Mathews shows form and fitness to make 92 for hosts; Steyn undergoes proper workout on humid day

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando07-Jul-2018AFP

Left-arm wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi made a strong claim to a place in the South Africa’s XI for the first Test by taking 5 for 45 in the first day of the warm-up encounter against the Sri Lanka Board XI at P Sara Oval in Colombo. For the hosts, Angelo Mathews batted himself into form, making 92. Danushka Gunathilaka also hit a half century, but Dhananjaya de Silva and Roshen Silva – the two other batsmen in the main Sri Lanka squad, were less successful, collecting 28 and 0 respectively.Sri Lanka Board XI’s batsmen had been cruising on a surface unsuited for fast bowling, before Shamsi began to strike midway through the second session. Having been 2 for 151, the Board XI was eventually dismissed for 287, Nos. 5 to 11 collecting three ducks and two single-figure scores between them.Save for one Lungi Ngidi wicket, and one run out, the remaining Board XI wickets fell to spin – uncapped legspinner Shaun von Berg taking 2 for 82. Left-arm orthodox spinner Keshav Maharaj did not bowl, with South Africa perhaps unwilling to give the Sri Lanka batsmen in this side a sighter of one of their key bowlers.The visitors will be encouraged, though, that even without the services of their main spinner, Shamsi was still capable of running through a strong Board XI middle order. His first wicket, that of Test incumbent Roshen Silva, was a beauty. The tossed up delivery drew him forward, only to dip to beat his shot and rattle the stumps. Two overs later, he slid a delivery into the pads of Minod Bhanuka, who was attempting a sweep. Through that period of play, the Board XI lost four wickets for 22 runs.Though largely unsuccessful on an unfriendly pitch, South Africa’s main seamers had long workouts on a humid day. Of mild concern may be the form and fitness of Dale Steyn, who gave away 52 runs across his 12 overs. He did, however, fire in effective bouncers, even hitting Kaushal Silva on the head on one occasion. Kagiso Rabada and Ngidi nevertheless appeared more threatening in their early spells – Ngidi raising a close caught-behind appeal early in Mathews’ innings.Gunathilaka’s 53 off 66 balls may just be enough to have him considered for the vacant opening position. He had hit nine fours in his innings, before holing out to mid-on attempting another one, off von Berg. Kaushal Silva is not in the Test squad, but did his best to suggest that he should not be totally jettisoned from Sri Lanka’s future plans, making a steady 76 off 119 balls, before a mix-up with Mathews saw both batsmen almost end up at the same end. Silva, having called the run, only for his partner not to respond, could not return to his crease before the return throw came in from mid-on.Dhananjaya de Silva looked excellent against both seam and spin early in his innings, and will perhaps kick himself for the mistake that cost him his wicket. Having just whipped von Berg for four through mid wicket, he ran at the bowler expecting a full delivery. He did not get to the pitch of the ball though, and bunted it tamely to short cover.South Africa faced four overs before stumps and lost the wicket of Aiden Markram, who was bowled by Lahiru Gamage.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, and now a new update has emerged regarding their pursuit of him.

Do Newcastle want to sign Ivan Toney?

The Magpies have built a formidable squad these days – arguably their best of the Premier League era – with real quality and depth all over the pitch. In attack, both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson represent excellent options in the final third, with the pair providing consistent end product, and dovetailing well with one another.

That doesn't mean that Newcastle won't always be eyeing up potential new signings, however, and they have been linked with a move for Toney recently, even though the Brentford ace is currently banned until January for betting breaches.

Now, a new update has dropped over their attempts to possibly re-sign the 27-year-old – one that has seen a twist emerge in the saga.

What's the latest on Newcastle's move for Ivan Toney?

According to a fresh update from Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Newcastle no longer consider Toney an option to sign in January, but are looking to bring in a younger alternative:

"Brentford star Ivan Toney does not fit the profile of striker Newcastle United will target in January, sources have told Football Insider. The Magpies have become the latest side to be linked with a potential move for the 27-year-old ahead of the winter window.

"However, a well-placed source has told Football Insider that Newcastle will pursue a younger striker signing in the January window. It is believed they are keen to bring a less polished option to St James’ Park with the potential to learn and grow under Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson by playing a supporting role."

Toney is an excellent player who has thrived in the Premier League since making the jump up from the Championship, scoring 32 goals in 68 appearances in the competition, not to mention being hailed as "remarkable" by Brentford manager Thomas Frank.

For that reason, he could have been a really strong signing by Newcastle, coming in as a proven option in and around the peak of his powers, but there does also seem to be some sense in their decision not to sign him.

For starters, Toney may be rusty upon his return in January, taking more time to settle than another signings, and he does turn 28 next March, suggesting that he wouldn't be a long-term addition. For the money that would have to be spent on acquiring his services, that could be an expensive risk.

It is paramount that Newcastle don't only focus on players who can come in and hit the ground running immediately, and also look at the long-term picture and sign individuals who are in their early to mid 20s. It looks as though they are doing just that, and it will be intriguing to see who they potentially look to snap up in the next transfer window.

