West Ham: Moyes personally wants Lingard

Sharing an update on West Ham’s pursuit of Jesse Lingard, reliable reporter Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard has the latest.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye Lingard move…

After a phenomenal spell on loan at the London Stadium over the second half of 2020/21, West Ham have been eyeing a permanent deal for some time.

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Indeed, they apparently made an approach in the summer transfer window, but the Manchester United ace instead chose to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his future under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (90min).

Recent claims suggest that West Ham could go back in for him January amid Lingard’s contract dispute with his current deal set to expire in 2022 and talks stalling (ESPN).

However, Solskjaer’s sacking and Ralf Rangnick’s imminent arrival as interim Red Devils boss could throw a spanner in the works according to reports, which suggest that Lingard could be given another chance.

The Latest: Rosser makes claim…

Writing for The Evening Standard in sharing West Ham’s plans for January, reliable journalist Rosser has stated that Moyes still personally wants to bring the England attacker to the London Stadium.

Even though Rangnick’s projected arrival could ‘change’ Lingard’s fortunes after barely getting a look-in under Solskjaer, it is believed that West Ham and Moyes are still very much eyeing a move.

The Verdict: Priority?

Lauded as ‘sensational’ by former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn for his period at West Ham last season, the England international would undoubtedly bolster Moyes’ options ahead of a long season.

However, given the serious ACL injury to centre-back Angelo Ogbonna and lack of cover for Michail Antonio, we believe the Irons’ priorities could lie elsewhere.

Moyes already has a wealth of attacking midfield talent at his disposal with Manuel Lanzini, Nikola Vlasic, Said Benrahma, Jarrod Bowen and the rejuvenated Pablo Fornals capable of impressing further forward.

However, the lack of central defensive cover or an alternative striking option could spell trouble depending on developments, so those positions should prioritised in the winter market rather than a move for Lingard.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Tears’, ‘Siuuuu’…Many West Ham fans erupt as ‘massive news’ comes to light, find out more here.

Lloyd and Lockie to lead UDRS investigation

Advocate Brent Lockie, a senior barrister from Edinburgh, will team up with the former West Indies captain, Clive Lloyd, to carry out an independent investigation into the Umpire Decision Review System controversy

Cricinfo staff26-Jan-2010Advocate Brent Lockie, a senior barrister from Edinburgh, will team up with the former West Indies captain, Clive Lloyd, to carry out an independent investigation into the Umpire Decision Review System controversy that marred the fourth and final Test between England and South Africa at Johannesburg, and led the ECB to make a formal complaint to the ICC.The flashpoint occurred on the second morning of the match, when South Africa’s captain, Graeme Smith, was adjudged not out on 15 when England referred a caught-behind appeal to the third umpire, Daryl Harper. Although an audible snick was heard by most TV viewers at the moment that the ball passed bat, Harper claimed he had nothing heard anything, and Smith went on to score a vital 105.It later transpired that Harper had not adjusted the volume on his equipment from the preset level of 4 out of 10, although the absence of HotSpot and Snickometer technology from the broadcasting package provided by the hosts, SABC, meant that he might still have felt that the evidence was insufficient to overturn the decision of the onfield umpire, Tony Hill.In a bid to eliminate such inconsistencies in the future, the ICC told Cricinfo on Monday that they intend to meet with all broadcasting companies in a bid to standardise the use of technology. “The first step will be to get together with the broadcasters and the technology suppliers and come up with a more refined set of specifications,” said the ICC’s general manager, Dave Richardson. “And [then] to implement those protocols and practice them.””The DRS is a ground-breaking system which was introduced to eliminate the obvious umpiring errors,” said the ICC chief executive, Haroon Lorgat. “The majority of players and officials who experienced the system in the southern hemisphere summer, have expressed qualified support for using the system.”While this feedback is positive and reassuring, we understand the need to continue enhancing the system in these early days and I’m sure this independent investigation will assist in that regard.”Advocate Lockie is a member of the ICC Code of Conduct Commission and a Disciplinary Tribunal Member for Cricket Scotland, and has vast experience in adjudicating on cricket related matters. Lloyd, meanwhile, is a former ICC match referee, and now serves as chairman of their Cricket Committee.”The ICC has appointed two eminent individuals to investigate the exact circumstances relating to the application of the DRS in Johannesburg,” said Lorgat. The exact parameters and timeframe of the investigation will be determined in due course.

