, scored two penalties to help the Italian champions secure a 3-0 win over Messi’s Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday. It was the first meeting between Ronaldo and Messi since the Portuguese forward left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018. Between them the pair have won the Ballon d’Or in 11 of the past 12 years. “I have always had a cordial relationship with Messi,” Ronaldo told Movistar. “As I have said before, for 12, 13, 14 years (I have been) sharing prizes with him. I never saw him as a rival. He always tried the best for his team, and I tried the best for mine. I always got on well with him. I am sure he will say the same if you ask him. But we know in football, people always look for a rivalry to create more excitement.” Ronaldo is hoping the win could provide an “injection of confidence” for Juventus, who are currently fourth in the Italian Serie A standings. Barcelona are also looking to recover from a below-par start to their domestic league campaign. “Messi is the same as ever (on the pitch),” Ronaldo said. THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 11

Olympians, World and Asian champions confident of a 'magical experience' Star athletes extend support to Doha 2030

THE PENINSULAPENINSULA – DOHADOHA honour it was to live side-by-side with experience. Every aspect of the mas- my Asian brothers and sisters. While I One of my first ever senior terplan has been developed with ath- A host of internatiinternationalo think the Asian Games in 2030 may competitions was the Guangzhou letes in mind, drawing on Doha’s spsportsorts stars haveh come too late for me personally, I have extensive existing state-of-the-art infra- eexpressedxpressed ttheirheir full no doubt Doha 2030 would be an unfor- 2010 Asian Games and I will never structure and experience in delivering supportsupport for Doha’sDoha’s bid gettable event," Barshim said. forget what an honour it was to live world-class events. Doha’s sophisticated to host a 20302030 AsianAs “I have had the privilege of com- side-by-side with my Asian brothers transport network will ensure average GamesGames that will dedeliverl peting in Doha on many occasions, and sisters. While I think the Asian travel times for athletes of 20-30 anan inclusiveinclusive aand notably last year during the World Ath- Games in 2030 may come too late for minutes and the Athletes’ Village in magicalmagical experiencexperiencee for letics Championships, and international me personally, I have no doubt Doha Qatar’s first ever sustainable city will athletesathletes aandnd all athletes always tell me what an amazing meet every need of Asia’sAsia s stars.stars. Away membersmembers of the OOCA place it is to compete. It has some of the 2030 would be an unforgettable fromfrom sport, thethe vibrantvibrant anandd incinclusivelusive city family.family. best venues and training facilities in the event: Mutaz Essa Barshim will pproviderovide the pperfecterfect AmongAmong tthosehos to world and you always know the service geggetawaytaway fforor athletes,athletes, express ttheirh and support for athletes will be world- ofoofferingfering bbeautifuleautiful supportsupport are two-tw class. I really hope that Doha is awarded to be involved in ththee DoDohaha 2030 bbidid anandd beaches, amazingamazing timetime AsAsian the 2030 Asian Games so all Asian ath- ensure that athleteses are at thethe very centre restaurestaurantsrants aandnd Games ggold letes and the wider Asian sports com- of the bid’s plans. We want to make sure ddiverseiverse cultuculturalral mmedallist,edalli munity can experience this for them- athletes have everythingerything theythey needneed toto attractions.attractions. ttwo-timew o - t i selves,” the World champion added. be able to achieveeve ttheirheir ddreamsreams in FurtherFurther infor-infor- OlyOlympicm Dakar Rally winner and gold winning Doha." mationmation iiss avavailableailable medamedallistl shooter Al Attiyah said: “I had the honour “We know whathat an important role at wwwwww.. anandd twtwo- of competing in Doha 2006 and the sport plays in helpingping to drive positive agdoha2030@qaagdoha2030@qa timetime high-h atmosphere of celebration and unity I social change andand as a femalefemale jumpj u m experienced during the Games still lives Olympian in Qatar,ar, I myself have WorldWor with me. It was not my most successful seen first-hand howhow ppowerfulowerful Champion,Champ Asian Games, but it was one that pro- sport is in changingng attituattitudes.des. MutazM utaz EEssas s vides some of my fondest memories. Women’s sport is strongestrongerr Barshim;Barshim; Asian Games ggold Since then I have seen how Doha has than ever here andnd ononlyly medallist and OlympicOlympic brbronzeo made significant investment into sport on the rise. Dohaa 2030 medallist in shooting,shooting, and and hosted hundreds of sports events, would providee the rally driving champion,champ training camps and more. With all this perfect platform helphelp NasserNasser Al Attiyah; and Qatar’sQa experience and expertise I have no doubt inspire the next ggen-en- firstfirst ffemaleemale OlympicOlym that Doha can host an even better Asian eration of young boysboys swimmerswimmer Nada Arkaji.Arkaji. Games in 2030 to the one I experienced and girls across Asia,”Asia,” “One of mymy first evere in 2006. But one thing that will be the Arkaji added. seniorsenior competitions wawass the same will be that all of Asia is made to Doha 2030 isis GuangzhouGuangzhou 2010 Asian GamesGa feel valued and welcomed.” guaranteeing thehe Asian Games gold medallist and Olympic bronze medallist andand I willwill nevernever forgetforget whwhata an Arkaji said: “It has been an honour ultimate athlete-- in shooting, and rally driving champion, Nasser Al Attiyah QSL: Al Gharafa jump to second spot with big win

