He'd be amazing with Tanaka: Leeds plot move for "unbelievable" £12m star

The last time Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League, they had a summer transfer window to remember, landing numerous players who went on to star at Elland Road.

The likes of Raphinha, Rodrigo and Robin Koch all moved to the club that summer, all playing a crucial role in their ability to take the top-flight by storm under Marcelo Bielsa.

Daniel Farke is the man tasked with the responsibility this time around, looking to build a competitive squad after their title-winning, 100-point campaign in the Championship throughout 2024/25.

Leeds United manager DanielFarkecelebrates after the match

Whilst his side managed to produce a season to remember in the second tier this season, the gulf between the two divisions is getting larger year-on-year, with quality additions needed to have any chance of survival.

The transfer window is now just around the corner, with the Whites’ hierarchy already making moves to land numerous talents who could thrive at Elland Road.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of new additions this summer

Given the recent reports that claim Leeds will have around £100m to spend on new additions this summer, it’s no surprise to see a whole host of talents linked with a move to Yorkshire.

Former star Kalvin Phillips is just one player who’s been touted with a move, potentially securing an unexpected return after his £45m switch to Manchester City in the summer of 2022.

However, he’s not the only midfielder on the club’s shortlist for the upcoming window, with Newcastle United star Sean Longstaff emerging as another option, according to TEAMtalk.

The report claims that the Whites are plotting a move for the 27-year-old star, who’s made 25 appearances in the Premier League throughout the ongoing campaign.

It also states that he could be available for as little as £12m during the off-season, with Everton and Manchester United also in the race for his signature ahead of the opening of the market.

Why Longstaff would be perfect alongside Tanaka

Japanese international Ao Tanaka made the switch to join Leeds nearly 12 months ago, arriving from German outfit Fortuna Düsseldorf for a fee in the region of £3.5m.

Such a deal appears to be a bargain given his displays in Yorkshire, making 45 appearances across all competitions and netting five goals in the process.

The 26-year-old was named in the EFL’s Team of the Season, showcasing his excellent impact within Farke’s side, likely to be a key part of any success in 2025/26.

He could take his game to the next level with the potential arrival of Longstaff, with the Newcastle ace having the tools to make the pair a force to be reckoned with next campaign.

The star, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by former footballer Alan Shearer, has completed 86% of his passes in the league, whilst registering 2.6 touches in the opposition box – showcasing his impressive displays with the ball at his feet.

Games played

25

Minutes played

786

Pass accuracy

86%

Touches in opposition box

2.6

Tackles won

1.8

Tackle success rate

59%

Duels won

4.8

Recoveries made

3.6

He’s also managed to win 1.8 tackles won per 90, whilst winning 4.8 duels – able to regain possession for Farke’s men and hand them the added defensive quality they will need in England’s top-flight.

Over the years, he’s managed to register 10 goals from his midfield role, having the quality in the final third to make an impact should he find himself in such a position.

Such figures could be able to fall perfectly into the hands of Tanaka, enabling the Japanese star to carry on his excellent goalscoring record from a deep-lying position.

£12m for a player with his Premier League experience would be a bargain in today’s market, making for a superb start to what is certainly going to be a massive summer for the football club.

He'd be amazing with Beto: £17m star is open to discussing a move to Leeds

Star who is open to talks over a move to Leeds would be perfect for fellow target Beto.

1 ByDan Emery May 13, 2025

James Anderson's 600: 'This milestone is just greatness'

Cricketers around the world congratulated James Anderson on becoming the first fast bowler to 600 Test wickets

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Aug-2020Pacers sang praise.

Slow and steady gets the milestone?

Anil Kumble welcomes Anderson to the 600 club.

Former batsmen spoke of Anderson’s longevity and perseverance. He’s bowled the most among pace bowlers in Test cricket.

Words of appreciation from current opposition batsmen followed.

A true ambassador of the game.

Aston Villa register formal interest in signing "dominant" contract rebel

With one La Liga star yet to sign a new contract in Spain, Aston Villa are reportedly looking to take full advantage and have already registered their interest in securing his signature.

Aston Villa's summer plans taking shape

It’s set to be an interesting summer at Villa Park. Even with European qualification secured for another season, those in the Midlands will likely have to sell players in order to buy in the coming months amid growing PSR concerns. And that could force Unai Emery to be ruthless. Already, names such as Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have been linked with shock departures in deals that could make room for potential incomings.

