The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 4 December 2013

England ready to name two spinners for second Test

England's attempts to level the Ashes series may lead them to take a big gamble in naming two spin bowlers for the second Test in Adelaide, which gets under way tonight.

Slow left-armer Monty Panesar could be included in the England team alongside the off spinner Graeme Swann. The pair have played together in only 10 previous Test matches.

"It is a serious option," captain Alastair Cook said. "The wicket looks good. We will pick the best-balanced XI for those conditions. We must do what we want to for the conditions." MORE

Chamakh takes Palace off bottom

Marouane Chamakh's header just before the break gave Crystal Palace a 1-0 win over West Ham to take the Eagles off the bottom of the Premier League. The Moroccan's strike, in manager Tony Pulis's first home match in charge, gave Palace their third league win of the season. MORE

Moyes keeps his emotions in check

Manchester United's manager David Moyes has insisted he will not be affected by the presence of his former club, Everton, at Old Trafford tonight. "I'm not that emotional a person," the Scot said after 11 years in charge at Goodison Park. "I would rather get on with the game." MORE

England World Cup prospects muddied

England's prospects at the World Cup could be made more difficult after Fifa announced a change to the format for Friday's finals draw. One European team will be drawn into Pot Two, and will definitely face one of the South American seeds – possibly Brazil or Argentina. MORE

Cook and Anderson make ICC shortlist

England's Alastair Cook and James Anderson have been named on the six-man shortlist for the ICC Cricketer of the Year, with bowler Anderson also up for Test player of the year. Charlotte Edwards and Anya Shrubsole have been shortlisted for the Women's ODI award. MORE

QPR move joint top after Foxes defeat

Leicester went down to a shock 2-1 loss at Sheffield Wednesday last night to allow QPR to move level on points at the top of the Championship, Harry Redknapp's side beating Bournemouth 3-0. Blackpool had three players sent off in a 1-0 loss at Yeovil. MORE

Hülkenberg back with Force India

Force India will welcome back Nico Hülkenberg next season after the German's previous spell with the team in 2012. "I am happy to come back," he said. "The team is aiming high and [my] experience will help us achieve those goals." MORE

Sheridan injury threatens career

Former England loose-head prop Andrew Sheridan's career may be over as he awaits news on a neck injury. The 34-year-old has been told to rest for a month – "Andrew is out, possibly forever," his Toulon coach, Bernard Laporte, has said. MORE

Danson doubles up to defeat Germany

Two Alex Danson goals took England into the quarter-finals of the World League Final as they beat Germany 3-1. Sophie Bray also scored as England avenged last summer's defeat in the EuroHockey final. MORE