Harmison replaces Sidebottom in England one-day squad
Fast bowler Steve Harmison has come out of retirement from one-day internationals to replace the injured Ryan Sidebottom in the England squad for the series against South Africa, selectors said on Thursday.

FIFA tells Germans to keep their shirts on
BERNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - World soccer's governing body FIFA restated its regulations on team shirt numbers on Thursday after a misreading of the rules saw Germany play a friendly match without any names on their backs.

Shevchenko talks collapse between Chelsea and Milan
Talks between Chelsea and AC Milan over Andriy Shevchenko's possible return to the San Siro have collapsed, the Italian club's chief executive said on Thursday.

More track glory beckons for Jamaicans
Jamaica's Usain Bolt could run away with a third gold on Friday to complete the Caribbean island's dominance of the Olympic athletics track.

Mahan fires 62 for early four-shot lead at Barclays
PARAMUS, New Jersey (Reuters) - American Hunter Mahan fired a nine-under-par 62 to seize a four-shot lead early in Thursday's first round of the Barclays Classic, the opening event of the U.S. PGA Tour's FedExCup playoff series.

Wenger supportive of England coach Capello
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger came out in support of Fabio Capello on Thursday after his England side were held to a 2-2 draw by Czech Republic at Wembley the previous night.

Drivers praise preparations but delay track verdict
VALENCIA, Spain (Reuters) - Formula One's leading drivers praised the preparations for this weekend's European Grand Prix but delayed their verdict on the new street circuit.

Jamaicans primed for relay gold
Double Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Usain Bolt could claim his third triumph of the Beijing Games in the 4x100 sprint relay as Jamaica bid to crown a magnificent week on the track on Friday.

Star triumph caps British medal haul
Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson capped a superb Olympic regatta for Britain, winning the Star class to secure a fourth sailing gold for the 2012 Games hosts.

England team lambasted for turgid performance
England's turgid display in their 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic on Wednesday was predictably lambasted on Thursday by pundits, the press and the public.