'It's quite sad'- Mathews calls for more Tests for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka are set to play just four Tests in 2025

Madushka Balasuriya16-Jun-2025Ahead of his final Test match, Angelo Mathews became the latest voice to sound the alarm around the lack of Test cricket for nations outside of India, England and Australia.Sri Lanka will be playing just four Tests in 2025 – their lowest number of Tests in a calendar year since 2013, not counting a Covid-curtailed 2020. If you look at the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, an even bleaker picture begins to emerge. In the previous cycle, each of Australia, India and England played at least 19 WTC Tests each over a two-year period. Champions South Africa, for instance, played just 13.In the upcoming cycle, Australia are slated for 22 Tests, England 21, and 18 for India. Sri Lanka are set to play even fewer than they did in the previous cycle, with 12 Tests over the course of six two-Test series – joint lowest with Bangladesh.”I think it’s quite sad to be honest,” Mathews said. “I mean, the younger generation are urging for more Test cricket. Test cricket is obviously the pinnacle of cricket. We all should push for more Tests. These guys are so enthusiastic about Test cricket.”I feel there has to be a minimum of 10 matches at least [in a year]. Teams like England, India or Australia are playing 15-plus games a year. Why can’t we play? We can. If we keep pushing, I mean, we have to. We have won World Cups. We have done so much for cricket as a nation, and we deserve to play Test cricket, just like Australia, India and England.”Related

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'Time for me to say goodbye' – Angelo Mathews to retire from Test cricket

Mathews’ gripes aren’t new. Sri Lanka Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva banged the drum earlier this year ahead of their two-Test series against Australia. But it’s notable that a player with 118 Tests under his belt speaks up, after all, how many more Sri Lankans will realistically have the opportunity of matching that milestone?Even the timing of his retirement was, in part, impacted by the lack of Tests scheduled for Sri Lanka. While retirement was always on the cards for the now 38-year-old, particularly with it being the start of a new WTC cycle, the decision to play just the first Test was a decision borne in many ways out of circumstance.”I played my 100th Test in Galle, so I thought I’d say goodbye in Galle. But the main reason was because we don’t have any games coming up, at least for now. After this, we’ll be having our next assignment in Test cricket after a year’s time, that is a very long wait,” explained Mathews.”I thought it’s good to give an opportunity to whoever is going to replace me in the second Test, because he’s not going to get an opportunity till the next year (laughs). And in that year, you don’t know what what’s going to happen. So I thought I’d just play one game and then try and give an opportunity to the other guy who’s replacing me in the second Test.”

Leeds plot double January deal for exciting forward and 'new Busquets'

Leeds United are “keeping tabs” on two first team reinforcements for the January transfer window, including a midfield target who’s been likened to Sergio Busquets.

Farke "very, very pleased" with impressive Leeds win

The Whites picked up three vital points in the Premier League on Friday night, winning 2-0 at home to West Ham after racing into an early lead. Leeds manager Daniel Farke was delighted with what he saw from his team at Elland Road, as their encouraging start to life back in the top flight continues.

“We started very aggressively, very bravely, with passion. We wanted to win this game. Very spirited, deserved to be in the lead for 2-0. But also there, you could feel a little bit that it was a bit wild sometimes against the ball and with the ball. I think we had games where we had a way better structure and way more control and way more dominance during the season.

“But it was just the reason, it was just this difficult training week for us. Yes, in the second half, I think we started way better in terms of control and our organisation against the ball. Had much control, missed a bit to score the third goal and the last 20 minutes you could then really see again what a difficult week we had.

“Of course, a nervous last four minutes to bring it over the line this time but nevertheless, the prize is three points.“It is always like you have to dig in to win the momentum back. This is what we did today and for that, I am very, very pleased.”

The Whites look like they will be in a comfortable albeit not totally secure position come January, allowing the 49ers and Farke to plan for the furture with two long-term additions to the squad in mind.

Leeds eyeing two signings including Europa League midfielder

Speaking to Football Insider, journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that Leeds are “keeping tabs” on Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho ahead of a possible move in Januay, and they will also look to bring in an exciting addition to their forward ranks by signing a new winger.

“It’s an interesting link this one, I don’t think there’s a lot that know about Sissokho really. He’s been playing in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He’s played in Champions League qualifiers, the Europa League as well. So he’s got a decent European pedigree.

