Agencies/Bangalore


James Faulkner, who partnered with Australian teammate Steven Smith to pull off a sensational win for Rajasthan Royals in Bangalore in an IPL match, said chasing 190 from a ‘nothing to lose’ position was a special feeling.
“When you are in a position we were in, you have nothing to lose. It’s all or nothing. Chasing a total down is always a nice feeling, but chasing 190 from that position is a very special feeling for the team,” said Faulkner, who smashed 41 off 17 balls and alongside Smith (48 off 21) chased down 65 runs from the last four overs to stun Royal Challengers Bangalore.
About their breathtaking 85-run stand off 32 balls, Faulkner said: “They were holding us up with spin, so personally I thought I’ll just play myself in; maybe get a single or play out a dot or if it’s a bad one, put it away.
“I started a bit slowly and then thought I’ll take on the medium pacers. It worked for me, but I thought the 18th over where Steven took on Ashok Dinda (for 22 runs) was when the game swung back in our favour. The rest is history.”
It was only at the Chinnaswamy Stadium where Faulkner scored his maiden ODI hundred in November. But bowling on Sunday night was a forgettable affair for Faulkner, who conceded 42 off four overs.
“I must admit that this is not one of my favourite grounds in the world to bowl at, especially when you are bowling to some of the world’s best T20 cricketers. We might have to come back here for the final, but there is a lot of cricket to be played before that,” said the all-rounder.

India to play three ODIs
in Bangladesh in June
Bangladesh and India will meet for three ODIs between 15 and 19 June this year. The fixtures will, effectively, bridge the Indian players’ participation in Indian Premier League on June 1 and the departure for the tour of England three weeks later.
The matches will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, with the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong, Sylhet Stadium and Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah overlooked.
Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli are expected to be unavailable for the brief tour. Dhoni, reportedly, will be on vacation - and Kohli has requested to be rested. Kohli had led the team in Asia Cup in Dhni’s absence. Batsman Rohit Sharma, in the absence of the pair, is likely to be named captain. Alternatively, spinner R Ashwin might be handed the reins.
India are set to commence their tour of England in the latter part of June and set to play five Tests, as many ODIs and a one-off T20 international that will spill over to the beginning of September.
This would be the first five-match Test series for India in Old Blighty since 1959 when they were whitewashed. Incidentally, the Dhoni-led team was comprehensively beaten 4-0 in the four-game series in 2011, India’s previous full tour to England. and this visit gives it a chance to make amends.

Bangar has brought the best out of youngsters: Bailey
Kings XI captain George Bailey believes coach Sanjay Bangar had made a lot of difference with his knowledge of domestic players as they sit on top of the points table in the IPL. Kings XI Punjab look set to make it to the qualifiers after a dominant run in the tournament.
“Sanjay and Sri’s (R Sridhar, fielding coach) knowledge of Indian players has been exceptional,” Bailey told ESPNcricinfo. “They have focused a lot on the younger players who have performed, particularly the guys who haven’t played much earlier. A lot of Indians wouldn’t have known about them but they have obviously seen something and their knowledge has been really important, one in selecting them and two, bringing the best out of them.”

CSK bring in David Hussey
as Bravo replacement
Two-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings signed Australia veteran David Hussey as a replacement for the injured Dwayne Bravo.
Bravo injured his shoulder while attempting to take a catch in the inaugural game of this year.  Chennai had not signed a player to replace the all-rounder, but it was confirmed yesterday that Hussey, who is India as a commenator was snapped up by the MS Dhoni-led side.

RCB quash Gayle
injury rumours
The Royal Challengers Bangalore dismissed reports that Chris Gayle had been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL.
Gayle, who was dismissed for 19 on Sunday in defeat to Rajasthan Royals, had missed the Royal Challengers’ first few games with a back injury, and speculation was rife that he would miss the franchise’s remaining games as well. “Gayle is not ruled out and no replacement is sought,” the Royal Challengers said in a statement.