THE PENINSULA – DOHA Ruaile allowed the goal to stay. Al Gharafa then benefited Al Gharafa leapfrogged Al Ahli from another Al Ahi mistake to the second position of the when Lowry, in an effort to block QNB Stars League (QSL) a cross from Al Yahri, deflected standings with a crushing 4-0 the ball into his own net. win while Umm Salal and Qatar YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Six minutes from the final SC won their respective Round Umm Salal 1-0 Al Kharaitiyat whistle, Al Gharafa’s Adlene 8 matches yesterday. Al Ahli 0-4 Al Gharafa Guedioura fired a bullet a Al Ahli Stadium yesterday, Qatar SC 3-0 Al Khor couple of yards away from the a double from Jonathan Kodjia box, but his shot narrowly (14th and 25th minutes), and a Ahli captain Omid Ebrahimi missed the Al Ahli crossbar. goal from Othman Al Yahri curled in a free-kick from dis- Umm Salal beat Al (35th) powered Al Gharafa to tance, but it was slapped away Kharaitiyat 1-0 at Al Ahli their sixth win of the season. Al by Al Gharafa keeper Salah Stadium thanks to Ahli’s Shane Lowry scored an Zakaria. Al Gharafa players Meanwhile, Qatar SC own goal in the 52nd minute to Al Gharafa opened the celebrate after blanked Al Khor 3-0 at Al add to The Cheetahs’ tally. scoring after a keeper’s gaffe defeating Al Ahli Duhail Stadium. Al Gharafa now have 18 and alertness on Kodjia’s part. yesterday. A brace by new recruit points as the latter remained on Al Ahli keeper Ivanildo Rod- Youcef Belaili (39th and 72nd 16 points after suffering their rigues jumped high to catch a minutes) and a 20th-minute second defeat. loopy long cross from an Al snap-header off a corner kick outpacing Lowry and charged untested, but his shot from close goal by Hamed Ismail helped Al Sadd, who had beaten Al Gharafa player on the flank. that narrowly slipped past the into the box. The Al Ahli keeper range was blocked by the Qatar SC to a hat-trick of vic- Wakrah 4-1 on Tuesday, con- Rodrigues fumbled and dropped Al Gharafa crossbar. stepped away from his position, keeper. The ball cannoned off tories in the tournament. tinued to top the table with 22 the ball next to Kodjia. The tall Al Gharafa doubled their but Kodjia calmly slotted the Rodrigues’ chest and went to an Earlier, at Al Ahli Stadium, points. striker quickly smashed the ball lead when Sofiane Hanni found ball into the net. unmarked Al Yahri, who tapped a late goal from Kayke Rod- The Al Ahli vs Al Gharafa into the top of the net. Kodjia, stationed unmarked Al Gharafa made it 3-0 the ball into the empty net. After rigues (90) sealed the victory match got off to a fast start and Two minutes later, Al Ahli near the centre line, with a short when skipper Moeid Hassan a VAR referral to rule out for Umm Salal against Al in just the second minute, Al skipper Ebrahimi produced a pass. The Ivorian took off, sneaked into Al Ahli box offside, referee Abdulhadi Al Kharaitiyat. CAF fines Aubameyang We must continue like this, says for social media outburst Xavi after Al Sadd's dominant show REUTERS – CAIRO

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been THE PENINSULA – DOHA aboutabout ththee nnexte game, Al Sadd's Abdelkarim Hassan fined $10,000 for social media posts that but I’m happyha with celebrates after scoring against tarnished the “honour and image” of the Al Sadd head coacoachch XaviXavi the team’steam per- Al Wakrah on Tuesday. Confederation of African Football after Hernandez (pictured)tured) spokespoke formanceformance today.” his Gabon team spent the night on an of the importanceance of his Al SaSaddd striker airport floor ahead of an African Cup of side’s 4-1 wwinin over Al BaghdadBagh Nations qualifier last month. Wakrah, in the QQNBNB Stars BounedjahBoune Aubameyang and his team-mates League Roundnd 8 expressedexpres his were stuck at the airport in the Gambia game which waswas hahappinessp after arriving for a qualifying game. They played oonn afaftert his were not allowed to leave as officials Tuesday. sside’sid 4-1 argued over COVID-19 testing. Speaking ttoo winwi over Al The Arsenal striker posted pictures the club websitete WakrahWa in of players sleeping on the airport floor after the game,e, RRoundou 8 of and wrote: “Nice job CAF, it’s as if we Xavi said: “WeWe the QNBQ Stars were back in the 1990s.” are going throughgh League.Leagu CAF’s disciplinary committee said the a great moment.ent. SpeakingSpe to content was offensive and degrading. We played inin a thethe mediame after African football’s governing body also excellent way ttheh e match, fined Gambia’s FA $100,000, half of against Al-Wakrah,krah, BBounedjahouned said: which was suspended for 24 months. a good team ththatat “Th“Thankank God for showed greateat this vicvictory,t we desire in thishis startestartedd the first game.” halfhalf withwith full force “We con-n- andand mamanagedn to trolled the gameme score two ggoals, and Referee implicated in fixing case well and Al-Sadddd in tthehe secondseco half fully deserves thehe also we keptkep the ball AFP – Citing police wiretaps, the win. We manageded well.well. Al Wakrah DNES broadsheet said Berbr had to score 4 goalsals scoredscored a ggoal,oa but we Czech referee Pavel Kralovec, called Kralovec ahead of July’s and we wasteded camecame bacbackk anand scored who officiates in the Champions Czech Cup final, in which Sparta many chancess to thethe tthirdhird aandn fourth League, has been implicated in Prague beat Slovan 2-1 score more.” goals.”goals.” a local match-fixing scandal, to reach the Europa League He added: “I aamm The AlgerianAlgeria striker Czech media said yesterday. group stage. Kralovec, who completely satisfiedatisfied added: “Thi“Thiss win will The case involves former answered that he did under- with the performanceormance pushpush us to scoresc more Czech Football Association stand, came under fire after the of all the players.”ers.” points,points, and oour focus (FACR) deputy head Roman game as he had notably refused “We must cocontinuentinue fromfrom nnowow oon will be Berbr, who has been in custody to send off Martin Frydek for in this way. Untilntil now, onon thethe importantim over suspected match-fixing stepping on an opponent, we have not wonon anany-y- upcoming gagamem against since October. despite calls from the CAR. thing and we mustust think AlAl Gharafa.”Gharafa.” 10 SPORT THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 QFA President attends virtual AFC Congress THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), yesterday joined the continental football family for the virtual AFC Congress. The QFA President was joined by Hani Ballan, member of the Executive Committee of QFA, and Mansour Al Ansari, QFA Secretary General, for the AFC Congress that was addressed by President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa in Kuala Lumpur. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al FIFA President Gianni Infantino also Thani, President of the Qatar Football attended the virtual meeting. I've been in Doha a couple of The online Congress observed a Association (QFA), Hani Ballan, member weeks ago, work is minute’s silence of respect for Argentine of the QFA Executive Committee, and progressing in an incredible AFC World Cup hero Diego Armando Mansour Al Ansari, QFA Secretary-General way. Everything will be ready, President Maradona - who died on November 25 attending the virtual AFC Congress. RIGHT: FIFA President Gianni Infantino everything will be state of the Shaikh - and the legends of Asian football who art and by then we will have passed in the last year, speaking during the Congress. Salman bin FIFA chief Infantino, on behalf of certainly be able to celebrate, Ebrahim the international football family, "I've been in Doha a couple of all together, at a football party Al Khalifa thanked the Asian football federations weeks ago, work is progressing in an that the world has not yet addressing for their work through initiatives aimed incredible way," Infantino said. seen: Gianni Infantino the Congress. at promoting the FIFA mission and goals "Everything will be ready, eve- to develop the game across the rything will be state of the art and continent. by then we will certainly be able to Doha. The final is on December 19, still to be made. There is still so much financial management, as seen in our Infantino praised Qatar’s prepara- celebrate, all together, at a football 2020. of financial instability due to accounts and budgets, as well as our tions for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, party that the world has not yet The AFC President added: “It was COVID-19 and we are working hard stronger unity will see us through to expressing his great admiration for the seen." important to put Asian football back to ensure that the AFC’s finances are a brighter and better 2021.” ‘superb plans’ to host the game’s top In his comments, the AFC Pres- on the field for the MAs, teams, secured to fulfil our vision for the The Congress approved the event, saying he saw the fast pace of ident thanked the Qatar Football Asso- players, fans, officials and commercial game in Asia. audited accounts for 2019, as well as development during his visit to Doha ciation and the Qatari authorities, par- and broadcast partners. We could not “Of course, it has affected our the AFC revised budget for 2020. The last week. ticularly the medical professionals, have achieved so much without your stakeholders, our sponsors and media Congress also passed amendments to “The next edition of the FIFA World for working closely with the AFC to support.” partners but we thank them for having the AFC Statutes in line with the Con- Cup will be the best in the history of the implement the new COVID-19 health While cautiously optimistic about faith in the AFC and their continued federation’s determination to display tournament,” Infantino said during the protocols which allowed the AFC the future, Shaikh Salman empha- support for the game in Asia. the greatest level of Governance and meeting. Champions League to be played in sised: “There are difficult decisions “Good governance, prudent Integrity. Al Arabi, Al Wakrah clinch Two years to go wins in QBF Men's League Action during the match between Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah. Al Wakrah beat Al Rayyan 91-77. Qatar 2022 will be special both on and off the pitch

TIM CAHILL heart –something which is embedded into eve- rything, from the stadiums to public transport. Two years from now, football will become the The longest distance between venues will be just major topic of conversation in almost every corner 75km, so fans may have the chance to attend mul- of the world. Over the course of 64 games, the tiple games in one day, a brand-new experience world’s best players will compete for the honour in the recent history of the World Cup. For a of being crowned as world champions. Fans from football fanatic like me, I find this hugely exciting. all over the globe will travel to Qatar to partic- Qatar is currently hosting the AFC Champions ipate in a celebration of football, full of hope and League East Zone matches. It’s exciting to see my optimism that they will witness old club Shanghai Shenhua compete history being created for their with other top clubs from across Al Arabi's Sammy Monroe country. The tournament in 2022 will the continent, including some from Junior goes for the basket During my playing career, I was be an opportunity to bring Australia. during the Qatar Basketball lucky enough to represent Australia the world closer together As a player, it’s exciting to play Federations Men's league at four World Cups. Each tour- following a really difficult on the best pitches in some of the match against Al Ahli at Al nament was special in its own way, time. I’ve been lucky enough best stadiums, so I’m sure it will be Gharafa Hall yesterday. Al but I’ll never forget my first World to spend a lot of time in a great experience for those Arabi beat Al Ahli 81-61. Cup goal in 2006 against Japan. It Qatar since retirement and involved and I’m really looking was an extremely hot day and the have been hugely impressed forward to seeing how the tour- stadium was packed with Aussie by the level of preparation nament unfolds. fans. I came on as a sub and fol- taking place to make sure For me personally, the initia- lowing a long throw-in, the ball tives being put in place off the pitch everything’s ready for Farewells abound at pinballed around before falling at as part of Qatar 2022 are just as Tim Cahill my feet. I struck it through a melee 2022: important as the work to deliver of legs and thankfully it hit the back the tournament on it. Initiatives Formula 1 season finale of the net. I didn’t know at the time that educate people and drive social that it was Australia’s first goal at a World Cup, change have the potential to deliver positive out- but I vividly remember running over to the corner comes long after the final whistle is blown at Lusail REUTERS – ABU DHABI saying “thankyou and goodbye” F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP flag to celebrate. It wasn’t the greatest goal I ever Stadium on December 18. too, with Australian Daniel Ric- STANDINGS scored but it’s a moment I’ll treasure for the rest I’ve recently had the opportunity to work with Four-times world champion ciardo bowing out of Renault of my life. Generation Amazing, a human and social legacy Sebastian Vettel will be saying before a move to McLaren -- DRIVERS For players and fans alike, the World Cup programme that uses football-for-development farewell to Ferrari in Abu Dhabi whose Spanish driver Carlos 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 332 pts creates these special memories. It brings people initiatives that teach social and life skills, edu- on Sunday while Mexican Sainz is taking Vettel’s place at - World Champion from all over this planet together to celebrate their cating people on important issues such as sustain- Sergio Perez faces an uncertain Ferrari. 2. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 205 love of the beautiful game and offers a unique ability, healthy living and inclusivity. Since its future despite being Formula Denmark’s Kevin Mag- 3. Max Verstappen (NED) 189 opportunity to explore a new country and learn launch, the programme has positively impacted One’s newest race winner. nussen heads for the exit after 4. Sergio Perez (MEX) 125 about its history, culture and traditions. It’s a truly more than 500,000 people by tackling prevalent After six seasons at being replaced at Haas, whose 5. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 112 global, shared experience. social issues in countries such as Oman, Nepal, Maranello, the German is taking other departing driver Romain 6. Charles Leclerc (MON) 98 The FIFA World Cup 2022 will be the first Jordan, India and Haiti, among others. By 2022, Perez’s place at a Racing Point Grosjean has already gone 7. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) 97 major tournament hosted in the Middle East, pre- Generation Amazing is hoping to have reached team that will be renamed home after his miracle escape 8. Alexander Albon (THA) 93 senting Qatar with a chance to do something one million young people around the world. It’s Aston Martin next year. from a fiery crash in Bahrain. 9. Lando Norris (GBR) 87 special both on and off the pitch while introducing an exciting project and something I’m proud to “Together we have learned Russian Daniil Kvyat could 10. Lance Stroll (CAN) 74 the wider region and the warmth of its people to be a part of. so much,” said Vettel of his time also be set for a final outing, the rest of the world. One of the most special things about sport is in red. “There have been ups with Japanese Yuki Tsunoda CONSTRUCTORS The tournament in 2022 will be an opportunity how it inspires people. It can leave a legacy that and downs and we have been tipped to replace him at Honda- 1. Mercedes 540 pts - World to bring the world closer together following a really transcends sport itself. I remember when I was a close to winning the title twice powered AlphaTauri next Champions difficult time. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a boy watching Italia 90 and being moved by Toto but it was not to be. I am happy season. 2. Red Bull 282 lot of time in Qatar since retirement and have been Schillaci, Italy’s super-sub and talisman. He would that we have won 14 races With both titles won by 3. Racing Point 194 hugely impressed byy the level of ppreparationp come off the bench and just bang in goals together but for sure we wanted Mercedes, there is nothing at 4. McLaren 184 taking place to makeakee ssureuurre eveverything’seeryty hiingn ’s’ rreadyeadyy fromfromm everywhere.evev ryyw The excitement and more.” Perez, a popular first- stake but the big question is 5. Renault 172 for 2022. It’s a monumentalnumenttal tasktask ttoo dedeliverelivev r auraaua rraa thatthaat he carried was so special. time winner in his 190th start in whether seven-times world 6. Ferrari 131 a major event like thisthhis duringduringg a globalglobabal pan-paan- Hee waswass soso lively on the pitch and as Bahrainain last weekend,weekend, could be chamchampionpion Lewis Hamilton will demic, but I’ve noo ddoubtoubtbt tthathaat ththee totour-ur- a goal-scoringgogoall--ssc that liked makingng his last appearance on be ableable to racerace afterafter nament will not onlynlyy bebe a specialspecial momomentommeennt tot getgetet forwardfoorr into the box, he was the startingarting gridgrid untiluntil 2022. contractcontractingi ng RRussell,ussell, hhisis sstand-outt for Qatar, but for ttheheh eentirentiri e wwoworld.orlrldd. anan inspirationinnsspip r for me. Those amazing Hisis ononlyly hopehope of returnireturningng COCOVID-19.VID-19. rereplacementplacement last weekendw Sport can bee a hugelyhuugely powerfulppoowwerffuul momentsmmoommeen made me dream about next yyearear is a Red Bull seat, with FellowF e llo w iinn a race he mmighti have vehicle for changee andanndd improvingimproovviingng peo-peeoo- rrereplicatingeppllicicaati them one day for my the formerormer championschampions consid-consid- BBritonriton wonwon bubbutt for a ttyreyr mix-up ple’s lives. I’ve seenn first-handfiirrsstt-hand thetthhe impactimmpaacct country.ccoununtrtryy. ering whether to retain ThaiThai-- GGeorgeeorge and late ppuncture,unc is that hosting a majororo sportingsppoorrting eveventeennt cancan havehhavve QatarQaQattaar 2022022 has the potential to set land’ss AAlexanderlexander AAlbonlbon waitingwaiting foforr the nod from on a city and country.ntrryy. TheTheh 220000000 OlympicsOOlymmpiiccss a nneneww pprprecedenteec for major sporting alongsidegside Max MercedesMercedes.. was hosted in my homehoomme ciccityty of SydneySSyyddnneyy andannd tournaments,totouurrnanam both on and off the Verstappen.appen. MercedesMercedes willwi still be transformed thee plplace,laaccee, fforor tthehhee pitch,pip tctch and leave behind a legacy “I alreadyalready favouritesfavourites forfor a 14th win better, in many ways.ayys. ItI aalsollsso put longloo after the last ball is have some fromfrom 17 races.races. the country in a positionpoosiittion to kicked.k In particular, it will good ooptionsptions Ferrari,Ferrari, in contrast,con will host other world-classrld--cclaasss beb special for the Qatari kids for ’2222 so bebe happyhappy to see theth back of events like the 20030033 RugbyRuuggbyy – and kids from all over the my bestbest 2020.2020. World Cup. Both eeveventsennts world – to see their national optionon is WithoutWithout a win alall season, were amazing forr Aus-Auss- teams compete with obviouslyously theythey are certain to enend up sixth tralia, which iiss a modern-daym superstars like to keepkeep -- their lowestlowes position country with a proudouudd Messi,M Neymar, Ronaldo and goingg on sincesince 191980 when sporting tradition.. Mbappe.M It will be something next yyearear but theythey were On the pitch,h, theythhe never forget and will if I haveve to stop,stop, 10th.10t Qatar has com-- hopefullyhhoop inspire the next gen- then it’st’s nnotot a ddis-is- mitted to deliv- erationerraati to get active, play more aster,”” he saisaid.d. ering a World footballfooottb and