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The Military Sports Federation has completed the arrangements for hosting the 24th World Military Equestrian Championship – Show Jumping, which will start from November 27 till 30.The championship is organised under the umbrella of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) under the slogan ‘Friendship through Sport’ and in co-operation with Al Shaqab, a member of the Qatar Foundation.Announcing the details of the championship, Brigadier Atiq Shaddad al-Ghanim – Vice-Chairman of the Organising Committee, said that awarding the organisation of the championship to Qatar confirms the confidence of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) in Qatar’s organisational capabilities and its success in all the competitions it hosts, especially since it has organised many successful international championships.Noting that the championship is also an opportunity for the participating delegations to learn about the Qatari culture, as there will be some cultural activities accompanying the championship, especially for the delegations, as visits will be organised to many tourist areas in the country, as well as an opportunity to exchange cultures between peoples.Brigadier al-Ghanim explained that the organising committee of the championship has completed all arrangements for the championship, which is the largest in its history in terms of the number of participating countries.For his part, Major Khalid Hamad al-Attiyah – Director of the Championship, said that the event will witness the participation of 15 countries, and it is for individuals and teams, and each country will participate with three riders, and the championship will be held according to the point’s collection system at a height of 120-125cm.He added that the riders of the Qatari team are ready to participate in this championship and their ambition is finish on the podiums, especially after their good participation in the last participation of the military team, which won silver in team event and gold in the individual in the Arab Military Championship.Qatar will welcome riders from Saudi Arabia, Syria, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, Turkiye, Italy, France, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Ecuador, and Brazil. The championship is not only an arena for competition but a platform for cultural exchange and friendship among military athletes, exemplifying Qatar’s commitment to international sports diplomacy and its dedication to excellence in equestrian sports. Since it’s founding in Cannes, France, in 1948 by Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, CISM has grown into a global organisation with 141 member nations, including Qatar, which joined in 1974.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education concluded its Digital Creativity Olympiad, which was organised by the IT Department of the ministry’s Educational Guidance Department.Director of the Educational Guidance Department Maryam Noman al-Emadi honoured the winning students from government primary schools for boys and girls. Certificates and 18 prizes were distributed to the winning teams.A total of 130 teams from 95 primary schools for girls and boys participated in this edition of the Digital Creativity Olympiad. 260 students competed to showcase their abilities and skills in the fields of programming, designing miniature robots, and professional printing.The Olympiad included three competitions: the first edition of the Logo Programming Language Competition, the third edition of the Tomorrows Programmers Competition, and the fourth edition of the Professional Typing Competition.IT Guidance Consultant at the Educational Guidance Department Sheikha al-Hail delivered a speech at the beginning of the ceremony in which she stressed that the Ministry of Education and Higher Education always seeks to enhance students’ digital capabilities in their young age through various competitions implemented in the annual activities calendar.While addressing the honoured students, al-Hail explained that participating in such competitions qualifies them to participate in competitions designated for higher classes, such as the National Robotics Olympiad, in addition to Programming, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity Olympiads, as their way to excel in the various fields of technology.The aim of the Olympiad, in light of digital developments and artificial intelligence, is to encourage students to acquire programming skills, creative and critical thinking in a fun and interactive way, as well as to develop the ability to type quickly on both Arabic and English keyboards.

