Sportsday - the day's sports news as it happened

That's it from Sportsday Live for Friday. It will resume on Monday at 08:00 BST.

World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic is out of the Madrid Masters after losing 7-6 (7/2) 6-3 to Serb compatriot Janko Tipsarevic. He is the second big name to exit the event after world number two Rafael Nadal lost to fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco on Thursday.

There is commentary of the League One play-off semi-final first leg between Stevenage and Sheffield United on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra now.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew on Demba Ba on BBC Radio Newcastle: "Demba's release clause has been widely publicised there is some truth to it, and some untruth, but we are trying to negotiate with him to stay. He is not about money with Demba, it is about love and feeling and European football. If we had not got European football I think he would have already been off. There is a clause there, but the bottom line is feeling. He is desperate for a goal. He has accepted that Cisse has come in and grabbed the limelight. Imagine if you are Madonna and I bring in Lady Gaga? There is a situation with his contract and we are in talks with him and his agent. It is not a foregone conclusion that he will stay, but the Newcastle public have played their part singing his name whenever he is over a free-kick. He must love that.

Olympic champions Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson have finished second in the Star sailing world championship in Hyeres in France. The British duo were runners-up to Brazil's Robert Scheidt.

Rangers administrators Duff and Phelps say that negotiations with two interested parties are at a "very advanced stage" as they hit back at claims made by the Blue Knights. The Blue Knights earlier withdrew their offer for the club after claiming time had run out for them to effect a Company Voluntary Arrangement. David Whitehouse, joint administrator, said in a statement: "The most important information today for Rangers supporters is that discussions with two bidding parties are at a very advanced stage and we hope to reach agreement with one at the earliest opportunity."

Newcastle manger Alan Pardew on BBC Radio Newcastle: "Set-plays have been really, really disappointing this year and I am contemplating bringing in someone because we don't have a dominant header of the ball. On the scouting front we are looking at a centre-half who can come and score us eight goals next season. We are saying to Steven Taylor and Mike Williamson, 'are you going to bring that for us?' and putting a bit of pressure on those guys to improve. I think that position which has been a slight worry for us, really will be a positive for us next year.

Czech Republic player Lucie Hradecka continues her giant-killing act at the Madrid Open. The world number 105, who beat Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova earlier in the tournament, is into the semi-finals after beating fifth seed Sam Stosur of Australia 7-6 (10-8) 7-6 (8-6).

Rory McIlroy's Sawgrass misery continues as he misses the halfway cut for the third successive time in the Players Championship after a round of 76 left him four over. Although the world number one started his round with a 17-foot birdie putt, that was as good as it got. He bogeyed the short 13th, had to settle for par on the 16th after also going in the water and then dropped further strokes at the 18th, first and fourth.

Middlesex spinner Ollie Rayner posted his maiden County Championship hundred against Nottinghamshire. Rayner finished unbeaten on 143, having faced 255 balls and hitting 19 fours and a six, as Middlesex declare late on day three on 300-9, after securing their third batting point in an effort to set up a result.

New Zealander Kane Williamson completed his second century in successive County Championship games before Gloucestershire set Yorkshire a contrived target of 400 to win in 111 overs at Bristol. Williamson took his overnight score of 89 to 111 before being one of five victims for Tim Bresnan in a Gloucestershire first-innings total of 351-9.

Wigan confirm that Australian winger Amos Roberts has retired from the game at the age of 31. The former St George Illawarra, Penrith and Sydney Roosters player has hung up his boots after failing to fully recover from a series of knee injuries going back to Easter Monday in 2010.

Friday night's football sees Stevenage host Sheffield United in the first leg of the League One play-off semi-final. The hosts, who are chasing their third successive promotion, have no new injury worries ahead of the clash. United will be missing striker James Beattie, following his sending off at Exeter last week. There will be live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

After his win in the opening Diamond League meeting in Qatar, American Justin Gatlin, who is making a comeback after a four-year doping ban, says the motivation for his victory had come from his son Jace's second birthday. "I wanted to go out there and win for him," said the world indoor 60m champion. "I felt a little sluggish in the beginning but I had to psyche myself up. I went against great competition with Nesta [Carter] and Asafa. Seeing their races and how they perform, I know I can run to the line and I made sure I had a good win. Races like these show who's a competitor and who's just a runner. I like coming out here and competing. Even if Asafa is better than me in the middle phase, I'm going to come back some time at the end and get him. You've got to take track and field as a soap opera with spikes on."

