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Is cricket all about records and glory or is it about the dream of being given a chance to be the best one can be?

Ninad Sakhadev15-May-2015Cricket is about big runs. Cricket is about records. Cricket is about glory. Cricket is about becoming Sachin Tendulkar.Everyday there is a kid in India who picks up a cricket bat or a ball in the quest to become the best cricketer on the planet. Everyday there is a star born in dusty lanes, crowded grounds and in unfavourable conditions.Everyday there is someone falling out of love with the game simply because the game isn’t loving back. Everyday there is someone heartbroken because cricket is not enough to make ends meet. Everyday someone is giving up cricket knowing fully well that their time may never come.Cricket can throw up a lot of inspiring stories but there also exists another side to cricket that is depressing, demoralising and maybe even devastating. For every inspirational story, there are hundreds of others that make you think twice about taking up the game.And so for all the Rohit Sharmas, Virat Kohlis and Suresh Rainas, Indian cricket needed a Pravin Tambe.Rajasthan Royals have had their fair share of legal trouble. For all that, they still represent a platform – a chance for a number of fringe players to showcase their talent and as in the case of Tambe, a last chance to make a name in cricket. It is the place you want to be as an aspiring cricketer. It is a place where opportunity is given to someone considered worthy of it. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that Royals handed a cap to a 41-year-old who hadn’t played a first-class match.Bowling legspin is an art and a legspinner is an artist. This form of art is defined by the grip of your fingers, the flexibility of your wrists and the limits of your imagination. You can be made to look stupid if you get your line or length fractionally wrong, even though you have not been bad. Like all artists, Tambe too was just waiting for a stage to perform in front of a big audience and be recognised for it. Age is just a number. Age is whatever you think it is. Life begins at 40. I had heard it all before and now I saw what it meant.He doesn’t have the advantage of bounce or trajectory that Anil Kumble or Shane Warne enjoyed but a low bending action means he always gives the ball a lot of air. His action, which must have been refined over years of playing club cricket, easily allows him to bowl faster if he needs to without compromising line or length. Smaller grounds and unhelpful pitches in club cricket have also helped him develop the attitude of a legspinner: giving each ball more flight, especially when batsmen are attempting big shots.His golden period was most definitely the Champions League T20 in 2013. He got plenty of wickets without going for many runs. He flummoxed batsmen with flight, spin and cunning variations. Some of the overseas batsmen had no answer. The big question was always how would he fare against the big hitters and international superstars in the IPL. In IPL 2014, he proved that he was good enough there too. He had plenty of variations to make the batsmen unsure of his next delivery. He had the presence of mind to read batsmen’s movements and change his deliveries accordingly. He even got a hat-trick against Kolkata Knight Riders. He broke the back of the cruising Knight Riders with the wickets of quality top-order batsmen. I have never seen Gautam Gambhir more upset than that day.This year he has been bowling as beautifully and skillfully as ever. The way he dismissed Brendon McCullum was particularly heart-warming. In the previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, McCullum had smashed a morale-destroying century. It took Tambe two balls to get him out. The first one was flighted. McCullum mishit it but the ball fell short of the fielder. The next one, just a tad fuller and a tad faster, was simply too quick for him to go back and pull. He holed out at mid-on. When a bowler gets a batsman like this, you know he has defeated him in his own game. You know he has played with his ego and has got the better of him.However, this year he hasn’t been as successful as 2014. He has been taken for runs on a few occasions. In a game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli got stuck into him. It was just too much for Tambe. You feared this all along. You knew this was coming. But like all good dreams, you wished that it lasted just a little bit longer, that you see the flight and dip once more, that you see the man weave a web of spin one more time.This might be his last IPL. At his age there are no guarantees. And if he is done, we can all cherish a run that may not have shattered records but won many hearts with effort, passion and dedication.Perhaps cricket is about effort and not runs. Perhaps cricket is about passion and not records. Perhaps cricket is about love and not glory. Perhaps cricket is about becoming the best cricketer you can be and not about becoming Sachin Tendulkar.

Preparing for Ruben Amorim’s arrival, INEOS have reportedly set their sights on a new Manchester United target who has earned comparisons to Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler.

Man Utd transfer news

It would be an understatement to suggest that Amorim has a hefty task on his hands at Old Trafford. Several managers have tried and all have failed to awaken a sleeping giant, from Jose Mourinho all the way to Erik ten Hag. This time, as the first coach to arrive with a new sporting director in place in the form of Dan Ashworth, the Red Devils will be desperate to see their latest choice finally succeed.

