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This and other vital issues are tackled in this month’s Briefing

Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Jun-2020The Briefing Do you remember what cricket was like? The smell of fresh-mown leather, the sound of willow hitting stumps, fast bowlers delivering devastating googlies, batsmen shining their bats vigorously on their groins. That was the basic gist, right? It’s been a while.The route forward
As cricket plots its short-term future, several proposals for how the game can be made viable in the time of coronavirus have been put forward. Many, including the ICC’s cricket committee, have recommended not using saliva to shine balls, with some suggesting an artificial substance should be allowed for that purpose. The West Indies tour of England could go ahead in some form, though there will not be any spectators in attendance, though it is possible Dominic Cummings is due another eye test by then.What else could change? Socially distant bum pats? Close fielders unnerving batsmen with fake coughs, instead of sledges? Spraying hand sanitiser instead of champagne at trophy presentations?And if there are no fans in the stands for the foreseeable future, can it really be a legitimate India v Australia Test series without thousands yelling “Kohli is a w***er” at the SCG? Plus, just who will be around for Ben Stokes to call a “f**king four-eyed t**t”? What kind of future is that?Shane Warne has no problems with Steve Waugh
As there has been very little cricket actually played in the past month, we’ve been trawling social media for theatrics, but one place you will absolutely not find any drama is Warne’s Twitter feed. Just read this tweet about Steve Waugh, in which Warne insists he’s “said 1000 times I do not hate S Waugh at all” before two sentences later going on to say “Steve was easily the most selfish cricketer that I ever played with.” Obviously, there can be no resentment in this relationship. Even though Warne tweeted twice more last month throwing shade at Waugh – specifically about his lopsided run-out record – the man has just spoken out in the clearest terms. Some of his best friends are Steve Waugh. Let it go. It’s nothing. Guys!Rising to the challenge
Wimpy cricketers may all be holed up at home, but the game’s true heroes picked up their briefcases, sucked in their paunches, buttoned up their suits, and got stuck in to the vitally important task of governing the game. A big ICC directors’ meeting was held last week, and with the game in such peril, what better time for cricket’s thought leaders to show real leadership? What exactly does a road map for international cricket starting up again look like? Can biosecure environments actually make tours possible? And what can we do about this hugely anticipated T20 World Cup, which is supposed to start in less than five months? These are all major challenges requiring urgent address. But instead of discussing any of this in depth, the directors just talked at length about an information breach, presumably to the press, and deferred the real meeting to June 10.Further adventures in administrative boldness
Sri Lanka Cricket, meanwhile, insisted forcefully that Colombo needed a huge new 40,000-capacity stadium in order to host future ICC tournaments, for which Sri Lanka had not yet won hosting rights, making a show of inaugurating the project alongside a government minister. Less than a week later, when it was clear public opinion was against the project, the government rowed back on their commitment to providing land for the stadium, and SLC immediately switched to pretending it found the whole idea ludicrous to begin with. “What fifth stadium? What’s wrong with the four we have? And in the middle of a pandemic? Whose dumb idea was this?”Cricket Australia fam
As one of the wealthiest cricket boards on the planet, Cricket Australia is better placed than most to weather the financial storm that the pandemic has wrought. Which is why, in these harrowing times, the board has committed to stick fearlessly by its executives, making an inspiring commitment to pay them 80% of their salaries while the board weathers this challenge. Almost everyone else at the board, meanwhile, gets knocked down to 20% of their previous pay, and now possibly faces redundancy.Next month on The Briefing:– “This is what I’ve been saying the entire bloody time!” Cameron Bancroft reacts to proposals that foreign substances should be used for ball management.- Sri Lanka Cricket revisits the new stadium project. Unless the government doesn’t want to. They don’t? Oh… okay… I mean… yeah, it’s a waste of money. Obviously. Always said that.- Warne’s non-hate for Waugh continues: “Look, I absolutely do not hold a grudge. I just think it’s funny that for that Barbados Test in 1999…”Briefings

The Dodgers didn't take long to open up the scoring in their National League wild-card round matchup versus the Reds on Tuesday night.

