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Paul Merson slammed a Chelsea star after the bitterly disappointing 2-1 defeat against Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.

Blues suffer setback against newly-promoted Sunderland

Sunderland have surpassed expectations so far this season, but the Blues would’ve been expecting to take all three points against a newly-promoted side, and the 2-1 defeat is a setback, especially after winning their previous four games on the bounce in all competitions.

Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring for Enzo Maresca’s side after just four minutes, with the winger netting his first goal since arriving at Stamford Bridge, but Wilson Isidor’s equaliser and a stoppage-time winner from Chemsdine Talbi turned the game on its head.

A number of the home side’s players struggled, with Marc Guiu failing to make any impact on the match, and there have since been calls for Maresca to drop the striker, who touched the ball just ten times prior to being withdrawn on the 75-minute mark.

Guiu was given the nod at centre-forward, in order to accommodate Joao Pedro in an attacking midfield role, despite the Brazilian starting almost exclusively at striker so far this season.

Maresca would’ve been hoping the position change would allow the 24-year-old to rediscover his top form, but it wasn’t to be, with Merson left very unimpressed by his performance.

Speaking on Sky Sports (via Metro), the former Arsenal man said: “They need Delap back badly, they need a focal point.

“Guiu played up front and I think he touched the ball nine, ten times. You can’t do that in a team that are supposed to be dominating the ball.

“Chelsea ran out of ideas. They had winger after winger but half of them don’t go past anyone. Joao Pedro looked lost as a number ten. They struggled and were pretty poor.”

Injury may have impacted Pedro's performance

The Blues have been forced to deal with a number of injury issues in the early stages of the campaign, and Maresca revealed the former Brighton & Hove Albion man is one of many players not at full fitness.

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ByRoss Kilvington Mar 7, 2025

The Italian said: “Joao is not training every day because he is managing an injury problem. Moi is the same, Enzo is the same,

“We have four or five players that have some problems and cannot work every day. They try to make the effort and play the game. Joao struggled a little bit today but all of the players did today, so it’s not just Joao.”

That said, there will rightfully be concerns about the display, with the forward losing possession nine times and failing to get a single shot away throughout the match.

Pedro’s performance levels have been going downhill for some time now, having failed to register a Premier League goal or assist since September, and Maresca will be hoping the £125k-a-week forward can turn the corner soon.

Renshaw gets a chance against Sri Lanka A in three 50-over matches to press for inclusion in Australia’s new-look ODI team

Alex Malcolm04-Jul-2025Matt Renshaw looms as a potential middle-order candidate in Australia’s ODI rebuild after being elevated to the captaincy of the Australia A 50-over team, while Jason Sangha’s stocks continue to rise after being named the four-day skipper for the upcoming matches against Sri Lanka A in Darwin.Australia A host Sri Lanka A in three 50-over matches, beginning on Friday at Marrara Oval, before the two teams play two four-day red-ball games starting on July 13 and July 20 to complete the series.Despite perennial Australia A captain and South Australia Sheffield Shield-winning captain Nathan McSweeney being in the squad, Australia’s selectors opted to give leadership opportunities to Renshaw and Sangha for this series. Chairman of selectors George Bailey said the decision was in line with recent Australia A series where the selectors have used matches to give players opportunities that they might not get in domestic cricket.Related