Everton linked to Kieran Trippier

Everton have reportedly entered the race to sign Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier as manager Rafa Benitez looks to bolster his depleted backline.

What’s the story?

According to 90min, the Toffees are one of several Premier League clubs who have asked to be kept informed of the 31-year-old’s situation, with Newcastle United, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace also listed as potential suitors.

Previous reports have claimed that Atleti are set to demand £25m for Trippier over the coming months, with the player keen on a move back to his homeland, although there is no guarantee the Atletico Madrid defender will move in the new year.

Forget Seamus Coleman

With current first-choice right-back Seamus Coleman set to turn 34 at the start of next season and understudy Jonjoe Kenny failing to get many minutes, Benitez may prioritise that position in the transfer market over the next couple of windows.

And Trippier could be an ideal candidate. Throughout his career, the England international has showcased his quality for both club and country, catching the eye with several impressive performances.

His national team boss Gareth Southgate has often kept faith with the experienced full-back, selecting him on either side of the defence and labelled him a ‘warrior’ earlier this year.

“He (Trippier) is a very underrated player,” said Southgate. “People are still looking at the player from a few years ago and not at the one who is at Atletico Madrid and playing like a warrior in the last few seasons. He is a big part of what we’ve done over the last few years and he gave a really good performance.”

Southgate has also lauded Trippier’s “outstanding quality” from set-pieces in the past and his underlying numbers illustrate why the Three Lions coach holds him in such high regard.

As per WhoScored, Trippier received a season rating of 7.20 for his 28 La Liga appearances last season – the second-highest in the first-team squad, and it’s easy to understand why.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star averaged 2.2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 1.2 key passes, placing him in the top two compared to his teammates for each metric as Atleti claimed the top-flight title.

Therefore, Trippier could become the ideal heir for Coleman on Merseyside, and the Everton supporters will surely be hoping Benitez can see off the extensive competition for his signature.

And, in other news…Everton could discover their new Rooney by signing “first-class” 20 y/o with “no fear”

Hurt West Indies aim to bounce back

A preview of the second game of the one-day series between West Indies and Zimbabwe

