Aguero double seals Community Shield for Man City

Chelsea 0 – 2 Manchester City  (Aguero 13, 58)

Sergio Aguero reached a club milestone, scoring his 200th goal in all competitions, after netting twice for Manchester City in a convincing win over Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley.

The Premier League champions continued where they left off from last season by producing a commanding display that saw them comfortably defeat a lethargic Chelsea side. Aguero opened the scoring in the 13^th minute after collecting the ball on the edge of the area from Phil Foden before beating Willy Cabellero with a fierce strike into the bottom corner.

Aguero’s second came in the second half, latching onto a through ball from the impressive Bernardo Silva and beating Cabellero again with another low precise finish into the bottom near corner.

The seasons curtain raising event, ahead of the Premier League’s return next weekend, demonstrated to the rest of the league that City continue to look imperious and the team to beat. Yet it left a lot to ponder for new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri as they posed no real attacking threat.

Both teams were without some of their star players, with Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva both missing for City whilst Chelsea were missing their most pivotal player in Eden Hazard. Yet City’s quality and strength in depth of squad appeared to be much stronger than Chelsea’s, with their most notable signing of the summer Riyad Mahrez looking already comfortably settled into their side.

Chelsea were simply outclassed and posed little attacking threat throughout, with striker Alvaro Morata completely isolated for lengthy spells during the match. It was clear to see that City looked much sharper, fitter and quicker despite playing fewer games during pre-season.

New Chelsea signing Jorginho struggled to impose himself in midfield but 17 year old Callum Hudson-Odoi produced a lively display, proving to be his sides most attacking threat with a couple of long distance efforts. More questions than answers for Sarri, who now only has a week before the new season kicks off to translate his style of play into a winning formula.

On the contrary, City boss Pep Guardiola will be incredibly satisfied after such a convincing display going into the new season. The only criticism of City was that they weren’t very clinical in front of goal. Every time they went forward they looked like scoring and after producing countless attempts, they really should have scored more than twice.

Man of the match: Sergio Aguero  

  

French Open (Roland Garros, 2014) Day 11 - Quarter-Finals

Murray overcomes Monfils in five set thriller

Andy Murray eventually booked his place in the French Open semi-finals after defeating Gael Monfils in near darkness at Roland Garros. After winning the first two sets reasonably comfortably, Monfils upped his game and fed off the French crowd's support to level the match at two sets apiece. It was getting pretty late into the day now and it seemed that the match would be finished off tomorrow. Incredibly, Murray produced some scintillating tennis to bagel an agitated Monfils in the fifth set to get the job done. 

Fourth seed Simona Halep battled past previous champion Svetlana Kuznetsova to seal her place in the French Open semi-finals for the first time in her career. Some heavy ground strokes proved too much for the Russian who was just played off the court. A double break in each set saw Halep through in straight sets. 

My Opinion:

Murray put the British fans through the ringer again but managed to somehow battle his was past the very dangerous Monfils. People anticipated a much closer match than we saw in the first two sets as Murray eased to a two set lead. However, the crowd roared a little louder and Monfils fed off the energy. This led to the tide turning in the third set as Monfils gained more and more confidence, hitting bigger and better winners. Incredibly, Monfils raced away with the fourth set to take it into a tense decider. It was getting pretty dark and six games was probably the most they were going to play until the umpire took them off. However, Murray took advantage of Monfils moaning at the conditions and cruised to victory, winning the fifth set 6-0.

He will face a much tougher opponent in the semi-final where he will face Rafael Nadal. The number one seed dropped the opening set to David Ferrer, in what was a replay of last years final. However, Nadal has only ever lost once at Roland Garros and today was not going to be the second time. Normality was restored in the second set and Ferrer could only manage to put a further game on the board throughout the entire third and fourth sets. 

Halep going up against Kuznetsova looked like a very close game to call. However, it was Halep who proved to be too good on the day. That must have been disappointing for the Russian, who must have fancied her chances of winning the tournament again this year. However, Halep marches on after another strong performance. 

Halep will meet Petkovic in the semi-final after the German managed to cause an upset, defeating Sara Errani in straight sets. Despite her best efforts of repeatedly getting the ball back, it was too much in the end for Errani who just couldn't hit any winners past Petkovic. Instead it was the German who hit the ball harder and more effectively against the tenth seed. There was only going to be one outcome with the way the match played out and that was Petkovic, who very impressively makes her first ever French Open semi-final. 