chase their dreams. Therehere wiwillll Cup with sus- Tim Cahill is a Global be othersothers tainability at its Ambassador for SC. THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 09 QA announces sponsorship of Tunisian star Ons Jabeur THE PENINSULA — DOHA into the world’s top 30 Open in 2011. She went on to Qatar currently operating three Top Tunisian WTA tennis women’s tennis players.” become a national hero and weekly flights. player Ons Jabeur. Qatar Airways yesterday Ons Jabeur said: “I’m broke numerous records held Qatar Airways’ global sport announced a new sponsorship extremely proud to become by Arab players in the past. sponsorship portfolio includes agreement with top Tunisian Brand Ambassador for a such Earlier this year, Jabeur the Qatar Total Open Tennis WTA tennis player Ons Jabeur. a prestigious airline. As a pro- reached the quarter-final stage Tournament and Qatar Exxon- The partnership will see the fessional tennis player, I travel at the Australian Open, along Mobil Tennis Open held every Qatar Airways logo appear on extensively around the world with the fourth round at the year in Doha. Jabeur’s clothing at major and Qatar Airways is the best French Open. She is the first The Qatar Airways football tennis tournaments during airline I have travelled with. I Arab player to break into the family of top global clubs 2021. look forward to enjoying their world’s top 40, currently includes Paris Saint-Germain, Qatar Airways Senior Vice fabulous service and comfort ranked 31. AS Roma, Boca Juniors, FC President Marketing and Cor- as much as possible over the Qatar Airways has strong Bayern München, K.A.S. Eupen porate Communications, Ms. coming year.” ties with Ons’ nation Tunisia, and Al Sadd SC. In addition, Salam Al Shawa, said: “We are Born in Ksar Hellal in having operated flights to the Qatar Airways is Official excited to welcome Ons to the Tunisia, Ons Jabeur is the all- capital Tunis since 2005. While Sponsor and the Official Airline Qatar Airways portfolio of top time best Arab tennis player. COVID-19 forced the airline to Partner of FIFA and the sport partnerships as Brand She started playing tennis at temporarily suspend services, upcoming FIFA World Cup Ambassador. Ons is a talented, the age of 3 and soon rose to Tunis was one of the first Qatar 2022TM, and has key hardworking sportswoman become one of the most prom- African destinations where partnerships with several other and we look forward to sup- ising players of her generation, flights resumed, with the high-profile sport events and porting her goal of breaking winning the Junior French national carrier of the State of organisations. Al Attiyah among favourites as opening Hail Baja begins

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The first of two back-to-back Baja events running under the Ricciardo ‘Hail Rally Toyota 2020’ banner gets underway at Al Maghwat reveals on the outskirts of Hail city from 4pm today. The three-day event post-Italy will mark the fourth round of the 2020 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and It is good to be able to use the Bajas for a test but it will not be easy. COVID-19 finishes on Saturday. Most of the drivers will use the same car for Dakar but, at the same The Saudi Automobile and time, the teams will be asking the drivers not to push to save the scare Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) cars from damage. It’s nice to be here in Hail for two Bajas. After the has confirmed that, subject to REUTERS — LONDON technical checks and last races I will do two days more testing here and then two days of minute changes, 54 FIA cars, 27 driver teaching. Then, the whole team will be in Jeddah for As Formula One waited for motorcycles, 25 quads and one December 25 and we will spend New Year there before Dakar. news on seven-times world truck will take part in the main champion Lewis Hamilton’s event with 35 additional Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah recovery from COVID-19, vehicles competing in a Australian Daniel Ricciardo National Rally. Qatar's Rally Star (pictured) revealed yesterday Toyota Gazoo Racing’s his own scare earlier in the Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (pic- year. tured) won the Hail Interna- Mercedes driver Hamilton tional Rally in 2009 with a BMW remains in isolation in Bahrain, X3CC and in 2011 with a uncertain for Sunday’s season- Volkswagen Race Touareg. He ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. starts as one of the pre-event Reviewing the pandemic- favourites to achieve success, hit season in a video con- in addition to using the two ference with reporters from events as a shakedown test for Yas Marina, Renault’s Ric- January’s Dakar Rally. drives a third of six official (Gottschalk) and I will be able the Buggy, including weight historic hub of Jubbah, 90km ciardo was asked what had The three-time Dakar Toyota entries and will be to test the new car and a lot of reduction and revisions to sus- from Hail, at 08.58hrs. The been the weirdest or craziest winner said: “It is good to be hoping to claim the win. things. We will try to be as fast pension geometry and set-up. town lies on the old caravan thing to happen to him. able to use the Bajas for a test The Pole said: “I am really as possible. It has been a hard The cars have been tested road between Najd and the “I did wake up one but it will not be easy. Most of happy to come back to the year but I was able to win the recently in the UAE and shake- eastern Mediterranean. morning with like a false-neg- the drivers will use thehe same car desert.desert. ThThee PolishPolish CCross-Countryross-Coun Champi- downs will continue at the Bajas The Baja route winds its ative or a false-positive, for Dakar but, at the same time, last timetime onshiponship andand bbee the vice- in Hail. way through the An Nafud whatever they call it. So I had the teams will be asaskingking tthehe waswas backback championchampion in rarallyl cross. It The Russian duo of Baja title desert to the north-west of Hail a scare at like 6am one drivers not to push to save tthehe in meansmeans I diddid quite a lot during contender Vladimir Vasilyev and city and finishes close to morning,” he said. cars from damage. It’s nice to March.March. thisthis hard yyear.”ear.” Viktor Khoroshavtsev will use Highway 65, the Kingdom’s “There was a bit of panic be here in Hail for two Bajas. TimoT imo Triple DakaDakarr champion four-wheel drive derivatives of main link road between Riyadh