Manchester, Thursday: Shan Masood joined a select group of Pakistan batsmen to have scored hundreds in three successive Test innings as his excellent unbeaten century led the tourists’ fightback against England on Thursday.

Pakistan were 312-8 at tea on the second day of the first Test at Old Trafford.

Masood was 151 not out, the left-handed opener’s highest Test score, surpassing his 135 against Sri Lanka in Karachi in December.

He received excellent support from Shadab Khan (45) in a sixth-wicket stand of 105 that turned the tide after Pakistan had been struggling at 176-5.

The pair ran England ragged, with even defensive shots producing well-taken runs.

Pakistan had managed just 48 runs for the loss of three wickets in Thursday’s first session to reach 187-5 at lunch.

But with five overs until the new ball, England captain Joe Root then bowled his own occasional off-breaks as well as frontline spinner Dom Bess immediately after the interval.

They bowled several loose deliveries to release the pressure on the batsmen, Masood and Shadab adding 27 runs in the first five overs after lunch.

Although Root took the new ball as soon as he could, with Pakistan 214-5 off 80 overs, the sixth-wicket pair were well set and the runs continued to flow.

There were no nervous 90s for Masood, who had been reprieved twice on 45 by Jos Buttler on Wednesday after the wicketkeeper dropped a catch and missed a stumping off the unfortunate Bess.

Two late-cut boundaries off Stuart Broad took him to 96 before twos off Broad and James Anderson saw Masood, who struggled during Pakistan’s 2016 tour of England, to a 251-ball century, including 13 fours.

With the series being played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus, there was none of Pakistan’s traditional enthusiastic crowd support to acclaim the landmark.

Instead, Masood’s team-mates clapped and cheered the 30-year-old from the changing room balcony, with Pakistan great Younis Khan -- now the batting coach -- joining the applause.

As well as being his fourth hundred in 21 Tests, and a first against England, it was also Masood’s third in a row, after his century against Sri Lanka was followed by 100 against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in February.

Masood, educated in England, was the sixth Pakistan batsman to score a hundred in three consecutive Test innings after Zaheer Abbas, Mudassar Nazar, Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq.

All-rounder Shadab holed out off Bess with a mistimed slog to mid-on. Fast bowler Jofra Archer then took two tail-end wickets with successive deliveries before Shaheen Afridi survived the hat-trick.

Masood, playing a textbook opener’s innings, upped the tempo by hoisting and driving Bess for two sixes.

Earlier Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, struck with just the sixth ball of the day when he had star Babar Azam edging to Root at first slip on 69.

- AFP

Sydney, Thursday: Winning the Ashes in England and clinching a Test series in India are the “two big mountains” still to climb before master Australia batsman Steve Smith considers retirement.

The 31-year-old had an astonishing tour of England last year, blazing 774 runs from just four Tests, having missed the third Test with concussion after being hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer.

But his exploits were only enough for Tim Paine’s side to retain the fabled Ashes urn as holders, rather than win it outright, with the series ending 2-2 after Australia lost the fifth and final Test at The Oval.

Smith said it left him disappointed and with “unfinished business”.

“To know that we’d got the Ashes back was pretty special,” he told The Unplayable Podcast this week. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t win them which is something I’d still like to do.

“From my personal perspective, I think it’s unfinished business,” he added. “It’s great to retain the Ashes but it just doesn’t sit right with me when you don’t win it. We drew the series -– good, but not great.

“So I probably left at the end of the fifth Test (feeling) more disappointed than a sense of achievement.”

The last time Australia won an Ashes series in England was 2001 when Steve Waugh’s men achieved the feat. The two sides are scheduled to meet again in Australia next year before returning to England in mid-2023, when Smith will be 34.

A series win in India is another major driver for the former Australian captain, who has notched 7,227 runs in his 73 Tests so far, with 26 hundreds.

“They’re the two big mountains to climb and if you can do that, it would be pretty special,” said Smith, with winning a series in India eluding Australia since 2004.

“Hopefully I get another crack at it, we’ll see how we go. I’m getting a bit old now. You never know how long I’ve got left, and you never know what the future holds.“But it’s certainly something to strive for, that’s for sure.”

- AFP

Sydney, Thursday: Nick Kyrgios dropped a huge hint Thursday that he will skip the French Open, saying the chances of him travelling to Europe this year were "slim to none".

The opinionated Australian last week pulled out of the upcoming US Open in New York due to the coronavirus pandemic, with world number two Rafael Nadal following suit.

Kyrgios, ranked just 40 but a big drawcard, said he wasn't surprised by the Spaniard's decision, noting that the clay court king was likely "eyeing the French Open" in late September.

