Niroshan Dickwella has played more Tests, but during the 121-run stand that turned the match, it was Asela Gunaratne who found himself constantly pestered for advice. Sri Lanka had been five-down and 185 runs short of their target when the two came together. Dickwella played aggressively through the partnership, and helped ensure some of the pressure Zimbabwe had exerted, was reversed.”Since he came to the crease, what Dickwella told me was: ‘Talk to me all the time, and make me score runs.'” Gunaratne said. “I think what he meant was that he hasn’t scored a big Test innings, where I have. He just wanted me to tell him how to handle situations. Sometimes when the game was going a certain way, he wanted me to keep advising him. Occasionally I’d tell him not to go for certain shots. In the end, he stuck around and scored.”Gunaratne’s own hand in the victory had been a little more measured than Dickwella’s. At the crease when the winning runs were hit, Gunaratne compiled a sensible 80, despite having suffered a mild hamstring injury earlier in the match. Captain Dinesh Chandimal revealed he had expected Gunaratne to play a major role, at the start of the day.”I told Asela this morning: ‘You’re going to get a hundred today’.” Chandimal said. “But very confidently, Asela said to me: ‘No Chandi, there won’t be need for me to get a 100. I’ll get 70 and win the game.’ That’s the kind of faith I expect from my players. There’s a chance he might not have been able to do that today, but the way he spoke, even I became confident as a captain that we could win this match. I’m really happy I have players like that.”Though Chandimal himself had been out for 15 on the fourth evening, he said it was important to him that his middle order batted with freedom. Of the three Sri Lanka players to make fifties, two – Dickwella and Kusal Mendis – batted at a strike rate of around 70 for much of their innings (though they would both slow slightly in the approach to their dismissals).”When it came time for us to bat yesterday, most of what we talked about was playing your own game as batsmen,” Chandimal said. “We knew that it was tough for us to bat out the time and draw the match. If we tried that, it was likely we’d lose. So we said: ‘play your own game’.””As a captain I told them that I’d take the responsibility for any mistakes, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Kusal, Dimuth Karunaratne and Upul Tharanga played well. Then at the end, Asela and Dickwella were excellent.”Dickwella and Mendis had also perished playing aggressive strokes: Mendis a sweep and Dickwella a reverse-sweep. Chandimal, however, refused to characterise those dismissals as wasteful.”We’ve played on these kinds of pitches before in Sri Lanka, and in India and Bangladesh. On these pitches, it’s with sweeps and reverse-sweeps that we can score runs. There’s a risk in that, but if we are chasing scores, we have to play those shots. At training we had practiced those things, and they bore results today.”

Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven is keen on joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer and manager Ange Postecoglou personally believes Spurs have a great chance of signing him.

Who will Spurs sign?

The Lilywhites are aiming to take this transfer window by storm and back Postecoglou in his attempts to restore exciting, expansive football at Hotspur Way.

Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte before him encouraged a more pragmatic style but Postecoglou appears determined to deploy a much more different approach.

“In terms of how quickly the players embrace it, the new players coming in will help," said the former Celtic boss on his playing style.

"That’s the part I have control over – whether that’s James or Guglielmo in goal.

"They’re players who fit in the direction I want to go in. Then it’s about seeing with the existing group how many of them are able to adjust and embrace the way we’re going to play.”

Spurs have already sealed the signings of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli, a deal for James Maddison from Leicester City, the free transfer of Manor Solomon and Dejan Kulusevski on a permanent deal from Juventus.

The aforementioned boost Tottenham's options defensively and going forward, with reports suggesting they're now targeting major additions for their central defensive line.

There are a fair few names attracting Spurs' interest, including van de Ven, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo, Barcelona's Clement Lenglet and Galatasary star Victor Nelsson.

Van de Ven, though, is at the centre of reports claiming he is closing in on a move to north London – with reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano claiming a deal is close.

As per The Daily Mirror and journalist Darren Lewis, Postecoglou personally thinks the Dutchman will be Tottenham's "fifth summer signing" after Vicario, Maddison, Solomon and Kulusevski.

