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To say that Leicester City have bounced back well from Premier League relegation would be an understatement. The Foxes have matched high expectations to put themselves on course to win the Championship title and secure promotion at the first time of asking under new boss Enzo Maresca. After keeping hold of some of the crucial parts of their squad, albeit whilst losing James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, the pressure was on. But pressure has created a diamond season for Leicester so far.

Now, they are reportedly turning their attention towards further reinforcements and potentially weakening those around them in the push for promotion. And that could see one particular target arrive in the January transfer window.

Leicester City transfer news

Leicester did well in the summer to only lose Barnes and Maddison when it came to their best players and, in turn, they spent the money they gained through those sales fairly well. The Foxes welcomed the likes of Harry Winks, Stephy Mavididi and Issahaku Fatawu to hand Maresca a side capable of securing a comfortable promotion campaign. Now eight points clear in the automatic promotion places, Leicester will already be thinking about next season's Premier League battle. First, though, they could weaken a promotion rival.

According to TeamTalk, Leicester are eyeing a move to sign Sunderland right-back Trai Hume. The Black Cats could reportedly sell the 21-year-old for profit, before asking Timothee Pembele to step into his shoes. Leicester aren't alone in their interest, either, with Burnley and Leeds United also reportedly eyeing a move for the Sunderland man.

It remains to be seen whether Leicester will make an offer for Hume, but it's certainly clear to see why the full-back has attracted such interest, given his age and Championship experience already throughout his young career. When the January transfer window opens, the Northern Irishman could be one to keep an eye on.

"Fearless" Hume could replace injury-prone Pereira

As things stand, Leicester's current right-back is Ricardo Pereira, who has more than enough quality for not only the Championship but the Premier League. The issue with Maresca's current option is his ability to stay fit. Pereira's injury history suggests that the Foxes need an adequate back-up to step up in the key moments.

Their current star has missed 27 games last season as Leicester suffered Premier League relegation in his absence. If Maresca's side are to stay up if they secure promotion this season, then they will need a more reliable option. Hume's stats show that he would be more than capable of being that option too.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Tackles Won

Interceptions

Trai Hume

25

94

39

27

Ricardo Pereira

24

69

28

20

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough had nothing but good things to say about the right-back after his international debut, saying via Chronicle Live:

"Trai was fearless. It was almost like another Conor Bradley when he first came in. No fear and he went at his man. He also managed to get on the end of a cross and the keeper had to parry one out. I also enjoyed it when he was in possession as well. Trai came on with ten minutes left and it's difficult to get into a game never mind make your debut, but he's gone at the full-back, got a cross in and got on the end of something at the back post."

Life’s been good with the extra family time, says Australian batsman ahead of his first game as captain of the Sylhet Sixers

Mohammad Isam03-Jan-2019David Warner entered the press conference room several minutes before the scheduled start. He chatted with the journalists in the front row, sharing his knowledge about Aminul Islam, the former Bangladesh captain who resides in Australia, whom he knows by his nickname Bulbul.Warner is one of several big names in this season’s BPL, here because of his ban from Australian cricket till March this year. The BPL is his third T20 franchise tournament since he picked up the ban after Global T20 Canada and the CPL, while he has also spent time playing grade cricket back home.”Life has been good for me,” Warner said about his forced break from the international arena. “I have been spending time with the family. I wouldn’t be able to do that if I was sitting in the sidelines. It is about getting the best out of myself and growing as a human being. The most important thing was being a father and husband at home. Now it is down to playing cricket again and making sure I get Sylhet Sixers on top of the table.”Warner said that he has been in good form in Sydney grade cricket, which will help him build towards a comeback in a couple of months when he completes serving the ban.”I was having a conversation with Waqar [Younis, Sylhet coach] today about playing club cricket in Australia at the moment. The wickets are quite low and slow. It has been tough to adapt to those conditions but I have had a very good run of form at home and having played here in Dhaka and Chattogram before, I know what the wicket is going to be like. So for me it is about getting into a routine and rhythm and making sure I can lead from the front, from the top. So it makes it easy for the guys coming in,” he said.Leading Sylhet will also be an interesting opportunity for Warner. He is in charge of the likes of Liton Das, Sabbir Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Taskin Ahmed and Afif Hossain, all of whom are regarded as some of the most talented cricketers in Bangladesh, often distracted by off-field factors.”I am extremely grateful to be leading the side. For me it is about making sure that we as a whole, including the support staff and management, can get the best out of the players. We have to establish our best XI when we get into the park and make sure we do the right things in training. I have to make sure I am doing my job right, which is scoring runs and leading the guys on the park,” he said.He, however, played down the duel with Steven Smith, who will be on opposite side for Comilla Victorians on Sunday.”I will just treat it as another game. It is not just taking on one player but taking on a team of eleven players. It is about making sure that our bowlers know how to get Smith out, and then tackle the rest of the guys,” he said.Warner said that his own form in the BPL could play a part in his return for Australia. “It is up to the selectors whether or not they want to pick me. At the end of the day, all I can do is score runs in this tournament and the IPL, keep putting my hand up and making sure that I am the best person I can be,” he said.Younis said that he is depending on Warner, apart from overseas fast bowlers Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Irfan and Pat Brown, and legspinners Imran Tahir and Sandeep Lamichhane.”I think we picked a pretty balanced team. We have all bases covered. We have a good bowling line-up with couple of really good overseas fast bowlers and legspinners. Sandeep Lamichhane and Imran Tahir are both world-class. Warner will lead the team from the front. I have worked with him in the past and we get on really well. Hopefully we will challenge other teams in this tournament and play really well,” he said.

Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz have had fun playing with a TikTok filter that morphed them into a solider and priest respectively.

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Swiss star back with Brazilian beauMaking the most of free timeAll smiles on journey to eventWHAT HAPPENED?

The Aston Villa stars, who rekindled their romance towards the end of 2023, have been hanging out again during a break in their respective Premier League and WSL playing schedules. Luiz was banned for Villa’s victory over Arsenal at the weekend, while Lehmann is not due to be back in action until Wednesday.

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They have been making the most of an opportunity to spend some quality time together, with the pair going for a dog walk that saw Lehmann sport a pair of roller skates – leading to her clinging to the arm of her partner in a bid to remain upright.

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Lehmann and Luiz have also got dressed up for a big night out, with the couple being escorted to an event staged by the Brazil Football Federation. En route to that destination, with time to fill, Lehmann and Luiz used a TikTok filter to transform themselves into a solider and priest!

Sunderland have been having to make do without a “fantastic” player because of injury, but a key update has emerged regarding his return, courtesy of reliable journalist James Hunter.

Sunderland's injury problems

The Black Cats were hoping to return from the international break with a win away to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon, but that didn't prove to be the case.

Instead, Tony Mowbray's men slumped to a 2-0 defeat on the south coast, and that result coupled with other scorelines throughout the day means that Sunderland have dropped to ninth place in the Championship table.

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In fairness, injuries aren't necessarily helping Mowbray at the moment, with a number of players unavailable as they tackle respective fitness issues.

Defender Aji Alese is one player who is currently absent, with his return not expected to arrive for another few weeks, while youngster Mason Burstow, who joined on loan from Charlton Athletic in the summer, also missed the loss to Plymouth.

Mason Burstow injury latest

Providing an injury update on X after Saturday's game, Hunter claimed that Sunderland loanee Burstow is expected to return to the fold in the near future.

Tony Mowbray expects Mason Burstow back in action very soon after he missed safc's defeat at Plymouth."

Meanwhile, in his report for The Chronicle, Hunter gave more depth on the matter, explaining that Burstow could even be back for the visit of lowly Huddersfield Town at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening:

"Mason Burstow is expected to be available for Sunderland's midweek game against Huddersfield Town despite missing the trip to Plymouth Argyle through injury. On-loan Chelsea striker Burstow has not been starting games recently, with boss Tony Mowbray giving Nazariy Rusyn a chance instead, he but has been involved from the subs' bench.

[…]

"Mowbray did not give any details of the nature of Burstow's injury but indicated that it was a minor issue, saying he is set to train tomorrow and be in contention when the Terriers visit the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening."

Burstow has done a solid job for Sunderland since arriving on a temporary basis from Sunderland, and while he isn't necessarily one of the first names on Mowbray's team sheet, he is still a handy squad player who it is important to have available.

