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New South Wales will look to the West Indies and New Zealand for an overseas player after Sri Lanka blocked Tillakaratne Dilshan from playing in the Big Bash

Peter English25-Jun-2010New South Wales will look to the West Indies and New Zealand for an overseas player after Sri Lanka blocked Tillakaratne Dilshan from playing in the 2010-11 Big Bash. Dilshan, the explosive opener, signed with the Blues in March but his country wants him to avoid any unnecessary setbacks before next year’s World Cup.The move is a blow to the Blues and a spokesman said they had already started searching for a replacement after learning of the development over the past week. Nishantha Ranatunga, the Sri Lanka Cricket secretary, said their contract holders would not be able to play in overseas domestic leagues before the World Cup in February.”The board has taken the position in consultation with the selectors and coaching staff,” Ranatunga told Cricinfo. “The players will be focusing on the World Cup in 2011 and the decision has been made not to release any of them for any domestic tournament.”Dilshan was Northern Districts’ overseas signing last season in New Zealand’s domestic Twenty20 competition before planning his switch to Australia. He has scored at a strike-rate of 120.50 in 31 Twenty20 internationals, but New South Wales will still have a powerful top order including the locals David Warner, Phillip Hughes and Phil Jaques.While the Blues won the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 in India, they failed to qualify for the 2010 event after finishing second last in the Big Bash. West Indians have been in high demand with the states, who are allowed to bring in two overseas stars each.Chris Gayle and Kemar Roach have been contracted by Western Australia and Dwayne Bravo (Victoria) and Kieron Pollard (South Australia) will also take part. Securing the best New Zealanders could also be difficult as their internationals are involved in local campaigns in January.Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor and Daniel Vettori are the most attractive options from New Zealand, although they will also want to try qualifying for the Champions League through their domestic sides. Vettori (Queensland) and Taylor (Victoria) both made guest appearances last summer while McCullum was a controversial late addition in New South Wales’ final victory in 2008-09.Tasmania were initially hopeful of attracting Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews before being told of Sri Lanka’s plans to protect their players. Instead the Tigers re-signed the Pakistani Naved-ul-Hasan, who is currently banned for a year by his country following his performances on the 2009-10 tour of Australia.

Several of Zimbabwe’s displays in the past had centered around one player with the rest failing to contribute but Taylor said the victory today marked a break from that trend

Cricinfo staff28-May-2010Man of the Match Brendan Taylor has put down Zimbabwe’s six-wicket win over India to a combined effort that was unlike many of his team’s performances in the past. “This was a thoroughly good all-round performance on a flat wicket, and it’s nice to see the guys chipping in,” Taylor, who top scored for his team with 81, said. “We’ve always struggled in the past when one guy chips in and everyone struggles.”Taylor, during his 103-ball stay, was involved in two major partnerships that set up Zimbabwe’s successful chase of a seemingly formidable 285. He added 88 in 13 overs with opener Hamilton Masakadza, and followed it up with a further 63 with Greg Lamb. The second stand consumed 16.3 overs, and when Taylor fell with the score on 176, Zimbabwe’s required rate had crept to more than seven-an-over. The flat wicket and the presence of some power-players down the order, however, meant Zimbabwe had to preserve their wickets for a good part of the chase, Taylor said.”The plan was to basically just keep knocking the ball around. We know we have Andy Blignaut and Elton [Chigumbura] at the bottom there and Charles [Coventry] coming in too. So we’ve got the firepower to catch up in the end with the batting Powerplay. There wasn’t really too much risk to be taken.”We were trying to bat the way they [India] sort of started; construct the innings pretty well. It was a nice wicket to bat on, [the strategy was to] not lose too many wickets and back yourself to really have a go.”Chigumbura, leading Zimbabwe for the first time, was off the mark with the ball, conceding 26 in an over which included 14 wides and a no-ball, but chipped in during the chase, combining with debutant Craig Ervine in an unbeaten 58-run stand to steer his team home. “It wasn’t easy for me,” he said of his first match as captain. “I thought I let the team down in the first half but some of the guys played well. We had a good partnership first up which gave us a good foundation to win the game.”The plan was for the seamers to get one or two wickets to make it easy for the spinners, but it went the other way – only one seamer bowled well. I thought the rest of the spinners bowled well.”It’s a good start for Craig Ervine to score a half-century on debut. The main focus now is to be consistent as a team.”Suresh Raina, unlike his Zimbabwean counterpart, had a poor start to his captaincy, as his bowlers, particularly the inexperienced seamers, failed to measure up in a determined chase by the hosts. The batting Powerplay available to Zimbabwe at the death, with Chigumbura and Ervine cashing in, cost India the game, he said. “It [the target] was defendable. Amit Mishra bowled really well, [Ravindra] Jadeja also. But they still had a Powerplay left at the end, and a couple of their players batted really well. That’s what cost the game for us.”The highlight of India’s performance was a maiden ODI century from Rohit Sharma, who helped them recover from 67 for 3. The bowling, though, according to Raina, needed improvement if India were to challenge Sri Lanka in their next fixture. “The way Rohit was hitting the ball was remarkable,” Raina said. “We need to work on our bowling. A couple of players are playing for the first time, but hopefully they will learn from this mistake.”India take on Sri Lanka in the next game of the series on May 30 in Bulawayo.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has dropped an update on the future of Vasilis Barkas.

