Proactive step comes in the wake of rains that have lashed the city over the last two weeks
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Nov-2017TN’s games moved out of ChennaiTamil Nadu’s last two games against Madhya Pradesh and Baroda have been moved out of Chennai following persistent rains over the last few weeks. ESPNcricinfo understands that Tamil Nadu will now take on Madhya Pradesh in Indore from November 17, before flying to Vadodara to face Baroda from November 25. The secretaries of both the Baroda Cricket Association and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association – Snehal Parikh and Milind Kanmadikar respectively – confirmed that the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association had approached the BCCI to move the matches out of Chennai following which the venues were changed.Tamil Nadu have already had one rain-affected game, against Tripura, and possibly didn’t want to risk their prospects of qualifying for the knockouts. With three games left, Tamil Nadu are fourth on the Group C standings, behind Andhra, Madhya Pradesh and Mumbai, and are still in search of their first outright win. Tamil Nadu’s immediate challenge will be their game against Odisha in Cuttack from November 9.Test players to skip but Iyer, Pandey, Rahul join squadsThe forthcoming round of the Ranji Trophy beginning on November 9 is expected to be low on star quotient with most of the India internationals away on national duty. With India’s first Test against Sri Lanka beginning in Kolkata on November 16, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav are set to join the national side. Delhi, too, will miss the services of captain Ishant Sharma. Rishabh Pant will lead the side in his stead. However, Shreyas Iyer, India’s newest T20I debutant, has been added to Mumbai’s squad for their game against Baroda.Wriddhiman Saha has also been named in the Bengal squad that will take on Vidarbha in Kalyani. Meanwhile, Karnataka will also be boosted by the presence of Manish Pandey and KL Rahul, who were both part of India’s T20I squad against New Zealand, as they take on Delhi in Alur.
Journalist Alasdair Gold has given his thoughts on Bayern Munich's handling of the Harry Kane transfer with Tottenham Hotspur.
The England captain completed his switch to the Bavarian side recently but it is believed that he did have a wobble late in the negotiations over his future.
Has Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich?
The Kane transfer saga has finally reached its conclusion.
The Tottenham Hotspur record goalscorer has completed his £100m switch to the Bundesliga champions, signing a four-year deal and taking the iconic number 9 shirt.
The saga has dragged on all summer long, with Bayern seeing three offers rejected for the player before finally reaching an agreement with Spurs on Thursday morning. The agreement with the player took longer, however, with Kane reportedly leaning towards staying with his boyhood club as he was enjoying life under Ange Postecoglou. German outlet BILD also reported that late on, an unnamed club had come in with a "much better offer" to the forward ahead of his contract expiry in the summer of 2024, but that ultimately proved to be fruitless.
The striker released a farewell video on Saturday morning for the Spurs faithful, where he thanked the fans for their support throughout the years, and wished new boss Postecoglou and his former teammates luck for the season ahead saying:
"I’ll be watching from a fan point of view now and really hope the team can be successful.” The forward also hinted to a potential return to the club in the future stating "It’s not a goodbye because you never know how things pan out in the future, but it’s a thank you and I’ll see you soon.”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Gold revealed his distaste towards the way Bayern Munich conducted themselves throughout the transfer saga, making reference to the methods some German journalists used, suggesting it showcased a lack of objectivity throughout.
He said: "I think that’s a little part of it that irks me as well, that Bayern have kind of bullied their way to this deal. They’ve treated Spurs like they would any other Bundesliga team that they can kind of have the power to just get what they want, and they have.
"Yeah, it’s cost them. It’s cost them a lot of money, especially in terms of Bundesliga revenue but they’ve got what they wanted and some of their reporters out there, let’s be honest, haven’t reported with the most incredible objectivity in the world. I was sat next to one thrusting a shirt in Ange Postecoglou’s direction in Thailand, it’s just been all very distasteful the way it’s done."
