All posts by h716a5.icu

Arsenal are back in Premier League action later today, however, this game holds far less weight given their deflating loss last time out. Having drawn three games in a row beforehand, Manchester City put what seemingly is the final nail in the coffin to all but end the Gunners' title pursuit. They are by no means out of it, but Pep Guardiola very rarely loses it from these kinds of positions.

That being said, it remains a wholly positive campaign for Mikel Arteta and his young squad, who have defied all expectations to challenge for as long as they have done.

The goal will remain much the same with just five games remaining: try and win every single one.

With Chelsea next on their hit list, their Spanish boss will see this as a fine opportunity to take advantage of the Blues' poor form whilst lifting themselves out of their lull.

Since returning to the dugout as caretaker, Frank Lampard has lost every single game, scoring just once. It has been far from the romantic return their former midfielder envisioned, as for all the talent on display they just cannot seem to function as a team. Going forward, as outlined in their lack of goals, is clearly where their main issues lie.

By unleashing Kieran Tierney for tonight's clash, Arteta could not only offer a solid defensive presence but encourage the Scotsman to bomb down his flank whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko occupies a more advanced central midfield role.

This could be the game where the Gunners pile on the embarrassment, and truly put the 44-year-old to the sword.

Will Kieran Tierney play vs Chelsea?

Despite having been used sparingly throughout this campaign, the 25-year-old did start relatively recently in their draw with West Ham United.

The £110k-per-week defender has endured another tough year in north London for fitness, as it seems since that move from Celtic his body has continued to fail him.

That last season in Scotland did merit five assists in just 20 league games though, suggesting that the attacking impetus lays dormant just waiting to be reignited. Also, when compared to other full-backs across Europe, the warrior ranks in the top 9% for total shots and the top 12% for both progressive carries and passes, via FBref.

A wholly positive influence with a stellar defensive work rate, Arteta even once suggested that he works "like a beast" when injured to return to fitness.

Such positivity down that left flank could help add a new dimension of attacking flair, with a more direct play style than many within the squad. This, in turn, could bamboozle Lampard, who still seems unsure of what his best lineup is and which formation might suit.

Also, in the five games these two tacticians have squared off in, the Englishman has only mustered one win. Therefore, the return of Tierney could well administer more embarrassment against Arteta.

With the former Everton boss floundering in this fresh role and Arsenal seeking to take out the anger of recent failures on someone, it seems a perfect storm has formed.

Liverpool are now unlikely to move for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka, journalist Dean Jones has revealed.

What's going on with Ndicka?

The centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season, and is set to leave Frankfurt. At 23, he could be a player that interests a lot of clubs, as a left-footed central defender.

Liverpool were previously linked with a move for the Frenchman, but it now seems that he is set to move elsewhere.

Ndicka has been described as "exciting," and with wages of £20k-per-week, it could have been a fairly cheap deal to pull off.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones revealed that Ndicka could join Napoli, and that he is unlikely to move to Anfield this summer.

"Liverpool have been linked with Evan Ndicka as a potential solution to helping their defensive depth for next season, but it seems Napoli is a more likely destination" he stated.

"It’s an interesting one because the profile of the player seems a good fit, but over the past couple of weeks I have struggled to find anyone that believes it is going to be a deal Liverpool push for.

"And now in Italy, there seems to be confidence that Napoli are looking at him and are putting themselves in a good position to make a proposal. So it feels like we can probably scratch him off the list."

Do Liverpool need a centre-back?

Despite an impressive recent run of form, Liverpool have suffered a large drop-off from last season, and reinforcements are needed across the pitch.

Virgil van Dijk has come in for criticism over his form this season, as the once flawless Dutchman has started to look vulnerable, and extra cover for the 31-year-old could be useful this summer.

Ndicka could have been the long-term successor for Van Dijk as a left-sided defender, and he could have formed a partnership with fellow Frenchman Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool could still look at a defender, as Joe Gomez has also come in for criticism, and Joel Matip is ageing. A younger option who could rotate, and perhaps eventually start next to Konate could help pad the squad.

