The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 31 May 2011
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Your support makes all the difference.England secure extraordinary win
England claimed a sensational innings-and-14-run victory in Cardiff after bowling out Sri Lanka for 82 in 24.4 overs. Chris Tremlett and Graeme Swann, who claimed four wickets each, tore through the tourists’ batting line-up on the final day. MORE
Elmander signs for Galatasaray
After weeks of speculation, Swedish forward Johan Elmander has left Bolton to sign for Turkish side Galatasaray for free on a three-year contract. The 29-year-old was the club’s record signing when he was brought in by Gary Megson for £8.2m in June 2008.
Murray makes a stirring comeback
Andy Murray lost the first two sets of his fourth-round match against Serbian Viktor Troicki but fought back to level the match at 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, before bad light stopped play last night. They will complete the final set today. MORE
Jones given the sack by Cardiff
Dave Jones paid the price for failing to win promotion to the Premier League as he was sacked by Cardiff yesterday after six years in charge at the Cardiff City Stadium. Craig Bellamy is the surprise early favourite to replace Jones as player-manager. MORE
Stevens recalled to England fold
Matt Stevens has been called up to the England Saxons squad for next month’s Churchill Cup campaign. The Saracens prop, who returned to rugby in January, will rejoin the England set-up for the first time in two years after serving a ban for cocaine use. MORE
Wilshere: Arsenal must win trophies
Arsenal player of the season, Jack Wilshere has admitted it would be a “disaster” if the club didn’t win a trophy next season. “Arsenal is a big club and we need to win trophies and we need to win them to keep our big players.” The 19-year-old said. MORE
Wigan crush Hull KR for vital win
Sam Tomkins and Pat Richards both scored hat-tricks as Wigan emphatically defeated Hull KR 40-6 at DW Stadium last night. The victory means Wigan are now level on points with Warrington at the top of the Super League table, with a game in hand.
Carrick is England’s only injury doubt
Manchester United’s Michael Carrick is the only injury worry for Fabio Capello ahead of the visit of Switzerland on Saturday. The midfielder is expected to miss training today with an ankle injury picked up during the Champions League final.
More to come from World No 1 Donald
Luke Donald insists he has more to accomplish despite becoming world No 1 after his PGA Championship victory at Wentworth. “Just because I have reached the pinnacle of the world rankings doesn’t mean my work is done,” the 33-year-old said. MORE
Opinion: James Lawton
If the history of the reign of Sepp Blatter, as that of his Brazilian predecessor Joao Havelange, is characterised by anything it is an insuperable belief in his ability to shape the organisation quite any way he chooses. MORE
Sinclair’s hat-trick guides Swansea to Premier League
Swansea City will become the first Welsh club to play in the Premier League after defeating Reading 4-2 at Wembley yesterday in the Championship play-off final. The Swans surged to a 3-0 lead at half-time, Scott Sinclair scoring twice – his first a penalty – plus a goal from the lively Stephen Dobbie. Reading substitute Jay Tabb and assistant manager Nigel Gibbs were both sent off by referee Phil Dowd at half-time for accosting officials, and the Royals emerged fired up after the break. A Joe Allen own-goal and a Matt Mills effort made it look like Reading were on the verge of a thrilling comeback, but Sinclair struck another penalty to complete his hat-trick with 10 minutes remaining to seal victory for the Swans. The club last played in the top flight in 1983. MORE
United prepare for a busy summer
The Manchester United chief executive David Gill is preparing for a busy summer in the transfer market. “It will be busier than usual,” he said. Dimitar Berbatov, whose future is in doubt, joined team-mates at United’s open-top bus parade yesterday. MORE
Radcliffe suffers ‘disaster’ on return
Paula Radcliffe’s return to action in the London 10k road race ended in disappointment and injury yesterday, after she finished third behind Jo Pavey and Gemma Steel. “It was a bit of a disaster,” she said. “I’ve got a tear in one of the discs in my back.” MORE
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