'I Am Extremely Sorry'

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WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 'I am extremely sorry'

Djokovic tests positive for virus Novak Djokovic

AFP — BELGRADE it and other stakeholders had measures were respected by “made exhaustive plans to neither fans nor players in World number one Novak mitigate risks through a either venue. Djokovic was Djokovic’s hopes of hosting variety of precautions and pictured playing basketball a successful exhibition tour- I am extremely sorry for each individual protocols to be implemented with Dimitrov and also nament during a pandemic case of infection. I hope that it will not at ATP events”. embracing other players in spectacularly backfired complicate anyone’s health situation and “We continue to plan the tournament. Djokovic yesterday when he became and adjust these precautions and other players including the fourth player to test that everyone will be ﬁne: Novak Djokovic and protocols according to Belgrade winner positive for coronavirus, latest medical information Dominic raising serious questions and prioritise safety in about the sport’s planned 14 days. Bulgaria’s Dimitrov, the player’s younger brother, assessing every decision.” return in August. the world number 19, said in a statement. The cancellation of the Djokovic, who was not announced on Sunday he “Now we remain focused Serb’s Adria Tour has come showing any symptoms, had tested positive after on the support to all those on the back of a number of joined fellow players Grigor pulling out of the event, the infected... wishing that they gaffes for Djokovic, who is Dimitrov, Borna Coric and biggest since the tennis recover as soon a possible.” the president of the ATP Viktor Troicki in testing pos- season was halted because The outbreak raises the Player Council. itive for COVID-19 during the of the pandemic that has question on how the ATP and First criticised for second leg of his Adria Tour- killed at least 472,173 people WTA can best manage the breaking lockdown rules to nament where social dis- worldwide since it surfaced restart of their tours train in Spain, he then invited tancing was minimal. in China late last year. scheduled for August. derision for insisting emo- Thiem Djokovic said his wife Croatia’s Coric and It has already been tions can change the quality were also Jelena also tested positive Troicki of Serbia also fol- established that the US Open of water while almost simul- seen par- while the results of their lowed suit on Monday, in New York will be played taneously insisting that he tying bare- children were negative. revealing they also had behind closed doors and would not be prepared to topped at a “I am extremely sorry for tested positive. under strict health protocols vaccinate against packed night spot each individual case of The final in the Croatian which Djokovic, to much coronavirus. in the Serbian infection,” said the 33-year- coastal town of Zadar was criticism, described as The Adria Tour’s first stop capital. Thiem has old Serb, who has said he cancelled on Sunday while “extreme” and had been played out to a since travelled to the would be against a com- the final stop of the ill- “impossible”. daily crowd of 4,000 fans at south of France to play pulsory coronavirus vacci- advised Adria Tour, in Bosnia “Yikes... this is not good Djokovic’s tennis centre on in another exhibition nation if it became a in early July, was also and it’s a pattern...” tweeted the banks of the Danube in tournament in Nice. requirement for tennis scrapped after the news of female tennis legend Martina Belgrade last week, while a There has been no word players to travel to Djokovic’s infection. Navratilova after news of similar crowd attended the on whether he has been tournaments. “Unfortunately, due to all Djokovic’s positive test. Zadar event. tested. Commenting on social “I hope that it will not events in the past days we “Hope Novak will be ok Feliks Lukas, director of distancing measures during complicate anyone’s health decided that now the most of course! What now, US the WTA Croatia Bol Open, the Belgrade leg, situation and that everyone important thing is that the Open? Roland Garros? We had warned against Djokovic argued that will be fine,” the 17-time epidemiological situation is have a lot of work to do...” “incredibly bad” organisation both Serbia and the region Grand Slam winner said, stabilised and everyone The ATP, while wishing in Zadar. had been relatively suc- adding that he would now go recovers,” tournament those infected a swift And local media reported cessful in containing the into self-isolation for the next director Djordje Djokovic, recovery, said yesterday that that social distancing virus. Qatar legend Khalid Salman to appear on Generation Amazing Instagram Live

