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India’s captain MS Dhoni has said that the plan for the last ball was to hit a back of a length, instead of bowling a yorker, in the hosts’ one-run win against Bangladesh

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Mar-20162:33

‘Pandya executed the plan well’ – Dhoni

India’s captain MS Dhoni has lauded allrounder Hardik Pandya’s “fantastic execution” of the last ball, which led to Mustafizur Rahman being run out by Dhoni in a mad-cap final over. Having been cracked for fours off his second and third balls in the defence of 10 runs, Pandya had Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah holing out off the next two balls. The equation ultimately boiled down to two needed off the last ball.After a lengthy chat with Dhoni and Ashish Nehra, Pandya sent down a back-of-a-length ball outside off, which Shuvagata Hom could not reach. He attempted a bye, and Mustafizur responded, but Dhoni was too quick for him. He sprinted and broke the stumps as India edged Bangladesh.At the post-match presentation, Dhoni said that the plan to stick to a back-of-a-length delivery, instead of the yorker, but not too wide outside off, which was what Pandya delivered.”One thing was sure. We don’t want to bowl a yorker,” Dhoni said. “It had to be a back-of-a-length delivery, but how much back of the length is the question. You don’t want to bowl a wide and by the time it travels to the keeper, the batsman has the opportunity to take one more run.”So we were deciding what’s a good field and what’s the length to bowl. I think he executed really well. You can always plan a hundred things and unless the execution is good, it doesn’t look good on the field. I feel the execution of the last delivery was fantastic.”Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza admitted that his team lost it under pressure, in the last three balls. “I think the last three balls actually, we lost three wickets and needed only two runs,” he said.Pandya is not a particularly good exponent of the yorker, and when he attempted one off the penultimate ball, it ended up as a full toss. Mahmudullah slogged, but Jadeja came up with an incredible, running catch at deep midwicket. Pandya, however, can hit the deck hard, and muscle back-of-a-length or short-ish balls. Dhoni said that Pandya’s strengths were discussed before the last ball.”The decision was what line to bowl, what length to bowl,” Dhoni said. “Also keeping in mind what the strength of the bowler is. That was the kind of stuff going. And also I knew once the 20th over starts, you can take as much time as possible. You can’t get fined for it.”There were other senior members of the team who felt the short ball was the way to go in the final over. R Ashwin, who found grip and turn to return figures of 2 for 20, told that the short ball was the “toughest” for a lower-order batsman.Dhoni also credited fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who regrouped admirably, after fumbling a four off the first ball of the 147 chase, and then dropping Tamim Iqbal on 15. Bumrah nailed his yorkers in the penultimate over and conceded only six runs, which gave Pandya some cushion. It was just enough for India to pull off the coup.

Manchester United have been reportedly handed a double Galatasaray injury boost ahead of their make-or-break Champions League clash.

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Galatasaray handed double injury blowSanchez and Bardakci out United will be without RashfordWHAT HAPPENED?

According to the Turkish publication, the Turkish giants could be without the services of former Tottenham defender Davison Sanchez and Abdulkerim Bardakci. While Sanchez has been ruled out with a strain in his upper left rear muscle, Bardakci could still make it to the matchday squad if he can successfully negotiate a late fitness test.

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The Red Devils seek redemption against Galatasaray, after a defeat at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture, which could help them overcome a troubled Champions League campaign. Sitting fourth in Group A, they are desperate for the three points to boost qualification chances. The defeat to FC Copenhagen in the previous fixture further complicated the math for United who now face a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive for the the knockout rounds.

DID YOU KNOW?