Sitting on a 2–1 count against Cincinnati starting pitcher Hunter Greene, Los Angeles lead-off hitter Shohei Ohtani turned on the fourth pitch of the at-bat—and smoked it to Dodger Stadium's right field seats.

The home run came off the DH's bat at a crisp 117.7 mph, setting a record for the hardest hit dinger off of a 100+ mph pitch in the MLB's Statcast era.

Oh yeah, and it also gave the Dodgers a quick 1–0 lead. Take a look:

What can't Shohei Ohtani do?

L.A. starting pitcher Blake Snell took care of business in the bottom of the first, not allowing a hit and striking out two, helping the Dodgers hold a 1–0 lead through one frame.

كشفت تقارير صحفية، عن كواليس قرار المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، باستبعاد النجم المصري محمد صلاح من مباراة يوم الثلاثاء ضد إنتر ميلان، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويتجه ليفربول إلى إيطاليا لخوض مباراة ضد إنتر ميلان، مساء الغد، في الجولة السادسة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري 2025/26.

وأعلن ليفربول قائمته المستدعاة من جانب المدرب آرني سلوت لخوض مباراة الثلاثاء والتي شهدت غياب محمد صلاح، إثر تصريحاته النارية التي أدلى بها يوم السبت الماضي.

وذكرت شبكة “ذا أثلتيك” العالمية أن المدير الرياضي لنادي ليفربول، ريتشارد هيوز، هو من اتخذ قرار استبعاد محمد صلاح من قائمة الفريق لمباراة الغد، بالتعاون مع مالكي النادي والمدرب آرني سلوت، مما يؤكد دعمهم للهولندي.

اقرأ أيضا.. ردود أفعال جماهير ليفربول على استبعاد محمد صلاح من مباراة إنتر ميلان: الأصلع يخرب النادي

وأوضحت أنه لا يعتبر قرار ليفربول باستبعاد الدولي المصري من مباراة إنتر ميلان إجراءً تأديبيًا، وينظر إلى هذه الخطوة بمعزل عن تأثيرها على إمكانية اختياره مستقبلًا، بما في ذلك مباراة السبت في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على أرضه ضد برايتون.

كما أفادت مصادر مطلعة على الوضع، تحدثت شريطة عدم الكشف عن هويتها لأنها غير مخولة بالحديث علنًا، أن محمد صلاح لن يواجه أي إجراءات تأديبية أخرى بسبب تصريحاته، وتعتقد أن اللاعب والنادي سيستفيدان من فترة غياب قصيرة عن التشكيلة.

ويصر ليفربول على التزامه التام تجاه محمد صلاح وعقده الذي يمتد حتى 2027، مع التأكيد على أن الوضع الحالي مؤقت ويمكن تحسينه، كما يُقال إنهم لا يخططون حاليًا لرحيل المهاجم، ولا يخططون لاستغلال فترة انتقالات يناير للبحث عن بدائل محتملة.

هذا، ومن المقرر أن ينضم محمد صلاح إلى معسكر منتخب مصر في المغرب يوم 15 ديسمبر المقبل للمشاركة في كأس الأمم الإفريقية.

Leeds United pulled off an impressive victory to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Daniel Farke’s side beat Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road to pick up a huge three points.

It was the perfect start for the Whites in front of a packed-out home crowd. After an intense first five minutes or so where they dominated, Leeds broke the deadlock.

It came from a corner, with defender Jaka Bijol making a brilliant run to the front post and emphatically heading home.

Chelsea didn’t really threaten much and eventually paid the price. Leeds doubled their lead right on the stroke of half-time, through a brilliant strike by Ao Tanaka.

The Whites won the ball back on the edge of the visitors’ penalty area, with Jayden Bogle finding Tanaka in space. The Japanese international fired home a strike from range to put them 2-0 up.

Chelsea did pull one back with just 50 minutes on the clock, thanks to substitute Pedro Neto at the back post. Yet, Leeds managed to keep them at bay, and with 18 minutes to go, capitalised on a defensive error to secure all three points.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored their third, a goal which capped off a brilliant performance.