"And if I was to play I'd probably definitely rather go to Europe (than America) at this time of year for sure with everything going on," he added to Channel Nine television from his Canberra base.

But Kyrgios suggested that was also unlikely, casting serious doubt over his presence at Roland Garros.

"It's a very slim chance I'll play in Europe. Almost slim to none to be honest," he said.

"I'm going to use this (time) to stay home, train, be with my family, be with my friends and I'm just going to act responsibly, and wait till I think there's better circumstances to play."

Kyrgios also cast doubt on next year's Australian Open, scheduled for January, as host city Melbourne battles a major outbreak that has triggered a stay-at-home lockdown and curfew.

"I'm not too sure the Australian Open will be going ahead as it did at the start of the year with the pandemic in Melbourne," he said.

"It's sad times in Melbourne so I'm not too sure if the Australian Open will go on."

Kyrgios has been vocal in his criticism of some other players during the pandemic, waging a social media battle with top names who played at Novak Djokovic's ill-fated Adria Tour exhibition.

Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive for the COVID-19 illness after the event, where social distancing was minimal and some players went nightclubbing.

The Serbian world number one, Austrian Dominic Thiem, Coric and Alexander Zverev have all been in Kyrgios's firing line and he lobbed another missile, without naming any players, on Thursday.

"Their behaviour throughout this time, I don't think has been great at all. Especially coming from some of our leaders of the sport," Kyrgios said.

"On top of our game they're supposed to be setting an example for the rest of the tour, and them coming back at me with behaviour that I've done on court, I mean it just shows their intellectual level to be honest. - AFP

Johannesburg, Thursday: South Africa sports minister Nathi Mthethwa announced Thursday that rugby can restart behind closed doors during the coronavirus pandemic provided certain health protocols are met.

No date was announced for the resumption of the sport which, along with football and cricket, is hugely popular in the country. “At this stage, we hope to have our first matches by early to mid-September,” South Africa Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said.

“Our plans on the structure of the planned competition will be announced in due course as we have various options to consider.”

The Bulls, Cheetahs, Griquas, Kings, Lions, Pumas, Sharks and Stormers franchises commenced non-contact training last month after rugby was shut down in March due to COVID-19.

Roux said recently that South Africa, who won the Rugby World Cup a record-equalling third time last November, would not play at home this year owing to the pandemic. However, national coach Jacques Nienaber said it might be possible to compete in the Rugby Championship during November and December provided players had sufficient match practice. - AFP

The original Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka, comprising three Tests, could now become a combination of Tests and an additional three T20Is, possibly beginning in mid-October, pending the necessary approvals from the Sri Lankan government and health ministry. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wants three Tests and as many T20Is to be played, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wants one of the Tests to be replaced by the three T20Is.

The original tour was scheduled for July-August and was postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Akram Khan, BCB’s cricket operations chairman, the board is finalising plans to make their team fly out for Colombo on September 24. SLC vice-president Mohan de Silva, on the other hand, confirmed that the three T20Is, which were not a part of the Future Tours Programme, could be played instead of one of the three Tests.

“The tour schedule isn’t finalised but we are likely to leave for Colombo on September 24 and the first Test could be held in the middle of October,” Khan said. “The board is in discussion on sending both teams (for Tests and T20Is) together but we will finalise our plans by this week.

“We want to play a three-match T20I series, and we are hopeful of getting a reply from SLC.”

BCB’s high-performance squad may also travel with the senior team to help them with practice matches as SLC has reportedly informed the BCB that they cannot provide a team for tour games, Khan said.

The high-performance side also had their proposed tour in July deferred.

The Test series, which is part of the World Test Championship, will be Bangladesh’s and Sri Lanka’s first international series since the pandemic-forced break if it goes ahead. (ESPNcricinfo)

National chess team for the FIDE Chess Olympiad: (Standing from left): Nethmi Fernando, Devnethmi Dahampriya, Ashvini Pavalchandran, WCM Tharushi Niklesha, F M-L.M.S.T. De Silva, CM Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage, FM Minul Doluweera & FM Chinthaka Anuruddha Galappaththi. (Seated from left): WIM Sachini Ranasinghe, FM Rajendra Kalugampitiya (Coach), WCM Sayuni Gihansa Jayaweera, Upali Gunasekara (Past President - CFSL), Luxman Wijesuriya (Vice President - Asian Chess Federation), FM Harshana Thilakaratne (Capt), Ransith Fernando (Team Manager), FM Isuru Alahakoon

The National Chess team of Sri Lanka is participating in the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad 2020 which is now in progress. The polymath College International, Navinna; Maharagama is hosting this prestigious tournament.