"Genuinely, Harry Kane did have a wobble in terms of what he wanted to do, that’s well known in the corridors of Tottenham Hotspur that having told Postecoglou on the first day that he met him that yeah, he did want to move if a deal could be done, but he was happy to stay and play for him if it couldn’t.
"When it came to it yesterday [Friday] there was a bit of a wobble, that’s why you saw some stuff about potentially he could end up staying, and even by the end of play Friday, despite the confidence coming out of Germany, back in England and around Spurs there was a feeling that he might end up staying, but in the end we woke up to everything being near done."
How can Tottenham replace Harry Kane?
Spurs have two options to replace their former talisman.
One is to use the options within their squad. Kane's departure could be a major opportunity for forward Richarlison to step up and live up to his £60m price tag. The Brazilian had a tough opening campaign in a Lilywhites shirt, managing just one goal and four assists in the Premier League last season. However, now that he can be given the opportunity to make regular starts, the striker could be revitalized and start to show why Spurs spent £60m on him in the summer of 2022. Spurs also signed young striker Alejo Velez this window, who could be given opportunities this season to showcase why Spurs committed £13m on him.
The club could also delve into the market. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the London club were considering Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo-Muani should Kane depart this summer, and it will be interesting to see if the North London side will act upon that interest. The forward is said to cost £69m and is also a target of Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Tottenham are also considering Gent striker Gift Orban, with Tavolieri reporting that talks are ongoing between the sides, with the Belgian side wanting €30m plus add-ons to part with the Nigerian forward.
Aston Villa have enjoyed a fine transfer window thus far, with Unai Emery adding to his ever-evolving squad that he hopes will build upon last season’s European finish…
Is Brennan Johnson leaving Nottingham Forest?
However, to compete with the additional fixtures such success will bring, he will not only need to add quality to this outfit, but quantity too.
Their three shrewd additions will certainly improve that first XI, but he will need competition to keep everyone invested in progressing the Midlands outfit back to where they will feel they belong.
Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…
Especially following the devastating injury to Emi Buendia, which has opened up fierce competition for the coming campaign. It could be this vacancy that might spur the Villans to push once again for Brennan Johnson, snagging Nottingham Forest’s main man.
Even if the reported £40m price tag might seem lofty, it would mark an intelligent investment in not just filling that gap, but also the sparkling future that his electric play style promises.
How many goals did Brennan Johnson score last season?
Whilst vastly differing with regard to their play styles, Johnson’s direct and dynamic mindset would offer a refreshing divergence from the close control and incisive movements of the Argentine.
Such was the effectiveness of the former, he managed to post an admirable eight goals and three assists in what was his debut year in the Premier League, arguably spearheading his side's push for safety.
His braces against Everton and Leicester City, along with the only goal in their win over Leeds United, saw him claim seven points from his exploits alone against sides that finished below them.
The 21-year-old boasts a penchant for the big occasion, and yet already has 106 appearances for the Tricky Trees across his short career.
During the 2021/22 season, in which he also helped propel his side to promotion, Antonio Mango took to Twitter to brand him a “real handful” as he sought to transfer his Championship form into their FA Cup game with Liverpool.
matty-cash
To see Villa once again swoop for a star from Forest would be to emulate a very recent success of theirs, given Matty Cash also took that same path with unbridled success.
Since moving to Villa Park, the energetic full-back has seen his career soar, featuring 97 times for the club and becoming a mainstay for his national team Poland.
Although he struggled for fitness last term, the 2021/22 campaign saw him establish himself as one of the division’s finest offensive right-backs, favoured by Emery too.
The 26-year-old maintained a 6.94 average rating, recording seven goal contributions, 0.8 key passes and 2.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.
He was even handed a new deal back in April 2022, to which his former boss Steven Gerrard explained why:
“He’s all in,” he started. “He’s been fantastic to work with, I love his energy, I love his character and his personality. He brings a lot to the group on a daily basis.”
Whilst Johnson is already a fully-fledged member of his national team, his touted Villa move could help him skyrocket his career to new heights, mimicking the same career path and even surpassing the success earned thus far by Cash.