“I think obviously, like you’ve said, maybe people are surprised that Leeds are in the market for midfielders because I think their midfielder has been okay this season. They’ve got [Ethan] Ampadu in there, and summer signing Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff who have definitely made a big impact in that midfield.

“Maybe Sissokho is an option that’s come up to Leeds and could be good value for money in that respect. He’s got 18 months left on his contract. As I said, Leeds are obviously keeping tabs on him. So let’s see if they follow up and firm up their interest.”

Sissokho could be a shrewd addition for Leeds midway through the season, despite not being a household name fans will know.

Better than Rodon: Leeds star who won 100% tackles is already undroppable

This Leeds United star should be undroppable after outshining Joe Rodon against West Ham.

1 ByDan Emery Oct 25, 2025

The 23-year-old has an incredible 96.2% pass completion rate in the Europa League this season, showing his brilliance on the ball, and he has also averaged 2.3 tackles per game, highlighting his effectiveness out of possession, too.

Sissokho has even been compared to Busquets in the way he reads game and gets his team on the front foot, which is about as big a compliment as any midfielder can be paid, and Leeds should be looking at him as an excellent option to bring in.

O’Rourke suggests the arrival of a winger will also be “key to their chances of Premier League survival”, with Daniel James suffering a stop-start campaign so far due to injuries.

Everton join Premier League race to sign "intelligent" ex-Real Madrid defender

Looking ahead to 2026, Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign a former Real Madrid defender alongside a number of Premier League rivals.

David Moyed "thrilled" with Crystal Palace win

Without a win in four games in all competitions and heading into the Hill Dickinson to host a Crystal Palace side without a defeat in 19 games, Everton looked destined for an uphill battle on Sunday. The Eagles had just defeated the Premier League champions in Liverpool and were after another Merseyside scalp – taking the lead through Daniel Munoz.

As bad as Barry: Moyes must drop Everton star who won just 30% duels

Everton won vs Palace but some of their new signings struggled to impress.

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From there, it seemed as though Everton were set to hand Palace the 20-game unbeaten run that they were after, only for the Hill Dickinson to get its most dramatic moment yet.

After equalising through Iliman Ndiaye in the final 15 minutes, the stage was set for someone to become a hero and that someone was Jack Grealish. The Manchester City loanee was perfectly placed to benefit from Munoz’s clearance and simply deflected home to hand his side a 93rd-minute winner.

David Moyes, like every Everton fan inside the Hill Dickinson, was left “thrilled” by his side’s dramatic comeback – telling reporters: “I’m thrilled with the three points, thrilled with the result.

“Mixed emotions on the performance. Not very good at all in the first half and could have been three down, but kept defending, kept stuck at it, showed a bit of resilience.

“I’ve been waiting on a late goal here. Aston Villa was 0-0, we couldn’t quite get the winner against West Ham, so I was hoping we’d get one of them. Thankfully, we got it today.”

Having sealed the three points, Moyes’ side now sit as high as eighth in the Premier League and providing an early marker to become shock contenders for a European place – something that should boost their transfer ambitions.

Everton join race to sign Mario Gila

According to The Boot Room, Everton have joined the race to sign Mario Gila from Lazio in 2026. The former Real Madrid defender has attracted interest from all around the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth all joining Everton in the battle to secure his signature.

It’s no real surprise that interest is rising in the 25-year-old, who has been one of few bright sparks in Maurizio Sarri’s struggling Lazio side.

Former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare was also full of praise for the Spanish defender after signing him from Real Madrid, saying: “He is fast, intelligent and never puts a foot wrong. He can become one of the top 3-4 defenders in the world and it wouldn’t surprise me if Real wanted him back.”

Considering concerns that Jarrad Branthwaite could still leave Everton, Gila wouldn’t exactly be a bad signing to welcome in 2026. The Spaniard is at the peak of his powers and already has impressive experience under his belt.

It would be yet another ambitious move from The Friedkin Group, who’d be signing a former Real Madrid gem ahead of their rivals.

"Message to Nuno" – Tony Cottee slams "awful" West Ham decision after loss to Brentford

West Ham put in one of the worst home performances you’re ever likely to see at the London Stadium on Monday evening, with Brentford easing to a 2-0 win almost completely unchallenged.

