Terry header seals England win

ENGLAND captain John Terry's header six minutes from time sealed a 2-1 win over Euro 2008 runners-up Germany in a friendly at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

A first-half goal by West Ham's Matthew Upson was cancelled out by Bayer Leverkusen Patrick Helmes' second-half equaliser following a mix-up in the England defence before Terry headed the winner in the closing stages.

Chelsea star Terry had been doubtful coming into the game after injuring his foot last weekend against West Bromich Albion, but the 27-year-old led from the front and scored the vital goal for his country.

"It was a good performance and the youngsters in the team have really given the manager some problems," said Terry whose goal inflicted Germany's first defeat in Berlin since 1973.

The skipper also took the blame for Germany's equaliser which came after an embarrassing mix-up between him and substitute goalkeeper Scott Carson.

"I hold my hands up. I should have cleared it up. It wasn't Scotty's fault."

England coach Fabio Capello admitted he was delighted with the result.

"It was a very good performance. We made lots of chances. I liked the attitude, confidence and personality," said the Italian.

England were missing a host of stars through injury including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard while veterans Michael Owen and David Beckham were left out through a lack of match fitness.

Arsenal teenager Theo Walcott was ruled out on the eve of the match after dislocating his shoulder in training.

Germany, who lost the Euro 2008 final to Spain in June, were also without their own key men in Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings and Philipp Lahm.

But with one eye on the future, Germany coach Joachim Loew started uncapped Hoffenheim defender Marvin Compper while Capello gave Aston Villa's striker Gabriel Agbonlahor his first cap and start.

It was England who scored first when they were rewarded for an early piece of pressure.

Their second corner in quick succession was swung in and Germany goalkeeper Rene Adler looked to have been hindered by Jermain Defoe as he went to punch the ball clear.

In the resulting scramble, Upson was the sharpest to react and stabbed the ball home on 23 minutes to put the visitors ahead as England controlled the first half with Germany's attack rarely threatening.

There was plenty of changes at the break with Capello swapping goalkeeper David James for Scott Carson, while striker Darren Bent took over from Defoe.

Loew switched his 'keeper Adler for Werder Bremen's Tim Wiese to make his debut and teenage midfielder Marko Marin for Schalke 04's Jermaine Jones, while Helmes took over from captain Miroslav Klose.

The changes worked in Germany's favour as a horrible mix-up in the England defence between Terry and West Bromwich Albion shot-stopper Carson saw the ball bobble to Helmes who fired into an empty net on 63 minutes to equalise.

But Terry rectified the situation with time running out when he rose higher than his marker Heiko Westermann to head past Wiese to give England the winner.

This was the 31st meeting between the old rivals with England pulling further ahead in the series with 15 wins now compared to Germany's 11 victories.

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Alastair Cook denies England are too reliant on 'world class' James Anderson

By talkSPORT | Sunday, July 14, 2013

Alastair Cook hailed the ‘outstanding, world class’ Jimmy Anderson after he bowled England to victory at Trent Bridge - and then insisted his side is not over-reliant on the leader of their attack.

The Lancashire paceman took five wickets in the second innings to go with his ‘five-fer’ in Australia’s first knock as the hosts sealed a dramatic win by just 14 runs.

Anderson bowled 13 successive overs in searing heat during the morning session on day five in Nottingham, and his captain was hugely appreciative of his efforts.

Cook said: "Jimmy was outstanding. He always wants one more over - I think 13 was probably quite a lot in that first hour!”

But Cook denied his side was too reliant on their pace spearhead.

“No, not at all,” he added. “He's a world-class bowler and you sometimes use him in these situations when you know there's a timeframe. He had an amazing rhythm in this game.

"But [Stuart] Broad and [Steven] Finn have done outstandingly well for us over a huge amount of time, but it just happened to be Jimmy's day and Jimmy's game. Sometimes it happens like that."

