The Sport Matrix: Thursday 13 June 2013

Warner expected to be sent home after Root attack

Australia’s troubled Ashes preparations took another knock yesterday with the prospect that David Warner is likely to be sent home from the tour after allegedly being involved in a physical alteration with England batsman Joe Root.

Warner, above, was stood down from yesterday’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand by Cricket Australia after the incident with Root, which took place in a bar in Birmingham last weekend, following England’s victory over Australia at Edgbaston. Warner is believed to have approached Root and thrown a punch, landing a glancing blow. Warner is said to have apologised to Root since the incident, but is still expected to be sent home.

Australia and New Zealand were left frustrated by the rain in yesterday’s match at Edgbaston. George Bailey’s side posted 243 for 8 from their 50 overs, Adam Voges making 71 and Bailey 55, but New Zealand were left stranded on 51 for 2 after 15 overs when the rain arrived. The result means England can progress to the semi-finals with victory over Sri Lanka at The Oval today. MORE

McIlroy and Woods battle the elements

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods tee off this evening in the glamour grouping of the US Open first round, although the world’s top pair will have to battle the conditions at Merion. More than three inches of rain is expected to hit Pennsylvania tonight, with storms forecast. MORE

Twelvetrees joins Lions tour as cover

England centre Billy Twelvetrees has been called up by the British and Irish Lions as cover with fitness worries surrounding the midfield. Jonathan Sexton has a hamstring problem, while fellow No 10 Owen Farrell suffered a dead leg in midweek. MORE

Idowu overlooked for Championships

Phillips Idowu has been left out by UK Athletics for this month’s European Team Championships, although both parties were keen to downplay talk of a rift. “Phillips is happy to concentrate on training,” his agent said. MORE

Murray waits as Edmund expects

Andy Murray was frustrated by the rain at Queen’s Club, with just 13 games possible in his match with Nicolas Mahut. But there was better news for another Briton as Kyle Edmund, boys’ doubles winner at the French Open, was handed a wild card for Wimbledon. MORE

Coyle favourite to take over at Wigan

Former Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle last night emerged as the favourite to succeed Roberto Martinez at Wigan Athletic. The 46-year-old heads a shortlist including Steve McClaren, Rene Meulensteen and Karl Robinson. MORE

Chanderpaul gives Derbyshire edge

Shivnarine Chanderpaul continued his fine form for Derbyshire at Trent Bridge yesterday, ending the rain-affected opening day on 78 as the visitors closed on 245 for 2 against Nottinghamshire. Chesney Hughes and Wayne Madsen also hit fifties as the hosts struggled. MORE

Martinez to offer Neville coach role

Roberto Martinez has suggested newly retired Phil Neville could have a future at Everton as a coach. “Phil is an Everton icon and can bring a lot in as a coach,” the manager said. “I want to speak with him and see how he feels about his future.”

Opinion: James Lawton

Rory McIlroy has given evidence he could be a man of the golfing ages. But in the rush to unimaginable wealth, has he begun to rival the steeliness of Tiger Woods when he was 24? The evidence is less than convincing. MORE

Cook prepares for Malinga challenge

Captain Alastair Cook admitted Lasith Malinga presents the main threat to England when they take on Sri Lanka at The Oval. “Clearly, he is a danger man,” Cook said. “He is a mighty fine bowler and virtually unique, as he has a technique you don’t come across very often.” MORE

Dawn Approach soothes Cecil pain

Sir Henry Cecil’s absence will be sorely felt at Royal Ascot next week, but the meeting received an unexpected tonic yesterday when Dawn Approach figured among the acceptors for the St James’s Palace Stakes on its opening day. MORE