Klopp's side still have a shot at Champions League qualification, but may be forced to settle for a Europa League spot, and a large squad will be needed regardless of which competition they qualify for.

Australia’s interim coach, Justin Langer has forecast the possibility of choosing two spinners on slow Caribbean surfaces as he mentors Australia’s ODI team in the tri-series with West Indies and South Africa that begins on June 3

Daniel Brettig31-May-2016Australia’s interim coach, Justin Langer has forecast the possibility of choosing two spinners on slow Caribbean surfaces in the tri-series with West Indies and South Africa that begins on June 3.Slotted in as Australia’s interim coach while Darren Lehmann takes some time out ahead of future assignments, Langer does not want to tinker too much with a successful limited-overs formula and will also be seeking to get acquainted with a role he may find himself applying for in a full-time capacity in future.Langer said that prevailing conditions in the region, most notably Guyana where Australia play their first two matches of the series, meant both Nathan Lyon and Adam Zampa were in the frame to join the allrounder Glenn Maxwell as spin bowling options for the captain Steven Smith.”In Guyana there might be a possibility of two spinners, it comes down to team balance as well,” Langer said. “I know Glenn Maxwell has talked about the importance of him developing his all-round ability, not just his batting, so he can play a role there.”I know Nathan Lyon’s desperate to get back into the one-day side and he’s privately said the same thing. Adam Zampa’s had an excellent start to his international career [and bowls] legspin. We might have a look at how many left-handers and right-handers are in the different opposition combinations and in Guyana we may play more than one of them.”Australia’s players have assembled from a wide assortment of scenarios, whether it was playing in the IPL, recovering from injury or resuming cricket after a post-season break. Langer said it would be a key part of his role to balance the needs of each individual against the team objective to win the series.”It’s a really interesting time for the Australian cricket team,” he said. “There’s a few changes in the coaching personnel for this tour and also with the players. We’ve got some guys coming from the IPL, some guys haven’t played much cricket for a little while now and a few guys coming back from injury, so we’re going to have to manage that well.”Davey Warner has just come off an IPL final so everyone’s different and we’ve got to respect that. Some of the guys have had a short break, which is like gold in this current environment, but also this is the start of a long, 12-18 month journey for the boys. We’ve got to manage that really well, and sometimes that’s hard for the public to understand, but this is the start of a long journey for them and we’ll have to manage everyone a bit differently.”The concern for me is some of our guys haven’t played much cricket at all, and that might be important when we select the first team. Some of the guys who have been playing cricket in the IPL, albeit Twenty20 but they have been playing cricket and you can never underestimate that. So it’s really going to be a challenge how we get the balance right between giving guys match practice without any practice matches and getting the best team on the park as well.”Having finished coaching duties with Western Australia in the summer, Langer had a dramatic start to the trip in New York when he had to undergo surgery for a badly infected tooth and was then informed his credit card had been defrauded. But he has fond memories of the Caribbean region, starting with the famous 1995 tour when he was a reserve batsman watching Australia regain the Frank Worrell Trophy and end West Indies’ 15-year unbeaten run.He also acknowledges it will be a chance to think about the role of coaching Australia, four years after he left the team as assistant coach to work with WA. “I look at it as an experience and a great opportunity,” Langer said. “I say I’m a novice coach even though I feel like I’ve been doing it for a long time now, and hopefully I still say I’m a novice coach in 15 years time, because having that mindset means I’ll always keep learning.”This will be a great experience to be back on the road touring, to see how the Australian cricket team goes about their business. I know they’ve got some great routines that have made them successful and that won’t change over the next few weeks, so I don’t see it as an audition but an experience.”

