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Glasgow Rangers earned all three points in the Scottish Premiership at Saturday lunchtime to set themselves up nicely for their UEFA Europa League clash.

Scott Wright and James Tavernier ensured of the win in the end, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team did make it hard for themselves, as Leon Balogun was given a straight red card just shy of the half-hour mark, as they conceded to Ross Tierney just a few minutes later.

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As such, The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the visitors on the day, with these three perhaps looking over their shoulders regarding their places in the XI on Thursday:

Glen Kamara

With a 6.6 overall rating, Kamara ranks in third here as both Balogun and Amad Diallo did not play 45 minutes.

Criticised for his role in Motherwell’s goal, the Finland international lost the ball cheaply eight times in total, while he also lost three of his duels, made no clearances and did not block any shots on his goal.

Calvin Bassey

Coming on for Diallo in a defensive change after Balogun’s sending off, Bassey did not shower himself in glory with a 6.5 rating.

The 22-year-old lost one of his two duels, made no interceptions or tackles, blocked no shots and gave the ball away twice, making one foul in the process.

Borna Barisic

Barisic ranked as the Teddy Bears’ worst performer with a 6.3 rating given.

The left-back was unsuccessful in six of his duels, while he also failed to block any shots, was dribbled past twice and lost possession a mammoth 27 times, the second-most of any player on the pitch.

In other news, find out what ‘huge blow’ for the Gers has now emerged here!

Pakistan fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan has finally managed to meet PCB chairman Ijaz Butt after several unsuccessful attempts earlier, regarding his appeal against the one-year ban imposed on him by the board

Cricinfo staff24-Sep-2010After several unsuccessful attempts, Pakistan fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan has finally met PCB chairman Ijaz Butt to plead his case against the one-year ban imposed on him by the board.”Friday’s meeting was good and I hope to get good news soon,” Naved told .However, Naved’s appeal, which was supposed to be heard on September 25 by the tribunal headed by retired Justice Irfan Qadir, has been adjourned again. “We will announce a new date on Saturday,” PCB lawyer Talib Rizvi said.Naved was one of seven players punished by the PCB after Pakistan’s winless tour of Australia earlier this year. He was fined Rs 2 million in addition to his one-year ban. The other six players have already had their bans revoked and fines lifted or reduced. Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf, both of whom were banned, have since been recalled to the Pakistan side as well.Naved has played nine Tests, 74 ODIs and four Twenty20s for Pakistan. He said his county experience could have been useful on the recent England tour. “I have lot of cricket left in me and I am desperate to play for Pakistan. It was disappointing to see Pakistan lose on the England tour where I could have been successful because of my experience in county cricket.”

This was the game the summer so desperately needed. A tight contest, in front of a full house, fought to the bitter end as England held their nerve, securing a four-wicket victory with three balls remaining to ensure Andrew Strauss’s fantastic 126 didn’t

