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The Gunners have an awful record at Anfield in the Premier League, but Mikel Arteta is confident they can end their 11-year wait for a win on Sunday

Here we go again! Another day, another monumental game on the cards for Arsenal as they go hunting their first Premier League title in 19 years. There have been so many huge moments for Mikel Arteta’s side already during their increasingly remarkable season, but Sunday might just be the biggest yet

The Gunners head to Liverpool having won their last seven games in the Premier League, picking up 21 points from a possible 21 since their defeat against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in February.

Many felt Arsenal’s title challenge would fall away after that 3-1 loss against Pep Guardiola’s side, but instead it has picked up pace.

And should they make it eight wins from eight at Anfield this weekend, it would be the biggest sign yet that they are ready to finally end their long wait to be crowned champions.

The biggest of tests

Arteta’s young side have faced many big obstacles already this season and they managed to successfully avoid every almost one that has stood in their way.

Liverpool were seen off at the Emirates, as were Manchester United. Tottenham were beaten twice, while Chelsea were outclassed at Stamford Bridge.

Aside from the home defeat by Man City, Arsenal have stepped up when needed this season against the so called big six in the Premier League.

"We really need to embrace the moment and go for it,” Arteta said ahead of Sunday’s game. “The team is full of enthusiasm and positivity and we know that we have a big challenge, but I see a big opportunity to go to Anfield and do something that we haven't done for many years.

“That's what is driving the team in the last few days."

AdvertisementBanishing demons

But if they are to get past Liverpool, Arsenal are going to have to do something that they haven’t done in 11 years and that’s win in the league at Anfield.

Arteta was playing the last time the Gunners picked up three points on the red half of Merseyside, with goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla earning them a 2-0 win in 2012.

Anfield has been a miserable destination for Arsenal since then.They have visited Liverpool nine times in the Premier League since that win 11 years ago, and have picked up just two points, conceding a staggering 32 goals in the process.

It’s an awful record, but Arteta is convinced his team has what it takes to finally end it on Sunday.

"We've been to a few grounds this season where we haven't won in 17, 18 and 22 years and we have managed to do it,” he said. “So we are capable of [winning at Anfield], that's for sure.

“We are coming from a different position and what I see is enthusiasm, positivity and something that you need to have: courage. Courage to play, courage to impose yourself on the game and be dominant.

“On Sunday we will try to be that team."

Getty ImagesFollowing in the footsteps of greatness

One potential positive for Arsenal going into the game is that past history suggests that a win at Anfield during a title chase tends to end with them lifting the trophy.

There was of course the famous night in 1989 when Michael Thomas’ injury-time strike saw Arsenal crowned champions at Liverpool’s expense in the most dramatic end to a league season of all time.

Paul Merson then scored the winner in a 1-0 win as George Graham’s side won the title again in 1991.

Freddie Ljunberg’s strike saw a 10-man Arsenal triumph at Anfield during their title winning 2001-02 season, and Robert Pires was the hero as the Invincibles came from behind to earn a 2-1 win in 2003-04.

So history shows that it can be done, and what this Arsenal have team has shown this season is they like nothing more than proving people wrong.

Their fearless approach to games is what's taken them to the top of the Premier League, and they will need to show that type of attitude again at Anfield this weekend if they are to maintain their advantage over a Manchester City side that look like they are hitting top gear.

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GettyCalm heads will be key

If Arsenal are to end their Anfield hoodoo on Sunday, then they are going to need to keep their heads amid the usual intense atmosphere.

They didn’t manage that last season, with Arteta actually the chief culprit.His side had actually done well to quieten the crowd, but his touchline spat with Jurgen Klopp seemed to spark Liverpool into life and they went on to run out 4-0 winners.

Arsenal can’t allow something similar to happen this time around, and they will need to draw on their experiences from the victories at Chelsea and Tottenham this season.

Arteta’s side stamped their authority on those games early on and gave the home crowd nothing to cheer about. They went on to dominate both matches and returned to north London with maximum points.

If they can do the same at Anfield on Sunday, then they would take another massive step towards the title.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has hit back at Gary Neville's scathing criticism of his side after the Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool.

