Pat Cummins: India Tour Was 'Hardest Time of My Life' Amid Mother's Illness

Pat Cummins: India Tour Was ‘Hardest Time of My Life’ Amid Mother’s Illness

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has opened up about the emotional turmoil he endured during the India tour last year, as he grappled with the impending loss of his mother to cancer.

Cummins, who was in India for a Test series, made the difficult decision to return home to be by his mother’s side as she received palliative care. “Flying away… That’s the hardest time of my life, easily,” Cummins said in an interview for the Imperfects podcast.

The captaincy weighed heavily on Cummins’ mind during that period. “I remember my manager and a couple of other people around me who I normally listen to were calling me and being like, ‘I think we need to give a little bit of a reason why you’ve gone home’, and I’m like, ‘Nah, don’t care’,” he recalled.

Cummins’ mother, Maria, passed away last year. The cricketer said he tried to keep her final days as private as possible and didn’t explain to her why he flew home after playing in two Tests in India.

“But that time in particular – because we knew roughly the timeline, and knowing Mum and Dad as well; how much joy they get, sitting together, watching me play – that gave me enough confidence to go and play, and they were desperate for me to go and play, and I knew I could hop on a flight at any time and come back,” Cummins said.

Despite his determination to play, Cummins admitted that his mind was not fully on the game. “But for those couple of weeks I was in India, especially now I look back on it, my mind was not in India, it was back home the whole time,” he said.

Cummins even considered quitting as Australia captain at one point, as his desire to be with his mother intensified. “I honestly do not care what people think,” he said. “After about six or seven days when I knew I wasn’t going to come back to India, we said Mum’s in palliative care. But I literally could not have cared less what people were saying about me.”

Cummins’ decision to prioritize his family over cricket was met with understanding and support from his teammates and Cricket Australia. The captain’s resilience and determination to balance his personal and professional life serves as an inspiration to many.

Jordan Clarkson's 38 Points Lead Jazz Past Wizards, End Losing Streak

Jordan Clarkson’s 38 Points Lead Jazz Past Wizards, End Losing Streak

In a thrilling encounter at the Vivint Arena, the Utah Jazz emerged victorious over the Washington Wizards, snapping their eight-game losing streak. Jordan Clarkson led the charge for the Jazz, erupting for a season-high 38 points, including a decisive 12-0 run down the stretch.

Clarkson’s scoring outburst was complemented by Collin Sexton’s 29 points and John Collins’ double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds. The Jazz, despite missing key players Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler, showcased their resilience and determination.

The Wizards, who have now lost 15 consecutive games, were led by Jordan Poole’s 32 points. Kyle Kuzma added 23 points, surpassing 8,000 career points. However, Washington’s efforts were ultimately undone by their inability to convert in the clutch.

The game featured a high-scoring affair, with both teams shooting efficiently from beyond the arc. The Jazz and Wizards combined for 41% shooting from three-point range.

Despite Washington’s advantage in fast break points, the Jazz’s superior execution in the final minutes proved decisive. Clarkson’s late surge, which included five made shots in six attempts, propelled the Jazz to a 127-115 victory.

The Wizards’ losing streak now stands at 15, one shy of their franchise record set in 2010. The team will look to end their skid when they host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, the Jazz will aim to build on their momentum when they welcome the Chicago Bulls to Salt Lake City on Wednesday.

BNP Paribas Open: Djokovic, Sinner, Rybakina, Gauff Headline Star-Studded Field

BNP Paribas Open: Djokovic, Sinner, Rybakina, Gauff Headline Star-Studded Field

The BNP Paribas Open, a prestigious tennis tournament held in Indian Wells, California, is set to commence with a star-studded field. The tournament, which has been absent for five years, promises thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes.

Men’s Draw:

Novak Djokovic, the former world No. 1, is the top seed and a strong contender for the title. His exceptional movement and deep groundstrokes make him a formidable opponent on the slow hard courts of Indian Wells. Jannik Sinner, the rising Italian star, is another favorite after his impressive start to the season. Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Ben Shelton are among the other players to watch.

Women’s Draw:

Elena Rybakina, the reigning Wimbledon champion, is the top seed in the women’s draw. Coco Gauff, the young American sensation, is also a contender after her strong performances last year. Marta Kostyuk and Danielle Collins are dark horses to watch.

Predictions:

Men’s Finalists and Champion: Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner; Djokovic 🏆

Women’s Finalists and Champion: Elena Rybakina vs. Coco Gauff; Gauff 🏆

Dark Horses:

Men: Karen Khachanov, Daniel Altmaier, Sebastian Korda

Women: Mirra Andreeva, Caroline Wozniacki, Caroline Garcia

Early Exits:

Men: Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev

Women: Ons Jabeur, Iga Swiatek, Marketa Vondrousova

The tournament is expected to be a battle of attrition, with the hot sun and dry air favoring players with strong serves and powerful groundstrokes. The young guns will challenge the established stars, making for an unpredictable and exciting event.

