The Sports Matrix: Friday 11 November 2011

Tevez offers no excuse for absence

Carlos Tevez yesterday failed to explain his unauthorised absence in Argentina. He has further alienated himself from Manchester City, having missed as many as four training sessions after reporting injuries since he was told to train with the reserves. MORE

Stade recover to win at Worcester

Worcester lost their first Amlin Challenge Cup game of the season last night, after a second-half fight-back from Stade Français. A try from England international Paul Sackey and six penalties from Felipe Contepomi gave the French visitors a 23-14 win. MORE

England line up 'massive' 2012

England will face Fiji, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand in the 2012 autumn internationals at Twickenham, between 10 November and 1 December. "These Tests are a massive challenge," said England No 8 Nick Easter. MORE

Gill: I have felt heat of Fergie 'hairdryer'

Manchester United's chief executive, David Gill, has admitted that he has faced the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson "probably half a dozen times" during his tenure at the club: "I wouldn't say I'm exempt from the hairdryer but I would say I can give as good as I get." MORE

Fury determined to punish 'rude' Pajkic

British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Tyson Fury says that his fight against Neven Pajkic tomorrow night is personal. "This kid is tough and he has been very rude about my family. This is personal and I want to really beat him." MORE

Jones unfazed by midfield role

Phil Jones has no fear about the possibility of competing with Spain's famous midfield if he is selected there for England tomorrow. "If I am asked to play and the manager picks me there then great, it will be a great game. I am looking forward to it." MORE

Murray: I'm in the form of my life

Andy Murray said he was playing "probably the best tennis of my career" yesterday after beating Andy Roddick 6-2, 6-2 at the Paris Masters. The world No 3, who won for the 27th time in 28 matches, meets Tomas Berdych in today's quarter-finals. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

What do upset Newcastle United fans really expect of an operator like Mike Ashley? Fans cannot have the backing of a man for whom life has been one long battle to turn a profit and still expect the warmth of community. MORE

South Africa scent win after Australia are routed for 47

A remarkable day of Test cricket in Cape Town, during which 23 wickets fell, ended with South Africa moving towards victory after bowling Australia out for 47. The day saw both South Africa then Australia collapse dramatically, and ended with South Africa 81 for 1 chasing 236 for victory. After Australia were dismissed for 284, South Africa collapsed from 72 for 4 to 96 all out. Australia were swiftly reduced to 21 for 9, and only a 10th-wicket stand saved them from the lowest Test score of all time. MORE

Given desperate to qualify in Dublin

Ireland have the first leg of their Euro 2012 qualification play-off in Estonia tonight. Shay Given said that to qualify for their first tournament in 10 years in Dublin – the second leg is there on Tuesday – "would be just probably the most special thing in my career". MORE

Hamilton denies Whitmarsh claims

Lewis Hamilton has described as "rubbish" McLaren principal Martin Whitmarsh's suggestion that his form had been affected by team-mate Jenson Button's success. "There's not a lot of people who understand the issues I've had this year," Hamilton said. MORE