The Bulletin by Andrew McGlashan at Headingley12-Sep-2010
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAndrew Strauss scored his fifth ODI hundred to power England’s challenge•Getty ImagesThis was the game the summer so desperately needed. A tight contest, in front of a full house, fought to the bitter end as England held their nerve, securing a four-wicket victory with three balls remaining to ensure Andrew Strauss’s fantastic 126 didn’t go to waste. For a while that looked a close-run thing as the middle order stuttered in the final 10 overs, but Michael Yardy and Tim Bresnan retained their composure to keep the home side’s winning run going, and hoist them up to No. 2 in the World ODI rankings.Strauss and Jonathan Trott added 146 for the second wicket to break the back of a stiff 295-run chase after Pakistan’s most complete batting display of the tour. England were never in total command of the asking-rate, but the requirement was looking more challenging than they would have liked after some less-than-clear thinking during the batting Powerplay. After 40 overs they were 221 for 3 – exactly the same score that Pakistan had reached- however, Strauss fell lbw sweeping at Saeed Ajmal before Eoin Morgan, England’s cool-headed finisher, picked out the only fielder on the off-side boundary at deep point. Ravi Bopara then failed to clear long-off against Ajmal in the penultimate over to keep the punters on tenterhooks.But Yardy is also proving himself to be a consummate closer of run-chases having twice been in the middle during the Twenty20 internationals, and he collected a pair of vital boundaries off Umar Gul and Ajmal. Needing 13 off the last two overs, all that was required was clear thinking, but Bopara tried to take advantage of the fielding restrictions and failed, which left Bresnan to guide the side home in front of his home crowd. He cut his first ball through the covers then, in the last over from Gul, top-edged a pull off the keeper to level the scores and extinguish the doubts.Bresnan had shown calmness earlier in the summer against Australia, at Old Trafford, as England nicked a one-wicket win having looked like throwing victory away, but it was fitting that this win was secured in marginally shambolic fashion as Bresnan chanced a non-existent single to mid-off only for Fawad Alam’s throw to miss. So after a few deep breaths and nervous moments England could celebrate a 2-0 cushion in the five-match series and it would have been harsh on Strauss if his innings had ended in a losing cause.There are still those who question Strauss’s place in the one-day side because of a concern his style – dominated by square-of-the-wicket shots – won’t be so successful on the slower subcontinent pitches England will face during the World Cup. But he can do no more than score a bucketload of runs, which he has done in recent one-day matches with this being his second hundred in three games following the 154 he struck against Bangladesh at Edgbaston.Strauss’s game is also evolving and while he will probably never plunder runs between mid-off and mid-on, they are still viable scoring areas. His swipe for six over midwicket off Shahid Afridi to reach fifty showed how his game has developed against slow bowling since his return to the one-day arena 18 months ago. It was his 21st six in seven years of ODI cricket. Eleven of those have come since June.Pakistan will rue two moments; firstly when Mohammad Irfan spilled a catch at short fine-leg with Strauss on 23, then when he was on 38 as Kamran Akmal held a superb catch diving down the leg-side off Gul and Pakistan were convinced there was a glove. Billy Doctrove, however, was unmoved. Still, though, the visitors’ fielding was poor with too many fumbles and poor arms in the outfield.Steven Davies had given another eye-catching glimpse of his ability with 26 off 21 balls to help launch the innings positively before edging behind against Shoaib Akthar and then Strauss was joined by Trott in the crucial partnership. Trott continued to bat in the bubble he has occupied all summer, content to work the gaps while his captain was batting so fluently.His fifty came from 67 balls and progress was serene for England with barely more than a run a ball required over the last 17 overs. That changed, though, when Trott was run out from short third-man having survived an lbw shout only to charge down the pitch for a reaction single. Paul Collingwood again couldn’t get his innings going and picked out long-off against Afridi with Pakistan suddenly believing. They couldn’t quite pull off a comeback, but there were continued signs of improvement throughout.Kamran led from the top with a powerful 72-ball 74. That was followed by a maiden one-day fifty from the impressive Asad Shafiq while Mohammad Yousuf contributed a calm 46. England were below their usual high standards especially with the ground fielding, while Stuart Broad’s 4 for 81 was the most expensive four-wicket haul in ODI history.James Anderson was the only bowler to offer early control as Kamran took to Bresnan and Broad in an opening stand of 122 with Mohammad Hafeez – Pakistan’s best in any international during their stay in England. Kamran collected his second consecutive fifty, this one at a run a ball, before playing across the line at Collingwood’s second delivery.However, for once the middle order had a platform set for them which allowed Yousuf and Shafiq to consolidate before attacking again. Yousuf, who offered one very tough opportunity on 18 when Morgan couldn’t quite make up considerable ground at deep midwicket, fell when he tried to guide Broad to third man, but Shafiq continued to show his talent when he skipped down the pitch and launched Graeme Swann over long-on.But Pakistan didn’t make full use of their Powerplay as Broad, despite being expensive, claimed three wickets in seven balls while Bresnan and Anderson had their yorkers on target. That lack of late ignition meant the total didn’t cross 300 and that proved crucial in the final outcome.

Sulieman Benn, the West Indies left-arm spinner, has been suspended for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his team’s third Test match against South Africa in Barbados