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England name unchanged 13-man squad for second Test against Australia

By talkSPORT | Monday, July 15, 2013

England have named an unchanged 13-man squad for the second Ashes Test at Lord's.

Alastair Cook's team hung on for a famous 14-run win in a titanic first Test at Trent Bridge, and the selectors confirmed on Monday the same 13 to pick from when the second starts at HQ on Thursday.

Cook and coach Andy Flower will then have tougher decisions to make about whether to again give Steven Finn the nod as their third seamer ahead of either Tim Bresnan or Graham Onions.

Finn struggled in Nottingham, where man of the match James Anderson led the home attack brilliantly and was rewarded with 10 wickets.

Announcing today's unchanged squad, national selector Geoff Miller congratulated Cook's England on the "composure" they demonstrated to keep Australia at bay on the final day.

"It was a fantastic start to the Ashes Test series, with both sides showing a huge amount of skill and determination," he said. We have selected the same squad for the Lord's Test, because this continues to provide options for Alastair Cook and Andy Flower— Geoff Miller

"I would like to congratulate England on showing a great deal of composure to win by 14 runs."

Miller is expecting more of the same from both sides in the remaining four Tests.

"I have no doubt that the rest of the series will be equally compelling," he added.

"We have selected the same squad for the Lord's Test, because this continues to provide options for Alastair Cook and Andy Flower."

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England secure dramatic win in first Ashes Test

By talkSPORT | Sunday, July 14, 2013

England won the first Ashes Test against Australia by 14 runs after an extraordinary final day at Trent Bridge.

Jimmy Anderson was the Three Lions' hero as he picked up ten wickets in the match as Andy Flower's side saw off late resistance from the tourists.

The Lancashire fast bowler had first innings star Ashton Agar (14) caught by Alastair Cook after he and Brad Haddin (71) had started the morning session in fine form.

The pair added 33 and looked as though they could steer Australia on to a famous victory at Trent Bridge before Anderson removed the 19-year-old.

Mitchell Starc (11) was quick to follow and, when captain Cook pulled off a remarkable catch at slip to dismiss Peter Siddle, England looked to be closing in on victory.

But James Pattinson and Haddin compiled a remarkable tenth-wicket stand and had the hosts rocking when, after lunch, they required just 20 runs to secure an unlikely victory in Nottingham.

But Anderson, who finished with match figures of 10-158, removed Haddin just after the lunch break to spark wild celebrations from the home side.

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Exclusive - Angus Fraser: England will replace Steven Finn with Tim Bresnan for second Ashes Test

By Nick Rostron-Pike | Monday, July 15, 2013

Angus Fraser believes England will replace Steven Finn with Tim Bresnan for the second Test against Australia.

The Three Lions have taken a 1-0 lead in the Ashes series, following a dramatic 14 run victory at Trent Bridge.

Finn was chosen over Bresnan for the first Test, but was used sparingly on day five of the encounter, and cut a forlorn figure in the outfield as the match wore on.

And Fraser, who is Managing Director of Cricket at the 24-year-old’s county, Middlesex, claims Yorkshire star Bresnan will be preferred at Lord’s.

“The fact that Alastair Cook seemed reluctant to bowl him during those tight situations on Sunday is not a good sign,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “A captain has to trust his bowlers but he kept returning to Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann, his three big guns. Bresnan’s got a good chance of playing this week.

“I don’t think Finn’s bowled as well as he should have done all summer but he’s the sort of bowler who can produce deliveries that others can’t.

“He’s 6ft 7in and can bowl into the early 90mphs, he gets big bounce and provides something different to the attack.

“The fact he was hidden yesterday [at Trent Bridge] would not have done a great deal for his confidence. I’ve had it myself where it’s lovely when the ball keeps finding its way to you, but, when it doesn’t, you stand around there doubting yourself even more.

“The entire Bresnan package is looking a bit more appealing than Finn for the second Test.”

