SPORT Friday 7 September 2018 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Qatar prepare for Captain Root hopes ‘exceptional’ ‘century is written in FIG Worlds the stars’ for Cook

Qatar, China meet in international friendly today

LEFT: Qatar Coach Felix Sanchez gestures during the practice session in Doha ahead of the international friendly match against China which will be played at the Khalifa International Stadium today. The match will kick off at 7.00pm. CENTRE AND RIGHT: Qatari players take part in a practice session in Doha ahead of today’s match. Defending champs Al Gharafa, favourites Al Duhail eye winning starts at QSL Cup

FAWAD HUSSAIN Al Gharafa players celebrate Al Duhail QSL CUP THE PENINSULA after scoring in a QNB Stars players TOMORROW’S FIXTURES League match in this celebrate. Round 1 (Group A) DOHA: Pre-event favourites Al file photo. 6:10pm: Al Duhail vs Al Kharaitiyat at Duhail and defending champions Abdulla Bin Khalifa Stadium Al Gharafa will be looking for 6:10pm: Umm Salal vs Al Arabi at Suhaim winning starts at the QSL Cup Bin Hamad Stadium which kicks off tomorrow in Doha, 8:20pm: Al Gharafa vs Qatar SC at Suhaim featuring 12 teams. Bin Hamad Stadium Al Duhail, who started the new season well after sealing the Round 1 (Group B) Sunday domestic treble, will begin the 6:10pm: Al Sadd vs Al Shahania at Suhaim event as one of the leading con- Bin Hamad Stadium tenders for the title. ‘The Red 6:16pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Ahli at Thani Bin Knights’ will begin their campaign Jassim Stadium against Al Kharaitiyat at Abdulla 8:20pm: Al Sailiya vs Al Khor at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in one of the Bin Khalifa Stadium two opening matches on first day. The 2017 champions Al at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. The competition serves its international breaks when the season’s QNB Stars League each group will advance to the Gharafa will play their first match Later in the evening, the venue will purpose as young players get as QNB Stars League is stopped. The standings, with promoted Al Sha- quarter-finals. of the tournament against Qatar also play host to another Group B much playing time as possible, tournament is also a great hania replacing relegated Al While some clubs are preparing SC at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. match between Al Sailya and Al thereby providing their clubs and platform for clubs to unearth new Markhiya as the last team. with their full squad, others are The other match on the inaugural Khor. Al Rayyan will open their the Qatar national team with a talents and they give opportunities The change in format will see deprived of it as their overseas pro- day will be played between Umm campaign against Al Ahli at Thani wider player pool to choose from, to as many Under-23 players as the six-team group stage being fessional players are on international Salal and Al Arabi. Bin Jassim Stadium. especially since the country is possible. followed by knockout quarter- duty. Some of the Qatari players are The Group A matches of Round The inaugural edition of the gearing up to compete in the The draw for the 2018-19 finals instead of four teams also away to do duty for the Qatar 1 will be followed by Group B QSL Cup was held in the 2009-10 Asian Cup in the UAE in January, season QSL Cup was made on directly qualifying for the semi- national team for its forthcoming games on Sunday, with Doha season. It was revived in 2017-18 2019. August 29. The clubs were ranked finals like the last season. friendlies against China (today) and giants Al Sadd meeting Al Shahania after a gap of three seasons. Fixtures are scheduled during according to their order in last The first-four teams from Palestine (September 11).

