The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 25 November 2014

England may drop Farrell for last Test

Owen Farrell is in danger of being dropped by England for their final autumn Test against Australia. George Ford is set to stay at outside-half after his encouraging display against Samoa and Billy Twelvetrees might start at No 12. “Billy is a genuine prospect for us at 12,” said head coach Stuart Lancaster, adding: “We think George has earned the right to start again – he played well enough for that.”

Hamilton toasts sweetest title

Lewis Hamilton reflected on his second world title win yesterday, having celebrated with a modest drink. “I had a watermelon juice at dinner, which is my favourite,” he said. He added of his feat: “It’s definitely a more satisfying feeling winning the championship with this team, with a young team that worked so hard to get to where we are, and to be a part of that journey, is something very, very special.”

England opt for net instead of fielding

England spurned their first opportunity to practise under lights yesterday ahead of the opening day-night ODI against Sri Lanka tomorrow. They opted for a morning workout in the nets rather than fielding practice. Sri Lanka named their squad for the series, with batsman Thilina Kandamby recalled after three years. Rangana Herath returns but Lasith Malinga is recovering from an ankle injury.

Taylor equals record with her bunch of five

Ireland’s Katie Taylor claimed her record-equalling fifth consecutive gold medal at the Women’s World Championships in South Korea yesterday.

Taylor beat Azerbaijan’s Yana Alekseeva on a unanimous points decision to match the achievement of India’s Mary Kom, who won five titles between 2002 and 2010.

Ireland team manager Anna Moore said: “We are absolutely delighted and this is a very proud moment for us. Katie was magnificent here today.”

England pair Lisa Whiteside and Sandy Ryan won silver medals after Whiteside lost a split decision to American Marlen Esparza in the 51kg division and Ryan was beaten by Russia’s Anastasia Beliakova at 64kg.

Whiteside, who moved down in weight to fill the position vacated by the injured Nicola Adams, said: “It feels phenomenal I have won a silver medal and reached the world championship final. I am looking forward to pushing on from this and improve.”

Can the ‘greatest catch’ be bettered?

Odell Beckham Jnr hopes his sublime, one-handed touchdown catch for the New York Giants on Sunday is not the NFL’s greatest of all time. “I hope it is not the greatest catch because with time I hope I can make more,” he said after the Giants’ 31-28 defeat by the Dallas Cowboys.