The two New Zealand internationals bagged 11 wickets between them to secure 17 points for Otago in their season opener
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Oct-2017Fifties from openers Hamish Rutherford and Brad Wilson ensured Otago chased down 239 against Canterbury, and opened their Plunket Shield campaign with a seven-wicket victory at the Hagley Oval.The openers had added 162 runs before they were dismissed in a space of two overs on the third day, leaving the side with 47 runs to win on the final day. Captain Rob Nichol and Neil Broom – who had been left out from the New Zealand squad for the ongoing limited-overs series in India – then added 72 runs for the third wicket before Broom offered a return catch to offspinner Tim Johnston with his team four runs away from victory. Nichol and allrounder James Neesham – who had also been omitted for the India tour – then applied the finishing touches as Otago secured 17 points.The win, though, was set up by the bowlers, who dismissed Canterbury for 155 in the first innings and paved the way for a 61-run first-innings lead. Seamers Neil Wagner and Jacob Duffy made the early inroads and helped pin down Canterbury to 57 for 5. Michael Pollard’s 54 and contributions from the lower order then dragged the side past 150. Duffy returned three wickets while New Zealand internationals Wagner and Mark Craig picked up two wickets each.In response, Otago were reduced to 63 for 3 at stumps on the first day. Wagner, the nightwatchman, did not last long on the second, falling for 17. But Wilson ground out a fifty – he would go onto make another in the second dig – and was complemented by Neesham (38) and Craig (46) as Otago snatched the first-innings advantage.Canterbury fared better in their second innings, with 10 of their 11 batsmen entering double figures. However, among them, only one passed fifty with Brett Hampton punching 60 off 55 balls. Wagner and Craig led Otago’s bowling again, claiming seven wickets between them to bowl their opponents out for 299.Canterbury’s left-arm wristspinner Blake Coburn – who was playing his maiden first-class game – picked up two wickets in the second innings in addition to his three in the first, but it wasn’t enough for his side.
Serie A giants Juventus have held "new contacts" with Arsenal over signing midfielder Thomas Partey, according to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Who is leaving Arsenal?
The north Londoners need to balance their books and shift unwanted players before deadline day, especially after spending over £200 million on new signings this summer.
Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and club-record signing Declan Rice all joined in multi-million-pound deals earlier this window and reports suggest Arsenal could also add Brentford goalkeeper David Raya to their ranks.
Mikel Arteta's side are locked in talks to sign the Spaniard with Arsenal seeking to provide competition for current number one Aaron Ramsdale. Outfield additions aren't out of the question, either, as links continue to surround Dinamo Zagreb's Josip Sutalo.
Players will need to vacate Arsenal, both to free up squad space and bring in funding, and there are a fair few candidates for the chopping block.
Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…
Both Nicolas Pepe, who is attracting interest from Turkey, and forward Folarin Balogun could still leave. They would follow defender Pablo Mari, midfielder Granit Xhaka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as senior players to depart.
Partey, who has also been linked with an exit this window, has been subject to interest from the Italian top flight. Those reports died down recently, but according to Sky's reporter Di Marzio, they may have resurfaced.
Writing on his website, the journalist claims Juventus have held "new contacts" with Arteta's side over signing the Ghana international, who was a mainstay for Arsenal last season.
This comes after their other transfer target, Franck Kessie, looks to be heading to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, but Juventus' move for Partey would only materialise if they can offload Weston McKennie.
Partey ranked among Arsenal's best-performing players per 90 last season, according to WhoScored, and also made more tackles per 90 than any other star in Arteta's squad.
The former Atletico Madrid star would arguably be a sore miss, even with the signing of Rice, as his departure would leave Arsenal without a senior, capable alternative option.
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn, speaking to talkSPORT (via ghanasoccernet), heaped praise on Partey as an "important" member of the squad last term.
"I think [Thomas] Partey has been so important," said the Arsenal legend.
"If Arsenal are going to go anywhere near trying to win a title, he’s got to stay fit, because last season, he had so many injuries.