West Ham suffer humbling Premier League defeat to Brentford at home

In what was Nuno Espírito Santo’s first home game in charge, the Portuguese was greeted with swathes of empty seats as a host of West Ham supporters boycotted the match in protest of David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the ownership.

For the supporters who did show up to welcome Nuno to east London, they weren’t exactly rewarded for their faith.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Keith Andrews’ Brentford absolutely dominated proceedings, having a seismic 17 shots on goal compared to West Ham’s seven, with the home side only managing to test Caoimhin Kelleher once all evening through Jarrod Bowen.

By contrast, it looked like target practice for Brentford at times, who will consider themselves very unfortunate not to come away from West Ham with a much bigger winning margin.

Alphonse Areola made some superb saves on the night, with both Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade hitting the crossbar, while the former also had a goal chalked off by VAR just before half-time.

Nuno’s starting line-up against the Bees was an interesting one to say the least, with Oliver Scarles and Kyle Walker-Peters starting in very different full-back roles on their opposing sides.

Amid West Ham’s current striker crisis, Nuno also elected to play Lucas Paqueta as the number nine — an experiment which largely failed as the Brazilian failed to impress and lost possession 23 times.

As opposed to a more dynamic pairing of Soungoutou Magassa and Freddie Potts, Nuno instead went with Tomas Soucek and Andy Irving as West Ham’s holding midfielders in a 4-2-3-1, with the Hammers’ engine room absolutely dominated by a more energetic and free-flowing Brentford side.

Nuno raised plenty of eyebrows with his bizarre team selection, and that certainly didn’t help West Ham, who set a very unwanted record.

After the defeat to Brentford, West Ham have now lost their first four home games of the season for the first time in the club’s history, and relegation is looking more and more like a major possibility as the weeks go on.

While the players have to take massive responsibility for what was a dismal home performance, Nuno is facing the wrath of critics.

Tony Cottee sends "message to Nuno" after "awful" West Ham decision

Taking to X, West Ham legend Tony Cottee sent a message to Nuno over his starting line-up, branding his player selection “awful” and calling for action.

Paqueta looked disconnected and bereft of support, leaving West Ham’s attack blunt and predictable.

Meanwhile, the midfield pairing of Soucek and Irving also fell short. The former struggled to influence the game creatively, while Irving appeared out of his depth in a demanding Premier League clash.

Their lack of cohesion and creativity in midfield allowed Brentford to dominate possession and control the tempo, with Nuno’s defence also suffering.

The decision to use Walker-Peters and Scarles as on their opposite sides just didn’t work at all, as they struggled to contain Brentford’s wide threats or contribute anything of note going forward.

Jean-Clair Todibo, who came straight back into the starting eleven after being left out of Nuno’s first two matchday squads, didn’t cover himself in glory either, with Max Kilman having a nightmare alongside the Frenchman.

In the aftermath of their loss, Nuno refused to blame his selection, but it undoubtedly contributed towards a real night to forget for West Ham.

Phil Foden has got his smile back: Man City star admits to 'learning a lot' about himself during troubled 2024-25 season and has rediscovered his hunger

Phil Foden has admitted he is feeling happy again amid his resurgence in form following a difficult last season with Manchester City. Foden scored two spectacular goals as City thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday and he highlighted the team's improved attitude and team spirit compared to one year ago.

Foden gives virtuoso display against Dortmund

City's homegrown hero got them off to a strong start against Dortmund by curling into the bottom corner in the first half. After Erling Haaland had doubled Pep Guardiola's side's advantage, Foden grabbed his second goal of the night with another trademark finish after cutting inside on to his left foot. His double took him on to 20 goals in Europe's top competition, moving level with Gareth Bale and surpassing Barcelona great Ronaldinho.

Foden has four goals and three assists so far this season, the perfect riposte to his troubled last campaign in which he experienced mental struggles in addition to his frustration at City's disappointing results.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesFoden playing with a smile on his face after 'tough' year

Foden told : "I'm loving it. I just need to play with a smile on my face, which I'm doing. Last year was tough, not just for myself but for everyone. There is a new togetherness this season and you can tell. Today Dortmund caused us some problems, they are a great team, but we stuck to the plan and broke them down with our talent up front.

"You learn a lot from it when you go through a tough patch. We have great captains in our team and we speak about how we can get back on track. And we've added great players to the squad as well and that's brought real hunger and togetherness. It was just about trying to be the team we used to be and this season we are seeing glimpses of that."

