The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 24 September 2013

Onions misses out as England give Panesar a chance

England have recalled spinner Monty Panesar to their squad for the winter Ashes tour along with three uncapped players, Gary Ballance, Boyd Rankin and Ben Stokes.

Panesar was allowed to leave Sussex on loan to join Essex after being fined by police for urinating on bouncers after he was thrown out of a nightclub last month. But his England career has been resurrected for the series, beginning in November.

Paceman Graham Onions, who was part of the squad during the home Tests, missed out as the selectors preferred Steven Finn, Chris Tremlett and Rankin.

Yorkshire batsman Ballance, Warwickshire’s former Ireland bowler Rankin and Durham all-rounder Stokes are the three players in the 17-man party for Australia who have yet to play Test cricket. All three were also born outside of England.

Meanwhile, Kevin Pietersen yesterday hit back at Australia coach Darren Lehmann for branding England’s style of play “dour”. The England batsman said: “I can’t remember the score line in Ashes.. 3-0 or almost 4-0??”

Stenson on track for Ryder Cup team

Henrik Stenson celebrated his most successful year ever after taking the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup on Sunday. Stenson won $11.4m (£7.1m) for both titles, and may not require a captain’s pick to represent Europe at the Ryder Cup in 12 months time if his form continues.

Rooney: United not good enough

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was frank in describing his side’s woeful display in the 4-1 defeat to rivals Manchester City on Sunday as “not good enough”. He said: “We know we have to improve on that and stop giving these sloppy goals away.”

Roberts ruled out of autumn series

Jamie Roberts will miss Wales’s entire autumn international series after returning to Cardiff for an ankle operation. The news will force national coach Warren Gatland to rethink his approach at centre before the opening Test against South Africa on 9 November. MORE

Bruce: Di Canio’s scare tactics failed

Former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes Paolo Di Canio (below) paid the price for an outdated management style that was based on intimidating his players.

“You cannot manage in the Premier League these days through a fear factor,” said Bruce, who was manager at the Stadium of Light between 2009 and 2011.

“You’ve got to be able to manage individuals. Man-management has become more relevant than coaching. They’re all good players and you’ve got to find a way of getting the best out of them.”

Hamilton defends Vettel after jeers

Lewis Hamilton has vigorously defended Sebastian Vettel following the latest round of boos after his win in Singapore on Sunday. “Booing is just such a negative thing, especially when someone works so hard,” said Hamilton, who finished fifth.

Tomkins to move for world-record fee

Wigan yesterday announced that Sam Tomkins will move to Australia’s National Rugby League at the end of the year. Tomkins has signed a three-year deal with New Zealand Warriors for a reported world-record transfer fee of £700,000.

Michu’s many roles help Swans soar

As well as a fifth goal of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Michu’s multiple roles have been key to a Swansea side that continue to impress. His manager Michael Laudrup agrees that the Spaniard is much more than a goalscorer. MORE

Cavendish ready for supporting act

Mark Cavendish is relishing his support role to Chris Froome at the world championships this week after being a top act in the Tour of Britain. “I’ve based my training around going well at the world championships.” MORE

Ian Herbert

The 1989 loss prompted an inquisition severe enough to make Moyes’ afternoon look like a tea party, but it is folly to make grand pronouncements about the significance of what befell United. MORE