The 20-year-old has started seven Championship games for the Black Cats this season, also making two substitute appearances in the competition, but no goals have come his way, and only one assist.

Sunderland

9

0

Chelsea

3

0

Charlton Athletic

23

6

England Under-20s

2

0

For Burstow to become a more key figure upon his return from injury, he needs to improve his end product, especially considering he is a forward, with his contribution something that could be vital to Sunderland's promotion chances.

The youngster is clearly a talent, with former Charlton manager Johnnie Jackson once describing his progress as "fantastic" and calling him a "really humble young man", and it's now a case of finding some consistency and delivering goals and assists at a more regular rate.

Juventus reportedly believe that they can agree a transfer with Manchester United for Mason Greenwood at much less than his true market value.

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Forward impressing on loan in SpainLinked with clubs across EuropeRed Devils expected to sell this summerWHAT HAPPENED?

The 22-year-old forward is expected to sever ties with the Red Devils this summer despite the Premier League giants having him tied to a contract through to 2025 that includes the option for a 12-month extension. There appears to be no way back for Greenwood at Old Trafford.

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He has, however, been catching the eye during a loan spell at La Liga side Getafe and is said to be attracting interest from teams in Spain and Italy. Juve are ready to form part of the clamour for Greenwood’s signature in the next window.

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According to , the Bianconeri are confident that they can acquire Greenwood in a cut-price agreement. That is because United are under pressure to sell and are unlikely to hold out for what could be considered the one-cap England international’s "real" asking price.

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Gazzetta claims that “many at Man Utd no longer want to see him, therefore a permanent transfer in the summer is more than a possibility”. Juve are ready to make their move for a player that has posted a personal best this season when it comes to league goal contributions, with Greenwood up to 14 for Getafe.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to end their recent poor run of form as they play host to Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon.

Ange Postecoglou's side have failed to win any of their last five matches in the top-flight, despite taking a 1-0 lead in all five of them, and have set records in the process.

Spurs are the first side in Premier League history to pick up zero wins after going 1-0 up in five straight games, as well as being the first team to lose three successive home clashes after taking the lead in each of them.

It has been a woeful run of results for the club since they lost James Maddison and Micky van de Ven to their respective injuries against Chelsea, and Postecoglou must work to find a winning solution against the Magpies today.

Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by West Ham United last time out as the opening goal from Cristian Romero was followed up by second half goals from Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse to secure all three points for the away side.

Latest Spurs injury news

Ahead of today's clash with Newcastle, Postecoglou provided an injury update on his squad, which has been devastated by knocks in recent weeks.

Heung-min Son appeared in some discomfort after being substituted against the Hammers but the Australian tactician claimed that he was just a 'sore', which suggests that there is no major concern over his availability.

The former Celtic chief also revealed that Richarlison and Pape Matar Sarr, who have recently returned from injury, came through the game without any issues.

However, no players will be returning to the squad this afternoon and, in fact, none of the current crop of injured stars will be back in action this side of Christmas.

This means that the likes of van de Ven, Maddison, Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, and Ryan Sessegnon may not feature again for the club before 2024.

With all of this in mind, Postecoglou must bring Sarr, who came off the bench last time out, in from the start ahead of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, as the young gem – who has previously been compared to Yaya Toure – could improve the team in possession.

Why Sarr is similar to Yaya Toure

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig previously lauded the central midfielder as a player with 9/10 potential and named the former Manchester City and Ivory Coast star as a similar type of number eight.

Kulig listed pace, passing, long shots, and technique among some of the former Metz prospect's best attributes and claimed that he had an "exciting" future ahead.

Toure was a powerful midfielder who was able to drive forward from the middle of the park to influence games at the top end of the pitch. He managed 79 goals and 49 assists in 316 matches in all competitions during his time with Manchester City.

The impressive whiz averaged 1.1 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game across his career as the ex-Barcelona man showcased his ability to consistently make things happen in possession.

Pape Matar Sarr's season in numbers

Postecoglou has placed his faith in Sarr so far this season and the Senegal international is starting to live up to Kulig's hype with Toure-esque, albeit he still has a long way to go to reach his levels on a consistent basis, performances.