“But he’s been real instrumental in that midfield, just keeping it ticking over, very efficient player, can get around the pitch, very mobile."
Arteta, meanwhile, echoed Winterburn's appraisal just a few weeks ago – calling his player a "super important" one.
He said: "Thomas Partey is a super important player for us and for me and we want him to be in the team, that’s for sure."
The 30-year-old could still be of use for Arsenal, especially if they wish to mount another serious title challenge and potentially knock treble winners Man City off their perch.
Partey is a player of experience and know-how, leaving little wonder that Arteta wishes to keep him around.
Karn Sharma and Shahbaz Nadeem took four wickets each to bowl New Zealand A out for 147 on the first day in Vijayawada
The Report by Shashank Kishore in Vijayawada23-Sep-2017Karn Sharma made the most of his opportunity with four wickets•BCCIPlayers coming off a blustery New Zealand winter found themselves in a cauldron of heat and humidity in Vijayawada. New Zealand A, having had barely three net sessions on the current tour of India, failed in their first trial-by-spin bout, having been bowled out for 147.R Samarth, the India A opener, drove home that point. He overcame a testing new-ball burst of genuine pace and late swing from Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, to ease the nerves. But Priyank Panchal and Sudip Chatterjee’s dismissal in the last hour to Ish Sodhi helped New Zealand A pull things back.New Zealand A’s decision to bat first should have negated India’s spin threat, and at 72 without loss, it looked like the hosts would be challenged. But jittery footwork, which India A capitalised on through attacking fields and well thought-out plans, left New Zealand A shortchanged. Barring three batsmen – Tim Seifert, who top-scored with 35, Jeet Raval and George Worker – none of the others gave themselves time to grind the bowlers down.India A’s relentless attack that involved having slip catchers and close-in fielders to spin throughout the day, left Seifert struggling to rotate strike. Seifert, unbeaten on 33 when the seventh wicket fell, could add just two more with the lower order in the next 10 overs.Shahbaz Nadeem, the left-arm spinner, was India A’s bowling lynchpin, snuffing out two wickets either side of lunch to leave the visitors at 81 for 6 after openers Raval and Worker laid the strong foundation. Karn Sharma, drafted in to the squad on match eve as a replacement for the dropped K Gowtham, continued his Duleep Trophy form – he picked two five-fors in consecutive matches – by scything through the lower order, finishing with 4 for 58.Jeet Raval is a picture of concentration•Getty ImagesRaval’s first big knock in the subcontinent promised much more. Barring an early reprieve behind the stumps by Rishabh Pant when he fished at an away-going delivery, he was solid. Worker, slightly more flamboyant, was happy to force his way through some runs, at times even looking to hit on the up against the moving ball. But their dismissals in the second hour resulted in a meltdown.While Worker was caught at short leg, Raval was bowled attempting to pull a ball that came back in to cramp him for room. Henry Nicholls was beaten by Nadeem’s turn and was out lbw while Will Young, who trained for a week on dustbowls In Chennai in preparation, didn’t give himself an opportunity to be tested as an ill-judged leave to an in-dipper from Mohammed Siraj flattened his off stump.In contrast to New Zealand’s efforts, India were much more serene. In the two hours he batted after tea, Samarth showed exemplary judgment against the short ball. This was a direct consequence of his ability to pick lengths early against two new ball bowlers capable of cracking over 145 kph. His pull shot to deep square leg off Henry was a stand-out. This even as Panchal fought to survive, taking 20 deliveries for his first runs that came through a thick outside edge to third man.Where India’s spinners were relentless in their attack, New Zealand’s slower bowlers were short and wayward to begin with. When they finally got it right, they had a wicket as Ish Sodhi had Panchal nicking to the slips. He was to be rewarded for a second time when Chatterjee played down the wrong line to be adjudged lbw.
Burnley and Manchester City are set to go head-to-head during the opening round of Premier League fixtures, with plenty to keep an eye out for during this clash.