Meanwhile, a new format has been introduced for this event. Two males, two females and two juniors (one male and one female under 20) will comprise the team. A country may include the same number of reserves as well. Sri Lanka team is captained by Harshana Thilekaratne, the Chess Fide Master from Kurunegala Maliyadeva College, while 14 year old Susal de Silva from Colombo Nalanda, who won the men’s chess grand prix recently and WIM Sachini Ranasinghe who won the recently concluded inaugural women’s chess grand prix. Nigeria, Angola, Tajikistan, Portugal Botswana, UAE, Chinese Taipei, ICPA and Sri Lanka are competing in the third stage while the top three teams will qualify for the division two. 

Manchester, Friday: Pakistan paceman Naseem Shah dismissed in-form England batsman Ollie Pope but the home side somehow got through the rest of a difficult session without losing another wicket in the first Test at Old Trafford on Friday.

The hosts were 159-5 at lunch on the third day, a deficit of 167 runs, in reply to Pakistan's first-innings 326 that featured opener Shan Masood's Test-best 156.

Wicketkeeper Buttler was 38 not out and all-rounder Chris Woakes unbeaten on 15 after England resumed on 92-4, a significant improvement on their dire position of 12-3 on Thursday.

Pope started the day on 46 not out and Buttler on 15, with no more specialist batsmen left to come.

Buttler, with just one hundred from his previous 44 Tests, was under particular pressure to score runs after costly mistakes behind the stumps.

He dropped Masood on 45 and then missed a chance to stump him on the same score -- errors that intensified a debate about whether the World Cup-winner should remain England's red-ball wicketkeeper.

Pope completed a composed 81-ball fifty including six fours that followed the 22-year-old's 91 against the West Indies in last month's third Test at Old Trafford. Buttler was fortunate when, without having added to his score, his edge off teenage quick Naseem dropped short of Babar Azam at first slip. Both batsmen came through a probing first hour against accurate seam bowling, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan standing up to Mohammad Abbas in a bid to out further pressure on the fifth-wicket duo. But there was little Pope could do when, on 62, an 87 mph Naseem delivery climbed late off a good length to take the shoulder of his bat, with Shadab Khan holding a good low catch at gully. New batsman Woakes, still on nought, was then hit on the helmet third ball by a Naseem bouncer that meant he had to call for a change of headgear. - AFP

The Old Trinitians Rugby Scrummage and Old Royalist rugby committee, both of which are affiliated with the Old Boys Associations, give a big hand for rugby.

According to news, they are going all out to play the Bradby Shield in November or December, the final decision will be taken, end of this month.

The 1st leg of the Bradby Shield was initially scheduled to take place on May 30 in Colombo and the second leg on June 13 at Pallekelle, but was affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, Royal College, which has a proud history with the oval ball, is celebrating their centenary year of the game. Royal College takes pride in being one of the leading schools that has produced winning teams over its 100 years in the game. Taking to rugby as early as 1916, the first match was played with arch-rivals Trinity College, in 1920 and the Bradby shield was introduced in 1945.

Trinity College, Kandy has a rich and proud history in rugby which is equally as important. They began playing the game in 1906 and are the only School to continue playing rugby to date. The first historic match between these schools was in July 31, 1920. This was made a yearly encounter, with Trinity College winning for the first 21 years until the Royalists recorded their first victory in 1941. In 1945, the principal of Royal College, E.L. Bradby, put forward the idea of playing an annual two-match series, to which the principal of Trinity College, C. E. Simitharachchi, readily agreed. To ensure the success of the series, Principal Bradby offered a shield which was to be held for a period of one year by the winner of the series. The series has been played annually and uninterrupted ever since.

The question still remains as to what will happen this year.

Silverstone, Friday: Valtteri Bottas outpaced world championship-leading Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton as the two ‘black arrows’ topped the times in Friday’s opening free practice for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

The Finn, who won the season-opening race in Austria, clocked a best lap in 1min 26.166sec to beat the six-time world champion by one-tenth on a hot day with rising temperatures in central England. It was the first time this season that Bottas had topped a Friday session.

Five days after his dramatic British Grand Prix win on three good wheels and one that was punctured on this circuit, Hamilton and his team closely monitored blistering on the softer compound rubber introduced this weekend.

Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull ahead of Nico Hulkenberg in the leading controversial ‘pink Mercedes’ of the Racing Point team, the German driver again standing in for Sergio Perez who tested positive again for coronavirus late Thursday.