What’s been said?

In recent comments cited by the Glasgow Evening Times, the Bhoys boss discussed the goalkeeper’s issues fitting into the Celtic side following his £4.5m move to Glasgow back in the summer of 2020, before suggesting that the 27-year-old could be on his way out of Parkhead this winter.

Despite stating his belief that the Greece international is a hard worker, regarding the shot-stopper’s future, the 56-year-old manager went on to say: “We will see what will happen at Celtic or elsewhere.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how poor Barkas has been since his arrival at Celtic one and a half years ago, in addition to the fact that the shot-stopper has so far made just two appearances under the management of Postecoglou, the suggestion that the club could be looking to move the 27-year-old on this winter is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 15 Premiership appearances last season, despite keeping eight clean sheets, the £1.35m-rated man also made an average of just one save per fixture, while also conceding an extremely disappointing average of 0.7 goals per game.

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These returns saw the player who Tam McManus dubbed “horrendous” earn a seasonal SofaScore rating of a mere 6.79, ranking him as the Hoops’ joint ninth-worst performer in the top flight of Scottish football last time out.

Furthermore, when taking into account Barkas is reported to be earning £20k-per-week at Parkhead, it is clear that the shot-stopper has proven to be anything but good value for money for Celtic – as, on top of his £4.5m transfer fee, the ‘keeper has also cost the club roughly a further £1.6m in wages.

As such, it is certainly a case of the sooner Barkas leaves the better for Celtic, an opinion which, following his latest comments, Postecoglou would very much appear to be in agreement with.

In other news: Anthony Joseph drops huge Celtic transfer update, Postecoglou will be fuming

The Daily Record’s Mark Pirie believes that Celtic will look to use Reo Hatate in the attacking third, with a January move looking likely.

The Lowdown: Agreement reached

The 24-year-old, who currently plays for Kawasaki Frontale, could well be Celtic’s first signing of 2022, with the Hoops reportedly reaching an agreement with the J1 League outfit for the versatile ace.

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His current contract expires at the end of January, but it seems as if Celtic will fork out a fee in order to bring him to Scotland as soon as possible.

Hatate can play in a number of positions all over the pitch, although Pirie has made a claim on what he thinks Ange Postecoglou may have in store for the 24-year-old.

The Latest: Pirie’s claim

Pirie shared a story on Sunday morning, looking at Celtic’s January state of play. One player of discussion was Hatate, with the reporter believing that it looks ‘increasingly likely’ that he will be deployed in the attacking third of the pitch with left-back Greg Taylor now back from injury.

He added that out of all of Celtic’s targets, a move for Hatate could be the one which is finalised before the Glasgow derby with Rangers on January 2.

The Verdict: Mr Versatile

Hatate can play as a left-back, central midfielder, attacking midfielder or as a winger, so his versatility could prove to be a big hit with both Postecoglou and the Hoops faithful.

At this moment in time, he may well be required in an attacking role, as Pirie mentions, especially with the number of injuries to Celtic’s attacking stars. When they return, he could provide cover for the likes of Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Tom Rogic in midfield, while also being on standby to replace Taylor at left-back if needed.

Overall, Hatate could turn out to be an extremely shrewd signing by Postecoglou, and he’ll be looking to continue his trophy-winning habit over in Scotland, should the transfer officially go through.

