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Stevens, 43, joined Kent from Leicestershire in 2005 and has enjoyed an outstanding career with bat and ball

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jul-2019Darren Stevens will leave Kent at the end of the current season after 15 years with the club but has no intention of retiring from the professional game.Stevens, 43, joined Kent from Leicestershire in 2005 and has enjoyed an outstanding career with bat and ball, scoring 11,718 first-class runs and claiming 487 wickets for his second county.He is currently on loan to Derbyshire for the T20 Blast, but had continued to be impressive with the ball in the County Championship with 28 wickets at 24.21 in eight matches although runs had been harder to come by with an average of 20.36.”It’s been an amazing 15 years,” Stevens said. “So many wonderful memories both on and off the pitch and many strong friendships made along the way. This is not retirement for me as I think I still have a lot to offer on the pitch, both as a player and a coach and am excited by the next stage in my career.”I believe I can still do it at the top level, as my recent form shows, and I am looking forward to the remainder of the T20 season with Derbyshire and finishing the season successfully with Kent. I will look back at my time with Kent with nothing but happiness and pride but must now look forward to the next challenge.”Kent have an eye on the future and want to invest in their younger players while also hoping to bring in an overseas fast bowler next season.”When you look at his record, it is a travesty that Darren Stevens did not receive the international call-up he so richly deserved whilst in his prime,” Paul Downton, Kent’s director of cricket, said. “It’s now time for a new chapter at Kent with a number of young bowlers, and hopefully an overseas fast bowler next year, all demanding the new ball as the club seeks to keep raising standards and compete for the Division One Championship title.”

The January transfer window officially opened for business on Monday and Celtic could look to use this month to bolster their playing squad.

Brendan Rodgers has already seen his side knocked out of the League Cup and the Champions League, which means that the Scottish Premiership and SFA Cup are his only priorities over the next five months.

The Northern Irish head coach could dip into the market over the next few weeks to give his team the best possible chance of collecting silverware in May.

One player who has been linked with a move to Parkhead is Liverpool left-back Owen Beck, who was recently recalled from his loan with Dundee.

Celtic want to sign “fantastic” Premier League gem, he's played at Parkhead

He’s one to keep an eye on during the January transfer window…

BySean Markus Clifford Jan 3, 2024

DaveOCKOP recently reported that the Hoops and Rangers are both ready to battle it out to land him on loan if the Reds decide to sanction another temporary exit for him this month.

Rodgers could now land a big upgrade on current Celtic left-back Greg Taylor by securing a deal for the talented young Welshman before the end of the window.

Taylor's season in numbers

The Scotland international has been a regular starter for the Bhoys down the left flank with a start in all 22 of the club's Premiership matches.

He has showcased his attacking quality with one goal, one assist, and 1.9 key passes per game for the Hoops to provide support for Luis Palma down that side.

Taylor has completed 0.6 dribbles per match and this does not suggest that the Hoops ace is consistently looking to drive his team up the pitch.

The 26-year-old battler has also made 2.1 tackles and interceptions combined per clash and won 50% of his physical duels in the Scottish top-flight.

The statistics that show why Beck could be an upgrade on Taylor

Meanwhile, Beck spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Dundee in the Premiership and proved himself to be a fantastic performer at that level.

He started 17 matches for the Scottish side and contributed as an attacking threat with two goals, two assists, and 2.0 key passes per game, to go along with 1.4 completed dribbles per clash.

When you consider that Dundee have scored 31 fewer goals than Celtic and only have five league wins this season, it is remarkable that Beck has outperformed Taylor in the final third from a left-back position. Imagine the impact he could have with the dominance that Rodgers' side have in matches.

The 21-year-old dynamo, who was once praised as being "fantastic" by U23s coach Barry Lewtas, also caught the eye defensively with 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game and a duel success rate of 55%.

These statistics suggest that the £2.8k-per-week whiz could offer more as a defender in comparison to the current Celtic left-back – Taylor.

Whilst his increased output of tackles and interceptions could be put down to the aforementioned disparity in quality between the two clubs, Beck still boasts a higher success rate in his defensive duels and could, therefore, be more efficient at the back.

This is why Rodgers could land an upgrade on Taylor by landing Beck on loan from his former club, as the Welsh youngster could provide more quality at both ends of the pitch.