Qatar’s Samba enjoys hurdles challenge CHINTHANA WASALA amazing 48 points, in only his second full that is why I enjoy it, Samba, who secured THE PENINSULA season of 400m hurdling. a double at the recently concluded Asian “For many years I focused on the Games, winning gold in both 400m DOHA: Seven years ago, Qatar’s Abder- 200m and 400m and I did not even think hurdles and the 4x400m relay, said. rahman Samba took a decision to give up about the 400m hurdles,” Samba told Samba’s appearance in the Indonesian 800metres for the one-lap sprint, and the IAAF website. capital during the continental Games things have been going on exceptionally “It was during a South African training made headlines when he smashed the well for the 22-year-old. camp in March last year when my coach Games record of 48.42 when he clocked “(In 2011) I ran 2:12 (in 800 metres) (Hennie Kotze) gave me some 400m 47.66 secs in the 400m hurdles final. and I felt really tired because of the lactic. hurdles tests out of the blocks. It went “I like being able to learn something I think that is when I realised I was not well, we were both excited by the pos- from every race, and I also have the extra an 800m athlete but a sprinter,” Samba sibilities in the event, so we decided to bonus of being able to travel to other told IAAF in an interview yesterday. compete at the following weekend’s club countries around the world. I am lucky The star athletes is now the fastest meeting, where I recorded 50.53. Then to make money from my passion, but 400 metres hurdler in Asia and produced a week later, in only my second ever I’ve also met many kind people and made yet another extraordinary exhibition in 400m hurdles race, I ran below the many great friends from my time in the his pet event at the Paris IAAF Diamond World Championships qualification time sport,” Samba, one of the biggest stars League meeting on June 30 as he became with a 49.24 time. I liked the success I in current world of athletics, said. only the second man to run the event in was enjoying in my new-found event “I enjoy the 400m hurdles for many under 47 seconds. In Paris, Samba clocked and this is why I decided to specialise reasons. Good training sessions make 46.98 secs – just 0.20 off the world record as a 400m hurdler,” the Qatari athlete me excited, happy and lift my confidence set by United States’ Kevin Young on his said. and I also love to break records and make way to win the 1992 Olympic title. “There is no doubt the 400m hurdles history in competition. I am very thankful Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba on Unbeaten in all six of his appearances is a very challenging event. It tests many for the talent God gave me and I just want his way to win the 400m hurdles in the IAAF Diamond League this season, things like endurance, speed, good tech- to be able to fulfil my potential,” Samba during the Diamond League meet Samba leads the standings with an nique and a good stride pattern but I think said. in the Charlety Stadium, Paris, in this July 30 file photo. FRIDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 17 Qatar prepare for ‘exceptional’ FIG Worlds THE PENINSULA The FIG World Artistic Gymnastics DOHA: The Organising Championships will be Committee for the FIG 2018 held in the Middle East for World Artistic Gymnastics Cham- pionships Qatar (WAGCQ) Qatar the first time in history. yesterday met in Doha to review preparations for the hosting of the The event will be staged highly-anticipated event. at the Aspire Dome from Heads of a number of com- mittees attended the meeting in October 25 to November which they discussed the progress 3, 2018 and preparations made at all levels and also the are on to deliver an ways of delivering a top class tournament. exceptional 48th edition The organisers are keen to of the event. launch the WAGCQ in keeping with the reputation and status of Qatar as a world leader in hosting contracts for the championship international tournaments. was also discussed on the recom- The WAGCQ will be held in mendation of the marketing com- the Middle East for the first time. mittee, in cooperation with the The President of Qatar Gymnastics Federation Ali Al Hitmi (third right), Media and Broadcasting Manager Abdulrahman Al Qahtani, COO It will be staged at the Aspire media committee. Strategy and HR Abeer Al Buainain, Venues Manager Albulrahman Al Muftah and Corporate Support Manager Mohammed Al Meragui Dome from October 25 to In addition, the organising November 3, 2018 and prepara- discuss preparations for the 2018 World Artistic Gymnastics Qatar during an Organising Committee meeting held in Doha yesterday. committee decided to open reg- tions are on to deliver an excep- istration for various media organ- tional 48th edition of the event. developments at all levels of the clock to monitor preparations Gymnastics Championships in main venue, training venues, isations. It also discussed plans The Doha WAGCQ will be the various committees. on the ground ahead of the Doha to achieve the maximum media centre and other agencies. on facilitating the work of the largest in terms of international Ali Al Hitmi, President of countdown for the mega event. degree of success. The organising During the meeting, the media and fulfilling all require- participation with nearly 700 Qatar Gymnastics Federation Al Hitmi praised the efforts committee will ensure that all organising committee was con- ments of journalists to ensure a gymnasts representing 80 coun- (QGF) and the Tournament being made the various com- requirements are met with tacted by the International top class coverage and presen- tries taking part. Director, stressed on the need to mittees and their commitment regards to the best hosting of the Gymnastics Federation (FIG) tation of best picture of the It will also be form the basis complete all work at a fast pace towards the goal. championships,” the QGF Pres- and provided with details of championships. for the first Olympic qualifying and well before the tournament “Our aim is to deliver an ident said. officials and international guests The FIG has already said that for Tokyo 2020 and hence the approaches. exceptional version of the cham- He stressed that each com- who will be arriving in Doha for Qatar will organise an extraor- organising committee is working He also stressed that the pionships that confirms Qatar’s mittee formed for the champion- the tournament and the prepa- dinary 48th edition of the cham- extensively to achieve the organising committee was leadership in organising interna- ships will work separately and rations to be made for their stay pionships making it a marked maximum possible readiness. making its best efforts and will tional events. Everyone has a there will be a continuous follow- and work. event in the history of world The meeting discussed latest conduct field visits round the great desire for the World Artistic up of the developments of the The signing of sponsorship gymnastics.

