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The second Test laboured towards its predictable end but not without India scoring some brownie points

The Bulletin by Siddhartha Talya30-Jul-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
Dilhara Fernando broke a frustrating last-wicket partnership between Ishant Sharma and Pragyan Ojha•AFPThe second Test laboured to its predictable end but not without some encouraging signs for India on the final day. The tenth-wicket pair of Ishant Sharma and Pragyan Ojha, who had offered resistance in Galle, repeated the feat with more ease and kept the Sri Lankan bowlers at bay for 27.1 overs before the Indian bowlers, who have been dominated in this series, took three wickets, auguring well for the final Test at the P Sara Stadium.The start to the Sri Lankan second innings, however, gave little indication that India’s bowlers would do better. The seamers often dropped short and Tharanga Paranavitana promptly slashed both Abhimanyu Mithun and Ishant Sharma for boundaries through point. He also cashed in when the ball was pitched up, driving Ishant confidently down the ground. Mithun got a bit of movement with the new ball and beat Paranavitana on a couple of occasions, but it was a short delivery that earned him a breakthrough as Tillakaratne Dilshan mistimed a pull to midwicket.Though the run-flow remained steady, the spinners targeted the footmarks to unsettle the batsmen. They found grip as well as some extra bounce, prompting MS Dhoni to attack with more close-in fielders. Harbhajan Singh bowled fuller than he had in the first innings and occasionally got sharp turn against the left-handers when coming round the wicket. Paranavitana, who had scored a century in each of his two innings before this, edged one straight to slip.Harbhajan, who had three slips at one stage, almost put an end to Mahela Jayawardene’s prolific run by inducing a top-edged sweep but was denied by Mithun’s misjudgement in the deep. The turn eventually did Jayawardene in, as he was hit on the pads by Virender Sehwag, though replays suggested the ball would have missed leg stump. Sri Lanka saw through some testing overs by Ojha before Kumar Sangakkara and Dhoni decided to end the game 70 minutes before the scheduled close of play.The improved performance with the ball backed up a spirited stand by Ishant and Ojha, who took India to their highest score in an overseas Test in also their longest innings away from home in terms of overs faced. Sangakkara persisted with spin for the first hour and the batsmen survived a few close shaves: several lbw appeals, though none were close enough, a run-out attempt and an edge that just fell short of slip. But Ishant and Ojha were largely comfortable, firm in defence, adept at picking Ajantha Mendis’ variations on a slow pitch and committed to delaying the Sri Lankan second innings. Runs came at a trickle, and the highlight for each batsman was an elegant cover drive for four.The fast bowlers had a bit more to cheer, as they ruffled the tailenders with some short deliveries when brought on after the drinks break. Ojha preferred to back away than play from the crease, and Ishant, though more assured, eventually spooned a catch to gully off Dilhara Fernando to end Sri Lanka’s frustration. Sangakkara, however, will be presumably discouraged that his bowling attack, irrespective of the match-winners missing from the first Test and the flat track on offer, took as long as it did to finish things off.Amid the suffering, Sri Lanka edged the contest between the two weakened bowling line-ups. The three-wicket burst on the third morning by Mendis and Suraj Randiv had given the visitors a genuine scare, and it could have got worse had Sachin Tendulkar, who was dropped on 29, and Suresh Raina, who survived a close lbw shout, not had their moments of fortune. But a more rewarding final day for the Indian bowlers, particularly their spinners, should give them some reason for cheer going into the third Test.

Celtic goalkeeper Conor Hazard has left Parkhead on a loan deal.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on the Celtic website, the Bhoys confirmed that the 23-year-old shot-stopper has joined Finnish side HJK Helsinki on a year-long loan spell, with the youngster’s temporary stint at The Bolt Arena running until December 2022.

Speaking about the goalkeeper’s departure, Ange Postecoglou said: “We are sure this move will be good for Conor, it will be an important opportunity for game-time and I know he will embrace this next period. In HJK Helsinki we believe it will be a great environment for him.