The England and Wales Cricket Board say that the disciplinary panel hearing at which charges will be heard relating to alleged breaches of their ECB's anti-corruption rules by Mervyn Westfield and Danish Kaneria has been adjourned to the week commencing 18 June at the request of Kaneria's lawyers.

Ronaldinho's hopes of playing at the 2012 Olympics seem to be at an end after Brazil coach Mano Menezes failed to pick him for a series of friendlies later this month ahead of the London Games. The over-23 players included in the squad are Chelsea defender David Luiz, AC Milan defender Thiago Silva, Barcelona defender Daniel Alves, Real Madrid defender Marcelo, FC Porto striker Hulk and Botafogo goalkeeper Jefferson. The Olympic tournament is the only significant football competition Brazil has not won. The five-time World Cup champions won Olympic silver in 1984 and 1988, and bronze in 1996 and 2008.

A reminder that Sportsday will be on the BBC News Channel from 18:30 BST and on the BBC Sport website. Tonight's show includes a preview of the final weekend of the Premier League season, the latest on the Rangers takeover, a look ahead to the semi-final play-offs in both League One and rugby union's Premiership, plus "Inside F1" from Barcelona.

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has been named as the Barclays Manager of the Season. Pardew has overseen a superb season with the club set for their highest league position since 2003-04 when they finished third under Sir Bobby Robson. You can hear from Pardew and his assistant John Carver on BBC Radio Newcastle at 19:00 BST and the programme will also be available on the BBC Sport website.

Tomas Berdych and Juan Martin Del Potro are both into Saturday's men's semi-finals at the Madrid Open. Berdych beat Rafael Nadal's conqueror Fernando Verdasco 6-1 6-2 while Del Potro was a 6-3 6-4 winner over Alexandr Dolgopolov. World number one Novak Djokovic and third seed Roger Federer will both be in action in the evening session.

At 1900 this evening, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew and his assistant John Carver will be on BBC Radio Newcastle for an hour long question and answer session. You can listen to the programme on the BBC Sport website.

Manchester United's French international Patrice Evra admits to BBC Radio Manchester he has mixed feelings about Chris Smalling being ruled out of Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Sunderland and the European Championships. "It's a massive blow because Chris is one of the stronger defenders we have on the squad and I'm really sad for him," said Evra. "To be fair I am happy he will not play against me in the Euros! When he told me he'd miss the game against Sunderland I said 'no, Chris we need you' but when he said he'd miss the game against France I said 'thank, well done' I am honest with him. You've got to see the silver lining!"

Spurs goalkeeping coach Tony Parks has been given a one-match ban and fined \u00a32500 by the FA after admitting a charge of abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official. The incident took place during the Premier League fixture between Bolton and Spurs earlier this month.

In the season's opening Diamond League meeting in Qatar, Great Britain's Perri Shakes-Drayton finishes third behind Olympic champion Melaine Walker and Kaliese Spencer in the 400m hurdles while Greg Rutherford, who has 2012's world-leading jump at 8.35m, comes a disappointing fourth in the men's long jump with a leap of 7.98m.

Fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska joins Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open. The Pole beat American Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 6-4 6-4.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes faces three weeks on the sidelines due to a knee problem. The 20-year-old, who made his international debut last summer, is set to see a specialist next week to ascertain the extent of the damage after his knee became swollen this week. Stokes was hindered by a finger complaint for a large chunk of last season.

QPR manager Mark Hughes insists survival rather than revenge is the motivation as he faces former club Manchester City on Sunday.

The London club are two points clear of Bolton going into the final weekend while title-chasing City are top.

Hughes says: "People keep throwing that word revenge up but it is not in my mind at all. From my point of view I am completely focused on what we have to do as you would expect."

Our coverage of the first Diamond League meeting of the season - in Qatar - is under way. You can watch the action on the Red Button and here on the BBC Sport website.