For starters, it's a return to his former club for City legend Vincent Kompany – only this time, he'll be in claret rather than sky blue. Having led the side to their first Premier League title back in 2012, he has already etched his name into the folklore of the Etihad Stadium outfit.
Having also led Burnley to promotion from the dugout, he will no doubt receive a hero's welcome from all sides of Turf Moor when he turns up on the opening day – but that doesn't mean his former side will go easy on him.
It'll also be interesting to see how Pep Guardiola's team cope with the weight of expectation now. They won almost everything they could lay their hands on in 2022/23, topping off the league title and FA Cup glory with a Champions League win over Inter.
They'll still be on top of the world, though having made improvements through the likes of Mateo Kovacic, they've also lost key men like Ilkay Gundogan. Can their return to Premier League action see them pick up where they left off, or will they struggle to hit the same heights?
It certainly won't be straightforward. Having picked up a tip or two from his old boss, Kompany has Burnley playing football which is in complete contrast to the way Sean Dyche had them set up.
The Clarets entertained and stormed their way out of the Championship last term, and you wouldn't be surprised to see them stay up and continue that fine form this time around.
This will be a real test of their mettle, but can they match up to a side that is undoubtedly the best in the division, or will it be a crash back to reality for the opening-day hosts?
Burnley vs Man City: Who has the better head-to-head record?
When it comes to their overall records, it's no surprise that Man City are currently coming out on top in this section. Burnley have more than held their own with 30 wins, but the recent dominance of Guardiola's side has led to them picking up a number of wins over the Clarets over the last few years.
However, Kompany will be hoping that he can add to his side's win section this season.
Burnley wins: 30 Draws: 25 Man City wins: 55 Burnley vs Man City: Who has more wins at Turf Moor?
When you consider how Burnley fare at home, they actually remain solid at Turf Moor when coming up against the current treble-winners. They're leading this statistic by one win – meaning that if City come up victorious on the opening day of the season, they'll tie tie things up in terms of Turf Moor meetings.
It's impressive to see that the Clarets have been able to do so well against City at home, though – and that may leave some supporters feeling that they can pull off an upset on their return to the Premier League.
Burnley wins: 22 Draws: 12 Man City wins: 21 Burnley vs Man City: Who has more wins at Maine Road/Etihad Stadium?
Unsurprisingly, it's City who take this one. Whilst Burnley have done well to build something of a fortress on home territory against the Citizens, when they face them on their travels, it makes for much poorer reading.
The champions have an outstanding record against the Clarets on their own ground, with their opposition managing only eight wins over the years when they've had to play as the away team.
Burnley wins: 8 Draws: 13 Man City wins: 34 Burnley vs Man City: Who has the better cup record?
In the cup games, City also have the upper hand. There is always talk about the magic of the cup, meaning that any result is possible – and in a one-off game such as this, that certainly remains the case.
However, the Etihad Stadium outfit have largely been victorious when coming up against the Clarets in these contests – including their recent 6-0 pummelling in the FA Cup only a few months ago, which will still be fresh in the memory for Burnley fans.
Burnley wins: 2 Man City wins: 8 Burnley vs Man City: What were the last five meetings?
Erling Haaland
18th March 2023 – Man City 6-0 Burnley (FA Cup): With Burnley flying high at the top of the Championship and playing some attractive football under Kompany, they likely would have gone into this one feeling they were capable of pulling off a shock result.
It was a match that saw the complete opposite take place. Instead, City dismantled the Clarets, with Erling Haaland bagging himself a hat-trick in the process. Julian Alvarez also got in on the act, hitting a brace to ensure a miserable night for Burnley in the cup.
2nd April 2022 – Burnley 0-2 Man City (Premier League): With the Clarets struggling at the wrong end of the table by this point, City compounded their misery by sealing a comfortable victory over their foes.
Kevin De Bruyne ensured it was the worst possible start for the home side by rifling one into the back of the net within the first five minutes, and having kept Guardiola's team at bay for a further 20, the points were then wrapped up by Ilkay Gundogan.