“I know HJK and Celtic have enjoyed good co-operation before and I think the loan period will be very positive for everyone concerned. We all wish Conor the very best.”

Hazard may have played his last game for Celtic

Having made his Celtic debut in the impressive 3-2 Europa League victory over LOSC Lille last season, Hazard quickly wrote himself into the club’s folklore just ten days later, saving two penalties in the rearranged 2019/20 Scottish Cup final against Hearts – a victory that sealed the Hoops’ unprecedented quadruple treble.

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However, despite his instant impact last term, the 23-year-old has since struggled to cement a place in Postecoglou’s first-team squad, as, aside from the cup final and the Lille victory, the ‘keeper has made just six senior appearances for the Bhoys – with none of these outings coming during the reign of the Greek-Australian manager.

Indeed, this would appear to suggest that the £360k-rated man may not have much of a future at Parkhead, an idea that would appear to be supported by Postecoglou’s calling up of the 18-year-old England youth international Tobi Oluwayemi to his first-team squad.

As such, with the player who Neil Lennon dubbed an “absolutely excellent” goalkeeper currently on a contract at Parkhead that expires in the summer of 2023, it would not appear to be an unrealistic prediction to make that the Northern Ireland international could well have already played his final game for Celtic.

In other news: Celtic dealt late transfer setback on “elegant” 18 G/A gem, Ange will have deja vu

Kumar Sangakkara was found not guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct after colliding with offspinner Nathan McCullum during the abandoned ODI against New Zealand in Dambulla

Siddarth Ravindran in Dambulla20-Aug-2010Kumar Sangakkara was found not guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct after colliding with offspinner Nathan McCullum during the abandoned ODI against New Zealand in Dambulla. He had been initially charged with breaking clause 2.2.4 which deals with “inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between Players in the course of play during an International Match”. But match referee Alan Hurst cleared him of any offence.The incident occurred in the 27th over of the Sri Lankan innings. Sangakkara guided a McCullum delivery to fine leg and set off for a run. He was turning for the second when he bumped into the bowler, who had his back to Sangakkara. McCullum complained to the umpire and Sangakkara also had a word with him.Had Sangakkara been found guilty, he could have been fined between 50 to 100% of his match fee and/or handed two suspension points (a ban of a Test or two ODIs or two Twenty20s).”I looked at video footage of the incident from various angles and considered the detailed evidence of the umpires. I found that video evidence that was put forward by the player provided reasonable doubt as to whether the contact was deliberate,” Hurst said.Sangakkara defended himself when asked about the incident during a press conference. “When I was finishing the first run, the bowler has to be behind the wicket or aside, especially a spinner. When I ran for the first run, I knew there were two runs. That’s my duty. On my last two steps, for some reason, Nathan McCullum came out of the crease and was obstructing my way.”I don’t know whether it was done purposely, I didn’t have anything to do. When I [was at the] crease, there was some contact. When that happened, my head also had turned the other way. He took offence to that and complained to the umpire. On that incident the umpires told the match referee that I was at wrong. Not McCullum but Tyron Wijewardene, Ranmore Martinez and Gamini Dissanayake. But the match referee saw all visuals and decided that I was not at fault.”Sangakkara added: “The bowler moves in the line of a batsman and the batsman has no way toavoid contact, if he does, he can be run out. Sometime, bowlers may tend to do it to deny the batsmen being comfortable and going for the second. That’s bit of speculation. The match referee, after viewing the footage, didn’t find anything wrong.”

Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to sign at least one player before the January transfer window deadline on Monday night, regardless of any outgoings…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, who delivered a huge update on Spurs’ current state of play heading into the weekend in an article shared on social media.

“#Tottenham continuing talks for Luis Diaz today – one of a number of targets before deadline. No last minute Adama [Traore] intervention expected. [Dele] Alli struggling for a concrete option to leave that suits everyone. More from me here:” he wrote on Twitter.