Banned Ashton denied chance to play before England name squad

AFP

LONDON: Chris Ashton has been denied the chance to play before England name their autumn squad after the date for the conclusion of his suspension was moved to October 15. Ashton was given a seven-week ban for a tip- tackle on Rory Kockott during Sale’s pre-season friendly against Castres last month. However, due to a discrepancy with the Sharks’ fixture list his return date has been moved from October 9 to October 16. The England international had pencilled in the Challenge Cup clash with Perpignan on October 12 to make his Sale debut but that door has now been closed. It means he will not have played a game by the time Eddie Jones names his squad for the autumn series against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia on October 18. Slovakia’s Albert Rusnak (left) scores their second goal against Denmark during their international Jones strongly hinted on Wednesday that he friendly match played at the City Arena Trnava in Trnava, Slovakia on Wednesday. would select the former Saracens and Toulon wing in his training squad for England’s camp in Bristol later this month anyway. “Due to a change to Sale Sharks’ fixture list, Ashton’s suspension will now run until Monday Denmark lose 3-0 to Slovakia in friendly 15 October,” a Rugby Football Union statement read. AP Organizers dropped ticket prices The home side went ahead when players from the original squad were Ashton, who joined Sale from French side to 1 euro ($1.16) because of the forward Adam Nemec beat Denmark sent back to their club teams on Toulon in July, won the last of his 39 caps in 2014 TRNAVA, SLOVAKIA: Denmark, depleted visiting team. goalkeeper Christoffer Haagh, who Monday. The previous collective bar- and has yet to make an appearance under Jones. fielding a severely weakened team Slovakia, which included leading is a futsal player, with a header in gaining agreement expired on July containing footballers from the third players like Napoli midfielder Marek the 11th minute. 31 and the two parties have been tier of the national league and futsal Hamsik and former Liverpool Albert Rusnak made it 2-0 in the unable to agree a new one. players because of a pay dispute defender Martin Skrtel, said before 37th minute before substitute Adam The DBU called the result an Japan and Chile call off involving its top performers, was the game that its squad had been Fogt put through his own net with 11 “honorable defeat.” beaten 3-0 by Slovakia in a friendly harmed by the Danish dispute and minutes left. It remains to be seen what sort friendly after earthquake on Wednesday. asked European football’s governing Negotiations collapsed between of team Denmark will field in its AFP Slovakia strolled to victory body UEFA to deal with the case, and the Danish footballers’ union and the opening UEFA Nations League game against a Danish side lacking star confer “adequate consequences”. national federation (DBU) over a new at home to Wales on Sunday. Slo- names like Christian Eriksen and “It was tough to get motivated collective bargaining agreement vakia begins its campaign in Ukraine SANTIAGO: Japan and Chile’s football associa- Kasper Schmeichel. for a game like that,” Hamsik said. regarding commercial rights, and on the same day. tions announced yesterday they were calling off today’s friendly in Sapporo following the earth- quake on the northern island of Hokkaido that left at least 11 people dead. China turn to Hiddink to fulfil Olympic hopes Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido where as many as 30 people are feared buried under earth and rubble after the 6.6-magnitude quake sparked AFP winner Marcello Lippi, in China’s The Dutchman will be paid just numerous mudslides. Japan’s federation said the coaching set-up. less than €4m ($4.7) a year after tax, quake had damaged infrastructure such as “elec- SHANGHAI: Highly respected Dutch The 70-year-old Lippi has been Chinese media have said. tricity and transport” and the cancellation was coach Guus Hiddink (pictured) looks in charge of the senior side since 2016 He is being brought in as the necessary to “ensure the safety of fans”. poised to take on a leading role in and overseen a steady improvement, Tokyo 2020 Games loom into view “It won’t be possible to solve the problem China’s aggressive push to finally although China still failed to reach the and as the Chinese government within 24 hours,” Andres Fazio, Chile’s vice-pres- become a force in international football. World Cup in Russia and languish at pushes an ambitious agenda to ramp ident, told Cooperativa radio station. The 71-year-old was pictured this 75th in the FIFA rankings. up football from grassroots all the He said Chile’s team, minus the rested Man- week -- glasses perched on his nose “Although the Chinese Football way to the senior team. chester United winger Alexis Sanchez, was in and taking notes -- watching China’s Association has not officially Like Lippi, Hiddink comes with a “perfect conditions” staying in a luxury hotel in under-21 