The Sports Matrix: Thursday 29 March 2012

Strauss falls short again as England chase record score

England began the fourth day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka this morning requiring a further 229 runs for victory, but it was the continued failings of captain Andrew Strauss that dominated thoughts at the conclusion of yesterday's play. The 35-year-old, right, was caught at short mid-wicket off the bowling of Rangana Herath for 27, following a ridiculous shot. Strauss has scored one century in his last 48 innings, since a ton against Australia in 2010. The hosts had earlier added 130 runs to their second innings total after resuming on 84 for 5 in Galle, leaving England requiring what would be a record 340 to take the lead in the two-Test series. Strauss' dismissal left England at 48 for 2 after Alastair Cook had departed for 14. Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen added 63 before the close. MORE

Milan hold Barça as Bayern stroll

Milan held champions Barcelona to a goalless draw in a keenly-fought quarter-final, first leg at San Siro last night. Elsewhere, Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben scored to give Bayern Munich a 2-0 victory in Marseilles and a foot in the last four. MORE

Pearce planning for Euro squad

The England caretaker manager, Stuart Pearce, is preparing for the possibility of being in charge for Euro 2012 by speaking to Premier League managers about players' form and fitness. Pearce was put in charge for the Netherlands friendly last month. MORE

Vieira: Referees favour United

Manchester City's Patrick Vieira says that Manchester United get favourable treatment from referees. "When United play at home they get some advantage other teams don't get. We've played the best football this season. The club deserves it." MORE

Bolton 'faced fears' back at Tottenham

Nigel Reo-Coker of Bolton has admitted to having "flashbacks" on returning to White Hart Lane, where Fabrice Muamba collapsed: "That's why I had to walk over to the spot before the game to get it out of my system. In a way we had to face our fears." MORE

Montgomerie surprise at Woods

Colin Montgomerie has expressed his surprise that Tiger Woods' former coach was able to pen a book exposing secrets about the player's private life. "I'm amazed there was not some legal contract in place," the Scot said of the memoirs, written by Hank Haney. MORE

Dimitrov puts himself in spotlight

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov has been attracting interest over his relationship with Serena Williams, but his performances on the pitch may also win attention. The world No 101 overcame a top 10-ranked opponent, Tomas Berdych, at the Miami Masters. MORE

Saracens expect record attendance

Premiership champions Saracens expect to smash the world record for a club rugby crowd when they host Harlequins at 90,000-capacity Wembley this weekend. The club have also moved a step closer to moving out of Vicarage Road, to a new ground in Barnet. MORE

Massa decides against trip home

Felipe Massa has opted against returning home to Brazil, in a bid to rectify a poor start to the season in which he has failed to register a point. The 30-year-old met officials at the Ferrari base in Maranello, amid reports his place in the team may be in doubt. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Andy Flower, left, suggesting two of his most gifted players, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann take a shot at growing up hardly seems too much of a reach. This was not the behaviour of the world's best team. MORE