Timberwolves Sweep Blazers, Bucks Win Without Antetokounmpo, Grizzlies End Losing Streak

Timberwolves Sweep Blazers, Bucks Win Without Antetokounmpo, Grizzlies End Losing Streak

The Minnesota Timberwolves extended their dominance over the Portland Trail Blazers, completing a four-game season sweep with a 119-114 victory on Monday night. Rudy Gobert led the charge with a double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds, his 43rd of the season. Michael Conley contributed 19 points and seven assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and Naz Reid also made significant contributions.

The Timberwolves’ victory propelled them into a tie for first place in the Western Conference with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their impressive 30-9 record against Western Conference opponents and 23-8 home record highlight their dominance.

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks overcame the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 113-106. Bobby Portis stepped up in Antetokounmpo’s stead, scoring 28 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, and grabbing 16 rebounds. Damian Lillard led the Clippers with 41 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Bucks from extending their winning streak to six games.

In New York, the Memphis Grizzlies snapped a five-game losing streak by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 106-102. Luke Kennard led the Grizzlies with a season-high 25 points, while Jake LaRavia added 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Grizzlies’ strong rebounding performance and second-chance points proved crucial in overcoming the Nets’ offensive struggles.

Inter Milan Extend Serie A Lead with 2-1 Win over Genoa

Inter Milan Extend Serie A Lead with 2-1 Win over Genoa

Serie A leaders Inter Milan extended their commanding lead at the top of the table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Genoa on Monday. The win moved Inter 15 points clear of second-placed Juventus, who suffered a setback in their title chase with a defeat at Napoli on Sunday.

Inter’s triumph was built on a solid first-half performance, with youngster Kristjan Asllani and veteran Alexis Sanchez finding the net within six minutes of each other. Asllani broke the deadlock in the 31st minute with a stunning strike into the top corner, while Sanchez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot six minutes later.

Genoa showed resilience in the second half and pulled a goal back through Johan Vasquez’s volley, but Inter held on for a crucial three points. The victory marked Inter’s 12th consecutive win in all competitions and kept them on course for a 20th Serie A title.

“15 points is a significant advantage,” said Asllani. “But we can’t get carried away, there are still a lot of games to play and we have to stay focused.”

Inter manager Simone Inzaghi praised his team’s performance, particularly in the first half. “We played with great intensity and created several chances,” he said. “We were a bit less sharp in the second half, but we managed to control the game and get the three points.”

Genoa manager Alberto Gilardino was disappointed with the result but acknowledged Inter’s quality. “We played well in the second half and created some good chances,” he said. “But Inter are a strong team and they deserved to win.”

Inter will now turn their attention to Saturday’s trip to Bologna before hosting Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on March 13.

Ronaldo's Return Not Enough as Al-Nassr Fall to Al-Ain in ACL

Ronaldo’s Return Not Enough as Al-Nassr Fall to Al-Ain in ACL

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return from suspension could not prevent Al-Nassr from suffering a 1-0 defeat to Al-Ain in the first leg of their Asian Champions League quarterfinal on Monday.

A first-half goal from Moroccan forward Soufiane Rahimi proved decisive for Al-Ain, who will take a slender advantage into the return leg in Riyadh next Monday.

Ronaldo, who missed Al-Nassr’s previous Saudi Pro League match as punishment for an alleged offensive gesture, was unable to inspire his team to victory.

Despite going close with an overhead kick in the early stages, Ronaldo was largely kept quiet by the Al-Ain defense. He attempted a spectacular lob from the halfway line in the closing moments, but it sailed just wide of the post.

Al-Ain, coached by former Argentine striker Hernan Crespo, had two goals ruled out for offside, while Al-Nassr finished the game with 10 men after Aymeric Laporte was sent off for violent conduct in stoppage time.

“We are only halfway through, and while going to the next round is going to be difficult, we still have 90 minutes at home,” said Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro.

The winner of the tie will face Saudi opposition in the semifinals, with Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal set to meet in the other quarterfinal in the western zone on Tuesday.

Arsenal Smash Sheffield United 6-0, Set Premier League Record

Arsenal Smash Sheffield United 6-0, Set Premier League Record

Arsenal’s relentless pursuit of the Premier League title continued with a record-breaking 6-0 demolition of Sheffield United on Monday. The Gunners became the first team in English top-flight history to win three consecutive away games by five or more goals.

Martin Odegaard opened the scoring in the fifth minute, followed by an own goal from Jayden Bogle. Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice added to the tally before half-time, leaving the Blades shell-shocked. Ben White completed the rout in the second half.

Arsenal’s dominance was evident from the outset. Bukayo Saka rattled the crossbar early on, and Odegaard’s opener came from a cross that found him unmarked in the box. Saka’s assist for Bogle’s own goal showcased his skill and creativity.

Martinelli’s deflected effort forced Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder to make an early substitution, but it did little to stem the bleeding. Havertz, who has struggled to find his form since joining Arsenal, silenced his critics with a clinical finish. Rice then got in on the act, sweeping home Saka’s cross.

The second half saw Arsenal continue to dominate, with White adding the sixth goal from Havertz’s cut-back. Martinelli’s injury was the only blemish on an otherwise perfect night for the visitors.