Guardiola: Foden is already back

Guardiola was delighted with Foden's two goals and said he was already back to the best version of himself even before his stunning display against Dortmund. The coach said: "He does not need to get closer. He is already there. It is true we have missed goals and he got two incredible goals. How many times have we seen that from Phil right? How many times? The generosity with the effort but also with the quality in the final third. We missed it a lot. I'm happy three more players scored goals and not just Erling Haaland."

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GettyFoden hoping for a call from Thomas Tuchel

Foden will be hoping for an England recall on Friday, when Thomas Tuchel makes his final squad announcement of 2025 for the last two World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. Foden has not played for England since asking to be excused from the June matches against Senegal and Andorra although he was injured for the September international window.

"Thomas [Tuchel] knows perfectly how good Phil is and I'm sure he will do the best for your country," said Guardiola.

City have three days' rest before Sunday's mouthwatering game against Premier League champions Liverpool. The Reds did the double on City last season and are on a mini-revival of their own, celebrating back-to-back wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid after losing six of their previous seven games.

Brook and Smith centuries lead England's fightback

They came together at 84 for 5 and put on a partnership of 271 and it’s still going strong

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jul-2025

Harry Brook brought up his first Test century against India•AFP/Getty Images

Tea Harry Brook picked off his ninth Test century in an afternoon session bossed by England, with India still smarting from Jamie Smith’s astonishing 80-ball hundred on day three of this second Test at Edgbaston.Both Smith (157) and Brook (140) went into tea unbeaten and dominant, the hosts 355 for 5, still trailing India by 232 but bossing matters ever since Mohammed Siraj removed Joe Root and Ben Stokes in consecutive deliveries. That left England 84 for 5 in the 22nd over, still trailing in their first innings by 503.They have not looked back since Smith walked out and drove the hat-trick delivery for four down the ground. The keeper-batter went into lunch unbeaten on 102, his second Test hundred, with 17 boundaries. Brook, meanwhile, still had nine runs of his own to pick off for his century.He’d get there four overs into the second session, guiding the ball through the cordon, between gully and second slip, off Prasidh Krishna for his 13th boundary to take him to three figures off 137 deliveries. It was Brook’s first century against India, and only his second at home, having fallen for 99 in his first innings of the series at Headingley.Mohammed Siraj struck twice in an over early on day three•Getty ImagesSmith had polished off his three-figures in one session, joint-third fastest on deliveries by an Engishman, and now has his second-highest first-class score. The keeper-batter was more or less a-run-a-ball up until he locked horns with Krishna in the over before the drinks break. With Shubman Gill chasing the match earlier than he needed to, Krishna was ordered to bounce Smith, who cashed in handsomely with four fours and a six smashed high over fine leg, taking the over for 23.Having reached his hundred with back-to-back fours off Ravindra Jadeja in the final over of the morning, both he and Brook played the afternoon steady. Only 106 was added in the 28 overs between lunch and tea, with the collective slowdown evident in the fact it took 101 deliveries for this sixth wicket stand to move from 200 to 250.Now at 271, it is the third-highest partnership for the sixth wicket and lower against India. The second new ball, which is just five overs away, feels like India’s only hope of splitting Smith and Brook, though Nitish Kumar Reddy did find Smith’s edge on 121, but Rishabh Pant could only get fingertips to the chance.

'They played the catenaccio system well! – Antonio Conte says Eintracht Frankfurt adopted 'old-fashioned' Italian football in Champions League stalemate with Napoli

Napoli were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by Eintracht Frankfurt at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, extending their run without a win in the Champions League. Antonio Conte praised Frankfurt’s “Italian-style catenaccio” approach, while lamenting his side’s missed chances and lingering absences. The result leaves Napoli with four points from four games and work to do to stay in contention.

  • Napoli held as Frankfurt sit deep

    Napoli endured a second consecutive scoreless home match as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Frankfurt in the Champions League League Phase. The Partenopei arrived under pressure to respond to their 6-2 defeat at PSV, but despite dominating possession and territory, they were unable to break through a disciplined Frankfurt side at the Maradona.

    Conte’s men controlled the tempo from the outset, circulating the ball patiently across midfield and waiting for Frankfurt to open up. Yet the visitors were resolute, dropping deep into a compact defensive shape and looking for chances to counter. Napoli’s main openings came from Eljif Elmas’ creative drives and Scott McTominay’s late runs, but neither player could convert, with the home side’s finishing once again falling short.