Saved by Amad: Ruud must instantly axe 4/10 Man Utd star after PAOK

Manchester United secured their first win of the Europa League last night.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 8, 2024

The former Sporting boss is due to arrive on November 11 to take charge of a side that he will hope is fresh from a four-game unbeaten run since Ten Hag’s dismissal, with Leicester City up next for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. If the Dutchman defeats the Foxes for the second time in his short spell then he should consider his four-game tenure quite the success.

United’s recent turnaround doesn’t end the need for reinforcements, however, and those at Old Trafford seem to be well aware of that. According to reports in Spain, INEOS have now set their sights on Yunus Akgun, who has been compared to Turkey teammate and Real Madrid star Arda Guler.

The 24-year-old winger has reportedly emerged to become Manchester United’s latest target for Amorim after scoring six goals and assisting one other in 15 games for Galatasaray this season. On the scoresheet against United’s Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a recent 3-2 victory, Akgun is one to watch.

"Wonderful" Akgun would replace Antony

One of the first problem positions that Amorim must deal with is right-wing. Jadon Sancho tried and failed to star in that role to leave Manchester United spending big once again. Like Sancho, however, splashing the cash on Antony only added to the issue that the Red Devils must now solve once and for all, which could see Akgun arrive.

The 24-year-old is finally bursting into life at Galatasaray and living up to the praise that Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig sent his way in 2022, describing Akgun’s season as “wonderful” at the time.

Following Antony’s failure, Manchester United must spend wisely and Akgun represents an interesting option who has shown plenty of signs that he could be the man to finally solve their problem on the right-hand side.

AC Milan and Inter have submitted a proposal to acquire San Siro and surrounding areas, aiming to complete the process by July 2025.

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• Milan and Inter submit proposal to acquire San Siro
• Process expected to finish by July 2025
• Milan clubs planning to create new stadium

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, AC Milan and Inter have officially submitted a proposal to the Municipality of Milan to acquire full power over the San Siro Stadium and its surrounding areas. San Siro, as we know, could cease to exist, with the two Milan clubs planning to build a new stadium adjacent to Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. The acquisition process is expected to be completed by July 2025.

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  Milan and Inter were expected to submit their economic plans last week for a new stadium in San Siro, with Milan Mayor Beppe Sala confirming the move. If approved, reconstruction is slated to begin in 2027, with completion being targeted for 2030. The Italian Tax Office recently valued the stadium and its surrounding area at approximately €200 million. Per reports, the new stadium will have a capacity of around 71,500 seats, including 13,000 dedicated to corporate and hospitality areas, and will require an investment exceeding €1 billion. It will be built in the area currently used as parking lots behind the Stadio Meazza’s west stand.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Inter released an official announcement, confirming that the acquisition proposal had been submitted to the city council.

  The statement read: “FC Internazionale Milano and AC Milan have today submitted the DOCFAP (Documento di Fattibilita delle Alternative Progettual) to the Municipality of Milan. The document contains the proposal for the acquisition of the Giuseppe Meazza stadium and surrounding areas, along with a feasibility plan for constructing a state-of-the-art stadium. The plan is integrated into a broader urban regeneration project that emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and accessibility. The proposal, developed by top professionals and industry experts, reflects the strategic vision of the two Clubs’ ownerships and lays the groundwork for the creation of a landmark project that will serve as an international benchmark and bring significant benefits to the city of Milano and its residents. Over the next few months, the two Clubs will engage with the Municipal Administration to discuss and refine the details and distinctive elements of the proposal, aiming to complete the acquisition process by July 2025. The final concept and executive project may eventually be presented at a later stage and are not part of today’s submission."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN AND INTER?

  Inter booked a berth in the Champions League quarter-finals by beating Feyenoord 4-1 on aggregate. They will take on third-placed Atalanta on Sunday, March 16, with an aim to continue their run at the top of the Serie A table. Meanwhile, AC Milan will host Como on Saturday, March 15. The Rossoneri are currently ninth on the league table.

