The Sport Matrix: Saturday 4 April 2015

Miami nice for controlled Murray

Andy Murray displayed control and poise to beat Czech Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-4 last night and make his fourth Miami Open final. The third seed will face either world No 1 Novak Djokovic or big-serving American John Isner in tomorrow’s showpiece at Key Biscayne. Murray broke early in both sets, made four breaks of serve all together, and looked in charge throughout. The Scot won at Miami in 2009 and 2013 but lost to Djokovic in the 2012 final.

IOC to visit India ahead of 2024 bid

The IOC president, Thomas Bach, will visit India this month, amid speculation about a bid for the 2024 Olympics. Indian media say Prime Minister Narendra Modi is considering a bid, with New Delhi or Ahmedabad, in his home state of Gujarat, both potential host cities. India has until September to join Boston, Rome and Hamburg on the list of declared 2024 candidates.

Ajmal to make Pakistan comeback

Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal has returned in all three formats after clearing his bowling action for the series against Bangladesh. Ajmal was suspended last year for an illegal bowling action, but changed his technique and was cleared in February. Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi captain in Tests and Twenty20s respectively. Three batsmen from the World Cup squad have been dropped.

Smith back on pommel for GB

Louis Smith will represent Great Britain for the first time since the London 2012 Olympics at this month’s European Championships. Smith, who won pommel horse silver and team bronze in London, has been selected alongside Max Whitlock as part of a six-man squad. Claudia Fragapane makes the women’s team, with British all-around champion Amy Tinkler.

Touch judge struck by missile in final

The Australian National Rugby League has launched an investigation after a touch judge was struck by a missile at the end of a match between South Sydney and Canterbury Bulldogs. Missiles rained down after Bulldogs fans reacted angrily to James Graham being penalised 90 seconds from the end, seeing Souths snatch a dramatic 18-17 victory, with one official knocked over by a bottle.