In the accompanying column, he reveals that the north London outfit are ‘hoping to make at least one new signing this month’ as they continue in talks with the FC Porto winger, for whom they are willing to pay £46m to sign.

Late drama

Spurs have been left frustrated in their attempts to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad this month, although they have left it very late indeed.

Traore’s U-turn in recent days has left them scrambling for other options as the Wolves winger is set to join his former club Barcelona, whom he left for Aston Villa back in 2015.

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However, it has got tomust be encouraging to learn that Spurs are prepared to pay up for Diaz, who is a hugely exciting talent and one of Europe’s hottest properties, having also been linked to Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.

The Colombian sensation has delivered 16 goals and six assists in only 28 appearances for the Portuguese giants so far this season, and that includes a few outings in the Champions League.

It’s hard to envisage where Diaz will fit into Conte’s system, with the Italian utilising wing-backs rather than wingers, but he has shown that he’s not afraid to adapt when necessary.

Thomas also suggests that the Porto gem is one of multiple targets heading into the final few days of the window and that the club are hoping to sign at least one name, regardless of whether Alli, Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, or anyone else for that matter, depart N17.

That must be hugely exciting to hear for Conte, as he desperately needs reinforcements if he’s to even stand a chance at improving Spurs’ fortunes on the pitch in their quest for a top-four finish.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops major Spurs transfer claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…

As per journalist Jack Gallagher of 90min, a big post-transfer window update has come to light involving Tottenham Hotspur and Paulo Dybala.

The Lowdown: Lacklustre January…

Despite links to many players at the end of the month, Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici only managed to bring two fresh faces through the door at Hotspur Way.

Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur arrived from Dybala’s club Juventus but it is said that Antonio Conte requested three major signings, with the Lilywhites falling short (The Telegraph).

Moves for Adama Traore and Luis Diaz collapsed late in the month, but as per 90min, it appears that Tottenham may have been offered the chance to sign another big name from Turin.

The Latest: Spurs ‘offered’ Dybala…

According to Gallagher, Tottenham have been handed the chance to sign Juventus attacker Dybala alongside Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United, Arsenal and Man City. The journalist says that the 28-year-old and his representatives are now due to fly around Europe for talks with Spurs and the other clubs ‘in the coming weeks’.

Gallagher explained on Twitter: “Understand that Liverpool, Tottenham, Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been offered the chance to sign Paulo Dybala. Player’s representatives are due to fly around Europe for talks in the coming weeks.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

The £222,000-per-week star would likely demand hefty personal terms, but going by his record, he is someone worth considering as the soon-to-be free agent searches for a new club.

Dybala has racked up 140 goals and 62 assists across his senior career and it is no secret that Conte needs a capable backup to star striker Harry Kane, or perhaps someone to challenge the England captain for his place in the team.

Still in the prime of his career, the Argentine should certainly be a viable candidate for Tottenham, especially on a free transfer.

In other news: Sky Sports reporter breaks major boost for Conte coming out of Tottenham…find out more here.

Ricky Ponting admitted that his team had been wary of VVS Laxman, fully fit or otherwise, going into day five

