England beat S Africa by 241 runs

England beat S Africa by 241 runs

England claimed six wickets for just 38 runs on day five of the first Test against South Africa to seal an emphatic 241-run win in Durban, reports BBC. South Africa resumed on 136-4 in search of a distant 416 but lost four wickets for seven runs in the first nine overs. Moeen Ali removed dangerman AB de Villiers with the third ball and Steven Finn finished with 4-42 as the hosts were all out before lunch for 174. The second of the four-match series begins in Cape Town on Saturday. It was only England's second Test victory away from home since 2012 and their largest in terms of runs against South Africa since the Proteas were readmitted to international cricket in 1991. In contrast it was a fourth defeat in the past five Tests for South Africa, whose position at the top of the Test rankings is under increasing threat from India. The South Africans have gone seven matches without a Test victory, which equals their longest run without a win since their readmission. In the 138-year history of Test cricket, only three teams have avoided defeat from being four wickets down on the final day. And it soon became apparent South Africa would not alter that statistic when star batsman De Villiers missed a turning off-break from Moeen and was given out lbw and upheld on review.

South Africa vs England: Joe Root helps tourists press for victory

Joe Root hit 60 not out as England tightened their grip on the first Test against South Africa in Durban. The tourists are 172-3 in their second innings - a lead of 261 - and will aim to declare on Tuesday, then set about bowling the hosts out. Earlier, Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad took four wickets apiece as South Africa's batting line-up fell apart. Hashim Amla's men also dropped three catches on a disastrous third day for the number one ranked Test side. The Proteas' senior fast bowler Dale Steyn was forced off with injury, star batsman AB de Villiers failed to quash rumours of his Test retirement, and the middle order surrendered meekly. Opener Dean Elgar resisted with a superb unbeaten 118, but England remain in an excellent position to push for only a second win in 16 away Tests.

South Africa vs England: James Taylor positive after fightback

England's batsmen can build on their opening day fightback against South Africa in the first Test, according to James Taylor. After losing three early wickets, the 25-year-old helped guide the tourists to 179-4 at the close. Taylor fell late on for 70, with Nick Compton 63 not out. "That wasn't ideal, my late wicket, but that happens and we've still got plenty of batting to come, which is really exciting," Taylor told . "We're in a nice position. We've got Compo in there who's batting extremely nicely, and we all know how good a nick Ben Stokes is in at the moment, with plenty of batting to come. "So I think, as a whole, it's been a pretty solid day for ourselves." England Tests in South Africa 26-30 December: 1st Test, Durban 2-6 January: 2nd Test, Cape Town (08:30 GMT) 14-18 January: 3rd Test, Wanderers, Johannesburg (08:30 GMT) 22-26 January: 4th Test, Centurion (08:30 GMT) Taylor arrived at the crease with England struggling at 49 for three, after captain Alastair Cook fell for a duck, debutant opener Alex Hales made just 10 and Joe Root was trapped lbw for 24. South Africa paceman Dale Steyn had claimed both openers but steady half-centuries from Taylor and Compton - who both made Test debuts in 2012 before being dropped - drew the sting form the home side's attack. "We knew what the situation meant and it kind of dictated the way we played," said Taylor, whose partnership with Compton contributed 125 runs for the fourth wicket. "We kept it really simple and did exactly what we needed to do and focused on our own game rather than the situation as a whole. It was really enjoyable batting with Compo, it was good fun. "We should be pretty happy with that considering it couldn't have been better bowling conditions for them."

No Premier League break hurts England chances

The busy schedule of the Premier League hurts England's chances in major tournaments, says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The German praised England's current team as "really talented", but said the lack of a winter break in the country would count against them at Euro 2016. "You have too many games, that's for sure," Klopp told Football Focus. "You have no break, too many tournaments. "I think everybody knows that's not the way [to be successful]." Play media Jump media player Media player help Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue. Jurgen Klopp: English clubs play 'too many games' The 48-year-old added: "Everybody thinks [manager] Roy [Hodgson] should lead these boys to the title, they have really good players. "But they've had no break for one year. All the other teams have. You can be [successful] but it's much harder." England have not reached the semi-finals at any of their past eight major tournaments, and were knocked out at the group stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

South Africa vs England: Chris Woakes to start in first Test

Chris Woakes will replace the injured James Anderson in England's bowling attack when the four-match series against South Africa begins in Durban on Saturday. Warwickshire's Woakes will play his first Test match in 16 months, after Anderson suffered a calf injury. Alex Hales, 26, is set to make his Test debut and will be the eighth opener to partner Alastair Cook since 2012. South Africa are ranked number one but lost their last series in India 3-0. An England victory by any scoreline would see South Africa lose top spot to India, while only a win will ensure captain Alastair Cook's men improve their ranking of sixth. However, England have won only one series in South Africa since the Proteas were readmitted to Test cricket in 1991 and Cook's side have triumphed only once in their last 15 overseas Tests.