On the sidelines of the participation of West Bay International Consultants and Lawyers in the Qatar Business Law Forum, Counsellor Khalid al-Harami confirmed that, the new Judicial Enforcement Law No. 4 of 2024 represents a qualitative shift in the field of justice, and stated: “The new law aims to accelerate litigation procedures and consolidate the concept of prompt justice by developing innovative legal mechanisms that keep pace with the development of commercial transactions and reflect the best global legislative experiences.”He added: “One of the most prominent challenges addressed by the new law is the phenomenon of issuing stumer cheques, as the law stipulates that a stumer cheque shall be granted the force of an executive instrument directly, which contributes to alleviating the burden on litigants and limits malicious lawsuits.”He stated that the new law includes mechanisms to expand the concept of executive instruments to include judicial rulings, authenticated contracts, and cheques, which enhances investor confidence in the Qatari legal environment.He also indicated that “establishing a specialised court for enforcement and granting the enforcement judge comprehensive powers, such as seizing the funds of the Enforcee, enhances the speed of recovering rights and achieving justice.”He continued: “Digitalisation” is one of the most important aspects of the new law, as it allows electronic linking between the concerned parties, which helps in tracking the funds owned by the enforced against them inside and outside the country in accordance with judicial co-operation agreements.He said that the new law reflects a clear trend towards enhancing the efficiency of the judicial system and supporting the national economy, by eliminating negative phenomena that hinder implementation, such as real estate disputes and money smuggling, which establishes a safe legal environment for society and businesses.

A magnificent volley from Lautaro Martinez was enough to give world champions Argentina a 1-0 win over Peru while Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Uruguay in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.Argentina remain on top of the CONMEBOL standings with their qualification for the 2026 tournament surely just a matter of time. It was far from a vintage performance from Lionel Scaloni’s team, but a moment of magic from Inter Milan’s Martinez proved decisive at the ‘Bombonera’ stadium in Buenos Aires.Lionel Messi floated in a cross from the left and Martinez leapt into the air, leaning back as he cracked a thundering left-footed volley past Pedro Gallese. Argentina’s eighth win from 12 games leaves them on 25 points at the top of the table, five points ahead of Uruguay who earned a valuable point at Brazil.Five-times World Cup winners Brazil laboured for long stretches of the game in Salvador and fell behind to a fine finish from Uruguay’s Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde in the 55th minute. But seven minutes later Brazil equalised when a headed clearance fell kindly to Gerson who smashed home a perfectly-struck volley.Gabriel Martinelli went close to a winner when he showed a deft touch to switch feet before a volley which brought a fine save out of Sergio Rochet. The draw leaves Brazil in fifth on 18 points, a point behind fourth-placed Colombia who suffered an upset 1-0 home defeat to Ecuador in Barranquilla.Veteran striker Enner Valencia stunned the home crowd with an outstanding solo effort in the seventh minute, the former West Ham United forward breaking away from three Colombian defenders and powering into the box before slotting home. Colombia forward Jhon Cordoba then missed a golden opportunity to level the score, stumbling off balance and missing from point blank range after being set up by James Rodriguez.Cordoba was central to the 34th minute incident that left Ecuador short-handed for the rest of the game. The gangly striker raced clear and rounded Ecuador keeper Hernan Galindez before going down as Piero Hincapie closed in on him.The referee ruled that Hincapie had tripped the forward and despite lengthy appeals and a VAR review the decision stood. Galindez was then alert to keep out the resulting free-kick from Rodriguez and the keeper then had a busy end to the half as Colombia peppered his goal.Liverpool winger Luis Diaz headed a Daniel Munoz cross against the post and Galindez did well to smother Cordoba at close range. Colombia grew increasingly frustrated as Ecuador’s defence held firm in the second half with Galindez parrying to keep out substitute Jhon Duran and the unfortunate Cordoba blasted the loose ball high and wide from a tight angle.Elsewhere Tuesday, Paraguay earned a 2-2 draw at Bolivia with the home side going ahead in the 15th minute with a confident strike from Ervin Vaca. Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron levelled for Paraguay in the 71st minute with a clinical finish after a smart passing move across the box.Bolivia restored their lead nine minutes later with a Miguel Terceros penalty after Gustavo Gomez brought down Lucas Chavez in the box. Both benches got involved in protests and Bolivian sub Adalid Terrazas and Paraguay’s Diego Gomez, who had been substituted, were both shown red cards.Paraguay grabbed a point in stoppage time in some style with a magnificent solo effort from Julio Enciso who dribbled from deep before unleashing a thundering drive from 20 yards out. Ninth-placed Chile have a lot of work to do if they are to make one of the six automatic qualification spots but boosted their faint hopes with a 4-2 thrashing of Venezuela.