Arsenal’s victory keeps them hot on the heels of Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race. They remain in third place, just two points behind Liverpool and one behind City. However, they have a game in hand and could go top with a win at home to Brentford on Saturday.

Sheffield United, on the other hand, remain rooted to the bottom of the table, 11 points adrift of safety. Their record of conceding five or more goals in three straight home matches is a testament to their struggles this season.

Sunny Singh Gill to Become First British South Asian Premier League Referee

Sunny Singh Gill to Become First British South Asian Premier League Referee

Sunny Singh Gill, a 39-year-old referee of Indian descent, is set to make history as the first British South Asian to officiate an English Premier League match on Saturday. This milestone follows in the footsteps of his father, Jarnail Singh Gill, who became the first English league football referee to wear a turban.

Gill’s appointment to referee Crystal Palace’s game against Luton at Selhurst Park is a testament to his dedication and hard work. He has been following in the footsteps of his father and brother, Bhupinder, who is also a referee and became the first Sikh-Punjabi to serve as a Premier League assistant referee in January 2023.

Growing up in a family passionate about football, Gill and his brother developed a love for the game at a young age. Gill’s first Sunday League match as a referee came at the age of 17. In 2021, he and Bhupinder became the first people of Indian descent to officiate in the same Championship match.

Gill’s appointment to the Premier League is a significant moment for representation and diversity in the sport. It sends a message that anyone with passion and determination can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background.

Meanwhile, Paul Tierney has been removed from refereeing duties in the next round of Premier League matches following his controversial decision in the Nottingham Forest-Liverpool game. Tierney will instead serve as a video assistant referee for Arsenal’s home game against Brentford on Saturday.

Tierney’s mistake occurred when he stopped play after Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate sustained a knock to the head at a Forest corner just before Liverpool’s stoppage-time goal. Despite Konate’s quick recovery, Tierney dropped the ball to Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, even though Forest had possession at the time.

Forest’s players and coaching staff were furious with the decision, and club owner Evangelos Marinakis expressed his unhappiness to Tierney after the match.

Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh Face Crucial Matches in Prague Masters

Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh Face Crucial Matches in Prague Masters

The Prague Masters Chess tournament in Prague has reached its halfway point, with four rounds remaining. Grandmasters R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh, currently tied for fourth place, face crucial matches in the upcoming round.

Praggnanandhaa, known as “Pragg,” will face tournament leader Nodirbek Abdusattarov, while Gukesh will play against Mateuesz Bartel of Poland, who is currently in last place. A win for both Indians would significantly boost their chances of finishing on the podium.

Abdusattarov, the world number five, has maintained his lead with four points out of a possible five. However, it remains to be seen if he can sustain his momentum in the remaining rounds.

Parham Maghsoodloo, who entered the tournament with impressive results, has been playing cautiously since winning the first two rounds. He needs to improve his performance to remain in contention for the top prize.

Richard Rapport, known for his unconventional style, stands third with three points. The Hungarian-turned-Romanian will be looking for opportunities to capitalize on his strengths.

Vidit Gujrathi, the other Indian in the tournament, has had a mixed start. After four consecutive draws, he lost to Praggnanandhaa, costing him valuable points. However, Gujrathi is known for his ability to perform well in the latter stages of tournaments.

Meanwhile, Arjun Erigaisi has surpassed Viswanathan Anand to become the top-ranked Indian player for the second time in three days. Erigaisi is leading the Shenzen Masters in China and has also entered the top ten in the world live rankings for the first time.

Nadal Returns to Action at Indian Wells, Faces Raonic in First Round

Nadal Returns to Action at Indian Wells, Faces Raonic in First Round

Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, will make his long-awaited return to the court at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, on Thursday. His first opponent will be Milos Raonic, a former world No. 3 who has been struggling with injuries in recent years.

The match will be a rematch of their 2015 Indian Wells quarterfinal, which Raonic won in straight sets. Nadal has won seven of their nine previous encounters, but Raonic has always been a dangerous opponent.

Nadal has not played a competitive match since the Australian Open in January, where he lost in the second round to Mackenzie McDonald. He has been dealing with a foot injury that has hampered him for much of the past year.

Raonic, meanwhile, has played just one match in 2023, losing to Andy Murray in the first round of the Qatar Open. He has been battling a heel injury that has kept him out of action for most of the season.

Despite their recent struggles, both Nadal and Raonic are still capable of playing at a high level. Nadal is one of the greatest players of all time, and Raonic is a former Grand Slam finalist.

The winner of their match will likely face Holger Rune in the third round. Rune is a rising star who has won two ATP titles this year. He is currently ranked No. 10 in the world.

Nadal is the top seed at Indian Wells, and he is looking to win his first title at the tournament since 2013. He has been drawn in the same half as Novak Djokovic, the world No. 1.

Raonic is unseeded at Indian Wells, but he has the potential to cause an upset. He is a big server with a powerful forehand.

The match between Nadal and Raonic is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. PT on Thursday. It will be broadcast live on Tennis Channel.

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