Wolverhampton Wanderers didn't take long to find their feet under Gary O'Neil, despite how late his arrival came before the Premier League season kicked off. The former Bournemouth boss has so far steered the Midlands club clear of relegation fears and onwards to the comforts of mid-table. In the middle of a busy festive period too, he will hope to see his side avoid any regretful results and build on a run that has seen them avoid defeat in three of their last five games.

Following the festive period, Wolves' focus will turn to the January transfer window, when O'Neil will get his first opportunity to make his mark on his current squad. Among those who could help do that is one particular target who previously nearly joined Barcelona. Now, however, Wolves could swoop in.

Wolves transfer news

Currently sat in 13th and as many as ten points clear of Luton Town in the relegation zone, Wolves are making steady progress under O'Neil, having finished in the same position and seven points clear of the dropzone under Julen Lopetegui. It's worth noting that O'Neil hasn't had the chance to welcome new signings, either. Speaking on that possibility, he told Sky Sports: "The club will do its best to help and move things around and try to improve the depth in certain areas that we feel we are short in."

With that said, according to Coluna Do Fla in Brazil, Wolves have made contact with the agent of Wesley Franca ahead of a potential January move from Flamengo. The right-back reportedly came close to joining Barcelona previously, only for Financial Fair Play to get in the way of the La Liga side's potential move.

Barcelona's loss could be Wolves' gain, however, who will be boosted by reports that Wesley has told his agent that his desire is to play in the Premier League. If the Midlands club are to make their move, they will reportedly have to fend off interest from Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion in a competitive race for Wesley's signature in January.

"Immense" Wesley would be an upgrade on Semedo

Even at just 20-years-old, Wesley has enjoyed a superb campaign for Flamengo to quickly emerge as one of their main men. The teenager managed to keep up with Wolves' current right-back Nelson Semedo when compared in full seasons, potentially giving O'Neil plenty to think about. Here's how Wesley's stats and Semedo's 2022/23 stats compare:

The right-back's performances have unsurprisingly come with plenty of praise, including from U23s scout and journalist Antonio Mango, who posted on X: "I’ve been so so impressed with Flemengo’s right-back Wesley Franca. He’s been immense since coming into the senior team"

When the January window opens, Wolves and Wesley certainly looks like one to keep an eye on, as the Midlands club weigh up whether to help the 20-year-old realise his Premier League dream next month.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could soon add a free-scoring striker to their ranks in January as Gary O'Neil seeks to add more dynamism to his attack, according to a report.

Wolves prepare for Brentford

On Christmas Eve, Wolves pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Molineux as goals from Mario Lemina and Matt Doherty rendered a Christopher Nkunku reply for the visitors as nothing more than a consolation.

As a result, the Old Gold now find themselves further away from the relegation zone as their quietly impressive run of form at home in the Premier League continues to roll on, with O'Neil's men now seven games without defeat in the West Midlands.

Wolves have expressed interest in signing "dangerous" new player for O'Neil

The club may face competition to sign the man in question…

BySean Markus Clifford Dec 24, 2023

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the 40-year-old praised his side's ability to handle the threat of Mauricio Pochettino's outfit despite a bout of illness among the squad leading to several absences, as he stated cited, via The Daily Mail: "It was a tough day for us with a call from the doctor this morning around illnesses. I had to call up some young lads last minute to make up the squad.

"Going against what Chelsea had, especially late on in the game, I thought it might have been tricky for us once we started to tire. But the lads manage to produce another fantastic performance here in front of the home fans and we deserved the win really."

Next up for Wolves is a trip to Brentford and an opportunity to brush up on their slightly more erratic results away from home soil; nevertheless, they will also have an eye on January and could now target a new centre-forward, according to a report.

Wolves "could soon" bring in Mohamed Amoura

According to reports in Algeria, translated by Sport Witness, Wolves "could soon" bring Union SG striker Mohamed Amoura to Molineux to join compatriot Rayan Ait-Nouri, following the former's excellent showings in the Jupiler Pro League this term. The outlet claim that the 23-year-old's "exceptional" pace is the "perfect fit" for O'Neil.

Mohamed Amoura in 2023/24 – Jupiler Pro League (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

14

Goals

13

Mohamed Amoura key statistics in 2023/24 – Jupiler Pro League (WhoScored)

Shots per game

3.4

Completed dribbles per game

1.3

Average match rating

7.48/10

Wolves could do with another body across the front line in January, especially when factoring in that striking pair Sasa Kalajdzic and Fabio Silva may move on in January in search of regular minutes elsewhere, as per The Telegraph.