Lemon Ginger, in the silks of Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, produced a remarkable run to win the Al Thakira Cup at the Al Rayyan Racecourse on Wednesday.Debbie Mountain-trained four-year-old bay gelding absolutely bolted up in the hands of Arnaud to score an incredible 13 lengths victory in the 1700m Local Thoroughbred Premium Maiden race. Ali Abdul al-Boenain’s Awaayid came second. Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, presented the trophies to winners.In the penultimate race of the day, Jockey Alberto Sanna rode Gassim Ghazali-trained Haya to victory in the 1700m long race for the thoroughbred conditions (Fillies & Mares) for three-year-old+. The three year-old filly beat Miracle Nation by a five and a half lengths to emerge as the winner.Meanwhile Jockey Soufiane Saadi completed a double on the card as he guided Khalid al-Mohannadi’s Blazing Sunset to two and a half-length victory in the 1700m race for the thoroughbred handicap (65-85) for three-year-old+. In the second race of the day, Saadi guided Al Bida Racing’s Taymoor Al Shahania to victory in a thrilling race to win by a neck.Jockey Lukas Delozier also completed a double on the day as he won Local Thoroughbred Novice Plate for three-year-old+ on Tafawok, in the colours of Injaaz Stud.Delozier was in the winners’ enclosure earlier in the day when he guided His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Galeb Al Shahania to victory in the 1700m contest for the Local Purebred Arabian Novice Plate for three-year-old+. The Rudy Nerbonne-trained four-year-old Colt defeated Julian Smart’s ward Muqtarib by a half a length.RESULTS: 5th Al Rayyan Race Meeting -Al Thakira CupWINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)1. Al Thakira Cup - Local Thoroughbred Premium Maiden (Class 6)Lemon Ginger, Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain, Arnaud De Lepine2. Thoroughbred Conditions (Fillies & Mares) (Class 2)Haya, Gassim Ghazali, Alberto Sanna3. Thoroughbred Handicap 65-85 (Class 4)Blazing Sunset, Rashid al-Jehani, Soufiane Saadi4. Local Thoroughbred Novice Plate (Class 5)Tafawok, Jihad El Ahmad, Lukas Delozier5. Local Purebred Arabian Novice Plate (Class 5)Galeb Al Shahania, Rudy Andre Nerbonne, Lukas Delozier6. Purebred Arabian Handicap 55-75 (Class 5)Taymoor Al Shahania, Mohamed Khaled Elahmed, Soufiane Saadi7. Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Class 6)Al Mustafiz, Julian Colin Smart, Gavin Matt Ryan

With the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 set to take place between December 11-18, FIFA and the participating clubs completed a week-long visit to Qatar to familiarise themselves with stadiums, training sites and places of accommodation.Continental club sides from around the world will contest the FIFA Derby of the Americas Qatar on December 11, the FIFA Challenger Cup on December 14 and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on December 18.Roberto Grassi, FIFA Head of Youth Tournaments spoke about Qatar’s preparedness to host the tournament. He said: “Qatar have world-class sporting facilities for football and plenty of other sports. They have also developed hosting capabilities and a pool of expertise and talented people that have worked across all the events, including the World Cup. This legacy still lives here today and will be on full display during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.”Stadium 974 will host two matches, before the much-anticipated final match at the iconic Lusail Stadium – marking the two-year anniversary of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final.Engineer Jassim al-Obaidly, Stadium 974 Venue Manager for the Local Organising Committee (LOC) said: “Stadium 974, like all other Qatar 2022 venues, has been built to the highest technical standards, and was specifically designed to deliver a stunning fan experience during matches. Its design reflects the innovative vision that guided all of the facilities we have here in Qatar.”The final match will take place at Lusail Stadium, a 89,000-seater revered by football fans around the world after it hosted what is regarded as the greatest FIFA World Cup final of all time.Engineer Ali al-Dosari, LOC Lusail Stadium Venue Manager, said: “Lusail Stadium is one of the world’s greatest stadiums. It is an arena that captured the world’s imagination in Qatar 2022, and then again during the Asian Cup 2023. The venue will surely be a wonderful host to the final match of this tournament, creating new lifetime memories for fans from around the world.”Tickets for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 are only available on https://www.fifa.com/en/tickets Follow @FICQatar on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram for all tournament related updates.