The Australian is apparently confident he will join Spurs, and much like Romano, the Mirror claim an agreement is nearing. As well as this, van de Ven is thought to be keen on making the move to N17, a factor which could support Daniel Levy's attempts to sign him.

The 22-year-old is thought to command a price tag of around £25 million, a figure which may well be affordable from Tottenham's perspective.

How good is Micky van de Ven?

According to WhoScored, the defender stood out as a real shining light under Wolfsburg boss Niko Kovac last campaign.

Making more blocks per 90 than any of his teammates, van de Ven also ranked among Wolfsburg's top three best players for clearances made on average (WhoScored).

Indeed, it speaks volumes that Kovac selected van de Ven more than any other of his outfield players in the German top flight last year (WhoScored).

Called a "monster" of a player on Voetbal International, the Bundesliga website have described him as a lightning quick player and even compared him to Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk.

They wrote:

"Much like Liverpool’s Dutch centre-back, Van de Ven can be a nightmare for attacking players with his immense strength, determination and precision tackling scuppering the most promising of forward moves.

"With incredible pace and passing ability among his many assets, the Netherlands U21 international – who captained his country at the 2023 UEFA Europan Under-21 Championship – is on course to become a regular for the senior Oranje in the near future."

Newcastle United have already completed the signing of Sandro Tonali this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club's next move on a long-standing transfer target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Kieran Tierney?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are reigniting a move for Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney following sit-down talks.

As per the report, the Magpies have moved on after missing out on Fulham's Antonee Robinson and are now exploring a move for Tierney instead.

It is claimed that the player is the top target for Eddie Howe in his shortlist of left-back options and the club are now in pole position to secure his signature.

How good is Kieran Tierney?

Whilst the interest in Tierney appeared to have cooled due to making the signing of Robinson their priority, the young in-demand Fulham star has now signed a new long-term deal to remain at Craven Cottage, ensuring Newcastle can now focus on agreeing a deal with Arsenal for their out of favour full-back.

Howe is looking to bolster key areas of his squad to ensure his already impressive team can continue to develop and compete for trophies next season, as well as putting together a good run in their long-awaited return to the Champions League.

The left-back role is one that could definitely be strengthened with centre-back Dan Burn playing out of position the entire campaign to maintain quality across the back-line, whilst Matt Targett doesn't appear to be a trusted option which reflects in his limited game-time at St James' Park last season – having started just six league games in 2022/23.

Indeed, Burn – who has made a "ridiculous impact" according to pundit Frank McAvennie – has done a fantastic job in his adapted role and played a key part in Newcastle's League Cup journey alongside qualification for Champions League football, however, it would be advantageous to bolster the position with an experienced left-back who is a natural in the role too.

As a result, the signing of Tierney could be a great piece of business for the Tyneside outfit ahead of next season, despite his lack of minutes at the Emirates in recent times due to a variety of injury issues and the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko last summer.

The 26-year-old – who also started just six league games last term – ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shots on goal, progressive carries and progressive passes, demonstrating his clear attacking-minded style of play from his position of the left-flank, as per FBref.

In contrast to the aforementioned Robinson, the former Celtic ace – who has a reported £30m price tag – has won more tackles per 90 (1.84 v 1.81), delivered the same number of shot-creating actions per 90 (1.69 v 1.69) and provided more progressive passes per 90 (5.15 v 3.76), showcasing that the failure to land the Fulham man could prove to be a blessing in disguise, such is Tierney's all-round quality.

The Scotland star has drawn high praise over his career so far, with former Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole complimenting Tierney's impact on the Gunners when fit:

"When he’s in the team, they are a different team, he’s willing to defend, he’s that kind of leader and warrior they need in this team."

With that being said, if Newcastle can strike up a good deal for Tierney he would certainly provide the left-back position with a fresh perspective ahead of next season and will undoubtedly push Burn for the first-team role if he can be a difference-maker for Howe in the future.

Newcastle United have already completed the signing of Sandro Tonali this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club's next move on a long-standing transfer target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Kieran Tierney?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are reigniting a move for Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney following sit-down talks.

As per the report, the Magpies have moved on after missing out on Fulham's Antonee Robinson and are now exploring a move for Tierney instead.