16th October 2021 – Man City 2-0 Burnley (Premier League): Once more, the Etihad Stadium outfit took an early lead through a Bernardo Silva strike, and despite holding their opponents for the majority of the game, it was that man De Bruyne again who bagged a second 20 minutes before the end.
3rd February 2021 – Burnley 0-2 Man City (Premier League): As it turns out, City quite like a two-goal victory over the Clarets – as well as a customary early goal.
Gabriel Jesus was quick to give his side the advantage, this time within just three minutes, to instantly put Burnley on the back foot. It was two before half-time, with Raheem Sterling, now of Chelsea, firing in a second before the break. It was then down to the away side to see out the game and pick up the win.
28 November 2020 – Man City 5-0 Burnley (Premier League): A game played behind closed doors – probably a good thing to save Burnley fans from having to watch in-person – saw the Clarets blanked again as they shipped five to City.
It was a day to remember for Riyad Mahrez, who bagged himself a hat-trick, with yet another early goal in the opening 10 minutes setting the tone.
Who has played for Burnley and Man City?
Joey Barton (Man City 2002-2007; Burnley 2015-2016, 2017): The midfielder is one of the most notable names to have featured for both clubs. He began his career with City as a teenager and was a regular in their starting XI for years in the Premier League, before they became one of the biggest sides in the division.
Barton actually produced some of his best goal contribution tallies in sky blue, bagging ten in the top tier in each of his last two seasons. It was the back end of his career that he spent with the Clarets, helping them climb out of the Championship and then marshalling their midfield upon their return to the top flight before leaving for Scotland.
Stephen Jordan (Man City 2002-2007; Burnley 2007-2010): Jordan played for City alongside Barton and also made the switch to Turf Moor from the club, albeit a lot sooner.
He was a squad player for the early part of the 2000s, managing 53 Premier League games for them and spending longer with them than anyone else in his career.
After impressing for the side, he was then snapped up by Burnley in 2007. He was a part of the side that secured a play-off victory in the Championship and stayed on with the Clarets as they were duly relegated back down to the second tier in 2009/10. As Burnley dropped down, Jordan departed for Sheffield United.
13 January 1962 – Burnley 6-3 Man City (Division One): For the Clarets' biggest-ever victory in this fixture, you have to go back 61 years, when they fired six past City, with the margin of glory as much as three goals. It was a Division One fixture – before the introduction of the Premier League – and saw the Clarets claim the spoils.
Burnley ended that season in second place, with Manchester City finishing in mid-table and Chelsea being relegated. How times have changed…
What is Man City's biggest victory over Burnley?
7 December 1968 – Man City 7-0 Burnley: Whilst City's latest FA Cup effort was a huge win, it doesn't quite make the cut as their biggest-ever win in this fixture.
That honour instead falls to a game that is only slightly more recent than Burnley's win and saw the side hit seven past their opponents without response. Held at Maine Road, it was a day to forget for the visitors.
Harmanpreet, who was set to represent Surrey Stars, has been advised a month’s rest followed by rehabilitation after an MRI confirmed a tear in her left shoulder
ESPNcricinfo staff01-Aug-2017Harmanpreet Kaur, the India allrounder, has been ruled out of the upcoming Women’s Super League in England because of a shoulder injury. Harmanpreet, who was set to represent Surrey Stars, has been advised a month’s rest followed by rehabilitation after an MRI soon upon return to India last week confirmed a tear in her left shoulder.”I was in bad shape in the later stages of the World Cup but the physios got me going. It would have been great to be a part of Kia League,” Harmanpreet was quoted as saying by . “I had a successful stint with Sydney Thunder in Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) which lifted my game and confidence. I will convey my unavailability to the franchise.”Harmanpreet, India’s second-highest run-getter at the World Cup, battled multiple injuries during the tournament. She hurt her little finger on the left hand during India’s second game, against West Indies. Ahead of the final, she was seen icing her shoulder after picking up an injury at the nets and didn’t train full tilt.”There were a couple of injuries before the final, but I was able to play thanks to our physio Tracy Fernandes,” she said. “At one point, it looked like I might have to return from the World Cup. I would like to give full credit to her for playing the full tournament.”Harmanpreet, who became the first India woman to sign a contract with an overseas T20 league, was the second-highest run-getter for Sydney Thunder in her maiden stint at the Women’s Big Bash in December-January.