side beat Myanmar 1-0 at announced it, the famous coach wealth of experience at club and Sapporo, waiting for the city’s airport to reopen home, amid reports that he is set to Hiddink has begun to enter the role international level. so they can leave. be formally appointed coach to lead of head coach,” the state Xinhua news In addition to his two emergency The team is due to face South Korea in Seoul the team into the Tokyo Olympics in agency said, noting that he remained stints at Chelsea, he also coached Real next week. Rescuers were facing a desperate race 2020. in the stands during the under-21s’ Madrid, PSV Eindhoven and Valencia, against time on Thursday to find survivors amongst When confirmed by the Chinese win over Myanmar on Tuesday. among others. the carnage and destroyed buildings. Football Association (CFA), the Soccer News said that Hiddink -- Hiddink is perhaps best known The quake left almost three million people former Dutch national team manager whose last job was a caretaker spell for inspiring co-hosts South Korea to without power after damage to a major thermal will join another well-known at Chelsea in 2015-2016 -- met the a shock semi-final spot at the 2002 plant supplying the region, which was already veteran, the Italian World Cup players before the game. World Cup. affected by a typhoon earlier in the week. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2018 Djokovic to face Nishikori in 11th US Open semi-final AFP last year’s US Open after a Serbia’s Novak Djokovic season-ending wrist injury, celebrates after NEW YORK: Two-time joined compatriot Naomi Osaka defeating Australia’s champion Novak Djokovic in reaching the semis -- the first John Millman in their ended John Millman’s fairytale time that a Japanese man and quarter-finals match. US Open run on Wednesday, woman have reached the last beating the 55th-ranked four in the same Grand Slam. Australian in straight sets to book Nishikori stunned then- a semi-final clash with Kei world number one Djokovic in Nishikori. the semi-finals in 2014 to The Serbian star, who ended become the first man from an a 54-week title drought with his Asian country to reach the cham- Chris Froome 13th Grand Slam title at Wim- pionship match of a major. bledon, defeated the tenacious But he hasn’t returned to a Aussie 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to reach his Grand Slam final since, falling in Froome and 11th US Open semi-final in his the US Open semis in 2016. last 11 appearances. Against Cilic he labored for Thomas to He lifted the trophy in 2011 4 hours and 8 minutes. and 2015. Nishikori, the 21st “I don’t know why but it’s seed, advanced with a 2-6, 6-4, always a battle with Marin,” said miss Austria 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4 victory over Nishikori, who stretched his Marin Cilic -- the man who beat career record over the seventh- Worlds him in the 2014 final. seeded Croatian to 9-6. Millman, who stunned five- Nishikori appeared to be in AFP time champion Roger Federer in control of the fifth set with a the fourth round, kept Djokovic then thrive with a win,” said balance between being patient of the second set -- Djokovic break for a 3-1 lead. LONDON: Chris Froome and running -- and was kept running Djokovic, who converted just but constructive in the point, but agreeing. He had two game points for Geraint Thomas will miss this himself -- for 2 hours 49 minutes four of his 20 break points and at the same time, be aggressive “He was apologizing he felt a 5-2 lead but a double fault and month’s road World Cham- on another hot, humid night on made 53 unforced errors before and take the chance when you very sorry that he has to leave a backhand wide opened the pionships in Austria after a Arthur Ashe Stadium. he was finally able to accomplish have a shorter ball. It’s easier the court and change. I said, door for Cilic, who stormed gruelling season in which “You survive on the court what Federer couldn’t in seeing said than done.” It was clear that ‘Man, go ahead.’ “I needed that through, shouting “Got it!” when they both won Grand Tour off Millman. it could be a long night when the rest,” said Djokovic, who finally he secured the break to narrow events, Team Sky have US OPEN RESULTS “Very tested,” said Djokovic, players battled for more than 15 gained the decisive break in the the gap to 4-3. confirmed. Men’s Quarter-finals who admitted that like many he minutes in the sixth game of the penultimate game of the final set But Nishikori broke Cilic in Thomas was a surprise Kei Nishikori (JPN x21) bt Marin Cilic (CRO x7) was surprised to find himself opening set, Millman saving four then served it out at love. the final game, capturing the winner of the Tour de France 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4 facing Millman, not Federer, break points. “I gave it a crack,” said the match with a blistering service in July while defending across the net. The Aussie saved another 29-year-old Millman, who has return. Novak Djokovic (SRB x6) bt John Millman (AUS) champion