Norwich City boss Paul Lambert tells BBC Radio Norfolk he has been in touch with former Celtic team-mate Stiliyan Petrov, who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March:

"I was with him last Friday night," says Lambert. "He's doing great. It puts football into perspective. I've also text him a few times to see how he's getting on. He's a brilliant lad and a brilliant footballer when I played with him at Celtic.

"Aston Villa have had to deal with that, which I'm sure has been a really hard thing for them. He was probably one of the fittest lads that I ever set eyes on, the way he played was non-stop for 90 minutes

"Hopefully he'll beat it and my thoughts are with him."

BBC Radio Newcastle's Martin Emmerson at Chester-le-Street: "The umpires abandon play for a second day here. It has been raining for the best part of 45 hours. They'll try again tomorrow. But this now means Durham have effectively lost 11 days already this season to the elements and we are only into game five.

"I pity the brave souls who journeyed up here from Cornwall for this one! The forecast for Saturday seems to be a lot better, though. Fingers crossed."

Adrian Harms, BBC Sussex, at Sussex v Lancashire: "Despite a beautifully sunny day in Hove play is called off on the third day shortly after 15:00 BST, with the umpires deciding the ground is still unfit for play.

"Both captains were keen to play having spent the last two days watching the rain, but umpire Mark Benson said: 'The players realised the conditions weren't fit but wanted to play for the bonus points, but as umpires we have a responsibility for first class cricketers and we wouldn't play a second team game on this outfield.'

"Sussex captain Michael Yardy was frustrated, saying: "Ultimately, it's the umpires' decision. Both teams were keen to play but the umpires are in control of the players' safety, and we respect their decision.

"While the forecast for Saturday is good it remains to be seen whether the two captains will decide to play for a result, or settle for bonus points on the final day."

Colombia's Miguel Rubiano of the Androni Giocattoli team holds off a four-man chasing pack to win stage six of the Giro d'Italia.

Rubiano was part of a large breakaway that went clear after 30km of the hilly 210km stage from Urbino to Porto Sant'Elpidio. The number of escapees eventually dwindled to five before Rubiano launched his solo attack with about 40km to go and hung on to win by one minute 10 seconds.

The chasing quartet played cat-and-mouse on the run-in before Adriano Malori edged the sprint from Michal Golas, Aleksandr Dyachenko and Cesare Benedetti.

The main peloton were 1:51 behind, meaning Malori takes over the leader's pink jersey.

Veteran striker Pippo Inzaghi confirms he will be leaving AC Milan at the end of the season. In an open letter to the club, the 37-year-old says: "The first and foremost thing that I want you all to know is this: I played and won for Us.

"Playing and winning without sharing the emotion is nothing, but you and me, us, we did it all together. We hoped, suffered, celebrated and rejoiced. We lifted cups and won titles together in our hearts. We have always been on the same wavelength. And no one can ever take that away from us."

The Olympic Park is set to reopen in phases to the public from 27 July 2013 - exactly a year after the opening of the London Olympics. Transformation of the 560-acre Olympic site in Stratford, east London, is set to take 18 months from October 2012, say the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC).

Liverpool's new kit has created controversy among members of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign group because the "eternal flames" to remember the 96 people who died in the disaster have been moved to the back.

Tune into BBC Radio 5 live after 19:00 BST for Colin Murray's Kicking Off programme. Colin and his crew will be looking ahead to the final weekend of Premier League action, the Spanish Grand Prix and there will be updates from the League One semi-final play-off first leg between Stevenage and Sheffield United.

BBC Sport's Matt Slater reports that the group in pole position to buy Rangers is fronted by former Sheffield United chief executive Charles Green. His group joined the race to rescue the crisis-hit club last week when previous frontrunner Bill Miller withdrew his bid.

Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan on Twitter: "My England team for the 1st Test would be: Strauss, Cook, Trott, KP, Bell, Bairstow, Prior, Bresnan, Swann, Broad, Anderson"

BBC Racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght: "Ireland's champion trainer Aidan O'Brien and his jockey son Joseph complete a big race double at Chester today. Astrology ran away with the Dee Stakes just before Memphis Tennessee took the Ormonde Stakes."