Racing Point went into the session after learning that Renault had won a protest against their cars’ legality and originality. They were docked 15 points and fined 400,000 euros ($472,000) following a lengthy stewards’ inquiry into a specific complaint against their brake ducts. - AFP

Our memories are taken back to the era where we were able to witness the respect with absolute authority and commitment, to the men who were in charge of the most important area, where rugby is concerned the “refereeing” said DIG (retd) Nimal Lewke a former player, referee, coach and later SLRFU president elaborated about how the standard of refereeing can be improved and how the stakeholders should react in this regard in an

interview with Daily News recently.

As per him a referee plays a key role in the game of rugby where the players, coaches, spectators look up to them, whether in a school or club match.

Unlike the present-day the playing venues were packed to capacity and the hierarchy of the respective club and schools were present early without fail to watch the match, which made a lovely atmosphere to witness the matches.

Therefore, the role of the rugby referee is a very important aspect and it all depends on the manner the referee handles that particular game. The on field referee should realize that a large number of spectators are there to

witness an enthralling encounter. He also should realize that controlling the game is the most important factor where the spectators are there to witness the game without undue stoppages, where he should allow the game to flow without any restrictions and stoppages. The Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Association(SLRRA) should draw up a plan to recruit some qualified men as we had in the past like Lt Commander Darley Ingleton Malcolm Wright late Bertie Dias, late Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Moham Sahayam, late Harry Gunathilake, Gamini Fernando, Anton Benedict, late Daya Jayasundera, Lionel Almeida Frank Hubert, Jagath Fernando and Nimal Lewke. The governing body has to identify the reasons as to why the refereeing standards have not improved from that era, where it has gone wrong, how to get quality referees and why past rugby players are reluctant to take up refereeing anymore. They should also have a clear cut vision and try to convince former players to come forward and contribute to the game, where their experience and their guidance is highly needed. Alongside with that SLRRA should draw up a plan to get the present referees exposed for an effective training and a motivational programme to give them confidence.

They also should encourage educated quality candidates to join the Referees Society and expose them to local and international training like in the past to build up their ability and skills. A periodical assessment of the referee’s performance by an eminent former referee should be in place. Alongside with their training their security has to be planned with the execution of a proper system, which will give them the all-important confidence to blow the match. In a nutshell to improve the standards of the rugby refereeing the governing body should look into the following aspects if they are interrested in improving the quality in refereeing. These should include Quality recruitment, Training, Exposure and Evaluation so that the referees will have confidence that they are being recognized and widely accepted.

Nimal was very optimistic of sharing one of his experiences during his tenure as the Sri Lanka Rugby(SLR) President with regard to a Rugby referee incident.

One good day in 2007, when he was travelling on official duty from Colombo to Batticaloa around 6.30 in the morning then President Mahinda Rajapaksa called him. He has asked Nimal did you see the newspapers today. Nimal had replied since he was travelling to Batticaloa he was unable to see the papers. Then the president has told him that on the previous day at a school’s rugby match the referee had failed to turn up and the game didn’t proceed, which was a very bad incident and he was asked to intervene and to make sure that it will not happen again, as he was the president of the governing body. Later Nimal had conducted an inquiry and proper action was taken against that referee. What Nimal is trying to emphasize is that-the country once again has got a Sport loving Prime Minister and all sports bodies should get their act together and obtain the blessings and the support of him to boost their sports locally and internationally.

Lahini Chethma Costa, an Advanced Level Student of Mahamaya Girls College, Kandy is a fine Swimmer and a good Athlete. She is the present Captain of the Swimming team and also the Games Captain of the School. She says that due to Covid – 19 epidemic the Swimmers had to forego swimming practices and at present they are happy that the country is returning to normalcy and the schools have reopened. They are doing Swimming practices under Coach U.H.Sugath.

Lahini has represented Sri Lanka at the 6th Children of Asia International Sports Competition held in Russia in the year 2016. In the year 2018 she participated at the 54th Milo/Pram Malaysia International Age group

Championship held in Malaysia. In both these Swimming Meets she participated in the 50 metres Breast Stroke and 50 metres Free Style events. She was a member of the Mahamaya Swimming team which won the All Island Swimming Championship in 2018 for twenty consecutive years.

Lahini started swimming when she was a student of Grade four of Mahamaya in the Year 2010. She has won National Level Swimming Competitions since 2015 and she has participated at the National Sports Festival, Sri Lanka Schools Championship and National & Age Group Championship. Before National & International Competitions she has won Zonal provincial Swimming Meets on many occasions.

As an Athlete she has won 400 Metres as well as High Jump at Provincial level. While continuing Sports Lahini wants to do Higher Studies in the Commerce Stream and become an Accountant. She is the younger sister of Pavani Costa, a versatile Swimmer & Athlete produced by Mahamaya and their father is a Major General of the Sri Lanka Army, D.D.C.K. Costa. 

