Rafael Nadal beats Grigor Dimitrov to reach Australian Open final

Rafael Nadal is bidding to win his second Australian Open title . (Source: Reuters)

Rafael Nadal beats Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (4), 6-4 to advance to the final of the Australian Open and set up a title match with his old rival, Roger Federer.

The ninth-seeded Spaniard fought off two break points in the eighth game of the fifth set, then hit a backhand winner down the line to break Dimitrov in the next game and take a 5-4 lead. He served it out in the next game to win in 4 hours, 56 minutes.

Nadal improved his record in Grand Slam semifinals to an impressive 21-3 and advanced to his fourth Australian Open final. He’s only won the title at Melbourne Park once in 2009.

Nadal has a 23-11 head-to-head match record against Federer and a 6-2 advantage in Grand Slam finals. Federer hasn’t beaten Nadal in a major final since Wimbledon in 2007.

Scott O’Donnell denies taking up India U-17 job, leaving for home

Players __have revolted against the incumbent Nicolai Adam. (Source: file)

All India Football Federation’s Technical Director Scott O’Donnell on Saturday categorically said that he’s not taking up any job with the AIFF and is leaving for home next month.

Australian O’Donnell, who is serving a three-month notice period to step down from his current job, denied reports that he may take over as head coach of India Under-17 World Cup team with the AIFF set to sack incumbent Nicolai Adam against whom the players __have revolted.

“My three-month notice period to step down as technical director ends next month and I am leaving for home when it (notice period) ends. My five-year association with Indian football is ending mid next month,” O’Donnell, whose notice period began in mid November, told PTI today.

“I want to clarify that I am not in the race to take up any other job with the AIFF. I have enjoyed my stint in India and with the AIFF. I want to be with my family now and so due to personal reasons I am leaving this job of AIFF technical director,” he said.

O’Donnell was today at the Ambedkar Stadium here along with the Under-17 World Cup squad, watching a match of the newly-launched Indian Women’s League between Eastern Sporting Union of Manipur and Jeppiaar Institute of Technology FC of Puducherry.

Asked why he was at the stadium here with the Under-17 boys, he said, “Myself being here with the boys, nothing should be read into this. They are here in Delhi and they want to enjoy a game of football. So, I am sitting with them here.”

Asked what kind of job he would take up in Australia, he said, “It’s a kind of similar job though on a smaller scale. I will be associated with Canberra provincial association in a similar capacity which I am currently having with the AIFF.”

Meanwhile, the Indian Under-17 World Cup football team’s training camp, which is to resume from February 1 in Goa, is likely to be delayed due to the ongoing controversy involving head coach Nicolai, affecting its preparations for the mega event later this year.

Sources told PTI that the players, who are currently in the national capital, have not been given any directions to proceed to Goa.

The boys are still here after meeting AIFF President Praful Patel on Tuesday while Nicolai is in Goa, the venue for the training camp.

In a meeting on Tuesday, at Patel’s residence, Nicolai was told by the AIFF boss to quit or be sacked after several boys complained through a letter that they have been “physically abused” by the coach and his assistant Etibar Nizami Ibrahimov on more than one occasion.

According to a well-placed source, some of the boys were considering leaving for their homes in the absence of any clear directive from the AIFF on what they should do now.

According to the earlier schedule, they were to proceed to Goa after the tournament in Russia to resume the national camp from February 1.

It has also been learnt that many among these 21 boys are not willing to continue training under Nicolai and they have indicated this to former India captains Bhaichung Bhutia and Renedy Singh when the duo interacted with the players after this controversy broke out.

Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer: Dream final becomes reality in Australia

Rafael Nadal has dominated Roger Federer in their head-to-head match-ups, he has a 23-11 record overall. (Source: Reuters)

As Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal won match after match at the Australian Open, making their unlikely way through opposite sides of the draw, tennis fans couldn’t help but look ahead.

Could the two old rivals, almost six years on from their last meeting in a Grand Slam final, possibly meet for one more match for the ages in Melbourne?

Federer and Nadal each had to survive epic five-set matches in the semifinals, but they did not disappoint. And now, the dream final tennis fans had hoped for when favorites Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic were upset in the first week is going to happen Sunday night in Rod Laver Arena.

What’s at stake is bigger than just Federer-Nadal XXXV, or even the Australian Open title. There’s also history to play for: If Federer wins, he’ll add an 18th Grand Slam trophy to his career record total, putting distance between himself and his rivals. If Nadal wins his 15th, he’ll pass Pete Sampras for sole possession of second place on the all-time list, and pull tantalizingly close to Federer’s 17.

“The historical context of that match, whether it becomes 17-15 with the French Open next, or 18-14, that’s such a big difference in the historical march for both those guys,” former U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick told The Associated Press in Melbourne this week.

“That might be, as far as history goes, the biggest match ever in Australian Open history and maybe Grand Slam history. What’s at stake there is beyond what pretty much any player can comprehend.”

The magnitude of the moment is not lost on the players themselves.

“Rafa’s definitely presented me with the biggest challenge in the game,” Federer said after his semifinal win over U.S. Open champion Stan Wawrinka. “I’m happy we’ve had some epic, epic battles over the years, and of course, it would be unreal to play here.”

Nadal said neither player could __have imagined making the final of the year’s first Grand Slam after coming back from their respective injuries in 2016 _ Federer, his knee; Nadal, his wrist. Both men took time off last season and had difficult draws in Melbourne because of their lower rankings.

“For me, it’s a privilege,” Nadal said. “It’s a very, very special thing, I think, for both of us to be in the final of a major again, __have another chance to compete against each other after a couple of years having some problems.”

Nadal has dominated Federer in their head-to-head match-ups _ he has a 23-11 record overall and has won nine of their 11 matches in Grand Slams.

But Federer likes his chances on the hard courts at the Australian Open this year _ he believes they are playing faster than in years past, which suits his game better than Nadal’s.

Federer should also be fresher for the final, having spent far less time on court than Nadal during the tournament (13 hours, 40 minutes vs. 19 hours) and having an extra day to rest in between the semifinal and final. Both men have survived two five-setters, but Nadal’s were far longer and more draining.

Federer may also have the edge confidence-wise. Nadal’s results have dipped dramatically in recent years and he’s struggled to play well against the top players. He hasn’t been past the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam since the 2014 French Open, also the last major he won.

Nadal, though, remains one of the fittest players in the game and is certainly hungry for major success again after years of disappointing losses.

Whoever wins, the match is sure to be memorable. A massive crowd is likely at Melbourne Park, as well, after organizers decided to open the 7,500-seat Margaret Court Arena for fans to watch the match on a giant screen.

“I just know that two of the greatest players of tennis are going to square off on Sunday,” Grigor Dimitrov said after his nearly five-hour loss to Nadal in the semifinals. “And it’s going to be (an) amazing match.”

Abhinav Mukund to lead India A vs Bangladesh, fitness test for Jayant Yadav

Along with Abhinav Mukund, Priyank Panchal, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan will play against Bangladesh. FILE

Tamil Nadu captain Abhinav Mukund will be leading a 14-member India A side in a two-day warm-up match against Bangladesh before the one-off Test against visitors start on February 9 in Hyderabad.

The squad features all-rounder Jayant Yadav, who sustained an injury during England series and the match will be his fitness Test before the big game against the neighbouring nation.

Hardik Pandya will also like to make his case stronger and get retained in the squad after being injured during practice ahead of the Mohali Test against England.

The team of 14 features all performers in the Ranji Trophy including top run-getter Priyank Panchal and top wicket-taker Shahbaz Nadeem.

One of the unique feature of the squad is presence of three wicketkeepers — Ishan Kishan, who is named in the list as the wicketkeeper. But it also has the flamboyant Rishabh Pant and second highest scorer of the season Nitin Saini of Haryana.

Since a two-day match is not an official first-class game, there is a possibility that selectors can check out all three glovesmen.

Mumbai’s top run-getter Shreyas Iyer gets another chance at the ‘A’ level while Tamil Nadu all-rounder Vijay Shankar is also a part of the squad.

With dearth of quality left-arm seamers in the country, Rajasthan’s Aniket Chaudhary and Hyderabad’s former India U-19 Chama Milind will like to showcase what they can bring to the table.

Squad: Abhinav Mukund (Captain), Priyank Kirit Panchal, Shreyas Iyer, Ishank Jaggi, Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan (Wicket-Keeper), Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya, Shahbaz Nadeem, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Aniket Choudhary, CV Milind, Nitin Saini.

Stuart Law named as new West Indies coach

Stuart Law will bring the experience of being a former head coach of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to the job.

Former Australian international Stuart Law was Friday named as the new coach of the West Indies on a two-year deal. The 48-year-old will bring the experience of being a former head coach of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to the job.

“I am excited at the opportunity to contribute to what I think is an interesting time for West Indies. I think this assignment has come at an important time of my career,” said Law.

Law played just one Test for Australia in his career but featured in 54 one-day internationals while building a solid first-class career with Queensland, Essex, Lancashire and Derbyshire.

He was also a successful captain in Australia’s domestic cricket with five first class and two one day titles. He scored the most runs at that level — 27,080 runs in 367 matches. Law was also named one of five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1998.

Outgoing director of cricket at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Richard Pybus said: “We are delighted to welcome Stuart, he comes at an exciting and critical time in the development of the West Indies men’s team.

“He has great experience and breadth of knowledge as a player and coach and his cross-cultural experience and winning attitude will be key assets in the development of the team.”

India vs England, 2nd T20I: India move back the boundary rope

India trail 1-0 in the three-match T20 international series against England. (Source: PTI)

At Eden Gardens last week, Ben Stokes bowled a bouncer. It was fast, it reared up sharply, and Hardik Pandya was hurried up by the pace-bounce combo. He went for a pull but was late on the shot and got a thick edge. However, to Stoke’s surprise, the ball flew over third man for a six. The boundaries were relatively small, the modern-day bats __have fat edges and the pace-length got no justice. It can all be dispiriting for a fast bowler. In fact, even more so for spinners, especially the wrist specialists like Amit Mishra for there is no place to hide. Luckily for aggressive seamers and spinners good news awaits them at Nagpur. Vast acres of stadium space awaits them at the arena which is probably the biggest in India.
News came in late on Friday evening that Indian management __have told the stadium authorities not to get coy about the size of the boundaries. ‘Keep it to 75 yards all round’ was the message. It’s easy to see why – it brings in Amit Mishra into the picture. They no longer need to think of using run-containing bowlers (read Parvez Rasool) and instead use the spinners as attacking options. It also helps the England team of course and it promises to throw up a fascinating contest.

First a comparison with the normal grounds in India. On an average, most of the Indian ground the longest areas like long-on would be not more than 65 yards. No wonder 350 plus targets are being chased down without much of fuss in the recent times in this country. It’s set to change in Nagpur, though. Last March, the VCA ground hosted 9 games of T20 World Cup and only twice 170 plus runs were scored by any team. The average score at the ground remained 120 plus and the slow nature of the pitch has ensured batsmen try hard to get big runs. The news is that the slow tracks are set to change here as the authorities have relaid the pitch and if VCA officials are to be believed this pitch will assist bowlers while batsmen will find the ball coming on nicely to the bat.

All around the arena, the boundaries would be of 75 yards and that is definitely set to even up the contest.

Run India Run

Now for the impact of a bigger, make it normal, ground on batting. Barring Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, Indians aren’t all that fast runners between the wickets. Especially, with the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Kedar Jadhav in the mix. In Pune, when Jadhav played that knock of his life, he talked about how he was hassled by Kohli’s frenetic running. In Nagpur, the Indians would have to run hard to make up for the lack of monster hits. Would the twos and threes end up stemming India’s charge?

On grounds with boundary ropes pulled in, batsmen hit big shots without breaking into sweat. Now, at the longer boundaries, they can’t ease into those hits as nonchalantly as they normally would. Even a six would have to be hit in a gap, if you get the drift, so that mishits if any don’t carry to a fielder. It’s one thing to hit 90 yard sixes when the actual boundaries are around 60, its quite another matter when you know you need to clear 75 yards. The pressure is entirely different.

Conventional hitters

It would also be interesting to see how the Indian batsmen go about the task of hitting. They are mostly conventional hitters – in the sense that they thread the regular arcs in the ground. In a big arena, it would help to have inventive hitters like say Sam Billings with his lap shots and reverse sweeps. You are then picking the usually untenanted areas, and targeting them with innovation. When Suresh Raina tried his shuffles to the off in Kanpur, we know how it went down – the leg stump was yorked out. If a batsman has shots 360 degrees around the ground, it then takes out the vastness of the stadium out of equation. You really don’t have to flex your muscles hard and try to clear a cowcorner or a long-on. Instead you can target the unmanned fine-leg or areas behind square and get your runs.

In the here and now, though, the Indian team has reasons to look forward to this game. They can bring in Mishra especially considering how well Yuzvender Chahal bowled in the Powerplay and almost got India into the game.

Now they can continue to attack with Mishra and try to capitalise on England’s weakness against spin. The likes of Jason Roy aren’t great against spin and India can look to squeeze in the pressure. England too can attack India with short balls – if they fancy that line of attack – and their seamers can confidently do what they do without wondering about leaking runs. Despite taking Adil Rashid for first T20 game, England didn’t bowl him because their seamers sealed the deal. Here in Nagpur, they can forget all those worries and go for the attack. All in all, it’s going to be fascinating battle.

Wes Morgan salvages FA Cup draw for Leicester City at Derby County

Wes Morgan struck late to eke out a 2-2 draw against Derby County. (Source: Reuters)

Leicester relied on Wes Morgan’s late goal to avoid an FA Cup humbling at second-tier side Derby on Friday, with the Premier League champions salvaging a 2-2 draw in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Morgan’s 86th minute-header ensured Leicester will __have a replay next month, adding to the fixture burden for Claudio Ranieri’s struggling side. Leicester is five points above the Premier League relegation zone but is preparing to resume its Champions League campaign against Sevilla.

As fourth-round weekend opened in the FA Cup, Leicester was gifted the perfect start at Pride Park when Darren Bent scored an own goal after eight minutes.

Bent sliced his attempted goal-line clearance into the net after Robert Huth’s header struck Chris Baird and bounced toward the net.

“I don’t know what happened,” Bent said. “I lost concentration and tried to hit the ball as hard as I could and it flew into the net.”

Bent redeemed himself in the 21st minute by glancing home a header from Will Hughes’ clipped cross and Derby took the lead five minutes before halftime.

Craig Bryson won the ball 30 yards (meters) from goal before breaking into the penalty area past Morgan and sending a left-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and into the far corner of the net.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri made an attacking change at halftime with Demarai Gray coming on for Christian Fuchs and the winger set up Morgan’s equalizer.

“It was a tough match,” Ranieri told the BBC. “We started well and scored but slowly we lost our calm. They played well and scored twice. In the second half we again started well and created two of three chances. It was tough to score but thankfully Morgan got one for us.

“We __have to concentrate. Too many times we concede. We can only work and be more focused.”

Serena Williams basks in glory on winning seventh Australian Open: How Twitterati reacted to the win

Serena Williams extended her dominant run against sister Venus by winning the Australian Open. (Source: Reuters)

Serena Williams beat her sister Venus 6-4, 6-4 in the Australian Open final on Saturday to win her 23rd Grand Slam singles title and become the most successful tennis player in the open era.

This is her a seventh Australian Open win and her 23rd Grand Slam victory, taking her past Steffi Graf for the most major titles since the game turned professional in 1968.

Serena would also regain the World No.1 spot from Angelique Kerber on Monday. The second seed overcame a stuttering serve to take a topsy-turvy opening set and one break of 36-year-old Venus’s serve proved enough to claim the second after 82 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

Serena Williams has not dropped a single set on the way to her victory at Melbourne, the first time anyone did that since Maria Sharapova did it in 2008. Serena credited her sister and opponent Venus for her victory. “This was a tough one – I really would like to take this moment to congratulate Venus,” Serena Williams said. “She’s an amazing person. There’s no way I’d be at 23 without her. She’s my inspiration and the only reason I’m standing here today. Thanks for inspiring me to be the best player I can be. She deserves a round of applause – she’s made an amazing comeback.”

How good is @serenawilliams boom amen. 🙏well done.

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) 28 January 2017

Respect. #MakeHistory pic.twitter.com/uDoMmd3jrX

— WTA (@WTA) 28 January 2017

Congrats @serenawilliams on your 23rd major title and return to the top of the@WTA rankings. You are a history maker and a trailblazer.

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) 28 January 2017

History made!! #23 #legends

— Daria Gavrilova (@Daria_gav) 28 January 2017

Up late for the best reason in the world. Venus & Serena.The tennis nerd in me is filled with fangirl joy. #AustralianOpen #SerenavsVenus

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) 28 January 2017

Congratulations @serenawilliams 🏆2️⃣3️⃣#WilliamsSisters continuing to make history, break records, and inspire. #AusOpen 🇺🇸

— Shelby Rogers (@Shelby_Rogers_) 28 January 2017

Congratulations Serena Williams for winning your 7th Australian open title tonight! 🏆👏🇺🇸 #AusOpen

— Jake Bozinovski (@k1ngb0y14) 28 January 2017

Witnessed this. History maker 👏🐐 @serenawilliams

— Kristina Mladenovic (@KikiMladenovic) 28 January 2017

#Inspiring http://t.co/A4WCAcgkxk

— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) 28 January 2017

Serena now stands just one Slam away from matching Margaret Court’s record of 24 Slams while eclipsing the record of Graf with 22.

© The Indian Express Online Media Pvt Ltd

Hockey India League 2017: Dabang Mumbai teach Punjab Warriors a lesson

All the seven goals which were scored in the game were field goals, which give a team two points. (Source: PTI)

Florian Fuchs would not go down easily. The Punjab Warriors’ defender Robert van der Horst plunged his arm and shoulder into the back of the Dabang Mumbai captain, eventually fouling him to bring him down. But it was the only way he could stop the German who had terrorised the defending champions’ defence at the MHA Stadium in Mumbai.

Moments ago, Fuchs roamed harmlessly by the 25-yard line while Nikkin Thimmaiah twisted and turned at the goalline, looking for an opening to make a pass. He found one, but his reverse hit was wayward, evading defenders and strikers alike. Fuchs recognised the opportunity though, and latched onto the ball. A first touch to control, a second to push the ball into the circle, and a third to strike the ball into the top right corner of the net.It was his second field goal of the match, and Mumbai’s third. The hosts would run away as 10-4 winners at fulltime.

Fuch’s first was almost similar – in that the 25-year-old floated unmarked just outside the box. Robbert Kemperman held the ball on the right corner and threaded a pass to Fuchs, who made his way inside the circle and played a strong and low reverse hit that struck the backboard just inside the near post, right on the half-time buzzer.

It was the goal that helped them retake the lead. In just the fifth minute, Thimmaiah found himself two yards from the Warriors’ goal, facing an empty net. Emmanuel Stockbroekx sprinted down the right flank and slapped in a cross that deflected off Warriors skipper Mark Knowles stick – throwing off onrushing goalkeeper Tristan Clemons – and giving Thimmiaiah the pleasant task of volleying home the opener.

Mumbai started working its way up the pitch regularly, increasing the pressure on the rusty defending champions who were playing their first match of the season.

Still, there were signs of the Warriors’ strong counter-attacking game. Australian forward Matt Gohdes dispossessed last-man Harmanpreet Singh at the halfway line, sprinted down the field and slotted home the equaliser.

It was there on that Fuchs started dictating play. The skipper directed the movement of his players from the forwardline, often falling back to help in defensive work. His own movement was unparalleled – drawing out defenders at will to make space for his teammates, and even finding himself vacant on occasion to collect passes.

Also instrumental was Stockbroekx, whose work-rate wreaked havoc on the Warriors’ defensive structure. The tall midfielder, who was a part of the Belgium team that won silver at the Rio Olympics, share a strong chemistry with Fuchs. Often the pair would coordinate to go past defenders by juggling passes between each other.

By the time Fuchs had scored his second goal, the HIL-specific field goal rule put the scoreline at 6-2 in favour of the hosts. Armaan Qureshi pulled another one back for the visitors, before Affan Yousuf struck a brace in the 48th and 49th minute of play.

Pakistan fans taunt under-fire ODI skipper Azhar Ali

Azhar Ali is likely to be sacked as ODI captain. (Source: AP File)

Pakistan’s under-fire one-day captain Azhar Ali was taunted at the airport when he reached Lahore with other team members from the forgettable tour of Australia.

Television channels showed footage of Azhar being hooted and taunted with cries of ‘you leave the captaincy’ when he came out of the Lahore international airport terminal building.

However, the senior batsman, who is likely to be sacked as the national ODI captain, didn’t retaliate although footage showed him turning towards the person who taunted him to leave the captaincy.

But better sense prevailed and Azhar walked out of the building towards his waiting car.

Pakistan’s poor performances in New Zealand and Australia __have led to calls for changes in the teams and appointment of new captain.

Pakistan lost both Tests in New Zealand, one of which was under Azhar’s captainship, before being steamrolled in the Test and ODI series in Australia.

Pakistan won just one ODI and that too under the captaincy of Muhammad Hafeez, as Azhar was unfit for the match.

Not surprisingly, the Pakistani players who reached Lahore avoided talking to the waiting media and Azhar said they had been told by the Pakistan Cricket Board not to speak to the media for the time being.

You can flight the ball when the boundaries are big: Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal said he stayed confident even when the big-hitting England batsmen went after the bowlers. (Source: Reuters)

Yuzvendra Chahal said big grounds like the one at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha provides him with a chance to use flighted deliveries more in order to create a deception in the minds of the batsmen.

“Big ground makes a difference. You can flight the ball. Also there’s a doubt in batsmen’s mind as to which ball to hit and he will __have to make a choice. In a small ground, batsman can try hitting every ball, but here he has to pick and choose,” said the 26-year-old Chahal, who was India’s most impressive bowler during their seven wicket defeat against England in the first ODI.

It’s a 75-yard boundary at VCA Stadium, atleast 10 yards more than Green Park in Kanpur. One can expect a few big hits which are just about over-boundaries at a smaller venue can turn out to be a catching opportunity in this stadium.

Chahal said he stayed confident even when the big-hitting England batsmen went after the bowlers as that ploy provided the bowlers too opportunities to dismiss them.

“We __have not discussed (bowling strategy), but the way they batted in the previous game gives a plus point to the bowlers as they were trying to hit each and every ball. I got hit for a six on the first ball and then I got a wicket (of Roy).

“You have got six balls while the batsman has just one ball. You have to plan accordingly because T20 is such a quick format where you have to be on your toes always as you don’t what will happen next,” the wiry framed spinner said.

Chahal took two wickets in close succession to pack off Jason Roy and Sam Billings, both getting bowled, to apply the skid after England made a runaway start chasing India’s modest score of 147 and later steadied the innings and won by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The Haryana cricketer admitted that he was tensed before bowling his first over in Kanpur as it was his first match in national colours after being a part of the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led second string team in Zimbabwe.

“This was my first series after the tour of Zimbabwe, and that too at home. I was a bit nervous at the start. After bowling the first over I gained confidence. Playing in India, the ground is always full and there is pressure of the home crowd, but things became better although I was a bit nervous in the beginning,” said Chahal, who grabbed 2 for 27 in four overs.

Chahal maintained that his strategy will depend on match situation.

“My aim is to bowl stump-to-stump. It will be based on situation and the wicket when I come to bowl, which side of the ground is bigger,” he explained.

Being the third spinner in pecking order in Haryana Ranji side after Amit Mishra and Jayant Yadav, Chahal didn’t get a chance to play too many Ranji matches with the home venue being Lahli.

“Ranji Trophy is an important tournament. I had never played so many matches in the past, but this time Mishy bhaiya (fellow-Haryana leggie Amit Mishra) and Jayant (Yadav, also from Haryana) were playing for India. So, I had a chance to grab.

“I had a good performance in seven matches. After Zimbabwe, I played for India A and then DY Patil (T20 tournament) and I came here (for T20 series against England). So I was playing regularly.

Asked about difference between his own bowling and that of his senior teammate Mishra’s, Chahal reckons he is slightly quicker through the air and gets less turn.

“Mishy bhaiya extracts more turn. I don’t turn the deliveries that much. My pace is more. I focus on line and length.”

Asked about possible team composition, he said it was up to the coaches.

“That’s up to the coaches. In the last match, I and (Parvez) Rasool bhai did well. Depends on whether the wicket offers turn or not.”

‘One-state, one-vote’ may dilute standard of Ranji Trophy: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar said that the Ranji Trophy’s standard can go down if states that are not ready to play cricket are brought to the fore. (Source: PTI)

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday feared that the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Lodha Committee’s one-state, one vote recommendation may ‘dilute’ the standard of Ranji Trophy cricket in India.

“No problem with ‘one-state, one-vote’ but maybe states that are not ready to play first class cricket should not be allowed to because it would dilute the quality of Ranji Trophy cricket,” the legendary cricketer said on the sidelines of Kolkata Literary Meet here.

“For example states like Meghalaya and Nagaland, who don’t __have proper cricketing infrastructure, are going to play Ranji Trophy when they are not ready to play first class cricket, then I think the standard of cricket will be diluted and that’s not going to help Indian cricket.”

As per the Lodha Committee recommendations for reforms in the BCCI, only one member from a state will __have voting rights, which has been strongly resisted by the Board.

Maharashtra and Gujarat have four and three cricket associations respectively as permanent members.

“Not every county plays county cricket in England and not every state plays shield cricket in Australia,” Gavaskar said.

“Hopefully over the next few days a final decision will be taken (on who will the administrators be) and we can start planning for IPL.”

The 67-year-old, however, feels that reforms are needed in every sport in the country.

“Think we may not agree with all of them, but reforms are needed in all sport.”

Elaborating on the reforms, he pointed out that the BCCI is probably the only national sporting federation where there was a change in the offices of the president and secretary every three years and five years.

“There was always a new person coming. So (Sharad) Pawar had three years, Jagmohan Dalmiya had three years. Every one has three years, and then they moved away and the senior vice-presidents took over,” he said.

“So there was this thing happening, it’s just that in other federations it is needed. Whatever it is, the Supreme Court’s decision has to be respected and we all have to accept. As I said, the quicker we get ahead, the better it will be for Indian cricket.”

Meanwhile, Gavaskar also spoke about his autobiography ‘Sunny Days’, published in 1977 and said that he should not have written the bloodbath West Indies tour of 1976 that they had lost 1-2 in the way he did.

“I was totally wrong to have written about it the way I did although what happened (West Indians bowling five bouncers and a beamer per over) was hard to digest,” he said about the controversial part in the chapter where he had castigated the Jamaican crowd saying they need to “go back to trees”.

His reference was to an incident when Anshuman Gaekwad was hit by a vicious bouncer bowled by Michael Holding. His spectacles were knocked off and blood was pouring out but Gavaskar was amazed to see the crowd dancing and screaming in joy.

Giving credit to his uncle Madhav Mantri and a stint with him in a cement factory, Gavaskar recollected: “Sunny Days happened because I had a lot of time. I was working for a cement company where my uncle (Madhav Mantri) was in the same department. He was very punctual and so I had to be in by 9:30am. And I had nothing to do because all I was asked was to do was visit a few factories.

“So I started writing my thoughts and (journalist) Sharad Kotnis thought it could be a book,” he signed off.

Not happy to give back my 2008 Olympic medal, says Usain Bolt

Nesta Carter is considering going to Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) to file an appeal. (Source: Reuters)

Jamaican Usain Bolt says it is rough losing one of his nine Olympic gold medals after relay team mate Nesta Carter was found guilty of doping at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“It’s rough that I __have to give back one of my medals and I already gave it back because it was of course required by the IOC”, Bolt told Reuters on Friday in his first comments since the International Olympic Committee ruling.

“I’m not happy about it but it’s just one of those things that happen in life. I can’t allow that to deter me from my focus this season, so I am focused but I am not pleased.”

Carter was found in re-tests of his sample to __have taken the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine, the IOC said on Wednesday, meaning the entire Jamaican relay team had to return their gold medals.

The loss of the 4×100 metres medal leaves Bolt with eight Olympic golds, and he does not think the ruling tarnishes his glittering career record.

And he still might have one last chance to reclaim his medal, with an appeal by Carter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the works, according to Jamaica Olympic Association president Mike Fennell.

Bolt was non-committal about whether he would financially contribute to Carter’s appeal.

“That’s up to my management, there are a lot of variables so we will discuss that and see where we go from there,” he said.

Bolt is considered the greatest sprinter of all time, having won an unprecedented treble of consecutive Olympic golds in the 100m and 200m in 2008, 2012 and 2016.

He also was part of the winning Jamaican 4×100 relay team in 2012 and 2016.

Bolt is credited with being a key factor in maintaining a global interest in athletics at a time when the sport has been ravaged by doping violations.

“I think I’ve still accomplished a lot, it hasn’t changed what I have done throughout my career,” said the 100m and 200m world record-holder.

“I have worked hard and pushed and done things that no one has done before. I have won three gold medals over the 100m and 200m.”

Bolt, 30, says he will retire after the 2017 world championships in London.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he’ll never be able to control his temper

Arsene Wenger isn’t one to hide his emotions (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he will never be able to change his behaviour on the touchline because of his passion for the game.

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The Gunners boss is facing a potential three-match ban after appearing to shove fourth official Anthony Taylor at the end of his side’s win over Burnley on Sunday, but does not believe he needs to work on his temper.

This is not the first time Wenger has come under fire for his antics on the touchline or his treatment of referees, but the Frenchman feels he is big enough to know when he’s really stepped out of line.

Wenger was sent to the stands at the end of the Burnley game (Picture: Getty)

‘You do not make 34 years without interruption on the bench (as a manager) if you are not super-passionate,’ he said.

‘I will put you in this job for six months and then we will talk again – if you are still alive.

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‘I’ve been in England for 20 years, I __have seen a lot on the bench, as you certainly know.

‘I think if I am, after 34 years, still in the job it is because I am big enough to stand up for what I do.

‘And I’m big enough to know when I do well and when I do not do well. When I don’t behave like I think I should behave, I’m big enough say “Yes, that’s not right”, and that’s it.’

Arsenal fixtures

Southampton – FA Cup (A) – Sat 28 Jan
Watford (H) – Tue 31 Jan
Chelsea (A) – Sat 4 Feb
Hull City (H) – Sat 11 Feb
Bayern Munich – Champions League (A) – Wed 15 Feb
Southampton (A) – Sat 25 Feb

Australian Open 2017 has given tennis legends Federer, Nadal, Serena and Venus incredible chance for last hurrah

Federer, Nadal, Serena v Venus – Australian Open has given legends amazing final hurrah

The 2017 edition of the Australian Open will live long in the memory for many reasons.

After two years of every men’s Grand Slam final containing one of either Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray, the first Slam of the new season has thrown a potential blast from the past into the mix.

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Should Rafael Nadal progress past Grigor Dimitrov in the only remaining semi-final on Friday, the Spaniard will face a foe he’s met in the finals of Slams on eight separate occasions, but for the first time since the French Open in 2011.

In the women’s draw, a Grand Slam match-up that has also taken place eight times is the clash of Venus Williams and Serena Williams.

The two sisters will lock horns on Saturday for the first time at this stage of a major since 2008.

No. of Slam titles

22 – Serena Williams
17 – Roger Federer
14 – Rafael Nadal
7 – Venus Williams

Between the four, they’ve amassed 60 Slam titles. There’s no disputing their status as legends of the game.

And this Slam has proved to be the ultimate chance to celebrate their phenomenal careers.

Throughout the two weeks, it’s as if we’ve traveled back in time as those who dominated the sport 10 years ago __have ripped up the form books in the search of penning another chapter in the history books.

For perhaps one last time, we can see these gladiators of tennis stride purposefully into the arena, to compete in the most iconic matches of the 21st century.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m by no means saying their careers will be over when the final ball is struck over the weekend, but the chances of seeing these two epic matches on such a big stage will be few and far between from here on out, if we indeed see them again.

Most recent Slam final meetings

Venus & Serena
2009 Wimbledon – Serena 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 Venus

Roger & Rafa
2011 French Open – Nadal 7-5 7-6 (7-3) 5-7 6-1

Considering the frequency of the final clashes, it’s perhaps surprising that this will only be the second Grand Slam where both pairings are present on the same Slam’s final weekend.

The first was nine years ago at Wimbledon in 2008, where Venus triumphed over Serena and Nadal beat Federer in a five-set epic – one of the most memorable finals in history.

If at the start of the tournament, you would’ve said we’d see a repeat of that in 2017, you would __have been laughed out the room.

All over 30, all past their best, all at rankings below what has been expected of them throughout the majority of their careers, tennis was thought to have moved on from these stars of yesteryear.

Federer and Nadal have enjoyed some epic match-ups (Picture: Getty)

Venus and Serena have a combined age of 71 – they will contest the oldest women’s final in the Open Era – a stat alone that makes it clear they won’t be around for much longer.

I suspect this will be the last time we see these finals that have brought such joy to tennis fans throughout the years.

I’m 99% certain we won’t see Venus in another major final and I fully expect Djokovic and Murray to roar back and continue to dominate the men’s side of things so this must be viewed as a truly unique opportunity.

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Regardless of result, let’s celebrate these legends, their historic match-ups and feast our eyes on them for what could ultimately prove to be one last time on the biggest stage.

It’s fitting the tennis gods have aligned the stars so that we can enjoy them all on the same Slam weekend.

Nine years on, far from in their pomp. These great champions shall do battle again.

Liverpool’s win stats without Sadio Mane make for very worrying reading

Sadio Mane has been a big loss for Liverpool (Picture: Getty)

Everyone predicted that Liverpool would __have a harder time of things once Sadio Mane jetted off on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal, but the stats highlight quite how worryingly dependant Jurgen Klopp‘s side __have become on him.

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Mane is Liverpool’s top scorer so far this season, but his work off the ball is also so crucial to how the Reds play, and that is evident from the difference in their results when he’s present and when he’s not.

According to data from WhoScored, the Merseyside giants have a win percentage of 71.4% when the former Southampton man is involved, and just 33.3% when he’s not.

Liverpool's form since Mane left

D L D W L L

Mane moved to Anfield from the Saints for £34million last summer, and has proven an astute purchase by Klopp while other top clubs failed to truly appreciate his talent.

Mane has missed Liverpool’s last six games (Picture: Getty)

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Still, that won’t be much comfort to Liverpool fans just at the moment, and they’ll be desperate for him to return to England to help them out of this shocking run of form.

Jose Mourinho mocks Jurgen Klopp for blaming the wind after Liverpool’s defeat

Jose Mourinho has aimed at dig at Jurgen Klopp for blaming the wind after Liverpool’s defeat. (Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho has aimed a dig at Jurgen Klopp after Manchester United secured their place in the EFL Cup final against Southampton next month.

United edged past Hull City on aggregate after being beaten 2-1 by Marco Silva’s side on Thursday evening, while Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Wednesday.

After the loss at Anfield, Klopp believed his Liverpool players struggled to cope with the wind and blamed the conditions for his side’s inability to get a result.

Jurgen Klopp blamed the wind after Liverpool’s defeat in the EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday. (Getty Images)

Mourinho is wary of the wind at Wembley. (Getty Images)

And Mourinho aimed a sly barb at the Liverpool manager’s excuse when speaking about United’s trip at Wembley on February 26.

‘I don’t think we are favourites against nobody,’ said the United boss.

‘It doesn’t matter against who or where, we are never favourites. Normally the stadium is windy and it’s difficult.’

Arsenal must break the bank to keep Alexis Sanchez but there’s no chance he’ll join Chelsea, says Sol Campbell

Sol Campbell does not believe Alexis Sanchez will join a rival club. (Picture: Getty)

Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has urged the club to break the bank in order to tie Alexis Sanchez to a new long-term contract

Sanchez, who is currently embroiled in negotiations with the club over a new deal, has been linked with a move away from the club as he enters the final 18 months of his current contract.

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With the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Juventus and host of clubs from the big-spending Chinese Super League all monitoring his current situation at the Emirates, Campbell has urged the club to do whatever it takes to secure the Chilean’s long-term future.

‘Hopefully he will, there’s a couple of contracts out there that need sorting out at the moment,’ Campbell exclusively told Metro.co.uk when asked if he thinks Sanchez will stay with Arsenal.

Sol Campbell won the Premier League title twice with Arsenal. (Picture: Getty)

‘There is always negotiations. A big contract like this one is always dragged on, no big contract is ‘Sign. Done. Finish’ – unless you’re in China!

‘People want you to fight for the contract and get a compromise and that takes time because both sides think they __have the best deal.

‘There is always a compromise or sometimes somebody has to give in and give a contract that maybe they don’t want right now but maybe in a year’s time it might feel cheap. It might feel expensive too but that’s the chance you __have to take when negotiating.’

Campbell has urged Wenger and Arsenal to secure Sanchez’s services. (Picture: Getty)

Despite growing speculation over the 28-year-old’s future at Arsenal, Campbell doesn’t believe Sanchez would join another Premier League club.

‘He won’t, he won’t,’ he said when asked about the Chelsea speculation. ‘It would be sad. Well, for him it would be sad to go because since he has touched down he has been unbelievable. Unbelievable.

‘He has been incredible and a force to be reckoned with and they [Arsenal] need to realise that.’

Sanchez is entering the final 18 months of his contract at Arsenal. (Picture: Getty)

Sanchez has become a fan favourite since arriving from Barcelona. (Picture: Getty)

If Sanchez decided to leave the club, his departure would have devastating effects on the club’s supporters, according to the former Gunners defender.

‘I think so because he’s old school,’ Campbell said when asked if selling Sanchez would leave the Arsenal fans heartbroken.

‘He’s old school in the sense that he’s not mucking around, he doesn’t pull out of things, he wants to play top football and 100% every time he plays.

‘He doesn’t even want to come off the pitch and that’s a great attitude, you’ve got to keep that sort of thing. Forget skill-wise, just his attitude.’

Sol Campbell was talking top Metro.co.uk at the Tennis Foundation, Sporting Equals and British Ethnic Diversity Awards morning at North London Muslim Community Centre.

Liverpool striker Sadio Mane now CERTAIN to miss extra Premier League games – but there’s good news for Leicester

Sadio Mane scored against Zimbabwe – but should probably __have had more than one (Getty)

Liverpool, among a few other Premier League clubs, will __have been hoping Senegal endured a terrible African Cup of Nations.

If they did, it would have meant an early return for their players, in Liverpool’s case top scorer Sadio Mane.

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However things haven’t gone to plan. Senegal beat Zimbabwe 2-0 on Thursday with Mane on the scoresheet to ensure they will progress through to the knockout stage and remain in Gabon a little while longer.

Mane celebrates his goal (Getty)

With the AFCON group games concluding on January 25, players representing nations knocked out that early would be back for the midweek Premier League fixtures on January 31 and February 1.

Those knocked out at the quarter-final stage will return for the Premier League fixtures on the weekend of February 4/5. Meanwhile those who make it through to the last four won’t be available until February 11/12.

When will the AFCON players be available?

Group stage exit: Premier League fixtures on 31 Jan + 1 Feb

Quarter-final exit: Premier League fixtures on 4/5 Feb

Semi-final exit: Premier League fixtures on 11/12 Feb

Finalists: Premier League fixtures on 11/12 Feb

In addition to Mane, Premier League players Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke) and Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham) also represent Senegal and won’t be making an early return.

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However there was better news for Leicester. Algeria were surprisingly beaten by Tunisia earlier in the day, a result that leaves them with just a point after two games in Group B. It means they must beat Senegal in their final game or be eliminated. With Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani among their squad, Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri will be a very happy man.