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Neville labelled Chelsea 'billion pound bottle jobs'Pochettino says Neville comments 'not fair'Liverpool win 10th Carabao CupWHAT HAPPENED?

Pochettino explained that he is respectful of Neville and his opinions, but felt the commentator had gone too far in assessment of the Blues. During the game, Neville criticised Chelsea for bowing to the Liverpool pressure stating: "It’s Klopp’s kids against the billion pound bottle jobs." Pochettino was far from happy with the assessment.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT POCHETTINO SAID

Responding to Neville, Pochettino said: “I didn’t hear what he said but if you compare the age of the two groups, I think it’s similar. I have a good relationship with Gary [Neville]. I can respect his opinion.

"We made a few changes, like [Conor] Gallagher and [Ben] Chilwell in extra-time. But it’s true, we didn’t keep the energy how we finished the second-half.

"For sure I feel proud. They made a big effort. We have a young team, and nothing to compare with Liverpool because they finished with young players on the pitch.

"It’s not fair to talk in this way, if he said that. We’re going to keep being strong and believing in this project."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

While under Todd Boehly's ownership Chelsea's transfer activity has exceeded the £1 billion ($1.3 billion) mark, they have largely invested in young players. Of course, this does not excuse how poor Chelsea have been under the American's stewardship, but barring a small number of exceptions, Pochettino possesses an inexperienced squad at the top level. Perhaps this explains his frustration.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Pochettino and Chelsea will have to respond to adding yet another disappointment to the collection under Boehly. They face a tricky tie in the FA Cup next weekend against Leeds United as they look to return some winning fervour to Stamford Bridge.

Axar Patel wants to be in the Indian side for the World T20 in March next year and is also working towards a maiden Test call-up

Amol Karhadkar05-Jun-2015Axar Patel’s performance in Twenty20 cricket, especially in the 2014 IPL, had been the catalyst for an ODI debut within two years of his first List A appearance. The 21-year old allrounder’s next goal is to break into the Indian Test and T20 teams as well.”World Twenty20 is the main target since it’s a World championship and India will be hosting it. But if I can get selected for the Test series against South Africa, it will be a huge achievement,” Axar told ESPNcricinfo. “I have played in ODIs so far, if I can earn the India cap in the remaining two formats this season, it would be a great reward.”Even though I didn’t feature in the Test squad for the Bangladesh tour, I am working hard on earning the Test cap. I don’t want to be tagged as a limited-overs cricketer. I want to establish myself in all three formats of the game. That would make me a complete cricketer. So earning a Test cap would be the biggest achievement, I hope it would come soon.”Axar will join the rest of the India squad for a two-day training camp in Kolkata ahead of their departure to Dhaka on Monday.In IPL 2014, his left-arm spin secured 17 wickets, cost only 6.13 per over and earned the boy from Nadiad, a small town in Gujarat an hour’s drive away from Ahmedabad, the Emerging Player of the season award. A first India call-up and an international debut followed when India had visited Bangladesh in June last year.He followed that with impressive outings in home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka and became a contender to make the World Cup squad. Prior to that, he was picked as cover for the injured Ravindra Jadeja for the Australia Tests.Things went downhill after that though. Axar found a place in the 15-man side for the World Cup, but did not play a single game. A budding allrounder, he went through a form slump with the bat during the tri-series in Australia that preceded the World Cup. That bad patch, however, was part of a learning curve for Axar.”When things weren’t going my way, especially while batting in the ODIs, the manner in which the whole squad stood behind me taught me that come what may, you have to keep backing yourself,” he said.”All the coaching staff and senior players gave me the confidence that one bad match doesn’t mean you are a bad player. When you are selected for India, you are special and you have to trust your abilities. One good ball by the bowler or a patch of bad form doesn’t make you a bad cricketer.”IPL 2015 didn’t turn out as good. Axar managed 13 wickets at an average 30.15 and an economy rate of 8.40 while his team Kings XI Punjab finished bottom of the table.”I knew that the batsmen will try and target me,” he said. “Most teams try and target the main bowler of a team, so I was prepared for that. But I feel when I was introduced into the attack, the momentum had already been with the batting side most of the time.”It was obviously easier for the batsmen to attack me. But at the most, I conceded at the odd boundary every over. Otherwise I managed to restrict most of the batsmen to singles. But when there isn’t a bowling partnership, I knew I was handicapped. When runs are being scored in heaps from the other end, it becomes a lot difficult to contain the batsmen.”All through the IPL, Axar kept going back to the advice of India captain MS Dhoni during his stint with the national side.”I spoke a lot with Mahi . He would help me improve bowling in match situations. He would make me understand a batsman’s mindset at different times in an innings and help me set fields that would force the batsman to play according to my plans. He let me express myself and then trap a batsman with a specific field, even in the nets.”

