play in

verb2

1. •
   To pass (someone) the ball into an attacking position.

   • Zubar played in Doyle down the Wolves left and his ball into the box evaded several players before falling for Mujangi Bia to finally drive in a second past Neil Sullivan. — 2011
2. •
   [with oneself] Of a batsman, to settle and become comfortable with the conditions at the beginning of his innings.