Sandaruwan Chinthaka, skipper of Galahitiyawa Central College Ganemulla was the leading batsman in the Under 19 Division Two inter Schools Cricket (Two day) tournament.

Fourth year right hand batsman Sandaruwan Chintahaka scored 1358 runs in 14 matches (Ave. 50.29) with 4 centuries and 6 half centuries in the season of 2019/2020.

He passed the 1000 run milestone in the second year. Right arm leg spinner Sandaruwan Chinthaka claimed 72 wickets for 1292 runs (Ave. 17.94).

Sandaruwan Chinthaka started schools Cricket from under 13 age limit at Parakrama Maha Vidyalaya Bandarawatte Gampaha. He represented college under 13 team in 2013.

They emerged champion under 13 division III tournament. He claimed 45 wickets and he was best bowler in the final and best bowler in the tournament. Sandaruwan Chinthaka was deputy skipper in the college under 13 team which played in the division II tournament in 2014. He scored 844 runs and claimed 48 wickets.

He was adjudged man of the tournament.

They were promoted to division One.

He led the college under 15 team in the division two tournament in 2015.

He scored 575 runs and claimed 36 wickets in the season. He was deputy skipper of the Gampaha district under 15 team and he represented the province under 15 team.

He joined Galahitiyawa Central College Ganemulla in 2017. He represented the runner up team in the division two tournament. He scored 289 runs.

Sandaruwan Chinthaka was deputy skipper of under 17 team in division One tournament in 2017.

He scored 255 runs and took 22 wickets.

He represented college 1st XI team for four years.

He scored 744 runs and he took 20 wickets in the season of division Three in 2017/18 season. ‘He scored 1361 runs in 17 matches with 2 centuries and 11 half centuries and he claimed 80 wickets in division III tournament in the season 2018/19.

He represented team Colombo in the under 19 Super provincial limited overs tournament. He was selected to the Sri Lanka Under 19 squad.

He made twin tons in this season of division two tournament. His best innings was 188 runs against Nalanda Boys School Minuwangoda.

His best bowling performance in an innings was 7 for 25 against Kegalu Vidyalaya.

His best bowling performance was a match bag 11 for 33 against same school.

His best all-round performance 111 and 168 runs and 3 for 62 and 2 for 47 against Christ King College Ja Ela.

How he fared this season

Batting

vs Vidyaloka Galle 56, vs Kegalu Vidyalaya 31 & 58, vs Holy Cross Kalutara 00 & 43, vs St. Thomas Matale 18 & 08*, vs Lyceum Wattalla 14 & 18, vs Siri Piyarathana Padukka 45 & 44, vss Karandeniya Central 22 & 43, vs St. John’s Jaffna 00 & 18, vs Piliyandala Central 22 & 37, vs Christ King Ja Ela 116 & 168, vs Tissa Kalutara 70 & 59, vs Bandaranayake Gampaha 55 & 117, vs St. John’s Panadura 58 & 12

Bowling

vs Vidyaloka Galle 5/77, vs Kegalu Vidyalaya 4/08 & 7/25, vs Holy Cross Kalutara 4/76, vs St. Thomas Matale 6/22, vs Lyceum Wattalla 4/72 & 5/65, vs Siri Piyarathana Padukka 2/28, vs Karandeniya Central 3/34 & 4/87, vs St. John’s Jaffna 5/83, vs Piliyandala Central 4/98, vs Christ King Ja Ela 3/62 & 2/47, vs Tissa Kalutara 2/76 & 0/87, vs Bandaranayake Gampaha 5/81 & 0/2, vs Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda 2/31 & 2/42, vs St. John’s Panadura 1/32 & 2/21. (YK) 

The former Sebastianite and Methodist High School, Catamarans Sports Club, Moratuwa Sports Club and Water Resources Department cricketer Edwin Aloysius Fernando was a fine batsman who captained his Alma Mater and his Department He celebrated his 82nd birthday on 7th July 2020.

Edwin was admitted to Methodist High School, Moratumulla, Moratuwa where he played for the first eleven

. In 1954 his first captain was Augustus Fernando. In the following season under Justin Fernando he got a few fifties and in 1956/57 he was the Vice Captain to Lakshman Perera. They beat Moratu Vidyalaya in the Big Match and he scored 56 runs and he was awarded school colours.