McSweeney, Renshaw and Peake star in big Australia A win

Peake picked for Australia A after one first-class game

Darwin to host Australia A-Sri Lanka A series

Sangha repays South Australia's faith with Shield final heroics

Paine set to coach Australia A across three series this year

“Selectors’ acknowledged Nathan McSweeney’s excellent leadership qualities, noting he’s a natural leader who’s demonstrated this skill with Australia A, South Australia, and the Prime Minister’s XI,” Bailey said. “The Australia A programme is often used to provide development opportunities for players who haven’t had as much leadership experience. Nathan will continue to provide leadership within the series through his experience and assistance to Matt and Jason.”Renshaw, 29, has never captained Queensland and has only captained twice in 277 professional matches across all formats, leading Somerset in two matches in the Royal London Cup (one-day) competition in England in 2022. Sangha, 25, has quite a bit more captaincy experience by comparison, having led New South Wales in two Shield games and Sydney Thunder in six BBL games. He also led Australia at an Under-19 World Cup.Renshaw has often been thought of as a red-ball specialist having already played 14 Tests for Australia, after debuting aged 20, without ever being considered to play limited overs cricket at international level. But his white-ball domestic record is exceptional, particularly in the very challenging position of No. 4.He has scored six List A centuries, two at No. 3 and four at No. 4, and averages 40.04 striking at 93.10 overall. At No. 4, his average improves to 45.07 and strike rate lifts to 97.50. In his last ten List A matches for Queensland, he is striking at 112.69, including scores of 102 off 68 against Victoria and 122 off 99 against Tasmania.Australia are set to rebuild their ODI line-up over the next two years ahead of the 2027 World Cup following the retirements of Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell. Renshaw’s 360-degree game against pace and spin, as well as providing another left-hand option, makes him a strong candidate to get an opportunity in the near future, with Australia’s squad for a three-match ODI series against South Africa in August to be announced soon.Jason Sangha will captain Australia A’s red-ball team against Sri Lanka A•Getty ImagesSangha gets the chance to build on his phenomenal Shield season for South Australia, where he made 704 runs at 78.22 with three centuries, including a match-winning 126 not out in the final against Queensland.Australia’s selectors are desperately searching for quality top three options in their Test XI, particularly in Sangha’s age bracket. Sangha did score one of his Shield centuries last summer at No. 3 but only averages 36.78 in that position across 33 innings at the first-class level. Like so many of Australia’s batting options, his record is far superior at No. 4, where he averages 45.25 from 36 innings with five centuries and seven half-centuries.There are several other players that have a chance to impress across the Australia A series including McSweeney. Two-Test batter Kurtis Patterson and domestic veteran Jake Weatherald have both been rewarded for outstanding Shield summers and have the chance to build a case for a top-three spot in the Test team given their experience in those positions.Victorian youngsters Campbell Kellaway, 22, and Oliver Peake, 18, will also get a chance to impress across the series with former Australia captain Tim Paine coaching Australia A for the first time.Australia A one-day squad: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Zanden Jeh, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Ollie Peake, Josh Philippe, Jack Nisbet, Matt Renshaw (capt), Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry ThorntonSri Lanka A one-day squad: Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara (capt), Lasith Croospulle, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Shiran Fernando, Isitha Wijesundara, Pramod Madushan, Mohamed Shiraz, Dushan Hemantha, Wanuja Sahan

Perhaps no play better represents the Minnesota Twins' recent collapse than catcher Ryan Jeffers's bunt attempt in the bottom of the 12 inning Thursday night at Target Field.

With the game tied 5–5 and the winning run standing on second base, Jeffers tried to bunt but instead popped out to Miami Marlins first baseman Jonah Bride. Even worse, Bride caught Twins veteran Carlos Santana too far off second base and doubled him up for the second out of the inning.

Play-by-play announcer Cory Provus had seen enough on the Bally Sports North broadcast.

"Double play," he said. "Come on guys, that can't happen. Can not happen!"

The Twins would go on to lose to the Marlins, 8–6, in 13 innings. They left the winning run on base in the ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th innings and were 2-for-19 as a team with runners in scoring position, continuing an unfortunate trend of losing baseball in Minneapolis.

Provus's call perfectly represented the frustration of the Twins' fan base over the past six weeks.

On Aug. 17, the Twins beat the Texas Rangers 5–2 to improve to 70–53 on the season. At the time, per Fangraphs, Minnesota had a 92.4% chance to make the playoffs and was just two games behind the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the AL Central.

