The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 3 September 2014

England slump to yet another defeat

England suffered a third ODI humbling in a week at the hands of India as they were beaten by nine wickets at Edgbaston to lose the series. England were bowled out for 206 – only Moeen Ali impressing with 67 – a total India passed with more than 19 overs to spare. Captain Alastair Cook was defiant: “I’ll continue if I’m allowed. I am proud to be captain but if they don’t want me then that’s their decision.”

Planning prevents panic purchases

Chelsea and Manchester City’s calm pursuit of targets established long before the transfer window opened provided a contrast to the opportunism of Arsenal – who took Welbeck on a five-year deal after he presented himself at their London – and Manchester United.

Pardew two games from Magpies sack

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has two matches to save his job at the club following a change in mood from the club’s owners. The North-East outfit are yet to win a league match this season, sitting sixteenth with just two points following Saturday’s draw with Crystal Palace.

Froome retains fighting spirit

Chris Froome has insisted he will not give up on his chances in the Vuelta a Espana, despite a poor day that saw him drop to fifth overall. “It was a very tough day,” the Briton said. “I started off too fast. I’m going to keep fighting, push through to the end. I’m going to give it my all.”

Murray primed for Djokovic clash

Andy Murray takes on top seed Novak Djokovic tonight in the quarter-finals of the US Open seeking to make the last four at Flushing Meadows for the third time in four years. In the women’s event, Peng Shuai reached the last four after thrashing teenager Belinda Bencic 6-2 6-1.

Donald left out of Ryder Cup team

Luke Donald was the major casualty as Europe captain Paul McGinley settled on his wild-card picks for this month’s Ryder Cup. Ian Poulter, Stephen Gallacher and Lee Westwood were chosen by McGinley for the Gleneagles tournament. “It was a very difficult thing for me because of [our] personal relationship and what I think of him as a person,” the captain admitted. “We have shared so many emotions together in extreme situations like Ryder Cups.”

Simpson-Daniel forced to quit

James Simpson-Daniel was yesterday forced to retire after failing to recover from a dislocated left ankle. The 32-year-old won just 10 full England caps following struggles with injury and glandular fever. “I’ve had a good trot and can’t have any complaints,” he said.