In the event this occurs, acquiring Amoura would help to provide a clinical edge in attack for the Old Gold as they aim to progress up the Premier League table under O'Neil's stewardship.

Unfortunately for Mauricio Pochettino and Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s dominance in the transfer market hasn’t been mirrored on the field, with the Blues currently sitting in 12th place in the Premier League after 16 matches.

Chelsea’s latest game was a narrow 2-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park. The Blues had 72% possession, but they lacked movement and imagination to break down Sean Dyche's side.

Connor Gallagher is being opted for in the slightly advanced midfield role, but he doesn’t offer much creativity. Cole Palmer’s inclusion in the starting XI has boosted Chelsea’s output in recent weeks but the need for another magician in attack is clear to see.

Chelsea transfers latest – Thiago Almada

According to reports in Spain, Chelsea are one of four Premier League clubs that are interested in acquiring the Atalanta United star.

The attacking midfielder looks destined to move to Europe in the near future and the Blues view him as a long-term investment.

As per other reports, Almada is valued at £24m, and he is the finest prospect in the MLS.

The stats that show Thiago Almada would be a good signing for Chelsea

Before looking at the Argentinian creative mastermind in more detail, his MLS goal involvement statistics speak for themselves. In just 66 appearances for the Five Stripes, he has scored 20 goals and registered 23 assists.

He’s simply a “monster of a player” and as you can see, Almada is just as much of a goal-scoring machine as he is an artist, which gives him the pedigree of an elite attacker.

The Chelsea faithful have previously witnessed a young attacking midfielder come to life in their first season playing at Stamford Bridge, Juan Mata. A like-minded creative wizard, the Spaniard became the London club’s player of the season, netting 12 goals and registering 21 assists in his debut campaign. Boehly, therefore, will be hoping that Almada can have a similar impact to what Mata had in 2012.

The right-footed, dynamic youngster mainly features as an attacking midfielder who likes to drift over to the left-hand side, where he can pick up the ball in the inside channel. At just 22 years of age, he shows maturity and expresses himself on the field like a seasoned professional.

However, the defensive side of the game is rarely addressed by Almada, with his role simply being to create. This resembles the ex-Manchester United midfielder, who thrived with the ball at his feet, yet was slightly passive out of possession. Both players are and were the heartbeat of each side they've played for.

As already shown, his output is immense, but his dribbling, passing and technical ability is second to none. The table below shows a handful of statistics that he ranks in the top 2% in compared to positional peers in similar divisions across the last year.

Thiago Almada stats

Stats (per 90)

Almada

Assists

0.53

Progressive passes

9.60

Shot-creating actions

6.83

Passes received

61.23

Touches

75.6

Stats via FBref.

Although these statistics are clearly at a world-class level, it is important to take the competition, MLS, into context and the Premier League will provide a much sterner test for the Argentine.

Almada would be an excellent signing for any top club in Europe, but with the amount of talent Chelsea has in attack, and the fact that Christopher Nkunku is getting closer to returning, his game time may be limited at the Blues.

ESPNcricinfo Ltd

1.6 Bumrah to Harris, no run, that’s a ripper which angles in towards off stump then straightens to beat the outside edge3.1 Bumrah to Harris, no run, beaten by a cracker! This is an incredible delivery. Around the wicket, angled in it hit the seam and took off, miles past the edge and Pant had to climb high to take it3.4 Bumrah to Harris, no run, beats the edge again! 144kph, good length, angled in, nipping away, he presses forward to defend and it blows by the edge at high speed.7.5 Bumrah to Harris, no run, he gets hit flush on the badge of the helmet! He’s knocked over backwards. He’s OK. he’s bounced back up. What a brute of a ball. Short, lifting, it following him, he ducked late and it hit the helmet flush. It ricocheted away to point9.1 Bumrah to Harris, no run, 140kph beats him again, this pitched on middle and nipped across him, he pushed forward and it swerved past the edge11.1 Bumrah to Harris, no run, 137kph, beats him again! Wow. Shorter length, pitching leg stump, it climbed up and across him as he tried to defend, it flew to Pant11.4 Bumrah to Harris, no run, 142kph, gets a bottom edge that rolls to second. It was a good length outside off, he prodded at it and runs off the bottom of the bat to RahulMarcus Harris takes a tumble after being struck on the helmet by Jasprit Bumrah•Getty Images