Men’s Singles Quarter-Finals Results

Nadal (1) beat Ferrer (5) 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, 6-1

Murray (7) beat Monfils (23) 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 1-6, 6-0

Women’s Singles Quarter-Finals Results

Halep (4) beat Kuznetsova (27) 6-2, 6-2

Petkovic (28) beat Errani (10) 6-2, 6-2

Women’s Doubles Quarter-Finals Selected Result

Muguruza/Saurez Navarro beat Peschke/Srebotnik (4) 6-4, 6-4

Mixed Doubles Semi-Finals Results

Groenefeld/Rojer beat Shvedova/Soares (3) 3-6, 7-6, (10-5)

Georges/Zimonjic (8) beat Babos/Butorac 6-2, 6-2

Boys’ Singles Third Round Selected Results

Zormann (14) beat Khachanov (3)6-7, 6-4, 9-7

Rublev (4) beat Chrysochos 6-1, 6-2

Girls’ Singles Third Round Selected Results

Abanda (10) beat Wallace 7-5, 7-6

Shymanovich (16) beat Bolsova Zadainova (4) 4-6, 6-3, 6-1

Jorovic (1) beat Ferro 6-4, 6-2

Boys’ Doubles Second Round Selected Result

Khachanov/Medvedev (4) beat Bobrov/Uspensky 6-4, 6-3

Fifth ODI - England v Sri Lanka (Birmingham) 2014

Sri Lanka win Series after edging 5th ODI

Sri Lanka 222-4 (48.2) beat England 219 all out (48.1) by 6 wickets (Sri Lanka win Series 3-2)

Sri Lanka defeated England by six wickets in the fifth one day international to win the Series 3-2. England were bowled out for 219 whilst Lasith Malinga took three wickets. Thirimanne (64*) and Jayawardene (53) both hit fifties whilst Mathews struck an unbeaten 42* at the end of the innings to help Sri Lanka seal victory in the penultimate over of the innings.  



My Opinion:

England started their innings well, passing fifty without the loss of a wicket. However, from then on wickets just kept falling which eventually led to the team being bowled out. Bell and Ballance were the first two wickets to go but Cook managed to pass fifty. Root, Cook and Morgan were all dismissed in the space of seven overs, leaving England struggling on 142-5. Things only got worse as Bopara, Buttler and Tredwell failed to provide a key innings between them whilst a spirited 30 from Jordan wasn't enough at the end of the innings to save a poor England batting display. It just wasn't good enough and it gave the bowlers too low a target to aim for in the end.

Sri Lanka, similarly to England, made a great start to their innings. Dilshan and Perera put on an opening fifty partnership but England fought back with three quick wickets. Tredwell struck twice as Sri Lanka were reduced from 55-0 to 62-3 in the space of 3 overs. However, Jayawardene and Thirimanne put the visitors back in control with a fifty partnership. Jordan dismissed Jayawardene (53) but Thirimanne and and Mathews comfortably saw Sri Lanka over the winning line with ten balls to go. A disappointing way to lose the Series for England but delight for Sri Lanka who turned it around in the last the two games. 

Match Guide: Key Moments

England won the toss and elected to bat.

England Innings:
(11) 55-0, Fifty Partnership between Cook 25* and Bell 28*.
(15) 76-1, Bell 37 (42), 3 fours, caught and bowled by Mendis.
(20.1) 98-2, Ballance 10 (15), caught and bowled by Malinga.
(21) 102-2, Cook 48*, Root 2*
(22) 106-2, Fifty for Cook off 69 balls.
(23.2) 116-3, Root 10 (11), 1 four, caught Sangakkara, Priyanjan.
(29.2) 136-4, Cook 56 (85), 3 fours, caught Sangakkara, Senanayake.
(30.5) 142-5, Morgan 17 (27), 1 six, caught Jayawardene, Mathews.
(33) 152-5, Bopara 7*, Buttler 6*.
(37.2) 170-6, Bopara 17 (30), bowled by Mendis.
(43.3) 199-7, Buttler 21 (24), 1 four, run out by Senanayake.
(45) 201-8, Tredwell 0 (5), bowled by Malinga.
(47.3) 218-9, Jordan 30 (42), 3 fours, run out by Perera.
(48.1) 219 all out, Anderson 5 (7), bowled by Malinga. Gurney 0*(2).

Batsman of the Innings: Cook 56 (85)
Bowler of the Innings: Malinga 3-50 from 9.1 overs.

