The Sport Matrix: Monday 26 August 2013

Ashes joy but light denies England historic 4-0 victory

England came close to pulling off a 4-0 Ashes series win in the fifth and final Test yesterday but had to settle for a draw after umpires stopped play because of bad light.

Set 227 by Australia in 44 overs, a partnership of 64 between Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott set England on course before 62 off 55 balls from Kevin Pietersen established the hosts as firm favourites. England were 206-5 when play was stopped with four overs remaining.

ECB chairman Giles Clarke, above, called on ICC chief executive David Richardson to make a change as soon as possible.

“It’s totally unsatisfactory the way the game ended – the rules are clearly unacceptable and I expect David Richardson to change it at the next ICC meeting,” said Clarke. “But this is a great moment. The country should appreciate these players.”

Australia captain Michael Clarke said: “I think England deserve a lot of credit for the way they’ve played. We did our best to set up the game and hopefully we have given the fans something to enjoy. We got outplayed throughout the series and again we couldn’t get over the line today.” MORE

Cardiff shock City with historic win

Fraizer Campbell’s two goals helped Prmier League newcomers Cardiff to a stunning 3-2 win over Manchester City. Edin Dzeko put City ahead after the break, but Aron Gunnarsson equalised before Campbell’s brace. Alvaro Negredo scored in stoppage time to set up a tight finish. MORE

Forest top despite McGugan stunner

Nottingham Forest returned to the top of the Championship despite Lewis McGugan’s stunning strike earning Watford a 1-1 draw. Elsewhere, Jordi Gomez’s late free-kick rescued a point for Wigan against Middlesbrough in a 2-2 draw at the DW Stadium. MORE

Britain shine in the South Korea heat

Olympic champion Helen Glover and pairs partner Polly Swann were among the five British heat winners after beating the high temperatures on the opening morning of the World Championships in Chungju, South Korea.

Soldado penalty gives Spurs points

Roberto Soldado’s second-half penalty gave Tottenham a deserved 1-0 win over Swansea at White Hart Lane. The hosts took the lead when Soldado coolly slotted home for his fourth goal in three games as a Tottenham player after Jonjo Shelvey’s foul on Andros Townsend. MORE

Moyes faces first big test as manager

Manchester United manager David Moyes must decide whether to start striker Wayne Rooney against Chelsea tonight at Old Trafford. Chelsea’s David Luiz is a doubt, while Jose Mourinho may opt for Romelu Lukaku as main striker. MORE

Vettel pulls further ahead of Alonso

Sebastian Vettel eased to victory in the Belgian Grand Prix ahead of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. The Red Bull driver’s victory, his fifth in 11 races this campaign, moves him 46 points clear of Ferrari driver Alonso in the championship, with 200 points still available. MORE

Robson and Evans carry British hopes

Laura Robson and Dan Evans will carry British hopes on the opening day of the US Open at Flushing Meadows today. Robson takes on Lourdes Dominguez Lino of Spain, while Evans will begin against 11th seed Kei Nishikori of Japan.

Opinion: John Townsend

The biggest challenge now for Michael Clarke’s Australia, after their 3-0 Ashes defeat, is to sustain the momentum of the past three matches when the return series starts in three months. MORE

England’s women take Ashes lead

England took control of the Women’s Ashes after beating Australia by five wickets in the third one-day international at Hove. Charlotte Edwards’s side were awarded two points for the win, meaning they go 6-4 in front in the multi-format series ahead of three Twenty20 games. MORE

Tyson struggling with drug abuse

Former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson claims he is “on the verge of dying” after ongoing drug and alcohol problems. Tyson, 47, admitted he is a continual substance abuser but added he is hopeful of finally getting clean.