BBC Radio Newcastle's Martin Emmerson: "The umpires for Durham v Somerset have abandoned play for a second day. It has been raining for the best part of 45 hours. This now means Durham have effectively lost 11 days already this season to the elements and we are only into game five. The forecast for tomorrow seems to be a lot better though. Fingers crossed."

McLaren's Jenson Button finishes fastest in second practice for the Spanish Grand Prix. He finished just ahead of Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.

The announcement of Great Britain's eventing team is put back until next month. The five-strong group was to be unveiled on 24 May but has been delayed after recent events to help selectors choose were cancelled because of bad weather.

Russia coach Dick Advocaat picks his provisional Euro 2012 squad. It's got Andrey Arshavin, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Yuri Zhirkov and Pavel Pogrebnyak in it and will be trimmed by three before the tournament.

Britain's Olympic sailors and mountain bikers at London 2012 will have clothing and equipment covered with a liquid-repellent coating. It is apparently invisible, fully breathable and adds no extra weight. Water also just runs off any equipment and clothing covered with it.

England batsman Ravi Bopara may be an injury doubt for next week's first Test against West Indies. He was forced off the field in Essex's County Championship match against Kent with a "slight thigh injury" and did not reappear after lunch.

Norwich City boss Paul Lambert tells BBC Radio Norfolk he has been in touch with his former Celtic team-mate and Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov, who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March. "I was with him last Friday night," said Lambert, whose side play Villa on Sunday. "He's doing great. He was probably one of the fittest lads that I ever set eyes on, the way he played was non-stop for 90 minutes. Hopefully, he'll beat it and my thoughts are with him."

Fulham boss Martin Jol can damage Tottenham's hopes of Champions League football when he takes his side to White Hart Lane on Sunday. Jol, sacked by Spurs in October 2007, said: "I feel Spurs need to play in the Champions League but, on the other hand, you can't blame me for wanting the three points. There's no pressure on us and we'll, hopefully, enjoy the game."

Paul Groves is named manager of Bournemouth on a permanent basis. Groves, 46, was appointed caretaker boss in March following Lee Bradbury's departure. The ex-Grimsby Town manager, who will continue to be assisted by Shaun Brooks, tells BBC Radio Solent: "I am confident we can get the team to play in such a way the fans enjoy."

BBC Sussex Adrian Harms at Sussex v Lancashire: "Bright sunshine at Hove but frustratingly still no play. The wet outfield is still causing concern. Umpires Benson and Cook will inspect again at 1500 BST but unless there is a 'significant improvement' we could be heading for a third consecutive washout."

Serena Williams continues her fine form, defeating Maria Sharapova 6-1 6-3 at the Madrid Open quarter-finals. It follows on from Williams' victory over Caroline Wozniacki in the last round.

Olympic 50m and 100m freestyle champion Britta Steffen is feeling pleased about clocking 53.65sec in the 4x100m relay for her Berlin-based team SC Neukoelln. She says: "I am now the fourth fastest in the world, if you have not yet noticed. It's very nice."

Andy Carroll is being talked about as a possible surprise selection by England after his improved form and Swansea defender Ashley Williams is relishing facing the Liverpool striker on Sunday. Williams says: "He looked really good on the TV the other night. He's one of those players that if he decides he wants to have a good game, he will have a good game."

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill is advising James McClean to keep his own counsel amid brewing unrest over his decision to represent the Republic of Ireland rather than Northern Ireland. McClean has closed his Twitter account after receiving death threats. O'Neill says: "He has been given advice in closing the account down, so at least that's gone. He is going to get some sort of a reaction to it from somewhere, but I am not so sure he should be reacting to the reactions, as it were."

Wigan coach Shaun Wane reckons St Helens will go into tomorrow's Challenge Cup quarter-final at the DW Stadium "under-done" despite a five-match winning run. He says: "They've not been in a real arm wrestle. They've had some easy wins over teams like Oldham and Widnes."

Rangers' adminstrators Duff & Phelps say there are four bids on the table for the troubled club and they are locked in talks with lawyers all day, but progress is being made.

Argentine wing Horacio Agulla says he is leaving Leicester Tigers reluctantly and wants to exit on a high by helping them win the Premiership final. Leicester host Saracens in the semi-finals tomorrow.