Froome, who was “But Millman is the kind of a four in the opening game of the battled a litany of injuries in his “I try to fight every point,” 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 third in that race, won the player that makes you miss the second set and as the duel con- career. said Nishikori, who boasts an Giro d’Italia in May. Women’s Quarter-finals balls, makes you win the point, tinued both players were clearly “I definitely left it all out impressive record in decisive Both are competing in this Madison Keys (USA x14) bt Carla Suarez Navarro earn the point. feeling the effects of long, enter- there today and pulled up a bit sets. week’s Tour of Britain but (ESP x30) 6-4, 6-3 “He doesn’t miss a lot taining rallies. short. Novak’s a champion. He’s “Especially in the end I really

they are well down the Naomi Osaka (JPN x20) bt Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) himself, so he just runs left, right, Millman, his clothes soaked, played a lot of Grand Slams and focus on every point,” he said but overall standings. 6-1, 6-1 gets a lot of balls. Tactically, made the unorthodox request to he knows how to win them.” added: “I wish I don’t go to five Team Sky sport director you’ve got to find the right go change after the fourth game Japan’s Nishikori, who missed sets every time.” Brett Lancaster confirmed the British riders would not be competing at the event in Austria, which starts on Sep- Osaka ends Japan’s 22-year wait tember 22. “Froome and G (Thomas) AFP will finish their seasons here. which greeted her last-16 victory over It’s good to finish, on not nec- Aryna Sabalenka. essarily a form-wise high, but NEW YORK: Naomi Osaka became “I cried a lot last time and there on a morale and psycho- the first Japanese woman in 22 years were lots of people making fun of me. logical boost for next year,” to reach the semi-finals of a Grand It really means a lot to So this time I went straight to the net,” he was quoted as saying by Slam on Wednesday when she get to the semis. I cried she said. Cycling Weekly magazine. defeated Lesia Tsurenko 6-1, 6-1 in a lot last time and there “I was freaking out inside and “I think G originally the last-eight of the US Open, my whole body was shaking but thought about it (riding the admitting she was “freaking out” were lots of people overall I am most proud of not worlds). I would have wanted inside. making fun of me. So this breaking a racquet.” him there in the team time Osaka wasn’t born when compa- time I went straight to Osaka, the daughter of a Jap- trial but obviously he is burnt triot Kimiko Date made the Wim- the net: Naomi Osaka anese mother and Haitian father, said out after a massive season bledon semi-finals in 1996 but now she enjoyed playing in the blistering and the stress they put them- the 20-year-old has the opportunity heat of New York which has been selves under with training to go one better by reaching a maiden Suarez Navarro 6-4, 6-3. Keys, the such a talking point of the and diet.” Grand Slam final. 2017 runner-up, leads Osaka 3-0 in tournament. “I think the British and Later on Wednesday, Osaka was career meetings including the third Osaka swept aside 36th-ranked Aussie mentality is a little bit joined in the record books by com- round at the US Open in 2016 when Tsurenko in just 57 minutes as the different to others, where patriot Kei Nishikori who reached his she battled back from 1-5 in the final Ukrainian’s challenge fizzled out in they look after themselves all third semi-final at the US Open. set to triumph. a deluge of mistakes. year but we tend to let our- It’s the first time that a Japanese “It really means a lot to get to the The 29-year-old, who had selves go a bit when we can,” man and woman have made the semis,” said Osaka whose post- knocked out world number two and the Australian added. semis at the same Slam. match, on-court interview endeared Australian Open champion Caroline “So when you are To get to tomorrow’s champi- her further to a growing legion of Wozniacki in the second round, hit switched on, you’re switched onship match, 20th seed Osaka will fans. 31 unforced errors and won just Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates a point against Lesia on but when you’re off, you’re have to get past US 14th seed Madison Osaka celebrated her win calmly seven points off the Japanese star’s Tsurenko of Ukraine during their quarter-final match. off.” Keys who breezed past Spain’s Carla and coolly unlike the floods of tears serve. DeChambeau eyes FedEx Cup hat-trick after Ryder Cup boost AFP “The first thing is that I’m a A Bryson DeChambeau’s file photo. Justin Rose currently third on the little tired, not going to lie,” said FedEx Cup points table. PHILADELPHIA: Bryson DeChambeau. And Rose is no stranger to DeChambeau will be chasing an Again, this is a new “Winning two in a row is a victory on the Aronimink course unprecedented hat-trick of lot more than I thought it would having won the 2010 AT&T FedEx Cup titles when he tees off territory for me be mentally and physically. National. Rose