The Sports Matrix: Monday 28 May 2012

Windies crumble as England close on series victory

England finally started to overcome a stubborn West Indies toward the end the third day of the second Test at Trent Bridge yesterday, reducing the tourists to 61 for 6 and a second-innings lead of three.

England began the day 111 behind and looking to build a healthy first-innings lead. Kevin Pietersen, above, added eight before being caught leg before for 80, and Andrew Strauss fell for 141 as England established a lead of 58.

The Windies struggled in reply, losing wickets at regular intervals – including that of Shivnarine Chanderpaul for 11 – to finish with a slender lead and it all to do if they are to salvage anything from the series. MORE

Baltacha falls at first hurdle in Paris

British No 1 Elena Baltacha exited the tournament on the opening day in Roland Garros, going down 6-4 6-0 to Sam Stosur in little over an hour. She leaves Laura Robson, who plays today, Anne Keothavong and Heather Watson in the women's draw. MORE

Ennis sets new British record

Jessica Ennis answered critics in fine fashion at the Hypo-Meeting in Austria, smashing the British heptathlon record to win with 6,906 points. "I know that I am in great shape and that I can build on this," she said ahead of the Olympics in August. MORE

Hodgson against gamble on Barry

Roy Hodgson has warned Gareth Barry he will not take any chances on his fitness when confirming his Euro 2012 squad tomorrow. The midfielder was taken off during Saturday's friendly victory in Norway after being troubled by a groin injury. MORE

Webber makesit six of the best

Mark Webber held his nerve in a dramatic finale to the Monaco Grand Prix to become the sixth winner in six races this season. The Australian held off Nico Rosberg, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel at the last, 1.3 seconds covering them all at the flag. MORE

Froch takes place among Brit greats

Carl Froch again impressed in beating a stricken Lucian Bute in Nottingham to win the IBF super-middleweight title. The 34-year-old won in five rounds and will now earn the recognition he has missed. "It was all or nothing," he said. "I was relentless." MORE

PGA victory takes Donald back to No 1

Luke Donald expressed his delight at returning to the world No 1 spot after winning the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. "This is the biggest event on the European Tour," he said. "To win here again and go back to No 1 is pretty special." MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

In one long lauded as one of the world's leading midfielders, Steven Gerrard's most impressive asset has always been his ability to break open games with explosive talent. In Oslo such a force of nature went missing. MORE