Almost 30 years back, in 1993, Sir Alex Ferguson's squad failed to produce the goods in a do-or-die knockout match in Istanbul as they were held to a goalless draw, following a 3-3 result at Old Trafford. Eric Cantona was sent off and it is believed that the United players got into a tussle with riot police in the tunnel in the aftermath of the shock exit from Europe.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

United also have a lengthy injury list as several first-team players are out injured including includingCasemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Amad Diallo, and Tyrell Malacia. Mason Mount was the latest casualty as the former Chelsea midfielder picked up a fresh calf injury which will rule him out for the game against Galatasaray. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford will miss the game after he was sent off against FC Copenhagen in United's last European fixture. Nonetheless, they might be boosted with the return of Rasmus Hojlund, who has been in fine form in Europe scoring five goals in four matches, as the Danish striker is back in training.

Paul Pogba “only thinks” about returning to competitive action and “trains all the time” during his ban at Juventus, says the Frenchman’s agent.

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France international unable to play at presentWaiting on outcome of sporting trialHoping to get his career back on trackWHAT HAPPENED?

The World Cup-winning midfielder is currently serving a suspension after failing a drugs test. Pogba initially posted elevated levels of testosterone following a Serie A game with Udinese on August 20. The B sample provided during that test also came back positive for the testosterone-boosting hormone DHEA.

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Pogba’s ban in Turin has been extended indefinitely, with it possible that his contract could be terminated if he is found guilty of doping offenses at a sporting trial. The 30-year-old is still fighting his corner and hopes to return to action in the not too distant future.

WHAT THEY SAID

Pogba’s representative, Rafaela Pimenta, has told of plans for her client: “We see the future one day after the other. We are doing everything we must to try to explain what is happening with Paul. But this explanation has to happen in front of a judge. I think that to enable a judge to have independence and to reach his conclusions as he has to reach, we cannot influence him with public comments. We have our arguments, very serious and very important, and I have to offer the judge to endorse these arguments without trying to influence him. We are doing everything we have to do. Those who know Paul know what has happened. They know that Paul is an honest, correct person and that he always does things with integrity. He is living it with confidence and professionalism. He trains all the time and only thinks about getting through these difficult moments to come back.”

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WHAT NEXT?

Pressed on whether Pogba could be cleared to resume his career immediately once his case has been heard, Pimenta added: “We are working for this. I have confidence in the system. I have the tendency to trust until proven otherwise. I only have signs that it is a system that works. I hope you can understand our position.” The France international is tied to a contract at Juventus through to 2026.

Hampshire followed up Fidel Edwards’ ferocious second-evening spell by beating Sussex and telling the West Indian quick they had never seen anything faster

Vithushan Ehantharajah at Hove09-Jun-2015
ScorecardFidel Edwards’ pace blew his Hampshire team-mates away•PA PhotosHampshire have secured their first Championship win of the season with a six-wicket win at Hove, a ground that has now hosted its third three-day result game in a row. But this was nothing to do with the pitch: the visitors put together their best performance of the season, typified by Fidel Edwards’ first five-wicket haul for the county.Edwards’ 5 for 58 was not only Hampshire’s first five-for of the season, but it was also his first since taking 6 for 90 in a Test against Bangladesh, back in November 2012. That match in Khulna was his last for the West Indies across all formats and, in signing as a Kolpak player, at the age of 32, it seems that his international days are behind him. This will be his last four-day game for Hampshire before he jets off to the Caribbean Premier League on Sunday.His spell yesterday was a reminder of the confrontational attitude he used to save for the world’s best. The “you can’t see me” celebration: the hair is grown out but the swagger remains. His skipper Jimmy Adams said his spell at the end of day two was the fastest he had ever seen in domestic cricket, a point backed up by the rest of the Hampshire team, who told Edwards as much in the dressing room.Fidel on making big waves

On helping Hampshire secure their first Championship win at Hove in the last nine attempts “I’ve heard we hadn’t won here for a long time, so that’s good. The pitch was quick but not as quick as thought it would be. It was good though to bowl with the wind behind me. That’s my job – I’m here to get at batsman, bowl fast and get people out!”