Adam Voges has been grateful for the chance to tackle reverse swing and spin in England at a time when he would usually expect to be minding his off stump against the seamers

Daniel Brettig27-May-2016Adam Voges believes he can play even better than he showed in his prolific first 12 months as a Test batsman, and a succession of unexpectedly slow and dry early season English pitches are helping him hone his game for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka in July.A stalemate between Middlesex and Somerset at Lord’s, in which Voges crossed paths with his former team-mate and friend Chris Rogers, was the sixth consecutive draw for both sides this season, illustrating the impact of sluggish conditions on batsmen and bowlers alike.Voges, however, has been grateful for the chance to tackle reverse swing and spin at a time when he would usually expect to be minding his off stump against the seamers – it is a useful way to prepare for Sri Lanka and year two of his late-blooming Test match odyssey.”You might not think early season county cricket is ideal preparation, but it actually hasn’t been too bad with some of the pitches we’ve played on,” Voges told ESPNcricinfo. “There’s been quite a bit of reverse swing and there’s also been some swing on some dry wickets. So from that point of view, I feel like I’m getting some good preparation here.”I think the squad has everything covered in that regard, a couple of spinners, a couple of allrounders and plenty of pace. The brain’s trust see that as the best way to have success in those conditions and have picked the squad accordingly. So I’m yet to experience that but looking forward to it.”The first week of June marks a year since Voges was handed his baggy green cap on the Caribbean island of Dominica, an honour he followed up by becoming the game’s oldest debut centurion. That innings bankrolled Australia’s match and series victory over West Indies, and after a failed Ashes capaign, Voges gorged himself against New Zealand and West Indies at home and away.His average was at laughable proportions for much of the summer, before settling back below Sir Donald Bradman at 95.50. Alarmingly for bowlers, Voges thinks he has better innings ahead of him. “I’ve had a bit of an opportunity to reflect on what’s been a pretty good 12 months,” Voges said. “Certainly I’ve enjoyed my time in the Test team and hopefully there’s some more good times to come.”I see my time here with Middlesex not only as an opportunity to continue to play good cricket but to continue to work on my game. I’m still improving and still think there are areas I can get better at. That’s what I’ve been working hard at with Sri Lanka in mind. Hopefully the hard work here will pay off over there.”Consistent overseas success is the key goal for the side led by Steven Smith. After winning out against New Zealand across the Tasman, there is a strong resolve to demonstrate greater aptitude in unfamiliar climes, with Sri Lanka up next, then a tour of India looming after the home summer.”I think we made some good strides in New Zealand,” Voges said. “We had a couple of really successful Test matches there that culminated in us becoming No. 1 in the world, which is a great achievement in itself. The guys are certainly focused on building on that.”It’s a new group, but one that’s been together for a little while now. Hopefully we continue to grow together and continue to play some good cricket, which we’ve done over the past 12 months.”

Aston Villa has enjoyed a phenomenal resurgence under Unai Emery, who has triumphed in 13 of his 22 Premier League games at the helm, propelling his new club to the cusp of European football.

The Spaniard has allowed players like Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey, and Tyrone Mings to flourish, finding some of the best form of their careers.

However, despite many areas of improvement, one player who has drastically underperformed for a considerable period is Philippe Coutinho.

How much has Philippe Coutinho cost Aston Villa?

The Brazilian, who is currently the club’s third best-paid player on £125k-per-week, has been hugely underwhelming and draining the club whilst offering very little output in return.

The 30-year-old originally joined the Midlands outfit in January 2022, signing on loan under Steven Gerrard for the remainder of the season.

The deal generated massive excitement and anticipation, which skyrocketed when he netted on his debut against Manchester United in a 2-2 draw at Villa Park.

He would go on to register eight contributions in 19 league outings and recorded the second-highest rating (6.96) of any Villa player, as per WhoScored, to support his formidable reputation

As a result of these impressive performances, the former Liverpool star was signed at the end of the campaign on a permanent deal for £17m on a four-year contract.

Then-manager Gerrard was thrilled with the deal and said: “I think it's fantastic for everyone connected with the club. You've seen the reaction from the supporters, it's very positive, they've seen him over the last five or six months play ever so well.

"He's still got loads left in him, in our opinion. To have him here full time and settled, I think he'll come again and go up another level.”

Although, since this announcement, the playmaker’s time in England has unravelled into disaster with the total cost of a move set to cost in the region of £23.5m once you consider his wages for this term.