Aston Villa could sign their next Duran in "magnificent" £42m star

Aston Villa have the perfect opportunity to pick up their next Jhon Duran if they sign this star.

ByKelan Sarson May 14, 2025

On that front, the rumours have also been coming thick and fast. Names such as Alexander Sorloth have most recently stolen the headlines as clubs begin to battle over his signature. Alongside a number of others in the race to sign the Atletico Madrid forward, Aston Villa could yet swoop in and finally sign their replacement for Jhon Duran.

Whether Villa’s transfer stance changes in the remaining two Premier League games is something to keep an eye on, too. The Villans still have a chance of securing Champions League football, which would hand them an instant boost financially.

Emery is, of course, well aware of just how important his side’s final two Premier League games are and reiterated the need to stay focused when speaking to reporters last weekend.

The Spaniard said: “To play in Europe is very fantastic and is very difficult through the Premier League. We have points to play (for) and we are going to push other teams, but it (Champions League) is not in our hands. But, of course, if we are winning, we will have more chance.”

Aston Villa register interest in Mosquera

With or without Champions League football, those in the Midlands are beginning to form their summer transfer plan. According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa have now registered their formal interest in signing Cristhian Mosquera, who is proven to be somewhat of a contract rebel at Valencia after failing to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Available for around €18m (£15m) this summer, Mosquera is not a target that should leave Aston Villa concerned about PSR, given his affordable valuation. A player who Emery reportedly sees as the perfect fit, the Valencia defender could yet become the Spaniard’s first signing of the summer.

Described as a “dominant ground dueller” by analyst Ben Mattinson, 20-year-old Mosquera is more ready than ever to step into a side of Aston Villa’s quality when the summer arrives.

Jason Roy knows he's one for the big stage

With some luck in the form of Hales’ self-inflicted absence and Morgan’s backing, Roy has manufactured England’s magic formula

George Dobell at Lord's 13-Jul-2019It tells you something about Jason Roy’s confidence right now that his ears prick up when he hears nobody has hit a six over the Lord’s Pavilion since 1899. “Oh, really?” he asks. “Let’s try to get an opportunity tomorrow (Sunday).”While England cricketers of an earlier vintage might have viewed a World Cup final with stifling trepidation – Phil Defreitas, for example, admitted “the occasion got to me” in the 1987 final – Roy talks of “excited energy” and eyes an opportunity to star on the biggest stage of all.And why wouldn’t he be confident? He is averaging 75.27 in ODI cricket this year. Perhaps even more remarkably, his strike-rate in that period is 119.13. He has made three centuries and six half-centuries from the 11 innings he has played.It’s no coincidence that England have won eight of the last nine ODIs in which Roy has batted. He has passed 50 in all eight of those victories and scored two centuries. Equally, it is telling that England lost both the World Cup matches that he missed through injury – against Australia and Sri Lanka – and that they lost the only game in which he has failed this summer; he made eight in the defeat against Pakistan.Only four times in his career – and not at all since January 2017 – have England failed to win once he has made 50. And he has passed that landmark 27 times. He is fast developing a reputation as one of the most dangerous batsmen in a team studded with them.

“I didn’t realise Bairstow’s dismissal wasn’t umpire’s call. I didn’t realise it was absolutely dead. That’s where the first conversation started. To get out like that was slightly disappointing and I probably showed it more than I should have.”Roy explains his semi-final anger