The Preview by Siddhartha Talya05-Mar-2010Match FactsSaturday, March 6, Providence
Start time 0930 (1330 GMT)
Kieron Pollard has much to offer in the middle order and will look to make amends for his lapse in the first ODI•Getty ImagesBig PictureOttis Gibson’s tenure as West Indies coach could not have begun on a worse note. In his two internationals at the helm, his team has slumped to unprecedented lows – a defeat in the very first Twenty20 between the sides, and an ODI loss for the first time against Zimbabwe at home.The series was meant as an opportunity to cast aside the memories of a winless tour of Australia and begin a fresh phase with a dose of success. But the performance in the first ODI in Providence, where three batsmen – Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin and Dwayne Smith – played irresponsibly to bungle a winnable position presents the hosts with a renewed headache. The trio played poor shots to be dismissed, and poor running between the wickets cost Andre Fletcher and Narsingh Deonarine. It was the middle order that led the resistance, though inadequate, against Australia in the 0-4 loss, but the trend was reversed on Thursday, with the same personnel wilting under pressure on a sluggish track.For starters, Chris Gayle’s blunt description of the middle-order collapse as “crap” is a step in the right direction. He acknowledged Zimbabwe’s competitiveness, but his own team’s failure to measure up would have hit the confidence of a man who, not too long ago, had aimed at a 4-1 win against Australia.Amid poor crowds and declining form, West Indies are battling for pride against an opposition which, with each successful outing, is shoring up the resolve and determination to return from self-imposed exile.Form Guide (Last five completed matches)West Indies: LLLLL
Zimbabwe: WLLLL
Watch out forGreg Lamb was the best of Zimbabwe’s bowlers, conceding just 35 in ten overs despite his lack of variation. His strategy was to angle the ball in towards off stump, leaving little room for the batsman to get him away. But Lamb, who decided to return to Zimbabwe after being released by Hampshire last year, is primarily a batsman and a fairly successful one at the domestic level. With an average of 55.68 in the Logan Cup, the first-class tournament, and 64 in the one-day competition, Lamb could prove a handful in the middle order.Ruthless batting in the Champions League Twenty20 won Kieron Pollard a US$750,000 IPL contract with Mumbai Indians, and his successful stint with South Australia contributed towards him making scores of 31, 32, 62 and 45 in the ODI series in February. An average of 17.88 in ODIs – not befitting a player of his talent – and the lapse in the first ODI should spur him to make amends.Team newsAn unexpected defeat is likely to prompt a change in plans for the hosts. Though Dwayne Bravo has not been named in the squad for the first two ODIs, a call-up, given the urgency of a series-levelling win, cannot be ruled out. Bravo could take Dwayne Smith’s place if he has recovered from an injured thumb; if not, Darren Sammy could be drafted in. Ramnaresh Sarwan, also not in the squad for the Providence fixtures, has warmed up nicely with a century for Guyana in the domestic four-day competition. The signs are that he has recovered well from his back injury and West Indies will be tempted to have him in the line-up, stepping in for Andre Fletcher.West Indies (probable) – 1 Chris Gayle (capt), 2 Adrian Barath, 3 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 4 Andre Fletcher/Ramnaresh Sarwan, 5 Narsingh Deonarine, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 8 Darren Sammy/Dwayne Smith, 9 Nikita Miller, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Kemar Roach.Zimbabwe will be keen to retain their four-pronged spin attack and are likely to field the same team. While Zimbabwe have so far opted for Brendan Taylor, who is an attacking batsman and also provides them with an additional spin option, the absence of Charles Coventry, the previous joint record-holder for the highest score in ODIs, remains a surprise.Zimbabwe (probable) – 1 Hamilton Masakadza, 2 Vusi Sibanda, 3 Tatenda Taibu (wk), 4 Brendan Taylor/Charles Coventry, 5 Stuart Matsikenyeri, 6 Greg Lamb, 7 Elton Chigumbura, 8 Graeme Cremer, 9 Prosper Utseya (capt), 10 Shingirai Masakadza, 11 Ray Price.Pitch and conditionsSpinners are likely to feature prominently in friendly conditions in Providence and the forecast points towards a mostly sunny but windy day. A sluggish track, spinners racing through their overs and a tempered run-rate were the features of the first game, and the second promises much the same.Stats and trivia Barath consumed 27 deliveries from Lamb for just 11 runs. Ray Price, too, troubled him, conceding just eight in 24 balls. In contrast, Shivnarine Chanderpaul took Lamb for 18 in 21 and Price for eight in as many. Taibu’s innovativeness was evident in his scoring rates against West Indian spinners – he took Nikita Miller for 19 in 17 and Deonarine for 29 in 24. Vusi Sibanda’s 162-ball 95 is seventh in the list for the number of balls faced for a score of under 100. The list is led by the PCB’s newly-appointed chairman of selectors Mohsin Khan, who ate up 176 balls for his 70 against West Indies in the second semi-final of the 1983 World Cup. Next is Sunil Gavaskar, with his infamous 174-ball 36 against England in the 1975 World Cup.Quotes”When you do crap, it’s definitely crap and there is no excuse. Guys have to take responsibility out there in the middle. It is just sad and disappointing.”
Chris Gayle is straightforward in his criticism of the dispiriting performance in the first ODI.”West Indies are still a good side. We still respect them. For us to beat them, we need to make sure that we play hard, remain focussed, pay attention to the small things, and remain disciplined.”
Prosper Utseya lays down the strategy to upset West Indies.