Sri Lanka Innings:
(7) 51-0, Fifty partnership between Dilshan 24* and Perera 15*.
(7.2) 55-1, Dilshan 28 (23), 5 fours, caught Root, Tredwell.
(10) 59-2, Sangakkara 2 (13), caught Jordan, Tredwell.
(10.5) 62-3, Perera 19 (29), 2 fours, lbw Anderson.
(26) 106-3, Jayawardene 20*, Thirimanne 22*.
(30) 119-3, Fifty partnership between Jayawardene 28* and Thirimanne 27*.
(37) 155-3, Jayawardene 49*, Thirimanne 41*.
(38) 156-3, Fifty for Jayawardene off 87 balls.
(38.4) 160-4, Jayawardene 53 (90), 4 fours, caught Anderson, Jordan.
(44) 181-4, Fifty for Thirimanne from 89 balls.
(46) 201-4, Thirimanne 54*, Mathews 27*.
(48) 214-4, Fifty partnership between Thirimanne 60* and Mathews 34*.
(48.2) 222-4, Thirimanne 60*(101), 2 fours, 1 six and Mathews 42*(34), 6 fours.
Sri Lanka win by 6 wickets and win the Series 3-2.

Batsman of the Innings: Thirimanne 60*(101)
Bowler of the Innings: Tredwell 2-30 from 10 overs.

England Player of the Series - L. Plunkett
England Batsman of the Series - J. Buttler scored 172 runs from 124 balls faced.
England Bowler of the Series - L. Plunkett took 11 wickets with an average of 29.09 runs.

Sri Lanka Player of the Series - T. Dilshan
Sri Lanka Batsman of the Series - T. Dilshan scored 222 runs from 284 balls.
Sri Lanka Bowler of the Series - R. Eranga took 10 wickets with an average of 31.90 runs.

French Open (Roland Garros, 2014) Day 10 - Quarter-Finals

Djokovic and Sharapova through to Semi-Finals

Novak Djokovic came through his quarter-final match against Milos Raonic with a straights set victory. However, it was hard-fought for. Breaks of serve were few and far between during this match but the number two seed proved why he keeps on making those semi-final appearances with a 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 win. 

Maria Sharapova avoided a real scare and progressed into the semi-finals after defeating Muguruzu 1-6, 7-5, 6-1. Muguruzu showed one again the type of tennis that proved too much for Serena Williams in the first set against Sharapova, racing away with the first set. However, Sharapova is a true competitor and valiantly levelled the match at one set apiece. With the momentum in her favour and experience on her side, Sharapova hit her way past Muguruzu in the deciding set, coming out a worthy winner. 

My Opinion:

Djokovic will meet Gulbis in the semi-finals after the Latvian continued to upset the higher seeds with a straight sets victory over Berdych. It was another very impressive performance in what has been a fantastic run for the 18th seed. Some may have thought that knocking out Federer would have been his one moment of the tournament but he continues into the semi-finals. Could this be his year to finally make a potential breakthrough into the final or will, as I expect, Djokovic be one step too much. 

Sharapova will meet Bouchard in the semi-finals after the Canadian overcame an enthralling encounter with Suarez-Navarro. It was a very even match-up that needed a deciding set which really could have gone either way. However, it was Bouchard who claimed that vital break of serve at the end of the set to seal her best result in a Slam so far. I'm really looking forward to Sharapova taking on Bouchard as anything really could happen. It's surely going to be a three-setter but will experience or youth prevail?

Men’s Singles Quarter-Finals Results

Djokovic (2) beat Raonic (8) 7-5, 7-6, 6-4

Gulbis (18) beat Berdych (6) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4

Women’s Singles Quarter-Final Results

Sharapova (7) beat Muguruza 1-6, 7-5, 6-1

Bouchard (18) beat Suarez-Navarro (14) 7-6, 2-6, 7-5

Women’s Doubles Quarter-Finals Results

Hsieh/Peng (1) beat Black/Mirza (5) 6-2, 3-6, 6-3

Errani/Vinci (2) beat Barty/Dellacqua (7) 6-0, 6-1

Mixed Doubles Quarter-Finals Selected Result

Shvedova/Soares (3) beat Mladenovic/Nestor (5) 6-3, 1-6, (10-3)

Boys’ Singles Second Round Selected Results

Rublev (4) beat Wiersholm 6-3, 3-6, 6-3

Khachanov (3) beat Rybakov 6-4, 6-3

Boys’ Singles Third Round Selected Result

Luz (2) beat Medvedev (16) 6-1, 6-3

Girls’ Singles Second Round Selected Results

Wallace beat Mihalikova 0-6, 6-3, 6-4

Bolsova Zadoinova (4) beat Grabher 7-5, 6-3

Jorovic (1) beat Arconada 7-6, 6-2

Rosca beat Boulter 6-0, 6-3

Girls’ Singles Third Round Selected Result

Vondrousova beat Bellis (2) 6-0, 6-4

Boys’ Doubles First Round Selected Results

Matos/Zormann beat Nakagawa/Yamasaki (3) 7-6, 5-7, (10-7)