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Khalid Salman – the star of Qatar’s run to the final of the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship – will be the special guest on Generation Amazing’s latest Instagram Live show today at 4pm Doha time. It’s the 11th week the A health worker conducting a swab sample test of a player yesterday. Qatar 2022 legacy programme has run online programmes in order to continue engaging with its Coronavirus tests audience during the ongoing global pandemic. More than 110,000 people have tuned kick off for referees in for the sessions so far. On today’s show, Salman will share exclusive insights Qatar football legend Khalid Salman with Hassan Al Thawadi. Secretary General at Supreme and backroom staff into his career, which Committee for Delivery & Legacy, in this ﬁle photo. included representing Qatar at the 1984 Olympics and through COVID-19. Titled It’s the 11th week the “It’s a pleasure to deliver THE PENINSULA — DOHA The tests of all the staff were scoring the winning goal for ‘Youth challenges in a time Qatar 2022 legacy this series in collaboration carried out according to the Al Sadd in the 1988-89 Asian of COVID-19: The trans- programme has run with our strategic partners The coronavirus (COVID-19) medical established schedule released Club Championship. formative role of sports and online programmes in sport and development. tests ahead of resumption of the by Qatar Football Association Generation Amazing’s other engines of learning and in order to continue This is a crucial opportunity football activity in the QNB Stars (QFA). The medical Marketing & Communica- community building’, the engaging with its to discuss the impact that League and Second Division matches tions Director, Moza Al webinar will be delivered by sport can have for youth and audience during kicked off yesterday with medical examination took place in the Mohannadi, said: “We are Generation Amazing, in col- people of all ages, and how tests of referees, department presence of Hani Ballan. very proud to host Qatari laboration with partners the ongoing global we can take an innovative employees and team bus drivers. football legend Khalid such as the Josoor Institute pandemic. More and collective approach in The tests of all the staff were Salman on this week’s show. – another Qatar 2022 legacy than 110,000 people the sector, to tackle some of carried out according to the estab- general plan and protocol developed We all remember his programme – and the Uni- have tuned in for the the biggest development lished schedule released by Qatar by the QFA and approved by the Min- incredible contribution to the versity Campus of Football sessions so far. issues we face in unprece- Football Association (QFA). istry of Public Health. Qatar team during the World Business (UCFB). dented times, such as those The medical examination took These COVID-19 tests aim to Youth Championship in 1981. Generation Amazing which we are living in today place in the presence of Hani Ballan, ensure the health and safety of all in His hat-trick against Brazil Programmes Director, the public are welcome to during this global member of the Executive Office of addition to reducing and controlling in the quarter-finals will Nasser Al Khori, will take tune in to the Microsoft pandemic.” the Qatar Football Association, the risks of spreading the pandemic never be forgotten. We look part in the webinar, along Teams webinar here. Generation Amazing is a Director of the Referees Department, currently sweeping the world. forward to hearing about this with Dr Cynthia Hebsgaard, Al Khori said: “We are social and legacy pro- Khaled Al-Kuwari, Director of Mar- The next round of medical exam- experience and many others Josoor Institute’s Director of thrilled to kick off our gramme which uses the keting and Communication ination is scheduled to resume which I’m sure will inspire Education, Michael Cacich, webinar series, which we power of football to boost Department, and Ali Al Salat, Head tomorrow, which will involve the our audience.” Senior Education Specialist believe will bring to light the underprivileged commu- of Communication Department. players, administrative and technical In addition to Salman’s at Education Above All, UCFB ways in which we can inspire nities around the