    Frankfurt, meanwhile, were content to absorb pressure and strike sporadically on the break. Jean-Matteo Bahoya’s early drive was one of few shots that tested the Napoli goalkeeper, and ultimately, the visitors’ tactical discipline frustrated Napoli and claimed them a valuable away point.

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    'They've learned catenaccio well' – Conte speaks out

    After the match, Napoli boss Conte expressed his frustration while also acknowledging Frankfurt’s tactical execution. Speaking to , he remarked: “They’ve learned how to play the Italian-style catenaccio system well. If we had played a game like that in Germany, they’d have called it old-fashioned football. We’re trying to bring a more European feel to the game.”

    Conte underlined that the result was not due to a lack of commitment from his players. “It’s disappointing not to have scored, but I can’t fault my team for their commitment and dedication,” he said.

    When asked about absences affecting the side, Conte continued, “It’s not fair to talk about absences, especially since [Romelu] Lukaku should be mentioned as well. The team has absorbed [Kevin] De Bruyne’s absence. We were short in the middle, but we're finding solutions. We need to work toward a goal.”

  • Catenaccio makes a return

    Once the hallmark of Italian football identity, the famous catenaccio style emphasised deep defensive organisation, a sweeper behind the line, and fast counterattacks. While the traditional version has faded from elite football, its principles remain in modern disciplined low-block systems.

    Frankfurt’s approach resembled that philosophy, narrow lines, limited spaces between defenders, and calculated transitions. Their plan forced Napoli into predictable wide combinations and shots from less dangerous zones.

    Conte later added that Napoli actually dominated the match, telling reporters: “It was a high-level match and we dominated. If we had finished today, we would have won 2-0 or 3-0 and we’d be talking about a great Napoli.” Despite Napoli’s 64% possession, the German side controlled key defensive zones and rarely appeared stretched.

    Conte’s reaction suggests a wider concern that Napoli are struggling to convert territorial dominance into cutting edge without injured creative leaders like De Bruyne who is out for long due to a serious thigh injury. Their decision-making and chemistry in the final third remain unresolved issues as fixtures tighten.

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    Qualifications hanging on thread

    The draw leaves Napoli on four points after four Champions League matches, still in contention but under pressure to secure qualification. They will host Qarabag on November 25, a match that now feels must-win, while Frankfurt face Atalanta a day later.

    Domestically, Napoli travel to face Bologna on Sunday, at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. With back-to-back scoreless performances, Conte will demand sharper finishing, quicker attacking combinations, and greater confidence around the box.

    Napoli’s season remains salvageable and structurally stable, but the margin for error is shrinking. A solution in the final third must arrive soon, or their Champions League campaign may yet slip away.

Internacional negocia ampliação de contrato de Alan Patrick

MatériaMais Notícias

O vínculo entre o Internacional e Alan Patrick pode ser prolongado e garantir novas fases dentro de campo para o meia. Segundo o ‘ge’, o clube tem participado de conversas com o empresário André Cury sobre estender o contrato do jogador, que atualmente vai até 2025.

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As conversas já acontecem há algum tempo, mas sem futuro definido para o novo contrato. Os principais motivos para a preocupação do clube colorado estão na multa rescisória do atual acordo, que é considerada baixa, e do papel decisivo em campo do camisa 10 junto à equipe. Um novo debate está previsto para a próxima semana.

Com o novo vínculo, o capitão do time colorado pode receber com o novo acordo um aumento salarial, que ocasiona em uma multa mais elevada em caso de rescisão. No momento, o valor se aproxima dos 5 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 26,65 milhões na cotação atual).

+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!

Alan Patrick vive a melhor fase de sua carreira. Artilheiro do Internacional, o jogador tem 13 gols e oito assistências nas 51 partidas em que esteve presente. Mostrou-se decisivo no Gre-Nal 440, participando da jogada que culminou no gol de Valencia, além de ter sido o autor do terceiro do jogo, que supreendentemente foi seu primeiro no Campeonato Brasileiro.