It is claimed that the player is the top target for Eddie Howe in his shortlist of left-back options and the club are now in pole position to secure his signature.

How good is Kieran Tierney?

Whilst the interest in Tierney appeared to have cooled due to making the signing of Robinson their priority, the young in-demand Fulham star has now signed a new long-term deal to remain at Craven Cottage, ensuring Newcastle can now focus on agreeing a deal with Arsenal for their out of favour full-back.

Howe is looking to bolster key areas of his squad to ensure his already impressive team can continue to develop and compete for trophies next season, as well as putting together a good run in their long-awaited return to the Champions League.

The left-back role is one that could definitely be strengthened with centre-back Dan Burn playing out of position the entire campaign to maintain quality across the back-line, whilst Matt Targett doesn't appear to be a trusted option which reflects in his limited game-time at St James' Park last season – having started just six league games in 2022/23.

Indeed, Burn – who has made a "ridiculous impact" according to pundit Frank McAvennie – has done a fantastic job in his adapted role and played a key part in Newcastle's League Cup journey alongside qualification for Champions League football, however, it would be advantageous to bolster the position with an experienced left-back who is a natural in the role too.

As a result, the signing of Tierney could be a great piece of business for the Tyneside outfit ahead of next season, despite his lack of minutes at the Emirates in recent times due to a variety of injury issues and the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko last summer.

The 26-year-old – who also started just six league games last term – ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shots on goal, progressive carries and progressive passes, demonstrating his clear attacking-minded style of play from his position of the left-flank, as per FBref.

In contrast to the aforementioned Robinson, the former Celtic ace – who has a reported £30m price tag – has won more tackles per 90 (1.84 v 1.81), delivered the same number of shot-creating actions per 90 (1.69 v 1.69) and provided more progressive passes per 90 (5.15 v 3.76), showcasing that the failure to land the Fulham man could prove to be a blessing in disguise, such is Tierney's all-round quality.

The Scotland star has drawn high praise over his career so far, with former Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole complimenting Tierney's impact on the Gunners when fit:

"When he’s in the team, they are a different team, he’s willing to defend, he’s that kind of leader and warrior they need in this team."

With that being said, if Newcastle can strike up a good deal for Tierney he would certainly provide the left-back position with a fresh perspective ahead of next season and will undoubtedly push Burn for the first-team role if he can be a difference-maker for Howe in the future.

Recklessness was the charge laid against England after their double collapse at Trent Bridge, but rarely, if ever, has such an accusation been levelled against Alastair Cook

The Report by David Hopps27-Jul-2017Recklessness was the charge laid against England after their double collapse at Trent Bridge invited South Africa back into the series, but rarely, if ever, has such an accusation been levelled against Alastair Cook. England presented him as the chief witness for the defence at the start of the third Test at The Oval – and defence is what he diligently delivered.On a crabby day frequently taunted by heavy showers, England finished four down, 171 to the good. Two of their three debutants perished as did a third batsman, Keaton Jennings, who at this level – in fact, at all levels – also remains comparatively wet behind the ears.At such times, Cook’s calming presence has often offered England succour – nigh on 12,000 Test runs amassed without excess, and as if oblivious to the tribulations around him. He just about held South Africa at bay, a workmanlike 82 not out fashioned by the time players left the field for the final time around six o’clock.South of the Thames, life is supposedly relaxed and informal, especially with a 100th Test for The Oval to celebrate, but not for England, who knew that restraint was expected of them, but who struggled to prosper after Joe Root’s marginal decision to bat.An unbroken stand of 51 between Cook and Ben Stokes as the rain became more frequent brought a different complexion after they had slipped to 120 for 4. Stokes, who had taken offence at the questioning of England’s dedication after their Trent Bridge defeat, again playing with utmost deliberation. It was perhaps safest not to mention it.England’s task to put Nottingham behind them was far from straightforward. There was swing and, surprisingly at The Oval, some seam movement on offer for South Africa’s attack on a green-tinged pitch. England had cause to be grateful that Vernon Philander had to retreat from the fray for periods of the day with a stomach upset. Once again, he was excellent throughout.The shot that got Cook to fifty – a rare wide one from Philander which he flashed through gully – was uncharacteristic of a patient innings in which he left well and prospered off his pads. It was his first Test fifty in the first innings for more than a year. His focus, though, will be forward – and the potential for a 31st Test hundred.He was grateful, on 28, to survive an lbw appeal from Chris Morris, the ball angling in towards leg stump but Ultra Edge spotting a nick on to his pad after South Africa reviewed.South Africa followed up the wicket of Jennings in the fourth over of the day with three more in the afternoon. Tom Westley looked comfortable enough in making 24 by lunch, but he fell four balls after the resumption, edging an outswinger from Chris Morris to second slip. As with any international newcomer, analysis will immediately begin – and with Westley it will doubtless emphasise his penchant for the leg side – but it was a decent delivery.John Crawley at Lord’s in 1994 was the last time England fielded a debutant No. 3 at home and there were similarities in Westley’s game, notably in a fluent manner and a strong leg-side game. A first-class average below 38 was hardly eye-catching, but he had a dapper air at the crease and, at 28, many believe him to be a late developer. England certainly need one.Dawid Malan couldn’t keep out Kagiso Rabada’s fantastic delivery•Getty Images

