The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 10 September 2014

Gareth’s two goals Bale out Wales

Gareth Bale scored twice as Wales came from behind to beat Andorra 2-1 away from home in their Euro 2016 qualification opener. Chris Coleman’s side went behind in the eighth minute through Ildefons Lima’s penalty. But Wales levelled through Bale’s 22nd minute header, before the Real Madrid star struck the winner with a superb curling free-kick into the top corner with nine minutes remaining.

Ajmal is banned for suspect action

Saeed Ajmal, the world’s top-ranked one-day bowler, was yesterday suspended by the ICC for an illegal bowling action. The Pakistan Cricket Board immediately announced its intention to appeal against the verdict. Ajmal’s action had been reported last month.

Lyth century edges Yorks close to title

Adam Lyth scored an excellent 122 to put Yorkshire in control against Nottinghamshire. He was dropped on the second ball of the day but went on to record his sixth Championship hundred of the summer, and all but ensured that Yorkshire will win the County Championship.

Ainslie: I may not be good enough for America’s Cup

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie is on a mission to win the America’s Cup for Britain in 2017 but has admitted that he may no longer be good enough to be selected for his own team when the time comes. Ainslie became the first Briton to be part of a successful America’s Cup team in over a century when he helped Oracle Team USA to a memorable victory over New Zealand in 2013. He has now launched his own bid to bring the trophy to Britain and but the 37-year-old knows it might not all be plain sailing for his Ben Ainslie Racing team. “If we were going racing tomorrow I would be steering the boat but that might not be the answer in a couple of years’ time,” he said.

Wiggins behind as Zardini takes lead

Italy’s Edoardo Zardini emerged triumphant from the climb of the Tumble in south Wales to win stage three of the Tour of Britain yesterday and take possession of the overall leader’s yellow jersey. Defending champion Sir Bradley Wiggins came home in fifth place, 14 seconds down.