In other news: Nicholson makes Celtic move on the day of Hampden Park final to sign speedster with ‘great feet’

A fact-finding committee set-up by the PCB to look into the flight of Zulqarnain Haider to the UK from Dubai has failed to find any clear motives behind his actions

Osman Samiuddin24-Dec-2010A fact-finding committee set-up by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to look into the flight of Zulqarnain Haider to the UK from Dubai has failed to find any clear motives behind his actions.The three-member committee of Subhan Ahmed (COO, PCB), manager Intikhab Alam and security manager Khawaja Najam has ultimately recommended that the board “should write to Haider seeking complete written details of the entire episode and in light of those details [if received], may decide on whether to proceed with taking disciplinary action against him”.The board has already suspended the now retired wicketkeeper’s central contract.The committee’s report, seen by ESPNcricinfo, is based on conversations the three members had with Haider and others from the squad. “It is difficult to say with complete confidence at this stage as to what were the motives [behind the departure],” it concludes. But one of its observations seemingly offers a hint: “Some close associates of Haider, when contacted in UK, advised that during his last visit to UK with Pakistan team this summer, he had made enquiries on settling down in UK.”Further light is also shed on events leading to his departure after claiming he was threatened by bookies during Pakistan’s one-day series against South Africa last month.For example, the night before he left, seamer Wahab Riaz had been in Haider’s room till midnight. “His view was that Haider was normal and did not look worried,” the report says. “He did not discuss anything with Wahab with whom he was quite friendly.”The report also confirms that Haider asked the team management for his passport on the pretext of buying a mobile SIM card on the eve of the fourth ODI, a game in which he subsequently played a late, key role in securing a win.The last members of the squad to see Haider before his flight were the assistant manager Shahid Aslam and Younis Khan, who saw him walking out of his hotel room with a backpack on the morning of the fifth ODI. He told them he was going to visit relatives in the city.According to the report, Haider told the committee that he received the first threat two days before the fourth ODI. “When he was walking in the parking area of the hotel, he met a person who said to him he must do what he is told to do in cricket else he and his family would be killed.”He didn’t recognize the person who had met him 2 days before the fourth ODI. He didn’t see the person or hear from him afterwards.”What appears to have been the tipping point in convincing him to leave, however, came after that. “Later (he did not mention the date) he saw a note in his room which was on the hotel notepad on which some amounts and female names were mentioned.” He has since handed over the note to Scotland Yard.Though the investigation was mostly an exercise in fact-finding, certain questions are raised, echoing earlier concerns by the PCB. “It [his departure] was quite strange because Dubai is as safe a place as UK (perhaps safer), but Haider decided to travel to the UK rather than staying in Dubai or travelling to homeland Pakistan.”It is also quite strange that in the presence of a full-time security manager of the team and the other PCB officials, Haider deemed it appropriate to approach the media rather than the PCB which is his employer.”Several ex-players and officials questioned Haider’s state of mind immediately after he fled, a point the report touches on. “It may be noted that the views of some of the support staff about Haider were that he is a complex personality. He is a person who is easily convinced into believing whatever is said to him. He is also stated to be a weak nerves person.”Haider is still in the UK and is due to appear for another interview with asylum authorities on January 5, before reporting to the police on January 10th.

A Rangers manager claim has been made regarding the potential announcement of Steven Gerrard’s successor…

What’s the talk?

Gers insider David Edgar has played down suggestions that the club’s new manager will be announced on Tuesday (16/11/21). Heart & Hand are an official media partner of the club and presenter Edgar has denied speculation that a press conference has been scheduled.

He told the Heart & Hand Patreon podcast, via Ibrox News:

“You may have seen Whatsapp’s saying Rangers have a press conference booked, they don’t.

“Not to say that an announcement won’t happen, but I’d be surprised if an announcement came tomorrow [Tuesday].”

Frustration

The Gers have reportedly held talks with Gio van Bronckhorst over a deal to take over from Gerrard following the ex-Liverpool man’s move to Aston Villa last week. However, Ross Wilson is also said to be eyeing other, yet to be named, coaches for the role, which could be exciting news for Rangers fans to read.

Irrespective of any excitement that could come with the prospect of an unknown emerging as a serious contender for the role, Rangers fans will surely be starting to get frustrated at the pace of negotiations. After seemingly starting quickly with the talks with van Bronckhorst over the weekend, Wilson now appears to be considering his options and time is ticking down ahead of their semi-final clash with Hibernian on Sunday.