Philander, who had been limited to four overs with the new ball before lunch, returned in mid-afternoon and removed Joe Root during his second over back. Root was drawn into a work to leg by a slightly back-of-a-length delivery of impeccable line, it left him a fraction and Quinton de Kock changed direction in time to take a fine, one-handed catch to his right.Dawid Malan, on debut at five, is no stodge: selections like this further underline that England are not about to block out the rest of the summer. He was preferred to Liam Dawson as England sought refuge in an extra batsman, but managed only a single before his 17th delivery proved to be his last, a high-class yorker from Kagiso Rabada, which swung late to hit middle and leg and which left the left-handed Malan falling to the floor as it did so, evidence of a closed-off stance.The sum of England’s morning was 62 in 22.1 overs for the loss of Jennings, who made a duck and who is looking increasingly unlikely to survive his first Test summer. Influential figures, Andy Flower among them, like his character, but increasingly England will be disturbed by his batting average.In three Tests, Jennings’ technique has been well and truly filleted. South Africa are experts at it, especially against someone who they regard as one of their own. He has looked increasingly statuesque; as if afraid every move might be his last. Three debutants at The Oval might not preclude a fourth in Manchester.Not for the first time this series, he was skilfully worked over by Philander, his footwork tentative and bat searching blindly as if unsure which way the ball was moving. He deflected a delivery into his pads, not too far short of square leg, and then pushed blindly at the next. Philander then got him at third slip as he dangled his bat without conviction.Jennings’ departure paved the way for an Essex alliance between Cook and Westley, Westley heartened no doubt, in his first Test innings, to have the presence at the crease of a county colleague he holds in such high regard.The Oval is traditionally the ground for England debutants, but that owes much to its regular place in the English calendar as the last Test of the summer. To find three of them, all a little squeamish with nerves, searching for dressing room pegs in only the third Test of the summer, was a sign of England’s problems.Three debutants a few months before the start of an Ashes series is hardly ideal for England. Consolation, though, is easy to find because South Africa caused the same fallout in the last Australian summer. Tough and uncompromising, they are adept at uncovering weaknesses. Westley’s first four scoring shots in Test cricket were all boundaries, the first of them a signature shot as he whipped Morne Morkel to the square leg boundary.He was fortunate to get a thin edge on an lbw appeal from Morkel before taking two more boundaries off the first over from Keshav Maharaj, the left-arm spinner. An aerial drive was too close to short extra cover for comfort; a further boundary off his pads possessed more aplomb.Neither Morkel nor Rabada were at the top of their game before lunch. Morkel was too short, going for 28 in his first six, while Rabada, despite putting himself through a heavy workload in the nets during his one-Test suspension under the totting up procedure, took a while to slip into gear.Both stepped it up after lunch. Morkel was particularly impressive during a demanding afternoon spell of fuller length. Cook and Root were forced to tough it out. The former captain survived; his replacement didn’t. Root slumped back in a dressing room chair, disconsolate and, like many before him, watched Cook dig England out of a hole.

Pundit Alan Hutton has been reacting to news from Celtic regarding a new deal for captain Callum McGregor.