Trio will interview the candidates in line for a place in the new selection panel for men’s cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Dec-2022The BCCI has set up a Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising former India players Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik to interview the candidates in line for a place in the new selection panel for men’s cricket.The old one remains in place but only as a temporary measure. All of its members were effectively sacked by the BCCI in the aftermath of India’s T20 World Cup exit. However, it is learnt that the chief Chetan Sharma has once again put his name up for consideration.Related

• Lots of contenders but little opportunity as India ring in the changes

• Monga: An Indian selector has a crucial role, but few want to do it

• Mongia, Maninder, Ratra, Das apply for India selector post

• BCCI sacks senior men's selection committee

The CAC was last in action to appoint Rahul Dravid as the India head coach a year ago. Madan Lal (chief), Naik and RP Singh had been appointed in that CAC in January 2020 for an initial one year term. Their work began with the appointment of a selection committee as well. But Lal turned 70 last year and had to leave his position because as per the BCCI constitution those over 70 cannot be part of any committee. RP Singh then left the committee because he joined the Mumbai Indians set-up as a talent scout.Malhotra, who will turn 66 in January, was the president of the Indian Cricketers’ Association until October 2022 and was succeeded by Aunshuman Gaekwad. Malhotra, a former middle-order batter, played seven Tests and 20 ODIs from 1982 to 1986 and had coached the Bengal team in domestic cricket from 2013 to 2015.Paranjape, 50, played four ODIs for India in 1998 and was himself in the selection panel which he now has to pick, until early 2017.Naik, 44, was a wicketkeeper-batter who played two Tests, 46 ODIs, and 31 T20Is from 2002 to 2013.The first CAC was appointed in 2015 and had three high-profile names in Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. They were to be consulted on all major decisions in Indian cricket, such as appointing the head coach and team director. In 2019, they were all served notices for alleged conflict of interest for for serving as IPL franchises’ support staff members as well as being on the CAC.Once they quit, Kapil Dev became the next high-profile name to take over the CAC, along with Gaekwad and Shantha Rangaswamy. But those three also stepped down after being served notices for alleged conflict of interest by the BCCI ethics officer.

Manchester United and INEOS have made contact with a £325,000 a week “machine” over a summer move, according to a new report. The next two transfer windows are going to be very important for the Red Devils, as INEOS work to get players into the club who fit the style that new manager Ruben Amorim wants to play at Old Trafford.

Man Utd now want to win race for £10m-a-year target by offering huge deal

INEOS are now willing to throw everything at a deal in summer 2025.

By
Brett Worthington

Nov 7, 2024

Man Utd transfer news

There are always plenty of rumours involving United, but since the arrival of Amorim, talk of transfers has intensified. The Portuguese looks keen to reunite with some of his Sporting players at his new club, but he will have to wait until the summer to do that.

It was also revealed this week that United are plotting a fresh move for Jarrad Branthwaite next summer. The Red Devils were very interested in the summer and saw bids of up to £50 million rejected, but that interest hasn’t gone away, as they now believe he could fit perfectly into Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

As well as Branthwaite, United are also looking to win the race for Alphonso Davies. The left-back is in the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich, and it looks unlikely at this stage that he will sign a new contract. United are ready to offer him a “huge deal” to beat Real Madrid to the signing. Trying to sign Bayern Munich players doesn’t stop there for the Red Devils, as they also have their eye on another soon-to-be free agent.

INEOS already in contact about signing Leroy Sane for Man Utd

According to Christian Falk, Manchester United are interested in signing Leroy Sane and have already made an enquiry for his services. The 28-year-old has been at the German giants since 2020, when he joined from Manchester City, and he has been a regular contributor for them in recent years.

Sane, who earns 384,615 euros a week at Munich, which is roughly £325,000, scored eight goals and recorded 11 assists in 27 Bundesliga games last season, but they missed out on the title to Bayer Leverkusen.

The winger is now in the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich, and United are interested in signing him when his deal expires, so much so that they have already made contact. Sane, who was described as a “machine” by Thomas Tuchel, is not short of options though, as fellow Premier League team Arsenal are also interested in signing the speedy attacker.

The Germany international is going to wait for negotiations with Munich before making a decision on his future. Either way, United are keen on landing the winger, and he could be seen as a replacement for Antony, who looks to be no longer needed at Old Trafford.

The Dilshan-Sangakkara show, Rangana Herath’s athleticism, the papare bands and the obstacle-course race during the mid-innings lit up the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka game at the MCG