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Michael Clarke refuses to blame DRS system for Australia's first Test defeat to England

By talkSPORT | Sunday, July 14, 2013

Australia captain Michael Clarke has refused to blame the Decision Review System, commonly known as DRS, for his side’s defeat in the first Test against England.

The consistency of the technology came under criticism during the Ashes opener at Trent Bridge with a number of decisions appearing to go against the Baggy Greens.

But Clarke claims the system was fair to both sides.

“I’m not happy with my use of DRS because we haven’t got many right,” he said. “Both teams use the DRS system and, in this game especially, England have used it better than I have. I need to keep working on that.

“It is consistent for both sides though and that’s all you can ask for.”

Australia came very close to causing a huge upset in the first Test, eventually falling 14 runs short of the required 311, and Clarke added that England were deserving winners.

“The boys can hold their heads high,” he said. “It was a wonderful game of cricket. Credit to England though, they fought really hard over the five days.

“The best two performers of the Test match were Ian Bell, who made a 100, and Jimmy Anderson, who took 'five-fers' in both innings. They deserved the win.”

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Record-breaking Agar stuns England

By Sam Sheringham BBC Sport at Trent Bridge

First Test, Trent Bridge (day two, close)

England 215 & 80-2 v Australia 280

Australia debutant Ashton Agar posted the highest score by a number 11 in Test history as the tourists enjoyed the better of an extraordinary and controversial day of Ashes cricket.

After walking out to bat with his team in deep trouble at 117-9, the 19-year-old cracked a fearless 98 off 101 balls before holing out to deep midwicket.

His last-wicket partnership of 163 with Phil Hughes (81 not out) was the highest in Test history and lifted Australia to 280 all out, a first-innings lead of 65.

98 A Agar (Aus) v Eng, 2013 95 T Best (WI) v Eng, 2012 68* R Collinge (NZ) v Pkn 1972-73 62* A Vogler (SA) v Eng, 1905-6 61 G McGrath (Aus) v NZ, 2004-5 Mitchell Starc then removed Joe Root and Jonathan Trott in successive balls to put Australia firmly on top at tea with England on 11-2.

But Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen batted carefully, and with increasing authority, through the evening session to steer the hosts to 80-2 for a slender lead of 15.

Agar's heroics aside, Trott's dismissal provided the day's main talking point as third umpire Marais Erasmus overturned Aleem Dar's not out decision to what appeared a clear-cut lbw dismissal, one ball after Root had been caught by keeper Brad Haddin down the leg side.

Trott, however, clearly believed the ball had brushed his bat and it later emerged that the HotSpot camera that would have provided the crucial side-on angle did not record the moment because it was playing out a replay of Root's dismissal.

I make England favourites because Australia will be batting last on a very dry pitch. I think a fourth-innings target of 260 would be difficult to chase but it's nicely poised really.

England will just hope that, when they draw the curtains tonight, the sun returns for them tomorrow.

An angry England camp responded by asking match referee Ranjan Madugalle for clarification over the incident.

The dispute should not be allowed to overshadow an incredible innings by Agar, which surpassed West Indian Tino Best's 95 at number 11 against an England attack missing the rested James Anderson and Stuart Broad at Edgbaston last year.

Having arrived at the crease with the Australian innings in tatters, following a dramatic 32-ball spell in which five wickets fell for nine runs, he proceeded to repair the damage in breathtaking style.

He survived a major scare on six when Erasmus gave him the benefit of the doubt in an agonisingly close stumping call, but from then on displayed greater timing and technique than all his team-mates who had come and gone before him.

There were two straight sixes off Graeme Swann, several dismissive pull shots off Steve Finn and Broad, and some immaculate drives on both sides of the wicket.

With Hughes happily assuming the role of junior partner as he compiled his first Ashes fifty, Agar motored towards a century after lunch, building Australia's lead and increasing England's exasperation.

