Australian cricket team’s low key aggression against India during the 2018-19 Test series was more about winning back fans than rather than protect their IPL contracts, said pace spearhead Pat Cummins rejecting former skipper Michael Clarke’s contentious claims. “I’d say that (winning back fans) would have been a bigger factor than trying to win or lose friends out on the cricket field,” Cummins said.

England’s plans

England could field separate Test and limited-overs teams to play matches on consecutive days as part of a compressed home season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, says the ECB’s director of cricket Ashley Giles. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler has said England could field two different teams on the same day at separate venues to maximise the amount of cricket in a truncated summer. “Technically it’s feasible,” Giles said.

Games cancelled

India’s last round of home matches in the FIH Pro League next month was cancelled on Friday after the New Zealand men’s hockey team called off its Asian leg of the event due to the travel restrictions imposed in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. India were scheduled to host New Zealand for the two-leg tie on May 23 and 24 in Bhubaneswar.

Hunter hospitalised

Former Leeds and England defender Norman Hunter is receiving hospital treatment after contracting the coronavirus. Hunter, 76, is a Leeds legend after winning two English titles among a host of trophies during 540 appearances for the club.

Meanwhile, Tottenham legend Jimmy Greaves is still receiving treatment in hospital after falling ill earlier this week, but the Premier League club on Friday said he does not have the coronavirus.

Todt’s warning

International automobile federation (FIA) chief Jean Todt warned that the coronavirus could threaten the future of motorsport teams and manufacturers. Nine races in the Formula One World Championship have already either been cancelled or suspended. “There is the risk of losing teams, constructors. You have to be responsible,” he said.