Gerrard received the sack earlier in the campaign when Villa was in touching distance of the relegation zone, and despite the upturn of results under Emery, Coutinho has been unable to refind his feet. The technician has only scored once and produced no assists in 20 Premier League appearances.

Despite his mercurial brilliance, the attacker dismally resides in the bottom 28% for progressive carries per 90 and the lowest 43% for successful take-ons per 90, according to FBref.

It is a damning indictment of a player who lacks influence, involvement, and quality.

Retired Villa striker Dwight Yorke is baffled by his decline, saying: “It's mind-boggling how world-class players lose their way totally like he has.

“Coutinho is not half the player he was, that move to Barcelona was sensational and he was sensational at Liverpool. He became a journeyman, went to Bayern on loan, and then to Aston Villa before moving permanently. It's a mystery how it happened.”

It would make sense for NSWE and co to try and move Coutinho on in the summer as performing consistently in English seems beyond him.

Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements this summer following a troubling Premier League campaign and now reports are emerging that the club could be set to reunite with a former star.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in James Rodriguez?

According to journalist Christian Martin, Everton are one of the clubs interested in securing the services of former Olympiacos attacker James Rodriguez, who is currently a free agent.

Whilst speaking on the El Futbolero Youtube channel, Martin claimed:

"The English clubs have the money, the greats of Scotland too. No one would be deprived of at least evaluating the possibility of repatriating James to the UK. From our sources, the inquiries have been, through intermediaries, by Crystal Palace, by Bournemouth, by Everton itself."

Will Everton reunite with James Rodriguez?

There is no doubt that big changes need to be made at Goodison Park ahead of next season, especially if they do manage to retain their Premier League status over their remaining fixtures.

Sean Dyche will surely be keen to strengthen many areas of the squad but could be restricted to a tight budget due to financial concerns surrounding the club at present, which could put limitations on how the manager executes his business during the summer transfer window.

It is fair to say that Everton have had no qualms about reuniting with players of the past and Idrissa Gana Gueye has been the latest to return to the blue side of Merseyside in a move from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Now Dyche could spark another reunion at Goodison with a swoop for Rodriguez, a player who never really hit the ground running in his first stint but could now be given a second chance.

The 31-year-old – once hailed a "joy to watch" by talkSPORT's Adrian Durham – was shown the door during Rafa Benitez's tenure when a move to the Middle East was sanctioned in 2021 and, despite his struggles, Everton haven't been better off for it with consecutive relegation battles following his exit.

Rodriguez joined Olympiacos in the summer of 2022 and, over 20 league appearances this season, tallied up five goals, registered six assists, created five big chances and successfully completed 80% of his dribbles, as well as averaging 2.1 shots on goal, two key passes and 64.9 touches per game, proving that he is still a huge attacking threat.

One of Everton's biggest issues has been their inability to score goals, lacking both creativity and big chances in front of goal, which has heavily contributed to their struggle to comfortably compete in the Premier League.

However, the "magic" Rodriguez – as dubbed by sports writer Paul Brown – could potentially improve their fortunes should he return this summer.

With that being said, it will be interesting to see if the Everton hierarchy takes a chance on the 90-cap Colombia international, as the opportunity to snap up his services for free will be hard to ignore amidst their financial worries.

Jason Mohammed steered Guyana Amazon Warriors to a thrilling four-wicket win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Basseterre after Dwayne Smith’s scorching 62 off 36