world. It Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena teams as well as volunteers of the appearance, a live webinar lecturer, Dr Leo Watkins, and and support youth through has reached more than hosted the medical examination held Second Division clubs Al Kharaitiyat, will take place tomorrow at Amani Al Qadi, the founder the transformative power of 500,000 people since being in halls 1 and 2 from nine to eleven Al Markhiya, Muaither, Meesameer 3:30pm Doha time which of Aurora for Learning and football, in the run-up to launched almost ten years in the morning, according to the and Al Shamal. focuses on supporting youth Development. Members of Qatar 2022 and beyond. ago. 06 SPORT WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020

Ryder Cup Juventus’ Portuguese QFA's forward Cristiano showdown Ronaldo (centre) outruns Bologna’s Disciplinary Japanese defender remains set Takehiro Tomiyasu Committee during their Serie A for September: match. takes several Spokesman decisions QNA — DOHA AFP — WASHINGTON The Disciplinary Committee of A 2020 Ryder Cup spokesman the Qatar Football Association says the US-Europe golf (QFA) yesterday held second showdown remains scheduled meeting via video conference in for September in the wake of light of the current conditions of a British report saying the the coronavirus (COVID-19) event would be postponed to pandemic, which led to stopping 2021. sports activity. The Guardian newspaper The Disciplinary Committee report said that confirmation issued many important decisions of a postponement is expected regarding the Al Sadd, Al Duhail, next week for the biennial and Al Rayyan clubs, due to their showdown, now set for Whis- lack of commitment to the tling Straits in Wisconsin on approved protocol for the return September 25-27. of football activity for the 2019- The ongoing coronavirus 2020 season for the COVID-19 pandemic has made it examination for technical staff unlikely that spectators would and players, and the decisions be allowed at the event in its were made based on reports current date and travel from the QSL. restrictions due to the deadly The committee imposed disease could be an issue for financial fines on the players fans traveling from Europe Ronaldo, Dybala shine as Jung Woo-young, Baghdad even if a reduced number Bounedjah, Yousuf Al Balushi, were allowed. and Marco Fabian from Al Sadd, The report said the Ryder Youssef Msakni, Luiz Martin, and Cup would remain in odd- Medhi Benatia from Al Duhail numbered years after the Juventus down Bologna Club, and Sebastian Soria from jump to 2021, which would Al Rayyan. push the next European- The committee also issued based Ryder Cup in Italy to AFP — MILAN a warning for Al Rayyan team 2023. manager Omar Al Azani and An event spokesman told Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Don’t expect great football, imposed a financial fine on him Milwaukee radio station Dybala scored early as Juventus due to non-compliance with the WTMJ: “The 2020 Ryder Cup put their Italian Cup final woes protocol on precautionary remains as scheduled, Sep- behind them with a 2-0 win measures. tember 22-27, at Whistling over Bologna to move four Sarri tells Serie A fans Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. points clear of Lazio on top of MILAN “The PGA of America con- the Serie A table. REUTERS — QVA announces tinues to closely follow the Portuguese star Ronaldo guidance of federal, state, and had missed a penalty in the Serie A teams are facing a trip local public health authorities. Italian Cup semi-final against into the unknown and fans schedule to The safety and well-being of AC Milan, and drew a blank in should not expect great all is our highest priority.” the final which Juventus lost 4-2 football between now and the complete The Golf Channel and on penalties to Napoli. end of season, Juventus coach Golfworld both reported that But the 35-year-old made Maurizio Sarri (pictured) said season the PGA of America had no no mistake in Juventus’s first after his side’s 2-0 win at comment on the report. league game since beating Inter Bologna. World number one Rory Milan 2-0 in Turin on March 8. With teams still brushing QNA — DOHA McIlroy of Northern Ireland He converted a spot-kick off the cobwebs after a three- and fellow four-time major earned by Matthijs de Ligt after month stoppage for COVID-19 Qatar Volleyball Association champion Brooks Koepka of 23 minutes for his 26th goal for and facing high summer tem- (QVA) yesterday announced the United States have both the Turin giants in all competi- peratures at the same time, the schedule