The Sports Matrix: Friday 29 July 2011
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Your support makes all the difference.Stoke win, Fulham split the honours
An early header from Jonathan Walters gave Stoke a 1-0 victory at home to Hajduk Split in the first leg of their third-round qualifying tie, but Fulham were held to a goalless draw at RNK Split. Hearts drew 1-1 away with the Hungarian side Paks. MORE
Balm for Godolphin but ban for Dettori
The highlight of the third day of Glorious Goodwood was a nailbiting victory for the Godolphin stable in the Goodwood Cup, where Frankie Dettori drew a two-day whip ban for getting the “lazy” Opinion Poll home in a blanket finish of four horses. MORE
In-form Broad comes of age
Stuart Broad says the death of his stepmother forced him to grow up. “I’ve been very aware that cricket – even international cricket – isn’t the most important thing in life,” the 25-year-old England bowler told i. MORE
Given tells of his City ‘frustration’
Shay Given has admitted to a “frustrating” end to his career at Manchester City, as he spent a season as understudy to Joe Hart. “There is not very much you can do,” the goalkeeper said. “The manager makes a decision and you have to respect it.” MORE
Bleasdale in pole position to impress
Pole vaulter Holly Bleasdale will be one of the main draws at the World Trials and National Championships, which open in Birmingham tonight. The 19-year-old from Lancashire has had a meteoric rise up to joint fourth place in the world rankings. MORE
Arsenal may lose out in Mata battle
Manchester City may hijack Arsenal’s move for Valencia midfielder Juan Mata, after missing out on Samir Nasri and Ashley Young. The 23-year-old would join up with striker Sergio Aguero, who finally completed his move to Eastlands last night. MORE
Laverty relishing Silverstone speed
Eugene Laverty feels his victories in Italy this year could aid him in thisweekend’s British round of the World Superbike Championship. “Monza is a fast and flowing circuit,” he said. “Silverstone is similar, and I think it will suit us very well.” MORE
‘Spoilt’ McIlroy criticised after row
Rory McIlroy has been involved in a Twitter row with an American pundit. Labelling Jay Townsend a “failed golfer”, McIlroy told him to “shut up... your opinion means nothing.” Townsend replied: “This is childish, immature. He comes across as a spoilt brat.” MORE
Button expecting tight Hungarian GP
Jenson Button feels the recent competitiveness of Formula One will continue into this Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix. “We’ve had four different winners in four races,” the McLaren driver said. “There’s been a good fight and no easy victories.” MORE
Opinion: James Lawton
India have to put behind them the degree to which they were put to the sword at Lord’s. The alternative is a terrible prospect, a betrayal of the old guard represented by Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. MORE
England recall Bresnan to drive home advantage
England head into today’s second Test against India at Trent Bridge hoping to maintain their masterful form from Lord’s, but both teams are likely to be below full strength. Chris Tremlett will almost certainly miss the match with a hamstring problem that has failed to respond to treatment, with England likely to hand a recall to 26-year-old Tim Bresnan in his place. India, meanwhile, will be without leading paceman Zaheer Khan, who achieved the secondbest match bowling figures of his career at the Nottingham ground four years ago. The 32-year-old misses out with a hamstring injury, with Sree Sreesanth his likely replacement. The tourists also have concerns over opening batsman Gautam Gambhir, who was still feeling the effects of the bruised elbow he sustained when he was hit at short leg last weekend. His missing out would leave India without both first-choice openers, with Virender Sehwag also sidelined as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery. Rahul Dravid would open with Abhinav Mukund. MORE
How England can stay on front foot
Stephen Brenkley, i’s cricket correspondent, details five areas England must focus on if they are to maintain their momentum for the second Test with India – including better concentration in the field and compiling large firstinnings totals. MORE
Pattinson spell sinks Lancashire
Fine spells from Andre Adams and Darren Pattinson, who finished with 5-44, helped Nottinghamshire beat Lancashire by 129 runs to harm the visitors’ title ambitions. Adams took four wickets as Lancs were bowled out for 128 in their second innings. MORE
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