17.2 Bumrah to Harris, OUT, left alone and he’s bowled! Good length from round the wicket, Harris thought this would shape away (or he just got it badly wrong) lifts the bat out of the line and off stump is clipped17.4 Bumrah to Marsh, no run, don’t think he had a clue there! A full delivery, just outside off, Marsh is shuffling all over the crease, starts to leave, then starts to play, then eventually leaves it alone17.6 Bumrah to Marsh, no run, pads up to this one but it’s too high for lbw, and may have pitched outside leg…a short of a length delivery. Marsh all over the shop23.1 Bumrah to Khawaja, no run, what a ripper, there’s no playing that, good length from round the wicket, leaps as it straightens and beats the outside edge23.5 Bumrah to Khawaja, no run, beats the edge again, Khawaja just pushing away from his body, another one which nips off the seam34.2 Bumrah to Head, no run, 132kph, leaps off a length and beats the edge! Goodness. This is unplayable. Angled in, climbing away. Past the edge34.4 Bumrah to Head, no run, 136kph, another play and miss trying to force square off the back foot, it bounces over the edge and swings after it passes34.6 Bumrah to Head, no run, 139kph another freakish off cutter beats the edge! This hit a crack and shot sharply away from the bat! Wow.36.4 Bumrah to Khawaja, no run, 139kph beats the edge again. Angled in, just nipping away, he’s forced to defend and it nips past the edge once more. Amazing bowling38.6 Bumrah to Head, no run, 140kph, flash and miss away from his body. Back of a length, it nips away, he tries to force off the back foot and it beats the edge and flies through to Pant

Liverpool have received a huge boost after learning that one of their sidelined players has returned to training ahead of Saturday's highly-anticipated encounter vs Manchester City in the Premier League, according to a reliable journalist.

Liverpool injury news

The Reds currently have Andrew Robertson, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic and Conor Bradley out on the sidelines with their own respective problems as it stands, although there has recently been some more positive news regarding three other squad members.

At Anfield, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez are all expected to stage their comeback during this weekend’s fixture at the Etihad Stadium, and if the following update is to be believed, they might not be the only ones stepping back onto the grass.

Related Liverpool legend is now "turning heads" at Anfield ahead of possible return

Have they found Klopp’s successor?

Posts ByHenry Jackson Nov 20, 2023

Despite being called up to represent France, Ibrahima Konate had to withdraw from his nation’s squad for the international break due to sustaining a hamstring injury which initially will have no doubt caused concern among supporters.

There were fears that Jurgen Klopp’s centre-back wouldn’t be available for selection for the club’s return to domestic action, but it would appear that isn’t in fact the case, with the 24-year-old already having his boots back on as he builds up his fitness.

Ibrahima Konate returns to training

Taking to X on Thursday, The Times' Paul Joyce confirmed that Konate has returned to training, alongside a few other of his teammates as Liverpool prepare to travel to Man City with a healthy squad on Saturday.

He wrote: "Liverpool’s South American contingent, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate all training today ahead of Manchester City game."

Klopp boosted by positive update on "outstanding" Konate

Despite having only made five starts this season in the Premier League, Liverpool will know what an integral feature Konate can be when at the top of his game, so the fact that he’s likely to be back at Klopp’s disposal this weekend will be a huge boost.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the colossus was averaging 2.6 clearances and 1.9 aerial wins per top-flight game prior to his absence (WhoScored – Konate statistics), showing what a rock he is at the heart of the backline and the physical presence that he’s able to provide.

Ibrahima Konate's Style Of Play

Ibrahima Konate's Strengths

Ibrahima Konate's Weaknesses

Likes to play short passes

Passing

Concentration

Likes to dribble

Aerial duels

Discipline

Likes to tackle

Tackling

Commits fouls often

The Paris native, who pockets £70k-per-week (Liverpool salaries), is currently recording a 92.3% pass success rate which shows how extremely calm and composed he is in possession, therefore taking control of the play when he’s got the ball at his feet.

According to journalist Josh Bunting, Konate is an “outstanding” player and one who works wonders when playing alongside Virgil van Dijk, but regardless of whether he’s named in the starting line-up or not dependent on where he is with his fitness, the fact that he could be back in the squad is welcome news.

أعلن نادي أتلتيكو مدريد عن التعاقد مع أحد أبطال منتخب إسبانيا المتوج ببطولة كأس أمم أوروبا، يورو 2024 والتي كانت تقام في ألمانيا.