Galloping hares and timely time-outs

Plays of the Day from the IPL game between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab at the Chinnaswamy Stadium

George Binoy at the Chinnaswamy Stadium16-Mar-2010
Anil Kumble was in the firing line while bowling to Ravi Bopara•Associated PressBisla who?
Manvinder Bisla made 2 off six balls against Delhi Daredevils, so the question from a clueless spectator was one most fans at the Chinnaswamy Stadium would have had. They knew soon enough, though, for after a streaky four against a Dale Steyn lifter, Bisla drove Praveen Kumar to the cover boundary and cracked Jacques Kallis for a flat six over point. He hit the innings’ first eleven boundaries and had scored 75 out of Punjab’s 129 by the time he was dismissed.Ouch, ouch
Anil Kumble has often bowled despite pain during his days as India’s leading bowler and Ravi Bopara tested if that fighting spirit still burns in retirement. He smashed a ball back at Kumble who got his body behind the ball to prevent a certain boundary. Bopara drilled the next one again back at Kumble, who once again stuck his hand out to take the pace off a scorcher. This time he was in pain and needed the physio’s attention.Late starter
Bopara was getting edgy. It was already the ninth over and he had faced only 17 balls and scored 10. His fiercest shots had been thwarted by Kumble, who was prepared to bowl after receiving treatment for his hand. Bopara decided to go aerial this time, charging Kumble and depositing him over the long-on boundary. It kick started an innings during which Bopara would win the Orange Cap, only to lose it to Jacques Kallis before the evening was over.Hare and faster hare
Kallis was on 27 off 24 balls when Manish Pandey’s dismissal brought Robin Uthappa to the crease. He unleashed an assault so fearsome that he needed only 16 deliveries to overtake Kallis, who had moved on to 44 off 36 balls by that time. Uthappa moved ahead of his partner with a flick to the square-leg boundary off Sreesanth, who was so disoriented after conceding 24 runs off five balls that he thought the over was completed and had begun to walk away to his fielding position.Time-out
Most teams have opted to let the time-out be taken by default at the end of the stipulated interval – between overs six and eight for the bowling team, and between 11 and 16 for the batting side. Not today. Uthappa had been dismissed off the last ball of the 14th over, Virat Kohli had already walked in, and Kumble was standing a yard or two inside the boundary, frantically signalling for a time-out.The umpires seemed to decide it was too late to interrupt play, and gave him the interval after the 15th over was completed. Kumble strode purposefully out on to the field, followed by Ray Jennings, Mark Boucher, Eoin Morgan and Rahul Dravid. Discussions followed and what was said worked. Bangalore needed 55 off 30 balls when play resumed, Kallis and Kohli finished it in 23.Mismatch of the day
Several IPL matches have instances of a legendary cricketer taking a novice apart. Adam Gilchrist did it to Sudeep Tyagi in Chennai and today Kallis picked on obscure Punjab left-armer Bipul Sharma. Bangalore needed 34 off 18 balls when Kallis decided Sharma had to go. He launched three massive sixes into the ecstatic fans beyond the deep midwicket boundary and ended the over with a cut to the point fence. Kallis had reduced the equation to 11 off 12 and the contest was over.

Rangers fans slam Bassey vs Hearts

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left slamming the display of Calvin Bassey despite their 2-0 win away at Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

The makeshift central defender was very shaky at the back at times, despite keeping a clean sheet, emphasised as he almost scored an own goal midway through the second half, with BBC reporter Colin Moffat labelling him a ‘lucky lad’.

The result was perhaps a little harsh on Hearts in the end, as they recorded more possession of the ball and more shots on goal than Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team (SofaScore), as they were just undone by two neat finishes from Alfredo Morelos and Joe Aribo early in the first half.

Nonetheless, it was no surprise that the home team had more possession and shots, given Bassey’s performance.

Rangers fans slam Bassey

These members of the Ibrox faithful slammed his display on Twitter, with one claiming that he was ‘appalling’ while another even went as far as to say that he was ‘all over the place’:

“Bassey owes McGregor a weeks wages”

Credit: @BlueTintSpecks

“Bassey absolutely rotten today!”

Credit: @onlyfitbaw1872

“That is appalling from Bassey.”

Credit: @BMCRangersRants

“Bassey’s had a nightmare….”

Credit: @No_Bikers

“Would be great if Bassey could stop trying to score against us every other week”

Credit: @Jienorthg

“Not out it yet big Bassey is all over the place, can’t handle Boyce.”

Credit: @fleminator01

In other news, find out what injury news is being bemoaned by Gers here!

Man Utd fans love midfielder transfer claim

A number of Manchester United fans have reacted positively to a transfer claim suggesting that a new defensive midfielder will come in next month.

Ralf Rangnick will be hoping to make a huge difference as United manager and the early signs are promising following back-to-back Premier League wins and clean sheets.