Khachanov/Medvedev (4) beat Fournerie/Tessa 6-4, 6-4

Boys’ Doubles Second Round Selected Result

Kozlov/Rublev (1) beat Chrysochos/Rosas 6-1, 6-4

Girls’ Doubles First Round Selected Results

Heinova/Komardina beat Boulter/Jorovic (3) 1-6, 6-3, (10-6)

Stefani/Zarazua walkover Abanda/Flink (1)

Girls’ Doubles Second Round Selected Results

Bains/Black (4) beat Mihalikova/Sramkova 7-6, 2-6, (10-7)

Ducu/Rosca beat Hon/Teichmann (2) 6-1, 7-5

French Open (Roland Garros, 2014) Day 9 - Fourth Round

Nadal, Murray and Halep move into Quarter-Finals

Rafael Nadal eased into the French Open Quarter-Finals with a very dominant display against Lajovic. The top seed lost only four games throughout the entire match, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-1. Going into the Quarter-Finals, nobody would want to play Nadal here as he just seems to be getting better as the tournament goes on. 

Simona Halep booked her place in the Quarter-Finals draw after avoiding a potential upset against Sloane Stephens. The fourth seed battled her way past the American with a straight sets victory 6-4, 6-3 in what was a very competitive match. 

My Opinion:

David Ferrer moved into the Quarters after overcoming Kevin Anderson in four sets. A break of serve in each of the two opening sets saw the Spaniard go 2-0 sets up but Anderson claimed the third set tie-break to take the match into a fourth. However, Ferrer found his game and swiftly took the fourth set 6-1. Andy Murray made easier work than he did at Wimbledon last year against Fernando Verdasco, this time coming out on top with a straight sets victory. That result will please the seventh seed as he saves vital energy going into the last eight. Gael Monfils kept the French dreaming after claiming a comfortable win over Garcia-Lopez. There are some really good Quarter-Final match-ups this year and it will be really interesting to see who progresses into the semi-s.

 Jelena Jankovic was knocked out by Sara Errani in straight sets which was an upset according to the seeding. The first set was extremely competitive but it was Errani who came out on top in the tie-break which hugely influenced how the second set went. Jankovic, who hits the flat and hard, made too many unforced errors whilst Errani just kept getting the ball back. A great result for Errani who normally enjoys her best Grand Slam results here at Roland Garros. Kuznetsova continued her good run with a straight sets victory over Safarova. It will be interesting to see how far the Russian can go this year. Despite losing the first set quite convincingly, Petkovic fought back to eventually overcome Bertens 7-5 in the third set. With the top three seeds out, the women's title is really up for grabs this year, making the Quarter-Finals a very interesting affair. 