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jul-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJason Mohammad hit six fours during his unbeaten 42 off 29 balls•CPL/SportsfileJason Mohammed steered Guyana Amazon Warriors to a thrilling four-wicket win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Basseterre after Dwayne Smith laid the platform for the chase of 165 with a scorching 62 off 36.Smith’s pyrotechnics in the first 10 overs included three fours and five sixes, and helped the visitors race to 91 by the halfway stage of their innings. However, his dismissal off the first legitimate ball of the 11th over enabled Patriots to claw their way back with regular strikes. Chris Lynn was run out two balls after Smith’s departure, while Chris Barnwell and Anthony Bramble nicked behind.With Amazon Warriors still requiring 30 off the last three overs, Mohammed took charge. He did so with aplomb, finding timely boundaries as the Patriots pacers missed their lengths in the slog overs. With two needed off two, Mohammed mistimed a slog towards midwicket, but Faf du Plessis, sprinting in from the deep, could not hold on to the catch and the batsmen scampered through for two to seal victory with a ball to spare. Mohammed finished with an unbeaten 42 off 29 balls.Earlier, Sohail Tanvir was Amazon Warriors’ hero with the ball. The left-arm seamer began with a maiden, which included the wicket of Lendl Simmons for a five-ball duck. Tanvir was then re-introduced in the closing overs and conceded only 12 runs in his last two overs, while taking three wickets, including those of set batsmen Devon Thomas and Thisara Perera. Tanvir finished with figures of 4 for 20 while Australia legspinner Adam Zampa took 3 for 34 on CPL debut.While middle-order cameos from Thomas, Perera and Brad Hodge helped Patriots to to 164 for 9, that total proved to be not quite enough in the end.

Another day of Test cricket in Bulawayo belonged to New Zealand as they piled on the runs on Zimbabwe with three batsmen scoring centuries and two notching half-centuries in their first-innings total of 582 for 4

The Report by Firdose Moonda in Bulawayo07-Aug-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details0:58

New Zealand’s highest in a Test innings against Zimbabwe

Another day of Test cricket in Bulawayo belonged to New Zealand as they piled on the runs on Zimbabwe with three batsmen scoring centuries and two notching half-centuries in their first-innings total of 582 for 4. New Zealand batted for two entire sessions before declaring during the tea break in a bid to take a few wickets in the last session but Zimbabwe’s opening stand stood unbroken after 30 overs.Tino Mawoyo and Chamu Chibhabha saw through the new ball, a short-ball barrage and 11 overs of spin to end the day on a respectable 55 for 0. While Mawoyo, who came in for Brian Chari, was more resolute, Chibhabha offered a few more shots to finish the day on 31 off 89 balls, compared to Mawoyo’s 20 off 91 balls. Once New Zealand saw there was no swing on offer for the first five overs, which were all maidens, the slip cordon was trimmed and the leg-side field was packed as Tim Southee and Trent Boult switched to a short-ball strategy. When that did not work either, Kane Williamson brought on the spinners and Neil Wagner but the openers’ tactics did not waver to head towards the half-century stand.Nice to beat Crowe – Taylor

While Kane Williamson became the first New Zealander to score a Test century against all nine other Test nations, Ross Taylor overtook his mentor Martin Crowe’s tally of 5444 runs and is now his country’s third-highest run-scorer. Although New Zealand’s focus was on winning the second Test, the records meant something to the two batsmen.
“I did an interview for a newspaper back home before this Test so I knew I was close,” Taylor said. “I don’t usually look at the score when I am batting but I heard some applause, so I knew I must have got there. It was nice to beat Hogan. He was my mentor for many years. When I first met him he said he wanted me to at least beat his records; so it was nice to achieve one of the goals he set for me.”
In turn, Taylor has set a goal for Williamson. “Not many people have got centuries against every Test playing country home and away and I am sure he would like to do that in his career,” he said.
Taylor praised Williamson’s century for its consistency and class. “It just shows that he can do it against all opposition in all conditions,” but admitted he did not know it could have been the captain’s early birthday present to himself. “Is it his birthday? He has kept that pretty quiet,” Taylor asked. “He’s an old 26 year old isn’t he? He’s a pretty quiet lad. He was just born to bat. And captain.”