Calvert-Lewin’s stats vs. Chelsea

Calvert-Lewin’s goalscoring form has begun to improve in recent games. He bagged against Manchester City last weekend, and again against Chelsea on Wednesday night, although that strike was certainly easier.

It was a mistake from Blues defender Tosin Adarabioyo which led to the goal, with the centre-back playing a sloppy pass to Robert Sanchez.

The Spaniard was immediately under pressure, with the ball crocheting off his body and into the path of Calvert-Lewin, who tapped home from two yards out.

However, it was not just his goal which impressed about the former Everton striker’s performance.

He was a nuisance throughout for the Chelsea defence, with Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post awarding him a 9/10 rating, explaining that he ‘brought others into play’ superbly.

Indeed, the statistics back up what was a superb showing from Calvert-Lewin. He only had 37 touches but made an impact with most of those, winning an impressive 11 duels, managing three shots and, of course, bagging Leeds’ third goal.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, the Whites’ number nine was not the only one of their players to stand out against Chelsea.

Leeds’ other standout player vs. Chelsea

It was a huge win for Leeds on Wednesday night, which took a huge effort across the board. One of the best players was midfielder Anton Stach, who ran the game in midfield and was impressive defensively, too.

The numbers from the game reflect a controlled midfield performance from Leeds’ summer signing. He had 50 touches and completed 19 out of 24 passes, creating a superb four chances, one of which teed up Tanaka for his goal.

Off the ball, Stach made four recoveries and won three duels.

Touches

50

Passes completed

19/24

Chances created

4

Ball recoveries

4

Duels won

3

Clearances

3

Assists

1

The 27-year-old German was a “revelation” in the centre of the park, according to journalist Adonis Storr. That is something Smyth seemed to agree with, also giving him a 9/10 rating post-match, calling that showing his ‘best Leeds performance’.

Indeed, it is easy to see why Smyth is of that opinion. For the German to put in a showing like that against a side competing in the Champions League and that are pushing Arsenal at the top of the Premier League is a colossal effort.

He was everywhere against one of the strongest sides in the top flight, and the chances he created added that creative spark in the final third. He played a huge role in Leeds’ attacking play, which ultimately helped get them over the line.

Stach proved why he could be considered an undroppable member of this Leeds side. This was a much-needed win, and he was right at the heart of it.

Calvert-Lewin’s goals recently have been key, but Stach’s performance in midfield is exactly what is needed for them to beat the drop.

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Southampton are now keen on a move for a “special” Premier League forward, with the board planning to back Tonda Eckert when the January transfer window opens.

Saints shooting up the Championship table under Eckert

Since appointing Eckert as manager, originally in a caretaker role, the Saints have taken major strides forward, and they are now on a run of six wins in their last seven Championship matches, most recently defeating West Bromwich Albion 3-2 at St. Mary’s.

As a result of their much-improved form, Eckert’s side have shot up the Championship table, now sitting pretty in ninth place, just one point off the play-offs, meaning an instant return to the Premier League is starting to become a realistic possibility.

The new manager has made it clear that promotion is his goal, saying: “We go all in; there is no other way. I don’t shy away from being ambitious to say that we want to play for promotion, whatever that is going to look like in the end. We will go for every single point there is to take.”

With Sport Republic perhaps looking to strike while the iron is hot, they are now planning to back Eckert with funds in the January transfer window, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the board are looking to sustain their momentum.

Chelsea’s Tyrique George has now been identified as a target for the upcoming window, with Southampton keen on a move for the forward, who they are hoping they can convince to drop down to the Championship.

George is ready to leave the Premier League side, given a lack of game time under manager Enzo Maresca, and there is no shortage of potential suitors, with the likes of Leeds United and Everton also interested.

The 19-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League this season, meaning Chelsea are now starting to consider a departure, with a move to sister club Strasbourg also a possibility.

"Special" George could boost Southampton's promotion push

The teenager, who is represented by the same agent as Joe Aribo, has found minutes hard to come by under Maresca, but he has impressed when given the opportunity, amassing six goals and six assists in 36 appearances for the Blues since making his breakthrough last season.

Scout Jacek Kulig clearly believes the youngster has an exciting future ahead too, stating he is destined for something “special”, but the starlet is currently at risk of his development being stifled by a lack of football.