On his Hampshire future beyond 2015: “I signed a Kolpak deal for Hampshire and hopefully I can extend that for the next couple of years. That’s my aim. Hampshire have a lot of West Indian greats playing for them so hopefully I can do my best to join that bunch.”

On his speed: “When I was younger, I was clocked a couple of times, when I first started, at around 96 or 97mph. Hopefully I can still bend my back like that at this age.

On his first experience of the English domestic season: “It’s been lovely – just a bit cold and wet! I’m looking to see what the sunshine can do and it was good to see a bit today. Last night, I went for a walk by the sea and it was terrible! The waves were kicking and I was right next to the sea! But it’s a good experience to be here and experience the cold for so long.”

Edwards was so quick last night that, when Wright decided to take him on, Adams moved one of his slips to a back-stop position for the top-edge. “I hadn’t set a field like that before – maybe not since my under-10s,” laughed Adams at the close. He confirmed the decision was Edwards and he was more than happy to oblige him.Edwards’ fifth wicket came this morning when he removed nightwatchman Steve Magoffin with his fourth ball before both he and Jackson Bird were put under pressure by Luke Wright and Ben Brown. Bird in particular, in his first Championship game of a season that has already been hampered with shoulder and neck injuries, struggled throughout the match.Having started the morning session from the Sea End, Bird switched to the Cromwell Road to calamitous effect. His first four overs went for 28, with his first going for 12, as Brown took him for three consecutive boundaries.It seemed that Wright and Brown could milk him easily until the new ball. Earlier, Brown had benefited from a poor drop from Danny Briggs, who shelled a routine catch with the batsman on 13, when he ran around to square leg for a top edge that would have given Edwards his sixth wicket. The joint hundred came off 164 balls as the complexion of the game started to change.And then, with the lead standing at 122, it happened: the first of two brain-fades that led to a lower-order collapse of four for four.The first came from Brown, who decided to take a risky single to the last ball of a Bird over that had already leaked 11 runs. He hit the ball to the left of cover, Will Smith, who ran around the ball to pick-up right-handed and throw down the stumps with Wright short of his ground.Brown’s misery was compounded when he became the recipient of what must have been Bird’s best ball of the match: a good-to-full length ball that jumped up to say hello and take the top of his glove, giving Sean Ervine a simple low catch at first slip. He sunk to his knees as Bird streamed past him, before returning to the pavilion flanked by the rest of those on the pitch as lunch was taken early.Ollie Robinson was the next to go, failing to take note of a deep square leg and finding him perfectly, just nine balls after the restart. With him went any realistically possible of quick runs, leaving Briggs to take his first wicket of the innings – caught bat-pad – to finish Sussex off.With just 125 to defend, it was Magoffin or bust for the home side. Their lead man ran in, unchanged for eight overs, from the Cromwell Road End. Bats were beaten, an edge fell short of Ed Joyce at first slip and a length was pounded, but to no avail.Jimmy Adams hit a quick 30 from 33 balls, seemingly trying to throttle the nerves out of the chase. When he departed with 51 on the board, in the 12th over, the runs came at a slower pace. Sean Terry, in his second game of the season, got some valuable time in the middle on his way to a first Championship half-century of the season and a career best in first-class cricket.Terry can take pride in the fact that he carried his bat through this chase, while more senior heads came and went. He’ll have a bruised thumb as a souvenir, for a week or so at least, after he was clocked by a sharp one from Hobden. But he and Hampshire will take that, as they finally get a win on the board.

Across the spectrum, from football to baseball and horse racing to tennis, certain teams and individuals have raised the bar of sporting excellence

GettyManchester United 1992-2013

Sir Alex Ferguson found himself teetering on the brink at Manchester United in 1990, with only FA Cup success keeping him in a job. Three years later, with the Premier League era opened in English football, the Scot was taking the first steps down a record-breaking path of domestic dominance which is unlikely to be matched.

