While Arthur backed Sri Lanka's young all-rounders, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga, after their ineffective displays in the first Test, both could miss out this time. If they play, there is little doubt that more is required from them. Shanaka is a batting all-rounder so needs to contribute more than the 27 runs he managed, particularly given he is a seamer and is unlikely to get through a lot of overs in these conditions. Hasaranga's leg-spin was inconsistent, offering too many freebies to England's batsmen, and he failed twice with the bat too. Arthur is right to back both of them as talented players but if Sri Lanka are to level the series, they need both to contribute more. … [Read more...] about Sri Lanka out to protect crumbling Galle fortress
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COVID-19: Spain joins growing list of countries to ban travel from UK over mutated strain fears
More from Covid-19 COVID-19: Almost two-thirds of elderly care home residents have been vaccinated, Matt Hancock tells MPs COVID-19: 6,500 prosecutions against COVID rule-breakers in first six months of pandemic The new COVID variants: Can we ever end the pandemic? COVID-19: Arnold Schwarzenegger drops two film lines as he gets first dose of coronavirus vaccine COVID-19: Schools to get two weeks' notice before reopening - says Education Secretary Gavin Williamson COVID-19: New mums take government to court over financial support scheme … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Spain joins growing list of countries to ban travel from UK over mutated strain fears
Dozens in Germany infected with variant
The discovery comes as Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has pushed forward a meeting with regional leaders to discuss the extension of a national lockdown. Current measures, which include the closure of schools, non-essential shops, and hospitality venues, are set to expire at the end of the month, though Merkel has brought forward a review of the regulations, from Jan 25 to Tuesday and is expected to extend the lockdown into February. … [Read more...] about Dozens in Germany infected with variant
VIETNAM NEWS JANUARY 21
There are only about 20 days until Tet, so more people are out and about shopping. To ensure safety, Tran Van Chung, deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Health, said that inspectors would focus on checking food businesses’ COVID-19 prevention and control in supermarkets, restaurants, shopping malls and markets. Those that fail to comply with pandemic preventive measures would be penalised. … [Read more...] about VIETNAM NEWS JANUARY 21
Maha govt grants quarantine exemption for Rahane and Co.
The four players of the Indian team, along with a few others from the support staff, including Shastri, were exempted from the mandatory institutional quarantine after the authorities at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) requested their former president Sharad Pawar to ensure that the 14-day quarantine is not imposed on them. Pawar's NCP is an alliance partner in Maha Vikas Aghadi Government in the State. … [Read more...] about Maha govt grants quarantine exemption for Rahane and Co.