Nishan Easwarapadcham27-Feb-2015Choice of game:
As an avid cricket fan, I could not miss out on watching my home country play in the World Cup in my adopted city. It was also Kumar Sangakkara’s 400th ODI game. My heart said Sri Lanka would win by 50 runs; my head said Sri Lanka would win by 2 wickets with an over to spare.Team supported:
Sri Lanka as has been the case for the best part of 20 years.Key performer:
Tillakaratne Dilshan started slowly but once he reached 50, he entertained fans with a wide range of strokes, including the famous ‘Dilscoop’. And when given the ball he took two vital wickets, including that of Shakib Al Hasan.One thing you’d have changed:
I would have liked to see a better standard of catching. Bangladesh started the trend by dropping Lahiru Thirimanne in the first over, and it continued with Sri Lanka spilling a few chances later on.Face-off you relished:
Shakib Al Hasan against the Sri Lankan spinners. Having had the experience of playing at the MCG, Shakib was going to be the key to get to the target. He struggled initially and was cut into half by Dilshan. He then unleashed some powerful strokes to take 16 off Rangana Herath in the 29th over but he holed out for 46.Wow moment:
Rangana Herath flinging himself to his left to off his own bowling to stop a certain boundary. It was breathtaking as one usually doesn’t associate him with such athleticism. Most were left questioning his age after the effort.Close encounter:
Sabbir Rahman, who was fielding near the fan zone, was given plenty of advice. Dimuth Karunaratne was a fan favorite and flashed a smile, which I am sure excited all the ladies in the crowd.Shot of the day:
Kumar Sangakara is such a pure batsman and he delighted his fans in his 400th ODI. The way he stepped back and lofted a six over long-off was jaw-dropping. It landed a few inches over the boundary with such precision that only he can achieve.Crowd meter:
The MCG had a good crowd of 30000 with all the lower decks packed. Sri Lanka had greater support if you would go on to count the flags. Sangakara’s reception when he entered was amazing and so was the support from the Bangladesh fans when the runs flowed in the second innings. Overall, the atmosphere was fantastic, considering it was a working day.Fancy-dress index:
This was a contest between the Lankan lions and Bangladesh tigers and there were plenty of zoo animal costumes on show. Some may have confused a lion with a monkey or even a reptile. And as with any Sri Lankan game, there were a lot of Malinga wigs on show.Entertainment:
There was not one but two sets of papare bands, which kept the crowd entertained. The biggest cheers were when the PA system played Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi songs. There was a rather amusing obstacle-course race where people in the main sponsor’s costumes had to compete to win the prize during mid-innings. Thus, we had the pleasure of seeing a human in a TV costume go through catching and fielding drills.Overall:
The game for the large part was one-sided. However, the support for both sides was wonderful. The low point of the game was fielding, but it did not dim the batting, which was on show, and Sri Lanka’s bowling.Marks out of 10:
8/10

The decision on whether Joshua Kimmich stays at Bayern Munich beyond this summer or joins another club will be made this week.

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• Bayern board to decide Kimmich's future shortly
• German midfielder to hit free agency this summer
• Has been linked with Arsenal in recent days

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to a report from (h/t Get German Football News), the Bayern Munich board members are set to decide the future of midfielder Joshua Kimmich through voting. Where Kimmich's future lies, amid strong links to Arsenal, will be made clear in the coming days.

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  The Kimmich contract saga has dragged on for far too long. The 30-year-old's contract with Die Roten is set to expire at the end of the ongoing season, yet there has been absolutely no clarity regarding his future. On top of that, there have been constant links to clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, with Arsenal now the latest to be reported of having interest in signing Kimmich for free.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Earlier this week, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg disclosed that PSG were willing to offer Kimmich a "top contract" that would run at least until 2029.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JOSHUA KIMMICH?

  Following Bayern's fantastic 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday evening, Kimmich addressed his contract situation, stating that he was hoping to figure out his future before the upcoming international break.

  “A decision will definitely be made soon. The ball is not in my court. My plan was to do it before the international break. The club wanted it before the two Leverkusen games. I’m noticing that Max [Eberl] is honest and is fighting,” Kimmich told t-online’s Julian Buhl (h/t Bavarian Football Works).

Uncapped teenager Phoebe Litchfield and allrounder Heather Graham have also been included in the squad

Andrew McGlashan21-Nov-2022Kim Garth, the former Ireland allrounder, is on the verge of playing international cricket for a second country after earning her first Australia call-up for next month’s T20I tour of India.Garth, 26, moved to Australia in 2020 when she took up a contract with Cricket Victoria, and gained permanent residency last year, which made her eligible for Australia selection once she had completed three years since last playing for Ireland which was reached in September. She has played 34 ODIs and 51 T20Is for Ireland, taking a combined 65 wickets and scoring 1210 runs.”[Kim has] been in our thinking, she’s had a couple of strong seasons with the ball and adds extra depth to our pace-bowling stocks,” national selector Shawn Flegler said. “She’s a new-ball option but has a great change of pace as well.”She is joined in the 15-player squad, which will be captained by Alyssa Healy in the ongoing absence of Meg Lanning, by the uncapped Phoebe Litchfield. Litchfield, 19, is regarded as one of the brightest batting prospects in the game in the country. Allrounder Heather Graham has also been recalled.

