The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 23 July 2013

Australia dealt another blow with Pattinson injury

Australia bowler James Pattinson will play no further part in this summer’s Ashes series, Cricket Australia confirmed, last night.

Pattinson, right, was diagnosed with a stress fracture of his lower back following Sunday’s conclusion to the second Test defeat at Lord’s and will return home to Australia after the third Test at Old Trafford.

No replacement for Pattinson has been called up ahead of this week’s warm-up game against Sussex, though the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Coulter-Nile and the in-form Chadd Sayers could, if required, be called up from the Australia A squad currently playing in South Africa.

Before that option is considered, the selectors could opt to recall Mitchell Starc after he was left out for the 347-run hammering at Lord’s.

Elsewhere, Shane Warne has brought an end to his playing career after announcing he will not take part in this summer’s Big Bash tournament with Melbourne Stars.

Cockroft completes World sprint double

Hannah Cockroft secured the sprint double after victory in the T34 100m at the IPC World Athletics Championships in Lyon yesterday after winning the 200m event on Saturday. Her win followed Paul Blake's success in the T36 800m and Hollie Arnold in the javelin F46.

Border swings for Australia batsmen

Allan Border believes that Australia’s batsmen are an embarrassment to their country and that the selectors have to take decisive action to avoid an Ashes whitewash. The former captain said: “We need to find our best XI suited to the conditions and stick with it.”

Mickelson wants full set of majors

Phil Mickelson is desperate to become only the sixth player to win all four majors after winning his first Open Championship from five shots back on Sunday. “If I’m able to win the US Open, I think that that’s the sign of the complete, great player,” said the American. MORE

Gooch: Root not yet an England regular

England’s batting coach Graham Gooch believes Joe Root still has plenty to prove despite being the hero of the second Test at Lord’s. “One innings doesn’t make you a regular for a long period of time,” said Gooch. “He still needs to be tested in different conditions.”

Cookson: I’ll restore sport’s credibility

UCI presidential candidate Brian Cookson has promised a raft of anti-doping measures if his bid is successful. Cookson pledges to restore a celebratory climate to cycling where stellar performances will be “heralded not disparaged”.

Return of Wiggins and Froome show

Sky’s team principal Sir Dave Brailsford insists Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome would ride together in the future, and possibly in next year’s Tour de France. “You can’t rule anything out,” he said. “We’re in the game of ruling things in.”

United step up chase for Fabregas

Manchester United have increased their bid for Cesc Fabregas after confirming yesterday morning that a previous offer of £25million has been upped to £30million with add-ons. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is leading negotiations.

Mourinho could leave out ‘tired’ pair

Jose Mourinho has said that he is considering leaving Fernando Torres and Juan Mata out of Chelsea’s first league game against Hull City on 18 August because they will be too exhausted following an international friendly for Spain in Ecuador.

Last-gasp try earns St Helens derby win

A late Joe Greenwood try gave St Helens a narrow 22-16 victory over local rivals Wigan at Langtree Park. Second-placed Wigan missed the chance to leapfrog Huddersfield at the top of the Super League.

James Lawton

While the all-round security of the Tiger Wood’s game has been widely acclaimed, along with his No 1 world ranking, the wait for the old assassin’s touch is now stretching out quite ominously. MORE