The Sports Matrix: Monday 24 December 2012

Little Master steps down from ODIs

Sachin Tendulkar has announced his retirement from one-day internationals. The legendary Indian batsman won 463 ODI caps, scoring 18,426 runs. "I am eternally grateful to all my well-wishers for their support and love over the years," the 39-year-old said. MORE

Pietersen rested for ODI & T20 tour

Kevin Pietersen has been left out of England's squad for February's limited-overs tour to New Zealand. The batsman has been rested after a challenging winter schedule, and is expected to return for the Test series in March. Stuart Broad will return as Twenty20 captain. MORE

United held as Van Persie sees stars

Manchester United drew 1-1 at Swansea after Patrice Evra's header was cancelled by a Michu rebound for City. But Robin van Persie had a furious late clash with Ashley Williams after the home defender lashed the ball against the back of his head when he was prone. MORE

Stevenson double has Hearts purring

Hearts moved into the top half of the Scottish Premier League after beating Dundee United 2-1. Ryan Stevenson scored twice before Keith Watson's reply. Elsewhere, Kilmarnock held Hibernian to a 1-1 draw at Rugby Park, Eoin Doyle levelling Paul Heffernan's opener for the hosts.

Jones and Wasps pile on Sale misery

Sale remain rooted to the bottom of the Premiership after going down 25-18 at Wasps yesterday. Danny Cipriani was denied the chance to face his old team as Stephen Jones helped Wasps maintain their 100 per cent home record. MORE

Charteris ruled out of Six Nations

Luke Charteris has been ruled out of the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury against Montpellier. The 29-year-old Wales and Perpignan forward will miss the Six Nations and is also a serious doubt for the Lions tour of Australia.

Pearson hints at striker search

The Leicester City manager, Nigel Pearson, may seek striking reinforcements in next month's transfer window after numerous missed chances in Saturday's defeat against Cardiff City. "I might go for a striker if the right one is available," he said. MORE

Hodgson: England can win World Cup

Roy Hodgson insists England have a chance of winning the 2014 World Cup, despite indifferent form. "You could say we are far from being favourites," the England coach said. "But you've got to shy away from 'impossible' in football."

Tizzards bullish about Cue Card

Retired Kauto Star will lead the pre-race King George parade at Kempton, but the Tizzard family believe that the resurgent Cue Card is ready to claim centre stage in the Boxing Day chase. MORE

James Lawton

In all the United navel-gazing, though, there was a danger of overlooking the excellence of the Swansea performance. The instincts of the great Michael Laudrup glowed in so much of his team's work. MORE

Nadal: I will not rush my recovery

Rafael Nadal says he is taking his recovery slowly as he returns from a six-month lay-off with a knee injury. "I need to see how it reacts to the intensity of playing [at] such a high level," the Spaniard said. MORE