Shivamogga: Two youngsters drown in agricultural pond
Shivamogga: In a tragic incident late Saturday night, two youngsters drowned after accidentally falling into an agricultural pond near Yadavala village in Shivamogga taluk, under the jurisdiction of Kumsi police station.
The deceased have been identified as **Gautam (22)**, a resident of Yadavala village, and **Chiranjeevi (22)** from Kumbargundi locality in Shivamogga city.
According to reports, a third youngster who also fell into the pond managed to swim to safety. On receiving the alert, a Fire and Emergency Services team reached the spot and recovered the bodies from the pond.
The deceased were taken to the mortuary of the government-run McGann Hospital in Shivamogga.
The incident occurred near a field adjacent to an orchard owned by Gautam’s family. Gautam had visited the orchard late at night with about 10 friends. While attempting to draw water from the pond, one of them accidentally slipped in. Chiranjeevi is believed to have jumped in to rescue him but also drowned.
Further details will emerge following the police investigation.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Australia add Steve Smith as replacement for Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad
Pallekele (PTI): Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday approved as replacement for the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, hours before his side's must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here.
Smith thus becomes the 15th member of the injury-hit Australia squad.
"Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful," the ICC said in statement.
Smith had earlier been flown to Sri Lanka as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who missed Australia's opening two matches due to a testicular injury.
The veteran batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial clash.
Smith has not played a T20I since February last year but has been in good form in the format in domestic competitions.
In positive signs for the 2021 champions, Marsh too has returned to training. The skipper batted in the nets while also taking part in running and fielding drills on Sunday.
Australia’s World Cup campaign is hanging in the balance following their 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and they must beat Sri Lanka on Monday to avoid an early exit.