Cricinfo staff10-Jul-2010Sulieman Benn, the West Indies left-arm spinner, has been suspended for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third Test against South Africa in Barbados last month. South Africa had asked the ICC to take disciplinary action against him last week following his altercation with fast bowler Dale Steyn on the third day of the Test.Benn pleaded guilty to a Level 2 breach of the code and was penalised by match referee Jeff Crowe. His previous disciplinary troubles means he now faces a ban of one Test or two ODIs or two Twenty20s, whichever comes first.The incident took place during lunch on the third day at the Kensington Oval when Benn barged into the South African dressing room and taunted some of the players and management. This followed the dismissal of Steyn a few overs before lunch when the fast bowler appeared to spit in the direction of Benn as he walked towards the pavilion. That cost Steyn his entire match fee, though the match referee agreed that Benn had provoked Steyn in the overs leading up to his dismissal.”Whatever had gone on before Sulieman entered the Proteas’ dressing room, while helping to explain his behaviour, cannot justify it,” Crowe said. “Clearly, Sulieman has acted inappropriately here and in a way that is contrary to the spirit of cricket.”Benn has had behavioural issues over the past year, including a dust-up with Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin during the Perth Test in December, which earned him a two-ODI ban. He was fined his full match fee by the West Indies management last month after he was ordered off the field by captain Chris Gayle for failing to follow his instructions during the fourth ODI against South Africa.His spat with Steyn was not the only ugly incident in an ill-tempered final Test in Barbados. Fast bowler Kemar Roach lost half his match fee after a run-in with Jacques Kallis during the closing stages of the match. He repeatedly walked up to and exchanged words with the batsman after testing him with a series of bouncers. The stand-off threatened to escalate and required the intervention of the umpires and West Indies fielders to come under control.

Former Everton player Wayne Rooney has hinted that he could take up the vacant managerial role at Goodison Park, with the 36-year-old currently in charge at Championship strugglers Derby County

What’s the story?

According to The Daily Express, the Toffees have a three-man shortlist to replace Rafael Benitez, who was sacked earlier this week, with Rooney joining former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and Fabio Cannavaro on the reported wish list.

It has also been reported that Everton chairman Bill Kenwright would be keen to see the former Evertonian take the managerial vacancy, but it is also believed that owner Farhad Moshiri could block the move given the 36-year-old’s lack of dugout experience.

However, when quizzed on the possibility of taking the job, Rooney stated: “I think maybe down the line, maybe one day. I’ll always dream about becoming Everton manager, but of course, I’ve not quite got that experience.

“My job at the moment is to take the upcoming games, steady the ship, and the club will go through a process identifying the new manager. I’m sure they’ll do that, and they’ll bring the new manager in.”

The 36-year-old added: “You never know in football, do you? But at the moment, my job is to focus on the next game. That’s it.

“I focus on the next game, and what happens down the line will be up to the club. We’re always looking for the best managers in the world, and I’m sure we’ll find that.

“I’m the same as everyone else. I see the speculation on social media and in the newspapers and, of course, Everton is a club I grew up supporting.”

The Derby manager has been praised for his efforts amid an ongoing crisis for the Rams on numerous occasions this season, with Sky Sports pundit Glenn Murray saying that “Derby got their tactics perfect” after a 1-0 victory over promotion-hunting West Bromwich Albion during the festive period.

Everton should hire Wayne Rooney

Everton Football Club finds itself in the middle of an identity crisis. The Toffees will appoint their sixth permanent manager in five-and-a-half years with their replacement for Benitez, who lasted just over six months in the job.

The Merseyside outfit find themselves in a position well below where they aspire to be, but they still have four months to turn their campaign around, so they have to get this appointment right.

With Duncan Ferguson as caretaker manager, the Toffees are in good hands, with someone who cares extensively about the club and has taken on a similar role in the past. However, the 50-year-old doesn’t appear to be in contention for the role permanently.

By hiring Rooney, the Goodison Park faithful will likely be buzzing given that they would find their team in a rare scenario where they’re managed by a boyhood fan of the club, rather than an overseas coach like Benitez, Carlo Ancelotti or Ronald Koeman whose ties might not be as strong.

The 36-year-old’s strong connection with the Toffees and demand for a turnaround could ultimately prove refreshing and exactly what the club needs.

Granted, experience is a limiting factor with the Derby job his only permanent role to date, and the Englishman may be keen to see the season through in the Midlands. However, should Everton come knocking, it could prove to be an offer that Rooney cannot refuse.

In other news: Everton could be without one player for much longer than feared

It says much about Warwickshire’s season that the loudest cheer of the day came when they avoided the follow-on.

