Australia, New Zealand to pay tribute to firefighters in third smoke marred Test

The third Test will see both sides pay tribute to firefighters and victims of bush fires. Photo: Cricket Australia Twitter 

Australia and New Zealand cricketers will sport black arm bands in remembrance of  firefighters and bush fire victims in the third Test in Sydney, officials said on Thursday, as they prepare for possible delays if air quality plummets due to smoke.

At least 18 people have lost their lives in one of Australia's most devastating bush fire seasons which has seen blazes raging across the country, including on the outskirts of Sydney.

The match, starting Friday, will go ahead but play will be suspended at the umpire's discretion, should smoke significantly affect air quality or visibility.

Saturday is shaping as of most concern, when another heatwave is expected to sweep across the country and create dangerous fire conditions.

"Like rain, the rules are in place to add time, to suspend play (for Tests). But what we're finding is it (smoke) comes in quick but also goes quick," Cricket Australia's head of operations Peter Roach told cricket.com.au.

"It's unlikely, we believe, it'll be there for a full day.

"We might see some challenges across that day, but we'll play it like rain or adverse weather. Time can be added on."

Before play on Friday both sides will take part in a minute's applause for fire and emergency services workers and wear black armbands as a mark of respect for those who have died.

Cricket Australia also announced a fundraising drive for the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund during one-day matches between Australia and New Zealand in Sydney in March.

"On behalf of Australian cricket, we wish everyone fighting the fires across Australia a safe New Year," Australia coach Justin Langer and captain Tim Paine said in a joint letter published in local media Thursday.

"We pray the conditions improve, the fires ease and the rains come. And, above all else, we hope all Australians pull together and help each other through this incredibly difficult time."

The issue of smoke is a difficult one for cricket officials, who currently rely on a mix of air quality guidelines from the International Cricket Council, state governments and the Australian Institute of Sport.

But there are inconsistencies on what is considered "unsafe".

A Big Bash League match in Canberra was abandoned this month because of toxic bushfire haze, but several have been played in Sydney since the season began two weeks ago.

At last month's Australian Open golf in Sydney, players complained of stinging eyes and trouble breathing, and New Zealand's Ryan Chisnall wore a face mask.

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Arsenal thump Man Utd while Tottenham, Chelsea slip up in top four race

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (left) celebrates Arsenal's second goal against Manchester United. Photo: AFP

Arsenal  boss Mikel Arteta begins the new year with his first victory on Wednesday as his side thumped the lacklustre Manchester United to a 2-0 defeat, while Tottenham and Chelsea slipped up in the Premier League's top four race.

Arteta had watched Arsenal take only one point from his first two matches, with last weekend's 2-1 defeat against Chelsea especially painful after the Blues scored twice in the final minutes.

But Arsenal had played well for long periods in that London derby and they produced an even more sparkling display to put United to the sword at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners took the lead in the eighth minute when Sead Kolasinac's cross ran through to Nicolas Pepe at the far post and the Ivory Coast winger beat David De Gea from close-range.

Arsenal, who last won in the league at West Ham on December 9, got a deserved second goal in the 43rd minute when De Gea kept out Alexandre Lacazette's flick and Sokratis reacted quickest to lash home.

Arteta's team are nine points adrift of the top four, but their second win in 16 matches in all competitions offers hope of a brighter future under the former Arsenal midfielder's management.

"It feels great, incredible. I'm so happy and proud of the players," Arteta said.

"Physically the level dropped in the second half but the commitment and desire was terrific.

"The performances are getting better so I was desperate for the win and we got it."

United are fifth, five points behind fourth placed Chelsea, after the latest in a long list of underwhelming performances in a troubled campaign.

"We started decent the first five or six minutes, didn't capitalise, and then they played really well," United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said.

"We were too slow in the first half, but that's credit to them. Some tired heads maybe."

Chelsea remain in pole position to secure the fourth Champions League qualification place but manager Frank Lampard will rue conceding a spectacular late equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Brighton.

Cesar Azpilicueta gave Chelsea the lead, tapping in from close-range in the 10th minute.

But Brighton scored the goal their persistence deserved in the 84th minute when Iranian substitute Alireza Jahanbakhsh acrobatically found the bottom-left corner with an overhead kick.

"It was frustrating for different reasons," Lampard said. "We weren't ruthless enough. We got the goal and we had the possession. But we just didn't kill the game off."

Those dropped points gave Jose Mourinho's Spurs the chance to crank up the pressure on Chelsea and United, but they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Southampton and England captain Harry Kane limped off with a hamstring injury.

Spurs unravel  Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Manchester City beat Everton 2-1. Photo: AFP

Tottenham fell behind to a 17th-minute Danny Ings goal and Kane injured himself as he converted Christian Eriksen's free-kick in the second half but was flagged offside.

Mourinho's frustration boiled over as he was shown a yellow card after an altercation with the Southampton bench.

"I was rude," Mourinho said. "I clearly deserved the yellow card. I had bad words."

Elsewhere at the top of the table, second-placed Leicester cruised to a 3-0 win at Newcastle and Manchester City beat Everton 2-1 to hand Carlo Ancelotti his first defeat since taking over as manager.