President of the Asian Athletics Association, Dahlan Jumaan al-Hamad, has said Asia is entering a promising new phase in the development of athletics, supported by the association’s strategy of dividing the continent into five regions – East Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia – to ensure the effective implementation of development standards.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), al-Hamad highlighted studies presented to the World Athletics, which point to Asia’s bright future in athletics, thanks to its wealth of athletic talent and tailored development programmes for athletes and coaches. He expressed optimism that Asia would emerge as a leading continent in athletics across all levels.Al-Hamad pointed out the significant progress achieved through the association’s precise execution of its development plans. This includes the first phase’s success, which saw Asian athletes excelling in major events such as the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the World Junior Championships in Peru in September. He noted that Asia now rivals Europe in several field events, citing Olympic champions like Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and India’s Neeraj Chopra in javelin throw. He predicted more emerging champions in various field events in the near future.He pointed out that the success of an Asian athlete winning an Olympic gold medal in javelin a feat previously dominated by European athletes demonstrates Asia’s rich talent pool and its ability to capitalise on development programmes.Al-Hamad stated that the association’s plans for its 2027 cycle are designed to enhance the sport and advance athletes’ skills across different disciplines.He stressed the importance of focusing on younger age groups and identifying talent early, noting that champions can emerge from small villages or school programmes.Providing adequate support and care for these talents is crucial to their development and success on all levels. The Asian Athletics Association’s programmes aim to nurture talent across the continent and pave the way for global recognition.The association has established specific standards to elevate technical performance by enhancing coaching capabilities with modern training methods and improving athletes’ skills in track and field events. These standards will be applied uniformly across Asia’s five regions.Al-Hamad also highlighted the significance of the presence of President of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, at the Asian Athletics Association meetings held in Doha.This underscores Asia’s prominent position on the global athletics map and reflects the association’s collaborative efforts with regional leaders and technical and administrative committees to advance the sport.He concluded by praising Qatar’s unwavering support for its nationals serving in international and continental sports organisations, adding that this commitment to promoting sports underscores Qatar’s leadership role and contributes to achievements on all levels.

Germany beat Canada 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the Davis Cup semi-finals where they will face the Netherlands who advanced with a stunning upset of hosts Spain.Without world number two Alexander Zverev, Germany went ahead when Daniel Altmaier beat Gabriel Diallo 7-6(5) 6-4 and Jan-Lennard Struff fought back to overcome Denis Shapovalov 4-6 7-5 7-6(5) and seal victory in the tie.“Playing in the finals is amazing, I haven’t played Davis Cup the whole year and I’m proud to help the team get the first victory. I think we are in a great position now,” Altmaier said on court.“The mental side is crucial. It’s a huge motivation for me. My fighting spirit helped me to win the first set and then I was getting into a better rhythm.”Germany avenged their 2022 quarter-final loss to Canada who went on to claim their first Davis Cup title with victory over Australia.Defending champions Italy will be led by world number one Jannik Sinner in their last-eight clash with Argentina today and the United States face Australia for a place in the semi-finals.Meanwhile Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer said he had no regrets about fielding Rafa Nadal in their quarter-final singles opener against the Netherlands on Tuesday after the 22-times Grand Slam champion fell to defeat in the last game of his career.Following Nadal’s 6-4 6-4 defeat by Botic van de Zandschulp, world number three Carlos Alcaraz levelled the tie by beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0) 6-3.However, Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers were defeated in the decisive doubles by Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp.Ferrer told a press conference in the early hours of on Wednesday in Malaga that he was still processing the emotions of what had been a “strange” day.“The decision (to play Nadal) was difficult. Nadal and Roberto Bautista were very evenly matched, but I decided on Rafa because he was improving every day in training,” he added.“He is leaving something special behind ... he has left his mark. Someone so great and with such humility is hard to find. May he go away from the sport with happiness, proud and at ease.”Nadal announced last month that he was retiring after the Davis Cup Finals, and Alcaraz became emotional while talking about a player he described as both an inspiration and a mentor.“Rafa has taught me the passion with which you have to live tennis,” Alcaraz told a press conference.“I’m lucky to have him around. I wish I had come to the circuit earlier. I have taken unforgettable moments with me. Thanks to him I wanted to be a tennis player.“If, at the end of my career, I have done half of what he has done, I’ll be more than happy.”