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Consequently, stepping down to the Championship could be a savvy move for the left-winger, who has two goals to his name in four appearances for England U21s.

That said, it could be difficult for George to break into Southampton’s starting XI to begin with, given that they have been in red-hot form in recent weeks, scoring a whopping 16 goals in their last five matches.

Baseball fans, the wait is over. Opening Day 2025 has finally arrived, which means it's time to lock in for the next six months while America's pastime gets its day in the sun.

Given the momentous occasion, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich showed up to the field on Thursday with a very special outfit to kick things off.

Yelich's all-plaid suit is believed to be an homage to the late, great Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker, who died in January at the age of 90. The announcer was a known lover of plaid sportscoats, and the team is actually honoring him this season with a plaid patch on their uniforms.

Clearly, though, Yelich decided to take things up a notch with this plaid get-up, courtesy of New Jersey-based designer Tom Marchitelli, per the .

As was the case with many a Brewers player, the slugger and Uecker were great friends. After the announcer's death, Yelich honored him with a touching social media tribute, and also used a custom Bob Uecker bat in spring training, per the .

The Brewers are currently in New York for their first of three games vs. the Yankees, which will start up at 3:05 p.m.

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has revealed his favourite Premier League club and named the footballer he wants to train MMA with.

Aspinall preparing for first undisputed heavyweight title defence

Jon Jones earned a reputation as a ‘duck’ after showing little interest in defending his UFC heavyweight title, with the American ultimately opting to retire back in June rather than fight interim heavyweight champion Aspinall.

Consequently, the English fighter was named undisputed champion in anti-climactic fashion, with Dana White making the announcement after a UFC fight night in Azerbaijan.

While still a remarkable achievement, the Salford-born fighter would no doubt have been hoping to make a statement by defeating Jones for the belts, rather than simply being awarded them outside the octagon.

The whole saga has been extremely frustrating for the 32-year-old, who hasn’t fought since defeating Curtis Blaydes via a first-round knock-out way back in July 2024.

However, the Englishman is finally set to return to action this weekend, taking on French heavyweight Ciryl Gane at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, in what will be his first title defence.

The 6 ft 5 heavyweight is also a football fan, although he revealed he was a latecomer to the sport, being convinced to start following Manchester City at the age of 30, due to his son being a supporter.

Ahead of his upcoming fight against Gane, Aspinall was asked which Man City player he would choose to train MMA with at his gym, and Erling Haaland, of course, was the first name that sprang to mind.

Haaland continues to smash records at Man City

In his first season in the Premier League, Haaland broke the record number of goals in a season, scoring 36 in 35 games, and the Norwegian striker is currently in the form of his life, having found the back of the net in 12 matches on the spin.

Aspinall will no doubt be hoping City can reclaim their Premier League crown this season, having won their last three matches, and the 25-year-old, who is regarded as one of the world’s best strikers, will be key to their chances.

The centre-forward’s injury record may be a concern, having suffered ankle and knee problems last season, but if he stays fit (and avoids training in MMA!), anything is possible for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Already shifting their focus towards the January transfer window, Everton are reportedly ready to offer one want-away forward a fresh exit route.

Duncan Ferguson takes aim at "poor" Beto

It should come as no surprise that Everton are already eyeing additional support in attack. That’s where their biggest weakness lies. Despite adding the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Thierno Barry and Jack Grealish to David Moyes’ side in the summer, the Toffees are still struggling to find goals – scoring just twice in their recent four-game winless run.

A large part of that problem has been Beto and his underwhelming performances. With Barry still not ready to step into the side as a starter every week, the responsibility has fallen the way of Beto to lead the lines for Moyes, who has even been critical of the forward himself in the early stages of the campaign.

In Monday’s 1-1 draw with West Ham, the 27-year-old failed to impress once more and quickly became the subject of Duncan Ferguson’s frustration in his post-match analysis.

If Everton are looking to push beyond the bottom half and back to where many feel they belong, then signing a replacement for Beto in January should be top of their priority list.

There’s also no guarantee that Barry will prove his worth as of yet. The summer arrival has started just once in the Premier League and made five other appearances from the bench, but is yet to find the back of the net.