India Cements, the company that owns Chennai Super Kings, has decided to demerge the IPL franchise to a wholly-owned subsidiary

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Sep-2014India Cements, the company that owns Chennai Super Kings, has decided to demerge the IPL franchise to a wholly-owned subsidiary. Currently Super Kings is a division in the company, which is headed by sidelined BCCI president N Srinivasan, who is India Cements’ vice-chairman and managing director.Converting Super Kings from a division into a 100% subsidiary will not affect who controls the franchise, as India Cements will continue to own it. This would mean that the demerger will not help shield Srinivasan from the conflict-of-interest allegations that have followed him since the inception of the IPL.”Our Company presently owns Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – BCCI-IPL Franchise 20/20 Cricket Tournament Team,” India Cements, a listed company, said in a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange. “We propose to demerge the said CSK Division to a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Company. Accordingly, we have included this proposal for consideration of the Board of Directors of our Company at the ensuing meeting on September 26, 2014.”There are benefits attached to demergers and conglomerates routinely opt for them. Super Kings will not be the first IPL franchise to be a subsidiary of an Indian business conglomerate. Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore are owned by subsidiaries of Reliance Industries and UB Group respectively.Transferring an asset to a separate legal entity, such as a subsidiary, allows owners increased flexibility in fund-raising. For instance, the Super Kings subsidiary will be able to borrow funds in its own name.There is also increased attractiveness for potential investors. For instance, someone wanting to invest only in Super Kings would earlier have found it difficult as India Cements has multiple businesses in one entity. It will become simpler to sell a stake in Super Kings with the franchise housed in a separate subsidiary. Demergers usually also lead to better managerial focus and operational flexibility.

Hyderabad Hawks made a strong start to the semi-final stage of the President’s Silver Cup tournament with a seven-wicket win over Water and Power Development Authority

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Feb-2015Hyderabad Hawks made a strong start to the semi-final stage of the President’s Silver Cup tournament with a seven-wicket victory over Water and Power Development Authority. The semi-final stage is being played in a round-robin format between the three top teams of the league stages, and the two teams that finish at the top of the triangular stage will qualify for the final. Faisalabad Wolves are the third team in the semi-final stage along with Hawks and WAPDA.Hawks bowlers gave the side an early advantage after they opted to bowl in a match that was reduced to 43 overs a side. Quick strikes from Babar Khan and Mir Ali left WAPDA at a shaky 76 for 4 and they were able to improve their position through useful knocks from Aamer Sajjad (39), Naved-ul-Hasan (31) and Ayaz Tassawar, who top-scored for WAPDA with a 49-ball 40. The Hawks bowlers, however, kept picking wickets and eventually limited WAPDA to 212 for 8. Babar Khan was the best bowler for Hawks with 3 for 40, while Mir Ali and Nasir Awais picked up two wickets apiece.Hawks were in a spot of bother at 50 for 2 but unbeaten fifties from Faisal Athar and Shoaib Laghari, and a 110-run, fourth-wicket partnership between the pair steered the side to a win with 14 deliveries to spare. Athar was unbeaten on 68 off 78 balls, with eight fours and a six, while Laghari scored a swift 55 off 39 deliveries with three fours and three sixes.

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You can't go wrong with a pair of Nike

Everywhere you look in the twentieth-century history books of fashion and footwear, you'll find it hard to avoid Nike and its iconic Swoosh logo, such is the brand they have built over more than half a century.