for completing said they would not want to tions this season. Sarri said spectators should games that will be played at tough. “After 15 days, we will the remainder of the 2019- see the matches played Dybala curled in the second expect a much slower pace very high temperatures, so I be on the pitch for the new 2020 sports season, which was without spectators, whose on 36 minutes off a Federico than usual. think it’s going to be very dif- season, and, again, it’s going suspended last March due to cheers and songs add much Bernardeschi back-heel flick as “It’s a completely anom- ficult for all the teams,” he to be special start because the the coronavirus pandemic. of the atmosphere that makes Juventus, chasing a ninth con- alous situation and there are said. preparations will certainly not The QVA set the September the team event special among secutive Scudetto, opened up a no points of reference, so it’s “I do not predict great be the traditional ones,” he 10 as the date for the com- competitions. four-point lead on second- very easy to make a mistake football because, with the high said. pletion of the third national US captain Steve Stricker placed Lazio. with the physical prepa- temperatures, the pace will Sarri, in his first season at championship for men, with and Europe captain Padraig “We need confidence and ration,” said Sarri, whose team not be very high, and people Juventus, shrugged off the the conclusion to be on Sep- Harrington of Ireland have this victory will help us,” said are four points clear at the top have become used to watch criticism which rained down tember 14. agreed they don’t want to see Dybala. and chasing a ninth successive high-paced games....It will be on him after Juve failed to win It was decided to start the a Ryder Cup without “It’s not easy to be brilliant title. difficult for everyone with the Coppa Italia last week. General League Championship spectators.spectato s. right now, we hadn’t been “You have teams in a surprises possible in every “In life, there are facts and for Al Amal category on Sep- playing for a long time. physical condition that’s not match.” Sarri said the start of there are opinions,” the coach tember 12 and conclude on “If we had won the (Italian ideal and you’re going to have next season would also be said. September 19 , and the general Cup) final everyone would have league for men will close on Rory McIlroy complimented us, because on the September 18. a tactical level we have had a keep their bid for European visitors, connecting with a to finish off with Ante Rebic QVA decided that the great game, even if we were not football next season alive as Hakan Calhanoglu cross from racing through the Lecce Qatar Cup tournament will brilliant, but we conceded little. 10-man Fiorentina were held the right to slot in his first goal defence for a third -- and his be held on the September 30 Lazio travel north to fourth- 1-1 by basement club Brescia. this season. seventh goal this season. with the participation of placed Atalanta in Bergamo Swedish star Ibrahimovic Marco Mancosu pulled Rafael Leao got his head to teams from first to fourth in tomorrow, looking to keep their has yet to return from a calf Lecce level from the penalty an Andrea Conti cross with Cal- the league, and one day bid for a first Serie A title in two injury but Milan put their exit spot after 54 minutes, hanoglu again involved in the before the start of the qual- decades on track. Inter Milan, in the Italian Cup semi-final sparking an immediate Milan build-up after 72 minutes. ifying matches for the Cup of in third, are nine points adrift behind them at relegation- fightback with two goals in Milan move up to seventh H H the Amir Cup. of Juventus, and next host Sas- threatened Lecce. three minutes. equal on points with Napoli, The competition will con- suolo. AC Milan shrugged off the In Lecce, Samuel Castillejo Lecce keeper Gabriel who occupy the final Europa tinue until the October 16, the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring after 26 denied Calhanoglu with League berth before they play closing date of the season to sweep past Lecce 4-1 and minutes for the Giacomo Bonaventura on hand this week. 2019-2020. Zanardi to remain in coma until at Ariza, Bertans to skip NBA restart: Reports least next week AFP — LOS ANGELES In this ﬁle photo, seventh US state to register Davis Bertans more than 100,000 cases. Portland Trail Blazers (centre) of the The spike in numbers AP — SIENA veteran Trevor Ariza and Washington come as Florida prepares to Washington Wizards Wizards heads stage the return