What’s the latest Celtic news?

The Hoops have been busy so far this summer following a historic treble-winning campaign under Ange Postecoglou, with the Australian leaving Parkhead for Tottenham.

Celtic have since brought in Brendan Rodgers for a second stint as manager and look set to back the Northern Irishman by handing him a £30m transfer kitty.

New players have been brought in, with midfielder Odin Thiago Holm and winger Marco Tilio joining from Valerenga and Melbourne City receptively, penning five-year deals in Scotland.

Meanwhile, star winger Jota has left Celtic for Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £25m, with Gangwon FC forward Yang Hyun-jun a potential replacement.

The club have also acted quickly to tie down McGregor to a new contract, with Celtic confirming earlier in the week that the Scotland international has extended his stay until 2028 after signing a fresh five-year deal.

Talking to Football Insider, Hutton, who contributes for Sky Sports, was giving his reaction to a new contract for the midfielder. The former Scotland defender labelled McGregor as “outstanding” and said he could go on to win more trophies than former captain Scott Brown, describing it as “incredible”.

“I had no doubt in my mind that he would probably see out his career at Celtic.

“I think it was just a case of signing him long-term and at the end of the day I think he deserves it, that is the big thing.”

Callum McGregor’s Celtic career

McGregor is a product of Celtic’s academy and has been on the books of the senior side since 2013.

He went out on loan to Notts County during the 2013/14 League One season and scored 12 goals in 37 third-tier games, form which helped him break into Celtic’s first team plans.

In total, McGregor has now made a whopping 419 senior appearances for the Hoops, scoring 62 goals and registering 71 assists. Now 30 years of age, McGregor appears to be going from strength to strength and is currently valued at a career-high €8.5m by Transfermarkt.

The midfielder has won eight Scottish Premiership titles, seven Scottish League Cups and five Scottish Cups and is just three behind Brown’s tally of 23 major honours with Celtic.

Therefore, should he remain at the club for the next five years as expected, you’d like to think there is a huge chance McGregor will go on to surpass Brown’s haul of 23 major honours, and you’d expect he will once again play a key role in Rodgers’ side during the 2023/24 campaign.

England’s latest No. 3 has had a lean run against West Indies but could have one more shot at earning a place on the Ashes tour

Alan Gardner30-Aug-2017England have retained the same 13-man squad for the third Investec Test against West Indies at Lord’s, meaning Tom Westley could still make a case to retain his place at No. 3.Defeat at Headingley – England’s first at home to West Indies since 2000 – left the series level at 1-1 but the selectors have continued a policy of sticking with players who have underperformed. The shape of the top order has been of particular concern ahead of the winter’s Ashes tour to Australia, while England also dropped six clear chances over both innings as West Indies pulled off a famous chase of 322.England’s problems began in the first innings at Headingley, where their batting let them down again, although they gave an improved showing to post 490 for 8 second time around. Mark Stoneman scored his maiden international half-century and Dawid Malan posted a score in the 60s for the second game running.Westley’s role has been most under scrutiny, however, having so far managed scores of 8, 3 and 8 in the series. In the second innings at Headingley, he was caught playing an expansive drive the over after surviving a running mix-up with Stoneman, as England fought to overturn a 169-run first-innings deficit.Although he made a half-century in his second Test innings, against South Africa at The Oval, his returns have quickly diminished. A strong scorer on the leg side, he was twice dismissed lbw by West Indies bowlers targeting his pads.England could still make changes to the balance of their side at Lord’s, with the legspinner Mason Crane – who pulled off superb catch while on as a substitute to briefly lift the team on the fifth day at Headingley – potentially in line for a Test debut. Chris Woakes had replaced Toby Roland-Jones for the second Test and struggled for consistency on his return although batted impressively. Crane, Woakes and Stuart Broad have been available for NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day on September 2.The coach, Trevor Bayliss, has meanwhile given his support to England captain Joe Root after his declaration on the fourth day allowed West Indies a way back into the series.”I don’t think it will affect him too much,” Bayliss said. “I think there are a few guys in the team behind him that were fully supportive – everyone was fully supportive – of his declaration and I’m sure they’ll be backing him up and suggesting in the future if we need to declare I’m sure they’ll give him a helping hand.”I hope the result doesn’t change the way he thinks about the game. In that situation, more times than not, we’ll win more than we lose. The wicket played pretty well and the West Indies batted even better, so all credit to them, but I’d like to see the same sort of thought process happening in the future.”