In 1957/58 he was the captain and his deputy was Christy Cooray and they played nine matches including the Big match versus Moratu Vidyalaya. He had a fine season with the bat and he became the first ever Methodian to notch up a century and it was 104 runs against Kalutara Vidyalaya and in the following week end he scored another century against Aluthgama Vidyalaya which is still a record. they were coached by Harved Fernando, H. I. Fernando and Bandula Premachandra. . The surviving oldest captain of his school 88 year old Rienzie Fernando who captained in 1951/52 season is of the opinion that the Best Batsman produced from his Alma Mater is Edwin. In addition he was a short distance athlete who went on to represent his school in Western Province in 100, 220 and 110 yards hurdles.

After leaving school he joined the Water Resources Department, Ratmalana and during this period there was no cricket team over there and in 1964 they formed a cricket team and they participated in the State Services “F” Division Tournament and they won the Championship and were promoted to “E” Division.

He played for Catamarans Sports Club Moratuwa in Sara Trophy for three years under Old Johnian Hugh Caldera along with S. E. G. Perera, K. T. Saradiel, Nihal de Mel, Ben Fernando, Marcus Fernando, Lloyd Perera to mention a few and later he joined Moratuwa Sports Club and played in Division Three Daily News Tournament for a couple of years

Coach Ibnu Shuhood Mohamed Zihan a native of Mutur in the Trincomalee district has been promoted to the panel of Level-4 umpires by Sri Lanka Cricket. His promotion comes in to effect from 01st July 2020.

The ceremony to hand over promotion letter was held at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo recently, organized by Sri Lanka Cricket.

The International Umpires Kumar Dharmasena and T. H. Wijewardena were participated as the special Guests on this occasion. Ibnu Shuhood Mohamed Zihan, president of Trincomalee Western Worriers Sports Club and a Coach attached to Mutur Central College and Rathnajothi Vidyalaya in Trincomalee.

Emerging cricketer Abhishek Anandakumara from Trinity College Kandy has performed well during the last inter school cricket season. He has shown his talents not only in cricket but also in swimming and, athletics and won College colours.

Abhishek hails from a cricketing family. His father Krishan Ananadakumra was the cricket captain at the St Thomas College Matale as well as Matale CC . Abhishek began his career from age seven when he joined Kandy Cricket Academy under the guidance of Indika Fernando and Lakshman Panditharatne before he spent a couple of seasons at the ‘Centre of Excellence ‘ the Trinity College’s cricket Academy at which he was coached by Dimuthu Weerasinghe, Lasith Randunu and Hasitha. From that stage Abhishek was able to represent College under 13,15, 17 and 19 teams and captained the teams at under 13, 15, 17 levels.

When he was 16 years old he was awarded college colours and won the Trinity College highest award ‘Lion’ following year in 2019 .The right hand top order batsman and a useful right arm off spinner was picked as man of the match and best bowler awards at their traditional one day encounter against St Anthony’s Katugastota. He has scored 850 runs and captured 40 wickets during the 2018-19 season As a fourth year player in the last season he scored 670 runs with a century and five half centuries and 73 wickets as the Vice Captain of the side.

He was the vice captain of the National under 15 cricket team which toured Malaysia in 2015 and captained the Kandy district team as well as Central Province team in 2017 . The 18 year old player still has a chance to play for the college first X1 team next season has a good future with his all round capabilities as a promising cricketer . The renowned coached Sunil Fernando was also one time coach of Abhishek and was also coached by several others

Abhishek has already represented Old Trinitian SC, Tri Youth Cricket Club , Kandy Youth Cricket Club as well as Kurunegala Youth cricket club in division 2, 3 tournaments and under 23 cricket tournament whichs a always great advantage to develop his skills with more experience.

Blue Star Sports Club, Kalutara came up with a brilliant performance to defeat Moragasmulla Sports Club 3-1 in their Vantage FFSL President’s Cup 2020 Football Tournament opening fixture played at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday. Blue Star SC were in front 1-0 at half time.

Blue Star SC’s overseas player I. C. Uwanaka broke the deadlock when he received a good pass and made no mistake in netting the same to put his side in front with two minutes away from half time. Twelve minutes into the second half, Uwanaka once again showed his striking qualities when he netted the second goal for his side to bring the team to a firm footing (2-0).

Moragasmulla SC came back into the game when Eranga Prasad found the net in the 22nd minute to reduce the lead 1-2.

The last 15 minutes of the game saw both teams penetrating the danger areas frequently but none of them could gain any result out of their efforts.

The referee had no other option than to offer a penalty for the Blue Star SC and Edison Figarado did the needful with his kick which gave the Kalutara side a great victory.

