Sambit inches closer, Lloyd keeps lagging

Posted at 11.15am IST

Crucial points from Rohit Sharma (trump) and new pick Ravindra Jadeja, helped keep Sambit Bal in the hunt at No. 2. He managed to slice Ian Chappell's lead over him by close to 200 points, to 263.

Ian still holds a vice-like grip over the No. 1 slot, with 6357 points, and Sambit is aware he needs to make some smart changes and choices if he is to dislodge Ian. "I have done well to keep in striking range. I have made some crucial mistakes in the middle stage of the game. To drop Hayden was a bad one. But I have him back now. From now on, it will only come down to picking the right trump. I will have Rodney Marsh take Ian out a couple of times this week if that helps." What could also prove crucial are the number of transfers left. While Sambit has just one remaining, Ian has three.

Meanwhile Sanjay Manjrekar at No. 3 continues to extend his lead over David Lloyd, who is lagging behind at No. 4, 384 points adrift.