In Antigua, West Indies got a bit of a leveller when they won the toss on a damp pitch and kept India to 251, but their batsmen still fell short by 93
The Report by Sidharth Monga30-Jun-2017 Scorecard and ball-by-ball details Kedar Jadhav played innovative shots in a rapid 40 which allowed India to amass 254•AFPLooking at how West Indies struggled in the chase of 310 in Trinidad, you felt they would need a leveller to compete with India. In Antigua, they got a bit of a leveller when they won the toss on a damp pitch – the start was delayed by 45 minutes because of torrential rain a day before the match – and kept India to 251, but their batsmen still fell short by 93.It was also a leveller that ODI cricket can do with every now and then: slips in place, value on short singles, premium on playing long innings. Reaching the run rate of four only in 43rd over, India’s 251 for 4 was the third-lowest total this decade for a side batting first and losing four wickets or fewer. Ajinkya Rahane, auditioning for the opener-cum-middle-order reserve role, batted through 42 overs for 72; his strike rate of 64.28 was the second-slowest since 2010 for openers batting first and facing 110 balls.However, that helped set the base for an MS Dhoni assault, who in Kedar Jadhav’s company, added 81 in the last 7.4 overs to take India well past 220, which might have been about par, considering West Indies’ inexperienced bating. Rahane’s wicket seemed to have come at the right time: Jadhav got 26 balls to smack 40 runs in, and Dhoni matched it with 50 off the last 29 balls he faced.Devendra Bishoo was again the pick of the bowlers, going for 38 runs for the wicket of Yuvraj Singh and adding a stunning catch to it. He, though, was introduced after Ashley Nurse had bowled five overs. The focus was clear: despite a helpful pitch and a start that had reduced India to 34 for 2, West Indies were happy to contain and take the wickets that came their way instead of actively going out looking for them.Those of Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli came their way. They didn’t display the required patience to weather this mode of bowling. Dhawan ramped a short ball but lack of pace did him in. Despite struggling against the unpredictable bounce, Kohli went to steer a rising delivery and gave the man at gully a catch. Yuvraj Singh’s wicket would have come West Indies’ way earlier than it did, but they neither appealed strongly nor reviewed when Yuvraj should have been out. By the time they got Yuvraj – thanks to a review again – he and Rahane had added 66, taken India to 100 and into the 27th over.Rahane had slowed down after scoring 19 off the first 19 balls he faced, and Dhoni himself struggled against the spin of Bishoo. The two batted on, but West Indies kept squeezing through defensive bowling. By the 39th over, it seemed Dhoni had decided it was time to go. He went after Bishoo, in his ninth over. One slog fell short of long-on, and the other lobbed towards short third man, to debutant Kyle Hope, who had earlier taken an excellent catch to dismiss Kohli. This time, though, the ball seemed to hold up in the wind, and started to dip just short of him. He dived after having committed to go one way, but couldn’t control the catch. Dhoni was only 28 off 50 at that point.Rahane didn’t enjoy similar luck when he decided it was time to go, against Miguel Cummins’ pace in the 43rd over. Bishoo judged his upper-cut perfectly, ran in from deep point, and dived at the right moment.Rahane had gone after Cummins not just because there was finally pace on the ball but also because debutant Kesrick Williams, charged with bowling five overs out of the last nine, was doing well. So Dhoni targeted Jason Holder, and took 17 off his last over, stunningly fetching one length ball from wide outside off and depositing it flat over square leg for six. Jadhav saw Dhoni’s innovation, and raised him a sweep shot off Cummins, having gone on a knee and well outside off well before Cummins released, and then pulling off the shot with surprising ease thanks to his still head.Steady heads was what West Indies needed at the top, but Umesh Yadav broke through the defence of Ewin Lewis in his first over, skidding the ball under his bat from round the wicket. That brought together brothers Hope, Kyle and Shai, who added 45 for the