Rangers have the opportunity to seal a place in the final of the cup on Sunday and are currently without a permanent manager in charge. Supporters will surely want to see a head coach in place in advance of the game in order to give the players added motivation to perform, along with a game plan befitting of the style the manager wants to deploy moving forward.

With an announcement on Tuesday unlikely, according to Edgar, it does make one wonder when it will come. Wilson has less than a week to get it wrapped up if he wants someone in the dugout for the Hibs match and that could make these next few days crucial in terms of the short-term success at Ibrox.

Having a clear plan in place could provide clarity ahead of the game, rather than having players play in an important match whilst they remain clueless as to who will be their boss the following week. This is why fans should be getting frustrated as the situation continues to drag out.

AND in other news,  Time’s up: GVB could become an instant hit at Rangers by axing £1.8m-rated dud…

Brad Haddin’s second one-day international century gave Australia a 2-1 lead and the most one-sided victory of the tour, as they chased down their target with 16 balls to spare

The Bulletin by Brydon Coverdale09-Mar-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsBrad Haddin’s best ODI score buried New Zealand•Getty ImagesBrad Haddin’s second one-day international century gave Australia a 2-1 lead and the most one-sided victory of the tour, as they chased down their target with 16 balls to spare. Haddin’s 110 was his highest ODI score and he ended Daniel Vettori’s hopes of winning what he said before the match was “the most important game of the series”.Ricky Ponting was annoyed in the opening two games at his batsmen’s inability to capitalise on their starts, and they resolved that problem at Seddon Park. Ponting made 69 and combined with Haddin for a matchwinning 151-run partnership that justified Ponting’s rare decision to send New Zealand in. It is a gamble he has taken 24 times in his ODI captaincy career for a remarkable 20 victories.His bowlers did the job early by dismissing New Zealand for a thoroughly gettable 245 and in the chase, Haddin set about determining the result early. Haddin loves batting against New Zealand; his only two ODI hundreds and his first Test century have come against them, and in all three forms of the game he averages 52.06 against New Zealand compared to an overall career mark of 34.55.He did cruel things to Michael Mason, who at 35 was playing his first international since mid-2008 and must have finished the day wondering if fighting back into the team was all worthwhile. Mason’s opening delivery, a no-ball, was dabbed by Haddin for four past the wicketkeeper and the subsequent free-hit was slapped contemptuously back over his head for six.It left Mason with the extraordinary economy rate of 66 after one legal delivery. Haddin drove two more boundaries in the over, which cost Mason 20, and the bowler was lucky that his ten overs cost only 68. Haddin brought up his fifty from 51 deliveries and also attacked with confidence against Scott Styris, who was hit back over his head for six.Haddin’s timing was exquisite and his shots appeared effortless. Every one of his seven fours and five sixes was felt by Shane Bond, who had put down an extremely tough caught-and-bowled chance when Haddin was on 8, and later by Tim Southee, who put him down on the boundary when he had 83. He ended up being stumped advancing to Vettori with 16 runs still required, and Cameron White and Adam Voges finished the job at a reduced pace.It was the Haddin-Ponting partnership that buried New Zealand. Ponting’s half-century came at nearly a run a ball and featured seven boundaries but it was a support role. The best bowlers, Vettori and Bond, were respected while Styris and Mason were targeted by the two Australians. They knew that Vettori’s bowling options were limited and the only wicket in the first 30 overs was the run-out of Shane Watson for 15.All in all, it vindicated Ponting’s unexpected decision at the toss; Vettori said he would have batted if given the choice. There was little assistance for Australia’s bowlers on a good batting surface but after a footwork-free Peter Ingram edged Ryan Harris behind in the first over, New Zealand struggled to make the best of the opportunity and slipped to 55 for 3.They had much the same problem Australia had endured in the first two games when they batted first: batsmen falling after making promising starts. Five of New Zealand’s top six made scores in the 20s to 40s and Ross Taylor was the only man who went on and registered a half-century, although even his 62 was short of what it could have been.Having missed the Auckland loss due to a leg injury, Taylor showed the rest had not done him any harm as he rocketed off the mark with a crunching square-driven boundary off Mitchell Johnson. He struck a pair of sixes, one pulled off James Hopes and one slog-swept off Nathan Hauritz, and moved to his half-century from 45 balls.But the Australians knew that if they could tie Taylor down they might get a chance, and it came when he faced 20 balls without a boundary just after passing fifty. Watson came on and sent down a bouncer, Taylor’s eyes lit up and he went for the hook, the ball skied off the top edge and Michael Hussey completed the catch at deep square leg.It was a crucial wicket and left New Zealand five down in the 30th over. Styris continued his consistent series with 41 and combined with Gareth Hopkins for a 67-run stand that pushed the hosts past 200 but when they departed, so did New Zealand’s hopes of batting out their overs.Styris skied Watson to long-off and Hopkins, who improvised well in his career-best 45, was taken at mid-off from the bowling of Harris, who finished with 3 for 48. Johnson grabbed three wickets as well and the final three New Zealanders fell for five runs and they were bowled out with 22 deliveries still available.Of course, it was the top-order men who should have stayed at the crease longer. Brendon McCullum (23), Martin Guptill (21) and Neil Broom, who laboured to 24, missed their chances against a ball that wasn’t really swinging. Australia fixed their similar problem in this match; New Zealand must do the same on Thursday to stay in the series.