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Oct-2010Australia’s bowlers had been wary of VVS Laxman, despite his bad back, going into the fifth day at Mohali, Ricky Ponting has said. Laxman overcame his injury to play another nerveless innings against his favourite opposition and shepherd the tail to victory.”Just having some dinner last night with a few guys I was sitting with, I really felt that [we should beware] the wounded player [Laxman], and batting down the order I felt he would make a big contribution today,” Ponting said. “I was trying to make sure that we weren’t thinking they were going to be a batsman down again in the second innings and get too carried away.”Laxman batted at No. 10 in the first innings and sat out the fourth morning as Australia set India a target. He could not bat at his usual No. 6 position on the fourth evening as India’s chase ran into rough weather. The Indian team said he would bat on the last day if required, and he walked out at the fall of the nightwatchman Zaheer Khan. Laxman stood tall as India lost wickets and guided the tail to victory.”Even with that [bad back] today he showed what sort of class player he is,” Ponting said. “He has been a bit of a thorn in our side there’s no doubt about that, I guess him and Sachin [Tendulkar] would be the two who’ve done the most damage over the years, a couple of guys who’ve played a lot against us and have got good records against us. I hope his back’s pretty sore for next week as well and he can’t play.”Things went against Australia through the fifth day. Doug Bollinger, who had joined the team late after the Champions League, was forced off the field with an abdominal strain in the middle of a very good spell. Then, with India’s last pair requiring six runs to win the game, Pragyan Ojha survived a close lbw shout and Steven Smith missed a direct hit that could have ended the match, but ended up conceding four overthrows.”That’s what we expect from our guys, we expect that when there’s a half chance there that they’ll want to take it. There’s no blame at all towards Smith for having a shot at the stumps, if that was me I would have done exactly the same thing.”It probably doesn’t help,” Ponting said of Bollinger’s hurried preparation for the game after the Champions League. “But he had been bowling, and that was one positive for Doug, that he had been playing competitive cricket. He probably hasn’t been bowling the amount of overs in the Champions Leauge that some of the others have had coming over here, but he has been playing and arrived a couple of days before the game.”I thought his spell today was probably the best he’s bowled during the game, so disappointing for him to go down at the end there. I went to grab his hat off him for the start of his next over and he said he felt some pain in one of his abdominals, and being a fast bowler and having that sort of injury I just sent him off the ground straight away.”The match was marred by some questionable umpiring decisions. Michael Hussey and Gautam Gambhir got rough calls on the fourth day, while Ishant Sharma was sent on his way today with the game in the balance, before the lbw appeal against Ojha. After a match of such close margins, Ponting reaffirmed his faith in the UDRS, the use of which had been refused by India at the start of this series.”I’m a big supporter of the UDRS, I actually queried the ICC before the series started about the reason why we weren’t using the system,” Ponting said. “One thing I know about the system so far is that you definitely get more correct decisions in a game of cricket than you do without it, we understand how difficult a job it is for the umpires out there. There’s no doubt, take this Test match alone, with the use of the system here I think we would’ve have a lot more right decisions in the game.”

Journalist Paul Brown has now dropped some fresh Everton transfer news involving Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin, claiming a deal for the winger is ‘out of reach’.

The Lowdown: £50m claim

As per The Daily Mail, the Magpies are now willing to listen to offers of around £50m for Saint-Maximin in the summer, as Eddie Howe looks to freshen up his squad ahead of the new season.

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The Goodison Park faithful are reportedly just one of a number of clubs who are interested in his signature, but that is assuming that they manage to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Latest: Brown update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown has now claimed that a move for Saint-Maximin to the Merseyside club ‘looks out of reach at the moment’, but admitted that he would have been an ‘ideal’ signing under former manager Rafa Benitez:

“It looks out of reach at the moment. I’ve thought since last summer, when we found out that Rafael Benitez wanted to play quick, counter-attacking football with wingers, that Saint-Maximin was ideal for that kind of role.”

The Verdict: Unlikely

It just seems very unlikely that Saint-Maximin would leave the long-term project at St. James’ Park for a club currently entrenched even further in the relegation dogfight.

He is clearly a key player for the Magpies, having averaged more shots and dribbles per match in the division than any of his teammates, while no Toon player has come close to his six man-of-the-match awards.

Nonetheless, it is very difficult to see the Toffees paying anything close to £50m for the Frenchman anyway, given their financial troubles.

In other news, find out which Ronaldo-like star the Blues are now eyeing here!