The 21-year-old dynamo has averaged 3.01 shot-creating actions and 1.94 progressive carries per 90 during the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

This shows that, like Toure, Sarr is a midfielder who can create opportunities for his teammates through his passes whilst he is also able to drive forward by carrying the ball up the pitch in transition.

The Spurs youngster also ranks within the top 12% of his positional peers in the division for progressive passes (7.42) per 90 and is in the top 23% for assists (0.22) per 90.

Pascal Gross

5

Douglas Luiz

4

Joelinton

3

Rodri

2

Enzo Fernandez

1

These statistics suggest that the ex-Metz ace, who has completed 90% of his attempted passes across 13 top-flight matches, is a fantastic progressive option for Postecoglou in midfield.

Sarr – once dubbed a "wonderful" player by Kulig – has the quality to progress his team up the pitch, either through passes or carries, to create chances – directly or indirectly – for others to test the opposition goalkeeper.

Whereas, Hojbjerg is not as direct and creative in that position and, perhaps, limits what Tottenham are able to do in possession when he is in the team.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's season in numbers

The Denmark international is not as effective on the ball as his 21-year-old teammate and, therefore, is not able to influence games as regularly for Spurs.

He is a defensive-minded option who does not provide as much progression in his play, which is why Sarr should start ahead of him this afternoon.

Tottenham failed to press on and find a second goal against West Ham on Thursday night and they may have been able to create more with the Senegal international on the pitch before the 84th minute.

Hojbjerg had 109 touches of the ball and attempted 100 passes in midfield against the Hammers. Yet, the central midfielder did not create a single chance for his teammates.

This shows that the experienced battler did not use the ball well enough to get at the West Ham defence in order to go and finish the game off at 1-0.

Spurs now want to replace Hojbjerg by signing Brazil international

The Lilywhites are apparently still willing to offload.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 15, 2023

The former Southampton ace has averaged 6.90 progressive passes and 1.46 progressive carries per 90 over the last 365 days in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions.

He has also averaged 0.1 key passes per game and is yet to record a single 'big chance' created or assist for his side in 14 Premier League appearances this term.

Whereas, Sarr has averaged 0.9 key passes per match and produced two assists in his 13 top-flight outings for Tottenham this season.

Postecoglou, therefore, must now unleash his own version of Yaya Toure by bringing the 6 foot 1 whiz into the starting line-up to provide quality and drive in possession, which Hojbjerg has been unable to offer.

Chief executive admits that cricket’s reputation has been damaged by recent high-profile cases

Andrew Miller14-Jan-2019Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, has said “efforts will be redoubled” to educate players in England and Wales about the consequences of their off-field actions, after admitting that the sport had been damaged in the eyes of its sponsors by two high-profile court cases.Harrison, speaking at Millbank during a day of meetings to finalise the ECB’s strategy for 2020-24, acknowledged that cricket’s attempts to foster a more inclusive, family-friendly vibe had been hit by the trials of Ben Stokes, who was found not guilty of affray in August, and Alex Hepburn, who may yet face a retrial after the jury at Worcester Crown Court failed to return a verdict on two counts of rape last week.As a consequence of the Hepburn case, two further Worcestershire cricketers, Joe Clarke and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, were stood down from this month’s England Lions tour of India, after details emerged in court of their use of the messaging service WhatsApp to keep a tally of their sexual conquests.Harrison added that it was the board’s duty to make extra efforts to improve player education, for the benefit of the players themselves but also for the financial wellbeing of the sport.”The reason why commercial partners get involved is because the culture beneath your game is something that attracts them,” he said. “What cricket means to people beyond the performance of England or the county teams is this underlying sense of decency and team spirit, and that is hugely important, so we take it very seriously.”We work very closely with partners on all matters, not just matters of culture,” he added. “Clearly there’s concern out there with commercial partners about some of the stories, but we work hard to explain what we are doing to address some of these societal trends that are coming into the game, or have been in there for a time and are now coming to the surface.”The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) has already made efforts to educate its young players about sexual consent, through the use of workshops for their Lions and Under-19s players, and there are plans afoot for such sessions to become standard in their pre-season briefings.”We work closely with the PCA but it’s our responsibility as a governing body to get on the front foot and address these issues,” Harrison said, “whether they are about problem gambling, drink, consent, or recreational drug use.”Whatever it is, these are issues pervading society now in a way that they didn’t 25 years ago. We are working very closely with experts in the field to get messages across, but it’s also a matter for each dressing room to take very seriously. Those messages have to be renewed and updated to make sure these matters are tackled.”