This victory also paved the way for Blue Star SC to enter the quarter-final stage of the tournament

Mohan Wijesinghe, Secretary SLB, (on extreme right), presenting the new draft constitution to its members at their AGM held recently. Also in the picture are (from right to Left-)Trevor Reckerman, CEO, SLB, Rohan de Silva, President, SLB and Mangala Gamage, Treasurer, SLB.   

Sri Lanka Badminton held its Annual General Meeting(AGM) on Friday, 31 July, 2020, at the 80 Club, with a near perfect attendance by its Affiliates. The AGM was deferred from the original date, 31 March, 2020,

due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and countrywide shutdown.

Whilst there was no election of office bearers since this was only the first year in a 04-year term, the AGM was conducted in a very cordial manner, with changes being proposed to the existing Constitution, through a draft constitution that had been previously circulated among the affiliates. The amendments were necessitated as far back as 2017, due to the requirements of the Sports Law.

The amendments whilst incorporating the required changes under the Sports law, also goes further, in recommending the membership, the conversion to an island wide structure from Provincial to District Associations. This would mean that development of Badminton will extend through to areas which otherwise would not have had such benefits, not due to any fault of the Provincial Associations, but due to the concentration of such Associations, mainly in the main cities. It is common knowledge that some of the best shuttlers emerge from the hinterland and this expansion will provide more opportunity and focus for development.

The incumbent President, Rohan De Silva informed all present that a workshop would be held during the month of August 2020, to further discuss the proposed draft constitution in detail, so that all shades of opinion can be considered, and a consensus amongst all affiliates arrived at. Fundamentally, what is being envisaged is a New Constitution, which will concentrate on a qualitative approach with long-term goals, thus ensuring the vast development of the sport of Badminton.

The draft constitution has been submitted keeping with the template of the model constitution recommended by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Meanwhile, the Senior National Pool has commenced training since the 07 August, based on the players accepting a Code of Conduct, under the tutelage of two BWF Level 02 coaches,. Shimal Aponso and Pradeep Welagedera. The physical status of all players, post-COVID 19 is under review and a special nutrition programME has been contracted with Hela-Keto, a specialist agency run by a team of doctors led by Dr. Subash Mendis.

The National Pool and Training Committee (NPTC) under the Chairmanship of

veteran administrator, Palitha Hettiarachchi, intends to focus on a squad of 10 top-players, for international duty in 2021, with the aim of acquiring world ranking within thresholds of 50 – 100 and further improvements thereafter, on an extensive programme sponsored by Lining.

(AN) 

A goal in the dying stages of the game enabled Up-Country Lions Sports Club to hold Java Lane Sports Club to a thrilling 3-all draw in their Vantage FFSL President’s Cup 2020 Football Tournament curtain raiser fixture played at the Racecourse Grounds in Reid Avenue yesterday.

Ibrahim Oladimeji’s fired the crucial penalty which helped Up-Country Lions SC to force a draw to this fixture.

Striker Rikas Mohamed Nazeer broke the shackles by scoring the opening goal for Up-Country Lions SC after a cleanly executed pass from the midfield.

Few minutes later, striker Nethushan Sampath collected a high kick and controlled it well to dribble the ball and go solo to score their second goal.

Thereafter, Harshana Sumudu made no mistake with a penalty as Java Lane SC came back to reduce the deficit 1-2 at half time.

After the turn around mid fielder Abdul Latheef and Harshana Sumudu scored a goal each to increase the lead for Java Lance SC.

But Java Lane SC conceded a penalty during the latter stages of the game as Ibrahim made no mistake with the kick to level the scores 3-3 in the end.

Meanwhile in the second game Matara City Club drew 1-all with New Young SC, Wennappuwa played at the same venue.

MANCHESTER saturday: Chris Woakes hit an unbeaten 84 as England came from behind to beat Pakistan by three wickets in the first Test at Old Trafford on Saturday.

England were struggling in pursuit of a victory target of 277 after collapsing to 117-5 on the fourth day.

But Woakes, who had helped drag England back into the match with 2-11 in just five overs late Friday, and fellow World Cup-winner Jos Buttler turned the tide with a stand of 139.

Nevertheless, with just 21 more runs needed, Buttler was lbw for 75 after trying to reverse-sweep leg-spinner Yasir Shah.

By the time Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi took the new ball, England needed just 13 more runs to win at a sun-drenched Old Trafford.

But there was still time for England to lose their seventh wicket when, with four more needed, Stuart Broad was plumb lbw on the sweep to Yasir.

Woakes, however, finished the match with an edged boundary off Afridi down to the third man rope as England went 1-0 up in a three-match campaign.

Victory meant England had won an opening Test for the first time in six series.

Defeat was tough on Yasir, who took eight wickets in the match.

