The Sport Matrix: Friday 7 February 2014

English cricket becomes laughing stock over KP saga

English cricket reached a new low yesterday as the furore over Kevin Pietersen rumbled on. The nadir was reached in an interview given by James Whitaker (below), his first as the national selector, in which it was made clear he could not talk about Pietersen’s sacking for legal reasons.

Whitaker’s interview on Sky Sports News began 35 minutes later than billed. When his mobile phone rang just as he was being asked about the departing star, he was made to look hapless.

Confidentiality clauses, insisted upon by Pietersen’s lawyers and agreed by the ECB in the interests of terminating his central contract immediately, mean events leading up to his expulsion cannot yet be told. They will apply until Pietersen’s contract expires in October.

The ECB feels it can only stand silently by, which shows how desperate it was to sever ties with its most troublesome player.

The largely unexplained reasons for Pietersen’s departure have now been submerged by those saying he was a maverick talent whom England ought to have managed better. MORE

‘We can reach our medals target’

British speed skater Jon Eley believes Team GB can get within the targeted range of three to seven medals at the Sochi Games. Ahead of tonight’s opening ceremony, Eley said: “I think we can but we have to put in some hard work and stay focused and strong.” MORE

England stick with same team for Scots

England will face Scotland tomorrow with the same starting team and substitutes as the side that narrowly lost to France last weekend. Ahead of the Calcutta Cup encounter, England’s head coach, Stuart Lancaster, emphasised the importance of “trusting the players”. MORE

‘Embarrassed’ O’Connell returns

The Ireland captain, Paul O’Connell, has admitted he was embarrassed by his last-minute withdrawal from last weekend’s victory over Scotland with a chest infection. But he is back in the starting line-up to face Wales in Dublin tomorrow. MORE

Lancaster cool on Burgess switch

Stuart Lancaster played down talk of a cross-code switch that could bring the rugby league international Sam Burgess into the union game in time to chase a place in next year’s World Cup squad. However, the England head coach did not come close to saying “never”. MORE

Laudrup dismayed at Swansea sacking

Michael Laudrup has revealed his “deep disappointment” at the manner of his sacking by Swansea, who he claims denied him access to the training ground in order to say goodbye to players and staff. He also said he is taking legal advice. MORE

Newcastle coach quits after fight

Newcastle United were embroiled in fresh turmoil last night when their reserve-team coach Willie Donachie resigned following an altercation with defender Remie Streete, which took place after the side lost to Sunderland on Monday. MORE

Captain Vidic: I’m leaving United

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic says he wants to leave the club – and the Premier League – in the summer. With the defender unwilling to accept a one-year contract extension, he said: “I will move on at the end of this season.” MORE

Uncapped Ali and Parry in T20 squad

England have revealed their intention to try to win the World Twenty20 with a squad containing two uncapped players. The debutants are Moeen Ali, the 26-year-old World-rounder, and left-arm spinner Stephen Parry, who is 28 . MORE

Dasaolu: Chambers is behind the times

James Dasaolu has warned fellow sprinter Dwain Chambers his time is up. The duo go head-to-head tomorrow at the British Athletics Indoor Championships and Dasaolu said: “The sport’s kind of moving on.” MORE

Rafael Benitez

Liverpool’s former manager explains the intricacies of the January transfer window, the rise of loan moves, why everybody feels nervous – and outlines how he would organise the market.