Q&A: Final word

Q. Two Saturdays ago at Edgbaston, Nick Knight hit the first ball of the day and caught the last in the cricket match between England and Pakistan. Has this feat been achieved before in one-day internationals?

A. Nick Knight's feat in the one-day international at Edgbaston is not unique. In the Women's World Cup final at Lord's in 1993, the England opener Janette Brittin took the first ball of the day and caught the last New Zealander on the boundary to win the World Cup for England. - S J Clarke, Newport, East Yorkshire

ANSWERS PLEASE

Q. It seems the world's best continue to miss spot-kicks. A few weeks ago it was Maradona in South America; last week Eric Cantona missed from the spot at Elland Road. The enigmatic Frenchman, however, won Manchester United the FA Cup in 1994 with two penalties in the final. Has any League player ever scored three penalties in one game? - Alan Patrickson, London E5

Q. In recent times managers of Arsenal FC have had fairly long tenures, yet Bruce Rioch was in charge for just over a year. What is the shortest term for a football manager? - Kevin Mahoney, Enfield

Q. Over the August Bank Holiday, Gordon and Kathleen Rigg became respectively the men's and women's British hang- gliding champions when the competition ended at Crickhowell, Wales. Has there been an example of a husband-and-wife team excelling in a particular sport? - Alan Head, Bristol

Q. In cricket, why did the term "pinch hitting" come into being? - Tim Mickleburgh, Grimsby

If you know the answers to any of these questions or have a sporting question of your own, write to Q&A, Sports Desk, Independent on Sunday, 1 Canada Square, London E14 5DL

Fax: 0171-293 2894