Australia squad

Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Tahlia McGrath (vice-capt), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland

Garth has been consistent with the ball in the WBBL for Melbourne Stars this year, taking 12 wickets at an economy rate of 6.71. She was the leading wicket-taker for Stars last season, picking up 15 wickets. So far, she has taken five wickets in four WNCL matches this summer for Victoria.”It’s one of the most exciting names in the squad,” Healy said. “She made the move to Australia to try and do just this, play for Australia. The way she has developed over the years is impressive. Her new-ball skills with T20 cricket is what we need and she also has variations through the middle that are very handy. She’s a great addition. Everyone is very excited for her. It’s a big move to come all the way for Ireland to chase a dream, and she’s done that. I am sure she is going to look at home in the green and gold and hopefully she can have a great career.”Litchfield was Sydney Thunder’s leading scorer in their disappointing season, where they managed just one win, making 280 runs at 23.33 with a strike rate of 117.64, and has been able to add some power to her natural timing.Graham previously played one ODI in 2019 and was a reserve player during the ODI World Cup earlier this year, where she was briefly added to the main squad when Ashleigh Gardner had Covid. She was also called up for the tri-series in Ireland in July.She has scored 237 runs at 29.62 with a strike rate of 122.16 so far in the WBBL for Hobart Hurricanes, who will play in the Eliminator against Brisbane Heat on Wednesday, alongside taking eight wickets.Related

• Kim Garth excited for 'next step up' after 'moving across the world'

• Alyssa Healy hints at a return for Meg Lanning from her indefinite break

• India set to host Australia for five T20Is in December

• Alyssa Healy named Australia's vice-captain

• Rachael Haynes retires from international and state cricket

“Without Meg and Rachael [Haynes], this series will provide opportunities for players, particularly in the top order, so we’re looking forward to seeing who puts their hand up,” Flegler said. “It’s pleasing to have been able to reward Phoebe, Kim and Heather for strong form throughout the WBBL, and hopefully they get the chance to show what they can do at some stage during the series.”We’ve had an eye on Phoebe for a while and she’s really taken her game to the next level this summer. She’s made her mark at the top of the order for the Sydney Thunder and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can do in Australian colours.”Heather hasn’t had many opportunities to break into the side, but she’s toiled away with both bat and ball in domestic cricket. She adds depth to the middle order and provides Shelley [Nitschke, the coach] and Alyssa with another pace-bowling option.”Alyssa Healy will lead the side in Meg Lanning’s absence•ICC via Getty Images

As expected, Lanning will not make the tour with no indication as yet as to whether she will be available for next year’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. Healy was named vice-captain last month following the retirement of Rachael Haynes, and will now lead her country for the first time. Tahlia McGrath will be her vice-captain for the tour.The most significant omissions are legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington, who was part of the ODI World Cup squad in New Zealand, and wicketkeeper-batter Georgia Redmayne, who has been on the fringes of selection over the last couple of years without making a debut.Both have had good WBBL returns: Wellington has taken 21 wickets at 15.09 with an economy of 6.62, and Redmayne has scored 333 runs at 41.62 despite missing the last four matches through injury.”These five matches form an important part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in South Africa as well as providing an opportunity for some players to gain some experience in Indian conditions,” Flegler said. “India will be a good test; they’re a strong side and the two teams have had some good battles in recent times.”The five-match series begins on December 9, with all the games taking place in Mumbai across the DY Patil and Brabourne stadiums.

Australia still had work to do when they began day two, but it all turned too easy for them as Michael Clarke and Steven Smith feasted on a choice selection of dropped catches, long-hops and length balls on the pads

Sidharth Monga in Adelaide10-Dec-20142:57

‘Two frontline bowlers leaking five an over unacceptable’