George Dobell at Edgbaston05-Jun-2010
ScorecardIt says much about Warwickshire’s season that the loudest cheer of the day came when they avoided the follow-on. How their supporters’ ambitions have fallen. Once they targeted victories and championships; now they seem pleased if their side makes the opposition bat twice.Perhaps such an attitude is not surprising. This was the fourth championship game in succession in which Warwickshire have failed to pass 150 in their first innings (after scores of 113 against Lancashire, 127 against Somerset and 100 against Durham) and none of their top seven in this match have yet recorded a century this season. After eight championship matches, Warwickshire have claimed just nine batting bonus points. It’s the least of any side in either division.There are, on this occasion, some mitigating factors. This is a desperately difficult pitch for batsmen and losing the toss – as they have done in all home fixtures this season – is a notable disadvantage. Indeed, bearing in mind their struggles against spin bowling, Warwickshire may reflect on the wisdom of preparing pitches that offer so much assistance to them.Somerset’s bowlers also harnessed the conditions well. Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik, gaining sharp turn and bowling with pleasing flight and variation, was particularly impressive in claiming the 28th five-wicket haul of his career. He must wish he could play Warwickshire every week. Barely 10 days ago, he took 6 for 61 against them at Taunton.But the loss of 17 wickets in a single day tells its own story. This is a not a good pitch. The bounce is irregular – with some balls rearing and a few beginning to scuttle – rendering it an unequal battle between bat and ball. It was something of a surprise when the umpires declared themselves content with the pitch and ruled out a call to the pitch inspector.In the context of the game, Ben Phillips’ belligerent innings of 44 was the performance of the day. Coming to the crease with his side wobbling on 72 for 6, Phillips batted sensibly. He used his long reach to nullify the spin, his strength to put away the poor ball and, unlike many of the top order batsmen on either side who lunged forward hopefully, played back to the spinners with some success. While Phillips crunched six fours and one pulled six off Rikki Clarke, no-one else managed more than 27 on the second day.Until Phillips’ late contribution, the bowlers had been on top. Though Warwickshire showed welcome fight, it was always an uphill struggle to defy the bowlers in such circumstances. Troughton overcame painful blows to the hands to both his first two deliveries, while Chopra survived an edge between slip and gully, but neither hinted at permanence.Chopra and Clarke were both drawn into playing at probing deliveries on or around off stump, before Troughton was caught off bat and pad at leg slip and Botha missed a slog-sweep. Johnson and Woakes were both beaten by sharp turn and edged their defensive prods to slip.Not that all the batsmen were blameless. Darren Maddy pulled directly to the man positioned for the shot on the square-leg boundary while Imran Tahir edged a wild slash. Apart from them, all eight wickets owed more to good bowling and tricky conditions than poor batting.Somerset had things little better in reply. Trescothick played down the wrong line to one that swung back at him, before Buttler was set-up by an outswinger and beaten by one that came in. Suppiah was bowled off the inside edge, prodding forward to one that bounced on him, before Hildreth fell to a googly, Kieswetter to a topspinner and Trego was powerless to keep one out that kept low.The flurry of wickets briefly raised Warwickshire’s spirits, but their joy may well prove short-lived. While a fourth-innings target of around 300 may not look intimidating in normal circumstances, on this pitch it seems mountainous.

With Sheffield Wednesday currently sat ninth in the League One table, 13 points away from Rotherham United and Sunderland at the top of the pile, the January transfer window could give the Owls the best opportunity to strengthen their squad so that they can make a strong push towards a play-off place.

However, it seems as though Wednesday fans may have to sit tight for the time being when it comes to seeing any potential new players come into the club.

What’s the latest?

In a recent online Q&A for Yorkshire Live, Howson was asked if there are currently any new signings in the pipeline for Darren Moore’s side.

In response, he said: “As things stand, there is nothing close. I am not expecting a new player to come in before Plymouth. Wednesday are working hard behind the scenes on a number of deals. DM has a few irons in the fire.

“The issue is clubs are hoarding players. They are worried about the possibility of being hit by a [virus] outbreak. Clubs don’t want to leave themselves short in the second half of the season.”

Sheffield Wednesday fans could be sweating

With just three centre-backs, one left-back and two right-backs in their squad at the moment according to Transfermarkt, it seems as though the Owls could do with adding some defensive reinforcements to their ranks at some point this month.

Given how Moore’s side have conceded six goals in their two previous league outings, this only highlights the need for some extra stability and strength at the back if they are to have any chance of making their way up the table in the coming weeks and months.

Moving forward, with just over two weeks left until the January transfer window closes, Wednesday will need to ensure that the “irons in the fire”, as Howson put it, will materialise into one or two new recruits at Hillsborough, particularly in defence. Otherwise, Owls fans could well be sweating over the possibility of facing up to another season in League One.

In other news: Howson drops transfer claim on “key component” at Hillsborough which will have fans buzzing

Many Manchester United fans have been left slamming the display of Aaron Wan-Bissaka despite their 3-1 win at home to Burnley on Thursday night.

