Then came the first of the run outs, with Pietersen calling Collingwood for a suicidal single having hit straight to substitute fielder Dinesh Karthik at short cover.

BBC: Thrilling India win levels series

The Yankees took the lead in the sixth when left fielder Lucas Duda came up short on a diving attempt at Gardner's opposite-field liner.

WSJ: Murphy comes through in 8th, Mets edge Yankees

He added 71 for the fourth wicket with Neil Broom (24) but the pair departed in quick succession, with Taylor clearly angry with himself after pulling a short ball from Shane Watson straight to the boundary fielder at square leg.

BBC: Brad Haddin ton sets up Australia win over New Zealand

It was 145-six when Arafat was well caught by substitute fielder Neil Edwards at second slip but two more short breaks for rain held up Somerset's victory push.

BBC: In-form Somerset nearing Kent win

Jonathan Trott took evasive action at short leg but as he turned away the ball somehow dropped into the Bears fielder's right-hand trouser pocket.

BBC: Joyce victim of freak dismissal

Other positive surprises: center fielder Curtis Granderson putting up a career year that catapulted him to short list of American League MVP candidates, and reliever David Robertson, with all of 135 Major League innings under his belt, dominating 8th innings out of the bullpen.

FORBES: Yanks Overachieved in 2011