Serena Williams said it had been an honour to witness Rafa Nadal’s tennis journey and that he would leave the game a “lasting legacy” following the Spaniard’s defeat in the final match of his glorious career. Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slam titles over the course of a career spanning more than two decades, announced his retirement last month and was a surprise pick for Spain’s opening singles match in their Davis Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands. The 38-year-old lost 6-4 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp and Spain eventually fell 2-1 to exit the team tournament in Malaga.“Congratulations on a career that most won’t dare to dream of,” Williams said on Instagram alongside a video of her wearing Nadal-branded merchandise. “I feel so fortunate to have been able to play when you were playing and being great.“You inspired me to be better, to play harder, to fight, to never give up, and to win more. No excuses, just play the sport. You legacy will never die. Wow to see your career from the beginning to today was an honour champ! Long live Rafa!”Nadal’s Davis Cup teammate Carlos Alcaraz said Nadal had been his inspiration.“Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player,” Alcaraz added.“It has been a blessing to be able to live your career as a child for whom you were an idol and then as a teammate! The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy.”World number two Iga Swiatek reacted to a video of the Spaniard tearing up with a crying emoji and said: “Too much”, while American Coco Gauff added: “Today, I’m from Spain #Rafa.”Australian tennis great Rod Laver said that watching Nadal compete had been a privilege.“Your legacy will endure as one of the greatest to ever grace the game,” Laver said. “Thank you for the countless unforgettable moments and for setting a standard of excellence that will inspire generations to come.” German Boris Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, said he was crying as he typed out his message on social media.Rafael Nadal factfileName: Rafael NadalDate of birth: June 3, 1986Place of birth: Manacor, SpainProfessional debut: 2001Career earnings: $134.9 millionATP titles: 92Grand Slams: 22Australian Open: (two titles) 2009, 2022French Open: (14 titles) 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022Wimbledon: (two titles) 2008, 2010US Open: (four titles) 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019Olympic gold: 2008 (singles), 2016 (doubles)Davis Cup: (four titles) 2004, 2009, 2011, 2019Weeks as world number one: 209Year-end world number one: 2008, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019Current world ranking: 154Win/loss record: 1080-227Other informationMissed numerous Grand Slams due to injury: Australian Open in 2006 (left foot) and 2013 (stomach virus); Roland Garros in 2003 (elbow) and 2004 (left ankle); Wimbledon in 2004 (left ankle), 2009 (knee), 2016 (left wrist) and 2021 (left foot); and US Open in 2012 (left knee), 2014 (right wrist) and 2021 (left foot).Personal• Married to Maria Francisca Perello; son, Rafael born Oct 7, 2022• Uncle, Miguel Angel, played football for Barcelona, Real Mallorca and Spanish national team. Played in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cup.• Appeared in Shakira’s music video for a song in 2010• Centre Court at Barcelona was renamed “Pista Rafa Nadal” in 2017

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Municipality represented by the Agricultural Affairs Department, and in co-operation with Hassad Food Company, Umm Salal Winter Festival is set to be inaugurated in its first edition Thursday at Umm Salal Central Market.The festival will host several important events and exhibitions from Nov 21 until Feb 19, 2025, with the aim of supporting local products, by providing a suitable marketing platform for local producers throughout the winter season.On this occasion, Director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality Yousef Khalid al-Khulaifi said: “The launch of Umm Salal Winter Festival aims to support local farm owners and provide guidance to farmers to enhance the quality of local products as well as achieve efficiency in production, in addition to increase the economic return to farm owners.”For his part, Chief Executive Officer of Hassad