Goals from Scott McTominay and Cristiano Ronaldo, with an own goal from Ben Mee sandwiched in between, were enough to give the Red Devils all three points at Old Trafford, despite Aaron Lennon rolling back the years by pulling one back for the Clarets.

Wan-Bissaka was brought in by Ralf Rangnick to replace Diogo Dalot at right-back, but the German manager may not have liked what he saw, as the former Crystal Palace man lost out on four of his duels, and failed to record a single interception, tackle or cross in the entire game (SofaScore).

Wan-Bissaka also gave the ball away on no fewer than 14 separate occasions in total, the joint-fourth most out of any of his teammates, in what was a disappointing night for him individually.

Man Utd fans slam Wan-Bissaka

These MUFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is ‘clueless’:

“Wan-Bissaka and Maguire need to go! They are so terrible!”

Credit: @KingOfAshlantis

“Wan-Bissaka is like watching a goalkeeper play outfield. Quick sell him!”

Credit: @Mackr_92

“Aaron Wan-Bissaka plays football like he only woke up with feet this morning”

Credit: @ryuande17

“Aaron Wan-Bissaka will never be good enough for Manchester United. Utterly clueless as a footballer”

Credit: @M_v_Baron

“Too many poor decisions from Wan-Bissaka”

Credit: @Andyravenclaw13

“Wan-Bissaka is not a footballer”

Credit: @UTDNath

In other news, find out what Rangnick revelation has Red Devils fuming here!

A round-up from the latest Friends Provident t20 matches as a host of England players make a rare county appearance

13-Jun-2010North GroupJim Troughton impressed for Warwickshire before the rain came•Getty ImagesSamit Patel’s second half-century in three days secured a third straight win for Nottinghamshire as they swept aside Worcestershire by six wickets with 23 balls to spare. After limiting the visitors to 150 for 7, with Dirk Nannes and Graeme White both picking up two wickets, Patel hit 63 from 34 balls with five fours and three sixes while David Hussey was unbeaten on 34, finishing off the match with a straight six.Yorkshire suffered a 14-run defeat to Northamptonshire under the Duckworth-Lewis method in their Friends Provident t20 clash at Headingley – but the home side were struggling even before the weather closed in. Replying to the Steelbacks’ modest 151 for 7 the hosts were 51 for 4 after 7.5 overs and falling well behind the required rate. Yorkshire’s innings started badly when Jacques Rudolph fell to a great diving catch at long on in the first over from Chaminda Vaas and it became 16 for 2 as skipper Andrew Gale drove to wide mid-off and become the first of three victims for paceman Jack Brooks.A rapid half-century by Warwickshire left hander Jim Troughton went to waste when rain ended Lancashire’s reply in the meeting at Edgbaston. Openers Tom Smith and Paul Horton made three runs in a solitary over from Neil Carter before the match was abandoned with each side taking one point to stay in contention in a congested North group.Paul Collingwood shone with the ball on his first Durham appearance of the season before rain wrecked their match with Derbyshire. England’s World Twenty20-winning captain conceded only 21 runs from his four overs, but the Dynamos were still facing a daunting run chase after the Falcons plundered 172 for 3 from 19 overs. Loots Bosman scored his second half century in the competition and former Somerset batsman Wes Durston hit two sixes and seven fours in an unbeaten 71 from 53 balls.South GroupKevin Pietersen made his first appearance for Hampshire for two years in their match with Surrey but was upstaged by opening batsman Jimmy Adams. The left hander went on to make 101 not out, his first century in the competition, and share in a stand of 144 in 12 overs with Sean Ervine for the third wicket. Hampshire finished with 201 for 2 and Surrey made a reasonable fist of their chase before going down by 10 runs. They made 191 for 9 but were never seriously threatening the Hampshire total.Middlesex beat Essex by five runs in a thrilling gameat Lord’s to record their second win of the season in the competition. The hosts had posted a substantial total of 200 for 6 from their allotted overs, with captain-elect Neil Dexter top-scoring with 43, but their opponents produced a brave attempt in the pursuit thanks to a stunning effort from Ryan ten Doeschate. The Dutch all-rounder scored 102 from 54 deliveries, clearing the ropes on seven occasions and also adding five fours to keep his side in the hunt. When he eventually holed out to Eoin Morgan at cover off the bowling of Pedro Collins, Essex required a further 23 runs. But the initiative had been regained by the home side with the wicket and when the final over commenced, 15 runs were needed.Kent cruised to a 36-run victory over Gloucestershire at Gloucester after posting an imposing 217 all out – their highest Twenty20 score. The Spitfires made the most of the short boundaries at Archdeacon Meadow to hammer the highest score in the South Division this season, with Rob Key (44), Joe Denly (48) and Alex Blake (33) the main contributors. Will Porterfield’s bright 43 gave Gloucestershire hope, but they collapsed from 62 for 1 to 94 for 6 as Simon Cook took three wickets for 22 runs. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 181, despite Chris Taylor’s defiant 67 off 36 balls.Defending Twenty20 champions Sussex preserved their 100 per cent record to win the South Group top of the table clash against previously unbeaten Glamorgan at Cardiff. In an enthralling contest of twists and turns Glamorgan won the toss and made a competitive 143 for 6 in their 20 overs on a Cardiff pitch that had been used for two previous Friends Provident t20 matches. But on the slow surface Sussex reached their target by three wickets with seven balls to spare.