Just ask Australia. His assault on their bowlers – and on Steve Smith, in particular, who was plundered for three successive sixes – was brutal and served to “deflate” their entire side, as Roy sees it. He thought, for a moment, one of the sixes he hit off Smith was going to sail over the Edgbaston Pavilion – nobody has done that since the ground was redeveloped.”It was a case of staking a claim,” he says. “One big over at that stage was going to deflate them. I said to myself before the start of the game if a spinner comes on from that end and it’s full, it’s got to go. I thought it was going over. Can I hit a bigger six? Absolutely not.”That ‘staking a claim’ was perhaps more relevant in his batting against Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. If Australia were to defend their total of 223, they surely needed that pair to dominate. But whereas an earlier generation of England openers would have reacted with anxiety inducing caution in such a situation, Roy decided to ensure it was the bowlers feeling the anxiety.Twice in Starc’s second over he thrashed him through the covers; in his third he flicked him off his legs for six. By the time he had bowled five overs, he had conceded 50. When Lyon came on, his first ball was driven back over his head. He was given no time to settle and no chance build any pressure.Roy’s success is all the remarkable for the contrast with his form in England’s previous global ODI campaign. After a grim run of form that saw him endured six single-figure scores in eight ODIs innings (and fail to pass 20 in nine), he was dropped during the 2017 Champions Trophy. Had it not been for Alex Hales’ self-inflicted absence, it is not impossible he may have struggled for a recall.”It does feel like another world,” Roy says of his change of fortune. “I feel like a completely different person; a completely different player. I had played some good cricket leading up to that tournament, but I got dropped, came back stronger and now I’m in a World Cup final. I couldn’t have asked for any more.”And what has he done differently?”I think I’ve just trusted my training a bit more,” he says. “I’ve not worried too much about the outcome. I’ve just got my processes in order. I’ve started well and played some good cricket.”Getty ImagesThere’s no doubt that playing with Jonny Bairstow has helped. As Eoin Morgan has pointed out previously, they manage to take the pressure off one another by scoring at a rate that allows the other to go through fallow periods. And, so destructive have they been, they can make bowling attacks wilt under the onslaught. They have made century stands in the last four ODIs in which they have opened together with strike-rates in stark contrast to England’s openers in the 1979 final: Geoff Boycott and Mike Brearley put on 129, which sounds great, but they took 38 overs to do it, which doesn’t.”It’s about playing off each other,” Roy explains. “So one guy might be struggling or we both might be going guns blazing. But it’s a case of telling him, ‘mate, it’s alright.’ Like that India game at Edgbaston, where Jonny made that hundred: he felt terrible for the first 20 balls. I told him, ‘mate, relax, you’re a gun, you’ll come out the other side. Keep that intensity to the spinners and don’t go internal.’ And he ended up banging it out of the park.”The influence of his captain is important, too. Morgan has backed Roy, on good days and bad, and encouraged him to continue to take the aggressive approach. So even after barren runs of form – not least in his debut series against New Zealand where he failed to reach 40 in five innings – Morgan made it clear he was part of England’s future plans.”He’s unbelievable,” Roy says of Morgan. “As you’ve seen on the pitch, he’s a very cool customer, very methodical and very good with his emotions. It doesn’t matter what the state of the game is. It doesn’t matter what someone’s done to him. He’s able to look forward and look past that. He looks for the best in everyone. He’s a great man-manager and a good friend of mine as well. He’s a good guy.”He admits his reaction to his dismissal in Edgbaston was over the top, but insist there were extenuating circumstances. In short, he thought Bairstow’s leg before dismissal had only been given on the basis of ‘umpire’s call’ so believed England had retained their review; a belief reinforced when the umpire, Kumar Dharmasena, incorrectly signalled for that review. As it was, there was no review and, once Dharmasena’s finger had gone up, he had to go. Even though he knew he was nowhere near the ball.”I actually got it wrong,” he says, “I spoke to Kumar and said I thought we had the review – I didn’t realise Bairstow’s dismissal wasn’t umpire’s call. I didn’t realise it was absolutely dead. That’s where the first conversation started. To get out like that was slightly disappointing and I probably showed it more than I should have. But it’s professional sport. I was on course for a century. Emotions run high.”England will need to control those emotions on Sunday. They will have to find the balance between allowing their natural positivity to flow without becoming over excited and reckless. It is, arguably at least, the biggest games in the careers of all involved. It is, arguably, the biggest match in which England have been involved for many, many years. Cricket in England needs this.”We’re dealing with it pretty well,” he says. “We went into the tournament as No. 1 and with a lot of expectation on our shoulders but it doesn’t affect any of us in the changing-room. It doesn’t matter what the outside noise is saying, the white noise as we call it. We’ve just got to go out and perform. We’re weirdly pretty relaxed. We’re in a very good place with our cricket.”Indeed they are. New Zealand are a fine side and can certainly win this match. But if they are to do so, they will surely have to dismiss Roy early.