Food engineer Ali Hilal al-Kuwari emphasised the importance of co-operation and roles integration between state institutions to support local products. Hassad Food’s CEO also indicated that holding Umm Salal Winter Festival is in line with Hassad strategy, which aims to support achieving food security for the State of Qatar.Moreover, al-Kuwari welcomed the participation of the “Families of Home-Grown Projects” in the festival. The Ministry of Municipality has introduced plans and programs to support farmers, such as providing early services with improved quality, while ensuring they reach the farms in a timely manner. The ministry has also prepared a training plan in co-operation with Hassad Food, through which farmers are trained on the best agricultural practices, using training courses, field visits, and on-field workshops.Umm Salal Winter Festival schedule starts with the Dates Exhibition, which takes place between November 21-30, followed by the Traditional Market exhibition during the period Dec 5-14, then the Flowers Exhibition from Dec 19-26, 2024.The exhibitions will continue in 2025, which will start with the Honey Exhibition, from Jan 9-18, followed by the Strawberry & Figs Exhibition from Jan 30-Feb 8, and finally the festival concludes its exhibition with Kanar Exhibition from Feb 13-19, 2025. Moreover, in collaboration with the Family Empowerment Department at the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Hassad Food dedicated a prominent space for the Families of Home-Grown Projects to showcase their products to the festival visitors throughout the festivals full duration, with the aim of supporting them and advancing their efforts.Umm Salal Central Market is one of six integrated markets managed by Aswaq for Food Facilities Management Company (a subsidiary of Hassad Food). The central market spans over 60,000sq m, and is located at the intersection of integral highways (Al Majd and Al Shamal), which links the market directly to the main ports of Al Wakra, Al Ruwais, Al Khor, and Doha.The central market includes fish market, auction hall, ‘Al Mazrouaa’ yard (a space for fresh produce), private slaughterhouse, shaded barns, vegetables, fruits and dates shops. It also includes meat shops, ice factory, supermarket, mosque and administrative offices.

A sparkling 2024 in which Aryna Sabalenka swept the hardcourt Grand Slams and clinched the year-end world number one ranking has left the powerful Belarusian dreaming of dominating the women’s game as Serena Williams did for so long.Once best known for a propensity to lose her cool on court, Sabalenka has transformed her game to become a ruthlessly effective player capable of blowing opponents away in a style reminiscent of Serena in her prime.After her major breakthrough at last year’s Australian Open, the 26-year-old retained the Melbourne title in January before adding the US Open crown to her trophy cabinet in September, leapfrogging Iga Swiatek in the rankings last month.Sabalenka’s New York run meant she had reached at least the semi-finals at nine of her last 12 Grand Slams – form reminiscent of Serena’s 10 last-four appearances between 2014 and 2017 when the American landed six of her 23 major titles.“I always wanted to dominate the tour like Serena did, like Iga was able to do for so long,” Sabalenka told Arab News ahead of the season-ending WTA Finals, where she sealed the year-end top spot despite a semi-final loss to Coco Gauff.“It’s really inspiring ... but I’m trying to focus on myself, on improving myself, to make sure that I have all of the tools to dominate the tour as they did.”A sign that Sabalenka was more at ease with the suffocating pressure at the top of the game came when she made a tradition of signing the bald head of her trainer before matches on her run to her second title in Melbourne in January.She won over American fans in her US Open title clash with home hope Jessica Pegula, producing spectacular shot-making that showcased power and poise thanks to the drop shots she added to her growing arsenal.“Five years ago if someone told me I’ll finally learn how to do this shot, I’d be laughing,” Sabalenka said. “I don’t have touch. I’m so bad at it. Now I have this shot in my pocket. It brings a lot of pressure on opponents, because now they know they have even more variation.”