Leicester appear to have put a mini-slump behind them, courtesy of goals from Ayoze Perez, James Maddison and Hamza Choudhury to move to within 10 points of leaders Liverpool.

City remain in third after their home win against Everton, a single point behind Leicester.

Gabriel Jesus scored twice in the second half at the Etihad before Richarlison pulled a goal back for Everton but City held on despite some nervy moments.

"This period is so tough. When you are far away from the first position sometimes people give up, but we never give up," City boss Pep Guardiola said.

Struggling West Ham made a flying start under Moyes, returning to the London Stadium for a second stint as manager, hammering hapless Bournemouth 4-0 and lifting themselves out of the relegation zone, with the visitors now in the bottom three.

Watford continued their impressive run under new manager Nigel Pearson, holding on to beat seventh-placed Wolves 2-1.

Villa beat Burnley 2-1 with first-half goals from Wesley and Jack Grealish while Norwich drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace.

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England's Stokes returns to pitch but in different conditions

England's Ben Stokes, pictured in action in the first Test, returns to Newlands where he produced a spectacular batting performance in 2016. AFP/Marco Longari/Files

CAPE TOWN: Ben Stokes returns to the scene of one of his most spectacular performances but the circumstances are different going into the second Test between England and South Africa at Newlands on Friday.

Four years ago, Stokes thrashed 258 off 198 balls in a brutal display of power-hitting, collecting 11 sixes and sharing in a world Test record sixth wicket partnership of 399 with Jonny Bairstow, whose 150 not out from 191 balls was scarcely pedestrian.

England went into that match 1-0 up in a four-Test series which they went on to win. This time they are the team needing to catch up after losing the opening encounter in Centurion.

South Africa were captained by Hashim Amla, who effectively acknowledged his lack of aptitude for the job by resigning from it after the match despite making a double century of his own to ensure a high-scoring draw.

On this occasion it is England's captain, Joe Root, who is under pressure because of his team's poor recent record away from home.

Stokes then was on his way to becoming England's talisman, a status which he cemented during 2019, which ended with him being awarded an OBE in Britain's New Year honours list.

Bairstow, though, has gone backwards. He seems unlikely to play at Newlands this time after failing with one and nine at Centurion, where he only played because of Ollie Pope's illness.

Bonanza for batters

Newlands in 2016 provided an unusually benign pitch for batters, with both teams scoring over 600 in a first innings which only ended late on the fourth day.

It is the only one of the most recent 11 Test matches at Newlands, going back to 2011, to have ended in a draw. South Africa have won nine of the other ten, losing once. Totals over 400 have been rare, with only four instances other than the 2016 run feast.

There is a new groundsman but it seems reasonable to expect a fair contest between bat and ball this time around.

After winning the first Test in Centurion by 107 runs, South Africa are likely to make one forced change with opening batter Pieter Malan expected to win his first cap in place of the injured Aiden Markram.

England opted to go into the first Test without a spinner but Newlands is a ground where spin bowlers are usually needed. It is a dilemma for England, with Jack Leach having been ill virtually since the team's arrival. Although he is now reportedly recovering and out of quarantine he is unlikely to be considered match fit.

Leg-spinner Matt Parkinson was unimpressive in two warm-up matches and off-spinner Dom Bess, flown out on standby because of the illness in the camp, could be selected, possibly ahead of veteran fast bowler James Anderson.

England's most potent fast bowler, Jofra Archer, did not bowl during net practice at Newlands on Wednesday because of a sore right elbow although he was able to bat and take part in fielding drills, according to a team spokesman.

Possible teamsSouth Africa

Faf du Plessis (captain), Dean Elgar, Pieter Malan, Zubayr Hamza, Rassie van der Dussen, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Dwaine Pretorius, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje

England

Joe Root (captain), Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Joe Denly, Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wkt), Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, and Stuart Broad

Umpires

Kumar Dharmasena (SRI), Paul Reiffel (AUS); TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL)

Match referee

Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

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Sri Lanka names Mathews in T20 squad to tour India

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka recalled former skipper Angelo Mathews to the T20 squad on Wednesday after a 16-month absence from the shortest form of the game for the upcoming India tour.

The cricket board said Mathews, 32, will be in the squad led by Lasith Malinga to play three matches in India.

The squad will leave Sri Lanka on Thursday, the board said in a statement.

Mathews played his last T20 international against South Africa in August 2018 when he led Sri Lanka to a three-wicket victory but failed to impress at the crease, scoring a duck after facing three balls.

Sri Lanka squad: Lasith Malinga (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Isuru Udana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Kusal Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan, and Kasun Rajitha.

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If team is given clearance to tour Pakistan, then I will go: Bangladesh head coach

Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo. Photo: AFP

Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo has said that he has no issues touring Pakistan, provided the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) agrees to send their national team.

"If the team is given clearance to go, then I will go. If the team isn’t given clearance, then I definitely won’t go," Domingo said in an interview with New Age.

Bangladesh were scheduled to play three T20Is and two Tests later in January, however, doubts circulating around the tour came up when BCB President Nazmul Hassan said that certain members of the fraternity expressed their uncertainty to tour.

"I think we can only discuss the matter once the decision is made. We need to discuss with the cricket board and the board will decide what will happen next," he said.

In a bid to meet in the middle, the BCB had suggested to host to the Tests on a neutral ground while agreeing to host the T20Is in Pakistan however, the Pakistan Cricket Board have been adamant to host both formats on home ground, following the successful Sri Lanka series. 

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PSL 2020: schedule reveals four cities to host 34 matches

Four cities will host the 34 matches of the exciting league. Photo: AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the schedule of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 with all 34 matches to be played across four international venues of the country from 20 February to 22 March.

The 34 matches will be played in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi. Of the 34 event matches, the National Stadium will stage nine matches while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will play host to 14 matches.

Reigning champions Quetta Gladiators will open the event at the back of an opening ceremony at the National Stadium in Karachi when they will go toe to toe with two-time winners Islamabad United.

The National Stadium will also play host to the Qualifier between the top two sides, whereas the Gaddafi Stadium will be the venue of the two Eliminators and the final.

According to the event schedule, defending champions Quetta Gladiators will play three matches in Lahore, four in Karachi, one in Multan and two in Rawalpindi; while Peshawar Zalmi, the 2017 winners and the 2019 losing finalists, will be in action in one match each in Lahore and Multan, three in Karachi and five in Rawalpindi.

Islamabad United will play three matches in Lahore, two in Karachi and five in Rawalpindi; Karachi Kings will play two matches in Lahore, five in Karachi, one in Multan and two in Rawalpindi; Multan Sultans will play five matches in Lahore, one in Karachi, three in Multan and one in Rawalpindi; and Lahore Qalandars will play eight matches in Lahore and one each in Karachi and Rawalpindi.

PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani expressed his contentment over the league being played on home ground and said it would allow Pakistan to be recognised as a safe country.

"After bringing Test cricket back to Pakistan, hosting of the entire Pakistan Super League is our other major achievement. I never had any doubts it was Pakistan’s league and should be played in front of home crowds. We had made this commitment to the people of Pakistan at the end of last year’s event," he said.

"Pakistan Super League 2020 will feature 36 foreign stars. It was gratifying that 425 overseas players from 22 countries registered their interest in playing in the tournament. This shows the confidence that players throughout the world have in playing in Pakistan," Mani added,

Event schedule

February 20 – Opening ceremony to be followed by Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United, National Stadium

February 21 – Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi, National Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium

February 22 – Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi, National Stadium; Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium

February 23 – Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators, National Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium

February 26 – Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Cricket Stadium

February 27 – Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium

February 28 – Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket Stadium; Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium

February 29 – Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Pindi Cricket Stadium

March 1 – Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium

March 2 – Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium

March 3 – Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium

March 4 – Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium

March 5 – Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium

March 6 – Karachi Kings v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium

March 7 – Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium

March 8 – Multan Sultans v Islamabad United, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium

March 10 – Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium

March 11 – Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium

March 12 – Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, National Stadium

March 13 – Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans, National Stadium

March 14 – Karachi Kings v Islamabad United, National Stadium

March 15 – Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium; Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, National Stadium

March 17 – Qualifier (1 v 2), National Stadium

March 18 – Eliminator 1 (3 v 4), Gaddafi Stadium

March 20 – Eliminator 2 (loser Qualifier v winner Eliminator 1), Gaddafi Stadium

March 22 – Final, Gaddafi Stadium 

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PCB withdraws teen pace sensation Naseem Shah from U19 squad

The teen will be replaced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohammad Wasim Junior. Photo: AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to withdraw teen pace sensation Naseem Shah from next month’s U19 Cricket World Cup to be played in South Africa from January 17 to February 9.

The National Junior Selector Committee, which is headed by Saleem Jaffar, has named Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohammad Wasim Junior as Shah’s replacement.

Wasim Junior took three wickets each in the Asia Cup and on the tour of South Africa, while he bagged seven wickets during the tour of Sri Lanka. In the domestic circuit, Wasim has played one U19 one-day match in which he bagged three wickets, while he snapped up seven wickets in three U19 three-day matches.

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan revealed that the reason behind the decision was to create more opportunities as the teen pacer "graduated" from the U19 fraternity through his skill.

"The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup is a stepping stone for future stars and a platform for budding youngsters to graduate to international cricket. Naseem [Shah] has recently broken that glass ceiling and has established his credentials as an international cricketer," he said.

"The PCB has decided to withdraw him from next year’s competition to provide this opportunity to another promising cricketer so that he can show his mettle and potential at a global stage," Khan added.

Khan added that the 16-year-old would be under the watchful eye of bowling coach Waqar Younis in order to hone his bowling action.

"Naseem will now remain in Pakistan and continue to work on his skills under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Waqar [Younis}. Furthermore, he will remain available for the home series against Bangladesh."

The Pakistan U19 cricket team’s preparation camp will commence at the National Cricket Academy from Wednesday, 1 January 2020. The team will depart for Johannesburg on January 10.

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