Earlier, Ross Taylor became the third centurion of the innings after Tom Latham on day one and Williamson early on day two as New Zealand showed no mercy to Zimbabwe’s wearing attack. Taylor and Latham have scored centuries in both matches of this series but it may be the other hundred that grabs the headlines.The New Zealand captain became the first from his country, the 13th overall and only the second after Younis Khan among the current crop of internationals to score a century against all nine other Test nations. Continuing from 95 overnight, he whipped the eighth ball he faced this morning to the square-leg boundary to bring up the landmark.He did not hang around for long though, giving Zimbabwe a rare moment of celebration when he edged Michael Chinouya to gully but their joy was shortlived. After Williamson’s dismissal, Taylor continued the grind and surpassed his mentor Martin Crowe’s tally of 5444 runs to become the third-highest run-scorer in New Zealand’s Test history.All that meant Zimbabwe were subjected to more toil on a surface that offered no assistance. The only indication the bowlers would make any impression on New Zealand’s batsmen came early in the day with the second new ball when Chinouya and Donald Tiripano, the pace duo, found some movement. Chinouya beat Taylor twice, but with the pace in upper 120s and no slips in place, they had to work within their limitations.The quicks bowled seven-over spells each before Graeme Cremer brought himself on and immediately found the drift that was lacking on the first day. He struck off his fifth ball when Henry Nicholls was trapped in front while attempting a sweep. With two wickets for 20 runs, Zimbabwe may have seen an opportunity to claw their way back in, but Taylor and BJ Watling shut them out.Cremer and offspinner John Nyumbu tried everything to stem the run flow, switching angles from over to around the wicket, and keeping fielders close in but nothing worked. In fact, Craig Ervine, who was stationed under the helmet at short leg, was hit three times by the batsmen as they whipped Cremer away.Watling’s footwork and Taylor’s deft touches were a slow burn on Zimbabwe’s energy reserves and Cremer turned to the part-timers to buy time. Sean Williams was punished but Prince Masvaure produced the only chance of the afternoon session when he tempted Taylor into reaching for a short and wide ball but debutant wicketkeeper Peter Moor could not hold on to the edge. Six balls later, Taylor drove Williams to long-off to bring up his hundred.Zimbabwe’s disciplines deserted them as the tea break approached and they offered the New Zealand pair several short deliveries which were put away. Almost without trying, the Taylor-Watling stand grew to 193 and the score approached 600 before tea was called and New Zealand decided to declare.

Newcastle United are set to send scouts to watch Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte this weekend ahead of a potential switch to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Manuel Ugarte to Newcastle?

The Athletic have reported that Eddie Howe is set to enter the upcoming transfer window in search of a new number six, and with the 22-year-old being Ruben Amorim’s top-performing defensive player and third overall with a WhoScored match rating of 7.08, Ugarte has seemingly been identified by the manager as an ideal deep-lying target on the market.

Back in April, Record claimed that the Jose Alvalade Stadium outfit could be forced to cash in on some of their most prized assets at the end of the season to create funds for new signings and the Magpies were credited with a “growing interest”, off the back of which they are believed to have promised to submit an official proposal ahead of the 2023/24 term.

Who is signing Ugarte?

According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness), Newcastle and top-flight rivals Liverpool will both "have representatives" in Lisbon this weekend to "focus" on Ugarte during Sporting CP's fixture vs Benfica on Sunday.

As it stands, it's currently unknown which of the two suitors are leading the chase, but it's worth noting that the midfielder has a €60m (£52m) release clause included in his contract, alongside the fact that Aston Villa are claimed to have already held contact regarding a deal, as per A Bola.

Newcastle are clearly serious about securing the services of Ugarte, first to have promised to table a proposal and now to deploy officials to assess him in action, and should they be able to get a deal over the line for the defensive midfielder, it would be a massive coup for PIF and Howe.

The World Cup participant ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles having made 114 this season which is higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef, and the 98th percentile for interceptions so loves to get stuck in and win back possession for his team.

Sporting’s “warrior”, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his natural position, is also capable of contributing to efforts at the opposite end of the pitch having provided three assists and scored one goal since joining, so this really is a no-brainer of a move to pursue should the opportunity present itself.