Minnesota went on to lose 24 of its next 36 games and now is all but officially eliminated from playoff contention.

Entering Friday's slate of games, the Twins are three games behind the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals for the American League's final two wild-card spots. To make the playoffs, the Twins need to sweep the Baltimore Orioles this weekend combined with the Atlanta Braves sweeping the Royals and the Tigers getting swept by the lowly Chicago White Sox.

After that colossal collapse, Fangraphs now gives the Twins a 3% chance of making the playoffs heading into the final weekend of the 2024 regular season. And that might even be a bit generous.

Jaiswal had three lives, while Sai Sudharsan, Akash Deep and Nair were all put down

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Aug-20251:44

‘Disappointed, but it is what it is’ – Trescothick on dropped catches

4.5 Atkinson to Jaiswal, FOUR runs
Chance…. bursts through Brook’s hands at second slip. It went high, just above the left shoulder, and at pace. Had to hop across and was beaten by pace. Tipped it over and to the deep-third boundary. 140ks full ball outside off, Jaiswal committed fully to the booming cover drive, got a bona-fide edge13.2 Tongue to Jaiswal, 1 run
Another life for Jaiswal. Dawson doesn’t spot and gets hit in the face! This was hit flat and going right at his throat at deep fine leg. He swayed his head to the right and had his hands right in front. Might’ve come earlier than he thought. Was a shortish ball at waist-height that Jaiswal hooked14.3 Overton to B Sai Sudharsan, 3 runs
That’s another drop! Went quickly to the left of Crawley at third slip, he got on one knee and tried to snap it up with his hands. Reached across, got a big deflection that took it towards the third boundary. Might’ve hit the thumb. Duckett stops it. Was an overpitched ball outside off that Sudharsan looked to drive firmly through cover25.3 Tongue to Akash Deep, no run
edged into the cordon and dropped again! Crawley, diving across from third to second, a comfortable height, and it spans off both palms! Deep was pushing hard to the full length, and that’s two big opportunities gone for England53.4 Overton to Nair, 1 run
another one goes down! England’s fifth drop of the innings! It’s a tough one, but these have got to stick! Right in the gap between Crawley, diving across from third, and Brook, reaching down at second. It’s into Brook’s fingers and out again. The ball looping a touch off the splice as Overton hit his hard length57.4 Overton to Jaiswal, FOUR runs
Chance at leg gully! On a length and angled into Jaiswal, who looks to tuck it leg-side. Comes to Duckett’s left, and he dives to take it low, but it bursts through him. Tough chance, but that’s their 20th drop of the series so far!21.3 Tongue to Jaiswal, FOUR runs
fenced through the cordon! Chancy from Jaiswal! He rode the bounce outside off, but not very effectively, caught in two minds at the point of impact… two slips weren’t enough though, that would have been third’s or gully’s.

USMNT star Haji Wright has been advised to shun any interest shown in him during the January transfer window, with Coventry looking for him to “be the man” that fires them back into the Premier League. Ex-Sky Blues striker Clinton Morrison has explained, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, why Wright is on course to hit his top-flight target in England.

Wright's record: Goals scored for Coventry

Los Angeles native Wright joined Coventry in the summer of 2023 for a club-record £7.7 million ($10m) fee. They would be able to get much more than that for the 27-year-old frontman were they to open themselves up to a sale.

That is because the versatile forward has netted 40 goals for the Sky Blues through 97 appearances. Said return is made all the more impressive when taking into account that he was regularly deployed on the left wing by former manager Mark Robins.

Wright has been moved down the middle by current club boss Frank Lampard, leading to him sitting third in the 2025-26 Championship Golden Boot race. His eye for goal, alongside notable physical qualities, have brought him to the attention of clubs across Europe.

AdvertisementGettyBit of everything: What makes Wright special?

