Valentine’s Day Keane, retro merch and Chennai debate – Sunday’s sporting social
Sports stars and clubs across the world continue to provide an insight into their lives on social media.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the best examples from February 14.
Cricket
There was plenty of discussion over the second Test pitch in Chennai – and England’s approach with the bat.
It’s entertaining cricket as things are happening all the time but let’s be honest this Pitch is a shocker .. Not making any excuses as India have been better but this isn’t a Test Match 5 day prepared Pitch … #INDvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021
When batsman sweep, most of the time it means they have no other option as scared to use feet. The odd innings it works, but not consistently over a long time. Playing spin u have to use the crease, your feet, plus punish the loose ball-that’s how you put pressure on the spinner https://t.co/6b6osYKxWx
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) February 14, 2021
The toss was more important to win in the 1st test than this one, as it did nothing the 1st 2 days. Then exploded. This one has been a turner from ball one. Eng should’ve bowled India out for 220. No different between spinning or seaming & Rohit showed how to play on this surface https://t.co/xg1gPDetRs
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) February 14, 2021
I’m all for a good contest between bat and ball in test match cricket but this pitch in Chennai is unacceptable at test match level. You can’t have the ball going through the top of the surface on day 1 from the main part of the pitch. Ie not from the footmarks.
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) February 14, 2021
I have no problem at all with a pitch offering this much spin (hardly a surprise naturally). We prepare green pitches to suit our bowlers at home when deemed necessary so it’s fair game. We should be taking notes on how to excel from @ImRo45 @RishabhPant17 and @ashwinravi99
— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) February 14, 2021
Kevin Pietersen emphasised the importance of the toss.
Such a brave wicket to prepare for a Test match IN India when India are down in the series.
If India had lost the toss, they’d have gone down 2-0.
Very very brave!
Well tossed, @imVkohli 🤣
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) February 14, 2021
The India Prime Minister was an interested onlooker.
Caught a fleeting view of an interesting test match in Chennai. 🏏 🇮🇳 🏴 pic.twitter.com/3fqWCgywhk
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2021
Valentine’s Day love for Ian Bell’s cover drive.
Sadly, as I’ve learned to my cost, this doesn’t fly as a present in the Bell household. https://t.co/6lFB9bU8Zm
— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) February 14, 2021
And from Stuart Broad.
History-making day for West Indies’ spinners – especially Rahkeem Cornwall.
Here's an interesting one…🗞
The last time West Indies spinners took ALL 1️⃣0️⃣ wickets in an innings was back in 1956!
This has turned out to be one historic series! 🌴🏏 pic.twitter.com/DTwUD3IWOu
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) February 14, 2021
Man of the Hour! 🥇
For his 9️⃣ wickets and crucial catches in the field, Cornwall walks away with the Man of the Match award! 🏆 #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/JHxMlnAtYS
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) February 14, 2021
Football
Roy Keane showed some love.
Andre Villas Boas celebrated the day.
Wilfried Zaha marked the occasion with a throwback pic.
Real love never dies ❤️ Happy Valentines to my one and only queen. pic.twitter.com/OqJDqEDwxh
— Wilfried Zaha (@wilfriedzaha) February 14, 2021
Old picture for those asking
— Wilfried Zaha (@wilfriedzaha) February 14, 2021
Who doesn’t love a bit of retro football merchandise?
Edinson Cavani celebrated his birthday at the Hawthorns.
🥳 Birthday boy in the 🏠
💻 https://t.co/YS4CBzXRmU🔴 #MUFC#️⃣ #WBAMUN pic.twitter.com/4vM5yDbrvN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 14, 2021
But it wasn’t a game to remember for his team.
United are held at The Hawthorns.
💻 https://t.co/YS4CBzXRmU🔴 #MUFC#️⃣ #WBAMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 14, 2021
And Rio Ferdinand felt it could have been even worse for United.
This guy kept us in the game today! @D_DeGea 👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/c7PkwOZGDf
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) February 14, 2021
Mohamed Salah made a vow.
It’s been a tough period for many reasons. We are champions and we will fight like champions, until the very end. We will not allow this season to be defined by the recent results we’ve had. That is my promise to all of you. pic.twitter.com/gqITQfp1ua
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) February 14, 2021
Barca boss Ronald Koeman toasted a big win.
A good win last night in preparation for our next match on Tuesday 👍 #ForçaBarça–Buena victoria ayer por la noche para preparar nuestro próximo partido del Martes 👍 #ForçaBarça–Goede overwinning, de perfecte voorbereiding voor de wedstrijd van dinsdag 👍 #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/XTmolf23L8
— Ronald Koeman (@RonaldKoeman) February 14, 2021
Tennis
Novak Djokovic celebrates his triple century.
🙏🏼❤️ #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/yW6pSy3DSe
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) February 14, 2021
In-depth Alexander Zverev analysis from Boris Becker…
Strong performance from the young German @AlexZverev @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/Vd0Bp8bder
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) February 14, 2021
Naomi Osaka marched on in Melbourne.
Keep on keeping on. pic.twitter.com/g3TITAVcbP
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) February 14, 2021
A landmark win for Simona Halep to set up a clash with Serena Williams.
Grand slam victory No. 💯❤️
And now the challenge of facing the legend in the quarter-finals 🙌
Looking forward to another battle #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/H1hNNWQjml
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) February 14, 2021
Rugby Union
Man-of-the-match display from Kyle Sinckler.
— Kyle Sinckler (@KyleSinckler) February 14, 2021
Danny Care thinks he’s worth it.
Can somebody point me in the direction of someone high up at @LOrealParisUK so we can finally talk about getting an ambassadorial role sorted please? pic.twitter.com/QWn02M6PlV
— Danny Care (@dannycare) February 13, 2021
Boxing
Leeds captain Liam Cooper showed support for Josh Warrington after his shock loss.
Chin up @J_Warrington even the best get beat. Still went to get up after the knockdown. WARRIOR!! The greatest, come back and put it right. We know you will. Rest up champ 👊🏻
— Liam Cooper (@LiamCooper__) February 13, 2021
NFL
What to do after winning a seventh Super Bowl? Start planning for an eighth.
