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ICC World T20 2014: Australia still not on top of spin in subcontinental conditions

March 30, 2014
ICC_World_T20Mar 30: Australia need a miracle to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20 2014 in Bangladesh and the early exit that is likely is further indication the Australian batsmen are still incompetent in handling the spinning ball.
In the past 12 months, Australia have been humiliated in the Test series in India, lost a close fought One-Day International (ODI) on the best batting wickets the world has ever seen and now come up short in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) having been undone by the Pakistan and West Indies spinners.
But Darren Lehmann thinks otherwise and stated it was ‘match awareness” that the players needed to improve on. But losing 8/64 against Pakistan is also an issue of adjusting to the slow nature of the pitches.
Spooning catches to short mid-wickets is a result of being beaten in the air, leaving a gap between bat and pad, overbalancing to forward prod, trying to play the cut shot to balls too full are flaws in batting techniques.

It is even more of a concern when George Bailey admits “We have been undone by the lack of turn rather than the turn”. While few bowlers have spun the ball, it has certainly not turned according to Indian spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin. “The wicket has been slow. Can’t say the ball has been gripping and turning sharply.”
Ashwin who let the rout in the 4–0 whitewash refused to admit Australia have failed to improve against spin bowling but did have few wise words, “Mostly what is going on in world cricket now is that everybody play to their strengths and are not prepared to test others’ waters. They need to come out here and play more spinners, which is the way forward but in saying that I don’t want to comment on Australia’s planning. That is for their coaching staff to decide.”
Furthermore, it is certain opposition countries are likely to present wickets that will negate the strength of Australia’s bowling and expose the Australian batting. The Port Elizabeth Test match was a perfect example.
The T20 format was golden opportunity for Australia to overcome their spin bowling deficiencies. Stating reasons such as lack of awareness is fair enough but the issues are lot deeper than just awareness.
Even though the World T20 still hasn’t garnered the prestige Tests or ODI World Cups have over the years, still this tournament was a perfect platform for Australia to take another step to being on top of the cricketing world. Their next assignment is the Test series in UAE against Pakistan in October, so they have ample amount of time to get their game right. If they fail it will be back to square one.

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Agencies
July 31,2020

Northamptonshire, Jul 31: Mexican Formula One driver Sergio Perez has tested positive for coronavirus, and as a result, he will miss the British Grand Prix.

The Racing Point driver was absent from the circuit on Thursday after self-isolating following what his team called an "inconclusive" test. Perez then re-tested later in the day and it returned positive.

Formula 1 is following a strict testing regime as part of the safety protocols put in place when racing resumed earlier this month, and this is the first time a driver has tested positive.

"Perez has entered self-quarantine in accordance with the instructions of the relevant public health authorities, and will continue to follow the procedure mandated by those authorities," Formula 1 and the FIA said in a statement.

"With the assistance of the local organiser of the British Grand Prix, local health authorities and the FIA COVID-19 delegate, a full track and trace initiative has been undertaken and all close contacts have been quarantined," the statement added.

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News Network
June 6,2020

Mumbai, Jun 6: Reminiscing about his 'special knock' of 208 runs from 153 balls, Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma revealed why his wife Ritika had got emotional after he smashed his third double century in ODIs.

Rohit narrated the incident during his appearance in Episode 2 of the 'Open nets with Mayank'.

The batsman, who was accompanied by Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank on the show, said his wife thought that he had twisted his hand while diving for the 196th run during the innings.

"As you can see my wife got emotional there, this day was special as it was my anniversary. Probably the best gift I could give it to her while I am on the field, it was quite emotional though," said Rohit during the candid chat.

"When I came from the ground, I just asked her why did you (Ritika) cry? So she told me that she thought I (Rohit) twisted my hand when I dived for my 196th run and that was a little worrying factor for her, she got little emotional of because of that I guess," Rohit added.

In the match, the 32-year-old scored 208 runs with 13 fours and 12 sixes against Sri Lanka at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.

This enabled India to post a score of 392/4 in the allotted fifty overs.

India then went on to win the match by 141 runs.

"To be honest I was going pretty slow, I never thought I will get to a double hundred but once you cross 125, I feel it gets easier for you because bowlers are under pressure. Unless you make a mistake I don't think you can get out," said Rohit.

Rohit has scored two double hundreds against Sri Lanka and one against Australia in ODIs. The right-handed batsman is the only cricketer to make three double hundreds in ODI history.

Rohit, Shikhar, and Mayank would have been in action for Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Kings XI Punjab respectively, had the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced from March 29. However, the tournament was suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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News Network
March 16,2020

Mar 16: With COVID-19 outbreak killing over 5,400 people globally, former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has lashed out at those responsible for making the coronavirus infect humans and blamed China solely for the outbreak.

"I don't understand why you have to eat things like bats, drink their blood and urine and spread some virus across the globe...I'm talking about the Chinese people. They have put the world at stake. I really don't understand how you can eat bats, dogs, and cats. I'm really angry," Akhtar said in a video posted on his Youtube channel.

"The whole world is at risk now. The tourism industry has been hit, the economy is badly affected and the whole world is going towards a lockdown.

"I'm not against the people of China but I'm against the law of animals. I understand this may be your culture but this is not benefitting you now, it is killing humanity. I'm not saying you boycott the Chinese but there has to be some law. You cannot go on and eat anything and everything," he added.

Coronavirus, which originated in China's Wuhan city, has so far spread to more than 100 countries, infecting over 1,30,000 people.

In Pakistan, the number of positive cases reached 28 on Saturday.

Many sporting events, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL), have been affected by the disease which has now been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

While the IPL 2020, which was originally scheduled to start from March 29, has been postponed till April 15, the playoff stage of PSL has been curtailed and will be played behind closed doors.

"The biggest reason for anger is PSL...Cricket returned to Pakistan after so many years, the PSL was happening in our country for the first time now even that is at risk. The foreign players are leaving, it will take place behind closed doors," said Akhtar.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases across India has crossed 80 while two people have lost their lives due to the deadly disease. But Akhtar did not have the information and added: "God forbid the virus doesn't reach India. There are around 130 crore people there. I've been in touch with my friends in India and wishing them well."

In PSL, there will be no playoffs and the top four teams will now play semi-finals and then the final on March 17 and 18. The final was originally scheduled to be held on March 22.

"I've also heard that IPL has been postponed till April 15. The hotel industries, travel industries, broadcasters everything will incur losses because of this," he said.

The former Pakistan pacer also called on the world authorities to come out with a new animal protection law so that such diseases don't resurface in the future.

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