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Sri Lanka seizes control of Galle test against New Zealand with sensible batting

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Sri Lanka seizes control of Galle test against New Zealand with sensible batting
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News

Sri Lanka seizes control of Galle test against New Zealand with sensible batting

2024-09-21 00:22 Last Updated At:00:30

GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Former captains Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal combined for 147 to earn Sri Lanka a 202-run lead against New Zealand after three days of the first test on Friday.

Karunaratne made 83 and Chandimal 61 as Sri Lanka reached stumps on 237-4 in its second innings.

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Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva, left, and teammate Angelo Mathews touch gloves as they bat on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Former captains Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal combined for 147 to earn Sri Lanka a 202-run lead against New Zealand after three days of the first test on Friday.

India's Virat Kohli reacts as he leaves the field after losing his wicket on the second day of the first cricket test match between India and Bangladesh, in Chennai, India, Friday, Sept.20, 2024. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

India's Virat Kohli reacts as he leaves the field after losing his wicket on the second day of the first cricket test match between India and Bangladesh, in Chennai, India, Friday, Sept.20, 2024. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, second from right, along with his teammates leave the field at the end of the second day of the first cricket test match between India and Bangladesh, in Chennai, India, Friday, Sept.20, 2024. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, second from right, along with his teammates leave the field at the end of the second day of the first cricket test match between India and Bangladesh, in Chennai, India, Friday, Sept.20, 2024. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva, right, and teammate Angelo Mathews run between the wickets on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva, right, and teammate Angelo Mathews run between the wickets on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's wicketkeeper Tom Blundell jumps high trying to reach the ball on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's wicketkeeper Tom Blundell jumps high trying to reach the ball on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva, right, and teammate Angelo Mathews run between the wickets on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva, right, and teammate Angelo Mathews run between the wickets on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's players react after the third umpire's decision went against their review on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's players react after the third umpire's decision went against their review on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips appeals unsuccessfully for the wicket of Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips appeals unsuccessfully for the wicket of Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews and captain Dhananjaya de Silva leave the ground at the end of the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews and captain Dhananjaya de Silva leave the ground at the end of the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Ramesh Mendis, left, and teammate Prabath Jayasuriya leave the ground at the end of the New Zealand innings on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Ramesh Mendis, left, and teammate Prabath Jayasuriya leave the ground at the end of the New Zealand innings on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne bats on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne bats on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's William O'Rourke, third right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's William O'Rourke, third right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, center, is surrounded by teammates as he celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Tom Blundell on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, center, is surrounded by teammates as he celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Tom Blundell on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Tom Blundell on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Tom Blundell on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Ramesh Mendis, right, and teammate Prabath Jayasuriya celebrate the wicket of New Zealand's William O'Rourke on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Ramesh Mendis, right, and teammate Prabath Jayasuriya celebrate the wicket of New Zealand's William O'Rourke on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, second right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of New Zealand's Mitchell Santner on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, second right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of New Zealand's Mitchell Santner on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's William O'Rourke celebrates the wicket of Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's William O'Rourke celebrates the wicket of Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, second right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of New Zealand's captain Tim Southee on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, second right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of New Zealand's captain Tim Southee on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

They combined from the third over after Pathum Nissanka was dismissed, and navigated challenging moments on a pitch that is increasingly difficult to bat on, with the ball spinning and bouncing as it typically does in Galle.

“When the ball is turning in Galle, defense is a dangerous option. You should always look at scoring runs,” Karunaratne said. “It was a good partnership with Chandimal. We have played lot of cricket together and we understand each other's game.”

While New Zealand's spinners were handled quite comfortably, pacer William O'Rourke was again its most effective bowler. After taking a five-for in the first innings, he grabbed three more wickets with his extra bounce on Friday.

Karunaratne was cleaned up by leftie Ajaz Patel after his 39th fifty. Chandimal, following his third fifty this month, went in the next over, caught at leg slip off O'Rourke.

O'Rourke then got first-innings centurion Kamindu Mendis to edge to slip on 13.

New Zealand bowled to attacking fields but shifted to a more defensive approach when the lead exceeded 150, keen to protect boundaries.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews, with 34 each, were involved in an unfinished 59-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Mathews survived a big appeal in the day's last over. After he was hit on the back leg by Glenn Phillips, umpire Michael Gough gave not out. Replays showed the ball would have hit leg stump but it was umpire's call.

New Zealand was batting at the start of Friday, resumed on 255-4 and was all out for 340 for a lead of 35.

Daryl Mitchell posted a half-century beside Tom Latham and Kane Williamson and batted well for his 57, but his run out shifted the momentum.

Phillips smashed an unbeaten 49 off 48 balls with two fours and five sixes, and missed out on a fifty when Ramesh Mendis cleaned up last man O'Rourke.

“We had the momentum in the morning and then that run out gave Sri Lanka a chance to get back into the game,” Phillips said. “I thought there was a run. My partner trusted my call. I take responsibility and hopefully my options will be better next time.”

Prabath Jayasuriya was the standout bowler, finishing with four wickets, while Ramesh Mendis and De Silva shared five wickets.

Saturday will be a rest day as Sri Lanka goes to the polls to elect a president. The test match will resume on Sunday.

“We have a lead of 200. Ideally we would like 350, but we will settle for 300 in any case,” Karunaratne said. “It's not easy to score that many runs in the fourth innings in Galle. We are having a rest day tomorrow so the wicket might settle down as well. I have never been in a (delay) situation like this before.”

