The Sports Matrix: Friday 25 March 2011
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.FA faces row over Under-21Euros
There is a potential dispute brewing between Premier League clubs and the FA, due to plans to use Jack Wilshere, Andy Carroll and Kyle Walker in the Under-21 European Championship this summer. All three are currently in the England senior squad. MORE
Youngsters cruise to win in Denmark
The England U-21 side won 4-0 in the Viborg Stadium in Denmark last night. An excellent strike from Danny Welbeck opened the scoring. Scott Sinclair and Daniel Sturridge made it 3-0 in quick succession before Jordan Henderson’s late goal. MORE
Red Bull: ‘equality’ between drivers
Red Bull’s Christian Horner tells i about handling the competition between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber: “We do our best to give them equality,” he says, describing how he consoled Webber after Vettel’s 2010 title. MORE
Jagielka predicts ‘end-to-end’ game
Phil Jagielka has said that tomorrow’s match between England and Wales will be an “end-to-end” tie “more like a Championship game”. The Everton centre-back believes Wales have only three or four players who could get in the England side. MORE
Morison: it’s been a long road to Cardiff
Steve Morison, likely to start up front for Wales tomorrow, has endured a tough road to where he is now. He has spoken of his tears when sold to Bishop’s Stortford and despite goals for Millwall he “wouldn’t expect” England players to know him. MORE
United fans ready to battle club writ
The Manchester United Supporters Trust is collecting a “fighting fund” in defence of Thomas McKenna, who is threatened with legal action by the club over details he published online of United’s corporate clients. The club are determined to proceed. MORE
FA plans new rules for youth game
The Football Association is introducing new rules in an attempt to improve the quality of young English footballers. They include the scrapping of league tables for children beneath secondary-school age and more five- and nine-a-side games. MORE
Yardy flies home with depression
Mike Yardy, England’s one-day allrounder, yesterday flew home suffering from depression. He left the England camp in Colombo, where the team are preparing for tomorrow’s quarter-final against Sri Lanka. Yardy played in three of England’s World Cup matches. MORE
Henry: Carter is crucial to All Blacks
Dan Carter will play for Crusaders in the Super 15 at Twickenham on Sunday, and the watching All Black coach Graham Henry will be hoping he stays fit. When speaking of a possible back-up for Carter, Henry admitted “the jury is still out on that one.” MORE
Opinion: James Lawton
As India swept over Ricky Ponting’s Australian team yesterday it was clear that he had saved some of the best of himself for the final curtain. His 104 was a superb statement of resistance to India’s myriad talents. MORE
Yuvraj sets up Pakistan semi
A crucial innings of 57 not out from Yuvraj Singh helped India to a five-wicket quarter-final victory over Australia yesterday. The result means India will face Pakistan in a semi-final in Mohali next Wednesday. Ricky Ponting won the toss in Ahmedabad and chose to bat and, arriving at the crease after the dismissal of Shane Watson, he played an excellent captain’s innings, scoring 104 from 118 deliveries. It was his 30th one-day international century in what could be his final game for Australia. He was dismissed in the penultimate over as Australia made 260 for six. India’s reply was steady although they lost wickets at regular intervals, and when their fifth wicket fell they were still 74 runs short. However, Yuvraj and Suresh Raina saw them home. MORE
Intense schedule causes problems
While Mike Yardy’s depression might not be the same as Marcus Trescothick’s, the nature of international cricket, with the lengthy foreign tours, may exacerbate problems. Many England players have been away since late October on this winter tour. MORE
Elson takes share of Andalucia lead
Englishman Jamie Elson’s 65 in the first round of the Andalucian Open yesterday gave him a share of the lead. The 29-year-old said he was “delighted”– just a few years ago he was stacking supermarket shelves. Compatriot Robert Rock is also on 65. MORE
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments