Australia Tour: India likely to play practice games

New Delhi

The Indian team is expected to leave for Australia at least two weeks prior to the first Test starting November 22 in Perth and will be playing one or two intra-squad matches against their ‘A’ team colleagues as a tune-up to the opening fixture.

Shanghai

Djokovic eases into Shanghai Masters fourth round

Pursuing a 100th career title, Novak Djokovic had an easier time in his second match at the Shanghai Masters in ousting Flavio Cobolli 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday. Djokovic clinched with his 19th winner, placing a forehand behind the Italian who was racing back across the baseline after being pushed wide by the service.

London

Carlsen loses to Maxime as Mumba Masters stun Pipers

Mumba Masters secured a vital 14-5 win over Alpine Sg Pipers on Day 6 of the Global Chess League here on Tuesday, dealing a major blow to the Pipers’ chances of closing in on the top two teams. Magnus Carlsen, playing on the icon board for the Pipers, blundered against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, suffering a shock loss.

Multan

England reply strongly to Pakistan’s 556 in 1st innings

Pakistan racked up 556 in their first innings before England’s rejigged top order cruised to 96/1 on the second day in the first Test. Salman Agha (104 not out) became the third Pakistan batter to smash a hundred in the match.