Chris Robshaw would back successor as England captain

Chris Robshaw says he will back his successor if new head coach Eddie Jones strips him of the England captaincy. The Harlequins flanker is expected to be replaced as captain for the Six Nations, with Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley a leading contender. Robshaw led England throughout previous head coach Stuart Lancaster's reign and in 42 of his 43 international caps. "If Eddie decides to go to someone else I'd respect that decision and fully back the person who comes in," he said. Robshaw, 29, met with Jones to discuss his international future on 6 December, shortly after the Australian was appointed as Lancaster's successor. Yet Robshaw said he was still "not sure" about the England captaincy situation but would be "hugely honoured" if Jones, 55, asked him to continue. Hartley was dropped for the recent World Cup after being banned for a head-butt and has been out of action for a number of weeks with concussion. Former Japan coach Jones is also thought to be considering moving Robshaw to blind-side flanker rather than on the open-side, where he has won the vast majority of his caps.

South Africa vs England: Why can't England find an opening batsman?

Nine of the 25 most prolific openers in Test cricket history are English - more than any other nation. Six of those nine were fixtures in the side, so much so that in the 51 years since Geoffrey Boycott made his debut in 1964, at least one of Boycott, Graham Gooch, Mike Atherton, Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Strauss or Alastair Cook has opened in 79% (442) of England's 561 Tests. But that lineage appears, for now at least, to be in danger of dying out with Cook. Since Strauss retired in 2012, Cook has gone through seven different partners, with Alex Hales set to become the eighth in the first Test against South Africa starting on 26 December. How have England, the home of technically correct, gritty, sell-your-grandma-before-you-sell-your-wicket openers - raised against the moving ball on pitches greener than a snooker table - found themselves in such a state of flux at the top of the order?

'Former Arsenal and England coach dies aged 80'

 Former England international and coach Don Howe has died at the age of 80. The full-back played for West Brom and Arsenal, earning 23 England caps, before establishing himself as a renowned coach for club and country. Howe helped Arsenal to a league and FA Cup double in 1971 and spent four years as West Brom boss before returning to the Gunners as coach and manager. He also coached under former England managers Ron Greenwood, Sir Bobby Robson and Terry Venables. Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick said Howe had been "enduring a long battle with illness", but added it was still a "shock to learn the news".

England batsman's 2015 in numbers

 It has been another record-breaking year for England batsman Joe Root. Across three formats, he has played a staggering 36 matches for his country this year - with one Test still to come against South Africa. Here,  Sport looks at Root's record-breaking year in numbers. Produced by Marc Higginson, Ashleigh Jackson and Andrew Samson.

Anderson injury doubt for first Test

 England pace bowler James Anderson is a doubt for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa with a calf injury. Anderson, England's leading wicket-taker in Tests, was sent for scans on Tuesday after suffering tightness in his right calf muscle. A decision on his involvement in the first Test in Durban is unlikely to be taken until Thursday. The 33-year-old was rested for England's victory over South Africa A in their final warm-up game. Having experienced soreness in his calf since the start of the tour, Anderson has bowled only five overs, in a 13-a-side match against a South Africa Invitational XI last week. Anderson, who has taken 426 wickets in 110 Tests, missed the final two Tests of England's Ashes triumph over Australia this summer with a side strain. England face South Africa, the top-ranked Test side, in a four-match series with the second Test in Cape Town starting two days after the first is due to end. If Anderson is ruled out, England are likely to call on two of Chris Woakes, Steven Finn, Chris Jordan or Mark Footitt to join Stuart Broad in the pace attack.

Dale Steyn passed fit for South Africa series against England

South Africa paceman Dale Steyn will be fit for the Test series with England after passing a fitness test. The 32-year-old, the number one ranked Test bowler, has been out of action with a groin strain since the first Test against India in early November. But in Cape Town this week he was able to complete two bowling spells at match intensity in the nets, run sprints and do agility tests and fielding drills. The first of the four-match Test series begins in Durban on 26 December. Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee said: "Dale has put a lot of work into his training and rehab since his return from India so we are very happy to have him back from injury. "He was put through a thorough fitness test on Thursday by physiotherapist, Shane Jabaar, he came through the tests without any discomfort and will be available for selection for the first Test match against England." Steyn has taken 402 wickets in 81 Tests at an average of 22.56, including 46 in 11 matches against England. South Africa remain at the top of the Test rankings despite a 3-0 defeat in India this month.

'England fly-half agrees new Bath contract'

England fly-half George Ford has signed a new deal with Premiership side Bath. The 22-year-old, who moved to The Rec in 2013 from Leicester Tigers, has won 17 England caps and started their opening match at the 2015 World Cup before being left out for Owen Farrell. "It sounds like a cliche, but it really was an easy decision to stay here," said Ford, whose father Mike is the club's head coach. "I'm really looking forward to the next two years." He added: "I feel like I've become a better player since joining. "I always wanted to stay here, it's a great environment to be a part of. I'm very excited about the next couple of years, being part of this team and hopefully being successful at this club."