India will give Shubman Gill every chance to prove his fitness to start the opening Test against Australia at Perth Stadium with the batsman showing improvement after fracturing his left thumb, bowling coach Morne Morkel said on Wednesday.Gill, 25, sustained the injury while fielding at slip last week as India were gearing up for the match, which starts tomorrow, with squad sessions instead of a tour game against a local side.“Shubman is improving every day. Obviously he picked up a nasty blow in that intra-squad warm-up game. I think with him it’s going to be a day-to-day process,” Morkel told reporters.“Fingers crossed for that improvement. We’ll wait to take a call on him up until the morning of the test match.”With skipper Rohit Sharma set to miss the match following the birth of his second child, Gill’s absence could heap more pressure on India’s less experienced batsmen on fiery Australian pitches but Morkel backed them to rise to the occasion.“It’s going to be great learning for these young guys, who can front up against a quality test bowling attack. Australia aren’t going to bowl you many bad balls,” Morkel said.“But in saying that there’s good leadership within the group that can help and settle the nerves with that. As a group, we’re all excited for the challenge.”Seamer Mohammed Shami is not part of the squad for the five-match series having only returned to action this month after suffering an ankle injury at last year’s 50-overs World Cup and a knee issue during his recovery. The 34-year-old claimed seven wickets in a domestic match last week but will not be rushed back to national duty.“We’re definitely keeping a close eye on Shami. He’s a world class bowler,” Morkel said.“We need to understand he’s been out of the game for almost a year. We have to respect him and his body. It’s a massive win that he’s back playing and picking up wickets.”Meanwhile Australia’s seasoned seamer, Josh Hazelwood, commended Indian batting powerhouse Virat Kohli for his impressive past performances in Australia. Acknowledging Kohli as a pivotal wicket, Hazelwood emphasised focusing on all skilful Indian players who could potentially turn the game.Hazlewood is also relieved India is without the services of Cheteshwar Pujara for the series.Pujara was the highest run-getter in the India vs Australia Test series Down Under in 2018-19 with 521 runs in four Tests as India won their first-ever Test series in Australia. He also scored 271 in the 2020-21 series Down Under, helping India to clinch their second consecutive BGT in Australia.“I am happy that Cheteshwar Pujara is not here. He is obviously someone who bats time and spends a lot of time at the crease and makes you earn his wicket every time. Has done really well in Australia on previous tours. I mean there are always first-class young players coming into the team. There is so much pressure to perform in the Indian team. With so many guys nipping at the hills all the time, so overall the playing XI is a mix of unbelievable players. So it does not really matter, they are all big players,” Hazlewood said at the press conference on Wednesday.Warner backs McSweeneyto shine in India seriesFormer Australia opener David Warner has backed Nathan McSweeney to score the most runs in the test series against India despite the uncapped batsman’s lack of experience as an opener.South Australia captain McSweeney will march out to the middle with Usman Khawaja in the first Test, having claimed the opening spot vacated by Steve Smith, who is returning to his favoured number four slot.McSweeney had not opened the batting in a first class match until playing India A this month in Melbourne where he scored 14 and 25.Warner said McSweeney would be able to adapt to the opening role and looked a good fit for Khawaja, who also started his career lower down the order.“I think he’s got the technique, he’s got the patience to partner up with Uzzy (Khawaja) to allow himself to score big,” Warner, who retired from tests after the Pakistan series in the last home summer, told reporters in Melbourne.“I’ve pencilled him in to be the highest run scorer this year, so I’m looking forward to that.“I think they’ve both got the same sort of patience, which is going to be good for them and hold the middle order in good stead.”At 25, McSweeney will be an outlier in a team of thirty-somethings and pundits worry about the impact a wave of retirements will have on the side in the coming years. Warner noted Australia needed to think about succession planning, particularly with players like 37-year-old Khawaja approaching the end of their careers.However, he also called for selectors to be patient with the new generation and give McSweeney time to prove himself at the highest level.“It’s not just these five test matches, it’s the signs that you see (McSweeney) as a talented batsman for the future,” he said.“You’ve got to give guys a crack.“I know there are other guys that have been there – Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft – but it’d be exciting just to see him score some runs first to establish himself. But if he doesn’t, just give him some time, give him maybe two summers.”