Sri Lanka’s limited-overs captain has decided to take time off Tests to focus on the white-ball formats, and has been left out of the provisional squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan

Andrew Fidel Fernando04-Sep-2017Sri Lanka’s limited-overs captain Upul Tharanga has opted out of Test cricket for six months in order to focus on the white-ball formats. The outgoing selectors, headed by Sanath Jayasuriya, did not name Tharanga among the 25 in the provisional Test squad for the forthcoming games against Pakistan in the UAE.Tharanga has been modest in Tests this year with 430 runs from eight matches, but has been successful in ODIs with an average of 47.21 – even as he has presided over two 0-5 whitewashes at the hands of India and South Africa.The squad is expected to be trimmed to 15 by the next set of selectors, who are yet to be named.Notably, fast bowler Dhammika Prasad, who expected to be fit following a hiatus of almost two years due to a major shoulder complaint that required surgery, is in the squad. Also included are Kaushal Silva, who was dropped after the South Africa tour, and Sadeera Samarawickrama – the top-scorer from this years’ first-class season.The provisional squad also features spin bowlers Akila Dananjaya and Jeffrey Vandersay, in addition to Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera and Lakshan Sandakan. Allrounder Asela Gunaratne and batsman Kusal Perera remain injured.Provisional squad: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Niroshan Dickwella, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milinda Siriwardana, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilruwan Perera, Malinda Pushpakumara, Roshen Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Charith Asalanka, Shaminda Eranga, Dhammika Prasad

Arsenal forward Beth Mead spoke about her ACL injury recovery process alongside her team-mate and partner Vivianne Miedema.

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• Mead opens up on featuring in Arsenal documentary

• Opens up on ACL injury and recovery process

• Women's football plagued with ACL injuries

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Arsenal duo recently battled their way back to fitness after sustaining ACL tears last year. They recently featured in a documentary released by the Gunners where the players share anecdotes from their experiences of suffering such a serious injury and how they recovered from the setback.

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• WHAT BETH MEAD SAID

  Speaking to , Mead revealed that they felt important to spread awareness regarding ACL injuries, which is quite prevalent among women footballers.

  The striker, sitting alongside her partner said, "We felt important to kind of share our journey, make everyone a little bit more aware of what that journey looks like. If we could kind of figure out a little more as to why it's happening or the factors that go towards it happening or is there anything that we can do within the game to present it? At least minimise the risk of ACL injuries.

  "There's been quite a pandemic of this specific injury so we owed it to the next generation to try and figure out a better solution, a better plan that could minimise the risk of this nasty injury."

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to a report from , women footballers are six times more likely to sustain ACL injuries compared to men. Female footballers are also 25 per cent less likely to fully recover and return from such injuries.

  In recent times, women's football has been plagued with ACL injuries with several big names being ruled out of action due to knee problems.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BETH MEAD?

  Since her return to action, the 28-year-old has made seven Women's Super League appearances where he scored thrice for her club. She will be next seen in action after the winter break when Arsenal face Watford in a FA WSL Cup clash on January 14.

Peter Handscomb, drenched in sweat and fighting dehydration, epitomised Australian desire to atone for their defeat in Mirpur, helping David Warner guide the visitors to within sight of Bangladesh’s first-innings total on another draining day in Chittagon

The Report by Daniel Brettig05-Sep-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details3:03

