T20I called off due to wet patches on pitch

Guwahati

The first T20 International between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to wet patches on the track, with Assam Cricket Association (ACA) groundsmen failing to prevent the rain water from seeping through the covers. It started pouring 15 minutes before the scheduled time after India skipper won the toss and elected to bowl. The rain spell lasted less than an hour. The umpires held several inspections but the dampness on the pitch did not allow a single ball to be bowled, much to the disappointment of a strong crowd at the Barsapara stadium, which was hosting only its second T20I. The cut off for a five-over shootout was 9.46pm. Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra terming it a “school-boy error”, while former India player VVS Laxman called it an “elementary mistake”. ACA secretary Devajit Saikia feigned ignorance, saying he has no idea about the seepage.

Guwahati

Prefer Rahul over Dhawan in T20 World Cup: Srikkanth

Former India opener Kris Srikkanth today said he would prefer KL Rahul over Shikhar Dhawan in the T20 World Cup later this year. Dhawan is returning to international cricket after a long gap. During his absence, Rahul has emerged as one of the top contenders for the opener’s slot in limited-overs cricket. “Runs against Sri Lanka don’t count. If I was the chairman of selectors, I won’t pick Dhawan in the T20 World Cup squad,” Srikkanth said.

Sydney

Ponting not in favour of four-day Tests

Australia batting great Ricky Ponting today opposed ICC’s idea to make Test cricket a four-day affair, saying he is not keen on changing “something’s that’s not really badly broken”. Agencies

London

Arsenal beat Birmingham, Blues down Reading in WSL

Arsenal began 2020 with a 2-0 win over Birmingham City while Australia international striker Sam Kerr got off to a winning start at Chelsea, who came from a goal down to beat Reading 3-1 as the FA Women’s Super League resumed on Sunday. Bristol City beat Manchester United 1-0 to notch their first league win of the season, leaving bottom side Liverpool, who lost 1-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion, as the only team without a league victory so far this term.

BRESCIA (Italy)

Lazio win, Balotelli again subjected to racist abuse

There was yet another incident of racism in Serie A on Sunday as Mario Balotelli was once again the target of racist chants in Brescia’s 2-1 defeat at home to Lazio. The match was halted for a few minutes shortly after the half-hour mark and an announcement was made on the stadium’s tannoy system, while Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi wildly gesticulated to the visiting fans to stop. Agencies