also captured the at the BMW Championship and I’m learning There’s a lot more obligations 2013 US Open at the nearby boosted by his selection to the how to navigate that come around with that but Merion Golf Club, just seven USA Ryder Cup team. it’s really an honour and I want miles from Aronimink DeChambeau’s selection on the waters. But, to keep doing it. “The golf course doesn’t Tuesday as one of US captain Jim yeah, it’s definitely “Again, this is a new territory know it this week, you can Furyk’s wildcard picks was a something that I want for me and I’m learning how to never kind of count on past vic- mere formality for the Florida- to keep going: Bryson navigate the waters. But, yeah, tories or past performances but based golfer after he stormed to it’s definitely something that I absolutely, I think there’s victory in the opening two legs DeChambeau want to keep going.” always a bit of a feel-good of the FedEx Cup. Regardless of his effort this factor when you come back to The 24-year-old, who cap- Rory McIlroy (2012) and Billy week DeChambeau will head to an area, you enjoy it, invokes tured impressive back-to-back Horschel (2014) - have won the PGA Tour season-ending Tour good memories but obviously as wins at the Northern Trust and back-to-back play-off titles. Championship later this month as of tomorrow it’s all about doing the Dell Technologies Champi- And while DeChambeau the leading FedEx Cup No. 1. a job,” said Rose. onships, could become the first admits to being a “little tired”, he “It’s great being No. 1 in the “I thought about taking a going to skip this week because The withdrawal of Daniel man in history to win three is eager to take on Aronimink FedExCup Play-Offs and it’s is week off. I couldn’t do that. I I’m tired. But no, I want to win Berger through injury has FedEx Cup events in a row with Golf Club course that played host something that I’ve dreamed of, couldn’t do that to the BMW and three in a row and get some reduced the top-70 field to 69 victory this weekend. to the 1962 PGA Championship especially going into East Lake, I couldn’t do that all the fans and world ranking points as well.” and with Berger currently ranked Five other players - Tiger and more-recently the PGA that’s a humongous advantage the sponsors that have helped DeChambeau will face stiff 65th on the FedEx Cup table, he Woods (2007), Vijay Singh Tour’s 2010 and 2011 AT & T and something that’s quite a tre- put this event on. It would be opposition however, with 2016 has no chance now of qualifying (2008), Camilo Villegas (2008), National. mendous honour, as well.” easy for me to say, “Hey, I’m just Olympic gold medal winner for Atlanta FRIDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 19 England’s Bairstow to Captain Root hopes ‘century is keep wicket in last Test written in the stars’ for Cook AFP AFP world record 158 consecutive Reflecting on Cook’s overall matches at this level, but contribution to England, Root LONDON: Jonny Bairstow LONDON: Joe Root hopes “a former England captain Cook said: “It’s been an outstanding will keep wicket for England century is written in the stars” is averaging a meagre 18.62 Now it’s about us as career; 12 years at the top of the in the fifth and final Test for Alastair Cook as England try from nine Tests this year. order -- to have a record like against India at The Oval, the to send their record run- But Root, his successor as a team giving Cook that is some feat, especially in England and Wales Cricket scorer out on a high by England skipper, believes the an opportunity these (English) conditions for Board announced yesterday. beating India in the 33-year-old Cook could yet to go out in the the majority of it. There’s not Bairstow broke a finger fifth Test at The finish his career as he started best way possible: many openers around the world keeping during India’s Oval. it -- with a century. who can match that, never mind 203-run win in the third Test Today’s Essex opener Cook scored Captain Joe Root English players. So he’s going to at Trent Bridge, with England match will be 104 not out on his Test debut, be very hard to replace.” limited-overs gloveman Jos Cook’s last against India at Nagpur in think it with the scores he has Asked what Cook had Buttler taking over behind before his inter- 2006, the first of his England had in the last couple of weeks. meant to his own career Root, the stumps in national record 32 hundreds. “It would be nice to start replied: “He’s been a huge Nottingham. retirement, “Now it’s about us as a and finish with a century. You influence on me. First he gave Buttler was England’s although the team giving Cook an oppor- never know it might be written me the opportunity to play. As keeper again, with 33-year-old tunity to go out in the best way in the stars,” the Yorkshire top- a role model, there aren’t many Bairstow deployed as a left-handed possible,” Root told reporters order batsman added. people who go about things in specialist batsman, in a opener will at The Oval yesterday. Root said Cook’s decision a better way than he does. He’s series-clinching 60-run continue to “That means going out and had taken him aback but that very down to earth. win in the fourth Test at play for Essex. making sure we win this game. there was no point in trying to “Jos (Buttler) summed it Southampton. Cook It’s an extra incentive for us as change his mind. up. He’s the most down to earth However, England, 3-1 announced he was a group and would be a fitting “I was a little bit surprised. superstar you’ll ever see. He’s up in this five-match cam- calling time on his way to finish what would be a But he was adamant in his always got time for everyone. paign, have returned the England career on Monday, fabulous career.” decision. You could see in his That’s a great quality to have gloves to Bairstow for the following a 60-run win over Cook hasn’t reached three face that was what he wanted in any walk of life, never mind Oval Test, which starts today. India in the fourth Test at figures in Test cricket since a and he’d obviously thought it a high-pressure environment “Jonny Bairstow will keep Southampton that gave marathon 244 against Australia through and was ready for that. like international cricket. wicket after recovering from England an unbeatable 3-1 lead in Melbourne in December “When you get that “I’ll miss him being around. a broken middle finger,” said in the five-match series. But Root insisted: “I have impression from someone Not just for his runs and what an ECB statement. England’s Alastair Cook during nets He may have scored 12,254 seen one coming for a while (a there was no point in me trying he adds to the team but as a As happened in the session in London yesterday. Test runs and appeared in a century) though you might not to talk him round.” person as well.” second innings at South- ampton, all-rounder Moeen Ali is due to bat at number three, with England captain Joe Root continuing in his Bradburn becomes favoured position of number Kohli’s India eager to spoil four. But England have Pakistan’s new retained the same 11 players for what will be national Cook’s England farewell fielding coach record run-scorer Alastair AFP Cook’s final Test before the Virat Kohli could have been 2-2. And my AFP 33-year-old former captain team knows it. They would retires from international LONDON: Ravi Shastri has have hurt and rightly so after LONDON: Scotland coach Grant cricket. promised India “will not the last game.” Bradburn is leaving his post to take up “Jonny’s been the Test throw in the towel” when England, despite having a role as assistant coach with Pakistan, keeper for a long time now they face England in the fifth won the series, face several Cricket Scotland announced yesterday. and has done a fantastic job,” Test at The Oval starting awkward problems of their The former New Zealand Test player has Root said at The Oval today despite having already own, with uncertainty sur- been at the helm in Scotland for more yesterday. lost the series. rounding whether Jonny than four years and took the team to the “It’s not a reflection on England’s 60-run win in Bairstow, as is his wish, will 2016 World Twenty20 in India, where the way Jos went about things the fourth Test at South- keep wicket, rather than Jos they beat Hong Kong in a group game in the last game at all. ampton gave them an unas- Buttler and what that means -- their first win at a world event. “But long-term, you look sailable 3-1 lead in the five- for their respective batting Bradburn will replace Steve Rixon at scheduling of all interna- match contest. positions. as fielding coach and will work alongside tional cricket across the It also meant India, for It looks as if off-spinning the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formats, and sharing that all they are the world’s top- all-rounder Moeen Ali, fresh coaching team lead by head coach workload could be really key ranked Test side, had now from bowling England to Mickey Arthur. in terms of keeping everyone won just one of their last victory at Southampton, will “I am extremely proud of the fresh and ready at the top of nine series outside Asia. continue to bat at three as progress the national team and Cricket their game.” The Oval clash has been be on the first flight home, including two hundreds, yet he did in the second innings Scotland as an organisation have made, given added significance by rest assured that’s exactly he will end up on the losing of the fourth Test, thereby which makes it a difficult decision to step the fact it will be the last what we will do.” side. “I think you have got to allowing captain Joe Root to away at this time,” said Bradburn in a THE OVAL TEST SQUADS appearance before interna- The frustration for India, get tough mentally,” said bat in his favoured spot at statement. tional retirement for Alastair who earlier this year lost 2-1 Shastri when asked how number four. He expressed an interest in replacing England Cook, England’s all-time in South Africa, is that two India could improve their The vexed longer-term Mike Hesson as New Zealand coach but Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Moeen Ali, leading Test run-scorer. Tests in the current series -- away record. question of who replaces Gary Stead was appointed to the post Joe Root (capt), Jonny Bairstow, Ben But India coach Shastri, a 31-run loss in the opener “We have run teams Cook at the top of the order last month. Stokes, Jos Buttler (wkt), Sam Curran, Adil who helped his country to a at Edgbaston and the South- close overseas and we have remains, as does what The New Zealander said it was a Rashid, Stuart Broad, James Anderson 1986 series win in England, ampton clash could well competed. But now it’s not England should do when “great honour” to join the Pakistan India is determined the tourists have gone their way, partic- about competing. We have James Anderson -- who set-up. KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar spoil the party. ularly if captain Virat Kohli to win games from here. needs just four more wickets “I have seen the progress that has Pujara, Virat Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, “This is a team that will had enjoyed more support “The scoreline says 3-1 to equal Australia great been made under Mickey Arthur and the Rishabh Pant (wkt), Hardik Pandya, Ravi- not throw in the towel,” with the bat. which means India have lost Glenn McGrath’s record of opportunity to work with a leading full

chandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Moham- Shastri told reporters. Kohli is the leading the series, what the scoreline 563 for the most Test wickets member team on the rise in world med Shami, Jasprit Bumrah “It will come out there batsman in the series with doesn’t say is that India taken by a pace bowler -- cricket is a real privilege.” and look to compete and not 544 runs at an average of 68, could have been 3-1 or it finally calls it a day. Rossi renews Marquez rivalry in San Marino AFP give it our all to make it a nice The Honda star hadad tatakenken withwith hhim,im, I hhaveave no championchampion Marquez.Mar “In weekend. We were in Misano for five of the previous nineine races problemproblem with Argentina,Argentina, everythingevery was MILAN: Italian Valentino Rossi a test a few weeks ago and we before starting Augustst byby fin-fin- Valentino,”Valentino,” quieter.quieter. I made a mistake and chases his first win of the season We’ll give our will have to pick up our work ishing third in the Czechzech saidsaid ssix-ix- withwith itit camecame bad luckluc with Rossi. and renews his rivalry with again from where we left off. Republic and second in ttimei me I also tried to apologise.”apolo world champion Marc Marquez maximum to start the “We’ll give our maximum to Austria. Because Rossi worldworld TheThe SpaniarSpaniardd ssaida he disliked at home in the San Marino weekend in the best start the weekend in the best way failed to make either beingbeing whistled byby Rossi’sR fans. MotoGP as the motorcycling way possible and do a possible and do a good race, podium, Marquez “I“I ddon’ton’t llikeike ttheh whistles... world championship series revs fighting for the podium. I hope added 13 points to hisis we’re on tracktrack at 300kph, we up again this weekend after the good race, fighting for the weather will be good, so eve- lead. risk our life evereveryy ttimei we get on British Grand Prix washout. the podium. I hope the rybody can enjoy this weekend.” With seven races too go, thethe bike.bike. Torrential rain forced offi- weather will be good, In recent years, Spaniards Marquez is 59 points aheadahead “I“I have alwaysalways askeda my fans cials to cancel the Silverstone so everybody can have dominated at the track on of Rossi. Jorge Lorenzozo andand toto respect allall thethe ridersri because race two weeks ago given the Italy’s Adriatic coast, not far from Andrea Dovizioso, thethe twotwo afterafter oneone racerace therether is another high risk on the rain-flooded enjoy this weekend: the tiny republic from which the Ducati riders who took thethe otherother one, life ggoesoes oon.”n.” surface. Valentino Rossi race takes its name. podium places in thee lastlast two And Yamaha ace Rossi The 25-year-old Marquez races, are 12 and 13 pointsnts further Valentino Rossi wants to make the most of his has won twice in the past three back. home advantage to post his first championship standings behind years for Honda. Marquez, meanwhile,le, saisaidd hehe win of the season, at Misano, in Honda’s Marquez. Marquez has suffered a two- would like to patch thingsthings up Italy, a venue where he has won “It’s always special when you race blip, but so dominant is the with Rossi smoothing thehe rivarivalrylry three times - most recently in arrive at your home GP,” said Spanish world champion that he between the two that goesgoes back 2014. 39-year-old Rossi. still increased his lead in the to 2015 and was fuelledd byby a col-col- The nine-time MotoGP “There will be many friends MotoGP standings without lision in Argentina thiss year. winner sits second in the world and fans at the circuit and we’ll winning. “I would like to makeake peace