West Ham manager David Moyes has put his personal employees into action as the club eye a "strong" star to potentially replace Nayef Aguerd.

West Ham chiefs eye new defenders in January

The Hammers currently have a few players mid-way through the final year of their contracts, a list including the likes of Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson.

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He apparently looks set to join them.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 16, 2023

Both full-backs look likely to depart in 2024, with West Ham said to be interested in replacements for the outgoing duo. Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters is a target for Moyes and co as one option, as the club also look to sign alternatives to Vladimir Coufal and Emerson Palmieri.

Meanwhile, there are some suggestions West Ham could also move for a centre-back ahead of what looks to be a busy January transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano is one of many media sources tipping the east Londoners to be one of the more active sides next month.

“I expect West Ham to be busy in January as they’re looking at opportunities around," said Romano to Caught Offside.

"Though it’s still too early to say anything about specific names. Nothing is advanced, but the owners and directors are working on it.”

While Romano suggests it's still too early to mention names, that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from churning, and a new report has claimed that West Ham have their eyes on Stuttgart defender Dan-Axel Zagadou.

Moyes puts West Ham employees into action over Zagadou

According to an update by journalist Alan Nixon, writing on his personal Patreon, West Ham could replace Aguerd with Zagadou and Moyes has put his personal "spies" to work on analysing him.

“West Ham are checking on Stuttgart’s French defender Dan-Axel Zagadou – and could move out Nayef Aguerd,” Nixon claims on his Patreon page (via Hammers News).

“Hammers boss David Moyes has spent his spies to look at the 6ft 6in centre half in case Aguerd leaves in the window.

“Lyon are keen on a loan to buy deal and that would happen if Moyes found a replacement in time. Zagadou was on the West Ham watch list a year ago when he was with Borussia Dortmund and is back on.”

Bochum

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6.23/10

Freiburg

7.44/10

Mainz 05

7.52/10

Darmstadt

6.75/10

The 24-year-old has made 15 Bundesliga appearances so far this season as a mainstay of Stuttgart's backline, with his former manager at Borussia Dortmund Marco Rose once seriously praising Zagadou's potential.

“I would very much welcome it if Daxo decides to stay on at Borussia Dortmund," said Rose in 2021.

"He is a young, excellent central defender with very good ability. He is physically strong, has a lot of speed, has a good left foot. First and foremost, I hope that he stays healthy. I see him as a very important part of our team.”

Erik ten Hag may get the chance to work with Harry Kane after all, with the Manchester United boss reportedly on Bayern Munich’s managerial shortlist.

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Red Devils wanted England striker in 2023Set to be working with new boss next seasonTwo experienced coaches may trade placesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Dutch tactician has admitted that his current employers tried to sign prolific England international Kane in the summer of 2023, only to see him end up at the Allianz Arena. Their paths could, however, end up crossing some 12 months on.

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Questions continue to be asked of how long Ten Heg will fill his current post, with United said to be mulling over another change in the dugout. According to , that situation is interesting Bayern.

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They have seen Thomas Tuchel state his intention to step down at the end of the season, with the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss saying that agreement “still stands”. Ten Hag – who took charge of Bayern's reserve team between 2013 and 2015 – is now said to be an option that Bundesliga giants are considering, with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick distancing themselves from roles in Bavaria.

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In a quirky twist of fate, it is claimed that Ten Hag and Tuchel could end up trading places. United are looking for a proven winner to inherit their reins, with Champions League winner Tuchel fitting that bill, and the German is said to be open to the idea of returning to England two years after seeing a stint at Stamford Bridge come to a close.