Great Britain judo heavyweight Karina Bryant will use this weekend's British Open as mental preparation for her final Games. She says: "From a mental and physical point of view, being able to get up and perform in front of a British crowd this weekend will be good - because that is what it is hopefully going to be like in London."

Great Britain women's striker Alex Danson says she will not ease off in her preparations despite her shoulder injury. She says: "It is not in any of our natures to ease off. Injury comes with sport and it can be cruel when these things occasionally happen - but we wouldn't be the team we are if we didn't train with the intensity we do. We won't be holding back in training because I completely believe the more I train, the better I will be. I think we are the fittest team in the entire world."

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is sending his best wishes to Steve Perryman, who is "very ill". Redknapp says: "Steve is a real legend in the history of Tottenham Hotspur. Great, great player. We wish Stevie all the best from everybody at Tottenham. We wish him a full recovery."

The mind games ahead of the Premier League season's final weekend go on as Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says his club have the ability to dominate for years if they secure the title on Sunday. Mancini says: "I think Manchester City is now one of the top teams in England and Europe. After, if Manchester City can win the title for three or four years, it is possible."

Top seed Victoria Azarenka wins her Madrid Open quarter-final against Li Na, triumphing 3-6 6-3 6-3.

England batsman Kevin Pietersen insists proposals to limit his controversial 'switch hit' shot by altering the lbw rule will not work. Pietersen had to defend his trademark shot after a time-wasting row against Sri Lanka last month. "I see the 'switch hit' is being talked about again," he tweeted. "If a new lbw law gets brought back in, it won't stop the shot guys!!"

Discussing Manchester City's game against QPR, Sir Alex Ferguson adds: "The disappointment of losing the game would be unbelievable. It's untold at this moment in time what effect it could have on them."

Sir Alex Ferguson claims Manchester City "might have fallen apart" this season had they not been in such a good position in the title race. City boss Roberto Mancini has had to contend with Carlos Tevez's exile and Mario Balotelli's off-field issues. Ferguson says: "It is obvious all the things he has had to deal with. If he didn't have the closeness to win the league, it might have fallen apart."

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini plays down the fact that former City boss Mark Hughes is in charge of QPR, their opponents on Sunday. The Italian says: "This is not Mancini against Hughes or Hughes against Mancini, it's Manchester City versus QPR, one team playing for the title, the other against relegation."

Thirteen-year-old Gabby Down is named in the seven-strong British Paralympic fencing team for the London Games.

England forward James Haskell has a suspension for punching increased by Super 15 disciplinary chiefs. He initially received a three-week ban on 1 May for punching Justin Downey - but seven days have been added on to that after the judicial officer learnt that Haskell had previously received a one-week ban in 2008.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp speaks about Gareth Bale and the reports from Spain saying he is set for Barcelona. Redknapp says: "I don't know anything about it. I haven't seen that at all. I wouldn't think there's a slightest bit of truth in that. Not a chance I wouldn't have thought."

There are some familiar faces for Premier League fans in Russia's Euro 2012 squad, which includes Andrei Arshavin, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Pavel Pogrebnyak.

An appeal against Rangers' 12-month transfer embargo and \u00a3160,000 fine will be heard next Wednesday, the Scottish Football Association confirms.

Championship One side Workington Town sign experienced former England winger Mark Calderwood. The 30-year-old has made over 230 Super League appearances for Leeds, Wigan, Hull and Harlequins. "It's not every day that a player of Mark's calibre becomes available," Town director Tony Boyd told the club's official website.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish says his captain Steven Gerrard would be "very proud" if asked to skipper England in the Euro 2012 finals. "He has led the club many times by example, on and off the pitch, and he's a real credit to the club. We cannot speak highly enough of Steven but that is our opinion; if someone differs from that then that is up to them."

Championship title contenders London Welsh remain confident they will meet the selection criteria to play Premiership rugby next season. The Richmond-based club go into this weekend's play-off second leg against Bedford holding a 10-point lead. "London Welsh have thus far not been advised that we would not be considered suitable to play in the Premiership," chairman Bleddyn Phillips tells the club's official website.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hopes "something stupid" will happen on the final day of the Premier League season to help his team reclaim the title. United must win at Sunderland and hope Manchester City fail to beat QPR at the Etihad Stadium. "We can only do our best and try to win the game and hope something stupid happens to Manchester City," says the Scot.

As indicated by BBC Radio 5 live football reporter Pat Murphy earlier this morning, Wolves confirm Solbakken will be introduced to the media on Monday following the conclusion of their doomed Premier League campaign. Interim manager Terry Connor will lead the side against Wigan on Sunday.

BBC Sport's horse racing expert Cornelius Lysaght on today's meeting at Chester: "Dee Stakes (1405 BST) down to four with Prince Alzain joining Bonfire as a non-runner. Looks like Bonfire to go for Dante St at York on Thursday." You can follow Cornelius on Twitter.

Former Bradford Bulls chairman Chris Caisley breaks his silence over his bid to rescue the cash-strapped Super League club. "I will lead the strategic review covering all areas of the club's business in the hope we can complete this as soon as possible," he says.

The Scottish Rugby Union announces a revised schedule for their senior team's summer tour to Australia, Fiji and Samoa. Scotland are no longer playing Super Rugby side NSW Waratahs on 10 June in Sydney. Team manager Gavin Scott says: "We have had confirmation from the Waratahs that due to injuries and the requirements of the Wallabies squad they would be unable to fulfil the fixture.

Sir Alex Ferguson tells reporters attending his news conference ahead of Sunday's game at Sunderland that Chris Smalling's injury is a "bad one". He says: "It is a groin muscle injury and he will miss the European Championships. We are assessing what to do at the moment but it is a bad injury."

BBC Radio 5 live football reporter Pat Murphy on Stale Solbakken's imminent appointment as the new Wolves manager: "It's a gamble by [owner] Steve Morgan - Solbakken has only got brief experience of the Premier League having played a handful of times for Wimbledon. But he played 58 times for Norway and was a fine player. Terry Connor is going to stay to ensure continuity. Wolves think it is important as Solbakken finds his feet in England."

Manchester United allow Ryan Giggs to play for Team GB at London 2012. But the Red Devils have not given permission to any of their other over-age players to take part.

Australia defender Jade Warrender ruptures her anterior cruciate ligament during a training session in Perth. The 19-year-old's injury, expected to leave her sidelined for nine months, deals a major blow to her country ahead of this summer's Olympics.

BBC Radio 5 live's Pat Murphy expects Stale Solbakken to be confirmed as the new Wolves manager at about 1030 BST. But he says the Norwegian will not be introduced to the media until Monday - after the completion of the Premier League season.

A memorial service to mark the 27th anniversary of the Valley Parade fire is set to take place about 1100 BST. Fifty six people died in the disaster on 11 May 1985, when fire broke out at Bradford City's stadium during a match between the West Yorkshire side and Lincoln City.

Norwich boss Paul Lambert ahead of his 13th-placed side's final game of their first season back in the top flight. "Staying in the Premier League has surpassed everything we've done in my time at the club. Next season we have to bring in new lads to help the lads that are here."

Glasgow Warriors head coach Sean Lineen believes his side's RaboDirect Pro12 play-off semi-final at Leinster tomorrow will have all the intensity of an international Test match.

"We've picked 23 men who we firmly believe have it in them to achieve a special result for Glasgow Warriors," Lineen told the club's official website. "We're expecting the intensity and pace of the game to be Test level, and that's where the combined efforts of the starting XV and a strong bench can really come into their own."

Some early team news filtering through ahead of Sunday's final Premier League weekend. Aston Villa, who are safe from relegation barring a remarkable goal swing, are missing striker Andreas Weimann after he suffered a medial ligament strain in the home draw against Tottenham last weekend.

As we've already mentioned millions of eyes will be focused on the climax of an exciting Premier League season on Sunday. BBC Sport has all the build-up and if you glance to the right of the screen you find links to all the pre-match important stories.

Australian pace bowler Mitchell Johnson believes a recent toe injury might have saved his career. He admits he was contemplating retirement because of his poor form before the injury, but has rediscovered his passion for the game during the enforced break.