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World Cup is too long, says Australia coach Lehmann
Brisbane: Australian coach Darren Lehmann Wednesday claimed that the breaks between his team’s matches at the World Cup are too long, suggesting that the tournament could be “condensed”.
Lehmann’s side are in the middle of a seven-day gap between their opening pool game against England, and their next match against Bangladesh in Brisbane Saturday, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
The team’s third clash – against New Zealand in Auckland – is a further week later, with breaks of four days, four days and six days scheduled between their last four encounters during the preliminary stage.
The group phase of the event spans 30 days, although just 42 matches will be played across Australia in New Zealand in that period.
Lehmann, looking to become the fourth man to coach Australia to World Cup triumph argued that the gaps were excessive.
“I think we can condense the tournament a little bit to be honest. A week in between is a long time,” Lehmann said.
“I’m not sure how they do it with all the media rights and all that.”
Lehmann acknowledged, however, that the spread-out schedule ensured teams would not need to rest players from games.
With captain Michael Clarke set to return against Bangladesh, and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh firing, Lehmann was asked whether Shane Watson was at risk of being squeezed from the Australian line-up.
Lehmann said he wanted his entire squad fit and firing, which would in turn lead to selection dilemmas.
“Mitchell Marsh doing really well, that puts pressure not just on Shane Watson but a lot of people. With Michael coming back, if he’s fit he’s going to play so we’re going to have to make a tough decision.”
The coach said he was conscious of the widespread criticism directed at Watson, but that ultimately Australia would pick its best side for each game of the campaign.
“But at the end of the day you have to make the right call for that particular game. Bangladesh on Saturday, that’s what we’re focused on and we’ll work out what the best XI is,” he said.
“With overcast conditions we might play a different way, and it depends on the wicket.”
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.