Brendon McCullum has said his decision to give up wicketkeeping in Tests in order to prolong his career was “gutsy” and could the “worst call” he’s made in his career

Cricinfo staff10-Sep-2010Brendon McCullum, the New Zealand batsman, has said his decision to give up wicketkeeping in Tests in order to prolong his career was “gutsy” and could the “worst call” he’s made in his career.”This has no side-door options for me,” McCullum told . “You go from being one of the major certainties in the team to now being in the mix and being relatively unproven. It’s a huge challenge and hopefully it’ll be the right decision.”McCullum announced his decision to quit wicketkeeping in Tests in June but said he would continue to keep in the limited-over formats. He also said he wanted to move up the batting order and that his attacking style, which has resulted in an average of 34.90 in 52 Tests, could help improve New Zealand’s results.”I’m not saying I’ll be successful. I’m not saying I deserve to walk straight into the role,” he said. “I believe I’ve got a game which can help us win more Test matches by batting at the top of the order.”McCullum is set to rejoin the New Zealand squad following a break. He had skipped a short tour of the USA after the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies and was granted paternity leave during the tri-series in Dambulla involving Sri Lanka and India.His impressive form during the previous season won McCullum two New Zealand Cricket awards – the Walter Hadlee Trophy for best ODI batting, because his performances in the UAE helped New Zealand achieve their first away series win against Pakistan, and the John Reid Best Allrounder Trophy for his batting and wicketkeeping. During the period under consideration, McCullum made three centuries and took 55 catches in all forms of the game and his success came after he was relieved of the vice-captaincy.”It wasn’t a mutual decision at all,” he said. “I went from vice-captain, led with title, to now a senior player. I was lucky enough to put it all behind me and have the best season throughout my career. I’m confident I’m heading in the right direction and don’t need a title to contribute to my team.”

More heavy rain finally drowned the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and Tasmania at the Gabba in which only 31 overs were delivered in four days.

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2010Tasmania 2 for 52 drew with Queensland
Scorecard
More heavy rain finally drowned the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and Tasmania at the Gabba in which only 31 overs were delivered in four days. The captains Chris Hartley and George Bailey agreed to call off the contest just before lunch as the ground was hit by more wet weather. Both teams miss out on points for the game, with Tasmania stranded at 2 for 52.

A big Leeds United transfer update has emerged regarding the club’s plans for the upcoming summer window…

What’s the talk?

Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross has revealed that Jesse Marsch has held a meeting with Victor Orta to discuss their approach ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

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The American was brought to Yorkshire in February after Marcelo Bielsa was relieved of his duties and has not had the chance to bring his own players into Elland Road as of yet, as he joined after the January window.

Cross tweeted: “Marsch and Orta met last week to discuss recruitment. Head coach keen to tell the scouts about his tactical vision, the player profiles he likes and how the current crop are adapting to his system.”

Supporters will be excited

This claim will surely leave Leedss supporters excited for multiple reasons ahead of the summer transfer window.

Firstly, it shows that Marsch is eager to get work done as quickly as possible, despite the current season still being in progress. Leeds have six matches left to play in the 2021/22 Premier League and are nine points clear of the relegation zone as it stands, which means that there is still plenty on the line over the coming weeks.

They are not completely out of trouble yet and you could excuse the American for not wanting to look too far into the future, but he is seemingly keen to be prepared for the summer. Supporters will therefore be buzzing with this proactive approach from the head coach, as it will give Orta more time to work on the deals that he wants to complete.

Fans will also be excited by this claim, as it confirms that Marsch is being given full creative control in the transfer department. He is being allowed to shape the way in which Leeds scout players in order to build the squad in his image, and this an exciting prospect for supporters heading into next season as they now know that signings will be coming in with a bigger image in mind.

They can look forward to seeing how Marsch wants his team to play once he has the players that he needs. It is now down to the scouts to find the right hidden gems, and to Orta to ensure that he can strike the deals to bring them to Elland Road.

AND in other news, Marsch must ruthlessly axe “awful” Leeds star adored by Bielsa, he’s not good enough…