Manchester City star Kyle Walker revealed pre-match snack as he is gears up to face Liverpool on Sunday.

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Walked reveals his bizarre pre-match snackLeft Rio Ferdinand surprisedMan City take on Liverpool in the Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?

Kyle Walker, who is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in Premier League history, disclosed what food he prefers to eat before a match, during a chat with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.

AdvertisementWHAT KYLE WALKER SAID

Speaking on Ferdinand's , Walker said, "I like desserts – a lot. Clotted cream rice pudding from Marks and Spencer's. My pre-match meal is rice pudding, that's it. I used to eat pasta and pasta before a game but then I just felt too heavy. If we travel away the chef packs me a tin of Ambrosia rice pudding and then I just have that."

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The veteran defender was linked with a move away from the club during the summer with Bayern Munich being a possible next destination for the player. In September 2023, Walker put pen to paper on a new contract that would keep him at Etihad until 2026.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

The Cityzens, who are just one point behind league leaders Liverpool, are all set to face the Reds in a vital Premier League encounter on Sunday at Anfield after which they take on Newcastle United in a FA Cup quarter-final clash on March 16.

Gabriel Martinelli had to be helped off the pitch in the second half of Arsenal's huge Premier League win at Bramall Lane.

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• Martinelli injured against Sheffield United
• Winger had scored and assisted
• Arsenal to face Brentford on Saturday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Martinelli limped from the pitch 64 minutes into the match in Sheffield in a worrying blow for Arsenal on an otherwise excellent night that saw them move back to within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool and extend their goal difference. It appeared to be a knock to the Brazilian's foot when shooting.

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  Martinelli had already scored and assisted in the first half, pressing from the front to force an already poor Sheffield United side into more mistakes that Arsenal could benefit from. Bukayo Saka had already been substituted at half-time, although it wasn't clear whether that was injury-related or simply for rest. He did appear on the bench with the rest of the squad in the second half.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Martinelli has started 23 of Arsenal's 27 Premier League so far this season, but hasn't completed a full 90 minutes in a domestic competition since the 1-0 dfeat to Newcastle in early November.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Arsenal now have the chance to go top of the Premier League when they host Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening. With Liverpool and Manchester City then facing each other the next day, the Gunners could even stay first if that one ends in a draw thanks to their superior goal difference.

England have named a strong Lions XI to take on India A later this month, with Somerset team-mates Jack Leach and Dom Bess potentially going head-to-head for the Test spinner’s role and Alastair Cook making his first Lions appearance since 2010.Chris Woakes, who is continuing his rehabilitation from a quad injury suffered during the Test series against Pakistan, Dawid Malan and Sam Curran bring the number of players with full international experience to six.The Lions will take on India A at New Road in a four-day match starting on July 16, allowing a rare opportunity for members of the Test set-up to gain first-class match practice during a month largely devoted to T20 and the Vitality Blast.Bess made his England debut against Pakistan in May, after Leach suffered a broken thumb in training. He went wicketless at Lord’s, but impressed with the bat, before taking 3 for 33 in the second innings at Headingley, where England levelled the series.Bess was England’s third debutant spinner in four Tests. Leach came into the side in Christchurch, replacing Moeen Ali, but has only played four first-class games since; Mason Crane, the Hampshire legspinner, debuted during the Ashes at Sydney but has recently suffered a recurrence of a back stress fracture that will keep him out for the season.Malan and Cook are included to give them extra practice against the red ball before a demanding five-Test series against India. Essex do not have a Championship match in July, meaning Cook would not have batted in a competitive environment for over a month going into the first Test against India on August 1.Malan and Woakes, who has missed all of England’s white-ball engagements this summer, will also be able to gain time in the middle the following week, when their teams, Middlesex and Warwickshire, meet in the Championship.Of the other players to face India A, Surrey’s Rory Burns and Ollie Pope, the 20-year-old who has been in sparkling form in the Championship, win their maiden Lions calls. Both Burns and Nick Gubbins have been mentioned as potential opening partners for Cook, while Essex’s Jamie Porter will also get the chance to push his claims as next in line should a seam-bowling slot open up.Curran could yet be involved in England’s ODI against India on July 17, which would mean a replacement being called up by the Lions.England Lions: Alastair Cook, Rory Burns, Nick Gubbins, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Matthew Fisher, Jack Leach, Jamie Porter

Aston Villa have experienced a huge leap in quality since Unai Emery took charge of the club in October 2022, with their push for European football prevailing in his debut season in the Midlands.

There have been many elements to the Spaniard’s success on his return to the Premier League, with the improvement of individual performance and change in trajectory of expectation at Villa Park being key to their recent form.

One player that has been a star performer during Emery’s reign is Ollie Watkins, who was one of the many driving forces behind the Villans’ climb up the table to reach the highs of a European spot finish.

The Englishman has raised the bar in areas of his game that have inspired his teammates to follow, with him ending last campaign as Villa’s leading talisman and writing himself into the record books at the club.