'Will cherish this' – Warner's baggy green found

The opener confirmed on Friday morning that his original cap had been located

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jan-2024David Warner’s missing baggy green has been located four days after he announced it had been lost in transit between Melbourne and Sydney ahead of his final Test.The backpack containing two caps, including Warner’s original from his Test debut in 2011, was found at the team hotel in Sydney although how it got there remains unclear. Warner posted a video on social media on Friday morning holding his original baggy green and thanked those involved for finding it.Related

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“Hi everyone, I am very pleased and relieved to let you all know that my baggy greens have been found, which is great news,” he wrote alongside the video. “Thanks to all involved and I am extremely grateful. Qantas, the freight company, our hotels and team management. Thanks [sic] you.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31)

In the video he added: “Any cricketer knows how special their cap is and I will cherish this for the rest of my life.”A Cricket Australia spokesperson said: “The bag in which they were packed was found at the team hotel, with all the contents inside. The movements of the missing bag are unknown despite extensive searches and the review of CCTV footage at multiple locations and the efforts of numerous parties since Tuesday.”When Warner revealed the cap, which had been inside luggage transported separately to the players after the second Test, had not arrived in Sydney he said that if the backpack had been taken by someone they would not be in trouble if it was returned.Ahead of his final Test, Warner used a loaned fresh cap from Cricket Australia for various photoshoots then when Australia fielded on the opening day.”It’s a huge relief David’s cap has been located and a big thank you to everyone who was involved in the search,” Nick Hockley, the CA CEO said. “We really appreciate it.”

Their best GK since Green: Leeds targeting "world-class" Meslier upgrade

Goalkeeper Rob Green joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer of 2016, linking up with the Whites during the latter years of his professional career.

The now-retired 45-year-old featured in every single Championship outing during his only season as a player at Elland Road – catching the eye with his performances between the sticks.

He kept 15 clean sheets, the joint-third highest of any player in the division, but was unable to propel the side into the play-offs as they finished in seventh place.

Green would depart at the end of the 2016/17 season, with the club struggling to replace the former international after his departure – leading to their current goalkeeping situation.

However, this summer, boss Daniel Farke has the opportunity to end the goalkeeping situation, already targeting a move for one player when the window opens in a couple of months.

Leeds targeting move for PL goalkeeper

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are plotting a summer move for Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who’s currently spending the season on loan at French side Strasbourg.

The 25-year-old cost the Blues £14m back in the summer of 2023, but has failed to break into the first-team given the added investment from the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

The report claims that the Premier League outfit won’t consider any moves for the Serbian until the summer, giving boss Enzo Maresca a chance to evaluate the goalkeeping situation.

However, the Whites remain on red alert over a potential move in the summer, but it’s unclear whether any deal would be on a temporary or permanent basis.

Given Petrovic’s form in Europe this campaign, he would be a stellar addition to Farke’s side, certainly providing an upgrade on one player plying his trade in Yorkshire.

Why Petrovic would be an upgrade on Meslier for Leeds

Illan Meslier has been Farke’s first choice for Leeds between the sticks this season, a decision that may come back to bite the club come the end of the season.

The Frenchman has dropped numerous clangers throughout 2024/25, producing two errors in the most recent outing against Swansea City – with the side dropping two points as a result.

He’s also been accountable for various mistakes against the likes of Sunderland, Portsmouth and Hull City, with all of his failures taking multiple points away from their tally.

Promotion is undoubtedly still the aim for the Whites, but it’s safe to say that they would already have one foot in the Premier League if it wasn’t for the 25-year-old’s blunders.

Regardless of what division they find themselves in next season, reinforcements are desperately needed, with Petrovic providing the perfect upgrade on Meslier.

The Chelsea loanee, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior, has managed to make more saves per 90, whilst also having a higher xG prevented – showcasing his shot-stopping ability.

He’s also managed to achieve a higher pass completion rate this campaign, more than capable of building attacks from the back should Farke demand that from the ‘keeper.

Games played

24

39

Goals conceded

29

27

Saves made

3.6

1.6

Shots on target faced

4.8

2.3

Pass accuracy

81%

79%

xG prevented

0.3

-2.7

Whilst it remains unclear how likely a move for Petrovic will be this summer, it’s evident that he would provide the quality between the sticks the side has been devoid of this campaign.

Regardless of whether a deal is completed for the 25-year-old, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy back Farke in the market, handing him the funds to finally replace Meslier.

If the club were to achieve promotion in the next few weeks, his mistakes would be even more costly in the top-flight, with his errors undoubtedly pushing the Whites closer to an immediate return – especially considering the unforgiving nature of the Premier League.

