The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 4 October 2011

Archery test at the home of cricket

The archery test event for next summer’s Olympic Games started at Lord’s yesterday. The London Classic includes a six-strong British men’s team, and runs until 10 October. The first medals of the week will be decided today in the men’s team event.

Hook hopeful of facing Ireland

Wales’ James Hook wants to be fit for Saturday’s quarter-final with Ireland, having injured his shoulder against Samoa: “The quarter-final is a target for me. I am hoping I will be fit for it.” Dan Lydiate and Shane Williams should also train tomorrow. MORE

Dabirsim not for sale after fifth win

Dabirsim will not be sold despite his win in the Prix Lagardère at Longchamp on Sunday. “We don’t want to sell,” said racing manager Olaf Profft, “it would be like selling family.” Dabirsim is unbeaten in five starts. MORE

Shearer believes in ‘fearsome’ Carroll

Alan Shearer believes that Andy Carroll can become a “fearsome” striker for England: “I do see him as an England centre-forward. One hundred per cent. Once he settles down, and gets fully fit, you’ll see why Kenny Dalglish paid £35m for him.” MORE

All Blacks admit Carter injury blow

New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen said he would “not pretend it isn’t a setback” to lose Dan Carter for the rest of the World Cup. Inexperienced Colin Slade may deputise, and Hansen said the other players needed to “take up the slack”. MORE

EU broadcasting sales verdict today

The Premier League will learn today if it will have to rethink how it sells broadcasting rights, when the European Court of Justice delivers the verdict on whether selling broadcast rights on a national basis is “contrary to EU law”. MORE

Cueto: Criticism of players overdone

Mark Cueto wants people to move on from criticisms of England’s behaviour: “In another country, all this might have added up to nothing. In this country, it’s a big thing,” he said. “We feel as though mountains have been made out of molehills.” MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Mark Cueto denies a link between England’s off-field controversies and their performance so far. But they have been hopelessly undisciplined on the field. It is impossible to avoid a link with the lack of late night restraint. MORE

Chelsea start work to move on from Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are taking the first steps towards building a new stadium, by buying back the freehold on their pitch and stadium from a supporters’ group. The club are trying to buy the freehold for the Stamford Bridge pitch and stands back from the Chelsea Pitch Owners to enable them to redevelop the current site should they get the chance to move. With permission to redevelop the current site they could move to a new 55,000-60,000 seater stadium. Their preferred location is Battersea Nine Elms, near the old power station. Chelsea have looked at expanding Stamford Bridge but it is simply too small. “We have a 12-13 acre site and if you want a 60,000-capacity stadium, you need a 18-20 acres site,” said chairman Bruce Buck. There will be a meeting of CPO shareholders on 27 October to vote on the issue: the club need 50 per cent of attendees to support the plan. There are an estimated 12,000 shareholders, who invested £1.5m when the scheme started in 1997. MORE

Lampard predicts caps for Sturridge

Frank Lampard believes Daniel Sturridge’s international breakthrough is inevitable: “He can be a great player for Chelsea and England. He has got that extra excitement that people crave: pace and the ability to beat a man and make a goal out of nothing.” MORE

Cook anticipates ‘tough’ India tour

Alastair Cook is not expecting an easy ODI series in India despite England’s successes this summer. “It will be a really tough challenge,” he said. “What could be tougher than playing the champions in their own backyard? What a great place to play.” MORE