The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 26 July 2011

Cech wants new era of stability

Petr Cech wants new managerial stability at Chelsea: “I hope there is a way for Andre Villas-Boas to continue for many years. Seven managers have been appointed since I joined and, unfortunately, apart from Jose Mourinho, nobody lasted long.” MORE

Olympic threat to Sky plans for 2012

Bradley Wiggins is unlikely to compete in 2012’s Tour because of the Olympics. “I can’t see how it would happen,” Team Sky’s sports director, Sean Yates, said. “It’s not up to me, but if you’re doing the Olympics, then I don’t see how riding the Tour is ideal.” MORE

Hamilton: Long way to go for title

Lewis Hamilton has tried to deflect talk of a title challenge after his win in Germany on Sunday. “We’re not really looking at the percentage chance of winning the title,” he said. “There’s still a long, long way to go.” MORE

Batista to pay for Argentine failure

Sergio Batista is likely to be sacked as Argentina coach after his team’s disappointing Copa America campaign on home soil. Argentina are desperate to ensure qualification for the 2014 World Cup from a very competitive Conmebol group. MORE

Speed suggests drugs on the wane

The average speed of this year’s Tour de France (39.794 kilometres per hour) was only the 11th-fastest ever, suggesting doping has decreased. The traditionally clean French had five cyclists in the top 15, and Thomas Voeckler defended the lead for 10 days. MORE

IOC: London is well prepared for Games

Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee has praised London’s preparation for the 2012 Games. “They have done a great job,” he said. “We are extremely pleased – it is on schedule and on budget. They are very well prepared.” MORE

Dispute over NFL money resolved

NFL players voted yesterday to approve a deal with team owners, ending a dispute that lasted for over four months. The agreement on how revenues are to be divided will last for 10 years. This means there will be no players’ strike interrupting the new season.

England’s quartet hits new heights

England’s bowlers made a case yesterday to be regarded as the best attack in the world after an enthralling masterclass. All four men bowled well individually, but Stuart Broad was the most improved, with a great spell to Sachin Tendulkar. MORE

Wakefield fear losing licence

The Rugby League is set to announce the 14 clubs that will contest the next three seasons of Super League at Old Trafford today. The results are a secret, but Wakefield have notably called a press conference for immediately afterwards. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

After the banning from Fifa of Mohamed bin Hammam, attention will turn towards Qatar winning the bid to host the 2022 World Cup. The more you think about it, the more unreal is the idea of it. MORE

Strauss: More work to do for England

England took a serious step towards becoming world No 1 yesterday with a 196-run victory over India at Lord’s. But captain Andrew Strauss stressed that the team have more to do ahead of the second Test which starts at Trent Bridge on Friday. “To be No 1 you have to grab opportunities and we did that very well in this match,” said Strauss. “But we cannot get carried away. Yes, I’m very proud of what the guys have done here. But I’m also aware that it is only the opening salvo so we must not get too satisfied with ourselves. We have demonstrated that when we play well we are a match for anyone.” The attack of Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, Chris Tremlett and Graeme Swann sealed the win by twice bowling out India, yesterday doing so for 261. “Over the two innings I think that was as close to the perfect bowling performance we have had in the last two years, and that is saying a lot,” said Strauss. The captain also had special praise for Broad, who performed well after speculation he was close to losing his place. “When your place in the side is called into question, it is as much a test of your character as anything else. Stuart showed his class.” MORE

‘Something special took place at Lord’s’

“It was only when stood on an escalator making my way out of St John’s Wood station that I began to realise something special was happening,” writes Angus Fraser in i about the number of young people who flooded into Lord’s yesterday. MORE

Delegator carries Godolphin hopes

Delegator has a particular burden in the Bet365 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood today. After the death of Rewilding at Ascot on Saturday, the whole Godolphin stables team will know the importance of a win for another of Saeed Bin Suroor’s star horses. MORE