The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 23 December 2014

Sacked Cook hits two tons – on the oche

Alastair Cook proved that he can still post the highest score.

Cook, who was last week removed as England’s ODI captain after under-performing with the bat, bounced back by upstaging Test team-mate James Anderson in an exhibition darts game during the World Championship at Alexandra Palace last night.

Cook, wearing a darts shirt with the words “Bed ‘n’ Breakfast, Alastair Cook” on the back, a reference to his nickname Chef, won the single leg of 501 on double 11 after throwing scores of 100 and 140 to beat “The Swinger” Anderson.

How he must wish he could get a couple of cricket tons as easily.

Ferrari warn of tough road ahead

Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne has warned that 2015 could be a struggle for the team – just like last season. But asked how long it would take Ferrari to recover, Marchionne, who replaced Luca Di Montezemolo as chairman in October, said: “Hopefully, within the next 12 months, we will remove all the baggage of uncertainty that is going to plague at least the initial phase of 2015.”

‘They would have burnt me to death’

Steve Bunce remembers the characters in boxing who sadly passed away this year, like “triple murderer” Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, who narrowly avoided the death penalty. Bunce recalls him saying that if they really thought he’d murdered, then “they would have burnt me to death”.

Johnson purrs over Black Cat winner

Adam Johnson spoke with pride after scoring the goal which gave Sunderland a fourth straight win over Newcastle for the first time in the 116 years of the Tyne-Wear derby. “To have scored the winner, in the last minute, in front of the Gallowgate End for Sunderland can never be taken away from me now,” enthused Johnson. “We have made the fans’ Christmas even more special.”

Rangers supporters vent anger at AGM

The Rangers board was given a furious reception by fans at the club’s AGM yesterday, just a day after Ally McCoist left his role as manager. PLC chairman David Somers, new chief executive Derek Llambias, director James Easdale and his brother Sandy were roundly abused. Shareholders and fans hurled insults at the top table and chanted “out, out, out” and “scumbags”.