The Sport Matrix: Monday 15 July 2013

Anderson stars as England hold off defiant Australia

James Anderson spoke of his exhaustion last night after helping England hold off a determined rearguard action from Australia at Trent Bridge yesterday.

The Lancashire paceman took four wickets on the fifth day, including the final wicket of Brad Haddin, above, after a DRS referral, to help England to a 1-0 lead in the five-Test series. Chasing 311 to win but with just four wickets remaining, Australia came close to pulling off an unlikely win, eventually bowled out just 14 runs short.

“It has been draining emotionally and physically,” Anderson said. “I’m lost for words - it’s been amazing. I didn’t hear anything [for Haddin’s wicket] but Matt Prior and Cookie were convinced.

“I’m just delighted we could review it and sneak home. The match had the nerves going but I love bowling here and I’m happy to pick up some wickets again.”

REMAINING TESTS

Thurs-22 July Second Test, Lord’s

1-5 August Third Test, Old Trafford

9-13 August Fourth Test, Riverside

21-25 August Fifth Test, The Oval

Gay and Powell fail drug tests

Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell have both tested positive for banned substances. “I put my trust in someone and was let down,” Gay, who plans to withdraw from the World Championships, said, while Powell said: “I am reeling. The result has left me completely devastated.” MORE

Wolves waltz into Cup semi-finals

Holders Warrington thrashed Huddersfield 44-24 to secure a Challenge Cup semi-final with Hull, Joel Monaghan scoring two tries. In the other semi, London Broncos will play the winners of tonight’s tie between Wigan and Widnes. MORE

Marquez edges Crutchlow for win

Marc Marquez took advantage of the absence of Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo to take the German GP and move to the top of world championship standings. Briton Cal Crutchlow came in second place. MORE

Froome in charge ahead of final week

Tour favourite Chris Froome underlined his credentials as he became the first Briton to win on the summit of Mont Ventoux, the race’s most arduous climb. Froome dropped Nairo Quintana in the final kilometre before forging ahead for a stunning win on stage 15.

Fabregas becomes United main target

Manchester United have renewed their interest in signing Barcelona and former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas after losing out on Thiago Alcantara to European champions Bayern Munich. The German side have agreed a £21.5m deal for Thiago.

Mickelson takes title after play-off

Phil Mickelson birdied the first hole of a play-off with South African Branden Grace to win the Scottish Open in windy conditions at Castle Stuart yesterday. The pair had finished on 17 under par, two shots clear of Henrik Stenson and Denmark’s J B Hansen. MORE

Mourinho ready to give youth its head

Jose Mourinho will give Chelsea’s youth players the chance to impress when he begins his second spell in charge with a friendly against Singha All-Stars on Wed-nesday. Some may be loaned out for the season while others could be given a chance with the Blues.

James Lawton

There had to be a winner and a loser at Trent Bridge but when the decision came there could only be one regret. That it was was delivered to England, not in a passage of stunning cricket, but by mere gadgetry. MORE

Houghton expects England progress

Steph Houghton remains optimistic England can reach the last eight of Women’s Euro 2013. “We are confident in our ability to get the job done,” the midfielder said before tonight’s second group game against Russia. “We have to concentrate on ourselves and prepare properly.” MORE

Trainer delight at Lethal Force run

Clive Cox yesterday spoke of his pride at the record time run by Lethal Force in taking the July Cup. “That’s something to be really proud of,” the trainer said after the Newmarket win. “For him to do that shows just what an amazing talent he is.” MORE