of both the Alex Zanardi will remain in a medically induced forward Davis Bertans have for the net during NBA and Major League coma until at least next week. both opted to skip the NBA’s match against Soccer seasons in Orlando. The hospital in Siena where he is being treated, planned season relaunch in New York Knicks Meanwhile, Dallas Mav- after a crash on his handbike, made the Orlando as Florida battles on February 12, ericks veteran guard announcement yesterday. a surge in coronavirus 2020 in New York Courtney Lee will be out The Italian auto racing champion-turned-Par- cases, reports said. City. injured when the team is alympic gold medalist remained in “stable con- Ariza elected to miss scheduled to resume dition” following a fourth night in intensive care Portland’s campaign after organised workouts next at Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital. committing instead to a week. “Eventual reductions of the (coma), in order one-month visitation The Mavericks said that to evaluate his neurological state, will be taken window with his son, ESPN Lee injured his left calf into consideration starting next week,” the hos- reported. during the NBA hiatus. The pital said in a medical bulletin. The decision could cost team said he wouldn’t be Zanardi, who lost both of his legs in an auto Ariza up to $1.8m in lost available when workouts racing crash nearly 20 years ago, has been on a earnings if the Blazers make start up again July 1, but ventilator since he crashed his handbike into a it into the play-offs. provided no specific details truck near the Tuscan town of Pienza on Friday Ariza’s decision comes about the cause or severity during a relay event. ahead of a Wednesday of the injury. He suffered serious facial and cranial trauma, deadline players have been Lee became a part-time and doctors have warned of possible brain damage. given to notify teams if they starter after Jalen Brunson The 53-year-old Zanardi won two champion- decide not to play. Teams the restart as a precau- enters free agency and has outbreak, with a record injured his right shoulder. ships in CART in the United States and had two are required to inform the tionary measure, ESPN already suffered two serious daily total of 4,049 recorded After playing in only 10 stints in Formula One. During a CART race in NBA of their final rosters by reported. knee injuries in his career. on Saturday. of the first 50 games for the Germany in 2001 both of his legs were severed in July 1. The 27-year-old is set to The two withdrawals On Monday, Florida Mavericks this season, Lee a horrific accident. Zanardi designed his own pros- Meanwhile, Washington agree terms on a new long- come as Florida battles to passed a grim milestone appeared in 14 of their last thetics and learned to walk again. forward Bertans will miss term contract when he get a grip on its coronavirus after becoming only the 17. WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 SPORT 07 Qatar Women’s Schmeichel saves penalty Sports Committee as Leicester and Brighton to resume activities in September play out goalless draw QNA — DOHA AP — LEICESTER Premier League The Qatar Women’s Sports Committee Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Leicester move nine points (QWSC) has confirmed that the resumption In this ﬁle photo, Al Shahania team’s players Schmeichel saved a first-half of sports activities will begin next attend a training session as QNB Stars League penalty yesterday to help his team clear of Manchester United. September after it had been suspended in (QSL) sides returned to training pitches. earn a 0-0 draw against Brighton Brighton pull six points due to the spread of the pandemic coro- in the Premier League and inch clear of the relegation navirus “COVID-19”. closer to Champions League qual- zone. Sheikha Al Qahtani, Secretary General ification. of the Qatar Womens Sports Committee World Cup stadiums prepare Neal Maupay, who was (QWSC) said in a statement that the Brighton’s match-winner with a following the two-year European QWSC has suspended all its sports activ- stoppage-time goal against Arsenal ban handed to second-place Man- ities since last March due to the spread Qatari clubs ahead of restart on Saturday, saw his low penalty chester City. That ban is being of “COVID-19” in implementation of the stopped by Schmeichel in the 14th appealed. decisions issued by the State to curb the QNA — DOHA navirus (COVID-19 ). pitches for the World minute at the King Power stadium. United has a game in hand. spread of the virus. The Qatari clubs Cup, in coordination Aaron