Men’s Singles Fourth Round Results

Nadal (1) beat Lajovic 6-1, 6-2, 6-1

Ferrer (5) beat Anderson (19) 6-3, 6-3, 6-7, 6-1

Murray (7) beat Verdasco (24) 6-4, 7-5, 7-6

Monfils (23) beat Garcia-Lopez 6-0, 6-2, 7-5

Women’s Singles Fourth Round Results

Halep (4) beat Stephens (15) 6-4, 6-3

Errani (10) beat Jankovic (6) 7-6, 6-2

Kuznetsova (27) beat Safarova (23) 6-3, 6-4

Petkovic (28) beat Bertens 1-6, 6-2, 7-5

Men’s Doubles Quarter-Finals Results

Granollers/Lopez (12) beat Bryan/Bryan (1) 6-4, 6-2

Dragania/Mergea beat Nestor/Zimonjic (3) 6-7, 6-3, 7-6

Women’s Doubles Third Round Selected Result

Peschke/Srebotnik (4) beat Kanepi/Panova 6-3, 6-1

Boys’ Singles First Round Selected Results

Rublev (4) beat Apostol 5-7, 6-1, 7-5

Luz (2) beat Fritz 6-4, 6-0

Choinski beat Tiafoe (1) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3

Girls’ Singles First Round Selected Results

Boulter beat Kingsley 6-1, 3-6, 6-3

Bolsova Zadoinov (4) beat Komardina 6-2, 6-2

Jorovic (1) beat Cristian 6-2, 6-2

Girls’ Singles Second Round Selected Results

Bellis (2) beat Salas 6-1, 6-3

Boys’ Doubles First Round Selected Results

Kozlov/Rublev (1) beat Janvier/Muller 6-4, 6-1

Apostol/Frunza beat Mmoh/Tiafoe (2) 6-4, 7-5

Girls’ Doubles First Round Selected Results

Bains/Black (4) beat Wargnier/Yerolymos 6-2, 6-3

Hon/Teichmann (2) beat Samir/Wallace 7-6, 6-4

French Open (Roland Garros, 2014) Day 8 - Third/Fourth Round

Murray, Djokovic progress, Federer crashes out

Roger Federer crashed out of the French Open after being defeated in the fourth round to Ernests Gulbis in a five set thriller. The first two sets were shared as Federer won the first tie-break whilst Gulbis claimed the second. It was the dangerous Latvian who stormed away with the third set but Federer hit back, taking the match into a fifth set after winning the fourth 6-4. Despite giving it everything, it was not enough for Federer who was knocked out after losing the deciding set 6-3. A really entertaining match and if Gulbis can maintain this level of tennis, who knows how far he could go at the French Open. 

Meanwhile, seventh seed Maria Sharapova survived a scare after coming through a tough match against Sam Stosur. It was the Australian who claimed the first set 6-3 but Sharapova fought back valiantly and turned the match around after winning the second set 6-4. The momentum had shifted in favour of Sharapova and it clearly showed as she wasted no time in the deciding set, winning it 6-0.

My Opinion:

There were a couple of third round matches that needed to be finished off and they threw up some enthralling results. Andy Murray eventually sealed his place in the fourth round, overcoming Kohlschrieber 12-10 in the fifth set. Meanwhile, Fernando Verdasco upset the home crowd after knocking out Richard Gasquet in straight sets. 

Novak Djokovic claimed his place in the QF after defeating Tsonga in very comfortable fashion. A hugely disappointing day for the French as both of their best players were knocked out on the same day. Tomas Berdych was victorious in the battle of the big servers, overcoming John Isner in straight sets. Milos Raonic continues to impress, this time defeating Granollers in straight sets as the Quarter-Finals start to look a little more tasty. 

Suarez Navarro marched into the Quarter-Finals with a straight sets victory over Tomljanovic which most likely came as no surprise to anyone in the tennis world. However, there was a huge result for young Canadian star Eugunie Bouchard who defeated eighth seed Angelique Kerber 6-1, 6-2. That was a massive result as Bouchard continues her rise up the rankings and claims her first ever Quarter-Final at Roland Garros. 

Men’s Singles Third Round Selected Results

Verdasco (24) beat Gasquet (12) 6-3, 6-2, 6-3

Murray (7) beat Kohlschrieber (28) 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 12-10

Men’s Singles Fourth Round Selected Results

Gulbis (18) beat Federer (4) 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3

Djokovic (2) beat Tsonga (13) 6-1, 6-4, 6-1

Berdych (6) beat Isner (10) 6-4, 6-4, 6-4

Raonic (8) beat Granollers 6-3, 6-3, 6-3

Women’s Singles Fourth Round Selected Results

Bouchard (18) beat Kerber (8) 6-1, 6-2

Suarez Navarro (14) beat Tomljanovic 6-3, 6-3

Sharapova (7) beat Stosur (19) 3-6, 6-4, 6-0

Women’s Doubles Third Round Selected Results

Hsieh/Peng (1) beat Huber/Raymond (15) 6-0, 6-2

Errani/Vinci (2) beat Petkovic/Rybarikova 7-5, 3-6, 6-3

Mixed Doubles Second Round Selected Result

Shevdova/Soares (3) beat Lim/Chardy 6-3, 6-4

Mixed Doubles Quarter-Final Selected Result

Georges/Zimonjic (8) beat Srebotnik/Bopanna (2) 2-6, 6-4, (10-5)

Boys’ Singles First Round Selected Results

Luz (2) beat Molcan 6-1, 6-1

 Khachanov (3) beat Bertran 6-2, 6-2

Tiafoe (1) beat Larriere 6-4, 7-5

Girls’ Singles First Round Selected Results

Badosa Gibert beat Black (3) 6-2, 6-1

Bellis (2) beat Birrell 6-3, 6-3

Wallace beat Fink (6) 7-5, 6-2

French Open (Roland Garros, 2014) Day 7 - Third Round

Nadal through to fourth round but Kvitova out

Rafael Nadal eased through into the fourth round at the French Open with a straight sets victory over Mayer 6-2, 7-5, 6-2. It was no surprise to see the Spaniard go through and it still looks as though it's going to take an inspired performance to beat him here. 