England opener Alex Hales fails again in South Africa warm-up

England opener Alex Hales made another low score on day two of their three-day tour match against a South Africa Invitation XI in Potchefstroom. Having made eight in the first innings, Hales took 42 balls to make the same score when England batted again. England declared on their overnight 470-5 and bowled the home side out for 188, with Stuart Broad taking 3-18 and uncapped left-armer Mark Footitt 2-51. Alastair Cook made 37 and Joe Root an unbeaten 26 as England closed on 99-3. Hales, who made his maiden one-day international century in the series with Pakistan last month, is expected to become the eighth man tried at the top of the Test order since Andrew Strauss retired in 2012 when the first of four Tests against South Africa begins in Durban on 26 December. But the 26-year-old Nottinghamshire batsman, uncapped at Test level, was again dismissed by paceman Junior Dala as his backward defensive shot cannoned into his stumps.

Dylan Hartley set to replace Chris Robshaw as England captain

Chris Robshaw will not continue as England captain under new head coach Eddie Jones and is set to be replaced by Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley. The 29-year-old Harlequins flanker was captain throughout Stuart Lancaster's reign and in 42 of his 43 England caps. Joe Launchbury of Wasps has been tipped as a future skipper but it is thought Jones wants a more confrontational character to lead the side. Hartley was dropped from the World Cup after being banned for a head-butt. However, despite his poor disciplinary record - he has been banned for a total of 54 weeks during his career - the 29-year-old's total of 66 England caps makes him one of the most experienced players available to Jones heading into the Six Nations, which starts on 6 February.

Graham Rowntree, Mike Catt and Andy Farrell leave England roles

New head coach Eddie Jones has begun overhauling his England backroom team by getting rid of Mike Catt, Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree. The trio worked under former boss Stuart Lancaster, who was relieved of his duties last month following a disappointing home World Cup campaign. "We felt it was the right time to make changes," said Australian Jones, 55. "They are all experienced guys and have contributed greatly to this England team over recent years." He added: "I know everyone is appreciative of their hard work and commitment." Jones, who has previously worked with South Africa, and been head coach of Australia and Japan, became England's first foreign head coach when he agreed a four-year deal in November.

'Australian appointed England head coach'

 Eddie Jones has been named as England's first foreign head coach. The 55-year-old Australian has agreed a four-year deal with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to replace Stuart Lancaster and will start in December. Jones has confirmed there will be no change to the policy of only selecting home-based players. "I want players who want to play for England," he said. "If you want to play for England you have to be in the Premiership. I am happy with that." Jones says he intends to speak with captain Chris Robshaw but is yet to decide who his captain will be.

Steven Finn joins England squad for South Africa Tests

Steven Finn has been brought into England's Test squad in South Africa after recovering from a foot injury. The 26-year-old Middlesex fast bowler missed the series against Pakistan in October and November because of a bone stress injury. But he returned to action this weekend for England Lions in the United Arab Emirates, playing in two Twenty20 matches. Finn is not expected to feature in the first Test in Durban on Boxing Day. "I've been really pleased with the way things have gone with the Lions," he said. "I've bowled my overs and my foot has come through fine. I'm excited by the prospect of linking up with the team out in South Africa." England play the first of two warm-up matches on Tuesday against a South Africa Invitational XI, starting at 08:30 GMT.

China football revolution can be a financial game changer

When Chinese investors recently decided to acquire a 13% stake in Manchester City's parent firm, it put the country's renewed interest in football firmly in the spotlight. The world's second largest economy has never been a football powerhouse, qualifying for just one World Cup. Meanwhile, the population seems more interested in NBA basketball than the sport known in the UK as "the people's game". But over the past couple of years Chinese investors and firms have quietly been acquiring stakes in football clubs in England, Spain, France, Netherlands and the Czech Republic, while President Xi Jinping has professed a love of the game. So why are the Chinese now snapping up stakes in European clubs?  sours:bbc

'Essex sign Kiwi paceman on three-year contract'

 

Essex have signed New Zealand A fast bowler Matt Quinn on a three-year deal. Auckland-born Quinn, 22, holds a UK passport and will not therefore count as an overseas player. He is the first signing by the county since Thursday's appointment of former England paceman Chris Silverwood as head coach. "Matt is a tall, fast bowler who can swing the ball. We've made no secret of the fact we want to bolster the bowling attack," said Silverwood. "Having looked at Matt play, alongside his record in New Zealand, he's got a good pedigree."

Australia vs West Indies: Adam Voges & Shaun Marsh add 449 runs

Adam Voges and Shaun Marsh fell two runs short of Donald Bradman and Bill Ponsford's record stand of 451 for Australia on day two of the first Test against West Indies. Voges made 269 not out and Marsh 182 as they added 449 - the highest for the fourth wicket in Tests - in a total of 583-4 declared. Nathan Lyon took three wickets to reduce West Indies to 116-6 in Hobart. However, Darren Bravo's unbeaten 94 guided them to 207-6, trailing by 376. Bradman and Ponsford's record, made against England at The Oval, as stood since 1934.