163 Hughes/Agar (Aus) v Eng Trent Bridge, 2013 151 Hastings/Collinge (NZ) v Pkn, Auckland, 1972-73 151 Azhar M/Mushtaq A (Pkn) v SA, R'pindi, 1997-98 143 Ramdin/Best (WI) v Eng, Edgbaston, 2012 A thick outside edge for three off Swann took him past Best's record before two more from Broad's bowling saw him move within two of a century.

Clearly intent on reaching three figures in style, Agar swung and missed twice before mistiming a pull and picking out Swann, who ran in from the boundary to claim a comfortable catch.

The England off-spinner celebrated as if he had won the Ashes, while Agar trudged back to the Pavilion rueing a rare blemish in a near-faultless and unforgettable innings.

Those adjectives would be entirely inappropriate to describe the rest of Australia's batting, which folded in the face of a fine spell of reverse swing bowling from Anderson and some sharp turn from Swann.

There had been little sign of danger as Australia added 33 quick runs to their overnight position of 75-4, with Steve Smith reaching fifty off 72 balls.

Australia secured a first-innings lead in the first Test of an Ashes series for the eighth time in a row when they passed England's 215.

In the following over, however, Smith nicked a beauty from Anderson to Matt Prior to initiate the collapse.

Haddin was bowled through the gate by Swann, while Peter Siddle and Starc were both caught behind, outfoxed by the variations of the peerless Anderson, who finished with figures of 5-85.

When Swann trapped Pattinson lbw for two, Australia were in deep trouble, 98 runs adrift with just their last man to come.

That last man was Agar, a name that would soon be familiar to cricket-lovers around the world.

Listen to clips of the key moments on the BBC Ashes page

Match scorecard

Anderson full of praise for Agar innings

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England unhappy with Trott dismissal

By Tom Fordyce Chief sports writer at Trent Bridge England have asked the International Cricket Council for clarification after the controversial umpiring decision that saw Jonathan Trott given out lbw for a golden duck.

On another extraordinary day at the first Test, Trott was given not out by on-field umpire Aleem Dar but dismissed by third umpire Marais Erasmus despite the key HotSpot camera angle being unavailable to the official.

England ended the day 80-2, a lead of just 15, after an early Australian collapse was followed by a remarkable fightback.

Pace bowler James Anderson said: "Trotty hit the ball and was given not out on the field, I'm not quite sure what went on after that. It's pretty disappointing really."

Australia took a first-innings lead in the first Test of an Ashes series for the eighth time in a row

England believe that Erasmus should not have overturned the on-field umpire's decision with the critical replay not available to him.

"He did hit it. It is frustrating that it got overturned," said Anderson.

"We're all for technology, because since it's come in more decisions are given out correctly than wrongly. From our point of view we want it; whatever has gone on today provides a couple of talking points, but on the whole we're happy to have it."

The day was dominated by a brilliant 98 from teenage Test debutant Ashton Agar, who in a record-breaking partnership with Phil Hughes took Australia from 117-9, a deficit of 98, to a first-innings lead of 65.

Agar became the highest scoring number 11 in Test history, just a few months after turning out for club side Henley CC.

He said: "When I walked to the crease I was thinking we were in a little bit of trouble, but the wicket was good.

"Phil told me to take it ball by ball, we just played the moment and forgot about everything else.

"It was good fun, exciting and I enjoyed it. I have always tried to play freely and naturally and I don't really get too nervous. There are a lot of people who would love to be doing what I'm doing."

England have only defeated Australia on 11 occasions when conceding a first innings lead of 65 or more

Agar could have been dismissed for just six, a stumping appeal by Matt Prior off Graeme Swann being contentiously turned down by the under-fire Erasmus.

Anderson admitted: "I thought it was out. I saw it on the big screen, but it's hard to tell sometimes. Matt thought it was out.

"But I think he and Hughes played really well. They played their shots when they could and really put us under pressure. On debut he played brilliantly, and really did frustrate us for a while."