The next Ben White: Leeds set to make bid for new "superstar" this summer

Leeds United are wasting no time in improving the squad ahead of the summer window.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 2, 2025

Aston Villa plotting summer swoop to sign "agile" star who pocketed Rogers

Setting their sights on summer reinforcements, Aston Villa are now reportedly plotting a move to sign a Ligue 1 midfielder who recently kept Morgan Rogers quiet in the Champions League.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have been among the toughest sides to predict in the Premier League this season. Whilst at times they’ve looked untouchable, recent defeats against the likes of Crystal Palace exposed a side to Unai Emery’s team which has reared its head far too often in recent months. And as they battle for Champions League qualification for the second season on the bounce, it’s the type of consistency that those in the Midlands can’t afford.

That said, the Villans did at least return to winning ways last time out by comfortably seeing off Cardiff City courtesy of Marco Asensio’s second brace of strikes since completing a January loan move from Paris Saint-Germain.

Following the success of Asensio on loan from Ligue 1, it looks as though the Villans could be about to make a return to France’s top flight in search of another reinforcement.

According to The Boot Room, Aston Villa are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Lamine Camara, who recently stifled Rogers in a 1-0 victory for AS Monaco against the Midlands club in the Premier League.

As good as Asensio: Aston Villa ace proved he's a £39m star in the making

Aston Villa defeated Cardiff to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in a decade.

1

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Limiting the Manchester City graduate to just 0.25 expected goals, 0.13 expected assists and just two successful dribbles, Camara certainly passed what could have been his Aston Villa audition.

Lamine Camara for Aston Villa.

Completing eight recoveries on that night, the Monaco star is exactly the type of tireless midfielder Aston Villa arguably lacked up against the likes of Adam Wharton in their 4-1 defeat at Selhurst Park, making him one to watch this summer.

"Agile" Camara is a rising star

As part of a Monaco side which defeated both Barcelona and Aston Villa in the Champions League this season, Camara is undeniably a rising star and could soon find himself pushing John McGinn all the way for a place in Emery’s strongest side, should the Villans come callng this summer.

Dubbed “agile” and “tireless” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 21-year-old could be an ideal partner for the more technical Youri Tielemans.

Crucially, Camara would also add further midfield depth at Villa Park. With the added responsibilty of Champions League football this season, Emery’s side have gradually seen their top four ambitions fizzle out, which injuries to the likes of Amadou Onana have far from helped.

Having learned a harsh lesson over the importance of squad depth, Aston Villa should add Camara to their summer wishlist in the coming months.

European side now make £8m Rangers star their priority target this summer

In what could deal the 49ers an instant blow at Ibrox, one European club are reportedly now prioritising a move to sign one of Rangers’ best players when the summer transfer window swings open.

49ers could be dealt instant Rangers blow

The 49ers certainly have a hefty task on their hands when it comes to catching Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. The Bhoys have raced away towards yet another league title this season in a reign of dominance which has looked unlikely to end since the beginning of the campaign. Rangers, meanwhile, have struggled on the domestic front yet again.

That said, the Gers did at least manage to get one over on their rivals in the Old Firm derby last time out, scoring late on to win a five-goal thriller 3-2 in front of the Celtic Park faithful.

The hero of the hour, Hamza Igamane, has been a rare bright spark in a season to forget for the Scottish giants. At just 22 years old, the forward looks destined for big things, however, and that could yet see the Gers suffer a frustrating exit.

According to French news outlet But, Marseille have now made signing Igamane a summer priority in a deal that would cost them just £8m in the coming months. The Ligue 1 giants aren’t alone in their interest though, with the likes of Everton also linked with the forward’s signature in recent weeks.

Scored winner vs Rangers: 49ers may now land bargain deal for "special" ace

He’s set to become a free agent this summer.

ByTom Cunningham Mar 19, 2025

From Old Firm hero, Igamane could break Ibrox hearts this summer. Having only just arrived last summer, the in-demand striker may well be forced to make the most important decision of his career so far when the transfer window opens. Rangers, meanwhile, could be left fearing the worst.

Rangers must keep hold of "brilliant" Igamane

With 14 goals to his name in all competitions, including four in eight Europa League games, it’s not just in the Old Firm derby that Igamane has stolen the headlines at Rangers this season. The Moroccan has been the main man at Ibrox and could yet fire the Gers to another European outing to remember when Athletic Club come to town in April.

Earning plenty of praise as a result of his fine form, former Rangers man Derek Ferguson told reporters when asked about Igamane earlier this season: “Igamane is a real breath of fresh air, the young man.