As one of the leading sportswear companies in the world, they've risen through the ranks over the years, having started as Blue Ribbon Sports in the sixties, changing its name in the seventies and hitting superstar heights in the eighties.

As they continue to grow from strength to strength, they remain at the top of their game, matching ideas and innovation to deliver a one-of-a-kind success – and we've got some of the best you can buy right here.

Shop: Best women's Nike trainers

This new release from Nike is truly premium and easily the best option for the latest pair of trainers to add to your collection. It's a classic revamp to the AF-1 style, which is a raised midsole for that ultimate on-trend chunky style. The leather is easy to break in, and these trainers are a great addition to your hoops franchise and will be in your wardrobe too.

The Nike Air Max collection has become well known for being super comfortable, but the 270 brings that to another level. A Max Air 270 unit brings unrivalled comfort, which is enhanced by the foam midsole to add a soft feel. You get a light, airy feel too from the woven synthetic upper, which not only looks good but provides ventilation too.

Introducing the wavey Hyper Pink/Vivid Purple/Black Summit colourway for these beautiful pair of Air Max Plus. Add something with an attitude that can hold itself and be the star of any show to your trainer collection. The prominent wavy lines draw inspiration from a whale's tail and are also a nod to palm trees and ocean waves.

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The Nike Air Max 97's are right on trend and what makes them the most stylish of the lot is that it is fully customisable by you. These trainers exude a retro summer sneaker feel with an OG mesh that amplifies that old-school look. You can go futuristic with a translucent sole or make it the colour tone of your choice with the sole. The world is your oyster, but the cotton candy pink and blue colourway is a match made in shoe heaven.

England and Manchester United No.1 Mary Earps has become the first goalkeeper in history to win the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award.

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Earps wins most votes for BBC prizeBeat Ballon d'Or winner Aitana BonmatiEngland keeper 'honoured' to get nodWHAT HAPPENED?

The BBC announced Earps as the winner of their annual prize on Tuesday morning, with the 30-year-old recognised for her achievements across the 2022-23 season. Earps helped Manchester United finish second in the WSL before playing a key role in the Lionesses' run to the World Cup final, which they ultimately lost 1-0 to Spain.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Fans voted for Earps as the winner of the award on the BBC Sport website after a five-player shortlist was put together by a panel of football experts. Earps finished first ahead of 2023 Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati, with Chelsea and Australia forward Sam Kerr coming in third.

GettyWHAT EARPS SAID

"I am truly honoured," Earps told after the announcement. "To be the first keeper to get their hands on the award is special and I am incredibly grateful." Earps also made headlines recently for calling out the Lionesses' kit manufacturer Nike for not making replicas of her No.1 shirt for supporters during the World Cup. The United star, who finished fifth in the 2023 Ballon d'Or vote, has been humbled by the support she has received after a rollercoaster year.

"To be honest, I thought Bonmati might take it. I mean, what a player," she added. "There has been a lot that has happened this year. Obviously, we've had the World Cup. We've had everything that's gone on with the goalkeeper shirts. I've had the whole goalkeeper union behind me, it seemed like. Not even just that, just incredible support from the public and many people. Last year was an incredible season for United. I think it's been an incredible year, an incredible couple of years. I'm just trying to make the most of everything really."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Earps is the fourth British player to scoop the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year accolade, after two-time winner Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Kim Little. She also received a congratulatory message from England boss Sarina Wiegman, who said in a video: "Hi Mary, here I go again. I can congratulate you again with the award for women's world footballer of the year. Congratulations, but you're not done yet. You have to keep going – get some more. Enjoy this award."

The winger scored twice before Diogo Jota added a thumping third goal as Jurgen Klopp's men bounced back after a couple of disappointing results

Mohamed Salah just loves Anfield! The prolific winger became the first player to ever score in Liverpool's first six home games of a season in Sunday's facile 3-0 win over Brentford as the hosts climbed to second in the Premier League standings – for the time being at least.

Salah, who has now been involved in 119 goals in his last 117 outings at Anfield, opened the scoring after taking a Darwin Nunez pass in his stride towards the tail end of the first half and then doubled the Reds' advantage with a fine header from Kostas Tsimikas' cut-back. Diogo Jota completed the scoring with a thumping finish from the edge of the area 16 minutes from time.