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva, left, and teammate Angelo Mathews touch gloves as they bat on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva, left, and teammate Angelo Mathews touch gloves as they bat on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

India's Virat Kohli reacts as he leaves the field after losing his wicket on the second day of the first cricket test match between India and Bangladesh, in Chennai, India, Friday, Sept.20, 2024. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

India's Virat Kohli reacts as he leaves the field after losing his wicket on the second day of the first cricket test match between India and Bangladesh, in Chennai, India, Friday, Sept.20, 2024. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, second from right, along with his teammates leave the field at the end of the second day of the first cricket test match between India and Bangladesh, in Chennai, India, Friday, Sept.20, 2024. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, second from right, along with his teammates leave the field at the end of the second day of the first cricket test match between India and Bangladesh, in Chennai, India, Friday, Sept.20, 2024. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva, right, and teammate Angelo Mathews run between the wickets on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva, right, and teammate Angelo Mathews run between the wickets on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's wicketkeeper Tom Blundell jumps high trying to reach the ball on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's wicketkeeper Tom Blundell jumps high trying to reach the ball on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva, right, and teammate Angelo Mathews run between the wickets on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva, right, and teammate Angelo Mathews run between the wickets on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's players react after the third umpire's decision went against their review on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's players react after the third umpire's decision went against their review on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips appeals unsuccessfully for the wicket of Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips appeals unsuccessfully for the wicket of Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews and captain Dhananjaya de Silva leave the ground at the end of the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews and captain Dhananjaya de Silva leave the ground at the end of the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Ramesh Mendis, left, and teammate Prabath Jayasuriya leave the ground at the end of the New Zealand innings on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Ramesh Mendis, left, and teammate Prabath Jayasuriya leave the ground at the end of the New Zealand innings on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne bats on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne bats on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's William O'Rourke, third right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's William O'Rourke, third right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, center, is surrounded by teammates as he celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Tom Blundell on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, center, is surrounded by teammates as he celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Tom Blundell on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Tom Blundell on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Tom Blundell on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips plays a shot on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Ramesh Mendis, right, and teammate Prabath Jayasuriya celebrate the wicket of New Zealand's William O'Rourke on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Ramesh Mendis, right, and teammate Prabath Jayasuriya celebrate the wicket of New Zealand's William O'Rourke on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, second right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of New Zealand's Mitchell Santner on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, second right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of New Zealand's Mitchell Santner on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's William O'Rourke celebrates the wicket of Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

New Zealand's William O'Rourke celebrates the wicket of Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, second right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of New Zealand's captain Tim Southee on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya, second right, celebrates with teammates the wicket of New Zealand's captain Tim Southee on the third day of the first cricket test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Viraj Kothalawala)

Next Article

Man United owner Ratcliffe declines to show support for Ten Hag

2024-10-05 00:44 Last Updated At:00:50

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United minority owner Jim Ratcliffe refused to say if he had faith in manager Erik ten Hag on Friday.

The British billionaire, who bought a 27.7% stake in the 20-time English champion in February, has overhauled United's soccer department. He said the decision over Ten Hag's future rested in the hands of the executive he has put in place to run the club.

Ten Hag is under intense scrutiny after another troubled start to the season and, asked if he had faith, Ratcliffe told the BBC, “I don’t want to answer that question.

"I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach, but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.”

Ratcliffe assumed control of United's soccer operations after investing $1.3 billion for his minority stake. The sporting side had previously been under the control of the majority owning American Glazer family.

A new CEO, Omar Berrada, and sporting director, Dan Ashworth, have been installed. There's a new technical director, Jason Wilcox, while key figures at Ratcliffe’s Ineos Sport, Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, have been appointed to the board.

“They weren’t there in January, February, March or April — Omar, Dan Ashworth — they only arrived in July. They’ve only been there ... you can count it in weeks almost. They need to take stock and make some sensible decisions,” Ratcliffe said.

“Our objective is very clear — we want to take Manchester United back to where it should be, and it’s not there yet, obviously, that’s very clear.”

Ten Hag kept his job only after an extensive end-of-season review, which included winning the FA Cup.

Berrada and Ashworth said in September he had their full backing, but United has lost three of its first six Premier League games this season to sit 13th in the standings. Fans booed and left early as United was humbled by Tottenham 3-0 last week.

On Thursday against Porto in the Europa League, United needed a stoppage-time goal from substitute Harry Maguire to salvage a 3-3 draw.

The Dutchman repeatedly says he believes he has the support of his hierarchy.

“We are in there together — the ownership, the leadership team, the staff," he said on Thursday. “I appointed a new staff, we bought, again, new young players, and we have to integrate them.”

James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

INEOS Britannia Chairman Jim Ratcliffe, right, and team skipper Ben Ainslie crew celebrate their team victory against the Luna Rosa Prada Pirelli's sailing team during the Louis Vuitton Cup Final Day 7 at the Barcelona's coast, Spain, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

INEOS Britannia Chairman Jim Ratcliffe, right, and team skipper Ben Ainslie crew celebrate their team victory against the Luna Rosa Prada Pirelli's sailing team during the Louis Vuitton Cup Final Day 7 at the Barcelona's coast, Spain, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Manchester United's head coach Erik ten Hag looks on during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's head coach Erik ten Hag looks on during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's head coach Erik ten Hag sits on the bench during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's head coach Erik ten Hag sits on the bench during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

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