Agar fell two runs short of what would have been an extraordinary century, his eventual dismissal to Stuart Broad drawing genuine sympathy even from the home crowd.

"I was conscious of being in the 90s but I still felt relaxed and wanted to do my best for the team," he said.

"I tried to hit that last ball a little flatter, I was a little disappointed not to get a hundred but I didn't think I would get 98 when I walked out there so I can't complain too much. I was still pretty happy that me and Hughesie could give the boys a bit of a lead."

Despite losing Trott and Joe Root early on with just 11 runs on the board in the second innings, England recovered through an unbroken partnership of 69 between captain Alastair Cook and an uncharacteristically restrained Kevin Pietersen.

Anderson said: "The pitch doesn't look to be deteriorating too much. We saw a few balls that spun from Swanny, but nothing from the seamers has gone up or down.

"First and foremost we've got to bat very very well in the morning to get in any sport of position to win this game."

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Hallelujah! Tim Tebow NFL Pilgrimage Leads to New England

I don't want to promote myself as an all-seeing, omnipotent NFL genius or anything, but I knew this was going to happen.

Tim Tebow is too good an athlete to be completely ignored by the NFL, and so in an amazingly short period of time, Tebow has gone from an unwanted free agent, cast aside by the New York Jets, to a New England Patriot.

Granted, Tebow probably didn't have many other offers, if any. That's evident from his two-year, no guarantee contract.

But, at least we should all find out finally whether this polarizing figure can play in the NFL or not.

The good news for Tebow fans is if he makes the team, he will be in the perfect environment to work on that hitch in his throwing motion and to learn from some of the best offensive talent and brains in the league.

For his detractors, well there is no good news other than the fact they will still have Tebow to kick around at least for a time. More on that here.

- Getty Images

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Finn targeting early England effort

By Tom Fordyce Chief sports writer at Trent Bridge

First Test, Trent Bridge (day one, close)

England fast bowler Steven Finn is targeting a big early effort from his side as they look to capitalise on a dramatic opening to the Ashes series.

Finn took two wickets in two balls as England reduced the visitors to 75-4 at stumps, having been dismissed for 215.

He said: "The first hour will be very important - how we set the tone as bowlers and how we attack Australia.

"A few early wickets and we could put our noses in front. It's pretty even at the moment, a very tight battle."

The Middlesex paceman added: "To have them four down at the end of the day was a good result for us."

Australia's hero on a thrilling first day was Peter Siddle, who took five wickets, including four of the first five batsmen.

On the opening day of the last Ashes series, Siddle took six wickets, including a hat-trick, and he was once again England's scourge in overcast conditions ideal for swing bowling.

Siddle said: "It was an extraordinary day. Once we all settled down in the field, things went our way. I think we are still on top.

"Rocking up, we wanted to bat and to get the job done with the ball was good. Hopefully we can now go on and get some runs.

"I was surprised how Australia came out and played with the bat, so I'm not sure what will happen tomorrow. Shane Watson and Ed Cowan came out and played their shots and gave their wickets away.

"Steve Smith surprised me - without being nasty, he looks like a good club batsman. He is not technically correct like Michael Clarke but the way he played today was excellent. He stayed back to the seamers and then gave it a club when he got chance. He could take the game away from England tomorrow if he gets in."

"I don't think the pitch played a big part in the day's play, it was the cloud cover. Hopefully the sun will come out on Thursday and we can set up the match. If we can get in there, dig in and be patient, there is still Brad Haddin to come and a few of us tail-enders can still bat."

Finn insisted that he and his team-mates had not underestimated Australia, who began this series as most judges' second favourites, having been thrashed 4-0 in India over the winter after England had beaten the same opposition 2-1.

He said: "I think everyone knew it was going to be a tough series. The fact they bowled us out for 215 highlighted that.

"Having won the toss and batted we would have liked to get a few more runs on the board. But we knew if we came out and attacked off stump and brought the batsmen forward, we would get our reward in the end."