+ Desfalques por conta da Data Fifa viram ‘dor de cabeça’ para Eduardo Coudet no Internacional

Rômulo também tem sido uma preocupação do Colorado. O volante que está emprestado pelo Athletic-MG e tem os direitos na casa dos R$ 3 milhões por 60%. O Internacional aproveitou as conversas com André Cury para acertar o futuro do jogador, já tem forma de pagamento definida e deve adquirir o jogador em definitivo. O camisa 40 marcou um gol pela equipe gaúcha em 19 jogos que atuou.

منتخب قطر يودع كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا بتعادل مخيب أمام بوليفيا

حسم التعادل السلبي مباراة منتخب قطر تحت 17 عامًا أمام نظيره بوليفيا، التي أقيمت اليوم الأحد، في بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين.

والتقى منتخب قطر أمام بوليفيا اليوم الأحد، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات في بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا.

وودع منتخب قطر البطولة المقامة على أرضه من دور المجموعات، بعد فشله في تحقيق الفوز اليوم على بوليفيا.

طالع.. فيديو | المغرب يكتسح كاليدونيا 16-0 في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

واحتل العنابي، المركز الثالث في المجموعة، برصيد نقطتين، ليودع البطولة بعدما خسر آماله في الصعود ضمن أفضل ثوالث.

وتصدر منتخب إيطاليا المجموعة برصيد 9 نقاط، بينما جنوب إفريقيا في المركز الثاني برصيد 4 نقاط.

Belligerent Bairstow ton seals Roses spoils for Yorkshire

Jonny Bairstow hit 10 sixes in a stunning career-best 116 off 54 balls as struggling Yorkshire shocked high-flying Lancashire Lightning by claiming an entertaining 19-run Roses Vitality Blast win at Emirates Old Trafford.Yorkshire won in Manchester for the first time since 2014, claiming only their fourth win in 11 North Group games this season on the back of 236 for 6.Opener Bairstow shared 167 with up-and-coming Will Luxton, who finished 90 not out off 46 balls with seven sixes. Their second-wicket partnership was Yorkshire’s highest ever in Blast history and helped maintain their slim quarter-final hopes.Lancashire dropped out of the top two places in the group courtesy of a fourth defeat in 11, despite former England white-ball captain Jos Buttler’s season’s best 55 off 33 balls. Lightning finished on 217 for 7, with Jordan Thompson striking twice.Yorkshire, who lost Dawid Malan early to Luke Wood, started brightly by reaching 33 for 1 after three. Bairstow pulled James Anderson for an early six and later launched him over long-on as he reached 50 off 24 balls inside the powerplay, which ended with Yorkshire 72 for 1.The charge continued as Bairstow and Luxton, who also posted a career-best score, increased the pressure on the home attack, particularly England white-ball spinner Tom Hartley, whose only two overs went for 39. The pair took him on successfully down the ground, hitting three sixes as 24 came from the 10th and Yorkshire reached halfway at 115 for 1.Bairstow was at his belligerent best, savage on anything full or short. He was struck a nasty blow to the neck by a Jack Blatherwick bouncer, but it was only a minor inconvenience en-route to a 49-ball century – the fifth of his career.Meanwhile, Luxton was dropped three times as Lancashire’s fielders struggled to deal with the sun. Luxton was equally as dynamic as Bairstow, though obviously had more fortune. He was noticeably dominant down the ground.After Bairstow was caught at deep midwicket off Chris Green’s offspin, Luxton was starved off the strike late on and was unable to follow his partner to three figures.Australian Green claimed three of four wickets to fall in a final over which went for only three runs, finishing with 4 for 34.There was no doubt, however, that Yorkshire were in pole position in front of a crowd just shy of 15,000. Lancashire also started brightly with the bat, but Keaton Jennings was the subject of a smart back-peddling catch from Dom Bess at mid-on off Will Sutherland – 31 for 1 in the third over.Buttler and Salt then shared 72 in seven overs to raise home hopes, but the latter was caught at long-on by Bess off Thompson’s seam as the score reached 106 for 2 after 10 overs.Thompson and Bess, with his offspin, then struck twice in as many overs as Yorkshire took control. Buttler was caught behind off a top-edged pull and Luke Wells brilliantly held by James Wharton diving forwards at long on – 133 for 4 in the 13th.From there, Yorkshire comfortably wrapped up a third straight Roses win following two in the last two seasons at Headingley. One key factor was the visitors hitting 18 sixes to Lancashire’s nine.Bess claimed one wicket, two catches and half a hand in a run out.

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