Ex-Coventry star Morrison admits that Wright has got a bit of everything – telling GOAL while speaking in association with Freebets.com, the home of best casino sites: “He’s good. This is what I’m saying about Frank Lampard. Mark Robins was playing Haji Wright off the left, now Frank is playing him through the middle. That is where he looks better.

“He can cause problems – he can run in behind, score all kinds of goals. He’s a big target man, wins his headers, so I think he’s a problem. He wasn’t fit last year, they did miss him for a few months and that hindered Coventry. The way that he’s playing at the moment, he’s a handful. That’s credit to Frank Lampard. I do rate Haji Wright. He wants to have a good season because it’s a World Cup year and he wants to get into that America squad.”

January transfer: Wright urged to shun interest

A home World Cup in 2026 is providing added incentive for Wright. He will be determined to form part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans at that tournament. Regular game time will be required in order to catch the eye.

With that in mind, as Coventry top the second-tier table in England, Wright has been urged to shun any advances that may be made in January. Instead, he has been told to stay put and fire the Sky Blues back into the big time after a 25-year absence.

Morrison added on Wright being destined to grace the Premier League at some point: “I think he can get there. There will be interest but I think he will stay at Coventry City. If he is going to play in the Premier League, it will be with Coventry.

“There will be interest from other clubs due to his record in the Championship, but at the moment it is a difficult one because if you go to the Premier League, he might not get the game time he wants. If he stays with Coventry City, he has got a good chance of getting promoted. If you get that on your CV and you are the man to get them to the Premier League, you will be playing at that level next season anyway.”

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Getty Images SportPromotion push: Coventry on course to reach the Premier League

Morrison is not the first to suggest that Wright’s career path will pass through the Premier League. Another ex-Coventry forward, Matt Jansen, told GOAL recently when asked if the United States international is ready to compete at that level: “He has eight [Championship] goals this season, USA international, good player. You can never say you are going to succeed in the Premier League until you get there.

“We will get a glimpse of that in the World Cup when he is up against world-class defenders, whether he can handle that. He is certainly doing a fantastic job for Coventry at the minute. Time will tell, if they go up, whether he can produce the same in the Premier League. If I was a betting man, I would bet that he would.”

Coventry sit five points clear at the top of the Championship table through 15 games this season. They have suffered just one defeat – to the Wrexham side backed by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac – and will return to action on November 22 when playing host to West Midlands rivals West Brom.

Manchester City picked up another Champions League win to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side overcame Borussia Dortmund, convincingly beating the German outfit 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

City were at their clinical best against Dortmund, bagging two goals in each half. Phil Foden, operating in the right half-space, opened the scoring. He fired his effort home from outside the penalty area on his left foot.

Erling Haaland was next to get on the scoresheet, just before the half-hour mark. The City number nine, who was their captain on the night, scored his 27th goal of the season for club and country. It was an easy goal for someone as dangerous as Haaland, who pulled away into acres of space and fired home.

After the halftime break, Foden scored his second of the night. It was a carbon copy of his first goal, too.

Once again, the England international picked the ball up in the right half-space and bent his strike into the bottom left corner.

Dortmund did pull one back to give them a fighting chance, but Rayan Cherki added a fourth to cap off a good night’s work. Indeed, the Frenchman must be in contention for a start in City’s next game.

Changes Guardiola could make after Dortmund

It was certainly a good performance from the Citizens, with their two standout players, Haaland and Foden, really putting their Bundesliga opposition to the sword.

They are players who have surely locked down their starting spot, although Guardiola could tinker with his lineup based on Wednesday night.

Indeed, Cherki is one of the players who could slot into the side.

He had a superb impact off the bench, scoring a well-taken goal which saw him carry the ball 30 yards or so, into the Dortmund penalty area and unleash his shot past Gregor Kobel.

In his ten-minute cameo, the former Olympique Lyon attacker completed one out of one dribble and won two ground duels. It was a busy night, continuing his good form and surely putting himself in contention to start City’s next game against Liverpool.