The Toffees must welcome a player at the peak of their powers and may well have the perfect player in mind to do exactly that when the winter window swings open.

Everton readying Maeda move

As reported by Sports Boom, Everton are now ready to offer Daizen Maeda an exit route from Celtic amid his desire to leave the Scottish giants in 2026.

The Japan international revealed earlier this season that he had an agreement with another club before the Bhoys blocked his move late on in the summer window. Now, Everton could take full advantage to swoop in this winter.

Maeda revealed: “There were some things that I had agreed to personally, so I wanted to take on the challenge. I had received an offer, and I had been telling the club that I wanted to take the next step, but Celtic hadn’t been able to make any good reinforcements, so in the end they told me they couldn’t let me leave.”

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Whilst the forward, who can also play as a winger, is yet to replicate last season’s incredible form which ended in 33 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, he is more than capable of reaching that level again.

Dubbed “brilliant” by Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, Everton should do everything to sign Maeda when the January transfer window arrives.

علّق مجدي عبد الغني، نجم الأهلي ومنتخب مصر السابق، على أزمة نادي الزمالك بشأن تقديم شكوى ضد لاعب الأهلي أحمد سيد زيزو إلى لجنة الانضباط، بسبب عدم مصافحته لهشام نصر نائب رئيس القلعة البيضاء عقب مباراة السوبر الأخيرة، معتبرًا أن الأمر لا يستحق كل هذا التضخيم.

وقال مجدي عبد الغني في تصريحات عبر برنامج “ملعب البلدوزر” على قناة “الشمس”: “الزمالك تقدّم بشكوى ضد زيزو للجنة الانضباط، بسبب أنه لم يُصافح نائب رئيس نادي الزمالك، في رأيي، هذا الموضوع تم تضخيمه بلا داعٍ، مثل هذه المواقف حدثت من قبل، فهناك لاعبون في كرة الطائرة لم يصافحوا أحد أعضاء مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي، ولم يكن الأمر أزمة تستحق التصعيد”.

وتابع: “نحن لا نقرّ هذا التصرف بالتأكيد، لكن في الوقت نفسه، من الطبيعي أن يتحلى اللاعب بالشجاعة والروح الرياضية، طالما أنك قبلت الانتقال من نادٍ إلى آخر وارتداء قميص مختلف، فعليك أن تتصرف بشجاعة ورجولة، وإن كنتِ لاعبة فعليكِ بالتصرف بكرامة واحترام، لا يوجد ما يمنع المصافحة، خصوصًا وأنت يا زيزو، ربنا كتب لك الفوز على الزمالك أو على مجلس إدارته، فما الفائدة من الامتناع عن السلام؟”.

وأضاف: “ليس مجلس الإدارة وحده هو السبب في انتقالك للأهلي، فأنت أيضًا سبب في ذلك، لو لم يطلبك الأهلي، لما كنت غادرت الزمالك.. بصراحة، لو لم يأتِ الأهلي للتعاقد معك، لبقيت في الزمالك حتى لو بأجر أقل أو دون مقابل، لأن الذي شجعك وأعطاك الثقة هو موافقة الأهلي على ضمّك، ونحن جميعًا نفهم كرة القدم جيدًا”.

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وأوضح: “أنت خلعت قميص الزمالك وارتديت قميص الأهلي، وهذا حقك الكامل، هناك احتراف ولوائح وقوانين تسمح لأي لاعب أن يوقّع لأي نادٍ خلال آخر ستة أشهر من عقده، وبالتالي هذا أمر قانوني وحق مشروع”.

وأشار: “الأفضل أن تصافح الجميع، بل وتشُد على يد من تركوك، وتقول له بابتسامة: أنا من حملت كأس السوبر، هذه هي الروح الرياضية الحقيقية، أما الامتناع عن المصافحة، فهو سلوك لا يليق، ويجب على الكبار، رجالًا ونساءً، أن يرتفعوا عن مثل هذه التصرفات، لأن الرياضة هي في الأصل روح رياضية واحترام متبادل”.