second wicket before they both fell to bouncers from Hardik Pandya. West Indies continued to misread Kuldeep Yadav, who bowled Roston Chase with a wrong’un, before R Ashwin premiered a new bowling action and struck in his first over.Ashwin shaped up to bowl a bit like a legspinner would but focused on his offbreaks more than he did in the previous match. In his first over, he had an overbalanced Jason Holder stumped with a wide down the leg side. You can’t be certain if Holder did actually play for a legbreak. You can be certain West Indies were now looking at their last hope: the partnership between Jason Mohammed and Rovman Powell.Powell played a couple of attractive strokes to go with a couple of streaky ones as the two added 54 together, but India slowed down the pace of the game. Spin came on at both ends, four runs came in 23 balls, and Powell finally tried the big slog to give Kuldeep his second wicket. Ashwin soon had his second with the trigger-happy Ashley Nurse caught at square leg. West Indies still needed 104 at that point. Only finishing touches were left, which the spinners duly did.
The Championship campaign officially kicks off in just over two weeks and Sunderland still have time to make further additions to their squad.
Who do Sunderland start their season against?
Tony Mowbray's side start their season with a match against Ipswich Town at the Stadium of Light and are likely to be without centre-forward Ross Stewart.
The Scotland international is reportedly set to miss the clash through injury as he continues to recover from an Achilles issue.
This means that the head coach does not currently have a senior number nine to call upon ahead of the opening day, which is why he must dip into the market within the next two weeks to sign a striker.
One reported transfer target for the second-tier outfit in that position is Bologna centre-forward Sydney van Hooijdonk, who just spent the season on loan at Heerenveen.
How good is Sydney van Hooijdonk?
The 23-year-old gem could be an excellent player for Sunderland as his form throughout the 2022/23 campaign suggests that he has the potential to be a reliable scorer for the club.
Mowbray could land winger Jack Clarke a dream partner on the pitch for the upcoming season as the former Tottenham Hotspur winger may end up with a striker who has the quality to make the most of the chances he creates.
Van Hooijdonk plundered 16 goals in 20 Eredivisie starts for Heerenveen, which came after the exciting dynamo found the back of the net six times in 13 Dutch top-flight outings during the first six months of his 18-month loan.
Meanwhile, No Sunderland player scored more than 14 Championship goals last season and only two players hit double figures.
This suggests that the Bologna prospect, who was once dubbed "prolific" by scout Jacek Kulig, could add a much-needed goal threat through the middle of the pitch for Mowbray.
Sunderland winger Jack Clarke.
He could, therefore, be perfect for Clarke as his ability to score goals on a regular basis, if it translates over from Dutch football, makes him a dream target for the former Leeds United prodigy.
The English wizard enjoyed a sublime run of form last term. The talented ace averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across 45 Championship matches and contributed with an impressive number of goals and assists.
Only Stewart (10) and Amad Diallo (14), who has since returned to Manchester United following his loan spell on Wearside, scored more league goals for the club than Clarke (nine) did.
Creatively, the 22-year-old magician was outstanding for Sunderland.
He assisted a whopping 12 league goals for the Black Cats, which was five more than any other player, and produced 1.7 key passes per game – the most within the squad.
In fact, no player in the entire Championship assisted more goals than Clarke did last season, although Viktor Gyokeres also assisted 12 strikes for Coventry prior to his move to Sporting in Portugal.
Now, imagine the £17k-per-week hotshot consistently creating big opportunities for van Hooijdonk, who scored 35 goals in 41 U19 matches for NEC Breda during his youth career, to find the back of the net.
They could be a dream pairing who are able to strike fear into defenders next season, due to the potential link-up that they could have in the final third.