Sam is the man who can sparkle

KUMAR SANGAKKARA expects England’s dazzling young diamond Sam Curran to sparkle on the subcontinent.

And the Sri Lankan hero has warned his compatriots to watch out for the brilliant young Surrey all-rounder, who flies out there with the ODI squad today.

Having seen Curran (right) evolve from a kid with massive potential to giving Virat Kohli’s India a rough ride with bat and ball this summer, Sangakkara is sure the all-rounder will thrive in the coming months away from home.

Curran, 20, hopes to play a major role in the five-match ODI series and three-Test campaign.

And Kumar said: “The wickets out there will be totally different from here in England but Sam should do well and adapt to them in terms of both batting and bowling.

“He is a special player who is only just starting out on what I am sure will be a very exciting spell in his life.

“He has already made a big impact and won over many new admirers around the world. In just three years he has become someone capable of going out there in pressure situations and playing important innings for the team or getting vital wickets.”

England’s ODI side have warm-up clashes against a Sri Lankan XI on Friday and Saturday.