There is no doubt that new signings will be needed, though, in order for the Red Devils to gradually return to the top of English football.

One area where United are arguably lacking is in midfield, with their rivals possessing top-quality number 6s such as Fabinho, Rodri and N’Golo Kante. By contrast, it is the one position where the Red Devils are often accused of being weak.

According to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst on Twitter, though, it is an area where the club are looking to strengthen during the January transfer window, as Rangnick eyes up potential new options.

Man United fans react to transfer claim

These United fans have reacted positively to the transfer rumour on Twitter, with the regular double pivot of Scott McTominay and Fred potentially set to be broken up.

“United winning the league”

Credit: @Suwagz

“If true, thank you God”

Credit: @ShegueyBoss

“Siuuuuu”

Credit: @fargo__

“We’re literally winning everything”

Credit: @purtillciaran

“We have been missing that one for long”

Credit: @Stephen64301804

“Finally, it’s not McFred anymore”

Credit: @vorapone

In other news, some United fans are fuming about a report regarding one player’s future. Read more here.

Ashraful dropped for England Tests

Jonathan Trott eased to a trouble-free century as England finetuned their preparations for next week’s first Test on a sleepy second day in Chittagong

Andrew Miller in Chittagong09-Mar-2010Bangladesh’s most-capped cricketer, Mohammad Ashraful, has been omitted from the Test squad for the forthcoming series against England, after failing to convince the selectors that he is in the right frame of mind to resume his international career.Ashraful, 25, missed last week’s ODI series in a bid to recapture his form following a poor tour of New Zealand, but in consecutive first-class matches for Dhaka Division, he made 21 runs in four innings, including three ducks.His final chance to impress the selectors came during his captaincy stint for Bangladesh A against England at Chittagong, but having managed just 1 in the first innings, he was bowled by Amjal Shahzad for 30 on the third and final morning of the match.Ashraful has played in 53 of Bangladesh’s 64 Tests to date, having made his mark with a debut century against Sri Lanka in November 2001, when he was just 16 years old. However, he has never yet featured in a home Test against England, having been dropped for the 2003 series, again due to a loss of form.The Bangladesh selectors have named a 14-man squad which includes the centurion from the warm-up match, Raqibul Hasan, as well as no fewer than three left-arm spinners – the captain Shakib Al Hasan, Abdur Razzak and Enamul Haque Jr – in response to Kevin Pietersen’s much-publicised problems against that style of bowling.Ironically, Pietersen fell to Ashraful’s spin for 20 on the final afternoon of the tour match.Bangladesh squad Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Aftab Ahmed, Mahmudullah, Raqibul Hasan, Naeem Islam, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Abdur Razzak, Enamul Haque Jr, Shahadat Hossain.

West Ham fans flock to Phillips claim

Flocking to Twitter, these West Ham United fans have erupted over a fresh transfer claim involving Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

David Moyes has set his sights on signing a centre-half in January as emergency cover for injured duo Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma with West Ham facing a congested fixture calendar.

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The January transfer window could be a fruitful avenue to strengthen West Ham sufficiently whilst providing a real injection of quality into the side.

Having dropped out of the top four after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal recently, Irons supporters have been left thrilled after a fresh update involving Phillips.

According to The Sun, as West Ham and recruitment chief Rob Newman eye a move, it is believed that Liverpool are now ‘willing to sell’ their defender for just £15 million next month.

The 24-year-old, by his own admission, is also open to leaving in January and the Reds apparently won’t stand on his way if a £15m bid is put on the table.

West Ham fans erupt…

Given this price tag and Phillips’ ability, it’s little wonder some supporters see this as an ‘absolute bargain’.

The central defender averaged more clearances per 90 in the Premier League than any Liverpool player last season (WhoScored), a sure indication of his dependability at the back.

Still a fairly young player, these Irons supporters believe snapping him up for £15m is a no-brainer.

Find all of their best verdicts down below:

“Yes please”

Credit: @WestHamXtra

“Absolute bargain, Give them Diop for free as well”

Credit: @iDUNKbiscuits

“He would be a great addition!”