Over the course of 20 memorable years at Old Trafford, United landed 13 titles to overtake arch-rivals Liverpool as the most successful side in England. Ferguson’s reign would also deliver a further four FA Cup triumphs, four League Cup successes, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and two Champions League crowns.

AdvertisementNew England Patriots 2001-present

At the turn of the 21st century, the New England Patriots took two decisions which would lay the foundations on which a truly remarkable era of success would be built. They may not have known it at the time, but appointing Bill Belichik as the team’s new head coach and taking a promising young quarterback by the name of Tom Brady in the 2000 NFL Draft – albeit with the 199th pick – would prove to be sporting masterstrokes.

Since then, the Brady-Belichik wrecking ball has swept its way to five Super Bowl rings and is readying itself for a ninth appearance in American Football’s showpiece event.

Real Madrid 1953-1969

For the best part of two decades in the 50s and 60s, Real Madrid were virtually untouchable at home and abroad. In an era long before the ‘Galactico’ transfer policy of Florentino Perez, the Blancos were still in the business of acquiring the world’s finest talent within a star-studded squad.

Among the most notable icons to grace their books during a glittering period of success were Ferenc Puskas, Alfredo Di Stefano and Francesco Gento. Between them, over the course of 16 years, that trio helped Real to 12 Liga titles and six European Cup wins – including a run of five consecutive triumphs between 1956 and 1960.

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GettyNew York Yankees 1923-1932

In truth, the reign of Yankee dominance in Major League Baseball could have been spread as far as the early 60s, with 20 World Series crowns claimed between 1923 and 1962. It is, however, the era of Babe Ruth which broke down the door for a franchise now so iconic that its brand transcends sport.

A shock trade with arch-rivals the Boston Red Sox brought ‘The Bambino’ to the Bronx in 1920, and three years later the Yankees sat atop of the baseball world. Ruth would add four titles in total to three previously secured in Boston, with his efforts paving the way for Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter to establish Yankee dynasties of their own in the years to come.

The 17-year-old needed less than a minute to break Athletic Club hearts and help Xavi's side close the gap on Real Madrid at the top of the table

After 79 painful minutes from a cast of experienced players, Barcelona needed youth to salvage what could be a crucial La Liga win. Marc Guiu, making his club debut and second matchday squad appearance, bagged a late goal to give the Blaugrana a 1-0 victory after an otherwise frustrating contest.

Joao Felix should have put Barcelona ahead after 10 minutes, but clipped Ferran Torres' ball over the bar — despite having ample space. Fermin Lopez, too, came close, only to see an effort well denied by Unai Simon.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, meanwhile, had his moments in the Barca goal — notably diving to stop Nico Williams in the closing stages of the first half.

The Blaugrana had further chances in the second half. Simon denied Felix twice within the first 15 minutes. Torres had a shot blocked by a lunging defender. Fermin Lopez skied one from 10 yards out. Lamine Yamal dragged one outside the post shortly after coming on.

In the end, it was a teenage debutant that showed his team-mates how it's done. Guiu had been on the pitch for less than a minute when he burst in behind the Athletic defence, corralled a pass, and fired past Simon to give Barca a crucial victory that ensures they sit just one point behind Real Madrid ahead of next week's Clasico.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):

Forced into a trio of impressive saves in the first half. Will be happy with the clean sheet.

Joao Cancelo (7/10):

Doesn't have the best understanding with Torres, and didn't always connect well. He was much more effective when Yamal came on. Completed the most dribbles in the match.

Inigo Martinez (6/10):

Handed a rare start with Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo both out. Made one impressive block at the end of the first half. Had little to do in the second.

Andreas Christensen (6/10):

Covered well when Athletic looked to hit on the break, especially when Alejandro Balde pushed up. Removed after an hour. A solid shift.

Alejandro Balde (7/10):

Scampered forward on the left wing, and caused problems against Oscar de la Marcos. Looked tired toward the end of things, and was correctly removed.

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Oriol Romeu (5/10):

Passed sideways a lot, and didn't really stamp his authority on the game. Xavi probably made the right call to sub him off after an hour.