Nico Gonzalez also impressed in midfield, and with Rodri still not fully fit, there is a case to suggest he is City’s first-choice number six. Simon Bajkowski, City writer for the Manchester Evening News, gave the Spaniard a 7/10 for his efforts against Dortmund.

There is one player against Dortmund who disappointed, and it will be interesting to see if Guardiola keeps him in the lineup.

The Man City player who struggled vs. Dortmund

It is certainly hard to pick holes in a 4-1 home win in the Champions League. However, there were a few moments against the Bundesliga giants where City struggled to keep a firm grip on the game, particularly towards the end when they conceded.

Indeed, one of the players who struggled more than others was right-back Matheus Nunes. The Portuguese international, who is a midfielder by trade, had a couple of lapses in concentration which could have cost his side late on.

One of those came in the 80th minute, when a sliced pass from Josko Gvardiol went right across the City backline. The right-back was caught napping, and Carney Chukwuemeka pounced on the loose ball.

Luckily for Nunes and City, Gianluigi Donnarumma got there first.

Despite the good performance from his side, it was a disappointing showing from the former Wolves man. Nunes lost the ball 11 times and only managed to win one out of his five attempted duels.

Touches

78

Pass accuracy

86%

Possession lost

11

Recoveries

5

Clearances

3

Ground duels won

1/3

Aeiral duels won

0/2

It was certainly a frustrating night’s work from Nunes. Bajkowski gave him a 6/10 and criticised his defensive awareness, explaining that ‘he abandoned his post too often’. It was a performance that left a lot to be desired.

With a huge game against Liverpool next up, it will be interesting to see if Guardiola keeps Nunes in the side, or chooses to rotate him out of the lineup. Of course, he will be coming up against Cody Gakpo, who has been Arne Slot’s first-choice left winger this season.

The Dutchman is in excellent form, with five goals and assists in ten Premier League games. Nunes certainly can’t afford to switch off like he did against Dortmund, because City will be punished.

It is a big call for Guardiola, who has the likes of Rico Lewis and Abdukodir Khusanov as options at right-back waiting in the wings. The City boss might well decide to rotate Nunes in the crunch clash this weekend.

Forget Haaland & Foden: 41-touch star had "his best game in a Man City shirt"

Man City beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 and this player starred

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 6, 2025

The sweepstakes for 23-year-old Japanese flamethrower Roki Sasaki could be nearing its conclusion. Sasaki, whose representation said he was open to playing for all 30 teams, is now reportedly down to two franchises as he nears a decision.

The MLB's international signing period officially opened on Wednesday, though Sasaki's list of potential suitors has been whittled down throughout the offseason, with teams like the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers being eliminated in recent days.

On Friday, baseball insider Francys Romero reported that the latest team to drop out of the running is the San Diego Padres, who will use their international salary pool to sign left-handed pitcher Carlos Alvarez and shortstop Jhoan De La Cruz.

With the Padres bowing out, two teams remain in contention for Sasaki: the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.

The Dodgers, with their franchise success and particular focus on cultivating Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, have been considered the favorite to land the young potential ace. However, the Blue Jays are also making moves to bolster their international salary pool as negotiations continue.

Zack Meisel of reports that Toronto has acquired $2 million in additional international pool space through a deal with the Cleveland Guardians which will also see the Blue Jays pick up outfielder Myles Straw for a player to be named later. Toronto's pool is up to $8.26 million and could eclipse $10 million with additional deals.

The Dodgers have $5,146,200 in available pool money, and could increase that pot to a maximum of $8,233,920. Teams are allowed to add up to 60% of their total bonus pool via trade.

Sasaki, who spent last season with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, posted a 10–5 record with a 2.35 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 111 innings of play. He will return to Chiba if he doesn't sign an MLB contract by Jan. 23, when he 45-day posting window closes.