Credit: @dhramijo

“Would be buzzing to pull this off would rather him over ake or tarkowski”

Credit: @StephenCochrane

“@WestHam starter for ten let’s go irons don’t leave it too late the teams slipping”

Credit: @nubaka

“can be good for a proven pl player caleta car never played in pl so we don’t know if he have what’s needed + when ogbonna gonna retire we have a good cb pairing with zouma 15M is a steal”

Credit: @krays2208

In other news: ‘We are back’, ‘What I wanted to hear’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘best news’ has these West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.

Suman, bowlers keep Deccan alive

Deccan Chargers continued to climb up the points table by beating Chennai Super Kings comprehensively by six wickets at their “home” venue in Nagpur to draw level with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and the losing side

The Bulletin by Jamie Alter10-Apr-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were outR Ashwin was the pick of the Chennai bowlers•Indian Premier LeagueDeccan Chargers continued to climb up the points table by beating Chennai Super Kings comprehensively by six wickets at their “home” venue in Nagpur to draw level with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and the losing side. The win was set up by their bowlers, after MS Dhoni decided to bat on a scorching afternoon, who restricted Chennai to 138, allowing the batsmen to chase at a comfortable pace despite two early jolts and the sapping heat. Deccan struggled against spin initially, losing three wickets to the slow stuff, but rode on another fifty from T Suman and Andrew Symonds’ cool head to seal victory with five balls to spare.The only bit that really went right for Chennai was the toss, which Dhoni won and had little hesitation in choosing to bat. When Chennai accelerated from 21 after three overs to 55 for 1 from six it seemed a run-fest was on the cards. As it turned out, Chennai had little to celebrate thereafter. In the eighth over, M Vijay called for a suicidal second run and that momentary brain freeze changed the complexion of Chennai’s innings. It was another example of the schizophrenic series he’s had, with aborted starts amid some match-winning knocks, and from there Deccan never let the initiative slip.From 65 for 2 in eight overs, Chennai slowed down to reach the half-way stage at 74 for 2 with Symonds and Pragyan Ojha keeping a check with stump-to-stump bowling. Chennai’s predicament had been brought about by their batsmen’s urge to dominate and as wickets fell around him, Suresh Raina began to improvise cleverly. He moved to leg to clip the ball fine and walked down the pitch to upset the bowlers, but also reined in his attacking instincts, knocking the ball in the gaps during the middle overs.Gilchrist put down a tough chance when Raina was 27 and he broke a 38-ball period without a boundary by stepping out and launching Ojha for a straight six and repeated the shot to Symonds in the following over. Raina struggled to keep a partner at the other end, as Michael Hussey pulled Symonds to deep midwicket and S Badrinath fell for 6.When Raina fell for 52, Chennai only had 122 on the board with 16 deliveries to go and no recognised batsman to follow. Deccan never allowed matters to slip their grasp as Harmeet Singh stymied runs and Ryan Harris returned to pick up wickets in the last over. In a team which had more experienced names in their bowling line-up, the hero of the innings was Harmeet, who bowled with excellent control, changing his pace and offering the batsmen no width to score off. His dismissal of Matthew Hayden with his first ball, drawn into a drive, and final two frugal overs were a blow to Chennai’s hopes of getting a challenging total on the board.A target of 139 meant than Chennai had to strike early to have any chance of a successful defense. The very impressive R Ashwin’s dismissal of the Deccan openers in the fifth over, with lovely traditional offspin, gave Chennai a sniff but Suman emphasised how crucial his presence at No. 3 was with a sensible innings. Against Bangalore two nights ago, Suman had batted aggressively because Deccan where chasing 185 but today he focused on staying at the crease.He reined in the big shots and along with Symonds -after Rohit Sharma fell to another aerial shot outside off stump – he stablised the innings, allowing himself to gain confidence against spin. Suman chipped Shadab Jakati for four and swung Raina for six, Symonds launched Jakati down the ground for maximum to negate the pressure, and the equation came to 49 from 36 balls. Dhoni had to turn to Sudeep Tyagi for his first over, the 15th, and Suman greeted him with four and six to cross fifty, the striking point being the use of a straight bat and clean swing. He fell with 32 needed from 24, a task which Symonds made sure was accomplished without too many jitters.Deccan’s win means the match to follow tonight will break up the tie between Kolkata and Bangalore.

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