Below, GOAL rates all of the Liverpool players on show as Jurgen Klopp's men bounced back from a lucky 1-1 draw at Luton last week, and Thursday's shock Europa League loss in Toulouse…

Getty Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (7/10):

Made a couple of decent stops when called upon.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):

Very nearly gifted Brentford a goal with a shocking pass in the first half but was very impressive going forward, playing his part in the opener, while a stunning pass deserved a better finish from Salah.

Joel Matip (6/10):

Harshly booked but perhaps a tad lucky to avoid a second yellow early in the second half. A decent display but still looks like an accident waiting to happen.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

A characteristically assured performance. Really does look to be back to something approaching his best. Indeed, he saved a certain goal with one fantastic clearance.

Kostas Tsimikas (8/10):

Retained his starting spot despite giving away a goal in midweek and turned in his most impressive performance in a red shirt for some time, contributing two assists.

AdvertisementGetty Midfield

Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

One of his quieter performances since arriving during the summer.

Wataru Endo (6/10):

Got a rare chance to start in the Premier League because of Alexis Mac Allister's suspension and was good on the ball for the most part. However, a poor first touch resulted in a desperate lunge that very nearly earned him a red card.

Cody Gakpo (6/10):

Once again started in midfield because of Liverpool's injury issues but while he worked hard, and had a couple of efforts from distance, he was once again largely ineffective in a deeper role. Subbed late on.

Getty Attack

Mohamed Salah (9/10):

Lethal as always! Was no chance of him missing after being slipped in by Nunez and took his header wonderfully well. Just a class act.

Darwin Nunez (7/10):

Deserved to get on the scoresheet after having two goals chalked off for offside. Still, he got yet another assist for Salah with a nice lay-off.

Diogo Jota (8/10):

A constant threat and got his just reward for an energetic display with a fine strike from distance that flew into the back of the net.

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GettySubstitutes & Manager

Harvey Elliott (N/A):

Only came on late for Jota.

Luis Diaz (N/A):

Received a rapturous welcome when introduced in place of Jota but not enough time to make an impact.

Jarell Quansah (N/A):

Brought on in the dying seconds.

James McConnel (N/A):

Made his debut in injury time.

Jurgen Klopp (8/10):

A routine win and his hand was forced by injuries but the manager got all his big calls correct.

Grace Clinton thanked midfield colleagues Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone after making her senior England debut, playing in a different type of role.

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Clinton makes senior England debutMidfielder scored in Austria demolitionThanked Stanway & Toone for their helpWHAT HAPPENED?

Clinton started in a midfield three alongside Stanway and Toone, with the latter a last-minute addition to the team due to Fran Kirby's injury, and scored England's second goal of the 7-2 rout of Austria by ghosting into the box to head in. She operated in a slightly deeper role than she has been used to at WSL club side Tottenham, but Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman challenged her to try being a No.8, ultimately reaping the rewards.

AdvertisementWHAT CLINTON SAID

Clinton said: "Going into the game, it was probably the biggest one of my career so far, so for it to go like that, I'm very happy. Sarina told me at the start of the week that she was going to try me in the number eight position. I'm open to a challenge. It's nice to be deeper and get on the ball more.

"To be in there playing with Stanway and Toone – they really helped me out a lot. It's so competitive. There are so many great players and to be around them is unbelievable experience."

Wiegman added to : "I think that's a dream debut for her. She played well and has done really well in training. She was enjoying herself and it was a very good goal. I'm very happy for her."

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Clinton was an unused squad member in the October and December camps but is arguably England's brightest new talent. She made an impact on loan at Bristol City from Manchester United last season, helping the Robins to promotion back into the WSL, and has flourished once more after being tested at a higher level during this season's loan with Spurs. The 20-year-old has started every league game, except against her parent club, registering four goals and two assists in that time.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CLINTON?