Pundit Frank McAvennie has urged Newcastle to launch a move for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Alli to leave, Newcastle in contact

A Spurs source has informed Football Insider that the club are willing to move Alli on in the January window, with the 25-year-old not in Antonio Conte’s plans.

Alli has featured in just two minutes of Premier League action under Conte, with Tottenham allegedly open to loan, loan-to-buy or permanent transfers.

Reports from Teamtalk have revealed that the Magpies have been in contact with Spurs regarding a move for Alli and would want an option to buy, as long as they avoid relegation.

The Latest: McAvennie’s claim

McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding the news on Alli.

He appeared to urge Newcastle to follow through with the approach and launch a move for the attacking midfielder, although he did have one concern in regards to being involved in a relegation battle.

“He’s a good player, there’s no doubting that.

“Going to Newcastle? What an asset he would be to them if he got his form back.

“If he plays as well as we know he can, he is the man to save them.

“What concerns me is whether you want him in the trenches with you.

“Is he going to put his foot in and do the dirty work in a relegation fight?

“I’m not saying he won’t or can’t. We have just never seen it before.

“If the option is there for Newcastle and they have already secured the new defenders they need.

“I think they could do a lot worse than getting Alli in, even on loan.

“He can be phenomenal on his day.”

The Verdict: Sign

A loan with an option to buy next season, as long as Eddie Howe keeps Newcastle in the Premier League, seems to be a smart move.

Howe has just one senior attacking midfielder on the books at this moment in time in Miguel Almiron, with the 27-year-old yet to contribute to a goal in 14 league appearances.

Alli has 88 Premier League goal contributions in 179 games, so would add that attacking threat and experience that could prove priceless in the second half of the season.

In other news, find out which ‘sensational’ signing NUFC are now ‘closing in’ on here!

After a protracted period of speculation and discussion, Sussex have confirmed the release of Rory Hamilton-Brown to join Surrey next season, where he will become captain