Cricinfo previews the return match between Deccan Chargers and Chennai Super Kings in Nagpur

The Preview by Sidharth Monga 09-Apr-2010 Match facts Deccan v Chennai, Nagpur
Saturday, April 10
Start time 1600 (1030 GMT)If Deccan beat Chennai, four teams will be level on ten points•Indian Premier League Big Picture The rules of the game have changed a bit since Deccan Chargers beat Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday night. Had Deccan rolled over and died in the big chase then, this match wouldn’t be between Deccan and Chennai Super Kings. This rather would have been one part of the tussle between Chennai, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals.Now, though, not only have Deccan thrown their hat in, Bangalore too are not so sure of their progress. Instead of a three-way tussle for the last spot, it has become a five-way epic for the last two slots. This heightened scenario of permutations and combinations will of course stand all but squashed if Chennai beat Deccan in Nagpur, where the latter choked so spectacularly against Rajasthan.If Deccan build some sort of momentum, though, and beat Chennai, more intrigue will follow: Chennai, Bangalore, Deccan and Kolkata will we levelled at 10 points each in that scenario, with the second match of Saturday to break up the tie between Kolkata and Bangalore. It’s all a bit delicate for all the five teams involved, and time for making mistakes is gone. This much is given: both sides will be feeling good after upset victories against Bangalore and Mumbai Indians in their last respective matches.Form guide (most recent first)Chennai Super Kings WWWLL
Deccan Chargers WLLLL Team talkT Suman solved a big headache for Deccan, becoming the first Indian domestic player to make a sizeable contribution for them this season. It might still be a step too far for them to do away with an overseas allrounder, Mitchell Marsh in this case, and bring in Chaminda Vaas to bolster a struggling bowling attack. In tough times, though, tough teams make tough calls.Doug Bollinger’s arrival has given Chennai the x-factor they needed, but Thilan Thushara’s impressive performance ahead of Muttiah Muralitharan will give them a bit of a selectorial headache, especially with Albie Morkel and Justin Kemp returning to fitness. Morkel should take his place ahead of Mike Hussey, which will make it an interesting toss-up between Thushara and Murali. Sudeep Tyagi should retain his place ahead of L Balaji, Manpreet Gony and Joginder Sharma. PreviouslyDeccan 3, Chennai 2
In their first match, in the first week of the tournament, Deccan racked up 190 and defended it with ease in Chennai, to break their head-to-head tie over the last two seasons. In the spotlight Adam Gilchrist has been striking at the rate of 176.81 per 100 balls, but the trouble for Deccan is he has lasted on an average only 13.8 balls per innings. Teams are mindful that one of these days he will play 50 balls, and run away with the match. Chennai will hope Saturday is not one of those days.Something similar could be said of Matthew Hayden, who is yet to follow up his Mongoose-driven demolition of Delhi Daredevils with another match-winning innings. Just as with Gilchrist, his long-time ODI opening partner, Hayden’s next big innings can’t be too far away. We are in for some match if their big days coincide on the Saturday. Prime numbers At 12 wickets, Murali is three short of purple-cap-holder Pragyan Ojha. Gilchrist’s 176.81 is the best strike-rate among those who have scored 200 or more in this IPL.At 89 wickets, Morkel is only one strike behind the most successful bowler in all Twenty20s, Yasir Arafat. The chatter “A 90% improved performance, still 10% left to do.”
“I think the fresh legs in our team after the three changes helped us. It was late when I went to bed, still feeling very elated. The next morning, I couldn’t believe we had won.”