Watkins became the first player in Villa’s history to score in five consecutive Premier League games, as he cemented himself as an integral part of Emery’s plans going forward.

It was only three years ago that the 27-year-old arrived in the Midlands, with talks now speculated over an opening to extend his stay at the club.

How much was Ollie Watkins worth at Brentford?

In 2017, Brentford signed Exeter City’s 21-year-old forward on the back of his 16-goal season with the south-west club that pushed the side to the play-offs in the 2016/17 campaign.

The manager of the Bees at the time was Dean Smith, who saw a lot in the youngster, dubbing him as a player with an “awful lot of potential” following his arrival in the capital.

Ollie Watkins domestic career record, per Transfermarkt

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Exeter City

78

26

17

Brentford

143

49

17

Aston Villa

126

47

15

At the point of his signing, FootballTransfers has recorded his expected transfer value (xTV) as being in the region of €2.2m (£1.9m), which rose to €23.7m (£20.4m) in just three years.

It’s no surprise that the Torquay-born gem's value has soared so quickly, as he has set the tone for others in the squad to follow, netting a total of 49 goals in 143 appearances for Brentford, leading them to the playoffs in his final season of 2019/20 with 25 Championship goals.

How much did Aston Villa sign Ollie Watkins for?

The Bees didn’t make the Premier League on that occasion, however Watkins did, being captured by Villa in the summer of 2020 for a club-record fee at the time of £28m.

Smith delivered at Brentford by welcoming Watkins to the fold, which he replicated at Villa Park as he was the manager of the Villans and the driving force behind acquiring the striker at the Midlands club.

The manager praised his forward as “outstanding” during his tenure, as he made a statement start to life in the top-flight by scoring 14 Premier League goals in his debut campaign.

Under each manager at Villa, the Englishman has maintained a level of consistency in front of goal, being the club’s go-to scorer when called upon, with him reaching his top level last season during the Villans’ push for Europe.

How much is Ollie Watkins worth now?

Signed for just £28m, Smith struck gold in welcoming Watkins to the Midlands when you consider the prices paid in the market currently for natural goal scoring strikers.

Previously lauded as “top-class” by football.london’s Richard Cusack, the 27-year-old’s game has matured over the years, which is highlighted by his rise in value.

As per FootballTransfers, the forward’s highest xTV was €48.9m (£42.2m) in December 2022, just prior to his record-breaking stint at the start of 2023 that saw him net five on the bounce.

Aside from expected value, the forward was rumoured to be valued in the region of £60m in the summer, as a report from The Sun suggested that the Englishman was a potential target for Bayern Munich in a deal that would amount to such price.

Why is he worth that much?

It’s simple to understand why Watkins’ price has soared during his time at Villa, as he developed from a Championship sharp-shooter to a reliable outlet in the Premier League.

Three years after his arrival, the 27-year-old has scored 41 goals in the top-flight, with his scoring streak rewarded in 2021 with his first cap for England, where he has since earned a total of seven appearances for his country and scored two goals.

In a comprehensive interview with Sky Sports, finishing coach Scott Chickelday spoke on the growth of Watkins’ game last season, where he scored more goals with his left foot by the start of 2023 than he did in the entire campaign the year prior.

Chickelday, who has worked with the forward, told of the importance of the “modern-day striker” to be “well-balanced”, which is identifiable in the England international’s development since his rise in the Premier League.

While many players can score goals, not many can be relied upon to deliver levels of consistency in scoring season upon season, reinforcing just how pivotal Smith’s £28m capture of Watkins was in 2020.

Since his time in the top-flight, the forward has yet to score less than 10 goals in the league during a season, communicating his maintained level of consistency in front of goal.

How much does Watkins earn?

As reported this week by talkSPORT, it’s understood that Watkins is well-poised to commit his future to Villa, with the site reporting that a new long-term contract could be on the cards.

Currently, the striker is contracted to Villa Park until 2025, with a rumoured new deal set to extend the expiry beyond 2025 and boost his payslip.

Despite being such an influential player in Emery’s set-up, the former Exeter City whiz sits outside of the club’s top 10 current earners, picking up a weekly wage of £75k which amounts to a sum of £3.9m-per-year.

With Villa’s highest-earner Boubacar Kamara receiving £150k-per-week, it would be assumed that the Englishman’s salary could be significantly bolstered in the instance of a new contract, however nothing has been confirmed as concrete yet.

What does the future hold for Watkins?

Running alongside talks of a refreshed deal are rumours of a potential exit, with Football Transfers claiming that Arsenal have ‘engaged in discussions’ with the striker's agent, in a potential swoop for the star in January.

Thousands of rumours circulate regarding potential moves, however, the links only reinforce just how highly-valued Villa’s talisman is in the Premier League, stressing just how much of a strong deal Smith pulled off in securing his signature.

From £28m to hearsay of £60m and beyond, Villa struck gold in acquiring Watkins, who has not only given the club an essential outlet in the final third but also the potential for profit due to his development whilst at Villa Park.