Isam: ‘Bangladesh could’ve pushed Warner, Smith a little more

An exhausted but undefeated Peter Handscomb, drenched in sweat and fighting dehydration, epitomised Australian desire to atone for their defeat in Mirpur, helping the vice-captain David Warner guide the visitors to within sight of Bangladesh’s first-innings total on another draining day in Chittagong.Where on day one it had been Pat Cummins struggling to get to the bowling crease, this time it was Handscomb reaching the edge of collapse in the day’s last half an hour, amid an unbroken partnership of 127 with Warner that helped capitalise on the excellent work of Nathan Lyon in the morning session to round up Bangladesh.Play was held up for several minutes as Handscomb received urgent treatment to cool him down, but his play was otherwise a model of positivity and good sense against a Bangladesh side that has seemed content to wait for things to happen over the first two days. A draw is enough for the hosts to win only the fourth Test series in their history, but a pair of missed chances allowed Warner to push towards his second century in as many innings.Australia’s captain Steven Smith had also demonstrated a strong method, before he played around a straight delivery from Taijul Islam just as the visitors appeared to be setting a platform. However Handscomb and Warner ensured the Australian innings would not deteriorate, in conditions that admittedly tested the batsmen in terms of heat and humidity more so than the sharp spin and variable bounce of the first Test.Lyon’s dismissal of Mushfiqur Rahim in his first over of the day, then that of the last man Taijul, had given the off spinner the handsome figures of 7 for 94. Ashton Agar provided useful support while the recalled Steve O’Keefe finished wicketless, and Cummins looked mercifully less exhausted after a night’s sleep following his demanding day-one stint as Australia’s only pace bowler.Smith had started the day with a refreshed Cummins and O’Keefe, but it took Lyon’s introduction to tease out a desperately needed breakthrough. Mushfiqur did not quite reach the pitch of a sharp-turning off break that he succeeded only in dragging back onto his stumps with a heavy helping of overspin.Steven Smith steadied Australia with a half-century before letting Taijul Islam burst through his defence•AFP

At the other end, Agar’s arrival drew a Nasir Hossain attempt to cut a flatter delivery that was perhaps too close to him for the shot. The resultant edge brought a third fine dismissal of the innings for the wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, who will also need overdue runs to shore up his place in the team ahead of the home Ashes series in November.Mehidy Hasan looked good for a few runs, but was undone when hesitating on a second run and finding himself comfortably short when Warner threw down the stumps after a live-wire chase from backward point – another instance of fine fielding to match some of Wade’s efforts in Chittagong’s considerable heat. Taijul advanced to loft Glenn Maxwell beyond the wide long-on boundary and so push Bangladesh beyond 300, before an attempt to hit Lyon just as far resulted in an outside edge held sharply by Smith at slip to bring the innings to a close and reward the offspinner with the third seven-wicket haul of his six years in Test cricket.Matt Renshaw was lost in the minutes preceding lunch when he failed to glance Mustafizur Rahman beyond a diving Mushfiqur – the first wicket to fall to a Bangladeshi pace bowler for the series. Smith then played positively to drive Australia’s response, while Warner slotted into an uncustomary supporting role. While the occasional delivery turned disconcertingly, these were mainly negotiated with skill and poise by the touring team’s leaders, notably forcing Mehidy to revert to bowling over the wicket to Smith after his success from around the stumps in Mirpur.Shakib Al Hasan also appeared to have been vanquished, compelling Mushfiqur to replace him with Taijul as tea approached. Where most of Shakib’s deliveries had straightened down the line, Taijul’s first continued to arrow in with the arm, and Smith failed to make the appropriate adjustment. The loss of the captain left Australia somewhat vulnerable, before Warner and Handscomb settled into the sort of rhythm from which long partnerships are made.Making the most of his back-foot method, Handscomb was able to find gaps through the off side, with the occasional sally down the wicket to loft the ball into the expanses between mid-on and midwicket. Warner continued to play within himself, settling in for a lengthy occupation, though he twice had the good fortune of chances spurned. On 52 he bunted Taijul to short leg, only for Mominul Haque to spill it, then 21 runs later danced down to Mehidy and was reprieved by the fact that low bounce – and perhaps his own fatigue – foiled Mushfiqur’s attempt to complete the stumping.What remained in the day was Handscomb’s struggle to keep himself vertical, as Bangladesh’s bowlers and fielders all seemed eager simply to get through to stumps rather than overly press for the wicket of the badly fatigued Victorian. It’s been 31 years since Dean Jones fought the most extreme of fatigue, cramps and dehydration to tally an epic double-century against India in Madras. Handscomb and Warner have a long way to go before they reach a comparable peak.