The biggest story in the Women's draw saw previous winner Kuznetsova defeat fifth seed Kvitova in a three set epic. Kvitova took the first set after winning the tie-break but Kuznetsova raced away with the second set 6-1. However, it was a real battle in the deciding set as both players fought valiantly. In the end, it was Kuznetsova who came out victorious, eventually winning the third set 9-7. Some may see this as an upset, especially going with the seeding but you can never rule out a previous champion.

My Opinion:

David Ferrer moved into the fourth round after overcoming Seppi in straight sets. The Italian plays his best tennis on the clay so this was by no means an easy win for Ferrer. He had to work hard for the majority of the points but you would expect last years runner up to come through that match. Kevin Anderson didn't have to work too hard for his place in the fourth round as Ivo Karlovic retired from the match with an injury in the second set. Although I'm sure the first set was just a lot of aces being thrown down. The match of the day saw home favourite Gael Monfils defeat the enigmatic Fabio Fognini in a five set thriller. Foginini took the first set but Monfils struck back, winning the second and third set. However, Fognini won the fourth set to love, taking the match to a deciding fifth set. Tantrums were thrown by the Italian as Monfils battled his way past the Italian, much to the delight of the French crowd.

Jelena Jankovic eased through with a comfortable victory over Cirstea whilst Simona Halep crushed her Torro-Flor to move into the fourth round. Sara Errani only dropped one game in her match against Glushko whilst Sloane Stephens battled her way past Makarova in straight sets. Safarova caused an upset after defeating 11th seed Ana Ivanovic in straight sets. That came as a surprise to me and it will no doubt come as a major disappointment to Ivanovic to leave Roland Garros in the third round. 

Men’s Singles Third Round Selected Results

Nadal (1) beat Mayer 6-2, 7-5, 6-2

Monfils (23) beat Fognini (14) 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 0-6, 6-2

Ferrer (5) beat Seppi (32) 6-2, 7-6, 6-3

Anderson (19) beat Karlovic 6-3 Retired

Women’s Singles Third Round Selected Results

Kuzetsova (27) beat Kvitova (5) 6-7, 6-1, 9-7

Stephens (15) beat Makarova (22) 6-3, 6-4

Safarova (23) beat Ivanovic (11) 6-3, 6-3

Jankovic (6) beat Cirstea (26) 6-1, 6-2

Halep (4) beat Torro-Flor 6-3, 6-0

Errani (10) beat Glushko 6-0, 6-1

Men’s Doubles Third Round Selected Results

Bryan/Bryan (1) beat Murray/Peers (15) 6-3, 6-1

Nestor/Zimonjic (3) beat Rojer/Tecau (13) 6-4, 7-5

Women’s Doubles Second Round Selected Results

Coin/Parmentier beat Makarova/Vesnina (3) 6-3, 5-7, 6-3

Peschke/Srebotnik (4) beat Kalashnikova/Piter 7-6, 6-4

Mixed Doubles Second Round Selected Results

Cornet/Eysseric beat Jans-Ignacik/Inglot 7-6, 3-6, 11-9

Srebotnik/Bopanna (2) beat Black/Farah 6-3, 3-6, 10-7

Parra Santonia/Gonzalez beat Spears/Peya (1) 5-7, 6-3, 10-4

Fourth ODI - England v Sri Lanka (Lords) 2014

Sri Lanka edge England in tense thriller

Sri Lanka 300-9 (50 overs) beat England 293-8 (50 overs) by 7 runs (Series level at 2-2)

Sri Lanka beat England by 7 runs in the fourth one day international to level the Series at 2-2. A century from Sangakkara (112) helped the visitors reach 300-9 from their fifty overs before Malinga claimed four wickets to deny England victory despite a spirited century from Buttler (121).



My Opinion:

Gurney dismissed K. Perera (19) in the sixth over but a 150 run partnership between Dilshan and Sangakkara boosted Sri Lanka's total up to 198-1. Anderson bowled Dilshan (71) before Sangakkara went on to make a century from 95 balls. Two wickets fell in quick succession as Jayawardene (7) and Sangakkara (112) were both dismissed, leaving SL 233-4 with just under eight overs left. During the last eight overs, SL managed to put on a further 67 runs but lost five wickets along the way. The partnership between Dilshan and Sangakkara put SL in a strong position and ended up being a major factor in the result of the game. Gurney was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets but Sangakkara was the star of the innings. 