Connolly earned the spot Brighton pulled six points clear In the last period, the QWSC imple- The World Cup stadiums returned to the training between the Football kick after being tripped by James of the relegation zone but has mented a number of remote programs, and training sites for in preparation for the Association and the Justin in one of the few noteworthy played a game more than its rivals such as practicing yoga and fitness training national teams opened return of the Qatar Qatar Stars League with passages of play in a match lacking at the bottom of the standings. for players and coaches of different Qatari their doors to Qatari Football League compe- the Supreme Committee intensity and excitement without One of the most bizarre inci- teams, she noted. clubs to resume their titions on July 24. for Delivery & Legacy any fans. It was the third goalless dents in the game saw Brighton She added that the arrangements that training in preparation The clubs trained at (SC). It is the first time draw in 13 matches since the goalkeeper Mat Ryan attempt to the QWSC will make in the coming period for the return of the Khalifa International that club players have restart of the league last week. bowl the ball out from his area to depend on the gradual resumption of league activity after a Stadium, the first trained in training fields Third-place Leicester moved one of his teammates, only to training for the Qatari national team long hiatus that spanned stadiums ready for the for the participating nine points clear of fifth-place somehow throw it behind himself. players, and also said that team training nearly 3 months due to Qatar World Cup 2022 teams in the FIFA World Manchester United, which cur- Leicester striker Jamie Vardy will begin after the blessed Eid Al-Adha, the spread of the coro- as well as training Cup Qatar 2022. rently occupies the final Cham- pounced on the ball but Ryan in August. pions League qualifying spot recovered to snuff out the danger.

ECB, PCB officials remain confident about England tour New Zealand team's tour of Bangladesh Seven more Pakistan players postponed

AFP — DHAKA have virus, raising total to 10 New Zealand’s Test tour of Bangladesh has been postponed over the coronavirus, AP — ISLAMABAD the hosts said yesterday as the pandemic continues to Seven more Pakistan cricketers wreak havoc on sport. tested positive for the corona- New Zealand were due to virus yesterday, raising the total play two Tests in Bangladesh to 10 of the squad to tour in August-September as part England. of the ICC World Test Pakistan Cricket Board chief Championship. executive Wasim Khan Three Bangladesh crick- remained confident the tour eters, including former will go ahead as planned. one-day international Pakistan will leave on Sunday, captain Mashrafe Mortaza, as scheduled, for England, have tested positive in recent minus the 10 players and one days. staff member who have to self- The governing bodies isolate at home. None of them from both countries were are showing symptoms. working on new dates for the An extended squad of 29 series, the Bangladesh players was chosen for the three Cricket Board said. Tests and three Twenty20s, and “In the present COVID-19 Khan said it was fortunate that pandemic scenario, hosting the entire Test squad barring a full cricket series in August Mohammad Rizwan tested neg- 2020 will be a challenge in ative. After quarantine, Rizwan terms of preparations,” BCB should be available for the Test chief executive Nizamuddin series due to open the tour in Chowdhury said in a August. statement. “The tour to England is very He added that organisers much on track and the side will did not want to risk the safety depart as per schedule on 28 and health of players, support June,” Khan said on a video call. staff and others. The seven infected players “Under these circum- were fast bowlers Wahab Riaz, stances, the BCB and NZC Mohammad Hasnain and Imran (New Zealand Cricket) have Khan, wicketkeeper felt that the best way forward Mohammad Rizwan, opening would be to defer the series,” batsman Fakhar Zaman, all- he added. Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan (left) and Mohammad Hafeez are among the seven new players who were tested positive for COVID-19. rounder Mohammad Hafeez, “We realise that this will and spinner Kashif Bhatti. Also be hugely disappointing for testing positive was a staff member, masseur Malang Ali. remain negative will leave for tour was not currently in doubt. could be the only Test cricket the players and officials of From the first batch of Manchester on a chartered “We are far enough away played in England this both teams, not to mention The seven infected testing, players Haider Ali, flight on Sunday. from the start of the Test series summer. the fans of the two nations, players are fast bowlers Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf Within 24 hours of arriving to not worry about that too “All of this has uncertainty but I must thank NZC for its Wahab Riaz, Mohammad tested positive on Monday. in England, they will be tested much at the moment,” Giles said still, even to any degree the understanding and for rec- Hasnain and Imran Pakistan had four reserve by the England and Wales on a video call. West Indies series, because we ognising the rationale behind Khan, wicketkeeper players and Khan said coach Cricket Board (ECB) medical “This is the difference with know how fast moving this sit- such a decision.” Mohammad Rizwan, Misbah-ul-Haq will get them panel. international sport. We need to uation has been around the Australia’s tour of Bang- tested also this week. The Pakistan squad will get our opposition in (the) world,” he said. ladesh, which was due to be opening batsman Fakhar As soon as the 10 cricketers undergo testing at least five country. Anything that puts that “We have been very careful played in June, was also post- Zaman, all-rounder and one staff member test neg- times before the first Test in at risk or in danger is clearly a at every step. Do we really know poned in April as the pan- Mohammad Hafeez, and ative, they will be flown to early August. The latest positive problem.” what’s around the corner? No. demic took hold. spinner Kashif Bhatti. England on a commercial tests shouldn’t stop the tour, Giles acknowledged there The bubble at the Ageas Bowl (in Bangladesh has con- Also testing positive is a airline, Khan said. England director of cricket was a risk that the upcoming Southampton) and Old Trafford firmed over 115,000 infec- staff member, masseur The rest will gather in Ashley Giles said yesterday. three-match series against the (in Manchester), that’s why we tions and more than 1,500 Malang Ali. Lahore tomorrow and will Giles, speaking before the West Indies, scheduled to take are trying to create environ- deaths from the coronavirus undergo a second round of eight new positives, said the sit- place in July in isolation in ments that mitigate as much risk so far. testing on Friday. Those who uation was a “concern” but the Southampton and Manchester, as we possibly can.”

Tim Paine Australia see opportunity in cutbacks: Paine REUTERSREU — MELBOURNE Paine said players in all “It’s disappointing, cer- However, a fresh outbreak teams would have to become tainly, from an aspect where in Melbourne over the past AustraliaAAu captain Tim Paine more self-reliant as cricket people are losing their jobs. week has provided something hasha been disappointed to see cuts its cloth but Australia “We don’t want to see that of a reality check while raising supportsup staff lose their jobs as were determined to adapt first it’s a great and we’ve lost some really questions about whether the partpa of cost-cutting measures ahead of a blockbuster series opportunity that good people throughout this India tests should be moved duringdu the coronavirus crisis against India in the home period but the flip side of that to venues in states that are butbu says there is opportunity summer. things are going to is the great opportunity to be safe to host large crowds. in the challenges brought on “We spoke briefly on it on change: Tim Paine able to adapt quicker than Paine was open to byby the pandemic. a Zoom call last week or about anyone else.” potential switches, saying Australia lost batting coach two weeks ago and just said Having recorded about players wanted the crowd GraemeGra Hick and physiother- it’s a great opportunity that each other and on themselves 7,500 infections and 102 support. apistap Kevin Sims among 40 things are going to change,” and finding ways to get things deaths, Australia has been rel- “We’re spoilt for choice redundanciesred announced by Paine told reporters in a video done without the huge atively successful at con- here in Australia with some CricketCri Australia last week as call yesterday. numbers of support that we’ve taining COVID-19 and winter world class stadiums so if thethe board looks to shore up its “Players are going to have been really lucky to have over sports have begun to welcome something had to change... finances.fin to become more reliant on the last number of years. crowds back to stadiums. we’ve got plenty of options.”