“The manager said he was trying to get him up to speed, but in the last few games, he has been nothing short of brilliant. He is off the cuff and he had three or four nutmegs this afternoon – and took his goal brilliantly. I don’t know if you remember Ted McMinn, but Igamane’s got that unpredictability.”

Whether it’s Everton, Marseille or another interested party, Rangers must keep hold of Igamane if they are to stand any chance of catching Celtic next season. As the 49ers look to make their mark, the young forward is likely to be their biggest star.

Corinthians anuncia transmissão exclusiva para estreia no Brasileirão feminino; saiba como assistir

MatériaMais Notícias

da bwin: O Corinthians irá inovar na estreia das Brabas no Campeonato Brasileiro feminino. A partida deste sábado (25), contra o Ceará, terá transmissão exclusiva do Universo SCCP, aplicativo oficial do Timão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansFausto Vera detalha adaptação ao Brasil e revela objetivos no CorinthiansCorinthians24/02/2023CorinthiansCom retorno de Róger Guedes, Corinthians faz treino tático de olho no SantosCorinthians24/02/2023São PauloGaloppo revela sonho pelo São Paulo e diz que nunca jogaria no CorinthiansSão Paulo24/02/2023

da bet sport: + Quem é melhor: Santos ou Corinthians? Veja votação jogador por jogador feita pela redação do L!

O torcedor só poderá acompanhar a partida das Brabas no aplicativo do clube, já que o duelo não terá transmissãoem TV aberta, fechada, streaming ou pay-per-view.

+ Veja as movimentações do mercado da bola no LANCE!

O jogo contra o Vozão, inédito na categoria, será disputado no sábado (25), às 11h, no Estádio Municipal Francisco Ribeiro Nogueira, conhecido como Nogueirão, em Mogi das Cruzes. As vendas de ingresso para a estreia das Brabas seguem abertas. Saiba como comprar entradasaqui.

O clube alvinegro irá destinar20% da renda bruta da partida para ajudar as cidades e famílias impactadas pelas fortes chuvas que atingiram o litoral norte de São Paulo.

+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Campeonato Paulista

Além da ação promovida pelo Departamento de Responsabilidade Social e Cidadania e do Departamento de Futebol Feminino, as principais torcidas organizadas do Timão estão arrecadando doações para ajudar as vítimas. Clique aqui para saber mais.

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Samarawickrama: Taking the game a little deeper gave us momentum

If Sri Lanka had aimed too high in their Super Four game against Bangladesh, they could have ended up with a sub-par score. These are the thoughts of Sadeera Samarawickrama, the star of Sri Lanka’s batting innings, who struck 93 off 72 balls.Across the match, Samarawickrama was the only batter to make more than 20 at more than a run a ball. But he lauded Pathum Nissanka, who hit 40 off 60, and Kusal Mendis, who made 50 off 73, for setting the foundation.”When Pathum and Kusal were batting, the pitch seemed a bit slow and they did really well,” Samarawickrama said. “If they had taken risks at that point and got out, maybe I would have got out cheaply too. But because they took the game a little deeper and gave us some momentum, I found it easier too.Related

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“When I saw the pitch, we talked about how this wasn’t a 320 pitch – it’s a 250 surface. Even that you just have to get in the last eight overs or so. If we had gone too hard early, we might have been out for 220. So what I tried to do after getting a start was to get the team to 250.”Samarawickrama, who made his Sri Lanka debut in Tests in 2017, has clearly worked on his white-ball batting since then. On Saturday, he frequently shuffled towards off stump to access the leg side, and backed away to leg to hit through off – often behind point.These were skills he had developed and used in last year’s Lanka Premier League, he said. In that tournament, he was second on the run-scorers chart, with 294 runs and a strike rate of 131.25. It was that performance, in fact, that had launched him back into the conversation as an international player.”Moving around the crease is something that I started in the LPL last year – playing with the bowler’s mind and figuring out how to put pressure on him,” Samarawickrama said. “However the pitch plays, I have to back my strengths, one of which is to back away and hit. It’s something I learned with a lot of hard work, so I back myself to do that.”Sri Lanka have now also won 13 ODIs consecutively, second only to Australia, who had won 21 in a row.”When you play as a team, your own performances are lifted,” Samarawickrama said. “If we had lost, my performance today wouldn’t be highlighted either. If the top order isn’t doing well, the middle order gets it done. If the middle order can’t do it, the top order has scored runs. We’re playing as a team.”

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