England started their innings poorly, losing two wickets inside the first four overs as Cook (1) and Bell (7) were both dismissed cheaply. Ballance and Root put on a fifty partnership before both were dismissed, leaving England 107-4 in the 28th over. Morgan was stumped an over later but a century stand between Buttler and Bopara brought England back into the game at 220-5 with nine overs to go. Shortly, after passing fifty, Bopara (51) was sent back to the pavilion but Buttler continued to fight, eventually sealing a century off just 61 balls. England needed just 15 runs from the last 20 balls but were unable to deliver the win. Two overs passed and England were still nowhere nearer the finish line which left them with plenty to do in the last over. However, it was Malinga to bowl the last over and that's never good for the batsmen. Jordan (5) went off the second ball before Buttler was run out on the fourth. In the end, it came to a really disappointing loss which England should have seen through. Buttler was mightily impressive and deserved to be on the winning side. However, it was an old foe who denied England once again as Malinga proved once more why he's so strong at the end of an innings. Cook, Bell and Morgan all failed to deliver but with the Series level at 2-2, it just takes one spark of magic from one player to take home the victory in the final match of the Series. 

Match Guide: Key Moments

England won the toss and elected to bowl.

Sri Lanka Innings:
(5.1) 26-1, K. Perera 19 (15), 2 fours, 1 six, caught Jordan, Gurney.
(11) 50-1, Dilshan 25*, Sangakkara 2*.
(16) 77-1, Fifty partnership between Dilshan 38* and Sangakkara 14*.
(20) 103-1, Dilshan 42*, Sangakkara 36*.
(23.1) 124-1, Fifty for Sangakkara off 53 balls.
(23.2) 125-1, Fiffy for Dilshan off 72 balls.
(24) 131-1, Hundred Partnership between Dilshan 50* and Sangakkara 55*.
(29) 155-1, Dilshan 57*, Sangakkara 72*.
(33) 179-1, 150 partnership between Dilshan 63* and Sangakkara 85*.
(35.4) 198-2, Dilshan 71 (109), 5 fours, bowled by Anderson.
(37) 201-2, Sangakkara 97*, Jayawardene 2*.
(38.1) 204-2, Century for Sangakkara off 95 balls.
(39.3) 217-3, Jayawardene 7 (14), 1 four, caught Anderson, Gurney.
(42.1) 233-4, Sangakkara 112 (104), 14 fours, stumped by Buttler, Tredwell.
(46) 260-4, Mathews 18*, Thirimanne 16*.
(46.2) 261-5, Thirimanne 16 (14), 2 fours, caught Ballance, Anderson.
(48.1) 279-6, Mathews 30 (30), 4 fours, caught Anderson, Jordan.
(48.4) 280-7, Kulasekara 0 (2), bowled by Jordan.
(49.3) 292-8, Priyanjan 9 (7), caught Morgan, Gurney.
(49.5) 296-9, Senanayake 12 (5), 1 four, 1 six, caught Cook, Gurney.
(50) 300-9, Mendis 4*(1), 1 four and Malinga 0*(0).

Batsman of the Innings: Sangakkara 112 (104)
Bowler of the Innings: Gurney 4-55 from 10 overs

England Innings:
(1.1) 3-1, Cook 1 (6), lbw Malinga.
(3.2) 10-2, Bell 7 (8), 1 four, caught Jayawardene, Malinga.
(14) 52-2, Ballance 21*, Root 18*.
(16) 62-2, Fifty partnership between Ballance 28* and Root 21* off 75 balls.
(23.2) 94-3, Ballance 42 (69), 2 fours, caught Sangakkara, Mendis.
(25) 101-3, Root 40*, Morgan 6*.
(27.2) 107-4, Root 43 (68), 1 four, caught Mendis, Mathews.
(28.2) 111-5, Morgan 12 (17), stumped by Sangakkara, Senanayake.
(34) 153-5, Bopara 16*, Buttler 25*.
(36) 166-5, Fifty partnership between Bopara 16* and Buttler 36*.
(37) 181-5, Fifty for Buttler off 34 balls.
(40) 209-5, Buttler 67*, Bopara 28*.
(41) 220-5, Century partnership between Buttler 68* and Bopara 38*.
(44) 239-5, Fifty for Bopara off 44 balls.
(44.4) 244-6, Bopara 51 (47), 1 four, caught Thirimanne, Mendis.
(46) 265-6, Buttler 98*, Jordan 1*.
(46.4) 286-6, Century for Buttler off 61 balls.
(49.2) 290-7, Jordan 5 (10), caught Dilshan, Malinga.
(49.4) 292-8, Buttler 121 (74), 11 fours, 4 sixes, run out by Malinga.
(50) 293-8, Tredwell 1*(1) and Anderson 0*(0).
Sri Lanka win by 7 runs and level the Series 2-2.