Celtic are now reportedly tracking Evan Ferguson ahead of a potential 2026 move as the Brighton & Hove Albion forward continues to struggle out on loan at AS Roma.

Celtic have faced several problems so far this season, but their frontline has been their biggest issue. Parkhead chiefs failed to replace the impact of Nicolas Kuhn in the summer and part of the reason why Brendan Rodgers resigned was that lack of investment. It’s left them adrift of shock leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and on the hunt for a new manager.

Better than Nancy: Celtic shortlist "attractive" Rodgers replacement

With Wilfried Nancy among the favourites to become the new Celtic manager, should the Hoops instead appoint a 4-3-3 boss with an “attractive” style?

ByBen Gray Nov 12, 2025

Things are unlikely to get any easier for the Hoops anytime soon, either. Recent reports have claimed that Daizen Maeda is now looking to leave the club in the January transfer window and has Premier League sides interested.

The Japan international may force Celtic’s hand this time around too, having revealed to reporters earlier this season that he was denied an exit in the summer transfer window.

Whether that is the reason behind Maeda’s poor form is the question that Celtic will be asking. The forward scored 33 goals in all competitions last season, but has so far managed just four in the current campaign.

If his current struggles continue, then it may be best for all parties to move on and for Celtic to shift their focus towards the likes of Ferguson.

Celtic now tracking Evan Ferguson

According to Graeme Bailey, via 67 Hail Hail, Celtic are now tracking Ferguson and could yet make their move in 2026 with Roma looking to cut his loan spell short and send him back to Brighton in January.

It’s been a frustrating year or so for the young striker. From undeniable, he has become unwanted in Italy after failing to score once in 10 appearances. If anyone needs a next move to work out, it is Ferguson.

Whether Celtic is that move is the big question. The Irishman is still just 21 years old and still so full of potential. If the right deal presents itself, the Bhoys should take a chance on Ferguson in the hope that both parties solve their respective problems.

It’s also worth noting that it wasn’t so long ago that Ferguson found himself at the centre of praise from the likes of Jamie Carragher.

The Liverpool legend dubbed the forward “special” whilst also praising then-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, saying: “I think that lad he has got up front, I think he’s pretty special. He is only going to get better with him as his manager.”

Celtic keeping tabs on "brilliant" Serie A gem who starred vs Rangers last season

MLS has unveiled its 2026 regular-season schedule, which opens Feb. 21 with St. Louis CITY SC hosting Charlotte FC and later features Inter Miami’s debut at Miami Freedom Park on April 4. The league will pause from late May to mid-July for the FIFA World Cup before returning with marquee rivalry matches. Opening Day will feature a full slate of 15 matches over the MLS is Back Weekend.

GettySon vs. Messi on opening weekend

Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min, and Thomas Muller will begin their 2026 MLS campaigns on opening day. Son and LAFC will face Messi’s Inter Miami CF at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Feb. 21, while Müller and Vancouver Whitecaps FC open their home slate the same day against Real Salt Lake at BC Place. Both fixtures rank among the marquee matchups of the MLS is Back weekend.

AdvertisementInter MiamiFreedom Park awaits

The inaugural match at Miami Freedom Park will see Inter Miami CF host Austin FC in the first game at the club’s new 25,000-seat stadium. The venue replaces DRV PNK Stadium as Miami’s permanent home and features upgraded facilities, expanded hospitality areas, and a downtown-adjacent location. The April 4 opener is one of the key dates on the 2026 MLS schedule.

Miami Freedom Park is also the first of three new MLS stadiums set to open in consecutive years, followed by NYCFC’s Etihad Park in 2027 and Chicago Fire FC’s new downtown stadium in 2028.

2026 MLS season to pause for the World Cup

MLS will pause league play from May 25 through July 16 to accommodate the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This break allows MLS players participating in the tournament, as well as fans and venues, to focus on the World Cup experience. Five MLS stadiums will serve as World Cup venues, with additional sites acting as national team base camps.

