TOKYO 2020
OLYMPIC and Paralympic athletes in some countries are to receive Covid vaccinations paid for by the International Olympic Committee.
IOC president Thomas Bach revealed yesterday China had offered to make additional doses available to participants at
Tokyo 2020 and also the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
‘We are grateful for this offer which is in the true Olympic spirit of solidarity. In this spirit, the IOC will pay for these additional doses of vaccines not only for the Olympic, but also for the Paralympic teams,’ Bach said.
MOEEN ALI is ‘worth his weight in gold’, claims Eoin Morgan, with England’s T20 captain hoping his love for the allrounder can help put a difficult winter firmly behind him.
Moeen tested positive for Covid-19 on arrival in Sri Lanka in January and had to spend two uncomfortable weeks in isolation rather than featuring for Joe Root’s Test team in a 2-0 series win.
He eventually found his way back into the side for the second Test against India last month, his first appearance in 18 months, but then headed home for a predetermined rest period.
That briefly caused ructions after Root initially said Moeen had ‘chosen’ to go home, a phrase quickly clarified by head coach Chris Silverwood.
The 33-year-old’s place in Morgan’s limited-overs set-up seems more certain and his ability to take a dual role as second spinner and lower-order hitter makes him a key part of England’s plans for the five-match Twenty20 series against India, the first game of which takes place in Ahmedabad today.
‘Moeen’s experience alone is worth its weight in gold,’ said Morgan. ‘He’s a guy who has been around a very long time,
played all formats of the game and had exposure in franchise cricket around the world. Having him is a luxury within the squad, as is having the option to use him at different stages in the game.
‘He’s opened the batting for years, he can bat anywhere in the top seven and can bowl wherever except probably the death. He gives you a lot of options.
‘We see him day in, day out and the amount of effort he puts in and the desire he shows. It’s been as good as ever.’
Morgan also confirmed paceman Jofra Archer was fit and ready to play his part, having missed two of the last three Tests with an elbow injury.
Having him is a luxury within the squad. He gives you a lot of options
SHEFFIELD United and Southampton have been charged by the Football Association with failing to control their players in Saints’ 2-0 win last Saturday.
Tempers flared in time added on when United’s John Fleck fouled Che Adams.
‘Jack has been making really good progress and we are happy at where he’s at but, unfortunately, he won’t make it.’ Aston Villa boss Dean Smith says captain Jack Grealish (left) will not be fit to face Newcastle tonight, meaning a fifth game on the sidelines. Smith said the club’s talisman has been ill this week, as well as battling a leg injury