Finn's strike partner James Anderson also took two wickets in the final session, including the prize wicket of skipper Michael Clarke.

Finn said: "I think we fought back really well in that last session. Jimmy is a special bowler and has been for a long time. It's testament to producing and developing new skills and the ball that got Michael Clarke was an absolute beauty.

"We've seen him do that a few times with magic balls. I thought we played really nicely until lunch, but we know we deal well with setbacks."

The pair led the bowling attack, with Stuart Broad off the field after suffering a blow on the right shoulder while batting.

"We're hopeful he'll be fit," said Finn. "(If not) I'll have to bowl a few more overs, I think, and we'll just have to rotate ourselves.

"But at the moment, we don't know the extent of Broady's damage."

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said the match was finely balanced - despite pre-match claims from some that his side would not be able to compete with England.

"It's pretty even stevens, isn't it? Tomorrow is going to be a pretty big day - most of them are in an Ashes series," he said.

"Anyone who left the game today would have been pretty impressed with both sides. We're very pleased to bowl them out for 215 and it probably should have been cheaper. But we're here to play, no doubt about it.

"Hopefully the odds (on an Australia win) will come down."

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The Queen of England A Bloody Jaguars Fan? Yes!

The NFL should rip the Jaguars out of Jacksonville and drop them in London, and the sooner the better, I say.

If the NFL wants to reach a global audience as it says it does, London is a great start. The only better choice would be Sydney, Australia, because the Australians are even more like us than the British, but Sydney is too bloomin' far.

And the Jaguars are the team that must go. Actually, though it has not been officially announced, I'm fairly certain it's a done deal concerning the Jaguars. That's why they've committed to "home games" in London for the next four years.

Sorry, Jag fans, but it just makes sense. Read my story here for a comparison of the two cities.

You Jags fans can sound off if you want.

- Getty Images

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Botham: England to beat Aussies 10-0

Venue: Trent Bridge, NottinghamDate: 10-14 JulyStart time: 11:00 BSTCoverage: Ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, BBC Radio 4 Long Wave and via the BBC iPlayer Radio app, BBC Sport website & BBC Sport app. Live text commentary on BBC Sport website, app & mobile devices

Sir Ian Botham insists Darren Lehmann's appointment as Australia coach will not stop England recording back-to-back Ashes series whitewashes.

Lehmann, 43, replaced the sacked Mickey Arthur ahead of the first series, which starts at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.

England travel to Australia in October for the second five-Test series.

"I haven't seen anything to remotely make me feel as though I need to change my initial prediction of a double 5-0," said Botham in his Daily Mirror column. 

10-14 July: 1st Test, Trent Bridge

18-22: 2nd Test, Lord's

1-5 August: 3rd Test, Old Trafford

9-13: 4th Test, Chester-le-Street

21-25: 5th Test, The Oval

"There is simply no department in which I think Australia have got an edge over England."

England are aiming to retain the Ashes after winning the last series 3-1 down under in 2010-11 - their third victory in the past four series.

Australia, who are fourth in the Test rankings behind South Africa, India and England, sacked Arthur just 16 days before the start of the Ashes.

The South African, 45, received criticism following poor performances and disciplinary issues within the camp, before being replaced by ex-Yorkshire left-handed batsman Lehmann.

"Darren Lehmann is the best thing to have happened to Australian cricket recently," said former Test skipper Botham, 57, who helped England win the Ashes on four occasions.

"They have gone for a coach who understands the game deeply, but perhaps more importantly understands the cogs of Australian cricket inside out and the players will respond to him.

"But he cannot wave a magic wand and turn this Australian team into world beaters."

Andrew Flintoff begins his Ashes Roadshow in Nottingham on Monday. Flintoff and Mark Chapman are joined by special guests Glenn McGrath, Damien Martyn and Chris Broad in front of a live audience from 1930-2100 BST. Coverage on Radio 5 live, Red Button and BBC Sport website.

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