The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 21 May 2014

England beaten by Sri Lanka in T20

England last night lost their Twenty20 international with Sri Lanka last night, losing by nine runs at The Kia Oval. The tourists posted 183 for 7, with Harry Gurney impressing on his debut for England, but England could only manage 174 for 7 in reply. MORE

Vincent’s ex-wife accuses Cairns

The former wife of New Zealander whistleblower Lou Vincent has become the latest to implicate Chris Cairns in the spot-fixing scandal, labelling him the “ringleader”. The former all-rounder continues to deny all allegations after revelations regarding the country’s players. MORE

City on back foot after Touré farce

Manchester City were in damage limitation mode last night after a bizarre day involving Yaya Touré. The Ivorian was reportedly unhappy after the club failed to wish him a proper happy birthday, with the player then tweeting several contradictory messages. MORE

Allardyce asked to entertain the fans

Sam Allardyce has been told to entertain the West Ham supporters after holding onto the manager’s job at Upton Park. The 59-year-old must finish in the top half of next season’s Premier League and improve the club’s style of play after criticism of his tactics last season. MORE

Middlesex close in on return to top

Middlesex moved close to victory on the third day at Northamptonshire, leading by 172 runs with just six more wickets to capture. Neil Dexter made 163 not out as the visitors declared on 543 for 7 before the hosts struggled to 88 for 4 at stumps. MORE

Evans makes swift French Open exit

Britons James Ward and Dan Cox won their French Open first qualifier but Dan Evans was soundly beaten. The 22nd seed was outplayed by Portuguese Gastao Elias, with the world No 181 winning 6-3, 6-1 in just over an hour.

Special Kaymer is a serial winner

Former world No 1 Martin Kaymer believes he has matured from his 2010 vintage. “I didn’t think I can hit any shot I want to hit,” he said ahead of the PGA Championship. “It was very easy, but not satisfying. Now I would say I’m a more complete player.” MORE

Borthwick injury shows ‘life is unfair’

Saracens director Mark McCall has expressed his sadness at Steve Borthwick’s injury problems, with the player likely to miss the Heineken Cup and Premiership finals. “This just proves that life is unfair,” McCall said. MORE

Capital disaster?

Terry Butcher’s Hibernian take on Hamilton tonight in the first leg of a relegation play-off – with Edinburgh on tenterhooks. Demotion for Hibs would leave the city without top-flight status for the first time. MORE