and that wasn’t fun. After the races I wwillill dodo two CCarlosarlos Sainz aandn record- the MINI John Cooper Works and the Jordanian border to the “I was fine in the end, but days more testing hereere anandd tthenhen breakingbreaking 13-time eevent winner Rally, while Denis Krotov drives north. There will be a passage that obviously was something two days of driverr teacteaching.hing. StéphaneStéphane PeterPeterhanselhan will debut a Mini All4 Racing – the model control after 165.77km. I hadn’t gone kind of through Then, the whole teamm wiwillll bbee in theirtheir llatestatest sspecificationpecif Mini that recently celebrated its 10th The second section of before and then you start Jeddah for Decemberr 25 and we JohnJohn Cooper WorWorksk Buggies at anniversary and was the first of 275.29km starts close to Jubbah playing games in your head will spend New YYearear there thethe two BaBajasjas in Hail, before the Mini cross-country machines at 09.00hrs on Saturday like ‘do I feel a little...’ and before Dakar.” usingusing the new STC-backedSTC cars to be devised by X-raid back in morning and heads further west ‘maybe I do have it...” While Al Attiyah’ss ToyotToyotaa at the Dakar in January. December 2010. of Hail before looping through Ricciardo’s team clarified team-mate Bernhardd TTenen X-raidX-raid team engi- Baja Hail 1 will run over two the desert to finish close to the that it was an inconclusive test, Brinke concentrates onon neers inin Germany selective sections, starting with village of Q’na. Rally officials which the Australian said his quest for the FIAIA havehave managedm to the 251.81km Radifah section have arranged two passage occurred after Italian races Bajas drivers’ title,e, makemake substantial tomorrow. The first FIA entrant controls after 147.29km and and before the Russian GP in Jakub Przygonskiki improvementsimpprov to will begin the stage close to the 261.46km. late September. Harden joins Rockets as Jackson sparks Ravens over Cowboys

Silas confident of success AFP — WASHINGTON Jackson found Marquise Brown in the back left corner Baltimore Ravens quarterback AFP — WASHINGTON tested in Houston is good for Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson of the end zone for a 20-yard Lamar Jackson (left) avoids everybody.” threw for two touchdowns and touchdown pass to boost Bal- the tackle of Dallas Cowboys Three-time reigning NBA The Rockets began ran for another as the Ravens timore’s lead to 24-10. linebacker Leighton Vander scoring champion James workouts on Sunday and Silas beat Dallas 34-17 in an NFL The Cowboys came Esch in the third quarter. Harden (pictured) reported to said there was no timetable for game rescheduled from last away empty on their next the Houston Rockets training disgruntled Harden to arrive, Thursday due to COVID-19 drive thanks to a third camp with coach Stephen Silas calling his absence a “setback”, issues. missed field goal kick by confident he can build a but Silas was hopeful of Jackson, coming back from Zuerlein and the Ravens successful relationship with the building a relationship with the a COVID-19 layoff, completed drove for a 22-yard Tucker superstar guard. 2018 NBA Most Valuable 12-of-17 passes for 107 yards field goal to seize a 17-point Harden was tested for Player. and ran 13 times for 94 yards as advantage. COVID-19 as part of the NBA’s “Trust is built day to day the Ravens improved to 7-5, Dalton flipped a 2-yard safety protocol and could and once the relationship one game out of the last AFC touchdown pass to Amari practice with the Rockets begins, we’llwe ll begin that processpro play-off spot. Cooper with 3:59 remaining ahead of their pre-pre- of trust,”trust,” Silas said. The Cowboys fell to 3-9, but Baltimore, which ran for season openeropener ““Obviously,Obviously, ttherehere waswasn’t a two games behind NFC East 294 yards, answered on a tomorrowtomorrow at great start to it, but that’sthat’s the division co-leaders Washington 5-yard touchdown run by Chicago. NBA.NBA. The NBA is not goinggoin to and the New York Giants. JK Dobbins with 2:08 “That’s“That’s prprettyetty be roses everyevery day.”day.” After throwing an inter- remaining to create the final muchmuch allall I SilasSilas waswas namednamed coaccoach of ception that set up a 31-yard margin. Former Cowboys know,”know,” SilasSilas th Rockets six weeks agoag as Greg Zuerlein field goal for receiver Dez Bryant did not said.said. “H“Himim ppartart ooff major cchangeshanges inin the Dallas, Jackson drove the quarter. Tony Pollard answered on the next play, Jackson con- play for Baltimore against his getting organisation,organisation, includingincluding the Ravens downfield and scored with a 66-yard kickoff return nected with Miles Boykin on a ex-teammates after testing pos- tradetrade of 20172017 NBA MVPM on a fourth-down 37-yard run for Dallas to set up a 13-yard 38-yard touchdown pass to put itive for COVID-19 just before guardguard Russell WWest- up the middle. touchdown pass from Andy the Ravens ahead 14-10. kickoff. brookbrook to Wash-W Jackson made the longest Dalton to Michael Gallup just 41 Justin Tucker added a “I’m going to go ahead and ingtonington for touchdown run ever surren- seconds into the second quarter 50-yard field goal with 50 call it a quit for the rest of the JohnJ o dered by the Cowboys to a for a 10-7 Cowboys’ lead. seconds remaining in the season,” Bryant tweeted after Wall.W quarterback, lifting Baltimore Baltimore’s Patrick Queen second quarter to lift the Ravens being benched. "I can’t deal ahead 7-3 late in the first intercepted a Dalton pass and ahead 17-10 at half-time. with this.” Sport THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 08 Blow for Australia as Warner Indian captain rules Pandya out as specialist ruled out of first India Test batsman for Test series