Gavi (7/10):

Picked up an obligatory booking, and created chaos in the middle of the park. A deeper role looks like it suits him.

Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

Kept things ticking along, and always looked to find the incisive ball. An important player, even if he didn't score or assist.

GettyAttack

Ferran Torres (5/10):

Deployed on the right wing with Lamine Yamal unable to start after picking up an injury. Was lively, but not clinical enough in key areas. He has potential, but Xavi still doesn't seem to know where to use him.

Joao Felix (7/10):

Awkwardly forced into a central role, despite a series of impressive performances in attacking midfield. Looked far more effective when allowed to drop deeper in the second half.

Fermin Lopez (6/10):

Ran a lot, looked to create in a rare start. But he missed a couple of good chances. Likely won't be in the XI when Barca are back to full strength.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Lamine Yamal (7/10):

Only available for 30 minutes after picking up an injury. Made things happen and really should have scored.

Ronald Araujo (6/10):

Didn't have much to do, but won a few headers.

Marc Guiu (9/10):

Scored with his second touch on his debut. Fairytale stuff from the 17-year-old.

Marcos Alonso (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Xavi (7/10):

Injuries forced him into a weakened XI, with Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, Pedri and Raphinha all unavailable. His side were poor in front of goal for most of proceedings, but Xavi will now look like a genius for his introduction of Guiu.

Phil Parkinson insisted that Wrexham have "got no divine right to win" but was delighted with thumping Morecambe victory.

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Wrexham bounced back from Accrington Stanley defeatMullin's hat-trick powered the Welsh side to a 6-0 winParkinson hailed his troops for their emphatic responseWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons climbed to the second spot in the League Two table after scoring six past Morecambe at the Racecourse Ground. After Joel Senior's own goal handed Wrexham an early lead, Paul Mullin added another just two minutes after the opener. Jacob Mendy increased the margin before Mullin struck twice in the second half to complete his hat-trick. James Jones scored deep into stoppage time to pile more misery on Morecambe which further thrilled Parkinson as his side was heading into the fixture on the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley.

AdvertisementWHAT PHIL PARKSINSON SAID ABOUT THE VICTORY

Speaking to reporters after the match, Parkinson said: "We have got no divine right to win but we have won a lot. When you lose it hurts and it is a long week. It is as simple as that. No matter how long you have been a manager, when you lose, it is a lot of soul-searching. But you can't change it and you can just respond as a group.

"The response on the training ground has been outstanding from the lads and there was a real positive feeling coming into this game. We wanted to get back to winning ways and we have done it in emphatic fashion."

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The massive victory also drew euphoric reactions from co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. While Reynolds labelled the efforts from the lads as "incredible hustle", McElhenney hailed Mullin as "incredible" for gifting another remarkable afternoon to the fans.

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Wrexham have little time to rest on their laurels as they are set to return to action against Harrogate Town on Tuesday night in another League Two encounter.

Angel Di Maria insisted Lionel Messi is the "greatest player in history" and claimed that he wanted to win the World Cup for his skipper.

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Argentina beat France on penalties in World Cup finalMessi emerged as the best player of the tournamentDi Maria lavished praise on the Argentine captainGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Argentina's World Cup victory celebration in Buenos Aires turned into a spectacle as millions of ecstatic fans flooded the streets to welcome their triumphant football heroes after they beat France in the final on penalties. An unseen footage of the open bus ride has emerged where Di Maria is seen sharing an emotional moment with Messi where the duo eventually ends up in an embrace.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT DI MARIA SAID

In the documentary titled Di Maria was caught on camera saying to Messi: "For me, playing with you on a team is what I wanted, man. And winning it, winning this trophy with you, I know that it's…."

Later on, he goes on to add: "It became more about him than about me. I wanted to win the World Cup for him. Without a doubt, for me, he is the greatest in history."