وحصل منتخب إسبانيا عن جدارة واستحقاق على اللقب من حيث الأداء بعد الفوز في النهائي على إنجلترا بنتيجة 2-1 في المسابقة التي أقيمت خلال الفترة من 14 يونيو إلى 14 يوليو.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جريزمان يقترب من مغادرة أتلتيكو مدريد إلى الدوري الأمريكي

El Atlético de Madrid y la Real Sociedad han alcanzado un acuerdo para el traspaso de Robin Le Normand que se formalizará en los próximos días, cuando el jugador regrese de las vacaciones que está disfrutando tras proclamarse campeón de la Eurocopa con la selección española el… — Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) July 27, 2024

وغرد الحساب الرسمي لنادي أتلتيكو مدريد عبر منصة “X” وأكد على توصله لاتفاق مع ريال سوسيداد على ضم المدافع، روبن لو نورماند.

وكان لو نورماند البالغ من العمر 26 عامًا، أحد اللاعبين الأساسيين في تشكيل إسبانيا في يورو 2024 ويلعب مع ريال سوسيداد منذ عام 2019.

وأكد أتلتيكو مدريد أن الصفقة سيتم إضفاء الطابع الرسمي لها خلال الأيام المقبلة، عندما يعود لو نورماند من إجازته الصيفية التي يستمتع بها بعد أن أصبح بطلًا لبطولة كأس أمم أوروبا مع منتخب إسبانيا.

Chelsea looked to have turned a sharp corner in recent weeks, with their improved performances bearing fruit in the 4-1 demolition of Burnley and the 2-2 draw against title challengers Arsenal.

The Blues were playing like a team that had cost £1bn to assemble and positivity was beginning to shimmer around Stamford Bridge, however, the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford on Saturday saw their problems resurface at both ends of the field.

Mauricio Pochettino's side created an xG of 2.03 but only registered two shots on target, whereas, the Bees were punishingly clinical on the counter-attack, carving through the host's back line with relative ease.

The latter of the two issues has pointed towards bolstering their defence in January, perhaps replacing the veteran Thiago Silva with a youthful talent, and that has seen Lille's centre-back Leny Yoro pop onto their agenda.

Chelsea transfer news – Leny Yoro

Chelsea are plotting a move for Lille's 17-year-old centre-back Yoro, in a deal that could fix their defensive woes in the future.

With Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah all currently sidelined, while Axel Disasi and Reece James are slowly returning from their respective setbacks, the winter window will provide an opportunity to bolster an area that is light on the ground.

According to 90min, Chelsea's scouts have been closely watching the youngster after he overtook Eden Hazard as Lille's second-youngest debutant towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Yoro has made an incredible start to the season and the Blues have been throughly impressed with the teenager, having watched him feature nine times in Ligue 1 this term.

The Frenchman has established himself as one of the most in-demand young defenders in Europe which has led to Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund all tracking the youngster, while both Liverpool and Manchester United are aware of his progress but are yet to advance their interest.

Chelsea, however, have a proven strategy planned out to win the race for his signature, which involves loaning the player back to Lille as part of any deal with Yoro reportedly valued at €15m (£13m), as per Football Observatory.

A perfect Thiago Silva replacement

Thiago Silva is one of the greatest centre-backs in the modern era and although he's still performing at a high level for Chelsea, he could depart the club in June 2024 given his contract is expiring.

The 39-year-old, who has featured in every minute of Chelsea's Premier League matches so far, is still an invaluable member of the dressing room and leads by example on the pitch.

Despite putting in exceptional performances for his club, renewing the contract of a player who is approaching his 40th birthday wouldn't be a wise idea, and the Blues could utilise a strategy they've used previously by planning for the future.

The captures of Diego Moreira and Angelo Gabriel, in particular, indicate the club's thirst for acquiring talented youngsters, and Yoro should be the next player on that list.

The talented Frenchman has been showered with praise by many for how he's matured into a key player for Lille at the age of 17 and has already been likened to Raphael Varane by transfer journalist Graeme Bailey.

Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, he said: "6ft 3, a majestic defender, likened to Varane when I’ve spoken to people abroad."

He's backed up the praise of being an exceptional ball-playing defender, ranking in the top 10% across Europe's top five leagues in the past year for pass completion and the top 17% for passes attempted, as per FBref.

While Silva ranks in the top 3% and top 7% for those stats respectively, Yoro outperforms the veteran across several defensive metrics, including tackles per 90 (1.48/1.37), interceptions (1.61/1.06) and tackles in the attacking third (0.13/0.07).