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Broadcast distribution

All 510 regular-season fixtures in 2026 will stream on Apple TV in more than 100 countries, with no local blackouts, as MLS integrates its package into Apple’s main service rather than a separate Season Pass. Select matches will continue to air on linear partners in the U.S. – including a slate of games on the FOX family of networks – while TSN and RDS will carry select Canadian broadcasts. The change positions Apple TV as the single global home for live MLS coverage next season.

Todd Murphy and Corey Rocchiccioli picked up five wickets between them, but couldn’t stop India A from hunting 412 down

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2025KL Rahul, who had retired when on 74 on the third evening, returned to the middle on the fourth morning at the fall of nightwatcher Manav Suthar’s wicket. Rahul batted till the job for his team was completed, ending unbeaten on 176 as India A hunted down 412 to beat Australia A by five wickets and take the two-match unofficial Test series 1-0 after the first match was drawn.By Rahul’s side when he walked out was B Sai Sudharsan, past the half-century mark at that stage, and then, Dhruv Jurel. Rahul and Sai Sudharsan added 78 runs in the morning, with Rahul first and then his partner getting to a century. Once Sai Sudharsan fell for 100, Rahul and Jurel added 115 in quick time as their stand required just under 19 overs.Those partnerships, between members of the senior India Test side, was too much to handle for the Australians, whose bowling attack boasted the experience of just eight Tests between them – seven for Todd Murphy, and one for Cooper Connolly. Murphy lived up to his status, adding the wicket of Suthar to the two he had on the third evening – N Jagadeesan and Devdutt Padikkal, both part of India’s Test squad for the games against West Indies next month. Corey Rocchiccioli, tipped to make the Test team in the not-too-distant future, removed Sai Sudharsan and Jurel.Corey Rocchiccioli picked up the wickets of B Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel•Tanuj/ Ekana Cricket StadiumBut those were the rare lapses on the part of the Indian batters, who started the day on 169 for 2, still 243 runs behind the target, with eight wickets in hand. Sai Sudharsan did the early scoring, not allowing Australia A from snatching the initiative away, and once Rahul came in, it became one-way traffic. After Sai Sudharsan became Rocchiccioli’s first victim, Jurel walked out and got going immediately. Rahul, though, was slower only in comparison. Jurel hit five fours and three sixes in his knock of 56 in 66 balls, going at a strike rate of 84.85, before falling with India A just 30 runs away from the target.Rahul, already past 150 by then, finished the job in the company of Nitish Kumar Reddy, hitting 16 fours and four sixes in his 210-ball innings. He finished with a strike rate of 83.81, underscoring the dominance of the Indian batters when the game was in the balance after a below-par show in the first innings. Reddy, meanwhile, hit three boundaries, and scored 16* at better than a run a ball.Australia were left to rue missed opportunities after they failed to defend 411. “I think that at the start of the day, anytime you’re defending over 400 in these conditions, you’re pretty confident that you can apply enough pressure,” Murphy said after the end of the game. “I think we stuck at it really well. We did create a lot of chances and probably just off the back of our homework, we let ourselves down a little bit by not taking them.”But I thought we applied ourselves pretty well out there. It was a tough grind. Rahul and Sudharsan batted really well, but I thought we stuck at it pretty well and it’s rid of a couple of missed opportunities.”Murphy also said that adapting to the Indian conditions was difficult. “I think the biggest challenge for us was probably dealing with the heat and the humidity,” he said. “Bloody, tough work and even personally just trying to figure out different ways to hold the ball when your hands were slippery with so much sweat. It was a big challenge for me and I think of fronting up day in, day out and still trying to put really good performances on the board.”The action between India A and Australia A now moves from Lucknow to Kanpur, in roughly the same part of India, for the three-match one-day series, with the first game to be played on September 30.