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The streets of Buenos Aires were filled, making it impossible for the bus to proceed as initially intended. In response to the unprecedented crowd size and security concerns, the victory parade was rerouted, and the team made an impromptu departure from the ground. Helicopters provided a unique exit strategy for Messi and company, ensuring their safety and allowing them to share the World Cup trophy with their adoring fans from above.

Sri Lanka have called up fast bowler Shaminda Eranga to their squad for two ODIs against Ireland after Thisara Perera failed to get a visa approved in time

ESPNcricinfo staff03-May-2014Sri Lanka have called up fast bowler Shaminda Eranga to their squad for two ODIs against Ireland after Thisara Perera failed to get a visa approved in time. Thisara is expected to join up with Sri Lanka in England later in the month ahead of a T20 and five ODIs.The Sri Lanka party arrived in Dublin on Saturday but Thisara did not travel with them, after experiencing a delay in getting a UK visa for the main part of the tour. The allrounder, who hit the winning runs in the World T20 final, was part of Kings XI Punjab squad at the IPL in Dubai and was unable to get his passport and documents processed.Eranga is due to leave for Ireland on Sunday. He was not in the T20 squad for England and hasn’t played a limited-overs international since last year but is a key member of Sri Lanka’s Test attack.Sri Lanka have rested five senior players – Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Rangana Herath, Lasith Malinga and Tillakaratne Dilshan – for the ODIs against Ireland, which take place on Tuesday and Thursday next week.

Mitchell Claydon continued to be a thorn in Leicestershire’s side as he clubbed a career-best 77 to put Kent into a strong position at the end of the second day at Grace Road.

Press Association08-Jul-2014
ScorecardMitch Claydon, seen here for Durham, made 77 from No. 9•Getty ImagesMitchell Claydon continued to be a thorn in Leicestershire’s side as he clubbed a career-best 77 to put Kent into a strong position at the end of the second day at Grace Road.Claydon, who took 5 for 77 with the ball on the first day, led a tail-end recovery that took Kent to a total of 302 and a first-innings lead of 85. Then, former Leicestershire favourite Darren Stevens followed up a half-century of his own with two early wickets to leave the home side on 87 for 3 – a lead of just two runs – when bad light brought an premature end.Stevens, opening the bowling with his military medium pace, still moved the ball around enough to trap both Angus Robson and Ned Eckersley lbw in his first three overs. Adam Ball then had Dan Redfern caught behind and at 35 for 3 Leicestershire were in dire straits. But an unbeaten stand of 52 between opener Greg Smith, who made 42, and Josh Cobb, 17, gave Leicestershire a foothold back into the game.The hosts looked to be in the box seat at the start of play with Kent on 106 for 5, still 111 runs behind, but in little over half an hour there was a massive momentum change. Stevens and Ball tucked into some wayward bowling from Charlie Shreck and Nathan Buck, neither of whom could settle into a consistent line or length. Between them they conceded 59 runs in the first 10 overs, 46 of them in boundaries.But Buck finally did find the perfect delivery to knock back Ball’s off stump when he had made 36 out of a sixth-wicket stand of 92 in 22 overs.It sparked a purple patch for the Leicestershire paceman and two more more wickets followed in his next three overs. Sam Billings was out lbw playing across the line and Stevens caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien for 57 having reached his half-century off 61 balls with eight fours and a six.But if Leicestershire believed the hard work was done with Kent at 207 for 8, they were sadly mistaken. The last two wickets added 95 runs as Claydon launched a ferocious assault on some poor bowling, battering 14 fours and a six on his way to 77 off 91 balls, before being bowled by Rob Taylor.Claydon and Adam Riley shared a last-wicket partnership of 67 that took Kent past the 300 mark to a third batting point. Buck was the best of Leicestershire’s attack finishing with four for 97 off 26 overs.But, not for the first time this season, Leicestershire will be wondering how they let a promising position slip from their grasp.