If the Brazilian does bid his farewell to Stamford Bridge in the summer, Chelsea should have his replacement lined up with this sensational wonderkid.

Rudi Second made a combative 94 again but South Africa A were bowled out with seven balls remaining on the final day

The Report by Deivarayan Muthu in Bengaluru07-Aug-20181:16

My job is to challenge the India A and U-19 teams – Dravid

South Africa A wicketkeeper-batsman Rudi Second wore down India A’s attack for the second time in the game and threatened to hold them off to a draw amid fading light at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. But Mohammed Siraj’s maiden first-class ten-wicket haul sewed up the hosts’ thrilling innings victory with 1.1 overs remaining on the final day.Yuzvendra Chahal, who was playing his first red-ball match since the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Jharkhand in 2016, bowled as many as nine front-foot no-balls in the game and struggled for rhythm, but he struck when it mattered, to nab Second and leave him six short of a hundred again.”Chahal has had a lot of success in white-ball cricket,” India A coach Rahul Dravid said after the win. “Even for us, I have been seeing from two-and-half years, when he first came to Australia, he wasn’t considered a red-ball player as such. But we wanted to give him opportunity to showcase how he does in red-ball cricket. It’s about what he can do in red-ball cricket and that’s really what A team is about. We are here to supplement and do what is best to make the national team stronger. We want to create good options for India team. Chahal, they [selectors] were very keen to know how he performs in red-ball cricket. The more he plays red-ball cricket, the more experience he gets.”When the last hour began, South Africa A were 286 for 7 in 115 overs, still facing a deficit of 52. Soon, Chahal trapped Second with a slider to break the game open for India A. Malusi Siboto, Beuran Hendricks and No. 11 Duanne Olivier ate up 93 balls collectively and ticked down the overs, defending resolutely. However, Siraj, who had set the game up for India, fittingly returned to provide the coup de grace.”Maturity is one thing [that stands out about Siraj],” Dravid said. The last three four-day games, in England and here has been terrific. To get 26 wickets in the last three games is terrific.”He is someone who has played very less first-class matches. He hasn’t been really part of the system as he hasn’t played much junior cricket. So he is learning all the time. So even in white-ball cricket I won’t be too harsh on him too quickly because he hasn’t played that much, maybe a little bit of IPL, he had one good season and then he was in and out. It’s been great to give him the chance to perform. He has been bowling in much better areas and he has grown better physically.”Such a tense finish did not appear as likely in the morning, when Vidarbha’s Rajneesh Gurbani had overnight batsman Zubayr Hamza jabbing a catch behind for 63. At that point, South Africa A were 121 for 5. The overnight rains in Bengaluru had juiced up a pitch that already provided seam movement and variable bounce to the bowlers. Siraj, Nitin Saini and Gurbani simply did their thing: throwing the bait outside off but the other South African batsmen showed greater restraint outside off.Second, who displayed the tightest defensive technique among the South African batsmen, however, held nothing back against the loose balls. He cracked a Chahal full-toss through midwicket and then eased him through the covers.While Chahal did turn some past the outside edge of Shaun von Berg, he could not find it. Whenever Chahal overpitched outside off, Second and von Berg leant into the drive and handsomely stroked the ball through the covers. Second also employed the flat, hard sweep effectively: the shot that brought him his fifty off 115 balls. Von Berg, who had conceded 107 in 20 overs with his legspin, had some joy with the bat and scored a fifty of his own.All told, the Indian bowlers could not find a way past Second and von Berg for 50.4 overs. They even resorted to the short-ball attack but the two batsmen evaded them or comfortably fended them off. Von Berg is a fairly competent batsman with five first-class hundreds to his name, and he reminded everyone of that when he slapped Siraj on the up through the covers.Gurbani then returned, after another spell of rain that had forced early tea, to have von Berg nicking off twice in two overs. While R Samarth dropped the first chance, a more difficult one diving to his left from slip, he pouched the second without any fuss at the same position. The reprieve cost India A nothing: von Berg’s innings ended on 50 off 175 balls, the sixth-wicket partnership on 119, the visitors’ only century stand in the match.Second continued to give South Africa A hope of pulling off a coup, when he stretched forward and drilled a drive between Siraj and wide mid-on for four in the 109th over. However, seven overs later, Chahal, who had frequently erred in lines and lengths in the first two sessions, finally found his groove and bowled an accurate flat dart to leave Second and his team heartbroken.