Cricinfo staff24-Dec-2009After a protracted period of speculation and discussion, Rory Hamilton-Brown will join Surrey next season, where he will become captain, after signing a three-year contract with the London club.Hamilton-Brown, 22, will become the youngest captain on the country circuit, returning to the club he left only two seasons ago. Shawn of opportunities at the Oval, Hamilton-Brown moved to Sussex in 2008 and made eight first-class appearances and was an important member in the club’s recent one-day success.Leaving Sussex was a difficult decision for Hamilton-Brown but he returns to Surrey to fulfil a life-long ambition. “It has taken a considerable amount of soul-searching to reach this decision and I’d like to place on record my sincere thanks to Sussex for the fantastic support they have given me and their understanding of my final decision,” said Hamilton-Brown.”I leave the club with great memories and the club, the players and the coaches have played a major part in my development as a player. It’s no exaggeration to say that returning to Surrey as captain is the dream of a lifetime for me personally as well as a massive honour and a huge responsibility. I will make sure I fulfil the confidence that Surrey and specifically Chris Adams have shown in me and I am determined to help bring the club success in the future.”Chris Adams, who is now the director of cricket at Surrey, captained Hamilton-Brown at Sussex in 2008 and has said he wanted a captain to unite the players following former-skipper Mark Butcher’s retirement last season. He believes Hamilton-Brown, despite his inexperience, is the man for the job.”To me, captains have to have certain attributes such as charisma, a galvanising spirit, intelligent and tactical brains and the ability to inspire people to follow them – Rory Hamilton-Brown has these in abundance,” said Adams.”I’m sure that the addition of Rory to our squad will give us stability, unity and strong leadership for many years to come and enable us – for the first time in two years – to provide consistent leadership on the field of the play. I am confident that the return of Rory Hamilton-Brown to Surrey at the start of a new decade will come to be seen as a defining moment in the turnaround of this club.”Hamilton-Brown has been with England Performance Programme in South Africa recently, on the back of the promise he displayed last season, and Sussex were reluctant to lose such a bright prospect. However coach Mark Robinson said that once the player decided he wanted to leave, it would have been detrimental to the team to force him to stay.”Our aim since we signed Rory was to work on his undoubted potential to create an England cricketer and we believe that we have made good progress along that path. Our view remains that he would have been best served remaining with Sussex as a key part of our first-team squad, in all forms of the game for 2010, to achieve that ambition,” said Robinson.”However, Rory is adamant he would like to take this opportunity to captain Surrey and given the importance of our strong united team spirit in the dressing room, myself and the captain believe it is best for Sussex to allow him to move. Rory has been a pleasure to work with during his two seasons at Sussex and the whole coaching staff wish him all the best in his new role.”Jim May, the Sussex chairman, echoed the feelings of disappointment but confirmed that Sussex have been compensated for the lost. “We are disappointed that Rory has made this choice. It was only the exceptional circumstances – Rory’s opportunity to become captain – that led us to reluctantly grant consent to his departure. We are able to confirm a significant compensation payment has been made by Surrey to secure Rory’s release.”

Hampshire bounced back from an indifferent opening day to peg Yorkshire back on day two of the County Championship match at the Rose Bowl

25-May-2010
ScorecardAdil Rashid had success with bat and ball as Yorkshire fought back at The Rose Bowl•PA PhotosHampshire bounced back from an indifferent opening day to peg Yorkshire back on day two of the County Championship match at the Rose Bowl. Resuming on 300 for 3, Yorkshire seemed set for a mammoth total on a decent batting track with skipper Andrew Gale and former captain Anthony McGrath at the wicket.But Hampshire, in contrast to some insipid bowling yesterday, kept things tight from the off and were rewarded in the 10th over of the day when McGrath nicked James Tomlinson through to Nic Pothas behind the stumps for 64. Gale followed quickly after to a rejuvenated Dominic Cork for a well-constructed 56 to leave Yorkshire on 333 for 5, with new batsmen Adil Rashid and Jonathan Bairstow both at the crease on nought.An excellent morning session looked to be complete for the home side when wicketkeeper Bairstow edged Tomlinson to give Pothas has third victim of the day. But just as the initiative looked to be swinging back Hampshire’s way, so some inspired attacking cricket from Rashid restored parity, the talented allrounder racing to 46 not out at lunch.He and Richard Pyrah moved Yorkshire onto 393 for 6 after lunch, before Pyrah edged David Balcombe to first slip, sparking a mini collapse. First Rashid went for a neat 51, before tailenders Tino Best and Oliver Hannon-Dalby were quickly polished off as Yorkshire’s innings – which had earlier promised a score nearer 500 – limped to 415 all out.Hampshire’s reply got off to a solid if unspectacular start, England cap Michael Carberry and opening partner Jimmy Adams prodding and nudging the score to 49 without loss. But just as the pair began to find the boundary, Yorkshire struck twice in quick succession to tilt the initiative back in their favour.First Carberry went attempting to advance down the track to Rashid, succeeding only in clipping the ball straight back to him where the leg-spinner took a neat return catch. Michael Lumb, restored to Hampshire ranks after a visit to Downing Street with his fellow World Twenty20 colleagues, followed for a duck just moments later when he top-edged a pull off Rashid safely into the hands of first slip Jacques Rudolph.The wicket brought the experienced and in-form Neil McKenzie to the wicket, who combined with Adams to calmly move Hampshire out of trouble to the relative calm of 143 for 2. However, with the light fading, Adams fell to seamer Hannon-Dalby for 82, leaving England prospect James Vince to see out the remaining overs with McKenzie, and leave the game in the balance at the halfway stage.