At such an emotional time in their careers, that too after just having lost badly in the UAE, Australia couldn’t have asked for a more convenient opponent than India. A team they can thrash while still making good money from the spectacle. India bring in the crowds, the sponsors, but not a contest. You have a crisis, you want to make three of the most affected players feel good, but not lose out on the money, India are the team you are looking for.You can have a batsman in considerable lower-back pain from a chronic injury, not even bending in his stance, unable to run properly; he can grunt and groan each time he is made to move his back, but once India have started waiting for a declaration, he won’t need to move. The pursuit or a declaration is unstinting and unwavering. Michael Clarke just needs to show a hint of inclination to stand tall and ramp short balls over slips, and he shall be served those with pickles and garnish.Steven Smith dismissed the short ball to all parts during his unbeaten 162•Getty ImagesIf Clarke is feeling emotional around the hundred – he carried the coffin of a friend last week and might have to make career decisions with the World Cup, a West Indies tour and the Ashes coming soon – the short ball can be shelved altogether in favour of a length ball on the pads, from around the wicket. It’s Australia’s party, of course, how can India crash it?Steven Smith, oh they will keep dropping him until he has scored to his heart’s content. Not that the reprieves came before Smith had already hurt India badly, but why bother the bowlers to come out and score runs when batsmen can take the opponents to a declaration?Australia left alone 78 balls in 120 overs. They were beaten 43 times. Not all of these 121 went through to the keeper. You can leave a ball alone and get hit on the body. You can get beaten and can be hit on the body. So you can see how little Wriddhiman Saha has had to do in this innings. So when, 109 overs of flogging later, with Smith on 107, if Saha is not expecting a ball to come to him, you can probably empathise with him.As you perhaps can with Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli, too. Put together they scored 356 runs in India’s last Test series, over 20 innings. You can make allowance for their having to worry about facing Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle with runs in their bags when they drop Smith in quick succession.Ishant Sharma had just finished an over when he went to long leg and picked late a flat catch from the Smith sweep that he didn’t reach. He had been the pick of India’s bowlers, although he had just taken 1 for 85. He is the leader of the Indian pace attack, India’s big hope in Australian conditions although he averages 36.5 overall and 73 in Australia.In fact it should all be inexcusable. It’s on days like these when tenacious teams dig in and make it tough for the opposition to gain an advantage, or at least delay such an advantage long enough to give themselves a shot at the draw. India, they go for 163 on a day when they have had to bowl just 30 overs. For one wicket, that of an injured man taking risks almost every ball in search of quick runs.There is no fatigue, no heat to contend with. It’s just that India love to wait for declarations. These days came pretty late on their tours to South Africa and England, but Australia is different. In England and South Africa, their bowlers get some assistance from the pitches. In Australia you need skill, strength and fitness in abundance. And Test-match temperament. The Indian bowling unit is often found wanting on those counts.This time yesterday India were looking at an opportunity, having Australia six down for 354. Clarke was really brave in coming out to bat, Smith batted excellently, but had India managed to keep a lid on their scoring they still would have left themselves plenty of scope to draw the Test, and prospectively come up against a Clarke-less Australia with the sheet clean. Now, as ever, India are left looking to their batsmen to help turn around what is already beginning to look like a long tour. Not much has happened of late to make you want to hold your breath.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti praised Luka Modric's stunning performance in the team's 2-0 win over Girona at the Bernabeu on Sunday evening.

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• Ancelotti likened Modric to Paolo Maldini
• Believes Croatian can continue at top level in his 40s
• Madrid No.10 scored a stunning volley

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Carlo Ancelotti has absolutely no qualms about Luka Modric thriving at the top level into his 40s, with the Italian coach citing the example of Paolo Maldini – whom he coached at AC Milan – and comparing him to Modric.

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  Modric, 39, is into the final few months of his contract at Real Madrid. He has accepted the role of a squad player but continues to dazzle in midfield everytime he is brought on as a substitute or handed a start by Ancelotti.

  On Sunday, Madrid welcomed Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu for a LaLiga fixture. While Los Blancos enjoyed a lot of possession, they were unable to break the deadlock. Until a certain 39-year-old decided to take the matter into his own hands.

  During a corner in the 41st minute, the ball was cleared by a Girona defender, which fell straight to Modric, who chested the ball and hit an unstoppable volley to give the home side a well-deserved lead ahead of half-time.

  Ancelotti was not surprised by the level of performance shown by the veteran midfielder and wants him to continue playing well into his 40s, with rumours in Spain stating that Modric wants to renew and stay for another year in the Spanish capital.

• WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

  “I had another player who was 40 years old, who was Maldini," Ancelotti told reporters when asked about Modric nearing the age of 40.

  "The two of them can be compared in terms of what a footballer has to be. They are fantastic examples. It is no coincidence that they have reached 40 at that level. Genetics matter, but so does commitment, attitude, and professionalism.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LUKA MODRIC?

  Modric should be in contention to start Madrid's upcoming game, which is a crucial Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad on Wednesday, February 26, at the Reale Arena.