AFP — SYDNEY concussion symptoms after a day/night warm-up against REUTERS — MELBOURNE who brings a lot of balance for delivery struck his helmet. India A in Sydney from Friday. us. Australia’s star opening I feel I have made great Burns was offered a chance “Joe Burns, Cameron Green, All-rounder Hardik Pandya will “He himself wants to get batsman David Warner progress in a short at redemption Wednesday Sean Abbott and Mitchell not be considered for India’s back into the bowling space (pictured) has been ruled out amount of time and it’s when he was one of four Swepson will derive great Test series against Australia and be available as a pure all- of the first Test against India, members of the Test squad benefit from playingplayi high starting next week despite rounder in Tests, which but will try to return for the best for me to stay here namednamed to qualityquality opposition againstag the starring with the bat in the becomes way more important. blockbuster second instalment in Sydney to continue playpla y pinkpink ball in the finalfi tour white-ball series, captain Virat “Over five days, you need a on Boxing Day, Cricket Australia working on getting back the match,” Australia selector Kohli said. little extra from a player in that said yesterday. to full fitness. TrevorTrevor HohnsHohns said.said. Pandya was named man- role. So he understands that Warner is recovering from CoachCoach Justin Langer of-the-series after the three and is working really hard to a strained adductor muscle that expressedexpressed confidenceconfidence Warner Twenty20 matches and scored come back.” forced him to limp out of Aus- David Warner would be back for theth second two half-centuries in the pre- Kohli top-scored with a tralia’s second one-day inter- Australian opener Test: “I“Iff therethere is oneone guy you ceding one-day series against 61-ball 85 on Tuesday and national against India last know will go well aaboveb and the hosts. heads into the test series in fine month, after a knock of 83. beyondbeyond that’s Dave,” he said. But the explosive 27-year- fettle after leading India to a 2-1 “I feel I have made great “He“He hahass donedo an old only bowled a handful of series win in the T20s following progress in a short amount of The day-night first Test willill incredibleincredible jjobob tot get to overs in the second ODI as he their 2-1 defeat in the time and it’s best for me to stay begin in Adelaide on Decemberer wherewhere hhee is ttodayo and continues building to peak one-dayers. here in Sydney to continue 17, kicking off a four-matchch we hhopeope to hahave a fully fitness following back surgery India will have a final working on getting back to full series. fitfit DDavidavid WWarner at last year. warmup against Australia A at fitness,” the 34-year-old said in It is not yet clear who willill hishis absoluteabsolu best in Pandya was overlooked in the Sydney Cricket Ground a statement. take Warner’s place in Adelaide,e, MMelbourne.”elbourn India’s initial squad for the from Friday, a three-day pink “The injury feels a lot better, but Cameron Green’s centuryry WhenWh they four-Test series starting at ball match to prepare for the but I need to be able to satisfy this week for Australia A againstst lalastst visited Adelaide Oval next week, and first day-night test against in my own mind and to my a strong India A attack -- fea-a- twtwoo years Kohli said he would not be Australia. team-mates that it is 100 turing Ravichandran Ashwin,n, agoago -- when picked as a specialist batsman Kohli said it was not percent ready for Test match Umesh Yadav and Mohammeded WarnerW alone. decided whether he would conditions. Siraj -- has put him in thehe andan Steve “He’s been outstanding,” feature in the match or take a “That includes running running. SmithS Kohli said after India’s 12-run few days' rest before Adelaide. between the wickets and being In contrast, fellow prospectct wwere defeat in the third and final T20 "If I feel great I'll definitely agile in the field. Right now I Will Pucovski and veteran Joeoe sservingervin a ban in Sydney on Tuesday. play," he said. feel I am short of being able to Burns, in line to form Australia’sa’s fforor ball-tamperingball-tamp -- “He couldn’t bowl and we "When I get into a good play at peak fitness and another top order, both flopped in thehe IndiaIndia triumptriumphedhe 2-1 for knew he’s not going to bowl... headspace, I feel like I can play 10 days will make a warm-up match and Pucovskiki theirtheir firfirstst TestTe series We need him to bowl. That’s and switch between formats ... difference.” also had to leave the field withth win in Austr Australia. when he becomes that one guy I'm in the right headspace." Harvey backs Tendulkar says Kohli absence England Green and returning to Pucovski for creates void and opportunity Sri Lanka for

India series AFP — NEW DELHI the former India captain said. in the team, it does have an visitors’ first day-night five-day two-Test tour “Some youngster is going impact.” India have made a game on foreign soil. Ten- AP — LONDON REUTERS — MELBOURNE Cricket legend Sachin to get a chance to play in his mixed start to the tour, losing dulkar, 47, said the current Tendulkar said captain Virat spot and that’s an opportunity the one-day series 2-1, before Australian side is a lot England will return to Sri Former Australia batsman Neil Kohli’s departure will leave a for someone else.” reversing the result in the “stronger” with leading Lanka for a rearranged Harvey, who made his Test “void” for India in their Test India could have other Twenty20 matches. Kohli’s batsmen David Warner and two-Test cricket tour in debut at the age of 19 in Don tour of Australia, but added batting problems as senior men, who enjoyed a historic Steve Smith back from the ball- January, 10 months after Bradman’s formidable 1948 that it will hand a golden batsman Rohit Sharma is first Test series win in Aus- tampering suspensions that leaving the Asian country as side, has urged selectors to opportunity to a younger racing to recover from a ham- tralia in 2018-19, know this kept them out two years ago. the coronavirus pandemic consider young talents Will player. string injury in time to join the series wwillill be a tough “This is a farfar better squad began to take hold. Pucovski and Cameron Green In an interview,view, tthehe TestT est team.team. proposition.proposition. comparedcompared to theth earlier one. England’s players will for the upcoming series record-setting batsmensmen saidsaid HeHe iiss to AustraliaAustralia are just aaheadhead ooff WhenWhen a coupcouplele oof your senior isolate for three days in Ham- against India. India’s bench strengthngth wouldwould unundergodergo a ffitnessitness IndiaIndia in tthehe worworldld ranrankingskings membersmembers are nonot there, sud- bantota after arriving in Sri Top order batsman help as they bid ttoo win a testtest on FridaFriday,y, and anda n d thethe denlydenly that void iis felt and that Lanka on January 2, with the Pucovski and all-rounder second straight Test TendulkarTendulkar said AdelaideA delai de is what AustraliaAustralia felt.” first Test starting January 14 in Green were named in Aus- series in Australia. thethe