وشدّد: “لقد وصلنا إلى مرحلة أصبح فيها التشجيع تعصبًا مقيتًا، وهذا أمر غير مقبول، لا يجوز أن تتحول المدرجات إلى ساحة من الانفعال والتشنج، شاهدتُ طفلًا على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي يبكي لأن الزمالك خسر! يا جماعة، هذه هي كرة القدم، فالفريق يفوز اليوم ويخسر غدًا، ولا داعي لكل هذا الانفعال”.

واختتم: “من الطبيعي أن يشعر المشجع بالحزن عندما يخسر فريقه، ولكن ليس إلى درجة التعصب، في أوروبا أيضًا نجد مشجعين يبكون، لكن ما إن تنتهي المباراة، ينتهي الأمر تمامًا، ويباركون للفريق الفائز، من فاز اليوم قد يخسر غدًا، ومن خسر اليوم قد يفوز في الغد، وهذه هي الرياضة في كل أنحاء العالم، إلا عندنا، حيث تحولت إلى توتر وسباب ونرفزة، وهذا أمر غير مقبول على الإطلاق”.

Andre Fletcher’s century in vain for Knight Riders

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2025

It took the combined might of Mitchell Owen, Andries Gous, Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips – not without help from Rachin Ravindra and Obus Pienaar – to match, and eventually top, Andre Fletcher on Thursday night at MLC 2025. Even then, it took till the last ball, and a dropped catch on that ball, to do it.Los Angeles Knight Riders, down on their luck and in the points table in, put up 213 for 4 against Washington Freedom, riding on Fletcher’s 60-ball 104. But it wasn’t enough – though it went down to the wire thanks to an almost-fantastic last over of the chase from Andre Russell. But Freedom got over the line in the end when Jason Holder dropped Phillips at mid-on off a spooned-out yorker, and climbed up to second place on the table, while Knight Riders remained at No. 5.A chase as big as this one needed a big start, but Freedom knew what to do, having pulled off the biggest chase in MLC just the other day. This made it a one-two for them.Owen set the ball rolling, smashing three fours and four sixes in his 16-ball 43, his contribution to a 51-run opening stand with Ravindra, who wasn’t shabby either, scoring 18 off 12. Gous got in then and kept the scoreboard moving, and all of that meant a powerplay score of 73 for 1. Marginally better than Knight Riders’ 67 for no loss.But the runs needed to keep coming, and keep coming at a rate of around 10-11. That happened too. Gous fell for 31 off 27, but Maxwell got going right then, smashing 42 off 23 balls with two fours and three sixes.Andre Fletcher brought up a 59-ball century•Sportzpics for MLC

Then came the next twist – Tanveer Sangha, bowling the 14th over, got rid of both Jack Edwards and Maxwell, and suddenly, it was looking loaded in Knight Riders’ favour. No fear – Phillips rocked up, and hit an unbeaten 23-ball 33 to put Freedom back on top, and when the last over started, only seven runs were needed.Russell had the ball, and started with a wide. And then Pienaar hit a four. Two needed from five. Not over. Three dot balls followed, and suddenly it was two from two. Super Over? But singles from Pienaar and Phillips off the last two balls finished the game off.On most days, Fletcher’s 104 from 60 balls – he retired out at that point – would have been on the winning side. Add to that Unmukt Chand’s 41 from 30 balls in an opening stand of 130 in 12.2 overs, Sherfane Rutherford’s 11-ball 20, and Russell’s unbeaten 13-ball 30, and Knight Riders pretty much had the perfect batting innings, having come into the game on the back of four losses in five games.Chand was slow – managing three fours and six and a strike rate of 136.66 in a game where runs were scored at well upwards ten an over across the two innings aren’t great numbers. But with Fletcher turning it on, Knight Riders stayed above that ten-an-over mark despite Chand’s lack of intent.But his fall, in the 13th over with Fletcher 83 off 45 balls at that stage, was perhaps good from Knight Riders’ point of view. It brought in Rutherford first, and after he fell after a cameo, Russell got in and got going big time right away. Fletcher’s century came up in the 18th over, and he retired one ball after, his knock including seven fours and six sixes.Russell then did his bit with bat and ball, but it was not enough for Knight Riders.