Wicketkeeper Buttler had a poor game in the field, twice missing Shan Masood on 45 during the Pakistan opener's 156 that was instrumental in leaving England with a first-innings deficit of over a hundred runs.

“If I take those chances, we're not chasing 270-odd,” Buttler told BBC Radio's Test Match Special.

“I know it's not good enough as an international wicketkeeper...If I am going to continue to be a wicketkeeper in this team, I'm going to have to be better,” he admitted.

But whether it was cover-driving leg-spinner Shadab Khan or pulling teenage paceman Naseem Shah for another boundary, Buttler put the pressure back on Pakistan with the bat.

Buttler, whose father was admitted to hospital Friday but has since been released, told Sky Sports: “We (England) turned up today still with a lot of belief.” Pakistan captain Azhar Ali praised Buttler and Woakes by saying: “They changed the momentum of the game and unfortunately we couldn't reply to whatever they threw at us.” Buttler's fifty came off just 55 balls, with seven fours, with Woakes no slouch in a 59-ball fifty he completed by cover-driving Naseem for the eighth boundary of his innings.

It was Woakes's highest Test score since his hundred against India two years ago.

Although Woakes is known to be vulnerable to the short ball, Pakistan did not pitch short to the all-rounder until he was well set.

Only twice has a team chased more than 200 to win in the fourth innings of a Test at Old Trafford, with England making 294-4 against New Zealand in 2008 and 231-3 against the West Indies in 2004.

Earlier, England lost four wickets for 31 runs in slipping to 117-5, with captain Joe Root and Ben Stokes both falling in the collapse.

Root made 42 before he nicked Naseem to Babar Azam in the slips.

Stokes had guided England to an astounding one-wicket win over Australia from a seemingly hopeless position with a brilliant century in the third Ashes Test last year.

But there was no repeat of his Headingley heroics on Saturday when he fell for just nine, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan holding an excellent catch after Stokes got a thin glove to a Yasir googly that bounced. Ollie Pope then received a brute of a delivery from Afridi that lept off a length, the ball ballooning to Shadab as he ran forward from gully.

Pakistan had resumed on 137-8, a lead of 244.

Yasir struck a quickfire 33, with Pakistan adding 32 in 16 balls Saturday before they were all out for 169 in their second innings.

But it turned out not to be enough to compensate for Pakistan losing four wickets late on Friday.

England will now try to complete their first series win over Pakistan in 10 years with victory in the second Test at Southampton starting on Thursday. AFP

All top National players would return to action once again when the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) organised Premier League Inter-Club Tier ‘A’ Cricket Tournament resumes with a card of seven games scheduled to commence today.

Among the few top players who would be in action are Sri Lanka Test and One Day International Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and two former Sri Lanka Captains, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal.

In fact, dynamic all-rounder Mathews will be the cynosure of all eyes when he represents Colts CC in their Super Eight Tournament fixture against Saracens SC at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne will turn for the SSC in a First-Class game after a long layoff, in their Plate Championship match against the Tamil Union at the NCC Grounds in Maitland Place.

Wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Chandimal will spearhead his new club Sri Lanka Army SC when they take on NCC in their Super Eight match at the SSC Grounds in Maitland Place.

Chandimal of course represented Army SC from the beginning of the current season with a great amount of success where he has already notched-up an unbeaten hundred (163) against Negombo CC and a half century against Moors SC (84).

Chandimal will be joined by another Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera who earlier represented Colts CC during the 2013/14 domestic season.

Following are the cricketers who will be in action from the Sri Lanka Squad that participated in the training camps held in Colombo and in Kandy. SSC: Dimuth Karunaratne, Dasun Shanaka, Nuwan Pradeep and Danushka Gunathilaka.Tamil Union: Suranga Lakmal, Isuru Udana, Dhananjaya de Silva.Saracens SC: Kasun Rajitha.NCC: Lahiru Kumara, Lasith Embuldeniya and Niroshan Dickwella. CCC: Vishwa Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis.Colts CC: Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews, Dilruwan Perera and Avishka Fernando. Army SC: Dinesh Chandimal and Thisara Perera.Ragama CC: Lahiru Thirimanne.Chilaw Marians CC: Oshada Fernando. BRC: Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

This week’s fixtures:

(Super Eight): CCC vs Ragama CC at Katunayake, Colts CC vs Saracens SC at P. Sara Oval, Army SC vs NCC at SSC Grounds and BRC vs Chilaw Marians CC at CCC Grounds.

(Plate Championship): Negombo CC vs Lankan CC at Moratuwa, SSC vs Tamil Union at NCC Grounds, Moors SC vs Badureliya CC at Colts Grounds.