An eye-watering burst of fast bowling from England’s Stuart Broad decided the third Test against South Africa at Johannesburg. Broad’s six wickets for 17 ripped apart South Africa’s second innings, sealed a seven-wicket match win, earned a 2-0 victory in the series and propelled him to the top of the world rankings. “When he’s on, he’s on,” enthused England coach Trevor Bayliss. Australia meanwhile underlined why they are the world’s best one-day side by chasing down several impressive-looking India totals to win their series at a canter.
Rams capture spirit of NFL
The Rams are moving to Los Angeles, though fans of Derby County FC can relax: this is American football, the billionaire cash grab where property development always trumps the whims of supporters. Which is why St Louis will be rudely shorn of a team when the Rams franchise returns to California, after a 20-year absence, this year: “Relocation is painful,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “In some ways it’s a bittersweet moment because we were unable to get the kind of facilities done we wanted in their markets.” Who said the romance of sport is dead? Back on the field, last weekend’s playoffs mean the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos, the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will slug it out for the final two places in Superbowl 50.
Europe takes EurAsia Cup
Europe’s golfers won the EurAsia Cup team competition against Asia in Selangor, Malaysia, an 18.5 to 5.5 victory reflecting the gulf between the sides. Still, it allowed Europe’s captain Darren Clarke to view several possible picks for his Ryder Cup team to face the US this year. “This Asian team was a strong team,” Clarke said a touch unconvincingly. “The way Europe has played, I’ve been very, very impressed.” One man certain to be lining up against Europe at Hazeltine in September is the game’s wonderkid Jordan Spieth, the world No 1 whose new megabucks sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola confirms the 23-year-old has become one of the world’s most marketable individuals.
Jones plots rise of Red Rose
New Zealand, look out: England’s rugby union coach Eddie Jones says he is going to turn the underachievers into the world’s best. “If we [develop] four or five world-class players then we can be the dominant team,” he said, without explaining who the aforementioned world-beaters might be. Jones, who has added seven uncapped faces to England’s squad for the forthcoming Six Nations, also hopes to bring talismanic former goal kicker Jonny Wilkinson back as a coach: “We would like to get Jonny involved but he is a private person,” he explained.