presencepresence ofof gamegame But hhee insisinsistedte that India’s Galle. tralia’s Test squad but the Kohli will onlyy lleadead such anan willwill bbee bowlingbowling attackattack -- led by the The second Test starts on uncapped duo may be held the side in the first ooff thethe ininflu-flu- ththee fieryfiery Jasprit BuBumrahm and off- January 22. back from the series-opener four Tests -- startingting in eentialntial spinnerspinner RavichandranRavichan Ashwin The traveling squad will against India at Adelaide Oval Adelaide on Decembermber 17 playerplayer is -- is also stronger,stron and can undergo full coronavirus next week. -- before returning homehome fforor ccrucial.rucial. challengechallenge AustAustralia.ra testing every two days Pucovski, 22, retired hurt the birth of his firstt child.child. “If“If he meetsmeets “Every era sshouldh be kept throughout the trip and in the tour match against India There have alsolso beenbeen allall the pparam-aram- separate,separate, I dodon’tn like com- players are expected to be A on Monday after being calls from some veteransterans for eters;eters; if he is fit paring,”paring,” he said wwhen asked if offered mental health struck on the helmet by a India’s skipper in aallll threethree thenthen hehe thisthis was thethe strongeststro attack screening ahead of the tour, bouncer, while 21-year-old formats to hand overer sosomeme of should be IndiaIndia hhasas produced.produ following concerns about their Green would need to dislodge his captaincy dutiesduties tthere,”here,” “But I can ssaya that it is a well-being in a bio-secure one of the incumbent middle permanently. ssaidaid complete bowlibowlingn attack. So it bubble during the recent tour order batsmen, Matthew Wade Tendulkar wouldould nonot,t, doesn’t matter what kind of of South Africa that was cut or Travis Head. however, join thatat debate, surfacesurface you are pplaying on, you short. Harvey, one of Aus- saying instead: “Let’set’s underunder-- havehave got all sidsidese covered. Opener Rory Burns has tralia’s favourite cricketing stand, this is not aaboutbout indi-indi- “You have got bowlers already indicated he could sons, became the country’s viduals. It is aboutt ourour teamteam whwhoo can swswingi the ball. miss at least part of the tour to youngest test centurion and the best part aboutbout Indian WWhenhen iitt cocomesm to varia- stay home to attend the birth when he scored 153 in his cricket right now is there is tionstions and awkwardness,aw of his first child. second match in the bench strength.” thatthat isis also there. Jonny Bairstow is set to 1947/48 series against Still, he admittedtted Kohli Someone hitting the return to the squad, however, India. He went on to play 79 would be missed. Tendulkar.Tendulkar. “Rohit“Rohit isis a deckdeck hhardard is also there. after pulling out of his contract Tests in a 15-year international “When you losee an expexpe-e- specialspecial player and an expe-expe- WeWe have got a wrist with Melbourne Stars in the career and is the last surviving rienced player likee this there rienced player. When a spinner, wew have got Big Bash League in order to Virat Kohli member of Bradman’s ‘Invin- is without any doubtubt a void,” seniorsenior cricketercricketer comescomes backback finger spinners.”spi make himself available for the cibles’ team that played the side. entire 1948 tour of England without losing a match. Australia selectors have been reluctant to rush young South Africa cricket team to tour Pakistan players into Test cricket in recent years, but Harvey said AFP — JOHANNESBURG youth should be no impediment. South Africa will make their first “Having been through the tour of Pakistan in 14 years when whole business myself, going they play two Test matches and to England with Bradman’s three Twenty20 internationals Invincibles at 19 years of age, in the Asian country in January I can’t say you can start and February 2021. cricket (young) enough,” the Cricket South Africa 92-year-old told reporters announced yesterday that the yesterday. decision had been made fol- “If I can do it, anybody can lowing a visit to Pakistan by a do it... If you’re good enough, security delegation recently. you can do it. If they’ve got the The South Africans will ability, pick them. It’s as simple arrive in Karachi on January as that.” 16 and undergo a period of Harvey was joined by quarantine before the first former team mate Alan Dav- Test in the same city from Pakistan’s cricketers wait for third umpire decision against Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal (unseen) idson on a video call with January 26 to 30. during the second Test at the National Stadium in Karachi, in this December 22, 2019 file photo. former West Indies batsman The second Test will be in The Proteas will be the fourth international team to visit Pakistan after March 2009 incident. Peter Lashley, who made his Rawalpindi from February 4 to debut in the first ever tied test, 8, followed by three T20 inter- and spinner Lance Gibbs, the nationals in Lahore on February fourth international team to visit cricket-loving nation. Cricket support that the Proteas enjoy and recommendations gives us 12th man for the Caribbeans 11, 13 and 14. Pakistan since an attack on the South Africa is delighted to be there as a team. confidence as an organisation in that match. The Test series will be part Sri Lankan team in Lahore in counted among them. “I would like to thank the that all of our team’s security, “It takes time, I was never of the International Cricket 2009 put a decade-long halt to “As someone who has toured Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for playing and accommodation an all-rounder in the real Council’s Test championship. tours of the country. the country on more than one the hospitality and transparency needs will be met, and that the sense until my mid-20s,” said South Africa has not toured CSA Director of Cricket, occasion back in my playing they showed our security con- wellbeing of the team will be the the 91-year-old, who took 11 Pakistan since 2007 when they Graeme Smith said: “It’s pleasing days, I know how much passion tingent when they travelled over top priority. We look forward to wickets and scored over 100 won a two-Test series 1-0. to see so many countries making the people of Pakistan have for there a few weeks ago. embarking on this historical runs in the tied Test. The Proteas will be the a return to Pakistan - a proud, the game as well as the love and “The report on their findings tour.”