QPlay: Kumble on Ball-Tampering Claims; Steven Gerrard Retires

All the latest sports news in The Quint’s morning wrap.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was accused of ball tampering by a British tabloid. (Photo: BCCI)

1. Kumble Rubbishes Ball-Tampering Allegations Against Kohli

India coach Anil Kumble categorically dismissed allegations of ball tampering levelled against Test skipper Virat Kohli by the British media, stating that he does not believe in "giving wind to such stories".

A British tabloid published a footage of Kohli applying saliva to the ball during the first Test against England at Rajkot. However, there were no complains made by the visiting team or the match referee to the ICC within a window of five days, which is a must as per world cricket's governing body's clause.

The ICC has already said that it will not make any investigations as per rules.

There is nothing to worry about. People can allege and write whatever they want in the media. As far as we are concerned, none of our players were a part of such activity.

Anil Kumble

(Source: PTI)

2. Former Liverpool and England Captain Gerrard Retires

Steven Gerrard. (Photo: Reuters) 

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard announced his retirement on Thursday a week after confirming he would not be returning to play for MLS side LA Galaxy.

Following recent media speculation surrounding my future I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football. I’ve had an incredible career and I’m thankful for each and every moment of my time with Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.

Steven Gerrard 

Gerrard spent virtually his entire career at Liverpool having made his debut as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers in 1998. He is third on the club's all-time appearances list with 710, behind only Jamie Carragher and Ian Callaghan.

(Source: Reuters)

3. India Beat Malaysia 4-2, Post First Win of Tournament

Rupinder Pal Singh celebrates a goal with his teammates. (Photo: Hockey India)

In a thrilling and fast-paced match, India beat Malaysia 4-2 in the four nations Invitational Tournament at Melbourne on Thursday.

After a goal-less first quarter, Nikkin Thimmaiah put India on board in the 24th minute. The Indians hung on and went into half-time with a 1-0 lead.

Starting the third quarter with a lead, India conceded a goal in the 39th minute. Malaysia’s Faizal Safari found the back of the net.

However, the score wasn’t tied for long as Rupinder Pal Singh successfully thwarted a penalty corner past Malaysia’s goalkeeper in the 40th minute, once again giving India a lead over the lower-ranked Malaysians.

Early in the final quarter, Malaysia’s Shahril Saabah found the equaliser, taking the game to 2-2.

And when there was only five minutes left on the clock, Thimmaiah managed to put India in the lead.

In the very next minute, Akashdeep Singh netted another goal to hand India a 4-2 victory.

Read more here.

4. Inter Slump Out of Europe as Rooney Ignites Man Utd

Manchester United’s Juan Mata, right celebrates a goal with teammate Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney. (Photo: AP)

Inter Milan's calamitous season hit a new low on Thursday as they squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Israeli club Hapoel Beer-Sheva and suffer the embarrassment of an early Europa League exit.

After one of European football's giants capitulated, another flexed their muscles with an inspired Wayne Rooney becoming Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer in European competition to ignite their crucial 4-0 trouncing of Feyenoord.

It was a landmark night for England captain Rooney at Old Trafford as he netted his record-breaking 39th European goal that took him past Ruud van Nistelrooy's milestone of 38 and left his side well-placed to progress to the last 32 from Group A.

(Source: Reuters)

5. Bale to Have Ankle Surgery, Likely to be Out For At Least 2 Months

Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale holds his leg as Cristiano Ronaldo looks on during the Champions League match against Sporting CP. (Photo: AP)

Gareth Bale will need surgery on his right ankle and is expected to be sidelined for at least two months.

Real Madrid says Bale will undergo the procedure on Tuesday in London.

Bale limped off the field after getting hurt in the second half of Madrid's 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Madrid did not give a timetable for Bale's recovery, but players who undergo similar procedures are usually out between two and three months.

(Source: AP)

6. Faf du Plessis to Appeal Ball-Tampering Verdict

Faf du Plessis with AB de Villiers. (Photo: AP)

Faf du Plessis has launched an appeal against his guilty verdict for ball-tampering. The matter will now be heard again by a judicial commissioner who could either find Du Plessis not guilty, or amend the sentence, which puts Du Plessis at risk of a one-match suspension.

On Tuesday Du Plessis was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct in relation to ball-tampering during the second Test against Australia.

In his mind Faf is clear that he did not alter the condition of the ball nor did he intend to do so and that the match referee was not correct to find him guilty.

Haroon Lorgat, CEO, Cricket South Africa 

(Source: ESPNCricinfo)