Batsman of the Innings: Buttler 121 (74)
Bowler of the Innings: Malinga 3-52 from 10 overs.

Third ODI - England v Sri Lanka (Old Trafford) 2014

England bowlers obliterate Sri Lanka

England 73-0 (12.1) beat Sri Lanka 67 (24) by 10 wickets (England lead Series 2-1)

England bowled Sri Lanka out for just 67 in what was an incredible bowling display before Alistair Cook (30*) and Ian Bell (41*) comfortably guided England across the winning line as they thrashed Sri Lanka by ten wickets.

My Opinion:

That was a shocker for Sri Lanka who had an absolute nightmare with the bat. Anderson took two wickets inside the first five overs, dismissing both Dilshan and Thirimanne to reduce Sri Lanka down to 13-2. Jordan struck three times during the next fifteen overs to send Sangakkara, Chandimal and Mathews back to the pavilion whilst Tredwell managed to dismiss Jayawardene lbw. This left Sri Lanka 60-6 in what was a truly terrible batting collapse. Their innings only lasted five more overs as they could only produce a further seven runs for their last four wickets. It really was a batting disaster. Four players moved into double figures but that really is the only positive that Sri Lanka could take from their performance.

On the other hand, England’s bowlers were brilliant whilst Chris Jordan took an impressive fifer. Tredwell contributed three wickets to the cause whilst Jimmy Anderson claimed the two openers. A very strong performance was capped by Cook and Bell, who comfortably and majestically saw England across the finish line without the loss of a single wicket. Great to watch and a really convincing victory has restored my belief in this England side. Hopefully, with two games to go, England can wrap up this Series with another victory which would be a welcome turn of fortunes for the England cricket team. 

Match Guide: Key Moments

England won the toss and elected to bowl.

Sri Lanka Innings:
(3) 4-1, Dilshan 2 (11), caught Buttler, Anderson.
(4.5) 13-2, Thirimanne 7 (16), 1 four, caught Buttler, Anderson.
(11.2) 32-3, Sangakkara 13 (23), 2 fours, caught Buttler, Jordan.
(15.4) 45-4, Chandimal 6 (15), caught Bell, Jordan.
(18) 58-4, Jayawardene 12*, Mathews 11*.
(18.1) 58-5, Jayawardene 12 (33), 1 four, lbw Tredwell.
(19.2) 60-6, Mathews 11 (12), 2 fours, caught Buttler, Jordan.
(21.4) 65-7, Priyanjan 2 (9), run out by Bopara.
(22) 65-8, Kulasekara 5 (13), caught Tredwell, Jordan.
(22.1) 65-9, Senanayake 0 (1), caught Sub, Tredwell.
(24) 67 all out, Malinga 2 (6), lbw Jordan.

Batsman of the Innings: Sangakkara 13 (33)
Bowler of the Innings: Jordan 5-29 from 8 overs.

England Innings:
(9.2) 50-0, Fifty partnership between Cook 24* and Bell 24*.
(12.1) 73-0, Cook 30*(40), 2 fours and Bell 41*(33), 4 fours, 1 six.
England win by 10 wickets and lead the Series 2-1.

Batsman of the Innings: Bell 41*(33)
Bowler of the Innings: Malinga 0-13 from 3 overs.

England v Peru (Wembley) International Friendly

England 3 v 0 Peru Sturridge (32), Cahill (65), Jagielka (70)



Watch the Match Highlights here

My Opinion:

England were clearly the better team and controlled the match. It was a good friendly with the view that it built confidence, netting three goals and keeping a clean sheet. However, it must be pointed out that Peru were pretty poor and easy to roll over. Tougher tests will for sure lie ahead in the World Cup but at least it gave the England players another chance to gel as a team. I'm really not very sure why Welbeck is played out on the left as he doesn't make that much of an impact out there. If he is going to play, play him up front alongside Sturridge. Despite England being much better than Peru, they didn't really settle down into the game until that first goal went in on the half hour mark. Once England were ahead, that was game over. Peru had a few pot shots but Hart was equal to every one of them, pulling off some decent saves. Sturridge scored the goal of the night with a lovely curling effort from the edge of the box whilst it was pleasing to see both the centre backs on the scoresheet. Overall, a solid performance that should give the players some much needed confidence going over to the Americas. 

Man of the Match - Daniel Sturridge

Goal of the Night - Daniel Sturridge