Sri Lanka lost their ninth wicket while still 78 off their target. The left-hand batsman scored 67 of them all by himself

The Report by Liam Brickhill16-Feb-20196:08

‘Kusal Perera’s innings will be talked about for years to come’ – Russel Arnold

A see-sawing Test match reached an incredible finale on the fourth afternoon at Kingsmead as Kusal Perera and Vishwa Fernando put on a record-breaking 10th wicket stand to see their team home in an atmosphere of almost unbearable tension.Sri Lanka’s last pair came together with 78 still needed and victory virtually assured for South Africa, but as Vishwa clung limpet-like to the crease Perera slugged, slapped and swiped his way to the target. Along the way, both men reached their highest Test scores – Perera finishing on 153, while Vishwa’s more modest – but no less vital in the final analysis – contribution was 6 not out.South Africa’s bowling plans were stymied by the absence of Vernon Philander, who tweaked his hamstring in the field yesterday and sat the fourth day out. But they should have had as many options as they needed to win the Test, having played five specialist bowlers. Indeed, it looked like South Africa would not miss Philander when, in the space of six overs, Keshav Maharaj scythed through Dhananjaya de Silva, Suranga Lakmal and Kasun Rajitha, and Duanne Olivier’s bouncers quickly bullied Lasith Embuldeniya from the crease.That brought Vishwa to the middle and from the moment he got there, he was entirely focused on survival. He faced 22 balls before he got off the mark, but an otherwise shotless Vishwa knew his only job was to only survive. At the other end, with so many runs needed and so much time left in the Test, it seemed the best that Perera might hope for was to reach his hundred.He already had 86 to his name when Vishwa joined him at the crease, and a loft for six over wide long on off Maharaj took him into the 90s. A reverse sweep off the same bowler took him to 99, and a quick single brought the ton. At that point, Sri Lanka still needed 64, and Perera indicated that he clearly didn’t think the job was done yet by farming the strike superbly and picking his opportunities to attack and push the score forward.Kusal Perera showed guts in tough conditions•Getty ImagesA second pulled six, off Olivier and onto the grass banks, helped Perera to surpass his previous Test best and, with the new ball two overs away, a drive out to the cover sweeper for two brought the runs required under 50. Faf du Plessis delayed his team’s use of the new ball for five deliveries after it had become available until they had Vishwa on strike, but a hooping Steyn outswinger was too good for him to get close to. And when he was back on strike, Perera sensed his chance to keep the scoreboard ticking over against the hard, new cherry.South Africa’s nerves began to fray when Dean Elgar missed a shy that would have run Vishwa out, and Perera took the stand beyond 50 – and the target to just 23 – with a mighty mow off Steyn that sent the ball arcing into the stands beyond midwicket. A top edge off Rabada brought a fourth six, and his fifth – off Steyn – left Sri Lanka needing just seven. Some scampering took them down to just a shot away from glory, and Perera held his nerve to the last, steering a length delivery past slip and down to the vacant third-man boundary to complete one of the most remarkable Test chases of all time.Such superlatives seemed a long way away when South Africa snapped what had become a troublesome 96-run stand between Perera and Dhananjaya after lunch, Maharaj rushing one through Dhananjaya’s sweep to trap him in front of his stumps even as he looked set to reach his fifty. When Suranga Lakmal edged the very next ball to slip, Embuldeniya gloved an Olivier bouncer, and Rajitha played outside one to be given out lbw, it seemed Sri Lanka and Perera had flattered to deceive.Perera, though, had other ideas. He had also helped his team recover from an earlier stutter when they had slipped from 110 for 3 to 110 for 5 in the course of one Steyn over. Shouldering extra burden in Philander’s absence, Steyn first broke through a stubborn 56-run stand by finding Oshada Fernando’s outside edge for 37. Niroshan Dickwella chipped a return catch back to him two balls later, and South Africa’s thoughts must have turned to a push for victory on either side of the lunch interval.Perera and Dhananjaya’s stand revived the chase thereafter, but it was the historic partnership between Perera and Vishwa which took Sri Lanka home, and it is that stand for which this match will be most remembered for. This was only the third time a 300-plus total has been chased at Kingsmead, and only the second time that has happened since the turn of the millennium. Thanks to Perera’s superhuman efforts, and Vishwa’s defiance and luck, Sri Lanka will head into the second Test at Port Elizabeth with a 1-0 series lead. A draw there and they will be the first Asian side to win a Test series in South Africa.