Kuldeep Yadav’s 5 for 55, the bowler’s maiden first-class five-for, spliced through the heart of India Green’s line-up on the third day of the Duleep Trophy match to render an already tough chase of 497 all but impossible

Arun Venugopal25-Aug-2016
ScorecardFile photo – Kuldeep Yadav combated dew to claim his maiden first-class five-for against India Green on Thursday•ICCAfter seam bowlers and batsmen aced the pink-ball test on the first two days, it was the spinners’ turn to join the party. Kuldeep Yadav not only turned up, but did a merry jig too, as he spliced through the heart of India Green’s line-up to render an already tough chase of 497 all but impossible. His maiden first-class five-for reduced India Green to 217 for 7, still 280 runs adrift of the target, after India Red had galloped to 486 in the afternoon.India Green were in a reasonable position at 184 for 4 before Kuldeep struck twice in the space of five overs to dismiss Saurabh Tiwary and Sandeep Sharma, leaving captain Suresh Raina as the sole recognised batsman going into day four. Kuldeep did not have everything going his way as he had to combat the dew – he admitted to finding it “very difficult” to grip the wet ball – and two ball changes which, according to Robin Uthappa, helped the batsmen as the ball came on to the bat quicker.Kuldeep also played a useful hand with the bat, as his 49-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Anureet Singh supplemented Gurkeerat Singh’s robust 82 off 96 balls. His performance also overshadowed fellow wristspinner Shreyas Gopal’s skillful show, which had earned the latter five wickets.While the eventual score might bear little trace of it, India Green’s pursuit initially acquired a sturdy set of wheels as they soared to 52 for 0 in six overs. With Nathu Singh and Anureet unable to find swing or lateral movement, Uthappa and Jalaj Saxena made the right noises. While Uthappa scorched drives down the ground, Saxena got away with whips that saw his bat descending in a risky, angular arc.India Red wrested some control through Ishwar Pandey, who operated on a run-drying line, and bowled Saxena as he attempted to guide a straight ball. It wasn’t until the 15th over that Kuldeep was introduced, but all seemed well at that stage for India Green with Uthappa sustaining the initiative. Kuldeep, however, deceived Uthappa with a ball that went with the angle and the batsman edged it to first slip. Two balls later, Rajat Paliwal was lbw after he pre-empted a googly only to get a chinaman.While Uthappa handled Kuldeep relatively easily, what was less noticeable was Parthiv Patel’s struggles against the chinaman bowler – he managed only two runs off the 47 balls he faced from Kuldeep in both innings, and fell to the bowler on both occasions. In the 27th over, Parthiv hung back to a fast-ish googly that skidded on to catch him in front of the stumps; the previous ball, he had thrust out a diffident prod to another googly.Suresh Raina also started off nervously against Kuldeep. At one point he was harried into swishing across the line with no foot movement. But, along with Tiwary, who had scored a fifty on the second day, Raina cobbled up a 54-run stand for the fifth wicket, only for Kuldeep to wreck the innings with his late blows.That the pink ball retained its shine helped Kuldeep get the ball to skid on, although the fact that there were two instances of the ball losing shape – in the 19th and 32nd overs – might be a worrisome aspect.In the afternoon, India Green might have reconciled to copping another round of brisk pummelling had rain not made its now-customary appearance. In a little over an hour, India Red had jogged along to 67 runs in 14.4 overs, although India Green had mitigated things somewhat by removing Abhinav Mukund and KB Arun Karthik.It was after the early, rain-enforced tea break, however, that India Green, aided by Shreyas, looked like they were in control for the first time in the innings. With Sandeep Sharma and Ashok Dinda doing little to curb Gurkeerat’s scoring-rate, Raina turned to Shreyas, who showed his variations while cutting through the India Red middle order.Gurkeerat had a jolly good run up to that point, camping in his crease, and either guiding or slashing the seamers behind square. Four overs into the second session, Shreyas sent down a delivery that would also define Kuldeep’s performance later in the night: the ball veered in, dipped and turned away from Gurkeerat, who had lumbered forward and lost his balance as Parthiv quickly swiped the bails off. Not long after, Shreyas had Akshay Wakhare lbw, but Anureet and Kuldeep frustrated India Green before the side was bowled for 486.