The Sport Matrix: Thursday 11 July 2013

Wickets tumble as England suffer Broad injury scare

The Ashes began yesterday in a fever pitch of excitement and a welter of wickets. England batted first and made 215, suffering a trademark collapse, and by the close of play Australia were 75 for 4.

England’s captain Alastair Cook was out first, for 13, and Kevin Pietersen was dismissed for just 14 before England were all out after 59 overs. Peter Siddle finished with figures of 5-50.

Andy Flower’s side responded brilliantly with the ball as Steven Finn dismissed Shane Watson (13) and removed Ed Cowan the very next ball, while James Anderson bowled Michael Clarke for a duck and trapped Chris Rogers lbw for 16.

England will hope Stuart Broad, above, will be able to rejoin their bowling attack today after a bruised arm prevented him from taking part in their opening burst at Australia.

Broad was struck by a short ball from James Pattinson on his way to making 24 in England’s innings and did not take the field for the first 21 overs of Australia’s reply. Read more

Chelsea confident of landing Rooney

Chelsea will sell Fernando Torres or Demba Ba should they be successful in landing Wayne Rooney this summer. The London club are confident of going into the new season with the England striker as their first-choice centre forward. Read more

Pellegrini aware of rivalry with United

Manchester City’s new manager Manuel Pellegrini is aware of the club’s rivalry with Manchester United. He said: “The most important thing for all the fans is to beat Manchester United and if I am here it is because I am sure we will do it.” Read more

Froome extends overall lead

Britain’s Chris Froome took a major step forward towards overall victory in the Tour de France as he claimed second place in the crucial time trial on stage 11 to Mont St Michel, and more than doubled his lead over his closest rivals. Read more

Idowu takes break and misses Worlds

Triple jumper Phillips Idowu, a silver medallist in Beijing in 2008, is to take a break from athletics, meaning he will miss the World Championships in Moscow next month. Idowu said: “I’m excited about pursuing other interests.”Read more