Clinton is still to make her debut for parent club Manchester United, loaned out in order to ensure she had more regular playing time this seaosn than if she had stayed put. The next target has to be establishing herself in the United fold, which seems like a no-brainer from the club after she has proven herself consistently in the WSL and now played for England too. Looking further ahead, Clinton also presents another option for Wiegman as the Lionesses look to defend their Euros title in 2025. But in the very immediate short-term, she will want to add to her debut cap when England play Italy in another friendly on Tuesday.

An invigorated Younis Khan and a determined Azhar Ali took command of the second Test, putting on 250 for the third wicket, as Pakistan loped to 323 for 3 at stumps

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando06-May-2015
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:12

Isam: Pakistan took full advantage of conditions

An invigorated Younis Khan and a determined Azhar Ali took command of the second Test, putting on 250 for the third wicket, as Pakistan loped to 323 for 3 at stumps. Azhar and Younis defused the early menace when they came together at 58 for 2, began to counterpunch in the second session and were bludgeoning Bangladesh around the Shere Bangla when Younis was dismissed for 148 off 195, with only five full overs to play in the day. Azhar stayed not out on 127, having ridden early luck.Seduced by an unusually dense covering of grass on the Mirpur surface, Mushfiqur Rahim was dealt a poor hand. He had already gambled by bowling first with only two seamers in the attack. Two balls into the match Shahadat Hossain – who had come into the side for the injured Rubel Hossain – hobbled off the field after taking a tumble during his delivery stride. Mushfiqur was forced to rely on part-time seamer Soumya Sarkar and a phalanx of spinners, who were defanged by a first-day pitch that offered only modest turn. That both centurions should have been out earlier if bowlers had not delivered no balls, added to Mushfiqur’s considerable stress.The seam movement Mushfiqur had anticipated played a role in Mohammad Hafeez’ dismissal, when Shahid set him up with lifter that jagged back in, then drew the edge with a straighter delivery. That dismissal had Pakistan at 9 for 1, but the injury to Shahadat prevented Bangladesh from pushing as hard as they could have in the first hour. With lunch in sight, they took their second wicket, when Sami Aslam ran at Taijul, and put him in the hands of deep midwicket.There was tug-and-pull in the first overs of the Azhar-Younis association, as Azhar overcame a series of close calls. Earlier in the morning, he was walking back to the dressing room after edging Mohammad Shahid to third slip, when replays showed the bowler had not landed his heel behind the popping crease. Reprieved on 18, Azhar gave further chances off spin at 34 and 35 to Mominul Haque at silly point and short leg. Both times the ball whizzed quickly between the fielder’s legs before he could get low enough.Younis deadbatted his way to 1 off 15 before lunch, but opened his shoulders in the second session, clearing his front leg to send the spinners over mid-on – once for six – before masterfully employing the sweep to raise the tempo further. By the fourth hour of the day, a pattern to his progress emerged. Every now and then, he’d interrupt the steady thrum of singles he and Azhar had worked up, to shuffle forward into a sweep. He’d watch for the overcorrection next ball then play off the back foot, often finding runs square on the off side. He reached 50 off 72 balls and by late-afternoon, his strike rate hovered around 75.Azhar meanwhile, sunk time into re-establishing himself at the crease after his early scares, and was only punishing bad balls for most of the day. Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam attempted a variety of plans, tempting Azhar outside off in the second session to lure another mistake. But Azhar gritted through this, while Younis gave the innings impetus at the other end.Younis was the first to his hundred after tea, but not before he too was called back to the crease, after presenting a catch to short cover. Soumya had overstepped to reprieve him on 78, and then Younis breezed through to the second new ball, reaching his 29th Test ton with a tow to deep cover to end a period of relative calm, before attacking again. A slog-swept six over deep midwicket off Shakib heralded the charge, which Azhar soon joined. His made his eighth trip to triple-figures by launching Taijul down the ground for four.With neither spinners nor seamers able to glean much from the old ball, Mushfiqur threw his part-timers at Pakistan, who were only too glad to face them. By the 80th over, Pakistan’s run rate had ticked above 3.5.Shahid broke the stand with the second new ball, when he had Younis slicing to backward point, two runs short of his 150. Misbah-ul-Haq announced himself at the crease with a six over long-on off the second ball he faced, but otherwise he and Azhar were content to hunker down till stumps.